Ravenna's father always knew she was special, she got it from her mother. Though, Marcus truly knew what she was, when Ravenna's wings first grew, and then she set the living room curtains into a blue blaze of flame, and then the fire was gone like it had never existed.
Ravenna was a beautiful child, raven black hair, ebony black eyes, and fair features. The girl was a child prodigy, reading large books before she was seven, she played several instruments, but had always taken to the piano and the violin particularly. Ravenna was also a very good dancer, as taught to her by her Aunt, Marcus's estranged sister, Emilia. Marcus was so proud that his only daughter in a home with three boys, was growing up to be the perfect Slytherin.
When Ravenna turned eleven she got her Hogwarts letter. Her older brothers, Michael, Gregory, and Thomas were so happy for her, as was her father. That piece of paper was Ravenna's greatest possession.
The year was 1971, Ravenna Vanderbuild was a mere eleven year old girl, alone with her brothers in Diagon Alley.
"Come on Ravenna, textbooks first," Michael, the Ravenclaw pestered. Michael was seventeen, on his second to last year in Hogwarts. While Thomas, who was a Gryffindor who was fifteen was a fourth year. Then there was Gregory, who was a Hufflepuff, and on his second year.
Ravenna was practically latched to Thomas's arm as they walked through Diagon Alley.
"Come on Michael, she'd have so much more fun getting a wand. You remember how much fun you had. Or have you read too many books that you forgot?" Thomas joked as Ravenna laughed.
She almost fell over as two boys, one her age, the other younger ran past her. The older one bumped into her. He turned, his black hair flipping.
"Sorry," he called, his dark eyes full of sparkle and light.
"That's alright," she called back.
"Now Ravenna, you don't let others push you around like that and be fine with it," Michael scolded.
"Let it go Michael, the boy bumped her and apologized. It's fine." Thomas retorted before muttering the word tosser. Ravenna just started laughing.
Thomas practically dragged Ravenna into Olivander's Wand Shop where the three boys were greeted as the "Infamous Vanderbuild Trio," by Olivander himself.
"And this must be the ever so lovely Ravenna Vanderbuild, my goodness I remember you six years ago, coming when Michael got his wand. You look so much older now. And much taller."
Ravenna just smiled and laughed.
"Ah, I know why you're here though, not for the small talk unfortunately. You my dear, are here for your first wand. Such an exciting time," he mumbled as he went to walk about to find her a wand. She prayed it would be the right wand on the first try, unlike Thomas'.
"Let's try this one. Dark Alder wood, a phoenix feather core, 13 inches, and surprisingly flexible."
Ravenna picked up the wand and gave it a wave, she didn't know what to expect exactly, but it didn't destroy a lamp like Thomas did.
"It's perfect. I haven't seen someone take so well to a wand like you in a very long time."
Thomas smiled and paid for the wand.
Ravenna felt giddy as she and Thomas walked over to Michael and Gregory.
"So how did it go?" Gregory asked.
"Ravenna got her perfect wand on the first try. Unlike any of us."
Michael looked extremely proud of his sister.
"Thomas, got get her robes, Gregory and I have an errand to run."
Ravenna looked at them oddly as they quickly scurried away.
"Is everything alright with them?" she asked Thomas who just answered with a simple shrug.
Her robe fitting was quick, but since she was taller and skinnier than most girls her age, it took a bit longer than she had planned. As she and Thomas were walking out the door she saw Michael and Gregory holding a small cage. Inside was perched a jet black raven.
"Happy First Year Ravenna," Gregory laughed as he kissed her on the forehead. Michael rubbed her shoulders as she looked at the bird.
"This is for me?" she gasped.
"We've been putting some money aside for this for a bit now," Thomas said.
"Well I love her, thank you."
"What are you going to name her?" Michael asked.
Ravenna thought long and hard.
"Evie."
Thomas nodded in agreement. Ravenna smiled at the raven who cawed at her happily.
"Ravens get along with owls quite well, and are also great personal companions. You always used to care for raves when you were growing up, why stop at Hogwarts?" Michael informed.
"Again thank you so much, how did I get so lucky with you three dotes?"
Gregory laughed at her joke.
Ravenna sat alone in the train car of the Hogwarts express. Michael was with the Ravenclaws, Thomas was with his girlfriend and some of their friends, and Gregory was with his friends.
She was nose deep in a book again, petting Evie with one hand as she sat on her knee.
Her eyes darted to the door when she heard a knock on it. A boy her age with sandy brown hair opened it, speaking quietly. Ravenna took note of the light scars on his face.
"Can I sit with you, all the other cars are full."
She smiled, "of course, it's just me in here anyways."
The boy gave her a quick thank you before sitting across from her. He smiled at her then looked at Evie.
"Beautiful bird," he said.
"Thank you. I'm Ravenna by the way. Ravenna Vanderbuild."
She stuck her hand slowly to him, he took it happily.
"Remus, Remus Lupin."
She smiled as she heard another knock on the door. This time a girl with fiery red hair opened it.
"May I?" she asked quickly pointing to the opening next to Ravenna.
"Of course, there is always room," Remus answered. Ravenna nodded scooting over a bit.
"I'm Lily Evans."
"I'm Remus Lupin, and that is Ravenna Vanderbuild. Welcome to the car," he responded cheerfully.
Shortly after Lily came in two more boys joined the car. One wore nerdy looking glasses and had light brown hair. He introduced himself as James Potter. The other boy, Ravenna had already seen.
"Hey, you're the girl I ran into in Diagon Alley." The boy said. It was the boy with dark hair and dark eyes. He had a kind smile as well.
"That would be me," Ravenna responded.
"Sirius Black, and I am so sorry about that again."
"Ravenna Vanderbuild and trust me, all is forgiven."
The five of them were talking when Thomas came by. His eyes darted from one child to another finally landing on Ravenna.
"Ravenna, you and your friends should probably change into your robes. We're almost there."
"Alright Thomas, thanks for letting us know."
Thomas nodded before muttering a small, I'll see you around.
"You know Thomas Vanderbuild?" James gasped.
Sirius slugged him on the shoulder, laughing.
"That's her brother you tosser, you think you would have picked up the last name."
Ravenna started laughing.
"Your brother is the current Gryffindor chaser for the Quidditch team. He is like my idol," James awed.
"You want to play Quidditch?" she asked.
James nodded quickly.
"What I would give for him to show me the ways of a chaser."
Lily laughed quietly next to Ravenna, who scoffed.
"I could talk to him for you, if you want."
"What are you some sort of angel?" James gaped.
Ravenna scoffed again before responding, "Oh, you have no idea."
