chosen - harry potter

Chapter 5 - Riddikulus

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

"Yeah, of course, you got to ride a Hippogriff," Will complained. "All I got to do last year was look at flobberworms."

"That's too bad, Will," Cassia said, feigning sympathy. "Feel free to do my homework so that you can get part of the experience."

"Yeah, no thanks," Will grimaced. He had dragged her away from her friends in the hall, leaving her nearly surrounded by the group of Hufflepuffs.

"The homework isn't even hard," Justin Finch-Fletchley teased, shaking his head. "You'll never learn if you don't do it. And you'll never pass if Will does it."

"Right, well everyone knows that Hufflepuffs cheat on all of their work anyway," Cassia said, ducking away quickly. "Bye, Will and friends!"

She left the grumbling group of Hufflepuffs, hurrying toward Defence Against the Dark Arts in an attempt to avoid being late. Potions had proven interesting that day, Malfoy being as annoying as ever. He was playing up his injury to the highest degree, making Ron help him with his potion. 

Cassia was near the classroom, thinking she was sure to make it on time. She looked up from her feet to see Professor Lupin, standing just outside the door to the classroom, smiling politely at her.

"Professor, I'm so sorry. My brother stopped me in the hall and-"

"No worries, Miss Bright," Lupin smiled, opening the door for her. "I was late as well, so I can't quite get mad at you for doing so. After you."

"Thank you," Cassia sighed, walking quickly inside and taking a seat next to Hermione, who looked at her questioningly.

Professor Lupin led the class into the castle's staff room. He went to close the door behind him but was interrupted by Professor Snape, who was sitting in an armchair, sneering.

"Leave it open, Lupin. I'd rather not witness this," he said. He stood and strode past the class, turning toward Professor Lupin at the doorway. "Possibly no one's warned you, Lupin, but this class contains Neville Longbottom. I would advise you not to entrust him with anything difficult. Not unless Miss Granger is hissing instructions in his ear."

"I was hoping that Neville would assist me with the first stage of the operation," Professor Lupin said, Neville's face burning bright red. "I am sure he will perform it admirably."

Snape turned on his heel, snapping the door closed quickly.

There was a wardrobe across the room that held the Professor's spare robes. Professor Lupin approached it, and it suddenly wobbled loudly.

"Nothing to worry about," Professor Lupin said. "There's a boggart in there."

Cassia's face shifted; she was shocked. She truly wondered what a boggart would shift into if she faced one. Perhaps a scene of those she loves being harmed, or maybe it would shift into a large insect. She was never very fond of bugs.

"Everyone ready?" Professor Lupin said after giving instructions. Neville stood in front of the wardrobe, wand in hand. Cassia rolled her sleeves up and smiled nervously at Hermione. "Neville, we're going to back away. Let you have a clear field, all right? I'll call the next person forward."

The class retreated, leaving Neville alone near the wardrobe.

"On the count of three, Neville. One - two - three - now!"

Professor Lupin motioned his wand toward the wardrobe, making it burst open. Glaring down at Neville, Professor Lupin stepped out, looking even more evil than normal.

"R - r - riddikulus!" Neville squeaked.

There was a loud snap, and Snape was dressed in a long, green dress and a tall hat adorned with a vulture, swinging a red handbag on his arm.