DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 16

Occlumency

Remus stuttered. "Right, well, I might have left that part out ..."

Mikhail eyed Remus closely. He could sense the apprehension, the determination, and the down right fear Remus was emanating. "Relax my old friend, although I wish I had been better prepared, I understand your reluctance ... You do realize you certainly have chosen a difficult path for yourself?"

Remus appeared hopeful. "So you'll help?"

"Yes. I will as much as I am able. However, we are going to need someone with a bit of talent to test him at some point, as I cannot. Given the nature of the attacks, it will be necessary."

Remus heaved in relief. He knew Harry needed this training as soon as possible. It was essential; having your head broken into, so to speak, by a dark lord every so often was definitely not good for his well being. The distress was certainly not worth the occasional information it provided.

Remus smiled mischievously at his friend. "So how are your potions making skills?"


Harry, on the other hand, was reluctant to begin Occlumency training. Yet, one look at Remus' hopeful face was enough to have him muster some of that Gryffindor courage and try. Harry was pleasantly surprised at the difference in the teaching methods, as well as Mikhail's honesty. He told him straight out that he was a werewolf. Something not even Remus had done. Then again, Mikhail knew he accepted Remus so that may be why he was so upfront. Because he was a werewolf, he no longer had the ability to use Occlumency or Legilimency, apparently these skills was hindered by the natural instincts of the wolf. In spite of this, Mikhail did have extensive training, and had even taught these skills before; he felt he could give Harry sufficient knowledge in these areas. Harry was relieved that the methods would be different and no one would be breaking into his mind on a daily basis. So relieved in fact, he inadvertently let out a sigh.

Mikhail laughed. "I believe I can give you the basics. All the same, you will need to be tested by another who has skills in this area."

Harry frowned and mumbled something incoherent even to werewolf hearing.

Mikhail laughed again. "Would you rather face Voldemort with untested and perhaps unreliable skills?"

Harry was impressed with his use of the name Voldemort but grumbled all the same. "No."

He stopped a moment then asked. "How can you teach me, if you do not have the skills yourself anymore?"

Mikhail smiled. "Excellent question, Harry. I do not agree with your former, hem, teacher, hem, in that these skills can be hammered into a student. These skills are true talents and thus must be nurtured from within. I rather think you'll find you will be much more open to this style of learning given your past experience with the subject."

Mikhail then went on to explain that the aptitude for Occlumency and Legilimency were within us all and therefore skill level was mostly subjective. Due to the severity of the attacks Harry faced, he would need to be tested but this would not be their focus. Rather, they would continue in the same manner he had taught most of his other students.

Mikhail began, "The art of Occlumency is a clear mind."

Harry growled.

Mikhail tried to hide his amusement. "It is the destination, my dear student, not the means of travel."

Mikhail subsequently reviewed several muggle meditation techniques with Harry as it was similar to the state of mind he would need to succeed in Occlumency. Harry was eager to learn these techniques, because he had heard of them before from some of the Karate shows Dudley watched on the tele and always wanted to know more about them. It also made much more sense to Harry then battering his brain. Then again, a dueling round with Voldemort was preferable to the battering his brain received during his last stint at Occlumency training.

Harry's strength definitely lay with action, so Mikhail suggested they try a visualization method first. He had Harry pick a place where he had always felt safe and secure and then create an image in his mind of that place. Harry was stunned by the speed at which the clearing at the Burrow where they played quidditch came to mind. Harry sat up straight, his legs crossed and his eyes closed. He concentrated on his breathing and when he could feel his body relax he set about making the image as Mikhail directed, trying to make it as detailed as possible. Eventually, he could see the grass in the clearing, the bushes that lined it and even the garden gnomes hiding beneath them. Satisfied with his image, he slowly let go of it.

"Excellent Harry." Mikhail exclaimed. "I rather thought this would take more time. Now, the important part ... you need to surround your special place. You need to build an impenetrable wall all around it. This will take time, my dear student, do not push yourself so. Let it come to you."

Harry began again attempting his visualization. He found the clearing much easier this time. He began slowly building walls around it. He chose the stone of Hogwart's walls as they reminded him of safety. He imagined the walls and roof charmed as the ceiling of the Great Hall was, so as to allow the brilliant sunlight to steam in. He fell out of his trance before completing his task. Mikhail commended him on his progress so far and asked that Harry try again when going to bed.

It took several days of work before Harry was comfortable with Occlumency practice. He did notice that the more practice he did the easier it because to enter his sanctuary. He also noticed somewhat begrudgingly that he had come to enjoy the training. He felt relaxed and refreshed after the training rather then the pain and exhaustion he felt after Snape's sessions. Mikhail also suggested he use these techniques for dealing with his anger and controlling his darker emotions.

Finally, Harry built his walls to what he felt was a sufficient degree. Mikhail then guided him through the final step. Harry needed to sort through his memories. He had to separate the ones that he wanted no one to see, from the ones that he did not want or need to hide. Then he needed to create a room, or dungeon, if you will, inside his barriers. In this room, he was to place all the memories that needed to be hidden. Should there be something he felt had to be hidden away even further, it could be placed within a box in the dungeon. Mikhail again reminded Harry that this took time and not to push himself.


Harry quickly settled into a training regimen. Mornings were spent with Mikhail on Occlumency and potions basics. Afternoons were spent with Remus on defense as well as charms and transfiguration spells which were useful in protection. Remus was pleased with the progress Harry was making. He seemed more approachable and even a bit relaxed. This was good but it made Remus apprehensive as he knew he would have to approach Harry about making some decisions soon.