Disclaimer: I do not own the creation of Harry Potter or anything to do with it. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.
20/04/14: I've made some slight changes to the end of Chapter Two, so those who have been reading from the start, please do take a moment to read over them if you have the chance. I explained the main part briefly in this chapter but it's all in Chapter Two to those of you who'd want the full details.
Slightly longer chapter to make up for the gap!
Chapter Eleven: Pre-CPC
...
Professor Markel walked through the corridors relatively at ease at one in the morning, as he made his way to the seventh floor. There was no need for suspicion or curious questions as he walked up the stairs, seeing as he was the one on patrol after curfew. Yes, curfew check-ups did indeed finish at midnight, but Markel strongly doubted anyone would wonder what he was doing.
See, that was the beautiful thing about William Markel, almost no one knew about him or his background. All wizards and witches saw from him were Outstanding Levels in his OWLS and NEWTS, then a young man who moved to Ireland for ten years to train further. It was only after he heard of You Know Who's return whilst sitting on the Irish Knight Bus, did he decide to return and really begin his optimum career.
Markel walked back and forth in front of the Room of Requirement, thinking calmly for what he needed and luckily the room door appeared almost immediately. It was not hard to find the large vanishing cabinet he was looking for. It was incredibly large black object, with rims of gold.
Hormonia Nectere Passus.
Two hours later, Markel smiled to himself at his hard work into the night. This won't take long, he thought to himself satisfactorily, two months maximum – and they will not know what's hit them.
...
Hermione and Ron's budding relationship had been more of a benefit for Harry rather than a difficulty so far; it allowed Harry to remain in the shadows, continue with his school work and it prevented any questions regarding his unusual quietening. His teachers were pleased by his sudden deep interest in all his subjects, particularly Professor McGonagall as Harry began showing a huge improvement in his transfiguration skills. He was awarded 15 points to Gryffindor in his second week for successfully carrying out the 'duro' spell three consecutive times, turning all three objects into stone. More importantly for Harry, McGonagall had given him a rare smile for his hard work, and a very short pat on the back. Harry was most certainly pleased to know his magic hadn't been affected by the concealment charms.
Ginny had taken to sitting with the trio during meal times and occasionally in the common room, but Harry wasn't too fussed either; she was an equally hard worker, and it helped Harry feel much less like a third wheel when it came to hanging out with Ron and Hermione. He was aware, however, and slightly uncomfortable by the frequent glances he received from her when it was clear he wasn't eating nearly as much as the others were, or the obvious fact he retreated from conversation a little too often. Nevertheless, Ginny kept quiet, settling to ignore this change in Harry, than cause a problem. Harry assumed she believed it was due to the events of last year at the ministry and having lost Sirius, and was serenely grateful for her silence.
Despite the three-day healing balm as well as the treatment Snape had performed on Harry two weeks ago, he was far from healed. Harry still felt a tad jittery now and again on top of feeling constantly achy but there wasn't really much he could do; and he most certainly didn't want to visit Madame Pomfrey earlier than he had to.
It was during lunch on Monday Harry received a note from the staff table.
To Harry Potter,
I am unable to attend our Occlumency lesson this evening, so do not come wondering into my office at 7pm. It shall be rearranged for Wednesday at 5pm; an hour before your CPC. Ensure you are free.
Professor Snape
Harry frowned, looking up at the staff table but there was no change in expression from his Potions professor.
"What's a CPC Harry?" asked Ron, peering over the letter. Harry quickly scrunched it up and placed it in his pocket before Hermione could take interest.
"Oh I dunno," Harry thought quickly, "Some new thing Snape wants to try out for the lesson." Luckily Ron bought it, nodding, and went back to his roast chicken.
"Oh yes; how are your lessons going Harry?" asked Hermione, putting down her knife and fork, "You've had two so far, is that correct?"
"That's right. Good actually; I don't think it's going to be the same as before; new method and that." replied Harry playing with his food with his fork.
"Well it makes sense really if the original technique didn't work out; after the blunder at the Minis-" but at the dark shadow that crossed Harry's face, Hermione faltered and continued quickly, "Things work differently for everyone."
"What's he making you do?" asked Ron.
"A lot of imagery at the moment. Forming mental defences," said Harry, "I think we're starting really slow. I don't see how picturing a dark room is going to do anything at the moment."
"I think you should follow what he's doing - whatever you may think Harry; you've got to start putting trust in adults," Hermione said a little condescendingly. Harry felt a stab of annoyance at her unreasonable comment and tone, but merely nodded rather than give a starchy retort.
Harry had indeed been practising picturing his room every night before sleeping. At first the boys, had laughed at him for sitting there with his eyes closed and apparently moving his arms around. Seamus had even asked him if he had taken up yoga. But after explaining as briefly as possible it helps him protect his mind from certain nightmares the boys had shut up. Neville, apart from Ron, had been the only one not to laugh, merely smiling encouragingly at Harry. He had been there at the ministry that night, and he was one of the few that understood just how serious being protected was.
It was amazing just how much Neville had picked up ever since that frightful occasion. Harry and Neville had begun working in pairs during DADA lessons, now that Hermione and Ron tended to pair up. The concentration and dedication Neville was showing was simply brilliant. Even stern Professor Markel had complimented Neville for his unwavering application to the subject matter. Speaking of Professor Markel, Harry had completely forgotten to inform Hermione about what Seamus had told him on the first night back at Hogwarts.
"Hermione, remember how happy the Slytherin's were when Markel was announced? It wasn't anything in the end, he was just-"
"-Ex Hogwarts student and Head of Slytherin, yes I know. Pansy was fawning over him in the girl's lavatories a couple of days ago."
"Right," said Harry nodding.
"Finally – a Defence teacher that doesn't have it in for you Harry," said Ron grinning.
"Apart from Professor Lupin," Ginny corrected him, seating herself next to Harry. She had been doing that a lot lately; ever since her break up with Dean and Harry wasn't too sure what to make of it. Whilst Harry most certainly agreed with the rest of the male population of Hogwarts that Ginny was a ridiculously attractive girl, he also understood that someone like Ginny would never go for Harry, if she knew what he was really like. If only she knew just how pathetic he thought he really was. Not to mention she was Ron's sister. No, Ginny was out of question.
"Hey Ginny, how's the OWLs going?" smiled Hermione, propping herself up next to Ron who was still finishing his lunch obliviously.
"Not too bad so far; just had Snape – he was in a vile mood. My potion was this close from perfect," she demonstrated a small estimation with her finger and thumb, "and he cleared away the whole damn thing! Ugly bastard."
Harry felt an odd sense of defence towards Snape, "He's not that unreasonable. There must have been a reason right?" he blurted out.
All three pairs of eyes fell on him in shock. Ginny placed her right hand over his forehead in mock distress and he felt himself blushing slightly at her touch.
"Harry? Defending Snape?! Let me check. Nope. No temperature. Maybe he's been put under the Imperius after those private lessons."
Harry grabbed her hand and placed it down on her lap, holding it just a fraction too long, despite his earlier resolve, before letting go. Her eyes caught his and Harry found himself looking back at her, half defiantly.
"I'm just saying – well, you're intelligent right – the teachers are obviously going to push you to be perfect; what's to say Snape's not going to expect any less?" Ginny merely smiled in response.
"Nice save Harry," commented Hermione, a little too knowingly.
...
All too quickly Wednesday evening arrived.
"I will know if you haven't practised this week Potter." said Snape menacingly, after watching Harry sit at his couch and clear his mind for twenty minutes.
"I have Sir." replied Harry through gritted teeth. It was nerve-racking enough knowing that in less than an hour he was heading off to the infirmary and have his abuse in the open air, without having to be aware that Snape was literally about to attack his mind and attempt to break down his almost perfected room sized cupboard.
"Potter I am not planning on entering your mind today. That is why I only needed this next half an hour with you rather than the usual two hour session. I am now going to answer the question you asked last week." Truth be told, Severus was well aware that the Conference that was about to be held for Potter was going to be rather stressful, and he didn't want to bring up any memories that could firstly, influence his answers, or secondly, bring about any added stress. Once again, Severus wasn't sure why he even cared for Potter's wellbeing, the brat was about to be handed over to higher authorities and the boy would be out of his hair for good. It finally no longer had to be just his secret to dwell on like he had been a little too often recently.
"What was the question?" asked Harry, trying to remember what he asked Snape.
"Inept as always; are these lessons just as much a waste of your time as they are mine? Try to remember what we did last week!"
"I do remember Professor Snape! I remember exactly what we did; I just can't remember one single question I asked you – is it really that big of a deal?"
Severus kept quiet, knowing he was being a little too harsh on the boy. Potter would have been a true idiot not to have genuinely started practising clearing and forming his mind again this past week.
"Describe to me what you have in your wardrobe so far."
"Cupboard, Sir," he corrected. "It's just a pitch black room with a single bolt door. But it's a magical door that will only open at my touch. I've given myself a window in which I can see the outside but no one can see inside. But I'm not sure what I should be looking at to be honest," admitted Harry.
"You merely asked me last week what form of memories you can conjure. This form of Occlumency is not like how one would repel dementors, thinking up a happy memory, and so on. This is about creating something physical within your mind; something to resort to in times of stress or anxiety. So the memories you create may be based on real ones, but they will be in a wholly different place all together; your safe room – or cupboard as you put it. I am aware you enjoy flying?"
Harry nodded, listening intently. Severus bit back the temptation to make a scathing remark about his skills in relation to James Potter. Staying strictly professional, he replied, "Indeed. I would like you to try and focus on picturing a broom in your little room. Is it in the middle of the floor, on the side or leaning against the wall? Can you see it or is the room too opaque? Perhaps a small lamp on a table next to your broom so you aware of the positioning, and ensure it does not change where you keep it. Stability is necessary and simply essential for this. You will require a socket point, if this is a muggle room, or are you happy with match sticks? What size is the table – circular or square?"
Harry kept his eyes closed, thinking hard. "It's my firebolt and it is leaning against the left hand side of the room, closest to the door. I won't be able to see it without the lamp, so I choose a muggle sort of room. Electric is so much easier than matchsticks. It's a circular table, with a small circumference, no bigger diameter than the length of my arm. But I can't fly inside the cupboard room Sir, it's too small."
"Taking the easy way out Potter, using electricity for light yet a magic for a door? Well, you were unsure on what to picture through your window - Perhaps once you leave your door you enter a field. You need to think detail, constant details. What season is it outside, how clear is the sky and how green is the grass? You can pick up your broomstick and fly, but never too far away from the room so you may always come back. At any point you may always return. Remember, the number one priority here is safety. This is a safe room – or safe cupboard room as you like.
"That sounds good. I think I'm going to need a little more time to picture outside, if that's okay with you? It's just there's a lot more to take into account. But I like the idea that security takes precedence over everything here. Can we try more of inside instead for now?"
Severus understood Harry's point and therefore did not press on continuing to form outside. "Very well; what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time Potter?" he said, a little warily.
Harry pinched his face as he thought hard. He enjoyed flying, there was no doubt about that. He also enjoyed treacle tart but Harry doubted that would be a sufficient answer. Then it came to him easily. He gulped slightly before speaking, aware of how embarrassing this revelation was.
"I- um- Cooking. Yeah, I enjoy cooking."
"You enjoy cooking." stated Snape in response.
"Yes; so what if a bloke enjoys cooking?" retorted Harry, a little defensively.
"Nothing at all; your mother enjoyed cooking," said Snape absently before it hit him what he said.
"Really? What did she like cooking?" asked Harry, too eager to know more about his mother than to care that it was Snape he was discussing this with.
Snape looked down at the boy, his hopeless expression rendering him incapable of a nasty response. "Everything," he found himself saying instead, "but she was particularly good at baking. She was wonderful at hot cross buns. But, as you enjoy cooking, perhaps a connected room with a kitchen for you to prepare food? Perhaps a 'magical fridge' just like your 'magical door' that will rejuvenate every time you finished your supplies. Again, this will take plenty of time. So perhaps it is time to leave your planning here for now."
"Yes Sir." Harry was glad Snape wasn't unreasonable enough to make him explain details immediately.
"Remember Potter, this is your safe room, your mind palace, and it can be whatever you wish for it to be. If you wish to add anything else, feel free to do so, but I will be expecting strong intrinsic details on every single part. Your cupboard room must be perfected before we move onto the next stage of mind protection. Now I believe you have somewhere to be in less than ten minutes. Are you prepared?"
Harry decided to answer truthfully. "No. I have no idea what to expect."
"Madame Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall, as your Head of House, will be there to take you through it; it will be strictly professional of course, though I do expect them to be slightly surprised to see you instead of perhaps a younger pupil. Obviously I deemed it best to keep them in the dark until the last minute, to ensure no last minute trips to the Headmaster or the risk of it becoming public before a formal conference. I have written a report for what I encountered two weeks back, but that may only be read in front of you so you can confirm the details; now that you are above the age of 15, the rules become slightly different."
Wait aren't you coming?" asked Harry.
"No; why would I be?" Harry blanched slightly at Snape's response as he felt his blood turn cold. It sounded so much more real now this was literally happening. People were about to find out. People he'd spent the past five years were about to discover just how weak and vulnerable he truly was. He feared the looks on their faces. Disgust or pity? Harry wasn't too sure which one would be worse. He felt himself shaking slightly, and also felt very grateful that he skipped lunch.
"Can you?" Harry blurted out before he could stop himself - the words came out before he had even intended them to. He felt his neck catch fire with the heat of mortification.
Severus glanced down at the all too self-conscious boy in front of him. Potter wanted to him to be there? Surely he must be desperate. If truth be told, it would probably be better Severus being there, as he was the one who had discovered the abuse in the first place. But did he really want to be? Did he want to see the medi-witch perform tests over Lily's son, only to discover it may have been worse than he had originally thought it to be? Surely it would be better to back out now, while he still had the chance. All he had initially intended to was ensure Potter did not return to the Dursley's, and Severus wasn't too sure how he felt about any further involvement. But looking down at the unruly Gryffindor, so needy for someone to be there that already knew, Severus unfortunately understood what he had to do.
"Very well; we can take a short cut to the Infirmary." Severus nodded and opened the door for Harry, very briefly placing his hand on his shoulder as he led the way out.
...
Chapter End
Thanks to Murgy31, Witchy-Raven, vernieklein, Allie Danger, sohrem666, Guests, hptotes and IAmAFantasyFan for all your kind reviews.
I promise the Child Protection Conference takes place next chapter! If anyone has any particular scenes they have pictured in mind that they would quite like added, add it in a review and I'll see what I can do!
…And I'll try and get the chapter out faster if I get enough reviews to encourage me!
Comments, compliments and critique all equally welcome.
Happy Easter all!
Best wishes
Raiise