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Rossi was one of the better students in the sixth year that Professor Storm had the task of teaching. He'd got through his OWLs the previous year with an outstanding grade. The boy had been hard to keep marking down to exceeds expectations as was the Professor's way of managing student's efforts and their final outcome in the public examinations. Still, most students either accepted or respected the method that he was always going to mark them more critically than the exam board in an effort to get them to try harder. The Professor would remind them that although good grades did not guarantee their safety, it would indicate that they at least had the brains and skills to prolong their lives.

The trouble with the dementors[1] at the end of last month at the school gates had swung parents and students into a worried frenzy. There had been suggestions and strong suggestions from parents and the Ministry both by letter and in the newspaper that Hogwarts should be doing more to prepare their students.

Despite having some of Rossi's classmates out there with the dementors, they'd realised at how even if one could produce a patronus in the classroom, it was another matter before a dementor. Rossi was one of those keen to ensure his patronus work was up to snuff, and Professor Storm had agreed to some time that evening to advise.

"Now, your thoughts, your memories are quite firm, vivid and bright in your mind as you cast, yes?" The Professor asked the Gryffindor, recapping the very basics of the charm. "Did they come to you quickly when we began to practice, or did they take a while to settle on?"

The classroom desks had been pushed aside to make space for casting, and the last of the spring sunshine was filtering through the tall windows, while some of the candles were alight, pooling warm yellow light in preparation for the sunlight to go.

"I see, well, demonstrate your grasp of things so far, and we'll see what can be improved." Gesturing with his left hand, his wand clasped in his right, he stepped back a pace to let Paolo cast into the empty space of the classroom before them.

1.	31st March

"Now, your thoughts, your memories are quite firm, vivid and bright in your mind as you cast, yes?" The Professor asked the Gryffindor, recapping the very basics of the charm. "Did they come to you quickly when we began to practice, or did they take a while to settle on?"


“I settled on the memory I would use fairly quickly Professor.  Initially I opted for the day I received my Hogwarts letter but all I was able to produce with that recollection were brief and sporadic wisps of a patronus, as you know yourself from our class practice.  Over the holidays I practiced quite extensively with a boggart we have holed up in my grandparent’s basement and decided on a new memory.  I have produced a corporeal patronus before but it’s more a problem of consistency, I find it very difficult to cast the spell successfully, successively and when I do produce the patronus I can only hold it for a brief period.”  Rossi explained.

Paolo remained composed as the professor fixed him with a cold, intense stare.  It was not a menacing look but Professor Storm always had a very serious expression carved upon his ageing features.  It was the face of a man who demanded respect, even the youngest of Hogwarts students knew it and those who had to learn did so the hard way.  Whilst many students were intimidated by Professor Storms attitude Paolo found it refreshing in a way.  He liked the no nonsense approach, the straight to business attitude that the man exuded.  Praise was very rare from the Defence professor but that only made Paolo more eager to earn it, in the same way a young child would vie to win his father’s praise or affection.  Of course, such feelings were subconscious, did Paolo view Ignam Storm as the father he never had?  Of course not!  But his subconscious mind did at times become blurred on the issue.

"I see, well, demonstrate your grasp of things so far, and we'll see what can be improved."

“Very well.”  Paolo exclaimed with a nod of his head.  Drawing his wand from the inside of his robes he flexed his wrist momentarily before emitting an audible release of breath.  “Right then.”  Focus, he found himself saying, focus.  It was actually quite distracting but the professor was waiting so Paolo went ahead and tried to cast the charm regardless.  “Expecto Patronum…”  A small stream of light emitted forth from the wand and formed a small circular shield between the caster and his make believe assailant.  Shaking his wand Paolo dispelled the charm with a loud “Tut.  Sorry professor, I can do better, just…..a minute.....”

Of course if this was a real life scenario every second that passed would bring Paolo closer and closer to a horrible fate, a minute was not to be had!  He knew this and if he had not known Professor Storms frown would have reminded him of the fact.

In the zone now, get in the zone.  He was eleven when his mother had given him it, his father’s wand, his wand.  She had explained to him that regardless of whether or not his sister had become a witch before him, this wand was always meant for him, always meant for his father’s first born son.  It had come with a note, a handwritten letter from father to son.  The writing, vivid now in his memory, seemed to burn a fiery orange in his minds eyes and the words emanated clearly around his head.  Bring honour to the family name; always believe in your ability; never falter even when others around you struggle to remain calm.  Receiving such a momentous gift, his families only true treasure had been the proudest, the happiest the young man had ever felt.  “Expecto Patronum” the young man muttered.  There came a bright white flash, a magnificent light that filled the room, bathing every corner in its beauty.  From the wand tip shot forth the corporeal patronus that he knew he was capable of summoning.  It paced the area of the classroom between teacher and student in all its magnificence, a huge grizzly bear, a symbol of the warrior within its caster.  The charm remained for only five seconds or so before it began to fade, five seconds later it had disappeared.

The exertion upon Paolo caused him to lower his wand, leaving it outstretched in a casting position was too difficult.  He had done it but he had failed at the first attempt and he knew that was what would be remembered by Professor Storm that was why they were here.  Paolo was not arrogant but he was well aware that as far as talent went at Hogwarts he was in the upper echelons, Professor Storm knew this too so he would be judged harshly as was his nature.  Paolo decided to speak first, his voice quivered slightly at first before it regained its usual confidence.  “You see the trouble, there is not even a dementor here in this room and yet at the first attempt, despite practicing all of the holidays I can’t produce my patronus at the first instance.  Even then I cannot hold it for long.  The textbook does not prepare you for the physical exertion Professor….”  The young boy ran his left hand through his hair as he awaited the professors reply, clearly anxious as to the response he would receive, clearly desperate not to disappoint.

A tall bear, well, it was always a little enlightening to discover the form of a student's patronus, sometimes it was an indication of how he'd underestimated them. For Rossi it was fitting, and although he had a false start, the Professor restrained his reflex to issue criticism.

"… I can't produce my patronus at the first instance. Even then I cannot hold it for long…" Paolo explained, and referred to the physical effort required to produce the spell too.

"Yes, quite, though you're not conjuring a sparrow in your case." The Professor agreed, eyebrows raised and contemplated the best way to advise Paolo.

"There is no doubt that you can cast successfully, you've just demonstrated. You have a memory that is sufficient to produce it, though perhaps it need reinforcing." He clasped his hands behind his back, wand tightly between his fingers still and shifted his weight evenly between both feet.
"That memory must be quick to flood your mind's eye with at a moment's notice, which is tricky enough in any moment, accepted, but you're up to the challenge, Rossi." The Professor explained and gave a nod.

"What I want you to do is to lower your wand a moment and close your eyes. Take a long steady breath in… and out again." He watched his student with a steady gaze, watching the boy's shoulders, "again, but this time, to the bottom of your lungs without letting your shoulders raise, and just let the tension go."

The Professor very rarely ever touched his students - though they'd occasionally receive a toe of his shoe in the side of their foot to correct their stance, or the tip of his wand in a rib to encourage them to stand tall. Touching was reserved for the occasional correction of wand hold, and arm when demonstration didn't result in self-correction. But at this moment he reached out with one hand to rest his fingertips on the Gryffindor's shoulder, with just enough pressure to convey that it was him and he meant no harm.

"You're anxious about casting the spell," he continued in a steady tone, the tension in the boy's shoulder was clear beneath his grasp - though admittedly the action might have hindered it, "magic comes more easily to you than to many, and the frustration shows. Daresay you're trying too hard perhaps. We'll see. Keep your eyes closed." His hand lifted, and returned behind his back.

"Now, go to that memory, and bring it clear and in focus in your mind's eye. As if you're right there, right now. How warm it is, what are the colours around you. What can you feel, how does the ground feel beneath your feet? Can you smell the place? Don't tell me, unless it helps, but just paint in the detail. Brighten that image in your head, brighter, brighter still!"

He tried not to focus on the face Paolo was making as he concentrated on the memory, but let the young man concentrate and take a moment.
"Good, now raise your arm as if to cast, keep your eyes closed still, and that memory still bright, remember why it makes you happy, smile, Rossi, its a happy memory after all. Good! Now, open your eyes and cast!"

This would take some practice, but getting that memory as strong as a hobnail boot in the wizard's mind would ebb away the anxiety and allow him to return there at a moment's notice. Though perhaps Rossi's stumbling was not on the memory but the tension, or the forcefulness at which he tried to create the result. 

"Yes, quite, though you're not conjuring a sparrow in your case."

Professor Storms accidental piece of humour brought a small smile to the young Paolo Rossi, though he was quick to wipe it from his face, so as to appear as serious and focussed as his mentor.

"There is no doubt that you can cast successfully, you've just demonstrated. You have a memory that is sufficient to produce it, though perhaps it need reinforcing."

So the memory was sufficient, he had known it would be, even before he had decided upon it, now all that was needed was reinforcement.  Rossi followed the professors instructions, closing his eyes and going through a few breathing exercises designed to ease the tension in his diaphragm.  It felt good, he felt like he was getting in the zone, all tension gone and ready to perform.  A light finger on his shoulder however told him otherwise and he felt his shoulders relax even further as if at the command of Professor Storm.  You’re so hasty to cast the spell, too hasty obviously, I have to take my time, find a few seconds to compose myself and organise my thoughts if I don’t I’ll never achieve consistent results.  Stop talking to yourself, your meant to be relaxing.  Paolo’s brow furrowed slightly as he made a conscious attempt to shut up and relax, as per mentors instructions.

"Magic comes more easily to you than to many, and the frustration shows. Daresay you're trying too hard perhaps."

Was he frustrated with himself?  It was probably a fair assumption, Paolo rarely had difficulties in Defence class but when he did encounter obstacles he was always very self-critical of himself, always eager to clear the obstacle hastily before it manifested itself into a brick wall.  Don’t try too hard he heard Professor Storm say.  Right, let the natural talent lead the way.  Casting the spell should be a reflex action, not something that had to be forced over and over it was more a natural reaction to a dangerous situation.  That was the key, now to the memory.

At his mentor’s suggestion the young Gryfindor went back to that day six years ago and attempted to refine the minor details so as to create a crystal clear representation of the event.  Could he smell the place?  Well, not quite but the burning smell of candle wax in the classroom was very pronounced.  His mother had always liked to burn scented candles at home; cinnamon and vanilla were her favourites, an odd combination that produced a strangely sweet yet relaxing smell.  The family home was easy to see, he had spent much of his later childhood in the same flat and it really wasn’t very big. His mother was a huge fan of wooden furniture, dark woods mostly, ebony and the like.  The whole colour scheme was rather dark, blacks and darkest browns with the odd splash of purple or blue here and there.  The wooden floors were not unlike the one beneath his feet right at this moment, at least in terms of how they felt to stand on, all that was missing was the large Egyptian rug that was sprawled out across the middle of the room.  As for how hot it was, well, it would have been evening when he received his wand, a cold winters evening made warmer by the flames dancing in the fireplace.  The last rays of the dying sun outside the windows warmed his face making the recollection an easier one to make.  When Paolo added the other details he had remembered clearly, the letter, the handwriting and the words it felt like he was looking at an old photograph. 

When Storm reminded him to smile it came so naturally, as did the raising of his wand arm.  It almost felt like being under an imperious curse, or at least how Rossi imagined the curse would feel like.  All his troubles and frustrations seemed so far away, replaced instead with a serene calmness.  At Professors Storm’s command he prepared to cast the spell, he could not however open his eyes, too fearful that the picture would slip from his mind his lids remained closed.  He would not, could not, let the image fade, not when it was stronger than it had ever been.  With a swish and a flick of his wand hand he spoke the incantation, clearer this time, with much more confidence “Expecto Patronum.”  Eyes still closed he felt the wand do its work, knew that he had produced the desired effect.  Paolo opened his right eye a fraction to see if the bear had appeared and it had!  Opening both eyes the young Gryfindor allowed a wide smile to spread across his features.  The bear stalked the space between teacher and student for a good thirty seconds this time before it began to fade and even when it had disappeared Paolo found himself considerably more content with the result.  He would try to keep the satisfaction from his voice as he attempted to critique himself though it would be clear to Professor Storm that the young man was exceedingly pleased with himself.

“I’ve been focusing so much on the key components of my memory that I was neglecting the minor details, all the small things that fleshed it out, so foolish of me!  But professor do I have to keep the memory strong and clear in my mind even after I have cast the spell?  How can anyone, when faced with such danger remain composed and relaxed enough to recall a memory so vivid?  When all the happiness and warmness is disappearing from your world how on earth is it possible to reach into your heart and find that special memory?  It seems impossible to me right now, I can’t imagine doing it even half as well as I can when it’s just the two of us.”

Even the incantation was stronger and more assured - confident and easy this time. The bear sprang forth, and the professor raised his eyebrows, display a rare pleased expression across his ageing features which diminished moments later when it was back to business.

Rossi was soon babbling more questions, which the Professor didn't mind as such, more that he preferred the young man to take a few breaths between each one.

"Yes, one has to maintain the happy thought, the joyous feeling while casting to maintain the patronus. Seeing the success of the charm and the way it fights off a dementor is often rather satisfying in itself which raises spirits. By learning to cast and enjoying the feeling in general, it will become automatic, almost like how a smell can induce strong memories quite out of the blue."

The professor took a couple of paces away, and dipped his head a moment in thought of the second question.

"To answer your other question, one has to get there first. Cast quickly and early before the effects of a dementor can take hold. Stay pure of heart and mind and away from the dark arts." It was good to have his patronus back again after some time without being able to conjure one through his use of the dark arts before his teaching days.

"Practice. It is not easy, but it is not impossible. A different type of magic to the everyday. It is possible for me to source a boggart to hope that it might take the form of a dementor, though it may not be your greatest fear. For the moment, Rossi, focus on consistency and endurance. The foundations." He turned back properly and gestured for him to try again.

Rossi acknowledged his professors advice with a nod of his head, taking the advice on board as he did so.  There was so much he did not know, so much that Ignan Storm could teach him if he was willing to listen and put in the effort it took to master the material.  Defence was much more important to Paolo than it was to most students, given his family’s history of combating dark wizards and his own aspirations of following in their footsteps.  At the mention of a boggart the young Gryfindor shook his head calmly before stating “No need professor.”  Flicking a stray strand of hair from his face he elaborated “My grandfather has a boggart in his basement, during the holidays I can practice there, for now I am content to master the technique.  I don’t want my enthusiasm to cause me to rush ahead, if I get into bad habits now they will be more difficult to correct further down the line.  This I understand.”  For one so young he possessed a strong sense of maturity at times, of course he was also prone to teenage frivolities but this evening he seemed in good form.  As Storm gestured for him to continue Rossi felt the grip around his wand tighten as he prepared himself.  Focus on the foundations.  If the foundations are strong you can build great things atop them…..

<Insert "eye of the tiger" training montage>

They trained for what seemed to be hours.  The last rays of that evening’s sunset had long burned out, leaving behind a clear starry night visible to Rossi through the tall windows behind professor Storm.  They had worked hard, both student and teacher and made considerably good progress in Paolo’s estimations.  He had made plenty of mistakes early on and with Storm’s guidance and firm hand he was able to rectify these mistakes so that he performed better with each subsequent casting.  By the time they had stopped to rest Paolo seemed more than able of consistently conjuring his patronus and holding it in place to do whatever deeds he needed doing.  More practice was of course necessary and when he had the opportunity that boggart they had spoken about earlier would definitely come in handy for any subsequent training sessions. 

Sinking into the wooden chair situated in front of Professor Storm’s desk, Rossi began to massage his temple with his left hand.  Progress had been good but the mental exertion had taken its toll on the young wizard and though he was not likely to admit it himself, he had probably reached his training limit for the day.  Loosening his grip on his wand he felt the warm vibrations it was giving off.  It had never worked this hard in some time and Paolo could tell that his was the sort of wand that needed to be constantly challenged with newer and higher level magic.  He could feel it urging him to continue, pushing him to attempt something more complex, something darker perhaps.  Paolo shook his head to clear his mind before placing the wand back into his robes, ignoring its calls and concentrating his focus upon his professor.  There was a brief moment of silence as both men looked upon each other before Rossi spoke “Can I ask you a personal question professor?”  Assuming the answer was yes, Paolo continued “Why did you choose to teach the dark arts?  I don’t mean to demean the teaching profession sir but wouldn’t your talents be of greater use in, say, the auror department?  Your very knowledgeable why did you choose this line of work?”

Rossi made pleasing progress, but was one of those students who were determined to continue until they were ready to drop, which was fine in many circumstances, but when learning could often mean they went past their best and spiralled into frustration.

When the boy began to rub at his head, it was clear it was time to stop, and as he was about to suggest such, Rossi seemed to accept the fact and took a seat and slid his wand away.

"Very good work this evening," the Professor told him quietly, relaxing his own stance now that magic was no longer being flung about the room.

"Can I ask you a personal question professor?" The Gryffindor asked. Professor Storm would reserve the right to answer based on the question when it was posed, so allowed him to continue.

"Why did you choose to teach the dark arts? I don't mean to demean the teaching profession, Sir, but wouldn't your talents be of greater use in, say, the auror department? You're very knowledgeable, why did you choose this line of work?"

The Professor raised both eyebrows and his gaze raised a moment in consideration of the question.
"I've taught students for less than a decade, you know Rossi." 

He summoned a seat to sit opposite the sixth year before his own desk, rather than taking the seat behind his desk.

"My first job was to train as an Auror in the German Ministry, so I have served. But to teach it was more necessity when I returned from travelling, and down to my age. Better to teach a new generation. Though, you're right I did teach the Dark Arts proper at Durmstrang, and defence against it, here at Hogwarts for the last couple of years." He looked to Rossi with curiosity,
"Do you perceive teaching to be less value or respect than an auror in which case?"

Rossi listened eagerly as Professor Storm enlightened him with regards to the latter’s history.  He had not known that Storm trained as an auror, or that he had taught in Durmstrang, though now that it was mentioned Paolo found he was more than willing to believe this was the case.  Ignan Storm was so well versed in the dark arts and defence it seemed foolish that Paolo had never considered him as a Durmstrang alumni before. 

"Do you perceive teaching to be less value or respect than an auror in which case?"

The young Gryfindor began to massage his cleanly shaven chin as Professor Storm quizzed him upon his views of the teaching profession.  Eager to reassert them, Paolo replied “Not at all sir, in fact in a very selfish way I am grateful that you are my teacher, there is much I can learn from you.  Actually I was thinking about my own future and aspirations.  I haven’t really told anyone this” he hesitated “but I harbour ambitions of my own to join the department of law enforcement but not as an auror.  I don’t want to be a glorified police officer; I want to be in amongst the action so I was looking into joining the hit squads, perhaps becoming a hit wizard either this summer or next, depending on my grades and my readiness for such work.  I was just thinking to myself that if you never became an auror what chance did I have.”

Paolo very rarely doubted his own abilities, in fact he was usually annoyingly arrogant with his self-confidence but lately he had gotten to thinking.  A hit wizard was a dangerous profession, one that had taken the life of his own father but still he found himself drawn to it much like a lion to its prey.  Despite his mother’s constant misgivings and attempts to divert his aspirations elsewhere he kept coming back to this idea, it just wouldn’t let him be.  Raising his eyes to meet professor Storms, Paolo continued “What advice would you offer to a potential hit wizard sir?  I understand the dangers involved before you ask and I should state that my mind is practically decided, however I would be a fool not to take this chance to ask your opinions.”

Rossi seemed to be doubting his own abilities, and the Professor's eyebrows lowered in suspicion.

"My advice, Rossi, is to stay at Hogwarts until the end. Although the qualifications for hit wizard are less that of an auror, you'll need options past being a hit wizard. What with a designated bed in St Mungo's, their careers can be cut short."

Straightening a cuff of his shirt, he gave a shrug,
"Of course, I am advising you from the other end of the career, where you'll have the optimism and energy that comes with youth, I am viewing with pessimism and hindsight." He gestured to himself, and his age, somewhat mocking of it all. His auror career was only a part of his time post-Durmstrang.

"I lost good colleagues through horrible means. But, you cannot pass up an opportunity to do what you want, and what you may love. Certainly, you're capable of whatever you put your mind to, so put it towards the career you desire."

He sat back and smirked,
"Did that meet your expectations of 'aspirational advice' Rossi? What made up your mind?"

Edit:

He studied his student with interest. For each time he asked a young person the answers were vastly different, from the very transient - momentary decisions based on recent news or thoughts, and deeper, incredibly well-reasoned too. Sometimes the former could be seen coming, but the latter often took a professor by surprise and delight.


End