Uma was surrounded by the group.
Even Sprout, who was typically gentle, emitted a sense of danger.
These professors were all long-established masters in their respective fields.
"Uma... Uma..." the creature murmured softly, shuffling nervously.
Flitwick was the first to speak. "This is quite an unusual magic... the energy is very strange."
"But since it's a curse, perhaps a Patronus Charm might have some effect?"
As the oldest form of white magic, the function of the Patronus Charm extended beyond merely driving off Dementors. Being an artificial species, Dementors were first created in the mid-15th century and only became widely known in the 16th century. Yet the history of the Patronus Charm stretched far beyond those mere three to four hundred years.
From the very inception of magic, white magic and dark magic coexisted.
The simplest, most straightforward desires—to survive, to live better—birthed healing and protective white magic.
But from those same desires came dark magic, too—the need to hurt, to take from others.
There is no easier way to improve one's life than through theft.
And no method more convenient or less taxing than cursing someone to fall ill, suffer disasters, or be attacked by beasts.
Curses...
Born from malice and envy, they were among the oldest and most powerful dark magics.
The Patronus Charm was originally created to counter such things—to ward off curses, identify them, and shield its caster from their effects.
Of course, magic evolved.
As stronger dark magics appeared—like the Killing Curse and the Cruciatus Curse—the original purpose of the Patronus Charm faded from memory.
For many, its original use was forgotten.
Until Azkaban and its dark wizard architect, Ekrizdis, introduced the world to Dementors—monsters immune to all forms of harm. Only then did this ancient spell regain its glory.
As a Charms Master, Flitwick naturally understood the ancient utility of the Patronus Charm.
"A bodiless soul is incredibly fragile," Snape interrupted, shaking his head. "Professor Flitwick, you may not have studied souls, but I assure you—even the slightest disruption can destroy it completely if it's exposed during the curse's hold."
Flitwick blinked, looking up at Snape.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry for not being a dark wizard who plays with souls, his expression seemed to say.
"Using the Soul Extraction Curse to pull the soul out, break the curse on the body, and then put the soul back in," Snape continued, his voice cold and precise.
Dumbledore placed a hand on Snape's shoulder. "Harry thought of the same method."
Snape paused, visibly stunned.
His emotions were complicated—shocked, even. Was he supposed to be disgusted that his thoughts aligned with Potter's? Or... pleased?
Disgust?
Gratification?
These emotions tumbled chaotically in his mind, colliding with one another.
"Of course, that would be the most convenient option," Dumbledore said, continuing his thoughts. "But it is still dark magic. If it's not absolutely necessary..."
Dumbledore didn't finish his sentence.
Was dark magic inherently bad?
In some ways, it was incredibly effective.
More convenient, more direct.
But dark magic, no matter the user or the target, always had consequences.
Dumbledore watched Snape in silence.
The former Potions Master, now the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, still looked worn out. More worn out than a year ago. His frame had withered to mere skin and bone, his eyes dull. His hair was as messy as ever; it used to be greasy, but now it was tangled and dry, like winter grass.
Dumbledore did not know what Snape had been through.
But he recognized the signs.
He had experienced it after Ariana died.
And Snape had gone through it after Lily Evans died.
He had already suffered too much.
Even though dark magic came to Snape as naturally as breathing or brewing potions, Dumbledore still wished that Snape would not bear even the slightest additional burden.
Maybe it was because of shared tragedy.
Dumbledore knew his own suffering was self-inflicted.
But Snape's... Snape's was for love.
Snape said nothing, looking away. He glanced back at Harry—those accursed amber eyes, with that face he hated. Snape sighed deeply, turning his gaze back.
Even he couldn't tell if it was for Lily, or for Harry.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly, her face stern. "I think Filius has a point. If it's you, Albus, perhaps your Patronus could—"
"Even I wouldn't be enough," Dumbledore shook his head. "Souls are incredibly fragile. Exceptionally so."
As one of the only two in the room familiar with dark magic, his and Snape's opinions carried considerable weight.
"But the Patronus Charm is indeed a good starting point," Dumbledore continued. "We could weaken the curse first, bringing it to a state where a Patronus could protect it. After that, we could try to dispel the remainder of the curse."
"Cursing a curse?" Snape raised an eyebrow, understanding Dumbledore's plan.
Yennefer put down her book and finally looked up at them.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes."
"Though it is magic, it is not our magic," Dumbledore mused aloud. "Yennefer mentioned before that their magic is an elemental force, right?"
"Then, from our perspective, could we not treat it like an enchanted object? Much like Muggle technology—it's just another manipulation of the world's elements."
"And our magic can still influence it," he concluded.
The other professors seemed deep in thought.
Yennefer furrowed her brow.
It was a new, peculiar perspective.
"Then you should call Weasley, or that Black fellow," Snape sneered. "They're surprisingly adept with Muggle devices."
Sprout pulled out her wand. "Shall I give it a try?"
Dumbledore nodded.
Sprout waved her wand and incanted, "Stasis Growth!"
A gentle, golden light flowed from her wand, wrapping around Uma.
Uma seemed to freeze in place, his eyelids drooping, his body slowing as if slipping into a slumber.
"It's working," Sprout whispered, her voice filled with excitement.
They could all feel the curse's effects slowing, like it was trapped in amber.
Yennefer stood up, walking over, visibly surprised.
Magic... could be influenced by magic. And in this way?
"Tendon Relaxer!"
Snape swung his wand.
Uma collapsed onto the floor, the cursed energy around him visibly softening and weakening.
"This is quite the method," Dumbledore pushed his glasses up, his voice brimming with satisfaction.
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Powerstones?
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