I walked toward the stool where the sorting hat sat, my blood throbbing in my ears. My ability had manifested itself when I was four, and my dad was ill with an incurable magical ailment. When he died I was right there, and I could feel him going away. Feel him leaving me So I- there's no other explanation- I pulled him back.

He knew what I had done, and he knew what it meant. He made me keep it a secret from everyone, even mum, because he knew I would be used as a tool if anyone found out.

If the sorting hat could see my secret, I was done for.

My fingers were shaking so badly that the it was hard for me to slide it on. Then I heard a voice in my head.

"Hmmm... I see you have the healers touch, my girl."

My heart sank.

"Well, that can only mean one thing..."

"FOXPAW!"


I froze where I sat as whispers erupted around the hall. This wasn't right; this wasn't good- There were only four houses, mum had told me.

Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. No Foxpaw. No 5th house.

Professor Dumbledore, after conversing with the stern-looking woman, (Professor Mconagall, I thought her name was.) walked over to me and spoke quietly.

" Ms. Zole, would you please go to my office? Professor Mconagall will guide you."

I nodded numbly, and took the hat off my head as she showed me to the Head's office. All I knew, was that my secret was out, in a big, big way.