Chapter 5:
*Raven's POV*
A new season arrives as another school year ends. New plants are blooming, having more beauty to my herbs and plants. Seven months have passed since the last time I saw Professor Snape and at this point, I don't really care.
I woke up this morning with a small smile on my face. Usually, when a smile is on my face in the morning, the day is going to be perfect.
My usual morning routine goes by as I let my medium length hair dry naturally. Black leggings mold to the shape of my short, curvy legs while a black top with white rose designs does the same thing on my upper body. No makeup is on my already pale face.
Breakfast is simple — oatmeal with some seedless grapes and green tea. Having meals alone has been normal for me ever since I can remember. It still hurts, but I'm used to it by now.
Once breakfast finishes, I clean the dishes before heading out to work. Black sandals are on my pale feet at each step I take towards the central part of the building for my shop.
"OPEN Meet me in the greenhouse behind the shop" has been written on a sign when I place it on the door.
Most of the morning, nothing happened, which doesn't surprise me because it's the summer holidays. Everyone is either on a holiday, at home, or getting ready for their lives ahead of them.
But a customer did enter through the entrance of the greenhouse.
"Hello, and welcome to the Nightshade Greenhouse," I call out from another part of the greenhouse. I am carrying a pot of a plant towards where the customer is. "Please, feel free to look around," I tell him, smiling while placing down the pot on a table.
"My, you're a young one, aren't you?" the stranger comments in a cold tone.
I looked up to see an older gentleman, maybe around my former professor's age or perhaps a little older. His blue eyes meet with my midnight blue eyes. They look deep within my soul, a cold kind of stare, but I can feel my ears heat up.
"Wow, he's handsome," I thought to myself. "Y-Yea, I have had this business for about a year now," I tell him, shyly.
"A successful business is what I heard," he says, making me happy.
"Would you like to look at the flowers today, sir?" I offered with a smile. "Flowers are nice gifts for a lucky partner."
"Oh, there's no lucky lady in my life," he chuckles a little. "Well, maybe now than," he smiles towards me, making me blush more.
A shy smile appears on my lips while still blushing. "My personal favorites are purple roses," I answer him.
"Beautiful as you," he winks.
"Th-Thank you. My name is Raven Nightshade," I introduced myself, blushing more and trying not to.
"Igor Karkaroff."
From that day on, Igor and I have been writing each other letters or him coming over to visit me. He's always on my mind whenever he's not around.
Tonks always knew that I would be with an older gentleman because the others around our age don't really spark my interest.
"Raven has a crush!" Tonks jokily grins, singing along. "Raven's in love with Igor Karkaroff!"
"You just really love to get on my nerves when it comes to my love life, huh?" I smirked.
"Oh, come on, Raven," she smiles before taking a bite of her food. "You are talking about him in the same way that you did with Professor Snape."
"Must I remind you what happened with my date with Professor Snape last year?" I asked before drinking my Butterbeer.
"He just missed a good opportunity of having a great life with you," she says.
"I know, I know," I sighed sadly, eating the last of my food. "I don't want to make the same mistake again when things are going so well between Igor and me."
"Well, if things don't work out, you still got me," Tonks smirks at me.
I smirked back, knowing that I have my best friend always.
Later that day, an owl arrives at my small apartment with a letter. During this time, I am getting ready for bed, but once I saw the familiar handwriting of Igor, I knew I had to read it.
"Raven,
Another school year is fast approaching. I could be very busy with writing letters and visiting you as much I used to do during the Summer Holidays.
The decision has been on my mind for a little while now. Could it be possible for you to come and visit me at Durmstrang? Being a Headmaster is very hard and tiring at times.
Your birthday is in a couple of months; maybe you can spend a few days with me at my school? If you're unable to, I understand entirely. We can try for Christmas if that's easier for you.
Igor"
My heart swells with emotion. Sure he has moments like being a rough, ruthless, cold person, but I think I am going through his barrier.
I pick up my quill and begin to write back.
"Igor,
I would love to go to Drumstrang! My birthday is perfect to go and visit. May I have a request, please? Can I see what's Herbology is like there pretty please?
Raven"
"Please give this to your master," I tell the owl with a gentle smile, giving him the letter.
He takes the letter and flies off into the darkness of the night.
The next morning, roses have bloomed into beautiful colours due to my possible feelings towards the Headmaster of Durmstrang. Maybe he could be the one. I am not so sure yet.
A familiar owl comes in flying with a letter from him.
As soon as I opened the letter, I immediately smile at the message.
"Pack your bags for your special birthday weekend, my little rose."
