Falling asleep had proven to be a challenge. Not because of the strange bed, located in a creepy, shadow infested tower guarded by some overweight talking picture, appropriately termed the Fat-Lady. Or even because there were a million thoughts zooming inside her head like some irritating gnat. It was all because of that damn prankster of a ghost, Peeves.
It wasn't as if she hadn't been warned. Hagrid had told her about Peeves and his desire to drive the students and faculty insane with his foolishness. Of course she'd still been getting over her humiliating first encounter with Nearly Headless Nick. An event in itself she fervently hoped to forget about soon.
To say she'd been a big fat ninny would've better described her disgraceful behavior when Nearly Headless Nick came floating down the hall. His kind eyes shining. A welcoming smile spread across his face. Instead of seeing his approach as friendly. Willow was ashamed to admit she'd been so shocked she ended up screaming, before jumping backwards into a shining set of armor.
Nick who had seemed so distraught for frightening her, had floated back a few paces, as if to stay out of her personal space to put her at ease. The smile on his face faltered a bit, as the gleam dulled slightly from his eyes. Making her feel even more stupid than she already did.
She'd thought by living on the Hellmouth, she'd be used to sights like this. Next time, Willow had thought solemnly as she rubbed the quickly growing knot on the top of her head, following Hagrid up the moving stairs, she'd apologize to the disappointed spirit. Hoping, that was, he didn't go out of his way to avoid her.
But she'd never, ever apologize to Peeves. The little deviant deserved to be exterminated. Exorcism was way too good for the likes of him.
After tossing and turning in bed for what seemed for hours her eyelids finally heavy with sleep, Willow got her first taste of Peeves. A loud banging sound had her eyes widening in surprise, only to find the ugly mug of one very humored Peeves staring back. This only made her yell out again, more in shock than anything else. But as she tried to inch her way back on the bed, she found herself getting twisted in her sheets.
Her struggle only caused Peeves to squeal in delight, as he zipped around the room, singing and chanting an embarrassing tune about her bravery. Or lack there of. Soon he tired of that, and started tossing pebbles at her head. This went on until yet another ghost appeared. This one not as friendly looking as Nearly Headless Nick, but definitely not as disturbed as the one who'd started flicking boogers her way. Looking stern, and most put out as he hollered at Peeves and told him to get lost. Peeves had floated, looking as though to be in thought, before he blew a raspberry at the other ghost and disappeared through a wall. With only a nod of his head, the other spirit followed the way Peeves exited.
Willow hadn't even realized she'd fallen asleep until a slight creaking sound had her senses on full alert. Slowly she opened her left eye, taking a quick sweeping glance around the room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Daylight now, the shadows from the previous night gone, the dormitory seemed less creepy.
Feeling silly for being so jumpy, Willow opened her other eye and pushed herself up to rest against the wood bedframe. Standing at the foot of her bed, stood a small creature staring back patiently at her. It's big floppy ears wiggled slightly, as it rubbed it's hands nervously.
"Good morning Willow Potter Ma'am." The small figure bowed until it's pointed nose touched the worn rug. "My name's Dobby, one of Hogwarts house elves. And it's such an honor to meet the cousin of Harry Potter."
Not really sure what a house elf was, and not terribly sure this wasn't some bazaar dream, Willow stared back into Dobby's large eyes. He seemed to be waiting for some kind of a response, as she found herself terribly tongue-tied. "G-Good morning... Dobby."
"Oh and you're just as kind as Harry Potter." Dobby's large owlish eyes began to water, as he wiped his nose with what looked to be a dirty sock. "Of course you look exactly like the Weasley side of your family. Kind, generous people they are."
Seeing she wasn't in any mortal danger. Willow let out the breath she was holding. "Dobby, what exactly is a house elf?"
"House Elves are servants Ma'am." Dobby paused and grasped his hands in front of him. "We serve the house of our Masters. I am a freed elf."
Willow froze for a moment, her tiny nose wrinkled as she mulled this over. "You mean they are slaves?"
"Oh, well." Looking rather nervous, Dobby shook his head violently. "No-no, well yes. Sometimes. Dobby was given his freedom with Harry Potter's help. The elves who work here at Hogwarts are treated remarkably well. If they wanted to be freed, Dumbledore sir would in a second. He is a kind Master."
"But they're still slaves." Not liking the sound of this, Willow's eyes darkened.
"But they like their lives this way Ma'am." Dobby shrugged, as though he himself didn't understand. "They live to make their Master happy. Working at Hogwarts is an honor."
"So let me get this straight." Pushing the covers off her, Willow swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat there for a moment. Her brain grasped onto the only thing that actually made sense to her. Even if it was about creatures she had no idea existed until today. "They enjoy being slaves?"
"Sadly yes. Some even go crazy if given their freedom. Feel as though life weren't worth living." With another sniff, Dobby straightened himself. "Oh but Mistress, I forgot the reason I am here."
Clearly not pleased with himself, he started hopping around the room. Opening the lid on her ancient looking chest, he started pulling out clothes and tossing them into a neat pile on the end of her bed. "You must hurry. Professor McGonagall asked me to show you to breakfast. Professor Dumbledore needed for her assistance this morning with the new teacher, and they will meet you in the Hall." Grabbing the black cape, Dobby shut the lid with a loud thud and tossed the last garment onto the bed. "I will wait for you downstairs in the common room. But you must hurry." And like that he was gone.
Shaking her head, Willow gave a little frown. Would this new world ever make any sense to her? She had thought living with the knowledge of vampires and other demons was different. Her new life was proving to be much more of a challenge and she hadn't even started with her studies.
Quickly getting dressed in her new school uniform, Willow rushed down the steps to find Dobby pacing the room, mumbling silently to himself. "Dobby can I ask you a question?" Tying the cape securely around her shoulders, she looked down at herself. "Has this always been the standard school uniform?"
Dobby nodded furiously. "Oh yes Ma'am. For generations upon generations."
Looking down at the gray sweater, knee length skirt and socks, Willow's mind flashed back to her closet full of clothes back home her mother had purchased for her. "It explains a lot."
Apparently not sure what to make of Willow's strange comment, Dobby grabbed her bag and broom off one off one of the long tables. Turning to her with large eyes, he hurried toward the exit. Anxiously peering over his shoulder to ensure she was following. "We must hurry. Can't have you late for breakfast."
In most places, the school during the light of day looked a lot like it did at night. Dim. With long shadows. But she supposed with the lack of sky lights, and huge windows it was unavoidable. Other places, like the outer halls, were designed with large breezy archways. But if a person wanted to avoid the sun, there were several different passageways to get to their destination.
"Angel would love it here." Willow whispered to herself.
"Excuse me Miss?" Dobby paused, his head whipping around to stare at her.
"Oh, nothing." Willow smiled listlessly. "Just thinking about a friend back home. He ah . . . isn't much into direct sunlight. Has um . . . allergic reactions."
Dobby nodded, accepting her reply, but looked around nervously at the portraits who had started whispering amongst themselves. "Yes. Ah . . . This way." His low mumbles increased slightly, and no matter how hard Willow tired. She couldn't quiet make out what he was saying.
Once in the main hall, Dobby stopped and pointed to an enormous doorway. "Through there Ma'am."
Looking the way he pointed, then back to Dobby, Willow tilted her head slightly. "Aren't you joining us?"
"Oh no Miss Potter. Dobby needs to help the other House Elves in the kitchen. Today we're cleaning out the pantry." His eyes gleamed in excitement. "It's gonna be so much fun." With that, he gave another formal bow and left.
Staring after his retreating form, Willow shook her head. "Yeah. Sounds like a rip roaring good time."
"Ah, Miss Potter." Dumbledore's voice came from behind. Giving one last look to where Dobby had disappeared, Willow turned and smiled at the kindly Headmaster. He was standing with a tall serious looking woman, who was looking back at her over her spectacles. "This is Professor McGonagall. She has been gracious enough to volunteer her time to help you with your studies. She is also the headmistress of Gryffindor."
"It's a pleasure." Willow was mildly surprised at the teacher's warm tone. From the looks of her she had been expecting to have her head bitten off. "I know all of your cousins very well. All Gryffindores. I'm pleased you will be starting the new term in the same house."
Hagrid soon appeared, and Dumbledore led the way into the Dinning hall. Willow nearly tripped over her feet on the way to the table. The room was magnificent. Large, long windows at the end of the hall let in the bright sunlight from outside. The walls were covered in what she presumed were house banners. But it was the ceiling that made her jaw drop open, as though she were fishing for flies.
It was magnificent. Big white fluffy clouds drifted aimless above a robin blue sky. Occasionally a bird would fly past, only to disappear at the other end of the hall where the ceiling cut off. It was Hagrid's gruff chuckle that brought her back to her senses. As she blushed an apology Willow quickly took a seat with the others.
"I heard Peeves was giving you a hard time of it last night." Professor Dumbledore grinned slightly. His clear blue eyes gleamed with amusement. "He has been warned to leave you at peace. If he does persist please let me know." Willow could only nod, not knowing what to say about the pesky ghost. Taking the napkin from in front of her, she placed it neatly on her lap. "Usually the entire staff joins us for meals." Dumbledore went on to explain. "But at this time they are away on errands, but hopefully they'll be joining us latter in the Holiday."
Again Willow could only nod, feeling slightly shy and out of place. Dumbledore gave a nod and instantly their plates filled with food. Causing Willow to gawk once again. She was starting to feel like some backwood cousin come a calling their big city relatives. Everything was so darn foreign. Willow had a feeling that things were going to get a whole lot stranger before the summer was through.
Picking up her fork with trepidation, Willow was almost ready for it to start moving on its own. Taking a small bite of the fluffy scrambled eggs, she closed her eyes in relief. They tasted like eggs. So food was normal, well at least so far it was. And for something so little Willow was relieved. Swallowing the food in her mouth, she remembered what Dobby had said to her earlier. "What about the new Professor?"
Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall paused, their eyes swinging toward one another for a brief moment before returning to their own plates. Hagrid on the other hand took a less subtle route, by choking on his pumpkin juice.
"Yes, Professor Donnelly is resting at the moment. You will get a chance in a few weeks to meet with him. He needs time to. . . To adjust to his new surroundings." Willow sensed he was leaving something out. But decided it wasn't in her bounds to question him on it."I did get word from the Wandmaker though. He was able to adjust his busy schedule and will be here sometime this afternoon." Finishing his meal, Dumbledore sat back in his chair.
"Wonderful." McGonagall nodded. "I don't know what he was thinking. Waiting two days was simply out of the question. Willow is already behind. We will need all the time we can muster if she is to be ready for her fifth year."
"Minerva you know why Jeb had to resort to appointments." Dumbledore lowered his voice slightly, but still didn't sound upset. His statement made Professor McGonagall sniff and nod.
"If I have a spare moment or two, I wouldn't mind loaning a hand to help Potter with her Mystical Creatures." Hagrid offered.
Professor McGonagall seemed to pause, her eyes growing wide for only a moment before she caught herself. "Very thoughtful of you Hagrid. Really. But don't you already have your hands full?"
"I guess you're right." Hagrid looked down at his plate in disappointment.
"Yes well, after I give Willow a quick tour of the school, I plan on starting with her broom lessons." Willow's ears perked at this. It was hard to wrap her brain around the concept that a simple broom could be used for anything other than cleaning. Children's books were filled with broom flying, cauldrons stirring, pointy nosed witches. Never had she entertained the thought it could possibly be true.
"What do you say Willow? Ready to try your hand at some broom flying?" As if he were able to ready her thoughts, Dumbledore smiled broadly over the table at her. "I bet you will prove to possess the Potter's great flying ability."
With a shaky smile, Willow tried to swallow the large lump growing in her throat. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Well Miss Potter," Professor McGonagall wiped her mouth and laid down her napkin. "The day is wasting." With a no nonsense air, the tall woman stood quickly from the table. "You can leave your books and broom here. We'll collect them at the end of your tour."
Saying a hasty goodbye to Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid , Willow followed.
~~~*~~~
Lying on the cold stone floor, Angel stared with unblinking eyes toward the door across the room. His insides ached, a slow burn running from the point of his toes, up his body, to his heart. The feeling wasn't one of cold. It wasn't even a heated sensation. It was one of guilt. Raw. Painful. Gut wrenching. Guilt. The type that made a person want to curl up and die.
Not everything was clear to him yet. Bits and pieces were slowly becoming clear in his muddled head. He'd killed again. With malice, and glee. He could see the blood of his victims swimming in his mind. Their screams and pleads of mercy piercing his soul. But nothing equaled the pain of the look of hurt and betrayal echoed in Buffy and her friends eyes.
He could only imagine the hell they'd lived through. As he tore through Sunnydale as if it were his own personal candy store. So young and once again forced to endure another horror. Watching hopelessly, as the face of on of their own turned evil. Knowing deep in their hearts what they had to do. But none were strong enough to follow through, not until he'd gone too far.
"Good morning Professor Donnelly." A calming voice came from the door to the room. From his position, Angel could see the bottom of robes draw near. "I see you're feeling a little better."
With a soft snort, Angel didn't even blink as he stared forward. Unwilling or perhaps unable to bring his eyes up to the man standing just feet away. If the stranger was merciful, he'd just end his pain now.
"I have to admit, getting you here proved to be quiet a challenge." A scraping sound bounced off the walls, as the legs of a stool appeared in Angel's line of vision. "For awhile I was wondering if we were going to get you over the threshold in one piece."
Only listening with half interest, Angel laid still.
"I am sorry about the accommodations. But once you feel more yourself we'll move you to the teacher's tower."
This caught Angel's attention. Moving his head as little as he could, so he could get a better look at his visitor. "Dumbledore." The word burned his throat. Wincing, Angel tried to move but found his arms couldn't hold his weight. Slumping back onto the ground, Angel watched the wizard with trepidation.
"It's been a long time Angel." Dumbledore nodded his head, his eyes sad. "I bet you're wondering why you're here."
Trying to speak again was useless. Instead Angel gave a nod.
"I'm afraid to say that Voldtermort has returned." The blood in Angel's veins turned to ice as he waited for the wizard to continue. "He has already attacked Harry Potter. Fortunately Potter survived. But at the same time so did Voldtermort. His servants, the Deatheaters, have been reactivated. It is a sad time."
The words were echoes from so many years ago. The names sounded familiar. Voldtermort. Harry Potter. Deatheaters. A memory from long ago slipped into his soggy brain. He'd been in New York, when he'd heard word of the waging war in the magical community. The names were spoken in hushed whispers. Tales larger than life shared in darken alleys.
"We are taking steps here at Hogwarts to prepare our student's for the horrors they will soon face." Heaving a sad, forlorn sigh, Dumbledore reached into his robes and produced a couple large flasks he held out for Angel to take. "Breakfast."
With shaky hands, Angel reached out in hunger and swiped the offered items. Tearing off the lid, Angel guzzled the blood so fast he could feel some of it escape down his chin.
"The need to unify is strong. Families we have thought gone forever are returning. Such as your friend Willow."
Pausing in his feeding, Angel dropped the flask from his mouth. "S-She's not my friend. I . . . hurt."
"Yes I heard of the nasty ordeal in Sunnydale. Angelus always has proved to be a little . . . off." Tsking under his breath, Dumbledore kind eyes didn't waiver. "But I am sure none of them hold his actions against you."
"I killed Jenny Calander, tortured Giles's. Invaded their homes." Not used to saying so much at one time, Angel swallowed down the pain.
"Angel, you didn't do those things . . ." Pausing Dumbledore shook his head. "Though I am sure you don't see it that way."
"Willow?" Something about the little redhead stuck out in his mind.
"Miss Potter? Oh she's doing well. Just saw her at breakfast. She's with Professor Mcgonagall at the moment taking a tour of the school. I'm afraid she's a little behind in her studies. But I have faith she'll catch up. Maybe when you feel a little more like yourself I can bring her to meet with you."
"No." The reply was barked out, as Angel hung his head in shame.
Watching Angel silently, Dumbledore looked thoughtful for a moment. His bushy white eyebrows lowered over his understanding blue eyes. "Then perhaps we should talk about the reason for your return?"