AN: Okay so some of you had some good points about the second year so I decided to include some of it. And by that I mean I refuse to do more than three chapters on it (I'm hoping only two but you never know). So anyways this became quite a long chapter so I hope you enjoy it.
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"Slytherin," McGonagallasked.
The Weasleys looked shocked and Hermione's eyes seemed to take up half her face. Lucius was smiling and clapped lightly. Severus was smirking as well. Harry felt McGonagall take off the hat and quickly joined his new family. He didn't really know what to think. On one hand, it was cool that he would now be in the same house as Draco but on the other hand, he was no longer in the same house as Ron and Hermione. It didn't really bother him being in a different house but he hoped they would be fine with it.
"That's great Harry. I think you'll do very well in Slytherin," Severus congratulated.
"Awesome. You'll love it there Harry. Besides Crabbe everyone's nice. Pansy's kind of weird too but I think she means well," Draco said thoughtfully.
Lucius didn't say anything but ruffled Harry's hair a little. Harry looked up into the man's eyes and saw the pride sparkling just under the surface. Harry smiled at them then looked back to the others. McGonagall looked a little disappointed.
"It's sad that Gryffindor will be losing such excellent student but if it's where the sorting hat says you should go I won't argue," she said. Harry almost chuckled. At least she wasn't looking down on him.
"This doesn't make any sense," Ron said angrily. Harry stiffened. "You're a Gryffindor! Not some muggle hating snob!"
"Ron," Mrs. Weasley scolded.
"No. The hat must still be confused from the curse. Try it again," Ron insisted.
"I assure you that the hat is free of all curses and has been enchanted to that it will never be cursed again," Lucius interjected. "And I'm afraid your view on Slytherins is more than slightly skewed."
"Don't talk to my son like that," Mrs. Weasley barked.
"Molly," Mr. Weasley interrupted placing a hand on his wife's arm. "He didn't say anything insulting and he's telling the truth. I myself saw them cast the enchantment. The hat put Harry into the right house."
"So what? You're a snake now," Ron asked angrily. Harry was taken aback.
"What are you talking about? Ron, look at me. I'm the same person I was before. I'm not going to become someone different just because I'm in a different house," Harry pleaded.
"You say that now," Ron countered. He looked like he was going to say something else but Mr. Weasley grabbed his shoulder. Ron gave Harry one last glare before storming out of the great hall. Mrs. Weasley gave a hasty good bye and chased after her son. Mr. Weasley gave Harry a quick apology beore following them. Ginnny stopped and shifted a little uncomfortably.
"Um, I was nice to meet you Harry. I'm sorry about my brother, he can be a little hot headed sometimes," she said quietly.
"A little," Draco sniffed.
"It's okay. I'm sure he'll get over it," Harry said hopefully.
"I hope so. I've got to go but I'll see you at the start of term," Ginny said before turning and walking away in the direction her family went.
"That was a bit overly dramatic," McGonagall commented. "Don't you worry Harry, I'm sure that boy will come to his senses after he cools off."
Harry nodded and looked over at Hermione. She still looked a little surprised.
"I can't believe that happened," she said quietly.
"Hermione I'm sorry," Harry pleaded not wanting to have a fight with his other best friend.
"What are you apologizing for? Ron's the one being the git. I can't believe he acted like such a child," she said angrily. A wave of relief washed over Harry.
"So you're not upset?"
"I admit I was surprised but I guess it doesn't really matter. We'll still be in a lot of the same classes and I'm assuming you're still going to talk to us. I think Ron is just upset because you're close to Draco even though they have some sort of immature family feud going on. No offense Mr. Malfoy," Hermione quickly added. Lucius simply chuckled.
"That's quite alright. I personally never understood the feud and now I don't have a wife breathing down my neck I'm hoping I can at least open some kind of dialogue between us," Lucius explained with a small smile.
Harry smiled at Hermione. She was so understanding and kind. He thought about what she said about Ron. Was he really just jealous of his friendship with Draco?
"Well, we have some time on our hands before Ms. Granger is expected home. How about we go to Honeydukes down in Hogsmeade," Lucius suggested.
Harry instantly got excited. He had heard about the sweets store from Fred and George. He, of course, hadn't been allowed to go on the trips to Hogsmeade and had to ask the twins to get stuff for him. He hoped they would have time to go to Zonko's as well. He looked over at Hermione who was looking down at her feet.
"What's the matter Hermione? I thought you loved chocolate?"
"I didn't bring any money," she explained.
"Don't worry about that," Lucius said as he led the group out of the great hall. Harry waved goodbye to McGonagall who had a slight smirk on her face.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
The store wasn't as big as other's Draco had seen but it was still good. It had a good variety of sweets. He had never really been into candy but he did enjoy the occasional lollypop. He grabbed four different ones and looked over at Harry who was happily looking at all the different options. He saw Hermione standing by herself still looking uncomfortable.
"You can pick out some things. I can guarantee if you don't my dad's going to pick out some things for you and buy them anyways," he said with a smile. Hermione gave him a curious look.
"Why are you and your father being so nice to me? I thought you hated people like me," she asked.
"You mean muggleborn? When did I ever say that," he asked generally confused.
"Well, I guess," Hermione trailed of thoughtfully. "I guess you never did say that."
"I've never had anything against muggles or muggleborns. It's people like Crabbe and Pansy that make a big deal about stuff like that."
"Then why do you hang out with them?"
"I don't. I hang out with Goyle and Zabini. But the thing is you can't hang out with Goyle without Crabbe and for some reason Pansy just follows me around," Draco explained.
"Oh. Do you think she likes you," Hermione asked with a smug grin. Draco felt himself go a little green.
"Ugh. Don't even say that. She reminds me too much of Narcissa," he said in disgust. Hermione's face grew confused again.
"Who?"
"The woman who gave birth to me. I no longer acknowledge her as my mother," Draco answered. He really didn't want to talk about her right now. "So how about you go and pick out a few things. There's a lot of stuff here that I'm sure you can't get in the muggle world."
Hermione nodded and skipped off towards Harry who had picked out some chocolate frogs. Draco smiled as they talked about the candies. He was glad he could at least clear things up with Hermione. He didn't want Harry to lose friends because of him. He had felt guilty when Hermione had said that Ron was angry with Harry because they were close. If Harry lost all his friends because of him, he might start to hate Draco as well. Draco wouldn't be able to handle that. Harry was like a brother to him and it would be painful to lose him.
He noticed his dad talking with Uncle Severus by the assortment of moving gummy worms. He remembered something that he had thought about earlier and had wanted to ask them about.
"Hey dad," he said getting his attention. He walked closer to them so he could talk to him quietly. "I have a question."
"What is it Draco?"
"I thought only Harry's sorting was messed with. Why did McGonagall say that there were two other students who were resorted as well," he asked.
"Oh that's simple. You see, Draco, people do change a lot over time. Even in only a year. So even if a student is sorted into a certain house their first year, if they were to put on the sorting hat in their second or third year it is possible it would put them in a different house," his father explained.
"Then why not resort us every year?"
"That would be a rather long sorting ceremony don't you think," uncle Severus pointed out.
"I guess," Draco agreed.
"Now why don't we buy our stuff and get going? I'm sure Ms. Grangers parents are waiting for her," Lucius suggested.
After buying their candy, Harry said goodbye to Hermione who gave him a hug and even waved goodbye to Draco and his dad. Uncle Severus decided to just take her home himself while everyone else returned to the manor. Draco wasn't surprised when he and Harry were pulled into a tight group hug by his father only seconds after arriving back home.
"I'm so proud of both of you. I'm sorry I couldn't hug you before," he said.
"So you're really happy I'm in Slytherin huh," Harry mused. Lucius shook his head.
"That's not what I meant. I would be happy with whatever house you ended up in. I'm just happy I could be there for your sorting," the older man explained with a grin on his face.
"Thanks papa."
"Thanks dad."
XxxxHeeheexxxX
The rest of the summer seemed to go by fast and before he knew it Harry had received his Hogwarts letter with a list of his classes and what he was going to need. He and Draco were a little disappointed when Lucius told them they could not go to Diagon Alley. He explained that with Narcissa still on the loose it he didn't want the boys out in a public place. So in the end the boys were left alone while the men went out and bought their stuff. Severus left the manor a few days before the boys to set up his classroom for the new term. Lucius escorted the boys to the train station where he gave them both hugs and helped them with their bags.
Harry felt a little weird sitting at the Slytherin table. Several Slytherins were giving him weird looks and a few glares. Harry was thankful that Draco and Blaise were there. Blaise seemed like an easygoing guy and Harry could already tell they would be good friends. Goyle had been a little more hesitant to accept him but Harry suspected that would change in time. Crabbe had been absolutely livid but was luckily staying quiet for now.
Harry looked over to the Gryffindor table. Several of them were giving him dirty looks and others were just plain ignoring him. He let out a sad sigh. Ron was still refusing to talk to him unless it was to throw an insult or two at him. Hermione assured Harry that she would talk to him. Ginny had given him a friendly wave from her place at the Gryffindor table. It was strange how she was so friendly to him despite only meeting him once. Harry took a few more bites of his meal and glanced at the head table. It was weird to see Professor McGonagall sitting in the Headmasters spot. He looked over at the two new professors. Professor Lockhart seemed a little weird but apparently he had a lot of experience in the field when it came to dark wizards and creatures so he might be interesting. Professor Lupin, the new transfigurations teacher seemed like a very nice guy. He kept glancing over at the Slytherin's table but Harry wasn't sure what or who he was looking at. Severus was eating his meal quietly without talking to any of the other teachers. Harry looked down at his own plate which didn't have much on it. He was still a little nervous about seeing the Slytherin common room and dormitories. Draco had told him a lot about it over the summer but Harry figured it was something one had to see for themselves to get the full effect.
"So Harry, how did you do it," Pansy asked out of the blue. Harry looked up at her. She was sitting across from him, Draco, and Blaise.
"Do what?"
"Bribe the hat into putting you in Slytherin," she clarified in a sickly sweet tone. Harry felt his eyes widen.
"I'm not sure what you're talking about. The hat placed me her because it said this was where I belong," Harry explained trying to stay calm.
"Impossible. There is no way the hat would put a worm with us serpents. You don't belong here," the girl hissed. Harry could see some other Slytherins nod in agreement.
"Pansy, shut up," Draco warned.
"What? Don't tell me you actually approve of this," Pansy asked shifting her attention. Harry noticed that a lot of students around them had stopped eating and were listening in on the conversation. Harry couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
"What gave it away? The fact that I've been sitting with him? Talking to him? Or was it when introduced him to my friends and told them that Harry was a good friend of mine and I want them to get along?"
Draco glowered at the girl who looked like she was unable to process what he had said.
"But you can't be friends! You're a pureblood with wealth and prestige and he's nothing but a poor orphan with a mudblood for a mother."
Draco shot out of his chair and stood over the girl. Harry could almost see flames in his eyes. The entire great hall went silent. Even the teachers were watching the scene.
"Don't you dare insult him or his mother like that again you pug-faced wretch and you have no right to say anything about who my friends are. If you can't learn to get over yourself then I suggest you stay out of my sight from now on," he said loudly and clearly. Harry heard a few whispers spread throughout the whole room but otherwise not a sound was made. Draco took a quick glance around the room and composed himself.
"I've lost my appetite," he said as he turned to make his way out of the great hall. Harry was too shocked at first to move. He felt a hand gently pat him to get his attention.
"We better go after him," Blaise said quietly getting up from the table as well.
Harry and Blaise made their way out of the hall and Harry heard voices instantly grow loud as the other students started to discuss what had just happened. The quickly ran after Draco who was speed walking towards the dungeons. He was absolutely pissed.
"Hey man, slow down, no one's coming after us," Blaise called.
Draco stopped and turned to Harry. He had a sad look in his eyes as he pulled him into a hug. Harry was surprised at the sudden action but returned the hug.
"I'm sorry," Draco practically whispered.
"For what," Harry asked. Draco pulled himself out of the hug and began to let everything out.
"Pansy said those awful things about you and your mother."
"Draco, it's not your fault she said those things and to be honest I didn't understand what she called my mother," Harry said trying to be comforting.
"You've never heard mudblood before? It basically means dirty blood. Purebloods like Pansy use it to describe muggleborns because it makes them feel superior," Blaise explained. "And she's an idiot for calling you poor. Everyone knows that the Potter family is a very wealthy family."
Harry hadn't heard about his family's wealth before but decided to ignore the comment for now.
"It doesn't matter what a mudblood is. As long as Draco understands that what just happened wasn't his fault. Do you understand," Harry asked him.
Draco let out a long sigh.
"I guess."
"Good now we have that drama out of the way let's head to the dorms. I want to get to our rooms before everyone else shows up. I don't want to be bombarded with questions about that little scene you had," Blaise said walking ahead of them.
The Slytherin common room was definitely different from the Gryffindor one. The Gryffindor common room had a warm home-like feel. This place was a lot of things but 'warm' was definitely not one of them. The sofas were dark green and black. There were a few other tables and chairs where students could study. There were large stone columns and the lights from gothic style chandeliers were green. There were a few tapestries of famous wizards who had been in Slytherin. The large stone fireplace was already lit. Harry looked around, despite being so different from Gryffindor, this place was nice. It wasn't what most people would describe as homey but after living in Malfoy manor for almost an entire summer Harry had gotten used to places like this. He listened to the sound of swirling water that could be heard from Black Lake. It was very calming, especially after what had just happened.
"So what do you say? Are you going to miss sleeping in the tower princess," Blaise teased. Harry smirked and shoved him playfully.
Draco rolled his eyes at them and led Harry into the boy's dormitory where He was happy to see that it was split up into different rooms. Hopefully he had one without Crabbe. His prayers were answered and he found his stuff in a room with Draco and Blaise. They each had a single four-poster bed with green sheets. Harry briefly wondered what the Slytherin's obsession with green was about. Harry fell onto his bed. He looked over at Draco and Blaise who were busy getting their things ready for their classes that started the next day. Harry sighed as he got up and began to do the same.
He couldn't help but wonder how Lucius was doing without them. Even though the man tried to hide it, Harry still saw how sad and lonely he was when he dropped them off at the train station. He hoped that Lucius had at least one friend to talk to while they were at school.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Severus was putting the last of his ingredients on the shelves before he would retire for the night. He thought back on the incident at dinner and made a mental note to have a chat with Draco and Harry the next day to find out what happened. Draco would never make a scene like that unless something had really upset him. A small knock on the classroom door caught Severus' attention and he turned to greet the person. He sighed as he saw Remus in the open doorway. He should have expected this.
"Good evening Professor Lupin. How are you settling in," he drawled.
"Very well, I am grateful for this chance. It's hard for a person like me to get a job," the man commented walking further into the classroom.
"I can imagine but it's nothing to worry about. Me and the other professors will make sure no one finds out about your… condition."
"I appreciate it. I'm glad you don't hold a grudge after what I almost did to you," Remus said uncomfortably.
"That wasn't your fault. You had no control. It was James and Sirius who took their prank too far that night. I'm glad they learned their lesson before someone really got hurt," Severus said thinking back on the incident. Seeing Severus almost get killed because of them had woken up the two bullies and they became aware of what they had been doing. They had been very apologetic to Severus after that night and completely stopped bullying him. That did not mean they stopped pranking him but at least the pranks were far less cruel and they started pranking other people besides the young Slytherin.
"Yes I am too. I miss them so much."
Severus looked at Remus who seemed to be stalling.
"Remus, I think we both know what you really came here to talk about so let's get on with it," he urged the werewolf.
"Yes, McGonagall told me about Harry's custody transfer shortly before hiring me. I was more than a little disgusted when I heard about the way he had been treated by those muggles and the wolf inside me wanted to tear Dumbledore apart for sending him there in the first place," Remus started. Severus smirked at the comment about the old man. "I couldn't believe that you had done so much to give Harry a second chance and I'm grateful to you. James and Lily were my friends and if I were able I would have protected Harry myself, but as you know it was impossible for me to take him."
Severus nodded in understanding. There was no way a child that young would have been safe with a werewolf.
"I want you to take good care of him. If I find out that you've hurt him in any way I won't hold back," the man growled threateningly. Severus felt a cold chill go through him but quickly hid it.
"I would never hurt that boy. Since I have met him he has become the most important thing in the world to me and I won't let anything harm him," he assured. Remus accepted this. "But I feel I should tell you I'm not really a parental figure for Harry, even though I'm his legal guardian."
Remus gave him a confused look and asked for clarification.
"I'm sure you remember Lucius Malfoy. He seems to have all but legally adopted Harry as his own son. Harry is a part of that family as much as I am and really looks up to him. I just felt you should know since he's important to you as well," Severus explained. The werewolf smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that. Harry needs to know what family love feels like. I see he's close to Draco as well."
"They're like brothers."
"That's good," Remus murmured. Severus watched him shift his weight uncomfortably.
"Is there something else you wish to discuss with me," he prodded.
Remus shifted again under Severus' gaze. He seemed to be thinking about what he said next.
"I have a favor to ask of you. Well you and Lucius Malfoy.I've heard he's very influential in the ministry," Remus said looking as if the words had choked him on the way out of his mouth.
"I'm afraid it will take more than Lucius Malfoy to change the current laws on werewolves," Severus said sadly. Remus shook his head.
"No I wasn't going to ask about that. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping someone else get a second chance?"
Severus straightened. He knew exactly what the werewolf wanted him and Lucius to do and that the request was rather pointless.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
This was getting ridiculous. Between Pansy, Crabbe, and Ron, Harry had just about enough of all the snide comments and insults. Severus had talked to both him and Draco after class the first day of school about their first encounter with Pansy and had told them if the teasing went too far to go straight to him. Harry had told him that what she said hadn't bothered him, which was true at first. But when both her and Crabbe take turns insulting him whenever they saw him (which was a lot considering they were in the same house), it would make even the most easy going of guys want to slaughter everyone who dares to talk to him. It seemed that not even the Halloween feast could get Crabbe to fill his mouth with something other than nasty words.
In the end Harry had decided to leave early. He had already eaten everything he wanted to anyways. Draco told him he would be right behind him so Harry slowed his pace so he would be able to catch up. He looked down all the other empty hallways and passages that he passed and shuddered. Walking in an empty part of the castle always reminded him of the night of the Quirrell incident. It left him with a creeped out feeling. He would start to see things dash into dark corners but he knew it was just his imagination getting ahead of him.
"Although," he said to himself as he stopped walking. "I've never imagined hearing things before."
It was a sickly whisper. Harry leaned closer to the wall to listen better. It sounded like it was in the walls.
"Kill, kill, KILL," it whispered as Harry started to run to follow the voice.
He literally ran into Draco and Hermione as they rounded a corner.
"Harry, I was just coming to see if you were all right," Hermione said straightening herself out. Draco narrowed his eyes at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Did you guys hear that," Harry asked looking around at the walls. He could still hear the voice.
"Hear what," Draco asked.
"That voice."
"Voice? What voice," Hermione asked with wide eyes.
The voice seemed to be fading.
"It's moving," Harry concluded before beginning to chase after it again. "I think it's going to kill."
"Kill," Hermione squeaked as she began to follow him.
The three ran into a hallway that had water all over the floor. Harry slowed down as a reflection caught his eye. He felt his heart stop as he looked up the wall to see a cryptic message. He heard Hermione gasp.
"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir beware," Hermione read out loud.
"It's written in blood. That's disturbing," Draco commented.
"How do you know it's blood," Hermione asked.
Draco simply pointed over to the side of the wall where they saw Filches cat, unmoving and hanging by its tail. Harry slowly moved forward towards the feline.
"Mrs. Norris?"
Harry's attention was diverted by the sound of many footsteps approaching the area. Dinner had apparently been let out and the students who were expecting to return to their dorms like every other day were met with the ghastly sight. Harry looked around at them. He noticed Madame Pomfrey covering her mouth with her hands in shock.
The other professors were quick to arrive but unfortunately not before Filch did and accused Harry of murdering the poor cat. Harry had been so shocked and scared that he was unable to say anything in his defense. Luckily Severus was quick to pull Filch away from him while McGonagall sent all the students to their houses. Madame Pomfrey walked over to Mrs. Norris and inspected her.
"She's not dead Argus," the woman announced. "But she has been petrified."
"Ah, knew it. So unlucky I wasn't there. I know the exact counter curse that could have spared her," Lockhart somewhat boasted. Everyone gave him a skeptical look. As the school days passed, it had become more and more clear that the stories of the man's accomplishments were either falsified or greatly exaggerated.
"Now, what where you three doing here," McGonagall asked turning her attention back to the three students.
"Well, I had left dinner early because Crabbe was getting on my nerves. I decided to walk slow since Draco said he would be right behind me," Harry explained.
"I noticed Harry leave and saw that Draco was also leaving early so I followed them to make sure that everything was alright. Draco and I had just found Harry when he..," Hermione trailed off.
"Yes," Severus prodded.
"When I said I wasn't hungry," Harry lied. Severus gave him a look and Harry felt his stomach turn. He had never lied to the man before but he thought that if he told the professors that he was hearing voices they would probably just accuse him of lying anyways. That or ship him off to St. Mungos.
"Innocent until proven guilty," McGonagall decided.
"He murdered my cat," Filch said angrily. He faced the group of professors and began yelling. "I want to see some punishment."
Harry felt his heart clench at the pained look on the man's face. (AN: Seriously, watch the movie. Filch makes a face that made me want to hug him.)
"Calm down Argus. Madame Sprout is currently growing a fresh batch of mandrakes which will revive her," McGonagall comforted. "In the meantime, I strongly recommend caution to everyone."
Harry and the others were then dismissed while the teachers discussed the actions they would be taking. Harry was quiet as they walked. Draco kept looking around as if he expected to be attacked at any moment.
"Isn't it weird," Hermione asked.
"What," Harry responded.
"You hear this strange voice, than Mrs. Norris turns up petrified. It's just weird," Hermione commented. Draco nodded in agreement.
"Do you think I should have said something," Harry asked still feeling guilty.
"No Harry. Even in the wizarding world, hearing voices isn't a good sign," Hermione said worriedly.
The boys parted ways with her as she made her way to Gryffindor tower. She assured them that they didn't need to escort her all the way and they reluctantly agreed. Harry and Draco began to make their way to their dorm.
"You know I'm worried about you too," Draco said breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"Look I know how it sounds but I swear I'm not crazy. I've never heard voices until tonight," Harry defended. Draco shook his head.
"I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about you common sense," he clarified. Harry gave him a confused look.
"What are you talking about?"
"When you met up with me and Hermione you said that you thought that the voice was meaning to kill right?"
Harry nodded. Draco gave him an exasperated look.
"Then why in the hell were you following it?!"
Harry stopped in his tracks. He hadn't even realized he did that. He had just been worried about whoever the voice's victim would be. He hadn't even considered that he could have been the victim.
"I wasn't thinking," he concluded.
"Obviously. So from now on if you hear a voice saying it's going to kill someone, please try to avoid it."
"I will. Who do you think did it," Harry asked hoping Draco would have at least some kind of clue.
"No idea. I'm hoping it was just some kind of sick prank," Draco admitted.
"Have you heard of the Chamber of Secrets?"
"No but that's probably because it was a secret."
Harry burst out laughing and gave Draco a shove. Leave it to him to make a smart ass comment even in the tensest of situations.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
It had been a little more than a week since the incident on Halloween night. Everyone was still a little paranoid about it but Harry figured as long as he stuck with his friends everything would be alright. He looked around the school grounds where students were walking around enjoying the last moments of fall. Harry sat down next to a large tree and continued to wait for Hermione, Draco, and perhaps Blaise to show up. Hermione and Draco were finishing up an assignment that Harry had shockingly already completed. It was the first time ever that Harry had been able to do so. He reveled in the feeling of accomplishment while it lasted.
"Hello Harry."
Harry looked over to see Neville practically running up to him. Neville had been one of the Gryffindors that wasn't bothered by Harry's move and had continued to be his friend. It wasn't like they hung out all the time but they did talk quite a bit.
"Hey Neville. You going to hang out with us today," Harry asked.
"Hang out? I didn't know you were waiting for people. I just saw you over here by yourself and thought I'd come over. I can leave if you want," he answered hurriedly.
"No that's fine. You can stay as long as you don't mind Draco and Blaise being around."
"Draco's coming," Neville asked looking a little nervous. Harry gave him a confused look. A lot of people seemed to have that reaction when they talk about the Malfoy's but Harry thought Neville liked Draco or at least didn't mind him.
"Yeah. Is that a problem?"
"No not at all. Mind if I sit down with you," Neville asked still looking a little nervous. Harry gave him a friendly smile hoping it would help him relax.
"Not at all."
Harry and Neville talked for a while about everything from their summers to potions class. Harry gave Neville a few pointers on things he should avoid mixing together in his potions. Neville was more than thankful for the tips. Harry and Neville both jumped when they heard a Ravenclaw girl scream. She seemed to be backing away from something and her friends were cowering in fear. Harry and Neville rushed over along with several other nearby students.
"It's so disgusting," one of the girls cried.
"Kill it," another girl demanded.
Harry noticed Ron along with Seamus and Dean walked up to the group. Harry looked down in the grass to see a foot long bright green snake coiled up and looking up at them. Harry guessed it was a grass snake.
"Why would you want to kill it? Did it bite one of you," Neville asked.
"No but I bet it would have if I didn't notice it," the girl who had screamed accused.
"I wouldn't have bit you. Not unless you stepped on me," the snake hissed. Harry was surprised to hear the female snake's voice. He had talked to a snake before so he wasn't surprised when this one spoke but it surprised him that the voice sounded like a small child. It looked pretty long for a hatchling but then again Harry didn't really know a lot about snakes.
"You need to kill it. If you don't it'll lay eggs and we'll be surrounded by snakes or even worse, it'll get into the castle and lay eggs there," Seamus pointed out. The girls shuddered at the thought. Ron picked up a stick.
"What are you going to do with that," Neville asked in a concerned voice.
"I'm going to pick it up and throw it in the lake," the red head answered.
The snake let out a scared hiss and began to slither away. Before Harry could even move Ron had used the stick to pin down her head while he used his other hand to pick up her body.
"Please don't hurt me. Momma," the snack hissed frantically. Harry couldn't believe Ron. How could he ignore such heartbreaking cries?
"Let her go," he ordered. Ron stopped all actions and looked back at him.
"Her?"
"What is it Potter? You hate to see a fellow snake put in its place," Seamus laughed.
"I said let her go Ron you have no right to hurt her," Harry repeated not listening to the others.
"What the bloody hell does it matter? What could one less snake do? Besides it's probably better to get rid of it before it bites someone, it could be poisonous," Ron snapped before throwing the snake into the lake.
Harry practically ripped off his cloak as he ran forward. He pushed Ron to the ground as he jumped in after her. He wasn't sure if snakes could swim but didn't want to take the chance. He also knew that the water was probably freezing which couldn't be good for the cold blooded animal. He was thankful for her bright color because it made her easier to find in the water. She made a snake-like gagging sound as Harry pulled her out. She immediately began to coil around his arm. She looked up at him with beady little eyes. Harry walked back to the shore before they were attacked by one of the creatures that lived in the lake. Everyone was silent as Harry walked past them to his discarded cloak.
"Here let me wrap you in this so you warm up," he said comfortingly as he sat the snake on top of it. He heard the others behind him gasp but he wasn't sure why. Was it really that shocking he would want to warm the snake up?
"Thank you. You're very nice to help me. I know that humans don't like us very much," the snake hissed shyly as she coiled up further into the cloak.
"You don't have to worry about them bothering you anymore. I'll talk to them," Harry assured. He turned around to see everyone staring wide eyed at him. Harry saw that Draco and Hermione, who must have just shown up as he was wrapping the snake up, were giving him weird looks as well. He was about to ask everyone what was wrong with them when he noticed Severus approaching the group.
"Potter! Tell me I did not just see you jump into the Black Lake at this time of year," he yelled as he approached.
"He's a parselmouth," one of the Ravenclaw girls squeaked which seemed to catch Severus off guard.
"I'm a what," Harry asked. Was this some kind of new insult they came up with?
"Harry you just talked to that snake. Since when could you speak to snakes," Draco asked.
"I don't know. I talked to a snake once before my first year but so what? I bet loads of people can do it," Harry said feeling very confused.
"Are you an idiot," Seamus asked.
"Okay that's enough. I want all of you to disperse immediately while I take Potter to the hospital wing to make sure he didn't get himself sick with his little stunt," Severus ordered.
"Can I bring her with me," Harry asked picking up his bundled up cloak and showing Severus the snake resting inside of it. "She was in the water too and I want to make sure she warms up properly."
"You can't take that thing into the school," one of the girls screeched.
"I said leave! Before I start deducting points," Severus commanded in a deadly tone. Everyone except Hermione, Draco, and a trembling Neville scurried away from the menacing potions master. Severus relaxed a little but still looked tense.
"Yes you can bring…her, but don't you dare let her out of your sight," Severus warned as he began escorting the group back to the castle. "We're going to have a little chat about that snake."
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AN: Heehee. I had to come up with a different way for everyone to find out Harry was a parseltongue because as one of you pointed out, Draco isn't going to try to set a snake on Harry in this story. Well I hope you guys enjoyed this. Hopefully my next chapter will be the last about this year. Coming up in the next chapter, Harry makes a new snake bff and Severus talks to Lucius about Remus' request!