"Good afternoon, everyone." As the bell rang, Osgilia, the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, quickly surveyed the students in the classroom, seemingly comparing them with his memories-or perhaps simply checking how many were present.
Apparently satisfied, he greeted them with a smile.
"Good afternoon, Professor," the students replied loudly, though far from in unison.
Osgilia nodded. "This is our first lesson, so I thought we could try something light and enjoyable. A practical lesson, for instance."
Even those who had already suspected as much grew excited at this announcement. Seamus and Dean actually whooped.
Osgilia did not mind. He raised a hand and pressed it downward, signaling for quiet. Only once the students had settled down did he continue. "Today's lesson is about Boggarts. Does anyone know what a Boggart is?"
A sparse handful of hands rose.
Two belonged to Gryffindors and three to Slytherins, with one held particularly high.
"Yes, the young lady with her hand highest."
Naturally, the hand held high belonged to Hermione. When called on, she immediately answered with delight, repeating the textbook word for word.
"Very good." Osgilia nodded approvingly. "You must be Miss Granger?"
"Yes, Professor." Hermione was both surprised and pleased that he knew her name on his very first day of teaching.
"I heard your name even back at Durmstrang." Osgilia nodded and gave her an encouraging look before continuing the lesson. "As Miss Granger just explained, facing a Boggart in a group is the best approach. Does anyone know how to deal with one when you're alone?"
That was not covered in the book, but Hermione raised her hand anyway.
This time, however, Osgilia called on Theodore.
"Overcome your fear. As long as the Boggart senses that you aren't afraid of it, it can't maintain its transformation," Theodore