Attending Hogwarts
To say Reggie was excited was a huge understatement. She was up in the very early hours of the day and after saying a quick goodbye to Lucienne, Marv and Matthew, she left the library in search of Dream. Not looking where she was going she bumped into his back, causing her to tumble to the floor. Lying in a heap she chuckled, found her bearing and hopped on Dream’s outstretched hand. The difference between the scared little bird that flew into Dream when she first met him was amazing.
‘Settle down, before you hurt yourself,’ Dream scolded her. ‘Sorry.’ He gave her a pointed look and shook his head in fond aspiration. ‘Ready?’
‘Yes, and I know, be careful, don’t go into the woods and listen to Isis at all times.’
‘Cheeky bird.’ The tone was stern, but without any heat to them and Reggie hopped on Dream’s shoulder to rub her head against his cheek. ‘I’m sorry, but I am so happy. Thank you so much for allowing me to go.’ Dream stroked her feathers and opened a portal, for Reggie to go through. ‘Give my regards to Isis. I will see you tonight. I’m looking forward to all your tales.’
Flying through the portal, Reggie flew over the grounds of Hogwarts, looking around for Isis. The wind was a soft caress on her wings and she enjoyed every second of it. Being a bird was awesome. Sometimes, and she would not say this out loud, she preferred being a bird to a human girl. She knew she would eventually become a girl again, just like she was every night, but the total freedom she had as a bird, after being abused for so long, meant a lot to her.
Suddenly a shadow appeared over her and startled the little raven. She ducked down, just like Matthew thought her, and set off to avoid danger. It wasn’t until she heard her name being called she halted and turned around midair. The shadow belonged to Isis, who looked proudly at her.
‘Wonderful flying sweetie. Very good indeed, to take flight. You never know!’
Both ravens descended and landed near the Owlery. ‘I’m sorry Isis, you startled me.’ Isis stretched her wings to make sure every feather was where it should be and laughed. ‘No need for apologies.’ Soft screeching caused both ravens to look up, to see they had an audience. Several owls looked at them. Isis waved with her wing and the owls hooted in greeting.
‘So, this wizard you are going to spent time with, tell me about him.’
‘His name is Severus Snape. He teaches Potions and he is very nice. He is going to teach me a lot and I can stay in his room. And there is also Mr. Malfoy, and Mr. Filius, and Miss. Minerva and…’
‘Hooo, settle down, all those names… Would it not be better to introduce me to them?’ Isis took her job seriously and wanted to know all the humans the little bird would have contact with. So both ravens took off and flew to the doors leading into the castle. It was still very early, so the doors were closed. Isis used her beak to knock on the door and to Reggie’s surprise, the door opened. ‘How did you do that?’
‘That my dear, is my little secret.’ Reggie and Isis hopped over the threshold and Reggie felt a warm feeling coming over her. Isis noticed this. ‘What was that? Did you feel something?’ Isis asked her.
‘I don’t know, I suddenly felt this warmth that came over me.’
‘Hmm. I have a feeling that the wards recognized you and welcomed you. Now that you are not simply visiting, but staying here.’
‘Did you feel it too?’
‘I did not. But understandable, since I am not a witch. You, however, I have the feeling you will be very powerful. Now, let’s find this wizard of yours.’
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Severus was an early riser, but given the fact that it was merely 6.15 AM, he was in the process of getting up. Lying on his back, he thought about what the day would bring. Regina would come, with another raven to look after her. Everything was ready, so it would be fine. Suddenly, his wards alerted him that someone or something was trying to open his doors. Swiftly Severus rose, grabbed a dressing gown and his wand, before leaving his bedroom.
He was greeted by two birds. One was quite big and intimidating, the other quite small and cute. ‘How did you…’ he made a gesture towards the doors. Severus was beyond confused. How the hell did they enter his rooms?
Isis tilted her head and looked over to the smaller raven. ‘Magic, my dear fellow…magic.’
What the bloody hell? Magic, of course it had to have been magic, but a bird could not circumvent his wards. Severus was very close to losing his cool when Reggie flew over to him and landed on his shoulders. ‘She will not tell me either…sorry sir.’
Severus felt his anger melting away and sighed in defeat before looking at the bird on his shoulder. ‘I suppose good morning is in order then. Are the ladies hungry?’ Best to go with the flow. A House Elf came when Severus clapped in his hands. ‘Fruit please, and raw meat. And some coffee and eggs for me.’ The Elf bowed, left and within a minute the order was set on the table.
‘I like your style, my man,’ Isis quipped and devoured the meat, while Reggie ate the fruit. Severus quietly sipped his coffee and ate his eggs, while observing the birds on his table.
Isis was huge compared to Regina. ‘You are a Tower Raven?’ he asked hesitantly.
Isis looked at the black-haired wizard. ‘Correct.’
‘Will you also be staying in my rooms?’
‘No, at night I will return to the Tower, lest the humans there will throw a hissy fit when they can’t find me. In the morning I will be close by, but I will not attend the classes. Just think of me as a confidant for missy here. If you call my name, I will come.’
Isis was done eating. ‘I know it is quite early for you humans, but if possible, I would like to meet the humans that Reggie will be in contact with. It would be a shame if I think someone is baring her ill will…and attack.’ The threat was clear. Isis was not to be trifled with. Looking at her sharp beak and talons, Severus nodded. ‘Yes, that would not be pleasant.’
‘We understand each other then?’ Severus nodded and conjured his Patronus.
In the hours that followed Isis had met everyone that Reggie would have regular contact with, even Sirius. Satisfied with all these humans, she looked over at Reggie and informed her that she would fly the grounds and the forest and would be back later. Everyone left Severus and Reggie alone, and the silence returned to his rooms. The little raven looked up at him and Severus sighed. Here it goes…