𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐈 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔, n. longbottom

𝓿. let's see if you have anything interesting

"INTRIGUING, ISN'T IT?" REMUS ASKED, HIS EYES gleaming with anticipation. He was standing next to an old, rattling wardrobe, which had been rolled into the classroom earlier. Every student in the room had their eyes fixed on the wardrobe, the air heavy with suspense. As the closet made a sudden shake, Olive gripped Neville's hand, seeking comfort. She knew what was in that closet, of course she did. Her father was the teacher, she knew every single thing he was planning to teach. "Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?" Remus asked, his voice echoing in the silent room.

It was Dean who finally broke the silence. "That's a boggart, that is," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Remus nodded appreciatively at Dean, confirming his correct answer. Olive sent Dean an approving smile, her hands still clinging onto Neville's for support.

Remus nodded, "Very good. Mr Thomas." Olive sent Dean a smile before the closet shook again, making her jump. "Now, can anybody tell me what a boggart looks like?" Remus continued, the question hanging in the air like a challenge.

Hermione, always quick to answer, was the one to respond. "No one knows," she said confidently, "Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever particular person fears the most. That's what makes them so-"

"Terrifying, yes, yes, yes," Remus interrupted Hermione, walking to the front of the room and standing in front of the shaking wardrobe. He then began to explain the spell to repel a boggart, a very simple charm that had the potential to turn fear into laughter. "Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart. Let's practice it now. Without wands, please." He looked over at his daughter. "Ms Lupin, would you like to tell me what that charm is?"

"Riddikulus," Olive responded, a small grin forming on her face. She loved seeing her father in his element, teaching what he knew best. As the class practiced the charm under Remus's guidance, Olive could feel the energy in the room change. The fear had been replaced with a newfound determination, every student eager to face the boggart.

Once everyone had practiced the charm, Remus then explained the key to defeating a boggart. "What really finishes a boggart is laughter," he said, a knowing smile on his face. He then chose Neville to be the first one to face the boggart, much to Olive's relief. She knew that Neville needed this, needed to face his fears and learn to laugh at them.

The moment came when Remus unlocked the wardrobe, revealing the boggart. Olive watched as Neville bravely faced his fears, his wand pointed at the boggart that had taken on the form of Professor Snape. But with a shout of 'Riddikulus', the boggart was no longer Snape, but Snape wearing his grandmother's clothes. The laughter that followed was loud and hearty, a joyous sound that echoed around the room.

"Wonderful, Neville, wonderful! Incredible!" Remus congratulated while everyone else laughed. "Okay, to the back of the line, Neville. Everyone, form a line."

With a joyful expression etched on her face, Olive couldn't help but grin widely as she saw Neville walking past her, the pride evident in his steps. She couldn't contain her excitement and said, "You did it!" in a voice filled with admiration. Overcome by her joy, Olive reached out and pulled the boy into a quick, but warm hug, a physical manifestation of her delight.

While all this was happening, Remus was not idle. He was in the process of putting on a record, the soft music soon filling the room, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. Olive sent Neville one final smile, her eyes twinkling with unspoken words of praise. This was a moment of triumph that deserved to be celebrated.

Finally, Neville made his way to the back of the line, cautiously ensuring he kept a safe distance from the Slytherins, not wishing to dampen the mood of the moment. In this small victory, they all found joy and a sense of accomplishment.