"Be ready." A small smile, though with no mirth contained within, but attempting to give some confidence to the young man. Remus stepped away and his Patronus bounded away as well, leaving him very much open and exposed. Draco might have caught the way that Remus' hand was shaking faintly at his side despite his apparent bravery, waiting for the darkness to come.

And given his vulnerability, the dementors did come. Five of them brushed through the darkness of the last of the dawn, barely seen. They wouldn't have long - dawn was just about upon them. They would have to try again tomorrow night if they didn't succeed here. Remus was even sticking to the thick wood to make it darker.

One swept right past Remus and he shuddered, his fingers tightening violently on his wand.