The Dementors unexpectedly barged into the school, causing Dumbledore to explode with anger. He hadn't imagined that such a thing would happen just because he was away for one day.
Upon receiving the news, Dumbledore immediately put aside his tasks and went to the Ministry of Magic to find Fudge.
No one knew what was said between them in the Minister's office; however, by Monday, most of the Dementors stationed at Hogwarts had been called back, leaving only a dozen at the necessary entrances.
Moreover, there was no report on this matter in the "Daily Prophet," as if nothing had ever happened.
Yet, the students of Hogwarts were oblivious to these developments, and no one noticed that the number of Dementors had significantly decreased.
After the weekend, the castle remained lively and busy—the only change was Harry's broom being broken.
But aside from the Gryffindor students, hardly anyone cared about this.
Then there was Kael... The Dragon Scale Badge became popular again, with the stock sent by Ladon just days ago being completely sold out, and even the more expensive Dragon Tooth Ornaments were largely gone.
But these are minor issues, not worth mentioning.
The first class in the morning was Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Professor Lupin looked rather unwell, his robe hanging loosely and dark circles under his eyes, appearing as if he hadn't slept for several days.
Yet, he still managed a smile when the students came in.
"Today, we're going to learn a very useful little technique, the Search Spell."
Professor Lupin spoke in a rather weak voice: "Using this Charm can easily locate those creatures hiding in the dark, or magical items, leaving them nowhere to hide."
If you were in ancient ruins, or in a treacherous jungle, knowing what's around you in advance is undoubtedly crucial.
It can help you avoid a Hinkypunk lurking in the water, and also alert you to a Fwooper in the treetops.
Now, everyone take out your wands..."
According to the original plan, Professor Lupin had intended to conduct an outdoor class with the fourth-year students; two weeks ago, he'd prepared a large clearing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest for the students to use the Search Spell and find hidden Bowtruckles and Fairies.
But plans can't keep up with changes. He clearly doesn't have the energy to take students outside the castle right now, so he can only practice the Charm and gesture roughshod in the classroom.
"We'll talk about it next lesson." Professor Lupin thought to himself.
However, having become accustomed to Professor Lupin's rich and entertaining class content, simple spell practice seemed somewhat dull.
Moreover, the Search Spell is different from other spells. Without a target, it's hard to see if you're doing it correctly.
About halfway through the class, the students started feeling bored, and the incantations and gestures gradually became perfunctory.
"Professor..."
Suddenly, someone asked, "Do you know about Dementors?"
Everyone immediately became more spirited, looking eagerly at Professor Lupin.
The topic was evidently far more interesting than boring wand waving.
"Of course, I know." Professor Lupin said, "Although I wasn't at the school last Saturday, I heard about what happened from other professors."
Dementors are among the most evil beings in the world. They consume every good emotion, every happy memory...
Being around them, people soon go mad until they become just like them, soulless and full of malevolence.
"Why did the Dementors go to the pitch, then?" someone asked.
"I suppose they were hungry."
Professor Lupin calmly said, "The excitement and exhilaration surrounding the Quidditch Pitch, and the heightened emotions are nothing less than a feast for Dementors."
"Professor, can you teach us how to defend against them?" another student asked, "You know, that Charm that conjures a silver animal, the Patronus Charm."
"That's quite difficult, reserved for your seventh year studies."
Professor Lupin glanced at him and continued, "Moreover, Professor Dumbledore has already resolved this issue. Don't worry, those Dementors will never dare to enter the school again."
"But professor, surely the headmaster can't always be here?" The person said, "Just like last Saturday, if Dementors were to storm the castle when the headmaster isn't around, we should have some means of self-defense."
"Well..." Professor Lupin furrowed his brow, "But that's seventh-year material, it might be too early for you to learn it now."
"It's no problem, Professor." Kai suddenly said, "We can definitely learn this Charm, I promise."
"Yes, yes." Mikel quickly added, "Kai has already learned it, we certainly won't have any problems either."
Professor Lupin opened his mouth, wanting to say Kai was merely an exception and did not represent the whole, but swallowed his words.
"There's not enough time," he said, "To master the Patronus Charm, besides requiring precise control of magical power, it also demands high emotional control; it's not something you can learn in half a class period.
Yet if it takes too long, it could delay your end-of-year exams, or even your fifth-year O.W.Ls. Let's discuss it again when you're in seventh year."
"But, Professor, can you teach us until seventh year?" a weak voice came from the corner.
Professor Lupin awkwardly realized that he probably couldn't, because Dumbledore only offered him a year's contract.
Of course, he wasn't alone in this; all prior Defense Against the Dark Arts professors had been contracted for one year.
According to rumors among the professors, there was allegedly a stack of such contracts in the Headmaster's Office, as many as the new students' acceptance letters, just needing a name to fill in when used.
No one knew if it was true...
As Professor Lupin remained silent, a rush of chatter broke out again.
"Professor, I really want to learn this..."
"We promise to study diligently..."
"Even if it means writing two rolls of parchment for homework we'll... hmm hm..." He didn't finish speaking before the person beside him covered his mouth.
That's really not possible.
"If you're worried about a lack of time..." Kael suggested again, "You could learn from other professors and start your own club."
"A club?" Professor Lupin lowered his head, contemplating the feasibility of this suggestion.
"Certainly." Kael said, "Considering last Saturday's events, students from other years probably also want to learn the Patronus Charm...
"Learning an additional Charm is always a positive thing. As long as it's done in the name of a club, assembling everyone interested in learning the Charm together, you'd only need to spare two hours each week."
Professor Lupin thought for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.
"A club is indeed a good idea and wouldn't disrupt your normal study schedule... but having seven grades participate, wouldn't the number be a bit too large?"
He slightly knitted his brows and said, "And Hogwarts might not have a classroom large enough."
"Certainly there is—the auditorium, right?" Kael smiled, "You probably don't know, do you? Last school year, Professor Lockhart applied to the headmaster to establish a Dueling Club in the auditorium—almost every student participated at that time.
As a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, if he could do it, surely you can too."