Credit: This chapter is inspired from a Guest review. Unfortunately, they have not given a name . . .
Chapter Four: In Which Fears Are Conquered
Neville's lips moved, but no noise came out.
"Didn't catch that, Neville, sorry," said Professor Lupin cheerfully.
Neville looked around rather wildly, as though begging someone to help him.
And someone did.
"Professor, I don't think any person would be comfortable admitting his greatest fear in front of the whole class. He is obviously uncomfortable, so you shouldn't force him to do something that makes him feel that way," Hermione pointed out.
The words had the intended effect. Lupin looked ashamed of himself for doing this to Neville.
"Er — maybe you all should just step back a bit and I will demonstrate how to deal with today's creature."
He did, and this time people weren't busy facing their fears in an invasive way so they actually could concentrate on the lesson.
Hermione smiled. She was making little changes, ones that would make bigger changes in the future. Hogwarts would become more conducive for learning, less humiliation and pain would be used as teaching devices.
Neville's lips moved, but no noise came out.
"Didn't catch that, Neville, sorry," said Professor Lupin cheerfully.
Neville looked around rather wildly, as though begging someone to help him, then said, in barely more than a whisper, "Professor Snape."
Nearly everyone laughed. Even Neville grinned apologetically.
"What is wrong with all of you? That boy there, Neville Longbottom, just admitted his greatest fear in front of everyone, and you laugh? Doesn't it bother anyone that Neville's greatest fear is his Professor? The Professor who bullies him mercilessly in each Potions class? How can you find this funny?"
Everyone was silent as Harry gave them a piece of his mind.
Lupin might have been a bit stupid in organising the greatest fear thing, but he took student abuse seriously. He immediately dismissed the class after a heartfelt apology to Neville, then reported the matter to the Board of Governors. Snape was investigated thoroughly and Dumbledore did not protect him this time. He was sacked and discredited, so no one believed him when he shouted in the middle of Great Hall that Lupin was a werewolf before he was forced off the premises.
Lupin wasn't sacked and kept the position of DADA. He was on probation for a week due to the Boggart thing, though.
Life at Hogwarts became better for everyone with Snape gone.
Professor McGonagall had forbidden anyone from giving him the password. Poor Neville was forced to wait everyday until someone let him in. . .
"Professor?"
"Yes, Potter?"
"Isn't the mass murderer Sirius Black on the loose?"
"He is, Potter. I'm sure you know about his attack. . . ."
"Well, it seems to me that he has a way of getting into the castle because he got to Gryffindor Tower with no problems. What is stopping him murdering me on the way to class? Also, if Neville is forced to wait outside, isn't he in danger of crossing paths with Black too?"
"Er —"
"I know you have to punish him, but surely there is a better way to do that than threatening his safety?"
"Take a hundred points for a brilliant observation! This did not occur to me, Potter. I shall fix this immediately! My apologies for being so want-wit."
She then ran all the way to Dumbledore's office.
"Huh. I owe Ron ten Galleons now. She sure is fast when she needs to be."
AN: A Neville-themed chapter! I can't believe admitting your greatest fear in a class is normal. Then again, wizards don't keep much stock in common sense!