In Ink and Inheritance (Book 1)

Chapter 20 - The Shape of Light

Harriet Potter's POV

I didn't think it would be this hard.

The charm was simple - on paper.

Expecto Patronum.

Two words. A wand movement I could do in my sleep. And a memory.

That was the part that broke me.

"Try again," Professor Lupin said gently. He didn't raise his voice, didn't look disappointed. Just waited.

I steadied my stance, wand raised, the chill of the practice classroom seeping into my sleeves.

Expecto Patronum.

Nothing.

Not even a spark.

My breath fogged the air. My knees trembled slightly, though I wasn't sure if it was nerves or the lingering weight of the Dementors. I closed my eyes and dug deep. What memory was strong enough? Not just happy - powerful.

Flying?

Too fleeting.

Fred and George's last prank on Filch?

Too funny.

Then I saw it - clear and warm and real.

Oliver's face. The moment in the Hospital Wing. His hand holding mine. His voice whispering You're not going anywhere.

I opened my eyes.

"Expecto Patronum!"

A faint shimmer of silver burst from my wand.

Not a full shape - but something.

Lupin smiled. "Better. Again."

-

We practiced for nearly an hour.

By the end of it, I was shaky but proud. My arm hurt. My head throbbed. But I had light. Not enough to drive back a dozen Dementors, maybe - but enough to prove I could.

I could do this.

I would.

Lupin handed me a chocolate bar as I pulled my cloak on. "You're stronger than you think."

"I don't feel like it."

"You don't have to feel it," he said. "You just have to believe it's in you."

I nodded and stepped into the hallway.

And found him there.

Oliver.

Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, scarf wrapped snug around his neck. His hair was damp, cheeks red from the corridor draft.

"You waited?" I asked, surprised.

"Of course I did."

I walked to him slowly. Let the weight of the lesson roll off my shoulders.

He reached up, brushing a curl from my forehead.

"Did it work?"

"A little," I said. "Enough."

He smiled. "It'll be more next time."

There was no one else in the hallway. No Ministry official. No contract. Just us.

"You were my memory," I said softly. "The one that worked."

His eyes widened slightly, but he didn't say anything.

Just pulled me into his arms.

And in that quiet, magical corridor, for once...

I didn't feel like a weapon.

I felt like a girl worth holding.