BROOMMATE BONDING!

“Heidi, I have something to tell you,” I hear a familiar voice say as I wave goodbye to Mrs. Kettledrum.

Melanie is waiting for me as I exit Mrs. Kettledrum’s class.

“What?” I ask. You never know what’s going to come out of Melanie’s mouth, so I hold my breath.

“I got to class early, and I heard Mrs. Kettledrum talking on the phone. There are going to be reporters here covering Friends and Family Weekend. I guess it’s a really big deal,” she whispers.

This should be interesting, I think as we walk back to our dorm together. As we enter our room, I notice that Melanie’s side is a complete disaster area. There are clothes, purses, and shoes everywhere. It looks like a clothes-and-accessories explosion.

“Melanie, what happened in here?” I ask.

Melanie looks around the room. “Oh, I kind of turned it into my designer lounge, and come to think of it, you’re just in time.”

I tilt my head to one side. “Just in time for what?”

Melanie runs to her pile of clothes and does a quick wardrobe change. She slips into a pink plaid skirt, a short gray sweater, and a pair of pink flats.

“It’s runway time, Heidi.

“Will you pretty-please help me pick out my outfits for Friends and Family Weekend?”

I give Melanie a major eye roll.

“It’s just Friends and Family Weekend. It’s not a Hollywood premiere.”

Melanie plants a hand firmly on one hip.

“That’s where you’re oh-so-wrong, Heidi. The Broomsfield Academy Friends and Family Weekend is the Who’s Who of the magical world. You never know what powerful witches and wizards might show up or take your picture.

“And then there are the reporters who are coming. This could be my big break!”

It’s true that families are coming from all over, and many of the students who attend the School of Magic also have magical family members, I think. Not to mention the reporters.

“Annabelle’s family is coming all the way from London,” I mention.

Melanie squeals as she picks up a pink purse and swings it in circles by the chain.

“LONDON! I would love to go to London. You see what I mean, Heidi? You never know what connections you might make.”

She prances to the full-length mirror, spins around, and looks at me in the glass.

“I want to be discovered, Heidi.

“And who knows? Maybe somebody’s mom or relative might be from Hollywood. I’ll tell you one thing—I’m going to be prepared.

“Mark my words, Heidi Heckelbeck, one day my name will be in lights!”

Melanie struts back to me, like a girl on a mission.

“Okay, back to my fashion runway show—starring me and hopefully you!

“Seriously, Heidi, you are welcome to borrow anything of mine for your weekend wardrobe. Life is like an ongoing audition. We’re always trying out for something, and you have to look sharp at all times.”

“Okay, okay, I get it, Melanie. Go ahead, show me some of your outfits,” I say as I sit down and get ready for the fashion show.

That’s just the cue Melanie needs. She switches on some music—a fast-paced pop track. She zooms to her closet and grabs a chocolate-brown leather jacket and a pair of matching slouchy boots. Then she runs out our door and into the hallway. She cracks the door back open.

“You have to announce me,” she instructs.

Is she kidding me?

Melanie is just TOO much sometimes. But I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of into it. I grab her pink hairbrush for a microphone and hold it close to my mouth.

“And now for our next contestant—all the way from beautiful Brewster—the one and only; the star of stage, screen, and runway; the stunning Miss Melanie Maplethorpe!” I announce.

The door swings open, and Melanie strikes a pose. Then she sashays down the runway, also known as the middle of our room. She tilts her chin down and holds her shoulders back. Her sassy blond ponytail swishes from side to side. When she gets to the end of the runway, she whips off her leather jacket and swings it over her shoulder. Then she poses so I can see all sides of her outfit.