Chapter Two

There is nothing on the telly, Slyther told Harry that night. What else do humans do when they're bored?

Harry shrugged, pausing a minute to think. "Talk?"

About…? Slyther questioned impatiently.

"Anything," Harry said back to Slyther. "Anything you feel like talking about anyways."

All right, Slyther mused. Since you have named me, human, I think I shall name you. Now, you're a human, what name would fit you?

"I already have a—" Harry tried to tell the snake, but Slyther completely ignored him.

What about…Alexander?

"No!" Harry said out loud. "I already have a name, Slyther!"

What about Abdallah?

"What?" Harry said, raising his eyebrows. "Abdallah? Where do you come up with these names?"

Arson? Caesar? Darrius? Dempster? Dolph? Erland?

"How about," Harry said, "Harry?"

Slyther finally paused. Harry? Hm…Harry, Harry, Harry…excellent, Slyther said happily. Harry it shall be.

"So…do you have any family?" Harry asked. "Or brothers or sisters?"

No, I don't, Slyther replied flatly. Do you?

"No," Harry said. "My parents died when I was younger. I really don't know that much, just that."

If you don't mind, Slyther said, how did they die?

"A car crash," Harry said sadly. He sighed. "That's what Aunt Petunia told me."

You live with Aunt Petunia?

"And Uncle Vernon. Oh yeah... and their Dudley."

Their Dudley, Slyther said to himself. Is that some type of plant?

Harry grinned. "No, actually Dudley's my cousin."

Oh. Slyther paused before saying, can I ask you a question? He slithered up Harry's leg again and coiled around his arm like he had that morning.

"Yeah," Harry said. "Go ahead."

How are you talking to me? After all of the years, no human has ever conversed with me. Why is it you?

"I don't know," Harry admitted. "Is it unusual to talk to snakes?" He paused. "I think it is. Nobody at school has ever talked to snakes before."

School…what is it that you speak of?

"It's where you…learn stuff," Harry said. "I don't like it, though."

Why is that, Harry? Slyther asked, sounding unusually interested.

"I don't have any friends," Harry said dismissively. "But you're here now. You can be my friend. Will you, Slyther?"

I supose, Slyther said, and then changed the subject. You are a special human, aren't you, Harry? Gifted.

"I don't really know. I don't think I'm very special," Harry replied thoughtfully, and then yawned. "I'm going to bed. Are you comin', Slyther?"

Yes, Slyther said, still around Harry's arm as Harry opened the door to his cupboard. This is where you sleep? Slyther asked. That is not right, Harry.

"I dunno," Harry said with a shrug, going into his cupboard. "It's where I've always slept."

What about another room? Can you not sleep in another room, Harry?

"I don't think so," Harry said with a shake of his head. "Uncle Vernon would get really mad if I slept in his room, or Dudley's."

They are not here, are they now? Slyther said.

"No, but still."

We'll talk in the morning, Slyther said. It does not matter to me where you sleep at. I just thought you'd be uncomfortable; it is very small.

Harry laid Slyther on the mattress beside him. "It's not the best bed, Slyther, but try to get some sleep."

I should be the one saying that to you.

-

"Where were you?" Harry demanded the next morning as Slyther slithered by. Harry sat in a chair, his elbows resting on the kitchen table as he peered down at his feet, where Slyther had come to stop.

I was exploring this house. I was actually trying to find a way out of this box! I do need to eat you know.

"Sorry," Harry said. "This is a house, not a box Slyther, and why didn't you try to wake me up? I could've taken you out or something. Then again—why didn't you leave me a message that said you were going to try to find something to eat?"

With what? Slyther asked sarcastically. A written message with my hand? Not amusing, Harry. Besides, I never did actually leave the "house". I couldn't. Every way is blocked.

"Sorry," Harry apologized again. "I'll let you out—but you will come back, won't you?"

Sure I will, Slyther responded.

What's the matter, Harry? Slyther asked. He slithered up the leg of the table and onto the table top, in front of Harry.

"The Dursleys abandoned me," Harry realized. "I'm alone. They left me."

Surely not, Slyther said, a note of concern in his scaly voice. You had said they had left for a vacation. That's not leaving for good, is it? Surely they will be back.

"What if they decided to live in Mexico?" Harry said, a look of horror crossing his face. "Then I'll be living alone here. I won't have anything to eat, and then I'll starve to death. I'll get bored to death. I'll suffocate in here, I'll have no one to live with, no one would want me—"

You are only babbling now, Harry, Slyther pointed out. You are making no sense. And if they do 'abandon' you, you may always come and live with me.

"You're a snake, Slyther," Harry pointed out, himself. "I'm human."

I could always live with you, then. I could keep you company.

"Thanks," Harry said with a sad smile. "That's nice of you to do that." He sighed. "I just don't know what I'm going to do while they're gone. Sit around the house and do nothing I s'pose."

-

"What did you call me in here for, Albus?" Snape said as he stood in front of Albus Dumbledore's desk. "I'm a bit busy."

"I need you to do a favor for me, Severus," Albus said. "A very big favor."

"What kind of favor is it exactly?" Snape drawled.

"I need you to check on Harry for me," Albus said calmly. "I have received word that the Dursley's won a trip to Mexico. I need you to see if they have taken Harry with them."

"By going to Mexico?" Snape said, eyebrows raised.

"By going to number Four, Privet Drive," replied Albus. "And seeing if Harry is there or not."

"And why should I do this?" Snape asked, looking impatient and annoyed.

"Because Arabella Figg has informed me that she had seen Harry on the front lawn yesterday."

"Well," Snape said. "Potter isn't any of my concern, Headmaster. You're going to have to find someone else to check on the impudent brat, because I refuse to go to number Four Privet Drive."

-

A/N: Well, what to say, what to say? What about... next chapter'll be up soon! R and R!