fandomhigh | History of Witchcraft

Once everyone had filed into the Danger Shop, Phoebe pressed a button on the keypad and the room changed. The room now resembled a forested countryside. She took the drop cloth that had been covering her desk away and revealed a wide variety of snacks and lunch fixings. There were also several types of sodas and other caffeinated drinks to choose from.

"I have decided that today is a phone in day," she said with a grim smile. "As much as I love this class and teaching this subject to you guys, the fact that we're actually dealing with power corruption of witchcraft in the school daily makes me want to delve too deeply into some of the not so wonderful things that witches have done throughout history and encourage everyone to try to recreate those actions. And yes, there have been several cases of witches who have been just as bad -- if not worse -- than what Umbridge is doing. I just want to make something perfectly clear. You guys know me, and I've been lucky enough to have each of you stay in my class for the entire summer. You all know that I'm a witch, and that it's what it's one of the things that I am very proud of. I have never been ashamed of my heritage or what I am... but our principal is making me come pretty damn close."

She ran a hand through her hair and then took a moment to look at each of them in turn.

"I'm not much older than any of you, but this summer you've all become my kids... my students. And as such, that means I will do everything in my power to protect you guys while I'm here and able. Also, I'm a Fandom High girl, and this school is important to me. What is happening here is against everything I stand for. So, as your teacher I am going to say... no more. I see no reason why any of you should obey the decrees she keeps rolling out. There is nothing practical or instructional about any of them. And please... please... if she calls your name on the announcements, do not go into her office. Do not go near her. You saw what happened to me. There are worse things happening to other students... people are getting hurt. If she calls you and you don't go, know that your teachers are here to provide a buffer between you and her. Do not go near her because if she calls you, she has already decided that you're going to get one of her punishments." She sighed. “I know I can’t make you guys not go, but I am asking you to avoid going near her, please.”

She looked at Tori and then at the students again. "If anyone says anything about you guys breaking Umbridge's rules? Tell them it's your homework assignment. Let us worry about her. That's what we're here for -- and I have it on good authority that Tori and I are not the only ones who feel this way." Phoebe gave them a grim smile. "Besides, how often do students at schools get to rebel with the blessings of their teachers and TAs?" She grinned. “Keep in mind, Zoe will be back, no matter what that beast in pink says to anyone. We just have to make sure there’s a Fandom high for Zoe to come back to.”

It was very clear that Phoebe would not accept anyone messing with her students -- and when about half of those students were her family? It was even a worse idea to go messing with them.

She waved her hand and her usual smile was back in place. "Now go, have fun. Use this time to enjoy the lunch and drinks Tori and I put together for you."

She really hoped that Umbridge heard about this and had a coronary.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Anders wandered over to Phoebe, smiling as best as he could all hung over. "You. Me. Food and snuggles maybe?"

Phoebe gave him a smile and nodded. "Yes. I like that plan."

Anders, still wincing, got himself a plate of food and found a comfortable place to sit, patting the spot beside him. "You mad at me 'cause of last night?"

Phoebe gave him a look and then shook her head, sitting next to him. "Not about the drinking... no." She was thinking a lot about what Aziraphale had told them last night about how Anders might feel.

"But you're upset with me, aren't you?" asked Anders, shyly reaching for her hand.

"Not upset... sad." She let him take her hand and then looked at him. "Why didn't you tell me you felt like the odd one out in our relationship?"

Anders swallowed hard. "I didn't want to make you feel bad about it, 'cause I know you, and I know you would. I love being with you guys, I really do. I just feel kind of . . . helpless, sometimes."

Phoebe looked at him. "You don't think I feel that way with you guys, Anders? Cole can shimmer places and conjure things to attack and defend. You're amazing at firearms. What can I do? I see visions, feel too many emotions... and know some martial arts and swordplay." She shook her head.

"You know more about fighting than I do," objected Anders, though his argument bore a little less conviction now. "And I just . . . I think about ever having to pull a gun or use a sword on someone and it makes me sick. Trolls and demons are one thing, but even then it scares me. You're special . . . and Bel's special . . . and I'm just me."

"I can't touch a gun at all, Anders. I'm scared to death of them." She looked at him. "You are special!"

"You're biased," he said with a slight smile, "'cause you care about me. Don't you ever wish I could be more help to you, with the stuff you have to do? I know I do."

He didn't mention how afraid he was that she did think so, and that she'd eventually decide he wasn't worth keeping around.

Phoebe blinked at him and then reached out and lightly thwapped him in the back of his head. "Don't you get it? You are a help. You come up with ideas on how to do things. You encourage and back me up. Hells... you go head first into the same things I do." She shook her head. "You get hurt because of me." That last was said in a small voice.

"Owwww," objected Anders, lightly. "Easy on the head. I'm just . . . what if I get hurt because I'm in too deep? I'm not cut out for this stuff like you are."

Phoebe looked at him sadly and then sighed. "Anders... witches like the Charmed Ones... they don't tend to have very long life expectancies."

"You will," Anders said suddenly, looking determined and stubborn . . . and scared. He let go of her hand, only to pull her into his arms and hug her fiercely. "If I have anything to say about it . . . not to mention Bel . . . you will."

History of Witchcraft

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori

Re: Talk to Phoebe/Tori