All For Her

Dinner.

Ever since Dumbledore's detention, Raven made sure to never skip Dinner again, no matter how much a part of her longed to be elsewhere. Even in this moment, as she sat around the Slytherin table with Draco's nimble, sweaty hands holding her own, Raven knows that it was better to sit beside the boy than anywhere near the headmaster. She couldn't risk accidentally spilling another secret out of her lips like last time. She had to remain strong, firm the next time she saw him. She wouldn't risk Christopher getting caught in the cross fire of her lies, especially considering how heavily they were all starting to pile up. The original plan between the three of them — minus her godfather — was foiled before it could even be accomplished. Not that she blamed Granger for the part she played in Christophers punishment. The girl had no idea what was in store for them after she left.

Thankfully, Saturday and Sunday passed without so much as a word from the man. Instead, the headmaster simply passed Raven a book. One that she hadn't recognized. In fact, she had never seen a book like that before. Or the ones he had given her after. Many of them included fantasy Raven did not think were possible, tales of stories that couldn't have made sense if the people were supposed to be wizards. Raven assumed that they were old story tales before the first wizards were born. Romeo and Juliet, she had read, along with a book called Cinderella. A book about a teen who desperately searched for love. Perhaps the headmaster had no idea what else to do with Raven during detention. Maybe he simply gave up.

Raven felt her smile tighten at the laughter that spread around the table. Her stomach churned, achingly as the smell of dinner drew inside of her nose. Her food had been pushed in front of her. She didn't even think of touching it. Despite Draco's hand clutching onto her right one, Raven didn't let that interfere with her work.

With the work that she promised to herself that she'd do for Hermione to make up for her cruelty from their last conversation.

Raven fought the urge to shift on her feet the longer she stayed waiting for the muggleborn witch to come out of the Gryffindor entrance. She cautiously glanced around, hoping that no one of importance — Draco — would be wondering by. She didn't want to rumors to spread about her new found love for Gryffindor, especially since she was supposed to hate them like the rest of the purebloods. She couldn't cause anymore trouble for her family. Uncle Nicholas barely forgave her, merely smacking her for her stupidity, while Christopher took the heat of the incident. Something she still couldn't believe. Raven grimaced at the way her throat burned, having had thrown up in the loo prior to arriving at the dorms.

Eating dinner with Dumbledore had shaken her up more than she realized. She could barely keep down the food she had eaten with the man. Then, instead of being allowed to leave and go to the loo to settle her stomach, the man kept her back and forced her into an awkward conversation. One that she wished never happened. And yet, she would still have to see him tomorrow after dinner as well as the next day. She just hoped she wouldn't spill anything else about her and her family or raise her voice at the man like she had done in detention. She was surprised that he hadn't outright smacked her for her outburst. Uncle Nicholas would have.

"Hello?" Someone had spoken up from behind Raven. The red haired girl stiffened, surprised by the girls presence. She hadn't heard her walk up to her. Raven felt like a puppet as the strings attached to the ends of her lips tugged up harshly, digging deeper and deeper into her as the perfect smile graced her lips before she turned to face the stranger.

The smile instantly vanished at the sight before her.

Raven's eyes instinctively went to the sight of the girls striking red hair, a blazing orange starring back at her. There was no mistaking it. She was a Weasley. Her hair was practically identical to Ronalds. The same with her freckles, except hers were more scattered than his. They struck out, forcing anyone with eyes to see them right away. The first year was clutching onto her books, looking up at Raven with a curious expression. The Rosier couldn't help but notice the dark circle under her brown eyes. Almost, sleepless. Pity spread through Raven at the sight. She knew what it was like to struggle to adjust to Hogwarts during your first year, heck she was still struggling.

And so, a more natural, genuine smile — one that was small — tugged up onto her lips as she addressed the first year before her. "Hey.."

"Can I help you?" The girl said. Vaguely, Raven felt as if she had seen her from somewhere. The red head glanced down at Raven's robs with furrowed eyebrows. "Are you waiting for someone?"

Raven hesitated for a moment, wondering how she should address the muggleborn. She hadn't outright called her by her name since they've met. She tried to keep a distance from the girl, even if its something simple as saying her last name instead of her first. It helped to keep the two separate, distant; as if the girl truly meant nothing to Raven. And yet, the words that came out of her lips sounded so nature, so perfect, that her breath got caught in her throat for a single moment. "Hermione."

She wondered how it would sound if she said it again. Would it sound just as perfect? As right? Or was she just kidding herself? She wanted to try again. But she knew how weak and weird she'd look if she repeated herself, especially with the way the Weasley was looking at her. The red haired girl had a raised eyebrow, unsure of the Hufflepuffs tone before she nodded, glancing over at the portrait that separated Raven from the entrance.

"Ginerva." The portrait greeted the teen, causing Raven's eyes to widen. She knew that some portraits could speak and come to life as if they had a mind of their own, but Raven had yet to see it. Many of them simply ignored the Rosier. "You're out late again."

"Okay, and?" Ginerva rolled her eyes. She had a pretty name, Raven thought. Though, by the growing scowl on her face, Raven could tell the girl did not seem to think the same. "I told you to call me Ginny. Not Ginerva. Ginny."

"I'll start calling you Ginny when you start coming back before curfew." The Portrait — Raven fought the urge to ask the portrait its name — spat right back with a huff. She narrowed her eyes into a glare, focusing all her attention on the first year, ignoring Raven. "What have you been doing anyways?"

"I.." Ginny paused, opening her mouth to speak before the words simply fell short of her lips, forcing a growing silence between the three of them to occur as their eyes poured into the first year. Raven couldn't help her curiosity, nor a growing worry to pool inside of her stomach. The first year might have been a Weasley and a blood traitor, but she almost looked.. lost. Scared, even. But in an instant, her walls build back up, not quite as strong as they were before, but walls nonetheless.

"It's none of your business, Fat Lady!" Ginny glared at the portrait, clutching onto the book in her hold tighter; almost as if she were afraid someone would outright snatch it from her hold. "Now, are you going to let us in? I don't want to stand here all night. Wattlebird.""

"NO!" The portrait began to open up instinctively before it shut with a slam. Ginny and Raven both flinched at the noise, hearing it echo down the dark empty halls. Ginny furrowed her eyebrows, confused, while the portrait glanced over at Raven, keeping her gaze on the girl. "You just had to say the password in front of a stranger, Ginerva."

"She is not a stranger." Ginny replied before she gestured over to Raven. "She is here to see Hermione, so if you could please let us in—"

"You could go in, Ginerva." The portrait started to creep open ever so slightly, narrowing its eyes at the Rosier. Raven fought the urge to sigh at the sight. She couldn't go a day without someone or something to recognize her. She had gotten lucky that Ginny — who was a Weasley — hadn't recognized her on the spot. The girl seemed more or less, out of it. As if she were going through the motions of small talk. Raven couldn't blame her. The first year looked completely wiped out. "But there is no way I am letting a Rosier inside."

Raven winced.

"A Ro— Rosier?" Ginny stuttered, her voice breathless; terrified. She glanced over at Raven and all the girl could do was send the first year a perfect smile right back, knowing that nothing she could do or say would make her look any less terrified than she did right now. "Your.. Your Rotten Roiser.."

"Yeah." Raven replied weakly, feeling the strings tug on her lip harder with each second. Ginny's eyes widened at Raven's words. Without wasting a single second, the first year sprung around, her wand pointed at Raven with trembling hands. Raven's eyes widened, her breathed hitching at the sight. She quickly opened her mouth to try and calm the first year down, but the girl beat her to it.

"Flipendo!" She cried out. Raven couldn't see the exact color of the spell as it smacked her straight in the chest, sending her flying backwards. All she could hear was a loud bang. Her back slammed into the wall behind her, forcing the air out of her lungs. Her eyes shut tightly as a radiating pain spread throughout her back. She barely caught the sight of the first year running hastily into the dorms, shutting the portrait behind her. Raven gasped for air, unable to stop the splutter of coughs from leaving her lips. She reached out for the wall, trying to stabilize herself. She couldn't fall. She wouldn't.

But it hurt.

Her vision began to blur as she placed a hand over her mouth, trying to forcefully halt the aching coughs from escaping her lips. She inhaled deeply, ignoring the ache of her back as it began to build and build and build with every passing moment. Her trembling useless hands gave away her true feeling that she tried to suppress. She was scared; is scared. It wasn't the first time someone had attacked her upon knowing who she was. It had happened during her first year, but after the first incident, Dumbledore addressed the school and put a stop to it before it escalated. Raven had grown too comfortable that she had forgotten for a moment that some people out there were simply terrified of her. And they would hurt her in order to protect themselves from her.

"Hey, here, I have your book.." A voice — her voice — one that she'd recognize anywhere. The girl that she had been awaiting outside of the dorms to meet like they had discussed. Raven forced her gaze up, shamefully. The blurry figure of — what she assumes to be — Hermione was frozen at the sight before her, looking as if she were holding something solid, brown in her hands. A book, Raven realized. The Rosier couldn't take it any longer, a deep seated shame began to build inside of her stomach. No one was allow to see her this way. Only her family could see her worthlessness, imperfectness, ugliness. She couldn't bare to look at Hermione anymore, fixing her gaze back onto the floor, as she forced herself — using the wall as support — to stand upright. And yet, despite how hard she tried to stand with a perfect posture, her coughs forced her back down as she was unable to catch her breath.

"Merlin.." She heard her voice once more. But it sounded muffled over the ringing in her ears. She couldn't make out any more of the words the girl had began to say. She didn't even know if she was still standing there. Raven wouldn't dare to look. She wouldn't blame her if she had left her alone with her imperfectness. Anyone else would have.

But this wasn't anyone else.

This was Hermione Jean Granger.

And she was stubborn.

Raven could barely feel hands guiding her down onto the floor, forcing her to sit. She felt someone crouch down in front of her, placing their hand on her knee. Raven flinched at the contact and instantly, the person retracted their hand. She couldn't see. Raven couldn't see who was in front of her. Her vision was too blurry, coated with tears that she wouldn't dare shed. She undeserving of them. She was unable to get air inside of her lungs. Damn, she must have hit that wall harder than she thought. Or perhaps, Ginevra put more force behind the spell than she realized. But still, she kept her hand over her mouth, trying desperately to halt the coughs from bursting out of her lips imperfectly.

If her Aunt Eleanor were here, she would have smacked her for her display of weakness. But she wasn't here. She was back home in the Flint Manor, while her children roamed the halls of Hogwarts. They have been for a while now. A hand gripped onto Raven's wrist — the one from the hand that had been covering her mouth — and forcefully tugged it away, allowing the coughs to burst out of her. Her eyes widened. She quickly reached her other hand to clasp it over, but the person reacted just as fast, grabbing ahold of both hands. Raven tried to struggle against them, but it proved to be useless. She was useless.

"Shhh." They spoke, muffled. "It's me. It's Hermione."

Granger? She was still here? Raven blinked back her blurry vision, ignoring the teardrops trail down her cheeks. She could see her perfectly now. Her soft gentle brown eyes gazing into her own with nothing but concern and worry pooling inside of them. Raven stopped struggling, turning her head away from the girl, not wanting her to see her ugliness; her imperfections on display. But Granger wouldn't have it. She reached out with one hand, placing it against Ravens left cheek and carefully pulled Raven's attention back to her. The Rosier tried again, but the girl harden her grip, forcing Raven to remain still.

"No." She said, ordered. And yet, her voice sounded so calm, soft as she spoke to Raven. "Look at me. Raven, look at me. You need to breathe."

Hermione's other hand trailed down and interlaced their fingers tightly, almost painfully. She kept her gaze locked with Ravens before she inhaled deeply, loudly, gaining Raven's attention. She always had her attention. "Like me, okay? Copy me."

Raven didn't know how long they sat there.

But it felt like forever.

And soon, Hermione moved to sit beside the girl once her breathing was back in control.

"So.. is that the book?" Raven broke the silence between the two of them, sparing a glance down at the book that lay near Hermione, looking as if it was thrown — tossed — to the side. Hermione followed her gaze before she glanced at Raven with raised eyebrows.

"Is that all you're going to say?" Hermione questioned.

Raven smacked her lips. "What do you want me to say, Granger?"

In this moment, Raven didn't bother to hide her imperfections. Hermione had already seen the worse of them. Just like Cedric.

"I want you to tell me what happened." She replied, her voice was soft despite the look in her eye.

"Nothing happened." Raven turned away, ignoring the burning gaze of the girl on the side of her head. She couldn't handle the softness of her tone. Why wasn't she screaming at her for imperfections? Why wasn't she upset that Raven was being weak?

"Rubbish." Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Something happened."

"Can you just drop it?!" Raven snapped, her voice echoed down the halls. "I don't need a know it all getting in my business."

Hermione flinched at her words, avoiding Raven's gaze. The red haired girl felt her stomach churn at the sight, guilt began to pool in her stomach. She didn't mean to say that. She just wanted her to stop. It was already embarrassing enough that she had caught Raven being anything but perfect. And yet, Hermione had stayed around and helped her.

And Raven just kept hurting her like always; as if she were made to do so.

But what other choice did she have?

"That was rude." Hermione broke the silence. Her voice was a mere whisper.

"Look, Granger, the only reason I'm here is because you asked me to be. So, can you just hurry up and tell me why I'm here already." Raven replied, avoiding the girls eyes as she stood up. Her posture instinctively fixing itself. "If not, I'm leaving."

And that's how Raven got stuck with the book. Moste Potente Potions. Granger had explained to Raven how she, Ronald, and Harry were preparing to make a Polyjuice potion in order to find out if Malfoy was the person who opened up the Chamber of Secrets. Raven was baffled that the girl had trusted her with such information, especially considering her relationship with Draco. She had tried to persuade the muggleborn that it couldn't be him. Despite what he believes, he didn't have a true evil bone in him. He could bully someone, belittle them, but he could never ever kill someone or petrify them. No matter how much he threatened muggleborn, or halfbloods, or blood traitors, he wouldn't do it. He couldn't. He wasn't built that way.

But despite her protest, Hermione insisted.

And so, here she was, going over the book like she had for the last couple of days since it's been in her possession. She didn't want to leave a page unturned. She wouldn't dare. Not when Hermione was counting on her. Though, as she turned the page, a wince nearly left her lips. Her back had gotten a huge bruise from the exchange with Ginny, while the rest of her body remained sore. She didn't want to take any more of the chocolate frogs that had been offered to her. Instead, she had given them to Christopher, knowing that he needed more than her. And she knew he used them right away as the bruises disappeared from his face and he no longer winced when he moved. He was all healed.

And Raven couldn't be happier because of it.

Christopher didn't deserve to suffer for her mistake. But he was.

And it was all Raven's fault.

At least now, as she mindlessly read the book without truly retaining the information, she could help Hermione. If she focused, that is. And so, she squinted her eyes ever so slightly — hoping no one noticed the action — to help her see the words a little better instead of blurry. She wasn't blind. She wasn't allowed to be. A pureblood was meant to be perfect; not blind, not left handed, no bad habits like standing on your tippy toes or messing with your fingers. She was supposed to be perfect. Just because the words look a little blurry when she reads doesn't mean she's blind or that she has trouble reading. She is an excellent reader. As long as no one found out about her little issue, then she'd be fine.

She was fine now.

"Right, love?" Draco broke her thoughts, squeezing her hand with his own — sweaty, rough palm — that made Raven feel as if she were holding onto a piece of meat that had too much seasoning on it. Raven absolutely hated it, but what other choice did she have? She couldn't outright pull her hand away from his. She belonged to him now. He owned her.

"Pardon?" Raven felt the strings tug up tightly, a sickly perfect smile raised onto her face. The white haired boy beamed at the sight, leaning in closer to Raven; way too closer for her liking. She fought the urge to grimace at the overwhelming smell of his cologne that flooded her senses. God, would it kill him to put on a little less? His breathed brushed against her cheek before he gave her a quick, but lingering peck. Raven's could taste the iron on her tongue at the action as her skin flushed under the attention. Under the claim he placed upon her once more.

"See, Theo, I told you." Draco smirked, glancing over to Theodore, who sat across from him at the table. His cheeks were ever so slightly pink at his own action. Something Raven didn't dare mention, not wanting to bruise the boys ego in front of the other Slytherins. "Raven doesn't care if I give her a kiss on the cheek. She likes it."

"Ew, gross." Christopher grimaced, gagging ever so slightly. His gaze flashed over to Pansy, who sat down beside Doyle, for a quick moment — almost as if he were concerned — before he narrowed his eyes at Draco. "Can you guys not do that in front of me? I don't need to see that."

And Raven didn't want to feel the boys plum and dry lips on her cheek, but she kept that complaint to herself. Pansy drew into herself, growing quiet at the scene before her as if it hurt. Raven felt her stomach twist in pity, she knew that the girl had a crush on the white haired boy. One that had lasted for years. Everyone knew about it — even Draco — but no one ever took her seriously, not when Christopher had began to try and court her once Draco showed no interest in the girl. And yet, Raven knew. She knew how serious the girl had been about the boy. She would go as far as to say that the feelings that she had for the boy went beyond just a tiny crush, but actual genuine feelings.

Pansy never — when the two were friends — stopped talking about Draco, whether they were in their etiquette class, or the blood ball, or even visiting the other at one of their respected homes for a while. She would never fail to mention the boy, even if it was just once. Unfortunately, despite her constant wishes, her parents never did set her up with the boy nor did the Malfoy's try on their end. Everyone figured that the crush would simply fizzle out like every other things.

But Raven could see it as clear as day.

Despite the perfect smile on her face — one that matched her own — Pansy was absolutely devastated.

"You're just jealous that you don't have a girlfriend, Chris." Theodore teased, a smirk tugging up onto his face. The boy had barely acknowledged her since she began to sit with the Slytherins. If anything, it seemed as if he were avoiding her. Raven couldn't help but wonder why. Theodore often critiqued her, especially after she had became a Hufflepuff. But that was just who he was; blunt. He never held back what he was thinking, even if it hurt your feelings.

"I am not jealous!" Christopher spat — one that held no bite in it. He gestured over to Draco and Raven, grimacing once more. "My best mate and my little sister are bloody snogging. The least they can do is snog behind close doors. Nobody wants to see that."

"If you count a kiss on the cheek as snogging, then I feel sorry for your future girlfriend." Theodore teased. Blaise laughed at the boys quip, earning Raven's attention for a moment. Theodore had been to Blaise's right, while Doyle was on his left, making him directly in front of Raven. Christopher spluttered, unable to come up with a comeback to silence the laughter between the group.

Raven turned her gaze back to the book that laid open and bare on the table in front of her. Despite the growing anxiety at the thought, she pulled her hand away from Draco's sweaty ones — unable to look at the boy in the eye after her action. He didn't spare her a glance, simply returning to the conversation amongst the boys at the table, while she placed her hand on her lap, swiftly and without bringing attention to herself, began to wipe off the sweaty that lingered from Draco's hand. Afterwards, she placed her hand back up to the book, elbow on the table. She paused for a moment at her mistake, glancing down at her two arms and finding both of her elbows on the table. She immediately pulled them down, biting her tongue to try and calm her racing heart.

Raven hoped nobody had bared witness to such imperfection. If Aunt Eleanor were here, she would have cursed her outright, striking her down where she stood, and smacked her wrist till they bled. Raven inhaled deeply, pushing forward. She needed to read. She couldn't keep getting lost in her thoughts and stalling anymore. She had to take notes and use her own knowledge to help Hermione (and the boys).

"Raven?" Draco spoke up again; his breath tickled her ear. She flinched, leaning away from the boy instinctively. She could feel Crabbe's arm brush against her own, forcing her to tense up. She had forgotten how much her old friend group knew next to nothing about personal boundaries. The boys simply took whatever the girls would offer them; it wasn't like they could say no.

At this point, if anyone else kept distracting her from reading, she would stand and walk over to the Hufflepuff table for some peace and quiet. She knew if she were there, she would be left alone to her business. But she knew that was wishful thinking. She hadn't spoken a word to her friends for the past weeks. If she had suddenly sat down beside them after ignoring them for so long, especially Cedric, they would be worse than her fellow purebloods. And yet, Raven felt a part of her long for her to speak to them again. She missed them, desperately. She didn't have to be.. Raven Mara Rosier around them.

She could just be.

Even if that meant staying silent while she studied, or spoke very little words, or smile so small. They didn't care. All they wanted was her. It didn't matter to them if she were anything less than perfect. In fact, she knew that they longed for her to show some imperfections like a toothy grin or a snort. She wasn't blind to their wish. She just.. tried not to show it. She knew that it would simply be too much to actually be imperfect. She couldn't do it. Raven wouldn't dare try to, not with the Slytherins at least. But with them, with Melanie, Veronica, Natasha, Sophia, and Cedric, she could be even if it was something small.

But Raven wasn't with them.

She was with Draco and the others.

And she was supposed to be perfect. 

She quickly, but calmly leaned back toward the boy, fixing her posture in the progress. She bit back the wince that threatened to leave her lips without permission. He didn't spare a glance at the girls action, keeping his closeness. Raven held her breath at the brush of his lips against her ear. He whispered, hushed. "Are you cold?"

Raven almost shrugged, hoping the boy would get the hint and leave her alone, but she stopped herself. Raven Mara Rosier did not shrug. She was perfect. The red haired girl turned to the boy, a perfect puppet smile tugged up onto her lips. She spoke, a soft and obedient tone. "No. I'm fine, thank you."

"Oh. Okay." He deflated, a flash of disappointment clouded over his eyes for a moment. His hands — one that she didn't even see — that were reaching up towards his scarf, trailed down back to his lap awkwardly. His cheeks flushed; embarrassed. Raven's eyes widened ever so slightly at the sight. How could she be so foolish? God, if Aunt Eleanor were here, she would have scolded Raven for her stupidity.

The boy moved to turn away from Raven with a coat of pink on his cheeks, seemingly done with the conversation. The red haired girl paused for a moment, unsure. She spared a glance over to Pansy, whose eyes hadn't strayed away from Malfoy and his frown. Raven clenched her jaw and forced her gaze back to Draco, hoping she wouldn't hurt the girl too much with what she was about to do. What she was made to do; satisfy her betrothal. Raven reached out, grabbing ahold of his arm as gently and delicately as possible. She didn't want to upset the boy any further. "Actually, I apologize. I'm a little cold."

"Really?" He beamed before he caught himself, coughing to try and hide his growing flushed cheeks. He swiftly grabbed ahold of his scarf and tugged it off, handing it to Raven. "Here. What type of betrothal would I be if I let you freeze?"

"A lousy one, that's for sure." Blaise spoke up. Draco turned to the boy, narrowing his eyes into a glare. The moment forgotten.

"Mind your business, Blaise." Draco warned with flushed cheeks. Crabbe snickered beside Raven.

She didn't want to wear the scarf. But if it made Draco happy, then she would. She hesitated for a moment more before she wrapped the scarf around her neck, trying not to grimace at the scent that lingered on the wool. It smelled exactly like Draco's cologne as if the scent itself were stitched into the fabric. Raven clenched her jaw, keeping her expression straight and not one of disgust. He didn't smell bad, almost like green apples with hints of hair gel. But it was just too much; way too much. And despite it all, she wanted to look on the bright side. She had a scarf now. For the moment, at least.

It was warm, kind of scratchy, but warm.

"You.. like it?" Draco asked; unsure.

Raven turned to the boy with a perfect smile and answered genuinely. "Yes, I do. Thank you."

Draco's cheeks burned at the sight, turning a scarlet red. He swiftly looked away with a huff before placing leaning on his hand, covering his mouth ever so slightly and muffing his next words. "You're welcome."

"Look, Malfoy's blushing." Doyle whispered to Blaise; not as quiet as either boy thought they were. Draco's ears began to burn at the boys whispers before he narrowed his eyes at the two of them, warningly. Neither boy took the threat seriously, simply laughed at the look.

Raven allowed herself a few more seconds to view the boy before her before she turned away and back to her book. She ignored the weird churn in her gut at the sight of the boys blush, causing her to instinctively stiffen at the mere sight. She hadn't seen it before; hadn't felt this way either. It wasn't like that weird feeling she had around Hermione. There weren't pixies flying around in her stomach. In fact, Raven almost preferred that then to this. This sensation felt too similar to someone grabbing a hold of her lungs and squeezing them, leaving her somewhat breathless. A chill ran down her spine, embedding its nails into her skin and scratching her all the way down to her tones. It stung, harshly.

She had to fight the urge to shift in her seat. The scarf that was wrapped around her neck wasn't helping. The overwhelming aroma of Draco surrounded her very being and kept her in its tight clutches, forcing her to remain locked in. She couldn't help but wonder if this is how she would feel for the rest of her life with Draco. Trapped.

A life that Pansy wanted.

Raven glance up at the girl, only to see her hardened gaze on the scarf. Instinctively, the red haired girl brought her hand up to the scarf. Pansy blinked, seemingly knocked out of her starring before she looked up, making eye contact with Raven. Despite her better judgement — and the growing anxiety that began to brew in her stomach — at the action, Raven sent the girl a sad smile, one that showed how perfectly trapped she felt in this moment. Pansy's green eyes widened ever so slightly at the sight, her eyes glistening over before her lips tugged up into a half smile. It trembled after a moment, seemingly broke under the weight of her heartbreak. And yet, the girl forced herself to keep it up like they were taught to.

Raven couldn't bare the sight any longer. She turned away, biting her inner lip so harshly that she could taste the iron on her tongue. Raven could hear the Pansy's feet brushing against the chair as she swung her feet to the other side and hurried out of the Great Hall. And still, Raven refused to look at her. She didn't want to see the tears that had been brewing in her eyes — tears that she had caused — trail down her pale cheeks and stain them for the rest of their lives. Because Raven stole the one person, the only person, Pansy ever allowed herself to want.

"What crawled up Pansy's arse?" Crabbes words only further grew Raven's guilt. She could hear the smile in his tone, the smug smirk that lived on his face. The boys around them laughed; all except Christopher and — surprisingly — Theodore. The two boys drew into silence; something Raven didn't think was possible for either of them. She had heard each and every one of their laughters for years. She practically memorized them. So, she knew; truly knew whenever any one of their group grew quiet. And Theodore and Christophers laugh always managed to mix with one another, sounding the most happiest whenever they were together. It always sounded like that, even when the two boys could barely call themselves friends. And yet amongst their friends, their laughter was suddenly silent after Crabbs words.

"She's just being dramatic." Draco groaned, rolling his eyes. "I'm surprised she's made it this far into Raven and I's relationship without crying."

"Shut your trap, Malfoy!" Christopher sneered, banging his hand onto the table. Raven flinched before she turned to the scene, watching as Christopher's eyes darkened so deeply that she could have sworn that Uncle Nicholas had paid another visit to the school. The Great Hall grew quiet at the noise as eyes found their way to the Slytherin table. Raven stiffened under the attention, fixing her posture instinctively.

Draco furrowed his eyebrows, absolutely baffled by the boys outburst. "Excuse me?"

"Merlin." Christopher scoffed, placing his silver wear onto his plate of food. "You're such a dick sometimes."

"What?" Draco looked taken aback by the teens words. Christopher ignored the boy as he stood up from the table with his tray of food in his hand before he ran out of the Great Hall, not once looking back at the group of friends. It didn't take a genius to know who he was running after, especially since Pansy had let her food behind; barely touched. Draco, still not getting the hint, continued to shout after him until the boy was out of sight. "Christopher?! Hey! Where are you going?"

"Way to go, Dray." Blaise reached over and smacked the boys arm. Raven tensed up at the motion, leaning away ever so slightly. The dark skinned boy narrowed his eye into a glare before he gestured over to the door as soon as he sat down. "You angered the beast."

Crabbe and Doyle shared a look, snickering amongst themselves. Blaise rolled his eyes at their action. Though, Raven could see a sneak of a smile trying not to climb onto his lips. Theodore remained silent, his gaze staying on the Great Hall doors.

"I didn't do anything!" Draco exclaimed, turning towards Raven, placing his hand onto her back as if to emphasize his point. Raven tensed up at the contact, fixing her posture under their watchful gazes. She bit her tongue, hoping that he would sense that she was uncomfortable and move his hand before she punched him across the face. "Tell em, Raven!"

Raven didn't dare open her mouth, knowing that the next words to leave her tongue would have been less than perfect. In fact, she didn't trust her voice one bit, not just because of her less than kind words. She could feel the creeps of nausea build up in her stomach, twisting and turning till all that was left was for her to empty it out. Her throat burned as if barbed wire wrapped around it, tightening its grip as the spikes of metal embedded themselves into her skin. She could already feel the scratches. She needed to calm down. She needed to say something. Anything.

But all she could feel was his hand touching her back, directly over her scars. The only thing keeping him from actually touching them was her robs. The thick material offered a sanctuary that Raven didn't realize till now; a safety net. It was the only thing keeping anyone from directly touching her scars. Her blouse had a thinner fabric to the point that Raven could almost feel it against her skin whenever someone would touch her. His hand shifted ever so slightly, adding more pressure into her back. She couldn't hold back the wince if she tried. Damn it. Ginny's attack had hurt her more than she realized. She knew she had a bruise, but Merlin, it must have been a big one for something as simple as Draco adding more pressure to cause such a painful shock to run throughout her body.

It was almost enough to distract her from his hand over her scars.

Almost; if only her balled up hands — white as snow — against her lap weren't trembling so much.

"Ray—Ray!" A familiar voice called out, one that she would recognize anywhere. Draco scoffed beside her, his hand dropping down to his side. Raven couldn't stop the sigh relief to escape her lips. But she didn't relax. Her shoulders remained tensed. Hands as white as snow slowly loosened, gaining their natural color once more, but the trembling still remained. And she knew it would stay that way until she was far away from Draco and his touch; till she scrubbed her skin raw, ensuring that it was off. "It's time for detention."

But despite that, Raven didn't dare turn around, not when she could feel the groups eyes burning into her.

"Piss off, Diggory." Draco glared; his gaze darkening at the sight of Cedric. Raven could see the smug smirk out of the corner of her eyes. "My girlfriend and I are having a conversation."

Raven hated how much Draco made her sound like an object; like she belonged to him. She braced herself for Cedric's anger at his words. The teen might have been overprotective of Raven, but that didn't mean he wasn't just as protective of his own self. He wouldn't allow anyone — much less Draco Malfoy — to walk all over him. Despite contrary belief, Hufflepuffs weren't pushovers.

"My apologies, Malfoy. I didn't mean to interrupt, but I have to walk Raven to detention." Cedric apologized with gritted teeth. Raven almost turned to look at him before she caught herself. Did he apologize to Draco? Seriously? Raven couldn't believe it. She heard the boy inhale deeply as if this conversation was forcing him to use every nice bone in his body. "So, umm, can you hurry it up so we can go?"

"I said to piss off!" Draco spat, causing Raven to flinch in her seat. She dug her thumbnail into her index finger, hoping that a bit of pain could ground her and stop her from making the mistake of flinch again. "Damn the lot of you don't know how to take orders from someone superior to you, do you? I'll walk her to detention because she is my girlfriend and she doesn't need to be hanging with the likes of a blood traitor. So, run along you little wannabe."

And even though Raven didn't think this could get any worse, Draco had even gestured to Cedric to leave as if the boy was a mere child compared to him.

"You know, Malfoy, you sound awfully controlling. How about we ask Raven what she wants?" Cedric's tone shifted; almost smug. Draco grew a scowl, glaring daggers at Cedric. The two turned to Raven, but the red haired girl didn't dare look at either of them, especially Cedric. She gulped down the burning in her throat, hoping they would give up and move on. After a long moment, Cedric spoke again; his voice considerably soft. "Ray—Ray?"

Raven shut her eyes for a moment, unable to stop the ache that shot through her heart at the nickname. She missed him. Oh, how she missed Cedric so desperately. He was her best friend. But she couldn't choose him. No matter how much she wanted to. Raven opened her eyes, turning her body toward the boy with perfect posture and a perfect smile. When she spoke, it sounded so unlike herself; obedient and soft, just like her Aunt Eleanor taught her. "Malfoy can walk me."

"Oh.." Cedric visibly deflated. Raven felt the strings at the end of her lips tighten their hold on her at the mere sight of the boys disappointment. She couldn't look away from him. She wanted to burn him into her memory. The sight of the boy whose heart she keeps breaking; a boy who just wants to hang out with her and be her best friend. A boy whose smile could blow away any storm in her mind. He tried to gain back some of his dignity, building his walls back up. Draco huffed beside her, forming a smug smirk at the sight. Raven wanted to punch him in the face. Cedric sent the red haired girl a soft kind smile. "Okay. Whatever you want, Ray—Ray."

And just as the boy turned to leave, Raven's eyes widened at the familiar sight of their teammate before them.

"Nuh—uh." William wrapped his arm around Cedric's shoulder before he pointed at Raven, shaking his finger in her face. "No can do, little bird. What Diggory failed to mention is that Jessie sent him over here to bring you to her. She wants to talk to you."

Raven stood up instinctively at the boys words. Despite contrary belief, captain trumped betrothal in Raven's eyes. She wouldn't dare disappoint Jessie, even if it meant Draco would get mad at her because of it. "Am I in trouble, sir?"

"Ew, Raven." Draco cringed. He looked William up and down, clearly judging him. Raven nearly reached out and smacked his head. She cursed Cedric for his influence on her. She only ever did that to him. "Don't call someone of his status sir. It's degrading."

"Right." Raven replied; soft and obediently. She didn't hesitate to bow her head to the boy, like she was taught to do. "My apologizes, Sir Malfoy."

"That— That doesn't—" Draco flushed, his cheeks burning red. Raven kept her eyes on him, knowing that she wasn't allowed to look anywhere else. It was considered disrespectful to look elsewhere whenever your betrothal was talking to you. Malfoy's words flew from his lips, stammering on his own tongue. The longer he went on, the deeper shade of red his cheeks turned. "That doesn't mean you have to call me sir, either. Draco is fine. Or Dray. Or Malfoy. Or whatever you want. If you want to call me sir, then that's fine too. Whatever you're comfortable with, Raven."

Raven didn't want to call him anything.

Honestly, she just wanted to go and hang out with Cedric and her friends instead of being around Draco and the others. But she couldn't say that. She couldn't complain. She just had to take it like a good future wife would.

"Rosier." William broke her out of her line of thought. She turned back to the boy. He was wearing a kind smile, one that look so familiar to Cedric's but not quite. Cedric had a crooked smile, uneven and yet, to Raven, it was absolutely perfect for the boy. And yet, Williams smile was half way done, almost like a smirk. "We can't keep Jessie waiting all day."

"Of course, my apologies." Raven nodded. She turned back to the table and grabbed the book that she had left open before bringing it to her chest and clutching it tightly. She didn't want to lose the book and have anyone take it away from her. Hermione would never forgive her for that. She was entrusting Raven to help her, and Raven would do just that. And just as Raven moved to follow after the two boys who began to walk over to the Great Hall exit, Raven caught the sight of a green fabric brushing against the wind, jumping ever so slightly as she walked. Raven paused at the sight, turning back to Draco, whose gaze hadn't once strayed away from her. And with a soft and obedient voice, she asked. "Do you want your scarf back?"

Draco flushed, waving her off. "Keep it."

"I couldn't possibly—" Raven began to protest, hoping the boy would take it back. She didn't want it anymore. Not really. It felt less like a gift and more like a message. Raven Mara Rosier belonged to Draco Malfoy.

"I have plenty of them back in my dorm." Draco replied, sending Raven a flustered smile. His cheeks burning under her gaze. Raven couldn't say the same. She didn't even have a scarf, let alone other clothes beside the one on her body. She only had pajamas and a sweatshirt that belonged to Cedric that she had forgotten — stolen — to give back. "My parents send me more than what I know what to do with."

"Ray—Ray, come on!" Cedric's voice stopped her inner turmoil. He called out to her, scratchy and deep. Raven could hear the way his voice cracked ever so slightly. She could practically hear the smile on his lips, tugged up kindly for all to see. Raven loved his smile. She absolutely adored it. And so, an action that should have been hard, she felt as if she could finally breathed as she turned away and walked back over to Cedric, who was patiently waiting for her by the Great Hall doors. He placed all his weight on the ends of his feet, standing on his tippy toes before settling back down. He repeated the action over and over again, buzzing on the spot.

Raven couldn't hold back the fond smile if she tried.

It felt uneasy on her lips, almost unfamiliar. She nearly brought it back down and into a perfect smile if it wasn't for Cedric returning the grin with teeth and all, making her feel all warm and fuzzy and safe — for the first time in weeks.

"You know that your boyfriend is a bloody prat, right?" Cedric stated as soon as Raven was beside him. His shoulder's brushed against her own before he placed an arm over her, pulling her close. Raven tensed up, instinctively, at the action before she sighed, relaxing under Cedric's delicate touch. She glanced up at him; his shaggy brown hair, curls so slight that if you didn't see him every day you wouldn't be able to tell that he had them. His grey eyes peered into her own, almost as if he were seeing something she wasn't. The boy drew quiet at the sight, his smile stifling ever so slightly.

Neither spoke for a moment, silence growing between the two best friends as they continue to stare at one another. The only sounds that could be heard were their footsteps, William included as they followed the boy. Raven's vision grew blurry, glossy over ever so slightly before a weak, shaky smile — one that she desperately tried to make perfect — fell onto her lips. "Yeah.. He is."

Cedric's eyes softened, pained by the anguish in Raven's voice. He pursed his lips, biting it for a moment before he leaned in, puckering his lips outwards and gently kissing the side of Raven's head. The red haired Hufflepuff held back a cry at the unknown action, feeling her heart ache. Her throat burned harshly as a few tears began to dwindle downwards, trailing past her cheeks. With the end of her sleeve, she wiped them away, ensuring that William — or anyone walking past — wouldn't see her disgusting display of imperfection; vulnerability. She wanted to curse Cedric, wanted to push him out of her arms because he was the one person who could drag her imperfections out and onto the surface. And yet, she couldn't pull away from his warmth, his scent.

He smelled like seasoned oak trees on a warm fall morning. Leaves with specks of droplets trailing off them; dripping calmly, after a terrifying thunderstorm.  It was a scent that perfectly described Cedric. The calm after the storm; a fresh breeze on an agonizing hot day. The only thing missing was the small hint of cinnamon that always lingered off of him. Raven couldn't help but lean into the boys touched, inhaling deeper, softening ever so slightly once she smelled it. The cinnamon. It was everything she needed in that moment.

And it was everything she could never have again.

She pushed the boy away, tightening her posture, ignoring the wide gap that stood between them. The space that she created. He looked pained for a moment before he sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked away and at William, who was leading them around the corner to meet up with Jessie. Raven clenched her jaw, choking back her tears. She tightened her hold on the book Hermione had given her. An action so unfamiliar between the two of them — one that engulfed her with a sense of safety — had brought out her imperfections on full display for a single moment. She nearly cried in Cedric's arms just like she had with her Godfather. Why was she longing to return to his side, to his embrace — something that hadn't happen between the two of them — and settle there without worry or fear of showing him her imperfections? She still didn't know what that was called. Did it have a name?

She spared a glance up at Cedric, wondering if she was allowed to speak into the uncomfortable silence that settled between the two. Cedric would know. He knew the answer to every single one of her questions. He hadn't judged her for them, nor discouraged them. He taught her more than she ever thought she would know. He showed her many muggle things, like a sweatshirt and hoodie. He gave her a tour around Hogwarts — granted it was after curfew most of the times, which caused the two of them to get into some misguided mischief, especially all the times they left Hogwarts and went down to Hogsmeade.

She remembered the first time Cedric convinced her to sneak out and go to Hogsmeade with him. It had barely been a few months since she arrived at Hogwarts and nearly everyone had left to return back home for Yule break. Cedric had seen how utterly devastated she was about not being allowed back home. He didn't know the reason why and he didn't ask. That was one of the things Raven liked about the boy. He never pushed, never forced, and simply waited for Raven to come to him when she was ready, even if he already knew. Cedric wasn't due to go home till a few days later. He could have went along side the rest of Hogwarts, but he hadn't wanted to go back to an empty house. His parents were quite busy during Yule break and — sometimes — they would barely be able to catch a glimpse of their son during the holiday before they had to go back to work. So, he stayed.

Raven couldn't quite remember how it happened, whether the boy actually managed to convince her or had dragged her out of bed. She didn't know. All she knew was that one second she was sobbing into her pillow and then, she was sitting down in the Three Broomsticks Inn trying Butterbeer for the first time. After that day, it had become a common occurrence for the two of them to sneak back into Hogsmeade after hours and find a table at the Three Broomsticks Inn. At first, Raven had been afraid that Madam Rosmerta would report the two of them after she found out that Raven was a Rosier, but the woman didn't bat an eye, simply smiled at the girl and encouraged the two of them to keep coming. The red haired girl was surprised by this, knowing that the shop had actually been closed during their visits and they were taking up too much of her time.

But Cedric had reassured her, explaining to Raven that Madam Rosmerta would rather have the two of them keep her company while she did her after hours routine of closing up than the noisy bunch of costumers. The two Hufflepuffs have even helped the woman clean up and the woman would pay them back with free Butterbeers — which they often ignore and hand her the money they owe — and a few more hours in the shop if they wished. As she thought of the woman, Raven couldn't help but miss her. She hadn't seen her all year. Her and Cedric haven't found the opportunity to sneak out and go to the Inn. In the beginning, the two of them had been adjusting to their classes and preparing for Tryouts. But then — for Raven — everything went wrong. She fought Malfoy, Uncle Nicholas made a visit to the school, and she had been given detention after dinner everyday for the next two months. On top of all of that, she was forced to ignore all of her friends — Cedric included — and move on with her life as if she wasn't longing to return back to the Hufflepuff table.

And yet, despite it all, the worst possible thing she had ever done in her entire life was not defend Cedric against Malfoy hateful taunts. She just allowed it to happen as if the boy who had stuck by her when no one else wanted to be near her was nothing; As if Cedric Diggory was nothing but dirt on the bottom of her shoes.

Raven didn't deserve his kindness.

She didn't deserve anything good.

Not when she treated Cedric as if he were garbage; like Rotten Rosier would. Was this who she was now? Rotten and cruel just like everyone assumed she was, not knowing that she was trapped inside of her own relationship, longing for an escape from Malfoy's clutches.

"Raven." Someone placed a hand on her shoulder, forcing Raven out of her thoughts. She flinched, feeling breathless all of a sudden before she forced her gaze up. Forest green eyes starred back at her. She never noticed their color before. Usually, Captain Jessie's smile would grab her attention, but it was as if she couldn't look away once her eyes were set on them. The eyes felt as if they were starring into her soul. Raven blinked back her blurry vision, realizing the position her captain was in. The teen was crouched down in front of Raven. Her cheeks burned at the sight of her captains worried face. "You with me, hun?"

Raven nodded, not trusting her voice. Jessie furrowed her eyebrows, a sympathetic smile shifted onto her lips. She stood up straight, keep her hand on Raven's shoulder before she turned to face Cedric and William. Cedric had been lingering near Raven, a noticeable space between them. "Hey, boys? Raven and I need a little time alone."

"She umm.." Cedric shuffled on his feet, hesitating to comply. He glanced between the two, unsure. "I was supposed to walk her to detention."

"I'll make sure she gets there in one piece, Diggory." Jessie replied, lacking the tease. Instead, she settled for a soft, kind tone to try and reassure the boy before them. "Besides, Raven and I need to talk. Ya know, the kind of talk that doesn't include boys."

"But.." Cedric started before his voice began to trail off as his face deflated. Raven felt her stomach twist at the sight. "I wanted to walk her."

"Come on, Diggory." William grabbed the boys arm, pulling him away from the two girls. He sent Jessie a wink before he slugged his arm over the younger Hufflepuff's shoulders, forcing the two to turn around. "You can walk Raven tomorrow."

Cedric mumbled his response into the empty hallway — one that made Raven's chest ache at the words that left his lips. Despite the lowness of his tone, everyone could hear Cedric's words clear as day. "Like Malfoy would let her.."

Raven's breathed hitched before she turned away, unable to stand to watch as her best friend was being lead further and further away from her when all she wanted was to chase after the boy and beg for his forgiveness. She hadn't meant her previous words, not one bit. She wanted him to walk her. She would always want Cedric by her side, even after she is married off to Malfoy. But he couldn't know that. No one could. Everyone had to think that Raven fancied her betrothal just as much as he did her. She didn't have a choice. She belonged to Draco now, and so, if he didn't want her to be around Cedric anymore, then who was she to disobey?

"Rosier?" Jessie squeezed her shoulder, earning back Raven's attention. Her voice was soft as she spoke to the second year; gentle as if she were afraid she'd scare Raven off. Her gentle green eyes poured into Raven, reminding her of the dark forest leaves. "You still with me?"

"Yes, ma'am." Raven straightened as the strings sewed into the ends of her lips tugged up harshly into a perfect smile. Jessie's eyes glanced down at the sight, disappointment shinning in her eyes before a smile tugged up onto her lips as well. One that looked pained; as if she was having trouble looking down at the mirror before her.

"You don't have to call me ma'am, Little one." Jessie emphasized calmly. Her eyes fixed on Ravens. The Rosier couldn't help but look away, feeling her cheeks burn at the attention. "Jessie's fine."

Raven's stomach twisted with guilt. She couldn't do anything right today. She just kept disappointing everyone and slowly turned Rotten right before their eyes. Soon, whenever someone called her Rotten Rosier, there words will be true. Raven clenched her jaw at the thought, trying desperately to hide the imperfection before Jessie's eyes before she forced her gaze back to the Captain. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it." Jessie smiled; kind and gentle. She took a step forward, wrapping her arm around Raven before she began to guide the two of them down the hallway. Raven tensed up at the contact for a moment, awaiting for the moment the girl grazed her back. And yet, it never came. Jessie's arm never strayed from the back of Raven's neck, settling there as if the older teen had been doing it to Raven forever. In fact, Raven was surprised it even worked. The second year barely reached up to the girls shoulder. "So, how detention going?"

"Oh, umm.." Raven wanted to curse her stuttering. Despite how often Aunt Eleanor tried to break the nasty habit, it still managed to sneak past her lips every once in a while. So to make up for it, Raven glanced up at the captain, smiling a little tighter. "Good, captain. It's a little weird though. The Headmaster is making me read books."

"You have detention with Dumbledore?" Jessie gasped, moving her arm away from Raven and back to her side. The older teen furrowed her eyebrows, confused. "How did you manage that? Rarely anyone has detention with the Headmaster."

"My Uncle Nicholas is the Minister of Magic, so whatever he wants, he usually gets." Raven stated before she could stop herself. She could barely keep the fear out of her voice as she spoke about the man. She straightened, trying to make up for her mistake by forcing the pride onto her lips. "He most likely asked if I could serve my weekend detentions under him.. so that it wouldn't be as.. hard."

"How's that?" Jessie asked. Raven tensed up for a moment, wondering what she could say to save herself from Jessie's questioning about her Uncle. It's not like she could outright tell her the truth. She wasn't apart of the Sacred 28, who often practice those traditions as if it is the air in their lungs. Even then, none of her fellow purebloods — besides the adults — talk about their own whippings aloud with one another. It was taboo to do so. Usually, you heard from gossip at the Blood Ball, or you witnessed it happen to someone. Raven hadn't realized how long she stayed quiet, stuck in thought until Jessie broke the silence, clarifying her question. "The detentions with little old Dumbee."

Raven let out a sigh, not realizing that she had been holding her breath. She replied; breathless. "Odd, to say the least. He.. makes me read novels."

"What kind of novels?" Jessie furrowed her eyebrows.

"Well.. there was one about this girl. I can't quite remember her name, but she was living with her step mother and sisters." Raven began, furrowing her eyebrows ever so slightly as she tried to recall what she had been reading a few days prior. Jessie watched the girl with curiosity, unable to hold back her wonder if she tried. She had never heard of someone having detention with Dumbledore and was shocked with how Raven was being punished in them. No Professor had ever made her read a book during their detention. "And a ball came around. She had wanted to go, but her step mother said no and that she had to clean up the entire house. The girl, if I remember correctly, had snuck out. A wizard with wings had seen her and created a pumpkin wagon. I didn't think a spell like that was possible. She made it into a carriage, Captain, like the ones that we take to school. It was brilliant! A carriage pumpkin! Anyways, she had met a prince, and they danced, and fell in love. But she wasn't supposed to be there for long, so when the clock struck midnight, she ran, dropping her glass shoe. My detention finished before I could finish the story."

"That sounds an awful lot like Cinderella." Jessie nodded to herself, mumbling her reply under her breathed.

Raven couldn't hide her smile if she tried. "That's the name!"

The red haired girl quite enjoyed the book. She was rather upset that she couldn't finish it during detention since Dumbledore had dismissed her as soon as it was over. She didn't want to bother the man anymore than she already was. She was lucky she wasn't punished for raising her voice. She didn't want to push her luck if she asked him if she could borrow the book. Instead, she gave the man a polite smile and walked out, acting as if she hadn't wanted to snatch the book off of the table so that she could know whether or not Cinderella made it back home on time.

"He's making you read muggle fairytales?" Jessie inquired aloud. Raven's smile dropped at her words as it hit the pit of her stomach. The Rosier straightened ever so slightly, surprised. Jessie glanced back down at Raven, sending the red haired girl a soft look. And yet, the second year didn't bat an eye, stuck in the basement with every single one of her past mistakes involving muggles. "Did you like them at least?"

"I.." Raven's voice drew quiet, a mere whisper as she spoke; pure fear dripping from her tone. Jessie wouldn't have been able to hear her if she hadn't been standing right beside her. "..didn't know they were muggle books."

"Yeah! They're classics." Jessie exclaimed causing Raven to flinch at the sudden loudness of her voice. Her heart racing out of her chest. If Uncle Nicholas had found out that she had been reading muggle books, she would be stuck in the basement for the entirety of Yule Break. She had no doubt about it. Perhaps, this is what he wanted to happen. He was the one who wanted her to have detention with the Headmaster. Jessie couldn't see the fear in her eyes — couldn't tell that she had straightened even more, if it was possible. She looked like a walking statue. The older teen continued to speak, excitement on her tongue. Raven pushed past the muffled noise in her ears, wanting to listen to the older teen beside her. "Cinderella even has its own muggle picture. I saw it with my family a few years ago in the cinema when it first came out."

Raven's eyes widened at Jessie's words, absolutely stunned. Raven stopped in her tracks, glancing up at Jessie. The Captain hummed, confused as she stopped as well, before she turned to Raven with furrowed eyebrows. And just as she opened her mouth to question the girl, Raven beat her to it.

"Cinderella has its own picture!?" Raven blurted out, unable to keep her excitement out of her tone. The girl didn't think it was possible for a book to be able to turn into a movie. It's unheard of. "Was it as good as the book? Was it better?"

Uncle Nicholas would have whipped her for hours if he saw her fascination over a muggle book.

"It was bloody brilliant!" Jessie replied with a crooked grin that could be mistaken for a smirk. Her green eyes burned into Raven's own as the Rosier's cheeks brightened under her gaze. The older teens voice softened ever so slightly before she placed a hand onto Raven's shoulder. "Tell you what, Little one. I'll bring a copy of the movie home after Yule break and we can watch it during our house movie night."

Raven voice grew shy, quiet as if she couldn't believe someone would ever offer to do something like that just for her. "Really?"

"Mhmm." Jessie hummed; faintly. Her lips settled into a soft, kind smile — one that reached her eyes. Raven couldn't help but have complete faith in the girl before her, wanting to trust her every word. "I promise. I'll bring it just for you."

Raven hesitated for a moment — afraid that Jessie would reject her — before she slowly lifted her balled up hand up. Jessie's smile faltered ever so slightly at the sight. She paused for a moment; unsure. Raven nearly retracted her hand as her ears began to burn. And just as her stomach churned in embarrassment, Jessie exhaled deeply before a muffled chuckle left her lips, forcing a side smile to tug up and onto her face. The sight was warmer than any other look that Jessie had given her before, softer too, if that was possible. The girl was always gentle with her, cautious. But in this moment, she looked at Raven as if the girl was something worth protecting; like if any more pressure was added to her back, she would break under its hold.

Jessie took her hand off of Raven shoulder before turning it into a fist and carefully, delicately colliding it against Ravens. And then she spoke once more, her voice almost as hushed as a whisper. "I promise, Raven."

Raven beamed up at Jessie with teeth and all. For once, she didn't care about the imperfect sight. All she cared about was the warmth that swelled in her stomach. A heat that buzzed beneath her skin, feeling more like pixies were crawling up her arm. She bit her lip, trying to force the smile down. But it wouldn't budge, unable to calm the way her heart kept trying to force itself out of her chest.

"Now, onto the team business. So, you know that the Gryffindor game is coming up?" Jessie gestured for Raven to continue walking, knowing that they were nearing their destination. Raven obeyed, knowing that she would never willingly disobey the girl beside her. She respected her too much to do so. "Well, after we're going as a team down to Hogsmeade. I already talked to Dumbee and Professor McGonagall about your temporary privileges in the town."

Hogsmeade during the day? Raven always wondered what it looked like. The crowds, the shops, the town in the light. Cedric had the privilege of being able to go and visit the town at the earliest of morning to the latest of nights. She could already imagine it. The way the sunlight would gleam off of the windows, creating shadows amongst the display clothing. The sweet smell of Butterbeer in the Inn. The group of students that wonder around and explore. In fact, Raven would love to explore the entirety of the town. She had only ever been to the Three Broomstick Inn with Cedric. All the other shops had been closed.

"Wait, but.." Raven paused, a way of confusion spread through her. "Why are we going to Hogsmeade?"

"To get our uniforms." Jessie answered. Raven must have still looked lost because Jessie sighed before she continued. "Usually, each of us find a time to go alone before our first game, but since your a second year and you don't have privileges to go yet.. We decided as a team to go together with you and show you around."

Oh.

Raven fought the urge to shift on her feet, forcing her gaze to remain on the girl. She had way too many slip up throughout their conversation. She can't afford to be anything less than perfect in front of her Captain. If Jessie continued to see her imperfections, she'd most definitely kick Raven off the team. No Captain wanted someone that was flawed; patchy. "I'm sorry I'm causing you so much trouble."

Jessie paused, stopping just as they turned the corner into the hallway that held the Potions classroom. She crouched down, forcing Raven to look down at her. Her eyes held nothing but patience; sympathy, almost as if she could see past the barrier Raven had created and into the deepest, most darkest parts of Raven's mind and uncover her secrets. It made her feel exposed — too exposed, as if the older teen could reach inside of her mind and grabbed all of her imperfections to put them on display for everyone to see. Raven clenched her jaw, forcing the lump that began to rebuild itself in her throat to settle back down.

"Little one, listen to me." Jessie reached out, trailing her hands down Raven's forearm till their hands touched. Raven tensed up, unable to stop the sudden jerk back at Jessie grazing her scar on her left hand. Jessie paused, gazing into Raven's eyes for permission. Raven hesitated for a moment before she settled her hands back down near Jessie. The older teen took that as a yes before she reached out once more, carefully grabbing ahold of both of her hands. Jessie couldn't stop the small gasp that left her lips in time as she saw the sickening display on her left palm. Raven looked away, unable to bare the sight of the repulse on Jessie's face. After a few more moments of silence, Jessie intertwined their fingers, squeezing Raven's hand and forced her attention back to her. Raven's ears burned at the action, feeling the heat spread up her neck and onto her cheeks. Sapphire met green. "It wouldn't have been right if we sent someone to go and buy your uniform for you. Not a lot of people outside of the Quittach teams know this, but each and every uniform is different. They are tailed to you and your wants, your needs, and whatever type of fabric makes you the most comfortable."

Raven tilted her head to the side ever so slightly, looking more like a lost puppy than anything else. Jessie softened at the sight.

"Okay, I see you're still not understanding. Um.." Jessie furrowed her eyebrows, searching for another way to phrase herself. Raven watched as the girl got lost in her head. Her hand felt awfully warm in her own, too big to be comfortable after a while. And yet, Raven didn't want to pull away quite yet. Jessie's hands were soft, protective as they covered Raven's own in their hold. It was almost as if Jessie could pluck Raven from Malfoy's clutches and store her in the warmth of her palms, hidden away from everything dark and evil. Raven wouldn't complain if that was the case. If anything, she longed for it. Though, a part of her wished it were Hermione who plucked her away. Raven eyes trailed down to the Captain's lips, watching as a pout formed. The second year couldn't help but wonder if her lips were as soft as they looked. Jessie smacked her lips, her green eyes brightened before she squeezed Raven's hands, speaking once more. "For example, Malcolm likes to have his uniform shirt loose. He hates when they're tight, says he can't breathe when they're like that. But his twin, Tony, is the opposite. He loves having his silk tight shirts. And I say silk because he absolutely refuses to wear a cotton shirt when he's playing. He can't stand how it feels on his skin, especially when he's sweating."

"That's why we want you with us, so that you can have the opportunity to choose whatever you want." Jessie continued, not allowing Raven to get lost in her thoughts. She squeezed the girls hand once more, reassuringly. "This is probably the only time we're going to do something like this, since you're gonna have privileges next year."

"I am?" Raven questioned. She thought privileges were given to students who earned them. She had assumed that Cedric had earned his privileges as a first year after doing something remarkable in the schools eyes. Honestly, Raven didn't think that she'd ever earn privileges. She wouldn't blame the school if they tried to force her within its walls to protect the towns people despite the fact that she would never hurt them.

"Unless you plan on failing, little one, then, you're going to be a third year next year." Raven shook her head at Jessie's words, not finding the humor in them. She wasn't allowed to fail. None of the flints were. "And in the third year, Dumbee sends out a permission slip to everyone's guardians, so that they can go to Hogsmeade."

"I didn't know that." Raven mumbled to herself. Jessie smiled, giving Raven's hands one last squeeze before she let them go, standing up.

"Now, you do." Jessie replied. The older teen spared a glance over at the potion classroom door, finding another second year student dreadfully awaiting for detention to start. Her eyes went wide ever so slightly. He hadn't been there before. "Bollocks, it looks like your detentions about to start. Run along now. I don't want to make you late and cost you another one."

"Wait, umm.. Captain.." Raven hesitated, unsure if she should even ask. Usually, she went to Cedric for these types of questions. He never judged her or teased her. She had been planning to ask him during their walk to detention, but Jessie had took her instead. She could wait to ask him, but she didn't know when — if — Draco would ever allow her to actually talk to the boy again. Besides, she spent the whole walk talking to Jessie about topics that she would only share with Cedric and the girl hadn't judged her so far for her slip ups; imperfections. Maybe she could trust her just like she did when Jessie told her about fist bumps. It was worth a try. "Can I ask you a question real quick?"

Jessies nodded. "Hit me."

Raven tensed up at the girls words, wondering if she was being serious or not. But the longer she looked in her eyes, the more Raven realized how sincere they were. She couldn't find a hint of a tease or a joke. And so, Raven balled her hand into a fist and punched her Captain's arm; lightly, her heart wouldn't be able to handle it if she hurt the older teen. Jessie flinched at the action, bringing her hand up to her arm, holding it there as she looked down at Raven with wide eyes.

"What? No. Raven, I didn't mean literally." Jessie giggled, light and airy. Her forest green eyes brightened. People could have mistaken them for leaves on a bright sunny day. Raven felt her cheeks burn at the sound, unable to stop the smile from creeping onto her face. Her stomach flipped over, warming up her entire body. "It's an expression. It means go ahead or— or yes."

"Kind of like the fist bumps?" Raven asked, biting her tongue to force the redness on her face to stop. She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of Jessie anymore. Thankfully, the older teen didn't mention it, simply furrowing her eyebrows as she thought to herself for a moment.

"Yeah.. Kind of, I guess?" Jessie settled for. Her words sounding more like a question. Jessie crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at Raven with curious eyes. "Anyways, what did you want to ask me?"

"When.." Raven hesitated once more, wondering how she could form the question. Jessie gaze burned into Raven, causing the younger girl to clench her jaw before her nerves won, and she spoke, blurting out something that she hoped made sense as a question. "When someone.. like.. wraps their arms around you.. and.. umm like.. holds you? What is that?"

Jessie's green eyes looked pained at Raven's words, almost in disbelief. Raven clenched her jaw, holding herself firm. She didn't want to back down now. Not when she was so close to finding out what it was. And so, she waited while Jessie collected her thoughts. And in a quiet voice, she spoke, as if she couldn't believe such a question could leave someone's mouth. "Are you talking about a hug, sweetheart?"

Sweetheart.

When was the last time she had been called that?

Had she ever?

"Is that what its called?" Raven questioned, a smile formed onto her face. It wasn't perfect one either. No, it was a simple tug of her lips, carefully settling down onto her face; unfamiliarly, as if she hadn't had the pleasure of allowing an imperfect one to pass through the crack in the last few weeks. The stings didn't hold it for long, forcing it back down once Raven felt the awkward strain it held.

"A hug? Yeah. Thats.. that's what its called." Jessie spoke, quieter, softer than she had ever been with Raven. It was almost as if she were whispering the quietest she could; airy and breathlessly. She smiled at Raven — one that looked shaky as if she were forcing it up. "When someone wraps their arms around you and holds you and you do the same, it's called a hug."

Raven's eyes widened. "You're supposed to do it back?"

"If.. If you want to." Jessie stuttered, a weak — forced — chuckle left her lips.

"Cool. Okay, thank you, Captain." Raven smiled — one that was perfectly crafted — at the older teen before she opened her mouth, hesitating once more. After a moment, she spoke, sounding like a child afraid of getting scolded. "You said it was called a hug?"

Jessie nodded with glossy eyes, not wanting to talk out of fear that she'd cry.

"A hug." Raven mumbled to herself; as if to practice saying the word on her tongue. Jessie inhaled deeply beside Raven as she heard the second year practice saying the word aloud to herself. A word that the girl didn't know existed.

"Raven!" A voice drew Raven's attention, causing her to turn around and at the potions door. Her Godfather stood by the door, waiting patiently for the red hair girl to come inside. "Hurry it up. Detention is about to start."

"Yes, sir!" Raven replied, raising her voice ever so slightly so that the man could hear. She turned back to her Captain, instinctively curtsying to the girl as a dismissal. "Goodbye, Captain."

And as Raven walked towards the classroom, she could feel Jessie's gaze burn into her with every step she took. Raven sent her Godfather a perfect smile, allowing the familiar set of strings to tug the ends of her lips up. Her Godfather softened ever so slightly — not enough for others to notice if they didn't know the man — at the sight of Raven. He reached out to the girl, halting her steps as his fingertips delicately grazed Raven's jawline. His dark eyes searched her face, examining it for even the smallest hints of a bruise. Raven held back the urge to flinch, knowing that her Godfather had never once harmed her throughout her life.

"Mhmm." He hummed, smoothly as if he were pleased with what he was seeing. His lips twitched; almost like he was trying to suppress a smile. And yet, he still kept his voice soft as he spoke to Raven just like he always did. "You've healed up quite nicely. Any more bruises?"

"No, sir." Raven replied, shaking her head. His fingers grazed her once more.

He exhaled; relieved before he glanced down. His eyebrows furrowed at the fabric that rested against her shoulders. He carefully — not wanting to scare the girl — reached down and gently grabbed a hold of the scarf around her neck. The loose fabric that hung over her shoulder settled into the mans hand. Raven had forgotten that it was there. His thumbs brushed the fabric as if to clean away its sins before he shifted his gaze up at Raven, looking at the girl with a warm and tender look that sent chills down her spine. Because deep inside of his eyes swam a beast so big, so potent, so painful that Raven was shocked by the display. Grief. It was grief.

"You're wearing a Slytherin scarf." He stated lowly; nostalgic as if he were relieving a memory. His eyes were glossed over, glistening in the darkness of the halls. "Why?"

"Draco wanted me to." She answered. He looked taken aback. His eyes coming back to life.

"Draco Malfoy?" He questioned, wondering if she were talking about the same Draco. The only one the two of them knew. Raven hesitated for a moment before she nodded. Her Godfather furrowed his eyebrows, confused. "I don't understand. He gave you his scarf? You two just had spat the other day. He's the whole reason your in detention right now."

"He's my.." Raven tightened her smile, trying not to sound as if she were dreading saying it out loud. "Betrothal."

"What?" He spoke, almost sounding as if he were grinding his teeth at her words. His eyes darkened ever so slightly as he peered down at his Goddaughter. Raven felt herself instinctively straighten her poster, tensing under his gaze. She couldn't help but compare his eyes to those of her Uncle Nicholas. It felt as if the man were standing before her instead of her godfather. "Whose... brilliant idea was this? Nicholas, I presume?"

"I.." Raven gripped onto the ends of her book, holding it closer to her chest. She wondered if her Godfather could hear her heart beat in his ears too. Her back burned just like it had that night, feeling as if her wounds reopened themselves under the man. "Forgive me, Uncle. I don't quite know."

The darkness in his eyes grew as a sneer formed onto his face. He inhaled deeply, shutting his eyes as if to try and gain back control. After a moment, his eyes opened back up, showing only the specks of darkness that hid behind his softened gaze. Raven didn't dare relax, knowing exactly how Uncle Nicholas gets when he looks like that. He'd punish her later, waiting till they return to the cold and dark halls of their house. Her godfather stepped back, gesturing for her to walk into the classroom. Raven immediately obeyed.

As soon as she entered, her eyes landed on the brown haired boy who was sitting down in the front row. A boy who's round face and green eyes she'd recognize anywhere. Neville Longbottom. His eyes widened upon meeting hers, terror swimming inside of them. Raven couldn't bare to look anymore, turning away from the boy whose life her parents ruined the minute they set their eyes on his parents. She hurried past the boy and towards the back of the class. She wanted the boy to be able to feel as safe as he could with her in the class. If that meant leaving him closer to the door, just like she always did with him, then so be it. Her being at the back of the class was the least she could do compared to how much he suffered because of her existence.

And just as she set her book down on the back desk, her Uncle spoke. "Miss Roiser, come up to the front and sit beside Mr. Longbottom."

Raven hesitated for a moment. Her eyes trailed over to Neville, seeing the way the boy had tensed up at Her Godfather's words. Guilt rushed through her at the sight. She opened her mouth to protest, but paused, out of fear. Her Godfather looked just like Uncle Nicholas before. Whose to say he wouldn't act like him too? It was clear to Raven that the two of them shared similar traits, specifically their anger. She didn't waste another second after that thought, grabbing hold of her books and walking back toward's the front of the classroom. As she neared his desk, she watched as Neville scooted his chair farther and farther away from her own, creating a large space between the two of them. Raven clenched her jaw, wondering if perhaps if she simply stayed quiet the boy would forget that she was even there.

She placed her book onto the desk as she pulled her chair out before she sat down just as she was taught to do so; polite and obediently, without making a single sound. Neville shifted beside her. Raven tried not to spare the boy a glance, but her curiosity won out. She looked. The Quill in his hand was trembling, unable to be still. His leg was bouncing up and down rapidly; fearfully. Raven turned away, unable to continue looking at the boy as his greatest vulnerabilities stood on display for everyone to see.

"During this detention, we are going to go over my previous lesson about the Fire Protection Potion because some students did not understand." Her Godfather spoke, his tone darkened. Raven paused at the shift in the man, eying him for a moment. And them she knew. The man that stood before the two of them wasn't her godfather anymore. It was their Professor Snape. The instructor who time and time again reminded Raven about not showing her favoritism. The Potions Professor that everyone hated.

Professor Snape turned to the board, grabbing a stray piece of chalk on the end before he began to write something down.

"The Fire Protection Potion." Professor Snape read aloud before locking eyes with Neville, narrowing his gaze ever so slightly. Neville flushed under his eyes, looking down with burning red ears. He faltered in his writing, biting his lower lip. "A beginning level potion that even a 10 year old could learn how to do."

She wondered if this was Neville's punishment, being embarrassed in front of Rotten Rosier.

If so, Raven wouldn't have it.

Her family had taken enough from him.

She raised her hand and spoke before he called on her. She knew she would be punished for speaking out of turn. She could already feel the burn against her wrist. But at least now, Neville would be spared from embarrassment. "Maybe its the teacher."

Professor Snape paused, taken aback by her words. "Raven?"

"I mean no disrespect, Professor, but like you said a 10 year old could learn this potion." Raven suggested, sparing a look over at the brown haired boy beside her. "Perhaps I could.. teach Sir. Longbottom? I already know the potion."

"Mhmm. Alright then. We'll try it your way, Raven." Professor Snape spoke, softening ever so slightly as he said her name. He glance over at Neville before a devilish smirk trailed up his lips. "But if Mr. Longbottom is unable to brew the potion, he gets another day of detention."

"Professor, you can't.." Neville drew into himself, growing quiet as the mans gaze burned into him. "It's not fair."

"What's that, Mr. Longbottom?" Professor Snape spoke; almost smugly. "Speak up."

"He said that he won't disappoint you." Raven interrupted; her back ached at her words. She knew better. And yet, she couldn't stand the sight of Neville curling in on himself. The boy had been punished enough from the action of her parents.

"Unfortunately, Ms. Rosier," Professor Snape glanced back at Raven with a softened gaze. His smirk settling into a small smile. "Mr. Longbottom lives to disappoint me. Don't let him drag you down too."

And with that, the man walked away from the students and into a separate room.

Raven glanced over at Neville. The brown haired boy was glancing down at his desk with his right elbow pressing down as his palm held the back of his head, forcing his eyes away from Ravens. The red haired girl sighed, biting her lip as to not smack her head against the desk.

This was going to be a long detention.