Bewitching the Mind and Ensnaring the Senses

CHAPTER FOUR: Brilliant Blue Light

-Nine Weeks Later-

Ariana:

I had not seen much of Severus since our fight. I don't know if it was because there was still some tension or because I had finally begun teaching on my own. We spoke to each other cordially at meals and had tea twice since, simply catching up on students and speaking of the upcoming quidditch tryouts. I was beginning to become discouraged with no word from Hagrid on the dementor. Holiday break was approaching and I figured we deserved more catching up. No papers to be graded, leaving more time for us to talk. I caught him in the passage before breakfast.

"Sev, hey, do you have a second?"

"I suppose." He cocked his eyebrow. I remembered how fascinating I found his face.

"I was wondering what your plans are for the holiday."

"I'm staying at Hogwarts as I do every year."

"I'm staying as well. What do you say we take a trip to Hogsmeade? Catch up?" He looked intrigued.

"Sounds tiring." My heart sank. "Let me know what day you decide." Butterflies filled my stomach.

"Very well, Christmas Eve" I said feeling my head get light "walk with me to the great hall?" We stepped off without a word. I was happy as a school girl. My steps felt lighter. This was it, this was my chance.

"Ariana, I talked to Dumbledore and he approved the dementor, but he'll have to be there to supervise as well. I'm pickin' it up today in Knockturn Alley" Hagrid said seeming pleased with himself.

"Thank you Hagrid, will you drop it of in Snapes office when you return?"

"Oh but of course." 

I turned to Severus. "Sev he's bringing the dementor today, are you free to practice tonight? I don't know how long we'll have it."

"I suppose"

My classes seemed to drag on in the day, I was anxious to give the dementor a run for its money. As soon as my final class concluded I hurried to the dungeons. When I opened the door I was greeted with the scene of Albus and Sev having a lively discussion in front of a rather large chest on the floor squarely in the middle of the cleared room.

"Ah, Ariana, are you ready to begin?" Albus asked pulling squares of chocolate out of his robes and placing it on the nearest desk.

"I do believe so Headmaster." I watched Severus search me for doubt, he would not find any. I was in fact ready. I took my place and squared up in front of the trunk, wand at the ready. Severus retrieved a slender key from his robes and release the large lock. Chains clattered on the hard stone floor and the dementor emerged. The room filled with dread and despair. My arms instantly felt heavy. I flicked my wand through the air fluidly and shouted as loud as I could muster "EXPECTO POTRONUM!" Brilliant blue light began to fill the room and flow out around us. A small Doe bound out from the tip of my wand and leapt toward the dementor. It quickly retreated to the trunk and Albus slammed the lid shut, securing the chains and lock. They both stared at me in awe. Severus looked as though he had tears in his eyes.

"Thats odd, I vaguely remember it being a bloodhound in school" I said hoping to relieve the thickness in the air. They both continued to stare.

"Severus, Ariana, I'm going to take my leave now. I'll send Hagrid to retrieve the dementor" Albus said moving out of the room. I looked at Severus. He was still blank.

"Severus I did it, did you see? Not as hard as I remember it being honestly. By the way, I thought you were going to have a go too, what's your patronus?"