Teach Me to Be You

Piper lounged in the Slytherin common room, tired from a long day of classes that simply did not matter to her nor anyone else. She had not changed out of her Slytherin uniform, nor had she kicked off her shoes yet. She had pulled one of the books off of the shelves that lined the common room and had pulled her hair over one shoulder, trying to look relaxed and at ease.

She was not though. She had been slowly but surely working her way into the group of popular Slytherins. It seemed Darius had been accepted in and that had helped her wonders. She just needed to prove her worthiness to them. Her plan was to observe. They were all around her at the moment, all unwinding from a long day, and she hoped she could stay among them unnoticed.

Maybe not completely unnoticed. Just unopposed.

*

It was the end of too many classes. Damien could not remember exactly how he had began to feel drained from them. Classes were certainly getting less easy to cope with, although they were all to be expected, being the OWLs year and all. Damien straightened his robes, whatever parts of it that could be straightened, before he walked out of the Transfiguration classroom with Kane and Augustine. The latter had plans, which Damien was not interested to partake of. Augustine Galway spent most of his current Hogwarts life being all of the things that did not suit Damien, since they involved girls from the younger year and breaking the rules. The guy was a trouble-maker. And unlike most of Slytherin who, despite whatever schemes they had, did not elicit or have families so concerned with reputation that things were kept more subtle, Augustine almost always received Howlers along with the letters that would come regularly. Kane, on the other hand, lacked initiative. He merely tagged along with Augustine and Damien, although the latter was too quiet for him, and liked to shoo him off to Augustine.

With what Damien liked to believe to be his two sidekicks gone, he made his way to the Slytherin Dungeons. In his head, he was already there lazing on one of the many green armchairs. Thanks to the wealth of the families of Slytherin, the Common Room was luxurious, even if it was of a colder atmosphere than the rest of the Castle. Damien was rather proud of it. Upon his entrance, the boy scanned the place. The room was full of people, undoubtedly because of the end of classes for the day. The sight of a face caught Damien's attention, then brought to remembrance the encounter at Knockturn Alley. Smirking, he walked towards where Piper was lounging at, taking notice of her book, since he was himself quite a reader.

"Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches?" He began, a little surprised at the title of the book that the girl was looking at. "Why, Piper. I never knew you were into them." Damien smirked in amusement. He remembered what had transpired at Knockturn Alley. This girl had issues. Then again, so did almost everyone else. And then Damien remembered how Piper had almost set her wand at him, for what he had managed to pry out of her. Keeping that in my mind, he eyed her, knowing there was a line that she had drawn for him not to cross. While he was teasing Piper for the book in her hand, Damien had sat himself down in a lone armchair near her. He now adjusted how his robes had fallen when he sat, perturbed by how there would soon be creases from the pressure between his weight and the armchair.

He was at it again. Kendall wasted no time doing what he did best, as soon as he was back at Hogwarts. He was a senior now, the oldest of the bunch of younglings who were eager to grow up and be powerful people in the Wizarding World. At least, that was what he assumed of others. To the boy, it was only a matter of time that Daddy will pronounce him fit for service. Kendall was looking forward to that, wanting nothing more than to be his father. Already, friends of the family have commented on the striking resemblances, not just in looks but in mannerisms; and Kendall hoped, also in character. It was for those very reasons and aspirations to be the next Augustus Rookwood, that he ensured he learnt, both at school and from his father. Still, he had a hobby he could never imagine putting down.

Kendall allowed his fingers to trace the curves of the girl in his bed. Rosie, he remembered. He always remembered their names when he was at it. What could be so hard? If one couldn't remember names, one couldn't remember spells, for sure. It also meant that one's brains were too small. No, Kendall would remember almost all their names. He prided himself for it, and for what he believed to be massive brains too. As the girl nuzzled herself against his chest, the boy turned to check the time. It was almost the time when people were about to saunter back into the Common Room and the Dormitory. Thursdays were good. Thursdays only, do his classes end earlier than most others. Kendall certainly took advantage of Thursdays. Rosie, however, skipped her class, for him. Kendall smirked in pleasure to himself.

"Now, now. Don't purr at me, kitty. There's always next Thursday." Kendall grinned as he got himself dressed again. It was not much though. He simply slipped his pants on, before grabbing a random black tank. He always looked more comfortable in the safety of the Slytherin Dungeons. He liked the cold, especially since his body was always one ball of heat. Quickly enough, the younger girl left the room, leaving him to his own devices. Bored again, Kendall decided that a visit to the Common Room could do some help.

A scan of the place told him that his intention to be entertained by a company of people was offered many, many answers. People had trickled in from classes, and were lounging around. Kendall's entrance elicited some stares, all by girls from the younger years. He offered them a customary grin, never one to disappoint. But really, he would have been a lot happier to see that one girl. Shrugging to himself, Kendall ran his hands through his hair, before his eyes caught sight of Damien, and then Piper. A smirk tugged at his lips. Piper Handler. He believed he knew her secret. He was just waiting for an appropriate time to share his belief with her, in private. That would be fun.

Now, though, he slapped Damien on the back in greeting, just as the other boy was reaching down to dust at his shoes. It was enough to make Kendall roll his eyes. Damien was so uptight, so concerned even about the dirt on himself. It was pathetic. But Kendall never shared those thoughts. He was friendly, good to people even. That was what made him so popular. He never shared his true opinions. He made everyone think that he thought well of them.

Without any hesitation, Kendall plopped himself down onto the couch, next to Piper. "That's an interesting read. Witches, they're so mysterious, aren't they? I, myself, would like to know how." He said, gesturing towards the title of the book. Self-assured, cocky even, Kendall grinned at the girl, who he had known briefly but never really had a proper conversation with. Renny, he did know. Renny Handler. Kendall knew the connection. With amusement of that knowledge in mind, Kendall eyed Piper. "Any useful tips so far?" Licking his lips, the boy smacked them before he grinned, a little self-amused.

Cilla stopped outside of the Common Room entrance and stood there for a second, collecting herself. There were two different girls who had the name Pricilla Cuffe, the happy, hyper, fun version everyone knew when she was around others, and the quiet, thoughtful, extraordinarily observational girl, who no one knew. NO ONE. Cilla put on a happy hyper grin as though she had had it all the way down the hall, ruffled her clothes a bit, even ruffled her hair a little bit. Pulled a small mirror out of her bag, which was hanging on her shoulder. She checked her appearance, and stared at her full lips, her blonde hair, her stereotypical appearance of a girl who was a pureblood, a girl who only the Slytherin's liked. In reality she hated herself, but as it was, she didn't act like it. She put on her happy smile, checking her teeth so they were perfect, and putting the sparkle in her eyes that she had so masterfully put up to look real, even when it wasn't. She smiled at herself for a few seconds, before looking down at her cloths. She had black robes which were open to reveal her school skirt and a white button up shirt. Her tie was loose around her neck, and slightly off center, perfect. She checked the mirror one more time, before she took a few steps back from the wall.

Saying the password, she half sprung through the wall, and looked around excitedly. "Kendall! Darling!" She purred and walked swiftly over to the boy and sat down nearly on his lap. "Damien! And...." Cilla thought for a second, a silly thoughtful expression on her face. "Piper! How lovely!" She said grinning at them all, not even noticing the book in Piper's hands, even though her eyes scanned over it once, her expression didn't make it appear that she had even read the cover. "How are my friends this lovely evening?" She asked grinning at them all, her eyes sparkling. "Why are you all so stiff? Relax!" She purred and leaned against Kendall happily, looking over at Piper with big eyes.

"So you like to read Piper? That's so exciting! I love it! I can never get my mind wrapped around the letters, how do you get them to make sense at all? Maybe you should have been a Ravenclaw!" She grinned at her, her lashes clashing together as she blinked at her, her slightly disheveled appearance alluring, though not exactly towards Piper or anything, just towards everyone in the room, she leaned forward and touched Damien on the knee. "And you are looking lovely Damien! How are you doing? It's been forever!" She grinned at him happily, flashing white teeth before flicking her hair over her shoulder and grinning at them all, completely oblivious to the fact that they must think her absolutely stupid, a happy, blissful smile on her face.

She knew she was doing a good job, she knew inside she was cringing at her own personality, but on the outside, nothing showed, years of practice made her perfect at what she did, gathering information without appearing the type to get that information. Perfect at making everyone appear completely at ease around the idiot girl who was much to happy, and it was a wonder why she was in Slytherin at all.

The leaky, late afternoon sunshine fell over the tops of the trees that were swaying leisurely the light breeze that was coming off of the Black Lake. The inky sky, dotted with bright, white twinkling lights, was chasing the last licks of defiant sunlight. Shadows fell over Hogwarts and the inhabitants slowly made their way back to their respective common rooms - some even taking to their dormitories either with company or on their own.

If anyone had taken to the grounds though, they might have heard the loud squeals of laughter and music being played at a similar volume. And if that person had decided to investigate, then upon peering over the tops of the hedges he or she would have set eyes on a familiar group of Hufflepuffs who were fortunate enough to have the company of a rather agreeable-looking Slytherin though not one that anyone would expect. No, their company was in the form of Athena Goyle, a young woman who was known better for hexing Hufflepuffs than cavorting with them.

It was gossip fodder dancing before prying eyes which was why it was a good thing there was no one in the grounds bar a gawky, scantily-clad pair of Gryffindors who were wrapped up in their own affairs.

A radio had been left on the windowsill of many Herbology greenhouses that overlooked the gardens. The students were swinging in each other’s arms, moving wildly to the beat of the music that was belting from the small speakers, wide, impossible smiles painted across their faces. Among them was Athena who had been tucked up in the arms of a budding Herbologist since he’d invited her to their little ‘party’. She hadn’t realised what the lingering Hufflepuffs did on Thursdays but she was kicking herself for not becoming curious sooner. They’d been partnered in class, much to the initial dismay of Athena, and had quickly jelled, prompting him to invite her ‘out back’...and here they were.

“Tell me again!” He called imploringly to her as he spun her out of his arms. He dropped his eyes down to her dress and watched with hungry eyes as the white skirt rose up around her. He chuckled and brought the bottle of beer in his hand to his lips before bringing her back against his chest. Athena smirked at him and he raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you trying to push my buttons here, Ms. Goyle?”

Athena shook her head and pried the bottle of beer from his hands. She took a swig and swallowed the slightly bitter tasting liquid before looking up at him again. “Is it working?” She asked innocently. He chuckled and took the beer back from her. He shrugged one of his shoulders in response and she grinned widely at him. “Knew it,” She responded with a laugh, her eyes falling down to the watch clasped around her wrist. “I had better take my leave,” She admitted regretfully.

His face fell immediately and his grip tightened on her, as if somehow the warmth he was surrounding her with would make her want to stay that little bit longer. Athena looked pointedly at him and he sighed before passing his beer to a passing dancing couple. “C’mon, I’ll walk you down there. There are nasty things in the dungeons.” He took her hand in his far larger one and tugged her out of the small crowd of dancing Hufflepuffs and, if he wasn’t mistaken, a handful of Ravenclaws. Athena was the only Slytherin and he’d taken a great risk in inviting her. It had paid off though. The Slytherin that was as tightly wound as they came had let loose and he was one of the few that had been privy to her relaxation. He felt privileged almost.

“Like what?” Athena asked as they emerged out in the corridor outside of the Greenhouses. “Not Slytherins, Craig?” The curly-haired Hufflepuff turned and grinned widely at her, prompting her to roll her eyes in response. “Of course, how silly of me.”

With a laugh on his part, they set off down the corridor, falling into step with one another and falling back into easy conversation. It was only when they began the descent into the darkness of the dungeons that they fell quiet, as if in effort to keep her present company a secret from any Slytherins that were lingering in the maze-like corridors that made the Hogwarts dungeons feel all the more scarier. Craig seemed relatively relaxed though and kept a firm hold on Athena who had instinctively moved that little bit closer to him upon been sheathed in the dank, dungeon darkness. And as much as she didn’t want to part with the most pleasurable company she’d had outside of the bedroom for a long time, it wasn’t long before they came upon the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

“Goodnight,” Athena murmured gently. She rose up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his cheek. “Next Thursday?” She asked gently. She received a laugh and a nod in response before he reached down and stole a kiss right off of her lips. Once he was sure she was sufficiently shocked, Craig turned on his heel and strode confidently back up the corridor. It wasn’t until Athena was sure he was firmly out of sight that she muttered the password and slipped elegantly through the walled entrance to the common room.

It seemed almost fitting that people were there. However much she wanted to linger in the entryway and gather her bearings, she couldn’t. Almost immediately she was thrust from one social situation into another and Athena felt the coils tighten within her again. Within seconds she was stood tall and proud again, as if the hours earlier hadn’t actually taken place. Her scarlet cheeks were the only evidence it had.

Though she was quickly regaining the air of a Pureblood woman, her appearance didn’t quite match. She was well put together, of course, but it didn’t look intentional for this social setting. Athena wondered if they’d notice then she kicked herself mentally. Of course they would. Foolish gentlemen they were but they were aware of Pureblood custom and how the girls handled themselves. The way Athena had wasn’t it and she was almost embarrassed.

Sucking in a shaky breath, Athena descended the steps and glided across the room to where her friends had gathered themselves. “Good evening,” She greeted, her voice not bearing much emotion bar her usual indifference. She spotted Damien almost immediately and she decided to place herself near him, picking the arm of his chair instead of searching for a seat of her own. It was then that Athena spotted Pricilla who was looking dumbly at a book in the grasp of a younger student. Athena looked briefly at Kendall before rolling her eyes and lifting them up towards the sky lights that were charmed to look as if they were at the bottom of the lake. They most probably were, hence the reason why the windows were charmed and they didn’t have real ones.

She knew she’d have to do this - ‘this’ being the ridiculous task of socialising with them - for at least an hour before she could take her leave; and believe you and me, she was counting down each second until she could.

Piper looked up and immediately felt her entire face, her whole expression, crease into a scowl of distaste. Damien was the only one of the group of that was actually her age, as far as she knew. Or around it- most of them were seventh years. She was sixth year and he was fifth. Luckily, she no longer had to deal with him in classes. But she had to more often than the others.

And of course, there was that nasty meeting in Knockturn. The brat had led her to believe he could be trusted, she had actually begun to open up... all on a lie. He had set her back so much, made her close up even more. It was making it difficult, trying to trust them all. It went against all her instincts, all of her defenses, everything she knew. But she would do it.

Unfortunately, that meant not only dealing with Damien D'eath, but also pretending like he did not completely irritate her, and utlizing their brief and shortlived friendship as much as possible. However, right out the gate, he made that nearly impossible for her. She opened her mouth, saying, "I did not-" but on tilting the book, found out he was right.

She pinked slightly and scowled. "I wasn't even reading, I had just grabbed a book-" but Kendall had joined them and sighed a long, tired sigh. She forced a smirk and tossed the book to him. "Here, you take it then. The reviews on the girl's walls in Moaning Myrtle's are starting to slip. You need it." She felt some pride slip in there. Look at her, sounding like a pro.

Pricilla came in. Piper did not care for Pricilla, and this was why. She had seen Piper handing over the book and began on this long tangent and before Piper could really filter her words, she said, "Yes, I can read," in a casual voice that hid the real insult in her words. Before too much more could happen though, Athena entered and she smiled, trying to feel as happy as she was pretending to be. "Is this a party? All we need is streamers."

From the creases of his robes, Damien moved on to dust at his shoes. All this dirt, what was wrong with Hogwarts? Perhaps the reconstruction was not done properly. He scowled. The least they could do was to dust the Castle up properly before inviting students back, could they not? And then, suddenly, a slap on his back. Damien turned sharply, only to see Kendall Rookwood. At that, he offered the older boy a slight smile. He then settled himself back into his armchair, happy to see an acquaintance he was looking forward to. The attention of the older boy went to Piper, though, and Damien relegated himself to spectator again, happy to be so. He smirked in slight amusement at the other boy.

A voice sounded, for Kendall. Damien knew the reputation of the Rookwood boy, and hearing the voice of girls calling out for that name was no surprise, for sure. This time, however, he looked up at the familiarity of it. Pricilla. Damien felt the breath that he took in get stuck somewhere in him. It took a great time and effort for him to get over the fact that the older girl had played him out, played him out despite his complete belief in her. Surely, he had learnt from that first. Still, the sight of her reminded him of his wounded ego, which probably never really healed. The fact that she was so eager to see Kendall made him oddly disappointed. Suddenly, the delight at seeing the older boy began its decline.

Damien tore his eyes away at how close Pricilla had sat herself with Kendall, before he realised she had acknowledged him by name. He forced a smile before returning his face to feigned indifference, letting the chirpiness of the older girl slide by, while he alternated his attention between her and Kendall. What was always making Cilla so chirpy anyway? What did he see in her again? Oh, right. There was a time when he was happier, maybe that was when he liked to have her around, not that he decided to shirk her later. She was the one who dumped him without reason.

Just as Damien was about to shift his eyes lazily back to Piper, he felt a hand at his knee. "I'm ... fine." He began, controlling his voice. "Never better." He pronounced, and paused. "And you?" It was customary to return the question, as much as the girl's happiness perturbed him. The Common Room had gotten more crowded. It seemed as if people were streaming in, and this was the peak period to do so. There was a sudden pause at the door, though, as if it meant that everyone who belong to the House had already taken up their places in the Slytherin Dungeons.

And then, Athena Goyle. At her entrance, it felt as if the queen had arrived. Well, to Damien's mind, albeit it being an exaggeration. He admired her simply for the reputation she had made for herself. Her presence in the Common Room commanded some kind of respect, especially among the younger students. He could not speak for the ones in her year, of course. But he smiled, actually smiled, when she sat at the arm of his chair, feeling a little like the chosen one. He turned to her, and greeted. "Ms. Goyle."

Pricilla came into the Common Room, and the cold atmosphere was suddenly threatened by the awkward cheeriness of her presence. Still, her presence was not un-welcomed, not to Kendall, at least. Cilla had been around as long as he was in Hogwarts, and he was used to her. It was, just, Cilla. When she sat down with half of her lap on his, given the limited space on the couch that was now squeezy with Piper and him not bothering to close up his legs to provide her space, Kendall grinned at Cilla. He was cheeky, even if his intentions ended at mere teasing. Of course, he allowed her to continue sitting in that position.

The grin on Kendall's face did not falter, not even when Piper tried to hurl an insult, along with the book she was holding a moment ago. Instead, he closed the book that had fallen to his lap, tossed it, and rested his arm just a bit above Piper's shoulders, threatening to let it fall onto her. He grinned, and leaned closer towards her. "I spend all my time reading history, spells, wizarding politics, and whatnots. Puppy eyes need a break." At that, Kendall tried his best impression of those eyes as he looked at Piper. "I'd rather you tell me." And then, he lifted his arm, away from Piper. Instead, he leaned towards Cilla, resting his arm on around her side instead.

Cilla had began to speak, and Kendall merely listened to it without being very much bothered by the content. The boy's mind drifted, eyeing the younger girls in the Common Room, picking up which was good enough to fix his attention on. He did not have to look though. Soon enough, someone entered the Common Room, right after the long pause of no one else entering. The lazy look that had drifted to the entrance became a lot more alert. A nonchalant greeting came from Athena's lips. Kendall looked at her, curious at where she had been. Sure, he had been spending his free time with Rosie, without disclosure of the matter to Athena. But Athena had been off somewhere without his knowledge too, and this fact made him feel a little unsettled. After all, Darius was nowhere to be seen too. Kendall tried not to link the two together. After all, was that not already settled, that Athena had came back to his place after the party, not Darius'?

Kendall expected some sort of special greeting for himself, like he expected most girls to give him. It seemed, though, that Athena was not going to give it him. Instead, he caught her rolling her eyes at him. At that, he frowned, before lifting his arm quickly away from its circle around Pricilla's waist. Of course that holding, for a moment, was unintentional. He was just used to having his arm around some girl, any girl. Kendall was ready to come up with some smart-arse greeting for Athena, before Damien beat him to it.

His attention turned to the younger boy, as a smirk began to form on his lips. His eyes alternated between Athena and Damien, before he broke into a chuckle. "That's right, D'Eath. Being polite and showing respect is one of the twelve fail-safe ways to charm witches. You've learnt well, my boy." Kendall smirked, and continued to stare at the both of them in amusement. Piper's voice broke that moment, but he gladly turned to the girl who looked like she could join Damien in the scowling-gang.

"A party! Lord knows how much I could use one. We've yet to have a back-to-school one. Streamers, grand idea. Bring them out, Piperrr." He purred the girl's name out. Kendall knew it was sarcasm in the girl's voice, he merely pretended not to notice it. And then, he turned his head and spotted a group of younger girls who had been ardently staring at him ever since Lord knows when. "Throw on some appropriate music, will you?" Just for the kick of it, he winked at the one he thought to be a kind of leader of sorts of the group, knowing it to be a cue for his request to be answered. He was that confident.

Quickly, music began to be played. Sure, Slytherins might not look like they could party as hard as their counterparts in Gryffindor or even Hufflepuff, but Kendall was still usually one to throw acceptable Slytherin parties. It was not that he had much effort in throwing them. The younger girls would help. He merely suggested. Kendall grinned at the obedience of the younger girls, and ran his hand through his hair. Purposefully, he directed his eyes at Athena before he smacked his lips and stood up, only to walk towards her. Slightly resting the side of his right thigh against the end of the arm of the chair, Kendall crossed his arms at his chest and began to address her. "Busy day?" He definitely had plans to return his attention to the others. However, it was not until he got some from Athena. He needed it, ever since ... Lord knows when.

Cilla pouted slightly when Kendall dropped his arm from around her, and she found herself leaning towards the edge of the couch instead of towards Kendall when Athena walked in. "THEA!" She yelled out and half sprung off the couch, hugging her friend happily. "You steal all the attention from the room Thea, it's not fair." She pouted, and looked around at their little gathering. "I get no love anymore around you." She said putting her arms around Thea's waist from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. "You jerk." she giggled into her ear and looked around the room. "Why is everyone so serious tonight? I mean really!" She laughed. Suddenly Cilla jumped away from Thea and looked her up and down. "Girl.. you look hot.. WHO DID YOU DO!?" She suddenly screamed, jumping forward and touching Thea's cheek, touching the flat of her thumb to just blow her cheekbone.

"I am a magician.. I know what you have done." Cilla stared into her eyes, her own twinkling. "Athena, you have some explaining to do.." she whispered, before she moved away from her and picked up a random book off a shelf, glancing out the window at the lake bottom, to see the Giant Squid resting on the bottom. She smiled and tapped the glass. "Where is Tobias?" She asked suddenly, spinning around and staring around the room. "I'll be right back." She announced suddenly, and skipped up the Boys dorm stairs. Emerging only moments later with Tobias in tow. "One more for the party!" She said excitedly, throwing her arms around his neck as he smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Now I don't feel so lonely." She said simply and looked at everyone smiling extremely wide.

Inside was a different story. Her mind rejected the contact, why she put herself through this mental torture, she didn't know. This boy here didn't really care about her, but she made it look like he did, she let him believe what he wanted, and she acted like she did too. It was the ultimate play, she was the best actor. A one person play, but she knew the story line, and she improved a lot, her smile was real, her twinkling eyes were real, and she didn't drop her guard. A play that she had been in for years, a play that she wouldn't leave until it was the right time. No one knew, not even Athena, not even her patents, her house elves, it was the saddest, loneliest play, with no audience to see how great of an actress she was. She just needed to wait out this year, one last year, and then she would be gone, she'd let everyone know just how horrible they were, and just how horrible she was, and Tobias.. well, she did care for him in a way, but not in the way she showed everyone. Her only fear was that when the time came, she wouldn't be able to drop the act that had become a part of her for so long.

Piper slowly faded to the background- it was so simply done, too. There was little demand for a frumpy Slytherin with a bad attitude who would not put out. Piper had gotten the memo, whether or not the rest of the world thought so or not: She was more of a bother, more of a hindrance then she was an asset. She got it. She had worked hard for it.

Now that all had to change.

She slipped back, leaning over and grabbing a stray book that rested on a table behind her. She checked the cover and saw it was something on blood purity, as most of the books around in the dungeon common room were about. Keeping herself passive, she set it on her lap and allowed it to fall open to a random page... a picture of a wizard stepping on a pinned down, struggling muggle.

Her eyes flicked upward, away from the picture, terrified of it. Luckily, the music started at just that moment and most of them had focused back- Pricilla had already scampered off to fetch her boy toy. Piper hoped they were not actually dancing. She would not dance. Kendall moved to go speak to Athena and left her alone with Damien. No. She definitely would not dance.