48 Monday, November 25th

Noelle couldn't believe how fast time was flying. Already it was almost Christmastime. Her second favorite time of the year. Not much else was happening during the month of November, nothing outside the norm anyways.

In Herbology, the class was learning about the Shrivelfig plant. It was a fascinating plant, Noelle thought, with powerful potion properties. It was used to make a shrinking solution, but also, Noelle rolled her eyes thinking about it, could be used for an Elixir to induce euphoria.

"Now class, due to the Shrivelfig's aggressive root system, this plant can weather many seasons, including winter's snow." Professor Sprout went on to describe the various appearances of shrivelfig throughout the seasons and the leaves' medicinal properties.

It was nearly the conclusion of class when the Professor stopped, looking startled. "Headmaster sir."

Noelle turned to see Dumbledore just beyond the door to the greenhouse, standing as though he had been there for some time. He straightened and nodded in acknowledgement to the Professor. "Might I borrow Ms. Lestrange?"

Professor Sprout looked at her curiously and then nodded to the headmaster. "We were actually just finishing sir. Off you go Ms. Lestrange."

Feeling all eyes on her, Noelle shyly walked over to the Headmaster, picking up her book along the way. "Sir?"

"Walk with me." He said simply, turning to go.

They walked in silence for some time, making it to the great staircase.

"McGonagall told me about your lessons." He finally spoke up. "Did you enjoy them?"

Noelle was still unsure where this was going. "Yes… Queenie is a very good teacher. But it was more out of necessity."

He nodded. "True. And now I find that there is more you must be taught."
Noelle raised an eyebrow, thoughts whirling, but she stayed silent. By now they had reached the eagle that led to Dumbledore's office. Noelle had been there the one time before, on accident, but now it felt more real, seeing it at Dumbledore's request.

Once they had reached a place no one else could hear them, he began again. "There is something called Occlumency… Have you heard of it?" He stopped in front of his desk. Noelle shook her head and he continued. "It is the act of closing one's mind against a legilimens like yourself, or someone who knows the spell. When perfected, one can even put up a faux layer of thoughts that the legilimens will see and perceive instead." His voice was calming and Noelle felt herself relaxing.

"So it's the opposite of what I've been learning then?"

"One might say that, but the two go hand in hand. For someone such as yourself, with your particular skill set, I believe should know how to perform occlumency."

As he said this, Noelle realized she could hear nothing from Dumbledore, even on trying to reach out with her mind. So he was a Occlumens then. This thought expanded upon itself and before she could change her mind, she spoke the thought aloud.

"Sir?" She began. Dumbledore leaned back against his desk and raised his eyebrows. "Did Harry learn this?"

He looked at her thoughtfully. "You're awfully perceptive Ms. Lestrange… I regret that I have been otherwise occupied these past years, and have only recently taken a greater interest in your abilities. But yes. Mr. Potter did learn occlumency, though, not from me."

Noelle nodded and then shook herself, looking at him in the eye. "I would like to learn."

Dumbledore nodded, smiling. "I thought you might. Our lessons, though few in number I imagine, will consist of me trying to infiltrate your mind's defenses. Your job then, is to try and clear your mind and resist me. Once we have reached that point, we will work on putting up a false layer of thought." He straightened, pulling his wand out of his sleeve. "Are you ready to begin?"