Deep breath in DADA
Your group of girls flavoured you with a pitying expression. "Viviane, could it be that you've upset the headmaster in some white way?" Astoria finally asked you in a whisper. You shake your head in the negative, "At least not on purpose," you say, not really sure yourself. Astoria looks at you, confused. "Did something happen today?" she asked, not quite understanding your implication. "Yes, but it was cleared up with Professor McGonagall, Professor Lupin and of course the Headmaster himself," you mention, trying to keep your voice down. "Trouble with a threesome?" she said playfully and had to stifle a laugh. You frown, as you weren't joking. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but I think you're going to have to put up with it - that the headmaster has another sensible reason for calling you in," she finally said indignantly. You just nod at her in understanding and try to take another bite of your lunch.
The lunch break draws to a close and you finally pack up your things to go to DADA class. It's in the Turris Magnus (defence tower) on the second floor.
The classroom was an attic room, with even the rafters visible in the classroom. There were beautiful arched windows between each rafter on the left side of the classroom. The classroom is dark brown in colour and just after the entrance there is a dragon skeleton hanging above. Which looks rather like a Black Hebridean, granted what's left of it.
Astoria beckons you to one of the classroom's lingering desks, which is quite far forward. The seat is on the right-hand side of the classroom and offers a direct view of a spiral staircase at the end of the classroom on the other side. As you are once again sharing a classroom with Gryffindor. You're not surprised to see McLaggen sitting down next to your table with another boy.
McLaggen gives you another smarmy grin, which you probably take rather unattractively as an attempt at flirting. Astoria only now realises that the wannabe macho has sat down near you on purpose and sighs in annoyance. But there wasn't much time to get annoyed as Professor Lupin came into the classroom that very minute. He greeted the class and called everyone's attention to him. "Welcome to Defence Against the Dark Arts for this year at Hogwarts, my dear class - I hope you have been able to regain your courage this year," Professor Lupin said as he turned to the class and lightly clapped his hands together.
"With dark times behind us, we are all the more aware of the importance of defence in these times," he said and continued quickly. "Currently, Hogwarts is under the protection of the Ministry of Magic, which unfortunately means that we have to have so-called Dementors patrolling outside these walls."
You're wondering if today's lesson had developed into a topic because of the incident in the morning.
"Can anyone tell me anything about dementors?" Lupin asks the class and Daphne, who is sitting at a table in front of you, speaks up. Professor Lupin nods to her in agreement and continues. "Dementors are also known as the guards of Azkaban. They are among the worst magical creatures, as they deprive their victims of all mental sensations. "Their very presence," Lupin interrupted Daphne and continued for her. "Makes it a terrible place for magical people," he finished, thanking Daphne for the detailed explanation. "Dementors feed on happy memories and every good feeling until the afflicted person is left with absolutely nothing but their worst experiences," Lupin explained, looking out one of the demanding windows.
The professor interrupted his melancholy at the difficult subject and turned his attention back to the class. "That's why it's even more important to know how to deal with a Dementor - we'll be trying to summon one of the most powerful defence spells for the next few weeks," he finally said.
The class finally cleared their throats and swallowed hard. "Professor Lupin, no offence, but the Patronus spell is described as extremely difficult and complicated," McLaggen said, showing his discomfort. "That's exactly why we may be practising for several weeks, Cormac," Lupin explained for everyone. "It is very important to the Headmaster that you are all well prepared in the event of an encounter with a Dementor - to avoid any future risks," he finished, glancing over at you.
Oh, yes, the incident was to blame. You sink into your chair a little more, feeling a little uncomfortable with the fact. If you had just used your Patronus outside, it wouldn't have turned into this rambling lesson.
You had the feeling that your stay was now moving mountains if something didn't go as it should. You felt particularly uneasy towards the headmaster, as you didn't understand all the attention he was giving you.
While you were deep in thought, Professor Lupin explained the Patronus spell. The professor noticed your rambling thoughts and called you up. "Miss Swan, could you explain the Patronus spell in more detail?" he asked, giving you a wide smile at your confused look. "Uh... Yes, Professor - the Patronus spell is created by the power of a happy memory. However, it is very difficult for any individual to find a 'happy' memory in the first place." "Since this memory must induce a feeling of happiness, even in a terrifying situation," you said without much effort. Professor Lupin's smile widened and he nodded with satisfaction and continued. "Each of them has the ability to create a Patronus spell, although you cannot determine the form of the Patronus in advance." "The form of the Patronus represents a person's innermost, hidden self," he explained, glancing around the class.
Astoria spoke up and Professor Lupin called on her to ask her question. "But, you can summon the Patronus spell shapeless?" she asked, but already knew the answer. The professor confirmed and explained. "Of course Miss Greengrass, experienced wizards and witches can summon their Patronus shapeless and protect themselves from others - this technique is also used within the Ministry of Magic by the Aurors, as far as I know". "It keeps them anonymous to each other, which is vital." You smile at the explanation, having witnessed this many times yourself. When other Aurors communicated with your mum.
The rest of the hour was spent contemplating a happy memory. Professor Lupin gave everyone a parchment homework assignment, 15cm long. We were to come up with several happy memories and explain why they were strong enough for the Patronus spell. The spell itself would take place in the next few hours. You'd thought about whether you'd make a fuss. Since you didn't want others to know that you had already mastered the spell since you were 14. Having an Auror as a mother had had its advantages.
When the bell finally rang, you knew where you had to go now. Your hands got clammy at the thought of having to face the headmaster in person. Without any certainty of information thats the reason you were about to meet him. Professor Lupin cleared his throat. "Miss Swan - are you ready?" he asked cautiously. You take a deep breath and finally nod.
"Yes, Professor, after you, please."