Harry Potter: Parselmouth

Chapter 2 - The Keeper of the Keys

Harry's 11^th birthday was tomorrow, and he lay in his bed thinking about the big day. He was much more excited than usual over this prospect. Up until Harry had exhibited his unusual talent with snakes, his relatives had never thrown him a birthday party, much less bought him a proper present, or indeed even acknowledged that the day was significant. The day before his 9^th birthday, after he had demonstrated his strange gift to the Dursleys, Aunt Petunia had asked him if he wanted them to throw him a party. Harry had laughed at the idea that he'd want to spend any more time than necessary with his relatives. Instead, he asked to be dropped off at the theatre so he could see a movie. He went to see an action feature, all by himself, and it was by far the best birthday he had ever had.

Although birthdays and holidays had improved in the two years since Harry had discovered he could talk to snakes, they were still somewhat lonely. He did not care to spend them with his relatives, nor they with him, so he usually spent them by himself with Shirley and the other snakes. He and the Dursleys did not bother to put up the pretense of buying each other any gifts, but his aunt and uncle did put a little extra in the allowance Harry had been receiving since his 9^th birthday. He usually used this to buy himself a book or a video to while away the time.

For this birthday, however, he was expecting a special treat. An owl had arrived bearing a message from the mysterious wizard school Hogwarts, informing him that he would receive his visit from a member of the school staff on his birthday. Harry could hardly wait. He looked at the clock next to his bed, and though it was almost midnight, he could not force himself to fall asleep. He watched the seconds tick by as his birthday approached, idly thinking that if he did not fall asleep soon, he might arise and pick up something to read for a while.

Suddenly, just as the clock struck midnight, Harry leapt up in his bed, startled by a loud boom upstairs. It sounded as if someone had pounded on the front door. He paused for a moment, listening, and then the loud knock was repeated. Surely not, thought Harry, it can't be... Then he heard his uncle call out.

"Who's there? Go away, I'll call the police, I will, it's after midnight!"

Harry jumped out of bed and put on his robe and slippers. "Looks like my birthday has come early this year," he remarked to Shirley, who was still curled up at the foot of his bed, sleeping. He ran up the stairs, unlocked and opened the basement door, and peeped out just in time to see his aunt coming down the stairs from her bedroom. Harry's uncle was already at the foot of the stairs, brandishing Dudley's Smelting Stick (a cane the boys at Dudley's new school used to hit each other) and peering suspiciously at the front door.

"Vernon, I think you better open the door, I believe whoever it is is here to see the boy," she said hurriedly.

'The boy,' Harry thought sardonically. He really didn't mind being referred to in the third person as if he wasn't really there, it was better than the way they used to order him about. It'd be nice just to be called Harry sometimes, though, or to be spoken to in a civil fashion, he thought idly.

"What?" exclaimed Vernon. "Of all the bloody... oh all right, come in, come in," he said, opening the door after another booming knock. Harry saw the color drain from his uncle's face, as he quickly took a step backward and stood there gaping fearfully at the figure outside.

There in the doorway stood the largest person Harry had ever seen, indeed this giant of a man was larger than anyone he had ever heard of. The stranger, who had to be over 10 feet tall, stooped and entered the Dursley's home. He had long, wild, tangled black hair, and a bushy beard and mustache that nearly obscured his entire face. Harry was a little frightened of this huge visitor, who frankly looked fierce, but he figured he must be from Hogwarts.

"Hello there, sorry ta wake ya," he said to Vernon. "You must be Dursley. I'm here ta see Harry, if ya don't mind."

Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia gaped and sputtered for a moment, unable to form a coherent reply.

"That's me over here, I'm Harry," Harry called from the doorway to the cellar.

The huge man turned and looked at Harry, and immediately, his demeanor changed. A warm smile lit his face, and he positively beamed as he cried, "Why of course you are! An' it's good ta see ya, too, Harry, it's been too long. Happy 11^th birthday! Why, you're the spittin' image of your dad, you are!

Harry was amazed. Could it be that this man knew him somehow? "You, you've seen me before? And you knew my dad?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Aye, I remember you when you was a baby, Harry. And I knew your dad, and your mum, when they were both students at Hogwarts. Ah, that reminds me. I'm here ta talk ta you about school, Hogwarts that is. We can talk more about yer parents later if ya like." Turning to the Dursleys, he said dismissively, "Oh, and you can go now, we won't be needin' ya."

The Dursleys immediately turned without another word and ran up the stairs. Harry could no help but laugh at their dumbfounded reaction. The last time he had seen them that upset was when he had introduced them to Shirley and company. He walked over and sat on a chair in the living room, and his huge visitor sat down on the couch. It was barely big enough to hold him, and creaked menacingly as he gingerly eased himself down.

"Ah, that's better. By the way, I'm Hagrid," he said, holding out his hand. Harry shook it, or more accurately, shook one of Hagrid's huge fingers. "I'm the keeper of the grounds and keys at Hogwarts. The headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, sent me ta see if you're interested in goin' ta Hogwarts. But I think I know the answer ta that one already!" he said, smiling in response to Harry's excited expression.

Harry decided that he liked Hagrid. He had not been at all intimidated by the Dursleys, although Harry had trouble imagining what sort of situation would be intimidating to the behemoth before him. He seemed very friendly, and he actually knew Harry from when he was a baby!

"Yes, I think I do want to go to Hogwarts," Harry replied excitedly. "What exactly do I have to do? Is there a test or anything?" he asked.

"Do? What do ya have to do? Well, ya have to say ya want to go, which ya already did," said Hagrid, "so that's done. There's no test, the headmaster has ways ta know who has what it takes ta make it at Hogwarts. Now, I'll tell ya summat about the school, and answer any questions ya might have. In the mornin', we can go get yer supplies and things, and you'll be in, that's that."

Questions swirled though Harry's mind, there were so many things he wanted explained. Best to start at the beginning, he thought. "But, how did I get in? Is it because my mom and dad went there?" he asked.

"Well, kinda," answered Hagrid. "You, Harry, you've been down for Hogwarts since you were born. But ya still have to have magical powers of yer own, or ya don't get in. Some kids with magical parents don't have any magical talent, while some Muggle-born kids are powerful magicians."

"Muggle-born? What's that?" Harry asked.

"Oh, that means non-magic folk, like yer aunt and uncle. There's lots a' kids at Hogwarts that come from families where no one's had any magic in 'em for as long as anyone can remember. But your mum an' dad were both powerful wizards, o' course. An' I'll bet you've shown some hints o' magic, haven't ya' Harry?" he suggested, leaning forward eagerly.

"Well, yes, I think so. Sometimes, I've had strange, unexplainable things happen around me when I've been angry or excited. I've thought about them after I got my Hogwarts letter, and they might have been caused by magic!" Hagrid nodded as Harry continued. "And I can talk to snakes!" he said excitedly. "Is that magic, too?"

"Ya can talk ta snakes!" said Hagrid, looking kind of uncomfortable, Harry thought. "Uh, yes, that is a kinda magic, I reckon. Uh, what do ya say ta each other, then?"

"Well, we talk about all sorts of things, how our day was, how we're feeling, things like that. Most snakes are really very nice, you know," said Harry earnestly. "I know lots of people don't like them, but most of them I've met are very friendly and polite, although some are rude and mean."

Hagrid seemed to relax a bit. He laughed, and said, "Well, that sounds jus' like people, don't it. You're alright, Harry, even if ya are a Parselmouth."

"Eh, what's that? Is that what it's called when you can talk to snakes?"

"Yeah, that's right, it's very rare, even fer wizardin' folk. Ya probably want to keep it kinda quiet, if ya ask me, Harry," said Hagrid seriously.

"Why, what's the matter with talking to snakes?" asked Harry, becoming a little alarmed. "Is there something wrong with being a, a, what did you call it?"

"A Parselmouth, Harry," answered Hagrid. "Well, I don't think there's necessarily anythin' wrong with that meself, I kinda wish I could do it. But a lot a' witches and wizards might think you're a bad 'un if they knew ya had that talent. Most o' the really famous Parselmouths were Dark wizards, Harry. That means they used their talents fer evil. Not all of 'em, mind you, but most people don't remember that. Best keep it to ourselves for now, it'll be our little secret. Oh, and you should tell Dumbledore too, as soon as you can, he'll know how ta handle it."

Harry still felt a little concerned that his strange ability might make him feared even among wizards, who probably had powers he could only guess at. However, Hagrid's statement that he wished he, too, were a Parselmouth confirmed Harry's initial gut instinct that Hagrid was a friend. Strangely, Harry already felt as if he could trust the huge gamekeeper, perhaps since he was the first person Harry had met who knew his parents and spoke kindly of them.

"Well, my snakes are my friends, and they're not evil. Would you like to meet some of them?" asked Harry uncertainly. "A few of them are asleep downstairs in my room, but I think Shirley wouldn't mind if I woke her up to meet you."

Hagrid's response surprised Harry. "Oh, sure, I'd love ta see them!" Hagrid said with enthusiasm. "Let's go take a look at the little beasties!"

With some difficulty, Hagrid squeezed himself through the cellar doorway, and came down the stairs to Harry's room. The wooden stairs groaned as Hagrid climbed down them carefully. Harry walked over to the foot of the bed where Shirley was curled up, and carefully picked her up, still sleeping.

"This is Shirley," he told Hagrid. "She's the first snake I ever talked to, and she's my best friend," Harry said. "She's very wise, she's helped me a lot and given me loads of good advice."

"Aww, she's a cute little thing!" said Hagrid, crouching down to peer at Shirley. "Jus' lookit the way her scales catch the light! Kinda like dragon scales, only a lot smaller."

"Dragon scales!" exclaimed Harry. "Are there really such things as dragons?"

"Oh, yeah!" exclaimed Hagrid. "And they're beautiful, majestic creatures, too." He sighed, and looked wistful. "There's nothin' I'd like more than my own pet dragon, ya know. I've only seen one up close three or four times meself." Coming out of his reverie, he remarked, "Blimey, I keep forgettin' that you don't know much of anythin' about the wizardin' world yet, Harry. Well, you're in for a real treat, there's so much fer you ta learn an explore!"

"Really Hagrid, I can't wait!" he replied. "I wish I could go off with you to school right away, and not have to wait another two weeks for the term to start!"

"Harry, do ya think yer snake would mind if I pet her a bit?" asked Hagrid suddenly, as he gazed at the large snake.

"Well, let me ask her first, just so we don't startle her" said Harry. "Um, aren't you scared of her? Most people I know are afraid that they'll get bitten."

"Ah, no, I ain't scared o' that," said Hagrid dismissively. "I've been bitten by a lot worse, she can't hurt me." He grinned sheepishly, and said somewhat self-consciously, "Ya probably noticed that I'm kinda big, I'd hardly even notice it if she bit me."

Harry laughed, feeling quite happy that he had finally met someone who appreciated snakes the way he did. "You know, Hagrid, I've tried to tell people not to be afraid of them, but most everyone I know thinks snakes are evil or mean."

Hagrid snorted, causing Shirley to finally begin to stir. "Well, that's just rubbish!" he said vehemently. "Just cause she's a bit dangerous, folks think she's evil? A creature like her will only bite if she's afraid, how else is she supposed to protect herself?"

Shirley turned her head to look at Hagrid and hissed softly. To Harry, this is what she said:

"My word Harry, who is this, uh, extremely large gentleman?"

Harry laughed, and replied, "Oh, this is Hagrid, he's come from that magical school I told you about. Tomorrow, he's going to take me somewhere to get all my school supplies! He really likes you, by the way. He says your scales are pretty, like a dragon's."

Shirley looked up into Hagrid's smiling face, and said to Harry, "Well, he certainly looks friendly. And I must say, he has extremely good taste," she finished wryly.

Harry laughed at this last remark.

"What's she sayin' Harry, is she talkin' about me?" asked Hagrid excitedly.

"Yes, she is," said Harry in amusement. "She thinks you look friendly. And she likes you, I think it would be alright for you to pet her."

"Oh, what I wouldn' give ta be able ta talk to animals," groaned Hagrid in envy. "Sure, I talk ta all sorts o' beasts, but ta really have 'em understand ya, and ta' talk back! Yer really luck, Harry!" he finished, as he gently stroked Shirley's back with his huge forefinger.

"You know, Hagrid, I'm beginning to think I might be!" replied Harry.

Hagrid smiled, and said, "Well, Harry, we better get some sleep. You'll have a busy day in the mornin', we've got to go and get all yer school things. I tell ya, you'll be seein' things tomorrow that ya won't believe!"

As Hagrid curled up on the floor, wrapped in his huge moleskin coat, Harry turned out the light and crawled into bed. He was as excited about the morning as he had ever been about anything. It was really going to happen! He was going to go off to learn to be a wizard, and what's more, he was going to be able to leave the Dursleys!

Early the next morning, Harry awoke to the sound of Hagrid puttering about. As he sat up and rubbed his eyes, Hagrid said, "Alright there, Harry? We'd best be goin'. I'll take ya ta go an' pick up yer school things."

Harry jumped out of bed, and began to pull on his jeans. He was still feeling somewhat bleary, when he noticed with a start that the sun had already risen. "What time is it, anyway? I've got to go upstairs and start cooking breakfast for the Dursley's!"

Hagrid grunted, and said, "Ah, forget about em', they can go soak their heads. We'll get breakfast out, an' that great lump of an uncle a' yours could afford ta miss a meal or two as far as I'm concerned."

Harry laughed, and decided to follow Hagrid's advice. Aunt Petunia could cook their breakfast today, she'd have to get used to it anyway when he was gone for school. He sat back down on the bed, and began to pull on his socks and sneakers at a much more leisurely pace. "Alright Hagrid, I'm with you. What do I need to get, anyway?"

"Oh, there's a list o' supplies ya need in the envelope with yer Hogwarts letter."

Harry reached over to the nightstand next to his bed, and searched around for a moment before finding his Hogwarts letter. He looked in the envelope, and pulled out a piece of parchment he hadn't noticed before. As he read the note, a look of concern crossed his face.

"Hagrid, I think there's going to be a problem here," he said, with a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"Why, what's the matter?" asked Hagrid curiously.

"There's a lot of stuff to buy on this list. And, well, uh, I haven't any money, Hagrid, and I doubt if Uncle Vernon will be willing to pay my bills," Harry replied, blushing slightly. The Dursleys had never been generous at all with him, and he rarely had any pocket money. Occasionally, he earned a few dollars doing chores for Mrs. Figg or one of the other neighbors, but Uncle Dursley always took it to help 'cover his board'.

"Ah, don' you worry about that none," Hagrid replied with a reassuring smile. "Yer mum an' dad left you enough money ta get ya all the way through school an' then some. I'll be takin' ya to the bank first off, you'll see."

His parents had left him some money? That made Harry feel a lot better, but there was one more problem he needed to bring up. "That's not all, Hagrid. My letter says that I can bring along a cat, an owl, or a toad. But it doesn't say anything about snakes! Hagrid, I can't leave Shirley here! Can't I take her with me?"

Hagrid smiled fondly and replied, "Well Harry, the rules say yer only supposed ta have one a' those animals from the list. However, when I was in school, I had a bunch a' other pets, and nobody seemed ta' mind, really, at least most o' the time. You'll see kids with all sorts a' things, I'd just go ahead and bring 'er along. Keep her out a' sight though, until we can clear it with Dumbledore, ya don' want ta' go keepin' any secrets from him."

"But, but what if he says I can't keep her," he said miserably. "She is poisonous after all. He might be afraid she'll bite somebody."

"Well, Dumbledore's a great man Harry, he's real understandin' about pets and such," Hagrid replied. "But even if he says yer friend is too dangerous to stay up in the school, why, I've got plenty a' room in me cabin. If she has to, she can stay there with me if she don't mind."

"Thanks Hagrid, that's brilliant!" said Harry with a smile. "I don't know how I can thank you, that really means a lot to me."

"Ah, don' mention it. I'm happy ta help if I can, I know I wouldn't be happy without the creatures I love around me. Jus' remember, Harry, if there's anything I can do for you when yer in school, jus' let me know."

"OK, I will, thank you!" said Harry, and he really meant it. He and Hagrid exited quietly through the basement door to avoid waking up Harry's relatives, and waited for their taxicab to take them into London.