"Hi, Henry. I'm Syria," I introduce myself.

+++

Over the past couple of weeks, Henry and I have grown closer and closer. I found out that even though Hufflepuffs are supposed to be known for their kindness, that isn't always the case. Henry's house has excluded him for no reason at all. He is one of the kindest people I have ever met, I don't understand how someone couldn't like him.

We sit in the library together. Henry is working on homework for Herbology while I pour over the second and third-year's Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook. After leaving class that day, I was determined to be moved. Defense Against the Dark Arts definitely doesn't come as naturally to me as potions does, making it more difficult to retain all of the material. The most challenging part has been trying to learn the spells when not having an example or anything to practice the way they do in class. I have a meeting set up with Flitwick tonight, and I'm ensuring I am ready if he decides to quiz me.

I snap my head to the left as I hear whispering from the table next to me. When they see me watching, they immediately stop talking. I can't stand it anymore. I slap the textbooks closed, causing all of the heads in the library to turn in my direction. I stand up so fast that it causes the chair to fall to the floor as I rush out of the library.

I hurry down the hallway and into the restroom. I quickly glance around and make sure no one is in there. When I see I'm alone, I watch as my hair goes bright red in the mirror as the anger that I have been mostly able to control the past few months rushes to express itself.

A couple of the light balls at the top of the ceiling burst, letting small sparks of fire fall. I glance down and relieze I'm holding my wand. I quickly put it away and rush out the bathroom

+++

Dear Syria,

I'm hoping the end of term isn't becoming too stressful. I have been wondering if you were planning on coming back home for Christmas break. If you plan to stay at Hogwarts or going to a friend's for part of the break, we totally understand and don't want you to feel bad at all! You could even split it up if that was something you were interested in. Just let me know what you are thinking dear.

Molly dear said to remind Ron to write to her. I hope you are having the best of time and staying warm in the increasingly cold weather!

Love,

Andromeda

I fold up the letter and flop on my bed, my head barring in my pillow as I let out a large scream that is thankfully muffled by the pillow. It isn't that I don't appreciate her letters. I love getting them, it gives me an idea of what it would have been like to have a family. I just don't feel like I'm able to deal with more thoughts or decisions I need to make in my head.

+++

I make my way up the rocky steps to Professor Flitwick's office. I knock on the wooden door, and it immediately opens. Flitwick is sitting at his desk with his wand raised from where he opened the door.

"Good evening, Miss Noir," he greets me with a warm smile as I make my way to one of the two chairs in front of his desk.

"I've read up to halfway through the third year's Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks. I've quizzed myself many times and have a strong grasp of the material. I do struggle some with the spells, but I'm sure I would be able to catch up if I was in the environment," I pause as I try and think of the best way to phrase my question when I settle on just being straight to the point. "May I move up to the older class, please?" I ask, trying to keep the desperation from my tone.

"That is extremely impressive Miss Noir, and you definitely put more work into your studies than some of my best Ravenclaw students that are set to graduate this year. It is no surprise why you were placed in Ravenclaw, I myself see it so clearly that I don't see why the hat didn't," he praises all while wearing a bright smile. "While I see your hard work and your determination, I want to be clear that I am extremely apprehensive about moving you not only the second year's class, but the third year's. You are already taking a third year class as a first year, and that isn't common even in my brightest Ravenclaw students. I don't think I have ever had to tell a student this, but I recommend starting to value your school work a little less and your social time a little more. You will never get your first year back, it is the time when you create friendships that will last till the day that you die. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone here at Hogwarts," he explains warmly.

His words make sense. And they would probably be beneficial to any other student. "What do I have to do to be moved up?" I question as if I didn't hear his previous words.

"Miss Noir, I have no doubt that you would be able to keep up. You have the highest grade in your potions class that is filled with students two years older than you. I'm scared you are going to overwork yourself along with many other things that can affect your relationship with how you view academics," he tries to reason.

My eyes start to prick with tears, and I feel the tips of my hair trying to turn blue. I can't. I can't be stuck in another class where everyone hates me just for breathing. Except for Henry of course, but the one doesn't do enough to help balance out the others.

"I can't do it, Professor. I can't stand one more class with them. I can't do it," I whisper, trying to hide the cracks in my voice.

"Miss Noir, is there something going on that I should be aware of? If not me, another professor?" he questions, his concern showing.

I take a deep breath, "Everything is fine, please just let me move classes," I ask, no, beg.

He lets out a sigh, "I will let you move, Miss Noir. I'll have your new schedule delivered to you in the morning. I say this while making the request that if you were to get even the slightest overwhelmed, stressed, or maybe not even sure what you are feeling that you will speak to someone. It doesn't have to be me, just any adult that you may trust at Hogwarts. While I know it may seem intimidating, you will never be punished for asking for help when you need it and no one will judge you for any of your feelings."

I nod slowly, "So do I need to come back and take a test, or..." my voice trails off.

"No, Miss Noir, I trust your judgment," he answers.

Hello loves! I hope y'all are all doing well! I appreciate your patience with me as I go through many family troubles along with some health concerns. Y'all are the absolute best, and thnk you for 3K reads!

For an update on my health I was previously told right before Thanksgiving I was going to need a third surgery on my ankle. After a couple of months some things changed (I'm hoping it was good change but don't know yet). I'm waiting on the results from an MRI I took early this week, though I may not be able to get in touch with my doctor till March.

I love y'all, and hope y'all are staying safe! I hope everyone is surviving after Onyx Storm!