-Mine-( Harry Potter x Reader)

Chapter 6

"I know I'm laughing on the car ride home with you. Don't know how long it's gonna take to feel OK but I know I had the best day with you today."

                                                                  -Taylor Swift-

                                                                  -The Best Day-

Y/n's pov.

The next day dawned bright and crisp, the air fresh with the promise of autumn. I woke up with the events of yesterday still swirling in my mind—the thrill of riding Buckbeak, the unexpected confrontation with Draco, and the way Harry looked at me afterward. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us, but I had no idea how to define it.

As I hurried to get ready for class, I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Today's Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson was about Patronuses, a topic I had always found fascinating. I hoped it would distract me from my jumbled thoughts about Harry and Draco.

Stepping into the classroom, I felt the warmth of the room wash over me. My uncle, Professor Lupin, stood at the front, his demeanor calm and welcoming. I loved how he made us feel safe, even when we were learning about dark creatures. He caught my eye and smiled, a subtle reassurance that made me feel at ease.

"Good morning, class," he said, his voice steady. "Today, we're going to explore the Patronus Charm, a spell that creates a guardian to protect you from dark creatures, particularly Dementors."

Excited murmurs erupted around the room. I glanced at Harry, who was sitting a few seats away, and found him smiling back at me. It felt nice to share this moment together, despite the lingering confusion from the day before.

"Before we begin," Lupin continued, "I want you all to think of a happy memory. This is crucial for conjuring your Patronus. The spell requires focus and a strong, positive thought."

I closed my eyes, sifting through my memories. A smile crept onto my face as I remembered summer evenings spent under the stars with my uncle, talking about everything and nothing. Those moments of laughter and safety filled me with warmth, and I knew they would help me today.

"Let's start with the incantation: 'Expecto Patronum,'" Lupin said, demonstrating the wand movement with an elegance that made it look effortless. A silvery wolf emerged from his wand, shimmering and alive, moving gracefully around the room. The sight sent a thrill through me; it was stunning.

"Now, it's your turn," he encouraged, glancing around the room. "Remember to focus on your happy memory."

As my classmates began to cast their spells, I felt my heart race. What if I couldn't do it? But I took a deep breath, remembering that feeling of safety and joy. "Expecto Patronum!" I called, my wand raised high.

A surge of silver light erupted from my wand, and I gasped as a doe sprang forth, elegant and strong. It pranced around the room, leaving a trail of light behind it. I couldn't help but grin, my heart swelling with pride. I had done it.

"Wonderful, Y/n!" Lupin exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with approval. "A Patronus is a reflection of your soul, and you've conjured yours beautifully."

My classmates murmured their admiration as they attempted their own spells, but I felt a sense of accomplishment. I caught Harry's eye again, and his smile made my cheeks flush. There was something about his gaze that made me feel seen, understood.

Just as the excitement in the room began to settle, Professor Lupin's expression shifted slightly. "Now, I'd like to introduce a Boggart for our next exercise."

A Boggart was a shape-shifting creature that took on the form of whatever frightens you most. My heart raced at the thought, but I also felt a surge of determination. This was a chance to confront my fears.

Lupin opened a wardrobe in the corner of the classroom, and with a flick of his wand, the Boggart tumbled out. It shifted and morphed, its shape flickering between different forms until it settled on the image of a towering Dementor, its hooded figure looming ominously. A collective gasp filled the room.

"Remember, the Boggart can only take on the form of what you fear most," Lupin explained. "You'll need to focus on your happy memory to defeat it."

The first student stepped forward—Neville. I watched as he drew in a deep breath, visibly trembling. "Riddikulus!" he shouted, and the Dementor transformed into a floppy, comically oversized hat. Laughter erupted in the room, and the tension lifted as the Boggart was banished.

One by one, my classmates faced their fears. Hermione's Boggart turned into a cat, and she managed to turn it into a small pile of knitting yarn, while Ron's turned into a giant spider, which he transformed into a giant teddy bear. Each success felt exhilarating, the atmosphere charged with camaraderie and support.

Finally, it was my turn. I stepped up, my heart pounding as the Boggart morphed into my greatest fear—a shadowy figure of loneliness, empty and desolate. It was a reminder of moments spent feeling lost and alone, and for a split second, I felt a chill run down my spine.

But then I remembered my happy memory—the warmth of my uncle's laughter, the safety of those starry nights. "Expecto Patronum!" I shouted, my wand raised high, focusing on that feeling of joy.

A silver doe burst forth from my wand, charging at the Boggart. As it collided with the shadowy figure, the loneliness shattered into a million sparkling shards. The room erupted into applause, and I could hardly believe it.

"Excellent work, Y/n!" Lupin beamed, pride shining in his eyes. The rush of success washed over me, and for the first time, I felt invincible.

As the lesson concluded, I felt a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. What would the future hold? But standing there, amidst laughter and light, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The world felt a little brighter, and for the first time in a while, I felt ready to embrace it.

(Word count 986)