Keefer smiled at the boy's success. "Yes, you're finally saying it right. Now try standing still for a minute or so and just let happiness suffuse you. Concentrate on your happy memory and try to relive it in your head. Feel the tingling joy fill you, all the way down to your toes. Only then, speak the incantation."

Merlin, this girl was quick!

He turned towards her. "I'm really impressed. I've never seen a first year have anything happen for them. But don't get surprised if you tire out and can't make it work anymore today. This is super advanced stuff." He gave her another encouraging smile.

It was time to focus on himself again. He had managed a strong vapor earlier in the lesson. If there were ever a time when he could manage a corporeal Patronus, it would be now. Though he could tell the effects of the potion were wearing off, he still felt more lighthearted than usual. Perhaps it was due to the party and food, or maybe it was from seeing his pupils' successes.

He focused back on his memory. He found himself having trouble concentrating as several side thoughts kept threatening to break his concentration. Think, Keef, think! You can do this.

He spoke the words he needed with his wand at chest level. Once again, the cloud of silvery vapor obscured those in front of him. Almost immediately, he let the mist fade into oblivion. Disappointed, he vowed to try again, and keep trying until he managed a corporeal protector.

Taking a deep breath, he consciously relaxed his mind. Once relaxed, he summoned forth the memory that had sent him soaring up to hover near the ceiling: winning that Quidditch Cup. He let the memory envelop his very being. For Keefer, nothing else existed right then, save the jubilation he had felt for days after their victory. He imagined the wind rushing through his hair, the feel of his bat making contact with a Bludger just before the match ended, and the sound of hundreds of Hufflepuffs crying out in ecstasy.

He took his own advice to the small Gryffindor and waited until his whole body was alive with the energy that his joy brought. His wand rose into the air seemingly of its own accord. Brimming with sudden confidence, he gasped "Expecto Patronum!"

He felt his wand almost come alive with a surge of warmth. Hardly daring to open his eyes, he peeked out to see what he had wrought. It was not the cloud of silver mist he was expecting, but instead a creature burst forth from his wand, so bright that the light it emitted dazzled his eyes. He let out a whoop of excitement, barely believing he had accomplished his goal. The animal continued to bound around, weaving its way amongst the students. Mentally calling it back, Keefer reached out to touch it. Just before the tips of his fingers brushed against the animal, it vanished. But Keefer still knew what it was: his favorite animal, the okapi.