Harry stared into the flames as he tried to get some sleep. He was truly alone now. He couldn't seem to write letters to the friends he left behind, and his only friend that had been with him from earlier, Hedwig, was gone forever. This wasn't how he had imagined life after beating Voldemort. Life was supposed to be cheery now. He was supposed to be an amazing Auror with a beautiful Weasely girl by his side. He was supposed to be grinning from ear to ear in the house he inherited from his godfather, not laying on the bare ground with only his shirt as a pillow. His face was not supposed to be disfigured beyond recognition and not so many were supposed to be dead. As he closed his eyes for sleep, their names and faces swam into his mind, despite his best efforts. There they were, vivid and burning, those who no longer walked among the living; Luna Lovegood, age sixteen, just learned to apparate; Neville Longbottom, age seventeen, slow but loyal and steady; Alicia Spinnet, age eighteen, amazing chaser who could have gone onto professionals; Colin Creevey, age fourteen, a promising photographer only trying to get a good action shot of the fighting; Oliver Wood, probably the best Keeper in Britain with the best personality; Madam Pomfrey, a wonderful Healer trying to save the wounded on the battlefield; Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard that ever lived; and so many others. Harry blamed himself for every one of those deaths. Perhaps if he had learned to fight better, they wouldn't have died. Cedric Diggory, Michael Corner, Mad-Eye Moody, Amelia Bones, Stan Shunpike, all of them gone, and it was his fault.

Harry's eyes snapped open. His hand was holding his wand and he was standing. When he had changed positions, Harry had no recollection. Now he was tense, his body ready for battle. Was that a rustling in the leaves? Was it an escaped Death Eater? Harry turned around slowly, looking desperately for the cause of the noise. When he saw nothing at eye level, Harry looked to the ground. There moving as if she wasn't the sign for evil was Nagini.

There you are, master. I have looked everywhere for you.

Harry stared in wonder, unsure of how to respond. There was no mistaking Voldemort's snake.

What can I do for you Tom? I thought I had destroyed you. Harry asked the snake coldly. It was only too possible that Voldemort was hiding in the snake's body.

I am not that evil wizard, Master Tom. I am a free serpent once more.

What do you mean free?

I did not serve Master Tom freely. He bound me to his will, and I was forced to commit many evil deeds.

I do not believe you! Harry shouted to the snake in parsel tongue.

How can I convince you of my pure spirit?

Serpents are evil creatures; I should just kill you here and now. Harry spoke coldly. This beast had bitten Mr. Weasely.

I am not evil, but an old creature bound to do the will of evil wizards. I am a creature created by none other than Salazar Slytherin. Do not detest me for my past Masters' actions. I am bound to the will of the eldest heir of the great Salazar.

I am no descendent of his! Harry spat on the ground near the serpent's head. The serpent jerked her head away, balefully looking at Harry.

No, but magically, you have a connection deeper than blood with my old Master, and his son does not possess the gift of parsel tongue.

Harry's mind reeled. Voldemort had a son, since when? And what happens if I do not wish to command you?

Then I cease to exist if you wish.

Well, I… Harry trailed off. He just couldn't make this creature cease to exist. All the information that could be received from this creature was enough to keep it alive. If what she said was true, that she's been around since Salazar Slytherin, then so many legends could be made into facts! I will keep and command you, but under two conditions.

Name them, Master Harry.

One, you will never leave my sight, and while I sleep you will be magically bound to a spot, unable to move.

As you say, Master.

Two, you will undergo a special ritual in which we can be absolutely sure that you contain no fragment of Riddle within you.

As you wish.

Harry was unsettled by the ease with which he just gained Voldemort's serpent. Harry yawned, but feared the challenges of sleep with the dreams. Besides, he wanted to be sure that Nagini would not kill him while he slept first. Unfortunately, he would need help in achieving that status. It looked as though a trip to the library at Hogwarts was needed. It was summer break, and no one would be there, so it was possible to get in and out without anyone seeing him. Hopefully there would be something in there about the process of binding a magical creature and testing its spirit. Harry sat down against the trunk of an old oak tree and stared at the serpent who returned his gaze.

Master, what do you wish for me to do?

What is your name? Harry doubted that the name Nagini was the serpents real name.

My name is whatever you wish it to be.

What name were you created with? Harry was not in the mood to create names at the moment.

Giolla, it means servant in the old language.

That sounds Italian to me, Harry commented. Though I know very little Italian.

Yes, Master, it does sound Italian, that is because Italiano is based on the old language, the language with which I was created.

What was it, Latin?

Indeed Master Harry.

Please don't call me master, Harry sighed. Dobby the house elf had called him that, and sadly, Dobby hadn't been seen since he ran screaming from the battle at Hogwarts.

As you wish, Harry.

Much better, Giolla, Harry smiled, maybe this serpent wouldn't be so bad after all.

Author's Note: All right, there y'all go, one more chapter. Now please review and let me know what you think about my latest creation!

Response to Reviews:

Sexi Silver-I'm glad you liked chapter two, and thanks for the congrats! And I'm glad that you understand that people will still love Harry, even though he has scars. And yes, the happy ending is coming.

Phyre's child13-Welcome to my story! I'm very glad you liked my story. And though it's probably not healthy to be addicted, I hope you still are to read one more chapter of mine! I'm glad you liked how I portrayed Ginny! That made me very happy!

mistyandken-CONGRATULATIONS! You are my tenth review! Thank you very much! And thanks very much, although I sure hope this chapter filled your expectations!

LaxGoalie-it is very depressing about Charlie; I was curious how many people were going to notice that subtle hint. Glad you liked the twins and the chapter!

SKateforever-Welcome to my story! Is this soon enough for you? And let me just say this, it has a happy ending.