Next, Lewis began explaining the principles behind the Patronus Charm.
"As Cho and Luna just mentioned, Dementors embody negative emotions and dark power. They feed on happiness, leaving people in despair."
"So if we want to oppose that negative force, we need an equally powerful positive force."
"That…"
"…is where the power of the Patronus Charm comes from."
"In essence, a Patronus is the external manifestation of positive emotions."
"It is made from hope, joy, and the will to live—the very things Dementors feed upon."
"But unlike a living person, a Patronus cannot experience despair."
"And because of that…"
"Dementors have no power over it."
"So before casting the Patronus Charm, you must focus on the happiest memory you can recall."
"The stronger the happiness that memory evokes, the more powerful your Patronus will become."
"While doing so, move your wand in a circular motion to build magical momentum."
"Then speak the incantation—"
"Expecto Patronum."
"The Patronus will emerge from the tip of your wand and charge toward its target."
Lewis drew his wand.
"As the saying goes…"
"Seeing it once is worth hearing about it a hundred times."
"So I'll demonstrate it myself."
"Expecto Patronum!"
A torrent of silver light burst from his wand.
The radiance gathered together, gradually taking on a complete form.
Compared to the Patronus he had cast on the train at the beginning of the school year…
This one was far more solid.
However…
It was no longer a Feathered Serpent.
Instead…
A dragon appeared.
A fully grown Elysium Dragon, identical to Aiyu's adult form.
"Look! Look!"
"It's a dragon just like me!"
Seeing the silver dragon, Aiyu bounced excitedly.
Lewis could tell that, with a single thought, he could change his Patronus back into the Feathered Serpent.
But after forming the familiar bond between wizard and dragon…
Its primary form had naturally become the Elysium Dragon.
He decided not to alter it.
Instead, he directed the dragon Patronus around the classroom.
Gasps of amazement erupted from every corner.
Wherever it passed…
Everyone felt an indescribable warmth and happiness.
Finally…
The Patronus walked over to Aiyu.
It gently kissed the little dragon on the forehead before dissolving into countless silver motes.
"That…"
"…is the complete form of the Patronus Charm."
Lewis explained,
"But I don't expect any of you to achieve this during your first lesson."
"That simply isn't realistic."
"The Patronus Charm is an extraordinarily advanced spell."
"It's far beyond the level of ordinary wizarding magic."
"In fact…"
"Many highly accomplished witches and wizards never manage to master it."
"So if you don't succeed today…"
"Don't be discouraged."
Rather than intimidating the Ravenclaws…
Those words only ignited their competitive spirit.
Every pair of eyes shone with determination.
After all…
No Ravenclaw liked admitting defeat.
Lewis simply smiled.
"As I mentioned earlier…"
"Before practicing, take some time to think of your happiest memory."
"We aren't facing real Dementors right now."
"So we have plenty of time."
The students immediately buried themselves in thought, searching their memories for moments of pure happiness.
To Lewis…
This process was effortless.
As a seventh-level Psion…
He had long mastered the art of organizing and controlling his own mind.
"Have you all found your happy memory?"
"Good."
"Now…"
"Repeat after me."
"Expecto Patronum!"
"Expecto Patro—"
"No, it's Patronum—"
"Sorry!"
"Again!"
"Expecto Patronum!"
Suddenly…
Several students noticed wisps of silver vapor shooting from their wand tips.
"Excellent."
Lewis stepped down from the platform and praised them.
"That's exactly what the first stage of the Patronus Charm looks like."
His approval instantly filled those students with excitement.
"Very good."
Lewis smiled.
"Now…"
"Let's try it against a Dementor."
"Don't worry."
"It's only an imitation."
"But an incomplete Patronus is more than enough for today's exercise."
"From this point onward…"
"Practice freely."
"If you have questions, ask one of the assistants."
"If you feel ready…"
"Line up over here for practical training."
"Please maintain order."
Ciri immediately stepped forward to fulfill her role.
Penelope also rose to help organize everyone.
Lewis himself walked over to the wardrobe.
A long queue had already formed.
Most were upper-year students.
But to his surprise…
Luna was standing among them as well.
The sight immediately sparked whispers.
"Isn't that the Loony girl?"
"She's seriously overestimating herself."
"She's only a second-year."
"Not everyone is Lewis Green."
Although Lewis had already corrected them once before…
Some students still disliked Luna.
Fortunately…
They no longer dared to bully her openly.
Lewis chose not to interfere.
Instead…
He simply gave Luna an encouraging smile.
Then he raised his wand.
The wardrobe door silently swung open.
The old television appeared once again.
A pale hand slowly climbed out of the well…
Sadako emerged from the screen.
The students seeing her for the first time nearly screamed.
Lewis immediately activated Mind Concealment, hiding his own thoughts while deliberately allowing only the image of a Dementor to leak through.
The Boggart was instantly fooled.
With a loud pop…
Sadako transformed into a Dementor.
Its hooded face turned toward Lewis.
A rotting, scab-covered hand emerged from beneath its tattered robes.
The classroom lights flickered…
Then went out completely.
Lewis casually cast Lumos, restoring the light.
The fake Dementor floated toward him.
But Lewis immediately manipulated its perception once again.
Using Suggestion, he subtly twisted its will.
Instead of targeting him…
The Boggart turned toward the students.
Although a Boggart's transformation was ultimately an illusion…
It possessed enough substance to imitate reality.
Its magic resembled the Illusion school's Shadow Evocation.
That was enough…
To awaken genuine fear.
Several older students failed almost immediately.
Faced with the Dementor…
They couldn't think of a single happy memory.
Naturally…
Not even a wisp of silver mist appeared.
Practice…
And actual combat…
Were two completely different things.
All they could do was accept a piece of chocolate from the nearby table…
Then line up beside Aiyu to receive her emotional healing.
One after another…
Students failed.
Even a seventh-year dropped his wand in panic before slinking away in embarrassment.
Finally…
It was Luna's turn.
Facing the terrifying Dementor…
Even Luna's perpetually dreamy expression became serious.
The hand gripping her wand trembled slightly.
As the Dementor floated toward her under Lewis's control…
She whispered,
"Expecto Patronum!"
Nothing happened.
Again.
"Expecto Patronum!"
"Expecto—"
The Dementor drew ever closer.
Luna remained standing where she was.
She lowered her head slightly.
Her messy blonde hair concealed her expression.
Just as Lewis prepared to end the attempt and pull the Dementor away…
Something changed.
A brilliant stream of silver mist emerged from Luna's wand.
It was noticeably brighter than the mist produced by the previous successful students.
The silver vapor drifted forward…
Only to fade away moments later.
Even so…
It forced the Dementor backward several steps.
The creature seemed enraged.
It lunged straight toward Luna's face.
Then…
Like a puppet whose strings had been cut…
It quietly turned around.
Walked back into the wardrobe.
And shut itself away, waiting for the next challenger.
Lewis hurried over and caught Luna before she collapsed.
Only after supporting her did he notice…
Her robes were completely soaked with cold sweat.
As the student who had faced the Dementor most directly…
She couldn't continue training.
So Lewis gently helped her over to Aiyu's corner.
As the little dragon hummed her cheerful melody…
Color slowly returned to Luna's face.
At least…
On the surface.
Lewis failed to notice…
That while he was taking care of Luna…
Ciri…
Cho…
And Penelope…
Were all watching him with rather meaningful expressions.
"All right…"
Lewis returned to the front of the classroom.
"I think we'll stop here for tonight."
"This spell is still too difficult."
"Even with Aiyu helping everyone recover…"
"I shouldn't have had you face a Dementor this early."
He sighed.
"At the very least…"
"You should all be able to produce a complete Patronus before we begin practical exercises."
"It's okay, Lewis."
"I was only startled."
"It wasn't your fault."
"Dementors won't give us time to prepare in real life."
"I still think practical training helps us improve faster."
The students hurried to reassure him.
"Am I the only one who thinks that ghost called Sadako is even scarier than a Dementor?"
Someone muttered.
Even so…
Lewis firmly closed the wardrobe.
Before long…
The lesson drew to a close.
Lewis clapped his hands.
Everyone returned to their seats.
"Tonight's training was a success."
"I noticed that most of you have already managed to produce the beginnings of a Patronus."
"That's the result of your hard work."
"Well done, everyone."
"To reward your efforts…"
"I contacted the house-elves in the kitchens beforehand."
"They've prepared a little surprise."
"A feast."
With a wave of his wand…
Every desk floated into the air.
They rearranged themselves into several long banquet tables.
The students' chairs automatically slid into place.
Moments later…
The tables were piled high with cakes, puddings, Chocolate Frogs, countless other sweets…
Along with pitchers of chilled fruit juice and pumpkin juice.
The classroom instantly exploded with cheers.
The students rushed toward the food.
Aiyu claimed an entire platter for herself.
The fear they had felt only moments ago vanished without a trace.
After everyone had eaten their fill…
The Ravenclaws happily lined up.
Under Penelope's guidance…
They returned to the common room in orderly fashion.
"This study group is amazing!"
"I actually learned so much!"
"Lewis even provides late-night snacks!"
"I'll never miss another session."
"I can't wait for next weekend!"
Everyone left satisfied.
Their spirits were high.
And they were already eagerly looking forward to the next training session.
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