Professor Sprout had not been exaggerating when she mentioned Slytherin having hard feelings about Kira's sorting scene. Since her family was so well known by many students, word had traveled back to Kira's family and to every dark wizarding household with great speed. Despite Kira's mistake, her family did not seem to be dealing with repercussions. Once they disowned her via howler, it became clear that Kira was the rebel- the bad seed- and her family was not to blame. But since many of children from dark families were indeed in Slytherin, the rivalry between Slytherin and Hufflepuff began to get a bit out of hand.

Kira was constantly knocked into when walking down the corridors, often with a "Mudblood lover," slur thrown at her. She honestly didn't care that much. With each insult or attack against her, she saw how grateful she was that Slytherin was not her family. She knew that every Slytherin student did not hate her, and no longer believed in such rigid sorting, but in order for the Slytherin new students to be accepted, they had to play along. So Kira continued to be tormented by friends she had made at a young age because of her new house.

Despite this heated battle, the Hufflepuffs were handling themselves with as much grace as they could manage. Kira had made many new friends over her first few weeks, mostly because of her recognition. Between the Kuroi attention and the Potter fame, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were buzzing with gossip. Charis managed to bump into Kira in the hall once or twice and offered some condolences and kindness. They briefly talked and made plans to keep up with one another since Charis was the first friend Kira had made on the Hogwarts Express.

Many students in Hufflepuff extended kindness to Kira because of hearing about her howler. Howler news always travels quickly, so naturally EVERYONE in Hogwarts knew. By now however, her professors had stopped looking at her like a lost puppy, and for this Kira was eternally grateful. Things were finally getting to a fairly decent "normal" and Kira's name was slowly disappearing from the conversations in the halls. There were still many loose ends for her as far as her future plans, but per the advice of Aana and Professor Sprout, Kira decided to put those thoughts aside and try to enjoy her first year.

"You, my friend, are the strangest person I have ever met," Kira lovingly told Twill as she laughed. Twill was quite a character. She wanted to be in muggle show business, and was constantly mimicking famous characters from popular muggle films. Today was Johnny Depp, and she was dressed as a pirate complete with charmed stuff parrot on her shoulder.

"Squawk! Strangest person!" the parrot repeated.

"You know Jack Sparrow didn't actually have a parrot right?" Aana laughed. She was the only one from the crew who had actually seen Pirates of the Caribbean.

"Aye, but don't ye think he adds to me appearance matey?" Twill replied. "Squawk! Appearance!"

"Oh my gosh, please stop with the parrot!" Zakia begged. "Seriously, please, please, uncharm that stupid thing!"

"Alas mateys, yer in luck! This here is where we go ashore! May our boats cross paths soon again aye! For real though, I'll see you guys at lunch."

"Squawk! See you at lunch!"

And with that Twill headed off to potions class.

"She seriously sounds NOTHING like Johnny Depp! But she keeps things interesting! Thats for sure!" Aana said as she put her head in her hands.

As Kira, Aana, and Zakia were laughing at Twill's characterization, Draco rounded the corner ahead of them. Instantly, Kira's face turned solemn and she put her head down trying to walk past him unnoticed.

"Honestly, Kira, we've known each other since we were born. Why you insist on hanging out with... their kind... I will never know. But we need to talk. Its urgent!"

Kira continued to stare at the ground with tears welling up in her eyes.

"Draco, I don't think this is a good time. Perhaps sometime next week, or month, or year, " Aana replied locking arms with Kira and trying to drag her around the corner. Draco scoffed, reached out and grabbed Kira's wrist pulling her to face him.

"Listen to me! WE NEED TO TALK!"

"It's alright, go on to class guys I will catch up with you next period." Kira mumbled.

"Kira, you don't have to go with him." Zakia responded as he glared at Draco.

"I know Zak, its ok. Really. Go on."

Reluctantly Kira's two friends went on to class so they would not be late. Though the didn't want to leave her alone with Draco, both knew that Kira didn't like to be thought of as weak and they figured she could handle herself. Draco and Kira ducked into an empty classroom so they could talk more privately.