Chapter 19: Serpen
We arrived back from the trunk rather early in the morning, something I was rather pleased with, since the walk to my common room would surely be undisturbed. We parted ways, agreeing that we should go talk to our separate heads of houses as soon as possible, before classes.
I took a left turn to my dormitory, while the girls took a right, out of the dungeons, and I felt Serpent move slowly from my shoulder, where he was once more resting, over my shoulder blades and rest his head on my other shoulder, snuggling slightly and promptly falling asleep.
He was a troublesome creature and I had to slow my pace to avoid throwing him off my shoulders as I moved.
The common room was empty, and as I walked up the stairs of my dorm room I was glad for the early hours. No one would bother me or ask stupid questions, something I could only have hoped for.
But as I gathered my belongings, having carefully deposited Serpen on my bed in order not to throw him off and once more stirred him so that he climbed my hand and rested on my shoulder, I had a rather weird feeling. As if this was too easy.
Indeed, coming out of my dorms I came face to face with Daphne, who stood there with her arms crossed, clearly waiting for me.
Anger flared inside me and I felt Serpen move, clearly awake now.
Daphne's eyes immediately focused on the snake and as she opened her mouth to inquire of my new arm adornment, I spoke first.
"Move." I hissed, my tone sharp, angry.
"It seems that you know." she replied, glancing at my snake once more.
"Move!" I hissed once more, and I felt Serpen raise his head, making a slight hissing sound.
"Not until you've heard what I wish to tell you!" she replied, standing her ground, trying to appear strong "You can hex me, you can use the Dark Arts, you can have that snake bite me, but I'm not moving!"
"I have no patience for traitors" I hissed, "and appearing brave in front of me will do you no favours. You are a good liar Daphne, better than me, but I can see through you. You're afraid of me, so let's cut this matter short, I am in a hurry."
Serpen slithered across my shoulder blades once more, now resting his head on the other side of my neck, and I knew he was doing this in a protective manner, in agitation.
"No." she spoke, spreading out her hands and I thought I heard a note of desperation to her words. "I never betrayed you Linda, you know I could never do that."
I raised an eyebrow at that asking; "Then I do apologise, I was under the impression that you ratted off my personal business to my sister and the annoying Gryffindor twit!"
"Only because I had to!" exclaimed Daphne and I raised my wand, casting a silencing charm, then promptly putting it away again. Despite her words, I could never hex Daphne, let alone use the Dark Arts or have Serpen bite her. She was family.
"You left me with no choice!" she exclaimed, and as I opened my mouth to respond she beat me to it, "No, listen to me for once! They were the only people I could think of to go for help! The things you are doing to Blaise are simply horrendous Linda!"
Once more, the moron caused me problems.
"I understand that you cannot like him, but he's not the man you think him to be!" ranted she and I decided to let her say all she wished to, it would make no difference in the end. "He is a player, but only with girls that he has no real interest in! He cares for you, sometimes I think that he cares more about your well-being than he does about his own! And all you do, all you ever do is break him!"
I listened to her, and noted that there was a hint of desperation to her words "He is still just a wizard Linda! I won't let you break him, when all he does is care! "
She stepped forward, slightly reckless and I couldn't stand it anymore.
I stepped forward as well, extending my arm and giving her a half-hug, despite the uncomfortable situation, feeling Serpen slide down from my shoulders, down my arm and down my leg, moving to the side.
Suddenly, Daphne threw her arms around me, most likely seeing that the snake was gone, clutching my robes tightly, and towering over me a bit.
"Please Linda, don't break him. Don't do this." Whispered she, resting her forehead on the crown of my head. "At least allow him as close as you do Alphonse, it will mean the world to him. Please, I promise, he won't hurt you. And I never meant to either, I just couldn't see this go on. I am no traitor Linda, you have to believe me."
"Alright" I sighed and she pulled back, relief evident on her features. "I know you had the best intentions. I'll try to be nicer to that mo…, to Zabini" I spoke, stopping myself in that moment. "But only for you and Melody, not for him."
"Thank you Linda" she spoke, giving me a beaming smile I was used to seeing on her younger sister's face. It was so pure, so honest that I could not help but smile as well.
"I want you to meet someone" I spoke, and Serpen moved over the floor, slithering to my leg, up my arm and to my shoulder where he was observing Daphne with curiosity. "this is Serpen, my familiar."
Daphne's eyes widened a bit as she glance at the snake.
"That's amazing Linda, truly so." Spoke she and I reached her hand hesitantly forward. "May I?"
I looked down at Serpen, but he was completely calm, even wishing to be petted again. "Yes, it's alright with him."
She petted him, saying "He's beautiful Linda."
"He knows" I smirked, knowing that he was satisfied with her words.
"Could you do me a favour Daphne?" I asked, watching as she observed the snake, fascinated.
"Of course Linda" she spoke, not even looking up.
"Spread this information as a rumour, they'll accept it better." I spoke, knowing that just walking into the common room with a snake on my shoulder would be by far too troublesome.
"No problem" agreed she, "am I right to assume you're headed to see Snape?"
That's what I loved about Daphne, she was bloody brilliant.
"You are." I spoke and watched as she stepped back, smiling.
"Then you better be on your way" she said, "don't worry about a thing, I'll handle the matters here, Queen."
"Thank you." I said, walking away from her with a rather reluctant Serpen on my shoulders. It seemed he had taken a liking to my cousin.
I knocked twice on the doors of my Professor's office, and an annoyed voice called "Come in".
Serpen shifted on my shoulders, snuggling his head closer to my neck, seeking reassurance.
"Worry not" I whispered to him, "they won't touch you."
I felt that he relaxed a bit, and I opened the doors slowly, walking in and standing in front of Snape's desk.
It was very dark in the office, and the only light was provided by two candles set alight on the desk of my professor.
Not even the fireplace provided light for there was no fire dancing in the hearth. A cold room for a cold man, how fitting.
This may have been the reason as to which he did not at first notice the snake residing on my shoulders.
He glanced up shortly, recognising me, before bowing his head once more over his paperwork, filling it out diligently and saying offhandedly "Have a seat Miss Kersey."
I did as I was told, sitting down slowly as to not throw Serpen off my shoulders and observing as he slithered down my shoulder, wrapping around my forearm. He seemed to find comfort in staying on my hand, but wisely chose to stay away from my wand hand.
We waited for a while for Snape to look up, but he knew that as well, and he took pleasure in prolonging our wait. What a petty man. I was annoyed, but Serpen was agitated and still just a baby, so he let out a hiss.
Now, generally speaking, I was not known for this kind of hissing, so Snape stopped writing, putting his quill down and looking up, his stony face revealing nothing. He looked up at me, but in the same time, from the corner of his eye noticed a snake curled around my forearm.
"Miss Kersey" spoke he, and I detected no little restraint in his voice. He must have been cross as a goblin. "what is that on your arm?"
"A snake, professor" I deadpanned. What a stupid question, what did he think Serpen was? An alligator?
"I can see that it is a snake Miss Kersey" snapped he, "but I fail to see what it is doing in the Hogwarts castle, my office and on your arm."
"Oh, well, it would seem he likes it there." I spoke, glancing down at Serpen who was eyeing Snape with agitation "And he's in your office because I brought him. I thought it would be best to notify you that he found me this morning, it would seem he is my familiar."
I swear, Snape almost had his eyes jump out of their sockets.
It took him a moment to recompose himself.
"A…. familiar, Miss Kersey?" managed he after a lengthy pause.
"Yes, professor, I would have thought that you were acquaintanced with the term."
His only response was a death glare. He seemed to be thinking this through and his eyes followed Serpen as he moved once more, circling my arm and resting on my shoulders. He seemed to like high places as well, or, at the very least as high as my neck was.
Snape then stood up, briskly walking around his desk, commanding me to follow him over his shoulder as his long legs carried him across his office.
I stood up immediately, struggling to catch up, with Serpen sliding down my forearm and coiling there tightly.
The students were already up and about the castle, and we were followed by screams and jumps of the students who did their damn best to get out of the way, clearing the hallway for us and speeding up the entire process.
As we passed them, they'd whisper and point, but none dared move back to the centre of the hallway until we were a good couple of paces away.
Serpen seemed interested in them, gloating even at their fear, his head turned as we walked, observing the students.
I reached up, patting his head absent-mindedly as I followed the bat around the castle. He seemed mighty fast, despite his obvious lack of exercise, and I had half a mind to turn and see whether someone was holding a shampoo in their hand, the only thing sure to scare the bat away.
This situation had the potential to turn out very, very annoying. But she wouldn't touch Serpen, I'd protect him with all I had.
"Miss Kersey" I heard the bat call as he slowed his pace a bit, making me conclude that the threatening shampoo bottle must be out of the way "A word of advice."
"Yes, professor?" I asked, knowing well how important it was that we presented a united front in this situation.
"When we reach the headmaster's office, there is little chance that we will be able to avoid involving professor Umbridge." Spoke he, never once turning "Therefore, you shall allow me to do the talking, you yourself remaining silent. Speak only when spoken to and avoid insulting her."
"I shall be on my best behaviour as long as she is." I spoke and he turned, giving me an arched eyebrow in question. "But if she dares raise one single finger against Serpen" I spoke, reaching my hand to the snake that settled on my neck in fright. "I suggest expecting my very worst."
"Do not provoke her Miss Kersey!" snapped he, obviously understanding as well as I did that she would not be on her best behaviour.
"She better not provoke me, professor." I hissed, annoyed at the little faith the man had in me.
Stony silence reigned between us, neither backing down.
"If I may speak still, professor" I spoke and he turned once more to give me a death glare. "I deem I have information of most importance to tell you."
"Yes?" asked he, and in that moment I figured he hated me more than he did Harry Potter himself.
"I am not the only one to have been found by a familiar. It is to my understanding that my sister has also been found by one, as well as Claudia Beck, a Ravenclaw, and to your immense pleasure I am sure, Arielle Hayes, Gryffindor as you well know." I droned, coming to a sudden stop as the man deemed it wise to stop in the middle of the hallway.
He slowly turned towards me, his black eyes finding mine, and I knew what he was going to do moments before he actually did it.
So when he cast the Legilimens charm, my Occlumens one was already up, and as I saw his dark figure walk towards the open doors, completely ignoring my memories, I took immense pleasure in shutting them tightly in his face, the slamming of doors creating a gust of wind that blew him away, throwing him out of my mind in his surprise.
"Never "I spoke, my tone turning razor sharp "attempt to read my mind again professor, or you might end up losing yours."
The rest of the walk was spent in silence, but the tension was clear to the both of us, neither wishing to prolong the unfortunate cooperation for a moment more than necessary.
And the tension between us was helped not in the least by Snape's opening of the doors to the Headmaster's office, and his realisation that he indeed was the last head of house present there.
Arielle was standing to the side with McGonagall and she gave me a grin, then lowered her gaze to the cub on the floor. The cub was walking between her legs, meowing up at her and then turning her eyes to all present in the room.
To the side of them stood professor Sprout and my sister, who gave me a nervous smile. Her hand reached upwards, to the ball of feathers that nestled itself on her shoulder, petting it. The thing squeaked at the contact, and I was unsure whether it was a sign of pleasure, fear or annoyance. Possibly all of the above.
And finally, straight in front of us stood the tiny professor Flitwick and Claudia, a small ball of fur moving in her arms, raising her head and lowering it constantly, as if in search for the enemy.
And Professor Snape, ever the sociable man that he was, decided against standing next to his colleagues, all of which stood gathered at one place, and walked to the opposite end of the room, standing and facing them, me following on his heels and standing next to him.
He made a step forward and slightly to the side, so that I was once more hidden from view partially.
"Ah Severus" spoke the headmaster, his blue eyes twinkling as he observed us and the way we were standing "Miss Kersey, we have been waiting for you."
"It seems Albus, "spoke the man poisonously "I am the last head of house informed about this situation, so it happens that Miss Kersey and I are the last to arrive."
What a petty man.
"I am terribly sorry Professor" I spoke, moving so that he did not obstruct my vision "I was not aware that this was a race. Why, were you to have told me this, I would have even ran up here in hopes of being the very first to arrive."
Arielle began giggling after my third word and was currently listening with half an ear to the lecture her head of house was whispering to her.
My sister seemed downright cross with me and gave me a stern glance. Ups, this must have been rude.
Snape turned around at that, giving me a death glare, but I merely smirked back. That's what he got for trying to read my mind.
"Now Severus, don't pout." Spoke Dumbledore, nearly sending Arielle choking with laughter "I'm sure Miss Kersey had every intention to notify you first."
"This is not about that Headmaster!" hissed Snape, but Dumbledore wasn't paying much attention to his tantrum. Instead, he approached me, tilting his head to the side and observing the snake that was now curiously looking back from my shoulder. For a baby, he was rather long, already half a metre long.
"What do you have there Miss Kersey?" asked the old man, curiosity clear in his eyes.
I decided that it would be unwise to be rude to the old man, so I kept my words as polite as possible.
"This is my familiar, Serpen, professor." I spoke, urging the snake to show himself.
" A Pseudechis is he not?" spoke he, looking at me over the rim of his glasses.
"Yes, professor." I responded noticing that there was something he did not say in his words, a hidden message. It was only that I doubted the message was intended for me.
He seemed to hear something then, for he turned back and walked over to his desk, and it was not a second after he turned around to face us that the doors of his office swung open, revealing one very gloating Dolores Umbridge.
She seemed to be short of breath somewhat, presumably in the most hurry she's been in in her entire life.
"What is the meaning of this Albus?" asked she sweetly, loving this situation as it seemed. "Beasts in the castle?"
She then turned towards us, "We can't have that, can we? I think this is a transgression worth of expelling the students. Of course the pets will be confiscated, we can't have them running around the streets."
There was a flurry of movement on the other side of the room and I saw that aside from a smirking Arielle who had not moved, apparently entertained by the situation, everyone else had moved.
McGonagall had stepped forward, assuming a protective stance in front of her student who did not appear all that threatened.
My sister had drawn her wand, a firm look in her eyes. Sprout had moved as well, lowering Melody's wand and surprising all present in the room by lifting hers and aiming it at Umbridge, standing in front of my sister. No one touched her students it seemed.
Claudia had moved as well, raising her wand in self-defence, but Flitwick had lowered it the moment she raised it, stepping forward, and despite his short built, doing his damn best to shield his student, bless him.
"You dare raise your wand at me?" asked Dolores, seemingly hardly having managed to wait for this precise occasion. "I think this is enough proof for Cornelius to have you expelled!"
Shocked silence ruled in the room, and I stared at her. She was rather thick to think that Cornelius could expel anyone. He was the Minister of magic not the headmaster of Hogwarts , I would have thought she knew the difference.
"I hardly believe he will." I spoke, my voice loud in the quiet room. "He has no such authority, does he now, Dolores?"
"It's professor Umbridge to you here Rosalind!" snapped she, losing control and adding a shrieking note to her words.
"By no means Dolores" I spoke with a smirk and noted that the headmaster was observing our conversation with interest. McGonagall had a smirk playing on her lips, and I supposed that an enemy of an enemy truly could make for a temporary friend. Arielle was giggling loudly to the side, finding the entire situation hilarious, and even Clo had a gleeful look in her eyes. Professor Sprout had pure joy on her face, and the only one nervous seemed to be my sister. Perhaps she worried just how far I would go.
But perhaps the best reaction was that of Professor Flitwick who gave me an encouraging smile behind the frog's back, shaking his tiny fist at her.
"Not just here, but everywhere, you are Dolores to me, and I Miss Kersey to you." I responded and the toad turned a rather nice shade of pink.
The toad seemed to have fallen completely mute at this, and I merely stared at her.
"Cornelius" hissed she, "Cornelius will sort you out."
She then proceeded to march forward to the fireplace, snatch a bowl of floo powder and spill the entire content into the roaring flames. How wasteful.
"Cornelius Fudge, Ministry of Magic" called she, and as the fire connected she proceeded to explain the matters hurriedly, practically forcing the man to come immediately.
So mere seconds later the flames reached skywards, bringing forth none other than the minister of magic himself.
"What is this talk of beasts Albus?" asked he, turning to the headmaster immediately. "You know I do not have time for nonsense."
"It is no nonsense Cornelius" spoke the man, this time completely serious "it would seem that four of our students have been found by their familiars."
The man's eyes widened comically and he observed the two of my friends and my sister, his back turned towards us.
And as he turned and noticed me, I swear he looked as if he was going to die from fright.
"It is simply not possible for these beasts to be familiars!" squeaked the toad.
"Good morning Rosalind" spoke he, completely ignoring his assistant who was in the process of throwing a tantrum.
"I wish I could say it was good indeed Cornelius" I responded, allowing disappointment to seep into my words "but it is not good at all. I find myself accused of being a liar by your assistant, can you imagine just how angry that makes me?"
He was about to answer before I added with a vicious smirk "Oh, and how is my Grandfather's money? Safe and happy on your account, I trust?"
He seemed as pale as a sheet at that, opening his mouth and closing them, not seeming to be able to find the words that would express his sentiments.
He took out a tissue, wiping the sweat form his brow and buying himself some time.
"Now Rosalind, this must all be an unfortunate misunderstanding. I'm sure we can solve it." Spoke he, his eyes pleading with me.
"Hardly" I responded, looking down my nose at him, enjoying the torture.
"Such insolence!" started the frog, and the shrill tone of her voice was enough to provoke Arielle's cub to hiss out at her, rather than make that pathetic little meowing sound that was supposed to be a roar. And Serpen, who had been observing the situation from my shoulder, hissed in fright as well.
"Now there's a feline I do like" I spoke, looking at the small panther that was barring her small teeth at Dolores. "she seems to agree with me."
"You know you love me" taunted Arielle and with a malicious smile added "Roseycheeks."
I swear, in that moment, I saw red.
"Then again professor McGonagall I do believe that you have one feline too many in your tower. I think we all agree that the cub is lovely, so I trust you see the only logical solution. We expel Arielle." I spoke in a business tone, completely serious.
"I do must agree with Miss Kersey" spoke Snape "panthers are known to do less damage than Miss Hayes."
He had spoken up for the first time since the arrival of the frog, and I was glad to see that he did not waste his breath.
"I disagree Severus, in fact I have heard that Miss Hayes is a prodigy in Potions making" spoke McGonagall with a satisfied smirk "in fact, I hear she's outdone you on several occasions."
I could have sworn he was going to reply by hexing anything that moves.
But Arielle was quicker, opening that big mouth of hers.
"Now Professors, no need to fight. We all know Roseycheeks would Miss me!" exclaimed she, smiling at me.
"Roseycheeks, Miss Kersey?" asked none other than Albus Dumbledore, sending the blasted moron laughing to the floor.
In that moment, had Zabini been present, by all that is precious to me I swear I would have strangled him with my bare hands.
Claudia was giggling to the side, and to my bad luck, my sister decided to explain.
"It's a nickname that was given to her by one very special person." Spoke she, sticking out her tongue at me in response to the death glare she received.
"Indeed special, minister, I am wondering, could you be missing a patient from the mental disorders ward of St. Mungo's?" I asked, noting from the corner of my eye that Arielle was simply rolling on the floor, clutching her sides with laughter.
"This is a serious matter Miss Kersey!" exclaimed Dolores but froze at my glare.
"Indeed serious Dolores," I spoke, "and I will be happy to assist you. He is in the Slytherin Common Room, dark skin, black eyes, black hair, annoying as a goblin, can't miss him."
My sister gave me a warning glance next to a giggling Clo, reminding me of our promise. I know, I know.
"Yes, that is, yes" spoke Cornelius, the poor man completely confused. "But you can't expect us to believe that four students could have Familiars surely?"
"I do not expect you to believe it, I am telling you to." I spoke, giving him a challenging look.
"If I may minister" spoke Clauida from the other end of the room. "We cannot be separated from our familiars, that is a crime as I am sure you are aware. I would quote the law to you but I fear I might make a mistake in the intonation of some words."
"But you can't prove that these beasts are your familiars!" exclaimed Dolores triumphantly. She sure was thick.
"There is a way to prove that Dolores" spoke the headmaster, his eyes twinkling" Cornelius needs only call an Unspeakable here, he can assure you by preforming one very secret, and very simple charm."
"We can hardly bother an Unspeakable at work" exclaimed she, panicking as it seemed.
"But you will" I spoke, raising an eyebrow at her.
"Yes, yes, we will, yes" spoke the minster, fumbling with the cursed tissue some more before finally managing to call a figure to the office. We could not see much of the man, or woman, merely his hands, but he seemed to be in a hurry, quickly preforming the spell and ascertaining the bond of a familiar between all four pairs.
I figured Dolores might have her heart give out on her at this point.
We were then instructed to leave for our classes, but as we were leaving and I was passing Dolores, I slowed my pace and whispered so that only she could hear.
"If you dare even entertain the thought of hurting any of our familiars again" I whispered "I will personally see to it that you never set foot into the magical community again."
She turned a wonderful shade of scarlet at that, making me smirk to myself as I walked to the dungeons and my Potions lesson.
I had not expected for the meeting to prolong itself to this degree, and as I walked out of the office I found that the classes had started ten minutes ago. I suppose that it was to be expected with a bumbling minister, psychopathic assistant and four very powerful, mostly unimpressed girls.
Serpen gave a dissatisfied hiss as we walked down the stairs of the main entrance and I turned my head to the side in observance.
He seemed to be pouting, and it took me a second to realise what this was about. He had liked all of the attention he had had whilst walking to the headmaster's office, and had been looking forward to the same treatment. But we had encountered not one single person on our way, and this annoyed him greatly.
"Do not worry little snake" I spoke, petting his head and he once more hissed, this time in satisfaction, "I can guarantee a spectacular entrance to our next class."
He turned his head, opening his eyes widely, and observing me, pure joy radiating from him.
I had been quicker than Snape, and as I walked through the doors of the office, all heads turned towards me.
There were three other Slytherins in this class and four Ravenclaws, but their house belongings seemed to make no difference for their fear.
The raven headed Ravenclaw girl was the first to react, giving out a blood hurtling scream and backing up as fast as she could until her back had hit the wall.
This seemed to provoke the others as well, and another girl screamed, following her friend, albeit screaming with less terror, more out of shock.
"Bloody hell!" exclaimed a Ravenclaw boy, finding shelter behind a table, his friend following him quietly, seemingly in shock and unable to voice his fear.
My Slytherins were, as it was only right, less open in their display of fear.
Rebecca and another Slytherin boy stepped backwards a step, their eyes slightly wide, and Alphonse was the only one to have stayed put, even offering me a small smile.
This was a silent message, one I had read into very well. Daphne.
I was immensely glad for the quick wits of my cousin and her ability to spread gossip at lightning speed, soon there would be not one student in my house that would be blind to the fact that I have a familiar.
I stepped forward to the Slytherin table, choosing to stand by Alphonse's side.
"Good morning" I greeted and the other two Slytherins chorused a good morning in return.
"Good morning Queen" spoke Alphonse, using the word as a joke.
"You're getting heavy Serpen" I spoke, and the snake slithered to the side a bit, turning for me to see him as I too turned my head in observance "get off."
He gave me a pleading look, completely unwilling to move.
"Now." I spoke, my voice adopting and ordering tone.
He gave me a dirty look before slithering down my outstretched arm and down on the table ,coiling into a circle in front of me, defiantly facing away from me.
"He's astounding. "spoke Alphonse and I turned to see him observing my snake with curiosity.
"If I may ask," he spoke once more, "is it true?"
"It is" I spoke ,not a second of hesitation gracing my words "this is Serpen, my familiar."
All eyes were on me, both from my table and the Ravenclaw one, shock ringing across the room. They all knew what a familiar meant, and their fear of me only grew.
"That is most admirable" responded Alphonse after a while, breaking a deafening silence in the room and provoking whispers at the Ravenclaw table. It would seem that Alphonse would be the only person talking to me during that class. "most admirable indeed."
"Thank you" I responded and noticed that Serpen had moved, turning to me, asking for permission.
"You are allowed." I responded, inclining my head and earning myself a satisfied hiss in response. He then promptly moved to the side, observing Alphonse critically.
Concluding that he was no threat, he moved on to the next Slytherin boy and I saw that Alphonse relaxed immediately.
"Are you afraid?" I inquired, curious as to the behaviour.
The Slytherin boy turned as pale as sheet, but Rebecca seemed most interesting to my snake, and he promptly diverted his attention to her.
"If I may be honest," spoke Alphonse, once more smiling at me "terrified. "
"He won't attack unless given permission by me." I spoke, noting that my snake spent a great deal of time observing a shaking Rebecca Blishwick.
"That is the only reason I did not react when a half a metre long, most likely poisonous snake decided to have a staring contest." Smiled Alphonse.
"He is poisonous, most potently so." I spoke, enjoying seeing that Rebecca was on the verge of fainting. I still harboured animosity towards her, seeing as she had attempted to sell me out.
Serpen seemed to react at my words, giving out a threatening hiss towards Rebecca, and I decided that it was enough.
"Come back Serpen" I commanded, and he did so promptly, once more coiling into a tight circle in front of me, closing his eyes as I reached forward, petting his head. "no need for you to punish her, a traitor as she is, she still does not deserve to be punished by you. I promise you a bigger, better pray."
Snape decided that this was the moment for him to make his majestic entrance, closing the doors behind him with a bang, his cape billowing between his feet, a wave of his wand causing the instructions for today's potion to be written out on the blackboard.
He seemed in no mood to talk and merely commanded "Begin!"
I turned to go and gather ingredients from the cabinet, and called over my shoulder "Alphonse, if you would not mind assisting me. Stay put Serpen."
The boy in question joined me promptly and as we gathered the ingredients and turned around, walking back, we were surprised by a high pitched scream.
One had no trouble discerning that it was a female voice, and it was immediately clear that it had come from the Slytherin table. I hurried my pace to see what exactly it was that had caused such terror, worrying about Serpen, only to see that he was nowhere to be found. A couple of more steps and I located him on the knees of a shaking, crying, Rebecca Blishwick.
He was curled in a circle, his head raised upwards, moving from side to side lightly, hissing.
We were not the only ones to have come to the table, and the bat swooped in majestically between the students, appearing next to us, towering and narrowing his eyes at the scene.
"Miss Kersey, what is your familiar doing on the knees of Miss Blishwick?" asked he and I narrowed my eyes in response.
"I wouldn't know , professor, I had been gathering ingredients at the moment of the incident. What is he doing on your knees Rebecca?" I asked, sensing that Serpen was angry, on the verge of attacking, merely waiting for my order.
"I don't know, I don't know, get it off me!" screamed she, panic seeping into her voice.
"Liar" I hissed, turning to the other Slytherin in the room.
"She summoned a spoon that the snake had been lying on." Answered he immediately. Smart boy.
"You took his toy away" I spoke "how foolish. Of course he would be upset."
"Miss Kersey "hissed the bat, on the verge of snapping. "get your snake under control."
"Of course professor" I spoke, giving him a poisonous smile ."Come along Serpen."
Serpen moved back with one last, angry hiss, slithering down to the floor and up the leg of the table, once more coiling in front of me, hissing angrily.
"Settle down Serpen" I spoke, petting his head absent-mindedly, focusing on the instructions on the blackboard, watching the bat fly away to his desk from the corner of my eye.
The rest of the class was spent working in pairs, and Alphonse had volunteered to work with me, bringing great relief to the other two Slytherins present.
And as we walked out of the class, conveniently last, I spoke up, deciding to call him out on what I knew to be the true.
"What is it that you wished to ask?" I inquired, turning my head and shifting so that Serpen could move on my shoulder.
He seemed surprised for a moment, before giving out a rather loud laugh. I supposed it was alright, there was no one there except from us.
"Nothing gets past you does it Queen?" asked he, giving me a wide smile. "But you are correct, there is a matter I wished to discuss."
He came to a stop and I followed his example.
"It's about your cousin Daphne." Spoke he, becoming a bit serious, his joking nature pushed down by the serious matter we were about to discuss.
"I am aware." I spoke, narrowing my eyes at him.
He nodded in acceptance "I thought you might be. I was wondering…." Spoke he, and made a pause, more than a bit uncomfortable with the situation, seemingly trying to find the correct words "whether she is promised?"
"Not to my knowledge " I responded, tilting my head to the side.
Relief washed over his face instantly but his guard was up as he asked once more "And would you mind if I attempted to start a relationship with her?"
I observed him for a moment, analysing, calculating, and noticed that he was very nervous. This must have taken a lot more courage than I had thought.
"Daphne is a dear cousin of mine" I responded, seeing him nod in agreement "and she is a very, very good person. You can understand that not just anyone is suited for her."
He paled at that, seemingly jumping to the wrong conclusion.
"But" I spoke, seeing hope shine in his eyes "if she fancies you in return ,I would have nothing against that relationship. You have my respect Alphonse."
He gave me a brilliant smile at that, but I wasn't done yet.
"That is not to say that, if you were as downright foolish" I spoke, my voice turning murderous for a moment, "as to break her heart, I would not stop yours."
He paled a bit but gave me a smile none the less.
"I am aware. Thank you Rosalind." He said, starting to walk away from me, leaving me to my thoughts.
"How troublesome" I spoke, turning to Serpen "wouldn't you agree?"
He tilted his head to the side, curious.
"No matter, no matter." I continued, starting to walk as well "just one more matter to look out for. We can do it, can't we, my poisonous little friend?"
He hissed in satisfaction as I once more stroked his head.