The morning sunlight spilled through the arched windows of the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom as Professor Lupin arranged an old wardrobe in the centre of the room. The faint scent of dust and old wood hung in the air.
Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students filed in together, chatting excitedly. Roy took a seat beside Hermione, while Neville Longbottom fidgeted nervously near the back.
Lupin smiled kindly."Today, we're going to study a creature called a Boggart," he began. "They hide in dark places — wardrobes, cupboards — and take the shape of what a person fears most. But the spell to defeat one is quite simple."
He wrote the word on the board with a flick of his wand:
Riddikulus
"The key," he said, "is laughter. If you can make your fear look ridiculous, the Boggart loses its power."
Neville's Turn
"Mr Longbottom," Lupin called gently. "Would you like to try first?"
Neville gulped. "Me, sir?"
"Yes, indeed. Tell me, what frightens you most?"
Neville mumbled, "Professor Snape."
Lupin's eyes twinkled. "Excellent. Now, picture him — but dressed in your grandmother's clothes. The hat, the vulture, the handbag — everything. Ready?"
The wardrobe door creaked open. Out stepped Snape, scowling fiercely, robes billowing.
"Ten points from Gryffindor, Longbottom—"
"R-Riddikulus!"
In a flash, Snape's robes turned into a frilly green dress and a stuffed vulture hat perched on his head. He stood there, horrified, clutching a bright red handbag.
The entire class burst out laughing. Even Lupin wiped a tear from his eye.
From the corner, Roy smirked — and subtly snapped a quick photo with an enchanted camera. By the end of the day, copies of "Professor Snape in Grandmother's Hat" would mysteriously circulate all over Hogwarts. No one ever found out who sold them, but Snape's unintentional popularity soared.
Hermione's Turn
When Hermione's turn came, she hesitated. The wardrobe creaked, and suddenly a flood of parchment and books tumbled out, pages fluttering everywhere — each stamped with the word FAILED in red ink.
Hermione gasped, trembling.
Roy stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it's all right. You've already proven you're brilliant."
Lupin nodded. "Remember, Miss Granger — laughter."
Hermione took a deep breath, pointed her wand and said firmly, "Riddikulus!"
The papers turned into dancing quills wearing tiny hats, twirling in the air until she laughed.
Roy smiled proudly. "Told you so."
Roy's Turn
When Lupin called Roy forward, the class fell quiet. The wardrobe opened, and the Boggart began to shift — from shadow to fire, from storm to darkness — changing forms faster and faster until, with a loud crack, it exploded into harmless mist.
The room went silent.
Seamus whispered, "Did it just — blow up?"
Lupin smiled faintly. "A Boggart has nothing to show when faced with someone who carries no fear. It simply loses form. Well done, Mr Valvas."
The other students stared in awe.
After Class
When the lesson ended, students left still laughing about Snape's outfit. Roy noticed Hermione was quiet, thoughtful.
Outside, near the courtyard, he gently guided her toward the lake — his pocket dimension disguised as a shimmering doorway only they could see. Inside, the air was warm, trees swaying under a violet sky.
They sat beneath one, the soft grass cool underfoot. Hermione leaned lightly against his shoulder, letting out the breath she'd been holding.
"I hate feeling scared," she admitted. "I'm supposed to know everything, but …"
Roy smiled gently. "Even the strongest people get scared. What matters is that you keep moving forward."
She looked up at him, comforted by his calm tone. "You always sound so sure of everything."
"Because I have faith in you," he said simply.
Hermione blushed and smiled, resting her head again. The two sat there for a long while, talking quietly about classes, magic, and dreams, until the evening glow faded.
When they finally returned, Hermione felt lighter, her fear replaced by quiet warmth and confidence.
Roy watched her go, the corner of his mouth lifting.
Protecting her… that's a promise I intend to keep.