A Budding Rivalry

Rose was shaken awake by Catalina. "Wake up sleepy. It's our first day!"

"Okay, Okay I'm up. Let me get dressed and then we can go to the Great Hall."

"Well, you better get a move on. I don't want to be late."

Catalina got off Rose and walked back over to her bed and sat down to wait for Rose. "Where were you last night, anyways? I tried to stay up and wait for you but a crazy red head downstairs told me to go to bed."

Rose laughed. "I'm sorry about my cousin, Molly, she is a very protective girl. I went to clear my head." Rose decided not to tell her new friend about the room of requirement that what happened last night 'never happened. "I'm ready. lets go!"

Catalina jumped down and followed Rose down the stairs. Upon reaching the common room they noticed the room was a bustle with students. The girls pushed their way through the crowd and down to the Great Hall.

There was a loud yell from the center table. "Rosie!"

Rose pulled Catalina with her to where her cousins were sitting. "Good morning!"

"Who is your friend?" asked Fred.

"This is Catalina. Who are your friends?" Rose asked.

"To my left are Noah and Micah Finnigan. Next to James is Owen Thomas and next to you is Evalyn Thomas, who is your year." Replied Fred.

"Nice to meet you" Rose and Catalina replied. Catalina seemed to shrink beside Rose.

"Are you okay?" Rose asked.

"I'm just not used to being around a lot of people. I come from a very small family." Catalina whispered.

"I'm sorry. I have a huge family if you haven't noticed. They are all friendly and you will love them. We always want to grow our family and friends." Rose reassured her.

A shadow appeared over her. Rose looked up to see her eldest cousin. "Good morning Vic!"

"Good morning Rose. How was your first night?" She asked with a beautiful smile.

"It was interesting but fun. I got to explore the castle a bit." Rose answered.

"That's good if you need anything just let me know. Oh and Teddy told me to give you this." Victory handed Rose a small box. "He said not to open it until he tells you to. Good morning, Professor Longbottom."

"Good morning, everyone. Rose, darling here is your timetable. Evalyn and Catalina here are yours." Professor Longbottom said handing them their papers. "Classes start at 9 o'clock sharp. Also Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley please make sure to stay on top of your work this year. Professor Bryant has suggested that you come to my office tomorrow morning, please report at 5:30 am sharp."

"Yes professor." Replied Fred and James together. "We will tell Jackson as well."

"Very good," Professor Longbottom said walking away.

"What was that about?" asked Molly. "The year hasn't even started yet and you already need tutoring?"

"Not that it is any of your business dear cousin but, we have extra work to do." James snapped.

"So, for what you screwed up last year, got it." Molly taunted.

"Not at…" James began but Jackson interrupted, "James is right it is none of your business, Molly. We are doing fine in our classes and that's what matters to you. Now please return to your own work and let us deal with ours."

"Do not talk to me like that, Goyle!" she shouted. But Jackson ignored her and walked back to the Ravenclaw table for breakfast. "What a git! How are you friends with him, how do people even like him?"

"Don't be so harsh on him. But if you truly want to know ask your younger sister she is always peering over her books to look at him." Molly sat in shock seeing what her cousin had pointed out. After a few minutes of silence she said "It is time for classes we need to get a move on. Rose, Catalina, and Evalyn where are your first classes?"

"I think we are all in Potions first." Rose said and the other girls nodded. "It's with Slytherin."

"I would offer to walk you there but I have Divination. James, will you make sure they get there?"

"Of course mother anything you say." James sneered. "Come on girls. I need to make sure you aren't late."

They all got up and James started to lead them down to the dungeons. "James!" a voice came from behind them. "How are you?" She tackled him from behind.

"Hi! I'm doing good Kaylee. How are you?"

"Wonderful, I'm so happy to be back and I'm ready to kick your ars in quidditch this year. 'ello girls I'm Kaylee and in Ravenclaw." The girls mumbled a 'hi', while Kaylee and James went on talking. "It's so sweet of you to show them how to get to Potions. Now, just remember you have to be in the greenhouse in 5 minutes." She smiled "good luck, I'll tell Freddy to save you a seat" and with that Kaylee left.

"Well she seems sweet." Evalyn said. It was the first time Rose had heard her speak. "I can get us to class from here. We wouldn't want you to be late."

"Are you sure?" James asked.

"Of course" she replied to an already running James. "Well we have to go down one more set of stairs then it's the second room on the left."

"How did you know that?" Asked Catalina.

"I was down here last night with Albus and Scorpius." She answered simply. Catalina and Rose looked at each other. Rose though, she is already seeking around the castle at night what a good influence she is on my favorite cousin. Something makes me not trust her.

Rose pushed open the door and walked into class. Evalyn walked past her and took a seat next to Scorpius. Humph what makes her so special? Rose thought taking the open seat next to Albus.

"Hey Ro!" Albus said hugging her. "Are you okay? I'm so sorry about my brother he is a real ars. I want you to know that no matter what house I'm in, you will always be my best friend."

"You will always be mine, Al." she replied feeling the weight lift off her shoulders.

Before Al could continue Slughorn interrupted calling the class to attention. Immediately, the group of friends new this was going to be a long class. "Now young ones, I am Professor Slughorn and I am your potions teacher. Welcome to learning the basics of potions. Today I will be putting you into teams of two and these will be your teams for the year. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Mclaggen, Miss Nelson and Miss Thomas, Mr. Goyle and Miss Taylor, Mr. Malfoy and Miss Weasley…" That's when Rose zoned out. No way, I'm paired with Malfoy. Seriously! Rose looked in his direction catching his eye he winked at her and whispered, "Looks like we are partners. This makes it hard for me to beat you in this class, but next class will be a walk in the park."

"And what is the next class we share?" Rose asked.

"Flying and we have that next." His cocky smile plastered on his face.

"Well I hope you can keep up." Rose threw back.

Slughorn had them move and start reading over the potion they would be making on Friday. The first few minutes were silent. "We need to work together."

"I agree. Where do you want to start."

"I think we should start with laying out the procedures and the list of ingredients."

"I agree." Scorpius agreed and pulled out what looked like a tattered and old journal.

"May I ask what that is?" Rose questioned him.

"My father's godfather was an amazing potions master and he gave my father a book explaining the proper techniques of potion brewing. I thought it would give me the edge. Now, I'll just have to share it." Scorpius said with an exasperated sigh.

"Oh I'm sorry that you have to share your precious book." Hermione said sarcastically.

"It will make sure we are top of the class so don't stray from the journal and try to keep up." Scorpius smirked at Rose who smirked back. The two set to work almost working with each other as though they had been for years.

When the bell rang the friends packed up their bags and headed to the quidditch field.