That evening, Harry made his way to Snape's office for their final meeting before the holidays.
Snape stood near the fireplace, arms crossed. "Your Occlumency has improved, but it is not where it needs to be."
Harry frowned. "I can block most things."
"That is not enough." Snape's dark eyes bored into him. "The mind is a fortress, Potter. If there is a single crack, an enemy will find it. We will continue training over the summer."
Harry exhaled through his nose. "Fine."
A pause. Then, to his surprise, Snape continued in a quieter voice.
"You have done… adequately this year."
Harry blinked. Was that almost a compliment?
Snape's expression remained unreadable. "I expect you to be prepared when lessons resume."
Harry nodded. "I will be."
As he left Snape's office, he couldn't shake the feeling that this summer was going to be very different from what he had expected.
The Hogwarts Express stood waiting at Hogsmeade Station, steam curling around the platform as students bustled about, saying their goodbyes.
Harry watched as Hermione hugged Neville tightly before turning to him.
"You'll write, won't you?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
"Of course," Harry assured her. "Though I don't know how much I'll have to say."
Hermione shot a glance toward the castle, her lips pursed. "I still think it's strange you're staying with him."
Harry had no argument there.
"I'll be fine," he said, though he wasn't entirely sure he believed it.
Neville clapped him on the shoulder. "Just—just be careful, alright?"
Harry smirked. "When am I not?"
Neville and Hermione shared a look but didn't argue.
As the train whistle blew, Hermione sighed. "Alright. See you in September, Harry."
"Yeah," he said, watching as they boarded the train. "See you then."
The train doors shut, and with a final billow of steam, the Hogwarts Express began its journey south, leaving Harry standing alone on the platform.
"Come along, Potter."
Harry turned to see Snape waiting near the edge of the platform, his black robes nearly blending into the shadows.
Wordlessly, Harry followed him.
They made their way back to the castle in silence. The halls were eerily empty without students. Even the portraits seemed subdued, as if the very walls of Hogwarts could feel the absence of its usual chaos.
Snape led him to a door, not the dungeons as Harry had expected, but instead a small set of chambers near the castle's main wing.
"You will be staying here," Snape said, pushing the door open.
Harry stepped inside.
The room was plain but comfortable, with a four-poster bed, a small desk, and a window overlooking the Black Lake. It wasn't large, but compared to the cupboard he had once lived in, it might as well have been a palace.
"Only for a few days," Snape continued, as if sensing his thoughts. "I have business to attend to before we leave for the summer. You will remain in the castle until then. You will not wander. Understood?"
Harry nodded.
"You will follow my rules," Snape went on. "Breakfast is at seven. If you are not there, you do not eat. You will maintain your studies. And our Occlumency lessons will continue while we are here."
Harry nodded again, though his mind was already racing.
Snape studied him for a moment. "Do you have any questions?"
Harry hesitated. "Why?"
Snape arched an eyebrow.
"Why are you doing this?" Harry clarified.
A pause. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Snape said, "Because you are not your father."
Harry swallowed hard.
Snape straightened. "Dinner is at six. Don't be late."
With that, he swept from the room, leaving Harry alone with the realization that, for the first time in his life, he wasn't spending the summer at Privet Drive.
Even if it was only temporary, it was something.
The next morning Harry woke up early, prepared to meet Hermione down in the common room.
He forgot he was the only student left at Hogwarts...
The castle felt different without students filling the halls. The usual hum of activity had faded, leaving behind only the distant creaks of the old stone walls and the occasional murmur from the portraits.
Harry spent most of the day unpacking what little he had brought with him from the dormitory. He had left most of his belongings in Ravenclaw Tower, only taking his wand, a few books, and some parchment for notes.
He wasn't sure how long Snape's "business" would take, but he was certain the man wouldn't tolerate idleness.
At six sharp, Harry made his way down to the Great Hall, which felt cavernous without the long house tables. Instead, a smaller table had been set near the head of the hall, where a handful of remaining staff sat.
Professor McGonagall and Flitwick were among them, engaged in quiet conversation.
Snape was already there, seated at the far end, a goblet of wine in his hand. He barely acknowledged Harry's arrival.
Unsure of where to sit, Harry took a spot at the opposite end of the table.
The meal was simple, roast chicken, potatoes, and a rich gravy.
Halfway through the meal, McGonagall spoke up.
"I trust you are settling in, Potter?"
Harry glanced up and nodded. "Yes, Professor."
Her eyes softened slightly, but she said nothing more.
Dinner passed mostly in silence, the teachers occasionally making conversation, but when Harry stood to leave, Snape spoke without looking at him.
"Library. Ten minutes."
Harry barely had time to wash up before making his way to the library, where he found Snape already waiting. A single candle flickered on the desk beside him, casting long shadows over the towering shelves.
Snape gestured for him to sit.
"As you are no doubt wondering," Snape began, "we will not be staying at Hogwarts for long. I have matters to conclude here, and once they are handled, we will leave."
Harry sat up straighter. "Where are we going?"
Snape leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. "That is yet to be determined. For now, your focus will be on continuing your studies and ensuring your Occlumency progresses."
Harry frowned. "Why does it matter so much? If no one else my age is learning this, why do I have to?"
Snape's expression darkened. "Because you are not like others your age. The… intrusions into your mind will not stop on their own. You must learn to control them, or they will control you."
Harry clenched his jaw. "And if I don't?"
"Then you will remain vulnerable," Snape said coolly. "And you can be certain that there are those who would exploit that weakness."
Harry exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. He knew Snape was right, but it still felt like he was being forced to fight a battle he didn't fully understand.
Snape studied him for a moment before continuing. "We will leave in a few days. Until then, you will continue your training. I expect discipline, not excuses."
Harry swallowed his questions and simply nodded.
Snape regarded him for another moment, then stood. "That will be all for tonight. Be ready tomorrow."
With that, he turned and left, his robes sweeping behind him.
Harry sat there for a moment longer, staring at the flickering candle.
They were leaving Hogwarts.