Ominis couldn't help but worry about Raven. Yesterday at Potions Class was the last he or Sebastian saw of her. She'd practically disappeared the rest of the evening. He hoped she wasn't still stressed, because earning everyone's attention had certainly left her no room to breathe. Ominis had expected to find her in the Great Hall for breakfast, but alas, she was still absent.

"Ugh, I'm not looking forward to those Herbology essays," Sebastian complained. "I don't mind growing the plants, but who thought it was a good idea to have us write about them as well?"

"No idea."

The two boys were crossing the suspension bridge leading to the Astronomy Wing. They had to attend Transfiguration Class soon.

"Twelve inches on knotgrass and its uses? Utterly ridiculous. What plant were you assigned, Ominis?"

"Dittany," he answered simply.

"Brilliant. You know what would've been more interesting to write about? Mandrakes. Venomous Tentacula. Chinese Chomping Cabbage. Pretty much anything of that sort."

"Agreed."

Sebastian stopped in his tracks, causing his friend to copy him. "What's with the lack of small talk? You're never this disinterested." He thought back on what might've been bothering him, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Raven on your mind? Still?"

Ominis sighed. "I simply can't help myself. I've been worried since she snapped yesterday."

"I'm sure she's fine. We'll probably see her today in one of our classes." A chuckle escaped him. "Admit it, you're just all upset because she won't let you court her." Ominis pursed his lips, a bit embarrassed but unsurprised that his best friend understood his intentions. "She'll come around when she's ready. If what you told me about your childhood with her is true, then there's no way she doesn't still feel something, too."

"You're right," Ominis said. "I know. I'm trying to be patient with her but it's difficult. Sometimes all I want is to..." He fell silent. "Are those wingbeats I hear?"

Sebastian looked up upon hearing them, too. A large, black bird swooped over their heads. It transformed just before landing, and suddenly, Raven was standing before them, holding a dusty, old leather bag. The freckled boy stumbled back in shock, his eyes wide with amazement.

"Merlin's beard! Raven! You're an Animagus?!"

"Um, yes." The girl sounded as if it was no big deal, having to remind herself that not many knew. "Oh, right. You weren't aware, Sebastian. Go ahead and poke fun if you must. I turn into a raven just as my name implies."

"Why would I make fun of you? That's a spectacular ability! Do you even know how many places I could get to if I could do that?"

A soft laugh left the girl. "You mean places that are off limits and will get you sent straight to detention again?"

"No, because I'm clever enough not to get caught."

Ominis cleared his throat in order to break up their conversation. "Are you feeling all right, Raven? I mean, after yesterday's events..."

Raven's expression visibly changed to a much softer, sweeter one when turning her attention to the blind boy. "Yes, I'm feeling better. Thank you. I didn't mean to worry you." Her bag suddenly jerked, and she was quick to hug it to her body.

Sebastian quirked a brow. "What's in the bag? Are you sneaking pets into the castle now?"

"No." Raven's swift response was proven untrue when her bag shuddered in her hold. She frowned at the teasing smile on the brunet's face. "Maybe. But don't you dare tell anyone or so help me, I'll-"

"You needn't fret," Ominis assured with a smile. "We won't say a word. But after classes and once you're finished with...whatever it is you're doing, would you care to join us in the library? We've got homework to do, and it'd be more pleasant with your company."

"Hey, aren't I company enough?" Sebastian interrupted with feigned offense.

"You know what I mean."

Their light bickering and the kind offer made Raven smile. "I do have some studying to catch up on. I'd be thrilled to join you boys in the library."

Ominis's face brightened. "Excellent. We'll see you later, then. Can't be late to class."

"Of course. Until then." She watched them pass her and go through the doors. Only then, once the coast was clear, she peeked into her bag. "You two have to be good or you'll get me in trouble. I promise we'll be there soon."

After rushing to the Room of Requirement to drop off her beastly companions, Raven was on her way to the one class she'd been looking forward to most of all - Beasts Class. At a brisk pace, she crossed the grounds to reach the small, secluded building. Students were already gathering, and she spotted some familiar faces, but most of her attention was on the adorable creatures. A young Diricawl on one desk was vanishing only to reappear on another. Every table had a fluffy young Puffskein on it. There were three pens behind the classroom area holding more Puffskeins, Diricawls and Kneazles. Raven's attention was diverted by a Gryffindor waving to her.

"Raven," Leander greeted. "There's a free space over here, if you like." He gestured to the desk he was at.

The Slytherin had to hold back the urge to glare at him. Since she met Leander Prewett, he'd been nothing short of friendly...too friendly. He talked about Slytherin students like Sebastian with such disdain. She was the only exception. It was obvious he was trying to court her, especially when he tried to invite her to study with him down by the lake after they talked in Herbology Class.

"There's also room near the front of the class where I prefer to be," she answered him, going to join a short Hufflepuff girl holding a Puffskein.

"Welcome, everyone," Howin said, leaving the pens to walk to the front of the class. "I see you've already met some of the many beasts we study in this class." She gestured toward several students already fascinated with the little creatures on their desks. "Though, be advised, none of these creatures should be taken lightly." Despite her stern demeanor, she kindly fed the young Diricawl that appeared on the desk in front of Raven. "They are all, in their own way, dangerous, especially if one does not know how to handle them properly. Now, it seems many of you are out of practice. Let's take some time to review the basics of how to care for a beast, shall we? Miss Sweeting, would you please assist our new student with the lesson today?" The woman set her gaze on the short girl beside Raven.

"Yes, Professor Howin." The Hufflepuff smiled at the taller girl next to her, holding her Puffskein like a precious pet. "Hello. I'm Poppy. Poppy Sweeting."

"Raven Lothaire. A pleasure to meet you." Raven smiled back, glad to see someone else seemingly enthused about the class.

"Don't worry about Professor Howin's speech, she overexaggerates sometimes. All the beasts in class are perfectly safe." A startled shriek left her when the Puffskein in her arms shot its long tongue out toward her nose.

Raven had to stifle an amused laugh, regaining her composure when Howin said, "Miss Sweeting, pay attention, please. The tongue of a Puffskein can be a slippery devil."

"Uh, yes, Professor," Poppy replied, a little embarrassed. Under Howin's watchful gaze, Poppy placed her Puffskein on the table. "Here, you can practice on Gerald. Just keep an eye out for his tongue." She laughed lightly.

Raven couldn't keep from giggling herself. "Right. Of course. Wouldn't want a tongue up my nose." She met the curious eyes of the creature before her. "Hello, Gerald. I'll take good care of you, my fluffy friend." She spoke in a softer, kinder voice when addressing the Puffskein, and reached out to lightly scratch his head.

Poppy was beaming with how much kindness Raven was showing to the beast. "You can use my brush. Just be gentle. Oh, and think pleasant thoughts. I like to think it enriches his experience."

Raven imagined herself laying amongst a whole bunch of Puffskeins, letting their fur tickle her skin. She hugged and cuddled them. With the pleasant thought in mind, she used her wand to pick up the brush, gently brushing Gerald's back. She applied the perfect amount of pressure to his fur. Gerald enjoyed it so much that he rolled onto his back to allow her to rub his belly. The brush moved in swift but light motions along his stomach. Once he had enough, the Puffskein flipped back onto his feet.

"That's lovely," Poppy commented. "I bet he feels much better. He might be hungry, too. Would you mind giving him some beast feed?"

"I'd love to, actually." Raven conjured a cup full of feed, tossing some in front of Gerald, who's long tongue got to work on collecting the treats.

"What do you suppose the pellets taste like to Gerald? Pudding, I like to think."

"Stop, Poppy, you're going to make me hungry," Raven said with a laugh.

Poppy joined in. "Sorry." To her great joy, the beast moved closer to Raven to rub his head affectionately against her hand. "I think we can safely say that Gerald likes you."

Raven looked endearingly at Gerald, rubbing his cheek. "That's great to hear, because I like him, too. He's adorable and kind."

"He is. Kindness is one of his best qualities. Right after ambition. And cleanliness." Both girls looked happy to find another with a passion for beasts, and they could already tell they'd be great friends.

"Good work, everyone." Howin's voice earned everyone's attention. "Now, let's make our way to the pens and select another beast. And please, do be careful as you feed and groom them. Miss Sweeting, why don't you show Miss Lothaire to the Kneazles in the farthest pen."

Poppy gestured for Raven to follow her. There were already a pair of students at the Kneazle pen - a Slytherin boy and a Ravenclaw girl. It was only when they got a closer look that they realized what was going on. The boy had his wand out and was tugging on a Kneazle's whiskers. The feline creature hissed and pulled back.

Poppy ran over with anger. "What in Merlin's name are you doing?!"

The boy stopped to give her an annoyed look. "Ugh. Tsk, tsk, peculiar Poppy. Worried about a worthless little rodent?"

"Her name is Persephone!" Poppy corrected, losing her temper.

"Her name is Persephone," the boy mocked with a snicker. The girl behind him was making a pitiful crying gesture with her hands.

Raven had her wand in hand in an instant, pressing the tip against the irritating boy's throat. Her harsh scowl was enough to shut him up. "I'd hold my tongue if I were you. You call these beasts worthless, but have you ever stopped to think why you're scrambling for a piece of them? Tell me, would anyone pay for a piece of you? No? Then who's really the worthless one here, hm?"

The girl behind him stepped forward with a frown. "You can't just go-"

"I can't what?" Raven dared, pointing her wand at her. "Threaten you?" She chuckled darkly. "You don't seem to realize who I am. My grandfather is friends with the headmaster, and I could easily get you both expelled if I wanted to. So I'd better not catch either of you mistreating any more beasts. Do I make myself clear?"

They both nodded frantically and left in a hurry. Poppy crouched and reached through the fence to pet Persephone. She was taken aback by Raven's cruelty and threats, but watching her stand up for the Kneazle assured her that the pure-blood was a trusted friend to the beasts. Raven joined Poppy to pet the creature.

"I'm sorry you had to hear all that. I just hate when people treat any creature as if they're worthless."

"It's all right. They deserved the scare, I should think. Those two don't belong anywhere near this class. Poachers-in-training. Persephone was onto them instantly. Thank you for standing up for her. Let's carry on, then. Feed and brush the Kneazles just as you did with Gerald."

Raven entered the pen to feed and brush each Kneazle. They gathered around her even after she was finished, rubbing against her and purring. She pet them and spent a little too long giving them affection, and before she knew it, class was over. Just as Raven was exiting the pen to leave with the rest of her classmates, she noticed Howin looking at her with a slight frown.

"Miss Lothaire, I'd like a moment, please."

Raven wondered if she'd seen her threaten those bullies, and with a deep exhale, approached the woman. "Yes, Professor Howin?"

"You did a wonderful job handling the beasts today. You might be our newest student, but it seems you have some experience in this field already." Howin remained stoic even though she was complimenting the girl.

"I do, actually. My father was a Magizoologist and Dragonologist. I've spent most of my life around beasts."

"It certainly shows. On another note, while your efforts to defend the Kneazles from those misguided students was admirable, it would be best to let me handle it next time. In most circumstances, I would advise you not to threaten your classmates."

"I'm sorry, Professor Howin. I didn't intend on doing anything, I just got angry."

"I understand. That's why I'm letting you off with a warning this time. Those two are nearly as bad as the savages roaming the Highlands lately. Poachers have been catching and killing all manner of beasts."

Raven's fists clenched upon hearing that. "Surely the Ministry is doing something to bring them to justice. They can't just get away with harming all those beasts."

"We can only hope they'll be caught and sent to Azkaban where they belong. Now, back to current matters. I encourage my students to study as many beasts as they can on their own time. That applies to you as well. And I look forward to seeing more of your exceptional work."

Howin turned and walked away, beginning to tidy up the desks for the next class of students. Learning of poachers was news to Raven. She had no idea that just outside of Hogwarts, there were greedy witches and wizards taking advantage of innocent, defenseless creatures.

"Raven." The Slytherin was torn from her thoughts by Poppy's light voice. "Come here. I need to talk to you." She was waiting by a faint path past the beast pens.

"What is it, Poppy?" Raven asked, going over to her.

"Thank you again for saying something to those brutes so that I didn't have to. You were an Augurey at noon in the desert."

Raven was confused by what she meant despite knowing what an Augurey was. "I...don't know what that means."

"It's something my gran and I say. It means that something or someone is a welcome surprise. At least, that's what we decided it meant."

Raven gave a smile to match the one Poppy wore. "I see. Well I really couldn't stand there and watch those scoundrels harm the poor creature."

"We're of a similar mind. Although, you did appear a bit...intimidating."

Raven shrugged lightly. "I just do what I have to. If that means striking fear into those moonminds, then so be it."

"Well, in light of that, there's someone I'd like you to meet. In the forest." Curious, Raven began to follow her once she headed off on the little path. "I wouldn't take just anyone there. In fact, you're the first."

"Really? I'm honored."

They walked the path away from the school and crossed the river. She almost thought they were going to the Owlery, but then they took a turn that led past it and closer to the edge of the forest. When they reached a clearing, Poppy stopped and held a hand out to halt Raven.

"Stand back," she instructed.

Stepping forward, she brought her fingers to her lips and whistled. There was a brief moment of silence before a screech answered. Turning there heads, they watched a gorgeous white Hippogriff soar past the trees. The majestic beast flew around them, descending to land in front of Poppy with a happy chirp. Raven's jaw dropped, yet she was grinning with excitement at the same time.

"Please meet Highwing! Isn't she just magnificent?" Raven was rendered speechless, but one look told Poppy all she needed. "Go on. Introduce yourself to her." Highwing locked eyes with Raven, golden orbs meeting green ones, and the girl took a cautious step forward. "But be careful, you must always show Hippogriffs the proper courtesy before you approach them."

Raven knelt and bowed her head with respect. Highwing watched her for a few seconds before lowering her head in kind. With a smile, Raven got up and slowly reached a hand out, watching the beast lean in to nestle her feathery head against her palm. Highwing chirped several times like a delighted young chick.

"I knew it!" Poppy exclaimed. "I don't think I've ever seen a Hippogriff take to someone this quickly. You can feed and brush her if you like." Raven didn't hesitate to do so. "I come and check on her every once in a while - bring her pastries, tell her what's going on in the castle. You wouldn't know from looking at her, but she's a dreadful busybody."

After a quick brushing and feeding, Highwing took off, returning to the safety of the forest. Raven was left in awe. Meeting the Hippogriff made her day. "Highwing is absolutely breathtaking! I can't believe you introduced me to her!"

The Slytherin turned to face the Hufflepuff, seeing a bright smile on her face. "I suspected you two might get along."

Raven couldn't keep from grinning from ear to ear. "You know, I have some friends of my own you should meet sometime."

Poppy's brows raised with intrigue. "Really? Are they as 'unique' as Highwing?"

"Well, they might be a bit much compared to her. They're...dragons."

"Dragons?!" the shorter girl gasped. "Really?! I'd love to meet them! I knew you had a way with beasts, Raven, but I had no idea you had some of your own!"

"Got it from my father's side of the family. The dragons are still juveniles too, I even helped raise them. Striker can be a bit snappy with strangers, but Spitfire is fairly well-behaved once you earn her trust. Oh, and you should see my grandfather's vivarium! You'd love Blazebeak, she's the only Phoenix I've ever seen in my life!" Raven was clearly starting to show her enthusiasm by her rising volume.

"A Phoenix and dragons?!" Poppy was practically shaking with excitement. "That sounds incredible! I'd like nothing more than to meet each and every creature in your care! You're so lucky!" Her expression changed rather abruptly to one of great concern. "Be sure you take good care of them, and don't let them out around here. You may have heard that poachers are something of a problem in the area. I see them practically every day in the village, lingering and talking to people. A day doesn't go by when I don't fear for Highwing's safety lately."

"I wish something could be done about the poachers." Raven sighed. "Thank you for the warning. I'll be careful. And please, if anything happens regarding Highwing, let me know. I will defend her if at all possible." The Hufflepuff nodded in gratitude. "For now, I need to get ready for my next class. I'll see you soon, all right?"

"Of course. We'll speak again later, Raven. And I look forward to hearing more about your scaly friends."

Sharing a small laugh, the girls parted ways. Raven had things to do and places to be, but she wouldn't forget about the poachers. The threat they posed lingered in the back of her mind, and the rage that bubbled up within her made her clench her fists. To think that just outside of Hogwarts were devious individuals willing to slaughter beasts for easy galleons. Despicable.