HP Magic Biography

In fact, everyone has been in a pretty good mood these past few days. Although what happened to Neville's parents really made everyone uncomfortable for several days, Mr. Weasley's getting better day by day has greatly dispelled the sadness.

As the holiday drew to a close, Harry became more and more unnatural, and the reason was none other than the decision of the Order of the Phoenix.

Harry, dear, said Mrs. Weasley, poking her head into his and Ron's bedroom, where they were playing wizard chess, Hermione watching. Ginny and Crookshanks were playing happily, while Fan Lin said that he had something to discuss with Sirius.

Can you go down to the kitchen? The professor wants to say something to you. Harry didn't immediately remember what she said; one of his castles was violently attacked by one of Ron's pawns and he was excitedly prodding it.

Squash him—squash him, he's just a pawn, you're stupid. Excuse me, Mrs. Weasley, what were you talking about?

Professor Snape, dear. In the kitchen, he has something to say to you. Harry's mouth opened in extreme disgust.

He was looking around at Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, who were yawning at him. That Hermione in Crookshanks was not easy to restrain in the first fifteen minutes, happily jumping on the conference table, running around in hidden places, howling louder than anyone else.

Snape? Harry said blankly.

Professor Snape, dear, said Mrs. Weasley incredulously. Go over now, hurry up, he said he can't stay long.

What's he trying to do to you? said Ron, looking weak after Mrs. Weasley walked out of the room.

You didn't do anything, did you?

No! said Harry angrily, racking his brains for what he'd done to make Snape chase him to the old house. Because he got a T on his last assignment?

After a minute or two, he pushed open the kitchen door and found Sirius, Van Lin and Snape at the long kitchen table, sitting in opposite directions. There was a silence between Sirius and Snape because of their mutual distaste for each other. A letter lay open on the table before Sirius.

Well, said Harry, to make his presence known. Snape looked around him, his face surrounded by greasy black hair. Sit down, Potter.

You know, said Sirius loudly, lifting the foot of the back of his chair and speaking to the ceiling, if you hadn't been sent here, Snape, I think I'd prefer it this way. It's my house, You know.

A terrible blush spread across Snape's pale face. Harry sat in a chair next to Sirius, facing Snape across the table.

I'd like to see you alone, Potter, said Snape, his mouth curled into a familiar sneer, but Black—

I'm his godfather, said Sirius, in a louder than usual tone.

I'm here on Dumbledore's orders, said Snape, instead, becoming increasingly quiet and irritable, but stay by all means, Black, I know you like to go by feel. Very tricky.

What's 'inferential thinking'? said Sirius, thumping all four legs of the chair back to the ground.

But I'm sure you must be feeling - ah - frustrated that you can't do something useful, Snape pressed him deftly, For Order of the Phoenix.

Can't do something useful? Sirius was furious, Your eyes should have fallen into the basement, soaked in the smelly water...

So, you think you can teach? Snape said disdainfully.

When Snape was about to take Harry away, his lips moved in victory.

The Headmaster has sent me to tell you, Potter, that he wants you to learn the Occlumency spell.

Study what? Harry said blankly.

Snape's sneer became more pronounced. Occlumency, Potter. The mind's defense against intrusion from the outside. An obscure branch of magic, but a highly useful spell.

Harry's heart began to twitch rapidly. Defense against external intrusion? But he's not possessed, they've all decided that.

Why do I have to study? Harry blurted out.

Because the Headmaster thought it was a good idea, Snape said quietly. You're going to have private lessons once a week, but you don't tell anyone what you're doing, at least not to Umbridge. Got it?

Yes, said Harry. Who wants to teach me? Fan Lin?

Snape raised an eyebrow. Me, he said.

Harry had the horrible feeling that his insides were melting. Snape's extra lessons - what had he done in the world to deserve this? He looked quickly to Sirius for support.

Why didn't Dumbledore teach Harry? Sirius asked aggressively. Why is that you?

I think it's because the Headmaster's privileged delegation is not a fun thing to do, Snape said tactfully. I promise I didn't ask for this job. He stood up. I want you at six o'clock every Monday evening, Potter. My office. If anyone asks about it, you say remedial pharmacy classes. Anyone who doesn't see you in my class can deny that you need do that.

He was about to leave, his black traveling cloak flying behind him.

Wait, said Sirius, sitting up straight in his chair. Snape turned back to face them, laughing.

I'm really busy, Blake. Unlike you, I don't have that much free time.

I'm just getting to the point, said Sirius, standing up. He was taller than Snape, Harry noted, and Harry was sure he was clenched in his cloak pocket, clutching his wand. If I hear you using Occlumency lessons to punish Harry, just wait and see.

How touching, Snape sneered. But you must have noticed that Potter is very much like his father?

Yes, I noticed, said Sirius haughtily.

Well then, you'll see that he's so arrogant that criticism is simply a temptation for him, Snape said tactfully.

Sirius pushed his chair petulantly aside and strode around the table to Snape, drawing his wand as he went out. Snape took out his own. They looked at each other, Sirius looking furious, Snape considered, his eyes fixed on the end of Sirius' wand pointing towards his face.

Sirius! Harry said loudly, but Sirius told him to leave him alone.

I've warned you, Hook-nose, said Sirius, his face looking at one of Snape's feet, I don't care if Dumbledore's innovations, I know better—

Oh, but why didn't you tell him that? Snape whispered. Or are you afraid that he won't listen to a worthless man's proposal?