(Y/N)'s POV

For the next few days the four of us sat in front of the roaring fire, slowly turning the pages of dusty volumes about famous cases of creature attacks, speaking occasionally when we ran across something relevant.

We all decided to stay at Hogwarts to help with the case, but I could tell there was another reason we all wanted to stay around Harry, to keep him safe.

On Christmas morning, I was rudely awoken by Ron hitting me repeatedly over the head with a pillow. "Oi! Presents! WAKE UP!" I grabbed the pillow off of him roughly, "I heard you!" I said as I chucked it at his face with a loud "Poof" as it hit him.

Bones then jumped onto my chest, mewling about getting her extra food, apparently, she had realised Ron waking me up like this meant it was a special day and she got extra food. "Fine fatty" I smirked, getting up and pouring her some, she half hissed at that comment, but was happy to get extra food.

As I got downstairs, I could already hear Ron "Another sweater from Mum... maroon again... see if you've got one."

I looked round my presents, of course Mrs Weasley had made me another sweater like Ron's, and same as every year, it was perfect. After a few more minutes of sifting through presents, Ron pointed at Harry's pile. "What's that?" said Ron. "Dunno..."

Harry ripped the parcel open and gasped as a magnificent, gleaming broomstick rolled out onto his bedspread. Ron jumped off his bed for a closer look. "I don't believe it," he said hoarsely. I turned my head to look, it was a Firebolt.

"No way" I said in disbelief, even I could see why Ron was already practically drooling over it. "Who sent it to you?" said Ron in a hushed voice. "Look and see if there's a card," said Harry. Ron ripped apart the Firebolt's wrappings.

"Nothing! Blimey, who'd spend that much on you?" "Well," said Harry, feeling stunned, "I'm betting it wasn't the Dursleys." "I bet it was Dumbledore," said Ron, "He sent you the Invisibility Cloak anonymously..."

"That was my dad's, though," said Harry. "Dumbledore was just passing it on to me. He wouldn't spend hundreds of Galleons on me. He can't go giving students stuff like this." "That's why he wouldn't say it was from him!" said Ron. "In case some git like Malfoy said it was favouritism."

"Are you kidding? He already shows favouritism" I commented, remembering first year's house cup "But this is a bit much." "Was it your mum?" he asked me, "Oh yes, if my mum had that much money, the first thing she'd do with it is buy a broom that can basically break the sound barrier" I said sarcastically, "And then give it to you, over her son." He nodded, too excited to care about my teasing.

"Hey, Harry-" said Ron as he stopped to giggle "-Malfoy! Wait 'til he sees you on this! He'll be sick as a pig! This is an international standard broom, this is!" Me and Ron burst into laughter at the thought. 

"I know," said Ron, controlling himself, "I know who it could've been...Lupin!" "What?" said Harry, now starting to laugh himself "Lupin? Listen, if he had this much gold, he'd be able to buy himself some new robes."

"Yeah, but he likes you," said Ron. "And he was away when your Nimbus got smashed, and he might've heard about it and decided to visit Diagon Alley and get this for you" Harry frowned at Ron.

"I can't see Lupin affording something like this." "What're you three laughing about?" Hermione had just come in, wearing her dressing gown and carrying Crookshanks, who was looking very grumpy, with a string of tinsel tied around his neck. I walked over and scratched under his chin, greeting Hermione with a smile.

"Don't bring him in here!" said Ron, hurriedly snatching Scabbers from the depths of his bed and stowing him in his pyjama pocket. But Hermione wasn't listening. She dropped Crookshanks onto Seamus's empty bed and stared, open-mouthed, at the Firebolt.

"Oh, Harry! Who sent you that?" "My guess is Malfoy" I said, they ignored me. "No idea," said Harry. "There wasn't a card or anything with it." "What's the matter with you?" said Ron.

"I don't know," said Hermione slowly, "but it's a bit odd, isn't it? I mean, this is supposed to be quite a good broom, isn't it?" Ron sighed exasperatedly, I chuckled at his expression. "It's the best broom there is, Hermione," he said.

"So it must've been really expensive..." "Probably cost more than all the Slytherins' brooms put together," said Ron happily. "Well... who'd send Harry something as expensive as that, and not even tell him they'd sent it?" said Hermione.

"Who cares?" said Ron impatiently. "Listen, Harry, can I have a go on it? Can I?" "I don't think anyone should ride that broom just yet!" said Hermione shrilly. Harry and Ron looked at her. "What d'you think Harry's going to do with it...sweep the floor?" said Ron.

But before Hermione could answer, Crookshanks sprang from Seamus's bed, right at Ron's chest. "GET — HIM — OUT — OF — HERE!" Ron bellowed as Crookshanks's claws ripped his pyjamas and Scabbers attempted a wild escape over his shoulder. 

Ron seized Scabbers by the tail and aimed a misjudged kick at Crookshanks that hit the trunk at the end of Harry's bed, knocking it over and causing Ron to hop up and down, howling with pain.

"You'd better take that cat out of here, Hermione," said Ron furiously, sitting on Harry's bed nursing his toe. "He's not looking too good, is he?" Harry said. "It's stress!" said Ron. "He'd be fine if that big stupid furball left him alone!"

After one of the best Christmas Feasts I had ever had, despite Trelawney's weird predictions I was absolutely stuffed, we all decided to go back to the dorm and sit in our food induced comfort for a while, Hermione paused before we left.

"What's wrong? You coming?" I asked. "No," Hermione muttered. "I want a quick word with Professor McGonagall." "What about?"

"I don't trust that broom" she said. "Yeah, brooms are well known for their cunning." I smirked and she frowned at me "I don't think it's safe. We don't even know who sent it, it could be a trap."

Thinking on it, it was a bit odd. "You have a point, but you might want to talk it over with Harry first" I suggested, she didn't say anything, so I shrugged and walked back.

As we got back I was playing with Bones, who was chasing about her mouse toy with excitement, I looked over to Harry to see if he wanted to play some exploding snap or wizards chess but he and Ron simply sat admiring the Firebolt from every angle, until the portrait hole opened, and Hermione came in, accompanied by Professor McGonagall.

Immediately I began to sweat, fearing she had realised about all the "Christmas pranks" I had set up in the castle in my spare time out of boredom, with some help from Peeves. But she didn't even give me a second glance.

"So that's it, is it?" said Professor McGonagall, walking over to the fireside and staring at the Firebolt. "Miss Granger has just informed me that you have been sent a broomstick, Potter."

"This isn't going to end well" I thought, the last time McGonagall came into the common room it was to tell us about the new rules because of the Basilisk attacks. We all looked around at Hermione. We could see her forehead reddening over the top of the book she started to read, which was upside-down.

"May I?" said Professor McGonagall, but she didn't wait for an answer before pulling the Firebolt out of their hands. She examined it carefully from handle to twig-ends. "Hmm. And there was no note at all, Potter? No card? No message of any kind?"

"No," said Harry blankly. "I see..." said Professor McGonagall. "Well, I'm afraid I will have to take this, Potter." My stomach did a little lurch, I was gutted for him, even though I'm not the biggest fan of overly fast brooms, "But professor it's just a-" I stopped when she gave me a stern look.

"W...what?" said Harry, scrambling to his feet. "Why?" "It will need to be checked for jinxes," said Professor McGonagall. "Of course, I'm no expert, but I daresay Madam Hooch and Professor Flitwick will strip it down"

"You can't!" I argued, I knew they would check it, I didn't know they would tear it apart. "Strip it down?" repeated Ron, as though Professor McGonagall was mad. "It shouldn't take more than a few weeks," said Professor McGonagall. "You will have it back if we are sure it is jinx-free."

"There's nothing wrong with it!" said Harry, his voice shaking slightly. "Honestly, Professor" "You can't know that, Potter," said Professor McGonagall, quite kindly, "not until you've flown it, at any rate, and I'm afraid that is out of the question until we are certain that it has not been tampered with. I shall keep you informed."

Professor McGonagall turned on her heel and carried the Firebolt out of the portrait hole, which closed behind her. Harry stood staring after her, Ron, however, rounded on Hermione. "What did you go running to McGonagall for?"

Hermione threw her book aside. She was still pink in the face but stood up and faced Ron defiantly. "Because I thought – and (Y/N) and Professor McGonagall agree with me- that that broom was probably sent to Harry by Sirius Black!" "Now she's dropped me in it!" I thought. "She has a point; it is a bit odd." I said quietly.

"Shut it (Y/N)!" Ron said angrily. "Don't you start with me!" I shouted angrily. "Don't you think it's a little odd that the fastest broom in the world just turns up out of nowhere?" "You haven't flown it yet so you're not missing out on anything, it's just to be safe." Added Hermione quietly.

This time Harry spoke up, clearly over his shock, "There was nothing wrong with it!" "You don't know that, you haven't even flown it yet, it could dive bomb into the whomping willow the first time you ride it for all you know"

"You're right, I haven't flown it, all because you lot are so paranoid." "I'd rather me be paranoid and you be fine, then you be stupid and end up dead" "Of course, you're taking her side!" said Ron in disgust.

"You're damn right I am, AND YOU KNOW WHY! So yes. I'll take her side, if her side is the one that keeps everyone SAFE!" There was a few more squabbling comments, Harry and Ron were adamant they were in the right, and eventually, we all separated, very angry with one another, the dorm that night as close to dead silent.

I was hoping the next day was better, but when I got to breakfast, I could already tell it wasn't, I just had to look at Hermione's face. She was avoiding Harry and Ron's eyelines, her face deep in a book, she was biting her lip out of frustration, they weren't even facing her, her eyes were red, not puffy though, she had likely been crying, but not recently.

I walked up to her and made conversation, she gave a weak smile but took glances back at Harry and Ron every so often. I could tell she was really upset about this; I tried my best to cheer her up, showing her some of the pranks I had set up to annoy Filch.

We spent most of our time in the library, doing homework, helping with Buckbeak's case, anything that would keep us out of the common room. Honestly, I didn't care about the others being mad at me, it wouldn't be the first time, or the last, but Hermione sat alone in the library wasn't something I could overlook, she needed a friend.

There were a few new incidents when classes started up again. "Still looks ill, doesn't he?" said Ron as we walked down the corridor, heading to dinner. "What d'you reckon's the matter with him?" He whispered about Lupin.

Hermione tutted loudly, we had already shared our theories about Lupin to each other, we concluded it ages ago and decided to keep it a secret, but I know she hates knowing an answer but not being able to tell it.

"And what are you tutting at us for?" said Ron irritably. "Nothing," said Hermione in a lofty voice, heaving her bag back over her shoulder. "Yes, you were," said Ron. "I said I wonder what's wrong with Lupin, and you-"

"Well, isn't it obvious?" said Hermione, with a look of maddening superiority. I smirked at them and gave a questioning look as if asking if they knew. "If you don't want to tell us, don't," snapped Ron.

"Fine," said Hermione haughtily, and she marched off. "She doesn't know," said Ron, staring resentfully after Hermione. "She's just trying to get us to talk to her again." "That's what you think" I added as I walked past, honestly, I only said it as a teasing way to get on their nerves, but Ron looked furious.

We had a bit of a giggle about that later in the library, it cheered her up a bit, spending this much time with her was great, she really was excellent company, if we had silence, it was comfortable, if we had conversation it was entertaining, it was great.

At the library one day I received a letter, it was probably for Dumbledore. "Please head the History of Magic classroom to see Professor Lupin at once" was all it said.

I did as he asked and quickly headed there after a quick goodbye, a tentative knock on his door later, Lupin allowed me inside and to my surprise, Harry was here too. I gave him a quick awkward wave behind Lupin's back.

"Now, I'm glad to see you (Y/N), if you would" he gestured me to stand next to Harry. "Now, this is magic above the average wizarding level so-" "Sorry to interrupt, what are we doing and why am I here?"

"Ah I see, Dumbledore hasn't told you the purpose of this lesson?" I shook my head, he then explained that he was going to teach the both of us and everything clicked into place. "New spell, sweet" I said, excited to try it out.

Professor Lupin had taken out his own wand and indicated that we should do the same. "The spell I am going to try and teach you is highly advanced magic, (Y/n), you may be well equipped to perform this, but Harry this is- well beyond ordinary Wizarding Level. It is called the Patronus Charm."

Harry looked a little downtrodden, I gave him a small smile as comfort. "He can do it, I know he can" I declared, he smiled brightly. "How do we do it?" "Well, when it works correctly, it conjures up a Patronus," said Lupin, "which is a kind of anti- dementor, a guardian that acts as a shield between you and the dementor."

"It's like a forcefield!" I said in excitement, they both just gave puzzled looks. Professor Lupin continued, "The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the dementor feeds upon- hope, happiness, the desire to survive -but it cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the dementors can't hurt it. But I must warn you, Harry, that the charm might be too advanced for you. Many qualified wizards have difficulty with it."

"Why not me?" I asked, "Well I'm glad you asked, it seems that because of your empathetic nature you are more in tune with your emotion then most people, making them easier to recall" he smiled at me. 

"Unfortunately, the downside to this is that you are more likely to be targeted by dementors in the first place." I nodded in understanding "To put it simply, it should be right up your alley"

"That's what he thinks, half the time I can't even tell if my emotions are mine" I thought. "What does a Patronus look like?" said Harry curiously. "Each one is unique to the wizard who conjures it."

"And how do you conjure it?" "With an incantation, which will work only if you are concentrating, with all your might, on a single, very happy memory." "Happy memory, ok I can do that" I racked my brain to find one.

The first I thought of was joking about with Hermione in the library, but that wasn't the strongest, just the most recent. I thought back, Christmas? No that was overshadowed by the argument. Flying with Buckbeak came to mind, but then the fear of him being executed came bubbling up with it, maybe I could use this in the future, but not now, I let out a deep sigh.

I continued to delve into my memories, The first time I met Bones? No reminds me of my encounter with Mr. Olivander, which reminded me of (B/N), When I was accepted to Hogwarts? No, I knew I would be, it wasn't too happy, just excited.

"This is a lot harder than it sounds" I spoke aloud, Lupin tried to help, "It doesn't have to be a pivotal memory, just something that would inspire happiness" "Inspire happiness" My first thought was of Hermione kissing me on the cheek last year, but I'd be damned if I let that be what I had to use to trigger my spell, I could barely stop my blush now.

I thought to my second trip to Hogsmeade, sat in the three broomsticks with the others, the smell of butterbeer, the cosy warmth of the fire, laughing and joking, it was a moment of happiness that I remember vividly.

"The incantation is this" Lupin cleared his throat. "Expecto patronum!" "Expecto patronum" I said cheerfully "Expecto patronum." Copied Harry "Concentrating hard on your happy memory?"

"Yep" I said focusing on mine, the next second my wand was all but enveloped by silver gas. "Oh...yeah..." said Harry. Seemingly put off by my success."Expecto patrono -- no, patronum -- sorry – expecto patronum, expecto patronum." 

Something whooshed suddenly out of the end of his wand; it was another a wisp of silvery gas. "Did you see that?" said Harry excitedly. "Something happened!" "Nice one mate!" I encouraged. "Very good," said Lupin, smiling.

"Incredible! Right, then -- ready to try it on a dementor?" "Yes," Harry said, gripping his wand very tightly, and moving into the middle of the deserted classroom. I stood beside Lupin so that the Dementor would see Harry first.

"Expecto patronum!" Harry yelled. "Expecto patronum! Expecto-" Harry crumpled to the ground, the Dementor drew in closer, I stepped forward drawing my wand.

"Expecto Patronum!" I went to say, but something unexpected happened, the dementor changed form, now turning into a pile of broken brooms, I was frazzled for a second but soon realised, "New plan" "Riddikulus" the boggart retreated into the box.

I made my way over to Harry, he came to as soon as I did, I helped him to his feet and gave him some chocolate, as a little placebo, Lupin smiled happily at the sight. "It's all right. I didn't expect you to do it the first time. That would have been remarkable."

"That's one nasty dementor." Harry commented as I pulled him up, I gave Lupin a look, he fessed up "Oh, no, no, no. That was a boggart, Harry, a boggart. The real thing would be worse. Much, much worse." "Oh lovely" I said, pretending I hadn't realised for Harry's sake

"As a matter of interest, what were you thinking?" "Which memory did you choose?" "The first time I rode a broom." He said plainly. "That's not good enough, not nearly good enough." He let out a sigh. I started to wonder if my memory was strong enough.

"There's another, It's not happy exactly. Well, it is. It's the happiest I've ever felt...but it's complicated." Harry explained. "Is it strong?" was all Lupin said, Harry nodded. "Then let's give it a try. You feel ready?"

He tried again this time which must better results, he was able to repel the boggart with ease. Lupin told him "You may have given your father a run for his money" and he asked what he was thinking of.

I gave Harry a glance, I knew this would be very personal, "I can step outside if-" I started, "No its fine." He reassured me "I was thinking of him, and mum, seeing their faces, they were talking to me, just talking" I smiled at him, happy he had that at least.

"That's the memory I chose, I don't even know if it's real, but it's the best I have." "Sometimes, that's all that matters" I said, he smiled. "(Y/n), would you like a try? I am keen to see the prowess Professor Flitwick boasts about" 

This filled me with pride, the thought of a teacher boasting about me. I nodded and held out my wand firmly. "Expecto Patronum!" I said commandingly thinking hard back to my happy moment, a wisp of silvery light appeared from my wand and started to form something but couldn't quite get there. Then I realised.

"Wait. How am I meant to practice if the boggart won't work on me?" Harry looked curious too. "Ah, yes, I'm afraid any practise you would receive would have to be a trial by fire as they put it, there is little I can do otherwise." I nodded "Any tips?"

"I think the memory you have chosen is, in a word, insufficient, perhaps you should choose another and try again?" "But it worked didn't it? I did the silver thing." He scoffed "Yes but not as well as I believe you are capable of" 

"Remember, as I said to Harry, your memory doesn't have to be happy, at least not entirely, just strong, important, a memory that you hold dear to your heart, and can remember vividly" I nodded. With that he dismissed me, giving me a lot to think about.