Thanks to Grossclout for proofing this part.
DISCLAIMER: See first part.
SUMMARY: Xander enters his second phase of training, can he deal with the new world? Will he make friends that will help him in the future? What happens to Spike?
FeedBack: please, I like to know what you think!!
***Night-time: a few hours after Buffy brought back Faith***
Willow was about to close the Magic Box for the night and spend some much-needed downtime with Tara. At the same time, Buffy was in the back room, getting ready for her patrol. Running this store can be really hard. Giles left earlier, with some story about a date or something like that. Yeah right, he probably didn't want to clean up.
"Did you say something Will?" asked Buffy as she walked up to the front of the store. "By the way I have to talk to you before I go patrolling tonight… unless you want to join me."
"As much as I would love to go against the forces of evil tonight, I can't. Tara and I have a date tonight." Willow blushed as she thought what the date would entail.
"Are you having naughty thoughts, Willow?" Buffy asked, laughing at her friend's discomfort. I'm glad me and Wills are at talking again, I wonder what's been bothering her so much lately, Buffy added silently.
"Well, umm, you see," Willow turned even redder, if that were possible.
"Relax, Will. I was just teasing," Buffy said with a quick chuckle. "But I do need to talk to you. Can we sit down and talk for a few minutes?"
"Sure," Willow said, finishing the cleanup of the store, and they both moved to the desk in the back of the room. Willow sat and watched Buffy as she prepared herself.
Buffy didn't know how to start the conversation. This is Willow! I can talk to her! "Things haven't been perfect since I've come back," the Slayer began. "I am here to apologize for being so distant. It was just so hard at first, being back and seeing everyone. At some points I didn't want to be back, just be dead and at rest, you know? I would like to think I was in heaven, but to tell you the truth I don't know where I was. All I draw is a big blank."
Willow moved her chair next to Buffy's and took her best friends hand. "I am here for you Buffy. Just think about all we've been through. Adam, the Master, the Mayor… just to name a few. And you and me were there for each other. We always will be," Willow said, sniffing slightly, and Buffy could see a tear escaping Willow's eye.
"Yeah Will, I know… but there is some error to your logic…" Buffy whispered, just looking at Willow as if to stare the answer into her.
"Xander," the name of the person that meant so much to both of them and had caused them so much pain recently. Silence passed through them for the next ten minutes, until Buffy finally decided to continue the conversation.
"I know without him… those times you talked about… could have not possibly have been livable. And… and he left us Will! He left me." Buffy's eyes teared up, and she fought to keep them inside.
"I know, but you have to know that he didn't leave you, Buffy. I don't think he left us, we still hold a place in his heart, but you don't know how hard it was for him. And with Anya leaving him like that…" Willow didn't know how things would turn out, but she promised herself she wouldn't push Xander away, not again.
"What? Where is Anya? I thought she went with him?" A confused Buffy stared at Willow hoping her friend held answers.
Willow was shocked at Buffy's question. But then again… all she's done lately is hang out with Faith, she thought bitterly. "Well to satisfy your curiosity, she left him after you died, something about not handling death and not wanting to stay in Sunnydale. He was so crushed, Buffy," Willow's anger was evident in the way she replied to Buffy's question. "Two of the most important people in his life left him! Do you think he would just be the same after that? His world was crushed!" Willow screamed at Buffy.
"I… I didn't know. That still doesn't excuse him for taking advantage of Faith," Buffy replied in a small voice.
"As if! Xander wouldn't take advantage of anyone! And ask yourself this question: are you mad that he took advantage of Faith or that he slept with her instead of you?" Willow had observed how hard Buffy took Xander's disappearance and figured there was more than friendship that Buffy was feeling.
"You're wrong Will, dead wrong. I don't know what my feelings for him are but it is definitely not more than friendship… if even that anymore," she whispered.
"Yeah, keep trying to convince yourself about that Buffy, but you can't fool me," Willow presented her resolve face and waited for Buffy's response to that.
"That's beside the point. The reason I wanted to talk to you is about Faith," Buffy said coolly, trying to change the subject.
Willow made a disgusted face and stared into Buffy's eyes. "Fine, change the subject. But this isn't over Buffy. You can't dismiss him as only a convenience when he is around and then mock him when he is gone. Now, what has the skank done now?" Willow was not going to be nice about Faith. I don't have to be nice to that bitch, and I never will be. She abused my best friend. Trying not to think about how Xander told her about his first time and how he felt after being thrown out of the room. She clearly remembered his words, "Maybe I am destined to be used and unloved." That had hurt her then, and it still did.
Not wanting to fight further with Willow, Buffy just got to the point. "Xander got her pregnant."
To say Willow was shocked would an understatement. She just sat there, her eyes glazed over, and her mouth wide open.
"Will," Buffy tried to snap her friend out her shock, but it didn't work. For the next five minutes Buffy tried everything she could think of to get Willow to respond, from shaking her to slapping her, but nothing worked.
Finally after Buffy started to panic, Willow snapped out of her shock, "Oh," was all she said. But what was going to her mind was totally different. NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Why her!? She doesn't deserve him or the baby!! That…that… bitch!! Willow's mind just kept on dragging up reasons why Faith was the worst kind of sewer-dredge humanity could produce.
"Yeah, and she's scared and doesn't know what to do… You know, this is all Xander's fault! If he just didn't think with his dick all the time," Buffy said angrily, her voice portraying just what she thought of Xander.
"Buffy… I'm tired of defending him, and trying to talk to you. I have to go." Willow got up, took her purse and walked to the door. "Lock up," she commanded without turning around and walked out.
Buffy was shocked that Willow walked out, and tried to think of what went wrong with her conversation. She had just gone to Willow for advice… not to argue.
Well, she's tired of defending him. That's good. Trying to twist her friend's words, Buffy figured that Willow just needed time to digest how reckless Xander had been with Faith. I've really gotten to know Faith. She's not all that bad. Her life hadn't been great, and I didn't understand that at first. Now I do, and I've got to try.'
***Few hours earlier at Hogsmeade, England***
(Magical village, located next to Hogwarts)
The train had finally made it to its destination; the night sky was beautiful, full of stars, and a bright moon. Xander and Pumpkin stepped out of the carriage and the two girls April and Ariana followed directly behind them. Xander noticed that Pumpkin had a robe on to help with the cold night, but the girls didn't even seem phased by the temperature. He on the other hand was freezing. Damn I knew a t-shirt wasn't a good idea.
He felt so out of place as he noticed all the students had their wizards' robes, and all he had on was a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. At least he wasn't the only one. April and Ariana had t-shirts on about some cartoon named Dragon Ball Z. He turned his head when he noticed a large gruff voice yell, "Firs' years! Over here, Firs' years!" A giant of a man, and giant was the only way to describe him; he was larger than Xander's 6 feet. The kind smile he provided made Xander at ease to be in the man's presence. "I guess since this is my first time here, I am first year." He turned to the two girls and noticed them approaching the giant man. No way! They're first years like me! This is starting to get weird… and having lived on the Hellmouth, I know a thing or two about weird.
The giant man's big hairy face beamed over the sea of first years, "My name is Hagrid and I hope ye enjoy yer years at Hogwarts. C'mon follow me—any more firs' years? Follow me!"
The large group of first years that included Xander and the two girls he sat with earlier slowly walked through a steep, narrow path that went through a thick path of trees.
"Ye will be able to see o' Hogwarts in a sec," said the large man that led them through the path. As it came into view to say its beauty awed Xander would be an understatement. It was an extremely large castle, putting to shame any of the castles he had ever seen in movies about the middle ages. The path he noticed opened onto the edge of a great black lake, atop the high mountain on the other side the vast castle stood with its many turrets and towers.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of small boats. Xander, April and Ariana took a boat to themselves. Their larger frames would not let another person into the boat. Hagrid yelled out, "FORWARD!"
***
April and Ariana studied the boat and figured that it was magic that made it travel so smoothly across the lake. Then Hagrid yelled, "Heads down!" as they reached a cliff, they bent their heads and the boat went through a curtain of ivy into an opening. The dark tunnel they entered lead to a harbor underneath the castle.
They followed everyone out of the boats and waited for Hagrid to open the gate that led into the castle. April watched the young man that had accompanied them on the boat. He seemed nice on the train and it seemed that her and Ariana where not the only ones that where here as older first years.
What'd ya say about helping him? After all, he probably won't be able to keep up with us… not many people can. Ariana mentally sent to April.
Of course we'll help him out, April replied with conviction. But I get a funny feeling when I look at him…Did you see his eyes? Something's haunting him. And there's something else… April's open eyes got a glossy shine which told Ariana all she needed to know. April was looking at Xander in mind-space. Soon, April continued, he's trying to put the pieces back together, just like us. Maybe, after a while… maybe he'll trust us enough, and we can help.
Ariana simply sent a nod through the mind-space link. Possibly. But we'll also need to learn to trust him… after all, our secrets…
I know, April replied simply, sadly.
As the door opened they noticed a tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes that had a very stern face.
I think I'll like her. Strict, yet fair, just like Mother Superior, Ariana commented to April.
Yeah, April's mental voice showed the pain of leaving their first home still had on her. But she mentally chucked as she noticed the young man next her become ridged as he examined the woman. I don't think he has the same thoughts as we do, Ari, she mentally chuckled to Ariana.
Ariana simply chuckled in response as she too, examined the rigid boy.
"I am Professor McGonagall, and welcome to Hogwarts." the older woman said. "Follow me," she pulled the door wide revealing a stone walled hallway lit with flaming torches. They could hear the voices of hundreds of people and the girls figured it was the other students. Instead of going where the voices where coming from, they entered a small, empty chamber off the hall. It was very crowded and uncomfortable. The girls where pushed against the young man from before.
He is muscular, sent Ariana to April with a chuckle. April just ignored her, knowing very well that it was just teasing. Ariana wouldn't leave her for anything or anybody in the world.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts."
Just like the Phoenixes, Ari. April sent to Ariana as they listened to the professor. I wonder if they get special privileges as well, she finished. Ariana just shrugged in respond.
"You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room. The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house you becomes yours."
She walked up to Xander, April and Ariana, "Well why have you not put on your robes and why are you wearing Muggle clothes." The rest of the students in the room chuckled at this.
Before April and Ariana could answer her, a very angry Xander answered, "Well as you can see where aren't your typical first years and you don't have to be so rude to us. To answer your question, I was told only to talk to the headmaster." She only glared at him and turned to the girls.
As she did so, April and Ariana bowed fully. It was April who said, "We humbly apologize, Professor. We were not informed that we needed special supplies. If there is a way to rectify this situation as soon as convenient, we will be in order at that time."
Before the professor could say anything, "When I talk to the headmaster, I'll be able to supply them. It's no trouble." Xander smiled at the girls, he loved help a person in need.
"Thank you," April said, bowing to him. "In return for your kindness, please allow us to pay for the supplies."
"Consider it the beginning of an interesting friendship." He gave his lop-sided grin.
"Again, we thank you," April said. "But we wish to repay your kindness. Please allow us the opportunity to do so."
Xander lifted his one eyebrow at April. Okay. This is strange here. Half a second later, his brain hit him. She really wants to do something in return, you dolt. Let her! "Okay," Xander said. "It's arranged, then."
"Thank you," April and Ariana said, bowing again. Xander chuckled, and returned a semi-clumsy bow of his own.
"Very well, after the Sorting you will meet with Professor Dumbledore. I shall return when we are ready for all of you," she said, projected to the rest of the students.
Looking around the girls noticed that all the younger boys and girl where nervous. I don't see any reason to be nervous. Look at Alexander. He seems so calm. April sent to Ariana.
Well so are we. Not surprising, what we went through… but I do wonder what this sorting will entail. I just hope that we can get our hands on all that knowledge. Ariana sent back.
The professor returned, "Now form a line and follow me."
April and Ariana, along with Alexander, who seemed to be their new friend, waited at the end of the line. They entered the Great Hall and marveled at its beauty. It was lit by thousands of candles that floated in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the end of the massive hall was another table where the teachers were sitting. As April looked up she saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars, which looked perfectly like the sky outside.
"Amazing," she whispered. They came to halt in front of the teachers' table and Professor McGonagall silently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. Everyone became quiet and stared at the hat. I wonder what's so special about that hat. April and Ariana sent to each other at the same time, causing but girls to chuckle audibly.
Then the hat twitched, and a rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth and began to sing:
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
You top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see, (That statement made April, Ariana, and Alexander really nervous.)
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind; (I bet that is the one we get into, April mentally said to Ari.)
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. It bowed to each of the four tables and then became still again. "Interesting that a hat will determine which house we go in," replied Alexander to the girls. They just nodded at him. He wished could put in a joke.
The professor pulled a long roll of parchment and started to call the names of the students. As the students went up and sat on the stool, the professor put the hat on them and after a moment it would yell out the house they belonged to. The house would applause for the students they would receive as one of their own. For some it took a minute, maybe more and others it barely touched their heads before yelling the house.
Finally she got up to the last three people, which happen to be the oldest first years and also were not in the list she had. All the students whispered, wondering who the older students where. The professor pulled up another list and called out,
"Fromthefield, April."
April walked to the front of the stool, and bowed to the professor. At that, she sat down on the stool, totally unconcerned. So very human, though you don't think you are. Such intelligence would be a good match for Ravenclaw.
As I thought, April replied to the hat. By the way, I would appreciate it if you kept our secrets.
Was that a gulp she heard from the hat? April wondered why. Of course, the mystical object answered.
But what a heart, you have much loyalty to those who earn it. But the greatest asset you have is your courage, the hat said at that point. "Therefore you go to GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled the last part. April got up, turned, once again bowed to the professor, walked to the table, bowed to her new fellow students, and sat across from Pumpkin. Everyone on the Gryffindor table cheered and clapped for her. "Welcome to your new home away from home," replied Pumpkin.
"Thank you," April replied with a smile. "We will do our best to bring honor and glory to our house."
Pumpkin looked strangely at her, yet April's attention was already diverted back to the scene at the front of the room, where the Professor yelled out,
"Smith, Ariana."
As April, Ariana walked to the front, unconcerned, bowed to the professor, and sat down.
So violent if separated from you life-partner, yet equal in intelligence, loyalty, and kindness, the hat thought to her. You share so much of the same qualities. Your bravery and courage at the times of need are great; the hat finished its silent thought to Ariana. "Again you go to GRYFFINDOR!" it yelled across the room. Ariana got up, turned, bowed to the professor, easily strode over to the Gryffindor table, bowed to her new fellow students, and sat down next to April.
"You knew you were going to be assigned to the same house?" Pumpkin asked.
"Of course," April replied with a gentle smile.
"There was never any doubt about that," Ariana answered, also smiling. "For our entire lives, we've been together… we've never been split up… Ever. And we were pretty sure that we wouldn't be separated now." Ariana could feel April's mental anguish at her statement. There was one time where they had been separated. Ariana's mind encompassed April's through the link. Sorry, Kawaii, she apologized quietly to her life-partner.
*** Just before the girls get placed***
Tsunami watched quietly and watched the proceedings in the Great Hall of Hogwarts through Xander's eyes, 'I don't think he would be happy if he knew we were so closely bonded.' She smiled as each child made their way to their newly appointed house. 'I wonder if it would bother Alexander if I talked to him.'
Alexander, may I speak with you, her voice was almost like a soft gentle wind in his mind. It felt wonderful, but it also made him nervous that another being, tree whatever, could speak to him in his mind. I hope I am not going nuts, that's all I need! he thought. He heard a giggle from the voice in his head.
Groaning, he mentally accepted her request to speak to him. So, what you think of all this? he asked her.
Well honestly, I am intrigued how they divide themselves into different houses. They all seem happy and it would seem they get the most out of their experience that way.
Yeah, but it's creepy how they do it. It's like their in your 'head'. He emphasized the last part.
Does it really bother you that much that I wish to speak with you? It is very lonely out here and you're the first person I've been in physical contact with in 400 years.
Worried that he messed up, I am sorry; I just have to get used to it. I mean have y– Getting frustrated he mentally mumbles, Great, not only am I hearing a tree's voice in my head, but a cute lonely one as well.
Xander reddened as he heard an echoed giggle in his mind, he found that strange, but continued to wait as he saw another person going up to the hat. He noticed a few of the Professors staring at him, I wonder what's their problem.
That wasn't nice Alexander. They're your teachers, you should respect them. Tsunami didn't like how easily they could tell something was going on with Xander. She could tell by the way they looked at him, maybe the conversation is leaking out energy. Alexander, try and concentrate a little like I taught you and try to lessen your aura. I think our conversation is having an effect on your energy output.
Xander noticed that one of the Professors was giving death looks at one of the students in the Gryffindor table. I wonder what grudge he has?
I do not know Alexander, but it may be interesting to find out. Now please try to concentrate and hide your aura before some of your professors start asking too many questions.
Xander concentrated and slowed his breathing as he was trained to do; slowly the energy encompassing him was reduced. There, happy? You know how hard that is for me.
Alexander, it had to be done. We can not be interrogated about weird auras surrounding you, she responded with a tone that said 'stop pestering me with such simple questions and complaints.'
Well it's almost my turn. This better be worth it.
Oh it will, you'll see. Now pay attention.
End of Part 2a
NA: I need help with the harry potter
characters, I don't want to ooc them and I need help, anyone out there that can
help please email me at shadow_quark@yahoo.com.
:) thanks for reading