Cindy Potter: Book Two (Harry Potter fanfiction)

Chapter 15

"Control your emotions! Discipline your mind!" - Severus Snape

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The next day I was free to leave the hospital wing. I resumed my classes, and everything slowly returned to normal. Lockhart had been temporarily replaced by father. One day after class, he pulled me aside. "I want to teach you occlumency."

I frowned. "What is that?"

"In simpler terms, I want to teach you how to protect your mind. This will stop others from accessing your thoughts." I frowned again.

"But who would want to-"

"Recall your conversation with Professor Dumbledore." He interrupted me.

"Were you snooping?" Father wrinkled his nose.

"I do not snoop. I inquired from Professor Dumbledore in regards to a suspicion I had."

"And what would that be?"

"I believed Lord Voldemort may have the ability to access your mind." My face paled.

"What makes you think that?" I asked carefully.

"The other day, you mentioned hearing a voice in your head."

"I could've been hearing things?" I suggested.

"We both know you do not really believe that. At any extent, you and the Dark Lord share a connection, and while I do not know the extent of it, I would prefer if you were adequately prepared for the worst."

"What about Harry? Doesn't he also share a connection with Voldemort?"

"I am unsure of the extent of that connection either. However, at the moment, you are the one hearing voices. Furthermore, you are my goddaughter." I frowned.

"For the first part, true, but for the second, if Harry needs to learn, you will teach him too, won't you?" Father hesitated.

"That is up to Professor Dumbledore." I bit my lip to hold back a retort. "Your lessons begin tonight at 7pm. And they will be every two nights, so you may have a day in between to rest your mind. Keep in mind this requires a lot of energy, so eat well and sleep well. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir." Father nodded and handed me a note.

"Take this. You are late for your next class."

"Thanks." With that, I turned and left.

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"Hey." I turned and tried to locate the source of the voice. "Psst!" I turned to my left and saw Draco Malfoy hiding behind a door. I frowned. He gestured for me to come closer. I tentatively approached him.

"Yes?" He fidgeted nervously while muttering under his breath.

"Should I?...no, if my father hears, but-"

"Just say it." I said exasperatedly. "If I'm late for one more class, Professor Snape is going to kill me!"

"Fine. How're you feeling?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Uh better, thanks?"

"Uh, I overheard ginger talking. About what happened in the Chamber."

"His name is Ron." I stated.

"Whatever. Weasley." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm fine, I really am." I turned to leave.

"Wait." I felt a tug on my arm. "Here, take these. A third year brought it back from Hogsmeade." He thrust a bag at me before storming off.