Mixed Messages (A Drarry Fanfic)

From One Master Manipulator

(Draco)

Raven was everything he'd ever wanted...if he wanted a girl. Unfortunately he did not. Draco was idly picking at his food in the Great Hall while Raven blathered on to Pansy, who looked like she wanted to throw herself, and Raven, in a river. Raven's arm gripped Draco's arm so tightly he feared he might lose circulation. It had been DAYS of this torture, and Draco was close to losing it.

He had lots of time to examine Raven. She was a weird one, that's for sure. She was incredibly smart, and attractive. She came from a poor family of muggles, and had decided to use her looks and cunning to her advantage. She was a master manipulator; everything she did was calculated. Draco figured Raven saw him as a power play. She'd date the handsome, rich, and feared boy of Slytherin to get her name around without actually getting her hands dirty.

It was... intimidating. He'd never known anyone like her, besides himself, of course. But had such a way with her manipulation... that even Draco couldn't beat. It was effortless for her. It was as natural as breathing to her.

    "Ahem! Dray-Dray! Are you listening to me?" Raven demanded, waking him from his stupor.   "Not really", Draco thought, nodding to Raven. She smiled, like a proud parent.
    "So what do you think?"
Draco's mind went blank. He didn't know what they were talking about in any way.
    "Um. I think you know best, Raven," he said, as suavely as possible.
Raven laughed, but her eyes were narrowed with suspicion.
    "Of course you do, bae. But... didn't I tell you to call me Ray-Ray from now on? To prove your love to me?"
She batted her eyelashes at him.

Draco inwardly groaned as Pansy suddenly snapped to attention with a mean smirk.
   "Ray-Ray?" She sneered. "Ray-Ray and Dray-Dray??"
She burst out into hyena-like cackles that filled the Great Hall. Draco tried to keep his face from flushing as he hissed in Raven's ear:  
    "...RAY-RAY. Could I speak to you in private?" She nodded, and yanked him to his feet, nearly dragging him out of the Great Hall.
Pansy was still doubled over laughing, drawing attention to the exiting Slytherins. Draco quickened his pace when he saw Harry glance his way.

Raven dragged him into the Room Of Requirement, and then almost tenderly helped Draco sit.
    "So Dray-Dray... what is it? Not that I don't love causing a scene, but I was really hoping to get some pudding before dinner was over..."

Draco stood up once more to stare down Raven.
   "This isn't working," he said flatly. Raven bit her lip and looked at him with wide eyes.  
    "Whatever do you mean?"

Draco exploded.
    "You know very well what I mean, Raven! You're not my type, I don't love you, and in fact, I could go with never seeing your ruddy face ever again! I could never love someone like you. We. Are. Over."

Raven took a step backward, her eyes flashing with betrayal.
    "But... we're perfect! We were made for each other, and you know it."
Draco looked at her with disgust and said emotionlessly,
   "No. You couldn't be more wrong. From one master manipulator to another, I know you don't care about me. Just as you know I don't care for you."
Raven's eyes lost all look of betrayal and turned to murderous rage.
    "So what?" She spat. "If you know I'm using you than why protest? I'm the best thing that's ever happened to this school!"

    "No. You aren't. Harry Potter will always outshine you, because he's the best thing that ever happened to this school. We might be "perfect" for each other, but I'd take my broken boy any day."

Draco's heart stopped. That's NOT what he wanted to say. He tried desperately to control his blush, but couldn't.
    "I.. I mean- I'd take anyone over you!"

But Raven was laughing. Her laughter no longer sounded nice. It was cold and cruel.
    "Ohhh so that's what this is about... not only were you in love with someone... but it's a boy you claim to hate. It'd be a shame if everyone knew..."