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Chapter 340: Defense Against the Dark Arts!!
Lupin didn't notice anything unusual.
When Darren said he was fine, Lupin relaxed and smiled.
"Good. Then everyone, follow me and take out your wands… This lesson will be practical."
That immediately sparked excitement.
Most of them had never experienced a real practical Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Well… if you counted last year, when Lockhart let loose a cage of Cornish pixies and the entire class fell apart, that could also be considered "practical."
They followed Lupin with curiosity.
They arrived outside the staffroom.
There, they saw Peeves floating in front of the door, stuffing gum into the keyhole.
Peeves was the most irritating poltergeist in the school.
Last year, he had even framed Darren for petrifying Justin, making Darren look like the Heir of Slytherin for a while.
Though… strictly speaking, Darren wasn't exactly "wronged."
Peeves saw Lupin and immediately became smug, singing loudly.
"Poor old Lupin, Lupin who has no food~"
He cackled.
All the students instinctively looked at Lupin.
Lupin did look poor.
His robes were worn.
His suitcase was covered with patches.
Many students began to worry.
This was the first time Peeves had ever mocked a professor openly.
Usually annoying as he was, Peeves still knew better than to provoke teachers.
No one expected him to dare insult Lupin.
Everyone waited nervously to see what Lupin would do.
But as a little Holy Father…
Darren, of course, couldn't just stay silent.
He stared at Peeves angrily, clearly ready to speak up.
But before he could say a word, Lupin raised his wand.
He smiled calmly at the students.
"Well then… since Peeves is being so kind, I'll show you a very interesting spell today."
"Waddiwasi!"
The gum Peeves had stuffed into the keyhole instantly shot back out like a bullet—
And smacked straight into Peeves' face.
Peeves shrieked and spun wildly before fleeing down the corridor in terror.
The wad of gum chased after him relentlessly.
It looked like it wouldn't stop until Peeves was plastered to Filch's face.
Darren pouted slightly.
Peeves really never learned his lesson.
Did he think Lupin was a gentle fool like him?
No chance.
Lupin was kind—
But he'd also run wild with James and Sirius in school.
Kindness never meant harmless.
Maybe he also did this for authority.
Because after that one spell—
Every student's opinion of Lupin changed completely.
Their admiration was almost tangible.
At last.
A real Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Even Darren looked genuinely impressed and happy.
Though there was still a trace of worry in his eyes—clearly for Peeves.
"Oh, Darren, don't worry," Lupin said gently.
"That gum will chase Peeves all the way to Mr. Filch. He'll definitely learn something this time."
He seemed afraid Darren would misunderstand.
Darren laughed awkwardly.
That made Lupin blush instead.
He rubbed his hands a little, as though he wanted to say something.
But then—
He remembered he was teaching.
And quickly stopped himself.
He turned and unlocked the staffroom door with his wand.
"We'll hold class in here…"
His voice stopped suddenly.
Because Severus Snape was sitting inside.
When he saw Lupin enter, his face darkened instantly.
"Lupin. Why are you here?"
"I'm sorry," Lupin said politely.
"I'm teaching here today, so if you'd excuse us…"
Snape's face tightened.
He slowly looked over the students standing behind Lupin.
His gaze paused briefly on Darren.
Then slid toward Harry.
"Lupin, I suppose I should tell you something unfortunate."
"If you intend to run practical lessons, do not allow Harry Potter to participate."
"After all, he is our famous savior."
Harry nearly exploded.
Snape really never planned to let him off.
Too much.
Fortunately, Lupin stepped forward.
"Oh, Severus, I disagree."
"I've learned a few things over the past two years."
"And Harry is an excellent student."
"He has protected Hogwarts twice."
"Protected?" Snape sneered.
"Or caused trouble twice?"
The two of them stood very close now.
Darren noticed Snape leaning closer to Lupin and murmuring something.
Lupin's face darkened instantly.
And Snape looked… pleased.
"Hmph. Since that's that, I'll be going."
He walked out.
Passing Malfoy, he suddenly stopped.
He raised an eyebrow at him.
"Malfoy. Come to my office after class."
"Detention."
And perhaps because he saw Harry's dangerously pleased expression—
Snape added coolly,
"You may also wish to discuss how to make Potter more… manageable."
"It may save the Headmaster quite a bit of trouble."
Harry nearly threw his wand.
Snape snorted and left.
"Well…" Lupin sighed.
"Now then, everyone, step forward slightly."
His expression improved now that Snape was gone.
Then—
Behind him—
The old wardrobe rattled.
Darren instantly tensed.
He raised his wand, his expression sharp and alert.
A trace of pain passed through Lupin's eyes.
He knew what Darren had endured during the trial.
The boy had instantly recognized it.
And as Darren reacted—
Some other students also remembered something terrible.
They retreated uneasily.
"Yes," Lupin said quietly.
"Some of you already know what that is."
"It's a boggart."
"A boggart lives in dark, confined places…"
"And it is also the creature Darren once faced."
He turned to Darren, his gaze apologetic and serious.
"I'm sorry, Darren."
"I brought the boggart today… and I ran it past Professor Dumbledore."
"We were hoping you'd face it again."
"Not because you're weak."
"In fact…"
"No one is stronger than you."
"But we worry."
"If that fear stays buried for too long…"
"It may damage your heart."
"Sometimes it's better to take the memory out now…"
"And give it back to you when you're older."
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