DISCLAIMER: I regretfully still do not own Harry Potter….

Chapter 18: Where's Raven?

Harry did not see Raven for the rest of the break. She did not return to the Heads dorms and was not in the Gryffindor common room. She even began skipping meals, which she had never done before. This made him wonder even more about the contents of that letter.

The rest of the students returned and the halls were once again filled with laughter and noise. Ron and Hermione filled Harry in on all he missed including Percy's new girlfriend.

"Honestly Harry, you had to see her. They are perfect for each other!" Ron laughed.

"Ron, that's mean," Hermione reprimanded him.

"Uh huh, and who was the one that praised Merlin every time she left the room?"

"Well, she tried to tell me something I already knew."

"Actually," Ron drawled out, "she told you that you were wrong!" Hermione growled between clenched teeth. "Anyways, she really had no idea what she was talking about half the time."

"Exactly! They are perfect for each other."

Hermione scoffed but did not say anything else. Harry laughed at her expression. Hermione looked at him.

"Harry," she started slowly, looking around, "where's Raven?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen her since Christmas."

"What?"

"She got some sort of letter on Christmas. After she read it, she began to act distant. She got up and left and I haven't seen her since."

"Do you think we should go tell Dumbledore?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know…" Harry was unsure. She could have just wanted a little time alone. That was understandable enough.

"Harry," Hermione broke into his thoughts, "what if she's in trouble?"

Harry knew she was right. "Okay, let's go."

They made their way to the gargoyle statue that led to Dumbledore's office. Harry spoke the password, canary creams, and they stepped on the revolving staircase. They reached the door and Hermione knocked.

"Come in," a voice called.

They walked into the room. Dumbledore motioned for them to take a seat. They sat there for a minute before Dumbledore spoke.

"I assume you're here about Miss Kerouf."

"Yes sire, we're worried about her," Hermione answered.

"Yes, well she is fine at the moment. She should return any day now."

"Does this have anything to do with the letter she received?" Harry asked him.

Dumbledore looked at him. "She received a letter?"

"Yes sir," Harry looked at Hermione and Ron before going on, "she received a letter on Christmas that upset her. I haven't seen since."

"Interesting," Dumbledore said slowly. "She did not mention anything about a letter."

The trio looked at each other. They were shocked that Dumbledore did not know about the letter. He usually knew everything.

"Sir," Hermione started, "if I may ask, where is Raven?"

Dumbledore looked at them. "Miss Kerouf is at her mother's funeral."