James had to go on a mission with the Aurors on Harrys' eleventh birthday so on the day before, Lily and James decided to take Harry and Ron to the zoo that day instead. Harry and Ron had become very good friends since the day they met at the beach five years previously, spending nearly every weekend at the others' house or practising quidditch with Fred and George. James and Lily drove the two very excited boys to the zoo and they both had been given large ice creams. The group walked through the zoo looking at all the animals. When they reached the reptile area Harry and Ron quickly found the biggest snake to see an enormous blonde boy who reminded Harry of a pig and an even bigger man who had a huge moustache standing in front of it. "Make it move" the boy said obnoxiously whilst pressing his face up against the glass, the man proceeded to rap the glass and said "move" angrily. "It's boring" the boy moaned and they walked away so Harry and Ron moved closer when suddenly the snake uncoiled itself and moved until its head was level with Harrys and winked at him. The snake looked at Vernon and Dudley giving a look as if to say that it gets that all the time. "I know" Harry said to it, Ron was gaping at Harry in amazement, "It must be really irritating" it nodded at him. "Where do you come from anyway" asked Harry and the snake pointed with its tail at the sign next to the tank, Harry looked at it

Boa constrictor, born in captivity.

Species originates in Brazil.

"Umm Harry why didn't you tell me that you are a Parselmouth?" asked Ron with a frightened expression

"I didn't know that's what I was doing, how can I speak another language without even knowing that I can do it" Ron shook his head at him. Fortunately they were both spared the trouble of answering by the arrival Lily and James.

"What's that about speaking another language" asked James. Harry and Ron looked at each other.

"Harrys' a Parselmouth. He was speaking to this snake" Ron said, awe and worry clear in his voice. Harry didn't miss the look that crossed their faces "Harry have you ever done this before," asked Lily cautiously .

"No, why is everyone making a big deal out of this" asked Harry feeling like he was missing something.

"We can't explain here but we will later"

"Promise?" Asked Harry

"We promise" said James.