Heading back to the Ravenclaw tower, Lucien was walking by himself since Rowan went ahead of him. Filled with complete dread, he wanted to scream it all away, but he only did nothing as he kept walking. "You're Lucien Crow, right?" Someone asked as he stopped in his tracks while turning his head around to see who was speaking to him. He sees a boy next to him who was near the entrance of the West Tower. Lucien stared at him from head to toe as the boy appeared to be a Gryffindor, but judging from his posture and slightly frightened facial expression he seems to be a timid boy.

"...Yes." Lucien cautiously answered, not wanting to scare him off. "Who are you?"

"Ben Copper," Ben answered back as his eyes averted away for a moment before looking at him again. "I'm a first-year like you. I just wanted to say thank you for standing up to Merula Snyde."

Lucien sighed as he could tell where this is going while much to his own dismay he was already having a terrible first day he just had to ask him. "Who told you I did that?"

"I was watching from the end of the corridor," Ben answered as he fidgets a little which Lucien was relieved as the news has never spread around Hogwarts like his brother being expelled. "I've been following her so she can't sneak up on me, and if she sees me, I'll at least have a chance to run away." Ben then let out his own sigh before continuing. "She tormented me the entire way here on the Hogwarts Express...S-She kept threatening me, and calling me a Mudblood..."

Lucien looks at Ben for a moment as he had one of his eyebrows raised. 'Mudblood? Muggle-born? Just like my mother?' Lucien thought before speaking in response as he looked at him with empathy in his eyes "I'm sorry, Ben. That's terrible..."

"Merula is obsessed with being the best witch in our year, and she thinks she has to impose her will on us to prove it...I'm just glad someone was brave enough to stand up to her. I'm certainly not. It's a joke that I got put in Gryffindor."

Lucien nodded in understanding, seeing where he is coming from. "Everyone is afraid of something, Ben." Lucien replied as he tried to reassure the timid Gryffindor.

"Unfortunately, I'm afraid of everything. I come from a Muggle family, so all of this is new and scary to me." Ben shook his head as his eyes stared down at the floor with a look of being ashamed.

"I know how you feel. I come from a wizard family, especially since my mum is a muggle-born just like you as well, so this is hard for me too," Lucien said as he gives him a smile. "I'll try to help you however I can, Ben."

Ben looked up at him as he smiled back. "Thanks, Lucien," he said before he turned around. "I'll see you around." Ben then heads back to the Gryffindor Common Room at the same moment as Lucien heads back to the Ravenclaw Common Room

While entering the common room, one of the male Ravenclaw students approaches him. "You already lost Ravenclaw ten House Points?!" The student screamed at him as Lucien sighed once again, already figuring out that word about losing House Points had already traveled fast around the castle. "We're in fourth place now. What happened?"

Lucien looks at him with confusion in his eyes. "I'm sorry but who are you, and why are you talking to me about House Points?" Lucien asked bluntly.

"I'm your Prefect, Chester Davies," Chester answered as he shook Lucien's hand. "It's a Prefect's job to keep order in the house, and help first-years like you with their problems." Lucien then nods before Chester spoke once again. "And considering what your brother did to Ravenclaw's reputation, I should have kept a closer eye on you."

Lucien could already feel one of his own eyes twitch. "I know my brother broke school rules, and damaged Ravenclaw's reputation, but I want to be a credit to our house." Lucien replied as he tries his best to calm down the Prefect.

"We all make mistakes Lucien, Of course, we all don't make mistakes that cost Ravenclaw ten House Points."

Chester then hands him a letter. "In any case, Professor Snape already sent you a letter directly to our Common Room." Lucien looks at the letter before looking at the Ravenclaw Prefect once again as he was even more confused than before.

"Why would he send it to me?" Lucien asked before he was about to open the letter.

"Probably because he despises you." Lucien blinked as his confused expression was replaced with an unamused one. "But Snape hates everyone, so I wouldn't take it personally, but I would read that letter immediately."

Lucien then opens the letter and begins reading it out loud to him.

Crow, I have discovered evidence that your potion may have indeed been tampered with. While it does not prove your innocence, it does cast some doubt on my belief that you are hopelessly incompetent. Bring me a jar of Pickled Slugs from the Potions Storeroom, I will consider restoring your House Points.

- Snape

When he has finished reading he notices more words at the bottom of the letter. "There are directions to the Potions Storeroom at the bottom of the letter…" Lucien said before placing the letter in his robe pocket.

"Want me to go with you Lucien?" Rowan asked with a skeptical look in his eyes as he approached them both. "It's the least I can do after you saved me from Merula."

Lucien smiled at Rowan. "Thanks Rowan," he answered. "You know your way around the castle much better than me."

Chester clears his throat which catches both Lucien's and Rowan's attention. "He's offering to give us back the ten House Points you lost!" Chester frantically shakes his clenched up hands. "Hurry to the Potions Storeroom before he changes his mind!"

Walking down the corridors of the East Tower, the two Ravenclaws stopped in front of a door that was next to the Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom. "The directions on Snape's letter say this is the Potions Storeroom," Lucien said, scratching his left dimple as he was sure this was the right room.

"I always thought it was located in the Tapestry Corridor," Rowan replied, placing two fingers on his chin. "I suppose there must be more than one…" Lucien then places a hand on the door handle with a look of determination in his eyes.

"I need to find a Jar of Pickled Slugs and bring them to Snape, so I can get those ten House Points back," he reminded as he then opened the door, both entering the room.

As they entered the room, it was completely dark. "I can't see a thing…" Lucien said as he squinted his eyes while trying to see in the dark before he hears the door close behind him. "Why did you close the door, Rowan?"

Rowan then makes his way to the door, trying his best not to run into anything. "I didn't." Rowan answered as he placed his hands on the door. "It closed behind me as soon as I stepped inside." Rowan tries to turn the doorknob but it would not budging. "And I think it's locked…" He added as there was a slight panic in his voice.

"Locked?" Lucien asked before he took out his wand. "Very funny, Rowan."

"I-I'm not joking!" Rowan exclaimed, now panicking. "It's actually locked!"

"Hold on, I'll try casting the Wand-Lighting Charm, so we can see better," Lucien said as he twirls his wrist while shouting the Wand Lighting Charm's incantation. "Lumos!" Lucien's wand then started to light up the room, revealing black vines inside the room leading to both of their eyes going completely wide. "What is that thing?!" Lucien exclaimed as he saw the black vines slowly starting to move.

"A deadly plant called Devil's Snare. Some fourth-year Slytherins showed it to me when I first arrived," a familiar voice outside the door answered. Lucien and Rowan immediately recognized the voice as it was Merula who locked them both in the room with the black vine-like plant. "It's sensitive to light. If you really are better at the Wand-Lighting Charm than me, escaping should be no problem."

Lucien then turns his attention towards the door, jerking the doorknob. "Merula?! You locked us in here?!" Lucien shouted as he jerks the knob trying to open the door.

"Along with sending you a fake letter from Snape," Merula answered as both Lucien and Rowan looked at each other with deadpan expressions for a second before being replaced with panic. "I told you things would only get worse for you, Crow." A small cackle was heard before she continued. "You should have never blamed me for your failure in Potions...Something has to stop you from ruining Hogwarts. It may as well be Devil's Snare..."

The two Ravenclaws then heard footsteps leaving the door, assuming Merula had left as Lucien hits the door out of a mix of panic and anger. "Let us out!" Lucien shouted before he turning his head around to see the Devil's Snare was inching closer which made him turn his gaze back to the locked door as his eyes were now filled with terror and frantically starts banging on door. "MERULAAAA!"

He then backs up from the door as he is about to charge right into it but before he started to run to the door, the light of his wand flickers as it seemed like it was about to fade. He waves it again to keep it lit up as the vines of the Devil's Snare took it's chance to wrap around his waist and legs. "OH NO!" Lucien exclaimed while a vine tries to wrap around his arm, but he managed to tug it out just in time as he waves his wand around, trying to fight the black-vined plant with only Lumos while he started to scream at the top of his lungs as Rowan was trying his best to open the door.

Rowan turns around to see his friend was getting attacked by the Snare with his eyes looking at him as he was more panicked than before. "LUCIEN!"

"WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!" Lucien shouts as he fights off the Snare to break free from its grasp.

"Merula is right about Devil's Snare being sensitive to light…" Rowan muttered while he quickly came up with an idea. "Use Lumos to hold it off while I try to open the door, and call for help!" Rowan then jerks the doorknob once again while banging his fist on the door. "HELP! WE'RE TRAPPED IN HERE WITH DEVIL'S SNARE! SOMEONE HELP!"

Lucien points the light on the vines that were trying to wrap around him as his robes were getting dirtied and torn. "LUMOS!" He shouted while trying to keep the Wand-Lighting Charm going as he continued to try and free himself. He could feel his waist and legs starting to hurt. He occasionally felt his right wrist hurting from every time he yanks it out from the Devil's Snare. Rowan kept banging on the door while screaming for help as Lucien frees himself from it's grasp. "It worked!" Lucien sighed in relief before another vine wrapped around his waist again. "NO! There are so many of them!"

Time passes by as the two Ravenclaws were still trapped in the room with the giant black plant. "I have to get out of here...Help! Someone, Please!" He screamed for help once again, point the wand glowing with light on the Snare wrapped around him.

"Keep it up, Lucien!" Rowan exclaimed as he placed his ear on the door. "I think I hear someone!"

Not long after the Ravenclaws heard footsteps in front of the door. "What's goin' on in there?" A deep voice said outside of the door. "Outta the way!" Rowan immediately moves to the side as they both see the door being bashed open. Once the door bursts open a tall giant man emerges. It was the same man that Lucien and Rowan followed with the other first years to Hogwarts. "Gulpin' gargoyles, Ravenclaw!" The giant man exclaimed as his eyes widened. "Get away from that Devil's Snare. Yer scarin' it!"

Lucien looks at the giant man with shock and disbelief. "I'M scaring it?!" Lucien exclaimed as the giant man helped him get out of the snare's grasp for good this time.

"Let's get yeh outta here…" The giant man said as he and both the Ravenclaws exited the room.

As they are out of the room, Lucien looks up at the giant man. "You saved my life!" He said as he felt relieved to be out of the room. "Thank you, Mister…" Lucien pauses since he did not know this kind giant's name.

"Rubeus Hagrid, at yer service." Hagrid said. "I'm Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Pleasure to meet yeh."

Lucien will remember that for the rest of his life. "I'm Lucien Crow" he introduced himself as he smiled at Hagrid.

"Ah, yer the one everybody's been talkin' about." Hagrid's expression went completely blank. "Maybe trouble really does run in yer family." At this point Lucien was really getting tired of being compared to his brother as Hagrid continued. "How'd yeh end up in there, Lucien?"

"A first-year Slytherin named Merula Snyde locked us inside," Lucien answered, no longer on the topic of his brother as he rubs his right wrist.

"She did?!" Hagrid gasped in shock. "What are yeh goin' ter do?"

Lucien thought for a moment. He can't tell Dumbledore, because he doesn't know if he'll believe him like Snape didn't. He looks at Rowan for a second before looking back up to Hagrid. Should he tell his classmates? But then again they will probably think he is lying and say he really is mad. He then thinks about his third option, which was getting revenge. He could hear a voice echoing inside his head which makes him sigh. 'Be kind to your classmates…' "I'll tell my classmates." Lucien said as he made his decision.

"Do yeh have any proof?" Hagrid asked as he was curious.

"I have a fake letter from Snape, but I can't prove she's the one who wrote it," Lucien answered, gritting his teeth as he felt like it was not enough proof.

"Ah, But who'll believe ye if ye don' have any proof?" Hagrid replied before he shook is head. "Yeh might want teh reconsider." Lucien looks down as he sighed again. "I'd head back to yer Common Room, an' take some time teh think, Lucien. I don't want yeh doin' something yeh'll regret." Lucien nodded as he looked back up at Hagrid. "Yeh might also want to do somethin; about those robes. That Devil's Snare got yeh good." Hagrid points to his now ruined robes as Lucien inspects them.

"Thanks, Hagrid," Lucien said. "Hopefully I'll see you again."

Hagrid then smiles at him before replying. "Yeh certainly will, Lucien. But fer now, yeh'd better get back teh yer Common room."

Hagrid then walks away as Rowan approaches him. "Come on, Lucien." Rowan said. "Let's go talk to Chester."

The two Ravenclaws made their way back into the Common room. Chester seeing the two, he ran over to them with his eyes widened in shock. "Bloody hell!" He exclaimed as he eyes Lucien up and down. "What happened to your robes?!"

Lucien looked down in embarrassment. "I got snared by Devil's Snare…" He answered honestly before looking Chester in his eyes.

"Devil's Snare?!" Chester exclaimed once again." How? What happened with Professor Snape?"

"It was a trick..." Lucien answered again, thinking Chester was not going to believe him. "Merula Snyde faked the note, and trapped me and Rowan in a room with Devil's Snare."

Chester tilts his head in confusion before asking. "What is it with you and this girl?"

"I think she's threatened by me," he answered once again. "And I think she hates that I'm the only first-year who's stood up to her."

Chester sighed as he scratched the back of his head. "And I take it you once again don't have any proof?" He notices Lucien looked down with hope leaving his eyes.

"I have a fake letter from Snape, but I can't prove she's the one who wrote it…" He had a sad tone in his voice.

"Well, you can't go around the castle like that." Chester points at his torn up and dirtied robes. "Professor Flitwick will have a fit and people already look at you like you're mad because of your brother." Hearing his Prefect comparing him to his brother once again He could only glare at him. "Go and change into some fresh robes, or better yet, pick something to wear outside class hours."

Several minutes had passed by as Lucien walked out of his dormitory and into the common room wearing fresh new robes. "Wow!" Chester gasped with a happy grin. "That's much better. Now you don't look like someone used you to practise the Severing Charm."

Lucien smiled slightly before it faded. "Thanks, but I'm mainly just happy to be alive," he replied as his voice went monotone almost like Snapes.

"Well, you'd better hurry to your first Flying Class before you're expelled." Chester suggests. "See if you can find a way to earn back House Points while you're there…"

Heading to the training grounds, Lucien lets out a frustrated sigh. "What do we do?!" Lucien exclaimed as they walked through the the halls of the castle.

"I still can't believe Merula trapped us in with the Devil's Snare," Rowan said as he cleans his glasses. "Are you okay, Lucien?"

Lucien parts of his body feeling sore due to the Devil's Snare being wrapped around him. "I'll be okay," he replied as he puts on a smile that reassures Rowan.

"Well, that's good…" Rowan's once concerned eyes were replaced by smile as he changes the topic to get Lucien in a much more happier mood. "Are you excited for Flying Class?"

Lucien nodded as he could feel himself trembling with excitement as he completely forgets about the Devil's Snare. "Yeah! I can't wait to fly a broom!"

After they passed through the halls as they were now outside of the castle, the two Ravenclaws found themselves in the Training Grounds as they both noticed many students were standing next to their brooms. Lucien's eyes were locked onto one of the students in particular as he really hoped he would never run into again.

"Ah bloody hell…!" Lucien groaned as he placed a hand on his fact while he lets out a muffled scream which was quiet enough to not attract attention to himself.

"What is it?" Rowan asks as Lucien then points to the he was staring at in the training grounds. Rowan looked at where he was pointing and sees Merula was in line with the rest of the students with broomsticks on the floor. Rowan looked like he wanted to scream as well but he manages to somehow keep himself together. "Come on…" Rowan then places his hand on Lucien's shoulder. "Let's pretend that she isn't even there and just enjoy this class. " Lucien takes a deep breath before nodding as they got into the empty spots with their own brooms.

The two Ravenclaws lined up with the rest of the students and the brooms, Lucien could feel like someone was staring at him as he took a quick glance of the person in front of him. Merula was staring at him with an sinister smirk as she was cackling to herself before they both shifted their attention to the Flying Class teacher. "Welcome to your first Flying Class. I will be your instructor, Madam Hooch," Madam Hooch said while introducing herself as she looked at her students.

Lucien looks at her as he could see that her hair was slightly gray, almost mistaking it for white. He then notices her eyes are yellow like a hawk's eyes. She looked like she could be a distant relative of his that he never knew about. Shrugging off the thought he continued listening to the Flying instructor. "You'll begin by observing, before learning to summon your broom in your next Flying Class." She gazes at each and every one of the students like she was waiting for something to happen. "Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone, step up to the left side of your broomstick." Lucien then turns his attention to a trembling Gryffindor student whom he recognized immediately.

"Ben Copper?" Lucien said, before walking over to him as Ben turns to him as he almost flinched.

"Oh, hi Lucien." Ben greeted him with nervousness in his voice. "I've been dreading this class all summer…"

Lucien looks at the nervous Gryffindor before tilting his head. "Are you afraid of heights?"

"Falling from heights, mostly," Ben answered. "I told you I come from a Muggle family...The idea of flying through the sky on a broom is terrifying."

Lucien then had a smile on his face. "Believe it or not, I've never flown on a broom either. My mum was pretty strict about us using magic outside of school."

Ben then looks down as he fidgets again. "I don't think I can do this, Lucien…" Ben replied as he unable to look at him.

"You can do this, Ben!" Lucien encourages him as his smile never left his face. "Just concentrate on the broom, and try not to think about falling."

Ben then looks up at him with an unsure look. "Do you promise to catch me if I fall?"

"I promise to try my best," he answered as his response made Ben uncomfortable.

"That's not very reassuring, but I suppose I have to try sooner or later…" Ben sighed as he laments a little.

"Even you don't have anything to fear from today's lesson, Mr Copper," Madam Hooch added as both Lucien and Ben turns their attention to her. "You will only be observing today…"

What felt like minutes had passed by as Madam Hooch demonstrated how to summon and ride a broom, some students were taking notes while everyone else was holding a broom. Lucien could not help as he noticed Merula sneaking a few glances at him while she was rolling her eyes during the demonstration. Madam Hooch stops demonstrating along with her lecture before she smiling. "Now, let's see if you've been paying attention." She said as her hawk like eyes darted to Lucien. "Crow, answer this question...Which Quidditch player guards the hoops?"

Lucien thought for a split second before answering. "The Keeper, Madam Hooch?" Lucien answered with a confident smile yet he was unsure since he has never seen Quidditch before.

"Correct!" Madam Hooch praised him as she looks at the rest of her students. "Class Dismissed!"

Ben walks over to Lucien as his fidgeting was less than before. "I suppose I don't have to worry about falling if I never actually fly…" Ben said before a small grin was on his face. "Thank you for helping me, Lucien. I may be able to fly soon if I keep following your lead."

Madam Hooch listening in, she approaches the two students. "I think you've chosen a fine tutor, Mr. Copper," she said as she was now looking at Lucien. "Mr Crow, you appear to have a knack for helping your classmates overcome their fears."

"I just love helping people, Madam Hooch," he answered before giving her a nod.

"Ten points to Ravenclaw," Madam Hooch awarded before walking away.

Leaving the two students, Lucien turns to Ben. "You just need to get used to the idea of flying, Ben," he said. "I'm sure Rowan has some books about flying that we can borrow."

"I do like reading books," Ben replied before fixing his own tie. "Hardly anyone ever falls to their death while reading books…"

Speaking of Rowan, Lucien remembered something. "I've been meaning to talk to Rowan anyway." His eyes were now on Rowan as he was looking down. "We've had a rough go of it so far, and I think he takes it harder than me." Hearing this from him, Ben had an idea that popped into his eyes.

"You should ask him to play Gobstones!" Ben suggested as he no longer seemed timid anymore. "I'd play it myself, but I'm afraid of getting sprayed."

"Brilliant, I'll go ask him now!" Lucien said as they both waved their goodbyes.

Walking over to Rowan he waves to him. "Hey, Rowan?" Lucien asked as Rowan turned his attention towards him.

"What is it, Lucien?" Answered Rowan as he was no longer down.

"You want to play Gobstones?" Lucien said while seeing Rowan had a huge grin on his face.

"Sure, I love that game!" Rowan replied. "Meet me in the Clocktower Courtyard." He then started to run into the castle while Lucien followed behind.

Reaching the Courtyard, the two Ravenclaws both exited the castle as their eyes gazed on its beauty as they somehow felt only peace within themselves. "Thanks for coming with me, Rowan." Lucien said, looking at his friend with a smile. "After everything with Merula and Snape, I could use a break." He then looks up at the clear blue sky. "Hogwarts shouldn't be about bullies, and barely escaping death...It should be about learning magic, and having fun!"

"Wait until you play Gobstones!" Rowan said, letting out a soft chuckle. "I play it on the farm all the time. Mostly because I'm not strong enough to help with the actual farming…It will be fun to play with another person for once!" They both smiled at each other. "Thanks for helping me adjust to things here, by the way…"

"Of course." Lucien said as his smile formed into a grin. "It's nice having a friend who understands me, and can help explain everything about Hogwarts."

Rowan nodded before letting out a small sigh. "I wish I could explain why Merula is such a bully…" He replied. "I've been researching her family to try to understand why she acts the way she does." Rowan then sits down on the ground. "And, well….I learned a terrible secret about her parents."

Lucien now curious he sits down on the ground as well. "What secret?" He asked.

"But now to say it out loud...Oh I don't know if I should…" Rowan answered, unsure if he should tell him.

"But I'm curious!" Lucien protested as Rowan only shook his head.

"It's quite serious. Perhaps we should just play Gobstones...That's what we're here for." Rowan said as he does not budge which Lucien then gets an idea.

"How about I'll play if you can tell me what you found out about Merula." Lucien dared as he wanted to know the information Rowan was keeping from him.

"Interesting...I accept your challenge!" Rowan said as he was now excited.

"How do we play?" Lucien asks as he picks up a red gobstone.

"It's a bit like the Muggle game marbles, except that every time a point is scored, the loser gets sprayed in the face!" Rowan said as he picks up a red gobstone aswell.

"...Sprayed with what?" He asked, completely confused yet afraid on what Rowan meant.

"No one knows, but it smells awful!" Rowan answered.

"Great...Seems like I'll be taking showers after I play this game..." Lucien muttered to himself as Rowan sets up the game. Guess he will learn as they play.

After a minute of setting up the game they begin playing "Goodluck, Lucien!" Rowan said as Lucien gives him a nod in return "Playing Gobstones together can only make us better friends!" A smirk came across his face. "Do you know how one wins?"

"Capture your opponent's stones, right?" He said, taking a complete guess as he tossed the red gobstone while Rowan nods.

"That's right! Now how many do we start with?" He asked another question.

Lucien rubs his head a little before giving him his answer as he set his hand dow. "Fifteen?"

"That's correct!" Rowan nods again. "You're starting to get the hang of it!"

"I'm learning from the best." Lucien grinned.

Rowan tosses his red stone as he asks another question. "What happens if you lose?"

"

You get sprayed," Lucien answered as he tossed his stone.

"See? You're a natural!" He praises him

As they continued playing, Lucien and Rowan were focused on their game while Lucien was gaining Rowan's trust. When a few minutes went by Lucien wins the game. You beat me, Lucien!" Rowan exclaimed with a laugh. "Pretty impressive for your first time playing Gobstones."

"I learned from the best," he repeated as he laughed with Rowan before they both got up to shake each other's hand.

"Good game, Lucien," Rowan congratulated as he was putting away the gobstones. "Some people think Gobstones isn't cool, but I've always considered it to be the thinking witch's Quidditch." Rowan smiled once more.

"It was fun." Lucien said, as they both got up from the ground while Rowan placed the stones in his pocket. "Thank you for showing me how to play."

"We should play more often." Rowan suggested. "I want to be Captain of the Hogwarts Gobstones team one day."

Lucien then had another curious look. "And what about Merula?" Lucien asked as he was now getting back on the main topic.

Rowan looks at him like he asked something terrible. "She'd be a dreadful Gobstones captain," Rowan exclaimed. "She's such a bully!"

Lucien sighed before shaking his head. "I meant, do you feel more comfortable now about sharing with me your secret about Merula's parents?"

Rowan pauses for a moment as he could feel himself a lot more relaxed. "Actually, I do." Rowan answered honestly. "Already you've been a good friend to me." Rowan quickly looks around, making sure no one was around for Rowan to reveal Lucien his knowledge. "My research uncovered that Merula's parents are locked up in Azkaban."

Lucien's eyes widened with shock. "Locked up in Azkaban?!" Lucien exclaimed as he suddenly remembered something. "Mum told me about it before, the prison that holds dark and evil wizards…" Lucien then looks at Rowan. "What did they do?"

Rowan gulped before continuing to explain. "During the Wizarding War, they were loyal to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

"No way…" Lucien replied as he sighed under his breath, unsure if he should be the one who's threatened by Merula, or feel bad for her since she also lost her parents and completely understanding the full reason why she is bullying. "That's quite serious. Thank you for telling me, Rowan."

Rowan smiled again as he nodded. "Thanks for playing. I've never been especially good at making friends."

"We became friends pretty quickly..." He smiled as well, completely glad that Rowan was his friend.

"Most people think I'm either a useless weakling or an awkward nerd, but you're weird like me." Rowan said before his eyes widened a little as he realized what he just said. "N-No offence!"

Lucien lets out a small chuckle. "I take it as a compliment."

"Well isn't this precious?" A voice said which made both the Ravenclaws turn around to the direction the voice was heard from. They were both shocked to see it was Merula approaching the both of them. "Hello, Crow," she had an unamused expression on her face. "You are unfortunately looking well after wrestling with the Devil's Snare." Seeing Merula again, Lucien does not feel bad nor feels threatened anymore after seeing her has reminded him that she tried to kill them. "I was surprised you made it through our first Flying Class."

"I was surprised you didn't mention the Devil's Snare then," he retorts as his yellow eyes were staring deep into her violet eyes with a little bit of irritation.

"I was too busy being the best student in the class," she said with a cocky smile on her face.

"Good for you, perhaps you can go away and busy yourself with something else now," He replied before rolling his eyes as he wanted to leave the courtyard.

"Oh I've been quite busy, Crow," her eyes stared at him with mischievous intent. "While you were off playing with plants, I've been doing a little research about your brother."

He was not surprised at this point, considering everyone loves to talk about his brother, he only sighed. "Why don't you just leave me alone?" He asked her as he wonders why she is going after him while mentally praying for her to go away.

"Because you're a danger to Hogwarts just like him, and none of us will be safe until you're gone." Merula answered, her eyes still having that mischievous intent in them.

"That's rich coming from you," he muttered in response.

"What are you talking about, Merula?" Rowan asked as he was now confused.

"Crow's brother didn't just get expelled for endangering Hogwarts in search of imaginary vaults…" She turns her attention to Rowan. "He immediately went missing, and the next time he was seen, he was working for Voldemort."

Lucien could feel his hands immediately balling to fists. "VOLDE-" Lucien cuts himself off as he was about to say the Dark Lord's name.

"You can't say that!" Rowan exclaimed as there was complete fear in his eyes. "You have to call him He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!"

Merula only smirked seeing that the name does not fear her. But then again her parents are death eaters. "I say what I want."

"You're lying about my brother having anything to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!" Lucien exclaimed as his eyes were staring daggers at the smug Slytherin girl.

"Oh? Struck a nerve huh, no wonder the professors were talking about you before the Feast...They're wondering if you work for The Dark Lord too."

Lucien shakes his head. "I don't know why you'd ever bring him up, given your family's history…" Lucien retorted once again as it was now Merula's turn to be the one to stare daggers at him. "

You don't know anything about me…" Merula replied as they could hear a small growl coming from her.

'Seems like I'm who has hit a nerve this time.' He thought as his face began to soften a little. "Thanks to Rowan's research, I know that your parents are locked up in Azkaban for being loyal to You-Know-Who in the wizarding war." Lucien then relaxes and unclenches his fists. "We have something in common..." He looks at her with pity and remorse in his eyes. "I finally understand why you're always so angry…"

"Don't compare yourself to me!" Merula replied as she was now angry. "Why don't you just drop out of Hogwarts? Save Ravenclaw and your little friend here the embarrassment of being associated with you."

Lucien shakes his head again. "You're just afraid that I'll be better than you."

"Afraid?!" Merula questioned. "I'll duel you right now!" Lucien was about to pull out his wand but then he remembers that he only knows Lumos and not any attack or defensive spells.

Lucien lets out a small sigh. "You aren't worth my time Merula." He then turns his back on the violet eyed yet angry Slytherin. "Keep your nonsense to yourself." He begins to walk away from Merula which only infuriated her more.

"Don't walk away from me!" She shouted before taking out her wand and gives it a wave. "Flipendo!" She then casts a spell which Lucien turned around to only get hit by the spell as he was sent flying at least couple feet away from both Merula and Rowan before hitting the ground.

Getting back up slightly in pain, Lucien looks up at her. 'When did she learn to do that?!' He thought as he stood back on his feet.

"Learn a few more spells, Crow," she said before placing her wand back into her robes. "Maybe next time you'll put up a fight."

Merula then walks away from the two Ravenclaws as Rowan runs over to Lucien. "Are you okay, Lucien?!" Rowan asked worriedly as he was concerned for his friend.

"I'll be fine." Lucien answered as he placed a hand on his own left shoulder which had broken his fall.

"Merula is never going to leave us alone..." Rowan sighed as he now looked crestfallen.

"Not unless we learn more spells, and find someone who can teach us how to duel…"

I will upload another chapter on Thursday because tomorrow I am going to work on the next chapter on the second fan story for year 2. Be sure to leave any thoughts in the comments. I'm curious to see your responses!