I couldn't say I was enjoying the occulemency lessons with McGonagall because that would be a lie. It was draining both mentally and physically. So much so that in my last Defence against the dark arts lesson I found myself dosing off. "Miss Ridd- Seraphine." I startle and nearly fall out of my chair. I can hear the Slytherins on the opposite end of the hall snickering behind their hands. "If my lessons are too boring for yourself then perhaps you would like to teach hmm." It was of course a rhetorical request.

I cleared my throat and stood. "Perhaps we could learn something a little more physical…" I sallow the lump in my throat. "My mother, my mother she taught me some defence spells that I could-"

"And where is your mother now Miss Seraphine?" my heart stops and I feel like someone had tossed a bucket of cold water over me. "Well? Your so called mother who taught you all these marvellous defence spells… where is she now? Perhaps she could come in and teach us all something alongside you hmm."

My eyes burned as the swell of tears formed and I harshly rubbed at my eyes with the back of my sleeves to dissolve them. "She's dead." I stay in a stern voice. My voice didn't shake or waver and I was surprised by the firm tone of it.

"Well. There you are class. That is preciously the demise you each shall face should you engage in practical use of these defence spells. My teaching method is far more safer and practical therefore if I see one more student yawn in my class it will be an automatic detention." She pauses for emphasis. "Sit down Mrs Seraphine." I numbly take my seat and even though Hermoine was glaring at Umbridge her hand squeezed my knee under the desk in a reassuring gesture. "Make sure you see me for detention." She finally starts again and although she wasn't looking at anyone in particular I know her last request was aimed at me.

When the lesson is over I grab my books and slide them into my satchel haphazardly and make a bee line for the door. I know Harry cares but I could feel his intense worrying stare bore into the back of my head for the duration of the lesson. As I rush for the door I crash harshly into a blonde. As I look up I pray silently to some malevolent being that it wasn't thee blonde. I intake sharply as my hazel eyes lock with a pair of steel eyes. I don't know why seeing him made me lose it but my bottom lip wobbled and tears started to flow. Luckily it was me and Draco at the front and no one witnessed my embarrassing outflow of emotion. I turn away and rush out of the door. I needed space and I needed time and I needed to not let anyone see me in such a sorry state.

I ran for a while, trying to create some distance between me and my class. When I realised I was lost in the chasm that is Hogwarts I slowed to a brisk walk, and then an unhurried stroll. I appeared to be walking past what seemed to be a courtyard of such. The dusky hallway on the side lines echoed my footsteps like a fog horn. "You look like her. You know." I startle and turn to see a serene ghost. She had waist length dark hair and a haunted look, which yes I know, is ironic.

"Sorry?"

"Your mother. You look like her."

"I… you knew my mother."

"Yes. Of course. I remember the face of every student who attends Hogwarts."

"Oh…" I feel at a loss for words.

"Your mother… she detested being a Slytherin. I do not blame her of course. She sought me out. She found solace in me I believe. Not many people seek me. Not very many good people. We had what is known as a private joke…" she grimaces and I believe she was attempting to chuckle. "I made her an honorary Ravenclaw as per her wishes… I heard news regarding her demise. The loss of a mother is truly a great one."

"Would it be rude of me to request that you tell me more about her. About her Hogwarts days." I ask. I didn't want to linger on the bad. I wanted something good to think about. My mother secretly befriending another house ghost sounded comical to me. I always thought of her as a shut in but the more I learned about her past self I realised in trying to protect me she had made herself into a shut in. Hiding us away in the knocks and crannies of the muggle world. Another pained expression flashed across the grey ladies face and I can only assume it was meant to be that of a smile.

"Of course." Was all she said as she started to float across the courtyard. She disappeared behind a wall and as magical as I am I did not poses the magical abilities to pass through walls. I assumed she was done with our conversation for the time being and that I should retreat to my side of the castle.

I didn't bother though. I continued to wonder the outskirts of the castle. I had a detention with Umbridge and I didn't fancy running in to the crew to explain why I had run out on them. I half expected to find Harry waiting for me outside Umbridges office but I was slightly disappointed to find he wasn't there. As I approached the door a familiar face rounded the corner. "Aria… wait." I turn to see who the voice belonged to even though I already knew who it would be.

"Draco." I say aloud. He walked straight towards me and when he reached my being he stopped, scratched the back his head and then took a step closer. He took my hand and placed something in them.

"Here." He said as he enclosed my fist around the mystery item, he took a step back and I felt what I think was a gust of wind pass between us. As I opened my fist I spied what looked like a tiny red geode. It had crystallised marron rocks all over it however when I squished it between my fingers it wasn't hard at all. In fact it was entirely squishy. "Careful." Draco says in a slightly scolding tone. "It took me all of three hours to make that dokfaw."

"Dokfaw?" I ask inquiringly.

"Yes it is an extremely concentrated dose of pain relief. The ingredients used to make it are rather pricey but mother buys me an extensive potions kit at the start of every semester." He finishes in a slightly boasting tone.

"Right…" I say. "Thanks I guess. If I even use it I'll have to come and thank you."

"No. You will need it now. Trust me. When you come out of Umbridge's detention you will need to swallow it. swallow it whole don't let it burst in your mouth. Think about what part of your body is in pain and the magic inside of it will target that area" I look at him confused. Why would I need a pain relief for a simple detention? Regardless I pocket the tiny geode like dokfaw and smile at him sweetly.

"Thank you Draco." I squeeze his shoulder in a reassuring friendly gesture and turn to approach my detention.