Transfiguration Class [Open for all students]

[Albus Dumbledore]

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore had not taught a transfiguration class in years. In fact, it had been his last job before being appointed the headmaster of Hogwarts – which was a fair few years ago. It wasn’t that he did not enjoy teaching; he truly did love it, but he had had far too many duties as headmaster, and he had relished hiring a good friend and confidante, Minerva McGonagall, to take his place. He often wondered if students preferred her as a teacher, but he would never know, as few students had been taught by both professors. Still, the old man smiled as he climbed the stairs to the third floor of Hogwarts, making his way to the classroom which he had called his own so many years before.

The room seemed untouched since the last time he had been in the room, except for the pile of papers on Minerva’s desk. In fact, since everything had been rebuilt after the battle, nothing seemed to change. The rooms remained pristine, something Albus contributed to student’s higher respects for the school that was nearly destroyed yet saved because of the courage of its students. A warmed smile spread across his face as he walked up to the front on the class, noting that class would not begin for a few more minutes yet some students were already there, talking quietly amongst themselves.

Unfortunately, some of Hogwarts’s traditions had been changed for a time due to the extra stress put on the teachers with rebuilding the school and fixing problems that seemed to crop up nearly every day. Some classes were combined with all four houses – typically, a teacher had at most two houses of one year of students for the class, but today’s transfiguration class had all of the seventh years, and a few of the fifth years sitting in to see if they’d be interested in taking the N.E.W.T. level course.

Albus sighed, wishing Minerva were here to teach her class and not helping some Ministry official or another with some issue that he didn’t fully know – they didn’t tell him, merely asking if he could spare her for the day, which he did, saying that he would take over her classes for the day. He looked up as more students walked in and nearly gawked that it was the headmaster, not the deputy headmistress, who was standing at the front of the room. With a sweeping motion, he welcoming them in, his calm voice saying, “Welcome, welcome. Please, take your seats; you’re in the right place. I don’t bite; though I wouldn’t say as much about the creature I’ve got for us to work with today.”[/color] His signature twinkle never left his eyes.

[Susan Phillips]

Susan had been in the common room, when she had noticed the time and quickly cursed, grabbing her back on her way out of the common room. Quickly she moved through the corridors to try and get to her next class on time. If there was one skill she was not good at, it would have to be time-keeping. Susan had been trying to get a start on one of her many assignments, but it had been so hard to get into the swing of things - she had nearly forgotten she was due in her next class. This was just like her - but she had never been late for a lesson, just very nearly and it seemed like this would happen again. It was just one of those days. She seriously wondered why she was Head Girl, but she was not going to argue. Even her parents had been surprised; after all Susan had never been the ideal student - but then again what Gryffindor was an ideal student. That was normally left to the Ravenclaws being the swots that they were. At least she knew where she belonged and she could do her best there.

"McGonagall will have a fit if I am late." She muttered to herself as she made her way through the castle - dodging some of the first years, sometimes trying to pretend she did not hear them asking for help. It was not that she didn't want to help them, it was just she really did not want to lose any points - she would never forgive herself if Slytherin got ahead in the house cup, that would be awful since this was her last year at Hogwarts. Now that was a scary thought to think about, so she would not think about it until she had to and even then she would try to put it off.

Susan was not that far away now, looking down at her watch - she knew she would just make it into the class in time or so she hoped. This really was not her day, everything that could go wrong, had been going wrong. First her hair decided it would have a mind of its own and then she could not find her school robes until the last minute. The last thing she wanted was a detention to top things off. If there was anything she hated next to Potions it was detention. Not that she would tell Professor Lawrence that.

"Thank Merlin..." She gasped as she entered the classroom muttering to herself, before looking up and looking like a deer caught in the headlights. "Holy Hannah..." She muttered the muggle expression when she saw the Headmaster instead of Professor McGonagall. Unless Professor McGongall had decided to look a lot like their beloved old coot of a Headmaster. "Sorry Sir, running slightly late today." Susan gave a little smile as she went to take her seat. Now she wished the ground could swallow her up. She felt rather embarrassed, but she would get over it eventually. But there was nothing much she could do about it, but to try and get through the class and the rest of the day - it could not get much worse after all.

[nathanmerrick]

Nathan casually walked through the many hallways with several of his Slytherin housemates. He was the alpha-male of the group. Which had always been the case. Even though in his early years at Hogwards he didn't talk much. In the last couple of years he had started to talk alot more, much to the disliking of some of the students of the other houses. He was especially brash to younger students, mocking their lack of knowledge even though it was only because they were too young to learn such techniques.

It was time for transfiguration class. One of his weaker subjects, and Nathan knew it. It didn't appeal to him that much, so he didn't put as much effort into it as he would in defense against the dark arts. One of the main things he disliked about the class is that it was taught by Professor McGonagall. This was one of his least favourite teachers, mainly because she was Head of Gryffindor. The house his father was a member of.

"I have Transfiguration now, I'll catch up with you guys after class" he said. The group of students stopped and said their goodbyes briefly before Nathan turned off to head to class. Now alone, he walked with a more confident air about him. He preferred to be alone. Well, preferred it to being with that bunch of mindless drones as he called them in his head. He had never really connect with anybody in his year in Slytherin, and had pretty much burned all the bridges with everyone in other houses. At this point in his life he wasn't sure at all if he should try to make an effort to be more social to the other houses, even if it was just a mask because he disliked all the houses and what they stood for, even his own. He had recently tried to talk to some of the other houses slightly younger years. They made conversation with him well enough, although it was obvious that it was out of fear, which he slightly enjoyed the thought of him being feared.

This is my last year, I may as well try to engage with the people here more. It may be a waste of time, but I may even be able to make people see my way of thinking he thought to himself. The thought of having "followers" made him smile. He shook his head, pondering his future before realizing he was close to his destination.

Clearing his head he made his way into the classroom. Nathan walked in expecting to see Professor McGonagall standing there, as noble as ever. To his surprise when his eyes took in the room, Dumbledore stood in his place. Somebody who Nathan hated even more than McGonagall. He always blamed him for everything that happened with Voldermort and thus, his mothers death. He shook any thoughts from his head and nodded his head at Dumbledore. "Sir" he said, acknowledging his presence here.

As he took his seat he looked around the class examining the faces of the students. It was clear that not everyone was here yet. While he was thinking who was missing his eyes darted to the door as he saw the Gryffindor girl Susan, the head girl, walk in the room. Normally he would ignore her unless directly spoken to or mock her in some way. However today was different. She sad close to him and as she was about to take her seat, he made eye contact with her and nodded to her slightly. He was sure this would be a shock to her and was curious what her reply would be.

[Albus Dumbledore]

Dumbledore gave a small, mischievous smile as he caught the expressions of confusion on most of the student’s faces. Clearly they all expected Minerva to be there; in fact, he thought that he distinctly heard a few speculate that their regular transfigurations professor had chosen to transfigure herself as the headmaster merely for their amusement. Minerva was the type to transfigure something for their amusement at times to keep their interest, and he had heard a few times of how she had impressed students with her animagus form. But all of their words only made him smile brighter at how they thought their teacher capable of such a feat without polyjuice potion – which was the only way to impersonate someone’s looks entirely.

“No need to fear, everyone; Professor McGonagall is giving a hand to the Ministry today, and I have chosen to step into my formal role as transfiguration professor in her absence. No, she has not transfigured herself into the form of your ever beloved headmaster,” he chuckled with amusement. Of course, he was under no such delusion that every student in the class truly adored him. Some did, while some did not; he knew that much simply by looking at them. He had a habit of knowing who adored him, who admired him, who respected him, and who held no such positive feelings. Seeing students from each category made him even more comfortable stepping into the shoes of a professor; he was used to such feelings, and they made him far more comfortable in unusual settings.

Thankfully, Albus was a master of composure. He was so used to wild antics and unusual happenings that he was able to show nearly no emotion as the Head Girl, Susan Phillips, walked in, only a few minutes short of being late. This was not much of a surprise though; the headmaster knew that, though the girl was a Gryffindor through and through, one of her worst qualities was her lack of ability to keep time. It made him smile inwardly as he remembered a story McGonagall had once told him about Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley’s first day in her class. They had been late and felt lucky that she was not in the class, though she was, just as a cat. She had first threatened to turn one of them into a map so they would no longer get lost, but when they said that they had merely lost track of time, she had suggested a clock. Perhaps he would do well to get Miss Phillips one also, but he held the thought in and smiled. “Understandable, Miss Phillips. I often find myself arriving early only by happy mistakes.”

He greeted a few other students as they entered before noting Nathan Merrick’s presence, a student who Dumbledore had deduced was not his biggest fan. That tended to be the case with most Slytherins, seeing as the headmaster was a former Gryffindor; nonetheless, he smiled in response and nodded. “Welcome to class, Mr. Merrick.”

With a last glance around the classroom, he made him way to desk and sat behind it, eagerly examining all of the objects that sat there, though he was able to easily identify them all. Still focusing his attention on the objects, he mused his first question to the class. “Some of you seemed to wonder if, perhaps, your usual teacher had transfigured herself into my form. This is entirely impossible by means of regular transfiguration. There is one way to do it though. What would that be?”

[Susan Phillips]

Taking her seat, she flushed with embarrassment, she knew it was well know she was not as punctual as she could be but yet she never had been late, she always cut it very close. Susan would just get on with it as she normally did, but she still could not believe that the Headmaster was teaching the lesson today - it was still one of her weakest subjects. Why she took it at NEWT level, she never figured out why, but now she would fail miserable in front of the Professor. But she was a Gryffindor, she would just have to bite the bullet so to speak and get over it.

"Thanks Sir." She muttered as he had addressed her when she spoke of her tardiness. Just as she sat down in her seat, she saw that a Slytherin by the name of Nathan Merrick nod in her direction. Susan was slightly shocked but gave a slight nod of her head and a small smile. It was the decent thing to do in reply - even if he was a Slytherin. Since she ws now in her seat, she started to get out her quills and books that would normally be needed for this lesson. But since Professor Dumbledore was teaching she was not sure what to expect from his teaching style. Her grandmother had been taught by Dumbledore when he was just a teacher and said he was short on a few marbles - but her grandmother had always spoke fondly of the Headmaster.

Susan imagined that this was going to be an interesting lesson - but she just hoped that they would not be assigned anymore work to do. She was already behind and if she did not catch up, she might just end up throwing herself off the Astronomy Tower. Now that was very tempting - she would do anything to get out of the several assignments she had yet to complete. Susan knew that it was NEWTs year but why did the teachers insist on wanting to stress out the students even more than usual. It felt like it was a never ending cycle and it would only end when she graduated and even that felt like a long time away. Just was just hanging by each moment, trying to get through each day as it comes and goes. But she was not a Gryffindor for no reason.

Then the lesson started and the first question was asked. Now it was the answer she knew, but she hated putting her hand up to give the answer. Several things had been going through her mind lately, it seemed that the stress was slowly starting to catch up with her. Now that Dumbledore spoke that it was impossible to change into someone else by the means of normal Transfiguration, she still expected McGonagall to appear since it was Hogwarts and strange things seemed to happen that was strange even by magical standards. It was the reason why Hogwarts had become her second home, she had no idea what she was going to do with herself once she left the castle and she knew she would never be coming back as a student. No doubt she will tak eit all in her stride as she always did, but it was still going to be strange.

Coming out of her thoughts, she paid attention to the lesson. Not that she would get anything that was said. Now she was really asking herself. 'Why did she take some of the lessons she did?' But what was done was done and there was very little that could be done about it all now. Tapping her quill lightly against her face, she waited for someone to give the answer to the question that had been asked.

[nathanmerrick]

Nathan quickly stopped looking at the Gryffindor girl as he acknowledged him, and even smiled at him. The smile surprised him. was expecting to be ignored or at worst a scowling look from her. The fact that he got a smile pleased him in a strange way, a strange way to him but to other it was just natural to find pleasure in a near enough stranger being nice to you. That's more or less what she was to him. Even though they had attended the same school for so many years. They had never had a real conversation in all of that time. As he looked around the room, he could still see a few empty seats. Not surprisingly since recent class schedules had been a little hectic through fate.

He turned to look at Dumbledore, as he heard him begin to speak Nathan rolled his eyes as he waited for the question after what he considered to be Dumbledore's trademark rambling prologue before a question. Finally, when he heard Dumbledore ask the question, he almost stood up from his seat and wanted to shout at the great wizard. This has to be for the younger less experienced ones. It just has to be! he thought to himself, practically screaming in his head. To Nathan, this question was just so obvious he didn't want to answer it. Although probably not everyone would know the answer, he felt like they should know. As usual, thinking he was better than everyone and thinking anybody who wasn't near his level wasn't good enough to share a class with him.

With his left hand on his desk and the other on his thigh. He tapped his right thumb out of frustration. Then he remembered to take control of his emotions. He closed his eyes briefly, hoping Dumbledore wouldn't see and concentrated on ridding himself of the stress. After a few seconds the majority was gone. His frustration would no doubt surface again before the day was out. But for now it was gone.

After calming himself, he looked to see if Susan knew. It wasn't clear if she did. He kept looking over at her hoping to make eye contact, occasionally looking to see if any others raised their hands. In a way, he kind of hoped that she didn't know, just to feel superior to one of the few students in his year. Although alot of his knowledge is from researching on his own initiative and not Hogwarts coursework. Normally he would have his hand raised in the air, waiting to show off in class. But this was an exception, since Dumbledore was the one off teacher and the classes were mixed. He didn't want to even talk to Dumbledore that much. Although he no doubt would have to, considering he was acting professor of the class today.

As he considered raising his hands to answer Dumbledore's question. Nathan continued to look at Susan, waiting for the first sign of eye contact.

[Albus Dumbledore]

Too observed in the objects on his old friend’s desk, Albus did not see the nods and greetings that went around the room as more students entered and were shocked by who they found at the head of the classroom. In fact, his attention did not waver until a female student gave a slight cough, as though wondering when he was going to call on someone to answer his question. Looking up, he smiled to see three hands in the air, and some of the students looking at him as though to ask, Do you realize we’re in our seventh year, not our second or third?

To this, Dumbledore gave the girl a small nod and pointed to a Ravenclaw boy sitting in the back. “Polyjuice potion, sir,” the boy said in a deep voice, and Albus smiled. “Yes, yes, polyjuice potion indeed. Though, I suppose you all aren’t curious about that, since this isn’t your potions class, and I am clearly not Miss Lawrence. Then again, I’m also not Professor McGonagall, but that is another story,” he said with a chuckle, his eyes still shining brightly. He moved from the desk, standing up and walking slowly to the middle of the front of the room. Observing the students, he realized with a pain that he missed teaching greatly. He loved his post as headmaster, yes; but he didn’t get to interact with the students nearly as often as the teachers did, and it was this small part of being headmaster that he regretted. Yet none of this showed as he whisked to the left side of the room, opening a cabinet drawer to observe what was there that he could use for a lesson.

Minerva was an organized woman and had left him notes on what she had been teaching, where they were in the book, and what she had been planning on teaching the students for the next few weeks, so Albus was not short on what he should do. But being headmaster had it’s advantages, and seeing how utterly overworked some of the students seemed, he decided to give them a more fun, though still useful, lesson.

“Alright everyone, today, we’re going to have a little fun. Don’t tell Professor McGonagall, but I’m deviating from her lesson plan to teach you something a bit more. . . unorthodox. Though you never know when it may be useful. I need you all to pair up, and I’ll need two students to help me up here in front on the class. Miss Philips, Mr. Merrick, you two will do. Join me up here, please.”[/b] With both hands, he beckoned the two students to the front where a desk was placed before turning back to the cabinet and drawing out a small rabbit, which he then placed on the desk. With a smile, he petting the rabbit, rubbing its ears before waiting for the two seventh years to join him in front of the rest of the class. This was going to be a fun lesson indeed.

[Susan Phillips]

Susan was pleased that someone else had put up their hands to answer the question, that way she could just fade into the background of the class. It was just the way she liked it, then that way she did not have to be the centre of attention, now that was something she hated - she hated being embaressed. But the more she thought about it, it was a part of life and she would have to get over it one day, but today was not that day. Susan turned her attention back to Professor Dumbledore and listened to what he was rambling on about.

She raised one eyebrow as Dumbledore went on about something completely random, but it did not surprise her, after all this was the Headmaster they were talking about. He had never been quite sane, though it could not be denied that he was a genius. Sometimes it was almost frightening how he knew everything and what was happening within the castle though he was not there when it happened. Once more putting her attention back on the Professor and listened to what he was saying about what the lesson would consist of. It was then she felt like someone was watching her, turning to look to her side, she saw Nathan Merrick looking at her once more. Susan just raised one eyebrow in confusion and to see what his reaction would be to that.

Then she was pulled out her eye contact with the Slytherin when Professor Dumbledore called her to the front of the class with Nathan and she blushed at the thought of having to demonstrate something - whatever it was in front of the class. "But Sir..." She trailed off for a moment, she knew that there was nothing she could do about it, since this was the Headmaster. Susan really did hate being the centre of attention, though she was a Gryffindor and her pride would not allow her to back down, she still hated the idea of it and now with the Slytherin, even though she did not know him. Standing up, she walkd to the front of the class where Dumbledore stood. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, slightly nervous at what the old Headmaster had up his sleeves.

Sometimes she did wonder why she had been placed in Gryffindor, but that was where the Sorting Hat had put her and it had been her home and family for the past seven years. Now Susan looked at the class as they all seemed to waiting to see what the old coot was up to. After all it was not everyday they were taught by the Headmaster himself.

[nathanmerrick]

As Susan made eye contact with him and raised her eyebrow. Nathan scrunched up his face a little and moved his eyes in Dumbledore's direction, as if to say 'can you believe he's actually asking this question', which he wasn't sure if she would be able to make out what his facial gesture meant. When another student answered it, he wasn't sure whether or not he was relieved. He did want to show his dominance over the class. But if they didn't even know what Polyjuice potion was, then there would be no point in answering what in his mind was an obvious question. As he was waiting for Susan's response, he slowly turned his head to look at Dumbledore as he mentioned he would be teaching something unorthodox. This perked Nathan's interest. Finally Dumbledore might teach him something remotely useful.

Then, a slight look of shock washed over his face as he heard his name called to demonstrate in front of the class. He wasn't sure what to expect. There had been numerous times in the past where he has been called up to demonstrate in front of the class. But it had either been solo, or with a member of his house and somebody he knew. He hasn't had to demonstrate with someone he didn't know since First year. And even then it was only because nobody knew each other then. Then, as he was thinking through all the times he had demonstrated in class. He heard Susan, almost arguing about going to demonstrate. Why was she hesitant about going in front of class? Was she afraid of him? Or whatever technique they are learning? Or perhaps it was just old fashioned shyness about being in front of a group of people. He knew that this was a time for him to keep a calm composure and as he saw Susan walk up to the front he slowly stood up and casually walked behind her. As he made his way up to the front of the class, he span his wand with two of his fingers and thumb. Maybe here he could show his dominance over the class by doing what Dumbledore will ask. Or with what Nathan thought of Dumbledore's teaching skills he was half expecting to be turned into some kind of rodent.

As he stood in front of the class, next to Susan. He looked to the side, subtly trying to size up the girl and see what she's capable off. Of course looks can be deceiving. He turned his head to the front of the class, still twirling the wand in his hand. Slowly, he scanned the students in the class, doing the same to them. Sizing up what he thought each one could do. Underestimating most of them no doubt.

Nathan stood, faking confidence in front of the class. He was intrigued about this "unorthodox" magic. Eagerly he waited to learn what Dumbledore had to teach, for once. Although it was transfiguration class, not what Nathan considered useful. The word unorthodox suddenly made it interesting, although he was prepared to be let down too. Dumbledore and Nathan had different views on what was 'useful' and what wasn't.

[Albus Dumbledore]

Dumbledore reserved his best eye-twinkling for the moment when the two students comprehended his request for their aid. After the battle, not everything had been well between the Slytherin house and some of the other house. Of course, some students still found the Slytherins untrustworthy, while others seemed to accept the old competitive traditions and merely move on. By pairing a Gryffindor and a Slytherin to demonstrate, Dumbledore hoped, if only slightly, to show the students that Hogwarts was returning to normal, and despite the usual house discrepancies and differences, they were all still Hogwarts students at the end of the day.

The twinkle would not be lost on anyone paying attention to the headmaster, but Dumbledore assumed that most of the students were paying far more attention to Susan and Nathan than they were the old man; of course, a lot of their classes had been mixed, but demonstrations were usually held by two students of the same house, or at least two people who were friends. From what Albus understood, the two had talked minimally, and even then, the words had been harsh. This would be a step in the right direction, if it worked. And if it didn’t. . .well, the headmaster would still enjoy himself. How out of hand could the teens get with him in their presence? A lot, his mind echoed, and he smiled.

Their reactions had been priceless, if perfect. He simply smiled as Susan started to argue, but he said nothing to quiet her. She would come; she was a Gryffindor, and head girl, way too headstrong to back down. Nathan had been easier, of course; being a boy and a Slytherin made his tendencies to want to show off stronger than Susan’s, especially since she could be shy. It was part of why he had made her a prefect and then head girl. Slowly, he raised his hands to his sides, then placed a hand on each of their shoulders, gently guiding them a short distance apart. From underneath the desk, Albus pulled two pairs of gloves. “Alright you two, put these on,” he said, handing them the gloves before turning to face and address the entire class.

“Previously, you have learned how to transfigure objects into other objects and animals into useful objects. You have not, however, learned how to transfigure animals into other animals, namely because it’s not typically a useful skill for most professions. Should you pursue certain career, you will learn such skills, but such careers are rare. But I’ll admit, though it’s advanced magic, it’s quite fun and enjoyable. And, since you never know when a skill may come of use, I’m going to teach you this one. Today. And you can all breath a sigh of relief, because there will be no homework. In fact, let’s just keep this lesson between you and all myself. Shall we begin?”

[Susan Phillips]

This was really not what she had expected when she came to the lesson today - in fact it had been the last thing she wanted. But Susan knew that there was no way she would get out of it, not with Dumbledore teaching the lesson. She really wished the ground could open up and swallow her at that moment in time. Susan folded her arms, it was more of a protective thing, something she had done since she was a young child. Why had she never got over her neves? Sometimes she tried to reason with herself that she was a true Gryffindor. Seven years she was still trying to convince herself of it.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Nathan showing off a little and she could not help but roll her eyes a little. Susan straightened her shoulders a little - there was a part of her that refused to be bettered by a Slytherin but she wanted to think that was just small part of her though she knew it was a lie, it really was a Gryffindor feeling each and every one of them had - or a least the majority of them. Susan almost hoped that it was something she could wipe the looks off some of the Slytherin's faces with. A slight smirk appeared on her face before allowing it to disappear. She turned her attention back to the Headmaster to see what he was thinking - she almost dreaded what he was going to say though now there was no getting out of it, so she would just have to take it with a pinch of salt - to quote a muggle saying.

Then she felt a hand on her shoulder to move her gentle forward, she looked up at the old man. Now he looked taller at such a close distance - she could almost feel the power and magic radiating off him, it was slightly intimadating, but strangly comforting as well. Susan took the pair of gloves, looking up at Dumbledore for a moment and then to the gloves before putting them on. She was slightly baffled at to what they would be doing, but she was not about to argue now - her curiousity was getting the better of her. Listening to him explain what they were going to learn, both of her eyebrows went up. She was truly screwed now, she was not good at this subject and she was sure the Headmaster knew that anyway. Why did he have to choose her? Seriously she wanted to run away, but her Gryffindor pride would not allow her to do that.

She could not help but smile though at the mention of no homework - that was something she could be happy but now she just wanted to get the lesson over and done with. Susan wanted to know what animal they would be changing, it was just waiting for the Headmaster to say and start the demonstration.

[nathanmerrick]

Nathan almost had to fight the urge to shrug Dumbledore's hand off his shoulders when he felt the contact. He didn't want some decrepit old wizard touching him and moving him to the side. Then he looked down at the gloves he was given and carefully examined them for a second before looking back at Dumbledore and proceeded to slowly put the gloves on both his hands. He had no idea what this was going to entail but he didn't like. To him, changing an animal into another animal is a technique he would never use. Although he always wanted to expand his magic repertoire, even with 'useless' techniques. Also the Slytherin inside of him wanted to show off by mastering this technique before his demonstration partner. As he finished putting the gloves on, he expanded his fingers then balled them into a fist a few times to get comfortable in them.

He looked down at his hands to see how the gloves looked on then tilted his head to the side to see how Susan was getting on. It was clear that she was nervous. Nathan was slightly nervous too. However being a Slytherin, you learn how to hide any insecurities shortly after arriving at Hogwarts. Slytherin wasn't the best place for people who felt insecure about any aspect of themselves. Even the slightest sign of weakness and they would be ridiculed almost to breaking point. This was something he disliked about Slytherin. He knew that that was a major weakness in the students, they didn't have the companionship of the other houses. Even Nathan was caught up in the Slytherin spirit in his younger years. Taunting wizards of every house for whatever their misfortunes would be. Although after the death of his mother, he had almost forced himself to mature drastically and put aside all of that and focus on becoming a more powerful wizard in every possible way. And even though the Slytherin part of him hated it, for now it would involve being civil if not more so with every other house.

As Dumbledore mentioned having no homework for this class, Nathan smiled. This would mean that he could focus on the other subjects that interested him more and that would be more use to him. As he examined the gloves that he was wearing once more he commented, "Not the most fashionable things, are they?". Nathan stood, looking at the class. A false sense of power filled him, like he was their leader and they were his followers. He liked the feeling. He liked it alot. Once again he looked back at Susan, not sure what to expect from her in this demonstration. Of course he wanted to do better than her, it was only natural for a Slytherin. However there was a side to him, a side that wanted to shake things up. He knew that none of his Slytherin classmates would mock him if he was bested by Susan. They either looked up to him too much or feared him. As he waited to find out what he would be doing, he toyed with the idea of deliberately doing bad in the class to see what would happen. Although he wasn't sure if he wanted to give Susan the satisfaction of looking better than him. His profound arrogance would be put to the test in his decision. Afterall, she was a Gryffindor, it was well known how proud they were and how much they loved whenever they were better than Slytherin in any area.

[Albus Dumbledore]

Dumbledore attempted to hold back showing as much of his amusement as possible, which he managed to do by only betraying his thoughts with a twinkle in his eyes. Nathan, predictably, was attempting to show off in front of his classmates, while, only slightly less predictable, Susan was slinking back from the attention. Still, Albus cracked a soft smile as Susan straightened up to be a better match for Nathan – typical house rivalry, of course.

Dumbledore couldn’t help smiling at Susan’s reaction. Despite her apparent lack of prestige in the class, she still seemed fairly determined to attempt the feat, and Dumbledore patted her shoulder kindly. The type of magic they would be attempting would, of course, be quite difficult, so he doubted that either would get it right by the end of class – at least, not to the fun point of things as he could do. Transforming small animals into similar shapes were far easier than changing larger animals into far different forms.

Dumbledore noted with equal pleasure how Nathan reacted: the typical, distrustful Slytherin who would prefer be left alone but once called on, wished to show off as much as possible. Yet the boy’s comment made Dumbledore smile more openly than Susan’s reactions, and he spoke rather calmly in response. “No, they aren’t the most beautiful things, but if you can ever get close enough to a Horntail to get enough to make gloves, well, those are quite a specimen of glove if I may say so myself,”[/color] he said with a smile, taking out a tattered pair of gloves for himself.

Content that the two would at least try to work together and that the class was ready to pay attention, he coughed to ensure that all eyes were on him before continuing. “Now everyone, as I said before, today’s lesson will be about transfiguring one animal into another. This is not an exceptionally easy branch of magic, and it requires much thought and concentration. Additionally, it helps if you’re changing a small animal into a similar small animal. Likewise, it is harder to change a large animal into a vastly different large animal. But we won’t be doing too much of the more complicated magic today, though it’s always something you can practice on your own time. Today, we’ll be trying a few different animals. I’ll give my pupils here the hardest one of course, but first, I’ll demonstrate,”

Having said that, Dumbledore clapped his hands and Fawkes entered the room from the open window before perched lightly on Albus’s shoulder. He murmered something soothing then petted the bird before asking, “Are you ready, Fawkes?” The bird let out a shriek that Albus took as agreement before he lifted his wand and whisked it in an intricate fashion. He said nothing – of course, Albus could do most all spells without speaking – and in an instant, Fawkes began to transform until, where Fawkes once perched, a unicorn stood in the front of the classroom. Dumbledore said no more to allow the students time to react.

[Samantha Snape]

Oh, God. Oh God, oh God, oh God. She was so late it wasn't even funny anymore. Her blood colored hair streaming behind her (an unnoticed by most, with many strands flying from it) Sam raced for her Transfiguration class. If Professor McGonnagall didn't give her a months' worth of detention, her father surely would, when he learned of this.Of course, that was at best. At worst, she knew, her prefect status could be revoked, and that would have sent her faster on her downward spiral. Though, her mouth twisted, I suppose I deserve being punished, if I'm idiotic enough to allow myself to pass out before class...

Speaking of which, she was seeing nothing but stars right now, as greyness swam before her vision and her lungs strained against her bare ribs. No, not bare in the sense that she wasn't wearing a shirt; that[/i[ would have gotten her prefect status revoked long ago. No, they were bare in the sense that they were nothing but bone. Not an ounce of flesh remained upon them, and she could now all but fit her fingers between them. And yet it wasn't enough. Shaking her dangerous thoughts from her mind - the old bat had an uncanny ability to know what her students were thinking, though Sam knew she was no Legillimence - the cross-dressed, almost skeletal fifteen-year-old all but careened into the classroom.

"I'm sorry, Professor," she managed to say, forcing herself to keep her breathing under control. And to not pass out again, as she hid her weakness. "I managed to oversleep. It won't happen again, I assure you." She battled back the dizziness threatening to overwhelm her, and willed her steps to be sure and in straight fashion as she made her way to her desk. And then she noted that it wasn't McGonnagall to whom she was speaking. "Oh, my God, Professor Dumbledore!" Sam resisted the urge to cross herself in shock, as a flush crept into her usually death-pale face. An almost unnatural color for her face, these days.

Standing there, her trembling legs - which threatened to give out on her at any moment - hidden by the slacks of the boys' uniform she wore - Sam was acutely aware of - and mortified by - just how stupid she looked.

[grantbuckley]

Late again, as usual. It was always like Grant to not show up on time. It actually became a horrible habit after his second year. Always watching his cousin Daphne and her friends showing up late made him feel like he was more than able to do it as well. Running his long fingers throughout his well covered, slicked back hair, he let off a small sigh. Transfiguration wasn't his most favorite class, but to him, it was easy. Paying book nerds was one thing, but cheating and threatening for answers ,and help was another. That was one thing Grant had done best. Ever since his wild ideas of becoming the next dark lord, he had begun to grow snotty, and prude. Not like he had used to be. The fun loving, and yet caring boy was now gone.

Pulling back the classroom door, Grant slipped in carefully trying not to make that big of a scene. His cloak slightly nixed the side of the class door, bringing it to a loud, and hear banging thud. Shaking his head, he tried to brush that off. Merely stopping in his tracks, Grant had noticed Professor Dumbledore standing before him. Taking in a deep breath, he found himself sinking inside. He wasn't that much afraid of McGonagall, but of course the headmaster was something much more to fear. Since he was the one with the upper hand. "So sorry for being later Professor. Um, something came up and... Well, My cousin Daphne was in the school visiting again." Lies. Like usual. It was one excuse after the other. But then again, it was better than getting a whole line of punishment. And after all, Daphne Greengrass had been in and out of the school on short visits and permission from the Ministry.

Making his way over towards a desk, Grant made himself as comfortable as he could. He wasn't bound to jump up in joy for another brainless Transfiguration lesson. And joining in pairs wasn't his thing. Glancing all across the room, he noticed Samantha who had also showed up late. A small cheeky grin came across his face as he had noticed Nathan Merrick. The story line between the two of them had gone on for pages. And Jordan Wakes. Rolling his eyes slightly, Grant decided it was best that he had actually tried to attempt in a lesson for once in his lifetime. He did need the education.

Watching Sam tremble, Grant decided to move in her direction. He too was a little frightened at first, and he wasn't about to leave her in that same situation he happened to be in. "Just take a breather." Grant whispered. Gently he patted her on the back and looked back to the professor who was trying to attempt with helping others out with the assignment. "I'm certain you wouldn't mind if you and I would become partners. It's not like you care, nor I care." Finally, someone in the same house that he could actually talk too. Besides Nathan. Oh how he hated that boy.