Nice scene here, Alex! I felt for both of them. I could also picture this scene very nicely, as you did a good job of setting the visual and balancing it with dialogue and inner thought.
I don't think it needs to be a part of the story, since we know Salazar left and this is about him coming back, but I'm just curious what your head-canon says about him leaving? :)
For some reason, the last line or two feels abrupt. I wonder if bringing it back to the image of him standing at the lake, skipping stones, would bring it full circle. Just a thought. And that said, there were some wonderful lines, particularly "Of course I've forgiven you. I love you." Brilliant! That really sums it all up, doesn't it? I loved that line.
Finally, I thought you both wrote the time and the characters really well. Lovely, though sad, scene!
~Gina :)

Author's Response: Hello Gina! Thanks for dropping by :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. Is it bad that I haven't really thought about exactly why Salazar left? I've written about before, and after, but not actually that. I did find the ending kind of awkward--I have added a section--your suggestion was excellent, thank you. And I think I may have used that line, or a variation of it, in several fics, so I'm glad you liked it. Anyway--thank you so much for such a lovely review--Alex

I don;t read much Founders era because I'm generally not interested in them or the time period, but couldn't resist this one. I like the Helga/Salazar pairing because they are such opposites. Hufflepuff and Slytherin are the antithesis of each other.

I liked Helga's spirit here. Sje's always perceived to be meek and loving etc etc, but she really holds her own with the sneaky Salazar. And marrying a Muggle-born - ha ha ha ha. Take that!

Good story. ~Carole~

Author's Response: Thank you for reading, particularly outside your usual taste! I'm pleased you liked it. In another story I have Rowena/ Salazar, but I like the dynamics of Helga/Salazar as well. Hufflepuffs (as you well know :) ) aren't walk overs, and I think Salazar somewhat expected her to be. And yes, I liked that part too :) Thanks for reviewing, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Alex