Answer the clues below by adding one letter at a time. Two words are abbreviations, and the letters are re-arranged at each step.

1. Softly - in music
2. Musical work
3.  Group of seals
4. Slang for illegal drugs
5. Made a choice
6. Tyrant
7. Rental agreement requirement

Answers:

1. P
2. OP
3. POD
4. DOPE
5. OPTED
6. DESPOT
7. DEPOSIT