((Enjoy the final and largest chapter of this story.))

- -Chapter 7: The Third Task and a Terrible Return- -

- -Raven's POV- -Thursday, June 24, 1995- -

My heart was pounding from anxiety. Today was the day of the third and final task. Harry and I had talked several times before today, but not much as he too was training for the task. The whole school was filled with excitement and tension. I had changed into a more appropriate outfit similar to the one I wore for the first task. It was black of course, a long sleeved shirt with pants and knee high boots and my wand holster.

A lot has happened since being told about what the third task would be and the incident in the forest. During a Divination class, Harry ended up falling onto the floor, clutching the lightning shaped scar on his head in pain. I was worried about what happened. Then, the Daily Prophet talked about this, calling Harry disturbed and dangerous, which was complete bullshit.

Finding out that Harry was a Parselmouth was a big surprise, but I wasn't bothered by it compared to some. Apparently Crabbe and Goyle told Rita Skeeter about it.

It was during breakfast that Professor Snape came to me at the Slytherin table. "Mancer, you are to go with the other champions after breakfast to the chamber off the Hall. The champions' families are invited to watch the final task." he told me. My eyes went wide with utter excitement and shock.

I nodded quickly, finishing off my breakfast. Draco noticed my sudden excitement, and having heard what Professor Snape said, he was grinning. "I'll bet they will be very glad to see you, Raven." he commented.

"I haven't seen them since boarding the train." I muttered, barely able to contain my excitement. Draco wrapped an arm around me, pulling me to his side and kissing my cheek gently. "Will I get to meet them?" he asked. I nodded. "During the task you might. You'll recognize them very easily."

"How so?" he asked, raising a pale eyebrow. I giggled, looking at him. "Every member, except for most of the women married into the Mancers, have pale skin, jet black hair, and emerald green eyes."

Draco blinked a few times, looking surprised. "All of them have those traits?" he gaped. I only nodded again.

The moment breakfast ended, I joined the other champions and headed to the chamber. I entered in excitement, and nearly cried when I saw not just my parents, but my brothers as well. I squealed loudly and ran to them, tears forming in my eyes. "Mother, Father!" I cried, looking up at them joyfully.

"Hey, what about us little sis?" whined Leo. I pouted, looking at him as he stood by Crow. "I'm not little!"

"You kind of are." Crow commented, smirking. I rolled my eyes, smiling widely. Leo pulled me into a hug, then Crow, Mother, and Father did the same. A few tears fell down my cheeks. I was feeling so relieved having them here that I just couldn't help but become emotional. Mother wrapped her arms around me lovingly, saying gentle words. Leo leaned in and whispered something into my ear, making me laugh.

"Raven, our entire family is coming to see you." said Mother. My eyes went wide. "Everyone, as in, all the Mancers?" I asked, shocked. She nodded.

"Your great-grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins." she said, smiling.

"Did Professor Dumbledore allow this?" I asked. Father nodded this time. "We made sure of it and everyone is coming, in about ten minutes I believe." he said, looking at his pocket watch, which was silver with the Mancer crest.

I felt even more excited. Seeing all of the Mancer family is going to be wonderful. I caught up with my parents and brothers in the chamber, then we left to go walk around. I saw Draco up ahead and smirked, snuck up behind him, and tackled him. Draco let out a shriek, the both of us falling to the ground.

Leo and Crow were both laughing, Father was amused, and Mother though looking annoyed, smiled politely.

Draco glared, then attacked my sides, making me squeal and laugh. "That's what you get for scaring me like that!" he said, laughing as he tickled me. "You are such a dork." I said, laughing and squirming.

"What did you call me?" he exclaimed, tickling me even more. I shrieked this time, grabbing his arms.

Father thankfully ended the whole thing. "Okay, enough you two!" he said loudly, looking amused. Draco jumped, stopping instantly and looked at my father, clearly intimidated by his appearance. Giggling, I sat up, looking at Draco.

"Oh, Draco, he won't hurt you." I assured him. Draco nodded slightly, standing up and dusted himself off. I stood up as well, smiling, and fixed my clothes since they got all wrinkled, Draco did the same. I went ahead and introduced him to my parents and brothers.

"Draco, this is my father, Louis Mancer." I gestured to Father, who nodded at Draco. "Nice to meet you at last, Draco." he said, smiling. Draco nodded, still intimidated.

Giggling, I gestured to Mother. "This is my mother, Margret Mancer." She smiled kindly. "Pleasure to meet you, Draco."

"And these are my brothers, Leo," I pointed to Leo, who nodded. "and Crow." I pointed to him, who gave Draco a curt nod.

All of us talked for a small amount of time, then the sounds of footsteps from multiple people was heard. I looked and smiled widely. The rest of the Mancers had come. Draco's eyes went wide as he looked at each of them.

My great-grandfather, Allister stood in the front. He was wearing a dark green suit, two black rings sat in both earlobes, and his shoulder length, dark grey hair was tied into a ponytail with a black ribbon. His eyes were green and they glimmered with immense power.

With him was his wife, my great-grandmother, Syrena Mancer. She was wearing a dark green, long sleeved, floor length dress. Her hip length, dark grey hair was braided elegantly. In her ears were diamond earrings with a matching necklace, bracelet and wedding ring, and in both upper ears were black rings.

To my great-grandfather's right was my grandfather, Leonides Mancer, son of Allister and father of Louis and his two triplet brothers. He had short, jet black hair that was beginning to grey, and was wearing a black suit. Both ears had a single black ring.

With him was his wife, my grandmother, Felicia Mancer. She had mid-back length, dark red hair and blue eyes. Her hair was down like mine, but hers had several small braids on the right side. She had one black ring on each upper ear, while in the lobes were emerald earrings with a matching silver choker, bracelet, and wedding ring. She was wearing a deep purple dress with elbow length sleeves and was ankle length.

To my great-grandmother's left were my uncles, who were the brothers of my father, fraternal triplets. Axel Mancer stood right next to Syrena. He has short, jet black hair, and was wearing a black suit. In his upper left ear was three black rings.

Next to Axel was his wife, my aunt, Lucinda Mancer. Her long, jet black hair was in a half up half down style, with the sides braided and pulled to the back while the rest of her hair remained down. She was wearing a deep purple dress that was ankle and elbow length. She too was wearing diamonds earrings with a matching necklace, bracelet and wedding ring, in her right upper ear was two black rings.

My other uncle stood to Lucinda's left, Zakari Mancer. He has the same jet black hair, which was shoulder length and pulled back. He was wearing a blood red suit and in his right earlobe were two black rings.

To Zakari's left was his wife, my aunt, Kira Mancer. She has blonde hair with blue eyes. She was wearing a matching dress that was ankle length and long sleeved. In both ears were emerald earrings, on her neck was a diamond and emerald choker and she wore a simple wedding ring.

Standing in front of Axel and Lucinda, was their son, my cousin, Zeus Mancer, who is the same age as my brothers, though younger by a few months. He has short, jet black hair that was wavy, and he wore a black shirt with black pants. In his left ear was two rings in the lobe and two in the upper part.

And standing in front of Zakari and Kira was their son, my cousin, Hadrian Mancer, also the same age as my brother. His hair was short and straight. He wore a dark green button down shirt with black pants. He had a black ring in both upper ears, with one ring in the right lobe as well.

I introduced Draco to all of them, to which he responded positively, but still looked shocked. All of us talked for most of the day, then went back to the Great Hall, where we all ate. Needless to say, the students were shocked to see a family with nearly all black hair and green eyes following me.

Draco sat close to me as we ate, he had noticed that I was getting tense and nervous as the time for the third and final today got closer as the minutes passed. I looked up at the staff table and saw that Ludo Bagman and Cornelius Fudge were sitting there, with Bagman looking cheerful, and Fudge looking stern.

I noticed that Harry was staring at the enchanted ceiling, to which I looked at, getting distracted by it as the color of the sky went from blue to a beautiful purple. I swallowed nervously, it was time.

Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet, the Hall becoming silent. "Ladies and gentlemen, in five minutes' time, I will be asking you to make your way down to the Quidditch field for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Will the champions please follow Mr. Bagman down to the stadium now."

I got up, but before I could leave, Draco pulled me to him, cupped my face, and kissed me deeply, as though he was pouring all his love into it. I melted into the kiss, closing my eyes, and grabbed his shoulders gently. This had to be the sweetest and most passionate kiss he has ever given me. He broke the kiss and looked at me, his eyes like pools of liquid silver. "I. . I love you, Raven." he breathed, his cheeks flushing pink.

I smiled, looking into his eyes lovingly. "I love you too, Draco." He hugged me tightly, burying his head into my hair, and whispered into my ear. "You'll do great in the task, Raven. I'll cheer you on."

I nodded quickly, leaving with the champions as my family, friends and several of the Slytherin students applauded for me. I walked next to Harry, feeling quite nervous. "Feeling all right, Harry?" asked Bagman. "Confident?"

"I'm okay." answered Harry. Bagman looked at me. "What about you, Raven?"

"I'm fine." I said simply, going into thought. I was very nervous, and I began to think about those who supported me in this, all saying they'd cheer me on. It gave me some comfort, but the anxiety I felt was still there.

As we entered the Quidditch field, I saw that the hedges were now twenty feet high, with a gap in the front, the entrance into the maze. I felt creeped out by the dark passage, shuddering.

Five minutes passed, and the stands began to fill. I could hear all the excited voices and the rumbling of feet from everyone. Harry was looking up at the sky, which was now a deep, clear blue with a few stars beginning to appear.

I watched as Hagrid, Professor Moody, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Flitwick came walking into the stadium, and approached us. They were all wearing large red stars on their hats, which was amusing to say the least.

"We are going to be patrolling the outside of the maze." said Professor McGonagall. "If you get into difficulty, and wish to be rescued, send red sparks into the air, and one of us will come and get you, do you understand?"

All of us nodded, separating and going to different spots around the maze. Bagman pointed his wand at his throat, his voice magically magnified, which echoed as he began speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin! Let me remind you how the points currently stand! Tied in first place, with eighty-five points each — Mr. Cedric Diggory and Mr. Harry Potter, both of Hogwarts school!"

Loud cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.

"In second place, with eighty-one points — Miss Raven Mancer, also of Hogwarts school!"

More cheers and applause, louder in one spot, which was where Draco, my friends and family were when I looked. I waved to them, smiling and they all waved back, cheering louder.

"In third place, with eighty points, Mr. Viktor Krum, of Durmstrang Institute!"

More applause.

"And in fourth place — Miss Fleur Delacour, of Beauxbatons Academy!"

After the applause ended, Bagman spoke once more. "So. . on my whistle, Harry and Cedric! Three — two — one—" He blew on the whistle and I only watched as they entered the maze. I waited, feeling my anxiety come back.

Bagman turned to face me. "All right, on my whistle, Raven! Three — two — one —" he blew the whistle and I entered inside, the sound of my family and friends all cheering for me becoming quiet as I got deep into the maze. It was dark, creepy, and I strangely felt unwelcome in it. There was this fog that made everything seem darker.

I made several turns, right, right, dead end, left, and so on, hitting several dead ends. As I ran around, trying to find my way through, I came across my first obstacle, and to my horror it was a blast-ended skrewt, the one thing I did not want. It was fully grown, at ten feet long, and I felt terrified, but I pulled out my wand.

It advanced on me, blasting sparks. I dodged the sparks, but the left pant leg got singed, burning a hole in them. I fired a spell at the creature, but its armor deflected the spell and I dodged the spell, rolling on the ground. Looking up, I scrambled back, firing another spell at it with the same results.

This got me wondering, if the outer part exposed to us was heavily armored, would the underside be vulnerable? I recalled one of the lessons we had, Hagrid had mentioned that some of the blast-ended skrewts had suckers on their underside.

With that thought in mind, I aimed my wand at the ground and fired a blasting spell just underneath the blast-ended skrewt, the resulting debris flew up and the rocks that had been in the dirt impaled into the underside of the skrewt, making it scramble around as gross fluids oozed out.

Taking my chance, I ran away, making several more turns, hitting a dead end in the process. I paused when a scream shattered the silence, the voice was feminine and I quickly concluded that it was Fleur who screamed. It sounded far away and I knew I couldn't do anything so I continued my way through the maze.

Over ten minutes have passed, I had no idea how close I was, but so far I haven't bumped into anything else. I was getting worried I was lost and as I got deeper into the maze, I was about to consider shooting up red sparks, when I crashed into someone, knocking us both over. Groaning, I looked at who I crashed into and saw Harry, who was rubbing his head.

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry, Harry. Are you all right?" I asked, standing up and holding my hand out to him. He nodded, taking my hand, and I pulled him up onto his feet. "Yeah, I'm okay."

I sighed softly, looking at him. "I'm starting to wonder if I'm even heading in the right direction or if I've gone in circles." I said. Harry looked at me, and shrugged. Sighing again, we parted ways, wishing good luck to each other.

Several minutes passed, and I had no idea what to do now. I was starting to feel panicked as I walked slowly throughout the maze. I jumped back from the path when Krum came speeding passed me in some rush. Looking at him in confusion, I went in a different direction. Seven minutes passed, and I heard a voice yelling, but it was so faint that I couldn't pick up any words properly.

At some point, I ran into another blast-ended skrewt, and I knew it wasn't the same one as it wasn't injured. I did the same blasting spell and injured it just enough to get passed it, but it let out sparks, which burned part of my boot, leaving burn marks on it.

Another ten minutes passed, I was nearing another entrance to more paths when I heard voices from Harry and Cedric, they were battling something. I ran towards their direction, running along a path and came into the area they were at. To my horror, it was an acromantula, and it had its fangs piercing Harry's leg.

Cedric was in the background firing spells at it with little success. He spotted me seconds later, our eyes locking. "Raven! Help me get it to drop him!" he called at me. I nodded, firing several spells, but nothing worked.

I watched, horrified when the spider unlatched his fangs and got ready to sink them into Harry's leg again, when Harry shouted, "Expelliarmus!" with success as it dropped him, but he fell twelve feet onto his injured leg, which I winced at seeing. I ran closer, all three of us aimed our wands at the underbelly of the spider and shouted, "Stupefy!"

This time, the three spells combined and it was very successful as the spider fell over, flattening a nearby hedge in a mess of tangled legs.

I looked at Harry as he struggled to stand. "Harry! You all right? Did it fall on you?" Cedric shouted.

"No!" Harry called back, looking down at his leg, which was bleeding freely. I walked a few feet toward Cedric, but stopped, looking back at Harry, who was unable to do much with his injured leg not wanting to support his weight. He leaned against a hedge, gasping for breath.

I looked back at Cedric, realizing just now that he was standing just a few feet away from the Triwizard Cup, which was gleaming behind him. Harry noticed as well, and said, "Take it, then. Go on, take it. You're there." Cedric didn't move however, much to my confusion.

"Cedric," I said, grabbing his attention and he looked at me. "why aren't you taking it?"

He didn't say anything, but looked at Harry for a moment, and then turned to face the cup, a longing expression on his face. I tilted my face to the right slightly in confusion. He then took a deep breath, and said, "You take it, Harry. You should win. That's twice you've saved my neck in here."

I looked at them both as they began to bicker. "That's not how it's supposed to work, and Raven helped this time with the acromantula." said Harry. "The one who reaches the cup first gets the points. That's you. I'm telling you, I'm not going to win any races on this leg."

Cedric walked away from the cup, near the stunned spider, and shook his head. "No."

Harry looked irritated to say the least. "Stop being noble. Just take it, then all three of us can get out of here." he said irritably, steadying himself and holding tight to the hedge.

I looked at Cedric, walking to him. "Cedric, please, Harry doesn't want the cup, just take it already." I urged, but he ignored me, much to my annoyance.

"You told me about the dragons. I would've gone down in the first task if you hadn't told me what was coming." he said, looking at Harry.

"I had help on that too, and I told Raven about it." snapped Harry, who was trying to mop up his blood-soaked leg with his robes. "You helped me with the egg — we're square."

"I had help on the egg in the first place." said Cedric.

"We're still square." he answered, testing his leg, which shook violently when weight was put on it.

I sighed as they continued to bicker, Cedric saying that Harry should've gotten more points for getting all the hostages, Harry complained about not taking the song seriously. A bit more bickering and Harry suddenly said, "All of us."

"What?" Cedric and I said at the same time.

"We'll all take it at the same time. it's still a Hogwarts victory. We'll all tie for it." he explained. I looked at Harry, smiling. That was actually a great idea. Cedric unfolded his arms, staring at Harry. "You — you sure?" he asked.

"Yeah." said Harry. "Yeah. . we've helped each other out, haven't we? All three of us got here. Let's just take it together."

I smiled as Cedric looked shocked, but then a grin formed on his face. "You're on, come here." he said, grabbing Harry's arm below the shoulder, to which I walked over to the cup, watching them come closer. When they reached it, all three of us held a hand out at one of the cup's gleaming handles.

"On three, right? One — two — three—" he said and all three of us instantly grabbed a handle. I felt a pull behind my navel, my feet left the ground, and I realized that I couldn't unclench my hand from the handle of the Triwizard Cup. It was pulling us onward in a howl of wind and swirling color with Harry and Cedric at my side.

I felt my feet slam onto the ground, falling over with Harry landing on me. He gasped an apology, which I shrugged off, and sat up when he got off me. "Where are we?" he asked. I looked around, noticing that we were no longer on Hogwarts grounds. We were in a dark, overgrown graveyard with a black outline of a church in the background by a yew tree.

Cedric looked down at the Triwizard Cup, then looked at Harry. "Did anyone tell you the Cup was a Portkey?"

"Nope." answered Harry, he was looking around as well. "Is this supposed to be part of the task?"

"I dunno." said Cedric.

"I hope not." I said as I stood up, taking a few steps around. I felt uneasy in this place, and without thinking, I pulled out my wand, to which Cedric noticed. "Good thinking, Raven." he said, pulling his wand out, same with Harry.

I walked close to Harry, feeling more and more uneasy as the minutes went by. Why were we here? Was this some hidden challenge? I do not like the feeling I am getting.

"Someone's coming." Harry said suddenly. All three of us stared into the darkness, having to squint to see a figure drawing near, walking steadily toward us between the graves. We couldn't make out a face, but the way it was walking and holding its arms gave us a clue that it was carrying something.

The figure was short, and wearing a hooded cloak to cover its face. I felt uneasy as the figure grew closer to us, and it was then that I realized the figure was holding what looked like a bundle of robes.

It stopped in front of a towering marble headstone six feet away from us. We looked at each other quizzically, all of us unsure what to think, and gazed back at the figure.

Without warning, Harry dropped his wand, his hands going to his face as he fell to the ground. "Harry?" I exclaimed, going to him. He was writhing in pain, his hand on his scar. My heart began to pound in my chest, my focus turning to the figure and I pointed my wand at it. "Who are you?" I demanded.

The next thing I heard made my face go white with utter fear as a high, cold voice say, "Kill the spare." and the next thing I knew was a second voice screeching "Avada Kedavra!" and a green light flashed at Cedric, and in an instant he fell to the ground dead.

"CEDRIC!" I cried, running to him, but I was suddenly pulled away. I struggled, trying to free myself, but I then realized that magic was the force pulling me. I lifted my wand, but it was smacked out of my hand by the hooded figure. I was slammed against the marble headstone, where Harry was slammed against it as well, I was on his right. The name on headstone was Tom Riddle.

The hooded figure, a man I now realized, conjured tight cords around us, from our necks to our ankles. Harry struggled, as did I, but the man hit us. I grimaced, the man was missing a finger. Harry's face darkened in realization. "You!" he gasped, seemingly recognizing the man.

I was now breathing heavily. "Wh-who is that?" I asked Harry fearfully, but before he could answer, the man stuffed black material into both of our mouths forcefully, rendering us unable to make any noise. My breathing got quicker, the man hurrying away.

Fear was all I could feel now, tears welled up in my eyes. Was I going to die? How would Draco, my family and friends react to hearing about my sudden death? Would they find out who killed me? A few tears fell down my cheeks as I realized harshly that this could be my final moments on Earth.

I tried to struggle, but the cords held me still. I could see Cedric's body lying twenty feet away. The bundle of robes was close by, and I realized that something was in it as it stirred fretfully. Something told me that whatever was in those robes was not a baby. I heard strange noises at my feet and looked down. To my horror, there was a giant snake slithering through the grass and circling the headstone we were on.

The man came back, his fast, wheezy breathing becoming audible as he came into our line of vision. He was pushing was looked like a large, stone cauldron to the foot of the grave, it was filled with a liquid. The bundle of robes began to move frantically as the man got down at the bottom of the cauldron, lighting a fire moments later.

The liquid inside heated very fast, faster than I believed possible as the surface bubbled and sent out fiery sparks like it was on fire. Steam came out and it thickened around us, blurring the image of the man who was now tending the fire. My eyes darted to the bundle robes, which moved in agitation.

I was far too pale to lose anymore color when the same high, cold voice came from the robes. "Hurry!"

The entire surface of the liquid was alight with sparks, like it was filled or encrusted with diamonds. "It is ready, Master." said the man. What was ready? What is happening?

What I saw next scarred me mentally. I screamed in horror, but the material muffled my scream, Harry let out a muffled yell. The man had opened the robes, inside them was was looked like a child that had been skinned and sunburned horribly. Its skin was hairless and scaly.

Its face scared me more than anything, not even the boggart I once faced in my manor when I was seven compared to this. Its face was flat, snakelike, with gleaming red eyes that haunted me. If I was tied down so tightly, I would be thrashing right about now. Tears ran down my face, my heart was pounding so hard that it felt like it would break through my ribs at any moment.

The man lifted the vile creature, which lifted its frail, thin arms around the man neck before it was lowered into the cauldron, a soft thud heard seconds later when it hit the bottom. Please tell me it was just killed. . .

The man began to speak, his face now revealed as the hood covering his head had fallen back, his voice shaking, sounding frightened. He raised his wand, closed his eyes, and spoke into the night.

"Bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew your son!"

The surface of the grave cracked, a trickle of dust rose into the air and fell into the cauldron. The surface of the liquid broke, hissed, and sent sparks in all directions as it turned to a vivid, poisonous blue color.

I stared at the man fearfully as he began whimpering. He pulled a long, thin dagger from his cloak, it shined silver. His voice turned into sobs as he spoke. "Flesh of the servant w-willingly given you will revive your master."

He held his right hand, the one with the missing finger, out in front of himself, raising the dagger. My eyes went wide and then closed tightly just as the man swung the dagger down. The scream the man let out pierced the night, and I was feeling like I was going to pass out from the fear and trauma.

Something small hit the ground, then landed inside the cauldron with a splash. I opened my eyes, the liquid inside the cauldron was now a burning red. I became petrified when the man, now gasping and moaning in agony, walked up to us with the silver dagger. He grabbed my left arm and forcibly turned it to expose to inner part, the cord digging into my wrist.

"B-blood of the Scarlett. . forcibly taken. . you will. . strengthen your foe. ."

My eyes went wide, not just from the name, and I let out a pained cry into the material as the dagger was slashed along my left, inner forearm, leaving a long cut as blood trickling out into a glass vial the man shakily pulled out. He moved away, and poured my blood into the cauldron, the liquid inside turning a sickening dark green.

"Blood. . o-of the second e-enemy. . forcibly taken. . you will. . resurrect your foe. ."

The man went to Harry, and cut his arm as well, who let out a similar pained cry, muffled as well. The man collected the blood in a different vial, walked to the cauldron, and poured Harry's blood into the cauldron.

Instantly, the liquid inside turned a blinding white, the man fell to the ground, cradling the stump on his severed arm where his right hand used to be, gasping and sobbing. The light from the cauldron was so bright that everything else was blackened with darkness as it simmered, sending its bright sparks in all directions.

I felt sick to my stomach, the burning pain on my left inner forearm making me feel worse. I was sweating, on the verge of passing out from pain and fear, but something was keeping me from passing out.

At first nothing happened, and at this moment, Harry and I had the same thought, we hoped the vile creature had drowned and whatever was being done had gone wrong.

The sparks from the cauldron were extinguished, white steam rippling and swirling out of the cauldron. It was so thick that it clouded our view of everything except for the steam. Both of us were still silently hoping it had gone wrong. Oh, how wrong we were. . .

Suddenly, through the mist, we saw with utter horror, a dark outline of a man who was tall and skeletal, rising slowly from inside the cauldron. "Robe me." said the high, cold voice, which sent more fear into me.

The man on the ground, who was sobbing and moaning in pain, picked up the black robes, stood up and put them on the skeletal man in the cauldron.

Now robed, the man stepped out of the cauldron, staring at the both of us. My eyes were wide with fear, my breathing at its fastest. He was whiter than skull, had slits for nostrils, but his eyes were not just a livid red, they glimmered with immense power, the same way the eyes of the Mancers glimmer when showing immense power. My blood has made him stronger.

The Dark Lord, known as Lord Voldemort, had risen again.

He looked away from us, and began examining his body. His hands were pale and spider-like with long fingers, in which he began to caress his own chest, arms, and face. His red eyes had slit pupils, like a pit viper, glimmered in the night. He held up his hands, flexing the fingers, a rapt and exultant expression on his face.

Voldemort, Harry got me to say the name at some point a few months back, did not notice in the slightest about the twitching and bleeding man on the ground, nor did he notice the snake that came back to Harry and I, circling us and hissing. He slipped his hand into a pocket in the robe and pulled out a wand, caressing it gently, and then raised it, pointed it at the man, who was lifted off the ground and thrown against the headstone Harry and I were tied to.

I would've flinched, but the cords still proved strong at making movement impossible. The man crumpled up, crying. Voldemort looked at us both, laughing a high, cold, mirthless laugh.

The man's robes were shining with blood now as his robe was wrapped around the stump. "My Lord. ." he choked, "my Lord. . you promised. . you did promise. ."

"Hold out your arm." said Voldemort.

"Oh Master. . . thank you, Master. ." he whimpered, extending the bleeding stump, but Voldemort laughed again. I shuddered at the tone.

"The other arm, Wormtail." he said. So that was the name of the man.

"Master, please. . please. . ."

Voldemort bent down and pulled out Wormtail's left arm roughly, forcing the sleeve up, which exposed his arm, and on it was a vivid red mark of a skull and snake, the exact same image of the Dark Mark seen in the sky during the Quidditch World Cup. Voldemort examined it carefully while ignoring Wormtail's whimpering. "It is back." he said softly, "they will all have noticed it. . and now, we shall know. ."

He pressed a long, pale finger to the Mark on Wormtail's arm. Both Harry and Wormtail howled with pain. I could only whimper with fear, my eyes on Voldemort as he removed his fingers from the Mark, which had turned black.

Voldemort had a cruel, satisfied look on his face as he straightened up, and looked around the graveyard. "How many will be brave enough to return when they feel it?" he whispered, his glimmering red eyes fixed upon the stars. "And how many will be foolish enough to stay away?"

He began to pace before Harry, Wormtail, and I. My eyes followed his movements fearfully, and I froze when he suddenly looked straight at us, or more at Harry at the moment, a cruel smile forming on his snakelike face.

"You stand, Harry Potter, upon the remains of my late father." he hissed softly, a cruel shiver running down my spine. "A muggle and a fool. . very like your dear mother. But they both had their uses, did they not? Your mother died to defend you as a child. . and I killed my father, and see how useful he has proved himself, in death. ."

Voldemort's red eyes fell on me, my breathing became quick again. "Raven Mancer, a girl whose blood has given me strength." he said softly. "Blood that once ran in the veins of the Scarletts. A shame they left this world and returned under a new surname, Mancer, against the use of the Dark Arts."

He walked closer, standing right in front of me, his red eyes boring into me. "It is with your Scarlett blood that I am stronger than before, and I have you to thank for." he said in a sickly, sweet voice, let out a laugh and turned back to Harry.

I was finding it hard to listen, in fact, once again I felt like I was about to pass out from fear, barely hearing what Voldemort was saying to Harry. Something about a house on the hillside and his mother and father. My eyes closed, my head tilting forward slightly.

"Don't you dare pass out on me, Raven Mancer!" yelled Voldemort, my eyes snapping open as I was hit with a stinging jinx on my right leg. I cried out in pain through the material wedged in my mouth, my eyes watering.

I kept my eyes on the ground as he began to approach me, but he stopped as the air was filled with the sound of swishing cloaks. "Ahh, my true family returns. ." he said as wizards were Apparating to every part around us. All of them hooded and masked, and one by one, they moved forward, but slowly and cautiously, like they couldn't believe their eyes. It was then I realized that they were Death Eaters.

Voldemort stood in silence, waiting. Then one of the Death Eaters fell to his knees, crawled towards Voldemort, and kissed the hem of his black robes, murmuring, "Master. . Master. ."

The other Death Eaters followed suit, doing the same before moving back, forming a silent circle, enclosing Harry, Voldemort, Wormtail, and I, and Tom Riddle's grave. There were several gaps in the circle, like they were expecting more to arrive, but no one else came.

Voldemort didn't seem expect more either as he looked around at the hooded wizards. Strangely, there was a rustling around the circle, despite there being no wind, like a shiver. I couldn't figure out what was causing it.

My fear had lessened and my breathing had slowed, but my heart continued to pound in my chest all while the long slice in my arm stung and ached, the blood that had been seeping out dried and scabbed over. I felt myself shudder at the sound of Voldemort's voice as he began to speak.

"Welcome, Death Eaters." he said quietly. "Thirteen years. . thirteen years since last we met. yet you answer my call as though it were yesterday. . . We are still united under the Dark Mark, then! Or are we?"

He sniffed, the slits on his face widening. "I smell guilt. There is a stench of guilt upon the air."

A second shiver went around the circle, as though each member longed to step back from Voldemort, but did not dare move. "I see you all, whole and healthy, with your powers intact — such prompt appearances! — and I ask myself. . why did this band of wizards never come to the aid of their master, to whom they swore eternal loyalty?"

No response from the circle, no movement, except from Wormtail as he sobbed from his bleeding stump.

Voldemort then whispered, "And I answer myself, they must have believed me broken, they thought I was gone. They slipped back among my enemies, and they pleaded innocence, and ignorance, and bewitchment. . ."

He continued to speak, the minutes passed. I only watched as he questioned the Death Eaters. They remained silent for most of it, only shaking their heads and muttering when Voldemort mentioned Dumbledore, but he only ignored them.

"It is a disappointment to me. . . I confess myself disappointed. . ."

My eyes darted to a Death Eater who suddenly flung himself forward, trembling head to toe, he fell at Voldemort's feet. "Master! Master, forgive me! Forgive us all!" he shrieked. Voldemort only laughed, raised his wand and said, "Crucio!"

I watched in horror as the Death Eater screamed in agony, his body thrashing around. Closing my eyes would do no good as it wouldn't protect me from hearing the screams. Tears blurred my vision, but I quickly blinked them away. Voldemort finally lifted his wand, the Death Eater laid on the ground, gasping.

"Get up, Avery." said Voldemort softly. "Stand up. You ask for forgiveness? I do not forgive. I do not forget. Thirteen long years. . I want thirteen years' repayment before I forgive you. Wormtail here has paid some of his debt already, have you not, Wormtail?"

He looked at down at the sobbing man. "You returned to me, not out of loyalty, but out of fear of your old friends. You deserve this pain, Wormtail. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes, Master," moaned Wormtail, "please, Master. . please. ."

"Yet you helped return me to my body." said Voldemort, watching Wormtail sob on the ground. "Worthless and traitorous as you are, you helped me. . and Lord Voldemort rewards his helpers. ." He raised his wand again and waved it, a substance that looked like liquid silver came out. Shapeless at first, but then took the form of an exact replica of a human hand and attached itself to the bloody stump on Wormtail's wrist.

Wormtail stopped sobbing, his breathing ragged, and lifted his head, staring at his new silver hand in disbelief. It was so seamlessly attached to his wrist that it was like he was wear a silky, silver glove. His new fingers flexed, and he grabbed a small twig, crushing it with such strength that it turned into powder.

"My Lord." he whispered. "Master. . it is beautiful. . thank you. . thank you. . ." he scrambled forward, and kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes.

"May your loyalty never waver again, Wormtail." said Voldemort.

"No, my Lord. . never, my Lord. ." he said, standing up and took his place in the circle, staring at his new hand.

Voldemort approached another man, who was revealed to be Lucius, Draco's father. They talked for some time, Voldemort expressing disappointment, to which Lucius explained that had there been any sign or whisper of Voldemort's whereabouts, he would have been at Voldemort's side immediately. He continued to speak to Lucius, then spoke to the other Death Eaters for quite some time.

I was not doing well by this time. I was weak, tired, in pain, and once more, scared beyond anything. All I wanted was someone, anyone to help Harry and I. I wanted my family, I wanted Draco. I kept begging silently for any form of help to come as Voldemort talked.

I heard various names of the Death Eaters: Lestrange, Macnair, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, the previous three names I recognized. Voldemort mentioned that there were six missing Death Eaters. One he mentioned was his most faithful servant, who, to my horror, was at Hogwarts. What he said next scared me.

"He is at Hogwarts, that faithful servant, and it was through his efforts that our young friends arrived here tonight. ."

I felt my body go numb with fear. Some of the Death Eaters had looks of confusion as they looked directly at me. Voldemort let out a dark chuckle. "Yes, we have an extra guest here with Harry Potter. The blood that runs in her veins is the blood of the Scarletts, a powerful Pure-blood family once thought to be long gone, but in fact are only disguised as the Mancers."

Voldemort approached me, a twisted smile on his face. "Raven Mancer, a powerful young witch. She provided me with more power."

I felt an icy chill slither down my spine, looking directly into Voldemort's glimmering red eyes. He turned around and went back to where he stood before. "Harry Potter and Raven Mancer have kindly joined us for my rebirthing party. One might go so far as to call them my guests of honor."

There was silence for a few moments, then a Death Eater stepped out and spoke, it was Lucius. "Master, we crave to know. . we beg you to tell us. . how you have achieved this. . this miracle. . how you returned to us. . ."

"Ah, what a story it is, Lucius. And it begins — and ends — with my young friend here." said Voldemort as he walked over and stood next to Harry, I managed to turn my head just enough to look, but the cord cut into my neck slightly, making me wince in pain. Everyone in the circle were staring now. Voldemort explained what happened to him the night he tried to kill Harry, explaining what his mother did to save him, a protection that prevents him from touching Harry, how she left a trace of her sacrifice, which was old magic.

He then said that he could touch Harry now, lifted a long, pale finger and pressed it to his head. I whimpered, though it was muffled, as Harry's face contorted in pain. Voldemort laughed softly, then removed his finger.

Voldemort continued on, that he miscalculated, how the Killing Curse was rebounded onto him because of the sacrifice Harry's mother did. Going on how he was ripped from his body, becoming less than a spirit, but alive. He said that his goal was to conquer death.

I was barely listening to what Voldemort was saying now, only hearing bits and pieces of his story. I heard the word Philosopher's Stone, which I had heard about by my father as a kid. I felt my eyes close again, but I forced them open, not wanting to be caught and hit with another painful spell.

I looked up, I hadn't realized that my head lowered, upon hearing Wormtail's name as Voldemort spoke. Once again, I listened, watching them. He talked about Wormtail's fake death, overpowering Bertha Jorkins, and how Voldemort found out about the Triwizard Tournament.

When he went on about his plan to get a new body, I listened in carefully, listening about the potion that brought him back this very night. That was when he paused, his red eyes going to me, a sick, twisted smile on his face, and he turned back to the Death Eaters.

"That was the original plan, but when I received news about the Mancer family, with their similarities in appearance to the ancient Scarlett family, I did not need to do much thinking to recognize them as the direct descendants of the ancient and powerful family."

I was completely shocked. Our family worked so hard keeping our past a secret and yet Voldemort found out so easily. He was far more intelligent than I realized. Voldemort turned to face me again, striding over and stared right at me, his face only inches away. I whimpered fearfully, a sick, twisted smile on his face once again.

"With some careful modification to the potion, I made sure the extra ingredient for the potion was the blood of a Scarlett. This would ensure my power to be stronger." he said smoothly, looking pleased with himself and turned away.

He continued to explain about how he got us here. "Why. . . by using Bertha Jorkins's information, of course. Use my one faithful Death Eater, stationed at Hogwarts, to ensure that their names were entered into the Goblet of Fire. Use my Death Eater to ensure that they both won the Tournament — that they both touched the Triwizard Cup together — the Cup which my Death Eater had turned into a Portkey, which would bring them here, beyond the reach of Dumbledore's help and protection, and into my waiting arms. And here they are, the girl who gave me more power with her blood, and the boy you all believed had been my downfall. . ."

Voldemort moved slowly to Harry, turning to face him. He raised his wand and then hit Harry with the Cruciatus Curse. I was now struggling, the cords digging into my flesh, yet not breaking the skin. I was beyond terrified at this point, my body was not taking the constant surges of fear very well.

Voldemort suddenly lifted his wand, Harry went limp, the surrounding area echoing with the laughter of the Death Eaters. He raised his wand at me, and said, "Crucio!"

I let out a bloodcurdling scream into the black material, which barely muffled the sound as the most horrible pain I have ever experienced in my life radiated through my body. It was like my bones were on fire, my skin being pierced with red hot knifes. I could feel my body thrashing in the cords harder than ever, the long cut in my arm bleeding once more. My eyes were wide and filled with tears that fell down continuously. It felt like my head would explode, or my eyes would burst from the pressure.

I wanted to die, the pain to end, for death to greet me silently. The pain soon ended, but death never came. I became limp, my head hanging down, large tears falling onto the ground. I could hear Voldemort talking, but I didn't listen, I was sore everywhere.

Suddenly, the material in my mouth was removed and the cords that tied me against the headstone were cut. I fell to the ground, taking in deep breaths through my dry mouth. I looked up, noticing that Harry was still tied up. I got myself to stand, but stumbled a bit, and my wand was suddenly forced into my hands by Wormtail.

I froze when Voldemort approached me, standing a few feet away. "Ahh, Raven. I've heard from a source that you are an accomplished dueler, like the rest of your family. How about a duel to prove it." he said, his wand in hand. It was not a request.

Voldemort bowed, and I did the same, not wanting to make any mistakes. I took a deep breath, calming myself. My eyes began to glimmer with the power I currently had at my age. I straightened up, wand ready.

"And now, we duel." he said, firing the first spell so quickly I barely managed to deflect it. He grinned coldly, firing more spells, which either hit me or were deflected. I fired back, most of which were deflected as well. Voldemort laughed with some sort of satisfaction. "You show great talent, Raven Mancer, just like the Scarletts once did in their time of power. You would do well as a Death Eater." he said coolly.

Anger surged through me, my body suddenly filled with energy as adrenaline began flowing through my veins. "I'll be a Death Eater when muggles and wizards unite as one!" I said angrily, knowing damn well that will never happen.

Voldemort's grin faded and was replaced with a look of disgust, but his voice was eerily calm. "Very well then. Crucio!"

I screamed again, falling to the ground as my legs gave out. My body jerked and twitched violently, the pain ripping through me harder than the first time. My screams echoed into the surrounding area, my vision beginning to turn black, but the pain ended as quickly as it came and I was left a sobbing mess, barely moving.

As I laid on the ground sobbing, I watched the scene before me, Voldemort turned his attention to Harry, who was untied by Wormtail. Voldemort then had Harry duel with him, albeit Harry was forced to bow, and then he was hit the Cruciatus Curse.

He screamed so loudly, it was painful to watch. More tears fell down my cheeks, the Death Eaters were laughing loudly at our suffering. I pushed myself up with my arms, looking at Harry's body jerk around violently in agony.

Voldemort lifted his wand, ending the curse. Harry rolled over and scrambled to his feet, much to my surprise, but he was shaking uncontrollably, and he staggered into the Death Eaters, who just pushed him back toward Voldemort.

"A little break," said Voldemort. "a little pause. . That hurt, didn't it, Harry? You don't want me to do that again, do you?"

Harry didn't answer, which angered Voldemort and he demanded Harry to answer, then cast the Imperious Curse on him. I looked away, still holding my wand, and slowly crawled to where Cedric's body lay, it was there that I rested my hands on his chest, sobbing quietly, mourning his unexpected death. He just did not deserve to die so young, he was so kind, even towards me despite being in a House that everyone else hates.

Harry's voice echoed loudly as he resisted the Imperious Curse again, but I was sobbing far too much to pay any attention. Voldemort began talking, the Death Eaters stopped laughing, but all I did was sob, only looking up when I noticed Harry hide behind the headstone we had been tied to.

My eyes stayed on the headstone, watching with worry as Voldemort mocked him, asking if he wanted to end their duel, to have him finish it all. Telling him to come out and play as he walked closer to the headstone.

As this happened, several Death Eaters near me took this moment to kick me away from Cedric's body. I gasped in pain, landing on my back. Laughter echoed around me as they kicked me in the ribs harder, and a crack was heard as one or two of my ribs broke.

I gasped loudly as I felt the boot of one Death Eater make contact with my stomach, knocking the wind from me. I coughed hard, gasping for air, but they kept kicking me, leaving me aching, and gasping, and sobbing harder. I could barely fight back, but they soon stopped, becoming distracted by the scene ahead. I took this moment to painstakingly crawl back to Cedric's body.

Through the tears that fell more, I saw Harry stand up, pointed his wand and yelled, "Expelliarmus!" at the same time Voldemort yelled, "Avada Kedavra!"

A jet of green light came from Voldemort's wand and a jet of red light came from Harry's wand, and the two lights met in midair. I watched, noticing that their wands were vibrating, something I didn't think happened with wands.

And then, a long beam of light came out, it was gold light. My eyes were locked on the gold beam of light, which replaced the green and red jets of light as well. What I did not expect was for them both to be lifted into the air and moved to a new spot away from the headstone and the graves. The Death Eaters followed them, asking for instructions. None of them paid attention to me, to which I was glad for, but the lingering fear of one of them continuing their torture on me remained.

My eyes widened when the gold beam of light split into thousands of beams of light around Harry and Voldemort, creating a golden dome around them. I couldn't hear anything from Harry or Voldemort now. I heard Voldemort's voice, but it was muffled.

I could barely see from where I was at, my vision was blurred and foggy from the pain, and the golden dome made it much harder to see. I could've sworn I saw something appear in the golden dome. Muffled voices were heard in the dome, and I only wished I could understand what they were saying.

Without any warning, the golden dome vanished, there were grey figures going towards Voldemort, and I saw Harry running toward me and Cedric's body at great speed, knocking over two Death Eaters in the process.

Various spells were fired at him and I ducked multiple times as bit of debris from headstones being hit flew at me. "Stun him!" screamed Voldemort.

Only ten feet from me, Harry dived behind a marble angel, its wings hit with a spell that broke the tips of them. I watched, scared for him, and scare for myself for if they remember that I am here, I could be killed as well. I heard Harry bellow, "Impedimenta!" and then jumped over the Cup, landing in front of me, grabbed Cedric's wrist. I grabbed onto Harry's wrist, the one holding Cedric's, and looked at Harry, my eyes wide with fear.

He looked at the Cup, it was out of reach, but he then yelled, "Accio!" and the Cup flew towards him. Without a thought, we reached our free hand out and each grabbed the handle. Just as the pull behind my navel was felt, I heard Voldemort's scream of fury, and we both were transported, carrying Cedric's body with us in a whirl of wind and color.

With a painful slam onto the ground, I let go of the Cup, letting out the loudest scream I could muster, a scream filled with the trauma, pain, and horror I had just witnessed. The crowd was sent into a panic. Screams and yells were heard.

I clutched my left arm, the cut bleeding freely once again, and I sobbed loudly, wailing in fact despite having several broken ribs. The trauma, pain, and the death of Cedric was far too much for me to handle. My body hurt, my head was pounding, and all I wanted was for it to all go away and give me peace.

Through the screams and yells, I could hear my family yelling my name, but one voice stood out, that voice belonged to Draco, he was screaming my name so loudly, and in my blurred vision I could see him struggling to get to me, my family was coming down as well.

I got onto my knees, sitting up carefully, large tears streaming down my face. It was difficult to breathe from the injuries. People were surrounding us now, and Dumbledore came to Harry and I. It was then I realized that Harry was lying face first on the ground, but Dumbledore rolled him over.

"He's back." Harry whispered. I looked at Dumbledore fearfully. "Voldemort's back!" Harry and I said at the same time. I then said urgently. "My blood! My blood was used to make him stronger!"

"What's going on? What's happened?" said Cornelius Fudge, who appeared before us, his face white.

Many began to realize that Cedric was dead. I heard many screaming and shouting over it. Harry refused to let go of Cedric's body, clinging onto him. He didn't want to leave him, tears in his eyes.

"Harry, you can't help him now. It's over. Let go." said Dumbledore.

"He wanted me to bring him back." Harry muttered. "He wanted me to bring him back to his parents. . ."

"That's right, Harry. . just let go now. ." said Dumbledore, who bent down and raised Harry to his feet with strength I didn't expect from someone of his age. He helped me up as well, though I winced and stumbled a bit before regaining balance. I went straight to Harry and let him lean against me so that he wouldn't stand on his injured leg. I kept an arm around him in case he suddenly collapsed.

People were now surrounding us. I heard many saying, "What's happened?" "What's wrong with him?" "Diggory's dead!"

"They'll need to go to the hospital wing!" Fudge was saying loudly. "They're ill, they're injured — Dumbledore, Diggory's parents, they're here, they're in the stands. . ."

"I'll take Harry and Raven, Dumbledore, I'll take them —"

"No, I would prefer —"

"Dumbledore, Amos Diggory's running. . he's coming over. . Don't you think you should tell him — before he sees —?"

"Harry, stay here —" said Dumbledore. I could hear many girls screaming or sobbing hysterically. I could see my family with Draco trying to come down, but they weren't able to. I blinked a few times in hopes that my vision would clear, but to no avail. I couldn't hear Draco screaming my name anymore, he must have lost his voice from screaming my name so much.

I was so spaced out that I didn't see Moody limp over and take Harry, but his voice snapped me out of it. "It's all right, son, I've got you. . come on. . you too, Raven. . hospital wing. ."

"Dumbledore said stay." said Harry. He did not sound well, but neither was I. I felt more exhausted than ever now. I just wanted my family and Draco to stay by me, and I wanted to sleep for days.

"You need to lie down. . Come on now. . ." Moody said to Harry. The thought of lying down sounded wonderful, my body craved it, the need for rest. My eyelids felt heavy, yet I kept them open as I walked with Moody and Harry. He was half pulling, half carrying Harry.

We walked through the crowd, but I stopped, looking up at the stands where Draco an my family were, but Moody grabbed me and pulled forward, making me wince from pain. He led us to the castle. How long it took is unknown to me, all I could think about was moving each foot forward to keep myself from collapsing onto the ground from exhaustion.

"What happened, Harry?" asked Moody as he lifted Harry up the stone steps while I walked up them.

"Cup was a Portkey." replied Harry as we crossed the entrance hall. "Took me, Cedric, and Raven to a graveyard. . and Voldemort was there. . . Lord Voldemort. ."

We went up the marble stairs, I looked at Harry as he talked, both of us took turns answering at certain points. We kept walking, Harry made mention of Voldemort and I dueling, and he and Voldemort dueling.

"In here, Harry, Raven. . in here, and sit down. . You'll be alright now. . . drink this. ." said Moody, pushing two cups to our hands. However, I was very confused. I was certain he was going to take us to the hospital wing, not his office. Maybe I misheard him?

Moody nudged the cup in my hands. "Drink it. . you'll feel better. . come on, now, Raven, Harry, I need to know exactly what happened. . ."

I raised the cup to my lips, drinking down the substance without having any thought, Moody helped Harry drink his. I coughed from the peppery taste burning my throat, same with Harry, but my vision became clearer from the drink, though the pain from my broken ribs and other injuries remained.

Moody was staring at us both, his face as white as Fudge's was. "Voldemort's back? You're sure he's back? How did he do it?" he questioned.

We both turn turns explaining, but I became confused when Moody asked how Voldemort treated the Death Eaters and if he forgave them. I looked at Harry when he blurted, "There's a Death Eater at Hogwarts! There's a Death Eater here — they put my name and Raven's name in the Goblet of Fire, they made sure we got through to the end —"

Harry tried to get up, but Moody pushed him back down. "I know where the Death Eater is." Moody said quietly. My head snapped over to Moody at this, narrowing my eyes slightly.

"Karkaroff?" said Harry wildly. "Where is he? Have you got him? Is he locked up?"

"Karkaroff?" said Moody, who laughed oddly. "Karkaroff fled tonight, when he felt the Dark Mark burn upon his arm. He betrayed too many faithful supporters of the Dark Lord to wish to meet them. . but I doubt he will get far. The Dark Lord has ways of tracking his enemies."

"Karkaroff gone? He ran away? But then — he didn't put our names in the goblet." said Harry.

"No." said Moody slowly. "No, he didn't. It was I who did that."

My eyes went wide, many emotions went through me, shock, fear, disbelief. "What?! You did not!" I exclaimed, staring at Moody. I was feeling very uncomfortable now.

"No, you didn't." said Harry, also staring at Moody in disbelief. "You didn't do that. . you can't have done. ."

"I assure you I did." said Moody, his magical eye on the door, and I knew why. He was making sure that no one was outside it, listening in. As he did this, he pulled out his wand, pointing it at us. "He forgave them then? The Death Eaters who went free? The ones who escaped Azkaban?"

"What?" said Harry, both of us looking at the wand that was pointed at us. I did not like this at all. What was Moody playing at?

"I asked you whether he forgave the scum who never even went to look for him. Those treacherous cowards who wouldn't even brave Azkaban for him. The faithless, worthless bits of filth who were brave enough to cavort in masks at the Quidditch World Cup, but fled at the sight of the Dark Mark when I fired it into the sky."

Moody kept going, and I felt myself stiffen when he said called Voldemort his master. My heart began to pound again from fear, my eyes locked on Moody's wand, which was still pointed at us. With each thing he said, I grew more and more fearful, but also shocked at the things that were done.

"Tell me he told them that I, I alone remained faithful. . prepared to risk everything to deliver to him the one thing he wanted above all. . you. . and Raven."

I stared directly at Moody. "So you did put our names in the goblet?" I accused. Moody chuckled darkly.

"Of course I did. Who put your names in the Goblet of Fire under the names of two different schools? I did. Who frightened off every person I thought might try to hurt you or prevent you from winning the tournament? I did."

"You never helped me." I pointed out. Again, Moody chuckled. "Of course I didn't, I trusted that Harry would help you when he found out."

"Not with the Golden Egg. ." I said under my breath.

Moody explained how hard it was, how careful he had to be to not arouse suspicion. Using all the cunning he had. Making sure we got through, but not so easily that Dumbledore got suspicious. He said he helped Harry with the Golden Egg by telling Cedric to put it in the water, trusting that Cedric would tell Harry.

He explained what he did for Harry for the Second Task, how he staged a loud conversation to the staff members whether Harry would think to use gillyweed, in front of this house elf named Dobby, who grabbed gillyweed upon hearing that.

Moody's wand was suddenly directed at Harry's heart, making me feel light headed with fear. Was he going to kill him? Right here, in front of me, and then kill me as well? I heard Moody mention how long Harry took in the lake, but what he said about the maze made things make more sense with the obstacles, but also scare me.

"You two had an easier time of it than you should have in that maze tonight, of course." said Moody. "I was patrolling around it, able to see through the outer hedges, able to curse many obstacles out of your way. I stunned Fleur Delacour as she passed. I put the Imperius Curse on Krum, so that he would finish Diggory and leave your path to the Cup clear."

Even in my exhausted state, I realized something. "Wait a minute, how would you know that Harry and I would both grab the cup at the same time?" I asked.

Moody gave a smile that made me feel uncomfortable. "I didn't. I had originally planned to use the Imperius Curse on you to grab the cup at the same time Harry grabbed it. Thanks to Diggory's decent nature, that plan was never needed."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. All of this was insane, it made no sense, and yet it happened. My head began to pound again, making me put my hand to my head in discomfort. My heart was pounding even more as Moody went on like some madman about how Voldemort would reward him for killing Harry.

I couldn't take this any longer and I leapt from the chair, ignoring the pain in my chest. "You are mad! Completely insane!" I shouted, my hands balling into fists at my sides.

"Mad, am I?" said Moody, his eyes focusing on me suddenly as his voice began rising. "We'll see! We'll see who's mad, now that the Dark Lord has returned, with me at his side! With your blood Raven Mancer — he is unstoppable! He is back, Harry Potter, you did not conquer him — and now, I conquer you!"

"Stupefy!" There was a blinding flash of red light, and with a great crash, the door of Moody's office was blasted off. Moody was thrown backwards onto the floor, knocked unconscious. I looked back and saw Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall standing in the doorway, with Dumbledore in the front, his wand outstretched.

The look on his face made me feel unsettled, but I wasn't fearful, in fact, I was greatly relieved. It was there that Harry and I both fully understood why Voldemort feared Dumbledore. He had this cold fury on his face, not one sign of that twinkle in his eyes that I had always noticed when seeing him, and this power radiated from him, was much more powerful than the power that radiates from my great-grandparents.

Now, however, I was unable to keep myself going, and it was thanks to the reflexes of the Professors that I was caught the moment I passed out from exhaustion and injury.

- -In the Hospital Wing- -

I found myself waking up in the Hospital Wing with a low groan. My body was sore, but not nearly as much. Opening my eyes, I looked around, I saw Harry sleeping and someone else but they were hard to see. Looking down at my left arm, I saw that it was healed, but the long cut was now a visible scar that just made me feel ill at the mere sight of it. A permanent, hideous, disgusting scar that would always remind me of what happened.

I hated it, my eyes glaring at it with so much fury that it could've caught on fire. Tears welled up in my eyes, some falling down my cheeks as I began to cry quietly. I hated this, I hated everything. I just wanted to disappear from the world and never come back.

"Raven?" said a worried, hoarse voice. I looked up and saw Draco standing next to me. I've never seen him look so messed up. His eyes were bloodshot and swollen from crying, there were dried tears on his cheeks, his hair was a mess and he just overall looked horrible. He noticed my tears, reached his hand up, and gently wiped them away with his thumb.

More tears fell, but he only wiped them away as they fell, one by one. Once the tears stopped falling, Draco spoke to me, I noticed that he had lost his voice, but yet he talked regardless. "Raven, are you feeling any better, or are you still on edge?" he asked roughly, moving himself to sit on the bed next to me.

"I'm not even close to feeling better! I'm exhausted in more ways than I thought possible! I'm sore, and now I-I have this hideous scar that is stuck with me!" I said loudly, shaking softly as I showed him the scar on my arm.

He looked at it. "Is that from. . .?" he asked, trailing off. I only nodding, speaking quietly. "Yes. My blood, along with Harry's blood, was used to bring back the Dark Lord. My blood has been used to make him more powerful. I've never felt more ashamed, and this scar only proves that I was not able to stop him from using my blood."

Draco looked at me with a stern expression. "There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING to be ashamed of Raven! This was not your fault! You were forced into this before you could even process what was happening and that is not something you need to put yourself down for! Look at me!" he demanded, his voice getting worse as he talked, taking my hands, his normally silver eyes were a dark grey as they locked with my reddened, emerald green ones.

"Please, don't beat yourself up over something that was beyond your control." he said softly, pulling my left arm to him, and he kissed the scar so gently that tears filled my eyes from his sweetness. "I don't care that you have this scar. I don't care, all right? I love you, Raven." he said softly, pulling me into his arms.

I snuggled up to him, resting my head on his warm chest. "My body hurts." I whispered, my eyes closed.

"Why does your body hurt?" he asked quietly.

"Cruciatus curse. Used twice on me." I answered quietly, feeling Draco stiffen.

"T-twice?!" he exclaimed. I nodded, feeling myself doze off. He tapped my arm gently, but urgently. "Raven, who used it on you?"

"V-Voldemort did." I whispered, burying my face into Draco's chest. He flinched, his body suddenly vibrating with anger and fear.

"H-how are you still alive?" he asked softly, but I didn't say anything. He held me for a small amount of time until the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening. My entire family walked in, all them looking relieved to see me awake.

"Oh, Raven!" cried Mother, rushing over and brushing my bangs with her hand gently. "We were told everything by Harry and the Professors. Madam Pomfrey told me what your injuries were, and she had healed them."

Leo and Crow sat beside me, both them with looks of worry on their faces. Father came up, looking upset. "Raven, there is some bad news about this situation." he said, looking down at me.

"What?" I asked, feeling worried.

Father sighed, sitting on the hospital bed. "Cornelius Fudge doesn't believe Harry's statement about the Dark Lord returning. He believes you and Harry are disturbed, lying even."

Anger surged through me, but Draco was quick to calm me down, whispering in a hoarse voice that I shouldn't get all riled up after what I've been through all ready. I looked at Father, still not happy with this. "He's going to regret denying Voldemort's rebirth. With my blood used, he's more powerful and this will only make the future much worse."

Father nodded in agreement. Leo looked at me. "Harry won the tournament by the way, with him having more points them you all ready anyway."

I shrugged, not caring much for the one thousand Galleon prize. I had enough money to last me many lifetimes. One thousand Galleons doesn't really count as a prize for me. Mother told me that because of this whole thing, I wouldn't be receiving that punishment during the summer as she felt it just wouldn't be right, and she wanted me to relax and unwind.

Eventually, Professor Dumbledore came in, explaining the situation to me was well and revealed that the Moody we knew was in fact an imposter using polyjuice potion named Barty Crouch Jr., who got the Dementor's Kiss as punishment for his crimes. I had shuddered at the punishment, it was so much worse than dying, and the mere thought of getting that punishment scared me. I explained my story of what happened to Professor Dumbledore, giving him details that Harry had not seen.

I realized something and looked at Draco. "Draco, your father, he was at the graveyard." I said, worried. His face turned white, fear in his eyes. Draco did not like Lucius, never truly saw him as a father since changing his ways.

Draco swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing, and he looked up at my parents. "Margret, Louis, is there any possible way for me to stay with you for the summer?" he asked pleadingly.

Father looked at Draco questioningly and Draco quickly explained the situation about his father. His mother would have to be notified about his stay with us, though carefully, but she'd likely be fine with it as long as she was told as soon as possible.

Mother and Father talked for a long minute, but they accepted, saying he can join me when I go to them at the Platform. Madam Pomfrey soon had my family leave, but Draco had to stay momentarily due to his voice being gone.

Madam Pomfrey took care of it and he was able to speak once again with little issue, but he was told to let me rest so he left, but not before placing a gentle kiss to my head. I sighed softly, turning my head to look where Harry laid, he was still asleep.

Gazing up at the ceiling, I laid back down carefully, allowing sleep to greet me once more.

- -Thursday, July 1, 1995- -

Draco, Opal, Lilia, Midna and I were heading to the Great Hall for the End-of-Term feast. I've already gotten my stuff packed as tomorrow we'd all be leaving for home. Draco's mother unfortunately wouldn't allow him to go to Mancer Manor with me, which made Draco scared. I told him that if for any reason he needed to come, he can owl me and I'll send the Mancer house elf, Pinky, to him and she'll bring him straight to the manor.

He was relieved, but the look of worry was still in his eyes.

Upon entering the Great Hall, I was taken aback for a moment. The Hall was decorated with black drapes. According to Draco and my friends, this night would usually hold the banners of the winning House, but not this year. Instantly, I knew the black drapes were there as respect for Cedric. My gaze fell to the floor, a sudden feeling of sadness washing over me.

We all sat at our respective tables, with Draco on my right and Midna on my left. It was quieter than it usually was in the Hall, and the little noise that was here disappeared when Professor Dumbledore stood up.

"The end of another year." said Professor Dumbledore, his eyes falling to the Hufflepuff table. "There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight, but I must first acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here," he gestured to the Hufflepuffs sitting at their respective table. "enjoying our feast with us. I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise your glasses, to Cedric Diggory."

All of us stood, raising our goblets, tears fell down my face at the reminder of his death as we all said in a low voice, "Cedric Diggory." and then sat back down.

"Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Hufflepuff House." continued Professor Dumbledore. "He was a good and loyal friend, a hard worker, he valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you knew him well or not. I think that you have the right, therefore, to know exactly how it came about."

My eyes remained on Professor Dumbledore, all while tears continued to stream down my face. I felt Draco take my hand gently, squeezing it softly.

"Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort."

Many stared at Professor Dumbledore in disbelief and horror as a panicked whisper filled the Hall. He continued once they became silent.

"The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so — either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend that Cedric died as the result of an accident, or some sort of blunder of his own, is an insult to his memory."

Draco continued to squeeze my hand, which I appreciated as we listened. It was so quiet in the Great Hall.

"There are two people who must be mentioned in connection with Cedric's death. I am talking, of course, about Harry Potter and Raven Mancer." said Professor Dumbledore.

Many turned to look at Harry and I, then looked back at Professor Dumbledore. "Raven Mancer, a witch who transferred here from Romania, survived contact with Lord Voldemort, and witnessed the death of Cedric Diggory. She had stood up to Lord Voldemort when offered to join him, and is considered very lucky to be alive. Harry Potter risked his own life to save her, returning her and Cedric's body to Hogwarts. They showed, in every respect, the sort of bravery that few wizards have ever shown in facing Lord Voldemort, and for this, I honor them."

Professor Dumbledore raised his goblet to Harry and I, and nearly everyone else did the same, murmuring our names, and drank to us. Several Slytherins, such as Crabbe and Goyle didn't do anything. My eyes went wide however, when Pansy raised her goblet to us, a look of sorrow on her face as she looked at me.

"The Triwizard Tournament's aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened — of Lord Voldemort's return — such ties are more important than ever before."

He looked at Madame Maxime and Hagrid, to Fleur Delacour and her fellow Beauxbatons students, and to Viktor Krum and the Durmstrang students who sat with us at the Slytherin table.

"Every guest in this Hall, will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again — in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open."

Draco let go of my hand, this time holding me closer to him as Professor Dumbledore spoke.

"It is my belief — and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken — that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from our midst."

My eyes filled with tears again when he spoke one final time.

"Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."

The End-of-Term feast was quiet and dull, the Hall filled with many emotions. I barely spoke, barely able to eat. It soon came to an end, and all of us left for our Common Rooms to spend our final night at Hogwarts.

I, however, stayed in the Common Room, along with Draco. I had been suffering frequent nightmares since that night at the graveyard, and I refused to sleep by myself despite there being others in my Dorm. Draco stayed with me, holding me in his arms while I slept these last few weeks on the loveseat in the Slytherin Common Room.

It was because of Draco's presence that I slept a little better at night.

- -Friday, July 2, 1995- -

Draco and I stood with my friends as we waited for the carriages to arrive. We were officially leaving Hogwarts for the summer. I could see the anxiety on Draco's face. He was not looking forward to going back to his home now that his father would expecting a lot more from him or worse. With his mother forbidding Draco from coming to my manor, I was getting worried that something may happen.

Once the carriages arrived, we entered them and spoke very little as we were taken to Hogsmeade station.

We got onto the train, found a compartment, and all sat together. It was, well, silent for most of the ride back to the Platform. We spoke a little bit, but it was difficult to hold a conversation for more than ten minutes.

Draco had kept me close to him for the entire train ride, and as the time for us to approach the Platform grew closer, I could sense his anxiety. In fact, upon looking at him, I saw that he had become pale and beginning to sweat.

I turned around, facing him. "Draco, under any circumstances, do not tell your father that we are friends or in a relationship if he asks. If anything, just say we don't interact very much."

He nodded, swallowing, his eyes were filled with worry. "We'll have to leave separately then, Raven. If my father is there waiting at the Platform, then we can't be seen together."

I agreed, understanding. Soon enough, the train entered the Platform. I grabbed my stuff and left with Draco and my friends. Before Draco and I got off the train however, Draco pulled me to him and kissed me for only a few seconds, then left.

I stepped out after him, looking around for Mother and Father. Once I did, I went straight to them, smiling. "Ready to leave, Raven?" asked Father. I nodded and took his hand. With that, Mother and Father used Side-Along Apparition and within a few seconds, I was home for the summer.

((And that is the end of this story. I plan on writing a direct sequel to this after I complete Draco Malfoy's Newfound Protection. Unless I end up feeling like writing the sequel anyway. I have a tendency to get distracted by new writing ideas.))

((Despite living in the States, I had Raven use the term Philosopher's Stone instead of Sorcerer's Stone as I prefer the original title and the name of the Stone in general.))

((So until my next story featuring Raven Mancer, feel free to check out Draco Malfoy's Newfound Protection as a lot about Raven is in that story, including the story of her family, and as usual, any reviews are appreciated.))