A few metres from Rose was a young boy, probably only in their second or third year. They were lying on the ground, a horrible, dark shape hovering over him. Taking a step closer, Rose started to feel drained of happiness and energy. Only a moment ago she'd felt blissfully happy sitting next to Scorpius, now she felt as if there was nothing she enjoyed. The air felt cold and Rose's teeth started to chatter. Rose noticed the creature had its face directly over the boy's. She could hear it's rattling breath, as if it was breathing in something more than just air. Recognising the dark creature as a Dementor, Rose's mind instantly thought about what she'd learnt about them and how to defend herself. Thinking of the happiest memory she could, she raised her wand, pointing it towards the Dementor, and shouted, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" From her wand burst a phoenix of silvery-white light. It flew towards the Dementor, soaring towards it on outstretched wings, leaving a trail of the white light behind it that slowly faded. The phoenix had a halo of light around, illuminating the surrounding trees. The Dementor raised it's hooded head to face the phoenix and started to move away from the boy. As the phoenix got closer to it, the Dementor looked as if it was being pushed back by a strong gust of wind. The phoenix soared after it, chasing until it disappeared into the darkness of the forest. Rose instantly noticed how the air felt warmer and she could more easily recall her happy memories. She watched as the phoenix returned, circling over Rose's head as it slowly faded until it was gone.
Rose felt suddenly tired and stumbled backwards into someone's arms. She looked up to see Scorpius' ashen grey eyes, his expression one of concern. She'd become so absorbed in casting the Patronus that she had completely forgotten that Scorpius had been right behind her. "Are you alright?" He asked her, obviously worried."Yeah." She replied. "Just exhausted. Go check on the boy."Scorpius ran over to the boy and knelt over him. "He's unconscious. Let's get him up to the castle." Scorpius said, picking up the boy carefully. Rose stood up cautiously, taking care not to move too fast in case she fainted. With Scorpius carrying the boy beside her, they walked to the castle. "That was absolutely incredible!" Scorpius exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it..." Scorpius continued, but Rose didn't really listen to his words, she was too focussed on trying to walk up the hill, putting one foot in front of the other. When they reached the Entrance Hall, Scorpius carefully put the boy down on the floor and Rose's knees buckled as she dropped to the ground, too exhausted to stand or walk for any longer. "Wait here." Scorpius said. "I'll go find someone to help. She just nodded as he ran off, too tired to say anything.
Scorpius ran up the Grand Staircase. Rose wasn't sure if he was gone for only a few moments or an hour, but he returned with Professor Dippet.
"Merlin's beard!" the Professor exclaimed. "Let's get both of you to Madam Hartley." Scorpius helped Rose stand up whilst Professor Dippet picked up the boy. It scared Rose to see the boy hanging so limp as the Professor carried him, but she was slightly comforted when she saw the rise and fall of his chest. Rose thought it was very strange seeing the Professor carrying the boy. He made himself seem so tough and cruel on the outside, but hearing the concern in his voice and seeing him carefully carrying this boy changed Rose's opinion of him. Maybe he wasn't as bad as she'd first thought.
On the way to the hospital wing, Rose stumbled several times. Scorpius insisted that he carry her, but she refused, not wanting to seem like she couldn't walk a short distance. After stumbling for the fourth time and rolling her ankle, Scorpius picked her up, carrying her the rest of the way. Rose couldn't be bothered to protest so she simply hooked her arms around his neck. Even though Rose didn't like feeling so weak, she didn't think she would've been able to walk the rest of the distance.
The group entered the hospital wing, Madam Hartley rushing over to them. "What in the name of Dumbledore has happened!?" she exclaimed. Scorpius explained quickly what had occurred in the forest. He carried her over to one of the beds, laying her down carefully. She tried to sit up, but a sudden dizziness overcame her, then everything went black.