31 Chapter 31: “Mastery of the Mind”

As Harry embarked on his fitness-building journey at the fitness center with Ethan, Harry found himself with a considerable amount of free time between his training sessions. 

Emma and Cordelia had advised him to avoid magical neighborhoods and to remain in safe spaces to prevent accidental magic due to a concern over Harry's physical and magical recovery. They feared that premature engagement with magic could lead to unintended consequences, given his current condition. Consequently, Harry was left with significant periods of idle time, which he was keen on utilizing constructively. 

Eager to use this time productively and reflecting on his options, Harry's thoughts turned to the study of mind magic. This discipline required no wands or verbal spells, nor did it necessitate the channeling of magic through his still-recovering body.

Mind magic was primarily an internal practice, focusing on the wizard's mental fortitude and control, which made it an appealing subject for Harry. It offered a way for him to continue his magical education without the risk of triggering any accidental magic.

Understanding the basics of mind magic, especially Occlumency, and Legilimency, seemed like a prudent choice. These arts, dealing with the protection of one's mind against external penetration and the ability to penetrate the minds of others, respectively, required a strong mental discipline rather than physical might or magical prowess. Harry saw this as an opportunity not only to strengthen his mind but also to gain a defensive skill that could be invaluable in the future.

He started with Occlumency, which is essentially the art of protecting one's mind against external invasions. The library at his grandparents' home was well-stocked with literature on the subject. This collection hinted at their understanding of the importance of such knowledge. As Harry delved into the study materials, he quickly realized the discrepancies between the real practices of Occlumency and the exaggerated portrayals he had encountered in fanfiction during his previous life.

The fanfictions often depicted Occlumency through fantastical mindscapes and intricate memory vaults, but the reality was starkly different. True Occlumency focused on building a strong shield around one's mind. This shield acted as a fortress, protecting one's thoughts and memories from being accessed or influenced by others. The training process was gradual, aimed at reinforcing this shield until it was formidable enough to withstand any form of external probing, even resisting the Hogwarts Sorting Hat's attempts to peek into the wearer's mind.

On the other hand, Legilimency was its aggressive counterpart. It involved extending one's magic to touch and read the minds of others. While its primary function was to access memories, Harry also learned that Legilimency could be used to modify or even insert new memories into someone's mind. This aspect of Legilimency was both fascinating and slightly alarming to Harry.

The practice of Legilimency necessitated a careful approach, as it meant breaching someone else's mental defenses. Harry was wary of practicing this on others without being sure he wouldn't cause them harm. Despite recognizing its potential value, he hesitated to experiment with actual targets, choosing instead to focus on the theoretical and preparatory aspects of the skill. This approach, while safer, meant that his progress in mastering Legilimency was slow.

As Harry explored the complex world of mind magic further, he found himself reflecting on how powerful wizards like Dumbledore and Snape wielded these formidable skills. Known for their mastery in Legilimency, both wizards held a certain mystique, but Harry felt uneasy about the potential misuse of such power.

Dumbledore's twinkling eyes, often perceived as a sign of benign wisdom, now took on a new meaning for Harry. He wondered if those eyes were not just a façade but a subtle use of Legilimency. Harry recalled the night Voldemort attacked and how effortlessly Dumbledore seemed to attempt to delve into his young mind. This raised a troubling question: If Dumbledore could try to read Harry's thoughts so easily, what stopped him from doing the same with any student at Hogwarts? This realization added another layer of complexity to Harry's understanding of the revered headmaster.

Then there was Snape, whose teaching methods at Hogwarts had always been a subject of controversy. Now he could not help but doubt the way Snape taught Occlumency to the canon Harry.

The stories portrayed Snape's teaching methods as harsh and aggressive, a stark contrast to what might be expected in teaching such a delicate art. This forceful approach, while potentially effective for someone with a strong foundation in mind magic, seemed downright dangerous for beginners like the canon Harry, who lacked any basic understanding of Occlumency.

Harry reflected on the implications of Snape's teaching style. The relentless attacks could easily shatter a person's mental defenses, leaving them vulnerable to external intrusions. In canon Harry's case, this approach likely made him more susceptible to Voldemort's dream invasions. Instead of strengthening his defenses, Snape's method had exposed Harry to greater danger. This realization led Harry to question Snape's intentions. Was it a misguided attempt to hasten Harry's learning, or was there a more sinister motive behind it?

These thoughts weighed heavily on Harry as he continued his Occlumency practice. The knowledge that powerful wizards like Dumbledore and Snape could manipulate minds so subtly and effectively underscored the importance of mastering these arts.

Harry understood that to protect himself and his secrets, he needed to become adept at Occlumency. He could not afford to leave any vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Occlumency will also help prevent anyone from suppressing his memories like Dumbledore had done in the past.

Each day, after his physical rehabilitation exercises, Harry retreated to his library. There, in the quietude, he practiced forming and strengthening his mental shield. This process of reinforcing his mental defenses also allowed him to reflect inwardly, gaining a better understanding of his own mind and emotions.

Over time, Harry's efforts in Occlumency began to bear fruit. He discovered he had a natural aptitude for it, and his mental shield grew stronger and more resilient. This newfound strength in his mental defenses brought Harry a sense of security and confidence. He knew that his mind was becoming a fortress, impervious to unwanted intrusion.

However, Harry's progress in Legilimency, was not so good. Without using it on someone, Harry could not make any progress in the skill but the ethical implications of such an invasive technique were holding him back. Also, because he wasn't very good yet, he might accidentally hurt someone's mind if he tried. So, without practicing on someone, Harry couldn't really improve at all.

Despite this, Harry was determined to improve his skills in Legilimency as well. He started practicing on the small animals that lived near his home, trying to sense their simple thoughts and emotions. While he couldn't fully read or understand their minds, these gentle attempts helped him refine his technique without overstepping ethical boundaries.

Harry's journey into mind magic was more than a mere expansion of his magical skills; it was a deep exploration into his own soul and psyche. As he worked to reinforce his mental defenses and cautiously experimented with Legilimency, Harry was not just preparing for the future challenges he would face in the wizarding world. He was also healing and strengthening his inner self.

In the peace of his mountain retreat, Harry was not only rebuilding his physical strength but was also forging a mind that was ready to face whatever lay ahead with resilience and integrity.