The professor poured a cup of tea for Lys Black and gestured for her to drink. Without hesitation, Lys took a large gulp. Just as she was about to voice her question, she noticed the professor's odd expression.
"I've said so much, and you still dare to drink it straight away?" Lys, with tea still in her mouth, quickly spat it back into the cup. The professor's expression grew even more peculiar.
"It seems I may have misjudged you earlier. At the start of the term, when you asked me questions, you displayed an unsettling familiarity with dark magic experiments. My reaction was... excessive, influenced by my personal biases against Slytherin. For my behavior back then, I owe you an apology."
The professor tossed Lys's cup and its contents into the trash, cup and all, before pouring her a fresh one. "I was just teasing earlier. Go ahead, drink."
"When you spoke up in class last time, your thoughts seemed scattered, but your fear of those experiments was unmistakable. You're afraid, aren't you?"
Lys took a small sip of tea and nodded. Yes, she was very afraid.
"There's little I can do to help with that. Once I leave this school, I may have to learn how to live as a Muggle. You'll have to rely on yourself—be strong, be cautious, and protect yourself and your family."
The air grew heavy with an unspoken mix of fear and resignation, leaving Lys slightly bewildered. "While you still can, consider living in Knockturn Alley. There are plenty of dark wizards there who wouldn't be missed if you killed them."
The professor gave her a strange look but remained silent, taking a sip of his tea instead. "Miss Black, do you have any other questions?"
"Yes, Professor. The Patronus Charm. Professor Flitwick said you're an expert."
The professor raised an eyebrow, giving her a look as though he'd just seen a dragon flutter its eyelashes. "If I'm not mistaken, you're a wizard who can use dark magic. Why would you want to learn the Patronus Charm?"
Lys paused, double-checking her thoughts before responding honestly. "My mum said mastering it would prove I'm not crazy!"
The professor's face twisted as if he'd just swallowed a dozen foul-tasting potions. That was... simple, crude, but undeniably effective.
He had to admit, she wasn't wrong. A wizard whose soul was entirely consumed by darkness couldn't produce a Patronus. But still, the Patronus Charm was advanced magic.
This child was being asked to learn the Patronus Charm during her second-year holiday to prove she hadn't gone mad.
Was it the parents who were unusual, or was it the child?
The professor gestured for Lys to give it a try. A thin wisp of silver mist emerged from her wand, lingered briefly, and then dissipated.
After observing twice, the professor explained, "The essence of the Patronus Charm lies in channeling a wizard's happiest emotions and solidifying them with a protective belief, enabling them to repel the despair and terror brought by Dementors."
"Once the incantation, magic, and wand movements are correct, the key is to summon your happiest memory and release the spell with the determination to protect it."
"It sounds simple, but... the Patronus Charm is highly advanced magic. If you can cast it during the Ministry of Magic's entrance exams, you'll earn extra points. So don't rush."
"Now, think about it—what's your happiest memory?" Lys pondered for a moment, then shook her head slightly.
The professor sipped his tea thoughtfully. "My Patronus used to be a mandrill. The memory I used to summon her was when I protected my sister. Even though the scene wasn't pretty—blood and severed limbs everywhere—it was my happiest moment. I had saved the only thing I had left. You should think about yours."
Lys drank an entire pot of tea but still couldn't come up with anything. The professor began prompting her: her parents? Her first day at school? A close friend?
Lys tried each suggestion. The silver mist visibly thickened, but it was still far from forming a complete Patronus.
"It's getting late. Head back. Your magical power should be sufficient to cast the Patronus Charm. Go home and think carefully—what is your happiness? Meanwhile, I need to reflect on whether I should prepare for a life as a Muggle."
Lys froze for a moment at his final words, then gathered Gaboon and her books before heading back to her dormitory.
When she had returned from the hospital wing earlier, she hadn't paid much attention before rushing off to class. Now, standing at the door, she was stunned. Was this... her dormitory?
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