the_debt_of_time

individually as he sat down on the shaking trunk. "Three Gryffindors at that, who were hiding
in the back of the room, looking terrified."
Mia refused to break eye contact with the man.
"Gryffindors aren't known to back down from their fears. Being sorted with the
bold into the House of the Great Godric does allow for weaknesses." Professor Prewett
smiled softly. "Those include pride. I imagine each of you was not afraid to face the
boggart, but more worried that others would see your fears for themselves.
"May I make a suggestion? I suggest that you face all of your fears. Both the ones
you believe that the boggart will take the form of, as well as your fear of others seeing your
personal phobia. Miss Potter? Do you trust these boys? Are they your friends?"
"They're my best friends," she whispered quietly.
"And do you trust them?"
"With everything." Except the truth.
Professor Prewett turned to the boys. "And the two of you?"
Remus dipped his chin solemnly. "I trust them."
"I don't want them to see," Sirius blurted out, a look of frustration and anger on his
face.
Intuitively, Mia reached out and took his hand, and Sirius's anger melted into what
looked like shame and guilt.
He laced his fingers with hers and just silently nodded. "Fine. But I don't go first."
Remus sighed. "I'll do it. They already know anyway," he muttered bitterly and
stepped forward, gripping his wand.
Professor Prewett stood up, reaching for his own wand and aiming it at the shaking
trunk. "Now, Mr Lupin, I want you to take your time with this. Don't just shout the charm
quickly to get the boggart to go away. If I'm right... If I'm right, you'll each need time to
focus on the image, perhaps examine your fears closer in order to conquer them, instead
of hiding them away."
Remus gave a curt nod.
Professor Prewett flicked his wand, and the trunk flew open with a bang.
Nothing happened at first, which shocked Mia. She had fully expected to see the
image of a moon appear in the centre of the room. She had seen Remus's boggart before,