Summary: This is a girl's quest to find out just why she was placed in a house with people she hates. A witch, raised as a muggle, finds out about her family history. Unexpectedly, she is inducted into Slytherin House, and is doing everything in her power to find out why.

Chapter Notes: I didn't want to do this until later, but the story just kept writing it's self. I'm talking about the skewing into 3rd person information. Obviously, this is stuff that Raven has no clue about...it's like added information from an outside source. Keep this in mind for the beginning of the next chapter...that's when it really starts.

So, if you have any questions, comments or ideas, please feel free to tell me. I'll try to accommodate as best I can. (I really like ideas...;)

A/N: Please review, I'd really like some constructive criticism! Try not to flame; constructive criticism is by far more helpful in a world of hate. (Ok, that sounded a little cheesy, but I meant it.)


Letters to the Parents
I'm not a morning person, so waking up at six a.m. is not an easy task for me. But considering that I wanted to take a shower before getting ready for the day, and I also had to get my robes altered before breakfast, I was kind of glad that the green lamps and the loud buzzer woke me up so early. And thank goodness that it turned off on it's own. I asked Blaise during breakfast if the alarm always went off that early, and he said no, that it only did that the first day, and that tonight there would be instructions of how to change the time or turn it off.

The robe altering was fairly easy; Professor Snape came to the common room and asked us to bring all of our ties and sweaters to have the colours changed and a Slytherin patch added to our robes. It only took a few minutes, considering there were only five of us. As soon and my ties and the trim on my sweater were a shimmering green and silver, and the Slytherin patch added to the breast of my robes, I headed out to the Great Hall for breakfast, following the other students. As I went, I memorized the path hoping that I wouldn't get lost again.

Other than my chat with Blaise, breakfast had been relatively uneventful. Draco sat towards the other end of the table, for which I was grateful. But then a few noteworthy things did happen. Number One: Harry Potter finally entered the Great Hall.

My breath caught in my throat as my eyes followed Harry's path to the Gryffindor table. He looked just as cute as I remembered him, although much cleaner. It looked like Ron Weasley was with him as they sat down next to Hermione. Instantly, whispers started up all over the Hall. It seemed that Harry and Ron had missed the train and arrived at Hogwarts by means of a flying car. I was kind of shocked and amazed. A flying car? Wow. I'd love to hear that story. I hid a smile that was dancing over my face.

"That prat, Potter, always showing off. Thinks he's better than everyone."

Stunned, I turned to Blaise sitting next to me. The malicious tone in his voice sounded so unnatural to my ears. He even had a nasty snarl on his face. My voice felt caught in my throat.

"What?" Blaise turned to me.

"Don't tell me you've never heard of Harry Potter?"

"Ah, no, I have, but I don't see why you feel that way about him. I know Draco doesn't like him, but did he do something to you?"

"No, it's just because he's Potter, Raven." He gave me a questioning look. "Just don't go near him. He's just a bunch of trouble, and a show off to boot. Thinks everyone will love him just because he "saved the school" last year. Bloody Boy-Who-Lived..." The last part was mumbled.

"A trouble maker? But isn't that a Slytherin's forte?" I asked with a smirk on my face, although inside I was quite puzzled.

"Well, sure. But we're cunning about it. And cruel. Potter just goes looking for trouble and butts in where he's not wanted."

I was silent. I felt so confused by what Blaise was telling me. It was definitely not how I pictured Harry Potter to be. But by the sound of things, it seemed that Blaise didn't really know Harry all that well. And Harry's friends were lovely. How could he really be all that bad, being in Gryffindor? But then again, here I was in Slytherin. And how could I truly be a Slytherin? I know I was going to fight that particular battle for all it was worth. Especially see how Draco and Blaise acted. But last night...maybe it's all just a façade? I sighed. This sucks. How am I ever going to get along with these seemingly horrible people? My thoughts were halted, though, by the arrival of the mail. And with that, another topic of Harry-related gossip.

Number two of noteworthy things: The infamous Weasley Howler rang throughout the Hall. Ron's face had turned a bright red and I felt a little sorry for him. How embarrassing! And poor Harry looked absolutely horrible, like it had been all his fault. As soon as a deafening silence fell over the Great Hall, laughter broke out at my table. Snickers soon started at other tables and when the babble of talk filled the room again, I tried to hide my laughter behind my hand. I mean, the look on Ron's face was kind of funny.

Professor Snape then came around and started handing out our course schedules. That year I had Potions and History of Magic with the Gryffindors, Herbology and Charms with the Hufflepuffs, and Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts with the Ravenclaws. Astronomy was held for Slytherins on Thursday nights.

As soon as breakfast ended, I ran down the stairs to the dungeons to gather that day's books and supplies. As excited as I was I didn't pay any attention to my surroundings, so I was completely knocked off my feet on my way out of the common room by one of Draco's goons. The bloody oaf was standing right in the doorway!

"Watch were you're going," he grunted, moving forward past me. Draco then came into view.

"Now, now, Crabbe, say you're sorry to the poor, weak first-year. She doesn't know yet how to stay out of other people's way." He smiled a sickening sweet smile, and I did indeed feel weak. They all walked past me, with Goyle kicking my ankle hard as he lumbered over me.

Well, at least I know which one is Crabbe and which one is Goyle, I thought. Although the resemblance to each other is amazing. I stood, dusting off my robes and gathering my bag. Bloody bastards, didn't even offer to help me up. And Crabbe never did say he was sorry! I double-checked my inkbottles to make sure they didn't break. Pushing the wall open, I headed down the hall towards my first class.

I had Potions first, and I arrived early enough to catch a word with Ginny when she walked in with a few other Gryffindors. "Ginny! Can I have a word?" I darted a look around the classroom, glad to see that the Slytherin boys hadn't shown up yet.

Ginny shot me an annoyed look as she sat down. "Green really does suit you, Raven." She set to organising her papers and supplies.

"Ginny, please don't be mad at me. This is just as much a shock to me as it is to you..."

"Don't be mad? You're a Slytherin, Raven! How do you think that makes me feel? It's like you lied to me. Like I don't really know who you are. I'm sorry, but I just don't think being friends is going to work out."

Her words stung unbearably though my heart. "Ginny, please, I wasn't lying. Do you really think I want to be in Slytherin? I can't stand it, and it hasn't even been a day! You and Hermione are the only friends I have." I looked pleadingly at her. I know I was playing a sympathy card, but what else did I have? I could feel the other Gryffindor's eyes on us, but I didn't care. I just wanted Ginny's friendship.

But Ginny just shook her head. "Even so, Raven, you still got put in Slytherin for some reason. And Gryffindors and Slytherins don't mix. I...I just don't think it's possible. I'm sorry. I really am." Ginny looked down into her textbook, closing the conversation.

I whispered, "So am I, Ginny. So am I." And I walked back to my seat, nearly in tears. I tried to suck my feelings in, as the rest of the class arrived. It's not fair! Am I not even allowed to have friends? I didn't want this, any of it! I felt utter despair rise up in me, and it took all of my will not to burst out crying. I realised then that I was now stuck in what would probably be the worst seven years of my life.


I actually enjoyed my first Potions lesson, even if my mind was generally elsewhere. Professor Snape seemed like a hard teacher, but I was looking forward to the challenge. I could see that he was using maliciousness to his advantage, but at that particular moment, it didn't affect me. I did notice that his cold eyes kept wandering over to me during the practical part of our lesson, but I just averted my eyes and did my work perfectly, but dully. I tried to focus on the hope that Hermione would understand as Ginny seemed not to. But I did understand Ginny's reasons. I didn't think then, and I still don't think now, that it has very much to do with her opinion of my character. She's just as confused as I am as to why I'm in Slytherin. It's just safer to keep her distance. She's right; Gryffindors and Slytherins don't mix. I would be made an outcast, and the Slytherins would target Ginny. And neither of us wants that.


Dear Mum,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am...doing alright. This school is beautiful, and I think I will enjoy the lessons.

Unfortunately, I do have some disturbing news. Although I don't quite understand why, I was...I was placed in Slytherin, Mum! And I don't know what to do!

I'm beyond shocked, as I'm sure you are as well. What does this mean? I have quite the impression that the Slytherins are not well liked Mum...is this true?

In all honesty, I wanted to be put in Gryffindor. I met two nice girls who are friends of Harry Potter on the train, one of which is a second-year, and the other's a first-year like me. Maybe you've heard of her family? The Weasleys? All of Ginny's family has been in Gryffindor, along with Harry and the other girl, Hermione Granger. Her parents are muggles.

And I met Draco Malfoy, Mum. He's...I don't know. I mean, he's obviously a beautiful but hateful person, but I get this strange feeling when I'm around him. He's really quite mean, Mum. But I sense something else about him that I don't understand. He's like...hot and cold, all at the same time. Does that make sense?

Actually, he was pretty mean to me my first night here. He cornered me after the opening feast, and then left me to find my way to our common room by myself. Professor Snape, our head of house and Potions teacher, found me and pretty much told Draco off, but that made Draco even more mad. We had a little yelling match in the boy's hallway around one in the morning.

But I hear that that's kind of odd behaviour for him. He's usually just like his father; cold and cunning. A boy named Blaise Zabini told me all of this. He's the only one who's been nice to me since I've been inducted into Slytherin. I talked to Ginny yesterday, but she refused my friendship.

Oh, Mum...I'm so confused. If everyone in Slytherin is so foul, how can I be a part of it? I'm hoping you can offer me some guidance beyond your natural motherly worry.

And I do hope you won't worry too much. I'm doing fine, considering. Classes are kind of hard, but nothing I can't handle. And Blaise is really nice, for the most part. Everyone pretty much leaves me alone, even Draco. Even though it seems that most of their parents are just like Draco's father, from what snatches of conversation I've heard, none of them seem to know that Lord Voldemort had father killed. And I don't intend on telling them, if I can avoid it. Is that a smart thing to do?

I'm going to talk to Professor Dumbledore as soon as I can, Mum. Maybe he'll have some advice.

I love you, Mum. I hope I haven't worried you too much, even though I am at a loss as to what to do or think myself. I hope to hear from you soon!

Love and Huggles! XOXOX

Raven


The rest of the week went by slowly. I wrote to Mum, but it wouldn't be until Saturday that I'd get a response. I won Slytherin house points nearly every day in class. My heart fluttered every time I saw Harry, and Draco generally stayed away from me, except for a few 'get out of my way's and muttered 'muggle-lover's in my direction. I just ignored him. Homework was pretty easy so far, and I found myself nearly bored into tears every evening, looking for something to do.

Friday evening, however, something sort of interesting did happen. I was sitting the common room doodling on a spare bit of parchment, when Draco made a loud and grand entrance into the common room.

"Finally! Potter will get what he deserves!" I heard him boast. At hearing Harry's name, my attention snapped over. Draco was standing at the bottom of the stairs with Crabbe and Goyle, holding a set of green robes and padded bracers. Someone yelled from across the room, "What you got there, Malfoy?" The sun-boy turned and grinned.

"I'm the new Slytherin Seeker. Just got my robes. And father's already sent the team new Nimbus 2001s." On such short notice? Hmph. He probably bought his way in. Probably isn't any good. Draco then turned to me.

"You know Quidditch, Raven?" I could tell he was trying to make a fool out of me. I think he was starting to think and put two and two together. Not if I can help it. I had read up on Quidditch a bit before school started, so I knew a little.

I smiled sweetly. "Of course I do...Dray." I tried to annoy him by using a nickname. Draco brushed it off and walked over and sat down on the sofa next to me.

"Do you know how to fly?"

I shrugged. "A little. I've only had one lesson, and Mum didn't let me on a broom." He quirked an eyebrow, but still he moved a little closer.

"Would you like to learn?" I didn't like the suggestive tone in his voice. He was supposed to hate me, right? Maybe it was all a ploy to hurt me or embarrass me.

"Maybe some other time, Draco. I still have a bit of homework to finish up." I moved to stand.

He smiled. "Maybe next weekend?" I could tell he wasn't buying it, but wasn't going to press. Thank Morgan.

I nodded. "We'll see." I walked back to my room.

What in the seven levels of Hell was that all about? Something was definitely up with Malfoy, I just didn't know what.

Before heading to bed, I finished writing a letter to Hermione that I had been working on all week. How could I say what I needed to say without sounding pathetic? Sighing, I finished the letter and went to bed, setting the alarm early so I could go to the owlery before breakfast.


Dear Father,

First, I would like to thank you for your support in my becoming Slytherin's new Seeker. This is sure to help along the downfall of Harry Potter. As such, the team deeply appreciates your gratitude.

However, this letter pertains to another matter. There is someone I am hoping you can look into when time allows. Her name is Raven Harrell, and she's a Slytherin first-year. I want to know everything about her and her family. There's something odd about her that I don't like, and no one seems to know much about her. When your information arrives, I will let you know what I plan to do with it.

Tell Mum I said 'hi' and I hope to see you both at my first Quidditch match during the first weekend of November.

Sincerely Yours

Your Son,

Draco


PhsycoChick991: Thank you for your review! And the idea! I'll definitely be keeping that in mind...of course, I can't tell you what I'm planning, but you're definitely thinking in the right direction...

Thanks everyone for reading! Please review!