Chapter 6! This is the longest chapter yet. I hope you enjoy it. This one has some interesting ideas about Occulmency. I really have no idea how it is done in the books since Snape never provided much explanation on how it works so I just kind of made it up. Tell me what you think!

Harry knew exactly what that glowing was. He had dubbed it his healing glow and when he was younger it was his 'feel better freakishness'. Whenever he was severely injured his body would use its magic to heal all his wounds quickly. It had first happened when he was four years old when his uncle had first used the belt.

When he was younger it was done without his consent but when he was around six he could control when he would glow and heal and when he wouldn't. He just had to focus on keeping his injuries and they would stay, if he lost concentration his magic would rush in and heal him. This evening was unfortunate, there was so much on his mind that he had forgotten about the glow for a moment. A moment was all that was needed for him to start glowing. Harry had made sure to pretend not to notice. This was one thing he refused to explain to his professor.

Harry put it out of his mind and went back to his disguised occulmency book. He felt almost ready to try the mind organization process the book said he would need to be in an undisturbed place for a long time. It said that you needed to add an hour for every year of life. He was eleven so eleven hours of deep sleep would be enough. He called out to Klangly.

"Klangly!"

"Yes Harry?" Klangly asked with a pop.

"I have a favor to ask of you?"

"What is it Harry?"

"I need you to make sure no one comes into this room for eleven hours. I am about to go into a magical sleep that will help me with my study of mind magics. I will be extremely vulnerable so I need some protection."

"I will ward the room and distract any humans who try to enter until you leave the room yourself. I am glad you are progressing so well." Klangly said.

"Me too. Thanks so much Klangly. I'm going to start now."

Klangly popped away and Harry laid down flat on his bed. The book said he needed to get deep within his own mind. He focused only on his breathing until that was all that was in his mind. Then slowly forced his mind to be completely and utterly blank. He instinctively brought up his magic and it surrounded him.

He was suddenly in his mind deeper than he had ever been. There were memories floating everywhere like reels from an old movie. Most of them were bad but some as he watched them passed by were happy and bright. He looked around. He was floating in an endless black abyss but he didn't feel hopeless it was just a never ending thing. He focused and visualized a long hallway, not unlike those at Hogwarts.

Before him formed a hallway, the floor made of large gray stones that fit together almost perfectly. If you looked closely at the stones you could see that they were made of tiny crystals that sparkled brightly. The walls were made of the same rock with slightly smaller sizes. It was a long corridor that had doors on each side.

Each door had a stone arch made of different colored stone and a stone face waiting to be labeled. Between each door were armor statues and other things that one would see lining the walls of Hogwarts. Harry had read in the book that you could organize your mind in any way that made sense to you. Some people, like Hermione, Harry imagined would create a huge library where every book contained memories. Some would envision only one room filled with objects and each object would hold memories. Harry imagined that if Professor Snape had done this he would have a room full of potion vials and ingredients.

Harry had decided the thing that made the most sense was to organize his life by rooms. Each room would be locked and contain the memories and thoughts of a certain subject or person. Harry began with what was going to be the hardest rooms first. He walked or floated to the first door and envisioned the label above the door becoming "Vernon Dursley."

Harry opened the door. The room was filled with things that reminded Harry of the man in question. Belts were strewn along the floor, things like that. There was also a table filled with books. Harry picked up the first book and opened it.

What happened next took a long time. Harry would bring up a memory involving the man and add it to a page of one of the books. None of them were happy, most were violent and bloody. Some he had wished he had forgotten, like the ones that had happened late at night when he was so very small. Once he filled a book he would imagined it tied shut with a lock, keeping anyone but himself from viewing it.

It seemed to take Harry forever to get through those memories since it seemed, the more he added the more memories came up. Harry had books filled with just instances where Vernon had taken it upon himself to hit him. When Harry finally finished with the last memory of the most recent attack he stumbled from the room feeling exhausted and emotionally worn down.

He put a password on the door that only he knew so that no one could open that door unless they guessed it. The next room was labelled 'Petunia Dursley' and followed the same process. This one wasn't as horrible but it was still pretty awful, this room was designed just like the kitchen at his childhood place of residence. He refused to call it a home. The next room was titled 'Dudley Dursley and Friends'. This one was filled with all the memories of 'Harry Hunting' and the other things that his muggle cousin had decided to do to him. Memories involving the other friends that were in Dudley's gang were also included.

He decided to leave off of people and move onto subjects. Rooms titled things like 'Maths', 'English', 'Science', and others were created quickly and filled with all the knowledge that Harry had of them. Those were much easier. He had a room created for each subject at Hogwarts as well. Those went by the quickest since he only had a year of memories for them. Each room was password protected and guarded by the armor statues that filled the hall.

He moved back to people and had rooms for each of his friends. These were much more enjoyable to fill. The troll memory was much more enjoyable to review than live through. He had a room entirely dedicated to Quidditch knowledge and it was by far the most interesting. Each memory was a snitch that filled a giant quidditch stadium. If you wanted to view a memory you had to catch the corresponding snitch.

He had a room for the two more powerful people that had forever ruined his life as well. Dumbledore's room was designed as his actual office and Voldemort's room; well it wasn't pretty.

Harry had one clear memory from his babyhood and that was the murder of his mother and father. He can still remember the pain from the killing curse, the screams of his parents and the high pitched laughter of Him. The room was an exact replica of his destroyed nursery, without the body of his dead mother of course. All knowledge he had of the man/ monster was in that room and was heavily guarded. He didn't want to dream of his parent's murder if he didn't have to.

He followed this process until there were no more memories left. Everything was organized and guarded. The next part was just as important. He did not want anyone getting into this corridor at all. He imagined a thick steel door at the end of the hall that was spelled to not open unless Harry wanted it to. He left the door and began to construct a maze around the building that housed his memories. It was a complex maze filled with dangers. Harry knew that later in life he would need to make it better but for now he should be safe. The last thing he did was create guardians.

The book warned that if he was even in need of mental aid that a trusted person could not help him if he did not have something to help guide him to his 'inner sanctum'. The book said that the more guardians the more defendable his brain and the more help he could receive if he wanted it. He thought back to the old comics that he had stolen from Dudley. There was the Teen Titans and there was a character there that had her mind organized with guardians that each represented a part of her. Harry had thought that was a cool idea and decided to take use it here.

He created a Harry clad in gray that represented his fear, timid and servant faces. A Harry clad in Gryffindor red represented his bravery, strength and other rather Gryffindor-ish traits. A pink Harry represented his ability to love and a black Harry his anger and hatred. Finally a green Harry that represented his wisdom and cunning. Each guardian was in parts of the maze and would either hinder or aid a person in his mind.

Finally Harry had finished all he wanted to do and allowed his magic to rest and himself to wake up. When Harry opened his eyes he was still in the guest room in Snape's quarters. What time was it? Harry's stomach rumbled letting him know it had been long enough. Harry climbed out of bed feeling weak and dizzy. He looked at the clock on the wall and found it had been nearly 24 hours, apparently it had taken longer than he had expected. The book he guessed didn't take into account how long it would take to work through those kinds of memories.

Harry staggered to the door and opened it. He heard yelling and stopped leaning against a wall to listen.

"I refuse to house him for the entire summer Albus! The boy is a menace and he is acting like a child." A voice that could be no one other than Snape yelled.

"The boy in question is a child. Now what infraction has he done now?"

"He warded the door shut 24 hours ago and hasn't left the room once. He's skulking and acting like a child."

"He has been through an ordeal Severus."

"I will not let him stay here after he's been healed." Snape declared then in a sad tone. "Besides why on earth would he want to be here?"
"You yourself are familiar with what he has gone through. You can help him heal Severus."

"If you expect me to open up to that arrogant brat then you are mistaken."

Harry decided now was the time to make an appearance and tug on some heart strings. Harry needed to stay in the castle and he knew the best way to do that was to get stuck with a professor as a temporary guardian. Harry rubbed his face hard so it looked red and raw then in a stroke of genius let tears began to flow from his eyes.

Harry had not truly cried since he was three years old. He had seen that Dudley would fake a cry to get what he had wanted and had taught himself the skill, not that it had ever helped. He brought up a sad memory and let the tears stream down making his face snotty and wet. As he let his face look more and more pitiful he went back into the room ignoring the yells from his professor and changed into pajamas. He reopened his door and made his way into the living area where Snape was standing and pacing and the headmaster was sitting looking disappointed. Harry sniffled loudly to announce his presence. Snape stopped his tirade and looked confused as the crying boy in front of him. Harry knew he looked pitiful and that made him smirk inwardly as he 'tried' to rub his face clean with his sleeve.

Harry opened his mouth to make it look like he was going to speak but instead he let a noise of hurt and desperation come out instead. Let them feel guilty. He turned quickly and walked over to the kitchen where there was sure to be food. He grabbed food quickly making it seem like he was unwillingly to be around the adults any more.

He heard them follow him to the kitchen and so continued his quiet crying fit. He grabbed the food and turned around.

"Harry my boy." Albus said trying to smile. "Please come sit down and eat while we talk to you."

Harry sniffled and sat down at the table far away from the two men. Snape looked constipated at the show of emotion which made Harry want to giggle. Instead he focused only on his food and pretended to try and make the tears stop.

"Potter. Stop your sniveling and explain yourself." Snape demanded.

"Explain what sir?" Harry said while rubbing at his eyes to make the tears 'stop'.

"You locked the door to the guest bedroom with magic and haven't left your room for a full day. Why?"

"I didn't!" Harry yelped sounded offended. "I've just been in the room doing my work. I didn't magic it shut, how would you even do that?"

"Well Harry. If you didn't use magic to lock the door why didn't you leave the room till now?" Albus asked in a kinder tone while sending a look at his wayward professor.

"I forgot to." Harry said.

Snape snorted and Harry glared at him with his red eyes and tear stained cheeks.

"My relatives never fed me often and I just got used to not eating every day. I forgot I was still at Hogwarts I guess and since I didn't see anybody I just didn't think about it." Harry added while making himself blush in embarrassment.

Snape now looked stunned and a little guilty so Harry congratulated himself but his charade wasn't done yet. Harry looked down and sniffled while eating the sandwich he had prepared himself. After a few moments of silence Dumbledore asked another question.

"Harry why were you crying?"

Excellent question, one I'm so glad you asked.

"I'm sorry sir." Harry said. "There's just a lot of stuff going on. I just got overwhelmed when I heard you two talking. I guess I just thought that… that me and the professor were getting along a little."

Harry abruptly stood with his food and ran for his room. He slammed the door behind him for emphasis and then allowed it to open slightly so he could hear what went on after that. Really he was just too good at this.

"Well I hope you are proud of yourself Severus." Albus said almost angrily. "They boy probably used accidental magic to lock the door and you removed any sense of comfort the boy had."

"How was I supposed to know he would come out of the room? He'd been in there for a whole day." Severus defended.

"I'm sure I could've opened the door if you had not been able too. The boy requires a constant adult presence and you are the only one qualified." Dumbledore said. "Minerva is gone. Pomona has her own family. Flitwick and I are both too old. You will do this. He will live with you in your quarters. You will provide for him and help him heal mentally from the abuse. I will be keeping a close eye on you and his progress. You do not have a choice. So keep to your duty."

Dumbledore sure sounded angry. Harry closed the door quietly and crawled onto his bed and sat down looking sad. He ate his food with gusto and waited for Snape to come in. Thirty minutes later Snape came in looking nervous.

"Hello sir."

"Potter. I have an apology to make. I apologize for saying things about you that you found to be hurtful."

Harry thought that was one of the worst apologies he had ever heard. He made no mention of fault and did not say that he was wrong or dishonest. Harry made his smirk visible.

"No need for apologies. I believe I should be the one to apologize instead."

"What the devil do you mean?"

"I lied. I made it seem like I was hurt by your words when I really couldn't care less. I knew you didn't want me around but I have no desire to go anywhere else. You out of all the professors would be my first choice as a temporary guardian so I made it happen. If it helps I have no expectations from you at all."

"It certainly doesn't help me at all. The man expects us to talk through your problems."

"I have no problems."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

"Potter. You've been abused for most of your life. Of course you have problems."

"I promise you I don't. I am not lying to you in fact for the next fifteen minutes I won't lie to you. Ask whatever you want, I'm feeling generous."

"Did you lock your door with magic?"

"No. I did not lock it."

"Are you aware of how it got locked?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"I asked a friend to lock it for me so I wouldn't be disturbed while I rested."

"You slept for 24 hours?"

"No. I meditated and got caught up in some memories."

"You meditate?"

"On occasion."

"Why?"

"I enjoy it mostly."

"Why did you want to stay with me?"

"You won't care hopefully. I can just enjoy my summer without pressures. You'll do what you do and I'll enjoy myself reading and such. Every other adult would care about me."

"You assume that I don't care?"

"Do you?"

"I'm asking the questions."

"I assume that you have no love for me. Your actions make that clear enough. Despite what could have been a decent relationship you've been rather aggressive toward me."

"Decent?"

"I could've been an above average student that you would hardly know. That would've been wonderful huh?"

"I suppose."

"Any more questions?"

"What was that glowing?"

"I have no idea truly. I can only imagine magic."

Snape snorted.

"Will you explain what you meant by all that living up to expectations?"

"No. We all have secrets. Besides you can certainly figure it out on your own."

Snape looked angry and his lips thinned into a dangerous white line. Harry gulped and smiled lightly.

"Here's a deal your Slytherin mind can accept." Harry said. "You tell me why you have made it your apparent goal in life to destroy my self-esteem and why you constantly reference a dead man and if your answer satisfies me then I'll give you an answer that satisfies you."

Snape nearly reared back. The boy was certainly being trickier than he thought. Was he willing to let out his secrets like that to merely learn more about the-boy-who-lived-to-be-annoying? Yes Dammit he was!

"Fine." Snape said with a sneer. "You look exactly like your father. We went to school together him in Gryffindor and I in Slytherin. He and his arrogant group of friends made it their life goal to bully me for the fact that I was friends with your mother and in the evil house. He hated me and I hated him. Every time I see your face I am reminded of my childhood bully."

"That answers part one but not part two. Why take it out on me? Surely you are the adult here. Surely you should be able to keep your impulses in check and not mercilessly bully an orphan."

Snape stared. Was that really what he had been doing? Bullying someone because they looked like his hated boyhood rival? He had been bullying his student for reasons that seemed stupid when said out loud.

"I thought you were exactly like your father. Spoiled, Arrogant and coasting through life on your fame alone. So I took it upon myself to lower you down a notch."

"Well Congratulations Professor Snape." Harry said sarcastically while clapping slowly. "You just about destroyed any trust I could have in any adult in my entire life. You really do work wonders don't you?"

Snape wondered if this was all a dream. A sarcastic bitter 11 year old is not something one would expect. Snape elected to ignore the rudeness since it was rather deserved and focus on the point. The boy now owed him an explanation.

"Potter answer my question now."

"Hmm. Why should I? You have no way of making me answer it. If you wanted to assure I did it you should've had me go first. You are too trusting Professor. You can't use any potion on me because one word to Dumbledore and the man will murder you." Harry said with a smirk.

Snape paled. He had been out maneuvered by a Gryffindor! A Potter no less! It had been good too, the boy was right he could force the boy to do nothing if he didn't want the headmaster's wrath. Before he could even think of a counter argument the boy spoke again.

"I'll tell you though because I'm much too noble to go back out on a deal. Ever since I was able to walk it has been beaten into me that I could not be better than my lard ball of a cousin. So I learned quickly to hide and force down all of my skills. I learned to excel in being below average. I'm good at it, teachers are always trying to find ways to help students become better and if you show even a glimmer of promise they'll pounce with offers of help. No I learned to hide all traces of higher intelligence." Harry said in a proud tone. "I kept the practice up at Hogwarts, to confuse my many enemies. When Lord What's His Name returns he will be expecting an average student with no special skills and a tendency to walk into traps. That's what everyone will say about me. No instead he will come face to face with me someone no one will truly know."