Silvery streams of light coiled around the wand Hermione held out, quickly converging into a brilliant silver-white halo in front of her.
Standing closest to Hermione, Luna could distinctly feel the cold dissipating around her. Warmth, once devoured, returned softly and gently, brushing over the hearts of everyone present. The fear and dread brought by the Dementors were washed away by this force, replaced with joy and happiness. Precious, cherished memories buried deep within their hearts began to resurface.
Luna couldn't help but smile. Her ethereal gaze fixed on Hermione, as though she were witnessing something wondrous. She exhaled softly, her voice filled with admiration.
Hermione began to gently rotate her wand, channeling the positive emotions within her heart until they felt almost tangible. With her movements, the silver-white halo before her began to condense further, growing more solid with each passing moment.
This was the Patronus Charm, transforming from formless to corporeal.
Silvery-white light emanated softly from the young girl, streams of it spiraling like rivulets into the halo before her.
For a moment, the entire world seemed to hold its breath.
A translucent silver paw stepped out from the halo in front of Hermione.
Then came its head, its body, its legs, and finally its tail.
A fluffy, elegant figure emerged, standing poised in front of Hermione. It lifted its head gracefully, its gaze fixed on the Dementors at the far end of the train.
Its medium-length fur was smooth and plush, rippling with silvery waves. Its luminous silver eyes sparkled with life, as though it were truly alive.
What a beautiful and sacred being it was.
This was Hermione's Patronus—a ragdoll cat, irresistibly adorable and undoubtedly soft to the touch.
Seeing her Patronus successfully summoned, Hermione simply smiled sweetly.
Nothing unexpected occurred; everything was within her control.
In the distance, the Dementors, who had just boarded the Hogwarts Express, caught the rich and enticing scent of joy, hope, and happiness—their favorite feast.
Almost instinctively, they turned their heads stiffly toward Hermione, toward the rear of the train now filled with a silvery glow.
Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat...
Devour. Devour. Devour. Devour. Devour. Devour. Devour. Devour. Devour!!!
Driven by hunger and the instinct to feed, the creatures sent by the Ministry of Magic instantly forgot their orders. The Dementors moved as one, letting out silent shrieks as they surged toward Hermione.
Their shrouded faces, revealed by the motion of their black cloaks, exposed hollow recesses desperate to consume happiness. Four or five Dementors crowded the corridor, filling the space entirely. They pressed against one another, forming a terrifying black wall that bore down on Hermione like an overwhelming tide.
"Expel them."
Hermione's voice was soft, yet imbued with a calm authority and sacred resonance. It floated through the air as though she were performing a trivial task.
Her Patronus sprang into action, circling Hermione lightly and gracefully before stepping into the air. With what seemed like gentle ease, it leapt toward the approaching Dementors.
The silvery ragdoll cat met the black tide of Dementors.
And then, the black wave was pushed back faster than it had come.
As though cleansed, the chilling darkness was swept away by Hermione's Patronus. Warmth returned to the train, and even the colors of the corridor seemed more vivid.
Why? Why can't we eat?
Why are we being pushed away?
The Dementors' limited reasoning could not comprehend what was happening. The feast was right before them, yet an insurmountable barrier separated them from it.
The Patronus Charm, a fusion of positive emotions and magic, formed an unyielding shield that the Dementors could never breach or even approach.
They charged, their gaping maws open, only to be repelled and pushed away.
Another charge brought the same result.
The Dementors, having physical forms, were constrained by the walls of the train corridor. Under the relentless push of Hermione's Patronus, they collided with one another and the walls, eventually being expelled from the Hogwarts Express.
The expelled Dementors scattered like fireworks from the train's entrance. Undeterred, they circled back, attempting to re-enter.
But Hermione would not give them the chance. Her silvery Patronus radiated sacred waves, sitting leisurely at the train's entrance. The fluffy ragdoll cat began grooming itself, licking its paws and washing its face.
Even in this seemingly defenseless posture, the Dementors could not approach the train's entrance—not even by an inch.
Through the windows of the Hogwarts Express, many young witches and wizards appeared, their faces pressed against the glass. They stared in astonishment at the scene outside.
The fear and cold they had felt were completely gone.
When they cautiously opened the compartment doors to see who had protected them, they found no one in the corridor—only the silvery mist that filled it.
…
Hermione had already returned to her compartment, sitting in her seat and maintaining the Patronus Charm. The rest was up to her Patronus.
"My goodness, Hermione, you're amazing!" Ginny exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she held Hermione's hands in admiration.
"Thank you for protecting us," Luna said earnestly, her usual dreamy gaze fixed on Hermione's eyes.
Neville and Hannah shared Ginny's sentiments, both awestruck and grateful.
Glenn remained silent, leaning against the back of the sofa without a word.
Draco muttered a quiet "tch" but eventually, albeit awkwardly, thanked Hermione before turning his head toward the window.
Ah, what a window.
However...
Draco noticed something odd about the window above him. The small opening, which could be slid open, was slightly ajar.
"I thought I closed that..." he muttered.
It was still raining outside. Even without the Dementors, the temperature was low. A cold wind blew through the gap in the window, making Draco shiver.
"...Better close it," he decided.
Draco stood up and shut the window.
Amid her friends' gratitude, Hermione caught Draco's muttering. Her gaze shifted to the window, her eyes shimmering with thought.
She glanced at Glenn, who seemed to be asleep beside her, and understood everything.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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