Dumbledore's words seemed to bring the woman back to the present, as she hastily dropped his palm, allowing Harry to take a step back. It was only then that he noticed the glares the woman was receiving from not only his parents, but also Head of House. "Ah, yes of course. Forgive me, it seems I was rather caught up in the moment."
No one seemed to believe the woman, who immediately began ordering around the reporters and photographers. Various poses were arranged, often with the Aurors having to drag their captive around. One had Fudge standing with her fists on her waist, staring up towards the horizon with the thief in a kneeling position nearby. Another was the older woman looking down menacingly at the criminal.
After getting in her, dozen or so, photos, the woman began making plans to include others. "Now I think this next one should be me and Harry standing over the woman, really show the unity of Hogwarts and the Ministry."
To say Harry was opposed was to call water wet. After their first 'interaction' he didn't want to get within ten feet of the woman. Luckily, he was spared by an official running up the grass, clearly out of breath while followed at a distance by several other Aurors. "M-Minister."
She barely spared the man a glance "Pius, I trust you succeeded in the miniscule task I appointed."
He nodded, albeit it was hard to tell considering he was nearly bent over, gasping for breath. But it wasn't the man's lack of endurance that those in attendance noticed.
No, it was what the newly arrived Aurors had brought with them.
Take me, not Harry!
Kill the spare.
He was frozen in place as the Dementor was brought closer, as time slowed to a crawl. Harry Potter was aware of the shock and outrage of his parents, of the staff making their arguments towards the Minister. He was aware at how Riddle seemed to be moving closer to him though for what reason he didn't know. He was even aware of the nearby thief, eyes wide in panic and terror at the fate that apparently awaited her.
What he wasn't aware of was how his Wand had gotten into his hand, of when he had called out the Charm drilled into his head by a beloved man he had left behind, of how his Magic instinctively moved and flowed without so much as a thought on his part.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!"
A bright light burst into existence, nearly outshining the Sun as a glowing Stag appeared. It charged forth a moment later, slamming into the foul creature which let out a hideous screech and promptly fled. After chasing it for a few meters the spirit seemed content, and promptly circled around before making its way back to its caster, nuzzling into him affectionately.
"I'm glad you're still the same." Harry whispered hands trailing over luminescent skin before the stag faded away. It was only then that he became aware of the all-encompassing silence. Glancing around he noticed the stares, not at his forehead but rather at his entire being.
"Well, Augustina, I don't think you need to worry about convincing anyone he's a prodigy in defense anymore…" Filius muttered under his breath.
****
"Am I in trouble?"
His question had brought silence to the room for a few seconds before the Headmistress let out a small laugh, "Goodness no Harry, if anyone should be in trouble it is the Minister for bringing that thing so close, to not just Hogwarts, but you as well."
"Why would you think you were in trouble?" McGonagall inquired gently, earning a shrug from the boy.
"People were staring at me, I'm… not a big fan of that."
Before the woman could respond, Riddle interrupted, "We did not mean anything by it Harry, but the fact remains that you cast the Patronus Charm. I knew you were talented but…"
She trailed off and Dumbledore immediately picked up the conversation. "The Patronus is one of the most difficult and complex defensive spells there are Harry. The fact you are able to cast it as a First year is beyond astounding."
"I mean… technically I was a fifth year before."
James immediately snorted from nearby, allowing Lily to chime in, "Even if you were a seventh year it would be remarkable. Most adults aren't even able to cast the Charm successfully, and those who can require around a year of training after they begin their apprenticeship in the Aurors."
"Who taught it to you during your fifth year?" Filius inquired.
"Remus, although technically it was my third year that he taught me."
"Third year!?" Flitwick's eyes widened in shock, "You learned one of the most powerful spells in your third year?"
"Harry," Dumbledore interrupted, giving the Head of House time to collect himself. "Not only did you cast the spell correctly, in the presence of a Dementor no less, but it was also Corporeal. There are Aurors who train for years and are unable to accomplish such a feat. Why on earth did this 'Remus' person ever teach it to you?"
The boy was about to explain when a certain phrase caught his attention. "Wait… is Remus not here anymore? Did something happen to him?"
Several eyes glanced towards his parents, who frowned. "I wasn't close to anyone by that name. Not sure who…"
It was the redhead, however, whose eyes lit up in realization. "I wonder if he means Remi Lupin."
"Remi!?" Harry exclaimed, "Remus is a woman in this world? Oh man Sirius would never let him live this down." The thought immediately dampened his mood, grin falling as he remembered how he would never speak with his Godfather again.
In the silence Snape, who had been standing in a corner opposite of the Potters decided to make her presence known, "It would seem that whatever catalyst for his training occurs in the future and would best be left unspoken for now."
Other than the death glares given by a certain woman, the others in the room seemed to agree and the story was left untold.
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