Hello readers,

This story contains two what-if's:

1. It really bugged me that Harry never really used his ability to speak to snakes, except when he really needed to do so. What if Harry had adopted a snake at the age of ten?

2. Harry's been through shit. When people go through shit, they tend to turn out… well… let's just say that Harry will seek power.

I'm starting off with a very small prologue of Harry's first encounter with the snake.

**Looking for a beta**

I own nothing recognisable. Don't we all wish we did?

Harry had known from a very young age that he was different than the other kids from his class. He had powers, not too different than the ones he knew super heroes had.

At seven, Harry decided he was a super hero. He couldn't tell anyone though; that would beat the purpose.

At eight, Harry questioned his powers. He could run away from Dudley's gang. He could make them hurt. He could appear on the school's roof. He could change his teacher's hair. He could summon food if he was really hungry. He could unlock the cupboard under the stairs when Uncle Vernon would lock him up.

All he needed to do was dwell on it for a long time, but super heroes could do it instantly.

At nine, Harry knew he was no super hero. He didn't want to save the world anymore. The world was cruel to him.

At ten, Harry had the best birthday gift he could ever remember having. The gift came from Mother Nature, he decided. It was strange how it happened on his birthday.

He was hiding in the backyard for Aunt Petunia was in a foul mood and he would much rather avoid her. The backyard did not offer much hiding place and the best he could do was hid behind one of the perfectly trimmed bush.

The shade of the bush would make the hiding spot a comfortable place on this warm sunny day as Harry's baggy clothes did nothing to help. The sweat on his face made his round glasses slip down his nose every now and then.

Harry had plumped down on his stomach to try and get his head closer to the bush where he thought it might be less warm. This did not make anything better, still it was a comfortable spot.

Harry picked at some grass on the ground wondering if he could ever just run away or if he'd be doomed with the Dursleys for the rest of his life.

If ever he learned more powers, he thought, he'd get them.

The thought of them screaming in pain made a small smile crept on his face.

He'd get them one day.

It was then that Harry heard it.

'I know it's out here somewhere… Or perhaps… no… it was definitely here…'

Harry jumped up to his knee and searched around for the mysterious speaker. It had been a voice he had not recognise. It was small and fainted, but one of a man he was sure.

A small snake – about the size of Harry's arm - crept out of the bushes and Harry froze. He had never seen one before. It wasn't all that scary. Harry wasn't sure if it was poisonous though and thought he might not want to risk provoking it.

'Oh… a human… frighten, no doubt.' Harry swore the snake said.

'You can talk?' Harry's mouth spoke before he could come to his senses.

Obviously, someone was playing a bad joke with him.

'You speak snake?' The snake had stopped to look at Harry.

'No, I speak human… You're the one who's speaking human.' Harry informed him.

Or, Harry thought wildly, this could be another one of his power… Spiderman, Batman… perhaps he was Snakeman?

No, he thought, super heroes were childish.

Or, were they?

'I know not how to speak human.' The snake said firmly.

'I have powers.' Harry told him. 'Maybe I can speak snake?'

'It certainly seems so.' The snake nodded.

'Are you poisonous?' Harry asked.

Best to know, just in case.

'Ah, yes, I do believe I am.' The snake replied.

'I've never spoke to a snake before.' Harry admitted.

'And, I've never spoke to a human before.' The snake said approaching Harry.

'Do you have a name?' Harry asked him.

'No, I'm very independent.' The snake explained. 'I do my own things…'

'You could still have a name.' Harry said. 'Everyone has a name. I do my own things too and I have a name. My name is Harry.'

'How did you come up with that?' The snake asked.

'I didn't. Your parents are supposed to decide your name.' Harry told the snake.

'I don't have parents.' The snake said thoughtfully as though trying to remember if he did have parents.

'Me neither.' Harry said sitting down because his knees were starting to hurt. 'They died when I was just a baby.'

'It's all part of the circle of life.' The snake said wisely. 'You're on your own now?'

'No, I can't be on my own until I'm of age.' Harry explained. 'It's against the law.'

'Well, I've been alone for as long as I can remember.' The snake said. 'Humans have weird issues. We, snakes, can do whatever we want, whenever we want.'

'Must be nice.' Harry mumbled.

'It is.' The snake nodded.

Harry sigh. 'What are you doing around here anyway?'

'I was looking for some food I left around here earlier, but I can't seem to find it.' The snake said.

'What kind of food do you eat?' Harry asked. 'I might be able to sneak some from my aunt.'

'Whatever you have, I'm not all fussy.'

Harry got up. 'Go up my leg… under my pants. Don't let anyone see you.'

'Why?' The snake said intrigue.

'They'll try to kill you, won't they? Humans are really cruel… Everyone's cruel to me as well.' Harry said as a matter-of-factly. 'We're on the same boat.'

'Why don't you leave them?' The snake said going up his leg.

'I told you,' Harry explained as he walked towards the house, 'it's against the law.'

'Do you die if you break the law?' The snake asked curiously.

'No, but… you just can't break it or the police will be after you.' Harry said. 'Then I'd end up in jail… or Uncle Vernon would kill me… one or the other.'

'Humans really have time to waste, don't they?'

Harry laughed a bit.

After successfully stealing some food and bringing it to his cupboard along with the snake, Harry decided he wouldn't mind adopting the snake. He never had anyone before. It would be his secret. No one would know and – as far as he knew – no one else could speak to snakes.

'Do you want to live with me?' Harry offered. 'I'd get you some food anytime you want.'

'And, what is there to do around here?' The snake considered.

'We'll find something.' Harry said.

'Ah… well, I've never lived with a human before.' The snake said. 'I see benefits from it though.'

'Benefits?' Harry echoed.

'Yes, why do something when there is nothing for you to gain?' The snake said wisely. 'I must look after myself and so do you. When you see power, you seek it, my friend.'

'I have power!' Harry said. 'I just have difficulty using it.'

'Well then, we've found ourselves something to do. I daresay, we could make a great team.'

Harry nodded proudly at his very first friend. 'Alright then.' He ate a bite of apple before adding, 'and your name should be Snapper.'

Small, but I covered the how and why Harry and the snake became acquaintance. The chapters will be much longer.

Harry's mind is still at a ten years' old level. I hope I did it ok? Let me know if I'm over or under doing it.

Thanks in advance for your reviews!

Richardred