Draco Malfoy had actually scheduled an appointment during Snape's office hours. His Slytherin Office Hours - no one in their right mind showed up to his Potions Office Hours with a question that wasn't directly related to the subject. Draco had often considered that Snape hated the Gryffindors because they never bothered to show up and ask any questions. So he had to spend class time defusing explosions instead of actually teaching. The Ravenclaws all insisted that they were about twenty potions ahead, and Draco'd seen the syllabus. Snape planned on that, every year.

Draco mentally checked himself, brushed his hands down his pants, and knocked on the door.

"Enter," Snape said, and Draco did, looking at Snape's straightening back - bent low as he worked on yet another homework assignment. Then his black eyes met Draco's grey.

Draco Malfoy shut the door, and met Professor Snape's eyes. "I need to learn Occulumancy, sir. Is there some way you could teach me?"

"Of course there are ways I could teach you, child." Snape said, "But before then, I have a few questions."

Draco Malfoy nodded.

"First, why?" Snape snapped.

"You know why," Draco Malfoy shot back.

"Emotions like those will reveal your mental state," Snape said, sounding perfectly bored.

Draco belatedly realized he'd walked into a subtle trap. "I'll have to learn, then."

"I have quite a number of things that could use a second set of eyes." Snape looked at Draco, who had the distinct feeling he was being measured - possibly for dinner.

"I'd be delighted to assist you on whatever you need." Draco Malfoy said.

"Really? Have you thought through what you're asking?" Snape said, standing up and striding - winding up behind Draco Malfoy before he was done speaking.

Draco Malfoy did not turn around, which would show weakness. "Yes, I believe so."

"I am a friend of your father's," Snape said, unnecessarily, "We have had a long and extensive friendship."

Draco Malfoy stood firm, letting Snape tower over him and talk with his mouth inches from Draco's ear.

"Your father was not under the Imperius Curse," Snape said harshly. Draco bit back whatever defense he'd have used if Potter had said so - this was Snape, and Snape knew. There was no way to deflect Fact.

"Neither was I." Snape said, striding around Draco, and looking him dead in the eyes.

Draco Malfoy did not blink, he merely nodded, his eyes fixed on Snape's the entire time.

"Are you still willing to pay any price I might ask?" Snape said, the look in his eyes cold.

"Yes, sir." Draco Malfoy said - knowing, in his heart of hearts, that the Dark Lord was returning, and this day, this moment, might be a rather significant commitment. Not that he was daft enough to think he wouldn't be branded if he turned down Snape.

"I trust you, sir," Draco Malfoy said firmly - though in his mind, it continued "more than Dumbledore."

"Then you are a fool." Snape said, his mouth turning into a craggy near-smile. "But a fool that shall be taught."

Draco left that day with three books and a quick primer on meditation. He was not to darken Snape's doorstep before he at least knew how to reach The Oneness.

[a/n: You did know this was coming, didn't you? Luckily, Draco's a quicker learner than Potter. Also, has more motivation. Leave a review?]