"One more thing," Harry said. "I want to know—why did everyone's attitude toward me suddenly turn so hostile?"
"You didn't notice yourself?"
Hermione asked back.
"What?"
Harry somewhat confused.
Ron beside him nudged Harry. Spoke for Hermione. "Because you talked... to that snake!"
"You're actually a Parselmouth. Why didn't you tell us before?"
"Parsel-what?" Harry completely lost.
"Let me explain." Hermione shook her head. "Parselmouth—wizards naturally born understanding snake language. Can communicate with them."
"You thought you were speaking normally. But to us, you were just 'hissing' the whole time."
"As for why they fear you... Parseltongue is extremely rare. Always considered a Dark wizard's mark. Most importantly..."
"Salazar Slytherin was a Parselmouth. Now everyone thinks you must be his bloodline heir."
Harry stood frozen. Thunderstruck.
If before, this news might not have fazed him.
But now—after the petrification incident—Professor McGonagall had already told them the legend of Slytherin's Chamber in class.
No need to think. He must be considered the Slytherin heir. The mastermind who opened the Chamber and caused the petrifications!
A massive blame just dropped on his head.
"No, I'm really not..."
Seeming afraid Hermione would misunderstand, he hurriedly explained.
"I know. You don't need to explain to me."
Harry finally relaxed. Then suddenly thought of something. Looked up at Hermione.
"That means the real Slytherin heir is still hidden among the students. Doesn't that mean we're all in danger?!"
"Alright, alright. What are you worried about?" Hermione said lightly. "That supposed Chamber heir will probably want to kill me first. What are you scared of?"
Harry, Ron, and Luna's faces all changed simultaneously. Finally realized the severity.
One had only worried. One only shocked. The last only watched the drama. Completely forgot this matter.
Salazar Slytherin's wish was to purge all Muggle-born students from Hogwarts.
They all knew Hermione's background. Doesn't that mean she's the most endangered!
"Hermione, don't worry. We'll definitely protect you!"
Ron's eyes determined.
Hermione: "..."
If I ever need your protection, I'm truly doomed.
Waved her hand. Under their worried gazes, Hermione turned and left.
Headmaster's Office.
"Severus, speak slowly. Don't be so impetuous."
Dumbledore watched Snape storm in furiously. Tone calm.
"Dumbledore, that girl is too dangerous. Can't let her continue staying near Harry!"
Snape's hands pressed on the desk edge. Body leaning forward. Voice low and urgent.
"So many Hogwarts students. Who are you referring to?"
Dumbledore looked up at him. Tone still unhurried.
"You know who," Snape's tone icy. "Besides the Weasley boy, the only person Harry's close to at Hogwarts is that Granger!"
Dumbledore shook his head slightly. "Severus, calling a young girl 'that' isn't very polite."
He changed topic. "Besides, I recall you quite admired Miss Granger?"
"That was because..." Snape just opened his mouth. Seemed to remember something. Forcibly swallowed it back.
"That was because Miss Granger resembles Lily, correct."
Dumbledore spoke his thoughts.
Mentioning Lily, Snape's eyes flashed with nostalgia. His aura gradually weakened.
After a long while, he spoke again. Voice low. "Though I don't know why you made her Defense Against the Dark Arts assistant. Even gave her Restricted Section access. Regardless, Granger is far too dangerous. Must find a way to keep Harry away from her!"
"Don't need me to remind you—the last student the Restricted Section produced, who exactly was he?"
Initially, Snape thought Hermione resembled Lily everywhere except appearance.
Same Gryffindor. Same Muggle-born. Same Potions talent. Same clever and studious. Same... Potter beside her.
And Harry—except those eyes—resembled her nowhere.
But now Snape saw clearly. Hermione and that figure in his heart—worlds apart! This girl nothing like Lily. Instead covered head-to-toe in Voldemort's shadow!
"Oh?" Dumbledore seemed interested. Eyes carrying curiosity.
"What exactly did she do to make you react this strongly?"
Snape recounted Hermione's actions in Defense class. Every detail described clearly. As if listing Hermione's "crimes" one by one.
"Don't you think she's exactly like that person when young?"
Snape questioned. Expected Dumbledore to resonate with him.
Unexpectedly, Dumbledore only nodded lightly after hearing.
"I rather think—compared to Tom, she's more like Gellert..."
Dumbledore murmured. Eyes also showing nostalgic expression.
Snape's brows furrowed. Completely unable to understand Dumbledore's reaction.
"No matter who she resembles, her methods are too extreme. Actually demonstrating in class..."
Before finishing, Dumbledore interrupted.
"Isn't this quite good?"
Snape's voice stopped abruptly.
"What did you say?"
He looked at Dumbledore incredulously. Suspected he misheard.
"You know Lockhart. Simply can't complete teaching... Granger successfully made students realize Dark Magic's terror and evil. Raised their vigilance while teaching countermeasures. I can't think why you'd consider this wrong."
Dumbledore's tone flat.
Snape felt about to explode.
Is this still the Dumbledore I know?
Way too protective of Hermione!
Where does this inexplicable trust come from?
If he didn't know Dumbledore's family and Hermione's background, he'd think she was the old man's great-granddaughter!
"If others find out, it'll ruin Hogwarts' reputation. Let her continue—Hogwarts will become Durmstrang sooner or later!"
Snape tried reasoning. "And judging by her proficiency, she's clearly researched Dark Magic extensively..."
Even as a Slytherin, he was Hogwarts-educated. Still loved this school.
Slytherins were commendable in this—even Voldemort held Hogwarts as his white moonlight. Ultimately wanted the school to become his vision, not destroy it.
This was also why Voldemort was so obsessed with Hogwarts.
"Speaking of Dark Magic, you researched plenty when young, didn't you?" Dumbledore looked at him. Mouth carrying a slight smile.
"Moreover, I know quite a bit too."
"This, this is..." Snape momentarily speechless. Completely didn't know how to refute.
"Relax. Nothing will happen. You just don't understand her yet."
Dumbledore said with a smile. Tone filled with confidence.
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