Prophesy of the Serpent

Author: Gryphnwng

Rating: ~Pg-13 for now

A Severitus Challenge fiction

Disclaimer: Is Harry Potter mine? Nope. *Shakes head* Is Harry Potter J.K.R's? Yes!! -NO CAN NOT BE TRUE!! HOW DARE YOU QUASH MY HOPES LIKE THAT!!! &runs to Darkest Corner and sobs&-(Feh, Beta, beta, beta, beta! I'm the beta! And I'm.. er.. somewhat hyper? Now, the stories come to me before they go to you! Oh, feel the power!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! second self: Feh, dunt mind her. She wouldn't listen to me when I said she shouldn't go for the extra helpings of sugar. I'm the more sane version of her. When ye see those dash marks, it's one of us ^^)

*Waves*  Hi!  I'm back.  New improved with Beta goodness.  That was her up above. ^_^  Sorry for the long wait, but exams and such come first, loathe as I am to admit that.  –And you call yourself a good and devoted person. :-P- But, since that's taken care of for now, I can write again!  Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed, you are all awesome people!  I'm putting responses and such at the end of this chapter.  A bit of good news on my home front- My fiancé just got his kidney transplant, and is doing awesome!  Yeah!  I was getting a bit stressed before he had the operation.  Stress.  Ug, what an evil thing.  I can't believe Bush, what an utter moronic glory-hounding idiot.  –Feh, I say we flood Iraq and all with a bunch o' stuffed animals or such till they give up. I mean, it'd be fun at first, but after a week or two, I'd be sick of being pounded with stuffed animals! OOH! We could offer them ookies if they surrendered!! Yeah, guess which one of us that was.- Gah.  I wonder if I can work him into this story at all?  Nah, probably not.  I'll just transfer all the antipathy I feel for him onto Cornelius Fudge and Dumbledore.  Yeah, that'll work!  Well, enough from me, I'll let ya onto the reading. ^_^

~la la dum dee do da~  denotes parseltongue

*whoa nelly* denotes thoughts

-You people are going to be so sick of me by the time you finish with this chapter^^ finally, a word of truth! I'll try and justify her each time, but some things just can't be justified. Just for the record, she sucks.-

Chapter 3

Harry felt as though he had barely lain down to sleep in Ron's room when Ron was shaking him awake.

"Hey mate, time to get up, or mum will be up here herself!"  Ron bounced back off the cot Harry had been using, narrowly missing Silestra who had been curled up beneath it.  He looked around, barely able to discern anything in the pre-dawn light.  Silestra hissed, glaring after Ron.

~Noisssy human.  Disssturbing my ressst, how rude.~  She uncoiled, moving up on of the cots supporting posts and onto Harry's arm.  ~Good morning, massster.  Sssleep well?~

Harry smiled, softly stroking his familiar's head with a finger, getting up from the cot.  ~Yesss, thank you.  I hope you did asss well, Ssssilessstra?  Don't let Ron bother you, he isss a morning perssson lately.  I think it'sss becaussse of Hermione.~

~The bussshy haired one, with the feline?~

~Yeah,~  Harry laughed softly at her description.  ~That'sss the one.  They both fancy each other, but won't admit it.~

Silestra gave a small sigh.  Humans.  Such strange creatures.  She doubted she'd ever understand them.  She decided to move to a more comfortable perch around her masters neck while he went about the business of getting ready.  They were going back to Hogwarts today, and she knew that Harry was going to need to concentrate on keeping up his old way of acting.  It was one thing around the Weasleys and his friends, but it would be much harder around the many people at Hogwarts.  She would have to stick close to help him.

As Harry had already finished packing the night before, he merely had to bring his trunk downstairs.  Hedwig had been sent on ahead to the castle.  Taking up one end of the trunk, he slowly dragged it down the stairs, trying not to make too much noise with the thumping.  Apparently he was the first down to breakfast, as Mrs. Weasley was the only one there.  Bustling over, spatula in hand, she gave him a quick embrace and ruffled his hair.

"Morning, dear.  How would you like your eggs, then?"  She smiled fondly down at Harry, having long since adopted him into her clan as a son.

He grinned.  *Kinda nice to be the one on the receiving end, an not making those pigs breakfasts.*   "Um, over-easy, thanks Mrs. Weasley."  She raised an eye at his choice, but went to make them.  He always had liked scrambled before, but peoples tastes do change, she thought to herself.  Perhaps it was the smell of food cooking that finally did it, but the rest of the Weasley clan started drifting in, in ones and twos, the most noted pair being the twins.  Who had decided to come in in the most flamboyant way possible.

"Heads up!"

"No, heads down!"

"Heads somewhere,"

"Cause we're coming through!"

On broomsticks.  Two red-topped streaks went flying down the stairs; nearly bowling over Ginny as they streaked through the kitchen, grabbing a slice of toast each from their startled mum, then back out again.  Closely followed by the shouts of Mrs. Weasley.

"Fred, George, how many times have I told you NO FLYING IN THE HOUSE!" – ((b/n: WHOO! Just got to LOVE Fred and George! No. comment.-))

They landed finally in the living room, wearing identical grins.  "Um…do you prefer times spoken, written, or both?"  Fred winked, and then George chimed in with his own two cents.  "Because if you would like spoken, it was 241 times, written would be 57, and both would be 298."  The rest just watched the little battle-taking place, Ron and Harry having the hardest time not bursting out into laughter.

"Don't get flip with me, my fine boys!  Just remember who it was who changed your nappies when you were small!  It certainly wasn't your father!"  At this, a rather pointed glare was given to Arthur, who at least had the grace to blush.  "And don't think I didn't take any pictures either!  I knew the pair of you would be trouble from day one, so I've plenty of blackmail!."  Arms crossed over her chest, she cowed her two errant offspring with that most personal of threats only a mother could use.  They both visibly gulped, then gave two perfectly innocent smiles.

"We were only practicing…"

"…some new moves, since…"

"…as the newest Gryffindor Quidditch captains…"

"…we've got to stay on top of things."

"So sorry to distress you, mum."

"Yes, quite really.  It won't happen again."

"Promise!"  Mrs. Weasley gave them another stern glare, before motioning them into the kitchen to eat.

Through sheer personality, and no little amount of yelling at the twins, Mrs. Weasley was able to get the entire crew moving out the door in record time. ((-You go Mrs. Weasley!-)) Mr. Weasley had gotten two ministry cars to take the six teens and himself to Kings Cross Station.  He, the twins, and Ginny were in the first, leaving the second to the trio, along with the majority of the luggage.  Harry sat by the window, unusually quiet.  He was thinking, not quite sure if he should tell his friends of his suspicions or not.  He didn't know how they would take his ideas.  The last thing he wanted now was to be an outsider again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Severus Snape, to put it lightly, in a horrible mood.  His peaceful solitude was about to be shattered by a multitude of naïve, spoiled, empty-headed brats, more concerned with their own narrow worlds than with actual learning.  Not that his summer had been at all peaceful, what with Voldemort being back.  He shuddered slightly, remembering some of what had gone on that summer.  Thankfully, the Dark Lord had believed in his loyalty, and had only put him under the Cruciatus curse for a few minutes for not having answered his summons when he had first come back.  His only saving grace was the fact that his abilities as a Potions Master was needed, and only Severus could brew the potions that Voldemort desired.  That and the fact that he was trusted by Dumbledore.

Yet another name to shudder at.  Really, Severus thought, his position was quite precarious.  All that stood between him and Azkaban was Dumbledore, and he knew it.  *Trust the Headmaster to make every use of THAT as possible.  Never mind the fact that he's the reason I joined Voldemort in the first place, to spy on him for the old codger.  If the death eaters catch me, it's death.  Caught by aurors, and again, it is death.  I doubt Dumbledore would bail me again, probably just find some other, younger, gullible poor fool to do the job.*  Yes, he really was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Deep in the solace of his own chambers, he carefully went through his morning rituals, bathing, brushing teeth, and dressing in his dark imposing robes.  Coming to stand in front of his mirror, he regarded his features.  Pale smooth skin stretched over high, sharply defined cheekbones, contrasting with the inky darkness of his eyes.  Thin, arched brows rose over those eyes, lending to the aristocratic air.  His nose, though a bit on the roman side, was in no way hooked or crooked.  Raven locks rested softly against his shoulders, gleaming slightly in the torchlight.  He sighed, placing the facial charms that converted him to the sallow skinned, greasy haired potions master that everyone loved to hate.  In a way, it was necessary, he mused.  It lent to his persona as an evil git, and made it more believable that he was in league with the Dark Lord.  Too bad he hated it.  Preparations finished, he left his chambers, ready to face another term.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Remus Lupin rested his hand on top of his dog, Snuffles, as he stood outside the gates of Hogwarts.  Snuffles whined softly, licking his hand as he looked up at Remus with blue eyes.  (AN: eh, I don't know for sure what color his eyes are when he's snuffles, so I'm gonna keep them the same ^_^) ((-Pink hair!!^^ Love it! It hasn't been a week, has it, Gryphn?-))  It had been a long summer, and they were both weary.  And worried.  Worried about Harry and Voldemort both.  There had been many shocks that summer, not the least of which was the letter from James.  It now seemed that there was an informer in the ministry, a rather highly placed one, that was leaking information to the Dark Lord.  Just who, though, couldn't be determined.  Remus sighed, then look back down at Snuffles.

"Don't worry old friend.  At least we aren't pink anymore!"  James' prank had taken its own sweet time to wear off, leaving the both of them with pink hair (or fur, as the case may be) for slightly longer then a week.  It had only just worn off the day before. Snuffles rolled his eyes and barked, heading for the castle.

"Ok, ok, wait up already!  I'm coming.  I know you are eager to see Harry, but he won't be here for a few more hours, remember?"  Shaking his head, amused, Remus followed the dog into the castle, ready to refamiliarize himself with it.

He arrived in the Great Hall just in time to see Snuffles run at a dark haired man, barking, then suddenly stop, almost skidding into him instead.  Remus laughed softly to himself as he approached Severus.  *Looks like Siri just remembered that Sev isn't the bad guy anymore.  I'll bet he confused.*  Indeed, Snuffles looked like he didn't know whether he should greet the man, or bite him.  He settled for just ignoring him.

Severus looked down at the obviously deranged mutt in front of him, and sneered.  He looked up to find Lupin approaching, eyes dancing with mirth.  *Figures.  Only a mutt this deranged would belong to him.*  He straightened, scowling at the Lycanthrope. (-WHOOO!! BIG WORD!-)

"Lupin.  How…nice… to see you again.  I suppose you have come back for another stab at teaching?"

"Good morning, Severus, it's wonderful to be back.  And yes, I am teaching again this year."

"Lovely."  Severus twisted his thin lips at the news.  Joy of joys, as if his life hadn't already been complete.  Now he had to mix this ex- marauder into it. I suppose you'll be wanting the potion again?"

"Yes, of course.  Thank you, Severus."  Remus inwardly sighed.  He didn't know if Severus would ever be able to change.  He seemed to cold and distant.  As children attending the school, he hadn't seemed so stiff.  He hoped, for both his and Harry's sakes, that Severus wasn't as cold as he acted.

Severus nodded slightly in acknowledgement before continuing on his way, wherever that might be.  Snuffles watched him go, and gave a rather un-dog-like snort.  Remus smiled, patting him on the head again.  "Yeah, I know what you mean.  Well, might as well get this over with.  We have a meeting with Dumbledore to get through.  Now, don't get carried away, ok?"  Snuffles gave him innocent puppy eyes back and trotted off, tail flagged at a jaunty angle.  Remus rolled his eyes, falling into step behind the animagus.  "What have I gotten myself into this time?"  He muttered.  This would prove to be his mantra in the upcoming months.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Hogwarts Express had almost reached its destination, and surprisingly, the trio had not had their visit from Draco yet.  It was rather unnerving, since as per tradition, he was to come around at some point in their journey to insult them.  Harry was almost disappointed.  He had been looking forward to taking out some of his frustration and pent up emotions on the Slytherin.  Mentally shrugging, he continued with his discussion of Quidditch tactics with Ginny.  Once she had gotten over her crush on him, she had started to actually talk to him.  He was surprised to find that she had a very quick mind, and cunning.  Harry figured that if she made the team, he had no trouble seeing her as the next captain after the twins.  Her schemes could rival Wood's.  He noticed that she too seemed a little putout by the lack of the Slytherin's appearance.  He shrugged that off. 

Ron and Hermione had spent most of the trip up speculating on who the new DADA teacher would be, and how incompetent they would act.  It wasn't until they were getting into the carriages for the ride up to the castle that the group finally spotted Draco.  For once his goon squad didn't flank him.  He walked past their carriage without even noticing them, and boarded an empty one.  The group looked at each other, surprised.  Ron especially couldn't figure it out.  He sat in his seat, mouth hanging open, moving only when the lurching motion of the carriage starting threw him to the floor.  Why was Draco ignoring them, and why was he alone?  That seemed to be the question on everyone's mind.

Harry frowned, trying to figure out the puzzle, before giving it up for the nonce.  He'd just have to wait and see what happened.  Let Draco have the first move.

Walking through the gates into the Great Hall, Harry felt a sense of homecoming.  It was different this year, though.  He wasn't the same naïve little boy anymore.  His trust had been abused once, and he wouldn't let that happen again.  Surrounded by the warmth of his friends, he led the way to the Gryffindor table, his new, longer stride moving him with a stalking grace that only one other could ever manage.

At the Head Table, four pairs of eyes watched the young man walk across the floor.

One pair, a twinkling blue, calculated what could have caused this change of attitude, and how it might serve him.

A second pair, deep amber/brown, regarded the young man with something akin to respect, and worry.  Respect for this new found strength in the boy he remembered, and worry for the trials he faced ahead.

A third gazed from under the table from a dog, happiness and joy reflected in seeing his Godson.

A fourth, obsidian black, were merely confused.  Where had the annoying brat gone?  Where had this young man come from?

Authors note:  Hi everyone, I'm not dead yet!  *grins*  Things have been getting a bit stressed, but I did update finally.   Joy! 

Review responses:

Madee:  I hope I answered your question!

Alana:  Thanks, though I'm not sure where she came from.  ^_^  I'll try not- it should be pretty straightforward.

Kateri:  Thanks!  I look forward to writing it too, it should be veeeeery funny in parts, lol

HuntressAngel:  Glad you like her name, it's so hard to come up with good ones sometimes…  Hmmm…what an interesting idea….*grins*

Rickman's Girl:  You'll see!  I like Dumbledore like that, he's fun to play with, lol.  I did read Tools, thought it was pretty good too.  Sorry this chapter is short, the next will be much longer I'm sure.

Myk: Me?  Well thought out plan??  *laughs hysterically*  No, not really, this is just coming off my head for the main part, lol.  I LOVE your story!!  And I thought you were the one who had a well thought out plan  ^_^  It's so well written.  

Tanya Dinocrisis01:  Um, thank you!

Kalor:  *Gulps*  I'm writing!

t.a.g:  GAHHH!!! So THAT'S how you spell it!!!  I tried I don't know how many times to spell it, but my computer get insisting it wasn't a word.  *growls*  Oh well.  I knew the name, but not the spelling, so now I be happy!  And yes, I shortened the ~*~* ^_^  Hope that helps. 

Tima:  *Grins*  Gotta love snakes ^_^

NotQuiteFamous:  There are actually quite a few stories picturing Dumbledore as a schemer.  Try Changing Ideals by Myk.  It's and awesome example.

Sparrow:  Thanks!  Not to sure on the old man, we'll see ^_^

Kouryou Sanomi:  Most DEFFINETLY Father/Son relationship.  I don't mind slash, but I don't do incest.  Gah….^^

Kaat Shadowlover:  Yes, thanks.  My computer insisted it wasn't a word, and I can't spell my way out of a paper bag, so…*shrugs*  Glad you enjoyed his letter so much.  The meeting should have its own funny moments too.  ^_^  -psst… I am proof she can't spell ;) Feh, &pats Gryphn& ahm jest mean^^  Yes, yes you are Kit!  *grins*

Lady Lightning:  ^_^  Thanks for reviewing!

Xikum:  I had pretty much the same idea while writing that part too.  Basically, he always was like that, it just took the Dursleys to let that part of him free.  And I LOVE Bill.  *giggles* 

Momma-dar:  Thankies!

Dreams of Magic:  I'm typing away as much as possible ^_^

Gusha:  Dang!  I love all these wonderful reviews!  Got the confusion over the Ankh cleared, I added the spelling to my comps dictionary.  Oi.  Stupid computer, confusing me.  Gah.  I love Bill too, and Charlie.  Something 'bout them older Weasleys, lol.  You'll see more manipulating on Harry's part. ^_^

Sk8reagle:  I agree!  I want one… *pouts*

Kitty:  *blinks*  Wow, that's a lot of pleases!  Probably not, but you'll see ^_^

Pyra:  Hey, don't dent the desk!

Lirael:  Yeah, we could use more people like the book version of Dumbledore in this world.  Sigh.  And as for your challenge, I deffinetly think I can!  In fact…*grins wickedly* It shall happen soon…..

Opaque:  Sure do ^_^  Love them snakes, even though I'm a Ravenclaw meself, lol. 

All these reviews!  And not a single flame?  Man, you people are spoiling me!  I love you all!  Big huggles and a cookie to the 50th reviewer!  Meh, so tired.  Why must inspiration strike at 4am in the morning??  Keep reviewing and telling me what you love/hate!  Tis the fuel that keeps me going ^_^

-Feh, and I save this piece from horrible grammar and spelling!! Whee!! XD, not really. T'wasn't that bad^^ Well, I hope yeh didn't mind my non-necessant chatter^^ -Kit

~*~Gryphnwng~*~