A/N: I hope you had an awesome Easter! Make sure you review!

Disclaim to Fame: I don't own anything that J.K.R. does. If I did, I would be rich, married and have kids. But sadly, I am just a lonely person in such a lonely world. So, after you read, please review so I won't feel lonely!

Chapter Four: Houses of a Sort

Cassandra's friend stared at her for some time. She bit her lip, holding back tears. "Please say something."

"Cassandra! I am so sorry!" Helena wrapped her in a deathly hug.

"That's horrible news." Hermione, too, hugged her until she felt like she couldn't breathe.

"That sucks." Harry said sadly.

"Yeah, bloody hell! Who'd thought? Except for the fact that none of you look alike. Well, maybe you and Brett do…" Ron looked and then started laughing. "I would give you one of those hugs but it looks like you're all hugged out."

Hermione and Helena let go and smiled sheepishly.

"So, what are you going to do about it?" Cassandra asked disconsolately.

"Do about it? What do you want us to do?" Harry asked the miserable girl.

"You mean you aren't going to dump me for someone who has a family because you're too good for me?"

"Merlin's beard! Why would we do that?" Ron asked, wide eyed.

"Cassandra, we've been friends since first year. I thought you knew me better." Helena said, sounding a bit hurt.

"Yeah, we've," Hermione pointed to Ron, Harry and herself. "Have only known you since fourth year, but I thought you thought of us better." She, too, sounded hurt.

"Oh you guys, I'm sorry. I'm just in an emotional part of my life right now." Cassandra said softly.

"What, PMS?" Ron asked, jokingly.

The three girls shot him a scornful look that would make Lord Voldemort himself shudder.

"Ron, you bloody bastard! Shut the hell up!" Helena barked.

"Hey," Ron said as he put a hand over his heart. "That hurt."

"Ron, mate, she's right." Harry said, shrugging.

Ron shot daggers at Harry. Then to Helena, "Since when do you cuss?"

"Since my bloody damn bitch of a mother got herself pregnant again! She's only been seeing this guy for two months. And guess what? She's two damn months pregnant! You'd think she'd learn after having me," She started to tick off her siblings on her fingers. "Zora, Linette, Kora, Ace, Gisella, Griffin and Sherwood. But no! She's a crazy sex machine! That's all she ever does! She just had Griffin and Sherwood (twins) and she can't take care of them. Guess who gets put in charge? ME! And when I go away to school she has to hire someone, which we can't afford, and spends my flipping summer savings from working as a waitress at that cheesy joint in Diagon Alley. At least I managed to steal some of my own money to buy new robes and bras…" Harry and Ron looked up. "…but you didn't need to know that."

"Sorry to hear that." Hermione said sadly.

Cassandra shook her head sorrowfully. "What happened to Prince?"

Helena's eyes filled with tears. "He died."

Ron, Harry and Hermione exchanged looks of question. "Prince?"

"He was the closest to Helena in age. In fact, he would be going to Hogwarts this year too. He died of a stupid Muggle disease called Cancer."

"That sucks." Ron sighed.

"I HATE MY LIFE!" Helena whispered loudly, but it was more like scream.

Suddenly the carriage jerked to a stop.

"We're home at last." Cassandra said as she caught sight of the castle.

They got out and walked slowly, taking in the beautiful site, to the Great Hall along with the other second through seventh years.

The fivesome sat down at their table, Gryffindor, and waited for the first years to walk in.

"What house do you think Dawn will be in?" Cassandra asked Helena, who was sitting next to her on her right. Harry was sitting on her left. Ron and Hermione were sitting across from them.

"Hufflepuff," Helena replied shortly.

"Why?"

"I don't know. You asked me a question and I answered." Helena said while shaking her brown hair.

"Hey look over there. It's the first years." Harry pointed to the Entrance Hall where the first years stood nervously. Professor McGonagall was in the front looking more tired than usual.

"Remember our first year?" Hermione leaned over to Helena and Cassandra.

"Besides Harry's adventure, no." the two girls answer.

"Welcome back, returning students. And welcome to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizarding, first years."

All eyes turned to the Headmaster as he made his usual welcome back speech. Then he went on to explain about the rules and points. Then he explained about the four Houses. As he concluded his speech, the Sorting Hat was brought out.

McGonagall set it on a three legged stool in the large space between the Head table and the House tables. The Sorting Hat began to sing its new song. When it was finished, the Great Hall erupted in applause.

Then she took a roll of parchment and began to read off the names. "Ashford, Holly."

A small girl with bright blue eyes and waist length brown hair made her way to the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed upon her head as she sat down.

"Ravenclaw!" the Sorting Hat yelled.

A loud cheer came from the Ravenclaw table as the rest of the room clapped politely.

McGonagall moved on. "Audley, Orion."

A fat boy with jet black hair made his way forward. He did the same as Holly and soon the Hat yelled, "Slytherin."

The Sorting Hat moved on and soon it came to the P's. "Polyxena, Callia."

A girl with French braided black and shiny blue eyes cam forward.

"That's the girl I left Dawn with." Ron whispered to Cassandra.

Cassandra gave him a puzzled look. "You met Dawn? Never mind."

"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat shouted.

Gryffindor table cheered loudly.

Soon McGonagall called out, "Sanderson, Dawn."

Dawn came forward, twirling her red curls nervously.

The Sorting Hat took two minutes to decide then finally shouted, "Gryffindor!"

Again, more applauds around the room.

Soon only one person was left, (Zefara, Jade) and she was placed in Hufflepuff.

"Let us feast!" Dumbledore called.

Food appeared on the tables and first years squealed in delight.

Cassandra got up and walked over to Dawn, who was at the very end of the table. She gave her a tight hug. "So, my cousin's in Gryffindor. Congrats."

"Thanks,"

"Who's this?" Cassandra asked while motioning to the black haired girl next to Dawn.

"This is my friend Callia Polyxena. Callia, this is my cousin Cassandra. She's a sixth year in Gryffindor."

Callia stuck out a tiny hand. "Nice to meet you."

Cassandra smiled and grasped it. "Likewise."

"Come on Cassandra. You can make friends later." Helena came up from behind her. She messed up Dawn's hair a little with her hand. "Hey Squirt."

"Hey yourself." Dawn replied.

"Come, Harry's was just talking about something really funny. It has to do with a guy named Jimmy, wombats, peanut butter, loofas and a pool."

"See you Dawn. Nice meeting you Callia." Cassandra said as Helena dragged her back to her seat.

Harry had just finished his story and was now babbling about the Houses. "When they sort people into groups, why are they called Houses?"

"Cause they're Houses of a sort. It's like a home and you're a family." Ron replied.

"That's corny." Hermione said as she rolled her eyes.

"Students, quiet down now. Thank you." Professor Dumbledore said as he stood up. "I have good news. Some you may already know that we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I am sorry to inform you that she is not here at the moment due to a prior meeting she had. She will be here tomorrow so make sure to be extra courteous, not just to her, but to all teachers this year. Thank you." He sat down.

As soon as the meal was ended the Head Boy and Head Girl stood up and announced that everyone must adjourn to their common rooms.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The quintet was all gathered around the fireplace telling the first years about the "dos" and "don'ts" of Hogwarts while the older students were sleeping upstairs or gossiping about this year's heart throb.

Ron started first. "Ok, listen up first years. This is Hermione," he pointed to Hermione. "And I'm Ron. We're sixth year prefects so we'll be able to help you. Now I will explain the "don'ts" of Hogwarts. One: never run around after hours without some sort of invisibility. Never date a Slytherin. Always make it on time to Quidditch games. That's a must." Some of the first years had note paper and were eagerly taking notes from the Muggle World called "Cornell Notes." Ron went on to explain the "don'ts" but most of them were completely irrelevant.

When he was done, Hermione took over. "Here are some good things to do. One: Always study at least three days before a test. Do your homework early and don't wait for the last minute. Always…."

Cassandra leaned over to Helena and Harry and whispered, "Leave it to Mione to explain about homework." The three friends snickered while Hermione shot them the evil eye.

Suddenly Helena stood up and yawned. "I'm beaten around the bush and back. Night all!" She sped up the stair to the dorm she shared with Hermione, Lavender Brown and Cassandra. (A/N: See author's note below)

"Mione, mind wrapping it up?" Lavender Brown called.

"Yes I would Lavender, but since it's the first day here…" she eyed Harry and Cassandra who were nodding their head vigorously. "I suppose I could. Off to bed you lot. If you have any troubles with finding a bed, girls, I will be up the girl's staircase about halfway and then take a right. And for boys…" She gestured for Ron to speak.

"For boys, I will be up the boy's staircase about three fourths of the way and I will be on the left. Goodnight!"

Cassandra, Hermione, Ron and Dawn stayed behind as they watched the first years walk slowly up the steps.

Then Cassandra, who was lounging on a half couch (think of a Cleopatra style couch), and looked at Dawn with tired eyes. "What do you think of Hogwarts so far?"

"It's the best. I see what you mean about never wanting to leave. I love it here. It's so peaceful. I feel so safe. Nothing is going to go wrong this year."

The sixth years laughed nervously at each other, thinking about the past five years.

"Dawny," Hermione started to say but was interrupted by the shrieks of laughter coming from Cassandra and Harry. Ron just stared at Dawn with soft eyes.

"You called her a laundry detergent! Ha ha!" Harry wiped his eyes.

"It wasn't that funny, Harry." Cassandra said.

"Right-o." He stopped laughing.

"Anyway, Dawny," Hermione said with an evil glare to chuckling Harry and Cassandra. "I think you'll be just fine. Go to bed before I give you a detention."

After she left Harry turned to the bushy haired girl. "Can you really give out detentions?"

"No."

"Then why'd—"

"Night Harry!" Hermione sped off.

"Er, night." Harry stretched and yawned. "I think I'll turn in too. G'night."

"Night," the remaining two chorused.

Cassandra turned to Ron. "Rooonny…" she said in a sing-song voice.

"What?"

"What were you doing?"

"Noth—what are you talking about?" he asked nervously. His ears were turning pink.

"You were making googly eyes at dear Dawn."

"Where do you come up with this gobbledygook?"

"It's not gobbledygook. It's true."

"It is so not!"

"It is so!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Is not!"

"Is to!" At this point Cassandra had pushed Ron off the chair her was on, tackled him to the floor and tickle tortured him.

"Get off!" he yelled in his laughter.

"Not until you confess."

"Never."

"Then you leave me no choice." She pulled off her wand. She whispered a Color-Change Charm on him.

"No fair."

"Not done." Then she whispered a jinx that made it so he couldn't move his body to go anywhere.

"Not cool."

"I know that silly. I'm hot." She walked away singing a Muggle song. "I'm on fire and now I think I'm ready to bust a move. Check it out I'm rock'n steady…"

"Cassandra?" Ron called to the dark staircase. "Cassandra! Let me go! Cassandra!"

The next morning every Gryffindor who passed in the common room (which was all except for a first year who had an anxiety attack) saw a colored Ron lying on the floor between a coffee table and the couch. Then they would check the notice board to find out why Ron was a certain color (Cassandra had woken up early and posted it) and what the colors meant.

"Oh ho there Ronny boy." Helena laughed. "How the bloody hell did you get in this fix?"

Ron scowled at every person who teased him and was mainly a black color.

"Shall we read the colors?" Cassandra offered.

"We shall!" Hermione and Helena said in unison.

"Not," Ron added, obviously pissed.

Harry looked sadly at his friend. "Let me help you. Finite Incatatem!"

Nothing happened.

Harry started laughing. "Sorry Ron," He walked over to join the others at the notice board in their merriment.

Cassandra read the paper from memory, "'Red: energetic, adventurous. Orange: worried, embarrassed. Yellow: laughing, happy. Green: jealous, boastful. Blue: shy, sad. Purple: confused, tired. Pink: flirty, girly. Black: rebellious, angry'."

Everyone laughed except for Ron who was a nighttime black.

Suddenly someone's stomach growled very loudly. Ron turned a light purple and all eyes turned to Neville Longbottom.

The chunky boy shrugged. "What? I'm hungry."

Everyone laughed, even Ron who turned yellow.

"Excellent idea, Longbottom," Helena said as she clapped him on the back. "On to the Great Hall!" She stuck a fist into the air. "Come my sidekicks The Boy Who Lived, Brainiest of All, and Singer of the Moon," she addressed Harry, Hermione and Cassandra. "Let us feast!"

The Boy Who Lived, Brainiest of All and Singer of the Moon looked at each other then stuck their fists into the air. Together, along with Helena, they left for breakfast.

One by one the students left the common room to get food, leaving Ron all alone, still on the floor changing between black and orange.

"Hello? Anyone there? Lend a helping hand please? Anyone?" Ron sighed.

"I will but there's a price." A voice called from the portrait hole.

"What?" Ron asked, turning purple.

"There's a price, lover boy." The person came into Ron's view.

He groaned. "Come to taunt me some more, Cassandra?"

"Only if you don't confess your true feelings."

Ron turned orange.

Cassandra's eyebrows lifted and a know-it-all smiled spread on her face. "Oh, so there are feelings."

Ron turned a brighter orange.

"Ronny, Ronny," Cassandra shook her head. "It's all right to have feelings for a girl. It's normal. Especially when your hormones kick in, then they're uncontrollable. Then you feel urges"

"Ok stop right there. I'll admit that I do find Dawn cute," Ron dared to glace at Cassandra. She had an even wider smile, which was obnoxious. "But I find her cute in a sisterly sort of way."

"Sure."

"It's true."

"I believe you."

"No you don't!"

"So?"

"It's true!"

"There's still hope then."

"Shut it!" Ron turned purple. "Wait, hope for what?"

"Oh, nothing." Cassandra's eyes darted to the ceiling.

"Tell me."

"It's nothing. Do you want to be freed from this jinx or what?" Her eyes fell back on him.

Ron turned yellow. "Thank Merlin."

"Sorry, but I said there was a price."

"What's the price?"

"Not yet." She said the counter curse and helped him stand up, which caused Ron to be pulled in close to her until their faces were only inches apart. Ron turned orange and Cassandra's cheeks turned bright pink.

Ron stepped back. "I, er, am still colored."

"Oh, er right. That's the price." Cassandra's whole face was a nice rosy pink. "Sorry, but I can't help you. Er, well I can but you don't want me to."

"Why?" Ron asked, turning purple.

"Because it can only be counter cursed with a kiss. Which I am—was—going to have Dawn do."

Ron turned orange, blue and black, giving him a bruised look. Then he turned pink. "What are you suggesting?"

Cassandra raised her eyebrows and smiled.

Ron stepped closer until their faces were only a few inches apart again. His hand slid behind her neck and intertwined his fingers with her black curls.

Cassandra slowly put her arms around his neck.

Their faces grew closer till their lips almost touched then—

"Oh Merlin! This is rich!" a voice laughed from the portrait hole.

Ron and Cassandra pulled apart. Cassandra turned pink and Ron turned orange.

Damn! He thought to himself. So close…

"You lovebirds better get something to eat before classes start. Which is in like fifteen minutes." Helena laughed. "Do I need to pull my superhero act on you two?" Helena laughed again and left.

"We better go." Ron flushed an intense orange. He turned to go but Cassandra held his arm. "Wha?"

Cassandra pulled him close to her and gave him a quick kiss, full on the lips. She pulled apart and giggled. "You're uncolored now. Bye Ron." She gave a quick wave and left Ron standing dumbstruck.

"Shit, I just got kissed!"

!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!&!

Cassandra sat in the back of the packed, save for the teacher, Defense Against the Dark Arts class next to Helena and Hermione.

"What do you think the new teacher looks like?" Helena asked suddenly to the two girls.

"I bet she's a smelly, old, decrepit hag. She will have a long hooked nose like Snape and have a huge wart on the end of it." A blonde haired boy in front of them answered. A Slytherin. Typical.

"Who asked you?" Helena threw his a disgusted look.

"I bet she's beautiful. She'll have long auburn lock that go down to her knees. Her eyes will sparkle like the sea and she'll be the nicest thing in the whole world." Hermione said, dreamingly.

"You're both wrong." Helena said knowingly. "She'll look exactly like Cassandra!"

"Ten points to Gryffindor for the correct answer."

Everyone turned to find Cassandra clone standing at the door. She was wearing dark purple robes with tiny stars over them.

"Who are you?" a Slytherin boy asked.

"My name's Esmeralda Blackwood." The black haired witch answered.

"So Esmeralda, what gives you the power to give or take away points?" another Slytherin asked.

"That's Professor Blackwood to Mr.—." Blackwood looked straight at the blonde haired boy.

"Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." Draco smirked. "I'm sorry to be so rude Professor Blackwood."

Hermione rolled her eyes at the Slytherin wizard. "Liar." She whispered to Cassandra and Helena.

Blackwood heard Hermione. "Is there something you want to share with the class Miss?"

"Granger. Hermione Granger."

"How nice. I've heard a lot of good things about you Miss Granger." She walked to the front of the class. "Now class, I intend to make this first day a completely fun homework free day. Unless you want work, I suggest you don't talk out of turn.

"I'll start by introducing myself. My name is Professor Esmeralda Blackwood. I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher here at Hogwarts. I was born in the States and went to school a magic school called 'Travailler au noir la Rose; l'Ecole de Vasser de Madame de Magie pour les Filles'. Or translated into English, Moonlight Rose; Madam Vasser's School of Magic for Girls. It was a school that only spoke French. I went there for six years. Then I transferred to Hogwarts for my seventh year. I was Head Girl along with a boy named Brett Sanderson, who was Head Boy…"

Helena, Ron, Harry and Hermione looked at Cassandra funny. Then Helena spoke up. "You never told me Brett was Head Boy."

"I didn't know either. I was six when he was in his seventh year."

"Ahem. Miss Granger and friends," Blackwood said, impatiently. "I would like to see you lot after class. Anyway, after graduating Hogwarts…"

'Miss Granger and friends' (save for Helena) shot Helena a glare. Helena just shrugged.

About five minutes of Blackwood's babbling passed when Cassandra felt something poke her arm. It was a note. She furrowed her brows and opened it up.

What did you do?

Cassandra looked at Helena, wondering if she passed the note. She was sitting staring at the ceiling.

She looked at the rest of her friends.

Hermione was taking notes. Ron was sleeping. Harry was drawing Quidditch plays over a notebook.

Who was it?

Cassandra shook her head but wrote a reply.

Nothing. Why?

The note disappeared with a quiet snap and then came back.

Just wondering. I'm really bored. I hope this class livens up a bit.

She stared at it then wrote.

I bet it will.

Maybe.

Who are you?

Someone in this class.

Obviously. Tell me, please.

You'll have to guess.

Are you in Gryffindor?

No.

You're a Slytherin?

Is there a problem with that?

No, but why are you talking to me?

My friends fell asleep and I thought you were pretty cute so I pass you a note.

I suppose I should be flattered.

I suppose you should be.

Thanks. I

Cassandra never got to write the rest. The paper was rudely torn away from her.

"What's this Miss?" Blackwood asked. She looked at the paper, which was now blank.

"Sanderson. Cassandra Sanderson, ma'am."

"You're Brett's sister aren't you?" Her eyes were empty of emotion.

"Er, not really. By adoption, yeah, but I don't see what that has to do with anything."

"Just curious." She put down the sheet of paper on Cassandra's desk and turned to the rest of the class. "I think I'll assign you homework. Just for grins and giggles…"

Cassandra stared at the paper. The writing came back. She shook her head and shoved it in her bag. She turned her attention back to Blackwood.

"I want you to grab a partner. Boy and girl pairs please. And then I want you to be nice to that person for the rest of the week. They must be from a different House. Go!"

They class groaned but none of them moved.

Blackwood smiled evilly. "Ok, I'll assign you partners." She clapped and a list with everybody's name on it appeared in her hands. "Helena Rye and Gregory Goyle. Hermione Granger and Vincent Crabbe. Harry Potter and Pansy Parkinson. Cassandra Sanderson and Draco Malfoy. Ron Weasley…"

When she finished partnering people, the bell rang.

"Next class!" Helena shouted as she gathered her things. "What do you have Cassandra?"

"History of Magic. Joy."

"See you. I have Care of Magical Creatures."

Cassandra watched her friends walk away. None of them had History with her. She turned to go but someone's arm caught her.

It was Draco's. Joy to the World of all things random.

"Hi." He greeted with a grin.

"Hi." She answered with the same grin, only hers was forced.

"I heard you had History next. So do I. Let me carry your books." Before she could reply, he grabbed her books with one arm and placed the other arm around her shoulder. "I heard you had a sister in the first year."

"She's my cousin and yeah. So?"

"It looks like Weasel's got a little crush on her."

"Why do you say that?"

"I saw him staring at her during dinner last night."

"I'm sure he doesn't like her." Could Ron be lying about what he said to me? Does he really like Dawn? Ewww! But, why did he let me kiss him? Ugg! He probably only wanted the stupid jinx off! I'm so daft. Ewww! Ron likes Dawn.

"You alright there?" Draco looked at Cassandra with no hint of mockery in his gray eyes.

"Yeah. I'm just tired."

"Ok. We should probably be getting to class."

"Ok." Cassandra shrugged off his arm but let him carry her books. Ewww! Ron likes Dawn!

A/N: Ewww! I agree with Cassandra! Who does Ron like? Cassandra or Dawn? Who's Cassandra's mysterious crush? Why the hell did Draco put his arm around Cassandra? Review me and tell me what you think.

Ok, now down to business. I purposely didn't put whatever her name is (initials are P.P. she's in Gryffindor) I in my story because 1) I forgot her name and tried looking her up but couldn't find her. 2) I didn't feel like it.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns etc. please feel free to email me.

Review me on what you like or dislike about my story so far!

Saxifrage: I love loofas! Let's just say Cassandra wasn't caught… Sorry but I don't think Ron and Hermione will get together. I agree with you. Ron and Dawn (hey, that rhymed!) EWWW! And I'm not straying. She'll want to find her real family soon enough…

Anonymous person Kristin: You really think it's good? Awww, shucks…

Anonymous Person Abbie: You're awesome!

Porcelain Player: Thanks. I like to be descriptive. Oh, I like you stories! I read them and they rocked!

Anonymous Person JLM: You and your sister are weird. You must read Harry Potter books!

Trojan Cheese: Thanks. You need to online more.

To all my lovely readers out there: Don't be shy, review or die! Jk!

Please review!