A Boggart is a shape-shifting creature which takes the form of a person's worst fear when they look at it. The true appearance of a Boggart is unknown because it changes into the fear instantaneously. The spell Riddikulus changes a Boggart into something comedic and will be banished if laughed at.[1]
About[]
Boggarts prefer dark and enclosed spaces including wardrobes and cupboards, and even shadowy corners. If a group of people look at a Boggart at the same time, it will get confused and turn into half a fear. Laughter is the best way to banish a Boggart and using a spell called Riddikulus changes it into something which looks less-threatening and hopefully funny. To do that, it requires concentration to envision what the desired change.[1]
If a person approaches the Boggart, there is a cracking noise while it is transforming and another whip-cracking noise if Riddikulus is used. Eventually the laughter will get overbearing for the Boggart and it bursts into a thousand tiny wisps.[1] A Boggart is capable of causing the same level of damage their fear can do when transformed, e.g. a Boggart who turns into a Dementor could give the Dementor's Kiss.[2]
History[]
Remus Lupin once found a Boggart in a grandfather clock. In September 1993, he found a Boggart living in a wardrobe in the staff-room at Hogwarts School. He decided to teach third-year Defence Against the Dark Arts students about Boggarts. Harry Potter's Boggart had to be stopped by Lupin because it turned into a Dementor.[1] He told Lupin, who thought it was going to turn into Voldemort, he had switched it at the last minute. Lupin thought it was wise because it suggested the thing he feared was fear itself.[3]
In early 1994, he found another Boggart hiding in Argus Filch's filing cabinet and used it to teach Harry Anti-Dementor lessons.[2] In June, third-years took an examination which included facing a Boggart at the end of an obstacle course by getting into a trunk.[4]
Known Boggarts[]
| Person | Fear | Riddikulus |
|---|---|---|