“Why would we need this spell, anyway? It’s above N.E.W.T level magic. Dementors were only at Azkaban, and they’re the only thing it’s good against.”

“That is probably why it isn’t required, but it has been known to have an effect on Lethifolds, as well.”

Chanyeol tilts his head curiously and pushes his glasses back up his nose. “Lethifolds…?”

Kyungsoo sighs again. He sighs a lot when with his friends. “Didn’t you pay attention in Magical Creatures class at all?"

"A Lethifold is a nocturnal predator," Jongdae interjects. He drags his sleeve over Kyungsoo's face, dodging the sharp elbow to his gut. "It kills by smothering its victims, because it’s basically a sentient cloak.”

Chanyeol pales and holds his cloak away from himself, poking the pockets for any hidden teeth. “I, uh, must have been gone that day...”

“You’re unlikely to meet one, and even if you did, there’s nothing you can do unless you can produce a Patronus, so,” Jongdae shrugs, and Kyungsoo nods. Perform or die.

“...Thanks.”

They continue their walk in silence, maybe dragging their feet a little more than usual. It's really too nice a day for an exam. Summer has completely claimed the grounds, and there's a breeze rather than wind that keeps the clouds moving at a gentle pace. The warmth even has the giant squid in a good mood; Baekhyun can see some students playing with it as it basks in the shallows of the lake.

Chanyeol frets while messing with his hair, Jongdae tries to hex Chanyeol’s hair pink, Kyungsoo suggests adding a perm to the hex, and Baekhyun chews his fingers absently.

A Patronus Charm… A guardian which generally takes the shape of the animal with whom they share the deepest affinity... Generally, but not necessarily. What could be more of a guardian than a dog? Baekhyun really thinks he’s most like a dog and in the best sense. Dogs are loyal, fun, smart, cute, and great company.

Just like Baekhyun.