And then, as if reading his mind, though Harry knew he had not, Snape asked, "Who taught you occlumency?" luckily, Harry was saved the job of coming up with a lie when the other man added, "Was it Malfoy?" Harry clenched his jaw, his face the picture of reluctant defiance, which was enough for Snape to count his suspicions as confirmed, "They are very strong," he said softly, a considering look in his eye, "they will serve you well," he seemed reluctantly impressed, "I will see you again about this matter, in approximately a month Potter, for now, you are dismissed," he waved Harry away as if he were a fly buzzing about the potion master’s head, and Harry was grateful to stand and make his way towards the door, "Mister Malfoy is waiting for you in the corridor, I believe," opening the door, Harry was surprised to find the potions master was correct; sat on the floor, knees bent and his head relaxed back against the cold, stone wall, was Draco, "Mister Malfoy," Harry jumped; Snape was suddenly directly behind him, "if you would be so kind as to escort Mister Potter back to the Gryffindor common room, as it is now after curfew."