Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Authors Note: This is the longest chapter I've written so far, even though it still isn't very long compared to other fics, but oh well. Please review!

Chapter 4

Roxanne pulled open the compartment door and let Louise march in before pulling it closed. It was empty at the moment but that was only because the rest of the cousins hadn't arrived yet. Only a few minutes passed before Al and Hugo pushed in. It was Hugo's first year too, but he was the picture of confidence. His red hair and freckles seemed even brighter than usual, and his blue eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Well," he said sitting down, "what houses are we thinking?"

Louise and Roxy looked at each other before shrugging simultaneously.

"I think I'll be in Ravenclaw, or Gryffindor," Louise mused, "but I'm really not sure which."

They both turned to Roxy expectantly before she said, "Oh I don't know, Gryffindor, maybe Slytherin."

They all let out mock gasps before doubling over in laughter. Though the parents wouldn't have loved them less if one of them were a Slytherin, it was still a slight fear of the adults. Old habits die hard right? The children, on the other hand, couldn't care less.

"What are you lot so happy about," asked Rose as she marched in, a tall boy in Slytherin robes behind her.

They took one look as Scorpius' robes before rolling over in laughter again.

"Well, Rose, I knew people were surprised by our friendship but I really didn't expect this reaction," said Scorpius coolly. This time even Rose laughed.

They passed the rest of the train ride with Exploding Snap, and candy. Not to mention the merchandise from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which had mysteriously appeared in Roxanne's bag. The country side passed idly by as they enjoyed each other's company, and Roxy couldn't have been happier. Her new fury friend, who she had named Jasper, was curled up contently in her lap. When the train finally slowed to a halt at Hogsmead station, she didn't want to get off.

Despite her nerves, however, Roxanne dashed out into the night, Hugo and Louise only a few steps behind her. It was a cool, crisp, fall night and the stars were shinning brighter than ever. She stopped a moment to take in the cool air and smiled. She was almost there.

"I can almost smell Hogwarts," she said dreamily.

"Sorry to say this, Roxy, but I'm pretty sure that's the lake you smell," Hugo teased.

"Oh shut up, Hugo," Roxanne retorted, giving her cousin a whack on the back of the head.

"Come on you two," Louise urged, pulling the two squabbling eleven year-olds by the sleeves, and toward the tall figure in the distance.

This tall figure was none other than Hagrid, keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts, who was currently bellowing "First years, first years this way!"

"Hagrid," squealed Roxy as she dashed into the half giant's arms.

"Hello Roxy, an' how have yeh been? I can't believe 's yer first year already," he said as he smiled down at her.

"Oh, you know me. Just living life, causing trouble," she gave a cheerful grin before saying, "and how about-" but she was cut off by a shrill voice piercing through the crowd.

"Typical Weasley, hanging around with half breeds like they're real people," A smirking face then loomed trough the mist. It wasn't long before the rest of the person was visible. A tall, thin boy was waltzing toward them, looking like he ruled the world. "Zabini, Henry Zabini," he said, "my dad's told me about your family. Blood traitors, the lot of them, that's what I've heard," Zabini smirked in the direction of Hagrid before continuing, "and always hanging around with half breeds; werewolves, stupid half giants, and the like."

Louise took a step forward, but not before Roxy, who, in the blink of an eye, had her wand whipped out and pointed at the dark haired boy. "You listen here, Zabini," she whispered menacingly, "Hagrid is my friend, and if you say one more thing about him I'll Bat Bogy Hex the living daylights out of you. And another thing," she added, taking a step closer, "that whole blood purity fad died out ages ago, so get with the times because now a day's people have seemed to realize that it's not blood status that makes you scum, it's the way you act!" With this last sentence she gave a very pointed look at the boy and then swiveled around, grabbed Hugo and Louise by the hands, and marched off to the boats.

"Wow Roxy, I knew you were a fire cracker, but honestly, weren't there better ways to handle that? None of us need an enemy on our first day," sighed Hugo, obviously exasperated by his cousin's behavior.

"No Hugo," Roxy spun around to face him, "there wasn't a better way to handle it. Maybe a calmer way, but it isn't fare how people treat half breeds like their scum, and my way made that clear! Also, now he knows not to mess with my friends, and that was half the point. I don't care if I've made an enemy, I'd rather be his enemy than friend any day."

"Ok, ok Roxy, calm down, we get it," said Louise, desperately trying not to fan the flame any more than it already had been.

"Yeah, I get it," huffed Hugo.

The boat ride was uneventful. The fourth spot on their boat was taken by a very small, very nervous looking boy who muttered his name under his breath when asked so it sounded like mumble Smith. None of them talked to each other because now, with the castle only a lake away, even Hugo was growing nervous.

Suddenly one of the girls in the front caught sight of the Hogwarts and squealed, "There it is! There it-" splash. She had rocked the boat in her excitement and fallen overboard. No one but Hagrid really cared though, as he pulled her out of the water, because they were all too busy looking in wonder at the school that was slowly looming closer. No one else fell in but they were all rocking the boats now, in their excitement to get out. Some looked like they might be sick, others just looked way too animated. Roxy just sat there, staring up at here new place of residence for the rest of the year.

When they came to a stop the first years all clambered out of their boats, and followed Hagrid into the castle. It was like nothing Roxy had ever seen. Great arching ceilings, heavy oak doors, a cool stone floor, and paintings that said a quick hello as you went by, all culminated into one of the most beautiful sights any of them had ever seen. There way was lit by torches that seemed as if they could never burn out, and the suites of armor turned and waved as they passed. The students came to a halt outside the biggest door, apart from the front door, that they had seen yet.

Standing outside the door was a tall, well built man, in coal black robes. Roxy smiled as she recognized the professor, and he gave her a quick smile before saying, "Good, evening first years. I'm professor Longbottom. I teach Herbology here at Hogwarts, and I just wanted to explain a few things before we have you sorted. How's that sound?" There was a rustle of yeses from the crowd of eleven year-olds and professor Longbottom smiled before continuing. "Here at Hogwarts you are sorted into one of four houses. Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Gryffindor, that was my house. Each house has its own values and deep heritage, so where ever you go, you'll do just fine. Your house will have a dorm and common room, and will be like your family. You will eat with them and take classes with them. House points are awarded for good deeds and doing well in classes, and house points are taken away for rule breaking. At the end of the year the house with the most points will win the house cup, a great honor." They all stared up at him, not quite sure what they should do now, "Well then, are you ready to be sorted?" And with that he led them through the large oak doors and into what Roxy was sure was the Great Hall based on what Fred had told her.

Roxy felt her stomach turn when she saw the raggedy old hat sitting on its stool.

Authors Note: I'll have the sorting next chapter, and it might take a while because I have to write the song. Any guesses as to what house Roxy will be in? I've already decided but I want to know if I managed to hint at it enough. Anyway, please review, and constructive criticism is welcome!