Occlumency & Imperio

[houyhnhnm102]

No: HPFGUIDX 149294

Carol responds:

> The main problem with the Occlumency lessons, whether 
> or not Harry has a natural aptitude for them (JKR's recent 
> interview suggests otherwise) is that Harry doesn't *want* 
> to close his mind, [...] to the dream of the corridor, 
> which he *wants* to have.

houyhnhnm:

There is another similar situation--the informal patronus lessons
Harry had with Lupin. Harry was unable to produce a successful
patronus against the boggart dementor because, subconsciously, he
*wanted* to keep hearing his mother's voice.  When Harry himself
realized what was holding him back, he overcame it.  Sadly, he never
reached the same level of self knowledge with regard to the vision of
the corridor.  Very likely his hatred of Snape got in the way.  It was
easier with Lupin, because Harry trusted him.  Or possibly it was the
influence of Voldemort.

Carole:

> Snape has given him as much information as Dumbledore 
> will allow, but he can't tell Harry what's behind the 
> door or why DD doesn't want him to see it. 

houyhnhnm:

Each time I read the Occlumency scenes again, I am struck by just how
straight Snape is playing it.  These scenes are the strongest evidence
supporting the DDM!Snape theory, IMO.  (I am a DDM!Snaper, though, not
just because of supporting evidence but because I think there is other
evidence in OotP that falsifies ESE!Snape altogether, and evidence in
several of the books that weakens OFH!Snape.)