Chapter Two- Unreal reality

"You can speak now." Raven was looking nervously at Harry, who had his mouth wide open.

"But… you died…" Harry gaped.

"I know. I thought I did," Raven said, biting her lip. "If you let me come in, I'll explain everything."

"How do I know… How do I know it's you?" Harry asked. "You might be Navitek or Remarque."

"I feel insulted, Potter," Raven smirked. "I come to pay you a visit from the grave and you treat me like rubbish."

Harry raised an eyebrow. Suddenly he felt something warm brush his cheek and Raven was blasted to the wall.

"What the…?" Raven croaked as she dropped the files to the floor and started rubbing her back.

Hermione was standing behind Harry, holding her wand. "Wait a few seconds," Hermione whispered and Harry nodded.

"Okay, last time I was blasted into a wall, it really hurt," Raven moaned as she stood up. "Don't make me hate you, Granger."

"It's her," Hermione said finally. "The spell I shot is intended to reveal if the person is an impostor or not. It's Raven."

Harry helped Raven pick up the files and Raven entered the apartment. Raven glanced at Hermione and her mouth twitched a bit. "Gee, Potter," Raven smirked as they left the files on the desk. "You got over me in no time."

Raven was staring at Hermione, who went pale. "Is not like that, Raven…" Hermione started, but Raven shook her head.

"Hey, I knew he loved you," Raven said impatiently. "I would have been stupid not to notice."

Hermione said nothing and Raven sat down on the couch. "I'm ready for the questions, so…" Raven said wearily.

"You died," Harry said blankly as he and Hermione sat on the couch that was in front of Raven.

"Well, that's not a question, it's a statement," Raven mocked. "Anyway, yes, I guess I died."

"I buried you! I was in your funeral!" Harry said in disbelief. "Magic can't reawaken the dead!"

"No, it can't," Raven sighed. "At least that's what I thought… Until I woke up and found out that I was alive."

"But how?" Hermione asked.

"Harry, remember that old chap at the graveyard?" Raven said finally.

"Yes," Harry said slowly, recalling the image of a very sinister-looking man.

"Well, he was very fond of me," Raven said. "I always went to visit my parents' tombs and I used to talk with him. With Dionysus Mertrey. Somehow he managed to revive me… Ancient magic."

"Dionysus used ancient magic to make you live again?" Harry gasped. "I can't believe it."

"He's a very dark wizard," Raven said coldly. "But at least I've got him by side. Well, when I woke up, I was in the graveyard. I couldn't believe I was alive again. My first thought was to look for you, but I had to get stronger. One day, a man came to see Dionysus. It was Remigius Stocklard. He saw me, and Dionysus had to tell him the whole story. That's how I found out that you had left to Russia, Remigius told me."

"Why didn't you owl me?" Harry said in despair. "I should have known from the start. All this time I've been feeling-"

"Guilty?" Raven snorted. "Potter, that's your problem. Stop acting like everything is your bloody fault. Even if I wasn't here, my death would have never been your fault. I chose to fight Stephanie Navitek, you didn't make me."

"I should go now," Hermione said in a small voice. "I've got a lot of, er, work to do." She stood up and went to grab her coat.

Harry walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek. "Will I see you tomorrow?" he asked hopefully. Hermione opened the door and hesitated.

"I… I really don't know, Harry," Hermione said, sounding confused. "I'll owl you." Hermione smiled at Raven, who smiled back, and she left. Harry heard a loud crack and knew that Hermione had disapparated.

"Last time I saw her, she was getting married," Raven said.

Harry sat down next to her and buried his face in his hands. "Yeah, she was."

"Harry, I know this is weird for you," Raven said. "It's really weird for me too. I almost refused Remigius offer… I intended to go to America."

"And what? Hide from me that you were alive?" Harry snapped as turned to look at her. "Damn it, Raven, I'm human."

Raven stared at him and shook her head. "I doubt that," she mocked. "But here I am, and I don't plan to leave anytime soon."

Harry sighed deeply and nodded. "I hope so," he said.

"So… You and Granger, eh?" Raven smirked. "I obviously knew that you loved her, but what about Weasley?"

"It's a long story," Harry said.

"I have loads of time," Raven said, crossing her arms. "I'm listening."

The next day

Harry opened his eyes and stared at his clock. It was 12 pm, and he still felt sleepy. He and Raven had been talking until late, and she refused his offer to spend the night.

"I've got my own place, but thanks," she said.

Harry felt his head throbbing. Everything had been very confusing. He still couldn't believe that Raven was alive…

There was a soft tap at the window and Harry sat up. A brown owl was outside, and Harry ran to open the window. He took the letter and the owl flew away. He opened the letter eagerly, expecting Hermione's neat writing.

His heart dropped when he saw a familiar writing:

You think you got rid of me, right? Not even Azkaban could stop me, you stupid boy. I know who's helping you now, and I will gladly kill her again… and make sure that this time, she won't woke up.

"Navitek," Harry said through gritted teeth.