SAFE HAVEN

Big Mouth

Nikki Haven

The Hufflepuff common room was just as beautiful as she remembered. The comfort of the yellow couch cushions and the circular windows around the ceiling made her feel right at home. If the common room could be described in one word, it would be cozy. The warmth of the fireplace filled the dimly lit room as students made their way to their dorms.

Opening the wooden circle door, Nikki was met with three, four post best in a semicircle, each with golden curtains. Ainsley was already sitting on her bed, unpacking her camera supplies when Nikki arrived, smiling up at her.

"Hannah's not here yet?" she asked.

"Nope" Ainsley replied, "I reckon she's still out with Ryder"

"What? Since when are they together? Why are they together?"

"Jealous are we?" Ainsley smiled, stopping to focus solely on Nikki. "Apparently they sent owl's back and forth over the summer"

Nikki huffed and made her way over to her bed.

I know he deserves a solid relationship, but Hannah? She's a gossip and she never stays with one person for long. Not that I can say anything about lengthy relationships. Still. Why can't he just chill. It's the first day for Merlin's sake.

The red head entered the sixth year dorm, seeming to have a bounce in  her step. She looked beyond relaxed and overly content, visibly annoying Nikki.

"Hey Hannah, have you seen my Herbology book?" Ainsley interrupted Nikki's inner thoughts.

"Don't think so. You can check my trunk though" she responded politely

"Dammit. I wanted to read up a little more before classes start up"

"Before you worry about this" Hannah started, "I've got some news"

Whipping her head around to finally look at the other Hufflepuff, Nikki was eager to see if she would reveal anymore about Ryder.

"I ran into some Slytherins on the way out of the Great Hall, and I overheard Marlee telling her friend Justin about how Beth cheated on Mason back when they were dating-"

"Beth and him broke up ages ago" Nikki said irritated, "Why are you spreading rumors when its been months"

"Don't look at me. Marlee's the one telling everyone. I just thought you guys might be interested to know" she responded, still smiling.

Laughing at how pissed Nikki looked, "The girls are fighting" Ainsley added. She was never one to stir the pot for drama, but certainly didn't mind hearing about it. "We better get to bed you two. Classes start tomorrow morning"

The girl said their goodnights, as Ainsley climbed into bed. Nikki grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom to change. Looking at herself in the mirror, she examined her face and her hair. While her cheeks had slimmed out a bit over the summer, she still had a bit of a baby face, and the fact that her hair wouldn't grow out past her shoulders certainly didn't help. She had tried to charm it herself back in third year, but vowed never to do it again after she ended up looking like Rapunzel.

Nikki strolled sleepily back into the dorm to find her roommates curtains drawn. After quietly putting her robes away, she crawled into her own bed. She tucked in nicely under the white sheets and gold blanket; Hufflepuff house never failed to comfort her.

Rolling over onto her side, her mind began analyzing the day's events.

Was Draco really over being a twat? He could just be setting me up to strike me back down like he usually does. I don't know how much longer I can handle such heavy eye contact with him. His eyes are too bloody piecing. Am I really complaining though?

Yes. Yes I am complaining.

He's such a bitch. I guess I'll hope for the best.

The trio hasn't changed a bit thank god. I can't believe Ron joked about me and Fred. Oh I can't wait for band practice with the boys. It's been so long since I've had someone to write songs with. I'll have to talk to Lee about planning that tomorrow.

Now, Beth. She didn't cheat did she? I swear we talked about this. Marlee is the literal worst. I'm glad her sister is in Ravenclaw. This way we only have one awful Lettermen to deal with. Now everyone's going to think Beth is Slytherin's bitch. Granted the stories from the summer don't help her case much. But still, she doesn't deserve that kind of a rep. I'll figure out how to deal with that later. Hannah needs to keep quiet for once.

And Ryder. Why why why why why? I guess it's none of my business. I'll get over it. God but he really had to move on that fast. I know we were never together but I was his first kiss. You'd think he'd still be hung up at least a little. I guess I'm not. I need to just let it go...

Sleep began to take over her, and her mind quieted. It was an interesting start to another year at Hogwarts, with no way of telling what was bound to happen.