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Corvus	By : LadyFreak Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23963 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor to I make any money from this story. These characters are JKR's, I just play with them.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
(16) A Familiar Problem
The common room was fairly small sized and not everyone could fit at one time comfortably. It was circular with various seating available throughout. Two 4 person tables sat in the center of the room, but they were all told they were rarely used because of the seating available in the library.
There was a fireplace directly across from the entrance which had a portrait of Rowena Ravenclaw above it. At first glance, it looked like a muggle portrait, but Corvus caught the glance the eyes made at him and nodded in acknowledgement and greeting.
In front of the fireplace was a deep blue couch flanked by two arm chairs. On the walls around the entire tower were bookshelves. “Students in Ravenclaw tend to be bookworms,” one of the older years explained as the first years looked longingly at all the books. “They often leave books behind or purposefully donate the books to the Claw Library, which is what you see here. They are charmed to not leave the castle. While you can share with friends in other houses, after a week out of the common room, the book will return to the shelf.”
Corvus felt that was fairly greedy of the Ravenclaw students, but could also understand not wanting to lose any books due to other students’ inability to care for the tomes. Also, he himself was a bibliophile and would not truly willingly share any of his own library...
Corvus entered the boys room which was also circular. There were four beds set around the room, each with a window between them. He liked that the only bed without a trunk was closest to the door. He pulled his trunk from his pocket and tapped it with his wand to enlarge it. He then cast a sticking charm in parseltongue so that no one but him would be able to move it. He also set an emergency password so someone else could get it from him if necessary. Specifically Severus or Draco.
He opened his trunk and pulled out quill, ink, and parchment to write a quick note to his mother, Uncle Rabastan and Uncle Lucius. He added a small note to Draco before whistling to Huginn. He handed the letters to the raven and told him to bring the letters to Draco.
()
Draco sat in the dungeons thinking about the day’s events. Corvus, he was learning, definitely had a cold, mean streak. It was something he knew, for sure, as they had dueled using the Dark Arts, but there was something akin to ice when the boy was insulted or pushed around. Draco had a feeling it came from his childhood and being unable to protect himself. Now he would do anything to protect himself.
He thought back to the different reactions during the day. Granger, Pansy and Véurr, Potter and Weasley, then Potter and Weasley again.
He just knew those two were going to cause problems and he was going to have to keep an eye on his cousin. He sat at his desk and wrote his letters to his parents. He was about to send his owl out when Huginn came in.
He pulled the notes from the raven who nuzzled his hand quickly before sitting lazily on the back of the blond’s chair.
Draco,
Huginn isn’t built for long distance deliveries. I may have to look into an owl after all.
Anyhow, could you post these letters for me? I figure you are writing to your father.
Speaking of which, many congratulations on your sorting into Slytherin. There was definitely no doubt there. Oh and did you hear the hat almost yell out Slytherin for Potter? My shoulders are so tense now because I was fighting the laughter so hard. Should have known he would never go to Hufflepuff, the only one he is loyal to is himself.
Anyhow, thank you and good night. See you in the morning.
Corvus
Draco smirked at the memory of the Golden Boy almost going to Slytherin. He sincerely hoped that little fact of information reaches the Daily Prophet. Oh what a stir that would make.
He quickly posted the letters and sent them out with his eagle owl Aquila.
()
The Lestrange and Malfoy families sat in the lounge at Malfoy Manor for a night cap. Aquila came flying through and dropped in front of Lucius and Bellatrix with letters from the boys.
“I think we’ll need to get him an owl too,” said Rabastan. “I think he’s worried about sending Huginn on long journeys.”
“I would be too. That Raven is not a pet or post bird to him. He is his familiar, his friend.”
She opened her letter and read
“Dear Mum,
You were right. Hogwarts is magnificent. Although something else could be said of the people in it.
The Headmaster influenced the sorting hat twice. The first time was with a Muggleborn, Granger, who I believe should have been in Ravenclaw. She sat arguing with the hat for five minutes before the hat put her in Gryffindor. I understand most would not want to disappoint their families, but her family would know nothing of houses. Not to mention the Headmaster did not move his eyes from the hat the entire time she sat there.
But the most obvious was when boy wonder was sorted. The hat even started with yelling out ‘Slyth’ which shocked me. Can you imagine him in Slytherin? Poor Severus would have a heart attack! I think I even saw him pale.
I had a good time talking with Thomas, the sorting hat. He told me I could go to either Slytherin or Ravenclaw. I ended up in Ravenclaw due to my non-interest in dealing with politics. The hat also hinted it would be good to have someone in the house to recruit. That hat really is too smart. I’m glad that Granger didn’t make Ravenclaw, because then I would have begged to go to Slytherin. {Bellatrix snorted at this confession} You know I have nothing specific against muggleborns, especially after that meeting with Ragnok, but we had an unfortunate first meeting on the train. I’ll tell you about that in another letter.
Oh! Almost forgot! The egg hatched! Véurr is a beautiful deep blue basilisk. She has already bound to me and I’ve already had the ‘no biting’ and ‘keep second and third eyelid closed’ discussion with her.
Along that same line of thought, McGonagall is giving me problems with my familiars. She went as far as to tell me to ‘put them up’! That was so inconsiderate and I was very upset at her disrespect for a wizards’ bonded familiars. I’ve also written Uncle Luc about this issue. I understand Véurr is a dangerous snake, but a bonded familiar will listen to his or her wizard explicitly unless they put themselves in danger. I hope Uncle Luc can help me.
I’ve also already had an altercation with boy wonder. If it continues I will write to the Board of Governors. I have a feeling punishments will be nonexistent when it comes to him.
Well, thats it for this time. I’ll try to write often.
Love you,
Corvus
Bellatrix furrowed her brows. She started with the basics. “Corvus is in Ravenclaw. He said the hat said he would do well there or in Slytherin, but considering his dislike for dealing with politics and other kids his age, he went to Ravenclaw. He’s also noted the manipulations of the Headmaster have started. He said he posted a letter to you Luc?”
The blonde nodded and read aloud:
“Uncle Luc,
I’m sure mum will tell you about my sorting and Draco will tell you about his, so I hope you forgive me for writing mostly for another assistance needed. I’m truly piling on the favors I owe you in turn. {The adults chuckled at the true statement}
The teachers are already giving me problems with having my familiars with me. Professor McGonagall was even so disrespectful as to tell me to ‘put them up’ as if they were objects or pets. I will be writing a request to the Board of Governors to keep them with me.
My basilisk hatched. She is beautiful and I named her Véurr for protector. She has already bonded to me and I’ve told her no biting and to keep her second and third eyelids closed. Do I need to tell the board that she is a basilisk?
Please let me know what our next step needs to be.
“How dare they treat bonded familiars in such a distasteful manner!” hissed Narcissa. “Lucius, write a letter to the board about the circumstances.”
“Of course Cissa. What does Draco’s letter say?”
Narcissa looked at the letter in her hand. “He’s in Slytherin. He said the hat barely brushed the top of his head before it placed him. He also spoke about the Headmaster’s manipulations.”
“They’re going to have a rough time of it. The favoritism is going to be extensive. It is going to be especially hard on Corvus,” said Bella, brow furrowed again.
“He’s strong, Bella” said Rabastan, putting his arm around her shoulders in a comforting gesture.
“I know, but I still worry.”
“Bella, I want you to write a missive to the Board of Governors as well,” Lucius said. “Skip the manipulations because it’s speculative and would never go through. I want you to tell them about the familiars. If altercations between him and the Potter boy continue we will try to do something about it.”
“Alright,” She said, standing up and stretching. “I think we’ll head home now.”
With promises to be in touch the following day, the two Lestranges said their goodnight’s and headed out. Twenty minutes later Lucius and Bellatrix were each at their own homes, writing letters to the Board of Governors.
()
The Board called for a session to be held just three days after classes had started. Not only had Lucius and Bellatrix written in, but multiple other families had also let their opinions be known. Some older students had also taken to writing to the board. Multiple people had noted the disrespect for Corvus’ familiars, but most noted the hat changing it’s mind.
“You know Dumbledore, spoke Theodore’s father, Edward Nott. “We can’t do anything about his manipulations. However, the familiars is something we can work with. What did you say they were again, Lucius?”
“Corvus has a raven and a newly hatched snake. Both are bonded to him.”
“Is the snake dangerous?” Asked Marilee Abbot.
“Not as long as she is bonded to Corvus. I need an oath that anything discussed here will not leave this room. You can vote how you wish, but this knowledge stays in this room. You may not tell anyone directly, written or by mind or memory. You cannot speak with another person about this if you know someone else is in the vicinity. Agreed?”
“How do we know what you will tell us isn’t dangerous?”
“Not all of it is,” he said cryptically.
“Fine,” said Abbot who put her wand up and took the oath. The rest of the Governors soon followed.
“First of all, Corvus’ familiar. I will not lie to you, Véurr is a basilisk.” An uproar went throughout the room. “Most of you know nothing of the species so until you understand, please quiet down.” Slowly people settled down, allowing Lucius to continue. “The snake hatched on the train on the way to Hogwarts.
“We all know about a basilisk’s stare so I won’t need to go over that. What you do not know is it is not automatic. A basilisk has separate eyelids that stay closed until they want to petrify or kill. As Corvus’ bonded, Véurr has been directed to not bite anyone and to keep the eyelids closed.”
“How does he know she will listen to him?”
Lucius sighed. “This is the part I had you take an oath for. Corvus is a parselmouth. He can speak directly to her and get her acknowledgement and agreement.” The room was shocked into silence. “He is not an evil wizard just because he can speak to snakes. He is a very intelligent child. Do not forget, he is also the one who is taking correspondence courses with both Scuola di Stregoneria and Durmstrang Academy.”
“While we know he is indeed an exceptional child and will be an exceptional wizard, how do we know he isn’t a dark and evil?” asked a stern looking woman with black hair and steely blue eyes. “Not only did he come to request permission to take Dark courses, but now we learn that he has a Basilisk as a familiar!”
“He’s 11 years old!” said Abbott, halting the nods that had begun to show around the room. “I say give him the permission, but he is responsible for the actions of his familiars. Should the basilisk injure or kill anyone, then he will be held responsible. Agreeable?” Nods all around. “Those in favor?” all but the black haired woman’s hands rose in vote. “And just for recording purposes, those opposed?” blue eyes flared angrily, but she would make her opinion known my raising her wand in vote.
Lucius breather out an inaudible sigh. “I thank you fellow governors,” he said with a small smile. Now, shall we return to the issue on the History Professor?”
()
Corvus was nervous waiting for the permission from the Board. He had to leave Huginn and Véurr in his room while he was in class. Huginn was free to fly, but poor Véurr was sat on his bed with a warming rock and a ward around it to keep her from running off.
::I’m very sorry, dear Véurr. I do not wish for you to be injured due to other’s stupidity and prejudices::
::I understand Master. I may not like it but I understand::
::Thank you Véurr. I will be sure to bring you lots of sausages tonight:: he replied, then laughed as the snake’s eyes brightened.
Classes were fairly boring, luckily. He had lunch and dinner with his cousin at the Slytherin table, but breakfast with the Ravenclaws. Draco had told him of the classes he had to share with the Gryffindors and made Corvus laugh with tales of their godfather tearing Potter down in potions.
“And that Granger,” Draco continued the second day at lunch. “Bouncing up and down in her seat with her hand in the air. She is going to be a pushy little know-it-all. You should have heard her in charms. Acting like she knew better than everyone else.”
“Don’t worry Dray, only 7 more years,” Corvus said, a sympathetic look on his face that didn’t last 10 seconds before he was laughing.
Draco put his head in his hands and moaned. “Did you have to remind me, Cor?”
“Yes... yes I did.” He said with a smirk on his face. “Don’t forget I have the same amount of time.”
“True,” the blonde replied and looked at his cousin appraisingly. “How are your classes, Cor?”
The raven haired boy shrugged. “Good as they can be I suppose. My correspondence lessons are definitely much more interesting. I’ve already sent out my first and second assignments. I’ll have to hand in weekly grades to Binns.”
“And is anyone giving you trouble?” he asked. When Corvus shrugged, he raised an eyebrow.
“Really Dray. Who do you think? I have Transfiguration, History, and DADA with the fools!” He said exasperatingly. “That damn Granger gets on my nerves. She’s so nosy to what I’m doing in History that every class I have to change seats to get away from her.”
“What?”
“I do my own history work in History of Magic. Most students sleep in that class, but Granger sits there taking notes and trying to look at what I’m doing. You know what a private person I am!
“Then in transfiguration, McGonagall obviously favors her Lions. I finished the charm quickly and then pulled out my text to read. The Professor walked passed, looked down her nose at my work and walked off ‘Oh, great work Miss Granger. Ten points to Gryffindor’. I mean really, what the hell?”
“McGonagall is to Gryffindors what Severus is to Slytherins. But Flitwick isn’t like that. He doesn’t play favorites and I doubt Sprout does either,” Draco said, trying to cool his cousin’s temper.
“I don’t think its the fact that she plays favorites, it’s who she’s playing to. A wannabe Ravenclaw who can read.” He shook his head and sneered, missing the blonde brows arching. “I just hate people who think they are better than others. I hope Sev can knock her down a couple of pegs too.”
Draco snorted. “Oh, he’s working on it. He considers her an ‘insufferable know-it-all’, and makes it known.” He looked appraisingly at his friend. “Anyone else?”
“Well, I’m considered ‘Death Eater Spawn’ to a specific Gryffindor duo, but it hasn’t been too bad. I do my own work and keep out of their way. I was only partially right about the Ravenclaws by the way.” He continued at Draco’s confused expression. “That they are all books and no logic. There are very few with logic, but they are there. McDougal will be a good ally, but she’s the only one I’ve taken notice of so far.”
“Where does she stand? Do you know?”
“Not yet. But I’ve seen her eyeing my Durmstrang text while I’m studying,” he smirked.
“And of course, you study in the common room?”
“Of course,” He said, eyes full of mirth.
()
It wasn’t until the end of the first week that Corvus heard from the board of Governors, but when he did, he couldn’t help the breath of relief that escaped his lips. He watched as the owl flew to his plate and another landed before Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick.
Mr. Corvus Lestrange,
We have been made aware of your situation and have decided you have permission to have your familiars with you at all times. We are also aware of the nature of your snake and would like to let you know that you will be held responsible for any injuries that occur.
We thank you also for bringing the issue with the History of Magic class to our attention. We are working on rectifying the problem.
Sincerely,
Hogwarts School Board of Governors
Corvus stood from his spot and walked over to Draco to show him the letter. He was glad for the letter as Véurr did not agree to staying in his room that morning. He heard a slight hissing on his wrist and let her be known to the blonde who reached a hand forward slowly.
Véurr flicked her tongue at his hand in greeting.
Draco read the letter with a smile on his face, while Corvus spoke. “I believe the letters that went to Dumbledore, Flitwick and McGonagall were similar. Well, Dumbledore and Flitwick, will probably have copies of my permission. McGonagall probably got a scolding.” Both boys snickered at the thought of the uptight witch getting yelled at.
They continued onto class, Potions first. He planned to have a bit of fun with Severus.
()
Corvus entered the classroom with his fellow Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs. A few people moved away from him when they heard hissing coming from his arm, but he paid no attention to them as he took a table at the front right corner.
Severus entered in a flurry of robes and gave his annual speech. He asked random people questions and seemed proud of the answers.
“Finally, a class not full of dunderheads,” he said with a smirk. He waved his hand and the instructions were on the board. “Get to it.”
Corvus walked to the desk and stood before his godfather. “Professor, could I possibly bother you with a favor?” he asked, unable to keep the smirk off his face.
Knowing his godson was up to something, Severus looked at the boy warily, but nodded nonetheless. “How can I help you?”
His eyes widened as Corvus pulled up his sleeve to expose the snake holding onto him. “Since I was forced to leave her in my room for a couple of days, she got mad and would not stay there today. Could you perhaps transfigure a perch or hold onto her for me?”
Severus unblinkingly put his hand out and Corvus spoke to Véurr in English. “Véurr my sweet. You cannot hang on my arm for potions. You can be hurt.”
::Silly human. First you leave me alone, then you want to get rid of me!::
“No, no. That was not my fault and you know it. I do not want to ‘get rid of you’ as you put it. You can stay with the Professor for the duration of class.” Véurr gave the snakes equivalent of a huff and a pout, but slid off the boy’s arm and onto Severus’. “No biting” he told the basilisk sternly.
::You’re no fun:: At Corvus’ look, the basilisk closed her eyes and rested.
“Thank you professor.”
“Anytime Mr. Lestrange. Now please back to your desk and your potion.” Corvus nodded and did just that.
Even with his late start, Corvus was the first to finish and with a perfect potion. He bottled a sample and put it to the side as Severus came to examine his results. “Well done, Mr. Lestrange. 5 points to Ravenclaw.” He put his hand out as Corvus had done earlier and allowed Véurr to return to her master’s arm.
“Thank you Professor,” he said, handing over his sample for grading.
With ten minutes left, Corvus pulled out his ‘Healing Arts’ text and read up for his next assignment.
When the bell rang, Severus held him behind. “Why was your familiar in your room for two days? The beginning contact is the most important.”
“Tell that to McGonagall,” he huffed. “She made a big to-do about my familiars being with me. I finally received permission this morning from the Board. I hope she gets a Howler.”
Severus frowned. “I didn’t know she was giving you problems. You know even though I’m not your head of house, you can come to me with problems, right?”
Corvus nodded, but explained. “I don’t want anyone to think that you’re playing favorites.”
“Ah, but I’m known for playing favorites with children of ‘Dark’ families.” He replied smirking. “Let me know about any others, okay?”
Corvus gave him a rare smile. “Thanks Sev. I will. I hear you already have things under control with the Gryffs though,” he said as he turned to leave.
Severus would deny that he chuckled. No, he did not laugh at all.

(Edited 9-23-15)

A/N: "whew!* Alright. Aren't you glad? And look how long it is! That should tide you over for a couple of weeks at least... no? how about days? ok ok... hours! Deal with it! lol
So what did you think? McGonagall will be EXTREMELY OOC here! I'm warning you in advance. She will be playing favorites (three guesses to who...)Right now it will seem like world vs. Corvus, but it will get better, promise!
If you see any mistakes, please feel free to message me so i can fix it. I don't have a beta, so this is how it is :) Now, don't go looking for my mistakes! lol
REPLIES: Thank you lovelies for reading and reviewing!
@wirra- it is the same story as is posted on ff.net, just updated later
@Luminari- sooo much research went into the wand crafting... eventually i made up my own stuff about the cores, but it sounded good lol
dominique1, qwerty, Jan- thanks for the comments and reviews. I had to make his own wand and since he went to Italy, I had to create Headmistress Befana . I'm glad you are enjoying this story!
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Corvus