Theda
It was all too plain what Kaytee had done to the Slytherins as soon as we got off the train. On their faces, written in raised purple dots, was the word ARSE. I burst out laughing, and then clapped a hand over my mouth to try to stifle it. Kaleb was making no attempt at not laughing, instead almost roaring with laughter and grabbing his sides. I punched him, and he shut up.
"Will it come off?" I asked Kaytee, glancing around for any eavesdropping teachers. This was not something we wanted traced back to us.
"Yeah, in a few hours. After everyone's seen it at the feast."
"Well, let's get going then, before the carriages all leave." Alice said. We all clambered into the second-to-last carriage, with Kaleb scrambling over Kaytee to sit next to me. I opened Taranis's cage and he perched on my shoulder, from where he glared at Kaleb.
"Thae, I don't think your bird likes me." Kaleb said, a fake pout appearing on his face.
"Funny." I said. "He must be my bird."
"McGonagall will flip if you bring him into the dining hall." Fred said, and I grinned.
"Will she now? The rules don't say anything about not bringing ravens into the dining hall."
"Are you sure?" Roxanne asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Positive. I memorized them all first year."
"Well, if you want to risk losing your prefect-ship then go ahead." Alice declared, settling the matter once and for all.
It started to rain just as the carriage pulled up to the castle gate, and we all scrambled out and raced for cover. Professor Denzil, the Maori DADA instructor and Deputy Headmaster, was standing just inside, supervising the arrival process.
"Good evening Professor." we chorused, scooting past him.
"Good evening, good evening. Miss Lupin, is that a raven on your shoulder?" he asked, his keen eyes lighting on Taranis.
"Yes sir." I said, and walked into the Great Hall. Kaytee walked next to me, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
We split up inside the hall, each of us heading to our house tables. Alice slipped in next to me at the Ravenclaw table and Kaytee, Kaleb, Roxanne, James, Fred, Teddy and Harvey headed off to the Gryffindor table. I was attracting a lot of looks because of Taranis, but I just kinda ignored it. He was incredibly well-trained for having existed for only a day, and he just sat on my shoulder looking smug. Professor McGonagall slid into her throne-like seat in the center of the staff table, and I could see her sigh as her eyes locked on the raven on my shoulder. Sitting on her left was a dark haired woman with violet eyes whom I didn't recognize.
"That must be the new Transfiguration professor." Rose said, coming up and sitting on my other side.
The double doors banged open and Professor Denzil strode in, followed by a line of terrified first years. It was time for the Sorting to begin.
Approximately 45 minutes later Gryffindor had six new members, Ravenclaw had four, Hufflepuff had five and Slytherin had six. Professor Denzil took the Sorting Hat away and Professor McGonagall stood up to make the customary speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! First of all, as I'm sure you are all aware by now, Professor Koke has decided to retire. As such, it is my pleasure to introduce to you your new Transfiguration professor, Ellenora Dumbledore." The young woman stood up gracefully and there was a hearty round of applause accompanied by many whispers. It was no secret that no one really like Koke, and that his retirement had been partially forced.