First Year

September 1st, 1009

21:30

She wasn't afraid of anything. It was just a change, not a fear. After making the rest of her way up the spiral stairs, she knocked on the small grey door.

"Come in," replied an exhausted voice.

The young girl slowly opened the door. She stood in the doorway wearing a royal blue nightgown. Straight ahead, her mother sat at a large maple desk, looking anxiously at the scattered pieces of parchment in front of her.

"Mother?" asked the girl. Her tone was cautious, as her mother did not like to be bothered while working.

Rowena recognized the tender voice immediately and looked up from her desk.

"What is it Helena?"

The young girl shrugged. "I cannot go to sleep again."

Rowena sighed. Helena had suffered from insomnia since infancy. Holding out a gentle arm, she gave her daughter a small smile.

"Come here, sweetheart."

Helena walked to her mother's side and was brought into a light embrace.

"You are just overexcited for tomorrow." said Rowena, whispering into her child's ear.

"My eyes want to sleep, but my mind does not." Helena groaned softly and leaned her head on her mother's shoulder.

Rowena chuckled. "That is because you are just like me."

Helena lifted her head. "You always say that."

Despite the tiredness in her eyes, Rowena's smile grew larger.

"I say what is true, darling."

Helena shook her head. "That does not help."

"Telling the truth?" Rowena questioned, now looking amused. "It is always helpful to know the truth, especially when it is a good truth."

The young girl rolled her eyes. "I know that part. I mean that the truth doesn't help me sleep!

Rowena took her daughter's hand, rubbing a thumb across her soft palm.

"What do you love, Helena?"

Helena looked down at their hands and thought.

"Well…you, music…books, singing…plenty of things."

"Exactly," said Rowena. "All of those things are true, are they not?"

"They are," Helena replied, "but they have nothing to do with sleep."

Rowena chuckled again. "Go back to bed and try to think of everything that you love."

Her daughter raised an eyebrow, not totally convinced with her mother's advice.

"Will that work?"

"It does for me." Rowena kissed her daughter gently on the cheek. "Just try."

Author's Note

Hello Fanfiction!

Thanks for reading my story. I should have the next chapter up in a day or so. Please review and tell me what you think!

Sincerely,

Bellastrange51