Maya, Kamala, and Sora grinned at each other as they were placed in the same group for their first Community Enrichment Morning. Professor Mephisto was in charge of their group, and he quickly handed out, gloves, litter pickers, rubbish bags, and hi-vis vests with the schools logo on, to each of the students in the group.

"Remember, this is not a picnic. This is our way of giving back to the community and helping the environment and I expect each one of you to behave responsibly and respectfully. No magic, no mischief, no messing around, understood?"

"Yes Professor." The whole group chorused in unison.

Professor Mephisto had a reputation for being a good and kind professor, but he was also known to be incredibly strict, holding all students to a high standard of behaviour.

"Good, now let's get started."

He led the group in the direction of their designated area within the park.

"Is it weird that I'm looking forward to this?" Maya asked keeping her voice low enough so that only Kamala, and Sora would hear.

"Well, we are going to be spending the morning picking up other people's trash, so maybe just a little bit." Kamala said with a slight laugh.

"I know what you mean, Maya. It is because we are doing something good for the Environment and for the people who use this park. It makes you feel good inside."

Maya smiled and Kamala nodded at Sora's wisdom, she had been able to put into words exactly how Maya was feeling.

Over the past week the three girls had formed a close friendship, sitting together in any classes they shared, as well as Homeroom and lunch. The only classes, other than swimming, that Maya had without either of them, were Philosophy and Cultural Studies, but Ronan had sat with her in both of those, so she hadn't been completely alone. All in all, Maya's first week at school had been rather successful, she'd made two good friends, plus quite a few friendly acquaintances, Ronan sat some where between the two. Not as close a friend as Kamala and Sora were quickly becoming, but definitely more than just a friendly acquaintance.

The Community Enrichment Morning sped by the three girls chatting and laughing together as they collected litter under Professor Mephisto's watchful eye. Maya thoroughly enjoyed herself, a part of her had been worried she would hate it, that it would remind her too much of being back at the Dursleys. Maya found though, that there was a world of difference between doing chores for people who despised you and would hurt you if you didn't, and picking up litter in a park with friends to help the environment. It was like Sora had said, it made her feel good inside, something she had never felt with the Dursley's.

Maya sat down on the sofa and eyed the woman in the pale gold robes curiously. After a lot of conversations with Damon and Maggie, Maya had agreed to give therapy a try. Maggie had given Damon a list of colleagues she recommended as therapists with a few notes about each one. Damon had given it to Maya suggesting that she read through it and decide which one she felt would be the best fit for her. Maya had chosen instead to write each name on a piece of card and put them in a circle around her, she had then spun around with her eyes closed until she was too dizzy to keep going, and chosen the first name she saw when she opened her eyes again.

Which is how they'd ended up in Healer Acesco's office this morning, not that she'd told Damon, or anyone else, her very random method for choosing a counsellor. Maya figured Maggie wouldn't have recommended anyone she didn't think was good enough or suitable for Maya, so her method was as good as any other.

Damon had told Maya that he'd already spoken to the Healer, just to give her a bit of background, when he'd made Maya's appointment. According to both him and Maggie, anything Maya said to Healer Acesco would be completely confidential unless the Healer thought she was a risk to herself or others. Apparently, Healer Acesco couldn't legally reveal anything else she learned in these sessions without Maya's permission, which is why she was fully aware of who Maya really was.

Healer Acesco settled down into the armchair opposite Maya and smiled calmly at her, her eyes never once left Maya's, not even to search her forehead for the familiar scar like most wixen did upon meeting her. Maya stared back, she might have agreed to this session, but that didn't mean she was going to speak first.

"So, Maya, this is just going to be a get to know each other session. Why don't I tell you a little bit about myself to get us started?"

Maya cautiously nodded her head.

"Okay then. Well to start, my name's Samantha, so feel free to call me Samantha, Sam, Dr Sam, or Dr Acesco, whatever you're most comfortable with.

"I am both a healer and a doctor, I've earned my credentials in both the muggle world and the wixen one, and I specialise in adolescent psychiatry. I got my medical degree at Johns Hopkins University and my Healers degree at the Arcane Medical Center, and I've worked here at the New York Institute for Magical Healing for the past ten years.

"What else, I have a dog named Buster and a Kneazle named Oliver, my favourite colour is blue, I enjoy reading books, I'm a mystery fan, I like to play Quidditch, and I enjoy watching professional matches whenever I can. So now you know a little bit about me, why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself?"

"Like what?"

"Do you have any pets for instance?"

"I have Hedwig, she's not really a pet though, she was my first friend."

"And what kind of animal is Hedwig?"

"She's a snowy owl."

"How long has Hedwig been your friend?"

"Since my eleventh birthday. Hagrid gave her to me as a present."

Healer Acesco smiled warmly at Maya.

"I consider Buster and Oliver to be my friends as well, I think a lot of people with animals consider them to be their friends. Do you have a favourite colour, Maya?"

"I like red and gold."

"What do you like about them?"

"They're the Gryffindor colours."

"Gryffindor was the house you were in when you went to Hogwarts?"

"Yeah."

"What did you like best about going to Hogwarts?"

"Having friends."

"What are some things that you like to do for fun?"

"I like to play quidditch, and I like to draw."

"Did you play quidditch at Hogwarts?"

"I'm a seeker, I was on the House team, the youngest player in a century."

"That's quite the achievement. I understand from Damon that you're attending the New York Academy for the Gifted now?"

Maya nodded.

"Are you continuing to play Quidditch there?"

"Yeah, I'm on the Junior School team."

"And what about art? Are you doing any art classes at the Academy?"

"I signed up for art classes and photography club."

"And how are you enjoying those so far?"

"I've only had one art lesson and been to photography club once, but I liked them both."

"That's good. What are some goals or hopes that you have for yourself or for your future."

Maya considered how to answer for a minute. Up until recently her only goal had been surviving long enough to have a future.

"I want to live, and I want to be happy."

Dr Sam didn't bat an eye at Maya's quiet reply, just accepted it.

"I think those are some very worthy goals, thank you for telling me a bit about yourself, Maya. So, Maya, why did you decide to come to therapy today?"

"Damon wanted me to."

"Is that the only reason?"

Maya shrugged in response.

"Okay, maybe you can tell me why Damon wanted you to come to therapy."

"Didn't he tell you?"

"Damon and I spoke a little bit about your history when he booked the appointment, just so I could understand why you might need someone to talk to. Damon doesn't know all the details of what you've been through Maya, the only person who knows that is you. Let me ask you a question, why do you think Damon wanted you to come to therapy?"

"He thinks I need to talk to someone, about the Dursleys, and about being a Horcrux. He thinks it will help me."

"Do you think talking to someone will help you?"

Maya shrugged again.

"I don't know, I mean it's not like it's gonna change anything, it all still happened, so what's talking about it gonna do?"

"You're right, therapy isn't going to change what you've been through, but it can help you, Maya. Therapy can help you with any problems or difficulties that you may have in your life. Therapy can help you understand yourself better, cope with feelings, and improve your relationships. Therapy can also help you achieve your goals and dreams.

"I'm here to listen to you to support you. You can tell me anything you want, and I won't judge you or get angry at you. Everything we talk about is confidential, which means I won't tell anyone else unless you give me permission or if I'm worried about your safety of someone else's safety.

"The way we do therapy is like having a special conversation with me. In therapy, you and I will talk about what is bothering you, how it makes you feel, and what you want to change. You can tell me anything you want, and I will keep it confidential.

"Therapy is not always easy or fun. Sometimes it can be hard or uncomfortable to talk about your problems or feelings. But therapy can also be rewarding and helpful. It can help you feel better and happier.

"So, what do you think? Does that sound like something you'd like to try?"

Maya thought about it. When Dr Acesco put it like that, it didn't sound as bad as Maya had been thinking, but she still wasn't sure if it was something that would help her. Dr Acesco must have read the hesitation on Maya's face.

"How about you try another two sessions Maya, and if you don't like it then you can stop, and even if you do stop, you'll always have the option of starting again if you change your mind and decide it can help you. How does that sound?"

Maya nodded and mumbled a low agreement, another two sessions didn't sound too bad, at least it would look to Damon like she'd tried.

"Okay, we'll do that then. This is the end of today's session; I'll have the receptionist book you in two more appointments. Before you come to the next session, I'd like you to think about some things you might like to discuss with me, okay?"

Maya nodded her head. Healer Acesco stood up and Maya followed suit.

"I'm going to have a brief conversation with Damon. I'm not going to give him any details of what we discussed other than you've agreed to two more sessions, remember everything you tell me is confidential."

Healer Acesco opened the door to the waiting room and held it for Maya.

"Why don't you go take a seat for a minute Maya, while I talk to Damon."

Maya's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the sharks and other sea creatures gliding above their heads. Damon felt a swell of relief, seeing her so fascinated and happy. He knew that Dr Acesco had warned him about the possibility that Maya might be moody and withdrawn after their first session, but Maya seemed to be coping well. She had been quiet on their way from the hospital, but Maya was often quiet, at least around him, so he didn't know if that was because of the session or not.

It had been great to see her so happy and engaged on Monday after school, but since then it felt like they'd taken a few steps back. Every afternoon when Maya arrived home from school, she would tell him about her day; about her friends, her classes, whatever club she'd had that day. But she hadn't exhibited the same enthusiasm as she had done one Monday. Healer Acesco had assured him that it was natural, that healing from the sort of trauma Maya had been through wasn't a straightforward process. It was a journey and like every journey, it would come with its own pitfalls, challenges, and setbacks.

The important thing, according to Healer Acesco, was just to be there for Maya, spend time with her, let her get used to someone who would always be there for her, who would always put her first. It would take time for her to trust him completely, and there was nothing he could do about that other than give her the time she needed. Maggie had said pretty much the same thing every time she'd spoken to him about it, warning him that he couldn't push Maya, he had to let her take it at her own pace.

They'd both stressed that pending time together, just the two of them, was important in building a solid foundation to their new goddaughter-godfather relationship. To that end, Damon had decided to continue the weekend trips he'd started and arrange something for at least the first Sunday of every month. Maya's first therapy session had been early enough in the day, that he'd brought her to the New York Aquarium. He'd wanted to get Maya one of the Wild Encounters that the Aquarium offered, but Stefan had suggested just bringing her on a visit to start with, to see if she liked it. Pointing out that there was nothing to stop them visiting again and doing one of the Wild Encounters if Maya wanted to.

Maya had been enthralled since the moment they'd entered, reading all of the information boards, and gazing in wonder at the sea creatures in every area they went through. Given how long she had spent in the Sea Cliffs exhibit, watching the Penguins, Damon figured them coming back to the Aquarium was almost a certainty. Maya had seemed to enjoy all of the trips they'd been on so far, even their trip to the Central Park Zoo, which she'd been quite apprehensive about before they went. All Maya would say was that she'd been to the zoo once before and it hadn't ended well, still she'd enjoyed the experience, even if she did refuse to step foot anywhere near the reptile house.

Damon checked his watch and saw that they had about an hour and a half till they had to be back home. Damon gently cleared his throat so as not to startle Maya who had her gaze fixed on a shark that was swimming nearby, after a few seconds she switched her gaze over to him.

"We're gonna have to head home soon. Wanna check out the gift shop before we go?"

Maya's eyes crinkled slightly in what looked like amusement to Damon.

"Stefan says you buy me too much stuff."

"Well, Stefan is a liar and a hypocrite. There's no such thing as buying you too much stuff and who was it who went out and got you all that art stuff?"

Maya's amusement turned into a full-blown smile at Damon's words.

"So, what do you say gift shop then home?"

The smile slipped of Maya's face giving way to a serious and determined look.

"You haven't asked me about my session with Dr Acesco."

"And I won't. Your sessions with Dr Acesco are confidential, anything you say in them is just between you and her. If you want to talk, about your sessions, or anything else at all I'll listen, but I'm not going to pry into what happens during them. Okay?"

Maya chewed on her lip for a minute before nodding.

"I'm gonna try two more sessions before I decide if I want to continue."

Maya tilted her head slightly and stared at him challengingly as she spoke, as if waiting for him to tell her that two sessions wasn't good enough. Damon wasn't going to do that though, he knew from his own experience, and both Maggie and Dr Acesco had made it very clear, Maya had to want to go for it to be worthwhile. He was just happy that she'd agreed to two more sessions rather than deciding after one that she didn't want to keep going.

"Okay, if that's what you want."

"It is."

"Okay, I know Dr Acesco told you, and I'll tell you as well, you're allowed to change your mind. If you don't want to go back again you don't have to and if you stop and then decide later that you do want to go back, then that's okay to."

The smile returned and Damon could see clear relief in her eyes that he wasn't going to force her either way.

"So shall we try the gift shop now?"

Maya laughed and grinned mischievously.

"Okay, but I'm telling Stefan and Maggie that it was all your idea."

Damon laughed as well. Maya wouldn't need to say anything to Stefan or Maggie, they'd blame him regardless of what Maya did or didn't say. Tut disapprovingly and tell him that he was spoiling Maya, smiling the entire time because they didn't really mean it. Maya deserved to be a little bit spoiled after everything she'd been through, and if there was anyone who was right for that job, it was Damon.

Dear Maya.

Success! McGonagall loved the idea. We now have two Quidditch leagues, one for second-fourth years, and one for fifth-seventh, and each team can train up reserves if they want to. I'm the Gryffindor Keeper for the lower year team, we train with the upper years and Wood's been running drills with me which is absolutely brilliant. Also, if I haven't thanked you already for the brooms. THANK YOU!

Madame Hooch broke down in tears when they were delivered, and I never thought I'd ever see the day where Oliver Wood and Marcus Flint agreed with each other on something, but they both declared that the new brooms are the best thing that's ever happened to Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape are continuing their efforts to "improve inter-house unity" by partnering us up with Slytherins in all our classes. I got paired with Tracey Davis, we get on okay, so it's not too bad, she's started sitting with us in the library occasionally so has Daphne Greengrass, who got paired with Neville, so I suppose it's working. Amongst our year anyway.

I think Draco and Hermione were disappointed they didn't get paired together, but I think McGonagall and Snape decided it didn't make sense to pair the two best students in our year together. Hermione got paired with Goyle, poor thing, though she seems determined to help him improve his grades as much as possible, which is good for me because she's not badgering me nearly as much about studying as she used to.

Malfoy got paired with Crabbe, there are more Slytherins than Gryffindors, especially with you gone, so I think the professors are expecting Malfoy to help tutor Crabbe the way Hermione's tutoring Goyle. The other pairs are Seamus and Millicent, Dean and Pansy, Blaise and Parvati, and Theo and Lavendar. Nobody's hexed anybody yet, and we're already a fortnight in so I really reckon the professors might be onto something. They've done the same with Ginny's year so maybe given enough time they really will fix the issue.

The Secrecy Contract idea that Mrs Malfoy and Chief Ragnuk came up with was bloody brilliant. Dumbledore questioned all of us, together and then separately, and learned nothing. He wasn't happy when he realised, we can't tell him anything and he can't force the answers out if us either. He was even less happy that he couldn't read any of the letters you left for us, or the ones you've sent since. He tried confiscating them and Malfoy's house-elf Dobby just stole them all back. It was totally worth the Howler mum sent me and the twins. I know Luna or Malfoy probably already told you, but I thought I'd let you know as well.

Anyway, that's all my news. How are you doing? How's your new school? Your class schedule sounds really intense, rather you than me, but how are you doing with it? How are things with your guardian? Tell me everything, sounds sappy but I miss you.

From Ron