No Mouth But Some Serpent's

Interlude: Lily's Letter

Thank you for the reviews! Review responses up in my LJ in a little while.

This is an Interlude chapter, and therefore short, but a new full-length chapter will be up in just a few moments. They are both Depressing, just to warn you.

Interlude: Lily's Letter

October 7th, 1992

Dear Harry:
I have heard from both Sirius and Headmaster Dumbledore that Professor Snape wants you to take Occlumency lessons with him. Sirius, of course, urges us to refuse. Headmaster Dumbledore urges us to agree.

I have spoken with your father, and we agree that you should take them.

The reasons for this are complicated, but I will explain them, as I know that you, of all children, will understand the even deeper reasons that underlie them.

First, Professor Snape is in a unique position to understand someone, such as yourself, who might be tempted to turn to the Dark but is loyal to the Light. He overcame a year of working as a Death Eater to return to the Headmaster's side, and then served another year as a spy. I understand that he hates James, and that he might take that hatred out on you, as he has in the past. But I believe that that instinctive understanding will compel him to fairness soon enough. Even James cannot deny-though he would kill himself before admitting admiration of Severus out loud-that it took courage to acknowledge his mistake and return.

Second, there is a possibility that Occlumency and Legilimency themselves will be weapons you will need in the coming war-not only as shields, but as blades. The Dark Lord, the Headmaster has written me, is an accomplished Legilimens. His successful possession of even a mind trained as yours was proves that. If you would use these weapons, perhaps someday you could not only defend your own thoughts, but pierce his. This, I need not tell you, would give us an incredible advantage in learning Voldemort's strategies.

Third, I, too, fear what might happen if the Dark Lord gained control of such power and talent as you possess, my son-power and talent that is so much greater than Sirius realizes. It is our fault, of course, and not his, that he does not know. Still, you know what a disaster it might be if you turned against your brother.

Please, Harry. For Connor's sake, and for all of ours, I urge you to accept Professor Snape's teaching.

I love you, my son, and know that you will make the right decision.

Lily Evans Potter.