Freed from its captivity, the boggart leapt from the chest and took the form of a sickly woman. For a brief instant, Nikolai thought he recognized his late wife in the form, but that was foolish for he had diligently stepped back before the boggart could get a read on him. Whatever the figure’s connection to Miss Lestrange, though, it was not going away—the Hufflepuff clearly lacked the willpower to vanquish it.

“Try again, Miss Lestrange—more forceful!” the professor directed encouragingly.

---

Point of clarity: though only one person can face the boggart at a time, I do encourage commentary and welcome interim posts!