Author's Note: Back due to popular demand. Sorry if I kept you all waiting, but I had the worst time with Paul. He just wouldn't come out, so if he seems a little off, there is a reason. Do let me know how I am doing. All I have are character sketches and Sylvia, who is currently hiding in her bedroom, ignoring her writing completely. She'll probably kill me for telling you that, but whenever I mention writing, she gets a glazed look on her face and mumbles something about witness protection, whatever that means. So, I have had absolutely no help from her this time round, except for her character sketches. Oh well.

"Hi, Harry. How are you today?" Harry flopped onto the sofa and settled into a comfortable position.

"I'm fine. Harry said, toying with one of the pillows on the couch.

"Let's try this again. How are you?" Harry shrugged.

"Rested, I guess. I don't really know what you want to know." Harry said, tossing a pillow in the air and catching it.

"That'll work for now. I finished reading the Occlumency book last night." Paul took it off his desk and opened it. "The introduction was trying, as it spoke of nothing but how important Occlumency is. It wasn't until I was halfway through the book that I figured out that it was a lot like meditation." Harry looked up.

"Meditation? That's it?" Paul nodded. "Wow." Paul smirked and shook his head.

"Luckily, I know how to meditate and am willing to teach you, if you want me to." Harry smiled.

"That would be great, Paul." Harry said. Paul sat back and put the book baco on his desk. "How do we start?" Paul leaned forward.

"First, get comfortable. I'm going to turn the lights down just the slightest bit." Harry nodded. Paul reached over to the dimmer switch and turned the lights down. "Meditation requires patience, so don't expect to get this right away. Understand?" He asked.

"Okay." Harry rearranged himself on the couch. "Now what?"

"Close your eyes." Harry looked a bit doubtful, but closed them. "Stay relaxed." Harry relaxed again and waited for Paul to continue. "Focus on your breathing, Harry. Feel the way it goes in and out." Harry did as instructed. In. Out. In. Out. "If you have any thoughts or feelings come in your mind, acknowledge them and then return your attention to your breathing. Harry nodded and took another breath. This isn't so hard. Harry acknowledged it and went back to his breathing. Why don't they teach this at Hogwarts? Acknowledged. In. Out. I wonder if I could teach this to Ron? Acknowledged. In. Out. Harry spent a while on his breathing, just in and out like Paul had said.

"Harry? You still with me, buddy?" Harry opened his eyes and blinked.

"Yeah, I am. That was relaxing." Paul smiled at Harry and handed over the Occlumency book.

"I'm glad you think so. We'll do some everyday. Practice every night before bed. It might help. Any thoughts during it?"

"Yes. Three." Paul nodded in approval.

"Not bad, not bad at all." He said. "You'll get it without a problem, I'm sure." Paul picked up a paper. "I have a report from Sky about your schoolwork." Harry looked up. "She says you're not interested." Paul paused, waiting for a response. "Want to tell me why?" Paul asked. Harry shrugged.

"It's not like I'm going to be here for long anyway. Dumbledore will find out I'm not in my aunt's house and he'll show up here in all his wizarding glory to take me back to Hogwarts." Harry answered. Paul nodded, encouraging Harry to go on. Harry didn't.

"Do you want Dumbledore to find you?" Harry nodded yes.

"Would you want to be here?" Paul let it slide. Everyone resented being at the hospital at first. Harry was no different.

"Yesterday, you didn't sound too sure about how you felt about Dumbledore, and now you want him to find you. Conflicting views, Harry." Harry shrugged. "Is it a desire to be away from here, or to be back with him?"

"Away from here." Paul sat back and steepled his fingers.

"That's understandable." Harry stared at him.

"What?" Paul kept a comment about eloquence to himself and smiled at Harry.

"It seems that as much as you dislike this Dumbledore person, you see him as the lesser of the two evils in this situation. You don't want to be here, but you don't necessarily want to be with him either. If Voldemort stepped in here and offered to take you out of the hospital, would you accept his offer?" Harry face clearly questioned Paul's sanity.

"No." Harry said with a small shudder.

"See. You view this place as the lesser of the two evils in that situation." Harry shrugged, trying to tell Paul he didn't really care. "Now, about your schoolwork." Harry looked up again.

"I told you. That doesn't really apply to me." Harry said, slightly exasperated. "Dumbledore will find me eventually."

"I know, I know. Weird headmaster. How about we make a deal?" Harry looked the epitome of skeptic. "You get to add some classes you would like to take, and may not be able to take at your school, and for that, you at least maintain average in the other classes." Harry folded his arms and bowed his head to think. What could it hurt? There were some classes here that Harry could not get anywhere else. Classes weren't bad, but he hated starting something he couldn't finish. It gnawed at him and wouldn't leave him alone until he did complete it. Then again, he could see Paul's argument. It kept him busy, that was for sure.

"Okay." Harry agreed. Paul gave him a wide smile and pulled out a class list.

"Anything in particular that you want to study?" Harry looked at the class list.

"You have foreign languages?" He asked. Paul flipped to the right page and pointed. Hmm, toss up between French and Spanish. He chewed his bottom lip. "Spanish." He told Paul. Paul wrote it down and paused.

"You've already joined the art club, so no art classes are needed. Same thing, really. How about a physical education class?" Harry gaped at him.

"You mean running laps and push-ups? No way." Paul smirked and shook his head.

"Why don't we go check it out now? There's a class starting in just a few minutes. Once you see what it is, you can decide to run for the hills or not." Harry sighed and agreed. After all, it was best to give everything a chance at least once, unless you were being held against your will in a Muggle mental hospital. Paul returned Harry's Occlumency book and stood up. Harry followed. "Harry, if I ask for your opinion in the future, I fully expect you to give it to me, even if you feel I won't approve of what you have to say." Harry looked up at him. "Try to think of me as a friend, someone you can say anything to and expect them to accept it." Paul noticed Harry thinking hard.

"Even if I say that I hate it here?" Harry asked. Paul smiled.

"Yes! Even if you say you hate it here. I won't take offense to your feelings, buddy. Feel free to do everything but insult my intelligence. Ignorance, especially in your case, will happen. Just fill me in on what I am missing. I'm still here for you, not for what you think will make me happy." Harry considered this information. He could say anything, no matter what? Well, he had seen it in action the day before, when he had talked about Voldemort and the dreams. That hadn't been awkward. It just happened.

"I'll try." Harry whispered, promising to do his best. Paul sounded so much like…do NOT think about it!

"That's all I ask." Paul answered. He launched into the history of the school, outlining the noble ideas of the trustees. Harry listened half-heartedly, working hard to not think about something he was afraid to even face in his nightmares. "Here we are." Harry looked up and blinked. He had been deep in thought. "It looks like the class is warming up." Paul opened the door and Harry followed him inside. Harry took in the clothes, the floor, the mats, and realized that he knew what this was. It was a martial arts class of some kind. He had no idea what style it was, but he did have a vague idea that he would absolutely love this class. Wait a minute. Girls!

Harry had known that there were girls in the school, but their floors were on the opposite side of the school. They didn't really interact, as classes were not co-educational. He had really only seen girls in the dining hall, and then he had stayed with his own floor, as had everyone else. Were the girls allowed to have this class with the boys? Yes, they were. A whole mess of boys came from a door and stood beside the girls. Wow. Harry looked over to Paul to find the man talking to a man in the uniform. The man looked over at Harry, as though he knew that Harry had been staring. Harry dropped his eyes out of instinct, finding the floor fascinating. Some kind of straw mats, hmm. Snape could take a few lessons from this guy.

"This is Evan." Paul said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Harry looked up and offered his hand as Paul introduced him. "Evan, Sensei Leonard."

"You've been in fights before." It wasn't a question. Harry blinked. How in the world had he known? "You play a sport. One that makes impact with the ground. You have an odd callous on your right hand." Sensei Leonard circled him. "Hmm. That's interesting. You start tomorrow." With those words, Sensei Leonard walked away. Harry stared after him, wondering what had just happened. He looked to Paul for explanation.

"His nickname among the staff is Holmes for good reason." He told Harry, leading him out of the room.

"Holmes?" Harry questioned. That sounded familiar, but he couldn't figure out why. He hadn't heard that in years.

"Sherlock Holmes." It clicked then.

"The detective?" Paul nodded.

"One in the same. Look him up next time you're in the library. I think you'll like him. He has odd little quirks." Harry thought that knowing about his 'little quirks' might improve his chances with Sensei Leonard. "Remember your journal writing?" Harry nodded. "I want you to keep up with it." Paul told him. "Use it before and after your meditation." Harry stopped.

"Why?" He asked.

"Just humor me. I think it will help you to figure some things out. Try it for, oh, two weeks, and then if it doesn't work, you can stop." Harry decided that that wasn't too unreasonable.

"Okay." Harry agreed. Paul cleared his throat. Harry raised an eyebrow.

"If you ever feel particularly distressed about anything, make a note of it and tell me about it. If it's bad enough, send someone for me. I've got your back while you're here."

I've got your back. Someone to watch his back, to help him, protect him, defend him. It sounded like the Defense Association. His breath caught while he fought down memories he didn't want to remember. He couldn't remember. "Hey, buddy?" Harry took a deep breath and looked up. "Where did you go?" Harry shook his head.

"No where." Paul sighed. He wouldn't get anything else out of Harry right now.

"Alright. Your literature class is going to be starting soon." Harry nodded and went towards his classroom. Literature would take his mind off things. Literature was safe. Paul watched him go, a small frown on his face. Something had upset Harry. Paul had no idea what it was and it bothered him. How was he going to get through to him?

Harry sat in class and tried to focus. The lecture was not helping at all. He almost cheered aloud when the teacher told them they could read silently for the rest of the period. He took out a fresh sheet of paper. He would write to Hermione.

Dear Hermione,

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I may never be able to repay you enough for your visit and the Occlumency book. Tell your mother thanks for the brownies. I gave one to Paul, but please don't tell her. She might kill me. Paul and I made a deal about my classes. Basically, I agree to apply myself in all of them, and I get to take classes I want to take. I added Spanish and a martial arts class. Want to know something really strange (well, as strange as a wizard and witch will find it)? The teacher knew that I had been in fights before and that I played a sport that had a lot of crashing into the ground. Freaky, huh? Paul says his nickname is "Holmes", though I doubt anyone would attempt to call that to his face. Snape could take lessons on intimidation from this man. I wonder how he knew? Don't worry, I'm writing in the journal you gave me. Paul loves the idea and wants to continue. It's actually kind of relaxing. Paul read the Occlumency book (I hope you don't mind that he got to read it before you) and said it was a lot like meditation. He's teaching me now. I have to practice before I go to sleep. Sound familiar? I will practice. Paul is not Snape. Is there any chance of you contacting the old crowd and telling them where I am? Please write back soon.

Love,

Harry

Three days later…

Dear Hermione,

This is going to be a short letter. I will write you one soon, but I'm about to leave the house and Mum's screaming at me to hurry up. Dumbledore sent me a letter, telling me that I've been accepted to a Summer Studies program at Hogwarts. The explanatory letter mentions that I'm going to be learning advanced Defense spells and teamwork and a few other things I really shouldn't mention. I'm surprised you didn't get one too. I'm disappointed that neither you nor Harry will be there. I've got to go now, but I'll write back when I have more information about what, exactly, I will be doing. Oh, geez, Mum's having kittens!

Bye!

Ron

Hermione stared at the letter she had just received. Summer studies program? Hogwarts didn't usually offer such a thing, she was sure of it. Summer studies only happened under certain circumstances. She plucked her copy of Hogwarts: A History off the shelf and looked at the index. Summer studies. She turned to the correct page.

The Summer Studies is a rare occurrence in the school. This program is usually offered during times of great stress, such as war or epidemics. The most popular time is during war, as this allows the staff of Hogwarts to teach advanced techniques that may save lives and the school. This happened last during the war against the Dark Lord Grindelwald. The students are usually chosen by the headmaster or the deputy and for specific reasons and purposes. Not much is known about the program. Further inquiries should be sent to the headmaster of Hogwarts.

Hermione scowled. Not much help there. Why would the Summer Studies program start up now? "Think, Hermione!" She stood and paced her room. Summer studies programs only happened during time of war or epidemics. "Okay, anything that threatens both muggle and wizard communities." She turned and paced the other way. "So, there must be something that children can do that adult wizards cannot in this current war. What would that be?" She paced the other way, trying to figure it out. "Something children can do but adult wizards cannot. There isn't much." She threw herself onto her bed and looked up at the ceiling. Her glow in the dark stars decorated the ceiling, reminding her of the descriptions of Firenze's classroom. "What can children do that adults can not?" She mumbled, feet on the wall while her hair hung off the edge of the bed. "Something children can do but adults cannot." She folded her hands on her stomach and sighed.

"Hermione?" She looked over to her door to see her mother standing there. "Something the matter, dear?" Hermione rolled off her bed and stood up.

"Is there something that children can do that adults cannot?" Her mother blinked in surprise.

"There are a number of things that children can do that adults cannot. Why do you ask?" She came in and sat down on the bed, pulling Hermione down with her.

"Ron sent me a letter about a Summer Studies program. The only time that the school holds these is during times of danger. You know that there is a war going on, I told you that." Dr. Granger nodded. "Well, logic is saying that there is something that is going on that children wizards can do that adult wizards cannot. I can't figure out what it is. What do you know of?" Hermione asked.

"Well, let's see. Children tell the truth at the most inopportune times." Dr. Granger said, smiling at her daughter. "They see things others don't, especially adults. They have an intuitive sense about them, especially when they know someone is looking for them. They are usually overlooked by even the most observant. Underestimated, I'm sure. Children bring out the best and worst in people. I think that's about it. Did it help?" She asked, putting an arm around Hermione.

"I'm not sure yet. I'll let you know. Thanks, Mum." Dr. Granger nodded.

"Not a problem, dear. Oh, you received a letter from Harry in the post." Hermione smiled and thanked her mother, ripping the envelope open. She pulled out the sheet of notebook and smiled. "If he wants anything, just let me know. I'll be downstairs."

"Okay, Mum. Thanks." Hermione read the letter through once. She giggled at the description of the martial arts teacher. Holmes? That she had to witness for herself. Nope, no chance of her contacting the Order, sorry, Harry. Snape taking lessons. That was funny. She hopped off her bed and went to the desk to reply to Harry's letter. She was halfway done when her head snapped up. "That's it!"

Author's Note: Again, waiting patiently for your feedback. I hope you liked it.