"Again. We have to try again."

Raven dropped to her knees, breathing heavily. Her entire body ached and felt exhausted. She understood and agreed with Sebastian's point of view, but it didn't make the whole ordeal any easier. Nearly the entire morning after breakfast, they'd snuck off to the Undercroft to train with Raven's Curse-Breaker magic. It was Saturday so they didn't have to worry about classes. And after the trauma of the previous day, the girl was eager to learn how to properly wield her power. She needed to, in order to get Orpheus off her back.

"I need a break," she said, looking up at the freckled boy. "It takes a lot out of me."

"We don't have time for breaks. Orpheus is out there. You have to be ready."

"You don't have to lie." Raven slowly picked herself up. "I know you're only interested because this magic could save your sister." Sebastian turned his head away to hide his shame. "I don't blame you. As soon as I learn how this works, I promise I'll cure her."

"Don't think I don't care about your well-being, though," he replied. "You're my friend. And yes, I do want you to help Anne, but I also want you to be able to face Orpheus without fear. I'm sorry if it feels like I'm pushing you, but in reality, we simply don't have the time to go about this cautiously."

With a small nod, Raven moved closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I understand. I agree, actually." Taking a deep breath, she took several big steps back. "Come on, then. Again. Try Glacius this time. It should hurt less."

"Glacius!"

Raven's body froze over as soon as the spell was cast. She was like a statue covered in ice, unable to move. It was so cold that she felt somewhat numb to the frostbite sensation throughout her body. Her eyes glowed red and her magic surged. Instead of deflecting Glacius, she tried her best to hold it in. Sebastian watched warily as flakes of ice swirled around her like snow. Her magic's doing, no doubt. He knew that if he got too close, it would likely freeze him with Glacius. But he was relieved to see the ice beginning to thaw from her, until she was standing there, dripping wet and shivering.

"That was better," the boy said. "You nullified the spell fairly quickly."

"Y-yes…" Her teeth clacked together from the extreme chill it left her with. "But m-maybe we d-don't try Glacius again."

Sebastian used Tergeo to siphon up the water dripping from her skin and clothes. Just being dry made her already feel warmer. She was still freezing, but at least her teeth stopped chattering. Weariness took over instead, to the point that she actually swayed back and forth on shaky legs.

"Are you all right?" Sebastian asked. "Maybe a break is a good idea after all."

"No, I can keep going. I can…" The boy moved in to catch her when she tipped forward too much, allowing her to practically crash into him and lean on him for balance. "I could use that break."

The iron gate at the entrance suddenly opened, causing them both to look. Ominis strolled in, his brows furrowed and a frown on his lips. He did not look happy. Sebastian was quick to move away from Raven just in case his best friend mistook their closeness for something else.

"What in Merlin's name is going on in here?" he asked. "First, you both disappear after breakfast. Now I find you down here practicing in secret. You could've told me that you'd… Raven, are you all right?" His wand had caught her slight swaying motion. He went to her in order to help keep her steady on her feet, but as soon as he had an arm around her, he felt the coolness coming off her. "You're cold as ice, dove. What have you…" He trailed off and turned his head in his friend's direction. "Please tell me you haven't been casting at Raven."

"Ominis, don't get upset, but-"

The blond's expression hardened. "You have!" Releasing the girl, he marched up to his friend with his wand pointed at him. "How could you possibly think it's all right to cast on her?! Have you gone mad?!"

Upon seeing the glare Sebastian gave him, Raven was quick to shove herself between them. "No, Ominis, I agreed to it."

He paused. "What? Why would you ever agree to have spells cast on you? What about your…" The realization hit him. "You're practicing with your Curse-Breaker magic."

"I have no choice. I need to learn how to use it. Think of all I could do. I could cure Anne, and face Orpheus."

"At the expense of your well-being." Her sweetheart took her hand and squeezed it tight. "You may be capable of so much, but you can't neglect yourself in the process."

"I'm not. And Sebastian is helping me practice. That's why we didn't tell you. I knew you'd be this way."

"I'm sorry, but I worry about you. I always worry. Especially when you go off and do things like this without my knowledge."

Her free hand pressed against the side of his face, making him flinch at first because of how cold it was. "I know, I'm sorry. But I really need to do this."

"But you don't. Not like this. You can learn in a safer way, without risking yourself in the process."

"That would take too much time that I don't have. Orpheus is out there, and the moment I leave Hogwarts, he'll come for me. I have to learn proper control before that happens."

Ominis sighed in defeat. "I really can't change your mind, can I?"

"No. And even though you disapprove, I'll still do it anyway." She smiled slightly. "Trust me, Ominis. I can do this."

"Very well, but I insist you allow me to stop you if I feel like you're pushing yourself beyond your limit. And no dangerous spells or I'll go straight to the Headmaster myself."

"It's a deal." She pecked his lips, getting a bit of vigor back.

And so their practice went on with Ominis keeping watch over Raven. He was very attentive to her needs, wincing at every pained noise or ragged breath that left her. He had his fists clenched tight the entire time, unable to relax while his darling Raven pushed herself to learn control over her magic. There was an instance when he did stop them. It was after Sebastian tried using Expulso. The explosion sent Raven against the wall with a small cry of pain. Ominis, of course, went to help her up as soon as her magic settled, and they took the break to go have lunch. But not long after they continued, Raven had finally had enough. She couldn't take any more, and she felt fatigued. Panting, she sat on the floor, her legs barely able to move.

"I think that's enough for one day," Ominis said. He kneeled beside the girl, feeling her immediately lean against him. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm…" She tried to get up only to find her legs wobbling like a newborn Thestral's. "I'm more tired than I thought."

Sebastian moved to her other side, taking her arm and draping it over his shoulders. "Come on, Ominis and I can take you back to the common room. And if anyone asks, we'll say you had one too many butterbeers."

Ominis slung her other arm over his shoulders. "That sounds like the best plan you've had all day." He received a frown from the brunet.

Together, they lifted her onto her feet and carefully took her back to the common room. Ominis stayed with her for a while, and to get their minds off everything, they read together in front of the fireplace. But the following day, Armel's owl brought Raven a letter and a gift. She was rested and ready to continue practicing, but what she'd been informed of was far more important. The girl sent letters to the boys requesting they meet her in the Room of Requirement.

"What's this all about?" Sebastian asked.

She presented the ornate jewelry box to him. "This. My grandfather sent it to me. Said that Bijou found it among my mother's old things. He hopes that it might help in some way." She flipped it upside down, revealing a small compartment that held a note. "It's addressed to me and has my mother's signature."

"And what does it say?" Ominis inquired.

"To my dear Raven, if you've found this, then it is time for you to learn the truth of our bloodline. Your wand will show you what's inside."

"Well, I'd say we already know about your bloodline," Sebastian said. "But that next part about your wand. Do you think you need to use a spell to open the box?"

"I don't know. I can try." She thought of a spell that wouldn't cause any harm or destroy the box. Holding it in one hand, she took her wand in the other. "Revelio." She caught a glimpse of something. It looked like her Curse-Breaker magic, but it was only a tiny bit swirling around the lock. "I see magic. My magic."

"I don't see anything," the freckled boy replied.

"Perhaps try touching it?" Ominis suggested. "Casting a spell might not be necessary. If it's sealed by magic like yours, then you may only need to 'break it', so to speak."

Raven tapped the tip of her wand against the lock. Her magic reacted, and so did the seal. They seemed to meet through the wand, to which the seal relented and broke. When it happened, Raven could feel a sense of joy and…love? It was as if her mother's feelings had lingered within her traces of magic. The lock clicked and the jewelry box opened. Inside the velvet interior rested a single vial that contained a thin, white wisp.

"Is that…a memory?" Sebastian uttered.

Raven carefully took out the vial, setting the box down on her desk to focus on it. She turned it slowly, watching the wisp float about. "I believe it is. A memory of my mother's maybe? Either way, we have to view it."

Upon saying that, a small quake had the trio bracing themselves. In the middle of the room, the marble floor cracked apart, creating an opening. From the opening, a basin arose, full of a silvery, cloud-like liquid.

Ominis smiled a little when he sensed what had appeared. "It seems the Room truly does provide whatever you need. It even created a Pensieve for you." He nodded his head toward the basin. "Go ahead. Tell me what you learn afterward."

Raven opened the vial, and used her wand to bring out the memory. It followed her wand tip until she placed it into the basin. The silvery substance lit up with the memory added to it.

Sebastian looked at the girl and moved to the opposite side of the Pensieve. "Do you mind if I view it with you?"

"Not at all. Having someone help me discern everything would probably be best." Putting her wand away, she gripped the edges of the basin, her eyes shifting from the light to her friend across from her. "Ready?"

With a nod from the boy, they leaned down, submerging their faces in the cloudy liquid. Before their very eyes, the wisps pieced together to form an entire world. Thunder roared and lightning lit up the night. Rain poured from dark clouds, falling right through the pair. They spun around in confusion, at least until Raven recognized where they were. An impressive manor loomed over them amidst a massive courtyard.

"This is…my father's home. But this location… I don't recognize it. Must've been before he moved it."

Something darted past Sebastian's leg, making him jump. They looked down to see a fox, her black coat drenched from the rain. One of her hind legs was covered in blood and gave her a noticeable limp.

Raven gasped. "Mother?"

"She was an Animagus, too?" Sebastian questioned.

"She was. Part of why she insisted I become one."

They watched the fox stop on the spacious porch to take shelter from the storm. She shook off excess water from her coat and laid down, eyeing her bloodied leg. The front door suddenly opened, startling the animal. A young man stepped out carrying a pair of boots caked in beast dung. He went to rinse them off in the rain, but paused, locking eyes with the fox. Layla stood, wary of the stranger, until he smiled and crouched.

"Taking shelter? Don't worry. You can stay there." Damian's smile faded when he spotted the blood dripping from her leg and staining the bricks of the porch. "Oh dear, that doesn't look good." He slowly reached a hand out to her. "It's all right. I can fix up that leg of yours. Trust me."

Layla cautiously approached enough to rub her head against his hand. Everything suddenly changed. The scenery shifted until Raven and Sebastian were in a dimly lit bedroom. Layla was seated on a small sofa while Damian paced back and forth in front of her.

"I don't understand, Layla. None of this makes any sense. You told me before that you came from a wealthy pure-blood family. Was that all a lie?"

The woman was quick to shake her head. "No. I never lied to you. I merely…didn't tell you the whole truth."

Damian halted, turning to face her with complete seriousness. "Then tell me now. I'm listening."

Taking a deep breath, Layla averted her gaze. "My being here was never a coincidence or an accident. I knew of a pure-blood family in this area. You see, I have this…unique form of magic." She looked down at her hands. "It's been passed down through my bloodline for ages. Because of this, it is sort of a…tradition, I suppose, to seek out and…well…marry a fellow pure-blood. With such high status, it both keeps us safe and keeps our blood pure." A deep sigh left her. "My father insisted I seek out another pure-blood family right before his untimely death."

Damian looked distressed and on the verge of tears. "So all of this…everything between us… It was all a charade."

Layla was up in an instant, gazing at him apologetically while taking his face in her hands. "No! Damian, it wasn't. It began that way, yes. I should've been honest with you. But I swear that my love for you is true. Every moment I've spent with you has been the most joyful experience in my life."

Damian stared into her green eyes, as if seeking sincerity in her words. "Indeed. I can't argue that I still love you despite all this. But promise me that you'll keep no more secrets. Not from me, at least."

Layla smiled. "I promise. I will tell you everything I know, my love."

They shared a brief kiss before the man asked, "Just what is this magic of yours anyway?"

"A magic so unique, so powerful, that it can break curses."

The scene changed once again. The next place the memory took them to was the interior of a small cottage. A sickly man was sitting in a chair. His skin was pale and the front of his shirt was wet with slime. On the floor around his feet were at least a dozen slugs. With a repulsively squishy sound, he gagged and coughed up a large, black slug. It fell to the floor to join the rest. Layla was seated in front of the man, looking as though she might vomit herself.

"Oh. That is…quite the curse indeed. You weren't exaggerating."

The man groaned. "Please, can you do something about it?"

"I can try." She readied her wand. "But what I'm about to do must stay between us, my friend."

He nodded in understanding. Layla moved her wand tip to hover over his chest. With a red glow to her eyes, she concentrated, her magic flowing through her wand and to the man. He jolted at the strange sensation of it, but after a moment, he was totally relaxed. Layla's magic disappeared and she hunched forward and started coughing. The man grabbed her shoulders with worry, alarmed when she puked up a slug of her own. Slapping a hand over her mouth, she closed her eyes and waited out the nausea. After a minute or two, she eased up, her eyes back to normal.

"It is done." She managed a weak smile. "You're lucky it wasn't a more severe type of curse. I may not have been able to break it if it were."

The man took Layla's hand and shook it with gratitude. "Merlin's beard! You're one astounding witch, Mrs. Lothaire! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Everything changed again. Raven gasped when she saw her bedroom. And there she was, a tiny version of herself laying in her bed, dreaming peacefully. There were lots of beast dolls surrounding her pillows.

Sebastian couldn't keep from smirking. "Look at how adorable you were."

Raven blushed and lightly shoved his arm. "Don't start."

Layla suddenly passed right through them to reach her daughter's bedside. With a look of love and affection on her face, she leaned down to kiss the child's forehead. Her smile faded when she gazed down at her. "I'm so sorry, Raven," she mumbled, barely above a whisper. If it wasn't so quiet they might not have heard her. "I hope this magic doesn't manifest strongly in you. I loathe to think of the anguish you could experience, or the target on your head should word get out." After brushing her bangs out of her face for her, Layla headed for the door. "I certainly hope I'm not mistaken in choosing the Gaunts for you. They are powerful pure-bloods with a vast influence."

Layla glanced back at the sleeping child one more time with a smile. From where she stood, it looked as though she was locking eyes with the real Raven standing there watching. For a moment, Raven felt like her mother was truly there in front of her, alive and well. It brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't help but reach out to try and touch Layla's cheek, halting herself before she could go through her.

"I love you, my little Raven."

Everything changed and disappeared. Raven and Sebastian retracted their faces from the Pensieve, the memories concluding. Tears were sliding down the girl's face. Ominis was there beside her, and she couldn't help but latch onto him, startling him.

"What's the matter, dove? What did you see?" He wrapped a comforting arm around her.

"I saw…Mother…" she softly cried, trying to hold back her tears and steady her voice. "Her memories…revealed so much about her past…that I never knew about."

Sebastian ran his fingers through his curly hair, taking in what they'd seen. "And it's true. You really have the power to cure Anne. Layla, despite not having as much proficiency with her magic, could break curses. We saw it happen."

Ominis's brows rose. "Fascinating. So this Curse-Breaker magic truly is capable of such a feat. What else did you learn?"

Raven pulled away enough to look up at him, drying her eyes and sniffling softly to keep from crying again. "There was…a bit of history behind my bloodline." She hung her head when she saw the interest in his expression. "My mother…purposefully sought out my father. It is in a Curse-Breaker's best interest to marry other pure-bloods, not just to keep their blood status, but also because pure-blood families are known to be powerful, capable of keeping us safe from Dark wizards or whoever wishes to use our magic for selfish reasons. Your family…"

"Was chosen for you," Ominis concluded. "I was chosen for you."

She was quick to reach up and caress the side of his jaw. "But like my mother, I fell in love. She loved my father, just as I love you, Ominis. Knowing this doesn't change that fact, at least, it doesn't for me."

The blond smiled. "It changes nothing for me either. Our betrothal was created because it was beneficial to our families, I've always known that. Unlike my parents, your mother had good intentions. She wanted to give you security, whereas my father merely wanted our bloodline to carry on, by any means possible. Long story short, it doesn't matter what brought us here. I've always loved you, and I'll keep loving you till my final breath." His arm that was around her began to slide up and down her back in a soothing, affectionate way.

Sebastian loudly cleared his throat to get their attention. "I'm still here, you know. You can whisper sweet nothings and snog on your own time."

Raven rolled her eyes at him but parted from her sweetheart. "Exaggerating much? We were doing no such thing. But it seems I've got my work cut out for me. I have to get the hang of this magic."

"If I may," Ominis interjected, "perhaps you should try what your mother did. You said she broke someone's curse."

Sebastian hummed. "I think Ominis might be right. What if we've been going about this all wrong?"

"What do you mean?" the girl asked.

"We've been casting spells at you so that you can try to nullify them. But what if that is just a defense mechanism? To properly wield it, you need to do what Layla did - break a curse on someone else. If she can do it, I'm confident you can, too. I'll even be the test subject. Go on, cast a curse on me."

Raven stared at him, wide-eyed. "A-are you sure? I've never used my magic like that before. What if I can't break it?"

The brunet shrugged nonchalantly. "Just make it a minor curse, so if you can't cure it, Nurse Blainey should be able to."

"Good idea, Sebastian." Ominis was smirking almost devilishly. "I'll do the honors. I won't lie, it'll feel great getting a bit of revenge for what happened back in the catacomb. And for what you've been putting Raven through."

Sebastian groaned in slight annoyance. "You're still going on about that? Well, whatever makes you feel better, I suppose. But if this works as planned, remember that Raven will be taking on the curse as well." He backed away and spread his arms out, making himself a willing target. "Do your worst."

The blind boy thought about it for a moment, thinking of one of the more harmless curses. "Locomotor Wibbly!"

As soon as the hex hit him, Sebastian lost all feeling in his legs and they seemingly turned to jelly before his eyes. He fell forward, his arms barely catching him before his face was planted on the marble. He flipped himself over onto his back, his legs jiggling every which way when he moved.

"Jelly-Legs Curse, huh? Should've expected that one."

"As you said, Raven has to suffer it as well," Ominis told him. "I couldn't cast anything that would cause pain."

Raven went to Sebastian's side and sat on her knees next to him. "Now, let's give this a go."

Taking a deep breath, she placed the tip of her wand lightly against his chest. The boys were silent to allow her to concentrate. It felt surprisingly natural to Raven, and her magic flowed through her wand, as if seeking out the curse before her. Sebastian watched in amazement at the glow of her eyes and the red waves that swirled around her wand. Suddenly, the boy was able to feel his legs again, and he looked down to see he was able to move them. Raven had successfully taken it from him. That's when she felt the tinge of pain inside her, and lost the feeling of her legs. She fell forward across the brunet only for him to catch her and help sit her up with him. Ominis crouched behind her, keeping a firm hold on her upper arms to help keep her sitting up straight. After a few moments of the girl wincing and moaning in anguish, her magic calmed and the feeling came back to her legs again.

"I…I did it," she gasped out, catching her breath and clutching her chest where the last remnants of pain could be felt. "I took your curse…and broke it."

"I'm so proud of you," Ominis spoke into her ear. "Are you all right? Is anything still hurting? Can you move your legs?"

Raven couldn't keep a weak giggle from escaping her. "I'm fine, Ominis." She tested moving her toes, all while letting her body relax. "You must've been right, Sebastian. We were going about it the wrong way. And now we've figured it out."

"Thanks to your mother." He grinned. "And we finally have our solution to Anne's curse. You've gotten a better understanding of what you're capable of and how to properly use it. We can call you a true Curse-Breaker now."

"Just not in front of others," she warned. "This must stay between us. And remember, we have to deal with Orpheus first. There's no way we should risk him finding your home."

He nodded. "Right. Of course. But right after, Anne's going to be back to her old self. I can hardly wait to see that."

Raven was smiling, hardly able to wait either. She so badly wanted to help Anne now that she had a full understanding and control over her Curse-Breaker magic. But Orpheus had to come first. He wouldn't rest until he had Raven. It was time she gave him what he wanted.