Web of Illusions: Chapter 3
Serpent's Counsel
By Davita
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and associates belong to JK Rowling. I own the plotline, the writing, and various unimportant original characters.
Author's Note: First of all, I would like to clarify a few points that have been called into question in reviews.
--to aztngr01: The snake from the end of the last chapter was not real; it was merely a magical being that Harry had called into existence. You might think of it as the dark counterpart of a Patronus.
--to gingerstar and Fox890: If there is any slash, it will most certainly not be anytime soon…I've only planned up to the end of first year, and I can guarantee that thus far the story contains no slash. If I have the patience and resolve to continue the saga into the upper years at Hogwarts, then we'll see. Also, as always my reviewers go a long way towards shaping the story, and the storyline as well as any relationships depend on your input. I hope this helps clear up the issue.
--to rayvern: It may be a bit longer before Harry enters Hogwarts; as the summary claims, this is AU, and Harry needs some time to grow into his character.
Well, I think that covers it. Hope you enjoy the new installment!
Harry soon found out that life in the circus was no vacation. He was expected to assist in every endeavor, including catering to the more experienced performers, behind-the-scenes preparations, and passing out programs to members of the audience. As far as Harry could see, the more useful he made himself and the more indispensable his services, the harder it would be for Mr. Varekai to let him go. And despite the hard work involved, Harry did want to stay—life as part of the company afforded him an amount of freedom that was addictive. So Harry labored silently and without complaint, hoping that his input would not go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, he practiced his magic, which was slowly but consistently improving. Although the only magic that he could consciously do was summon his snake-guardian, each time he could hold onto the illusion longer before it disappeared. Hopefully, it would suffice, since Harry didn't know exactly how many tricks were expected of him. His first performance would be Thursday afternoon, which left him two days to perfect his staging.
Tuesday evening, after an exhausting day under the Big Top, Harry sank into his makeshift bed and willed himself into the memory-trance that allowed his magic to surface. Perhaps it was his exhaustion that made him careless—in any case, when he finally escaped the dungeon where he hid his most fearful demons and surged back into reality, he was confronted not only with the Snake (sometime in the past couple of days it had grown to a capital S) but also with Ariel the Clown's round face and wide eyes.
Stifling a gasp, Harry immediately let go of his magic, banishing the snake back into himself. Then, trembling, he slowly stood up, avoiding Ariel's gaze. He knew that she had seen—she had been staring right at the snake, after all—but then, he had a legitimate excuse for once, didn't he? He was a magician—that was what he did…right?
"Dearie, you look kind of wiped out," Ariel said with concern. "Are you cold? You're shivering all over."
"No, thank you, I'm fine," Harry said hastily.
"Well, if you're sure." And with that, Ariel unhurriedly sashayed back to her side of the trailer.
Harry gaped at her, wondering how he got off the hook so easily. Maybe these people were just so used to magic that it no longer came as a surprise, wasn't even something of interest.
But days of uncertainty had taken their toll on Harry, and he hesitated, wanting to know whether he was doing okay. Would the audience, and more importantly, would Mr. Varekai like his snake? Ariel would know. Ariel was nice, even motherly (insofar as Harry knew what that meant), and she would tell him the truth.
"Ariel," Harry started timidly, arresting her attention, "Did—er, will the snake be okay? For the show, I mean?"
Ariel gave him an odd look. "What snake?...Harry, are you sure you're okay?"
"The—the snake—you know, the one with me when you first came in…" Harry trailed off. Maybe she hadn't seen it. Maybe she just wasn't paying attention. But no, snakes were the kind of creatures that grabbed your attention, whether you wanted it or not—and she had been looking straight at it…
"Harry, I don't think there was a snake—I mean, if there had been, I'm sure I would have noticed it. Snakes aren't the kind of thing that one misses, if you know what I mean." She laughed nervously. "Now, what would you be doing playing with snakes anyway? Here, I'll make you a good cup of tea. You've been real busy today—I noticed, no wonder you're tired. You just get a good rest, okay?" She stopped to tousle Harry's ever-messy hair, before moving to the kitchenette, leaving Harry's head spinning with questions.
How had Ariel missed the Snake? She had no reason to lie to him. Either she was frightfully inobservant or verging on blind…or it simply wasn't visible to her. Which brought up a whole new set of issues.
Maybe the Snake would know, Harry thought suddenly. As of yet he hadn't tried to communicate, content merely to see and feel it and to hear its vague hissing. Since its first appearance, the Snake hadn't said anything, either. Maybe it's waiting for me to make the first move. That made sense.
"Harry, your tea's ready," Ariel called, startling him out of his reverie. He moved over to the counter where his steaming mug was waiting. I'm running out of time, Harry realized. I can't wait till tomorrow to get my answers. I'll have to try again tonight, no matter how tired I am.
Consequently, late that night saw Harry Potter sitting cross-legged on his bed with his eyes closed, biting his lip for all he was worth. The Snake came more quickly this time, although Harry wasn't sure whether that was because his magic was easier to summon or because he growing more apt at submerging himself in his memories. The thought wasn't altogether pleasant. Harry shifted his attention to the Snake.
"Hello," he whispered.
The Snake eyed him silently.
"What are you? Why didn't Ariel see you?" Harry blurted out.
"Ariel?"
"The lady from earlier. She lives here, too."
"I remember." A pause. "Harry, I am a magical being. Not every common person can see me. Only a select few. You happen to be one of them—even were you not my creator, you could still detect my presence."
"But--then I can't possibly use you in my act!" Harry cried, aghast.
The Snake curved its mouth in what Harry interpreted as the serpentine equivalent of a thin smile. "Harry, you were made for greater things than a second-rate circus." Its hiss was heavy with scorn. "I could teach you magic that would make the tricks here seem like the child's play they are."
Harry's eyes widened. "You can teach me?" he whispered hoarsely.
For the first time, the Snake seemed reluctant to respond, but after a moment it had apparently overcome its qualms. "Your magic is tightly bound to your emotions. It hides behind them. When you lose control of your emotions, your magic may peer out, show itself for just an instant. But in order for you to reach your full potential as a wizard, you must extricate it and tame it to your will, to stand at your beck and call."
For a moment, Harry searched for that indescribable presence—his magic—that he instinctively felt should be there. But where was it? "I can't," Harry muttered. He opened his eyes. "I don't have magic—it comes and goes, but it's not mine."
"And that, my young friend, is the problem," the Snake informed him. "One that is not easy to fix, I'm afraid. But let me see if I can help. I have a gift, one that hopefully can aid you in dealing with your power…Close your eyes."
Harry obeyed; his own instinct had always told him that magic was closer when perceptions of reality had dimmed. He felt as the Snake coiled around his neck, slithered up his skull, pausing only to bestow a flickering kiss on each sealed eyelid. When Harry opened his eyes again, the Snake had disappeared.
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