The Raven's Call

Ravenclaw - First Class

Once the feast was over, we were called by our prefect, Robert Hilliard, to follow him toward the Grand Staircase. The Gryffindors headed up to the seventh floor, while the Slytherins made their way down toward the dungeons. As we walked, I watched the stairs shift and change beneath us, a truly magical sight.

"Ravenclaws, follow me," Robert announced, leading us toward the fifth floor on the west side. We passed through a door and climbed a spiral staircase, the old stone steps creaking under our weight.

Finally, we reached a door that didn't have a knob or keyhole. Instead, there was a large bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle. Robert explained that in order to enter the common room, we had to answer a riddle posed by the knocker. If we got it wrong, we'd have to wait until someone else answered it correctly.

"A cowboy rides into town on Friday, stays three days, and leaves again on Friday. How does he do it?" the Eagle asked.

Robert turned to us first-years. "Anyone know the answer?"

I raised my hand without hesitation. "His horse's name was Friday," I said confidently. The door swung open slowly, and the surrounding students clapped. A flush spread across my cheeks, but I smiled as Robert led us inside.

The Ravenclaw common room was breathtaking. A wide, circular space with graceful arched windows that framed the night sky. The walls were draped in blue and bronze silks, and the midnight-blue carpet shimmered with starry patterns that mirrored the constellations above, reflected on the domed ceiling. The room was furnished with simple yet elegant blue tables and chairs. Near the door to the dormitories stood a tall marble statue, its white surface gleaming in the soft light. Portraits of famous Ravenclaws adorned the walls, each telling their own story.

According to Robert, the wind that whistled through the tower's windows was soothing, especially when trying to fall asleep.

"Dormitories are to the right for boys, and to the left for girls," Robert explained before the first years dispersed to explore the common room and settle in. I found a bed between Michael Corner and Terry Boot, two boys I quickly became acquainted with.

Looking up at the clock, I noticed it had just passed 10 o'clock. We had classes tomorrow. Time for bed.

***

Wednesday, September 4th 1991

I slept in and missed breakfast, so by the time I finally woke up, it was already 8:30 AM. I quickly threw on my new uniform and Ravenclaw robes, running my fingers through my dark curls before checking my class schedule. "Transfiguration," I read aloud to myself. Bandit climbed into my pocket as I grabbed my books and headed out of the dorm. I waved 'hi' to a few Ravenclaws as I left the common room, then started my way down the spiral staircase.

As I opened the door to the grand staircase, a Gryffindor suddenly ran headfirst into me. My books went tumbling from my hands as I fell back onto my butt. "Ow..." I muttered softly, looking up to see my attacker. "I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, helping me back to my feet. "I was in such a rush I didn't even look where I was going!" "It—" I began to respond, but he quickly interrupted me. "Here, let me help!" he said, leaning down to grab my books. But of course, our heads collided once again.

"Good morning, Alexander," I said with a sigh, stepping back as I kneeled down to pick up the rest of my books. I reached into my pocket, and Bandit scurried out and up my arm. "Are you okay, little buddy?" I asked him, smiling as he cuddled up to my face. "I really am sorry," Alex said quietly, now picking up the remaining books and handing them to me. "He's very cute! How old is he?"

"He's five," I replied softly, glancing back at him. "What's his name?" Alexander asked, trying to make conversation. "His name is Bandit," I responded, shrugging slightly. I wasn't always great with new people, but I did my best. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again, his concern evident. "Is there anything I can do?"

I shook my head. "No, I just need to get to Transfiguration." "Oh, I have Transfiguration first too!" he said with a grin. "Let's walk together. I won't take no for an answer." I couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay, then," I said before heading down the stairs toward the first floor, Alex walking beside me.

When we reached the first floor, I spotted Asteria Malfoy heading in the same direction. "Morning, Asteria," I greeted softly as we met up with her. "I'm running into you left and right today!" Alexander said, then added, "Oh, running into... I'm sorry, Atticus!" I just brushed it off with a smile. "Morning, guys, did I miss something?" Asteria asked, raising an eyebrow.

I glanced at Alex, who looked a little sheepish. "Oh, Alex just quite literally ran into me," I said with a soft chuckle, while Alex looked away, embarrassed. "I hope you don't miss if you're planning a big prank!" Alex said, trying to change the topic. I raised my eyebrow, confused.

Asteria's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Shh, it's a secret," she replied, placing her index finger over her lips before heading into the classroom. She quickly found a seat next to Draco. "Would you like to sit together?" Alex asked me, spotting an empty table near the Malfoy twins. I shrugged slightly but nodded, then took the seat closest to Asteria.

The room fell silent as Professor McGonagall entered, and an air of seriousness spread through the classroom. "Welcome, students, to Transfiguration class," she announced. "I am Professor McGonagall. We'll begin with an introduction to the Transfiguration alphabet. Open your textbooks to page three."

We all did as instructed, and for the next quarter of an hour, she explained how the Transfiguration alphabet related to the English alphabet, and the correct way to translate between the two. She wrote an equation on the board and asked us to translate it. Then, in a move that surprised the whole class, Professor McGonagall transfigured herself into a cat, jumping onto her desk and sitting down, watching us intently.

A few minutes later, the sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears. I glanced back and saw none other than Harry Potter and Ron Weasley running into the classroom, looking flustered.

"Whew... Made it," Ron mumbled, sounding relieved. "Can you imagine the look on ol' McGonagall's face if we were late?" Professor McGonagall, transformed back in her human self, catching their eyes and raised an eyebrow. "That was bloody brilliant!" Ron exclaimed, clearly impressed. "Oh, thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley," she replied coolly. "Perhaps if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into pocket watches? That way, one of you might be on time."

"We got lost..." Harry muttered apologetically, looking guilty. "Then perhaps a map?" she suggested dryly. "I trust you don't need one to find your seats." Harry and Ron awkwardly shuffled to their seats, with the class snickering at the exchange.