The Mystery of the Philosopher's Stone.

Chapter 3: The snake who spoke

Harry woke early on his eleventh birthday to find that it was a glorious sunny day. It was three weeks into his summer holidays, the 31st of July and Harry was going to the zoo to celebrate his birthday. Before the family left for the zoo, Harry opened his presents and had his favourite breakfast, which was bacon and egg sandwiches. Feeling fuelled for his day out, he was really looking forward to spending the day with the whole family, as Mr Green sometimes had to work at the weekends as well.

They arrived at the zoo just as it opened and Etta planned out how the family could get to all the animal information sessions and shows during the day. Etta loved to organise her own time and the family were happy for her to organise them most of the time. All the family were enjoying their trip to the zoo. After lunch they had headed to the Reptile house to listen to an information session about the snakes at the zoo.

While most of the people were listening to the zoo employee speaking, Harry thought he heard a voice speaking. A sibilant voice was complaining about all the two-legs disturbing it's sleep. Harry turned towards the sound and brought his face close to the glass behind him. 

"It must be awful stuck in there, with people staring at you all day," Harry said quietly.

He was startled when the snakes head rose to the level of his face and spoke, "Can you hear me? Do you understand me?"

Harry took a moment to gather his wits and replied, "Yes I can. Do you miss your original home in Brazil?"

The snake swayed to and fro, then said, "I have always lived here, I have no other home. But I am content. I always have prey, water and a safe place. There are no dangers here. Other snakes have told me of dangers outside this place."

Harry looked thoughtful.

Then he said, "In some ways you are like me. I never knew my real parents, but my foster-parents are kind to me and care about me. And I've still got my sister."

"Your two-legs are your foster parents?" the snake asked.

"That's right, but don't you ever wonder about your real home in Brazil?" asked Harry.

"That means nothing to me, here is my real home," replied the snake.

Etta had become aware that Harry was talking to the snake when he spoke about their foster-parents. She listened intently, as she could also understand them both. 

At the snake's last words, she said, "You are wise to remind us to be satisfied with the good things we have. It is an honour and a pleasure to speak to you."

The siblings realised that their foster-parents had been aware of everything they had said. They did not turn towards the children, just listened. A small smile appeared on Mrs Green's face when she heard the words of her foster-daughter. Nothing was said by any of them about the astonishing fact that both Harry and Etta could communicate with snakes.

They had a great day at the zoo but it was a quiet, thoughtful ride home. Harry wondered why both he and Etta could talk to snakes. Why had his foster-parents not said anything? Despite being older than Etta, Harry couldn't think of an answer to this question.

Etta also considered this enigma on the ride home. She knew that her foster-parents preferred to allow Harry and Etta to discover things for themselves. They had always said that Harry and Etta were special, having unique gifts but they allowed the children's talents to develop naturally. Etta accepted that the power to speak to snakes must be one of those talents.