A/N: Not a SI-OC (self-insert original character) by the way. I just like to explore possible futures and outcomes and "what if's". And I can't picture myself into already established characters mind the same way I can with an OC. With them, I don't have to worry about being OOC (out of character).

CHAPTER 5: The Sorting Hat

Warning: mental breakdown/s.

Professor McGonagall appeared on the other side of the corridor. She was wearing a dark green witch hat and elegant green robes. The woman looked every bit as stern but kind as Henry had imagined.

"Before we go inside, there are a few things I need to tell you. You are to stand in a line, two by two, and follow me to the front of the Hall. There you will be sorted into one of four Houses: Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. They will be your family for the rest of your time here at Hogwarts. You also have a Head of House each: Severus Snape for Slytherin, Filius Flitwick for Ravenclaw, me for Gryffondor and Pomona Sprout for Hufflepuff. In addition, you will earn or lose House Points. All teachers can give and take them. To earn them, you follow the rules and stand out in class. You lose them by breaking rules and being rude to teachers. Now, off we go." She turned around and the doors opened.

"Christ," whispered Harry.

They followed the witch into the big hall. The tables were already filled with students in various ages, looking curiously at the newcomers. Henry saw the Slytherins to her far left, then Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. She smiled as George waved enthusiastically at them.

Harry grabbed her sleeve and whispered to look up. The ceiling was magnificent. It was charmed to look like an endless night sky, with constellations and stars moving lazily across it. Lights floated slowly in the air as well.

"What kind of spell is that?"

She grinned at Harry, ever so curious.

Somewhere behind them, Hermione said something about reading about the spell in Hogwarts: A History. Henry grinned.

Her giddiness quickly devolved into uncomfortableness. There were a lot of people in the Hall and all of their attention were on them. It felt like everyone was looking directly at her and she swallowed the lump in her throat. They weren't that interesting. It wasn't worth staring at them like that.

Her hands got clammy and she discreetly wiped them on her sleeves. Harry noticed her paling face and took her hand. He assured her no one was looking that much, but it didn't help because she felt the curious eyes all around them. She knew for a fact Dumbledore was looking at them. He was smiling from the podium before moving to his seat. Hagrid had also recognised him from where he stood. George (and Fred) as well.

She shouldn't be this pessimistic. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, her childhood dream. She'd come to England just to see the set, the props and meet the actors. She'd taken the Patronus and House tests on Pottermore, read all the books God knew how many times. She'd written fanfics for Christ's sake. Her room was full of Harry Potter merch. This should be the time of her life, something exciting. Instead she felt like puking.

The friends she'd visited with were no longer here. In fact, she couldn't recall them, only faceless, genderless shapes that had once been people she loved. In this world, she only had Harry. Sirius didn't count; he was a dog at the moment. And stuck in Surrey.

Before she totally lost herself to despair, Harry squeezed her hand. "Not that I don't like your hair blond, but now might be the time to let people know how you really look."

Her hair immediately regained its auburn colour. "Sorry," she croaked.

"Is it the Sorting?"

Good God, not that. Why'd he have to remind her of that? What if they were separated? What would she do then? Sneak into his bedroom and share a bed? There were probably wards or spells stopping opposite genders from entering each other's rooms. She had to find a way to break them, because if she couldn't be with Harry she'd constantly worry.

"Breathe," he whispered in her ear. They had long since stopped before the stool and Sorting Hat. At least it felt like an eternity.

She clenched her hand above her rapidly beating heart. How she loathed the feeling of it hammering away in her chest. Was this how people felt before a heart attack? She wasn't surprised if her heart literally jumped out of her ribcage. Or gave out completely.

At least she wasn't shaking yet.

Correction. She was shaking. Drat.

And fabulous, the walls were closing in. The rush of blood overtook her ears and she didn't hear Harry's soothing words anymore. What brought her out of the panic attack was Harry's hand rubbing her back and Professor McGonagall calling the first student.

"Abbott, Hannah."

Henry must have missed her explaining the procedure. Whatever, not like she already knew what would happen.

Hannah Abbott went to Hufflepuff, Katie Bell to Gryffindor (didn't Draco curse her later on?), Susan Bones joined Hannah in Hufflepuff, Terry Boot (Henry had no memory of this boy) went to Ravenclaw and Lavender Brown to Gryffindor.

An eternity later, Henry was sure people were staring. The amount of curious eyes hadn't diminished in time with her yearmates getting sorted.

What letter were they on now?

"Bulstrode, Millicent." She went to Slytherin. Henry had a near mental breakdown then and there. They were still only on B and their surnames began with P. She'd go grey before this night was over.

Draco nodded in approval. "Of course she's going there," he said.

The Sorting continued. Michael Corner (again, she had no memory of this boy) went to Ravenclaw and Vincent Crabbe to Slytherin. Then professor McGonagall called for a Justin Finch-Fletchley, whose name Henry didn't recognise at all. Why were there so many people she didn't recognise? Had they appeared in the books?

She caught Justin Whatever-his-name-was gaping at her and averted her gaze. Their excitement was heavy.

Harry squeezed her hand again. Her hair was going white. "Should we go for some fresh air?" he asked. Their names wouldn't be called for another fifty years either way.

Henry shook her head. They had to stay until the Sorting ended at least. The stares and whispers would only get worse otherwise. So the looming darkness could, frankly, fuck off for the time being.

"I really think we should. You're going white. Literally." Her eyes stood out against her pale skin and white hair. And she was wondering why people stared.

"I'm fine."

"And I'm the Queen of England!"

"Goyle, Gregory."

Who the hell was Gregory? One of Draco's original bodyguards— friends sat on the stool and waited for the Hat to sort him. His name had been Gregory? A hysterical laugh lodged itself from her throat.

"Henry, I'm serious," Harry hissed, his hand holding hers so tight it hurt. But it was good. It helped ground her.

"His name is Gregory."

He looked at her like she was mad.

Draco put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Is she alright? She looks like she's about to faint."

"She can hear you," Henry replied. "And she's totally fine."

"Granger, Hermione."

That brought her out of her hysteria. Hermione made way to the stool and looked at the Great Hall. She appeared much smaller now, alone and for everyone to gawk at. The Hat was placed on her head and she jumped slightly.

Their eyes met and Henry sent the girl a smile. She shakily returned it.

"Gryffindor!" shouted the Hat. Hermione happily joined her table. Henry had always wondered why Hermione wasn't in Ravenclaw, considering her thirst for knowledge (now rivaled by Harry's) and her knack for studying. Somewhere deep inside her, Henry thought Hermione had come to value loyalty and bravery before knowledge after befriending Harry and Ron.

"Do you hear that?"

"What?" asked Harry. "Hear what?"

"Ah." It was in her mind then. A piercing ringing resounded in her ears and was driving her up the wall, but apparently it wasn't real. Good to know. If it could only stop breaking her eardrums.

They were on G now. Nine letters until Professor McGonagall called for them. Could she hold out until then? Well, she had to. Then she'd get the hell out of there and get some fresh air and much needed peace and quiet.

Neville went to Gryffindor and then Draco was called. His fingers brushed against her comfortingly and sent her a reassuring smile. She relaxed, but only slightly. He walked up the stairs as regally as possible and had barely sat down before the Hat called "Slytherin!" He waved proudly to his friends before joining his table in the far (for him) right corner.

"Food," said Harry without warning. "What do you think they'll serve?" His fingers were massaging her palm. Her sweaty palm. Was she shaking? Drat.

"Everything."

Ernie Macmillan went to Hufflepuff, Theodore Nott to Slytherin, as did Pansy Parkinson (she was glaring at Henry). Parvati Patil went to Gryffindor and her twin Padma went to Ravenclaw. In the movies, they were both sorted in Gryffindor. Useless information, but any distraction was welcome right now.

"Potter, Harry." While the Hall fell into a deadly silence, Henry's heart nearly stopped before picking up its pace. She couldn't feel her hands. The time had come and she was not prepared.

For the longest moment in history, Harry didn't move. He held her hand firmly, trying to calm her down. Blaise realised something was wrong and gently separated their hands. He took Henry's and pushed Harry to the stool. The Hat was placed on his head.

"It's been awhile since I last Sorted a Potter," came a disembodied voice. Harry widened his eyes a fraction but otherwise remained still. The Hat had just spoken to him. Of course it had. Why was he even surprised?

You're telepathic? he guessed.

Oddly enough, the Hat chuckled. "I read surface thoughts and emotions; no need to worry. Hm, let's see here… Your parents were both in Gryffindor. I remember them well. Bright she was, your mother. Very brave, on par with Godric Gryffindor himself."

Harry smiled wryly.

"That father of yours though… Troublemaker. Intelligent and adaptive, but a troublemaker nonetheless."

Does that factor into your evaluation?

"Not necessarily. The way children grow up depends on their parents. The children learn to value different things depending on what the adults believe in."

So, where do I go?

"Marvelous question indeed. You're very brave. Incredibly loyal. That sister of yours means the world to you. Good, very good… but that knowledge! What a thirst! Splendid, simply splendid. And you know now to utilise it. Fantastic. You'd do well in Slytherin—but I see that doesn't make you happy."

Harry nodded absentmindedly. Henry's better at it. Utilising her knowledge, I mean. I'm not bad per say, but she's much more creative. He smiled at the memory of her revenge pranks on Dudley. For me, it's just fun. I want to learn every spell in the world.

"And what will you use it for?"

Harry frowned. Do I have to use it for anything?

When the Hat spoke next, it sounded like it smiled. "Then I know exactly where to put you… RAVENCLAW!"

The Professor removed the Hat and Harry scanned the tables. The one beside Slytherin was cheering the most and some people were waving him over. Glancing at Henry, whose usually bright green eyes were now the colour of mint, he wished he didn't have to move. He had to thank Blaise later for sacrificing his arm to Henry's vice-like grip.

As soon as Harry took a seat and the Hall grew silent again, Professor McGonagall continued the call.

"Potter, Henrietta."

Fuck no. She had to leave. Her legs, she couldn't feel them. Her sight was blurry and that godforsaken noise sounded like an orchestra. Blaise was supporting her. If she let go, she wasn't sure she'd make it to the stool.

"The faster you get there the faster you get to sit," Blaise whispered. "You can do it."

It wasn't a question about her being able or unable to do it. She had to.

With a lot of deep breaths, she braved the stairs. That was as far as she went. The stool was a plain thing made from mahogany, dark and old and worn. How many students had sat on this before her?

"You're supposed to sit on it," Professor McGonagall murmured.

She nodded mutely, took another deep breath, closed her eyes and sat. The Hat was placed on her head and she waited for something to happen.

"My sweet girl, no need to fret."

"Helvetes jävla skit." Her eyes propped open and she nearly leapt out of her skin. The Hat had spoken out loud in the first movie. She had not expected it to keep the conversation mental.

Holy cow. Everyone was looking. All eyes were on her. And there were so many. Hundreds of students turned their attention to her, excitedly waiting for the Hat to announce her House. She spotted Harry, looking ready to run to her side. Draco was radiating worry as well. Blaise gave her an encouraging smile. She spotted Hermione too, and Fred and George. All the characters were hyperfocusing on her. Even the teachers behind her back. Everyone expected something from her, from them.

Without her knowing, the last colour from her eyes drained. Her skin, her hair and her eyes were now all pure white, illuminating her like a spotlight. Her freckles stood out like a sore spot and the scars running across her face shattered it like marble. It was impossible for anyone to look away from the ghost of Lily Potter.

"Would you like to proceed with the Sorting?"

"Wh-what?" She cringed at her piercing voice.

"If you're uncomfortable speaking loudly, I suggest you think your answers instead. We're conversing via thoughts. Your brother was quick to realise."

Harry!

"Indeed, young Harry is a bright child. He told me the same about you."

He did? What'd he say? Nothing embarrassing, she hoped.

"Nothing of the sort. He told me you were the mastermind behind their pranks on your cousin."

Why in the world would he tell it that? That's… true, I guess.

"From what I can deduce, your eagerness to learn is as great as his, but… why? Why are you so scared?"

She gulped. Death was a frightening thing. No one truly knew what awaited after life, if there was a heaven or hell or a soul, a collective place where all beings became one or if there was simply nothingness. It was scary, not knowing what would happen, not being able to plan for anything.

And… if she died now, what would happen to her? Would she return to her old self, as if everything had been a dream? Or had she died and been reborn? If that was the case, was there a way to find out what truly happened and if her family was fine?

There were a lot of things she was scared of. But it all boiled down to her fear of the unknown. Even Voldemort was only scary because he threatened to send her toppling over the edge of familiarity. He was ugly as all hell yes, and he knew some horrible curses, his ideals were warped at best and his actions monstrous. But all that could be dealt with a simple Avada Kedavra in the chest. She knew where his Horcruxes were—she could go get them, destroy them and end him without him ever knowing what happened. But if he killed her first, it was over. She wouldn't know what happened to her family. She wouldn't be able to stay by Harry's side. She wouldn't get to live a happy (second?) life. Everything would end—and then what? What came after death?

She needed to know. The Hogwarts library was hers to devour in preparation for Voldemort and everything else JK Rowling had thrown at Harry. She'd live and find out what happened to her.

"What a remarkable resolution," murmured the Hat. "Marvelous. The loyalty towards your brother is exactly what Helga Hufflepuff envisioned in her students. The bravery in your heart to defy both Death and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would awe Godric Gryffindor. Your thirst for knowledge, your adamance in learning everything there is, is exactly what Ravenclaw stands for. And that cunning, the planning… Slytherin is certainly turning in his grave right now."

Henry almost laughed. The Hat was barmy. Comparing her to the ideals of the Founders? What, had she found herself as the protagonist in a fanfic? This was a joke. She was desperate, not loyal, not brave, not smart and not cunning. Those traits didn't define her. She was a coward, always hiding behind the knowledge that in the end, Harry would live. He'd marry Ginny, become an Auror and have children. She just wanted to make everything easier for him, and in the end, for her. That was all there was: selfishness.

"Are you sure about that, dear?" asked the Hat. "Are you certain that cowardice and desperation is what defines you? Not love, not curiosity, not even loyalty?"

Pretty sure, yeah.

"Then I know exactly where to put you."

Good, because Henry had literally no idea. Do tell me.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Henry lept from the stool in surprise, collapsing onto the floor. The damned Hat didn't have to scream the announcement in her ears!

The Hall was silent. It wasn't the same excited silence as before. Now it was filled with disbelief, surprise and—fear.

She looked up at the audience. Had she done good? Was not meeting their expectations worthy entertainment? From the looks some Gryffindors gave her, that wasn't the case.

Harry was making his way to her. Draco too. Professor McGonagall was already saying something to her, something she couldn't hear. Her ears were ringing again and her head heavy. She had to get out of here before she suffocated. Before she drowned.

"Don't move, Miss Potter," said the Gryffindor Head of House gently. "Tell me what's wrong."

"C-can't feel… f-feel my… my… my legs."

Professor McGonagall wasn't impressed by her dry smile. "Then let me help you."

"Henry!" Harry threw his arms around her. "Henry, oh my God, how are you?" He looked at Draco. "We need to leave."

"Nothing of the sort will happen." The witch gave him a grim look. "What she needs is a Calming Draught. Professor Snape—"

"Excuse me Professor, but I do believe I know my sister best. What she needs isn't a drug given by strangers, she needs fresh air, space and me."

Draco looked between them. Hearing Henry whisper "Don't look at me" helped him make a choice. He stood straighter and looked at the sea of students. "Tonight," he began, wondering if this was how his father felt during speeches, "we have witnessed the famous Potter twins' House Sorting. However spectacular that was, I have to remind you we still have students left to Sort." He turned to Professor McGonagall. "Professor, I believe we should continue, yes?"

Looking at him in surprise, she nodded. "Of course. Mr Potter, please escort your sister to the Hospital Wing. Miss Gemma Farley is a Slytherin Prefect. She will take you there."

Draco helped Harry get Henry to her feet, squeezed her hand and watched the twins follow the Slytherin Prefect out of the Hall.


Hogwarts was both warm and cold. Gemma Farley led them through sometimes lukewarm, comfy corridors, sometimes through corridors they were sure had never been heated up. They walked quickly, but not so that Henry's wobbly legs couldn't keep up.

There were paintings and cabinets full of stuff everywhere—never was there a corridor where you didn't have forty things to look at.

The paintings were polite. They were followed by greetings and "How do you do"s. The moving stairs had been the scariest thing. Henry made the mistake of looking down. Now however she felt much better and they stopped outside two big wooden doors.

"This is the Hospital Wing," said Gemma Farley, "where you go if you get hurt, accidentally poisoned or whatever else might happen to you."

"Peachy," Harry replied with a grin.

The Prefect rolled her eyes and opened one of the doors. Madam Pomfrey was just inside, surprised at seeing them. The two of them had a quick discussion before Henry was handed over to the medi-witch.

"Should I sta—"

"You're coming with me," Gemma said sternly.

"Oh, don't worry, she won't be here for five minutes." Madam Pomfrey disappeared into another room and came back with a vial of something. "Here dear, drink up."

"What is it?"

"A Calming Draught. It makes everything easier on the nerves. You can go back afterwards."

Henry took a deep breath and swallowed it in one go. Tasted like strawberries. She handed the vial to Madam Pomfrey and gasped. A rush of warm calmness seeped into her body from the chest. Breathing became easier, thinking became easier and her body stopped shaking. It was heaven on earth.

"Better?"

"Very much. Thank you so much."

The medi-witch sent them away with a smile.

"Do you actually feel better?" asked Harry when they'd left. Gemma Farley was walking in front of them.

Henry nodded, placing a hand on her chest. Her anxieties had gone, there were no signs of them. She hadn't been this calm in what felt like years (but was only a couple of days).

They tried sneaking into the Great Hall, but were caught immediately. Gemma Farley sighed in annoyance and instructed Harry to return to his table. He gave Henry a last tight hug before finding himself a seat. Henry reluctantly followed Gemma to the Slytherins.

Draco had saved her a seat. She thanked him for thinking of her and grinned at the food. Roasted beef and chicken, bacon, sausages, pork chops, steak, lamb chops and Yorkshire pudding were only a few things she could identify. It really was a feast.

"You missed Dumbledore's speech," Theo said from across the table. He handed her a bowl of steaming potatoes. "Want some?"

"Thank you. What did he say?"

Blaise took a sip of his drink. "The list of banned items got updated. No surprise there with the Weasley twins still in school." That earned him a few chuckles, even from Henry.

"Again, first-years aren't allowed brooms," grumbled Draco.

"And the third-floor corridor is off-limits," continued Blaise.

Theo grinned. "For everyone not wanting to die, he said."

Henry wrinkled her nose. "Peachy."

They switched topics to subjects. Theo was dying for DADA and Blaise was curious about Transfiguration. They were both into Quidditch and were thinking of trying out for the Slytherin team next year. Henry was impressed, mostly because she didn't remember a lot about them from the series.

As dinner came to an end, Dumbledore moved to the podium for a last little speech. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

The Hufflepuffs were the first to move. The oldest students sighed and shook their heads as they left the Hall, already used to Dumbledore's antics. The younger ones, especially the first-years, were at a loss. As was Henry. Did Nitwit and those words have a significant meaning? Or had he said it to confuse them?

"Slytherin first-years, follow us!" came a male voice from afar. The group of children followed each other to surround the two Prefects. There was Gemma again, together with a lanky boy with dark skin and dark red hair.

The walk to the dungeons wasn't anything special. It got colder and colder the closer they came, until Henry had no choice but to let Blaise and Draco huddle together with her to share warmth. Most of all she wanted to run away screaming, but the Calming Draught still helped and she looked at her discomfort as if it was on the other side of a glass wall.

Gemma Farley and the boy stopped outside an unsuspecting wall. "Remember this place," said the boy sternly, "because this is your only way to the common room. Pureblood." Part of the wall melted away into an archway. The Prefects went inside and the herd of children followed.

The common room was draped in greens and silver. Half of one massive wall was made from glass, with a nonexistent view of the murky depths of the Black Lake. It wasn't exactly looking cozy or inviting, but it didn't look like a dungeon or prison either. All in all, it was beautiful and bright, with a gigantic fireplace to warm it up.

"Professor Snape, our Head of House, will soon be here to welcome you," said Gemma Farley. "Until then, do you have any questions?"

A few people raised their hands. They had nothing relevant to ask, at least to Henry, so she quickly tuned them out.

She was the first to notice him. He stood rather far away, almost hidden in an alcove, looking at the students with a disapproving frown. Since he was dressed in all black and had black hair, the only thing she could see was his featureless face.

Snape's eyes (that she could only feel) fell on her. The disapprovement turned into irritation. He marched over to the group. Many first-years jumped when they noticed him, a tall man with greasy hair looking like Death itself.

"Welcome to Slytherin. Some of you do not want to be here," he said, making sure everyone saw he looked at Henry, "most likely due to false rumours. I am here to tell you to have an open mind. We are Slytherins, and we stand in solidarity against the other Houses. You may have quabbles with each other, but against outsiders, we are united and strong. Your Slytherin enemy becomes your dearest ally. Do you understand?" Everyone nodded, even Henry. "Perfect. I will now go through the list of rules, and afterwards, you can find your assigned dorm on the papers over there." Then followed a long list of rules, and Henry was genuinely surprised he read them all. And that he knew them by heart.

Draco, Theo and Blaise took Henry to find their dorms and roommates. The three boys were lucky and were sharing a room. Henry wasn't as happy with her arrangements. And she wasn't the only one.

"Why do I have to share a room with a Halfblood?" complained Pansy. She looked at Snape. "I don't want to get her germs on my things!" What was she, five?

"I know it's not the ideal grouping, Miss Parkinson," said Snape, looking torn between agreeing with her and acting like an adult, "but the arrangements have already been made."

"Then make someone switch."

"I'm okay with that," said Henry quickly. "Changing rooms, I mean." She wasn't about to live seven years with a girl that couldn't stand her.

"Anyone want to switch rooms with Miss Potter?" asked Snape and looked around. Nobody moved. "Seems like you're roommates after all." With a last sneer Henry's way, he left. The Prefects directed them to where their dorms were and Henry begrudgingly followed after Pansy and two other girls. They introduced themselves as Millicent Bulstrode and Daphne Greengrass. Fabulous.

The rooms were much cozier than the common room. They still looked like they came straight from a magazine, but the beds were big and soft and there wasn't as much dead space as downstairs.

Pansy took the bed closest to the door. Daphne took the one farthest from that and Millicent the one beside her.

"You're not sleeping beside me," Pansy hissed at Henry. "Millicent, move."

The girl hesitated for a moment before nodding. Henry gave her her most sincere apologetic look, mumbled a "thank you" and resized her trunk onto the bed. Daycrusher was moving impatiently in the backpack, having been locked up in there for hours already. Curfew began after 10PM, meaning she still had time to let him out.

"And where are you going?"

Henry held open the door to look at Pansy. "To get some fresh air. If that's alright?" Pansy became red with anger, but Henry didn't care to stay. She carried Daycrusher through the common room, out the wall into the freezing corridor and back up to the Great Hall.

"You can let me out here, ssspeaker."

She put the backpack on the stone floor and opened it. Daycrusher quickly slid out of it. "I'm sssorry you had to be in there for ssso long."

"It isss alright, ssspeaker. I am fine now."

"Good. Will you be okay alone?"

Daycrusher did the snake equivalent of scoffing. "Of courssse. If you ever need me, sssay my name and I'll find you." With those parting words, he slid away.

Henry returned to her common room, nearly locking herself out because she didn't remember the password, and crept into her bed, tired beyond her years.


The clock neared three in the morning and she was still wide awake. It didn't matter how tired she was or how cozy the bed was, because Harry wasn't with her and without him, the bed was too big and uncomfortable.

If she snuck out now, would she find Harry's common room? She had no idea where it was and she'd likely spend the rest of the early morning wandering the corridors, lost.

She looked at the walls. They were moving again. Sighing, because she couldn't get herself to be worried, she left the bed, put on socks and shoes and snuck out.

With the corridors deserted, her footsteps sounded way louder than they should. The dark shadows and light from the moon didn't help either. Everything looked eerie and deserted, like no one had been in here for thousands of years.

A loud snore shattered that picture and she grinned. The paintings were sleeping.

She was somewhere close to the moving stairs. Probably. Nothing looked the same and she had a hard time keeping track of her surroundings. Why hadn't they been given maps? Hogwarts had to start investing in them. She'd suggest it to Dumbledore if she ever had the option.

A warm hand landed on her shoulder. Another clasped around her mouth before she had the chance to scream.

"It's us," whispered George, "so please don't freak out."

I already am, but thanks for the warning!

He let go only when he was sure she wasn't about to scream bloody murder. She turned to look at him and Fred. They were wearing pajamas and holding what she assumed was the Marauder's Map.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. "Preparing a prank?"

They grinned. "My my, Greg, I think our reputation precedes us."

"You're right about that, Forge. Isn't it amazing?"

Henry rolled her eyes. "I was serious, why are you here?"

They stopped grinning and looked at each other. Fred nodded and they turned their eyes to her again.

"Let's just say we knew you were out and running at 3AM. Did something happen?"

She smiled at the genuine concern on their faces. "Thanks for worrying, but it's not like that. I couldn't fall asleep." She bit her lip in embarrassment. "I've never slept without Harry before, so… I'm kind of looking for his common room…"

"That's a new one," said Fred. She glanced at him. He was smiling gently. "George and I have shared a room our whole lives too." Though they could sleep separately without worry.

"You want us to show you the way?" asked George.

"Yes please."

They moved to stand on either side of her and happily took her on a tour across the castle. She didn't bother learning all the secret entrances, but it was still cool to walk around a column at an alcove, into the wall and find yourself in a hidden corridor.

"Here it is," announced Fred. It was a door at the top of a staircase on the fifth floor. There was no keyhole or handle to speak of, only an eagle shaped bronze knocker.

"Which came first, the phoenix or the flame?"

"Holy fu—" She swallowed the rest of the curse. The door just spoke. Or, something had. "It's a riddle?"

"Basically," replied Fred.

"It's a conundrum," said George. "You can only come inside if you answer it correctly."

Henry was shite at riddles. No way she was getting in there tonight.

George, seeing her struggle, smiled. "A circle has no beginning," he said and the double doors opened.

"How…?" Henry shook her head. "Thank you."

"Of course. Go get some sleep now."

She bowed mockingly, earning her a laugh from them, and disappeared inside the common room. It was dark, but she could still see the homey interior. It took a moment to figure out where the first-years slept, and then she had to read the signs in total darkness to find Harry's name. He shared a room with Terry Boot and Michael Corner.

The room was brighter than the corridor, mostly because they had windows. Harry was sleeping in the middle bed. Or so she thought until he sat up.

"Who's there?" he asked.

"Me."

"What are you doing here? Christ Henry, what's the clock?"

She grinned. "Close to 4AM. Can you come outside?" She wasn't sure if she was allowed inside or not. There might be a spell cast on the boy's dorm to alert someone (Filch?) to what was happening. She wasn't in the mood to be caught.

"This is madness." Still, he joined her in the common room. They buried themselves under blankets in one of the couches. "How are you feeling?"

"Calm, actually."

"Which is why you ran around all of Hogwarts to find me."

She snorted. "Because I couldn't sleep. It was uncomfortable. Pansy snores." Which she'd deny to her dying day.

"Well, not like I didn't have the same problem." Harry grimaced. "I've been thinking of asking Madam Pomfrey for sleeping pills, or whatever the magical equivalent is."

"I hope you'll share."

They giggled.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you like your roommates?"

He did. They were kind and understanding, at least Michael. Terry was a bit like an excited puppy. He was holding himself back, but his eyes and mannerism betrayed him. It was cute and Harry had no problems with it. At least he tried.

Henry smiled and yawned. It was good Harry found friends. She'd been worried he wouldn't because he had her, Draco, Blaise and Theo.

"Tired. Sleep," said Harry and snuggled closer to her. She wrapped an arm around him. "Love you."

"Love you too."


A/N: I actually had to Google if uncomfortableness was a word, and it is. The more you know.

Also: "Helvetes jävla skit" = damn shit fuck (or basically. It's a Swedish curse).