A/N: Sorry this took so long, but it is actually an introduction to the next chapter, and I couldn't quite figure out what I wanted to do with it. All characters belong to Ms. Rowling, and WB, and Scholastic, and whoever else. I'm just playing for my own amusement.

A/N 2: Thanks to my beta, Jestana. She keeps me in line with canon, so I don't mess up.

Chapter Eleven: If You're Going to Get Out of a Hole

Over the next several months, Dorian and Hermione met once or twice a month. Hermione used the professor as a safety valve, and a support. When her view of herself as a competent witch started to flag due to comments from some of the Slytherins, she would go to see Dorian, and he would reinforce her feelings of competence. Gradually, the meetings became less frequent as her feelings of competence became more securely grounded. Dorian breathed a sigh of relief. Having Hermione view him as a trusted advisor was wonderful in some ways, but very challenging in other ways. His task with her was done, basically.

However, his extra lessons with Harry were not going well.

Harry was attentive, and did what Dorian wanted him to do. The advanced techniques he was being taught he executed very well. But, there was no fire, no enthusiasm, no passion. He never argued with Dorian, even if he got insulting or overly demanding. The only time Harry showed any real emotion was when Dorian told him they were going to resume Harry's Occlumency lessons.

"Why?"

"Professor Dumbledore believes this could help you block some of the visions you are having. I know you have had problems with Professor Snape, and I hope I can work with you a little easier."

"I don't want to do this. Can you just give me a book to read, or something?" Harry was obviously uncomfortable with the subject.

"Certainly I can give you a book, but you will still need to practice the skills you will learn from the book."

"Why can't Professor Dumbledore teach me?"

"The Headmaster has taken on enough as it is. He is doing his work for the school, overseeing the Order of the Phoenix, he's a member of the Wizengamot, and he's trying to keep Minister Fudge from doing anything too catastrophic to our society. He cannot give you the time and attention this subject requires. He asked me to do it in his stead."

Harry heaved a sigh. "Oh, all right."

Dorian was tempted to be sarcastic, but restrained himself. His reactions to Harry were starting to revert to the way he was at this time. He couldn't allow those to take supremacy, or he would lose the chance to help.

"I will give you a couple of books to read. They will explain some of the basic concepts of Occlumency, and give you some exercises to do as a start. In a week, I want to talk to you about what you learned. I will also give you some more advanced exercises at that time."

"Very well. Do we need to keep practicing?"

"No. This is all for tonight. I will see you in two days for more training."

"See you." With that, Harry left the Defense classroom.

Once Harry left, Dorian threw a book at the closed door, giving in to his frustration. Harry had totally shut down, and Dorian couldn't figure out how to get him to open up again. The only idea that came to mind was risky, because if Harry lost control of his magic, there might be a destroyed classroom to repair afterwards. However, it was the only thing Dorian had been able to come up with. He better warn Albus beforehand.