Hermione had gone back to the dorms for a shower, and Harry seized the opportunity to wink at Fred, signaling him to come over for a chat.
Ginny watched Fred suddenly get up and move to a secluded corner where Harry was already waiting. Ginny took another sip of her Butterbeer, pretending to be nonchalant as she asked, "George, what's Fred being so sneaky about?"
George didn't rush to answer, instead first shooing Ron away. Once Ron had grumbled and left, George slowly began, "Ginny, give it up. You can't win against Hermione."
Ginny said nothing, simply downing her Butterbeer in one gulp. George sighed, seeing the unwilling expression on his sister's face, and handed her another bottle of Butterbeer.
In the corner, before Harry could even speak, Fred started, "Harry, are you here for the golden skull?"
Harry was momentarily stunned; he'd almost forgotten about it. "You can keep it for your research. I don't need it right now."
Harry's casual tone made Fred visibly relax. His and George's research was at a critical point, and without the golden skull, all their work would be for naught. But if Harry had truly wanted it back, Fred would have had no choice but to return it.
"Fred, I actually wanted to ask how your surveillance of Lockhart is coming along?"
Hearing that Harry was there for that reason, Fred gave an embarrassed laugh. "Uh, I've been completely absorbed in the skull research lately, so... But don't worry, I'll get right on it!" Seeing Harry's displeased expression, Fred quickly promised.
Time Passes
It was now November. With no attacker found and no second attack occurring, Dumbledore gradually lifted the restrictions on student movements. However, there was still no news of the Occlumency master Harry had been so eager to find.
One evening, Harry finally couldn't wait any longer and sought out Dumbledore. Surprisingly, Dumbledore looked astonished when Harry explained his request. "Harry, I thought you had already begun practicing."
Hearing this, Harry briefly wondered if he had already practiced Occlumency but had simply lost the memory due to some brain damage. Seeing Harry's bewildered expression, Dumbledore simply led him down to the dungeons. Harry felt a bad premonition as they followed the familiar route.
Sure enough, Dumbledore led Harry to Snape's office. "Professor, does it have to be him?" Harry couldn't help but ask.
"Harry, would you prefer a stranger teach you Occlumency?" Dumbledore countered.
"Can't you do it?" Harry pressed, not giving up.
"Harry, we discussed this last time. Besides, I trust Severus will be a good teacher," Dumbledore said, knocking on the door.
Inside the office, Snape was grading second-year Potions essays. A few cauldrons had exploded in Potions class that day, courtesy of the Hufflepuff students, so Snape was in a foul mood. He felt a little better after scrawling a heavy 'P' (Poor) on someone's assignment.
Hearing the knock, Snape immediately raised his wand, on alert. He remembered there was still an attacker loose in the castle, and no student ever came to find him at this hour.
"Who is it?" Snape asked, silently moving to the side of the door.
"Severus, it's me. Open up."
Hearing Dumbledore's voice from outside, Snape only tightened his grip on his wand. Dumbledore usually sent a Patronus if he needed him, not walked over.
"Any proof?" Snape pressed.
Outside the door, Dumbledore awkwardly scratched his beard, and Harry couldn't help but let out a snicker. "Professor Dumbledore, it's quite clear Snape has been in the dungeons too long; his brain is already—"
Before Harry could finish, the office door swung open, and Snape's sneering voice rang out. "The great Boy-Who-Lived feels quite accomplished, no doubt, to so wantonly comment on the poor Potions master in front of the Headmaster."
"Your legs aren't broken, are they? So why did it take you so long to open the door?" Harry retorted.
"Heh, Potter must be getting forgetful in his old age. Perhaps the castle attacker was scared off by the Saviour's reputation, which is why he dares to be so reckless," Snape shot back, not to be outdone.
Dumbledore, seeing the two at loggerheads, sighed and walked inside. Harry, seeing his chance, forcefully squeezed past Snape and followed Dumbledore in. Snape was left standing at the doorway, his face livid, before he finally slammed the door shut moments later.
Inside the office, Dumbledore had already conjured two plush chairs and gestured for Harry to sit down.
"So, what brings the great Headmaster and his precious charge to the dungeons?" Snape asked, barely containing his anger.
Dumbledore didn't rush to answer Snape's question. Instead, he conjured a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea for himself. "Harry, try this Darjeeling tea; it's quite..."
Watching the annoying Dumbledore and the even more annoying Potter casually sipping tea as if they were alone, Snape felt his composure cracking. "This is my office!"
"Ah, Severus, would you like a cup too?"
"Albus Dumbledore!"
Seeing that Snape was truly angry, Dumbledore put down his tea with a smack of his lips, but Harry defiantly took another sip.
"Severus, I do have something to discuss with you."
Hearing Dumbledore, Snape subtly heightened his guard.
"Harry tells me you haven't begun his Occlumency lessons yet."
Snape's face immediately darkened. Dumbledore patiently waited for his response. After a moment, Snape dryly said, "I have six years' worth of students to teach; I don't have the time."
"But you agreed last time."
"I did not agree."
"But you didn't refuse either."
The atmosphere immediately became tense. It was then that Harry spoke up. "Professor Dumbledore, if Snape isn't willing, then you should teach me instead."
Dumbledore shook his head, still insisting that Snape teach. Dumbledore's persistence made Snape feel uneasy.
"Why must it be me?" Snape suddenly asked. Harry also perked up, waiting for Dumbledore's answer. Dumbledore, however, simply took a sip of tea in silence, offering no reply.
Snape seemed to glean an answer from Dumbledore's silence and agreed directly. Harry wanted to press for more information, but Dumbledore stated it wasn't time for him to know yet, then dismissed Harry.
After Harry reluctantly left, Snape suddenly said, "You mean to use Potter as bait? What if the attacker—"
"I will be with Harry under a Disillusionment Charm. We must find the attacker. I have a rather unsettling suspicion, and I hope it's not..." Dumbledore trailed off, following Harry out.
The office fell silent. After Dumbledore had also left, Snape opened a drawer and pulled out a yellowed photograph from deep inside.
"Lily..." Snape whispered, stroking the girl in the photo as he sank into memories.