A Snake in the Gryphon's Den: A Riddle in Gryffindor {Completed}

The Weasleys II

Walking up the spiral tower paused midway up the staircase. The scent of owl excrements already perfumed the air at this level, making the Weasley cringe his nose. Quickly running up the stairs at hearing another set of feet echoing up the stone flight, sighed and sneezed at the top; eyes fixed on the envelope he held between his fingers, {If she doesn't reply, that's it.} Fred's mental declaration hung on the frosty air as he clenched the small box in his right palm. Ignoring the second body that seemed to emerge behind him, walked up to their family owl Errol while attaching an envelope to a small package.

"You too?" George walked up to the raptor and frowned holding up his envelope as well. " Think this ol-bird can handle it?"

"He's never disappointed us before.." Ron appeared behind Fred as he too attached an envelope. "It's not going to work you know.." He said quietly as he looked down at the aged bird. "Hermione already sent three letters this week, and she got nothing..And they're supposed to be very close too."

"Well we still gotta try," Fred said as he adjusted the ropes attaching their letters. "Godspeed Errol," George concluded as their owl took off into the early wintery night.
~~~~~

"Lizzy!!! You've received a lettairr!"
Gabrielle dragged the hand of the girl who was enjoying a slice of Black Forest cake in the common room, to their bedroom window, smiling and bouncing on her toes. "See! I told your zey 'ave not forgotten about you!"

Elizabeth's eyes gawked at the sight before her, "E-EROL!?" She burst struggling to get her window open. " Gah this thing! It just won't open!"

"Let me 'elp," Gabby waved her wand only to find that the glass was frozen to the frame. " Zoot alor! It's frozen!"

Lizzy just stared as the owl looked like he was about to drop and scowled. Slamming her hand hard against the glass, nearly broke the pane as the ice shattered around it startling the poor bird. A few moments later, the finely carved mahogany window with rose engravings popped open,and she grabbed the stiff raptor before he fell over the edge. " Gotcha!"
Closing the window smiled an hugged Errol tightly. " Boy are you a sight for sore eyes!"

"Someone you know?" Gabby giggled, " Wait I'll go grrab some 'ot tea," she bounded off as her roommate turned on the lights and warmed up the owl by their personal fireplace.

"You poor thing!" Lizzy said as she handed him a piece of meat from her stu. Eating in her room had become a habit of hers, and the fact she had befriended their chef meant she got extra servings of dessert- which worked out just fine since Gabrielle enjoyed the secret treats from the kitchen too. " Hehe, you like that don't you," she smiled.

"Tha's guud," Errol's elderly voice played through.

"I know right?" Elizabeth casually prompted as she unwrapped the piece of string that held her much awaited letters.

"Wait, you understand me.?" Errol quirked a quizzical feathered eyebrow.

"Yes," she chuckled, " Don't be so surprised, it's a charm I had found, " she pointed to the little choker charm hanging around her neck that had an ivory pearl stone hanging on it, "..only I don't think I need it anymore since I found that I have a strange affiliation with nature, which made learning your language all the more easier to pick up. They think I'm part wood nymph or elf.. or fairy.. Or was it Veela? I don't remember," she laughed.

"Oh!" Errol looked at her bowl hungrily, not really paying attention to her words.

Chuckling, Lizzy scooted her half eaten plate over to him," Help yourself," she said giggling as he ate with a goofy ferocity. "Hmm.." The first letter that was on top of the pile was sent from Fredrick Weasley.
~*~
"Dear Elizabeth,