The next day, Luna and I walked through the forbidden forest to Hagrid's hut which, to me, felt like a second home. Elani was coiled around me, her head hung over my shoulder as Luna pet her head.

It was pretty cold out considering it was still winter, but Luna and I walked alongside each other bare foot, a habit I had taken to after dating her for a few months. She squeezed my hand, "I'm sure he'll forgive you."

I sighed, "I don't know...I practically stole his snake..."

A few minutes later, we arrived at the hut which was blanketed with sparkling snow. We were greeted by Hagrid's over-sized dog, Fang, who nearly knocked us over in excitement. Luna bent down and stroked him as I knocked on the door to the hut, "Hagrid, you there? It's Fay!"

Soon after, the door creaked open. "Oh, 'ello, Fay. 'Ow are yeh?"

"Can we come in, Hagrid? I-...I need help..." I felt my eyes fill up.

"Alrigh', alrigh', calm down, love." Hagrid stroked my hair with his gigantic hand and led me inside. I sat down on a big red armchair that was obviously meant for someone of Hagrid's stature, and Luna sat on the arm rest. Hagrid sat across from me and looked at me with concern, "Thanks fer bringin' me black mamba back." He nodded at Elani. "...Why'd yeh take 'er, Fay?"

I sighed, "I didn't...Well,...not exactly..." I forced the truth out and told Hagrid what had happened between me and Professor Snape those few months ago, as hard and emotional as it was. It was the first time Luna had heard the story, too. Her hand was practically glued over her mouth as she listened, and Hagrid's blank expression didn't half scare me.

His mouth gaped open, "P-...Professor Snape did this?"

I nodded and began to cry, "Please don't tell anyone, Hagrid! Please! He said he'd kill me!"

Hagrid stared at the ground as Luna stroked my hair. I could feel her shaking.

"It was horrible..." I continued, "but I'm begging you...please don't tell anyone..." Tears dripped down my face. "It's my fault..."

"YEH'RE FAULT?" Hagrid questioned, the anger in his face prominent.

"Yes! If I hadn't revealed my abilities to Snape none of this would've happened!"

"...Abilities?" Hagrid and Luna asked in unison. I then realized I hadn't told either of them.

"...I can speak parseltongue. Ever since I was a little girl I could,...and Snape thinks it has something to with...you know who..."

"AN' 'E THINKS THAT WAS A GOOD REASON TER-"

"I don't know..." I interrupted; it was almost unbearable to see Hagrid this upset. "but when Snape left the room, Elani came to my aid and offered me her help in return for her release...She said I'm...in danger..."

I never imagined that telling Hagrid what had happened would be so painful. Like I said, Hagrid was like a father, and no father wants that kind of harm done to his daughter. The half-giant paced furiously around the living room.

"Why would he think you're associated with Vol-...you know who?" Luna asked, almost in a whisper.

"Because most people who are able to speak parseltongue are decedents of Salazar Slytherin..." I explained, "and they're considered dark wizards...Snape thinks Harry and I are associated with the dark lord because he possesses the same power..."

"'OW COULD YEH BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE DARK LORD? THE BLOODY FOOL..." Hagrid cursed Professor Snape.

Elani hissed softly into my ear and elaborated, adding that what was to come would happen on the day of the final task of the Clash of Magic. Like most people would have, I feared for my life and asked her if I was going to die. The answer was anything but comforting. It was neither a yes or a no. She couldn't say.

"Don't do it, Fay." Luna begged me, "Don't compete in the final task. Surely Dumbledore will understand."

"She's righ', Fay." Hagrid turned to me, "Yeh can't compete. I won' let yeh."

Quite annoyed by their pessimism, I stood up and clenched my fists, "And who are you to tell me I can't compete? I'm not afraid!" I lied. I was positively terrified, but like most kids my age, I wanted to look tough. Hagrid grabbed both of my shoulders and stared into my eyes, "Fay, yeh're like a daughter ter me. I've looked out fer yeh since I met yeh, and I'm tellin' yeh, yeh're not gonna compete. I'll 'ave a talk with the 'eadmaster tomorra."

I was mad. The fact that my own girlfriend and best friend doubted me was infuriating. I wasn't a child! I wasn't going to forfeit from the competition and hide like a baby! In fact, I felt quite betrayed. I thought they'd have more faith in me. Having had enough, I pushed past Hagrid and left out the door with Elani.

What a waste of bloody time...

But what I didn't know was that Hagrid was just trying to keep me safe. As a young and ignorant teenager, I was willing to risk my life to look strong for my peers. Little did I know that actions speak louder than words.