Ooooh, what is her purpose??
Awe, I like this side of Snape. If only he were this nice to everyone.
Paranoid much?
Hehe, I love her sarcasm. Hilarious
Bahaha, I love her attitude too

Great chappie! I loved it! PLEASE PAMS!!

Great Chapter. I love all her seer abilities! Its fantastic.


PAMS!

Suzy

Why is it that the further I get along in reading this, the more respect I have for Snape? Plus, I almost saw hints of HBP in this chapter.


*smites Lucius for the millionth time*

PAMS

Love the chapter Girly!
UGH!! That Lucius!

Jamers

Love the story can't wait to know what will happen

Chapter 37

It was the Saturday before the final task. The school was excited to see the conclusion of the Triwizard Tournament and also tense because it fell at the end of term and exams were coming up soon.

Raven never let the mood of the school affect her day to day life. She did all she could to avoid Moody, Draco, Snape and anyone who would cause her any drama. She did receive an owl earlier in the week from Lucius informing her that a Knut would not be enough to repay him for her mistake of telling Draco about the potion. Raven tried to resist the urge to respond, but she pulled out a piece of parchment and simply wrote the words “Bring it on,” and sent the owl on its way.

That Saturday afternoon at lunch, she ate with Harry, Ron and Hermione. The conversation was the most normal conversation she could remember having with them in some time.

“So Harry, you ready for the next task?” Raven asked.

“I'm still working on it. Ron and Hermione have been helping me out the past couple of weeks.”

“Do you know what you’re up against, yet?”

“Apparently we are going to be in some kind of maze. That’s all we really know. The cup will be in the middle somewhere.”

Raven dropped her fork and nearly choked on the food in her mouth. Hermione, who was sitting next to Raven, started patting her on the back to try to release the food from her throat.

“Are you alright?” asked Hermione.

Raven cleared her throat one last time, “A maze, you say?”

“Yeah, but that’s all we know,” replied Harry.

The three look curiously at Raven, who was obviously panicking but doing all she could to contain it. Raven noticed Snape suddenly get up from the staff table and head their way.

“Oh, look!” Raven said nervously. “There’s my uncle. I need to talk to him about something. Gotta go. See you later?”

Raven fumbled around with her stuff and then ran to catch up to her uncle. “I need to talk to you.”

“I have some business to take care of right now,” said Snape. “Meet me in my office in an hour.”

“No, now! It’s important!”

“I can’t, Raven! Later!”

Snape drifted away like a black cloud. Raven was left standing in the middle of the corridor wondering what was so important that he didn’t have time to talk to her. She started to mutter to herself how much she hated him at that moment, and then she was interrupted mid mumble by Professor Moody.

“Hello, Miss Snape.”

“Hello, Professor.” Raven turned her head and rolled her eyes. He had to have known that she didn’t appreciate him badgering her all the time about her vision, so any rude behavior from her was expected.

“I hate to bother you. You seem as though you’re in a hurry. But-“

“Professor, please. I’m not in the mood to discuss whatever I see in my vision. I don’t know who this person is, don’t care who this person is and, as long as this person doesn’t affect me in anyway, I don’t want to know. You are stalking me over something I couldn’t care less about. You’re issues are not high on my list of things to concern myself over.”

“I’m only concerned because-“

“Don’t give me that business that you are only concerned about this because of strange people turning up, or whatever. You want to see how much I know so you can do what you can to conceal it. You have a secret, Professor, and you don’t want word to get out. Well, Professor, I will say I don’t care to seek the truth, so just let it be and get on with more important matters.”

“You certainly do not have a problem with authority.”

“When authority is bugging me, I let them know. And you, sir, are bugging me. Good day.”

Raven left Moody standing there stunned at the words just told to him. She hoped that after this he wouldn’t bother her anymore.

She went ahead a walked to her uncle’s office. Knowing she had a good part of the hour to wait for him, she camped out in front of his office and pulled out her journal. She needed to make a new entry. She discussed the revelation that the third task was a maze, Moody and drama in general. After writing a good four pages she noticed Snape coming up the hall. She quickly put her stuff away and stood waiting for him to open the door.

“This must be important,” Snape said unlocking his door. “What did you want to talk about?”

“I just wanted to know about the third task.”

“What do you want to know about it?”

“I know it’s a maze. But what else can you tell me?”

“Why? So you can tell Potter what to expect?”

“I have no intentions of tell Harry anything. But if anyone’s safety is at risk, shouldn’t they know about it?”

“What makes you think their safety is at risk?”

Raven thought for a moment about what she wanted to say and the consequences that would follow. She wanted to tell Snape about her dream but didn’t know how he would react. She held her breath, closed her eyes and hoped that what she was about to do would be the right thing.

“I think I should tell you about my dream.”

Snape seemed curious all of a sudden. He walked over to Raven, who was sitting in the chair in front of his desk. He sat against the desk and folded his arms in preparation for an earful.

Raven didn’t give Snape every tiny detail of her dream, but only told him the high points. Basically she told him that she was in a maze and saw two people standing in front of a bright light. She tried to stop them from going near it but they couldn’t hear or see her. When they got close to it they disappeared along with the light. She told him that when she touched the platform where the light was coming from, she felt anger, confusion and even death. Snape listened intently and when she was finished, he unfolded his arms and turned to walk towards the chair behind his desk.

They both remained silent for a few moments. Raven was wondering what he was thinking while Snape looked as though he was planning his next move. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he spoke first.

“I am forbidding you to go to the third task.”

“Excuse me?” If I’d known he was going to pull this, I never would have told him.

“I feel that it’s best if you stay. I will tell the other professors that I have given you detention and your punishment is to not attend the task.”

“What are you proving by not allowing me to go? If I am having a premonition then whether you make me stay here or not, I will end up in the maze. You can’t tempt fate.”

“No I can’t. But this is my final word. You are not permitted to go.”

“Are you going to put bars on my windows? Or perhaps lock me in a room?”

“Don’t give me any ideas.”

“You know I hate you right now.”

“And that’s different from any other day, how?”

“Why do you do something to make me like you, then turn around and do something to make me wish I could…rip off your face?” Raven started pacing. He couldn‘t possibly be serious. He has to be joking. “You’re messing with me aren’t you?”

“No.”

“Whatever!”

Raven shot out of her chair and got to the door.

“I may have something to give you later tonight,” Snape said quietly, “if you find reason to leave my face in tact.”

“What? You like your face?”

Snape pursed his lips together and rolled his eyes. “I may have a solution to your problem with Draco.”

Raven froze. She slowly walked up to Snape’s desk.

“I’m working on an antidote. It should be done tonight.”

“Seriously?” Raven started to feel bad for her earlier remarks.

“However, it’s not strong enough to last long. You will have to take it the moment it’s ready.”

Raven smiled. Even though she hated him for keeping her from the final task, Snape had a way of making her like him again. “What are you saying? I need to find Draco and let him know.”

“You probably should.” Snape looked down and started working on some paperwork. He seemed upset.

She walked around to the other side of his desk and leaned up against it. “Uncle Severus. Let me go to the task. Something is going to happen. I can stop it.”

Snape sat back and looked up at his niece. “I can assure you that the task will be safe. We have taken all the precautions.”

“Then why not let me go? If nothing is going to happen then I should be fine.”

Snape slammed his hand down and stood up. “You are not going and that is the end of it! Do not argue with me about this anymore!” He adjusted his robes and sat back down. “Now, do you have anything else to say? If not, I suggest you go find Draco.”

Raven marched over to the door. As a matter of fact, she did have one last thing to say, “I still want to rip off your face!”

Raven spent the rest of the day trying to find Draco. It seemed as though he knew she was looking for him and her intent. She looked outside, in the library, in the Great Hall, even checking places twice in case he arrived while she was off traveling to another area of the castle. She even went to some of his house mates to ask if he was in the common room. They all said no. It was if all of Slytherin was in on his plan. Raven went as far as waiting outside the Slytherin common room for two hours before dinner hoping to catch him to no avail.

Finally, she went to the Great Hall again for dinner. She kept a close eye on the Slytherin table and the door to make sure she wouldn’t miss him. Draco was nowhere in sight. She did, however, catch Pansy in the hall after dinner talking to her little group of Slytherin girls.

“Pansy!” Raven yelled toward them.

Pansy turned and had a frustrated look on her face. “I hear you are looking for Draco. He’s not here.”

“Where is he?”

‘An hour or so ago his father came and took him home for the weekend. He’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.”

“You have got to be kidding me!”

“What’s the big rush, Raven? Need your man today?”

“I’m trying to give him back to you! You do still want him back don’t you?”

Pansy looked at Raven a little shocked. “Well, yes, but-“

“But what, Pansy? Thought you were doing something for him by keeping me in the dark? I had a plan that would’ve had him running back into your arms tomorrow and now the plan is gone! If I don’t find him, Pansy, we’re both stuck!”

Raven started back to the common room, disappointed and angry. She passed her uncle in the hall and stopped him.

“I don’t want to talk about it, but dump the potion,” Raven snapped. “Draco’s at home for the weekend. He won’t be back till later tomorrow and by that time the potion will be no good.”

“I just heard.”

“Didn’t he have to go through you to leave?”

“He could have gone through another professor or through Dumbledore.”

“Everything is an excuse. Good night, Uncle!”

Raven finally made it to the common room and fortunately there was hardly anyone there. George and Fred came down the stairs with piles of parchment in their hand. Fred walked over to a table while George came over and sat next to Raven on the couch.

“You are looking a little bummed out today? Everything alright?”

“No!” Raven told him about not being able to go to the third task, her confrontation with Professor Moody and then, the icing on the cake, the antidote that her uncle made that will be unused. “It’s as if Lucius knew exactly what was going on the whole time.”

“Well, through that ring he can see everything. He knew you’re plan and didn’t want Draco to submit to it.”

George spent the next few moments trying to make Raven feel better. Raven could only stare at him in amazement of his kindness and sincerity. She could tell by the way he spoke to her, that he did truly love her and has never lost hope for the two of them.

“Now I know why I fell for you in the first place.”

“It’s the hair. Girls love the red hair.”

“Of course.” Raven laughed. “But seriously, you are so kind and loving, cute and funny. Your heart is genuine, not mangled in hate and greed.”

“Well, I do hate Lucius for all of this and I want you back more than anything. Wouldn’t that be hate and greed?”

“That’s not the same thing, George. Your hate and greed has loving intentions.” Raven turned and looked over at the fire. “I want all of this to be done.”

George just stared at her. “Well, I know why I fell for you in the first place.”

“Is it my hair?”

“No, well yeah, but it’s everything that you are.”

George ran the back of his hand across Raven’s cheek. They stared at each other and the fire gave the two a magical glow. All of a sudden, it was if an invisible hand resting on the back of Raven’s head slowly pushed the two together in a soft and gentile kiss. Raven’s hand started to burn but she didn’t feel the pain of it. As they were locked together, all of the memories of times lost with George came flooding back. All of her emotions and love for him came pouring back into her heart, her mind and her soul. With every memory and every feeling coming back to her, her ring hand burned more and more.

“Ouch!” said Raven, jumping back out of their kiss as she squeezed her hand.

“It’s the ring, isn’t it? I’m sorry.”

“It is the ring. But don’t be sorry.” Raven sat back and thought about what just happened. “The potion…it’s…we fixed it. The spell is gone.”

“We broke it?” George said with a cautious excitement.

“The contract is still in place because the ring won’t come off,” she said trying to get the ring off her finger, “but while we kissed, everything came back to me; our memories, my love for you, everything.”

“Are you sure?”

“Let’s see, I have no feeling toward Draco except wanting to kill him and his father. So yes! Everything is back to normal!”

It all happened so fast. In one moment, Raven thought that she was stuck in the situation with Draco, and in the next she was back with George. It was a moment for celebration. George jumped up, grabbed Raven and gave her a hug that took her off the floor and then spun her around a few times. Then they ran over to Fred to tell him the great news.

“I kind of figured that, the way you two were snogging on the couch,” he said. “Way to take you‘re time, Rave.”

“We have to tell my uncle,” said Raven to George.

The two ran towards Snape’s office, never letting go of each other’s hands. Raven banged as hard as she could on his door until Snape opened it looking perturbed that she interrupted whatever it was that he was doing.

“Uncle, it’s broken! The potion…I hate Draco! George and I are back together!”

“Slow down! How did this happen?” Snape immediately let them in and shut the door.

“We kissed and I felt it leaving me. All of my memories are back, my hatred for Draco returned. The spell is broken!”

Snape immediately walked over to some bookshelves and pulled out a book. He walked over to his desk and sat down. He thumbed through the book till he came to what he was looking for.

“What are you doing?” Raven asked.

“I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before,” Snape mumbled to himself.

“What are you talking about?”

“Breaking it was so easy; I didn’t even think to look at this one.” Snape kept mumbling to himself. “A fairytale of all things.”

“Stop babbling to yourself and tell me what is going on!” shouted Raven.

Snape shut the book and looked at the renewed couple. “Have you heard of the Muggle story of Snow White?”

George and Raven nodded.

“There are a lot of spells from Muggle fairytales that are derived from actual spells. When the princess, Snow White, took a bite of the apple she fell into a deep sleep and only woke when her true love kissed her. There are many variations to this tale but the plot is still the same.

“This potion you took was similar to what was in that poisoned apple in the story. Only you didn’t fall into a deep sleep, you fell out of reality and lived in a dream-like world until a kiss from your true love opened your eyes and the spell was broken.”

George and Raven looked at each other, realized what he had said and smiled.

“So does that mean we’ll live happily ever after?” asked Raven.

“We still have to get you out of the marriage contract. But now that the potion is gone, we have a better chance.”

“Thanks, Uncle! See you later!” Raven was so excited, and so anxious to leave but Snape still had some words for her that would bring her down off of cloud nine.

“It is possible that Lucius knows what has happened. He will be angry and try to retaliate. Watch out for Draco when he returns. Lucius may still have a plan up his sleeve. Try not to flaunt yourselves in front of him. This will only make Lucius and Draco angry. We still have to get you out of the contract, so try to be on your best behavior.”

“You have a way of sucking all the happiness out of a room, don’t you? I’m leaving now while I have a bit of bliss left. Good night!”

George and Raven walked hand in hand out of her uncle’s office and went back to the common room. When they entered they saw all of their closest friends huddled together waiting for the two lovebirds to return. Hermione, Ron, Harry, Fred, Lee, and Angelina were all there to greet George and Raven with hugs and handshakes of congrats and many “it’s about time” comments.

It had been a long time since Raven felt hope for a better future. Now that the potion was out of her way, her mind was clearer to fight the bigger battle. One that she knew she would win very soon.

Oh my gosh! YAYYYY!!! They're back together, sort of! I'm glad they broke the spell. Now only if they could break the contract... Great chappie!!! I LOVED it! PLEASE PAMS!!

yay ravens back to her old self, cant wait to see how draco and lucius will handle it. loved the chapter PAMS!!!

Omg great post! Im so happy that they're back together! Yay! PAMS!

Naw, they're back together <3

Great chapter

I am so glad that they are back together!
Nice useage of Snow White!!
Loved it!
Love you!
Jamers

Chapter 38

George and Raven couldn’t hide their happiness. She had managed to avoid Draco when he came back so all was well and felt back to normal. Until she received a letter from Lucius, the Monday after breaking the potion and the contents of the owl didn’t faze her a bit. She remembered sitting at breakfast with George and her friends when the owl dropped in front of her. It startled her only because she wasn’t expecting a letter at all.

Raven

So you managed to break the spell. Aren’t you a smart one? I’m becoming very impatient with you. You are not going to slip away from my family. You may have won this round, but this isn‘t over.

Lucius Malfoy

When Raven finished reading the letter, she crumbled it up and threw it with the rest of the mess on the table. George asked her what Lucius said, Raven told him it was nothing and they went about their day.

The day of the Third Task was a busy one. Raven had her History of Magic test, which wasn’t as difficult as she had expected. As she left, Draco stopped her in the corridor outside of the classroom.

“Can I talk to you privately?” he asked.

Raven shrugged and followed him to a more private area in the hallway.

“Father is upset with you,” he said quietly.

“I kind of figured he would be. But I don’t really care.”

“Yeah, I knew you wouldn’t.”

“So what’s this about? You didn’t pull me off to the side to tell me something I already know.”

“I wanted to say thanks. I’m back with Pansy and all is back to normal.”

“It all happened so quickly. I didn’t even know it would happen. Don’t thank me, it only happened by accident.”

“Well, however it happened, thanks. Pansy would thank you but she hates you.”

“I don’t like her, so it works.” Raven looked at Draco in a different light now. She remembered the day at Hogs Head when all of this started. He never wanted to be with Raven, he was caught up in the plan of his fathers without choice. He was a victim just like Raven. Maybe it was because she was back with George, but for whatever reason, she felt like being civil with him.

“So what do we do now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Father isn’t going give up. He‘s going to see us married if it kills him.”

“Well, I’m sorry but he’s just going to have to die early.” Raven realized what she said may have been too harsh. “Look, Draco, I know that you don’t want this either, but I can’t be the only one working to fix this. I know this puts you in a tough spot. You can’t exactly stand up to your father.”

“I can stand up to him!” Draco was starting to get angry.

“When was the last time you successfully stood up to your dad?”

Draco stood there thinking deeply. Raven knew that civility was not going to be an option any more.

“If it’s taking you this long, then you haven’t.

“You don’t know what you’re asking. You’re asking me to go against my father. He knows I don’t want this, yet he’s still pushing. If he’s going to ignore the wants of his own son, then how can I do anything?”

“Your father is controlling you! He has influenced every aspect of your life and you let him do it. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s making you weak. Show him the strength that I know you have.”

“Do you think it’s that easy? We all didn’t grow up in such a liberal environment. We all didn’t grow up with parents who taught us to think and act independently.”

“No, not every one had my upbringing. But what better way to show your dad the man you are by standing up for yourself?”

“Not all of us are you, Raven!” Draco was past anger at this point. However, Raven sensed fear. It was why he was angry. It’s not that he doesn’t want to stand up to his father. To him, it was impossible.

“Why are you getting angry? What, becoming a man is too difficult? You need your father to baby you?”

Draco stepped up to Raven and got up in her face. “My father doesn’t baby me!”

Raven didn’t blink. She had no problem with this war and Draco should know it by now. “Then prove it.”

Draco backed off but only slightly. “I thought that since we were in the same predicament you would understand my dilemma. But seeing as you don‘t, I guess you‘re on your own.”

Draco started to walk away. Raven wasn’t going to let him go that easily. “That’s right, Draco! Walk away. Continue to let your father walk all over you and maybe one day you‘ll see the pathetic excuse for a man you‘ve become when you see your own children!”

Draco turned back but didn’t face her, then turned and kept walking away. Part of Raven felt bad for insulting him. At the same time, Draco will never get anywhere letting his father control every move he makes. She stood there wondering if she should call him back to apologize. Deep down she knew that, although the apology would come out, she would turn around and say something to have to apologize again and the cycle would start again.

She realized she was supposed to meet George for lunch several minutes ago. Raven immediately left for the Great Hall. When she got down the steps she glanced over at the main entrance. Although she couldn’t see the Quidditch Pitch, something, like a voice in the wind or maybe residual from her visions, was calling her. As if in a trance, she walked over to the pitch.

She stood outside of the field and stared at it for a long time. Every detail of her dream flashed before her eyes as if she was actually in it. She couldn’t help but think that whatever she was dreaming about this whole year was going to happen tonight and she was going to be there.

There was nothing unusual about what she was seeing in her vision, until the end. When she went to touch the platform where the light was coming from, she felt the fear and anger she had before, but the strongest feeling was death. Then a quick flash of a snake-like man casting spells on Harry caused her to jump out of her vision. She had to think of a way to get past Filch and get inside that maze to stop whatever it was that was going to happen.

Raven ran to the castle as fast as she could. She missed lunch but her vision caused her to lose her appetite. At one point, she realized she was standing George up, but knew he would understand her reasoning. She spotted Harry on the grounds with Mrs. Weasley and a red-haired man she didn’t know.

“Raven!” called Harry.

Raven slowed to a walk and went to the small group. Mrs. Weasley immediately ran up to her.

“Raven, dear, it’s so good to see you.” Mrs. Weasley’s arms wrapped around Raven so tight she felt as though she couldn’t breathe. “So good to see you and George back together. I don’t believe you have met my son, Bill.”

The red-haired man walked over to Raven and stuck out his hand. “So you’re the one who nabbed my little brother?”

Raven thought Bill was someone she could get along with just based on his appearance. He looked as though he would have passed as a Muggle with no effort, which she does on a daily basis. He had long hair and a fang earring. She thought he looked cool, which is something rarely seen in the wizarding world, in her opinion.

“I guess I am,” she said shaking his hand. She was out of breath from her sprint. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure. Just don’t let my little brother give you any trouble. He’s one of those you have to watch out for.”

“Really? And I thought that was me.” Raven smiled and gave Harry a little wink. He smiled back at her.

“You’re funny,” said Bill with a little laugh. “I’ll be sure to tell George that he hooked a good one.”

“Oh, Raven! I have something to give you,” said Harry. “Excuse us for a moment.”

Mrs. Weasley and Bill nodded. Raven walked, confused, over to Harry who was now standing a few feet away from the group.

“I know you’re not allowed to go to the task but I really want you there. So here is my bag, you’ll find something very useful inside. Just take my books out and give them to me later.”

Raven started to open the bag but Harry was quick to stop her. “Not here,” he whispered. “You know how Mrs. Weasley hates rule-breaking. Just trust me.”

“Okay,” said Raven, still baffled, but willing to take the chance that Harry has her best interests at heart. “What’s a little rule-breaking between friends?”

The two shared a small laugh and then returned to Bill and Mrs. Weasley.

“We were just having a walk around the grounds, care to join us Raven?” asked Mrs. Weasley.

“I actually have some things to do before dinner. I’ll try and get there to sit with you all.”

Raven gave a hug to Mrs. Weasley and shook Bill’s hand. She looked over at Harry and gave him a concerned look.

“What’s that for?” Harry asked looking paranoid.

“I don’t know when I’ll get a chance to talk to you before the task. I just want you to take care of yourself tonight. Be careful, watch your back and please come out of the task alive. Remember you just want this to be over with. You don’t care about the cup.”

“Do you know something I don’t?”

Raven was about to answer with the truth, but she hesitated when she realized it could have serious consequences. “I’m just a concerned friend. Someone put your name in that goblet, thus starting this circle of events that has happened this year. I’m just afraid that whoever put your name in the cup is going to make their move tonight.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing.”

“Harry, don’t think about it. I hate that I even brought it up. Just be careful and good luck.” Raven leaned in and gave Harry a hug. “I’m pulling for you all the way.”

“I know you are. I wish you could be there,” he said glancing over at Mrs. Weasley who had a worried smile on her face.

Raven smiled, gave Mrs. Weasley and Bill a wave goodbye and then set off towards the castle entrance. She decided to go to her dormitory to figure out her plan to get to the task. As she was walking, Professor Moody stepped out in front of her.

“Do you have a moment Miss Snape?” he asked. Raven tried to get past him but was unsuccessful.

“Sir, I really don’t-”

“Your uncle just told me that you’re unable to attend the task tonight. How unfortunate.”

Raven didn‘t like how he said that. “Why do you care if I’m there or not?”

“It’s going to be the big event of the year. It’s a shame you won’t get to see it.”

“I’m sure you’ve been losing sleep over it. But don’t worry about me, Professor. Little me will be fine on my own in this great big castle. There is plenty I can do with my time.”

“I can tell you that Mr. Filch will be down at the pitch for a short period of time and then he will return to his post here at the castle. He has been tasked with keeping you in these walls.”

“Why do I care?”

“In case you wanted to slip out.”

“Why would I want to slip out?”

“You want to be there, right? By the time Mr. Filch finds you gone, either the task will be over or it will just be pointless to bring you back. What the worst he can do?”

“I’m already in a lot of trouble with my uncle. Thanks for the info, Professor, but no thanks. I’m not going to get in trouble for something so…trivial.”

“Since when do you not take risks? I know your premonitions are the reason you’re not going. You can’t challenge fate, right?”

Raven looked at him mystified. It was like he knew the entire conversation that she had with Snape about her visions. “I must be going, sir.” Raven walked into the castle.

“Am I right, Raven?” he shouted.

Raven turned around and marched up to the crazy-eyed man. “Whether my visions have anything to do with the reason for me not going, is none of your business. Snape is only trying to protect me.”

“I know you think you need to be there tonight. You believe something will happen to your friend, Potter.”

“I don’t know if anything will happen. Besides, if I was having a vision pertaining to the task, do you think that I am one to challenge fate? If it’s supposed to happen, it going to happen

“If you time it just right, you can use the thing that Potter gave you to get in.”

“What is the urgency to get me to that task? And how would you know if Harry gave me anything?”

“That’s his bag, isn’t it?”

“He gave it to me to take up to the common room.”

“I bet he did. Until I see you again, Miss Snape.”

“Yeah, let’s hope it’s not too soon.”

Raven went up to her dormitory to mull over how she was going to get down to the task. Then she thought about what she said to Moody. Can she challenge fate? Who is she to change what will happen? What will happen if she goes or doesn’t? Will anything happen at all?

Now that the questions have piled on, she knew she had to go. She decided to go along with Moody’s idea and slip out while Filch is gone. But to get there without being seen at all could prove to be even more difficult. She glanced down at the end of her bed and saw Harry’s bag. What did he give me?

She opened his bag and noticed a big piece of cloth inside. “His invisibility cloak! Perfect!”

Oooh, I loved it! I wish Draco would just stand up to his father! Gah, it upsets me. Great post! PLEASE PAMS!

I think it is about time Lil Draco stood up to Big Bad Daddy!
Still dont like Lucius though.
Keep up the Awesomeness!!
Jamers

Thanks, girls! I always love the love.

I did want to send out a thanks to whoever nominated me for the Golden Goblins this year. I am honored and touched. I love writing this story not just for me but I love that you love it so much. There is so much competition this year. Snitchseeker has some of the best writers on the planet. I'm happy to be in such an amazing group. Once again, thank you and don't worry. This thing isn't ending soon. Love you guys!!!

And I'm all caught up now. Still despise Lucius, although that owl he'd sent Raven made me giggle. I agree with everyone else, though. Draco really needs to find his backbone.

*awaits what's next*

PAMS

Great post oh and I voted for you for the golden goblins...hope you win PAMS!

I'm sorry this chapter is so late getting here. I started a new job and it has exhausted me to the point I come home and pass out. I'll try to get a better handle on this considering I have 2 other stories I'm working on. This chapter was taken a lot from Goblet of Fire, but like I've tried to do with everything else: keep Raven as far away from Harry as I can. If JK had him somewhere sometime, I'll try to keep her away. These next few chapters are really going to lead into the next school year. Thanks guys! Love ya!!

Oh, and this one is pretty short. And to all my fellow Americans...Happy 4th!


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Chapter 39

When Raven arrived to dinner that evening, the seating around Harry and her friends was full. She sat at the end of the table and waved at them. When dinner was nearly over, Dumbledore announced that students should make their way to the Quidditch pitch for the last task. As soon as his speech was over, Raven jumped up and ran over to her friends.

“Sorry you can’t go,” said George wrapping his arm around Raven and kissing her gently on the cheek.

“It’s okay,” she said. Raven saw Harry and touched his arm. “Harry, good luck.”

He nodded and went on his way. Raven followed everyone into the main entrance area and Filch was quick to stop her.

“Miss Snape, don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“Of course, Mr. Filch. If you are talking about staying here in the castle, you can see my feet have not left the castle. I’m still exactly where I should be.”

Mr. Filch gave Raven a nasty look and turned to go to the pitch. George asked if Raven wanted him to stay but she said no. Soon she was the only one in the castle. Realizing this, she ran as fast as she could back to her dormitory and grabbed Harry’s invisibility cloak. She stopped at the entrance of the common room and made sure she had everything. Wand? Cloak? One-way ticket to the loony bin for doing this? Check, check and check.

As she ran through the halls, she peered around every corner to make sure there was no one lingering around. When she made it to the entrance of the castle, she peeked out to make sure Filch wasn’t coming. When there was no one in site, she took off running to the Quidditch pitch, with the cloak ready in case she spotted someone.

Before she got too close to the pitch, she threw on the cloak. As she entered the area, Ludo Bagman was making the task announcements. She quietly slipped by some students and when she rounded the corner onto the Quidditch field, she noticed Snape standing not far away. Close your mind, Raven. Close your mind. She crept behind him, hoping that he wouldn’t sense her presence.

Raven breathed a sigh of relief once she got past him and continued moving carefully on the edge of the pitch. When she spotted the opening to the maze, she quickly moved toward it. There were professors standing all around the champions who were also close to the maze entrance. Soon, she saw Harry and Cedric entering the maze together. Her biggest obstacle was getting past Dumbledore who could possibly sense that she was there. Soon Viktor Krum was entering the maze. If I’m going to get in, I have to go in with Fleur.

With her mind closed and free of hardly any thought, she tiptoed around Dumbledore and Moody, and slipped inside the maze just as Fleur was entering. Fleur immediately took off running with her wand in hand. Raven made sure to leave some distance between them so she wouldn’t be noticed. When they reached a fork in the path, Fleur went one way, while Raven went the other. Raven was going to follow Fleur but when she remembered Fleur was in last place, she decided that wouldn’t be a good idea.

Raven took off the cloak and pulled out her wand. She needed to be ready the moment something happened. She spotted Viktor a few times and managed to slip the cloak on before being noticed. He had a strange look in his eye. Almost as if he was looking for someone not something.

Raven went through the maze for a while when she was confronted by some huge blast-ended skrewts. Hagrid has been busy. Using the cloak carefully, she snuck around them without getting attacked. Shortly after, she came across the sphinx from her dream. It sat on its hind legs and recited:

”First think of the person, who lives in disguise,
Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.
Next, tell me what’s always the last thing to mend,
The middle of middle and end of the end?
And finally give me the sound often heard
During the search for a hard-to-find word.
Now string them together, and answer me this,
Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?”

“Now that makes sense. The answer is a spider.”

The sphinx stepped aside and let Raven pass. “If only my dreams could give me answer to everything, I’d be set!”

Raven continued along and slipped the cloak on again when she found herself in front of some spiders. Once past, she spotted the bright light. She took a few more steps and realized it was the Triwizard Cup. Just then, her hand with the ring on it burned like fire. She crumpled on the ground and wanted to scream or cry but the pain was so severe it was taking the breath out of her.

“I’ve…got…to find…Harry!” she said, trying to ignore the pain.

Raven stood up with much difficulty. Pushing the pain to the back of her mind made her dizzy. Why would Lucius want to choose this moment to affect her? She stumbled into the bushes a few times before regaining her sights on the cup up ahead.

When she finally regained her composure, she looked up and saw Harry and Cedric standing at the cup. She tried to run and almost got close enough for them to hear her if she shouted but the pain in her hand stopped her once again. She tried to shout “no” but nothing came out. Noticing them about to touch the cup, she tried to shout out again but it was too late. They were gone.

Stumbling towards the place where the cup had once stood, she thought back to her dream where she touched the cups platform. Raven reached out and then pulled back wondering what was going to happen. Then curiosity got the better of her and she slowly stretched out her arm and touched the pedestal. Nothing happened.

“This was supposed to do something. At least, I thought it was.”

Just as she was about to pull her hand away, she felt her body being sucked into another place. She opened her eyes and looked around. She was in a graveyard. Raven went to take a step but couldn‘t feel the ground beneath her feet. She looked down and noticed that she didn’t see her body.

I’m here but I’m not. This has to be another vision.

With one more glance around, she saw Harry and Cedric. She tried to speak but her words were not heard, not even to her own ears. Then out of the darkness, a creepy, cloaked figure emerged.

And happy 4th to you, too!
They are so precious together
Bahaha, hilarious
Haha, I remember when I read this riddle for the first time in the book and had NO idea what it was talking about and then Harry figured out the answer and I felt dumb. Haha. Sorry for rambling.
What is up with her ring? Why NOW?
Oh no! She's not going to be able to do anything but watch, is she?

Great post! PELASE PAMS!

Happy 4th Heather and everyone else!!!
Loved the chapter!
Cant wait for another!
Jamers

Chapter 40

The dark figure loomed out of the shadows, carrying something wrapped in a black cloak. As it slowly walked toward Harry and Cedric, Raven began to fear for their safety. She sensed evil and knew that something bad was about to happen.

Raven’s eyes went back and forth between the three people. Harry started writhing in pain from his scar. She knew the only reason for that to happen. Suddenly a fourth voice, sounding cold and strained, cried, “Kill the spare!”

As if in slow motion, she watched as a wand point directly to Cedric. Instinctively, she ran, or in her case drifted, over to him. As she got in between the mysterious people and Cedric, she heard a voice shout, “Avada Kedavra!”

A jet of green light shot towards Raven and she felt the spell hit her chest and go through her body. She spun around and it seemed she landed on the ground. She looked over and saw Cedric’s lifeless body laying feet from her.

Raven’s chest was throbbing from the spell. How is this possible? Why is my body hurting when I’m not here? What the hell going on?

Suddenly, her mind began to fly all over the scene as if in the air herself. She tried to concentrate on Harry who was being tied to a tombstone, and it seemed the harder she tried, the less she was able to focus on him. Instead, her mind kept flashing to things that have happened to her in the past.

There was a memory of Raven sitting at her father’s bedside moments before his death. As she reached for his hand, she was in another memory of Snape opening the door of his house when she arrived from America. As she entered his home, she found herself walking down the stairs at the Leaky Cauldron when she met Ron and Hermione. As she sat down to greet them, another flash had her sitting down to lunch with George on their first date.

Raven’s mind came back into focus and she looked over at Harry. Another wizard had appeared and she sensed fear coming from her friend. From the conversation they were having Raven understood why Harry was frightened and why his scar was hurting him earlier. Harry, Raven and the rest of the wizarding community’s worst fear had become reality; Voldemort has returned.

Raven lost her concentration on the state of affairs as Voldemort summoned his Death Eaters. Raven desperately wanted to know what was going on with Harry and the newly returned Dark Lord, but couldn’t control what was happening with her mind since getting hit with that curse. She could still feel the effects of the spell and could tell that, where ever her body was, she was clutching her chest with her hand.

She found her mind scrolling through more memories. Raven saw the moment she put on the ring from Lucius and the day she told George about the contract. Her memories then switched to the day she cried in Snape’s arms, then to the night of the Yule Ball, when she was talking with George in the moonlight.

Raven came back to the graveyard long enough to see that the Death Eaters had arrived. Surveying the group she was not surprised to see Lucius was among them. Every time she attempted to get closer as to see what was going on, she found herself in recollections of her past.

The rapid fire of memories subsided and she was locked into a particular one for quite a while. She recalled being six-years old. She was always a curious child, and always found herself asking her father the most peculiar questions. One day she ran up to him after coming in from school. As always, she sat on his lap and told him everything that happened that day; from who forgot the difference between blue and green to what the other girls were wearing. Somehow she always ended her day by telling her father exactly what she wanted for Christmas. Everyday the kids were talking about new and exciting toys, and she always found herself interested in Muggle toys and later clothing.

This one particular day, after telling her father about her day, she forgot her Christmas list and had a very concerned look on her face.

“What’s wrong, my dear?” he asked.

Raven thought for a moment and gazed at her father with her deep blue eyes. Her expression was one of sadness. “Daddy? Why does everyone have a mommy but me?”

Tobias, at first, seemed shocked that she would ask something like that. At the same time he knew that at some point he was going to have to answer that question if he was going to continue to make her go to public school.

“My dear, sometimes mommies have to go away. They don’t mean to, and most don’t want to. It’s just something that happens. The same thing happens to some daddies.”

“Why did mommy leave? Did she mean to?”

“Of course not. And she didn’t want to. Your mother wanted to be with you from the moment she knew you were coming into the world. But like I said, things happen. We can’t always know when it will happen and sometimes we can’t stop it. Just know that your mother loved you very much. She would be here if she could.”

Raven stopped to think about what her father had just told her. A look of fear came over her face. She gasped and looked as though she wanted to cry. “What if you leave me daddy? What am I going to do? What if I need you?”

“I’m not going to leave you, my angel. There is nothing to be afraid of.”

“You just said that you can’t know when you go away. So how can you tell me you aren’t going away, if you don’t know?”

Raven began to breath heavy and her face was bright red. Her father took her into his arms, rested her head on his chest and began rubbing the side of her head.

“Oh Raven, its okay. I’m not going to leave you.” Tobias straightened her up and put his hands on the sides of her face. “And if I do leave you, I will always be in your heart. Just like your mother is always with you. She’s always watching to make sure you’re okay. I will do the same thing.”

“But daddy, what if I need you?”

“If I ever leave you, and you need me, if the situation becomes more than you can bear, I will be there for you.”

“Do you promise, daddy?”

“I promise, my angel.” Tobias took her back into his arms and gave her a hug. “I promise.”

As Raven drifted out of the memory, she could hear an echo of her young voice continuing on the conversation with her newest Christmas list. She felt a smile come over her face wherever she was. She missed her father deeply and wished that he fulfilled his promise and was pulling her out of the horrific graveyard scene.

Raven would have rather gone back to her worst memory than witness what she saw going on between Harry and Voldemort. Voldemort, with his Death Eaters looking on with much excitement, forced Harry into a wizards duel. Harry was clearly the weaker wizard and Raven feared for Harry’s life. She desperately wanted to step in to fight for him but something strange began to happen.

Just as Voldemort shouted the incantation for the Killing Curse, Harry used the disarming spell, Expelliarmus. A jet of green from Voldemort’s wand and a blast of red from Harry’s wand met midair and connected to form an almost golden stream of energy. Soon the two were floating in the air, neither wanting to break the connection. The Death Eaters swarmed around the two awaiting instructions from Voldemort.

Soon the golden beam splintered and broke off into a thousand different streams forming a dome around the duelers. The bead connecting the two wands bounced back and forth and then it hit Voldemort’s wand. Something now appeared to be coming out of it. It looked as though someone was materializing out of Voldemort’s wand. It was Cedric.

Raven, Harry, Voldemort and all of the Death Eaters were shocked. But neither Harry nor Voldemort were going to break their connection.

Raven was amazed at what she was seeing. It was strangely beautiful as ghostly images of the last people that Voldemort killed appeared out of his wand. She knew Cedric, but there were two others she didn’t know; one man and one woman. But soon, another figure was appearing. By the expression on Harry’s face, Raven knew that is was his mother, Lily. She told Harry to hang on a bit longer for his father. Soon, James Potter was forming and walking towards his son.

Raven knew that Harry would have loved to drop everything to spend more time with them, but Lily was giving him instructions. He needed to get to the portkey while they distracted Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

After Harry broke the connection between the wands, he ran as fast as he could to Cedric’s body, jumping over the cup and dodging blasts from the Death Eaters. Once he had Cedric, he summoned the cup. The Triwizard Cup jumped into Harry’s hand and, in an instant, he was gone.

Raven breathed a sigh of relief when Harry made it out alive. But she couldn’t understand why she was still there. There was no mistaken Voldemort’s anger. He was quick to make sure all of his Death Eaters knew his disappointment in them. It almost made Raven sick to watch as he tortured some of his followers, while questioning them once again on their loyalties.

When Voldemort made his way over to Lucius, Lucius was quick to stop his leader before he started.

“My Lord, I have something to share with you that should prove my loyalty to you.” Lucius kneeled cowardly to his master.

“My patience is running thin, Lucius.” Voldemort outstretched his wand to Lucius’ neck.

“I-I have found Demeter Black’s granddaughter; the only child of Tobias and Persephone Snape.”

There was a long eerie silence. Voldemort lowered his wand. Fear, once again, ripped through Raven’s body. Not only is the one person she feared above anyone, back, but he has now been reminded of the promise he made years ago to her grandmother.

“Is she as powerful as Demeter?” Voldemort walked slowly away from Lucius and tapped his wand on his chin obviously contemplating a new plan.

“More powerful, My Lord. Her powers developed as a very young child. She has also developed her Seer abilities early, though they are not refined as of yet.” Lucius was starting to get back his usual air of confidence. He seemed very sure of himself to his master.

“And her father?”

“Dead two years, now. She now lives with Severus.”

“Ah, Severus Snape, once my most trusted servant.” Voldemort paused for a moment.

Raven wondered if Voldemort was now questioning Snape’s loyalty to him for not showing up to his gathering tonight. There were moments she had bad feelings toward her uncle but she didn’t was to see him killed.

“How did you find her, Lucius?” Voldemort never turned around to face Lucius but continued tapping his wand against his chin.

“After your unexpected departure, I simply asked Snape where his brother fled. He never knew. One day, after asking him again, he said that his brother contacted him a few days earlier and told me they were in America. After getting their exact location, I went there and gained his trust. I spent many weeks there over the course of several years. I even brought with me my son, Draco.”

“How did this young girl come to England?”

“When Tobias died, she was only fifteen and still needed adult supervision. He left her with Severus until she became of age.”

“There is more to the story that you are not telling me, Lucius. Tell me, what was your interest in this child?”

“I knew that if you were to return, you would once again try to find this child and use her. I had to stake a claim on her to keep her close as to not lose her again. When she was very young, I made a contract with her father saying that her and my son would be married when they became of age. Tobias hesitated at first but he later agreed.”

“Although most of your story sounds plausible, the rest of it is a lie.” Voldemort raised his wand to Lucius’ head, but then backed off. “I don’t have time to sort out the truth now. I want this girl alive and I need you to bring her to me. What else can you tell me about her?”

“Let’s just say I have to keep her temper under control. She has made it abundantly clear that she doesn’t wish to be part of my family. She was manipulated enough to put on a ring of my design that won’t come off unless the contract is broken. It senses her emotion and I can look in on her whenever I wish. Now that I have a short leash on her, she won’t go anywhere. I am giving her to you to do with as you see fit.”

“You’re giving her to me? Lucius, she was already mine to begin with. Remember your place.”

Lucius’ eyes widened and tried to look confused. “What do you mean, My Lord? My intentions are pure.”

“Are they Lucius? Don’t deny it. It’s all right there.” Voldemort pointed his long pale finger at Lucius’ forehead and jabbed it with his pointy fingernail.

My Lord, I-“

“No need for further explanation, Lucius.” Lucius bowed his head in shame. Voldemort walked around his circle of Death Eaters who were cowering in fear. He looked as though he was trying to decide who to torture next when he stopped suddenly; feet away from where Raven’s body would be standing if she were there. “I sense another presence here. A strong, mental presence.”

Raven froze. No way.

“Lucius, what is this young lady’s name?”

“Raven, My Lord.”

“We must find Raven and talk with her.” Voldemort started to walk away but Lucius stopped her.

“My Lord, if I may.” Lucius pulled out a small mirror. He then took a ring off of his finger and hooked the ring to the top of the mirror. He then looked up at Voldemort and smiled. “She’s here. Not physically, but she’s here. Over there.”

Lucius pointed in Raven’s direction. Raven tried to run but her chest was throbbing violently and it was taking all of her energy.

“She’s here? Watching every move we make and hearing every word we say, aren’t you, Raven?” Voldemort was walking towards her.

I’ve got to get out of here!

Raven tried to channel her body and force her hand to let go of the pillar she had been touching this whole time. She felt the coldness of the stone on her fingertips and knew this is how she was connected to seeing these events.

Voldemort’s face was inches away from Raven’s. “I see you.”

Raven felt herself trying to pull away. Finally with a small blast, her mind and body were reunited with enough force to send her several feet through the air before slamming into the ground. With much relief, she found herself back in the maze and Harry’s invisibility cloak is just an arm stretch away. When she tried to grab the cloak the pain in her chest got more intense. As she held the cloak, she pulled out her wand with every intention of shooting red sparks up in the air to let someone know she was there.

Every movement was taking her breath away. She was finding it more difficult to keep consciousness. She raised her arm to cast but weakness caused her arm to fall back down. Raven tried to roll around to find a way out but couldn’t move her legs due to a severe lack of energy. She mustered every little bit of strength to raise her arm up again but felt darkness taking her. She raised her arm one last time and…

Ohmygosh! This whole bit was so sweet! Sorry for cutting some of it out, but I didn't want to repeat the whole thing... That is sweet but sad, because he does leave.
UGH! The slimey git, snitch, tattle tailing, *strong use of profanities that aren't allowed on SS*! I hate Lucius!
I'm with Raven... NO WAY!
Uhg! Once again, you slimey git!
WHAT!?! No way! How can he see her? How is that possible if she's not physically there??
And? And? AND!? AND WHAT!? You can't just leave it there! PLEASE PAMS!
Great post by the way!

Thanks emily. Your comments crack me up. I love the cliff hanger. They are my evil side revealed. haha

I would answer some of your questions but I'd give it away. And you know, as an author yourself, we can't give away our secrets. All will be revealed in due time.

I will post more soon!!

Haha, yeah, I love giving cliffies, but not receiving them
Haha, I know what you mean. I always just have to whistle and walk away when they ask questions.

I find it funny I decided to catch up on this right after rereading Voldie's return in GoF. Kind of ironic, yet still the events are frightening. And the memory from when Raven was little almost made me cry.

*smites Lucius times a million*

I am going to wait patiently til the next events are revealed. And keep hating Lucius.

PAMS