You were drowning.

It didn't matter how hard you tried to suck some air into your lungs, the freezing grip around your neck was too tight to let anything through.

Your chest was burning up, your head was pulsating and the feminine chant echoed in your ear the entire time, reverberating through the icy water.

Sleep, baby, sleep

Mommy loves you

You clawed at the dead hand squeezing your neck.

"Someone, please...!"

Oh.

Where's daddy?

Your eyes snapped open and you instinctively gasped a ragged breath of fresh air. Your fingers dug into the duvet as your chest rose and lowered frantically.

«Oh, Y/n!»

You blinked at the ceiling a couple of times and turned your head.

Chopper was standing beside your bed, some potion in his hooves and a relieved smile on his face.

«You woke up! How do you feel?»

«Like Kokoro ran me over with the Hogwarts Express.» you grimaced, rubbing your face with your hands.

A pale sun was illuminating the infirmary. Nobody else was there.

«Drink this.» Chopper chimed, leaving the glass on your nightstand «I'll call Doctorine.»

Oh, wonderful. The old hag again.

You lay there without moving and closed your eyes to try and recall what happened.

The hangover. The storm. The gargoyles.

Did I fall off the broom?

«Little troublemaker!»

You winced at the voice and silently glared at the old woman walking in from her adjacent office. She sat on the mattress with a pleased grin on her wrinkly face.

«Two times in a row on the same weekend? This brings back memories from your second year.»

«Yeah, how nostalgic. If you could brief me about what happened and what day is today, that would be great.»

Kureha chuckled and crossed her long legs.

«You were attacked by the gargoyles. Apparently you thought it was a good idea to go around flying during a massive storm.»

You frowned.

«Aren't the gargoyles supposed to protect the students?»

«Well, I don't know the details, but it seems they turned a little... aggressive with you. It took five professors to get you back on land, and let me tell you, you were not in great shape.»

Five professors?!

You grimaced.

«You're already as good as new. The only reason I kept you here this long is because you needed to sleep you intoxication off.»

«Intox...?»

Your eyes widened and flicked to hers. She had a malicious grin plastered over her lips.

«Don't worry, I didn't mention it to the professors. Although it will add to your little debt here.»

The golden parchment appeared by her shoulder and a floating quill scribbled something down.

«I've never had such a fruitful student. If you manage to finish your school years alive, you'll be a useful connection out there.»

«Of course. That would be a real pity if I don't make it.» you grumbled, slowly sitting up.

She shrugged and stood.

«Hey, all the good investments include some kind of risk. You're free to go now.»

Kureha may have been an ancient bitch but she surely knew what she was doing. A little dizziness aside, you were fine. No headache, no soreness, no nausea.

«Is it Monday already?»

Chopper hopped towards you carrying your bag under his little arm.

«Yes. It's noon, all the students are having lunch in the Great Hall.» he offered you your belongings «I took the liberty to ask your friend Perona and she prepared this for your afternoon lessons.»

You took it from his hooves and looked inside. Thankfully, Perona had also thought of including a change of clothes.

«Thanks, Chopper, that's super nice of you!»

«Ugh, it's not like your compliments mean anything to me!~»

«Can I use the bathroom?»

«Sure. Oh, many of your friends stepped by yesterday. Some also wanted to spend the night but Doctorine sent them away. I think they didn't come now only because we promised you'd join them for lunch.»

«I see.» you mumbled, climbing off the bed and placing the fresh clothes on it «Do you remember who came?»

«Huh, let's see... Perona, Eustass and his crew, that Slytherin guy with long wavy hair, Momonosuke... Sanji's sister, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Sanji, Usopp, Bartolomeo... Sabo and Ace, and then, hum... oh, of course, Katakuri!»

He listed the students through the door of the bathroom as you freshened up the best you could. That last name had you freeze for a second, the unwelcomed memories of Katakuri scolding you forcefully flowing in your mind.

«Oh, and that Ravenclaw guy with the x-shaped scar on his chin dropped by very late. It was actually already past the students' curfew, so he wasn't allowed in.»

You frowned at your own image in the mirror.

Drake? Why would he come and see me?

You shook the thought away and finished up quickly, walking back into the infirmary to get dressed.

«Thank you very much Chopper. Do you, hum... do you maybe know if my uncle called?»

The little creature tilted his head aside for a second.

«Sorry, not that I know of.»

«It's fine, thanks anyway.»

You didn't allow your mind to linger on the subject. You had risked your life before at Hogwarts and he never called, so why would you still ask?

«You should be fine, but if you have nausea, please come back here.» Chopper continued as you gobbled down the potion he left for you. It was disgusting as always.

«Okay. Thank you again, doctor Chopper!»

«Mph! Don't think that I'm flattered just because you called me "doctor"!~»

You hurried all the way to the Great Hall and stopped right beside the entrance.

The lively voices of hundreds of students eating together and the sounds of cutlery hitting the plates was echoing through the open doors.

The memories from the day before were blurry, but you remembered tons of people witnessing your pathetic attempts to escape the gargoyles. That must had been the hell of a show.

Maybe I can sneak in and move alongside the walls until I reach Slytherin's side. Lunch is always chaotic after all.

You took a deep breath and finally slid inside the hall.

Unfortunately for you, some idiot had dropped a stool right around the corner, and you were too busy making sure there was enough hair covering your face to notice it. So you stumbled and fall miserably with a loud "SHIT!" that basically caught everybody's attention.

I hate my life.

The entire Great Hall got quieter all of a sudden, the only exception being Professor Akagami chiming "Oh, she's back!" from the professors' table.

For a long second, you considered just staying where you were, face down on the floor for the rest of your life. Then, with a groan, you slowly lifted yourself and pushed your hair back, lips tight, eyes still on the ground and cheeks as red as a tomato.

«N/N!»

Luffy's shout startled you.

The boy had literally jumped over his table, his big elastic grin directed right at you.

«YOU'RE BACK!»

«I–»

«FOR THE LITTLE TROUBLEMAKER!» Ace yelled, standing up beside his brother. Then he slipped two fingers in his mouth and emitted a loud whistle.

As if that was the cue they were waiting for, most of the Gryffindors stood as well and choir of cheers and clapping enveloped you.

«WHOOOAH!»

«YOU RULE, Y/N!»

«OUR HERO!»

What the...?

«Hey, SHE'S OUR HERO!» Cavendish suddenly yelled, pointing his fingers at the Gryffindors from his place.

This triggered the chaos of cheers to extend to the Slytherin table, with most of the students jumping up and giving you a standing ovation themselves. The Hufflepuffs followed immediately after.

The awkward silence by Ravenclaw side was interrupted by Reiju's solitary clapping. Several of her housemates turned to her with a frown, but Kaya and Tashigi timidly imitated her, and when Drake eventually did the same, many others joined.

As for you, you only wanted the floor to open up and swallow you whole.

Feeling your cheeks burning like hell flames, you kept your head low and quickly walked to your table, trying to conceal yourself among the other Slytherins.

«Wow, you really suck at being a hero.» Perona snickered, scooting over to let you sit.

«Shut up.»

«Enough!»

Principal Whitebeard stood and clapped his hands once, effectively cutting down the loud wave of enthusiasm.

You clicked your tongue and peered at him.

«While I'm very proud to see all of you giving such a warm welcome back to your fellow student, I must remind you that the stunt miss L/n pulled yesterday was not only against the rules, but also very dangerous. I hope none of you will be dumb enough to imitate her. My initial intention was to take fifty points away from Slytherin, but since the gargoyles did act beyond their limits, I've decided to cut the punishment down to twenty-five points. I should also inform you that the issue with the gargoyles has been solved. Now, please, everybody back to your meal and then off to class!»

Despite his scolding and the punishment, you were silently grateful to the Principal for tuning down the situation.

As the boiled fish materialized in front of you, your stomach grumbled and you dived in, trying not to meet anyone's gaze. Thankfully, the usual chaos of lunch spread through the hall and everyone went back to their business.

«How do you feel, Y/n?» Cavendish asked.

He was sitting in front of you, so it was kinda hard to avoid his eyes.

«I'm okay.» you mumbled with your mouth full «I was a little sick yesterday, so the gargoyles pushing me around might have been too much.»

«It was scary to watch.» Perona pouted «They went at you like they wanted to rip you apart!»

You shrugged, still chewing at your food.

«I hardly remember that part. I'm sure it wasn't that bad.»

«It looked pretty bad.» Page One commented from his seat beside Cavendish «Even Katakuri looked upset.»

«Hehe... he was holding Eustass and Kamazo back. They were gonna come up there and save you.» Mikita smirked from your other side, elbowing you in the ribs.

You stopped chewing for a moment and glanced to the opposite side of the table.

Kid and Killer were sitting with their usual crew, talking to each other and minding their own business.

«What a lucky girl.» Mikita continued with a sigh «Most girls here have a hard time finding a decent guy, and you have two at your disposal.»

You scoffed.

«What? Again with this nonsense? I've told you, this is a team kind of thing, we got each others' back. They're my buddies.»

«Sure.»

«I'm telling you...!»

«Okay lads, time for some learning!» Whitebeard roared from the professors' table.

The students started leaving the Great Hall in flocks and you followed your comrades around the table.

«I'm sick about all this teasing.» you were still huffing to the girls «You're only going to make things weird between me and my friends, so cut it out please.»

«Fine, fine.»

Speaking of which.

You could still distinguish Kid and Killer's back among the tide of students and you started pushing through the crowd to reach them.

I still have to thank them!

«Guys!»

«Oi, Y/n!»

Someone grabbed the sleeve of your uniform, making you turn.

Ace and Sabo had cut through the mess and were both grinning at you.

«How are you doing?» Sabo asked.

«We tried to visit yesterday but the old hag kicked us out.» Ace added.

«I'm fine, thanks. Chopper told me you came by. Sorry, but I need to...»

You scanned the corridor outside the Great Hall but Kid and Killer were gone already. Beyond the exit, the tide of students divided in different flows according to which class they were taking.

The two brothers escorted you to the hallway and guided you to a corner for a small break.

«It was amazing what you did yesterday!» Ace chimed «That hex you threw at the gargoyle to make it go BOOM! Where did you learn that?»

You cocked an eyebrow.

«What? Listen, I hardly remember the whole thing. I think I was still hangover from Saturday.»

«Again, sorry about that.» Sabo grumbled.

«Hey, stop apologising.» you smirked, playfully hitting him with your bag.

The blond chuckled before a serious note entered his black eyes.

«So you don't remember how you evaded the gargoyles?»

«Kureha told me the professors came to my rescue. The sole idea makes me cringe.»

«Oh yeah.» Ace laughed «Man, Doflamingo was piiiiissed.»

Sabo was about to add something but Heat stepped beside you, his usual pout seemingly a little embarrassed for having to interrupt you.

«Hum, Y/n? Sorry but we'll be late for Care for Magical Creatures.»

It always looked funny to you how the wizard towered on basically everyone around and still tried to appear smaller, with his slumped shoulders and the hands tucked into his pockets.

You smiled at him.

«Hi Heat! Sure. Sorry guys, we can talk later, okay?»

You waved at the two and followed your housemate outside.

«You look alright.» Heat said after a while that you were walking side by side.

You had always enjoyed his presence, especially when you felt troubled about something. He didn't talk much but he was steady and calm.

«I am. I feel like everybody is making a big deal out of it.»

Heat just hummed.

«I need to thank Kid and Killer. For Saturday night and yesterday. I was told they tried to help me again.»

His sad eyes trailed down to you for a moment before moving back on the way.

«Of course they did. You're one of us.»

His words brought an inevitable smile to your face.

«Thank you. I just... I don't like when people get entangled into my bullshit, you know?»

Heat seemed to consider it for a while before nodding slightly.

«Yes, you are a little unlucky.»

You blinked before bursting in laughter.

«The understatement of the year!»

Care for Magical Creatures proceeded smoothly. Prof. Inuarashi taught you some techniques to spot the presence of thestrals in the woods with a few practical examples.

Once in a while you shot glances towards Trafalgar and Drake but they never looked your way. You noticed that Trafalgar's scowl was darker than usual though.

When you told Perona, later than afternoon, she huffed.

«Well, I'm not surprised. This morning, after Charms, Professor Donquixote asked to speak with him in private, and he didn't look happy.»

You frowned.

«Donquixote Rocinante? Isn't he like his adoptive father?»

«Whatever. I'm telling you, I've rarely seen that Donquixote this serious. He was weird for the whole lesson, he even yelled at Niji for making fun of some Ravenclaw nerds.»

«Come on, Rocinante never yells!»

«Believe me, I think he was seething. And Trafalgar has something to do with it, apparently.»

«Mh.» you shrugged «Maybe it's a family thing. Something else happening while I was out?»

«Except everybody talking about it? Yes, we all sucked at practicing our Patronus. That fake dementor is damn scary, I can't even imagine how it would be facing a real one.»

A real dementor?

The image of a black cape floating among the clouds flashed in your mind, a shooting pain suddenly splitting your head for a second.

«Fuck!» you gasped, grabbing your forehead.

«Y/n?»

You stopped on the stairs towards the study hall, leaning against the wall as the headache faded away.

What was that?

«I'm fine.» you murmured «Just... maybe I'm still a little weak.»

Perona eyeballed you before grabbing your arm and pulling you ahead.

«Come on, you've got tons homework to do.»

You didn't manage to talk to Kid and Killer until that night, when everybody was back to Slytherin quarters.

The two of them, together with Heat and Wire, were hanging out by the biggest table doing the Everyflavour beans challenge.

Your self-preservation instinct urged you to stay in your dorm to avoid Katakuri but you decided to try and be brave. You had to face him, sooner or later.

Sneaking through the various groups in the common hall, you finally reached the small crew and slapped a smile on your face.

«Hi guys!»

The four big wizards turned to you, with Wire still trying to spit an unfortunate bean into a napkin.

«Y/n.» Killer smiled «It's good to see you. How are you doing?»

«I'm fine. I wanted to thank you for stopping by the infirmary yesterday.» you hesitated «And for trying to help me against the gargoyles. And for Saturday night.»

Killer swallowed a chuckle but Kid only offered you a grunt, his attention occupied with mixing the beans.

«Nah, don't worry. We didn't do much, really.» Killer shrugged.

«I wouldn't say so.» your eyes trailed to the redhead, even if he wasn't looking at you «I'll have your sweater washed and back to you as soon as possible.»

He snorted, picking a couple of beans from the bowl.

«Whatever.»

His irritated demeanour gave a slight pang to your chest.

That's right, he didn't want to hang out at the party either. He's probably done with my shit.

Your smile fell as an awkward silence spread around the table. Heat and Wire glanced at Kid but he stubbornly kept his eyes on the candies.

«Well then... see you around.»

You turned with a quiet sigh and headed to the stairs.

Killer groaned slightly and snatched the bowl away from Kid's hands.

«Oi...!»

«Wait, Y/n!»

You glanced over your shoulder and he shook the beans in front of you.

«Pick one. We're up for who's going to get the diarrhoea one.»

You frowned, raising your cheeky smirk at him.

«Inviting.»

«What, too sophisticated for it, sprite?»

Your eyes flicked to Kid.

He was finally looking at you, his arms crossed and his painted lips curled in a half-grimace.

Without replying, you dived your hand into the bowl, grabbed a bean and threw it in your mouth.

Kid matched your challenging gaze until your eyes watered and your features crumbled in disgust.

«Holy shit! Napkin! Napkin now!»

You coughed and gagged while shuffling against the table and grabbing a tissue.

«Wait, she got it at her first try?» Wire asked.

«Well, there is some other nasty stuff in there...» Heat mumbled.

«Nah, that's the reaction of someone who got it.» Killer smirked.

«YES I FREAKING GOT IT!»

Kid burst in laughter, heavily patting your back as you spat out that abomination and possibly your entire esophagus.

«You never disappoint, Y/n!»

The next couple of days proceeded without any incident, for once.

When you met Katakuri in the hallway, he only asked you if you were fine and to be more careful in the future, which was kind of relieving.

Kid's mood seemed back to normal and he was laughing with you without any awkwardness. Plus none of the Ravenclaws gave you shit. On the contrary, Trafalgar was somehow always ending on the other side of the room when you were sharing a class.

Everything was fine.

You even started to relax a little.

Maybe that was just a difficult first week, and now you could really concentrate on having a plain, peaceful year. The Triwizard Tournament was going to take a lot of pressure from you anyway, all the attention was going to revolve around the champions.

You were in a good mood that Wednesday afternoon as you opened your book of Ancient Runes. As always, Reiju sat beside you.

«Hi Rey. How are things in Ravenclaw's?»

«Quiet as always.» she smiled, setting her book and notepad on the desk.

Despite her usual smile, though, her features looked slightly tensed.

You peered at her face as she leafed through her notes. Maybe it was just your imagination.

«Good afternoon.» Nico Robin greeted entering the classroom «Today we're going to resume our study on Parseltongue. Please, go to page forty-four.»

You focused to the lesson, scribbling down some notes here and there. It wasn't that bad in the end, a nice, simple life as a Hogwarts student.

«...so whenever you see this combination of runes on a seal, you can assume it's Parseltongue and try to remove the charm by hissing the word "Rellase"»

You hummed, tracing idly circles on the page with the quill.

«Does she mean "Release"?» you lowly mumbled.

Suddenly, Reiju's fingers dug into your thigh, making you jump on your seat.

«Hey! What the–»

«Stay quiet, don't move, keep your eyes down.» she quickly whispered without moving her gaze from the book.

«What?»

You glanced at her but she shook her head slightly.

«Trust me. Do as I said.»

What the hell?

Your eyebrows wrinkled in confusion but you moved your focus back on the inked pages and remained quiet.

Why can't people just be normal for once?

As the lesson went by, Reiju seemed to relax a little. It took several minutes for her grip on your leg to loosen though.

«Very well, we'll start from here next week.» professor Nico finally announced, dismissing the class.

The students started to collect their stuff and leave.

You turned to Reiju with a questioning look.

«What was that?»

Her irises darted to Nico Robin and she stood up, urging you to do the same.

«Come, I'll explain outside.»

Still frowning, you threw the book in your bag and walked with her to the door.

«Miss L/n?»

The professor approached you with a smile and you turned, an eyebrow already rising.

«Yes?»

«May I have a word with you in my office, please?»

«Hum... am I in trouble for something?»

«You didn't break any rule during my class, at least that I know of, so I wouldn't say so.»

Most of the students had left the room by then.

Reiju lingered by the door, her teeth tormenting her lower lip.

«Actually, professor, we have... a study session we should get to.»

Your eyes widened at her.

She was not the type to protest a professor's request, let alone lie.

«I'm sure miss L/n will be able to catch up.» Nico Robin tilted her head and headed outside.

You followed her and patted Reiju's shoulder while passing by.

«Don't worry, she won't eat me.»

The pinkette looked at you, defeated, and nodded.

Nico Robin's studio was a neat room up in the West Tower, filled with libraries of old tomes and ancient maps hanging on the walls. A beautiful reproduction of the solar system replaced the chandelier, floating idly a few inches from the ceiling.

«Sit down, please.» she said, moving to a small stove «Would you like some tea?»

«I'm good.» you muttered, dropping on the chair facing the main desk «Professor, why am I here?»

The woman served herself a cup of fuming tea and finally turned to you.

«Miss L/n, have you ever been tested for proficiency in Parseltongue?»

«What? No... not that I remember.»

«Does she mean "Release"?»

Your eyes snapped open and your gaze flicked on her.

«Wait...! Are you saying I'm freaking hissing?!»

Nico Robin hummed and finally sat at the desk in front of you.

«"Openeeng." What did I just say?»

«Er... opening?»

She rested her chin on her knuckles.

«Unfortunately I've only learnt a few key words, so I can't be sure, but it seems to me you're a Parselmouth.»

«But I...! I've never talked with a snake!»

«Have you ever met a snake?»

«...good point.»

The ravenette relaxed on her chair.

«Children coming from pureblood families normally get tested before starting at Hogwarts, this is the rule. However, we know your uncle... let's say he takes rules more as guidelines.»

Your gaze dropped on your hands.

Suddenly, you were feeling cold and confused.

«No, I wasn't tested.»

«I see. I'll speak with Principal Edward and see if we can call Miss Hancock to arrange a test here in the school.»

She scribbled something down on a pad. That may have been your cue to leave but, for some reason, you found yourself glued to your seat.

Nico Robin raised her brown eyes to you.

«Is everything okay?»

You hesitated.

«Isn't... Parseltongue associated with black magic?»

She blinked, then a softer smile relaxed her lips.

«There was this stigma in the past, yes. But nowadays a growing number of people sees it for what it actually is: a powerful, rare tool.»

Despite the air in your lungs still feeling heavy, her words managed to calm you down a little. You even attempted a smile.

«If you say so.»

The witch nodded and closed her notepad.

«I'll let you know about the test. And do not worry too much, it is not that uncommon as one may think. People who know Parseltongue just prefer to keep it a secret.»

...which doesn't help with the stigma thing.

«All right, thank you, Prof. See you at dinner.»

«Bye, Y/n.»

Shanks entered the meeting room waving his hand in front of his careless grin.

«Sorry, sorry, I'm late.»

He dropped into the golden armchair and let out a satisfied hum.

«You don't really seem to mean your apology.» Mihawk caustically observed from the black spot beside him.

«Aw, come on, Hawkey! What would such a powerful bunch of wizards need me for anyway?»

Jinbe let out a sigh and Doflamingo's lips curled upside down.

«Enough, lad.» Whitebeard ordered, leaning onto his desk «The sooner you focus, the sooner we'll be finished here.»

«Principal Edward, why did you call us in here for? Did something happen?» Jinbe asked.

Whitebeard looked at the four wizards and his eyes stopped on Doflamingo before he nodded.

«I want to speak about L/n D. Y/n.»

The Slytherin professor turned his full attention to him.

«What about her?»

«Miss Nico informed me she's probably a Parselmouth.»

After a few seconds of silence, Shanks huffed.

«So? Is anyone here really surprised? It's obvious we have a couple of students entangled with destiny in this generation, and one is Y/n.»

«True.» Whitebeard confirmed «And this is why I want to perform a scan on her.»

«A scan?» Doflamingo frowned «I'm sorry, I assume we will perform a scan on Monkey D. Luffy as well, then? There were just as many signs for him as there were for L/n.»

«Monkey D. Luffy is definitely chosen by fate, but he has not being training with Miss Riku for years because of dark nightmares.» Jinbe observed.

«Please!» Shanks scoffed «No one here really believes Y/n is evil, right?»

«Of course not.» Whitebeard replied «However, her upbringing is a little... shady.»

«Whose isn't.» Doflamingo snickered, earning a glare from the principal.

«We postponed it long enough.» the old wizard stated «It's time to make sure Y/n's path isn't a dark one.»