002 : My New Common Room

I stare across the hearth, as the older girl before me casually answers my questions.

I'm still scared, truly. This is a new fear. Before was the old fear of being ignored and forgotten in this big dismal place, but that was replaced by this fear of the warmth that could be false, the smile that might not be genuine. I have no people skills and can't tell whether she wants to be back at work or really likes talking to new students, but I'm so desperate for interaction of any kind that I find myself asking more questions, jumping from topic to topic to keep any sort of conversation going.

I've, at least, found the Hufflepuff Common Room. I know I belong here, whether anyone else believes it. The hat put me here, just as it placed every student I see talking in this room or out wandering those halls. I just have to find my place.

I ask if she plays the violin. I do so miss my violin. I've been deprived of it for some hours now, and since I don't know my dorm assignment, I'm left homeless. Just a little while longer.

Her answer is hesitant and for some time I wonder if she's finished with our chat. I wait for her to grab her books and wander off in search of solitude. I wouldn't blame her--Was I not just out on the grounds doing that very thing? But now that I'm surrounded by warm air and background noise that I can handle, I want very much to stay here.

So I wait patiently, thinking of what I'll tell my journal tonight, who else I may meet, and, best of all, falling asleep in my own, new bed, ready to face this giant world apart from the world.