Sirius Expelled

Sirius Expelled Part 21

Please just hear me out on this, in POA, Remus specifically says "I found a boggart and decided to use it for class" so even though it was technically Harry's third year, just let Reg do it in his sixth. Also, worst fears can totally be memories, so I did that because I felt like this was n important chapter. Just read it (please) because it's really sweet/important.

Anyways, TW: trama, ptsd, torture (doesn't actually happen) and guilt

Jegulus is back! Enjoy it because guess what, there is NO endgame Jegulus. (I'm sorry [not] if I got your hopes up)

"Boggarts! You've never seen one of these before, I assume." Professor Merrymount, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher said, smiling. "We caught one in the castle yesterday and I decided to use it for our lesson today. You should've gone over these in third year but we've finally laid our hands on them. I thought it would be a fun class for today. Now listen up for a refresher on the course."

Regulus began to scribble notes even though he knew all about boggarts. He copied as Professor Merrymount explained how to fight a boggart, what they could do, and how they worked. He couldn't find it in himself to truly care as the lesson went on.

"Okay class, line up to face the boggart. Remember to keep a funny memory in your mind and don't get scared!"

The Slytherins began to jostle around, all wanting to go first and show off. Regulus began to head for the back of the line but Barty grabbed his arm and pulled him to the middle.

"Don't go to the back, you'll look weak." he said, giving Regulus an assured nod.

Regulus forced a grin and slid into line behind them as his heart pounded harder. He'd faced a boggart before and it was one of the scariest moments of his childhood. His parents had appeared, telling him that they were disappointed, that he was a failure, that he was disowned, that they hated him. That he was just like Sirius, a worthless piece of garbage that would never be anything or anyone.  The second the words hit his heart he'd burst into tears and ran away, a perfectly normal reaction for a 10-year-old. He'd been punished for it and hadn't fought his boggart since. He really didn't want to confront it in front of the class. It was too embarrassing. He'd just have to get rid of it quickly, before anyone realized.

"A funny thought." Regulus thought to himself, imagining his parents.

Suddenly an image of James popped into his mind and a grin spread across his face. James in his Gryffindor robes, his gold and red tie tied loosely around his neck and an oversized lion hat. It was a Quidditch match while James had broken his ankle so he was sitting out, but he was the biggest fan in the crowd. The way he'd been so excited to cheer for his team, so enthusiastic on what he was doing, it was everything. Regulus couldn't contain a grin as he'd flown onto the field for Slythein, seeing the boy like that. Perfect. It was perfect because James was so different from the Black family, so kind and warm against the cruel, cold demeanor of his family. But Regulus didn't care at all about the boy. Right? He couldn't possibly like James Potter of all people. Could he?

"Riddikulus!"

A large dragon suddenly shapeshifted into a tiny mouse, breathing tiny specks of fire as it squeaked. The sound pulled Regulus out of his thoughts and he realized that Barty had just finished. Now he was at the beginning of the line.

"Mr. Black, it's your turn." Professor Merrymount addressed him and Regulus nodded in response.

Professor Merrymount stepped aside and in one sharp motion, a black billowing shape burst to him. Regulus waited a moment for it to turn into his parents but it shifted to a dark shape on the ground. For a moment he hesitated, thinking that the boggart must've accidentally picked up someone else's boggart but then it spoke.