Author's Notes: This chapter is a bit longer, hope you like it! : )
CHAPTER FIVE - OCCLUMENCY REVISITED
The next morning at breakfast Professor McGonagall handed out their new N.E.W.T. level class schedules. Now that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sixth years, they were only required to take what classes they would specifically need for their careers and could drop any others. Unfortunately for Harry, Auror training required potion-making, which meant another two years of suffering under Snape's tutelage. As Ron wanted to be an Auror, too, they were both in the same boat.
"Oh, great," Ron exclaimed sullenly. "Double Potions first thing." Harry looked at his schedule. He had decided to drop History of Magic, Astronomy, and of course, Divination. Harry felt quite glad that he would never have to sit through Professor Binn's monotonous drone or Professor Trelawney's dire warnings of death and mutilation ever again. Harry felt he had quite enough on his plate just trying to get through his other classes.
Hermione on the other hand had been hesitant to drop any of her multitude of classes as she had not decided on a career path, yet. She finally decided to drop History of Magic and Astronomy, but carried on with everything else. Even though Care of Magical Creatures was not a N.E.W.T. requirement for Auror training, Harry and Ron had continued to take it for Hagrid's sake.
Hermione leaned closer to Ron examining his schedule. "Well, at least we've all got Hagrid this afternoon," she said, encouragingly.
Down in the dungeons, Snape was just as cold and ominous as ever. If he was surprised that Harry had passed into N.E.W.T. level, he was hiding it behind his flashing dark eyes. Snape had apparently decided to ignore Harry whenever possible, just as he had last year after catching Harry in the pensieve. Harry had witnessed Snape being tormented by his father, James, that day, and Snape had thrown him bodily from his office. No matter what Snape might think of him, however, Harry would always hate Snape even more. Harry would never forgive Snape for not coming to his aid when he thought Voldemort had trapped Sirius last year.
Harry tried to work quietly, focusing on his potion ingredients rather than on Snape's ugly face, but he felt such strong surges of hatred every time Snape walked by that it was difficult. Ron and Hermione sat on either side of Harry, flanking him. They seemed to think that Harry was only safe around Snape if there was some kind of buffer. At the end of the class, however, Harry had somehow managed to keep his temper under wraps.
It was not until he, Ron, and Hermione were taking their potion samples up front that Harry had his first encounter with his other rival, Draco Malfoy. Malfoy was leaning against one of the front tables with his cronies, muttering something in low tones. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione came closer, a look of absolute loathing crossed Malfoy's pointed rat-like face.
"Potter," Malfoy hissed, almost spitting the word.
Harry looked up at Malfoy's white blond head. "Yeah," he said, almost casually.
"You're going to pay, Potter, not everyone around here thinks you're such a tragic little hero," Malfoy sneered menacingly, Crabbe and Goyle by his side.
Ron and Hermione had stepped up on either side of Harry, their fists around their wands. But Harry wasn't the least bit intimidated by Malfoy anymore. As they all stood there, Harry simply gave Malfoy a derisive snort of contempt and brushed right past him. Malfoy seemed incensed and was in the process of drawing his wand when the bell rang and Snape started to announce the homework assignment from the back of the room.
Apparently this interruption stifled Malfoy's nerve, and he angrily shoved his wand back into his robes as everyone started to leave. Harry left the dungeon quickly without even looking at Malfoy or Snape. Ron and Hermione were forced to run to catch up to him.
After lunch Harry, Ron, and Hermione traipsed across the grounds to Hagrid's cabin. They had barely seen Hagrid during the summer; he always seemed to be busy, never spending much time at headquarters. As Harry spotted Hagrid next to his front door, he felt very glad to see him. Harry looked around. It seemed Malfoy and his cronies hadn't decided to pursue Care of Magical Creatures as a career path; they were nowhere in sight.
As the small N.E.W.T. class formed around Hagrid's cabin, Hagrid beamed at Harry, Ron, and Hermione, "Good ter see you three." They all three beamed right back.
"How's your er ... project in the forest going, Hagrid?" Hermione asked.
"Project? ... Oh yeah, project. Great, jus' great, loads better than las' year."
Harry wondered if Hagrid's busy summer was due to Grawp, Hagrid's half-brother but full giant. But just as Harry began to open his mouth, Hagrid left and said, "Jus' a mo' - better get goin'" as he ran into his cabin. When he emerged he was carrying a beautiful red and gold feathered bird the size of a swan.
"Fawkes," cried Harry, in surprise.
"Yeah, Harry, today we'll be studying the phoenix." Hagrid said, the corners of his dark beard crinkling upwards. Then officially beginning the class, Hagrid asked, "Does anyone know what qualities make a phoenix special?"
Hermione's hand, as always, was first in the air followed closely by Harry's.
"Aye, Hermione," Hagrid said.
"The phoenix is known for its restorative song, its long life, and its feathers are used as magical cores in wand-making," Hermione spouted, sounding quite like an encyclopedia.
"Ten points ter Gryffindor," said Hagrid, with a grin. "Does anyone know what else the phoenix is capable of?" Hagrid asked, continuing.
"Well, they can also carry very heavy loads .... and I've seen Fawkes apparate and disapparate just about wherever he wants," Harry spoke up, thinking of when he had seen Fawkes in action. "Phoenix tears also have amazing healing powers," he finished.
"Well done, Harry, well done. That's another ten ter Gryffindor," Hagrid went on. "The phoenix is one of the rarest and mos' amazing of magical creatures. This phoenix belongs to Professor Dumbledore an' he gave me special permission to borrow him fer these advanced N.E.W.T. classes," Hagrid explained, setting Fawkes on a fence post. "Now why don' yeh all come up an' give Fawkes a pat."
As the class moved forward to pet Fawkes' always warm tail feathers, Hagrid motioned Harry to the side. "Alrigh' Harry?" he asked, looking into Harry's face carefully.
"Sure," Harry replied, changing the subject, "Say Hagrid, how is everything going with Grawp?" he asked, as Ron and Hermione came over to join them.
"Oh he's fine, Harry, jus' grand," Hagrid said, enthusiastically. "He's speakin' pretty good English now. We've bin havin' lots of conversations this summer."
"That's good," breathed Ron, giving Harry a relieved look. Last year Hagrid had asked the three of them to teach Grawp English, a terrifying feat none of them had really wanted to participate in.
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As they sat down to dinner later discussing their first day of lessons, Dumbledore approached the Gryffindor table. "Just wanted to remind you to stop by after dinner, Harry," Dumbledore said. "The password is 'Droobles Best Blowing Gum,' by the way," he whispered, lowering his voice and smiling.
"Yes, Professor," Harry answered. But as Professor Dumbledore left, Harry's face fell. "Last year Occlumency always made me feel sick and shaky. I don't fancy going through that again."
"Well, mate," Ron suggested, "maybe that was just because it was Snape."
"Maybe," Harry said, unconvinced.
Hermione looked as though she had wanted to argue with Ron when he had mentioned Snape, but she reluctantly decided to desist at the last moment. With an effort, she turned to Harry and advised, "Harry, if your scar hurts when you do Occlumency with Dumbledore, just tell him. Maybe there's a way to lessen the discomfort or something."
"Maybe," Harry said, again.
He was not really looking forward to this, but he felt it had to be done. Harry did not want to feel like a fragile weakling anymore, for any reason. When Harry arrived at Dumbledore's door, his headmaster was quick to answer.
"Ah, Harry, have a seat," Dumbledore began, letting Harry in. "First I want to know how much you learned from Professor Snape last year."
"Well," Harry hesitated. Most of the time spent with Snape last year had ended up with Harry on the floor trying to recover as Snape viciously attacked his mind. Harry did not want Dumbledore to think he wasn't up to this, however, so he tried to come up with a better answer. "He told me to empty my mind of thought and emotion," Harry answered him, a bit tentatively.
"Yes," Dumbledore replied, "that is essential to a good Occlumens. What else?"
"Er ..." Harry remembered Snape telling him to defend himself, but Snape had never given Harry any instruction in how to do it. "He said I should defend myself in any way I could think of."
"Ah," Dumbledore said, his face inscrutable. Then, "This is of the greatest importance, Harry," Dumbledore said, looking very seriously at him. "We are going to practice in a moment, but first you must know the proper steps. The first step is emptying your mind, but the next step is the most important. You must focus, Harry. Focus on your goal. Picture your mind as a tangible object you can physically see. Then in your mind's eye, picture yourself creating a shield, a barrier all the way around it. Make the shield sturdy, strong, impenetrable. Once you can do that, automatically and without thinking, Harry, I believe you should be able to thwart external attacks."
Harry felt considerably better upon hearing this. Now that he actually knew what to do, he felt he had a better chance of success.
"Are you ready, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"I think so," Harry replied, trying to brace himself.
"Then stand, facing me," Dumbledore instructed, standing himself. "Now make your mind a blank slate, feel all your thoughts and emotions melting away. They are separate, apart." Dumbledore continued, in a soft voice. "Now build your barrier."
Harry pictured himself conjuring large heavy steel doors that went all the way around him.
"Now, when you hear the spell, raise your wand and use whatever spell comes to mind to protect yourself." Dumbledore explained, "When you are in that state of mind, whatever spell you choose will be the best for the situation. Do you understand, Harry?"
"Yes," Harry responded, focusing his mind.
"I shall count to three, then utter the incantation. One ... two ... three ... Legilimens!" Dumbledore said.
Harry felt the spell coming toward him, and he pictured it hitting the steel wall of doors he had placed around his mind, but the spell was too powerful. The next thing Harry saw was ... Voldemort rising from the cauldron in the graveyard ... then Voldemort turning his wand on Ron and Hermione in his dream, the green light of death flying toward them ... then - being wrapped again in the burning coils of a snake-like creature - their bodies were fused as Harry screamed in agony ...
Harry looked up from the floor where he had fallen. Dumbledore was standing directly over him reaching for his arm.
"Are you hurt, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, sounding a bit shaken.
"Sorry," Harry said, gasping, his hand rubbing his scar as Dumbledore helped him into a cushioned chair. "I don't think I had my shield quite strong enough," Harry said shakily, trying to regain control. He had actually felt like the coils had been around him again. Harry gripped the arms of the chair to stop his hands from trembling. Harry's scar prickled painfully, but he was determined to succeed, to face his fear.
Dumbledore, however, had stopped. He had turned away from Harry and was facing the window looking out onto the dark grounds.
"Harry .... Is that what happened last time .... with Professor Snape?" Dumbledore's voice sounded funny to Harry, odd and distant.
"Well, not exactly like that," Harry answered, "The memories weren't all of Voldemort before. And well ..." he hesitated, shivering. Harry wasn't sure he wanted to admit this. "This time it was much more ... painful. But I'll be okay, let's try again - "
Dumbledore turned to face Harry looking very concerned. "I know this is difficult, Harry, but I need to know. Did you feel pain just now not just in your scar, but also like you were truly wrapped in those coils again?" Obviously Dumbledore had seen what Harry had remembered.
"Yes," Harry replied, a feeling of dread coming over him.
"Just as I feared," Dumbledore said, mysteriously, almost to himself. He came over closer to Harry. "Harry, have you had any more flashes of Voldemort since your nightmare back at headquarters?" Dumbledore asked, sharply.
"No sir," Harry said, taken aback, "I'd have told you!"
"Well, I believe we may well have just gotten his attention once more." Dumbledore said.
"But, how?" Harry sputtered, he had thought Occlumency was supposed to help him, not make matters worse.
"As I have said before, Harry, you and Voldemort have a connection that may never be completely understood. Somehow he can still reach you, even though he should not have been able to." Dumbledore stated.
Harry was suddenly compelled to finally voice the question that he had been bottling up inside himself ever since he had heard the prophecy last year. "How am I supposed to defeat him then, Professor? If I can't even keep him out of my mind - what's going to happen when we face each other again?" Without intending to, Harry had let some of the terror he was feeling about that final confrontation color his voice.
Dumbledore now appeared stricken, old, frailly human. Harry had only seen him look like this once before at the end of last year after they came back from the Ministry. Suddenly, Harry knew. He knew he was completely alone in this. There was nothing anybody anywhere could do to help him. If Voldemort were to walk in here right now, Harry knew he wouldn't be able to defeat him. Harry knew he would be dead before he hit the floor.
But before Harry could travel down that path of destructive despair again, Fawkes came flying out of an unseen corner of Dumbledore's office. As Harry and Dumbledore watched, Fawkes landed on Harry's shoulder and sang two long peaceful notes. Harry's dark feelings of despair evaporated suddenly, even his headache was gone.
"Fawkes," Harry whispered. Harry sat there for a long moment as Dumbledore stood looking down at him. The frail, stricken look was gone from Dumbledore's face now, and he slowly sat down across from Harry again.
"We will find a way, Harry," Dumbledore said, simply. "Let's try again tomorrow evening."
"Okay, Professor," Harry said, feeling calmer. As Harry got up to leave, however, Dumbledore stopped him.
"Harry, do not forget; there is always hope."
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The next day Harry, Ron, and Hermione had N.E.W.T. level charms in the morning with Advanced Transfiguration in the afternoon. Professor Flitwick had kindly congratulated the class for advancing to the N.E.W.T. level upon their arrival in class.
"We are going to be starting out this term with the highly useful 'locomotion charm' that allows the witch or wizard using it to move people across a short distance, such as the distance from one side of this room to the other." Professor Flitwick announced, in his squeaky voice. "Some of you have already achieved this, perhaps accidentally," he continued, looking at Harry's friend and fellow Gryffindor, Neville Longbottom, who grinned sheepishly. Neville had once sent Professor Flitwick across the room instead of the cushion he was bewitching. "But now we will attempt to control who moves and where they actually move to." A spattering of giggles punctuated the classroom.
Professor Flitwick had everyone pair up to practice. Ron and Hermione paired up next to Harry and Neville. Before last year, Harry might not have wanted to partner Neville while spell-casting. But after the D.A. meetings and the confrontation in the Ministry of Magic, Neville had demonstrated that he was now a much more competent and confident wizard then he had once been. Harry had spent his time almost exclusively in the company of Ron and Hermione after returning to Hogwarts, so he hadn't really spoken much to Neville, yet.
"How have you been, Harry?" Neville asked, as they got ready to practice.
"Okay, Neville. How was your summer?" Harry asked.
"Not bad, actually. I passed most of my O.W.L.s, so Gran was really pleased." Neville said, smiling. He seemed much more mature that he had last year as well. Harry could appreciate the change.
"See what I've got, Harry," Neville said excitedly, as he brandished an obviously brand new wand. "It's mahogany and phoenix feather, thirteen inches long."
"Yeah, Neville, that's a nice one." Harry said. Harry remembered that a Death Eater had broken Neville's old wand in the Ministry of Magic in June. The Death Eater had also managed to break Neville's nose, though thanks to Madam Pomfrey, you couldn't even tell now.
"Er ... how did your Gran react when she found out that your dad's old wand got broken?" Harry asked, hesitantly. Neville's grandmother was a very formidable and somewhat frightening witch. Harry could well imagine her reaction. Neville frowned slightly.
"Well, she was upset at first, but when I explained everything she actually seemed to be quite proud of me," Neville said, in an almost disbelieving tone. "She's not angry at me at all, now."
Harry faced Neville as they got ready to try the new spell. Harry went first. "Locomotor-corpus," he said the incantation. Neville's feet left the ground, and he went floating across the room. Next it was Neville's turn. Harry was impressed; Neville swiftly sent Harry across the room on his first try, as well.
"Well done, well done," Professor Flitwick cried from a nearby stack of books.
"Yeah, that was great, Neville," Harry said, clapping him on the back. Neville beamed at Harry; he actually looked like he might just levitate without using magic at all.
Harry was feeling fairly upbeat as he, Ron, and Hermione sat down to lunch. They all ate with gusto. They had Advanced Transfiguration that afternoon. As the three of them entered the classroom, Professor McGonagall gave Harry a kind smile before assuming her regular stern teaching manner.
"This year," she began, "we will began learning about human transfiguration. It is extremely difficult, therefore, only the most dedicated and serious-minded witches and wizards are able to succeed." McGonagall explained. "Transfiguring a person into something else is always a challenge, but for those of you who are facing certain labor-intensive careers, such as Healer or Auror, this skill is essential." The rest of the class was spent reading the theory as Professor McGonagall explained their first example in a series of complicated diagrams on the blackboard.
After Transfiguration Harry, Ron, and Hermione went down to dinner. Hermione was almost quaking with excitement, "Human transfiguration is going to be such a wonderfully interesting challenge," she said, with a slightly mad gleam in her eye. Hermione couldn't help it, she simply loved books and learning. This fanaticism of hers was of course a standing joke between Ron and Harry, and when Ron then rolled his eyes at Harry melodramatically, Harry snorted rather loudly into his pumpkin juice. Harry had then tried to hide his amusement by taking a large bite of potatoes, but Hermione had already noticed, and she glared at Ron reproachfully.
"Oh honestly, Ron, you should be thrilled to learn this. It might even help you to become an Auror." she said, presumptuously. Ron now had his mouth too full of chicken to give a proper response, so Hermione turned to Harry instead. "You never told us how Occlumency went with Dumbledore last night, Harry."
Harry had been about to take another drink of juice, but instead he now set the goblet back down on the table. He really hadn't had much time today to think about what had happened last night, or to consider how he was going to keep it from happening again tonight. Harry glanced up at the staff table. Dumbledore was getting up to leave. Harry swallowed loudly; Hermione and Ron were both looking at him expectantly.
"Oh, you know .... it went okay," Harry said, avoiding their eyes. Hermione frowned at him as if she knew he was hiding something, but Ron said, "Well, I knew it would go better with Dumbledore. Snape's such a stupid git." he added, lowering his voice.
Snape was now leaving the staff table as well. Hermione gave Ron a severe look. "You know Snape is on our side, Ron," but when she saw Harry's furious expression, Hermione added in an undertone, "I'm not saying that I like him, or that he isn't just plain mean at times, it's just...."
"I hate him," Harry interjected with such vehemence that Hermione was taken aback. Even Ron looked a little surprised. Harry still blamed Snape for ignoring his plea in Umbridge's office, even though Dumbledore had said Snape had notified the Order immediately about what was going on. Harry looked at his watch and hastily got up from the table.
"I've got to go," he said, shortly. Harry ignored Ron and Hermione's wide-eyed expressions as he left the Great Hall heading for Dumbledore's office again.
Upon reaching Dumbledore's office, Harry was so busy thinking of horrible things to do to Snape that he almost forgot to knock. When he went to reach for the griffin-shaped knocker, however, he realized that Dumbledore was talking to someone inside. Harry hesitated, listening.
"Honestly, Headmaster," said a menacing, calculated voice, "Do you really think Potter stands a chance against the Dark Lord?" It was Snape.
"Severus," Dumbledore said, warningly. "Harry Potter is our only hope as you well know, but right now he is in terrible danger. I must help him; we all must."
Harry waited a moment then rapped loudly on the door. Everything fell silent inside. When Snape saw Harry he narrowed his dark eyes at him.
"Harry, please come in," Dumbledore ushered him in. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," said Harry, trying to stifle the angry feelings of resentment at what he had just heard as Snape stared at him with every sign of great loathing. Harry stared right back.
"If you are finished, Severus," Dumbledore said, pointedly.
"Of course, Headmaster," Snape slinked out of the room.
Harry's hands had balled up into fists without his realizing it. When Dumbledore asked him if he was ready, Harry took a deep breath and tried to relax again. When Dumbledore told Harry to empty his mind of all thought and emotion once more, Harry nodded, but he was finding that hard to do at the moment. Harry didn't want to disappoint Dumbledore, though, so he tried to ignore the bitter feelings welling up inside of him.
"Ready," Dumbledore said, "One ... two ... three ... Legilimens!"
Harry was still too angry to concentrate on building his barrier properly. Next thing he knew .... he was looking down at his hands, his fingers were long and white like pale spiders .... then, he was telling the snake Nagini that she could eat Harry Potter, his voice coming out in a strange hiss .... then, he was a huge snake viciously biting into a sleepy Mr. Weasley, blood gushed out of his side as Mr. Weasley screamed in pain ...
Harry opened his stinging eyes and saw Dumbledore floating above him again.
"Harry," Dumbledore said, as if from a long way off. "Harry ...." Dumbledore said again, sounding worried.
Harry sat up, then took a sharp intake of breath as Dumbledore's office spun around him violently. Harry sat holding his aching head in his hands and tried very hard not to vomit all over his headmaster. After a few touch and go moments, the room finally stopped spinning. Dumbledore was watching him carefully.
"Sorry," Harry said, trying to get off the floor.
Dumbledore helped him into the same cushioned chair. "Am I right in assuming that your mind was not quite empty of thought and emotion tonight, Harry?" he asked, quietly.
"Well ...." Harry mumbled, slightly shamefaced. "I .... yes, sir."
"You should not be ashamed of the emotion itself, Harry. But to practice successful Occlumency, you must have a clear mind." Dumbledore admonished, gently. As the whirring instruments around Dumbledore's office puffed and clicked on their spindly tables, Harry slowly began to feel better.
"Can we try again, sir?" he asked.
"First, I must ask you something, Harry. Every time that you have had these flashes of memory or dreams it has caused you to have pain in your scar, correct?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, sir," Harry answered, wondering where this was going.
"And you told me back at headquarters that the pain was worse than before," Dumbledore continued.
"Yes," Harry answered, again.
"Was it worse tonight than it was last night?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry stopped to think a moment. "Actually, Professor, I think it's getting worse each time it happens." Harry paused, then he looked questioningly at Dumbledore, "Why is that?"
"No one can really be sure, Harry," Dumbledore replied, pensively.
But Harry pushed him; he wanted answers, "Professor, please. I need to know. What do you think is happening?"
Dumbledore sighed, slowly he looked into Harry's eyes. "Know this Harry, I cannot be sure of anything. I am going to be completely honest with you. We are dealing with an unknown quantity here. No one has ever dealt with this kind of connection between two wizards before." Harry watched as Dumbledore slowly took a seat across from him again. "I believe, however, that this increase in intensity that you are feeling from these flashes may be related to the prophecy."
"The prophecy?" Harry repeated, confused.
"Yes. You may remember that it states that 'either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.' That is why you survived when he possessed you last June, Harry. I believe that neither of you can stand to be around the other without certain consequences." Dumbledore continued. "For you it is pain and sickness, for Voldemort, I am not sure. Suffice it to say that I believe the prophecy is being fulfilled."
Dumbledore then sat quietly, apparently lost in thought. Harry sat very still. He thought about how he had felt every time he had had any contact with Voldemort. It was definitely getting worse. With each encounter it was now becoming very difficult for Harry to function because of the amount of pain he was in. But Voldemort didn't seem to be affected at all. Other than not being able to stay in possession of Harry for very long in the Ministry of Magic, Voldemort seemed perfectly capable of doing whatever he wanted. Harry had come to an inescapable conclusion.
"He's going to kill me, then .... Isn't he, Professor." Harry said, it was not a question. Dumbledore had been looking at Harry when he had said this. His normally calm blue gaze was shadowed with fear, the usual twinkle in his eyes completely gone. Harry could see it in Dumbledore's ancient face, that was exactly what his headmaster was afraid of.
"I do not know, Harry," he said, finally, looking away. They both sat silently for some time, neither of them willing to speak. Finally, however, Dumbledore seemed to shake himself out of his reverie; his deeply lined face seemed to gather strength and tenacity, and when he looked at Harry again there was a powerful fire in his eyes.
"NO!" Dumbledore said suddenly, standing up and slamming his fist upon his desk, causing Harry to jump. "I refuse to let that happen!" Dumbledore said firmly, almost angrily.
"Get up, Harry," he ordered. Harry stood. "Now, we are NOT going to let Voldemort win. You are going to defeat him, and I am going to help you in every way I possibly can." Dumbledore said, fiercely. Harry had rarely seen Dumbledore this way, but it inspired him to tackle what lay ahead.
"We will succeed in this, Harry, we must." he said, and Harry felt a surge of determination that could not be broken. "I will count to three again. One ... two ... three ... Legilimens!"
This time it was different. This time when Harry built the barriers up in his mind, they were five times thicker than before. Harry pictured the spell hitting the barrier, but instead of penetrating it, it was stopped and reduced to smoke. Dumbledore tried it again, and again Harry was able to stop it. On Dumbledore's third attempt, Harry didn't even let the spell get anywhere near his mind; he stopped it from a distance and it dissolved into nothing.
Harry's mind was reeling; he finally knew what to do. He felt more powerful than he had ever felt before. He actually jumped in the air whooping with delight at his success.
"Yes, Harry," Dumbledore cheered. "I knew you could do it!" The widest smile Harry could ever remember Dumbledore wearing was across his face as he looked at Harry, beaming with pride.
Harry left Dumbledore feeling more confident than he could ever remember feeling before. That night as he tiptoed past the sleeping Ron, Neville, Dean, and Seamus and into his own four-poster, Harry smiled to himself. Harry felt an emotion that he hadn't felt since he had lost Sirius last June. Hope.