Disclaimer: You know the drill. I own nothing except what I thought of. Lady Tsuru, thank you for reviewing the first two chapters. Here's the 3rd one for you.

Harry Potter and the Legend of the Golden Snidget

Chapter 3: Sleep to Dream

"I wonder who's gonna be the new teacher?" Ron asked.

They were all sitting in Defense Against the Dark Arts and no teacher had shown up yet.

"Just hope that Snape hasn't taken on two jobs and is teaching this as well as Potions." Harry said. They sighed in agreement. Just then the door opened and in walked a slender woman who couldn't have been more than 30 years old. She had chin length blonde hair and deep emerald green eyes. She was wearing scarlet robes and a black pointed hat. She turned to the class.

"Well. Sorry I'm late." she smiled a slightly familiar smile. "I am Professor Renee McDevitt and I will be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"We've never had a female Defense teacher before." Ron whispered.

"I was talking to Professor Snape about...something. I'm sure you understand," she continued. "Now where to begin? Off hand can anyone tell me what the impediment jinx does?"

Hermione's hand shot into the air and startled Melissa.

"Ah yes. Do you know?" Professor McDevitt asked looking at Hermione.

"It's a jinx used to slow down and obstruct attackers," she answered smugly.

"Very good! And what's your name?"

"Hermione Granger." she said, smiling big.

"Can you tell me what the Imperious Curse is, Ms. Brooks?" Professor McDevitt asked suddenly.

"Umm...it is one of the unforgivable curses. It is a curse of total control." Melissa answered.

"Very good, Ms. Brooks. Say hello to your mother for me." she added in an undertone. Harry looked at the two of them. It was as if they had an unseen understanding between them. The class went on and they did their work. Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Melissa were they last to leave. Professor McDevitt walked over to them when the other students had gone. She smiled and gave Melissa a hug.

"I haven't seen you in a while! Merlin's beard, you've got your mother's piercing eyes. How is Kelli then? Alright, I hope. And Sidney? Doing good? All well and fine then. I'll see you at dinner. Ya'll best be on your way." she smiled again and looked at Melissa. She shook her head as if waving away tears and went behind her desk. Melissa finished gathering her things and followed the rest of them out into the hall.

"What was that about?" Harry asked.

"Oh. That's my Aunt Renee. My mum's sister." said Melissa, grinning.

"She just keeps getting more popular by the minute. Looks like you might have competition, Harry!" Ron said.

"As long as she doesn't start playing Quidditch. Then I'll be alright." Harry laughed.

On the way to the Great Hall, they stopped by the Gryffindor common room to drop off their books and things. When they reached the Hall they noticed that most everyone was there. They took their seats and waited.

"I don't know about you guys but this day has left me starving!" Ron sighed.

"You and your appetite, Ron." Melissa laughed.

At the teachers' table, all the professors were chattering. Tiny Professor Flitwick was talking to Hagrid; Professor McGonagall was talking with Professor Dumbledore; and as usual, Professor Trelawney's place was empty. But Harry noticed something that was odd. Professor Snape was talking to Professor McDevitt, but he was smiling. It wasn't his usual evil, sly smile. It was a happy, fun smile. Professor Snape and Professor McDevitt continued to laugh and smile until Snape caught sight of Harry and straightened up.

"Ron." Harry said.

"What?" Ron asked in a whiny, hungry voice.

"Its strange. Snape was just talking to Melissa's aunt." Harry continued, trying not to attract Hermione's and Melissa's attention.

"Oh great." Ron sounded a little concerned. "Do you think he's gonna try to do her in so he can get her job?"

It was a well-known fact that Snape would do anything to get the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching job.

"No. That's not all. He was smiling. Not an evil smile. But a real smile." Harry looked at Ron.

Ron whispered, "Maybe we should ask Melissa about it?" Harry shook his head. Just then, Professor Dumbledore stood and raised his hands to silence the crowd.

"We have had a wonderful first day back I am sure that your lessons have tired you all out. So," he clapped his hands and the food appeared. "Let's eat."

When everyone was full and the last crumbs had vanished, the sleepy students head up the stairs and through the corridors to their common rooms.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you but I'm tired." Melissa yawned. "I'm going to bed."

"Me too," Hermione followed. "Goodnight."

When Harry was sure that the girls were out of earshot, he began.

"I think something suspicious is going on."

"What do you mean?" Ron asked.

"Don't you think it's a little strange that this new girl shows up? All the teachers are nice to her? Even Snape? And the new Defense teacher just happens to be her aunt?"

Ron shrugged. He didn't know what to believe.

"Its very curious. I think we better be on the look out."

"For what?"

"Anything"

~*~*~

"No! Please! I beg you!"

"I told you before, you are not welcome here! How dare you show your face!"

"Please! NOO!!"

A purple flash lit up the dark night sky.

"AHHH!!!" Melissa sprang up in her bed. Panting, she put a hand to her forehead. She was sweating and shaking. She covered her eyes with her hands.

That dream, she thought. Why do I keep having that dream?

"Melissa, are you okay? I heard you scream?"

Melissa removed her hands to see Hermione's head poking through the curtains of her four-poster. She looked very worried.

"Oh. I'm fine. Just...a dream. That's all."

"Hermione climbed onto Melissa's bed.

"You don't look fine. What's wrong?" Hermione asked.

"It's nothing." Melissa replied. Hermione looked at her, not believing her one bit.

"Okay. I have something to tell you. But don't tell anyone!" Melissa confessed.

"I won't."

"Well…"