Professor Flitwick motioned for Zhang Xiao to follow him, and the two headed toward his office.
"Zhang, do you know the history of the Patronus Charm?"
Sitting on the Auspicious Cloud, Flitwick suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question.
"History?" Zhang Xiao thought for a moment. He really did not know much about the Patronus Charm, only that it was especially effective against Dementors.
"People were already using the Patronus Charm a very, very long time ago?"
Flitwick nodded. "From ancient woodcuts and scrolls, we know that.
The Patronus Charm was already in use in ancient times.
We don't know who invented it, or exactly when it first appeared.
But this charm holds a special place-it has long been associated with wizards who fought for noble causes."
Zhang Xiao listened quietly. Professor Flitwick would not bring up anything irrelevant. Perhaps the secret of the Patronus Charm lay somewhere in his words.
"That view is actually rather biased. I know at least one fellow who's an absolute scoundrel, yet he can also use the Patronus Charm."
The silver Patronus flew above Flitwick's head like a loyal bodyguard.
"Why do people believe that only the noble can cast a Patronus?" Flitwick asked again.
Zhang Xiao fell silent for a moment, then answered uncertainly:
"Because casting a Patronus requires intensely happy memories and a very positive state of mind?"
"Hahaha!" Flitwick laughed heartily. "A very precise summary, Zhang."
The office door opened on its own. Flitwick summoned chairs and a small tea table with his wand, then invited Zhang Xiao to sit.
"Zhang, I've explored the origins of the Patronus, and I've also taken a great interest in its distinctive forms.
Why do most Patronuses appear as animals? Why can they take on those marvelous corporeal forms?"
Holding a tiny teacup, Flitwick gazed up