The Dementor stepped from the box and started to sweep silently toward Harry, drawing a deep, rattling breath. A wave of piercing cold broke over him --

"Expecto patronum!" Harry yelled. "Expecto patronum! Expecto --"

But the classroom and the Dementor were dissolving. . . Harry was falling again through thick white fog, and his mother's voice was louder than ever, echoing inside his head -- "Not Harry! Not Harry! Please -- I'll do anything --"

"Stand aside -- stand aside, girl --"

"Harry!"

Harry jerked back to life. He was lying flat on his back on the floor. The classroom lamps were alight again. He didn't have to ask what had happened.

Chapter 12