“What did Dumbledore look at, Harry?” Snape asked.

Harry flinched. To his relief, Snape didn’t press the issue. “My apologies for asking then.”

“What was that?” Harry asked, raising his head.

“Legilimency, Harry. Dumbledore searched your mind. Most wizards need to use a spell, but not him. He was seeking memories. Whether or not it was dark magic he suspected, I am not sure. However, know that he will not do such a thing again. Be assured of that. Not while I draw breath.” Snape promised, a gleam of light appearing in his eye. It was cold and harsh, frostier than a glacier.

“Wizards can do that?” Harry sat up.

“Yes.” Snape said. “Legilimens are rare, but the art can be practiced. Few are stronger than Dumbledore in this regard. Perhaps only the dark lord himself. My strength pales in comparison.”

“You can do it too?” Harry took a step back.

“Just because I can does not mean I should, Harry. There are certain respects we must pay to someone’s privacy, and there is nothing more private or personal than their mind and thoughts. What Dumbledore did was not forbidden by law, but it is discourteous and violating in the greatest possible way. More so than stripping you naked in public.” Snape explained.

Harry touched his scar. It no longer throbbed as much. “Why did he do it then?”

“I cannot speak for the validity of his concerns. Perhaps he has reasons, but if he does he did not explain well enough for me to believe. He suggests dark magic, and claims to have seen implanted memories in your mind. I do not know if he had misread you. However, he will not get a chance to confirm his suspicions. Nor shall anyone else.” Snape said, pushing forward a potion.

Harry uncorked it, taking a breath. It smelled like peppermint and wildflowers. Almost as if the fresh air of the outdoors had been bottled into one potion. “Euphoria Elixir?” Harry guessed, taking a sip. The effect was immediate.

Harry felt a sudden urge to dance and sing. His worries evaporated, and he felt as if the floor beneath him had turned into wind, carrying him up through the open sky. It felt wondrous, so much more magical than any spell. He downed the entire bottle, it’s effects taking hold of him like a drug. For a moment, reality was a dream. The memories he had felt faded. But then, it was gone.

“Is there any more?” He asked, blinking the stars out of his eyes. The room seemed dim in comparison to the light he had seen after drinking.

Snape shook his head. “Don’t ask, Harry. Drink too much of these things, fail to experience true happiness, and your life becomes an empty husk. Believe me, I’ve seen wizards succumb to this. A good brew for easing pain, nothing more.”

Yes, yes. Stay away, STAY AWAY! Magnus’ voice came out of nowhere, so loud that Harry almost dropped the potion.

Harry cleared his head. “Legilimency, is there any way to defend against it?” He asked.

Snape nodded. “I thought you would ask. Yes, there is. It’s called Occlumency. Empty your mind of thoughts, emotions, suppress your memories, and legilimens cannot access your mind. Would you like to learn?”

Harry stood up. “Yes, teach me.” He said, his eyes burning with an intense fire.

Snape smiled. “Eagerness is good, but remember, you need to suppress your emotions. Now, try it, Harry. Empty your head. Think of nothing. Tell me when you are ready, I will try to find what you ate for breakfast this morning.” He said.

Harry nodded, recalling what it was that he was trying to forget before doing his best to banish it from memory. “I’m ready.” He said.

Snape sighed. “You have much to learn, Harry. Don’t think of it at all, the best way to resist is to forget. You had waffles this morning, precisely three. Try again, with yesterday’s breakfast this time. If your mother agrees, I’ll teach you Legilimency too after you finish with this.”