Much to everyone's relief, Harry had reverted back to his usual self. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious as he excitedly organized a fashion show during their Christmas/Yule break. He couldn't wait to show off the new clothes and jewelry he had received, but he didn't want to be seen as selfish. So, in true Harry fashion, he convinced the other Slytherins to join him and dress up for the occasion. The room was filled with laughter and chatter as they all paraded around in their finest attire, each one looking more dashing than the last.
The Hufflepuffs now had a mountain of photos of potential blackmail against the fifth-year Slytherin boys and the entire Quidditch team.
Ever since the traumatic boggart experience, Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons had been relatively uneventful. Whenever anyone mentioned it, Snape couldn't help but smirk in a somewhat malicious manner. Lupin had been playing it safe, avoiding any potential pranks from both Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, much to their disappointment and frustration.
The biggest problem of the year seemed to be the Dementors.
And of course Harry.
It seemed anytime the dementors started to get too close to the students, Harry would pop up out of nowhere and scold the creatures until they retreated back to where they were supposed to be. It gave Cassius and Beatrice a heart attack every time he did it.
"Who needs a patronus when Harry is around?" Terrence teased as they watched him scolding a pair of dementors that had gotten too close to a Ravenclaw second year. They had gone outside to get some fresh air when Harry had seen the dementors approach the small blonde girl.
Cassius' fists were clenched tightly, he couldn't stand the thought of anything happening to his little Ray. Harry was way too damn close to the dementors for comfort or his sanity. Jazzles whined from his spot sitting next to Cassius, seeming about as pleased as Cassius and Beatrice were about the situation. The grim also appeared to be quite terrified of the floating beasts.
"I think I'm developing heartburn," Cassius muttered unhappily causing Terrence to laugh.
"At least it is almost the end of the year. As long as he doesn't pick up any more creatures, everything should be fine, just need to focus on our OWLs."
"Now you've jinxed us."
Harry was walking back toward them, hand wrapped around the small second-year Ravenclaw's hand, smiling and talking rapidly.
"Cassy! This is Luna, the dementors were being mean to her." Harry introduced the blonde girl with dream-filled eyes.
"Yes, I saw that little Ray. Hello Miss Lovegood." Cassius sighed, it was no use scolding Harry at this point.
"Hello Mr. Snake-Knight." Luna's voice was airy and her eyes far away.
Terrence looked at Cassius and mouthed silently, Mr. Snake-Knight?
Harry was still grinning happily. Looking from Harry's vacant eyes to Luna's dreamy ones filled Cassius with dread. There were two of them. Cassius could barely handle Harry.
"Are you going to Professor Lupin's extra class tonight?" Terrence decided to jump in.
Harry frowned slightly. "What for?"
"He has been teaching people how to use the patronus charm over the last couple of weeks, since the incident at the Slytherin/Gryffindor quidditch game. It's mostly for the older students since it is an auror-level spell, but some of the younger years have been able to conjure mist." Cassius said as he ruffled Harry's colorful hair so he would stop frowning. The smile that tilted his lips made Cassius feel warm inside.
"Is that where you have been going on Wednesdays after dinner?" Harry asked curiously and Cassius nodded.
"Not that you seem to need them since the dementors listen to you strangely well. But I wanted to be prepared just in case."
Harry gave a mischievous smile, "They just need to be taught some manners."
Terrence's laughter was followed by a hearty pat on Cassius' back, causing him to lose his balance for a moment. "Looks like you have your hands full," he joked. "I'll catch up with you after dinner. Best of luck."
Harry smiled as he watched Terrence head off. Though he didn't see the need for a patronus himself, he was happy his friends were learning the advanced magic. He was curious what his patronus would be if he attempted the spell.
Harry let go of Luna's hand to grab one of Cassius' hands, "Can I join you tonight Cassy? I want to see what everyone's patronus looks like! Do you want to come too, Luna?"
She turned her silvery-blue eyes on him and smiled. "That sounds lovely. Will there be nargles there too?"
"Possibly!" Harry chirped, looking back to Cassius who just shook his head amused.
"Yeah, you two can join us tonight. Even if you can't do the charm, you'll get to see it in action at least."
After dinner, Harry and Luna followed Cassius to the empty classroom where the lesson was being held. Many older students were already gathered, chatting amongst themselves. Professor Lupin stood at the front, smiling as more students trickled in.
"Good evening!" Lupin greeted. "Welcome to patronus practice. I'm pleased to see so many of you here eager to learn this advanced defensive charm."
He went on to explain the theory behind the patronus and how it acted as a shield against dementors.
"The incantation is Expecto Patronum. Focus on your happiest memory as you cast the spell, allowing the joy of the memory to fuel the charm."
The classroom started to fill with older students practicing the advanced spell, wispy silvery mist and a few corporeal patronuses drifting through the air.
Luna's eyes widened dreamily as she took in the magical sight. "Oh look, a bunny!" she exclaimed, pointing to a silver hare bounding past them.
Professor Lupin was walking around the classroom, providing encouragement. The Professor's smile got wider when he saw Harry and his friends. "Mr. Potter, welcome! Welcome back to you as well Mr. Warrington. And you brought a friend, excellent." He regarded Luna and Cassius kindly. "The patronus charm is difficult, but don't be discouraged. With focus and practice, you may just surprise yourselves. Mr. Warrington here has made excellent progress over the last couple of weeks."
Cassius may not like the Professor as much as others due to the incident at the beginning of the year, but he did appreciate the praise since he felt like he hadn't made as much progress as he would have liked.
"Thank you, Professor," he said. "I'm still working on making my patronus fully corporeal, but I have been able to produce a decent mist so far."
Cassius took a deep breath as he concentrated, picturing Harry's smiling face in his mind. "Expecto patronum!" he said firmly. More silvery mist poured from his wand, swirling but not yet forming a clear shape.
"Excellent work, Mr. Warrington," Lupin praised. "With continued practice, I'm certain you'll master the charm."
He turned to Harry and Luna. "Now, why don't you two give it a try? Focus on your happiest memory and speak the incantation clearly."
Luna closed her eyes, waving her wand dreamily as she recited the incantation. A faint silvery wisp emerged from her wand, though it quickly faded. She didn't seem discouraged, simply trying again with a serene smile.
"Excellent start, Miss Lovegood!" said Lupin encouragingly. "Keep practicing, you may yet conjure a full patronus."
Harry took a deep breath, thinking hard. A memory surfaced in his mind, it was the only one he knew would be powerful enough. Everyday memories of the small pieces of happiness he had gained wouldn't be enough. But this memory was filled with more than just happiness.
The memory of Beatrice and Cassius showing up at the Dursleys' house to rescue him was more than the elated happiness of his friends remembering him, it was the sense of freedom to be himself again, it was the remaining feelings of pain from being beaten soothed away because of the comfort of his friends, it was feeling protected and loved for the first time in his life, and it was tinged with that slight bit of sadness and regret that no one had cared enough to rescue him sooner.
He let the memory fill him, from the tips of his toes all the way up to his chaotic and colorful hair. He didn't shout, the incantation flowed out of him in a soft whisper, "Expecto patronum."
A bright silvery light burst from his wand, quickly taking the shape of a majestic jaguar. The big cat stalked around the room, eliciting awe and some jealousy from the upper years.
Professor Lupin's jaw dropped. "Remarkable, Harry!" he exclaimed. "To produce a full patronus on your first attempt...at your age...truly astounding!"
Cassius wrapped his arms around an awed Harry, pulling him in for a hug as they watched his patronus prowl the room. "Well done little Ray."
Harry grinned, leaning back into Cassius' embrace. "Thanks, Cassy," he said. "I just focused on that happy memory of you and Beatrice rescuing me from the Dursleys."
His jaguar patronus came over, nuzzling against Harry affectionately before dissipating into silvery mist.
He spent the rest of the lesson watching his friends practice, cheering them on, and offering advice where he could. By the end, a few more students had produced silvery wisps or partially formed patronuses.
"Maybe it's your turn to teach me something Little Ray," Cassius said as they left the classroom to return to their dorms.
"Anything for you Cassy." Harry smiled at him blindly happy.
His life couldn't get any better.
Harry found himself alone for once.
Cassius and his friends were studying for their OWLs while Beatrice and her friends were studying for their NEWTs. While Harry was friendly with almost everyone, he wasn't that close to anyone in his year. While he had lived with Susan for part of the last summer, he had spent most of his time with her Aunt. This led Harry to seek out Luna. He had enjoyed the younger girl's presence. She had this spark about her that reminded Harry of himself. Plus she loved the thestrals as much as Harry did, so that was just a bonus.
After wandering for what felt like ages, he finally stumbled upon the small Ravenclaw girl. But as soon as he saw it, a heavy weight settled in his stomach. Luna stood pressed against the cold, stone wall of the castle, three older Ravenclaw girls loomed over her, ripping her possessions from her grasp with cruel glee. They jeered and taunted her, their fingers gripping onto her belongings with malicious intent. The sound of fabric tearing and books hitting the ground echoed through the corridor. His heart ached at the sight of Luna's distressed face and he could feel anger bubbling up inside him at the bullies' actions.
Before his mind could catch up, he was already in motion, acting on instinct rather than logic.
"Leave her alone!" Harry shouted, slamming his way in between two of the older girls to stand protectively in front of Luna.
Harry's shout startled the bullies, who jumped back in surprise. Luna looked up at Harry with wide, tearful eyes, relief washing over her face.
"What do you think you're doing?" demanded the ringleader, an older Ravenclaw named Marietta. She glared at Harry, hands on her hips.
"Stopping you from tormenting an innocent student," Harry replied sharply. "Now hand over her things before I go get a professor."
Marietta scoffed. "As if we're scared of you, Potter. You're just as Loony as Lovegood here. This is none of your business. Why don't you just run along back to your slimy Slytherins and weak 'Puffs?"
Harry stood his ground, anger simmering beneath the surface. "I'm making it my business. Now give Luna back her things and leave her alone, or you'll regret it."
Marrietta laughed derisively, the other two girls with her looking a bit more wary. "Ooh, is that a threat? What are you going to do, set your hair on us?"
Now, no one had ever accused Harry of being completely sane and while Harry abhorred violence, bullies, and abuse of any kind there was also a reason the Hat had considered him for Slytherin.
Marietta never saw him coming as he punched her straight in the nose, feeling the bone crack under his knuckles and warm blood spray over his hand. Harry's green eyes were blazing and for once very much not vacant. His eyes were filled with a dangerous unhinged intelligence that said he was crazy, he knew it, and he would use it.
"Next will be my wand, not my fist. Give Luna her things back now." Harry repeated through gritted teeth. His hands tightened around his wand.
"C'mon girls, these freaks aren't worth our time," one of the other girls, a brunette that Harry didn't know the name of said, tugging on Marietta's arm.
There was a tense moment where they all stood frozen like statues until the tip of Harry's wand sparked as a threat, and then they all dropped Luna's stuff to the floor. Making a hasty retreat as Marrietta clutched her broken bleeding nose.
Harry's shoulders relaxed slightly once they were out of sight, he turned to Luna. "Are you alright?" he asked gently.
"Oh yes, I'm quite alright," Luna said vaguely. She blinked up at Harry. "That was very kind of you."
Harry gave her a small smile. "What are friends for? Here, let me help you."
He knelt down, gathering up Luna's scattered notebooks and quills. A few of her possessions were torn or damaged by the bullies' mistreatment. Harry's heart ached at the sight - he knew all too well how it felt to be treated so cruelly.
He would be telling Cassy and Beatrice later what had happened. If anyone knew how to get revenge properly, it was the Hufflepuffs and the Slytherins.