Chapter One - Not Ready
"What really finishes a Boggart is laughter," continued Professor Lupin. "What you need to do is force it to resume a shape that you find amusing."
The entire class was listening intently; they had never had a practical DADA lesson before, and they're seemed to be an air of excitement surrounding the class - or was it just Harry?
"Before we continue, I would like to know if anyone knows of any different types of fears - anyone, no?"
Hermione's hand suddenly appeared above the student's heads. "Miss Granger," said the teacher.
"Sir, there are many different types of fears, like fears of hands and spiders," she said grinning at Ron, "but they come under another category, or umbrella, if you will, for that type." she said.
"Exactly," said Lupin and Hermione beamed. "One of the most unknown umbrellas" - he winked at Hermione - "are fears of Memories. These are fears of a specific memory, a memory that one may have nightmares about. A Boggart can actually transform into a memory, and re-enact the moment as if it was happening then. It is very difficult to look at a distressing memory in an amusing light, which is why they are one of a Boggart's most powerful tools, as it is not only frightening, but usually very painful as well. "
Harry and Ron hadn't heard much of this - they were still trying to figure out how Hermione could've come into class without them noticing her.
"How did she get in? Did you see her come in?" puzzled Ron .
But the pair quickly regained interest in the class as they confusedly joined in the chorus of 'Ridikkulus!' going up over the room. Harry thought he heard Malfoy murmur "This class is ridikkulus," but that didn't bother him as much as it would have any other time -they were about to fight a boggart for Merlin's Sake!
The Gryffindors watched in frightful anticipation as Neville stepped forward to face the creature. His hands were shaking, and his face was covered in cold sweat.
"Ready, Neville?" called Professor Lupin cheerfully. Neville opened his mouth and closed it several times. Harry didn't think Neville could've spoken if he wanted to.
Professor Lupin seemed to take this as a 'yes' though and promptly sent a ribbon of sparks hurtling towards the closet. The was a load - pop! - and the wardrobe burst open. Hook-nosed and menacing, Boggart Snape stepped out, and slowly stalked towards Neville. He backed away, mouthing wordlessly, attempting to speak but no sound coming out. Snape was almost upon him, reaching into his robes-
"R-Ridikkulus!" he squeaked.
The whole class burst out into fits of laughter at the sight of Snape stumbling around in a lace-trimmed dress and vulture hat. Professor Lupin, still recovering from his own hysterical episode, said, "Now I want all of you to think of what fears you most and then what would make that amusing to you."
The room went quiet, despite the fact that the boggart was still blundering around disorientated, trying to figure out who to scare first.
Harry closed shut his eyes and thought - what is he most afraid of?
A frightening image filled his mind - the cold breath of a Dementor, the… screams. Suddenly, horrible thoughts came floating to his mind… Voldemort torturing his father… killing his mother… his panicked voice… her terrified screams… the sight of the hooded figure bending down towards him… the blinding flash of green light… the high cold laugh… he could feel these thoughts, these memories, clouding up around him, blinding him, deafening him, choking him, swirling up inside him… Snap out of it Harry! He told himself firmly. Harry attempted forcefully to think about that Dementor, but to no avail. His mind kept returning to his vision of the hooded man, his mother, his father, the green light and the chilling laugh.
"Everyone ready? Good, Lavender Brown, forward please!"
Harry gulped. He wasn't ready - why was he so scared all of a sudden of that memory? What did Professor Lupin say, something about Memory Fears? Most powerful, and painful…