Chapter Nine; Suspicions and Snakes

Harry squinted hopelessly through the strange blue-green mist. He couldn't see far but he had the distinct feeling that he was in the Great Hall; there was a sense of vastness about the chamber. The air was cold, swirling about his body, the mist wafting into his face. Attempts to brush it away were futile.

Someone was beside him. Harry turned. Sirius was standing but a few feet away, his expression blank, his dark eyes fixed on a point beyond Harry. Harry moved towards him, calling his name. But Sirius did not say a word; he turned his back on Harry, transformed into a great black dog and slunk away into the mist like a shadow, vanishing from sight. Blindly, Harry tried to follow, calling out to his godfather but Sirius couldn't, or wouldn't, answer him.

There were other figures in the mist. Harry struggled to make out their forms. Hooded. Cloaked. Death Eaters? Harry couldn't be sure. He tried to approach them, to find out who, or what, they were, but every time he got close to one, he could feel someone drawing him away in the opposite direction, whispering in a strange discord of voices, echoing and faint, clouding his vision with the mist, though there was no one there.

Spinning around, Harry could have sworn he'd seen an animal race pass. Shrouded in the mist, the huge creature turned to look at Harry, its large amber eyes shining with an unnatural glowing light. Then, from behind it, a flash of blinding silver-white light engulfed the beast and it vanished -

Harry woke suddenly, finding the dormitory filled with early morning sunshine and someone's rear end sticking out from under the neighbouring bed.

Harry fumbled for his glasses.

'Ron?'

Ron jerked, there was a sudden bang, followed by the muffled cursing of a Weasley in pain.

Harry winced.

'Sorry, you all right?'

Ron slid out from under his bed rubbing the back of his head.

'Yeah, I'm fine.' He grimaced. 'Jeez, that hurts!'

'What were you doing under there?' Harry reached for his glasses and robes. 'Lost something?'

Ron nodded, then stopped since his head hurt.

'Yep, haven't seen my Monster Book anywhere have you?'

'Oh no. Please tell me it hasn't escaped.' Harry groaned.

'Okay, it hasn't escaped.' Ron grinned. 'I'd be lying, but I'll say it anyway.'

The other Gryffindor boys had already gone down for breakfast so Harry and Ron searched the dormitory themselves. They found Ron's book under Dean's bed, apparently dozing. Very carefully, Harry used a Summoning Charm to slide it out then Ron used a Binding Spell to stop it biting their hands off.

They raced down to the Great Hall for a hurried breakfast then ran outside for Care of Magical Creatures.

Ron's Monster book was putting up a good fight, wriggling frantically in his bag. It was still under the Binding Spell until Harry suggested stroking it to calm it down. Harry's own copy was fairly tame now but still liable to snap if provoked.

The rest of the class was already gathered around Hagrid outside of his cabin. He spotted them hurrying across the lawn and waved.

'Com' on you two! Yer late!'

He was trying to sound stern but it didn't really work as he was smiling at the two of them.

Harry and Ron joined Hermione, who, surprisingly, made no comment as to their tardiness. Ron breathed a silent sigh of relief.

'Righ' then, gather round 'ere ... now I don' wancha ter panic or nothin' but if there's any of yer scared a snakes, yer might wanna stand back.'

Parvati and Lavender scooted back sharply. Pansy Parkinson went a little pale but stayed where she was. Neville backed away only slightly, looking apprehensive. Draco Malfoy looked over at Harry, sneering with distaste. Harry, intrigued, moved closer to see better.

Hagrid reached into a large sack and gently pulled out a snake that was covered in bright orange scales with black stripes. It would have been considered beautiful but that rating fell short when you noticed its heads. There were three of them, each looking around in a different direction.

The head on the left looked over at Harry, staring intently.

'Any of yer know what this is?' Hagrid asked as he held the five-foot long snake up for them all to see.

To no ones surprise, Hermione's hand shot up into the air.

'It's a Runespoor. They originate from Africa.'

'Tha's right, five points fer Gryffindor.'

Harry looked past Hagrid to the vegetable patch. He couldn't just jump the fence in the middle of a lesson, but he had to get whatever Sirius had buried before anyone noticed the disturbed earth and paw prints. Hopefully if Hagrid saw, he'd just think his boarhound Fang had buried a bone, or something.

Hagrid held out the Runespoor, which was hissing softly.

'Who wants to hold it? Don' worry, it won't bite yer.'

Nobody else seemed keen to go first but Harry stepped forward eagerly. Each of the three heads snapped round and fixed Harry with a sharp stare.

Could the Runespoor sense that he was a Parselmouth?

Gently, Harry took the snake from Hagrid. Instantly the snake wove its way up his right arm, raising its heads up to peer directly into Harry's bright green eyes.

Oblivious to the other students watching him, Harry opened his mouth and gave a soft hiss.

Hello. Can you understand me?

The left head hissed back.

Yes I can. So, you are a Parselmouth. It 'sounded' mildly surprised. I did wonder.

Finally! I might have a decent conversation at last! The right head hissed haughtily.

The head in between them moved closer.

What is your name, child? It's 'voice' sounded dreamy, much softer than the other two.

My name's Harry Potter. What's yours?

Enchanted to meet you, Harry. Middle head said politely. My, or our, name is Neonate.

We've never met a Parselmouth before, said Left.

There's so few of your kind around. Right said.

Even less with any manners, muttered Left. Any witch or wizard that can talk to an animal of some kind seems to think they can order them to do anything they want!

The least they could do is ask politely. Middle head added sadly. So rude, most of them.

You mean some wizards can talk to other animals? Harry asked. He'd never considered the possibility before.

Yes indeed, but there aren't very many. These gifts are rare. Some have an infinity with the feathered creatures or those that are cloaked with fur. Those that can commune with those of scales are more of a rarity.

Hagrid looked thrilled that Harry was talking to the Runespoor. Hermione was watching with interest but most of the class looked half impressed, half nervous. Since Parseltongue was associated with Dark magic and Dark wizards, it wasn't surprising that Harry was getting weird looks.

Harry politely informed the Runespoor that he was going to pass him onto a friend. The snake lay placid and quiet as Ron took him gently.

At the end of the lesson, Hagrid took the Runespoor into his cabin and the class left for the castle. Harry headed for the vegetable patch. Ron and Hermione followed.

'Harry, what are you doing?' Hermione asked as he climbed over the fence.

'Snuffles left something here last night,' he said walking among the pumpkins. 'Don't know what though.'

Finding a small mound of disturbed earth, Harry knelt down and started to brush away the loose soil. Ron leaned over the fence for a better look. After only a few moments, Harry's fingertips brushed over something soft. Quickly he cleared away the rest of the dirt and found a small, soft leather bag. Harry slipped it into his school bag and hurried out of the patch.

*

Hermione and Ron went with Harry up to the common room after dinner, keen to see what the bag contained.

'Doesn't feel very heavy.' said Ron weighing it in his hands before passing it back to Harry.

Harry opened the flap at the top, stuck his hand in and drew something out.

'Wow!' Hermione gasped.

Ron gave a low whistle.

It was a beautiful talisman of a delicate Celtic design. The fine intertwining silver strands curving protectively round a black obsidian jewel. Holding it to the light the jewel suddenly appeared to be iridescent, casting little specks of rainbow light onto the walls as the sunlight touched it. It hung on a long fine silver chain.

And it was glowing. Glowing with a soft blue-green light. It felt warm, like it was vibrating slightly.

'There's a note with it.' Hermione tugged a piece of parchment out of the bag.

Dear Harry,

I want you to wear this talisman at ALL times. It harbours a very powerful protection spell which will activate of its own accord should you ever need it. Moony and I picked it up on our way up here from an old friend of ours.

I want you to promise me that you won't take it off for any reason. With Voldemort's return, you are in more danger than most. I know you are more than capable of looking after yourself but we have to take every precaution.

Say hi to Ron and Hermione for me.

Sirius

Obediently and without hesitation Harry put the amulet around his neck and tucked it down the front of his robes.

Suddenly, the amulet no longer felt alive and warm, but cold and sharp, like when an ice cube suddenly touches your bare skin. Harry breathed in sharply in surprise but next moment, the feeling was gone. It didn't even feel like the amulet was there.

Ron raised an eyebrow. 'You okay?'

'Yeah ... I'm fine.' Harry said, forcing nonchalance. 'It's just a bit cold, you know?'

'Good idea of Snuffles to send you that,' Hermione said. 'I'm glad he's much closer this year, I just hope he doesn't get caught.'

'He won't,' said Harry firmly. 'The Ministry won't think to look for him back here. They probably think he's skipped the country, gone to Albania or somewhere.'

'To where You-Know-Who is?' Ron asked nervously.

Harry shook his head.

'No. He's in England. Or was,' he corrected himself.

Hermione shuddered.

'I wonder what's going to happen now,' she whispered as thought the subject warranted it. 'There hasn't been anything in the Daily Prophet.'

'That git of a Minister Fudge is probably keeping it quiet,' sneered Ron.

'No, I don't mean the Dark Lords actual return,' said Hermione. 'I meant nothing as in any attacks or disappearances. No sign of the Dark Mark either.'

'No deaths at all?' Harry ventured.

'None suspicious.' She frowned. 'It's strange.'

'Weird,' agreed Ron. 'The way my parents were going on, you'd think we'd be getting news of a few dozen deaths and reports of torturing every day at least.'

'Like it was when he was in power,' murmured Harry. 'But hasn't anything happened at all? I mean, it's been over a month since ...' he trailed off.

'So, we're thinking what?' Ron asked. 'That he's suddenly decided that he's had enough of world domination plans and immortality? Got bored with the idea? What are the odds of that happening?'

'I meant to ask Remus what was going on but I got kind of distracted.'

'Well, why not use the Map to sneak out-'

'Ron!'

'Oh, come on, Hermione!'

'Harry, you promised Snuffles that you would stay in the castle-'

'If he or Remus weren't around!' Ron butted in. 'There is a reason why they gave Harry the Map back!'

'And they are both in Hogsmeade,' Harry added thoughtfully.

'Harry!' Hermione did a marvellous imitation of Professor McGonagall at that moment causing Harry and Ron both to stop and stare at her.

Then the stern mask slipped. She looked pale and worried. When she spoke, her voice quivered slightly.

'Harry, just because we haven't heard any news of Death Eaters, attacks or torture or anything,' Hermione became very focused on her lap. Her voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible, 'it doesn't make it safe for you to risk leaving the castle. Anything could happen to you.'

Harry looked over at Ron who was giving Hermione a very concerned and worried expression.

'Hermione,' Harry said slowly and softly so only the three of them could hear. 'I know you're scared, we all are. Hogwarts is the safest place any of us could possibly be and I'd have to be an idiot not to realise that but we do need to know what's going on out there.'

Hermione didn't look up.

'So, I'll wait until the Hogsmeade weekend to talk to Sirius and Remus, it'll be safer for all of us.'

Hermione did look up at him at those words. Her eyes were damp but she smiled, relived.

'Good ... that's good ... because ... oh, Harry ... I'd hate to see you get ... hurt.'

'I don't want me to get hurt either!' Harry pulled a bar of chocolate out of his bag. 'Enough of the morbid stuff; who wants chocolate?'

*

October couldn't come quickly enough for Harry's liking.

They had entered their first Potions lesson of the year with a vague feeling of being (dare they admit it?) 'nicer' towards Snape. But clearly whatever cloud had been hanging over Snape at the Welcome Feast had vanished just in time for the first lesson between Gryffindors and Slytherins.

Snape in just as a vindictive mood as ever, taking five points from Gryffindor when Dean spilled a jar of squirrel liver over the desk, five from Lavender for not adding enough loganberry juice to her potion and ten from Harry for sneezing.

'You know inhaling powdered racoon bone is considered hazardous to your health.' Hermione whispered, handing him a tissue as Snape turned to praise Malfoy's potion.

'It'll be hazardous to Snape's health if he keeps this up,' muttered Ron darkly. 'Maybe we could ask Snuffles to sneak in and hex Snape's office shut ... with Snape inside!'

'With a Norwegian Ridgeback for company!' Harry added, crushing the tissue angrily. 'Whaddya think?'

'Best idea you've had all day.'

'What were we thinking?'

'What were you thinking?' Ron demanded, sniggering. 'Since when would Snape appreciate our being 'nice' to him during lessons, even if he did notice?'

'All right! Bad idea, so sue me!'

'You still owe me those Frogs and Quill.'

'I haven't forgotten; you'll just have to wait until Hogsmeade to get them.'

'Shhh!' Hermione hissed at them before twisting back round to her potion just as Snape swept by again. Ron and Harry quickly continued to brew theirs, waiting impatiently for the bell to ring.

Defence Against the Dark Arts wasn't much better. Several lessons on they were still working on Element Barriers and Harry was continuing having trouble with the Air Barrier spell. It wasn't strong enough to deflect even a minor jinx; something Professor Torr was far from impressed with.

'You're holding your wand far too tightly,' she said, frowning as Harry failed to block Ron's Leg Locker curse for the fourth time. 'Loosen your grip and relax. Now, try bringing your wand up faster; use a swift left to right sweep at shoulder height, then follow through with a sharp flick directly at the oncoming curse - like so …'

Professor Torr waved her wand skilfully through the air, rapidly conjuring a vast shimmering barrier spanning the length of the classroom.

Harry watched carefully, turned back to face Ron. He raised his wand.

'No, no, Mr Potter, pay attention.'

Professor Torr stood beside him and brought her wand up in an elaborate sweep. Harry, following her hand with his eyes, mirrored the action as best he could, determined to get it right this time.

Just as he spoke the incantation, however, he faltered in mid-sweep. As a result, the Barrier materialised too far to his right just as Ron cast the Jelly-Legs Jinx at him. The jinx flew straight past the barrier to hit Harry right in the chest. A rubbery sensation shot down through his legs. Wobbling precariously Harry fell against Professor Torr. She managed to grab him before he hit the floor, steadying him.

'Careful, Mr Potter!' She shook her head as she cast the counter-curse, restoring his bendy legs to normal. Ron came over and offered Harry a hand to help him up.

'Sorry, Harry,' he said, pulling Harry to his feet.

'I wouldn't apologise, Mr Weasley,' said Professor Torr, smoothing out her robes. 'It's not your fault if Mr Potter can't at least aim in the right direction. I expect to see a vast improvement between now and next week, Mr Potter.' she added coldly to Harry, who nodded, gripping his wand tightly.

'Yes, Professor,' he said as the bell rang.

Harry didn't move as the rest of the class gathered their books and made for the door. He stayed where he was, watching Professor Torr as she turned away, or rather, at her hand.

She was wearing a ring. A ring of a Celtic design with a small dark stone in the centre.

Just like the talisman.

Harry hadn't taken if off since he'd got it over a week ago. He'd almost forgotten that he had it. Right now though, it felt suddenly ice cold, like when he'd first put it on. Harry shivered.

'Harry? Are you all right?' asked Hermione, coming up behind him.

Professor Torr looked back over her shoulder at them, her violet eyes slightly narrowed in annoyance.

'Is there something wrong, Mr Potter?' she asked testily.

Mutely, Harry shook his head.

'Then get along to your next lesson. I have another class in a few minutes.'

Without a word, Harry turned and left, Ron and Hermione behind him.

*

'Coincidence,' said Hermione loftily. 'I wouldn't worry about it, Harry.'

Harry, Ron and Hermione were sat in a corner of the Gryffindor common room, their Charms homework spread across the table. Harry had filled them both in on Professor Torr's ring and his concern over its similarity with the talisman. Hermione didn't seem worried.

'Are you quite sure it was the same design?' asked Hermione. 'I mean, from a distance it may have appeared to be similar. There's plenty of Celtic style jewellery around, Harry. It's not uncommon to see people wearing it, lots of people like it.'

'I'm sure it's the same.' said Harry forcibly. He reached down the front of his robes and drew out the talisman. Holding it in his hand, it did look remarkably like Professor Torr's ring.

'Harry, you know Snuffles wouldn't send you something that wasn't safe,' said Hermione reassuringly, continuing to write her essay on Camouflage Charms.

'I know that. It's just … after last year …' he trailed off, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Ron and Hermione exchanged a look. Harry hadn't said much about the events of last year. About the Dark Lords return … the death of Cedric Diggory … and the Mad-eye Moody impostor.

'Come on, Harry,' said Ron. 'What are the chances of that happening again, eh? Dumbledore wouldn't hire someone he didn't trust.'

'I guess,' said Harry listlessly.

'Look, if it worries you this much, you can always talk to Siri - I mean, Snuffles, when we go to Hogsmeade next week. If he knows anything about Professor Torr he'll be able to tell you. Okay?'

Harry nodded. He stared at the talisman in his hands, then slowly tucked it away down his robes, out of sight.

'Yeah, you're right.' He sighed, forcing nonchalance. 'It's probably nothing, really. Fancy a game of chess?'

This seemed to satisfy both Ron and Hermione, but, as Harry resigned himself to loosing yet another game to Ron, he just couldn't expel the gnawing sensation of doubt, the talisman lying cold against his chest.

*

To Be Continued

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Please review.

All comments and constructive criticism are appreciated.

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Authors Notes

Hey, lots of people eager to fill me in on Mary-Sues!  Great, I now have a full understanding ^_^  Thanks guys!

Lil Lupin – What?  The doctors won't let you have the bouncy walls?  Hhm, I wonder if they'd object to my having a room mate?  Would you mind sharing?  You have to be a non-smoker, that's my only condition.  (And preferably non-snoring.)

Evil spapple pie – Yes, it's tragic but true; I have never played golf with a toad. ;(    *cues weepy violin music*   

I have come to the conclusion that Mary-Sues are 'perfect', although 'sickening' is more the word I'd use.  *cringes*  They really are worthy of multiple cringes!  *cringe-cringe-cringe*  I read a quote sometime ago ; Nobody is perfect, therefore, to wish to be perfect is to wish to be nobody. 

I'm glad you believe that Professor Torr isn't guilty of Mary-Sue-ness.  ^_^

MorganD – Well, if Professor Torr is a projection of a part of me then I sincerely hope it's only a very tiny part!  She definitely has some flaws and 'weirdness' though (maybe that bit applies to me!).  All characters need strengths and weaknesses about them, otherwise they just don't seem real.  I hope I've developed Professor Torr's character enough this time round.  You'll have to let me know at the end of the fic if it's an improvement or not.

Christy – I've had that problem before; silly rebellious computers.   Haven't had a problem with them for a while now – usually it's just the hassle of getting other people off the computer when I need it! *glares meaningfully at little brother*