(Author's note: This is my first harry potter/Buffy story. So if anyone is out of character or anything please tell me. I know it doesn't explain much of Harry's summer or anything, but I wanted to skip straight ahead to the school)

Harry Potter sighed as the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop. It had been a tough summer for him coping with Sirius's death, but his friends had helped him through. Smiling slightly he turned to look at Ron and Hermione, who smiled back, before making his way into the mass of students.

Fighting their way through, Harry, Hermione and Ron managed to find an empty carriage. As they got in, Harry stopped and glanced over at the Thestrals. Shaking away the thought of death he proceeded to get in the carriage, joined by Neville and Luna. Seeing the curious looks on their faces, Harry sighed again, preparing himself for the onslaught of questions.

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"Now before we all eat I would like to make an announcement," Dumbledore said, chuckling as he heard Ron's groan, " Although it has never been done before, I would like you all to welcome a transfer student to Hogwarts. If you will," he said, motioning to McGonagall, who walked down the hall and out of sight. Returning less than a minute later with a girl behind her.

Every face in the hall was on her. She looked to be about 16, and had long sweeping brown hair that went just below her shoulders. Harry carefully studied her beautiful face, then looked across to Ron whose eyes were practically bulging out of his head. "Ron, Ron," he hissed, finally catching the redhead's attention, "drool."

"Her name is Melanie and she has come from America. She has yet to be sorted so.." Dumbledore said.

McGonagall gestured for Melanie to sit in the chair and she placed the sorting hat on the girl's head.

'ahh,' the hat said to her mentally, 'not the normal student I see'

"Is anyone here normal" Melanie mumbled back, causing the hat to chuckle.

'no, I suppose not. Now where to put you, your brave, and loyal, but you also smart and cunning. Oh…with a thirst for power too I see.' The hat paused, deep in thought. Then suddenly it shouted "GRYFFINDOR!"

The hall clapped as she made her way towards the Gryffindor table, seating herself at the very end of the table.

"I would also like to announce that this year we will be introducing a new class for years 4 & up. This will be compulsory and will benefit you greatly in this upcoming battle, considering Voldemort allies himself with." Dumble said grimly, but instantly a smile appeared on his face. "Now that that's over with I believe it's time to silence Mr. Weasley's stomach."

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As Hermione and Ron, being the prefects they were, lead the Gryffindors to the common room, Harry saw the new girl and made his way over to her.

"Hi," he said to her.

"Hi."

"So your from America?" She nodded. "What school did you go to over there?"

She looked at him, seemingly checking him over, before answering. " I was taught at home by a, friend." Harry could tell she was hiding something, but didn't have time to question it anymore as they had arrived at the fat lady.

After Hermione and Ron had helped the first years settle in they took seats next to Harry in front of the fireplace.

"So, I saw you talking to that new girl" Hermione said, a little harshly.

Ron flinched a little, so Harry surmised that he must off gotten her angry again. " Yeah. She said she was home schooled, is that even possible with wizards, you know, with the underage rule and all"

Hermione looked over at the girl, noticing that she kept glancing over their way " I don't know guys, but I'm tired." She said, stretching.

Harry and Ron noticed the small gesture she made while she stretched and realized they weren't alone. Saying their goodnights they headed off to bed.

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Harry shot up out of bed, panting. A sweaty mess, he got up and walked over to the open window, relishing the cool night air. Not wanting to go straight back to bed he sat on the windowsill and looked out over the grounds. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he spotted a figure moving away from Hagrid's hut towards the castle. As he squinted to try and get a better look, the person stepped into the moonlight. Harry's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the person.