Class #4: G&S / 6&7

[dani]

Oh, hell no.


Dani's mouth fell open once more as Pierre interjected his stupid opinion, just like he always did. Her bitch!? Dani wanted to punch Pierre in his stupid face so bad right now, it was killing her. How was she not being mature? It was just ridiculous. In a rage, Livy completely forgotten, Dani leaned toward Pierre, fuming. So, that's how he was going to play it, huh? He was going to pretend to give a shit about her best friend, even though he'd been ignoring her for the better part of a year and a half while he pined after Dani? "I'll talk to my best friend however I want to, thank you very much," she demanded in a furious whisper, completely flabbergasted that Pierre would try and make it sound like Dani treated her best friend with anything but respect. So, she got a little snappy sometimes, everyone did! Lividest knew that and that was all that mattered. "And for your information, Scham, I do not walk all over her. And even if I did, at least I'm not the one who leads a girl on and pretends to want to talk to her and be interested in her life and then pines over her best friend!" She turned to Livy again. "Sorry, Lividest, but you shouldn't let him walk all over you." Oh, yeah, that's right, she went there. Dani knew a lot about Pierre always asking about her, whether it came from Livy, or other people. She wasn't completely unaware of it, and she sure as hell didn't think it was okay for Pierre to do that to Livy, especially since Dani knew how much Livy had liked him. Dani flipped her hair back and turned to the front, leaning over again and kissing Livy lightly on the cheek, whispering this time, into her ear. "Sorry you're getting caught in the middle of this, Lividest. You know I love you, right?"

God, she hoped Livy knew that. Dani didn't mean to be this way, but Livy knew it was just a defense mechanism, she had to.

[olivia]

Gah. How could Danielle not like him? Seriously. Pierre was such a sweetheart. Look at him, being all apologetic about dragging her into the middle of things and letting the fight go just for her benefit! Seriously, if it wasn't for the fact that she thought it would probably annoy Dani, Olivia would have said something about how nice he was being. Instead, she simply shot him a grateful grin, although it immediately faded when Danielle only seemed to grow more annoyed and, yeah, this was really not going well at all and, hey, when did it start to be okay for Olivia to be talked about like she wasn't even there? Now that wasn't very nice. Folding her arms, Olivia watched the exchange with growing exasperation. Seriously, they were doing this now? Seriously? And what the hell was this about, her being walked all over?! No one was walking all over her! She had a back bone! She was a Gryffindor, damn it! Now quite miffed, Olivia waited until Dani was done before interjecting, starting off with a soft, "Of course I know. I love you too, Dani,"

and then paused for effect before continuing in a slightly miffed tone, "and I'd just like to point out that no one is walking all over me. I am not to be walked all over, unless I want to be walked all over, and I would know if I was being walked all over. So as much as I love you guys for sticking up for me, it's completely unnecessary because I'm completely un-walked-over."

[/color] That didn't even sound right, but they got the picture, hopefully. She hesitated for another moment, not really sure she wanted to address Dani's previous point. It was a sore subject, definitely personal, and not something Olivia wanted to discuss with both Dani and Pierre at the same time and she glanced at Pierre quickly, hoping her expression was enough to convey the fact that she was mentally begging him to drop it because she didn't want this to blow completely out of proportion.

She was worried that it was too late. The fuse was already lit and once it was lit, it was hard to blow it out.


[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[pierrescham]

He'd been trying to be good. Really good. To stay quiet, bite his tongue and let Danielle rant off as much as she wished because that girl always talked more words than what she could handle. Proof was what was spewing out of her mouth now. If Pierre had been getting mad before, now he was read to explode on her, again. It was her fault, really, for being so incredibly maddening, so ridiculous self-righteous and believing that his friendship with Livy was because of her. It was so like her, so typical and unexpectedly expected that Pierre could only laugh at what she'd just said. Oh, he hoped to Merlin she was the only one who believed that, because if Livy was about to buy into that shit, he would throw the peace treaty they'd signed a couple of days ago straight into a fireplace. Disbelief colored his tone as he spoke up again. Livy trying to be a mediator was all good and stuff, but this was not going to fly by him. Even the look she sent his way was not enough to calm him down. Shaking his head, he tried to convey how sorry he was for what he was about to do. Hopefully, she would understand. If not, then he would have to swallow his pride once again and beg for mercy.

But that would be later.

"I'm so fucking tired of you hoping to be the center of attention of my every action," he exclaimed harshly as he hit the surface of his desk with the palm of his hand and stood up. Like fuck he was going to sit back down. This was gone beyond control and if he got detention for talking to a girl like that, then so be it. Said girl deserved everything he could spew. He really thought he meant that when he said it. "Don't start messing with my friendship with Livy, because while she's your supposed best friend, she has been there for me when you weren't. You say I asked her about you? I won't even try to deny those pathetic days, but you also know what's so great about your fat, ignorant statement? Exactly that. It shows how stupid you are, how ignorant and badly informed you live your life. You think I talk to Livy just so I can keep tabs on you? Newflash, bitch, I was there in her life long before you were and I'm so thankful for that, because maybe, if I hadn't been her brother's best friend, maybe your stupid, idiotic statement would be true. Maybe I wouldn't have been able to see how incredible she is, how capable of making my day better she is. If I hadn't known her before I knew you, I probably wouldn't have given her the chance to be what she currently is:

My sunfuckingshine.

She is so much more than you'll ever be to me, Danielle, because, contrary to you she's worth it. She's worth every single argument, every single down day, every single day of me swallowing my pride to apologize to her. I love her, Danielle, not you."

And just like that, he deflated and crashed back down into his seat.

[dani]

.....Well, then.

For the first time since she could remember, Dani was at a loss for words. Forget the fact that Pierre had just insulted her more times than she could count on her fingers and toes. Forget the fact that she felt like a knife had just been plunged into her chest. Forget the fact that the entire class had just stopped and stared at them. Forget the fact that Dani felt a tangible thread snap between her and Pierre, a connection she knew would never come back. Pierre had finally admitted something. He had always been as stubborn as her, and finally, he'd admitted it. It wasn't what she wanted to hear, not at all. She'd wanted to hear that he loved her, and no one else. But it was something, a breakthrough, of sorts. And she knew that Pierre wasn't ever going back to that. So, she knew it was time for her to go. With a sad sniff, Dani cleaned up her things, ignoring everyone around her and swung her tote over her shoulder. She got up, finally feeling a wall between her and Pierre that had definitely been there before. But she'd been trying to ignore it, trying to knock it down, but now she knew what it was.

Livy. Livy was the wall. Livy was the thing that would always be between her and Pierre, and Livy mattered more to Danielle than Pierre did. She knew how Livy felt about Pierre, and if Dani was the one standing between them and what they could be together, she wasn't going to do it anymore. So, she did what any best friend would do. She backed off, for good.


She looked once more at Pierre. "Then stop being a wanker and do something about it."

Without another word, Dani walked away, and hoped to God she'd never have to look back.

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Professor McGonagall always enjoyed when her students got animated in discussing something that they were learning - as long as they were doing so in a polite and educated manner - and it was for this reason that she didn't interrupt Cartier and Pryce, or chastise them for continuing on without raising their hands. "You've both raised very valid points," she finally interjected, though, with a satisfied little nod. "A person who is an Animagus does need to register, and yes, their form is rather innate instead of a conscious decision on their part. They do not require a wand to make the transformation, unlike in Transfiguration, and, as Miss Pryce pointed out, it is indeed common that they take the same form as their Patronus, although yes, this is not always the case, Mister Cartier." A brief smile crossed her lips. She was about to continue when she became aware of a shuffle going on with a group of Gryffindors and narrowed her eyes. "Mister Scham, Miss Olivier, Miss Thompson, I will ask that you stop talking, unless you have something to add to the discussion, in which case I invite you to raise your hand and share it with the rest of us." Frowning at the three of them, she turned her attention back to Cartier and Pryce and folding her hands together in front of her. "But yes, that was very good, both of you. Ten points to Gryffindor and Slytherin each." Perhaps she was in a generous mood today but it really was nice to see students who were actually invested in class, who not only took down notes and did as they were asked but were keen to over-perform. That was exactly the sort of attitude that she'd always found deserving of reward.

And on the other end of the spectrum... "If you cannot stop talking, you're going to lose your House the points that Cartier here--" she started to snap at the three chatty Gryffindors, whose discussion seemed to have only grown more and more heated while she'd been addressing Pryce and Cartier again and dealing with the matter of points. They were clearly absorbed in their own little world, though, not even noticing her voice coming from the front of the classroom and Scham suddenly slammed his hand against his desk and got to feet. "Mister Scham! Please be seated right--" she started to say, but again to no avail as he started ranting at Miss Olivier for Merlin knew what reason, spewing accusations relating to friendship and something or another, whatever young drama was currently gripping the lot of them that was so important it apparently took precedence over class. Her class. Minerva pressed her lips into a tight line and started to make her way over, her eyebrows drawing close together as Scham continued talking, using language that made her frown even more strongly. Despite that, however, she still found herself blinking as he finished off with declaring his love because apparently right now in her classroom was exactly the place to do that. "Are you finished, Mister Scham?" she inquired icily, raising an eyebrow. Miss Olivier was getting to feet and although she didn't approve of theatrics in the slightest, McGonagall allowed her to exit the classroom. Scham was the one who had caused a scene here and his words to Olivier hadn't been polite in the slightest. Turning her eyes back to the Gryffindor boy, she narrowed them once more. "As entertained as I'm sure your fellow classmates are by your declaration of your feelings, I feel the need to remind you that this is a classroom, that I am currently in the middle of teaching, and would appreciate if from now on you could please keep your love life separate." Exhaling, she strode back to the front of the class. "That will be ten points from Gryffindor for causing a scene in the middle of a lesson--" There went Cartier's good work "--and if I were you, Scham, I would consider myself lucky that I didn't receive a detention." Perhaps she was cutting him a bit of a break, after all; the smallest hint of a smile just might have been visible on her face at that. She adjusted her half-moon glasses, looking down them at the pair of Gryffindors. "Thompson, Scham, I would highly suggest that one of you move to an alternate seat if these ones are too distracting," she added dryly. "May I continue my lesson now?"

[olivia]

Well. That was unexpected. Olivia felt her mouth drop open in silent shock as she stared at Pierre throughout his mini-rant. And then he said it. Those final words that stole Olivia's breath away. I love her not you. He loved her, not Danielle. Her. Olivia Thompson. Not Danielle. For once in a really, really long time, Pierre was choosing her over Danielle. Olivia drew in deep breaths, trying to regulate her breathing again, wide eyes fixated on Pierre. She didn't even give a damn what he meant by love. At this point, she genuinely didn't. Fact of the matter was he'd chosen her over Danielle and she felt like the most terrible friend in the world but dammnit it felt good and she couldn't deny that. She'd hated being second best, and now she wasn't and shit what to do with herself now? Her mouth clicked shut and she looked at Danielle hastily, remembering she was still there and oh no she looked upset. Olivia felt her heart drop. Of course she was upset. Danielle had never been completely over Pierre either, even though she was with Sam now. She watched her walk away, unable to say anything, unable to explain that clearly Pierre meant as friends. Right? Of course right, Pierre always meant as friends and Olivia was stupid to think otherwise. She didn't have much longer to dwell over that thought because she suddenly realised that McGonagall had caught them out and she felt her face turn bright red. Had everyone heard that, then? Livy's gaze darted around the classroom and suddenly wanted to sink under her desk and never come out. It seemed that no matter what she did, she'd always end up in the spotlight some way or other.

"We're sorry, Professor. It won't happen again."

she mumbled, abashed. She picked up her things, but instead of moving to a different seat, she moved to sit right next to Pierre instead and opened up her text book on the correct page. Figuring it wasn't a good idea to talk again lest McGonagall seriously give them a detention, she reached for Pierre's hand and pulled it under the table, lacing their fingers together and giving it a quick squeeze, as if trying to reassure him she wasn't mad at him. Of course she wasn't. She just didn't know where she stood anymore, anywhere. She didn't want to think about that right now, though. All she wanted to think about was the difference between Animagi and human transformations. Sounded good, no?

[/color][/blockquote]

[pierrescham]

He wasn't entirely sure of what he'd just done, but one thing was for certain: it had worked like a charm. A hush had settled over the room as it seemed every single head turned to their little cluster and Pierre could feel his already red cheeks turning even redder as he felt the attention and remembered the words he'd all but shouted at Danielle who was now gathering her things, standing up and...

Do something about what?

Blinking, he hardly acknowledged what McGonagall said to him as he saw Danielle exit the classroom. What was she talking about? What did she mean? Damn her for having the last word! Frowning, he looked down to his desk, a bit ashamed that it had turned out like this. Hadn't he just promised that he would stop doing that kind of stuff to Livy? Really, putting her in the middle of another Danielle and Pierre meltdown. What had been thinking? Real classy, he was. While Pierre was being useless, Livy was apologizing and at the sound of her voice, he looked up and observed with disbelieving eyes as she took her things and sat right next to him. Bewildered, he was about to ask her why she wasn't storming off just like her best friend had, but he didn't have time to think about that because she was holding his hand and lacing their fingers and his face melted into a smile.

Thank Merlin.

At least the important girl wasn't mad.

"Thank you," he mouthed as he squeezed her hand back and pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. He didn't know what he was thanking her for. For being there despite what had just transpired? For understanding that he hadn't meant to place her in the middle? For being a true friend even when he hadn't been? For being who she was? For being his 'sunfuckingshine'?

Was there an option labelled "all of the above"?

[Wendy Palmer]

[/color]

... Well.

Needless to say, this was certainly one of the most interesting Transfiguration classes Wendy had ever attended, though that wasn't necessarily a good thing. Dani was hurt, and had fled the classroom with her emotions all haywire. Wendy chewed her lip and debated going after her friend. Yes, she'd be missing the class too, but she was sure she could get the notes from Ian after. Or Lucy. Dani was visibly upset and Wendy really just wanted to make sure she was okay; waiting until Professor McGonagall's back was turned, she grabbed her bag and slipped out as quickly and silently as she could, then threw the strap over her shoulder and started to search for Dani. It wasn't too long before she found her - she hadn't gotten far, after all - and Wendy went up to her slowly, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Hey..." she said softly, then, struggling with the rest of her sentence, she decided to abandon words and gently pulled Dani close and wrapped her arms around her, rubbing her back gently.

It wasn't much, but at least Dani wasn't alone anymore.

[dani]

Danielle Olivier was not one to cry.


So why was it every time Pierre did something like this, she turned into a blubbering idiot?

She made it around the corner from the classroom before she slammed her back against the wall, the tears coming quickly. She tried desperately to wipe them away, turning her back away from the corridor. She had to get out of here. Merlin, why did Pierre always do this to her? To her and Livy? That was the scary part about this fight. Livy had literally been put in the middle of it, and this time, that's where she was staying. Between Dani and Pierre. Dani didn't know what that was going to mean for their friendship, but she knew whatever it was, it wasn't good. She loved Livy with all her heart, and she'd promised herself a long time ago that Livy would always come before Pierre. Which is why Dani had chosen to end the fight and walk away, something she would not normally have done. But what did that mean now? She had to go, she needed time to figure this out----

A hand on her shoulder made her jump and squeal a little, she turned quickly, hoping it wasn't Livy, she didn't know if she wanted to even talk to her right now----

It was Wendy. Sweet, caring Wendy. Dani didn't even need to say anything, she just held tightly onto her while she cried, taking comfort in the simple gesture of a hug, feeling like there was at least one person who wasn't against her. She couldn't talk about it yet, she just needed the comfort, and she had to be honest, she was glad it was Wendy.

[Alessandra De Luca]

Transfiguration was easily Alessandra’s favorite subject at Hogwarts. She’d loved it ever since her first lesson, when she and her fellow students had all been astonished to see the professor turn a piece of furniture into an animal (she couldn’t remember what it was, a pig or a cow or something) and back again. There was just something so exciting about making something change before your very eyes. Alessa happened to be very interested in and very talented at this subject, receiving high marks in it despite the mediocrity of most of the rest of her school record. Some people thought she was just a pretty face, but they were wrong, weren’t they? Assolutamente.¹

Holding Aidan’s hand, she’d entered class with a spring in her step, because they were finally, finally going to learn about human transfiguration! She remembered the first time she witnessed Professor McGonagall’s transformation from a witch into a cat. It had been simply marvelous, and Alessa had become fascinated with the idea of becoming an Animagus. Learning how to do it had sounded fun at first, but then she’d found out what a long, laborious process it was and how few witches and wizards actually managed to successfully learn the skill. Years of hard work only to be able to turn into one animal? No grazie.²

Unfortunately, Ethan Cartier and that snooty girl from Slytherin seemed bent on taking all the points for themselves and then arguing with each other over minor differences of definition, which nearly bored Alessa to tears. The class got quite a bit livelier when Dani and Pierre Scham began shouting at each other, but while she felt bad for Dani and Livy, Alessa honestly just wanted to get back to the lesson. After Dani walked out of the classroom and Professor McGonagall called for order, Alessa decided it was her turn to contribute to the class discussion. “Professoressa,³” she called, throwing her hand into the air. “You can still keep your own brain if you turn yourself into something that isn’t alive, yes? How come it’s different for animals?” She laughed as she came up with her own explanation. “Oh, scusa⁴, it must be because objects don’t have brains!” But then… how come the animal brain overpowers the human one? Were animals stronger-willed than humans? The idea made her think of turning people who crossed her into rats to teach them a lesson. Ha! “But why does the animal brain overpower the human one? Or is it possible to keep your own mind in the body of an animal?”

¹ Absolutely.
² No, thank you.
³ Professor
⁴ excuse me

[ellapeyton]

Ella had the absolute joy of sitting behind the quarreling Gryffindors as all hell broke loose. She couldn't deny it was beyond entertaining, but as it went on and on, she couldn't help but feel bad for Danielle. Pierre was completely going off on her, something Ella didn't understand, but she was smart enough to know she was missing a hell of a lot of background information. It was slightly intriguing honestly. Having to listen to the fight escalate and all, she wanted to know more. Why was there so much tension over who got to sit by Olivia? Sure, it was classic girl, girl, guy drama. But it escalated over who got the stupid chair! There was some serious problems in this group, and she wanted to know what was up.

As Pierre's last words echoed, "I love her, not you." And Danielle ran out of the classroom, Ella couldn't help lean over to their desk and whisper to Pierre, "Real smooth." Hopefully now the drama was over, because Ella was very excited for this lesson. She had always wanted to master Transfigeration, so classes with Professor McGonagall was a complete joy to Ella. As the class moved on with the lesson, she wanted to contribute to the discussion. Ethan and Alessa had already gotten their fair share, it was her turn to shine. "I don't understand how you'd be able to untransfigure yourself from being an inanimate object. It just doesn't connect, I mean I guess if you keep your brain when you're in that form it might make sense, but how are you supposed to perform the spell?"

Modified by Professor Albus Dumbledore to add the tally

POINT COUNT

TALLY	Gryffindor	Ravenclaw	Hufflepuff	Slytherin
Attendance	110	00	00	10
Earned	00	00	00	10
Total	110	00	00	20