Whispers in the Shadows

The Great Hall was lively as students settled in for breakfast. Outside, a cold autumn wind howled against the castle walls, but inside, the warm glow of floating candles and chatter of students created a comforting atmosphere.

At the Ravenclaw table, Ezekiel Cassian Malverne sat with his best friend, Adrian Selwyn, reading the Daily Prophet. His silver-blue eyes scanned the front page with a frown.

"More Dementors arrived last night," Adrian muttered, sipping his tea. "My father says the Ministry wants them stationed here for the entire year."

Ezekiel exhaled sharply. "Hogwarts isn't Azkaban. Those creatures don't belong here."

Across the hall, at the Slytherin table, Daphne Greengrass sat beside Alys Malverne, Ezekiel's younger sister. Alys caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow before sighing dramatically.

"The first years are already terrified," Daphne murmured, her voice carrying just enough for Ezekiel to hear. "They refuse to leave their dorms alone."

Alys smirked. "Idiots."

Before Ezekiel could respond, the doors to the Great Hall slammed open. Professor McGonagall strode in, her sharp gaze scanning the students.

"All fifth-years," she announced. "Report to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom immediately. Professor Lupin has an important lesson planned."

A hush fell over the hall before students started moving. Ezekiel exchanged a glance with Adrian before rising to his feet.

---

The fifth-years gathered in Professor Lupin's dimly lit classroom. At the front, a large, rattling wardrobe shook violently, as if something inside was struggling to break free.

Lupin leaned against his desk, calm yet watchful.

"Today, we will be working with a Boggart," he explained. "But more importantly, we'll be discussing the Patronus Charm—one of the few known defenses against Dementors."

Murmurs spread through the room. The Patronus Charm? That was advanced magic, far beyond the usual curriculum.

"Professor," Ezekiel spoke, crossing his arms. "The Ministry regulates Dementors as 'controlled magical beings.' What happens if students are forced to defend themselves?"

Lupin's lips curled slightly. "An excellent question, Lord Malverne. And that is precisely why you should learn it."

The wardrobe shook violently. Lupin gestured for the first student to step forward. One by one, students faced their fears—Ron Weasley's Boggart became a giant spider, Parvati Patil's transformed into a hissing snake.

Then it was Ezekiel's turn.

The Boggart shifted. The air in the room grew cold—colder than the natural chill of autumn. When the transformation settled, Ezekiel stared at himself—but it wasn't truly him.

His own body, frozen solid.

Lips blue.

Eyes lifeless.

A vision of death by his own magic.

For the first time in years, he hesitated.

From the side, a soft voice cut through the silence.

"Ez."

Ezekiel inhaled sharply. Daphne's gaze was steady, unwavering.

He clenched his wand. "Riddikulus."

A sharp crack echoed as his frozen form shattered into shards of ice, melting into mist.

Lupin's eyes gleamed with something unreadable as Ezekiel stepped back.

"Excellent control," the professor murmured. "But the real test will be the Dementors. Stay after class—we'll discuss your Patronus training separately."

Ezekiel gave a curt nod. As he returned to his seat, he felt Daphne's fingertips brush against his wrist, a silent gesture of support.

---

Later that evening, Ezekiel walked out of the library, thoughts still on Lupin's lesson. He was so focused that he almost didn't notice the presence waiting for him outside the doors.

Draco Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

"Well, if it isn't Hogwarts' golden boy," Draco sneered. "Tell me, Malverne, how does it feel knowing Dementors are swarming the school? Maybe they'll find a little ice prince like you an interesting meal."

Ezekiel exhaled slowly.

"I'm surprised you're not on your knees thanking your father for getting them here," he said smoothly. "But then again, Lucius has never been known for his wisdom."

Draco's smirk faltered.

He sneered, stepping forward. "Watch yourself, Malverne."

Ezekiel didn't dignify him with a response. As he walked away, his mind was already elsewhere.

The Dementors were a problem.

The Patronus Charm was the solution.

And if the Ministry refused to remove them—

Then he would make them.

---