Hogwarts: Legacy of the Necromancer

"Let's continue today. Are you ready, Potter?"

James Lupin looked seriously at Harry Potter. Since the beginning of spring, at Harry's own request, they had intensified the training for the "Patronus Charm." Although he had been making progress with each session, he still lacked the final touch needed to fully cast the spell. Lupin hoped that today, Harry would be able to master his magic, overcome his fear of Dementors, and find the right balance between fear and happy memories.

Lupin once again opened the trunk containing the Boggart. Since Harry was facing it directly, the Boggart transformed into a Dementor every time it emerged, rushing toward him with a gaping, bottomless mouth.

"Expecto Patronum! Expecto Patronum! Expecto Patronum…"

Harry shouted the incantation loudly several times, and finally, a silver light began to shimmer at the tip of his wand. This wasn't the first time he'd managed it, but in the past, the light would quickly fade. This time, however, he was clearly doing better—the silver glow enveloped the Dementor and slowly pushed it backward.

Lupin burst out in joyful laughter, watching as Harry drove the silvery light forward and forced the Dementor back into the trunk. Even though the Boggart-turned-Dementor was a weakened version, managing to defeat it was enough to consider Harry's Patronus spell a success.

"Well done, Harry, well done! I think that's enough for today. Just sit down here. Have some chocolate—it'll help you recover faster. I knew you could do it. Your father would be proud of you."

He handed the chocolate to Harry and sat down beside him, speaking with some emotion.

"I remembered them just now—my father, my mother. I saw their faces. They were speaking to me, encouraging me from the side. I'm not sure if the memories are real, but the feeling was wonderful. It's the best memory I have."

Harry had clearly learned how to balance fear with happiness. Much like learning to drive, mastering the Patronus is a lifelong skill once acquired. Whether one becomes a skilled driver depends on personal talent, and Harry, as a member of the Potter family and a descendant of the youngest of the Three Brothers, was naturally gifted with strong magical talent.

"Iced lemon tea!"

When James Lupin took on this task, Dumbledore had instructed him to report any results immediately.

So, as soon as Harry successfully learned the Patronus Charm, Lupin hurried to the Headmaster's office to deliver the news.

"Ah, James! Come, come—try some of Regulus's treats."

Dumbledore's desk was scattered with sweets. Every time Regulus Black visited, he was asked to make a serving of Flaming Mountain Ice Cream.

"Dumbledore! Don't you think it's a bit much? Every time I come to your office, you treat me like a dessert chef."

Regulus Black wasn't always willing to make Flaming Mountain Ice Cream. Unless he needed something from Dumbledore, there was no chance of him agreeing.

"Oh, don't say that, Regulus! I'm sure James has brought us good news today—surely that deserves a little celebration!"

Dumbledore, looking like he had foreseen it all, wasn't wrong. Regulus had previously promised that if Harry could master the Patronus Charm, he would make the famed dessert.

As for why Dumbledore—a master of spells—couldn't make it himself, it was due to the fundamental truth that wizards can't conjure food from nothing, a limitation that Dumbledore never seemed to overcome.

After watching Regulus make the dessert a few times, Dumbledore had tried it himself. But his attempts always ended in bizarre accidents. Fortunately, no magical beasts had been spawned in the process.

So, the food-loving old man clung to Regulus Black, blaming him for awakening his culinary desires. Every chance he got, he invited him to cook—though not always successfully.

"I'm not sure what you're all talking about, but I did come with some news for the Headmaster… Harry Potter has mastered the Patronus Charm. He successfully forced a Boggart-Dementor back into the trunk."

James Lupin was beaming with pride, and his announcement earned him a round of applause from Dumbledore. As the old man turned toward Regulus expectantly, the latter rolled his eyes and began preparing the dessert.

With a wave of his wand, three glass cups turned into boat-shaped dishes, each a foot long—clearly large servings of ice cream.

Another flick, and fruits, candies, and other ingredients on the table floated into the air. Some mixed, others froze or separated on their own, and then everything settled neatly into the boat dishes.

"Expecto Patronum!"

Regulus cast the spell on the ice cream boats, and the three dishes floated into the air, seemingly drifting along a silver river. After twirling mid-air, they landed gently into the hands of the three men.

Though it was a new design, Dumbledore, having tasted many versions before, began eating without a hint of surprise. James Lupin, on the other hand, stared in awe at the magical food.

"Now I understand why all the girls at Hogwarts like you, Regulus! With a skill like this, who could possibly say no?"

There was more Lupin didn't say aloud—being able to conjure food freely and weave Patronus magic into it wasn't something just any wizard could do.

Yet Regulus Black did it with effortless ease.

The boats of ice cream continued to sparkle with silvery light. From time to time, thin threads of glowing energy stretched outward, making the dishes seem almost alive.

"Don't just stare, James! Eat up! Desserts made by Regulus always taste extraordinary."

Dumbledore had already finished half of his and kept eating as he spoke.

Naturally, James Lupin joined in. Each spoonful tasted different and brought an indescribable delight. The more he ate, the more he wanted—he simply couldn't stop.

Regulus Black was eating too, though his mind was elsewhere.

Now that Harry had learned the Patronus Charm, it was time to "release the hound."

"Regulus, do you have any plans for what's next?"

Dumbledore, having finished, wiped his mouth and beard with a handkerchief.

Regulus placed his half-eaten dessert aside and casually released Trevor—the Black Lotus Holy Fire Golden Toad. With a flick of its tongue, the toad devoured the rest of the dessert in one gulp. The creature's previously intense fiery aura immediately cooled down.

"Of course. First step—lock the doors and release the hound!"

With a motion even more elegant than Dumbledore's, Regulus wiped a spotless corner of his mouth.

"What are you talking about? Lock the doors and release the hound?"

Lupin was happily eating, but now both of them were deep in conversation, and he had to regretfully set his dessert down.

"Professor Lupin, if you're willing to help, we'll be even more confident in succeeding."

Regulus turned to look at James Lupin. After all, he was one of the key players.

"Is there something you need me to do?"

Lupin licked his lips, clearly sensing that Dumbledore and Regulus were planning something—and from Regulus's words, he could tell his involvement would be valuable.

"No rush. Just let me know your location before each full moon."

Regulus had no intention of explaining everything right now. Plans often change, and the world is always uncertain—it's better to adapt as needed.

"Dumbledore, Regulus knows about my… condition?"

James Lupin didn't mind people knowing he was a werewolf, but if the information became public, his job would be at risk.

As he watched Regulus Black's figure disappear from the room, Dumbledore knew he had some closing words to offer.

"I believe Regulus knows many secrets. But trust that he means no harm."

Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon

https://patreon.com/Glimmer09