Chapter 19:

Occlumency

It wasn't long before nearly everyone mastered their patronus. Hermione and Ron conjured a otter and a Jack Russel Terrier. Ginny, Luna and Cho, a horse, a hare and a white swan. Fred and George both had a magpie; however, Dean and Neville's patronuses were non-corporeal. But, that didn't matter. As long as their thoughts were strong, their patronus would repel any darkness that surrounded them.

Once every patronus was cast, Harry instructed them how to properly duel. He motioned Cedric and Oliver to stand in the middle of the room; while everyone gathered around them.

Oliver winked at Cedric, as both boys held their wands in the air.

"You seem smug," Cedric remarked, trying to hold back his laughter.

"Aye. Like I told you, I have a few tricks up my sleeve," the older boy replied; matching Cedric's laughter.

"Oh, really?" Cedric quipped, flicking his wand; which nearly knocked Oliver off his feet.

"A knock-back jinx," Oliver laughed, regaining his footing. "Clever, but not as clever as this..." he started, quickly waving his wand.

"Protego!" Cedric blurted, repelling Oliver's jinx; sending it towards the high ceiling; making a loud hiss.

"You know more than you let on," Oliver beamed, causing Cedric to smile.

"Whenever you come face to face with a dangerous opponent, Protego is the best spell to use," Harry spoke, glancing at the other students. "If their spells outmatch your skills, then cast: Protego Maxima. It can repel all sorts of curses."

"Including the death curse," Cedric interjected.

Harry instantly froze; as the memory of losing Cedric flashed before his eyes. He was right. The spell could be repelled, but one had to know their opponent had the will to cast it. The poor thing was nowhere near ready for a battle. He could still remember his heart shattering, when he saw Voldemort sending his body flying through the air.

"Harry?" Cedric questioned, bringing the younger boy back to reality.

"Y...yeah. You're right. It can repel that curse, and others as well," Harry shakily replied; trying to cast those horrible memories aside.

Cedric gave him a worried look, as he stroked his shoulder; then turned back to face the other students. "You have to also match their will. If you can assume their intentions are to kill, that spell will repel any curse they cast," he delineated, glancing at Hermione. "Hermione. Ron. The two of you are next."

Once the dueling was underway, most students found repelling some spells proved to be more difficult than they thought. However, Harry made sure none of them lost hope in their capabilities. They just needed more practise. Before they knew it, Christmas was upon them. Winter break was next week. It would be a few weeks before they could have another meeting.

"Well, that's it for this year," Harry stated, smiling at all the students. "You've all been brilliant! I know some of you had doubts, but you kept persevering. I couldn't ask for anything more. I just want to wish all of you a Happy Christmas; and I can't wait to start our sessions again in the new year."

"I hope you have a happy Christmas as well," Luna replied, grabbing her satchel; while everyone else starting to pack their things.

"See you in the New Year, Harry!" Seamus beamed, embracing him. "I can't wait to start again!"

"Oi! Let him breathe," Dean chided, causing Seamus to loosen his grip.

"Whoops," Seamus laughed, glancing at Dean, then back at Harry. "Sorry, mate. Didn't mean to cut off your breath."

"It's fine," Harry assured, laughing as well. "I hope you both enjoy your holiday."

"Aye. That we will. Mum let me invite Dean over for the holiday."

"Sounds perfect."

"Just as long as you're not so rowdy," Dean countered, trying to keep a straight face.

"Oh, don't be a prat! You know you love me for it," Seamus smirked, walking towards him.

"Bye, Harry. Thank you, again," Dean waved, as he and Seamus left the room with the others.

"Goodbye," Harry waved; watching them vanish from sight. His glance then saw Cho standing by the mirror. "Hey," he greeted, approaching her.

"Hey," she softly replied, staring into the mirror.

"You've done very well. You've mastered a lot of spells."

"All because of you and Cedric," she remarked, matching Harry's smile. "I wonder if I could have survived what the two of you have?"

Harry gave her a quizzical look.

"I mean, both of you, Oliver as well, know so many spells. I just hope that if it comes to a real battle, I wonder if I'm really ready."

"I know you will be," Harry reassured. "You're stronger than you think."

"Harry," Cedric called, walking towards them. As he got closer to the mirror, he saw it had a picture of him and Harry placed within the side golden frame. "Hard to believe that was taken right before we entered the maze."

Harry nearly froze, as those horrifying memories started to playback in his mind.

"Both of you were very brave and strong," Cho remarked. "If we're ever to stand a chance against him, we'll need you by our side."

"We're not going anywhere," Cedric replied, smiling. "Harry's right, Cho. You have improved. You just need more confidence."

"Thanks," she smiled, turning her gaze towards the doorway. "Well, I'd better start packing. We leave in a few days. Happy Christmas!" She waved, before picking up her satchel.

"Happy Christmas!" Cedric waved, as he and Harry watched her leave. His gaze then reverted back to Harry, who still seemed to be in a daze. "Now that we're alone, would you please tell me what's been troubling you?"

"Huh?" Harry questioned, meeting his gaze.

"Come off it, Harry. Ever since we started training, you've been aloof. As though your mind was miles away.

"It's nothing. I'm just tired," Harry lied, trying to dismiss his concerns.

"It's more than that. Every time someone mentions the graveyard, you freeze. I know it's not a pleasant subject, but we survived it. We can't let those memories haunt us forever."

Harry knew he was right. But, he still couldn't erase the memory of nearly losing Cedric. If it hadn't been for Hermione, he wouldn't have him now. Even with Cedric standing close to him, his mind was still haunted.

"Harry, please tell me what's on your mind. I hate seeing you like this."

Harry sighed heavily, before pulling Cedric into a tight embrace; almost as tight as the one Seamus gave him.

Cedric more than happily returned the embrace, and held him close. "What's wrong?" He whispered, placing his head on Harry's shoulder.

"I...don't know how to even begin," Harry stammered, as they slowly pulled apart.

"Take your time. Just tell me what's been haunting you. Have you had more nightmares?"

"No," Harry replied, shaking his head. "Not recently. This was a reality that happened back in the maze. Ced, you...I..."

"Harry, you know you can tell me anything," Cedric assured, stroking both Harry's shoulders.

"When you and I made it to the graveyard, we didn't have much time to prepare ourselves. We didn't even know where we were, much less that Voldemort was about to attack."

"I remember. We heard a branch break off a tree."

"Yes. But, that was..." Harry started, but quickly stopped; still not wanting to revisit that memory.

"Was what?" Cedric worriedly asked, seeing the fear in Harry's eyes.

"The second time I was there," Harry stated, staring into Cedric eyes. "It's because of Hermione that Sirius is alive. It's also because of her that you're here now..."

Cedric's eyes started to widen, as if he knew what Harry was implying.

"That's why I can't make myself remember that night," Harry blurted. "Because I can't imagine being apart from you! Ced, he...Pettigrew killed you with Voldemort's wand. I tried to stop him, but he was too quick. Before I knew it, you were gone," he sighed, trying to quell his tears. He felt Cedric's arms stiffen, as he looked into the older boy's eyes. "My heart was shattered! Then Hermione told me we could use her Time-Turner to save you. She was the one who made the dead branch fall. That was the warning sound we heard," Harry explicated, pulling Cedric back into an embrace.

"I...was dead...?" Cedric managed to speak, still mortified by this revelation.

"Yes," Harry tearfully replied. But with or without her, I would have found a way to save you. I'd steal a Time-Turner from Knockturn Alley. I'd bring you back!" Harry exclaimed, burying his face in Cedric's chest.

"Harry," Cedric softly hushed, kissing his forehead. "You don't have to be haunted by that memory. You did save me. I'm right here with you now," he smiled, lifting Harry's head. "I know you would have found a way to save me," he smiled. "Knowing Oliver, he'd risk his own life in a duel, to get his hands on a Time-Turner. I pity the person who crossed paths with him," he laughed, causing Harry softly chuckle. "I'm lucky to have both of you and Hermione in my life. The best friends anyone could ever hope to have," he stated, brushing their lips together.

"I love you..." Harry mumbled, before closing the gap between them again.

"I love you too," Cedric smiled, wrapping his arms around Harry. Looking up, he saw a vine stretch down from the ceiling. Once it was level to the top of the mirror, it started to bloom into mistletoe. Cedric laughed, causing Harry to look as well. "They don't call it the: Room of Requirement for nothing."

"No, I guess they don't," Harry laughed, as their eyes met again.

"Let's make a promise to each other," Cedric smiled, cupping Harry's hands with his own. "That we'll always be honest with one another. We'll always stay positive, and never let our past fears get in our way. Promise?"

"Promise!" Harry beamed, as the two drew into another kiss. As their kiss grew deeper, the mistletoe continued to bloom and become even more vibrant.

That night, Harry slept more soundly than he had in months. However, the next night was quite a different story. Harry found himself once again in the dimly lit room; surrounded by hundreds of crystal balls. But this time, his perspective was different. This time he was the snake, slithering across the floor. Harry then heard two voices coming from a nearby door. A light could be seen shinning from the window above it. Harry then saw the door open, and two figures enter the room. Caldora Wood and Mad-Eye. The two seemed to be in deep conversation.

A second later, Harry found himself slithering closer to them. His heart began to race, as Caldora turned and screamed. Mad-Eye immediately pulled out his wand, but it was to no avail. Through the snake's eyes, Harry saw her lunging straight at his face; striking him repeatedly. Caldora waved her wand; shooting sparks of fire at it. Harry felt as though his own body was on fire, as Nagini made a deafening hiss. Caldora then raised her wand, completely render the snake unconscious, however the snake was faster. Harry cried, as Nagini attacked her; knocking her off her feet. Harry could her her bloodcurdling scream, as the snake began lunging violently at her. Much to Harry's horror, he saw her slump next to Moody's body, as the snake slithered part their unconscious forms.

Harry frantically woke in a cold sweat; screaming loudly.

"Harry!?" Ron moaned, quickly opening his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"It happened again!" Harry bellowed.

"What? Another dream?"

Harry nodded his head. "But, this one was different. This time, I was actually there! I could see through its eyes. Ron, we have to tell Dumbledore! Caldora and Mad-Eye's lives depend on it!"

Both quickly leaped out of their beds, hurriedly put on their bathrobes; then rushed out of the tower.

Once they made it to the Grand Staircase, they were caught by McGonagall.

"What is the meaning of this?" She quipped. "What are the two of you doing out of bed this time of night?"

"Please, Professor. Harry had another vision. This one seemed more real."

"I saw Caldora and Moody being attacked by his snake!" Harry blurted. "We have to tell Dumbledore!"

McGonagall's eyes widened, as she heard Harry's words. "Follow me," she spoke, waving her hand, motioning them to follow her towards the headmaster's office. When they reached it, McGonagall spoke the password, and the three ascended the hidden staircase. McGonagall hurriedly opened the door, motioning the boys to follow her into the office.

"I beg your pardon, Professor, but I have receive grim news."

"Another nightmare?" Albus replied, never once glancing at Harry.

"I saw Nagini!" Harry interjected "She was in the Department of Mysteries. I know Voldemort has been searching for something within that room. Then, I saw Caldora Wood and Moody enter it. Right after they did, she attacked them. They could be dead by now!"

"Please try to remain calm," Albus softly replied. "Minerva, I want you to go directly to the Ministry. Inform Kingsley that both Ms. Wood and Alastor are gravely wounded. Then, have him alert all the aurors. They must be on the lookout for the snake."

"Sir..." Harry spoke, trying to get his attention; only to be continually ignored.

"Once they're safely in St. Mungo's, send word to Rolanda. She must inform Oliver about the attack, and his mother's whereabouts."

"Right away, sir," McGonagall replied, rushing towards the fireplace. Within moments, she was gone.

Dumbledore then grabbed a piece of parchment and jotted a quick note. Then, folded it and handed to Fawkes. The phoenix cawed loudly, then zoomed out the open window.

"Professor, I need to know why this is happening!?" Harry stammered, as Dumbledore brushed past them. Harry couldn't take it anymore! Ever since the trial, Dumbledore had been purposely ignoring him. It had to stop now. "Look at me!" He shouted, causing both Dumbledore and Ron to look at him with shocked expressions. "What's happening to me?" Harry moaned, feeling tears run down his face.

"Professor," Snape spoke, causing Harry and Ron to quickly turn, to see him enter the room.

"Severus, I'm afraid we can't wait any longer. You must start the lessons now," Dumbledore stated, this time glancing at Harry.

"Lessons?" Harry asked.

"You must learn how to shield your mind from his," Dumbledore answered.

"Occlumency," Harry replied, as Snape touched his shoulder.

"Come with me," the dark haired man ordered, pulling him out of the office; leading him down to the dungeons.