"Yes…" he whispered, "… Yes, so you do speak Parseltongue… you are my daughter."

I was out of breath. I couldn't say anything else, I was so mortified in wondering just what had brought him to be like this. On the back of Professor Quirrell's head? Huh? Why is this? Did some Dark Magic backfire on him and - while somehow preserving his soul - do something so horrible to his body that mom considered him dead? Figured he was dead? Pretended he was dead?

That was when I realized that we were speaking to each other in the snake language, combinations of hisses I remembered doing with the snakes at the zoo. Dad had referred to it as Parseltongue. I remembered hearing the word somewhere else, but different… where did I hear it? Or read it?

"What… what happened to you?" I asked.

"Ah… what I have become concerns you, that's touching. What has happened is that I can only have form when I share my body with another. Quirrell is the only person willing enough to do this for me, my faithful servant… the only thing that can strengthen me is for Quirrell to drink the blood of a Unicorn, but they are not in the Forbidden Forest until the springtime." My dad's voice was high and frightening, but I stood my ground, frankly feeling sorry for how he turned out. "My daughter… Melody, will you help me?"

"How can I not? What would you like me to do for you?" I asked, thinking of how weak he sounded.

"Meet with Quirrell and I after hours every night, here… I need to be able to see you every day and get to know how your classes are doing. And… to teach you some magic most first years are unable to do… I want you to be strong for me, as that's all you can do now."

"Yes, yes I'll do that," I said, carefully keeping my emotions closed off for I felt nothing but fear inside of me. "I want to get to know you as much as I possibly can!" Not really…

"Good… good…" he said thoughtfully, "Now, as far as I see, you have made very good friends in your House. Quirrell has seen that you are with Malfoy's, Crabbe's, and Goyle's sons. That's very good, I'm proud."

I nodded, smiling broadly at him. But inside, the fear thickened. Why? I'm not sure. Their dads were friends or followers of him, so that was something to stay on his good side with... I fear him and yet I sympathize with him, too? Do I care for the man.. snake.. already?

"Quirrell has also checked with your classes… you are exceeding in everything. How is this possible? How are you able to use magic on the first try?" he asked. Oh, I think you somehow know… I don't know how, but you do….

"I…" I shrugged, looking down at my feet, "I read all the schoolbooks before school started and memorized everything I needed to know… what I had to learn. Everyone suspected I wouldn't do anything like that, including my grandpa, my mom, and Professor Snape. So I kind of set out to prove them wrong." Or I had some kind of smarts from mom and strong magic from dad... well, I assume his magic is strong if he's still alive after being stripped away from his physical body.

"Ah…" my dad said, "Professor Snape. What do you think of him? He was once a follower of mine, and now that I've disappeared from the radar I find he has… declared himself a member of the opposite side."

My friends' parents had to be followers if Professor Snape was. They all seemed to be around the same, young age as him and mom.

I looked at him in confusion, "How could I be able to let you know if he has or not? I don't know what your cause was for."

"I see Orele really didn't tell you," he said, with a small growl. But then he smiled, "It is to do what our ancestors did before us, Melody. Throw all the Mudbloods out of our school and, what my prophecy foretold I must do to keep my stand as leader of the wizarding world… kill Harry Potter."

I froze. I only knew of the one man who wanted, who had tried to kill, Harry Potter. My dad, Tom Riddle, was He Who Must Not Be Named.

"Yes, my dear…" my dad said to me, "I am He Who Must Not Be Named, as all wizards and witches call me. But, be daring and call me by the name I gave myself… Lord Voldemort. I'm sure Dumbledore will have quite the joy in finding someone else who says my name without fear."

"Yes, dad," I said, keeping my head down respectfully. In part because his face frightened me, I wished silently to myself that this was a nightmare, but I'd never had one so realistic.

"Master?" Professor Quirrell asked, in English; I'd quite forgotten about him, and the fact that he was standing backwards so that my dad could talk to me. My dad… quite annoyed when Professor Quirrell interrupted this, I guess intimate moment for him. It wasn't entirely that way for me, I was frightened.

"What?" my dad snapped at him.

"M-Melody should p-p-probably go to bed about now, I'm sure she's tired." Professor Quirrell was back to his stuttering, it wasn't as bad as during the day though.

"Shut up!" my dad snapped again. "I'm afraid you might be right, but I have one last thing. Melody, look at me…"

I looked up at him, and his face broke into a smile, a nasty looking one. It almost seemed like I was something delicious to him.

I forced myself from shuddering.

"You look as I did… you have my face…" he said, "Your mother's hair color and skin… the eyes, too. The Ollivander eyes…"

I nodded. "The Bloody Baron told me the same thing." I said.

"Right…" he said, then changed the subject, "Now, Melody, I want you to do as I say, follow my instructions here very carefully. Watch Severus and tell me if you think he is still loyal to me… your friends as well, listen to how they talk about their parents, tell me what they say and I'll believe for myself whether or not they still follow my rules."

"I will…" I said, "You can count on me. But, can I ask a question?"

"What's the question?"

"Do you know… what's underneath that trapdoor those three-headed dogs guard?"

"I knew you'd ask… underneath there is the Sorcerer's Stone, and I need to get it. Though you can do nothing to help me right now, I trust you won't tell anyone I'm here to get it."

Something fell hard into the pit of my stomach. Warn everybody so they can take the precautions to be safe... or show loyalty to a man who seemed not to have known I existed for the past eleven years? The pit in my stomach already told me that I was choosing the dangerous route, but I didn't even really know why. Or did I? "You can trust me, dad. I won't betray you, now."

The next morning, I woke up with a start to hear my alarm clock ringing and I turned it off quickly. Last night, was that real or was it a dream…? That was no dream, I definitely knew that much, it was real and clear as day.

"Melody?" I jumped and fell out of my bed, but it was only Becky just waking up.

"Y-yeah?" I asked, feeling myself shaking as I crawled back on the bed and held the pillow tightly.

"Are you all right?" she asked, getting out of bed and walking toward me. She held her hand out to touch my forehead, I flinched, and she looked at me in surprise. "You most definitely are not. What's wrong?"

"N-nothing… nothing's wrong…" I said.

"You're shaking, Melody!" she pointed out.

"Glad you noticed," I said, trying to sound sarcastic. I moved to stand up on the opposite side of the bed. "Let's get ready, we have classes today."

"Melody, you need to go to the hospital wing." Becky said. "Something's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong, it was just a bad dream," I said, gaining some confidence back, it was a new day and I had to be strong. To the future. "I'll be fine, Becky, really."

"Can you tell me what you dreamed?" she asked.

"It's… I forgot." I said, turning to look at her.

She watched me closely, and then sighed, giving up on trying to worm information out of me. We got dressed and went down into the common room, our friends were waiting impatiently for us.

"Come one, let's get downstairs quickly. I'm starving!" Draco said.

"You just can't wait to see that Potter and Weasley are gone." Becky said.

"Indeed I can't!" he said gleefully.

I sighed, luckily no one heard me. I had helped keep Harry and his friends in school, and that I suppose was the good thing about last night, though Draco would be disappointed. But it was likely that my dad would kill Harry when he could. So… I kept him in school only for him to face his death. I had to tell someone, but I didn't want to betray my dad's trust right off the bat… he was dangerous.

At breakfast, we ate a bit until Draco's mouth popped open in shock. Harry and Ron walked into the Great Hall, looking very tired… but very cheerful. As though they'd had the best night of their lives.

Looking over at Hermione and Neville, however, they were looking very dumbstruck. Neither of them looked as happy as Harry and Ron. They were both only happy to be alive.

"How is that possible?!" Draco asked us.

We shrugged our shoulders.

He grumbled. "If I had been able to kick him out, my father would've been proud."

I took a mental note to explain that to my dad, now if I could get some more information. Well, it did seem like it would help for him to know that his followers' young ones were sworn enemies of Harry.

Looking up to Professor Quirrell at the staff table, I saw he was back to his jittery self. Yet, when he caught my eye, he smiled and winked at me, as if to assure me that everything was going to be better from now on.

Just then the mail came in, and I saw Draco look at the Gryffindor table as though it depended on his life. Looking there, I saw that Harry got a large parcel and a letter. When showing the letter to Ron, both of them looked incredibly excited, Ron a little envious. I was curious. Yet, so was Draco.

"I'll be back!" he said, leaving with Vincent and Greg. Right after they left, so did Harry and Ron, with the parcel.

"I wonder what stupid act Draco will do with them today." Becky said, eating a piece of bacon.

"Right now," I said, "Nothing really seems to work for Draco, going against them. They've managed to save themselves from being kicked out of school somehow, and I'm not even sure how they did it."

"Who does besides themselves?" Becky asked.

"Don't ask me." I said.

Soon, the boys came back, Draco looking furious and confused. "I just don't understand!" he muttered softly.

"What happened?" I asked.

"I got the parcel and felt around for what it was, since they can't really be excited about a present coming from Potter's Muggle family. And… it was a broom!" Draco said, surprising me as well. "Weasley boasted it was a Nimbus 2000! Then Flitwick came and I told them off, but he was talking about these 'special circumstances' in why Potter has it. Like it's a secret and they won't tell me why."

"I…" I began, feeling confused, "don't know what to say to that at all."

"I don't either, that's just weird," Becky said, "What kind of 'special circumstances' for having a broomstick can there be for a first year?"

"Right?" Draco asked, dropping his head down on the table.

Two months passed by quicker than I could read one word in a book, Hogwarts was the best school of my life. I didn't want to leave it, even though I knew I had to for the summer, and Christmas to meet my family. That was exciting, too.

One would think that it would be so much scarier being me at that point, having to talk to my dad every night… but surprisingly I got used to it (not much though) to the point that I sometimes enjoyed doing it. Even if the man was evil... he was my dad.. and it was as though that bond was strengthening. He never did teach me any spells, but that may have been for the best since I didn't really know what his temperament was like with kids my age. Even if I am his daughter.

Every night at eleven, when everyone was asleep, I'd go down to that classroom and would be sitting with my dad, and Professor Quirrell who had to sit backwards listening to hissing, for hours. I never even got tired of it. My dad would praise me about how well I was doing, ask me about my friends and my mom.

It was funnier during the Defense Against the Dark Arts class now, because I was the only student who knew why Professor Quirrell acted the way he did. Dad told me that Professor Dumbledore knew someone was after the Sorcerer's Stone, but not that it was Professor Quirrell trying to get it for my dad.

"Two months just passed too fast," I said to my dad, the night before Halloween.

"Yes… I know how that feels. Hogwarts is much like home now… isn't it?" he asked me.

I nodded. "It's so much more fun than going to Muggle school, even the subjects are better. I'm more interested in listening to the teachers than usual, and even mom found it surprising when finding out that I read every single book before school started."

Dad looked thoughtful. "It's certainly a wonder you are not in Ravenclaw as Orele was. It incredible for me, too, for parts of your learning processing came from me. Do you know why this isn't so?"

I sighed. "I don't much understand the hat's decision to put me in Slytherin, though I really enjoy the House and the students in it with me. I do. I know I was really close to being placed in Ravenclaw, but that hat ended up deciding on my 'dark family history' and said how 'cunning' I am."

"You do have a dark family history… would you like to know how?" he asked.

"I really do, because I don't understand." I said with a vigorous nod.

"From my side… you are related to Salazar Slytherin, the learned Parselmouth, which is why we are naturals at it. He was dark, as most wizards and witches define it, because of how much he hated Mudbloods."

I looked at him. "Oh," I said, "Really?"

He nodded, "You look more surprised than I thought."

"Because… on the train ride here, to Hogwarts, I got a chocolate frog, and the card had Salazar Slytherin on it. That's convenient, perhaps a sign to tell me that I was related, I don't know." I said.

"Ah…" he said softly, "…Perhaps so…"

I was silent as he contemplated it. Even though I was more used to talking to him, he was still very fearsome. He had this air of power around him even though he was actually very weak.

"Now, tomorrow night I want you to do something for me," he said, making me look at him anxiously, "Quirrell is going to release a troll into the castle and then come into the Great Hall to warn everyone… when that happens, I want you sneak out and go to the forbidden corridor."

I nodded. "You… want me to find a way into the trapdoor?"

"Precisely…" dad said with a smile, "You're young, smart, and light on your feet, I'm sure you can confuse the dog very well."

"I-I can try," I told him, showing confidence. But my insides writhed nervously. "Is Professor Quirrell going to come to the corridor to help me out if I need it?" I asked, hoping for a yes. I wasn't positive that I could completely find my way past the three headed dog.

"Yes… if Quirrell gets there and you've gone past the dog, I will be proud… but don't worry, if he needs to help you then that's what must be done…" dad said.

I gulped. A life threatening mission done mainly alone… a hard one. I can do it, right?

"Don't worry about it, Melody, my dear child…" dad said soothingly, "I'm sure you'll be fine…"

"And, what should I do if another teacher catches me?" I asked. "I don't want to have to leave the school early because I was caught doing something Professor Dumbledore would think mere foolishness."

"That's right…" dad said thoughtfully, "You can say whatever you'd like. Lie however you can… I'm sure you'll think of something, even if it places the blame on Quirrell…"

"All right," I said, hoping I wouldn't be caught, "I'll think of something when, or if, the moment comes."

"Good girl…"

Suddenly I heard a soft mew from the doorway. I froze, and dad just glanced at the door curiously. Turning, I relaxed, for it wasn't Mrs. Norris as I'd thought, but Bodoujn.

Bodoujn walked towards me and sat in my lap, watching my dad carefully as though thinking he could do something terrible to me… well he could, but he wouldn't, so I hoped. It had been a regular thing having Bodoujn follow me out of the dormitories, slink away from me as I made my way to meet my dad, and then meet up with me on my way back to the Slytherin dormitories.

"This is my cat, Bodoujn," I introduced, "Mom got him for me."

"He's out of your dorms…" dad said softly.

"He usually follows me out on my way here and then goes outside for a walk, I guess. But then he meets me on the way back." I said.

Bodoujn just stared at my dad, and I pet him, hoping he wouldn't do something to try and intimidate my dad. But… then he started purring, and I was feeling absolutely relieved. Good boy, you're getting a treat tonight for that.

Dad chuckled. "You should get back to bed… you'll have quite a day tomorrow."

"That I will," I said, holding Bodoujn tightly as I stood up. "Good night, dad."

"Good night, Melody… tomorrow will go as planned?" he asked.

I nodded to him. Then, in English for Quirrell, I said, "Good night, Professor Quirrell."

He turned to look at me in the eyes, a memory seemed to come to his thoughts as he said, "Good night, Melody." He seemed positively frightened, not at me but, probably from what my dad was asking him to do for the next day.

I walked back to my room, seriously wondering about whether or not I should tell someone like Professor Dumbledore. I have to put a stop to what dad is doing… but how in the world will I do that? Why would I do that? Dad was obviously powerful, and I was sure he would kill me if I disobeyed him. What a dad... father of the year for knowing how to keep his kid in line. Imagine him raising me. I shivered.

Back in bed, I fell asleep instantly, though images of my dad being powerful and in control of the school… invaded my thoughts as I slept.

The day was long considering my fright for that night to come so soon, knowing it was Halloween made it sadder for me since it was mom's birthday and I wasn't able to send her any mail let alone wish her a happy birthday. I worked through my classes without thinking about the coming night, but once it was the passing period it was the only thing I could think about. Even Professor Quirrell looked more nervous than usual.

"Really, Melody, something must be wrong." Draco said to me as we made our way to Charms class, which was right before dinner at the Great Hall… which worried me.

"I just… feel like something bad is going to happen, that's all. It's nothing to worry too much about, really." I said, though Draco looked at me with more suspicion. He only knew me for a couple months already, but he sure knew when something was wrong. Sad thing I couldn't tell him what it was.

In Charms, Professor Flitwick was teaching us the levitation spell, for using it on a feather, which I already knew well enough. He set us into partners, me with Becky, Draco with Pansy, and so on and so forth. He squeaked to us that we should remember the hand movements we were taught and "to never forget the Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."

"Do it, we'll get House points." Becky said. "Especially for the first try on the feather."

"All right," I said, and pointed my wand at the feather. "Wingardium Leviosa." It floated around in the air and on over to Professor Flitwick, making it dance. He squealed with delight.

"Well done, Miss Riddle! Twenty points to Slytherin!" he said, causing everyone to try harder on their feathers, and to wink at me. "How do you do so much better than the other students?" he asked in private.

"I practiced the wand movements and the spells over the summer, having read all the schoolbooks." I said, much to his happiness once more.

"Then, perhaps you would do well to join our tutoring program. It would help a lot of students with their work, and you would also be tutored some advanced spells by your Head of House!" Professor Flitwick said, and at that point I was sure he wished I was in his House.

"That… sounds interesting," I said, contemplating it, though I did so wish Professor Snape wasn't my Head of House. He would never agree. I also wasn't sure of how good a tutor I could be. I've been to myself for most of my life except when I spent time with mom and.. Jim. Now with my friends.

"Great!" Professor Flitwick said. "I shall let Professor Snape know, and if he agrees you'll be put in the program. I admit, it's probably not likely knowing the rules that each Head of House thinks first to fourth years shouldn't join… I've already asked Professor McGonagall about Miss Granger, but you know how stern she is, she said no, would even let me tell Miss Granger, who is as good as you in other classes."

"You've asked about me in other classes?" I asked.

"Why no," he said, "It was Professor Quirrell, he went to me asking how you were doing, and when I told him he spoke of how amazing you are in your other classes." Of course, I should've guessed. Dad was nice for some things, I'll give him that.

"Well, it is only because of studying and practicing outside of class." I said.

"Don't be so humble, it's an amazing feat to get students to even do that!" he said excitedly.

I nodded, but I thought in my head, how about to get them to not follow through with an evil plan of their father's?

After class, I went to the Great Hall with my friends, and I felt very jittery. What to do, what to do? I shouldn't follow through with it, but I'm going to. Oh, I should tell someone… but tell them what? It's not like they'll follow the sayings of a mere first year student. Then if a teacher caught me in the act, they might not listen to my protests of innocence, as that's all they were. Protests, not truths.

The plan, and all my worries, amazingly left my thoughts the moment I stepped into the Great Hall. There were thousands of live bats flying around, and when everyone was seated the food appeared on the plates just as they had for the start-of-term feast.

My friends and I were so ready to eat… that was until my memory flooded back to me as Professor Quirrell sprinted into the hall with a face of pure terror. We all stared at him as he made his way to Professor Dumbledore and gasped, "Troll – in the dungeons – thought you ought to know."

Then he sank down onto the floor. A fake faint, I know.

Everyone panicked uncontrollably, and it took a load of purple firecrackers from Professor Dumbledore's wand to silence everyone. He sounded dangerous as he said, "Prefects, lead your Houses back to the dormitories immediately!"

I ignored it, watching Professor Quirrell. His eyes opened slightly, and he winked at me.

My cue, I took out my wand and applied the Disillusionment Charm before Gemma could get everyone rounded up. I slipped away out of the Great Hall and ran straight for the third floor corridor.

My heart was pounding so hard against my chest that I was afraid I would blow up… it would be so much easier to do this if it stopped. I made my way to the third floor corridor and looked at the door before me; this was it, if not the last day of my life. Pointing my wand at it, I said "Alohomora." Then I pointed my wand at myself to remove the Disillusionment Charm.

The door swung open and I went in, closing it behind me. The three-headed dog was staring at me fully now, its eyes bloodshot and terrifying. Just as it lunged at me, I rolled out of the way, watching it closely. I was smaller, so I could get away easily as long as I was fast.

The dog looked and sniffed around for me, and I edged toward the trap door. My foot accidentally nudged one of its paws, and one of the heads lunged toward me. I ducked quickly.

Suddenly, my greatest worry had come true. The door shot open, and I knew my days at Hogwarts were over as Professor Snape ran right in. He could even kill me for doing this. He saw me and ran through to get me. Save me, I guess.

"Professor, no," I shouted, "Watch out!"

Too late, another dog lunged at him and caught on to his leg. He cried out in pain, fumbling for his wand.

I was faster, taking out my wand I pointed it at the dog, "Mimble Wimble!" the dog let go, for I had tied up its tongue. Professor Snape stood up and retreated back, and I said another spell. "Flipendo!" the dog was knocked back, but quickly got up and ran toward us.

Professor Snape grabbed onto the collar of my shirt and ran out the door with me. Once we were out, he threw me across the hall away from the door and closed it behind him. He then collapsed on the floor, looking at his leg. I quickly got up to run over to him, my body screaming from the pain of being thrown. I sat down next to him and, without his permission, pointed my wand at his leg and softly said, "Tergeo." Once the blood cleaned away, I took out my salve and rubbed it on him, he just watched me curiously. The only reason I had the salve with me was in case I hurt myself doing this mission.

When I was done, I put the salve away and looked up at Professor Snape. Just as he was about to say something, probably to berate me, Professor McGonagall walked through… right past us. Professor Quirrell was close behind on her heel.

"Stay here," Professor Snape told me, standing up and limping after them.

"No," I said, applying my Disillusionment Charm, "I'm coming."

He rolled his eyes irritatedly. He would expel me, that was for certain. I fixed the collar of my shirt, now that it started choking me after he'd pulled and thrown me away to safety using that rather than one of my arms. Sure, there'd likely be bruises on my arms, but it would be better than nearly choking me to death.

What I noticed at the last moment was that we were headed straight for the girls' bathroom before we heard a huge thud. We burst into the room to look at the sight before us. It caused Professor Quirrell to let out a whimper and sit down quickly on a nearby toilet, letting me know that dad's plan was destroyed. I could just feel dad's anger simmering and wondered how no one else felt it. Well, probably not over the horrible stench.

The troll, I supposed it was, was lying on the ground flat on its face. In the destroyed bathroom were Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

Professor Snape bent over the troll and Professor McGonagall looked at both Harry and Ron with complete and utter rage. Harry and Ron stood beside the troll, obviously the ones that fought it, and Hermione was flat against the wall, looking at the troll in terror.

Professor McGonagall snapped at them, "What on earth were you thinking of? You're lucky you weren't killed. Why aren't you in your dormitory?"

Hermione spoke before the two boys could. "Please, Professor McGonagall – they were looking for me." Hermione stood up, a little wobbly on her legs, but looking determined to save Harry and Ron from terrible circumstances.

"Miss Granger!" Professor McGonagall said in surprise.

Ron dropped his wand when he heard Hermione say this to the professors. "I went looking for the troll because I – I thought I could deal with it on my own – you know, because I've read all about them."

I had a bad feeling she was telling a lie. Felt it. It was quite easy to tell… but why would all three of them be here then?

"If they hadn't found me, I'd be dead now. Harry stuck his wand up its nose and Ron knocked it out with its own club. They didn't have time to come and fetch anyone. It was about to finish me off when they arrived." Hermione said, this time it sounded a ringing truth… considering Harry's wand looked slightly slimy.

Professor McGonagall looked confused, but said, "Well – in that case… Miss Granger, you foolish girl, how could you think of tackling a mountain troll on your own? Miss Granger, five points will be taken from Gryffindor for this, I'm very disappointed in you. If you're not hurt at all, you'd better get to Gryffindor tower. Students are finishing the feast in their Houses"

Hermione, with her head hung over, left the bathroom, leaving Harry and Ron there.

"Well, I say you were lucky, but not many first years could have taken on a full-grown mountain troll. You each win Gryffindor five points. Professor Dumbledore will be informed of this. You may go." Professor McGonagall said, and the boys left. Five points?! She makes it sound as though all they did was do their spell on the first try in class! "Now, Professor Snape, weren't you with a student when I passed by?"

I froze.

"Yes… Miss Riddle?" he asked.

I removed my Disillusionment Charm and looked at Professor McGonagall sheepishly. She looked at Professor Snape.

"Why was she near the third-floor corridor with you?" she asked.

Professor Snape explained what happened when he got there, and I looked at the walls, feeling slightly ashamed of myself.

"Minerva!" Professor Quirrell said, when Professor Snape finished, "I kn-know why sh-she w-was there. It i-isn't her f-fault. I h-had to f-find a st-student I kn-knew d-did w-well w-with the d-Dark Arts to h-help me f-find the t-troll as soon as possible. I realize I went too q-quickly for her and she got lost."

I cleared my throat slightly, causing the professors to look at me. Professor Snape looked dubious of Professor Quirrell's story. "I agreed to follow him, and he ran through the halls. I couldn't catch up. When I found the door, I had no idea where I was and opened it, once I was in I couldn't get out."

Professor Quirrell whimpered.

"Why were you so close to its feet, Miss Riddle?" Professor Snape asked sharply.

"I had to dive out of the way of the dog's heads… I ended up by its feet where it didn't notice me until I accidentally nudged its paw." I said. Man, now that I'm explaining the main truth of what happened it's easier to explain. My story is becoming plausible…huh, maybe I should make myself sound more clueless, "Out of curiosity… why is it there?"

"That's classified, Miss Riddle, and you must not to tell anyone about it. Students will go completely berserk, if tonight's events weren't proof enough." Professor McGonagall said.

"Yes, Professor," I said, my fingers crossed behind my back. I wouldn't tell my Slytherin friends, I guess, but I would tell Hermione since she witnessed it before anyways. But, just to explain the story in which Professor Quirrell saved me with… no one else can know the real reason.

"Fifty points to Slytherin, Miss Riddle," Professor Snape said, as Professor McGonagall looked at him in shock, "For fighting the three-headed dog and then healing me." I looked at him in surprise as well... fifty for being stupid while the kids who fought off a troll to save a fellow Housemate got only five? Well.. he isn't exactly the king of fairness when it comes to his House's points, is he?

"She did what?" Professor McGonagall asked sharply.

He ignored her. "I think I will allow you into the tutoring program Professor Flitwick talked about. After that, you've certainly proven yourself to me."

My mouth shot open. "Really?"

Professor Snape inclined his head.

"Well," Professor McGonagall said, "Miss Riddle, you may go back to your dormitories to finish the feast. Professor Dumbledore will be notified of this as well."

I nodded, and was about to leave when Professor Quirrell said, "I'll w-walk with you! I n-need to t-talk to you."

I stopped. "Yes, Professor," I said.

He sprang after me and we walked out, with him shouting profuse apologies for the two professors to hear. Once out of earshot, dad spoke softly in Parseltongue. "Things may not have gone as planned, but I'm proud of you for trying." His voice was muffled by the turban, but though it would've been better to have it off, someone could walk by and see.

"Thank you," I said softly, "I thought sure you'd be very disappointed."

"We can try something else… though it didn't work out, you did accomplish something. You've earned time with Snape, time you can use to watch him closer than ever. He knows that Quirrell here wants the , but I'm not sure if he knows who for, so I need you to find out whether or not he's still on my side."

How would he know that Professor Quirrell wants…? Oh wait, my mom knew both of them in school. I guess they all know each other more than I realized, especially considering what Professor Snape told me about mom's looks. "How do we know for sure whether or not he's still loyal to you?" I asked. "Perhaps if he still does some ritual your followers are supposed to do."

"You'll know… it'll be clear if he ever does something to save Mudbloods or Harry Potter."

I knew he was full of hatred at the thought.

"… I'll figure it out, but I'll let you know that he doesn't give good treatment to Potter or any Mudbloods." I despised the very word's appearance in my mouth. "Do I still see you tonight?"

"No, wait until tomorrow… you're tired. Eat some dinner and go to bed early, you will need it."

Wow, acting like a real dad, huh, Lord Voldemort? "Thanks, dad. Good night." I said.

Back in the common room, I was attacked with a series of questions from Becky and Draco. Vincent and Greg just watched, looking at me as if they were asking the same things. It was obvious that they were worried.

I explained to them the lie that Professor Quirrell made up, and then about saving Professor Snape and his reward for it. Though nothing about the three headed dog was mentioned, so I had to say that Professor Snape had nearly been killed by Peeves knocking the heaviest knight armor over… with the whisper to not mention it to anyone.

"What?! That's amazing, Melody!" Draco said.

"Yes, congratulations! But really, how did you disappear from our sight so quickly? You were there, and when we turned around you were gone. We really freaked out." Becky said.

"I'm sorry, but it was really out of my hand. I couldn't do anything about it in order to go warn you." I said truthfully. Well, I could've warned them, but I had no idea what my story was and I was so worried about what I was supposed to do that I forgot to let them know I was leaving them.

I got a plate and sat with my friends to eat the feast, I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I could smell all the food. So, I ate, feeling a million times better about the night, but hoping it would never happen again… I knew though that it wouldn't come true. Worse things than that were to come... I could just feel it.