Child of Hogwarts: Part I

Chapter Twelve - How to Bewitch the Mind

CHAPTER TWELVE

How to Bewitch the Mind

Professor Dumbledore told Harry that he wanted to begin his studies in Occlumency that very evening, straight after dinner. He also gave him a book on the subject: Mind Magic: A Beginner's Guide by Sebastian Sinclair. Harry had brought it into the Great Hall, a little early for supper. He had been out in the grounds after his meeting with the headmaster, visiting Hagrid and helping him plant some pumpkin seeds in the garden next to his hut. They'd spent a happy few hours trying to space out the seeds properly – Hagrid told him he expected each pumpkin to be nearly eight feet in diameter by the time Hallowe'en came along – but it had started to rain as the evening drew in. So, Harry had decided to read in the hall before dinner. Dumbledore hadn't given him a specific assignment yet, but he was rather nervous for his first-ever lesson with the headmaster.

In addition to Occlumency, Dumbledore had told Harry that he would be teaching him Defence. Harry was excited for these lessons, seeing as those with Professor Quirrell last year had taught them little apart from theory. Dumbledore also wanted him to take additional lessons with Professor McGonagall and – to his deep displeasure – with Professor Snape. Harry had protested, but Dumbledore insisted. At least he wasn't scheduled to have a 'session' with Snape for another two days, and the headmaster had promised that they would limit all his lessons to two a day, apart from Occlumency.

Hermione will be pleased, Harry thought glumly as he flicked through the first chapter of the book, waiting for the others to join him in the Great Hall for dinner.

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Severus, meanwhile, was having a blazing row with the headmaster in his dungeon quarters.

'Absolutely NOT, Albus!' he roared, slamming his hand on his desk hard enough that he felt a sharp pain burn up his arm. 'I told you before, it is out of the question!'

Albus gave an exasperated sigh. 'Let me see your arm, Severus,' he said, gesturing to Severus's right wrist, which he was rubbing at a little in an effort to reduce the ache from his rash show of temper.

'I am fine,' Severus said impatiently, forcing himself to cease his massage. The headmaster tutted and grabbed for his wrist. Severus hissed involuntarily as the abrupt contact sent another flash of pain up to his elbow. Albus raised an eyebrow, running his wand efficiently over the forearm.

'Sprained,' the headmaster noted, tapping Severus's wrist briefly. He felt it grow hot for a moment, then the pain faded entirely. Severus flexed the fingers experimentally. 'You ought to be a bit more careful, my boy,' Albus said.

'Thank you, headmaster,' Severus said grudgingly, with a wave of the newly-repaired hand. 'But I stand by my statement. I will not teach the boy. I cannot stomach it!' he spat, voice rising again as he regained his outrage. Albus looked completely unconcerned, which only infuriated Severus further.

'I took your feelings into account on the subject of Occlumency, Severus,' the headmaster said calmly. 'I won't ask you to instruct Harry on that front. All I am asking is that you set aside a few hours a week for Potions.'

'I don't care what it is you want me to teach the brat – I am not doing it!' Severus spat. 'He causes enough havoc during the year as it is, headmaster. I'll not have him blowing up my lab in the summer as well.'

Albus actually took a seat, reclining comfortably on Severus's dark leather sofa. Even in the face of Severus's fury, the headmaster waved his wand, summoning a patterned tea set and pouring himself a cup. His passivity made Severus want to strangle the old man. 'Come now, Severus,' Albus said, in a tone one might use with a temperamental toddler. 'Have some tea and calm yourself. I'm sure you are more than capable of supervising one pupil adequately enough to prevent any unfortunate accidents.'