I had like no friends in any of the houses. Or in my year for that matter. Yes I talked to people, but no one was my friend. There only were Oliver, Marcus, and Ryan. Ryan was five years older, Oliver two, and Marcus three. The Gryffindors were a lot nicer. They made me feel at home. I just know the hat was wrong. So I spent most of my year watching Oliver playing Quidditch, outsmarting Snape, or passing out in History of Magic.
Christmas break was coming up when Oliver asked if I was staying. I hadn't given it any thought. He told me he was. If my hunky captain was staying so was I. All of the Hufflepuffs were surprisingly leaving, as were the Ravenclaws minus Ryan. A few Slytherins were staying behind. Oliver was one of the only Gryffindors. Most of the prefects were gone also.
So he suggested to McGonagall that I should stay with him for break. She thought it was a great idea and gave him 10 points as did Sprout. We were promoting the idea of House Unity, even if it was for selfish reasons. I did not get along with anyone in my year or in my house for that matter. They had no wills of their own. McGonagall smiled when Oliver asked her. She couldn't believe Mr. Quidditch was concerned about someone who was younger, in another house, and did not play quidditch. (She almost had a heart attack). I think they knew. The two would giggle every time they saw us together.
Oliver came down at noon the daybreak began. It was the December 17 or 18. Either way it was the greatest day. As Oliver shared his room with only one other boy, there was plenty of room.
He showed me to the dorm. He said the password, "True Love." The Fat Lady gave Oliver a wink, and let us in. Their Common Room was so much nicer. It was so warm and friendly. The red and gold went a long way to creating a nice environment. Living in the cellar meant that it was cold and damp regardless of the temperature of the fires. The yellow and black wasn't too bad, but didn't do anything for the dorm.