The Crow

Chapter 23. Party I

**CONTENT WARNING**
This chapter contains mature content such as substance use. Material is explained further, see information in "Ongoing Updates, Publishing, Warnings."

Neveah Crow

"Neveah-" A voice rattled my head as I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Neveah, wake up. Class is over."

Groggily I forced open my eyes to see Hermione standing over me. I realized I had fallen asleep during Professor Flitwicks review on charms. The lack of sleep had caught up to me nearly four days into the school year. Usually pushing through a boring class was easy enough, though more recently I could barely get out of bed.

"Quickly, let's go." Hermione tugged on my sleeve as I grabbed my bag. "You're lucky I covered for you. I'm sure Flitwick grew suspicious the more I shouted answers before he could call your name!"

"Thanks 'Mione." I stumbled out the door while rubbing my head. "Don't know what's gotten into me, just really tired I guess."

"Clearly, which I don't understand since you're in bed all day. I'm only saying this because I worry about you, Neveah." Hermione urged. "You just don't seem like yourself. If this is about Drac-"

"Stop. Just stop Hermione." I froze in place just outside the doors to the Great Hall. Students moved past us for lunch. "I'm fine, alright? He has nothing to do with it, so just drop it."

"I'm only trying to help, Nev."

"Yes, I know." I scratched my neck, growing uncomfortable. "Look, I'm sorry for being so snappy. I'm trying, I really am trying to be myself."

Hermione reached for a tight hug, pulling me close. It was nice to feel some sort of comfort, even for a moment. Afterwards, we made our way inside to the boys.

Sitting down across Harry and Ron, we overheard their bitter conversation.

"You're passing Slughorn's class with an O, I don't understand why you can't just help me out!" Ron insisted, nudging Harry while he picked at his food. "Maybe, maybe you can put in a good word for me? For your best mate?"

Harry chuckled at Ron's eagerness. Ron has had a strong need to have all Outstanding grades this year. It was clear he needed some sort of achievement, as if he has something to prove.

"Hermione, there you are!" Ron smiled, "think you can convince Harry for me?"

"Not a chance, Weasley." She replied as we took our seats.

"It's not that difficult Ron, just try your best and you'll do fine." I added.

"Easy for you to say. You barely try in class and always pass with perfect grades." He scoffed.

"I was planning to offer my help, but something changed my mind." I smiled sarcastically.

Ron quickly panicked while Hermione, Harry and I all ignored him for his reaction. Eventually we moved on but they never failed to put on a laughable show.

"Pass me the bread rolls, will ya?" Ron asked with a mouth full of food.

Lifting my head from the table I passed not one, but three bread rolls to Ron. He very happily set them on his plate as he continued to munch away.

"Aren't you going to eat, Nev?" Hermione questioned.

"Not hungry," I assured, placing my head back on the table.

"You haven't eaten lunch for the past two days Neveah, can't you just eat something? Anything really." Her face went worried.