the_debt_of_time

"Good afternoon. Now, there's not much room in here, so everyone stand up,"
Professor Prewett instructed, and the students all stood from their seats. With a flourish of
his wand, one by one, the desks in front of them transfigured into small wooden blocks.
"Someone pile those in the corner. There will be no need for desks in this class! What you
learn about Defence Against the Dark Arts is practical. You can only read so many books
and write so many essays."
Sirius and James looked beside themselves with joy.
"That's not to say you won't have to write a couple essays." Professor Prewett
chuckled, and Mia stifled a laugh as she saw James and Sirius deflate instantly. "Just not
while you're in the class. When you're here with me, you will be learning to wield your
wands, focus your magic, and defend yourselves properly."
Mia wondered what was happening out in the world right now. There had been
reports in the Daily Prophet of Muggle muggings and a few attacks on Muggle-borns, and
although the term "Death Eater" had not been used yet, it was obvious who was behind it
all. She wondered whether Dumbledore had already formed the Order of the Phoenix yet.
If so, she imagined that Professor Prewett was a member. She knew that his nephews—
Gideon and Fabian—were, or would be at some point in the near future. She imagined
that this immediate lesson on defence was for a reason. Things were getting bad outside
the walls of the castle, and they all needed to be on guard.
"Can someone tell me what the greatest disadvantage one can have when dealing
with the Dark Arts is?" Professor Prewett asked. Many hands went up in the air. "Yes, Mr
Snape?"
"Incompetence," Snape drawled, staring across the aisle to glare at the Marauders.
Professor Prewett actually appeared amused by the answer and gave a throaty
chuckle, which actually seemed to irritate Snape as he scowled up at the teacher. "Not quite,
my boy, not quite. No. Fear," he explained. "Fear can be healthy when it's used properly.
But fear can also be debilitating if not focused."
He turned around and gestured to a black trunk on the floor. He kicked it once,
and the large chest began to shake from within. Some students gasped, others looked
intrigued. Mia looked captivated with excitement.
"Who can tell me what a boggart is?" Professor Prewett asked.
Four hands jumped in the air: Snape, Mia, Lily, and Remus.