Emily Lily Lupin-Black

2. Chapter 24 parseltongue.

"It's me," We heard someone say. There was a clunk, a splash, and a gasp from within the stall and Hermione eye peering through the keyhole. "Harry!" she said. "You gave us such a fright — come in — how's your arm?" Fine," said Harry, squeezing into the stall. An old cauldron was perched on the toilet, and a crackling from under the rim told Harry they had lit a fire beneath it. Conjuring up portable, waterproof fires was a speciality of Hermione's. "We'd've come to meet you, but we decided to get started on the the Polyjuice Potion," Ron explained as Harry, with difficulty, locked the stall again. "We've decided this is the safest place to hide it." Harry started to tell us about Colin, but Hermione interrupted. "We already know — we heard Professor McGonagall telling Professor Flitwick this morning. That's why we decided we'd better get going —""The sooner we get a confession out of Malfoy, the better," snarled Ron. "D'you know what I think? He was in such a foul temper after the quidditch match, he took it out on Colin." I say. "There's something else," said Harry, watching Hermione tearing bundles of knotgrass and throwing them into the potion. "Dobby came to visit me in the middle of the night."Ron and Hermione looked up, amazed. I just looked at the ground. I didn't know what dobby did but I knew he made harry get into trouble. Harry told them everything Dobby had told him — or hadn't told him. Hermione and Ron listened with their mouths open."The Chamber of Secrets has been opened before?" Hermione said."This settles it," said Ron in a triumphant voice. "Lucius Malfoy must've opened the Chamber when he was at school here and now he's told dear old Draco how to do it. It's obvious. Wish Dobby'd told you what kind of monster's in there, though. I want to know how come nobody's noticed it sneaking around the school." "Maybe it can make itself invisible," said Hermione, prodding leeches to the bottom of the cauldron. "Or maybe it can disguise itself — pretend to be a suit of armour or something — I've read about Chameleon Ghouls—" "You read too much, Hermione," said Ron, pouring dead lacewings on top of the leeches. He crumpled up the empty lacewing bag and looked at Harry."So Dobby stopped us from getting on the train and broke your arm. . . ." He nodded his head. "You know what, Harry? If he doesn't stop trying to save your life he's going to kill you."The news that Colin Creevey had been attacked and was now lying as though dead in the hospital wing had spread through the entire school by Monday morning. The air was suddenly thick with rumour and suspicion.The first years were now moving around the castle in tight-knit groups, as though scared they would be attacked if they ventured forth alone.Ginny Weasley, who sat next to Colin Creevey in Charms, was distraught, but Harry felt that Fred and George were going the wrong way about cheering her up. They were taking turns covering themselves with fur or boils and jumping out at her from behind statues.  They only stopped when Percy, apoplectic with rage, told them he was going to write to Mrs Weasley and tell her Ginny was having nightmares.Meanwhile, hidden from the teachers, a roaring trade in talismans, amulets, and other protective devices was sweeping the school. Neville Longbottom bought a large, evil-smelling green onion, a pointed purple crystal, and a rotting newt tail before the other Gryffindor boys and I pointed out that he was in no danger; he was a pureblood, and therefore unlikely to be attacked."They went for Filch first," Neville said, his round face fearful. "And everyone knows I'm almost a Squib." "but your not Neville don't worry. In the second week of December, Professor McGonagall came around, as usual, collecting names of those who would be staying at school for Christmas. Harry, Ron, Hermione and I signed her list; they had heard that Malfoy was staying, which struck them as very suspicious. The holidays would be the perfect time to use the Polyjuice Potion and try to worm a confession out of him. I and Hermione were back on track as friends and now I was worried, what if Malfoy is behind all these attacks, would Hermione be next. Unfortunately, the potion was only half-finished. They still needed the bicorn horn and the boomslang skin, and the only place they were going to get them was from Snape's private stores. I privately felt I'd rather face Slytherin's legendary monster than let Snape catch him robbing his office."What we need," said Hermione briskly as Thursday afternoon's double Potions lesson loomed nearer, "is a diversion. Then one of us can sneak into Snape's office and take what we need."Harry, Ron and I looked at her nervously."I think I'd better do the actual stealing," Hermione continued in a matter-of-fact tone. "You two and will be expelled if you get into any more trouble, Snape hates you Em and I've got a clean record. So all you need to do is cause enough mayhem to keep Snape busy for five minutes or so."I smiled, I knew the perfect thing. 'ill handle the diversion.' i said with a smirk and Hermione looked a little worried. Potions lessons took place in one of the large dungeons. Thursday afternoon's lesson proceeded in the usual way. Twenty cauldrons stood steaming between the wooden desks, on which stood brass scales and jars of ingredients. Snape prowled through the fumes, making waspish remarks about the Gryffindors' work while the Slytherins sniggered appreciatively.Draco Malfoy, who was Snape favourite rite student, kept flicking puffer-fisheyes at Ron and Harry, who knew that if they retaliated they would get detention faster than you could say "Unfair." my Swelling Solution was far too runny, but I had my mind on more important things. I was waiting for Hermione's signal, and I hardly listened as Snape paused to sneer at my watery potion. When Snape turned and walked off to bully Neville, Hermione caught my eye and. nodded.I ducked swiftly down behind my cauldron, pulled one of Fred'sFilibuster fireworks out of my pocket, and gave it a quick prod with my wand. The firework began to fizz and sputter. Knowing I had only seconds, I straightened up, took aim, and lobbed it into the air; it landed right on target in Goyle's cauldron. Goyle's potion exploded, showering the whole class. People shrieked as splashes of the Swelling Solution hit them. Malfoy got a faceful and his nose began to swell like a balloon; Goyle blundered around, his hands over his eyes, which had expanded to the size of a dinner plate — Snape was trying to restore calm and find out what had happened. Through the confusion, I saw Hermione slip quietly into Snape's office. "Silence! SILENCE!" Snape roared. "Anyone who has been splashed, come here for a Deflating Draught — when I find out who did this —"I tried not to laugh as he watched Malfoy hurry forward, his head drooping with the weight of a nose like a small melon. As half the class lumbered up to Snape's desk, some weighted down with arms like clubs, others unable to talk through gigantic puffed-up lips, I saw Hermione slide back into the dungeon, the front of her robes bulging.When everyone had taken a swig of antidote and the various swelling shad subsided, Snape swept over to Goyle's cauldron and scooped out the twisted black remains of the firework. There was a sudden hush."If I ever find out who threw this," Snape whispered, "I shall make sure that person is expelled."I arranged my face into what he hoped was a puzzled expression.Snape was looking right at me, and the bell that rang ten minutes later could not have been more welcome."He knew it was me," I told Harry, Ron and Hermione as they hurried back to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. "I could tell." Hermione threw the new ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir feverishly."It'll be ready in two weeks," she said happily. "Snape can't prove it was you," said Ron reassuringly to me. "What can he do?" "Knowing Snape, something foul," said Harry as the potion frothed and bubbled. "thanks, very comforting. A week later, Harry, Ron, Hermione and I were walking across the entrance hall when they saw a small knot of people gathered around the noticeboard, reading a piece of parchment that had just been pinned up. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas beckoned them over, looking excited. "They're starting a Dueling Club!" said Seamus. "First meeting tonight!I wouldn't mind duelling lessons; they might come in handy one of these days. . . ." "What, you reckon Slytherin's monster can duel?" said Ron, but he, too, read the sign with interest. "Could be useful," he said to Harry, Hermione and me as they went in to dinner. "Shall we go?" Harry, Hermione and I were all for it, so at eight o'clock that evening they hurried back to the Great Hall. The long dining tables had vanished and a golden stage had appeared along one wall, lit by thousands of candles floating overhead. The ceiling was velvety black once more and most of the school seemed to be packed beneath it, all carrying their wands and looking excited. "I wonder who'll be teaching us?" said Hermione as they edged into the chattering crowd. "Someone told me Flitwick was a duelling champion when he was young — maybe it'll be him." "As long as it's not —" I began, but I ended on a groan: Gilderoy Lockhart was walking onto the stage, resplendent in robes of deep plum and accompanied by none other than Snape, wearing his usual black.Lockhart waved an arm for silence and called, "Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent!"Now, Professor Dumbledore permitted mission to start this little duelling club, to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions — for full details, see my published works."Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," said Lockhart, flashing a wide smile. "He tells me he knows a tiny little bit about duelling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration before we begin. Now, I don't want any of, you youngsters to worry —you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with him, never fear!" "but will we have our defence teacher.' i whispered to ron. "Wouldn't it be good if they finished each other off?" Ron muttered in my ear.Snape's upper lip was curling. I wondered why Lockhart was still smiling; if Snape had been looking at him like that he'd have been running as fast as he could in the opposite direction.Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other and bowed; at least, Lockhart did, with much twirling of his hands, whereas Snape jerked his head irritably. Then they raised their wands like swords in front of them."As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position," Lockhart told the silent crowd. "On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course." "I wouldn't bet on that," Harry murmured, watching Snape baring his teeth."One — two — three —" Both of them swung their wands above their heads and pointed them at their opponent; Snape cried: "Expelliarmus!" There was a dazzling flash of scarlet light and Lockhart was blasted off his feet: He flew backward off the stage, smashed into the wall, and slid down it to sprawl on the floor.Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins cheered. Hermione was dancing on tiptoes. "Do you think he's all right?" she squealed through her fingers. "Who cares?" said Harry, Ron and I together.Lockhart was getting unsteadily to his feet. His hat had fallen off and his wavy hair was standing on end. "Well, there you have it!" he said, tottering back onto the platform."That was a Disarming Charm — as you see, I've lost my wand — ah, thank you, Miss Brown — yes, an excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you it would have been only too easy — however, I felt it would be instructive to let them see . . . "Snape was looking murderous. Possibly Lockhart had noticed, because he said, "Enough demonstrating! I'm going to come amongst you now and put you all into pairs. Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me —" They moved through the crowd, matching up partners. Lockhart teamed Neville with Justin Finch-Fletchley, but Snape reached Harry and Ron first."Time to split up the dream team, I think," he sneered. "Weasley, you can partner Finnigan. Potter —"Harry moved automatically toward Hermione."I don't think so," said Snape, smiling coldly. "Mr Malfoy, come over here. Let's see what you make of the famous Potter. And you, MissGranger — you can partner Miss Bulstrode. And ms Black with ms Parkinson" I could see a small smile on her face. when I was sure no one was looking I gave her a wink. "Face your partners!" called Lockhart, back on the platform. "And bow!" pansy and I barely inclined our heads."Wands at the ready!" shouted Lockhart. "When I count to three, cast your charms to Disarm your opponents — only to disarm them — we don't want any accidents — one . . . two . . . three —" I sent a spell at pansy and she toppled backwards, she sent one at me but I dodged it. "I said Disarm only!" Lockhart shouted in alarm over the heads of the battling crowd. she sent another spell and I dodged it again. I sent another spell her way and she flew a metre backwards. I looked over to where everyone was now standing and I and pansy walked over. "Stop! Stop!" screamed Lockhart, but Snape took charge."Finite Incantatem!" he shouted; Harry's feet stopped dancing, Malfoy stopped laughing, and they were able to look up.A haze of greenish smoke was hovering over the scene. Both Neville and Justin were lying on the floor, panting; Ron was holding up an ashen-faced Seamus, apologizing for whatever his broken wand had done; but Hermione and Millicent Bulstrode were still moving; Millicent had Hermione in a headlock and Hermione was whimpering in pain; both their wands lay forgotten on the floor. Harry leapt forward and pulled Millicent off. It was difficult: She was a lot bigger than he was. I sent a silent spell at her and she flew backwards. I put my hand through my hair and smiled weakly. my senses told me to move so I did and the spell that pansy had tried to shot at me hit a wall and rebounded on her. "I think I'd better teach you how to block unfriendly spells," said Lockhart, standing flustered in the midst of the hall. He glanced at Snape, whose black eyes glinted, and looked quickly away. "Let's have two volunteer pairs — Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley, how about you — and —" "A bad idea, Professor Lockhart," said Snape, gliding over like a large and malevolent bat. "Longbottom causes devastation with the simplest spells. We'll be sending what's left of Finch-Fletchley up to the hospital wing in a matchbox." Neville's round, pink face went pinker. "How about Malfoy and Potter?" said Snape with a twisted smile."Excellent idea! and then we'll have Parkinson and Lupin," said Lockhart, gesturing Harry, Malfoy, Pansy and I into the middle of the hall as the crowd backed away to give them room. I looked at Harry and smiled. "Now, Harry, Lupin." said Lockhart. "When Draco points his wand at you, you do this."He raised his own wand, attempted a complicated sort of wiggling action, and dropped it. Snape smirked as Lockhart quickly picked it up, saying, "Whoops — my wand is a little overexcited —"Snape moved closer to Malfoy, bent down, and whispered something in his ear. Malfoy smirked, too. Harry looked up nervously at Lockhart and said, "Professor, could you show me that blocking thing again?" "Scared?" muttered Malfoy, so that Lockhart couldn't hear him. "You wish," said Harry out of the corner of his mouth.Lockhart cuffed Harry merrily on the shoulder. "Just do what I did, Harry!" "What, drop my wand?"But Lockhart wasn't listening. "Three — two — one — go!" he shouted. Pansy waved her wand and I dodged the spell again. in the middle of the floor before me and harry was a snake. Malfoy must have conjured it. I knew I could 'show-it-whos-boss' by my eyes but then I would be exposing myself. "Don't move, Potter," said Snape lazily, clearly enjoying the sight of Harry standing motionless, eye to eye with the angry snake. "I'll get rid of it. . . ." "Allow me!" shouted Lockhart. He brandished his wand at the snake and there was a loud bang; the snake, instead of vanishing, flew ten feet into the air and fell back to the floor with a loud smack. Enraged, hissing furiously, it slithered straight toward Justin Finch-Fletchley and raised itself again, fangs exposed, poised to strike.Harry made a kind of hissing noise and And miraculously — inexplicably — the snakes lumped to the floor, docile as a thick, black garden hose, its eyes now onHarry.He looked up at Justin, grinning, expecting to see Justin looking relieved, or puzzled, or even grateful — but certainly not angry and scared. "What do you think you're playing at?" he shouted, and before Harry could say anything, Justin had turned and stormed out of the hall.Snape stepped forward, waved his wand, and the snake vanished in a small puff of black smoke. Snape, too, was looking at Harry in an unexpected way. Then I tugged on the back of his robes."Come on," I said in his ear. "Move — come on —"I steered him out of the hall, Hermione and Ron hurrying alongside us. As they went through the doors, the people on either side drew away as though they were frightened of catching something. I could tell Harry didn't have a clue what was going on, and neither Ron nor Hermione explained anything until we had dragged him all the way up to the empty Gryffindor common room. Then Ron pushed Harry into an armchair and said, "You're a Parselmouth. Why didn't you tell us?" "I'm a what?" said Harry."A Parselmouth!" said Ron. "You can talk to snakes!" I tell him still a little shocked. "I know," said Harry. "I mean, that's only the second time I've ever done it. I accidentally set a boa constrictor on my cousin Dudley at the zoo once— long story — but it was telling me it had never seen Brazil and I sort of set it free without meaning to — that was before I knew I was a wizard —" "A boa constrictor told you it had never seen Brazil?" Ron repeated faintly."So?" said Harry. "I bet loads of people here can do it." "Oh, no they can't," said Ron. "It's not a very common gift. Harry, this is bad." "What's bad?" said Harry, starting to feel quite angry. "What's wrong with everyone? Listen, if I hadn't told that snake not to attack Justin —" "Oh, that's what you said to it?" "What d'you mean? You were there — you heard me —" "I heard you speaking Parseltongue," said Ron. "Snake language. You could have been saying anything — no wonder Justin panicked, you sounded like you were egging the snake on or something — it was creepy, you know —"Harry gaped at him."I spoke a different language? But — I didn't realize — how can I speak a language without knowing I can speak it?"Ron shook his head. Both he, Hermione and I were looking as though someone had died. Harry couldn't see what was so terrible."D'you want to tell me what's wrong with stopping a massive snake biting off Justin's head?" he said. "What does it matter how I did it as long as Justin doesn't have to join the Headless Hunt? " "It matters," I said, speaking at last in a hushed voice, "because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin was famous for. That's why the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent."Harry's mouth fell open."Exactly," said Ron. "And now the whole school's going to think you're his great-great-great-great-grandson or something —" "But I'm not," said Harry, with a panic he couldn't quite explain."You'll find that hard to prove," said Hermione. "He lived about a thousand years ago; for all we know, you could be."I lay awake for hours that night. Through a gap in the curtains around my four-poster, I watched snow starting to drift past the tower window and wondered . . .Could harry be a descendant of Salazar Slytherin? He didn't know anything about his father's family, after all. The Dursleys had always forbidden questions about his Wizarding relatives.Quietly, Harry tried to say something in Parseltongue. The words wouldn't come. It seemed he had to be face-to-face with a snake to do it. Tomorrow was a new day and I was going to make it amazing.