Wednesday's Defence Against Dark Magic class is the most anticipated class for all students at Hogwarts.
This course has always been a unique one in the school, with a different professor every year, bringing students a fresh experience each time. This year is especially special.
Dementor lurk around the school, and a chilling aura constantly hangs over the castle. Everyone is eager to learn how to Expecto Patronum and master a means of self-defense against the Dementor.
As soon as the bell rang, the classroom fell silent, and everyone sat up straight, waiting for Professor Lupin to come and teach the incantations and techniques of Expecto Patronum.
Not long after, Professor Lupin finally entered the classroom. He had a faint, gentle smile on his face and was carrying his tattered old box.
He was still wearing slightly tattered clothes, the fabric faded from washing and the edges worn, but he looked much better than he had on the Hogwarts Express.
It seems that the food at the castle has been much more plentiful than usual these past few days, and my health has improved.
"Good afternoon, students." Professor Lupin's voice instantly drew everyone's attention.
He first stood in front of the podium and systematically explained the core meaning of the Expecto Patronum, the key points of its application, and the joyful memories that need to be cultivated.
He explained things in great detail and with clear logic. The students listened very attentively, constantly taking notes in their notebooks with quill pens, afraid of missing a single crucial detail.
I thought the next part would be spell practice, but Professor Lupin changed the subject and finally got to the main point.
He raised his hand to signal everyone to stop taking notes and slowly said:
"Please put your textbooks back in your bags. Today we won't have a theory lesson; it's a practical one. All you need to do is bring your magic wands."
The entire classroom was instantly plunged into a state of utter bewilderment.
I thought the Expecto Patronum would be the main topic today, but it turned out to be just a prelude.
Because of the difficulty level, he wouldn't let students waste time practicing in class; he would have them practice on their own after class.
The students could understand because Professor Lupin had already explained it in great detail.
As the saying goes,
The master leads you through the door, but the practice is up to you.
After a brief moment of surprise, the students felt a tightness in their chests.
Practical lessons! After Lockhart attended a chaotic practical lesson last year, the course has never included any practical content since.
In everyone's mind, practical classes always seem to carry unknown risks, making them far less safe than the stable theoretical classes.
A tense atmosphere filled the classroom, and whispers of conversation quietly broke out.
"Alright." Professor Lupin, seeing everyone's confused and nervous expressions, didn't offer much explanation, but simply clapped his hands gently. "Since you're all ready, please follow me."
The students were increasingly confused.
Why isn't the Defence Against Dark Magic practical lesson being held in the usual classroom? Where is Professor Lupin taking them, and what will he teach?
Filled with questions, everyone picked up their wands and textbooks and stood up to follow Professor Lupin.
He led the students through the second corridor and stopped outside the Staff Room.
"Come in," Professor Lupin said, opening the door and stepping back to let the students enter first.
The Staff Room is a long room.
The four walls were inlaid with dark wood panels, and the room was filled with many mismatched old chairs. The students filed into the room.
"Alright, let's go into that room."
Professor Lupin gestured for everyone to walk towards the other end of the room.
At the very back stood an old wardrobe, which was originally where the teachers kept their spare robes.
Just as Lupin walked to the side, the wardrobe suddenly shook violently and slammed against the wall with a dull thud.
Several students were so frightened that they immediately shrank back.
"There's no need to worry," Professor Lupin said.
There's a Boggart inside.
"Isn't this something to worry about? It'll become the thing we all fear most," Ron quipped.
Upon hearing this, many people's expressions changed slightly, and their deepest fears quietly flashed through their minds.
Neville's lips trembled slightly, and he whispered, "I... I'm most afraid of Professor Snape."
Hannah followed up:
What I fear most is a shadow suddenly appearing in the dark, and... being chased by something.
"Don't worry, Boggart is most afraid of laughter. With so many of us, if we all burst into real laughter together, it will panic on its own," Olivia said calmly.
Lupin gave her an approving look:
"That's very true. Boggart are essentially bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong; what they fear most is being ridiculed."
"And Professor, you just said there's only one Boggart. With so many of us, it'll become the fear of several people at once, and it'll be in chaos itself. We simply can't handle it," Hermione added.
"Very perceptive, Miss Granger. You grasped the key point at a glance," Professor Lupin praised sincerely.
Lavender excitedly raised his hand. "I know! The special spell to deal with Boggart is— Riddikulus!"
"That's right! As long as we use a spell to make it look ridiculous and laugh out loud, we can blow this wretched thing up!" Parvati agreed.
Professor Lupin smiled, "It seems everyone has a good foundation and remembers this knowledge very well."
At that moment, someone in the crowd casually remarked:
"Thanks to Draco and Hermione, who have been helping us review for the past two years and highlighting the key points for us."
Lupin looked at the two of them curiously. "Oh? It seems you two are quite prestigious in the grade."
"Of course!" someone replied.
" Hermione is always first in the whole grade, Draco always second, and their explanations are easier to understand than the textbook!"
"Of course!" someone immediately chimed in, " Hermione's always number one in the whole grade, Draco's always either number one or number two. Their explanations are even easier to understand than the textbooks!"
"There's no need to mention me, just say Hermione."
Draco said speechlessly, and Ron leaned in to tease him, "I think you just don't want people to mention your perennial second place status, right? You always get overshadowed by Hermione, doesn't that feel good?"
Lavender stood to the side, laughing so hard she covered her mouth.
"Although... but... someone couldn't even get a chicken's rear end, and in the end, all they could eat were chicken feathers!"
"I'm better than you. All you do is join in the fun, you have no skills whatsoever!" Ron retorted.
"It's better than some people who panic and run for their mothers when they hit Boggart, getting slapped to the ground by Hippogriff, and still have the nerve to criticize others!" Lavender retorted.
The two chatted back and forth, making the surrounding classmates chuckle, and the classroom instantly became lively.
Professor Lupin coughed lightly, a smile on his face, gently stopping the bickering. "Alright, alright, enough joking around. We need to start the lesson now. Focus, and don't let Boggart take advantage of the situation."