Chapter Text
When they went to get her a familiar they went through all the cats, toads, and owls, but none of them really seemed to have that connection Nix wanted. That was until they came across a raven who was in a cage too small for it. The Raven squawked at them, but Nix could understand it. Because of the many animal forms she was forced to take, her thoughts would often shift from English, bird, frog, deer, cat, and dog, to even a spider. While her bird language was a falcon, she could make out the important words that most birds were saying. The Raven was asking for a friend, so Nix replied saying she would be. Minerva is shocked but shakes her head sadly. She then pays for the bird and they walk out. The Raven then says his cage hurts him. Nix opens the cage door and he flys away, only to come back and sit on her shoulder moments later.
“You free me, you friend. I stay with a friend?” Nix smiles and nods, scratching his head. Minerva was worried when he flew away, but seeing the smile on Nix’s face when he came back was worth it.
“What is your name, small friend?” Nix asks.
“What is name?” He replies.
“A name is something others call you by. My name is Nix.” She caws back at him, Nix being one of the few words she can still say in English.
“No name, friend Nix give name?” He asks.
“Blue.” She says, startling Minerva.
“Oh! Well, that's another word you can still say, which is good! But what about it?” She asks, desperate to hear her speak more.
“His name is blue, because of the blue shine of his feathers.” Nix tries to reply, but instead, it comes out like a bunch of caws, purrs, barks, and croaks. All except for the word blue. She repeats this several times, getting frustrated at each attempt. Tears start to prick at the corner of her eyes when she can not say anything else correctly. Minerva takes her hand and gives it a small squeeze. A few tears fall as she puts her head on Minerva’s shoulder. Minerva strokes her hair to calm her down, Blue being shooed away for a bit. He flies above them, but never lets them out of his sight.
“It’s alright dear. It is nothing to cry over, I understand. This is why we learned to sign, remember?” Minnie says, trying to soothe the girl. She nods, backs up a bit, and wipes her eyes. She lets out a frustrated huff, then points to the raven.
“Blue.” She repeats. Hearing his new name, he swoops down and lands on her shoulder.
“Oh! His name is Blue? An interesting name, but fitting nonetheless.” Minnie chuckles. “Now I have to go and gather some muggle-born children so they can get their school supplies. Would you like to come with me?” Nix nods and grabs her hand.
They were finally back at Hogsmeade, with all the new muggle-born children. Nix did not stray far from Minerva, besides, how would she even talk to the other kids? They would not understand bird, and certainly not spider! She starts signing to Minne asking about where they were going next when a bushy-haired girl taps on her shoulder. Nix turns to the girl, she tilts her head a little in confusion.
“Isn’t this amazing! I have never seen anything like it! Well, nothing real at least. I have read tons of books of course, but I don’t think any of them could really describe all of this! You know? Anyway, my name is Hermione. Hermione Granger, what is yours?” Hermione asks.
“Nix.” She replies then points to her shoulder where the raven is sitting. “Blue.”
“Nice to meet you Nix!” Blue caws at her. “You too Blue!” She giggles as she pets his head. Nix smiles at the girl, maybe she can make friends. It might be a little bit harder, but she is determined. Besides, she will always have Minnie and Blue.