Disclaimer: I don't own BTVS or Harry Potter
Author's Note: First of all, there will be no Willow/Bill. Trust Me! They are cousins, for goodness sake! lol I know some of you are confused, but remember, this is a bit AU. Spike isn't crazy because I wrote this as Spike was crazy, but not anymore. I know it's confusing. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me!
Chapter 6: Truly Remarkable
Giles stepped off of the train with a curious gaze. He gazed up and let everything around him sink in. Trees and mountains were everywhere. The hints of autumn in the air were starting to turn up. In no time, the leaves would start to change and a blanket of fresh cool air would wash over the grounds. It was so beautiful. Turning around to look up on the hill, he smiled at the sight of the castle as memories flooded his mind.
"Ah, you must be Ruper' Giles. It's nice ta finally meet ya. I'm Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, School for Witchcraft and Wizardry." Giles turned and smiled at the giant of a man. He took his hand and smiled.
"Hello Mr. Hagrid. It's nice to meet you."
"Hagrid will do just fine. Follow me eh?" Hagrid grabbed Giles' bag and motioned for him to follow.
****
About ten minutes later, they had reached the entrance to the school. Memories of the past continued to wash through Giles' mind as they walked through the halls and corridors.
"Professor Dumbledore told me ya used to attend here." Hagrid's statement pulled Giles' out of his reverie.
"Oh yes, it is quite true Hagrid. I went to school here, a long time ago, a very long time ago." Hagrid nodded and the topic dropped.
A few moments later, Hagrid halted in front of a painting. Giles had to catch himself so that he didn't run into the giant.
"Here we are, Mr. Giles. You can go on in. The password is 'sweet and sour'" Giles jumped as the painting swung open. Hagrid waved and walked off. Giles walked through the doorway and into a large room. The room was lit by candlelight. It brought a warm smile to his face. Books and papers were sprung about all around the giant office. Right in the middle stood a giant desk with an equal amount of disarray on its top.
"Rupert! What a joy it is to see you, old friend!." Giles smiled at the cheery voice of professor Dumbledore. He walked over to the headmaster and gave the elder man a tight hug.
"Professor. It is definitely a pleasure." Dumbledore motioned for him to sit down on the chair that stood beside a desk. Dumbledore, himself walked over and sat in the opposite chair that sat adjacent to Giles.
"Things have definitely changed since I was last here."
"Yes they have dear boy. Of course, many years have gone by since we last saw each other. You became a watcher and proceeded to train one of the best slayers the world has ever seen."
Giles smiled and nodded his head. "Yes. Buffy has made something of herself, but that is not why I am here." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and smiled.
"Yes, you are here to inquire about Ms. Rosenberg, correct?"
"How did you know?" Dumbledore laughed and patted Giles' back.
"I'm quite good friends with the coven. They have kept me informed. So, where is the young girl now Rupert?"
"She is staying with her cousin." Dumbledore's smile faltered and his gaze turned to slight worry.
"Are you sure that is wise, Rupert?"
"Yes sir, she is in good hands. Trust me. You do know who the Weasleys are, right?"
"Why of course! Generations of the Weasleys have been going through Hogwarts for years!"
"I know, I know. Well, Willow is Molly's cousin. Their mothers were sisters."
"Oh my. I didn't know this. Amazing. Well, in that case, she certainly is in good hands." Giles nodded and smiled when he thought about the Weasleys. He had met Molly when she had gone to Hogwarts. Of course, they had never really been good friends. He had been in Slytherin, she in Gryffindor.
"Professor, the reason I am here is to ask you to allow Willow to be a part of Hogwarts. She needs to be surrounded by this type of atmosphere? She always loved school and magic is a part of her now." Professor Dumbledore's eyes widened and he sat back in thought. After a few moments of silence, he looked up at Giles' face.
"Are you sure this is wise? She is one of the most powerful witches in the world. She killed someone, Rupert. The risk of her being thrown back into the dark arts is rather big." Giles frowned and nodded. He knew it would not be this easy to gain Dumbledore's confidence in this matter. The man would do anything to take care of his students.
"I assure you professor, it is a risk everyone would and should be willing to take. This young woman is like a daughter to me. Yes, she is powerful. Yes, she killed someone. But, I've seen how strong she is this summer. She brought herself back from the pale, monster that she had become. She needs this professor. She needs to be surrounded with good. Magic is a part of her now. No matter how much she thinks she needs to get rid of it, she can't. Hogwarts has a lot to give and gain with this girl. Trust me Albus." Throughout Giles' speech, Dumbledore had looked straight ahead lost in thought.
"Alright, Rupert. She can come to Hogwarts. However, I expect you to be here as well. You are to watch after her. I don't want her here completely by herself. I and the other professors will of coarse help, but you are a father to her, as you said. You should be here." Giles nodded and smiled.
"Thank you."
"Do you expect her to be a student here?" Giles shook his head and sighed.
"No, she wouldn't exactly fit in now would she? I don't think that classes with other students would help." Dumbledore sighed and looked at Giles in question before speaking once more.
"Well, do you expect her to just stay here and walk around during the day doing nothing? I hardly see how that would help her."
"Well, actually, I think it would be interesting if you made her a teacher."
Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "A teacher? Honestly!"
"Albus, think about it. I heard that you were in need of a Muggles Studies class teacher. Who better to teach it than a girl who grew up in California? I assure you, it is harmless. She wouldn't be performing any magic. Isn't it a rule that magic is not to be used in that class anyway? Besides, she has taught classes before! Even at age fifteen she showed great skill in the matter." Dumbledore smiled at Giles' insistence and sighed.
"Alright, Rupert. She can come to be a teacher. I trust your judgement. However, we will be keeping a very close eye on her. Certain elements at this school will not be happy to hear about this." Giles nodded.
"Of course professor."
"I also think it would be wise if we didn't speak about what happened to Miss Rosenberg. Oh, how I fear the amount of complaints we would get from fearful parents if the history of Miss Rosenberg got out!" Giles nodded once more.
"I promise we will be careful professor. I can't show you how grateful I am to you. I can't even think about what I can do to make this up to you." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he clapped Giles' back.
"All you need to do for me is to make sure that Miss Rosenberg is healed. It would be horrible to lose such a girl. From what I have heard from the coven and you, she is quite remarkable."
"Yes professor, she truly is remarkable. I can't wait for you to meet her. You will love her." Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
"I bet."
*****
"Buffy! Buffy!"
At her sister's screams, Buffy took the stairs four at a time. She ran into the living room to find her younger sister sitting on the couch clutching a piece of paper.
"What? What? Are you okay?" Dawn jumped up and showed the piece of paper to her sister.
"I was paying the pizza guy when this giant owl flew in and dropped this letter on the floor." Buffy's eyebrow raised and she opened up the letter.
Dear William,
You have been invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to fill the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher. I have heard about your new "soul". I think you would be a perfect candidate to fill this spot. Please send back your reply as soon as possible. I assure that you know how.
Sincerely,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Buffy gasped as she read the note. She turned to Dawn with wide eyes. "I think we need to talk to Spike." Dawn nodded.
"Have you ever heard of this type of school? Why did an owl bring it? What is going on? How does this professor guy know Spike or "William" or whatever?" Buffy sighed in annoyance.
"I don't know Dawn! Just shut up, will you?" Dawn huffed in anger.
"Fine."
"Good. Now come on, we need to go find Spike."
*****
Wow! I'm really glad that you all like this story. Let me give out all of my thanks!!
First of all, I want to thank Laura for her fabulous beta reading!!! She's awesome! Go read her wonderful stories under Riverchic1998 *hugs*
Also, I want to thank Echo for writing A Drop in the Ocean. That story is fabulous! If you haven't read it yet, please do! Review her story! She's awesome!
Last but definitly not least, thanks to my lovely reviewers:
phoenix darkwing: thanks for reading!
Sammy: Thanks for your sweet words about my health! I'm feeling a lot better now! I'm glad you liked the chapter!
smile7499: i hoped i cleared up your question about whether Spike was insane or not. This is a little AU. Thank you so much for your kind words. I think I've finally figured out the formatting. Thanks!
Riverchic1998: Thanks Laura! You're the best!
Spike's Girl: hehe, thanks for the correction with the spelling of 'Moine. I'll try to fix it, not right now though. ;) I'm glad you liked this chapter!
Spuffy the Witch: first of all, cute penname! Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you like the story!
Thanks to all these wonderful reviewers!
I hope you all liked this chapter.
:o) love you guys!
Author's Note: First of all, there will be no Willow/Bill. Trust Me! They are cousins, for goodness sake! lol I know some of you are confused, but remember, this is a bit AU. Spike isn't crazy because I wrote this as Spike was crazy, but not anymore. I know it's confusing. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me!
Chapter 6: Truly Remarkable
Giles stepped off of the train with a curious gaze. He gazed up and let everything around him sink in. Trees and mountains were everywhere. The hints of autumn in the air were starting to turn up. In no time, the leaves would start to change and a blanket of fresh cool air would wash over the grounds. It was so beautiful. Turning around to look up on the hill, he smiled at the sight of the castle as memories flooded his mind.
"Ah, you must be Ruper' Giles. It's nice ta finally meet ya. I'm Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, School for Witchcraft and Wizardry." Giles turned and smiled at the giant of a man. He took his hand and smiled.
"Hello Mr. Hagrid. It's nice to meet you."
"Hagrid will do just fine. Follow me eh?" Hagrid grabbed Giles' bag and motioned for him to follow.
****
About ten minutes later, they had reached the entrance to the school. Memories of the past continued to wash through Giles' mind as they walked through the halls and corridors.
"Professor Dumbledore told me ya used to attend here." Hagrid's statement pulled Giles' out of his reverie.
"Oh yes, it is quite true Hagrid. I went to school here, a long time ago, a very long time ago." Hagrid nodded and the topic dropped.
A few moments later, Hagrid halted in front of a painting. Giles had to catch himself so that he didn't run into the giant.
"Here we are, Mr. Giles. You can go on in. The password is 'sweet and sour'" Giles jumped as the painting swung open. Hagrid waved and walked off. Giles walked through the doorway and into a large room. The room was lit by candlelight. It brought a warm smile to his face. Books and papers were sprung about all around the giant office. Right in the middle stood a giant desk with an equal amount of disarray on its top.
"Rupert! What a joy it is to see you, old friend!." Giles smiled at the cheery voice of professor Dumbledore. He walked over to the headmaster and gave the elder man a tight hug.
"Professor. It is definitely a pleasure." Dumbledore motioned for him to sit down on the chair that stood beside a desk. Dumbledore, himself walked over and sat in the opposite chair that sat adjacent to Giles.
"Things have definitely changed since I was last here."
"Yes they have dear boy. Of course, many years have gone by since we last saw each other. You became a watcher and proceeded to train one of the best slayers the world has ever seen."
Giles smiled and nodded his head. "Yes. Buffy has made something of herself, but that is not why I am here." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and smiled.
"Yes, you are here to inquire about Ms. Rosenberg, correct?"
"How did you know?" Dumbledore laughed and patted Giles' back.
"I'm quite good friends with the coven. They have kept me informed. So, where is the young girl now Rupert?"
"She is staying with her cousin." Dumbledore's smile faltered and his gaze turned to slight worry.
"Are you sure that is wise, Rupert?"
"Yes sir, she is in good hands. Trust me. You do know who the Weasleys are, right?"
"Why of course! Generations of the Weasleys have been going through Hogwarts for years!"
"I know, I know. Well, Willow is Molly's cousin. Their mothers were sisters."
"Oh my. I didn't know this. Amazing. Well, in that case, she certainly is in good hands." Giles nodded and smiled when he thought about the Weasleys. He had met Molly when she had gone to Hogwarts. Of course, they had never really been good friends. He had been in Slytherin, she in Gryffindor.
"Professor, the reason I am here is to ask you to allow Willow to be a part of Hogwarts. She needs to be surrounded by this type of atmosphere? She always loved school and magic is a part of her now." Professor Dumbledore's eyes widened and he sat back in thought. After a few moments of silence, he looked up at Giles' face.
"Are you sure this is wise? She is one of the most powerful witches in the world. She killed someone, Rupert. The risk of her being thrown back into the dark arts is rather big." Giles frowned and nodded. He knew it would not be this easy to gain Dumbledore's confidence in this matter. The man would do anything to take care of his students.
"I assure you professor, it is a risk everyone would and should be willing to take. This young woman is like a daughter to me. Yes, she is powerful. Yes, she killed someone. But, I've seen how strong she is this summer. She brought herself back from the pale, monster that she had become. She needs this professor. She needs to be surrounded with good. Magic is a part of her now. No matter how much she thinks she needs to get rid of it, she can't. Hogwarts has a lot to give and gain with this girl. Trust me Albus." Throughout Giles' speech, Dumbledore had looked straight ahead lost in thought.
"Alright, Rupert. She can come to Hogwarts. However, I expect you to be here as well. You are to watch after her. I don't want her here completely by herself. I and the other professors will of coarse help, but you are a father to her, as you said. You should be here." Giles nodded and smiled.
"Thank you."
"Do you expect her to be a student here?" Giles shook his head and sighed.
"No, she wouldn't exactly fit in now would she? I don't think that classes with other students would help." Dumbledore sighed and looked at Giles in question before speaking once more.
"Well, do you expect her to just stay here and walk around during the day doing nothing? I hardly see how that would help her."
"Well, actually, I think it would be interesting if you made her a teacher."
Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "A teacher? Honestly!"
"Albus, think about it. I heard that you were in need of a Muggles Studies class teacher. Who better to teach it than a girl who grew up in California? I assure you, it is harmless. She wouldn't be performing any magic. Isn't it a rule that magic is not to be used in that class anyway? Besides, she has taught classes before! Even at age fifteen she showed great skill in the matter." Dumbledore smiled at Giles' insistence and sighed.
"Alright, Rupert. She can come to be a teacher. I trust your judgement. However, we will be keeping a very close eye on her. Certain elements at this school will not be happy to hear about this." Giles nodded.
"Of course professor."
"I also think it would be wise if we didn't speak about what happened to Miss Rosenberg. Oh, how I fear the amount of complaints we would get from fearful parents if the history of Miss Rosenberg got out!" Giles nodded once more.
"I promise we will be careful professor. I can't show you how grateful I am to you. I can't even think about what I can do to make this up to you." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he clapped Giles' back.
"All you need to do for me is to make sure that Miss Rosenberg is healed. It would be horrible to lose such a girl. From what I have heard from the coven and you, she is quite remarkable."
"Yes professor, she truly is remarkable. I can't wait for you to meet her. You will love her." Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
"I bet."
*****
"Buffy! Buffy!"
At her sister's screams, Buffy took the stairs four at a time. She ran into the living room to find her younger sister sitting on the couch clutching a piece of paper.
"What? What? Are you okay?" Dawn jumped up and showed the piece of paper to her sister.
"I was paying the pizza guy when this giant owl flew in and dropped this letter on the floor." Buffy's eyebrow raised and she opened up the letter.
Dear William,
You have been invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to fill the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher. I have heard about your new "soul". I think you would be a perfect candidate to fill this spot. Please send back your reply as soon as possible. I assure that you know how.
Sincerely,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Buffy gasped as she read the note. She turned to Dawn with wide eyes. "I think we need to talk to Spike." Dawn nodded.
"Have you ever heard of this type of school? Why did an owl bring it? What is going on? How does this professor guy know Spike or "William" or whatever?" Buffy sighed in annoyance.
"I don't know Dawn! Just shut up, will you?" Dawn huffed in anger.
"Fine."
"Good. Now come on, we need to go find Spike."
*****
Wow! I'm really glad that you all like this story. Let me give out all of my thanks!!
First of all, I want to thank Laura for her fabulous beta reading!!! She's awesome! Go read her wonderful stories under Riverchic1998 *hugs*
Also, I want to thank Echo for writing A Drop in the Ocean. That story is fabulous! If you haven't read it yet, please do! Review her story! She's awesome!
Last but definitly not least, thanks to my lovely reviewers:
phoenix darkwing: thanks for reading!
Sammy: Thanks for your sweet words about my health! I'm feeling a lot better now! I'm glad you liked the chapter!
smile7499: i hoped i cleared up your question about whether Spike was insane or not. This is a little AU. Thank you so much for your kind words. I think I've finally figured out the formatting. Thanks!
Riverchic1998: Thanks Laura! You're the best!
Spike's Girl: hehe, thanks for the correction with the spelling of 'Moine. I'll try to fix it, not right now though. ;) I'm glad you liked this chapter!
Spuffy the Witch: first of all, cute penname! Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you like the story!
Thanks to all these wonderful reviewers!
I hope you all liked this chapter.
:o) love you guys!
