The right path

Sixteen

The rest of the winter holidays passed in a blur. Sometimes, Harry and Tom would go and see the progress with the basilisk project together, or they would go at different times, since Tom now knew the password to the secret passage.

Today classes had started again, and although Harry was grateful for the return of Ner and the twins to spend time with, he sort of missed the peace that came with the departure of most students. And of course he wouldn't admit it, but he sort of missed being just Tom and him in the common room, free to discuss anything and everything.

However, Harry's mood was certainly pretty great. Today he would start learning how to produce the patronus charm. He had a free period before lunch, which was the perfect opening in his schedule to get to practice without anyone the wiser.

That's why Harry was currently wandering in the seventh floor, looking for the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, that, according to James, depicted the attempt of Barnabas to teach trolls ballet. Harry didn't exactly know why he was looking for it, but trusted in James' guidance.

Finally, he saw the grotesque scene depicted in the tapestry when he arrived at the left corridor of the seventh floor. Just then, as per James' insistence, he walked in front of it three times, thinking of the perfect practice room.

Suddenly, a door appeared where moments before there was only wall. Amazed, Harry opened the door to reveal a room that was even better than what he expected. It had a big bookshelf packed with books of  multiple  subjects, even some that were meant to be found only in the restricted section, and of course a desk and some sofas to read in. Some dummies and shooting targets were scattered in one corner, next to a dueling platform, that Harry suspected had cushioning charms to soften the falls. An open space, ideal for practicing any charms or spells, was waiting for him in the middle of the room. It was utterly perfect.

"Now, all you have to do is focus on a happy memory, the best one you have. Let it invade your mind, your body and your senses. When you feel it almost bursting out of you, visualize a white light pouring out of your very being and say the incantation 'Expecto patronum'. Got it?"

Of course Harry had already known this. After all, he had already studied the theory behind the charm before. In fact, he had spent the remainder of the holidays searching for the best memories he had. He decided to try first a particular good memory, one he experienced on his second year at Hogwarts.

He clearly remembered that sunny spring day. Hermione, Ron and him were chatting under a willow tree near the black lake, after a study session Hermione forced upon them. For some hours there was peace, they allowed themselves to forget about the petrified students and the huge mystery revolving around the issue. They were, for some hours, common twelve year olds, no pressure nor responsibilities. Just that, a content atmosphere and some jokes being thrown.

Harry let himself enjoy the memory, to let it fill him, and tried to cast the spell...but nothing happened, as nostalgia made its way too. Yes, it was a good memory, but it also remained him of what he had lost. A bitter sweet memory.

"Damn, why do most of my good memories are like that?! How will I produce a patronus if I can't find a happy memory strong enough in this timeline?"

At this, James started laughing. Wasn't it laughable? Harry bookworm Potter was stressing so much over the fact he couldn't get it in one go, that he failed to notice how nobody got it in their first try. Nevermind people with such turbulent pasts as them.

"Relax kiddo, you do have everything it takes to produce a patronus. I didn't expect you to get it in one try, it's almost impossible, even with your power and skill. For most people it takes months to perform the most basic form, even. I know you will get it, if not today, tomorrow, you are incredibly stubborn. You know, I made it at my sixth try, but it took almost a year to get the full fledged one. Now, let's talk some, I don't want you to exhaust your core so much. So, tell me, how's the broomstick project going?"