Reviews were way down for the last chapter. It had a big reveal in it, so I thought more of you would chime in. If you want fast updates, please take time to review. I get excited about a story when I feel YOU are excited to read it. As most of you know, I'm writing about four to six stories at any given time. When I feel interest wans, I spend more time on others. I have a new story I'm working on now, so if you want this story to stay a priority, take a minute and give me a happy face or something to let me know you liked it. If you want to SHAPE the story, of course, be suggestive. Please don't take this as a threat or anything. It's just the way I write. If I feel like people aren't really into a story, I will end it sooner rather than later. Most of the time if I get lots of reviews in a story, I feel like I should write more even if it's not a favorite. The only way a writer can know if you want more and like a story is by reviewing. I get bored, though, so if people don't seem to care one way or another, I tend to focus on others I might be into more.

Thanks so much for reading!

Chapter 7: Say Goodbye to the Hellmouth

*****The Next Day*****

Buffy was both anxious and excited. Her father was supposed to be here at some point today. Last night, she'd met the new slayer. Her name was Kendra, and she was the opposite of Buffy in every way. Her watcher, Sam Zabuto, seemed okay—very knowledge and proud to be on the hellmouth with his young charge. They'd been together for years, so Buffy felt he would try hard to take care of her. She and Giles did make it clear that Buffy would not be alive without the help of her friends. Kendra seemed shocked that others knew about her role, but Buffy told her how it happened. Hopefully, Kendra would see the advantages of letting others help. Willow was going to introduce her to Amy in case they ever needed a witch.

"Buffy, are you all packed?" her mother asked. "Giles is on the phone."

"Yes," she called back. She picked up the other phone. "What's up, Giles? Are you all packed?"

"Why, yes, I am. Sam and Kendra are going to stay in my apartment, so that they don't have to worry about accommodations," Giles shared.

"That's a good idea," Buffy remarked.

"Did you want to do some sparring with her before it's time to go?" Giles said.

"That'd be fun," Buffy said eagerly. The night before, she took Kendra around and showed her the best cemeteries. She filled her in on the Master, and she showed him where they buried him.

"We cannot spar at the library as I tendered my resignation and turned in my keys," Giles shared.

"Did you pack up all your books?" she asked.

"Yes. Of course, I left a few that I thought Sam might need. I've dropped the rest off to be mailed already. Too many to carry," he remarked.

"That's for sure," she said. "If you want to use my backyard, you can bring them here."

"That will work," Giles said. "Oh, one other thing. I had to ask Angel to work on a something after we leave. You showed Kendra the Master's grave last night?"

"Yep. Told her the tale that made her," Buffy said with a snicker.

"Well, Rodell says that there is a ritual that could be utilized to resurrect the Master as long as his bones are around," Giles shared.

"Seriously?" she asked.

"Yes, and I am so annoyed that I didn't know that," Giles said. "It's quite embarrassing."

"Well, it's not like you didn't have other things to distract you," Buffy said loyally.

"True," he agreed. "Nevertheless, Angel agreed to dig his body up and see the bones incinerated."

Angel. Buffy was trying not to think about leaving him behind. It seems they would be over before they even begun. The hellmouth was too dangerous for him to leave it. After she left Kendra last night, she went and told him everything. Until her dad gave her the okay, she hadn't wanted to tell Angel that she might leave him for good.

Flashback

"Angel," she said, getting his attention. He was reading a book and looked up at her.

Smiling, he put the book down. "This is a nice surprise. Back from your dad's already?" he asked.

"Yes, I need to tell you some things—a lot of things," she said. The entire story spilled out of her. Finding out Hank wasn't her real dad. How pissed and sad she was, but how excited she was to know her father, who was so different from Giles even though he was British.

"He says I'm a witch, not just a slayer. Can you believe that?" Buffy asked.

Angel's smile never wavered. "I'm happy for you, Buffy," he said.

"You're not mad that the Council said it was okay for me to leaving the hellmouth and train as a witch?" she asked.

"I'm glad that your life will be so much more," he said simply.

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about this when I found out," she said. "But I didn't want to think about leaving you. It makes it too hard. Everyone else I love is coming with me—even Mom will by the end of the summer. How will I be able to say goodbye to you?"

"It's okay," he told her. "We'll see each other again."

Buffy nodded, not really mollified by that fact, however.

"The new slayer is here. Her name is Kendra, and she was raised in isolation," Buffy shared. "I don't think she'll survive long here without some help. Do you think you can stick around and help her like you helped me?"

Angel was silent as he thought about living on the mouth of hell without the woman he loved. Fighting by her side had given him purpose. "You know the past century, I mostly wasted my souled life drowning in guilt," he told her. "It was only when Whistler told me about you and said I needed to help you that I came to life again. You gave my life meaning."

Buffy felt her eyes filling with tears. "I love you, Angel," she said softly.

Angel pulled her close and kissed her. "I love you, too, Buffy," he said.

"I don't know when I'll see you again," Buffy said, wiping her eyes. "Maybe we should be closer." Her face was red as she gave him a pointed look.

"I don't want your first time to be a goodbye. It should be a beginning," he said.

"But I want to be with you," she said, hoping to cajole him without begging.

"I think fate might be telling us there's a new path for both of us," Angel said in resignation. He was meant to help the slayer keep the hellmouth closed. Finally accepting that duty made it clear what he needed to do. "You and I need to do the work that is before us. I will stay here and keep your home safe for you."

"You will?" Buffy asked, grateful and sad at the same time.

"I will," he assured her. "I will try to convince the new slayer not to kill me and help her whenever I can."

Buffy hugged him tightly. "If you get slayed while I'm gone, I'm going to be so pissed," she said, pulling back to look at him.

"I'll be okay, Buffy," he said, caressing her cheek. "I've taken care of myself a while now. You've given me hope for a future."

"What if we can't ever be together?" Buffy asked, her heartbreaking.

"Just because we can't be together now doesn't mean we can't ever," he said. "But I don't think you should wait for me, Buffy. Live your life. I'm a vampire, and I can't ever give you a life in the sun."

"What if I don't want that?" she said.

"One day, you will," he said. "But I'll be there for you anytime you need me. I'll always have your back."

"Same goes," she said with a small smile. "Things get too bad here, and Kendra gets over her head, promise you will call?"

"I will," he assured her.

"I'll be back in August before school starts, so I'll see you then," she said.

"Will you write to me?" he asked.

"Absolutely," she said. "Oh, Father says the school is run by magic and not electricity. Weird, huh?"

"Drusilla, a vampire I knew long ago, told me once that there was a world of magic out there when we were in Scotland," Angel said in bemusement. "Angelus thought she was just talking crazy."

Buffy laughed. "That's funny," she said. "I can't call you since they don't have phones there, but I will write. They use owls, though, to deliver the mail."

Angel looks surprised. "So if an owl shows up, I'll know why," he said.

Buffy stood. "I need to get home. I'll see you soon, okay? Two months isn't so long," she said.

"No," he agreed, watching her leave. He was happy for her, but it would be hard to be without her. Luckily, he was used to life being hard.

End of Flashback

Buffy was kind of glad that she would have the summer away because it'd help get her used to being away from Angel. Of course, she was going to be away from him at her dad's anyway, but that was two hours away, not on the other side of the planet.

"Do you think Kendra will ever accept Angel's help?" Buffy asked.

"I'm not sure. She is a very traditional slayer," Giles said.

"Well, I'm going to tell her that she better not try and kill him," Buffy said. "I'll be so pissed."

"Let's hope that won't happen," Giles said. "I'll talk to Rodell."

"See you soon," Buffy said.

She hung up and joined her mother for breakfast.

*****Chases'*****

"I can't believe you rather go to summer school than to Puerto Rico with us, honey," her mother said.

"I'm going to Europe, Mom," Cordelia said smugly. "It's not a stepdown. Puerto Rico will still be America's poor stepchild, but I'm going to the Motherland!"

Her dad chuckled. "Well, this house will be so quiet without you," he said.

"I'll be home for a few weeks in two months," Cordelia said.

"But summer school?" her mother said, curling her nose in distaste.

"It's so I can catch up on somethings the other kids already took. I don't want to be the dumb loser," Cordelia said.

"My baby could never be a loser," her mother said, hugging her.

"Make sure you take time to see the sights and take pictures with that new camera I bought you," her dad said.

"I will, Daddy," she said, hugging him.

"Call or write us as soon as you can," her mother said.

"And watch your purse," her dad advised. "You can't be too careful when in another country. There are thieves everyone looking to take advantage of young girls or too trusting Americans."

"I will, Daddy," she said. Cordelia still couldn't believe it was happening. Her life was about to change forever. The summer was just a taste of what would be her new life would be.

*****Rosenbergs'*****

"Now, Willow, we will be in Germany, so no need to write us," her mother said.

"We will send you post cards of our travels," her father said.

"Study hard," her mother said.

"Don't forget to read the Torah and study your Hebrew," her father said.

"I won't," Willow promised. "I think ancient languages is a required class."

"You will have an amazing time," her mother said. "There is so much cultural in Europe. Take time to appreciate it."

"I will," Willow said. She couldn't believe that she was about to go to a magic school!

*****Harris'*****

"Well, I'm ready to go to school," Xander said, his large duffel bag on his shoulder.

"Don't read too many books," his dad said with a snicker.

"Don't eat any food you don't recognize," his mother said.

"Okay," Xander said. "I'll write you." Should he warn them about the owls or let it be a surprise?

He grinned thinking of his dad's face and said nothing.

"I'll miss you," his mom said, hugging him.

"I'll come back in August and spend two weeks here before classes start," Xander said.

"We're not paying for another trip," his dad said firmly.

Xander saw no point in reminding his dad that he wasn't paying for anything now. "No worries. I got it covered," he said. Xander was never more grateful for his parents half-hearted interest because how could he explain that he was magically teleporting to another country?

"Stay out of trouble," he dad said. "And don't trust any Germans. The French aren't much better either."

"Sure," Xander said with an easy smile.

"But their foods are good," his mom added. "Try everything."

His parents started bickering over the food. "Okay, bye!" he said. Then he turned and walked out the door. He walked slowly down the street, and when he turned the corner, he broke out into his happy Snoopy Dance.

*****Summers'*****

Severus arrived at his daughter's house, but there wasn't anyone in the living room that he appeared in. He could see bags, so he knew that everyone was ready to go. "Buffy? Joyce?" he called out. He went into the kitchen and noticed movement in the backyard. When he got to the kitchen door and opened it, Joyce was standing there. "Joyce? What's going on?"

"Oh, Severus, sorry," she said. "Buffy is sparring with the new slayer, Kendra."

Severus saw that everyone was standing back watching, so he looked and observed his daughter fighting with a dark-skinned young girl. He watched in stunned disbelief as his daughter fought the other girl. The two girls moved with incredible speed and elegance. They were using swords, causing him to look at Joyce in disapproval. "Someone is going to get killed or maimed!" he exclaimed.

"It is a bit upsetting to watch," Joyce agreed. "Rupert assures me they will be fine."

"Buffy's been training with Angel on swords, and she is very adept, I assure you," Giles said. "Don't drop your shoulder, Buffy!"

Buffy adjusted and then disarmed Kendra, knocking her down. "That was fun!" she remarked.

"You are very good," Kendra said as Buffy held out her hand and helped her up.

"It's been a while since I've had such a good workout," Buffy said. "Angel can keep up with me, but he doesn't like to go full out."

"Who is Angel?" Kendra asked.

"Glad you asked," Buffy said. "I wanted to tell you about him. He's a very good friend who fights by my side, and I trust him completely."

"Someone else who knows your secret?" she asked, looking at her friends standing nearby in disapproval.

"Angel has been quite helpful," Giles added, looking at Sam. "He is going to take care of the Master's bones tonight."

"Since we're leaving, you'll need someone to watch your back," Xander said. "Deadboy's good in a fight."

"Deadboy?" Kendra asked, confused.

"That's the thing that might bother you," Buffy said, giving Xander a look to silent him. "Angel is a vampire that was cursed by gypsies, and he has a soul."

"You consort with vampires?" Kendra asked, shocked. She looked at Giles. "You allow this?"

Giles could feel Sam's condemnation and started to spit out a reply, but Buffy beat him to it. "Well, I don't need Giles to allow me to do anything. He's my Watcher, not my warden. If I'm the one risking my life, I get a say in who does or does not fight by my side," Buffy said pointedly. "Angel is good, and if you try to stake him, I will come back to this town and kick your ass!"

Kendra crossed her arms. "You will try," she stated.

"Well, how about we go another round without swords? I'll beat you in hand to hand just as easily," Buffy said confidently. "You have perfect form, but you lack imagination. You have no passion, no fire. I will beat you every time."

"She's not wrong," Giles said quietly to Sam. "Kendra is too controlled and rigid. The hellmouth is anything but controlled."

"Learn to roll with the punches or the town will kill you," Buffy said firimly. "Remember why you were called. I died after just a year. It was my friend there who saved my life." Buffy pointed at Xander. "If you can't allow anyone to help you, you will not have anyone there to help you when you're dead or dying."

"Buffy, your Father is here. It's time to go," Joyce said, interrupting before things escalated.

Buffy looked up and saw her father. "Hey, Father!" she said, moving to hug him. "We're so excited to be going. This is Kendra, the new slayer. Kendra, this is my father, Severus Snape. He's a wizard and potion master at this magic school in Scotland that's named after a hog that has warts."

Severus looked scandalized at her description of his beloved school. "That is most definitely not where the name comes from!" he exclaimed.

Buffy grinned and looked smug. She turned to Xander. "Told you that he'd freak!" she said.

"That was a sucker's bet," Willow commented.

"Can we go already? Watching Buffy play with a sword is not my idea of a good time," Cordelia complained.

Severus stared at Cordelia, seeing her for the first time.

She was his blood, the daughter of his beloved sister. Her haughty hair and beautiful profile struck him, and he smiled at her with much warmth. "Yes, l am ready," he said.

Cordelia beamed at him. "Your dad is so much cooler than you, Buffy," Cordelia said.

"Whatever. I'm a slayer and a witch. How much cooler can I get?" Buffy said smugly. "Plus, my American dad is going to buy me shoes from Prada's new line."

Cordelia looked surprised. "Seriously?"

"Too bad you have those giant horse feet, Cordy, or you could borrow them," Xander said, grinning.

"I can't wait to learn the spell that will turn you into the jackass you already are," Cordelia replied, glaring at him.

Joyce looked alarmed. "Severus," she said.

"Children, stop it. I will teach you all about hexes later, and you can practice them. But first you must master years one and two. Hexes aren't until year four," Severus said.

The teens grinned, more excited than ever. "He is joking, Mom," Buffy told her mother, who was looking more and more upset. She turned to Severus, daring him to argue.

"There will be no hexing," he assured Joyce. No need to tell her about the Weasley twins' special aptitude with them.

They said goodbye to Kendra and her watcher, and then gathered into the living room. "I have a portkey that will take us all at once," Severus said. "It will feel really strange, but you must not let go of the key until you land at Hogwarts."

"What happens if you let go?" Xander asked.

Severus gave him a pointed look. "It is best not to let go," he said.

"Don't forget to write," Joyce said. "I will work on getting things ready at my end."

"Albus would be delighted to have you join us at Hogwarts. Did you receive a letter from him yet?" Severus asked her.

She nodded. "Yes. I am to teach art history and art," she said. "I'm not sure how well I'll do, though."

"You will be fine," he said. "The students aren't like American muggles. They will treat you with respect and do what you ask."

"That's good," she said, smiling at him.

He held out his hand, and she took it. "I have some things you need to know, so I will write you," he said.

"I look forward to hearing from you," Joyce said. When he gave her a small smile, her pulse sped up. She felt young again.

Buffy was watching her parents with interest and nudged Willow. "Do you see that?" she whispered.

Willow nodded. "There's some major sparkage," she whispered back.

"Now, children, I expect you to behave while at the enchanted castle," Giles said to them, giving Joyce and Severus a moment of privacy as they all looked at him.

"It's an enchanted castle, Giles," Xander said. "I think you're asking too much of us!"

"That's my point," Giles said. "A place as big as Hogwarts will have many things that could cause you some problems. It's not an amusement park."

"We know, Giles. We'll be careful," Buffy assured him. Her friends echoed him.

"I hope we're going to get to go to London and see the sights," Cordelia said. "My dad bought me a new camera. I want to take pictures."

"I will need to check in with the Council, so we can do so at some point," Giles said.

"Are you ready?" Severus asked, stepping away from Joyce.

"Yep!" Buffy said. She hugged her mother. "Bye, Mom. Don't have too much fun without me."

"Be careful, sweetie," Joyce said. She watched them all put their hand on a large umbrella. What? An umbrella? Then they blinked away, and she stood staring at the empty space a long moment. Then she went and grabbed her keys. She had a new manager to train.

*****Chapter End*****

I hope this answered the Amy questions. Not attached to her character enough to bring her into the story, but I can see her helping Kendra. Not sure that Kendra can survive Spike and Dru even with Angel's help. The next chapter DOES have them finally arriving at the school. Did you enjoy the update? Please review. Thanks so much!