Chapter Five - Occlumency Lesson
Harry stopped outside the stone gargoyle, the entrance to Dumbledore's office, realizing he didn't know the password.
"Er- Fizzing Whizbee," he guessed with no luck, "Acid Pop. Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Chocolate Frog."
The gargoyle sprung open. For a moment he though he had guessed right, but Dumbledore was emerging from the staircase.
"Harry, I didn't think you were going to show up," he said.
"I didn't know the password, sir," Harry said.
"Ah, yes. Forgot about that. The password is Skiving Snackbox. Well come in, then," he said.
Harry stepped onto the stairs and they spiraled up, stopping at the Headmaster's office door. Harry followed him inside. Last time he was here, he had destroyed a number of the headmaster's possessions. At first he felt guilty but then the memory of why he had done it in the first place crept in and pushed aside any feelings of guilt.
"Exactly how far did you and Professor Snape get?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, he had seen through all of my childhood and was just beginning on my years at Hogwarts," Harry said mockingly. The whole Occlumency lesson thing from last year was still a touchy subject and he hadn't quite let Dumbledore off for it.
When Dumbledore only gazed at him neither frowning nor smiling, he shifted uncomfortably. For a few seconds, there was silence and then Dumbledore spoke.
"So then I am to start teaching you from the beginning," he said calmly, "Let's begin, shall we? I want you to clear your mind of everything and concentrate only on blocking this spell."
Harry nodded and tried to empty his mind. He thought of nothing but the spell. Dumbledore did not withdraw a wand when he muttered the spell, "Legilimens."
Harry's mind reeled between memories, first focusing on one, then another. First, a Quidditch game against Hufflepuff. He was reaching out for the snitch. Then, the girl's toilet with a potion simmering softly in one of the stalls. Hermione saying it was ready. Then Dobby was sitting on the bed in his room at the Dursley's. Dudley's gang was chasing him across the playground when he was finally able to block the spell. He used his wand to send a spell at Dumbledore, not knowing which he used.
"Impediment jinx. Rather strong," Dumbledore commended, "But I need you to block with your mind, not your wand. You must clear your mind of all emotion."
Harry nodded and tried to focus on nothing. He didn't understand how that was possible, to not think about anything. Thoughts kept floating in.
"Ready?" Dumbledore asked.
"As ready as I'm getting," Harry said.
Dumbledore said the spell, sending Harry back into his memories. First was his teacher with a wig of blue hair. Then a tap dancing spider from his fourth year Defence Against the Dark Arts class. The memories skipped to a graveyard where Cedric's body lay limp a few feet away from a trophy, Death Eaters yelling and throwing spells. Harry reached out for his body and he was brought back to reality.
He was on all fours, scar aching a little. Dumbledore helped him to his feet. He sat down in one of the chairs and Dumbledore conjured a glass of tea for him.
"I apologize, Harry. I shouldn't have gone so far," he said.
"I'm fine," Harry said.
He slowly drank the tea. He then voiced one of his worries to Dumbledore, "Professor, what if I can't learn this and Voldemort gets the prophecy? I don't know if I can."
"Occlumency is a hard thing to learn. You'll get it soon enough," he said reassuringly, "Now let's have one more go before calling it a day. And remember to clear your mind."
Harry got to his feet and braced himself again as Dumbledore muttered, "Legilimens."
Once again memories reeled. Harry was flying for the first time and it was great. Then he was being chased by the werewolf. It bit him and Voldemort's voice hissed at him. Then it stopped like before. But Harry was standing this time.
"What was that?" Dumbledore asked in an unusual sharp tone.
"Dream," Harry mumbled, looking away from him.
"I think it might be best if you explained this dream," he said in a calmer tone.
"I'd rather n-" he started but at a look from Dumbledore he told exactly what the dream had been and what Voldemort had said. He had even ventured as far as to tell Dumbledore about the dream of last night, having felt better letting someone know. It was like he was transferring the burden.
Dumbledore let Harry talk himself into silence. After a few minutes of Dumbledore only sitting and gazing fixedly into his hands, Harry cleared his throat to get the Headmaster's attention. He looked like he was just waken from a deep sleep.
"Harry, yes. Sorry, I was thinking," he said, "Well, that is all for today."
"But what about the dreams or whatever they are," Harry asked.
"I do not know yet what they are. I ask you to please inform me if you have any more," he said.
Harry nodded and stood, ready for the day to end. He felt tired from his lessons; Add Occlumency to that and he was exhausted. He fell into his bed and curled up into his blankets ready for a peaceful night's sleep that didn't come.
He was thrown from dream to dream. It seemed that he was living out memories of people. First he was standing before a younger Dumbledore.
"You may stay here, of course, Hagrid, as game keeper," Dumbledore said, patting him on the shoulder.
The scene disappeared and he found himself at The Burrow. In the fireplace was the head of Mundungus Fletcher.
"You-know-who is dead!" he shouted excitedly.
Then he was walking toward a pile of rubble that had once been a house. As he neared it, he heard a cry. He dared not believe it, but he saw, wrapped up in neatly in a blanket, was the baby. He picked it up. Not more than ten feet away were the bodies of his best friends.
"Stop!" Harry shouted angrily and his eyes snapped open. He was lying in his four poster in his dormitory.
"That's it, mate," Ron was standing and pulling a robe on, "Sorry, but I'm going to see Dumbledore."
It took Harry a moment to get his voice, "He already knows. Found out during the Occlumency lessons."
"So he knows? What did he say?" Ron asked.
"Nothing really. Just to practice Occlumency more," Harry said.
"But Dumbledore, he has to know what it is," Ron said, "What was it tonight?"
Harry wasn't sure whether he wanted to tell Ron. It would only get him more agitated. He shook his head, "Nothing."
"Oh, come on. You can tell me," Ron said.
"A few memories flashed around. Voldemort's doing, I think," Harry said.
Ron looked like he was going to be sick. He laid back on his bed and shut his eyes, thinking. After a few minutes silence, he asked quietly, "What if we don't win?"
Harry said nothing. He thought of the prophecy and for a fleeting moment, thought of telling Ron. He wanted to tell someone, to let someone know, but he didn't think he wanted to have his friends know. It could put them in danger, too.
Harry looked out the window to see that it was early morning. The sun was just peeking over the mountains in the far distance. Knowing he wasn't about to get any more sleep, he pulled on his school robes and made for the common room with his bag of books. He hadn't done any homework yesterday so he needed to catch up and he wanted something to keep him from thinking of the prophecy and all that came with it. He had done enough thinking of that over the summer.
Harry's first lesson for the day was a double period Care of Magical Creatures. He was glad when he saw that there were only a few Slytherins and no Malfoy. Remus's lesson was really good. He had brought back the hippogriff's from their third year and this time everyone managed to get out uninjured.
After Lunch was Defense Against the Dark Arts with, Harry groaned, the Slytherins. Harry was eager to see what exactly the new teacher was going to be like but not so much as Hermione, who tried to make them leave fifteen minutes early for the lesson. Harry and Ron took their time eating and she left without them. They made it into class just as the bell rang and took their seats. Professor Green was standing in the front of the class.
"Books away. Wands out," she said.
"Oh, this should be a good lesson, then," Ron said. All of the class was whispering excitedly.
"You are not to speak in this class unless you are spoken to," she said sharply causing everyone to stop talking abruptly, "My class is really simple. You do what are you are told and nothing more or less. Screw around and you'll have to deal with a vengeful me. And believe me, you do not want to piss me off."
All of the class gaped at her. No Hogwarts teacher had spoken to them like that, not even Snape. Harry was right in thinking you'd be crazy to cross her. He quickly threw the book back inside his bag and slipped his wand out of his sleeve.
"You all have been warned, so I will take no excuses. We'll be doing shield charms for the first quarter and then we'll move on to throwing off certain spells. In the second half of the year, you will learn attacking spells. Now everyone get into pairs. We will start," she said.
They were quick to pick their partners. Harry was with Ron and Hermione with Aira.
"Now everyone copy this wand movement," Professor Green said. She took the wand and made an 'X' type movement in the air. The rest of the class followed suit.
"Use only your wrist, Mr. Nott, not your whole arm. Not so wide, Mrs. Parkinson," she corrected, "Now you all should know the simple shielding spell, Protego. That will block only minor attacks such as a babbling hex or tickling charm. This should deflect more advanced spells, such as stunning spells. Repeat these words. Validus Cortege. One person from each pair will throw a simple spell at the other, who is to try this spell to block it. You may speak if it is necessary and pertains to this lesson. Begin."
Harry smiled happily. Everyone from the DA had mastered this spell the previous year under his instruction. Each and every member was able to perform the spell on the first, including Neville. And only a few of the Slytherin lot had the spell learnt by the end of the class. Professor Green gave the first smile they had seen from her.
"That would make a total of forty-five points to Gryffindor and fifteen for Slytherin. Five for each who used the spell effectively," she said, "We will continue working on this spell next lesson. Those who could not perform the spell have homework. Eighteen inches on the proper use of Validus Cortege. Due next week."
Harry felt rather proud as the DA members sent nods and smiles his way. He saw Malfoy scowling at Professor Green. Harry pulled out some parchment and scribbled 'Look at Malfoy's face. If you want to call it that. Looks more like his neck threw up.' He folded it and passed it to Ron, smirking.
"Mr. Potter, stay after," Professor Green said shortly.
How did she know about the note? She couldn't have seen it, he thought. The Gryffindors sat in the back of class and Professor Green allowed them to have whispered conversations. Ron and Hermione were having a quiet argument. Harry ignored them.
"Harry, you're family is muggles and wizards, right?" Seamus asked.
"Yeah. My mum is muggleborn," Harry said absently.
"Seems like there are no purebloods anymore. Slytherin house population is rather small compared to the others. i think sixth year has the most with seven," Dean said.
"Anyone besides you in your family magic?" Seamus asked Dean.
"My sister could be. She's still too little to know yet. My mom and step-dad are muggles. And I don't know about my real dad's family. He left when I was small," Dean said.
The bell rang and remembering he was to stay after class, Harry went up to Professor Green's desk.
"Sorry about writing that note about Malfoy, Professor. It won't happen again," he apologized, wanting to get out quickly and not be late for his next class.
She looked up at him bemused, "This isn't about any note. As a matter of fact, I hadn't even known about it. Your honesty is quite a good thing, though. So I'll make it one night's detention, instead of a week's. I do not put up with anything in class."
Harry knew better than to argue. He felt like an idiot for saying anything. He should have waited until she said what it was about.
"I wanted to talk to you about your club," her usual sharp tone was gone, "Professor Dumbledore told me you may need help, though with what I saw from today, I think you might have it under control."
"I guess we could use the help," Harry said.
"I won't be able to come to every meeting. What days and times are they?" she asked.
"I didn't set it up, yet," Harry said, "Last year we just did it on random evenings. But that was so people didn't get suspicious. And it can't interfere with Quidditch."
"Pick two nights a week. Professor McGonagall sets up practice dates with the captains on Saturday. Be sure Quidditch isn't on those days," she said, "I suggest one of them be on Sunday so the students aren't tired from classes."
"How about eight on every Sunday and Wednesday?" Harry suggested.
"Okay then. That sounds fine, Harry. I'll try to make it to all but can't promise anything. I think you ought to have a bit of a plan for this year, now that it's allowed," she said.
Harry nodded and as he was about to leave, she said, that brisk tone back, "Your detention, Mr. Potter. Thursday evening. Six. You can help Filch polish the suits of armor. No magic."
Harry's face fell. No magic. All of the suits of armor. That would take forever. He didn't think he liked Professor Green that much and was glad she wouldn't be at every meeting. He slung his bag over his back and went to his next class, arriving late. Luckily, Professor Flitwick only took five points from Gryffindor and Harry's detentions didn't double.
After class ended, Harry sped down the corridor to the Transfiguration class to meet Whitley and walk her to dinner as he almost always did. She laughed when he arrived out of breath.
"You don't really have to do that, you know," she said.
"I know, but I want to," he said, "I really like you."
Harry stopped outside the stone gargoyle, the entrance to Dumbledore's office, realizing he didn't know the password.
"Er- Fizzing Whizbee," he guessed with no luck, "Acid Pop. Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Chocolate Frog."
The gargoyle sprung open. For a moment he though he had guessed right, but Dumbledore was emerging from the staircase.
"Harry, I didn't think you were going to show up," he said.
"I didn't know the password, sir," Harry said.
"Ah, yes. Forgot about that. The password is Skiving Snackbox. Well come in, then," he said.
Harry stepped onto the stairs and they spiraled up, stopping at the Headmaster's office door. Harry followed him inside. Last time he was here, he had destroyed a number of the headmaster's possessions. At first he felt guilty but then the memory of why he had done it in the first place crept in and pushed aside any feelings of guilt.
"Exactly how far did you and Professor Snape get?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, he had seen through all of my childhood and was just beginning on my years at Hogwarts," Harry said mockingly. The whole Occlumency lesson thing from last year was still a touchy subject and he hadn't quite let Dumbledore off for it.
When Dumbledore only gazed at him neither frowning nor smiling, he shifted uncomfortably. For a few seconds, there was silence and then Dumbledore spoke.
"So then I am to start teaching you from the beginning," he said calmly, "Let's begin, shall we? I want you to clear your mind of everything and concentrate only on blocking this spell."
Harry nodded and tried to empty his mind. He thought of nothing but the spell. Dumbledore did not withdraw a wand when he muttered the spell, "Legilimens."
Harry's mind reeled between memories, first focusing on one, then another. First, a Quidditch game against Hufflepuff. He was reaching out for the snitch. Then, the girl's toilet with a potion simmering softly in one of the stalls. Hermione saying it was ready. Then Dobby was sitting on the bed in his room at the Dursley's. Dudley's gang was chasing him across the playground when he was finally able to block the spell. He used his wand to send a spell at Dumbledore, not knowing which he used.
"Impediment jinx. Rather strong," Dumbledore commended, "But I need you to block with your mind, not your wand. You must clear your mind of all emotion."
Harry nodded and tried to focus on nothing. He didn't understand how that was possible, to not think about anything. Thoughts kept floating in.
"Ready?" Dumbledore asked.
"As ready as I'm getting," Harry said.
Dumbledore said the spell, sending Harry back into his memories. First was his teacher with a wig of blue hair. Then a tap dancing spider from his fourth year Defence Against the Dark Arts class. The memories skipped to a graveyard where Cedric's body lay limp a few feet away from a trophy, Death Eaters yelling and throwing spells. Harry reached out for his body and he was brought back to reality.
He was on all fours, scar aching a little. Dumbledore helped him to his feet. He sat down in one of the chairs and Dumbledore conjured a glass of tea for him.
"I apologize, Harry. I shouldn't have gone so far," he said.
"I'm fine," Harry said.
He slowly drank the tea. He then voiced one of his worries to Dumbledore, "Professor, what if I can't learn this and Voldemort gets the prophecy? I don't know if I can."
"Occlumency is a hard thing to learn. You'll get it soon enough," he said reassuringly, "Now let's have one more go before calling it a day. And remember to clear your mind."
Harry got to his feet and braced himself again as Dumbledore muttered, "Legilimens."
Once again memories reeled. Harry was flying for the first time and it was great. Then he was being chased by the werewolf. It bit him and Voldemort's voice hissed at him. Then it stopped like before. But Harry was standing this time.
"What was that?" Dumbledore asked in an unusual sharp tone.
"Dream," Harry mumbled, looking away from him.
"I think it might be best if you explained this dream," he said in a calmer tone.
"I'd rather n-" he started but at a look from Dumbledore he told exactly what the dream had been and what Voldemort had said. He had even ventured as far as to tell Dumbledore about the dream of last night, having felt better letting someone know. It was like he was transferring the burden.
Dumbledore let Harry talk himself into silence. After a few minutes of Dumbledore only sitting and gazing fixedly into his hands, Harry cleared his throat to get the Headmaster's attention. He looked like he was just waken from a deep sleep.
"Harry, yes. Sorry, I was thinking," he said, "Well, that is all for today."
"But what about the dreams or whatever they are," Harry asked.
"I do not know yet what they are. I ask you to please inform me if you have any more," he said.
Harry nodded and stood, ready for the day to end. He felt tired from his lessons; Add Occlumency to that and he was exhausted. He fell into his bed and curled up into his blankets ready for a peaceful night's sleep that didn't come.
He was thrown from dream to dream. It seemed that he was living out memories of people. First he was standing before a younger Dumbledore.
"You may stay here, of course, Hagrid, as game keeper," Dumbledore said, patting him on the shoulder.
The scene disappeared and he found himself at The Burrow. In the fireplace was the head of Mundungus Fletcher.
"You-know-who is dead!" he shouted excitedly.
Then he was walking toward a pile of rubble that had once been a house. As he neared it, he heard a cry. He dared not believe it, but he saw, wrapped up in neatly in a blanket, was the baby. He picked it up. Not more than ten feet away were the bodies of his best friends.
"Stop!" Harry shouted angrily and his eyes snapped open. He was lying in his four poster in his dormitory.
"That's it, mate," Ron was standing and pulling a robe on, "Sorry, but I'm going to see Dumbledore."
It took Harry a moment to get his voice, "He already knows. Found out during the Occlumency lessons."
"So he knows? What did he say?" Ron asked.
"Nothing really. Just to practice Occlumency more," Harry said.
"But Dumbledore, he has to know what it is," Ron said, "What was it tonight?"
Harry wasn't sure whether he wanted to tell Ron. It would only get him more agitated. He shook his head, "Nothing."
"Oh, come on. You can tell me," Ron said.
"A few memories flashed around. Voldemort's doing, I think," Harry said.
Ron looked like he was going to be sick. He laid back on his bed and shut his eyes, thinking. After a few minutes silence, he asked quietly, "What if we don't win?"
Harry said nothing. He thought of the prophecy and for a fleeting moment, thought of telling Ron. He wanted to tell someone, to let someone know, but he didn't think he wanted to have his friends know. It could put them in danger, too.
Harry looked out the window to see that it was early morning. The sun was just peeking over the mountains in the far distance. Knowing he wasn't about to get any more sleep, he pulled on his school robes and made for the common room with his bag of books. He hadn't done any homework yesterday so he needed to catch up and he wanted something to keep him from thinking of the prophecy and all that came with it. He had done enough thinking of that over the summer.
Harry's first lesson for the day was a double period Care of Magical Creatures. He was glad when he saw that there were only a few Slytherins and no Malfoy. Remus's lesson was really good. He had brought back the hippogriff's from their third year and this time everyone managed to get out uninjured.
After Lunch was Defense Against the Dark Arts with, Harry groaned, the Slytherins. Harry was eager to see what exactly the new teacher was going to be like but not so much as Hermione, who tried to make them leave fifteen minutes early for the lesson. Harry and Ron took their time eating and she left without them. They made it into class just as the bell rang and took their seats. Professor Green was standing in the front of the class.
"Books away. Wands out," she said.
"Oh, this should be a good lesson, then," Ron said. All of the class was whispering excitedly.
"You are not to speak in this class unless you are spoken to," she said sharply causing everyone to stop talking abruptly, "My class is really simple. You do what are you are told and nothing more or less. Screw around and you'll have to deal with a vengeful me. And believe me, you do not want to piss me off."
All of the class gaped at her. No Hogwarts teacher had spoken to them like that, not even Snape. Harry was right in thinking you'd be crazy to cross her. He quickly threw the book back inside his bag and slipped his wand out of his sleeve.
"You all have been warned, so I will take no excuses. We'll be doing shield charms for the first quarter and then we'll move on to throwing off certain spells. In the second half of the year, you will learn attacking spells. Now everyone get into pairs. We will start," she said.
They were quick to pick their partners. Harry was with Ron and Hermione with Aira.
"Now everyone copy this wand movement," Professor Green said. She took the wand and made an 'X' type movement in the air. The rest of the class followed suit.
"Use only your wrist, Mr. Nott, not your whole arm. Not so wide, Mrs. Parkinson," she corrected, "Now you all should know the simple shielding spell, Protego. That will block only minor attacks such as a babbling hex or tickling charm. This should deflect more advanced spells, such as stunning spells. Repeat these words. Validus Cortege. One person from each pair will throw a simple spell at the other, who is to try this spell to block it. You may speak if it is necessary and pertains to this lesson. Begin."
Harry smiled happily. Everyone from the DA had mastered this spell the previous year under his instruction. Each and every member was able to perform the spell on the first, including Neville. And only a few of the Slytherin lot had the spell learnt by the end of the class. Professor Green gave the first smile they had seen from her.
"That would make a total of forty-five points to Gryffindor and fifteen for Slytherin. Five for each who used the spell effectively," she said, "We will continue working on this spell next lesson. Those who could not perform the spell have homework. Eighteen inches on the proper use of Validus Cortege. Due next week."
Harry felt rather proud as the DA members sent nods and smiles his way. He saw Malfoy scowling at Professor Green. Harry pulled out some parchment and scribbled 'Look at Malfoy's face. If you want to call it that. Looks more like his neck threw up.' He folded it and passed it to Ron, smirking.
"Mr. Potter, stay after," Professor Green said shortly.
How did she know about the note? She couldn't have seen it, he thought. The Gryffindors sat in the back of class and Professor Green allowed them to have whispered conversations. Ron and Hermione were having a quiet argument. Harry ignored them.
"Harry, you're family is muggles and wizards, right?" Seamus asked.
"Yeah. My mum is muggleborn," Harry said absently.
"Seems like there are no purebloods anymore. Slytherin house population is rather small compared to the others. i think sixth year has the most with seven," Dean said.
"Anyone besides you in your family magic?" Seamus asked Dean.
"My sister could be. She's still too little to know yet. My mom and step-dad are muggles. And I don't know about my real dad's family. He left when I was small," Dean said.
The bell rang and remembering he was to stay after class, Harry went up to Professor Green's desk.
"Sorry about writing that note about Malfoy, Professor. It won't happen again," he apologized, wanting to get out quickly and not be late for his next class.
She looked up at him bemused, "This isn't about any note. As a matter of fact, I hadn't even known about it. Your honesty is quite a good thing, though. So I'll make it one night's detention, instead of a week's. I do not put up with anything in class."
Harry knew better than to argue. He felt like an idiot for saying anything. He should have waited until she said what it was about.
"I wanted to talk to you about your club," her usual sharp tone was gone, "Professor Dumbledore told me you may need help, though with what I saw from today, I think you might have it under control."
"I guess we could use the help," Harry said.
"I won't be able to come to every meeting. What days and times are they?" she asked.
"I didn't set it up, yet," Harry said, "Last year we just did it on random evenings. But that was so people didn't get suspicious. And it can't interfere with Quidditch."
"Pick two nights a week. Professor McGonagall sets up practice dates with the captains on Saturday. Be sure Quidditch isn't on those days," she said, "I suggest one of them be on Sunday so the students aren't tired from classes."
"How about eight on every Sunday and Wednesday?" Harry suggested.
"Okay then. That sounds fine, Harry. I'll try to make it to all but can't promise anything. I think you ought to have a bit of a plan for this year, now that it's allowed," she said.
Harry nodded and as he was about to leave, she said, that brisk tone back, "Your detention, Mr. Potter. Thursday evening. Six. You can help Filch polish the suits of armor. No magic."
Harry's face fell. No magic. All of the suits of armor. That would take forever. He didn't think he liked Professor Green that much and was glad she wouldn't be at every meeting. He slung his bag over his back and went to his next class, arriving late. Luckily, Professor Flitwick only took five points from Gryffindor and Harry's detentions didn't double.
After class ended, Harry sped down the corridor to the Transfiguration class to meet Whitley and walk her to dinner as he almost always did. She laughed when he arrived out of breath.
"You don't really have to do that, you know," she said.
"I know, but I want to," he said, "I really like you."