Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Chapter Eight: The Open Invitation

Saturday morning was grey and overcast with a slight drizzly rain trickling down the windows. Harry shuffled over to Ron's bed and shook him awake. "Quidditch practice," he said with a yawn. Soon he and Ron were dressed and were heading toward breakfast with their brooms over their shoulders. Ginny was already at the table talking to Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, the team's Beaters. They looked excited to get started.

Ron won the vote by a landslide of raised hands, when Harry proposed he take on the role of team captain. Kirke and Sloper seemed agreeable still thrilled with the idea that they were on the house team, and eager to fit in. With that decided, they moved on to strategy. Ron had taken Harry's earlier words about being Quidditch captain to heart and he had prepared a practice schedule, in case it was needed. Now he laid it out for the team as they ate eggs and toast.

After agreeing on when the practices should be held, the talk turned to filling the two Chaser positions. Ginny had spoken privately to Colin Creevey to encourage him to give it a go. No one had heard for sure which other Gryffindors were planning to show up. "If we don't get anyone interested, we'll have to recruit," Ron sighed.

The pitch was slippery and muddy in places when they stepped on to the field twenty minutes later. Waiting patiently near the changing rooms, were four candidates for Chaser; Colin and Dennis Creevey, Natalie MacDonald, and Euan Abercrombie.

Ron's spirits lifted seeing there were at least four candidates for the two positions, and he set about arranging a tryout routine. Colin Creevey was little and fast, but as it turned out, not a very accurate shot. He appeared to have a talent for maneuvering in tight places and flew quite well. Dennis Creevey, on the other hand, was hopeless. He might have been nervous, but he was having great trouble staying on his broom. He fell off several times while near the ground and threatened to slide off once while quite high in the air. Harry took to flying right next to him until Dennis had his feet firmly back on the ground.

Euan Abercrombie was a great shot close in, but didn't seem capable of doing anything more creative than flying straight back and forth between the goals. Natalie MacDonald had more natural finesse than the rest of the candidates put together. Apparently she had an older brother who had played briefly for the Tutshill Tornados. She could fly and shoot. She and Ginny immediately found they could synchronize their passing and easily avoid Andrew and Harry who were playing defense. After about two hours of effort, Ron concluded the tryouts.

The team thanked the candidates for coming and sent them off toward the castle, tired and rain soaked from the workout. Natalie was the best of the three and the team immediately agreed upon her. No one favored Dennis. The Gryffindor team argued the merits of their remaining two choices for about fifteen minutes and decided that Colin Creevey would get the position at Chaser. If nothing else, he could get field position and then hand the Quaffle off at the last minute.

"It'll be great to have Natalie on the team. She was excellent and I think we can work out some great plays together," said Ginny enthusiastically.

"Colin will take a bit of work though," said Ron, with concern. "I'll try to put in some extra time with him before we have our first match. A few hours a night should bring him round!" Harry shook his head thinking poor Colin. Ron was so motivated and full of purpose now that the Quidditch team was set that Harry became concerned he was likely to follow in Oliver Wood's foot steps, and become a perfect tyrant on the subject.

Harry had other things than Quidditch on his mind as Monday approached. He was to have his first Occlumency lesson with Mac and Snape. He wondered how Snape was going to manage attending the lesson, as NEWT level potions class was held at the same time. He hoped that the scheduling conflict would restrict Snape's participation.

As they ate lunch, Harry mentioned this to Hermione, who was in Snape's class. "Sorry Harry, Snape told us that we were all to meet in the library today instead of the dungeon, and that Madam Pince would spend the class period showing us how to find potions reference materials," said Hermione. "But Harry, with Professor MacNessa there, Snape can't be too horrible to you."

"Whether he seems horrible or not, I still can't manage to keep him out of my mind, and that's about as nasty as it gets," worried Harry.

With the unpleasant memory of his last Occlumency lesson in his head, Harry's footsteps were slow and deliberate as he walked down the hall toward Mac's classroom. Hoping that some disaster would keep the next two hours from happening, he was about to open the door when he saw Professor Dumbledore coming toward down the corridor. "Harry!" said Dumbledore, "Have you been feeling alright these last nights?"

"Yes sir."

"I'm glad to hear it." Dumbledore took Harry by the shoulders and looked into his eyes. Then he said lightly, "Let's go in shall we?"

Harry pulled the door open to the classroom and saw both MacNessa and Snape waiting in the room. MacNessa was writing at the desk and Snape was sitting in the corner, scowling and drumming his fingers on a table. They both rose when Dumbledore entered.

"Ah! Conner, Severus....all assembled for Harry's Occlumency lesson I see," Dumbledore said cheerily. "Conner, I have been very remiss and I apologize. I had told you we would have a long chat as soon as school was under way and unfortunately I have not been able to meet with you due to the present state of affairs. I understand from your note, that Harry has already mastered apparition." Dumbledore turned to Harry, "Well done! And in a remarkably short time!" Even given what was about to happen, Harry had to smile. Dumbledore laid his hand on Harry's shoulder. "I am working on receiving permission for you to be taught and tested. I'm sure you understand that you may not apparate legally and that apparition is only to be used in an emergency situation....in which case, we will deal with the consequences." Harry nodded his ascent.

"I have been anxious since the first night of school, for you to recommence your Occlumency lessons. I know you understand the importance of blocking Voldemort. I really desire that a full effort be put immediately into this training. At a minimum we want Harry to be able to avoid the type of illness that befell him the night of the major attacks last week." Dumbledore pulled his pocket watch from beneath his robes and shook his head in concern. "I will have to leave Severus to explain the problem to you Conner, and we will talk at length later...Until then, I leave it in your capable hands," he said, bowing slightly to Snape and Mac.

As Dumbledore left, Harry felt rather like a project that was incomplete.

Mac crossed his arms and turned to Snape, "Well Severus what's this all about then? Why are we discussing this boy blocking Voldemort?"

Snape adopted an air of superiority and flicked some imaginary lint from his robes. "It seems Potter has an unusual connection to the 'dark lord'. This connection causes him to receive some of the 'dark lord's' thoughts, producing the type of illness he apparently experienced the first night back to school. The headmaster feels that this connection were better broken. Unfortunately, Potter has proven too dense or lazy to succeed, and in my opinion, he does not really wish to break the link," said Snape narrowing his eyes.

Mac's jaw set in a hard line, "Are you telling me Severus, that this boy is being possessed by VOLDEMORT?"

Snape's lip curled, "To clarify, it appears to be something less than 'possession'... more of an inadvertent bond. The 'dark lord' was apparently unaware of it for a long while."

Mac looked at Harry and his eyes moved up to the curse scar where they stayed for a long, embarrassing moment. "Oh, I think I see..." said Mac, slowly. "DAMNED unhealthy situation!"

Snape walked toward the window. "As he's your pupil MacNessa, what is your plan; because if you are not prepared to go on today, I have other tasks to attend to."

Mac looked angry about the news concerning Harry, or with Snape's attitude; Harry couldn't judge which. "Professor Snape, perhaps it would be helpful if you demonstrated your technique for teaching Occlumency. It would allow me to see where to start in devising a proper training program." Mac was clearly trying to control his tone of voice.

"Very well, let's get on with it," Snape said, drawing his wand from his sleeve.

Harry knew what was coming next. As there was no escaping it, he rose and withdrew his own wand. He took up a position several feet in front of Snape and exhaled deeply, trying to empty his mind as Snape had taught him. Snape looked at him steadily and spoke slowly, as though to someone hard of hearing, "Potter, clear your mind and prepare to defend yourself. You may use any shield spell you can manage." Then, without a word of warning, Snape shouted, "Legilimens".

Harry was hit by the spell full force. There was a flash of white light, then he saw himself digging out the mirror shards from his trunk, the blue torches in the Department of Mysteries, Aunt Marge's dog Ripper barking at him from below the tree at Privet Drive, Dudley winding up to punch him while Piers held him down.

"Harry!" Mac's voice pierced the misty swirl in his head and stopped the visions. He felt someone helping him sit up. Harry realized that he was again on the floor. His elbow throbbed with pain, and his head was pounding.

"I'm ok sir," said Harry to Mac, who was bending over him. He was embarrassed to have Mac see him give such a bad showing. "I'll try harder this next time," he said stoically as he climbed to his feet.

Mac straightened and put himself between Snape and Harry. "Snape, do you think it's POSSIBLE that young Harry here might need to work up to the type of attack you have just mounted against him?" Harry saw Mac had his wand in his hand.

"MacNessa, you are HARDLY in a position to question my techniques. We both know who is the stronger Legilimens," said Snape acridly.

"Not the point though, is it Severus!" said Mac with a dangerous edge in his voice. "It's not about beating up the boy, but teaching him."

"Do you suppose that the 'dark lord' will send Potter an OWL, so as to warn him, before he intends to break into the boy's mind!?"

"No, I am sure that Voldemort would show no mercy, I've seen him AND his death eaters in action, however I also believe that an attack by Voldemort would be more subtle than what YOU have just demonstrated!" replied Mac. They stood there staring at each other. Their wands were down, but Harry could see the tension in their stances.

"Say what you will, MacNessa, this is war, not a school dance," snarled Snape.

Mac stared at Snape. "I believe I'll do some preliminary work with Harry before calling upon you for help, Severus." said Mac icily.

"Have it your way, MacNessa," and Snape left the room in a swirl of black robes.

Mac put back his wand and walked to the window. He stood for a long moment, until Harry began to think that perhaps his lesson was over. He was about to clear his throat, to get Mac's attention, when Mac turned and looked at him.

"Harry, I didn't realize how serious the situation was. I am inclined to put off any study of potions for a few weeks while we concentrate our efforts completely on your mental defenses." Mac stopped for a moment. "How often have you sensed Voldemort's thoughts?"

"Well, actually, lots of times," said Harry. "Sometimes I get sick when it happens, but sometimes my scar just burns for awhile." Harry hastened to add, "It's how I was able to warn Professor Dumbledore that Mr. Weasley had been attacked last year. Sometimes I think that's why I'm not concentrating the way Snape says I should. I'm afraid that I'll miss seeing something that would help."

Mac shook his head. "Well, this is a challenge, make no mistake."

"Let's go into my office where it's more comfortable." Once seated in some high, winged back chairs, Mac sighed. "Harry, I don't care for Severus Snape and I was appalled by his 'so called' teaching method. However it is common knowledge that Snape IS an excellent Occlumens and Legilimens. I am not as good as he, as he was quick to point out. I wish you to know this. For the time being, we will go it alone, but at some point, we WILL have to put you up against Snape to see just how effective my lessons have been."

Harry frowned and nodded again. It sounded as though he was doomed to have his mind invaded by Snape.

"In your previous lessons, were you able to grasp the theory of Occlumency?" asked Mac.

"I know I'm supposed to blank out my mind and relax, but at the same time, resist. That's about all Snape told me. Then he'd try to break into my mind and I was supposed to fight him off somehow," explained Harry. "Once I think I broke into his mind, but I don't know how that happened," he added.

Harry watched Mac's face as he explained this. A stony look of anger was visible there. "We'll simply start over from the beginning, boy. I DO expect that you will master this technique. You have certainly demonstrated that you possess talent in other areas, so I expect you to apply yourself to this task with the same energy."

Mac spent most of an hour explaining the origins of Occlumency and how it had been used in the past by some of the greatest witches and wizards. He had some engaging stories to tell.

"Many people will try to tell you that Occlumency is easier than Legilimency. I don't agree," explained Mac. "I think that if you understand the principles, you can do either one equally well. Occlumency requires only one thing, and that is a strategy for defending your thoughts. Legilimency requires only one thing, and that is a strategy for breaking into someone's mind. The mind is not an easy thing to 'read'. Thoughts are not organized like a book or in a neat filing cabinet."

"Professor Snape did tell me that," said Harry.

"Good, then," said Mac. "If the Legilimens can break into another's mind and sustain the attack, the victim's defenses will drop more and more until the Legilimens can find the thoughts he is looking for."

Harry thought about all the times Snape had attacked his mind and he cringed.

"An Occlumens must secure their memories in a way that resists invasion. The more accomplished Occlumens can misdirect the Legilimens so that he believes that he has been successful, when in fact, he has been shown only selected thoughts. Learning how to protect your private thoughts is the trick."

"Harry, I would ask you to think of a storage place or receptacle for your personal thoughts and memories. The storage place should not be something obvious, such as the image of a locked trunk. Your enemy will perceive that and will concentrate on breaking into it. Can you envision such a thing? It would be better if it was something personal that you have a special attachment to."

Suddenly Harry had it. "Ok, I'll use..." Harry began.

"No." shouted Mac, raising his hand. "Don't tell me. Don't tell anyone."

"Now try to imagine putting all your private memories into it. Close your eyes and visualize it as strong and secure. Can you see that?" asked Mac.

Harry closed his eyes and tried to rally his memories to protect them. "I think so," he said. He had decided to use the image of his Patronus. It always seemed strong and protective and it reminded him of his father, which made him feel safe.

"Let's have ago then, young Potter," said Mac. Harry rose and withdrew his wand.

"No, No, No... sit down," motioned Mac.

"Snape always made me stand and use my wand to defend myself," said Harry.

Mac shook his head. "Do you suppose that when someone is about to invade your mind you will have your wand out to ward off the attack? Recently you were attacked in the middle of the night, were you not? Did you have your wand out?" Harry shook his head 'no' and smiled. We're going to try a different technique, Harry. Please sit down," said Mac. "Let's look into each others eyes. Relax your body but focus your energy on protecting your thoughts. I'm going to try to probe your mind. Don't concentrate on keeping me out of your mind, rather, concentrate on defending your memories. I'm going to start on the count of three. Are you ready?" asked Mac.

"Ok," said Harry cautiously, at least he'd not end up on the floor as he was already sitting down.

"One, Two, Three."

Harry felt a probing of his thoughts, like tendrils of a fast growing vine. He envisioned his stag prancing proudly and not bothered by the probing. He felt his tension diminish somewhat as he realized he could both concentrate and fortify his defenses. After a few minutes however, he felt his stag turning to a misty form and he knew he could not maintain his defenses much longer.

As Mac broke contact, Harry could feel the sensation of his mind snapping shut behind the intruder. He realized that he had been holding his breath. As he exhaled, he sunk back in his chair, feeling terribly tired. "Harry, I am guessing your Patronus was where you tried to store your memories. I could sense it but I did not try to break into it...yet. It was a bit obvious, but let's stay with it for the time being. Your problem will be that you are not a devious person and as such, you are not accustomed to lying. Those who regularly lie are actually quite good at protecting their secrets; it's a game that they play all the time. You will have some work to do in this area, but we have made a start today."

"When I had lessons with Snape, I'd always end up knocked-out on the floor," said Harry. "This felt different."

"Snape was applying the kind of techniques that an enemy might use, who did not care about the danger to you personally. He did what one might do if it was imperative to get information, no matter what cost. I am sure that he tempered it somewhat, but he did you no favors by his approach. You will need to work up to that level of contact," explained Mac. "So, until next time, young Harry," said Mac, as he picked up some books. "Please practice envisioning your Patronus and storing your thoughts there."

That evening Hermione and Ron were eager to hear about Harry's lesson. They worked at their homework and waited until the common room had cleared. "So Harry," asked Hermione in a whisper, "How was the lesson? Was Snape awful?"

"It wasn't too bad," said Harry, slowly. "Snape only had one go at me and then Mac stopped him. Mac really seems to hate Snape."

"At least he has good taste," Ron said.

Harry and Ron laughed. But Hermione injected, "Still, Professor Dumbledore trusts Snape. There has to be a reason."

"As long as he's not teaching me, I don't care," said Harry.

Defense Against The Dark Arts classes had become the high point of the week for the older Hogwarts students. Harry thought part of the fun was in the integration of the houses during practices. In addition there was a lot of action mixed in with some fairly useful information. For the second lesson, Snape was not present. Instead, Professor Sinistra took a group and so did Professor Flitwick, who must have been quite a good dueler at one time. Harry was assigned to his group and Flitwick showed the group some amazing evasive moves.

"He's incredible, isn't he?" Hermione asked as she practiced next to Harry.

"I can't figure out how he does that move where he sort of kicks off from the ground and spins around," Harry replied. "I'd really like to learn that."

The following week's lesson was a day long lecture session, but it was so interesting that everyone was kept on the edge of their seats. The subject was 'Dark Magic in this Century', and featured tales of dark magic performed by witches and wizards and how they were caught and landed in Azkaban prison. Part of the lecture was done by Professor McGonagall, part by Mac and part by Kingsley Shaklebolt who had been invited as a guest speaker.

Students were taking notes like mad, even though no one had announced that there would be a quiz on the information. Ginny was sitting on Harry's right and was listening raptly to the lecture, and Harry noticed that Hermione had an entire roll of parchment full before class was over that day. When time was finally called, the students seemed reluctant for it to be over.

The Gryffindors climbed the stairs back to their common room discussing various bits they had been told. "Did you believe that story about the witch who shot flames out her wand, and lit that town on fire?" Harry heard Neville ask from somewhere behind him.

"Ya, that was amazing...and how they caught her," replied Dean Thomas. The talk did not subside until well after dinner, with the younger students drawing up chairs and listening to the re-telling of some of the stories. Harry noticed that several students were using Voldemort's name occasionally now. He wondered if it was due to Mac's urgings or Hermione's poster campaign.

Quidditch practices were becoming grueling events. Ron was driving all of them very hard. He felt that with two new team members they needed lots of time on the pitch even though Natalie was as good a player as Ginny.

Monday night a cold rain was falling and it was growing dark as Harry returned from practice soaked and covered in mud. Ron was still down at the field working with Colin. The rest of the team had given up an hour before. In the second floor hall, Harry encountered Arthur Weasley and Professor Dumbledore coming from the general direction of the hospital wing. "Harry!" said Mr. Weasley, "Good to see you. Do you know where Ron is?"

"He's still at Quidditch practice," said Harry.

"I'll have to track him down later then," said Arthur Weasley. "How's the team coming along then?"

"Ron's really putting us through our paces, sir," smiled Harry.

"I know Ron is extremely pleased to have been named captain," said Mr. Weasley with pride. "Actually I'd like a word with you, Harry, regarding....well...perhaps we could use your office, Albus."

"Yes," said Dumbledore, "please do, Arthur." He led the way to the large griffin stature and spoke the password. Soon they were all standing in Dumbledore's office with its warm roaring fire. Harry noticed he was leaving a trail of muddy water in his wake so he tried to stand still near the door.

"Harry, as you have probably read, Minister Fudge has been rather indisposed of late. He has not been available to attend to much in the way of Ministry business. I have been trying to work through the red tape, as it were, to get you permission to be trained in Apparition. Today, I finally managed to get a special temporary permit for you to learn Apparition. The permit says you must have a teacher with you at all times. It is less than we wanted, but better than nothing. The Ministry will not allow you to be tested until you turn seventeen." Arthur Weasley turned to Dumbledore, "I'm sorry, Albus, but Malfalda Hopkirk would not be moved. Even by the argument that Voldemort has clearly been after the boy for the past few years."

"It was to be expected, Arthur. I appreciate your efforts," said Dumbledore. "I will notify the Ministry that Conner MacNessa will be training Harry."

"Harry, no matter what the Ministry says, if you need to apparate, just do so. Save yourself, and let us worry over the consequences," said Mr. Weasley in a fatherly way.

Harry nodded his agreement for the second time on this issue. "Uhm, I should be going back to the dormitory." He was standing in quite a puddle now, and was uncomfortably chilled.

"I'll come with you Harry...perhaps catch up with Ron. I'll see you again on that OTHER matter next week, Albus."

Dumbledore nodded to Mr. Weasley, and they left the headmaster's office.

Mr. Weasley was very excited to be visiting his old common room. He greeted the Fat Lady like a long lost friend and asked Harry to let him give the password. In the common room, Harry left Mr. Weasley in front of the fire, saying he would check the dormitory for Ron. Mr. Weasley began chatting happily with some second years studying at one of the tables.

Luckily, Ron had given up for the night and was just cleaning up when Harry came in. "Your dad is downstairs to see you."

"Really? Super!" said Ron, pulling on a dry shirt. He left the room and Harry began to change. After about ten minutes Ron was back looking a bit worried.

"Something wrong, Ron?"

"I don't know" said Ron "Dad took me out in the hall to tell me Percy still can't have visitors. That was all he'd say. Except that mum's ok and things are crazy at the Ministry."

"You know, Ron, I saw your dad and Dumbledore coming from the direction of the hospital wing earlier. Maybe we should get out the Invisibility cloak and do some looking around."

"I think we should, but let's wait till the weekend, when we'll have lots of time."

As the days passed The Daily Prophet was full of new stories of death eater and dementor attacks. The entire wizarding community was on edge, and according to an interview with a liaison from the Department of Aurors, most of the reports were turning out to be false alarms; only frightened individuals who thought they saw something moving in the darkness. Harry found that he would occasionally experience sudden shooting pains from his scar, which sometimes woke him in the night, but no visions or anything as bad as the first night back at school.

Of all people, Ludo Bagman was at the forefront, calling for calm. The Daily Prophet was following him around taking down quotes as often as he would offer them. Hermione slammed the morning paper down in disgust. "I think he's campaigning for the Minister of Magic job. Fudge surely can't continue much longer. He sounds like he's a wreck. But Bagman..."

"I know what you mean," said Harry. "He doesn't seem smart enough for the job, does he?"

"Bagman must have come up with the gold to satisfy his debt to the Goblins, if he's back at work," said Ron.

"I had forgotten about that," said Harry as he helped himself to some cereal. "Did he ever pay your brothers what he owed them?"

Ron just shrugged.

"Listen to this!" said Ginny who was now reading Hermione's paper. "We need a good community event to pull us all out of this. I have the permission of Minister Fudge to invite the public to the first Hogwarts Quidditch match of the season, in November. What could be more healing than watching the lively play of two rival house teams at our own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Mark your calendars friends, the match is bound to be fun for all."

"Who made that announcement?" asked Ron.

"Bagman," replied Ginny.

"Can I see that for a moment, Ginny?" asked Harry, taking the paper from her. Ron and Hermione also read it in turns.

"I've never seen school Quidditch matches advertised before, have you two?" Hermione asked.

Harry and Ron both shook their heads. "Well, no one's likely to come but parents anyway," said Ron, returning to his toast.

"I wonder that Dumbledore would want to throw open the gates to the school just now," said Harry. "Doesn't that seem dangerous? I mean parents are pulling their children out and all, it doesn't make sense."

He looked up at the head table and saw McGonagall pointing at the same article and talking to Professor Flitwick. She was not happy. Even Flitwick seemed concerned. Dumbledore was not sitting at the teachers table. Harry wondered if he was aware of Bagman's invitation.

That morning, Professor McGonagall pulled Ron and Harry aside before Transfiguration. "Did either of you know anything about this public Quidditch match with the Slytherins?"

"No mam," they relied in unison.

McGonagall looked upset. "No, of course not....I thought perhaps Mr. Weasley, that your father had mentioned something."

"Uhhh....No Professor, he didn't," replied Ron.

"By the way gentlemen, how is the team coming along?"

"We've got a couple of new Chasers and some great new plays, professor. We'll do some real damage to the Slytherins," said Ron encouragingly.

"Fine, fine, please take your seats." said McGonagall absently.

McGonagall appeared rather distracted during the rest of the lesson. She was to show them how to transfigure rabbits into top hats. During her demonstration she transformed the rabbit into a bunch of old shoes, and had to begin again. Given her mood, no one laughed, except Draco Malfoy. "Ten points from Slytherin," McGonagall barked.

That evening, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny discussed the open Quidditch match. "I saw Dumbledore talking to McGonagall and Hagrid in the entrance hall around noon. He looked very angry and I heard him say 'Bagman should not have done it'. Then he seemed to send Hagrid off to do something," related Ginny. "I assumed it was about the Quidditch match."

"How does Bagman get off arranging something like that without consulting Dumbledore first?" asked Hermione.

"Maybe it's not such a bad thing," injected Ron. "Maybe some professional team scouts will come." As those words left his mouth, Harry could see a look of concern begin to fill Ron's face. "Oh...we really need more practice." If they were to play in front of a crowd of parents, Ron reckoned they should be at peak performance.

Returning to the original subject, Harry thought aloud, "I guess the biggest risk is from the death eaters and the dementors. But I'll bet there will be loads of Ministry security people here, if Dumbledore has anything to say about it."

Saturday night was the time Ron and Harry had thought they would nip up to the hospital wing to try to find Percy. Harry hid the invisibility cloak under his robes and they waited until late to leave the common room. They were not so worried about being seen leaving by the Gryffindors as they were trying to skirt around anyone who might be in the halls or up in the hospital wing.

Once out in the hall, they checked that no one was watching then they both ducked under the cloak. It was becoming a tight fit for both of them to be covered by it. Harry thought back on how they, plus Hermione used to fit. They had to scrunch down a bit to keep their shoes covered.

Harry and Ron edged cautiously along the halls to the Hospital. Now was the tricky part; if they opened the door, and Madam Pomfrey was right there, they were caught for sure. Harry hesitated with his hand on the knob, and Ron gave him a shrug. He opened the door slowly and carefully, and they slipped in unnoticed. Ron shut the door behind them as they faced the ward which was dimly lit with a few bedside candles. There seemed to be only one patient, a first year by the looks of him, who was asleep.

Ron pointed toward a hallway to the left. This was the direction of Pomfrey's office, but there were also rooms beyond. They crept down the hall slowly. Harry could make out a voice coming from the last room, and there was light filtering out from the partially opened door. They shuffled quietly toward the light.

Ron and Harry got close enough to see in. There, lying on a bed, with a strange, vague look on his face was Percy Weasley. Madam Pomfrey was standing beside the bed with her wand touching Percy's forehead and her eyes closed in concentration. There was a large bottle of luminous orange liquid on the night stand. After a moment she backed away. "Well that's enough for one night I think Mr. Weasley. We'll have another go tomorrow." She picked up the bottle and bustled to the door, causing Harry and Ron to flatten themselves against the opposite wall of the hallway. Pomfrey pulled the door shut and locked it with a large brass key then went directly into her office and closed the door.

"Well that didn't tell us much," sighed Ron as they trekked back to Gryffindor tower.

"He seems to still be cursed, wouldn't you say" asked Harry, "I mean he didn't look as though he knew what was going on."

"No he looked like his brain was fried," Ron mumbled.

"They're bound to revive him though," said Harry encouragingly, but he had his doubts. He did not mention to Ron that there were several books lying on a bedside table in Percy's room. The top one, Harry had noticed, was called 'Irreversible Spell Damage'.

It had been three weeks since the death eater attacks Harry's first night back at Hogwarts. The students who had been pulled out of school by their parents still had not returned, but no additional students had left. There had also been no word from Seamus. Harry, Dean, Ron and Neville discussed his continued absence. "Maybe his mum is still in the hospital?" said Neville. Harry was afraid to say anything because he had seen Neville's mum, who had been cursed in the same way, and was still in St. Mungo's. Looking around it was easy to see how worried his dorm mates were.

The Ministry had begun to publish tips on home protection each day in the Prophet. Among them were descriptions of various wards and alarm spells which would summon the Ministry aurors.

Mac had spent each two hour class period, since the first lesson with Snape, entering Harry's mind and making Harry try to defend his thoughts. Mac never tried to break into Harry's memories. Each time, Harry got a bit better, but it was slow and painful. The act of maintaining his stag was extremely tiring. Harry often had to lie down during the last half of his class time because he was too tired to go on, or even to walk back to the dormitory. At times the effort caused him to get a stabbing headache which was relieved by drinking a cup of hot chocolate that Mac kept at the ready. Still the process, however tiring or painful, felt cleaner and more satisfying than Snape's Occlumency lessons.

Harry had a breakthrough during his tenth Occlumency lesson. He was seated across from Mac as usual and preparing to defend his memories. At the previous lesson, he had managed to push Mac completely out using his stag. The effort had been great but he had managed it, and had been quite pleased with himself. Mac had congratulated him but not in the way he had over Apparition. Harry began to suspect that he was not doing nearly as well as expected. He rather felt that he was letting Mac down. Mac had seemed so subdued since the day Snape had explained Harry's link to Voldemort. He always looked hard into Harry's eyes, before they began each session.

"Today, Harry, I am going to try breaking into your memories when I enter your mind. I am warning you, because if I succeed you may pass out."

"I'm ready, sir."

"Please prepare yourself.....One, Two, Three..."

Harry felt Mac enter his mind. He pictured his stag standing ready to defend his thoughts. Then suddenly the attack came. Harry screwed his face up as he fought to prevent the intrusion. The white light flashed and he saw Aunt Petunia in St. Mungo's, Lupin sitting at a table at headquarters, Crookshanks chasing Scabbers...then he realized that he had a reserve of strength, and he pushed back as hard as he could.

Harry felt himself letting out a scream as he pushed Mac completely out. Unbelievably, the act of pushing Mac out added to, rather than sapped, his strength. When he focused on Mac again, Mac was breathing hard but was smiling broadly for the first time in weeks.

"You got it, boy!" he said breathlessly. "I think you really got it." Mac grabbed a glass of water which he downed.

"Some hot chocolate for you sir?" asked Harry with concern on his face.

"Yes, yes...fine, boy" said Mac, sinking back in the chair, breathing hard.

"Do you know what happened today, young Harry?" Harry shook his head 'no' as he poured Mac some chocolate. "You were able to use my mental energy to repel me. It was spectacular." Mac put a hand on his chest and breathed deeply. "Really, I did not expect we would reach this point for perhaps.... another two weeks. You see Harry, I have employed an old technique for learning Occlumency that is all but forgotten. I have been worried because I have been using a very high level of force when I enter your mind." Mac looked very flushed.

"We'll need to try again to make sure you can repeat your performance. Are you ready to try again?"

"I feel fine Mac, but are you sure you want to?" asked Harry with concern.

"Ha! Potter, any day I can't best you, I'll retire," laughed Mac.

The second try was even better for Harry. He waited for the attempt and then pushed back powerfully. He knew that he could have pushed into Mac's mind but did not.

Mac looked spent but seemed quite pleased. He laid his head back and before Harry could ask any questions, he was snoring. Harry covered him up with an old woolen throw that hung over the back of the chair, as Mac had done for him, when the effort had been overwhelming. He left Mac asleep.

Mac looked bright and cheerful as Harry entered the classroom the following day. "Young Harry, I want to talk to you before we begin today." Harry sat down next to the desk and Mac turned to face him.

"As I explained to you last time, I employed a rather unusual technique to bring you to the point of being able to push me out of your mind. I have been using increasing force each day so that you became accustomed to a really strong attack. But I did not ask you to defend your memories until you were used to the feel of a serious invasion. The strength of any such attack is in the initial intrusion, and not the accessing of memories. That part is simple."

"Today you will see the fruit of your efforts, I believe. Today, you will refuse to let me in and you will push back into my mind."

"You want me to break into your memories, sir?" asked Harry

"You can try boy, but the main object is that you enter my mind. Remember, that is the difficult part. I wonder how Albus knew you would be capable of Occlumency? It's a fairly rare talent. Not easy to learn at all. One needs the aptitude or they will never succeed. That man is a wonder," said Mac, almost to himself.

Harry was fairly sure that he received his 'aptitude' for Occlumency the same place he had received his ability as a Parselmouth. He didn't want to share this thought with Mac as it would only raise more questions that had no answers.

Harry and Mac adjourned to the office and took their usual seats. Harry got prepared while Mac counted to three. Harry felt the beginning of the intrusion and immediately pushed back. As he did, he drew power from the contact and continued to push until he felt himself in Mac's mind. He received an image of green rolling hills. He could look around but he could also sense a strong barrier. He broke the contact. Then he realized that HE, had decided to break contact. He felt great.

Mac was smiling and looking quite spent. "You've done it Harry!"

"Mac, what will happen if I start seeing what Voldemort sees, again?"

"Harry, I can not be sure, but I believe that you will be able to see his thoughts, if you wish. You should be able to keep his thoughts out, the way you pushed me out. If you chose to see his thoughts, there may be pain since your connection was born of a painful curse. I am not sure how you would fair in an eye to eye contest with him. He is known to be extremely powerful. But in terms of this random connection, you will be able to control it and stop it as you choose."

"I want to continue with some weekly training to hone your skills. You may as well become acquainted with Legilimency since you are half of the way there now. I think we can manage to get you some level of skill in judging truth from falsehood in the eyes of others. There is, of course, one test that we still must perform."

"Snape?" asked Harry.

"I am afraid so. Think of it as a NEWT final. By the way, this is a very sought after skill for auror candidates. The Ministry rarely gets recruits that are capable of Legilimency or Occlumency," Mac winked.

The next day was bright and sunny with the smell of autumn in the air. Harry, Hermione and Ron complained to each other about having to go inside the greenhouses for Herbology. They were likely to be stuffy and warm from the bright sun.

Professor Sprout entered the greenhouse which was full of waiting students, and gave her usual hearty 'hello' to all assembled. She carried a clay pot containing a large, prickly ball of grey green set upon a bed of gravel.

"Today class, we will be studying the properties of the Pseudolithos Migiurtinus which is a variety of cactus. This plant is interesting, as it is used in making several very valuable potions, including Skelegrow. Can anyone tell me where we get this particular species?"

Hermione's hand shot up as usual. As she proceeded to explain more about the plant then anyone in the room cared to know, Professor Sprout beckoned Ron, who was standing near the front of the room, to come help her. "Weasley, go haul those other Migiurtinus cacti in here. Longbottom, you help him," said Sprout. "We will be learning today how to properly harvest these little fellows and how to store them..."

As Sprout talked, Harry heard a muffled yelp from outside the room. Soon Ron was toting in three of the heavy pots, followed by Neville who was carrying two more. Harry noticed that Ron's finger was bleeding. Another two trips and the rest of the cacti were arranged on the table.

Ron came to stand near Harry, sucking his punctured finger. "Wicked, spiky things," he whispered.

Sprout had the students grouped in twos and threes to work on the Migiurtinus. Neville joined Harry and Ron at their work station. Neville was whispering excitedly, a list of helpful potions that used this particular plant, while Professor Sprout began to demonstrate the proper technique for cutting it up. Harry turned toward Neville to ask him to pass the shears when he noticed that Ron's face was turning ashen. Ron looked as though he was going to pass out. "Ron, are you ok?" whispered Harry. Ron didn't respond. "Ron!" said Harry more loudly. Professor Sprout looked in Harry's direction. "Professor, I think Ron is sick...or something."

She looked at Ron and said, "Take him out for a bit of fresh air, Potter."

Ron was standing stark still as Harry took hold of his arm and tried to propel him forward, toward the door. Rather than move, he simply crumpled to the ground. Professor Sprout saw him fall and came running to Ron's side. Sprout quickly dropped to her knees and began examining Ron. She looked up at Neville, "Did he by chance prick himself on this cactus?" she asked.

"When we were carrying the pots in he got a cut off one," offered Neville. The location of the cactus cut was plain enough to see. The finger had now swelled to twice its size and was turning black.

Harry could see how this was going, and added, "He sucked his finger Professor, after he got the cut, that is."

"Oh my! Oh my!" she repeated rather frantically. "Oh, this is not good," clucked Professor Sprout. She pulled out her wand and levitated Ron up and out of the green house. Over her shoulder she exclaimed "Class dismissed!"

Harry, Neville and Hermione followed close behind Professor Sprout as she moved Ron along toward the hospital wing. She would not answer their tentative questions, but kept muttering things like "...chance in a million of a reaction..." and "....should have used dragon gloves..."

As they came through the doors of the hospital wing, they were met by Madam Pomfrey who was quickly filled in on the situation. By now Ron's entire arm was black and swollen. Pomfrey scowled and pointed toward a bed, then rushed off to a side room. She soon returned with three bottles of liquid and some bandages. "Miss Granger, get a quill and a parchment from my office and bring it here. Mr. Longbottom, go find Professor Dumbledore right now!" Neville ran out the door, while Hermione went to the office.

Madam Pomfrey doused Ron's arm with one potion and poured a second down Ron's throat. Then she spoke a spell that Harry did not recognize. Hermione had returned with the parchment and stood ready for more instruction. "Write a note to Weasley's parents, say he's had a bad reaction and they should come immediately...Potter run that note to the owlry now! GO, GO, GO!"

Harry grabbed the note and ran all the way to the owlry where he quickly attached it to Hedwig and urged her to find Mr. or Mrs. Weasley as quickly as possible. When he returned to the hospital wing, Neville and Hermione were standing in the hall looking very worried. "How's it going?" asked Harry breathlessly.

"She sent us out to wait here," said Neville. There was nothing to do but follow orders, so Harry sunk down to the floor against the wall. Hermione was pale and silent and Neville was running over the properties of the cactus, convinced that they were not considered poisonous in any way.

Professor Dumbledore emerged fifteen minutes later. "Did you get that note off, Harry?" he asked.

"Yes sir," Harry said.

Dumbledore went off quickly towards his office. In another half an hour, Professor Sprout emerged looking quite relieved. "Ahh! We caught it in time. No harm done!" and she scurried off down the hall.

Harry, Hermione and Neville entered cautiously and approached Ron's bed. He was awake and ghostly white. His arm was laid on top of the sheets and was a raw looking, red color, an improvement over the black. Madam Pomfrey was explaining something to him, "...Since you are clearly allergic to this plant, you could be killed, rather than cured, by certain medicinal potions. I will make up a list and also mark them on your school chart. You were a lucky young man today, Mr. Weasley." Ron nodded weakly. "I'll bring the list round after you've slept a bit, and review it with you. You'll be needing a medi-wizard alert tag to wear round your neck."

"What happened, Ron?" asked Hermione gently, once Madam Pomfrey had left. Ron explained feebly, that he had a reaction to the cactus that, apparently, could have killed him. Madam Pomfrey had the antidote on-hand that had brought him back around. "Pomfrey said it was a close call," Ron said weakly.

Just then Madam Pomfrey came bustling by. "Let him have a sleep now. He'll be better by tomorrow, I'm certain," she assured them. They told Ron they would come see him after classes and check how he was feeling. Ron was asleep before they reached the door.

Neville immediately headed for the Gryffindor common room, leaving Harry and Hermione together in the deserted hallway. Hermione suddenly burst into tears. She turned away from Harry toward a window.

"What's wrong?" asked Harry, rather worried as he tried to pat her back. "Ron's gonna be ok. Madam Pomfrey said so."

"I know," sniffed Hermione. She tried wiping her eyes on the sleeve of her robe. "Oh, Harry, he's such a big, silly, exasperating... I was so worried."

Harry put a hand on her shoulder. "It's really ok. I'm sure it is."

She straightened up and shook back her hair, "You're right Harry, and please don't tell him I cried about this, ok?"

"Ok," Harry agreed. He had watched Ron and Hermione long enough to know that they really liked each other. However, they never seemed able to admit it to each other. In the back of his head was a small place where he felt that their inevitable relationship might leave him feeling even more alone in the world than he sometimes did now. They had families who loved them, and soon he was sure, they would have each other. Harry felt adrift. All his relations were dead or else, rotten muggles. He chastised himself for thinking this way. Let these thoughts haunt him as he drifted off to sleep, but not now. To distract himself, he tried to start a conversation with Hermione about Potions class as they trudged down the last staircase to the first floor.

Ron still looked weak the next day, but went to his classes with a heavily bandaged hand. Hermione fussed over him at every opportunity, even helping him fill his dinner plate. Ron didn't put up a fight, and actually seemed to be enjoying her attention. Later in the common room they agreed that no one was in the mood for homework, and after sitting and talking for awhile, they turned in early.

Harry awoke hours later with his scar burning and flashes of light and mist filling his head. He felt sick as he raised himself up on his elbows in bed. Harry remembered his Occlumency lessons and he tried to picture his stag and how he should be defending his mind. Sure enough the visions faded and Harry could clear everything but the image of the stag. He sunk back on his pillow. Harry knew though, that he needed to tell an Order member what he had felt. He quickly climbed out of bed and fumbled into his robe. His dormitory mates had not awakened for which he was thankful. He guessed he should go to Dumbledore's office, regardless of the time.

Harry went down to the common room and out the portrait hole. Using his wand to illuminate the corridor, he made his way to the headmaster's office. "Sugar Quill" he said and the stone griffin moved aside leaving Harry to take the stairs to the office door. He hoped he would be able wake Dumbledore once he was inside. Harry knocked and the door opened on its own.

Entering the room, Harry saw the portraits on the walls were all asleep, with most snoring softly. Fawkes was sitting on his perch and turned his head quizzically as Harry approached. "Can you get Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked the phoenix, not knowing what else to do.

Fawkes gave a high pitched warble and in a moment Dumbledore appeared from a side door in a strange looking sleeping cap and a dark blue flannel robe.

"Harry, what is it?"

"I...I had another vision, sir. I thought you should know right away."

"Did you....how are you feeling?"

"My scar was hurting and I was beginning to feel sick, but I was able to push it out. Then I came here straight away."

Dumbledore touched Fawkes, "You know what to do." The phoenix rose up, flapping its impressive wings and then it disappeared with a flash.

"Please wait a moment Harry....and, have some chocolate," said Dumbledore opening a drawer and pushing a box of Honeydukes bars into his hands.

Dumbledore left the room and Harry sat down. He had long since come to believe in chocolate as a remedy for dark magical encounters. Harry unwrapped a bar, and bit off a corner.

When Dumbledore returned he said, "Harry, thank you for notifying me, it is really a great help. I am also pleased that your lessons are producing results. That is very good news."

"Mac...I mean Professor MacNessa," said Harry, quickly correcting himself, "showed me how to use the strength of the intruder to fight off the attack."

"Did he really?" said Dumbledore, taking a seat behind his desk. "I haven't heard that tried for ....well, for an age. And it works for you?"

"Yes sir," said Harry. Something in Dumbledore's surprise stuck with him. "Is there anything wrong with that?"

"Harry, there are usually several ways to master any skill. Professor MacNessa was very successful as an auror because he never took anything just at face value. He is extremely creative in a pinch. In your case, he has been successful, which was our intention," said Dumbledore.

Fawkes returned in a flash. He gave a long low cry and then was silent.

"Harry, you must excuse me now. I thank you again for the warning," said Dumbledore. "Do you feel well enough to go back to your dormitory?"

"Yes sir, I feel fine."

Harry left with his half eaten chocolate bar, and found his way back to Gryffindor tower by the illumination of his wand.