Malfoy Child

Shifting Roles

A short time later, Draco and Harry were hungrily munching on sandwiches and crisps in Dumbledore's office. While they ate, Snape drew Dumbledore aside and, from the snippets of conversation that Harry could hear, Snape was informing Dumbledore of what had happened the night before. Harry realized that must have been why Ron was in the hallway during Potions earlier.

As Dumbledore and Snape took their seats again, Dumbledore cleared his throat, getting Harry's attention. "It would appear that Occlumency lessons are still required," he said gravely.

Harry set the remains of his sandwich back on his plate. "Yes, sir. We all know that I made a huge mistake not taking Professor Snape's lessons seriously enough last year. It's not a mistake I intend to make twice. With Professor Snape's permission," he said with a nod to Snape, "I will be taking lessons again and I will be giving it my all to learn it this time."

Dumbledore looked at Harry in concern. "Harry, you do realize that what happened to Sirius was not your fault?" he said, voicing it as a question.

Harry glared back at Dumbledore, his anger ignited, even though when he spoke his tone was even. "What I know is that if you want to get technical, it was Bellatrix's fault. She cast the curse that sent him through the veil, and she will pay for that," he said darkly.

Harry's expression grew hard as he continued to glare at the Headmaster. "Ultimately, however, the events of that night rest on my head. While many factors contributed to the events, including many different people being involved, I'm the reason that everything happened. It all comes down to me and Voldemort. I know it, you know it and he knows it."

Harry took a deep breath, trying to keep his equilibrium. "Everyone told me how important it was for me to learn Occlumency. I allowed my resentments and personal grudges to interfere with something that I knew I needed to learn, even if I didn't understand fully why I needed to learn it. I acted the part of a resentful teenager, and so perhaps you were right to treat me like a child. I know your wish to give me a childhood," Harry snorted at that idea, but continued on. "But that time is over. I don't like it, but at this point I accept the responsibility that's mine to bear."

Harry's gaze didn't waver as he looked to the two men staring at him intently, even as a little boy climbed into his lap. Harry just hugged the little boy and continued. "It is my responsibility but I also recognize that I need your help. I need to learn Occlumency, if for no other reason than I'm tired of being tortured on a regular basis. Voldemort has been quite enjoying taunting me over the last few months. I know for a fact that his activities have been relatively quiet, but he's had a wonderful time showing me past events." He closed his eyes and rested his head atop Draco's.

"How can you tell that his activities have been quiet?" Dumbledore asked.

"Ironically, I can tell now when he's planting information in my head and when I'm the one slipping past into his mind. Don't ask me how, because I'm really not sure. It's just happened so often that I can feel the difference. I'm also certain that he doesn't often recognize when I'm there. I've witnessed several Death Eater meetings and I know that he's deliberately staying low for the time being, now that the wizarding community knows he's back. He's hoping to lull everyone into thinking that it's not true while he works on plans that will announce his return with a bang. Snape's already heard any of the plans I've heard, so I'm sure you're already working to counter them," he said wearily.

"Exactly how much have you witnessed?" Snape asked harshly.

Harry slowly lifted his head to gaze at Snape. "I've witnessed enough," he said bluntly, causing Snape to wince slightly. "Honestly, as much as I'd like to learn Occlumency so I could block the bastard out of my head, I'm not sure it's entirely wise at this point."