Crescent Moons ; J.S. Potter

25. expecto patronum.

"Good afternoon, students," said Harry Potter, and the classroom of sixth-years became quiet instantaneously, except for James Potter and Benjamin Thomas-Finnigan in the back row. "Oh, Merlin, that makes me sound like some old, dusty Professor, doesn't it?" The class laughed warmly; they all seemed quite eager to learn Defense Against the Dark Arts from the man who had defeated the darkest wizard ever. While the rest of the class watched his every move with intense attention, James and Benjamin were chatting away, not paying any attention to Harry, as Thomas Wood shot them looks from the right of Benjamin. Harry smirked at his wife, Antheia Potter, and boomed, "JAMES SIRIUS POTTER, BENJAMIN THOMAS-FINNIGAN!"

The two boys nearly jumped out of their seats; it was very rare for Harry Potter to raise his voice. The entire class burst out laughing once again as Benjamin chuckled with them and James shot his father a playful glare.

"Another word out of you, James, and I'll tell Remus that he's my favourite," smiled Harry. James straightened up at once, stifling a laugh. "That's better."

Daisy grinned at the messy-haired boy as he shot her a charming smile. They had just mended their friendship after months of barely speaking and thus, Daisy was feeling very refreshed.

"Alright, so I guess some introductions are due," said Harry, scratching the back of his head. "Well, er, Theia, why don't you start?"

He nudged his wife in the ribs. She looked quite caught off guard.

"What?" she groaned. "I hate introductions. Why don't you go?" Harry shook his head and nodded toward the class. She sighed and Harry rubbed her back in encouragement. "OK. Hi, everybody, my name is Antheia Potter or Lupin. I work as an Auror at the Ministry. I'm James' mum."

Daisy found it particularly hilarious how she was introducing herself very simply as if she had not been in every single newspaper posted since 1996. She noticed this was something that Antheia and Harry Potter did very often as if trying to forget the past.

"Today we're going to be talking about Patronuses," continued Antheia. "Does anyone know what a Patornus is?"

Daisy raised her hand at once. Antheia nodded.

"Patronuses are used to shield yourself from a Dementor," she recited. "They act as a shield so that the Dementor cannot affect the castor."

"Exactly!" said Antheia, and Harry shot her a thumbs-up. "We'll be teaching you how you can cast one, but I don't want any of you feeling pressured since it is very advanced magic so I don't expect anyone to know how to do it today," continued Antheia. "Yes, James?"

James had raised his hand very eagerly, something that he very rarely ever did.

"I already know how to cast a Patronus," he said arrogantly. Antheia smiled.

"Perfect!" she said. "We have a volunteer who would just love to demonstrate! Now, James, please cast the spell!"

James' jaw dropped. He clearly had not expected this and was mainly just looking to boast. He sighed, pulled out his wand from his pocket, and said, "Expecto patronum!"

A silver stag burst from the tip of his wand and the other students gasped in excitement and wonder. He smirked as the creature jumped around the classroom and slowly faded away after a few moments.

"That was brilliant, James!" complimented Antheia. "You see, his patronus is a stag. Harry's is also a stag, while mine is a mare, which is a type of horse. Everybody's is different based on their personality. Now, Harry, introduce yourself."

"Oh, alright," said Harry, stepping forward. "My name is Harry Potter. I also work as an Auror at the Ministry and I'm James' dad and Antheia's husband. As she said, my Patronus is a stag and I learned how to cast it at thirteen, since—yes?"