The rain had eased to a misty drizzle by the time Harry landed, his hair plastered to his forehead and robes dripping with water. The stands still buzzed with excitement—students huddled together beneath umbrellas and hoods, chattering about the match and the spectacle of Patronuses that had driven the Dementors away.
Harry hadn't even left the pitch before Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and a few friends from other houses rushed to his side. Their faces were flushed with relief and awe.
"Harry! Are you okay?" Hermione reached him first, eyes scanning him for injuries.
"I'm fine," Harry said, brushing wet hair from his eyes. "Really."
Ron clapped him on the shoulder, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "That was bloody brilliant! Did you see Malfoy? Fainted like a big baby." Laughter rippled through the group.
Ginny's eyes sparkled. "That Patronus was incredible, Harry! A Thestral, right?"
Harry nodded, breathless.
Hermione's brows knitted. "But Harry—how did you even manage that? I've never read about a student conjuring a Patronus that complex before!"
Harry hesitated a beat. "Professor Lupin's been helping me train. He taught me the basics—Expecto Patronum—and I've been practicing on my own whenever I can."
Hermione's eyes widened with respect. "That's still incredible. Only the most powerful witches and wizards manage a fully-formed Patronus that take the shape of magical creatures."
"Yeah, and Dumbledore's Patronus was a phoenix!" Ginny added, voice full of wonder. "It was like watching the sun itself chase away the Dementors. He's brilliant."
"Dumbledore's always been brilliant," Ron agreed, smirking. "But you, mate—you chased the Dementors away on your own! And we beat Slytherin, didn't we?" He gave Harry's shoulder another friendly whack.
Harry forced a grin, but his mind drifted. The match was won, but the Dementors' chill still clung to his bones.
As the teachers began herding them toward the castle—no one trusted the Dementors wouldn't return—Harry trudged alongside his friends, the night air sharp and cold.
The Thestral Patronus still glowed in his mind's eye, its skeletal wings cutting through the darkness like a silent vow of survival. What did it mean—that his Patronus was a creature only those who had faced death could see? The question lingered as the mist thinned and castle lights beckoned.
Did it reflect the darkness inside him? The fact that he had died—and come back stronger?
As they neared the castle gates, Harry let the thoughts settle. He'd have time later to ponder what it all meant. For now, there were other things to consider.
He reached into his mind, calling forth his Status Screen.
--Achieved a corporeal Patronus--
--Reward : 2 free stat points; Charms raised by 2 levels; Defense Against the Dark Arts--
-Status-
-Name: Harry Potter-
-Stats (Free Stat Points:2)-
--Body: 8--
--Magic: 10--
--Mind: 11--
----Occlumency(Apprentice): 7----
----Legilimency(Apprentice): 5----
----Obliviate(Journeyman): 2----
-Skills (Free Skill Points:0; Free Experience Points:0)-
--Transfiguration(Apprentice): 5--
--Charms(Apprentice): 8--
--Defense Against the Dark Arts(Apprentice): 10--
--Healing(Novice): 3--
--Divination(Novice): 0--
--Astronomy(Apprentice): 1--
--Alchemy(Novice): 0--
--Potions(Apprentice): 2--
--Herbology(Apprentice): 2--
--Magizoology (Care of Magical Creatures)(Novice): 7--
--Runes(Novice): 8--
--Arithmancy(Novice): 7--
--Flying[Broom](Expert): 10--
--Wandlore(Novice): 5--
--Illusion Magic(Novice): 0--
--Appartion(Novice): 0--
--Wandless Magic(Apprentice): 2--
--Silent Spellcasting(Apprentice): 1--
--Parseltongue(Journeyman): 10--
--Dark Arts(Apprentice): 2--
--Elemental Magic: --
----Fire: 18%----
----Water: 2%----
----Earth: 1%----
----Wind: 1%----
----Lightning: 1%----
Extraordinary feats came with rewards, Harry mused. His progress in the Mind Arts had been growing steadily these past few weeks due to his relentless practice. He knew the path ahead will be difficult, but he was ready to tackle it.
He followed his friends into the castle, leaving behind the rain-soaked pitch and the last echoes of the crowd's cheers. The warmth of the castle promised safety, but a deeper chill lingered—a reminder that the darkness was far from defeated.
[Dumbledore POV]
Dumbledore stood in the quiet of his office, staring out at the rain-soaked grounds. The Dementors' attack had left its mark on everyone, but it was the students he worried about most. He'd always known that bringing the Dementors to Hogwarts carried a price—a risk he'd been willing to bear in exchange for the fragile peace they provided. But even he had to admit: they had grown bolder than expected.
His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Harry. The boy's Patronus—so powerful and so unusual—lingered in Dumbledore's mind like a beacon. A Thestral. A creature of death, yes—but also of survival and transformation. Harry's progress had accelerated faster than any student Dumbledore had seen in decades, and though it heartened him, it also troubled him..
A knock at the door pulled him from his reverie. One by one, the Heads of House entered—Minerva with her customary briskness, Severus with his pinched expression, Pomona looking drawn but resolute, and Filius with a small, worried smile. Remus and Madam Pomfrey followed close behind, her medical bag still at her side.
"Thank you all for coming," Dumbledore began, his tone solemn but warm. "I know it's been a trying evening. I'd like to hear your reports on the students' well-being and any incidents that may have arisen during the Dementors' attack."
McGonagall spoke first, her voice crisp. "The Gryffindors are in good spirits, Headmaster, though a few of the younger ones were understandably shaken. They're resting in the common room under the Prefects' watch."
Sprout added in a gentle tone, "Hufflepuff is much the same—some rattled nerves, but they're pulling together well. I've reassured them that Hogwarts' wards remain strong."
Flitwick nodded. "Ravenclaw students are curious, of course. No injuries reported, though many questions remain. I'll speak with them shortly to settle any concerns."
Finally, Snape rose with practiced calm. "Slytherin House is unharmed," he reported coolly. "Some were… unsettled by the Dementors, naturally. They're being tended by their Prefects." His dark eyes flicked briefly to Dumbledore. "And of course, there's the matter of Potter's Patronus."
Dumbledore met Snape's gaze, his expression unreadable. "Indeed," he said. "Harry's Patronus—a Thestral—was… extraordinary. Professor Lupin, perhaps you'd care to elaborate on Harry's progress in Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
Lupin shifted in his seat, looking both proud and concerned. "Harry's made remarkable strides, Headmaster. He's been practicing diligently. The Patronus Charm came easier to him than I expected—he's driven, focused. The Thestral form… I believe it reflects both his experiences and his strength of character."
A brief silence fell as the staff exchanged glances. Dumbledore steepled his fingers, considering.
"Very well," he said finally. "Thank you all for your diligence—and your honesty. The Dementors cannot be allowed to threaten this school a second time. I will go to the Ministry myself to demand tighter control—or their removal altogether. Hogwarts must remain a sanctuary for its students, no matter how dark the times."
He rose, his eyes bright with resolve. "Please, see to your Houses. Let the students know they are safe."
The Heads of House nodded, filing out one by one. Dumbledore lingered for a moment, his gaze returning to the stormy night.
Then he turned, his robes trailing like shadows, ready to confront the Ministry—and the darkness that threatened them all.