Recollections – I
Theme 11: Expecto Patronum


Seventh year.

Blaise had been looking forward to this year, looking forward to the magic they would learn, the spells, the charms, the hexes. Stepping into Defense Against the Dark Arts, however, he could not help feeling disappointed: they were - from what he could discern - learning how to produce a Patronus, today.

It was dull, boring work. The Professor lectured about bringing vivid, happy recollections to the mind, summoning courage through happiness, and similar junk. Junk, for Blaise, because he already knew all this.

"You can try producing your own patronus, now."

Blaise did not even bother to get up from his seat. A happy recollection: Yes. He thought of her perfume, sweet and English and perfect and lovely. He thought of her eyes, brown and deep and endless and eloquent. He thought of her hair, red and fragrant and soft and silky. Then he raised his wand.

"Expecto Patronum!"

The silver chimaera that erupted from the tip of his wand raged through the classroom, and the body of students surrounding him burst into a clear round of applause.

"Mr. Zabini - extremely impressive!" The Professor said, delighted at his spellwork.

Blaise inclined his head. "Trust me, she is."