“I’m using something akin to Legilimency, but I’ll be going further - deeper than just his memories. I’m going to reach his subconscious, his soul.” Lailie explained as she situated herself on the edge of the occupied bed. “I’ll reach into Harry’s subconscious, and there I’ll be able to explain to him what’s going on. It’ll need to be done quickly since there’s no telling how far the Horcrux has managed to get.”

“What do you need us to do?” inquired Albus.

“Monitor us, and watch Harry. If he starts struggling, don’t fret; it means he’s fighting against me entering his shields.”

“You won’t have any problem with Potter. His shields are non-existent.”

“Severus…” Albus’ voice held a hint of warning.

“Everyone has shields,” Lailie said, turning to look at Severus. “Just because you tear into someone’s mind with no regard does not mean their shields are non-existent.”

Severus shot her a look, eyebrow raised.

“Albus mentioned you attempted to teach him Occlumency.”

Severus looked at the headmaster, somewhat alarmed. “You thought it wise to divulge that information?” He lowered his voice. Albus patted his crossed arms reassuringly.

“It was necessary to inform Healer Dalton about certain things with regard to Harry. She could not help otherwise.”

Severus was still uncertain. “She is to be trusted with secrets you’ve kept from some of the Order?”

“Lailie’s parents fought against Voldemort in the first war and have instilled their virtues in their children. I trust her.”

The last part was said loud enough that Lailie heard. She gave Albus a sweet smile as she thanked him before turning to Severus.

“Let’s forget about your lack of success in teaching Harry Occlumency,” she said, ignoring Severus’ glare at her. “You’re going to help now. You’re coming with me.”

Severus started. “What for?”

“You’ve been in his mind. You can help me reach Harry’s subconscious.”

“Are you not qualified in that particular field?”

Lailie rolled her eyes at his exasperated tone. “I deal with magical mind and soul damage; things like mild cases of Multiple Personality Disorder or exposure to the Imperius. Dealing with Horcruxes inhabiting fourteen-year-olds is a relatively rare problem.” She motioned for him to come over to the other side of the bed.

“What is it you’ll need me to do?” Severus asked as he came over. He didn’t sit, preferring to stand.

Lailie rolled up her sleeves, exposing her hands and forearms as she answered. “I’m going to get us in. As similar as this is to Legilimency, you’re entering the soul, not the mind. Once we’re in, you’ll help me differentiate between Harry and the Horcrux.”

“Why me? Why not the Headmaster or Lupin? Both of them are closer to the boy.” Severus was not looking forward to this.

Albus answered him. “You’ve been in his mind before, Severus. You would recognize Harry’s signature. Neither myself nor Remus would be able to distinguish between the two.”

Just his luck, stuck doing something like this.

“This Horcrux has been there for thirteen years. For all we know, even Potter wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.” Severus huffed as he watched Lailie. She raised an eyebrow at his snarky tone. He gave her a look of his own. “I’ll do it if you really think I can be of service but when Potter returns to his regular arrogant self, I hardly expect a lot of gratitude.”

Lailie made no other comment except to say, “I appreciate it.”

Severus sighed and looked away. Remus, Albus and Poppy had moved a short distance away from the bed. Albus and Poppy were conversing in hushed tones, Remus putting in his two cents every once in a while. Severus turned back to Lailie and found her watching him.

“What?”

She shrugged. “Nothing. You ready?”

Severus nodded.

“All right then. Albus?”

The headmaster came over. “Are you prepared?”

“We are. I want to get this over with quickly.”

Severus couldn’t help but agree with the healer. The sooner, the better.

“Be ready with the potion.” Lailie took a deep breath and slowly released it. “You ready?” She asked him one last time.

Severus nodded. “Ladies first.”

Smiling, Lailie reached out and took Severus’ hand in one of hers; the other she placed on Harry’s chest as she began to recite, “Fiat experimentumin corpore… Facio ut facias … Neum et tuum… Anima… Fiat experimentumin…” over and over until it seemed to become background noise.

In his peripheral vision, Severus was aware of Albus moving to stand at the foot of the bed. Poppy had the vial clutched in her hand as she stood to one side of the bed, Remus on the other. Severus was barely aware of Remus wishing them “good luck” before he felt a pull from the inside out as if someone had stuck a hook in him and was slowly pulling. It didn’t hurt, but was entirely disconcerting. There was a sharp tug that sent Severus falling. Expecting to end up sprawled over Harry; he held his hands out to catch himself. The bed came up to meet him and Severus found himself falling straight through it.

Startled, Severus jumped to his feet, his wand finding its way to his hand.

“Relax.”

Severus spun around, his wand coming to point at Lailie. “Your wand is useless here.” She smirked at him.

“Here?” Severus repeated as he put his wand back in its holster.

“Harry’s mind.”

Severus glanced around. There were in some sort of room, if it could even be called that. No ceiling or walls were anywhere in sight just a vast empty darkness.

This is not Potter’s mind. He had spent a year delving into the boy’s psyche, and this drearily vacant place was not it. Lailie seemed to sense his disbelief and explained, “We’re actually closer to his soul than his mind. This is probably where the Horcrux has situated itself.”

“If this was in Potter’s mind, I would have found it.”

“No doubt.” Severus looked at her, surprised at her confidence in his abilities. “I’ve been told how skilled you are in both Legilimency and Occlumency. But unless Harry had consciously known about the Horcrux, you had no way of figuring out it was there.”

Severus returned to scanning the darkness. There were certain areas that seemed to be pulsating. Gliding forward, he moved towards what he assumed was the edge of the “room”. Severus reached a hand out to touch the throbbing shadow.

“We’d best be moving.”

Severus hand stopped just shy of making contact. Lailie began moving in the opposite direction. “We don’t have a lot of time.”

Severus nodded even though she couldn’t see, and followed Lailie into the gloom.