A Snake in the Gryphon's Den: A Riddle in Gryffindor {Completed}

The Troll

" Hey Angie, have you seen Elizabeth?" Fred asked his fellow team mate.

" She's in the gardens again," she drew an amused frown, " Why?"

" Oh no reason! Anyway-" Fredrick Weasley was cut off when the Potions Master walked by. The man seemed to be in quite a rush, and the air around him quivered in tension. All at once George appeared behind the corner and skidded to a halt when his twin grabbed his arm. The look in his brother's eyes was enough to explain that it was happening again and took off in the same direction.

" What's happening!?" Angelina Johnson called out confused.

" Later Angie!" The twins said in unison.

~~~

Scraped palms tapped the soft garden floor, the earth below lay like a graveled pillow that shook with the falling body. " Uuumff!!" Sneezing as light dust powdered the air, Elizabeth released a cough as well. Eyes quickly darted for the little garden snake she had found, and when she heard it's screams she quickly stood back up to find it hovering in mid air. " Put him down!! He's only a baby!!" Gritting her teeth, " You're also gonna get Gryffindor in trouble again!"

" Trouble? Again?" Olivia laughed, " Over this garden snake? No my dear, the only one whose going to get in trouble is you for skipping potions class again."

Frowning chuckled, " Are you stalking me?" When met by a second of silence retorted, " I'm sorry but I don't roll that way," she laughed darkly. And once Olivia dropped her gaze, Elizabeth was able to retrieve her snake, and deflected the incoming spell that followed after with a flick of her wand.

Olivia just stared in surprise as her wand dropped to the floor and then turned to her friend who blurted out.

" What's the relationship between you and Fredrick?" Bertha a second year from Hufflepuff threw back.

" Who?" Elizabeth was sincerely confused.

" Fredrick Weasley- you know Fred?" The girl repeated.

Not being acquainted with the fellow just stood there with a blank expression on her face. " Jusssst ignore themm.." Came a silky smooth voice which made Elizabeth drop her gaze to the baby garden snake that now coiled around her arm. "But-" she protested only to meet the tiny shaking cranium, " It'ssss not worrrth it."

" Aqua Eructo!" A voice broke into their conversation and all at once a sharp jet of water struck them both knocking her off her feet- the baby snake enraged. Looking up rolled out of the way as a serpentine tube of water crashed down on her again. Unable to swim, didn't really have the right reflexes to handle being abused by water. " Ahk!" Elizabeth screamed as she rolled out of the way once more," Ah!" Releasing another short vocal burst, stood up angrily and pointed her wand. " Cru-"

" Expelliarmus!" Professor Snape had disarmed all the girls in question. " LeStrange I will see you in my office- and-" he was interrupted by a regal female voice.
"You three are coming with me!" Professor McGonagall glared at the female trio before glancing up at the Potions Master.

" Ahhhhh!!!" A shrill note broke into the stilled air, drawing all focus to the girl who was jumping about. " IT BIT MEE!!" Rang Olivia's high pitch tones as she tried to avoid the little garden snake who was striking at her bare ankles.

" Oh it's just a snake!" Bertha pushed her friend out of the way and started stomping on the serpent.

" NOOOOO!!!" Elizabeth cried out as she made a motion to drop to her knees to retrieve it. " HE'S JUST A BABY!!"

The little creature at this point was desperate to get away, his little beady eyes locked on Elizabeth- desperate to get to the safety of her pocket. Then all at once his world turned black.. " Elizaaabethhhh"

" SNAKEYYYYYYY!!"

The twins paused at the loud echo of a girl screaming a familiar name. Exchanging looks looked up at the sky as thunder rumbled, " Oh no.." They said in unison. " This can't be good." George concluded. And as the duo took another step they paused as their Head of House walked by them, followed by the trio who were really well known for their singing in choir, Olivia in the lead.

" Lizy-" George bit his tongue when he met the glare of Professor Snape, his twin's eyes frowning at the muddy creature at his side. The girl's eyes were red from crying, and her cheeks crimson with anger. "Wa-"

" Not now Weasley." The wizard quickly led the girl away, an arm over her shoulders. Down dark halls did they traverse.. The air chilled by spirits who were casually roaming about. And when the painting revealed it's open portal Elizabeth automatically felt her muscles release their tension. This familiar dark abode.. Felt more like home than her own common room.
"What is the meaning of this!" A boy in Slythrin colors rose in outrage from his seat in the couch.

" Izzy.." Draco closed the distance and retorted, " Oh shut up Bailey," hands on the girl's muddy shoulders snapped, " Who did this to you!"

" Get her cleaned up," came an authoritative tone forcing the Malfoy to look up with a frown. " This is a complete outrage! I demand that she be moved to Slytherin!"

" Watch your tones Malfoy.." came Snape's threatening mono tones.
" This is the fourth incident this week!" Their head girl piped in as she placed an arm across the younger girl's shoulders.

Waving the statement off, Professor Snape turned round with not another word, the painting door slamming behind him.

" That bloody troll.. She's going to get it.." Draco threatened as he marched off to the boy's dormitory.