Archive of Our Own ^beta

It had all started when Elphaba had arrived at Madame Morrible’s room late at night. Morrible woke to an incessant knocking on her door. And to her surprise when she opened it, it was none other than Elphaba Thropp on the other side.

“Miss Thropp what is the meaning of this!” Madame Morrible exclaimed, clearly upset at being awoken. “It is 1 am shouldn’t you be in your dorm!”

“I’m sorry Madame, but I have something important to discuss with you,” Elphaba replied, a determined glint in her eyes.

“Couldn’t it wait till morning?”

“No, it couldn’t.”

Morrible recognized that look in Elphaba’s eyes. The same one she had when tacking a particularly difficult spell, determined to get it right. She knew that there was no convincing Elphaba otherwise, so she sighed and said, “Come inside then. It better be important.”

Elphaba shook her head and refused, “I’m afraid I have to be somewhere quite soon, but this should only take a moment, I swear.” Morrible glanced at her confusedly and gestured for her to continue speaking.

“Well out with it then!”

Taking a deep breath, Elphaba began, “I want you to put Miss Galinda Upland in your Sorcery Class.” Upon seeing Morrible’s raised eyebrows and utter disbelief, she hastily explained, “I know you don’t believe she has the potential, but trust me. I know that she has it in her, I see that everyday. She is hardworking, smart, and capable. She can handle any task you throw at her.”

Morrible was stunned in disbelief. Of all the people she expected to advocate for Miss Upland, Elphaba Thropp was not one of them. Morrible sighed, “Miss Thropp, now I’m not sure why exactly you are coming to me with such a– such a peculiar request, but I’m afraid–”

“I know what you’re going to say,” Elphaba said, cutting Morrible off sharply. “That there isn’t enough space or that she simply isn’t capable. But just know that if Galinda isn’t in that class, well– well then neither am I!” Elphaba exclaimed, eyes shining determinedly. And if Morrible wasn’t awake yet, she sure as Oz was now.

“Excuse me.”

“You heard me. Either she’s in or I’m out.”

It was all Morrible could do not to have her jaw drop to the floor. What in the name of Oz is happening right now. Am I dreaming? Surely I must be because I believe that I just heard Elphaba Thropp say that she is ready to sacrifice her future just to get her roommate into my sorcery class. Didn’t they just sing a song about loathing each other? I remember all that noise and commotion they were making. The students sure loved it, and the choreography was impressive I’ll give them that.

“Excuse me Madame,” Elphaba asked, looking unsure of herself all of a sudden. “I’m afraid I really do have to get going. Will Galinda be allowed to join your class?”

“What? Oh um yes of course,” Morrible replied, stuttering over herself, still in shock. Well it’s not like you gave me much of a choice is it.

“Splendid! I suppose you will go tell her now.”

“Now?”

“Yes, why not!”

“Surely I can tell her tomorrow at the very least,” Morrible replied. She was confused, tired, and in shock. She was in no way about to dress up to go to some ball filled with hormonal teenagers at 1 in the morning.

“I’m afraid it cannot,” Elphaba evenly replied. “I shall see you there professor.” And with that Elphaba turned around and sprinted away, trying to make it on time.

Morrible closed the door and looked at her reflection in the mirror as she began to change. The things I do. Honestly. This was by far one of the strangest nights Morrible has ever had. Her star student, the most talented and passionate person she had seen in decades, decided to give up almost everything just to get the roommate she supposedly despised into her sorcery class. Unbelievable.

“I swear to Oz this is the last time I teach lesbians,” Morrible exasperatedly thought as she got ready.