Chapter 2: Trips and Sortings

She was a witch. She was going to Hogwarts, a school where they would teach her magic. She was going to meet other witches and wizards her age. She was going to find out who her parents were. She was leaving this orphanage and her family behind, but she would finally have that missing piece of the puzzle.

These thoughts ran through her head every second of every day for the next week. Melanie was still stunned since Dumbledore's visit and had went to bed that night thinking that she had imagined it. But when she woke up and the letter was still laying on her night stand, Melanie had no choice but to accept that it was all real.

Like she had promised Dumbledore, Melanie did not tell a soul anything about her new school. She seemed to get away with saying she didn't know much about it and after a while, the other girls stopped asking about it. She did feel guilty though. Faye, who she thought could keep the huge secret, seemed to know that Melanie wasn't telling the entire truth and acted quite reserved for a while. However she seemed to forget it quite easily and returned to being her usual self.

The day finally arrived when Mrs. Danielson woke Melanie from her deep sleep, very early in the morning. At first, Melanie was whiny and refused to get out of bed at such an early hour, but then the matron quietly reminded her that if she didn't come, she would have nothing to take to her new school. At those words Melanie shot out of bed, dressed, and followed Mrs. Danielson out of the room.

The home was still dark even though it was morning and Melanie let a yawn escape her. She hoped that when she got to Hogwarts, she would never have to wake this early ever again. She followed Mrs. Danielson towards the front foyer of the house, where she put on her coat to protect her from the harsh morning chill.

They had made it to the car and Melanie was strapped into the backseat protectively when they set off down the road. As they drove in silence, Melanie extracted her envelope from her pocket. The one clean crisp parchment was now bent and folded, carried a juice stain, and the opening was so worn from the constant opening and closing of the envelope. Melanie pulled the letter out yet again and read the same small cursive writing that she now knew off by heart.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

When Melanie had first opened the letter, she had wondered what all those titles under Professor Dumbledore's name meant. But when she found out that she knew nothing about them, she merely assumed that it meant he was a very good skilled wizard. The rest of that letter stated that she had indeed been accepted at Hogwarts. This brought up thoughts about why the Headmaster had come to see her in the first place.

Melanie laid that letter down beside her and pulled out the second piece of paper. This one had a full list of necessary books and equipment that she would need, along with the requirements for the school uniform.

Melanie wondered where they were going to find all of this in London, but she did not doubt Dumbledore's judgment and trusted that there would be someone to help her. At least she hoped there was. If she was left alone in London with nothing but the clothes on her back and the pouch of wizard money in her pocket, she didn't know what she would do.

Mrs. Danielson drove for at least another half-hour before she stopped the car outside of a tiny, grubby-looking pub. At first, Melanie looked right past it, expecting to see something a little more 'magical'. But when Mrs. Danielson ushered her out of the car and led her towards the old building Melanie realized that that was exactly where they were headed. As Mrs. Danielson gave careful glances at the passers-by, Melanie looked up at the sign that hung just above the door which read, 'Leaky Cauldron'. Finally, she was rushed through the door by her matron, but was slightly disappointed by what she saw.

It was very dark and shabby, not at all a place she would have thought someone would choose to meet a new student. There were a few older women in a corner, each nursing a bottle of sherry, and a stout old man in a top hat sitting at the bar. However no one was talking very much and the noise that should be there was not but a low buzz of chatter. There was another man at the bar, whom she guessed was the owner, who was cleaning a glass with a dazed look on his face. Melanie wondered why, but was more distracted when she saw another glass cleaning itself. The sudden waft of fumes in the place caused Melanie to choke and her eyes water.

She had just managed to wipe away her tears when she saw a rather large man walk over to her from the bar. He was a giant of a man, towering over everyone else in the entire bar. His mane of shaggy black hair covered his face as well as his thick black beard, but his small black eyes were still visible.

"Ye must be Melanie. Hagrid, Keeper o' Keys an' Grounds at Hogwarts. Dumbledore told me tha' yeh would need help findin' some o' your things," the man said holding out his hand for her to shake. Melanie politely took his hand, but hers was swallowed in his own massive one and she thought she would be lifted off the ground when he shook it. He apparently didn't know his own strength.

Hagrid beamed down at her, with his beady little eyes crinkling into a smile, before turning to a frightened Mrs. Danielson to make arrangements. When he turned, Melanie saw that there was someone behind him for the first time. A boy about her age peaked around Hagrid's side and looked at her. He was quite thin like her self and she saw that his clothes were far too big for him. He had unruly jet black hair that fell loosely into his eyes, which were the most brilliant green color that Melanie had ever seen. The boy also wore round glasses that appeared to have been snapped in half and then repaired using Sellotape.

"Hello. My name is Melanie," she said holding out her hand.

The boy took her hand and shook it gently before saying, "Harry. Are you a…?"

"A witch?" Melanie said smiling, "I found out last week. Are you going to Hogwarts as well?"

Harry nodded his head looking only faintly nervous. Melanie smiled knowing that she wasn't the only one who was feeling that way. And also, at least now she knew she would have a friend at Hogwarts.

"Alrigh' you two! Time ter get going!" Hagrid told them heading towards the back of the bar. Harry followed him and Melanie was about to, but she was stopped when Mrs. Danielson put a hand on her shoulder.

She looked down at Melanie caringly and unconsciously began to fix the girl's hair. "Now be good. And stick close to that man; I'm sure you're safe with him. And make sure you get all of your things, say your pleases and thank-yous…"

"I will," Melanie interrupted.

Mrs. Danielson smiled and gave Melanie a hug. When she pulled away she said, "I'm very proud of you. You've always been a bright girl but I never…I will always be proud of you, Melanie."

Melanie smiled and gave Mrs. Danielson another quick hug before turning and pushing her way through the crowd of people to where Harry and Hagrid were waiting for her. Hagrid led them out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a dustbin and a few weeds. Melanie looked over to see that Harry shared the same confused expression as herself and became much less embarrassed. Hagrid pulled out a vibrant pink umbrella and began to tap the bricks on the wall, while Harry and Melanie stood back.

"Three up…two across…" Hagrid muttered tapping along the wall in an almost rhythmic pattern.

Finally the brick he had touched shook and wriggled, creating a small hole, which grew wider and wider and within a few seconds they were facing a large stone archway. Past the arch was a cobbled street which twisted and turned out of sight.

"Welcome, to Diagon Alley," Hagrid said moving aside so that Melanie and Harry could step through first. She was so mesmerized that she didn't even see the archway behind her shift and close.

The sun shone brightly on the stony streets of Diagon Alley, but Melanie was more interested in other things than the weather. Every which way there was something new and interesting, and she wished she could stop and look at it all, but Hagrid insisted that they go get Harry's money first. So as they walked up the street (Hagrid making it much easier to push through the crowds) Melanie looked around at as many shops as she could. They passed a building called Eeylops Owl Emporium where the distinct sound of hooting was coming from. Another shop had a group of boys around her age all standing around the window, pushing their way through to get a better look at something.

"Look," one of them said as his nose was pressed against the glass, "the new Nimbus Two Thousand-fastest ever-"

Melanie strained to see what they were looking at, but was shorter than the group ahead of her.

"It's a broomstick," Harry told her as he stood on his tiptoes to get a better look. "It looks fast even from here," he said in complete awe.

"But first years aren't allowed broomsticks, are they?" Melanie asked him.

Harry looked at her sadly and shrugged his shoulders. "Always next year," he said smiling.

Melanie smiled too, but seriously doubted ever being able to buy the broom. If she had to get her robes and books second-hand, then there was no way she would be able to afford a brand new broom.

They continued walking, Hagrid acting as their tour guide and pointing out little things that their excitement would have caused them to miss. They finally reached a snowy-white building that towered over all the other little shops that they had passed. It looked quite magnificent and Melanie knew that one would be easily lost inside it. Unconsciously, she moved closer to the other two.

Gringotts was as magnificent as she had predicted and Melanie was left staring in awe. Hagrid ushered her and Harry through the heavy silver doors and they entered a vast marble hall. Melanie gasped when she saw about a hundred goblins walking around the hall, using brass scales to weigh coins, and doing other various tasks. There where also many doors leading out of the hall, in which more goblins were showing people in and out of. Hagrid led Harry and Melanie to a counter (which overlooked Harry and Melanie, but defiantly not Hagrid).

"Morning," Hagrid greeted the goblin sitting behind the counter. "We've come ter take some money outta Mr. Harry Potter's safe."

Melanie fell away from the conversation as she looked around the hall. Harry too, seemed to be mesmerized by the place, his eyes wide as he looked around the hall. At one point he nudged her side and nodded in the direction of a goblin who was weighing many sparkling rubies the size of coals.

She was so distracted that she did not even realize they were leaving the hall until she heard Harry's voice.

"What's the you-know-what in vault you-know-which?" Harry asked Hagrid as they approached a door that led out of the hall.

Hagrid shook his head before saying mysteriously, "Can't tell yeh that. Very secret. Hogwarts business. Dumbledore's trusted me. More'n my job's worth ter tell yeh that."

Melanie frowned in disappointment, but soon forgot it when the goblin opened the door to reveal, not more marble, but a narrow stone passage way. The only light in this hall was the lit torches and Melanie was reminded of her seventh birthday once again. This time she hoped they stayed lit, for if they didn't she was afraid that the darkness would swallow them. The passageway sloped steeply downwards and disappeared into the shadow, but Melanie could faintly see what looked like train tracks running along the floor.

The goblin they were with whistled and Melanie watched as a small cart hurdled along the track towards them and then abruptly stopped. They all climbed in (Hagrid with some difficulty) before they set off down the steep hill.

Melanie remembered the first time Mrs. Danielson had taken her to the fair. She was eight years old and was most excited to go on a huge winding roller coaster. Faye had been too scared to go on with her, so Marissa went instead. When Melanie had finally gotten into the seat beside Marissa, she was literally jumping for joy. She remembered them strapping her in. After that she couldn't recall much else because she had kept her eyes closed the rest of the way. What she did remember was the sick feeling in her stomach as the cart whirled around and to the sides and up and down. Melanie also remembered being sick right after and ruining Marissa's favorite shirt.

Going through the tunnels was much of the same experience. It winded and twisted the same way and because it was so dark anyway, she kept her eyes shut. It wasn't until she felt the cart lurch to a stop when she dared to open her eyes again. When she did, Melanie found that she was the only one left in the cart. Hagrid was leaning against a wall for support and the goblin was busy trying to fit the key into a large metal door. Harry seemed completely unaffected by the ride.

Melanie weakly pulled herself out of the cart, positive that her face would be a sickly white if it were not for the darkness around them. Finally the goblin unlocked the door and green smoke came billowing out. Melanie walked closer to the group, as slowly as possible, and when the fog cleared she gasped at the sight.

Never in her life had she seen such riches.

There were mounds of gold. Columns of silver. Heaps of tiny bronze coins. Melanie watched in amazement and slight jealousy as Hagrid helped Harry pile some of his fortune into a bag. She also felt slightly abandoned. If her parents were still alive, would they be able to have a vault like this one as well? Not that the money inside mattered much to her, but just the thought that they might have left her something behind…

When Harry and Hagrid turned around, Harry grinned sheepishly at her. Melanie just smiled back as if nothing was the matter and turned to get into the cart again.

"Next vault please, and can we go more slowly?" Hagrid asked the goblin hopefully.

"One speed only," the tiny creature answered not in the least amused. Actually it really had no emotion.

Melanie got out of the cart the second time, her stomach doing slightly better than the first ride, and looked up at the number above the metal door. 713. As she reached the door, she noticed that this vault had no keyhole. How were they supposed to open such a heavy door without a key?

"Stand back," the goblin ordered them and they did as they were told. He stroked the door along the middle with one of his long fingers and a series of clicks could be heard from the other side. The vault door swung open and the green smoke rushed out of it again. Expecting to see something very valuable looking, Melanie was disappointed when all she found was a grubby little package in the center. Hagrid picked it up and tucked it safely into one of his many coat pockets. Melanie wanted to ask what it was, but she knew better than that.

Once out of Gringotts, Hagrid looked very sickly. Melanie was worried that he would pass out, he was so pale. But he carried on walking them all the way back towards the main center of the tiny little shops they had seen before. They were just outside Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions when Hagrid spoke again.

"Might as well get yer uniforms," he said nodding in the direction of the building. "Listen, Harry an' Melanie, would yeh mind if I slipped of fer a pick-me-up in the Leaky Cauldron? I hate them Gringotts carts."

Both Harry and Melanie nodded their heads and watched as he walked off. He did deserve a break after all and Melanie thought that giving him time to sit down would be a good idea.

"Ready?" Harry asked her nervously. Melanie felt just as uneasy as he sounded, but nodded her head anyway.

They entered the shop together and immediately found Madam Malkin, who was a squat, smiling witch dressed in mauve robes.

"Hogwarts? Both of you?" she asked before Harry could say anything. "Got the lot in here - another young man being fitted as we speak."

She led them to the back of the shop where a boy with a pale, pointed face was standing on a footstool while another witch hemmed his robes. Madam Malkin placed Harry on the stool beside him and Melanie on Harry's other side. She placed robes over both of their heads (Melanie's were made for witches of course) and began to pin Harry's robes while another witch did Melanie's.

The boy on Harry's other side looked them both over, as if trying to determine if they were worthy of conversation. "Hullo," he said, "Hogwarts too?"

"Yes," Harry answered whereas Melanie just nodded. She had spent no more than a few seconds talking to the boy, but already she knew there was something about him that she couldn't trust.

Harry and the other boy began talking about things that Melanie had never heard of before, however it was more of a one sided discussion. Harry gave the impression that he knew as little as she did, and the other boy gave the impression that he was a little full of himself. It wasn't until the boy began badmouthing Hagrid, who was standing outside balancing three ice cream cones, that she really spoke up.

"How can you judge him if you've never even met him?" she blurted out angrily. Even if she had only known Hagrid the one day, she knew well enough that this boy had no right to make a conclusion about him.

The boys looked around Harry at her and looked her up and down. "I can do whatever I feel. Who are you anyway? Not one of those Mudbloods I hope," the boys sneered.

Melanie was about to shout back at him when Madam Malkin announced that they were both done and Harry grabbed her hand and dragged her from the store.

They continued with their shopping and had just left the Apothecary, when Hagrid checked their list again.

"Just yer wands left- oh I an' I still haven't got yeh a birthday present Harry," he exclaimed.

Melanie watched as Harry went red and tried to explain to Hagrid that he didn't have to get him a gift, but Hagrid insisted. So he sent Melanie and Harry ahead to get their wands while he walked away in the opposite direction. As they walked toward Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382BC Melanie asked, "Why didn't you say that your birthday had already passed?"

Harry looked at her, again going red, before saying, "Doesn't matter really. I mean I never get presents anyway…"

"Why don't you get presents? Don't your parents…?"

"They died," Harry explained, "when I was only a year old. I've lived with my aunt and uncle for nearly 10 years. They were never that great though when it came to birthdays for me."

Melanie nodded her head in understanding. "I know how you feel. I can't remember my parents either."

Harry gave her a confused look, so she continued. "I've lived at an orphanage my entire life. I never knew my parents; I don't even know my last name!"

"I'm sorry," Harry said, sounding genuinely sympathetic for her. But Melanie brushed him off.

"It's alright though. All the girls at the home are my family. I don't need anyone else," she said.

"But you must miss them?" Harry asked.

Melanie shrugged. "I never knew them, how can I miss something I never knew? Besides, it's not like they left anything behind that would cause me to miss them. I know nothing about them, the matron doesn't know, not even Professor Dumbledore knows. I have lots of sisters who care about me and that's all I need," she explained. She didn't really expect him to understand her, even if they did have some things in common, their situations were too different to compare.

They continued in silence the rest of the way to the shop. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, Melanie found herself to be quite relaxed, but it was a silence that showed they were both in deep thought. When they finally stepped through the threshold of Ollivanders, a bell tinkling over head announcing their arrival, Melanie and Harry were amazed at the many tiny boxes that seemed to hold up the building itself. The shop was deathly quiet and neither could see a shopkeeper anywhere. Melanie was about to call out when an old man appeared out of the gloom of the shop, his wide, pale eyes shining like tiny moons.

"Good afternoon," the man said while stepping out from the back of the shop. Harry and Melanie muttered a quiet hello; both looked as if they were slightly wary of the man. "Yes, yes," the man continued in an airy sort of tone, "I knew I would be seeing you soon Harry Potter. You have your mother's eyes you know. It seems only yesterday she was in here buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Good for charm work."

Melanie looked over to see Harry looking completely baffled by the old Mr. Ollivander. She didn't blame him. If a stranger knew everything about her and her parents then she would be quite put-off as well. As soon as she thought of it, Melanie wondered if this man did in fact know anything about her parents.

"Your father on the other hand," Mr. Ollivander continued while walking towards Harry, "had a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. More power and excellent for transfiguration. Of course it's really the wand that chooses the wizard. Not the other way around."

By the time Ollivander was done speaking, he was nearly nose to nose with Harry. Melanie felt slightly forgotten and was anxious to find out if Ollivander really knew as much as he let on. She drew her attention back to Harry and the old wand maker, just as he said, "And that's where…"

Curiously, Melanie watched as Mr. Ollivander touched Harry's forehead with a long, white finger. At first she had no idea what was going on, until she noticed a thin, lightning bolt shaped scar on Harry's forehead. How she had failed to notice that the entire day she didn't know, but now she wondered how he had managed to get such a mark.

"I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," Ollivander said softy, ashamedly, "Thirteen and a half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands…If I'd known what that wand would have done…"

Ollivander turned away from Harry and spotted Melanie. She couldn't help but notice his eyes widen even more as he took in her appearance. Mr. Ollivander stepped away from Harry, who looked slightly relieved, and over to Melanie.

"Now, this, this is curious. Melanie, is it not? A flower with no last name. Yes, I remember your father as well…"

Melanie's heart beat faster in anticipation. Finally…finally she would know who her father was.

"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches, and quite whippy as I recall. Terrible shame it was…" Ollivander told her.

Melanie looked past him for a brief second and saw that Harry too had a rather curious face. He knew that she had never known her parents and must have known that this was the first she had heard of them.

"What was a terrible shame sir?" Melanie asked.

Ollivander nodded his head knowingly before saying, "Of course, not even born when it happened. And your dear mother…yes, I remember her now. Sweet girl, always sent me a card when Christmas came around. Ebony and unicorn hair, I believe. Beautiful wand. Terrible shame…"

Melanie waited for him to say more, but he didn't, and he turned to a wobbly looking pile of boxes. He searched through them until finally he found one and pulled it from the group.

"Here, dragon heartstring, ash. Seven and a quarter inches."

Melanie took the wand and held it in her hand. Nothing happened.

Ollivander frowned and took the wand back and returned it to the pile. Melanie counted five more wands that she tried until he grinned when he took out the next one.

"Here we are. Unicorn hair, eight inches. Made of willow. Go on try it," he said excitedly placing the wand in her hand.

Melanie gave the wand a lazy flick and nearly toppled backwards when blue sparks emitted from the tip of it. She stood there in amazement while Mr. Ollivander smiled.

He left her and began rummaging through the stacks of long narrow boxes. He pulled one out and brought it over to Harry.

"Right then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Very flexible. Just take it and give it a wave," he said while passing Harry the wand. However Harry had not so much as lifted his hand when Mr. Ollivander snatched it away. "No, no- that won't do…" he muttered before turning back to the heap of boxes.

They continued to do this, wand after wand, for quite some time. Melanie had resorted to sitting on the floor and waiting, seeing as the only chairs were covered by a mountain of wands. She now had a long wrapped box in her hands and was simply astounded that she now had a wand of her own.

Mr. Ollivander had just returned from the back room, muttering to himself before passing Harry yet another wand. "Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple. Strange combination, but I wonder."

Melanie watched as Harry took the wand and it seemed to glow in his hand. Mr. Ollivander smiled and returned the wand back to its original box and wrapping it in brown paper. All the while, he was muttering, "Curious, very curious."

Harry's own curiosity seemed to get the better of him because he asked, "Sorry, but what's curious?"

Mr. Ollivander fixed Harry with his pale stare. "I remember every wand I ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather-just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother- gave you that scar."

Melanie gasped as Harry visibly swallowed. It seemed to her that they both had a number of things yet to learn about themselves.

"The wand chooses the wizard…I think we can expect great things from you, Mr. Potter…After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things- terrible, yes, but great," Ollivander said.

Melanie decided that she found Ollivander a little odd and wasn't sure she entirely liked him. She grabbed her wand as Harry paid for his and then they headed for the door.

"Melanie!"

Melanie and Harry turned around to find Mr. Ollivander looking straight at her. "Remember, blood is thicker than water. But sometimes blood can be tainted. Water can wash it away," he said mysteriously.

Melanie wasn't sure how to respond to this, so she hesitantly turned and left the shop, Harry close on her heels.

The rest of the afternoon both Harry and Melanie walked in silence (Harry with his new snowy owl, Hedwig, sleeping in her cage) thinking about what they had heard. Melanie was lost in deep thought and didn't even notice when Hagrid began to lead them back to the Leaky Cauldron.

Her parents had been wizards. They had been like her. And something terrible happened…but what? If only Ollivander had continued. And what did he mean by, blood is thicker than water? She knew the saying, but what did it have to do with her?

They had just entered the Leaky Cauldron, which was empty now except for the owner Tom, when Melanie looked up and saw Mrs. Danielson smiling at her. Melanie smiled back and rushed over to her to show her some of her new things.

Momentarily forgetting that she was with other people, Melanie turned to see Hagrid and Harry both watching with silent amusement.

"Thank you for taking me today Hagrid. I wouldn't have been able to find all my things otherwise," Melanie said once again shaking Hagrid's massive hand. Hagrid turned slightly pink at all her flattery and mumbled a small 'Yer welcome,' before she turned to Harry.

"I guess I'll see you at school?" Melanie asked.

"Yeah, see you," he replied while smiling.

Melanie smiled back at him before turning and leaving the pub with Mrs. Danielson.

The last month of the summer went by too slowly for Melanie's liking. She spent most of her time reading her new books, which she found fascinating, but she had to hind them from the rest of the girls and Faye, with whom she really wanted to share these things with. Melanie's other things were to be kept hidden as well until she left for school and were currently residing in her trunk.

The day of her eleventh birthday came and Melanie was woken up by Faye jumping up and down in her bed.

"C'mon Mel, get up! There are presents downstairs!" Faye exclaimed trying to pull the covers off of a grumpy Melanie.

Faye finally got her out of bed and dragged her down the stairs to where all of the girls were waiting for her. Melanie smiled as best she could and gave everyone a hug as she passed by. In the center were a small pile of gifts, all wrapped in colorful paper that shimmered in the light. Mrs. Danielson gave her a tight hug and motioned for her to open her presents.

By the end of it, the floor was covered in paper and ribbon and Melanie had a new dress, book, and a tiny little stuffed owl from Mrs. Danielson, who gave her a quick wink when Melanie smiled at her. Very happy with the presents she had got, Melanie took them up to her room and tucked her dress and book into her trunk.

Melanie was reading her book on Magical Theory when Mrs. Danielson entered the room. She walked over to Melanie's bed and sat down on the edge of the bed gentle pressing down the covers. Melanie looked at her curiously and set her book down, giving her full attention to the matron.

"Are you all packed for tomorrow?" Mrs. Danielson asked her.

Melanie nodded her head and pointed to her trunk at the base of her bed. When morning came, she would have to lug it downstairs and into the car, something to which she was not looking forward to.

Mrs. Danielson nodded and then pulled something out of a pocket in her dress. Melanie looked at it the small brown box curiously and was surprised when the matron handed it to her.

"Another small gift, for going off to school," Mrs. Danielson told her.

Melanie looked from her to the box and slowly lifted the lid off of it and found a tiny amber pendant hanging from a silver chain. Melanie looked at it in astonishment and held it in her hand. The amber stone was a mix of red a brown and gold all swirling together to make a rich dark red color. It was carved into a teardrop shape and Melanie thought that it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

"So you remember," Mrs. Danielson began while taking the necklace from her, "us all when you're at school." She clipped the necklace around Melanie's neck and smiled at her in an affectionate, motherly way. Melanie was overcome and gave her a big hug, not letting go until she had made sure that she would not start to cry.

"I won't forget," Melanie said quietly.

Mrs. Danielson smiled and kissed Melanie on the forehead. "I want you to get to bed early; you have a big day ahead of you."

She left the room and Melanie stared after her. She really would miss everyone here while she was gone. She wouldn't have the security that the home had given her and she would have to make friends all over again. At least she knew she would have Harry, but still the notion that she wouldn't have Faye or Marissa or anyone else with her made her feel alone.

It was just after eight o'clock when Melanie and Faye settled into bed. Melanie had spent the rest of the day making sure she had everything packed, which it was, and only her wand, which was safely hidden under her pillow, stayed outside of her trunk. Mrs. Danielson had come by to turn out the lights, but Melanie had a hard time falling asleep. She had yet to talk to Faye about leaving, knowing that both of them dreaded the thought, but Melanie didn't want to leave tomorrow without saying goodbye.

"Faye?" Melanie whispered hoping that she was not already asleep.

"Yeah?" she heard Faye whisper back.

Melanie sat up in her bed and heard Faye do the same. She could not see through the darkness, but Melanie knew that Faye was looking at her.

"I'm gunna miss you," Melanie said sadly.

Melanie heard Faye sniffle before saying, "I'll miss you too. I wish you didn't have to go, and then you could stay here."

She could say no and stay behind. But then she wouldn't be able to learn any magic. She wouldn't be able to meet other witches and wizards. And she wouldn't be able to learn more about her parents. Melanie couldn't stay. It didn't feel right.

"I know. But I'll be back for the Christmas break and during the summer. And we can write whenever we need to," Melanie said.

Once again Faye sniffled. Melanie felt guilty for leaving her behind, but she knew this was something she had to do. "Yeah. Whenever," Faye said before laying back down in her bed. Melanie was saddened, but decided that it would be better tomorrow and pulled the covers over her. With dreams of magic and Hogwarts, she fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Melanie was gently shaken awake by Mrs. Danielson, who was already dressed and ready to go. Melanie got out of bed excitedly like a child on Christmas morning, and put on the clothes she had left out the night before. Melanie then grabbed her wand from underneath her pillow and tucked it safely inside her jean pocket. Grabbing her truck, she lifted it with much difficulty and dragged it towards the door. She had made it into the hallway and was about to close the door when she saw Faye asleep in her bed. Melanie knew she couldn't just leave, so she opened her trunk and took out her new stuffed animal. Quietly she walked over to the bedside table and laid it down so that it would be the first thing Faye saw when she woke.

Melanie gave her one last glance before turning and leaving the room. After taking a while to heave her trunk all the way down the stairs, Melanie finally reached the bottom where Mrs. Danielson was waiting. Melanie then grabbed her coat and helped the matron carry her things out to the car.

They reached King's Cross Station a little while after ten and Mrs. Danielson went to get a trolley to put Melanie's trunk on. While she did that, Melanie looked around and saw that there were already many people at the station, but none that she would think were wizards. When her trunk was finally loaded onto the trolley, Melanie and Mrs. Danielson headed off into the station.

"Now, you are supposed to be at platform…" Mrs. Danielson drew out Melanie's train ticket, "nine and three quarters? Where on earth…?"

"Harry!" Melanie exclaimed as she saw a black haired, green eyed boy looking very lost. He turned around and a grateful smile touched his lips. She pushed her trolley towards him, Mrs. Danielson following close behind, with a smile on her face.

"How are you?" Harry asked, still looking slightly anxious.

"I'm well," Melanie answered, "You have no idea where platform nine and three quarters is either?"

Harry shook his head and resumed looking around.

"Perhaps we should ask the train guard?" Mrs. Danielson suggested, baffled by the ticket in her hand.

"I already have," Harry told her, "they've never heard of a school called Hogwarts and there's no train that leaves at eleven."

Melanie looked worried. What if they couldn't get on the train? They would have to stay here and miss Hogwarts completely.

The three of them looked around for any sign of platform nine and three quarters when Melanie heard someone from a passing group say, "- packed with Muggles of course-"

She looked over at Harry, who had heard the group as well, and followed him after the group. Melanie noted that everyone in the group had flaming red hair and assumed it was a family. A plump woman, who Melanie guessed was the mother, was directing her children to a space between platforms nine and ten. Melanie watched as one of the older boys walked straight towards the barrier between the platforms and suddenly vanished through the wall.

Another boy went through, and his identical twin was about to when Harry suddenly walked forward.

"Excuse me," he said to the plump woman. Melanie stayed close behind him and Mrs. Danielson followed her looking completely stunned.

"Hullo dears," she said. "First time at Hogwarts? Ronald's new too," she said pointing to her youngest son. He had red hair just like the rest and was tall and gangly looking.

"We are," Harry said. "The thing is- the thing is we don't know how to-"

The woman laughed politely a bit before saying, "How to get on the platform? Not to worry. All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between nine and ten. Best do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous."

Harry nodded and pushed his cart so that it lined up with the barrier wall. He looked back at Melanie, and when she gave him a reassuring smile, he ran straight through the barrier.

Melanie was happy that Harry got through but was now so nervous because it was her turn. Mrs. Danielson stood beside her with a supportive hand on her shoulder, but she herself looked scared.

"Now don't worry dear," the plump woman said from beside her. "You'll be perfectly alright."

Melanie smiled her thanks, as she thought she might throw up if she opened her mouth, and lined her trolley up with the wall like Harry had done. She took a long deep breath and began to push her cart towards the wall. She soon broke into a run and the trolley gained speed. She knew she was going to crash- she was about to crash and closed her eyes waiting for the moment the cart came in contact with the solid brick wall.

But it never did.

Melanie opened her eyes only to find herself on another platform, already filled with other students and their families. A glistening scarlet steam engine idled at the side and the sign overhead said Hogwarts Express 11 o'clock. Melanie also saw that there was another sign that read Platform Nine and Three Quarters. She had made it.

Mrs. Danielson appeared at her side, slightly bewildered, but she seemed to regain her control and pulled Melanie along through the crowd. The smoke from the steam engine billowed like a cloud over the heads of the people waiting and the noise from laughing and talking students and their animals echoed through the platform.

Melanie looked ahead and saw Harry struggling to load his truck up the steps of an empty train compartment. She steered her cart towards him just in time to see the red-headed twins help him with his luggage.

"Hey, Harry," she said as she and Mrs. Danielson attempted to get her trunk onto the train, but having as much luck as Harry.

"Here," said one of the twins. He grabbed hold of a handle while his brother grabbed the other and they pulled it onto the train.

Melanie blushed as they bowed to her and left them to go over to their mother. Mrs. Danielson turned to Melanie and said, "Now take care. Write as much as possible, you know the girls will want to hear from you. And make sure to try your hardest and study, though I know you will. Stay out of trouble, alright?"

"Yes, I will. Tell everyone I'll miss them, especially Faye," Melanie said.

Mrs. Danielson nodded and gave Melanie a hug. "Remember I'm proud of you," she said as she pulled away. Melanie smiled and turned to get on the train.

She found Harry sitting alone in one of the train compartments and walked in. Melanie knew it must have been hard on him, watching all the other children and their parents and knowing that he didn't have his own there to say goodbye. Even though her parents were dead as well, at least she had someone she could consider a mother to take proper care of her and watch her off on her way to school.

Melanie sat down beside him and he turned his gaze away from the window. "We're finally here," Melanie said. "I thought this day would never come!" she laughed.

Harry laughed too. "Well I hope we're in the same house, or whatever. You're the only friend I have here right now," he told her.

Melanie went a little pink and he must have noticed because he laughed even harder. She glared at him and playfully hit him on the arm.

Suddenly the door of the compartment slid open and the youngest red-headed boy, Ronald, came in.

"Anyone sitting there?" he asked pointing to the seat across from Harry. "Everywhere else is full."

Harry shook his head and the boy sat down. Melanie saw that he looked at Harry a little while longer and then quickly looked out the window, pretending that he hadn't looked at all.

After a while the boy looked back over at Harry and said, "I'm Ron Weasley."

"Harry Potter," Harry answered.

Ron's eyes widened. "So do you really have the-the," he said pointing to Harry's forehead. Melanie suddenly remembered the unusual scar on Harry's forehead that she hadn't asked about. But now, she was even more curious about it.

Harry lifted up the fringe of his hair and showed Ron the lightning shaped scar. Ron gawked at it for a while. "So that's where You-Know-Who-?"

"Yeah," Harry said, "but I can't remember anything though."

"Wow," was the answer Harry got. Ron then seemed to realize that someone else was in the compartment with them and turned to Melanie. "Who are you?" he asked rather bluntly.

Melanie glared at him before answering, "My name is Melanie…Danielson."

She could feel Harry's eyes on her, but chose to ignore it. She had decided that if she was to be a normal student at Hogwarts, she needed to act like one and that meant she had to have a last name, though it felt strange to have a surname.

As they talked, the train carried them out of London and they found themselves speeding past vast open fields. Around half past twelve there was a loud clattering outside their door and someone knocked. The door opened and revealed a smiling, dimpled woman who said, "Anything off the trolley dears?"

Melanie remained seated because she had no extra money to buy anything with and Ron mumbled something about sandwiches. Harry however leap up from his seat and went out into the corridor.

When Harry returned, his arms were laden with many different sweets and he tipped it all onto an empty seat.

"Hungry are you?" Ron asked.

"Starving," said Harry taking a large bite out of a pumpkin pastry.

Melanie laughed and helped herself to a cauldron cake, knowing that Harry wouldn't mind. Ron on the other hand, began to unwrap a lumpy package and pulled out four sandwiches. Harry looked at him and then offered him something from his pile. At first Ron refused, but after a while of persuading he gave in and picked up a pastry.

They were sitting together laughing and eating Harry's huge mountain of candy when Harry picked up a pack of Chocolate Frogs and asked, "They're not really frogs, are they?"

Melanie was glad he asked because she had been avoiding them for that same reason. She was pretty sure that nothing would surprise her now.

"No," said Ron. "But see what the card is, I'm missing Agrippa.'

"What?"

Ron looked up at him and Melanie to see confusion written on both of their faces. "Oh, of course, you wouldn't know – Chocolate Frogs have cards inside them, you know, to collect – famous witches and wizards. I've got about five hundred, but I haven't got Agrippa or Ptolemy."

Melanie watched as Harry unwrapped one and then said, "So this is Dumbledore!"

"Don't tell me you've never heard of Dumbledore!" said Ron. "Can I have a frog? I might get Agrippa – thanks –"

Harry read the card and Melanie said afterwards, "I've met him before. He came to see me at the orphanage and told me I was a witch. Bit strange, but he seemed – "

"What!" Ron exclaimed. Melanie gave him a questioning look and he said, "Dumbledore visited you! That's big!"

Melanie pondered over this and picked up a Chocolate Frog.

The countryside was flying passed the window when Melanie finally asked about the rat that was fast asleep on Ron's lap.

"Oh, this is Scabbers. Been in the family for ages! He was my brother, Percy's, rat but then I got him. Dead useless!" Ron said looking at the snoozing rodent with disgust.

Harry and Melanie looked at him sympathetically, they both had come to learn that Ron's family wasn't the wealthiest, but Ron's attitude changed and he looked up at them excitedly.

"My brothers taught me a spell to turn him yellow. Wanna see?"

Melanie and Harry nodded in interest. Ron pulled out a battered looking wand and raised his wand when the compartment door slid open. A girl already wearing her Hogwarts robes stood in the doorway.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one," she said looking around at them. Melanie noticed that she had a bossy sort of voice and lots of bushy brown hair. The girl saw Ron with his wand out and said, "Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see then!"

Ron looked taken aback but cleared his throat. "Sunshine, daises, butter mellow, Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow," he chanted waving his wand. But nothing happened.

The girl raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you sure that's a real spell? Well its not very good is it? I've only tried a few simple spells, but they've all worked for me," she told them. She walked into the compartment and sat down across from Harry. "For example, Occulus Reparo," she said pointing her wand at Harry's face. Melanie gasped slightly but the girl just muttered a spell and his glasses fixed themselves. Harry took them off and looked them over leaving his scar to be seen.

"Holy cricket! You're Harry Potter!" the girl exclaimed. "I'm Hermione Granger – and you are?" she asked looking at Ron, who had stuffed another pastry in his mouth.

"Ron Weasley," he said, but it was muffled by the cake.

"Pleasure," Hermione said in disgust. She then looked at Melanie who said, "Melanie Danielson."

Hermione shook Melanie's hand and then stood up. "You three had best be getting into your robes. I expect we'll be arriving soon," she informed them.

She walked towards the compartment door before turning around to look at Ron. "You've got dirt on your nose, by the way. Did you know? Just there," she said pointing to her own nose where she saw the smudge.

Hermione left, leaving Ron frantically rubbing his nose. "Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it." Melanie and Harry nodded in agreement.

They pulled their school robes from their trunk and pulled them on over their heads just as the train began to slow. Finally the train stopped and they opened the door to see a great flow of people pushing their way off the train. Melanie was immediately separated from Harry and Ron and had no choice but to follow the other students off of the train.

When she reached the tiny, dark platform she looked around for Harry and Ron but couldn't make them out in the crowd. Melanie saw a glowing lamp bobbing over the heads of the students and saw that it was being carried by the giant form of Hagrid.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" he boomed.

Melanie pushed through the crowd until he could see her. "There yeh are Melanie! Been wonderin' when I'd see yeh again. Where's Harry?"

"I dunno, he was with – "

"Alright there Harry?" Hagrid called over her. Melanie turned around to see Harry and Ron shoving their way through the crowd. Harry smiled at her muttering a short sorry, but she only laughed at him.

"Okay, firs' years follow me!" Hagrid bellowed as he started off down the path with Melanie, Harry, and Ron leading the rest of the group. They followed Hagrid down a steep narrow path, slipping and stumbling all the way down. Melanie nearly tumbled a few times herself, but Harry or Ron caught her before she could hit the ground.

They had been walking for some while when Hagrid bellowed over their heads, announcing to the group that they would get their first glimpse at Hogwarts in a few moments. The anticipation grew in Melanie's stomach to the point where she found it difficult to concentrate on much else.

Soon enough, the narrow path opened around the edge of a wide lake the moon glittering off its surface. Melanie could see the vast castle with many turrets and towers perched atop a high mountain on the other end of the lake, its many windows glowing like bright stars against a dark backdrop.

Hagrid instructed that there could be no more than four to a boat, which were all lined up like a tiny fleet along the shore. Harry, Ron, and Melanie made their way over to one, followed by Hermione, who sat in the back with her while the boys sat up front.

The boats glided across their lake on their on accord and Melanie and Hermione took the chance to talk. At first it was a shaky conversation, as Melanie didn't know what to say, but Hermione took over and Melanie grew more comfortable. She also soon learned that Hermione was not as bossy as she first thought, but that a strong air of knowledge came off of her. Melanie was actually quite fascinated by all that Hermione told her about the school and the wizarding world in general. That was why she was so surprised when Hermione told her that her parents were Muggles. Obviously, she had done some summer reading.

When the army of wooden boats reached the castle, Melanie saw that there was someone waiting for them already. A tall, dark haired witch stood there clad in emerald green robes. Her face was stern and looked like someone you certainly did not want to cross. Hagrid introduced her as Professor McGonagall and she led the students through the castle doors and into the entrance hall. Melanie's first thought was that it was as magnificent as Gringotts, if not more so.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said when she had everyone's wandering attention. "The feast shall begin shortly, but first you must be sorted into your houses. Your house will be something like your family at Hogwarts, whether you be in Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin."

At that point Melanie looked over to Harry who was looking back at her. They both remembered the conversation with the boy from Diagon Alley and both hoped that they were put into a house that was not the latter.

"While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rule breaking will lose points. The house with the most points at the end of the year is awarded the House Cup. The ceremony will begin shortly, if you will please wait here." McGonagall told them before leaving the students in the hall.

Hermione began to chatter very quickly about something that Melanie could not quite understand, as her thoughts were elsewhere. How were they to be sorted? Around her she heard mumbles about some test, but she dismissed that. They wouldn't make her do a test in front of the entire school. Would they?

Just then she caught a glimpse of white blond hair and a pale complexion as the boy from Diagon Alley stepped forward with two much larger boys following him.

"So it's true then, what they were saying on the train" the boy sneered looking directly at Harry. Melanie stepped closer to him ready to defend him if it was needed and noticed Ron do the same. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."

Everyone began mumbling excitedly and looking around, trying to find the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry just continued to glare at the boy in front of him.

"These are Crabbe and Goyle," the boy said gesturing to each of the 'bodyguards' on either side of him. "And I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."

On Harry's other side Ron coughed, but it was too obvious that he was trying to hide a snicker. Melanie might have laughed too, if she didn't feel the seriousness of the situation.

Malfoy turned to glare at Ron instead. "Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair… and a hand-me-down robe, you must be a Weasley," he sneered.

"Back off Malfoy!" Melanie warned not really knowing what had gotten into her. One thing was for sure, she wasn't about to sit and watch her friends be insulted.

She soon found his glare on her as well as the eyes of most of the hall. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ron looking at her with admiration and Harry watching her carefully. He shifted closer to her as if to protect her, but she seemed to be the only one who noticed.

"Its you again. What's your name?" Malfoy sneered looking at her with distaste.

Melanie stared right back at him and said, "Melanie Danielson." She was surprised at how the lie slipped off her tongue so easily now.

Malfoy studied her for a moment. "Never heard of a good wizarding family with the name Danielson. You must be a half-blood, or worse," he said in a tone as if he was now repulsed be her very presence. She wanted so badly to teach him a lesson.

"You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter," Malfoy said turning his attention back to Harry. "You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort," he looked pointedly at Ron and Melanie as he said this. "I can help you there."

Malfoy held his hand out for Harry to shake and Melanie mentally begged him not to take it. He didn't.

"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thanks," Harry said as politely as possible, but the intent was still the same. Melanie grinned at him, and it turned to a smirk as she looked at Malfoy. Malfoy looked ready to shout, but was stopped when Professor McGonagall re-entered the hall.

"They're ready for you now," she said opening the door wider allowing the students to walk in. Melanie was sure she made a scene of smirking at Malfoy as she passed him, but she didn't care. Her point was made.

They entered the hall in one big mass every single one of them amazed by what they saw. The Great Hall was lit by thousands of white candles that floated over four long wooden tables where all the students sat. At the front of the hall there was another long table where all of the teachers sat. Professor McGonagall led them towards this table and stopped when she had reached it. The first years filled in along the edge of the table, many of them trying to avoid the stares of the other curious students in the hall.

As the students looked around nervously, Melanie turned to Hermione was standing beside her. "Is the ceiling always like that?" she asked looking up at the velvety darkness that was dotted with stars.

Hermione followed her gaze and then said, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside, I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."

"So in the morning…?"

"It should be a clear sky, depending on the weather of course," Hermione said.

Melanie nodded her understanding and then turned her attention to Professor McGonagall.

"Now before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words," she said.

Every student in the Hall turned their attention to the long staff table, where Professor Dumbledore stood.

"I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce," he said clearly. It surprised Melanie how his voice traveled across the room, even when he looked so old and fragile. "The first years," he continued, "please note, that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor, on the right hand side, is out of bounds to everyone who do not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."

Well, that was putting it bluntly. Not the warmest welcome she had ever heard, but she supposed it got the point across. The only problem was Melanie didn't know where the third floor corridor was.

Melanie's attention was then drawn to a single stool placed in front of the first year students. Sitting on top of it was a pointed wizard's hat that was extremely patched and dirty and fraying around the edges. As she stared at it, Melanie saw a rip at the bottom of the hat open wide like a mouth and the hat began to…sing?

Yes, it was a song. Melanie was completely baffled. Nothing could have prepared her for this. She blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes. Yes, the hat was still singing. She looked over to Harry who seemed just as surprised as she was, Ron who looked as if he expected this but was still shocked, and Hermione who was the only relatively un-shocked first year.

When the hat ended it song the whole hall applauded. It took a while for the hall to come to silence, but when it did Professor McGonagall spoke up. "Now when I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses."

Melanie relaxed slightly. So there wasn't going to be a big test. She just had to wear the strange hat while everyone else watched. Wonderful.

McGonagall called up the first girl by the name of Hannah Abbott and she was promptly sorted into Hufflepuff. One table to her right cheered and clapped and Melanie let out a sigh of relief. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard and her house would welcome her the same way.

They had just gotten half way through the 'C' names and Melanie suddenly began to panic. She had just noticed that they were being called up in alphabetical order. And she didn't have a last name.

She looked up to the staff table and a pair of crystal blue eyes caught hers. Dumbledore gave her a comforting smile and winked at her.

"Danielson, Melanie!"

Melanie had no time to feel relieved because she stepped forward and suddenly all eyes were on her. She stepped up to the stool shakily and the hat was placed on her head. The brim of the hat fell over her eyes and she pushed it back slightly. She caught a quick reassuring glance from Harry, before a voice filled the inside of the hat.

"Well, well. What do we have here? A clever mind I see, but also a loyal heart. Plenty of courage of course, and the thirst to find yourself. You should do well in any of the houses. Very difficult…"

Melanie waited for the decision, her heart pounding faster with every second that ticked by. She hoped she would be with her friends. She honestly didn't care about which house she was in as long as it was with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"Umm…yes, I know. I'll put you in GRYFFINDOR!"

A roar erupted from the far left table and Melanie let out the breath she was holding. She nearly flung the hat off her head and jumped off the stool before running over to the table where many of the students were standing and clapping wildly. Melanie noticed Ron's brothers, Fred and George, and smiled when they waved to her in unison. She took her place at the table and turned to watch the rest of the sorting.

A few more people joined her at the table, but she clapped the loudest when Hermione skipped down to sit on her other side. Melanie wasn't the only one who noticed that when Malfoy's name was called the hat barely skimmed his head and he was put in Slytherin. What a shock.

Finally Harry's name was called and Melanie sat up a little straighter. She hoped he was put into her house. They would still be friends if he wasn't but…

Everyone else in the hall seemed to have their entire focus on him as Harry placed the hat on his head and sat on the stool. Melanie crossed her fingers under the table and waited as the silence filled the room. After a while, the hat 'looked' up and shouted "GRYFFINDOR!"

Melanie jumped out of her seat and cheered and clapped as Harry made his way over to the table. It seemed the entire table wanted to shake his hand because it took quite a long time for him to finally sit down across from her. When he did he grinned at her and she smiled right back before turning to watch the rest of the sorting.

When Ron's name was called Melanie cheered just as hard as she had for the others when he was also sorted into Gryffindor. Dumbledore said a few words and then the tables filled with food. Everything you could ever crave sat before her and Melanie suddenly realized how hungry she was, their mini feast seemed so far away now.

Melanie helped herself to a generous amount of food, taking a little bit of all her favorites (along with an extra helping of potatoes). She soon learned that Ron had grown up without table manners, or he simply forgot them, as he stuffed his face with everything he could reach. Hermione looked repulsed and tried to distract herself by talking to Melanie. Harry joined in the conversation occasionally, but he too seemed to concentrate on his food. The remains of the food disappeared only to be replaced by the puddings. Melanie took a slice of apple pie, which she became consumed in as soon as the conversation turned to families.

Neville had just finished talking about how he lived with his Gran and how she cried when she found out he would be going to Hogwarts, when Ron turned to Melanie.

"What about you Melanie? You never said anything about your family on the train," he said before stuffing his face with a tart.

Melanie looked at Harry, who looked back worriedly, before she said, "Well…I have lots of sisters. Most of them are older than me though."

"Ohyoutoo!" Ron exclaimed with a full mouth. She assumed that he was referring to the large number of siblings.

Melanie just nodded and hoped that the conversation was over.

"What about your parents? Both wizards?" Seamus asked.

Melanie nodded again, trying to look natural and muttered a small, "Yep."

They seemed to leave her alone after that and moved onto something else. Melanie was relieved that they had, she didn't want to have to tell the whole of Gryffindor that she was an orphan and never knew her parents or her last name. She looked at Harry and saw that he too looked relieved for her.

Ron's older brother Percy, who was also a Gryffindor prefect, led them to the Gryffindor Common Room. They walked together in a group, but somehow Harry managed to pull Melanie away from the group slightly.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," Melanie answered, curious as to what he was talking about. The lies she had told in the Great Hall, or the fact that she still thought this was a dream.

"The talk at dinner. About your family," he continued.

Melanie looked at her feet as she answered. "I don't like lying, but I didn't want to tell everyone that I have no idea who my parents are…were. I don't want the attention," she said.

They walked in silence for a while and then Harry said, "You didn't lie really. I mean think about it, you do have a lot of sisters, which was the truth. And yes, we know your parents were both magic. So really, you didn't lie at all!"

Melanie laughed at his attempt to cheer her up. "I guess I didn't. Thanks Harry," she said sincerely. He grinned back at her, blushing a little.

"Oi! You two at the back! Hurry up now!" Percy called.

Harry and Melanie just smiled at each other before racing back towards the group.