Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter in general but I do own my plots.

Summary: AU, NON BWL Harry, Neville is. Growing up at the Dursleys made Harry emotionally unstable - Contrary to popular belief, he never lived a sheltered life; the opposite, in fact. But combining a powerful, albeit young wizard's magic and unstable emotions isn't a good idea at all, and because of that, Harry's Magic is like no other. Protective, as is his snakes; thorns that defend and protects him. Thorns that supports him and binds them together. They are his thorns and he is their rose. After all, even 'heroes' need saving.

Note: The Potters are alive, they have a child named Simon Potter. Harry doesn't know his last name and I don't think he would ever acknowledge it - If he is even a Potter at all. Harry's last name is unknown but he does give himself one, which means even when the Hogwarts was delivered to him, it would just say Harry.

:Testing Testing one two three: - Parseltongue

'Testing Testing one two three' - thoughts

"Testing Testing one two There" - human speech, english.

Testing Testing one two three - Emphasis on certain words, more emotion. In some cases heavy sarcasm and/or irony

Harry surveyed the surroundings around him with lidded but wary eyes. Now, he would normally describe himself as aloof, silent... but what was to be expected? His upbringing didn't exactly bring the best from him, it was far from perfect. He learnt to bottle up my emotions when he was younger because harry knew...know that they hate him; calling him a freak and forcing him to do chores since the age of four. Could you imagine how else Harry would have turned up? Friendly, happy and forgiving? Bullshit. He didn't even know how he ended up living with the Dursleys - what happened to his real parents? Did they not want him? Was he that bad, too freakish?

But, as everyone knows, bottling up your feelings is never a good Idea because it'll come exploding out afterwards - thankfully Harry learnt to deal with that too. Through ten years of physical, emotional and psychological abuse, he have learnt to cover everything quite well. Although, by hiding his insecurities he would break down from time to time, normally when something strongly reminds him of this nightmare his body is living in. He always asked himself the same question. 'I know that I am not normal, considering the vast variety of names the Dursleys have been calling me throughout my life' he thought, with heavy sarcasm. 'But then, if I'm not ...normal, then what am I?'

'What am I?'

Whenever his relatives called him a freak

'What am I?'

When something strange, unexplainable happened to him

''Why am I what I am and what did I do to deserve this?'

Whenever Harry-hunting was on. Whenever he was beaten, starved and hurt physically, emotionally and mentally. His body is alive. He is living, breathing, eating and drinking but inside, there is nothing. He had lived with the ache in his chest for long enough, therefore he chose to push it out temporarily in the trade off a mental breakdown every once in a while. It was a quiet affair, he would just cover himself up with the thin blanket that was supplied by his relatives, hugging himself to sleep inside the small cupboard as tears of frustration and helpless despair rolled down his cheeks.

His body is alive. He is living, breathing, eating and drinking but inside, there is nothing. He had lived with the ache in his chest for long enough, therefore he chose to push it out temporarily in the trade off a mental breakdown every once in a while. It was a quiet affair, he would just cover himself up with the thin blanket that was supplied by his relatives, hugging himself to sleep inside the small cupboard as tears of frustration and helpless despair rolled down his cheeks.

The repetition of the question stopped, when Harry was seven years old, when he met a friendly green garden snake (which apparently was a Natal green snake) and both he and the snake had been pleasantly surprised that he was a...'parselmouth', which the snake then explained was the name given to those who could speak the language of snakes. The company was great, Harry enjoyed talking to all the snakes that were either introduced by Natty or sunbathing on the grass - they were infinitely better than humans for sure. It was amazing getting close to them because they all told him about their lives.

Although whenever one would question about Harry's life, his façade kicks in and his expression gets stony. Soon word spread and the subject of Harry's home life was a 'no-go' taboo subject which thankfully, the snakes didn't bring up. Except Harry had a sneaking suspicion that some snakes were spying on him... . When he confronted the snakes about them and spying, they all looked at him with wide and innocent eyes. Harry snorted. What else did he expect from freaking snakes? The truth? Maybe when hell freezes over. 'This must be what it's like to have friends...this is like having a family.' he thought wistfully, as he lay down on the soft grass, enjoying the peaceful company of the his 'family of snakes'. He frowned. 'No. There's no 'like'. The snakes are my friends. They are my family'. And with that happy thought, his face relaxed and during that sleep, he wore a relaxed expression which reminded the snakes that even through all he's experienced, the cool mask he used... that he was still a child.

Unfortunately, considering Harry lived with the Dursleys, the child was constantly reminded of the life he was currently living but fortunately, animals are so much more observant than so called humans, the snakes noticed. So they decided to play psychiatrist; asking Harry questions, treading softly on broken grounds. To their surprise, Harry opened up to much more and even claimed (much to the satisfaction of many snakes) that they were his friends and family. When the small talks subsided and a much darker nature of Harry's life was revealed, the snakes learnt about the strange happenings around their child and decided to do further research on it; which consisted of asking the older and wiser of snakes. And then when they retold Harry's life in front of the elders the elders confirmed their suspicions.

Harry was a wizard. In a way, the snakes felt disappointed with themselves. They were family, and yet they did not know that a wizard and a parselmouth was living in such atrocious conditions, so Harry's 'family' persuaded the elders to help the one they considered kindred out. To be honest, they day Harry discovered he was a magician of all things had elated him to no end; he could still play the memory through his mind's eye and enjoy the shadow copy of the amazing feeling he had.

When after his magical nature was revealed to him and the small denials subsided, Harry felt as if he could finally see. Was he always so blind? 'literally and figuratively' He thought, emotions a hybrid of bitterness and bewilderment. There was Magic humming around everywhere! It was such a sight to behold; each entity was so beautiful, but his favourite would always be the magic he carries. Not because it was his, but because it was just breath taking. Even the snakes seemed enthralled by it.

Time Skip - Two years - Nine years old

Harry Leblanc let out as soft sigh, his eyes heavily lidded. He had always felt content when inside the Magical Library down the street from Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley, a place where all but the smallest hatchling snakes knew about. So much had happened during the last two years of Adrian's life. First of all, after vigorously hardcore studying and practising throughout his snake's (and the occasional librarian or unsuspecting victim) guidance, Harry had managed to understand and perform almost all the spells ranging from first to seventh tier.

The librarian (Named Nathan, a half-blood) was truly amazed - deeming Harry as a once in a lifetime prodigy and had agreed to teach Harry everything he knew. During the practice duels and training, Harry had truly started to understand his magic. He found out he was able to use it, bend it and control it like no other witch or wizard has ever done. Or that was what Nathan had told him when Harry had performed it in front of him. What happened then surprised both humans (the snakes kept calm) was whenever Harry got into a dangerous situation his magic unconsciously protects him with Harry none the wiser.

Onto how Harry got is new last snakes had claimed Harry to be a pitiful and mundane name (: Even Adrian would be so much better!:) and wanted to give him another. But obviously Harry objected, stating that his name meant 'power' and considering the Dursleys didn't name him Harry (If they had to name him, Freak would have been the definite choice) so therefore it must have been given by his parents, and even if Harry hated them for the possibility that they abandoned him, he wouldn't let go of the only gift he had from them. Even if it was just a name.

The snakes then noted sure, he had a FIRST name, he still needed a 'family' name. So after long hours of discussion, arguments and tantrums the snakes decided that Harry had absolutely abysmal naming skills which Harry retorted with that he can't have anything that is remotely close to snakes; not only because they were seen to be evil (he didn't want to appear suspicious or to be the next Dark Lord), he would not be very impressed if suddenly Aurors and Magical school staff of Hogwarts (Information once again, from the snakes) started stalking him. Those reasons and the fact that it was just "So cliche it's lame to my tastes", stated Harry with his hands held in front of him. So then after even more agonising and horrid suggestions from both Harry and the snakes (:Hell will freeze over before I let a PARSELMOUTH's last name be BOB!:), they finally came to an agreement when Harry suggested Leblanc (because 1. It sounded cool 2. His favourite colour is white 3. it isn't pronounced the way it was spelt, he couldn't wait for some noobs to fuck it up - He was already planning a correction speech which would make him seem righteously angry and deeply offended).

When that matter was over, they had shown him Diagon Alley (his mind was blown), followed by a trip to the Library (it was love at first sight, really.). He then spent time at the library with his fellow snakes, whenever he had time. Which meant whenever he had finished the chores appointed by the god awful Dursleys. They didn't care to know where he went at first, but then noticing that ...that their freak actually seemed happy whenever he came back made the Dursleys furious.

That night when Harry arrived back into the house with Cynthus (a red and yellow coral snake that wrapped around his arm underneath the large sleeve of Dudley's hand-me-downs), he was confronted by a very purple faced Vernon, Heavily scowling Petunia and a... rather happy looking Dudley (Harry suspected that Dudley had known what the confrontation was about). Feeling threatened, Harry's body stiffened as his heart pounded in his chest from the adrenaline but when he saw Cynthus stiffen in alarm and when his magic circle protectively around him he relaxed. They would defend him if the Dursleys ever dared to lash out.

Harry looked into his uncle's pig-like eyes. Cold emerald met shocked muddy brown. The raven had to suppress a snort. 'is it just me or did papa pig just flinch?'

Still keeping the eye contact Harry narrowed his eyes. With a voice as cold as his eyes, Harry answered.

"Where I go out to is none of your business, you didn't even care before. Why change now? And I was having such a good time"

Seeing the shocked and confused faces of the Dursleys (the freak talked back to THEM?) Harry mentally patted himself on the back. Although face still stony, Harry was grinning like a madman on the inside. The snakes had told him and taught him everything about manipulations, baiting and subtlety. Even though Harry could do subtlety he would be anything but subtle in front of his bloody idiotic relatives.

After the shock had worn out Vernon's face was a new and brighter shade of purple, Petunia's look stayed shocked and Dudley...Dudley looked more like a pig than ever.

Uncle Vernon then promptly exploded.

"HOW DARE YOU...YOU FREAK! YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT, I'LL SHOW YOU TO KNOW YOUR PLACE!"

As he was yelling, Vernon had left his spot next to Petunia, charged forward and prepared to beat the boy with his fist. What he didn't notice, however, was Harry calmly looking at morbidly obese man. Just centimetres from Harry's face, the fist abruptly stopped. For a second, the Dursleys looked fearful, much to Harry's satisfaction. He almost couldn't believe it - his tormentors were afraid of him. He felt so good, the chemical rush from both dark satisfaction and the sheer power of his magic were overwhelming his senses. Even through all that, he can't stop now. He wouldn't stop now, the Dursleys need to learn a lesson.

Giving them the most vicious and sadistic smirk he could muster, Harry directed and concentrate his ruby coloured magic into a claw like form and then enclosed it around Vernon's trembling arm. Lifting up his right arm, Harry marginally opened his clenched fist and felt the magic loosen slightly around the victim's limb. Vernon looked relieved - until he saw Harry's smirk widen. Good. The magic branch was fully under his arm's control.

Now, Harry was never one for dramatics, but keeping his relatives on their feet certainly was entertaining. Deciding to end Vernon's arm's misery, Harry instantly clenched his fist again and watched Vernon scream in agony as Harry's solid magic crushed every bone in the now loosely hanging limb. The fat pig even fainted from the pain! Lifting his eyes from the fallen figure of Vernon, Harry eyed the trembling Petunia. Her voice was shaking, she was trembling all over.

"G-get out...just get out from my sight! A-AND DON'T YOU COME BACK!"

'She didn't even call me a freak' Harry mused

Outwardly scoffing Harry gave a mocking bow.

"As you wish"

Calming walking out of the house and hearing the door shut with a slam, Harry made his way to his snakes to tell them about what happened. Or force Cynthus to...Yep. Force Cynthus.

:Come out wherever you guys are, I know you're all there!: Harry hissed and then rolled his eyes when he heard mutters of ':stupid human, ruining our fun:'

As they all slithered into is line of vision Harry spoke again.

:I would like to make an important announcement, but, as I have gone through much tonight, I would like Cynthus - who was present with me at the time of the incident - to speak and explain on my behalf:

Ignoring the hiss of displeasure of said snake, Harry stared it down. Finally relenting, Cynthus explained the whole incident with much detail and occasionally adding jabs at Vernon and Dudley's weight, claiming that their ancestors must have mated with pig for their faces to share such resemblance. That made Harry angry at Cynthus. Not because the fact the male snake had disrespected his relatives, but the absolutely life-scarring mental image of a man or woman as or if not more overweight than Vernon, having sex with a pig. Great. He was sure Cynthus took some perverse pleasure at seeing the snake's family (which included Harry) and elders groan and berate him for the truly disturbing mental images.

It took a few minutes for the audience (and Harry) to calm down but when they did, the raven haired boy immediately asked them for advice.

:After that incident, I was unsurprisingly evicted from my bloody miserable abode. I am now homeless and without gold, what do you think I should do now?:

One of the elder snakes Hmm'd as it used it's own tail to stroke the bottom of it's chin, as if it was impersonating an old man stroking his beard. Harry inwardly snickered but immediately paid attention as it spoke.

:Since you are a wizard - thank god for that - you could go to the Leaky Cauldron's in-keeper considering he seems to be a relatively trustworthy human. After you get there, ask him about magical orphanages and whether if he would help you be placed into one - explain to him how you were kicked out of your muggle relative's home. He'll certainly help you out with that, i think:

Harry nodded. The advice was sound, he had already met Tom a few times - he was a kind old man. Standing up slowly, he looked at the snakes. He felt a pang of sadness - even if he was ecstatic about leaving the Dursley residence he couldn't help but feel depressed at the thought of leaving his family and friends. Which consisted of snakes and only snakes.

:I guess this means goodbye, then...: he hissed, sounding defeated

The other snakes gave him snake scoffs and snorts, making Harry rather confused.

:What?: he questioned

Another round of snorts and scoffs

:Did you really think that we would leave you? Family? Kindred? Nope, never. We'll hunt you down.:

:Uh...: Harry felt relieved, but still slightly confused :not to undermine a snake's tracking skills but how the hell are you going to hunt me down? They could send me to any orphanage!:

With that, he received many amused looks.

:You'll be carrying us, of course!: at Harry's disbelieving look Cynthus gave out an impatient huff.

:Harry, your cousin wasn't exactly . He's fat, therefore he needs fat clothes. You're wearing his second hand trash - which is more than enough to hide fifteen snakes. The bigger ones can just go around your neck on the outside, to scare off the paedophiles and muggers. Not that your magic would let anything happen to you, but still. We'll just wrap around you and feed off your warmth while Tom takes you to the orphanage, then we'll settle there.:

Harry gaped. It's like they had known and planned it out all along! And judging by the smug looks on all the snake's faces, Harry wouldn't exactly be surprised if they did know and had planned it out. After Harry gave out a long suffering sigh, he placed his arms on the ground, defeated and gave shivered at the sensation when snake after snake slithered inside. Feeling extremely weird, but not uncomfortable, Harry made his way to the Leaky Cauldron.

Giving out a celebratory "whoop", having not met any paedophiles or robbers, Harry walked straight to Tom. Ignoring all the stares witches and wizards sent his way, Harry decided to start playing in his 'I'm a poor little kid, PITY ME' façade, he stared at his feet until he was two feet away from the owner of Leaky Cauldron.

He softly poked Tom on the back to get his attention and quietly spoke while giving the bartender a what Harry had hoped to be an uncertain smile.

"Hello Tom... um excuse me, but...I was wondering if you know any m-magical o-orphanages around? I just recently got kicked out of my m-muggle relative's place and they told me to never come back..." Harry trailed off, slightly worried that Tom would deny him his help. however, all thoughts of rejection were washed away when Tom shook himself out of his stupor. 'What kind of relatives would kick a child from their hope? Boy's so nice and polite!'

"Of course I will" Tom reassured, with a soft smile and immediately asked a staff to take over his shift.

End of Chapter 1 - Prologue.

Authors Note: I apologize for the short chapter, but honestly - Three-five thousand words in a few hours wasn't really a piece of cake for me either. I also apologize for the long Notes, Disclaimers etc. But this is the first chapter, therefore things like those would have to be clarified instantly. The future chapters would (hopefully) be longer. I also will be looking for a beta after a few chapters. Also, the Idea of having magic branching... the Idea came from Naruto and Deadman's wonderland. I was so inspired because Toto is just amazing. So maybe if Harry wanted to improve his blood magic's control, he would have to make sacrifices, Eg. considering the ability Harry has is unique and powerful, he would have to give up the magic normal witches and wizards have...Hm. I'm not sure, still deciding on it

Also, if you have any suggestions, Ideas please don't hesitate in sending me a PM