"Hello again Eighth Years!" Professor Dwadle exclaimed. She was the zany new Defense teacher, and after being at school with her for a few weeks, I appreciated her enthusiasm. Most of the Eighth Years were very disengaged in class, but Dwadle's bubbly personality certainly helped draw their attention.

"Today, we are learning to cast the Patronus Charm. Does anyone know what the Patronus Charm does? Yes, Ms. Granger?"

"The Patronus Charm summons a guardian animal upon speaking the spell while focusing on a happy memory." She said promptly, not even batting an eyelash.

"Thank you, Ms. Granger. Now, Mr. Potter," I startled as she said my name, and nodded quickly. "I do believe you can cast a Patronus Charm, correct?"

I nodded. "You are correct, Professor."

"Excellent! Would you mind showing the class?"

"Not at all," I said cheerfully. In all honesty, I wasn't entirely sure I could still cast a Patronus. The last time I had was before the war, and I hadn't tried since.

I stepped up to the front and stood next to the Professor, silently thanking whoever organized the schedule for not putting Slytherins in this class. I would be teased to no end if I failed.

Gripping my wand, I focused on the memory of celebrating with my friends after defeating Voldemort, which I now considered my happiest memory. With a deep breath, I spoke the words of truth.

"Expecto Patronum."

A peacock erupted from my wand, misty at first but then forming a solid animal. I dropped my wand in shock, which caused it to fade away. I glanced to the back of the classroom where Ron and Hermione were sitting, and they looked equally as shocked. However, Professor Dwadle didn't seem to notice anything wrong.

"Thank you for the demonstration, Mr. Potter. Please return to your seat."

"What was that?" Ron whisper-shouted as I retook my seat next to him. "I thought your Patronus was a stag, is it not?"

"It is, Ron! I don't know what that was either!"

"Quiet, both of you!" Hermione exclaimed angrily. "We'll discuss this when class is over."

I nodded, and attempted to pay attention to class once more. Of course, you won't be surprised when I tell you my mind kept wandering.

Why had my Patronus changed? And to a peacock of all animals? I sighed. I couldn't wait for the end of class so Hermione could tell me what was going on.

When the bell rang, the three of us walked towards the library, and then towards the table in the corner where we usually spent our free periods.

We sat down, and after we all adjusted, the conversation we'd been waiting for started. "So, Hermione? You said we'd discuss this after class, so I'd like to know, why did my Patronus change?"

Hermione sighed. "You're in love, Harry."

"Harry? In love? With who? And so soon after Ginny?" Ron started his usual firing of questions.

"For once, I disagree with you, Hermione. I'm not in love with anyone." I said confusedly. Ginny and I had broken up recently, and I was still trying to get over my feelings for her, so I couldn't see how I'd fall in love.

"Harry, that's the only explanation. People's Patronus change to represent who or what they love the most, so it's likely that the peacock is a representation, if not the literal Patronus of who you're in love with." Hermione explained.

"But how can I be in love and not even know it myself?" I asked. I honestly don't like how vulnerable this makes me feel, not knowing things about myself.

"I don't know Harry, that's not my issue to deal with." Hermione shook her head. "But you should try and find out who your Patronus represents. Or, who has the same Patronus as you, or your old Patronus."

I exhaled slowly and buried my head in my hands. "This is so bloody stupid." I muttered.

"Well mate, how d'you expect to find your crush?" Ron asked.

"Beats me. Only thing I can think of is having everyone in this bloody school cast their fucking Patronus, but then it could cause a whole debacle, and I don't want the Daily Prophet to get a big head again."

"Well, if it helps at all Harry, I'll get to you if I have an idea." Hermione said with a small smile. "Now, the fifteen minute break in between periods is almost over, so I should be off to Ancient Runes. So you guys at dinner, yeah?"

"Alright, bye 'Mione." Ron said, kissing her cheek.

"See ya," I called after her.

"Well Harry, I'm going to go to Charms. Good luck in Transfiguration." And with that, Ron had also left. I stood up with a sigh and gathered my things. As I made my way to Transfiguration, there was one question that plagued my mind. Who could I possibly be in love with?

Hey guys! This is the first story I've ever written in first person, so if it's bad, I apologize. Send feedback in the comments!