Hogwarts had never looked like this before.
Not as a fortress.Not as a school.
But as something… almost royal.
The Great Hall—though we didn't call it that yet—was illuminated by floating lights and enchanted candles, casting a soft golden glow over everything. Silver and emerald banners hung from the walls, subtly shifting like living things, reflecting Salazar's taste perfectly.
Elegant. Refined. Dangerous.
I leaned back slightly in my seat, observing everything with quiet interest.
"This is… excessive," I muttered under my breath.
"Of course it is," Godric said, grinning as he adjusted his formal robes. "It's Salazar."
He wasn't wrong.
Salazar had spared no expense.
Rare magical ingredients infused the food. The wine alone probably cost more than an entire noble estate. The guests? Carefully selected.
Ancient pureblood families.
Influential figures.
And, of course…
Us.
At the center of it all stood Salazar himself.
Calm. Composed.
Dressed in deep green robes lined with silver threading that subtly shimmered with protective enchantments—because of course they did.
And beside him…
Lydia.
Lydia Peverell stood with quiet grace, her presence almost… eerie in its elegance.
Beautiful—undeniably.
But more than that…
There was something deeper.
Ancient.
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"…Peverell," I murmured.
Based on everything I knew—both from this world and my past life—that name carried weight.
She was a descendant of Cadmus Peverell.
Which meant…
Death.Resurrection.Obsession.
That lineage wasn't normal.
"She's interesting," I said quietly.
Rowena, standing beside me, smiled faintly. "You always say that about dangerous people."
I smirked. "Because they usually are."
The ceremony itself began soon after.
Godric stood proudly at Salazar's side—far too proudly, if you asked me—as the best man.
Helga watched with a soft, genuinely happy expression.
Rowena observed everything carefully, as she always did.
And me?
I watched… everything.
The vows were spoken.
Ancient magic subtly wove itself into the words—binding, sealing, strengthening.
This wasn't just a marriage.
It was a contract.
A union of bloodlines.
Power.
Legacy.
Salazar's voice was steady.
"I vow strength. Loyalty. And the continuation of legacy."
Lydia's voice was softer… but no less firm.
"And I vow devotion. Power. And eternity."
I blinked slightly at that last word.
Eternity.
Interesting choice.
The magic flared briefly—just for a moment—as their vows completed.
Then it settled.
Done.
Applause filled the hall.
Laughter followed.
Celebration began.
I exhaled slowly, leaning back as servants began bringing out food and drinks.
"Well," I muttered, "he actually did it."
Godric laughed loudly from across the table. "You sound surprised!"
"I am," I replied bluntly. "Salazar committing to something long-term? Shocking."
Salazar shot me an unimpressed look.
"…Says the one trying to become immortal."
I smiled sweetly. "That's different."
Lydia's gaze flickered toward me briefly.
Sharp.
Observant.
Ah.
She noticed.
Good.
The night continued with celebration.
Music.Food.Conversation.
Political alliances being subtly formed between noble families.
Students watching in awe.
And us—
The founders of Hogwarts—
Sitting at the center of it all.
I swirled my drink slightly, watching the reflections of magic in the liquid.
Salazar had gained more than a wife tonight.
He had gained…
A powerful ally.
A dangerous one.
"…This will change things," I murmured.
Rowena glanced at me. "Everything always changes."
I smiled faintly.
"Good."
Because change meant opportunity.
And opportunity…
Was something I never wasted.