Chapter 386: Mist Nereid
Chapter 386: Mist Nereid
The four Patronuses' radiant glow completely enveloped the Quidditch pitch, effectively blocking the Dementors twenty feet above the stands.
Soon, the professors in the castle received the news and rushed over.
More and more Patronuses flew in from different directions, their silver brilliance piercing through the rain, like the sun, illuminating the entire pitch and dispelling the bone-chilling cold, making everyone feel incredibly reassured.
Even some of the upper-year students' Patronus Charms began to soar, and they naturally conjured their own Patronuses.
At the same time, new Patronuses also joined the battle.
Hogwarts' counterattack had begun.
As various Patronuses rushed into the sky, the Dementors retreated, scattered, and fled frantically towards the outskirts of the pitch.
Hagrid went even further, calling two unicorns from the Forbidden Forest to help... although this didn't prove to be of much use.
Unicorns were indeed the greatest nemesis of Dementors, but Dementors could fly, and no matter how low their intelligence, they wouldn't willingly float down to the ground to face the unicorns directly.
Moreover, Hagrid wasted quite some time in the Forbidden Forest, and by the time he arrived, the battle was almost over.
Watching the last few Dementors disappear from sight, Professor McGonagall anxiously tapped her feet on the seat.
She really wanted to join the fight, but she had to maintain the original light screen to ensure the students' safety. In the end, she could only watch helplessly as the Dementors fled without a trace.
"What a great opportunity to deal with the Dementors openly, and it's gone..."
Professor McGonagall's heart ached; it felt like losing a thousand Galleons... no, it was even worse than losing Galleons.
Losing Galleons could be earned back, but the chance to deal with Dementors might only come once... especially after Professor Dumbledore returns, there might not be another opportunity.
Thinking of this, Professor McGonagall subconsciously glanced to the side again.
If Snape had been able to join earlier, perhaps she could have freed her hands to give the Dementors a good beating.
A professor letting students take on their responsibilities... tsk!
Facing Professor McGonagall's gaze, Snape turned his head away, pretending not to see.
No one's Patronus was important; what mattered was that the issue was resolved.
However, Professor McGonagall didn't waste much time on this matter and quickly withdrew her gaze... she had more important things to do.
Dementors entering the school was absolutely unacceptable, and the Ministry of Magic must provide an explanation...
She held her wand to her throat and shouted, "Everyone, quiet!"
For a moment, her voice echoed throughout the pitch.
"The match is suspended, Prefects immediately lead the students of each house back to the castle..."
"The Student Council President is responsible for vigilance. Once Dementors are spotted again, immediately launch a red explosive signal into the sky..."
"No one is allowed to stay outside on any pretext!"
In the vast stands, no complaints were heard, and even the players from both teams did not oppose the decision to suspend the match.
Under Professor McGonagall's arrangement, the students quickly left the pitch and headed towards the castle.
Naturally, Malfoy couldn't take Harry away, so Kyle transfigured a stretcher, placed Harry on it, and a few Hufflepuffs who volunteered carried him into the castle.
As they reached the entrance hall, the Gryffindor team members rushed over, including Ron and Hermione, both drenched as if they had just climbed out of a swimming pool.
"Oh, Harry, thank goodness..."
Ron exclaimed excitedly, "We saw him fall into the stands with Malfoy, but there were too many people around, and we couldn't get through."
"Don't worry, he's fine.
"Kyle, it's probably similar to what happened on the train," said Kyle. "Just find a classroom with a window, stick Harry's head out, and he'll likely wake up soon."
"Umm, let's skip that," Ron said with a forced laugh. "I think Madam Pomfrey can also help him wake up."
On the train, they had no choice but to splash water on Harry to wake him up, but it would be better to take him to the hospital wing at school.
"It's up to you," Kyle said. "Remember to prepare some chocolate for him to eat when he wakes up; it'll be good for him."
Hermione and Ron nodded and took Harry to the hospital wing, accompanied by Wood and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, except for Fred and George.
They approached Kyle, and the mud-covered face beneath them looked especially pale.
"It's terrifying..." Fred shuddered, still feeling the chill, "I felt a sudden cold and turned around to see a Dementor less than five feet away from me."
"It's as if all the happiness has been sucked away."
George took a few deep breaths, "That's how it feels when you don't have a Patronus Charm against Dementors... I have to say, that's terrible."
"But speaking of that," Fred suddenly asked, "Kyle, which one was your Patronus just now?"
"Why are you asking?" Kyle replied with an unchanged expression, "Maybe I can't summon a Patronus."
"That's a good joke," Fred said with a laugh.
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"If it was ten minutes ago, we might have believed it."
George patted Kyle's shoulder and said, "Don't forget that there are others on the Quidditch pitch besides us. Many people saw you summon your Patronus. On the way back, we heard at least two groups discussing it."
"Since you already know, why ask me?" Kyle said.
"Because every time we hear a different version," Fred said with an expression, "There's all sorts of talk, as if all those Patronuses were summoned by you."
"Luna said your Patronus was a Mist Nereid."
"So, what is a Mist Nereid..." Kyle asked in confusion.
"According to Luna, it's a magical creature that lives in the North Sea," George thought for a moment, "It doesn't have a fixed form, and everyone sees a different version. It sounds a bit like a Bogeyman."
"Do you believe it?" Kyle looked at them.
"Hmm..." Fred stroked his chin and muttered thoughtfully, "It's not impossible."
Kyle wanted to say something more, but the crowd around them suddenly stirred.
Professor McGonagall arrived, accompanied by several older students who seemed to be the Prefects from different houses.
"Professor McGonagall!" Fred asked hurriedly, "Have the Dementors been driven away? When can we continue the Quidditch match?"
"We're leading Slytherin by thirty points!" George added.
"I'm afraid not today," Professor McGonagall said with a hint of regret. She didn't explain further but urged them to return to the Common Room for a cup of hot chocolate.
Afterward, Professor McGonagall stopped Kyle, who was about to leave.
"Come with me for a moment."
Although Kyle didn't know what was happening, he nodded and followed.
On the way, Professor McGonagall asked, "I heard from Digory that you summoned the Jellyfish Patronus?"
"Yes," Kyle replied, "Has something else happened?"
"No," Professor McGonagall said, "But the Patronus Charm is a very advanced spell that takes a significant toll on one's mental energy. After facing so many Dementors, I think it's best for Madam Pomfrey to check on you."
...
(End of Chapter)
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