Harry was a Parselmouth

Hiss, hiss hiss, hiss hiss hiss...

The great black snake turned its head, hissing.

Everyone present was stunned by the sight. The famous young hero could actually communicate with snakes.

But shock soon gave way to fear, because they remembered that Salazar Slytherin, the founder of Slytherin House, had been a Parselmouth.

That meant Harry Potter might well be the heir to that evil family.

"Hiss, hiss hiss hiss, hiss hiss..."

As though possessed, Harry continued communicating with the black snake. As if it had received some instruction, the great snake writhed wildly and raised its head high, looking extraordinarily excited.

It looked ready to lunge forward at any moment and inject its venom into Justin Finch-Fletchley!

Suddenly, Harry raised his head and grinned at Justin. The last of Justin's composure shattered, and pearl-sized tears streamed down his face.

Snape stood on the stage, showing no intention of intervening just yet, and Lockhart was utterly unreliable. Unlike in the original story, the great black snake onstage had not coiled up and slumped to the floor upon hearing Harry hiss. Instead, it was growing increasingly aggressive.

If that snake actually bit Justin Finch-Fletchley, would he survive?

Luo Bin drew his wand, aimed at the snake's vital spot just behind its head, and shouted resolutely, "Petrificus Totalus!"

The moment the spell struck, the great black snake went rigid, and its fierce eyes turned blank.

Realizing he was no longer in mortal danger, Justin relaxed and promptly collapsed against Neville. Then, with two thuds, both of them fell to the floor.

"Ha... Harry... Ha..."

Justin pointed at the wand in Harry's hand, too frightened to get his words out!

Harry misunderstood, thinking Justin was asking for help. He took a few steps forward and reached out when he came to the edge of