Keep Breathing ♢ James Potter

22 | Entry 13 - Patronus Charms

Trigger Warning: Descriptions of Panic Attack

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January 12, 1977

Dear Diary,

Today I had another study session with Potter, where we went over Patronus charms. I've heard about them briefly before, but I have never actually seen one cast before. My family is heavily involved in the dark arts, and it is a known fact that people who meddle with th4e dark arts can't perform a Patronus charm.

I think that may be the reason I failed several times to cast it. Maybe I will never be able to cast one, just proving the inevitable fate that I will have to face as a member of the black family.

It was sort of embarrassing, making such a fool of myself in front of Potter. But Potter was kind and comforting. I ended up spilling out my family's plans to have me marry the Lestrange boy, making Potter promise to not tell a single soul, including my brother.

Since I have returned to Hogwarts, I have yet to hear from my parents, and I hope to keep it like that as soon as possible.

A.B.

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Astrid walked into the Room of Requirement, surprised to see James already there waiting for her.

"Hello Astrid," greeted James as he looked over his textbook and wrote down notes about different spells onto his parchment paper.

"Evening Potter," said Astrid tiredly as she went to sit on the couch beside James. She looked just as tired as the last time James had seen her. The pair sat down for about 10 minutes, looking over different spells that Professor Dankworth had introduced in the last lesson in class.

"The Patronus Charm. This spell aims to produce a silvery-white guardian or protector, which takes the form of an animal. It is one of the most powerful dense charms..." trailed off Astrid as she read out loud to James, "It can only be conjured with magical concentration of happiness and hope. A recollection of a single talisman memory is essential in its creation."

"I know about this Patronus. The boys and I once practice it for fun, trying to see what our animals would be," said James as looked at the page that Astrid was reading off of. "We can try it if you like."

Harry already knew that from his father's Patronus would be the same stag that his Patronus was, but he was curious to see what Astrid's Patronus may be.

"Um," hesitated Astrid as she darted her eyes to scan the wall in front of them, refusing to catch James's eyes.

"It will be fun, don't worry. It took us loads of tries to even make a shape out of the mist. I'm sure you'll do fine."

Astrid visibly gave in, relaxing her shoulders and standing up alongside Potter to practice the spell.

Harry listened to how his father explained the spell to Astrid, similar to the way Lupin had taught him the spell during 3rd year. He wondered if Lupin had taught his father as well, or maybe his father had taught Lupin. Harry was able to see the resemblance between Lupin's words and what James told Astrid.

"Uh, can you perform it first, so I can see?" asked Astrid

"Sure," James smiled slightly before looking at his wand. "Expecto Patronum!"

The two students watched as a silvery mist produced at the top of his wand, but the shape of a stag appeared from the wand. The stag trotted around the room, even dancing around Astrid, erupting a laugh from the girl before disappearing.