AN: I can't believe I wrote this chapter so fast! I doubt any of you are going to complain about it though. Unfortunately I've failed to fit all of second year into two chapters like I wanted. *smacks self in face* Oh well. I will definitely finish it next time. I noticed that someone asked me in one of the reviews why Remus was at Hogwarts even though it's the second year. The answer is because I didn't want to come up with a new teacher and he really needed a job. Heehee. Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Harry sat on the hospital bed and quietly let Madame Pomfrey inspect him. Severus and the others waited quietly. Harry was more than grateful for the drying charm which made him feel warm again.
"You're going to be just fine Potter but I must know why you thought it was necessary to go swimming in the black lake this time of year," Madame Pomfrey asked stepping back to get a better look at him. Harry could feel a lecture coming.
"It's not his fault. The girls got scared by this snake and started saying we should kill it. Ron threw it in the lake to drown it and Harry just went after it," Neville explained. The nurse looked confused.
"While I agree that the treatment of any animal in such a way is detestable I don't understand why you would go so far for one snake. You know there are creatures in that lake not to mention how sick you could have gotten. Was it really necessary to risk your life," Madame Pomfrey commented.
"But she was screaming! I couldn't let her die. She sounded like a little girl," Harry argued. Madame Pomfrey looked taken aback by Harry's outburst.
"Screaming," she asked.
"It seems Potter has the gift of parseltongue," Severus explained. "So while everyone else just saw a snake, he saw a girl about to be killed. Am I right?"
Harry nodded. He looked over at the cloak bundle where the snake still slept. He couldn't let her die, especially when she was screaming for her mother. It seemed to make sense that no one else was able to understand her. Even though he could be a major prat sometimes, Harry knew Ron wouldn't have tried to hurt the snake if he heard it begging for its life. Even the girls would probably be a lot less afraid of her if they heard the snake's child-like voice.
"Oh my. That's a very rare gift. I'll have to tell McGonagall about it. She would love to hear about it," the nurse chatted.
"Wait Harry," Draco asked getting his attention. "You said that snake sounded like a little girl? So she's a hatchling?"
"I guess. She was even crying for her mother. Well, she was crying for mama," Harry corrected.
"Oh," Hermione moaned sadly. "We have to find her mother Harry! She's probably in the forbidden forest somewhere."
"Don't you guys think it's a little weird that a hatchling is already a foot long," Draco asked.
"Do you still have her," Madame Pomfrey asked.
Harry carefully unfolded his cloak to reveal the light green reptile. She opened her eyes and looked around. She slithered closer to Harry when she saw all the other humans staring at her. She looked up at Harry.
"Please don't let them hurt me. You're a fellow snake too right," she asked in a pleading tone.
"Why would you think that," Harry asked.
"Because you speak our language. So that means you're a snake."
Harry smirked and translated for everyone else present before explaining.
"Actually, I'm just a wizard with the special ability to speak to snakes but don't worry. No one's going to hurt you here and I'll protect you from the others," Harry promised. The snake seemed to accept this but still stayed close to his side.
"Oh my. That's no ordinary grass snake you have there Potter. That's an Aesculapian snake. They're extremely rare in the British Isles," Madame Pomfrey explained after closer examination.
"I think I've heard about those," Hermione said. "Those are the ones that are named after the Greek god of medicine. They're the ones on the muggle medical emblem wrapped around the staff."
"That's right. May I take a closer look," Madame Pomfrey asked.
"Of course," Harry offered.
Madame Pomfrey waved her wand over the snake. She looked like she was concentrating on something than smiled.
"She's in good health and from what I can tell she was hatched on school grounds, which is very exciting."
"Why's that," Draco prodded.
"It means that her body absorbed some of the schools magic. You see when Aesculapian snakes are in contact with magic at birth they gain certain abilities that are quite remarkable. They're able to find any healing herbs or plants in the wild no matter how hard they are to find, they have rejuvenating magic, and they live a very long time. Some are even said to be able to heal their masters of all wounds with a single bite. This is a very special girl."
"I like her," the snake hissed. Harry chuckled and translated for the nurse.
"Well I'm very glad to hear that. Although, I do have some bad news."
Everyone in the room leaned forward. Severus looked as if he already knew which he probably did considering that it sounds like these snakes would be popular among healers and potions masters.
"These snakes are protected by both English muggle laws and the ministry. They're not endangered since there are many all around Europe but they are still rare here in Britain," the nurse explained.
"So like I suggested earlier we should take her back to her mother," Hermione concluded.
"Actually it's the opposite. There are no laws against taking them from the wild but you are not allowed to release them. The laws are a little vague but I believe that's how it was worded."
"So we can't return her to her mom," Hermione asked looking like she wanted to cry. Harry understood why. He also felt bad about purposely denying a child from being with their parent.
"No I'm afraid not Ms. Granger. In fact we need to send a report to the ministry that we have one here," Severus cut in.
"Um excuse me."
Harry looked down at the snake who was looking up at him.
"Yes," Harry asked politely.
"I was really scared earlier so I cried for mama like I usually do but I don't think she's around anymore," the snake said quietly.
"What do you mean? Where did she go?"
"She went to get food for me and my brothers and sisters two sunny times ago and never came back. We all decided to split up and look for food ourselves. My brothers and sisters went into the place with a lot of trees while I went towards the water to look for lizards," the snake answered.
"Oh, so she's missing."
"She went to the tree place. It's dangerous there right? That's why I don't go but my siblings didn't listen to me."
"Hey Harry, care to translate," Draco asked.
Harry hadn't realized he slipped into the other language again.
"She says she called for her mother on instinct but she hasn't seen her in two days. It sounds like she went into the Forbidden Forest and never came back. All her brothers and sisters went there too," he explained.
"I don't think we'll be seeing any of them again," Severus commented.
Harry looked down at the now depressed snake. She really didn't have anywhere to go and winter was coming soon. She was going to need a home.
"Um, Professor Snape. She really doesn't have anywhere to go. Can I watch over her until we find a home for her," he asked. Severus gave him a small smile.
"I had a feeling you were going to ask that. As long as she agrees I don't see a problem with it. It would have been a different story if she was poisonous but since she is the opposite I believe it will be fine. I will however need to talk to the headmistress about it," he said thoughtfully.
"Try not to scare her. I heard Minerva is simply terrified of snakes," Madame Pomfrey piped in. Severus nodded his head.
"So I believe it was Ron Weasley who tried to kill her. Was there anyone else," he asked looking directly at Harry and Neville. Neville shivered under the intense gaze.
"Seamus was the one who really suggested it although the girls were screaming for us to do it as well but I think that was just normal squeamishness," Harry answered.
"I will also be discussing their punishment as well," Severus said as he turned to leave. He stopped when he was almost out of the room and turned back around. "Keep that snake close and safe. I'll have one of the schools house elves bring some food for her to your room."
"Thank you."
"So Harry, what's her name," Neville asked.
"Oh, I never asked," Harry realized. He looked down at the little snake. "What's your name."
"My momma named me Euryale. Am I really going to be staying with you," she asked.
"Yes if you want to," Harry answered.
"I think I'd like that. You keep me warm and safe."
Harry smiled down at Euryale as she slithered into his lap and closer to his body heat. He looked back up at the others.
"She says her mother named her Euryale."
"Let me guess. She has two other sisters and she's the second oldest," Draco asked before Hermione could open her mouth.
"The sparkly haired one knows my family?"
Harry burst out laughing as everyone else gave him curious, or in Draco's case annoyed, looks. Harry translated what the snake had asked as well as what she called Draco.
"My hair doesn't sparkle," Draco pouted while Hermione laughed.
"Actually when you walk outside it shines so much it sometimes looks like it sparkles," Neville commented. Draco gave him a glare which made Neville's face turn red. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that."
Both Harry and Hermione laughed even harder. This had turned out to be a rather good day.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
"I..I suppose there's no helping it. Harry can keep the snake," Minerva said wincing at her own words. "But it better stay with him at all times. I will not have it slithering about the castle where it can get hurt!"
"You mean where it can get into your office," Severus smirked. The headmistress glared at him. Severus was enjoying having her for a boss instead of Dumbledore. It was much easier to talk to her about these kinds of things.
"Anyways, on to more pressing matters. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Finnigan's punishment. I will write to both of their guardians and they will serve three weeks of detention. Oh, and please inform them that twenty-five points will be taken out of Gryffindor for each of them. Also take ten points out from the houses of the girls who egged them on, each. I want it clear that violence towards any animal will not be tolerated at Hogwarts. Especially if it's as defenseless as this one was," Minerva decided. Severus nodded his head. It was a fair punishment.
"I will also be having a talk with the boys myself," he informed.
"I figured you would but do not give them any further punishment unless they backtalk you," Minerva instructed. Severus agreed. Minerva cleared her throat which seemed to be her signal that she was going to talk about non-school related topics. "I haven't heard from Dumbledore lately."
"He's lying low. They were just barely able to cover up for him during the whole fiasco this past summer so he's playing it safe," Severus explained emotionlessly. Minerva sighed.
"Yes I suppose you're right. I sent him a letter about the attack on Mrs. Norris and the message so I expected to at least receive a response," she explained.
"I was never able to figure out what was going through that man's head," Severus commented. He really didn't want to talk about this. He was happy when the women dismissed him. He walked back to his rooms and thought about what he was going to say to those Gryffindor idiots after their next class with him. His thoughts also drifted towards Harry and his newfound parseltongue ability. He smiled a little at the memory of watching him talk to that snake. It was odd. During his days as a spy he would often see the Dark Lord talk to his pet snake and it always sounded dark and unnatural but with Harry it sounded almost pleasant. Severus knew what others would think when they heard of this. It would probably scare them. Their Chosen One sharing such a trait with one of the darkest wizards of all time. He would have to keep a close eye on the situation. Hopefully he was just overreacting. Severus' thoughts briefly drifted to Lucius and whether or not he would be okay with Harry's new pet when he realized something.
"Damn," he cursed to himself. He had forgotten to tell Harry to meet him in his rooms next Saturday. He would have to tell him Monday.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Harry walked past the portrait that led to Severus' chambers. Euryale was coiled up comfortably around his neck just under his robes. She loved being close to his body heat, especially at this time of year. She seemed to be adjusting happily to her new life as Harry's familiar. She loved looking around at all the other students when Harry was in class and she would quietly listen during lectures almost as if she herself were a student. It seems having a snake as a pet made you more of a Slytherin because more people in his house were talking to him now and more Gryffindors were avoiding him but Ron seemed to stay exactly how he was before the parseltongue incident. He was no better but he didn't get worse. He did look a little guilty for almost killing the snake when he overheard Harry tell Blaise that she was just a hatchling but didn't say anything. Hermione researched Aesculapian Snakes and told Harry that they normally grew to about four feet in length but could grow up to six. He worried a little about that but it seemed like they didn't get thick bodies as they grew so he would still be able to carry her. She would probably be very upset if he couldn't.
"Hello Harry. You're right on time," Severus greeted holding a tray of teacups. Harry noticed there were four.
"Harry," a loud voice squealed. Harry was pulled into a hug by none other than Lucius. Harry smiled brightly at him.
"Papa! I didn't know you were going to be here too. How have you been," he asked.
"Bored but it seems like I'll be getting busy soon so it's alright. The ministry has officially stopped looking for Dobby so he's back at the manor," Lucius answered happily.
"That's great to hear. Will Draco be joining us soon," Harry asked indicating the number of teacups.
"Actually no. I came here so both Severus and I can have a talk with you," Lucius admitted sitting down on the large couch. He patted the seat next to him and Harry sat down as well followed by Severus.
"Then who else is coming," Harry asked pointing to the cups on the table.
"Oh no one. This is an herbal tea so I poured a cup for Euryale as well," Severus explained. Euryale popped her head out from under Harry's cloak at the mention of her name.
"Stormy, you call that one papa? He looks like Sparkles," she commented looking at Lucius. Euryale seemed to have a weird habit of coming up with her own names for people and even called Harry Stormy because of his scar. Harry had been confused at first but he was slowly getting used to it.
"Oh, let me introduce you. This is Draco's father Lucius. I call him papa because he's the closest thing to a father I've ever had but my real dad is dead. Papa this it Euryale, my familiar," Harry introduced making a conscious effort not to slip into parseltongue.
"What a beautiful name for a beautiful snake," Lucius complemented.
"He's nice. I like Papa," Euryale said as she slithered out of Harry's cloak and down his arm to the coffee table. Severus placed a teacup in front of her and she used her tongue to sip it.
"You're going to call him papa too," Harry asked with a smirk on his face. Lucius chuckled.
"Yup. I like this drink. Thank you Majesty."
Euryale had named Severus Majesty after Harry had told her that he was the one in charge of the Slytherin students. She explained it was because he was, "The king of the snakes."
"She says thanks for the tea," Harry translated.
"I heard about what you did for her Harry, and I'm so proud of you for sticking up for her," Lucius said giving Harry another one armed hug.
"Thanks but it's really not that great. Anyone would have done the same if they could understand her," Harry said shyly.
"Yes, it would be hard to ignore a little girl's screams but I have a feeling that you would have done the same thing even if you couldn't understand her."
"Maybe," Harry admitted. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well, Harry do you remember the photo album I gave to you for Christmas last year," Severus asked. Harry nodded.
"I have it in my dorm right now."
"Well I don't know if you've looked at it since the start of school and looked at the pictures of your father and his friends," Severus said waiting for some kind of answer.
"No I haven't. I forgot their names," Harry admitted.
"Well it was your father, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin," Lucius listed.
"Professor Lupin?"
"The very same. He has been somewhat nervous to talk to you now since he hadn't seen you since you were a baby," Severus explained. Harry nodded to himself.
"I guess that makes sense."
"Well, Harry this is where it gets a little hard to explain. Do you remember what your parent will said about your custody," Severus asked. Harry felt a light bulb in his head turn on.
"Oh yeah. It said you were supposed to share custody of me with Sirius Black. But didn't you say he was in jail?"
"Yes but he was never given a trial and the evidence against him was very weak. People just wanted someone to blame for what had happened and Sirius was the most convenient person," Severus explained.
"I don't understand. What happened?"
"Harry," Lucius said taking his hand. "When we found out that You Know Who was after you and your parents went into hiding. The night your parents died, someone tipped off the death eaters to their location."
Harry was stunned. His parents were betrayed? And his father's friend was blamed for it?
"I see."
His voice came out dry and cracked.
"No one really knew what happened but they did knew that only your parents closest friends knew where they were hiding. The day after your parents died, it was reported that Sirius had attacked and killed your father's other friend Peter Pettigrew in front of many muggles so it was assumed that he was the traitor."
"He…killed his friend," Harry asked. His voice was shaking now. Why hadn't he heard of this before? Was there anything else that he hadn't been told?
"Harry, you need to listen to me," Severus said sternly. "Everything about those accusations is complete shit. Don't interrupt me Lucius."
Lucius closed his mouth without saying anything about Severus' swearing.
"Sirius was your father's best friend and was also your godfather. He loved your father like a brother much like Lucius and I. There is no doubt in my mind that Sirius would have died before betraying your parents. Peter on the other hand was nothing more than a spineless coward who would do anything to save himself. I know that if Sirius were to get a fair trial, he would be found innocent of all charges."
Harry looked into Severus' eyes and took his words as fact.
"But, didn't he still kill Pettigrew," he asked. "I don't think they would let him go for that."
"There was no body. All they could find of the man was a finger so really all they have against Black is a case of using magic in front of muggles which at the most is a five year sentence. I think he's served more than enough time," Lucius said confidently.
"So you're going to get him out," Harry asked. He still wasn't sure how he felt about the whole thing.
"Yes. It seems Lupin has made a special request for us to look into the case," Lucius explained. "A pointless request really. I was going to do it anyways. I wanted to get him out of there right after he was sentenced because we all knew it was wrong but I was told that I wasn't allowed to do anything since it was a conflict of interest."
"What do you mean?"
"Narcissa is his cousin. They didn't get along by any means but the ministry still said it looked like nepotism for me to get him out which would have made the ministry look very bad at the time."
"Okay. I think I understand. If you guys say he's innocent than I believe you. I would love to meet him after he gets out," Harry said with a slight smile.
"You definitely will. Once Black is found innocent he will also obtain the right to act as your legal guardian but that's between him and Sirius," Lucius winked.
Harry smiled. It had been quite a shock to hear about his parents being betrayed but he loved the idea of having his supposed godfather around. It seemed like his new family was growing quite a bit.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Sadness. Pain. Despair. Sadness. Pain. Despair. It was all he could feel. He couldn't remember how long he had been here. In these dirty clothes. The dementors sucking every bit of happiness from his life. Some days it felt like they were sucking out his very soul. He remembered he had a friend once. James. He remembered hearing about his death. Such sadness. He remembered his mother vividly. She had thrown things at him whenever he tried to express himself. Such pain. He remembered that baby with a newly made scar on its forehead. The child cried in the arms of Severus Snape as if it understood what had just happened to his parents. As if he knew he was an orphan and Sirius had been useless to save them. Such despair.
Everything was dark but Sirius refused to be consumed by it. He had to escape. He had to see his godson. He had to make sure to boy was safe. Sirius leaned his head back and looked out the barred window. It was winter again. It had frozen everything except the water that surrounded the island. A memory flashed in his mind of skating with James and Lily. Remus was attempting to join but kept falling. Sirius had laughed but in the end helped his friend keep his balance. Sirius smiled at the memory but then frowned. Was that… a happy memory? How?
He looked back at his cell door to see a guard there opening it to let someone in. It was strange. He never had visitors. He almost fell over when he saw none other than Lucius Malfoy walk in. The man looked just as flawless as he did the last time Sirius saw him. Not so much as a single wrinkle in his clothes. Lucius sat down on the bed across from where Sirius sat on the floor.
"The dementors have been ordered not to bother us while I'm here," Lucius started. He looked at Sirius with an expression full of what Sirius could only guess was pity. He hated it.
"Thank you 'my lord.' To what do I owe the pleasure of my cousin-in-law's company? Surly you didn't come here just to stare at my pitiful appearance," he snapped. Lucius straightened but then relaxed again.
"I'm rather pleased to report to you that we are no longer bound by marriage. You cousin is currently on the run from aurors," the man informed. Sirius was somewhat interested by this.
"What did she do? Sacrifice a kitten to appease her precious lord?"
"She tried to murder both me and our son after I found proof that she was a death eater," Lucius explained in a monotone voice. Sirius felt his gut turn.
"I'm so sorry. Is Draco alright," he asked. As much as Sirius hated his cousin, her son was still family and Sirius had nothing against the boy.
"He will be fine. He had already stopped acknowledging that woman as his mother which I think helped."
"That's kind of sad too."
"Yeah well, it can't be helped. I'm just glad Harry was there to comfort him afterwards. I think that's the main reason why Draco's doing so well now."
Sirius straightened at the name. His heart nearly stopped.
"Harry?"
Lucius nodded knowingly.
"Yes, that Harry. Would you like to know what happened to him after his parents died," Lucius asked kindly.
"Please," Sirius begged. He reached forward and gripped Lucius' arm like the man was his last hope for happiness. Lucius winced at the pressure but didn't pull away.
"I'm afraid it wasn't good. With everything being so chaotic no one noticed that Dumbledore sent the poor boy to live with Lily's sister without properly looking at the will."
"No," Sirius cried. "Everyone knows how much Petunia hated magic. She was cruel to Lily. There was no way her or James would have wanted Harry to live there. What did they do to him? I swear if they hurt him-."
"Calm yourself," Lucius interrupted in a stern voice. "As I was saying, it wasn't good. It appears the boy was both physically and emotionally abused as a child. No one noticed anything until Severus happened to look at his Hogwarts letter and saw that it was addressed to 'the cupboard under the stairs.'"
"They had him sleeping in a cupboard," Sirius asked as he felt his heart break. He should have been there. Why did he have to act so stupidly? If he hadn't been so rash he could have stayed out of Azkaban and taken care of Harry.
"Yes but as soon as Severus saw this he did a little investigating of his own and found out exactly how bad the boy was being treated and took him away from those monstrous people. Petunia and her husband have both been found guilty of child abuse and are paying for their crimes," Lucius assured.
"What about Harry? What did James and Lily's will say?"
"It clearly states that they wished for you and Severus to have joint custody of him but since you are currently unable to care for the child Severus has full custody," Lucius explained in a business-like manner.
"Is Harry….happy now?"
Lucius smiled and nodded.
"Both him and Severus live in my manor. Even though I know Severus is his real guardian I have come to think of that boy as a second son. I know Severus cares deeply for him as well. Harry is very much loved so you have nothing to fear," Lucius explained with a distant smile.
Sirius felt himself relax a little. Lucius' words had indeed comforted him and he was grateful to the two Slytherins who seemed to have given Harry a second chance at a real family.
"Is that all you came to tell me," Sirius asked. Lucius shook his head.
"No, I just thought it was something you wanted to hear. The reason I'm here is because of my separation from Narcissa, it no longer would be seen as nepotism if I push for you to have a proper trial. I apologize for it taking so long but I have finally gotten the ministry to accept and they have scheduled a court date after going over the evidence against you," Lucius stated matter-of-factly. Sirius wasn't sure if he heard right.
"You're going to help me get out of here," he asked cautiously as if he felt the answer would break the newfound feeling of hope within his chest.
"I have never for a second believed you were guilty and neither did Severus. The only evidence they have against you is a finger which can't even count as proof of Pettigrew's death. The only thing you're guilty of is idiotically attacking the man in front of muggles."
Sirius decided to ignore the insult. He looked at the man in front of him. After so many years of darkness, he had brought him light. He was like an angel of mercy, come to pull him out of hell itself. Even if he was found guilty again, at least he had a chance.
"Oh, I almost forgot the best news. It took a lot of convincing and a little bribe money but they have agreed to transfer you to a secure holding cell within the ministry until your trial. Apparently mild nepotism is too risky but taking bribes is A-Okay," Lucius added.
That was it. Sirius broke down into tears of joy and relief. He didn't care how he looked anymore. He wrapped his arms around the aristocrat and buried his face into his chest.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. I will never forget this. I promise I'll pay you back one day. Not only for what you've done for me but for what you've done for Harry as well," he sobbed. He felt Lucius wrap his own arms around him. It was completely unmanly but Sirius decided to allow Lucius to hold him until he was done crying.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Things were extremely tense in the castle. There had been several more attacks and it seemed like Harry was the main suspect. After word had spread about his parseltongue ability people were now spreading the rumor that he was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin himself and therefore the heir that was described in the message left at the scene of the first attack. Draco, Blaise, and several other Slytherins seemed to be standing by him but it didn't stop the glares and suspicious looks from being sent his way wherever he went. Harry was starting to get overly stressed from it all. He was relieved when Quidditch season started again. He was excited when both he and Draco made the Slytherin team. Harry got the seeker position while Draco was a chaser.
He was practically skipping to the Quidditch field while Draco laughed at him. They may not have been playing today but even watching the game was enough to relieve the stress. They could forget all about the recent attacks and just watch the game. Everyone was grateful for the momentary relief. Lately it was not only the mysterious attacks that had students worried but the news of Sirius Black's trial that was coming up. It seems that many of them had been led to believe that he was some psychotic murderer but Harry explained to as many as he could that there was really no evidence against the man. This seemed to only further 'prove' that Harry was indeed the one attacking the other students.
"What's going on? It looks like everyone's leaving," Draco commented.
Harry looked around to see that the other students were indeed leaving the Quidditch field looking rather disappointed and upset. Harry noticed the headmistress heading their way with Ron following her looking very confused.
"Professor, what's going on," Harry asked as she walked up to them.
"The game has been cancelled for today. I would like for you three to follow me. There is something I think you should see."
It was horrible. Draco had to sit down on a nearby bed before his legs gave out. Harry stared down at the frozen form on the bed. It looked more like a statue than his best friend. Ron looked absolutely beside himself. Even though he hadn't really been hanging out with her as much this year, he still seemed to consider her his best friend.
"Hermione," Ron's voice shook.
"She was found with this," McGonagall said holding up a mirror. "Does it mean anything to any of you?"
All three of them shook their heads. Harry couldn't believe someone would attack her. Hermione may have gotten on some people's nerves with her knowitallism, if that was a word, but she was also so kind and thoughtful to everyone. McGonagall put her hand comfortingly on Harry's shoulder.
"Booky," Euryale said sadly as she poked her head out and looked down at her. Harry almost had a heart attack when the old woman next to him let out a high pitched screech when she realized what was right next to her hand.
"Was that really necessary," Draco asked from the ground. He had fallen of the bed he was sitting on. Madame Pomfrey ran out of her office brandishing a wand and looking like she would kill anyone who dared attack her patients. She stopped when she saw McGonagall trying to regain her composure and the snake on Harry's shoulder and began laughing.
"I'm sorry boys I just wasn't expecting that," McGonagall apologized. Her face had turned a deep shade of red. "I'll leave you to collect yourselves."
Madame Pomfrey returned to her office and the headmistress made her way out of the hospital wing leaving behind three grieving/terrified boys.
"Bloody hell! The way she screamed I thought You Know Who himself had walked in the room," Ron said still breathing heavily.
"It was a little over the top," Harry agreed.
The three stood there for a little bit before they were escorted back to their dorms. Ron went with Professor Lockhart, which in retrospect was probably more dangerous than walking through the forbidden forest on a full moon night by himself, and Harry and Draco went with Severus. Severus comforted the boys on the way back to their dorms and told them that Hermione would be more than alright once the antidote was made.
It was at dinner that night when things really got bad. From what Harry could tell by the whispers, it seemed he was being blamed for Hermione's attack as well. Everyone was saying how even his best friends weren't safe. Harry had almost punched Crabbe when he loudly congratulated on a 'job well done.' Many of the Gryffindors were silent which wasn't a good sign. Harry was glad when it was over and everyone was allowed to return to the dorms. He was almost out when he felt someone grab his arm.
"I heard what you did to Hermione. I guess it doesn't matter who it is as long as they're a mudblood you'll get rid of them huh," Seamus sneered. Everyone around them stopped to watch the scene.
"I didn't do it. Hermione is my best friend and I would never attack her or anyone else," Harry stated firmly.
"Yeah right! You just pretended to be her friend so no one would suspect you when you got rid of her."
"Shut it Seamus. You don't know what you're talking about."
Harry was surprised to see Ron defending him. Seamus seemed shocked as well.
"What the hell is this about? You his friend now," he snapped at the redhead.
"I may have been upset when he switched houses but I know Harry isn't the type of person to attack someone and he would definitely never hurt Hermione," Ron said angrily. "So piss off!"
Everyone was silent as Ron grabbed Harry by the arm and pulled him out of the great hall. They were well down the corridor when Ron finally stopped and let go. Draco ran up behind them. Harry collected himself and turned to face the red head.
"Don't listen to them mate. These attacks have everyone so wound up they aren't even thinking anymore."
"So now we're mates," Harry snapped. He was still more than a little pissed at what he tried to do to Euryale. Ron shifted uncomfortable.
"I-I'm sorry okay. I know I took the whole house thing too far and I should have stood by you instead of acting like a… well.."
"Complete git," Draco supplied. Ron looked like he wanted to argue for a moment but then took a deep breath.
"Yeah. I wasn't being a very good friend. I just didn't know what to think with you suddenly being in a different house and than you were getting all buddy-buddy with a Malfoy who I've always heard were nothing but a bunch of snobs who thought they were better than everyone else. No offense," Ron quickly added. Draco's face showed that offense indeed had been taken from the statement but he didn't say anything. "But when I think about it I've never seen Draco act like he thought he was better than everyone else so I've been thinking I was wrong about him and the other Slytherins, except Pansy and Crabbe I still hate them and I don't think that'll change soon. I also want to apologize for the snake. I honestly wasn't thinking and I've been feeling like crap since I overheard you saying that she was just a baby. I mean I've never thought of snakes or any reptiles as having feelings. It's not like with dogs or cats. They don't have any facial features and they don't make any distinguishing sounds. How am I supposed to know if they're scared?!"
"Ron," Harry snapped getting the other boys attention. His ramblings ceased. "I can forgive you for the things you said to me. They weren't half as bad as what Pansy and Crabbe say and you pretty much stopped after the first couple weeks of school. But if you want to apologize for almost killing Euryale than I think you should talk to her yourself."
The snake in question poked her head out from Harry's cloak and stared at the redhead. Harry could tell by the sudden tensing in her body that she recognized him.
"Harry, you want me to apologize to a snake? Well I guess that's fair. Will she understand me," Ron asked not taking his eyes off her.
"From what Harry says she does. Just think of it as you apologizing to a little girl who you've terrified," Draco offered. Ron looked like he was about to say something but then looked at Harry in silent question.
"Her name's Euryale," he repeated.
"Euryale. I'm sorry I threw you into the lake. It was very wrong of me and I'm also sorry I didn't think that you had feelings which apparently you do," Ron said uncomfortably. "I…I would like us to start over….please."
Ron must have been serious because it looked like it was killing him to do something that in normal circumstances would be considered bizarre. He looked at Harry with expectant eyes waiting for him to translate her reply.
"I think I can forgive Foody this time. You seem really sorry. Thank you for the nice apology," Euryale said with a bow of her tiny head. Harry's eyes widened as he looked at her.
"What did you call him," he asked. Ron, who could only hear one side of the conversation, looked both alarmed and confused.
"Foody. I've watched him during food time and it seems to be his happiest time of day," she explained matter-of-factly. Harry rolled his eyes.
"What's going on? What did she call me," Ron asked.
"Don't worry. She says she forgives you. It's just she never wants to call anyone by their real name. She comes up with weird nicknames based off her own observations of people," Harry explained. Draco cringed thinking of his own nickname given to him by the eccentric snake.
"So what did she call me?"
"Foody. Apparently you look really happy when you're eating," Harry answered. Ron's face turned red as Draco laughed. Harry grinned at both of them.
"So anyways, Harry," Ron asked getting his attention. "Do you think we could be friends again?"
Harry smiled. Despite everything, he had really missed his friend.
"Yeah."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
AN: It seems kind of in character for Ron to be a prick when something happens that he doesn't agree with happens but in the end he always apologizes. It maybe a huge character flaw but at least he comes through in the end. For those of you who don't know, in Greek mythology Euryale is the second oldest of the three Gorgon sisters. The oldest being Sethno and the youngest being the more well known, Medusa. If anyone wants to know why I had a snake drinking herbal tea, the truth is the idea just came to me and I thought it was funny and cute so I added it. Euryale's powers are a combination of me researching the myth behind Aesculapian snakes and my own imagination. Next chapter: Finally the Chamber of Secrets! Results of Sirius' trial that I'm sure you've all already guessed! And maybe some more stuff happens!