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She sighs again. "Not really. These ones only really discussed possible ways to recognize victims under the Imperius curse. I think there is something to your theory about only finding books in the castle if all we have to work with are scraps like this. Did you have any luck?"
"A bit. This is an account of the trials of a wizard accused of using the Imperius curse shortly after it was made Unforgivable. He used it to influence a string of Wizengamot votes, and was caught by the key witness who claims to have resisted it using what he called 'mind magic.' Does that sound familiar to any of you?"
Ron shrugs, Harry shakes his head.
"Well there's the Memory Charm obliviate, used to modify memories," Hermione pointed out. "I suppose that's a type of mind magic, though I can't imagine that's what he meant."
I sigh. "I'm thinking it might refer to Occlumency, but I was hoping you guys might have heard of something else."
"What's Occlumency?" Hermione asks.
"Mind you I'm not an expert, but as far as I know it's simply the way you defend against Legilimency, which is the magical way to read someone's mind. That victim doesn't even have to be a willing participant; a master Legilimens can pull memories out of your brain that you didn't even know you had. So I guess Occlumency is the way to stop it."
I have to be careful because I'm not sure what tidbits are from canon and what's from fanfiction, which has explored this particular branch of magic quite thoroughly.
For example I remember something called a perfect Occlumens who can feed false memories to even the most skilled Legilimens. Makes sense to me, but I can't remember where I got that. Or even if Legilimens is the proper term for someone who practices Legilimency, or if it's just the incantation. Oh well.
"That's great, William, that gives us a place to start!"
"To start, maybe," I say with a frown, "but I'm not even sure it would work."
"Maybe we can ask Moody," Hermione suggests.
"I think perhaps Professor Dumbledore would be a better choice," I counter. Even though Crouch helps them out on occasion, obviously I'd rather they not confide in the Death Eater at all, but I can't figure out a way to convince them of that. "Snape also has skills in both, but I don't imagine you'll want to ask him," I say with a smile.
Hermione looks shocked. "How do you know that?"
"Ah, I have a bit of skill in Occlumency," I say, not knowing if that's really true despite what the Hat said. "When Snape asked me about my background in Potions I felt something when I met his eyes, so I quickly looked away."
"That can't be legal!" Hermione shrieks.
"I don't know if he was actually trying to read my memories, or just figure out if I was lying. I think he was just satisfied enough when I admitted I'm not very good at Potions. He seems to respond well to my self-deprecating statements; he hardly looks my way."
"You shouldn't have to do that, William," Hermione chides.
"No, but sometimes you have to deal with teachers with a superiority complex. As long as I'm learning, I don't really care if he thinks I'm worthless." I glance at Harry. "Although if I started sticking up for myself it might take some heat off you, Harry."
"I wouldn't count on it," Harry says. "He's had it out for me ever since my first day, and is always calling my father names. They must have some kind of history. In any case I just try to keep my head down, like you, so I couldn't ask you to do anything else."
I stay silent. I would do something if I could, but I really can't afford to have Snape find out who I am, or where I'm from, rather. I don't know exactly what he can find out without the incantation. "Sorry, Harry, I would...I wish I could."
He waves it off. "Don't worry about it. So are we going to ask Dumbledore, then?"
"We could see if he's available right now," Hermione suggests. "We've got plenty of time until curfew."
"Uh, do you guys mind if I sit this one out?" I ask.
"Why's that?" Ron asks, perplexed.
"I...uh, would prefer it if I could draw as little attention to myself as possible."
"But William, you might be on to something here, and it wouldn't be fair not to credit you with the idea," Hermione says.
"No, no, that's okay. Just say 'we' found it while researching ways to resist the Imperius curse, and don't elaborate. It's the truth, after all."
Hermione gives me an unreadable look. "I don't like how easily you lie, William."
I wince at that. I'm not gonna lie, it hurts. "Hermione..."
Harry saves me from responding. "Hermione, he doesn't want to draw attention to himself, and we should respect that. In fact, I've wished I could do the same ever since I got here. I'm not about to drag him into any kind of spotlight if he doesn't want to be."
"Harry, you know what kind of damage other people's secrets have caused you in the past," Hermione points out. "You of all of us should be wary of that."
Harry wants to reply but I jump in. "Thanks, Harry. And I know, Hermione, it comes down to secrets once again. I swear on my life and my magic that I'm on your side, but I really can't give them up. Not yet."
I see Harry and Ron glance back and forth between me and Hermione in my peripheral vision, but my eyes are still locked on hers. She turns away. "And what side is our side, exactly?" She asks after a moment.
"Your side. Not Voldemort's. Not the incompetent elements of the British Ministry." I pause. "Not even Dumbledore's. Just yours."
"That doesn't make sense, William! You've only just met us!"
"Would you believe it if I said—"
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