"That would be good. The Patronus, not raids."

Small smile. "It's a tough spell, but - you two are very excellent students."

"...Should you- teach other people too?"

She nods. "How much I'll prioritize it in class depends on what happens going forward - Dumbledore's spitting mad at Fudge, and Fudge doesn't have the authority to interfere with Hogwarts' grounds without authorization from the Wizengamot... But politics have been shifting, lately."

"But even if Dumbledore wins this one, I'll offer learning the Patronus and general anti-Dementor defense as an extracurricular on the weekend. If Fudge wins... I'll put it more centrally in the curriculum, though I'll have to do so in a way most of the students each year can actually keep up with. The Patronus is usually a seventh year NEWT spell, though I think most fifth years could learn it. For the lower years, I'd want to prioritize other defenses, and offer advanced and determined students extra training."

Nod.

"I don't like Fudge."

"Me neither."

Fay sighs, nodding. "I never have. Though I didn't used to dislike him this much."

"He's breaking new ground all the time."

Squeeze.

Let's talk about something else. Like whether Gryffindor is going to trial another new Seeker this year.

Anathema has more opinions about that, at least - she heard someone mentioning one of the second years is being eyed for Seeker...

And their captain's graduating too, isn't he? They'll need to replace Keeper as well then...

Yeah. Though that's all gonna be concerns for Ravenclaw, too - Captain Sam Hayes graduated last year, so they're down a Chaser... Captain Roger Davies isn't too bad, and they'll have him for a bit 'cause he's fifth right now, but Felicity and Isaac (their Keeper and Beater) are graduating this year... (Anathema briefly gets distracted wondering if Isaac's finally going to marry his "rival" over in Hufflepuff, or if they'll move to different countries so they can be on different professional Quidditch teams and keep trying to beat each other up.)

Oh, maybe Anathema can replace Isaac as Beater next year - she's gonna be Chaser this year, though she's hoping whoever their new backup is will be willing to let her temp into other positions while they take Chaser if there's a player out sick... She's good at all the positions, but Chaser's kind of her least favorite.

They have seniority now as third years, so they can always just intimidate the reserve into doing what they want.

Giggle. Though 'easily intimidated' might not be the best trait in a player, especially against Slytherin...

True, true.

Still, it shouldn't be too hard to find someone who'll acknowledge their authority.

A fine young broomsperson, of clear sight, fine morals, and skill upon the pitch.

They might have to steal from Hufflepuff for the 'fine morals' part.

Victory, at whatever cost.

She laughs.

Maybe they can find someone smart enough to pretend to have morals, at least when the coach is looking.

That might be easier. And then they would also necessarily be smart enough to follow along with the plays.

They'll have to make sure Roger pays attention to the right traits at try-outs.

They will subtly mold the team into their own image.