A Snake Named Voldemort

Chapter 5

Ignorant of the infinitesimal seconds of thought process his touch had caused within Harry's mind, Voldemort offered what was on his.

:Potter, why do you trust Dumbledore? After all, he did try and sneak into your mind.:

Harry sighed, :I don't trust him in everything. Like you said, he tried to get into my mind and for that reason I can't give him my complete trust. But that doesn't mean I hate him. Dumbledore has made mistakes—many in fact—but despite the fact many see him as such, he is not omniscient or infallible. But what I do trust is that he believes the things he does are for the Greater Good. Because of a prophecy he believes I am the only person who can defeat you, Merlin knows why, but now that it's been made Dumbledore has taken it upon himself to ensure his side's weapon—me—is still on 'his side'. This is war, and not all the fighting is going to be kept clean...you know this yourself. I may not like his methods or all his ideals, but I don't like yours either. His side is the lesser of the two evils, I suppose you could say.:

:Hmm, Potter, sounds like you want to go create your own army.:

Harry laughed. :Maybe I should, but would that mean I'd be against both you and Dumbledore? Merlin, I get enough from him and you already to make you both my enemies.:

:Oh, Potter, don't you know that I would help you take him down?:

:You would,: Harry said, shaking his head in amused defeat. :So,: Harry said slowly, nonchalantly, :since Dumbledore tried to look in my mind, aren't you worried he'll find out who you are?:

:Potter, I am not going to teach you Occlumency.:

Harry shrugged. It was worth a shot, right? But Voldemort wasn't done.

:However...if you got into the Restricted Section you may find a book titled "Magicks of the Mind" there that might be helpful...:

Harry grinned happily. :Always looking out for yourself, aren't you?:

:Hush, boy, I'll have none of your cheek.:

That Sunday night, Harry wasted no more time in getting started with Occlumency. Using the Invisibility Cloak, Harry snuck into the Restricted Section of the library and borrowed the book Voldemort had mentioned to him. He had cracked it open the moment he got back to his dorm room. Even after the first chapter Harry could tell just how bad Snape actually had been at teaching him. Instead of what Snape put him through, typically the first step to learning to shield one's mind was apparently to go through several breathing exercises. This, Harry found, was much more effective in reaching a meditative state than having a wand pointed in his face.

Without all the usual thoughts flying through his head, Harry fell asleep easily that night.

The next morning was the start of a new week and the last one before Christmas break. Harry had been busy revising with Ron and Hermione for the end of term exams that occurred during the week. Privately, Harry had discovered Voldemort's unexpected knack for teaching whenever Harry came across something he didn't quite understand. Harry knew the man had applied for the DADA position not once but twice, but Harry had always thought the idea of Voldemort teaching a bunch of snotty children magic as being extraordinarily laughable. However, now he was under the impression that the evil Dark Lord might actually have been good at the job. Who would've thought?

At breakfast in the Great hall, Ron and Hermione were discussing their plans for Christmas Holiday, and Harry realised he'd forgotten to tell Ron he wouldn't be going to the Burrow with him. He knew this little piece of news was not going to go over well. Harry corrected this omission by telling the other boy, whose mouth gaped comically open.