Chapter 423: Explanation  

As the struck eight in the evening, Harry promptly pushed open the door to the Ancient Runes office.

"Take a seat wherever you please," Felix gestured from behind the desk, engrossed in a parchment. Harry glanced around and Valen, the companion, indicated a chair to Harry's left.

"Thank you," Harry murmured to Valen and shifted the chair, settling opposite the professor, quietly awaiting the purpose of the summons. After a couple of minutes, Felix set down the parchment, offering a smile. "You might be curious as to why I asked you here. It's quite simple. I've been entrusted by Headmaster Dumbledore to teach you Occlumency."

He briefly explained, "It's a spell to prevent intrusion into one's mind by outsiders."

"Why do I need to learn Oc— learn this stuff?" Harry stammered, but in the next breath, his heart pounded. He realized why. "Is it because of the nightmare I had?"

"As far as I'm aware, this isn't the first time?" Felix inquired softly.

"I-I... yes, there was another one over the summer," Harry reluctantly admitted. "But—"

He looked earnestly at Felix, "Sirius mentioned it might be connected to my scar. Dumbledore mentioned the failed Killing Curse linking me to Voldemort when I was in first year."

Felix shook his head, murmuring, "That seems plausible."

"Currently, it seems you're only probing Voldemort's thoughts unilaterally, perhaps because he isn't strong enough or hasn't detected your movements, but..." He paused, locking eyes with Harry.

With their shared understanding, a dreadful thought emerged. Harry couldn't help but gulp, "You think Voldemort might start delving into my thoughts? That's... quite—"

Seemingly not as significant, Harry thought. Just a student, grappling every year with different assignments. If Voldemort did catch these thoughts, he'd probably be quite annoyed.

"Don't underestimate your place in Voldemort's mind, Harry," Felix calmly stated. "You dealt him a significant blow to his dark reign. If there's anyone he detests the most, it's likely you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have his most trusted follower infiltrate Hogwarts, risking exposure by putting your name in the Goblet of Fire..."

As he spoke, he gazed thoughtfully at Harry. That was a reminder. Voldemort's resources were limited. His priority was resurrection, not stirring trouble at Hogwarts—even though he was eagerly anticipating Harry's participation in his rebirth ceremony.

Unless Harry's role was more crucial than imagined, possibly even deciding Voldemort's revival...

"Professor? Professor Harp?"

"Apologies, I drifted off. Besides what was mentioned, you possess valuable information regarding Voldemort, Dumbledore's movements, or people close to you. Or perhaps... Horcruxes. You wouldn't want any of that leaking out, would you?"

"Of course not!" Harry blurted.

His expression was conflicted. On one hand, he wished to delve into Voldemort's mind again, especially now that Voldemort had a powerful ally, a critical time for his resurrection. On the other, he understood the risks involved.

"So, you'll teach me the mind— the mind—" Harry faltered, and Felix glanced at him. "Occlumency," Harry hurriedly corrected himself. "To sever the connection and prevent leaks from our end?"

Felix remained non-committal.

"So, your view—"

"My view?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"Do you agree to learn Occlumency?"

"Can I refuse?" Harry looked at him, whispering.

"Of course, I respect your choice. It's not good to force such matters." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

Harry chuckled, "Learning a bit more knowledge won't hurt, Professor." He felt his words sounded remarkably like Hermione's.

Felix tapped the table, and the scene silently transitioned. The office's vibrant colors faded into pale monochrome, leaving only magical items glowing softly. He fixed his gaze on Harry, making him squirm uncomfortably.

"Now that you've decided," he suddenly straightened, "let's begin."

Harry stood up, searching around, hoping to find a cushion or something on the floor.

"What are you thinking?" "Um... Professor, don't we need a mat or something?" Harry gestured, "We used it in the dueling club..."

Felix looked at him, exhaling softly. "Seems like you're not well-versed in this aspect." He beckoned, and a parchment and quill levitated from the desk, the blue quill dipping into an ink pot, writing down a list of book titles with a 'swoosh' that made Harry jump.

When the list floated to him, he hesitantly took it, staring for a few moments before deciphering the first title, "Locking Your Mind: A Guide." Followed by a dozen unfamiliar titles. Harry felt deeply dismayed, akin to scoring a zero on the second task.

"These are the reference books for you to read," Felix said. "Next, I'll briefly introduce this knowledge to you."

"When it comes to Occlumency, we have to mention Legilimency, Obliviate, Pensieve, and a series of related magic," Felix gestured for Harry to sit on the couch opposite him. Drawing his wand, he swished it lightly, and the fireplace blazed.

"They're all categorized as Memory Magic, but there's a vast difference, especially between Occlumency and Legilimency."

"Professor, what's Legilimency?"

"In a way you can comprehend, it's akin to what regular people call mind-reading, a magic to intrude into another's mind, extracting feelings and memories. Of course—" Felix emphasized, "I must stress, Legilimency and mind-reading are vastly different. The specific concepts you'll understand from the book and reflect in your essays, distinctly noting their differences."

Harry felt a bitter taste in his mouth. But he suddenly realized something and hastily asked, "Professor, are you planning to read my thoughts and then have me defend using Occlumency?" He felt uneasy; if the professor saw any private memories, he'd be furious.

Such as his feelings for Cho...

"It's just one of the methods," Felix commented. "An efficient strategy—practicing mental defense and offense to accelerate your mastery of Occlumency. However, frankly, we have ample time. At least, there's no need to fret until Voldemort's revival. But if you're in a rush..." Felix glanced at him with an insidious look.

"I'm not in a hurry," Harry hurriedly said. "I'll choose another approach."

There are still two chapters being edited, the latest might not be available until one in the morning. I suggest reading it in the morning.

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