human again / hp.

Chapter 47

The wardrobe rattled ominously at the front of the classroom, sending a ripple of unease through the students gathered around it. Celeste stood near her twin, Draco, her arms folded, studying the violently shaking piece of furniture with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The polished wood gleamed faintly under the dim light, its erratic movements as though alive, filled with restless energy. Her gaze flicked to Professor Lupin, standing calm and composed as though the rattling and creaking meant nothing at all.

The tension was palpable, and Draco, standing beside her with his signature aloof demeanor, muttered under his breath, "This better be worth it."

Celeste nudged him lightly. "Would it kill you to have some curiosity?"

He smirked. "Curiosity isn't the issue. I'm more concerned about it actually killing someone."

Professor Lupin stepped forward, his voice cutting through the low murmur of whispers. His tone was calm, almost soothing, as though he sought to temper the nervous energy in the room.

"Intriguing, yes?" Lupin asked, gesturing to the wardrobe. "Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what's inside?"

Seamus Finnigan, standing near the front, shifted uneasily but managed to speak in a hushed tone, his gaze fixed on the rattling wardrobe. "That's a Boggart, that is."

Professor Lupin smiled approvingly, nodding in Seamus's direction. "Very good, Mr. Finnigan. Can anyone tell us what a Boggart looks like?"

Celeste's eyes wandered over her classmates as they exchanged uncertain looks. The silence stretched until Hermione's voice broke through, clear and confident as always.

"No one knows."

Ron, startled, leaned over and whispered to Harry, "When'd she get here?"

Hermione ignored the comment, continuing with her explanation, her tone precise and matter-of-fact. "Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears most. That's what makes it so—"

"Terrifying, yes," Lupin interjected smoothly, cutting her off but with a tone of approval. "Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a Boggart. Let's practice it now, shall we? Without wands, please... Riddikulus!"

The class hesitated at first, then repeated the incantation in uneven unison. Some voices were confident, others tentative. Celeste caught Draco muttering under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear. "It's this class that's ridiculous."

She gave him a sharp look, her brow furrowing slightly in disapproval. "Do you have to make everything worse?" she whispered.

Draco rolled his eyes but said nothing further, though the smirk on his lips suggested he was quite pleased with his remark.

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

The class turned toward Neville Longbottom, who froze in place, his round face draining of color. He looked as though Lupin had just asked him to march into a dragon's lair. Slowly, reluctantly, he stepped forward, his eyes darting nervously toward the rattling wardrobe.

Lupin's expression was kind as he crouched slightly to meet Neville's hesitant gaze. "What would you say is the thing that frightens you most?"

"Profter... Snafpt..." Neville stammered, his voice barely audible.

"Didn't catch that, Neville, sorry."

"Professor Snape."

The classroom burst into laughter. Even Celeste found herself chuckling quietly at the honesty of Neville's fear. She glanced at Draco, whose face twisted in derision as he snickered softly. Lupin, however, maintained his composure, nodding thoughtfully as though the answer were perfectly reasonable.