Lupin snapped awake as the carriage temperature plummeted, his instincts kicking in. Glancing out the window, he spotted the hovering Dementors and knew trouble had arrived. He seized his wand and bolted from the compartment.
Before the creatures could close in, a brilliant silver light erupted in the distance. Argus's voice boomed across the train.
"Expecto Patronum!"
The Patronus's glow pierced the gloom, scattering the Dementors like shadows before dawn. Though silent, their terror was palpable to Lupin.
"I underestimated that Slytherin prefect," he muttered. "Not even in third year, and he's already conjuring a full corporeal Patronus. James and Sirius didn't manage that until sixth or seventh!"
As Lupin marveled, Argus's command echoed through the cars once more: "All senior Slytherins, cast Patronus Charms with everything you've got! Drive these Dementors off the train!"
"The prefect's voice!" a Slytherin cried, fear turning to resolve. Those trembling moments ago suddenly found their nerve. "He's out there alone—we can't leave him to fight solo!"
"Right, let's back him up!"
Slytherins poured from their compartments, wands raised high. Those without the Patronus Charm improvised—Expelliarmus to disarm, Tarantallegra to make the foul things dance. They formed a united front, spells crackling against the encroaching horde.
The other houses caught the fire. Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs followed suit, stepping into the fray with wands at the ready. Multicolored beams lit the corridors, silver wisps weaving through like hopeful threads.
From Argus's wand sprang a majestic Qilin of mist, galloping through the air. It grew swiftly, soon rivaling a full-grown wizard in size, barreling down the length of the train. Dementors recoiled in frenzy, their advance crumbling.
"That's the prefect's Patronus!" a student shouted. "He's here!"
The sight ignited Slytherin pride anew. Older students shielded the young ones, prefects organizing charges behind the Qilin's lead. Lupin, summoning his own wolf-shaped Patronus, joined the push. Together, they cleared the car in minutes.
Yet the Dementors lingered outside, drawn by the familiar scents of Lupin and Harry within. Argus whirled his wand, sending his Qilin smashing skyward into the swarm.
"Get out—now!" he roared. "The one you want isn't here!"
Slytherins lined the windows, wands trained on the retreating shadows. Their eyes burned with unyielding defiance, even through the glass. Slowly, the Dementors withdrew, vanishing into the night with a final, ragged hiss.
The train's lights flickered back to life amid thunderous cheers. Students from every house and year high-fived, bonded in their shared stand against the darkness.
"Prefects," Argus announced calmly, his voice carrying once more, "collect the chocolates from your students. They'll counter the Dementors' chill and dread. Distribute them evenly—ensure no one goes without. If you run short, Slytherin has plenty to share."
The cars buzzed with activity. Draco, flanked by Goyle and Crabbe, dumped a towering stack of sweets at Argus's feet. "All set for you, Argus!"
"We've got the chief to thank," Draco added with a grin, clapping his burly friends on the back. "Who knew their bottomless stomachs would save the day?"
Argus blinked at the chocolate mountain. "How'd you manage this much?"
Draco smirked. "Ran into the trolley witch—bought her out."
Argus chuckled dryly. "Good work. Now check the other houses for shortages, then head to the locomotive. Ask the driver when we're moving."
Draco nodded, and the trio lumbered off, handing out bars like conquering heroes. They pressed one into every hand they passed. Slytherins, no strangers to plenty, shared their extras freely, earning nods and thanks from all corners.
Gratitude toward Argus ran deep. Little witches stole glances his way, starry-eyed. First-years gazed in open awe at the poised upperclassman. Nearby, Ginny nearly fumbled her stack while aiding Percy, her face lighting up at the sight of him. Percy just sighed.
…
"Harry! Harry, wake up!"
Ron's frantic call cut through the subdued chatter as students queued for chocolate. Lupin hurried over, easing Ron aside to check on the limp boy.
"He'll be fine," Lupin assured after a quick scan. "Just fainted—nothing serious. Some chocolate, and he'll bounce back."
Ron shifted awkwardly. "Er... thanks, Professor. Is he really okay?"
Lupin glanced at Harry, then across the car to Argus, efficiently directing the lines. A pang twisted in his chest. Both on the cusp of third year, yet worlds apart. Argus had banished a horde of Dementors single-handedly, rallying the whole train. Harry?
Fainted at the first whisper of their presence.
He stifled a sigh. What could he expect? Harry was James and Lily's son—brilliant potential, but scarred by loss. Lupin would just have to guide him harder, bridge that gap somehow.
As the train lurched forward at last, the night felt a little less oppressive. But in the quiet aftermath, doubts lingered like fading mist.
---
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