Author's note. This short story was inspired by the brilliant hosts of the podcast 'Fanatical Fics and Where to Find Them'.

The sun filtered down through the large ornate windows as Blaise Zabini entered the great hall. The spring holidays had just finished and Blaise was nearing the end of their fourth year at Hogwarts. The first thing they noticed, which was carefully placed onto a chair in front of the teachers' table, was the sorting hat. The hat was motionless, but featured its trademark smirk, as if it too knew that this was a rare occurrence.

Once the students had settled into their seats Headmistress Umbridge positioned herself in front of the sorting hat and held her wand up to her throat. Standing quietly next to her was a new student that Blaise did not recognise. The new student had short brown hair and was looking nervously down at their feet.

"Hem-hem" the Headmistress used her signature move to get everyone's attention "first of all, welcome back after what was hopefully a restful break. I know it is unusual, but we will also be adding a new student this term. Their name is Seffy and I want you all the make them feel welcome here at Hogwarts."

The hall went quiet and Blaise could see that poor Seffy had turned bright red and appeared to be shaking slightly. Their eyes stayed fixed on the floor. Good idea, Blaise thought, hoping that most students would feel sympathetic towards the new kid.

Headmistress Umbridge moved in front and blocked them from view of most students. She whispered something in the student's ear and then gently guided them towards the sorting hat. Still looking down at their feet, Seffy awkwardly placed the sorting hat over their head, covering their tomato red face.

It took less than a minute before the hat called out "Slytherin." Blaise looked around the table to see a few students clapping, but most just sat quietly. Several Slytherins made introductions, but the new student did not speak a word to anyone.

It was several weeks later when the new student spoke for the first time. They were looking suspiciously at the deep fried rings on their plate.

"It's calamari" Blaise began "you know, made from squid."

The new student looked up, a shocked expression on their face. "I can't eat this" they exclaimed, then stood up and walked out of the hall.

"What's their problem?" Draco Malfoy asked.

"No idea" Blaise replied.

It was very quiet when Blaise entered the Slytherin common room. Most of the other students had gone to Hogsmeade for the weekend, and Blaise had taken the opportunity to catch up on some studying in the library.

The common room was almost empty, except for one short haired student reading a book, their knees almost touching their chest. Whatever the book, it seemed to have their full attention.

"Hello there" Blaise greeted. The new student squealed and dropped their book. Blaise felt guilty. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean to startle you."

Seffy nodded silently and tried to pick up their book. Blaise now caught a glimpse of the cover.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

"That must be an interesting book" Blaise offered "you didn't even hear me come in."

The two students were silent for a few minutes. Blaise was feeling awkward, but decided to take a seat on the opposing couch and wait for Seffy to say the first word.

After nearly twenty minutes of silence the new student spoke.

"Professor Riddle gave me this book. He said that it had helped him learn to be a better teacher, maybe it could help me to be a better..."

"Student?" Blaise offered helpfully.

The new student nodded before opening up the book. Blaise realised this was as much as could be expected and decided to go find a snack in the kitchens.

There was a slight breeze, which softened the harsh summer sun that shone down on the lake. Blaise sat calmly on a stone bench, watching enviously as some students in grey robes sat together on the grass, smiling and chatting amongst themselves.

Blaise sensed a presence, moving in from their right hand side. Blaise waited patiently and was rewarded when Seffy spoke cautiously "do you mind if I sit here?"

"Of course not" Blaise never looked at the new student, knowing how shy they were and how difficult this basic interaction was for them.

"The lake looks beautiful today."

"You're right" Blaise agreed "the water is so clear, I wonder if we will have a sighting today."

"A sighting, what's that?"

"The giant squid, an enormous beast that lives in the lake."

"B-beast" the new student sounded unsure "that seems a bit harsh."

"Not really, it's just another monster attached to a magical place, nothing special."

"You're wrong" Seffy replied defiantly.

Suddenly Blaise had an idea, suddenly all of their knowledge about the new student began connecting. "Oh, are you?" Seffy nodded. "How did you become..."

"I'm not really sure, Professor Riddle said something about bad potions being poured into the run off and being washed away when it rained."

"I suppose that makes sense, kind of." Blaise thought for a minute. "Sorry about the monster comment."

"That's okay, maybe I am a monster, to be honest I don't really know what I am."

"I was the same" Blaise replied "no one knew if I was a boy or a girl, so they decided for me. Now I'm just me, Blaise Zabini."