"Are you prepared, ladies?" Professor Dumbledore stood with Buffy and Willow at his side. Both girls nodded nervously and Dumbledore gave a command to someone who opened the large double doors at the opposite end of the room.

A moment later, the large banquet hall was roaring with the lively, somewhat obnoxious, conversations of the assortment of students. As they filed into the room, each student made their way to their usual seats at the long tables, separated by the houses. In only a few minutes, their rambling conversations had developed into a jumble of roaring voices. Willow indiscreetly tried to cover her ears against the annoying juvenile loudness. It had been a while since she had been around so many young people; at least a few years since high school, and even then she hadn't understood the need for youths to jabber on so ridiculously.

When the noise had calmed, Professor Dumbledore began his speech to introduce the new teachers. The students respectfully listened to Dumbledore's announcements, well most of the students. There was one table in particular whose occupants remained talkative and ignorant to Dumbledore's words. Buffy noticed them immediately. When the elder professor was finally finished explaining to the students about the necessary absent of a few teachers, he motioned to the two new teachers. He hadn't told the students any more than absolutely imperative for their sake, which really was nothing more than the obvious fact that a few of the teachers would be missing for an undeclared amount of time.

"This is Miss Rosenberg, your new teacher of Transfiguration." Professor Dumbledore acknowledged Willow. She nodded shyly to the crowded room of students and nervously accepted their appropriate applause. "And this is Miss Summers, the new headmistress of the Gryffindor house." Buffy stepped forward, just as insecure as Willow. "Please make them feel welcome." The students clapped routinely while the new teachers continued to stand awkwardly at the front of the room. "Perhaps the professors would like to say a few words before I continue." Dumbledore turned to the girls. Willow quickly pushed Buffy forward.

It was a nerve-racking experience. In fact, even with all her years of slaying, Buffy decided that this moment very possibly ranked highest in terrifying. She was standing in front of a room full of magically talented students who were clearly judging her in every aspect. She felt as though she may have well been naked. Luckily, the students were all respectfully silent. She doubted if she could have bared it if they had been blatantly chattering about her. If there was anything she couldn't handle, it was being the object of gossip.

"I am so honored that Professor Dumbledore has given me this opportunity to come here and work with all of you...umm...gifted students." Buffy fumbled through her unplanned speech. "I know I cannot replace Professor McGonagall in any way, but I honestly hope to at least be able to measure up to her qualifications and not to disappoint any of you." She smiled kindly, keeping her hands clasped tightly behind her back so none of the students could see her trembling. As she stepped back to her seat, Willow took her hand comfortingly.

Dumbledore looked at the redhead but she shook her head. "Professor Rosenberg seems to have nothing to say and so I shall continue." He turned to an older student who obediently brought forward a very old looking black hat. "Along with these two new professors, Hogwarts also welcomes a new student. Though this is her first year at Hogwarts, she will be joining the fifth years as an experienced witch." A murmur rumbled through the curious students and Dumbledore had to wait for quiet before he continued. "Dawn Sutten, please come up here." The students again began to murmur as a tall brunette made her way to the front of the room. Following the old professor's instructions, she sat on a chair set up on a platform and waited patiently and silently as the professor placed the peculiar hat on her head.

"Hmm..." a deep, grumbling voice spoke from the old hat. Dawn and the two new professors jumped in surprise. "I can't say I'm surprised. Quite expected actually." It was silent again and Dawn started growing a little anxious. Then it suddenly spoke again, this time louder and more definite. "Gryffindor." Dumbledore smiled and removed the hat from her head while the occupants at one long table erupted in applause.

"You may join your house, Miss Sutten." Dumbledore motioned Dawn towards the cheering table and she scurried over to join the other Gryffindor students. "That is all of the announcements for this evening. Enjoy your meal."

Buffy and Willow ate at the front of the room with the other professors. "I hope Dawn is okay." Buffy whispered to Willow. The redhead nodded in agreement and watched the young Summers with concern.

"Hey," Dawn was pleased to see that she would be in the same house as the boys she had met at the train station. She smiled and slid onto the long stone bench beside Harry.

"Hullo!" Harry grinned. "I'm glad you're in Gryffindor."

"Yea, me too I guess. I mean I don't really understand this whole house thing, but I'm glad that I'm with you..." Dawn blushed when she realized what she had said. "I mean...I'm glad that I know someone..."

Harry nodded. "I'm glad you're with me too."

Ron, who was seated directly across the table from Dawn, leaned over to greet her. "I'm sure you'll love Hogwarts and Harry and I will be sure to show you around!"

The girl seated next to Ron was frowning. She pushed back a thick piece of her curly brown hair and joined the conversation. "So, how experienced are you?"

Dawn blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Dumbledore said you were an experienced witch. So how experienced are you?" She waited with an arched eyebrow.

"Umm..." Dawn didn't know how to answer the impertinent girl. She wasn't very experienced at all. She really wasn't sure why Dumbledore had lied about her skills.

"Hermione, stop being a pain." Harry scolded the girl before Dawn had a chance to answer. "Leave Dawn alone."

The girl, Hermione, rolled her eyes and returned her attention to her meal. Dawn turned to Harry and spoke quietly enough for only him to hear. "Thanks."

"Anytime." Harry smiled again. Dawn was beginning to like his smile. "Perhaps after supper, you'd like for me to show you around a bit."

"That would be..." Dawn was cut off as the banquet hall's heavy doors were thrown open. They swung into the walls with an echoing bang. All eyes turned to the doorway where the mysterious Professor Spike was standing, dressed in his usual attire of black leather and a cigarette clenched between his lips.

"Sorry to be late..." He waved casually to the group and started walking towards the front of the room but stopped halfway. His eyes widened in shock and his mouth dropped open; his cigarette fell to the floor. "Bloody hell!" His eyes were focused on the slayer.