I unfortunately do not own the world of Harry Potter.

I would just like to say a quick thanks to Allen Pitt, Taylorwriter, pannler-san, huffle-bibin, CinnamonMintiMoon, jadekate, Celeste Belle, CaramelWillow, One of the Fallen, domenica13, -Alex, Singerinthesilence, and SilverMistKunoichi.

This is my first fan-fic. Hope you like it! (And if you haven't guessed by now, reviews are greatly appreciated!)

Just so you all know - I have started to write a (sort of) new fan-fic - Mysterious Last Name. I would really appreciate it if you would check it out. Thanks!

Chapter 15:

Defending a Hope-to-be Friend

Ariella was in the library looking for a book to help her with her Potions homework when she suddenly overheard some Hufflepuffs talking about Harry. She went a little closer to eavesdrop.

"You definatly think it is Potter, then, Ernie?" said a girl named Hannah Abbot.

"Hannah," said whom Ariella assumed to be Ernie Macmillan, "he's a Parselmouth. Everyone knows that's the mark of a Dark wizard. Have you ever heard of a decent one who could talk to snakes? They called Slytherin himself Serpent-tongue."

"He always seemed so nice, though," said Hannah uncertainly, "and, well, he's the one who made You-Know-Who disappear. He can't be all bad, can he?" It was at this moment that Ariella decided to reveal herself. She couldn't take it anymore.

"You're right, Hannah, he's not bad at all," Ariella said. The Hufflepuffs looked up, surprised, and fearful.

"What do you want?" Ernie asked accusingly.

"Just this: to let you know that Harry wasn't egging the snake on. On the contrary, he specifically told the snake to leave Justin alone. I heard him." she said bravely, knowing she was taking a huge risk in saying this, but not wanting to let them continue to talk about Harry either. The Hufflepuffs eyes' widened, and Ernie was the first to speak again.

"Yo-you understood what he said? You're a Parselmouth, too?"

"That's right. And both Harry and myself are no more evil than any of you. His best friend is a Muggleborn, why would he want to hurt her or anyone else? So if you have a problem with either of us, deal." Ariella said. Ernie spoke once more as she turned to leave.

"Why are you defending him? You're a Slytherin. Probably Slytherin's heir. You should hate him." Ariella smiled ever so slightly at this.

"Should, but don't. And I'm not Slyterhin's heir." And with these words, she left the library.

Meanwhile, Harry stood dumbfounded in the library, where he had just listened to the conversation that had taken place. Maybe Hermione was right. Maybe she wasn't all bad. And with that, he raced after her, getting a disapproving look from the librarian.

Great, now the whole school is going to know I'm Parselmouth by dinner. Oh, well, it was worth it. I couldn't just stand there and let them blame Har... but her thoughts were cut off by someone calling her name. She turned to see who it was, and stared in surprise.

"Harry! Hi!"

"Hi," he replied, trying to catch his breath before continuing, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Listen, I just wanted to thank you for what you just said back there in the library. For, you know, standing up for me." Ariella looked taken aback.

"You heard that? You were listening?" Harry nodded, and Ariella started to look a bit uncomfortable as she replied, looking down.

"Well, uh, you're welcome. I couldn't exactly let them just talk about you like that, could I?" she said.

"But that's the point," Harry said, "you could have. Every other Slytherin would have. But you didn't." Ariella looked up, and smiled shyly.

"Well, I've, uh, got to go do homework. Snape," she said, with a face, "but maybe, uh, I'll see you around? Besides classes I mean?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, maybe. See you later, Ariella!"

"See you, Harry!" she responded, before turning away.

Yup, that was definitely worth it. she thought, smiling.

Quotes are from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Sorry it's short! (If you want a preview for the next chapter, let me know.)

Just so you know, (even though you probably could have guessed this,) now that school has started, I won't be able to update as frequently, but I'll try for once or twice a week. Thanks!

Thanks to all who are reading, and liking it. If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please feel free to review/private message me. Also, if you have any ideas at all, or would like to see something happen, let me know, and I'll consider putting them into a chapter. Thanks! ~ Leanora