You know...I keep forgetting to add that disclaimer thing...so here it is: I don't own Harry Potter, only Raven and her family and background. And this story. Yeah.
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. Oh, and I realized that I need to start adding chapter titles...
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.)
Swimming With a Dragon: We All Have Our Secrets
During lunch the next day, after the episode with Ron and the slugs, an old school owl landed on Hermione's shoulder. She gave a little yelp, nearly dropping a forkful of shepherd's pie all over herself. Setting her fork down, she took the letter from the owl's leg, giving it a bit of meat before it flew off.
"Whotcha got there, Hermione?" Seamus asked. Ron and Harry looked over dully, still depressed over their impending detentions with Filch and Lockhart.
Hermione read over the contents carefully. "It's from Raven..." A frown appeared on her face.
Harry perked up a little. "Who's Raven?" Ron also looked a little interested.
Hermione finally looked up. "She's...she's someone Ginny and I met on the train."
"Oh?" Harry said. "Why's she writing to you?"
Hermione bit her bottom lip, looking nervous. "Well, see...she's a really sweet girl...this is her first year...and she's...worried. Worried about what I think about her."
"Why's that?" Ron asked, shoving a forkful in his mouth.
"Well...she..." Hermione lowered her voice to a whisper. "She was put in Slytherin." Harry gave a little jump and Ron nearly choked on his food, both of them turning around to look at Slytherin table.
"Which one is she?" Harry asked, and Hermione politely pointed out a depressed looking raven-haired girl with green eyes sitting at one end of the half-empty table.
"She's kinda pretty," Seamus said, looking over as well. Harry felt his cheeks heat up a little.
"She's a Slytherin." Ron said flatly, as if that explained everything.
Hermione frowned. "Yes, but you don't know her, Ron. She's really very nice."
"Well, she must have been put in Slytherin for a reason, Hermione!"
"Yes, and I'm going to help her find out why. She really seems to hate it there, Ron, if her letter is anything to go by."
"She could be lying to you, tricking you," Ron suppressed a sluggish burp, destroying his intended effect.
"I don't think so, Ron. What reason would she need to? Both of her parents were in Ravenclaw, and she obviously didn't get along with Malfoy on the train. You didn't see her face when she was sorted, Ron...she looked positively horrified. I'm going to write back to her, reassuring her that she can come to me if she needs to." Hermione lowered her voice. "Because it seems that your sister, Ginny, has shunned her friendship already."
"And probably for good reason," Ron muttered.
Harry finally spoke up. "Ron does have a point, Hermione. Even if she is alright, trying to become friends with her could turn out bad. We don't know what the other Slytherins will do to her."
"Well I'm not just going to shun her, Harry!"
"I know, I know. Just...try to keep it quiet, or-or something. Be careful. It's not like you can watch out for her in the Slytherin dungeons, you know."
Hermione sighed. "I know. That's what worries me."
My Saturday went by rather slowly. All of my homework was done; the letter I wrote to Hermione sent off; now all I had to do was wait for a reply. And I hate waiting. I hadn't even heard back from Mum yet.
After lunch, Blaise managed to con me into a game of Exploding Snap, but even that got tedious. So I excused myself and headed outside to get some fresh air.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was out, and there was a subtle breeze in the air. I took a walk around the lake, finally stopping at a sandy shore on the east side. I took off my shoes, socks, and robe, and as soon as I sat down, a beautiful snowy owl landed in front of me in a flutter of wings. It was Hermione's reply. Nervousness rose up in me as I detached the letter from the bird. Giving it a soft pat on the head, I sent the owl off. Glancing around, I opened the letter.
Dear Raven,
I am sorry to hear about your first week at Hogwarts. And I'm sorry that Ginny has denied a friendship with you. I believe you are right as to why. I will try to talk with her.
I am writing this letter to assure you that you can still find friendship in me. Unfortunately, you are right about this as well. Even under the pretences of studying, being seen together could be disastrous. Nothing I'm sure I can't handle, but I fear for you, being all alone in Slytherin with no one to help you.
I am pleased to hear that Blaise Zabini has been courteous to you, at least a little. Hopefully, it will stay that way.
My advice to you is this: try to act as normal as possible. I don't mean starting acting horribly mean and like the typical Slytherin, but don't fight it either. The other Slytherins will only become more suspicious of you than Malfoy may already be. He's a hard one to fool. Just try not to be walked upon; they'll take full advantage of that. I know you're clever enough, Raven. And if it ever becomes too much, you know where to find me.
Which brings me to my next subject. My friend and Ginny's brother, Ron, isn't convinced of your innocence, but I will try to change his mind. Harry has warned me to be careful, especially in our correspondence, which I am, I can assure you. I feel regret to know that I cannot be there when you need someone to talk to, or when you need a hug. But I will do my best on parchment.
And I vow to help you in any way I can to find out why you were placed in Slytherin. Your character seems an unlikely candidate, but perhaps the reason will show its self in due time.
I know that I am only a year older than you, but I do hope my advice is helpful. Please don't hesitate to write if you feel the need.
Your Friend in Gryffindor,
Hermione Granger
Tears welled up in my eyes as I finished Hermione's letter. Thank the Goddess I still had a friend. Folding up the letter and hiding it in my robes, I sat there, digging my toes in the cool sand and letting the tears fall down my cheeks. I noticed that the sun was just starting to set.
"Are you crying, Harrell?" a snide voice said. Startled, I stood quickly and wiped the tears from my face. Turning around I said,
"And if I am, Malfoy, what business is it of yours?"
He shrugged. "It's just unbecoming for a Slytherin to cry. Especially in public." He looked around. "Luckily for you, we're the only ones out here."
"Yes, lucky, aren't we." I said sarcastically.
Draco looked hard at me, putting his hands in his pockets. "What are you doing out here, Raven?"
"I could ask you the same question."
"I asked first."
"Well, if you're going to play it that way...I was just taking a break from the dungeons and Exploding Snap. You?"
He raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at me. "Same reason, mainly. Too loud down there." He paused. "Why were you crying?" he asked forcefully. I frowned.
"Why do you want to know so badly?"
"I make it my business to know what goes on in Slytherin House."
"Well this matter is none of your concern, Draco." I said bitterly.
"Everything is my concern, Raven." He stepped closer to me, and I stepped back.
"Not this." His eyes were starting to affect me again. And he kept advancing on me. Suddenly, my bare feed hit the cooling water of the lake behind me, and I stopped. We both looked down, and Draco backed up a step. A mischievous grin played across my face.
"Afraid of the water, Malfoy?" I challenged him.
"What? Of course not, Harrell. I just don't want to get my shoes wet."
I stepped back a few more feet, up to my calves in the water. "Then take them off." Holy Morgan, am I actually flirting with Malfoy? Oh, bloody hell, why not? This might actually be fun...Draco frowned at me.
"You're mad if you think that I'm going to get into that mucky water with you."
"Then I must be mad." I stepped back another foot or two, the water rising just above my knees. My pleated black skirt was about two inches from getting wet. I trailed my fingers in the water. Draco still stood there on the shore. "You're gonna have to come in the water to even have a chance of learning anything, Draco."
"Or maybe I can just make you stay in the water until you freeze to death."
I shrugged. "Maybe." But he remained where he was. "What, can't you swim?" I taunted.
The sun-boy glared at me. "Of course I can swim." Draco undid the clasp of his robes, folding them and setting them down on the grass near the beach. Then he bent down and took off his socks and shoes, placing them next to his robes. He took his tie off as well. Then he stepped into the water.
I stayed stunned where I was, as he slowly waded out to me. Some part of me didn't think he'd actually do it; thought that his vainness would out-weigh his thirst to overcome a challenge. I guess I was wrong. The air suddenly felt colder; the sun was setting fast. The oranges and purples of the sky reflected off the surface of the water and Draco's fine blonde hair. He finally reached me.
"Now Raven, I believe you owe me something."
I snapped back. "No, Draco, I don't owe you anything. I said you had a chance."
He grabbed my upper arms. "Tell me now, Raven, or I'll-" but he never got to finish his sentence. When he grabbed me, I stepped back and lost my footing. I fell back into the water and Draco followed.
Sputtering, we both came up out of the water, drenched as rats. Draco snarled at me, pushing blonde locks out of his eyes. "Raven, you-"
"I didn't mean to! I lost my footing-"
"Yeah, whatever."
We both stood there a minute, wiping water off our faces. I noticed then just how dark Draco's eyelashes were. They were a spiky black against the pale ivory of his skin. Gods, he's really beautiful...too beautiful. It's unreal. But Draco interrupted my thoughts by speaking again.
"Er, Raven..." he hesitated.
"What?" I snapped.
"Your...your blouse." He vaguely gestured to my chest, looking the other way.
"Wha-" I looked down. My white blouse was plastered to my body, and my bra was quite visible. I suddenly noticed just how cold I was. Shivering, I turned and headed back to shore. "We'd better get back inside before we catch cold."
"Yeah," I heard behind me.
Once back on shore, we quickly gathered our things. Just before we headed inside, Draco stopped, and I turned around. "Malfoy?" He was looking up at the stars. Night had finally come.
"Isn't it beautiful?" he whispered.
I looked up at the sky. "What is, exactly?" I asked.
He looked back down at me for a moment before answering. "Nothing."
Looking at him I said, "Well, I'm going to go take a quick shower before catching the last of dinner."
Draco shook his head, moving past me towards the castle. "Don't bother. Take your shower, and when you're finished, dinner should be waiting for you in your room."
I shot a confused look at his back. "Uh...ok." Then I followed him into the castle.
Sure enough, when I had gotten out of my shower, dinner was waiting for me on the low table by the fire. It was still steaming. I changed into my pyjamas and settled down in the cushy chair next to the table, where I promptly dug into my food.
The meal was splendid, almost the best I had ever tasted. It was a pot roast with carrots and potatoes. The roast was very tender, and the flavour was just right. Everything seemed to be seasoned just the way I like it. Desert consisted of a sweet treacle tart, which I adored. I washed it all down with a pint of pumpkin juice. Feeling quite content, I got into bed and took out a book I borrowed from the library, Edible Plants: Magical or Otherwise and Where to Find Them. But a frantic knocking at the door interrupted me.
"Raven?" Blaise's voice seeped through the door. "Raven, are you in there?" I quickly got up and padded to the door, opening it.
"Blaise, what's wrong?"
"There's an owl for you, but it won't let us near it." He sounded slightly breathless.
I stepped out into the hallway, walking past Blaise. "You guys should know better than I do that the owls only deliver to the rightful owner of the mail."
"I know, but I think it got very confused when you weren't at dinner, and since it didn't seem to know where to find you, it followed us here. Where were you by the way?"
But my answer was cut short as the owl in question was suddenly in my face, landing on my shoulder, digging its claws in.
"Ow! Ok, ok, I'm here!" I took the letter from the owl and then showed it out the common room door.
"Who's it from?" Blaise asked.
I looked up at him and around the room. There were quite a few people sitting around, a couple looking at me. Draco, Theodore, and a girl named Pansy that I really didn't know were sitting by the fire. They were all staring at me, waiting for my answer. And here I was, standing among them in my pyjamas! I suddenly felt very naked. Looking back down at the letter, I realised that my response from Mum had finally come.
"Mum," I whispered, and then dashed off to my room. I heard Draco's voice call after me.
"Don't go keeping more secrets, Raven!"
"What's that mean, Draco?" I heard Blaise ask just before I closed my door, locking it. Tearing open the letter, I read:
My Dear, Sweet Raven,
You were right; your news did come as a bit of a shock. And that is why it has taken so long for my reply; even with the travelling time it takes from Scotland to England and back.
You are pretty much right when you say that Slytherins are not well liked. There has been a long-standing rivalry between the rest of the houses and Slytherin, especially with the Gryffindors. And I don't hate you for being put in Slytherin. How could I? You're my only child, my daughter. But I will also speak with Headmaster Dumbledore as soon as I can get away. That Sorting Hat must be getting old if it put my little girl in Slytherin.
But perhaps the Hat saw something in you that no one else sees. I am sure that not all Slytherins are horrible people, as you mention with Blaise Zabini. Probably misguided, I think, growing up living with parents who were most likely Death Eaters. And truthfully, some part of me thinks of what happened to your father, and who was probably responsible for it; and I yearn to get you out of there as soon as possible. I am hoping for the best in this situation, because even now as I think about it, there is probably no way for you to be moved to another house. I'm sorry to say that, honey.
And yes, I know the Weasleys. Lovely family. Your father and I went to school with Arthur and Molly, although they were a few years older. I saw them at the bookshop that day we went to Diagon Alley...My; their family has gotten quite a bit larger since I last saw them.
And I am sorry to hear that Ginny has refused your friendship. Although I am sure she is just as confused as you are. She probably wasn't expecting her newfound friend to be in Slytherin. She will come around, in time.
I can only hope you are being careful, Raven. I agree that you should not tell anyone about our family, if you can help it. Be vague if you have to talk. There is no telling what those other Slytherin kids will do to you if they know too much, especially with Draco Malfoy in their midst. I would like to hurt that boy, treating you the way he did. I may just have to write to his father. But we will see how things pan out these next couple of weeks. We cannot assume anything. Lucius Malfoy's son can be a powerful friend or a deadly enemy, if he's anything like Lucius. Please be extremely careful around him. I'm afraid your proud nature and your run-away temper can get the best of you sometimes.
I do hope things work out with Hermione and Ginny, but do tread carefully. I'm sure you realise that as nice as it would be to have friends outside of Slytherin, it could be dangerous, depending on who it is. Especially since they're in Gryffindor, and friends of Harry Potter. I have a feeling that Draco does probably not like him, am I correct?
And as to your strange feelings around Draco...keep watching him. See if there is anything that triggers it. And examine the feeling as best you can. It will come to you, eventually.
I know this letter sounds less loving than intended, but I am cautious, considering the reasons for raising you the way I did. But I do love you Raven, and I will try to help you through this as best I can. You're a strong girl; and I know you'll be fine.
I will always love you, no matter what you do, or what house you are in.
Love and Hugs from England,
Mum
XOXOX
Tears were pouring down my cheeks for the second time that day by the time I was finished. I was happy to hear that Mum didn't hate me. And I was glad to find that she agreed with me on many points, and gave me much the same advice that Hermione did. And Hermione knew the current situation at Hogwarts better than Mum did.
A knock on the door interrupted my relieved sobbing. "Raven, are you alright?" It was Blaise again. I knew I had to hide the letter before Blaise came in. I rushed to my desk, trying to get the drawer open. There was a jostling at the door.
"Raven? Raven, I know you're in there!" The doorknob rattled.
"I'm coming!" But my voice sounded troubled, panicked.
"Raven, I'm coming in!" I finally got the drawer open. A muffled 'Alohomora' came through the door. I shoved the letter in the drawer and closed it just as Blaise walked in.
"Raven!" I whirled around as he walked up to me, pausing as he studied my face. "Have you been crying?" And I couldn't help it, I burst into fresh tears. I cried that I was still loved, I cried that Hermione would be my friend, I cried that Blaise seemed to care about me, I cried that I couldn't tell him what was going on, I cried because I could never be myself. Not here. Not ever. Blaise's arms were around me immediately.
"Raven, what's wrong? Was it something in the letter?" I shook my head.
"I can't tell you. I'm sorry Blaise, but I just can't."
"Shh...it's ok. I understand." I looked up at him, my tears slowing.
"You do?" He smiled softly, handing me his handkerchief.
"We all have our secrets, Raven." I snorted, wiping my eyes.
"Even from Malfoy?"
"Yes, even from Malfoy." I looked at him for a long moment.
"I don't understand you, Blaise. I don't understand any of you. Sometimes you seem so cold and malicious, but other times...you seem almost normal."
Blaise laughed. "Normal? What's 'normal' for you, Raven? Because this is normal for us. If you haven't noticed, our way of thinking is in the minority here. We have to stick together, outside the common room as well as inside of it. We're really not as bad as the rest of the school thinks we are." He smirked. "Not all the time, anyway. Honestly...it's you that seems abnormal." He lowered his voice. "People are starting to talk."
I know I looked wary. "Talk? About me?"
"Yeah. You see, most of our families have known each other for centuries. But no one seems to have heard of your family. Not that it means a whole lot, with all of the muggle families having wizard children; it gets hard to keep tack of them all. Not that I'm saying you're a Mudblood, but Draco doesn't like it. He wrote to his father last night." I tried not to panic. There couldn't be anything Lucius could tell Draco, right?
"He did, huh?" I tried to sound nonchalant. I'm not sure I pulled it off.
"Yeah. And everyone knows how powerful and influential Draco's father is. He can find out almost anything." Well, there went that line of thinking. "It's hard to keep secrets in Slytherin, even in Hogwarts, especially with Draco around. But we do. He's really good at keeping them himself, though. But only when he won't gain anything by telling. He's quite ruthless. Probably the worst of all of us, his father being who he is. Not that any of us would admit it, of course." Hmm...well, I'll just have to be a better secret-keeper. Even better than Draco.
"How do you know he's keeping secrets, if he's so good at it?" I asked.
"Because...he's keeping a secret for me." He looked at the floor.
"I see."
"I hope you have nothing to hide," he said, looking up.
I shook my head. "Not that I know of," I lied, barely suppressing a yawn.
Blaise smiled. "You must be really tired. I'll let you sleep." He walked to the door as I got back into bed. "Hey, Raven?" He turned back to face me.
"Yeah?"
"Would you...like to hang out with me tomorrow?"
I smiled. "Sure." He smiled back.
"See you tomorrow, then. Goodnight."
"'Night." Then Blaise closed the door and I fell straight to sleep, the book I had been reading forgotten on the bed next to me.
Post-note: I actually wanted to have that scene between Draco and Raven later...like a few years later. But it just seemed to fit there. Does anybody think I should move it?
Thanks everyone for reading! Please review!
