All For Her

"Here you go."

Raven paused at the sight of a beater bat being handed to her by Anthony. The boy didn't have a smile as he handed it to her, if anything, he looked as if he wished he were anywhere else right now. Raven couldn't blame him. He was being forced to teach her the basic rules of Quidditch instead of joining the others who were practicing their turning drills.

"Thank you." She replied politely, grabbing ahold of the bat. He rolled his eye at her tone before he began to walk away from her. Raven's eyes widened for a moment. She quickly moved to follow after the boy.

"No." He said sharply, pointing down at the spot she stopped at. "Stay there. I'm going to get the Buldgers. Then, we can practice hitting drills."

"Okay." Raven replied, straightening her posture ever so slightly under his glare. He eyed her for a moment more before he turned back and continued to walk away from her. She shuffled on her feet, putting her weight onto her toes and holding herself higher. As soon as she realized she was on her tippy toes, she immediately forced her feet back down.

She bit her tongue, holding back the curse that threatened to leave her lips. Aunt Eleanor had tried to beat that old habit out of her as soon as her Uncle Nicholas saw it. Just like she had done with her left hand.. her old writing hand. In her words, being left handed was a curse amongst the purebloods. No one was left handed, and no one will be. And the same went for her old habits. She couldn't pick at her fingers, or shift on her toes. She had to be perfect.

And yet, she was nervous.

She knew that Jessie chose her.

But that didn't stop the growing nerves and pressure to build inside of her stomach. It certainly didn't help that Granger was watching her practice on the stands with an eager look in her eyes — one that Raven wanted to burn into her memory. No matter how much Raven tried to convince the girl to leave and do something else, she wouldn't budge. She wanted to see Raven practice. And that left her feeling a whole different feeling — a warmth so familiar to the one Cedric made her feel, but not quite.

The warmth that Cedric made her feel settled inside of her stomach, calming any nerves that she might have been feeling. It felt safe, kind. More than Raven ever deserved. But Hermione's warmth was different. The feeling awoke her heart, jump starting the dead weight and spreading into the rest of her body. It was merciless in its attack, forcing her to feel the gentle force of Hermione warmth — of Hermione's touch. More than once, Raven had to bite her tongue to stop the redness from spreading against her cheeks.

It made her feel more nervous than not, especially around the girl herself. And yet, a part of her wanted to selfishly feel that warmth against her skin for the rest of her life. It was safe, and gentle, and freeing, and everything that Raven didn't deserve.

But she knew the feeling would pass.

She was only feeling this way because of her secret. The fact that she sketched the muggleborn without her permission. And once Hermione found that out, she would stop feeling nervous around the girl. Stop feeling as if pixies were inside of her stomach, trying to infect her organs with the way they kept moving around at the mere sight of the girls presence.

"Cedric! Raven!" Jessie's voice called out as soon as she landed onto the ground. Raven's eyes sprang over to the girl, ready and waiting for anything she had to say. She watched as the captain carefully placed her foot onto the floor, gently as if she were trying to bear in mind that the grass was alive too. "Come over here for a moment!"

Raven tried not to spare Cedric a glance, but the silver eyes always seemed to have a way of forcing their eyes to lock. Raven quickly turned away from the boy before she stopped in front of Jessie, feeling the boy settle beside her like he always had and always would until the day she died.

"Yes, Ma'am?" Raven questioned, politely. Jessie's eyes softened ever so slightly, lingering on the straightened posture — tenser than normal — before she glanced over at Cedric.

"I want you two to meet the last two people on the team. You've met one of them already. Though, I'm not sure you actually spoke to one another." Jessie said before she glanced over at the team, who were taking a little break. Raven furrowed her eyebrows at the girls words, not quite understanding. "Herbert! Esha!"

In an instant, two teens turned towards Captain Beckett. The first was a young man with slightly tanned skin and brown hair that reminded Raven of the color of Harry's hair when they first met — dirty, and dark. He had a sly smirk built into his face, showing his pearly white teeth. The other one was a young girl with a slightly darker complexion, who looked to be around Cedric's age. Raven had never seen her before. She would remember if she had, especially with the cloth that was covering her hair. Raven felt her eyes linger on the bright and warm colors on the cloth, highlighting her beauty despite not showing her hair.

"It's Aisha!" The girl groaned, jogging over to them. Raven couldn't help but notice the slight accent in her tone. She could tell the girl wasn't from Wizarding world, or at least, not Britain Wizarding world. "Do you people have hearing problems?"

"Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Herbert spoke from beside her, flashing a boy grin as he looked down at slightly dark skinned girl. "Do you want some company next time?"

Aisha glared up at him. "I'm 14."

"So, no?" Herbert tilted his head to the side ever so slightly. Aisha scoffed, rolling her eyes at the boy. Raven couldn't help but notice the pink that carefully spread over her cheeks.

"Herbert." Jessie spoke up, a clear warning in her tone. She eyed the boy, who groaned as he turned to the captain.

"What?" He questioned. Jessie crossed her arms over her chest before she glanced over at Aisha. The boys eyes widened. "I'm just trying to be friendly."

"You're friendly sounds flirty." Another voice chimed in from beside Herbert. The brown haired boy turned, glaring at the dark skinned boy that decided to make an appearance.

"No, it doesn't!" Herbert exclaimed, but didn't move when the boy placed his arm over his shoulders.

"Anyways, Raven, Cedric, this is Herbert." Jessie continued, turning to the two of them before settling her gaze on Raven. The red haired girl stiffened under her gaze, straightening her posture ever so slightly. Jessie softened her gaze, before she sent Raven a small smile. "He's our keeper."

"Herbert Fleet." The brown haired boy said with a grin before he held his hand out for Cedric to shake. "Nice to make your acquaintances."

"I think the saying is nice to meet you." William snickered. Herbert shrugged the boy off, narrowing his eyes at him.

"Well, some of us have manners, William!" Herbert exclaimed loudly, causing Raven to flinch ever so slightly. She bit her tongue at her mistake, hoping no one caught that. William rolled his eyes before walked over to Jessie's other side and placed an arm on her shoulder and began to lean on her.

"Don't mistake his attitude for being rude." William glanced down at Raven, winking at the girl. Herbert held his hand out for Cedric to shake and the teen shook it politely. "Herb and I are close. He's just loves having a dramatic flare sometimes."

The racing in Raven's heart calmed down ever so slightly at his words before she glanced over at the silver eyed boy, who managed to make her laugh more than anyone else had. It was only a week of ignoring him, and yet, Raven missed him more than anyone else. She loved her roommates — her best mates. She did, but Cedric got her in a way no one else had before.

He took care of her. Just like she did him.

He didn't expect her to be perfect. He didn't want her to. All he wanted was to hang out with her in whatever capacity or mood she wanted to be in. Even if that meant her posture was as straight as a board, or if she barely spoke. He never left her side in all the time she's known him.

He just wanted Ray—Ray.

He didn't expect anything more of her.

"Cedric's the same." Raven spoke softly, as she allowed her gaze to linger on the back of the boys head. He was giving Herbert a kind smile, despite the politeness of the hand shake. Raven didn't think she'd ever seen him smile politely — a forced expression that he had to do. Actually, now that she thought about it, she rarely seen him without a smile.

Cedric Diggory was always smiling.

"Hey!" Cedric turned to Raven, hearing the words leave her lips. He always heard her when she spoke, even in the most quietest of whispers.

"He's really nice once you get to know him." William ignored the boy as he continued to speak to Raven. "He is a hufflepuff after all."

Jessie snickered under her breath, causing Raven to instinctively glance her way. The back of her palm was covering her mouth, trying to shield away the growing smile that threatened to leave her lips from showing. Raven felt her stomach churn at the sight of it, warming ever so slightly at the small tug on the side of Jessie's lips. She bit her tongue to stop the warmth from passing her neck and onto her cheeks. She could hear the noise of Cedric and the other two teammates holding a conversation amongst themselves. Not sparing the three of them a glance. Raven watched as Jessie glanced over at William and found that the boy was already looking at the Captain with a soft expression. And as quickly as she saw the glance between the two, it disappeared almost as if it never happened.

Jessie cleared her throat, gaining the groups attention as she turned towards them. Her nose was a gentle pink, almost as if someone's lips had stained it. "And this is Esha."

"Aisha." The girl groaned, correcting Jessie once more. Raven tried her hardest not to remain still at the tone the girl used. She probably didn't know how blatantly disrespectful she was being towards the Captain. "I don't know if you're doing that on purpose or not, but can you please get it right?"

"My mistake, Aisha." Jessie gave the girl a kind smile, the pink disappearing from her nose as if it wasn't there in the first place. "She's going to be our substitute in case any of us get injured or can't play in a game."

"I recognize you. You're the other newbie on the team." Cedric pointed at the girl, his kind smile shifted into one of excitement. Raven couldn't stop the warmth that spread inside of her at the sight of it. He put his hand out in front of him for the girl to shake. "I'm Cedric Diggory. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." Aisha hesitated for a moment before she shook Cedric's hand. Her face hardened as she gave the boy a tight lipped expression, not even attempting to fake a smile. "And before you ask, this is my hijab. And no, I will not be taking it off."

Cedric furrowed his eyebrows, taking his hand back carefully. "I wasn't going to ask."

"Really?" Aisha scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she eyed the boy distrustfully. "I find that hard to believe. Nearly everyone has asked me about it since I started at Hogwarts."

"Have any Hufflepuffs?" Jessie questioned. Her gaze hardened ever so slightly. Raven felt a chill go down her spine — straightening instinctively — at the sight of her eyes darkening.

Aisha paused, turning her gaze to the captain, not expecting the girl to speak up. "A few."

"I'll tell them to stop." Jessie spoke gently, but sternly. For a moment, it felt as if Raven were talking to a professor. "You have a right to your own privacy."

Aisha froze. Her mouth opened as if to argue with Jessie, but all the blonde did was give the girl a kind smile — one that was nearly identical to Cedric's. Aisha eyed the smile for a moment before she glanced down, shifting on her feet.

"Thank you." Aisha mumbled. Though, everyone heard her loud and clear. "I appreciate that."

"You're apart of our team now." Jessie softened her tone, her smile warming Raven's heart just like Hermione's did. Jessie placed one of her hands carefully — gently — on to Raven's back before using the other one to gesture to her. Raven instinctively stiffened, clenching her jaw tightly to stop herself from pushing off her Captains hand. The older teen's hand was directly over her scars, the fabric of her robes being the only thing keeping her from touching them. "Herbert, Aisha, this is Raven. Our new beater."

"Nice to meet you." Raven could barely hear the sound of her voice over the loud pounding inside of her ears. Though as soon as she finished speaking, Jessie moved her hand to her shoulder, almost as if she could feel the way Raven was tense under her touch.

"You're a young thing." Aisha's gaze burned into Raven, looking up and down and examining the girls clothing. She was wearing her robes and Hogwarts uniform instead of shorts and shirts like everyone else. Raven forced her head to remain upright, clenching her jaw. She wouldn't dare avoid the girls piercing gaze.

"Wait, Raven?" Herbert questioned. His eyes wide. "As in Raven Rosier?"

"Yes." Cedric stepped forward, and carefully put himself in front of Raven, blocking his line of sight of the girl. Cedric glared, looking up at the boy without fear. "Is that going to be a problem?"

"A problem?" Herbert exclaimed. His dark chocolate brown eyes twinkled in excitement. "Psh! Hell no! We have ourselves a little badass! We are so winning the cup this year!"

Cedric physically relaxed, sighing in relief at the boys replied. He glanced behind him and locked eyes with the blushing girl. His eyes softened at the sight before him. He could tell that the girl didn't often receive compliments, much less about her being a badass with the way she was blushing. He watched her for a moment more before he stepped to the side, allowing for everyone else to see the adorable girl who everyone either hated or was afraid of.

"I'm not a.." Raven flushed, stuttering for a moment as the curse word left her lips in a quiet tone. "B.. Badass."

"Are you kidding?" Herbert exclaimed loudly, earning another flinch from Raven as her eyes shot to him. "I heard that you beat up Malfoy last week without breaking a sweat! You're a badass."

Guilt pooled in her stomach at the mention of her betrothal and how she had beat him with her bare hands for merely saying a slur. She had no idea what had gotten into her. She had gotten lucky that the Malfoy family took her in as Draco's betrothal or else.. And now, Christopher is being punished for her mistake. She just hoped their Uncle was merciful towards him during the Yule break.

"Rosier!" Raven flinched — hard, feeling everyone's eyes on her before she turned back to Anthony, who was standing in the spot where Raven was supposed to be. He was holding a Buldger in his hands.

"I— I have to go." Raven excused herself, instinctively curtsying — just like her Aunt Eleanor taught her to do — before she walked away and towards Anthony's angry eyes. "It was nice meeting you."

Raven walked straight ahead, posture as straight as a board ignoring the feeling of multiple gazes on her back. She had already upset Anthony earlier for trying to follow after him like a puppy. It was as if she couldn't stand the thought of being alone for a single moment.

"I thought I told you to stay put." Anthony spoke up as soon as Raven was in front of him. She nearly winced at the sharp tone.

"Captain Beckett called me—" Raven began to explain, but Anthony's scoff swallowed any words she wanted to say.

"You're already using her as an excuse?" He hissed, narrowing his eyes at the girl. A cold chuckle left his lips. "Merlin, it hasn't even been a week."

"I— I don't—" Raven stuttered.

"Whatever." Anthony rolled his eyes before he snatched the bat that was in her hand. He dropped the Bulger and the bat onto the ground beside his own. Raven's eyes widened at the loud thump it made as soon as it hit the floor. He moved to stand beside Raven, forcing her to make eye contact. Raven couldn't help but think his gaze was unforgiving and angry as it settled against her.  "Listen, you have to master the basics before I even think about letting you on the broom. Mimic my stance."

Raven carefully watched the boy, eyeing him as he began to change his stance. He moved his legs to be directly under his shoulders before he bent his knees and opened his palms. His back held a curve to it. For a moment, Raven glanced in front of them, wondering if he was preparing for an incoming Bulger before she quickly mimicked his motions as best as she could. Her back still as straight as a board.

"No!" He exclaimed, earning a flinch from Raven. He placed his hand onto Raven's back and pushed it in, forcing it to curve and breaking her posture. "Like this. Your back needs to be curved and your feet need to be planted firmly on the ground, not loose. You have to gain a grip on the ground, so that you don't get pushed back once you hit the Bulger."

The blonde dropped his hand from her back and watched as Raven quickly began to fix her stance. She planted her feet just as he said and forced her back to remain curved, despite how much she wanted to fix it. She glanced over at him, hoping she did it right, but all he did was look at her with his scrutinizing gaze.

"Like.." Raven questioned — in a quiet and hesitant voice. "This?"

"Exactly. Wait, wait, wait, don't lock your knees. Keep them bent like you would on your broom." Anthony pointed to her knees and watched as she fixed them. Once he was satisfied, he picked up their bats off of the ground and handed one to her. "Alright, now, grip onto the Bat."

Raven, still holding her stance, instinctively reached out to grab the bat with her left hand before she caught herself. She pulled her left hand back to her side as if she were about to touch fire before she grabbed the bat with her right hand like she was supposed to. She gripped onto her beater bat, placing her thumb over her knuckles. The wood felt good under her grasp — tough, but stern. For a moment, Raven wondered if she would ever get splinters because of the wood, but she pushed that thought out of her mind, trying to focus on the task at hand. Besides, it wouldn't be the worst pain she ever felt.

"Not like that." Anthony stated, walking in front of Raven and pulling the beater bat out of her hand. He held the back of Raven's palm in his surprisingly gentle hand before placing the bat into her hand again. Raven instinctively closed her hand and began to hold the bat again with her thumb going over her knuckles. Anthony sighed before he carefully fixed it himself and moved her thumb beside her fingers instead of over them. "Make sure your thumb isn't over your other fingers."

After he fixed it, he stayed out for a moment, checking to see if anything else was wrong before he moved back to Raven's side. He grabbed his own beater bat from the floor and positioned himself exactly like Raven. The stance looking far more familiar on his body than Ravens.

"Now, mimic my swing." He ordered before he showed Raven. He pull the beater bat back behind his right knee before he went up and over his shoulder. Raven watched as he did it a few times before she began to mimic it. "You almost had it. Don't just swing. You need to follow all the way through and don't forget to add a curve at the end like in muggle tennis."

"What's muggle tennis?" Raven questioned, a childlike wonder in her tone. Anthony paused for a moment eyeing her before he shook his head.

"Of course, you wouldn't know what that is." Anthony mumbled under his breath, but Raven heard him loud and clear. He turned to her, not even attempting to smile. "Nevermind then, just don't forget to add that curve at the end. Start your swing low, so you can gain momentum, and when you get to the highest point, be sure to add a quick curve. It stops the previous spin on the Bulger."

"And that means.." Raven's voice trailed off, hoping that he would be able to fill the sentence that she was silently asking.

"That means it's your ball now." He finished before reached down and grabbed the Bulger. He tossed it in front of him before he hit it exactly like he showed Raven. In an instant, the ball shot out in front of them and to the other end of the field. "And it'll go in the direction you aimed at instead of just flying off."

Raven's eyes widened, sparkling ever so slightly before she turned to the blonde, forgetting about her stance. "Merlin, that was so cool! Will I be able to do that?"

He paused for a moment. "With practice."

"Can I try?" Raven asked, practically buzzing in her spot. Her posture instinctively fixing itself.

"No." He uttered before he pointed in the direction where the Bulger had flew. "Now, go get the Bulger, so that we can get started."

Raven didn't need to be told twice.

She quickly placed her bat down before she began to walk towards the direction where the Bulger flew, making sure to keep her posture straight. She hadn't even made it a foot away before she heard Anthony scream, "Jog, Rosier! We don't have all day!"

As much as Raven didn't want to jog — being reminded of how much she had to run over the summer — she obeyed the older teen and began to jog over to the Bulger. She winced at the damage it left in its wake, a huge hole being made in the stands. She hesitated before she looked inside of the hole, glancing around to search for the Buldger. After a few moments, she spotted it at the other end of the stand, resting easily against the broken wood.

Raven carefully entered the hole before she maneuvered her way towards the Bulger. She ducked, avoiding a pillar, and stepped over a broken wooden flooring. She made sure to step between to cracks to avoid the actual floor, not wanting it to break under her weight. After successfully making to the other side, she gently grabbed the Bulger with both of her hands and attempted to pull it out of its place.

It didn't budge.

She tried again, and again, and again, but the Bulger wouldn't budge. It was too heavy for her to carry or move on her own. She bit her tongue, feeling a wave of shame course through her at the development. She knew she was weak, but she had hoped that she could carry the Bulger. It looked easy when Anthony had done it.

The cold iron ball remained in place no matter how many times Raven tried to pull it free. She felt useless, utterly weak. How could she stay on the team when she couldn't even carry a Bulger? Would Jessie even want her then?

"That looked intense." A soft voice spoke up from behind Raven. The red haired girl flinched harshly, eyes shooting over to the voice. Her eyes instinctively locked eyes with her gentle deep brown ones, feeling the same warmth that settled against her skin and made her heart buzz back to life.

"Granger." Raven sighed, forcing her hands to remain at her side and not over her racing heart. The muggleborn had merely gave her a fright. That was the reason why it was beating. "You scared me."

Hermione giggled. Raven's eyes instinctively sought out the girls buckteeth, finding them as adorable as the first time. She fought the urge to smile at the sight and the sound that escaped the girls lips. The Rosier never thought she had ever heard a sound so pretty. She found herself wanting to listen to it all day long. After a few moments, Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "Hehe, are you having trouble getting the Bulger free?"

Raven paused for a single moment, if only to memorize the girl before her. The way her arms had fallen over her ribs causing the end of her robe sleeves to be pulled back ever so slightly. Her hands held no scars, looking soft and gentle and perfect in this lighting. The girls bushy brown hair moved in waves, curling outwardly around Hermione, and forcing anyone with eyes to see her beauty at its truest and most finest state.

"No." Raven replied, turning away from Hermione to prevent the girl from seeing her flushed cheeks. She didn't want her to think she had caused it when it was because of the fact that she used most of her strength to try and get the Bulger free. "I got it."

"If you say so." Raven heard her say. She didn't say turn back, knowing that she'd probably get caught in the spell the muggle born placed on herself. Raven had assumed she had left when the girl didn't say anything else before she heard the sound of wood being tossed aside.

Raven's eyes shot over to Hermione, finding the girl maneuvering over towards Raven. Her eyes widened. "What are you doing?"

"Coming to help you." Hermione replied as if it were no big deal. The brown haired girl stepped on the wooden flooring, breaking it under her weight in an instant, nearly stumbling over.

"Hey! Wait, be careful!" Raven's hands shot over to Hermione, reaching out to stop — catch — the girl. Thankfully, Hermione caught herself and fixed her balance. "The structure is unstable."

"Careful, Rosier." Hermione's hand slipped into Raven's own, — softly, carefully, gently as if it were its rightful place in the world. Raven bit her tongue, stopping the warmth in her chest from rising and settling against her cheeks. "It almost sounds like you care about me."

"I just don't want the stands to fall on me." Raven mumbled, helping Hermione to stand beside her. The muggleborn gave the pureblood a cheeky grin before she pulled her hand away from Raven.

(Raven ignored the way her heart ached at the loss of contact.)

"Whatever helps you sleep at night." Hermione remarked cheekily before she glanced down at the beater. Her eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly in deep thought. Raven's eyes instinctively sought them out, fascinated at the way muggleborn's eyes sparked as she thought. Her eyes trailed down to the girls lips, seeing the way the brown haired girl began to bit down on them ever so slightly. Her two buck teeth looking more and more noticeable the more Raven burned her gaze into her. "I got it!"

Raven flinched, instinctively looking away and at the Bulger, ignoring her burning ears. "Got what? The—The Bulger? I don't think you do, Granger. It's right there—literally right in front of us. Hehe, uhh do you need—do you need to get your eyes checked or something? Because I know a really good eye doctor who can help fix your blindness—"

"Raven." Hermione interrupted, halting Raven's rambling. "Focus."

"Yeah, sorry." Raven bit her lip, but that didn't stop her cheeks from burning.

"God, you're just like Harry." Hermione mumbled under her breathed. Raven paused, furrowing her eyebrows as she turned to Hermione.

"What do you mean?" She questioned.

Hermione shrugged, "He stammers when he's nervous too."

"I am not nervous." Raven denied, forcing her voice to remain even and not high pitched.

"Mhmm." Hermione hummed, giving Raven a knowing look. "Actually, speaking of Harry, can you want to meet me at the Gryffindors tower after dinner?"

Raven sighed, "I have detention, Granger."

"After detention then." Hermione persisted, locking eyes with Ravens. The red haired girl couldn't help but find the sparkle in her eyes adorable and compelling. "Can you?"

Raven hesitated, not wanting to disappoint the girl. "I don't think it's a good idea."

"Please, Raven!" Hermione pleaded as she begged Raven to help her. The Rosier's eyes widened at her plea. "I need your help with a potion and Ronald and Harry are relying on me. I just want to make sure I'm doing it right! And I know you got an 96 on our potions test."

Raven's eyes widened, her skin flushed at the girls words. She remembered?

"While I got a 90." Hermione mumbled. "So, I know you understand potions more than I do."

Raven couldn't stop the smile that graced her lips, "What was that?"

"Shut up." Hermione smacked her arm. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"Only if you repeat that again." Raven smirked.

Hermione groaned. "Raven."

"Granger." Raven mimicked her.

"Fine, you understand potions more than I do. Now, can you help me?" Hermione grumbled, a gentle coat of pink stained her chubby cheeks. Raven's eyes instinctively tracked the color, eying as she nodded. Granger let out a sigh of relief, mumbling under her breathe. "Just come after detention, alright? I'll wait for you."

"Now, you grab the left side and I'll grab the right side. On the count of three, we'll pull." Hermione explained before she gestured for Raven to grab her side. The Rosier didn't waste anytime to obey the girl, finding her bossy nature easier to follow than Natasha's. Hermione joined her. Their fingers brushing against each other for a single moment, causing Raven to bit her tongue. "Now, are you ready? On the count of three. One, two—"

Raven immediately began to pull, finding the Bulger not moving an inch at her movement. Hermione's eyes widened as she starred at Raven, confused with her actions. The Rosier hadn't notice, still trying to pull the Bulger free before glancing over at Hermione's hands and finding them unmoving.

"Why didn't you pull?" Raven questioned, glancing over at Hermione as she stopped pulling. 

"I said on the count of three!" Hermione exclaimed, and for the first time, Raven did not flinch at the loudness of someone's voice. "On three!"

"Oh, my mistake, little miss perfect." Raven leaned in towards Hermione, feeling her lips tugging up and turning into a teasing side smile. The smile settled against her, taking root on the side of her lips like a long forgotten home. For a moment, she forgot that she wasn't supposed to smile unevenly, or in an imperfect way. All she could focus on was the gentle coat of pink that brushed against Hermione's cheek, starting from her neck and settling against her skin in an alluring manner. Raven found herself not wanting to look away.

She didn't think she had the strength to look away from someone — not something, because Granger would never be a thing — so pleasing to the eyes. The way her blush looked as like a paintbrush had carefully grazed her skin, highlighting freckles that Raven didn't even know she had. Raven wonder if Hermione could hear the pounding from the field inside of her ears as well.

"I am not perfect!" Hermione argued, glaring up at Raven. Despite the fact that they were the same age, the red haired girl was a few inches taller than her.

"I think you are." Raven blurted out in a soft, and gentle tone — one that Hermione wouldn't have heard if she wasn't standing right beside her. Her eyes widened at her mistake, a spike of fear rushed through her.

"Haha, very funny, Raven." Hermione rolled her eyes, not believing her words. Raven didn't know if she feels relieved or angry that Hermione didn't believe her. "Do you want my help or not?"

"Not." Raven replied sharply. Angry, it is then. She couldn't believe the muggleborn didn't see that she was perfect. Raven had half a sketchbook filled of how breathingly perfect the girl was. "I can do just fine on my own."

"Alright." Hermione raised an eyebrow at Raven tone before she crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for Raven to change her mind. After a few more moments of silence, she sighed before she began to walk away. "Good luck to you then."

"Granger, wait—" Raven called out as soon as the girl took her first step. Hermione turned back to Raven, a cheeky smile on her face. Raven gritted her teeth, trying to push her pride aside so that she can ask a muggleborn for help. "Can you help me?"

"What's the magic word?" Hermione asked, a teasing grin settled against her face. Raven couldn't help the way her stomach warmth at the sight, filling with pixies once more.

"Uhh.." Raven cleared her throat, ignoring the way her ears burned. "Do you mean spell?"

Hermione pursed her lips, looking as if she were pouting. Merlin, just when Raven didn't think she could get more adorable.. "They don't have that saying here?"

"What saying?" Raven questioned.

"What's the magic word?" Hermione repeated. She sighed, walking back over to stand beside Raven. "It's a muggle saying to get someone to remember to use to their manners like please or thank you."

"Oh, umm.." Raven hesitated for a moment, feeling the burning sensation against her ears before she spoke in a quiet voice. "Please?"

"Of course. We're mates after all." Granger smiled softly, bumping Raven's shoulder with her own. The two shared a quiet meaningful glance, and Raven couldn't help but wonder if this is what it would be like to be friends with Hermione Granger. If it was like this, then she found herself longing for it more and more with each conversation they shared. Raven glanced down at the feeling of fingers brushing against her own. She felt her breath hitch ever so slightly, wondering when Hermione had placed her hands against the Bulger. "Now, on three."

"On three." Raven repeated to herself.

"Actually, on go." Hermione corrected. Raven exhaled in relief. She didn't understand why they had to go on three. It was just so confusing to her. "When I say go, we pull. You ready?"

"Mhmm." Raven hummed before she turned to Hermione. "On go?"

"On go." The muggleborn nodded. Raven prepared herself, getting ready to pull as soon as Hermione said go.

"Okay, one, two, three." Hermione began to count down before she exclaimed loudly. "Go!"

The two of them pulled, digging their fingers into the Bulger hoping that their combined strength pulled the iron ball free. After a few more moments, the ball finally popped free, moving away from the wood where it settled and into Raven arms.

"Wow! Wow!" Raven nearly stumbled onto the floor if it wasn't for one of Hermione's gentle hands gripping her arm and the other placing itself on her back and stabilizing her. "Thank you."

"What are friends for?" Hermione sent the girl a kind smile. Her grip loosened ever so slightly, but she didn't let go. Raven just starred, finding the stray piece of hair that swung in front of Hermione's face ever so tempting. She wanted to push it behind her ear, but a part of her enjoyed the sight of Hermione trying to blow it away.

Raven giggled, an imperfect one. "Are you having trouble there, Granger?"

Hermione glared playfully. "I wouldn't be if I had one of my hands."

It felt as if ice settled against Raven's skin, splashing her back into reality. She could feel the gentle, warm touch of Hermione's hand over her scars; her robes being the only thing that stopped her from touching them. And suddenly, without her even realizing she had been relaxed, her back straightened up as if a board took its place. She clenched her jaw, biting her inner lip so harshly that she could taste blood. Her hands gripped onto the Bulger, trying to hide trembling in her fingertips.

She fought the urge to throw the iron ball at Granger. The brown haired girl hadn't done anything wrong. She hadn't even hurt Raven. Not once. And yet, she could if she wanted to. Raven was defenseless against her. She could scar her, or torture her, or dig her fingers into her back and go all the way down, scratching — marking —  her as nothing but property.

As nothing but a mistake.

As nothing but a Rosier.

Raven knew from experience that Granger didn't need to use a whip to brand her.

"Hey," Hermione's soft — concern — tone brought her back to the present. "Are you alright? You're shaking."

Raven glanced down at her hands, seeing the Bulger shake ever so slightly in her hold — not acknowledging the fact that Granger had one of her hands carefully over her left one. Her ugly hand. She gulped down the lump in her throat before she forced sapphire blue eyes to lock with Hermione's gentle brown ones.

"What?" She breathed — her voice sounding husked to her own hears as if she lost all her air on a single moment.

"I said are you alright?" Hermione repeated, her tone still soft. Raven felt the girl squeeze her shoulder as if to ground her to the present. She glanced over at the hand before sparing a glance at her other hand that was over her left hand to keep her from dropping the iron ball.  "You went quiet there for a second."

"I'm fine." Raven said, forcing her voice to remain even and not shaky like she felt. The Rosier felt her walls being build back up just like it was beat into her before she pulled herself away from Hermione soft and caring hold as if she had been burned. "Thanks for the help."

Raven didn't wait another second before she pushed past Hermione and towards the exited that the Bulger created. She couldn't even feel the weight of the ball in her hands. All she could focus on was the sound of her heartbeat inside of her ears.

"Whoa, did I do something?" Hermione questioned from behind Raven, but the Rosier didn't spare the girl a glance. She continued to walk, watching her step to not break anymore wood. In an instant, a hand grabbed a hold of her shoulders, halting her. "Raven!"

"What?!" Raven hissed lowly. It would have been mistake for a whisper if it wasn't for the anger in her tone. Hermione flinched and Raven couldn't stop the way her stomach sank at the sight. She clenched her jaw, gritting her teeth to stop herself from sounding so angry. "I have to get to practice. I can't be in here all day."

"I didn't ask you to." Hermione said in a quiet voice before she looked down at her shoes. "I just want to know if you're alright?"

"I said, I'm fine." Raven replied, a sharp but steady tone. She didn't want to scare Hermione like she did just now. "Now, I have to go."

"Oh.. uhh, okay!" Hermione stammered, watching as Raven turned her back and continued to walk out of the broken stand. Her eyes burning into her back. "Have fun at practice!"

Raven didn't spare the girl a glance as she continued to walk back to the Hufflepuffs.

"Don't forget to meet me at the Gryffindors tower after your detention!" Hermione shouted, causing Anthony to raise an eyebrow at her voice. Raven could taste the iron on her lips at the sight of his stare. "I'll be waiting!"

Raven continued on with a clenched jaw, hoping that nobody nearby took what Granger said out of context.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Detention.

Raven was nervous for her detention with Dumbledore. She had been going to her Godfathers detention for the past week, but it's Friday now, which meant that she would be forced to spend time with the headmaster. She was lucky that her godfather was merciful during his detention, but she hoped that Dumbledore was as well. And if not, she'll find a way to hide the bruises.

She skipped dinner and headed straight for his office, not having the stomach to keep the food down. And she hadn't wanted to upset the man when she was caught eating inside of his office. Uncle Nicholas never liked when she ate more than her fill. Raven could tell by the slight glint in his eyes as soon as he caught sight of her eating during dinner. It didn't take long before Aunt Eleanor grabbed her plate and threw the remaining food away even if she didn't finish it.

Thankfully, one of her cousins — she never bothered to ask who — would always sneak food into her room after midnight. She was grateful to them, otherwise she would have starved more often than not.

Raven paused at the sight of his door. She wasn't trusted with the password. She did not blame the man for keeping that secret away from her ears. She was a Rosier after all — Evil incarnate. She barely trusted herself, especially after what she did to Malfoy. Her wounds were finally healed after Cedric insisted that she eat her chocolate frogs.

Despite her arguing against it, he had been the one to walk her back to her class after practice. She barely spoke a word to him during their walk, making sure to keep her distance. Her heart ached at her own actions, hating herself even more at the sight of pain in Cedric's eyes. But still, the boy was persistent and talked to Raven about everything and nothing as he walked her to class. He didn't try to force her to talk to him, which.. Raven was grateful for. 

At least, she forced herself to be.

(All she wanted to do was talk to him.)

"Ms. Rosier." A voice knocked Raven out of her thoughts. She looked up, locking eyes with the piercing gaze of her headmaster. The man was standing in front of his open office door, peering down at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Headmaster." Raven curtsied, bowing her head down obediently as she greeted the man. When she rose back up, she placed her hands in front of her politely and straightened her back. Her voice was as soft as a wind; perfect just like she was taught. "I apologize for my late arrival."

"Late? You're quite early, Ms. Rosier." The man chuckled lightly. Raven couldn't help but think the laugh sounded too similar to the one her Uncle Nicholas used in public. "Have you eaten dinner?"

"No, sir." Raven fought the urge to shake her head. It would be unladylike to do so. Instead, she felt the corners of her lips lift up like she were a puppet on strings, forcing her to smile politely at the man. "I wasn't hungry."

"Nonsense!" He proclaimed loudly, causing Raven to flinch. He paused for a moment, a flash of something travelled over his eyes before it disappeared as if it were never there in the first place. He softened his voice ever so slightly before he pushed open his door, and stepped aside, gesturing for the girl to enter. "Come in, my dear. Let's share a meal before the real detention starts."

"It's fine, sir." Raven felt her smile tighten as her stomach filled with dread at the thought of eating. She moved past the man and entered his chambers, inhaling deeply at the sight before her. It looked exactly like she remembered it. She had only ever been inside of his office once before. After she was made a Hufflepuff, it didn't take long for her Uncle to arrive at Hogwarts and demand a house change. Dumbledore humored him and let the hat try and decide again, but the answer remained the same.

She was a Hufflepuff through and through.

"I insist." Dumbledore persisted, closing the door behind him as he gestured for the girl to sit down in the seat in front of his desk. "Have a seat, Ms. Rosier. I'll fetch our food."

The man snapped and two house elves appeared. The two elves had on togas with the Hogwarts Crest on the front. Raven didn't want to be offensive, but the clothing looked quite.. rugged and ruined. Her house elves didn't wear such clothes. In fact, her Aunt Eleanor made it her mission to make sure that they wore better tunics than any of the other purebloods. Though, Raven didn't recognize the two. She only ever saw and spoke to Enni. Actually, now that she thought about it, she hadn't spoken to Enni since the first week. Perhaps she should pay the elf a visit. Afterall, it helped quench the ache she had in her heart whenever she missed Beasty — her house elf. 

Despite the fact that him and Enni were polar opposites, Beasty had always cared for Raven more than anyone else had. He was there after her first whipping, whispering kind words into her ears to help her sleep. He even went as far as to tell her bed time stories and sit with her until she fell asleep. Raven couldn't ask for a better and more trust worthy friend. Even one as grouchy and mean as Beasty.

"Yes, Headmaster?" The left one, Bilm, had a small snip bits of grey hair on the sides of his ear. Raven couldn't help but notice that they were smaller than common house elves. Beasty's were quite big. The elves voice was even, fair as he spoke to the Headmaster — polite and obedient.  "Is there anything Bilm can do for Bilm's Headmaster?"

"Cooky will be ecstatic to do anything Cooky's headmaster needs!" Raven nearly winced at the loudness of the elves voice. She was looking up at Dumbledore with stars in her eyes, practically buzzing in her stop. Her long white hair rested against her shoulders. "Food? Robes? Would Cooky's headmaster like more Sherbet Lemons? Cooky will get them right away. She will!"

Dumbledore chuckled at her tone, causing the house elf to smile from ear to ear. Raven's heart warmth at the sight. She loved seeing house elves smile.

"Cooky. Bilm. Please fetch Ms. Rosier and I some dinner." Dumbledore greeted the two elves, a kind smile twitched up and onto his lips. The two house elves nodded obediently at his words. Raven watched as the two of them waited patiently for the man to finish, almost as if it wasn't the first time he had called them to his office. He glanced over at Raven before he leaned down to the elves and tried to whisper under his breath, "And some Sherbet Lemons for me. Thank you."

"Cooky will get right on that!" Cooky exclaimed loudly, getting ready to snap her fingers to disappear.

"Not if Bilm does first!" Bilm shrieked, snapping his fingers and disappearing in an instant. Cooky groaned before she joined after him, disappearing in a blink of an eye. Raven was glad that the two elves felt safe enough to argue in front of the headmaster. Not even Beasty and her cousins elves did that.

"You don't look surprised to see the elves." Dumbledore spoke up, breaking the growing silence between the two of them. Raven stiffened, straightening her posture instinctively at his curious gaze.

"I apologize, sir." Raven bowed her head, obediently. "They're right next to the Hufflepuff common room, so my house knows all about them."

Dumbledore snickered, a knowing smile settled against his lips. "I would hope so, Ms. Rosier. After all, in order to get to your common room, you need to pass by the kitchen where the elves resign."

Raven gave the man a tight — perfect —  smile that did not reach her eyes one bit. She hoped he wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but by the way his gaze sharpened ever so slightly at the sight, she knew he had. The two remained quiet for a few moments. Dumbledore just continued to stare her down with a knowing look, one that sent chills down her spine. It felt as if he could see right through her in a way that no one else had, even herself. In an instant, one that caught her completely off guard, he gestured over to the seat in front of his desk. Raven didn't hesitate to obey his silent order. She knew the punishment of not obeying.

He hummed, a soft tone that sounded too familiar to her ears. In all honesty, she had never been hummed to before. Ever. And yet, Dumbledore's soft hum dug into her like an old memory — one long forgotten — that had died in her mind. Where did she hear this from? She wondered. She couldn't help but question it. It was soft like the wind, constant like the green in the grass. It was a noise that knew her.

At least, that's what it felt like.

Dumbledore's gaze burned into Raven as the silence settled between the two of them like a tightly woven scarf around her neck — squeezing, and squeezing, and squeezing till their was no more oxygen left in her lungs. Raven forced herself to remain even, just as she would if her Uncle Nicholas would glare at her out of the corner of her eye. The two were more alike than Raven ever realized. At least, their gaze made her wish she would become invisible to their eyes. And yet, Dumbledore's gaze held a slight difference, one that she couldn't quite place her finger on. It almost made Raven feel like prey.

"Cooky has returned with Cooky's Headmasters food." Cooky popped back into the room. Raven flinched at the intrusion, her eyes widened ever so slightly, breaking her perfectly placed mask. Dumbledore turned to the elf, softening his gaze with a smile — one that sent chills down Raven's spine at the falseness it held. It looked nearly identical to her Uncle Nicholas. "Cooky hopes you like it! She made sure to include all of the Sherbet Lemons that the Headmaster wanted."

Dumbledore's chuckled, laughing brightly at the elf's words. Cooky smiled, and Raven noticed the chipped tooth in the elf's grin. And yet, despite the imperfection, the elf still smiled as if it simply didn't matter. Raven knew that if her Aunt Eleanor seen Raven or Katherine with such an imperfection in their smile, she would have immediately sent for them to get it fix. They wouldn't find a betrothal with such an imperfection. Raven spared a glance over to the elf. Cooky stayed in place, shifting on his toes as he awaited the Headmasters orders. Dumbledore's sent the elf a kind smile — one that did reach his eyes — and gestured for the elf to place his food down on his desk. The elf returned the smile and acted, carefully placing the Headmasters dish down on this desk.

"Thank you, Cooky." Dumbledore's stated softly as if he were talking to a child. The elf flushed, and Raven's heart ached at the familiar sight. Beasty always looked down whenever he was flustered as well. Oh, how Raven missed her elf, her best friend. She knew that it would be hard to sleep without him again, but she didn't realize that it would be this hard. Beasty used to settle in Raven's room and keep away the monsters and protect her. It was because of him that Raven got the hours she needed at night. She felt safe; cared for under his watch, just as she did every night growing up — after her first ever whipping.

A loud pop echoed into the room, earning another flinch from Raven."Enni has Ms. Rosier's food!"

Raven turned over to the elf that popped up. Bilm, she recalled, had flushed cheeks, looking embarrassed by the sudden appearance, even though Dumbledore's had sent for them to retrieve food. Raven opened her mouth to ask if he was alright before she caught herself, slamming it shut. She wasn't allowed to show concern for anyone's elf. She could only ever show concern for her elf and that was behind closed doors. Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Eleanor wouldn't allow such kindness to leave her lips for something as stupid as an elf.

A softer, gentle pop echoed into the room and Raven's eyes widened at the sight before her.

"Bilm!" Enni shrieked. The elf scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. Enni narrowed her gaze at the elf before she turned to the Headmaster, barely sparing a gaze at Raven. The Rosier tried not to let the action get to her. And yet, she couldn't help the disappointment that filled her veins. She hoped that elves wouldn't judge Raven for her last name, but even she knew that was wishful thinking. "Enni is sorry to barge in, but Enni knows how to prepare Ms. Rosier's food. Enni knows how Ms. Rosier likes it."

Raven's heart warmed at the sight of Enni's smile — shy, and soft. The elf wasn't looking at Dumbledore's anymore, instead her gaze settled on Raven. The Rosier spared a glance down at the food, ignoring how her stomach twisted at the smell. Her breathed hitched at the sight of shrieking rice with smushed beans. That was it. No more, no less. It was simply something for her stomach to hold. And Raven couldn't help but longe to reach out and hug Enni even though it was against the rules. Somehow the elf knew that Raven couldn't handle heavy food, hadn't been able to since she arrived at Hogwarts.

Enni glanced over at Dumbledore and awaited his orders — patient and obediently. The man paused for a moment before he nodded, gesturing to Raven. The elf smiled brightly, grinning from ear to ear before she hurried over to Raven and placed the food in front of her. The child couldn't help but smile back, imperfectly, as if it didn't matter for once as long as the elf was happy.

"Here you go, Ms. Rosier." Enni spoke softly to the girl. "Enni hopes Ms. Rosier likes it."

Raven stood still for a moment. The softness of the elf's voice was unlike anything she had ever heard before. Even from herself. Enni had rugged clothing, untamed white hair, and yet, she had treated Raven to a kindness that many others would rather die than do. She remembered what Raven liked. When was the last time someone had remembered something about Raven specifically? She couldn't recall. Cedric, perhaps? But as Raven dug deeper and deeper into her mind, she couldn't see a single memory of anyone remembering something as simple as what Raven liked to eat.

Did anyone even care?

Enni did.

Hermione did. She had remembered that Raven made a 96 on her potions exam. Something so simple, and yet, she remembered it.

And that was enough.

"Thank.." Raven's voice cracked. She cleared her throat, offering the elf a soft, gentle — imperfect — smile. "Thank you, Enni."

And the sight of the elf's bright, shiny grin that showed off the creatures missing buck tooth was worth the pain that would soon follow Raven when she excuses herself to the bathroom and empties her stomach.

"Thank you, Enni and Bilm and Cooky." Dumbledore spoke up, causing each and every one of them to turn toward the man — obediently. Raven's smile settled into a perfect one, forgoing the imperfection as if it never happened in the first place. His gaze never strayed from Raven, lingering on her as if she were truly something to marvel at. "You're dismissed."

The elves did not wait another second, sending the Headmaster a smile and a wave before disappearing in an instant. Enni lingered however, sparing a glance at Raven and the food before her. The Rosier paused for a moment, inhaling deeply before she grabbed the fork that had been on the plate and scooped up some of the shrieking rice. She ignored the way the fork trembled in her hold as she swiftly brought it to her mouth and gulped it down, not even attempting to chew it. Her stomach twisted at the new contents trailing down, but Raven ignored it. Instead, she glanced back over at Enni and watched the elf's grin brighten up the whole room before she snapped her fingers and vanished into thin air.

As soon as the elf disappeared, Raven glanced back at her food, carefully returning the fork back onto the plate as if to scoop up some more. She could feel the headmasters lingering eyes on her, and Raven knew that she would have to continue to act, even if all she wanted to do was run to the bathroom and throw it all up. And so, she began. She forced her mind to remain blank and simply go through the motions of eating as if her mouth wasn't beginning to water and her throat wasn't already starting to build a lump. She hoped that the Headmaster wouldn't question why the fork in her hands shook so violently that the contents on it were creating a mess of the plate before her.

Raven knew better than to leave a mess on the table.

"I just love the food here in Hogwarts. Don't you?" Dumbledore spoke up.

"Yes, sir. Of course, sir." Raven replied instinctively. For a moment, she had forgotten that the man was even there in the first place. The lack of elves made the room almost feel like home, as if she were sitting at the table with the rest of her family. The lingering silence and the tension as if majority of the table held their tongue around the man of the house. But Raven wasn't home. She was at Hogwarts, eating dinner with her Headmaster. So, she straightened her back — despite the fact that her posture was already perfect — and locked eyes with the man before smiling politely; perfectly, hoping the saliva that pooled inside of her mouth didn't trail down her lip. "The elves do a fantastic job."

"I heard about your betrothal to Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore replied calmly. His gaze burned into her. "Congratulations are in order."

Raven didn't dare look away. Despite the fact that the man before her had bright blue eyes, she felt as if she were starring directly into her Uncle Nicholases dark black eyes. "Thank you, sir."

"Though, I am a bit surprised." He continued, his food long forgotten.

"Pardon?" Raven questioned.

"Tell me, Ms. Rosier." His voice sounded curious; knowing. Raven felt as if she were being tested under his watchful gaze. "Why did you fight Mr. Malfoy a week ago?"

"He called me Rotten Rosier, sir." The lie fell from her lips almost as easily as breathing. She didn't falter, didn't twitch just like her Aunt Eleanor taught her. The man smiled, and even though it wasn't unkind, it still sent chills down her spine at the sight. He placed his hands on his desk, folding them over one another before he leaned in close to Raven as if he were telling her a secret.

"Let's not start lying to each other now, Ms. Rosier. We'll be seeing each other for two months. Relationships cannot be build on lies or else they will not last."  He replied, his voice sounded hushed; too low to be a whisper. It was as if these words solely remained between them. Raven almost wanted to trust him. "So, let me ask again. Why did you fight Mr. Malfoy?"

"He.. He.. umm.." Raven stammered out, gulping down the lump of clay that began to form inside of her throat. She glanced down at her hands, feeling the way her left hand began to grip onto her right hands index and middle finger. She cleared her throat, forcing her hands apart, and held her head back up high, like her Aunt Eleanor taught her. "He called her a mud— mud—"

And yet, she still couldn't say the bloody slur.

"Mudblood?" Dumbledore finished. His eyes sparkled, curious. "Who?"

"Granger." Raven chocked out, bracing herself for the pain that would soon follow for her carelessness. She had to witness Christopher taking her beating before her eyes while she had done absolutely nothing like the coward she is. He was brave, and selfless, and she couldn't offer him the same protection he did her. What kind of sister did that make her? A cowardly one? A useless one? And despite sacrificing himself to the cruel clutches of his father, Raven threw herself to the wolves once again without thinking of the boy who was supposed to be her brother. She wasn't suppose to tell anyone and keep the lie between the three of them. Dray knew better than to speak up about it, but Raven? She couldn't even last a week without telling the Headmaster the truth.

"Is that so?" He leaned back, unable to keep the curiosity in his tone. "Are you two friends?"

"No." Raven replied instantly, almost as if she were trying to convince herself of the fact. "No, sir. We are most certainly not friends."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at the girl. "But you fought Mr. Malfoy for her?"

"I fought Draco because he said a slur that a friend of mine hears too often." Raven forced her voice to remain calm, firm. She didn't want to come off as anything less than perfect, not again. For whatever reason, Raven felt as if the man before her could see under her skin, and expose the truth that laid within her. A truth that she, herself, didn't think she was privy to. Even now, as she desperately tried to build her walls back up like she was taught, she knew that they were failing, crumbling before her eyes as she laid bare for him to see. "I just.. snapped. I don't know what overcame me. But I won't ever let it happen again, sir. I swear it. I will not turn out like my parents. I refuse."

"And yet.." He continued; and Raven almost felt as if she were being taunted. Mocked. But the only thing she could see in the mans eyes was genuine concern. Almost as if he were worried for Raven. "You're marrying him? A boy who had spat your name and your friend's names as if you were all nothing but dirt on his shoe. I just don't quite understand how the Flints — your family, would allow such a marriage to happen without thinking of Mr. Malfoy's past transgressions towards you."

"Don't you dare speak ill of my family, sir." Raven narrowed her eyes into a glare. Dumbledore looked taken a back by the sharpness in her tone. For a moment, Raven wondered if she crossed the line and made the man afraid of her like everyone else. Then, she saw it. The curiosity that still lingered in his eyes, dimming ever so slightly as if he were disappointed by this reaction. And yet, Raven didn't care. All she could feel was the boiling rage under her skin at the man's words towards the Flints. "Excuse my disrespectfulness, but you have no idea how selfless the Flint's are. They took me in when I had no one else and kept me out of Azkaban. My Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Eleanor gave me a place to call home, food on my table, and the clothes on my back. They raised me as one of their own. They love me, despite the fact that I'm a Rosier who destined for evil. And even though they don't like that I'm a Hufflepuff, they still want me. They want me. And all I've done to repay them is get into a fight with my betrothal because of a bloody mud—"

Raven inhaled deeply as the flash of the girl who remembered that Raven had gotten a 96 on her potions exam when she, herself, forgot.

"Muggleborn." Raven gritted out, cursing herself for her own weakness. Why couldn't she say the bloody word? She was behind closed doors. And despite the fact that the man made her... uncomfortable, she knew that whatever she said wouldn't leave this room. "So, respectfully, sir, do not speak ill of the people I love."

Raven had been glaring at Dumbledore this entire time, her eyes never stayed away from his own throughout her words. And yet, as the anger cleared away from her vision, she couldn't help but notice the way Dumbledore didn't look upset at all. He looked pleased. And that sight alone sent chills down her spine. Because the last time someone — Uncle Nicholas — had looked pleased, she was getting whipped. The day she had arrived home from Hogwarts and he was already waiting in the basement for her, anxious for her arrival with a sinister smile on his face.

"My apologies for overstepping, dear, but I am simply concerned for your wellbeing. People do not change over night." He broke the silence with a smile, one that reached his eyes and yet, Raven didn't dare relax. "Now, how about we get on with our detention?"

"Yes, sir." Raven cleared her throat, confused. She straightened ever so slightly. "Of course."

"Are you alright?" He questioned; concerned. He raised his eyebrows."You're looking a little.. ill."

"I'm fine, sir." Raven replied, ignoring the way her hands trembled under the table. It felt as if someone were sitting on her chest, forcing the weight down and crushing the air in her lungs. "Actually, is it alright if I go to the loo? I'll only be gone for a moment."

"I apologize, Ms. Rosier. But once detention has started, you are not permitted to leave my watch." The man did not sound even a little bit sorry. He spared a glance down at her food. "Have you finished your dinner?"

Raven nodded, not trusting her voice to speak for her without sounding airy; breathless.

"Good." He responded. He reached over and grabbed her plate, "I'll have the elves take it away."

And as Raven grew deeper and deeper into herself, not even hearing the sound of the elves arriving in the mans office and taking their food away, there was only one question on her mind. One that overcame the breathlessness, the nausea, and the overwhelming fear.

Why hasn't he punished her yet?

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Uneasy.

Harry felt uneasy about the whole thing. He hadn't told anyone what he had witnessed between Raven and her family; the Flints. Who could he tell? Hermione would insist on telling Dumbledore. Ronald would most likely say that she deserved it since she was Rotten Rosier. Seamus would most likely say the same thing. He wouldn't dare bring it up to Neville. Everyone knew that the Rosier's were off limits around the boy. Even if they didn't know why. Neville just... always darkened whenever Raven's name was mentioned. As if the spark in his eyes never existed in the first place. It was a scary sight to behold.

And yet, despite it all, he couldn't help but feel.. bad for Christopher and Malfoy and Raven. Malfoy might have gotten off without a single scratch or bruise on him — unlike his friends — but Harry seen the look on his eye as he passed him. He seen the same look in the mirror countless times after his aunt cursed him for being born.

"You're nothing but a nuisance." She would say. And Harry believed her, time and time again. Even still as he was surrounded by his friends in the Gryffindor common room, feeling warm and safe and loved more than he ever had in his life, he believed her words. And some part of him — deep down — wondered if his friends thought he was a nuisance as well.

He wondered if Raven asked herself the very same questions around her friends.

"Now, I'm stuck in detention with Professor Snape on Monday!" Neville cried out, knocking Harry out of his thoughts. The boy groaned loudly amongst his friends. "Why must the world be against me?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Harry furrowed his eyebrows. Just how much of the conversation did he miss? Last thing he remembered them talking about was Raven and Malfoy's betrothal, which caused his thoughts to spiral in the first place. "You have detention with Snape?"

"Yeah.. I was struggling with the lesson and Snape must have caught on cause he called me stupid and gave me detention." Neville repeated himself, summarizing the story he just told. He paused for a moment, his gaze on Harry before spoke again in a much, much quieter voice. "You didn't listen to a word I said?"

"Uhh.. no." Harry smiled awkwardly before he sighed, hesitating for a moment. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking about Rotten Rosier—"

"Raven." Hermione corrected him from the stairs as she walked down. Harry's gaze launched over to her, eyes widening at the sight of the book on her hands. "Her name is Raven."

"Hermione—" Harry groaned, ignoring the way his stomach twisted in guilt at his own words. And yet, despite the fact that he had called her name, he had no idea what he was going to say in defense like everyone had expected of him to.

"If you're going to talk about her, at least get her name right." Hermione replied, a sharpness in her tone, one that had never been directed at him. She clutched her book tightly to her chest before settled behind the couches, her gaze lingering on the entrance of the common room for a moment. "Beyond contrary belief, she's not her parents."

"Isn't she though?" Seamus spoke up from the other couch, his feet were propped up on the table. Harry nearly cringed at the sight. He could already hear his aunt and uncles curses if he had been caught doing that. "You saw what she did to Malfoy. Her boyfriend."

"Actually, I didn't see anything—" Hermione, once again, tried to correct the boy, but Harry already knew that the boy didn't care enough to listen. Not when he thought he was right.

"Dean did." Seamus turned to the dark skinned boy beside him with a smile, "Tell them, Dean."

Dean flushed under everyone's gaze, stammering ever so slightly. "Umm.. yeah, she went a little crazy."

"I think berserk is the word you're looking for." George (Fred?) popped up from behind the couches, earning a flinch out of Harry. The Potter furrowed his eyebrows before glancing over to Hermione's right and spotting the red haired twin. "It took five people, including Professor Snape to get her off."

"It was right after you three left, Hermione." Fred  (George?) explained, looking down at the girl. "Draco called her Rotten Rosier and she lost it."

"Oh my god, Fred!" George (he knew it) glanced over at Fred, locking eyes with the boy as a gasp left his lips. "You think those were the signs her parents showed before they went cuckoo?"

"Enough!" Neville shrieked, his eyes were dark. Harry didn't think he ever saw the boys eyes that dark before.

"Merlin, Bottom, what crawled up your arse?" George rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest, while Fred snickered at his words. Neville didn't even spare a glance at George. Instead, he kept his gaze burning into the carpet.

"She.." His voice, hushed; almost like a whisper. Barely anyone could hear his words over the crackling of the fire. "She remembered."

"Remembered what, Neville?" Harry spoke up, concerned for his friend, despite knowing exactly what he was referring to. He just wanted to hear him say it. That Raven remembered the victims names as if they burned into her memory for the rest of her life; As if they held meaning and worth unlike the people who killed them.

"Did your families ever tell you stories about Raven? About Rotten Rosier?" He clarified, as if he wanted them to see the two as separate people. "My grandma used to tell me so many scary stories whenever I wouldn't listen to her. Neville, she would say, if you don't clean your room, Rotten Rosier would curse you. Neville, fold the laundry, or else Rotten Rosier would come for you. And before I got to Hogwarts, she told me how evil, and twisted, Rotten Rosier was. And how it was her fault that they're.."

Neville trailed off at his last few words, so hushed and quiet that no one around could hear, despite Harry and the others trying to listen. The boys eyes clouded over, and Harry finally knew the look. It was grief. Thick, deep, and powerful grief. One so painful and aching that the only way not to feel it was to keep it shut behind a closed door inside of him mind; one so similar to his own about his parents. He paused at the sight, his breathed hitching before he turned to Ron, only earning a shrug in response. Harry furrowed his eyebrows before he glanced over at the others, wondering if any of them heard the words. Shrugs and shaking their heads were exchanged between the group.

Seamus cleared his throat, taking his feet off of the table and sitting up. He hesitated for a moment, almost as if he were ashamed before he inhaled deeply and spoke up.

"I saw her on the street one time, Rotten Rosier, when I was little, and my mom grabbed me so hard and pulled me away from her. And she said, don't touch her Seamus, she'd curse you and her darkness would spread. That was the first time my mom ever spoke of her." His voice remained steady as he spoke, almost as if he were trying to make himself believe his mother's words. Harry felt guilt pool in his stomach at the teens words. Guilt and sympathy for Raven; the girl whose parents were responsible for the death of his own. "After that day, she told me stories about Rotten Rosier, how she'd steal my candy, or curse me, or take all my fingers and toes. But most of all, she'd tell me how she was evil like her parents. That she was born—"

"Born wrong." Ron finished. Silence filled the room for a moment before he continued, sparing a glance at the twins. "My mother told us the same thing too."

"We even had a game." George chimed in with a charming smile. "Don't let Rotten Rosier catch you."

"I won every time." Fred pointed to himself, bragging to Hermione. But the muggleborn didn't even twitch; frozen from the conversation that had taken place.

"Only because you never let me be Rotten Rosier!" George glared at his twin. Fred smiled cheekily, rolling his eyes.

"I did, two Christmases ago." He replied.

George scoffed. "For like 10 minutes!"

"..new... my... rents.. na..." Neville mumbled, his voice being lost in the background of the twins. Harry turned to the boy, having barely heard what he said. But Neville made no move to look up. He hadn't for a while.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows, leaning in closer to his friend. "Pardon?"

"She knew the names of her parent's victims." Neville repeated, his voice grew louder, echoing inside of the empty common room. "Every single one."

George scoffed. "No way."

"She probably made them up." Fred suggested.

"That's impossible." Seamus disagreed, shaking his head like George did, sitting up. "The Rosier's killed like a hundred wizards. Like the twins said, they is no way she remembered every single one."

"She didn't." Neville looked up, his eyes held tears inside of them. "I umm.. I asked Hermione to help me research the names. And umm.."

"Every single name she said and then some, we found. They were victims of Phillip and Fiona Rosier." Hermione emphasized, hoping that the group of boys understood the fact that they were currently speaking about three different people. Raven, Phillip, and Fiona. "Boy, girl, mother, father, kids. She knew them all."

No one spoke, silenced by the girls words.

"How can a girl who is known as evil incarnate by the entire wizarding world.." Dean spoke aloud to himself in a mere whisper and yet, they all heard him in the silence of the room. "..know the names of her parents victims if she was so evil? If I was evil, as evil as you say she is, I wouldn't care to be honest. I'd wreak havoc, ya know?"

"Have any of you even talked to her?" Hermione continued, "She's nice. Funny. A little shy. And she's brave too."

"Fred! George!" Ginny shrieked as she entered the common room, hurrying inside as if someone were chasing after her. "Ron!"

Ronald stood up, immediately at the sound of the fear inside of her voice. "Ginny."

George glanced over at the door, his eyes stayed on Ginny till she was right in front of him. Her eyes filled to the brim with fear. "Are you alright?"

"Rotten Rosier's outside of by the door." Ginny whispered fearfully. Hermione scoffed, while the boys shared a look before her eyes widened as Ginny's words settled into her mind.  "You think she's here to curse us?"

"Raven!" Hermione called out, running over to the door. She quickly opened it before stepping outside her voice trailing off into a whispers as the door shut behind her. "Hey, here, I have the book.."

"You think the cuckoo rubs off on people because Granger's acting a little.." Fred spoke up, sharing a glance with George. Their little sister forgotten.

"Cuckoo!" George finished, and the two twins bursted into laughter as if they had said the world's funniest joke. And yet, Harry couldn't find the humor in it. A month ago, he probably would have. Maybe even 2 months ago. But now, with what he knows, he just felt.. bad.

"Did you even listen to a word she said?" Ronald spoke up, narrowing his eyes at the twins. Ginny lingered near the two boys, looking more out of place than anything else. Tired even, with the small bags under her eyes.

"Freddie, look, Ronnie's getting all defensive about his girlfriend." George laughed, mocking Ron. His best friend blushed at his brothers words, his gaze grew daggers.

"She's not my—!" Ron exclaimed before he inhaled deeply, cutting himself off. "That girl you call Rotten Rosier saved my life!"

"Ron—" Harry tried to stop him, knowing that the boy didn't want to talk about what happened. He still didn't and Harry didn't want to push and force him too.

"No, Harry, I'm not going to keep acting oblivious anymore. She saved me and Hermione, and I know you hate her. I do. And out of respect for you, I don't talk to her. But she saved us. That's a fact." Ron's eyes lingered on Harry for a moment longer before they shifted over to the twins. And Harry couldn't help but be grateful that someone as loyal and kind as Ronald Weasley chose him as his best friend. He wondered what he ever did to deserve someone like Ron, who always looked out for him and had his side without needing to be told. "During Professor Lockhart's class, he let out pixies and they attacked everyone. And while everyone ran out of the classroom, Raven stayed behind to help her friends and because of that, she ended up getting attacked by pixies. Now, Hermione ran over to help her and I ran over to help Hermione, so neither of us saw the pixies messing up the chain that held the bones above us. But Raven did."

Harry remembered that day.

It would probably be burned into his memory forever. The day he couldn't save his best friends, being too slow, too weak, too useless to do something. After that day, he swore that he would never leave their side again. He wouldn't let them deal with threats alone anymore, not when he was right beside them to keep them safe.

And yet, the sight of Raven tackling his friends to the ground and hovering over them to ensure that the skeleton hit her, every inch of her, instead of them. He could still hear her scream. A small cry that you would only hear if you were near. And he heard it. They all did.

And then, she passed out.

"She tackled us onto the floor. And she let the bones hit her, instead of us." Ron continued, his voice sounded almost as distant as Harry felt. He wondered if he was living the same memory as he was. "Did you know Raven broke 3 ribs, punctured her left lung, and nearly broke her neck? She could have died. She saved my life after I called her a coward, and Rotten, and evil, and said that she was just like her dad, a few hours before. And she stilled tackled me to the ground and made sure nothing hit me."

Harry turned away, breathed hitching.

"That's the girl you're calling Rotten Rosier." Ron stated, pointing at the twins before himself. His voice breaking ever so slightly. "The girl I called Rotten Rosier."

"We had no idea, Ron." George said.

Fred glanced over at Harry. "She really did that?"

"Yeah." Harry replied. "She did."

And so much more.