Qin Yu froze, staring at the massive python and the panicked crowd swirling around it.
No way... That snake looks way too familiar. Don't tell me this is the one Harry Potter set free? he thought, a sense of surreal déjà vu washing over him.
Seriously? I just wanted a normal day at the zoo, and now the plot's hijacking me? Shouldn't this mess be Harry's to clean up, not mine?
Beside him, Hermione's face had gone ghostly pale, her eyes wide with fear. She instinctively turned to Qin Yu. "Qin, what do we do? Can you control it with magic?"
Qin Yu knew the snake only wanted freedom—it wasn't out to hurt anyone, unless someone provoked it. No need to panic. Still, he shrugged, feigning helplessness. "How could I possibly control it? Unless I spoke Parseltongue or something—then maybe I could negotiate!"
"Parseltongue? That's an advanced magical skill. You can't just pick it up overnight…" Hermione muttered, exasperated.
She wasn't sure why she'd even asked him for help. He was barely older than she was—how could he handle a snake that size?
Just as Qin Yu was racking his brain for a solution, the system's long-lost voice echoed in his mind:
"Ding! Dear Host, a major disturbance is occurring nearby. Please make your choice—
[Option One] Flee immediately. Reward: One owl.
[Option Two] Drive away the python. Reward: Parseltongue mastery."
Well, at least the system shows up when it counts, Qin Yu thought. He didn't hesitate—he chose the second option.
"Ding! Host has chosen to drive away the python. Your courage is commendable. Reward granted in advance. We hope you'll use your abilities to help more people in need!"
By now, some people had already grabbed sticks and mops, preparing to attack the snake.
The python reared up, its cold, reptilian gaze fixed on its would-be attackers, tongue flickering with agitation.
Great, I really do have a knack for jinxing things… Qin Yu grumbled to himself.
He rolled his neck, then turned to Hermione. "You should hide. Leave this big guy to me!"
With that, he strode straight toward the python.
The newly acquired Parseltongue ability felt as natural as breathing. As soon as Qin Yu opened his mouth, the words flowed out in hissing, serpentine syllables:
"Hey, big fella, would you mind heading out? You're scaring everyone."
"They're the ones trying to attack me… Wait—a human who can speak my tongue?" The python's head swung toward Qin Yu, surprise flickering in its eyes.
"Your beautiful patterns have triggered their primal fear, that's all. I'll keep them off your back," Qin Yu said calmly, gesturing for the adults to lower their makeshift weapons.
The crowd, seeing the enormous snake apparently calmed by this strange boy, instinctively obeyed, backing away and dropping what they held.
"Beautiful patterns, and they're afraid? Humans are so confusing!" the python grumbled.
"Now's not the time to debate species differences. If you want to stay safe, head for the countryside—there are plenty of fields and forests outside the city. That's where you'll be free." Qin Yu paused, then added with a sly grin, "If you stick around, I can't promise they won't catch you and turn you into snake soup. And I'd be happy to recommend a few secret Eastern recipes."
The python recoiled, feigning nonchalance. "I never wanted to stay here anyway!"
By now, most zoo-goers had retreated to a safe distance. Since Parseltongue was incomprehensible to humans, no one knew what Qin Yu had actually done.
All they saw was a courageous little boy facing down the python, after which the snake slithered away in a panic, disappearing into the wooded hills behind the zoo.
Clap clap clap!
"Kid, that was incredible!"
"Are you a snake charmer?"
"Did the zoo hire you as an animal trainer?"
"Wow, that was amazing!"
As the crowd erupted in applause and excited chatter, Qin Yu felt a headache coming on. He quickly grabbed Hermione's hand and slipped away, searching for the Grangers, who'd gotten separated from them.
…
After a while, as they walked, Hermione's curiosity got the better of her. "Qin, what did you say to the snake? I thought you couldn't speak Parseltongue!"
Qin Yu grinned. "Just picked it up!"
"No way it's that easy!" she huffed, not buying it for a second.
"Maybe it's a bloodline thing? You know, some wizards inherit special talents," Qin Yu said, making up an excuse on the spot.
"Oh, that's possible. I read about bloodline inheritance in A Brief Introduction to the Origins of Wizards, but honestly, I don't like bloodline theories much." Hermione replied with scholarly seriousness.
"Me neither. I'm a firm believer in hard work," Qin Yu said.
"Hehe, me too! Diligence is so important!" Hermione beamed.
As a Muggle-born witch, she naturally disliked bloodline elitism. Hearing Qin Yu agree made her genuinely happy.
…
Unbeknownst to them, a boy about ten years old, with black-rimmed glasses and a lightning-shaped scar peeking out from beneath his fringe, had witnessed the entire scene from the reptile house exit.
It was Harry Potter, visiting the zoo with his aunt and uncle.
Harry felt an inexplicable connection to Qin Yu—he wanted to go over, say hello, and maybe share some of the secrets weighing on his heart.
But just as he took a step, his uncle grabbed him by the collar and dragged him away, followed by his emotionless aunt and his chubby cousin, Dudley—who, at the moment, looked absolutely terrified, his clothes soaked and his face pale.
Qin Yu caught a glimpse of Harry, too. He wanted to help the boy who'd always been bullied by his family.
But with so many people around, and with Hermione and the Grangers nearby, he couldn't break away.
There'll be another chance, he thought. I'll help him next time.
…
The zoo trip brought Qin Yu more than just Parseltongue mastery; he also discovered, to his delight, that he was no longer allergic to animal fur.
He felt a sudden urge to adopt a dog or a cat.
But since he was still living under someone else's roof, that would have to wait.
On the way home, Hermione chattered excitedly about the day's adventures. In her retelling, even lions, bears, and tigers became adorable.
But Qin Yu's heart was heavy. He realized his power was growing harder to control. Several times, he'd almost hurt the zoo animals by accident.
Every time a fierce beast made him nervous or afraid, dark thoughts would flash through his mind—and then something strange would happen.
A tiger struck by a falling rock, a bear suddenly charging into a tree, a lion's tail mysteriously catching fire…
No wonder Hermione thought they were cute—they'd all been rendered harmless by his accidental magic.
This power is getting harder and harder to keep in check, Qin Yu thought grimly.
He was so frustrated he wanted to curse out loud. All I want is a normal life! Why is that so bloody hard? System, you useless git, can't you do anything right?
His emotions flashed in his eyes, which happened to be fixed on a large tree up ahead.
Suddenly, as if seized by an invisible giant hand, the tree was ripped from the ground and crashed across the road with a thunderous bang!
Screeeeech—!
Tires shrieked in protest as Mr. Granger slammed on the brakes, stopping just short of the fallen tree.
"Hermione?!" Mr. and Mrs. Granger both turned to their daughter in shock.
"It wasn't me!" Hermione protested, waving her hands frantically.
"Qin?" Mr. Granger's gaze shifted to Qin Yu, eyebrows furrowing.
He caught the helpless look on Qin Yu's face.
"So this is the little secret you and Hermione share?" Mr. Granger asked.
Hermione just shrugged. "Dad, it's not a secret anymore."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Weekly Stable Updates with 30+ Chapters Always Available. High-Quality and Consistent Translations Are the Channel's Top Priority.
Current Books:
Naruto: Deidara's Struggle
God-Tier Kazekage: Building the Ultimate Hidden Sand Village
Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual
One Piece:The True Codex
One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral Through a Coup
Harry Potter: My Life as Hermione's Houseguest
👉patreon.com/GoldenLong