Chapter 2 Settling In

The new Ravenclaw recruits followed their prefect, Marietta Poppins, up a marble staircase, though a maze of passages, and up to a portrait of a huge frog wearing a crown and sitting on a throne.

"Prince Rupert Bullroar," said Hermione. "I read about him in 'Historical Animagi'. He convinced a princess he was an enchanted prince who needed a kiss to be uncursed, and they ended up getting married. It was quite a romantic story."

"Password," croaked Prince Rupert.

"Differential Calculus," said Marietta.

They passed through the cozy circular common room with a fireplace, sofas, and plenty of study desks around the sides. No one lingered there tonight, but went straight upstairs to their comfortable dorm rooms with four-poster beds.

Hermione shared a room with Mandy Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin, and Alice Nutter. Mandy was a redhead, a little overweight, but very self-confident. Lisa, with long dark hair, was more shy and analytical. Alice, with short blonde hair, was the most social and outgoing.

"You know what I'd like to do?" said Hermione, "I'd like to start a study group. We could meet back here every evening after dinner and work together on homework."

"That sounds like a great plan, 'Mione," said Mandy.

"I don't know... there's more to life than homework," said Alice. "I want to get out and meet more people."

"Boys, you mean?" said Mandy, giggling.

Alice blushed.

"We're young, there's time for that later. I'm for the study group. What if we call ourselves the Raven Mavens?" said Lisa.

They talked a little longer about what the classes would be like, but it wasn't long before all were asleep. It had been a long day.