Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. That would be J.K. Rowling. And that's Rowling like bowling. I do however own Caroline Walters and numerous made-ups. Merci. Enjoy the story!

-x-

Knock-knock

"Come in." the gruff voice answered from the other side of the heavy wooden door. Bursting open, three frost bitten teenagers fell into the hut.

"Harry, Hermione, Ron! Nice to see you again! Do you want some cake?" Hagrid asked his face beaming upon his favorite students.

"No thanks Hagrid, we already ate." Hermione replied from experience eyeing the rock hard cakes that would surely break their teeth.

As the trio shook off the snow from their jackets, Harry looked at the fire-place where a girl watched them quietly.

"Erm…Who are you?" He asked a bit rudely staring at the girl with interest.

Not letting the girl have a chance to speak Hagrid answered for her, "That's my niece Caroline, she's staying…"Trailing off Hagrid gave a sheepish smile and looked at Caroline. Rolling her eyes at her uncles' blunder, she stood up and continued what Hagrid had said "I'm staying at Hogwarts as a new student. Your headmaster thought it would be a good experience for whatever reason to have a foreign student in your midst."

Immediately it was clear to the trio that this girl was not from around here. Her accent was clearly American and her relaxed attitude reflected her ignorance towards what was going on in the wizarding world.

Returning to the fire place, Caroline took something out on a tray and offered it to the teens.

"It's ok, they're edible. I made them myself."

Gratefully Harry and Ron grabbed a fistful of the small cakes and stuffed them in their mouths.

"Frank foo." They chorused and grabbed more.

"You're welcome." Caroline smiled and laid the tray on the small table.

Giving the boys a look of disgust, Hermione asked Caroline, "So how exactly are you related to Hagrid?"

"Well…" After a moment of thought, she started quickly "I'm his father's sisters daughters, daughter." Taking a deep breath she rechecked everything and nodded.

"That sounds right, at least most of it. Really I'm not related to Hagrid that closely, but through the incredible web of family ties…Here I am. Shivering in what seems like Siberia." Grinning to the teens and then to Hagrid, Caroline pulled on a pair of blue robes and stated "I think it's time for dinner in the big hall or something."

"Oh yeah. Err- I think we have to go" Swallowing a massive amount of caked goodness Harry managed to get a sentence out.

Squeezing Caroline's shoulder which almost crippled her, Hagrid ushered the teens out.

"I'll be up soon. I just have some business to erm…Take care of."

Awkwardly the kids were pushed out of the hut and the door slammed behind them. Taking off at a brisk pace, Hermione and Ron rushed towards the castle. Casually, or at least he thought so, Harry asked Caroline,

"So do you know where you'll be staying?"

"Actually, I heard I was going to be sorted into a house with some sort of hat. It doesn't really matter anyways, I don't intend on hanging out with the people in my house if I don't enjoy their company." After a pause she continued thoughtfully "Back in the US we had sports in our schools, do you?"

With great enthusiasm Harry replied "Of course, we have Quidditch!"

"Umm… Quidditch? What is that? It kinda sounds like knitting."

-x-