The Prisoner Of Azkaban - Hermione Granger x OC

Learning The Patronus

"Ah, Oliver, good to see you, dear boy," Professor Lupin said warmly as Oliver walked into his classroom. "Now, are you really sure about this? This is very advanced magic, well beyond the normal wizarding level."

"I'm sure," Oliver declared confidently.

"Alright then. Everything is prepared," Lupin replied, his face glowing with excitement. He started walking towards a chest in the middle of the classroom. "Now, the spell I'm going to teach you is called the Patronus charm. Have you ever heard of it?"

"No, sir," Oliver responded, curiosity twinkling in his eyes.

"Well, it works something like a shield, with the dementors feeding off of it instead of the wizard," Lupin explained, his voice filled with the depth of knowledge and experience. "In order for it to work, you must think of a memory, a very powerful memory that brings immense joy. Can you do that?"

Oliver hesitated for a moment, contemplating the question. Memories flashed through his mind.

"I think so," Oliver said uncertainly, his voice laced with a hint of doubt.

Professor Lupin nodded understandingly, realizing the weight of what Oliver was about to undertake. "Very well, now close your eyes," he instructed, his voice calm and soothing. Lupin began to pace around Oliver in a gentle circle, as if orchestrating a sacred ritual. "Concentrate. Explore your past. Think of the memory you hold most dear. Lose yourself within it. When you're ready, speak the incantation 'expecto patronum.'"

Oliver took a deep breath, allowing Lupin's guidance to anchor him. With closed eyes, he delved into the depths of his mind, searching for that cherished memory. Images and emotions intertwined as he got lost in the recollection. Finally, with an air of determination, Oliver repeated the incantation, "Expecto patronum."

Lupin's eyes twinkled with pride and satisfaction. "Very good."

"Now, wand at the ready," Lupin commanded.

Oliver's hand trembled as he raised his wand, a mixture of determination and trepidation etched across his face. His heart raced, knowing the immense challenge that lay before him.

Lupin strode purposefully towards the chest, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Oliver. In that unspoken exchange, Oliver nodded, an unyielding dedication shining in his eyes, signaling his readiness to face whatever lay inside.

With a resolute breath, Lupin slowly turned the key and opened the chest. Suddenly, in a whirlwind of darkness and despair, a sinister dementor emerged, its chilling presence suffocating the room. Oliver's pulse quickened, his mind filled with haunting memories of past encounters with these soul-sucking creatures. Fear gripped him like icy claws, threatening to consume his very being.

"Expecto," Oliver strained to say the charm, but his voice faltered, paralyzed by the overwhelming terror that coursed through his veins.

"Expecto," he repeated once more, desperation etched into his voice. But the words failed to escape his trembling lips, choked by the overwhelming weight of fear.

In that moment, fear conquered Oliver. His body gave way, his legs buckling beneath him, collapsing onto the cold stone floor, his consciousness slipping away into the depths of his darkest nightmares.

"You're okay. You're alright," Lupin reassured, as he helped Oliver sit up.

Consciousness slowly washed over Oliver, like a fog lifting from his mind, gradually restoring his awareness.

"I didn't expect you to get it on your first try. That would have been truly remarkable," Lupin chuckled.

Oliver's head still swam with dizziness, his vision blurred and unfocused.

Lupin retrieved a chocolate bar from his pocket and offered it to Oliver. "Here," he said, extending it towards him.

"Those things are horrible," Oliver remarked, taking a bite from the chocolate, seeking comfort in its sweetness.

"That was a boggart, Oliver. The real dementors would be much, much worse," Lupin explained gently, his voice carrying the weight of solemnity.

"Way to make me feel better," Oliver replied, struggling to stand up, a touch of sarcasm lacing his weary voice.

"Which memory did you choose?" Lupin asked.

"The first time I entered Hogwarts," Oliver said.

Lupin's face showed a look of almost disappointment. "That's not nearly good enough."

Oliver sighed, feeling a pang of self-doubt creeping in. "I have another. I want to try again," he said, his voice filled with determination.

"Very well," Lupin agreed, nodding as he walked back over to the chest. His demeanor was one of unwavering support, ready to guide Oliver through his next attempt.

Lupin flung open the chest, and like a sinister phantom, the dementor slithered out, filling the air with an eerie sense of dread.

"Expecto patronum!" Oliver finally managed to declare, his voice trembling with determination. Yet, silence met his plea, no shield of protection materializing.

The dementors, sensing Oliver's vulnerability, glided ominously closer, their icy breaths stabbing at the very edges of his sanity. His hands shook uncontrollably, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Expecto patronum!" He screamed once more, desperation lacing every syllable. And suddenly, a brilliant white light erupted from his wand, a brief but valiant shield that encased Oliver for mere seconds before vanishing into the abyss.

With a relentless fury, the dementors lunged at Oliver, their darkness overwhelming him, forcing him to collapse onto his backside with a resounding thud.

Lupin, ever astute, sensed the futility of this attempt and swiftly moved to wrestle the dementor back into the chest, its shrill cries echoing in the chamber, as if furious at being robbed of its prey.

"Well done, Oliver!" Lupin shouted in enthusiasm. "You managed to conjure up the spell, even if it was only for a few seconds. You should be proud of yourself."

Although physically drained, Oliver felt a glimmer of accomplishment, a small spark of confidence ignited by Lupin's praise. "I think I'm done for today," he said, his voice still displaying traces of exhaustion as he stood up.

"Of course, but before you go," Lupin walked over to his desk, his steps deliberate, and pulled out a huge box of chocolate. "Here, take this. This stuff really helps, I guarantee it," he said, extending the box towards Oliver with a warm smile on his face.

Oliver accepted the offering, the sight of the sweets bringing a momentary sense of comfort. "Thanks, sir. I appreciate it," he replied, his gratitude evident in his tired eyes.

Lupin placed a reassuring hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Anytime, Oliver. Remember, facing your fears takes time and practice. You're making progress, and I have no doubt that you'll get there."