The next few weeks saw vast changes inside the castle. The holidays were approaching quickly and Hogwarts underwent its normal festive alterations. The normal twelve Christmas trees had been set up in the Great all and had been decorated amazingly. The suits of armor would break out into carols, and even Peeves had scaled back his pranks to get into the holiday spirit, though his carols weren't always so seasonal. Or appropriate.

Despite the decorations, the singing armor, and the knowledge that Christmas was coming, the mood about the castle was quite dark. First off, it seemed that Umbridge was passing a new rule almost everyday. Each new rule was obviously meant to restrict the students more and more. To make things worse, Umbridge had formed the Inquisitorial Squad, a group of students who had the power to assign detentions, and take away house points. In the first week alone, Gryffindor house had lost every single point, and was now in the negative, with absolutely no hope of securing the House championship.

Students often asked their teachers why Dumbledore was allowing Umbridge to pass her ridiculous rules. "Why doesn't he sack her?" was the inquiry most heard from teachers.

The answer was that simply, Umbridge had Cornelius Fudge backing her, and it seemed that Fudge had the Board of Governors in his pocket. What was worse, was that every new rule was the result of something that someone did or said in Umbridge's presence that she disagreed with. With every passing day, Umbridge's grip on the school was tightening. And it was mainly due to Draco Malfoy.

Draco had been made the leader of the Inquisitorial Squad. With his new power, Draco made it a point to terrorize the student population. Even older students did their best to avoid Malfoy, fearing he might send them to detention with Filch, or Worse, Umbridge herself. What was worse was how silly the reasons students were punished for.

Daphne Greengrass had landed a detention, her first ever, for holding hands with her boyfriend.

"What?" She screamed at Draco, who had his arms folded across his chest, sneering at the dark haired girl, and her boyfriend, Potter. They had arrived for their potions lesson, having met in the hall and queuing up outside the dungeon classroom.

"Don't you know the rules, Greengrass?" Draco said as Crabbe, Goyle and Nott stood behind their leader, chuckling. "It's against the rules to show affection publicly. That means no holding hands, No hugging, no kissing."

"That's insane!" Tracey Davis shouted.

"I'll be sure and let the High Inquisitor know your feelings on the matter." Draco said snidely. "You'll report to the High inquisitor tonight for detention. Seven o'clock."

Daphne was about to tell Malfoy what he could do with his detention, but before she could say anything further on the matter, the door opened and Snape ushered them in. The sallow skinned professor eyed Malfoy with something close to pride as the blonde walked past.

Daphne had worried about using the Blood quill, but welcomed it at the same time. Perhaps if she had been forced to use it, she would then have proof, and her father could do something about the atrocious little fat woman draped perpetually in pink.

However, she never saw the black quill.

"Inappropriate behavior with a member of the opposite sex. Is that truly anyway for a young witch from such an upstanding family act?" Umbridge asked Daphne that night at her detention. "I would thin someone with your upbringing could find a more suitable companion. One who is equal to you in class and status, Miss Greengrass."

"Forgive me, Professor." Daphne said coldly. "But is it not my choice whom I choose to be with?"

"Of course it is, my dear. But I would think you would aim a bit higher in your relationships. After all, it would likely be in your best interests to end your obviously teenage tryst with Mister Potter, and find and explore a more mature relationship with someone more to your station. I know your father well, dear, and I know he only wants what is best for you. Surely you can find a young man with more of a future."

"I don't see how it's really any of your business. Now, can we get on with my punishment?" Daphne replied, folding her arms across her chest.

Umbridge's expression soured from the false cheeriness. It was clear to her that she would not be swaying Daphne so easily, and so, Daphne was handed over to Filch, and made to clean bathrooms without the aid of magic.

That was not the only time Draco chose to target Harry's friends. Harry's rival took every opportunity to take away points or assign detentions. Hermione got the very worst of it, and missed many DA classes, though Harry, Ron, Neville and the rest did their best to keep her up to date on everything they were doing. Their weekends were now spent in the Room of Requirement getting the muggle born witch caught up, and planning their next lesson.

On the Wednesday evening just before the holiday was to start, Harry stood in front of the DA, watching as they were practicing stunning and shields. Harry was wandering the room, helping those who needed it, and admiring how well they were all progressing. As he passed Hermione, she made a motion to her watch, indicating that it was nearing quitting time. Harry blew his whistle and all the other students ceased casting.

"Alright, Very good everyone. You've all done extremely well. When we get back from holiday, We'll start new stuff. We'll start working with weapons, and we'll start learning new spells, even Patronuses."

There was a great cheer, and then they all began preparation to leave. Harry pulled out the Marauder's map to make sure the way was clear, and as was now the drill, the DA began to leave in groups of two. As they left the Room of Requirement, each person would pause to wish Harry a good holiday

"Harry, could I talk to you?" Cho Chang asked. "Privately?" The pretty Asian girl looked very nervous, and her eyes were pleading. Harry, curious as to what Cho needed from him, handed the Marauder's map to Ron so he could over see the students departure, and followed Cho to the far side of the room.

"What did you need, Cho?" Harry asked, staring at the girl, who was unable to met his eyes.

"I wanted to thank you. You're a really good teacher, and I've gotten so much better."

"You're welcome." Harry smiled politely.

"I just…I can't help but wonder if only Cedric knew this stuff, maybe…"

"He did Cho. He wouldn't have been chosen if he wasn't capable at least. But when Voldemort wants to kill you…" Harry let the remark remain unfinished. "Look, try not to think too much about it. Go home, and have a good holiday. Drink egg nog, and eat sweets."

"Kiss under the mistletoe?" Cho asked, a hopeful glint in her eye.

"Uh, sure. Why not. Get kissed lots under mistletoe." Harry shrugged. Suddenly Cho leapt forward, her arms wrapping tightly around Harry's neck, her lips smashing against his.

Harry's arms went wild, trying to push the girl off of him. He had no idea why she was kissing him, but he wanted nothing to do with it. Her lips were pressed so hard against his, he could taste blood as his teeth opened cuts inside his mouth. Harry felt her tongue sliding across his lips, and Harry tightened his mouth, making it impossible for her to gain access.

Then it was over, and Harry was on the floor. He looked and saw Cho was also on the floor, looking murderous, but she wasn't looking at Harry.

"You need to find your own boyfriend, Chang, and leave mine alone." Daphne snarled, her wand in her hand. Cho quickly got to her feet, brushing herself off. Harry saw that Cho had her wand out, and couldn't remember her getting it out.

"Real good trick, transfiguring that pillow into mistletoe." Daphne said flatly. How'd you keep his attention on you the whole time?"

"Maybe you should be asking why it wasn't on you." Cho said spitefully. "Clearly he's not as infatuated with you as people think. I got him to kiss me and I wasn't even really trying."

"You attacked me." Harry shouted angrily.

"You don't deserve him, Greengrass."

"And you do?" Daphne asked incredulously. "The only way you can get him to look at you is by tricking him. You don't even know the first thing about him. Can you even tell me what his favorite color is?"

Harry looked at Daphne. He was quite sure that she didn't know his favorite color. He couldn't remember ever discussing it. What was more maddening was that he wasn't even sure he had a favorite color. He wondered if he should mention that, but a quick glance at the two girls told him he'd better wait.

"Face it Cho, you only want him because he's famous, and you don't have Cedric anymore."

"Daphne." Harry said getting up finally. He was just as angry at Cho as she was, at least he thought he was, but even he felt bringing the Hufflepuff boy's name up was hitting below the belt. "That was a bit much."

Indeed, Cho's eyes were now glistening with tears. The pretty Ravenclaw scowled at Daphne and Harry before picking up her bag and running out of the room, without waiting to be told if they were clear yet.

"Daphne, love, thank you for coming to my aide," Harry began. "But you did kind of cross the line there."

"I know." Daphne sighed heavily. "I didn't mean to say that, but the rest of it was true. She's got her sights set on you, and I don't think it's because she has any actual feelings for you."

"What worse is that she more or less threw down the gauntlet." Tracey said as she put her wand away. She had been prepared to step in if Cho got any funny ideas. "That was quite clever of her to transfigure some mistletoe."

Harry looked up to where Tracey indicated and saw a bough of fresh mistletoe hanging right where he'd been standing.

"How did she do that?" Harry wondered.

"She had her wand behind her back, and she did it without looking." Daphne said. "Hermione told me. Not that she needed to. I was watching her the whole time. Bint."

"I just thought it was fishy, her asking you to speak alone." Hermione said, now joining the group. "Everyone's gone now. We should get going or risk running into Draco and his goon squad."

"One more day." Ron sighed. "I just can't wait to get out of here."

"How many new rules do you think Umbridge will pass while we're all gone?" Neville asked angrily.

"I don't even want to think about it." Harry shook his head. "I just want to get through tomorrow night with Snape, and then rest."

"He's getting tougher on you, isn't he?" Daphne looked sympathetic.

Harry only nodded.

"But you're getting better." Hermione smiled encouragingly. "You said it's getting easier to find him and throw him out of your mind."

"Yeah, but Snape has a very brutal attack style." Harry pointed out. "That book we found said there all different kinds. How can I learn to defend myself if I only get attack in one manner?"

"Ask him to vary it." Tracey suggested.

"I have." Harry said, collecting his cloak, and following the others to the door. "He says he will when he thinks I'm ready."

Daphne hated hearing her boyfriend sound so discouraged.

"Don't worry too much about it Harry, there are other things a bit scarier to worry about." Tracey grinned, nudging Daphne as she passed by.

"Like what?"

"You're meeting Daphne's father day after tomorrow."

"Don't listen to her." Daphne said, squeezing Harry's arm when she saw him go pale. "Dad's really not bad. He's very excited to met you. Are you going to try to come to Christmas dinner?"

"I told you I would. I'll ask my godfather, and see what he says. But it's not just his decision." Harry said meaningfully. He hadn't told her everything about the Order, but he'd given her enough information so she would understand if he couldn't visit her during the holiday.

"We need to go." Tracey said. "It's getting close to curfew."

"I'll see you at breakfast." Daphne smiled, kissing Harry quickly. She and Tracey ran down the stairs. Harry watched her go for a few seconds before Neville tugged on his sleeve.

"Come on Harry. One more day to get through."

"Punctum!"

Harry stumbled a bit on his feet before catching his balance, while Professor Snape rubbed his wrists, trying to sooth the ache from the Stinging hex Harry had used to push him out of his mind.

Snape had not even waited for Harry to get settled this evening, and had attacked his mind at once. Harry was becoming much better at finding and evicting Snape from his thoughts. Snape was never one to shower Harry with compliments, so Harry guessed that by not giving Harry time to prepare, he must be improving.

"We shall rest a moment, Potter." Snape grumbled. Harry guessed his teacher was a bit sore. Harry had begun using some news spells he'd been researching with his friends, and Snape was his test subject. This clearly did not please the Potions master, but Harry was beyond caring what the slimy rat thought.

"Professor, I was wondering why you always use such a brutal attack. Wouldn't be good if I learned to detect more subtle invasions?" Harry asked. He was breathing a bit heavy, but no where near what he had been during his first lessons.

"Potter, If you can detect an obvious attack, and successfully fight it off, you will most certainly be able to feel someone entering your mind any other way. Tell me, have you had any further dreams about the Dark Lord?"

"No sir." Harry answered suspiciously.

"And you are continuing to empty your mind before you go to bed?"

"More like organizing and locking away thoughts. I can't empty my head, but I have been able to more or less compartmentalize my head."

Snape regard the young man before him for a moment. "Interesting."

"I've really tried to empty my head, but my brain just won't shut off, for lack of a better word. So I take time to organize my mind, and work on my mental defenses."

"Indeed. I have seen that your defenses have become much more…adequate, though you still need lots of work."

"Is there such a thing as a natural Occlumens, sir?" Harry wondered.

"No. Anyone who seeks to block their mind must learn to do so. It is not a gift, but a very strict mental discipline, not unlike some forms of dance, or fighting styles. Very few become truly accomplished at it. LEGILLIMENS!"

Harry was caught completely off guard, which was what Snape wanted. Harry wasted no time in raising his shields. He felt Snape at once, and with a few fast spells, was able to push the man out of his mind. He had no time to rest before Snape started again.

On and on it went, with Snape hammering Harry's mind, and Harry fighting the greasy codger out. Unfortunately for Harry, It was exhausting, and he'd not yet built up any sort of stamina to fight prolonged attacks. On top of that, Harry was no where near the level that Snape was, and after two hours, Snape was beginning to break through Harry's defenses.

"I expect that when you return to school, you will be able to expel me from your mind much faster." Snape said. Harry was now on his knees, panting heavily. He looked up at the cold dark eyes of his professor, who had not an ounce of sympathy for the boy.

"Collect your things and remove yourself from my sight."

His head was pounding harder than it had even on his first lesson. He had to stop several times along the way back to Gryffindor tower to stop from being sick. The world was spinning out of control, and Harry just wanted to get to his bed, without throwing up.

When he finally got to the Common room, he found it eerily deserted. He guessed everyone had gone to bed so that morning would come sooner and they could all go home. He sat heavily upon the sofa in front of the fire to ease his spinning head.

Snape had been absurdly brutal on him tonight, and Harry felt definably weaker at the moment. He knew that by the time he got back to school, his defenses would be that much stronger, but he couldn't understand why Snape had to virtually destroy his mental shields in one go.

When he caught his breath again, and the room had stopped spinning so hard, Harry eased himself up the stairs and without even bothering to change his clothes, fell into bed.

I hunger for flesh….

It was dark, and he felt to cool stone on his belly as he moved swiftly in the shadows. He could smell blood, and rather than sickening him, it made him salivate. He could feel the heat radiating off his quarry, and it was intoxicating to him. He could not wait to sink his teeth into the sweet meal that was waiting for him, getting closer by the second.

Sliding in the dark, he could now hear the rhythmic beating of his prey's heart beat, like a homing beacon to him. He was close now. He began to tighten his muscles in preparation to strike, then he would feast.

But something happened. His prey turn it's head, and it's strange eyes went wide in horror. The beast rose from it's perch and was backing away.

He struck out, fast as lightning. Sinking his fangs deep into the soft supple flesh and tasting the first intensely euphoric taste of warm fresh blood. He struck again. And again. The beast fell onto its back, shivering, and panting. His meal knew the end was near now. All he had to do was wait for his venom to work it's way through the nervous system, and then he could feast. Slowly he moved closer to watch the beasts eyes.

His warm, nurturing eyes.

And the familiar thinning red hair….

"NO!"

Harry toppled out of his bed, landing on his rear. He looked up to find all four of his dorm mates looking at him in fear. All of them were out of bed, and huddled around him.

"Harry, Can you hear me?" Neville said, stooping down to look into Harry's eyes. "Someone go get McGonagall." Neville ordered.

"Ron." Harry said, looking to his once best friend. "It's your dad. He's been attacked."

"Wha…What?"

"Voldemort's snake. He's somewhere dark, and the snake is going to eat him." Harry said, trying to get to his feet. His legs felt like rubber, and his stomach churned. "We need to get to Dumbledore. He's got to do something."

Ron took Harry by the waist, to steady him, while Neville got on Harry's other side. The three were just about to the door when Seamus came racing back in, with Professor McGonagall on his heels.

"Potter, Are you alright? Mister Finnegan told me you were having a fit."

"More like a vision. Mr. Weasley's been attacked. We need to see the Headmaster. Now!"

McGonagall hesitated for a fraction of a second as she took in Harry's appearance. He was still dressed, and extremely pale. He was sweating profusely, and looked as if he could throw up at any moment, but what swayed her was the intensity in his emerald green eyes.

"Come with me."

Harry was helped along by Ron, while Neville was made to remain in the dorms. The three moved swiftly through the castle, with Harry gaining his strength as they went along. In a matter of minutes, they were inside Dumbledore's office, where it appeared the Headmaster was just preparing for bed.

"I'm very sorry to disturb you, Albus, but Potter has…" McGonagall began, but Harry cut across her.

"Mr. Weasley's been attacked, by Voldemort's snake. We've got to find him."

"Please try to calm yourself." Dumbledore said gently, but Harry only became more irritated.

"He's dying!' The snake bite him three times, and it's going to eat him if we don't find him."

"Are you certain of this?" Dumbledore , looking oddly skeptical.

"I saw it. I…I was there. I-I-I was…the snake. Professor, I attacked him in my dream. Please sir, you've got to believe me. We must find him."

Dumbledore rose from his seat and began speaking with some of the portraits. Harry tried to hear what was being said, but Ron made him forget about what the Headmaster was doing.

"You attacked him?" Ron asked, his voice soft. Harry turned to see Ron had gone quite white, and his freckles stood out in stark contrast. Ron didn't look angry. In fact, he looked frightened. More frightened than Harry had ever seen him.

"No." Harry said, shaking his head fiercely. "Yes…It's complicated."

"Fear not, Mister Weasley. There is no way Mr. Potter could have attacked your father this evening. He clearly was able to see into the mind of the serpent." Dumbledore said as he went over to a portrait of a man who looked severely bored. . "Phineas, I will need you to go visit your other portrait at once, and inform them of Arthur Weasley's injuries, and let them know to expect their houseguests this evening. Minerva, I think you had better get the other Weasley children, and bring them here straight away."

"Yes, Albus." McGonagall said, turning to leave.

"I'll ask you two gentlemen to sit down. Try to remain calm, until we hear news." Dumbledore said in his most grandfatherly tone. Both Harry and Ron sat down. Ron stared at Harry for a long time, but Harry kept his eyes on the floor.

"How was it possible that I saw through the snake's eyes. I haven't had a dream or anything for so long." Harry wondered.

"Albus, he's been found." A sallow skinned wizard with long black bangs reappeared in his portrait. "I kept calling until someone arrived. They're taking him to St. Mungos. The snake was there two, but it slithered off."

"Alright." Dumbledore nodded. "Fawkes, my friend. We shall need your help now. A warning, if you would not mind."

In a flash of fire, the phoenix vanished. Dumbledore took a pinch of floo powder and cast it into the fire.

"Severus?" Dumbledore asked. "Severus, I know that you are awake. Please come to my office straight away."

"Here they are, Albus." McGonagall said as she re-entered the Headmaster's office with Ginny, Fred, and George in tow.

"What's going on?" Fred asked.

"You're father has suffered an attack. He has been found and is now on his way to St. Mungo's."

"My Great Grandson has been informed, and says he'll be delighted to welcome them. The woman floo'd to the hospital straight away." Phineas said irritably as he stepped back into his painting. "Now, can I go back to sleep?"

There was a flash of flame and a single red feather appeared, floating lazily to the floor.

"She's becoming more and more troublesome." Dumbledore said angrily. "Alright. All of you, please come here." Dumbledore turned around and picked up an old tea kettle. "Portus." He said, tapping it gently with his wand. "All of you, take hold of this, now."

Harry and the four Weasley's touched their hands to the kettle, and in an instant, felt the familiar tug behind their navels as they were swept away by Dumbledore's portkey.

There was a knock on the door and Snape peered around the door. "You called for me?"

"Come in, we have a problem. We must wait a few moments, however, as we are about to have another visitor." Dumbledore said, with undisguised abhorrence. Snape stepped further into the office, and took a seat.

Did they find him, Albus?" McGonagall asked, but the headmaster waved his hand in warning. A second later there was a knock on the Headmaster's door.

"Enter." Dumbledore called, and was unsurprised when Dolores Umbridge stepped inside. She was dressed in a very fluffy pink dressing gown, and carrying her clipboard and quill.

"Professor Dumbledore, Are you aware that several children are not in their beds?" She asked in the falsely high, syrupy voice.

"Yes, that is correct. I have sent several students home early. There was an emergency with their family."

"And which students would they be?" Umbridge demanded.

"The Weasley children, as well as Harry Potter. He was going o be staying with them during the holiday."

"But he is not related to them, so why was he allowed to leave?"

"He is practically family to the Weasley's." Dumbledore narrowed his eyes now. "The decision was mine to make. Now, if you'll excuse me, I still have a few things to discuss with my Deputy Headmistress, and Professor Snape before I take my leave for the holiday. I suggest you get some rest yourself, Professor Umbridge. You will be most bust tomorrow."

"Umbridge glared at the wizened old man before turning and huffing out of the room. Dumbledore remained silent for a long few minutes before turning to Snape.

"You informed me that Harry was improving at Occlumency, then he comes here tonight after having what I assume was a very intense vision through Lord Voldemort's eyes."

Snape actually jumped a bit at being addressed so harshly. "You know how each session weakens him. Tonight I may have been a bit more…unpleasant."

"Severus." Dumbledore scowled. "We can not afford any more delays. Until he can protect his mind. I can not teach him all he needs to know."

"Then why don't you teach him. Damn it Albus, I'm more than a little tired of this charade." Snape rose from his seat, glaring at the Headmaster.

"Please do not make me remind you of why things need to happen this way. Have you forgotten…"

"How could I possibly forget with you bringing it up every time we speak, you old fool." Snape scowled. "I am teaching the boy in the best way I know how. If it is not good enough for you, then find someone else."

Snape turned and left the office in a swirl of black. McGonagall sighed heavily. "Perhaps he is right, Albus. Perhaps you should be the one to teach Potter."

"If only it were that simple. I fear that Severus is not being honest with me any longer. I regret that I may be pushing him back towards Lord Voldemort. If that happens…" Dumbledore let the words remain unspoken.

"Albus, I have rarely agreed with Severus, and I have never hidden my feeling about him from you. But he's right. You have been the one to steer Potter's life. It's long past time for you to do what you should have done that night you left him on those horrid muggle's door step. It is time for you to rectify your mistakes with him. "

McGonagall stood and without turning back, left the office, leaving Albus Dumbledore with his own bleak thoughts. They were both right, and though he was loathe to admit it, He would have to step in and do what he should have done years ago.

"I can only hope that he will forgive me one day."