Chapter 16: ch-16
Harry, along with the other first-year Slytherins, headed to the Transfiguration classroom for their first lesson of the year. Potter was eagerly anticipating it, as Transfiguration sounded fascinating, and according to Ollivander, the storm petrel feather in his wand's core would aid him in the subject.
"So," Malfoy began conversationally as he walked alongside Harry. "Are you planning to carry it around everywhere?" he asked, gesturing toward Jet, who was calmly draped across Harry's shoulders.
"Yes," Harry nodded simply. "He likes being close to me, I like having him around, so there's no point in leaving him in the dormitory, is there?"
"What about the professors? I doubt they'll all be thrilled about it," Draco pointed out.
"He's my familiar," Harry countered. "They can't take him away, and I've already made it clear that I'd rather leave the school than part with Jet."
"You'd leave school over a snake?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow in surprise, clearly not expecting that. "I thought it was Hufflepuffs who were supposed to be so loyal."
"Are there any rules stating that Slytherins can't be brave, intelligent, or loyal?"
"Well, no."
"Then I don't see the problem," Harry shrugged as they entered the classroom and noticed a striped cat sitting perfectly still on the desk.
"Where's the professor?" Theodore Nott, a dark-haired Slytherin, voiced the question on everyone's mind. "She should already be here."
"I suppose we'll just have to wait until the teacher arrives," Daphne Greengrass said indifferently as she took a seat at the back of the room. The other Slytherins, by unspoken agreement, settled nearby.
"The lesson plan is on the board," Blaise Zabini noted, pointing to the blackboard.
"Well, I think we know what we should do until the professor shows up," Tracy Davis decided, pulling out her book. Zabini joined her, and soon the others followed suit.
Shortly afterward, the Gryffindors arrived. Most of them cast a single glance at Harry's snake before quickly moving away. One pudgy boy—whose name Harry couldn't recall at the moment—nearly tripped over himself in his haste to avoid the serpent, much to the amusement of the Slytherins.
"Where is she?" an Irish-accented Gryffindor finally burst out a few minutes later when the professor still hadn't appeared. Before anyone could respond, the door flew open, and Ronald Weasley came rushing in, clearly out of breath.
"Made it," he said with a satisfied grin, oblivious to the absence of the teacher. He scanned the room for an empty seat but froze when he saw Harry sitting calmly with Jet still resting on his shoulders.
"Can I help you?" Harry asked after Weasley stared at him for several seconds.
"I can't believe they let you bring that snake to class," the redhead grumbled angrily.
"Believe whatever you want. I hope you eventually settle on something that aligns with reality."
"They shouldn't allow you to carry around such an evil creature!"
"Do you think that cat is evil?" Harry asked, pointing to the desk.
"What?" Ron frowned. "No."
"Why not?"
"Because it's a cat—they're not evil!"
"Not evil, huh?" Harry smirked. "Maybe not, but they're more evil than snakes."
"What? No, they're not!"
"Really? Did you know snakes only bite in self-defense or to catch prey? Cats, on the other hand, kill for fun." Harry explained calmly. "Do you know how many times I've walked down the street and had to avoid dead rats or mice left behind after a cat's games?"
"But… but they're cats! Everyone knows snakes are evil!"
"And why are snakes evil? Jet, for instance, was my only friend for many years and has never tried to harm me or done anything bad."
"Why does this red-haired baboon think I'm evil?" Jet hissed irritably.
"I don't know," Harry replied, about to say more when Ron gasped and stumbled backward as if struck by a sudden revelation.
"You're a Parselmouth?!" Weasley exclaimed, horrified.
"If that means I can talk to snakes, then yes," Harry shrugged, just as Jet slid down onto the desk.
"You can't be a Parselmouth!"
"Uh, why not?" Harry asked, genuinely puzzled by the boy's insistence.
"Because you're the Boy Who Lived!" Ron said as though that explained everything. "I can't believe it! Your parents would have hated the fact that—"
"Weasley," Harry interrupted, his voice now colder than ice. He stood, stepping closer to the Gryffindor. Though Ron was taller, it didn't matter at that moment. "Let me make something clear: you do not talk about my parents."
"But I—"
"My parents died trying to save me, as far as I know. They didn't die so people like you could throw their names around as a weapon whenever you dislike something I do. I didn't choose to have the ability to talk to snakes—it's always been part of me. Don't ever mention my parents again, or I'll prove I don't need a snake to hurt you." Harry gave him one last icy look and was about to sit down when someone cleared their throat.
The boys turned to see Professor McGonagall standing at the front of the classroom.
"Huh? Where'd the cat go?" Ron blurted out.
"I am what's called an Animagus, Mr. Weasley," the professor explained. "For those who don't know, an Animagus is a witch or wizard capable of transforming into an animal."
"You were the cat," Harry realized.
"Excellent deduction, five points to Slytherin, Mr. Potter. Now, please sit down—and three points from Slytherin for threatening another student," McGonagall added. Harry briefly considered arguing but held back. He'd gained two points overall, so he nodded and took his seat.
"As for you, Mr. Weasley, fifteen points from Gryffindor and detention."
"What?! Why?!"
"For not only being late but also immediately starting a fight with another student. And I agree with Mr. Potter—Lily and James were extraordinary wizards who gave their lives for their son. They deserve better than to have their names used for petty arguments whenever it suits someone. Now sit down before you dig yourself into an even deeper hole."
"Fine," Ron muttered, slumping into a chair.
"Now then," McGonagall addressed the class, "shall we begin?" She continued before anyone could respond. "Transfiguration is one of the most complex branches of magic taught at Hogwarts. It is also one of the most dangerous, which means I will not tolerate any foolishness in my classroom. Anyone who does not follow the rules will be expelled without hesitation. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Professor," the class chorused.
The professor scrutinized the students for a moment as if assessing their sincerity before nodding and beginning the lesson. After a brief lecture on the principles of Transfiguration, its possibilities, and the dangers of mistakes, McGonagall instructed everyone to try transforming a matchstick into a needle.
It sounded simple enough but proved much harder than expected. No one managed it on their first try. Harry, despite multiple attempts, was no exception. The fact that no one else was succeeding either offered little comfort. His frustration was so apparent that Jet began hissing at him.
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