Chris's breath was uneven as he walked forward. He felt hundreds of eyes on him, watching his every move. His heart sped up as he reached the small wooden stool, not daring to look Professor McGonagall in the eye.
He sat down, gripping the edge of the seat like his life depended on it and biting his lip nervously. He felt the cool brush of fabric on his forehead as the ragged sorting hat was placed on his head.
"Hmm," It rasped, "clever, yes, open hearted... a great mind but lack of confidence in yourself."
He trembled, looking around in the audience in front of him, searching for his new friend's kind eyes.
He finally found them in the sea of people. Darren looked up at him smiling, and gave him a thumbs up. Chris sighed and returned his smile a little shakily.
The hat coughed slightly, "Well, it must be... RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause and cheers, Chris beamed. He almost skipped towards them, sitting to join Darren.
"Hey." Darren said, looking up at him.
Proudly sporting his new Ravenclaw robes too, Chris blushed.
"I'm glad I got to be in your house."
"Me too, with you I mean." Darren replied, sipping his goblet absent minded.
They had only met a few hours ago, in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express. It had been the only empty one Chris could find. Until Darren came in. He had wanted to sit alone, he was muggle born so he didn't know anyone yet.
A knock on the sliding door made him jump slightly. He looked up to see a small, curly haired boy with deep brown eyes.
He smiled a little awkwardly, "Um, is it okay if I join you?"
Chris had paused, but then smiled back, "Sure fine with me."
Darren smiled wider, stepping in eagerly and holding out his hand to Chris.
"I'm Darren Criss. My brothers' in sixth year, His names Chuck."
Chris took his hand, surprised at how smooth it was.
"I'm Chris, It's really good to meet you - well, meet someone. People are avoiding me. You know, I'm the weird loner."
Darren frowned, "I can't imagine why, you seem perfectly fine to me."
Chris blushed a little, "You really don't have to sit here. People will think your my friend."
"I don't mind them thinking that... do you?"
Chris smiled sadly, "Trust me, I'm just trying to save you from future embarrassment."
Darren sat on the seat opposite him, looking at him intently.
"Why do you think people won't like you? You're so nice."
Chris felt a little self conscious then, but he had to say it. It was only fair to tell him.
"I'm gay." He mumbled, looking at his shoes, waiting for Darren to get up and leave.
To his utter surprise, Darren put his hand on Chris's, stopping him from tapping his fingers nervously. Chris looked at him curiously.
Darren let out a gush of air, "Me too."
Chris felt so happy he could cry. "Really?" He asked, grinning.
Darren leant back in his seat.
"Looks like we're on the same boat then, hey?" He winked before reaching for galleons to buy sweets from the trolley outside.
"Any sweets for you boys?" The old lady crooned.
Chris was about to speak but Darren cut him off.
"I'll take two boxes of chocolate frogs, and every flavour beans."
He gave half of everything to Chris, both of them eating a feast. Chris smiled to himself as Darren talked about the music he loved. He almost passed out when Darren got out his guitar and sang a song for him.
He watched Darren being sorted into Ravenclaw. Wishing, hoping, that he did to. Because if he was with him, things would most definitely be okay here.