The Raven Mage

Chapter Six: First Flight

Hogwarts in the dead of night was a completely different creature than the one Raven had encountered earlier. Wandering cautiously through the dark halls, she dismissed all former assessments. For the first time in years, Raven felt a sense of thrill. She walked slowly though the hallways, running her hands along the walls as she went.

But the sound of quick footsteps froze her. She pressed herself against the wall and waited. She felt the strange shiver run through her body as it melted into the shadows. She'd practiced this trick in Azkaban often enough, but it always felt so odd.

To her surprise, it was Snape who came around the corner. She almost stepped forward to reveal herself, but she hesitated. What was Snape doing wandering the halls so late? She remained in the shadows as he passed, leaving him none the wiser. He turned another corner and Raven was tempted to follow him, just to see where he was going. But she decided against it. She had places to be. She'd worry about Snape's destination after she'd reached her own.

Raven stepped away from the wall, but took the shadows with her. She was on the fourth floor and heading towards the library. It had been in her mind since she entered the school to search the library. Perhaps it was her old childhood fascination with books that urged her so. She smiled slightly as she remembered how fast she tore through books with her mother...and then frowned at the memory of her mother. Another shiver ran through her.

******

Dumbledore looked up as Snape as he entered the circular office. "Thank you for seeing me so late, Severus."

"Of course, Headmaster," Snape said, nodding to him. He sat down in the chair in front of the desk. "I'm used to late nights, after all."

"Of course," Dumbledore said. "Now, what can you tell me about this girl, Severus?"

Snape let out a deep sigh and shook his head. "She's...quite complicated. She has not told me of what the Dark Lord's orders were and I don't think she intends to do so."

"Have you any idea what her orders could be?"

"I'm afraid not," Snape replied. "She could be here for any number of reasons. I'm not certain what her powers are either. She's immune to wizarding magic, that's the only thing I'm certain of."

Dumbledore frowned. "And what of her personality? Her past? Her reasons for serving Voldemort?"

Again, Snape shook his head. "She is very good at concealing her emotions, but I've seen hints of kindness. She's nothing like a Death Eater actually. She's not power-hungry, nor is she a follower. She seems to find other Death Eaters distasteful." He smiled slightly. "She certainly doesn't get along with Bellatrix."

"Oh?"

"The first morning of her freedom, Bellatrix cornered her and attacked her," Snape explained, still smiling. "The Dark Lord was not pleased."

"Hm." Dumbledore sat back and put the tips of his long fingers together. "You told me before the year started that Voldemort considered this child his favorite. What is their relationship? How do they react to each other?"

"She challenges him," Snape said. "He doesn't treat or speak to her as such, but they seem to be equals. They argue, bite at each other, when they disagree. But he's extremely protective of her, most likely because of the amount of power she possess. Yet it appears that she doesn't care how he views her. If I wasn't in a constant life and death situation over there, it would have been highly amusing."

Dumbledore chuckled. "I'd imagine so. Well," he said, "Keep an eye on her and try to figure out just what Voldemort has ordered her to do here. And...watch for signs that could lead her to coming to our side of the fight, alright? If she truly isn't like a Death Eater, then there might be hope for her."

*******

Raven flipped through a pile of old Daily Prophets she's found, scanning the pages as she went. After thirteen years in Azkaban, she was able to read the papers clearing without a light. They wouldn't give me the answers in Azkaban, she thought bitterly. So I'll just have to find them myself.

Dates flashed before her eyes, her mind working faster than her hands. September, October, November, December of 1949. January, February, March of 1950...Raven sighed and put a hand to her forehead. Who were you Christine Rose? Why did the Death Eaters want you dead?

She turned her head suddenly at a faint noise at the library doors. She set the papers back on the table and stepped over press her back against a bookshelf.

"Check every corner, my sweet," came the low creeping voice of the caretaker Filch. Raven stiffened and cursed herself for not being more careful. She waited in the shadows as Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, came closer to her hiding place. The cat could smell her, Raven was certain of it.

Mrs. Norris stopped right in front of her, purring softly. Raven stared at her for a moment, confused, and then she smiled slightly. She put a finger to her lips and then gestured for the cat to walk away. Mrs. Norris rubbed against Raven's legs and then took off for another corner of the library. Raven let out the breath she'd been holding, waited until she heard Filch leave the library, and then slipped out into the hallway. That was enough searching for one night.

******

Hermione glanced up from her book as Harry and Ron came down from the boys dormitory. "Morning," she said cheerfully. She received a rather dirty look from a very disgruntled Ron and a yawn from Harry. Smiling and shaking her head, she set her book aside. "It's the first day off. Do you two have any plans?"

"Not really," Harry said, glancing out the dawn frosted window. The sun was slowly gaining strength as it rose, promising to be a clear day. "Maybe go down to the pitch and practice." he glanced at Ron, who simply shrugged and nodded.

"Let's get some breakfast first, eh?" he said over a yawn of his own.

******

In the cold Slytherin common room, Raven was glancing through her book once again. The room was nearly empty, save for a few other student scattered around, enjoying their free time. Raven, however, wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. She considered wandering down to the lake. She'd been enjoying being out in open air since being freed from Azkaban. With a small sigh, she closed her book and uncurled from the large armchair. As she walked towards the stone entrance of the common room, she smiled politely to a seventh year sitting by herself. Seeing the rather forlorn look upon the older girl's face, Raven found herself strangely hesitant to just pass by. She backtracked and sat down beside her, "Hi...is something wrong?"

The girl shrugged. "Relationship problems; nothing big. You're the new girl, aren't you?"

"Uh huh," she replied. "I'm Raven."

"Forgive my having to ask," the girl said, offering her hand. "See, I don't usually acquaint myself with my fellow Slytherins. I'm Clara." She brushed her chestnut hair over her shoulder and smiled. She had the brightest eyes, despite their color being dark gray. "I've seen you hanging around Malfoy's gang."

"I arrived with them," Raven explained. "They've been showing me around, teaching me the ropes and such."

"Hmph," Clara sounded contemptuous towards them. Raven felt a sense of comradeship towards her. "Where were you headed?"

"Just down to the lake," Raven said.

"Mind if I walk with you?" Clara asked. "I need some fresh air and good company."

Raven hesitated, chewing on the inside of her cheek. "Sure, though I'm not sure I'm such good company."

Clara laughed and it was a bright sound. "Any company is better than those pathetic power-hungry peasants you've been hanging around, my dear." She stood and offered her hand again. Raven took it, letting Clara pull her up too. She felt a little bemused by the girl. Had she just made an actually friend?