Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

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Chapter 53

"So, for today's lesson, things will go a little differently than usual. I want to teach you something I'm actually not quite capable of myself. However, you'll have no time to worry, as my instructions will be sharp and right to the point as always. Just entirely theory-based this time," Sage explained, surprisingly not sounding any less confident than usually.

Neville watched her walk towards the middle of the meadow, casually drawing her wand from the front-lacing of her bodice. Sage's choices in clothing had always been quite daring, but ever since she had arrived at Hogwarts back in September, not even a fraction of her usual creativity had managed to shine through her black robes.. until now, Neville happily recognized. Amongst her wand, a bundle of autumn hawkbit was neatly placed beyond the strings, its yellow flowerheads prominently contrasting against her monochrome attire.

The entire meadow's attention focused on Sage, she took a deep breath before searching the crow for.. Neville, apparently?

"Neville, would you be so kind and help me out? I'd like to demonstrate something," she asked, a genuine smile on her lips. Her hand was stretched out towards him, obviously inviting him to her side.

"Sage, I don't think I'm the right-"

"-You are exactly who I need. Please."

There was really no point in arguing it seemed. Why did it always have to be him?

"How may I help?" he asked, now standing right beside her.

As she looked up to him, Sage gave him a smile he couldn't quite place. Had he not known better, he would've said she was proud. It didn't make sense though. What would she be proud of?

"Today I want to teach you how to use your patronus as a messenger," Sage finally announced, letting her gaze wander around the crowd.

"Isn't that a bit of a waste of time?" a DA member asked hesitantly.

"Great question!" Sage acknowledged excitedly, "Talking about anything else but fighting strategies seems to be quite pointless in times like this. I completely agree. Which is exactly why I chose to talk about this particular spell today. One of the crucial aspects that makes Death Eaters so hard to defeat, is how well they are connected to each other. With that poor excuse for a tattoo on their arms, they can communicate with each other in a remarkably unique way. Gathering all of them at one place is a matter of seconds."

"A patronus messenger would be much more effective, right? Because you can actually send word around, to specific people even, if needed," Neville added, quickly catching up with her train of thought.

"Exactly!"

"But that only works with a corporal patronus, right? I can't do that."

"It works with both types, Neville. But I don't want you to worry either way, because I know that you can cast a corporal patronus."

"Sage, back when Harry-"

"-I want you to try. I know that your life might've been shorter of joyful moments than mine, or Ginny's or Luna's.. but you only need one happy little thought."

"It's not easy like that. Even you can't cast a proper patronus."

"I can't cast one at all. But I'm not you. The amount of magic twirling through your pinkie finger alone is more than what whirls through my entire body. You are an exceptionally gifted wizard and I want you to finally realise that!"

"Yeah, Neville, show us the beast that rests inside!" Ginny shouted encouragingly, a fist raised into the air.

"I bet it's an elephant!"

"Or a toad maybe?"

Soon the entire DA was shouting out suggestions and praise towards Neville. He felt uncomfortable with all the expectations that were now laid upon him. He knew he should appreciate the support of his friends, always believing in him when he simply could not, but.. what if he would disappoint them? Like he always did with his family..

"No pressure, Nev. We all know you can do it and so should you," Sage whispered, squeezing his arm in support.

He needed to at least try. Now, which happy thought was there to choose? He should probably use a another one than before, should he not? But which one to choose? Not that there was much to choose from anyway. Neville had always been very thankful for the life he led, as miserable as it was at times.. but even when she didn't always show it, he knew his grandmother loved him and so did he. Afterall, she was everything she had.

So, maybe a memory of her would be sufficient? The day he got his Hogwarts letter? Gran had beamed with pride. But that wasn't enough, he assumed. Not when there had times where he himself had been much happier.

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Author's note: I hope you are all doing well! As you might have gathered from the end of this chapter, another flashback is ahead of us! I am actually really excited about brining baby Nev and Sage back. When the world was still okay but actually really was not.

Writing this story brings me so much joy, much more than I ever could have anticipated. I can't believe we are already at chapter 53!

If you find the time, I'd love to read some of your thoughts on my writing. Whatever comes to your mind, really. Even your own suggestions on what you'd like to see me explore in this story, for example.

Wishing you all the best! :-) I'll be back soon!