Turn back time - Hermione Granger in the Marauders era

Chapter 11 - A lesson, kiss and a 'loud conversation'

The invitations came two days after the announcement. And to Hermione's dismay, she was invited. As was Lily. Although Mary and Marlene were not. To make matters worse, Sirius and James were both invited, for whatever reason. Without a doubt, this was going to be the worst party ever. Hermione and her group of friends slowly walked towards Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Morgenway. It was one of her favourite classes, but Hermione was dreading the Slug Club party too much to concentrate. They were studying Dementors, and even the thought of them sent shivers down her spine.

"This spell is very, very advanced. Way beyond the Ordinary Wizarding Levels, but then again, you have already passed them. So, this shouldn't prove too challenging for most of you. The spell is known as the Patronus Charm, and when it is performed correctly it will completely protect you against a number of Dementors. Patronuses take the form of some sort of an animal, depending on the person. In this way, they can almost make you 'find yourself'. Patronuses are a bright, soothing form of protection. Given the current circumstances of the world we currently live in, the Patronuses will be in no doubt useful to you." Professor Morgenway spoke clearly to her class.

"Now, the enchantment is as follows: Expecto Patronum. Repeat after me: Expecto Patronum." The class repeated her loudly and she nodded at them all.

"That's right. Now, the words alone are not enough. To complete a successful Patronus you must fiercely think of a happy thought. Make it really strong, the happiest thing you can remember. Picture it in your mind and, Expecto Patronum."

It took Hermione a number of moments to comprehend what she was saying, then to furiously rack her brains for a happy memory. What memories did she have? There was her first day of Hogwarts, becoming best friends with Lily, there were the funny times in class - but somehow, she couldn't recall the slightest detail.

Finally, she thought of her mother, father and younger brother at the seaside. Her sisters hadn't been there because they were busy, having sleepovers or something. It was during the summer holidays, and for just two days she and her favourite members of the family had gone to the beach. For two days she didnt get shouted at, for two days she got to do what she wanted, for two days she was free. And that was the happiest memory she could recall in the few minutes they had to think.

"Think now, and cast: Expecto Patronum,"

There was an immediate chorus around the large room, Hermione pointed her wand uneasily and repeated the words. Nothing happened. It seemed that everyone else was experiencing the same difficulty, apart from Remus. The smallest burst of light shot out from his wand, like silvery liquid. The class gaped at him and he flushed, then tried again. The class watched him eagerly as he uneasily continued trying to successfully pull of the spell. After four or fine turns he managed to make the silvery cloud bigger and last longer. It was so beautiful, it was all Hermione could do but reach out to stroke it.

"Well done, Mr Lupin. Fantastic! All of you, follow his example. Expecto Patronum."

Reluctantly, Hermione cast her eyes away from Remus. She thought furiously of her memory, allowing it to fill herself up.

"Expecto Patronum!"

Again, nothing happened. Her wand vibrated slightly. She sighed, and tried again and again and again. It was odd for her to have so much difficulty in accomplishing a spell. In fact, she had never struggled so much in a lesson. Again and again and again she tried. Expecto Patronum. Expecto Patronum. Expecto Patronum...

After a long and frustrating half an hour, she turned to Lily to ask her for help. Only the slightest wisps were coming out of her own wand, so Lily just shrugged at her helplessly. Mary and Marlene were doing no better. Hermione moaned in frustration as her spell failed again for the millionth time.