Raven awoke to a gift brought in by her barn owl Aurora. Dropped onto the bed next to her was a little red box held shut by a golden ribbon, and under it was an envelope. The owl looked at her and flew over to her perch. Raven stretched her arms and climbed out of bed, realizing Imelda was on her way out behind the rest of the girls. The pure-blood was alone. She assumed the gift was from Ominis, as he'd sent her a couple of small treats earlier that week. She fixed herself up and got dressed before pulling the ribbon on the box, making it come open. There was a piece of fudge inside, which had the girl's tongue passing over her upper lip in anticipation.

"Oh, Ominis," she mumbled. "Always before breakfast, too."

She giggled and tore open the envelope, sliding out a card from inside. Picking out the fudge, she took a greedy bite and opened the card, nearly choking when she was met by a signature she hadn't seen in a while. She managed to keep the food in her mouth, swallowing as she read what was written. Suddenly, as if by magic, the words of love that she'd otherwise ignore melted her heart.

"Raven Lothaire, you're the loveliest girl in Hogwarts," she read aloud, her voice softening. "Talented and beautiful, you make my heart race every time I see you. And I hope that now you understand my feelings for you." Dropping the fudge, she hugged the card to her chest with a dreamy sigh. "Oh, Merlin, of course I understand."

She jumped to her feet and set the card on her bed. She now had a new desire to hurry to breakfast so that she could see her love and tell him how she felt. With a one-track mind, she hurried out, following the crowds to the Great Hall. Despite the friendly faces she saw along the way, they mattered not. She didn't even seem to notice or acknowledge them, at least not until she found the ginger she was searching for.

"Would you like to sit with me, Raven?" he offered, and it was like all her dreams were coming true before her eyes.

~~~~~

Ominis entered the Great Hall alongside his best friend, hearing that many had already found seats and were eating. "Do you see Raven?"

Sebastian scanned the Slytherin table with a hum. "No. She could be late. She wasn't in the common room when we left either."

Ominis started heading for their house's table when that melodic laugh met his ears. "Wait. She is here. Over there." Pinpointing her position, he turned his body toward the Gryffindor table.

Sebastian gasped when his eyes landed on the scene before him. There she was, clinging to the arm of Leander Prewett who had her full attention as he talked and ate. Natty and Poppy suddenly approached the pair of Slytherin, eyeing the scene with disgust.

"Ominis, it is a good thing you are here," Natty said. "Raven is acting weird this morning. She will barely even speak to us. And she is all over Leander."

"What?!"

Poppy shook her head. "She's eating with him and looking like a lovesick pup. Please, go talk some sense into her or something. This behavior is rather…frightening."

The blind boy didn't have to be told twice. His legs were already moving him closer, and Sebastian was quick to follow. They stopped to stand over the two with Ominis loudly clearing his throat to earn their attention.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, trying with great difficulty to keep his anger and pain in check.

Raven gave him a brief glance, an overly joyful smile plastered on her face. "Enjoying a wonderful breakfast with my wonderful Leander."

"Wonderful?" Sebastian repeated, the edge of his lips curling in disgust. "This loser? Are you mad?"

Leander glared. "Quiet, Sallow. You're lucky we can't duel in the Great Hall. Now go away so we can eat in peace."

"I don't think so," Ominis interrupted, reaching for the girl. "Not without Raven."

As soon as he found her arm and tugged for her to get up, she yanked her arm from his grasp and tightened her hold on the ginger. "No! Leave me alone! I'm staying with Leander! I love him!"

When she blurted out those words, Ominis froze. His breathing picked up and his heart broke like glass within his chest. Resisting the urge to shed his tears in front of everyone, he turned on his heel and ran.

"Ominis!" Sebastian called after him.

Leander sneered. "Good riddance. Not like he can even see to appreciate how pretty you are. Now come on, Raven. I brought more fudge for you."

"You're the best, Leander!"

That was the last thing Ominis heard before he was out in the Entrance Hall. He pressed his back against the nearest wall, one hand clutching his wand tight while the other gripped at his breaking heart. He couldn't understand what was going on, but Leander's words pierced his very soul. What if it was his lack of vision that drove Raven away? Even though it wasn't logical, his emotionally unstable mind made him believe it. He wasn't good enough for her. His own family didn't want him, so why would she? And those three special words he'd longed to hear had been directed at another, further crushing him.

"Ominis." Sebastian's hand met his shoulder, bringing the blond back to reality where his tears fell like waterfalls.

"This can't be… Has Raven been…playing me for a fool? Was this all…some kind of game?"

"No. Don't listen to Prewett. He did something to Raven, I know it. He was always watching her from afar, like some kind of predator stalking his prey. She never cared a thing about him before. He definitely has her under some sort of spell. Come on, we can eat and figure this out."

"I can't…go back in there…" Ominis furiously shook his head. "I can't stomach the thought of eating. Everything just…hurts."

"Listen to me. Raven likes you. A lot. You understand her better than anyone else. And the way she's acting with Prewett is completely fake. It's not her at all. We can get to the bottom of this, I promise you."

Slowly, Ominis gave a weak nod, trying to clear his mind of the negativity to think clearly. "Indeed… You're right. This isn't like her at all. We must look into this."

Sebastian suddenly gripped his rumbling stomach. "Could we maybe grab just a little breakfast? We won't get anywhere on empty stomachs."

"I suppose I can force down a little something if I must. But I won't go back in there." The blond tried to wipe away his tears only for more to replace them. "I might lose it if I have to hear them."

"I'll bring you a plate, then."

The boys ended up eating alone in the Entrance Hall, and left before anyone else. Obviously, Ominis didn't want to be around anyone other than Sebastian. He didn't want anyone else seeing him so vulnerable. The boys did a quick search of the common room before classes, but turned up with nothing. Of course, Ominis had to bear the inner turmoil of listening to Raven in class. She was seated nearby, and he could hear her dreamy sighs and how often she mumbled about missing Leander. It made him feel sick, like he could throw up what little breakfast he'd had. He paid hardly any attention to the actual lesson, and he heard Natty try talking with his beloved several times, only for Leander to end up as the topic of every conversation. As much as it hurt, he was starting to see that she was indeed under some sort of enchantment. She didn't even act like herself.

He pulled the girl aside after class. "Raven, could you tell me exactly what makes…Leander Prewett so special in your eyes?"

"Why do you ask?" She looked confused, holding a piece of fudge in her hand.

It was difficult, but the boy managed to force a smile. "Just curious. You used to call him a pest."

Raven gave an exaggerated gasp. "That's right! I used to be so cruel to my darling. I'll have to make it all up to him."

"Focus, please. I asked what you like about him."

"Oh, well, it was the card he sent me this morning. Such flattering words and a confession of his love. How could I not just fall for him after that?"

"How indeed?" Ominis paused, hearing her take a bite of something. "Sorry, are you eating something?"

"Just some of Leander's fudge. It's delicious, and he got it all just for me. He's the sweetest boy ever." After finishing her little treat, she glanced at the nearest clock. "Speaking of, I need to go if I want to see him before our next class. Bye, Ominis."

Raven was quick to seek out the ginger, and gave him a big hug before seeing him off to class. It was unlike her to show affection in public, especially at school. Many students stared every time she was with Leander. Raven and Ominis had been so private about their relationship that no one other than Sebastian, Natty and Poppy knew about them. And now, everyone simply assumed she had a weird obsession with the Gryffindor boy.

It was the last class before the lunch break. Raven started to feel uneasy. Nausea overtook her, and several times she thought she might actually vomit. It's when she got up to leave class that her face paled and she grew lightheaded. Poppy was with her when it happened, and she barely managed to stop the girl from hitting her head when she collapsed. With help from their professor, Raven was taken to the Hospital Wing.

~~~~~

"I believe a love potion is behind this."

Sebastian looked up from his book. "Do you have evidence? Not that I'm doubting you or anything. It would make sense actually."

Ominis paced back and forth, his steps echoing in the otherwise quiet Undercroft. "I got a few answers from Raven. She received a card from Prewett this morning, and has been eating fudge he's provided her throughout the day."

"That does sound like a tactic for slipping someone a love potion." Sebastian shut the book of potions and charms relating to the topic of love. "That Prewett is going to get it from me. Nobody messes with my friends."

"As much as I want to…confront him, I think it best we gather the proof first. The professors will be on our side that way. And with the threat of detention and possible expulsion, the rat will think twice before ever trying to seduce my darling Raven again."

The freckled boy couldn't keep from smirking. "Darling Raven? You really are smitten, aren't you?" His remark made his friend huff. "I'll see if I can get my hands on that 'gift' of Prewett's. Should be all the evidence we need."

"Thank you, Sebastian. I'll go see if I can get any other information out of Raven at lunch. I'll save you a little something."

The boys left their secret hiding place and parted ways. Ominis headed for the Great Hall for lunch, hoping for the chance to question Raven or Leander now that he'd had time to calm down. It didn't hurt as much knowing that Raven was under the effects of a potion. None of her words, thoughts or feelings were genuine. Leander was manipulating her. That's the part that filled him with rage. As much as he wanted to avoid it, the thoughts of them together sickened him. He could practically imagine them together, holding one another, exchanging words of love and sharing kisses. It was gut wrenching to even think of.

Natty and Poppy spotted him before he entered the Great Hall. "Ominis!" Poppy called, halting him. "There you are! We've been looking everywhere for you."

"What is it?"

"It is Raven. She is in the Hospital Wing." The boy's brows jumped up in surprise. "She lost consciousness after her last class with Poppy. We wanted to inform you in case-"

Ominis was gone before they could elaborate further. He hurried down the halls at a sprint, and entering the Faculty Tower, he made his way up to the Hospital Wing. Worry overtook him at the notion of Raven falling ill after what had been happening.

"Excuse me, is Raven here?" he asked, out of breath once he found his way into the infirmary. "Is she all right?"

Nurse Blainey turned her head from where she stood over the girl. "She's resting right now. But you're welcome to stay with her." Ominis slowly approached, his wand guiding him to her bedside. "She had an awful reaction to a love potion overdose. I've given her an antidote so she should be back to her old self once she wakes up."

"Thank you." He took a seat next to her bed.

"Mr. Gaunt, do you have any idea how this might've happened?"

He wanted so badly to tell her it was Leander, but they needed the proof first if he was to take it to a professor or the headmaster. Or better yet, he might just be able to use that information as blackmail. It wasn't normally his thing, but for Raven, he would do whatever he had to.

"No. I'm not sure. I thought she was acting peculiar today, that's all." He listened to the matron's footsteps fade until he was left alone. Hearing Raven's soft breaths, he reached out to caress her cheek. "I'm sorry I doubted you," he quietly told her. "I should've known you'd never betray me." Unable to help himself, he tucked her bangs behind her ear and leaned down to plant a kiss to her forehead. "Feel better soon, dove." He slid his hand down to rest on top of hers.

It was only a short time before hurried footsteps met his ears. "Ominis! I heard what happened!"

"Shh," the blond hushed. "She's resting. She's going to be all right. Nurse Blainey gave her an antidote."

Sebastian sighed in relief. "That's good to hear. I was worried when Natty told me she passed out." He looked down at Raven laying in bed, a peaceful expression on her face. "At least she'll be back to normal. Her obsession with Prewett was kind of freaking me out."

"You and I both. Did you find anything?"

Sebastian moved around to stand by Ominis, fishing a couple of things from his pockets. "Two things, in fact. I convinced Imelda to let me search Raven's belongings. I found the spiked fudge that started this all." In a little box was the treat with a single bite taken out of it. "And here's the card he sent her."

He passed it to his friend. Taking his wand, Ominis pressed its tip to the paper, scanning the words. "Absolutely vile." He scowled. "How dare he send this to Raven! Just how long has he been watching her?! Why was I not made aware of this sooner?!"

"Easy, Ominis." He slipped the card out of his grasp before he accidently crumpled up their evidence. "We can take this straight to Nurse Blainey and the professors."

The blind boy abruptly stood. "I have something else in mind for our dear Gryffindor. Stay here. Watch over Raven for me."

Sebastian was actually alarmed by his boldness, but sensing the venom in his tone, he decided not to get in the pure-blood's way. "Don't…get yourself expelled for doing something extreme."

"You needn't remind me. I'll be back shortly."

Ominis left, every step filled with purpose. He'd never felt so angry, so jealous, so protective of someone. He felt it was his duty to protect his beloved, especially when some foolish classmate practically poisoned her in order to steal her away. She was one of the last people he still had in his life, and he would not stand for anyone taking her from him. The ring of the bells signaled the end of lunch, and Ominis waited outside the Great Hall. Off to the side of the doors, he waited, studying the movements and voices of passing students until he pinpointed Leander among them.

"Accio!"

Leander was caught off guard when he was yanked by his clothes over to the side. He didn't have time to react or even speak. All he saw was an angry Slytherin. The ginger was shoved back against the brick wall. Ominis had his wand at his throat in an instant.

"G-Gaunt, what are you doing? Are you still angry about what I said earlier? I'm sorry, all right?" His voice was trembling, giving away his fear.

"I don't care about your apology," the blind boy hissed. "I know all about your little scheme concerning Raven." Leander was stunned, and it was clear Ominis was trying not to make a scene by keeping his voice low. But that only added to his intimidation. "You thought manipulating her with a love potion was a good idea? You're a desperate, wretched rat trying to steal her from me! And now she's in the infirmary because of you!"

"I…I didn't know! I didn't mean to hurt her!" Leander sank back further when the Slytherin's wand inched closer to his throat, ghosting his skin. "I just wanted her to like me! I won't do it again, I swear! Please don't tell anyone! Love potions are forbidden, I could get expelled!"

"You should have thought about that before using it," Ominis darkly replied. "But I suppose we can make a deal. I won't take this to the faculty, but you must never even think of using any sort of potion or charm on Raven again. Oh, and while you're at it, don't bother her anymore. Don't even look at her, or you're going to wish I had gone to the headmaster. I have connections, you know, and I'm not afraid to use them if I have to. Do I make myself clear?"

Leander gulped. "Y-yes, of course."

Ominis retracted his wand, letting the Gryffindor flee with his tail between his legs. It felt surprisingly good to let out his fury and get his point across, even if most of his threats were as hollow as Leander's head. With his job done and things settled, the blind boy made his way back to the Hospital Wing.

"How is she doing?" he asked his friend.

"She's been mumbling in her sleep. Took me a few moments to realize she was repeating your name." For the first time that day, he watched Ominis smile. A possible scenario played out in Sebastian's mind that had a grin tugging at his lips. "I wish I'd been there to see you handle Prewett. Must've been quite the show." He moved from the seat to let the blond sit down.

"I've never heard his voice tremble like that. He was terrified. He must've nearly wet himself when I told him I knew everything."

"And our evidence?"

"Into the bin. We won't be needing it."

Sebastian sighed, throwing away the card and the gift. "And after I worked so hard to get my hands on it."

"Om…Omi…nis…"

The weak, quiet mumble made Ominis turn his attention to the girl. She shifted a little, alerting him to her awakening. Her green eyes lazily opened, squinting to see Ominis sitting next to her and Sebastian standing at the foot of her bed.

"Looks like someone's finally up," the brunet lightly teased.

"How are you feeling, dove?"

"Dreadful. My stomach's in knots and my head hurts." Raven clutched at her stomach.

Ominis soothingly rubbed her arm. "Do you remember what happened?"

"It's a bit fuzzy, but yes." She clicked her tongue. "Stupid Leander. And how humiliating is it to act like an obsessive fool in front of everyone? I think I'm going to kill him for this."

"No need," Sebastian told her. "Ominis took the initiative and gave him a good scare."

"He won't bother you again."

Raven looked up at her sweetheart with shock. "You did? Ominis, you never-"

"I had to," he interrupted. "I can't stand by and let anyone treat you like this. What kind of wizard would I be to not stand up for my precious bird?"

Raven slowly sat herself up, ignoring the discomfort to look at him. "You really are one of a kind." She leaned toward him, tugging on his robe to urge him closer, to which he got the hint and hugged her.

Sebastian smiled at them and turned to leave. "I'll just leave you two alone. See you in class."

"Sebastian's more considerate than he lets on," the girl remarked, pulling away to shake her head. "How am I ever going to live this down? Everyone saw me in the Great Hall clinging to Leander like he was Merlin himself." She covered her blushing face with her hands. "I've never felt so ashamed and embarrassed."

"You needn't fret. I'm certain everything will go back to normal once word spreads." Ominis moved to sit on the bed next to her. "Most people probably caught on right away that you weren't yourself. Natty and Poppy sure did."

Raven uncovered her face to look at him. "That's…true. I hope you're right." She noticed the boy's smile fading, and she knew by his expression that something was on his mind. "Something bothering you, Ominis? You're not still upset, are you?"

Ominis turned his head away. "No, no, it's just something Prewett had said." He paused, and judging by the silence he received, he knew he wasn't getting out of telling her. "Do you ever feel like my blindness is bothersome? Does it hurt to know that despite everything, I can never describe your appearance or bask in your beauty?"

Raven's mouth fell open. She did remember Leander making that sort of remark. She never thought it would bother him so much. Ominis had never once in his life seen his lack of sight as some kind of hindrance. Getting around was a different challenge, but with his wand, he could navigate just like anyone else could. Bottom line - no comment or insult about his disability had ever troubled him before. So seeing him so distraught over it meant he was truly serious about that concern.

Raven gingerly took his face in her hands, turning him to face her. "No. I don't care at all, Ominis. Whether you can see me or not, it doesn't matter. It doesn't change how I feel about you because I like you for just being you."

His eyes were wide, and his hands slowly went up to rest over hers. "Raven…"

"And you know what? I like your eyes the way they are. They shine just like moonstones. Sometimes I feel like I could get lost in them."

Ominis pulled her hands off his face so that he could embrace her, burying his face in her neck and hair. "Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to hear." Raven let herself lean into him, enjoying his warmth that helped soothe her aches and pains. But he suddenly pulled away with a slightly wrinkled nose. "Don't take this the wrong way, but your clothes could really use a good wash. Maybe you as well."

Raven blinked a few times, processing what he said. "Excuse me? Do I stink or something?"

"You never smell bad, dove. I always like your scent. But this time, you have an odor of cologne on you, no doubt from Prewett. The very notion of you smelling like him disgusts me."

"Ah, I see." Raven gave her shirt a quick sniff, unable to smell it herself. "Well, I'll have to clean up later, then."

Ominis swiftly took her hand. "Really, I mean no offense. Please don't take it that way." As if to apologize, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the top of it.

The gesture had Raven's heart fluttering, and she couldn't hold back a smile. "It's fine, Ominis. I know what you meant." She giggled. "My morning may not have started out so great, but your company has made me feel a lot better. Enough to get back to class."