A/N - JKR owns the idea, all of these characters etc. Me --- not so much.
A/N - Sorry I took so long, holidays and all. Then I had taken so long, I had to go back and read my own story for my notes to make sense.
Chapter 46
Dastardly Dementors
Harry knew that every second was crucial. "Dementors are coming through the Forbidden Forest. They're traveling in packs of four. I only saw four packs total but I'm pretty sure that there were more."
Dumbledore nodded at Harry before speaking. "A wise decision to come straight here instead of trying to determine the exact number on your own. I'm very glad to see that your judgment is growing along with your magical powers." With that and a quick word to Harry to stay in the Great Hall and tell any returning professors that he'd be right back, Dumbledore quickly strode from the room, his robes flowing all around him.
It wasn't long before several of the staff returned to the Great Hall. Harry gave them the message as bade and he also repeated his story every time a different professor asked him to. Soon everyone was accounted for. All of the students, minus Harry, were in their dorms and all the staff was in the Great Hall. Dumbledore only needed to start speaking to quiet the crowd and gain their attention.
"The Dementors are traveling in packs of four. I only saw six packs but that does not mean that that is all that came or will come soon. I want you all to partner up and round them up at the Quidditch pitch. Harry, you and Mr Filch will stay within arms length of the entrance doors. Get inside at the first sign of trouble. Now everyone remember, lead them to the Quidditch pitch and also grab some chocolate bars on your way out. Follow me."
And follow him they did. Harry was slightly surprised that Dumbledore was letting him go outside at all, but then again Harry also recognized that he was being prepared for his own battles that would inevitably take place.
By the time Harry and Filch got outside most of the staff was already engaged in various attacks. Harry's subconscious registered that the Dementors were not as close to the school as they should have been. He was sure that the headmaster must have done something to slow down their progress but he wasn't sure what and he didn't have time to think about it right now. Instead he was focusing on the various attacks. Harry was extremely surprised, although he realized later that perhaps he shouldn't have been, to see that the twenty-four Dementors were no match for the staff of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It seemed to Harry that very little time had passed before most of the Dementors were almost at the Quidditch pitch. Harry very much wanted to see what Dumbledore's Patronus was, but at the moment Harry thought to look, the headmaster was only surveying the scene. Harry saw a few Patronus' driving the Dementors in the desired direction but he wasn't sure whom they belonged to. Harry could only vaguely make out shapes that were obviously people (but he couldn't tell who) as well as various animals such as dragons, snakes, lions, and even house elves. The most interesting Patronus he saw was a Muggle sports car driving circles around the horrible creatures leading them away from the school. Harry briefly thought that his aunt and uncle would approve of such an obviously flashy car.
Dumbledore sent two professors back in to the school although Harry wasn't sure why. Shortly after the Dementors were all at the Quidditch pitch, the two professors returned to where Harry was, leading all of his fellow fifth year students behind the two of them.
When they had all gathered around, Dumbledore addressed the group. "It appears that today you all have the opportunity for another practical lesson for your advanced study classes." Dumbledore paused to smile at all the students. "If you will all kindly follow me to the Quidditch pitch." Harry couldn't believe it. He remembered back to his third year when he spent weeks learning how to conjure even the faint version of a Patronus and was amazed that Dumbledore was actually going to let his students near those horrible creatures, especially without any prior training.
Harry was purposely walking alongside Dumbledore so he wouldn't have to entertain questions from his classmates. After all, he reasoned, if Dumbledore had wanted them told ahead of time, he would have told them himself instead of leading them to the pitch. He heard small gasps behind him and knew that his classmates had seen and recognized the dark shapes in the middle of the pitch.
Dumbledore once again addressed the group of fifth years and the few staff that were following him. "I cannot in good conscious let this opportunity pass. Each of you will go with your respective head of house and face one Dementor. Now in a minute I'll explain about the Patronus Charm but honestly I don't expect any of you to conjure anything at all today." Dumbledore glanced at Harry and smiled for the briefest of moments as he finished speaking that last sentence. He continued, "Instead, if you all are to defeat your Dementor today, you'll have to work as a team and use different spells. Harry, since you can already conjure a Patronus, you'll accompany me for a different challenge." Dumbledore quickly explained about the Patronus Charm and then sent the rest of the students to their respective head of house.
As Harry followed his headmaster to the bleachers he noticed that the staff was already set up. Each head of house was in a different corner and most of the rest of the staff was in the lower end of the bleachers keeping the rest of the Dementors confined to the middle of the Quidditch pitch. Harry also noticed a few of the staff on broomsticks hovering overhead. Harry could only guess that they were the lookout to ensure no other creatures were trying to get onto the grounds.
"Hurry along now! Don't dilly-dally! We haven't got all day!" Professor McGonagall's shout got Harry's attention, as well as that of many other students on the grounds. It was obvious that the Gryffindor's hadn't made very much progress towards their corner and McGonagall was getting impatient. Secretly, Harry didn't blame his housemates for not rushing to face their Dementor. He thought that showed good judgement.
Harry didn't hear Dumbledore the first time he asked his question. "Harry," Dumbledore repeated and by the tone Harry knew that it wasn't the first time the headmaster had tried to get his attention.
"Sorry professor"
"Harry, is there something you want to ask me?"
Harry thought about this for a few seconds. In actuality, there were several things that Harry wanted to ask him. He wasn't really sure how to narrow it down to just one question. He wanted to ask Dumbledore why he thought it necessary to teach the students how to face the Dementors. He also wanted to ask Dumbledore how he had managed to slow down the progress of all twenty-four creatures at once. Additionally he was curious what was to become of these creatures once the students were done with them.
Finally he settled on, "Why would so few Dementors attack at once? They had to know that it would be hopeless."
"Ahhhh, yes, an excellent question Harry. Very excellent indeed."
Dumbledore's usual twinkle was back and Harry knew that Dumbledore was indeed glad that Harry finally settled upon this question. However, he couldn't help notice that his question wasn't being answered. Additionally, he wasn't sure why this was such an important question. Harry looked up at Dumbledore and saw the older wizard surveying the scene before him. Harry averted his gaze and also took in his surroundings. None of his classmates looked particularly happy (not that Harry blamed them) --- a few were even lying on the ground. He had to admit, the Hufflepuffs seemed to be doing the best of the four houses. Harry guessed that their loyalty trait really helped their efforts when working as a team --- Harry was glad that their Quidditch team didn't work this well together. He shook his head trying to clear such childish thoughts about Quidditch during such a serious time right after an attack on his school. This sudden motion of his also drew Dumbledore's attention, causing him to finally speak.
"I believe you asked me a question."
Dumbledore didn't continue speaking so Harry nodded.
"Harry, do you know where Dementors come from?"
After thinking for a bit he answered, "I know where the first one came from. I believe that the rest probably came to be the same way."
"That's right Harry. Dementors were created a long time ago from very powerful dark magic. Fortunately, I do not believe that anyone in the past one hundred years has known how to create more. Now, I do not intend to mislead you. The knowledge of how to create more is out there to be found but I do not believe Voldemort has considered that possibility, or at least if he has he hasn't decided to focus on it yet. So tell me then, why do you think Dementors are so anxious to administer their kiss?"
Harry found he didn't like thinking about this question at all. He couldn't separate this question from the events at the end of his third year. "I don't know sir."
Dumbledore paused. Harry was sure he was trying to decide whether or not to let Harry escape without having to try to answer his question. One look into Dumbledore's eyes told Harry that this conversation would go no further until Harry gave a better answer. He forced his brain to focus on the question and not his memories.
Finally he was able to mumble out something coherent. "It gives them pleasure."
Dumbledore nodded. "Very good Harry. That's exactly right. They haven't had any semblance of a life since they were transformed. They relive the same experiences and memories over and over without the benefit of getting new experiences. Imagine if you had to live for hundreds of years but only had twenty years of memories to reflect on. It would be enough to drive any human insane. The only way for them to get new memories and experiences is for them to take someone's soul. They have a very limited existence. That is why they are Voldemort's natural allies. We could never give them what they truly want."
Once again, Harry wondered what, if anything, his headmaster didn't know.
"So Harry, knowing what you know now, can you answer your own question?"
Given that Dumbledore asked in the first place, it was obvious to Harry that he should be able to but he couldn't yet. Hermione was so much better at this type of thing than he was. Harry racked his brain while staring at the group of Dementors in the middle of the pitch. They didn't seem to be fighting too hard to escape --- it only took the occasional Patronus Charm from one of the staff to corral them back to the middle with the rest of the creatures.
He had to concentrate. His brain was starting to put it together --- but it was coming together from the back of his mind, not the conscious part. He needed to let it come together --- not force it. He just let his mind wander. He knew he had to let his mind go wherever it wanted. He found himself thinking back to how easily the staff dealt with the attack in the first place. Then he knew. He knew!
"Professor, did you cast a spell to slow down the progress of the Dementors?"
Dumbledore smiled at him. Harry had figured it out and they both knew it. "No Harry, I did not."
Harry smiled, as did his headmaster.
"Can you answer your own question?" Dumbledore asked of Harry.
"Yes. These few attacked because they want to die."
Dumbledore nodded. "Exactly. We don't know who all was turned into Dementors. I would think that some were good wizards while the rest were dark wizards. This existence would be too much to take for most good wizards, despite the transformation they must undergo." Almost as if he was anticipating Harry's next question Dumbledore continued, "But unfortunately for some, they cannot end their own existence."
Harry, once again amazed at his own brilliance, only nodded in response. He was now turning to check on the progress of the rest of the fifth years. Most of them did not appear to be fairing very well, but then again Harry remembered that when he faced a Dementor for the first time he passed out, as well as the second time and the third. Dumbledore motioned for Filch to come join them. When he finally reached Dumbledore and Harry the caretaker paused waiting for Dumbledore to speak.
"Argus, I want you and Harry to go back to the school and bring down the sixth year students from all four houses. Please meet in the Entrance Hall before returning so that you all come back as one large group."
Harry didn't exactly relish the thought of spending quality time with the caretaker but he wasn't going to argue with Dumbledore. Instead he stood up and went with Filch back to the castle. Surprisingly, the man was quite chatty along the way. He wasn't saying anything important or even reassuring; he was mainly rambling to himself about "the good old days".
When they got to the castle, the two split up with the agreement not to head back without waiting for the other. Harry went to get the sixth year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. He had already decided that he wasn't going to answer any questions so he just stuck his head in the door (Filch gave him the password to the Ravenclaw's common room) and called to the sixth years to meet him outside in the hallway.
When Harry and his gang arrived in the Entrance Hall, Filch and his group were already there. It was obvious that Filch had also decided not to answer questions because he wasn't responding to the barrage that the amassed sixth years were tossing his way.
By the time the new group reached the quidditch pitch, Madame Pomfrey was escorting all the fifth years back to the castle. Harry looked for his two best friends among the disheveled looking mass of students passing him. They looked like they hadn't faired much better than Neville, who was practically being carried back by Dean and Seamus.
The sixth years didn't know what they were about to face but seeing the condition of the fifth years did not lift their spirits at all. Harry, Filch, and the sixth years continued walking towards the Quidditch pitch and they gasped just as the younger students before them had. Dumbledore was waiting to give these students the same speech he gave to the others and soon the group was dividing and heading to their respective corners. Harry hadn't counted each one but it seemed to him that the number of Dementors had been reduced by four.
Again he followed Dumbledore to the bleachers. The two remained silent for a while until Dumbledore spoke. "Harry, now it's my turn to ask a question of you."
Harry looked up slowly, afraid of what was coming, but nodded his agreement.
"Harry, what do you want to do after you leave Hogwarts?"
Harry felt himself stiffen. He hadn't really given it much thought. Hogwarts was the only true home he ever knew. Occasionally he daydreamed about playing Quidditch professionally, but he was never that serious about it. He knew that, if he lived that long, he wanted his life to have a greater purpose. He knew his life had to have a greater purpose than just him and his happiness or even the happiness of his family. He had to dedicate his life to helping the wizarding world, the world that rescued him from his life with the Dursleys --- the world his parents had lived in --- the world his best friends lived in. Hopefully, he would be able to do that and still have a family but at least initially; the family could not come first. Once the wizarding world was safe, then he could concentrate on his own happiness. Even as he thought about it he realized that almost all of the sacrifices that he had made thus far had been because of circumstance, not by choice like they should have been. After all, he was "Harry Potter" and his parents had died so that he could live --- surely that meant he owed a great debt to the world they had once lived in.
"I don't know sir."
Dumbledore had been watching him the entire time that he contemplated his answer. Harry didn't think that he had given anything way in his face and manners while he was considering the question however he could tell that this time Dumbledore would accept that answer.
They just sat there silently watching the sixth years practice against their foes; each wizard was lost in his own thoughts. Harry suddenly felt stupid that he hadn't thought much about his future before. After all, he only had two more years left at Hogwarts and even Fred and George had known for a while what they would do. Harry knew what he wanted to do, just not which career would help him go about doing it. He thought about this until his headmaster once again summoned Filch over to them.
Once more Harry found himself following Filch back to the castle. By unspoken agreement, Harry went to retrieve the seventh year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Harry stuck his head in each common room only long enough to summon the seventh years and notice that there were no fifth years anywhere in sight. He was sure they were all locked up in their rooms.
Again Filch and his bunch awaited Harry's group in the Entrance Hall. As they made their way to the pitch, they also passed the previous group. Again, the group leaving did little to inspire the group that was just coming. Harry was slightly surprised to notice that even Fred and George were quiet. Once again he heard gasps and then Dumbledore met the group and delivered the speech Harry had already heard twice that day.
When the masses resumed their walk towards the Quidditch pitch Harry noticed that Filch turned and began walking the other way. Harry hesitated for less than a second before he started walking quickly to catch up with Filch.
When he caught up to Filch, Harry was unsure whether or not to ask where he was going. He decided not to draw any attention to himself so he followed along silently. They had almost reached the entrance to the castle when Harry recognized that horrible cold feeling within himself. He looked around and saw eight Dementors also approaching the entrance. Harry looked to Filch to do something but the staff member wasn't doing anything. Harry was about to yell at him when he remembered that he was a squib.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM" Harry yelled with all his might. He saw a stag erupt from his wand and knew it could handle multiple Dementors but probably not all eight. Harry glanced at Filch again who was standing rigidly still.
Five Dementors continued to approach Harry and Filch. Harry wanted to continue watching Filch to see what he was doing but he could not afford that luxury. Instead he focused on the group of new Dementors, cast another Patronus Charm, and worried about how close they were getting. This group seemed much more aggressive than the last group Harry had seen.
Filch was on his knees. Harry was growing weaker by the second. He couldn't fight it much longer; Harry had also fallen to his knees. The blackness from his periphery was starting to capture his entire vision. The five Dementors continued to surround Harry and Filch. They were getting extremely close. The last thing Harry knew he was whispering "Expecto Patronum" but had no idea whether or not the familiar stag erupted from his wand before he blacked out.
A/N -Share your thoughts with me
A/N - Sorry I took so long, holidays and all. Then I had taken so long, I had to go back and read my own story for my notes to make sense.
Chapter 46
Dastardly Dementors
Harry knew that every second was crucial. "Dementors are coming through the Forbidden Forest. They're traveling in packs of four. I only saw four packs total but I'm pretty sure that there were more."
Dumbledore nodded at Harry before speaking. "A wise decision to come straight here instead of trying to determine the exact number on your own. I'm very glad to see that your judgment is growing along with your magical powers." With that and a quick word to Harry to stay in the Great Hall and tell any returning professors that he'd be right back, Dumbledore quickly strode from the room, his robes flowing all around him.
It wasn't long before several of the staff returned to the Great Hall. Harry gave them the message as bade and he also repeated his story every time a different professor asked him to. Soon everyone was accounted for. All of the students, minus Harry, were in their dorms and all the staff was in the Great Hall. Dumbledore only needed to start speaking to quiet the crowd and gain their attention.
"The Dementors are traveling in packs of four. I only saw six packs but that does not mean that that is all that came or will come soon. I want you all to partner up and round them up at the Quidditch pitch. Harry, you and Mr Filch will stay within arms length of the entrance doors. Get inside at the first sign of trouble. Now everyone remember, lead them to the Quidditch pitch and also grab some chocolate bars on your way out. Follow me."
And follow him they did. Harry was slightly surprised that Dumbledore was letting him go outside at all, but then again Harry also recognized that he was being prepared for his own battles that would inevitably take place.
By the time Harry and Filch got outside most of the staff was already engaged in various attacks. Harry's subconscious registered that the Dementors were not as close to the school as they should have been. He was sure that the headmaster must have done something to slow down their progress but he wasn't sure what and he didn't have time to think about it right now. Instead he was focusing on the various attacks. Harry was extremely surprised, although he realized later that perhaps he shouldn't have been, to see that the twenty-four Dementors were no match for the staff of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It seemed to Harry that very little time had passed before most of the Dementors were almost at the Quidditch pitch. Harry very much wanted to see what Dumbledore's Patronus was, but at the moment Harry thought to look, the headmaster was only surveying the scene. Harry saw a few Patronus' driving the Dementors in the desired direction but he wasn't sure whom they belonged to. Harry could only vaguely make out shapes that were obviously people (but he couldn't tell who) as well as various animals such as dragons, snakes, lions, and even house elves. The most interesting Patronus he saw was a Muggle sports car driving circles around the horrible creatures leading them away from the school. Harry briefly thought that his aunt and uncle would approve of such an obviously flashy car.
Dumbledore sent two professors back in to the school although Harry wasn't sure why. Shortly after the Dementors were all at the Quidditch pitch, the two professors returned to where Harry was, leading all of his fellow fifth year students behind the two of them.
When they had all gathered around, Dumbledore addressed the group. "It appears that today you all have the opportunity for another practical lesson for your advanced study classes." Dumbledore paused to smile at all the students. "If you will all kindly follow me to the Quidditch pitch." Harry couldn't believe it. He remembered back to his third year when he spent weeks learning how to conjure even the faint version of a Patronus and was amazed that Dumbledore was actually going to let his students near those horrible creatures, especially without any prior training.
Harry was purposely walking alongside Dumbledore so he wouldn't have to entertain questions from his classmates. After all, he reasoned, if Dumbledore had wanted them told ahead of time, he would have told them himself instead of leading them to the pitch. He heard small gasps behind him and knew that his classmates had seen and recognized the dark shapes in the middle of the pitch.
Dumbledore once again addressed the group of fifth years and the few staff that were following him. "I cannot in good conscious let this opportunity pass. Each of you will go with your respective head of house and face one Dementor. Now in a minute I'll explain about the Patronus Charm but honestly I don't expect any of you to conjure anything at all today." Dumbledore glanced at Harry and smiled for the briefest of moments as he finished speaking that last sentence. He continued, "Instead, if you all are to defeat your Dementor today, you'll have to work as a team and use different spells. Harry, since you can already conjure a Patronus, you'll accompany me for a different challenge." Dumbledore quickly explained about the Patronus Charm and then sent the rest of the students to their respective head of house.
As Harry followed his headmaster to the bleachers he noticed that the staff was already set up. Each head of house was in a different corner and most of the rest of the staff was in the lower end of the bleachers keeping the rest of the Dementors confined to the middle of the Quidditch pitch. Harry also noticed a few of the staff on broomsticks hovering overhead. Harry could only guess that they were the lookout to ensure no other creatures were trying to get onto the grounds.
"Hurry along now! Don't dilly-dally! We haven't got all day!" Professor McGonagall's shout got Harry's attention, as well as that of many other students on the grounds. It was obvious that the Gryffindor's hadn't made very much progress towards their corner and McGonagall was getting impatient. Secretly, Harry didn't blame his housemates for not rushing to face their Dementor. He thought that showed good judgement.
Harry didn't hear Dumbledore the first time he asked his question. "Harry," Dumbledore repeated and by the tone Harry knew that it wasn't the first time the headmaster had tried to get his attention.
"Sorry professor"
"Harry, is there something you want to ask me?"
Harry thought about this for a few seconds. In actuality, there were several things that Harry wanted to ask him. He wasn't really sure how to narrow it down to just one question. He wanted to ask Dumbledore why he thought it necessary to teach the students how to face the Dementors. He also wanted to ask Dumbledore how he had managed to slow down the progress of all twenty-four creatures at once. Additionally he was curious what was to become of these creatures once the students were done with them.
Finally he settled on, "Why would so few Dementors attack at once? They had to know that it would be hopeless."
"Ahhhh, yes, an excellent question Harry. Very excellent indeed."
Dumbledore's usual twinkle was back and Harry knew that Dumbledore was indeed glad that Harry finally settled upon this question. However, he couldn't help notice that his question wasn't being answered. Additionally, he wasn't sure why this was such an important question. Harry looked up at Dumbledore and saw the older wizard surveying the scene before him. Harry averted his gaze and also took in his surroundings. None of his classmates looked particularly happy (not that Harry blamed them) --- a few were even lying on the ground. He had to admit, the Hufflepuffs seemed to be doing the best of the four houses. Harry guessed that their loyalty trait really helped their efforts when working as a team --- Harry was glad that their Quidditch team didn't work this well together. He shook his head trying to clear such childish thoughts about Quidditch during such a serious time right after an attack on his school. This sudden motion of his also drew Dumbledore's attention, causing him to finally speak.
"I believe you asked me a question."
Dumbledore didn't continue speaking so Harry nodded.
"Harry, do you know where Dementors come from?"
After thinking for a bit he answered, "I know where the first one came from. I believe that the rest probably came to be the same way."
"That's right Harry. Dementors were created a long time ago from very powerful dark magic. Fortunately, I do not believe that anyone in the past one hundred years has known how to create more. Now, I do not intend to mislead you. The knowledge of how to create more is out there to be found but I do not believe Voldemort has considered that possibility, or at least if he has he hasn't decided to focus on it yet. So tell me then, why do you think Dementors are so anxious to administer their kiss?"
Harry found he didn't like thinking about this question at all. He couldn't separate this question from the events at the end of his third year. "I don't know sir."
Dumbledore paused. Harry was sure he was trying to decide whether or not to let Harry escape without having to try to answer his question. One look into Dumbledore's eyes told Harry that this conversation would go no further until Harry gave a better answer. He forced his brain to focus on the question and not his memories.
Finally he was able to mumble out something coherent. "It gives them pleasure."
Dumbledore nodded. "Very good Harry. That's exactly right. They haven't had any semblance of a life since they were transformed. They relive the same experiences and memories over and over without the benefit of getting new experiences. Imagine if you had to live for hundreds of years but only had twenty years of memories to reflect on. It would be enough to drive any human insane. The only way for them to get new memories and experiences is for them to take someone's soul. They have a very limited existence. That is why they are Voldemort's natural allies. We could never give them what they truly want."
Once again, Harry wondered what, if anything, his headmaster didn't know.
"So Harry, knowing what you know now, can you answer your own question?"
Given that Dumbledore asked in the first place, it was obvious to Harry that he should be able to but he couldn't yet. Hermione was so much better at this type of thing than he was. Harry racked his brain while staring at the group of Dementors in the middle of the pitch. They didn't seem to be fighting too hard to escape --- it only took the occasional Patronus Charm from one of the staff to corral them back to the middle with the rest of the creatures.
He had to concentrate. His brain was starting to put it together --- but it was coming together from the back of his mind, not the conscious part. He needed to let it come together --- not force it. He just let his mind wander. He knew he had to let his mind go wherever it wanted. He found himself thinking back to how easily the staff dealt with the attack in the first place. Then he knew. He knew!
"Professor, did you cast a spell to slow down the progress of the Dementors?"
Dumbledore smiled at him. Harry had figured it out and they both knew it. "No Harry, I did not."
Harry smiled, as did his headmaster.
"Can you answer your own question?" Dumbledore asked of Harry.
"Yes. These few attacked because they want to die."
Dumbledore nodded. "Exactly. We don't know who all was turned into Dementors. I would think that some were good wizards while the rest were dark wizards. This existence would be too much to take for most good wizards, despite the transformation they must undergo." Almost as if he was anticipating Harry's next question Dumbledore continued, "But unfortunately for some, they cannot end their own existence."
Harry, once again amazed at his own brilliance, only nodded in response. He was now turning to check on the progress of the rest of the fifth years. Most of them did not appear to be fairing very well, but then again Harry remembered that when he faced a Dementor for the first time he passed out, as well as the second time and the third. Dumbledore motioned for Filch to come join them. When he finally reached Dumbledore and Harry the caretaker paused waiting for Dumbledore to speak.
"Argus, I want you and Harry to go back to the school and bring down the sixth year students from all four houses. Please meet in the Entrance Hall before returning so that you all come back as one large group."
Harry didn't exactly relish the thought of spending quality time with the caretaker but he wasn't going to argue with Dumbledore. Instead he stood up and went with Filch back to the castle. Surprisingly, the man was quite chatty along the way. He wasn't saying anything important or even reassuring; he was mainly rambling to himself about "the good old days".
When they got to the castle, the two split up with the agreement not to head back without waiting for the other. Harry went to get the sixth year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. He had already decided that he wasn't going to answer any questions so he just stuck his head in the door (Filch gave him the password to the Ravenclaw's common room) and called to the sixth years to meet him outside in the hallway.
When Harry and his gang arrived in the Entrance Hall, Filch and his group were already there. It was obvious that Filch had also decided not to answer questions because he wasn't responding to the barrage that the amassed sixth years were tossing his way.
By the time the new group reached the quidditch pitch, Madame Pomfrey was escorting all the fifth years back to the castle. Harry looked for his two best friends among the disheveled looking mass of students passing him. They looked like they hadn't faired much better than Neville, who was practically being carried back by Dean and Seamus.
The sixth years didn't know what they were about to face but seeing the condition of the fifth years did not lift their spirits at all. Harry, Filch, and the sixth years continued walking towards the Quidditch pitch and they gasped just as the younger students before them had. Dumbledore was waiting to give these students the same speech he gave to the others and soon the group was dividing and heading to their respective corners. Harry hadn't counted each one but it seemed to him that the number of Dementors had been reduced by four.
Again he followed Dumbledore to the bleachers. The two remained silent for a while until Dumbledore spoke. "Harry, now it's my turn to ask a question of you."
Harry looked up slowly, afraid of what was coming, but nodded his agreement.
"Harry, what do you want to do after you leave Hogwarts?"
Harry felt himself stiffen. He hadn't really given it much thought. Hogwarts was the only true home he ever knew. Occasionally he daydreamed about playing Quidditch professionally, but he was never that serious about it. He knew that, if he lived that long, he wanted his life to have a greater purpose. He knew his life had to have a greater purpose than just him and his happiness or even the happiness of his family. He had to dedicate his life to helping the wizarding world, the world that rescued him from his life with the Dursleys --- the world his parents had lived in --- the world his best friends lived in. Hopefully, he would be able to do that and still have a family but at least initially; the family could not come first. Once the wizarding world was safe, then he could concentrate on his own happiness. Even as he thought about it he realized that almost all of the sacrifices that he had made thus far had been because of circumstance, not by choice like they should have been. After all, he was "Harry Potter" and his parents had died so that he could live --- surely that meant he owed a great debt to the world they had once lived in.
"I don't know sir."
Dumbledore had been watching him the entire time that he contemplated his answer. Harry didn't think that he had given anything way in his face and manners while he was considering the question however he could tell that this time Dumbledore would accept that answer.
They just sat there silently watching the sixth years practice against their foes; each wizard was lost in his own thoughts. Harry suddenly felt stupid that he hadn't thought much about his future before. After all, he only had two more years left at Hogwarts and even Fred and George had known for a while what they would do. Harry knew what he wanted to do, just not which career would help him go about doing it. He thought about this until his headmaster once again summoned Filch over to them.
Once more Harry found himself following Filch back to the castle. By unspoken agreement, Harry went to retrieve the seventh year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Harry stuck his head in each common room only long enough to summon the seventh years and notice that there were no fifth years anywhere in sight. He was sure they were all locked up in their rooms.
Again Filch and his bunch awaited Harry's group in the Entrance Hall. As they made their way to the pitch, they also passed the previous group. Again, the group leaving did little to inspire the group that was just coming. Harry was slightly surprised to notice that even Fred and George were quiet. Once again he heard gasps and then Dumbledore met the group and delivered the speech Harry had already heard twice that day.
When the masses resumed their walk towards the Quidditch pitch Harry noticed that Filch turned and began walking the other way. Harry hesitated for less than a second before he started walking quickly to catch up with Filch.
When he caught up to Filch, Harry was unsure whether or not to ask where he was going. He decided not to draw any attention to himself so he followed along silently. They had almost reached the entrance to the castle when Harry recognized that horrible cold feeling within himself. He looked around and saw eight Dementors also approaching the entrance. Harry looked to Filch to do something but the staff member wasn't doing anything. Harry was about to yell at him when he remembered that he was a squib.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM" Harry yelled with all his might. He saw a stag erupt from his wand and knew it could handle multiple Dementors but probably not all eight. Harry glanced at Filch again who was standing rigidly still.
Five Dementors continued to approach Harry and Filch. Harry wanted to continue watching Filch to see what he was doing but he could not afford that luxury. Instead he focused on the group of new Dementors, cast another Patronus Charm, and worried about how close they were getting. This group seemed much more aggressive than the last group Harry had seen.
Filch was on his knees. Harry was growing weaker by the second. He couldn't fight it much longer; Harry had also fallen to his knees. The blackness from his periphery was starting to capture his entire vision. The five Dementors continued to surround Harry and Filch. They were getting extremely close. The last thing Harry knew he was whispering "Expecto Patronum" but had no idea whether or not the familiar stag erupted from his wand before he blacked out.
A/N -Share your thoughts with me