The Secret Twin: Chapter 18:

I shot up in bed. My whole body was dreched in a cold sweat, and I was trembling. My dark, matted hair wafted around my pale face, reminding me of the streams of dark magic in my dream. I gulped and took a shaky breath. I had to calm down. This was to much for me to handle. I looked around. It was early morning and my fellow Hufflepuffs where still snoring softly in their beds. To my right, the rays of the rising sun streamed through the elegant window, bathing the room in a rosey light. Despite the peaceful scene, my eyes were still wide with fear, and I could barely stand. Slowly, I made my way toward the wardrobe by my bed, leaning on things for support, and slipped into some clothes before going down the stairs. I emerged in the common room. The hearth was empty aside from a few coals and charred chunks of wood. A cold wind blew in from an open window. I sunk into a cosy armchair and read my book, determined to forget my disturbing dream. The hours slouched by, and with each one I felt slightly better, my nightmare fading like dying embers, until I was almost back to normal. Eventually, I lifted myself of the seat and walked out of the common room, through the winding corridors and down the ornate staircases, until I came to the grand wooden doors of the Great Hall. Taking a deep breath, I swung the doors open to reveal the four house tables all layed out for breakfast. There was a whole buffet in the corner piled high with all sorts of wizarding treats, as well as muggle food such as toast and cereal. Most of the school was already there. A group of Slytherin girl huddled together, whispering and giggling. The Ravenclaws were already focused on tommorows lessons, discussing opinions in low tones and pouring over their text books. One of the Gryffindors had started a food fight and I ducked as a sizzling strip of bacon whizzed over my head. I made my way through the crowds, dodging flying bits of food, until I noticed my two friends sitting at the far end of the room. Selena beckoned to me, and I squeezed past a group of excited first years before sitting down next to Ivan. He glanced at me. “You all right? You look terrible.” he commented, taking in my waxy complection and the bags under my eyes. “Yeah,” I answered as I poured myself some Pumkin Pops that exploded in chunks of pumkin as they fell into the bowl. “Just a bit tired.” He nodded and went back to spreading Scream Cheese on his toast, which shrieked with every stroke of his knife. I sighed and sat back in my chair. It was fine. My dream wasn’t real. I had friends who cared and that was all that mattered.