Chapter 3: I didn't do it! Okay, I did.
Once again, the basis of this story comes from mjimeyg's Potter's Protector. Story number 7665632. You should give it a read.
DaughterOfIris23 and Dashti-the-dramione-shipper are the betas for this chapter.
HP-BTVS-HP-BTVS
"Do not give me that, young man. Why did you not tell us that you were a wizard?" McGonagall stated after she dismissed the class. Telling one of the boys to explain to the next teacher that Harry was detained.
"What?! I'm not," Xander declared, waving his hands around in denial. "Me and magic are no-mixy. No, no, no, there has to be some mistake," he stated firmly.
"You just helped a young man to perform magic without a wand," she argued. "You knew where it came from and what it felt like. There is no denying that you must have some magic."
"Joyce!" the one-eyed man cried desperately to the air. He didn't want the responsibility of having magic. No good came of that.
"Don't worry, Xander. It's not like it was back home. Yes, you now have a magical core, but you can't make the same mistakes here since we're not on a Hellmouth," Joyce said as she appeared next to the panicking man. "You have to understand," she explained to Minerva, "Xander has a healthy respect for magic. Back in Sunnydale many things went wrong. The magic wasn't the same there as it is here. No one had a magical core, they were just more entuned to the magic in the air. Sunnydale sat on a portal to a hell dimension. It made everything turn out badly. Well, most everything. It was luck or a strong will that made anything go right. The vibes from the Hellmouth could make spells overpowered and it caused a lot of chaos," she explained to the two magicals watching Xander have a small nervous breakdown.
"That's not respect! That's pants wetting fear!" Xander argued, causing Harry to giggle. "Do you not remember my bestest friend? Willow Rosenberg AKA Darth Rosenberg? She who would destroy the world. How about Ethan Rayne? And Amy and her psycho mom. The magic vampire dude, that got people addicted to magic. There are so many…" he ranted, naming off all the bad magical people from his reality.
"Destroy the world?" Harry asked fearfully. Being new to the magical world meant he researched it and learned about its bad people. But to hear that someone was powerful enough to destroy the whole world, that was scary.
"Xander, stop. You're scaring Harry," Joyce snapped, going over to the frightened boy. "Don't worry, sweetie, those things won't happen here. It's a completely different universe. There's no Hellmouth here," she soothed the whimpering child, who gave a sigh of relief.
"Leaving all this aside, we need to talk about what Mr. Harris taught Mr. Longbottom. It could have major repercussions later," Minerva said sternly.
"Huh?" Xander asked.
"Mr. Longbottom will now have troubles in his schoolwork. He needs to know the wand movements and words to pass his tests," she stated not unkindly. "To move to wandless magic so soon will hinder him in those tests."
"Which is why I told him to study them. Besides, will he be marked down for doing it my way?" Xander asked, a bit smugly.
"Well, yes and no. He will get the practical part of the test correct, but will be marked down on theory," was the thoughtful answer.
"So, why don't you just grade on the practical. I mean, it shows they got the spell right, right?" the displaced man asked with a confused tilt of his head.
"That's just not done," McGonagall exclaimed. "How will we know they have the theory correct if they do not do the assigned work? That theory is needed as a foundation for further spell work."
"Well, there's nothing that says they can't do both," Xander compromised, making Harry sigh again, only this time in disappointment. "You could test them on the practical and then give a written test on the theory. I mean, homework would go a lot faster if you only tested theory once a week. Perhaps weekend homework, or something," he added with a shrug.
"Minerva, just write up a proposal for Albus. He can sort out the details when he gets back," Joyce said with a shrug. "He'll be back by Yule. I don't really have a reason to kick him out. He hasn't harmed the school, yet. Not for lack of trying," she mumbled the last.
"Very well. Perhaps Mr. Harris' idea has some merit," the transfiguration teacher sighed as she ushered them out the door. Her next class was already filtering in.
Charms went off without a hitch. Professor Flitwick wasn't upset that Harry was late. He just smiled a waved him to his seat, and offered Xander free range, as long as he didn't interfere with class.
Xander didn't try to help anyone, and he could see Harry and Neville were doing their best to do spells without words or movements. Which got them queer looks, especially from Hermione. The half-size professor encouraged them discreetly, with kind words and eye winks.
After Charms they had lunch, where Xander told more stories. Then it was History of Magic time. They all trooped to class and everyone found their seats, with Xander at the back of the class. The only adult in the room reached for his axe when a ghost floated through the blackboard. That was until it took its place behind the desk and stared lecturing. The ghostly professor droned on and on. Most of the children were about to fall asleep, until the teacher suddenly stopped mid-sentence. "Oh, my!" he said shocked. "I'm dead!"
The students thought this was hilarious. As did Xander though he was trying hard to be inconspicuous.
Hermione was scowling at him. "What did you do?" she demanded of the one-eyed man.
The ghost was suddenly bathed in a soft, white light. "Oh, my," Binns exclaimed, "what a beautiful light."
"Me? I didn't do anything," protested Xander, all the while trying not to smirk.
"I know it was you," Hermione insisted. "You're the only new person here," she accused, jabbing her finger into his chest.
"You wound me, dear girl," the laughing man said in his best Giles accent.
"Work on your accent," she snapped. "You do realize that without a teacher, you're the only adult. That makes you responsible for the class," she said with a smirk, knowing he wouldn't like that.
"Joyce!" he yelled for the second time that day.
"Good-bye, children. Farewell," the ghost said as it lifted up into the light. The class watched in awe as their teacher disappeared.
"Xander, what did you do to Cuthbert?" the embodiment of Hogwarts asked as she appeared in the classroom. She was actually quite surprised. She had been trying to get rid of that blasted ghost for years, but she had no control over the spirits of Hogwarts. She could repel the living but not the dead, because they didn't have a body to grab on to.
"Why is everyone accusing me?" he asked, trying, and failing to look innocent.
"I don't know why everyone else is, but I know you, Xander Harris. So, don't try that innocent act with me," she said smugly.
"Fine. That ghost was boring everyone to death. I'm surprised you have any students left if he's a core teacher. So, I just sent him on," Xander finally admitted. "Willow came up with it ages ago. She taught everyone it. It was easy. Hey, maybe, this magic gig is okay." He smiled happily.
"You know, when this gets out, you're going to get inundated with requests from the other ghosts. I know for a fact that the Bloody Baron wants to move on, and I'm sure there are many more. Not all the ghosts are happy here," Joyce stated thoughtfully. "Class is dismissed," she finally addressed the children, who had been hanging on every word. "Go study in the library for your next class. I will know if you skive off. I'll just ask the librarian if you were there or not," she warned as they gathered up their books.
They all trooped to the library talking excitedly about what happened and admiring the man who did it. Rumors flew once again and Xander just rolled with the flow.
When it was time for the next class, Potions, they left the library and went to the dungeons. Xander could see the Gryffindors were very reluctant to go, so he was not surprised when Potions started out just like he thought it would. With a threat.
"You will leave my classroom immediately, or I will throw you out," the greasy-haired professor stated, putting his hand on Xander's chest the moment he walked into the room.
"You and what army, buddy," the one-eyed man smirked, not the least bit intimidated.
"I do not need an army against one disabled muggle. Your blindside will be your downfall, mark my words. You will never see me coming," the threats continued.
"Ah, but don't you know, I'm the One-Who-Sees. You'll never get the drop on me," Xander said, grabbing the man's hand and flinging it and the greasy man attached to it away from him. "As I am the Head of Security, it's my job to make sure that the kids are safe. And from what I'm told about you, I felt the need to check you out," Xander said in a threatening way. Stepping forward and making Snape retreat a few steps. His one eye narrowed and darkened.
"Hmmm, if you so insist. You may sit at the back of the class. However, you will not interfere with my teaching. I will be more than happy to eject you if you do." His voice was low and dangerous, but his eyes were wary.
"I'd like to see you try." Xander pulled up a chair and settled on the wall. He watched the lesson proceed and noted that there seemed to be three sets of instructions for the kids. The ones on the board, the ones in the book, and a small notebook that only the Slytherins had. He got up to double check, and discreetly looked over the shoulder of a blond-haired boy. "Joyce," he called for the third time that day.
"What's up, Xander?" she asked as she materialized.
"This asshat is giving the kids not in his House incorrect directions. It's like he wants them to fail. Now, I'm not the smartest man on the block, but I know that's not right," he said, snatching the kid's book to show her.
"I should have known better than to trust a Death Eater," she spat at the dungeon bat, who was swooping down on them.
"A what, now?" Xander asked, glaring at the man, who merely sneered back.
"The Death Eaters are the followers of Voldemort," she snarled, ignoring the flinches from most of the class. "They were his most feared minions. The only reason this… man is here is because Albus vouched for him." She gave said man a look of pure disgust. "Since Albus is the Headmaster, I can't just arbitrarily throw this piece of filth out. This, however," she said with an evil smile, "will get him reviewed by the Board. This class is dismissed. Since it is your last class of the day, do what you will."
"Stay where you are," Snape snapped, only for the Gryffindors to ignore him and bolt from the room. Harry, however, made his way to Xander, which earned a sneer from Snape. The Slytherins maintained their seats, until Xander turned his one good eye their way. All it took was a look and they too fled.
"You are to report to Minerva this evening. She will be discussing your actions and if she feels the need to take it to the Board, then we will support her. If I were you, Snape, I'd be more careful. Albus isn't here to protect you right now," she purred maliciously.
Snape just nodded his head, not looking the least bit worried.
That evening Minerva joined the two students with Xander and Joyce in their apartment. "I cannot believe the chaos you have caused in one day. Not even the Marauders created this much, and they tried," she sighed as she sat on the couch. "I can understand what happened in Potions, I even understand what you did in my class, but please, tell me why you sent Cuthbert on," she begged. "He has been teaching here for many years."
"Yeah, but what have the kids been learning? I mean, really? I was in that class and most of them were falling asleep. How are they going to learn like that?" Xander defended his actions once again.
"How did you even do this? There are no spells to send on the dead. Raise them, yes; send them on, no," she asked very curiously. As an educator, knowledge was always welcome.
"Should have asked the non-magical world," he answered with a shrug. "They've been excising ghosts for centuries," he added.
"They can't see ghosts," she sputtered, her denial.
"No, but they can feel them. It's more of a spiritual thing," he explained with a wave of his hand. "It's usually done by a priest, but I've heard it done by others. Well, if this reality is close to mine that is."
Changing the subject, but making a mental note to research it, she asked, "What are your plans for the weekend? I do hope they don't include anything like today."
"Hey now, in my defense, I didn't plan any of it," Xander protested, feeling like he'd been doing a lot of that today. "I need to go out and see how much your world differs from mine. I might be able to do a few things if the timelines are close. I really hope the nightlife is different, or that if it's the same that the Slayers are here as well. Probably not, since we didn't have you guys back in my world."
"It's different," Joyce assured him with a pat on the knee, "One of the first things I looked for when I got here was the Slayers. There's not even a rumor of demons or Slayers anywhere. There are vampires, but they are a different breed. They aren't soulless, and they mostly live on willing donors. There are a few that violate that, but they're usually dealt with by the Ministry."
"Oh, well, that's good, I think," Xander said, a bit morosely. "Anywho, I still need to see how much is the same. I mean, I can make a killing on the stock market."
"Do you plan on taking Mr. Potter with you?" the teacher asked, looking at said boy, who was talking quietly with Hermione. Though, if the quick glances were to go by, the children were paying very close attention to the adults.
"Yeah, and Hermione. I'm hoping she can guide me around."
"Miss Granger is a muggleborn. While she knows of the muggle world, she knows very little of the magical one," McGonagall stated. "I am sure we can find someone who traverses both worlds. I do not wish you to get lost, and it would be better if you had a knowledgeable escort."
"You don't provide orientation trips in this school?" Xander asked perplexed.
"Those would be great!" Hermione chimed in excitedly.
"Yeah, I know I'd feel better getting around if we could do that. I mean, Hagrid was great, but he really didn't do a tour or anything," Harry agreed.
"No, unfortunately. It has been asked for in the past, and while we do accompany them to get their supplies, the budget is only for the one day," the transfiguration teacher sighed. "You will find the Board of Governors cares mostly about themselves or those born in this world," she added with a sigh. "Your mother, Harry, was one that asked in the past. She was quite animate about it."
"She was?" he said, with a huge smile.
"Yes, she was," she answered kindly, with a gentle smile of remembrance. "I will tell you more about her another time. As for you, Mr. Harris, I believe I know a recent graduate who could take you around. I was going to invite over for another reason; however, I will ask her to escort you. She is a half-blood so is well versed in both sides of this reality."
"That would be great," Xander said and then he frowned when he noticed Harry looked rather down, despite his best efforts to smile at Xander's antics. "What's up kid?" he asked softly.
"Nothing," Harry said, trying to relax and not give anything away.
"Harry, as your guardian and bodyguard I am responsible for you, and that means your happiness as well. So, what gives?" Xander said firmly.
The boy gave a small sigh, "It's nothing, really. Just… every time I hear someone talk about my parents, they either stop or say they'll tell me later. I don't know anything about them, except how they look. And really, that's only my dad. I just know I have my mum's eyes."
McGonagall felt guilty seeing the sad look in the young boy's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Harry," she said, using his first name for emphasis. "I knew your parents well. We fought together in the last war. They were very brave people. It hurts to think about them, but I should not have brushed you off earlier. I just thought you knew more. I suppose I should not have thought that. Still, I will do my best to tell you all I know. Perhaps, a few stories tonight to hold you over?" she asked, petting his hair to calm him down.
Hermione looked on unsure what to say or do, so she took her friend's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"That would be brilliant," the boy enthused, smiling at his friend and teacher.
"Then when you are finished with your homework, we will do just that," she promised.
The adults spoke of menial things, knowing the children were listening in while they finished their homework. When it was time for bed, Joyce took Hermione back to the Gryffindor common room and Minerva tucked Harry into bed, making sure to tell Harry a few exploits of the Marauders, and some things about his mother. She talked until the child fell asleep, and then she joined the adults in the living room. She still marveled over the 'house within the castle'. "Thank you for letting me put them to bed," she said with a warm smile.
"Not a problem. So, did you know Harry from before?" Xander asked, wanting to know more about his charge and the Dursleys.
"I knew him as a baby. I was there that night when we left him with the Dursleys. I will always regret not protesting harder," she answered with a scowl. "Albus has a lot to answer for. He should have never abandoned Harry to those monsters. He had told me, over the years, that Harry was well taken care of and wanted for nothing. I was mortified when I first spotted him enter the castle with the rest of his year group. He was so tiny, so scared. I have never seen a child so skittish. I let him know exactly how I felt. Not that it did me any good." She huffed, still miffed.
"Don't worry, the Dursleys will get theirs," Xander promised. "We'll have to see about Dumbledore. I still need time to see how things work here, but I guarantee, they will be punished."
After a few more seconds, of silent sipping Joyce spoke up. "Minerva, I need you to teach Xander how to become an Animagus."
"May I ask why? It is not an easy discipline to teach. It will be a lot of hard work on your part," she warned the man in question. "With him being new to magic, this will be quite an undertaking. However, if he can control magic like did in my class, then perhaps it might work." She eyed Xander speculatively.
"Xander wasn't wrong when he claimed magic doesn't react well to him. I want to see what happens. He's a unique individual. If things go the way I think they will, then he can teach a few others, and there may be a whole new type of Animagus. When he was brought to this reality, his… issues were tweaked slightly. They will hopefully give him an edge in this world," came the thoughtful explanation.
"You mean in dealing with You-Know-Who?" the 'older' woman asked worriedly. "I thought the prophecy said that Harry has to face him. Not that I believe in prophecy, but Albus seems to think it is a forgone conclusion."
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Xander growled, making the women jump, but damn he hated prophecies.
"I have faith in you, Xander," Joyce said, giving him a winning smile.
"What's an Animagus?" he asked, changing the subject. "If Joyce says I need to learn it, then it'll probably be very helpful. Afterall, Mrs. Summers was a very intelligent woman. She has shown me time and time again in dealing with the nightlife of Sunnydale. She had stood toe-to-toe with Angelus and came away with just a sprained wrist." He smiled blissfully at that memory.
Minerva gave him a look as if to ask who and what he was talking about, but then seemed to conclude that she didn't want to know.
"A magical person who can change into a specific animal," answered Joyce, also letting her past exploits go. "Minerva, could you give us a demonstration?"
Shortly there was a tabby cat sitting on the coffee table.
"Well, look at you. Aren't you the most adorable thing?" Xander gushed as he picked up the kitty. Who in turn scratched his hand, so he playfully dropped her on the couch.
The cat changed back into the professor, who straightened her skirt. "Behave yourself, young man," McGonagall chastised, with a small smirk.
"If I'm right, Xander will be different," Joyce stated, a bit hopefully. "It'll give us an advantage over Tom," she finished, throwing the little-known name out there.
"Tom?" Minerva asked, with a tilt of her head, like the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.
"Tom Riddle. He was a student here some fifty odd years ago," the blond woman explained. "He was Head Boy and got an award for stopping the Chamber of Secrets incident, which he actually framed Hagrid for. You know him as Lord Voldemort."
Minerva gasped, "I never knew that. Does Albus know? Of course, he does. He is keeping secrets again. Blast him. Everyone should know this."
Xander just shrugged. "Tom, Voldemort, they both bleed red, right?" he asked, not the least bit worried. He had faced the First Evil after all. This two-bit 'Dark Lord' was nothing compared to that.
Joyce shrugged in agreement but glanced at the contemplative look on the professor's face.
"Right, we're gonna have to hit the books," the one-eyed man sighed, wishing Willow and Giles were here. If they ever needed information, those two could ferret it out. They were whizzes at this type of stuff.
"Why would you want to hit books?" Minerva asked, looking a bit thrown by the weird phrase.
"It's just an expression. It basically means, to use the books for extensive research. At least, it's what it means to me," he said wistfully, as he thought back fondly on all the research nights, he had shared with the Scooby gang.
It was times like this, he even missed Spike. That thought made him come down from the clouds.
"I have a question," Xander said as he set his drink down. "It's about what we talked about earlier. Is there anyway the kids can get out of doing essays, or, ya know, do them only on weekends, like I suggested? I mean, I get that they need to know this stuff, but can't they just show you? It'll save both you and them tons of time."
"Essays also let them practice their penmanship and show that they have a good grasp on English. They will need those skills when they leave Hogwarts," McGonagall explained.
"Oh, I guess that makes sense," he said thoughtfully. While he had never been a studious person, he did know that good grammar and writing were essential to functioning in the adult world.
"Teaching English was my job, when I was alive. Sure, it wasn't the English we know today, but to still have a good grasp on the language of the time is essential. I assume that it simply fell to the wayside in favor of actual magical classes," Joyce said wistfully as she recalled days gone by. "There are several classes not being taught anymore: English, Math, Geography, the sciences."
"Yes, we have been asked to bring those back on many occasions, and I will once again point you to the Board," Minerva sighed. "It bothers me that we have lost so much over the years. However, the Board will tell you that wizards have no need for such Muggle garbage." She held her hands out in a 'what can you do' way.
"We should see about getting them started again," Joyce said. "Now that Xander is here, things are going to change."
"Yeah, let's give them hell," the one-eyed man agreed, getting up and headed out the door to the library.
And the rest of the night was spent discussing just that. Books were passed around, parchment and quills were utilized, and many plans were made to thwart the Board and Dumbledore. They only hoped they weren't planning in vain.