Harry Potter: Parselmouth

What if Harry had realized he had the ability to talk to snakes before he found out that he was a wizard? His life with the Dursleys, his introduction to the wizarding world, even his experiences at Hogwarts would all be very different. Nine-year old Harry’s dreary life of servitude to the Dursleys takes a turn for the better when he accidentally finds out that he has the ability to converse with snakes. Two years later, he receives an invitation to attend a mysterious school that will change his life even more. Instead of a popular hero in Gryffindor, he winds up a Slytherin, ostracized and feared by most for his apparent dark powers. Harry learns to rely on his friends, while contending with the mystery of the third floor corridor.

On his eleventh birthday, Harry receives a visit from Hagrid, Keeper of Grounds and Keys at Hogwarts. He introduces Harry to the wizard world, and Harry reveals his ability to converse with snakes. Hagrid explains what it means to be a Parselmouth, and warns Harry to be discrete about this ability.