For a week or so I attended classes. Soon sorting out what teachers I got along with, what subjects I enjoyed and those I didn't, and most importantly who were friends and who weren't. I was very surprised to find that I and Allyn were getting along wonderfully. My smiles shared with her were beginning to become less forced, I started to mark her as a true friend.

My curiosity about the bird increased. Hunting the library for any information became a typical activity. I would occasionally see a flash of black outside my window or a feeling of being watched. I passed these emotions and feelings off as tricks of light, and me being paranoid. Being alone in the library, I was doing just that, studying information on the bird. The librarian had to run off to do a few tasks. Everyone else was either playing outside in the fallen snow or strutting around the castle.

My hand flipped another page of, "Black feathered Birds" as I skimmed over the contents.

"Blackbirds, woodpeckers, loons, crows, ravens, vultures,"

My eyes were getting tired of this useless information. Although there were many facts and images, none were even remotely close to the bird I'd seen. Besides the raven of course. The raven, although shared many characteristics, such as black feathers, large bodies, and charcoal beaks. It didn't have the enchanting purple eyes or the more strong body shape, lacking a more round beak. The bird I had seen, had a distinct personality. My thoughts rained on, completely missing the tapping coming from the library window.

When my mind caught onto the sound, my head immediately faced in the direction of it. Right there, proudly tapping on the window was the bird itself. Its black wings and eyes, looking a brighter shade in the sunlight. Our eyes met, and I cautiously walked over to the window. Pausing only for a moment, then letting my curiosity get the better of me, I opened it. The bird swiftly flew in, taking a seat on the table, right next to the book I was reading. It scanned the title and glanced up at me, conveying the expression of a grin. For some unknown reason, I felt my cheeks heat up. Embarrassed, the bird learned I had been studying for information on him. The birds' grin only grew wider, amused at my flustered state. Feeling awkward, I tapped my foot on the floor,

"Can I help you?" I asked, not expecting a response.

The bird lifted its foot, attached to it was a single note. I soon realized the bird expected me to take the message and read it. I slowly walked over, reaching down to remove the note, my fingers delicately brushing against its feathers. Once the letter was in my grasp I unfolded it, inside in neat calligraphy the note contained three letters,

"Enjoying yourself princess?"

I reread the message multiple times, confused. It soon dawned on me, it was a classmate teasing me. I rolled my eyes at the childishness of such a thing. I quickly grabbed a pen, scribbling a reply,

"Yes very much, you?"

I gently tied the response onto the bird's leg. The feathered creature quickly flew out the window, giving me no more time to admire it. I slid back into my seat, closing the book that intrigued me moments ago. Having no more use for it, something told me I would be seeing that bird again soon.

...

Soon it was. The very next day I sat comfortably in my dorm, working on my homework. Then again I heard three taps on my window. My head snapped up, knowing who it was. Strolling over to the window, and opening it, the bird glided in with ease, resting on my desk. I attempted to reach over and stroke its head, but was surprised when it flinched away. I Briefly wondered if he was treated well at home. My mind was rid of these thoughts when I saw yet another note knotted on a leg of the black-feathered creature. Reaching down again, I delicately unwrapped the message.

It read,

"I am, thank you. Is the presence of the bird frightening you?"

I glanced up at the bird, thinking of an appropriate response,

"Not in the slightest bit, If you don't mind I'd like to ask a few questions. 

What is the bird's name? Is it male or female? 

Who are you?

I hope these questions aren't too troubling to answer"

I rolled up the parchment, tying it to the bird's leg once again. Watching it soar out the window.

I sighed, bored without the bird's presence, and continued with my homework.