A Raven at Hogwarts

As usual Platform 9¾ was crowded with witches and wizards of various ages. The scarlet steam engine the Hogwarts express was pouring out steam making it difficult to see too far away, but the young man standing next to the train didn't need his eyes to know that his friends were close or that his mother was anxious at his leaving as usual

"Be sure to write me every week to know how you're doing Shane." said Mrs. Talbot.

The young wizard sighed but said nothing knowing that his mother needed to carry out this ritual so that she might feel better. Most people who looked at Shane Talbot wouldn't have thought he cared about his mother's wellbeing, but then those people only saw his looks. His was fairly tall, only slightly above average, with raven black hair and golden eyes and with his pale skin which was constantly cold many thought him handsome and still others thought him a vampire.

"Don't worry Mum. I'll be sure to write every week I'll even send you some sweets from Hogsmeade when I get the chance." he replied with a smile causing her to smile in turn. But he knew that though she felt a little better she was still worried. About what though he never knew. All he knew was that ever since he was small she was afraid of something and that it was because of who his father was but other than that he had no clue.

"Oi, Raven!" turning to look he found, as he knew he would, Richard Blackthorn, his best friend, walking towards him and his mother. Many were intimidated by Richard because of his large muscular frame; chestnut red hair that hung past his shoulders and brilliant blue eyes that seemed to gleam with intensity.

"Welcome back Lionheart." he shouted back. Raven. It was a nickname that his friends had given him last year, and if was honest to himself and everyone else he liked it a lot better than his real name. The two embraced like long lost brothers and fell into conversation

"So were fifth years this year. Tell me Raven, how easy do you expect the O.W.L.s to be?" Lionheart asked

"Oh I'd say as easy as making breakfast Lionheart." Raven replied "Why ask old friend? Nervous?"

"Hardly. We're top of our year and if you can do it then I should be able to do it in my sleep."

"You only could do it in your sleep Lionheart. In your dreams that is." someone behind them said.

Turning about they saw the familiar faces of their best friends Adam Shanks and William Todd, fellow fifth years. Will was the more noticeable of the two from his agonized looking form as though he carried a great weight. His dark brown hair was cut short and thick, his eyes where the same shade of brown as his hair. Standing slightly shorter Adam had light brown hair that was short and thick like Will's, with sharp eyes that where a light icy blue color.

"Nice to see you too Shanks. You alright Will?"

"I'm fine. It's just my illness acting up." said Will quietly

"Is the full moon that close already?" asked Raven

"Keep your voice down!" he whispered harshly glancing about too see if anyone had overheard.

Will had good reason to fear. Even after the Ministry had been reformed people where still anti-werewolf and unfortunately for Will that included him. When he had first gone to Hogwarts he had been so afraid that he wouldn't make friends that he would be alone the entire time he was there. And then he met Raven, Lionheart, and Shanks and they had become his best friends. But he never told them what he was, for he was convinced that they would abandon him if they found out. But they hadn't, they had figured it out on their own and had decided that instead of abandoning their friend they would stick by him. They had even gotten him a great gift, one that they planned on surprising him with when they were back at Hogwarts.

"Boys! Boys!! It's time; it's time the train is getting ready to leave. Hurry go! Get on the train!" said Mrs. Talbot rushing them on the train.

"Bye Mum." said Raven kissing her goodbye before boarding the scarlet steam engine "I'll be sure to write to you at the end of the week. Expect to see Smoke with a letter in his beak."

The scream of the scarlet engine drowned out her reply and as the train began moving faster and faster she began to fade out of sight and soon Raven could do nothing but look forward to another eventful year at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Searching what seemed the entire train the four of them found a compartment that was unoccupied all except for Elizabeth Jones a beautiful young red headed girl with electric green eyes

"You four took your time as always." she said "You're lucky I decided to save you seats."

"Come on Lizzie. You know you can't stay angry at Me." said Raven moving to sit next to her.

"Hmm. Well I might forgive you. If you do something for me." she said

"Ohhh. And what would I have to do to earn this forgiveness?" Raven asked

"I need a new pair of chasers gloves. Mine are starting to grow a little worn." Elizabeth

"If you want a new pair then they're yours." Raven said. It was a curse of his that he could never say no to her. Even when they were kids, before they'd started dating, he had never been able to refuse her. Settling themselves in they began talking of old times and wondering whether or not the O.W.L.s would be as difficult as everyone said that they would be.

"I'm just not sure that I'll be able to cope with it this year." said Will who had always had a problem with nerves

"Oh come one Will. You're going to pass just fine." said Raven "Besides if you start to get worried then Lionheart, Shanks, and I can tutor you."

"Yeah we wouldn't just throw you to the wolves." said Shanks which got a chuckle out of Will and the others.

"Hey!!! Why didn't you include me in that statement Raven!!! I could help tutor him too you know." said Lizzie angrily

"Considering that with your quidditch schedule you barely have time to keep yourself passing I don't think you'd do well at tutoring Lizzie." Raven replied calmly which caused the Shanks to burst into laughter.

"Still jealous that I'm better at quidditch then you Raven?" she asked slyly

"You are not better!!" he shouted with mock anger "I just don't want you to feel bad so I let you win."

"Ohhh. So to make me feel good you lost with an intentional 200 to 30?" she replied mockingly

"All about being a gentlemen." said Raven

"Guys were coming close to the school. I think we should change into our robes now." said Lionheart.
And sure enough there was Hogwarts just far enough in the distance that they still had enough time to change and keep talking for a few just a little while longer about the plans they had for this year, and it didn't take long for Will and Lizzie to notice that whenever the subject of Will or the full moon came up Raven, Lionheart, and Shanks would look at each other and grin victoriously as though they knew something that the other two didn't.