Dreams of Something Different
By jezebel
Disclaimer: I only own the idea
Reviews: Always welcome
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Chapter Three: More Familiar Faces and The Hogwarts Express
After minimal assurances over Wesley's sanity, Tara went through the barrier and got her first glimpse of the famous scarlet steam engine. It was absolutely-
"Beautiful innit? The Hogwarts Express." Tara gasped and turned around. It was always wonderful to see a familiar face, in this case though, it was quite a bit unexpected.
"Spike! What are you doing here?"
The blond vampire grinned. "Well hello to you too, Glinda. I thought you were smarter then the others. I'm here to catch a train."
"But, Sunnydale, and Buffy. I didn't think you'd leave, you loved her."
"Of course, that's the reason I'm here. She, well, she was happy, her friends getting' married and all that rubbish. I, you know what went on between us, right?" At Tara's nod, he continued. "Well, I wanted her to stay happy. So I left cuz she hurt when I was there, reminded her of the dark I did. So, had an invite from Albus and decided to take him up on his offer. Now more to the point, what in the bullocks are you doing here. Didn't think you'd leave Red, with her in rehab and all that."
Tara looked down, briefly wondering what was taking Wesley so long. "Well, I knew it was over, and being there, it'd only give her false hope. I got a letter from Dumbledore inviting me to teach. I thought it would be a good opportunity."
Just then Wesley came through the barrier pushing along Tara's things.
"Alright Tara, sorry it took so long. An owl from Dumbledore just arrived. I suggest we get a compartment." He looked up at an amused Spike. "Oh, hello. You must be William Malfoy. I was told you'd be arriving with us. I'm Wesley Wyndham-Pryce."
Spike eyed Wesley with amusement. "I go by Spike. You must be a watcher. I imagine you and Rupert would get along great."
Wesley frowned. "Actually, we probably hate each other's guts. Last time I saw Mr. Giles was when they blew up the school. I don't suppose you happen to know Tara here?"
Spike grinned. "Yeah, me and the witch go way back. Both survivors of good ole' Sunnyhell. So, you're that watcher bloke that Rupes hates so much. Not exactly what I expected with the way they talk."
"Well, I've changed quite a bit since I was Buffy's watcher. I guess working with Angel and Cordelia really toughens a guy up."
"Angel? You mean the Poof? You'd defiantly toughen up workin' with peaches. A right bastard he is."
"Actually, I meant Cordelia. So you know Angel, wait, you're Spike, Drusilla's childe?"
"Yup, now this is all fine and dandy with the history bit and all, but shouldn't we get on the train. I doubt it'd wait all day and I kinda need to arrive at night."
"Yes, certainly, you being a vampire certainly puts a spin on things. I trust you aren't going to feed on the students."
"Nope, see, got this chip in my head, and won't let me hurt a fly, though I don't suppose I'd even want to snack on all the kiddies. Wizard blood, lot different from muggles."
They continued with the small track as they boarded the train. They picked a compartment near the front of the train. After getting comfortable, Tara and Spike across from the watcher, Wesley opened and read his owl.
"Hmm, I guess we have to wait a bit. We're expecting another passenger, a guest at Hogwarts."
The group settled into small talk. Tara sat and listened as Spike and Wesley chattered about Angel and old stories of his past. She yawned and looked out of the compartment window. Her eyes got wide with what she saw.
"Spike it's-"
The new arrival entered the compartment. Spike looked up and cocked an eyebrow. "Fancy seeing you here, pet. Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?"
Anya's eyes misted over. She sat down next to Wesley, who handed her a handkerchief, and shook her head.
Spike seemed to guess what happened. "Awww, luv, what did the whelp do and how painful do you want his death?" This earned a small smile from the former demon.
"Hello, Spike, Tara, and hey, you're that watcher guy that Buffy and them hated, you probably don't remember me, I'm Anya."
The former watcher nodded his head. "Aren't you that one girl Xander took to prom? I thought you'd left after the ascension."
At the mention of Xander, the former vengeance demon burst into tears. Wesley's eyes became panicked. "What, what did I say?"
Tara stood up and crossed the compartment and took Anya in her arms. "Shush, sweetie, it'll be okay." She turned to Wesley. "You mentioned Xander. They were supposed to get married, but he called it off. Everyone in Sunnydale hasn't heard from him since. Now Anya honey, are you okay? And, if I can ask, why are you here?"
Anya sniffed and pulled away from Tara. Wesley got up and took Tara's spot next to Spike so Tara could sit down. Spike looked furious, like he was planning someone's death, probably Xander's. Anya started her story. She told them about going back to Arashmahal with D'hoffryn.
"So he said I should get back to what I'm good at. I agreed."
Tara's eyes got wide. "You mean you're a demon again?"
Anya gave a half laugh. "What, no. As much as I missed my powers, I don't think I could go back to hurting men again, even if they deserved it. Damn conscious. You know Spike; we should have gotten out while we still could. Now we're all good and stuff. I blame Buffy."
Spike chuckled. "You're right about that, luv, she defiantly changed us. Not sure if it's a good change though. So, what did you agree to if you're not a demon then?"
"Oh, well, I-"
***Flashback***
Anya stood in her wedding gown, tears streaming down her face. She looked up to D'hoffryn. "You're right. I should get back to what I'm good at."
The elder demon smiled and clasped his hands together. "Excellent Anyanka. It will only take a minute. The vengeance business will defiantly prosper with you back in the game."
Anya looked up to D'hoffryn with a puzzled face through the tears. "What, no. I'm tired D'hoffryn. I want to go home. Not here in Arashmahall, no, I'm too human to be a demon anymore, another thing to blame Xander for. No, I mean go home, really go home, back to the castle."
"What, but certainly Anyanka, think of what you'll be giving up. You must want a little vengeance on Xander, after what he did to you. Think of all the damage you could cause."
"I know, and I'll definitely exact vengeance on him, in my own way. No, I won't join you D'hoffryn. I'm going home, back to Hogwarts. Maybe I'll curse him, if my wand works that is."
**End of Flashback**
"So, I contacted the latest headmaster, who was rather pleasant when I flooed him, and here I am, on my way home."
The group stared at her in shock. Finally Spike broke the silence. "Well then, demon girl's a witch. Never would've thought that. How come you didn't magick yourself outta Sunnyhell?"
"Oh, I didn't have my wand. That reminds me, I need to get a new one."
Tara looked at Anya. "What did you mean about going home?"
Anya smiled. "Oh, that. Well, I grew up at Hogwarts. My older brother let me run around the castle until I was old enough to be taught anything. Yep, Sal, I definitely will miss him. I wonder if the chamber is still there. The basilisk must be dead by now."
Wesley sputtered in shock. "Dear lord. You don't mean, Sal, as in Salazar Slytherin do you?"
Anya gave him a look. "Of course I mean Salazar. How many other Sal's that created Hogwarts do you know?"
Even Spike stared at her in shock. Only Tara remained confused, as she didn't know about the houses or the founders.
By now the train started moving on its journey to Hogwarts. After the initial shock wore off, Wesley was questioning Anya on her family history.
"Yes, I'm Anyanka Slytherin. Now, if you don't mind, I'm trying to heal my broken heart. Bug me some other time."
With that said they got off that subject and continued on their journey with light conversations about anything that didn't include Xander or Anya's relation to Slytherin. All in all, it wasn't that bad of train ride.
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A/N: Okay, this will be the last of the intro's for the main characters for a while. Only one more person left, but they won't be revealed for a while. So, was it any good? My mom watches the show and has been helping me write a bit. She loves the idea of Anya being Salazar Slytherin's little sister. I apologize for any misspellings. I was too tired to look the word Arashmahall up, so deal with it. Now review already and tell me what's on your mind!!!!!!!!!!!!
