It started, as it nearly always did, with Albus Dumbledore.

Severus could concede the fact that the man was a brilliant wizard, but he was well aware that the vast majority of Dumbledore's irritating schemes were usually at Severus's expense. Just off the top of his head, several examples came to mind: "Become my Potions professor, Severus!", "Don't kill Lupin, Severus!", "Teach Potter Occlumency, Severus!"

This time, however, the order was: "Tell Voldemort the complete prophecy, Severus!"

As Severus stared at the headmaster in shock, Dumbledore casually popped one of his ridiculous muggle candies in his mouth, then another. Eventually, Severus managed to incredulously ask, "Have you gone mad?"

Dumbledore smiled, which somehow made Severus only feel even more unsettled. "Voldemort has finally learned of the connection between himself and Harry, I believe," he began, completely ignoring Severus's honest inquiry regarding his sanity. "It is time that he has something to distract himself with."

"Distract himself," Severus repeated dryly, still not convinced that Dumbledore wasn't going senile. "Instead of mind tricks, you plan on him learning of perhaps our only advantage in the war?"

"Severus, Severus," Dumbledore raised his hand calmly, as if what he was saying wasn't remotely concerning. "No need to worry, relax."

"Relax? I don't need to—"

"Now, Severus, please understand. It's not like I'm suggesting that you inform him of the real prophecy."

At that, Severus paused. "What are you suggesting, then?"

And thus, the entire incident began.

"I have found the complete prophecy, My Lord," Severus announced, bowing deeply as the Dark Lord inhaled sharply and Bellatrix gasped.

"Dumbledore told you? He is so sure to trust you? I knew he was a fool, but perhaps you should consider this may be a trap—"

"Enough, Bellatrix!" The Dark Lord snapped, causing Bellatrix to clamp her mouth shut as she glared at Severus. The Dark Lord turned back to him. "The complete prophecy? Did Dumbledore tell you himself?"

"No, My Lord," he began, finally lifting his head to look up. "Dumbledore told the Potter boy, and I discovered it through Legilimency."

The Dark Lord's smile widened as he beckoned Severus closer and quickly motioned for Bellatrix to leave the room. Once they were alone, Severus repeated the prophecy that Dumbledore had instructed him to relay:

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... should the Dark Lord successfully conquer this power, he shall prevail..."

While only the final line had been changed, Dumbledore had been convinced that that would make all the difference.

The Dark Lord repeated the lines audibly a few times, clearly trying to reason the meaning of the prophecy himself. Finally, he said, "It is no wonder that Dumbledore was so convinced that the prophecy must not be discovered. If I can conquer this power - whatever power it is - then it is destined that I will prevail." He laughed, an eerie sound that sounded far more like a choke than genuine happiness. "Thank you, Severus."

"Of course, My Lord," Severus responded, somewhat curious as to what the Dark Lord would do next. Dumbledore had refused to tell him what he predicted would happen, although Severus could not fathom why.

The Dark Lord paced around the room for a few moments, before finally coming to stop in the center of the room. Turning to Severus, he asked, "Do you have any idea of what the power is of which the prophecy speaks?"

Somewhat surprised that his master would be so willing to take his opinion into account (although the Dark Lord respected Severus even more now, it seemed), Severus said, "I do not know, My Lord. However, Dumbledore seems to have told the Potter boy that the power was 'love.'" Nearly at the same time, both Severus and the Dark Lord sneered.

"'Love,'" the Dark Lord repeated, clearly unconvinced. "Perhaps Dumbledore simply wished to placate the boy. After all, it is not as though Potter truly has any special powers."

"Perhaps," Severus concurred, privately agreeing that Dumbledore's ideology of the power of love seemed rather far-fetched and delusional. "The boy possesses no skill, so I too am at a loss as to what this 'power' may be."

The Dark Lord suddenly froze, apparently coming to a startling conclusion at Severus's words. "Severus," he whispered, clearly in shock at whatever he had just discovered. "What if Dumbledore's reasoning does have some merit?"

Severus's eyes widened, but he remained silent as the Dark Lord continued to speak.

"The boy has no special powers," he continued, repeating his previous words. "Yet somehow, he always survives! Luck, and his little friends always seem to get in the way." He looked up, his red eyes focusing on Severus's face. "What if Dumbledore believes in this 'love' simply because there is no other explanation?"

Severus blinked. "It is possible," he conceded, beginning to wonder why Dumbledore had instructed him to tell the Dark Lord about his theory of 'love' if it was truly legitimate. "But how do you plan on using that, My Lord?"

The Dark Lord nodded sharply, twirling his wand in his hand. "I have no choice," he stated, somewhat dramatically. "To prevail, I must - somehow - conquer love."

Not one hour after his declaration, the Dark Lord called a group of Death Eaters to the manor in order to discuss how, exactly, one could conquer 'love'. Severus found it incredibly difficult to suppress a snort when he discovered who had been summoned to advise the Dark Lord.

Severus himself, of course, was invited, as were both Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange. As they were in Malfoy Manor, naturally, both Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were in attendance. Crabbe and Goyle were called as well, although Severus could not figure out how they could possibly be of assistance. A few other Death Eaters were also summoned, although Severus knew very well that none of them would even dare to provide their own suggestions at a meeting of such importance.

Once everyone had arrived, the Dark Lord asked the group, rather abruptly, "How does one conquer love?"

After a beat of silence, Bellatrix finally spoke. "'Love,' My Lord? It seems that someone as powerful as yourself would look down upon such…frivolities." She raised an eyebrow. "Did Severus suggest this?"

"No, Bellatrix," the Dark Lord responded, rolling his eyes like a petty teenager. "It seems that as much as I distrust the notion of it, the prophecy suggests that it is the only way for me to gain the power to kill Potter. Now, does anyone have any ideas?" He scanned the room, while all of the Death Eaters seemed to be holding their breath. Finally, the Dark Lord focused his eyes on Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.

"Lucius!" He called, causing the man to jump.

"Yes, My Lord."

"You love your wife, do you not?"

Lucius glanced sideways at Narcissa before nodding slightly. "Yes, My Lord."

The Dark Lord seemed momentarily confused before plainly asking, "How?"

Lucius blinked. "How, My Lord?"

The Dark Lord nodded, as if the meaning of his question was obvious. "How do you love your wife?"

Lucius turned to look at Narcissa, who seemed just as nervous. Severus, however, felt the sudden need to laugh (he managed to successfully suppress it, thankfully).

"Er, My Lord, er..." Lucius trailed off, his eyes darting between his wife, his master, and the rest of the room. "Er, you see—"

The Dark Lord sighed. "Lucius, really, it isn't such a difficult question. Perhaps you could begin by explaining why exactly you decided to get married to her."

"Oh," Lucius said, now blinking rapidly. "We had an arranged marriage, My Lord. We hardly knew each other before we were betrothed."

The Dark Lord frowned almost imperceptibly. "If you did not love each other then, then how did you come to love her?"

Lucius shrugged slightly. "Once we were married, we ended up spending a lot of time together, My Lord. Eventually, I suppose..." He trailed off again, his cheeks tinted with pink as he looked down at Narcissa's hand clasping his.

Somehow, however, the Dark Lord still seemed at a loss. "You spent time together? Doing what?"

"Er, talking, mostly, My Lord," Lucius stated, as if surprised that the Dark Lord was still continuing this line of discussion. "Talking about the future, or events... or of our service to you, My Lord," he added quickly.

"I see," the Dark Lord said, placing his wand on the table and crossing his arms (amusingly enough, the stance reminded Severus somewhat of muggles). "You spent time with each other. Did you not feel certain… urges?"

At that comment, Bellatrix loudly cackled, while Severus's eyes widened in shock. Lucius and Narcissa, however, looked almost as though they would be willing to donate half their vaults if it would help them escape from this discussion.

Lucius, once he seemed to regain the ability to speak, only managed to stutter. "Er... My Lord, er, you see—"

"Gah!" the Dark Lord suddenly cried out, slamming his hands on the table and causing everyone to jump. "In all your years of education, did you not learn how to speak coherently, Lucius? I am asking you a simple question: how did you manage not to kill each other?"

At that, Lucius and Narcissa both frowned and shared a glance with each other. "...Kill each other, My Lord?"

"Yes," their master said slowly, as if speaking to a simple-minded child. "Whenever one is in the company of someone for an elongated period of time - particularly someone they hardly know - they often feel the irresistible urge to destroy them. Most people are rather irritating, you understand," he said reasonably. "So how exactly did the two of you resist this?"

As Lucius still seemed incoherent, Narcissa finally spoke. "We spent more time with each other, My Lord," she explained. "We… resisted hurting each other, and eventually the feelings of negativity… lessened."

"Ah," the Dark Lord said, apparently realizing something. "And the lessened negativity is love! See, Lucius? This is how you explain things. Perhaps you should learn from your wife."

"...yes, My Lord."

Taking a deep breath, the Dark Lord finally turned away from the Malfoys. "So, in order for me to conquer love, I must spend an elongated time with someone alone and learn to resist the urge to kill them," he concluded. Tilting his head, he said, "I can understand, perhaps, why such an ability could potentially be useful."

Bellatrix's eyes suddenly widened, as she looked… deeply? Adoringly? Obsessively?... at the Dark Lord. "I would be more than willing to spend that time with you, My Lord," she said, twirling a few strands of her hair with her finger.

"You're married, Bellatrix," the Dark Lord reminded, causing Bellatrix to frown (clearly, she had forgotten all about Rodolphus, who was glaring at his wife). The Dark Lord continued, "If I am to conquer love, I must find a woman who is… unattached."

"I can be unattached, My Lord," Bellatrix said eagerly. "Besides, only a pureblood woman could ever hope to be with you, and practically all of the women in the oldest families are either married or still in school. I would be perfect for you, My Lord."

"Bellatrix, you don't seem to understand," the Dark Lord snapped impatiently. "This is not some sort of exciting prospect for anyone. I must tolerate the woman's existence until I no longer feel like torturing her. If I am to succeed, I naturally want the woman to be unmarried so that I can definitively conclude that 'love' has been conquered."

Bellatrix pouted and asked, "Then, My Lord, which woman do you plan to… spend time with?"

The Dark Lord tapped his chin thoughtfully. "You are correct, I would want her to be of pure blood. I'm afraid I am not acquainted with many unmarried women, however." He scanned the table of Death Eaters again. "I suppose none of you have any ideas?"

Still seemingly upset that the Dark Lord had shut down her advances, Bellatrix spoke up again. "Since Severus is the one to tell you the prophecy, I believe that Severus must find you a woman. Isn't that right, Severus?"

Severus barely managed to glare at Bellatrix before the Dark Lord turned on him. "Yes! Severus, you are well acquainted with the outside world. Find me a woman."

Hesitating briefly, Severus said, "I would be honored to, My Lord, but I am unsure as to what… qualifications you desire of this woman. I'm afraid there are hardly any women who are pureblood, not a blood traitor, and unmarried. Least of all one who supports you yet is not a Death Eater."

The Dark Lord sighed. "Yes, I suppose that is too much to ask. Fine, find a woman who is an unmarried pureblood. She need not support me publicly yet... I suppose that will come, once I conquer love."

Severus suppressed a wince before saying, "Yes, My Lord."

Bellatrix, however, still felt the need to interfere.

"My Lord, I think Severus should tell us at least one name right now," she said, smirking. "After all, I'm sure he knows at least one woman with such qualifications. And time is of the essence. There is no reason why he should delay."

Taking a deep breath to stay calm, Severus responded, "I'm afraid it will take quite some time to find a woman who could even imagine earning the Dark Lord's...love. Not to mention one that is not exceedingly irritating or dimwitted."

The Dark Lord just waved his hand casually. "Let her be 'irritating or dimwitted', Severus. Most women are, I expect." The Dark Lord then turned to face the entire group. "Find me anyone who meets these qualifications. Do not fear harm should I dislike the woman. I can use the first one for practice, after all. Now, go!"

"How was your date, My Lord?" Bellatrix asked at the next Death Eater meeting, her voice filled with both curiosity and jealousy.

"It wasn't a date, Bellatrix," the Dark Lord snapped. "Just ask Severus."

"It wasn't a date," Severus agreed. Although Severus didn't have much experience, he figured locking oneself in a small room with a woman for less than three minutes could hardly be considered a 'date'.

Thankfully, Severus never had been forced to find a woman for the Dark Lord - rather quickly, a group of Death Eaters had apparently found a female who met the qualifications. Severus was not surprised when he found that this search had been led by none other than Rodolphus Lestrange (although why, exactly, the man wanted to stay with his deranged wife, Severus had no idea).

Still, he had to concede that the Dark Lord had more self-control than Severus gave him credit for. Severus wasn't sure whether he himself would have been able to survive three minutes alone with Rita Skeeter without maiming her.

Although the Dark Lord did not divulge all of the details, he had instructed Severus to stand outside the door as a reminder to him that he must not harm 'the Skeeter lady'. Rita Skeeter, however manipulative she may be, seemed to have absolutely no sense of self-preservation. After being 'kidnapped' (apparently the Death Eaters had simply asked her if she would like an interview with the Dark Lord and she came along rather willingly), she constantly badgered the Dark Lord with questions for three minutes, before he finally unlocked the door and practically forced her to leave.

Even though Severus hadn't heard what questions had been asked, the Daily Prophet released an exclusive article later that day filled with Skeeter's descriptions of how the Dark Lord was 'desperate' to talk to her and was 'anxious' at the prospect of facing Potter again.

For once, no one seemed to believe a word of Skeeter's article. After all, who could have imagined that she would conduct such an interview with the Dark Lord and lived to tell the tale?

"Are all women like that?" The Dark Lord asked at the meeting incredulously, after complaining for nearly an hour about the three-minute 'conversation'. "She had that quill that just kept writing and writing and writing. For once, I wanted to kill her instantly. Forget about torture, I just wanted her to die."

"I wouldn't be like that, My Lord," Bellatrix crooned, inching closer to the Dark Lord's chair. "Do you want me to destroy the woman? I'd do anything, My Lord."

Shaking his head, the Dark Lord sighed. "No, no, that would only further prove that I can not conquer love. Otherwise, I obviously would have killed her myself. Perhaps a different woman?"

Before Bellatrix could volunteer again, Lucius spoke up, slightly nervously. "Perhaps there is more than one kind of love that you can pursue, My Lord," he suggested.

The Dark Lord sharply turned to face him, and Lucius cringed. "Do you doubt my ability to conquer love, Lucius?" He asked, voice frosty.

"N-no, of course not, My Lord," Lucius shook his head furiously. "It's just— as no woman can possibly compare to you, so you would have to settle for someone far inferior to yourself, My Lord, for life. Besides, most women may be slightly intimidated to fall in love with you, because, well, you are such a powerful Dark Lord."

The red eyes may also contribute to that, Severus couldn't help but think. And the lack of a nose. And his somewhat psychotic tendencies. But, well, 'powerful Dark Lord' worked too, he supposed.

"Hmm," the Dark Lord said thoughtfully, tapping his wand. "What 'kind of love' do you suggest then, Lucius?"

Lucius seemed to be regretting that he had spoken up in the first place. "Well… platonic love, perhaps, instead of romantic?"

The Dark Lord frowned slightly, and Severus suspected that he had never figured that his quest to tolerate a woman was in any way related to romance.

"Platonic love," he repeated thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense. After all, a boy Potter's age - fifteen? - would hardly think about romance."

Narcissa coughed slightly, but no one else reacted.

"His friends do save him rather frequently," the Dark Lord continued. "Alright, fine. How do I conquer platonic love?"

As Severus expected, all of the Death Eaters remained silent.

The Dark Lord, as usual, found someone to interrogate. "Crabbe! Goyle!"

"Yes, My Lord!" They both bowed while still sitting at the table, while Crabbe hit his head when he decided to look up.

"Platonic love is similar to friendship, is it not?" The Dark Lord asked them. Crabbe and Goyle senior, much like their sons, were unable to process even the simplest of remarks.

"Platonic, My Lord?" Goyle asked, seemingly unfamiliar with the term. The Dark Lord, perhaps due to his new experience with Skeeter, remained patient.

"Friendship," he repeated. "The two of you are friends, correct? And you have passed down this friendship to your sons, as well. Now, how did the two of you manage that?"

Crabbe and Goyle looked blankly at the Dark Lord, before simultaneously turning to each other with a questioning gaze. The Dark Lord waited quite some time in silence before finally prompting, "Well?"

Crabbe turned back to the Dark Lord in surprise before nodding decisively. "We are friends, My Lord," the man concluded, causing Bellatrix to roll her eyes and sigh loudly.

"Those two dimwits couldn't tell you anything useful, My Lord," she said, batting her eyelashes as if she was attempting to cause them to fall off. "They can hardly understand a sentence themselves, let alone describe something. I can help you, My Lord."

"Quiet, Bellatrix," the Dark Lord barked, before his gaze suddenly turned thoughtful. "Ah. Perhaps that is the solution."

The Death Eaters all remained silent as the Dark Lord seemed to contemplate something. After a moment, he decided to share his thoughts. "Crabbe and Goyle here have platonic love - friendship, camaraderie - because they are practically the same person. Same thoughts, same actions - they are equal to each other. That is how one can conquer platonic love."

Predictably, Bellatrix was the first to react. "No one can possibly come even close to being your equal, My Lord. But as we share so many similarities, perhaps you would consider me to be the closest candidate? Torture, murder - we have the same hobbies and interests as well!"

"No, Bellatrix," the Dark Lord snapped. "If we were to share any sort of 'love', we would have known by now. Besides, you are one of my Death Eaters. I am your Dark Lord. We can hardly discount that if 'platonic love' can only consist of equals."

Bellatrix scowled, but dutifully responded, "Yes, My Lord."

The Dark Lord turned back to the table, finally announcing his order. "Find someone of exceedingly great talents," he stated. "Someone incredibly famous, someone far more powerful than any regular wizard. Of course, he will still be no match for me, but find me the closest substitute."

When all the Death Eaters finally disappeared to carry out their task, Severus couldn't help but wonder whom the others would find.

"Idiots! Do you think I am insane?"

"...No, My Lord?"

"Then why did you bring me a literally insane person, when I specifically asked you to find me someone as close as possible to my equal?"

The group - consisting of Rodolphus, Avery, Crabbe, Goyle, and Lucius - winced.

"Gilderoy Lockhart is incredibly famous, My Lord," began Rodolphus, while Severus watched in amusement. "His achievements are legendary."

"He wrote books," added Goyle reverently, as if the concept of even just reading a book would make one a genius. Crabbe nodded in agreement.

"He's faced werewolves and vampires and all sorts of demons and lived to tell the tale," said Avery.

The Dark Lord faced each of them as they spoke, before finally turning to Lucius. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"

Cringing, Lucius said, "I was not aware that he had gone insane, My Lord. Prior to the unfortunate accident, however, I believe he was indeed rather illustrious."

The Dark Lord glared at the group furiously, while the rest of the Death Eaters nervously shifted their eyes. "You were not aware that he had gone insane," he repeated dryly. "And where, exactly, did you find this Lockhart?"

"At St. Mungo's!" Piped up Crabbe, pleased that he finally knew an answer. Goyle nodded enthusiastically, while Lucius turned to glare at them.

"Idiots," the Dark Lord hissed again. "Do you have any idea what that repulsive man did to me?"

The Death Eaters remained silent. Even Crabbe and Goyle seemed to know that it was better not to respond (although, Severus reasoned, perhaps they were quiet simply because they did not know the answer).

"The man tried to give me his autograph! Not to mention sell me his book, Who am I?, which he apparently wrote as an amnesiac!" He sneered, before continuing, "He then told me to send him fan mail, before finally attempting to sign his autograph on my nose." (Severus desperately wanted to ask, "What nose?", but for some strange reason felt that wouldn't be considered in good taste). "Now do you understand how horrible the person you sent me was?"

Rodolphus sighed. "I'm very sorry, My Lord. Lockhart seemed to be the closest to you in terms of achievement compared to anyone else…your accomplishments are far too great, My Lord."

The Dark Lord absently tapped his wand on the table, clearly far calmer after Rodolphus's apology (the flattery didn't hurt either, Severus was sure). "I suppose you are correct, Rodolphus. Finding anyone close to my equal is far too difficult a challenge." He then shot out a spell from his wand that violently blew up a corner of the table, causing the entire room to jump. "How am I to conquer love this way?" He yelled desperately.

As usual, the only Death Eater brave (or unstable) enough to speak was Bellatrix. "Perhaps there is a different kind of love for you to conquer, My Lord. I have done some research—" she smirked at the group, clearly pleased that she had taken extra effort compared to any of them - "and it seems that other than simply romantic or platonic love, parental love is also considered powerful."

"Parental love?" The Dark Lord asked curiously. "That seems rather unnecessary. After all, Potter has no parents."

"Perhaps not by blood anymore," Bellatrix explained, "Yet those filthy blood traitors have practically taken him in. My horrible cousin himself has all but adopted him. Apparently, that can be considered 'parental love' as well."

The Dark Lord stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Yes… yes. Perhaps you do have a point, Bellatrix. If a parent can benefit a child, then it is only logical that the child can benefit the parent." He suddenly clasped his hands together. "This seems rather simple, then. I will just… have a child. Since this is an advantage Potter does not have, I am certain it is what will ultimately help me prevail."

Severus rolled his eyes when Bellatrix unsurprisingly suggested, "I could have a child with you, My Lord. Our child will be the most brilliant, the most powerful, the most—"

"No, Bellatrix," he hissed sharply. "That sounds horrible. I am the most brilliant and most powerful being, and I do not wish for anyone - not even my child - to possibly contend."

Bellatrix seemed to be close to tears. "Then who will you have a child with, My Lord?"

Severus felt extremely unsettled when instead of a response, the Dark Lord looked him in the eye and grinned.

"This is all of your fault, Albus! It is your fault, so it is your responsibility to help me!"

Dumbledore sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair. Looking up at Severus, who was still standing, he said, "I'm afraid I don't see any issue for me to help you with, Severus."

"You don't see any issue?"

"No," Dumbledore said, sounding far too amused. "In fact, I think things worked out rather nicely, far better than I expected."

"Really," Severus drawled sarcastically. "So you consider it 'nice' that the Dark Lord has decided to adopt me. How kind."

"It is, Severus!" Dumbledore insisted. "Clearly, Voldemort trusts you far more now, which we can only use to our advantage."

Severus sighed, unable to believe that he actually had to explain why he was so upset. "I am far too old to be adopted, Albus, not to mention that I hardly want my new parent to be a psychotic mass murderer! Surely you can understand my… reluctance."

"Oh, Severus, you don't understand," the Headmaster began calmly, as Severus's irritation only rose. "You see, I have a plan, but it will only work under certain conditions. Become Voldemort's son, Severus."

At those words, Severus abruptly turned away from the Headmaster, walked directly out of the office, and felt absolutely no need to look back.

The Dark Lord, thankfully, did not end up adopting Severus. Apparently, there was actual paperwork necessary for a legal adoption, and the Dark Lord absolutely refused to use his legal name for anything (not to mention how the Ministry was absolutely convinced that the Dark Lord was dead, and he felt no need to make them aware of his presence just yet). He did try writing them a letter to begin the process of adoption, signed 'Lord Voldemort', but even weeks later was yet to receive a response.

The Dark Lord continued to remain obsessed with his quest to 'conquer love', however, and Severus had the unfortunate experience of witnessing each of his increasingly desperate ideas. Worse, Dumbledore was insistent that Severus continue with Potter's Occlumency lessons, completely ignoring his protests that the boy was irremediably inept. Although Severus was far from being an optimist, even he had hoped that so many hours of practice would have led to some progress, yet Potter continued to fail to meet Severus's exceedingly low expectations.

The boy, clearly frustrated after one particularly feeble attempt, finally asked, "I think Voldemort's forgotten about me, Professor. I mean, I haven't had a vision from him in months. Do we really need to continue these lessons?"

Severus scowled. "As much as I detest seeing your face here every time you appear, Potter, it appears that the Headmaster does believe that these lessons are necessary." Then, slightly curious, he asked, "Have you truly not had any more visions?"

The boy shrugged, his posture nearly as weak as his intelligence. "I mean, I think so. My scar kind of tingled once or twice in the last few months when I was sleeping, but it turned out to be just regular dream stuff."

Raising an eyebrow, Severus sneered, "And how, exactly, are you so certain that these are not visions from the Dark Lord?"

The boy rolled his eyes (Severus glared at the disrespect, but naturally, Potter didn't notice). "I know, Professor, because the dreams weren't about Voldemort at all."

"Don't say that na-"

"Yeah, yeah," Potter grumbled insolently. "You-Know-Who, whatever. Anyway, I think the first time was just a weird dream of Rita Skeeter interviewing me, kind of like last year, in the broom cupboard. She was just asking some really annoying questions, all about my parents and how often I must be 'succumbing to tears' on a daily basis," he said, making a face. "The second time, I remember feeling really, really angry, so I was actually kind of worried it might be a Vold- You-Know-Who dream."

"And?"

"Oh, it was just about Lockhart," the boy said casually. "He wanted to sell me his books. Told me I looked like a vampire, for some reason," he frowned. Then, looking back up at Severus, he said, "So, yeah, not actual visions. Are you sure we have to continue these lessons?"

Severus sighed dejectedly as he raised his wand to cast Legilimens again.