Chapter 115
The next day…
Albert had already begun changing his morning routine. He woke up early to run, warm up, and do exercises to strengthen his body.
Of course, such training didn't matter much in a magical world, but Albert believed it gave him some advantages, a lighter, stronger body could help in a duel, allowing him to dodge spells and stand firm against dangerous opponents.
After finishing his routine, brushing his teeth, training, and breakfast, Albert joined his fellow Gryffindors, boys and girls alike, as they headed to their next lesson: Defence Against the Dark Arts.
This year, their new professor was none other than Remus Lupin.
The group climbed the staircases toward the classroom.
Ron, walking alongside Harry, Albert, and Neville, leaned in with excitement.
"Hey, Harry! I heard Professor Lupin's a really nice teacher!"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. After what happened on the train this year, I can't wait to study under him."
Ron pulled a face of disgust. "At least it's not Snape teaching us anymore!"
Last year, after Lockhart had been dismissed halfway through the term, Professor Snape had taken over Defence Against the Dark Arts in addition to Potions. It had been… less than enjoyable.
At last, they reached the classroom.
Professor Lupin was already waiting, wand in hand, his eyes kind but sharp.
"Welcome, students!" he said warmly. "As Professor Dumbledore mentioned at the feast, my name is Remus Lupin. I am your new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. I graduated here at Hogwarts after seven years of study, just like all of you will someday. I also achieved top marks at the national level."
He smiled, his voice calm yet confident. "I hope we'll work well together from this day forward."
Then, with a gesture, he directed the students into a single-file line. One by one, they formed a long queue.
All the while, at the front of the classroom stood a large wardrobe. Its mirror-like surface gleamed faintly, though the shape was more like a cupboard than a mirror.
Lupin raised his hand toward it.
"Now then, class. Inside this wardrobe is something called a Boggart. Does anyone know what that is?"
Ron twisted around suddenly and nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Harry!" he hissed. "I swear Hermione wasn't with us on the way here! How did she just… appear out of nowhere?!"
Harry frowned. "Forget it, Ron. I've no idea."
Some of the students, including Draco Malfoy, shifted nervously at the mention of the word Boggart.
For a Boggart was no ordinary creature. It took the shape of whatever a person feared most, dragging their darkest terrors into the open.
Yet there was a charm to counter it, a powerful one, though difficult to cast when trembling with fear. It transformed dread into absurdity, forcing laughter to drive the Boggart away.
Lupin glanced around the room, noting the silence that followed his question. No one had answered.
So he explained. Patiently, he told them what a Boggart was, and how it could be defeated.
"When one of you steps forward," he said, "the Boggart will take shape, whatever you fear most. At that moment, you must cast the spell Riddikulus. Say it with me!"
"Riddikulus!" the students echoed, some stronger than others.
"Well done!" Lupin beamed. "Now then… who will be the first to step forward?"
To be continued…