In Love With a Mudblood

Chapter 5

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The next day, my first class was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin was in charge of teaching it. He was an excellent teacher and he made class quite fun. He'd been teaching us about magical creatures and today was something new. I couldn't tell what. It was locked inside a wardrobe, and from what I could tell, it wasn't too happy about it because it kept shaking the wardrobe, trying to get out.

Professor Lupin walked in and greeted the class cheerfully. "Good morning, everyone! Can anyone tell me what is inside this wardrobe?"

I looked around for Hermione's hand. She usually was the first to answer any question a teacher asked. Hmm. I don't see her anywhere. It's not like her to miss class.

"It's a boggart, sir," said Hermione, who was suddenly standing right next to me. I jumped.

Lupin continued the lesson and I turned and whispered to Hermione.

"When on Earth did you get here?"

"What do you mean? I've been standing here the whole time," she said.

That can't be right. I can be blind sometimes, but I know I would've seen her if she was standing right next to me.

Lupin was explaining how to fight a boggart now.

"Everyone repeat after me, Riddikulus!" The class echoed him.

"This class is Riddikulus," muttered Draco.

I gave him a pointed look and he shut up. Good. If he wants to be an idiot and ignore the teacher again, that's his problem, but the least he can do is let the rest of us pay attention in peace. Professor Lupin had everyone get into a single file line to practice facing the boggart. Neville Longbottom was first in line. I was behind Harry and unfortunately, in front of Draco. Lovely. Now he'll get front-row seats to my worst fear. I hope he doesn't use it against me.

"What are you most afraid of, Neville," Lupin asked kindly.

Neville muttered something quietly.

"What was that?"

"Professor Snape," Neville repeated.

"Ah," said Lupin. "Now tell me, you live with your grandmother, correct?"

Neville nodded, looking as confused as everyone else. "I don't want the boggart to turn into her either, sir."

"You misunderstand me. What kind of clothes does she wear? Picture them strongly in your mind and when you see the boggart, say the incantation."

Lupin pointed his wand at the wardrobe and the door flew open. Out stepped Professor Snape. He looked exactly like the real thing. Greasy hair and all. Neville mustered up the courage and shouted, "Riddikulus!"

There was a sharp cracking noise and then Professor Snape was standing in front of us wearing a hideous green ensemble with a hat and scarlet handbag. The hat was sporting a large stuffed vulture, and to top it all off, he was also wearing scarlet heels that matched the handbag. The class roared with laughter. I was in tears from laughing so hard. Man, I wish I had a camera right now. This is the best thing I've ever seen. Boggart Snape stood there looking very, very confused.

"Next!" called Professor Lupin.

Everyone cycled through the line, taking turns with the boggart. As more students finished, the boggart started switching faster and faster, it was becoming confused. It was nearly my turn now. Harry stepped forward and the boggart began to change, but before it could finish, Professor Lupin jumped in front of Harry and the boggart became a white orb. I squinted at it. Is that the moon?