Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC and non-canon magic.

A/N: Hello! Thank you for the insight and magical reviews. You're right. I do like writing this story and I'm really trying to update on a biweekly basis. No promises. However, that is my goal. We all need to continue magic during COVID.

Also, I have a new Harry Potter reference book in tandem with the The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook by Duncan Levy. It's called The Unofficial Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook: A Complete Guide to Every Spell in the Magical World by Media Lab Books. It's pretty wow. I haven't finished it yet…but I will source it when not using my fake fictional magic. Special thanks to Barnes & Noble Retailers (shameless plug by this FFN author since Amazon gets enough money).

This is a bit short. Sorry, but it had to be done that way. At least I wrote, right? It's late but this plot won't let me sleep! Ha.

Ch. XLVIII: Seeing Snakes

Harry finished his meal and ignored everyone around him. Once they were finished, he made his way with his housemates toward the Common Room.

The boy wizard just shook his head slightly at Neville and made his way to the Second Year Boys' Dormitory. Scowling, he grabbed his things for the shower and nearly stumbled into Kreacher.

"Kreacher!" Harry hissed, his bad mood lightening, before rapidly returning. "Is everything alright?"

"You're needed Young Master," the old House-Elf answered simply. He raised his hand. Without hesitation the child took it. Together, they Apparated into his 'borrowed,' room.

It's not mine, but Merlin, I'm so happy to be here. The boy thought before dropping to the ground in front of his House-Elf and clutching him close, upset.

"Whatever is the matter, Young Master?" Kreacher asked carefully, as he gently returned to the embrace from the boy.

Harry swallowed hard as he explained his best friend's behavior.

Kreacher's pale eyes glinted shrewdly.

"It sounds to me that Mistress Luna could use a friend, Young Master." Kreacher remarked.

Harry nodded, wiping his eyes.

"I'd…like to be her friend…but Kreacher," Harry asked, upset. "Why would Hermione be such a…such a hypocrite?"

"Because she's afraid of losing your affection and friendship." Kreacher answered easily.

At the boy's bewildered look, Kreacher took pity on the boy.

Merlin's beard. The House-Elf thought with exasperated fondness. Leave it to a House-Elf to rear a child properly in the ways of girls.

"She's jealous," Kreacher explained. "Here Mistress Luna is from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Lovegood. A Pureblood Lady, while Mistress Hermione is a Muggleborn. Also, girls are very, very, territorial. I'm sure Mistress Luna is entirely innocent and there really is nothing for her to worry about." Kreacher sighed. "The Lovegoods are eccentric and their magazine is for entertainment purposes only. Yet, they've suffered. Mistress Luna lost her mother, the famed Charms researcher, Pandora, died last year from a Charms accident."

Emerald eyes widened.

He would definitely befriend the young Ravenclaw. He honestly did not care if he never found Wrackspurts or Nargles in mistletoe.

The House-Elf smiled shrewdly to himself. And now we will have the Noble and Most Ancient House of Lovegood on Our side. He felt the House approve as they watched Harry get worked up in a self-righteous rage.

"We have a guest for you to meet," Kreacher interrupted. "And I know Lord and Lady Black miss you."

Effectively sidetracked Harry let himself be led downstairs.

"A guest?" Harry asked curiously.

Smiling, Kreacher remained silent.

Clearing his throat at the Formal Drawing Room, the occupants turned as one.

Harry burst into tears when he saw who was seated at the table.

The Snake Warrior beamed at him with her arms wide open.

Red-faced and running toward the only mother figure he had in the Muggle world, the boy launched himself at her, weeping hysterically. His body curled into her, and the House reinforced her chair so it would not break despite the additional weight.

« My Youngling Ssspeaker. » Sparkles crooned in Parseltongue. « I've misssssed you ssso. »

« You're alive! » Harry cried. « I thought I'd never sssee you again! I thought I dreamed you up at the Weasssleys* over the sssummer! »

« Ssssilly child. » Sparkles admonished, as she gave him maternal caresses. « I will alwaysss watch over you, even if you cannot sssee me. I've loved you like you were my own hatchling. »

Harry cried harder. No one, not even Sirius*, had said the 'L'-word to him. All the changes and the day actually caught up with him for the first time since he returned from Hogwarts.

References

Sparkles: she was briefly mentioned in the prequel.

Sirius: don't flame me. Sparkles told Harry that as a small child, and it was shocking that a creature would do so and not a human. It's why Harry is so partial to her. Sirius *shows* his love and will eventually tell her. However, everyone here is a bit scarred, bruised, and broken. They will get there.

HoB: more sentience in the future. Kreacher is a shrewd MOFO and it's to everyone's benefit. Also, Sirius and Séraphine are more sweet than sexy at the moment because they both are stubborn. However, Sirius wants to makeup with her quickly.