Gryffindor boy - Ron Weasley x male oc

27

As Lavender and Parvati huddle over a dozen teacups, avidly interpreting patterns in hushed voices. Draco, arm bound in a sling, holds court before a clot of Slytherins.

"Does it hurt terribly, Draco?" Pansy asked.

"It comes and goes. Still... I consider myself lucky. According to Madam Pomfrey, another minute or two... and I could've lost the arm." Draco said.

Harry, Ron, Harper and Hermione watch from the Gryffindor table.

"The little git. He's really laying it on thick, isn't he?" Ron said.

"At least Hagrid didn't get sacked." Harry said.

"Yes. But I hear Draco's father's furious. I don't think we've heard the end of this..." Hermione said.

"He's been sighted!" Seamus exclaimed.

The quartet turn and see Seamus and the other Gryffindors are huddled over a copy of The Daily Prophet.

"Who?" Ron asked.

But the photograph on the Prophet's front page provides a chilling answer: Sirius Black. Hermione read over the shoulders of others, whispering half to herself.

"Achintee? That's not far from here..." Hermione said.

"You don't think he'd come to Hogwarts, do you?" Neville asked.

"With the Dementors at every entrance?" Lavender said.

"He's already slipped by the Dementors once, who's to say he can't do it again?" Harper said, looking at the Gryffindors who turned towards him. "What?"

Harry studies the look on Harper's face, there's no fear in sight.

"That's right. Black could be anywhere. It's like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands." Bem said.

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

A tall wardrobe rattles violently as Harry, Ron, Harper and several classmates regard it warily.

"Intriguing, yes? Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what's inside?" Professor Lupin asked, looking over the students.

"It's a Boggart." Harper answered from between Harry and Ron.

"Very good, Mr. Granger. Can anyone tell us what a Boggart looks like?" Professor Lupin asked.

"No one knows." Hermione said making Ron jump again, glancing at her then whispers to Harry and Harper.

"When'd she get here?" Ron asked.

"Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears most. That's what makes it so--"

"Terrifying, yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a Boggart. Let's practice it now, shall we?" Professor Lupin said, looking at the students. "Without wands, please... Riddikulus!"

"Riddikulus!" The students repeated.

"It's this class that's ridiculous." Draco said, muttering softly.

"Good. So much for the easy part. You see, the incantation alone is not enough. What really finished a Boggart off is... laughter. You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Neville, come up here, will you?" Professor Lupin asked.