The Dare of Dawn (Helga)

Rowena had been about to speak further when Helga turned away from her and actually approached the man again. The raven-haired Founder gaped at her in shock that she would do such a thing. She didn't care who the man turned out to be, this kind of behavior was dangerous and Helga was one of the few people in this world she cared about. She ranked right up there with her sweet daughter, Helena.

When the stranger confirmed his identity was indeed Sir Maximus Raine, Rowena scowled in a thin line and pocketed her wand, though she kept her hand on it for a few extra moments just in case. Normally she would have preened when complimented on her collection of information, but she was peeved at the moment so her tone was a bit snide.

"It's the largest collection in all of the isles," she said after clearing her throat. "So it doesn't surprise me that it has seemed to overwhelm your senses."

With a snort that indicated she thought that was absurd, Rowena barely managed to withhold the accompanying eye-roll. Normally, she would have been pleased at the compliment and excited at the prospect of another new student to teach but she offered no help in that equation. When he asked to see more of the castle, she raised a delicate brow wondering if it was all a ploy to get them further removed from possible help. Then again, Helga had been alone with him for who knew how long before she had arrived and clearly, no harm had come to her. And, now that she knew his identity if he did do something nefarious, she would know who to set the hounds on.

"Well, I have important things to do, like teaching for example," she finally said, starting to feel the stress of the day. "And look for another learned person to keep a look after these precious tomes. If you need me Helga darling, I'll be in my suite of rooms looking through recommendations."

Rowena took another hard look at Sir Maximus and narrowed her eyes slightly. "And don't think I'm not watching you, Sir Maximus Raine," she said in an intimidating fashion. "I have eyes and ears all over this castle. Do anything untoward and I'll have your head." With that said, she swept out of the room and back down the hall to leave Helga to do as she wished.

Helga remained calm and polite, her usual warm and friendly aura in place when given the situation she probably should have been more like Rowena in being a bit cautious of Maximus. She had despite the possible dangers taken a mystery man around some of the castle then instead of being on guard and suspicious when he turned out not to be who she had thought. 

No doubt if Godric and Salazar heard about this she would be getting the lecture again about stranger danger but she couldn't help listening to her instincts. Something about Maximus didn't signal to her that she needed to be wary or cautious of him. Rather he reflected someone tired, worn, and just in need of some rest and recovery. Something for sure was what he would be getting if she could give him a meal or two.

She opened her mouth wanting to reply when she was just a moment to slow and instead Rowena chimed in instead and Helga turned her upper body around to look at her best friend. She was a tad concerned Rowena didn't seem as pleased when the mystery person was finally identified but then she hadn't been too thrilled when Godric announced at their meeting he would be coming by for a visit and a possible position as their grounds keeper. She did wonder about that now, after seeing his reaction Helga wondered if maybe Maximus would be happier looking after the library than the grounds. He certainly had been excited to see it even if it was a bit disordered. It was something she would try to bring up at their next discussion. More importantly it would maybe be a good idea to let Salazar and Godric as well as Merrick know of Maximus's arrival. No reason to get anyone else become alarmed about a mystery person wandering the school with her.

Helga didn't take the warning from Rowena seriously, overlooking it in fact that it was directed at the man across from her into making sure he behaved himself. She simply assuming her dear friend wasn't feeling her best given the stress of the day and by the evening meal some good food would cheer her up again. She was concerned of course, not liking to see her dear friend so stressed and troubled but she wasn't sure how else to be of help, not when most of the time she ended up causing more trouble for her whether or not it had been her intention. When all she could do well enough to be of help was cooking and just being pleasant company, it didn't feel very helpful in the end. Still she was determined to do what she could to the best of her abilities and hope it was enough to take just a bit of the weight off her best friend as well as everyone's troubles.

Bidding her best friend off as she usually did then turned back to give Maximus her full attention. Again she opened her mouth to say something but paused, this time by herself as she took a moment to rethink on what she wanted to say. He looked quite tired and no doubt had just traveled a good distance to get here so perhaps she should postpone a tour of the school until he was better rested. Maybe his brother and Godric would want to show him around instead given they had been in contact with him about the school and possible job position. Well at the very least she could show him around a little bit on their way to the dining hall. After all, if he was tired from his journey he had to be hungry as well and that was something she could be of help with. Hospitality was one of her strengths, at least thats what she was often told.

"It would be of no trouble Sir Raine, I'm sure your brother's letters must have created quite the image in your mind to what could be found here. If its alright with you I could show you around a little more and possibly see about getting you something to eat while we wait for your brother and Godric to come meet us in the dining hall? I'm sure your journey here was a long and tired one and from what I've come to find is that nothing quite kick starts the recovery of such a trip like good warm food. At the very least maybe we can see about getting some warmth into the spirit in your chest and light in those lovely eyes of yours" Helga explained in a friendly tone, a warm smile still present on her face.

Lady Hufflepuff seemed non-plussed by Lady Ravenclaw's threat to him and to be perfectly honest, he had expected such things from a gifted witch who was also a Lady. He should have known better than to accompany her without a familial escort of some sort. Then again, this school was the first of its kind thus certain customs were sort of thrown to the wayside. How could one expect to keep to common conventions of class and breeding when peoples from all stations were being taught here? It was revolutionary and extremely progressive, perhaps too much so. Something to dwell on when he was of a fresher mind.

Instead, Maximus simply nodded to Lady Hufflepuff's suggestion of a partial tour and a meal. He had to admit he was a bit parched and there was a slight knawing at his belly for want of food.

"Aye, thank ye Lady 'ufflepuff," he said with a bow of his head. "I should probably loo' in on me brother. Surprisin'ly 'is letters d'nay do this place justice. Almost though' I be at the wrong castle when I rode up. Tis an impressive buildin'. I know tha' the garden was beautifully tended, save fer a few weeds."

It was his sad attempt at humor but it had been a long journey! He motioned for her to proceed him out the doors and then placed his hands behind his back, keeping them there politely as they walked through the corridors. "If me sister was te attend yer school, wha' would be expected o' 'er? I wan' te be sure tha' she be up to the task," he asked, curious to see what the woman would say.

Helga chuckled at his light joke, glad to see at least he was in good spirits despite the error and inconsiderate behavior she had made to him. "I must agree, its quite the marvel that I don't think could be capture fully and properly then doing so with ones own eyes. Just wait until you see the great hall, Sir Merrick gave me a hand with putting something quite beautiful there for everyone to enjoy while we enjoy meals" she said.

Before they could take their leave she had one last thing to do and calmly approached the cord by the door again, ringing for another house elf to come to her. Helga would have preferred another method to getting messages across the school that didn't bother the house elves so much. They didn't seem to mind, at least not mentioning it was of any trouble but she still felt like it was a bother when they may be in the middle of something else more important only to drop it to see to her request.

When a different house elf popped into place in front of her, Helga kindly asked if a message could be given to Godric and Merrick that Maximus had arrived to the school and if they would come to the great hall as soon as they could to meet with him. With that done she turned back to Maximus with a smile and then led the way out from the room with her hands neatly folded over the front of her apron.

She paused when he seemed to ask an important question, a question while she had an answer too Helga wasn't too confident it was the correct one. The four of them of course had the same view of what they wanted with the school but also something a bit different. That wasn't quite the reason for her lack of confidence in answering, it was more so trying to make it sound understanding which wasn't always her strong suit, more so suited to Rowena and Salazar who were better with words and explanations.

"Well... I suppose the most important is that she be here with the intention of gaining the knowledge of magic and the various pieces its made of. We wish to provide students with what they need magical education as well as some basic skills that will be of use to them as when they leave to progress onto their paths in life. 

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds but those titles and ranks are pulled away once they enter these halls, they are all students and no one is held higher than anyone else. The only exception is the staff, we require students be respectful and obey the staff while they are here regardless of the difference in background, race, and gender.

We have a basic list of rules we expect students to follow. They are made aware that there will be consequences to breaking those rules both to themselves as well as their dorm houses. Its not all negative as we do also reward good deeds and stellar achievements from our students. With students being divided into four different houses they will be helping their house compete over the year to gain the most points which are given or taken with behavior and academics. With students staying here during their education we would expect them to also show respect to one another be they in class, out in the corridors or in their house common rooms or enjoying meals in the great hall. Hmm, what else was there?" she explained. At one point she glanced away towards a nearby window as she tugged at her mind. 

Was what she said right or was it far from it? Did it even make sense or had it all sounded like a confusing bowl of random ingredients? Maybe she should have payed more attention to their discussions on the answer to this question if it ever came up instead of zoning out to what meal prep needed to be done or which part of the garden had to be harvested. Well, she would have to go to Rowena later and see if her friend would be up for telling her the answer again. Hopefully she wouldn't be too upset that she hadn't been paying attention again, her best friend usually wasn't and often gave her a lecture about paying attention before explaining it again which was an easy punishment compared to what happened to Godric when he forgot and had to ask for it be explained again. Helga felt bad at the difference in their treatment but nothing she said seemed to change and being a 'big boy' Godric could handle a bit of punishment for not paying attention. Sometimes she had to wonder if Rowena and Salazar had always treated her and Godric more like children than adults at time but then before she could find the answer something distracted her and she lost her train of thought on the matter entirely. 

"My dearest apologize if that sounded confusing or a muddled mess. Words are not always my strong suit at times as I tend to lean towards actions and emotions to make my point across. Rowena or Salazar could possibly provide a far clearer answer to many of your questions that I can assure you would put at ease any doubts or concerns you may have. All in all, we all made sure to create a place for our students to achieve both the basics of knowledge and control in magic as well as what they feel is needed to make their own mark on the world as they progress their life path by providing our own personal knowledge and experience to our students" Helga continued after a small pause and offered an apologetic shift to her smile as she turned back to look at Maximus. It was an honest admittance and one she didn't often make to anyone but something about him made her a bit more relaxed and confident enough to be a bit more like herself than she normally was around new people. "It doesn't seem like it at the moment but I can confirm I am a bit more skillful and intelligent than I may be giving the impression off of at the moment. I'm just a touch out of my usual element but I can assure you Sir Raine it will be remedied before we reach the great hall where I know I can be of a bit more help than perhaps I have been so far."

As they walked, Maximus listened and noted that she seemed a little flustered with the way she was trying to explain things. He could agree when she told him that words weren't her strong suit and thus he nodded politely as he considered his own words. He was often far less apt to ramble, often keeping his thoughts to himself until they were fully formed and he was certain of what to say.

"Pardon me fer sayin' such, but tis a very progressive way o' thinkin' wit' the equality o' it all," he said after a moment. "Nay tha' tis a bad thin', jus' different than I be expectin'. All the rest seems te be simply common sense, though I seppose there be plenty o' youngsters who be needin' such teachin'."

With his hands still behind his back, he looked over at Lady Hufflepuff and offered her a slightly grim smile. "But te 'ave this kind o' access te vast amounts o' knowledge o' the magical arts...tis unbelievable unless ye see it with yer own eyes. An' I now 'ave. I know tha' me sister would thrive 'ere jus' fer that alone. An' te learn directly from those who know such things, tha' be even more invaluable."

"Tis a shame tha' ye d'nay 'ave someone te look after tha' knowledge. Those tomes be one o' the most beautiful sights I 'ave ever laid me eyes on," he admitted, showing a bit of his quiet scholarly side. He wasn't all just swords and horses after all, he had a natural curiosity that was often filled by reading various subjects. "I 'ope ye find someone soon te take a 'old o' them."

Maximus had no such designs for himself, having not even considered taking a job here. As far as he knew he was simply here to see the place for himself so he could relay the information to their parents in regards to Moira studying here. He didn't know that his younger brother had been working to get him a stable place at the school as well.

"Your right, it is a little progressive and unfortunately not everyone was as positive or welcoming to sending us potential students because of that. Yet we all agree that its important for wizards and witches to receive a good education, especially with the magic carried in all of them and the dangers it can cause in untrained hands. We hope to be able to education young witches and wizards the basics of what they need to know and then a little more. For now, the four of us have our knowledge and experience to offer to the students while they are here and despite its current state that includes the vast amount of knowledge to be found in the library as well" Helga replied.

She turned to Maximus, smiling cheerfully as he spoke. She couldn't help but like the way a smile looked on his face, though it didn't seem like a very bright smile. Maybe with some rest and good food she could help to warm up that smile a bit more. 

"Yes, I think your brot... I mean Sir Raine the younger had mentioned wanting your sister to attend Hogwarts but there was hesitation from your parents on the matter. Hopefully we can give you enough to see and take back to them that can help ease his mind about letting her come" She said turning to look at the corridor ahead as it opened up to the staircase taking them down to the lower floors. Thankfully this time she had caught herself from her ill manners, the last thing she wanted to do was insult Maximus and potentially ruin the chances of his and Merrick's sister from coming to school. 

"I'll be sure to pass on your compliments to Rowena though. It may not have seemed like it but shes very proud of her collect of books and values knowledge in all its forms. She will eventually find the right person to help her set the library to right and then it will be a sight everyone can take in and enjoy while they are here." Helga paused as she took hold of the stair handrail and looked at Maximus, her smile had ease a little warmer and simple as she faced him. She didn't think he would be it going from his appearance but he too seemed to enjoy books and the solitary comfort one could find in its pages. It was something she couldn't quite get but she didn't judge others for it either, everyone had their comfort place and had the right to enjoy it. "I'm sure once its finished you would be welcome to come back and see it completed. Rowena would maybe be in better spirits and company by then, its been a bit stressful for her with its current state and the trouble of finding the right person to help her with it."

"That is, unless you think you would like the position yourself Sir Raine? You seem to have a similar view of books and the library as Rowena. I'm sure looking past this bit of a mistake I made today she could see the qualities and hard work you could bring to the task. Between the two of you I'm sure the library will be a breathtaking and marvelous sight for our students as well as the staff. Just something to think about, you don't need to answer right now" She knew Merrick was concerned not just for his sister but his brother as well, during their chat in the dining hall he had expressed wanting to find something for his brother to do who seemed lost in life after his return from battle. Looking after the library perhaps was the ticket to gaining that.

The task seemed perfect for him with how he had taken in the sight of the books and library as it was, getting to help put it to order maybe was what would help bring the warmth back to his heart. Though she didn't want to jump at asking just yet, the library was technically Rowena's project so it was up to her who filled the position but maybe at least letting him think it over as they walked wouldn't be so bad. Surely her best friend wouldn't hold what happened today against him. They seemed to share a common interest so it would be good fit if he was interested in the position. Then Helga could better cover in spots not taken care of with the library with her cooking to really get his spirits back up again.

There was something soothing about the cadence of Lady Hufflepuff's voice as Maximus felt himself relaxing slightly in her presence as they walked. Because of that, he didn't mind that she was talking a lot, though he did wonder if maybe he was making her a bit nervous. It was his own thoughts that he was getting lost in and he almost missed her job offer. Almost.

Maximus looked at her in surprise before shaking his head sadly. "While I appreciate ye thinkin' o' me fer the position, I d'nay think yer friend would take kindly te tha'. The Lady clearly has plans te be kept fer the collection and its keeper, and I d'nay wan' te impose upon tha'," he said, declining politely. "Besides, I doubt ye would wan' a rusty ol' sword hand like me around such nice things."

While having a quiet place would be ideal for him, he had to face facts. He was a knight and a firstborn son. On his father's death, he would become 2nd Baron Pilton, on his father's land. It was where his father had settled and after service to King Edgar, he was rewarded with the title and lands. Thus far his father had survived three British kings and a part of Maximus hoped he would survive several more. He was in a place where he didn't know what to do with his life. He was tired of fighting in someone else's wars and losing people he cared about. It was one reason he had been glad Merrick had found a place for himself, to keep him from the battlefield.

"Ye obviously tend the garden, Lady 'ufflepuff, but may I ask wha' subjects ye teach the students?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation back to the school and its curriculum. It would be important information to give to his parents in regard to Moira's future.

Helga listened as Maximus replied and couldn't help but feel a touch dishearten that he didn't think he was the right fit for the position because of his background. She would like to think given how he had reacted in the library that he was a right fit, only someone who cared about the books and library would have focused more on it current state. She hadn't thought it was in too terrible of a state but then the library wasn't so much one of her favorite places to be.

"You mustn't be so hard on yourself Sir Raine, I think you would suit the role just wonderfully should you decide you would like to give it a try. You shouldn't limit yourself to what you want to do based solely on your past, you may be a rusty sword hand but you also seem to enjoy and value knowledge. I'm sure if you wanted to you could fill the position just fine if not perfectly. You may have had a good few years of a hard life full of battle and travel but now that you may be thinking of stepping back from that, letting yourself soak in the coziness of the library and its tombs may just be what you need or maybe not and you may want something completely different to shift your attention to. Its hard to see just what will give the soul what it needs to fill in the holes until we come across it at just the right time" she replied then offered a smile before leading the way down the staircase to the main floor of the school.

They walked for a little while before she heard his next question. Thankfully this one she was a bit more confident answering. Maybe. She turned her head just enough to look at him as they walked forward along the main corridor. "For the moment with our short staff numbers the four of us are sharing and rotating teaching subjects. In my case I teach charms, herbology, and just a touch of transfiguration. Not too much, just a hint here or there but my strength is placed more so in the first two. One could say I can be a bit consumed in charms and herbology when inspiration strikes with a new recipe idea" Helga explained, unable to stop herself from chuckling at her own guilty admittance of her food charms though it was slightly muffled behind her lips.

"I took charge of the kitchens and meals as well. I make sure every day students have three meals that are both nutritious and well balanced it fit their bodies needs but most importantly delicious and soul warming. Your most certainly welcome to test me on my claim if you would like while we wait for your brother and Godric to meet us. Once we get to the Great hall I can see about getting you something to eat that I promise will have you feel a warm comfort in your chest and a peaceful breeze in your mind. And thats if you are not stunned and amazed by the atmosphere your brother helped to create in the Great Hall for our students and staff to enjoy each day while they dine."

"Ah, se the students will learn practical applications o' magic then," he said, glossing over her belief that he would make a good keeper of the library. That was neither here nor there as it seemed unlikely that he would become such thus there was no reason to get attached to the idea. Right now he was more concerned with what his sister would learn if she were to attend this school.

"An', may I ask wha' the others teach as well, Lady 'ufflepuff?" he asked, mulling it over in his brain. He would wager that Moira would be a dab hand at charms and potions, given that was his mother's strength and she had been learning the theories behind it all since she could crawl. Though it was only recently that she had gotten her very own wand when their father had finally caved to the pressure set forth by both sons and his wife.

Maximus kept in mind that she was also in charge of the kitchens and meals served at the castle, though he found it strange that the students would be eating so often. Many students wouldn't be used to that given that the custom was to work most of the day and eat one large meal at night. Perhaps this place would be truly revolutionary in terms of setting new ground for customs and traditions. But perhaps he should sample the fare to be sure Moira's needs would be truly met in that regard.

"I would be 'onored te eat from ye kitchens," he said with a slight bow of his head toward the Founder.

Helga had to ponder his question as they turned a corner in the corridor. While she knew she should know exactly what each of them taught at the school to be honest it slipped her mind one to many times, due perhaps to her lack of focus time to time when she had a mountain of things on her mind at the same time. She had it written down somewhere, maybe in her room. She really needed to remember to keep it in her apron pocket instead where she had access to it when this question came up and it would come up again and again as word spread about the school. 

"Rowena shares charms lessons with me, she also handles potions which she shares with our fourth founder Salazar Slytherin. Or was it transfiguration with Godric? Sometimes I get those mixed up. Anyway, Salazar in turn shares teaching several classes with Godric on defense against dark magic, dueling, and care of magical creatures. Your brother, Sir Raine is teaching astronomy and Godric's younger sister lady Moore is teaching basic reading and writing to students that perhaps haven't had the opportunity to learn it and some of the classwork will include both so its important for all our students to be able to read and write" she explained as they walked. It sounded like that was everything but she had a small feeling she was missing something. 

"We also have employed house elves who help me out in the kitchens as well as some minor tasks around the school as well as an excellent expert healer on staff at all times and an infirmary just in case something were to happen. We don't like to think something would happen to be in need of her work but given many students are testing out magic for the first time accidents can happen so we do want to be prepared. Better to be prepared and ready for anything then find ourselves in a panic when something happens."

 Helga or rather her heart gave a light flutter in her chest, caught off guard a bit when he bowed to her and said it would be an honor to try her cooking. Why she couldn't be sure really, it wasn't the first time she had heard those words nor would it be the last given her mild fame on her food charms. Still, something about the way he had said it with the polite bow had her glance ahead with a light bashful smile. "You won't be disappointed I assure you. While I would rather do most of the cooking myself I have other duties that require my attention away from the kitchen but I have taught the house elves everything I know and then some. So much so its as close to my cooking as anyone else can get, even Godric and his bottomless stomach almost can't tell the difference at times" she explained as she glanced at him for a moment with a cheery smile.

 Ahead she could see the grand double doors leading to the great hall but there wasn't any sign of Godric or Merrick yet. Well then she could focus on getting Maximus fed while they waited, she couldn't be sure when he late something decent and filling. Most travel food she knew just never cut it for either taste or nutrition, at the very least she needed to be sure when Maximus left to report home his stomach was full and satisfied to endure the trip and its unfit travel variant food. 

"Here is the great hall, the grand gathering space for students and staff to enjoy meals. Your brother had a hand at helping put a worthy finishing touch on this room that I think made it maybe my favorite place in the castle, maybe close second. The kitchens guiltily is my favorite place but thats just because its always been a place of comfort for me" Helga said as they paused by the twin double doors. Smiling, she raised a hand and gave two hard taps against one of the doors with her knuckles, a moment later the doors slowly began to slide open as she lowered her hand back down to her side. Instead of looking into the room she looked at Maximus, taking in his reaction as soon as he saw the room for himself and hopefully the ceiling where his brother had done a marvelous job enchanting it to look like the sky.