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Chapter 3-4: The Boggart

It was now about a week after the Buckbeak attack, Draco was supposed to return to classes today. Desiree walked with Pansy, Blaise, and Draco into Defense Against the Dark Arts. They stood with the rest of the class in front of a wardrobe that was thumping and moving about.

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

"That's a Boggart." said Desiree.

"Very good, Miss Alcyone." Lupin continued, "Now can anyone tell me what a Boggart looks like?"

"No one knows." said Hermione.

"Did you see her walk in?" Desiree whispered to Pansy. Pansy gave Desiree a look that indicated she hadn't known when Hermione entered either.

Hermione continued, "Boggarts are shapeshifters, they take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That's what makes them so-"

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

"Riddikulus." said the class.

"Very good." said Lupin. "Now a little louder and very clear, listen - Riddikulus!"

"Riddikulus!" the class shouted.

"This class is ridiculous." said Draco.

Desiree looked to him, giving him a strange look before turning her attention back to Professor Lupin. Desiree let out a soft chuckle, though it was a sly comment Desiree still found it a little funny.

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.

"This should be good." Draco whispered to Crabbe and Goyle, who stood behind him.

"Don't be rude." said Desiree, quickly turning her head to face Draco.

"Hello. Neville what frightens you most of all?" asked Lupin.

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." said Lupin.

"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. "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 said as he unlocked the wardrobe.

The Boggart in the shape of Professor Snape emerged from the wardrobe.

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

Neville shouted, "Riddikulus."

The Boggart that was in the shape of Snape was now in the clothes of Neville's grandmother. This made the class erupt in laughter.

"Wonderful, Neville, wonderful, incredible!" said Lupin. "Okay, to the back Neville. Everyone form a line."

"See I told you." said Desiree, a slight smirk was plastered on her face as she looked to Draco.