Disclaimer: I do not own either "Harry Potter" or "Avatar: The Last Airbender."

There was never a year she could remember sitting in the Ravenclaw table eating her meal with pleasant company. It wasn't that her fellow housemates are bad people or not good company at all, but there was no one to talk to about nargles and all the interesting creatures at Hogwarts. The majority of the students at Hogwarts have already deemed her as Loony, except for Ginny Weasley. The redhead is a very pretty and pleasant girl. She gives off quite a daring air, especially after first year. Being with Ginny made her feel like she had made her first friend. But having said that, Luna knows that even girls such as Ginny can't see and believe the things she does. The girl may listen to her about various topics, but she feels the girl isn't at all interested. Luna very much appreciates the girl's patience and attempts to understand, but it would be nice to have an all out discussion on nargles, heliopaths, and of the sort.

Still, that didn't change the fact that there isn't anyone who wants to talk about the creatures at the Ravenclaw table. It is quite a pity. Ginny is a Gryffindor just like all of her other siblings, and the redhead has other friends to talk to in that table. Luna could very well just eat her lunch in other places to find nargles, but eating a meal is much more enjoyable with company. Even if she could only make small talk with her fellow Ravenclaws, that was enough to be a pleasant meal.

It all changed when Toph Beifong came to Hogwarts as a transfer student. When she first met her in the train, Luna could feel that the presence of this girl could very well change not only her life at Hogwarts, but perhaps the school as a whole. Toph gave off an air of strength and straightforwardness. Luna had thought that the girl would definitely be put into Gryffindor with Ginny and her other siblings, but that was when Luna took a good look at the girl and realized there was something else inbedden within her. The girl wearing radish earrings realized that the transfer has a passion for teaching.

When it was time for Toph to get sorted into her respective house, Luna recalled how stunned her friend had been when the result was given. Ginny, Harry, and their other friends thought that Toph would be sorted into Gryffindor like the rest of them. Luna made the same mistake, too, but she then fixed it after a few minutes of careful observation and listening. Luna only smiled when Toph made her way to the table cladded with green and silver. Her friend may not know it, but it was a house that fitted the transfer just fine. She knew that the house that are known for its pure blooded snakes would do well with the refreshing Toph. Luna knew that Hogwarts was going to be interesting.

What she didn't expect from Toph was to find her sitting at the Ravenclaw table to converse with her. Luna was very much surprised, but she was delighted. She never knew what it was like to have someone to talk to on a regular basis during a meal. She has always been curious, and now that Luna has finally experienced this, she has to say that it is almost as if she has a friend to enjoy a meal with. It is such a warm and pleasant feeling, even now as she talks to Toph about her beetle wing earrings there is a feeling of having a friend. It is a bit different from when she is with Ginny, but both are as pleasant as can be.

There are many things Luna wishes to talk to Toph about, but she knows that it isn't the time. Luna can live with no answers. Besides, she will soon be learning earthbending from the girl, and isn't that not wonderful? She would ask Toph more about it, but the girl seems to be running late.

It is then that Luna sensed a familiar girl approaching and taking a seat next to her. The girl heaved out a sigh as she rubs her temples in an attempt to relax herself.

Luna smiled at her. "Were you meeting with Professor Snape?"

Toph blinked. If the dark haired girl could see, Luna would have felt the girl's eyes boring into her own. "Is it obvious?"

"Quite."

"Hm...well you're half-right. I met up with Professor McGonagall first before confronting that bummer."

"Does this have anything to do with Professor Umbridge?"

Toph was silent for a moment. She didn't say a word for a whole two minutes. "The fact that you know everything is creepy, but for some reason reassuring. Has anyone told you that?"

Luna shook her head. "No. You're the only one it seems."

Toph nodded. "And let me guess, you know why I went to those two professors and how Umbridge has anything to do with it."

"I have some thoughts, yes," Luna said dreamily. "I believe I am correct, and that truly makes you a very kind person, Toph."

Toph laughed and rolled her eyes.

"You are you know," Luna insisted. She then looked down at Toph's forearms covered by her sleeves and some bandages. "Was it painful?"

Luna knew the answer already, and wasn't sure if Toph would lie or not. It was a relief that Toph chose not to.

It was honestly just Harry's luck that he found himself a week's worth of detention. This would be his first time in detention with that horrid woman, and he was honestly not looking forward to it. As the evening got closer and the time to head to the Defense classroom got nearer, he felt the need to plan against her. It was until Hermione came into the Common room that that his planning ceased. She went and walked quickly towards him with a couple of books on hand.

"Harry," she began with panted breath. "Professor McGonagall told me to tell you that you're not going to have detention with Umbridge. Isn't that great?"

Harry's eyes widened.

Ron, who was sitting next to him couldn't believe it either. "He's not going to have detention? Why? Not even the most goody-toe-shoed first year could persuade the teachers to let them off!"

"I didn't say that he isn't going to have detention, Ron. Harry is going to have detention with Professor Snape instead," she clarified.

Harry's eyes narrowed. "He's as bad, if not worse than that woman."

Hermione huffed. "There's no use complaining, Harry. Professor McGonagall couldn't convince Umbridge to change unless it was Professor Snape."

"Ron is she going out of her way to do that? You know, change teachers," asked Ron.

"I don't know. The Professor just said it was for Harry's own good," said Hermione. "Though, I'm getting the feeling that Umbridge's detentions can't be considered humane."

"Don't tell me she actually hurts the students!"

"I don't know, Ron. The only answers we can get are from the professors. Professor McGonagall wouldn't answer them and I know Professor Snape wouldn't like to answer any of our questions either. Maybe someone besides the professors know, like, a student or…!" Hermione's eyes widened as a realization dawned to her. She shakes her head. "Of course! How can I be so stupid?"

"What is it?" asked Ron.

"It's Toph! I mean, it has to be!" The golden girl's bright eyes glowed, but they were met with skeptical and confused looks from her two friends. It's not that they don't believe a thing she says, but they weren't too sure about Beifong girl. This is especially true for the redhead. "Think about it, the both of you! Toph is the only one we know for sure to get a detention with Umbridge, whole week's worth of detention. She must have experienced something during last week to request help from Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. But I wonder what Umbridge could have done to her...it must have been bad."

"That snake could have set this up so that Harry will have detention with Snape instead, you know," is Ron's thought.

"That's highly improbable, Ron, we won't know for sure unless we go up to Toph and ask her about it. What do you think Harry?"

What did he think in this situation? Harry is still unsure with Toph Beifong, but he thinks there is nothing to lose if they planned to confront her. He still plans on talking to her about...everything. He doesn't trust her, but he will give the transfer student a chance seeing as he might have been too unfair. Harry still thinks that Slytherins are deceptive and will always have an ulterior motive, but he will accept the fact that he might be wrong when he talks to Toph. "I think we should find time to talk to her. I still need some time to judge her, though."

"Good. Should we all schedule a date and ask her tomorrow then?"

Toph loved every minute of being in the old witch's Transfiguration class. She loved how the teacher doesn't take anyone's trash, including an annoying woman by the name of Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge, with her supposedly horrible fashion sense is a complete earsore. The earthbender had the urge to wrap the woman around the stone floors of the classroom from her constant 'hem hem.' She is only glad to find Professor McGonagall is able to keep the woman's mouth hushed for at least a while. Toph knows she can't ask too much, though it would be nice if the Professor could hex the woman instead, or better yet allow the one and only to do the honors.

Speaking of hexing, a certain supposed redhead seemed ready to attack her right in the decent morning. However, he and Potter were hiding in a corner believing that she didn't notice their presence and them eavesdropping. She must say, they were fairly lucky that she isn't stupid enough to do any large-scale or obvious earthbending where people might hear. Toph may be in a corridor where not many students are in sight, as it was time for breakfast, but any tricks from her would catch the ears and possible eyes from any roaming students. There were many eyes and ears around this area, only Weasley, Potter, and Hermione who called out to her this morning. She didn't know at the time what she had in mind or why she called her out in the first place, but Toph didn't think it to be bad. She had some time to spare, and Luna often doesn't get to breakfast until it's at least fifteen minutes before first class.

The one who called to out was Hermione. Toph wondered what the girl's business was, but knew it had something to do with the Potter boy if it had to be anything. She found her prediction to be correct as the Gryffindor girl voiced her suspicions when talking about the Potter boy having detention with Professor Snape rather than Umbridge. She also voiced her concern with Professor McGonagall since she was acting seemingly hostile towards Umbridge, which was out of character considering the professor's professionalism. Only those who were observative could tell that something had happened between the now High Inquisitor and Gryffindor's Head of House. It was only expected that Hermione would find it odd and who would voice it.

She must also be the one who remembered that Toph is the only one to ever get detention from Umbridge. Toph doesn't know for sure, but it matters not right now. She only hopes that if that weren't the case then at least if they get kicked into detention by Umbridge, no one has to deal with that woman. At least for now at least.

Toph did admit to Hermione that it was all her doing convincing them to take on the detentions Umbridge has placed, but it took a her quite some time as to explain why. There was no need for any of the students to know of what happens during detention. Granted it isn't the worst thing in Toph's opinion, but the fact that the woman's a teacher and she's doing it to her own students is what made Toph's blood boil. The only ones who know of what happens during detention are the Old Man, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, and Luna. Toph didn't want Luna to know, but that younger girl was ever observative and sharp. She couldn't believe it at first when she found out her nickname was Looney, but it is only the fault of others who do not know the talents one possesses and makes presumptions.

That being said, it is good that only Luna knows and can piece most of the puzzle. Hermione is also trying to piece it together, but no one has noticed the bandages her wears around her palms and forearms. Toph thinks it helps that she usually wears them every once in awhile, and that she wore them coming on the train. Nobody seem to notice that she didn't wear them the next day, maybe except for Luna, and then the following day and onward she wears them almost all the time. It really was good that Hermione didn't take notice of how it pieced with the puzzle. Thanks to that, giving a lie was easier.

"The woman thought it's a great idea to sleep deprive her students for no good reason. We're in school, and the teachers should make it so that we can at least focus in class instead of turn dead the next day." Toph shakes her head angrily, not for the reason Hermione believes. "I don't think you understand how much I wanted to break her neck for making me lose sleep."

Hermione looked at her with concern in her eyes. "I can only imagine. I would never go less than eight hours of sleep for more than a night. Are you okay?"

The earthbender nods, appreciating her concern. "Everything is settled now thanks to Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall. They are both efficient and competent in dealing with her."

"I see, that's good." Toph could tell from Hermione's tone that she wanted to ask something, but didn't. She felt a slight sense of relief.

"I know this is out of the blue, but could you meet with Harry in private? He has something he needs to ask you."

"Why are you asking for him?"

The Gryffindor girl sighs. "My friends are hesitant when it comes to you."

Toph gave her a look. Oh no, I know where this is going. "Gryffindors are supposed to represent bravery and chivalry, and they don't have the nerve to confront me themselves? Wow, I'm impressed. How daring for them to eavesdrop. Actually, the most daring thing they and the rest of their house does is become so full of themselves. The house reeks of close-mindedness."

She could hear a pair of footsteps of a tall figure stomping their way up to her. Fists are clenched and every muscle on his face tight. Toph expected Hermione to resolve this, but to her surprise, it is the last person to show himself to her.

"Ron, stop," he says as soon as he catches up to his friend.

"Harry, she-"

"Ron," Harry snaps. "Just leave it. There's no good in starting a fight."

The Weasley shakes his head in disbelief, but thanks to Harry he manages to hold in every word and action he was about to say and do.

Harry turns to her. "You're one to talk about close-mindedness. Do you know what the Slytherins think of muggleborns?"

"I may be blind, but I'm far from deaf thank you very much. If you're talking about Hogwarts as a whole, each and every one of the houses reeks of close-mindedness."

"What do you mean?" This time it's Hermione.

Toph sighs. "You may think it's Slytherin against everyone else, but it's a bit more complicated. Although, Ravenclaw is a bit more open as a whole when it comes to muggleborns, if you listen and observe them closely as someone from either their own house or Slytherin, there are a good number of prejudice against muggleborns and everyone else not in their house. They don't see it themselves because they don't go as far as to think of harming or bullying them, but they think of themselves as superior nonetheless. They also believe none to be as intelligent as they are, except for maybe Hermione in our year."

"How do you know this?" Harry asks.

"I sit at the Ravenclaw table everyday."

"With who?"

"With Luna."

Toph could feel their eyes widen. Does it really shock them?

"Why?"

"Because I can."

"That's not answering our question," says Ron.

Obviously, she says in her head. "I'll answer all of your questions latter, Potter, I'm busy and recovering from lack of sleep. See you all later."

She left the trio to meet with Luna in the Great Hall.

"Focus on your breathing, keep under control," yelled Toph. "Through your nose!"

Toph runs a few feet ahead of Luna, who is trying her best to follow her teacher's instructions. The earthbender could tell that Luna is having difficulty keeping up with the pace that seemed easy to her. They've been running a little over thirty-five minutes at a pace that is a little faster than jogging, and Toph could see that they will have to stop. In all honesty, Toph didn't have too many expectations when it came to the girl's endurance. She was right to have low standards in this area, at the very least the girl was able to continue on at the same pace for fifteen minutes. However without Luna's knowledge, Toph increased the speed by a small, but significant margin and began the test. Toph expected the girl to continue for five minutes and quit, but even after ten she is still running right behind her.

Soon, another ten minutes have past and while Luna's breathing is a mess right now, the girl has yet to make any significant slow downs. Toph couldn't help but grin as her low expectations have been shredded into little insignificant pieces. She learned from Sokka and her first students that it is okay to hold expectations, and she is always thankful because nothing is as satisfying than having a student meet more than what had been expected. She is proud of Luna for doing so, but Toph knew that it is only about time before she needs to stop.

"Last minute!"

In the last minute of their run, Luna's speed increased to the point of Toph needing to run in order to catch up to the younger girl. When the earthbender called time, Luna collapsed onto the stone floor trying to catch her breath. If Toph had eyes, she would be staring at the girl trying not to believe what happened. Instead however she went to the sink, grabbed a cup, and turned the faucet to fill it up while thinking of Luna's last minute. She barely heard the girl's 'thank you' when she gave the water to her. Toph's hands balled up into fists, and she gritted her teeth.

When the earthbender arrived into this world of magic, wands, and ridiculousness, she was surprised to find that she had the ability to wave a stick and make things explode. Through the months of summer, she asked about the possibility of magic users being benders to the old Headmaster.

"Kuzon tried to teach me many times in the past, but no matter how many times I tried to produce results it had all resulted in vain effort. It was the same with another wizard whom I once knew. He faced the same failures as I have."

Toph only decided to 'teach' in order to put the wizards into shape. She only planned to teach them breathing and stances, and then tell them that it might not be possible for wizards. The earthbender wondered how is it that Luna is able to produce the results that two other wizards couldn't? What was different? But what upsets her is not the fact that the Old Man had been wrong (that actually excited her) nor the fact perhaps she could really teach people earthbending (again, she is very ecstatic).

"The thing that I did near the end of my run was…"

Toph nodded. "Yeah. Sorry."

"It's quite alright. You did say that there were different types of benders," Luna said in her dreamy voice. "You will still teach me, won't you?"

It will be pain in the ass, but... "We'll see."

"Shall we meet the same time tomorrow?"

"Let's wait. You need better clothes for training. Those robes won't work; we'll go to Hogsmeade to see if we can find anything," said Toph. "In the meantime, do some basic exercises. Five push ups, fifteen sit ups, ten squats, twenty high knees, and thirty jumping jacks is your assignment. I want three reps of these daily. Make sure you do ten minutes worth of breathing exercises and stretching afterwards. Understood?" She demonstrated each exercise for the girl.

"Yes, sifu."

"Now, copy what I do."

Toph began with reaching forward as far as possible and holding it for fifteen seconds, and then proceeded stand up to go to on straddle stance except her legs are now straight and are sliding farther apart from each other. Toph continued to observe Luna as they go from one stretch to the other. The girl is far from struggling; it's as if all of these movements and stretches are as easy as it is for Toph to smash rocks. The earthbender sighed as a memory of her first pupil popped into her head. She's an airbender alright.

Toph spent the next few days thinking of Luna's training regime, and so far it has been a pain to think about. Coming up with body exercises is easy, but stuff like meditation and airbending what-not are not things she's well-versed. The only reference she has is Aang, but most of the time she focuses on improving his earthbending rather than observe his skills as an airbender. She knows how airbending people move and think, it's just trying to understand and then teach it to a complete novice is another matter entirely. It doesn't help that all the things that she should teach Luna are things she lacks passion for. Day and night she's thought upon this, and yet there is not even a pebble's worth of progress.

Toph has been so engrossed with Luna's lessons that she didn't remember slamming her forehead onto the table. Unfortunately, the surface happened to be made of stone. A shriek immediately followed the crash, and Toph snapped upright instantaneously.

A flood of curses filled her head as the earthbender examined the damage that's done. She let out a sigh when she felt the snapped wood right beneath the damaged top surface. It would have been a larger mess if it weren't for the wood. What an explanation she will have to make for the utter destruction of a piece of furniture.

"It seems someone has taken a delight to damaging one of my tables," said her Head of House with a clear and frightfully cold voice. Toph could sense his shoulders and tight fists trembling. "See me after class."

A few moments of complete silence later, the bell rang. It took a moment or two for them to slowly get up one by one. They filed out of the class stealing glances at the Slytherin girl and the professor before picking up their pace out the door. None dared to speak a word after the Potions Master spoke. Toph wished at least one laughed. The classroom is now left with two once again. Toph tried to plug her ears before the bomb went off, but she was too late.

"Fix your mess NOW!"

Toph flinched from the last word that sounded off like a crack of a whip. Curse her sensitive ears. She recovered quickly, however, and made the effort to listen to her professor.

She remembered that there is a spell for fixing things. The wand movement she remembered, but she is having troubling thinking of the word. Fixipi? No. Mending? No. Repair? Close...ah! "Reparo." The incantation added with her movements allowed the table to be repaired as if nothing happened in the first place...

Or so she thought.

The wooden components of the table were definitely repaired, but she still felt the stone remnants on the floor. She didn't bother to wait for another snap from Snape to state the obvious.

"Can't fix it. Won't work."

"Your magic competency is worse than Potter's," he sneered. "Reparo." Nothing happened. "Reparo!" Snape continued a few more times in vain before giving up. He switched his focus to Toph, and the earthbender could feel the intense stare coming from the Potions Master.

"What in Merlin's name did you do?" It surprised Toph to hear...curiosity coming out of his mouth rather a storm of rage and fury. Not that there isn't a sprinkle of anger in there, (there is quite a lot, actually), but it didn't overpower this sense of awe and amazement.

"You're being a real creep, you know that?"

"Just answer the question," he snapped.

Oh there he is. "I unconsciously earthbend when I slammed my forehead down, if it wasn't that obvious."

Snape shook his head in exasperation. "You really don't understand a thing, Beifong."

Toph rolled her eyes. "Care to explain?"

"The mending charm can fix almost anything that is not damaged by a powerful curse or the object being magically complex and powerful on its own," Snape explained and Toph understood. She understood why the professor took great notice of the irreparable table. She understood why her little accident didn't set him off completely (not including the moment before she said the mending charm).

"Damage done by benders is the same as damage done by rare and powerful magic."

Snape nodded. "It appears so."

Being the only official bender of the Wizarding World already gives an element of surprise on the battlefield, but now that can be classified as something not even the mending charm can deal with gives more value in her skills than just an element of surprise. It may appear something not to worth taking notice; many things cannot be repaired using the mending charm, but there is more danger and potential to benders. Toph knows now thanks to the Potions Master. Her heart rate increased, and a smile crept in.

"You know...this Dark Lord of yours is going to be hit in the most unexpected of places," said Toph.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Miss Beifong," Snape warned. "It will take more than that to defeat him."

"If he is as powerful as Ozai, then I will take your word for it." Before the Potions Master could sneer, she added, "And if he isn't, I will still trust your word."

Toph couldn't feel or see her Head-of-House's ghost of a smile.

The problem Toph needed to solve is to get ahold of appropriate training wear for Luna. Just as they planned, they went around Hogsmeade to businesses like Gladrags Wizardwear that sold robes. The earthbender hoped that they could make special robes out of thinner material, something that doesn't have sleeves and having it reach her calfs. The owner gave her a peculiar look, but he the employees made efforts to recreate those robes. Unfortunately, they were not fit for training as all. Toph could hear whispers behind her and the earthbender pinched the bridge of her nose.

Luna and Toph left with nothing to gain that day. Toph apologized knowing that the women in Gladrags were saying nasty things. Toph couldn't see the product, but apparently to many it didn't appear appropriate. She didn't think it was that bad since it was past Luna's knees. It wasn't like having no sleeves to cover one's arms is scandalous.

"It isn't," said Luna. "But those women were most likely raised in a very conservative household. That is usually the case for purebloods it seems."

"Are you a pureblood?" asked Toph out of curiosity.

"No, I had a paternal grandmother who was muggleborn. My mother has some muggleborn lineage, too, but not as much," she explained.

Toph asked Luna if they could also shop for her clothes next weekend as well.

"I must apologize, but I already have a prior appointment. It's very important you see."

"Can you tell me what it is?"

"I'm afraid I have to keep it a secret for now," Luna apologized.

Toph couldn't help, but be curious about this secret appointment. But it's Luna's business and not hers. She also made no efforts to lie to her, actually, not once has the younger Ravenclaw lied to her. In addition, this girl is a lot sharper than what many others seem to think. She can handle whatever this secret appointment is. She has to be at least a little stronger with the small exercises I am giving her in those heavy robes. "Watch yourself, Luna."

"You need not worry. I will be in good company," she assured her in that dreamy voice.

Toph nodded. "Bending is first powered by emotions. Without proper training and breathing, that sort of power can be disastrous depending on the individual's talent and potential. I should have taught you this the very beginning, but I forgot you are still a newborn babe."

"I believe I can control my emotions," said Luna. "But maybe I express too much?"

"Nothing too extreme," said Toph. "The way you are now is just fine. But remember, no matter what happens keep any sort of extreme anger or negative feelings on check. Airbending is very spiritual-based, more so than the other elements. You need a clear and open mind.

Toph smiles. "But I know you already do. Have you heard of meditation?"

"I've heard of it, yes," said Luna. "But I've never tried it. I've always wanted to."

"I don't know how to meditate and even if I try, it'll just mess up my mojo. I do know that meditation requires you to lose focus of the things around you. Your breathing needs to be calm and steady, and your mind calm. Try meditating and focus on your breathing."

Luna nodded. "You say you don't know how to meditate, but you know know a lot, Toph."

"One of my former pupils practiced meditation."

"An airbender?"

Toph nodded.

"He can bend two elements?" she asked.

"He's a special kind of special," Toph said, and ended the topic at that. "While you go to your secret meeting, I"ll try going around to see if there is a place that sells training garments." Toph guessed that Luna is worried and curious as to how that will happen, but she didn't say anything besides a 'I look forward to seeing them.'

When the girls made their way back to Hogwarts, they parted ways to their respective Common rooms. Toph wondered where she will get Luna some new clothes that's fit for training. The earthbender sighed. The Wizarding World is honestly a ridiculous place for the only kind of clothes you can get are robes-just robes. Toph wonders if any of these people have abs. It didn't have to be much, just hope that there is something they're doing besides waving a stupid stick. Although, Toph admits that magic is a pretty cool thing. The good thing about them is that they are loose, but the garments are too long and Toph preferred to have her upper garments to be fitted nice and snug. In addition, training in loose robes isn't very ideal. Those blasts of air will make anything fly, including her robes.

One option would be to let the girl borrow her clothes. That didn't seem a bad idea until she asked Luna try on her clothes after dinner. They ended up being loose and not fitted for her lithe build. Toph supposed that made sense since she is taller and more muscular that Luna. She shouldn't have expected someone as thin and petite to be able to fit into her garments.

Toph let out an exasperated sigh. She wonders where she can even get such garments.

Toph didn't have much to do on Sunday. She turned her assignments in the morning through oral reports and Luna wanted to use her time to finished her homework and review for an upcoming test tomorrow. There are a million things she could be doing on this last day of the weekend, and an unknown force has compelled her to spend her day with her oh-so-beloved potions professor.

When she knocks and enters the dungeon classroom, the Professor sounded busy from the shuffling of parchment paper and the sounds of the quill on the paper. The professor didn't bother to look up and somehow know without looking that it was her.

"What did you do this time?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

"I find that hard to believe."

Toph rolls her eyes. "Ha ha very funny."

She walks up to the front of the classroom to the table closest to the professor's desk. She sits on one of the chairs and lays her arms on top of the table's surface, using it as a pillow for her head. The earthbender sits there in silence, closing her eyes to hear the scratches of the quill the Potions Master makes when when grading papers and assignments. A faint smell of musky potions ingredients filled the room, along with hints of herb from the greenhouses.

One of her pupils back in the earthbending academy named Zhen took care of an array of plants in her family greenhouse. When she first met him the kid her first impression of him was of a quiet, peace-loving kid who hates conflict. She didn't think he would be able to handle the rigor and strictness of the academy, but to her surprise he turned to be one of her best students. He is a person who truly understands the meaning of patience and perseverance. It's so hard to hate him. Despite Zhen's strength and skill, he is one of the most sweetest and lovable characters that makes Toph almost want to hug him. Almost.

There are also a handful of surprising students in her academy. There are students who have talents that no one would have ever expected. There are students who start out as the worst and end up being in the upper ranks. There have been many ups and downs for the past few years since the school's founding, and she has found the job exhausting. It's exhausting, but so rewarding.

She trusts that nothing major happened to her academy once she gets back. Her first metalbending students have been given her trust. They are a unique trio and very different from who they used to be three years ago.

Speaking of being not who one used to be, Toph wonders if blood purity was as big of a deal if not even worse in the past. It seems that it has gotten better since there seems to be a large number of mixed blood, but the ones with great power in the Ministry are mostly pureblood families. There is so much tension and division. Nothing has changed in that aspect of the pureblood families feeling superior.

"I didn't expect you to stay here for more than an hour."

Toph lifted her head. The Professor seemed to be taking a break from grading and organizing papers. She smelled a new scent filling the room. A pleasant aroma of rosemary and lavender tea which is set on top of the Potions Master's desk. But there is a stronger scent, much closer to her than the professor's tea.

"I asked one of the house elves to give you tea since you didn't bother me this whole time."

The Slytherin girl took the saucer with one hand and lifted the tea cup with the other to sniff it. She took a sip of it, smiling once she's finished her first take of it. The house elves are getting better and better every time they make it. However, nothing compares to the tea Iroh makes.

"I can spare some time right now, what is it that you need," says the Professor.

"Nothing in particular."

He raises an eyebrow.

"Really, there isn't a reason. I didn't have anything to do and the next thing I know I'm walking to your classroom."

"What about your homework?"

"Finished and turned in after breakfast."

"What about bothering Miss Lovegood or Miss Granger?"

"Luna's studying, and I suspect Hermione to be doing the same. Besides, I still have some hours to spare before lunch and my evening workout."

She could hear the sigh coming from the professor. "Not everyone is as free as you are, Beifong."

Toph rolls her eyes. It's not her fault. Besides, she can only work out so much in one day between meals. The only thing that can be used for training are the clothes she was wearing when she first arrived. All the wizarding world has are robes, and only robes. She grumbles, "Why are they all the damn same?"

"What?"

"I'm trying to find a place that sells garments or robes more fitted to physical activity. I looked around yesterday, but all the materials were thicker than mine."

"You have the clothes you came with."

"That's not enough," she sighs. "I don't suppose you know a place that can make or sell the clothes I need. I'm getting tired of just seeing robes on their displays."

"Beifong, the only thing wizards and witches need are robes," he says as if it could not get any more obvious. "If you need something besides robes, go to the muggle stores."

Toph couldn't believe what her professor was suggesting. Did he really understand what he is saying. He knows she is from another world, right? The Potions Master didn't need the girl to voice her thoughts for it is written clearly on her face. His expression still has not changed.

"Miss Granger is a muggle-born."

It took five seconds of dead silence for it to click. "I forgot, but you know you can't really tell who is from a magical family and who isn't except for the brats."

"She is the best in her year," the Professor admits.

Toph nods. She finishes the rest of her tea and sets her teacup down.

"I can't be bothered with a teenage girl right now."

Toph shrugs. "Hermione's studying, my bad."

He shakes his head, not believing he has to deal with her for a couple more hours.

Author's Note:

It's been almost half a year since I updated. I apologize, and there is an explanation to everything.

I have always been inconsistent with writing whenever school starts, but there have been other factors as to why I can't be consistent. One of the other reasons was an injury that happened late February. It's fully healed since surgery, but I still need to work on strengthening. I was also having some hard time writing at the time, so that didn't help either. I also took an online class over the summer which basically packed a whole semester class in eight weeks. That's not a long time, and I just didn't have the time during that summer.

Since school has started up again and things are just going to get busy again, but I will work on writing a little bit when I feel like I can write well and have the time to do it.

Thank you for understanding and being patient with me.