Harry continued to meditate for longer and longer each day. It has been 1 week, and he was beginning to struggle. Harry was to meditate for 2.5 hours today, 30 minutes more than the day before, and his mind was starting to wonder. He had learned much about proper wizarding technique, and was expected to apply this information to everything he did, and Snape had no qualms about correcting his every move.
Yesterday, after re-setting the table 3 times and struggling to use the supposedly "proper" utensils, he had to return to the table repeatedly until he properly excused himself: The utensils placed in their proper places, napkin folded atop the plate, and chair returned to its proper position after properly asking to be excused. Harry couldn't understand the point of all the hogwash, but made no complaints. He was learning to play a role and he would play it well.
His name would be Nathan Silverfish, and he is currently about to be a 4th year student in the Ilvermorny school right here in the states. He was sorted into the house of The Horned Serpant and comes from a small family of low-key purebloods. Some would classify them as blood-traitors for living among muggles, but most respected the name and their desire for solitude. It was a good cover story, the Silverfish kept to themselves but were once well acquainted with the Snape family. He was to live with Snape for a Summer of tutoring and discipline, one of the few areas the Silverfish felt were lacking in the muggle world.
For the most part, his cover put him at ease. However, in order to be lacking in discipline, Snape said that Harry would need to bring back some of that Gryffindor bravado that he was so well known for. This made him nervous. He was expected to balance the line of being insolent without actually crossing it. Snape had noticed his discomfort with this part and realized the problem right away.
"If you go too far, I will tell you, and that's all I will do. For a repeat offense, their will be repercussions, but I will not lay a hand on you. While many purebloods prefer to engage in physical punishments, I do not, and Draco knows this much."
Snape's voice had been solemn, and Harry wanted to believe him. He tried to, but he has seen Snape's wrath before.
A sudden onslaught of images raced through Harry's mind. Snape grabbing him by the collar, Snape showing up at the Dursley's, Snape telling him he would not lay a hand on him. His eyes flew open and his eyes met the gaze of the Professor's. He looked conflicted.
"Potter, you were not clearing your mind" he said, a slight annoyance in his voice.
"Sorry professor, I have a lot to think about." Harry said regretfully.
"I can see that." Snape's responded dryly, eyebrows raised. Then his gaze softened. After a few seconds he continued.
"It is understandable. I admit that I am somewhat disappointed that you do not believe me."
This made Harry feel guilty.
"It's not that I don't believe you. I'm trying, it's not like you've given me much to work with!", he ended, a bit upset. He regretted his words immediately, Snape had given him plenty. He was about to apologize when Snape interrupted.
"You are correct, I suppose all I can ask for is the chance to prove it to you."
This response surprised Harry. He had learned to expect Snape's biting anger, he didn't know what to do with an understanding Snape.
He cleared his throat, "of course, sir" he responded quietly, staring at his hands.
Snape sighed, "I suppose that will do for today. I'm going to assume you at least made it to the 2-hour mark. This is acceptable." Harry nodded.
After getting up and stretching his legs, Harry looked at the professor.
"Professor, might I ask a question?" Snape stared at him, motioning for him to continue.
"Why didn't we practice this stuff the first time I was learning occlumency?"
Snape responded, "In addition to the fact that I know you didn't do the required reading, we were severely pressed for time, not to mention the fact that I didn't like you."
Harry was very pleased that Snape had used the past tense here, and nodded in acceptance.
"Is there anything else I need to do tonight?" he asked.
Snape responded, "No, you may retire for the night. If you are not yet tired, I suggest you keep up with this week's reading."
At Harry's nod, Snape departed, wishing the boy good night.
The next morning, Snape informed Harry that they would be changing up their routine.
"You will now be practicing in the morning, before breakfast, in the kitchen. You will notice that the change in time and location will feel different, and perhaps be more difficult on an empty stomach. The most important time to occlude is often during times of great emotion. You need to be prepared for any given situation. You will begin to learn of strength as the scenario increases in difficulty."
Harry nodded, taking his place on the cold tiled floor of the kitchen. It was not as comfortable as the training room, and the bright lights glared at him even through his eyelids. As he began to concentrate, he noticed the growing hunger in his stomach. He had gotten used to breakfast, but knew enough of hunger to ignore the pangs completely.
30 minutes in, he could smell the rich scent of cooked fruit and syrup, which made his stomach protest as he continued to clear his mind and keep his breaths even. Then he felt something, as though a light wind was moving across the inside of his head, uncomfortably so. He opened his eyes to see a very pleased Snape sitting at the table.
"What was that?" Harry asked, bewildered.
That, Mr. Silverfish, was you keeping me out of your head. Not only that, but you noticed my presence nearly immediately.
Harry was ecstatic. He did it!
After a very satisfying breakfast, Harry stepped out to see Dylan walking across the street with his sister in hand. This was the first time Harry has seen him since the incident.
Snape had made good on his word and went to the Douglas's to explain what had happened that night. Apparently Harry's grandfather had been in critical condition at the hospital and he had to be flown back immediately, hence the 1 week disappearance . When he disappears again in 2 weeks, it will be for the funeral. Harry felt guilty about lying over something like that, but he conceded that it was a good cover. It did not explain his violent flashback, but it would have to do for now. If asked, Harry was instructed to say that he did not want to talk about it. In Snape's words, those 'abominable, nosy miscreants' did not need to know everything.
"Nathan!" Sarina shouted upon seeing him.
Dylan looked up and smiled, making his way towards Harry.
"Hey Nathan, how've ya been? I'm sorry to hear about your grand-dad, is hey okay? Dylan observed him carefully as he asked this.
"Hi Dylan, yeah it's nice to see you. I'm okay. Grandfather's condition hasn't really changed." Harry didn't need to fake his bummed out look, he felt guilty.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Why did you come back then?" Dylan asked in response.
Harry was saved from answering by Sarina's insistance on being a part of the conversation.
"Hey Nate, did Snape hurt you?" she asked, visibly upset.
Harry stooped down to look her in they eyes.
"Hello Sarina, No, Snape would never hurt me. He was just really scared!" Harry told her.
She didn't look convinced. Harry had no doubt that the Douglas's must have had quite the family discussion. He sighed inwardly.
Atleast Dylan had the decency not to mention his flashback. Harry took the chance to flip the conversation.
"What are you two up to?" he asked them.
Sarina responded, "Dylan's taking me to the zoo! Do you wanna come?"
"I'm sorry, I can't today. I'm not feeling too well."
"Come on Nate, it would do you some good to get a change of scenery." Dylan insisted. Then he mouthed 'don't leave me alone with her' with pleading eyes.
"How far is it?" Harry asked, knowing that he could not leave the ward perimeter.
"It's about an hour away. We're taking the bus." Dylan said reluctantly.
"Where's everyone else?" Harry asked.
"Apparently they all have things to do." Dylan responded, annoyed.
The struggle was visible on Harry's face.
"I really can't today Dylan, I'm sorry. I need to get packed in case I have to head home early." Harry forced out.
"Whatever, you suck!" Dylan responded, a resounding 'yea!' following from Sarina.
Dylan wasn't actually upset, but Sarina looked like she had more to say as Dylan exclaimed the need to catch the bus.
As they ran out of sight, Harry sat down on the steps and contemplated what his life had become.
He realized that he'd never truly had a muggle friend before. Never in his wildest dreams did Harry expect himself to be rescued by Snape and made to live with him in the muggle world. Yet, the thoughts of the past few months filled him with happiness. Snape was strict, but understandably so. It was almost as though he actually cared of Harry's wellbeing. But of course, Harry knew that his role as the boy who lived was what everyone cared about, except for his new muggle friends of course. Harry swallowed heavily at the thought of telling Ron about the events of his Summer. He did not imagine that the redhead would take any of it very well.
As Harry thought about returning to Hogwarts for the year, he wondered about how Snape would need to treat him. Of course, Harry knew that they needed to keep up appearances, but it wouldn't be as bad as before, right? Harry felt like they had made some real progress these past few weeks. He was nervous at the thought of Snape reverting to his original form. Putting those thoughts away, Harry resorted to achieving a meditative state. The outdoors was a nice change, albeit distracting. He could feel the direction of the wind, hear the subtle whistle as it brushed passed his ears. He noticed when it calmed or acted up, and the sun glared fiercely at his eyelids. When Harry finally opened his eyes, he was surprised to see that he was still sitting on the stairs. He knew that he was, intuitively, but his mind had taken him elsewhere. The sun had gone down slightly and he got up to go back inside, mentally preparing himself for his first potions lesson.