Although this was not the first time Hagrid, Ron, and Hermione had heard Harry talk about it.
Saying it now meant something completely different.
The three exchanged looks.
Douglas shrugged, patted Harry on the shoulder, and said:
"Finding out whether you speak Parseltongue is easy. Just get a snake and test it!
Hagrid, I remember there were plenty of snakes around the edge of the Forbidden Forest. It doesn't need to be too big..."
Hagrid looked at Douglas in disbelief.
"Douglas, have you forgotten? We caught practically all the snakes around the edge of the Forbidden Forest back then. The ones left fled deep into the forest ages ago.
These days, it's hard to find even a snake egg at the forest's edge. Otherwise, how could I feel safe keeping chickens there..."
All three children turned to look at Douglas.
Ron asked curiously:
"Professor, what did you catch snakes for?"
Seeing Douglas's slightly embarrassed expression, Hagrid burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! To eat them, of course. Honestly, snake soup tastes really good, but snakes in the Forbidden Forest aren't easy to catch anymore!"
At that, even Harry, who had been feeling rather gloomy, joined in the laughter.
Douglas drew his wand and pointed it at the unicorn-horn chopsticks on the table. "Golden Snake Brings Wealth!"
One of the chopsticks turned into a beautiful little golden snake, flicking its forked tongue at Douglas.
Hermione said in surprise, "What a cute little snake!"
Douglas said to Harry:
"This is just a snake created through Transfiguration. Try talking to it first and see whether it responds..."
Harry swallowed, looked at the golden snake, and then asked:
"Professor, what should I say?"
Douglas said encouragingly:
"Look at the snake and order it to do anything you like. It won't attack you."
Harry glanced at the