Parseltounge

"Speech"

Thoughts/Telepathy

/flashback/

CHAPTER 6

QUESTIONS?

Albus Dumbledore helped the shaking Madame Hooch to sit down in his office. He handed her tea, gently laced with calming potion, as she tried to get her bearings. After a few sips she visibly relaxed. Albus left her sitting, with the tea clutched tightly, as he sat back in his desk chair.

"Now Henrietta please tell me what caused you such distress," Albus commanded softly.

"It was Riddle and Potter..." she paused biting her lip.

"What happened?" asked Albus with comfort and kindness.

Henrietta Hooch took a deep breath and a sip of tea before she spoke. "Mr. Longbottom made a classic first year mistake by kicking off early and promptly loosing control of his broom. When the broom knocked him off everything became strange. He was suspended in the air while Mr. Potter flew up and rescued him. Mr. Potter brought Mr. Longbottom to the ground and as I was about to chastise him he screamed Ms. Riddle's name. He ran to her as Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Zabini caught her. At first I thought she'd simply fainted. He started asking questions and she hissed the answers. I may have been too far away, but it didn't sound like English, it sounded like Parseltounge. She screamed and I tried to take control, only to have Mr. Potter tell me to butt out. That was when the Dementor arrived. Ms. Riddle drank its blood and then hugged the vile thing! How could she?! What the hell is going on Albus?!

"I don't know... I only ask that you keep what you saw to yourself until after I question Ms. Riddle."

She nodded, finished her tea, and then left. Albus stood and went in search of Severus Snape.

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In professor Snape's office Marcus Flint smirked victoriously, "Thank you Professor Snape, I guarantee you will not be disappointed."

"You had better be certain and we had better win. I've become used to holding the House Cup," replied Severus.

"Yes Sir," Marcus stood and gave a respectful nod before striding back into the maze of corridors known as the dungeons.

Severus rubbed his temples after Mr. Flint left. He couldn't believe he was going to allow a first year onto the quidditch team, but Marcus said Potter was a natural. The seventh year was certain Potter would make an excellent seeker and give Slytherin far greater leads than Higgs ever could. A knock interrupted his musings and before he responded it opened to reveal a smiling Albus Dumbledore. Severus scowled at the old headmaster and said, "Just the wizard I wanted to see."

"Really, and why is that my boy?" asked Albus entirely too cheerfully.

"Marcus Flint, the captain of the Slytherin quidditch team, asked me to allow a first year to try out for the reserve seeker position. I agreed to ask you for special permission for the student to have his own broom in spite of the rule against first years having their own brooms."

Albus raised an eyebrow, "And who is he suggesting?"
"Mr. Potter," the name was said with loathing, remembered hatred for the father leaking through his mask.

Albus beamed brightly at the sour potions master, "Well, Mr. Potter did save a fellow student today, so I will grant special permission for him to have his own broom."

"I was not aware that he saved anyone, who did he help?"

"Mr. Longbottom," replied Albus and was rewarded by a scowl of disapproval from Severus. "But I had another reason for coming to see you," continued the headmaster, "I need you to escort Ms. Riddle to my office after dinner. If Mr. Potter insists he may come as well."

"Why do you need to see Ms. Riddle?"

"Something unusual happened out on the pitch this morning and I need to ask her a few questions."

"I see... will I be allowed to stay during the questioning?" He felt his protectiveness toward his Slytherins rise within him.

"Of course, as her head of house you need to know what is happening in her life."

"Then I will see you at dinner and escort Ms. Riddle to your office afterward."

"Thank you," Albus stood then and left Severus' office.

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Harry sat beside Kira in the Slytherin common room. Draco and Blaise had used the map to get lunch from the kitchens and the quartet ate their food peacefully. At the moment Draco and Blaise rested against the couch reading quietly while Harry and Kira spoke with their mother using a small mirror and their telepathy. Bulstrode had told Kira and Harry that Neville had said thanks. They thanked her for relaying the message and told her to let the rest of the house know that the Dark Heiress needed their support in the coming days.

The information spread like wild fire throughout the serpent house. The quartet was mostly left in peace while they relaxed before potions. At 1:30 Blaise helped Kira to the girls' dorm so she could nap the afternoon away. Then the rest of the quartet headed out to potions class.

Blaise, Draco, and Harry arrived outside the classroom and immediately were taunted by Weasley. "What kind of monsters consort with Dementors?"

Harry simply looked at Ron as the other Gryffindors shifted uneasily. "If your pea-brain can't figure it out I'm not going to enlighten you."

Weasley's face burned with anger and as he moved to retaliate Professor Snape silkily said, "Fifteen points, Mr. Weasley for attempting to start a fight. Now everyone get inside." Ron flushed with embarrassment and shuffled in with the rest of the class. Hermione paired up with Neville in the heart of snake territory, since Kira wasn't there.

Professor Snape noticed a missing serpent. "Where is Ms. Riddle?" he asked delicately while meeting Harry's emerald green eyes. He has her eyes.

"She's not feeling well, sir," replied Harry. Severus nodded and began class. He told Harry to stay after class for a few minutes once class had begun working on the potion. Mr. Longbottom once again managed to not blow up his cauldron; apparently Ms. Granger was as good at keeping his natural clumsiness in line as Ms. Riddle was. Seamus Finnigan however melted his and Alice Abercrombie's cauldron. Severus used that as an opportunity to remove twenty more points and issued detentions with Filch.

As the class filed out Harry walked up to Professor Snape's desk, "Professor?"

"Yes... Mr. Potter I have two things to tell you. First, please inform Ms. Riddle that I will be escorting her to Professor Dumbledore's office after dinner." Harry pursed his lips in response but nodded. "Second, you are to report to the Quidditch pitch Sunday at two for team tryouts. That is all, dismissed." He then ignored the first year as Harry left.

Harry joined Blaise and Draco outside the classroom. He saw Hermione and Neville standing nearby and smirked at them. They smiled tentatively back and walked over to the quartet. "What did Professor Snape want?" asked Hermione.

"He told me Dumbledore wants to see Kira after dinner and that I am to try out for the quidditch team."

"That's fantastic," said Draco. As Harry glanced at him, he continued, "The quidditch team tryout not the stuff about Dumbledork and Kira."

Harry nodded, "I know, and I hope I do make the team."

Neville said, "I'm sure you will. And thank you again for what you did earlier."

Harry gave a real smile and said, "Don't worry about it; that is what friends do for one another. Now why don't we go somewhere and review for charms." The other four students agreed and went to the library until shortly before charms class. Harry told Professor Flitwick that Kira was ill as they entered the classroom. Hermione joined the Slytherin side of the room as per usual class period.

The three Serpents headed back to their common room after charms. Harry telepathically warned Kira of what Albus wanted. Blaise went to the girls' dorm to help Kira out to the common room. When she entered Harry noticed her paleness and weak magical aura. He could tell that the potions they had did not stabilize her completely. She would need fresher threshold potions to recover completely.

Kira was dressed in her darkest ebony hooded cloak and wearing a silver pendant. She walked with inner strength and dignity. The light glinted off of the sapphire eyes of her pendant. When Harry saw the pendant he ran to the boys' dorm to fetch his match of the pendant. Blaise and Draco noticed the gifts the heirs had received from Voldemort this past July. The two pendants were identical except for material and eye gemstones. They were skulls, each with a dagger through the top running down through the jaw, a cobra coiled around the dagger so that its body was visible through the open mouth and its tail curving away from the dagger. Harry's pendant was goblin white-gold with emerald eyes; Kira's was elven silver with sapphire eyes.

Blaise and Draco knew that the heirs felt threatened because the pendants were enchanted with every protection spell known and a few parsel-protection spells that weren't known. The quartet headed up to the Great Hall for dinner after Harry put his pendant on and tucked it inside his robe. The whispers started as they entered. Three tables were alive with voices and pointing fingers. The Slytherin table simply scowled at the other three tables and made room for the quartet in the center to show their support of the heirs.

The youngest Weasley yelled out, "Hey, I thought we didn't allow Demented monsters inside Hogwarts." Mutters of agreement and Ron's smirk at his own cleverness were the responses to his inane comment.

"Shut up Weasel!" was Neville Longbottom's angered response. There were a few gasps of surprise; no Gryffindor had ever called a Weasley weasel before. He stood up, as did Hermione, and walked over to the quartet as they sat at the Slytherin table. The rest of the serpents moved enough for both lions to sit if they chose. Neville stood next to Kira as Hermione sat down next to the dark heiress. "I'm sure Harry told you, but I wanted to say it in person, thank you Kira, for whatever you did to save me earlier."

Kira smiled with her eyes as a small curve graced her pale lips. "You're welcome Neville."

Neville blushed, "thanks, and I'm sorry."

"For what?" asked Kira. The hall had quieted so that the entire Hall could hear them.

"For how everyone is reacting," he replied.

A smirk moved to dominate her lips as she said, "You have no control over the other students. Their own narrow minded stupidity is not your fault."

Neville shook his head, "But if you hadn't helped me..."

"Don't!" she commanded with a voice the broached no alternative but to comply. "Do not say I should not have helped you. Even knowing the consequences, I would exhaust my magic to protect you again."

"Why?" Neville asked in a small voice. The entire hall would hear her response. The teachers were paying particular attention to the conversation without seeming to.

Kira knew everyone would hear her answer. She decided to answer truthfully and let the Hall try to figure out what she left out. /The brown pigtails were in disarray as the seven year old girl threw herself on Kira. Her sweet hazel eyes looked up with tears as she cried, "I know you can help him. Jack's gang is beating him. Please." The girl, younger by three years sobbed./ Kira pushed the memory aside and answered, "You remind me of Brandon. I failed to protect him; I refuse to fail in protecting another with such a pure soul."

Harry sent his understanding and love to Kira. /Her long ebony hair hid her face. He could hear her sobs. He couldn't remember ever hearing this type of heart wrenching sobs from her before. She was holding another girl, Lenora, whose brown hair was loose from her pigtails. The other girl was crying too. He only held in his tears because he knew he had to be the strong one. The coroner was bagging the body of their dear friend. A boy whose only crime was standing up to the local teen gang and protecting his little sister, Brandon was dead./

The Hall was so silent that is was a tangible presence. Neville blushed brighter and quickly sat down beside Hermione so that the bushy haired witch was between him and Kira. That seemed to be the signal and everyone began to eat. Harry met Kira's eyes and sent to her I see what you see in him. He is just like Brandon and I will help you protect him. This time there will be no revenge because no one will harm him.

Kira nodded to him Thanks. /Harry was beside her as they walked down the dark path near the creek. Each heir carried their familiar. Harry's red black and yellow coral snake was wrapped gently around his neck. Kira's green-bronze cottonmouth was curled around her left forearm. They heard the sounds of Jack Paddlington's gang ahead of them. Together they focused their parsel-magic and immobilized the five teenagers. Revenge was most satisfying./

Severus walked over to the table as dinner ended. Kira nodded to him before he could say a word. She stood and as she took a step toward him she began to collapse. Harry caught her before Severus could more than move a few inches. The raven haired lad starred defiantly up at his head of house and said, "I'm going with her."

Severus raised an eyebrow. He reminds me of Lily when he does that. "This way then," was his soft response before turning to stalk from the Hall. The two first years followed as quickly as they could. Kira was leaning heavily on Harry as they walked to the headmaster's office. Severus slowed down so as not to overstrain Kira. He was worried for her; the only thing he knew that could make a person look that worn in such a short time was the Crucio curse. If something like that had happened he was in trouble. He easily remembered the letter he had received September first as he entered his room that evening...

/ Severus was still wondering about everything that had taken place that evening. Albus' actions concerned him, but he was quickly distracted from his musing as he noticed his unusual visitor. There was a very large raven perched on his favorite chair. The raven was a beautiful specimen with silver tipped ebony wings and eyes that seemed dark green in the flickering firelight. The magnificent bird carried a letter, tied lightly around its leg. Severus could easily see the Dark Mark burned into the letter's waxen seal.

The former Death Eater, spy for the light, professor at Hogwarts cautiously approached the large avian. When he was within an arm's distance the bird lifted its leg toward him. He carefully untied the letter and as soon as the letter was free of its leg, the raven flew toward the fireplace and shot up the chimney faster than lightening. Severus sat down at his table and cautiously broke the seal. He unfolded the letter and began to read.

:To My "Most Loyal" Severus,

By the time you read this letter you will have seen my daughter sorted into your house. You will have also seen the "famous" Harry Potter. They are my heirs. Your loyalty, and therefore your life, is in questionable standing. Protect my heirs and your loyalty to me is proven once again. Fail to keep them safe until graduation and your life is forfeit. I do not tolerate traitors or failure.

Lord Voldemort:

Severus gave the password to the Gargoyle and it hopped aside. He stepped onto the moving staircase with Harry Potter and Kira Riddle just behind him. He knocked on the door and entered after hearing Albus' command to enter. The office was as the heirs remembered it to be, eclectically cluttered. The headmaster stood behind his desk while the pleasantly plump Madame Pomfrey sat comfortably to the right of it. The painfully thin, stuttering moron known as Professor Quirrell stood to the left of the desk, wearing his ridiculous turban and looking very uncomfortable.

Severus scowled at the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He prayed to every god he could think of that Professor Pettigrew would resume her post soon, but he knew she probably wouldn't return until her youngest was at Hogwarts. There were times Severus felt her husband, Peter, would be a far more effective Defense teacher than Quirrell was. I can't believe I compliment the weakest marauder whenever I deal with Quirrell.

Harry and Kira glanced at the two unexpected guests. Sis, are you sure you're strong enough for this?

Yes, her response was quiet yet firm within his mind, But we need to remove Quirrell from this equation. I haven't trusted him since that day...

I know, and I will help you convince Dumbledork to get rid of him.

"Please sit down Ms. Riddle, Mr. Potter. Thank you for bringing them Severus. Would anyone care for a lemon drop or some tea?"

Harry and Kira sank into the chair across from the elderly headmaster. They declined the sweets, as did everyone. They also refused the tea, though Madame Pomfrey took a cup. Harry wanted to strangle Dumbledore because both he and Kira could see the faint aura of Veritaserum in the teas they were offered. Albus smiled as he sat down, but Harry could feel, though the newly strengthened empathy Kira was sharing with him, the anger brewing beneath his calm exterior. Both of the heirs felt his wand-less magic pressing on their mental shields. They responded by pushing it back away from them and subsequently away from Severus as well.

Albus barely held the angry sneer off his face as he saw the pendant around young Kira's neck. He could feel its protection spells. He knew he would have to find a way to get it away from her before he could move to use her against Voldemort. The closeness between her and Harry was a thing of concern, but he was sure that separating them would go a long way toward weaning Potter back into the light. He plastered a smile on his face and said, "Thank you for coming Ms. Riddle." She inclined her head toward him, but did not speak. Albus wanted to throttle her arrogance out of her, but instead said, "I asked you here to discuss what happened on the pitch this morning."

"Why are they here?" interrupted Harry in a cold angry voice as he glared at Quirrell.

"Madam Pomfrey is here to make sure that Ms. Riddle is medically alright and Professor Quirrell is here to check that there are no lingering effects from the Dementor. And also help explain why the Dementor showed up inside Hogwarts' wards at all."

Quirrell stuttered, "Y...ye...yes, th...tha...that is w...why I...I'm h...h...here. A...as y...y...you kn...know d...de...demen...dementors a...are v...v...vile th...things th...th...that f...fr...free...freeze y...your s...soul."

Kira looked at him coldly and accessed her newest power. She pulled his warmth and happiness, chilling the core of his being, as she said, "I am the daughter of the Dark Lord. Who says I have a soul?" She pulled back her new power and smiled darkly at the quaking man. His fear was tangent and real for the first time since she's met him, not faked as it usually was. "I will not speak further while Professor Quirrell is in the room," Kira said as she turned to lock eyes with Dumbledore.

Quirrell had felt his insides grow cold as the girl locked eyes with him. His lord and master was right, Riddle was in fact You-Know-Who's original name. Quirrell knew he would have to find a way to rid his master of Riddle and Potter as soon as he could. He only hoped he'd catch them by surprise because he knew eyes like Riddle's... the eyes of someone who was unafraid to kill.

Albus didn't let his anger at Kira's insolence show. He said in his most superior tone, "You can not dictate which Professors I involve in your questioning, Ms. Riddle." The twinkle was gone from his eyes.

Severus couldn't believe he was seeing Albus like this. His old mentor and confidant had become a stranger to him. The man attempting to intimidate an eleven year old girl was not the same man he remembered crying to all those years ago. Why was Albus acting this way? Surely the old man was cracking under the strain... right?

Kira looked at him with a black expression does he really think I'm that uninformed? And said, "Actually, Headmaster, unless this is a formal expulsion hearing, which requires the presence of all four house heads and three representatives from the school board, I can dictate who is present."

A strangely superior and cruel smile graced Albus' lips; Severus felt a cold in the pit of his stomach in response to that smile. "And how do you figure that, Ms. Riddle?" Albus asked in a voice as cold as Kira's had been when speaking to Quirrell.

Harry felt himself burning with anger at Dumbledore. He wanted nothing more than to have Cornelius bite the bastard starring down his sister. He also felt her power and anger coiling, much as a snake prepares to strike. He squeezed her hand and sent Stay Calm sis.

I am calm was Kira's response. She deadpanned her voice and let it quiver in the air as she said, "Easy, according to the Hogwarts' Charter rewrite of 1965 section thirty nine subsection M 'No student shall be asked questions of a private nature by any Professor other than their head of house or the headmaster. Furthermore no professor shall be given access to said private information other than those already stated. In the event that the head of house or headmaster feels another professor is needed to resolve problems of a private nature, the additional professor must be one the student approves of.'"

Albus Dumbledore narrowed his eyes in badly concealed anger, "Well then Ms. Riddle, I need an expert on the Dark Arts to be present. Who would you accept in Professor Quirrell's stead?"

"Since there is no other exclusive expert on the Dark Arts, I request someone who has a strong overall grasp of most subjects. I think Professor Flitwick would be more than suitable." Although I do think Professor Snape probably knows more than even you about the dark arts. He is a Death Eater after all.

Albus nodded slightly. Filius was loyal to him, not as malleable as Quirrell, but never the less someone he could manipulate later. He turned to the stuttering man and said, "Professor Quirrell, thank you for coming, but you may go now." Quirrell left after nodding slightly. Albus then summoned a house elf to fetch the head of Ravenclaw house. After the little elf vanished again, Albus looked back at Kira and said, "I don't suppose you have some rule or other that prevents Madam Pomfrey from examining your health, do you?"

Kira, Harry, and Severus wanted to shut up Dumbledore then quite a bit. He had butchered the suave Malfoy-like tones so that they sounded grotesque to ears so used to hearing Lucius and Draco speak. "There is no rule preventing the resident mediwitch from examining me. However, she will have to wait until this nonsense is over and I'm in the infirmary. There are privacy rules within the Charter." She gave a slight smile to the mediwitch, telling the woman without words that she would give the older lady no problems during the examination.

Severus was amazed by Kira Riddle's ability to enrage Albus Dumbledore. He had never known another capable of riling the Headmaster up as much as she was. He was also impressed by her intense knowledge of the Charter. He marveled at her ability to read the truth of Filius Flitwick, no student would believe the skill level the shorter man possessed in duels. Severus kept his impassive mask in place and waited silently with the other occupants of the room.

Harry took the waiting time to prepare for anything. He carefully began to add layers to his mind shield. He noticed Kira was doing the same and as he looked at her with mystic sight became slightly concerned. Her shield was much weaker than his and normally their shields were about equal. He squeezed the hand he was still holding and sent energy to her through their link. Thank you, her voice resounded within his mind.

A quiet knock sounded on the door and Albus said, "Come in Filius." The door swung open and the incredibly short man entered the office. He glanced at everyone in the room as he closed the door.

He took a few steps into the room and looked at Albus, "Why did you wish to see me Albus?"

"I am questioning Ms. Riddle and needed an expert on the dark arts," the old headmaster replied.

"Wouldn't Professor Quirrell have been a better choice? He is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher after all." Severus and the heirs had to fight their smirks at the back-handed compliment.

"Yes, however Ms. Riddle does not wish him to know whatever is said in here tonight and because of privacy rules within the school Charter, she was allowed to determine who could be here. She thought you would be an adequate substitute dark arts expert and I agreed."

Filius looked at the girl he thought misplaced by the sorting hat and saw she had a faint smile for him. He noticed then just how pale she was. He was no longer surprised that she skipped classes that afternoon. He had heard some of the rumors concerning the first year flying lesson and by her appearance he was willing to believe some of what he had heard. He glanced back at Albus and said, "Alright, I'll sit in for the questioning and offer my expert insights."

Albus nodded but before he could speak an oversized Raven flew out of his fireplace. All eyes watched as it swooped up and away from Albus before diving down to Harry and Kira. Harry held up an arm and the large bird landed on the proffered arm. The silver tipped wings fluttered slightly as it settled down. The Raven had two letters and a small packet tied to it.

"Hello Ann," said Harry. He petted her as Kira untied her three burdens. Ann chirruped at Harry and then cocked her head toward Kira. Kira gave Ann a smile before looking at the two letters. Both letters bore the Dark Mark on their waxen seals. One was addressed to Albus the other was to Kira. The packet had parsel-writing, it read shrunken threshold potions.

Kira said, "This one is for you, headmaster." She tossed it lightly to his desk as she stuffed her letter into her pocket. Ann move over to Harry's shoulder, the one near Kira and chirped quietly at the pale girl.

Albus scowled at the letter and did not touch it. "Do you expect me to touch something that is clearly a trap of Voldemort's?"

Kira shrugged and Harry rolled his eyes. It was all Severus could do not to roll his eyes as well. Harry then reached out and plucked the letter from Albus' desk and said, "I'll read it out loud since you're afraid to touch it, sir." Harry broke the seal and unfolded the parchment before Albus could react to the young boy. Nothing happened. Harry began to read;

": Albus

Greetings my 'dear old' transfigurations teacher. (Harry was using vocal inflections that would make Voldemort proud. Kira kept herself from smiling at the sound.) I am writing to you because I am certain you plan on harassing my daughter even more than you harassed Harry. Yes I am aware of your attempt to 'intimidate' my location out of Harry and I am highly disappointed. I didn't think you would sink lower than I when you attempted to obtain your information. However I digress from the matter at hand.

I am aware of what my daughter did on the quidditch pitch this morning. I understand that she over extended her powers to protect a foolish Gryffindor (Kira frowned) and that she caused a trigger event to occur by doing so. If the Dementor hadn't shown up I assure you I would be there in person looking after my dark heiress. Seeing as the Dementor did show up and give Kira what she needed to begin stabilization of her magic, I will not be arriving anytime soon at the school. However I have sent her fresh threshold potions, they are shrunken in the small packet that arrived with this letter. I expect her to be allowed to take these potions without interference from either you or the esteemed Poppy.

At this point I am certain you wonder what a trigger event is and why Kira experienced one. As you know, I have undergone numerous magical transformations. Those transformations allowed me to survive a reflected killing curse and granted me incredible powers. They also affected my blood in a powerful way. They created energy which was passed to my daughter so that she undergoes the very same transformations without needing to seek out the old places of power. These adjustments to her magic are known as trigger events because they are triggered by extreme magical stress. Stress such as what happened this morning when she exhausted her magical reserves to help the Gryffindor.

Unlike my transformations, Kira's are not controlled by ritual. Because of this she needs various potions and other things to pass through the transformation unharmed. My wife and I have found over the years that Kira needs various creatures' blood, tears, and sometimes venom immediately after the transformation is triggered. The creature that has what we need usually shows up without us calling for it. They seem to know when Kira requires them and what she needs from them. This combined with the threshold potions which my wife and I have designed stabilize Kira.

This should answer any question you have concerning what happened today. While I am sure you have other invasive questions, I will not answer them. I only have one other thing to add to this entirely too long a letter. While my daughter is safely attending Hogwarts, the wizarding world need not fear me. Should anything happen to her or Harry Potter, I will make sure the word burns with my wrath.

Have a pleasant evening.

Lord Voldemort:"

At the sound of the Dark Lord's name Madam Pomfrey and Filius Flitwick shivered. Albus scowled outright and the marring of his normally pleasant grandfatherly visage was grotesque. "I suppose that is an adequate response to most of my questions except one." His scowl lifted and a predatory smile appeared on his lips, "How did you save Mr. Longbottom when that spell is a forth year charm?"

Severus was wondering that as well, but he was disturbed by Albus' smile. So many observations were changing, on a subconscious level, his views on the aged headmaster. The fact that the wand-less magical manipulations weren't touching him probably helped.

Kira met Albus Dumbledore's bright blue eyes. No one this annoying should be allowed to have such lovely eyes... I'd love to feed them to the ravens. She softly said, "How do you think?" Parsel-magic you old fool!

Her hissing response unnerved all but Harry. He held his face in a mask and refused to laugh. Albus' head had snapped back in surprise. Severus' eyes had widened She shares her father's gift?! in stunned shock.

Albus regained control of himself and said in a cold commanding voice, "Repeat whatever you just said in Parseltounge, this time say it in English."

"Why? If you can't understand my answer, I have no reason to clarify it for you."

"Because you will not leave this office until I have an answer."

Harry rolled his eyes and Ann chirped in avian annoyance. "Isn't it obvious sir? She's a Parselmouth; obviously she used Parsel-magic."

"Parsel-magic is real," asked Filius in surprise.

Both Harry and Kira nodded. Severus remained quiet, suddenly some of Voldemort's magics made sense. Harry replied, "Yes, Father is quite proficient in it."

"Voldemort is not your father!" said Albus in feigned exasperation.

"We've been over this headmaster. Voldemort is the only father figure I've known."

"He is using you Mr. Potter. He is trying to make you into something your parents would not have wanted." Albus said this in a concerned voice.

Severus thought his voice was false in its sincerity and wondered again why he was seeing these things.

Harry felt the falseness and once again pushed back the wand-less manipulations. Harry growled out in anger, "And you are not trying to mold me to your own designs? You aren't trying to turn me into your little hero for the light? You aren't doing you best to convince me that you have my best interests at heart?" His voice was blisteringly harsh. Even Severus wondered at the venom this eleven year old boy could put into his words.

Albus dramatically sighed, "Harry, my boy, I do have your best interests in heart and mind. I want and have always wanted what's best for you."

"Is that why you originally left me with the Dursleys?"

"Yes it is. The blood magic of your mother's sacrifice would have been maintained by the presence of Petunia Dursley."

Harry tilted his head and Ann chirped at him. "And you had no idea how they would have treated me? You didn't check the next day to make sure I was safe or well?" Albus attempted to interrupt. Harry said angrily, "Don't interrupt, SIR. I know you didn't bother with my wellness or safety. I know because I have seen the memories of the Death Eater who rescued me. I saw the use of a shotgun, with a silencing spell around it, in the deaths of Petunia and Vernon Dursley. I watched the search of the three bedrooms. I saw that the only child found was a fat little pig of a boy with blond hair. I watched as the search became rather frantic until a barely vocal wail came from the cupboard under the staircase. Inside the space, which wasn't more than one by two meters long and a meter and a half high, the Death Eater found me. I was wrapped in dirty rags and my diaper hadn't been changed in days. I had been left with my own bodily wastes so long that I was sick for almost a week after I was rescued. If I had stayed where you wanted, I may not be here today. Now tell me headmaster, did you truly have my best interests at heart?" During his tirade, Harry had stood up and was leaning over the desk with his fiercely angry face just inches from the headmaster's.

Albus looked into the dark emerald green eyes that burned with unbridled fury. He had found himself shrinking away as Harry leaned forward. There was almost tangibly dark angry energy flowing from the boy. The raven cawed angrily at Albus and Harry backed away from the headmaster. Harry stood with cold dignity and straightened his robe. Severus was stunned by what Harry had said concerning the Dursleys. Never would he have believed that Albus would leave an innocent child with such cruel people. Harry said, "Since we are done here, sir, I will return to my dorm with Professor Snape while Kira accompanies Madam Pomfrey. Have a good evening Headmaster."

Kira had gotten to her feet as Harry said the last part. She said, "Good evening Headmaster," before taking a few steps toward Poppy. Madam Pomfrey quickly put a supportive arm around the girl. Severus opened the door and nodded to the two ladies as they left. He then fell in step behind Harry as the boy followed them out.

The office was silent. Filius shook his head and left as well. Albus looked around the office. It was empty except for the portraits and Fawkes. The phoenix didn't even seem very supportive at that moment. He wondered how he had lost control of the situation. He lowered his head to his hands. He shook with emotion.

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Alright another chapter finished... yippee.

REVIEW responses:

Shadowface Thank you... he will most definitely remain dark, guaranteed... I'm trying for an update a week and so far I'm achieving my goals... yeah!!!

Sword and Magic Thank

muggle Thank you... I shall.

SRAndrews Yes well... it is apparent to me that Ron is very much capable of being a bigoted jerk based on cannon... especially when you look at forth year, and you never know how Draco could have been if Harry had taken his hand on the train. Also in this story Kira, Blaise, Draco and Harry have grown up together... they know each other as well as they know themselves.

Miss Lesley Yes you are right...it wasn't a lot, but it will impact quite a bit... Vorla is rather cool(in my opinion) and I have no plans of killing her off... I feel Slytherin had an ulterior motive for having a basilisk around... you are right the four kids do have great potential, after all they have been groomed since birth for specific purposes...

Kage Mirai Here's an update. I don't really dislike Dumbledore... I just don't much care for manipulative idiots who hide their thirst for power... don't worry he'll get what's coming to him... it just may take awhile for the full punishment to happen.