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The next day was a busy day for all of the students. The first day back to classes was always an adjustment. Luckily, being well prepared for classes helped Harry's group feel less stressed than students like Ron Weasley. Harry couldn't help but shake his head at the other boy's low-brow manners and laziness. The boy was a chess prodigy and could become an announcer for quidditch right now, if the opportunity presented itself. He knew everything about the professional games as well as the maneuvers and the rules. If he put a tenth of that dedication to his studies, the boy would give Harry's group a run for their money scholastically.
Dudley and Harry tried to play it cool but their friends knew something was up. The boys retreated more behind their occlumency shields as the day progressed. They looked calm and normal to everyone else but they couldn't hide the gleam of glee from their friends. All became clear at dinner.
The meal started out normally but as the Headmaster stood after dessert was cleared to give the announcements, suddenly, everyone froze. A great poof of purple smoke filled the entire room. When the smoke cleared, the music started.
The Headmaster suddenly started singing in a lovely tenor, "If I Only Had a Brain," from the Wizard of Oz. He danced around the head table, little tufts of colored straw puffing out of his chest with every jump step.
The other professors stood, dressed as characters from the movie. McGonagall was the cowardly lion. Snape was the wicked witch. Quirrell was the tin man. Flitwick was dressed as the wizard. All the Ravenclaws were Glinda the Good Witch and the Hufflepuffs were all Dorothies. All the Gryffindors were ToTos and all the Slytherins were flying monkeys. The rest of the professors were a mix of characters from the Emerald City.
The students all hummed along as the Headmaster danced and sang while the other professors sang Dorothy's parts and acted like backup dancers. It was hilarious.
At the end of the prank, a sudden puff of purple smoke spelled out, "You've been pranked! Courtesy of the New Marauders!"
When the enchantment ended, Headmaster Dumbledore looked furious.
"Whoever was responsible for that violation of the dignity of every person in this hall will be expelled!" he yelled. No one really heard him. Everyone was laughing too hard.
The prank was all the other students could talk about for the rest of the week. They kept humming the song like they had in the prank. Suddenly, mundane borns were very popular as everyone wanted to know where the song came from and to hear the story. Sally Anne Perks had a copy of the Wizard of Oz books, including the songs. She teamed up with Justin Finch Fletchley, who could play the piccolo, and Dean Thomas, who could sing, to put on a dramatic reading of the entire story. They were all very popular after that.
Harry suggested the group start a club and put on regular performances. They loved the idea. A few other kids joined in and they were off to the races. Harry and Dudley donated 10 galleons each to help support the arts. Their friends all donated what they could as well. The Dramatic Arts Society was off and running.
The New Marauders were humming the song as they walked to Professor Flitwick's office on Saturday.
"I can't believe you pulled that off!" said Neville, impressed.
"Padfoot and Moony helped but it was our idea," said Harry, gesturing to himself and Dudley. "I wanted to get back at the Headmaster for harassing me. If he only had a brain, he wouldn't act like a pederast. I thought he was supposed to be a respected statesman," Harry huffed.
"After the accident he caused with my mother, I would never consider him a man deserving of respect. He left a baby that could crawl and walk alone on a porch!" said Dudley. The other friends had heard this before. They couldn't help but agree.
"Well, it went off beautifully. Is that why you studied runes during the Winter Hols?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, it is," said Dudley, proudly. Remus had added Ancient Runes to the children's studies. They were only beginner level but it was interesting material.
"Then, I'll have to thank you for that. I've been dying to learn Runes for years. Mother wouldn't allow me to because she felt it was too dangerous. She says I'm too curious for my own good," said Daphne.
"I think your curiosity is delightful," said Hermione. Daphne grinned at her and took her hand. She didn't let go.
"Thank you. I find your thirst for knowledge delightful. You're a real joy to conduct research with," Daphne said, returning the compliment. Hermione beamed at her.
They went back to humming the song as they entered the classroom. Professor Flitwick looked up at the sound. He grinned to hear it. He loved a good prank and that was one of the best he'd seen in a while. The Runes work as excellent. They managed to get the Runes to have Charm-like effects, which was very advanced carving, even for the seventh years. Flitwick looked at the group before him and wondered. He decided to test the waters a little.
"Welcome, welcome! Please come inside and stand in a semicircle, facing the center. Good," he said, praising the students who immediately moved to follow his directions. "Now, I'll need to know what the most advanced magic each of you have performed is, so I'll know if you'll be able to handle the level of magic we will be learning today." Flitwick pointed at Blaise, who answered.
"I can do an episky charm. I had to learn. My brother is always hurting himself," said Blaise.
"Very good. That's quite advanced. A fourth-year charm, at least."
Then Tracy, Neville, Hermione, and Daphne went. Only Harry and Dudley remained.
"We've all learned Occlumency. I've also learned some Runes," said Dudley. Harry agreed.
"That's the most advanced magic I've learned, as well," said Harry.
"That's interesting. When did you begin learning Runes. I hold a mastery in Runes, as well. Goblin magic is based in Runic magic," said Professor Flitwick.
"About a month or so ago. We studied the magic with our tutors over the Winter Hols," said Harry, trying to impress the professor. He succeeded.
"That is very industrious. Very well, let us begin. The Charm we will be learning today is called the Patronus Charm. You've all studied Occlumency?" he asked, confirming what they'd told him. The students all agreed.
"Very good. The first thing we must do is meditate. I want you to sit on the floor, cross legged, please."
Everyone moved to do as Professor Flitwick requested.
"Now, close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths. Slow in and slow out," he said, in a soothing voice. The students breathed.
"Think of the feeling of being happy. Think of the happiest you have ever been," the students sat in thought for several minutes.
"Let that feeling of being very happy wash over you," said Flitwick, quietly. A few minutes went by before he spoke again. "Now, feel your magic. Let that feeling well up in you."
The children all started to glow slightly as their magic expanded into their emotional field. Flitwick grinned.
"Now, feel your magic and that happy feeling merge. They are both water. Let them combine," said the professor. The students began to glow a brilliant gold tinted silver.
Professor Flitwick let the children bask in the feeling for several minutes. Then he called them back to reality.
"Slowly find your breath. Let your breath bring you out of your emotional field," said Flitwick. He watched as the glow was slowly absorbed inside each child's chest. He let them take their time, grounding back into their bodies.
"When you're ready, start to feel your body. Feel your toes, your feet, your legs. Feel your bottom on the floor and the way your spine rises and your stomach gives it support. Feel your neck, your arms, your hands. Let the weight of your head ground your entire body into the floor. Breathe deep and open your eyes," he said more loudly. The students took their time opening their eyes. A feeling of deep peace and light calmness surrounded the entire group.
"Well done, students. You have taken the first step in the Patronus charm. I'd like you each to practice this technique each morning and night after your occlumency practices. Be at peace," he said, ushering the children from the room. They went quietly. They didn't ask any questions or break the peaceful silence all the way back to the dorms.
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