"…and the seven Homunculi are Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Sloth, and Wrath. They are identified by this tattoo called an orobus. It looks like this," Aileen said. She pointed to the board. "Each has a special talent or unique characteristic. Please research one and give eighteen inches of parchment on the background and basic information of it. I want it on my desk on Thursday!"

The days were passing quickly now, and it seemed as through it had not already been a week of classes for Aileen.

Collecting the scraps of parchment from the desks, she began putting her things away for the night.

"Remember me?"

Aileen spun around, startled by the voice behind her.

"Envy!" Aileen smiled. It had been the first time she had smiled in weeks. Since she had left home. "What are you doing here?"

"I've been turned into Lust's messenger. She—"

The door to the room creaked open. Immediately, Envy changed forms.

"Oh…I'm sorry, Professors…I just wanted to ask Aileen to come help us in the Gryffindor tower in a bit with our homework. We have a rather curious assignment that we need assistance with." It was Harry, and the sight of Umbridge made him rush through his sentences and hurry out, slamming the door behind him.

"Jeez…are these kids really afraid of that old bat?" Envy said, changing back to his normal form.

"Apparently so. The only other person they act like that around is me. And it's all because of the lips thing."

"Ah, yes. The lips thing. It does freak people out, doesn't it?" Envy laughed as he ducked, avoiding a blow from Aileen's hand. "And you're going by Aileen now? I thought it was something else."

"No. I changed it again. That stupid ministry group was on my tail, and I didn't need them interfering."

"Anyways, Lust says you only have a little time left."

Aileen smiled again. "Tell her that it's been destroyed, but I know where to find everything. Don't worry. She'll get her stone."

Envy shrugged. "Whatever you say."

Later that night, Aileen went to the Gryffindor tower. Being a teacher, she had access to all the passwords, but the portrait that guarded the tower didn't seem convinced.

"You're too young!"

"I don't give a damn, you stupid picture! I'm a teacher!"

Just then, Harry walked up, his arms full with books. "Professor! You came!"

"Of course I did, Harry. Now tell this dim-witted woman that I am a teacher and came to help you study!"

"She did," Harry said.

The portrait grumbled as she swung on her hinges to open the door to the Gryffindor common room.

Piles of books were everywhere, and there was little sight of students.

"Over here, Harry!"

"Oh, good! You brought Professor Owarii!"

Voices came from behind the books. Upon further inspection, Aileen noticed there were actually a number of students crowded around one book on a table.

"Don't call me that. Call me Aileen right now."

"Okay."

"What's the problem?" Aileen asked, finding a seat on a couch and sitting down.

"Professor Snape is having us create a Philosopher's Stone!"

Aileen's head suddenly snapped upright. "What?"

"He's having us make an imperfect Stone!"

"No, you idiot! He doesn't want an imperfect Stone!"

"In any case, Professor, we need your help." Aileen turned to see Hermione with a large book in her hands. "We have no idea what we're doing. And it's due by the end of the semester."

Aileen laughed. "Is that all you're concerned about? I can take care of that for you. Is there anything else or did you drag me out here just so you could complain?"

"No, Professor! We need help on the homunculi assignment you gave us."

"Now that is a subject I know and can help you on. Fascinating creatures, homunculi…"

Aileen proceeded to tell every bit of information she knew on homunculi, and pretty soon it was really late.

"…and, as I've said before, the seven homunculi are…?"

"Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Pride, Sloth, and Wrath," everyone recited. She had said their names so many times it was easy for them to remember the names of the seven homunculi.

"Isn't it funny how the only homunculi are named after the seven deadly sins?"

Aileen looked up. "Edward! How nice of you to finally join us."

"I finished my other homework."

"Have you heard about Professor Snape's assignment? The one about the Philosopher's Stone?" The words seemed to roll off of Aileen's tongue—only through her head. To Ed, it seemed like she was mocking him. "A curious assignment."

"Do I know you?" Ed asked.

"Not that I know of."

A few more minutes of studying went by before Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ed decided to turn in for the night.

"Aileen? We're going to bed."

"Oh? 'Night." Aileen waved to the four and turned back to the student she was helping. Her silver hair fell to one side, revealing her back. On her back was something that made all four gasp in surprise.

It was an orobus.

Wow…cliffie! I'm too tired to write more now…I have to study Geometry, too, for my stupid midterm coming up on Monday……I don't like midterms…they're boring and pointless. Anyways, I might have chapter 5 up later today…coming along great, aren't I?