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"Wands up!" Professor McGonagall's voice rang out in the cold night.
Percy instinctively focused his entire attention on the incantation, his wand tip following the Head of Gryffindor's movements. Around the clearing, the other Heads of House were guiding their students as well.
In that moment, the entire school was bathed in brilliant silver light. Their shadows stretched across the snow, overlapping and intertwining. Happy memories flooded the students' minds, scenes of Hogwarts playing out like a film reel.
"Do you know which House you'll be sorted into?"
"I've asked around, and I hope I get Gryffindor. Everyone says it's the best; Dumbledore himself graduated from there. Hufflepuff sounds alright too, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad..."
"I don't think Ravenclaw is terrible, but just imagine—don't put me in Slytherin."
"Slytherin, of course. I don't mean anything by it, but some wizarding families are simply better than others, and some are destined for glory."
"..."
The nervous excitement of wearing the Sorting Hat, the first Transfiguration, the first charm cast, the first time flying on a broomstick...
In the collective spirit of the school, the figures of the four founders seemed to re-emerge. In an era before the Statute of Secrecy or the Ministry of Magic, they had relied on courage, wisdom, loyalty, and ambition to build this world-renowned school of magic.
Generations of students had grown up within this castle, learning, playing, and experiencing the joys and sorrows of youth.
Beside the Phoenix, a giant silver serpent twisted through the air, moving as swiftly as the bird. Its massive body seemed to move in slow motion compared to a normal Patronus, freezing time as the two guardians bloomed in the cold night.
Following them were Professor McGonagall's tabby cat, Professor Flitwick's raven, Professor Sprout's hedgehog, Snape's doe, Lupin's silver wolf... and the students' gray goose, stag, and otter.
The Dementors nearby seemed frozen in place. They hadn't even reacted, staring blankly down at the ground, seemingly unaware that an ocean of silver light was about to drown them.
Rotting, ancient cloaks tore open where the Phoenix's beak slashed past; a silver horn pierced through a chest, drawing a rattling groan from a Dementor's throat.
The light was as bright as the dawn, dazzling to the point of pain, yet the students couldn't bear to blink.
Witnessing such a spectacular scene, everyone felt a surge of emotion. A stronger sense of belonging to Hogwarts took root, and their understanding of happiness and protection deepened.
Silver lights lit up one by one in the lines—some like scattered stars, some just misty shadows, others blurry spheres of light—following desperately, recklessly behind the leaders.
Though they had exceeded the effective range of their spells, and their silver light was dim and wavering, they held on, refusing to be left behind.
Some of the blurry spheres began to tremble and transform.
The fourth Patronus belonged to Gryffindor's Neville Longbottom. It was a sturdy buffalo with a broad back and a low, steady head. Its silver-white body was semi-transparent, light flowing over its thick skin. Curved horns emerged from the glow, their lines smooth, exuding a natural, quiet strength.
The fifth Patronus belonged to Ravenclaw's Marietta Edgecombe—a timid hare, trembling slightly with its head down, yet summoning the courage to hop along with the group.
The sixth Patronus, also from Ravenclaw, belonged to Luna Lovegood. It was also a hare, but with a completely different character—ears perked up, bounding energetically, its silver eyes full of curiosity.
The seventh Patronus, from Slytherin's Astoria Greengrass...
The tide of silver light surged forward, forcing the two groups of Dementors together. These evil creatures born of pain and despair suffered under the wash of pure magic, with nowhere to run, blocked on all sides.
"Melvin," the Headmaster called softly, turning his head.
"Ready when you are."
Melvin kept his eyes on the Phoenix and the water serpent leading the way. As the Phoenix flapped its wings, it subtly guided the serpent, while the other professors' Patronuses provided support.
Centered on the Dementor swarm, the Patronuses took turns charging, ramming back and forth.
The Phoenix at the front stopped sharply and spread its wings, blocking their retreat. The Dementors, having lost all reason, scurried in panic but were trapped in the sea of silver.
The doe, tasked with both guiding and herding, bounded back and forth. Just as she had gathered the Dementors into a cluster, the stag charged in recklessly and scattered them again. Snape's expression darkened, and he shot a cold glare at Harry.
The raven led the way, the tabby cat drove them, the hedgehog blocked the gaps...
The retreating Dementors were forced into a narrow space. These monsters were already gaunt skeletons draped in skin and cloak, occupying little volume. Packed together like bats in a dark cave or robes in a wardrobe, they were densely layered.
Everything was going according to plan.
Outside the tide of light, the silver serpent nodded slightly. Like the World Serpent Jormungandr looking down from the branches of Yggdrasil, it lowered its massive head toward the narrow space. In an instant, it opened its giant maw and swallowed them whole.
Hermione's otter floated in mid-air, the girl staring blankly into the distance, unaware that a certain professor had vanished from the line.
With a faint pop in the air, Melvin Apparated from the school gate to the entrance of Hogsmeade village. The young witch suddenly understood—they weren't just driving the Dementors away; the giant serpent was swallowing them to transport them into the Undetectable Extension Charm suitcase.
The black suitcase was already open, white fog drifting from it—prey caught before the term started.
The Dementors' cloaks trembled slightly. They sensed a familiar presence—the wizard who had blocked their path in the storm while riding a Thestral. His emotions carried a faint amusement, mixed with the fear of many of their kind.
Two completely different emotions. It felt strange.
The open suitcase was a chance to escape, but just as they were about to emerge, they hesitated and retreated back inside.
The silver serpent, having swallowed nearly a hundred Dementors, approached the ground, creating visible silver ripples. Its body twisted with a whistling sound as it slammed headfirst into the suitcase, its tail flicking inside.
Snap! The suitcase slammed shut.
Dark light flowed along the runic patterns on the side of the case, and hysterical shrieks leaked from the seams before fading away.
The students in the distance were dazzled, unable to see the specifics. All they saw was the silver serpent falling like a galaxy from the sky, landing at the entrance of Hogsmeade.
"A truly impressive lesson," Professor Flitwick murmured.
---
The dark clouds dispersed, revealing a dim crescent moon.
The midnight bell had rung. Teachers and students began the trek back to the castle along the snowy path. The cold wind couldn't wipe the eager smiles off the young wizards' faces.
Their Patronus Charms had improved significantly, and they had overcome their fear of Dementors. They couldn't wait to share their progress.
"My Patronus has an outline now! Justin saw it—it's very strong, a quadruped with a mane... I never thought my Patronus would be a lion! Not even Gryffindors have that!"
Ernie Macmillan of Hufflepuff boasted loudly, his excitement impossible to hide. Immediately, others crowded around, asking for details.
"What kind of lion?"
"A majestic male lion, just like the one on the Gryffindor crest, but not as big."
"Third years, save the chat for the dorms! Walk faster, don't fall behind!" Cedric called out.
Nearby, Melvin walked slowly, left hand in his pocket with Yurm, right hand carrying the black suitcase.
"Professor, I wanted to ask about the technique for sending messages with a Patronus." Cedric, diligent as ever, came over to ask, his eyes drifting to the suitcase. He clearly had his suspicions.
"I suggest you ask Professor Flitwick," Melvin smiled.
"Oh, right. I also wanted to ask if there are techniques to control the size of the Patronus. I noticed yours..." Cedric was making conversation, showing the awkwardness of a student trying to chat with a teacher.
"Cedric, for any questions about charms, I recommend Professor Flitwick," Melvin said, studying the exceptional student. "I can give you some advice outside the classroom, though. Practice some practical spells. In your spare time, think about how you would handle a dragon or merpeople."
"Uh... what?"
Cedric scratched his head, thoroughly confused.
Melvin didn't explain. He watched the student walk away, then swayed back toward the castle with his suitcase, thinking that filling in memory gaps like this felt pretty good.
"Is it my imagination, or do you pay a lot of attention to Cedric?"
Professor McGonagall had appeared beside him, watching the Hufflepuff prefect. "Your educational philosophy differs from ours. Is there something noteworthy about him?"
"His Patronus."
"What about it?"
"The gray goose is remarkable. It can swim, dive, fly, and walk on land. They are flock animals, highly vigilant. When feeding or resting with the flock, one goose will always volunteer as a sentry—sacrificing food and sleep to stretch its neck and watch for danger, ready to sound the alarm."
McGonagall listened quietly. This wasn't a new theory; academia generally accepted that a Patronus reflected the wizard's personality.
"If it's a normal enemy, the sentry warns the flock to flee. But if they face an overwhelming predator—a falcon or the like—the sentry will lure the enemy away itself, even at the cost of its life."
McGonagall was silent for a moment. "Cedric is outstanding. The boy has the spirit of a leader. That isn't a bad thing."
"I never said it was," Melvin raised an eyebrow.
"..."
Then why bring it up?
McGonagall was momentarily speechless. She shook her head. "What do you plan to do with the Dementors in the suitcase?"
"Some for research, some for teaching aids. We can use the abandoned classrooms and secret chambers in the castle. Set them up so students can practice the Patronus Charm."
Melvin paused. "Don't worry about leaks. From that distance, the Patronus light was blinding; you couldn't see the details, let alone the students. If anyone asks, just say they were Boggarts."
"..."
McGonagall pursed her lips. It was a rogue plan, but she liked it.
"Forget the Dementors, Professor; you should worry about the Board of Governors," Melvin muttered. "Nearly a hundred Dementors mysteriously disappearing during a school activity will cause panic among the locals. Even Fudge can't ignore that; he'll have to investigate. When the heat reaches the Board, they'll come for you."
"Let them come. They have no evidence," McGonagall said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
The Deputy Headmistress had long despised the Ministry's methods. Leaving Azkaban guards to wander Hogsmeade indefinitely—what did they think Hogwarts was?
---
In the early morning hours, moonlight reflected off the snow and into the Headmaster's office.
Dumbledore sat blankly at his desk, two steaming cups of cocoa in front of him. Behind him, the portraits of former Headmasters were awake, huddled together and pointing at the young professor visiting late at night.
Melvin took a sip of cocoa. "Madam Bones has persuaded Madam Marchbanks and rallied some Wizengamot members. They plan to bypass the Minister's office and force a trial. Once the case is in court, Fudge and Umbridge lose control."
Steam rose from the silver instruments. High on the wall, Phineas Nigellus Black was red-faced with excitement but dared not speak, fearing he might disturb the conversation and doom the last of the Black line.
Dumbledore traced the patterns on his porcelain cup.
He hadn't abandoned Sirius. He had authorized Order members to act—Alastor Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Sturgis Podmore were coordinating with Bones. Fudge couldn't delay forever.
But a secret society moves slowly, not as fast as Bones's proposal.
For nearly a century, Dumbledore had acted with caution, suppressing the fire deep within him. He knew the disaster that could come from a self-righteous man touching power; it was a tempting poison he refused to drink.
Agreeing to the plan to resurrect Voldemort was already a massive risk.
"You don't need to use your authority as Chief Warlock. Umbridge has blocked the news, forbidding any press from reporting on it. Madam Bones needs a respected elder wizard to step forward and tell the public the truth. She will handle the rest."
Melvin urged softly, "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement will push the trial forward."
"What about your plan?" Dumbledore asked.
"This is part of it. Only when all retreat is cut off will the cornered rat run desperately to the forests of Albania."
"..."
Dumbledore remained silent, eyes downcast in thought. On the wall, Phineas was practically spinning in anxiety.
The night grew later, the castle quieter.
Melvin finished his cocoa. "Running away won't solve the problem. This is the Headmaster's office, not a prison tower. I think you should step out and take a look."
Dumbledore looked up. The young professor placed a black gemstone on the desk with a soft click.
"This is the key."
---