An Invitation

As they made their way through the dimly lit corridors, Harry began to worry. Why did Snape want to see him... What did he do wrong?

He hadn't mentioned the letter to Hermione. Part of him was unsure if this was some sort of trap, and he didn't want Hermione to get caught up in it with him.

After making their way through the dimly lit corridors and down numerous sets of stairs they entered the Potion Master's office, Snape taking a seat behind his desk.

"Potter," he said curtly. "Sit."

"I assume you're wondering why I asked you here," Snape began, his voice measured.

Harry nodded.

Snape exhaled slowly. "First, let me make something abundantly clear. I did not invite you here to discuss anything… petty. Nor do I intend to indulge in pleasantries. However…" He paused, his gaze lingering on Harry's face longer than usual. "There is something about you that warrants discussion."

Harry blinked. "Sir?"

Snape's lips pressed into a thin line, as though considering his words carefully. "You are… different, Potter. You have always appeared different, but I could not place the reason. However, after observing you this term — and after certain… incidents — it has become apparent."

Harry felt his spine straighten. "Apparent?"

Snape leaned forward slightly, his black eyes narrowing. "You are a natural Occlumens."

The unfamiliar word hung in the air. Harry frowned. "A what?"

"Occlumens," Snape repeated. "It is a branch of mind magic — the ability to protect one's mind from intrusion or influence. Few possess the skill naturally… even fewer at your age."

Harry hesitated, his heart quickening. "But I've never done anything like that…"

"No, you have," Snape said quietly. "You simply were not aware of it. Tell me — have you ever felt the sensation of keeping something… out of your mind? Or perhaps the sense that people have difficulty understanding your true thoughts or emotions?"

Harry thought back. He had always been hard to read, even for adults. The Dursleys could never predict his reactions, nor could teachers intimidate him as easily as they did other students. And lately, his dreams often felt protected, like something was instinctively shielding him from complete vulnerability.

"…Yes," Harry admitted.

Snape gave a curt nod. "Then it is as I suspected."

"But… why?" Harry asked. "Why do I have it, what does it mean?"

Snape's gaze lingered on Harry's scar before returning to his eyes. "That… I do not know. However, I have seen it only a few times before — those with natural Occlumency often possess an affinity for certain magic. It allows them to protect their mind from intrusion without training. In very rare cases… it is linked to something far older."

Harry swallowed hard. "Like what?"

Snape didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair. "It is not my place to speculate — not without more information. However, I will warn you, Potter… if you do not learn to control it, others will notice."

"Control it?"

"Your natural defenses are sporadic at best. You repel intrusion without realizing it, but someone skilled in Legilimency — the art of reading minds — could still slip through the cracks. You must strengthen your mind if you wish to keep it wholly protected."

A faint chill ran down Harry's spine. "How?"

Snape watched him carefully. After a long silence, he finally said, "I could teach you."

Harry's eyes widened. "You would?"

"I am not offering charity, Potter," Snape said coolly. "I am simply recognizing a dangerous vulnerability in you. If you leave your mind as it is, you may as well hang a sign above your head inviting others to pry. Almost like you have an impenetrable vault in your mind, yet the door is wide open." His voice dropped slightly. "And you do not want certain individuals peering into your mind."

Harry didn't need to ask who Snape meant.

"Would it… hurt?" he asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Snape answered bluntly. "At first. But Occlumency is not meant to be pleasant; it is meant to protect. And with your particular affinity, you should be able to learn it faster than most."

Harry swallowed thickly. "Alright. I'll do it."

Snape studied him for a moment longer. Then, without another word, he rose from his chair and crossed the room, withdrawing his wand. "Stand."

Harry quickly did as he was told.

"Close your eyes," Snape instructed. "Clear your mind. No thoughts, no emotions. Picture only a blank void."

Harry tried, but his mind buzzed with questions. Snape's offer. His parents from the night before. His Occlumency. Why now?

"Legilimens!"

It hit like a brick wall.

Harry's mind was suddenly flooded with images, a memory of Dudley pushing him, the sight of his cupboard door slamming shut, a flash of green light...

"ENOUGH!" Snape's voice snapped through the haze.

Harry stumbled back, his heart pounding.

Snape's expression was unreadable. "You let me in far too easily. Focus, Potter."

Harry took a shaky breath and tried again. The second time, it was slightly better, the intrusion was brief, but the sensation still made his skin crawl.

Snape pulled back once more, his face tight with something that almost resembled concern.

"You have a long way to go," he finally said. "But you show promise."

Harry blinked the dizziness away. "How often do we practice?"

Snape stared at him a moment longer before answering, "…Twice a week. But you are to practice alone every night before sleep. Clear your mind, organize it, and keep your walls intact."

Harry nodded, still trying to catch his breath. "…Thank you, Professor."

Snape didn't respond immediately. Instead, as Harry moved toward the door, Snape spoke again — his tone softer, quieter.

"Potter."

Harry paused.

"…You have more of your mother in you than I previously would like to admit."

Harry turned, surprised.

Snape's gaze was distant, his jaw clenched slightly. "…That is all. I assume you know the way back to your common room?"

"Yes," Harry lingered only for a moment before stepping out, his mind reeling.

His mother. Occlumency. So many questions left unanswered.

And now… Snape, of all people, was offering to help him.