Chapter 1: Melodi's Arrival

Severus Snape paced his office, thoughts racing through his head. He unconsciously ran his hand through his greasy black hair, not noticing that it fell back into its regular position infront of his eyes. On his desk lay the object of his discomfiture- a letter from his favorite distant cousin. It read:
Severus; I know we have not spoken in a long time. However, dear cousin, I need a favour from you. My daughter, Melodi, needs to be hidden away from our house. My husband has returned to serving the Dark Lord and wishes for Melodi to join him. I will not have this, Severus. I will not allow her to fall to his musings. I am sending her to Hogwarts- I have already spoken to Headmaster Dumbledore and he is willing to accept Melodi at the start of this year. I am trusting her into your care Severus. Please watch over her.

Love Always, Portia Snape DeRowane

Snape reread the letter, huffing and snorting as he did so. He loved his cousin Portia, but this was unexpected. He remembered when they were younger they would play 'Witches and Wizards' all the time together. She never made fun of him or ignored him, and she was the only one who tried to help him leave the Dark Lord's services. He owed her much, but he was not ready to take on the guardianship of his niece. Snape ran his hand through his hair again, and sat down in his chair to reply to his cousin's letter. He was, in effect, without any choice in the matter This was going to be an interesting year.

Melodi stood on the infamous platform 9 and ¾, Hogwarts robes and travel bag in hand. Her dark black hair was blowing to and fro in the wind, and her unusual violet eyes observed those around her. She watched as people bustled about getting on the train and waving goodbye to their families. She would be joining them soon. Her stomach fluttered nervously. She had never been good at making friends, especially since she had been home schooled for most of her life, and now she would have to start all over again. 'Stupid mother. Why did she have to go and send me to a school? I was doing perfectly fine with my personal tutors.' The train whistled, startling Melodi from her thoughts. She noticed that only parents were left on the platform and she quickly hopped onto the train before it took off without her. 'That'd be my luck,' she thought, 'the train would leave without me and I'd be stuck here.' Melodi made her way through the train as it shuffled along its course. It hit a sharp turn and Melodi, not used to walking in the moving object, tripped over her feet and into a door. Instead of breaking her fall, the door opened, causing her to tumble, head first, into the occupied room.
"Whoa there! What in bloody hell .?" a voice sounded above her head. Melodi rolled her bag off of her and sat up on the floor, looking at the three people above her. There were two boys and a girl. The boys had dark black and red hair respectively, while the girl had a massive amount of curly brown hair. Melodi put a hand to her head, feeling a bump rising where she hit it on the door. "Sorry about that, I tripped." She said, dusting off her black robes. "Don't worry, I'll be leaving now." "Leaving? Are you sure you're okay to stand up? That was quite a trip!" the girl looked at Melodi with concern in her eyes as she stood up next to her. "Let me look at your head. Sit here." Melodi took the seat the girl was pointing to; a cushy red bench across from where the boys sat. Soon curls where blocking her vision as the girl inspected Melodi's head.
"It looks fine, I think you might just have a bump for a little while." the girl said with finality as she took the seat next to Melodi. She extended her hand. "I'm Hermione Granger. I'm a Gryffindor, and this year's Head Girl." Melodi smiled and shook Hermione's hand. "Nice to meet you Hermione. My name is Melodi DeRowane. I am transferring into Hogwarts, with permission from Dumbledore." The three students just stared at her for a bit- they'd never heard of a transfer student at Hogwarts. Hermione shook her head to clear and pointed to the two boys. "These two scalawags are Ron Weasley and Harry Potter, my best friends."
"Nice to meet you Melodi." Ron said, shaking her hand.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." Harry added, following Hermione and Ron's greetings. Melodi smiled at them, and then the car fell into an awkward silence. Melodi cleared her throat, "So, you're the famous Harry Potter, eh? I have heard many, many things about you. I never though I would meet you in person though." Inside her head, Melodi was chiding herself, 'Nicely done stupid. First you tumble into their door like a muggle circus performer, and then you make a fool of yourself infront of a celebrity. What a great way to start the school year. Oh how the friends will be clamoring to spend time with you.' Melodi averted her eyes and apologized "Sorry. You probably get that from a lot of people."
Before Harry could reply, the train car door burst open. "Well, if it isn't Potty, Weasel and the filthy Mudblood Granger!" The deep masculine voice filled the tiny room. Melodi looked up to see a tall boy standing in the doorway. He had short blond hair and bangs that framed his wide, piercing blue eyes. A smirk colored his face as he scanned the room, his eyes stopping to rest on her. Melodi wanted to look away from his curious stare, but she held his eyes until he finally spoke. "What's this? The Perfect Trio found a new friend?" He laughed and came to stand over her, his eyes burning into hers. "Take my word for it; you don't want to be hanging around with these three nobody's. They're all useless and utterly pathetic. You should come join Slytherin House, where the real power is, and hang out with my friends and I. Think about it, and get back to me." He smirked again.
"Malfoy, you know very well that students don't get to choose their house, the Sorting Hat chooses for them." Ron spurted out.
"I know that, Weasel. I was just giving her a suggestion. You know, warning her away from the likes of you."
"Ah, go away Malfoy. She's got a mind and can think for herself." Ron said, waving Malfoy off.
"That's more than I can say for you and your so-called friends here Weasel." Malfoy turned with a laugh at his own insult and left the car.
"Stupid git. I'm glad we're almost through with him." Ron went off into a tangent as Melodi continued to stare at the door.
"Who was that?" she asked Hermione when Ron had calmed down and fallen asleep.
"That lousy ferret? That was Draco Malfoy. He's rotten and mean, and if you know what is good for you, you'll stay away from him." Hermione replied as she pulled out a book. Melodi nodded her head at the warning. 'Draco Malfoy, hmmm?' she thought to herself. She had heard of the Malfoys. Her father worked with a Malfoy, and she remembered something about possibly being related to them. She shook her head, that rumor had been cleared up a long time ago. The Snapes were not related to the Malfoys, they had just been long-time friends. 'Don't do it. Don't start thinking about him. You heard Hermione, stay away from him. Don't go and ignore the first friends you've made.' But Melodi couldn't help it, even though Hermione's warning played through her head, she couldn't bring herself to NOT be intrigued by the 'stupid git' with the stunning blue eyes.

Melodi felt someone poking her arm and she swatted the hand. "Melodi, you have to get up and get your Hogwarts robes on. We're almost at the school." Melodi opened her eyes, Hermione was standing over her. "Come on, get up sleepyhead!" Melodi sat up, looking confused.
"I don't know where my robes are. I must have dropped them when I fell." She said looking around with wild eyes. Hermione handed her a set of robes.
"They were on the floor outside the door. I found them when I went to change. Now hurry up! You can change in here." Hermione pushed Harry and Ron out the door. Melodi looked at the robes in her hand, still shocked that this all wasn't a dream. She carefully removed her traveling robes, placed them in her bag, and pulled on her new Hogwarts robes. She went over to the door and opened it, allowing her three friends back in. "I'm all set. Thanks for all your help guys." The three students smiled at her.
"Anytime!" Ron replied. Harry and Hermione laughed at their red haired friend, who seemed to be smitten with Melodi.
About twenty minutes later, the train stopped and the students all started out to the platform. They were greeted by an oversized man who was bellowing orders, "First years to the left side where the boats are. All returning students go to the right to the carriages." Melodi stood on the platform, not sure of what to do. Hermione, Ron and Harry had all trotted off to the carriages, promising to see her later. Melodi was about to call after them when a large shadow covered her, "Miss DeRowane? My name is Hagrid, Dumbledore told me all about ye. Follow me, you'll be joining the firs' years in th' boats." Melodi picked up her bag and followed Hagrid, and the first year students, to the boats for her first glimpse of Hogwarts- her new home.

The boat ride to the school was enchanting. The way Hogwarts stood looming over the water filled her with a sense of safety and calm. She knew right away she would like this school. Melodi followed the rest of the first years into the school, and stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs. The younger students threw curious glances at her, but she didn't let it phase her. Suddenly, amidst all the chatter, an older woman appeared at the top of the stairs. Her voice was stern but caring as she spoke "First years please listen up. My name is Professor McGonagall. I am here to greet all of you new arrivals. In a moment you will be walking into the Great Hall where you will be sorted into your houses. You will remain in these houses for the time that you are at Hogwarts. After the sorting, there will be a feast. And now, Welcome to Hogwarts!" She pushed open the large doors and a collective gasp could be heard from the group of new students. The line started moving forward, as Melodi started towards the door, the older woman grabbed her arm. "Wait with me dear. You get to go in after all the first years are done. You are starting a new tradition tonight." Melodi looked at her curiously, but the woman just patted her arm in reassurance. "Don't worry nothing bad will happen to you."
"Thank you Professor." Melodi's voice drifted off as the Sorting Hat's song drifted throughout the hall.
When the first years had all been sorted into their respective houses, having been grandly greeted by their fellow students, Professor Dumbledore stood up and the room became hushed. "Welcome back to all of the returning students. Before I go into my warnings for the first year's I would like to announce that tonight marks the first night Hogwarts has opened its doors to a transfer student. Never before has this occurred in all of Hogwarts history. Professor McGonagall, please bring the student forward to be sorted into her new house." Melodi felt her feet moving forward but couldn't remember telling herself to start walking. Her nerves were jumping inside her body as she was marched through the hall infront of the entire student body. When she got to the front, she was turned around to face the students. Eyes peered at her from all directions, curious and enthralled looks were cast her way. Melodi swallowed the lump in her throat, demanding herself to remain calm. "And now for the Sorting Hat. If you please Professor." Melodi was pushed onto a stool and a huge hat placed on her head. Soon a voice sang out,
"Ahh, what have we here? A new student at Hogwarts! But you are much older than the first years. A transfer so I'm told. Where should I place this new transfer? Where will history start a new course? You have a brave heart like the Gryffindors, but you also have the drive and hardworking skills of the Hufflepuffs. Yet still, I see in you the book smart and clever Ravenclaw, and also the ambition of the powerful Slytherins. Where shall I put you?" The room went silent for a moment as the Sorting Hat paused in his speech. "I know. You shall be a Gryffindor!" Melodi let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table. The hat was taken off her head and Melodi headed over to her new table.
"Melodi! Melodi! Come sit here!" she turned and saw Harry waving his arms at her, calling her over to them. She took a seat next to Harry, across from Ron and Hermione. They all smiled and laughed together. "Welcome to Gryffindor!" They all said in unison, making the four of them laugh even louder. Dumbledore stood again, a twinkle in his eye.
"Congratulations to everyone on their new houses. First off, to all new students the Forbidden Forest is off limits unless otherwise instructed and please beware of the changing stairs, we don't want anyone getting caught where they shouldn't be. Secondly, I would like to introduce this years Head Girl and Boy- Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Draco Malfoy." Cheers went up for the two Heads, and Melodi beamed at her new friend. Her eyes flitted behind Hermione's head to see Draco standing at his table, smirking at Hermione's back. "And now," Dumbledore's voice continued as the room quieted down, "enjoy your meal!" With a wave of his wand, food appeared on the table and everyone dove in. There was roast beef, turkey, salad, fresh breads, potatoes, vegetables of all kinds and a wondrous outlay of desserts. The chalice infront of Melodi was filled with spiced pumpkin cider and she took a swallow. 'This is amazing!' she thought to herself as she filled her plate with each food. 'I didn't think this would be so cool. I think I am going to like it here.'
Melodi was enjoying her meal immensely. She chatted with her new friends and they introduced her around a part of the table. She met Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister, Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, and a host of other people she couldn't keep straight. After the introductions were over, and Melodi had filled her belly to the brim, Dumbledore's voice once again filled the room. "Prefects, please take all first year students to their dormitories and help them get situated. The rest of you may go as you please." Melodi looked at Hermione and smiled.
"Guess I'm off to my dormitory. Will you come find me later so we can talk? I'm nervous about tomorrow." Melodi tried to keep the fear and nervousness out of her amethyst colored eyes. Hermione smiled back at her and said, "'Sure thing! I will come see you when my meeting about dorm rules is over. Just relax till then. We'll go over your schedule and everything." Melodi visibly relaxed and stood.
"I will see you later then. Thank you Hermione. Bye Harry. Bye Ron. See you tomorrow." She waved as she strolled over towards the group of Gryffindor first years. Ron came rushing up to her as she walked away.
"I'll go with you just in case you have questions or something." He said and winked at her. Melodi nodded her head and thanked him.
"That's super nice of you Ron. I appreciate it."
"Not a problem."

The prefect wound his way up stairs and down hallways, weaving in and out of different directions. Ron was talking to Melodi, but she wasn't quite paying attention to him, rather focusing more on where she was going and how to get back. They finally reached a large painting of a rather plump woman sitting on a sofa. "The first years have arrived. Welcome to Hogwarts!" she said in a jovial voice. "Password please, or else I cannot let you in."
The prefect said the password loud enough for everyone to hear, "Hippogriff". The portrait swung to the side and the students filed into the common room. Melodi walked in, her eyes wide with wonder. The room was tastefully decorated with the house colors of gold and burgundy. The fireplace was crackling away and the furniture looked so comfortable. Melodi blinked and then tried to focus her eyes to absorb it all at once. Shadows of flames danced on the polished redwood chairs and tables. The chairs were fitted with burgundy cushions and gold throw pillows. The hardwood floor was practically glowing and had throw rugs placed around it. On the walls hung portraits that were waving and smiling at the new arrivals. Ron whispered into Melodi's ear.
"Breathtaking, isn't it?"
"Unbelievably so." She replied. Their conversation was cut short as the prefect explained the rules for the dormitories and called out which rooms each student lived in. By the end of it, his voice was slightly softer and only Ron and Melodi were left.
"Miss Melodi DeRowane?" he asked. She shook her head and he made another check mark on his list. "Since you are a seventh year transfer, and Hogwarts has never had this happen before. They decided to place you in a room with other seventh years so you could live with students your own age. Your room is up on the second floor, last door on the left. Your roommates are Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil and Ginny Weasley. Melodi thanked her lucky stars she had already been introduced to her new room mates. She turned and headed up the stairs to her room. Opening the door she gasped. The room had two sets of bunk beds; each had burgundy spreads and gold sheets. The pillows were a combination of both colors and she noted that each bed also had a curtain to pull across for a more "private" accommodation. Melodi saw her trunk and bag sitting next to an armoire. A smile spread across her face and she giggled inside her head. This was going to be an interesting year!

At that moment she heard voices behind her. She turned and the voices turned to peals of excitement as Lavender, Parvati and Ginny all rushed towards her. "Welcome Roomie! We're so excited you're living with us. We're going to have so much fun!" The girls crushed her in hugs of welcome and filled her mind with thoughts of the future. 'So this is what it feels like to have friends.' She thought to herself. 'How different. How. truly wonderful!' And for the first time ever, Melodi joined in with the other girls, pouring out everything she wanted to do during the upcoming year. The four roommates talked for an hour or so as they emptied their trunks and bags and decorated their room. An hour later Hermione knocked on the door looking for Melodi.
"I'm right here!" Melodi called out as she finished hanging her robes up.
"Ready to look at your schedule?" Hermione asked.
"I sure am!" Melodi answered as she pulled the piece of paper from her pocket.
"Alright. Well, you have a seventh year schedule. Actually you and I have almost the same schedule." Hermione laughed. "Tomorrow we have Defense Against The Dark Arts for a double period, and then History of Magic. That's a fun class, one of my favorites. After Lunch we have double Potions with evil Snape and then we're done for the day. Now let's see the next day you have Transfiguration with McGonagall, she's our head of house and a wonderful professor." Hermione's voice continued on as Melodi absorbed all she could about each class and each professor. She hadn't missed Hermione's tell of 'evil Snape'. Evil Snape? How could her uncle be evil? Melodi shook herself mentally. She had known upon arriving that her uncle worked at Hogwarts, he had worked here for many years. Potions, one of his favorite topics of discussion. She could remember being a toddler, climbing up onto her favorite uncle's lap and listening to him talk potions and magic with her mother, all the while playing with his hair or the ties on his robes. As she grew up, she had seen less and less of him, until finally he just stopped showing up. Her mother still kept in touch with him occasionally, but Melodi figured he had too much to do than spend time with a niece who could no longer fit on his lap. "That's weird. You have Advanced Flying. Only honor students are allowed to take that class. Oh, and it's with the Slytherins. You better get this straightened out. Flying with Slytherins can be dangerous, especially with that rat Malfoy around." Hermione handed the schedule back to Melodi and stood to leave. "I'll meet you downstairs in the Common Room tomorrow morning and we can go to breakfast together with Harry and Ron. Okay?" Melodi nodded her head and thanked Hermione.
"You're the best Hermione. Thanks for being so sweet." Hermione smiled at her and turned to go.
"Get some rest; you're going to need it with two double classes tomorrow. I will see you in the morning. Goodnight." Hermione closed the door behind her. Melodi grabbed her pj's and headed to the bathroom she would be sharing with her roommates. The bathroom was all white marble with a large tub that had numerous spouts. In the corner were four showers, four stalls, and four sinks with an adjacent mirror. Melodi took the sink closest to the wall and brushed her teeth, washed her face and then changed into her dark red satin pj pants and tank top. She pulled her hair up into a loose ponytail and headed out to her bed. Ginny was reading, Lavender was still hanging up close and Parvati had gone down to the common room to chat for awhile. Melodi hung up her robes, and climbed into bed. "Good night ladies, see you in the morning!" she said as she pulled her curtain closed. She heard her roommate's goodnights and lay down, cuddling under blankets. Melodi closed her eyes, her mind wandering over what had happened today. Soon, she found herself focusing on just one thing, the beautiful blue eyes that had enraptured her earlier this afternoon, floated in her mind. She rolled over and tried to block out his face, but ever since Hermione had said his name, he had popped back into her head. A few minutes later, Melodi finally fell asleep, thoughts of Draco Malfoy still playing inside her head.