Author's Note: I have no claim over Buffy and Co., nor over Harry and crew. They belong to Joss Whedon and JK Rowling, respectively. Please read and review!

Buffy knelt over her mother's grave for the hundredth time. She went there when she felt particularly weak and these days, that was frequently. God, how had things gotten so bad? Her mom was dead, Dawn had been taken away by her father who suddenly felt paternal after Joyce passed away. The state said she was an unfit guardian and had granted Hank custody. Her family had been destroyed. And it didn't end there. Xander had left Anya at the altar, even though they'd exposed the demon that'd planted the seeds of doubt. It was too hard, he said. And then Tara was shot and killed and that had been unspeakable for all of them. Willow gave her life to the black magic after she watched Tara die. Xander was promoted and his new responsibilities took him out of Sunnydale soon after. Both of them told Buffy how much meant to them, but she'd seen the relief in their eyes. No more vampires, no more demons, no more death. She was happy for them and relieved herself. She wouldn't be responsible for their pain anymore.

Things were harder than ever before. Anya and Spike were the only ones still around and Buffy couldn't really talk to either one of them. Anya was completely focused on the Magic Box, and now that Xander was gone, she'd also resumed her vengeance ways. And Spike, well Spike was just there to beat her up when she wanted to be hit. Otherwise, they didn't even look at each other. So now it was just Buffy and she was just going through the motions. She didn't know how much longer she'd be able to keep living like this. More than anything, she just wanted to talk to her mom.

"Hi mom, it's me. I don't know how you did it. I can believe how much trouble I caused you, and you didn't have a sacred birthright to worry about. I got a letter from Dawn today. She doesn't mind being in LA. She doesn't miss the Hellmouth anyway. But she hates being with dad. I think he's punishing me for causing so many problems. Giles went back to England, Willow died, Xander left, you and Dawn are gone. And everything hurts so bad, you know? And I still have the nightmares. I thought maybe they'd taper off but if anything, they seem to be getting worse. Everything worth fighting for is gone. I wish I had my mommy back." Buffy traced her mom's name and turned to go home.

A strange sight greeted her as she reached her house. Well, a different kind of strange. A large owl perched on the porch railing, so still she thought it was stuffed until it hooted at her. Of all the creatures of the night Buffy had encountered, she'd never seen an owl. She didn't want to scare it away but it didn't seem to be afraid. In fact, it almost seemed like it was waiting for her. This couldn't be normal behavior for owls. Buffy approached it slowly so as not to startle it. It hooted again and stuck out its leg, which had a letter attached to it. And just when she'd thought she couldn't be surprised by anything. She gingerly removed the letter but the owl stayed where it was. Buffy opened the envelope and began to read.

"Ms. Summers,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Albus Dumbledore and I am the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am writing to you because we find ourselves in a serious situation. Please permit me to explain.

Thirteen years ago, a dark wizard, named Lord Voldemort, grew so powerful and terrifying that people fear to say his name to this day. He is seeking to regain his old strength and one of his main objectives is to murder of my students, a 13-year-old boy by the name of Harry Potter. The reason for my writing you is this; Mr. Potter is proving to be an exceptional wizard but I would rest easier if I could arrange additional protection for him. I am offering you the position of bodyguard at Hogwarts to protect Mr. Potter. I have heard of your recent misfortunes and I am deeply sorry. Perhaps a change in location and duties would be helpful for you.

I realize that this information may come as a shock to you so please take your time in coming to a decision. Either way you decide, please send your response back with Rufus, the owl that delivered this letter. If you accept my offer, I will arrange a member of my staff to pick you up on August twentieth, so you will have time to acclimate yourself to the facility before the students arrive. If you decline, then I wish you nothing but good fortune in your future endeavors.

Very truly yours,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry"

Buffy was completely stupefied. School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? There were schools for that? And here Willow'd learned it all the hard way. But the idea was interesting. It wasn't like she had anything keeping her here. Maybe she could persuade Faith to guard the Hellmouth for a while. Faith spent most of her time putting out random fires these days. Maybe Buffy should talk to Anya about this. The vengeance demon might know something.

"Well, Rufus, I'm going to have to think about this for awhile. Could you maybe come back tomorrow and I'll send my response then? Is there anything you need from me or can you take care of yourself? I've never had to take care of an owl before." It hooted twice and then launched itself from the railing. Hopefully it had understood. The next morning Buffy walked to the Magic Box to see Anya. They didn't talk much anymore.

"Hey Anya, have you ever heard of a place called 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry'?"

"Oh sure, it's a big school where they teach kids to be witches and wizards."

"What, like any kids? And here I wasted my time at UC Sunnydale."

"No, not just anyone. You have to be born with magical talent to go to a school like Hogwarts. That's why Willow was never invited. She was considered a muggle, or a non-magical person. Why do you ask, anyway?" Buffy showed her the letter. "Wow, so are you going to take the job?"

"I don't know yet. I wanted to talk to you in case you knew something about it or this Albus Dumbledore."

"I've never met him but I know him by reputation. He's a big poo-bah, real good guy. They say he's the only one You-Know-Who was afraid of."

"No, I don't know who, actually."

"You're going to make me say it, aren't you? Alright, Voldemort. He was the big bad some time ago but he disappeared when he tried to attack this little boy."

"This little boy's name wouldn't happen to be Harry Potter, would it?"

"That sounds about right. I'm sure this is all on the up and up, if that's what you're wondering. No one is going to forge Dumbledore's name or anything, and he certainly isn't going to pull the rug out from under you." That pretty much sealed the deal for Buffy. Anya might have dating issues, but she had useful contacts in the demon world and her judgement was probably pretty accurate.

"Well, I guess I'll do it then. I'll get Faith to baby-sit Sunnydale and maybe I'll see if I can sell the house. It's not like there's anyone left to use it." They arranged to have Buffy's share of the Magic Box profits sent to Hogwarts and then she wrote a letter to Dawn.

"Hi Dawnie,

How are you doing in LA? I hope you're making friends (ones who won't get you killed) and that you're not being tempted by all those shoes.

I'm writing to tell you that I've accepted a job at a place called 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry'. I know what you're thinking but Anya says it's legit. Apparently there's a 13-year-old wizard who needs help staying out of trouble. Sound familiar?

I'm not exactly sure where this school is, someplace in Britain or Scotland I think. An owl delivered my invitation, though, so I guess they don't use the regular post office. I think I'll have a lot to learn, but the change of scenery will be good for me. This place has too many bad memories.

I am sad to say I'm going to have to sell mom's house, but there's no one here to use it anymore and I can't afford to maintain an empty house. I've included some of mom's things I knew were your favorite.

Maybe I can arrange for you to come out there for Christmas! I'm your real family anyway, not dad. By the way, I wouldn't let him see this letter. I don't think he needs to know about all of this, do you?

I want you to know that I love you very much and I'm sorry I couldn't stop dad from taking you away. Don't raise too much hell.

Love, Buffy"

Over the next couple weeks, Buffy tied up various loose ends. Faith agreed to come back to Sunnydale and prevent any impending apocalypses. The house also sold quickly, but to the low asking price. Property values, just another casualty of the Hellmouth, she thought. She also wrote letters to the remaining scattered scoobies explaining where she went and how to get a hold of her. She felt a strange love/hate relationship with this place. It was the place where she found her best friends and first love, but it was home to terrible loss and heartache. Well, she could always come and visit if she started missing the death.