IN WHICH Sirius Black breaks into Gryffindor Tower
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A tall wardrobe rattles violently as Harry, Ron, and several classmates regard it warily.
"Intriguing, yes? Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what's inside?" Professor Lupin inquires.
"That's a Boggart, that is," Seamus says in a hushed voice.
"Very good, Mr. Finnigan. Can anyone tell us what a Boggart looks like?" Lupin smiles.
"No one knows," Hermione replies.
Ron jumps, and glances at Hermione, then whispers to Harry and Aubery.
"When'd she get here?" Ron questions.
"Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears most. That's what makes it so-" Hermione says.
"Terrifying, yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a Boggart. Let's practice it now, shall we? Without wands, please... Riddikulus!" Lupin says.
"Riddikulus!" Everyone repeats.
Remus nods. "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?"
Neville eyes the rattling wardrobe, stepping forward queasily.
"What would you say is the thing that frightens you most?" Remus questions.
Lupin nods thoughtfully. "Hmmm... yes. Neville, I believe you live with your grandmother?"
"Yes, but I don't want the Boggart to turn into her either," Neville answers, panicked.
"It won't. But I want you to picture her clothes, only her clothes, very clearly in your mind. Can you do that?" Lupin asks.
Neville closes his eyes. "She carries a red handbag..."
"That's fine. We don't need to hear it. If you see it, we will. Now, when I open this wardrobe, Neville, here's what I want you to do..." Remus leans close to Neville, and whispers. Neville's eyes pop open in shock and consider Lupin uncertainly.
"You can do this, Neville," Lupin says.
Neville nods nervously and takes a deep breath.
"Right then. Wand at the ready. One. Two. Three!" Sparks jet from Lupin's wand, striking the doorknob, and the wardrobe bursts open. Instantly, Snape appears, eyes flashing hideously as he stalks forward. Neville backs away in fright.
