Chapter 27

Before the Holidays

The next morning, Harry walked inside Great Hall for his daily breakfast. Someone approached him and recognized as Pavarti, and Harry realized there were anger in her eyes. Widening in surprise, she pulled his collar down with both hands so that his face was at the same level as her face and kissed him right on the lips.

"What the-" said someone as Harry immediately pushed her away and realized that it was not Pavarti, but Padma, from Ravenclaw.

"Harry? What's..?" someone began but Harry hadn't even heard them.

"Wh-what is it to you?" asked Harry, still a bit shocked from the boldness, especially a Ravenclaw. He also realized that no one was speaking, but watching the pair.

"Harry Potter, I hope you suffer from any romance!" she said. Harry's eyes screwed up in confusion. This is something not expected at all. "I know you are confused, and that is exactly why I did that. You better apologize to my sister!"

"Padma I" Harry began, not at all sure how to handle this, for starters, he was trying not to get angry.

"Do it!"

"Harry" they were being ignored again.

"Listen," said Harry, getting angry. "Do you want me to have your sister in danger when she's around with me? No? Then back off! Oh, and of course, I'll apologize," said Harry with sarcasm. He looked to the people behind him that kept calling his name, and to his surprise, it was Remus and Sirius. Remus' face full of concern while Sirius was not sure how to react so he looked oddly mixed of scared but wanting to laugh. Annoyed, Harry walked away from her and sat down to eat his breakfast. When he looked up aimlessly and realized that he was face to face with Pavarti. Harry inwardly groaned; he should have been watching where he was going to sit. "Pavarti"

"Oh I perfectly understand Harry," snapped Pavarti with sarcasm, cutting him off. "You can't stand to have me around can you? Harry, you have to what, enjoy yourself?"

"" Harry wasn't sure what to say next and kept silent.

"Don't you even know how to enjoy yourself anymore?"

"Of course I do, don't be absurd," said Harry.

"Then go out with some other girls," said Pavarti waspishly, standing up and left Great Hall. Harry had never got the chance to apologize and buried his face into a plateful of scrambled eggs. Not really caring what he is burying himself in a plate full of food.

"Harry!" yelled Hermione, pulling him back by the collar. Harry could feel bits of eggs on his face and his glasses. "Oh Harry, Scourgfiy. Go after her if you want to apologize."

Harry numbly nodded and got up from his table and went after her. A minute later, he found her walking toward the Charms classroom and yelled after her. "Pavarti!"

"Harry, I don't want to talk right now," she began, and continued. "I I really mean it, go see other girls," said Pavarti, trying to hold back some emotion from her face.

"I just wanted to apologize for staying with you for short time, but I'll consider your tip though," said Harry, trailing off. "I didn't really mean to hurt you or anything like that."

"Oh all right," said Pavarti. "I will think about accepting an apology, I won't say when that will be accepted but perhaps when both of us moves on and only if you enjoy yourself. God only knows that you have had a hard life so far," said Pavarti.

"Yeah well, thanks, I intend to do that then," said Harry, now going inside the Charms classroom and waited.

That night, Harry told his friends that he had to go serve his detention in ten minutes.

"I say that it is not fair that you have to serve detentions for that last night!" said Ron angrily.

"I really don't mind Ron, I understand why I have to serve anyways. What if something happened and we're all in Room of Requirement? It wasn't safe holding all the kids back," said Harry.

"But still," began Ron.

"Give it up, I'm leaving," said Harry, leaving common room down to the dungeons. Several minutes later, he knocked on the door to Snape's office. He heard the usual come in, and pushed the door open. He found him grading papers from Potions class, and from the looks of it, third year essays. Harry went over to a chair opposite from Snape and waited for instructions.

"Potter, I want you to practice your discreet Legillimency on me as I grade papers," drawled Professor Snape. "When you do manage to find out what you learned, write it down." Harry had not been expecting this. Especially when it came to detentions; didn't Snape liked to torture students? Shrugging and pulled a quill, ink and two-foot parchment out and set it on the table in front of him. He began to concentrate the necessities for discreet Legillimency.

'All right, so you're grading papers, mm is it third year's paper isn't it? Oh, was that thought that the student is horrible at spelling? Mmm, ah, Todd Anderson is bad at spelling' he went to record on the parchment along with the insults that Professor Snape was thinking. Harry quietly chuckled to himself and continued his practice.

Some of the time, he wasn't able to collect any information because Harry realized that he was concentrating too much. For the next ten to twenty minutes, he recorded six inches so far. Harry frowned at how much he had written so far. 'Not very much is recorded I wonder why,' thought Harry as he continued his practice.

'Okay, so you think Yvonne from Hufflepuff is too timid with her homework? No, not Yvonne, Zorry' thought Harry as he continued to record Snape's thoughts. 'Okay, so what about Zorry? Ah, you think she needs to stop hanging out with Yvonne? Heh'

He continued in this way for the next forty minutes, and at seven, Harry got up to fifteen inches. Harry's stomach gave a jolt when he realized how much more he had recorded compared to first twenty minutes. 'I'm getting better at this' thought Harry as he heard a slight cough. Harry looked up and found Professor Snape staring at him, with a finished pile of essays to his left.

"Well?"

"I'm catching on sir, the first twenty minutes was slow but now I'm up to fifteen inches," said Harry, giving him the paper. Professor Snape accepted it and read over what he had written.

"Mmm, I wager that you are 60% correct of all the statements you've put down," said Professor Snape. Harry frowned at this, 60% was not very much to him. "For you, this is good," he continued.

"How is that good for me?" asked Harry. "I'll be right half the time!"

"No, over you will be right over half of time," he drawled, correcting for him. "Usually at this stage, you would have gotten 40%. So Potter, consider yourself lucky."

"It's not luck, it's practice"

"Are you saying you've been practicing out of class Potter?"

"I'm trying to, but it's hard," said Harry, frowning.

"Who are you practicing on?" Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Harry knew that he had been practicing on Malfoy whenever he could. "Potter, tell me or I'll find out my own way."

"Malfoy sir," said Harry.

"Mr. Malfoy?"

"Who else? Except his father," said Harry. Severus Snape sighed, shaking his head.

"Potter, you are foolish to start that big, Lucius Malfoy have trained him to occlude his mind," said Professor Snape. "Also, why would you want to find out about him?"

"I just wanted to know where his loyalties lay," mumbled Harry, however Snape caught what he said.

"If you didn't, then pray tell, why would you train with him? Let alone, allowing him to D.A. membership?"

"Well, I had to give him a chance," said Harry boldly.

"Potter, you need to stop doing things first and think later."

"Professor Snape, I did give a lot of thoughts before I let him into D.A, and I also gave a lot of thought about training, why would I risk my own life against him?"

"It is because it's simply you Potter," drawled Professor Snape. "Nevertheless, come back here at six sharp. You will continue practice with me for the rest of this week. At this rate you are going Potter, I would say you would get up to 80% correct or more."

"That's comforting," said Harry with no hint of sarcasm. "Well, am I finished?"

"No, that wasn't even your detention, now start scrubbing the cauldrons!" Harry blanched at him, he had practiced all hour and he never found out the plan that Professor Snape would send him to clean cauldrons! "Get to it Potter, and no magic of course."

Harry numbly nodded and began to work, feeling angry and berating himself for not finding out sooner. Of course, Professor Snape would still give him detentions, no matter what. Two hours of grueling scrubbing and washing the cauldrons, did he head back to the tower. After giving the password to Fat Lady, he crawled into the common room, exhausted and fell into plush sofa by the fire.

"Oh Harry, what did he make you to do?" asked Hermione worriedly.

"Practiced Legillimency, then scrub cauldrons," answered Harry, nearly mumbling into a pillow.

"That git," said Ron.

"Don't," said Harry. "I deserved it."

"How can you say that?!" said Ron, surprised at his friend.

"Because he is not a git, he's actually good when you get to know him" said Harry, feeling very comfortable, sitting next to the fire.

"Leave him alone, can't you see him resting?" said Hermione. Harry thought that Hermione sounded really far, and the flicker of flames dancing around behind his eyelids. He soon drifted off to black world of comfort. He felt at peace, very quiet and felt harmony in this place. Suddenly Harry felt a twinge of pain somewhere but faded almost immediately. He slowly blinked his eyes, or so he thought. What he saw confused him at first, but realized that he was in a dark room. Was he still in common room?

Harry then studied a figure on the floor in front of him, and wondered why he was bowing like that. His question was soon answered as his voice spoke in a hissing voice.

"Luciuss, why did you attack Harry Potter and hisss friendss? Now our planss are ruined!"

"My Lord, may I ask what was the plan?"

"To attack Hogwarts thisss Friday, Crucio!" he watched the figure squirming and yelling in agony as Voldemort laughed at the obvious pain. He took the curse off him. "Now there will be no doubt that there will be more ssssecurity at Hogwartsss crucio!" he cast the Cruciatus curse upon Lucius Malfoy. Harry realized his forehead was burning white hot, and heard his own voice yelling. Somewhere in the background, he heard several voices saying his name.

"Harry!"

"Come on Harry, it's a dream! Wake up!"

"Harry!"

"Harry!"

Harry could clearly understand that there is a lot of commotion going on. Harry flailed around, and pressed against his scar, hissing in pain. He sat up, clutching his scar; he felt a hand patting his back as a cloth of cool damp water against his forehead. Harry realized that people might be thinking he was either insane or sick. Harry groaned in annoyance, but his groan was misinterpreted as pain as he felt another hand rubbing his back.

"Okay, you can stop touching me now, you know!" said Harry exasperatedly. Immediately, people withdrew their hands from Harry and he opened his eyes to find a blurry world. Someone gave him his glasses and put them on his nose. The world came back into focus and found his friends in the immediate circle as the rest of House were watching him fearfully.

"Sorry about that, I'll just go and sleep in my own bed," said Harry somewhat shakily.

"But Harry," Hermione began as Harry tried to get to his feet but felt a bit disconcerted by his balance and leaned to Mark as he helped him stand up straight.

"What?"

"Don't you think you need to see a teacher?"

"It was nothing important, Voldemort just cursed Lucius that is all. But I guess you're right, he was planning to attack Hogwarts this Friday" Loud whispers and worried chattering erupted and Harry groaned. He should have known other people were listening. "Hey guys, nothing to worry about you know!" No one spoke since Harry began speaking. "It is thanks to Lucius Malfoy for attacking us instead of a full-scale battle in here!" Harry sighed, tiredly. He really want to sleep now.

"All right, I'll tell Professor McGonagall, just so that we can have more security," said Harry, attempting to walk; however unable to do so. Mark began helping him by guiding to the common room's entrance.

"We're coming too," said Hermione as Ron followed out of the room. Harry sighed, remembering their promise to never see him out of sight, especially of what would have happened this Friday. But he had to be on the safe side and report that anyways. Voldemort can easily change his mind and attack anyways. Coming to the gargoyle statue and giving the new password, 'Nitwick,' and gained entry to the spiraling staircase.

After knocking on the door and got the permission to enter, he found Professor McGonagall at her desk, working on something or another. When she looked up and grew concerned in her eyes.

"I I had another dream Professor," said Harry.

"Oh no, what is it this time?" asked Professor McGonagall.

"Well, Lucius Malfoy visited Voldemort tonight and well, Voldemort said he was going to attack Hogwarts this Friday," she gasped at this news. "But thanks to Malfoy, we have increased security and he won't attack, at least not this Friday. But as the things are right now, we can't know for sure. I think we should increase security more."

"Mm, I suppose you are right Harry," said Minerva. "Well, thank you for reporting, but aren't you supposed to be occluding?"

"I er was too tired and fell asleep in the common room," said Harry sheepishly.

"Ah, I suppose that will make sense, well off you go Harry, it is still a school night after all." Harry nodded in understanding and led his friends back down to corridor.

"Why does she call you by first name Harry?" asked Hermione.

"Well, since I'm basically in the order now, and wanted me to call people on first name basis," said Harry, explaining.

"I wish I was in the order," said Ron glumly.

"You best not," said Harry tenebrously. "I mean, what can you really do in the order right now?"

"Protecting you of course," said Ron as if it was the most obvious thing. Harry outwardly groaned at this, shaking his head.

"No Ron, I can handle myself, but I appreciate that, but I think you'll be able to do something during the next summer. Plus, I don't think your mum will be happy," said Harry.

"Who cares what my mum says!" said Ron but shut up when he saw the dangerous glare in Harry's eyes.

"Ron, I would fill you in anyways, unless it's top secret," said Harry. "Like I could ever keep any secrets from you guys, you're too good at that."

"I suppose you are right mate," said Ron, drooping his shoulders.

"Harry's right though, I don't think we can be much help except researching," said Hermione.

"There! That's the perfect reason to join! Research, isn't that supposed to be a top secret?" asked Ron. Harry looked like he wanted to slap Hermione for giving such ideas but gave a resigned look.

"Plus Ron, I am not in any position to allow other people to join, it has to be a majority vote."

"It's hopeless" said Ron. "I don't like this, I want to do something. Not just sit around and research and waiting for something inevitable to happen!"

"Hey, do you see me complaining?" asked Mark, getting impatient with Ron.

"You're only a first year," said Ron. "This is important."

"Ron, don't say things like that!" said Harry, feeling magic surging through his veins. "Especially in front of Mark!"

"Mate, calm down!" said Ron, paling deathly white. Harry breathed deeply five times and calmed himself down. "Easy mate, I didn't mean to piss you off"

"I know one thing you can do Ron, Hermione," he looked at Mark. "I hope you don't mind, but they can protect you if Voldemort finds out." He then sighed, "I wouldn't be surprised if Lucius told him about you by now." The three of them paled. "Even though I tried to keep him hidden, looks like he's discovered. I just hope that Malfoy doesn't know that he's legally my family now"

"Which Malfoy are you talking about Potter?" drawled a voice from behind. Harry's stomach felt like twenty leads had sunk. How much did he hear? He slowly turned around and found Draco Malfoy standing there.

"Your father of course," said Harry while his mind went into an overdrive of trying to find out what his loyalties lay. He could not risk this getting out. 'What is he thinking, where does his loyalty lay? With Voldemort or with me; the light side? Come on Malfoy, oh come on, I do not want to know what you think about Mark!' Thought Harry desperately, at least he succeeded in breaking past Malfoy. Nevertheless, he had to deluge this deeper.

"Are you saying that this Mark here, is legally your family Potter?"

"Why do you want to know?" snapped Harry.

Malfoy shrugged his shoulders, "Curious Potter," said Malfoy. Harry did not drop his guard.

'All right, come on what are you going to do with the information? Oh I don't believe it, you're shrugging the whole thing with my family off?!' thought Harry as he slowly nodding. "Curious right, don't all of you have some sort of ulterior motive when dealing with information?"

"Potter, as hard as you may find to believe, this one time, I'm merely learning about you. So, what's the deal with Professor Lupin and Black?"

"They're here for security reasons," said Harry, which wasn't too far from the truth either.

"What are you doing here anyways?" asked Mark. The four looked at him as Malfoy pointed to his badge. "Oh duty?"

"That's right," sneered Malfoy. "What are you all doing here anyways? Last time I recall, neither of you have duty, Potter isn't allowed out, and most certainly first years aren't allowed out at this time of the night at all."

"We had to see Professor McGonagall, that's all," said Harry.

"About what, may I inquire?"

"Sorry, top secret," said Harry. Malfoy shrugged his shoulders.

"You better go or I'll sic Filch on you four," threatened Malfoy.

"Oh, I'm shaking," said Harry sarcastically. "But we're going now, bye," said Harry, heading back to Gryffindor tower. Ron laughed several minutes later.

"What?" asked Hermione, somewhat concerned for the sanity of his mind.

"Oh that was good Harry, 'oh, I'm shaking,' real good" said Ron. Harry only gave a small smile.

"Glad you can enjoy yourself Ron," said Harry, giving the password to Fat Lady and gained entry inside the common room. The room was still as packed as it had been before they left for Professor McGonagall.

When Harry realized just how tired he felt and told his friends.

"I'm retiring for the night. I am too tired, night Ron, night everyone," said Harry tiredly. He changed into his pajamas and got under the covers of his bed. He did his Occulemency and fell asleep.

The next day, after breakfast, he met with Sirius and Remus before going to his class. Remus stopped him before entering the Transfiguration classroom.

"Morning Harry," said Remus.

"Morning," said Harry, returning his greetings.

"What was that kiss about?" demanded Sirius.

"Oh, I broke up with her sister," replied Harry nonchalantly.

"Now you're a heartbreaker or what?" asked Sirius, feigning his smile.

"You can say that," said Harry dryly. "Anyways, I have to get to class now. Bye Remus, Sirius," he entered the classroom and sat down in the near back of the classroom. This continued for the rest of time at Hogwarts until a day before everyone would go home for the winter holidays. Neither Malfoy nor Harry had been able to be successful in trying to train in secret. But somehow, Filch seemed to come to that particular corridor every half hour, both to their annoyance.

Harry had his Transfiguration last before the holidays; Professor Conan came into the room, closing the door behind him. He scanned the room, checking to make sure that everyone is present, when he did make sure, he pulled out his wand, ready to demonstrate something.

"Today, we will be using the theory that you have learned, and perform them on a large object. You will try to change the object into an animal you wish. The greater the similarity between your chosen animal and the object, the easier it will be for you when performing such task," he said, walking down the aisle as he spoke. He turned around and faced the class again. "You will be using your desk, or your chair for this particular work, now begin."

Harry had all ready gotten his wand out, he performed the incantation and the movement of his wand, while thinking of a snake. He didn't think of any particular type of snake, so he left that to his magic for some random species. When he did not succeed the first two times, he frowned; Harry looked up and found Professor Conan watching.

"Something wrong Mr. Potter?" asked Professor Conan.

"Nothing, I just have to get this right" he tried performing the spell again, but didn't succeed.

"Hmm, you're pronouncing correctly, the wand movement is precise, are you thinking of an animal?"

"Yes sir," replied Harry.

"Hmm, what-" he tried asking what animal he had been thinking of. Quite suddenly, Harry performed the spell again and to their surprise, the desk in front of Harry began transforming and lengthening. Harry heard a yelp from his left and knew that Ron was surprised. When it stopped transforming, blood rushed away from his face, realizing what he had transfigured the desk into. A Basilisk. Hermione and several others let out a shriek. Professor Conan took a few paces backwards in surprise.

"It's the Basilisk!" said Hermione, fearfully. Harry felt hurt, the scared look in Hermione's eyes as she watched the snake. On a closer examination, the basilisk was only a baby.

"Hermione, do you know if baby basilisk don't have the power to kill with its own eyes?"

"N-no, they're fully mature when the basilisk is at least fifteen feet long" said Hermione faintly.

"Potter, change it back into a desk," said Professor Conan, Harry compiled and turned the baby basilisk back into a desk. "Come with me, everyone, please continue and Ms. Granger, I will put you in charge," he said, walking out of the room, followed by an annoyed Harry. Didn't he have enough trips to Professor McGonagall's office all ready?

"Why do you even want to tell her about what happened?" asked Harry, breaking the tensed silence.

"Because transforming an non-animate object into a magical creature is really hard, about one or two people in each century could perform such advanced magic," he explained, taking the spiral staircase.

"I thought you said impossible in our theory part of the class?" asked Harry.

"I was exaggerating, I wasn't expecting anyone to do that," said Professor Conan.

"Well, you should expect everything when it comes to me," said Harry dully.

"Perhaps you are right Harry, what've you done have been extraordinary so far," he said, knocking on the door and entering the office. She looked up from her piling papers.

"Yes?" she asked, looking at the two males in the room.

"Potter has performed something in class today," said Professor Conan.

"What's that?" inquired McGonagall. Harry spoke up next, he wasn't sure what to think of her reactions.

"I accidentally turned the desk into a baby basilisk. The eyes were harmless at that stage, so there wasn't any real danger."

"Wait Harry, are you saying that you have performed the advanced transfiguration, turning a desk into a basilisk, which we all know, is a magical creature?" asked McGonagall, unwilling to believe what she had heard.

"Yes ma'am," said Harry, nodding hesitantly. Headmistress McGonagall grew pale at this and turned to look at professor Conan.

"D-did he perform that?" asked Minerva, trembling slightly. Professor Conan nodded solemnly, "Oh dear goodness me, Potter, you have got to control your powers. There is no telling what you can do. I wouldn't be surprised if you are equal in powers with Albus Dumbledore" her face grew whiter and whiter as she spoke.

Shakily, she picked up a teacup from the plate, slowly drank the contents, and nearly spilled the hot tea on herself when her hand gave a big jolt. "Oh if Albus was here" she said, frowning. "Take a biscuit," she said, giving Harry and Professor Conan one.

"What do you suggest we do?" asked Harry, after he waited for her to calm down.

"Suggest?" she asked, sipping her tea and brought them down again. "Well Mr. Potter, since the holidays starts tomorrow, I will inform Remus and Sirius about this. So that nothing terrible will happen over the holidays. When we return back from the break, we will figure something out then."

Harry sighed, nodding in understanding. "Okay Professor," said Harry.

"Well, you best be going back to class," said Professor McGonagall.

"Of course, come on Mr. Potter," said Professor Conan as the two left the office with their good byes. After a moment's silent walking, Harry spoke up.

"Sir, what do you think why I did basilisk and not a regular snake?"

"Well, it depends how broad you were choosing, for example, if you just think of one bird. Literally any kind of bird of that species will be transfigured. In your case, you were not thinking about any particular snake?"

"No, I didn't"

"Mmm, well, there is this theory that I have not taught yet. Nevertheless, when you perform the spell, and pick one general type of animal, like dogs. Basing on everyone's ability, they will conjure the strongest type of animal they can manage."

"So, you're saying that it is because of how strong I am, effects what animal will be transfigured?"

"That's the rough part of the idea, so yes, depending on your ability to cast."

"Bloody wonderful, as if I have enough all ready," mumbled Harry. Professor Conan only chuckled as they returned to the classroom and found everyone to be working in perfect order. Thanks to Hermione, Professor Conan was able to take over the class again.

"Thank you Ms. Granger, ten points to Gryffindor for keeping things under control," said Professor Conan. Harry gave her a grin as he sat down. The class continued to practice their spell, and this time Harry thought of specific animal instead of being too broad. He wouldn't risk that just yet. He did not really want unicorns, vampire bats, familiar cat, post owl, or other magical animals running around.

After class, he had gone to lunch and ate a quick meal. He wanted to check something in the library, detail notes on advanced transfiguration, especially the one he had transfigured into a basilisk. Of all things, it had to turn into a baby basilisk. He wasn't real sure why it had not turn into a full-grown snake, but he had two theories. One, the matured basilisk is far too big for a table, and two, it had to do with being linked to Voldemort. After all, Tom Riddle had unleashed the Secret of Chambers.

After reading several different books, he gave up and stood up from his table. Ever since he had come to the library after lunch, there were great deal more people going around in the library. Harry half wondered why there would be so many people in the library on the day before the holidays. With growing suspicion, and overheard of several third year Ravenclaws.

"Do you think he might have actually did that on purpose?"

"What, turn the desk into a - a basilisk?"

"Yeah, I heard of stories when he was in second year, did you know he can speak parseltounge?"

"No way," said another third year.

"Yes, I have verified this claim from several fifth, sixth and seventh years. They all agreed to the exact same statement. So, he's a Parseltongue."

"Are you implying that he may have wanted to attack other people?" asked the second person that had spoke.

"Something like that," replied the babbling third year.

"For what?"

"Well, according to other people"

Harry felt his veins surging with new anger. Abruptly, he stood up, grabbed his bag and headed for Astronomy tower. 'Really, the whole thing about rumors is getting ridiculous! No, they've always been ridiculous in the first place' thought Harry angrily as he wrenched the door open only to find Malfoy watching the grounds below. Harry gave a small cough and went over to Malfoy's side who had looked back who was coughing.

"What brings you here Potter?" asked Malfoy.

"This is one of the places where I come and think," replied Harry coolly.

"So do I," said Malfoy, scanning the Forbidden Forest. "Is the rumor true that you turned the teacher's desk into a full-grown basilisk?" asked Malfoy, nearly scoffing but didn't when Harry used a serious tone.

"No, they're exaggerating," said Harry hotly. "I only turned my desk into a baby basilisk."

"So you did turn one into a basilisk how frightening."

"Malfoy, have you faced a basilisk at age twelve?" asked Harry, not liking his current attitude at all.

"Of course not, are you mental?" asked Malfoy incredulously.

"Wow Malfoy, I thought you knew better, I fought and slayed the beast down in Chamber of Secret."

"What, is that why you received the special awards trophy that year?"

"Yes Malfoy and titles don't mean a damn thing to me either so stop that."

"Hard to believe" sneered Malfoy.

"You know what, I'm going down to dinner. I've had it," said Harry, annoyed. Malfoy shrugged in his answer, keeping his back to Harry. Harry left Astronomy tower and decided to have some dinner. When he arrived at Great Hall, he was hit by loud whisperings of 'Harry Potter' and 'basilisk' in the same sentence.

Some of the rumors were so obscene that had been the trigger for Harry to blow up at them. He saw Sirius and Remus nearby and inwardly cringes, but then he heard another rumor that was even worse.

"That's it," said Harry to himself. "Sonorous, HEY, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!? I MOST CERTIANLY DID NOT SET BASILISK LOOSE IN HOGWARTS!" Yelled Harry, then he began speaking in Parseltongue without his knowledge, remembering his fight with the large snake.

"How can you say that I would hurt someone here at Hogwarts when Voldemort is after me!" He spoke back in English, his language changing back and forth. "YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD EVER DO SUCH A thing!? You are pathetic when it comes to RUMORS! IF I HEAR ANOTHER OBSCENE RUMOR AGAIN I WILL personally make sure you will suffer!" He continued to berated everyone in Great Hall. He felt the satisfaction of scaring the kids to death, some of their faces were priceless as he continued to yell.

"I MEAN REALLY, DO YOU THINK I WOULD REMAIN HERE ANY LONGER IF I DID SUCH A THING!? A basilisk of all things! YOU GUYS REALLY SICKEN me, these rumors are crap!" He panted, getting tired out from his 'rant'. He saw Remus and Sirius again, their mouths were gaping wide open. With a jolt, he couldn't believe what he had done, yelling at the kids about rumors. When they had hardly let them effect him in the past. Feeling slightly woozy, He slow took a step back, then another hesitant step.

Then Harry took off in a flash, running out of Great Hall and didn't stop running when he heard his name being called out. 'They'll have to catch me, if they can' thought Harry bitterly and realized that it was Sirius pursuing him. Taking a quick glance back and he crashed into the wall as a big black animal pounced on him. "Arugh!" The said animal transformed back into human, gripping Harry tightly.

"Harry!" said Sirius urgently. "Are you okay?" he said in a concerned voice as Harry rubbed his shoulders where he had rammed into the wall.

"Yes Sirius, and what the hell are you thinking? I want to be alone!"

"Harry listen, we heard what happened from the Headmistress," said Remus, catching up to them.

"I know, she said she'd tell you," said Harry, sighing.

"How did you know how to speak Parseltongue Harry?" asked Sirius, curious.

"Huh? Did I speak in Parseltongue?" asked Harry, feeling a lead dropping into his stomach.

"Well, when you were yelling, you kept going back and forth in both language" said Remus nervously.

"Oh wonderful, I get to speak in that language when I get mad and not even knowing it! I need to control that," said Harry bitterly. Sirius and Remus stared at Harry, unsure what to say. "You do know that I have that gift right?"

"Yes, Dumbledore told me in your third year," said Remus. Sirius nodded in his answer.

"He told me in your fourth year, I hope you don't mind that" said Sirius tentatively.

"I don't mind him telling you that, anyways, I can't really control my gift in speaking Parseltongue. Except when I imagine a snake, then I can," said Harry.

"Well, were you thinking of the basilisk?"

"A few times" admitted Harry.

"Well, that answers it then," said Remus. "But you need to keep your temper in check Harry. Harry opened his mouth to argue. "I know, I know, you say you can't control it because of Voldemort. But come on, at least try harder."

"Remus, I did, and do try!" said Harry hotly. He pushed himself off the floor and started to run away again, in pursue of being alone. This time, Sirius nor Remus followed him as he ran down towards the dungeons and slowed his walk and sighed. He wasn't real pleased with himself, scaring the kids nearly to death in Great Hall including Sirius and Remus. He didn't want to face his friends right now. Oh no, he wouldn't, as he continued to walk for several hours, surprising himself, he hadn't met anyone. Nevertheless, he liked that, not running into another soul for sometime now.

Harry lost all track of time as he leaned against one of the walls in the bowels of Hogwarts. He sagged his shoulders, enjoying the cool air, quiet and peace. Harry felt anxious again and continued to walk, thinking of how to deal with these emotions that he would experience because of Voldemort. Harry took a peak at his watch and nearly fell down the stairs when he saw the time. It was nearly two in the morning, his friends might try to find him with the Marauder's map. Sighing knowingly, he retreated back to Gryffindor tower. He would board the train tomorrow and need all the sleep he could get.

He grinned to himself, this is the first time he would use the train to come home for the winter holidays. He gave the password to Fat Lady and entered the common room and winced as everyone in the room yelled his name.

"HARRY!"

"Don't you come back so late at night!"

"Why did you walk in the dungeons for so long?" asked Ron.

"Guys, I'm tired and I have a train to catch to come home," said Harry, not pausing his walk to the dormitory.

"But Harry" Hermione began.

"Not now Hermione,," said Harry. "Later, I don't want a lecture right now." He climbed the stairs and the common room disappeared from view. He changed his cloths and got under the covers. He soon fell into an exhausted sleep.