“I have tried every angle I can think of!” Alicia said angrily, throwing herself onto the bench beside Emily and Jamie. “And I still can’t find anything!” She glared at the coffee mug Jamie put in front of her. “Oh, and we’re having a DA meeting tonight before we break up for Easter”

“Cheer up... We’ve got Divination now” He said and Emily laughed as her hair turned jade green. Ever since Firenze had taken over from Trelawney, Alicia had spent most of her time in classroom eleven.

“I’m going to try fire observation again today, I think...” Alicia said to herself five minutes later, pushing open the door. The shock of leaving the castle corridor and entering a forest clearing had worn off now. Emily and Draco headed towards their normal spot, beside the window while Alicia walked towards the centaur.

“Yes, young one?” Firenze said, smiling at her. Alicia was the only one who could bring a smile to his face. “What is bothering you?”

“I can’t figure something out... I was thinking about a sage fire?” She made her comment a question and the centaur nodded.

“Do what you wish- you know everything already...” She grinned at him. “You are also not to go into the Forest any more” Her grin vanished.

“Bane hates you- not me” She said, frowning at him.

“You are my young one- you are now a traitor as well” He said calmly, watching Alicia’s frown turn into a glare.

“I am perfectly able to look after myself. Firenze” She said angrily. Emily walked over to help him calm her down. “Just because you’re my teacher now, doesn’t mean that you have to stop being my dad!”

“Alicia, he’s only trying to protect you from getting hurt!” Jamie said, appearing next to Emily as she lead Alicia away. He flicked his wand and a small pile of twigs ignited. “Come on... Get your future watching going...” Emily laughed at his words as Alicia dropped to the floor and threw sage into the flames.

“What are you trying to see?” Emily asked after ten minutes had passed, watching the flames. Alicia was staring avidly at the smoke rising in front of her.

“Shapes and symbols...” She answered unhelpfully.

“I can’t see anything...” Emily commented as Draco and Jamie followed Firenze’s directions. They were star gazing again.

“Emily, could you pass me the mallow- sweet, please” Emily passed over the small bundle and Alicia shredded half of it between her fingers.

“You know, I still can’t see any-” Emily started but Alicia cut her off.

“Wait!” Her finger was following something in the smoke only she could see. “This is wrong- it has to be... Firenze” Alicia called over her shoulder as Emily watched the fire dancing in her light blue eyes.

“What have you seen?” Firenze said, appearing instantly. His eyes followed her finger as it pointed to several different things.

“Is this wrong?” She asked, frowning as she put her hand in her bag. Emily watched them both carefully.

“I am not sure... Have you tried the petals yet?” In answer, Alicia held out her open hand. Emily saw several different coloured petals from a dozen different flowers. Firenze picked up a forget- me- not petal. The flames flickered red as they consumed it. The colour drained from Alicia’s face and her hair faded into a pale yellow.

“What is it?” Emily asked, staring from Alicia to Firenze. The centaur looked towards Alicia before answering Emily.

“I am afraid I have some bad news, Emily Black... About your father” Draco and Jamie sat up as Emily stared at the teacher.

Emily and Alicia didn’t turn up for the rest of their lessons, or for the final DA meeting that night, which ended in disaster.

TAG!