((Hello, welcome to chapter 2. I hope you enjoy.))

- -Chapter 2: Fights, laughs, and a lot of school work- -

- -Raven's POV- -Thursday, September 26, 1996- -

A few weeks have passed since the conversation Draco and I had. We've spoken from time to time and he's vented to me quite a bit when we did speak to each other, but we've also just had a casual conversation about whatever pops into our heads. I have noticed his mood improve a lot since ever since he had started venting to me to get stuff off his chest. Pansy has been quite hostile towards me and we've gotten into a lot of fights. It's really taking it's toll on me.

He was definitely right about the homework business, so much was given and I was becoming frustrated with the amount. I barely had any free time to enjoy myself.

I was currently working on my potions homework and was almost done thanks to Draco offering to help me out for the first time. He was very skilled at potions so naturally he was able to finish the potions homework easily and quickly. I put my quill down and rubbed my aching hand from writing for over an hour and a half. Picking up my quill again, I dipped it into the ink and continued writing. After another thirty minutes, the last of my homework was done and I let out a relieved sigh, putting my quill down. "Finally." I muttered and got up to stretch while looking at the clock and saw that it was getting late.

I sighed and put my homework away and walked to one of the leather sofas that Draco was lounging on and sat next to him. I left out a soft hum and rubbed my eyes tiredly. "Tired?" He asked, looking me. I nodded. "So much work. I'm mentally exhausted." I said while grabbing a bottle of ice cold pumpkin juice and took a few gulps of it and continued speaking. "I'm questioning how much longer I can take the pressure of all of that homework we get."

Draco chuckled softly "As I've said before, you'll get used to it, but the stress of having so much to do never lessens." I rolled my eyes, lying back against the sofa and yawned. "I'm going to turn in for the night Draco." I said and he nodded.

"Goodnight Raven."

"Goodnight Draco."

- -Friday, September 27, 1996- -

It was early as usual and instead of drawing, I decided to put on my usual makeup. I was putting black eyeshadow on when a few girls came down, one of them being Midna I looked up and smiled. "Hi Midna, sleep well?" I asked and she smiled back. "Better than the night before." She replied. "Oh, maybe you can do my makeup too Raven? I love how simple you make yours." Midna asked. "Sure, let me just finish my eyeshadow and mascara."

After finishing my makeup, I scooted closer to Midna and did her makeup, giving her a simple smokey eye, like mine. "So, is it true Raven? Do you really have a crush on Draco?" Midna asked quietly after I finished doing her makeup. I nodded, blushing softly. "Yes, I do, but I don't want him or anyone else finding out about it. Only you, Opal and Lilia know. Please don't tell anyone else. " I pleaded softly and she nodded. "My lips are sealed." She reassured me. I smiled and put my makeup away with a flick of my wand.

I got up and stretched, my joints popping softly. I felt a hand play with my hair and I turned to see Midna being the one doing it. "How do you keep your hair so smooth and soft?" She asked and I quickly moved away, giggling. "By not playing with it." I said and she got up, moving towards me with an evil grin with her hand reached towards me. "Hey, no touching!" I squealed and ran, she gave chase and I laughed. Some of the Slytherins were either giving us confused or amused looks.

I kept running around laughing with Midna hot on my trail. Without even paying attention, I ran into someone and fell on my ass. A few Slytherins snickered, but it then got dead quiet, which confused me until I looked up and saw who I ran into. It was Draco, he staring down at me with an annoyed look. Of course I had to run into him in the morning, he's always cranky before having his morning coffee. I got up quickly and looked at him. "Sorry Draco, I wasn't paying attention." He huffed softly and walked away.

"Looks like Draco hates you Mancer. Now I have my chance with him again." Pansy sneered. I grew annoyed with her damn remarks and turned to face her. "I'd like to see you try to get him Pansy. I look forward to seeing you get rejected." I spat and turned to walk to Midna when I felt a force push me down. I fell onto the ground and looked up to see Pansy standing above me. "HE WON'T REJECT ME!" she shrieked and grabbed me by my hair, making me yelp in pain.

"Let. Me. Go. NOW!" I growled. She threw a punch at me. "LEAVE MY DRAKEY ALONE! I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN LOVE HIM! NOT YOU!" She shrieked. I narrowed my eyes. "Love him?! What gave you that idea Pansy?!" I yelled. Pansy threw me down again and I quickly got up, glaring at her. "I heard you taking to Bloodstone that you have a crush on Draco!" She yelled back. I froze, my eyes wide for a moment before narrowing.

I walked towards Pansy. "How you managed to hear that is unknown, but I can't fucking control who I develop feelings for and even now I haven't done a damn thing to show those feelings as I don't want to lose the friendship I have with him, BUT I GUESS THAT HAS BEEN RUINED BECAUSE OF YOU REVEALING IT!" I screamed and stormed out with tears beginning to fall.

The whole Common Room was silent when I left. All of the stress I felt from Pansy since coming here has done it's damage and I sobbed quietly, keeping my head lowered to avoid letting anyone seeing my face as I walked to the Great Hall. I sniffled quietly and entered the Great Hall, walking towards my table. I wiped my eyes and sat down, sighing softly as more tears trickled down my face.

"Raven, are you alright?" I heard a gentle voice ask. I looked up and saw Opal. She looked concerned. "No, I've had a rough morning. Pansy had revealed who I have a crush on and all of the stress caused by her had taken it's toll on me." I said softly, sniffling. She frowned and sat next to me and hugged me. I sobbed quietly in her arms.

"Oh Raven.." I heard Midna say as she approached us and sat down and rubbed my back in small circles. Things were muffled as I was comforted by Opal and Midna, but I could tell that the Great Hall was filling up with the other students as breakfast started. I heard a faint "Harry, give me a moment. Something is wrong with Raven."

Instantly I knew that it was Lilia and she had seen me surrounded by Opal and Midna. I could hear Pansy laughing mockingly in the background and Draco hissing at her to shut it just as Lilia came over. "Opal, Midna, what's going on? What happened to Raven?" she asked softly. Opal looked up at Lilia. "Pansy pushed too far. She revealed who she's crushing on in front of everyone in the Slytherin Common Room." she answered.

I looked up in time to see Lilia's face reddened in anger. "That bitch! Where is she?!" she snarled, drawing her wand. I shook my head. "Lilia, don't, at least not right now." I warned weakly. She looked at me and saw the tear streaks on my face that were stained black from my makeup. She frowned, put her wand away and nodded. "Ok Raven. Do take it easy from now on. If you need me to hex Pansy, you know where I'll be." she said and left.

Sighing softly, I pulled myself out of Opal's arms and got up, I wasn't in the mood to eat. "I'm going to just wait by the classroom." I said, making my move to leave, when a hand grabbed my wrist. I looked and saw Midna looking at me with worry. "Let me and Opal come with you Raven, we can talk more privately." she said.

I sighed and nodded. Midna grabbed a few apples while Opal went over to me as I left the Great Hall. I was unaware of the concerned look Draco had when he saw me leave with Midna and Opal. We got to the classroom I had next and sat down next to it. Sighing softly, I looked at the floor and wiped away the few stray tears that fell with my hand, which left black stains on my face and hand in the process.

"Here Raven." said Opal as she pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my face free of runny makeup and tears. I smiled weakly and thanked her before removing the rest of my makeup with a flick of my wand. No point in wearing any if I end up crying again. I looked over at Midna and noticed the apples. "Can I have one of those apples?" I asked. Midna nodded and handed me one.

Taking a bite out of the apple, I thought for a few minutes before speaking. "I actually thought about telling Draco that I had a crush on him in a few months, but I guess I don't need to anymore." I sighed and finished the apple with a few large bites. "I'll get over this eventually, it's just hard as I truly enjoyed being friends with Draco. I feel like it's been ruined now that he knows about my crush on him. What if he becomes uncomfortable around me?" I asked.

Opal looked at me, rubbing my back soothingly. "Only time will tell Raven. Let him come to you if needed. You two talk often so if he still enjoys talking to you, then maybe he doesn't mind." She reassured. I smiled weakly. "I'm glad I have you guys to help me through these tough times." I said. The bell for class rang and Opal shot up and ran to get to her class. Midna and I both got up and went to our class together.

- -Timeskip to lunch- -

Classes went by more smoothly than I expected. Soon enough, lunch came around and I was heading to the Great Hall with Midna. Both of us were chatting and giggling as we walked. Upon arriving to the Great Hall and sitting at the Slytherin table, I began eating and chatting with Midna. About halfway through, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see who it was. To my shock, it was Draco. He leaned down and whispered to me, "Meet me in the Common Room after you finish eating."

I nodded and he left. Midna gave me a questioning look. "Draco wants me to meet him in the Common Room." I explained quietly as to not get the other's attention. Midna raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you'll be able to find out how he's feeling about you after that reveal Pansy made." She said and I shrugged. "I won't know until I go there." I said and finished eating.

Midna gave me a reassuring smile and I left the Great Hall and went towards the Common Room. At the entrance to the room, I spoke the password (Serpent's gaze) and entered. Looking around, I saw Draco sitting on the leather sofa and walked to him and sat down. "Hey." I said softly.

Draco looked at me. "So is it true that you have a crush on me?" he asked. I paled and nodded, looking away. "I'm sorry. I was planning on telling you when we knew each other longer. I didn't want to ruin the friendship we had, but now it may have been ruined."I sighed, looking at the ground.

I felt a hand on my back and looked up. I didn't expect to see Draco with a sad expression. "I won't let that stop us from being friends Raven. I truly enjoy hanging out with you. You've always been there for me these last few weeks. Let me be here for you now." He said, rubbing my back softly. I smiled weakly and relaxed to his touch. I never expected Draco to react so calmly to this.

- -One month later, Thursday, October 24, 1996- -

Things between Draco and me have gotten better. We've been hanging out a lot more and I've learned more about Draco and his times during his previous years at Hogwarts. We were currently in the Common Room after a long day of classes. I was laying on the sofa and felt someone sit on my feet. Looking up I saw Draco grinning. "Draco, those are my feet you are sitting on." I giggled. "If you didn't take up the whole sofa, I wouldn't be sitting on them." He smirked. "Oh, then I can kick your ass more easily." I retorted and shot my feet up, kicking him. He yelped and jumped off. I laughed as he glared at me.

"That's what you get for sitting on my feet Draco." I said, laughing and moved my feet out of the way for him to sit. He shook his head smiling and sat down. "So what's going on with you?" I asked, looking at him. "Other than my ass being sore, nothing much." he replied.

I giggled and we both talked for a few hours before we both called it a night.

- -October 31, 1996- -

I groaned softly as I woke up to Midna jumping on the bed and shouting. "RAVEN WAKE UP! IT'S HALLOWEEN!"

Rubbing my eyes, I sat up and stretched while yawning. "Ok, Ok I'm up Midna." I said groggily and got out of bed. "Don't expect me to get all crazy about this Midna. I'm just going to dress the way I usually do rather than dress up for this holiday." I informed, giggling. I took a quick shower, got dressed and did my makeup.

I greeted Draco as usual and sat with him. "You look happy today Raven. Did you finally get a boyfriend?" Draco teased, smirking. Laughing, I shook my head. "No. What guy would want me as their girlfriend? It's actually because today is Halloween. Midna is dressing up tonight since she enjoys it. It's also my favorite." I replied, laughing.

Draco chuckled. "I see. Are you doing that dressing up thing as well?" He asked. I shook my head again. "No, I don't dress up, I just enjoy the holiday." I said, looking at him. He shrugged in response and got up. "Let's get to breakfast. I need my morning coffee." He said and I nodded and got up as well. "You always need your morning coffee." I teased and got a small, playful slap on the arm in response.

While walking with Draco to breakfast, I remembered that we had a history class on a interesting subject. "Draco, are you looking forward to the class we're having? I hear it's about some lost pure-blood family." I asked, he shook his head. "Not really, history is rather boring. Even if it is about a lost pure-blood family. I've probably heard about them before." He replied.

- -Timeskip to the class- -

"Today, we will be learning about the lost Pure-blood family known as the Scarletts." The Professor said. My eyes went wide. "No, no...that is the name of my family back when they were dark wizards before they changed sides and changed their names to Mancer." I thought, completely frozen in shock. I couldn't believe that I'd be learning about my own family.

I felt Draco tap my shoulder and whisper, "Are you alright Raven? You look pale." I nodded weakly and whispered back, "I know about this family, I just never expected to have a class about them." he nodded and we both looked ahead and listened to the Professor talk.

"Now, the Scarletts were an ancient family of dark wizards who were skilled in the use of the Dark Arts and highly advanced magic, along with being Pure-bloods. For centuries, they were well known for creating their own spells that only their family could use due to the difficulty of the spells. As well as they are known for their family members having three distinct traits: Pale skin, black hair, and green eyes."

I gulped softly, I had those three traits, as did every member of my family. I also can do highly advanced magic with some ease, although I am still learning most of it. A few students looked at me wearily before looking back at the Professor.

"It is well known that they have created a spell sometime after the Lumos charm was invented..a protection spell that can protect those from receiving any kind of mark created by dark magic, even the Dark Mark is said to be repelled by this spell regardless of the Dark Mark being a fairly new mark of dark magic. The only flaw is that it cannot be removed if the wizard already has the mark and-"

A male student interrupted. "But how do we know that this so called spell can protect a wizard from the Dark Mark? Does this spell even exist and if so, can't it be used?" The professor shook his head. "No, only the Scarletts can use this spell. This spell does exist and the incantation is Tenebris praesidium. It is highly advanced magic." He then showed the hand movement for the spell. (A/N: A backwards 'S' connecting to an 'M', the 'M' then connecting to an 'S'.))

Another student asked, this time a female. "Wait, if this family were dark wizards, why did they create a spell that protects against dark magic marks?" I looked at the student, wishing I could answer for her, but I had to keep my family's past a secret..for now at least.

"A very good question miss. I was getting to that. The Scarletts did in fact create a few spells that were not dark magic, such as the Protection Spell that we've been talking about now. They created the Protection Spell as to protect their children and family members from being given such marks. The Protection Spell itself, when placed on a wizard, creates a black ring that goes into the flesh of the wizards ear." He paused when a few students chuckled at the strange way of the spell. I rolled my eyes and noticed Draco looking at my left ear, eyeing the three black rings. Oh great, he might get suspicious now.

"Now because it is easily to copy the look of the spell, the Scarletts did a fool-proof trick to the ring that sits in the ear. If you listened earlier, the spell was created after the invention of the Lumos charm. To prove that the ring in one's ear is the work of the Protection Spell, simply cast Lumos and shine the light to the rings and they should glow the color of red hot metal."

I listened without much of a choice. I knew all about them. "While they are known for their advanced magic and being dark wizards, they didn't always use their dark magic for evil, rather they used it for defense and even went as far as to use the unforgivable curses on those who they deemed to deserve it. This of course, did not go well for them and sometime in the late 17th century, they disappeared. It is often rumored that the Scarletts died off as they appeared to have dwindled in numbers."

Looking down, I sighed silently. I was getting uncomfortable with this lesson. Thankfully, the class ended ten minutes later and we all left with homework assigned on the subject. Draco ran up to me and walked by my side. "Well, I certainly didn't expect to hear about that family. My father always talked to me about them..." He said, but I barely listened, my mind focused on the subject and how uncomfortable I was feeling. "Raven? Are you alright? You haven't looked well since the beginning of that class." He asked worryingly.

I shook my head "No, I'm just rather uncomfortable with the lesson. I'm not sure why though." I said, biting back the urge to tell him the real reason. He looked at me worryingly, but didn't say anything.

- -Timeskip to the Halloween Feast- -

The feast was amazing. The Great Hall was beautifully decorated with floating Jack-o-lanterns and bats flew around. I was having some of the sweets and drinking pumpkin juice. Midna and a few muggle-borns had dressed up a bit in celebration of the holiday. Midna wore her makeup differently as she had used her black eyeliner to created small spiderwebs coming out of the outer corners of her eyes, which looked pretty.

As I grabbed an apple and bit into it, I talked to Midna and she told me a few stories which got both of us laughing. After calming myself down, I looked up to watch the bats that flew around. The Jack-o-Lanterns were so beautiful as they floated above us. There were some candles floating as well, which only made the sight more majestic.

I sighed contently and grabbed a pumpkin pasty and bit into it, moaning softly at the sweet flavor. This was surely the best Halloween I've ever had.

((Any reviews are appreciated.))