After giving it a moment's thought, Lewis nodded in response to the students' request.
He had already taught Defense Against the Dark Arts last semester.
What difference would one or two more lessons make?
More importantly…
Black and the Dementors were the greatest sources of anxiety for Hogwarts students at the moment.
Whoever could help solve that problem would earn an enormous amount of goodwill and gratitude.
A study group established under such circumstances could easily grow into a close-knit organization.
Just like how Voldemort—back when he was still Tom Riddle—had formed his own circle at Hogwarts, which later evolved into the Death Eaters.
Or how Harry would eventually establish Dumbledore's Army, which showed every sign of becoming a junior version of the Order of the Phoenix.
Of course…
Lewis's current circumstances were far better than those of the future Dumbledore's Army.
At the very least, they didn't have to hide in secret or worry about finding a place to practice.
"Since all of you want to learn the Patronus Charm," Lewis said, "I'll ask Professor Flitwick to let us use an empty classroom for practice."
His words immediately triggered thunderous cheers throughout the Ravenclaw common room.
If they were going to do it…
They might as well start immediately.
The very next morning, Lewis went to find Professor Flitwick.
After hearing his proposal, Flitwick naturally supported it wholeheartedly.
As Ravenclaw's Head of House, he was delighted to see his students taking such initiative.
"I'll speak with Professor Dumbledore and formally request approval for your study group."
"In the meantime, the Charms classroom will be open for your use whenever it's free."
While Flitwick wasn't the Headmaster, he certainly had the authority to lend out his own classroom.
"On behalf of everyone, thank you, Professor."
Lewis smiled before adding,
"If you have time, you're welcome to visit our study group and offer guidance."
"Of course! Of course I will!"
Flitwick agreed immediately.
He couldn't have been more pleased with his favorite student.
At lunchtime that same day…
The moment Lewis sat down, he noticed every Ravenclaw around him staring expectantly.
"So?"
Steve asked impatiently.
"What did Professor Flitwick say?"
The entire Ravenclaw table fell silent.
Not just the third-years—
Students from every year were watching him.
Word had already spread that Lewis was organizing a Patronus study group.
Everyone wanted to join.
When Lewis nodded…
The Ravenclaw table erupted into cheers loud enough to shake the Great Hall.
Students from the other three Houses craned their necks to see what had happened.
After lunch…
Lewis found Penelope and Ciri.
As seventh-years, the two were usually together.
"Ciri. Penelope."
"My study group needs your help."
He got straight to the point.
"Of course."
Ciri answered without hesitation.
"Just tell me what you need."
Penelope, however, looked at him with mock displeasure.
"Why do you call me 'Penelope, Senior'?"
"That's far too distant."
"How am I supposed to help you when you're treating me like that?"
Faced with the teasing from his senior…
Lewis could only smile awkwardly.
"All right…"
"Penelope."
"You're the Head Girl. You have plenty of organizational experience."
"I need you to manage the members of the study group."
"It would be my honor."
Penelope smiled.
"Being involved in the hottest Patronus study group at Hogwarts sounds rather exciting."
Lewis then turned toward the female witcher.
"And you, Ciri."
"I'd like you to serve as my teaching assistant during demonstrations."
Ciri nodded.
"I'll do it."
"Excellent."
Lewis clapped his hands happily.
"Then it's time to assign the important jobs."
"At the moment, we're still missing one crucial teaching aid."
"Once everyone has mastered the Patronus Charm, I can personally catch a Dementor for advanced practice."
"But that's for later."
"For beginners…"
"We need a Boggart."
"I remember Professor Lupin's Boggart wasn't destroyed."
"I'll need someone to borrow it from him."
"So…"
"Our first assignment begins immediately."
Penelope stared at him speechlessly.
"So…"
"We've barely accepted the position and you're already assigning work?"
She couldn't help laughing.
"So this was your plan all along?"
Ciri, on the other hand, simply looked at her friend.
"Are you going?"
"Or should I?"
"I'll go."
Penelope sighed helplessly.
"I'm the Head Girl."
"I deal with professors all the time."
"I'll have a much easier time borrowing it."
She suddenly had the distinct feeling that she and Ciri had been completely wrapped around the fingers of this shameless couple.
Lewis was already showing the makings of a true hands-off boss.
That very afternoon…
Penelope went to visit Professor Lupin.
Although she couldn't understand why he looked so weak…
Borrowing the Boggart proved surprisingly easy.
Lupin had always been an exceptionally accommodating professor.
With both the classroom and teaching aid secured…
Lewis announced the first training session before dinner.
At that moment…
Penelope's second role became invaluable.
As Head Girl, she was responsible for supervising students during this period of heightened security.
Conversely…
As long as she remained present, Lewis's study group could continue practicing well into the evening without anyone objecting.
During dinner…
The Ravenclaws excitedly discussed the upcoming training session.
Everyone looked forward to it.
After dinner…
Nearly half of Ravenclaw House gathered inside the Charms classroom.
The room became rather crowded.
Professor Flitwick had already transformed the classroom into a training hall.
At the very back stood an old, weathered wardrobe.
Sharp-eyed students immediately recognized it.
It was the very same wardrobe from the staff room.
Sensing such a large crowd outside…
The Boggart inside grew excited.
The wardrobe rattled violently.
The first person to take the stage wasn't Lewis.
It was Penelope Clearwater.
The Head Girl strode confidently onto the platform.
After casting Sonorus on herself, her voice echoed throughout the room.
"Everyone."
"Please give me your attention."
Her commanding presence immediately silenced the noisy classroom.
Only her voice remained.
"My name is Penelope Clearwater."
"I am your Head Girl."
"I'm delighted to see so many Ravenclaws gathered here tonight."
"First of all…"
"I'd like to explain why this study group exists."
"We all know that because Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, the Ministry stationed Dementors around Hogwarts in the name of protecting us."
She paused before continuing sharply,
"But reality has proven the exact opposite."
"On the very first day of school, several students were injured by Dementors."
"On Halloween Eve, two of our fellow Ravenclaws were attacked."
"It is painfully obvious…"
"The Ministry cannot properly control its so-called protectors."
Standing beside the stage…
Steve and Kevin became the best possible advertisements for the study group.
Everyone empathized with what they had suffered.
"In circumstances like these…"
"None of us can guarantee that the Dementors won't enter the school again."
"So…"
"With Professor Flitwick's approval…"
"We've decided to hold Patronus training every Saturday evening."
Thunderous applause broke out.
Lewis even noticed Luna applauding enthusiastically—
quite remarkable for someone who usually seemed indifferent to everything.
When the applause finally subsided…
Penelope continued.
"Fortunately…"
"Ravenclaw has produced an extraordinary genius."
"Lewis Green."
"Although he's only a third-year…"
"He possesses more practical experience fighting Dark creatures than almost anyone."
"He is the first wizard in history to kill a Chimera and survive."
"Last semester, he and two companions slew the Basilisk."
"During the summer…"
"He even participated in the Ministry's dragon-slaying operation."
"And when it comes to Dementors…"
"His achievements speak for themselves."
"On the Hogwarts Express…"
"He led us in successfully driving back dozens of starving Dementors."
"For all these reasons…"
"We have invited him to become the instructor of this study group."
The applause this time was at least ten times louder than before.
Finally…
She addressed the rules.
"This study group is entirely voluntary."
"Everyone here joined of their own free will."
"In the future, new members may be required to pass an approval process."
"Anyone is free to leave at any time."
"Training may involve certain dangerous situations."
"To ensure effective teaching, assignments, discipline, rewards, and penalties will occasionally be necessary."
"The leader of the study group, Mr. Lewis Green, reserves the right to expel any member who refuses to follow instructions."
"Likewise…"
"Every member retains the freedom to withdraw."
"If you agree to these conditions…"
"Please raise your hand."
"The moment everyone agrees…"
"This study group will officially be established."
The instant she finished speaking…
Hands shot into the air across the classroom.
Not a single student hesitated.
Even the graduating seventh-years raised theirs without the slightest doubt.
Years of accomplishments…
Combined with Lewis's reputation…
Had already earned him the complete trust of Ravenclaw House.
If you want to read 60 chapters ahead of the public release, head over to: Patreon.com/RedString