Don't postpone joy until you have learned all of your lessons. Joy is your lesson.
- Alan Cohen
The Queen of Serpents
Chapter Four
Back To School
"speech"
thoughts
"parseltongue"
/mind speech/
=visions=
Writing
Petunia waved as the train left the station taking her sons back to school.
Molly sniffled slightly. "All my babies flying the nest.
Arthur gave her a fondly exasperated look and handed her a hanky. "Let's go home, Molly."
All over the station parents were turning to leave. At the far end of the platform Lucius Malfoy was watching the receding trail of smoke from the departed train. The young Dark Lord was going to Hogwarts on the same train as his son. He would have thought the 'boy' would have refused to use the same train as the other students. Lucius' lips thinned. If Draco was hurt... He would just have to see that that fate was avoided. His heir was to important for his life to be risked.
Perhaps that crazy, old elf would finally be of use.
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Let us sing
A song of praise
Of the Founders
In their glory days
Friends they were
So joined together
They built a school
To last forever
The Lion sought
The brave and bold
The Eagle those
Whom knowledge called
The Badger for
The loyal and kind
The Serpent those
With cunning minds
That each might have
What each one sought
Four houses built
For those they taught
Now it is time
For me to see
In which house
You should be
No house is first
No house is last
Each retains the glory
Of the past
The hat bowed slightly as it came to the end of its song. McGonagal began to read the names off her list. "Avin, Rose..."
Sa'zar frowned slightly. "That song wasn't completely honest."
"Really?" Mione gave her friend a surprised look. "Why? No house is better than any other."
"But people don't see it that way," Sa'zar countered. "Everyone sees their own house as best, and most of the others see Slytherin as worst!"
"That isn't right." Mione eyes glinted. "People shouldn't be so fickle."
"House pride is one thing," Val agreed, "but ostracising a house over an argument that happened a millennium ago is just plain silly."
"Oh, yes," a dreamy voice cut in, "most people are silly, believing only in what they see."
Sa'zar smiled up at the new comer. "Hi! I'm Sala-"
"Salazar of Slytherin." The girl smiled. "I'm Luna Lovegood. How did you turn yourself into a child? Did the nargles do it?"
"Er...What?" Sa'zar gaped at the girl, nonplussed. "It's Sa'zar. Just Sa'zar."
"Oh." Luna blinked slowly. "Hello, Just Sa'zar. Have you ever met a Jackalope?"
Mione sniffed. "Jackalopes do not exist."
"As my cousin Tansy says, 'Don't doubt unless you know what you're about." Val's earrings, (mini Hogwarts' crests), flashed, reflecting the candles' light. "Jackalopes are rare, but they do exist."
"Really?" Mione's eyes narrowed. "Because according to my research..."
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Dudley and Nev cheered as Ginny walked towards their table. Ron had gone beyond cheering to shouting himself hoarse.
Dudley leaned over and pulled Ron down from his precarious perch at edge of the bench. "Careful there. You don't want to fall."
Ron settled down, a silly grin on his face. "Yeah." The grin widened. "Did you see? Ginny's a lion. 'Course I knew she would be."
Nev smiled slightly. "Yes, Ron, we saw. I'm sure she'll do really well."
Ron bristled. "Well, of course she'll do well. She's a Weasley!"
Dudley elbowed his friend good naturedly. "If the rest of you are anything to go by..."
Nev chuckled. "What has she got to worry about? Pastrami, anyone?"
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Tom walked quickly up to the head table. "Professor Sprout?"
The plump Hufflepuff head smiled kindly at her student. "Yes,Tom?"
"If it would not be too much trouble, could I please visit Norberta?"
Pomona frowned. "It is rather late-"
"Don' yeh worry." Hagrid patted the teacher 'gently' on the back, knocking her over into her plate of potatoes. "I'll bring 'im back safely."
Pomona picked herself up, looking worried. "I'm sure you will bu-"
"Then there is no problem." Albus's eyes twinkled merrily. "I am certain Norberta will be most delighted to see you Tom."
Pomona sighed, resigned to allowing her student to wander the grounds at a ridiculous hour. "At least take one of your housemates with you."
Tom nodded. "Would Cedric be all right?"
Pomona smiled. "Cedric is fine, Tom. Be back by twelve. The password is Middle C twice, followed by D and Low A."
Tom hurried back to his table, stifling a grin. /See you soon girl!/
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Harry and Draco continued their conversation as they headed down to the dungeons.
"-not believe they are letting that fool teach."
Harry ran his fingers distractedly through his dark locks. "I know! If idiocy was a crime he would public enemy number one!"
"Did your father say anything more about being careful," Ted quietly asked Draco.
The blond shook his head. "Only that I should be wary and to keep an eye out for strange happenings."
Harry bit his lip. "You think something dangerous is going to happen this year?"
"Couldn't be worse than last year," Blaise laughed.
"Cockatrice," Draco said, nodding in agreement. The wall slid aside, allowing the boys into the common room.
Harry made a beeline for his founder's portrait. "Grandfather. I'm back."
The painting lazily inclined its head in greeting. "Grandson. Be wary young snake. The greatest danger often comes from those who do not intend it."
Harry frowned. "What kind of danger? What do you mean?"
Silver eyes, so like Sa'zar's, gazed coolly down at him. "Be wary, young snake. Be wary."
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Tom laughed as he was knocked over by an over-enthusiastic young dragoness. /Cobra is back! Cobra is back!/ Bright golden joy sung through Tom's mind.
/Hey, girl./ He lightly, and futilely, batted at his familiar. /Get off before you crush me!/
Norberta backed off, looking contrite. Only for a moment, though. /Look, Cobra! I have fire!/
Cedric chuckled as he watched Tom interact with the dragon. "She's gotten pretty big."
Tom nodded. "Hagrid's been charting her growth. According to him, she's finally begun to slow down."
"Makes sense," Cedric agreed. "Babies always grow fast, but slow down as they get older."
/Cobra!/ Orange irritation. /Watch me!/
Tom frowned, a sudden thought occurring to him. /Cobra? Where did you hear that name?/
/She told me,/ was Norberta's flippant reply.
Tom had a sudden sinking feeling. /She?/ It couldn't be her. It can't. Can it?
Norberta pulled off a credible imitation of a shrug. /The ancient one./
Tom paled. It was her. How could it be her? And even worse...
..How was he supposed to persuade a millennium old basilisk to stay in her chamber?
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Dudley blinked as he read -then re-read- the test. How in the world was he supposed to know what type of haircare product Lockhart used? Or his favorite color? And what did Lockhart's life-long wish, (probably to become the most famous man alive, Dudley thought irritably), have to do with Defense class?
"Egoistic idiot," Ron muttered.
"Load of drivel," Dudley agreed.
"Do either of you know a good copy charm?" Nev glanced hopefully at the other two.
"Sorry, Nev." Ron shook his head.
"I don't," Dudley said slowly, "but I bet Tom does. I'll ask him to make us a copy."
"Why would you want a copy of this idiocy?" Ron gave his friend confused look.
Nev shrugged. "I want to send it to Grandmother. She might be able to do something about him." He jabbed a finger at Lockhart.
Ron grinned. "Here's hoping she'll run that over dressed idiot out of Hogwarts."
"I'll drink to that," laughed Dudley.
Smirking, the boys clinked imaginary glasses.
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Sa'zar carefully added the shredded boomslang to his cauldron. Using slow, even movements he stirred the mixture.
Severus watched his apprentice carefully. The boy had an excellent technique, the dour potions master was forced to admit. There was no hesitation, only continuous motion. One could almost be forgiven for mistaking Sa'zar for a potions master. Almost.
But then, Severus thought, that is what he is. Or had been.
Severus nodded at the small boy. "We are done for today. The potion must steep for a month during which we will be brewing Pepper-Up and Dreamless Sleep for the Hospital Wing."
Sa'zar nodded, a happy smile on his face. Abruptly, he stiffened, smile dropping away, head tilted, eyes wide, listening.
"Must find. Master comes. Searching. Master." The voice faded, moving away.
"Sir?" Sa'zar's long, slender fingers curled around his braid. "Is there a snake in the school?"
Severus frowned. "I believe some students keep them as pets. Is there any particular reason for that inane question?"
Sa'zar shook his head, smiling self deprecatingly. "Just thought I heard one, is all."
Severus's eyes narrowed as the dark haired boy left the room. Something had upset the child, but the boy clearly had no intention of telling him what. He was Sa'zar's master. If something had upset his apprentice it was only right that he should know. The Head of Slytherin smirked slightly.
One could say it was his duty to find out.
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Draco penned an irritated missive to his father.
Demolished his classroom with Cornish Pixies, leaving the students at their mercy as he fled the room. Father, you must speak to the board in regard to this incompetent fool calling himself our professor.
Harry chuckled. "You forgot to mention how he uses detentions to have people answer his mail.
"Oh, right." Draco quickly added a few more lines.
Harry was suddenly, unceremoniously, jerked around. "Potter," growled Flint, folding his arms, "why aren't you wearing your quiditch robes?"
Harry blinked. "Try outs aren't for another hour," he protested.
Flint sighed dramatically. "And so we have an entire hour to practice. Get your gear. I want to see you on the pitch in five." He stalked off, heading for the exit to the dungeons.
Harry groaned. "You sure you want to go through with this chaser idea, Drake? 'Cause Flint is a real taskmaster."
Draco grinned broadly. "Wouldn't miss it, Potter."
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Tom peeked nervously into the bathroom. Relax. Deep breaths. She is just a ghost. Just. a. ghost.
Slowly, he opened the door. "Hi Myrtle," he squeaked. Good God, he sounded like a little kid, or worse, Professor Flitwick.
"Hello,Tom," a glum voice wafted down from somewhere near the ceiling. "How are you?"
"Ah..Fine?" Tom shook his head slightly. This would never do. "Look, Myrtle, I'm going to be using your bathroom this year."
"Why?" The teenage ghost smiled slightly. "Is the boys room stuffed?"
"Not like that!" Tom frowned. Time for another tactic. "Myrtle, do you remeber the Chamber of Secrets?"
Surprisingly, Myrtle smiled. "Oooh, yes! The monster murdered me. Do you want to know how?"
"I know how." Tom heard his voice as though from a great distance. It was flat, emotionless, nothing like his usual one. "I was there. The entrance to the Chamber is in this room. Inside is a basilisk."
"Oh." Myrtle floated down slowly. "So that's how it happened. You were the boy I heard." Her eyes sparkled in an almost hungry manner. "What made you choose me?"
"Choose?" Tom's voice cracked slightly.
Myrtle giggled. "Don't worry. I won't tell. But why was I your victim?"
Tom bit his lip. He would not cry. Drat these childish emotions. "I..I...I didn't know you were here. I..I thought it was s...safe. And then your stall opened and it was too late and you were falling an-"
"You mean you didn't want to kill me?" Tom nodded, sniffling slightly. Myrtle's eyes filled with tears. "You beast!" She soared upwards then crashed down into a toilet bowl splashing water everywhere.
Tom blinked as she vanished. "Part poltergeist," he said blankly. He shook his head, spraying drops of water everywhere. "Wait," he called. "Does this mean I can use your bathroom?" Muffled sobs were his only answer.
Tom decided to take it as a yes.
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AUthor's note: I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry. I've been making everyone wait. Please forgive me! College and work just started and I had an awful writers block. But I really am sorry.
Thankx to everyone who reviewed. You made me so happy!
Questions!
Chapter 1:
Who is the Queen of Serpents?
Why is Harry's snake named lioness? (She is a rosy boa constricter.)
Who is the blond girl?
What is the real name of Umbrons, and what are they?
Chapter 2:
What was Sa'zar remembering when he hit his head? (Specifics, BTW. Don't just tell me being a founder.)
How did Harry change his eyes? (Note: Second Childhood, Three Snakes and a Lion.)
What is wrong with the founders names? Due to this not having anything to do with my story, here is the answer: No one had a last name unless you were a king. The founders were known by their holdings which might have become the last name of their descendants. However, ppl. did not have last names until the 13/14 hundreds for the most part.
Chapter 3:
Who is Valerie? (To be answered in fifth year.)
Which diary is Tom using?
Why has the Dark Mark returned to the Death Eaters' arms?
When did it return?
Chapter 4:
What is the Hufflepuff guard? (Like the Fat Lady or the 'Trick wall'.)
Who does Nev's grandmother know who could help?
Why is Myrtle so upset?
Points:
Gryffindor:34
Hufflepuff:26
Ravenclaw:27
Slytherin:32