Sorry for not updating this fic in so long guys! At the time I was getting into Mass Effect and writer's block was also to blame. Also what do you guys think Voldemort having an eighth Horocrux? Let me know in a review!

Armonie's POV

"Hello Harry come on in"

I stood back as the Second-Year entered my office. Term was over for the year and Christmas was in a few days. Christmas Eve, I would have dinner with my parents and Aunt Arete while on Christmas Day I would be staying at Hogwarts to enjoy the festivities not only with the other staff but with Severus too.

This would be our first Christmas as a couple and I looked forward to ha I guess some alone time with my mate.

Don't you mean time in bed?

I gave my other half the bird as Harry took a seat in an armchair near the fireplace. I gave him a cup of hot chocolate that was a recipe courtesy of Aunt Arete.

"This is good" Harry complimented after taking the first sip.

"Couldn't agree more it's my aunt's recipe, I'll pass on the word you like it"

I sat down in the armchair opposite from Harry and sipped my hot chocolate. Then I set down the cup before giving Harry his present. I just hoped he liked it. Arching an eyebrow the Second-Year took the gift and opened it.

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said eying the book he now held.

I remembered Harry had expressed interest in learning all there was about shifters around the world. The book explains not only about shifters in the Wizarding World but that about their society, history, etc.

"Will I find phoenix shifters in here too?"

I flashed Lily's son a smirk.

"Yep but don't stay up too late reading it when you need to study"

"I promise I won't" Harry promised before setting the book down.

"So Harry I brought you here because I wanted to discuss what happened at the Dueling Club"

Harry's face turned into worry.

"Don't worry kiddo you're not in trouble" I reassured him.

"So you heard me use Parseltongue then," Harry said.

But before I could respond Harry noticed Kaa's enclosure behind me. I had one in my office too since Kaa liked to be in both enclosures. Kaa was wide awake and his eyes were zeroed in on Harry.

"That's a pretty snake"

"He is, isn't he? Would you like to meet him?"

Harry looked unsure and I gave the Second-Year a reassuring smile.

"He won't hurt you Harry"

"Okay but I might speak to him on accident"

I chuckled before going over to Kaa's enclosure and I used my wand to open it up. Kaa gracefully slid out and slithered his way towards Harry. The Burmese Python stopped when he felt it was close enough before coiling into a comfortable pose.

Hello Harry Potter it's a pleasure to meet you at last the Python greeted the Boy-Who-Lived. Do not be afraid of me I will not harm you

Harry relaxed and he smiled back at Kaa.

What is your name? the black-haired human wondered.

My name is Kaa if I recall correctly I was named after a snake from a book

That book would be called "The Jungle Book" I told the serpent.

Harry's green eyes were now on me. He was shocked he just heard me speak the same language.

"You're a Parselmouth too?"

"Yep and that's why I wanted to see you"

I sat down back in my armchair and I now had Harry's full attention.

"I have so many questions" Harry confessed feeling embarrassed.

I chuckled and Kaa got closer to Harry. He slithered up the back of the armchair and the python lay his head in Harry's lap. The Second-Year then decided to pet Kaa and my snake hissed in delight.

"He's about to shed his skin" I explained to Harry. "And he likes you"

"I like him too, who knew a snake had manners such as him"

Of course, I have manners

This made me and Harry to chuckle.

"Harry being a Parselmouth may be a rare and dark gift, but it can also be an extraordinary one" I began. "I don't know how you gained yours but don't let it trouble you"

"Thank you, Professor, I was feeling ashamed about it, to be honest"

In time you'll accept being a Parselmouth, I look forward to our future conversations Kaa responded to Harry hoping to ease his mind.

"How are you a Parselmouth?" Harry inquired at me while still stroking Kaa.

"It runs in my Dad's side of the family" I explained to him. "It usually skips a generation and my grandfather was the last one to wield it, all of my Dad's family have been in different Hogwarts Houses, Gramps was a Slytherin, he was a kind man who didn't treat his peers and teachers as garbage like some Slytherin's do"

"It's nice to know that there are some Slytherins out there who aren't cruel"

I agreed before speaking again.

"Harry be honest you hear a voice that others can't hear do you not?"

"Yes I have heard it, it speaks every time before an attack"

That is because whatever is petrifying people is a snake Kaa chimed in.

"Of course! That explains why no one else can hear it and I can, have you two heard it?"

"Yes and I'm currently trying to find out what kind of snake it is, in the meantime Harry please be careful I meant what I said last year about protecting you with my life"

"I will Professor I promise"

Drat leaving so soon?

I can ease your itchy scales I reminded Kaa.

I'll come back and visit you soon Kaa Harry promised the snake.

Please do Harry your lap is quite comfortable

I rolled my eyes and Harry chuckled again as Kaa removed himself from the Second-Year. The python then lazily slid into my lap and I began to scratch his scales.

"Happy Christmas Harry"

"As to you as well Professor and thank you again for this book I will enjoy reading it"

I gave Lily's son a smirk followed by a wink and I watched as he exited my office with his new book in hand.

Now I'm cold Kaa complained and I snorted before picking up the python and carried him back to his enclosure. Once back inside his home Kaa went to his heating lamp and coiled up for a nap. I didn't go down to Severus's quarters until later in the day.

"You seem in better spirits" Severus greeted me without looking up from his paperwork.

"Harry now knows I'm a Parselmouth"

That got my mate's attention and he looked up at me as I sat down in front of his desk.

"And? How did Potter take the news?"

"Very well in fact, I introduced him to Kaa"

I filled Severus in with my meeting Harry and he rolled his eyes when I mentioned how Kaa was pouting before Harry left. A few minutes later the Potions Master put his quill down.

"I'll look forward to sleeping in" the black-haired human admitted.

"Damned straight we only do that on weekends if we're not needed"

Severus smirked before rising to his feet. My stomach chose that moment to growl and I swore while Severus chuckled. He held his hand out to me and I took it which resulted in Severus bringing me into his arms.

"You really shouldn't delay eating when your hungry Armonie"

I smacked my mate on the arm and Severus gave me a quick kiss.

"You're a damn tease" I growled after the kiss ended.

"And you enjoy it every time I do so" he purred.