Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Harry Potter. This story is just for entertainment value and nothing more.
Timeline: After Season 2 of Buffy and starts where book 5 of Harry Potter would have started but after those points this story is completely AU. Harry and Buffy are both 16 (before you say anything I know this is wrong according to the show and books but this is my story and it fits my purpose better if they are 16)
Pairing: Harry/Buffy, Hermione/Ron, Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia
(AN: Just a quick note to everybody, I just wanted to thank you for reading and reviewing it is greatly appreciated)
Chapter 10
The student body was in an uproar about the dance coming up, they were especially excited about the fact that there was a Hogsmeade weekend coming up at the end of the week, so they all could get their outfits together.
"You've got to be kidding me Giles," Buffy screeched, "I need to get a dress for the dance."
"Buffy, now that your fath…Voldemort is looking for you, we have to keep you safe away from him," Giles tried to reason with her.
"Please, like he is going to try to do anything in front of the whole school and the town," Buffy hissed, "I am going and that's it, and we are going to go to London cause I am so not going to wear those robes."
"I am your watcher and I am putting my foot down, and that face is not going to work," Buffy was giving her best pout. "It's not working," Giles took his glasses off so he wouldn't have to look, "Fine, but I will be with you the whole time."
"Thank you Giles," Buffy squealed as she threw her arms around his neck.
The group of teens and Giles headed to Hogmeade for the afternoon. They split up, the boys went to go find their dress robes while the girls went and found some supplies, of course Giles went with the girls. They found a small jewelry shop.
"How may I help you," A woman from behind the counter asked the girls.
"We were just looking, thank you," Hermione absently stated as she started looking around.
Buffy was looking around, when she was drawn to a pair of delicate diamond earrings and a necklace. The necklace was a white gold choker that had diamonds all around the white gold band, there was a cross that was dangling from the middle, also lined with diamonds, and where the diamonds met in the middle of the cross was a ruby. Buffy was hypnotized by the necklace she couldn't take her eyes off of it.
"How much for this," Buffy forced her gaze away from the necklace and to the shopkeeper.
"Oh, that is a beautiful piece of jewelry. It was made for you my dear," The shopkeeper happily stated, "I feel inspired to make you a deal, you can have the necklace and the earrings for 103 galleons, 12 sickles and 27 knuts."
"Deal," Buffy pulled out her bag of money and gave the shopkeeper the desired amount.
The group left the jewelry store after Hermione decided on a pair of pearl earrings and a matching pearl necklace. The group headed off to the Three Broomsticks where they were meeting Ron and Harry for lunch before they went to muggle London.
"So what did you girls find?" Harry asked as he casually placed his arm around Buffy's shoulders.
"You'll have to wait for the dance to see," Hermione playful swatted Ron away from her bags.
"Are you guys going to come with us to Muggle London to find our dresses?" Buffy asked as she eagerly munched on a BLT sandwich and sipped on her butter beer.
"We were thinking about heading to the Quidditch shop to look at the new Firebolt," Ron excitedly supplied.
"Alright, we better go find Giles so we can get this show on the road," Buffy stood up and started digging for her money.
"Don't worry about it, I got the bill," Harry politely offered as he also stood up and gave his girlfriend a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Ok, then we're going to find Giles so we can get our dresses," Buffy smiled softly at him.
Buffy and Hermione found their dresses quickly in London. Hermione decided on a dark green spaghetti strap dress that fit tightly at the top and flowed out the further it went down. Buffy picked a deep red satin strapless dress that clung to her body in the most flattering way.
"Are you girls ready to head back to the school now?" Giles sighed in relief.
"Sure thing Watcher-mine," Buffy smiled brilliantly at him.
As the girls arrived back at the common room the boys were eagerly awaiting their arrival by the fire. They both quickly stood and made their way over to the new arrivals.
"Lets see your dresses," Ron tried to peer into Hermione's bag, who in turn quickly snatched it away.
"You can see it when we leave for the dance," Hermione smirked at her date.
"But 'Mione that is so far away," Ron whined.
"What fun would it be if you saw it now?" Hermione argued. The two started bickering as they walked off.
"Those two are hopeless," Buffy smiled.
"Can I see your dress?" Harry gave Buffy his most charming smile.
Buffy leaned in close and whispered in Harry's ear, "Not on your life, buster. You should have gone with."
Both of them chuckled and walked over to the coach where Hermione and Ron were still arguing.
"Buffy has Giles said when you are going to be able to patrol again?" Ron casually asked.
"Nope, he has Dumblebee on his side now too," Buffy overly exaggerated a sigh.
"Honestly, Buffy don't you think it is for the best?" Hermione quickly added at her friends look, "For now, at least until you learn a wider range of magic?"
"I can handle myself. I should be out there protecting the vast majority from things that go bump in the night, not to mention my dear ol' daddy," Buffy added the last part sarcastically.
"But Buffy…" Hermione started.
"No, Hermione I should be out there," Buffy repeated in a stern voice.
"So…the dance is in a week are we going to meet here in the common room," Harry changed the topic.
"Yeah, how about seven?" Buffy asked her companions, which they all happily agreed to.
"Buffy are you feeling alright?" Giles inquired.
"Yeah, I just have a bad feeling is all. I feel like somebody is watching me," Buffy absently replied.
"Do you think it is your slayer instincts?" Giles asked.
"I don't know maybe, or maybe it's just a bad feeling," Buffy said, "I don't think there is anything to worry about."
"When did this start?" Giles pushed on.
"I don't know, um…right around Hogsmeade I guess," Buffy casually replied.
"Really? Did anything happen out of the ordinary?" He continued to inquire.
'No Giles, you were there the whole time," Buffy sighed, "I think I am done training for today."
"Well if you think of anything happening let me know," He called after her.
"Fine what ever," Buffy shot back.
Buffy absently walked through the halls when she felt somebody watching her again. She quickly turned around but didn't find anybody. When she started walking again she almost ran into Draco.
"What do you want Draco?" Buffy sighed.
"Where did you get that necklace?"
"I bought it from Hogsmeade, why?"
"Um…nothing never mind," Draco started walking away.
"Draco?" Buffy called after him.
Draco turned to look at her with questioning eyes.
"Do you think we could be, I don't know friends or at least civil to each other?" Buffy urged.
"What?" Draco's confusion showed on his face.
"We're cousins and I don't have much family now, I mean with my mom not being my mom and the fact that my real mom is dead and never really wanted me. Let's not get started on my dad," Buffy rambled.
Draco stared at her incredulously for a minute, "But you're a Gryffindor."
"And you're a Slytherin so what? That doesn't change the fact that we're cousins," Buffy sighed in defeat and turned to start walking away.
"I believe that necklace you are wearing was your mothers," Draco offered.
Buffy turned to smile at him, "That's way descent of you. My mom's huh? I wonder how the shop got it?"
"Your mother was a Gryffindor too, your father was a Slytherin," Draco informed her.
"Did you ever meet her?" Buffy pleaded.
"No she died when I was a toddler but I have seen pictures and she was beautiful. She looked quite a bit like you," Draco tried to comfort her.
"Well, I figured I didn't get my looks from pa," Buffy chuckled.
"No I suppose not," The two stood in the hallway awkwardly for a moment, "Well I better be getting to practice."
"Oh ok," Buffy paused for a moment, "Thank you Draco." Buffy then made a decision and hugged her cousin then quickly walked away.
Draco stood staring at her retreating form when he turned around and ran into George and Fred Weasley.
"You wouldn't be planning to hurt our girl now would you?" George had a threatening note to his voice.
"We don't like it when people try to mess with our girl's," Fred continued.
"I was doing no such thing," Draco defended himself, "She's my cousin you bloody pillocks."
"Well, whatever she is to you," George continued.
"If you harm her in anyway," Fred put in.
"Us, Ron and Harry will all make sure you pay for it," George stated.
"Have a good day," The twins said in unison as they walked away.
Draco stared after them in disbelief, he didn't realize his cousin inspired such loyalties, such fierce desire to protect her, in everybody. Lost in his own thoughts he walked away towards the Quidditch pitch for practice. He failed to take notice of the rat in the dark corner.
Voldemort sat peering into a bowl again, "Yesss, Wormtail you have done very well. This information will be extremely useful."
"Thank you Master," Peter bowed low to the ground and slowly backed away before Voldemort's mood changed.
"Lucius," Voldemort called.
"Yes master," Lucius greeted as he entered the room to bow.
"I would like you to send word to Draco…" Voldemort continued to tell Lucius his plan.
Draco received a letter by owl from his father and to say he was shocked by what the letter requested of him would be a lie. He expected it, to be quite honest, but he wasn't sure what he was going to do about it. Draco decided that he would go and speak with his head of house. He
hesitantly knocked on his professor's door.
"Enter," Professor Snape growled.
"Professor may I speak with you?" The Slytherin stepped into Snape's office.
"Yes, Draco, what is it?" Snape sat back in his seat.
"I have a dilemma sir. I received a letter this evening, from my father," He paused when Snape's head jerked up.
"Your father?" The greasy haired professor murmured.
"Yes, and he has requested my assistance in a matter having to do with my cousin," Draco danced around the topic.
"I see, and what is your problem," Snape's beady eyes bored into his students.
"I don't really want to help but if I don't it could be bad for myself," Draco confirmed.
"Can I read the letter?" Snape questioned.
"Yes, of course sir," Draco reached into his robes and retrieved his fathers letter.
Snape carefully read over the letter, noting exactly what the plan was.
"I see your problem," Snape lapsed into a deep concentration.
"What do you suppose I should do?" Draco looked to his mentor for some sort of advice.
"I think you should do whatever your father requests of you," Snape paused.
"Professor I can't, she's my cousin," Draco continued at his Professor's incredulous look, "She and I spoke this afternoon, I don't know what it is but she brings out a protectiveness in people. I just can't bring myself to put her in harms way."
"If you don't it could very well be your life," Professor Snape solemnly confirmed Draco's fears.
Draco depressingly shook his head in agreement, "Do you think I should tell her?" His hopefulness almost shone through his eyes.
Saturday came around and all the teens were busy rushing around getting ready for the dance. Hermione and Buffy were getting ready together. Buffy was straightening Hermione's hair and adding softer more subtle curls to it. Hermione's make up was done lightly with a shimmer-y light pink lip-gloss.
Buffy's hair was up in a clippie claw that flowed over the top of the clippie claw in soft curls with wisps of hair framing her face. Her make up was done a little darker with added eyeliner and mascara, her lips were done in a deeper red glossy lipstick. Both girls had their jewelry they bought at Hogsmeade on as well.
The boys were nervously waiting for their dates down in the common room. Ron was pacing the room back and forth while Harry was, deceptively, casually lounging on the coach.
Ginny came down, in a black tight fitting dress, to meet her date, which was Neville Longbottom, "Are Hermione and Buffy almost ready?" Ron nervously screeched at his sister.
"They were coming right behind me," Ginny told her brother as she grabbed Neville's arm and walked out the common room door.
Harry stood up to stand by his best friends side as they watched Ginny and Neville leave. The boys jumped at hearing a throat clear behind them, "Ah-hem."
Harry quickly turned around and his gaze was stuck on the most beautiful vision he ever saw. He rushed to her side and offered her his hand, "You look wonderful."
"You don't look so bad yourself,' Buffy took a moment to admire Harry in his dress robes that resembled a tuxedo.
Harry couldn't take his eyes off of her. He offered her his arm and she took it. The two looked over to Hermione and Ron who were having a much less intelligent conversation.
"Uh…you….uh…" Ron stuttered out.
"Thank you Ron you look dashing in your dress robes," Hermione offered, "Much nicer then last years."
Ron blushed a deep red that reached his ears, "Well, yes thank you."
The two couples walked to the Great Hall where the dance was being held. When they walked in they spotted the area where the dance floor was and then they spotted the area where there was a bunch of round tables set up. The couples sat at a table where Ginny and Neville were sitting.
"You look very nice Ginny," Buffy informed the younger girl.
"Thank you, you look lovely also," She replied.
Harry leaned over and whispered in Buffy's ear, "Would you like to dance?"
"Yippy," Buffy squealed as she jumped up and dragged Harry out to the floor.
"Hermione, um…would you like to dance?" Ron asked his date.
"Of course I would Ronald," She let Ron help her up from her seat.
The two couples were lost in their own worlds as they danced. Buffy laid her head on Harry's shoulder as they swayed to the slow song that came on.
"Buffy?" He softly spoke.
"Mm-hm," She answered in a content sigh.
"I know we haven't known each other for long but…" Harry trailed off.
Buffy jerked her head off of his shoulder, "What's wrong Harry?"
"Oh nothing, I just wanted to say something,:" He could feel her relax as he spoke.
"Well what is it?" Buffy probed.
"Well..." Harry took in a deep breath, "Iloveyou," He said in a rush of words that took Buffy a minute to process.
"You what?" Buffy stopped dead in her tracks.
Harry took in another deep breath, "I love you."
Buffy was quite for a moment before she broke off into a wide grin, "You know I didn't think it was possible to ever fall in love again but I love you too."
Harry practically glowed at her declaration of love for him and he swiftly leaned down and captured her lips with his in a gentle but passionate kiss. The couple danced to a few more songs and then headed back to their table.
"Bloody hell, what does he want?" Ron hissed.
Buffy looked over and noticed the blonde slicked back hair of Draco, "Oh, we have been playing nice. You know with him being my cousin and all and not having much family left and all. He really can be some what decent."
The table looked at her in stunned silence, "What?"
"What are you talking about? He is a slimy evil git," Ron blurted out.
"Well I am willing to give him a chance. Everybody deserves a second chance. I think he is putting up an act for his house and his father, but I think deep down he is a good guy," Buffy causally replied.
"Excuse me but may I have a dance with my cousin," Draco was not asking permission from anybody other then the tiny blonde sitting next to his enemy.
'Sure thing," Buffy stood up and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek when he sent a concerned look her way.
Draco led Buffy out onto the dance floor, "You look lovely tonight."
"Thanks," Buffy smiled.
The two danced for a moment before Draco spoke, "I have to tell you something."
"What is it? Are you ok?" The concern in her voice made Draco's decision even easier.
"I received a letter from my father a few days ago," He paused for only a second, "He made a request of me that was for the Dark Lord."
Buffy instantly stopped dancing as her green eyes locked with his silver ones and she knew what he was trying to tell her.
"The only reason I didn't tell you earlier is because it could mean my life," He looked away for a moment, "But you have shown me more compassion in a few short months then most have shown me in a life time and…and I just wanted to warn you before I had to continue with the plan. I hope you understand that I have to do it." Draco informed her of the plan he was forced into.
Buffy gave him a saddened smile and nodded her head, "I do understand. Draco, thank you for giving me the heads up. It means a lot to me." With that said Buffy kissed her cousin on the cheek and gave him a small hug as she set off to find her Watcher, they had to come up with a plan of action quickly.
Buffy was rushing towards her watcher when her boyfriend stopped her, "What's going on?"
"Harry I need you to take Hermione and Ron to the common room," Buffy pleaded.
"I absolutely will not, not until you tell me what is going on," Harry gave her a determined look.
"There is something going down. So please listen to me and get as many Gryffindor's out of here as possible," Buffy tried pleading with her boyfriend.
"If something is happening I want to be here with you, Buffy," Harry tried to convince her.
"Harry, if you stay you will get me killed. I will be too worried about you to concentrate on the fight," She informed him.
"Okay, but promise me you'll be careful," He relented.
"I always am," Buffy gave Harry a hundred watt smile.
"That's not very comforting," Harry gave her a passionate kiss, "I love you."
"I love you too," She assured him.
Harry walked off to find as many of his housemates as he could.
"Giles we have to get all the kids out of here," Buffy interrupted her watchers conversation.
"What is wrong?" Giles questioned.
"Voldemort has a plan and it has to do with crashing the party," Buffy replied.
"I am heading to my room to get my weapons and changing. You work on getting all the kids to their respective common rooms," Buffy ran off before getting a reply.
Buffy loaded up on stakes, holy water, a cross bow, a dagger and a long sword, before changing and heading out of her room. She also grabbed her wand and put it in her hair to hold it in place. As she was leaving she ran into her friends.
"Buffy, won't you let us help you," Hermione's fear for her friend shone through her eyes.
"It will be better if you guys stay up here. I can't worry about you and concentrate on the fight, it's likely to get at least one of us killed," Buffy smiled at her friends. She started to walk away, she turned back to take one last look at her friends and said, "I'll be okay," before she turned back and exited the common room.
"Are we really going to let her face what ever evil Voldemort has in store for her?" Hermione looked to her friends with tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
"No, let me grab my cloak," Harry's eyes were locked on where his girlfriend just walked out moments ago.
Buffy and Giles met in the Entrance Hall. Giles had brought quite a few of the professors to the little gathering.
"Now what is going on?" Giles demanded.
"One of the students has been forced to follow Volleymore's plan, which includes inviting a group of dangerous vampires onto the school grounds. With the vamps there is going to be a group of death eaters and Volleymore himself. Their plan is to capture me and leave. Did you get all the students to their common rooms?" Buffy prepared herself for battle as she explained the situation.
"Yes every student that attended the dance is now in their common room," Giles informed his charge.
"Ok, maybe the professor's should get to their rooms as well? I am not going to be responsible for any deaths tonight," Buffy offered.
"We are not going to let one of our students go into a battle without any back up," Dumbledore stated matter-of-factly.
"Fine, we should set up shop in the Great Hall," At the quizzical looks Buffy offered as explanation, "Only one way in."
Buffy led the way into the Great Hall and set up for the fight ahead of them. Nobody noticed the three students huddled in the corner under the cloak.
"Okay, I will be in the front line battling the great evil, if you can zap them with the mojo do it, but at no means are you to do hand to hand. Do we understand each other?" Buffy took the lead as general.
When she heard the murmurs of agreement come from her professor's she turned to the Great Hall doors. Which burst open at that moment.
"Oh good, you brought me some toys Daddy," Buffy mocked.
"Isabella, you are going to come with me tonight even if I have to kill everybody here," Voldemort informed her.
"You will not touch them," Buffy had a dangerous undertone in her voice.
"The slayer has power greater then yours, she has weaknesses though. The stars tell me that our present will be of great distress. Ms. Edith wants to watch. Bring out Daddy," Drusilla rambled as she stepped out of the shadows swaying from side to side.
"Yes, pet let's bring out Daddy," Spike hissed sarcastically.
"Dru," Buffy added in an overly cheerful voice, "And Spike, I thought she dumped you."
"You bloody little bitch, I'll rip out your throat," Spike was cut off by Voldemort.
"You can kill who you want but you will not harm my daughter," Voldemort coldly said.
"Yes love, Daddy wouldn't be happy either. You know how he will love to get back at our precious slayer for sending him to hell," At Drusilla's insane rambles Buffy jerked her head towards her.
"Angel?" Buffy whispered.
"Oh didn't you know love, Angelus is back. Your Pop brought him back as a present for you," Spike smirked.
"That's not possible," Buffy denied.
"Oh it is Lover," Angelus strutted from behind the group, "I'm back."
Giles quickly rushed to his Slayer's side, "Buffy are you ok?"
Buffy was staring at Angelus for a minute before she replied, "It changes nothing. I've sent him to hell once I can do it again." Giles didn't miss the tear that slipped down her cheek. The look in her eyes was quickly replaced by a steely resolve.
"You should have stayed in hell Angel," Buffy defiantly lifted her chin up.
"And miss seeing you, never. Besides sweetheart Angel's dead," Angelus smirked.
Buffy raised her sword as a silent gesture for the battle to begin. Voldemort allowed Angelus to continue the confrontation with his daughter.
"Remember, don't kill her," Voldemort warned.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Angelus murmured.
Voldemort transfigured a sword for him. Angelus held the sword up as Buffy beckoned him to start. He obligingly did an arching downward swing that Buffy easily deflected.
"Is that all you got, lover," Buffy stated the last part mockingly.
"I'm just getting warmed up. I can dance all night," Angelus and Buffy's swords were locked together, both holding the other off as Buffy took her foot to push off from him.
"This won't take all night," Buffy thrusted her sword upward which Angelus parried and pushed her back. Then he swung his sword from left to right, Buffy spun away from it. As she was spinning she swung her sword from right to left, which caught Angelus in the arm.
"You bitch," He hissed through clenched teeth.
"Sorry did I rip your shirt," Buffy innocently offered.
Angelus swung his sword in an upward motion, which Buffy blocked with her own sword. She then brought her sword down in an arch like manner from over her head. She caught Angelus in the shoulder. She affectively left Angelus without the use of his right arm. Angelus quickly did a flurry of thrusts and stabbing motions, one of which caught Buffy in the side. She quickly did a flip backwards before Angelus could do any more damage. Angelus slowly advanced on her when she lashed out in a roundhouse kick to his upper shoulder, knocking him back. While he was regaining his footing she backhanded him across the jaw, spinning him around.
"ENOUGH," Voldemort roared, "Go get him before he gets himself killed."
Voldemort stepped out to face off with his daughter, "You will come with me and be in your rightful home.
"Never," Buffy positively voiced.
"Isabella, you sweet naïve child. I will have what I want," He reached out a hand to caress her cheek, Buffy flinched away from it.
"I am your father and you will not defy me," He stepped closer and slapped her across the face. Her head was turned to the side with the force of the impact. She slowly turned her head back to look in to the cold red eyes of her father.
"I would rather die, then stand by your side," Buffy held her chin high in defiance.
"You will learn your place," Voldemort pointed his wand and hissed, "Crucio"
Buffy was prepared for the pain that was inevitable when nothing happed she looked to Giles who was staring in shock with the rest of the rooms occupants.
"What is this?" Voldemort screamed.
Buffy fingered her necklace with a small smile on her face, "A gift from the dead."
Voldemort looked to the necklace and at once recognized it, "Where did you get that?"
"Bought it," Buffy shrugged as she did a jumping kick to his stomach.
"You filthy traitor you will pay for that," One of the death eaters stepped out of the crowd, "Crucio"
Buffy wasn't prepared for this attack, at that moment they all realized that the necklace was only a protective charm against Voldemort himself. The spell ended and Buffy aimed her cross bow at one of the lackey vampire minions and shot him straight through the heart. She quickly reloaded and did the same to the vampire that was next to the pile of dust. Before she could do a third a group of vampires attacked her. Buffy quickly flipped backwards and caught one in the jaw with her foot as she avoided the attack by a second one. The third one aimed a punch to her jaw, which she easily defended. She did a spin and as she was spinning she took off the head of the first vampire that was regaining his bearings with her sword, who in turned combusted into dust. One of the remaining two vampires landed a kick to her chest with a sickening crack, which caused her to fly backwards a few paces. She quickly regained her footing as one approached her, she grabbed the stake she hid in the waist of her jeans and staked the vampire through the heart. The last of the three vampires charged her, which she spun away from to reach across his chest so she could jab him in the heart. With all three vampires gone Buffy looked up with a fire in her eyes.
"You guys have to be kidding me, I haven't even broken a sweat," Buffy looked into her father's eyes defiantly.
"You are a better fighter then I originally thought," Voldemort gave a signal. With the signal all of the death eaters started attacking the professors. With the rest of the professors distracted and Buffy standing up to her father nobody noticed the vampire that snuck up behind her and ripped off the necklace. Buffy quickly disposed of that vampire although she couldn't find her necklace.
Voldemort noticed this and quickly took advantage of his opportunity, "Crucio."
Buffy was not expecting it and fell to her knees in pain. She bit down on her cheek so she wouldn't scream out. She shakily rose to her feet looking Voldemort in the eyes as pain ripped through her limbs.
"You have a strong will," Voldemort thoughtfully murmured, "It will be hard to break you, I would expect nothing less from my daughter."
He let up his curse for a moment, "Will you join me now?"
"Never,": Buffy panted out.
"Incendio," At the uttered spell Buffy quickly turned to see a vampire burst into flames and Harry pointing his wand at it.
"Harry? No, you're not suppose to be here," Buffy looked to him with wide eyes.
The battle waged around them all, as Death eaters and Professors fell. There didn't appear to be any causality's at that moment.
"Crucio," Voldemort cast the spell once more upon Buffy who stayed on her feet this time. She looked upon the scene in front of her in horror as she saw her boyfriend rush to her.
"Buffy," Harry yelled as he was running to her side.
"Isn't this sweet," Voldemort drawled as he lifted the spell, "Harry Potter and Isabella Riddle in love. It is sickeningly sweet."
"Not to long ago she was in love with me, then she sent me to hell," Angelus smirked, "I would watch your back if I were you boy."
Harry looked at Angelus with sudden understanding. Harry leant Buffy a hand to keep her steady.
"I will have you," Voldemort yelled as the death eaters and vampires alike started disappearing.
Buffy slowly walked closer to him and grounded out, "You are a filthy monster and I will never stand by your side. You will have to kill me first."
Voldemort's cold eyes silently promised her more attempts in the future as he disappeared.
"They must have had port key's. They could not have apparated on the school grounds," Hermione meekly spoke up.
Buffy turned tired eyes to her friend as she slowly gave into her weakened limbs, "I told you guys to stay in the common room," She was too tired to have much fight in her words.
"Did you really think we would miss this," Ron smiled.
Giles was at Buffy's side by now, "Buffy, how are you?"
"I'll be fine," Buffy quietly assured, "How did they bring him back Giles?"
"I don't know," Giles took off his glasses to polish them on the hem of his shirt, "The only resurrection spells for vampires I have ever heard of requires the dust or bones of the vampire, but there was no bones or dust left. They were sucked into Acathla when he was sent to hell."
"Giles, we need Willow," Buffy sighed, "She's the only one alive that has ever successfully performed the re-ensouling spell."
Buffy slowly stood up with Harry's help, "I don't know how you are still standing," Harry carefully put an arm around her shoulder to steady her. "You're bleeding."
"I'll be fine," Buffy turned to the professor's, "How did we come out?"
"Some minor injuries nothing too major. There was no casualties," Giles assured his charge.
"Good," Buffy turned back to Giles, "Will you go send word to Willow for me?"
"Of course," With that Giles left to speak with Dumbledore about creating stronger protection barriers for the school. He quickly turned around and spoke to Buffy's friends, "Get her to the infirmary."
Buffy knew when to not argue with her watcher and this was one of those times.
"Well I guess getting hit by three Cruciatus spells is what it takes to get you to the infirmary willingly," Ron tried to joke.
"I guess so," Buffy quietly agreed as Harry valiantly picked his girlfriend up in his arms to carry her to the infirmary.
"Buffy?" Draco roared as he rushed to his cousin's side.
Buffy lifted her head to peer at her cousin, who was a bit roughed up with a gash on his forehead and his clothes dirty, "What happened to you?"
"I tried to stop them after speaking with you one of the vampire's hit me in the head and then my father stupefied me," He growled out.
"Are you ok?" Buffy inquired as she let her head fall to her boyfriends shoulder.
"You had to invite them in first before you tried to stop them, right?" Harry fiercely asked.
"Well, yes," Draco let his head fall in shame.
"You bloody git," Ron advanced on the blonde boy, "After she gave you a chance to be a decent human being."
"Ron, it's ok. He gave me a heads up when we danced. If he didn't do it he could have been killed, actually I'm shocked that they didn't kill you for try to stop them. Anyways, if he didn't warn me then it could have been a lot worse," Buffy quietly defended her cousin. Ron backed off but grumbled quietly to himself. An awkward silence fell onto the teens.
"I am fine. How are you?" Draco slowly looked to his cousin when she didn't answer and noticed she had fallen asleep.
"Malfoy, just count your blessings that she is a better person then I am, otherwise I would kill you," Harry's eyes flashed dangerously at his enemy.
"You really love her don't you Potter?" Draco's eyes never left the cradled figure that was bleeding in Harry's arms.
"Yes, and I would do anything to keep her safe," Draco understood Harry's unvoiced threat.
"I would too," Draco assured as he walked away.
The trio watched the Slytherin prince walk away in stunned silence. The group quickly regained their wits.
"Let's get her to Madam Pomfrey," Harry broke the silence as he looked down at his unconscious girlfriend.
"What's that?" Hermione murmured as she saw something glittering, "It's Buffy's necklace. She'll be so pleased."
Harry took the necklace from Hermione and pocketed it for safe keeping for his girlfriend. The group then headed out to the dreaded infirmary.
At the groups entrance into the infirmary Madame Pomfrey emerged from her office. She quickly rushed to the group and clucked her tongue at the newest patient that would be a handful for her in the coming days.
"She was hit with at least three Cruciatus curses. Her side is bleeding pretty badly. She also got hit pretty hard in the chest, there may be broken ribs," Harry explained.
Madame Pomfrey led the group to an empty bed and started fluttering around the girl. Pomfrey woke Buffy up and forced her to eat a chunk of chocolate. She continued by giving the girl a dreamless sleep potion and another potion to speed up the healing process. She cleaned and mended the gash on the girl's side. She waved her wand over the girl to do a magical x-ray and noticed two of the girl's ribs were broken. She instantly performed a bone-mending spell.
"You three better get back to the common room," Madame Pomfrey gave Harry a stern look when he pulled up a chair next to his girlfriends side, who had already fallen asleep again. "Mister Potter, what do you think you are doing?"
"I'm not leaving her side," Harry stubbornly crossed his arms over his chest.
The mediwitch easily relented when she looked into the boys pleading eyes, "Fine, but Mister Weasley and Miss Granger you have to return to your dormitories at once."
The two teens did not argue, they quickly walked over to Harry and said their farewells. Hermione lightly gave Buffy a hug before they left.
Harry grabbed Buffy's hand and quickly fell asleep with the small comfort.
TBC…