Series: Choosing a Darker Path
Book 1: Beginnings
Chapter 2: The Dursleys
Author Notes:
Ç denotes use of parseltongue Ç.
The rest of this story will take place in a point of view (POV) format. The primary point of view of this story will be Harry. As such, any descriptions and interactions mentioned are shown as he sees them. Thus, you could run into unreliable narration, so do keep that in mind. It will not be stated outright who's POV a chapter is from. However, this should become apparent with context provided at the beginning of the chapter. I may change the writing format based upon reader feedback but this is how it will go for now.
See the end of the chapter for more notes.
I could see nothing but darkness, I could hear nothing but the muffled noises of activity outside of the space I was confined to, I could taste nothing but stale air and I could smell nothing but the filth I was forced to reside in. These were the things that I would be presented with when I woke up each morning. My name is Harry James Potter. But most often I am simply referred to as "boy", "freak", or if my caregivers were feeling especially lazy, simply "you". Vernon and Petunia Dursley, were the ones who were supposed to look after me. They were my family after all, shameful as it makes me to even think of them that way. However, as time progressed, they seemed less and less willing to give me any care whatsoever. They had their own child to coddle, their precious dudlekins. Why should I have any importance? At first their behavior confused me. I had tried my very best to please them. I had been a far quieter than their own child. I had always tried to fuss less, want less, tried to make them proud of me by being the best I could be at everything that I did. I was the first to walk steadily, I was the first to speak clearly, and I was the first to be toilet trained. However, instead of my little triumphs being met with love or even a bit of encouragement, my actions seemed to simply frustrate them. I got the message loud and clear. "You don't matter in the Dursleys household if your last name isn't Dursley".
Looking back, I suppose it wasn't so bad in the beginning. At worst, I was simply regarded as a burden. It was clear that I was not liked, certainly not as much as their precious son Dudley, but there wasn't any outright neglect. I would get less food to be sure, but it was never an unacceptably small amount. I would receive less attention, but at least they did notice me occasionally. I had slept in the same room as Dudley and I would even get the occasional toy now and again. In fact. It was actually these small kindnesses that would keep me trying to please them. But things began to change.
Strange things began to happen around the Dursley home. Objects would move without explanation, lights would flicker on and off randomly, the temperature of rooms would deviate with no clear reason. This strangeness or "unnaturalness", as Vernon would call it would always be blamed on only one person, me. As time passed and the strange occurrences continued to grow both numerically and in intensity, the Dursleys attitude towards me turned from cold to frigid.
I didn't understand why they blamed me for all these events. Sure, I was the one responsible. I could feel it whenever it happened. A spark of energy would filter thought me But, it wasn't like he had any control. These things just happened when I couldn't control my emotions. When I was angry, scared, or if I simply got excited, things happened. However, whether I was doing it intestinally or not the Dursleys disposition towards me had clearly shifted from disinterest, frustration, and general dislike to that of suspicion, neglect, and outright hatred. They stopped feeding me properly, they would verbally dress me down and Vernon would even get physically violent with me. A yard hank on my arm or leg here, a slap to the face there, a good kick to the ribs or a nice punch in the stomach were the highlights of my young life.
But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself. Let me describe my lovely family. First, Vernon Dursley. The man was enormous. He was somewhat shorter in stature than average, serving to highlight his weight. He had a dark head of hair and large mustache which covered most of his lips. He was quick to anger and even quicker to violence. He could not abide by any unnaturalness. if it did not fit into his narrow world view, it was the realm of freaks and heathens. Next, little dudlekins. By all rights, Dudley Dursley almost seemed to be a clone of his father in physicality. In attitude however, he was more petulant than anything. He was a spoiled brat of a child and it was his only desire in life to emulate his parent's views and attitudes. So naturally, since his parents hated me, he loathed me as well. And Finally, there was sweet aunt Petunia. Petunia Dursley was a stark contrast to her husband. Where her husband was a large as a tree trunk, she was as skinny as a small twig. Where Vernon was short, she was quite tall. Where Vernon's face was bulbous, hers was long and narrow, resembling a horse. She was a horrible woman who pretended to be the perfect housewife. Her favorite activities were gardening and spying on the neighbors to see what gossip she could obtain.
I suppose I could describe myself. I can tell you I look nothing like the Dursleys, that's for sure. I am considered quite small for my age, I possess much darker hair than my uncles. It was midnight black, but the color is all I liked about it. The rest of its properties infuriated me. It stuck up at all angles and was impossible to tame. This quality did not help to lessen the image that was presented to all the neighbors, Harry Potter was little more than a hoodlum to them. The Dursleys made that image clear enough. What with their idea of dressing me was throwing me in clothes that are many sizes too large. As if Dudley's cast offs would provide me any decent clothing. Though of course that was the point I suppose. But back to the description. My build could simply be considered lithe and nimble. After all, I am quite fast. The final feature of note that I poses is a lightning bolt scar that marks the day I lost my real family and was put with these people. Damn bloody car crash.
As I lay in the darkness on the ratty mattress that the Dursleys consider good enough to serve as my bed, my thoughts turned back to my life. I had been moved to the cupboard under the stairs around the same time as the Dursleys seemed to believe I no longer required a proper amount of food. At the thought of food, I could feel an ache in my torso and I knew I was suffering from the effects of mal-nourishment. I knew that I needed to get more food in me or I would waste away more than I already have. Thankfully school would be starting up again and the thought brought a smile to my lips.
Learning was my escape from this wretched place. I have always been smart, I was very advanced for my age. The other children couldn't hold a candle to me. They were dribbling idiots in my opinion. Regardless, of the other children's inadequacies, the institution provided me with the tools to survive. I got a decent meal each day at lunch, I could read to my hearts content in the library. I could study and hopefully get a scholarship to a good college when I was old enough. That would be my ticket out of here. Thinking about school brings me back to the days of my previous school years.
Within the first few weeks I could tell that the class I was placed in was not for me. I realized quickly that my classmates, and to a lesser extent, my teacher were idiots. The kids couldn't count at all and could barely even read. Had their parents taught them nothing before sending them here? It appears not. No, that wasn't right. They apparently had taught them less than nothing. This could be the only explanation as the Dursleys certainly hadn't helped me and I could count to a thousand already and I possessed a good grasp on the written word as well. While the simpletons tried to learn to tie their shoes, I would tie complicated knots that could be used for many a task should I require them. So yes, my view of my fellow students wasn't the best.
The teacher was imbecilic for an entirely different reason, however. It wasn't that she was incompetent in her job. It was quite the opposite. She was a good teacher and role model. This only highlighted her inadequacy when it came to me. She worked well with the other children, judging by the speed with which she had taught them the basics. She would hear their complaints and always seemed to have answers for them. She could tell when something was wrong with them and tried her best to address. However, it seemed her prowess of perception stopped when it came to my problems and my situation. How could she not see an abused child when one sat right in front of her.
Admittedly, it wasn't as if I was walking around in Dudley's castoffs while at school. The Dursley's were thick, but they weren't that thick. On the morning of my first day, I was presented with new articles of second-hand clothing. This included several pairs of trousers, several shirts, new pairs of undergarments and a decent pair of shoes. Compared to the hand me downs of my cousin, that never fit right owing to his cousin's classification as more whale than child, these new clothes were downright nice. Vernon had made it quite clear that I should be thanking them for their great generosity and I should lavish the fact that they spent a single pound on me. I would have liked to point out that Dudley was showered with some vary decidedly not second-hand clothing at the same time. But I decided to keep my mouth shut as it would do me no good. So yes, I wasn't dressed in rags whilst my cousin was dressed in expensive named brand clothing, but other signs were still there if the teacher would just look.
As much as I hate admitting my own failings, I had many when I first started school that should have screamed to everyone loud and clear that something was very wrong. I would react quite unhealthy to loud noises, violently flinching and taking on a look of a wounded animal searching for danger. I ate far too much at lunchtime for a child who was eating at any other point in the day. But the topping on the cake was my disposition that wasn't very subtle. I was far too quiet for a normally child. I was far too withdrawn and shy when faced with new social situations. These signs should have been recognized but they were ignored.
Now I could have told them all about the Dursleys mistreatment. But would I? No, I most assuredly would not. I had two reasons for this. The first, is that I would never admit to that kind of weakness. I understood how the world works and I knew that the moment such a weakness was exposed, others would use it against me. I had seen it done at home and I would not allow that to carry out of those walls. The second reason was the possible ramifications if I were to tell. I had no way of knowing how such a scenario would unfold. I figured that at best, I would be removed from the Dursleys care and would be placed somewhere else. This could be anywhere and with anyone. I did not like that idea at all. I was and still am a firm believer in the old adage the devil who know is better than the one you don't.
I knew the Dursleys. After living with them for the vast majority of my life, I could predict their behaviors. I could strategize around their whims and desires. But the most crucial aspect that I had was control. I could manipulate and exploit them when it was required. So, I kept quiet but that didn't mean I resented my teacher any less for not bringing these signs up. And if she truly was the idiot I suspected her to be, if she truly was that blind, then I think that might be even worse. I am not quite sure which is the larger sin of the two, Ignorance or apathy. Both earned my ire in different ways.
But thankfully my teacher did not miss my advanced development or my clear boredom with the day to day activities. One day she handed me a note to give to my relatives. She explained that she needed a meeting with them to discuss my placement. I was quite thrilled that she finally had decided to remove me form this class. She of course wouldn't usually discuss what a note was about with a child as young as me, but she knew my reading ability was far above that of the other children and recognized the fact that I would understand the note anyway. To say that Petunia and Vernon were not happy was an understatement.
"Are you too stupid for simple kindergarten, boy!" Vernon roared. Petunia had her hands on her hips and her lips were as thin as a strand of hair, clearly illustrating her displeasure.
"You don't understand, uncle…" I began.
"How dare you freak!" Petunia exclaimed.
"Wait, please just hear me out for a moment" I pleaded. I just needed them to understand. Both of them looked as if they would do anything rather than listen to my explanation, but thankfully Vernon simply grunted and snapped at me to get on with it.
"I think the teacher wants to advance me to the first grade. I really am doing much better than everyone and it is actually really good for you two as well" I quickly told them.
"And how boy, is it good for us?" Vernon said with clear mockery in his voice.
"Because then I won't have to be in the same class as Dudley and he can learn without my freakishness" I said with excitement. I could portray the child that they wanted to see when it suited my needs. School had helped me in expressions and masks. I would have been quite amused at the clear battle being waged in Vernon's dim mind had it not been for the fact that it was simply his hatred for anything that made me happy versus the perceived benefits to his own child. It was at this point that I noticed the calculated look on Petunia face. She quickly looked to Vernon and began to speak.
"Dear, the freak may be right" Petunia said soothingly. "While I don't like the idea of him trying to show he is better than Dudley with this advancement, it will get him away from precious dudlekins and I will be much happier for it" she finished. Vernon still looked conflicted but he finally decided to go with it.
"We will meet with your teacher as she has asked and if you are indeed being moved up then fine, but I expect more work from you. No doubt you will now need a school uniform now that you are going to go into grade 1 and such an expense having to come out of my hard-earned money does not please me, boy" he bit out.
So, it was that I was moved on to grade 1 and I definitely felt the better for it. I soon had the freedom to access the library and I devoured all of the learning materials I could get my hands on. I read all about history, maths, science, art, literature, engineering, and technology. My mind seemed to be like the black holes I read about in an astronomy book, I sucked in all the knowledge I could acquire.
With my ever-expanding catalog of knowledge, the teachers began to see that I wasn't being challenged by the work that I was given. I was only six years old and had already mastered complex multiplication, division, I could read at a grade 5 reading level and was considered a computer whiz by my teacher. I really didn't see what the big deal was. All of it was easy to me. They just simply were all beneath me apparently. The other students couldn't keep up with me and the teachers knew it. At the end of my grade 1 year, the teachers put me through a series of tests and seemed to determine that I not only had a keen intellect but apparently, I had severe advantage on my side.
I had what they called photographic and eidetic memory abilities. The teacher described my ability to rapidly recall facts and figures and to visualize a situation with near perfect detail. The tester was quite interested and said that they might want to look into this further as no one had ever demonstrated the abilities that I supposedly had. I was told that normally eidetic memory was only available to someone like me for minutes, but I seemed to be able to recall visualization of things from years in the past. This was certainly unheard of. The more interesting thing was the photographic aspect of my mental abilities. Apparently, while some people could remember very specific things such as numbers well, facts and general information was shown to not be reliable. Should these abilities be true, I would be unique they had said. Well I already knew that. Needless to say they also gave me a placement test and decided that I should move into grade 4 for the next year. So only three years early. They had kept me to a normal pacing of school since then. While I demonstrated that I was still to advanced for the material, they were concerned that I was too young and would not have proper socialization with my peer group. A load of bullocks if you ask me, I didn't socialize with my year group now. So, what would it matter?
Either way, that was a year ago now and I would be heading into grade 5 come later next month. Today was July 31st, my birthday. Not like it mattered all that much. I was eight years old today and no one particularly wanted to mark the occasion. I was brought out of my mussing when I heard my cousin Dudley stomping down the stairs. I coughed as dust filled the space I was in from the vibrations. I then heard a loud pounding on the door and the slot in it opened to reveal the figure of my dear aunt.
"Boy, stop being lazy and get out of there. It is time for you to make the breakfast" she said in a stern voice.
"Yes, aunt Petunia" I replied in a submissive tone. I knew that I could not argue with the Dursleys most of the time. I was small and weak compared to them and I must obey them, for now. I would get back at them when I was older and stronger. In fact, these thoughts occupied a great deal of my mind while doing the monotonous work that my aunt demanded of me. For if the Dursleys interactions with me could be considered distant and cold, then my entire outlook on life could be considered dead. Because with the abuse I had suffered, my once numerous cheer had grown hallow and my once kind persona had devolved into one of calculation. No one would get any warmth from me unless they could show that they deserved it. I had given up on trying to be a nice little boy a long time ago.
I pulled myself up from out of the darkness and proceeded to follow my aunt to the kitchen. I began to pull out heavy cooking instruments which strained my weak and atrophied muscles. I began to prepare ingredients in a detached almost robotic fashion. Soon enough, I had completed the task and at some point, in the interceding time the other two members of the Dursley clan had arrived at the table. As I began to dish out their food, Dudley attempted to trip me. While I should not have been able to see it, I reacted almost instantly and avoided the large boy's trap. While I was not physically strong, I was quick. And as my intellect developed the other abilities I possessed developed with it. Dudley had grown more and more vicious to me as Vernon showed him that violence was an acceptable form of communication when it came to me. It seemed that when he did so, he received Vernon's whole-hearted approval and thus tried to mess with me at every opportunity. I enjoyed the put out look on the boy's face at his failure and I actually gave Dudley a little wink. This caused Dudley to wine in despair.
"Daddy, the freak is looking at me funny!"
"Boy! What are you doing to Dudley" Vernon roared.
"I am not doing anything, sir" I replied in a bored tone. However, it seemed Vernon picked up on my hint of defiance because he seemed to grow angrier. I messed up I knew, but it was early and having to be completely alert at all times grew tiring quickly.
"Don't give me any cheek boy or you won't leave your cupboard for a week!" he yelled.
"Yes, uncle" I replied in the most fake respectful tone I could muster.
"That's better" Vernon bit out, apparently satisfied with his perceived cowing of me. It was at this point that Petunia spoke up.
"Since you seemed to like to talk back boy, you will go without breakfast today. Go out into the back garden and pull the weeds. And don't you dare damage any my plants. Do you understand me" she spoke calmly, but her intent was clear.
"Yes, aunt Petunia" I said. I walked over to the sink and rinsed the pan I had dished the food from. Of course, I would be expected to do the dishes once the Dursleys finished their meal. Once this task was finished I headed out to the back garden through the French doors.
Hours passed as I worked in the hot sun. Sweat clouded the lenses of my broken and hastily tapped together glasses. Vernon had raged at the fact that they had to buy me anything so expensive. He was further enraged when I broke them, ignoring the fact that they become broken due to me being pushed to the pavement by Dudley during his and his friends favorite game, Harry Hunting. I grimaced just thinking about their "game". I was thankful for his agility and the fact that they rarely caught him. "I will pay him back" I thought darkly as I pulled possibly the hundredth weed of the morning. However, thinking about Harry hunting did bring up something that I was quite proud of.
For it was when we were "playing" the game when I discovered my gift could be consciously evoked. They had chased me all that day and while I was faster than them, I did not have the same endurance they had. This was mostly due to my lack of nourishment but that is neither here nor there. I could hear them coming for me and I knew that I would be caught soon. That morning a had received a particular bad beating from Vernon and I will freely admit that the prospect of being beaten by Dudley as a second round of pain brought tears to my eyes. I was so frustrated. I couldn't do anything. I was just too weak. I wanted to be away from them. Wanted it anything more than I could remember. I was only six at the time so I was more emotional. In this circumstance, it was helpful however. It seemed my gift was heavily tied to my emotions and with the want mixed in a soon felt a crushing force on me and the next thing I knew I was on top of the school roof. It took me a moment to get over my shock. But once I did, a shit eating grin appeared on my face. I could teleport! Okay that was new.
Over the next few months, I began to further examine each bit of unnaturalness that I caused in the Dursley household. I did notice a pattern. I was in a highly charge emotional state or I was very determined for something or another to happen. Armed with this knowledge I intended to find out if I really could consciously force myself to use my gift. I started with small things, such as moving small objects without touching them. It was surprising easy to do that. I could feel the energy rush from the center of my chest to my limbs and felt as it ebbed and flowed through the air. At my command it seemed to obey and would snatch the objects as if I had control over invisible tentacles. For these first few attempts I would become quite tired afterword. I could not ever muster the energy to lift anything heavier than a few pounds. But the more I pushed myself the better I got.
By about the time of my seventh birthday, I had mastered my form of telekinesis. I read in fantasy books what I should be capable of and researched in the local libraries encyclopedia where it described the ability and supposed practitioners of it. Perhaps not so supposed, I mused. I was living proof that it could be done after all. I soon was able to simply think about moving anything at all and I found that they would move. I lifted the furniture about, created massive clouds of small objects I could control like a swarm. I began to work with the force that was exerted on objects when I moved them. I realized that by manipulating that force I could do some increasable things. I found that I had the ability to crush the objects I held aloft. I could push out waves of pure force to break glass, crack plaster, blast brick and stone and crumple metal.
As I continued to progress, I found that I could also manipulate the temperature in the rooms to create both ice and fire. Curiously, my gift seemed to know not to hurt me as I could actually hold the concentrated ball of fire just above my hand and yet not get burned. Additionally, any drop-in temperature didn't seem to affect me, assuming I didn't specifically want it to. This certainly made things much less dangerous than they could have been. I had yet to explore my teleportation further as I just hadn't gotten up the nerve to give it a shot. I knew it had to be much more difficult than the other ticks I had learned to pull and was unwilling to leave any parts behind should I screw up.
I was brought out of my thoughts as I head a rustling sound in the grass. What I saw definitely caught my attention. In the grass, I could clearly see what to me looked like a rather large snake. This was odd because snakes are not very common in the UK and one of such size, well that was basically unheard of. The snake was about a one and half feet long and maybe 4 inches in diameter. I noticed that its black scales seemed to shine in the afternoon light. As I examined the serpent further, I noticed that it was not as pure black as I first suspected. it seemed to have thin, barely noticeable, streaks of green going down its body in an intricate pattern. If I had to admit it, I would say that was quite smitten with such a beautiful creature simply coming into the yard. As I continued to observer it, I could hear someone speaking.
Ç Stupid fast rodents, I will enjoy the crack of your bones breaking Ç
I was curious as to where the voice had come from, especially considering that it appeared to be coming from the direction of the snake.
Ç How odd Ç I commented dryly. The snake's head seemed to pop up at my words and its tongue flicked out to scent the air. It was at this point that I could see its eyes which seemed to be a deep red with flecks of orange and yellow mixed in.
Ç I have never met a speaker before Ç the voice said after a moment. It was at this point that I seemed to realize that there was a subtle hissing underlying the voice and I was starting to really suspect the voice I was hearing was coming from the snake. Which I thought was utterly ridiculous. I could only surmise I must be hallucinating and I was rather bored so I figured, what the hell, I'll bite.
Ç What exactly is a speaker Ç I asked the snake. It seemed to cock its head to the side slightly in confusion, given the context provided by its next statement.
Ç I do not understand hatchling. You are a speaker. You are communicating with me right now Ç
Ç Are you suggesting that I am speaking some sort of snake language? Ç I asked the snake and chuckled at the situation I found myself in.
Ç Of course hatchling. You are speaking the serpents' tongue right now. I do not imagine how you cannot tell Ç the snake replied curiously. Now that I thought back on the words I had been speaking, I could remember a subtle hissing undercurrent to my own speech. This was similar to what I had detected in the snake's own speech patterns. Perhaps I was really talking in this Serpents' Tongue as the snake had suggested. I was still inclined to believe that I may be hallucinating due to the July heat. But considering the other abilities I possessed, this isn't all that far-fetched. I was pulled out of my thoughts when the snake began to speak again.
Ç I am most hungry hatchling. So, I must go, but I will return come the morning. This area is quite dull and the prospect of conversing with a speaker does indeed intrigue me. And should I deem you to be worthy of my time, I may perhaps create a bond with you. Ç After the snake said this it began to go back into the tall grass that accounted for the perimeter of the back yard.
Over the next few weeks, I would spend my days speaking with my new snake. It seemed to enjoy the company so I doubted I was much of a bother. After talking with it for a few more sessions I was now able to easily tell when I was speaking the serpent's tongue. I also had managed to force myself to do it when I was not talking to him. I thought it was a pretty neat thing and decided I liked talking in this exotic language. I also managed to learn a few things about it. For one I determined that it was actually a him and he was quite young. At least for the lifespan he claimed to possess. He was two years old and he considered himself to be one of the best serpent's that I would ever meat. He claimed he had special abilities and being a practitioner of some pretty spectacular abilities myself. I decided it was high time I asked him about them.
Ç What special abilities? Ç I had asked one day.
Ç That really depends hatchling Ç the snake had replied silky.
Ç Upon what? Ç I asked curiously. The snake had given what I could only surmise as being a soft snake laugh and stated that it was complicated. The snake told me that his species of snake was a special variety that possessed imbued "gifts". He said there were many other such varieties of serpents, but his was more powerful than all of them. He explained that he would become very big given time and he would soon be very hard to harm. He would grow very strong and would even have the ability to kill his victims with just a look. He also mentioned that if he chose to bond to a human master with similar imbued gifts, he would gain powers that would serve his new master. This pronouncement seemed to intrigue me greatly. I decided to proceed with caution here.
Ç What sort of human has gifts like you Ç I asked. The snake seemed to stare at me for a moment before answering.
Ç Well you for one Ç the snake replied simply. I was a little taken aback. How could he possibly know about my gift?
Ç How is that you know I am imbued with such gifts? Ç I asked.
Ç I can feel your power hatchling. It is like a pulsing beat that surrounds you. It is just below the surface of your scent. Ç the snake said. Ç I could prove it to you if you do not believe me hatchling Ç the snake informed me. I contemplated his words for a moment before deciding that it would be best to be honest with him.
Ç I believe you. I know I have a gift. I can move things without touching. I can crush them and can use energy to create cascades of force that can break things. I can also light fires or freeze things. Ç The snake took on a speculative look before replying.
Ç Well hatchling, this is indeed a great turn of events. It will make what I wanted to show that much easier if you have already started to unlock your abilities. I wish to show you the source of your gift hatchling. I would like to see how you perceive yourself. Place you hand on me hatchling and relax. Ç
This did sound like an interesting prospect so I did as the snake asked and placed my hand onto his body. I then laid down onto my back and shut my eyes, doing my best to relax. I could hear him move towards me and realized that he was directly near my face and was hissing softly into my ear. Ç Now hatchling, I need you to clear your mind of all thoughts. I want you to relax yourself fully. Listen to the sound of my voice and only my voice. Let the darkness envelope you. Imagine an empty space and simply reach out with your mind. You will find it if you concentrate hard enough. Ç I did as the snake bid him. I was quite curious to see how this goes….
I lay in that state for quite a while before I began to feel anything. I noticed that the outside sounds of the world seemed to die away, all the smells of the back yard no longer registered with me and all I could see was darkness. This must be what it is like to meditate. I could still hear the snake whispering to me about relaxation and calmness. After about ten minutes, I seemed to find myself on a rocky plateau. The ground was made of some kind of marble and I could see a grey etherealness all around me. I saw the snake on the ground next to me. I could feel an energy that seemed to permeate the space and seemed to be directing me in one direction. Ç Go to it hatchling Ç the snake said. So, I began to walk
The journey seemed to take ages and yet at the same time it felt as if no time had passed at all. Soon enough he came to the edge of the plateau that I had been walking on and as I looked over the edge of the jagged cliff in front of me I saw a great sea. The sea's waters were strange though. They rocked back and forth like waves. Yet the waves seemed to take longer than they should to settle. As if the liquid that made up this ocean was made of a much denser substance. I honestly was memorized by it's the various crests and wanes of the waves as they crashed against the side of the cliff. Soon I looked up into the sky and noticed that the only light that seemed to be here was a constant glow that didn't seem to originate from anywhere. All the clouds I could see where a dark grey. It was at this point that the snake choice to speak again.
Ç Interesting hatchling. I would think one such as you would be more neutral in your affiliation considering your age. You have darkness within you young one. That is what makes this place appear as if it is in perpetual twilight. Ç I was intrigued by the serpent's words.
Ç What is an affiliation in this context Ç I asked him. He took on a thoughtful look, as if trying to figure out the best way to explain. He then began to hiss.
Ç Every creature that shares the abilities we do, the gift as you have referred to it, has an affiliation. These can be on a spectrum but the focal points of which are light, dark, or grey. I would describe your affiliation as dark grey which is much more aligned from the default state which is neutral or simply grey for humans. It is only with age and life experience that humans stake out a claim on the spectrum. Unlike humans, we creatures have a base affiliation that influences everything we do. I myself am a dark affiliated creature. Do not ask me why it is this way because I do know. It is just the way it is. However, I can see what it is we came here to find. Look of in the distance hatchling. Ç
As I looked to the indicated area, I could see a large storm cloud above the raging waters. The cloud was mostly grey with streaks of lighting illuminating it for brief moments every so often. I wanted to reach there, as the closer I to it the stronger I seemed to feel. The feeling was very good and I wanted to bask in it.
At the moment of my fleeting request, a bridge of stone formed in mid-air, providing me with a path to walk upon. With each step I took, the cut of edge of the path was built up with new slabs of stone materializing as if the dust in the air was crushed until it formed the stone. It made sense the more I thought about it. I was in my own mind I could pretty much do anything if I set myself to it. As I continued forward I could see I was getting closer to the storm and the hair on my arms began to stand on end. Soon I walked directly into the cloud that formed this storm. Even though lightning seemed to arc all around me, which would probably be quite dangerous. I knew I was in my own mind and I was not afraid of the manifestations of my own thought.
In fact, fear was not one of the emotions that I was feeling at this moment. Instead, all I felt were waves of excitement, pleasure, elation and a myriad of other emotions I couldn't identify right now. After basking in the cloud for who knows how long, I began to venture deeper and soon found what could only be described as a orb of energy that seemed to be the source of the arches of lightning that permeated this cloud. It was at this point I noticed what I could best describe as a tether. It was transparent and seemed to glow bright and dim every so often. The snake did not seem to know what this was and I took note that the tether seemed to brighten whenever I heard him speak snake tongue or whenever I spoke to him. Intrigued, I began to follow it to try and locate its source.
After traveling out of the cloud, I continued across the sea until I stepped on to another landmass. It was at this point that I realized the sea I had been seeing was more of a lake that sounded the source of my gift. I soon found my way blocked by a massive granite wall engraved with strange markings that glowed in the low light. I could see that the tether seemed to extend though a small crack in the wall. After thinking about it for a while, I concluded that I may be able to destroy this. If I can conjure a bridge out of nothing, I ought to be able to destroy this wall. With this in mind I thought of the wall shattering before me. As I had the picture of this mind, I began to hear the storm that raged behind me increase in intensity. Soon bolts of lightning shot forth from the cloud. Each impact upon it seemed to cause it to smoke and break in places and I saw that the tether seemed to brighten in intensity. After nearly an hour of striking at the wall I could see that this would take a long time. The snake suggested that I come back here and work on it later as he could see that I was becoming tired. The snake told me that it was time to leave and the next thing I knew I was back in the back yard of the Dursleys.
I was breathing quite hard and began to sit up. I felt like he had run a marathon and was completely drained. As I collected myself, the snake got my attention when he began to hiss.
Ç Hatchling, being in your core was quite incredible Ç the snake said in a clearly excited tone. Ç Your gift is more powerful than I first suspected hatchling, and my first impression was quite high already Ç the snake said flicking its tongue side to side and gazing at me intently for a moment. The snakes eyes then narrowed and it appeared his next statement was a little apprehensive. Ç I think I have come to a decision hatchling Ç the snake said slowly.
Ç and what is that Ç I asked him.
Ç I wish to bind myself to you. I wish you to be my master. I will give you things that most humans couldn't dream of. Once we are bound, many of my gifts and traits will be transferred to you. This will augment both your own power and your physical attributes. Your sight will become much sharper and you will be able to see in the darkest of locations. You should be able to get rid of that hideous thing that covers your eyes. You will have the reflexes to avoid any danger, should it befall you. The lower layers of your skin will become as hard as my scales, becoming impenetrable to anything non-imbued with the same power that we possess. The stronger layer of skin will also give you resistance to the gifts of others like yourself. My venom shall run through your veins, giving you immunity to almost any poison and increasing your natural healing. Also, we will be able to communicate with each other telepathically over a great distance. I will even allow you to slip into my skin and take control of me to doi your bidding should the need arise. Finally, I will hunt any prey that you ask me to. I will seek out great treasures for you. I will do these things because once we bond you will be my master and I will be your servant. Ç
I thought about the snake's words. It seemed to be promising me great power. But I wasn't stupid and I knew that such an offer would not be extended to me without some sort of strings attached. Power did not come free. No, the snake would surely want something in return. After all, if I were in the snake's position, I would want a great many things if I were to gift someone with gifts that the snake was describing.
Ç You speak of all the things you can do for me. Yet I have not heard a semblance of what I must do for you in return for such gifts. So what is the catch in this arrangement that you seek to make with me? Ç Based on the tone of the next sentence spoken by the snake, I would swear the snake was smirking, if a snake could smirk.
Ç Oh hatchling, I do believe I have made a wise choice indeed. To answer your question, I believe that with you I will grow to be the most powerful of my kind. You shall give me the dream of all of my kind, to rule over all other serpents and rain supreme. For while I server you, it shall only be you I am under. All others are beneath me as all others will bow to you when the time comes. Also I must warn you that the bond will change you. I can tell you already seek power and control and you are darker than I might imagine, but this will make that more pronounced. As I said before I am a dark affiliated creature and some of my instincts and thinking will transfer to you. It is the way of these things, hatchling. Ç the snake finished, a hint of glee flowing through his words as he clearly was hoping that I would say yes to his offer.
I thought long and hard over this deal long and hard. What he was describing was basically putting trust in someone other than me. As he said, this bonding would cause me to change and I wasn't thrilled at the prospect of someone else's instincts or desires clouding my judgement. Still the power the snake spoke of was tantalizing. I could be strong with this. I could force others to bend to my will. Yes, the more I thought about the prospect the more I was inclined to accept this bargain. I knew I was always superior to the simpletons that I was forced to share this existence with. And I could tell that this offer would make me even greater. I would gain the strength to prove I was better. That I was strong and they were week. I would take the bond, I decided.
Ç What is it that I must do to create this bond Ç I asked the snake.
Ç it is a simple matter hatchling, now that I have shown you how to venture to the source of your gift. I want you to repeat the same process that who did before but instead of searching for your own source, I want you to reach out and feel mine. Once you find my source, I want you to open your eyes and maintain that connection. I will do the rest of the bonding from there. However, I warn you that this will cause a great amount of pain for you. Many changes will take place with your body and it may take a long time for this process to conclude. As such, I believe it is best that you bring me with you back into your home. Sneak me under your clothing and we shall begin the bonding tonight. Ç
I was wary about the pain the snake spoke of, but I simply put it to a matter of there being no gain without pain. I scooped the snake up into my arms and placed him on my shoulders, allowing him to drape there. I shivered slightly as the snake's cool body slithered under my shirt and It wrapped itself around my torso. Although now that it was in place it gave a strange sensation of pleasure to have it there. It felt right, as if the snake should have been with me for both of our entire lives. In that moment, I knew I had made the right decision. Anything that could feel so right must be a good thing. I was excited at the next steps to come….
As night fell and the Dursleys ate their dinner, I retreated to the cupboard under the stairs. I lay on my bed and waited. Soon I heard the bolt of the door slide into the locked position and I knew that my relatives were heading to bed. The bolt was laughable to me. They thought that would prevent me from sneaking out and getting things in the night. Ever since I could move objects with my gift, I could easily slide the bolt into the unlocked position with a thought. It is what kept me from starving to death, truth be told. I waited a few minutes after they had bounded up the stairs and soon the house had gone quiet. I was satisfied that I was alone and should have a good eight hours before I would be disturbed. It was time. I informed the snake that he could come out. I supposed he was my snake now. We were about to bond after all. My serpent servant. I liked the sound of that.
Ç The other humans have gone to bed. You can come out now. Ç The snake popped its head out and soon moved to lay on my chest. Its fiery eyes glowed in the darkness and reminded me of the demons I read in some horror novels in the school's library. Fitting that I am making a deal with it. Thinking that caused me to give a small chuckle. The snake seemed to regard me curiously for a few moments before hissing softly.
Ç Alright hatchling, as I have said, you must feel for my source. Let us begin Ç
It took a fair amount of time to be able to feel the source of the snake's gift. But once I did, I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my throat. It felt cold, very cold. There was a sense of darkness to it. I was beginning to think that my demonic comparison fit this situation a little too well. But it isn't important. I have to do what is necessary to become strong. I don't care if this creature was evil or good. H had already shown that he could be trusted and I would complete this bond. After calming down, I spoke to him.
Ç I certain I have found your source Ç I said to the snake.
Ç Good hatchling, you accomplished that much faster than I thought you would. I should stop being surprised by your abilities but it is hard to imagine that one so young could learn so quickly. Regardless, you have done your part. Now I must do mine. Now hatchling, it is important that you remain still for this part. I will warn you that I will have to bite you in order for the bond to form. Do not worry, while my venom is deadly it will not cause any permanent damage to you. As I have said before, my venom flowing through your veins will be good thing for you once the bond solidifies. Are you read hatchling? Ç the snake asked.
I nodded and became stiff as the snake approached the left side of my neck. Faster than I could believe, the snake bit the soft flesh there. It was interesting to note that the actual bite didn't seem to hurt at all. In fact, I was just beginning to think perhaps the snake was exaggerating about the amount of pain, until It hit me like a sledgehammer. Pain exploded in the area around the bite. It felt as if fire was burning under my skin. The pain intensified the venom was spread to the rest of my body. Soon enough all I could register was the pain and I had to bite my tongue not to scream out in agony, filling my mouth with the coppery taste of blood. The snake was hissing something, I am not sure what it was but it seemed to be trying to comfort me as darkness began to come to the edges of my eyes.
I awoke with a start and was breathing rapidly. The fire that had consumed me had cooled considerably. I almost thought I had slept through the night as I looked about the cupboard. It seemed as if the dark confines were no longer dark but everything seemed to be in shades of grey. This wasn't normal. Even during the daytime, when the cupboard was closed all I would be able to see was darkness. Apparently not anymore, as I was looking about the room I also noticed that I could smell a bunch of new things that I hadn't noticed. I detected the aroma of the damp wood and the moldy odor of the old blanket I was forced to use. So not particularly good smells but the fact that I could smell them with such clarity told me that I was in fact better with that sense as well. It was at this point I noticed that there was something different. It seemed as though I could feel things that weren't my own. As if….but of course. I could feel what the snake was feeling. It was a hard thing to describe and was quite disorientating. I was brought out of my thoughts by hissing from the snake.
Ç The bond is complete master. The last thing I would like from you before we sleep is a name. While my kind simply use scents to distinguish between each other, you are not a serpent and therefore I would like you to give me a name as it is important to humans. Ç
A name? That certainly did make sense. He was my snake now after all. He deserved a good name. I wasn't really sure at first but then it seemed to come to me without much though, a part of the bond no doubt.
Ç I shall call you Amicus Ç I told my snake. The snake flicked its tongue out as it considered the name. Finally, the snake nodded and said that it was a good name. I had to agree as Amicus truly was my first friend.
Author's Notes: Well that it is for that chapter. I went a little overboard when writing this and ended up with nearly 12,000 words by the time I had made corrections. So, I knew I would need to save some of that for the next chapter. I have decided that I will release a chapter each Monday. I know it might be a little cliché to have a dark Harry get a snake but I thought it would be a fun addition. It will give him the chance to explore his parseltongue ability. I also wanted a colder and calculating pet for him than Hedwig. Also, I thought that it would be fun for the second book in the series if he brought his own basilisk to the Chamber but I suppose I am getting a little ahead of myself. In any case, please let me know what you guys think and hope you enjoyed the chapter.
What will Harry do with his new-found abilities. How will he deal with the Dursleys now that he has a protector? Will he allow the abuse to continue or will he decide to pay them back for the years of torment they put him through? Find out in the next chapter "Of Might and Magic".