For Artemis the silence in the living room was frightening and relaxing at the same time. She was amazed that time moves so fast she didn't even realize that holidays were coming before Christmas was on her in a blink of an eye.

Lately Hogwarts life was indeed very enjoyable for her. Her uncle and aunt come to pick her up in the train station. Too bad Nathan was gone before she had the chance to introduce them.

Though she did get to see Nathan's grandpa and his eccentric cousin Lizzy. To be honest she was a little intimidated by the serious look in Thomas's face but she did get well along with Lizzy.

Even though Lizzy seems too talkative it didn't bother Artemis too much, hanging out with three unruly kids for more than three months would do that to you.

Maybe it was because she heard a lot about Lizzy from Nathan or she knew Nathan cherished his grandpa and Lizzy very much.

First and foremost, she really didn't want to create a bad image of herself in front of these two people. Lizzy made her promise to write to her every now and then; Artemis easily agreed.

Lizzy was goofy and Charming enough for Artemis to ignore the intimidating grandpa. Thomas clearly maintains a certain distance from the start after Nathan introduced her to them.

Artemis doesn't want to assume anything negatively in their first meeting. Besides considering he was an adult Artemis didn't think much of it. The older people are, the more eccentric they are.

Her uncle was at times like this too, she was used to it. To her men were rather unfathomable creatures maybe because the only adult male she grew up with is her uncle.

What shocked her wasn't Nathan's family but it was her family. With her uncle and aunt were her cousins who also chose to tag along to welcome her. Which was a huge surprise, because she didn't think they would show up.

After all, she knows her cousins might have only come home a day or two ago. How could they come here to receive her like this? She didn't have any hope for it anyways. At least not with Chloe.

Because they didn't get along well with one another from a very young age. At least that's her opinion of her cousins; she had two cousins, both of them are girls.

It was her impression that both of them didn't like her much. Maybe it was because of her quiet nature or something else she doesn't have any clue but she was treated like a pariah.

But Artemis wasn't exactly sure what made them dislike her too much, it still remained a mystery. Later when Chloe went to school Artemis and Agnes (her second cousin) had to spend time together.

Artemis managed to thaw the coldness and baseless prejudice in Agnes' heart. After all they both only a year apart, they had to wait five to six years before it's their time for school.

So when Chloe went to school Artemis and Agnes had to spend time together. They slowly started to get along well, but Chloe came back. She was shocked and angry; she made it obvious to Artemis however effort she may put it wasn't possible to move her heart like Agnes.

Which hurted Artemis greatly, she did nothing to deserve this. She even plans to go to childcare or an orphan so Chloe didn't have to fight with her parents because of her.

Unfortunately it remained as a plan when it was her time to enter the school; Despite her uncle's protest she still managed to enter Hogwarts.

Artemis wanted to study in the same school as her parents and uncle. Besides, it sounds so great and magical from her uncle's stories. Moreover Artemis had another goal for studying at Hogwarts.

It was in a way relief for Artemis, but who knows when she came back for holiday Chloe profusely came to her and apologized to her with sincerity. Honestly she didn't know how to react to this, Artemis felt too embarrassed to say anything else.

After all Chloe was already in her seventh year in Beauxbatons academy and officially an adult. So hearing Chloe come to apologize to her made Artemis feel various kinds of emotions.

She wanted to ask what happened and why her cousin was suddenly apologizing to her and being nice to her. In the end Artemis decides against it, this question kinda seems pompous and rude to ask.

But since Chloe didn't tell the details specifically for her change of heart, she doesn't want to pry either. Artemis really didn't hate her eldest cousin as long as everything was fine with them.

It's not like her cousins bullied her when she was young. Her uncle and aunt were very nice to her and raised her like their own children. They never tolerated that kind of bullying behavior so Artemis never suffered one.

There are times when the two of her cousins reluctantly allow her to join their game on their parents coaxing. When Artemis thought of this it still made her quite amused.

She felt that if she was in their place she too must have perhaps acted like them who knows? Even with her aloof attitude she was extremely jealous of Chloe's pampering towards Agnes.

Artemis was also kind of a tough girl as well. She wasn't the type to act pitiful or beg them to take her in. She would rather lock herself in her room then go beg them to accept her, she was prideful like that.

Maybe it was because of that attitude she and Chloe never get along well. Artemis knows Chloe too had a similar personality and a very stubborn kid to boot.

After the brief emotional drama came to an end she and her uncle's family took Portkey and went back to France, where they live. While her aunt and Chloe made dinner in the kitchen.

Her uncle and second cousin asked her about how the school was so far. Which propelled her to tell a brief version of her school life. The loud sound of laughter echoed through the living room.

Which attracted the other two women in the kitchen. At one point they too come out and sit in the living room to listen to Artemis' school life. Artemis generally said bits and pieces of everything.

" No way! that's not possible. You were lying to us don't you?.... How could there be a magical raven? A Special Halloween pranks on everyone in the school and how can someone possibly eat a freaking poltergeist like a candy?" Agnes retorted, shook her head vehemently, She wasn't willing to buy this at all.

Artemis was just retelling interesting tidbits in her Hogwarts life as a first year Ravenclaw. She didn't find the need to hide most of the things they would think would bring trouble. Amusingly enough they still couldn't believe what they were hearing.

Thankfully her uncle Duncan was a graduate in Hogwarts and always exaggerated about how magical the castle is. Despite his bitterness towards Britain and anything to do with it.

Even Artemis had to admit, a group of first year sneaking around the castle on their own wasn't that realistic. But that was the truth so when she said some of the stunts Nathan pulled on professors and a group of ghosts even her uncle seemed to be struggling to stomach it.

Artemis wished she had brought some of the trinkets in Nathan's hands. " I'm not lying to you guys....How about this; I'll ask Nathan to send some stuff. What do you think? Then you guys believe me right?"

she voluntarily said this not because she wanted to prove anything to them. She wanted some reason to write a letter.

Agnes and others looked at each other and shook her head " It's alright, no need for that we believe you " it Was her aunt who intervened and stopped Agnes from saying anything further. "He might be busy touring somewhere and attending parties"

They said in a way that was expected of Britain's noble wizard family. But It's apparent none of them seems to believe her claims. After all, it's indeed over the top besides that she was still an eleven year old girl to them.

Would an eleven year old have the courage to daringly prank all the teachers in Hogwarts like that. So Artemis couldn't help but brag at their achievements and she impulsively broke her agreement with Nathan.

She didn't realize it was something to brag about. Many things changed in her perception and thought process. Which undoubtedly influenced by Nathan's unruly behavior.

*Pop* *Caw caws caw*

With a whooshing sound a beautiful raven appeared in their living room and landed on Artemis' shoulders with a haughtiness and elegance that was too unrealistic for a raven.

The four people in the room with Artemis stunned on their seats. As they stared at the raven with utter bewilderment, never had they seen a bird teleported.

Artemis's full attention was on the letter on its mouth. Agnes had a hysterical expression as she pointed at the raven "I-t's that the Nyx you talked about? " and shakily asked.

With its beak free, Nyx stood up tall and straight and nodded towards Agnes with Artemis at the same time. Then it jumped on to the top of the table in the center of the room and spread its wings and did a perfect englishman bow.

" Bonjour mesdames et messieur, comment vas-tu? " Nyx spoke in a slightly unnatural voice.

*Squeal*

" That thing can talk? " Agnes

squealed in surprise and jabbed her fingers in Nyx directions with astonishment.

Nyx turned to look at the astonished Agnes and wink at her. Agnes' jaw fell open even Artemis was also surprised by this show.

"Are you dumb?" Chloe swatted her sister on the back " Ravens can talk too'' Agnes turned to glare at her sister; who couldn't hide her amazement despite reprimanding her little sister.

" It's 'him' ....call him Nyx. He hated it, when people treated him like a common raven out there " Artemis tried to change the solemn mood as she put in her thoughts with a peculiar expression.

The four of them looked at one another once again and they all nodded understandingly "Okay "

"Is that so!"

"How cute!"

"Yeah, got it"

*caw caw*

Nyx cawed and drew their attention to it once more as he flew back to Artemis' shoulder with a gentle flap of his wings.

‹Nathan sent his regards to everyone and wished you all a Happy Christmas› then turned its head towards Artemis and said ‹I gotta go bye Arte! Don't worry I'll bring everyone some gifts next time› with that the raven jumped up and popped out of the living room.

'Arte?' Artemis' cousins raised their eyebrows and they sized up Artemis subtly. 'Was that a pet name? I thought she didn't like it when someone shortened her name.

The room fell into silent, Chloe hesitantly asked " Did that thin- *Ahem* I mean, the Raven just disappeared?" she still couldn't believe it even after witnessing it for the second time.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

She could do that too but when the bird did it was more smooth and elegant then she did. Moreover she got her license in a single try; all her pride now flushed down the toilet.

Artemis felt stifled when her family still treated Nyx as a common roadside raven " Correction, as I said earlier, that was his special talent or something. Nathan once called it dimensional glide... No surfing, um something like that "

Artemis didn't know how to explain this, she remembers Nathan saying something along the line. 'Well it doesn't matter I'll ask him to explain it to me once more when we returned to Hogwarts'

She carelessly thought to herself. " Aren't you going to open the letter? " Agnes asked, her eyes on the letter never left it for the past five minutes. If it wasn't for her dad and mom present in the same room she might have really snatched it away from Artemis.

In fact, the four of them were very surprised seeing her talk about someone for almost an hour. Yeah it's true she did mention her other friends, other than Kate whom she talked about for nearly four minutes.

She merely mentioned Marcus and Eddie two times in the whole hour of talking. For the rest of her talks one way or another about Nathan or herself.

What she didn't know was that her Uncle and Aunt really worried about her, when she went to Hogwarts. They really worried that her family reputation would hurt her.

They also know her antisocial behavior and worry she might isolate herself like she had been with her equally headstrong cousins. They both seem very pleased with this development.

*gasp*

Artemis heard a gasp and looked up seeing wide eyed Agnes looking at her putting away the letter. "Why are you putting it away?"

"I'm going to read it later " Artemis replied honestly, looking alert when she saw Agnes stand up.

" Don't be like that Celine, come on let's read it here. It's your first letter from your friends right? " Agnes cooed as she slowly walked over.

" I'm not going to read it here...you! Don't come any closer " Artemis also stands up ready to bolt to her room.

"Nope, you aren't going anywhere " Agnes angles herself to intercept Artemis' sprint.

" Agnes!" Both of her parents, called out sternly, stopped but her eyes burned with curiosity " Come on Celine, don't be a spoilt sport....just this once. I just want to take a look...only once." her tone was pleading and whiny.

"No! " Artemis resolutely shook her head " I don't ever remember demanding to read your letters from your friends? " Artemis retorted.

Agnes smiled brightly, " Exactly! you never asked for it in the first place. That's not my fault " Artemis had a speechless look " I'll give you some of my old letters...how does that sound? "

Artemis gave her a deadpan look "Heeeeuuuuukk!" squealed in surprise when she reflexively stepped away from Agnes' unexpected pounce. Shouting at her to leave her alone. Artemis ran off to her room and quickly locked her door.

Her face flushed red in embarrassment, anger and helplessness. She couldn't hear Agnes so she placed her ears on the door and breathlessly listened to the sound of Agnes' running food steps.

But instead she heard her uncle and aunt reprimanding Agnes. Who was whining to unbind her from the spell as she acted like a spoilt kid. Artemis' breathing returned to normal and snorted lightly after hearing her cousin's fate.

After carefully locking her room she went to her writing desk and switched the enchanted table lamp on her desk. Artemis nervously took out her letter from her dress.

Dear Arte,

You might be surprised and wondering why I sent a letter this soon. But it looks like I will be busy for the next few days so I thought it would be better if I told you three beforehand.

So don't be surprised if I don't reply to any of you for the next few days... Um, let's say for the entire holiday.

My grandpa as usual had a task for me, we are going to a brief tour around Europe and attend a few balls and parties.

Apparently I won't spend my birthday with them this year so we are also going to celebrate it. Well at least Lizzy is coming with me. I'm not his only focus.

Let me tell you a secret. If the three of us went out, my grandpa put more attention to Lizzy so didn't do anything reckless; yes, like I mentioned before she can be handful at times. Besides, traveling is also a part of relaxation.

One more thing, Lizzy already started to harass me. I have this strange uneasiness which is not without a reason; I guess she might send you letters every few days.

So don't be too surprised.... And I'm sorry, I couldn't meet with your uncle and aunt but I will make it up to you when the Christmas holidays are over. Let's see if I can get something to their taste for Christmas gifts.

Um... Don't get it in a wrong way. Is it okay for me to send them gifts? I'm super nervous and excited; I asked the boys as well but I doubt they would tell me anything useful.

I had a pretty good idea what to give you three, so wait for a surprise. Do me a favor and give me some idea of what I should get.

I am also planning to ask my grandpa for a little advice so I guess my gifts wouldn't be too shabby. Now that I think about it....

I feel that you look slightly uncomfortable when you talk to grandpa. Let me tell you, he wasn't that scary after a few more meetings you'll understand what I'm trying to say.

Besides, you don't have to write her a letter or reply to her if you don't feel like it. I'll make sure she understands, I already told her you were very shy. I asked Nyx to stop by your room tomorrow night so you can send your reply.

Goodnight Arte, see you later

The one and only

Nathaniel Reed

Artemis Reread it a few more times and sighed to herself l. She has been nervous about what to write to him and slightly afraid whether he should reply or not.

It looks like she was overthinking it, due to growing up friendlessly she had lots of insecurities in her heart. She thought Nathan would have similar thoughts from the looks of it that's not seem the case.

Artemis looked outside the window dazedly; her mind goes back to the time when she first time got caught crying by Nathan. That night she was crying in the common room very late at night.

She didn't know where he came from but she was startled when the common room door opened at such a late hour. She was so frightened that she almost fainted; she heard that professor Flitwick came to check on the raven claw common room.

She didn't go to her room because of her fight with her dorm mates. So Instead of going back she has been crying in the common room; she was afraid they would see her like this and might make more fun of her.

From the very start she hadn't had much contact with her dorm mates. The only person she talked to so far was Cho Chang. Her lack of response must have irked them; they too ignored her.

She didn't think of it much, Artemis kinda used to this kind of thing so it wasn't a problem for her. It was better than making small forced talks, complimenting them or putting on a fake smile.

They seemed to be further irked by her nonchalant attitude or by the way, she didn't respond to their dismissive behavior. She didn't know when but

They started to talk badly about Artemis behind her back.

Eventually she became aware of this But at least when she was nearby back then they pretended like nothing happened. Although she was a little bit bothered by their two faced attitude she still chose to ignore it and endure it.

Later as if they decided she was a soft persimmon they openly talked badly about her, spreading some nonsensical rumors. She was upset but she didn't know how to deal with this or what their problem was.

There was all kinds of nonsense coming from their mouths. Then there was this time when they came to her voluntarily to talk. She could tell they didn't come to apologize to her.

They seem rather curious about the rumor of her teaching Nathan how to fly. It was going on for more than a month they only figured out by now but still felt no harm in telling them.

Ever since then they were more hostile and unreasonable than before. Like a rabid dog they maliciously gossiped and spread rumors that she was a member of Evil wizard family and a mean arrogant girl.

Slytherin spy, Dark Lord's faction and another rumor of her bullying her roommates to all the first years and some upper years ravenclaw girls.

There are even rumors saying she studied black magic from a young age. It was now even the older girls started to avoid her. Their dumb mentality and deep rooted notions hurted her.

Artemis felt like she shouldn't have ignored their taunts beforehand, when it had just started. Sooner or later they would talk about it and it would spread across the whole Hogwarts.

She knew the efficiency of the rumor mill, but didn't know how to defend herself against such baseless rumors. She even wanted to complain about it to the head of the house.

She was especially worried about her friends' reaction to this. For the last few days she has been very nervous as if they are suddenly going to accuse her and ask her to leave their side.

Just this evening, someone put a black clothed doll in her bed. She was furious and had a fight with her dorm mates. Because of this she felt slightly nervous to go back to her dorm.

"Nathan what are you doing here?....Don't tell me you were wandering the castle past curfew?" Artemis raspily asked. " You know how late it was?"

Nathan stared at her silently for a minute before coming to her and bent down to get a closer look at her face " You are really crying? What happened to you? " Nathan looked concerned.

Even though she didn't want to say anything, Seeing his caring face made her hesitate and in the end hesitantly told him what happened. Nathan was a good listener, he didn't mock her or disgusted by her.

Instead he had an indignant look on his face. " You should have told me earlier. Don't take their words to heart , trust me people don't have a reason to 'mean' to anyone. People are sadistic like that"

He gently squeezed her shoulder, " You know! You were kind of dumb thinking there must be something wrong with you for even a second " Artemis stopped her sobbing, shrinking a little seeing his upset with her.

" It makes me sick when people have these kinds of self doubts. The more you think like this the more twisted you become " Nathan had a very annoyed look.

"Think about it, if you have such thoughts, as they continue to oppress you, your intelligence will drop slowly to a level of pitiful worm. Are you okay with it?"

Artemis blinked and seeing his angry face she burst out crying. Nathan sat down and hugged her lightly " I'm sorry, I don't mean to scold you... Don't cry, stop sobbing!"

" Have you ever heard people kind of look ugly while they were crying? You know it's true...right now your face is a mess and looks very ugly" Artemis seemed to calm down a lot.

She looked up at him and sniffed, Nathan hesitantly asked "You are feeling better right?"

Artemis nodded, feeling a little shy as she realized he was hugging her but she didn't push him right away. " You aren't an evil witch are you?"

"Huh?"

"What I'm trying to say is...." Nathan scratched his head lightly and put together his thoughts.

" They spread a rumor you were into black magic, bad girl didn't they? '' Artemis hesitantly nodded, not understanding why he was asking " I'm just saying, I had a feeling if you don't lose your cool like this; They should have shut up eventually..."

Artemis looked up at him Nathan smirked " You heard me, they were just doing this out of their twisted sense of satisfaction and stroked their ego. The more you reacted to them, the more they would show interest in toying you around...they are nothing more than bullies "

Artemis was about to say something, Nathan waved her off " I know you might not believe me, in fact you don't have to believe me. What you have to do right now is appease the injustice you have suffered in their hand"

Artemis puzzled " Never thought of this, did you? You are so clever yet so naive. Don't glare at me....I'm Just saying what should help you come out of this."

Nathan held up a finger "This time I'll seek justice for you. But from here on you have to stand up for yourself. If you don't seek justice for yourself, who do you think stand up for yourself? " Nathan seriously look at

her.

"Remember only one time" Nathan repeated.

Artemis tilted her head, " What are you talking about? Nathan... Don't get involved in this" she said softly, she was glad he was concerned about her and stood by her side.

But she really didn't want to get him involved in this mess. They were girls and he was a boy what could he do, ' Could it be...he want to file a complaint to Flitwick '

"They were just aggravating you because they thought they could. What right do they have to talk about you behind your back? They are so whimsical and fearless that's why they dare to do something like this." Nathan's face contorted in fury.

Artemis was slack jawed, she could more or less understand what he was saying. But seeing him talk so passionately because someone bullied her warmed her heart.

She felt as though something magical dispelling all the grievance and gloomy feeling in her heart. She felt for the first time someone really outside her family genuinely cared about her.

Moreover, she was surprised that he spoke with such maturity, it felt like comforted by an adult. He is encouraging her to stand up to herself, she could feel his sincerity in his voice and actions.

She felt touched only now did she feel it. The secure feeling he was giving her felt different....this was a different kind of feeling she felt towards him.

It's no longer a mere crush and attraction; she was really appreciative of his friendship for the first time. She was glad she didn't shy away from making friends.

Artemis smiled teary eyed "Hey why are you crying again? Are you a cry baby or what?" Nathan asked who was passionately talking on her behalf only to see her become teary eyed . It was kind of frustrating.

But Nathan had a peculiar look as he observed her then he put on a scowl " If you are going to cry once again then I'll get going. If you are this weak, standing up to you was just wasted effort on my part" Nathan got up.

"No no...don't go! I'm sorry I'm not crying anymore " Artemis panicked and pulled him down. Afraid he would get up once again she climbed on to his lap shocking and embarrassing Nathan.

" What are you doing? I promised I wouldn't go, just get off my lap. Arte I was just kidding...just teasing you " Artemis shook her head, Nathan smiled wryly.

Outside of both of their expectations, both of them felt touched and peaceful in that arrangement. Both of them didn't know when but Artemis started to talk about something she hides deep in her heart.

Nathan fell silent, she carefully looked at him but she saw no fluctuation in his expression. It was only after she blurted out did she realize she talked about something she wasn't ready for yet.

Surprisingly Nathan didn't have any judging eyes or preconceived notion when he heard her out but pondered. " You think he wouldn't have done those horrible things isn't that right?"

Artemis nodded her head but she couldn't look into his eyes. In fact she wasn't a hundred person true but she wanted to believe her intuition.

"Alright, I believe you "

"What?" astonished, she hurriedly looked at him.

Nathan has a serious expression, " I think you were over reacting a little bit don't you? " Nathan tapped her head "I'm not acknowledging he is innocent...but, put my trust in your words."

"You See, they are clearly different. But don't worry, I try my best to assist you in this. Because I want my Arte happy "

Artemis hugged him tightly other than feeling very emotional she felt butterflies in her stomach. Despite her lethargic state, her mind and heart were enthusiastic about something he said.

' His' huh!' She felt incredibly thrilled.

"Celine honey! Dinner is ready " she heard her aunt calling her down. She carefully folded down her letter and hid it in a secret place in her room.

Just in case an overgrown thriving squirrel comes to her room and looks for it. 'The nerve of her, I'll teach her... Er, why did I suddenly think about pranking her even though she herself was surprised by this strange impulsiveness.

She scolded Nathan In her heart and skipped downstairs to have her dinner.