The terrifying guards of the wizard prison Azkaban, these soul sucking fiends are sometimes considered some of the cruelest creatures to have walked our planet. Hooded and cloaked, these creatures can be the source of people's most horrifying nightmares.

   Many people consider the worst fate to be death, but many of the wisest agree the dementors can bestow far fouler fate. Part of the dementor's power is to bestow fear upon the unlucky person to be near one.

   Imagine what it would be like to suddenly feel a cold, creeping sensation crawling up your spine, to suddenly feel terrified, have a sense that you will never be happy again. This gives you a good impression of what it is like to be near a dementor.

   As if this isn't enough, dementors can grant a outcome far worse. They call it the dementor's kiss. Though not many are granted with this nightmarish sentence, those who are unfortunate enough to are left soulless shells. Existing, breathing, for all but living, they really aren't. They can't think, remember, or anything. They are worse than dead, and it is irreversible.

   Now, after all this, you may be asking, "How can I ward off or destroy a dementor, then?" The answer is simple, but very difficult to achieve. There is a spell to more or less obliterate a dementor called the Patronus charm. This charm is very difficult and many fully grown wizards and witches can't even cast it. 

   When cast correctly, a Patronus is like a guardian; a bright light in the face of darkness. It takes the shape of some sort of animal; it varies from wizard to wizard or witch to witch. It is like a pure force of light.

   As it isn't human, it cannot feel despair or hopelessness, which are the very things a dementor feeds off of. The Patronus will charge down the dementor or dementors, and they will fly away. 

   To cast a Patronus charm, you must remember the happiest memory that you can think of. It must be a extremely joyous and strong memory to work properly. Concentrate on the memory as hard as you can, and say the incantation, Expecto Patronum. 

  If you are a student, do not be disappointed if you cannot cast this spell, as it is very, very difficult. Mostly you will only be able to cast a wisp of silvery smoke. But do not abandon hope, because with much practice and concentration, you may be able to do it.