The dorms were larger than they looked from the outside. The singing woman in the picture at the entrance was very annoying. Even when the password is said to her, she still tries to sing. I walked with Harry, Hermione, and Ron on the way here. I suspect something more than friendship is going on between Ron and Hermione. At least Harry doesn't seem like he's dating anyone. That would make my task a lot more difficult. He seemed  like the type of guy who wouldn't leave a girlfriend for just any reason. 

My bed is next to Hermione's so she was tasked with helping me settle in. She seemed like she was starting to like me more, but it could all be a front. I hope not. I need all of them to like me. Hermione hands me my Gryffindor attire before I lay down. "Thanks," I tell her.

She smiles. "No problem, Val."

Val. No one had ever called me that before. I smile. She returns a smile and lays down in her bed, turning the lamp off. 

                                                      *                       *                    *

Once everyone was asleep, I silently sat up. I crept out of bed and slithered along the wall. A girls breathing hitched and I froze. She turned on her side and I let out a slow breath as her breathing returned to normal. I hurry quietly into the common room. A small fire is going, well more like leftover wood burning softly. To my surprise, Harry is sitting on the couch in front of it. He's talking to himself. I walk up behind him softly. "Harry?" 

He jumps. "Oh. Hi. Hi, Vallee."

I smile. "Hi, Harry. What are you doing?"

"Couldn't sleep," he says softly.

"Oh." I look around the room.

"You can sit down," he says, gesturing next to him.

"Okay." I sit next to him, so close I could feel his warmth but not so close I'm smothering him. At least he doesn't seem bothered. "You're pretty quiet, Harry."

He smiles. "Says you."

I laugh lightly. "What's keeping you up, Harry? You don't seem like someone who scares easily."

"Just not tired." He brushes his hair back from his face, I assume it's a nervous habit that he picked up.

"Don't you have a test tomorrow, though?"

He looks at me with his bright blue eyes sharply. "How did you know I have a test?"

"You mentioned something at dinner," I lie smoothly. He can't know I know his schedule like the back of my hand or that I prepare myself for tests that he takes, even if I'm not in that class. 

"Oh. But I guess your right. I should be getting to bed." He stands and holds his hand out to me to help me up.

I take it and "accidentally" stumble a little. I crash into him and mask my face with embarrassment. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I-"

"It's fine," he says, smiling at me. "I could have used a small hug anyways."

I look at him, then wrap my arms around his neck. "I'll be here. I know we just met, but I like you guys."

His arms hold my waist tightly and I know how much his aunt and uncle hurt him. How much he wishes he wasn't the Chosen One. How much stress is on him. How much he wishes his parents were alive. The emotions come flying at me. I feel the need to support and comfort him, but I realize I can't because he thinks I don't know him. I won't be able to fall in love with Harry Potter. I know him too well, it's like talking to a brother. 

We pull away and he smiles softly. "Thanks. I really needed that."

"Anytime."

                                      *                                      *                                    *

Hermione wakes me up right on time. I thank her and put on my robe and tie. I wear black leggings and an orange sweater underneath the robe. I wear all-black hightop converse. I meet up with Ron, Harry, and Hermione in the Common Room. They greet me and we head to our classes. Ron is in my first class, so I walk with him. Ron is Harry's best friend and he's a guy so Father said he was more likely to know if Harry had a girlfriend or not. Father suspects Harry and Hermione are an item, but I think she has something for Ron. I turn to him. "Is Harry in a relationship?"

"Eh, what's wrong with me? I'm a perfectly eligible bachelor." He frowns slightly.

"Nothing is wrong with you. I just think you have someone else chasing after you."

That brings his grin back. "Blimey! Who?"

I smile. "I don't tell secrets." 

He rolls his eyes. "Then I guess I don't either."

I sigh and stick out my lip. "Please, Ron? I just need a yes or no."

He smirks. "Fine. No, he's not seeing anyone. You have a thing for him, yeah?"

"It's too early for that," I say, giggling like a naive schoolgirl. "I just got here!" 

He grins. "Yeah, I suppose you're right."

"Of course I am!" I think of Father. I really hope I'm doing alright. 

"Well, I just want you to know that most girls here consider Harry quite the catch. You may be beautiful, but there are girls here that could build a relationship with him before you even get to know him." He looks at me, seriousness in his eyes.

I gulp, but I know I'll be fine. "Oh. Okay. Thanks, Ron."

He nods and we walk into Herbology.