Dementors are dark creatures that consume human happiness, creating an ambiance of coldness, darkness, misery, and despair. They are wraith-like creatures who are blind, relying on their ability to sense the emotions of others. They feed on human happiness, generating feelings of depression and hopelessness. They are often referred to as "soul-sucking fiends" due to their chilling abilities. Dementors are not technically considered living organisms like the magical creatures typically encountered. Instead, they are closer to ghouls or apparitions. They are sentient and sapient, at least enough to make a temporary alliance with the Ministry, which provided them with food in exchange for not killing people en masse and being hunted down. They are the guards of Azkaban Prison, and their duty is to prevent the prisoners from having the will or ability to escape. They can communicate with others when the need arises. They can attack with only their minds, and their presence immediately affects those who are close to them. The only way to protect against Dementors is with the Patronus Charm, and consuming chocolate would also alleviate some of the side effects of their close presence. In the worst-case scenario, a Dementors Kiss would allow the Dementor to consume a humans soul, leaving them in a vegetative state.