Love The Heartless

Chapter Fifteen

September 2nd, 1970

Aurora stood in the corner of the defense against the dark arts classroom, watching as the seventh-year Slytherins and Gryffindors filed into the room, picking their desks.

"Does anyone know anything about the new defense teacher?" A Gryffindor girl asked.

"Nott graduated last year. Earned top marks." Another Gryffindor replied.

"Heard she's a blood traitor." A Slytherin boy, whom Aurora recognized as Avery Kennedy, sneered.
"Watch your mouth, Kennedy." Andromeda snapped as she turned in her seat.
"You watch your mouth, mudblood lover." Kennedy stood up from his seat, grabbing his wand.

Aurora flicked her wand and nonverbally summoned Kennedy's wand from his grasp.

"I will not tolerate such vulgar language in my classroom," Aurora's voice rang out sharply, commanding the attention of the students. She stepped gracefully out from the shadows, her long black robes billowing behind her as she strode towards her desk.

"Welcome to seventh-year Defense Against the Dark Arts. I'm sure most of you remember me from previous years at Hogwarts, but I am not here as your dormmate, classmate, or friend. I am your Professor until the Headmaster can find a replacement. Until then, I will hold you to the highest standard and prepare you for the real world." Her piercing gaze swept over the class, challenging them.

"I will not chase you down for your homework. If you choose not to do the work assigned," Aurora shrugged nonchalantly, "it will be reflected in your grades." With purposeful strides, she closed in on the scowling Slytherin boy, making it clear that she would not tolerate any disobedience in her classroom.

"You will need your wand for today's lesson, Kennedy." Aurora placed his wand on the desk. "Now, who knows how to cast the Patronus charm?"

Only Andromeda's hand shot up.

"Really? Just one? Miss Black, please demonstrate." Aurora nodded towards the young student and leaned back against her desk at the front of the room.

Andromeda stood, closing her eyes, focusing on a memory. "Expecto patronum!"
A pegasus exploded from Andromeda's wand and galloped around the room.

"Well done! Five points to Slytherin." Aurora smiled as the young witch summoned the patronus back to herself.

"Can anyone tell me what the Patronus charm is used for? Miss Robbins?" Aurora nodded in the direction of a Gryffindor student.

"The Patronus charm is used to defend oneself against dementors. It is a pure, protective magical concentration of happiness and hope. It is the only spell effective against dementors. Many witches or wizards can't form a corporeal form, and may manage an incorporeal Patronus, which resembles a mass or wisp of silvery vapor or smoke."

"Excellent. Now, I want you all to stand so I can clear away these desks. We're going to be working on casting the Patronus charm today."

Aurora waved her wand, pushing the desks and chairs to either side of the room, leaving the students standing around.

The students stood in a semi-circle, their wands at the ready. Aurora stood at the front of the classroom, her arms crossed over her chest. "To cast the Patronus Charm," she began, "you must focus on a powerful and joyful memory." She paused to let this sink in before continuing. "Now, let's see if any of you can produce a Patronus."

A boy named Malcom eagerly raised his hand. "Professor, may we see your patronus?" Aurora smiled and nodded, then exclaimed, "Expecto Patronum!" Suddenly, a large German Shepherd bounded through the room, weaving through desks and playfully jumping on some students before returning to Aurora's side. The class erupted into excited chatter as Aurora calmed her Patronus. "Alright everyone, it's your turn now. Remember, let your happy memory fill you up and guide your incantation. And don't worry if you can't do it right away, it takes practice. I'll be walking around if anyone needs help."