Percy Jackson and the Hound of Hogwarts [Book 3]

20) Defense Against the Dark Arts

When we first got to DADA, Lupin wasn't there. We all sat at our desks, preparing for a day of taking notes.

"Good afternoon," Lupin said, walking to stand in front of the class. He looked much better than he had on the train. "Would you please put all your books in your bags. Today's will be a practical lesson. You will only need your wands."

I smiled. We'd never had a practical Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, and I was curious to know what would happen.

"Right then," Lupin said when we were prepared. "If you'd follow me."

We followed Lupin out of the classroom, curious as to what would happen. He led us down an empty corridor, and when we turned the corner, we saw Peeves the Poltergeist stuffing gum into a keyhole.

"Loony, loopy Lupin," sang Peeves. "Loony, loopy Lupin, loony, loopy Lupin—"

Peeves usually respected the teachers, but didn't seem to want to do so with Lupin.

Lupin was smiling, "I'd take that gum out of the keyhole if I were you, Peeves. Mr. Filch won't be able to get in to his brooms."

Peeves ignored him, blowing a large, wet raspberry.

Lupin sighed and pulled out his wand. He looked back at us, "This is a useful little spell. Please watch closely."

He raised his wand, pointed it at Peeves, and said, "Waddiwasi!"

The gum shot out of the keyhole and straight into Peeves nose. The poltergeist cursed, flying away.

"Cool, sir!" Dean said, amazed.

"Thank you, Dean," Lupin put his wand away. "Shall we proceed?"

Everyone looked at Lupin with newfound respect. We started down a second corridor and stopped in front of the staffroom door.

"Inside, please," Lupin opened the door for us.

The staffroom was empty except for Snape, who sneered at Lupin when we walked in.

Lupin went to close the door, and Snape said, "Leave it open, Lupin. I'd rather not witness this."

Snape stood, walking towards the door, and just before he left he turned back, "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 Mr. Jackson is hissing instructions in his ear."

Neville blushed deeply. I gave him a soft smile, and he gave a weak one back.

Lupin raised his eyebrows, "I was hoping that Neville would assist me with the first stage of the operation, and I'm sure he will perform it admirably."

Snape left, lip curled and anger clear in his eyes.

"Now, then," Lupin said, motioning us towards the end up the room. There was an old wardrobe in there. Harry and Ron has hidden in there in the last year when we were listening in on the teacher's conversation. The wardrobe shook now.

"Nothing to worry about," Lupin said, glancing at the few people who had jumped back. "There's a boggart in there."

Most people looked even more alarmed. I could vaguely remember reading something about one, and some chatter from Dionysus kids who were mad at the Stolls for locking one in their secret wine cabinet.

"Boggarts like dark, enclosed spaces," Lupin said. "Wardrobes, the gap beneath beds, the cupboards under sinks — I once met one that had lodged itself in a grandfather clock. This one moved in yesterday afternoon, and I asked the headmaster if the staff would leave it to give my third years some practice.