Raven was relieved to have her first day of classes over with. She had a good time, and it gave her a taste of what things were like at Hogwarts. But it was finally time to get the remainder of her supplies from Hogsmeade. Professor Weasley had given her a small list of the necessities, and the shop owners in the village had already been informed and paid by the school. She just had to go pick everything up. Unfortunately for her, Weasley had insisted someone accompany her since it was her first time going to Hogsmeade. She'd rather go alone, especially when she saw the familiar blond hair of Ominis waiting by the large doors leading outside.

When he heard her footsteps, he smiled. "Hello, Raven. I hope your first day at Hogwarts was pleasant."

"I enjoyed it, yes. I'm looking forward to the rest of my classes." There was a brief silence before Raven mustered the courage to ask what she needed to. "Why are you here, Ominis?"

"Professor Weasley asked the rest of us Slytherin fifth-years if someone could accompany you to Hogsmeade for supplies. I volunteered."

Raven crossed her arms. "Of course you did."

The boy's smile faltered. "I'm sorry if my presence displeases you. It might not be too late to go fetch Sebastian instead. I heard that you two talked a bit."

Seeing his handsome face looking so disappointed made Raven's heart ache. "No, it's fine," she said with a sigh. "Sorry, I don't mean to be rude. I know you mean well."

Her response had him smiling once more. "It's all right. Now, let's be off. We have a brisk walk ahead of us."

With his wand in hand, he pushed open one of the doors, letting the girl follow him out. The grounds of Hogwarts' north exit were decorated with neatly-trimmed hedges and a scenic fountain. Students were out and about enjoying the fresh air and riding by on brooms. Ominis expertly led the way despite his lack of vision. Raven grew curious, unable to keep staying so distant when she was dying to ask him about his unique usage of his wand.

"So, um, how exactly are you able to navigate so well anyway? I used to have to lead you by the hand everywhere we went."

An amused chuckle left the boy. "It's my wand. Ever since I got it, it's never led me astray. Sebastian has asked me about it as well. It has a mind of its own, so to speak, and it gives me a clear picture of my surroundings. Of course, it's only a basic mental map. I still have no way of determining colors and whatnot."

"Fascinating. I guess it's true what they say - the wand chooses its wielder." Raven suddenly realized that they were officially outside of Hogwarts' grounds and crossing a stone bridge over the river running from the Black Lake. "You know, I didn't really need an escort today. It would've been quicker for me to fly to Hogsmeade."

"Fly? You mean on a broom?"

"Oh, Merlin, no. I'm an Animagus. I can turn into a raven."

"I had no idea. An incredible ability, really. Since when did you become an Animagus? It certainly couldn't have been when we played together."

"It was after my magic developed. My mother guided me through the whole process. Told me it was useful to be an Animagus. It's also how I got my name. Mother dabbled in Divination, and before I was born, she foresaw that I would be a raven Animagus."

"That's all new to me. I think Raven suits you well either way, no matter if you're you or if you're a bird."

His compliment made her blush, and she was glad he couldn't see it. Was it possible that he'd grown more charming over the years? It certainly seemed that way.

"We should be nearing the Forbidden Forest on our left," Ominis informed her. "It's out of bounds to all students. They say dangerous beasts live there. Wolves and giant spiders, to name a few."

Sure enough, they came upon a dirt path splitting off from their own. There were numerous signs posted around with all manner of warnings. The dense forest beyond was dark and foreboding, yet its mysteries intrigued the girl. She would love nothing more than to go explore in there, unafraid of what may be lying in wait. A screech from the trees caught her attention. To her delight, a pair of Hippogriffs emerged, soaring over their heads.

"Hippogriffs! Two of them!" Ominis could tell she must've been beaming judging by the sheer excitement in her tone. "Such magnificent, beautiful creatures!"

"Good to see your love of beasts is still intact," the boy lightly teased.

Raven watched the animals fly off into the distance before turning her attention to him to continue their walk. "Of course. My fascination with magical beasts will never, ever dwindle. You can blame my father for that." She laughed softly, and it was like music to his ears.

"Famed Magizoologist and Dragonologist. Your childhood must've been thrilling, and possibly a bit treacherous. If I remember correctly from what you used to tell me, your father allowed you to interact with the beasts when you were quite young, didn't he?"

"He did, but he was very careful. It was mainly around the dragons that he had to be cautious. A Hungarian Horntail named Azure in particular. He had a much meaner temperament and always eyed me like a meaty hog to be gobbled up."

"Well, I'm relieved you didn't get eaten," Ominis joked. "And let me guess, you named every beast your father had, didn't you?"

Raven stifled a giggle. "Every. Single. One. I don't remember it, but Father told me that when I was really young, I'd cry if I didn't get to name the newest beasts he brought back."

"That sounds adorable, and very much like you." A soft, dreamy hum sounded from Ominis. "Your family was truly wonderful."

Raven nodded, a sad smile on her face at the memories. "They were. A day doesn't go by when I don't miss them." She shook away the melancholy thoughts. "What about you, Ominis? You never got along with your family. Did that ever change?"

"No. My family is too stuck in their ways, obsessed with their pure-blood status. I cut most ties with them once I started at Hogwarts and met Sebastian and his sister."

Raven remembered how poorly they treated him. That's part of why she was glad her family had accepted him. "I'm sorry. I can only imagine."

"Don't be. Things are better this way. Enough about them, I'd rather hear more about you. Transfer students are rare. Most prefer not to switch schools once they start at their preferred choice."

Raven was caught off guard by his interest, her brain scrambling for a careful response. "Well, living with my grandfather now, we tend to…move around a lot. My first and second years were spent at Durmstrang, and then I transferred to Beauxbatons for my third and fourth years. I'm hoping to graduate from Hogwarts though, as long as nothing changes."

"I see." There was a smile of relief on the boy's face. He hoped that was true. To have Raven remain at Hogwarts until the day they graduate felt like a dream come true. "We're nearing Hogsmeade," he said as soon as he heard the busy chatter of people.

There was a sign that read "Hogsmeade" just before they entered the town, and alongside it were a number of signs pointing to the other paths that split off. There were names of hamlets written on them, all unfamiliar to Raven. And once they stepped into Hogsmeade, there was even more going on. Witches and wizards talked and shopped. Children ran and played. Row after row of shops and homes were bustling with life.

"I'd love nothing more than to explore everything this place has to offer. So many shops and people and-" Raven was cut off by a friendly feline rubbing against her leg. "A cat?" She crouched down to pet it, hearing it purr in response. "Now this is what I call a fantastic welcome. Who's a pretty kitty? You are."

Ominis couldn't keep from laughing at her affectionate tone of voice. "Focus, Raven. We need to get your supplies first and foremost. Weasley told me you had a list of things to get."

The girl straightened up with a light blush of embarrassment, watching the cat walk away. "Yes, dittany seeds, some spellcrafts and some potion recipes."

"Perfect. Tomes and Scrolls is just over there. That's where you can purchase spellcrafts."

He pointed her to a shop just across the street from them. They went up to the doorstep, going inside to be greeted by the shopkeeper. Raven picked up her spellcrafts, a potions station and a potting table so that she could grow her own plants and brew her own potions if need be. Ominis patiently waited for her, following her out once she got what she needed.

"J. Pippin's Potions isn't far from here," he said. "And the Magic Neep is where you can pick up plant seeds."

"Perfect. Lead the way."

Ominis brought her to each of the shops where she picked up the dittany seeds and the recipes to brew Wiggenweld and Edurus Potions. Once they were all marked off her list, Raven was free to get a proper look around Hogsmeade.

"Well, that's everything." She hesitated to ask, but seeing the kind expression Ominis wore, she couldn't help but take the plunge despite knowing she would most likely regret it later. "Since we have time, could you…show me around? Just to any points of interest for students."

The boy looked delighted at her request. "I'd be happy to." He took her out toward the town circle, expertly navigating through the crowd. "Most of the popular places are here in the square. There's Honeydukes, a sweets shop. Of course, if you're interested in the more refined tea and confections, then I recommend Steeply and Sons." He pointed down a street. "Just that way is Zonko's Joke Shop. Many pranksters get their items from there. Oh, and knowing you, Brood and Peck may be of interest." He pointed out the obvious building. "They sell beast supplies, and sometimes beasts as well. And I can't forget about Gladrags Wizardwear. They sell all the latest fashions, or so I hear." He nodded his head in the clothes shop's general direction.

"Then I suppose I'll be spending a lot of free time in Hogsmeade." Raven took in each of the locations, attentive to every word he'd said. "There's so much to experience. I'm definitely coming back soon to check out Gladrags. Can never have too many clothes."

A chuckle left Ominis. "There's one more spot to show you. It's the most popular place for students to 'escape'."

Intrigued, the girl followed him just a short ways down the street. They stopped in front of possibly the largest building in the village. The sign above them read "The Three Broomsticks".

"This is Hogsmeade's most popular inn and pub. Sebastian and I often come here for a butterbeer or two. The owner, Sirona, is a friendly, welcoming individual. Would you care to join me for a drink before we head back to Hogwarts?"

Raven stiffened. She wanted to. She really wanted to. But should she really risk stirring up all those old feelings even further? "I…I don't know. It's getting late and I have a lot to do to prepare for tomorrow's classes."

"Please, Raven? Just one butterbeer. That's all I ask."

She couldn't say no to his plea, not after he'd been so helpful today. "Just one butterbeer," she told him with a quiet sigh.

His smile widened and he took her inside. "Good evening, Sirona," he greeted. "Two butterbeers to celebrate our newest student, please."

Sirona smiled, halting her cleaning of the bar to look over the new girl. "Ah, I knew I didn't recognize you. A pleasure. I do enjoy meeting new arrivals. Since it's your first time, your drink's on the house."

"Nice to meet you as well. And thank you." Raven gave a polite smile.

As soon as they got their drinks, Ominis led Raven to a lone little table off in the corner. They sat down and sipped their drinks. While Raven had tasted butterbeer before, none were as tasty as that one. Hogsmeade was officially her favorite place to visit because of the variety of shops and delectable butterbeer. After a moment of savoring the cold beverage, Raven realized that going there was, in fact, a mistake. There weren't many people present at that time of day. The light of the nearby fireplace cast a glow on her companion, highlighting his beauty marks. He looked dashing. On top of that, the atmosphere there was cozy and intimate. She'd already let her guard down a bit, but she didn't know how she'd keep it that way in such a private setting.

"Raven, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

His serious tone made the girl uneasy. "What is it?"

"If it's not too sensitive a subject, I'd like to know exactly what happened to your parents. The papers only said that Dark wizards murdered them. Is that true?"

Raven took a deep breath, trying in vain not to think too much about those horrible moments. "Yes. Wizards broke into our house. I remember Mother protecting me until Father arrived. But my parents ultimately perished to those…those…" Her fists clenched and she started shaking from the feelings those memories brought back.

Almost as if he sensed her anguish, Ominis's hand found one of hers, calming her with that gentle touch of his. "I'm sorry. Do you know at all why they targeted your family?"

Raven found her attention on his warm hand resting over hers, at least until she forced her gaze up to his face. "No. My grandfather had theories. They might have been after my father's rare beasts. Or they could've had a grudge against my family name. I'll probably never know for certain."

"I truly wish things had turned out differently. I adored your family, and I couldn't wait to call them my own."

"Me too. If only we could go back and change things."

She flipped her hand that was under his in order to give it a reassuring squeeze. In her touch, he felt compassion and care. He was correct in thinking that she was still fond of him, for she still held his hand the same way she used to. But he just didn't know why she had been so distant - why she had tried to push him away.

"Would it be all right if I touch your face?" he suddenly asked. "It's been so long, I'd like to commit to memory just how much you've changed."

Raven stared at him with wide eyes. He'd done it in the past to get a feel for how she looked, but after years, it seemed a bit embarrassing now that they were older. And yet, she wanted to savor his touch as much as possible. His tender smile is what really made her realize that she couldn't deny his simple request. Scooting her chair closer, she took his hands to guide them to her cheeks.

"Very well. Go ahead."

With her permission, his fingers immediately studied her cheeks. They were soft and warm, and he felt like he could sit there and touch them for hours. Cupping the sides of her face, one of his thumbs carefully wandered to the corner of her eye. Raven squinted and closed her eye to avoid him poking her, but he was gentle as he traced under her lashes, over her lid, and across her brow. She still had those long lashes that tickled his skin. His other hand moved to swipe two fingers down her cute little nose. Then, his thumb gently passed over her lips, lingering there to take in how plush they felt. He could only imagine how nice they would be to kiss. With his other hand, he traced along her chin and jaw before getting lost in her hair. He combed his fingers delicately through the long, silky locks. He suddenly stopped moving, his smile widening.

"You've grown beautifully, Raven." His flattery made the girl's face heat up, and she hoped he couldn't feel it under his hands. "We may not be able to change what's happened, but we can start over, you and I."

It felt like Raven's heart was bursting with joy, at least until the guilt and sorrow washed over her, reminding her of her circumstances. "No." She pulled his hands from her face and stood from her seat. "We can't."

In desperation, Ominis found her hand to keep her from leaving. "Why not? Why are you pushing me away?"

"I have no choice."

His grip on her hand tightened. "Yes, you do. Just talk to me. I want to understand, Raven."

"No!" she snapped, her other hand grabbing at his wrist. "You have to stop pushing. None of my business should concern you. Things have changed, Ominis. I've…changed." Despite her firm tone, her eyes were glistening with tears. "Let me go." To her surprise, he released her, and she let go of him in turn. "I'll…see you back at Hogwarts."

She walked quickly to the doors, slipping outside. Only once the doors were closed did she allow her tears to fall. It pained her to see the confusion and hurt etched on his face. But she couldn't drag him into this mess of hers. She just couldn't bear it.

"Please, forgive me, Ominis," she mumbled, turning into a bird to fly back to school.

Ominis slumped back in his seat, silence looming over him. He couldn't comprehend what was going on. Raven was shutting him out, that much was certain. Hearing her speak that way to him, though…in a way, it hurt worse than the Cruciatus Curse. He almost didn't want to go back to Hogwarts for fear of seeing her again and breaking down in front of her. He wanted to cry and scream and release this frustration and heartbreak bottled up inside. But that wasn't any way for him to behave, not in public. And so he sat there a while, mind wandering to try and understand why the girl he knew to be the sweetest, gentlest creature alive could act so cold and cruel. He hoped with all his heart that whatever she was going through would be resolved and that the Raven he loved would come back to him.