Gemma had received the note that morning about coming to her herbology professor's office and she looked at it worried she had done something wrong already, but what Gemma couldn't figure out. The note said nothing about being in trouble, it was a kind note, but Gemma was still anxious. Waiting until midafternoon Gemma made her way to her office before standing in front of the door.

Looking down at the note again she tried to think of what it could be when her mind wondered if maybe they were just checking on certain students that had death in the family, her mother was a professor here at this school. Taking a step back she felt her anxiety raise a bit more if that was what she wanted to talk about. Gemma didn't want anyone thinking she couldn't handle being back at school or that shew as struggling with things. She wanted to show she was fine, even if she wasn't.

Thinking about turning around she took a few steps away, but then stopped. No she had to knock, the note asked for her to come.

So Gemma knocked.

On the morning of the first Saturday after arriving back at Hogwarts, Dahlia made her way out onto the grounds after breakfast. It was early but she was wide awake and there was no point in wasting time. Her mind didn't sleep and that meant she needed to keep it busy at all times. One of the ways she liked to do that was planting her own little garden. Just as she had done last term.

Despite the large variety of seeds and several actual plants she had brought along with her from home, Lia wasn't sure she wanted any of them in the greenhouse. Well except for one. A certain toadstool she had gotten for herself over the summer. Everything else was still up in the air.

Reaching the greenhouse studio, Dahlia gave a knock and than waited. Perhaps Professor Flamsteed could help her decide what to plant this term. Maybe something completely new.

It was a slow a morning for June - slow enough for her to reflect on all things she needed take care of over the term ; academic and greenhouse maintenance alike. She was going over her lesson plans when the knock happened.

"Come in," she called, before waving her hand to open the door.

Scribbling down a few pointers, she looked up and ... felt her heart sink a bit at the sight. True, she had wanted to meet Gemma - but that didn't mean it stung any less. Regardless, she smiled softly at the girl, "Hello, Miss Kitridge, take a seat"

"Would you like some tea?"

It was Saturday -- FINALLY, and June was as excited as she used to be when she herself had been a student at this school. There was no certain plan in mind, but she was okay with that.

Maybe she'd go have tea with Williamson, or maybe she would drag Schmoe out for a walk or MAYBE she could go take picnic basket to the lake and read a book or something. Just something that would distract her from ... thinking, and giving into any unreasonable gryffindor impulses.

The herbology professor was going over alll these possibilties and putting on her boots - since it looked like it may rain - when she heard the knock.

Oh?

"Come on in, it's open!"

Dahlia smiled to herself when she heard June call out that the door was open. Pushing the door to the greenhouse open wide enough to slip inside, she made sure it closed behind her. "Good morning, Professor."

Moving further into the greenhouse, Lia paused when she paused when she spotted the professor putting on her boots. "I was hoping to speak with you about some plants but if you've heading out now I can always come back another time." The last thing she wanted to do was hold Flamsteed up if there was somewhere else the women had to be right now. It wasn't as if her plants situation was very important, it could wait. She wasn't even entirely sure what she even wanted to focus on planting this year anyhow.

Looking around, Gemma wondered why she hadn't stopped in this office at all before. It was very pretty and seemed relaxing enough. She liked plants and things and the Herbology professor was always really nice, but she had just styed away from professors offices if she could. "You wanted to see me?" She truly wanted to just tell her new head of house to call her Gemma, but figured that wouldn't be polite, so she just kept quiet and moved into the room.

Taking a seat she looked towards the professor, "Tea would be lovely Professor, thank you for offering. I got your note about wanting to see me?" Her eyes moved to the plants not really wanted to make eye contact with any of the professors for long, if she was thinking about it she was avoiding eye contact with everyone. Making eye contact she would see the pity she saw over the summer and that was something she was trying to avoid here.

Oh?

"Not at all, not at all, Dahlia" the brunette beamed as she put on another one of her boots.

"We can take a walk together," she stated, getting up and gesturing toward the door. "How have you been?"

Getting up to put a kettle on, she nodded, "I did. How have you been, Miss Kitridge?" she asked softly. It wasn't an interrogation, it was a question - full of concern. Because how ... could she not?

Once the kettle was set, she moved back to her desk - but instead of taking a seat opposite the girl, she took a seat next to her.

"Are you okay?"

She smiled softly and nodded her head at the suggestion of taking a walk while they talked. "That sounds nice, I'd like that." Nothing wrong with an early morning walk around the ground to get some exercise and a bit of fresh air.

Lia spun around on her heel and heeded back the way she had came towards the door but not before looking towards 'Nina' the plant. "I'm doing.. well.. I'm okay." Mostly. It all came down to the day really, right now. She was working on things but progress was slowly being made.

"I hope both you and Nina have been well?"

June beamed and led the way out the door, "this way then, dear"

Maybe they could walk by the lake, or the pathways, or maybe they could go give Williamson a visit. It all sounded so good honestly.

But despite her eagerness, she didn't fail to notice the slight shift in Dahlia's tone. "You sure? You sound a little unsure" she said with a soft smile. "You can talk to me, if you want to"

Oh and Nina? She was currently snuggled next to the large window in her office. "We have been well - Nina and .. everyone else here have been a little sensitive - but we are getting there"

Gemma chewed on her lip for a few minutes not talking. It wasn't that she didn't want to answer she didn't know the right answer or the answer that they would want to hear. She had figured out the best way to go about her aunt, her dad, and the others at home, but here was going to be more adults and more questions. "Could.. could you call me Gemma and not my last name." That was her mom in this castle, Kitridge should be left for her. Her eyes down at the floor, "I'm good, how are you?"

That's what you asked after someone asked you, right? Her eyes lifted when Professor Flamsteed sat next to her. She shifted quickly as she was scared to show any emotions, but when the professor asked about being okay Gemma bit her quivering lip. "I'm fine, things are fine."