Golden Age by black_blade

Chapter 25: Chapter Twenty-five

"I'm not sure," Kingsley remarked and Albus focused on him. "There was a lot of hissing when he took on Nagini and we did get there late..."

"Yes?"

"I thought that I heard two kinds of hissing."

"You think that Harry is a Parseltongue?" Albus asked in surprise.

"What are the chances?" Kingsley pressed and Albus frowned.

"I know nothing of his background, Kingsley." Albus admitted. "The school that he had on his resume closed a year after he graduated and he attended muggle schooling beforehand."

"And the Department has sealed his file."

"Interesting," Albus muttered. "He could have the talent in his bloodline but Swift is not an old blood family name."

Kingsley shifted in his chair once more and Albus got the feeling that he wanted to say something more but didn't or couldn't.

"He's a powerful wizard," Albus sighed. "I wish that I knew where he learned the skills that he has for his young age."

"Are there spells or a potion that could tell you?" Kingsley suggested.

"Yes, but they would involve taking a sample of his blood or magic," Albus mused. "Both would be an intrusion of his trust...He has faced Voldemort twice and walked away."

"And caused the man to step out from hiding."

"Agreed," Albus consented. "It seems that the timeline of this war has accelerated beyond what I believed."

"And Harry is in the middle of it."

"He's not alone there," Albus pointed out and Kingsley nodded in agreement.

xXx

Severus laid in wait in a hidden tunnel behind a tapestry. He'd been there for a while as the rage in his blood had simmered until his target walked towards him. He held himself back until the woman drew even with him before striking. He grabbed Narcissa's arm and dragged her into the cover of the tapestry. His hand slipped over her mouth as he tugged her forward over the silencing wards that he'd placed.

He pushed Narcissa away from him with a snarl deep in his chest. She landed hard on the ground and quickly scrambled back as Severus advanced with his wand out before him. Rage coated his thoughts as his heart thundered in his ears.

"Severus," Narcissa gasped with wide pale eyes. "What are you-"

"You betrayed me!" Severus shouted, unconcerned about anyone hearing him with the spells in place.

"No, I didn't," Narcissa defended as she lifted her chin up but didn't try to get to her feet.

"Don't lie to me!" Severus yelled as he stood above her. "You were the only one that knew!"

"What are you talking about?" Narcissa demanded. "What is this about, Severus?"

"You told the Dark Lord about Harry and I," Severus snarled.

"No, I didn't," Narcissa repeated.

"Lier!"

Severus could feel his magic slipping in rage as his hand shook and Narcissa paled. She held still with wide pale eyes and her hands held up before her. Severus tried to control himself. Narcissa was one of his best friends and yet could be his deadliest enemy. He stood on the edge of that now.

"The Dark Lord knew," Severus gasped. "He knew! You are the only person that knew!"

"Severus," Narcissa purred. "I didn't tell him."