Ch13- Occlumency

Ch13- Occlumency

discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF

Join my Discord!

Harry realized he needed a bigger, more impactful tactic to reach Petunia. He decided to create a scrapbook of his parents' memories, hoping it would stir Petunia's emotions and make her more receptive. He spent hours painstakingly putting together pictures and anecdotes, some real and some fabricated, to paint a picture of Lily and James Potter – not as a witch and a wizard, but as a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a loving couple.

Presenting the scrapbook to Petunia was a gamble. Harry waited for a moment when she seemed in a relatively good mood. "Aunt Petunia, I made this scrapbook about my parents. I thought you might like to see it."

Petunia's initial reaction was to dismiss it, but curiosity got the better of her. As she flipped through the pages, Harry watched her face intently. Her eyes lingered on a photo of Lily laughing, a softness appearing in her gaze. Her fingers traced the edge of the page, a subconscious gesture of longing.

Nigel observed quietly, "You've struck a chord, Master Harry. Now, let's see if we can play a melody."

Encouraged, Harry said, "I always wondered what Mum was like as a sister. You must have had some good times together."

Petunia's guard was down, if only slightly. "She was always the special one, the favorite," she said, her voice laced with a mix of bitterness and sadness. "Always getting attention for her... abilities."

Nigel whispered, "Tread carefully, Harry. You're navigating a minefield of emotions."

Harry nodded, choosing his words with care. "It must have been hard, feeling left out. I feel that way sometimes, being a freak."

Hearing Vernon's derogatory nickname for him echoed in his own voice, Harry saw a sudden change in Petunia's demeanor. Her face, usually a mask of stern disapproval, twisted in a moment of raw emotion. "You are not a freak. She was not a freak!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly. Harry knew immediately who "she" was - Lily. This unexpected defense of her sister and, indirectly, of him, was a significant shift in Petunia's usual attitude.

Harry analyzed every minute detail of Petunia's reaction. Her eyes, usually cold and detached, now held a spark of something akin to pain. The way her voice hitched when she mentioned Lily, the subtle tremor in her hands as they momentarily paused over the scrapbook, all these were tell-tale signs of deeply buried emotions resurfacing. Even her posture, typically rigid and upright, seemed to sag under the weight of memories long suppressed.

Nigel, observing the scene, offered his insight. "Well, Master Harry, it seems we've struck a nerve. The fortress is not impregnable after all."

However, Petunia's moment of vulnerability was fleeting. She quickly regained her composure, her face hardening once again as she dismissed the subject. "Enough of this, Harry. These are old wounds best left unopened," she said, shutting the scrapbook with a finality that brooked no argument.

Harry ignored the sarcasm, concentrating instead on the mechanics of the spell. He practiced on small objects.

Harry knew mastering these spells, especially without a wand, would take time. Lumos, despite its apparent simplicity, demanded a level of concentration and intent that was challenging. The other spells, each with their unique requirements, were even more complex. He was determined, though, understanding that patience was crucial in this journey of learning wandless magic.

As he persisted in his practice, Nigel observed, "Master Harry, your dedication is commendable. But, let us not forget the mind is as important a tool as any spell. It's high time you learned about Occlumency."

"Occlumency?" Harry asked, pausing in his spellwork.

"Yes," Nigel began, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Occlumency is the magical discipline of defending the mind against external penetration and influence. It's about controlling your emotions and thoughts, shielding them from those who might seek to pry or manipulate."

He then said, "It is one of the few defenses against Legilimency. But that is not the only benefit of the art. If you master Occlumency, you will also have an easier time in wandless magic."

Harry, intrigued, leaned in closer. "How so?"

Nigel's voice took on a lecturing tone, "Occlumency, Master Harry, is about controlling your emotions and thoughts, creating a barrier in your mind. It requires a deep understanding of oneself, a kind of mental discipline that's essential for wandless magic. Your intent must be clear, free of distractions and emotional turbulence. It's a challenging art, but given your knack for wandless magic, I believe you're well suited for it."

Harry nodded, absorbing every word. "So, if I get better at Occlumency, I'll be better at wandless magic too?"

"Exactly," Nigel replied, sounding pleased. "The clearer your mind, the stronger your intent, and the more effective your magic."

--

Please rate and review! Much appreciated! Leave a comment, tell me what you think!

To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and suppot me...

/thefanficgod1

Please drop a comment and like the chapter!