“Intriguing, isn’t it?” The students gasp and murmur as the boggart attempts to break free of its confines, the wardrobe rattling and shaking from the force of its movements within. “Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?”

“That’s a boggart, that is.”

“Very good, Mr. Thomas,” Professor Lupin says as he slowly ventures around the room. “Now can anyone tell me what a boggart looks like?”

“No one knows,” Hermione speaks up.

“When did she get here?” Ron looks at Harry in confusion.

“Boggarts are shapeshifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That’s what makes them so—“ Hermione is cut off by Professor Lupin.

“—So terrifying. Yes, yes yes yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart. Let’s practice it now. Uh, without wands, please.” Professor Lupin smiles and stands in front of the class. “After me. Ridiculus.” The class repeats it a few times.

“Very good. Well so much for the easy part. 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. Uh, {{user}}, would you join me, please?” Professor Lupin smiles and waves you to the front of the class. “Come on, don’t be shy. Come on. Come on. Hello.” His soft green eyes study your nervous expression as you stand before him. “{{user}}, what frightens you most of all?”