Chapter 74
Chapter : Light in the Darkness
---
Alex McKinnon-Black's POV
After setting Dumbledore and Snape on the Horcrux trail, I was free to focus on my own project: experimenting with Ravenclaw's notes and the Rowena Crystal. Rowena was truly a visionary; her designs bordered on magical artificial intelligence, a subtle network of enchantments that kept Hogwarts alive with knowledge and history. If I could harness her methods, I might be able to create something equally enduring.
Days at Hogwarts were relentless. Between classes, assignments, and the steady pressure of living up to my McKinnon and Black family names, I found myself slipping into Ravenclaw’s mindset more and more. She had poured everything into her work—knowledge, memory, and pure intention—and it was that dedication I tried to channel as I studied the ancient notes.
With the insights from her journal, I began experimenting with different crystals to see which ones could best amplify and store magical power, especially positive light magic. I discovered that quartz crystal was the most effective, able to channel positivity and even maintain fragments of a person’s light magic.
As I worked, I couldn’t help but smile, imagining Rowena’s approving gaze watching from somewhere among the countless dusty shelves of the Ravenclaw Tower. Her theories were intricate, complex—requiring exacting work—but they held the potential to store light in the darkness. And with dementors looming at Hogwarts, that light was desperately needed.
Later that day in the Common Room
During a free evening, I gathered some of my friends and classmates to demonstrate the Patronus Charm. Many had already made progress, but the dementors were affecting everyone deeply. I spoke with Harry, Hermione, Neville, and a few others as we practiced casting the charm. Patronus training became more than just defense; it was a kind of therapy, a shared experience to counter the shadowy presence of the dementors.
With each successful cast, I channeled the magic into the quartz crystal, storing their light magic. It was inspiring to watch the glowing essence of each Patronus gather within the crystal, amplifying the positivity of the group.
---
Harry Potter’s POV
Practicing the Patronus Charm with Alex was like a breath of fresh air amidst the weight of the dementors. Seeing our collective magic reflected in the crystal he held—it was incredible. We weren’t just fighting off fear; we were building something stronger together. For the first time, I felt like we had a way to make a difference that went beyond classes and exams.
Even Hermione seemed lost for words, watching as her silver otter joined the other Patronuses, each memory of hope and happiness channeled into the crystal. “It’s like…we’re creating something alive,” she murmured, a faint smile on her face.
Neville grinned, for once his confidence bolstered. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” he said, looking at his Patronus with pride. It was like a team effort, something we were all invested in.
---
Later in Gryffindor Common Room
As we settled back into the Common Room, conversation turned to the holidays, the dementors, and Alex’s invention. Hermione, always curious, asked him about the project he was working on. “How do you know so much about crystals and magic like this, Alex? I’ve never even heard of something like this in our textbooks.”
Alex gave her a mysterious smile. “You’d be surprised at what Hogwarts holds if you dig deep enough. Rowena Ravenclaw herself left plenty of breadcrumbs for us to find, especially for those who seek knowledge. I just followed her clues.”
Harry nodded, looking at his friend with admiration. “It’s amazing what you’re doing. Maybe someday, if we collect enough light magic, we can put it to use against the dementors or—”
“Or even the things darker than dementors,” Alex said, his eyes gleaming. “The way the world’s shaping up, a little extra light can go a long way.”
---
As the conversation drifted on, a feeling of quiet strength settled over them. The darkness that had shadowed Hogwarts for so long didn’t seem as overwhelming now, not with the light they’d created together—an alliance of friends, bound by magic and hope.