𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

033

THIRTY THREE

The first day back after the Christmas holidays had brought a buzz of renewed energy to Hogwarts. Students filtered through the hallways, swapping stories about their holidays and dragging themselves to their first classes of the new term. The Gryffindor common room had been loud with chatter, but Victoria had retreated to her favorite window seat, a book on magical creatures open in her lap. Snow still clung to the grounds outside, painting the castle in a serene blanket of white.

She was enjoying the quiet when Harry burst into the room, his cheeks flushed from the cold and his eyes wide with excitement. He spotted her immediately and hurried over, practically tripping over a first-year in his rush.

"Victoria! I need you!" Harry panted, his breath visible in the chill air.

Victoria blinked, surprised by his urgency. "What's wrong?"

Harry leaned on the back of a chair to catch his breath. "It's Remus. He—he said he'd teach me the Patronus Charm, but only if I could convince you to join the lesson."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Me? Why me?"

Harry shrugged. "He said that since you reacted like me to the dementor, you should also learn how to do it."

Victoria's lips curved into a small smile. "Did he now?"

"Please, Tori. I really need to learn this," Harry pleaded, his green eyes earnest. "It's for the Dementors. You know what they do to me. To us."

Victoria hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Of course, Harry. Let's go."

The classroom Remus had chosen was on the third floor, a quiet, unused space that felt secluded from the rest of the castle. The stone walls were lined with ancient, dusty shelves, and the only light came from a few enchanted lanterns floating near the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow.

Remus Lupin stood in the center of the room, waiting for them. He looked as he always did—calm, kind, and a little tired, as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. His shabby robes were patched at the elbows, but his smile was warm and welcoming.

"Ah, Harry, Victoria," Remus greeted them with a nod. "What can I do for you?"

"Professor," Victoria said politely, offering him a smile. "Harry said you'd be teaching us the Patronus Charm?"

Remus ran his hand down his face and turned to Harry, "Just like your father, the ever scheming git."

"What do you mean?" Victoria furrowed her brows and turned to Harry, who stood with a guilty look.

"You can't say no to both of us, Professor."

That manipulative little shit. Dumbledore had been teaching him after all.

Remus sighed, clasping his hands together. "It's a difficult spell, but one I believe both of you can master. The Patronus is a powerful guardian, a projection of all your happiest memories. It's what stands between you and the darkness of Dementors."

Harry glanced at Victoria nervously. "How hard is it, exactly?"

Remus smiled faintly. "It's not easy. Most fully grown wizards struggle with it. But I have faith in both of you." His eyes rested on Victoria. "Particularly you, Miss Windsor. There's a light in you that I think will shine through."

Victoria felt a warmth spread through her at his words. "Thank you, Professor. I'll do my best."

"Good," Remus said. "Now, the incantation is Expecto Patronum. But it won't work unless you can focus on a memory—a memory that brings you pure, unfiltered happiness. You need to hold onto that memory with everything you have."

Harry nodded determinedly. "I think I've got one."

"Me too," Victoria said softly, thinking of the warm Christmas morning with her friends, the locket George had given her still resting around her neck.

Remus gestured for them to spread out in the room. "All right. Let's begin. Wand out. Focus on that memory, and when you're ready, say the incantation."

Harry took a deep breath, gripping his wand tightly. "Expecto Patronum!" he called out, but only a wisp of silver mist escaped the tip.

Victoria watched, then closed her eyes, summoning the memory of laughter and warmth, of George's smile when he gave her the locket. She raised her wand. "Expecto Patronum!"

A silvery mist swirled from her wand, more substantial than Harry's but still fleeting, disappearing into the air.

"That was excellent for a first try," Remus encouraged, walking between them. "You're both on the right track. Let's try again. This time, focus even harder on that memory. Make it real. Feel it."

Harry tried again, his face scrunched in concentration. "Expecto Patronum!" The mist grew slightly but still didn't take form.

Victoria, feeling more determined, tightened her grip on her wand and closed her eyes once more. This time, she didn't just think of the memory—she felt it. She imagined the warmth of the fire in the Gryffindor common room, the sound of Fred and George's laughter, and the gentle touch of George's hand when he gave her the locket.

"Expecto Patronum!" she called out.

A burst of silver light erupted from her wand, and for a brief moment, the. shape of a bird—a dove—took form before fading away.

Remus's eyes widened. "Incredible, Victoria! That was a corporeal Patronus, even if only for a moment."

Harry looked at her in awe. "Tori, that was amazing!"

Victoria, panting slightly, gave a breathless laugh. "I didn't think I'd get that far."

"You did more than get far," Remus said, clearly impressed. "That's exceptional progress. The dove—very fitting for you."

Victoria smiled, though her heart was still pounding. She turned to Harry. "Come on, Harry. You can do this."

Harry squared his shoulders, visibly encouraged by her success. He closed his eyes, gripping his wand with determination. This time, he thought of flying on his broom for the first time, the exhilaration of the wind against his face.

"Expecto Patronum!" he shouted.

A stronger wisp of silver light shot from his wand, more solid than before, though still not fully formed.

Remus clapped his hands once. "Much better, Harry. You're getting there."

They continued practicing, each attempt growing stronger, until finally, Harry managed a Patronus strong enough to fill the room with light, though it still lacked a distinct shape.

After a particularly bright attempt, Harry sank to the floor, exhausted but grinning. "I think I'm getting it."

Victoria sat beside him, her breathing steadying. "You're doing great, Harry."

Remus smiled at them both. "You should be proud of yourselves. Not many students can produce even a partial Patronus on their first day of learning."

Victoria looked at Harry, a sense of pride filling her chest. "We're going to be okay."

Harry nodded, his green eyes reflecting the silver light still lingering in the room. "Yeah. We are."