Corners of the Mind

*Corners of the Mind*

The sun was just starting to peek in through the now bar-less window of Harry Potter's room on Privet Drive. Sighing softly to himself after realizing that this was all the sleep he was going to get, he got up. Mindful of any loud noises he might make, Harry walked over to his window and opened up the glass. There did not yet seem to be any sign of Hedwig returning from her last trip to deliver a letter to Remus Lupin. Harry sent the letter over three days ago, where was that owl?

Well, Harry thought to himself, I might as well try to get some homework out of the way. He was still trying to complete transfiguration homework from the year before. The silence in the room was suddenly broken by a mighty screech from a snowy white owl flying in through the window.

"Hedwig," Harry said happily. "Where have you been girl? I was starting to get worried."

The owl nipped Harry's ear affectionately while Harry went about untying a letter that was attached the Hedwig's leg.

With the letter untied, Hedwig hopped over to her cage to get a drink of water. Harry settled back on his bed with the letter. Odd, thought Harry, this doesn't look like Remus's handwriting. In fact the handwriting was much more jagged.

Curious of the writer, he opened the letter and was startled to see the contents. There inside the envelope was what looked to be a letter that was cut up into about a thousand little pieces. Suddenly the envelope began to shake. Harry quickly dropped the letter when heard a booming voice come out of the paper.

"State you name," yelled the voice.

Eyes wide, Harry said, "My name is Harry Potter."

The envelope emptied itself of its contents onto the bed. The small pieces of paper began to form into words and then whole sentences until all that was left was a letter written in the same jagged hand as the envelope. Blinking in surprise Harry lifted the letter to read it.

Mr. Potter,

You might be wondering about format of this letter, but as I have always told you 'You can never be too careful'. I know your letter was addressed to Lupin however he has not yet returned from a 'trip'. Sorry to say, there is no more that I can tell you about that over this type of correspondence. I did not want your owl hanging around here for too long, so I wrote this letter to you in order to return her to you. Also, I have some good news for you. You will be coming to stay at the headquarters for the rest of the summer in order for you to continue with your Occlumency lessons from Professor Snape. Expect him to call in two days time.

-Moody

P.S. Remember: Constant vigilance.

Snape...Snape! I have to continue lessons with Snape! Sighing in resignation, Harry laid back on his bed. Closing his eyes all he could think about was what he was going to do when, in two days time, he would be confronted with Snape, alone!