"The determination to protect someone, or something?"
Harry's explanation left most of the young wizards rather puzzled. At their age, most had yet to feel any pressing need to protect anything.
Neville, however, who had barely said a word all this time, frowned slightly. He put a little distance between himself and the other young wizards, then raised his wand and gently waved it to one side, reciting the incantation, "Expecto Patronum."
Dazzling silver light poured from the tip of his wand, forming a Shield Charm in front of him.
This immediately drew the attention of every young wizard present.
"Brilliant, Neville!" Ron exclaimed. He had practiced the Patronus Charm too, but even his luminous mist had been faint and indistinct. Well, clearly, our Young Mr. Weasley had no thoughts of protecting anything at all.
Still, Ron had managed to summon a Patronus without much trouble.
Harry had once asked him out of curiosity what memory he had used. Ron said it was when, after the twins had improved the family's circumstances, Mrs. Weasley told him he would never have to wear secondhand clothes again.
Well, Harry felt that Ron could surely find a better memory if he thought carefully. But that particular memory had left quite an impression on him...
But Neville had actually managed to bring his Patronus up to the level of a shield in one go? That really was a little beyond Harry's expectations. Glancing around and seeing only students nearby, Harry hesitated, then activated Magic Perception once again.
He had not used this special magic in a very long time.
The magic and soul projections of the students around him appeared before Harry's eyes.
First was Neville, whom he was looking at.
Harry froze for a moment, because the magic layer around Neville had now