Potionary Confinement

A Hogwarts Homicide

CHAPTER TEN

The castle was now full again since all the students who went home for break were back. And that meant the stares and whispers were back too.

It was the end of May, and Harry finally started Occlumency lessons.

At first it just caused headaches, and he couldn't clear his mind no matter what Snape said. But after a while, when Snape got frustrated, he forced him out. 

Now Harry headed down to the dungeons, entering Snape's office.

"Basilisk," Harry said, and the portrait hole let him through.

Snape was already in there and said, "Good evening, Mr. Potter. I'm sure you know the drill."

Harry took out his wand. Nervousness flushed through him.

"Have you been practicing?" Snape asked.

"Yes," Harry lied.

"We'll see," Snape said and pointed his wand at him. "On the count of three. One — two — "

He casted the spell before three, but he was ready. He thought of nothing and kept his mind as clear as possible.

Then suddenly Harry collapsed on the ground and sat up, out of breath.

"Good," Snape nodded approvingly. "Much better."

Harry stood back up. Snape nodded which meant to prepare for intrusion.

"Legilimens!"

He was on the kitchen floor at the Dursley's.

Harry was being screamed at by his uncle... He burned the food, and he was going to get punished. 

It quickly changed to his uncle berating him, and then pushing him down the stairs.

Snape couldn't see this. No...

"NO!" Harry screamed and pushed him out, laying exhausted on the floor.

Harry had tears rushing down his face that he was trying to hide.

"We shall carry on next week," Snape said slowly.

Harry struggled to stop himself from crying, tucking his knees to his chest, unsure what to say or do.

But Snape then walked up to him and gently kneeled down next to him, touching him on the shoulder. 

Harry flinched and mumbled, "I'm s-sorry, sir — "

"I'm sorry you had to relive those memories..." Snape soothed quietly. "It proves to me that you are a lot better at Occlumency than I thought."

Harry sniffed and gave him a confused look.

"You managed to hide these memories of your relatives until now, Mr. Potter," said Snape. "I haven't been able to see them."

Harry nodded and looked down. He felt so ashamed. He was so embarrassed.

"I promise you, child... that there is nothing to be ashamed of," Snape told him, never letting go of his shoulder, and not breaking eye contact.