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"'The more things change, the more they stay the same,' Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr," Chase quoted. He didn't know where that came from, but he felt like the need to explain himself more. So, he continued speaking, "Because the human life is so short... Because history outlives every human being, we are bound to forget our past mistakes and repeat them. If we kept going through the same failed procedures, hoping that it would lead to different outcomes, nothing will change. That is Karr's point of view."

"I don't believe in learning from the past mistakes. It's mere wishful thinking, I think. Or else, after nearly five thousand years, why are humans still struggling over poverty, war, and injustice? Surely, watching the Romans fall would've made an impression. Yet, war, poverty, and injustice are still prevalent throughout," Chase explained, "I also don't believe in history repeating itself. History is 'dead', unchanging, basically. It cannot foretell an event." He looked around the room, trying to see if anyone is confused by his answer.

"However, history does explain the present. It holds all the answers as to why the society is the way it is today. By studying history, we gain a better understanding of today."

At the Slytherin boy's mention of a "barbaric Gryffindor", Chase snickered. She would get along quite well with Sam, Chase thought. He didn't say anything, since it wasn't his fight. He would just watch the students battle it out. Though Amanda's comment did make him think. Her pessimistic views on history was getting on Chase's nerves, but it wasn't enough to drive him to speak up. At least, not yet.

Did the problems from the past still exist today? Why, of course. But history could prod people into thinking differently from before. By studying the past, we know of the present, and ultimately drive humanity into a better future. Chase didn't say any of this though.

Leo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to shrink and hide. He had belatedly realized that he and Amanda had become the center of attention in the room. He hated making a scene. However, he would not let all the fire focus on Amanda. At first, he let the girl do all the speaking, since she was definitely better at it then he was. He just nodded his head in agreement. He remained silent... Until Matthew Warren spoke. Leo shot up straighter in his seat and glared at the Slytherin. Now, he didn't care much for any of the houses, but he knew that for most it was a source of pride to be in one, and he knew that to insult one as disrespectful to the house... "Excuse me, Warren, but I thought this was a civilized discussion. I'm pretty sure that this was intended to state opinions, not hurl needless insults. She never once said anything rude to you, so why should you condemn her to pollution and corruption, when it is in fact you who has stooped to a lower level?" He would never let these disrespectful students insult Amanda as such, especially when she never said anything to them. Besides Fire, she was the closest thing he had to a friend, and he would not let that go. Leo simmered with anger, but was determined not to let it out. It had happened before, and always had disastrous results.

Shina's mouth drew tight in a displeased moue. "There are none so blind as those that will not see," Shina quoted. "We cannot force you to enjoy history. We can't even force you to pay attention in lectures, or do the homework, or show up for class. But I thought Slytherin was the house of ambition. How can you build anything without a foundation? For that matter, how can you avoid embarrassing blunders if you deliberately blind yourself to learning?"

Shina turned her gaze to Matthew. "As much of a scene as Amanda is making, your own social blunder just now was both off-topic and better kept out of public forum or rephrased in a more subtle comment. Being so harsh when a professor solicited her opinion, whatever it may be, is not the wisest choice you could make," Shina's tone was gentle, and she had an almost motherly smile as she chastised the boy, but the look in her eyes was scathing.

For some reason all the discord was making Ben ecstatic. It had often been said that true genius only thrived within chaos. The best part about it was that the Slytherin members were forming a rift. "A house divided cannot stand," he said to all of the Slytherins that were arguing. History wasn't so boring after all. It was exactly what was needed to spark the crucible of arrogance and pride that was the foundation of Slytherin house. With a slight wink at Matt, Ben continued towards the Slytherin girl, "Just because you don't find something interesting, doesn't mean it's not important. If you learn from the mistakes of others, then you don't have to make them yourself," he ended curtly.

The attacks, which had first been aimed at Amanda, now focused in on Leo. He was vaguely aware of Marko joining in on the argument, but that didn't matter at the moment. 'How dare they... How dare they... This was not a place for insults! This was supposed to be a simple stating of opinions. but Warren and his ally Gillette had now started hurling insults. He and Amanda had not insulted anyone!' He suddenly realized that he was shaking. The tremble started in his hands, and if it spread- No, he didn't want to think about it. It had happened before, and must not happen again, not here, not now. He shut his eyes tight, taking slow, deep breaths to calm himself. When he felt safe, he spoke again, "Warren and Gillette, Amanda and I have not said anything intended to harm you. Why must you insult us? And whose place is it to say who brought shame on the house? Aren't Slytherins supposed to stand out, to think differently, to come up with our own ideas?" Then he focused on the boy. His insults meant little to Leo, the orphan knowing that he was little more then a speck of dirt. However, Warren's insults were completely uncalled for. "Warren, it is not a matter of how corrupted I am, it is a matter of your insults being unnecessary, especially with a girl who has done nothing to you. If you have a problem with me, we can deal with it later, outside of class, without Amanda around. And I know that I am not below our house, because anyone deserving of respect will not attempt to crush those who are supposed to be his allies. Leave the Ravenclaws and all other houses alone. If you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of class, where any house is free to watch. If you have a problem with them chiming in, then you shouldn't have started this where they are free to observe." There it was, the shaking was back. 'Must not snap. Must not snap.'