$Parseltongue$

Chapter 4: New Familiar:

The next three weeks passed into a familiar rhythm as his guardians had decided to take the next two months off (bearing emergencies) to help him acclimate to his new life. Originally, he was very awkward around them but after almost a month of living with them, he was finally starting to open up, much to their happiness.

He wished that he could have grown up with them rather than his miserable excuse for family. The only thing that had him constantly on edge was this mysterious daughter of theirs, he worried that she wouldn't like him thereby causing him to lose people he was getting closer to calling family.

With almost a month of proper eating with his new potion regime, he was finally starting to look like an average almost 15-year-old, much to his joy. Almost gone was the constant sickly look he had adopted, it probably helped that he finally had some clothes that were close to fitting him (Andi had bought a couple of sizes above his normal due to the potion regiment he would have had to take, anticipating his growth).

Andi and Ted had promised that when he was finally done with his potions, they would take him for more clothes that would better fit much to his dismay. Not that he didn't want better fitting clothes, it was just the gleam in Andi's eyes that scared him, and Ted constantly mentioned his daughter that would be wanting to outfit him in 'her style of clothes.

When he had asked about her style Ted just smiled while Andi would frown, which made him apprehensive. Hopefully, she wouldn't want to do much with him, he did hope that she was friendly though. Not that he wouldn't want a new friend.

Maybe it was the comments Ted and Andi would say about Dora that she would be interested in him because he was a metamorph that had him so worried. She had been very vocal in her letters about how men were scum and if she ever found another metamorph she would claim them.

This school year (her fourth) had been a disaster dating-wise. He didn't understand what she meant until Andi explained how people treated Metamorphs as objects of desire due to their shape-shifting ability to look like anyone. That soured him initially on his new gift until Andi and Ted berated him just like Andi did about his parseltongue skills.

Speaking of his new Metamorph powers he had finally been able to change his appearance. Occlumency had come easy to him, though he did spend three days in a fugue state due to the abuse he had suffered, this happened when he had to relieve his memories to organize them. Ted had sat with him almost the whole time, not saying much. His presence alone helped comfort him.

While at Hogwarts he had been able to forget the hell he went through at the Dursleys. They didn't physically abuse him much, being constantly degraded and put down had an effect though.

Most of the physical abuse he had been under was due to his cousin. Harry hunting had been his favorite sport after all. Around his 9th birthday, they couldn't catch him anymore so most of the physical abuse he went through was a slap to the back of his head by his Uncle Vernon.

Ted was silent support, and Andi was more a vocal supporter, though differently than Mrs. Weasley and Hermione were. He did notice he now thought clearer, whether this was due to his new occluded mind or the Horcrux being removed he had no idea, he was just thankful for his new concentration.

While he hadn't been able to change a ton of his features yet, he had unfortunately found one of the downsides of being a metamorph, the mood hair. Andi said with time he would be able to control it better.

Outside spending time and training his new ability, he mostly spent his time flying on his new broom, reading books to refamiliarize himself with his studies, and training his magic (his new wand didn't have the trace, a perk of a crafted wand).

He found that he was far stronger magically than he ever was before, the soul leech had really harmed his powers. Croaker had been amazed at his new levels of power; he had already been greatly appreciative of them when he told his tale about his Patronus chasing away a hundred dementors in his third year.

Croaker had been giddy with excitement about having him be a potential recruit. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be an Unspeakable, but he did like the idea of helping people, and he could do more with them than the Aurors according to Andi.

Academically he had started to relearn potions much to his new family's help. It was well known that Snape couldn't teach to save his life and Ted had taken it upon himself to reteach Dora during her holidays.

Harry found that without Snape breathing down his neck he enjoyed the subject. It also helped that Ted had taught him the reaction chart, something Snape neglected to do with non-Slytherins. How the man was still employed was a surprise to him.

Andi had also started him on Runes and Arithmancy at his request and found himself eager to learn the subject, he was closing in on finishing third-year material for both subjects already, and they were hopeful that by the end of summer he would be proficient enough to enter the 5th year classes for both. At the rate he was going it would be a foregone conclusion.

He was also able to see the difference in his wanded subject courses now that he had a power boost, and with his new concentration, the theory he had difficulty with was easier than before.

He was by no means a prodigy at the courses he had undertaken but the constant effort and drive helped him accomplish much in a relatively short amount of time, it probably helped that he spent more time in a month on the subjects than he normally would in four months at Hogwarts.

As he sat down to breakfast this morning an owl swopped in dropping a letter in front of Andi.

After reading the letter Andi smiled at him "Looks like that old family friend I told you about finally got back to me, he will be here on Thursday to help with your new familiar." at the mention of a new familiar he just looked at Andi in questioning way. He had honestly forgotten all about it.

"Newt Scamander is gonna be in the area, he's gonna bring his collection of magical snakes to see if one would like to bond with you. He is an old friend of your grandparents." Andi said answering his questioning face.

"Newt Scamander? The bloke that wrote fantastic beasts and where to find them? I didn't know he was friends of the Potters." Ted said looking up from his newspaper. Harry himself was also surprised at that new bit of information.

"Yes, he went to school with your grandfather Fleamont," She said while looking at Harry, "At least before he was expelled. Your grandfather was one of the few at the time to stand up for him and to try to help him overturn it. It didn't work though. No need to worry about him talking about your identity we can get an oath from him easily enough. He'll be happy enough to meet a parselmouth, you might be able to help him with some of his dodgier snakes."

With that said they finished up their breakfast and soon they started Harry's schooling for the day. Thursday approached fast, which meant finally Harry got to meet an old friend of his grandfather, he was excited.

Outside of Andi and Ted, he hadn't heard much about his grandparents, well except for the little Sirius had told him anyway. He had always craved knowledge of his family and in his opinion, no detail was too small to learn. He had always wished for a family, and even if all he got was stories it was better than nothing.

By the time Thursday rolled around his potion regiment was finally done and his eyesight was fixed, though Ted did suggest keeping the glasses so he could charm them up like Mad-eye Moody's eye. The suggestion intrigued him, he decided he would investigate enchanting after his owl year.

When he woke up Thursday morning, he went down to find an older man and woman sitting at the table laughing at something Ted had just said as Andi had a grin of her own.

Seeing Harry Andi stood making her way toward the awkward teen and hugging him. She had been initiating hugs for the past month trying to acclimate him to a family that wouldn't hurt him, it took him the better part of two weeks before he wouldn't instinctively flinch. While he was still far from relaxed it was a much-needed improvement.

Pulling him gently to the table she brought the now violet-haired teen to the table. "Newt, Tina, I'd like you to meet Fleamont and Euphemia's grandson Harry Potter" at that Tina and Newt looked confused.

Ted seeing their looks explained what had happened to him. After the explanations, they looked at him sadly though Tina did get up and give him a hug of her own. Relaxing into the hug, Harry had to admit she like Andi gave hugs that were heartfelt but not overbearing.

"It's nice to meet you, Harry, I'm Newt this is my wife Tina" Newt chimed in with a smile.

"It's nice to meet you two as well," he said awkwardly.

After that awkward moment, Harry sat, and everyone continued eating their breakfast while chatting. Harry was mostly content to listen to Ted and Newt talk while Tina and Andi just listened in like him, although they occasionally chimed in their thoughts.

Soon plates were cleared, and they were soon finishing their tea in comfortable conversation, occasionally they were able to get Harry to talk. It probably helped when they brought up topics of his grandparents and father which he listened to intently. Soon though Newt placed a briefcase on the ground.

"So, Harry, Andi tells me you're looking for a magical snake?"

"Yes sir, Andi said that I should utilize my gift rather than deny it."

At the word gift Newt looked excited while Tina just looked at her husband in amusement "You're a Parselmouth?".

"Y-yes" he answered quietly.

"Excellent" Newt exclaimed, "Parselmouth's are very rare, a wonderful ability. Your grandfather said his father was one as well. Looks like it skipped a few generations, but no matter bloodline gifts usually return with the addition of new blood, like your mother."

Harry was startled at his excitement, not many people he knew outside of the Tonks had ever given his ability much positive attention. Before he could ask why he thought it was a wonderful ability

Tina answered his unasked question "Parselmouth are only generally feared in European countries due to the few dark lords that have utilized the ability. Not only is it a magical language but the fact that casting in it increases power and Parselmagic only spells make it feared."

Harry added Parselmagic to the list of things in his head to learn, along with enchanting.

"They Probably fear it Porpetina due to the fact it can't be learned like most languages, you are either born with it or you're not." Newt said looking at him fondly, "Anyways let's head off into the suitcase I have a few snakes that might be interested to bond with a parselmouth."

Entering the suitcase/zoo he was astounded by all the different animals Newt and Tina had collected, judging by the looks Ted was giving the animals he wholeheartedly agreed.

Hagrid would have had a field day to see all these magnificent creatures. When they finally came to the section where Newt housed his snakes Harry felt a familiar pull he had only ever felt with Hedwig. He made his way towards the pull blocking out the sounds of the other snakes and the adults as they followed him.

Newt seemed to realize what was going on as he silenced Ted and Andi with a look as they followed Harry further into the snake enclosure, the whole time Newt made sure Harry didn't get too close to the dangerous snakes. Though he didn't need to bother as Harry was avoiding them without even realizing it.

He eventually came to a stop at a small, raised stone bird bath that housed a small black serpent with a white belly, it had a blue line on its face and white horns adorning its head and tail.

$ Hello $ Harry said slipping into parseltongue.

The snake looked up at him in surprise before responding $Hello speaker$

$ I'm Harry what's your name? $

$I Don't have a name speaker$

Frowning at that $ Do you want a name? $

$ I wouldn't mind one $ The serpent said flying up to him at eye level.

$ Well Zephuros was the god of the west wind in ancient times and since you can fly, how about Zephyr for short, you are male right? $

$ Of course, I'm a male speaker, Zephyr, I like it a majestic name for a majestic creature such as I $ As he said that he puffed himself up causing Harry to laugh. While Newt looked on in wonder.

"What did he say, Mr. Potter?" He questioned eagerly. So, Harry explained everything Zephyr had said, causing smiles or grins to appear on the adult's faces.

$ I go with you Harry $ Zephyr then coiled around Harry's arm causing him to smile at his new friend who proceeded to then close his eyes.

Newt meanwhile took his wand out and began casting a diagnostic spell before saying "Mr. Potter it looks like Zephyr here has already started the familiar bond with you. Now since Zephyr is a horned serpent which is a class 5 magical beast you are required to register him with the ministry."

Andi looked amazed that a class 5 beast willingly bonded with Harry, she guessed that snakes bonded easier with a parselmouth. "Harry don't worry, me and Ted will take care of the registration of Zephyr for you."

"Thanks, Andi"

"It's no problem at all, Zephyr is now a part of our family" at that Harry smiled and Zephyr let out a hum of contentment.

"Now Mr. Potter"

"It's just Harry sir"

"Fine then Harry, it's Newt to you. Now Horned Serpents are one of the deadliest known snakes to wizardkind, just below a basilisk. The horns in their tails and head store and can expel energy. It also allows them to go invisible, kind of like a disillusionment charm. They can also use that energy to fly. Though Zephyr is young, he can grow to a large size, though with his ability he can shrink himself or keep himself at a certain size his entire life if need be."

Amazed at the abilities of his new familiar Harry's jaw dropped causing chuckles all around. Newt and Tina were soon teaching Harry how to care for Zephyr something to which he was eager to learn, and so too were Ted and Andi.

After a couple of hours of explanation, he handed Harry his own suitcase to store Zephyr in to keep him warm during the Scottish winters at Hogwarts, it was pretty basic, but Newt explained with practice at enchanting he could make it bigger and better, but he'd leave that to him. Something for which he was happy about.

A couple of hours more were spent helping Newt with his other serpents, Harry especially liked the rune spoors he found them funny, especially with their conflicting heads. By 5 Tina and Newt had left giving an oath to not disclose his identity.

Tina insisted he write at least once a month, with Newt saying if he ever needed anything or wanted to talk to write him as well. Harry likewise replied that should he ever need any help with a snake than to write him and he would do his best to help.

Newt and Tina smiled at that, there were a lot of people that took animals for granted and treated them horribly, and with Harry's ability Newt might be able to help more magical snakes than before.

They also recommended he write to their grandson Rolf who was currently a fourth-year student at Ilvermorny, Rolf was just as enthused as Newt was with magical beasts.

Harry was happy to have made a new friend and met friends of his grandparents, he enjoyed his time with Scamander. Looking down at Zephyr who was still attached to his wrist he felt happy and for the first time in a long time, he felt joy over his gift.

AN: Edited with Grammarly on 9/18/22, also separated long paragraphs for a smoother read.