Cora was still completely in shock, pale and trembling by the words of the Sorting Hat. If she was not selected for a house... would she return to her home with her parents? How would she look at them to the face? It would disappoint them...

—Professor McGonagall: there has to be a mistake! —exclaimed Malfoy getting up suddenly of his seat—. Avery can't be not selected for a house! It's a blunder! —stated with an offended air the Slytherin—. My father will ear about this!

—Mr Malfoy silence. The decision of the Sorting Hat is always right and irrevocable. —answered Professor McGonagall with a cutting and cold tone, making that the fair-haired child sat down again with a shirred gesture—. Now, we will take care of miss Avery. —she added with a softer voice, turning towards Professor Dumbledore.

—Let the party... begin. —Professor Dumbledore said after getting up of his seat and after waving on a slight way his hands.

As soon as he did it, the meal and drink appeared all of a sudden in tfront of the astonished children who had just came to Hogwarts. After having given the meal to the children, Professor Dumbledore did a gesture to two of his teachers: Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall. These got up on a silent way, and together with the director of Hogwarts, escorted the hooded girl towards another location. They made her to enter another completely different place, being this one a small room that was provided with a bed, closets, mirror, and had its own toilet.

—Well miss Avery, I have to say that you are a box full of suprises... —mentioned Dumbledore with a certain mystery air in his words—. It is the first time that I see in the years I've been in Hogwarts, that the Sorting Hat refuses to sort a student to one of the houses.

—That is true Albus, in fact, it makes us to raise a few questions. —mentioned the profesor of potions—. And if the young girl has been sent here being a muggle without we knowing it? If so, this pantomime has gone too far. That, and the audacity of wearing this hood to cover her face. —Snape added with some distrust and reluctance.

—I-I haven't done anything... I received the letter and came here: I swear it! —said Cora almost at the edge of tears—. My parents are wizards, they also studied here... —she mentioned, as the tears started to fall from her eyes.

—Tell me miss Avery, what was what the Sorting Hat said? —Professor McGonagall asked, giving her a handkerchief so that she could dry her tears.

—He began to describe my personality, and then... exclaimed: "But what?". That's all what happened. —the girl answered her while she dried her tears.

—Well, it seems that I must speak with the Sorting Hat. When I've done it I will communicate it to you. —said Dumbledore looking at the girl—. Miss Avery don't worry, it hasn't been an error that you came here. I'm sure that there is an explanation. —he added before leaving the place.

As soon as the director left the room, Cora was left along with Snape and McGonagall, who watched her with relative distrust. It took two hours for Professor Dumbledore to return, meanwhile, the girl had started a slight conversation with Professor McGonagall, as it gave her some fear talking to Professor Snape, whose gaze hadn't left her during that period of time.

—Everything is already clear. I have spoken with the Sorting Hat and her parents. —said the director after entering the room—. As I suspected from the beginning, we have before us a really special case. Miss Cora Avery has not been sent to Hogwarts by mistake, she is, in fact, a very promising witch. Of course, the Sorting Hat had his reasons to not place her in any house. —Dumbledore explained calmly.

—Well? How is it that the hat has not sorted her for any house? —asked Snape with a serious tone, not kind at all.

—Patience Severus, now I will explain it. —said Professor Dumbledore—. The girl here present has each and every one of the qualities that are needed to enter Gryffindor, but also the qualities to enter Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. So, we can conclude that Cora is a talented witch capable of entering any of the houses of Hogwarts, for that reason the Sorting Hat could not choose only one of them. — explained Dumbledore with a warm smile directed to the girl—. In addition to that, miss Avery showed neither any predisposition nor favoritism for any of the houses, therefore I have come to an agreement with the hat.

—What agreement, Albus? —McGonagall asked.

—Cora will be one month in each of the houses to strengthen bonds with their respective members, and in the fifth month, the Sorting Hat will investigate again in her mind to place her in one of the houses in a permanent way. —replied the headmaster of Hogwarts.

—This is a nonsense Albus. —sentenced Professor Snape—. Have you forgotten that to enter the common room of every house, it is necessary to know a password? If she knows all of them it would be a danger for the students, since the secrets of their houses would not be safe anymore. —he added with a light annoyance tone.

—Don't worry Severus. When the month has finished, she will have to go to other of the houses, therefore we will erase of her mind the password of the house in which she has been previously. —Dumbledore answered him.

—This idea does not convince me, it is still dangerous. And we still do not know how to remove her black hood. —the potions profesor commented.

—Ah, her parents have already told me about that. —said Professor Dumbledore with satisfaction—. Apparently, miss Avery must only make a strong friendship with two or more partners, that means, that she must manage to make true friends. —said the profesor.

—It's only that? I only have to make true friends to remove my hood? —asked the girl who had remained silent until that momento—. Then... I'll stay on one of the houses for one month, and in the fifth one I'll be sorted?

—That's right Cora. You'll be sorted for the house in which you have more affinity —replied Dumbledore.

—Albus, just a question: what about the points? If Avery gains points while she is in a house, what will happen with them? —asked Professor McGonagall, who was already beginning growing fond of the girl in a slight way.

—You'll see Minerva, when Cora gets points, these will accumulate in her, so that, when she's sorted, these will add to her house score. —Dumbledore answered her.

—I see... —said the crimson eyed girl while she nodded—. And what is this place? —asked Cora with some curiosity.

—This room is for you to use, if at any time you feel uncomfortable, or if someone makes you feel bad. —Dumbledore explained to her.

Cora began to assimilate in a calmer way the decision of the Sorting Hat, the decision of Professor Dumbledore, and her next life coexisting with the different Hogwarts houses. After sighing, the girl looked at the three professors and she grinned to them, although they could only see her face lightly.

—Well, this month you will reside in Slytherin. —announced Dumbledore with a serene voice—. Professor Snape: could you lead her to the common room? I am sure that her partners will be already there.

—Come with me, miss Avery. —Professor Snape said before beginning to walk out of the room.

Cora memorized the way until "her room" in case she needed to go back to it. With some of fear for the serious professor of potions, the 11-year-old girl followed him by several corridors until they reached the door of the Slytherin common room, behind a wall of stone of the dungeons of the castle of Hogwarts.

—The password is "Pure Blood". —Snape said with a serious tone, then he opened the door and entered, followed by the girl. The students who were in the common room got up on having seen the teacher of potions (who also was the Chief of the House)—. Good evening students. As you can see, by my side is the student who so much fuss has caused in the Great Hall. —mentioned Professor Snape with a slightly disdainful voice—. Miss Avery will be in the Slytherin House for one month. Then, she will go away to another house. —the teacher explained calmly.

After saying those words the potions professor turned around, its caped black waving to his walking. As soon as the teacher left, the Slytherin students began to look to Cora with no kind eyes at all, they were all filled with mistrust.

—Well, so you're the girl whom the Sorting Hat has not sort in any house... —said one of the students who was approaching her. She had a pale complexion, green eyes and long dark hair—. So it's clear pariah, you do not belong to this house. You are an outcast and we're not going to let you shame us. You are stupid and your appearance is horrible. Who has allowed you to enter with this hood? Please... if it's of the last century. Where did you got it? From the Medieval Era? —the girl commented with a disdainful smile, making the rest of the students of the Slytherin House to burst into a laugh, including Draco.

The girl's crimson eyes watched Draco by the corner of the eye, almost on the verge of crying, since for a moment she felt that she could have made, although on a slight way, a friend.

—Girls, let's teach this pariah what awaits her... —said the same girl who had made fun of her only a few seconds ago.

—You said so Pansy! —said another of the students, while they approached the hooded girl.

The female Slytherin students approached Cora with malicious smiles on their faces and after picking her up by her arms and legs (while the girl tried to resist) they took her to an isolated room where they began to kick her, tearing her clothes,... They abused her physically and mentally until they were satisfied, leaving the girl on the floor totally helpless and crying.

Cora's POV

I did not know how much time had passed since they had left me in this cold room, but my body was completely numb and it hurt too much to try to stand up and leave to my room. I was cold, I had thirst and hunger, as well as a sense of sadness in my heart: I felt betrayed. Why? Draco said nothing about we being friends, but in such a way that I could not explain... my heart hurt. Without being aware of it, I began to cry once again for my bad luck, because I did not understand what I had done to deserve this. Within minutes of bursting into a slight tears, I heard clearly that the door of the room opened, and that someone entered.

—You look horrible... —said a voice that I knew, but it was almost impossible to believe that he was here.

—Draco...? —I asked on an insecure way, while I made a great effort to get up and sit on the cold pavement.

—Yes, it's me. —answered the blond child while he placed himself in front of me and was leaving on the floor a light oil lamp—. I have brought you food and something to drink. I thought that you'd need it. —he said to me with a slight tone of concern, while he gived me a plate and the drink.

—Why would it matter to you what happens to me? —I asked with a bit of fury—. It didn't seem important for you that Pansy Parkinson said those things about me... —I stated seriously.

—I'm sorry not to have defended you, but you must understand...

—"Understand"? — I said interrupting him—. Understand that you prefer to maintain intact your pride and dignity to help someone who is in trouble? —I asked on an ironic way—. Do you know what? Now everything is clear to me. And I was thinking that perhaps we might be friends... What a fool I've been! You are so self-centered and narcissistic like the rest of them! —I said in an outburst of rage before I got up with effort.

—No Avery, is not what you think! —exclaimed Draco looking at me with regretful and imploring eyes.

—Then tell me something... —I replied with some calm—. If we were friends and you discovered that I'm not a pure-blood... would you still be my friend?

Draco was speechless instantly since he seemed to want to answer something, but didn't.

—I imagined it. —I commented rather disappointed—. Thanks... Now I know already in which house I don't want to be sorted. —I said with serenity before leaving the common room to go to my room.

3rd person POV

Dumbledore was in his study, when the Sorting Hat interrupted his thoughts.

—Well well... The girl finally seems to have decided on which house she wants to be, although I'm not surprised after what has happened. —mentioned the hat with some satisfaction.

—Yes, and as we predicted, the students of the Slytherin House have helped her to choose unconsciously. Although it seems that one of them feels slightly guilty for the events... —mentioned Dumbledore with a smile—. Interesting. Cora Avery... A really interesting girl, indeed. She could take the darkness of the world and transform it into light. —he mumbled for himself while he approached the window—. And she still has not discovered all the powers that she keeps in her... Neither her true identity, nor what she represents.

The following day began without major incident, except that the 11-year-old girl was running trough the Hogwarts corridors, since she was late to the class of Professor McGonagall. While she ran, Cora met with Ron Weasly and Harry Potter, who also were late.

—Good morning Cora! —exclaimed Rum with a smile.

—Good morning... — she who answered him with a forced smile, while she was trying to hide the cardinals that she had in her hands and neck. Harry realized instantly that and looked at her with compassion.

—The proffesors told us yesterday your situation. They say that you will have to be in every house at least one month... —mentioned Harry—. Were the students of Slytherin the ones who did that to you yesterday?

—I'd rather not to speak about it Harry. —the girl answered while they ran.

When they entered the classroom where Professor McGonagall taught class, they noted that all the students were already there, and that sitting on the teacher's desk was a gray tabby cat. Draco raised his sight of the sheet in which he was writing and looked at Cora with a little repentance. Hermione meanwhile also had just seen coming her two house partners, to which she rolled her eyes.

—Thank goodness —Ron sighed—. Can you imagine McGonagall's face if we arrive late? —said to Harry and the crimson eyed girl.

At that time, the cat that was in the table of the teacher jumped forward, becoming Professor McGonagall.

—That has been amazing... —said Ron slightly scared and surprised.

—Thank you for that valuation Mr Weasley. —she mentioned with a serene voice tone—. Perhaps it should transform you two into a pocket watch, so at least one of you would come on time.

—We got lost... —Harry pointed.

—Perhaps better in a map. —pronounced herself the teacher—. What about you miss Avery? —she asked, looking at Cora.

—Sorry Professor, yesterday wasn't exactly a good day, and I am afraid that after "stumbling" on several occasions I ended up by losing conciousness. —replied the girl with some discouragement after recalling the events that happened the previous night.

Professor McGonagall was about to say something, when she noticed the purple cardinals that the girl had in hands, neck, and legs. Her gaze went from a severe one, to a kind and comprehensive one.

—I see... Well, after the classes I want you to stay with me, miss Avery. —she said with a more serene voice—. Sit next to Mr Malfoy.

Cora sighed slightly and sat down reluctantly next to Draco, who was looking at her with pity. After looking inside her bag, Cora realized that she had forgotten her book.

—We can share mine... —suggested Draco with a low voice.

—Thank you. —answered the crimson eyed girl on a serious way.

—I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday. —said in a wishper the blond haired boy—. I didn't want that they did that to you, and more taking into account of what family you proceed...

—That didn't bother me, Malfoy. —she answered using its surname, with the intention of creating distance between them—. It doesn't matter to me if I'm of honorable family or not. It bothered me that you decided not to defend me from these harpies who were abusing me. I know that we're not friends, but at least I thought that you would have the decency of helping me.

—I promise you that it won't happen again. I won't allow them to treath you badly. —said Malfoy with a regretful voice—. Please, let me prove it to you.

Cora was several minutes weighing up what happened, and finally made a decision.

—I'll give you another chance, Malfoy. Not one more. —sentenced the girl with a light tone—. I understand that being your father who is, you want to maintain the dignity in front to other...

—I won't let my pride prevent me from helping you if you're having a hard time. —said Draco interrupting the girl—. In the end, we can be friends, right? —he asked with a slight smile, as he looked at her.

—Yes, we can be friends. —she answered with another smile.

—Well, oh! Call me Draco please. If we're friends we should call each other by our first name. —he said—. Then, I'll call you Cora from now on.

"I'm doing the right thing? And if Draco turns his back to me again? Nothing guarantees me that he'll keep its word... He'll surely keep his cold and proud attitude in front of other students, but, maybe, and only maybe, in private he'll be friendly", thought the hooded girl after finishing the job.

When the class ended, Cora remained in the room along with Professor Mcgonagall.

—Tell me Avery: who did you those cardinals?

—Some students of Slytherin, Professor McGonagall. —the girl answered sincerely.

—How awful! —exclaimed the Head of the Gryffindor House—. I will go this evening to inform Dumbledore. —she said with decision—. You can go now darling, you must attend potions class. —she added with a light smile.

—Yes, goodbye Professor McGonagall. —said the girl before leaving the class. Her eyes widdened as she saw Malfoy on the corridor, waiting as he leaned on the wall—. What are you doing here? —she asked surprised.

—Wait for you, isn't clear? —said Malfoy with irony—. As a friend I must make sure that you won't be late to Professor Snape's class. Also, I have brought you the book. —he added with a smile—. You left it in the common room.

—Thank you Draco. —answered the girl with a smile, but this one didn't last much, since Pansy Parkinson was coming down the corridor along with her followers.

—Oh, look girls: it seems that the pariah dares to walk her ugly and stupid face by our corridors! —said Pansy with a smile—. I believe that we'll have to give her another lesson... —she threatened maliciously while she approached towards the crimson eyed girl.

Cora was on the point of saying something when Malfoy stood in front of her, protecting her.

—Draco... what are you doing? —Pansy asked, confused.

—Cora is my friend Pansy, you and your friends better stop bothering her, or I'll make sure that you'll have a hard time. —answered Malfoy with a threatening tone—. And I assure it to you, my father will hear if in some moment you do something to damage the daughter of the Avery's.

—A-avery? Are you... an Avery? —asked slightly frightened Parkinson, while her face turned pale.

—Get out already Pansy. —prdered Malfoy with authority.

—Y-yes! —she exclaimed before running out from there along with her followers.

—Thank you Draco... —the girl mumbled with a smile.

—Don't worry Cora, I have already said that we're friends.

The two children looked at each other, and after smiling, they walked up to the potion class.

A few minutes of having entered the class, Professor Snape entered like an exhalation.

—There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class... —said the teacher after entering the class—. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science of the potion making. However, for those of you who possess the pre-disposition... — he added directing his gaze to Malfoy (who was sitting with Cora next to him)—. I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses; I can tell you how to brew glory, bottle fame, and even put a stopper in death. —he mentioned with condescension.

Cora was writing down on her notebook what Professor Snape had said until this pulled her from her thoughts.

—Mr. Potter... —he said with some disdain—. Our new... celebrity.

Cora looked at Harry and saw that he was also writing down what Snape said, for what she felt sligthly sorry since the professor decided to bother him.

—Tell me Potter, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? —asked Snape with a slight proud voice.

—I don't know, sir. —Harry answered with embarrasement.

—Let's try again Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a beozar? —asked Snape once more, to which Hermione rised her hand on a quick way since she knew the answer.

—I don't know, sir.

—What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?

To that question Cora was quick to rise her hand and looked at Professor Snape, with the slight desire that he would stop questioning and embarrasing Harry in front of the whole class.

—Well, it seems that miss Avery does know the answers to my questions... —said Professor Snape with a slight grin on his face as he approached the girl—. Go forward, answer the questions... if you can.

—Professor Snape, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. —replied the girl with confidence, since she had studied some books before arriving at Hogwarts—. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomack of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. —she added as she finished her answer.

—Correct miss Avery. —said with a low voice—. I'll grant you 5 points, however, Potter, I'll take a point from Gryffindor for your lack of answers.

Several days had gone by since that potions class, and it seemed that the Slytherin students treated Cora with more respect now, besides, they didn't bother her at all. In fact, most of them treated her with kindness since the girl was almost impossible to bully, due to the fact that she was always friendly and kind to everyone, which made some students think that she was too good for Slytherin, and suggested her to not be sorted there. Cora remained busy almost everytime, either reading or studying, yet, she always found time to chat with Malfoy or Harry and Ron, who she also considered her friends.

However, the young witch didn't suspect that fate had a cruel prank reserved for her, since her sorting to a house would be sooner than she expected, and everything would be changing as a result of it...

Well, I hope you liked this new chapter! Comment, vote and I'll update sooner!

CoraIzumi123