Rumours of Draco and me circulated the castle in a matter of hours. Stories warped from Draco walking with his arm around my waist to some first years catching us making out in the abandoned tower whilst I straddled him. That evening when I arrived at the dining hall I was saddened to find that I was receiving glares from both my fellow house mates for betraying them with my supposed skinship with Draco and every other girl that fancied herself to a bit of the Malfoy and now found themselves green with envy. I knew I had to dispel the rumours for both mine and Draco sake but I couldn't figure out how. Was I just meant to scream at the top of my lungs for all to hear?

I didn't have to of course because in sauntered Draco. "Oi Malfoy." One of his lackeys bellowed. "Is it true you're a taken man now?" the whole hall seemed to quieten down all in anticipation of the blondes answer.

"No." was all he responded quite curtly. Nothing more nothing less.

"Good because we don't want you contaminated by a dirty Gryffindor." His lackey continued.

"You're much too good for her anyway, she's a delusional cow for thinking she could even have you for a second" A slightly pug faced girl chimes in. Looking me dead in the eyes. I sigh, ignoring her please for an argument and take a seat.

"Shut your mouth Pansy." Draco spits before he elegantly places a roasted chicken leg on his plate. The girl does in fact quieten down but not before sending me a withered look. The rest of Gryffindor seem to be pleased with the confirmation that one of theirs was not cavorting with one of those. And just like that I was no longer being given the cold shoulder. If I had learnt anything from this little endeavour it was that it was paramount that we do not let on that me and Draco are friends. It would cripple me socially and make our school lives that of resemblances to hell.

As I make my way towards the library escorted by Fred I find that our usual seat was occupied by Draco himself. He sends Fred a sour stare and we divert our route to a table in the back. I was researching all I could on occlumency and legilimency. I had to protect my brain before anything else before I entered that snake pit commonly referred to as Malfoy Manor. It was approaching Christmas which means I had around two term to learn these life saving skills. After a while Fred got bored and said he was off to find George. The seat still warm Harry slid himself into the chair. "I can help you with that." Harry offers. "Just ask and we'll do whatever you need to help." I smile thinly at him. I appreciated the help. I really did.

I flipped the book I was reading so the text was upside down to me and the right way round for him. "This. I need help with this. I need to master this before anything else."

"On it." was all he said before he snatched the book from the table and walked towards the rear of the library. After 20 minutes of him not returning I decided to look for him. I walked past Draco again but this time seeing as I was alone he gave me a curt nod of acknowledgment. I smiled at him but didn't dare get any closer. Not when there was so many witnesses nearby ready to report my every move to any person looking for their next fix of castle gossip.

As I rounded a corner Hermonie came hurting towards me followed closely by Potter. "You want to learn occlumency and legilimency? It'll be difficult to master. But I think I know how."

"How?" I ask when she pauses.

"Professor McGonagall she must know. I bet you 1001 Galleons she does."

"Yes but how do we get her to teach me that?"

"Just ask her."

"Really?" I ask her sarcastically.

"Yes." She replies rolling her eyes. "she is well aware of your history, you're going to Malfoy manor for pities sake. If you say to her you feel like you need to learn for you own safety I can't imagine her saying no. trust me. Let's ask her." Hermoine finishes before she links arms with me, steering me towards our head of houses office.

Professor McGonagalls office is an array of stuffed dead animals and varying empty animal cages. A small fire was lit in the earth creating a smoky smell and a warm atmosphere. And despite the odd clutter about it all seemed well organised.

I sat alone in the office. Hermonie and Harry thought it best I ask and do this alone. "So you want to learn occlumency and legilimency hmm." She reiterates my request. I nod in response. "well first lets focus on occulmency. Occlumency is the act of magically closing one's mind against Legilimency. It is ancient, and has existed since medieval times." I swallow. Last time I had anything to do with any ancient and old magic I was placed under a curse that filled me the notion of utter lost and despair.

Without warning McGonagall shouts "Legilimens" I fall back into my chair as a rush of my memories come filtering out. Me and Remus sat hunched crying on the floor as he tells me my mother is no more. Memeories me of smashing all our ornate plates against the wall because I was so angry this world took away my only parent. Me with my head beneath the water, red ink swirling above the surfaces as Remus comes rushing in. pulling me out of what was going to be my watery grave. Sunken by the thoughts of my orphaned state. When the rushing of memories stop I gasp aloud. I cough loudly and try to regain a steady breathing pattern.

"Miss Seraphine. I am afraid to say that the magical defence of the mind against external forces trying to penetrate your mind is an obscure magic. But it is highly useful to deter strange forces from extracting intimate and sacred memories such as those. Please try harder." I wanted to scream at her. Shout even. Throw something at the wall and watch it shatter to a million pieces because that is what I felt like on the inside. Shattered to a million pieces. But I don't. I inhale sharply and simply nod.

"Go again." McGonagall nods, aiming her wand at me.