Chapter 10: Classes
The next morning, as the quartet walked up to the Great Hall for breakfast, they noticed that already Hermione's article seemed to be making a difference. A second-year Ravenclaw that Harry recognized as Muggleborn Anna Turpin tripped and dropped her books. It was a seventh-year Slytherin Prefect that helped her up and handed her her books.
"Th…thanks."
"You're quite welcome. Now, hurry on to the Great Hall, you wouldn't want to miss your breakfast." As the two students walked on, Hermione's face split into a giant grin.
"This is wonderful! It's working already!" They walked along, following the two students into the Great Hall.
"Well, when you absolutely annihilate a core belief system, it really gets people thinking," said Draco. "Slytherin first years were a great example. Remember how we all were when we found out you were Muggleborn?"
Hermione nodded, understanding what he meant, before helping herself to breakfast. She had long ago figured out that breakfast and lunch were much less formal meals than the feasts, with everyone simply helping themselves to what they wanted. Dinner was a little more formal, but still the dishes did not get passed around like at the feasts.
Hermione grew excited when Professor Snape started handing out their schedules. "I do hope we start some new classes today!"
"As long as we don't have too much with Gryffindor. I don't see why they can't evenly distribute our classes between the other three houses, but we always seem to have more with the dorks." A few moments later, Professor Snape handed them their course schedules.
"And you're sure of this, Miss Granger?" he murmured quietly. Hermione nodded excitedly, and Professor Snape moved on.
"What was that about?" asked Draco. Hermione shrugged it off and attempted to hide her schedule.
"Which new subjects are you starting today, Mia?"
"Well, most of them, actually."
"That's not possible, you only have eight class blocks a day, and I know you're in my Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions classes which are two blocks, and History of Magic which is one."
"Yeah, and Mia, you're in my Care of Magical Creatures class which is a block as well. That's the entire day. So how do you also fit in anything else?"
Hermione blushed. "Well, my schedule is a bit full, but I can handle it."
Draco used her momentary distraction to grab her schedule. "Merlin, Mia, your schedule is impossible. Nine o'clock, Divination; nine o'clock, Muggle studies; and nine o'clock, Arithmancy. I know you're an amazing witch, Mia, but no one's that good. How are you supposed to be in three classes at once?"
"Don't be silly, Draco. Of course I won't be in three classes at once."
"Mia, how do you intend to attend all of your classes?" Draco put his arm around her and pulled her close. "I know you have a tendency to overwork, and I don't want you to harm your health."
Hermione leaned into Draco. "Don't worry, Dray, I won't."
"But Mia," Draco brushed a kiss against her lips. "How can I help make sure you don't work too hard if I don't know how you're planning to manage your schedule?"
Hermione sighed and smiled, and Draco was sure he'd won. "I appreciate your concern, Draco, but I'll be fine, really. I've worked everything out with Professor Snape. Now, please pass the marmalade."
Knowing better than to push her buttons, Draco relented, and consigned himself to trying to figure out the mystery on his own.
***SoaS***
Their classes the next two days went well. Potions provided hilarity as Weasley diced his caterpillar instead of slicing it and caused the entire potion to explode in his face. He had obviously gotten most of the potion correct, as certain features of his face started shrinking. His nose looked as though it belonged on an infant, he had the mouth of a toddler, and his hair had shortened to fuzz. His ears had remained the same size, however.
As the class exploded in laughter, Professor Snape rounded on him. "Idiot boy! I would have expected this from Longbottom, but I thought that you knew how to read, Weasley. Why did you dice your caterpillar when the board quite clearly calls for sliced caterpillar?"
Weasley's answer came out in a high-pitched, baby voice, which had the class roaring in laughter, even the Gryffindors. "Finnigan! Take Weasley to the hospital wing. Longbottom! Clean up the mess, you need the practice." Harry and Draco chuckled over Weasley's misfortune as they finished up their perfectly prepared potion.
Harry had decided to speak to Hagrid during his first ever Care of Magical Creatures class. Hermione would be there to help him. Therefore, after lunch, they walked down to Hagrid's hut a few minutes early.
"Harry! Hermione! It's good to see yer. Excited for my class, then, eh?"
"Oh, most definitely. Magical creatures are fascinating! I can't wait to learn about house elves, unicorns, and nifflers."
"Righ' well, we'll be covering those soon enough. For today, though, I've got a righ' treat for yer all. I won' be tellin' yer early, though, if tha's what yer here abou'."
"Actually, Hagrid, I had a question for you about the events of last year." Hagrid stared at Hermione incredulously. "I researched the previous opening of the Chamber of Secrets, and there wasn't all that much information. I know that it was opened while you were attending Hogwarts. Were any students petrified during the period it was open?"
"Er…well, you see, I don' really like talkin' about it."
"It's an easy question, Hagrid, a simple yes or no, really." Harry grinned at Hermione. She was trying to put Hagrid at ease.
"Well, yes, there were a few."
"And Acromantuala's certainly can't petrify anyone, right?"
Hagrid grunted and nodded jerked his head. They took that as a no.
"So, even at that point if should have been obvious that it was not your fault?" Hagrid's eyes jerked to hers and he stared at her wildly. "So, why were you expelled, Hagrid?"
"I don' want to talk abou' that now. Dumbledore didn' have enough influence to keep me in school then. And now that me name's been cleared, he's lettin' me teach. I even got a raise! Great man, Dumbledore."
"So is that why you're so close to the Headmaster, Hagrid?" asked Harry.
"He's been very good to me over the years. Almost like a father." Harry sighed, he knew he would need more time to change Hagrid's opinion. He was saved the trouble of saying anything else as the other students in the class started to gather. He was pleasantly surprised when they made it through a class on Hippogriphs without incident.
As his attempted talk with Hagrid was such a disaster, and he needed a story for his Quibbler article next month, Harry decided to try talking to Professor Binns. The ghost had been reinstated to his duties once he had been revived. Harry was now rather thankful for this turn of events, although, at the end of last year, he had rather bemoaned the fact.
He sat through a very long, very boring lecture on giant wars before Professor Binns finally dismissed the class. Before the ghost had a chance to float through the wall behind its desk, Harry called out.
"PROFESSOR BINNS!" When the ghost turned to look at him, he continued. "May I have a word with you, Sir?"
"Of course, Mr. Painter."
Harry walked up to the desk, imagining this would be a long conversation. "It's Potter, Sir, as I'm sure you know, considering you teach my history to the older years."
Harry could have sworn the ghost smiled at him. "Very well, Mr. Potter, you are right. What can I help you with?"
"I wanted to ask you some more questions about the lecture on the Chamber of Secrets that you gave us last year." Professor Binns frowned, and Harry hastily continued. "I was wondering how you knew about the marriages between the founders? My friend, Hermione Granger, has researched the information, completely exhausting the resources in the library, and was unable to find anything referring to it."
"No, she wouldn't have. The rivalry between the houses, and the alienation of Slytherin house in particular, have caused the close bonds between the founders of Hogwarts to be lost over time. The only reason I know about it is that I was born when it was still common knowledge."
Harry gaped at his Professor. "Sir, forgive me if I am rude, but just how old are you?"
"I was born in 1150. I began teaching here in 1200, and I have never been dismissed. As I mentioned, naturally, when I was born, the marriages of the founders was still well known, as was the true reason for Salazar Slytherin leaving the castle and his wife and children."
"Children?"
"Well, yes, obviously. How can there be any descendants of Salazar Slytherin if he did not have children. He had three children…" Harry settled down for a long conversation, and took copious notes. This would be brilliant for the article. Professor Binns even provided him some documentation of proof of his age. He would have to speak with Luna about revealing her relation to Ravenclaw and Gryffindor as further proof of the story, as he was not yet ready to reveal his own heritage.
"Professor, just two more questions," said Harry as Professor Binns finished his story.
"Yes, Mr. Potter?"
"First, why did you continue teaching?"
"Well, I rather enjoyed it, and there isn't exactly anything pressing for me to do is there?"
Harry thought about that for a moment, he supposed it made sense. "Very well, then, also, you have such a brilliant grasp on all magical history, including history of present day, so I know it's not because it's been repeated over the years. Why do you always pretend not to know the names of your students?"
"Well, Mr. Potter, I must have some fun." Before Harry could say anything more, Professor Binns turned and floated through the wall."
"Huh," murmured Harry. "I never knew Professor Binns had a sense of humor.
***SoaS***
Harry spent most of Saturday writing an article for the Quibbler with the help of his friends. It was thought that having Harry Potter, 'The Boy Who Lived' write something would help lend credibility to the publication in the eyes of the readers. They had dealt a strong blow to the Pureblood ideals with Hermione's article, now Harry wanted to let out that Slytherin himself was not a Pureblood supremist at all. He had a solid outline, and was just about to start writing the actual article when a large, noble looking barn owl wearing a medal with the Gringotts crest soared in an open window and landed on his knees.
"Harry, I didn't know you were expecting something."
"I'm sorry, Mia, I'd forgotten all about it. Ragnock told me he would provide me with an itemized listing of the Potter vaults as well as information about classes on Goblin etiquette."
"Ooooh, that sounds fascinating! Could I join you?"
"Mia, dearest, I don't think you have any time in your busy schedule. You're already working ten times harder than the rest of us. You could always take the classes next year, or Harry could catch you up during holidays."
"All right, Dray, I suppose that is the best idea. So, Harry, when will your classes be?" Harry smiled at how she had almost succeeded in keeping the envy out of her voice.
He carefully untied the package from the owl's legs. "Would you like a treat before you leave? Or perhaps some water?" The owl nipped his finger lightly, which Harry took to be a thank you, before spreading its wings and leaving through the window it had entered. "I guess that's a 'no, thank you' from an owl." He carefully unwrapped the package and pulled out two books on Goblin etiquette, a small, red book with a crest on the front, and a letter. He placed the books on the table in front of him as Luna sat on the arm of the chair to his right, then he opened the letter.
To: Lord Harry Potter
Slytherin House Common Room
Hogwarts
Scotland
Lord Potter,
As per our most recent meeting, I inquired as to the possibility of your taking classes on Goblin etiquette. Unfortunately, I found that no such classes are, or will be, offered. However, I have found that several volumes exist on the basics of Goblin culture, Goblin beliefs, and Goblin etiquette. I have enclosed the two that I have procured thus far, and charged the fee to the Potter account. Goblin Culture at its Finest by Goblin Pikaks was 40 Galleons, and The Importance of the Hoard by Goblin Rugnick was 52 Galleons. I am currently searching for An Introduction to Our Marvelous Culture by Goblin Gublack and Goblin Etiquette by Goblin Porlarg.
I have also enclosed a full, itemized list of the Potter vaults, as requested. The list has been separated into chapters by the type of asset. As interest is added, or, should any extra artifacts be added to the vault, the record will automatically update.
If you have any further questions, the Goblins of Gringotts are more than happy to help. I look forward to continuing the management of your accounts. May you magic always run true.
Goblin Ragnock
Manager, Potter Account
Gringotts Bank, London Branch
"Separated by chapters?" asked Hermione, who had been reading over his shoulder. "So, that whole book is full of Potter assets? Merlin, just how much stuff was in their vault?"
Harry grinned and picked up the book. "Let's find out, shall we?" Curious, Draco stood behind the chair Harry was in. Harry grabbed the book off of the table before him, and took another look at it. He realized the crest he had only glanced at before was actually the Potter crest.
He opened the book and read the faceplate: A carefully compiled, automatic updating, itemized list of the holdings of the Potter vault (vault 832). Turning the page, he quickly read through the Contents page.
Liquid Assets: 5,778,890 Galleons
Jewelry: 2,438,065 Galleons
Rings
Necklaces
Tiaras
Bracelets
Brooches
Medals
Books: 1,008,539 Galleons
Grimoires
History
Charms
Transfiguration
Potions
Dark Arts
Defense
Arithmancy
Runes
Other
Furniture: 873,412 Galleons
Chairs
Chests
Boxes
Dishes, Cutlery, Etc: 327,109 Galleons
Decorative
Special Occasion
Precious Metal
Forms, Deeds, Etc: 6,535,439 Galleons
Wills
Property Deeds
Birth/Death Certificates
Blood Magic Test Results
Personal Letters
Décor: 85,439 Galleons
Tapestries
Artwork
Sculptures
Weaponry: 165,486 Galleons
Swords
Shields
Helms
Armor
Potions: 92,572 Galleons
Cleaning
Poison
Healing
Dark
Love
Antidote
Other
Clothing: 827 Galleons
Cloaks
Robes
Dresses
Artifacts: 1,937 Galleons
Muggle
Animal
Magical
"Wow, that's a lot of stuff. I need some time to process this before I read through it all." Harry stared at the quick listing of his different types of assets. It amazed him that so much stuff was in the Potter vault.
"Harry," said Luna. "Could we at least look at one or two pages? Liquid assets, deeds, potions, weaponry, or jewelry? I'm really curious to see what kinds of things lords keep in their vaults."
Harry grinned. "All right, Luna. Let's start with rings, shall we?" The moment he spoke, the pages started flipping, until stopping at a page titled Subcategory: Rings. "Well, that will make things easier." Harry quietly read the page to his friends.
Gryffindor Crest Ring (Masculine)
Gryffindor Crest Ring (Feminine)
Potter Crest Ring (Masculine)
Potter Crest Ring (Feminine)
Ancient Potter Engagement Ring
Ancient Potter Wedding Band (Masculine)
Ancient Potter Wedding Band (Feminine)
Modern Potter Engagement Ring
Modern Potter Wedding Band (Masculine)
Modern Potter Wedding Band (Masculine)
Wizengamot Ring
Lord Ring
Lady Ring
White Gold Diamond Ring
Gold Diamond Ring
White Gold Sapphire Ring
Platinum Sapphire Ring
Gold Garnet Ring
Harry flipped the page and saw that the list continued down another page and a half. "Well, I think that gives us a good idea of rings. I guess we can move on to deeds." The book automatically flipped to the page titled Subcategory: Deeds.
Potter Manor (located in Northern England)
Potter House (Located in Southern England)
Potter Villa (located on the Northern coast of France)
Potter Castle (located at the center of Spain)
Peverell Manor (located in Wales)
Peverell House (located in Southwestern England)
Evans Home (located in Northern England)
Harry stopped reading, wondering why there were deeds for properties listed that weren't included in his original list of assets. He shrugged and decided he would ask Ragnock next time he was at Gringotts. "I wish I could have more information about the houses. I mean, the names don't really tell me much."
"Try asking for it again."
"Oh, right, thanks, Luna. Details on Potter Manor." The book flipped to the next page, which was blank, but slowly filled in. Harry read the information.
Potter Manor
Location: Near Oldham
Built: 1290
Land: 500 acres
Garden: 3 acres
Size of Manor: 460 sq. m
Master Bedrooms: 3
Bedrooms: 6
Ensuite Bathrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Washrooms: 2
Sitting Rooms: 2
Dining Room: 1 (seats 10)
Dining Hall: 1 (seats 30)
Offices: 2
Library
Ballroom
Conservatory
Portrait Hall
Potions Laboratory
Sparring Room
Armory
Quidditch Pitch
Pool
Lake
House Elves: 6
Floo Connections: 3
"Nice manor, Harry, I think it's a bit bigger than Malfoy Manor."
"Wow, when you put it that way, that's huge!"
"Definitely, Harry. You should visit some of your properties during the holidays. Maybe ask Ragnock for some Portkeys."
"Yeah, I think I will. Thanks, Luna. For now, one last page. Um, show me Love Potions." The book once again flipped to the proper page, titled Subcategory: Love Potions.
"I can't believe they kept a store of love potions. What would they need them for? Aren't they banned?"
"Yes, most of them are, Mia, but some of the weaker ones are still accepted as joke potions."
"Oh, well, what do the have, Harry?" Harry looked down at the page and read the short list.
Amortentia: 6 vials (2 doses each), under stasis charm, no expiration
Lust Potion: 20 vials (one dose each), under stasis charm, no expiration
Pink Haze: 3 vials (2 doses each), expired
Rose Glasses: 5 vials (1 dose each), expiration expected within 1 year
Forget-Me-Not: 1 vial (5 doses), under stasis charm, no expiration
"I've never heard of most of these, do you think they are personal inventions?"
"Hard to say, Luna. Perhaps. Maybe someday we can get a few and decipher the recipe. We could probably make a fortune."
"As if you need it, Harry."
"Shut it, Draco." They all sat quietly for a moment, contemplating what they had discovered. There was no doubt that they would be able to easily accomplish their goals of testing Muggles for magical cores.
After sitting in silence for several minutes, Harry rose. "I think I'm going to go to bed. All of this information is overwhelming, and I need some time to digest it." His friends all said good-night, and Luna even gave him a hug before he went to bed.
As he lay in bed, Harry thought about everything he had learned, and figured, as his brain was already full to bursting, and he wouldn't be falling asleep any time soon, he may as well read one of the books Ragnock had sent. He picked up the top one, The Importance of the Hoard and turned to the first page.
The Hoard, An Overview
The Hoard is a Goblin's all. It is sacred. There are not words enough to explain exactly how precious a Hoard is. A Goblin without a Hoard is nothing. The Goblin's entire status is dependent upon the size of said Goblin's hoard. When Goblin young are born, the youngling's parents make a contribution to the youngling's Hoard, as do the youngling's closest relatives. On average, a youngling's Hoard is about 100 Galleons. This Hoard, naturally, means almost nothing, however, a youngling will carry the status of its parents until it reaches maturity around age 10.
By age 7, many younglings work menial jobs, contributing every Knut earned to their Hoard, to further their chances of a decent career when they are older. Younglings born to parents with extremely large Hoards (upwards of 10,000 Galleons) have an advantage in life, as they are able to learn the careers of Forging and Metalsmithing. Younglings born to poor parents (Hoards smaller than 1,500 Galleons) are often consigned to a life of mining.
As Hoards determine the type of job a Goblin will be offered, the Hoard system creates a vicious circle. Those Goblins who start life with larger Hoards will be offered higher paying careers, and, thus, can increase their Hoards easily and rapidly. Those Goblins who start life with smaller Hoards, are offered lower paying careers, assuming they get offered careers at all, and, thus, find it extremely difficult to form Hoards of any decent value.
When a Goblin dies, the Goblin's Hoard is divided between the heirs evenly. For some Goblins, this is a sizable addition, for others, not so much. These inheritances are common knowledge, and are often even boasted about. Goblins will boast about the size of their Hoard the way Wizards will boast about the size of their house, or the number of Elves they own. Despite the boasting, Goblins do not steal from Hoards. The punishment for stealing, or attempting to steal, or even considering stealing from a Hoard is death by Dragon Fire, a most unpleasant way to die.
As Harry stopped and considered what he had read, he understood exactly why Ragnock had reacted the way he had. Harry slowly formed a plan. If Ragnock's Hoard was massive, he stood a chance of running Gringotts in the next year or so, or at least being on their board. Harry could definitely use that kind of influence. He would have to think it over more, and he would definitely have to research Gringotts hierarchy and positions, but he thought he could pull this off.
***SoaS***
When classes resumed on Monday, Harry was especially looking forward to Transfiguration that afternoon and Defense Against the Dark Arts the following day. Some of the older students had informed him that Transfiguration improved by leaps and bounds after second year, and everyone who had been taught by Professor Lupin so far said he was a much better teacher than those of the previous two years.
After lunch, Harry, Hermione, and Draco all headed up to the Transfiguration classroom, while Luna went back to the Slytherin common room for her free period. Professor McGonagall had gone back to treating Harry normally after he had confronted her the year before, and he was once again on very good terms with her. As such, he and his friends sat at the front of the room.
She started the class by turning into a Tabby cat and back. They all applauded loudly, then quieted down as she went over their lessons for the year (animal transfiguration) and started with a basic lecture on Animagi. They took notes the entire lesson on the proper wand movements and proper incantations. Harry only gave Professor McGonagall half of his attention as he considered just how cool it would be to become an animagus. He wondered how long it took.
As he and his friends left the class, Harry brought up his idea. "Wouldn't it be awesome to be an animagus?"
"Definitely," said Draco, enthusiastically. "Think of everything we could get away with."
"Well, you have to register with the Ministry of Magic, so I doubt you could get away with too much."
"Aww, Mia, don't ruin it."
"Do you think we could become Animagi?"
"Not all wizards have an Animagi form, Harry. It's typically only the most powerful."
Draco scoffed. "Yeah, like we aren't powerful."
"Well…That's true. I suppose I could do some research. I'm sure it would be fascinating!"
"Don't overwork yourself, Mia."
"Don't worry, Dray. We need to do some research for our homework anyway."
"Well, then I suppose that's ok. What forms do you think we'll have?" Their musings took them through the rest of they day, as they considered which animal they would prefer to be. Luna was equally enthusiastic about the idea, and couldn't wait to get started. She offered to help Hermione with the research, as she was very interested in the subject, and thought it was a great way to get ahead in her studies.
Harry was still contemplating possible forms the next day as he, Hermione, and Draco entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Professor Lupin stood at the front of the room, going through some notes, and looking as shabby as ever. As the students entered the room, they all pulled out what they felt would be necessary for the lesson. As the bell rang signaling the beginning of class, he glanced up smiled.
"Good afternoon," he said. "Would you please put all your books back in your bags. Today's will be a practical lesson. You will need only your wands." This announcement elicited a few curious looks as the students did as they were told. They had never had a practical Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.
When the rustling of movement had stopped, Professor Lupin walked around his desk and stood at the door to the room. "Right then, follow me, everyone." The class filed out of the room and followed behind their professor, each wondering where they were going and what they would be doing. They were very surprised when they were led into the, currently empty, staffroom.
"Now then," said Professor Lupin, beckoning the class toward the end of the room, where there was nothing but an old wardrobe. As Professor Lupin went to stand next to it, the wardrobe gave a sudden wobble, banging off the wall. "Nothing to worry about," said Professor Lupin, despite the fact that not a single student looked bothered.
"There's a Boggart in there. Boggarts like dark, enclosed spaces like wardrobes, the gap beneath beds, the cupboards under sinks – I've even met one that had lodged itself in a grandfather clock. This one moved in yesterday afternoon, and I asked the headmaster if the staff would leave it to give my third years some practice. Now, the first question we must ask ourselves is, what is a Boggart?"
Several people raised their hands, including, predictably, Hermione. When she was selected, her answer was short and succinct. "It's a shape-shifter. It can take the shape of whatever it thinks will frighten us most."
"Couldn't have put it better myself," said Professor Lupin, and Hermione glowed. "So, the Boggart sitting in the darkness within has not yet assumed a form. He does not yet know what will frighten the person on the other side of the door. Nobody knows what a Bogggart looks like when he is alone, but when I let him out, he will immediately become whatever each of us most fears."
Hermione put up her hand again.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Why hasn't anyone simply cast the Perspicuus charm to see what it looks like?"
"Ah, yes, the one-sided transparency charm. Well, there are multiple reasons. To begin with, that charm is incredibly complex, and not many witches or wizards learn it. There is also the matter of the Boggart sensing the magic casting it and transforming anyway."
"So, basically, no one in history has ever tried it or made it work?"
"I don't know about trying it, but we do not have any record of it working." Hermione huffed, obviously unsatisfied with that answer. "To continue," said Professor Lupin. "We have a huge advantage over the Boggart before we begin. Have you spotted it, Mr. Potter?"
Harry rolled his eyes. What an easy question. "Because there are so many of us, it won't know what shape it should be."
"Precisely," said Professor Lupin. "It's always best to have company when you're dealing with a Boggart. He becomes confused. Which should he become, a headless corpse or a flesh-eating slug? I once saw a Boggart make that very mistake – he tried to frighten two people at once and turned himself into half a slug. Not remotely frightening." The students looked at each other, wondering if they would ever get past the lecture.
"The charm that repels a Boggart is simple, yet it requires force of mind. You see, the thing that really finishes a Boggart is laughter. What you need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing. We will practice the charm without wands first. After me, please…riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" said the class together.
"Good," said Professor Lupin. "Very good. But that was the easy part, I'm afraid. You see, the word alone is not enough. I would like all of you to take a moment now to think of the thing that scares you most, and imagine how you might force it to look comical." The room went quiet. Harry thought, what scared him most in the world? He thought of Vernon Dursley, who had been so cruel to him as a child, but he knew he could deal with that oaf easily now. His thoughts turned to the Dementors on the train, but he was already working on a way to take care of them. He couldn't think of what scared him. He had, after all, been through so much already in his life. He supposed that the Boggart would tell him a bit about himself.
"Everyone ready?" asked Professor Lupin. Everyone nodded their heads and rolled up their sleeves, ready to do battle with the Boggart. "Good, now, I'd like a single file line, please." Hermione was the first in line, followed by Draco, Vince, then Greg. Harry stood at the end of the line, trying to think of what scared him most. "Miss Granger, we're going to give you some room to allow the Boggart to focus on you. I'll call the next person forward after you have performed the spell." They all retreated against the walls, leaving Hermione alone beside the wardrobe.
"On the count of three, Miss Granger," said Professor Lupin, who was pointing his own wand at the handle of the wardrobe. "One – two – three – now!" A jet of sparks shot from the end of Professor Lupin's wand and hit the doorknob. The wardrobe burst open. After a moment, a nondescript witch dressed in fine clothing (obviously meant to be a Pureblood) stepped from the wardrobe. She rounded on Hermione, practically yelling.
"You'll never be one of us, you filthy little Mudblood! How dare you even think to associate with our kind? The Sorting Hat obviously made a mistake, placing you in Slytherin."
The witch pulled out a wand, at which point Hermione stood tall, aimed, and shouted, "RIDDIKULUS!" The false wand exploded and the witch shrieked about her loss of magic. The class shared an uneasy chuckle.
"Mr. Malfoy! Forward." Hermione scurried out of the way to the back of the line. Draco stepped forward and gulped as, with a loud crack, the Boggart transformed into a perfect replica of Lucius Malfoy, who began enumerating the ways he was disappointed of Draco.
With a determined glint in his eye, Draco cast the charm and Lucius suddenly found himself unable to speak. As the class laughed, Greg was called forward. With a crack, the Boggart turned into a very large version of their end-of-year report. All of the grades were D's. With only a moment's hesitation, Greg flicked his wand and the paper folded itself into a paper airplane that glided around the room.
Harry watched as each student was called forward. Greg took the legs off of a giant spider, Pansy gave a rattlesnake a baby's rattle, Millicent turned a rat's tail into a snake that ate it, Theodore put a muzzle on a werewolf, and Daphne trapped a Hippogriff back inside the egg it would have been born from. Finally, only Blaise remained before him. The Boggart turned into a venomous tentacula, which Blaise had tie itself in knots.
"Mr. Potter! Your turn at last." Harry stepped forward, curious to see what the Boggart would become. He was unprepared for what he saw. With a crack, a terrified Luna appeared with a Dementor hovering over her. The anger and terror waging war inside Harry fueled his spell, and with a roared RIDDIKULUS!, the Boggart exploded. The class, which had been murmuring, silenced instantly.
There were several long moments without sound before Professor Lupin cleared his throat. "Yes, well, I had hoped to try this lesson with the other three houses, but I suppose they will have to wait until I find another Boggart. Now, five points to Slytherin for every person to tackle the Boggart – ten for Harry and Hermione because they also answered my questions. Very good lesson, everyone. For homework, kindly read the chapter on Boggarts and summarize it for me, to be handed in next lesson. That will be all."
As the students turned to leave, Professor Lupin cleared his throat again. "Mr. Potter, a word, please." Harry swallowed nervously, remembering the last time a professor had kept him after class.
However, he turned away from his classmates and walked back to the professor. "Is something wrong, Professor Lupin?"
"Not at all, Mr. Potter. I merely wished to tell you how impressed I was by that display of magic. It's not very common for a third year to destroy a Boggart with a single attempt. You will be a very powerful wizard some day."
I already am, thought Harry. "Thank you, Sir."
"I couldn't help but notice that your Boggart featured Miss Lovegood. As I recall, she had an extreme reaction to the Dementor on the train, is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Mr. Potter, considering the level of magic just displayed, I would like to offer my help in tutoring you about the repelling of Dementors. I should have some time in November, if you would like to work with me."
"What would I be learning, Sir?" Harry was suspicious of why someone he had been warned against would now be offering him lessons so freely.
"It's called the Patronus charm. When performed correctly, it will drive away Dementors."
Harry considered this for a moment. It sounded a lot like the protection charm Apophis had been teaching him. He figured that meant it would be easy to learn. If he accepted, he would also be able to find out exactly what Professor Lupin was up to. "All right, Professor, I appreciate the offer, and I accept."
"Excellent, Mr. Potter. When I have an opening in my schedule, I will let you know." As Harry left the room, Remus' smile became predatory. "I shall lure him back to our side, yet," he whispered.
AN: So, another long chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. I know some of it seems like filler, but it will become more important later. Please forgive me if my information about the manor house wasn't entirely correct, I did some research, but there's not a lot of information, and I don't exactly know much about true Manors