Alright! First off, thank you so much for the lovely reviews! I get so happy, it's ridiculous. Second, grab your drink of choice and sit back because this one is a long one! Something I hope is to everyone's enjoyment.

Turning Point

Severus was not impressed. Albus appeared entirely unconcerned by the glare directed at him from his Potions' Master. Perhaps, it was that which enraged Severus further. A fact that he bothered not hide.

"Explain to me once more why I must take precious time from my summer in that place with the boy."

"Well," Dumbledore began nonchalantly, "As it was your stroke of genius to teach Harry Occlumency, I believe it would only be fair."

Severus held back a snort. Dumbledore remained infuriatingly calm. The dark-haired man scowled, "Yes, you've made your point. What I am entirely baffled by is the singular fact that you wish me to teach the boy at Grimmauld Place. Surely, you realize that can only end disastrously."

Dumbledore took a sip of tea. Snape crossed his arms, "We are here already. We might as well have the boy come to Hogwarts for his lessons. In that manner, we have the added protection of the castle's wards."

"As you well know," Dumbledore stated rationally, "Occlumency is heavy on the mind. Upon giving it much thought, I decided that it would benefit Harry to be in close proximity to those he trusts as you instruct him. You are well aware the boy is fond of Sirius."

Snape's face darkened, "You don't trust me."

"I do not see how you've reached that conclusion." Dumbledore stated after a long pause. His gaze was sharp and calculating.

For a moment, Severus was dumped into a pensieve. The day he finally plucked the resolve to approach Dumbledore floated in his mind. Standing before him was the same man that had asked what he would give in return for Lily's safety. You disgust me. Pinching his nose, Severus replied coolly, "It's plain to see you don't trust that I will teach the boy earnestly without outside supervision. Personally, I believe your first concern should be Black as I fail to see how you expect me to teach the boy with the mutt lurking at every corner."

If Dumbledore was thrown off by the accusation, he did not show. Severus turned away from the man. At times, he was reminded that while the headmaster tended to be soft to those he was fond of, the old man had a far better poker face than anyone gave him credit for. Fighting the urge to stomp his foot like a child, Severus turned his attention back to the headmaster.

"Believe it or not, Severus, there is no one I trust more with Harry's safety than you." The man said meaningfully, "I know you are going to groan and grumble, but you better than I understand why Occlumency is essential, or have you changed your mind?"

Mind games. The man was playing mind games. It had been Severus who insisted the boy needed to be informed of the current state of affairs. It had been Severus who realized the dangers of the boy's state of mind. It had also been Severus who suggested the boy learn Occlumency. Mentally badmouthing the man, Severus forced himself to grit, "No, I have not."

Dumbledore clasped his hands together, "I hope this eases your mind. For your first lesson, I will personally speak with Sirius. Molly as well."

"Great, you are assigning us a guard. I suppose that with the absence of dementors that wretched house is not too dissimilar to Azkaban."

"Come now, Severus." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling, "I merely mean to have a buffer between the two of you. You forget, Molly Weasley is no stranger to troublesome children."

"Stop it, Dumbledore." Snape deadpanned, "You flatter me too much."

The old man chuckled, "Not nearly as much as I should."

There was a hint of truth in his tone that made Severus pause. Albus peered at him from over half-moon spectacles, "You refused to speak with me days ago when we returned to the castle, but Severus do not for a moment believe that I have forgotten the events that transpired."

Snape trembled, his face losing its little color. Don't you dare, old man. He had not said it aloud, but even if he had: Dumbledore was not a man to be deterred when his mind was set on a discussion. By now, Severus was as recovered as he could be and more than back in control of himself. Naturally, he cursed himself for his weakness. Much as he was all those years ago, when he lost himself as a result of Lily's murder, Severus had thrown control out the window with Potter.

"I was not thinking straight. It will not happen again." He said gruffly.

The old man replied with sincerity, "I believe you were thinking quite clearly, Severus. Upon much reflection, for all intents and purposes, I believe you acted in a manner reasonable for the circumstances."

At this, Snape scoffed, "What part? In your ever so twisted logic, what part was appropriate? The part where I told, Potter the half of the prophecy I know? Or was it when I told him it was I responsible for his parents death? Or perhaps, it was the part where I let myself fall apart like a child?"

"I believe I said you reacted reasonably." Dumbledore said patiently, "Severus, it is not uncommon to be overwhelmed. Anyone would be in your place, I do not often say as much, but do not think I underestimate the constant danger you place yourself in. I trust nobody with the tasks I ask of you, because few men have strength such as yours. And though I would have preferred to spare Harry the information you gave him, I have no doubt that it was not an easy task for you. Especially considering how determined you have been to keep the boy at arms length. In that regard, I owe you a token of gratitude, as you've spared me the trouble."

"That's all good and well, but you are mistaken. I must have lost my mind entirely. Do you understand what will happen if Potter doesn't pull this off? The Dark Lord-"

"Voldemort." Snape held back a grimace, "Is unaware at the moment. We will deal with the repercussions if it comes to that. Have you lied to me about being prepared for that?"

"I have not misspoken!" Snape rushed to add, "Are you not listening? I was not thinking straight. I let my emotions entirely get the best of me. I am merely suggesting you be prepared to find yourself another spy if the boy shall fail. Do not mistake my warnings with cowardice, I do not fear death."

Dumbledore hummed, "It is not weak to allow yourself emotions, Severus."

"It is weak to flaunt them shamelessly. I've seen first years with more self-control."

"Is that so?" At Severus silence, Dumbledore relented, "Very well, I shall drop the subject."

With a flick of his wand, Severus watched as a pensieve floated across the office. Funny that. Dumbledore suddenly appeared grim, "Due to the nature of the lessons, I am inclined to offer you this temporarily."

"You're letting me use your pensieve?" Severus was astonished.

Dumbledore told his Potions Master, "I should think this might ease your mind of more . . . sensitive memories."

They exchanged a thick stare. Severus considered the option and then responded, "No."

Dumbledore looked surprised. Severus basked in the image briefly, "If Potter knew less and if we were working here, I may have taken you on the offer. As it is, I do not trust my memories anywhere near Black or Molly Weasley's herd of miscreants nor am I inclined to leave my memories lying around Hogwarts unattended."

"Are prepared for the possibility of Harry viewing them in return?"

Severus scowled, "Assuming the boy truly displays proficiency beyond what is required of a passable Occlumens, I shall simply have to endure the invasion."

Despite the nonchalance, both men were aware that it would not dismiss the possibility of Harry viewing Severus' memories. Though Severus had no doubt even if Potter managed to invade his mind, it would not take long for Severus to push him out lest the boy saw too much. However, the problem lie in the nature of Occlumency. To teach the art—and to learn it—is a vulnerable experience.

As an early Death Eater, Voldemort had taken interest in Severus for his quiet intellect. Upon deciding to make Severus a spy, the Dark Lord had deemed it necessary Severus learn the art of Occlumency and knowing of Dumbledore's capability in Legilimancy, his master had taken to complete the task personally. Severus, for his part, was a quick study. Good thing that. Voldemort was ever so vicious in his mental attacks. However, while Severus been taught to protect his mind by Voldemort, it was Dumbledore who made him the powerful Occlumens of the present.

Voldemort had forced Severus to block off his mind to the degree that would be impenetrable to all excluding the beast himself. The Dark Lord however, had not deemed it necessary to teach him subtlety. Dumbledore by comparison had stressed the necessity which Severus had entirely agreed with. A fact that, at the time, Severus had found confounding. More often than not, he left Dumbledore's presence feeling torn apart. While Voldemort brutally broke into his mind relentlessly until Severus caught on, Dumbledore insisted on catching him unaware at random times of the day and whereas Voldemort's invasions were the equivalent of an assault on the mind; Albus touched his barriers with the delicateness of a feather. Worse of all, was when the old man had demanded he attempt to read his mind. Of course, the old man had secured sensitive memories away from Severus' reach, not that Severus had known that. He thought the old man was mad, but it'd given him various ideas and insights on how to better protect his own mind and how to deceive the Dark Lord's and . . .

"Surely you do not . . ."

The headmaster waited patiently for him to finish. Severus groaned, "I am not- I will not be using your method for teaching the boy Occlumency."

"Ah, I thought you might say that."

"Yet you still offered the pensieve."

"I offered it for you benefit." Albus said with a pause, "Though I may have underlying motives as well."

Severus shook his head. On more than one occasion, Severus had glimpsed into the headmaster's mind in a fit of frustration at the man's gentle probing. Young and unskilled in the art, Severus hadn't seen much but the headmaster had seen more of Severus than he was comfortable with. While he wasn't so cruel as to subject Potter to Voldemort's method, Severus seriously doubted the boy would be able to handle it, Dumbledore's method required a level of confidence that he found himself lacking. Dismayed by the thought, Severus focused on Albus once more.

"I have the sneaking suspicion that Potter will not respond well to your method from me. If you were the one teaching him perhaps . . . "

Severus added, "It may prove beneficial to remind you of our own experience, if you recall?"

At this, the headmaster had the audacity to chuckle, "Indeed, it was a wonderful experience guiding you in your mastery of the art. I should say it worked out for the best, would you not?"

Why he bothered was beyond. Severus stared at him long and hard, "Swimmingly."

Growing tired, Severus stood, "Do you require any more from me, headmaster? I would like to get an early start on lesson plans seeing as I am stuck here."

Wisely, the old man waved him off, "Be on your way then, I will meet you here in time for Harry's Occlumency lessons."

Not bothering with anymore speech, Severus spun sharply. His robes billowed as he stalked from the headmasters' office.

While Severus had no lost love for his home, Spinners End, he did not hate the place. Containing the unpleasant reminders of his childhood, he had transformed it in such a way that it now resembled his person: undesirable, secluded, and cluttered. With rows of books and barely enough room for a sofa, his summers would be spent with a quill in one hand and a book in the other. Uninterested in seeing anyone, he would apparate early morning to the grocers once a week so he could indulge in a homemade meal. A habit that he had picked up randomly. It was an acceptance he had for the house. He was stuck living in his life as the house was stuck with him in it.

Anyone would think that regardless of the past, he should like the damn place. Not only was it so much like him, but there was also no one to bother him. No Dark Lords or Dumbledore, or Potter to drive him insane. It was free of the noise and bustle of students. There also wasn't McGonagall to give him migraines with her obsession with Quidditch. With the exemption of the limited space for his potion making, Spinners End was perfect for him. Yet all the same, Hogwarts had a way of giving his life purpose in a way Spinners End did not. As he climbed the staircase to the headmaster's office, he wondered if the man had arrived yet and if he would be wearing another customary set of obnoxious robes.

Upon entering, he took note the office was empty save for the man's colorful familiar. The phoenix trilled. Severus inclined his head in greeting. Shifting his eyes to the headmaster's desk, there lie a note with his name on it.

Severus,

An urgent matter has come to my attention. Please, go ahead of me as I am unsure as to how long I will be. Sirius and Molly been informed of your arrival, but rest assured that I will be stopping by headquarters today."

Albus

Severus rolled his eyes, "How convenient. Well played, Albus."

Sighing, he glanced at the phoenix that looked uncannily amused. Inclining his head, he turned on his heal, he grabbed a handful of floo powder and prepared to face his due. Now, anyone who had been at the receiving end of the Dark Lord's rath would never wish for it. However, when he stepped out of the floo in Grimmauld Place to a loud bustle of chatter from the herd of Weasleys, Lupin, and Black - he wondered why cleaning Hippogriff waste was not an alternative.

Finding himself at the receiving end of wariness, horror, and outright disgust was nothing particularly new, though he would admit that it did give him a level of discomfort at times. Crossing his arms, he raised an eyebrow. He would not be the one to break the uncomfortable silence. Mrs. Weasley was the first to snap out of whatever they were on.

"Professor Snape, you're here for Harry?" She asked. Without being prompted, she called, "Harry, dear!"

A sound of rushing feet and the boy in question appeared with Black by his side, a dirty rag in his hand. Snape curled his lip, "We will be using the study for our lessons. Avoid entering or disturbing us as these lessons will require utmost focus and concentration. Follow me, Potter."

The boy took a step forward, but his godfather held the boy by the shoulder. Snape sneered. Idiocy ensued in three . . . two . . .

"I'd prefer it if you didn't give orders here, Snape." Black stood in front of his godson now, eyes holding a familiar glint, "It's my house, you see."

Severus clenched his jaw. Black had not lost the ability to test his patience and much like all those years ago, he still managed to catch him out numbered. Snape had never let himself show weakness before. At the tip of his tongue, there was a retort ready to lash out. The tension grew thicker with each passing second and with great dismay he realized the Weasley children were watching in with varying amounts of interest. Potter, for one, looked vaguely uncomfortable. No, it would not due to engage Black at the moment.

Scowling, he began a familiar ritual. Reserved for his meetings with the Dark Lord, Severus was unused to hiding so completely behind Occlumency as he was about to do. Ten . . . He inhaled subtly. Nine . . . He directed his eyes away from Black and to Potter. Might as well make it a learning experience. Eight . . . He took the anger he felt and held his breath on it. Seven . . . Severus, you can't react to it. Six . . . Let it go, Sev. Five. His scowl smoothed into a neutral line. Four. Be calm. Three. Ready? Two. . . He shifted his gaze back to Black. One . . . Go.

"I am here on Dumbldore's order's." His voice was perfectly devoid of it's usual contempt. In the entirely neutral tone, it almost sounded pleasant. His face was completely unreadable and empty of it's customary harshness, "I would prefer to get started as soon as possible, Black."

Obsidian eyes shifted to Harry. The gaping boy snapped out of his stupider and mercifully seemed to take his cue. Black, whom had a suspicious look on his face, took three aggressive steps forward. With Potter standing between them to the side, Black drew himself to full height, significantly taller the Severus. Unfolding his arms, mental shields firmly in place, he gingerly fingered his wand.

"I don't know what game you're playing, Snape." Black spit. Molly Weasley let out a noise of disapproval as she attempted to push her children and Granger out of the room. Lupin had been watching silently finally said, "Sirius . . ."

The man ignored him and glared at Snape, "I'm warning you Snivellous. If I hear you're using these Occlumency lessons to give Harry a hard time, you'll have me to answer to."

Snape had been a Death Eater for a portion of the first war, a double agent for the other. Now, he had retaken his role as a spy for Dumbledore. During the first war, Snape had found it difficult to stomach the crueler aspects of Voldemort's war effort. Yet, he had been raised surrounded by the world's cruelty. Like a coward, he'd learn to walk away in the face of it. Perhaps, he had become weak over the years. In the face of Voldemort's thirst for blood, Severus found it harder and harder to turn away. Yet, he held still, for it would help no one if he got himself killed in a reckless moment of heroics. He had a a job to do and that was protecting the son of the person who first showed him love, friendship, and kindness. And, if he could help destroy the man that savagely ended her time in this world at the same time . . . Well then, he would bite his tongue until it bled.

That being said, Sirius Black was not Voldemort. There was nothing but his dignity that would be compromised by socking the mutt. He couldn't lash out at the Dark Lord for the pain he caused in his quest for power, but Sirius Black was another story. Severus could accomplish one childhood fantasy that in no way would ease his pain, but it would give his most childish dream a level of satisfaction.

Calm down, Severus. You know perfectly well that you're more likely to draw your wand before using your fists and since you've yet to use your mouth against Black, it's even more unlikely. Use your head, read the room. Look at the boy.

Severus tore his gaze from Black and turned to Potter. The boy's hands were twitching as if ready to push the two apart. Idiot.

Is he truly?

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and allowed a small portion of irritation to make itself known, "Black, I have neither the time, nor the patience for this. Considering my summer has been cut short, kindly do me the favor of not wasting my time with senseless chatter."

"I am his Godfather and I'm looking out for him. I have the right-"

The dog was yapping loudly. Severus glanced at the room. Lupin was inching closer to Black and with all the children gone, Weasley was left on her own with her hands over her hips looking ready to say something if it weren't for Lupin's eyes practically begging her not to. Potter, was hard to read. There was a certain warmth in his eyes and normally, Severus wouldn't have inspected further, but Occlumency tended to make him more thorough in his observations. He tended to take longer before making a judgement.

"Sirius," The boy said softly. His tone was hesitant and had Severus not been paying attention, Severus would have missed the note of irritation in Potter's voice, "Can we talk about this later?"

Surprisingly, the mutt relented. Ignoring the hateful glare sent his way, Severus turned, "Come, Potter. We've wasted enough time."

As they walked away, Severus heard the whispered screech of Molly Weasley's velvety tone, "Now you listen here, Sirius Black."

Potter seemed to slow down his step until Severus narrowed his eyes at the boy, his hand pointing Potter to the study. With a final glance back, Potter stepped into the room with Severus following behind. He cast an imperturbable charm discretely on the door as he closed it shut; then, he turned to Potter who watched him with a mix of defensiveness and curiosity. Inhaling deeply, he kept direct eye contact before dispersing the layer of magically enhanced neutrality on his mind. A scowl immediately took over his lips. He ignored the shocked boy in favor of sitting in the armchair at the far end of the room.

"Take a seat, Potter."

The boy was looking at him like an interesting breed of flobberworm.

"Today, if you would."

Shaking his head, the boy rushed to take a seat across from him, "How did you do that?"

Severus' scowl deepened. Would it kill the boy to be more specific? Crossing one arm over the other, he said indifferently, "You will clarify what is exactly that which you mean to question?"

To be quite honest, at this point Severus was being difficult on purpose; but really, was it so much Severus' fault the boy had so little subtlety? The boy groaned impatiently, "With Sirius, I mean. If I had said that to you, you would have exploded on me."

Snape gave an appraising stare. So the boy isn't entirely clueless, that is good to know. To his amusement, Potter apparently mistook his stare as a reprimand.

Jaw clenched and resistance heavily etched in his tone, Potter tacked on, "Sir?"

He looked so much like James Potter and though the sick part of him felt satisfaction, slowly his amusement faded. The larger part of himself that was still vulnerably torn open was acutely aware this was the room where he'd let Dumbledore see him fall apart. As a first response, he felt the urge to lash out as he almost had with Black, but here was Potter, calling him sir and thus begrudgingly giving him respect - if in words only - in a way the boy's father never came close to. It seemed to him that these days were ones of unexpected behaviors on his part because once again he was unable to ignore the boy's eyes.

Today, unfortunately, he was drawn to eyes so similar to Lily's emeralds as they glared at him expectantly, glazed with hatred. It chilled him to the bone how much it hurt to look at them. But this boy was not Lily Potter and though he looked like James, he was not James Potter. Harry Potter just happened to look like the man he most hated and shared the eyes of the woman he had most loved.

The emotion hit him suddenly. Hot and unforgiving: he felt grief for Lily, yes. Guilt by his part in her death was not new though entirely suffocating. No, it was complete and overwhelming shame towards the boy. Unable to unsee Lily's eyes in the boy, Severus swallowed back his retort, for how could he ask her eyes for respect. Her eyes that died by his hand and treacherous mouth. As her son had stated, her death lay upon Severus' shoulders. Just as Severus remembered the hatred for Black stemming from the events of his childhood. Harry Potter undoubtedly loathed Severus' very existence. Unlike Potter senior, the emotion was entirely justified. Severus pulled his wand from his robes as these thoughts scrambled through his mind.

"Professor, Potter." Said Snape sharply.

The boy gritted his teeth. Severus forced himself to look him in the eyes, "Class is not in session and we are not at Hogwarts; however, this is a class you are taking and I am the one instructing. Use professor to address me."

He ignored the angry confusion on the boy's face. He raised his wand and waved it intricately, setting up a recently modified version of the spell muffiato he had created in his youth. Satisfied with the privacy, he asked the boy, "Do you have your wand?"

He nearly snapped at the boy when he pulled it from his back pocket. Severus pinched his nose, "Be it on you, if you lose your posterior. Nevertheless, you will need the wand for now."

"I'm not supposed to do magic though."

Severus gave him a long look. The boy glared back.

"How?" Severus said silkily, "Do you suppose we conduct our lessons then? Did you just think we were going to sit here all day starring lovingly at each other?"

They both grimaced at that. Potter responded, "I don't know! You're the Professor!"

Severus straightened in his chair, Potter raised his chin. Lord have mercy on him. He may not be James Potter, but he certainly knew how to test Severus' patience, "Potter, I would have thought someone explained this to you. It appears not. For the duration of these classes you are permitted the use of your wand under my supervision."

The boy was surprised, "Won't I get in more trouble with the ministry?"

"The ministry cannot tell who is performing magic in a house full of wizards." Severus said shortly, "This is not an invitation to perform magic as you wish, just something to ease your mind for the purpose of these lessons. Just remember, even if the ministry does not, I will."

The boy squirmed in his seat, good. Severus raised a long finger to his lips, "Moving forward. I believe that which you speak of referring to my interaction with your delightful godfather, is Occlumency."

"But Sirius isn't a mind reader. Is he?" Severus sent him a dark look. The boy tapped his foot impatiently, "Professor, he wasn't invading your mind, was he?"

"No. He was not." Severus said forcefully, "Occlumency is a discipline of the mind, Potter. What you saw was a more obvious physical demonstration of what you must do when you occlude."

"I didn't understand it." The boy said, "I thought you two were going to go at it and then you went really still. It was as if you were just talking . . ."

Severus gave the boy a second, "Yes, it is clear to see that the English language continues to be used with such eloquence. Whether or not you godfather and I were planning on 'going at it' as you put it. Even a person such as yourself can surely tell that we do not . . . engage in pleasant conversation together. In fact, I find your godfather to be . . . distasteful."

The boy snorted snidely, "I'm sure he feels the same way."

Severus smirked briefly, "Indeed."

"What you saw was merely myself clearing my mind of any emotions and memories related to your godfather in order to then magically suppress them from surfacing thus preventing them from being viewed by an external force. While the primary objective of Occlumency is protection from external penetration of the mind, it requires much mental and emotional self-control before you are able to occlude effectively. However, when you master self-control, it yields to a magically enhanced state of neutrality. Your godfather could have attempted to slit my throat and I would have remained calm until my magic faltered."

Potter's eyes widened in horror. Severus spoke before the boy got ideas, "That is a an extremely difficult skill to learn in terms of Occlumency. I will not teach you that particular technique."

"Then why bother showing it." Potter demanded. Severus glared and the boy added, "Professor."

"Because Potter, it is the most visual demonstration of what is required of you while performing Occlumency."

The boy stared. Severus sneered, "You must clear your mind of emotions in order to take control of your mind. Only then can you occlude."

"Okay," the boy emphasized the word. "How do I do that?"

Of all the imbecilic things the boy could ask. Before he could think twice, his mouth was speaking the words, "Empty your mind. Do not feel. Do. not. think. You should find that easy enough, Potter."

The boy was radiating with rage and if Severus was honest with himself, his words were unnecessary. Bad habits are hard to break and he wasn't exactly trying to break them. In his defense, he wasn't winding the boy up purposefully. Abruptly, he stood, "Stand and draw your wand, Potter."

"I will now attempt to break into your mind and we shall see how well you resist. You may use your wand or anything at your disposal to defend yourself."

The boy had been holding his wand warily snapped suddenly, "Now? I don't even know what I'm supposed to do!"

Severus cursed the boy. He would not follow Voldemort's teaching methods with the boy. It would not work, but a demonstration seemed to be in order and Severus needed to test the boy's natural defenses anyway, "I have been told that you have already shown aptitude at resisting the Imperius Curse. . . . You will find that similar powers are needed for this. . . . Brace yourself, now. . . . Legilimens!"

The boy was a tiny body and pouting at several cats . . . He was seemingly older and eating his food away from his classmates . . . The sorting hat was above the boy's head telling him he would do well in Slytherin . . . A hundred dementors were closing in on the boy beside the dark lake . . . He watched the boy offer the cup to Diggory and together they took it . . .

No, the boy was screaming as the world spun and righted itself into a graveyard, stop this, not this, not this!

Kill the spare.

Severus couldn't be sure if the boy pushed him out first or if Severus had withdrawn, but clutching his wand he cast the furniture away from themselves and rose to his feet back to where the boy had blasted him from. The boy was shaking as he looked at Severus like he were the Dark Lord himself. He turned his back on the boy, "You let me in too far. You lost control."

At this he rounded back on the boy. He found himself spitting, "If you were so unwilling to see such a memory, next time push it from your mind. Do not waste your time screaming and as you did, blast me away if you have to."

The boy was shaking, green eyes shined with terror that faded back into ones glimmering with hatred. Severus swallowed, better. Potter gasped as he pushed himself back to his feet, hands on either knee, "You think I enjoy seeing that? You're the one rummaging around in my head. How the hell am I supposed to 'push it away' once I'm already thinking about it? I don't even know how I cast that spell at you."

"Do not think, Potter." Snape spat, "Do not feel. It's as simple as that."

"For you maybe." The boy grit.

Severus snarled. No, boy. It's not easy. Rather, I have no other choice. Black eyes pointed intensely at the boy, Severus commanded, "Enough. We shall try again. Clear your mind. Forget all thought. One... Two... Legilimens!"

The boy was standing in front of a mirror and in the reflection was a large group of people... The boy stood front and center, Lily and James standing on either side of him, eyes full of longing and regret and love... The boy was playing a game of exploding snap with a younger Ginny Weasley. Not Harry! Please... have mercy... have mercy... Shrill laugh and blinding green light, cruel laughter...

Severus staggered back. Lily, what have I done to you? Falling to his knees, his lip trembled, "How could you possibly..."

"It's what I hear..." Severus looked up to see the boy mirroring his position. There were no tears in the boy's eyes, but the pain in his anger was unmistakable, "... it's what I hear near dementors."

Slowly, Severus rose to his feet and in measured steps walked to the desk. Absentmindedly, he grabbed a glass trinket above the wooden top. The boy did not move from his spot. His jaw was clenched tightly, his body was shaking. With all the energy building in his body, Severus launched the trinket a cross the room and it shattered into dozens of pieces. The sounds mixed sharply with the boy's heavy breathing. The boy seemed just as fascinated by the splinters of glass as Severus.

The next second, Severus stormed to the boy. With two hands, he gripped his shirt and pulled him up to eye level. "You are not trying!"

The boy then grabbed Severus wrists and yanked them away from his shirt, "I. can't. do. it."

Severus glared at the boy. Regret. Anger. Guilt. It all swirled within himself violently. Fiercely, the boy shouted, "I can't turn my feelings off. Cedric. My mom. I don't want to see it! Hear it! But I can't just block it out!"

"You must!" Severus commanded equally ferociously. At the boy's incoming rebuttal, Severus pushed a long finger onto the boy's head. Mouth barely opening, words warned dangerously and each word was delivered with sharp clarity, "You will find yourself easy prey for the monster that gave you this damned scar, Potter! You cannot afford to be foolish! Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked this easily - weak people, in other words - they stand no chance against his power! He will penetrate your mind with absurd ease, Potter!"

"I am not weak!"

"Then prove it!" Severus snapped, "Discipline your mind."

Maybe then, you can spare us the pain of having to hear her screams.

The boy cried in anger, "You were his teacher. Her friend! How can you be so unaffected? How can you not care?"

"Unless, you're actual glad they're dead. Unless you enjoyed seeing that you sick bast-"

Snape yelled unintelligibly. His hands gripped the air in front of him as he found himself unable to form coherent speech, "I care more than you will ever know! But I am no fool! Lily is dead! Diggory is dead!"

He began pacing. The boy followed his every step. The room rang with their overflowing emotions. Severus met green eyes with intensity, "The Dark Lord lives and I cannot afford to lose my position. That means - if your feeble brain can't understand - that when I need to stand before the Dark Lord I must appear devoted, ready to serve. I cannot do that if I am constantly thinking that it was his wand that ended her. I cannot hide my disgust or hatred if I am remembering that it was he who murdered her."

The boy regarded Severus with uncertainty, "Do you ever? When you are not with him . . . do you remember?"

Severus locked his gaze on the boy. Always. The word hung unsaid between the two. Clenching his eyes shut, he rubbed the bridge of his nose with the back on his hand. Quietly, eyes on the floor, Potter murmured, "I can't shut my feelings off. Not now. I can't control the- I feel- I'm just angry!"

The boy slammed a fist on the carpeted floor. Severus cursed the old man, he and Potter were going to kill each other before the boy learned Occlumency. The boy was still trembling with pent up emotion. Severus decided then, he waved his wand in a large circular motion and watched as magic seeped through the walls of the room.

"No one outside this room will hear anything. You could scream your throat raw and no one will hear."

Green eyes flared with outrage, Severus sneered, "I will offer you this once, Potter. Do not make me repeat myself. What happens in this room, stays in this room for the duration of this class."

He gripped his wand. Meeting enraged eyes, he said with utmost disdain, "You will not learn if you cannot control your emotions. Quiet! Listen, do not speak. I needed not look into your mind to know what I would find."

"Didn't stop you from messing with it." The boy snapped.

Snape curled his lip, "You and I will duel."

The boy was caught off guard. He said nothing. Severus continued, "You may yell, scream, or shout. You may say what you please. You may use any spell, hex, or curse at your disposal. The moment we draw our wands you may forget that I am your professor. I do not expect you will find that hard."

"Why?" The boy asked testily, "Are you going to curse me too?"

"You don't expect me to stand still, do you Potter? Are you delusional or do you truly not understand how duels work?" Snape sourly responded, "I will aim to use mostly defensive spells."

The boy scoffed, "Why are you doing this? What do you gain?"

"We will gain nothing from arguing any further and you are incapable of clearing your mind. I want you to leave this room so exhausted you can hardly take a step without pain," said Snape menacingly.

"I can call you a ba-"

"You have not agreed to duel." Severus cut him off pointedly. The boy's mouth eye twitched impatiently.

"And I can curse you?"

"If you can manage, yes." Severus did not speak his belief on Potter's ability to do so aloud.

"And I won't get in trouble for it?"

Severus paused, "No."

Potter stood with his wand tightly in his fist, "What will you tell Dumbledore?"

"Professor Dumbledore, Potter," Snape corrected, "Will be informed of today's events. When you inevitably crawl yourself to bed today, and you will. Make no mistake, Potter. I will ensure you are so heavy that by the time you fall asleep, you are incapable of thinking anything other than how sore your muscles are and in that moment you will remember this: That state of complete emptiness, the state of having no thought or emotions other than your tired bones, that is what you must achieve while occluding."

"Is this acceptable or shall you undergo another pathetic attempt at Occlumency?"

"I will take it. Your offer."

Severus smirked briefly, then cleared his face of emotion in an instant. His shields instantly rose as he murmured, "You may begin."

The boy whipped his wand, "Expelliarmus!"

Severus flicked his wand lazily. The boy clenched his jaw. The air around him thickened exponentially as the boy attempted to disarm him again and Severus easily expelled the spell. Within his mind, his shield scolded mildly, Don't toy with him, Severus.

Impassively, Severus told the boy, "If you have an abundance of anger that becomes you incapable of occluding; surely, you have more spells at your disposal to unleash it? Surely, Potter, you have far more superior spell work than this. You have encountered the Dark Lord head on, you speak his name courageously, a wizard of you caliber should clearly destroy a mere servant."

The boy held his wand so tightly Severus wondered idlily if it would break. Lazily, he added, "Or perhaps, Potter. It is merely stupid luck that has saved your neck. Perhaps, Potter, when push comes to shove, you are nothing but an arrogant little boy-"

"REDUCTO!"

Severus side-stepped the spell. The furniture behind him blasted into pieces and he sincerely hoped his silencing charms covered the explosion. Without a second thought, he raised his wand smoothly, as Potter shouted, "Stupefy!"

Severus watched through an unreadable gaze as the spell bounced off his shield and back at Potter. The boy's eyes widened minutely before he dropped to the floor. Severus gave the boy a second and to his surprise, the boy took it and yelled, "Stupefy! Stupefy! Stupefy!"

Swifty, Severus avoided each spell the boy threw. His wand vibrated with anticipation and as compelling as it would be to sneak in a spell of his own, his mental shields vibrated soothingly, You are instructing the boy, Severus. He is not James Potter.

There is a reason why occluding completely was avoided even amongst the most arrogant of occlumens. At the current state of occlusion, no one would be able to break into his mind without shattering it. Furthermore, occluding at this level was-to put it in simple terms-a mind fuck. The boy was unaware Severus was occluding, the Dark Lord would be unaware had he been present. For all intents and purposes, Severus was present entirely to Potter; except that was not the case. While Severus snarled and smirked at the boy, his magic was reminding him of his objective: Potter must learn.

"Incendio!"

Severus eyes flashed with anger as he pointed his wand at the now standing boy. A jet of water slammed the boy back into the sofa pushed against the wall. The boy gasped and reached blindly. Severus lowered his wand, the water dwindling and Potter soaked head to toe. Severus smirked.

Potter was not horrible, he had good instinct, but if Severus truly wanted to end this duel he could. In which case, he came to wonder how the boy had managed to escape Voldemort. Surely, a duel one on one . . . Albus insisted that Lily's sacrifice protected the boy and yet, the boy had incomprehensible luck.

"Fight back! Fight back you coward!" The boy yelled.

Severus nearly bared his teeth. Calm down, Severus. He spoke softly, "I am no coward, Potter."

The boy lifted himself from the sofa, "Then fight back! Fight back, hit me, do something!"

Severus quirked a brow. The boy shivered and they both understood it was not because he was cold.

"Voldemort-"

"Don't speak his name!"

"See! You can't even say his name!" The boy spat, "You're nothing but a coward hiding under Dumbledore's robes!"

Severus eyes remained as they were: angry. Internally, his shield pushed forcefully. How dare he? The boy knew nothing of Severus' reasons and sacrifices, yet spoke as if he were all knowing.

"Am I?" Severus drawled, "Do go on, Potter. Enlighten me with you profound knowledge of my person."

The boy sputtered wordlessly. Severus scoffed, "Why don't you start with the reason that keeps me from fighting back as you put it?"

The boy said nothing. Severus continued, "Should I enlighten you, then? Perhaps, you may be thinking of Dumbledore. As you have stated I am-how did you put-hiding under his robes. A good guess, truly."

"No, Potter." Severus said calmly, "The truth is you are no match for me. The truth is I could have disarmed you before you even opened your mouth. If you have escaped the Dark Lord up until now it is due to two things: your luck and his arrogance. Nothing else. I don't fight back because there is nothing to fight back."

"You're lying."

Patience, Severus. The boy lifted his wand. Severus flicked his own, "Expelliarmus!"

The boy's wand fell harshly from the boy's hand as Severus stalked to him. He pointed his wand at the boy's throat. Green eyes watched him defiantly and mingled with uncertainty. Severus leaned a strand away from the boy, dark eyes glinting callously, "Your mother's sacrifice protects you nearly 14 years after her death. Do not sit here and expect me to believe it is your magical ability alone that has kept you alive."

"I didn't say-"

"I was a death eater and spy for the first wizarding war, and I've resumed my role as a double agent presently. Do not call me a coward. I am no such thing. A coward would not be standing here attempting to save a hopeless cause."

"If I'm such a hopeless cause, then why bother?" Potter demanded.

"I am honoring her sacrifice. Does the fact she died for you mean nothing?"

The boy's eyes watered. Potter was silent for a long time before speaking in low tones, "I hate you."

Severus hummed as his heart thumped erratically. The boy cried, "If you hadn't said anything. . . She'd still be alive! There would be nothing to honor you hateful bastard!"

"She is dead Potter." Severus said sharply, "Do you think I haven't thought of all things I could have done to prevent her death, but that changes nothing!"

"So what, you just expect me to let it go."

"I expect nothing from you, Potter. Believe me." Snape snarled. "However, one would hope you would at least cooperate with me on this. Occlumency is an added layer of protection to your person. If not do it for her, then for yourself as you insist to be informed."

The boy looked as if he had dropped a heavy load on his shoulders. All fight was gone. Severus commanded, "Get your wand."

The boy did as told. Severus sneered, "You will fire at me until you disarm me or I tell you to stop."

"Stupefy!"

And so it went for the better part of the next hour, the boy sent curses and spells at Severus and the man deflected them steadily. With each unsuccessful aim, the boy flickered back and forth between anger and frustration. Sometimes, Severus thought he caught a hint of curiosity in the boy's eyes. Of what, he couldn't be sure.

Severus, that's enough don't you think? Snape glanced about the room as Potter attempted to disarm him again. Yes, this should get the message across.

"Conjunctivitis!"

Severus narrowly missed that one. He glared at the boy. Potter was dripping in sweat now, his body shook with effort. Just as Severus, they both breathed heavily with exertion. Severus regarded the boy with interest, not bad Potter.

"You may stop."

The boy muttered under his breath, "I almost got you that time."

Severus ignored the comment in favor of pointing out yet another of Potter's flaws, "At what cost, Mr. Potter, are you willing to win?"

The boy perked at the question, eyes burning with suspicion. Severus stepped lightly in his direction, "Tell me Mr. Potter, the rage you feel toward my person, has it been satisfied?"

"No?" The boy averted his gaze. Severus silkily continued, "I am not reading your mind, Mr. Potter. You are by no means capable of controlling your emotions, much less hiding them. Let me ask you this: if I stood still and let you curse me . . . what would you do? Would you hit me? Could you hurt me? Would watching me burn and bleed bring you pleasure?"

The boy was watching him with horror and accusation. Severus understood well in that moment what Potter thought him capable of. He nearly scoffed. Severus was petty and vicious. He would engage anyone in verbal spats-battles of wit, but he was nowhere near as sadistic as the boy seemed to think. The boy need not know that, however. Smoothly, he said, "Perhaps, it would. Or not, as Gryffindors' moral high ground would impede you from such. . . illicit business. Still, I ponder this: At what cost are you willing to win?"

"Are you willing to give your life . . . your soul . . . and everything you are to win this war?"

"Of course I am!" The boy declared. His back was now rod straight and chin defiant. Severus pierced him with his gaze as he thought within the depths of his mind, foolish boy.

"Is that so?" Severus crossed his arms, "Why don't you look around you?"

"TAKE A LOOK, POTTER!"

The boy startled and finally he did. The already gloomy walls of the study were now positively worse: scorch marks and scratches littered the wallpaper, the carpet was torn and burnt off in places. The boy's eyes widened as he took in the remains of the furniture he had imploded. Severus allowed a smirk to curl his lips, "That is what happens when you have no control over your emotions, Potter."

"You told me to-"

"I told you to duel me!" Severus snapped harshly, "Not the furniture, not your surroundings! Yet that is not the issue, Potter. You have so little self awareness that you completely ignored what you destroyed so long as you were focused on attacking me! Whether it be Occlumency, or combat, understand this Mr. Potter, if you cannot control your emotions, you will inevitably destroy everything you touch!"

"You have a day, Potter. I will return Thursday and you will tell me then whether or not I was foolish to believe you were capable of handling the truth. Now get out of my sight."

The boy took in the room and let his eyes linger on Severus before storming from the study. The door's slam echoed as Severus cancelled his silencing charms. He let himself fume, half expecting Black to burst in any moment. A brief period of disappointment filled him when the mutt never showed.

Briskly, he pulled the door open several minutes later and inhaled deeply. He caught the smell of chicken. So much for fresh air. He made it nearly to the floo when he was stopped by the sight of two marauders, Molly, and Albus.

Before any of the present could speak a word, Severus grabbed a handful of floo powder and disappeared in a burst of green flames.

A young woman stood amongst lively strands of tall grass. The meadow was vibrantly speckled with dozens of colorful flowers. She looked to the distance: the stretch of greenery was endless. The sky was a deep blue and though there were clouds looming in the distance, there was peace and the smell of incoming thunder only served to curl her lips into a smile. The air was warm and her body felt toasty. The contrast of the storm's cool breeze on her face was wonderful.

I'm dreaming, she thought to herself. Not perturbed by the phenomenon, she looked about at the flowers. She reached down to pick up a wilting daisy—and it came up roots and all— among mesmerizing lilies.

"Hm, why that one?" A voice asked kindly. She didn't look up as she replied lightly, "Maybe it's special?"

"Is it?"

She shrugged, "Maybe not. I don't know."

"You still chose it."

She hesitated, "I like the lilies, but I'm not . . ."

She handled the Daisy in her hand carefully. You're special because I chose you, she told the flower.

A delicate hand gently pried the flower from her. A wave over it and the daisy was no longer wilted. It was still small, still fragile looking, but it was lovely in its own delicate way. She accepted it back in awe.

"Souls are such curious things." The voice said softly. She decided the soothing tone was male. This man continued, "I choose you."

She found herself looking into eyes holding galaxies. The daisy rested safely in her hands. She couldn't distinguish anything other than his eyes even as he spoke, "Wake up now, child. I am giving you a gift, use it wisely."

In the next moment, her eyes opened calmly as if she had only closed them briefly. Almost dazed, she reached for her wand that she had tossed on the floor before crashing on her sofa. Glancing at clock, it read barely five past ten in the morning. Considering she'd gotten home shortly after three, it felt cruel to be awakened.

She groaned, I'll never fall back asleep now.

And she didn't because the next moment there was an explosion. Wide awake now, she stood alarmed. Her eyes immediately darted to her door from where smoke and flames where rapidly approaching.

"Aguamenti!" She pointed her wand and, the flames hesitated enough for her to rush and open the door only for them to rear back, nearly licking her face. Wasting not another moment, she turned on the spot and pointed her wand, dissapperating, the sound of another explosion being the final ringing boom she heard as her body pulled itself inside out.