Rescuing Dragons

The Halloween Party

 Even the sound of Peeves yelling, Free loo rolls! while he threw tissue paper all over the castle didn't wake Raven. Peeves always took Mischief Night more seriously than anyone in the castle, starting long before it was actually "night."

When she finally woke up and peeked in her office, Charlie was working on an extended perch area for Chit. Materials had been brought in and he was adding extra branches as well as some things for her to play with. The crow was watching him closely, making chittering noises at times to let him know when she liked something. It was hard to believe less than fifteen hours ago, Chit had barely escaped death.

Charlie noticed Raven in the doorway. "Hey, sleeping beauty, ready to save the world?"

Chit fluttered to her shoulder and Raven kissed her on the beak. "She seems just like her old self!"

"Shouldn't be at the party though, too much stress. I don't mind staying with her."

"I'm so sorry! You should be there when the curse is broken. You've been such an important part of this!"

"It's okay. Not the social type... in case you hadn't noticed."

"Won't you be bored cooped up here? If you keep adding on to Chit's perch, I'll have to move my desk to my bedroom," Raven said with a laugh.

"Nah, I found a Magizoologist book about Japanese Water Dragons in the library. They're not from this area or even Romania but if your father got one, we'll be dealin' with them at some point. Might as well be ready."

"Thank you for being here for me," Raven said, touching his cheek. "I guess I better get myself cleaned up." Charlie left to get his book and give her some time to get ready.

Raven went into the shower. Usually Chit perched on the shower rod, enjoying the steam while fluttering her wings and chattering loudly. Today, she fluttered her wings a little but wasn't her typical noisy self.

Since the teachers were representing the school tonight, they were required to wear robes. Raven had a dark teal one with a silver-lined academic hood that she loved. Thankfully, the robe made it impossible to tell she wasn't wearing her locket. She had no interest in explaining to Narcissa why the present she gave her was currently being worn by a merman.

"Is there anything I can helps you with, Mistress?" Dilly said.

"Would you mind giving me a French braid in the back?"

Dilly took some silver ribbon and entwined it in Raven's hair while she braided it.

"That's perfect, thank you."

There was a knock at the door; Charlie was back with his book. It reminded Raven of the conversation she overheard in the library between Hardwin and Gizem. When she related it to him, he frowned. "Wonder what he meant by, it could change everything for me?"

"I have no idea, but Chit hissed when they walked by and she's never reacted to Gizem. Hardwin must be up to something." She hesitated. "I hope Gizem's not in any danger."

"Why do ya say that?"

"He's never seemed aggressive towards her. It's just... I saw him talking to Milly a couple times and he looked threatening. He definitely has a temper."

Charlie was troubled. "You said he taught at Durmstrang. They tend to hire a certain type." He shook his head "This situation here... be careful."

Raven gave him a kiss and went out the door. The antidote was locked in her father's cupboard and she needed to take it to the kitchen before going to the party. Most of the students were in their common rooms but a few were running through the corridors, laughing and talking with their friends. Everyone was excited. Word had gotten out the Weird Sisters would be playing. After their bass player, Donaghan Tremlett, got married and became a father, there were rumors they might disband since Donaghan wanted to spend more time at home. But the band decided to adjust their schedule so there were less concerts and most of them were in their homeland of Ireland. Having them play here tonight was a real treat.