Harry stared at the unmoving body of uncle Vernon with strange detachment. Hatred he felt for the man just moments ago vanished in an instant. He supposed it wasn't much point in hating someone who was already dead but maybe he should feel happy or have a sense of accomplishment over the fact that his tormentor was gone? It wasn't the case either. His head was clear and numerous possibilities of what will come next swirled in his mind. Closing his eyes he breathed slowly. He wasn't panicked or afraid but he needed to process everything calmly. Pain in his stomach from the kick he received earlier was an apparent reminder of how awful his life was before. And now his previous life ended, the corpse lying just a meter away, a dreadful embodiment of this fact.

When Harry dreamed about the day he'll get his revenge on Dursleys he never thought the man would actually end up dead. But now it was done and Nagini was the one who made it possible. Harry himself wasn't stronger yet, even his initial reaction was to hide Nagini and endure whatever wrath Vernon brought on him. But it was just an instinct. What Nagini did made sense. If he had time to actually think about it, he would have come to the same decision. Only he would have preferred a more discreet approach and not so immediate.

Harry opened his eyes and looked at the corpse again. It was a mess he had to deal with now. Uncle Vernon's death might have been inevitable as it was merely a question of time but the fact that the time part was decided for Harry irritated him. Nagini made this decision too quickly without even asking Harry's opinion on the matter.

"You should not have done it," he said quietly but firmly. "I am glad you did it but you should not have done it without asking me first."

"If your life is in danger it is my duty to eliminate the danger." Nagini sounded irritable too.

"You caused me more problems now. Such things should not be done without a solid plan."

"So you had a plan then?"

"I did not. But I would have preferred if you have given me time to think about it."

Nagini looked away unable to handle Harry's piercing eyes. This boy wasn't just a meek child with unfortunate fate, he was a force to be reckoned with. But she was still confident in her decision to dispose of a muggle. No one harms the Speaker and gets away with it. This one had done enough to warrant himself a death sentence. If she could kill him again she would, no matter what Harry thought about it. She didn't see any problem either. She said as much to the boy.

"You killed him, but I will be the one who is blamed for it. They will call me a murderer and send to some godforsaken facility. That, if I do not do anything about this whole mess." Harry wrinkled his nose in disgust, indicating how very not pleased he was with this situation.

"You can just kill everyone else and run away."

Harry laughed at that. "We cannot just kill everyone. This is not how the human world works."

He shook his head and took a moment to think.

"Running is not an option either. I will not leave this to the unknown."

The thought of worrying about how the issue got resolved terrified him more than the prospect of dealing with it himself. He needed to make sure everything was under his control.

"You will help me, Nagini." It wasn't a question. Yet again these piercing eyes mesmerised Nagini.

"Fine." As if she could say no.

Harry smiled.

"What magical abilities do you have exactly?"

"My magic is strongly connected to a Parselmouth. For instance, I can change my size if told so by the Speaker."

Harry's eyes widened. Here he thought he had no way to hide Nagini with her being so big, nearly 12 feet long, but it turned out to be so simple.

"Really? Get smaller."

Nagini looked annoyed at the sudden command but she couldn't help her body changing in size until she was just 1 foot long. Harry watched in wonder. If he thought about it, this was the first time he'd seen an actual display of magic. It seemed so very simple but at the same time so very powerful. Harry even felt a little tingle coursing through his body. Outstretching his hand in invitation Harry waited for Nagini to climb up his body until she placed herself comfortably around his neck. Harry's eyes gleamed and he felt the urge to pet her gently and so he did. Nagini hissed pleased. They sat like that for some time feeling content with each other. Nagini relaxed basking in the proximity of magical power that felt so much like her Master's. For her, it was warm and calming. For Harry, it was a rare moment of closeness. He found stroking Nagini's scales to be very soothing, almost forgetting he was currently in the middle of a crime scene. Snapping out of his fascination Harry told Nagini to change back.

She quickly regained her size uncurling from Harry's neck but now surrounding his whole body. If he was someone else Harry would have felt trapped — one movement from the snake and he would be squeezed — but on the contrary, it made him feel safe. He looked curiously at Nagini.

"Why is it so simple?"

"For any snake, a word of the Speaker is basically a law. This is how the magic of serpents works. We never had the need to overcomplicate things."

"Is it not dangerous? Sounds like you are getting stripped of your own free will."

"There are not many Parselmouths out there. Finding one is a great honour already. Besides, it would not have worked if your will was not strong enough."

"Hmm." Harry's expression switched to somewhat critical. "But what if I told you to die, will you?"

Nagini's gaze became full of something dangerous.

"No, I will not. We cannot harm each other. It works both ways, child." She sounded almost offended.

"It was a theoretical question." Harry reassured but he didn't look apologetic. He sighed, running a hand through his hair and looking sideways at uncle Vernon's body.

"Alright. You can change sizes, this is very convenient but not so useful in our current situation. What else can you do?"

Nagini was silent. Harry narrowed his eyes at her.

"I asked a question, Nagini."

"I cannot lie to you, Harry. But I can choose not to speak."

"Why not?"

"It puts me at a certain risk," she said hesitantly.

"I am already at risk. Because of you." Harry was sure to emphasise his accusative tone. "You promised to help."

Nagini looked contemplative. She knew she could help Harry but for her it would mean to put herself in danger. Being exhausted from her search mission already, if she agrees to do as Harry demands she'll be drained. Harry Potter wasn't her Master but looking at those bright green eyes she almost expected them to turn red. The link that connected Nagini to her Master acted vividly all through the conversation with the boy and it was hard to just dismiss it.

"Fine," she resigned again.

Harry raised his eyebrows prompting to continue.

"I can alter the properties of my venom. Naturally, it is deadly. The person I bite dies. But I can make it so the victim is crushed with severe pain begging for a simple death to come. Or I can inject the venom so it would course through their system and work as a binding, making them do whatever is said in Parseltongue."

"So it is either torture or compulsion." Harry looked at Nagini with uncovered excitement and admiration. "This is perfect."

"Yes. But it takes me a great amount of concentration and magical power to do so. It is dangerous for both me and a victim. If I fail to gather enough magic the person will just die and I would still be drained. And even if I succeed I will not be able to make anything similar in years to come. My venom will revert to the naturally deadly one. You cannot turn just anyone into your slave."

Harry's eyes dimmed slightly, indicating that Nagini guessed right about what the boy was thinking.

"And when was the last time you did it?"

"Long ago. My Master lost interest in this ability after learning how dangerous it is for me and seeing that the risks outmatched the benefit. He could achieve the same results with his own magic anyway."

"Well, forgive me that I am not your Master but just a boy who learned about magic a few hours ago." Harry snapped. He understood that Nagini didn't mean to accuse him of anything but the fact that he was denied the knowledge about magic was still a sore spot.

"Calm down, child. That is exactly the reason I am willing to help you."

Harry heaved a frustrated sigh and took a deep breath to compose himself. It seemed like this 'unable to lie' thing made it unusually hard to control his emotions with Nagini.

"Thanks." He felt necessary to say. He was grateful to Nagini for so much already. Her very existence before him brought a terrific change in his life. She seemed to understand, hissing in affirmation. A comfortable silence formed between them giving Harry time to think how he could use Nagini's ability in the most beneficial way.

Soon he was smiling brightly.

"One person as a slave is more than enough. And I know exactly what we shall do."

The door creaked open as Harry peeked inside, Nagini, small again, firmly coiled around his arm. He could hear noise coming from the TV. So Petunia was watching something, probably glad that she could turn to her favourite melodrama instead of what Vernon always chooses. This explained why she wasn't in a hurry to look for her absent husband.

Quietly reaching to the living room he saw her alone, Dudley most likely being in his room. It was just as Harry anticipated. He turned his eyes to Nagini and hissed quietly but without any doubt in his voice.

"Do it."

Nagini slithered down slowly and then proceeded to the couch where Petunia was watching some nonsense on TV never the wiser something was about to happen. Nagini was so small now, she barely made any noise. When she was right at the back of Petunia's neck Harry held his breath. It was a turning point, either win or fail. If Nagini succeeds… so many thoughts were already turning in Harry's head as to what he'd do then. But if Nagini fails it was only one option. Petunia would die and become utterly useless to any plans Harry might have formed.

Nagini was taking her time, concentrating on trying to gather her magic and properly change the venom. Harry heard his own heart beating with anticipation.

Finally Nagini moved. It wasn't a quick and brutal strike like it was with Vernon. Almost gently small fangs poked through the skin, Petunia hardly even noticing. She remained still and after several long beats Nagini released her.

Harry's heart was pounding so loud at this point he hardly heard anything else, almost missing Nagini's low hiss. He noticed she swayed, nearly falling from the couch. Hesitating a bit Harry rushed to the snake catching and taking her in his arms. He glanced at the motionless body of his aunt and returned to his previous position at the door. He couldn't take any risks without confirming the situation first.

"Did it work?"

Nagini looked completely exhausted but she managed to answer.

"Try it."

Harry focused his gaze on Petunia and hissed, "Stand."

Instantly Petunia was standing. Despite his strong desire to succeed Harry still half expected to fail so realising he actually succeeded brought a sudden rush in him. Excitement boiled within him but he forced himself to stay calm and check for a chance it was just a coincidence.

"Turn off the TV." Petunia complied. Feeling devious Harry added, "Bang your head on the table." And she did just that.

Harry snickered. He was sure now that Nagini's magic and venom worked.

Looking at the snake his smile fell. Nagini was unconscious just as she warned him she would. He placed her around his neck so she could remain relaxed and in the best position to replenish her magic. Apparently Harry's own magic felt the strongest there and she would return to her senses quicker if he shared some with her. She didn't tell him how to share his magic though, so Harry assumed it will transpire without him doing anything consciously. Still, he wasn't sure and he didn't want for it to take more time than he was ready to wait. Closing his eyes he turned his focus on the tingling sensation he started to associate with magic. It felt… nice. He could almost see a vibrant trace of something powerful and enigmatic. He thought about giving part of it to Nagini and felt the energy move chaotically until it formed into a more concrete bubble that soon disappeared somewhere around his neck leaving him dizzy. Steadying himself Harry opened his eyes to meet Nagini's, focused and surprised.

"Did not expect you would be able to do this."

Harry smiled at her, his mood was wonderful due to their success.

"Well, you see, I am naturally gifted."

Nagini made a noise that Harry interpreted as a chuckle. But she still looked barely conscious.

"How do you feel?"

"I am still weak but the recovery should go better after what you did," she eyed him delighted. "And if I return to my original size."

"Revert back," he said without any hesitation and Nagini once again was at full length before him.

"Now, Harry. What is your plan exactly?"

Harry shot Nagini an excited look and then turned his full attention to the woman crouching weakly at the table.

"Petunia, come here," he ordered. She stood and walked over to Harry. Her eyes were filled with terror but she couldn't say or do anything unless told so.

"I need you to bring your son here. Make sure he understands how utterly important this is."

She trembled fearfully. Harry felt a strange satisfaction knowing he was the one causing this reaction. But it was also getting annoying.

"Act as if everything is fine, you should not fear." Her expression became neutral and slowly she made her way upstairs.

While waiting for her to return Harry asked Nagini, "How long will your venom stay in her system?"

"It is permanent for her because she is a muggle. She will do as you tell her until you yourself release her. But after that, she will die."

"I see." Harry looked thoughtful. "I hope she proves herself useful so I will not be tempted to dispose of her early."

"How long do you intend to keep her like this?"

Harry shrugged. "As long as it serves to my advantage."

Harry heard heavy footsteps, the same ones that always brutally woke him up in the morning, only this time they didn't cause Harry to flinch. Dudley followed Petunia obediently albeit he was whining.

"What's going on? Mum!"

"It is very important, Dudley. We need to be here," she told without any emotion but her tone left no room for argument.

"I heard that already, mum! Why won't you explain anything!" he cried in frustration sounding scared at the same time. He then noticed Harry, who was leaning casually against the wall and watching them with clear amusement on his face.

"Potter! What have you done to mum!" Dudley cried out angrily, moving to lash out at Harry. But he was stopped by a huge snake that emerged seemingly from nowhere. It hissed furiously at him, making Dudley stumble back and fall on his butt.

"Shh, Nagini. Remember not to kill him yet." Potter hissed while smiling at the scene but paying no more attention to the boy. He'll deal with him later.

"Petunia, I heard Dudley here expressed a desire to go fishing with his father. We cannot possibly deny him this whim, can we?"

For Dudley everything was just an indecipherable hissing which scared him even more.

"What's going on?" he repeated but only whispering now.

Harry found it brilliant. The fact that no one apart from Petunia and Nagini understood his speech as long as it was in Parseltongue encouraged him to proceed with his plan. Dudley was submitting to fear already and very likely won't be a problem.

"I want you to prepare everything necessary for their little trip. You know, fishing equipment you so eagerly presented Dudley with on his last birthday. Pity he did not touch it since then. But hey, it is never late to finally act on one's wishes."

Petunia started to move around the house doing what she was told while Harry continued, "Make sure to include food for them and whatever they need for staying the night at the lake. Take everything to the car. Do it quietly."

When she was out of Harry's view he turned his attention to the shaking boy.

"Dudley," he said in English looking at him with aversion. Harry wasn't sure what to do with Dudley now. He wanted to scare him with Nagini's help so the boy would do as he was told out of fear but it seemed Dudley was already immensely scared.

Harry always imagined that seeing Dursleys miserable would bring him great joy. He thought he would take pleasure tormenting them the way they did it with him. Revenge sounded sweet. But after seeing Vernon dead and now looking at trembling Dudley he thought they were just pathetic. So easily broken. It was almost boring.

Dudley was blinking rapidly looking between Harry and Nagini. His usually pinkish cheeks were pale and any confidence he ever expressed in Harry's presence was nowhere to be seen.

It was boring.

Harry sighed. So much for sweet revenge. Maybe these muggles just weren't worth the trouble. Harry had to deal with this mess as soon as possible, it was his top priority and he had no time to entertain himself with something unnecessary. Dudley will be dead tonight anyway and Harry will have all his time to play with his dear aunt later.

As he thought about it Petunia brushed past him carrying bags with all the necessary things. She opened the front door, went to the car and placed everything in the boot all the while making as little noise as possible. She then returned and stood near Harry waiting for her next command.

"Go to the backyard and move your husband to the car. Make sure the blood does not stain the seats. Take Dudley to help you and have him behave. No arguments, no noise."

She turned to look at her son without any emotion still. Dudley looked hopeful, finally getting attention from his mother, not noticing her obvious disinterest.

"Dudley, you will help me now. Come with me."

He practically jumped at that, eager to leave the overbearing presence of Potter. They left and Harry waited. Soon he could hear a muffled scream. There was some squealing heard but it quickly got quiet again. Apparently Petunia knew how to handle her son. Harry hoped this much noise so far wasn't enough to wake the neighbours.

Turning the lights off and closing the door Harry went to the car, Nagini following him closely behind. She was also quiet, paying close attention to what Harry said and did but saving her strength, for she still felt quite exhausted.

Looking around the area Harry confirmed that every house had the lights turned off. It didn't necessarily mean that no one heard or saw them, but it was a good enough sign.

He waited for the Dursleys to show up. It wasn't an easy task he gave them. Vernon was heavy. But they managed. Petunia was compelled by Nagini's venom to see every order she received through. And Dudley actually had some muscles in that fat body of his. Also, he was very scared and shocked to make any protest.

Harry opened the door to the car so they could arrange everything faster. It was the only help he saw the need to provide them, he felt disgusted even at the thought of touching Vernon let alone stress himself with heavy lifting. Besides, it was a good opportunity to make the Dursleys suffer.

Finally, Vernon's body was placed at the back seat. The blood long stopped and already dry around his neck, most of it probably stayed at the ground where he was killed. Harry made a mental note to check and clean it later.

"Take the driver's seat and tell Dudley to sit next to his father."

After she and Dudley did so Harry sat in the other front seat and Nagini slithered into the car placing herself on the floor. She was too big for this car, or maybe the car was too small for her. But neither she nor Harry was worried about making Dursleys uncomfortable. Nagini put her head at Harry's knees and hissed softly when he stroked her scales.

"Drive to the lake," was all Harry said.

As the car started to move he relaxed in the seat. Half of his plan for tonight was over and it went quite perfectly. It seemed like Petunia was proving to be a perfect slave.

Harry closed his eyes feeling tired after all the events of the day. A satisfied smile spread on his lips. For the first time in his life, he felt at peace in the presence of all the Dursleys.

Two days later there was a knock at the door of 4 Privet Drive. Petunia Dursley rushed to the door to find two policemen standing there with serious expressions on their faces. They introduced themselves, both men, but their names never registered in Petunia's mind. There was a fog. Thick obnoxious fog that disabled her processing any thought more than it was necessary.

"Mrs Petunia Dursley?" one of them asked.

"Yes, it's me. What can I help you with?" Words came without any effort on her part. Her mouth moved on its own accord.

"This is about Mr Dursley and Dudley Dursley. There was an accident," another man started to explain.

"What happened?"

Policemen shared a look with each other.

"You might want to sit down."

Once inside, she invited them to seat on the couch in the living room. Her nephew, Harry, was already there occupying one of the armchairs across. That left only another vacant armchair for herself.

"What happened?" she asked again after Harry greeted the men and introductions were exchanged.

"This morning your husband and son were found dead."

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed jumping up from her seat and then dropping again weakly. Suddenly a glass of water was in her hand.

"Are you alright, aunty?" Harry sounded worried. She didn't answer taking a sip of water instead. She thanked him and was ready to listen further.

"Could you share the details?" asked Harry returning to his seat.

"Yes, of course." The man coughed and looked into his little notebook, rustling through pages. "They were found near the lake down the road. Bitten by a snake. The boy was at a fair distance from his father, we think he tried to run away after noticing a snake. He managed for a while as his time of death doesn't match Mr Dursley's by several hours. But in the end, he wasn't fortunate…"

'The boy will run. When he is at a certain distance from this place hunt him down and strike to death.'

Petunia wanted to shudder as a sudden image appeared in her head.

Her Dudley stuttering and pale barely standing on his shaking legs.

'Dudley, run! She will kill you!' Harry's voice wasn't panicked or concerned. It was a mere statement.

Dudley spotted the snake slithering his way and bolted trying to run as quickly as he could, given his state. The snake waited not increasing her speed yet but following right behind. Harry Potter watched this awkward hunt with a cold smile plastered on his face.

She blinked and the living room returned to her vision, steady voices of policemen were heard once again. They kept describing the scene affirming that everything pointed to it being an accident. Petunia looked at Harry, who listened attentively. Sharp eyes met hers and she swallowed thickly.

There was a murderer right in front of their noses and she couldn't tell, she couldn't do anything.

'It seems like you will have fun with this one, Nagini.'

Her mind screamed frantically. This boy. This boy. How she regretted now that she called him a mere freak before. She should have seen it earlier.

This boy was a monster.