Unveiling the Untold Secrets of Harry's Occlumency Lessons with Snape

In the fifth book of the Harry Potter series, "The Order of the Phoenix," a whole chapter is dedicated to the ancient form of magic called Occlumency. In this chapter, titled "Occlumency," Severus Snape, a disliked professor, tracks down Harry at Grimmauld Place to inform him that it is Headmaster Dumbledore's request for him to attend mandatory Occlumency lessons. Harry, unfamiliar with the term, asks, "Study what?" to which Snape replies, "Occlumency, Potter. It is the magical defense against external intrusion. Though not widely known, it is an extremely valuable branch of magic." Snape's description does not satisfy Harry's curiosity about why he needs protection against external intrusion.

Unable to provide a satisfactory answer, Snape dismisses Harry's concerns, stating that Dumbledore believes Occlumency lessons are beneficial. Snape instructs Harry to meet him in his office on Monday at six o'clock. He emphasizes the need to keep these lessons secret, especially from Dolores Umbridge. Harry's friends, Hermione and Ron, have different views on his Occlumency lessons with Snape, with the boys agreeing that secretive tutoring sessions with Snape sound unpleasant.

Harry Potter's Occlumency Lessons With Snape

The Occlumency lessons prove to be a challenging learning experience for Harry. At six o'clock on Monday, he enters Snape's dimly lit office, filled with unsettling remnants of animals and plants suspended in potions. Notably, Harry notices a Pensieve on the desk before a cold voice instructs him to close the door. Snape asks Harry to sit across from him at his desk and emphasizes that this is no ordinary lesson. He also insists that Harry address him as "sir" or "professor" at all times. Harry complies, and Snape reiterates that Occlumency involves protecting one's mind from magical intrusion and influence. Snape explains that Harry requires these lessons because Lord Voldemort possesses the ability to navigate through people's minds, which is known as Legilimency in the wizarding world.

However, when Harry mistakenly describes Legilimency as "mind reading," Professor Snape harshly criticizes him, stating that he lacks subtlety and does not understand the nuanced differences. Snape even goes as far as to criticize Harry's potion-making skills, attributing them to his lack of understanding. Snape then proceeds to elucidate the complexity of the human mind, highlighting that only those who have mastered Legilimency can successfully delve into their victims' thoughts under specific circumstances and accurately interpret their findings. He emphasizes that the Dark Lord can almost always detect deception and that a person without Occlumency skills cannot mislead him. It becomes evident that Dumbledore arranged the Occlumency lessons due to the connection between Harry and the Dark Lord.

Why Did Harry Potter Have To Learn Occlumency?

In chapter 24 of The Order of the Phoenix, Snape discusses the necessity for Harry to learn Occlumency. He explains that the protective spells and charms at Hogwarts, while ensuring safety for most, do not apply to Harry due to the connection forged between him and the Dark Lord by the failed killing curse. Snape reveals that evidence suggests that in his relaxed and vulnerable state, Harry's mind shares Voldemort's thoughts and emotions.

According to Snape in chapter 24 of The Order of the Phoenix, Harry's vision of Arthur Weasley being attacked by the snake was an intrusion into Voldemort's mind. Snape remarks that it appeared Harry visited the snake's mind because the Dark Lord was present there at that moment. This indicated that Voldemort became aware of Harry gaining access to his thoughts and emotions and recognized the possibility of intruding into Harry's mind. With this concern, Dumbledore assigned Snape to teach Harry Occlumency.

Snape Canceled The Classes

The Occlumency lessons commence, as Snape takes out his wand and dips its tip into his hair. He extracts a "silvery substance" that stretches and falls into the Pensieve. According to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Snape repeats this process twice, depositing the silvery substance into the stone basin. He then carefully places the Pensieve onto a shelf and resumes facing Harry. It is at this point that Snape instructs Harry to retrieve his wand and permits him to use it for self-defense.

In the scene featuring Snape (portrayed by Alan Rickman in Harry Potter), he delves into Harry's mind to assess the young wizard's ability to resist his intrusion. He utters the word "Legilimens!" which envelops Harry's surroundings in darkness. Consequently, a barrage of images flood Harry's mind, encompassing Dudley riding a new bicycle, Aunt Marge's dog, Ripper, chasing him up a tree, the Sorting Ceremony at Hogwarts, Hermione in the hospital wing, a multitude of Dementors nearing him near the dark lake, and Cho Chang approaching him beneath mistletoe. It is at this point that Harry successfully resists, causing Snape's office to reappear.

Harry's first Occlumency class revolves around the crucial instruction of clearing his mind from all emotions. However, he struggles to control his anger, allowing Snape to effortlessly invade his thoughts and conclude that Harry is defenseless against Lord Voldemort's abilities. As the inaugural lesson concludes, Snape advises Harry to ensure his mind is devoid of any emotion each night before sleep, aiming for a serene and empty state. In chapter 28 of the fifth Harry Potter book, entitled "Snape's Worst Memory," Snape eventually terminates the lessons entirely. This decision arises when Harry impulsively probes the Pensieve's contents, providing him with a distressing glimpse into the past where his father, James Potter, cruelly taunted Snape during their time at Hogwarts. Discovering Harry's intrusion, Snape puts an abrupt end to their sessions and prohibits his entry into the office.