Now, his top priority is to learn Occlumency.
"Dom, help me find a book about Occlumency in my study," Braun requested.
Dom agreed and used the Floating Charm to maneuver a heavy book onto the table with some difficulty, then turned it to the page Braun needed.
"Is this the one you require, Master Braun?"
"Yes, it is. Other books on Occlumency are kept in a separate study. They involve some evil, dark magic, which Dom couldn't bring over for the little young master."
Braun frowned and nodded, unsurprised. Occlumency had limited applications, mainly resisting mind invasion and countering the Dark Magic of Dark wizards and dark creatures. It was more specialized for these purposes than resisting the Imperius Curse.
Therefore, information on Occlumency often appeared alongside Legilimency in black magic books. Although not forbidden, finding literature on Occlumency was challenging, especially considering Mr. Foley's reluctance to allow access to dangerous dark magic books during Braun's younger years. It wasn't easy to find such a book among the ordinary study volumes.
"Occlumency is a magical art used to resist external spirit penetration, closing the mind against magical invasion, particularly Legilimency probes and mind reading. Practitioners skilled in Occlumency are called Occlumency masters..."
After a sip of tea, Braun glanced at the text, noticing a vivid illustration behind it—an image of a human head shielded on the outside.
"It's quite graphic," Braun muttered.
"Shielding one's mind is the key to defeating a wizard's ability to detect truths using Legilimency, using basic strategies such as direct eye contact or face-to-face interaction.
Average wizards can only probe into a person's mind based on their responses. It's generally difficult for them to extract secrets from a person's heart that the individual seeks to conceal.
Basic Occlumency involves clearing the mind of thoughts and emotions to prevent the mind probes from detecting emotional connections tied to masked memories.
Resisting Legilimency attacks is akin to fighting the Imperius Curse. Advanced Occlumency allows users to suppress specific emotions and memories, manipulating the defender's beliefs, enabling the invader to be deceived without exposure."
"So, the primary Occlumency technique strengthens one's resistance to Legilimency and applies it to oneself?" Braun thought practicing Occlumency would immediately conceal his memories, but proficiency was necessary.
"It's a bit troublesome, but mastering the basics will help guard against Dumbledore's Legilimency. If I can anticipate his movements, he might not pry forcibly into my thoughts," Braun contemplated. He acknowledged Dumbledore's adherence to moral conduct, making it improbable for him to use Legilimency on someone without their awareness, unlike Voldemort.
"Let me review how to cast the spell again..."
To perform Occlumency, the mind must remain blank and calm, cleared of thoughts and emotions. After stabilizing the mind, the spellcaster can use defensive tactics or casting spells to repel the Legilimency probe...
Lastly, mastering Occlumency requires finding a true master, learning its intricacies through practice..."
Upon reading the last sentence, Braun nearly tore the book in frustration. "The co-author rambles about finding a teacher to learn the technique. Practicing this on my own might be impractical. I better let the family find a teacher for me."
Yet not all was in vain. Braun learned that Occlumency doesn't require a wand—a positive for him without one.