Nico di Angelo and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter Four: In which, Boggarts.

Nico POV

I had to admit, I was a little, slightly, just a tad intrigued for the next lesson. It's always interesting to see each of the DADA professors. The first two were certainly quite different, and I had already seen a difference in this one from our short interaction.

I walk through the halls to the classroom, following the curious flood of students, who were chattering excitedly. In the room, we're greeted by a wardrobe, stood in the middle of the room. We all huddle in front of it, a few people jumping when it rattles.

"Anyone like to venture a guess, as to what is inside?" Professor Lupin announces in a questioning tone.

"That's a boggart, that is." One boy calls out.

"Very good." The Professor praises. "Now can anybody tell me what a boggart looks like?"

"No one knows." Hermione says suddenly from beside me. How hadn't I noticed her before? Ron whispers something to Harry. "Boggart are shapeshifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That's what makes them so-"

"So terrifying." Lupin interrupts her. He goes on to teach us the Ridikulus charm. After Neville facing Snape in old women's clothes, he has us line up to face the creature. I'm just in front of Potter.

After some odd transformations, like a rollerskating spider from Ron, I'm finally at the front. I'm actually kind of curious, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. I hear people whispering behind me.

'What could he be afraid of?'

'Psh, This has to be terrifying to scare him.'

'Snape in drag.'

'Brace yerselves, mates.'

I take a deep breath and watch the boggart shift. When it's done, I look. Standing in front of me is-

"No." I whisper, taking a step back. "No it can't be."

There's stands a girl. A girl who looks an awful lot like me. Less pale, longer hair, but definitely her. I notice that we're now the same height. She smiles sweetly.

"Nico. It's been a while."

I take another step back, feeling myself disintegrate internally. I hear confused muttering behind me. The smile drops from the girl's face as she approaches me. "Why? Why Nico? You could have stopped this! This is all your fault! YOU DID THIS TO ME!"

She's screaming now, I feel the ground sway. Or maybe it's just me. Next thing I know, the yelling has stopped. I look back up, now seeing a much taller male. One with tan skin, black hair, and sea green eyes. I feel my heart and stomach lurch. Everyone is just watching this.

He walks until we're less than a foot apart. He grabs my chin and tilts my head until he can talk into my ear. "Y'know you've never belonged with us. We barely tolerate you as is. We were happy until you came. You are aware that what I did to your, hotel friend, what's on purpose. Why would we ever want the, heh," He smirks, "the freak."

Then he's gone, replaced by a taller, older version of me in flowing black robes. He stands tall and glares down at me. I hadn't even realized I had sunk to the ground.

He says five words, not bothering to quietly relay them like the boy had. "It should have been you."

I get up shakily, knowing I can't manage the spell. Everyone behind me is so entranced by the spectacle that they seem to forget what a boggart does. I walk to the door, knowing I'm swaying but trying to keep my usual poise nonetheless. As soon as I'm out of the door, I sprint down the halls, not entirely sure where I'm going.

Next thing I know, I'm curled up against the wall in some random hallway of the school. I'm just glad no one is around, knowing I'm paper than usual and shaking like a leaf. I scowl and bury my head in my arms, just breathing for now.

Word count: 666

What's this?? Two chapters in two days?? Seems I've caught the writing bug. Anyway, you get a funny chapter follower by an angsty one. Enjoy!

Love,
Sammy

P.s. something big in the next chapter, wink wink.