Dungeon

At the beginning of Year Six, Harry returns to Hogwarts, escaping the pain of his loss by withdrawing into himself. As he is recovering from his self-imposed isolation, he begins Occlumency and Legilimency lessons, which he is rather good at. He and his friends soon become entangled in the dual roles Snape has as both Order member and Death Eater, resulting in needing to play along with some rather uncomfortable ruses for the benefit of the Slytherin students and even Voldemort himself. Harry finds that when he needs to really talk to someone about his twisted life, he finds an understanding ear in Ginny.

During a weekend visit to Hogsmeade, Hermione goes missing. The teachers don’t rescue her fast enough for Harry, for whom the whole setup is a trap.

Harry flies Hermione back to safety away from her Death Eater abductors. He cannot simply fly her home, however, as a ruse must be constructed to keep both Hermione and Snape fighting for the Order.

Only Harry knows that Hermione hasn’t really had a memory charm used on her and his friend is having a very hard time pretending to be stupid. Dumbledore is suddenly expressing far more concern for Harry as he starts Legilimency lessons with Snape, who is keenly interested in his skill as a distance Legilimens.

Harry's Legilimency lessons continue and aren’t so bad until one evening when Snape must stop procrastinating and carry out the orders the Dark Lord has given him. Harry is trusting enough to Snape a twinge at what he has to do.

Harry’s lessons have gotten complicated by having to play along with a ruse for Voldemort. The Dark Lord now wants Harry corrupted and has assigned this task to Snape, who must retain his appearance as a loyal servant.

Harry’s distance Legilimency proves strong enough to alarm Snape. The ruse grows routine except in Harry’s reactions, which are getting uncomfortable. Harry finally breaks down and confesses what is happening to one of his friends.

Ginny does battle during Potions with a supposedly jealous Professor Snape. Harry’s Legilimency lessons take an even more unexpected turn.

After Snape informs Dumbledore that he can no longer control himself during Harry’s Legilimency lessons, they must pretend that the ruse is real. The Ministry sends Percy to investigate and a serious session of deception and damage control starts.