Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 82: Excellent Spy
---Rejection---
"I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall, but I need to decline Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape," said Harry.
"Harry," she said, her tone softening. She no longer called him Potter but addressed him with genuine concern. "I'm not trying to force you, but it's important that you learn Occlumency."
"I don't mean to refuse entirely," Harry explained, "but I've already been learning Occlumency with my cousin, Dudley."
Professor McGonagall's expression shifted in surprise. She hadn't known Harry had been studying with Dudley.
"My cousin has been teaching me since Professor Dumbledore collapsed. I can block anyone who tries to read my mind now—that's why I want to turn down Snape's lessons."
"So you do know Occlumency?" McGonagall asked.
"Not just Occlumency. I'm now capable of using Legilimency too," Harry added.
"Have you read the minds of other students?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"No. I understand the consequences of intruding into someone's mind. I only practise with those who train with me," Harry answered honestly.
McGonagall gave a faint smile. "I'll inform Professor Dumbledore. You may return to your room."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said with a grateful smile.
Once McGonagall had left, Harry went to find Dudley.
"Dudley, Professor McGonagall approved my decision to refuse Occlumency class with Snape," said Harry.
"Good to know," Dudley replied with a smile.
---Voldemort---
"Hey Tommy boy, you're a loser now. We're more powerful than you, and you don't even know it!" mocked the bird-shaped Patronus before it vanished.
The Patronus was very familiar. At first, no one recognized whose it was, but when Lucius returned from Hogwarts, he immediately recognized the voice that come out from the bird silvery patronus.
It is the most hated person mudblood who are studied under him in Hogwarts, Dudley Dursley. The boy had managed to put him into a comma just by using Occlumency that is why Lucius easily recognized the voice of Dudley.
Ever since Dudley learned how to cast a Patronus, he had been sending daily messages to Voldemort—each filled with mockery. Because of this, Voldemort's attention shifted from Harry to Dudley. Dudley had become Voldemort number one target, someone he vowed to kill before even Harry Potter.
Not even when fighting Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix had Voldemort felt this humiliated. He need to bear humiliation and can't fight back because he was in hiding and also Dudley was in the safe place protected by wards and Dumbldore. Perhaps due to Dudley constant provocation, Voldemort made a rash and stupid move—like placing Lucius at Hogwarts.
Dudley didn't know that his plan had worked, he thought Lucius is here because it was butterfly effect of Umbridge went into prison, but actually it is combination of the provocation and prison. He had hoped his taunts would anger the Dark Lord enough to make foolish decisions and it worked.
Back on his throne, Voldemort sat frowning, his hatred for Dudley rising to new heights.
Now, he finally understood what Dudley meant when he said their side was more powerful—it was because of the connection between Harry and Voldemort himself.
Voldemort smirked at Dudley, how dare that boy thought he didn't know that Harry could see through the connection. He himself can do the same and send a false vision.
"My Lord, Severus Snape has arrived," said a Death Eater.
"Bring him in," Voldemort ordered.
"My Lord," said Severus Snape as he entered the room.
"Severus, do you bring any good news?" Voldemort asked.
"I'm afraid not, my Lord," Snape replied, sweat forming on his forehead.
Voldemort scowled. "Tell me what you have learned or any news from Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore plans to teach Harry Potter Occlumency to block the connection," said Snape. "He has asked me to instruct Potter personally."
Voldemort smirked. "It seems he trusts you too much."
"Yes, he does. But I am not his loyal follower," Snape said with a slight smile.
"This sounds like good news. Why did you say it isn't, Severus?"
"Unfortunately, Dudley Dursley has already taught Harry Potter Occlumency," Snape said.
Voldemort tensed at the name. Dudley Dursley voice had haunted him for few months.
"What did that Mudblood do?" Voldemort hissed.
"Potter has learned Occlumency from him and can now block Legilimency," Snape reported.
Voldemort expression darkened.
"What level is Potter Occlumency?"
"I can't test him anymore. He already has a strong mental shield. According to Dumbledore, he needs special methods to block the connection."
"I heard that you, Lucius, and Dumbledore fainted after trying to read that Mudblood mind," Voldemort said coldly.
"It's true. The shield protecting him is unbelievably strong. He doesn't just block intrusions—he pulls you into a whirlpool of magic and tortures you within it," Snape explained.
"Do you think he's capable of destroying the connection between me and Potter?" Voldemort asked.
"I don't know, my Lord. But Dumbledore asked me to check whether you could still send anything through the link. If not, then the connection may be broken."
Voldemort closed his eyes, searching for the familiar connection. He sensed it—although obscured, like a window covered by curtains. He couldn't see inside, but he could still send magic through it.
He cast a simple spell. It passed through the barrier.
Opening his eyes, he turned to Snape.
"Severus, I have good news. It seems I can still send false memories to the boy."
"That is good news, my Lord," Snape said with a faint smile.
"But it's worrying that the Mudblood was able to teach Potter Occlumency," Voldemort muttered.
"Yes. And unfortunately, Potter rejected my lessons," Snape added bitterly. Even as a spy, being rejected by Potter stung more than he liked to admit.
"You seem to hate him a great deal," Voldemort noted.
"Yes, my Lord. Potter and Black are the two people I hate most," Snape replied.
"Because of what happened at Hogwarts?" Voldemort asked.
Snape's face darkened. The hatred in his eyes was unmistakable.
Voldemort grinned. "Do you think Potter would fall into a trap?"
"It would be difficult. But I believe targeting someone close to him would be more effective," Snape suggested.
"Someone close to him?" Voldemort repeated.
"There are two people closest to him—Sirius Black and Dudley Dursley," Snape answered
Author Notes: To read advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 110: Death Eater VS Amelia
Chapter 111: Voldemort Meet Dudley
Chapter 112: Dudley VS Voldemort
-patreon.com/zorojurown