Chapter 2

Later that night...

Harry lay in his bed after practicing his occlumency. A week earlier, on the train home, Hermione had given him a package containing a book on occlumency and a book on meditation. He had read both by the second day back. He was surprised at how much easier it was when he had instructions he could understand. Having' CLEAR YOUR MIND' yelled at you seconds before an attack did not count as instructions. At least not helpful ones. Would it have killed Snape to tell him about meditation technics instead of jumping in and expecting him to know these things? Harry actually thought he might be getting the hang of occlumency. Of course he hadn't tested it yet and he knew he would have to strengthen his shields but at least it was a start. If he had the books earlier in the school year then he was sure he would've mastered it by now.

As he lay there he began to drift off to sleep, when he was startled awake by a burst of flames. With wand pointed and a spell on his lips, he realized, with relief, that it was Fawkes, Albus Dumbledore's phoenix. "Good God Fawkes" he gasped with heart racing "Don't do that!" Fawkes trilled with what sounded like laughter as he flew to Harry and perched on his bed. "What are you doing here" asked Harry after he caught his breath. He then noticed a letter attached to Fawkes as he held out his leg. Harry removed the letter and read it.

Harry,

I trust things are going well for you. I know you don't wish to be at the Dursley's but it is for your protection. I must remind you to not wander far from the house, you must stay close. Also, NO MAGIC! I can't help you if minister Fudge were to catch you using magic. Do NOT react to any news that might find you. I've stopped your subscription to the paper. You need to deal with your godfathers death. Take this time to grieve and pull yourself together.

I have already spoken with Professor Snape and he will be continuing your instruction in occlumency. I am a bit disappointed with your progress. You will do as he says and not provoke him. Professor Snape will arrive at the Dursley's in one week. You will have lessons twice a week until the end of summer. I expect you to work hard to master occlumency. If you work hard and progress well, I may let you visit Diagon Alley to pick up your school supplies.

Remember to use this time well.

Albus Dumbledore

White hot anger spiked through Harry "HOW DARE HE" he yelled. Fawkes started and trilled a soothing melody. A few moments later Harry felt calmer. "Thanks Fawkes" he said. He slumped on his bed and re-read the letter. "I can't believe he did that" he said "I'm cut off from the news again and I really don't want to see Snape." When he thought of Snape he felt his anger returning. "What is Dumbledore thinking, he knows how much I hate Snape. Why would he send him here?" As he was pondering this he had a realization, he... didn't... care. Dumbledore didn't care what he wanted. Obviously I wouldn't be here if he cared about my feelings. Now he would be forced to deal with Snape, alone, with no magic. "I'm screwed" he said. Fawkes trilled from his perch on the bed as if to let Harry know he was still there."sorry Fawkes, are you waiting for a reply" Harry asked."Sorry, I forgot you were here." Harry took some parchment and a quill out of his trunk.

Headmaster,

I am fine. I have been practicing occlumency and am getting better thanks to some books I read. DO NOT send Snape here! The Dursley's will go postal. I'll write if I have any dreams.

Harry Potter

With that done, he attached the letter to Fawkes and ran his hand down his feathery back. "Please take this to Dumbledore" he said. In a burst of flames Fawkes was gone, leaving Harry to his thoughts once again. He lay on his bed and drifted off. An hour later as he was sleeping, A bright golden light engulfed his body and levitated a foot off the bed. The light pulsed a few times and he was gently lowered to the bed. The light slowly dimmed until it was dark once more.