Chapter 50: 50 Harry's
In the dimly lit room of Professor Lupin's office, Harry sat eagerly across from his uncle, his wand clutched tightly in his hand. The air was heavy with anticipation as Lupin began to explain the Patronus Charm.
"Harry, the Patronus Charm is one of the most advanced defensive spells you'll learn," Lupin began, his voice calm and steady. "It's not just about repelling Dementors, although that is its primary purpose. It's also a manifestation of positive energy, a shield against darkness and despair."
Harry listened intently, hanging on every word as Lupin continued to explain the mechanics of the spell. He had been looking forward to this lesson ever since the train, eager to learn how to conjure his own Patronus. When he now thought back to the last two years, he didn't actually learn anything new. He was always goofing around with Ron instead of learning like Hermione.
"Now, to cast the Patronus Charm, you need to focus on a powerful memory," Lupin explained, his eyes locking with Harry's. "It needs to be a memory that evokes a strong sense of happiness and hope, something that fills you with warmth and light."
Harry nodded, his mind racing as he searched for the perfect memory to use. There were so many to choose from, but one in particular stood out to him, clear and vivid in his mind.
Closing his eyes, Harry delved into his memories, searching for the one that would serve as his anchor. And then, he found it.
"I've got it," Harry said, his voice filled with determination as he opened his eyes. "The memory I want to use."
Lupin smiled encouragingly, nodding for Harry to proceed.
Harry took a deep breath, his wand hand steady as he focused on the memory he had chosen. It was his first time flying with his dad.
With every detail etched clearly in his mind, Harry began to recite the incantation Lupin had taught him, his voice firm and unwavering. "Expecto Patronum!"
As he spoke the words, Harry felt a surge of energy course through him, a rush of warmth that radiated from his very core. With a controlled motion of his wand, he unleashed the spell, channeling all of his positive emotions into the silver mist that erupted from the tip.
Lupin's smile widened as he watched Harry's Patronus, a look of pride and admiration in his eyes. "Well done, Harry," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "That was an exceptional attempt. And a good place to end our lesson for today."
Harry's heart swelled with pride as he breathed heavily. It was far more exhausting than he had expected.
Once he caught his breath again, he couldn't help but ask. "Professor how much do you know about Lucas?"
"Hmm, why do you ask?" Lupin's expression shifted slightly at the mention of Lucas, his brow furrowing in thought. "Your first session with him is soon, isn't it?" Lupin's expression softened, understanding Harry's concern. "Lucas is indeed a unique case," he began, choosing his words carefully. "He has a talent for magic that is rare even among wizards, but if Dumbledore didn't say anything and Lucas didn't approach you, then I don't think you have to worry."
"But if you are still unsure I am willing to accompany you, if you would like that."
"Yes, please."
----
Harry was on his way to the Great Hall, when he noticed the people at the end of the hallway make way for someone. It was a sight he had gotten used to, because soon the rumoured student showed up. Lucas walked past the insults and judgmental looks. It was getting worse lately. People were pushing the boundaries. It was just a matter of time until the first spell was thrown at him.
"What are you looking at?"
"Ahh"
The sweet voice had startled him as he quickly turned to its origin, only to see a girl with waist length dirty blonde hair.
"Are you also looking for the Nargles?" Luna asked, her dreamy expression unfazed by Harry's sudden turn. "They tend to hide in unexpected places, you know."
Harry blinked, momentarily thrown off by Luna's comment before he realized she was talking about something entirely different. "Um, no, I'm not looking for Nargles," he replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips out of the sheer absurdity of the situation. "Just heading to the Great Hall for dinner."
Luna tilted her head to the side, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Oh, I see," she said, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment. "Well, if you ever do come across any Nargles, be sure to let me know. I've been trying to study them for years."
"I will." Harry nodded.
While they were talking, Lucas had made his way over and now came to a halt in front of them.
"Good afternoon Harry and Luna. Our first session will be tomorrow in this classroom." He said as Harry felt a map forming in his head, with the exact way to reach said classroom from his common room. Lucas looked him over once more to make sure he understood everything, before his gaze briefly lingered on Luna, unreadable for both of them.
He then walked away.
Harry was about to leave as well, but something seemed to keep him there. Luna had gripped the back of his robe and held it tight as she watched Lucas' retreating back.
"Is something the matter?" He asked her.
"He doesn't have any Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, Spectrespecs or Wrackspurts." She murmured quietly.
"And that means?" Harry needed clarification, because he had never heard of them.
"He is not like us." She simply said, not making anything clearer for him.
Harry furrowed his brow in confusion, trying to make sense of Luna's cryptic words. "Not like us?" he repeated, his voice tinged with curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Luna gazed at Harry with her trademark dreamy expression, her eyes unfocused as if she were seeing something beyond the physical realm. "He doesn't have any, or," she repeated, her voice soft and distant. "It's like he's... defective."
Harry's confusion only deepened at Luna's enigmatic response. "Defective?" he echoed, feeling more lost than ever. "What are you talking about, Luna? I don't understand."
Luna snapped out of her trance, completely oblivious to what just happened. "Sorry, Harry," Luna said, blinking as if returning from a distant place. "I tend to get lost in my thoughts sometimes. What were we talking about?"
Harry shook his head slightly, still trying to process Luna's cryptic words. "Um, you were saying something about Lucas," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "You mentioned something about him being... defective?"
Luna's eyes widened in surprise, as if she had forgotten what she had said. "Oh, did I?" she asked, her tone absentminded.
Before he could press her further, Luna gave him a bright smile and wandered off down the hallway, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts and a growling stomach.
----
Lost in thoughts about what happened earlier Harry didn't notice when Ron sat down beside him. The ginger's plate was already stacked with food before he said his first word, "I heard what happened earlier. Did he attack you?"
"Huh?" Harry looked up, confused by Ron's sudden appearance and question. "Oh, no, he didn't attack me," Harry replied, shaking his head. "We just... had a conversation, I guess."
Ron raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "A conversation?" he repeated skeptically. "With Lucas? That Lucas? He used his dark magic on you, didn't he?"
"He's not a dark wizard, Ron," Harry said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "He's just... different. And I think people are jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story."
"So he did do something to you." Ron was unconvinced, but he didn't press the issue further. Instead, he changed the subject, launching into a lively discussion about Quidditch and the upcoming match against Slytherin.
As Ron continued to chatter excitedly about Quidditch, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the back of his mind. Luna's cryptic words echoed in his thoughts, on top of the rumours surrounding him and the map that was clearly a product of Legilimency. He wasn't so sure about Lucas any longer.
However, his parents and especially Dumbledore adviced him to take these extra lessons. And with uncle Lupin by his side he had nothing to worry about. So with the issue pushed to the back of his mind he played a few rounds of wizard chess against Ron, after they had finished dinner.
----
Time seemed to fly by and soon it was time.
Harry's anticipation for the first session with Lucas grew as the time approached. Despite his lingering doubts, he felt determined to give it his best shot. After all, Dumbledore and his parents both seemed to trust Lucas, and he had no reason to doubt their judgment.
"Are you nervous?" Lupin asked as he put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. They were standing in front of the door to the classroom.
Harry nodded, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement coursing through him. "A bit," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm willing to give it a try."
Professor Lupin gave him an encouraging smile, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "You'll do just fine, Harry," he reassured him, his voice calm and collected. "Remember, I won't be far, if you need me."
With a deep breath, Harry pushed open the door to the classroom and stepped inside, his heart pounding in his chest. He found Lucas waiting for him, his expression composed and unreadable as usual.
"Good afternoon, Harry, professor Lupin," Lucas greeted them with a polite nod, his voice calm and composed. "I'm glad you could make it."
"Good afternoon, Lucas," Harry replied with a nod of his own, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I'm ready to begin whenever you are."
"Don't mind me I will be off to the side." Lupin said as he walked a short distance away, where he transfigured a comfy leather chair out of the floor.
Lucas nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Very well, let's get started," he said, gesturing for Harry to take one of the only two seats prepared in the otherwise empty classroom.
As Harry sat down, an unusual sense of calmness washed over him. He was almost eager to see what Lucas had in store for him.
Lucas took a seat opposite Harry, his expression still the same as he studied the young wizard before him. "Before we begin, Harry, I want to assure you that this session is meant to help you improve your magical abilities," Lucas said, his voice measured and deliberate. "I have no intention of causing you any harm."
Harry nodded, feeling slightly reassured by Lucas's words. "I trust you," he replied, his voice steady despite the nerves that still fluttered in his stomach.
"Good," Lucas said, a faint hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Now, let's start with something simple, shall we?"
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50th chapter!!!
Can't believe I am just in the third year with 100.000 words.
But I think I am getting better at writing. At least I can say my english is acceptable, even though it's my second language. Which is nice.
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