I just wish I knew what I wanted, Harry said. He turned his head slightly so that the snake was within his view of sight. Harry had been sitting with his back leaned against an old oak tree for several hours. His mind had entertained several ideas as to what he should do for the remainder of his life, but nothing had sounded interesting to Harry.

That is something with which I cannot help you, Harry, Giolla returned. Harry laughed derisively.

I'm not sure I'd want an evil snake's opinion on what I should do with my life!

I beg your pardon! I'm not evil! And I happen to have very valuable opinions!

Oh, name one…Harry said, trying not to laugh.

For one thing, you really need to figure out how to figure out if I'm evil or not, you look exhausted! Giolla chided Harry. He was forcibly reminded of Mrs. Weasely forcing him to eat seven helpings of every dish. For a change, he smiled at her memory rather than get choked up.

I'm f-f-fine…Harry said, his speech interrupted by a yawn he was unable to suppress.

Indeed, and I'm going to walk on my hands tomorrow.

All right, I'll go up to the castle tomorrow to do some research, Harry acquiesced. He closed his eyes lightly. He jerked upright, though, when he realized he was falling asleep.

I win; we go now, Giolla said. With that, she began to slither towards the edge of the forest. Harry idly wondered how she knew where it was, but didn't bother to ask. As Giolla made plain her wish to be silent, Harry was left to his own thinking. Maybe he could go back to the Burrow. He and Ron were going to be Aurors together. No, he had promised that he would save them from his face. Harry never went back on a promise. But maybe you should just this once, Giolla said from somewhere to Harry's left, breaking his train of thought.

Did I say all that out loud? Harry asked incredulously. He had thought he had gained control over his thoughts. After all, he had spent the last many months training in Occlumency. It had been much easier without Snape breaking into his mind several times per week. Harry had, in actuality, gotten much better at it.

No, I was just listening into your thoughts, Giolla said nonchalantly as if it was no big deal. Harry on the other hand had to disagree. She appeared suddenly to Harry's right, causing him to look about him confusedly. She slithered by Harry's feet, keeping pace with him.

Why? Harry asked. Giolla had been very well mannered lately, why would she suddenly start listening into Harry's thoughts?

It's interesting listening to you argue with yourself, Giolla said. Harry blinked a couple of times and rubbed his eyes. Was that a shrug? How on earth do snakes shrug? Yes, it was a shrug, Giolla said, interrupting Harry's thoughts again.

Would you quit doing that? Harry asked. He was starting to get slightly irritated. Just once, he would like to have his mind all to himself. Right up until Voldemort had died, Harry's mind had been bombarded by images and sounds supplied by none other than the Dark Lord himself, and vice versa as Voldemort tried desperately to get past Harry's defenses to extract information on the Order and Harry's training level.

Why? It's so much fun! Harry shook his head; those weren't his thoughts! Did I just read your thoughts? Harry asked the snake that was at his side. Oh wait, she wasn't there! Where was she? Harry spun around looking for the snake. There she was, three steps in front of him. How did she get there?

Yes, I suppose you did. Now let's just get on with this silly little trek, shall we? Harry sighed this snake was posing more mysteries than he really cared to deal with. Harry looked up into the sky. It was dark, as it always was these days…nights. Harry had taken up a nocturnal schedule. It wasn't so much out of necessity as it was for want. Harry enjoyed being awake in the night. The nighttime had held a fascination with Harry since he was a little boy. Maybe it had something to do with him sneaking dinners in the middle of the night and studying magic by night, or maybe it was simply because he was a teenage boy…

Giolla slithered off of the small deer path that they had been following. Harry continued to follow the path, ignoring Giolla's sudden disappearance. He heard footsteps and immediately tensed up. Harry! Get in here! Giolla said impatiently. Harry ducked into a nearby bush and watched as a pair of legs walked past.

Who is it? Harry asked anxiously. Was it a Death Eater coming after him?

No one of your concern, Giolla said. She slithered out into the open. I'll let you know when he passes.

Thanks, Harry said. He crouched down lower, trying to stay out of sight.

Where is he? a voice said in parseltongue above Harry. Harry didn't recognize the voice.

I don't get anything if you tell me, another voice pointed out plainly. Harry recognized the hiss as one of the snakes that had tried to chase Giolla out of 'her' territory. He tensed. Surely they were talking about him.

I could get rid of that green and silver snake for you. The revolting boy would be gone too, the voice said. Chills went up and down Harry's spine from the tone the voice used when it said that Harry would be gone.

But I like the revolting boy, the local snake said. He makes the other snake hunt in other areas.

But if the boy leaves, the snake will be gone forever, the voice argued.

All right, I suppose you are right. Follow me and I'll show you where the boy sleeps during the day, the snake said reluctantly.

At day? the man's voice asked curiously.

Indeed, he's a funny fellow like that. He sleeps during the bright time and talks to the green and silver snake at night.

Harry listened as he heard footsteps walk away and a rustle of leaves as the common snake lead the way. Giolla, Harry whispered carefully.

Hush, boy. Else the man will hear you, he's not gone yet, Giolla whispered from somewhere to Harry's right. Harry tried to shrink deeper into the bush he was hiding in. Something about the other human's voice told Harry that he shouldn't show himself to the other man. He waited patiently for Giolla to tell him that it was safe to continue his walk to the castle. Harry rubbed his arms impatiently as goose bumps rose, causing the hairs to stick up on end. Harry heard footsteps walk past his bush again.

You said he would be there! The voice from before said. He sounded irritated.

He usually is, the common snake pleaded. She sounded frightened.

Harry thought about standing up and discovering what man could instill such fear on the snake, but Giolla's thought-speak interrupted his idea. Don't you dare move. Harry rolled his eyes. Apparently, he would never be able to think a free thought again with Giolla on the watch. He sighed and waited patiently for Giolla to give the word that the man was gone. Harry started to shiver as a cool breeze blew in the early morning air. The sky was still pitch black, but Harry could feel the slight shift in the air, signaling the beginning of morning.

Okay Harry, Giolla said from behind Harry. He slowly stood up and looked around himself cautiously. The man is gone along with the pathetic excuse of a snake, she sneered. Harry's face brightened as he thought of an idea.

Giolla, could you tell me what the man looked like? If Giolla could describe the man, the Harry would know who was looking for him and he would be able to know whether or not he was a man Harry should fear or not.

He wore interesting shoes; other than that, I know nothing of his physical appearance, Giolla said, shrugging again. After all, I have horrible long distance vision.

What about his scent? Harry asked impatiently. He had to know who this man was. If Harry was confident in the man's lack of ability, Harry could duel the man and be done with it. Or, Harry could abandon the forest and find someplace new to live.

You could go to the Burrow, Giolla suggested. She winked up at Harry.

He sighed exasperatedly. You know I cannot, he said.

I know you will not, Giolla countered. As for his taste, it was quite distinct and unpleasant. Harry sighed, that wasn't exactly something he could act on. Hurry up, would you? If you want to get your research done before dawn, then I suggest you pick up the pace a bit! Giolla said impatiently. She sped up, causing Harry to do the same. He quickly found himself jogging briskly just to keep up with the serpent.

Harry was just about to ask for a rest when the forest abruptly ended. Harry dove to the ground. He was right behind a hut. Hagrid's hut, Harry realized with a shock. Yes, that is the oaf's hut. So go ahead and knock on the door, Giolla prompted the teenage boy.

Shut up, Giolla. We're here for one purpose and one purpose alone. To prove whether or not you are evil, Harry said, crawling along the ground, out of sight of the hut. Once Harry thought himself to be out of sight of the glowing windows of his old friend's home, he stood up and ran to the castle. He quickly shut the door behind him and was surprised to see the snake already slithering towards the library. Harry quietly hurried after the green and silver serpent. Harry stopped when he reached the large, foreboding doors of the library.

What's wrong Harry?

The doors are always locked after hours, Harry said simply. How could he have forgotten that?

Do you not have your wand? Are you not a wizard? Giolla waited a moment for Harry to figure out what she was implying. When he said nothing, she jabbed her tail at the pocket that contained his wand. Does the word 'Alohomora' mean anything to you?

Of course! Harry said. Hermione! Are you a witch or not? Ron's voice filled Harry's head. He smiled, that had been first year when a Devil's Snare had trapped the trio. Harry pulled his wand out of his pocket and whispered the incantation. There was a click and the door unlocked. Harry edged into the room, keeping an eye out for the severe librarian. Any idea where a book on this subject would be? Harry asked as he stared in wide-eyed wonder. It had never hit him how many books were in this enormous library.

What subject? Giolla asked quietly. Harry looked down, and she winked at him.

On testing to figure out if an ancient snake made by Salazar Slytherin is evil without her Voldemort core, Harry said. He slumped his shoulders when he thought how futile of a search this would be. What author would write so much as a sentence about such a strange subject?

Most likely the Restricted Section, Giolla suggested. Harry shrugged; it was as good a place to start as any.

He walked over to the section. He unhooked the rope and skimmed along the row of spines. A multicolored spine caught his eyes. Half of it was white and the other half was a dark blood red. The title read Evil or Good? The answer in Easy-to-Read format!. Harry laughed at his luck. He pulled the book from its shelf and began to leaf through the pages. He quickly found out that the subjects were ordered alphabetically. He flipped the pages to the Ss. No sooner had he opened to the page labeled 'serpents' than a gritty voice called out into the dark, "Out of bed are we? And not during the school year either! If I ran this school you'd be hanging by your toenails quicker than you can say 'not fair'!" Harry cringed; that could be only one person: Filch.

Harry bolted for the door. As he was running down the halls, one thought chased itself around in his mind, 'Why didn't I grab the stupid book? The answer was right there!'

Harry yanked a door open. Behind the door was…a wall. Harry groaned, a wall pretending to be a door! Harry turned and kept running. He stopped short, though, when a small figure blocked his way. Harry looked down into the lamp-like eyes of Mrs. Norris. She meowed. Harry cursed the cat and kicked her, hard. Harry smiled briefly, that had felt good, before running down the hall again. His breath started to become harder to come by and Harry began to look side to side frantically. If only he could find someplace to hide. Just his luck, though, he seemed to be running down the one hallway in the school that didn't have any classrooms.

The Room of Requirements! Harry nearly stopped running when he thought of the idea. He crouched behind a statue and tried to get his bearings. Where was he? How could he get to The Room? Harry tried to sink further into the shadows when he heard the old man's heavy breathing. Harry looked up to see how much coverage the statue provided. It was the humpbacked witch! Harry knew exactly where he was now. He thought about climbing down the passageway, but Filch would catch him without a problem. Harry had had to disclose this passageway when the school's safety came into question. But at least he now knew he was on the third floor. He wracked his mind for some shortcut to get all the way to the seventh floor. Harry smiled when he thought of it. He immediately stood up and ran as fast as he could. He streaked past Filch who sputtered angrily and gave chase.

Harry slipped slightly when a rug pulled itself out from underneath him as he hurtled around a corner, but he managed to straighten himself and continue running. Harry ran up and down a familiar hallway three times and yanked open the door that appeared. He shut the door behind himself and fell to the floor breathing heavily while he leaned against the door. When Harry thought he had control over his breath once more, he opened his eyes. Their murky green layers stared transfixed at a mirror that was rimmed with an ornate gold pattern. It was as tall as a classroom. There was an inscription on the top. Harry stood up slowly and walked towards the mirror. He read the inscription. "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi," he whispered to himself. His eyes drank in the wonder of the mirror.

Harry? Giolla asked the boy. Master? she tried again. She gently poked him with the edge of her tail. Harry did not move. His eyes continued to take in the patterns around the frame of the mirror. Giolla tried jabbing him harder, but to no avail.

"I show not your face but your heart's desire," whispered Harry. His voice was hoarse and his eyes glazed over as he stared into the depths of the mirror. His eyes roved over the entire silvery surface, searching. His hand reached out and traced the gold rim. "Tell me," he whispered. His eyes watered slightly and Harry's hands drifted up and down the rim, as if trying to convince the mirror of something. His fingers slowly made their way onto the silvery surface and began to trace indistinct shapes. Giolla tried to see what Harry was tracing, but she saw nothing. Giolla flicked her tongue. What was he seeing? She tensed and fled to hide behind the mirror as she felt vibrations in the floor. Her tail only just disappeared before the door opened.

"Potter," a cold voice sneered.

Author's Note: Sorry it is taking me so long to get a chapter written, but they are getting harder to write, partially because I've been really busy, partially because my mom is annoyed at how much time I spend on the computer, and partially because I'm having issues with writers' block…ah well, chapter twelve will take me a while, I will warn you of that, mainly because it has a couple of tricky spots that don't want to put into words…but I promise I'll do my best to get it up ASAP.

Response to Reviews: I just thought I'd put out a general note now that I can respond to everyone with that nifty new feature they added. This space will now be for questions that I think everyone should be aware of (And I'll respond to anonymous reviews here). As for anonymous reviews, I only received one, and that review is not worthy of a response. FYI to that reviewer and to all other aspiring reviewers, I'd appreciate if you would refrain from using profane and offensive language in your reviews, thank you. As for the general questions: there are none, except the every popular when is Harry coming back. Well, Harry is coming back after I have lots and lots of reviews! Haha! And since I'm the author, I get to do that sort of thing D