Shadow. That was the name of the raven chick. Throughout the year Severus looked after him as if his life were over. At first he kept it warm in a blanket in the dormitory. He also became the object of care for the other boys and two girls who had joined the group, Narcissa and Bellatrix Black, Sirius Black's cousins. When the little raven moulted for the first time, Evan stole several bottles of Butterbeer from the kitchens and they spent the night laughing and joking.
Severus progressed quickly in his studies: it turned out that he was one of the most gifted students in the school, especially in the area of potions. But it was the powerful magic, the Defence Against the Dark Arts, that really fascinated the young boy. He studied it avidly, fascinated by the intricacies of the curses and the stories of the creatures.
- Sebastian Yerrel..., Yurtl..., Yipov... - Gaspar stammered.
- Sebastian Yipovsonv, Gaspar, Sebastia N!- blurted out Iago. Enoch laughed softly.
The group was in the Common Room, studying for the end-of-year exams that were to be held the next day. Severus and Antonin, each having finished their homework, were playing Gobstone.
- I don't like History of Magic- Gaspar complained, exhausted.
- I can see that, thank you!- replied Iago acidly.
- Excuse me- said his friend sarcastically.
- Will you two stop arguing like an old married couple? - asked Evan, raising his head from the text he was writing - Is there anyone who would like to study-?
Gaspar sighed in frustration and got up from the chair he was in.
- I give up- he said and headed for the dormitory stairs. His friends laughed at him.
- No! - exclaimed Enoch.
- What is it?- asked Antonin.
- I didn't get Wands and Spells from the library-the other man answered.
- I'll fetch it myself if you like- Severus suggested.
- That's not true- said Antonin. A greenish splash hit him right in the face. Severus gave him a half-smile and walked out of the Common Room and into the underground corridors. He walked briskly, barely glancing at the students walking through the castle. He entered the library and approached Madame Oppoulia.
- Excuse me- he said. The witch looked at him: she was busy sorting through some filing cabinets.
- Is there still a copy of Wands and Spells?- the boy asked.
- Yes, there should be volume one on the right-hand shelf of the third aisle- the woman pointed to him.
Severus thanked her and went to where he had been shown.
He was running his hand through the endless books looking for his own when...
- Boo!- shouted Lily as she emerged from a shelf. Severus gasped.
- You're crazy- he mumbled in front of his best friend's laughter.
- And you're heavy!- she exclaimed. Then she laughed again.
- What are you doing?
- I'm looking for a book for Enoch- replied the other one -Willkes.
- The blond one? - Lily asked. Severus nodded.
- Is it maybe this one?
The girl pulled a tattered copy of Wands and Spells from the shelf.
- How did you know that?- his friend asked in amazement.
- I heard you ask Madam Oppulia,' Lily explained.
- You're following me, then- Severus joked with a laugh.
- No, you're following me- retorted her friend -I was here before you.
- Oh, right, and I'm supposed to ask you-
- Lily- said a female voice behind them. The two turned around.
- I'm coming Marie- said the girl to the other. The girl shrugged and whispered something to another girl, who nodded.
- Hello, chick who follows me- Severus greeted jokingly, taking the book from his best friend's hands.
- Hello, story teller- replied Lily.
The two went their separate ways.
- With one thousand seven hundred and four points - Albus Dumbledore was announcing - Hufflepuff wins!
Severus and his friends clapped their hands sportingly.
- Well done, well done - Evan commented - They deserved it.
- Look at the look on Mclagen's face - Iago murmured in laughter. The group turned to the Gryffindor prefect, captain of the Quidditch team and a great friend of Potter and company.
His face was black. Lucius gave him a loud mouth followed by a flood of laughter.
- That'll teach him to strut his stuff -said the boy with a satisfied smile.
- Don't blame him, Lucius- said Narcissa -he's just a poor Gryffindor.
More laughter.
- Speak worm- said Fred Church, turning from his table.
- Shut up- retorted Lucius.
- Because what are you going to do? Call You-Know-Who?- asked Fred sarcastically.
- Leave him alone- said Bellatrix to Lucius -What do you gain by winning against a horned toad?
Everyone went back to their plates and the evening continued pleasantly.
- So I'll see you next year, Sev?- Evan asked the raven. They were at the station, dressed as Muggles, each with their own suitcases.
- 'If you don't get killed by your father- joked the friend. Shadow agreed with a cry.
- Come on, guys, we'll write to each other!- exclaimed Gaspar, embracing the group.
- See you next year.
They said their goodbyes. A thin arm grabbed Severus.
- What are we doing this summer Sev?- asked Lily, laughing.
- Well, first a nest for Shadow- replied the friend -Then we'll finish the dam for the frog eggs and a bit of studying.
- We're going to have fun- commented Lily happily.
Severus scanned the crowd. Eileen raised her hand in greeting.
The raven greeted Lily and ran to his mother, holding her in a hug.
- Hey, soul in pain - the witch greeted him - How you've grown!
He took the raven's cage and looked at it.
- You liked it, I see- she commented.
- His name is Shadow- Severus said.
His mother smiled and held out a hand. The wizard took it.
- Come on- Eileen said.