Ever wondered how it would be like,living with the Malfoys?
Well,the last 2 weeks of the summer break,I was 'blessed' to be 'saved' by Draco and his father,and well...It's not THAT bad,I suppose.
If only I keep a relatively small distance from Lucius,so I won't hear his hate rant.
Narcissa on the other hand,is a sweetheart.
She was nice enough to tell me all about the Daily Prophet's Breaking News.

         "Sirius Black,The Escaped Convict"

Apparently,it's not just a name coincidence.He is,in fact,my father.
He was convicted for betraying his own wife (my mother) and his best friends (Harry's parents) to Voldemort.He was called a loyal supporter of the Dark Lord.And it's also said that he killed his best friend,Peter Pettigrew,and only a finger remained of him.
I don't know about you,but this story seems very...sketchy to me. 

me:Narcissa...Do you really believe this...story?
Narcissa:This is what we've been told.Everything is a mystery,covered by the higher ups of the Ministry.
me:Lucius is a higher up in the Ministry.
Narcissa:Not at that time.We were barely 20 at that time.
me:Oh...that's right...
Narcissa:I cannot tell you a specific answer,for I do not know myself.But being a Black myself,I know that your father was a Gryffindor.He was 4 years younger than me.Young,always with his 3 friends,always being a mischevious prankster.The Marauders,they called themselves.Padfood was Sirius,Prongs was James,Harry's father,Moony was Remus Lupin,and Wormtail was Peter.Nobody except for themselves know the origin of those nicknames,but they are quite silly,in a funny,pueril way.
me:I don't know if it's strictly subjective,or just a gut feeling,but I don't believe my father was the guilty one.I mean,the whole story with Pettigrew seems so...
Narcissa:Hard to believe?Quite so.I would want him to be innocent,but unless proven otherwise,he's sentenced to be trash in Azkaban.
me:What if he was framed?
Narcissa:Then someone should find out and prove his innocence.
Me:Hmm...
Narcissa:Don't do anything too reckless,please.I know you are a Slytherin,but at the same time,I know your parents...Quite too energetic,if you understand what I mean.
me:Yes,I follow you here...I suppose it rubbed on me as well.

She sighed and patted my hair smiling motherly,then left...somewhere.
Well,the time spent here wasn't too eventful.Mostly Quidditch practice,some homework,reading the new coursebooks,some lesson repeating.But it was quite fun,must I say.

~As so,September 1st arrived,and we are now in the train compartments.~
I put my luggage in Draco's compartment,then went to find Harry,Ron and Hermione,who were in the same compartment as Mr. R.J.Lupin.

me:So he is the new DADA teacher?
Hermione:Seems so.
me:Remus Lupin...I wonder...
Hermione:Hm?Said something?
me:Oh no,no,don't mind me.

Harry told us how he got mad at his 'Aunt' Marge and blew her up,how he took the Knight Bus,got to the Leaky Couldron,how my father is after him as well,bla bla bla.
Better not to say that I know anything...might appear suspicious...

Ron:Blimey,Raven!His name is Sirius Black,so he's obviously a relative of yours!Maybe he is your father or...or uncle!Or..something!
Hermione:That's right...He might be after you too...
me:I...I don't know...But that's irrelevant.All Pureblood families are related in some way,and I don't even know if I'm actually part of THE House of Black.I mean,Ron,your own paternal grandmother,Cedrella Weasley,was actually a Black herself.Harry,your paternal grandfather,Charlus Potter,married Dorea Black.Even Neville is related to the Black family.He has a relative called Callidora Black.
Ron:Did you really stay to analyse the whole Black family tree?
me:Pretty much.And I'm not in it.
Ron:Well maybe that's because you were barely 1 year old when your parents died.
me:Sirius Black isn't said to be married with anyone either.And if he was indeed my father,married to my mother,after like..13 years,you'd think it would have been stated otherwise.
Hermione:We'll find out,sooner or later.Why not ask an adult or a professor?I bet they know better.
me:R-right...I guess I might do that...

Busted.Oh,Hermione,I love your wits,but I have to fool you too.
~
I was sitting in front of Lupin,aka 'Moony' I was trying to visualize him as a younger version,one that would be friends with my father.He was covered with his robe,only his sandy brown hair could be seen.Near him,a glass filled with a transparent liquid.A certain liquid that slowly started to transform into ice,just like the window,being covered with frost,just as the train was slowly starting to stop,and an eerie atmosphere,like one from a really good horror movie,could be felt.
Did we break down?No,that cannot be the case.It's a Hogwarts train,after all.
Suddenly,it was pitch black,and someone opened the compartment door.Someone fell on my legs,someone probably sat on Crookshanks' tail or something.
Those 2 someones happened to be Neville and Ginny.

  Professor Lupin appeared to have woken up at last,as he told us to be quiet.Nobody dared utter a sound.There was a soft, crackling noise, and a shivering light filled the compartment.Lupin appeared to be holding a handful of flames. They illuminated his tired, gray face, but his eyes looked alert and wary.
"Stay where you are." he said in the same hoarse voice, and he got slowly to his feet with his handful of fire held out in front of him.
But the door slid slowly open before he could reach it.

Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Lupin's hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood.There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water....
But it was visible only for a split second.Why do I feel so depressed and anxious all of a sudden?Is it because of this thing?Is it some kind of magical creature toying with my emotions?It couldn't possibly a beast with such power,I would have known...but then...what is it...

And then the thing beneath the hood, whatever it was, drew a long, slow, rattling breath, as though it were trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings.
An intense cold swept over them all.I can't breathe.My heart is beating faster than ever,my lungs-burning,my breathe is caught in my throat and I'm panicking while trying to inspire the needed amount of air,but with no avail.Hot tears were starting to sting my eyes,as they were quickly welling up and rolling down my cheeks.I felt like I was suffocating.It's just like having a panic attack,all over again,but everything was ice cold,instead of warm.
As I felt darkness slowly taking over me,thinking that I had met my demise,in the very distance,I could hear terrified screaming and pleadings from two women.But why do they seem so familiar...So...very...
~~~

Raven!Raven!Wake up~!Come on,get up!Wake up!

But I don't want to get up,Miss...

Suddenly someone started slapping my face,telling me to wake up,and I jolted awake and tried to regain my breathe.The room was dimly lit,and familiar faces were around me.I was on the train compartment seat.And also..I'm alive.And Professor Lupin was handing me a piece of chocolate.

Lupin:Here,eat.You'll feel better.
me:Th-thank you...
Hermione:Are you okay,Raven?
me:Don't know...Did I just have another panic attack?
Hermione:I don't know,but Harry fainted too.
me:Then it simply cannot be a coincidence.What was that black cloaked figure?
Lupin:That was a dementor.It was sent by Azkaban in search of Sirius Black.
me:Oh...is that so...Such an atrocious act...sending dementors in a train full of students...that's a blasphemy!
Lupin:I know,and you are right.Now,excuse me,but I will have a word with the driver.

With that,he left,while we were still looking at each other weirdly,trying to grasp the reality of what had just happened.
A dementor...
I have to know more about them.
Poor Ginny was still shaking like mad,silently sobbing,and I went to hug her.
This 'dementor' was toying with our emotions.Obviously I and Harry went through some deep shit.And Ginny...last year...Yes!It all makes sense!

me:Don't act all shocked that I,Harry and Ginny were affected more than you did.That thing was using our negative emotions and memories against us.Let's not forget what we've been through,and help each other at these times.I wouldn't be surprised if those dementors would pay us an unwelcomed visit at Hogwarts too.
Harry:She's right,I guess...
Ron:We'll be there to stuff you guys with bars of chocolate,that's cool.
me:That's the spirit,Ronald.

We chuckled at his comment,and the train started moving once again.At least we were able to slightly lighten the mood.10 minutes wait,and we went off the train,in the carriages and just in front of the Castle.As just as I expected,the presence of 2 hooded Dementors was clearly seen,towering,guarding each side of the door.
As we stepped down, a drawling, delighted voice sounded just behind us.

"You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottorn telling the truth? You actually fainted?"

Draco elbowed past Hermione to block Harry's way up the stone steps to the castle, his face gleeful and his pale eyes glinting maliciously.

Ron:Shove off, Malfoy.
Draco:Did you faint as well, Weasley?Did the scary old Dementor frighten you too, Weasley?"
Lupin:Is there a problem? he said in a mild voice.

Malfoy gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare, which took in the patches on his robes and the dilapidated suitcase. With a tiny hint of sarcasm in his voice, he said, "Oh, no -- er -- Professor," then he smirked at Crabbe and Goyle and led them up the steps into the castle.

Great...just what I needed...Draco making fun of Harry for fainting,but I also DID FAINT.Grr..
Just as the door into the Great Hall stood open at the right,I heard Professor Snape's voice calling me.
Once in his office,he sat down and said gravely~
"Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train, Black."
Oh..Oh no..nono...

me:B-but I'm just fine...I..-
Pomfrey:Oh, it's you, What happened,dear?
Snape:It was a Dementor.
They exchanged a dark look, and Madam Pomfrey clucked disapprovingly.
Pomfrey:Setting Dementors around a school.She won't be the last one who collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate --
me:B-but I-I'm not delicate!
PomfreyOf course you're not.
Snape:What does she need?
Pomfrey:Well, he should have some chocolate, at the very least.
me:I've already had some.Professor Lupin gave me some. He gave it to all of us.
Pomfrey:Did he, now?So we've finally got a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies?"
Snape:Are you sure you feel all right, Black?
me:Yes,.
Snape:Very well then.You may go now.Try to get some rest.

After that,Dumbledore introduced us to the new year,to Professor Lupin AND Professor Hagrid,and said a few words about the Dementors.
~
At the next day's breakfast,I had the terrible inspiration to sit next to Draco,who was constantly making fun of Harry for fainting,along with his friends,and well,I snapped,slammed the knife in the table,leaving it there,glared at Draco,and whispered in his ear "Next time you decide to make fun of Harry,remember that,I fainted as well". And with that,I stormed out of the room,to the first class,which was Divination.
The class was up in the North Tower,and it was guarded by a Knight Portrait.
I avoided Draco as much as possible and stayed with Jessie and Emma at a table that resembled a fortune telling one.The room resembled a cozy crammed with carpets,crystal balls,feathers,china porcelain sets and so on.

teacher:Sit, my children, sit.Welcome to Divination.My name is Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me before. I find that descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the main school clouds my Inner Eye.Many witches and wizards, talented though they are in the area of loud bangs and smells and sudden disappearings, are yet unable to penetrate the veiled mysteries of the future.It is a Gift granted to few. 

teacher:I wouldn't be so sure.We will be covering the basic methods of Divination this year. The first term will be devoted to reading the tea leaves. Next term we shall progress to palmistry.In the second term,we shall progress to the crystal ball -- if we have finished with fire omens, that is. Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice.I wonder, dear,*looking at Pansy*if you could pass me the largest silver teapot?
Pansy:S-sure...
me:Don't drop it.

She glared at me and picked the large teapot,then looked again at me with a superior smug look and said "I'm better than you think,Black".Unfortunately,just as she turned around,while flipping her hair,she tripped over her shoelaces and bumped into a table,fell down,and the teapot dropped.
Embarrassed,she started saying it was my fault,and what not,and I simply waved my wand,muttered "Reparo" and told her to tie her shoelaces next time.The Professor though...was looking at me like I was one of the 7 World'd Modern Wonders.

teacher:M-My dear..You...You already ARE a possessor of the rare Divination Gift.
me:I...am?
teacher:yes,of course!There are no coincidences or gut feelings.It's just a prediction about to happen.You feel it's vibe.
me:Oh..woaw...that's cool...
teacher:I'm so glad I finally found someone worthy!

Just as she said that,she hugged my head in a quite creepy way,then returned in her winged armchair,leaving me awestruck.So Snape wasn't quite wrong...

So now,we started the tea leaf reading.I and the girls drank in a silly posh way,then exchanged the sippy cups,and looked at them.

me:Let's see.Jessie,you have...a desk,which means...a letter with good news....maybe...and grapes,which mean happiness.
Jessie:I sure hope so!
teacher:Very well,dear.*pats my head*Oh,give me the cup.
me:Oh,that is mine.
teacher:Hmm...You have a guitar,which is happiness in love.You have...a pepperpot,which means a troublesome secret and...oh...oh no..no!M-my dear..y-you..have the..-the worst omen of all!The omen of...death!
me:You mean..the Grim?
teacher:Precisely,dear girl.Beware,sweet child,beware of the many dangers around you.!Class dismissed...!Until next time!

She said as she ushered us out of the door,trying to regain her breathe.Oh well...that was...eventful.I didn't act like I was scared of the threat,but I know what's this all about.

Our next class was Transfiguration,and professor McGonagall transformed from her tabby cat animagus,back into herself,but with no applause.

McGonagall:Don't tell me you also had the first class of Divination.
me:Pretty much.
McGonagall:Who's going to die now?
me:Obviously,I am meants to die."M-my dear y-you've g-got the Grim...the w-worst omens of all!"

We both chuckled at my 'great' impersonation of Professor Trelawney,and started our class perfectly normal.

McGonagall:You should know, Black, that Sibyll Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet. Seeing death omens is her favorite way of greeting a new class. If it were not for the fact that I never speak ill of my colleagues --..Divination is one of the most imprecise branches of magic. I shall not conceal from you that I have very little patience with it. True Seers are very rare, and Professor Trelawney...You look in excellent health to me, Black, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in.

me:I will keep that in mind,Professor.Perhaps,if I am to die,I will ask my host to hand in my homework.
McGonagall:*small smile*Very well.

~~~
Our next class was with the Gryffindors.Great,I start to dread having classes with my friends,because of Draco and his gang.Care of Magical Creatures,with Hagrid.Lo' and behold,the mockery of the great purebloods...

Hagrid: Everyone gather 'round the fence here!That's it -- make sure yeh can see -- now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books --
Draco:How?
Hagrid:Eh?
Draco:How do we open our books?
Hagrid:Hasn' -- hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?
The class all shook their heads.
Hagrid:Yeh've got ter stroke 'em.Look --

He took Hermione's copy and ripped off the Spellotape that bound it. The book tried to bite, but Hagrid ran a giant forefinger down its spine, and the book shivered, and then fell open and lay quiet in his hand.

Draco:Oh, how silly we've all been!=We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess!
Hagrid:I -- I thought they were funny...
Draco:Oh, tremendously funny!Really witty, giving us books that try and rip our hands off!
me:Shut up,Malfoy.Don't listen to him,Hagrid.They are funny indeed.Just,after we've found out how to tame them.
Righ' thenso -- so yeh've got yer books an'...an'...now yeh need the Magical Creatures. Yeah. So I'll go an' get 'em. Hang on...

He strode away from them into the forest and out of sight.

Draco:God, this place is going to the dogs.That oaf teaching classes, my father'll have a fit when I tell him --
Harry:Shut up, Malfoy.
Draco:Careful, Potter, there's a Dementor behind you --
"Oooooooh!" squealed Lavender Brown, pointing toward the opposite side of the paddock.

Trotting toward them were a dozen of the most bizarre creatures ever seen. They had the bodies, hind legs, and tails of horses, but the front legs, wings, and heads of what seemed to be giant eagles, with cruel, steel-colored beaks and large, brilliantly, orange eyes. The talons on their front legs were half a foot long and deadly looking. Each of the beasts had a thick leather collar around its neck, which was attached to a long chain, and the ends of all of these were held in the vast hands of Hagrid, who came jogging into the paddock behind the creatures.Hippogriffs.

Hagrid:Gee up, there! Hippogriffs!Beau'iful, aren' they?

Each of them had different colours,ranging from stormy gray, bronze, pinkish roan, gleaming chestnut, and inky black.

 Hagrid:So,if yeh wan' ter come a bit nearer...

me:Hell yes,I so do!
Hagrid:Great!Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs is, they're proud.Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do.Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move.It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt.Right -- who wants ter go first?
me:I do!
Jessie:Raven,remember the tea leaves!
me:*smirks*What's life without a little risk?
Hagrid:Good,Raven!Right then -- let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak.

He untied one of the chains, pulled the gray Hippogriff away from its fellows, and slipped off its leather collar. The class on the other side of the paddock seemed to be holding its breath. Malfoy's eyes were narrowed maliciously.

Hagrid:Easy now,Raven.Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink...Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much...

I controlled my blinking pretty easily,and Buckbeak started staring at me with its great orange eyes.

Hagrid:Tha's it!Tha's it, Raven..now, bow.

With a step back,I did a gracious bow,not breaking eye contact.
The Hippogriff was still staring haughtily at him. It didn't move.

Hagrid:Ah...Right -- back away, now, Raven, easy does it --"

The Hippogriff suddenly bent its scaly front knees and sank into what was an unmistakable bow.

Hagrid:Well done, Raven!Right -- yeh can touch him! Pat his beak, go on!
me:*patting him*Who's a gorgeous hippogriff?Yes,you are~

As I couldn't break my grin,the class kept applauding.

me:Hagrid,d'you think I could...you know...Have a ride?
Hagrid:I reckon he might let you!

With this,he pick me up,put me on the hippogriff's back,told me to be careful not to pull his feathers,and with a pat on his back,Buckbeak took off into the sky.
This is truly amazing!
This is so much like riding a horse,but in air!The freedom it gives you,is so much better than riding a broom.It's so...Perfect.
I never knew that the landscapes from high up are that picturesque,but obviously,you never truly know until you've experienced first hand.The Black Lake was shining with the glow of the sun,the azure sky was clear of all clouds,the Castle looked as magical and noble as always,the forest,emerald green and chilly,filled with the occasional bat that served as a treat for the playfully and giddy hippogriff.It was obvious that he was also feeling free and happy.
Once we landed back from where we took off,and I dismounted,despite the round of applause,I was feeling quite sad that the flight ended.

 Hagrid:Good work,Raven!Okay, who else wants a go?

Emboldened by my's success, the rest of the class climbed cautiously into the paddock. Hagrid untied the Hippogriffs one by one, and soon people were bowing nervously, all over the paddock. Neville ran repeatedly backward from his, which didn't seem to want to bend its knees. Ron and Hermione practiced on the chestnut.
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle had taken over Buckbeak. He had bowed to Draco, who was now patting his beak, looking disdainful.

me:Good job,Draco.Seems like he's able to tolerate you.
Draco:This is very easy.I knew it must have been, if Potter could do it...I bet you're not dangerous at all, are you?Are you, you great ugly brute?

me:DON'T SAY THAT!

It happened in a flash of steely talons; Draco let out a high pitched scream and next moment, Hagrid was wrestling Buckbeak back into his collar as he strained to get at Draco, who lay curled in the grass, blood blossoming over his robes.

Draco:I'm dying!I'm dying, look at me! It's killed me!
me:You're not dying,Draco.You're very much alive.
Hagrid:Yer not dyin'!Someone help me -- gotta get him outta here --

me:Let's get him to Madam Pomfrey,Hagrid.

Hermione ran to hold open the gate as Hagrid lifted Malfoy easily.There was a long, deep gash on Malfoy's arm; blood splattered the grass and Hagrid ran with him, up the slope toward the castle.
Madam Pomfrey took care of him immediately,applied some potion on his gash,and bandaged it well,telling him to rest.

Draco:I-I'm going to die...
me:Don't think you can play victim with me,Draco.
Draco:Erh..but it hurts...
me:Life hurts,but you wouldn't know,would you.
Draco:Why are you so mean to me,all of a sudden...
me:I don't quite appreaciate you belittling my friends and dismissing their emotions as insignificant,just because you hate them.You make fun of Harry,for fainting because of the Dementor,but so did I.Why is he so different?It hurts me too.You're indirectly affecting me too.
Draco:I didn't know...
me:Dementors affect the ones with bad experiences worse than the others.You yourself were scared,yet you don't admit it.
Draco:You did mention having a panic attack...
me:That is not funny at all.It hurts.Also,it's your own fault for insulting the hippogriff.Had you not made fun of it,you wouldn't have been maimed.But sure,let's radiate with superiority because we are the great Draco Malfoy!

He looked down at his lap,biting his lip,not appreciating my comments.

me:Look,Draco...I really appreciate that you try to sustain yourself from spitting rude comments while around me...and that someone you simply cannot refrain...I do understand...But the way everyone is putting,I cannot remain neutral for too long.
Draco:Then just be my friend!You don't need anyone else.
me:*sighs*One day,maybe you'll understand the importance of friends.Until then,you see the need of little 'slaves' as they are for you right now.Delegation is a must for us.
Draco:Why do you need them,then?
me:Someone needs to defeat Voldemort,right?
Draco:Why fight him,when you can join him?
me:Because I do not wish a life with lack of freedom.
Draco:Who says he'll be back though?
me:The signs.Ask your father,if you don't believe me.Also,he tried twice in the last 2 years.He will be back sooner than expected.
Draco:Then why do YOU have to fight him?Why not Potter?
me:*shows the scary*See this?It's pretty much like a mark.It's my destiny.Plus,Harry doesn't have the wits to do it alone.He's just a lone Gryffindor.He cannot compare to the cunning of a Slytherin.
Draco:Well obviously,but...-
me:Trust me Draco.We all have our missions.Whether it's for the good or the bad,little counts.But Draco,some of us simply...do not have a choice to make.They are taken by others,and you have no word in it.You will see,one day though...
Draco:No,I won't.Raven,I am Draco Malfoy a Pureblood Slytherin,from a respected and well-known wealthy family.I will be the one making choices and manipulating others,not ME being the puppet!
me:*smiles*I sure do hope so,Draco...But if he raises...even puppeteers will have strings attached to them.
Draco:What do you know that you're not telling me?
me:I cannot tell you,nor anyone else.It's my own mission in life.My only purpose.
Draco:Nobody has a single reason for living.And if your life goal is self-destruction,then it's obviously not the true one.You have to discover the one that will lead to a better life.
me:You know...You just might be right.I will keep in mind.
Draco:See?My advice is great.You should listen to me more.
me:You see..."If you remember me, then I don't care if everyone else forgets." Remember this in times of darkness,okay?
Draco:Why?
me:Just do.I have my own reason for that.
Draco:If you say so...
me:Try to get some rest.I'll check on you later.Get well soon,Draco.
 With that,I kissed his forehead and left to go to dinner,meeting up and chatting with the girls.No more drama llama.

~
The next day,at Potions,you wouldn't believe how Draco could fake his 'pain'.

me:I knew you were begging attention and pity,but really?From Pug Face?you disgust me,Draco.*shakes head*.
Draco:Wait,Raven-!
me:Glad you like the ring though.

Snape made Ron 'help' Draco with his Potion work.And by work,he meant doing all the work.He was being as cruel as ever with the Gryffindors,but I tried to ignore everything,while doing the potion with Jessie and Emma who,fortunately,don't ask too many stupid questions or speculate.
What a time to be alive.
The second day at Hogwarts,and things are already a great mess.

As all classes have been ruined by the pathetic attitude of a certain blond-haired boy,(except Transfiguration,of course),I surely hope that Professor Lupin is going to be able to deal with all of us.Please,make this year's DADA classes actually worth learning...
If you really are the great Marauder Moony,then you should be able to deal with a bunch of dunderheads.Wish you all the luck in the word.