By Blood

Chapter 4: The Defense Against the Dark Arts Lessons

The crisp autumn air rustled through the windows of Snape's dimly lit office as Professor Snape sat behind his desk, a scowl etched deep into his features. He glanced up, his eyes meeting Harry's determined gaze. "Today, Potter, we will be delving into the intricacies of the Patronus Charm," Snape declared, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Harry's excitement bubbled within him as he pulled out his wand, ready to learn the spell that could repel Dementors and protect his loved ones. "I've read about this spell in my Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook," Harry responded, his voice brimming with confidence.

Snape raised an eyebrow, his hand smudging the parchment as he paused in his grading. "Reading about it is different from actually casting it, Potter," he sneered, his voice laced with animosity. "The Patronus Charm is one of the most advanced defensive spells, requiring immense concentration and a strong positive emotion."

Harry's determination flickered in his eyes as Snape continued. "To produce a Patronus, you must think of a memory, a single moment of happiness powerful enough to push back the darkness," Snape explained, a hint of nostalgia tinging his voice. "Without a true connection to your emotions, the spell will fail."

With each lesson, Snape pushed Harry beyond his limits, demanding perfection in every flick and swish of his wand. Their interactions were intense, with Snape being ruthless in his critiques and relentless in his pursuit of Harry's growth. The abrasive nature of their sessions seemed almost inhumane to an outsider, but Harry couldn't help but sense a deeper purpose behind Snape's actions.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and Harry's skill in Defense Against the Dark Arts grew exponentially. With each success, Snape's expression would soften just for a fraction of a second before returning to its default icy coldness. It was during these rare moments that Harry glimpsed a genuine pride in Snape's eyes, a flicker of paternal warmth that hinted at a relationship more complex than teacher and student.

As Harry practiced the Patronus Charm, he delved deep into his memories, searching for the perfect one to summon the ethereal form of his protector. Memories of his parents, his friendship with Ron and Hermione, and moments of triumph on the Quidditch field all floated through his mind. But it was the memory of the Gryffindor victory in the House Cup during his first year that filled his heart with the warmth and determination needed for the spell.

Snape watched as Harry cast the Patronus Charm for the first time, the silvery wisp of a stag bounding forth from the end of his wand. A smile, though small and barely noticeable, tugged at Snape's lips, before being replaced by his usual stoicism. "Impressive, Potter," he remarked, his voice betraying a touch of grudging admiration.

With each passing lesson, Snape's harsh exterior softened, revealing glimpses of a mentor who took genuine pride in his student's progress. He would sometimes share stories from his own past, tales of battles fought and lives lost, serving to not only strengthen Harry's theoretical knowledge of the Dark Arts but also to impart valuable life lessons.

Harry, in turn, listened attentively, eager to learn from Snape's experiences. He began to see past the hostile facade to the broken man beneath. Snape's longing for redemption and his hidden love for Lily Potter became more evident with each passing conversation, and Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy towards this complicated figure.

As their sessions continued, Snape's gestures grew softer, his criticisms more constructive. And in those rare moments when Harry managed to surprise even himself with a spell executed flawlessly, Snape's eyes would glimmer with genuine pride and approval.

Unbeknownst to Harry, Snape found solace in these moments, finding an unexpected bond with the young wizard he had once resented. Harry's thirst for knowledge and determination to succeed echoed Snape's own quest for redemption and self-discovery.

With Defense Against the Dark Arts as their shared passion, Snape and Harry became more than just teacher and student. Their bond evolved into a unique blend of mentorship, camaraderie, and a strange, unacknowledged form of paternal affection.

As they concluded their lesson, Snape glanced at Harry with an odd mix of pride, sadness, and longing. However, before Harry could inquire further, the fleeting expression disappeared, replaced by an aloofness that seemed impenetrable.

Snape inclined his head slightly. "That will be all for today, Potter," he stated, his voice betraying no emotion. However, as Harry walked out of the office, he couldn't suppress a small smile, inexplicably touched by the complexities and layers of his enigmatic Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

Little did Harry know, the lessons in Defense Against the Dark Arts were not only shaping his magical abilities but also forging an unexpected connection between him and Snape — a bond that would prove invaluable as the war against darkness loomed on the horizon.

As the days turned into months, Snape found himself torn between his role as a father figure and his duty as a teacher. In their private lessons, he witnessed not only Harry's growth but also his own evolution. And so, he steeled himself for the difficult path that lay ahead, knowing that their shared journey would forever change the course of both their lives.