The classroom was dim, rain tapping steadily against the tall windows. The torches flickered in their brackets, casting long shadows across the stone floor. A large, battered wardrobe stood at the front of the room, rattling slightly. Something inside knocked once. Then again.

Students filtered in, murmuring among themselves, their eyes darting toward the shaking wardrobe. The atmosphere buzzed with tension and curiosity.

Professor Lupin stood nearby, his robes patched, his expression gentle but focused. He gave a slight nod as the last student sat.

Lupin: Good afternoon, class.

The students replied with a quiet chorus of greetings. Ron gave the wardrobe a wary look. Harry sat forward in his seat, curious. Hermione already had her quill poised.

Lupin: Today, we're doing something rather exciting. We're going to be dealing with a creature that is… unpredictable. But with the proper spell, completely harmless.

He gestured to the wardrobe behind him.

Lupin: This, is a Boggart.

The wardrobe gave another thud, as if to agree.

Lupin: Can anyone tell me what a Boggart is?

Hermione’s hand shot into the air. Lupin smiled.

Lupin: Miss Granger?

Hermione: A Boggart is a shape-shifter. It takes the form of whatever a person fears the most or what the Person Admires.

Lupin: Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor.

He began pacing slowly, speaking with calm confidence.

Lupin: The real trick with a Boggart is not the spell—but how you think. You see, laughter is what truly defeats it. If you can make it look silly, ridiculous even, the fear fades away. The incantation is simple: Riddikulus.

The students echoed the word softly.

Lupin: But it won’t work unless you truly imagine something funny. Let’s see who’s brave enough to go first…

His eyes scanned the room and landed on Neville, who sank lower in his seat.

Lupin: Neville. Would you be willing to help?

Neville: M-me, sir?

Lupin: You’ll do fine. Now, what scares you most?

Neville’s face flushed.

Neville: P-Professor Snape.

The class broke into giggles. Lupin grinned.

Lupin: And what would make Professor Snape funny?

Neville: I’d dress him in my gran’s clothes. A big red handbag… that vulture hat…

The class burst out laughing. Lupin gave an approving nod.

Lupin: Perfect. Now, everyone—line up. Back against the wall.

The students moved into position. Lupin stood beside Neville, wand raised.

Lupin: Now, Neville—deep breath. Visualize it. When you’re ready.

He flicked his wand. The wardrobe creaked… then burst open.

A tall, thin figure stepped out—Snape, in full teaching robes, his expression cold and cruel.

Neville stammered but raised his wand.

Neville: R-riddikulus!

There was a loud pop. Suddenly, Snape was dressed in a long green dress, a feathery hat with a stuffed vulture, and clutched a red handbag. The class howled with laughter.

Lupin: Excellent! Step aside—next! Now this time we are gonna do a Boggart on Someone that you want to Be like or someone you admire