Chapter 72
Chapter : Shadows and Silver Light
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Harry’s POV
The chill in the castle felt unending. Ever since the Dementors arrived, Hogwarts seemed darker, colder, and quieter. Even the professors looked worn down, their expressions tense as they moved through the corridors. For the rest of us, classes had become a blur of trying to stay focused while suppressing that constant, gnawing feeling of dread.
I’d been helping with Patronus training. Alex had insisted it was the only real defense against the Dementors, and after our first lesson, I understood why. He was focused, determined, and though he didn't show it, I could see that even he was affected by the Dementors’ presence. I’d only managed wisps of silver mist so far, but each time, I got closer.
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Study Hall - Friends’ Conversation
In between lessons, we gathered in a quieter corner of the library, a small group—Hermione, Neville, Daphne, Susan, Tracey, and me. Each of us had our own frustrations with the Dementors, and every now and then, someone would vent about the impact they were having.
“They shouldn’t even be here,” Hermione muttered, her arms crossed as she scanned her notes on the Patronus Charm. “They’re supposed to guard Azkaban, not a school.”
Susan shivered. “I don’t understand why the Ministry thinks they’ll protect us. All they do is make us feel terrible.”
“Maybe they don’t care,” Daphne said, her tone as icy as the winter winds outside. “All the Ministry cares about is showing they’re ‘handling’ the situation after Pettigrew escaped. But Dementors? At a school?”
Neville shifted uncomfortably. “They bring back…bad memories.”
I understood him. “They do that to all of us,” I said. “But we’ll get better at this. Alex told me it’s all about finding a memory that makes you feel so strong, it overpowers everything else.”
Tracey nodded. “What about you, Harry? What memory have you been trying?”
I hesitated. “I’ve been thinking of the first time I found out I was a wizard. That feeling that I finally belonged somewhere.” I looked at Hermione and Neville. “It helps…a little.”
Hermione smiled encouragingly. “I think you’re on the right track. But maybe we need to try memories that are even stronger.” She paused, glancing at the others. “Maybe we can help each other think of some?”
The group fell quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. I knew we all had good memories, ones that made us feel warm and safe, but dredging them up to fend off the Dementors felt different—like we were reliving them, over and over, just to survive.
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Dementor Training Practice - Later That Week
After classes, Alex had organized a small Patronus practice session in an unused classroom. I had mixed feelings; I wanted to help my friends, but I couldn’t shake the fear that my Patronus wouldn’t be strong enough. But Alex seemed confident, so I’d keep trying, for his sake as much as my own.
Alex stood at the front, his posture confident but calm. “Remember,” he said, “the Patronus is as much about determination as it is about the memory. You have to believe in it, trust it to protect you.” His own Patronus, a silver falcon, flickered to life beside him, filling the room with soft light. It was incredible, seeing the way it radiated strength.
One by one, we took turns. Neville’s attempt was stronger than before, with a silver mist forming, lingering a few seconds longer than last time. Susan managed the same, her Patronus filling the air briefly before flickering out. When it was my turn, I clenched my wand and thought of my happiest memories—of Hogwarts, my friends, even the family moments I’d experienced over the holidays.
“Expecto Patronum!” I shouted, willing every bit of happiness into the spell. A silvery mist shot out of my wand, glowing brightly for a brief moment before fading. It wasn’t much, but it was progress.
Alex nodded encouragingly. “That’s better, Harry. You’re getting closer. Just keep believing in it.” He turned to the others, his voice reassuring. “You all did well today. With more practice, we’ll be ready.”
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Later in Gryffindor Tower
Back in Gryffindor Tower, I found myself huddled with Hermione and Neville near the common room fire. The warmth was comforting, even as our conversation turned to heavier topics.
“Do you think the Dementors will stay here all year?” Neville asked, a note of fear in his voice.
Hermione sighed. “I hope not. But with the Ministry, who knows?” She glanced at me. “Harry, do you think Alex is right about us needing to learn the Patronus Charm?”
“Definitely,” I said, nodding. “If the Dementors are staying, we need a way to defend ourselves. Alex knows what he’s talking about, and he’s done everything he can to help us. I trust him.”
Neville nodded. “It’s just…they’re terrifying.”
I put a hand on his shoulder. “I know. But we’ll get there. We’ll get strong enough to make them back off.”
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The days at Hogwarts were heavy with fear and uncertainty, but through it all, our group stayed strong, leaning on each other to get through. No matter how dark things became, I felt we could handle it—together.