A Patronus is perhaps the clearest evidence that a wizard possesses a sound mind and a healthy sense of morality.
Anyone deeply corrupted by Dark Magic, or who frequently uses it—those whose hearts are filled with cruel and poisonous thoughts—can never cast a Patronus.
Because there is no longer any purity left in their hearts. That was why Vaughn had first demonstrated the Patronus Charm.
Not just because it's difficult to master, but because it's a powerful symbol. At the very least, it would put Dumbledore's mind at ease.
When he left the Headmaster's office, Vaughn was holding a thick tome in his hands: A Journey Through the Past and Present of Memory Magic.
The title sounded rather poetic—definitely something written by a Ravenclaw.
All the way back to the Slytherin dormitory, Vaughn couldn't wait to start reading.
The book gave a detailed overview of the entire branch of memory-related magic, from its history and evolution to all the known memory-related spells in the modern era.
Besides the ones Vaughn already knew, like the Memory Charm and Occlumency, and the one he wanted to learn most—Legilimency—there were others like the False Memory Charm, Pleasant Dream Spell, and Nightmare Curse.
It also explored many other forms of magic that relied on memory across different magical disciplines.
In the field of alchemy alone, there were mentions of Pensieves, Memory Orbs, portrait enchantment, and even self-writing quills. While the book didn't explain how to make them, it carefully detailed which parts of their function involved memory.
"Even advanced Transfiguration requires memory? Turning an inanimate object into a living one, giving it life—that process is essentially injecting it with memory… using false memories to simulate a real soul…"
Reading that passage about memory's role in high-level Transfiguration, Vaughn thoughtfully flipped back to the title page.
There, written in elegant cursive, was the author's note: 'Memory is the clothing of the soul.'
When he first read it, Vaughn thought it was just another piece of Ravenclaw-style poetic nonsense.
But soul…
Now, he found himself far more interested in the book. So much so that he carried it with him the next day after class, even when he went to Professor Snape's office to study potion ingredients.
Snape glanced at the book and froze. "Where did you get that? You already have it, so why were you pestering me for it before?"
"Oh? So this is the book you promised to give me over the summer? Dumbledore gave it to me."
Snape's expression darkened. He was probably cursing Dumbledore for being two-faced—one version in public, another in private.
Vaughn had already suspected that Snape's 'I'll give it to you during summer' was just a delay tactic while he figured out how to persuade Dumbledore to approve it.
Not that he cared how awkward Snape felt now. With a wide grin, he said, "Professor, doesn't this mean we should revise the terms of our agreement?"
Snape's face twitched. "The Quidditch season is coming up. We'll talk after you beat Potter!"
Vaughn gave him a suspicious look. "Professor, you're not thinking of backing out, are you?"
Snape said nothing.
After Vaughn stared him down for ten whole seconds, Snape couldn't stand it anymore. He stormed off, robes billowing angrily behind him.
Change the agreement again? If this kept up, the next step would be teaching Vaughn Dark Magic! That wasn't something he could promise lightly.
Vaughn wasn't bothered. He continued studying potion materials alone in the dungeon. When he got tired, he read more of the book.
Unfortunately, most memory spells required another person to practice on.
But before long, someone to practice with showed up—on their own. Even better—the other party was actually grateful.
That night, in the Room of Requirement, Vaughn met with Harry, who had secretly come after receiving Vaughn's letter.
As soon as they met, Harry blurted out gratefully, "Vaughn, thank you so much. It's so late, and you're still willing to help me. If it weren't for you, I…"
They'd only been apart for a day, but the dark circles under the Boy Who Lived's eyes had deepened again—almost as bad as during Oliver Wood's hellish training sessions last month.
He must've been scared out of his mind.
"It's no big deal, Harry. We're friends—and friends should help each other out." Vaughn offered a casual response, then looked at him eagerly. "Shall we begin?"
Already? Harry blinked in confusion but obediently followed Vaughn's instructions and sat down across from him.
Today, the Room of Requirement has been tailored by Vaughn to be especially comfortable.
It had transformed into a lavish lounge: leather sofas, thick wool carpets—everything soft and cozy beneath their feet.
Since memory magic didn't damage the environment, creating a relaxing space helped Harry stay calm, which in turn made it easier for Vaughn to cast his spell.
Of course, Vaughn would never admit that the real reason was so he could practice Legilimency…
He sat upright in front of Harry, holding the thick book in one hand. As he flipped through its pages, he spoke calmly, "Harry, before we start, I need to tell you—learning Occlumency is a very difficult process.
In order to speed things up and help you rid yourself of Dark Magic's influence as soon as possible, I'll need to use Legilimency on you throughout the session… Do you know what Legilimency is?"
Harry looked blank. "When you mentioned it this morning… that was the first time I'd ever heard of it."
"Excellent…"
Harry: "Huh?"
"Ahem, I mean—good answer," Vaughn said smoothly, not missing a beat. "Put simply, it means I'm going to invade your mind and memories, manipulate them, twist them—and you need to fully experience the sensation. Don't fear it, don't run from it. Stay calm and cooperate. Understood?"
That's the simplified version? And words like manipulate and twist made Harry start trembling. If that was the summary, he dreaded what the detailed explanation might include.
For a second, he really wanted to tell Vaughn: Do I have to learn this? Can I just skip it?
But clearly, skipping wasn't an option.
Even though he hadn't felt any discomfort all day, the phrase 'Dark Magic' alone was enough to make Harry push past his fear. In the end, he straightened his back and said firmly, "Alright—let's do it, Vaughn!"
What a perfect target! Vaughn inwardly praised him, then immediately raised his wand and began chanting the spell.
The first attempt failed—predictably. Neither Vaughn nor Harry was discouraged. Even after two more failures, Harry actually felt a bit relieved.
As bad as it sounded, part of him thought maybe he wouldn't get 'twisted' today after all. Unfortunately, just as he thought that, Vaughn succeeded.
"Legilimens!"
With the experience from the earlier failures, Vaughn had begun to grasp the rhythm of casting Legilimency. His magic was stable, his incantation correct, but most important of all was emotion—the intense urge to break into someone's mind, to dig out their secrets.
At the moment the spell succeeded, Vaughn felt it—
A portion of his consciousness, fused with magic, dropped into a viscous, dreamlike space.
Mist swirled before his 'eyes,' revealing faint, hazy scenes—each one viewed from Harry's perspective.
Vaughn saw himself sitting across from Harry, raising his wand… saw Harry walking through the corridors… saw the Gryffindor common room… saw Ron and Hermione walking beside him…
Harry's memories unfolded clearly before Vaughn's eyes!
Even his dreams were visible—including one hazy, dreamlike moment tinged with pink… where Harry gently reached out to hold a girl's hand.
"No!" The instant that dream appeared, a shout rang out, distant but powerful—and Vaughn's consciousness was instantly kicked out.
He opened his eyes to see Harry sitting across from him, his face as red as a baboon's backside.