Rise Of House Cason

Art and the twins entered class and took a seat near the middle. Cedric soon came in and sat with them.

"Do you think the new professor will be any good? I mean it is our OWLs year." Cedric said with some worry.

"Like you have to worry about exams, you're ahead of your year." Art said, not minding Cedric's worry.

"Hello everyone. I am Professor Lupin and I will be your Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. Now I have been filled in by the Headmaster and know that your… education hasn't been up to par in your last couple years but I plan to catch you up to speed and prepare you for your OWLs." Lupin said as he walked to the front of the class in his shabby robes.

His face was pale but he had a bright expression as he looked over his class.

"Of course turning towards your fellow classmates for a few pointers is a good idea." he said giving Art a smile.

Most students in Hogwarts knew that Art helped anyone who asked him with their studies.

"So today we will be talking about dark creatures. Many of you met a Dementor on the train."

A shudder ran through the class as they remembered those cold scary creatures.

"Of course we will not be taking on Dementors today or anytime soon but those are the kind of creatures I will be teaching you how to defend yourself." Lupin said, tapping his desk.

"Professor, how do you protect yourself from a Dementor?" a girl asked with a shudder in her voice.

"Good question! Can anyone answer?" Lupin looked around the class. Seeing Cedric's hand, he said, "Mr. Diggory?"

"The best way to protect yourself from a Dementor is a Patronus Charm. It creates a shield of positive energy as a barrier between you and the Dementor. A Patronus Charm acts as a guardian and takes the shape of an animal that you connect with." Cedric said, giving a textbook answer.

"Very good Mr. Diggory, 10 points to Hufflepuff." Lupin said with a smile. "Are you able to demonstrate it for us?"

Cedric smiled and stood up, taking his wand out. "Expecto Patronum!" he said loudly.

A large white wolf emerged from his wand causing the class to gasp in shock.

"Very good! And a corporeal patronus to boot! Take another 10 points. As you can see, Mr. Diggery's patronus takes the shape of a wolf and is considered a corporeal patronus. Most patronuses are just white mist and are considered incorporeal."

The rest of the class went on in this fashion. Lupin introduced them to many dark creatures and the best way to defend against them. Though his explanation was lacking compared to Newts, Art was impressed with Lupin's teaching.

Leaving the class, the students were all talking about Lupin and his interesting class. Art also noticed that some students, mostly girls, were staring at Cedric with admiration.

"I could have done a patronus…" Fred muttered, upset with all the attention Cedric was getting.

"Yeah that is the reason." Art said rolling his eyes. Cedric become more m.a.t.u.r.e and refined over the summer, causing many girls to give him flirty looks.

George huffed in annoyance and headed towards the next class. Art and Cedric laughed and followed him. The first week of school went by quickly as the students returned to their regular routine.

The student body was surprised but glad for a competent teacher like Lupin and Defence Against the Dark Arts class soon became everyone's favourite class.

"Today we will be dealing with Boggarts. Can anyone tell me what a Boggart is?" Lupin asked.

"A Boggart is an amortal shape-shifting non-being that takes on the form of the viewer's worst fear. Because of their shape-shifting ability, no one knows what a Boggart looks like when it is alone, as it instantly changes into one's worst fears when one first sees it." Fred said quickly, not letting Cedric take anymore glory.

"Very good Mr. Weasley. Do you know the spell?"

"Riddikulus."

"Good. Now I have captured a Boggart for us to practice on. Now like the Mr. Weasley said, the spell is Riddikulus and the wand movement is simple." Lupin said demonstrating the spell before saying, "Now everyone line up."

The class quickly formed a line and waited excitedly. Art went to the back of the line, his face a little dark.

"Now I must stress that what you see isn't real and won't hurt you. Keep a calm mind and remember the spell, Riddikulus." Lupin stressed, looking at the students. His eyes lingered on Art for a second before moving on.

A Hufflepuff girl named Sandra was first and slowly approached the wardrobe which started to shake. Soon a huge snake came out causing many girls to shrieked. Sandra visibly paled and started shaking.

"Riddikulus!" she said weakly.

The snake quickly transformed into an animal balloon causing many to laugh.

"Good! Next!" Lupin cheered, urging the next person to the front. The line moved quickly now and the classroom was filled with laughter. Soon Cedric came to the front and the Boggart changed into a large Mountain Troll with a large club.

'Looks like that troll left some emotional damage on Ced.'

The troll quickly turned into a giant clown causing everyone to laugh.

Soon it was Art's turn and he looked at Lupin, "Professor, I don't think it is a good idea if I face the Boggart." he muttered quietly, a sliver of fear on his face.

But it was too late as the room suddenly darkened and flashes of green light filled the room. The room lightened and five lifeless bodies laid on the floor. Art saw his parents and uncle on the floor. A man covered in dark robed with a pale face stepped over them and stared at Art.

"They died because of you…" a cold voice rang through the room.

"Shut up." Art said clenching his fist, his knuckles cracking.

The students looked at the bodies in horror as Lupin's face grew paler.

"More will die…"

"I SAID SHUT UP!" Art screamed, a bright light burst from his wand and completely destroyed the Boggart.

The darkness cleared and Art was standing there breathing hard with a pale face.

He quickly turned and left the classroom, leaving everyone speechless.

The twins went to go after him but were stopped by Cedric who quietly said, "He needs to be alone right now."

The twins still wanted to go after him but they knew Cedric was right.

Artland quickly left the castle and headed towards the forest where he shifted into a Wampus and started running very quickly. He went deep into the forest before stopping and shifting back to himself.

He leaned against a tree and buried his face in his hands. He sat there for who knows how long trying to escape his own thoughts.

"Young foal, you are in our territory. Please leave."

Looking up, Art saw a half horse half human standing there looking at him.

"A centaur… I apologize." Art muttered, standing up and stumbled away.