======Dream Messengers======
=====Phenomenon Information=====
  * **Type:** //Magical Phenomenon//, //Method of Communication//, //Form of [[Legilimency]]//
  * **Known Users:** [[Lord Voldemort]]
  * **Known Recipients:** [[Harry Potter]]
  * **Primary Purpose:** Deception and Luring
=====Description and Nature=====
Dream Messengers are a form of highly advanced and invasive [[magic]] used to send deliberately fabricated, vivid dreams or visions directly into another person's mind. The recipient experiences these visions as if they were real events, making this a powerful tool for psychological manipulation.
This phenomenon is not a common form of magical communication but rather a specific, weaponized application of [[Legilimency]], the art of navigating another's mind. It relies on a strong pre-existing mental connection between the sender and the recipient. In the case of [[Lord Voldemort]] and [[Harry Potter]], this connection was created and sustained by the fragment of [[Voldemort]]'s soul residing in Harry, which turned him into an unintentional [[Horcrux]]. This link allowed [[Voldemort]] to exploit Harry's mind, particularly when Harry's emotions were running high and his mental defenses were low.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of a dream messenger is to implant a false narrative into a target's subconscious. The sender constructs a detailed scenario and projects it into the sleeping target's mind. The goal is to provoke an emotional response and compel the target to act on the false information upon waking.
[[Lord Voldemort]] weaponized this connection during the [[Second Wizarding War]]. Initially, the connection was uncontrolled, allowing [[Harry Potter]] unwanted insight into [[Voldemort]]'s thoughts and actions, such as the attack on [[Arthur Weasley]]. However, [[Voldemort]] soon realized he could control the flow of information. He began planting visions to manipulate Harry, understanding that Harry's loyalty and impulse to save others were his greatest weaknesses.
The primary defense against such mental intrusion is [[Occlumency]], the magical art of closing one's mind. [[Albus Dumbledore]] instructed [[Severus Snape]] to teach [[Occlumency]] to Harry specifically to counter this threat. Harry's difficulty in mastering the discipline, fueled by his animosity towards [[Snape]], left him vulnerable to [[Voldemort]]'s ultimate trap.
=====History and Known Instances=====
The use of dream messengers is a central plot point in //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//. Throughout the school year, [[Harry Potter]] experiences increasingly vivid visions from [[Lord Voldemort]]'s perspective.
  * **The Trap:** The most significant instance occurs when [[Lord Voldemort]] sends Harry a meticulously crafted vision of his godfather, [[Sirius Black]], being tortured in the [[Hall of Prophecy]] within the [[Department of Mysteries]].
  * **The Deception:** The vision was entirely false, designed to lure Harry to the [[Ministry of Magic]] in an attempt to retrieve the [[Prophecy]] concerning them both. Despite warnings from [[Hermione Granger]] and the failed attempt to contact [[Sirius Black]] via the [[Floo Network]], Harry's belief in the vision's reality was so strong that he, along with several members of [[Dumbledore's Army]], flew to London.
This event directly instigated the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]], which had several crucial consequences, including the death of [[Sirius Black]] and the public confirmation of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s return. Following the battle, after Harry's mind briefly merged with [[Voldemort]]'s, the Dark Lord became aware of the dangers of their two-way connection and subsequently sealed his mind from Harry.
=====Role in the Story=====
Dream messengers serve as a critical plot device that drives the climax of the fifth book. They are the ultimate expression of the unique, dangerous connection between [[Harry Potter]] and [[Lord Voldemort]].
  * **Catalyst for Conflict:** The faked vision of [[Sirius Black]]'s torture is the direct cause of the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]], a pivotal event in the [[Second Wizarding War]].
  * **Character Development:** The event highlights Harry's defining traits: his deep capacity for love and loyalty, but also his emotional vulnerability and impulsiveness, which [[Voldemort]] cruelly exploits. It also forces Harry to confront the devastating consequences of his actions.
  * **Plot Revelation:** The ensuing battle leads to the destruction of the [[Prophecy]]'s physical record and prompts [[Albus Dumbledore]] to finally reveal its full contents to Harry, setting the stage for the final years of the war.
  * **Thematic Significance:** The use of dream messengers underscores the theme of truth versus deception and illustrates the profound psychological warfare waged by [[Lord Voldemort]].