Part 4 b
TITLE: Xander Muyo: Hogwart's Style Part4 b
AUTHOR: Top_Quark and Enterprise1701_d
E-MAIL: shadow_quark@yahoo.com and Enterprise1701_d@yahoo.com
FEEDBACK: please, helps me write
N/A: Thanks to enterprise, and the others that helped with this fic This is the first in a series of stories that will be in this AU. A big thanks to the people at http://studiesinwords.de/, where I got to go over and use the scripts for Btvs. I use the scripts and changed them around to fit my story.- TQ
DISCLAIMER: All characters form Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss! The Tenchi Muyo characters belong to AIC or Pioneer. I don't claim ownership. I just wanted to create a story, don't be mad. I don't own Harry Potter and his associates. I don't own anything from harry potter, but I due use the descriptions from the books and also some of what the teachers say.
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?
IMPORTANT: IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON PLEASE READ THE PREQUEL WRITTEN BY ENTERPRISE1701_D AT HTTP:// www.maddmansrealm.com/Enterprise1701_D/ look for COA.
A/N: thanks to greywolf, datexan, and enterprise, and the others that have helped. Thanks to Odar, nodakskip, vegakeep, yawncampion for helping me.
or ' 'mental conversations/mental thoughts
***Quidditch field**
Lunch had come and, for Xander, had gone too quickly. Now it was time for him, the girls and a group of the first years to learn to fly on their brooms. As he waited for Madam Hooch's orders he continued to think about how he got himself into all this trouble. 'I hate school, how the hell did I agree to coming here,' he thought. As he looked around the field at the other young students he came to a quick realization, 'Ah, Shit. I am in high school again.'
April and Ariana on the other hand were having a great time at their new school, it was a time for them to learn and to make new friends. They were tired of running and fighting and this was another opportunity to just have a little fun and see what they could experience with their magical abilities.
Remember Ari, the book we read last night said that magic works through complete concentration. We have to focus ourselves completely. The wands help with the focusing, but we don't need them.
Yes, of course I remember. You're just bugging me because this is boring waiting for the professor's instructions.
As Madam Hooch told them the instructions and had them call the brooms, both girls spoke "UP!" with their hands over the brooms sitting on the ground. They concentrated so much that the brooms swung up with such force that it stung their hands.
Both girls showed no reaction to the violent action of their brooms but on the inside they where not happy to be misled by the book.
I believe the book was wrong, maybe it's different for brooms. They watched the few who got the broom to easily move, I believe by just relaxing and not focusing so much we can attain more control with it. April sent to Ariana.
I agree. Both girls smiled to each other and continued to listen to the instructions and happy that they where starting to learn new things and that they could still analyze the data surrounding them easily. This is what we need Ari, to relax and enjoy learning. Fighting and running has no bearing on our future here.
***
Xander was waiting impatiently, the girls on one side of him and an 11-year-old girl on his other side. The girl keep staring at him every so often and it was totally spooking him. Shaking the feeling of being stared at he waited to for the professor to allow them to use their brooms.
As he listened, he felt the tingle in the back of his mind, which was a request for conversation from Sasami or Tsunami. He chuckled as he thought how he had to explain to them that they couldn't just barge into his mind without a warning. This morning at breakfast he had spilt his drink all over his food and onto himself when they had started talking to him.
Sending back a mental approval, he waited for their reply.
Hello Alexander, how has been your training? he heard the peaceful and calming voice of Tsunami.
Hi Xander, he heard from Sasami.
He mentally grinned as he heard the young teenager's voice; her voice and her presence in his mind always had a calming effect. Training has been ok, boring though. I have no idea what flying with a broom will help me in the future.
Tsunami smiled at his response. Patience, you will eventually realize why this is important to your future. Besides, this exercise is more relaxing than the others.
The three continued their conversation and eventually Tsunami just stayed in the background, just listening to the other two talk.
So how's it going out in the great beyond. he asked to the younger of the two women in his head. 'Damn I hear voices, nope I am definitely not normal. Not that I ever was, normal people don't fight vampires and demons.'
Answering in a shy sad, tone, It's boring and I want to get out of this dream world. But I have to wait until we get out of cryo-sleep.
WHAAAT!! he quickly looked around to see if anyone noticed his shocked reaction. Yeah I am surprised no one noticed my eyes almost pop out and my mouth drop open. Not seeing anyone looking at him he went back to his mental conversation, I thought you where like me, talking through Tsunami. Not sleeping!
In a sad tone, Yes, well I snuck onto my sister's tree ship when she left on her quest to look for our brother. And I have been in cryo-sleep since we left, but since I am connected to Tsunami I never have the dreamless sleep others get. I am always aware and I have been here for 700 years.
***
Hey Kawaii, did you see that? April motioned toward Xander.
Yes, what do you think is going on with Xander? While they weren't exactly friends with the young man, they did feel a small connection with him. He was as new to this magical world as they where. They also figured he had a mysterious background, like they did.
It looks like he is having a conversation with someone, actually it's easy to tell from his facial expressions. April mentioned as both girls raised an eyebrow, perfectly imitating the Spok maneuver.
I didn't know Xander had that kind of power. Both girls logically coming to the conclusion that it had to be some type of mental conversation similar to the one they usually share.
Maybe we should go take a look at what is going on inside his head Ariana said, while both girls trusted the young man a little bit, they couldn't trust him completely yet. Their past showed them that trust had to be earned and he had yet to completely earn it.
Ari! That is just wrong, not only is it eavesdropping but going into his head is very personal and we shouldn't do it unless we have his permission. She smiled as she felt Ari slowly shift from her tactical mindset back to normal.
I only said maybe, she replied with a mental smile to her life mate. Let's try and find out more information about Xander without invading his mind. If we are going to make friends with him, we must know if it's safe. While they knew that trust must be earned, they also knew gathering all the information they could would help them in the future. They hoped it would work out and they could make a new friend.
Agreed, was the final response before they ended their conversation.
***
Xander visually paled at what he was hearing, it didn't sound good. He didn't notice that April and Ariana always aware of their surroundings had been watching his reactions the last few minutes, especially after he missed the order from the teacher to have the broom lift up to his hand.
Only as small part of him was paying attention to the class, or at least trying. The majority was spent talking to Sasami through the weird telepathy they shared. He had started to get to know the young woman and liked her a lot. She was kind, cheerful and, when he talked to her, he seemed to feel all the stress of the day drain away, but he also noticed the depths of sadness from her voice. Try as she might, she couldn't hide it completely. Now hearing that she was trapped in some sort of mental prison didn't make him happy, Seven-hundred years, he mentally shuddered. He couldn't imagine what would happen to him if had to go through it. I would have gone insane by now.
Nahhh. Tsunami keeps me company and I get to visit my sister and mothers' in their dreams. The response sounded cheerful, but he could tell she was trying to hold back her sadness. Besides, it teaches me not to sneak on to my sister's ship again. She sure was surprised when she noticed I was there!! A genuine giggle left the princess.
Everyone saw Xander's smile though they wondered why he got it, especially since all his moves for the last couple of minutes have been very mechanical. Yeah, I bet she got really pissed and started to demand why you did it too. He continued to picture anyone's sister getting mad because her little sister tagged along.
A mental giggle reached Xander's mind. Oh yeah, she wouldn't stop yelling and complaining how I would ruin her quest to find our brother. Xander noticed that the sadness had left the young princess and that she was enjoying retelling her story.
Xander mentally laughed, Yeah I can only imagine, it's like when Dawn used to follow Buffy to the mall and they used to get into fights. His laughter ended as he started remember the friends he had left behind, regretting his decision somewhat but knowing that it was for the best.
Sasami could feel his emotions through the link and she didn't like when he got depressed, You miss them don't you? Why don't you write to them or go see them? I am sure Tsunami can set something up?
Yep! I miss them a lot, I mean things weren't always great but they're are my friends and family and I left. I feel like I betrayed them. I know I have to do this so that I could go back and help, but I just can't help feel like I should be there now. Especially since Buffy's returned, and I have no idea how that happened.
Yeah I miss my parents too, though I never had many friends back at home. I was only allowed to associate with the nobles, and their children were scared to play with me.
Yeah, aren't we a pair, he mentally laughed though it carried only pain, not happiness, We miss our loved ones but are powerless to return to them.
At that moment both of them where interrupted, Sasami it is time for you to rest. After her statement, Sasami left the mental conversation which confused Xander.
Tsunami what was that all about? he questioned, wondering why his conversation was cut short.
My connection to Sasami keeps her mentally conscious but I am only able to have her go into a dreamless sleep for a limited amount of time.
Xander thought over what he had heard decided he would have to say something now or it would eat at him, Bring her here now, go get her!! he stated aggressively.
To say that Tsunami was shocked would be an understatement, never had anyone other than her older sister talked to her like that. She felt the conviction in his mental message, and the threat that if she didn't comply that she would not be happy with the results. But I can not.
He was about to ask why, but then he knew it didn't matter, I don't care!! You're a ship; you told me you're the fastest ship out there so go get her. NOW!! He didn't know what was wrong with him, he felt an unbelievable amount of anger at the moment just thinking about his new friend trapped in such a hell and never able to leave it.
Very well, I will see what I can do, but I do not promise anything. With that she cut the connection they had. He was becoming too forceful and unreasonable; she hoped she would do the right decision.
***
Being cut off from the connection caused Xander to return his full attention to the outside environment and it was not pretty when he realized where he was. "OH shit!!" he yelled as he noticed he was a few feet off the ground on his broom. He lost his balance on the branch and fell off landing on his right leg.
He realized too late that part of his mind had continued to pay attention to the teacher and had acted at her request. "Owww! Oww! I've fallen and I cant get up!" He looked around and noticed no one laughed. Figures they don't realize it when I quote a tv show."
He tried getting up, but fell back, "Ah shit, that hurt!! I think it's broken," he stated to Madam Hooch as she walked toward him. He noticed her frown and he knew he was in trouble.
"Such language, never in my years in Hogwart's have I known such disrespect. Now who here wants to take him to the medical wing." Her voice was harsh and stern conveying that she was extremely angry at his choice of words.
April and Ariana walked up to them and helped pick Xander up, "Be careful don't put any pressure on her leg." April let her hands go over his leg, "No... it's not broken. You just pulled your muscles." She looked up at him, and smiled. "You'll be fine." She turned to Ariana, nodded, and together, they simply lifted him up and carried him off.
As the three passed the others, April and Ariana heard all the whispers on how they where freakishly strong.
***
As they made their way through the school, Xander decided to chat a little so that he could be distracted from the pain, "So I see your pretty strong to hold me up. Cool!!" He flashed them his lopsided smile.
The girls just took his statement casually but wondered why he took it so easily, "It does not bother you, that we may be stronger than you," asked a curious Ariana. April just looked at him waiting for his answer.
He chuckled lightly, "Nahh, it doesn't bother me. Hell most of my friends are stronger than me, and they're girls." 'And not just in physical strength too!' he thought to himself. "Nah. I've known a few girls that can kick a little ass. Buffy, Faith, Willow if she gets pissed enough...and Cordy of course," he added with a smirk as he remembered his friends.
The girls smiled up at him, they could feel him relax. It felt nice to be trusted again by someone else, "So tell us about your friends, what are they like?"
"You know they're my friends," he laughed though a small hint of sadness trickled out. "Well Willow has been my friend since kindergarten, basically forever," he smiled at them. "Cordy was our worst enemy, but in high school we became friends. I still keep in touch with her, she maybe not have tact and is a fashion nut but she has a good heart." Not wanting to talk about Faith or Buffy he tried to change the subject, "What about you? I don't know much about you. Tell me a little about yourselves."
The girls where a little reluctant to talk about themselves since they didn't exactly have a wonderful life, 'Kawaii, did you notice how he left out the other two girls he mentioned," mentally asked April.
'Yes, I did. There is much more than he is telling, but I have a feeling he will open up as time passes,' responded the other girl. "Well we grew up in a convent and where very much loved. Then we where given scholarships to go to a school for young genius where we got several doctorates." She wanted to see what his reaction to learning their mental capabilities; she had learned that many people didn't like to be around others smart than them. It frightened them and usually things never went well. She can still remember being called an egghead by a boy when she and her friends had left their school grounds for some fun.
"Ahh geniuses, yeah you could consider my Willow a sort of genius. You want to know a secret!" he said with a hint of mystery hidden behind his words.
"No, what?," they both said with a hint of laughter waiting to escape. He really made them relax and enjoy the conversation.
"You guy's just volunteered to be my study buddies, just like Willow was mine," He said with a great big smile, "Of course if you want to that is," he was a little nervous as he waited for their reply.
They both laughed, "Which part do you need help? We'd be glad to help you, I mean they stuck you with a vigorous workload."
If it was even possible he had a even bigger smile, "Everything, as I told Willow once there's a shiny nickel in it for you," he laughed.
It warmed their hearts that someone accepted them so easily and they hoped it would work out. They weren't going to let their guard down completely, but they where going to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Sure, no problem, we give you knowledge and you give us two nickels." April smiled at him and turned towards Ariana who nodded back at her, "Sounds like a fair trade." 'Besides you gave us so much when you helped us buy the school supplies,' both girls thought. They knew it wasn't wise to bring that up so they just accepted what he brought up.
As they rounded the corner they almost smacked into a group of students. The three knocked down a blond-haired boy and had pushed his other companions to the side.
"Excuse us, we need to get to the medical wing," April said as the three continued on their way passing the three Slytherin.
"Comeback here you mudbloods!!" screamed the blond-haired boy.
Xander quickly stopped the two girls from continuing, suddenly the room decreased slightly in temperature. He still remembered when Pumpkin told him about some of the things he needed to know about the wizarding world, including the meaning of mudblood. 'I've been called mudblood a lot since I came here since my parents aren't from old wizard families, ' he remembered his friend saying. He slowly limped toward the blond boy after he god April and Ariana to let him go, "Take that back, or you'll regret it!!" If it was one thing he would not tolerate, it was someone insulting his friends. 'I don't care if they insult me, but your not going to insult others in my front of me. Now that I can do something about it, I won't let people get away with it.'
Malfoy quickly took out his wand and started waving it around menacingly, "Or what?? What can a filthy mudblood like you do to me? Especially some loser Gryffindor," he laughed but quickly quieted as Xander slowly made his way toward him.
"Come on guys, just apologize to the two young ladies and we will be on our way. No need to get defensive," he gave them his lopsided grin and waited for their reply.
"Don't tell me what to do. I am not going to listen to you, damn Gryffindor git." He had a big grin on his face hoping that Xander would do something.
Xander looked him up and down and laughed, "You know what you're not worth my time." He slowly made his way to the girls and the three turned to go on their way.
Malfoy smiled confidently as he nodded to the other two that accompanied him. They prepared to fire an assortment of curses and jinxes, but at the last minute they got something they did not expect.
April and Ariana sensed danger and faster than the others could see pulled their wands out and spun around while still holding onto Xander. "Stupefy," they whispered calmly as the beams of light exploded out of their wands. Instead of being a clean thin beam of magic, both girls released wide beams of magic that completely encompassed the whole hallway. While they didn't like violence they would not be attacked while their backs where turned.
"Wow, that was so fucking cool!" laughed Xander. "I loved it how you so smoothly pulled out your wands, and damn you guys took out the whole hallway," he grinned at them. The training he had undergone the last few months and the years off watching others faster than him allowed him to keep up with the girls' rapid moving hands.
'He was able to keep up with us Ari, that is very strange. He was able to watch us move so fast,' April thought to the other girl.
'Yes, he was also able to adapt quickly and turn with us, instead of us moving him forcefully. He is very strange,' both girls felt no malice or anything dangerous about the young man so they relaxed and just nodded to him.
'Good thing my reflexes have improved, though it gives me the sick feeling of being under the hyena's control again.' He still did not like reacting so fast without conscious thought; it felt like his body wasn't under is control. Being possessed twice had made him very cautious when it came to his body's reactions.
"Your not confused by our quick movements and reflexes?" asked a confused April. While they had not moved to their full capabilities, since they didn't use their other gifts to enhance their speed it still surprised her that he took it with ease.
"Nahh, I've seen faster. I am used to seeing people move that fast, you could say I am unfazed by it, though it did kick ass. Wow, I never thought I'd see anyone move almost as fast as Buffy. You know what? I get the feeling we are going to be really good friends and have some kick ass adventures," he said happily. He just had a feeling that things would not be dull. He stifled the urge to mentally groan since he never got it easy, something always dangerous or weird happened. "By the way, how did you do that? I mean I skimmed one of the books and I don't think it was suppose to have that type of effect. Wasn't it supposed to be a standard stun spell?" 'If my friends could see me know, skimming books and talking about what I read. Yes, the end is coming soon,' he mentally chuckled.
"Ah, well that's easy to explain. You see, we read some material about Magical Theory last night and the gist of it was that a wand is used as a focus. You can say that it's like a magnifying glass that focuses our magical energy onto one point so that we don't have concentrate so hard. Well, Ari and myself have been training our minds to be able to focus and concentrate; we can focus our magic and its concentration easily. So the wand magnifies our focused magic creating a larger effect than is usual. But then again that is my current theory; further examination of what just happened will need to be made."
Xander just looked at her and his mind hurt a little. "What you say?" He understood a little of it but still was slightly confused.
April just sighed, "I just used my magic more efficiently."
"OH why didn't you say so!" he grinned at her.
"I did," she whispered as they continued onto the medical ward.
***
In an Unknown Dimension
Tokimi refused to watch her grandson's dealings at the magical school since she wanted to be surprised, but that did not stop her from making an appearance to her sister, 'Yes time to annoy my little sister.'
Tokimi appeared on Tsunami's ship and waited for her sister to detect her, after waiting a few minutes she decided to look around. It surprised her that her sister didn't detect her; she had easily done so in the past. 'What are you up to little sister?'
She walked into the main chamber and finally saw her sister staring at a view screen, 'Hmm, I wonder what's she looking at?' What she saw as she made a closer inspection almost made her laugh, but instead she giggled and it caused her sister to notice her. "Well, well, well! What do we have here? Does my little sister have a new pet?"
Tsunami turned towards the intruder and scowled, "What are you doing here?" To say that the sisters did not get along would be putting it mildly.
"Well I just wanted to visit you, can't I be allowed to do that?" She asked with more sweetness coming off her voice than was needed. She loved to annoy her sister and the voice always did make her mad. She mentally laughed as she saw the scowl on her sister increase in magnitude. She walked to the view screen and watched, "So what do we have here? My, he's handsome," she said as she watched Xander being helped down a hallway by two girls. "But I still think Yosho is much better looking; did you tire of him already?"
"Yosho is one of my subjects, I do not view him that way," the anger from Tsunami's voice was clearly evident. "As to who this young man is, it does not concern you."
'Oh little sister, it does concern me more than you would ever imagine,' Tokimi thought seriously. "So lets take a look at Yosho," she tried to will the view screen to changed but it didn't. She raised an eyebrow at her sister, "Come on, let's take a look," she voiced again knowing it would annoy her sister.
"NO!! You leave him alone, he is happily married and I don't need to you to interfere with his life," an angry Tsunami answered.
"Ah, don't be like that; you know he can have more than one wife. I bet he would love to have a goddess as a wife," she laughed.
"Argghhh!! Get out!! Get out!! Get out!!" screamed the other goddess.
Laughing loudly Tokimi took her leave, loving that she was one of the few beings that could easily push her sister's buttons.
***
Later that night:
***Dream Sequence 1***
Xander looked around, he didn't know where he was and he felt really loopy. He felt completely disoriented as he continued to walk down the street. "I have to get to Buffy's. I have to warn her, and help my friends." He went from jogging to a complete flat out run, only thinking of making it to his friend's home in time.
A feeling of dread and emptiness ran up his spine as he neared the house and the door was smashed open, he walked through the door and looked around hoping to find his friends alive. As he turned toward the living room he gasped. "Noo!," he whispered as he saw the body of his longest, bestest friend on the couch with her head in an unnatural angle.
He rushed to her side, kneeling and hugging her to him. "I am sorry, Wills. I am sorry I wasn't here."
Suddenly she opened her eyes and as she looked at him, "You failed us, you left me. Now you're all alone."
The room and the area he was in started fading away as he looked around he feel into complete darkness.
***Dream Sequence 2***
It seemed like he was surrounded in complete darkness all of eternity, or a long, long time. He had just been there, not able to do anything since he couldn't see his movements and walking just seemed to be a waste of time. Then the world started shifting and the Summers' house appeared before him, he saw Willow on the couch dead. But what stood out was the blonde girl standing before him, completely enraged ready to kick his ass.
Buffy walked up to him getting extremely close, totally violating his personal space, he couldn't bear to even look at her as he turned his face away from hers. "Look at me you idiot, look at me and then look at her. You left us and that's what happened. You left us and didn't even care to send us any indication that you were alive. Well, are you happy she's gone, and the longer your not here, the worst things will be."
She started to fade away and Xander just stared at the space where his friend had just stood and then turned to look at Willow. He knew it would always be this way, he would fail them and leaving had never been the best idea he had had.
Again the scene before him started fading and he was left in the total darkness that he was now craving, the scene of his dead best friend was too much to see.
***Out in Space***
"Is there anything we can do to help him with his nightmares, Tsunami," asked the young blue-haired princess. Being stuck in an almost endless sleep was extremely boring and seeing someone in pain just didn't help the situation.
"There is nothing we can do, we can not interfere with his dreams, he has to work through them himself," the kind voice had a hint of sadness as she answered her.
The young princess watched the dreams of her new friend. He was the first person that she had gotten so attached too since leaving her planet and she didn't want anything bad to happen to him, she sent a message of hope to him hoping that it would help a little.
The goddess watched her charge and smiled at the young girl's gesture of help to the young man, but frowned at how she was interfering with his development, 'Well, what could I expect from someone who loves to help others.'
***Dream Sequence 3***
The world around him changed into a nice beachfront, the sun stood over him and he watched the sea as a calm feeling went through him. He sat at edge of the beach and just stared at the waves and the sun eventually setting. He hadn't this much peace in a long time; he released all his worries and all his troubles as he watched the waves crashing in front of him. Eventually it all faded away as he fell into a deep sleep.
**Dorm room**
Pumpkin watched his new friend toss and turn most of the night and hoped that the calm smile meant that Xander was having a better dream now. He knew he would have to talk to his friend soon, 'Tomorrow, I'll make time tomorrow.' If not just to relax and maybe they could listen to some music.
***Sunnydale Diaries***
Dawn
Dear Diary:
Monday -Sept. 2
Well it was another boring day at school, it's so easy to fool everyone at home into thinking that I am all perky and happy about going to school. As if!! :P How can I be happy about anything, things have just been terrible at home and everyone just seems to try to ignore the fact that its for one big reason. Yeah, I miss him. How could I not? He has always been there for me, even if most of them were implanted memories.
Yeah anyway, Buffy and Faith finally where able to stop the demon that some how followed Buffy back from the dead. I can't shake the cold feeling of how it felt when I was possessed, and how good it felt to insult them all and tell them how I felt about them not trying to find Xander. Yeah I finally asked Willow why she didn't do a locator spell and she told me, "If he wanted to be found he would call." That pissed me off so much, their not even trying. He used to be her best friend and she just dismisses him like that. Best friend hell, she used to be in love with him.
Well I got to go, my whiny sister is calling me to dinner. I'll be back to write later. Another night of bad cooking.
Faith
Monday -Sept. 2
Well this is my first journal entry, read in a baby book that it's good to keep a journal. And you know what; it makes sense. I used to keep one when I started slaying, but after my watcher died, I stopped writing and just started running, never giving the journal a second thought.
I am still hoping he's going to return soon, he promised me. But with all the promises made to me that had been broken in the past, I am not surprised. I just hope our baby can have a better life than I did, I couldn't bear to give the baby a bad life.
Anyway enough of the mushy stuff, B has been creeping me out. I've caught her a couple of times with Spike while I go out on patrol. Every time I try to talk to her about it she either ignores me or starts to get physical, and I can't afford to get physical anymore. Anyway, I've decided to just let her do what she wants, it's not my business and well I can't really do much other than stake Spike and then that would lead to showdown with slutty B.
At first I thought that B and me could work things out and start all over, but things just don't click. She's angry at me one minute and nice to me the next, she totally has mood swings around me; it spooks me. I am used to people hating me and that's it. But B just keeps changing her tune all the time, I don't know what to do about it and little miss Wicca Red doesn't help either, I see the dirty looks she gives me. She hates me, and now that I am carrying Xandman's kid she totally despises me.
***
Past Midnight Hogwarts, England
April and Ariana both sat in the common room while everyone else was asleep. They had an assortment of books next to them. They had borrowed all the books they needed to understand the first 2 years of school at Hogwarts from Hermoine. "I like Hermione, she reminds me a lot of the phoenixes. She works so hard and loves to learn," a smiling April said.
"Yes, I do enjoy her company. She tends to love sharing her knowledge. Now I do believe it is time we got to the fun part of the evening." Ari laughed as they both grabbed a book and started reading and assimilating the knowledge within. They had both already finished The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self Protection since it sounded interesting and important. So they both made a list of what they would both read:
April:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1
A History of Magic
Magical Theory
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them
Ariana:
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
Magical Drafts and Potions
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration
They had started by using their psychokinetic powers to hold their books, while their hands held each other. Both having their avatars in mind-space process the information as view screens appeared all over the temple. The girl's avatars appeared in mind space and they began their work.
April summoned more windows and data passed through them. One window for each subject in each book, stood in front and at the sides of the girls, visual representations of creatures, herbs, and potions appeared in their temple as the girls went through everything at an astonishing pace.
Now that the temple was ready for their studying they created the main window that represented the real world. Reading at an accelerated pace they both finished the books within two hours.
Having finished their respective reading and sorting the data and linking related material together in the respective windows the girls decided it was time to merge the data. Slowly the multiple windows that they had on the subjects merged together into one big window. Data flashed through the window as April's and Ariana's minds worked together to sort the data.
"Well that was fun," smiled Ariana. The joy they both felt at obtaining knowledge they couldn't describe, "Well I guess its time to get second year material finished. For the next two hours they read books, merged data and went through data so that they could better use it.
***
Dear Diary,
Well it's been 3 years since I last wrote in this book and I wonder if this will help. I have to get my feelings out and I guess this is the best way. Things with my friends aren't great and I really don't want to talk to them about my problems. Things with Faith are alright, you may wonder why I let her stay here. Why am I not killing her? Its easy, I don't have the energy or the desire anymore. I just don't care. She's not going to hurt anyone, I could tell. I mean its not hard to logically see it, hello she didn't kill me when I was all crazy girl, though her being with child does help. It's funny, I was about to throw her out that day. Call me selfish but I just couldn't handle having her around anymore. But she let her bombshell drop and I felt bad for her. Yeah, me feeling back for that skank. Anyway, how could I throw her out after that. I am the slayer, and isn't it my job to protect the innocent or something like that. Well I had to help Faith and her baby.
I saw Dawnie writing in her diary, and after I snuffed the urge to go read it I decided to continue my own. Yeah I know I shouldn't want to read her diary but come on, I have to make sure she's not doing bad things with boys. :) Anyway I've been feeling so alone lately, like there is no hope. It's a strange feeling; I've always been able to fall back onto my friends. I wish it had been that easy but it's not.
Willow hasn't really been there after what happened with Faith. I guess she's mad cause Faith happened to be the one to wake me up form my little depression stunt. I tried talking to her but its like there's an invisible barrier between us. She's become more distant and I think she's planning on focusing more on school and Tara instead of slaying. I understand that, but I feel like I was abandoned. Why can't I go to school? Why can't it be like it was all before?
Tara has been... well, Tara. She's helped as best as she can but she's busy getting ready for school too. So I mostly spend my time with Faith, Dawn, or Giles. Speaking of Giles, it's same thing as with Willow. He's become distant, won't talk to me unless its slayer business.
Well that's enough venting for one day.
****
Hogwart's Breakfast
She was about to start her second day at school; she was really excited. She wished her friends could understand the joy she felt when she learned something new. She watched as Xander, April, and Ariana entered the hall and took their places across from her. Her cheeks colored as she looked at Xander, 'My he's cute!! Stop that! You like someone else.' She watched as Xander sat and noticed he wasn't wearing normal wizarding clothes, but a tight t-shirt that displayed his muscles very nicely.
Shaking her head so she could focus on her meal and stop the reddening of her cheeks. She just got her Daily Prophet when she gasped:
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM. NEW COURSE AT HOGWARTS
She went on to read how a new course called Law and Rights of the Ministry of Magic. 'The Minister of Magic has repeatedly stated that Albus Dumbledore has reached the ends of his wits and that reform of Hogwarts must be done. Law and Rights of the Ministry of Magic was the first of many reforms to be made to the education of our children,' stated the Minister of Magic.
It went on to discuss the rumors of Minister of Magic taking over Hogwarts and other political struggles in the Ministry.
"What's going on Hermione? Can I see that?" Ron leaned over and tried to snatch the paper out of her hands, but was met with a hard slap to the hand. "Aww! Oww! You didn't have to do that?" he whimpered.
Harry snickered, "Serves you right, you know she hates it when you do that." Lately he had been feeling better. The guilt over Diggory's death had lessened and he had started confiding in his friends about the ordeal. He realized that with his friends he might just be able to do anything.
Hermione told the group what she read on the paper and continued to read it.
"Interesting, it would be good to learn about the laws of the Wizarding world," replied April.
"Yes, it's best to know how the magical authorities operate in this section of the world," added Ariana.
"OH man! Does that mean we get more classes," groaned Xander he had been reviewing what he had to accomplish and it didn't look good. 'How the hell am I going to be able to do this? I am no genius.'
"Yes. According to this, it states that all third years and above must participate in the course. I wonder how they're going to change the scheduling around so that we can fit one more class," a blushing Hermione answered. She really had to start getting used to talking to Xander, but had yet to get herself under control.
"This is strange that they would add another course so suddenly. What you think, Kawaii?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Well might as well worry about it later. Lets eat!" Xander said as he started piling food onto his plate.
"So guys I am trying to recruit some people to participate in the biggest prank ever, I have yet to beat the Wesleys. I do some good ones, but they always out shine mine and I am not even noticed. How about it?" whispered Pumpkin as he waited and hoped for good response from the others.
"To go against my brothers? Definitely I am in," quickly answered Ron. He stared daydreaming how he would one up his brothers and become a legend in his own right.
"I don't think that's a good idea, we could get caught. We should just focus on our studies." Hermione almost cried out as she scowled at Ron, but she looked up at Xander to see his reply, 'Among other things! Oh no, I just didn't think that.'
"I am definitely in," answered Xander quickly and he went back to eating. "What about you girls, you going to join us?" He looked at April and Ariana giving them his lopsided grin.
"We shall discuss it and think about it," was the only reply he got since the girls started eating.
After a few minutes Hermione stirred up the courage to talk to Xander, "Why aren't you in your wizard's robes, Xander?" she asked softly surprising both Harry and Ron. They looked up at her and then at Xander and a hint of jealously quickly passed through them.
Xander looked down at himself, he was in his work out clothes which consisted of a tight t-shirt and a pair of shorts, "Oops, hehe!! I was working out and didn't have enough time to change before breakfast ended," he gave her his lopsided smile and she reddened at that.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for not wearing proper clothing?" Suddenly a loud voice startled them. Snape smiled down at Xander, "Looks like the new boy doesn't know how to follow rules."
"If you had eyes, you would notice I am 21 years old," grumbled Xander. "Must be all those potions, the fumes got to your brain," he further grumbled.
"What was that boy?" Snape snapped.
"Well, hheheh, I was doing some training and didn't have time to change before breakfast ended." Xander scowled up at the professor and answered before going back to eating.
After Snape walked away the talking ended and everyone finished their meal and got ready for classes.
***
Katsuhito looked around his classroom; it had been a week now since he had started his lessons. He had the students go through basic jinxes and counters so that they could and would be prepared for wand attacks. Though many were lacking in skill, he had hoped that more practice time would be available. But he looked up at the reason for the lack of practice, a certain short fat witch named Dolores Umbridge.
She had made it difficult for the students to practice their magic with her interference. He could still hear her shrill voice, "That's not the proper way to do that counter," over and over making the student become nervous and causing them to lose their concentration. He had removed her from the class but the next day she had Ministry approval to change and approve all curriculums. So now they had to change the book and then they had to stop practicing magic since it said that only theory was necessary.
He smiled at what he thought up, the original rule said that theory of the magic was enough to teach the course, but it said nothing about teaching theory of fighting muggles. So therefore he could have the class be active without their wands, after the initial lesson.
"Ok class, settle down!" he loudly. "Today we will be doing something different than what we have been doing the last two days." At this Umbridge quickly stood up about to say something but was stopped when he continued, "I want one of you to attack me with your wand, use any spell you would like to. I will defend myself, but will not use magic." The class exploded into chaos as some students thought that there was no way you could stop a magic attack without magic and others where happy to attack a professor. Umbridge smiled, as she also believed there was no way that he could stop a magical attack.
"So who would like to volunteer, any spell or jinx can be used."
Quickly Malfoy stood up; here was his chance to show everyone that he was the best and that Harry Potter couldn't match him. 'If I take out a professor, everyone will be scared of me,' he laughed internally.
Katsuhito watched as the class quickly walked to the dueling section of the class and wait for the action. He was amused as he watched Umbridge become happier as she believed he would get hurt. "Well Mr. Malfoy since you volunteered; begin." The class stood to the side so any magic wouldn't hit them.
Malfoy thinking he had the upper hand since he was ready and the professor didn't even seem like he was prepared to walk, "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!!" He pointed and yelled out the spell and watched as it moved with half the speed it should have, 'Damn I knew I should have been practicing more, no matter.' Believing that the spell would do it's job, he had a smug grin on his face that quickly turned into shock.
Katsuhito quickly sidestepped the spell and quickly made his way to the side of young Malfoy and slapped the wand out of his hands.
The class was shocked, never had they seen anyone move so fast, and quickly the room filed with questions of how and can they learn that.
"Now what did he do wrong, and what kind of situation is he in," Katsuhito asked the class. Hearing a laugh from one of the students he turned and noticed it was Xander, "Would you care to enlighten us Xander?"
"Ah, he attacked?" an amused looking Xander asked as he laughed slightly. The class laughed and some of the tension in the room trickled out, before the professor could say anything he continued, "Well yeah, he attacked and didn't think ahead. His attack was slow and he wasn't prepared to counter any retaliation. He assumed that his magic could take care of the fight. He was way too confident and didn't think about why his opponent was so calm. He basically jumped into the situation with his head cut off," he laughed causing the room to explode into laughter at Malfoy's misfortune. The boy in question was scowling at Xander.
April and Ariana nodded in agreement with Xander and they decided they would talk to him later, 'He seems to have combat experience, Kawaii.'
'Yes, I believe its time we talk to him. We have to find out if he is friend or foe,' answered the other.
Hermione couldn't believe it; all the books she had read had never hinted that magic could be countered like that. "Harry, that shouldn't be possible, even though the spell was moving slower than normal."
Hearing the girl's response to her friend the professor responded, "Actually Miss Granger it is possible for everyone one of you to do it. I have had training in marital arts and have trained myself to be faster than a person usually would be. It's hard work but it is possible."
"Now Xander would you like to demonstrate for the class what I just said," request Katsuhito.
"Sure, why not," he didn't feel comfortable doing this in front of the class, but it didn't look like had a choice. He got at the end of the dueling ring and waited.
"Who would like to go against him," he asked the class. When no one answered he was about to volunteer himself when Malfoy decided to reply.
"Yeah, I show him not to mess with a Malfoy," He recovered his wand and pointed it at Xander and yelled out a curse, "STUPEFY!." He was hoping to get Xander with the spell the girls used on him a few days ago. 'This will teach you and your friends not go against me."
Xander having closed his eyes as he prepared himself didn't know that the spell was coming toward him. He quickly felt a sense of danger and hit the deck; he opened his eyes to see the spell fly above him. He kicked off and started toward Malfoy who was more prepared than last time and yelled out the same spell again. Xander rolled to the side and the spell missed. Running closer again he jumped over to the side to miss another spell. "So you decided to attack before the match was started your mistake." Angered by Malfoy's actions, Xander decided to teach him a quick lesson.
Xander finally made it to Malfoy and swept him and as Malfoy stared to fall over he swatted the wand away. Putting his foot on Malfoy's chest. "Looks like you lost, punk."
The class was shocked at Xander's actions, he was not nearly as fast as the professor but he used other tactics to get to his opponent. Malfoy looked up at his opponent with shock and fear, 'Shit, I guess I bit off more than I could chew. Fuck this, I'll get my revenge. No one messes with a Malfoy.'
"Man, you're battier than a vamp if you try to use the same thing over and over again," said Xander as he gave him a cold, dark stare. Though he let out a loud groan when he realized what he said, "Ah man, please tell me I just didn't say something so cheesy."
The class laughed out loud and it continued as people commented how stupid Malfoy was, this mostly coming from the Gryffindor group.
Xander could see the expression on his opponent's face and he knew well what it meant; he had seen it when he was out hunting in Sunnydale a few weeks ago. He had seen many other creatures display such a face. Leaning down in what looked like Xander was about to help him up he said in a low voice to the boy, "I know that face, and the demons I have killed have looked at me like that." Setting the boy on his feet Xander walked away thinking only Malfoy had heard him.
April and Ariana turned toward each other and nodded, both confirming that they heard his comments and that they would bring it up when they cornered him.
The class quieted down quickly as Umbridge stepped forward, "I believe that having students attack each other is not wise. And I have not approved this for your curriculum therefore this will be the last and only time you are able to have your little show." Smiling, she quickly left before he could say anything.
Seeing it was time to leave for their next class everyone exited the classroom, "Xander, can you wait a moment please?" The girls waited for Xander as he walked up to the professor.
Wondering what his grandfather wanted he walked up to him, "What's the what, K-man?"
Katsuhito raised his eyebrow, but that was the only indication of emotional response to the name, "While you did well today with the demonstration, I believe you are letting you anger take control. You have to learn to control it better."
"Yeah, I know. I am working on that. Well, got to go to lunch. See ya later, K-man." He quickly noticed that April and Ariana waited for him and so he left with them.
Katsuhito sat in his chair shaking his head in wonder.
***
As the trio made their way towards the Main Hall for lunch the girl's decided to corner Xander, "Alexander, I believe we should have a private conversation with you soon." Seeing his worried look, she added, "Do not worry, we just want to clear some things up that have come up recently.
"Yes, we promised that we would tutor you. Therefore we must set up a schedule and see what we have to concentrate on." Ariana smiled up at him, she figured if they could get together with him later on then they could ask him the questions that have been popping up.
"Oh okay! Sure how about tonight after dinner, let's get together in the lounge and just figure out how the hell I am going to get this done in only a year." The group then made their way toward the food.
***
Xander was hungry, extremely hungry. He was very unhappy about it too, 'I eat enough for ten people and I am still hungry.' It was slightly comforting that he was in his last class before dinner. It still worried him that he was hungry all the time, he never was this hungry, 'Sure I used to eat a lot, but not like this.' He had figured it had to do with the awakening of his powers, but it seemed strange.
And why was he thinking about food and his hunger instead of paying attention to class. That would be easily answered by just knowing who the professor was, yes you guessed it, and it was Dolores Umbridge. She droned on and on about obeying the Ministry and how the laws where absolute. "Arghh. When will this torture end," suddenly the class quieted down and everyone looked at him. "Oops, did I say that out loud," he nervously laughed.
He looked up at the professor and saw that her face had turned an unnatural red and that her hair stood straight, "Why I never!!" she screamed.
"And you never will," he joked. He was tired of her drivel and tired of listening to her preach about obeying some magical council. He wondered where the council was when the world almost ended so many times back at Sunnydale. The more he had sat in the class the more he had gotten angry, it seemed these people wouldn't help out in the world and stay hidden. They don't even allow anyone near the Hellmouth, 'How the hell do they expect it to stay closed. I guess trying to find books on the Hellmouth didn't help with my attitude here.' What he had found was that wizards and witches where forbidden to go near it and that any contact with it would mean a trip to jail.
The class was unusually quiet not even laughing at the joke, it showed that they where intimidated by the professor. 'I guess having half the class in detention a few days ago would do that.'
"Very well, if you are going to be disrespectful then you have detention for the rest of the week and 10 points from Gryffindor." She smiled at him.
"Yeah, ok." He didn't want to push his luck and get points taken off from his house. He had noticed how serious they took their point system and how much pride they had for their house and that he could respect. 'Damn it, three days of detention, I am too fucking old for this shit. Imagine a 21 year old in detention.'
She started up class and Xander went off to dinner. Pissed that he would miss his meeting with April and Ariana because he had detention. 'Now got to think of a way to get out of it,' he mentally chuckled.
***
After talking to April and Ariana and telling them he would be late because of the detention, Xander went straight to Umbridge's office after dinner. As he made his way towards the office, he started thinking about the school and how the people acted strangely. 'One thing that hasn't changed from any other school is students talking about others behind their backs.' He was slightly bothered how everywhere he went people talked about Harry. He only heard his named mentioned and not what was being said but he found it strange. 'Don't know the kid very much, but he seems nice, though a little withdrawn.' He hadn't talked much to Harry and his pals since they where so young compared to him and they tended to stick together. The few classes they did have together they only talked about class stuff.
It seemed to him that everyone in this school was strange though he did like Pumpkin, 'Its good to at least make some friends.' He was starting to like April, Ariana, and of course his roommate, Pumpkin. Though the girls where a little strange, 'well so am I.'
Just as he turned the corner to the professor's office he had a stroke of genius. He knew how he could get out of the detention, 'If it worked with Troll-face Snyder then it will work here.' Then he drooled a little thinking of his fantasy detention with Miss Calendar, 'I really do miss her, and so does G-man. I truly hope she has her peace now.' Steadying his chaotic thoughts and walked into the class.
'Jeeze, can this office be anymore depressing?' He walked in and tripped over the slight incline in the doorway and crashed into the bookcase knocking down about two dozen books. "Ah man, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Here let me pick them up." He stared picking them up, but as he straightens the bookshelf, he turned it at the wrong angle and knocked down a few glass orbs that she had on the adjacent bookshelf.
"Shit!" he cursed. He turned toward the angry professor, "I am sorry. I am so sorry," he looked at her worried and started to look upset with himself, "Dumb ass, Dumb ass." He repeated a few times while hitting himself on the head.
Umbridge was speechless she had never met someone so clumsy, "That's fine just leave it there and lets get started with your detention."
"Sure, again I am so sorry," he quickly walked toward the chair sat down and waited for instructions.
Umbridge stared at the mess and then at the young man in front of her and huffed as she took out her trusty punishment quill. "Ok here, I want you to write with this on this parchment. 'I will never interrupt the class. I will keep all comments to myself. I am not to be a blight on the professor.' Do you understand?"
Yeah, he took the quill and wondered where he would get the ink, "Ah where's the ink?"
It's a magical quill it will provide its own ink. Now stop delaying." She snorted.
He placed the quill on the parchment too hard and it broke the tip, "Ah man, sorry about that."
"I have a quill in my robes that I can use and I brought some ink too," He quickly took out the quill and the ink but he didn't have a good grip on it and it went flying on to Umbridge's robe, "Oh no, I am extremely sorry." He ran up to her and tried to clean it up, " I am sorry, here let me clean it up."
"Argghh!!" she screamed, "Just sit down and be quiet while I clean this up." He was sure he had another ink bottle, "I think I have another ink bottle," he stared looking through his robes and stared turning a lot in the chair. Finally the chair gave out and it broke sending him toward the floor.
Umbridge couldn't take it anymore, "Get out!!" she screamed.
"But don't I have to finish my detention," he asked innocently.
"Just get out, don't ever come to my office again!!" she screamed.
"I am deeply sorry, the least I can do is help you clean up. Please let me help," he asked with remorse of his actions.
"No, just leave now, before I change my mind."
Xander quickly left with a smile on his face, 'I knew it would work.' As he walked towards the entrance to Gryffindor Tower he let out a loud, "Woohoo! I got away with it!" It felt good to get one over that old crazy woman.
***
Looking around the common room he spotted the girls with Hermione next to the fireplace. He quickly made his way over, "Hello girls, how are this you evening," he dramatically bowed and sat himself down on one of the chairs around the small table they where using.
Hermione giggled at his antics, while April and Ariana smiled and raised an eyebrow at him. "Hi Xander," said the youngest girl. "Hello Alexander," replied both April and Ariana.
"So we going to get with the studying or are you busy," he smiled at them. He really didn't want to study but he knew he had to get cracking if he was going to finish with this school.
"Very well, first we must see what have you done since we got here. Then we have to see if you organized any of the material for yourself." Seeing him cringe she new the answer, 'Looks like we have our work cut out for us, Kawai,' the young lady sent to Ariana.'
"Ah well, you see. Hehe." He stuttered around. Maybe he should have studied more instead of just look up only defensive spells. "There really isn't an organized way for me to study, I just pick up a book and if I like it, I read it. If it's boring, I don't. It's that simple." 'Yeah like when I was in high school and read my comics instead of my history book. Ah who needs history, when they can read about spidey and the x-men.'
Both girls raised their eyebrow at him, thinking they may know what his problem was, 'he seems to have problems focusing. He uses his humor to ignore his academic responsibilities,' mentally replied Ariana.
'I agree, though there does seem to be other things that may be the reason for his lack of caring for his studies. I say we start off with organizing the studying. I believe Hermione can also help him with the spells from the first few years.' April was very determined to succeed; she took it as a personal challenge to help Alexander. "Then we shall beginning by outlining all the classes for the first two years. You should have no problem finishing those quickly. You have already passed high school and should have some discipline that first years require. Just look at the book they are small and can be easily read in a few days."
"Yes, the trick is to learn to use the magic properly, and to practice," added Hermione. She figured since she was there, she should help. "All you have to do is practice and I will be glad to help you where ever you may fall behind," she blushed as she imagined helping him.
Having no choice in the matter, he figured he'd just go with the flow, "Yeah whatever you think is best, I used to just do what my best bud Willow told me to do anyway. I am used to this." He smiled sadly at them as he recalled the fun times he had with Willow as his study buddy; he really missed those times. 'Yeah everything went to shit, we never got that close again,' he mused.
The group started on setting up a schedule for his studying and also wrote one for themselves. The girls fine tuned their own schedules after they had talked to Hermione about the material for third and fourth year. After an hour and finishing what they set out to do, they decided to take a small break.
As the girls watched Xander, they tried to assess what they so far could tell, 'He has a small attention span. Though he did show great interesting in magic defense and offensive magic; he seems to want to ignore everything else.'
Ariana noticed and agreed, she added 'Yes, also it was a great idea to give him a short break. I believe we will have to work on expanding his short attention span, and show him how to focus better.'
'Yes, we must observe him more and try to figure out what leverage we can use to help him focus, basic meditation techniques may help. Tai Chi?' April asked
'Indeed, that may help his focus and ability to retain the knowledge. Also help him control that anger of his.'
'Very well then we agree.' Now that they had a course of action to take the girls planned on implementing it no matter what Xander's response.
Hermione in the mean time was trying to come up with the courage to talk to Xander, again. She blushed as she watched him just lay back on one of the couches, 'Maybe I should just go and ask him about his home, it must be nice to live in another country.' Nervously she walked up to him, "Can I sit here," she motioned to the place next to him.
"Sure," he smiled up at her and moved over, "So tell me about this wizard stuff. I mean I have some friends back home that knew magic and they never mentioned this school."
She sat there for few minutes thinking it over, "Well I am not sure, that does seem to be strange. Usually the magic school in your country would recruit them, even yourself." She looked up at him.
"Ah, well I am a special case, hehe," he grinned at her. He watched her as her face lit up and it looked like she had a revelation, 'Looks like the wills when she used to hack. Sure miss those old days.'
"Are your friends practitioners, such as Wiccan," when she saw Xander nod she smiled at him, "Ahh, that's why. You see there are two types of magic uses, practioners and natural born wizards/witches. While we can also use gods, artifacts, and other means to gain more power, we contain natural magical energy and ability within ourselves. Without the artifacts, complex spells, and summoning of god/goddesses practioners don't have the power to use magic. They do retain some of the magic, I also read that the real powerful ones can start to drain magic from nature to simulate what our own bodies do to create magic." She said in her 'I know what I am talking about voice' as she shyly smiled at him.
"Ahh ok," trying to understand but not really.
Seeing him looking confused she gave a heavy sigh, 'Just like Harry and Ron.' She spent the next few minutes trying to explain it to him, but it took her using some diagrams until he understood.
April and Ariana caught the conversation and decided to research the topic later on. "So, tell me about where you're from," they heard Hermione ask.
Thinking it over Xander tried to think of what to say, he didn't want to be rude and not answer her. He had already alienated the teachers, he had the feeling doing that to the students and those who tired to be friendly was a bad idea. Thinking quickly, which surprised him, he thought of the best story to tell them. "Hmm, lets see. Well I lived in in a small town in Sunny California, called Sunnydale. Well my town can be said to be just a tad weird, 'yeah that's an understatement'..."
He was cut off from responding by the young girl next to him, "Of course, you live on the Hellmouth. Please continue." He should have been surprised, but then again he had read in one of the law books how going to the Hellmouth was illegal to all wizards and witches. 'Plus this girl is a stickler for detail. Sheesh! She could put Willow to shame.'
*** Sorry to cut it off here but I got stuck.. until next time
TITLE: Xander Muyo: Hogwart's Style Part4 b
AUTHOR: Top_Quark and Enterprise1701_d
E-MAIL: shadow_quark@yahoo.com and Enterprise1701_d@yahoo.com
FEEDBACK: please, helps me write
N/A: Thanks to enterprise, and the others that helped with this fic This is the first in a series of stories that will be in this AU. A big thanks to the people at http://studiesinwords.de/, where I got to go over and use the scripts for Btvs. I use the scripts and changed them around to fit my story.- TQ
DISCLAIMER: All characters form Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss! The Tenchi Muyo characters belong to AIC or Pioneer. I don't claim ownership. I just wanted to create a story, don't be mad. I don't own Harry Potter and his associates. I don't own anything from harry potter, but I due use the descriptions from the books and also some of what the teachers say.
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?
IMPORTANT: IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON PLEASE READ THE PREQUEL WRITTEN BY ENTERPRISE1701_D AT HTTP:// www.maddmansrealm.com/Enterprise1701_D/ look for COA.
A/N: thanks to greywolf, datexan, and enterprise, and the others that have helped. Thanks to Odar, nodakskip, vegakeep, yawncampion for helping me.
or ' 'mental conversations/mental thoughts
***Quidditch field**
Lunch had come and, for Xander, had gone too quickly. Now it was time for him, the girls and a group of the first years to learn to fly on their brooms. As he waited for Madam Hooch's orders he continued to think about how he got himself into all this trouble. 'I hate school, how the hell did I agree to coming here,' he thought. As he looked around the field at the other young students he came to a quick realization, 'Ah, Shit. I am in high school again.'
April and Ariana on the other hand were having a great time at their new school, it was a time for them to learn and to make new friends. They were tired of running and fighting and this was another opportunity to just have a little fun and see what they could experience with their magical abilities.
Remember Ari, the book we read last night said that magic works through complete concentration. We have to focus ourselves completely. The wands help with the focusing, but we don't need them.
Yes, of course I remember. You're just bugging me because this is boring waiting for the professor's instructions.
As Madam Hooch told them the instructions and had them call the brooms, both girls spoke "UP!" with their hands over the brooms sitting on the ground. They concentrated so much that the brooms swung up with such force that it stung their hands.
Both girls showed no reaction to the violent action of their brooms but on the inside they where not happy to be misled by the book.
I believe the book was wrong, maybe it's different for brooms. They watched the few who got the broom to easily move, I believe by just relaxing and not focusing so much we can attain more control with it. April sent to Ariana.
I agree. Both girls smiled to each other and continued to listen to the instructions and happy that they where starting to learn new things and that they could still analyze the data surrounding them easily. This is what we need Ari, to relax and enjoy learning. Fighting and running has no bearing on our future here.
***
Xander was waiting impatiently, the girls on one side of him and an 11-year-old girl on his other side. The girl keep staring at him every so often and it was totally spooking him. Shaking the feeling of being stared at he waited to for the professor to allow them to use their brooms.
As he listened, he felt the tingle in the back of his mind, which was a request for conversation from Sasami or Tsunami. He chuckled as he thought how he had to explain to them that they couldn't just barge into his mind without a warning. This morning at breakfast he had spilt his drink all over his food and onto himself when they had started talking to him.
Sending back a mental approval, he waited for their reply.
Hello Alexander, how has been your training? he heard the peaceful and calming voice of Tsunami.
Hi Xander, he heard from Sasami.
He mentally grinned as he heard the young teenager's voice; her voice and her presence in his mind always had a calming effect. Training has been ok, boring though. I have no idea what flying with a broom will help me in the future.
Tsunami smiled at his response. Patience, you will eventually realize why this is important to your future. Besides, this exercise is more relaxing than the others.
The three continued their conversation and eventually Tsunami just stayed in the background, just listening to the other two talk.
So how's it going out in the great beyond. he asked to the younger of the two women in his head. 'Damn I hear voices, nope I am definitely not normal. Not that I ever was, normal people don't fight vampires and demons.'
Answering in a shy sad, tone, It's boring and I want to get out of this dream world. But I have to wait until we get out of cryo-sleep.
WHAAAT!! he quickly looked around to see if anyone noticed his shocked reaction. Yeah I am surprised no one noticed my eyes almost pop out and my mouth drop open. Not seeing anyone looking at him he went back to his mental conversation, I thought you where like me, talking through Tsunami. Not sleeping!
In a sad tone, Yes, well I snuck onto my sister's tree ship when she left on her quest to look for our brother. And I have been in cryo-sleep since we left, but since I am connected to Tsunami I never have the dreamless sleep others get. I am always aware and I have been here for 700 years.
***
Hey Kawaii, did you see that? April motioned toward Xander.
Yes, what do you think is going on with Xander? While they weren't exactly friends with the young man, they did feel a small connection with him. He was as new to this magical world as they where. They also figured he had a mysterious background, like they did.
It looks like he is having a conversation with someone, actually it's easy to tell from his facial expressions. April mentioned as both girls raised an eyebrow, perfectly imitating the Spok maneuver.
I didn't know Xander had that kind of power. Both girls logically coming to the conclusion that it had to be some type of mental conversation similar to the one they usually share.
Maybe we should go take a look at what is going on inside his head Ariana said, while both girls trusted the young man a little bit, they couldn't trust him completely yet. Their past showed them that trust had to be earned and he had yet to completely earn it.
Ari! That is just wrong, not only is it eavesdropping but going into his head is very personal and we shouldn't do it unless we have his permission. She smiled as she felt Ari slowly shift from her tactical mindset back to normal.
I only said maybe, she replied with a mental smile to her life mate. Let's try and find out more information about Xander without invading his mind. If we are going to make friends with him, we must know if it's safe. While they knew that trust must be earned, they also knew gathering all the information they could would help them in the future. They hoped it would work out and they could make a new friend.
Agreed, was the final response before they ended their conversation.
***
Xander visually paled at what he was hearing, it didn't sound good. He didn't notice that April and Ariana always aware of their surroundings had been watching his reactions the last few minutes, especially after he missed the order from the teacher to have the broom lift up to his hand.
Only as small part of him was paying attention to the class, or at least trying. The majority was spent talking to Sasami through the weird telepathy they shared. He had started to get to know the young woman and liked her a lot. She was kind, cheerful and, when he talked to her, he seemed to feel all the stress of the day drain away, but he also noticed the depths of sadness from her voice. Try as she might, she couldn't hide it completely. Now hearing that she was trapped in some sort of mental prison didn't make him happy, Seven-hundred years, he mentally shuddered. He couldn't imagine what would happen to him if had to go through it. I would have gone insane by now.
Nahhh. Tsunami keeps me company and I get to visit my sister and mothers' in their dreams. The response sounded cheerful, but he could tell she was trying to hold back her sadness. Besides, it teaches me not to sneak on to my sister's ship again. She sure was surprised when she noticed I was there!! A genuine giggle left the princess.
Everyone saw Xander's smile though they wondered why he got it, especially since all his moves for the last couple of minutes have been very mechanical. Yeah, I bet she got really pissed and started to demand why you did it too. He continued to picture anyone's sister getting mad because her little sister tagged along.
A mental giggle reached Xander's mind. Oh yeah, she wouldn't stop yelling and complaining how I would ruin her quest to find our brother. Xander noticed that the sadness had left the young princess and that she was enjoying retelling her story.
Xander mentally laughed, Yeah I can only imagine, it's like when Dawn used to follow Buffy to the mall and they used to get into fights. His laughter ended as he started remember the friends he had left behind, regretting his decision somewhat but knowing that it was for the best.
Sasami could feel his emotions through the link and she didn't like when he got depressed, You miss them don't you? Why don't you write to them or go see them? I am sure Tsunami can set something up?
Yep! I miss them a lot, I mean things weren't always great but they're are my friends and family and I left. I feel like I betrayed them. I know I have to do this so that I could go back and help, but I just can't help feel like I should be there now. Especially since Buffy's returned, and I have no idea how that happened.
Yeah I miss my parents too, though I never had many friends back at home. I was only allowed to associate with the nobles, and their children were scared to play with me.
Yeah, aren't we a pair, he mentally laughed though it carried only pain, not happiness, We miss our loved ones but are powerless to return to them.
At that moment both of them where interrupted, Sasami it is time for you to rest. After her statement, Sasami left the mental conversation which confused Xander.
Tsunami what was that all about? he questioned, wondering why his conversation was cut short.
My connection to Sasami keeps her mentally conscious but I am only able to have her go into a dreamless sleep for a limited amount of time.
Xander thought over what he had heard decided he would have to say something now or it would eat at him, Bring her here now, go get her!! he stated aggressively.
To say that Tsunami was shocked would be an understatement, never had anyone other than her older sister talked to her like that. She felt the conviction in his mental message, and the threat that if she didn't comply that she would not be happy with the results. But I can not.
He was about to ask why, but then he knew it didn't matter, I don't care!! You're a ship; you told me you're the fastest ship out there so go get her. NOW!! He didn't know what was wrong with him, he felt an unbelievable amount of anger at the moment just thinking about his new friend trapped in such a hell and never able to leave it.
Very well, I will see what I can do, but I do not promise anything. With that she cut the connection they had. He was becoming too forceful and unreasonable; she hoped she would do the right decision.
***
Being cut off from the connection caused Xander to return his full attention to the outside environment and it was not pretty when he realized where he was. "OH shit!!" he yelled as he noticed he was a few feet off the ground on his broom. He lost his balance on the branch and fell off landing on his right leg.
He realized too late that part of his mind had continued to pay attention to the teacher and had acted at her request. "Owww! Oww! I've fallen and I cant get up!" He looked around and noticed no one laughed. Figures they don't realize it when I quote a tv show."
He tried getting up, but fell back, "Ah shit, that hurt!! I think it's broken," he stated to Madam Hooch as she walked toward him. He noticed her frown and he knew he was in trouble.
"Such language, never in my years in Hogwart's have I known such disrespect. Now who here wants to take him to the medical wing." Her voice was harsh and stern conveying that she was extremely angry at his choice of words.
April and Ariana walked up to them and helped pick Xander up, "Be careful don't put any pressure on her leg." April let her hands go over his leg, "No... it's not broken. You just pulled your muscles." She looked up at him, and smiled. "You'll be fine." She turned to Ariana, nodded, and together, they simply lifted him up and carried him off.
As the three passed the others, April and Ariana heard all the whispers on how they where freakishly strong.
***
As they made their way through the school, Xander decided to chat a little so that he could be distracted from the pain, "So I see your pretty strong to hold me up. Cool!!" He flashed them his lopsided smile.
The girls just took his statement casually but wondered why he took it so easily, "It does not bother you, that we may be stronger than you," asked a curious Ariana. April just looked at him waiting for his answer.
He chuckled lightly, "Nahh, it doesn't bother me. Hell most of my friends are stronger than me, and they're girls." 'And not just in physical strength too!' he thought to himself. "Nah. I've known a few girls that can kick a little ass. Buffy, Faith, Willow if she gets pissed enough...and Cordy of course," he added with a smirk as he remembered his friends.
The girls smiled up at him, they could feel him relax. It felt nice to be trusted again by someone else, "So tell us about your friends, what are they like?"
"You know they're my friends," he laughed though a small hint of sadness trickled out. "Well Willow has been my friend since kindergarten, basically forever," he smiled at them. "Cordy was our worst enemy, but in high school we became friends. I still keep in touch with her, she maybe not have tact and is a fashion nut but she has a good heart." Not wanting to talk about Faith or Buffy he tried to change the subject, "What about you? I don't know much about you. Tell me a little about yourselves."
The girls where a little reluctant to talk about themselves since they didn't exactly have a wonderful life, 'Kawaii, did you notice how he left out the other two girls he mentioned," mentally asked April.
'Yes, I did. There is much more than he is telling, but I have a feeling he will open up as time passes,' responded the other girl. "Well we grew up in a convent and where very much loved. Then we where given scholarships to go to a school for young genius where we got several doctorates." She wanted to see what his reaction to learning their mental capabilities; she had learned that many people didn't like to be around others smart than them. It frightened them and usually things never went well. She can still remember being called an egghead by a boy when she and her friends had left their school grounds for some fun.
"Ahh geniuses, yeah you could consider my Willow a sort of genius. You want to know a secret!" he said with a hint of mystery hidden behind his words.
"No, what?," they both said with a hint of laughter waiting to escape. He really made them relax and enjoy the conversation.
"You guy's just volunteered to be my study buddies, just like Willow was mine," He said with a great big smile, "Of course if you want to that is," he was a little nervous as he waited for their reply.
They both laughed, "Which part do you need help? We'd be glad to help you, I mean they stuck you with a vigorous workload."
If it was even possible he had a even bigger smile, "Everything, as I told Willow once there's a shiny nickel in it for you," he laughed.
It warmed their hearts that someone accepted them so easily and they hoped it would work out. They weren't going to let their guard down completely, but they where going to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Sure, no problem, we give you knowledge and you give us two nickels." April smiled at him and turned towards Ariana who nodded back at her, "Sounds like a fair trade." 'Besides you gave us so much when you helped us buy the school supplies,' both girls thought. They knew it wasn't wise to bring that up so they just accepted what he brought up.
As they rounded the corner they almost smacked into a group of students. The three knocked down a blond-haired boy and had pushed his other companions to the side.
"Excuse us, we need to get to the medical wing," April said as the three continued on their way passing the three Slytherin.
"Comeback here you mudbloods!!" screamed the blond-haired boy.
Xander quickly stopped the two girls from continuing, suddenly the room decreased slightly in temperature. He still remembered when Pumpkin told him about some of the things he needed to know about the wizarding world, including the meaning of mudblood. 'I've been called mudblood a lot since I came here since my parents aren't from old wizard families, ' he remembered his friend saying. He slowly limped toward the blond boy after he god April and Ariana to let him go, "Take that back, or you'll regret it!!" If it was one thing he would not tolerate, it was someone insulting his friends. 'I don't care if they insult me, but your not going to insult others in my front of me. Now that I can do something about it, I won't let people get away with it.'
Malfoy quickly took out his wand and started waving it around menacingly, "Or what?? What can a filthy mudblood like you do to me? Especially some loser Gryffindor," he laughed but quickly quieted as Xander slowly made his way toward him.
"Come on guys, just apologize to the two young ladies and we will be on our way. No need to get defensive," he gave them his lopsided grin and waited for their reply.
"Don't tell me what to do. I am not going to listen to you, damn Gryffindor git." He had a big grin on his face hoping that Xander would do something.
Xander looked him up and down and laughed, "You know what you're not worth my time." He slowly made his way to the girls and the three turned to go on their way.
Malfoy smiled confidently as he nodded to the other two that accompanied him. They prepared to fire an assortment of curses and jinxes, but at the last minute they got something they did not expect.
April and Ariana sensed danger and faster than the others could see pulled their wands out and spun around while still holding onto Xander. "Stupefy," they whispered calmly as the beams of light exploded out of their wands. Instead of being a clean thin beam of magic, both girls released wide beams of magic that completely encompassed the whole hallway. While they didn't like violence they would not be attacked while their backs where turned.
"Wow, that was so fucking cool!" laughed Xander. "I loved it how you so smoothly pulled out your wands, and damn you guys took out the whole hallway," he grinned at them. The training he had undergone the last few months and the years off watching others faster than him allowed him to keep up with the girls' rapid moving hands.
'He was able to keep up with us Ari, that is very strange. He was able to watch us move so fast,' April thought to the other girl.
'Yes, he was also able to adapt quickly and turn with us, instead of us moving him forcefully. He is very strange,' both girls felt no malice or anything dangerous about the young man so they relaxed and just nodded to him.
'Good thing my reflexes have improved, though it gives me the sick feeling of being under the hyena's control again.' He still did not like reacting so fast without conscious thought; it felt like his body wasn't under is control. Being possessed twice had made him very cautious when it came to his body's reactions.
"Your not confused by our quick movements and reflexes?" asked a confused April. While they had not moved to their full capabilities, since they didn't use their other gifts to enhance their speed it still surprised her that he took it with ease.
"Nahh, I've seen faster. I am used to seeing people move that fast, you could say I am unfazed by it, though it did kick ass. Wow, I never thought I'd see anyone move almost as fast as Buffy. You know what? I get the feeling we are going to be really good friends and have some kick ass adventures," he said happily. He just had a feeling that things would not be dull. He stifled the urge to mentally groan since he never got it easy, something always dangerous or weird happened. "By the way, how did you do that? I mean I skimmed one of the books and I don't think it was suppose to have that type of effect. Wasn't it supposed to be a standard stun spell?" 'If my friends could see me know, skimming books and talking about what I read. Yes, the end is coming soon,' he mentally chuckled.
"Ah, well that's easy to explain. You see, we read some material about Magical Theory last night and the gist of it was that a wand is used as a focus. You can say that it's like a magnifying glass that focuses our magical energy onto one point so that we don't have concentrate so hard. Well, Ari and myself have been training our minds to be able to focus and concentrate; we can focus our magic and its concentration easily. So the wand magnifies our focused magic creating a larger effect than is usual. But then again that is my current theory; further examination of what just happened will need to be made."
Xander just looked at her and his mind hurt a little. "What you say?" He understood a little of it but still was slightly confused.
April just sighed, "I just used my magic more efficiently."
"OH why didn't you say so!" he grinned at her.
"I did," she whispered as they continued onto the medical ward.
***
In an Unknown Dimension
Tokimi refused to watch her grandson's dealings at the magical school since she wanted to be surprised, but that did not stop her from making an appearance to her sister, 'Yes time to annoy my little sister.'
Tokimi appeared on Tsunami's ship and waited for her sister to detect her, after waiting a few minutes she decided to look around. It surprised her that her sister didn't detect her; she had easily done so in the past. 'What are you up to little sister?'
She walked into the main chamber and finally saw her sister staring at a view screen, 'Hmm, I wonder what's she looking at?' What she saw as she made a closer inspection almost made her laugh, but instead she giggled and it caused her sister to notice her. "Well, well, well! What do we have here? Does my little sister have a new pet?"
Tsunami turned towards the intruder and scowled, "What are you doing here?" To say that the sisters did not get along would be putting it mildly.
"Well I just wanted to visit you, can't I be allowed to do that?" She asked with more sweetness coming off her voice than was needed. She loved to annoy her sister and the voice always did make her mad. She mentally laughed as she saw the scowl on her sister increase in magnitude. She walked to the view screen and watched, "So what do we have here? My, he's handsome," she said as she watched Xander being helped down a hallway by two girls. "But I still think Yosho is much better looking; did you tire of him already?"
"Yosho is one of my subjects, I do not view him that way," the anger from Tsunami's voice was clearly evident. "As to who this young man is, it does not concern you."
'Oh little sister, it does concern me more than you would ever imagine,' Tokimi thought seriously. "So lets take a look at Yosho," she tried to will the view screen to changed but it didn't. She raised an eyebrow at her sister, "Come on, let's take a look," she voiced again knowing it would annoy her sister.
"NO!! You leave him alone, he is happily married and I don't need to you to interfere with his life," an angry Tsunami answered.
"Ah, don't be like that; you know he can have more than one wife. I bet he would love to have a goddess as a wife," she laughed.
"Argghhh!! Get out!! Get out!! Get out!!" screamed the other goddess.
Laughing loudly Tokimi took her leave, loving that she was one of the few beings that could easily push her sister's buttons.
***
Later that night:
***Dream Sequence 1***
Xander looked around, he didn't know where he was and he felt really loopy. He felt completely disoriented as he continued to walk down the street. "I have to get to Buffy's. I have to warn her, and help my friends." He went from jogging to a complete flat out run, only thinking of making it to his friend's home in time.
A feeling of dread and emptiness ran up his spine as he neared the house and the door was smashed open, he walked through the door and looked around hoping to find his friends alive. As he turned toward the living room he gasped. "Noo!," he whispered as he saw the body of his longest, bestest friend on the couch with her head in an unnatural angle.
He rushed to her side, kneeling and hugging her to him. "I am sorry, Wills. I am sorry I wasn't here."
Suddenly she opened her eyes and as she looked at him, "You failed us, you left me. Now you're all alone."
The room and the area he was in started fading away as he looked around he feel into complete darkness.
***Dream Sequence 2***
It seemed like he was surrounded in complete darkness all of eternity, or a long, long time. He had just been there, not able to do anything since he couldn't see his movements and walking just seemed to be a waste of time. Then the world started shifting and the Summers' house appeared before him, he saw Willow on the couch dead. But what stood out was the blonde girl standing before him, completely enraged ready to kick his ass.
Buffy walked up to him getting extremely close, totally violating his personal space, he couldn't bear to even look at her as he turned his face away from hers. "Look at me you idiot, look at me and then look at her. You left us and that's what happened. You left us and didn't even care to send us any indication that you were alive. Well, are you happy she's gone, and the longer your not here, the worst things will be."
She started to fade away and Xander just stared at the space where his friend had just stood and then turned to look at Willow. He knew it would always be this way, he would fail them and leaving had never been the best idea he had had.
Again the scene before him started fading and he was left in the total darkness that he was now craving, the scene of his dead best friend was too much to see.
***Out in Space***
"Is there anything we can do to help him with his nightmares, Tsunami," asked the young blue-haired princess. Being stuck in an almost endless sleep was extremely boring and seeing someone in pain just didn't help the situation.
"There is nothing we can do, we can not interfere with his dreams, he has to work through them himself," the kind voice had a hint of sadness as she answered her.
The young princess watched the dreams of her new friend. He was the first person that she had gotten so attached too since leaving her planet and she didn't want anything bad to happen to him, she sent a message of hope to him hoping that it would help a little.
The goddess watched her charge and smiled at the young girl's gesture of help to the young man, but frowned at how she was interfering with his development, 'Well, what could I expect from someone who loves to help others.'
***Dream Sequence 3***
The world around him changed into a nice beachfront, the sun stood over him and he watched the sea as a calm feeling went through him. He sat at edge of the beach and just stared at the waves and the sun eventually setting. He hadn't this much peace in a long time; he released all his worries and all his troubles as he watched the waves crashing in front of him. Eventually it all faded away as he fell into a deep sleep.
**Dorm room**
Pumpkin watched his new friend toss and turn most of the night and hoped that the calm smile meant that Xander was having a better dream now. He knew he would have to talk to his friend soon, 'Tomorrow, I'll make time tomorrow.' If not just to relax and maybe they could listen to some music.
***Sunnydale Diaries***
Dawn
Dear Diary:
Monday -Sept. 2
Well it was another boring day at school, it's so easy to fool everyone at home into thinking that I am all perky and happy about going to school. As if!! :P How can I be happy about anything, things have just been terrible at home and everyone just seems to try to ignore the fact that its for one big reason. Yeah, I miss him. How could I not? He has always been there for me, even if most of them were implanted memories.
Yeah anyway, Buffy and Faith finally where able to stop the demon that some how followed Buffy back from the dead. I can't shake the cold feeling of how it felt when I was possessed, and how good it felt to insult them all and tell them how I felt about them not trying to find Xander. Yeah I finally asked Willow why she didn't do a locator spell and she told me, "If he wanted to be found he would call." That pissed me off so much, their not even trying. He used to be her best friend and she just dismisses him like that. Best friend hell, she used to be in love with him.
Well I got to go, my whiny sister is calling me to dinner. I'll be back to write later. Another night of bad cooking.
Faith
Monday -Sept. 2
Well this is my first journal entry, read in a baby book that it's good to keep a journal. And you know what; it makes sense. I used to keep one when I started slaying, but after my watcher died, I stopped writing and just started running, never giving the journal a second thought.
I am still hoping he's going to return soon, he promised me. But with all the promises made to me that had been broken in the past, I am not surprised. I just hope our baby can have a better life than I did, I couldn't bear to give the baby a bad life.
Anyway enough of the mushy stuff, B has been creeping me out. I've caught her a couple of times with Spike while I go out on patrol. Every time I try to talk to her about it she either ignores me or starts to get physical, and I can't afford to get physical anymore. Anyway, I've decided to just let her do what she wants, it's not my business and well I can't really do much other than stake Spike and then that would lead to showdown with slutty B.
At first I thought that B and me could work things out and start all over, but things just don't click. She's angry at me one minute and nice to me the next, she totally has mood swings around me; it spooks me. I am used to people hating me and that's it. But B just keeps changing her tune all the time, I don't know what to do about it and little miss Wicca Red doesn't help either, I see the dirty looks she gives me. She hates me, and now that I am carrying Xandman's kid she totally despises me.
***
Past Midnight Hogwarts, England
April and Ariana both sat in the common room while everyone else was asleep. They had an assortment of books next to them. They had borrowed all the books they needed to understand the first 2 years of school at Hogwarts from Hermoine. "I like Hermione, she reminds me a lot of the phoenixes. She works so hard and loves to learn," a smiling April said.
"Yes, I do enjoy her company. She tends to love sharing her knowledge. Now I do believe it is time we got to the fun part of the evening." Ari laughed as they both grabbed a book and started reading and assimilating the knowledge within. They had both already finished The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self Protection since it sounded interesting and important. So they both made a list of what they would both read:
April:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1
A History of Magic
Magical Theory
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them
Ariana:
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
Magical Drafts and Potions
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration
They had started by using their psychokinetic powers to hold their books, while their hands held each other. Both having their avatars in mind-space process the information as view screens appeared all over the temple. The girl's avatars appeared in mind space and they began their work.
April summoned more windows and data passed through them. One window for each subject in each book, stood in front and at the sides of the girls, visual representations of creatures, herbs, and potions appeared in their temple as the girls went through everything at an astonishing pace.
Now that the temple was ready for their studying they created the main window that represented the real world. Reading at an accelerated pace they both finished the books within two hours.
Having finished their respective reading and sorting the data and linking related material together in the respective windows the girls decided it was time to merge the data. Slowly the multiple windows that they had on the subjects merged together into one big window. Data flashed through the window as April's and Ariana's minds worked together to sort the data.
"Well that was fun," smiled Ariana. The joy they both felt at obtaining knowledge they couldn't describe, "Well I guess its time to get second year material finished. For the next two hours they read books, merged data and went through data so that they could better use it.
***
Dear Diary,
Well it's been 3 years since I last wrote in this book and I wonder if this will help. I have to get my feelings out and I guess this is the best way. Things with my friends aren't great and I really don't want to talk to them about my problems. Things with Faith are alright, you may wonder why I let her stay here. Why am I not killing her? Its easy, I don't have the energy or the desire anymore. I just don't care. She's not going to hurt anyone, I could tell. I mean its not hard to logically see it, hello she didn't kill me when I was all crazy girl, though her being with child does help. It's funny, I was about to throw her out that day. Call me selfish but I just couldn't handle having her around anymore. But she let her bombshell drop and I felt bad for her. Yeah, me feeling back for that skank. Anyway, how could I throw her out after that. I am the slayer, and isn't it my job to protect the innocent or something like that. Well I had to help Faith and her baby.
I saw Dawnie writing in her diary, and after I snuffed the urge to go read it I decided to continue my own. Yeah I know I shouldn't want to read her diary but come on, I have to make sure she's not doing bad things with boys. :) Anyway I've been feeling so alone lately, like there is no hope. It's a strange feeling; I've always been able to fall back onto my friends. I wish it had been that easy but it's not.
Willow hasn't really been there after what happened with Faith. I guess she's mad cause Faith happened to be the one to wake me up form my little depression stunt. I tried talking to her but its like there's an invisible barrier between us. She's become more distant and I think she's planning on focusing more on school and Tara instead of slaying. I understand that, but I feel like I was abandoned. Why can't I go to school? Why can't it be like it was all before?
Tara has been... well, Tara. She's helped as best as she can but she's busy getting ready for school too. So I mostly spend my time with Faith, Dawn, or Giles. Speaking of Giles, it's same thing as with Willow. He's become distant, won't talk to me unless its slayer business.
Well that's enough venting for one day.
****
Hogwart's Breakfast
She was about to start her second day at school; she was really excited. She wished her friends could understand the joy she felt when she learned something new. She watched as Xander, April, and Ariana entered the hall and took their places across from her. Her cheeks colored as she looked at Xander, 'My he's cute!! Stop that! You like someone else.' She watched as Xander sat and noticed he wasn't wearing normal wizarding clothes, but a tight t-shirt that displayed his muscles very nicely.
Shaking her head so she could focus on her meal and stop the reddening of her cheeks. She just got her Daily Prophet when she gasped:
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM. NEW COURSE AT HOGWARTS
She went on to read how a new course called Law and Rights of the Ministry of Magic. 'The Minister of Magic has repeatedly stated that Albus Dumbledore has reached the ends of his wits and that reform of Hogwarts must be done. Law and Rights of the Ministry of Magic was the first of many reforms to be made to the education of our children,' stated the Minister of Magic.
It went on to discuss the rumors of Minister of Magic taking over Hogwarts and other political struggles in the Ministry.
"What's going on Hermione? Can I see that?" Ron leaned over and tried to snatch the paper out of her hands, but was met with a hard slap to the hand. "Aww! Oww! You didn't have to do that?" he whimpered.
Harry snickered, "Serves you right, you know she hates it when you do that." Lately he had been feeling better. The guilt over Diggory's death had lessened and he had started confiding in his friends about the ordeal. He realized that with his friends he might just be able to do anything.
Hermione told the group what she read on the paper and continued to read it.
"Interesting, it would be good to learn about the laws of the Wizarding world," replied April.
"Yes, it's best to know how the magical authorities operate in this section of the world," added Ariana.
"OH man! Does that mean we get more classes," groaned Xander he had been reviewing what he had to accomplish and it didn't look good. 'How the hell am I going to be able to do this? I am no genius.'
"Yes. According to this, it states that all third years and above must participate in the course. I wonder how they're going to change the scheduling around so that we can fit one more class," a blushing Hermione answered. She really had to start getting used to talking to Xander, but had yet to get herself under control.
"This is strange that they would add another course so suddenly. What you think, Kawaii?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Well might as well worry about it later. Lets eat!" Xander said as he started piling food onto his plate.
"So guys I am trying to recruit some people to participate in the biggest prank ever, I have yet to beat the Wesleys. I do some good ones, but they always out shine mine and I am not even noticed. How about it?" whispered Pumpkin as he waited and hoped for good response from the others.
"To go against my brothers? Definitely I am in," quickly answered Ron. He stared daydreaming how he would one up his brothers and become a legend in his own right.
"I don't think that's a good idea, we could get caught. We should just focus on our studies." Hermione almost cried out as she scowled at Ron, but she looked up at Xander to see his reply, 'Among other things! Oh no, I just didn't think that.'
"I am definitely in," answered Xander quickly and he went back to eating. "What about you girls, you going to join us?" He looked at April and Ariana giving them his lopsided grin.
"We shall discuss it and think about it," was the only reply he got since the girls started eating.
After a few minutes Hermione stirred up the courage to talk to Xander, "Why aren't you in your wizard's robes, Xander?" she asked softly surprising both Harry and Ron. They looked up at her and then at Xander and a hint of jealously quickly passed through them.
Xander looked down at himself, he was in his work out clothes which consisted of a tight t-shirt and a pair of shorts, "Oops, hehe!! I was working out and didn't have enough time to change before breakfast ended," he gave her his lopsided smile and she reddened at that.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for not wearing proper clothing?" Suddenly a loud voice startled them. Snape smiled down at Xander, "Looks like the new boy doesn't know how to follow rules."
"If you had eyes, you would notice I am 21 years old," grumbled Xander. "Must be all those potions, the fumes got to your brain," he further grumbled.
"What was that boy?" Snape snapped.
"Well, hheheh, I was doing some training and didn't have time to change before breakfast ended." Xander scowled up at the professor and answered before going back to eating.
After Snape walked away the talking ended and everyone finished their meal and got ready for classes.
***
Katsuhito looked around his classroom; it had been a week now since he had started his lessons. He had the students go through basic jinxes and counters so that they could and would be prepared for wand attacks. Though many were lacking in skill, he had hoped that more practice time would be available. But he looked up at the reason for the lack of practice, a certain short fat witch named Dolores Umbridge.
She had made it difficult for the students to practice their magic with her interference. He could still hear her shrill voice, "That's not the proper way to do that counter," over and over making the student become nervous and causing them to lose their concentration. He had removed her from the class but the next day she had Ministry approval to change and approve all curriculums. So now they had to change the book and then they had to stop practicing magic since it said that only theory was necessary.
He smiled at what he thought up, the original rule said that theory of the magic was enough to teach the course, but it said nothing about teaching theory of fighting muggles. So therefore he could have the class be active without their wands, after the initial lesson.
"Ok class, settle down!" he loudly. "Today we will be doing something different than what we have been doing the last two days." At this Umbridge quickly stood up about to say something but was stopped when he continued, "I want one of you to attack me with your wand, use any spell you would like to. I will defend myself, but will not use magic." The class exploded into chaos as some students thought that there was no way you could stop a magic attack without magic and others where happy to attack a professor. Umbridge smiled, as she also believed there was no way that he could stop a magical attack.
"So who would like to volunteer, any spell or jinx can be used."
Quickly Malfoy stood up; here was his chance to show everyone that he was the best and that Harry Potter couldn't match him. 'If I take out a professor, everyone will be scared of me,' he laughed internally.
Katsuhito watched as the class quickly walked to the dueling section of the class and wait for the action. He was amused as he watched Umbridge become happier as she believed he would get hurt. "Well Mr. Malfoy since you volunteered; begin." The class stood to the side so any magic wouldn't hit them.
Malfoy thinking he had the upper hand since he was ready and the professor didn't even seem like he was prepared to walk, "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!!" He pointed and yelled out the spell and watched as it moved with half the speed it should have, 'Damn I knew I should have been practicing more, no matter.' Believing that the spell would do it's job, he had a smug grin on his face that quickly turned into shock.
Katsuhito quickly sidestepped the spell and quickly made his way to the side of young Malfoy and slapped the wand out of his hands.
The class was shocked, never had they seen anyone move so fast, and quickly the room filed with questions of how and can they learn that.
"Now what did he do wrong, and what kind of situation is he in," Katsuhito asked the class. Hearing a laugh from one of the students he turned and noticed it was Xander, "Would you care to enlighten us Xander?"
"Ah, he attacked?" an amused looking Xander asked as he laughed slightly. The class laughed and some of the tension in the room trickled out, before the professor could say anything he continued, "Well yeah, he attacked and didn't think ahead. His attack was slow and he wasn't prepared to counter any retaliation. He assumed that his magic could take care of the fight. He was way too confident and didn't think about why his opponent was so calm. He basically jumped into the situation with his head cut off," he laughed causing the room to explode into laughter at Malfoy's misfortune. The boy in question was scowling at Xander.
April and Ariana nodded in agreement with Xander and they decided they would talk to him later, 'He seems to have combat experience, Kawaii.'
'Yes, I believe its time we talk to him. We have to find out if he is friend or foe,' answered the other.
Hermione couldn't believe it; all the books she had read had never hinted that magic could be countered like that. "Harry, that shouldn't be possible, even though the spell was moving slower than normal."
Hearing the girl's response to her friend the professor responded, "Actually Miss Granger it is possible for everyone one of you to do it. I have had training in marital arts and have trained myself to be faster than a person usually would be. It's hard work but it is possible."
"Now Xander would you like to demonstrate for the class what I just said," request Katsuhito.
"Sure, why not," he didn't feel comfortable doing this in front of the class, but it didn't look like had a choice. He got at the end of the dueling ring and waited.
"Who would like to go against him," he asked the class. When no one answered he was about to volunteer himself when Malfoy decided to reply.
"Yeah, I show him not to mess with a Malfoy," He recovered his wand and pointed it at Xander and yelled out a curse, "STUPEFY!." He was hoping to get Xander with the spell the girls used on him a few days ago. 'This will teach you and your friends not go against me."
Xander having closed his eyes as he prepared himself didn't know that the spell was coming toward him. He quickly felt a sense of danger and hit the deck; he opened his eyes to see the spell fly above him. He kicked off and started toward Malfoy who was more prepared than last time and yelled out the same spell again. Xander rolled to the side and the spell missed. Running closer again he jumped over to the side to miss another spell. "So you decided to attack before the match was started your mistake." Angered by Malfoy's actions, Xander decided to teach him a quick lesson.
Xander finally made it to Malfoy and swept him and as Malfoy stared to fall over he swatted the wand away. Putting his foot on Malfoy's chest. "Looks like you lost, punk."
The class was shocked at Xander's actions, he was not nearly as fast as the professor but he used other tactics to get to his opponent. Malfoy looked up at his opponent with shock and fear, 'Shit, I guess I bit off more than I could chew. Fuck this, I'll get my revenge. No one messes with a Malfoy.'
"Man, you're battier than a vamp if you try to use the same thing over and over again," said Xander as he gave him a cold, dark stare. Though he let out a loud groan when he realized what he said, "Ah man, please tell me I just didn't say something so cheesy."
The class laughed out loud and it continued as people commented how stupid Malfoy was, this mostly coming from the Gryffindor group.
Xander could see the expression on his opponent's face and he knew well what it meant; he had seen it when he was out hunting in Sunnydale a few weeks ago. He had seen many other creatures display such a face. Leaning down in what looked like Xander was about to help him up he said in a low voice to the boy, "I know that face, and the demons I have killed have looked at me like that." Setting the boy on his feet Xander walked away thinking only Malfoy had heard him.
April and Ariana turned toward each other and nodded, both confirming that they heard his comments and that they would bring it up when they cornered him.
The class quieted down quickly as Umbridge stepped forward, "I believe that having students attack each other is not wise. And I have not approved this for your curriculum therefore this will be the last and only time you are able to have your little show." Smiling, she quickly left before he could say anything.
Seeing it was time to leave for their next class everyone exited the classroom, "Xander, can you wait a moment please?" The girls waited for Xander as he walked up to the professor.
Wondering what his grandfather wanted he walked up to him, "What's the what, K-man?"
Katsuhito raised his eyebrow, but that was the only indication of emotional response to the name, "While you did well today with the demonstration, I believe you are letting you anger take control. You have to learn to control it better."
"Yeah, I know. I am working on that. Well, got to go to lunch. See ya later, K-man." He quickly noticed that April and Ariana waited for him and so he left with them.
Katsuhito sat in his chair shaking his head in wonder.
***
As the trio made their way towards the Main Hall for lunch the girl's decided to corner Xander, "Alexander, I believe we should have a private conversation with you soon." Seeing his worried look, she added, "Do not worry, we just want to clear some things up that have come up recently.
"Yes, we promised that we would tutor you. Therefore we must set up a schedule and see what we have to concentrate on." Ariana smiled up at him, she figured if they could get together with him later on then they could ask him the questions that have been popping up.
"Oh okay! Sure how about tonight after dinner, let's get together in the lounge and just figure out how the hell I am going to get this done in only a year." The group then made their way toward the food.
***
Xander was hungry, extremely hungry. He was very unhappy about it too, 'I eat enough for ten people and I am still hungry.' It was slightly comforting that he was in his last class before dinner. It still worried him that he was hungry all the time, he never was this hungry, 'Sure I used to eat a lot, but not like this.' He had figured it had to do with the awakening of his powers, but it seemed strange.
And why was he thinking about food and his hunger instead of paying attention to class. That would be easily answered by just knowing who the professor was, yes you guessed it, and it was Dolores Umbridge. She droned on and on about obeying the Ministry and how the laws where absolute. "Arghh. When will this torture end," suddenly the class quieted down and everyone looked at him. "Oops, did I say that out loud," he nervously laughed.
He looked up at the professor and saw that her face had turned an unnatural red and that her hair stood straight, "Why I never!!" she screamed.
"And you never will," he joked. He was tired of her drivel and tired of listening to her preach about obeying some magical council. He wondered where the council was when the world almost ended so many times back at Sunnydale. The more he had sat in the class the more he had gotten angry, it seemed these people wouldn't help out in the world and stay hidden. They don't even allow anyone near the Hellmouth, 'How the hell do they expect it to stay closed. I guess trying to find books on the Hellmouth didn't help with my attitude here.' What he had found was that wizards and witches where forbidden to go near it and that any contact with it would mean a trip to jail.
The class was unusually quiet not even laughing at the joke, it showed that they where intimidated by the professor. 'I guess having half the class in detention a few days ago would do that.'
"Very well, if you are going to be disrespectful then you have detention for the rest of the week and 10 points from Gryffindor." She smiled at him.
"Yeah, ok." He didn't want to push his luck and get points taken off from his house. He had noticed how serious they took their point system and how much pride they had for their house and that he could respect. 'Damn it, three days of detention, I am too fucking old for this shit. Imagine a 21 year old in detention.'
She started up class and Xander went off to dinner. Pissed that he would miss his meeting with April and Ariana because he had detention. 'Now got to think of a way to get out of it,' he mentally chuckled.
***
After talking to April and Ariana and telling them he would be late because of the detention, Xander went straight to Umbridge's office after dinner. As he made his way towards the office, he started thinking about the school and how the people acted strangely. 'One thing that hasn't changed from any other school is students talking about others behind their backs.' He was slightly bothered how everywhere he went people talked about Harry. He only heard his named mentioned and not what was being said but he found it strange. 'Don't know the kid very much, but he seems nice, though a little withdrawn.' He hadn't talked much to Harry and his pals since they where so young compared to him and they tended to stick together. The few classes they did have together they only talked about class stuff.
It seemed to him that everyone in this school was strange though he did like Pumpkin, 'Its good to at least make some friends.' He was starting to like April, Ariana, and of course his roommate, Pumpkin. Though the girls where a little strange, 'well so am I.'
Just as he turned the corner to the professor's office he had a stroke of genius. He knew how he could get out of the detention, 'If it worked with Troll-face Snyder then it will work here.' Then he drooled a little thinking of his fantasy detention with Miss Calendar, 'I really do miss her, and so does G-man. I truly hope she has her peace now.' Steadying his chaotic thoughts and walked into the class.
'Jeeze, can this office be anymore depressing?' He walked in and tripped over the slight incline in the doorway and crashed into the bookcase knocking down about two dozen books. "Ah man, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Here let me pick them up." He stared picking them up, but as he straightens the bookshelf, he turned it at the wrong angle and knocked down a few glass orbs that she had on the adjacent bookshelf.
"Shit!" he cursed. He turned toward the angry professor, "I am sorry. I am so sorry," he looked at her worried and started to look upset with himself, "Dumb ass, Dumb ass." He repeated a few times while hitting himself on the head.
Umbridge was speechless she had never met someone so clumsy, "That's fine just leave it there and lets get started with your detention."
"Sure, again I am so sorry," he quickly walked toward the chair sat down and waited for instructions.
Umbridge stared at the mess and then at the young man in front of her and huffed as she took out her trusty punishment quill. "Ok here, I want you to write with this on this parchment. 'I will never interrupt the class. I will keep all comments to myself. I am not to be a blight on the professor.' Do you understand?"
Yeah, he took the quill and wondered where he would get the ink, "Ah where's the ink?"
It's a magical quill it will provide its own ink. Now stop delaying." She snorted.
He placed the quill on the parchment too hard and it broke the tip, "Ah man, sorry about that."
"I have a quill in my robes that I can use and I brought some ink too," He quickly took out the quill and the ink but he didn't have a good grip on it and it went flying on to Umbridge's robe, "Oh no, I am extremely sorry." He ran up to her and tried to clean it up, " I am sorry, here let me clean it up."
"Argghh!!" she screamed, "Just sit down and be quiet while I clean this up." He was sure he had another ink bottle, "I think I have another ink bottle," he stared looking through his robes and stared turning a lot in the chair. Finally the chair gave out and it broke sending him toward the floor.
Umbridge couldn't take it anymore, "Get out!!" she screamed.
"But don't I have to finish my detention," he asked innocently.
"Just get out, don't ever come to my office again!!" she screamed.
"I am deeply sorry, the least I can do is help you clean up. Please let me help," he asked with remorse of his actions.
"No, just leave now, before I change my mind."
Xander quickly left with a smile on his face, 'I knew it would work.' As he walked towards the entrance to Gryffindor Tower he let out a loud, "Woohoo! I got away with it!" It felt good to get one over that old crazy woman.
***
Looking around the common room he spotted the girls with Hermione next to the fireplace. He quickly made his way over, "Hello girls, how are this you evening," he dramatically bowed and sat himself down on one of the chairs around the small table they where using.
Hermione giggled at his antics, while April and Ariana smiled and raised an eyebrow at him. "Hi Xander," said the youngest girl. "Hello Alexander," replied both April and Ariana.
"So we going to get with the studying or are you busy," he smiled at them. He really didn't want to study but he knew he had to get cracking if he was going to finish with this school.
"Very well, first we must see what have you done since we got here. Then we have to see if you organized any of the material for yourself." Seeing him cringe she new the answer, 'Looks like we have our work cut out for us, Kawai,' the young lady sent to Ariana.'
"Ah well, you see. Hehe." He stuttered around. Maybe he should have studied more instead of just look up only defensive spells. "There really isn't an organized way for me to study, I just pick up a book and if I like it, I read it. If it's boring, I don't. It's that simple." 'Yeah like when I was in high school and read my comics instead of my history book. Ah who needs history, when they can read about spidey and the x-men.'
Both girls raised their eyebrow at him, thinking they may know what his problem was, 'he seems to have problems focusing. He uses his humor to ignore his academic responsibilities,' mentally replied Ariana.
'I agree, though there does seem to be other things that may be the reason for his lack of caring for his studies. I say we start off with organizing the studying. I believe Hermione can also help him with the spells from the first few years.' April was very determined to succeed; she took it as a personal challenge to help Alexander. "Then we shall beginning by outlining all the classes for the first two years. You should have no problem finishing those quickly. You have already passed high school and should have some discipline that first years require. Just look at the book they are small and can be easily read in a few days."
"Yes, the trick is to learn to use the magic properly, and to practice," added Hermione. She figured since she was there, she should help. "All you have to do is practice and I will be glad to help you where ever you may fall behind," she blushed as she imagined helping him.
Having no choice in the matter, he figured he'd just go with the flow, "Yeah whatever you think is best, I used to just do what my best bud Willow told me to do anyway. I am used to this." He smiled sadly at them as he recalled the fun times he had with Willow as his study buddy; he really missed those times. 'Yeah everything went to shit, we never got that close again,' he mused.
The group started on setting up a schedule for his studying and also wrote one for themselves. The girls fine tuned their own schedules after they had talked to Hermione about the material for third and fourth year. After an hour and finishing what they set out to do, they decided to take a small break.
As the girls watched Xander, they tried to assess what they so far could tell, 'He has a small attention span. Though he did show great interesting in magic defense and offensive magic; he seems to want to ignore everything else.'
Ariana noticed and agreed, she added 'Yes, also it was a great idea to give him a short break. I believe we will have to work on expanding his short attention span, and show him how to focus better.'
'Yes, we must observe him more and try to figure out what leverage we can use to help him focus, basic meditation techniques may help. Tai Chi?' April asked
'Indeed, that may help his focus and ability to retain the knowledge. Also help him control that anger of his.'
'Very well then we agree.' Now that they had a course of action to take the girls planned on implementing it no matter what Xander's response.
Hermione in the mean time was trying to come up with the courage to talk to Xander, again. She blushed as she watched him just lay back on one of the couches, 'Maybe I should just go and ask him about his home, it must be nice to live in another country.' Nervously she walked up to him, "Can I sit here," she motioned to the place next to him.
"Sure," he smiled up at her and moved over, "So tell me about this wizard stuff. I mean I have some friends back home that knew magic and they never mentioned this school."
She sat there for few minutes thinking it over, "Well I am not sure, that does seem to be strange. Usually the magic school in your country would recruit them, even yourself." She looked up at him.
"Ah, well I am a special case, hehe," he grinned at her. He watched her as her face lit up and it looked like she had a revelation, 'Looks like the wills when she used to hack. Sure miss those old days.'
"Are your friends practitioners, such as Wiccan," when she saw Xander nod she smiled at him, "Ahh, that's why. You see there are two types of magic uses, practioners and natural born wizards/witches. While we can also use gods, artifacts, and other means to gain more power, we contain natural magical energy and ability within ourselves. Without the artifacts, complex spells, and summoning of god/goddesses practioners don't have the power to use magic. They do retain some of the magic, I also read that the real powerful ones can start to drain magic from nature to simulate what our own bodies do to create magic." She said in her 'I know what I am talking about voice' as she shyly smiled at him.
"Ahh ok," trying to understand but not really.
Seeing him looking confused she gave a heavy sigh, 'Just like Harry and Ron.' She spent the next few minutes trying to explain it to him, but it took her using some diagrams until he understood.
April and Ariana caught the conversation and decided to research the topic later on. "So, tell me about where you're from," they heard Hermione ask.
Thinking it over Xander tried to think of what to say, he didn't want to be rude and not answer her. He had already alienated the teachers, he had the feeling doing that to the students and those who tired to be friendly was a bad idea. Thinking quickly, which surprised him, he thought of the best story to tell them. "Hmm, lets see. Well I lived in in a small town in Sunny California, called Sunnydale. Well my town can be said to be just a tad weird, 'yeah that's an understatement'..."
He was cut off from responding by the young girl next to him, "Of course, you live on the Hellmouth. Please continue." He should have been surprised, but then again he had read in one of the law books how going to the Hellmouth was illegal to all wizards and witches. 'Plus this girl is a stickler for detail. Sheesh! She could put Willow to shame.'
*** Sorry to cut it off here but I got stuck.. until next time