Why not draw the bones first?
Zhang Xiao recalled the lady with the gloves' notes:
I used beauty as the framework, hope as the flesh and blood, and poured happiness into it, adding color to create a painting.
He had considered many possibilities and believed that beauty, hope, and happiness were the essential ingredients of a corporeal Patronus.
But he had never considered that the lady with the gloves might actually have been describing painting.
"Zhang, what's wrong?" Malfoy stared at the distracted Zhang Xiao in surprise and asked curiously.
Zhang Xiao came back to himself. "Nothing. Keep going, Draco. What else?"
"Oh, my tutor also mentioned a very unusual painting technique. You paint the bones in white first, then use other colors for the flesh and blood, and finally paint on the skin..."
Harry leaned over to listen too. He had to admit that Draco Malfoy really had received an excellent education, unlike him.
Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon would never have spent a penny on letting him develop any hobbies...
Zhang Xiao noted down what Malfoy said, a light seeming to shine in his eyes. He did not need to master this painting technique. He only needed to understand it to some degree.
Once Malfoy finished, he closed his eyes and let out a long breath.
"I think I know what to try now... Thank you, Draco."
The young witches and wizards seemed to see Zhang everywhere. Outside of lessons, he was always quietly painting at his easel.
By the lake, in towers, along corridors, on the lawn, in the gardens.
Sometimes he painted people, sometimes animals.
Only a few members of the Duelling Club knew what Zhang was doing. They were all eagerly waiting. Once Zhang mastered the Patronus Charm, given his usual approach...
The rest