Hogwarts: From Little Wizard to White Lord

A Patronus is perhaps the most reliable proof that a wizard's mind and moral compass are sound.

It is impossible for someone corrupted by dark magic or a dark wizard steeped in its use, whose heart is filled only with malice to summon one.

Because their hearts hold no pure ground.

That was exactly why Peter had chosen to display the Patronus Charm first.

Not only because it was difficult to master, but because it served as a clear symbol.

At the very least, Dumbledore would be reassured after seeing it.

When Peter left the Headmaster's office, he carried with him a large book titled A Journey Through the Past and Present of Memory Magic.

The name sounded almost poetic its author had to be a Ravenclaw.

On the way back to the Slytherin common room, Peter could hardly wait to open it.

The book explored the field of memory magic in detail, covering its history, development, and modern applications.

In addition to the Memory Charm and Occlumency, which Peter already knew, it contained information about Legilimency something he very much wanted to learn.

It also covered false memory spells, dream spells, nightmare spells, and more.

Beyond spellwork, it examined the many branches of magic that touched upon memory.

In alchemy, for instance, it discussed Pensieves, Memory Spheres, portrait enchantment, automatic quills though it offered no instructions for crafting them, it thoroughly described the memory-related components involved.

"Even advanced Transfiguration requires memories? Turning an inanimate object into a living one granting it life actually involves implanting memories, using false ones to simulate a real soul…"

Reading this section on memory magic's role in high-level Transfiguration, Peter turned back to the title page thoughtfully.

There, in a graceful cursive hand, the author had written:

"Memory is the coat of the soul."

When he first saw it, he had assumed it was just a Ravenclaw's fondness for literary flair.

But the word soul…

Peter's interest in the book deepened. The very next day, after classes, he brought it along when he went to Professor Snape's office to study potion ingredients.

Snape's eyes narrowed when he saw it. "Where did you get that? You already have it why did you ask me for it last time?"

"Oh? This is the memory magic book you promised me over the summer? Dumbledore gave it to me."

Snape's expression darkened instantly. He was probably cursing Dumbledore silently for saying one thing to his face and another behind his back.

Peter had already suspected that Snape's "promise" over the summer had been more about trying to convince Dumbledore to allow it.

Not caring how much the professor's mood soured, Peter smiled. "Professor, shouldn't we renegotiate our terms?"

Snape's face twitched. "The Quidditch season is about to start. Wait until you've beaten Potter first."

Peter gave him a skeptical look.

"Professor, you're not thinking of defaulting on your debt, are you?"

"…"

After ten solid seconds of being stared down by Peter's stern gaze, Snape could take no more. With a sharp flick of his robes, he turned and swept out of the room.

Change the terms again? If I do that, the only thing left will be teaching him dark magic!

There was no way he'd agree to something like that so lightly.

Peter didn't care. He stayed in the basement, studying potion ingredients on his own. When he grew tired, he returned to his book. Unfortunately, memory magic required a suitable object to cast on.

Before long, one presented itself automatically

And the "volunteer" was even grateful for it.

That night, Peter met Harry in the Room of Requirement. Harry had received his letter and had come in secret.

The moment they met, Harry said again and again, "Peter, thank you for meeting me so late. If it weren't for you, I…"

Even after just one day apart, the shadows under the Boy Who Lived's eyes had deepened almost as bad as during Oliver Wood's brutal training sessions the previous month.

He was clearly rattled.

"It's fine, Harry. We're friends, and friends should help each other," Peter said with an easy smile.

After a few pleasantries, he looked at Harry expectantly. "Shall we begin?"

Already?

Still bewildered, Harry sat down opposite him as instructed.

Tonight, Peter had shaped the Room of Requirement into an inviting lounge. Plush leather sofas, soft wool rugs the kind of room where every step sank into warmth and comfort.

After all, memory magic didn't damage the surroundings, and a comfortable setting would help the Chosen One relax, making it easier for Peter to work.

Of course, Peter would never admit that his main goal tonight was to practice Legilimency.

Seated upright, book in hand, Peter flipped a page and spoke. "Harry, before we start, I have to explain learning Occlumency is a very difficult process. To speed up your progress and free you from the influence of dark magic as soon as possible, I'll need to use Legilimency on you the entire time. Do you know what Legilimency is?"

Harry shook his head. "I only heard about it for the first time this morning, when you mentioned it."

"Very good…"

Harry: "?"

"Well, I mean you answered well," Peter said smoothly. "Simply put, it's me invading your thoughts and memories, manipulating them, playing with them. And you'll need to focus on what that feels like. You can't be afraid or try to escape. You have to cooperate fully. Do you understand?"

How is that 'simple'?!

Harry's shoulders tensed, a shiver running down his spine at words like manipulate and play with.

If this was the "simple" explanation, he didn't want to hear the detailed one.

Harry had the sudden urge to ask Peter if they could just… not do this.

But obviously, that wasn't an option.

Even though he hadn't felt any odd sensations all day, the mere phrase dark magic was enough to make him push past his fear. He straightened his back and said, "All right go on, Peter!"

What a perfect target, Peter thought with inward satisfaction.

He immediately raised his wand and spoke the incantation.

The first attempt failed. Naturally, neither of them was surprised. The second attempt also failed, and Harry actually began to feel a little relieved.

As wrong as it felt to think it, maybe he wasn't going to get his mind rummaged through tonight after all.

Unfortunately for him, just as that thought took hold Peter succeeded.

"Legilimens!"

The failures had taught Peter a lot. He now understood certain nuances of the spell. With his abundant magic, he could cast it accurately. But most crucial of all was the emotional drive a strong surge of intent that allowed him to pierce into another's mind and unearth their secrets.

The instant the spell took hold, Peter felt part of his consciousness entwined with magic, sinking into a dense, dreamlike space.

Mist swirled before his "eyes," shifting and curling, projecting hazy images. All of them were from Harry's point of view.

There was Peter himself, sitting in front of him, wand raised. Then Harry walking down the corridor. The Gryffindor common room. Ron and Hermione at his side…

Peter could see Harry's memories as clearly as if they were laid out before him.

And then

A dream. A hazy, rose-tinted dream in which Harry was gently holding a girl's hand.

"Don't!"

The cry came from somewhere distant, but before Peter could react, he was shoved out of the boy's mind entirely.

Blinking, he looked up to see Harry's face redder than a Weasley jumper.

...

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