THE SORTING
I will be mildly shifting the time line but try and keep it as same as normal. The idea for the fire lizard comes from the Dragonriders of Pern series by the McCaffries. The bond/link is loosely based of the one form the Inheritance Cycle.
A girl walks between two people, a man and a woman. Presumably her parents. On her arm rests what looks like a miniature dragon; silver with a black underbelly, spikes along its back and claws. It seems to be sleeping with eyes closed. It is the middle of the day, students in class or at lunch and that is where it starts. The man and the woman stop an older student and ask where to find Professor Dumbledore's office is while hiding the girl and creature from sight. They thank the boy with red hair with a "P" badge on his chest and continue on their way, making sure the girl is hidden. They arrive and knock at the gargoyle who lets them in. The door is opened and they enter. "Ah, good day! You must be Mr. and Mrs. Archae. And this young woman must be Zora?"
"Yes sir." The young girl, now identified, confirmed.
"Professor, I believe you got our message?"
"I did Mr. Archae. You wish to enroll Zora here?"
"Yes, but from what I understand you have a different way of schooling here than back home."
"How so?"
"Zora already completed her first year of schooling. Home, they start at age 10, not 11. So by your standards she would be a second year even though she just turned 11."
"Ah, I see your concerns. What do you think miss?" Zora stepped forward.
"I do not wish to repeat classes I have already excelled in. I know that it will be unusual that I attend school in a grade that is above my year. My main concern is my companion." And she proffered her arm showing the creature there.
"My my that is a unique fellow. What is it?"
"This is my fire lizard, Arget. We share a telepathic bond and even though I do not need to keep her extremely close, it is advisable. I need a place to keep her with specific conditions. And her food needs are, picky."
"Well if you describe them I'm sure we can come up with something. And as for your schooling, you will stay in the dorms as the year you will be attending. And you are right, you shouldn't have to retake classes. You will be enrolled as a 2nd year."
"Thank you sir. When do I start?"
"You will start on Monday, if that is acceptable?"
"Yes sir."
"Do you want to be sorted now so you can get your robes or wait?"
"Now is fine. What do I need to do?"
"Just sit there and I will put this hat on your head. It will sort through your thoughts and decide which house you should be put in. Mr. and Mrs. Archea, if you could take Arget for her?"
Arget opened one eye lazily then stretched and glided over to her parents. Dumbledore placed the hat on her head.
Hmmmm, a clever student that is very clear in your mind. Also you are very brave, willing to give up what you want for others. However you are sly and sneaky. And what's this?! Another presence in your mind that is ancient. Well I won't dwell on that but now time for the decision…
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Hmmm, not what I expected but I believe you will do well all the same."
"What do you mean, 'not what I expected'?" Mr. Archae asked.
"I figured that she would be in Gryffindor, I am not saying she isn't smart just with her companion, I imagine she gets in a bit of trouble."
Zora blushed. Mrs. Archae replied, "She does, but she always thinks of someway out of it."
"Hmmmm, very well. I must warn you now I wouldn't try it with any of your professors. They will not take to it well."
"Thank you sir. Ummm, may I have my school list?"
"Ah! Yes." He tapped a piece of paper on his desk and handed it to me. "Your supplies. If you floo to my office Sunday evening I will have someone escort you to your room and all."
"Thank you sir. I look forward to being enrolled here."
"Professor Dumbledore, we have something to add. We have discussed this with Zora and she agrees, that unless she feels comfortable here and finds people she can trust she will be leaving at the end of the school year."
"That is perfectly fine by me. I wish for all my students to be happy here."
"Thank you for understanding sir. I will see you on Sunday." Zora bowed and left the office with her parents.
"She is a bit odd, don't you think sir?" Phineus asked.
"She is unique, I think that she will have a positive affect on the school though."
The Archaes walked back to the front gate and were stopped by a man with long greasey black hair and a long nose.
"What is that?" He asked inquiring about Arget.
"A fire lizard sir. May I ask who you are?"
"I am the potions master, Professor Snape."
"Nice to meet you sir, I look forward to attending your classes."
"A transfer student?"
"Yes sir. Now if you don't mind I must be leaving. Good day Professor." And she promptly walked around him with her parents. They walked to Hogsmeeade where they Disapparated to their home.