..... Sir bloodiness?

Uh. No thank you. That just sounded horribly wrong.

Also, okay they had been here for CENTURIES. Zander was sure. But he took some notes as the ghost spoke. Deciding that there were a few interesting things to keep in writing. But honestly, he'd just try to remember the rest. It was hard trying to think straight when all your stomach could think about was food. At least Zander Adair was sort of trying.

But honestly, how much longer were they meant to sit here for? His bum was going numb.

Also, Nearly Headless was much more interesting than all of the others. He decided. Just now. Sir Nick for the win.

Benny had to admit that the topic of ghosts had proven to be more interesting than he might have originally thought. Not to mention, after nearly seven years of Hogwarts, he was finally learning a bit more about the resident ghosts that he'd had plenty of time around but hadn't dug too deep into knowing them. For real. Sir Nicholas was the one he was closest to, always greeting the Gryffindor house ghost whenever he was anywhere near. And when the Friar Alfred was succeeded by the Grey Lady herself before she gave way to the Bloody Baron, it seemed like they would be covering all of the quartet, with the knight bringing up the rear.

He kept quiet by preference, finding it far more satisfying to simply listen to what each ghost had to say either on their own or to answer students' questions. Some of his classmates had had some pretty insightful inquiries...including Angel's wondering on Lady Helena's potential regret. Hearing the stories so far it was clear how all three were made ghosts upon their deaths, their last moments each so tragic.

And Nearly Headless Nick's would be no different.

Pfft. The part of the Grey Lady's explanation about how she was a lady and the bit about her grey eyes made Soph very nearly scoff and roll her eyes, but she resisted, instead opting to just give off a little smirk. Yeah, a real royal lady, one who couldn't keep her nose out of other people's business and got on Sophie Brown's case for not being lady-like enough. Attacking an ELEVEN YEAR OLD FOR BAD POSTURE.

Honestly. The ghost was a nightmare.

The advice she then gave about resolving problems made Soph grump quietly, thinking of her father who she had been making a point to avoid at all costs. Those were words of wisdom she was not planning on following.

She didn't dwell on that much longer, though, because the Baron was soon recounting his life story. Sir Bloodiness? Haaaaha. But the story itself? It... was a lot more detailed than she'd expected, much more... emotive? Merlin, she had never heard the Baron talk so openly of his feelings for Helena, nor had she ever thought she would in a million years. This was very, very bizarre, and Soph just stared at the Baron in a stupor.

This was a super weird class.

Well, this class had turned out to be more morbid than she had originally anticipated.

Paulina was still rather intrigued though...even if the Bloody Baron gave her the heebie-jeebies. Who knew that he could be so emotional. Or that he was in love with Professor Helena. Why would you kill the person that you loved? That wasn't true love... No wonder the Professor didn't seem to want anything to do with him. Paulina couldn't blame her one bit for that.

Yet again she didn't really have anything to say. It seemed that no one was asking the Baron any questions; apparently he was unsettling EVERYONE and not just her. Paulina had to admit that she was looking forward to hearing about the Gryffindor ghost since she had a hard time grasping how someone could be NEARLY headless. His story should be quite fascinating.

Ummmmhmmm. The Baron wasn't very forthcoming with his story, and hadn't truly added many details. Was anyone going to ask him questions? Where was Yoongi when they needed him to be a brave Gryffindor with all the questions??? Well Davie wasn't just going to sit here and NOT ask anything, not when he had the burning desire to want to know it ALL.

"Your Bloodiness, Sir?" he raised his hand hesitantly, but once that was accomplished, felt emboldened to ask his question. "What was the Sorting process like when you say you were hand-sorted by Salazar Slytherin himself? I'm assuming Godric's hat wasn't in play back then? Did you have to interview with your Head of House? Sir? I'm just curious about our school's history." That was allllllllllll. Cue cute angel face. Ghosts couldn't kill you with their scary looks, right?!

There was nothing to be said. Hady was listening intently to each ghost and student as they spoke. That was more then enough for her today during this sad lesson on death. She had no questions either other then could they possibly speak of something else? Not that what she was learning wasn't interesting because it was it was just she'd rather not be thinking about death right now.

Shifting in her seat she kept her attention on the Blood Baron but still said nothing.

The more the Baron talked the more Helena's eyes widened in shock, anger and hurt. He had not needed to tell the students exactly everything. It took all her lady willpower not to shout at him to leave her class the way he had come. A quick gaze around at the students faces told her that they felt the awkward tension in the room and the tragedy and everything. The Baron had never been good at winning over a room.

Exhaling sharply Helena said fighting to keep her calm and cool in front of the students. "Thank you Baron for sharing that with us.... Don't you need to go see to that Peeves isn't up something too ghastly in the owlery? I saw him floating around with paint earlier." As in leaving so that she could prepare for her final segment of her lesson? He was overstaying his welcome if he didn't leave now.

She was awake, okay?

Ava didn't fall asleep at the class while the ghost reminiscing their life when they were... alive. The fat friar said that he thought being ghost could make him useful to people. Well, sounded like a true Hufflepuff. But how could he help more when he's being a ghost?

And then there was the Professor herself. Her Ravenclaw twin brother always told her the story of Grey Lady and Bloody Baron so... She already knew it.. a bit. It's like an unrequited love story with a twist of murder. Any question for her? No.

The next ghost was the Bloody Baron. Bet that he was such a smug and narcissistic when he was alive, judging from the way he talked. And a hopeless romantic too. But he's cool though, because the Baron said that he was a skilled archer and fencer. She was gonna ask but the Grey lady already wanted him to leave. Huh.... Still couldn't forgive him?

Adi's eyes shifted to Helena even before she ordered the Baron to leave. He was looking for her reaction and it did not surprise him to see anger there. Nope, not even one bit. If it were him in her place, he supposed he would be feeling the same. Or would he? Adi was often so forgiving. Most of the times he didn't know how to be mean.

The Puffer couldn't help but smirk now though. It sounded to him like Professor Ghost Lady had a bit of sarcasm in her. Yes, Baron. You can shoo now. So, did this mean that Nearly Headless Nick was their next visitor?

Rising up ceremoniously from the floor (and unfortunately right through one unsuspecting student) with an extra large ruff on in honour of the day, Sir Nicholas puffed out his chest.

"Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service, m'lady," he greeted with an elaborate bow. "Absolutely splendid to see all your inquisitive faces as well, students. Good day to you all. Do hope I am not late..."

Oh, the Bloody Baron was still here. Was he, in fact, early?

"...or interrupting."

Oh wow...he didn't expect the Bloody Baron to be so open about his life story. Henric glanced over to Professor Helena quickly to see her reaction. Ooh...where was the popcorn when he needed one? Then suddenly,Professor Nearly Headless Nick himself rise up from the floor and surprised them! Henric clutched his chest,oh merlin...why do the ghosts always love doing that! Moaning Mytle was one thing, but please not Sir Nicholas too!

Awkward much?

Heather had found the ghosts' stories just boring enough to start to doze off. But this story seemed to bring the promise of a ghostly fight with it. Who would be crazy enough to want to miss that? And she was totally Team NO ONE in this thing because it sounded like they both just needed to get over themselves already. Seriously, stealing something from your own mother just because you felt like you couldn't measure up to her? Killing someone and yourself just because of unrequited love? "It sounds like you two deserve each other. You're both selfish and self-serving. So, why don't you guys just kiss and make up?" Sorry, not sorry.

Oh, hi Sir Nick.

The words that spilled out of Heather Xanthopoulos mouth did not put her in the lady's good favour quite the opposite in fact. If the seventh year expected warmth she instead got full on frostiness from Helena as she answered her tone quite chilly. "You'll apologize to me and the Baron right now for your very rude and inappropriate outburst Ms Xanthopoulos or I will send you to Professor Flamsteed's office right now recommending him to give you a very long detention!" Humpf! She did not take kindly to those who spoke without thinking. Thoughtlessness was something that Helena disliked very much, it was very unlady-like.

"You have no right to pass judgement on our relationship. You don't know us well enough to be granted that privilege and gift Ms Xanthopoulous." Here Helena's eyes still frosty passed from the lioness over the Baron and around the classroom.

It was at this time that Sir Nicholas decided to rise up out of the floor and through an unsuspecting student as he greeted them all with an elaborate bow that made Helena's frosty facial features turn into a very thin but genuine smile as she greeted him. "Welcome Sir Nicholas, you are right on time actually. Would you care to tell the class how you became knighted at the royal court? Must be a fascinating story?" Among other experts Nick could pick and choose from his life before becoming a ghost.

Turning slightly where she hovered up front Helena's grey eyes stopped on Heather silently waiting for an apology.

Timing. Perhaps Merlin was still gifting him. Under regular circumstances there were nothing more irritating to the Baron than the sight of another man, ghostly or not, daring to inflict their charm onto his Lady. "Save your chivalry, Sir Needs-to-be-Headless. My summoning is needed elsewhere and I believe you have another fine example of carelessness with this student here." Pointing her out, "Ta-ta for now." The Bloody Baron was out as his rattling chains followed through the wall he came from.

Ooh. Woo. Class was getting juicy now! And the Bloody Baron wasn't so bad, what was that rude Gryffindor talking about? He had very kindly answered Davie's question, which led the little Ravenclaw to start furiously writing down everything that was happening like he was Blaise Bellaire himself. But could you IMAGINE the intensity of an interview with Salazar Slytherin himself, wherein he went through ALL of your family history?! Not a lot of eleven year old kids would be able to handle that. Davie definitely wasn't cut out for Slytherin, no way. He had never even met any of his dad's family...

Anyway, Nearly Headless Nick was here now, and David was eager to hear his history. He was such a pleasant ghost. How could anyone have wanted to behead him way back when?

Sweet Merlin. Could they pack in any more awkward into one class?

Sophie didn't think so.

First, the Grey Lady was awkwardly telling Baron to leave, then Nick turned up and looked as if he felt very awkward to be intruding, then Heather in all her sassy ways mouthed off to Helena and the Baron (to which Soph's mouth dropped and she gaped at the girl's bravery, actually quite impressed), then the two ghosts were VERY uncomfortably reprimanding the Gryffindor and Baron looked like he'd strangle the girl if he could.

Merlin's beard.

To top it all off, the Baron left in quite a dramatic fashion, seeming as though he was blaming Nick for Heather's comments, and Sophie just... stared. Stared at them all.

This was better entertainment than those Muggle movies.

BEST CLASS EVER.

Remember that time when Zander had actually been paying attention in class?

Yeah, well that time was long go--

UM? Wait. Okay so he knew he wasn't hearing everything, but what he did hear... Did he hear it right? 'Cause what he heard was one of his Gryffindor's mouthing off the-- Oh uh. Heather. What was it with that girl and not knowing when to keep quiet? Sweet Merlin. Not that Zander disagreed with her or anything, but at least this kid could keep his mouth shut when he needed to. Geez.

And that was enough to wake him up from the daze.

Just in time to see the arrival of the best house ghost. Speaking of which, he sent an exaggerated wave towards the Gryffindor Ghost. Hi, sir. You just floated into a very dramatic room. Mhm. Welcome to class. Just another average day.

Angel was enjoying this lesson, but seriously the ghosts could leave this all until after the class right, she wanted to hear more about the history not of some love triangle that seemed to be unfolding in front of her eyes, though she must admit it was getting very interesting at the minute.

Just when Paulina didn't think the class could get more awkward, a Gryffindor girl mouthed off to Professor Helena and the Bloody Baron. She'd have been impressed with the girl's courage to speak up if not for the fact that her comment had been completely RUDE.

Looked like the Baron wanted to kill the girl, but Helena had a much more reasonable way to handle things.

Attention focused on the door, Paulina watched as the disgruntled ghost left. Now that he was gone she could focus her attention on Nearly Headless Nick - who had been unfairly blamed for the Gryffindor's sass mouth.

Okay.... was it just him, or were things AWKWARD in here? If anything he'd definitely learned SOMETHING today. And that was:

1. Ghosts had sass.
2. Bloody Baron had a thing (a BIG thing) for the Grey Lady
3. Grey Lady and Nick?
4. Lost love between Baron and Nick.

That was a great deal of drama right there, and the 'Need-to-be-Headless' comment was... out of line?

This was... a strange lesson, he still wasn't sure what the purpose of it was.

"Oh, sorry there, Sir Henric. Least I did not frighten you to death?"

Or worn a small ruff to boast about his battle scars.


So he HAD been interrupting something. Primarily the Bloody Baron ruffling his exaggerated peacock feathers to try and gain the fair lady's favor, no doubt. Bit to late for that, dear fellow.

Bit too late.

And while the Baron had seemed to put their cordial relationship aside for now, Sir Nicholas was just going to prove how chivalrous he was but not looking so transparent.

"Right you ARE!" he declared. "I really ought to be headless after enduring forty-five hacks. But NO OOOOOH NO it not good enough for Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore who mocks my half inch of skin and denies my request to join the Headless Hunt each year. So I thank thee, Baron, for your endorsement."

The Gryffindor ghost seemed to say all this with an odd sense of pride laced with deep regret.

"One really would think that an axe be inspected before an execution."

As for the matter regarding the Lady Heather, he supposed thanks were in order for helping relieve the room of its chill. Something that would have to wait until they were out of the public's eyes.

"Please offer your apologies to the Lady Helena, Heather. There are some deed done that no matter how much time has passed cannot ever be forgiven and it is not within others' rights to declare them so."

Turning towards Helena once more, Sir Nicholas offered her another customary bow accompanied by a fleeting smirk before straightening his posture to address the class.

"Certainly, m'lady."


But just before he began the ghost was going to return the gesture of Zander's with on of his own. Hard to believe that the strapping young lad before him was the same youngster whom the ghost had met years ago. Time certainly seemed to get away with you when you had an eternity to spend in it.

Wave returned, Sir Nicholas floated a little closer to the desks and began to speak.

"It is all rather simple, really. I was born into knighthood due to my father's noble blood. But I did not just earn this position based upon blood status, let that be known. I, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, have never been guilty of cowardice in my life, and the King rewarding me for my acts of heroism and chivalry as well." He paused to look at the students. "But I am sure you lot have had your fair share of being talked to already, so why don't I turn the story telling over to all of you. I am sure inquisitive minds like yourself can come up with some insightful questions for me. What would you like to know? The celebration of my 596th Deathday Party will be coming up in October, just so you all are aware."

Speaking of insightful questions, Davie wanted to know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING. For starters, he popped his hand in the air and asked, "Did you personally know the person who killed you before he or she killed you, Sir Nick? Was it a surprise or was it planned? Did it HURT? I've heard that people are semi-conscious even after their heads get cut off, kind of like chickens, and I was wondering if that is true? No offense intended, Sir, I'm just curious."

VERY vERY curious, and when else would he get the chance to interrogate a ghost like this for academic purposes?! He was going to write home and tell Dad about this class. Not Mum, since she was afraid of ghosts, but Dad. Dad had taught this class. He'd know.

Henric crossed his arms quickly and played it cool."No Sir, I-I wasn't frighten...*pfft*...I wasn't frighten at all, just surprised." He was a man now and man shouldn't be afraid of some jumpy apparition scares anymore! How ridiculous! Him?! Noooo...lies

Ooh the drama wasn't over yet, it seemed. Heather was really something...wasn't she? The girl could probably be crowned for most numbers of detentions at the end of the school term though. Ooh..and everyone was staring daggers at her, umm...not a good sign.

And as for him, he didn't know what to think about the whole situation though. Would he forgive someone if he had been in Professor Ravenclaw's shoes? What about the Baron? The Baron fell in love with Professor Helena, was he all to blame for his unrequited love? Hmm...deep stuff there.

Now, it was Sir Nicholas turn to talk about himself. Henric's ears perked up with more interest and curiousity."Congratulations Sir for your upcoming event, but I would like to know...why did you choose to become a ghost?" Henric asked as he raised up his hand.

That bit of drama over with, Paulina was glad things were settling again.

Nearly Headless Nick seemed like a true Gryffindor based on his behaviour. Really all the ghosts seemed to embody the qualities that their Houses were known for. It was interesting to think that some of them had been alive when their school had been founded; Professor Helena was actually the DAUGHTER of a founder.

How cool was that?

As she listened to Sir Nick speak, Paulina raised her hand. Why were you executed, Sir?" That wasn't a bad question to ask, was it?

O_O

Heather, yo! That girl seriously had to learn some manners. Adi shot her a look with an eyebrow raised. Professor Helena had taken things into stride though. And the Baron but Adi couldn't really care much about that ghost... except that it certainly would come to Helena's defense.

But then Sir Nick arrived! The Lion House ghost went riiiight through Henny. WAAAH! His poor friend. Adi saw right through that tough guy look, Henny. Anyway, a few more exchanges between the ghosts then Nick began his story. Interesting stuff there! Especially the Deathday Party. But no No questions from this Puffer.