Weasley Charm | Fred Weasley

Chapter 3-3: The Boggart

"What do you all think we'll be doing today in Lupin's class?" Delaney asked as she walked to Defense Against the Dark Arts with Harry, Ron, and Hermione at her side. This would be her first class with the new professor and she only hoped he did a better job than the previous two.

"As long as it's not a group of Pixies I think we'll be fine," Ron said in all seriousness. The memory of having to duck under a desk to hide from rogue pixies filled Delaney's mind and she found herself fighting a giggle.

The four laughed as they walked into the classroom with the rest of the class. Upon settling their fit of giggles, they stopped near the front of the room, eyeing a wardrobe that sat in the center. Delaney could help but think it peculiar. After all, there were no desks present in the classroom today, just the piece of furniture.

"Intriguing isn't it? Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?" Lupin asked, appearing in the back of the class before he made his way to the front.

Understanding flooded through Delaney, "That's a Boggart."

"Very good, Miss McKinnon," Lupin continued with a proud smile, "Now can anyone tell me what a Boggart looks like?"

"No one knows," Hermione chimed in. She continued at Lupin's nod, "Boggarts are shapeshifters, they take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That's what makes them so-"

"So terrifying, yes," Lupin nodded. "Luckily a very simple charm exists to repel a Boggart. Let's practice it now. Without wands, please. After me: Riddikulus!"

"Riddikulus," the class repeated.

"Very good," Lupin said, fitting the role as an engaging professor so well from the very start. "Now a little louder and very clear, listen Riddikulus!"

"Riddikulus!" the class shouted.

Delaney heard Malfoy make the sly remark after the class began to settle, "This class is ridiculous.:

She turned, shooting him a dirty look before focusing her attention back on Lupin.

Lupin began again, "Very good, well so much for the easy part. See the incantation alone is not enough. What really finishes a Boggart is laughter. You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain. Um, Neville, will you join me, please? Come on, don't be shy. Come on, come on."

Neville walked up to Lupin reluctantly. His hands twisted within each other, proving just how nervous he was.

"Hello, Neville. What frightens you most of all?" Lupin asked, leaning forward on his toes.

Neville whispered, "Professor Snape."

Lupin laughed, "Professor Snape. Yeah, he frightens all. And I believe you live with your grandmother?"

"Yes, but I don't want that Boggart to turn into her either," Neville said nervously.

"No, it won't. I want you to picture her clothes—only her clothes—very clearly in your mind," Lupin said, waving his hand in the air as if he were about to conjure the very image himself.

"She carries a red handbag-" Neville began.

"We don't need to hear, as long as you see it, we'll see it," said Lupin, bringing his hand down and eyes upon the shaking wardrobe. "Now, when I open that wardrobe, here's what I want you to do. Imagine Professor Snape in your grandmother's clothes. Can you do that? Wand at the ready—one, two, three."

Lupin unlocked the wardrobe, allowing the door to open slightly. The Boggart in the shape of Professor Snape emerged stealthily.

"Think, Neville, think," Lupin whispered in Neville's ear.