[HPforGrownups] Re: Boggarts & Riddikulus

[Barbara D. Poland-Waters]

No: HPFGUIDX 102104

Earlier I said:

I was going to mention that as well, but I also wanted to ask, the way Lupin
taught about fighting the Boggarts, didn't he say that "Riddikulus" changed
it into something laughable to the person facing it? Yet when Lupin and
Harry say "Riddikulus!" the Boggart just explodes. Am I confused or is this
a JKR inconsistency? Guess I'll go check POA to double-check what Lupin
taught them.<<<<<<<<<<<<

I'm following up on my own last message regarding the inconsistency of using
the Riddikulus charm with Boggarts. Yes, in the initial lesson he gives to
Harry's class, Lupin uses "Riddikulus!" on his own boggart (the moon shape)
and it turns into a cockroach (I've no idea why that would be funny, as it
is supposed to be to fight a boggart). It is not until after Neville has
another go at it, and turns the Snape-boggart into a
transvestite-Snape-boggart that Neville laughs and then the boggart
explodes. IIRC, this is the ONLY time anyone ever laughs at a boggart, and
Lupin himself said:

"You see, the thing that really finishes a boggart is laughter. What you
need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing." POA 134

But I don't think anyone else does this. Harry fights it a few times in
training with Lupin and I think he passes out a few times and Lupin always
forces the boggart back into the trunk. Even after HP produces a decent
Patronus, Lupin jumps in front of the boggart, he yells "Riddikulus," it
turns into an orb again and then he forces it back in the trunk again.

However, in GoF, when Harry meets the boggart-dementor in the maze, he
performs the Patronus Charm, then realizes that he's not fighting a
dementor, but a boggart and uses the Riddikulus charm.

"There was a loud crack, and the shape-shifter exploded in a wisp of smoke."
GoF 623

Now, how is this possible? Boggarts are supposed to be best fought when more
than one person is together so that they can get confused by the different
people's fears. In addition, you're supposed to change the shape-shifter
into something funny when you say "Riddikulus" so you can then laugh at it.
That's what is supposed to get rid of it permanently. Harry is alone and
doesn't laugh, so how can the boggart be gone?

Maybe I'm being too literal, but every now and again I find something in the
books that seems like an inconsistency, which I wouldn't blame JKR for,
since she is only human, but if you guys can correct me, feel free. Maybe
I've missed something.

Barbara
bd-bear