𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞 | 𝐇.𝐏.

𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟑 - 𝟑

We stood in front of an odd coat closet. It was odd because it was shaking, like there was something inside fighting to get out.

"Intriguing, isn't it?" Professor Lupin asked the class. "Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?"

Dean Thomas raised his hand. "That's a boggart, that is."

"Very good, Mr. Thomas. Now, can anyone tell me what a boggart looks like?"

Unsurprisingly, Hermione answered. "No one knows."

"When'd she get here?" Weasley asked in shock. I had to admit, I didn't see her walk in either.

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

"So terrifying," Lupin finished for her. "Yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart." There was another thud from the closet. "Let's practice it now, without wands, please. After me: Riddikulus!"

"Riddikulus," the class repeated. 

"Good. Now a little louder and very clear."

"Riddikulus," everyone said again.

"This class is ridiculous," Draco said from behind me. I stomped on his foot under my robes.

"Well, wonderful for the easy part. You 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. Er, Neville. Will you join me please?"

Longbottom froze, not used to being needed by a teacher, but eventually shuffled up.

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

Longbottom muttered something inaudible. 

"Sorry?"

"Professor Snape," he said, to a few laughs.

"Professor Snape?" Lupin asked, amused. "Yes. Frightens all. And I believe you live with your grandmother?"

"Y- yes. But I don't want that boggart to turn into her either," Longbottom stammered. 

"No, you misunderstand me," Lupin said kindly. "It won't. I want you to picture her clothes, only her clothes, very clearly in your mind."

After a moment Lupin said, "Now, when I open the door, here's what I want you to do." And he leaned down to whisper something in Longbottom's ear. When he pulled away he asked, "Can you do that?"

"Yes," Longbottom replied anxiously, taking out his wand.

"One... two... three." The doors to the closet opened. Out walked Professor Snape, with his most menacing expression, and he was advancing quickly.

"Riddikulus!" Longbottom shouted. Snape stopped and jumped in fright as a green wool dress appeared on him, complimented with a stuffed fur vulture hat and a big red handbag.

"Wonderful, Neville, wonderful!" Lupin praised over the laughter. "Okay, to the back, Neville. Everyone form a line!"

All the students shoved each other back and forth, trying to get to the front. 

"I want everyone to picture the thing they fear the very most, and turn it into something funny!" Lupin announced, turning on music. 

"Next! Ron!" 

Weasley stepped up, and a huge black widow spider appeared, stepping forward and clicking its deadly pinchers.

"Riddikulus!" Weasley whimpered. Eight miniature roller blades appeared on all eight legs, and the spider's belly hit the floor with a thud.