Alternate Universe - brothers Draco & Harry

Chapter 18 - the Fears

Things began to shift in this universe, Hercules began to change, but so did everyone else. Tom Riddle sat in his study, resting in a large black leather chair, his horcrux ring on his index finger. He was admiring it, slipping into thought. 

'Next come the Marauders,' the Dark Lord thought to himself. 'My plan is slowly being executed, but just because I've had success does not mean that I've won yet.'

The Marauders were a group of four Gryffindor students years ago at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, consisting of James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. They were best friends and notorious for their mischief and camaraderie during their time at school. But these four would be separated, Peter would betray them all, and Sirius would be paying for his friends crimes.

'Peter Pettigrew is still alive, still a rat that betrayed his best friends,' the Dark Lord thought, playing with his ring. 'I know he's inside the school, sitting as a pet on that Weasley boys shoulder. For now, he is no threat. James Potter is dead, Sirius Black, my biggest threat, is also finally dead, and the world sees him as guilty. The only one I worry about,' Tom stood up abruptly, pacing around the room. 'Is that werewolf, Remus Lupin. I'm sure he'll come to Hogwarts soon enough, and once he does... I'll be able to kill him.'

'What shall be the next stage?' he thought. 'What events will happen now? I guess that is for Hercules to decide for himself...'

............................

It was time for the Defence against the Dark Arts lesson, still taught by professor Quirinus Quirrell. He was back at school, teaching. He had went to see all the best doctors the Wizarding World could find, he got therapy, and he was in much better condition than ever before. More sure of himself than before. But unbeknownst to everyone, Quirinus Quirrell had a secret, the man had met with Bellatrix Lestrange, the woman used him, offering him power, giving him the chance of a lifetime - to join the Dark Lords cause. Quirinus Quirrell was not yet informed that the Dark Lord had already risen, but during summer, before Hercules and Draco returned for their 3rd year, Quirinus Quirrell swore to become a Death Eater, to be loyal to their cause, and to fulfil any needs and requests that came from other Death Eaters. Once the time came, Tom Riddle would reveal himself as alive, but now it was too soon. 

"Blaise Zabini," professor Quirrell smiled, pointing at the boy. "Come up here. You will go first." Blaise stood up, walking up first, he stood in front of a large cupboard. Behind him, all other students lined up, ready for the challenge that was to come.

"Now," the professor spoke. "This is a cupboard that is concealing a very large and terrifying threat. THIS MERE CUPBOARD contains a powerful Boggart that only a few can defeat. These creatures take on many forms, usually the form of it's victims biggest fear... It can become a werewolf, tornado, a plate of haggis, a Hungarian Horntail and even someone's mother-in-law." The students all looked on, hearing something begin to slam against the cupboard doors from inside.

"You may not be able to defeat the creature," the professor continued, a wicked smile on his face. "But, you can change him. By using a very simple spell and concentrating, you can change the terrifying creatures form into something funny. If it comes out as a sea monster, then just imagine the sea monster as a floating ducky and cast the spell Riddikulus! and the creature will change, gathering laughter and not fear. Now, are you all ready? Good. Then let's begin."

Blaise went first, clutching his wand, as the cupboard opened. Out came something that terrified him, a large group of girls, all laughing and pointing at him. Blaise began to feel embarrassed, not wanting the whole class to see. So gathering his resolve, Blaise pointed his wand at the girls, and yelled, "Riddikulus!" and just like that, the girls all turned into plastic mannequins. The class laughed, but Draco shot Blaise a dissappointed look. "Very good work, Mr Zabini," the professor clapped. "And don't worry. Every teenage boys biggest fear is a teenage girl... Okay. Next!"