"Eeping" lightly as he gets pulled along, a piece of bacon still in his mouth, Fynn is unable to say anything until after he's swallowed it. "What the hell? Saiyuri?"

--

Listening to each of them, Anna stays quiet. It would be easier to tell them all how little she controls her own magic, having only gotten a wand about a month ago, but she'd risk betraying her past that way - and truthfully, Anna's not up for that yet. "I'll stay quiet for a while... though I think you're all being a bit... well, judgemental." She looks at Liam apologetically, hoping she hasn't insulted him, and instead adds, "I mean, I know there's a history and such that I don't get, but..." said with a light shrug, "he's been kinda nice to me."

Pulling him along gently, she leads him to the classroom. Shutting the door behind them, she sighed and turned to Fynn, looking up at him pleadingly, "Look.. I know you despise me.. but I need to talk to you.. Will you please listen?"

-----------------------

Liam laughed, "O' course he's nice to ye. Yer a Gryffie like him. He's probably blamin' yer 'misjudgement' o' Leane 'n' Josh on being new 'n' not knowing that Gryffies 'n' Slythies are about as different ends o' the spectrum as ye can get. They've been fighting 'n' enemies fer centuries, that bunch."

Drew's eyes followed Saiyuri and Fynn out of the Great Hall, 'I hope she knows what she's doing..'

He's about ready to retort, but nods quietly instead, crossing his arms over his chest. "Sure. But be quick about it - I don't want to be late to class."

--

Anna smiles lightly, shaking her head. "That's not it at all. He's convinced that you're all into the Dark Arts."

Biting her lip, Saiyuri clasped her hands behind her back, a bit nervous, "Well, at least I knew you despised me.. So I was right about that..." Taking a deep breath, she looked Fynn in the eyes and asked the question she'd been dreading since first year, "What happened between you and Lee-chan?"

---------------------------------------

Liam and Drew burst out laughing, "Ye can't be serious!"

"Us? Meddle in the Dark Arts! Poppycock! We'd never do such a thing!"

"We simply read about it, learn how t' counter it, 'n' learn t' better protect ourselves! What would make 'im think we meddled in that?"

He frowns lightly, staring at her face for a while and noticing her unease. "Nothing happened." To himself, he adds mentally, 'That's the problem', but he doesn't mention it to her. Instead, he adds in a quiet voice. "And I don't despise you."

--

She smiles, amused that they share her reaction. "Because you read about it. Somehow he knows you've been yoinking books about it from the library, and he thinks you want to learn to use it. I think that's his real problem with you lot."

"What do you mean 'nothing happened'?!" Saiyuri said desperately, "Because of you, she's the way she is! Protective of our hearts, fighting our battles when she can so we don't get hurt, turning goth-like! It's all because of something you did first year! She refuses to talk about it, and I don't push her. But Anna.. she's brought Leane back into her depressed state of anger! Leane thought Anna was trying to steal Josh from our dear Kalli, and Leane has refused to realize it was all a misunderstanding. Anna hurt Kalli, and Leane blames herself for allowing Kalli's heart to break for the few moments it did. So don't you dare like to me Fynn! I want the truth!"

Sighing, she unclasped her hands and sat on a nearby table, "If you don't despise me, then why is it for the past 5 years you've been pointedly ignoring me and refusing to even acknowledge my existance. We were such good friends, what made you change Fynn? Is it because I still hang out with Josh and Lee-chan even though they're both in Slytherin House and Josh is an orphan? I want the truth about everything Fynn, I hate how things have turned out."

----------------------------------

Still laughing, the boys looked at Anna, "That's hilarious!"

"O' course he knows we take 'em, it's not exactly a secret from the students. They all 'ave their assumptions when the librarian tells Filch or Finch books are missin'."

"The professors know too, they just look the other way 'cause they know we aren't doing anything wrong and they know the books will turn back up in the library by the end of the year."

He frowns angrily, "Don't blame this on me! I'm not the one who ditched you - you ditched me! I was alone in Gryffindor and you were all being buddy buddy and paying attention to Kalli so she wouldn't feel out of place... and I just knew - I just KNEW Josh was going to make a pass at Leane and then..." He stops, realizing what he's saying, and blushes lightly. "Of course I was wrong, but..."

---

"In that case, he's the only paranoid one," she laughs, sliding the plate away and rising from the table. "Shouldn't you guys be heading to class soon?"

"Ditch you?! Fynn, we tried to talk to you! You refused to acknowledge us! And when you did, it was only to say rude remarks or to hurt Kalli and Josh! As for Josh and Leane, how could think such a thing?! Josh has never liked Lee-chan in such a way! The only boy Leane showed any interest in was Liam, but that didn't last very long as you know. And is it our fault Kal was shy and instantly clung to me because she felt safe when around me and the group? Kalli is a dear girl and we love her! If you got to know her, you'd love her too! But you wouldn't let her get close -- any of us for that matter!"

Slamming her fist on the table, she glared at Fynn, "And you knew Josh had been taken in by Leane's family, he had become close to her and trusted her, and whomever she trusted. You hurt her when you shunned how she felt for you and regarded her and nothing better than the gum on the bottom of your shoe! Josh has never forgiven you for treating her like that, and I don't blame him. If you felt anything for her, you should have spoken up instead of shunning all of us and hurting her like you did! You hurt me too you know. Although I have cared for you as nothing more than a friend, your friendship meant something to me and you hurt me just as much as you hurt Leane. Did you ever stop to think about how much we all cared about you and wanted your friendship?!"

--------------------------

Drew and Liam both shook their heads, "Nope, we don't have a class this morning, just a free period to work on assignments."

"Ye had prob'ly better head ta class though, I think fourth years do have a class this mornin'," said Liam after he kissed Anna's cheek.

He glares at her, highly annoyed. "I think you need to go back on the facts a bit, Sai." It's the first time in ages since he used the shortening of her name - then again, they hadn't talked in ages. "I may be seeing things wrong here - I'm not saying that I'm not dying the facts a bit in my favour - but Kalli was already insecure, I have nothing against the kid ,and I just hated Josh because he was close to Leane." Fynns' black hair bounces as he shakes his head angrily. "I got a crush, so sue me! It just killed me that you guys were stupid enough to get around the Dark Arts and I was pissed off that I liked deatheaters-to-be."

-------------------
"But if you guys have free period..." the temptation to skip class is seriously huge, and Anna fidgets lightly, trying to think of what class she has and how to get out of it.

Saiyuri, as angry as she was, couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Fynn, dear, we're not 'death-eaters-to-be', as you put it. We simply read the books, learn how to repel the spells, and learn how to better protect ourselves. Surely we won't learn what we need to in Fitzgerald's class. She'll teach us the basics, like the other teachers. You honestly think that'll help us?"

"Besides," hopping off the desk and taking Fynn's hands, she smiled, "it's good to hear you call me that again, I've missed it." Giving him a light kiss on the cheek, she added, "Don't you think Leane felt the same? Why do you think she despises you so much? You disregarded her feelings, shunned her for being a Slythie, and abandoned us all immediately after the first day of school - weeks before we began sneaking into the library - just because you were a Gryffie."

----------------------

Liam laughed, knowing the look on Anna's face, "Don't even think about it love, ye gotta go ta class."

"You'll fall behind if you don't, ya know," added Drew with a laugh, "And I don't think Sai will be happy to hear you've already skipped class and the first week isn't even over yet."

Slightly exasperated, Fynn throws his hands in the air, all tension having left his shoulders at her laughing. "What feelings?! We talked around eachother for half the time, tip-toeing and never doing more than giving a minor glance." He narrows his eyes a bit, adding, "I'm not feeling superior, though I know it's what you've been thinking. You haven't, incidentally, noticed that I have hardly any friends?" That last thing being said dryly.

--

Waving Drew away, she grins, "I'll catch up." Still though, she's not in the mood to spend loads of time trying to catch up, so instead, the brunette sighs reluctantly before placing a chaste kiss on Liams lips. "But fine, fine, I'll go." With a fake, depressed sigh, she reaches down for her bag.

Saiyuri couldn't help but giggle, "But you recall that you were the one who avoided convorsation with her in the begining. Lee-chan simply took it as a hint that you weren't interested in more than friendship, nor in friendship either. She thought you only put up with her there for my sake." Sighing, she smiled at Fynn, "If only you could have heard her talk of you, especially that Christmas and Summer, you hurt her terribly - only I knew the truth. The rest guessed what happened, and I had to play the part of not knowing and always guessing."

Taking his hand into hers, she looked him in the eyes, genuinely smiling as her eyes went from a soft blue-red, which had been her eye color the entire convorsation thus far, to a deep pink-blue, "You must believe me when I tell you that you have always had friends in other houses, you simply chose not to look for them. As for being superior, you know very well you view us as lesser than you - and if you don't, then you sure in hell know how to make us feel that way."

------------------------

Smiling, Liam tenderly kissed Anna on the lips as she stooped to get her bag. "That's me girl, don't try sneakin' out and findin' Sai or Lee either. Go straight ta class."

"I would never-" he starts, but silencing along the way. "I wouldn't have considered myself superior if it wasn't because of that Dark Arts thing..." He blushes lightly, then mutters, "I should head to Potions..."

-----

"I wouldn't do that!" She grins cheerfully, adding, "Not now, anyway."

Rolling her eyes, "We don't have Potions. We have free period this morning. Potions is tomorrow."

Peering into his eyes, she smiled, "Come now, you know we aren't death-eaters and have no interest in becoming them. What's stopping you from liking me and the others?"

---------------------

Professor Snape walked out of his office to find Leane sitting at one of the desks, not realizing she was crying, "Leane Supton, what are you doing in the Potions room outside of class?"

Looking away from him, she wiped her eyes and stood to leave, "S-sorry Pro-professor. I didn't re-realize anyone was here. Sorry to dis-disturb you." Covering her mouth with her hand, she tried her best to compose herself as she began walking out of the Potions room.

"Ms. Supton, do try to compose yourself," softening a little he asked a bit more gently, "What happened?"

"N-nothing professor. I'd better go. You have class starting soon, I'd better go to free period," she quickly muttered as she opened the door.

---------------------

Liam eyes Anna, "Anna, promise me ye won't go looking fer either. It'll just make everythin' worse."

Drew nodded in agreement, "Leane'll just cast a spell on you, and Sai will lose everything she's accomplished, who I assume went after Leane to try to calm her down."

"Nothing - but..." He feels kind of weird admitting it, but adds, "I don't fit in with you guys, Sai. Not anymore. And I need to clear the air with Leane."

----

She frowns, a bit angrily, at both boys. "I may be impulsive - but when I say I won't go after her, I mean it." She turns on her heels and stalks out. "You'd best learn to start trusting me."

Leane quickly made it through the crowd of students before Professor Snape could say another word, and made her way towards Moaning Myrtal's bathroom, where she collapsed in front of the sink, leaning her head against the base. Myrtle, who saw Leane, floated over to her and began asking what was wrong in the very whiny voice of hers.

--------------------

Saiyuri nodded, her eyes during a deep blue-purple, "I . . . see . . ." Smiling, trying to show she wasn't hurt by his words, she nodded, "Of course. We'll just go on like before . . . never speaking . . . As for Leane, I hope everything goes well."

Taking her hands from Fynn's, Saiyuri loosely crossed her arms, her right hand slowly rubbing the shoulder and upper arm of her left arm. Turning towards the door she spoke softly over her shoulder, "I'd better go to Myrtle's bathroom and find Leane. She's really hurting right now and needs me."

--------------------

Liam sighed as he stood up and ran after Anna, leaving Drew to sit there and drink his Pumpkin Juice alone. Catching up to her, he turned her towards him and took her hands, "Anna, listen to me, it's not that we don't trust ye. But yer like Saiyuri, always trying ta help the ones ye care about most. Drew 'n' I are just worried about Leane 'n' Sai, we're afraid Fynn's hurt Saiyuri again 'nd' we're afraid Leane may go further into depression 'n' do something drastic again. Ye just gotta trust Sai to get this straightened out."

Putting his hand on her shoulder, he stops her gently, turning her back a bit. "Wait - I'm just... I'm just saying, if we suddenly go to being all buddy-buddy, Leane's going to feel like you guys betrayed her." He shakes his head sadly, adding, "I think it's best if I just... slowly try to break through to her. You know how she is."

----

Sighing, completely overwhelmed that he ran after her, Anna nods. "I know that - also, I wouldn't worry about Fynn. He really is a good guy - like you. Now - " with a small smile on her face, "Don't you have a class to go to?"

Saiyuri nodded, still avoiding eye-contact, "Yeah, I know. I just hate lying to everyone - keeping secrets. It's tearing me up inside, if I'm forced to keep anything more I'm going to snap!" she added helplessly.

"I have to keep my relationship that's just starting out with Drew from my father, who should be here any moment, keep our friendship secret, keep Leane's secret from everyone, keep Kalli and Josh's secret from everyone -- I can't take lying about everything anymore. But I'm still glad I was able to talk to you civily after all these years. I mean, I know when we're alone you're civil and not as wretched to me, but when everyone else is around . . . it's hard for me. I miss you terribly Fynn, and I know Leane does even if she won't admit it. But you're right, as usual, Leane and the others will need time to adjust."

---------------

Leane glared at Myrtle, "Go away. Just go back to your toilet or go torture another Prefect in the Prefect's bathroom. I'm not in the mood today."

---------------

Liam sighed, "He has a horrid way o' showin' it ye know." Kissing her on the forehead and removing her hat, handing it to her he smirked, "How'd ye know?"

"I don't expect you to keep secrets, Sai." He smiles lightly, his brown eyes kind, "I know it's not your thing. And I hope you're right about Leane," Fynn adds with a sigh, not having such a good feeling about it, "Since I never thought she considered me anything special. But I've been wrong before." Gently, he hugs her, trying to give her an added boost of support, feeling bad to add to her worries. "And... I think... Anna seems like a good girl. I think you could trust her."

----
She smiles, taking it from him and kissing his lips in thanks. "I saw a bunch of cute guys from your year heading outside for Herbology. You don't have to go to class, though." Grinning, she adds teasingly, "You can skip classes."

Pulling Fynn close, resting her head on his chest as small tears ran down her cheek, "I know, but I can't tell her their secrets. I promised I wouldn't tell a soul. And Leane does care for you, I know she does. I can see it in her eyes, and in her heart."

Sighing she stepped back from Fynn and smiled up at him as she wiped the tears from her cheeks, "Just like I know, deep down inside, you still care for her to some degree. I simply can't guarantee that she feels for you as anything more than a friend now. Perhaps once friendship is established, it will grow into affection as it did before."

"As you know, I'm leaving until December, so you'll have to face Lee-chan on your own," Saiyuri added with a sigh, "I really hope everything goes well Fynn, for everyone's sake."

---------------

"O' course, I'm a sixth year, I've already learned what we're goin ter review today," Liam wrapped his arms around Anna and pulled her close, "Cute boys eh? And . . . how cute are these boys o' me year?"

He smiled lightly, more secure than he was feeling, ruffling her hair lightly in a brotherly way. "You can count on me, Sai." Friendship seemed to far out of reach already - but he'd give it a shot.

--

Her own arms slipping around his waist, she grins as she looks up at him. "Oh, they were just my type! And what happened about me not skipping classes?"

Smiling at him, Saiyuri's eyes slowly turned to their usual light brown, with a hint of blue still present, "I know I can." With a smile and a wave, she turned and headed out of the classroom, heading for Myrtle's bathroom to talk to Leane.

---------------------

Smirking, Liam kissed Anna tenderly before gently tapping her nose with his finger, "I see what yer doin', gettin' me jealous so I'll keep ye from class, no?"

Slightly miffed, Fynn trots on back to the Great hall, a bit dazed at the days' events. Spotting Drew sitting alone, he braces himself, sliding unto the bench in front of him and offering a shy smile. "Hey."
-----

"And I do believe it was working," she smiles, her arms tightening around him for a moment. "But nah, getting you jealous is more something that makes me happy. I don't mind going to class - it's pretty fun." Looking up, she lightly rubs her nose against his before kissing him slowly. "Though I do have reasons not to go, of course."

Drew, a bit taken aback, set down his pumpkin juice and folded his arms, waiting for Fynn's insults to start, "Yes?"

------------------------------

"Maybe," Liam said softly as he smiled before he kissed her once more.

"Reasons? 'n' what are they? Ta go ta Herbology 'n' check out me class?" he teased.

------------------------------

Saiyuri sighed as she opened the door to Myrtle's bathroom. Myrtle immediately floated over to Saiyuri and whispered how rude Leane was being. Saiyuri took a deep breath as she sat down beside Leane, "Leane? Are you alright?"

Turning to Saiyuri, throwing her arms arms around her waist, Leane snuggled her head against Saiyuri's chest and continued to cry. Saiyuri sighed as she held her close, resting her chin on Leane's forehead and stroking her long raven hair.

"Shhh, don't cry Lee-chan," Saiyuri softly soothed, "Is this about Fynn?"

"Oh Saiyuri . . . he and Anna make me . . . so . . . angry!"

"I know dear, but . . . you must trust me, they both care about you. Don't you think Fynn deserves a chance to explain himself? It's been five years, I think he's earned at least that."

Leane shook her head, "No, never."

Not sure what to say, the black-haired boy just shrugs, reaching for a picher and filling the clean glass in front of him with pumpkin-juice. "I only thought of hey. You and Sai dating now?"
---

"Oh yeah, and fawn over those cute guys who are just my type," she jokes, grinning since she really knows she doesn't -have- a type. Shaking her head, she says instead, "No, I was thinking, spending the morning with my boyfriend who's skipping class too."