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Book 2: The Heir of Slytherin

Chapter 25

The Snake's Dance

December came rushing upon Hogwarts. Heavy clouds carried to the surface fluffy, shinny snow covering all. Everything on the Chamber's front has been calm. There were no more attacks. Some thought it was possible the monster had gone hibernating for the winter but it was more of a supposition than real fact still it was a warm thought.

Professor McGonagall passed by the end of the second week to collect the names of those staying for the holidays. The Capers signed on as they knew from Loki that Malfoy was staying too. This was the perfect opportunity to use the Polyjuice Potion to worm out a confession out of Malfoy.

Sadly, the potion was only half ready. They still needed boomslang skin and bicorn horn that were stored in Space's private office. The Capers had not pursued this more aggressively since other things occupied their minds at the time but now it was high time. Harry thought of using one of Filibuster Fireworks but Cassie disagreed. Harry was still on more or less good terms with Snape and it was best he kept them that way. So the job was left on Cassie's discretion. She had no intention of using obvious methods that could be tracked back to her.

The Capers agreed that Hermione should be the one making the actual stealing as her record was cleaner than those of the rest and expelling her would be more unlikely should she get caught. Of course, they all knew that they were plying with fire and it would be preferable to meet Slytherin's monster than antagonize Snape but time was growing short.

"Cassie," – Hermione had turned to her. "I'll need you to create mayhem for t least five minutes or so, so that I can get in and out."

"You know making a deliberate mayhem in Snape's class is like poking a sleeping dragon." – Xsi remarked.

"Yeah, it would be fun." – Cassie nodded.

Thursday came along quickly. Potions took place in the largest dungeons. Cassie positioned herself close to Goyle, who was the clumsiest of all Slytherins, something like Neville for the Gryffindors.

The lesson proceeded as usual. Twenty steaming cauldrons stood between the wooden desks with brass scales and jars of ingredients. Snape just as usual was passing by to assess the progress of his pupils and gloat where it was a total disaster. Draco, ever since the monumental loss, was using every opportunity to gloat about everything Gryffindors were doing badly and particularly in Potions as none will dare retaliate as they would undoubtedly get detention long before they could say 'not fair'.

Today, they were doing the Swelling Potion. Draco would have undoubtedly sneered at Harry's misfortune but today Harry was paying attention though it was hard to concentrate as any moment the mayhem may ensue.

Snape had nothing to gloat about at Harry's so he turned his attention to Neville who as usual had made a mess. Hermione at this time was getting ready. Suddenly, Goyle screamed in pain as his cauldron rose in the air and exploded. The potion spilled in every direction hitting everyone equally and parts of the cauldrons itself burned Snape's robe. Chaos and anarchy ruled for the next ten minutes. Snape was trying to restore order while cursing under breath Goyle's incompetence.

"Silence! SILENCE!" – Snape roared over the racket. "Anyone who has been splashed, come here for a Deflating Draft."

Harry was among the first. He did not enjoy seeing his arms swell like balloon bats. This part of the plan sucked but Cassie was right to make it on everyone as it will be unconceivable anyone would do this deliberately on itself.

Snape nursed everyone affected, Hermione too. She had sneaked in the office and returned with the ingredients that were taken by the already cured Cassie so Hermione can get some draft too. Her legs were affected so it was a miracle she managed to perform the stealing in such condition.

Snape, of course, still had his suspicions about the mayhem. However, since the cauldron blew to bits it was hard to find some evidence to support his suspicion. He did recover most of the cauldron's pieces. It was difficult to tell but it was possible Goyle in his usual negligence to have unwittingly caused a severe reaction while mixing the wrong ingredients and from the formed pressure the cauldron simply rose up before exploding.

This was the second time a student showed such clumsiness. The first time it was Draco who he did not think could make such a mistake and now Goyle. It was always the Slytherins. If someone was orchestrating this he or she was very smart. Somehow the usual suspects of Harry, Ron and Neville did not fit those parameters. Granger was another possibility but Snape did not see the purpose of deliberately exposing oneself to harm. Of course, the idea that one of his own was responsible was beyond him.

Harry, Ron and Hermione headed straight for the bathroom to add the last ingredients. Cassie had snuck up in some other direction so not to arouse suspicion by them going in the same direction. Snape was still a suspicious person.

Hermione put in the boomslang skin and the bicorn horn, and started stirring vigorously.

"The potion will be ready in two weeks." – She announced happily.

A week pass, Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking across the Entrance Hall where they noticed a queue of people gathered around the notice board, reading a parchment recently pinned up.

"They are starting a dueling club." – Seamus exclaimed exited beckoning over them. "The first meeting is tonight. I wouldn't mind some lessons it might come in handy one of these days..."

"What you reckon the Slytherin Monster can duel?" – Ron asked though he was reading the parchment with interest.

"It could be useful," – He said to Harry and Hermione. "Shall we go?" He turned to Dean and they strode away.

Harry and Hermione found it interesting, so at eight o'clock that evening they came into the Great Hall. The long dinning tables were removed and a golden stage had appeared along the wall, lit by the thousands of candles floating above. The ceiling above was velvety black and most of the school had gathered underneath.

"I wonder who is going to lead it." – Hermione said. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young."

"As long as it's not…" – Ron hoped but his sentence finished with a groan. Gilderoy Lockhart came on the stage in resplendent robes of deep plum and accompanied by no other than Snape in his usual black.

Lockhart waved an arm for silence and called. "Gather round. Can everyone seem me? Can everyone hear me? Good!" He took down his mantle and sent it into the crowd of girls. Katie was lucky one. "Now, Professor Dumbledore gave me permission to start off this little dueling club so to train you to defend yourself n case you ever needed as I have done on countless occasions for full details, see my published work!"

Flashing around with his smile, he continued. "I would like to introduce my assistant, Professor Snape. He cordially agreed to help me with the demonstration. Now, I don't want you to worry – you will still have a Potion's Master when I'm through with him, never fear!"

"Wouldn't it be nice if they finished each other's off?" – Ron whispered in Harry's ear earning Harry's smile. Though, Harry was certain Lockhart had no idea what he was getting himself into. Snape looked like that sleeping dragon whose eye has been just poked.

Lockhart and Snape took positions facing each other and bowed, at least, Lockhart did with a lot of twirling, whereas Snape only jerked his head irritably. Then they raised their wands like swords in front of them.

"As you can see," – Lockhart began explaining to the silent crowd. "We are holding our wands in the accepted combative position. Now, on the count of three, we are going to cast our spells. Neither of us is set to kill of course."

"I wouldn't bet my life on that." – Alamar said as he got closer to Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"One, two, three…"

Both swung the wands above their heads pointing them at their opponent. Snape cried: Expelliarmus!" A dazzling flash of red light protruded from his wand basting Lockhart off his feet and crashing him in the back wall.

Malfoy and some of his fellow classmates cheered while Hermione was on her toes. "Will he be alright?"

"Who cares?" – Alamar and Ron exclaimed.

Harry was not taking sides. His thoughts drifted back to the glade where he fought ten and change vampire hunters. It was not a moment he wanted to relive on the stage before everyone's eyes. Actually, a very disturbing feeling crawled into him. He had no idea what he will do if he's up there. With the arsenal of spells he had learnt from Thant's book, he feared he might hurt someone.

Lockhart got to his feet steadily. His hair was on end.

"There you go, you have it!" – He said tottering back to the platform. "This was the Disarming Charm and as you see I have lost my wand – ah, there it is, thank you Miss Brown. Yes, it's an excellent idea to show them that spell, Professor Snape but if I wanted to counter it, it would have all too easy…" Lockhart stopped at mid sentence seeing Snape's expression. "Anyway, enough demonstrating, it is time you dive in. I'll put you in pairs now. Professor Snape, would you be kind to help me out."

They moved together through the crowd matching up partners. Lockhart teamed up Neville with Justin but Snape got first to Harry.

"I think it is time we separate the dream team. Weasley, you be with Finnegan, and Potter you will be with…"

Harry actually did not want to be partnered with anyone but Snape was relentless.

"Let's see how you do with Mr. Malfoy." – Snape smiled coldly. "Come here, Malfoy. See what you can make of famous Potter. And you miss Granger will be with Miss Bulstrode."

Malfoy strutted over, smirking. Behind him walked a Slytherin girl who reminded Harry of a picture he'd seen in Holidays with Hags. She was large and square and her heavy jaw jutted aggressively. Hermione gave her a weak smile that she did not return.

"Face your opponents," – Lockhart commanded. "And bow!"

Harry barely moved his head as did Malfoy. However, Harry had no intention of battling even Malfoy. It wouldn't be fair. He knew of dangerous spells that can potentially harm Malfoy.

"Wands at the ready," – Lockhart called. "On the count of three, cast your charms to disarm your opponents – only to disarm them – we don't want any accidents here – three – two – one…"

Harry prepared but Malfoy started on two. His spell hit Harry so hard it felt like being hit on the head by a saucepan. Harry indeed had no desire to fight but it was hard to resist the urge so he retaliated with something somewhat less harmful. He cried: "Rictusempra!"

A jet of silver light stroke Malfoy straight at the stomach and he bent in two, wheezing.

"I said disarm only!" – Lockhart shouted frantically as he saw Malfoy fall. Harry had hit him with the Tickling Charm. Harry lowered his wand he did not want to continue but found out it was a mistake. Malfoy though clenching for breath managed to shout: "Tarantallegra!"

Harry's feet started to jerk around in some kind of quickstep.

"Stop! Stop!" – Lockhart was shouting from center stage but it was Snape who put an end to all the havoc starting with Harry and Malfoy. "Finite Incantaten!" Harry's feet immediately stopped dancing while Malfoy stopped laughing.

Hermione was in headlock with Bulstrode so Harry helped out. Neville and Justin were both lying on the floor panting. Ron was apologizing to Seamus. Xsi and a Hufflepuff girl were also down. Cassie was on her feet sneering victoriously at some fifth year Slytherin. Alamar and his opponent from Ravenclaw were also panting on the floor.

"Dear, dear," – Lockhart was saying as he was moving through the aftermath of the duels helping students get back on their feet. "It seems it would be better if I taught you first how to deflect unfriendly spells. Let's have a volunteer pair – Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley how about…"

"Bad idea," – Snape interrupted. "Mister Longbottom causes devastations with the simplest spells. We'll be sending Mr. Fletchley to the hospital wing in a match box." Neville's face went pink. "What do you say of Malfoy and Potter?"

"Excellent idea, Professor Snape!" – Lockhart exclaimed excitingly. He pointed to the two to move to the stage. "Harry, now, you point your wand at your opponent and…seems my wand is a bit overexcited." He did indeed drop his wad after a series of twirls.

"No!" – Harry said aloud. "I will not duel."

"What?" – Professor Lockhart stopped abruptly in the middle of his excuses.

"I will not fight any more." – Harry said and moved to descend.

Snape was about to intervene when Malfoy shouted. "See the almighty Potter running way like little, scarred girl. Too scared to fight me and lose again, Potter?"

The Slytherins sneered.

"Potter, get back up at once!" – Snape commanded.

"Make me!" – Harry turned defiantly at him.

Snape did not expect such answer but he had no time to waste with rebellious behavior.

"Come back now or Gryffindor will lose five hundred points!"

The threat was a good one though Harry hesitated. His classmates were staring with anguish. He was considering whether it was worth going back up and losing control or only losing points but seeing his friends' faces sighed deeply and returned to the stage though the uncontrollable feeling of anger was growing in him. He had a bad feeling about this.

Snape had whispered something in Malfoy's ear and he was smirking now.

"Just as I showed you, Harry." – Lockhart said and moved back. "Ready, one, two – three…"

Malfoy raised his wand and shouted: "Serpent sorcia!" The end of his wand exploded and a long, black snake shot out of it. It fell hard on the floor and stood poised to attack. The crowd screamed and moved away from the stage.

"Don't move, Potter." – Snape said lazily, enjoying the moment of Harry's immobility and fear though he was certainly mistaken of Harry's motives for not moving. "I'll get rid of it…"

"Allow me, Professor!" – Lockhart moved forward. "Alento Ascendere" The effect this spell produced was certainly not what Lockhart had hoped to achieve. The snake flew up in the air and fell on the stage with a loud thud far angrier than before. It moved towards the poor Justin who happened to be close by.

Harry's instincts kicked in and he moved towards the snake on his own. His wand made a move and snake turned towards him. It was poised to attack for Malfoy's great satisfaction but he was mistaken. Harry's eyes were filled with dangerous flames.

"I command thee to stand still!" – Harry spoke to the snake. The snake calmed at once. Harry was a bit surprised too for this snake was one that was cast but it worked perfectly nonetheless.

Everyone was starring with stupor and terror at him but Harry was not done. It was certainly time to teach Malfoy a lesson. He pointed his wand at the snake and spoke: "Serpentium taranta exio tenitia geminare - deos!" His wand fired a purplish jet of light. It hit the snake and in the next moment tails and heads started to protrude forming at least four more snakes of the same size and behavior. The original one moved towards Harry and climbed on his shoulders, hissing dangerously at all around.

Malfoy was watching with disbelief. The snakes however turned their attention at him as they ventured closer. Snape immediately cast the counter spell: "Vipera evansco!" But for his utter surprise the snakes did not vanish. One of them wrapped itself around Snape's ankle and he lost balance thus falling off the stage onto the group of previously cheering Slytherins.

The snakes surrounded very quickly the still petrified in terror Malfoy. Malfoy snapped out of his state and tried to move away but the snakes anticipated all his moves and did not allow him to move out of the circle.

Then they rose higher almost at Malfoy's height. Malfoy's pale face turned to Harry who looked very much amused. And out of the blue, the snakes started to move in complete synchrony. It looked like they were actually dancing, as crazy as it sounds. They made figures no one thought a snake could actually do though they were displaying the fullness of their wild character. But they did not attack just danced.

The snake on Harry's shoulders moved in synchrony with the others which was quite amazing.

Cassie who was taken off guard when Harry cast the spell now visibly relaxed and assumed the same amusing mood as Harry. She had recognized the spell. She climbed the stage and stood by Harry.

"Nice one, Harry," – She said smiling.

Xsi rejoined them soon enough. "Is it what I think it is?"

"Yep," – Cassie nodded.

The girls started to move with the snake's moves. The other students watched petrified. The snake's dance continued undisturbed and calm though the same could not be said for Malfoy.

Snape had gotten to his feet and watched also. He did however notice that the snakes though looking threateningly were not about to attack. Whatever Potter has done, it did not appear to put Malfoy's life in danger. He was certainly not familiar with this spell but it did have an interesting effect. As he watched more carefully, he did realize that the snakes were actually dancing though he had certainly never observed such behavior before in them. He had hoped to scare Harry but instead he had gotten Malfoy scarred which was just as satisfying.

"Potter," – He called. Harry turned his head. "Enough demonstrating! Let him go."

"Oh!" – Harry exclaimed.

"Gryffindor," – Snape began. Harry's eyes narrowed. "Receives one hundred points. Excellent choice of spell, Potter," Harry was not the only one surprised at Snape's words. Malfoy looked like he would be puking his guts soon. "Now, let him go!"

"As you wish, Professor Snape." – Harry said and let the snake get off his shoulders. He pointed his wand at that snake and whispered with commanding voice. "Devour them and let peace!"

The snake grew in size then slithered towards its brothers. Reaching them, it fought with each of them while the others continued their dance and devoured them one by one. Then with a grayish smoke it disappeared.

Cassie and Xsi steered Harry out of the Great Hall with the rest of the Capers hurrying behind. They stopped into an empty classroom. Then the three cracked into the full joy of laughter.

"Did you see their faces?" – Xsi exclaimed gasping for breath.

"That's was a good one." – Cassie agreed holding her sides so hard she was laughing.

Ron and Hermione were not seeing anything funny in all this.

"What?" – Harry asked innocently.

"Ah," – Ron mumbled. "You are a Parselmouth! Why didn't you tell us?"

"So?" – Alamar asked.

"He can talk to snakes." – Hermione exclaimed.

"I know!" – Harry intervened.

"You do?"

"Well, it is not the first time." – Cassie replied.

"Yeah, it is the second time." – Harry nodded. "I released a snake out in a Reptile House, well, it was not a snake per say it was the Dr'Anacond Royal Heir – Prince Artheese Vires! Apparently, he was trapped there for several decades' right after his birth with some kind a spell that I accidentally broke as these two were bugging me again and it slithered away. Though I am pretty certain the other snakes thanked me on the way out."

"Yeah, the glasses, all the glass windows were gone. We still have no idea how he did it but there it is." – Cassie confirmed.

"You heard snakes thanking you…" – Ron exclaimed shocked.

"A Dragon Anaconda?" – Hermione asked stupefied.

"Yeah, so what?"

"Well, don't you get it Harry?" – Ron exclaimed. "People are going to think that you are the Heir of Slytherin."

"Why would they?"

"Well, that will be because Salazar Slytherin was able to speak to snakes. I mean this is what he was famous with. He was Parselmouth too. That's why the symbol of Slytherin House is a snake." – Hermione explained patiently.

"But I can't be his heir, can I?"

"He lived a thousand years ago for all we knew you could be." – Hermione replied.

"What was that spell?" – Alamar asked to diffuse the awkwardness.

"It was the Snake's Dance" – Cassie replied.

"What does it do?"

"What you just witnessed. It makes the snakes dance." – Cassie replied.

"What my sister is trying to say is that the spell is harmless." – Xsi helped out.

"Do you call that harmless – they were about to eat Malfoy alive?" – Hermione exclaimed distressed.

"No, Athena, that's it actually. The snakes were performing a kind of ritualistic presentation. Yes, they did look threatening but they were only dancing and yes, it is not their usual behavior but those snakes were conjured they were not real." – Xsi explained.

"Trivia is right. This spell makes dance nothing more." – Loki said.

"Then how do you explain Snape?" – Hermione asked with victorious smirk.

"Well, he simply stood in the way." – Xsi replied.

"No, sis, they were threatened directly and they responded but they did not attack, mind you." – Loki corrected. "Malfoy was never in danger. Nimbus will not do it to him, at least I hope so. Would you?"

"No, I wouldn't have he is not worth it.' – Harry replied.

Late this night, Harry was still awake. The dueling club was occupying his thoughts. Draco and Snape obviously wanted him to feel fear but it backfired. Harry, unwillingly, had to admit that he enjoyed every ounce of Draco's fear.

But the most troubling thought was the possibility that he could be the heir of Slytherin though if that was the case he would know where the Chamber of Secrets is. No, someone else was behind this and he has to figure it out sooner rather than later. Harry looked outside the window where little flakes were dropping. Heavy clouds filled the sky. The winter has finally come.

The next day besides Herbology his day was free. He wandered around the castle on his own until he reached the library. There was an unnatural Hufflepuff presence. He was for sure to continue on his way but the topic discussed caught his attention.

"As I saying," – A stout boy was saying. "I told Justin to hide in our dormitory so to be safe if Potter's decided to mark him as his next victim. Of course, he's been afraid ever since he let slip he's in Eton. It is for sure something not to tell the Slytherin's heir, ah alright?"

"You seem to be certain he's his heir ah, Ernie?" – A blonde girl asked anxiously.

"Hannah," – Ernie said. "He's a Parselmouth. Everyone knows this is the mark of a dark wizard. There isn't a descent one that talks to them. For Merlin's beard, they called Slytherin Serpent-tongue."

There were some whispers. And Ernie went on. "Don't forget what was written on the wall? Enemies of the Heir beware. He's got in it for Filtch and puff his cat gets hit, and then Colin was annoying him at the match taking pictures all and all, next thing we know he's attacked."

"But Ernie, Potter's in the hospital wing when Colin got hit…"

"So, he commanded the beast to do it for him."

"I don't know Ernie, he's always so nice." – Hannah said uncertain. "And he's the one who took down You-Know-Who…"

"Don't you see it?" – Ernie said lowering his voice. "The Dark Lord has seen him as potential danger. That's why he had gone after him. He didn't want competition. Only a very powerful dark wizard can survive the killing curse. It makes you wonder what other powers Potter's hiding?"

Harry stood still and quite amused at Ernie's logic. For most part Ernie's wrong but for the rest was quite right. Justin is hiding from him – this is really amusing. But Ernie had missed the part where Harry almost died from the vampire attacks. If any of them had faced even a single one of those they would not be so quick to pass judgment.

Harry continued on his way around the castle when he bumped into Hagrid. He was carrying two roasters that seemed quite dead.

"Oh, hey Harry," – He said. "Why aren't you in class?"

"I've it free." – Harry replied. "What's with the roasters?"

"It's the second time I find some dead. I was going to Professor Dumbledore to allow me to put a charm around the hen coop."

"Oh, will that help?"

"Certainly, I don't know what's bein' attacking them but it'd be better off with a charm." – Hagrid replied then looked closely at Harry. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It's just the Hufflepuffs – never mind. I have to go and prepare for Transfiguration. See ya around Hagrid." – Harry replied and moved along.

Harry climbed the stairs and ended up in a particularly long, dark corridor. The torches were extinguished by strong, icy wind coming from a loose windowpane. He was halfway the passage when he tripped over something.

"By Mortis, what the heck?" – Harry cursed under breath.

When he stood up however and turned around he froze. It was a sight Harry had not expected to see.

On the floor, Justin was lying cold and stony – petrified. But the most stunning part of the sight was not the Hufflepuff. It was Nearly Headless Nick. He was no longer white and pearly but black and smoky floating immobile and horizontal six inches above the floor. His face carried an expression of utter shock identical to Justin's.

Harry looked around and saw another strange thing. A group of small spiders was climbing the wall and vanishing through the open windowpane. It was a most unusual behavior. It seemed like they wanted to leave the area as quickly as possible.

As Harry pondered what to do, a door opened and the school's greatest mischiever, Peeves came shouting out.

"Why, it's potty Potter." – Peeves cackled knocking his glasses as he past by. "What's Potter up to? Why's Potter lur…" Peeves stopped midair and looked down at Justin and Nearly Headless Nick. Then filled his lungs up and shouted. "ATTACK! ATTACK! NO MORTAL OR GHOST IS SAFE! RUN FOR YOUR LI…"

Harry reacted almost instinctively. "Silentia!" Peeves lost vocals at once but the damage was done. The corridor was quickly flooded with students staring unbelievingly at the sight – Justin, Nick and Harry standing by.

Professor McGonagall came hurriedly alongside her class. She used her wand to produce a loud bang and restore silence. No sooner had the scene cleared somewhat than Ernie the Hufflepuff arrived, panting, on the scene.

"Caught in the act!" Ernie yelled, his face stark white, pointing his finger dramatically at Harry.

"That will do, Macmillan!" – Professor McGonagall said sharply.

Peeves were bobbing overhead but otherwise silent as Harry's spell still had a hold on his voice.

Professor Flitwick carried Justin to the hospital wing while Professor Sinistra conjured a large fan and instructed Erne to blow Nick up the stairs. This left Harry and McGonagall alone.

"This way, Potter." – She said.

"What for?" – Harry asked without moving.

"This is out of my hands. You're going to Professor Dumbledore. Now, move along."

But Harry did not move. "I'm sorry but I don't think so."

"Mr. Potter, you will come with me NOW!"

"Or what – you'll stun me and carry me there?"

McGonagall stopped and looked at Harry. His defiant fumes were visible again.

"I haven't done anything that entitles you to treat me this way." – Harry said.

"Then you have nothing to fear." – McGonagall replied. "Now, move along."

Harry sighed deeply out of frustration but followed. They marched in silence until they reached the ugly gargoyle statue – Dumbledore's office.

"Lemon Drop." – McGonagall said and the wall behind the statue opened. They stepped in and the staircase rose up. They stopped before the oak door of the office. "Professor Dumbledore is expecting you."

Harry entered. Everything was calm and quiet. Professor Dumbledore was not there. Fawkes was standing on his golden perch and the Sorting Hat was on a shelf. Harry moved towards the hat and put it on. He waited patiently for the little voice and soon it appeared.

"What's buzzing you?" – The Hat asked.

"I was…kind of wondering if you put me in the right house." – Harry asked.

"Yes, you were particularly difficult but I stand by what I said last year – you could have done well in Slytherin. It is all here in your head."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why am I perfect for Slytherin? What is it that made you make that choice?"

"I've been created to look for the qualities necessary for each house. You have the gift for Slytherin and…"

"Gift – like what – is it my ability to talk to snakes or other reptilian?"

"The house of Slytherin has to be cunning, power seeking and crafty. You possess all three including the gift of Slytherin Snake Tongue. But of course, you also have spirit and courage that are the primes of Gryffindor. Anyway, Slytherin is where you'd have been at home."

Harry put away the hat. "You're wrong. I'll never be Slytherin." But that was not entirely true. His past behavior had pointed otherwise though it was inaccurate to be put in a house's definition. That time he had hard time controlling his anger. He let it run free and unchecked. He let it consume him, become his full essence though at times it felt more than that. It felt like a part of him was not of him, like it someone else. And this someone was channeling all this rage.

Suddenly a noise took him out of his thoughts. Turning around he located the source of the noise – it was Fawkes. He looked kind of ill. A few feathers fell and then out of the blue the whole bird caught fire till it was reduced to ashes.

"Great," – Harry observed.

"Not to worry, Harry." – Dumbledore said coming from the back of the office. "Fawkes is a phoenix. When it is time for him to die he bursts into flames and then he is reborn out of the ashes – Look!"

And true to his words, little Fawkes' head appeared from the ashes. He looked now more like a plucked turkey than a phoenix.

"Phoenixes are remarkable creatures, Harry." – Dumbledore continued. "Their tears can heal. They can carry immensely heavy loads and they are highly loyal pets."

The door of the office opened briskly with a bang and Hagrid rushed in. He was still carrying the dead roasters.

"It wasn' Harry, Professor." – Hagrid said panting. "I was wit' him moments before this horrid attack occurred. It couldn' have been him. I'm tellin' you. I'll swear it before the ministry and…"

"Relax, Hagrid," – Dumbledore raised his hand. "I don't believe Harry's attacked anyone."

"You don't, and of course I was sayin' he didn'…" – Hagrid stopped mid sentence. "You don'?"

"I do not believe Harry attacked anyone." – Dumbledore repeated with a smile. "Now, would you leave me with him?"

"Of course, Professor," – Hagrid said and left closing the door.

Harry looked at Dumbledore's blue eyes that as usual seemed to be scanning him.

"Well, you seem to be the only one, Professor." – Harry said.

"I say what I think, always." – Dumbledore nodded. "Now, is there something, anything, you wish to tell me?"

Harry pondered whether to say anything at all. He thought of the creepy, cold voice that almost knocked him off the broom. But Alamar might be right after all hearing voices is not something good even in the wizarding world. And then there was the possibility he might be Slytherin's Heir but since he knew for sure he didn't open any chambers and released any beasts lately other than his own anger he couldn't possibly be his heir.

"No," – Harry replied. "Nothing."

"Very well, off you go." – Professor Dumbledore said.

Harry left and headed back to Gryffindor tower. Right before reaching it however he had another idea.

"Casper, Kaiser," – He called.

The two house elves appeared with a crack. It seemed that the new ward wasn't valid for them after all. Harry thought about it and it seemed logical.

"Master called!"

"Yes, I have a task for you." – Harry said still thoughtful. "I want you to find out what makes spiders scared so they'd run like they've seen a ghost."

"Of course, Master." – Casper bowed.

"Oh, and by the way, how a…what is was his name…"

"Dobby and he is fine. We're watching him." – Casper replied.

"Like you're doing now?" – Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Well, he's been allowed to return home." – Kaiser interjected. "But if he reappears we'll know."

"Master?" – Casper dared.

"Yes?"

"What's going on?"

"I wish I knew Casper, I wish I knew. Something definitely is that's why I want you to keep your eyes open and report anything unusual or at the very least slightly peculiar."

"We will."

"Oh, Kaiser, I'm truly sorry I had to put you trough that," – Harry said.

"No apologies necessary, Master. We understand now why." – Kaiser said moving towards Harry who then hugged him. "Ah, master…"

"Thank you! Both of you, it is good to have someone. Now, you can go."

The two vanished and Harry was alone again. There was a storm coming and it wasn't going to bring anything good.

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Lordheaven