A/N: Here's a list of my characters: Melanie Rosen, Lenora Lane, Rebecca Chamberson, Richard Chamberson, Theodin Rosen, Livia Rosen, Jordan Scott, Tinker (house elf)

Everyone else belongs to JKR

Chapter 1

Talking to Snakes

I lay stretched across my bed starring at the ceiling. God, I'm so bored. Being grounded really sucks. All I did was shove a boy at school for calling me a freak and my parents completely flip out. Now, I can't even leave the house. I suppose I could read though I don't have many books. I do, however, have a fairy tale book hidden. For some reason, they always made me feel better when I was upset. I have to hide it because my parents forbid me to read or watch any kind of fairy tale. I'm not quite sure exactly what their reason is. Something about magic just makes them crazy.

Suddenly, I heard something hit my window. When I opened it, I saw Dudley Dursley along with the rest of the gang. I smiled. Dudley and I had been friends ever since we were five. He always got me into trouble or maybe I was the one who got him into trouble, however you want to look at it. He had better luck at home when his parents then I did. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley were completely oblivious to Dudley's violent side, unlike mine. His parents instead would say they were grateful Dudley was not like his cousin who lived with then. I can never remember his name. My parents forbid me to see him for some reason. Dudley says he's a loser and a violent freak so his parents have to keep him in the cupboard under the stairs. I've only actually seen him once.

"Hey, Rosen," Dudley called. "We're going to the playground. You in?"

"Sure. Just give me a second." I quickly slipped on my shoes and climbed out the window. I've done this so many times. Fortunately, there's a big tree close to my window I can easily climb down.

When I reached the ground I said, "I still can't believe we both got into fights this week and I was the one who got grounded."

Dudley grinned. "My parents always take my side no matter what. They think I was provoked."

"I wish I could convince mine of that."

When we arrived at the playground our rival, Jordan Scott, greeted us. He was the boy I shoved last week. I think my strength took him by surprise. Apparently, he wasn't too happy about being made a fool of by a girl. I'll bet he's planning revenge right now. I am bit curious as of why he's not doing anything right now and I saw why.

I sneered. "Still need mommy to take you to the playground?"

"I'll bet you think you're pretty tough with your gang with you," he shot back.

"I think we both know I don't need them to take you."

"So you caught me by surprise. It was just luck, Rosen. You're still just a girl. Why don't you come show me what you really got?"

He headed towards the trees so his mom couldn't see him. I followed.

"Uh, Mel. Do you want us to come with you?" Dudley stood behind with the rest of the gang looking concerned.

"No. I can handle him." I knew I was being stupid. Scott was right. I'm just a girl and he's nearly twice my size. But at least going alone showed that I am not afraid of him.

He stopped and turned around. "You've made a fool of me for the last time, Rosen."

This had to be just talk, right? What could he do to me without getting into massive trouble?

"Hello," a voice hissed from behind me. I jump when I saw a snake slithering towards us.

"What's the matter, Rosen? You afraid of snakes?"

"No! Didn't you hear that voice?" I looked around but didn't see anyone.

"What voice? You really are crazy. Hearing voices?"

"Is there a problem here?"

I looked and realized that it was the snake that was talking! I tried my best to hide my fear.

"Is this boy bothering you, young girl?"

"Yes. He's been harassing me all week." That was kind of true. Jordan Scott did start this when he called me a freak.

"Very well then. Let me take care of him for you."

The snake began to move towards Scott. His eyes widened, terrified, as the snake slithered. He then ran off as fast as he could.

"Stop!" I yelled at the snake and ran after Scott.

"Alright, suit yourself. I just be on my way, then."

"Scott, wait!" I finally reached him.

"Stay away from me, Rosen! You're a freak!"

"What are you talking about? Didn't you hear the snake?"

"I heard you hiss at it and then it started to come after me!"

"What's going on here?" Mrs. Scott rushed over to her son. I looked over and saw my own mother running up to me. Oh great. Now I'm in real trouble.

"She talks to snakes, Mom! She sent one after me. She's a witch!"

"I'm not a witch!"

My mother came up to me and grabbed my shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Scott. Come on, Melanie. We're going home."

"Just keep her away from my kid!"

Mom did not reply and just continued to walk me to the car but not before saying to the gang, "Boys, you should go home, now. Dudley, I know your mother will be worried."

"Yes, Mrs. Rosen."

The car ride home was silent. I was left alone with my thoughts. Did I imagine the snake talking? Scott claims I hissed to the snaked, but I know I was talking in English. I knew that something was wrong with this whole situation. Maybe I did somehow make the snake go after him. Maybe I really am as Scott says, a witch.