Occlumency

Kreacher's Suspicious Behavior
Kreacher is found in the attic by Sirius Black, searching for Black family relics. Although Sirius is satisfied with Kreacher's explanation, Harry feels uneasy. Kreacher seems more docile but sometimes stares at Harry in a disconcerting way. Meanwhile, Sirius grows increasingly moody after Christmas, isolating himself in Buckbeak's room.
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Harry Dreads Returning to Hogwarts
As the return to Hogwarts approaches, Harry feels dread about going back. He is anxious about facing Dolores Umbridge's tyranny, the heavy homework load, his Quidditch ban, and Dumbledore's continued distance. The only thing keeping him going is the D.A., but he considers staying at Grimmauld Place with Sirius.
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Snape Arrives at Grimmauld Place for Harry
Mrs. Weasley informs Harry that Professor Snape has arrived at Grimmauld Place and wishes to speak with him. Harry, shocked, joins Snape and Sirius in the kitchen, where the tension between the two is palpable. Snape announces that Dumbledore wants Harry to learn Occlumency, private lessons Snape himself will teach.
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Snape and Sirius Clash Over Occlumency Lessons
Snape announces that he will be teaching Harry Occlumency. Sirius and Snape exchange insults, with Sirius accusing Snape of mistreating Harry and Snape mocking Sirius for his inaction within the Order. The argument escalates, and both men draw their wands before being interrupted by the Weasley family.
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Mr. Weasley Returns Home Fully Recovered
The Weasley family, along with Hermione and Harry, celebrate Mr. Weasley's return to Grimmauld Place after recovering from his snake bite. While the family is joyous, Sirius remains sullen, his mood further soured by his clash with Snape earlier. Harry feels guilty for not speaking to Sirius about Snape's goading.
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Sirius Gives Harry a Secret Package Before Leaving
As Harry and the others prepare to return to Hogwarts, Sirius gives Harry a secret package to contact him if Snape mistreats him during Occlumency lessons. Harry feels conflicted about using it, not wanting to endanger Sirius.
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The Return to Hogwarts on the Knight Bus
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the Weasleys travel back to Hogwarts on the Knight Bus, accompanied by Tonks and Lupin. As they board the bus, they encounter its peculiarities, including the unusual seating and the erratic driving. Harry feels nervous about returning, especially because of his Occlumency lessons with Snape.
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Harry's First Occlumency Lesson with Snape
Harry arrives for his first Occlumency lesson with Snape. Snape explains that Occlumency will help Harry protect his mind from Lord Voldemort's intrusions, as their connection grows stronger. Snape attempts to enter Harry's mind using Legilimency, and Harry struggles to defend himself, seeing flashes of his memories in the process.
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Harry Realizes the Corridor from His Dreams is Real
During the Occlumency session, Harry sees memories of the mysterious corridor from his dreams. He realizes it is a real place within the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic, which leads him to suspect that Lord Voldemort is after something located there.
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Harry Tells Ron and Hermione About the Department of Mysteries
After his Occlumency lesson, Harry meets Ron and Hermione in the library and tells them what he discovered about the corridor and the Department of Mysteries. Hermione links this information to Sturgis Podmore's attempted break-in, raising further questions about what Lord Voldemort seeks in the Ministry.
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