I think the idea I had was better in though than in actual practice lol. Or maybe it is because of the way I wrote it. I feel like I could have done better.

Then again it's not like I have much experience in this matter lol. I am doing a bit of research on the type of relationship dynamic it would be...Though it do read a lot of manga -_-

Also just to be clear, while I do plan on keeping the character's main characteristics as much as possible there may be some variation. As I'm sure many can already see with Antonin's and Malfoy's personality. Very different to what we are used to. I would just think of this story as completely different universe, which uses the Harry Potter theme as it's base point.

So try not to get too upset if things aren't the way the are in the books/movie. However, rest assured I plan on keeping Tom's personality pretty much the same. Though maybe a bit more humane than his soul splitting counterpart.

Anyway, enjoy!

Volleyball

Monday

'I don't want to go to school today' I found myself thinking as I departed from the Subway.

On Sunday, since I had my wallet, I was able to join Lola and the others in going to the mall. Sadly, I couldn't really enjoy myself. That night I kept dreaming about what had happened, and the thoughts followed me the rest of yesterday. Not even buying the new volleyball equipment set was able to cheer me up. I was able to tell them that my lack of enthusiasm was due to my tiredness from staying up all night doing homework. I mean, it wasn't all a lie; I couldn't really sleep.

Not only that but Tom kept asking questions about the project. Anyone would think it was normal, we only had a week before the turn-in date, and he was just checking on everyone's progress. However, I had the feeling he just wanted me to remember what he did.

How was someone supposed to forget something like that? I heave a long and heavy sigh.

"Woah, I thought you were going for a world record." Kat joked as she fell in step with me.

"You wanna share?" This time it was Lola who prodded.

There was no way I could tell them what was really bothering me. "I just have a lot of things on my mind." Was my vague answer.

"Is it Uncle?"

I leaped at the scapegoat offered to me by Trent, "A-ah, yes! Since I'm getting older he's been putting a bit more pressure on me."

"He even made you dye your hair back black."

"I'm surprised he even let you do it in the first place."

I nodded in agreement. "By the way, how is the English project coming along for you guys?"

"We're pretty much finished." Trent began to explain, "Luckily there was a book that we were all familiar with on the list. We've pretty much put everything together, but a few more finishing touches shouldn't hurt."

Kat draped an arm over Trent's shoulders while sporting a large grin, "We wouldn't have made it so far if it hadn't been for our little A student."

Mary nodded in agreement, "He pretty much had the whole outline done by the third meeting."

Trent blushed from the complements, "I-it's nothing really."

"Oh, Raven!" Suddenly Mary stood in front of me and grabbed both of my hands. Her sudden outburst was very un-Mary like, and in a rare instance I saw her sparkling blue eyes shining behind a part in her bangs. The excitement exuding off of her could only mean one thing - well actually a few - but it all revolved around one thing.

Her excitement began to spread into me and soon I was smiling from ear to ear. "Don't tell me..."

"Yes, I heard this Wednesday..."

"We'll play..."

"Volleyball!" We both exclaimed at the same time, now bouncing up and down.

Lola rolled her eyes at the display, "Let's leave the two idiots, we'll be late for class if we wait."

"I agree."

Finally, for a while, I was able to think about something else. Not even Tom could damper my mood when it came to volleyball. Even when I entered the class I was able to keep my wits about me. I made sure not to even look in Tom's direction, and with the thought of volleyball in my mind I felt that I could get through the day. What was even better was that I wouldn't meet him after school because he had other things to take care of.

'Definitely a good start for the day!'

Tom's POV

This Monday morning I woke with a strange feeling I hadn't experience in a while. Excitement, and anticipation rolled off of me and filled the room. What was she thinking right about now? What kind of face would she make when she saw me? Would it be that same doey-eye'd, wanton look she foolishly gave me the day before? I had almost lost myself. My hand twitched at the mere thought. I remembered the weight of her body on my legs, and the soft yet firm feel of her arse.

"What's the occasion?"

I heard Antonin ask, pulling me from my pleasant thoughts. I clicked my tongue annoyed. Noticing the sudden change he laughed nervously, "Just curious. You seem to be in a good mood."

"Probably more so before you bothered him." Malfoy's quiet voice struck with the quickness of a viper.

"Don't tell me the great Malfoy isn't curious." Antonin made to slap Malfoy's back, but the slim male easily avoided the contact. Antonin didn't seem perturbed.

"No."

"Not even a little."

"No."

"Just a wee~ bit."

"How many times must I say it?"

"Not even-" Antonin pinched his thumb and pointer finger so close together there was almost no space. "-this much"

Malfoy coughed into his hand, a blush now on his face, "Well...Maybe..."

"I knew it! See, now you have to tell us."

I casted a bored look at the two of them. Rather than bodyguards they seemed more like annoying tag alongs. Regardless, I couldn't deny the level of trust I felt with the two of them. Antonin and Malfoy had been in my life since childhood. Antonin was taken in after his parents sold him to pay off a debt they owed. Guess he was sort of forced into the lifestyle, but Antonin adapted quickly. Upon his physical condition when sold, he hadn't seemed very well taken cared of anyway. As for Malfoy, he was born and raised in the gang. His father was one of the greatest assassins -Death Eaters we call them - within the Mafia world. His family had been working for and protecting mine for generations. It would only be appropriate for Malfoy to do the same, and as such being appointed as my personal right arm.

Despite the clear work relationship we had, we were more than that. Even more than friends. We were brothers. Of course, those words would never be voiced, least it goes to their heads and they become even more insolent.

"If you must know," I eventually gave in, my smirk returning, "My prey is right within my grasps."

"That's right, she came over Saturday." Malfoy hummed remembering the group text.

"Kind of feel sorry for her." Antonin scratched the back of his head.

"You make it sound like he's gonna off her."

Finally the three of us pulled up in front of the school. We exited the car, and I wasted no time getting to class. To the other two my excitement must have been palpable. My pace was brisk, and my usual attempt to greet those around me was of no concern.

'She's not here yet.' I noted upon entering the class. Neither were any of her usual friends. Well it was better this way.

Behind me Antonin laughed, but was quickly quieted when I sent him a cold glare. Sure I trusted them, but that wouldn't stop me from reminding them who was the boss in this trio.

We took our seats, and as always the mindless fodder surrounded our desks. It was annoying to play along, and pretend to be so kind and helpful. It made it easier for getting what I wanted, but it attracted many annoying bugs. Case and point the heavily made up females in front of me. Some heavier than others, with a few being to my preference. Unfortunately for them, their personalities weren't to my liking. I plastered my model student smile and begrudgingly engaged in meaningless conversation. When would Raven arrive? It was getting boring.

As if answering my prayer, my adorable little prey entered the room. Her smile was surprisingly bright, and demeanor relaxed. Given the short, one-word responses to the group text I thought she would be more awkward. My brow raised at the blatant effort to not look in my direction. So it is still affecting her. I followed Raven until she sat in her seat, smirking in satisfaction when a tinge of discomfort crossed her features. Perhaps I hadn't been as gentle as I had thought. Even so it shouldn't be anything more than a dull pain by now.

'But why the happy attitude?'

"I hear this P.E will be volleyball." Malfoy supplied the answer I searched for.

"Hn, really now." It was adorable how utterly simple she was. Her emotions were easy to read, and since they showed on her face so easily it made it fun to tease her.

'Volleyball, huh.'

Raven's POV

Monday passed without much incident, and I was happy to be able to avoid interacting with Tom. Soon after the last class ended I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Mary.

"I was thinking of hitting the gym today."

"Ah, to practice?"

She nodded, "Do you want to join?"

"Yeah, let me just pack up."

Lola said a quick good-bye as her dance club was meeting again. Trent and Kat were going to go shopping. Apparently there was a new book that Trent wanted, and Kat decided to tag along.

"Before we go I have to pick up my brother first."

"Remus?" I smiling happily thinking of the small 6-year old. "I haven't seen him in so long. Not since he was 4 I think."

"Has it really been two years?"

The two of us continued to talk as we left the school and boarded the subway for a single stop. When we exited it was right in front of school called ABC Elementary.

Standing by the front gate was a young boy, wearing a black and white sailor-like school uniform and a black backpack. He had short black hair, style in a bowl cut - which honestly looked cute on him - and like his sister had cerulean eyes. They were a bit too large for his face, but as he grew older I figured he would proportion out nicely. Though, they did give him an advantage when begging for something.

It always shocked me how tiny kids could be, and seeing the multitude of tiny people chatting happily caused a maternal emotion to swell within me. As we approached Mary called out to him.

"Hello."

"Hey."

I almost laughed. From this you would think they were strangers meeting for the first time.

"Long time no see, Remus."

"Oh, Raven." He smiled looking up at me, "It has been a while."

"All this for her, and I just get a 'hey'" Mary pouted as she squatted to fix Remus' clothes.

"Well, I see you every day."

I giggled, "Looks like he's speaking well."

Mary smiled and I imagined her eyes were twinkling, "A little too well." Turning her attention to her brother she asked, "Ready to go home?"

The entire way back to their home Remus regaled to us his day in school. Apparently, some girl had lost her favorite pink monkey eraser during recess. It took 4 people to find it. Not only that but he received not one, not two, but three gold stars today for good behavior.

"Wow~" I smiled in amazement, "You must have been a trooper today."

"Yep!" Remus beamed up at me, "I did my utmost best!"

"Utmost?" I mumbled surprised by the word.

Mary laughed, "Yeah, he picked that phrase up from dad. He always says 'Do your utmost best in every occasion.'"

Not too long later we came upon a modest two story home. No where near the size of my own home, but enough space for their large family. We were greeted by a red headed woman being followed by two equally redheaded 3 year olds. The woman smiled warmly at the three of us.

"Welcome home, and it's nice to see you again."

"Hey, mom." Remus and Mary chimed.

"Sorry for the intrusion Mrs. Park." I replied politely standing by the doorway.

"Are you staying? I can get some snacks prepared."

"No, we're not." Mary replied before turning to me. "I'll go grab some gear for us."

While I waited I made spoke to Mrs. Park while playing with the kids. I sometimes wished I had younger siblings - Trent being the closest I had to that - so it was nice being able to goof around with Mary's once in awhile. When we did leave Mary told me that her mom was expecting another child, which made sense considering she was looking pretty heavy and wobbled a bit. Guess that was why Mary picked Remus up, to give her mom a break.

The rest of the day was spent playing pickup volleyball at the local gym. It was fun letting out some frustration and forgetting about my problems for a while.

Tuesday

This day was a bit more difficult to get by than the last. I was going to have to face Tom today when we meet for the project. I tried to get through it by thinking of volleyball but as the day progressed my mood dropped.

Lola - having been observing me through the day - laid on me a heavy interrogation. She was determined to get to the bottom of my sour face, and before the school day was over I told her.

Well, sort of.

I didn't tell her what Tom did. For one, I was too embarrassed to talk about it. Secondly, I'm sure Lola would raise all hell if I told the truth. I did tell her that I was having some issues with Tom, but only that he's been getting a bit too friendly. I told her I was a bit worried about going to meet him today.

Thankfully, being the mother hen she was, Lola decided to tag along for the group meeting. I knew it was selfish of me to bring her along, but I really didn't think I could be near him without panicking, so I was thankful.

With Lola's support I made it through the group meeting, though I didn't dare meet Tom's eyes. If I did I might have noticed how amused he was by the sudden development.

Now finally, it was Wednesday.

'Today is the day!'

"You look gross." Lola sneered staring at my face.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Stop grinning, it's creeping me out." For emphasis Lola rubbed her arms and cringed.

I touched my cheeks and realized that I was grinning. Lola passed me a hand mirror to show me my face. My smile was ear-to-ear, and my eyes were alight with excitement. There was even a blush on my face. If possible my smile grew wider, making Lola's face twist in even more disgust.

Even Mary, who usually controlled her emotions, was giving off excited vibes. When the time came for P.E, Mary and I were some of the first few to rush towards the gym.

Being the volleyball junkie we were, Mary and I brought our personal equipment with us. After a quick warm up the Gym teacher called us over.

The gym teacher was your typical buff-nut. He was muscular, fit and also the coach for the Gryffindor football team. His name was Chris Kothliear, but most just called him 'Coach' or 'Coach Koth'. Once the three nets were set up Coach split us into 3 groups of 20.

"Ah~! This is great!" I sighed happily picking up a volleyball. Even though I just played two days ago I was just as excited.

"Mary let's play as much as we can!"

"Right." Though her voice was soft she sounded just as determined.

With the others placed in a different group than Mary and I, we found 5 other players to join our team; in total there were 3 girls and 4 guys. We were up first.

"Let's have a good match!" I called out, smiling happily and the mixed reply.

I took a deep breath to calm my eagerness and bounced the ball twice. I was the first server. Let's start with something easy. I felt the familiar sting in my hand of hitting the ball as I served it over the net.

Mary stood to my left ready for their return. She had pulled her hair back into a ponytail, though her bangs still covered her eyes.

The other team received it well, and was soon spiking it back to us. It was coming straight for me! It was an easy receive, and I sent it right to our setter; she was Cristina Flowers, a 3rd year Slytherin volleyball player with an excellent toss. The spiker, on the other hand, not so good a player. Mark Robinson, a 4th year Gryffindor who probably never played volleyball outside of P.E. He spiked it right out of bounds.

"Man, what a waste of a good toss."

Mary nodded her cheeks puffing up in frustration. Luckily for us their server wasn't any good either. It didn't even make it over the net.

"Hehe, lucky!"

This continued until I was on the front as the right-wing spiker, Mary was the setter, and 4th year Ravenclaw named Alan was the left-wing spiker. I could feel my, as Lola put it, "gross smile" coming back. I covered my cheeks with my hands to try and hide it.

Suddenly my blood went cold and my heart spiked my chest once I heard a familiar voice in front of me.

"That face is nice too, but there is one I like even better."

"T-tom..." I had been so into the game I hadn't even payed much attention to the opponents. Now taking a closer look Tom, and his group were all on one team. Seriously, what were the odds of that happening?!

He leaned into the net and whispered so only I could hear, "Shall I remind you?" He smirked.

I immediately looked down, and took a step away from the net.

"Raven." Mary gave a small fist pump, "Just spike."

Instantly I relaxed, Mary's small pep talk - if it could even be called that - reminding me of what I was doing. Playing the game that I loved. I won't let Tom get to me. "R-right!"

Tom's smirk grew in anticipation. This was going to be fun.

Even though Tom was in the setter position, from their starting spots looks like he'll be switching to cover me. Their team served and we had a steady receive.

I moved into position, "Mary!"

She responded giving me a toss, low and away from the net. I leaped into the air and with all my strength swung down to spike the ball. Almost instantly the ball hit the ground...but something was wrong.

'Huh...Why did it come back...' It felt like slow motion as I looked up - still in the air - and saw Tom had blocked, and was staring at me with a shrewd coldness that made me waiver.

I stared at the ground fist clenched in frustration.

"Don't mind, Raven." Mary patted my shoulder, "You'll get it next time."

I gave her a smile, but it lacked confidence, "Y-yeah."

This time our receive was a bit sloppy, but Mary managed to salvage it. This time I would get it over. I positioned myself a bit further out, indicating to Mary that I wanted at cut shot.

Again I leaped, feeling a sense of freedom I don't ever feel anywhere else. Volleyball was the one place I felt like I could be myself, and let loose. I loved volleyball more than anything, and I wasn't going to let anyone ruin it for me.

...Or so I thought.

"Hn, was that supposed to be a spike?" Tom taunted and ran a quick hand through his slightly wet hair.

'He blocked me...twice...'

"Raven!"

I jumped in surprise from Mary yelling my name and realized that the game started again. She was giving me another toss. For the third time I leaped for it, but this time while in the air I met Tom's eyes. Whatever twisted game he thought he was playing showed in his eyes, as they seemed to look down on me. The familiar feeling caused me to hesitate slightly, but it was enough to mess up my timing. The 3-man block wasn't even needed since I spiked the ball right into the net, losing the team a third point.

Mary's bottom lip trembled, and she clenched her fist as she studied Tom from beneath her bangs.

On the fourth play Mark shanked the ball, but we somehow managed to get it over the net. It was finally a volley, and the other team got ready to spike. It was going to Tom.

"Be a good girl, and stay there."

He whispered right before he leaped into the air, landing a free unblocked spike right into our playing field. My grip on my uniform shorts was so strong my knuckles were turning white, and I could feel my chest start to burn from a familiar feeling. After he said those words I couldn't move. I was frozen. I kept being reminded of what happened in his room. His eyes, his tone and words they were all the same. All the same as that time.

He was making me look like a fool.

Our side was still receiving, and the ball was again sent to Mary for the set. She gave a small sigh and gave it to the left spiker, the 4th year Hufflepuff finally getting us the point for a rotation.

"Guess even your setter thinks you're useless." He jeered as a satisfied chuckle left his lips.

I tensed and bit my bottom lip, struggling to not simply run off of the court. This familiar feeling made me hang my head, and tremble. He was toying with me again, making me follow his pace, and even though we were surrounded by people for some reason I could only hear his voice. I could only see his eyes. They looked at me as if I were nothing. He degraded me, and humiliated me. My one safe space, to get away from my father and my stresses, was completely invaded by him.

"That's the face I want."

I looked up only to see Tom licking his lips again. The action made me blush and quickly avert my eyes.

'Don't look at me like that.'

With our point I was now the setter, and our team served the ball. I watched the ball with noticeably less enthusiasm. I didn't want to play anymore. Behind me I could feel Tom's eyes and it made me want to crawl in a hole. Why was he doing this to me? Was it something I did? Was he still mad I went through his room without permission?

The ball was over head, and I raised my arms to give a toss. Suddenly my vision became blurry and I realized that my eyes were beginning to water. If I cried now, I'd really be mortified.

"Give it here!"

Mary's shout startled me and I stared at her incredulously. Her arm was raised, and her chest heaved from her sudden outburst. Mary readied herself by crouching low to the ground, before shooting forward like a bullet and soaring into the sky. While decent, my tosses were nothing compared to Mary's, yet even with my worse-than-normal toss Mary somehow met it head on.

Her body was pulled taut and from the movement I saw her blue eyes steely, and sharp with heightened concentration. She finally snapped her body forward and a resounding SMACK assaulted our ears. Mary easily broke through the two man block, and scored an unchallengeable point.

The team congratulated her, and I could only stare in awe and admiration. She walked over to me, and with an outstretched fist she touched my chest.

"Just spike." She repeated what she said earlier, a determined frown on her face "Break through. Your doubts, your fears, everything. No matter what or who is in your way, tear it down." Finally Mary smiled, "So just spike."

A blush settled on my face, 'S-so...So cool!'

With a bit more confidence thanks to Mary we all returned to our positions. She was right, all I had to do was spike. Well...Not not anyway. I was the setter, but that wasn't the point. My best positions was as a spiker and libero, and so it was only natural that all I had to do was spike. I forgot something so simple.

Mary was really amazing. She was normally so quiet, and reserved. Even when she was angry she never raised her voice, but when she was on the volleyball court she was a whole different person. She became confident, assertive and wasn't afraid to speak up. There were many similarities between the two of us, but this was where we differed.

I wanted to change, too. I wanted to be like Mary.

Seeing this the amusement from Tom's face melted away to boredom. "Guess the fun is over."

The rest of the game progressed pretty much the same. When I wasn't directly across from Tom I was able to play decently, and was able to enjoy the game a bit more. Though it seemed like Tom had lost interest in the game, and was now only half-hearted playing.

When the period was over the five of us regrouped.

"Raven...Um...About earlier, I-uh." Mary tried to apologize, but I stopped her.

"I needed it." I assured her, "I was surprised to hear you yell, but should have been prepared. Your personality changes when playing volleyball."

She blushed in embarrassment, but laughed.

"Sounds like things got pretty intense over there." Kat grinned. "Wish I could have been there."

"Jerk face at 6 o'clock."

From behind Tom and his crew walked up to us. He didn't stop but as he passed by he lightly pat my shoulder, "Good game today." And he followed the rest to the male shower rooms.

Lola placed a hand on her hip, "I don't get what that guy is after."

"Maybe he just wants to be friends." Kat laughed.

At this Lola grimaced, and have a thumbs down. "Then he needs to look else where. Right, Raven."

"Yeah." I answered her absent mindedly as I continued to stare in the direction he walked. There was something missing. Even though I had played volleyball it didn't feel the same as the other times. As we headed towards the showers I realized what it was; I wasn't satisfied.

But was it because I didn't play enough volleyball or-

Tom's condescending voice, and demeaning gaze flashed in my memory.

- or was it because of something else?

Please review if you have the time. Comments, ideas, or constructive criticism is welcomed!