This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

The Fierce Snake

Welcome to the Pit

While it prefers to remain secretive and escape from trouble, this most venomous snake in the world will bite when threatened.

The snake has long been misunderstood. Capricious humanity has raised them to the highest of ranks, guardians of most sacred places, only to cast them down as evil masters of deceit and vengeance. This eternal duality will forever hinder any capacity to fully fathom the intriguing animal, even at the best of times . . .

I stare down at the lithe form sprawled beneath me, breath still slightly hitching even in repose. Images from this morning slip into awareness causing my gentle gaze to turn feral as it lifts to penetrate beyond the wall directly behind my bed.

I knew the Gryffindor garter would strike soon. And I must give the little devious snake some credit. The handwriting was so close, a lesser snake than I would have taken the bait, cut its losses and found new territory. However, even this little thief in the garden wouldn't have had enough information to perfectly imitate my beloved.

I slide off of my mate and nuzzle at his neck as he whimpers in loss. As it was, the letter struck out at the wrong prey. If the attack had been directed at my little lion, this morning's scene would have played out much differently, not mine to control.

With this thought I rear back and freeze, assessing the plausibility of a new threat from that same pest who thought himself big enough to come out and play. My eyes burn in cold rage as I realize how close the garter actually came to what is mine, disturbing my nest. I will not have it!

I glide back down and coil around those responsive limbs with deadly grace, offering protection and receiving warmth as the cold recognition of truth slithers up my spine. This common little garter of Gryffindor will be dealt with swiftly. My retribution is lethal and my bite far more unforgiving than my hiss when provoked.

He will learn the hard way that it's not the snake that hides one must fear.