Dumbledore rose from the professors' stand, gliding smoothly to the center of the Quidditch pitch. "Students, stay calm—don't panic," he announced, his voice carrying clearly. "The Dementors have been driven back. Anyone affected should head to the infirmary immediately. If you have chocolate, eat a piece to steady your nerves."
With Dumbledore on the scene, the chaos began to ebb. Even amid his tarnished reputation, no one doubted his power. If he couldn't handle this, who could? Under his direction and Professor McGonagall's sharp commands, the pitch cleared swiftly.
Spotting Argus at the rear, organizing the Slytherin students, Dumbledore and McGonagall approached. Today's events had softened the headmaster's wariness toward him. He'd long suspected Argus might veer toward the Dark Arts, much like Voldemort. Rumors of his Patronus Charm in the Hogwarts Express had intrigued him, but seeing it firsthand—and that silvery unicorn bursting forth—changed everything.
Mastering the Patronus Charm to summon a full corporeal guardian at such a young age? That was no mark of a dark wizard. Dumbledore felt a quiet satisfaction, his suspicions easing like a weight lifted.
"Mr. Grindelwald, an impressive Patronus Charm," he said warmly. "You haven't let me down."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Argus replied evenly, his manners polished as ever.
Dumbledore nodded, unbothered by the lack of enthusiasm. As long as Argus steered clear of Voldemort's path, he'd give the boy leeway—especially with Harry's growth hanging in the balance. "For your skill and saving a housemate, Slytherin earns twenty points!"
A few lingering Slytherins cheered at the announcement. Argus merely inclined his head. "Just doing my duty, sir."
Escorted by McGonagall, the students filed off the pitch. A shadow detached behind Dumbledore—Snape
"How's Harry, Severus?"
"Fine, mostly. The fall and Dementor exposure knocked him out cold. Rest will sort him."
Snape glanced skyward, his tone laced with suspicion. "But why the sudden attack? They were supposed to stay clear of students."
Dumbledore's expression remained serene. "The match's excitement must have drawn them. I understand your concern, Severus. But without proof, he's still a Hogwarts professor—like you."
...
Argus stuck close to McGonagall, helping herd the students back to the castle. There, she tasked him with escorting the Dementor victims to the infirmary for checks.
The ward was already bustling when he arrived. Madam Pomfrey bustled over with a stack of potions. "Heard about the pitch from the others. Well done on that Patronus. And thank you for bringing them."
She pressed a vial into his hand. "Drink up—it'll recharge your magic fast. You're too young to burn out."
Argus downed it without protest, grimacing at the bitterness. Pomfrey chuckled. "Tastes foul, eh? Snape's special blend—a reminder for you lot not to push too hard."
She waved him off. "Go chat with your housemates, but keep it quiet—no disturbing their recovery."
"Yes, Madam."
After settling the patients and offering brief reassurances to the Slytherins, Argus headed to the common room. He expected them tucked away in dorms, but the door swung open to a room full of expectant faces—seniors and first-years alike, eyes locked on him.
"Argus—no, Chief!" Draco pushed forward, deadly serious. "Teach us the Patronus Charm."
Argus scanned the group; no one shrank back. "The Patronus Charm?" he echoed. They nodded firmly.
It wasn't a whim. The spell could shield them from Dementors this year and steel their minds against darker influences later. "It's tough," he warned. "Takes real effort and time. You—"
"We're not scared!" Draco cut in. Echoes rose: "Right!" "We won't let you fight alone forever!" "We'll stand with you!"
The room erupted like a stirred hornet's nest, voices spilling into the hall.
"Quiet down!" Daphne Greengrass, the Slytherin prefect, stepped in, restoring order.
The din faded. "Daphne," Argus said, "have the prefects tally who wants lessons by year. I'll clear the schedule and venue with the Head of House."
"Yes, Chief!" Joy rippled through the group—even Daphne's composed features cracked into a smile. She could muster only mist with the charm, nothing like Argus's unicorn. Guidance from him was a rare gift.
...
That evening, Argus knocked on Snape's office door.
---
Enjoying the story? You can read 3-5 chapters ahead right now on Patreon!
New chapters drop there much earlier than Web Novel.
Join P@treon & Read Ahead → https://[email protected]/c/Ren_Saga
Thank you for your support! ❤️