I sat at the desk with Helda, slowly dragging my quill across the page. Herbology, fun and practical as it seemed, was probably my least favourite subject- probably everybody’s, actually. Only a few could be seen actually getting on well with the fatal three-page report we had to complete in just one lesson. Who needs to know about a bunch of stupid plants, of all things?

Suddenly, I jolted from my daydreams as my quill snapped in two. I let out a long groan. Professor Artemus looked over at my desk and tutted.

‘Broke your quill, Forman?’ she said, eyes narrowing.

‘Yes, miss.’ I stared her defiantly in the eye.

‘Well, I still expect your three-page report on the difference between the potion use of red oak and English oak by the end of the lesson,’ she sneered. ‘In fact- make that four pages, just for you.’

I gaped at her. ‘But - miss – how am I going to write an essay with no quill? And- and- four pages? What did I do?’

‘Interrupted my lesson,’ said Artemus, heading towards my desk. ‘Made pointless remarks, shouting in class, and….’

She placed a perfect white quill on my desk.

‘…. answering back to teachers.’

She waltzed back to her own desk.

‘I expect a ten-page essay on respect and obedience on my desk tomorrow morning. Class dismissed!’

I sank miserably into my seat as Helda stood up next to me.

‘C’mon. I’ll help you with that essay.’

I looked up at her. She smiled as she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my chair. Helda was so kind and helpful… I don’t know what I’d do without her.