Ruined Roots

Chapter Three

Her name echoed the illustrious hall, the walls were carefully arched and twirled and the ceiling put the stars of the sky to shame with the bright crystal lights. 

Out of instinct, her feet began to move through the isle. Through the students she didn't make the effort to gaze around and not looking down took a lot of effort itself. 

Roxanna's careful feet went up the steps and sat on the stool to where she faced the four grand tables that sat the four houses. She suddenly felt a weight on her head and pull of magic. 

"Hmmm...." A old voice rattled. It was coming from the weight on her head. She widened her eyes when she realized it was the sorting hat.

"Curious.. a 5th year.. how new..." The hall of students were listening intently, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Careful and attentive, yet not quite cunning are you?" You could see the the far right table slouch obviously as the hat said that. They green and silver crowd began whispering in unamused. Roxanna didn't know what that meant.

"Incredibly smart, incredibly skilled.. So much potential from such a ruined root."

She furrowed her brows. "What-" She whispered.

The hat cut her off. 

"RAVENCLAW!" 

The table on the far left rose on their feet and began cheering, everyone was clapping in celebration. Roxanna stumbled off the stool, the hat was ripped from her head and a couple of professors were looking at her with concern. The students might've not heard what the hat was murmuring but the professors that were near by sure had.

An older student had headed towards her and lead her towards the Ravenclaw table. The students began surrounding her enthusiastically. Roxanna had a blank stare, she was so confused. 

"Are you any good at quidditch we need a new seeker and chaser?" One student exclaimed.

"Are you a good dueler?" Another asked. 

"Don't bombard her, she just got sorted." The older student shooed away the persistent Ravenclaws.

She plastered a smile on her face, masking the anxiety that was shrouding her.

"Unfortunately I am not a very good flyer, but dueling I am decent at.." She informs her new peers. 

Food of all variety was suddenly summoned on the table and everyone cheered. 

A sweet voice resided next to Roxanna. "You should try out for crossed wands. Its currently ruled by the Slytherins but you can always represent us! I'm Cho Chang by the way." 

"Nice to meet you, I'll give some thought to crossed wands.. It is like a dueling club?" 

"Club is not the way to describe it." Cho gave a hearty laugh.

"It is more like an elitist society, but everyone is welcome. Just be warned, id recommend going up against Susan Bones or Cormac Mclaggen. No Slytherins unless you want eternal harassment." 

She pointed them out. Roxanna followed the direction of Cho's finger. They were the group that she had seen on the train. She visibly recoiled remembering her interaction. Suddenly one of boys locked eyes with her. Roxanna couldn't look away. It was morbid curiosity, she hadn't properly noticed him before. His hair was a crisp blonde and ruffled around his stone chiseled features which complemented his entire aura. This boy was far away but not far enough to realize that he was scowling at Roxanna. She didn't look away. It was almost as if she regained all her confidence, she held his stare. The other two boys from the train began looking towards her too. 

Roxanna looked away and began taking to Cho, as if she was having the time of her life. The weakness from before wasn't going to show in front of anyone anymore.

A step towards Stability.