The New Marauders

Two Cinnamon Rolls

By the time Poppy got to her door, she assumed it was nearing one in the morning and she was not looking forward to the Painted Lady and her tricks.
"Little Eagle, what are you doing out so late?" She asked curiously.
"Helping a confused friend, she lost something." Poppy lied smoothly.
The painting shook her head disapprovingly, "You mustn't get caught, Ravenclaws have a reputation to uphold." She scowled lightly.
"The riddle, please." Poppy asked.
"I am beautiful up in the sky.
I am magical, yet I cannot fly.
To some people I bring luck, to some
People, riches.
The boy at my end does whatever
He wishes.
What am I?" The painting finished.
It clicked in Poppy's tired mind a few seconds later, "A rainbow."
The door unlocked and the lady in the painting nodded, "Now, sleep child."
"Yes, good night." Poppy murmured.
She slipped through the common room and found her trunk as she changed into her pajamas as soundlessly as she could. Poppy burrowed into her blankets and was asleep the minute her head hit her pillow.
The sun came much too soon, she decided grumpily. Still she unwrapped herself from her blankets and got changed into her uniform.
"Poppy?" A mousy voice called out by her bed post.
Poppy looked up and jumped, she hadn't noticed her friend.  Lucie, the only Ravenclaw that really spoke with Poppy, stood next to her bed. "Are you okay? You look tired." Lucie said.
No joke, I feel numb. No more midnight kitchen raids, I like sleep too much. Poppy thought grudgingly.
"I'm fine, I just had a horrid nightmare." She lied.
"You were gone for a long time last night, I know it's not my business, but where were you?" Lucie asked politely.
"I was looking at the stars from the courtyard. I like the stars in the common room, but the real ones are just so much more relaxing." Poppy said.
That probably would have been true had not for Christina and her kitchen raid idea.
"Can I join you next time?" Lucie asked.
Poppy thought before she nodded.
The girls pushed their flats on and went down to the the Great Hall where breakfast was being served. Poppy caught Christina as she was walking up the stairs from the dungeons and she introduced her two friends. Lucie was a little nervous, but Christina took a liking to her instantly and began prattling about food. Before Christina could mention anything about the raiding, Poppy jabbed her in the ribs. Her blue eyes glared the message, You better not, she's my innocent friend and we will not taint her by taking her on raiding trips.
Christina pouted.
The girls split up to go sit at their designated tables for breakfast. Christina had made one friend at the Slytherin table who was more ambitious than any of the other Slytherins. Her name was Veena Rose, "I heard this morning Filch was rather angry about some students running around the grounds after hours." She said.
Christina stiffened and Veena chortled, "Seriously," and she leaned in closely and whispered, "Invite me next time."
"It was just a food raid." Christina mumbled.
Christina was relieved when breakfast was over and the first class was due. She had McGonagall and she entered the class and squealed because Poppy was sitting in the back at a paired desk row. Without waiting or permission, Christina sat down next to her and smiled, "Hello, Partner in crime."
"I'm so tired." Poppy groaned.
The class was filing in and two boys sat down at the paired up desk next to Poppy. A Gryffindor with mouse brown hair and green eyes and a Hufflepuff with caramel skin and dark freckles.
"Good morning." The Hufflepuff said shyly, smiling gently.
"Good morning." The girls said back politely.
Christina reached across Poppy's desk with an outstretched hand, "My name is Christina."
"The Gryffindor shook her hand heartily, "Name's Rory!" The Gryffindor said.
"The rivaling houses shake hands." Poppy whispered dramatically and the Hufflepuff laughed and outstretched a shy hand to her, "My name is Benjamin, it's nice to meet you." He said politely.
"My name is Poppy, it's nice to meet you too." Poppy said, smiling.
Rory nudged Poppy's shoulder, "Oh shush about the rivaling houses, you little bird." He grinned.
Poppy cast a sly smile back, "I only call it as I see it, cub."
Christina watched, her mouth opened and astonished at her quiet friend's bold actions. Benjamin chuckled, "We haven't met have we, I'm Benjamin." He said, smiling.
"I'm Christina, can I call you Benny?" She asked.
Benjamin never answered because a hush rolled over the class, made by the Ravenclaws at the front of the class, as a cat walked into the doorway before turning into their Professor McGonagall.
"Good morning, class."