The Secret of The Serpent | Harry Potter

Chapter 13: First Year

The library was quiet, the scent of aged parchment lingering in the air as Riley sat at a table with Blaise. The two Slytherins sifted through tomes and scrolls, exchanging ideas and bits of information about spells and potions. It was the kind of calm that Riley cherished, especially after the chaotic week that had led to the hatching of Norbert.

As they thrashed through a dense book about magical creatures, the hushed stillness was disrupted when Harry approached their table, his expression serious yet hopeful. Blaise glanced up, curiosity sparking in his eyes, and Riley offered a polite nod as Harry came closer.

"Hey, Riley. Can we talk?" Harry asked, his green eyes darting to Blaise for a moment before back to Riley.

"Sure," Riley replied, intrigued. He signalled to Blaise that they'd return shortly and followed Harry to a quiet corner of the library, away from prying ears and watchful eyes.

"What's up?" Riley queried, a mix of curiosity and consideration on his face.

Harry took a breath before speaking, the weight of his words evident. "So, Ron's older brother, Charlie? He works with dragons and has arranged for one of his friends to take Norbert away on Saturday at midnight," he explained, his voice lowering. "I wanted to let you know, just in case Malfoy tries to twist things up with Hagrid. He wouldn't do anything stupid, right?"

Riley smirked, recalling the way he had put Malfoy in his place. "No, I think I can handle Malfoy. He won't be a problem," he assured Harry, feeling a sense of pride swell within him.

Harry looked relieved but then leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Would you want to come with me and Hermione up to the astronomy tower on Saturday when we hand Norbert over? We could use another hand."

Riley's eyebrows knit together. "Sure, but how exactly are you planning to sneak around at night? You wouldn't want to get caught by Filch."

Harry grinned, that trademark playful glint in his eyes. "I have my ways," he said, glancing sideways. "Speaking of, I was wondering if you'd need us to come get you outside of the Slytherin Common room."

Riley couldn't help but smile back, his internal amusement bubbling at Harry's underestimated confidence. "I'll meet you at the tower," he replied, the spark of determination igniting within him. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Harry raised an eyebrow but his smile remained. "Alright. Just... keep your wits about you," he said, his tone dipping slightly serious once more.

With a final nod, Harry turned and left the library. Riley sat back down at the table with Blaise, who raised a questioning eyebrow at him. He just shrugs in response.

~

The moon hung low and bright in the cool night sky, casting a silvery glow over the Hogwarts grounds as Saturday arrived at last. Riley lay tucked under his covers in the Slytherin dormitory, feigning sleep.

After ensuring everyone had drifted into a peaceful slumber, Riley quietly slipped out of his bed and cast a quick "Notice-Me-Not" charm over himself, feeling the familiar warmth of magic wrap around him. He made his way through the corridors of the castle, the portraits still and the air thick with tension as he navigated toward the astronomy tower.

Upon reaching the tower, he settled in a corner, waiting in silence. The sounds of his footsteps had merely become whispers against the castle stones, invisibly merging with the nighttime ambiance. The darkness wrapped around him like a cloak as he stood vigilant, scanning the shadows for any sign of Harry and Hermione.

Suddenly, he caught the sound of hurried footsteps approaching, and his heart skipped a beat. He tensed, focusing closely on the sound, but no one emerged from the darkness. Confusion washed over him when he realised that the footsteps had stopped altogether. Just as he began to wonder if he had been imagining the sound, a shimmer caught his eye. Out of nowhere, Harry and Hermione appeared, hidden beneath what seemed to be an invisibility cloak, with Norbert nestled closely between them.