MJ had made for the Greenhouses when she fled from the Owlery. She didn't really know why, but she'd always been drawn to plants, although she had to admit that most of her favourites were muggle plants.

MJ had heard about Professor Bentley's creation - the Student Garden, and she was keen to see it for herself; and that's where the First Year ended up, with her owl, Avis, still perched on her shoulder. MJ wasn't entirely sure that Avis was allowed here, but he was a very well-behaved owl and MJ hadn't read anywhere that owls weren't allowed.

Avis took off from MJ's shoulder. She followed his path on the ground beneath him. She ended up at a spot where students could plant their own things. She sat on the grass, making sure not to sit on or too near any of the delicate flowers and plants. Avis landed beside her with a soft hoot. She stroked his head. The big barn owl knew MJ so well. He was looking at the soil and then back at MJ, as if wondering what she would choose to grow there. MJ had to find the Herbology Professor first, who was also the Ravenclaw House Assistant (she wanted to check what was allowed and what wasn't. Like, Avis' presence for starters. And whether it was ok to be down here just to sit and be alone for a bit - there wasn't really "alone" space in the castle and MJ needed lots of MJ time - and of course, what she could plant! Perhaps muggle plants weren't allowed), but MJ, although she retained her confident, fearless front at all times, was actually a very nervous girl. She wasn't good with people, except her sisters and her mother. She had more of a connection to Avis - it had to be said. Her sisters always laughed at her, but their mother understood her.

It was so beautiful and peaceful in the garden. MJ could just sit there for hours. She'd already found the way to her Charms classroom, so she decided to stay in the garden until she had to leave for Charms. She stretched out her legs, turned her face towards the September sun, and let the breeze blow her hair about, gently. Avis landed on her knee. He didn't want to be left out!