Chapter 388: Starting a Club
The Dementors had entered the school without warning, sending Dumbledore into a fury. He couldn't believe this had happened merely because he'd been away for a day. Upon hearing the news, he dropped everything and went straight to the Ministry of Magic to confront Fudge. No one knew what was said between them in the minister's office, but by Monday, most of the Dementors stationed around Hogwarts had been withdrawn, leaving only a dozen or so at critical entry points. Curiously, The Daily Prophet made no mention of the incident, as if it had never occurred.
However, the students of Hogwarts remained oblivious to these changes, and few noticed the decreased number of Dementors. After the weekend, the castle buzzed with its usual energy, the only real change being that Harry's broom was now broken—a misfortune that only concerned the Gryffindors. Meanwhile, Kyle's dragon scale badges were back in demand; Ratton's latest stock had sold out within days, along with most of the pricier dragon tooth jewelry. But these were minor matters, easily overlooked in the larger scheme of things.
That Monday morning, the fourth years had Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin looked unwell, his robe hanging loosely and dark circles prominent beneath his eyes, as though he hadn't slept in days. Nevertheless, he greeted them with a smile.
"Today, we're going to learn a very handy little trick: the Tracking Charm," he said in a faint voice. "This charm can easily detect creatures lurking in shadows or magical objects that are hidden or invisible. If you ever find yourself in ancient ruins or a dangerous jungle... knowing what's around you beforehand is invaluable. It can help you avoid Hinkypunks hiding in pools or spot Fwoopers perched in treetops."
He paused, gesturing to them. "Now, everyone take out your wands..."
Originally, Professor Lupin had planned an outdoor lesson for the fourth years. Two weeks earlier, he had prepared a clearing near the Forbidden Forest where students could use the Tracking Charm to find Bowtruckles and Fairies hidden among the trees.
But plans had changed, and he simply didn't have the energy to take the students outside the castle today. The lesson would have to be limited to practicing the Charm and the hand movements in the classroom.
We'll go outside next time, Professor Lupin thought to himself.
After becoming accustomed to Professor Lupin's typically lively lessons, however, the students found simply practicing the spell rather dull. The Tracking Charm, unlike other spells, was tricky to gauge without an actual target, making it hard for them to know if they were casting it correctly. After about half the class, students began to lose interest, their chanting of incantations and hand gestures growing increasingly unenthusiastic.