Thankfully,Fred and George were nice enough to start pulling extreme pranks,like firework-dragons that act in different ways if you try to vanish or destroy them.

The professors especially had their fun in calling her to get rid of the dragons,because they 'lacked authority".
On the other hand,Draco joined Umbridge's Inquisition Squad very proudly,making me avoid him as much as possible.
How could he?After he found out about the terrible things she'd done to me?
Disgraceful.
Unfortunately,exams were coming up sooner than expected,and Umbridge was as horrible as always.
But things have been peculiar even for Severus,who seemed to be even more irritable than usual.

One faithful day,I noticed this~.

CAREERS ADVICE
All fifth-years are required to attend a short meeting with their Head of House during the first week of the summer term to discuss their future careers. Times of individual appointments are listed below.

Looking at the note,it says that for Healing,you need at least "E" at NEWT level in Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts.It will be difficult,but not impossible.Guess I have to bother more with Herbology and Charms.

Soon,my appointment with Snape arrived,and lucky enough,I managed to skip DADA to attend it.
However,to my horror,what I wasn't expecting was to see the Pink Toad in a corner,staring intently at us with that poison grin of hers.
I felt petrified and my mind went blank,until his velvety voice snapped me out of it,and I sat down in front of him,biting my lip.

Snape:As you know,Black,this meeting is to talk over any career ideas you might have, and to help you decide which subjects you should continue into the sixth and seventh years.I believe your option remains Healing,am I correct?
me:Er-....Y-Yes,sir.
Snape:You'd need top grades for that,obviously,as it's written in the prompt.They ask for a minimum of five NEWTs, and nothing under "Exceeds Expectations" grade.Then you would be required to undergo multiple practices at St.Mungo's. It's a difficult career path,Black,they only take the best.The wizarding world is in dire need of competent healers.

At this moment, Professor Umbridge gave a very tiny cough, as though she was trying to see how quietly she could do it.I flinched at it,but Snape just ignored her.

Snape:You'll want to know which subjects you ought to take,though,I suppose you already know.
me:Yes.First of all,Potions,naturally.Poisons and antidotes are the basics of Healing.
Snape:Certainly.I would also advise-

Umbridge gave another cough, a little more audible this time. Snape closed his eyes for a moment,trying not to snap at her,and continued as though nothing had happened.

Snape:I would also advise Herbology,since it goes well with Potions and you'll have to know each ingredient's properties to know what to use.And I ought to tell you now,Black,that I do not accept students into my NEWT classes unless they have achieved "Outstanding"at Ordinary Wizarding Level. I'd say you've got my subject easily covered,since you have a natural affinity for it,but you also cannot neglect the other subjects.You ought to do Transfigurations and Defense Against the Dark Arts for-

Umbridge gave her most pronounced cough yet.

Snape:May I offer you a cough drop, Dolores?
Toad:Oh, no, thank you very much.I just wondered whether I could make the teensiest interruption,Severus?
Snape:I daresay you'll find you can.
Toad:I was just wondering whether Miss Black has quite the temperament for a Healer?
Snape:Really?Well,Black,if you are serious in this ambition,which you are,as your House says, I would advise you to concentrate hard on bringing your Charms and Herbology up to scratch. I see Professor Flitwick has graded you between "Acceptable" and "Exceeds Expectations" for the last two years, so your Charmwork seems satisfactory. As for Defence Against the Dark Arts, your marks have been generally high, Professor Moody in particular thought you-...are you quite sure you wouldn't like a cough drop, Dolores?
Toad:Oh, no need, thank you,Severus,I was just concerned that you might not have Raven's most recent Defence Against the Dark Arts marks in front of you. I'm quite sure I slipped in a note.
Snape:What, this thing?Yes, as I was saying,Black,Professor Moody thought you showed a pronounced aptitude for the subject, and obviously for a Healer-
Toad:Did you not understand my note,Severus?
Snape:Of course I understood it.
Toad:Well, then, I am confused ... I'm afraid I don't quite understand how you can give Miss Black false hope that--
Snape:*sneers*False hope?She has achieved high marks in all her Defence Against the Dark Arts tests--
Toad:I'm terribly sorry to have to contradict you,Severus, but as you will see from my note,Raven has been achieving very poor results in her classes with me--
Snape:..All Defence Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher.

Hearing that,I looked at him in shock,as Umbridge's smile vanished as sudden as a light bulb blowing. She sat back in her chair, turned a sheet on her clipboard and began scribbling very fast indeed, her bulging eyes rolling from side to side.Snape turned back to me,slightly smirking and hiding his rage.

Snape:Any questions?
me:What sort of character and aptitude tests do on you need to take, if you get enough NEWTs?
Snape:Well, you'll need to demonstrate the ability to react well to pressure and so forth.Human lives are at stake,so you need to be alert at all times.It will mean a lot more study even after you've left school, so unless you're prepared to--
Toad:You need to be patient and not explode when criticized, to be a Healer.
Snape:-unless you're prepared to take even more exams after Hogwarts, you should really look at another--

Professor Umbridge stood up. She was so short that this did not make a great deal of difference, but her fussy, simpering demeanour had given place to a hard fury that made her broad, flabby face look oddly sinister.

Toad:Black has no chance whatsoever of becoming a Healer!

Snape got to his feet, too, and in his case this was a much more impressive move,being very tall and towering over the pink bitch.

Snape:Black,I will assist you to become a Healer, even if it is the last thing I do.You're a Slytherin and you are my top student,I will make sure you achieve the required results.
Toad:St.Mungo's and the Ministry will never employ Raven Black!
Snape:No Hospital would turn away an impeccable aspiring Healer,Dolores.Black,this concludes our careers consultation.Go study and do not dare to slack off.

Seeing that pinky was about to blow off,I quickly scattered out of the room and let Severus deal with her.
How the tables turned,huh?Guess I'll have to thank him later for protecting me.

Unfortunately for the School,The Twins transformed a whole corridor into a swamp and escaped via brooms,leaving us all idiots behind miserable.

But things got worse,with the Exam-period having arrived.
The exams themselves were not bad,especially since I managed to calm myself with a nice Draught of Peace,but Hermione told me Pinky's allies tried to take Hagrid away,but managed to hit McGonagall with 4 stunning charms.
Just a few more,and it'd have stunned a bloody dragon...
This is not normal...
It could have been fatal.
That's where muggle lawsuits should come in handy...
And our allies were growing fewer and fewer...
Huh...what a time to be alive.

But during the History exam,Potter got a vision and fell off the chair,meaning that he got a vision...
If it's one I didn't get,then it was made to confuse.
This is bad...
After the exam,I rushed to Herms and Ron and we got to him,to see what was going on.
As expected,he saw Voldemort threatening Sirius,which was obviously a lie,but he wouldn't listen to a traitor.
Desperation was flooding his mind.

Harry:How're we going to get there?
Ron:G-get there?
H:Get to the Department of Mysteries, so we can rescue Sirius!
R:But--Harry...
H:What? What?
Herms:Harry...er ... how ... how did Voldemort get into the Ministry of Magic without anybody realising he was there?
H:How do I know?The question is how we're going to get in there!
Herms:But ... Harry, think about this,it's five o'clock in the afternoon ... the Ministry of Magic must be full of workers ... how would Voldemort and Sirius have got in without being seen? Harry ... they're probably the two most wanted wizards in the world ... you think they could get into a building full of Aurors undetected?
H:I dunno, Voldemort used an Invisibility Cloak or something!Anyway, the Department of Mysteries has always been completely empty whenever I've been--
me:Highly irrational...
Herms:You've never been there, Harry.You've dreamed about the place, that's all.
H:They're not normal dreams!How d'you explain Ron's dad then, what was all that about, how come I knew what had happened to him?
R:He's got a point.
me:Maybe Voldemort is using the same trick to fool us.
Herms:This is just --just so unlikely!Harry, how on Earth could Voldemort have got hold of Sirius when he's been in Grimmauld Place all the time?
R:Sirius might've cracked and just wanted some fresh air.He's been desperate to get out of that house for ages--
Herms:But why-...why on earth would Voldemort want to use Sirius to get the weapon, or whatever the thing is?
H:I dunno, there could be loads of reasons!Maybe Sirius is just someone Voldemort doesn't care about seeing hurt--
me:Can you stop yelling already,you self-conceited dunderhead?!I am worried too,but we can't act irrational,or we might put everyone's life in danger!
R:You know what, I've just thought of something.Sirius's brother was a Death Eater, wasn't he? Maybe he told Sirius the secret of how to get the weapon!
H:Yeah--and that's why Dumbledore's been so keen to keep Sirius locked up all the time!
me:Yeah...so keen to keep Sirius locked up in fucking Azkaban.
Herms:Look, I'm sorry,but neither of you is making sense, and we've got no proof for any of this, no proof Voldemort and Sirius are even there-
R:Hermione, Harry's seen them!
Herms:But Raven hasn't!
H:Maybe she's lying,then!
Herms:Okay...I've just got to say this-
H:What?
Herms:You ... this isn't a criticism, Harry! But you do ... sort of ... I mean--don't you think you've got a bit of a...a-saving-people thing?
H:And what's that supposed to mean, a "saving-people thing"?
Herms:Well ... you ...I mean ... last year, for instance ... in the lake ... during the Tournament ... you shouldn't have ... I mean, you didn't need to save that little Delacour girl ... you got a bit ... carried away ...I mean, it was really great of you and everything,everyone thought it was a wonderful thing to do-
H:That's funny,because I definitely remember Ron saying I'd wasted time acting the hero ... is that what you think this is? You reckon I want to act the hero again?
Herms:No, no, no!That's not what I mean at all!
H:Well, spit out what you've got to say, because we're wasting time here!
Herms:I'm trying to say --Voldemort knows you, Harry!Maybe it's just as Raven says-!He took Ginny down into the Chamber of Secrets to lure you there, it's the kind of thing he does, he knows you're the...-the sort of person who'd go to Sirius's aid! What if he's just trying to get you into the Department of Myst--?
H:Hermione, it doesn't matter if he's done it to get me there or not.they've taken McGonagall to St. Mungo's, there isn't anyone from the Order left at Hogwarts who we can tell, and if we don't go, Sirius is dead!
me:Oh really?
Herms:But Harry--what if your dream was--was just that, a dream?
me:Or a voluntary vision sent to you intentionally,to confuse you.It seems like it worked well.
H:You don't get it!I'm not having nightmares, I'm not just dreaming! What d'you think all the Occlumency was for, why d'you think Dumbledore wanted me prevented from seeing these things? Because they're REAL, Hermione--Sirius is trapped, I've seen him. Voldemort's got him, and no one else knows, and that means we're the only ones who can save him, and if you don't want to do it, fine, but I'm going, understand? And if I remember rightly, you didn't have a problem with my saving-people thing when it was you I was saving from the dementors, or--he rounded on Ron--when it was your sister I was saving from the Basilisk--
R:I never said I had a problem!
Herms:But Harry, you've just said it,Dumbledore wanted you to learn to shut these things out of your mind, if you'd done Occlumency properly you'd never have seen this-
H:IF YOU THINK I'M JUST GOING TO ACT LIKE I HAVEN'T SEEN-
me:VOLDEMORT IS USING YOU!Think,Potter!Sirius told you there was nothing more important than you learning to close your mind!
H:WELL, I EXPECT HE'D SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT IF HE KNEW WHAT I'D JUST-

The classroom door opened. Harry, Ron and Hermione whipped around. Ginny walked in, looking curious, closely followed by Luna, who as usual looked as though she had drifted in accidentally.

Ginny:Hi.We recognised Harry's voice. What are you yelling about?
me:His frustrations,as usual.
H:Never you mind,
G:There's no need to take that tone with me.I was only wondering whether I could help.
H:Well, you can't.
me:Of cooo~rse!The mighty and powerful Harry James Potter doesn't need any help from us,peasants.
Luna:You're being rather rude, you know,Harry?
Herms:Wait.Wait ... Harry, they can help.Listen.Harry, we need to establish whether Sirius really has left Headquarters.
H:I've told you, I saw--
Herms:Harry, I'm begging you, please!Please let's just check that Sirius isn't at home before we go charging off to London. If we find out he's not there, then I swear I won't try to stop you. I'll come, I'll d-do whatever it takes to try and save him.
H:Sirius is being tortured NOW!We haven't got time to waste.
Herms:But if this is a trick of Voldemort's, Harry, we've got to check, we've got to.
H:How?How're we going to check?
Herms:We'll have to use Umbridge's fire and see if we can contact him.We'll draw Umbridge away again, but we'll need lookouts, and that's where we can use Ginny and Luna.'
me:Brilliant,another life-long detention with the Toad.I'm in.
H:Okay. If you can think of a way of doing this quickly, I'm with you, otherwise I'm going to the Department of Mysteries right now.
Herms:Right.Right ... well ... one of us has to go and find Umbridge and--and send her off in the wrong direction, keep her away from her office. They could tell her--I don't know--that Peeves is up to something awful as usual ...
R:I'll do it,I'll tell her Peeves is smashing up the Transfiguration department or something, it's miles away from her office. Come to think of it, I could probably persuade Peeves to do it if I met him on the way.
Herms:Now, we need to keep students right away from her office while we force entry, or some Slytherin's bound to go and tip her off.
G:Luna and I can stand at either end of the corridor and warn people not to go down there because someone's let off a load of Garrotting Gas.Fred and George were planning to do it before they left.
Herms:Well then, Harry, you and I will be under the Invisibility Cloak and we'll sneak into the office and you can talk to Sirius-
H:He's not there, Hermione!
Herms:I mean, you can check whether Sirius is at home or not while I keep watch, I don't think you should be in there alone, Lee's already proved the windows a weak spot, sending those Nifflers through it.
H:I ... okay thanks.
me:I'll go prepare then.Good luck.

I swiftly ran to Snape's office,telling him about the plan of those idiots,then ran to Umbridge's office,only to find,to my shock,everyone trapped by a Slytherin,and Umbridge,looking as hysterical as ever.

me:...Oh...
Umbridge:How wonderful of you to join us,Black.I bet you wanted to see that criminal father of yours more than ever.

I tried to turn around and run,but the door was closed magically,before I could even try.
She made the Slytherins holding the captives stay apart from each other,as she pushed me in a chair,then got in my face,with that warty face.
Trying to look away from her,I noticed Draco looking rather worried and torn,between his duty for Umbridge and...me.

Toad:Good, good.Well, it looks as though Hogwarts will shortly be a Weasley-free zone, doesn't it?So,Black.You stationed lookouts around my office and you sent this buffoon to tell me the poltergeist was wreaking havoc in the Transfiguration department when I knew perfectly well that he was busy smearing ink on the eyepieces of all the school telescopes.Mr. Filch having just informed me so.
me:Next time,I should actually tell Peeves the plan before I proceed with it.
Toad:Clearly, it was very important for you to talk to somebody. Was it Albus Dumbledore? Or the half-breed, Hagrid? I doubt it was Minerva McGonagall, I hear she is still too ill to talk to anyone.
me:Yes,of course.I would never miss a chance to defy you.
Toad:Very well.Very well, Miss Black...I offered you the chance to tell me freely. You refused. I have no alternative but to force you. Draco-- fetch Professor Snape.

There was silence in the office except for the fidgetings and scufflings resulting from the Slytherins' efforts to keep Ron and the others under control. Ron's lip was bleeding on to Umbridge's carpet as he struggled against Warrington's half-nelson; Ginny was still trying to stamp on the feel of the sixth-year girl who had both her upper arms in a tight grip; Neville was turning steadily more purple in the face while lugging at Crabbe's arms; and Hermione was attempting, in vain, to throw Millicent Bulstrode off her. Luna, however, stood limply by the side of her captor, gazing vaguely out of the window as though rather bored by the proceedings.

Snape:You wanted to see me, Headmistress?
Toad:Ah, Professor Snape.Yes, I would like another bottle of Veritaserum, as quick as you can, please.
S:You took my last bottle to interrogate Potter.Surely you did not use it all? I told you that three drops would be sufficient.
me:*chough*Idiot...
Toad:You can make some more, can't you?
S:Certainly.*smirks*It takes a full moon-cycle to mature, so I should have it ready for you in around a month.
Toad:A month?A month!But I need it this evening, Snape! I have just found Potter using my fire to communicate with a person or persons unknown!
S:Really?Well, it doesn't surprise me. Potter has never shown much inclination to follow school rules.
Toad:I wish to interrogate him and Black!I wish you to provide me with a potion that will force him to tell me the truth!
S:I have already told you that I have no further stocks of Veritaserum. Unless you wish to poison Potter and I assure you I would have the greatest sympathy with you if you did--I cannot help you. The only trouble is that most venoms act too fast to give the victim much time for truth-telling.
Toad:You are on probation!You are being deliberately unhelpful! I expected better, Lucius Malfoy always speaks most highly of you! Now get out of my office!
me:That's not how you're supposed to treat people...

Snape gave her an ironic bow and turned to leave,but just then,I got the worst headache-vision thus far,which made me scream in agony as I saw something unexpected.

It was a version of I,dressed in an elegant black dress,looking more exhausted than ever,in front of the long Malfoy table.
There,Draco and his parents looked concerned at me,but I didn't understand why-
Until I felt a cold blade at my throat,slowly cutting my skin,as small ruby droplets kept following down my neck.
But I wasn't scared.
I felt...oddly peaceful.
Until the blade suddenly was plunged deep into my throat,and all I could do was try to scream,as I gripped my neck.

Then I got back to reality,and by then,as I tried to regain my breathe,I noticed Snape had left.That's too bad...I'd have begged for a calming potion...

Toad:Putting on a show,I see?A mummer's charade.... I am left with no alternative ... this is more than a matter of school discipline ... this is an issue of Ministry security ... yes ... yes ...
me:I don't want to die...
Draco:Professor...I don't think Black is feeling well.
Toad:The weaker she is,the more she'll tell.You've been forcing me,Black. ... I do not want to,but sometimes circumstances justify the use ... I am sure the Minister will understand that I had no choice ...The Cruciatus Curse ought to loosen your tongue.
Draco:Excuse me?!
Herms:No!Professor Umbridge--it's illegal.
me:Don't...kill...me...D-Don't...

But Umbridge took no notice. There was a nasty eager, excited look on her face.

Draco:The Minister wouldn't want you to break the law, Professor Umbridge!
Toad:What Cornelius doesn't know won't hurt him.He never knew I ordered dementors to go after Potter last summer, but he was delighted to be given the chance to expel him, all the same.
H:It was you?You sent the dementors after me?
me:Don't...He will...kill...me...if I die...
Toad:Somebody had to act.They were all bleating about silencing you somehow,discrediting you,-but I was the one who actually did something about it...only you wriggled out of that one, didn't you, Potter? Not today though, not now-
Draco:Professor,please,don't-
Toad:Crucio!

I gasped at the sudden shock,letting my head back,staring at the pink cieling,trying to regain my breathe.

me:He'll kill you...He'll save me...you'll die...
Herms:NO!We'll have to tell her!
H:No way!
Herms:We'll have to, Harry, she'll force it out of you anyway, what's ... what's the point?

And Hermione began to cry weakly into the back of Millicent Bulstrode's robes. Millicent stopped trying to squash her against the wall immediately and dodged out of her way looking disgusted.

Toad:Well, well, well!Little Miss Question-all is going to give us some answers! Come on then, girl, come on!
Herms:I'm--I'm sorry everyone.But--I can't stand it-
Toad:That's right, that's right, girl!Now then ... with whom was Potter communicating just now?
Herms:Well,he was trying to speak to Professor Dumbledore.
Toad:Dumbledore?You know where Dumbledore is, then?
Herms:Well ... no!We've tried the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley and the Three Broomsticks and even the Hog's Head-
Toad:Idiot girl- Dumbledore won't be sitting in a pub when the whole Ministry's looking for him!
Herms:But-...but we needed to tell him something important!
Toad:Yes?What was it you wanted to tell him?
me:The weapon...haha...
Toad:Lead me to the weapon,' she said.
Herms:I'm not showing ... them.
Toad:It is not for you to set conditions.
Herms:Fine!Fine ... let them see it, I hope they use it on you! In fact, I wish you'd invite loads and loads of people to come and see! Th--that would serve you right--oh, I'd love it if the wh-- whole school knew where it was, and how to u--use it, and then if you annoy any of them they'll, be able to s--sort you out!
me:They'll...kill you...I've seen it...
Toad:All right, dear, let's make it just you and me ... and we'll take Potter, too, shall we? Get up, now.
Draco:Professor Umbridge, I think some of the Squad should come with you to look after-
Toad:I am a fully qualified Ministry official, Malfoy, do you really think I cannot manage two wandless teenagers alone?In any case, it does not sound as though this weapon is something that school children should see. You will remain here until I return and make sure none of these escape.
Draco:All right.

After Umbridge left with Hermione and Potter,I got the biggest grin on my face,then started laughing hysterically.
Concerned,Draco got in front of me,trying to calm me down,but all I did was glare at him,with a smirk on my face.

me:I thought you'd choose me over her.Guess you're into older and uglier women.That's a pity,huh?
Draco:Huh?No,that's not it!I wasn't expecting you to come here,not now and not then either-
me:Oh,Draco,you think I'm that powerless?You must be mistaken...I got you all where I wanted...so clueless...
Draco:You just had a vision,did you not?What was it about?
me:You were there too,and you looked much more mature and pretty...all while scared to death...it suits you so well...
Draco:That's ridiculous!I told you,I'm never going to be stuck in that position!

Swift as a viper,I grabbed him by the throat,and got dangerously closer to his face,making him blush slightly,and stop breathing.

me:You never know how the tables turn,love.But hey...pink suits you well,too~.

I quickly pushed him in my place,on the chair,then made the rest of the Slytherins fall asleep,as I helped the others escape.

Ron:Bloody brilliant...
me:Yes,sure.Go meet up with the others and don't wait for me.I'll come soon as well.Good luck
Ginny:Take care,too!
me:I'll be fine.

I quickly ran back to Snape's office and told him about the idiots,who hurried to the Ministry,despite my warnings.
Facepalming,we hurried to gather the other Order members,and save those dunderheads (but it was obvious that he himself couldn't come,because he'd blow his cover)

=====

The second I apparated near Sirius,I got a vision which made me lose balance and fall on my knees.It was only for a split of a second,but I saw his demise.
He,himself,helped me up,and staring at him,I bit my lip.

me:You are not coming with us.
Sirius:You must be joking.
me:*smirks*I am positively sirius.
Sirius:It's not the time to jest now,Raven!Those kids are in danger.
me:Do you want to die?
Sirius:Die?I won't die,Merlin's beard!
me:I just fell because I saw you die.Once was enough,I don't think I want to see it twice,and this time,real.
Remus:Sirius,maybe you should listen to her.
Sirius:Harry went out there,thinking I was in danger and he's risking his life trying to save me!I can't abandon him!I am his Godfather!
me:AND YOU ARE MY FATHER!But it obviously never mattered for you!Potter!Potter!Potter everywhere!But what about me?!I AM YOUR DAUGHTER!Why do you never do something for me?!Don't I matter for you at all?!
Sirius:No,please don't misunderstand.You know I love you the most in this life.
me:*twitch*D-Don't speak...Don't you dare say that!You're a liar!Liar!Liar!
Sirius:I'm not,I swear!Please,just try to-
me:Forget it!Go there and die for all I care!Die for Potter's sake!But know that if anything happens,I won't bother to either save you or mourn you.Have Potter do that for you.
Remus:Raven,calm down,and let's go,please.
me:Yes,of course,because I always have to fix Potter's stupid and reckless mistakes...

I took Remus arm and we apparated to the Department of Mysteries,fighting right away the Death Eaters.
Soon,the other members arrived too,and soon,everything became more and more familiar.
Bellatrix' mess of a hair flashed before my eyes,and that's when I knew I had to act-
I pointed my wand in Sirius' direction and muttered "Stupefy",which him him before his cousin's spell did.
I got on my feet with haste and ran after my aunt,in another room,where I crucio'ed her,giggling with glee.
Letting her get back up,we started duelling and taunting each other.

Bella:I was and am the Dark Lord's most loyal servant. I learned the Dark Arts from him, and I know spells of such power that you, pathetic little boy, can never hope to compete--
me:Sorry,but I strongly believe I've surpassed you in every way.He much favours me,over an overused fossil like you.
Bella:GIVE ME THE PROPHECY!
me:What prophecy are you talking about?
Harry:*running in*The prophecy is gone!
Me:WHAT PROPHECY?!
Bella:Potter, I'm going to give you one chance!Give me the prophecy--roll it out towards me now--and I may spare your life!
H:Well, you're going to have to kill me, because it's gone!And he knows!Your dear old mate Voldemort knows it's gone! He's not going to be happy with you, is he?
Bella:What? What do you mean?
H:The prophecy smashed when I was trying to get Neville up the steps! What do you think Voldemort'll say about that, then?
Bella:LIAR!YOU'VE GOT IT, POTTER, AND YOU WILL GIVE IT TO ME! Accio prophecy! ACCIO PROPHECY!
me:*mutters*I suppose rage runs in the family...
H:Nothing to summon! It smashed and nobody heard what it said, tell your boss that!
Bella:No!It isn't true, you're lying! MASTER, I TRIED, I TRIED--DO NOT PUNISH ME--
H:Don't waste your breathe!He can't hear you from here!

The conversation became very heated between those two,until I felt a new presence arriving,and that's when I knew it was Him.Surprised,I ran past the brunette and went to kneel in front of my Master.He let out a soft chuckle,and made me rise,putting his cold hand on my face.

Voldy:You've done well gathering everyone here,my dear.Now,it's my turn.So, you smashed my prophecy?No, Bella, he is not lying ... I see the truth looking at me from within his worthless mind ... months of preparation, months of effort ... and my Death Eaters have let Harry Potter thwart me again ...
me:I...had no idea about this prophecy...I have failed you,Master,please accept my most profound apologies-
Bella:Master, I am sorry, I knew not, I was fighting the Animagus Black!Master, you should know--
Voldy:My dear Raven,not telling you the objective of your mission was my intention,and there is no need for apologies.You have done your job well,just as expected,and I am proud...which cannot be said the same about your aunt here.I shall deal with you in a moment,Bellatrix. Do you think I have entered the Ministry of Magic to hear your snivelling apologies?
Bella:But Master--he is here--he is below--
Voldy:I have nothing more to say to you, Potter.You have irked me too often, for too long. AVADA KEDAVRA!

But the headless golden statue of the wizard in the fountain had sprung alive, leaping from its plinth to land with a crash on the floor between Harry and Voldemort. The spell merely glanced off its chest as the statue flung out its arms to protect Harry.

Voldy:What-?Dumbledore!
D:It was foolish to come here tonight, Tom.The Aurors are on their way--
Voldy:By which time I shall be gone, and you will be dead!

Dumbledore flicked his own wand: the force of the spell that emanated from it was such that this time Voldemort was forced to conjure a shining silver shield out of thin air to deflect it. The spell, whatever it was, caused no visible damage to the shield, though a deep, gong-like note reverberated from it--an oddly chilling sound.

Voldy:You do not seek to kill me, Dumbledore?Above such brutality, are you?
D:We both know that there are other ways of destroying a man, Tom.Merely taking your life would not satisfy me, I admit-
Voldy:There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!
D:You are quite wrong.Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness-.

They continued to fight,fighting like I've never seen anything so majestic before,until Voldy disappeared,and the water fell with a crash back into its pool, slopping wildly over the sides, drenching the polished floor.

'MASTER!' screamed Bellatrix.

Sure it was over, sure Voldemort had decided to flee, Harry made to run out from behind his statue guard, but Dumbledore bellowed: 'Stay where you are,Raven,Harry!'

For the first time, Dumbledore sounded frightened.
Harry then fell on the ground,writhing on the floor and screaming bloody murder,until he stopped,and Voldemort's voice was clearly coming from his body.

Kill me now, Dumbledore ...If death is nothing, Dumbledore, kill the boy ...

After that,I'm not much sure what happened,but I believe Potter fought Voldemort,and regained his mind,and with that,the Minister and all his co-workers arrived just in time to see the Dark Lord vanish along with Bellatrix,and stand there,shocked and frightened beyond belief.
That's how Fudge finally realised the truth and gravity of the situation,and accepted to have a serious talk with Dumbledore.
With that,we took a Portkey back to his office,

There,Phineas saw us and started talking about how Dumbledore holds us in great esteem and all that.

H:You...You were right...It's my fault he died,when he shouldn't...I...
me:Maybe next time listen to me,dumbass.
H:I killed your father.
me:He wasn't my father.He was yours.
H:That's not true!
me:He is as stubborn as you are.I told him not to come,but he insisted he had to save you.You,Potter.You.Always you.It has always been you,and it will always be you.
H:I...I'm sorry...I should have listened to you,dammit!
me:Calm down,Potter!You're gonna mess up Dumbledore's office!
H:WHO CARES ANYMORE?!HE'S DEAD!SIRIUS IS DEAD,AND I KILLED HIM!
me:ENOUGH OF THIS!

Just as he was about to trash around more,the door opened,revealing Sirius and Dumbledore,making Potter stop dead in his tracks,with the chair held high in his hands,staring like he's seen the 8th World Wonder.

H:S-Sirius...?B-But,I saw you die!How?!
me:Idiots are like parasites,you know?They never leave you.
S:That hurt,Raven.
me:Deeper than the Marianna Trench?
S:Think so.
me:Then,I did my job.You deserve to be hurt.
S:*sighs*I suppose you're right.
me:I mean,if Potter here wouldn't have been a bull-headed idiot,none of this would have had to happen,but at least there's no more...prophecies or whatever.
D:I believe Raven here saw Sirius' death,just before it happened,and managed to alter his fate,am I correct?
me:Since he didn't want to stay home,I guess my quick reactions worked well...sort of.
D:You've played your part well,I was pleasantly surprised.
me:I'm doing this so well,I'm afraid I might forget what side I'm on.
D:When in doubt,balance all the good and bad,and you will know where your allegiance lies.
me:*sighs*Right,whatever.

Dumbledore than started explaining Harry about the situation,about Voldemort,and why he had to stay with his Aunt and Uncle,but that is when I started growing more and more restless

me:Okay,listen,I don't want to interfere much,but what about me?Yeah,I know my mum had no relatives and Sirius' brother is long dead,but Narcissa is Sirius' cousin,after all!Okay,let's say Lucius wouldn't have accepted,of course,but then,what about Remus?Or even McGonagall?Is an orphanage REALLY better than staying with a loving guardian?Especially since there is no existent protective charm there?You threw me there just like how you found Tom Riddle,and I'm not sure how to feel about that.
D:I am aware that it was not the best decision I could make,but I believed you'd inherit your mother's traits,and so,become an amazing Slytherin,if you can understand where I'm going.
me:Yes,of course,how could I not.I forgot my fate has been sealed the moment I was born,forgive me for asking the obvious.Oh,hold on...I believe I'm not the only one in this situation,after all.How...utterly ironic,Dumbledore.

I was about to leave the room,but he stopped me once again,as he said he must tell us the truth about the prophecies.
The true prophecy was recorded and we listened to it,loud and clear.First Potter's,and now mine.

"The one born under the sign of Alpha and Omega of the year,she,who shines brighter than light and is engulfed in the deepest shadow,holds the strength to choose the triumphant side,be it love or power,be it good or evil,she who wields the power to change destinies will also be the one to slither her way to victory"

me:I...I mean...What the hell?
D:This is the truth of it and I'm sorry for having kept it for so long.
me:I...can't even begin to show my dissatisfaction.Why didn't I know this important detail?ME?...You know what?Whatever,it doesn't matter,in the end.The result will be the same.At least now we both know the truth,right?
H:It's rather shocking.
me:Yes,yes,who cares.I'm out of here.
S:Raven,please wait.
me:I have only one word for you.For you and Potter too.

With that,I slapped both of them as hard as I could,glaring at them.

me:Next time bother listening to me.I swear,you couldn't be any more typically reckless Gryffindors!I get that you don't care about your lives,but maybe there's an idiot out there who still does!Keep that in mind next time you go all suicidal.
S:*chuckles*You so do love me,don't you?
me:Tsk.I might have made a mistake in saving you,after all.Your mouth is too loud.

He then hugged me tightly,patting my head,and for the first time,I felt what having a dad is like.Not that I'd admit it...yet.

The next day,in the train back home,I found a compartment all by myself and decided to actually relax,for once and read a book.All was nice,until I got interrupted by the door sliding,and revealing a certain blond who looked...out of it.

me:Hello,stranger.
Draco:What happened,really?
me:I'm sorry about your father.I had nothing to do with that.
Draco:I asked what happened.I was worried.
me:Worried?Why?What for?
Draco:What Umbridge did to you!I thought you snapped or something.The way you were acting creeped me out.
me:Ah,that.Well...That curse isn't exactly enjoyable,you know?It hurt...And I had a vision,with him.
Draco:What did it mean?
me:He promised he'd kill her.He'd...kill her...for what she did to me.
Draco:Do you believe it?
me:I...don't know...I suppose I don't know anything anymore...I'm close to slipping,honestly.
Draco:Slipping...Are you torn between the light and the dark?
me:*blinks*The light and the dark...you say?
Draco:Isn't it how they call it?The good and the bad,and all that?
me:Well...You are right.I know it's wrong...but it feels so right...and not?For once,it feels like someone finally appreciates me for who I am,and there is no more discrimination,no more pain...
Draco:But...?
me:But it's morally wrong,and as much as it hurts,the light has good sides too...
Draco:All the pain can be gone if you choose right,isn't that true?Just choose the Lord,and it will be over!No more Potter or sacrificing for Dumbledore.
me:It's not that simple,Draco.If it were,I'd have chosen it.But,if I have to choose between Light and Dark,and Love and Power,which two go together?Can I really only choose one of each?
Draco:If that is what worries you,then don't forget I'm here.And so is mother and Parkinson.
me:I know...but I'm not sure what side are you on,either.
Draco:What do you mean?My father went to Azkaban for it,shouldn't it be obvious by now?
me:Draco...I'm sorry for what I did to you in her office.I guess I got too emotional.But...that might be the only slip I'll be allowed to do,without dying.This Summer,with him back,so many things are going to change...so many...that I'm afraid.
Draco:It will all be fine,it's our Lord,after all!
me:Can you not think out of the box at all?Think,Draco,you're smart.Feel,for you have a heart,even if you don't want to admit it.Use your brain.Your father will get out of Azkaban faster than you can imagine.I can only imagine how the Death Eater meetings are going to be...And...You will be there too...I don't want to see that happening...
Draco:What do you fear so much?There is nothing that our relatives haven't done before.
me:I...don't want to see you suffering,Draco.You are the only person that I don't want to become corrupted and thrown into this madness.Maybe you don't realise this now...And you might find it silly,but your innocence is the light of my days.I became addicted to it without realising...and if that light would get taken over by shadows...then...
Draco:*sighs*I don't understand a word you're saying,or better said,maybe I don't want to accept your warning until I've witnessed the fear you keep mentioning,but until then,I will be here.
me:Never lose this light that shines so beautifully.

Biting my lip,I hugged him tightly,trying to control my feelings the best I could,and I believe he tried the same,as he embraced back,and we stayed like this,until the end of the ride,where,holding hands,we got out,and the first person we saw was Narcissa with a sad smile on her face,as she kissed our heads and got us to the Manor,where a gloomy and and dead atmosphere had taken over.

Sighing,I tried turning around,only to feel a wet sensation on my cheek,and hear a sadistic laughter-
Gasping,shocked at what had happened,I slowly raised my hand to my cheek,touching the liquid that was falling down my cheek at a rapid pace.
Bellatrix had thrown her dagger in my direction,trying to welcome me warmly.Her sister tried to scold her,but it was all blocked out,when Voldermort gracefully made his way to us.
Poor Draco had no idea how to react anymore,and just stood there,petrified,while I was bowing to the Lord.He raised my face up with both hands on my face,and wiped the blood,with a soft,sinister smile.

Voldy:Bella,I believe this is not the proper way to greet our dear young Raven.Not after she has helped our cause so much.
me:I can hide it easily anyways,please do not waste your time with someone as low as myself.
Voldy:You may be lower,in comparison to me,but you stand much higher than the ones around you.
me:I...I do not know what to say,I feel flattered,My Lord.
Voldy:Give me your hand.
me:Uhm....
Voldy:Reveal it.
me:It is not sightly,Master.
Voldy:Nonetheless,I wish to see it.
me:*sighs*Your wish is my command.
Voldy:Such gruesome scars on such a small,delicate hand.Such lying words,strongly encrypted into your flesh.
me:I got burnt playing with fire,My Lord.It is my own fault.
Voldy:I will prove to you that you chose the right side.The one who did it,tell me a name,and they will be dead.I will show you that there is something here that Dumbledore can never give you,no matter how much he tries.
me:Wh-What is it?
Voldy:Acceptance.Power.Knowledge.You are among the ones like you,there is no room for that filthy discrimination that you had to go through all these years.You hate them,do you not?All those filthy Gryffindors who strut around,thinking they're better than anyone else?
me:I...I do...
Voldy:Admit it to yourself.Do you want to finally be recognised for your strengths?For your wisdom?
me:I-I do!
Voldy:There is no need to shy away anymore,my dear,for you are safe here.This is your home,from now on,and I will protect you.
me:Is...Is it okay to ask so much of you,Master?I'm not worthy of such praise-
Voldy:Severus is my most loyal servant,and you too,will become the same.I ask for nothing more than loyalty,and in return,I can give you everything you desire.

I could feel my breathe hitching in my throat.It took so much to keep calm,and even though I knew everything was a hoax,it felt so convincing and hit all the right marks.I suppose Slytherins are truly the masters of manipulation,after all.
But did I care?
Perhaps not.
Revenge sounds sweeter than I could ever imagined.
WIth tears in my eyes,I suddenly,fell to my knees and bowed deeply,showing all my respect and devotion for the Lord.

Voldy:Rise,my child,as a new one.A child of the darkness,who has fully embraced her qualities and is willing to nourish them.Rise,and say a name.Get revenge!
me:I am Raven Black,a proud Slytherin and eternal servant of My Master,the Dark Lord.I am a Death Eater and I want my revenge!Dolores Umbridge,the bitch who tourmented me the whole year!I want her dead!Tortured into insanity,just like she's done to me!Make her suffer for her sins!
Voldy:*laughs*That's it!That's the determination I wanted to see!The ambition of a true Slytherin,one that most of the vermins that call themselves Death Eaters lack,unfortunately.I will kill her,and it won't be painless.
me:You have my eternal gratitude and servitude.
Voldy:You should start teaching young Draco here what it takes to be one of us,for he will soon become one of us.
me:Yes,My Lord!

And with that,a new life begun.
A new life of never-ending indecisions,problems,existential questions,pain and frustrations.
A true life...
As a Death Eater.