Part 14 The Duels
Willow smiled as the last of the students made their way into the great hall on Monday morning. Everyone was early today, seems no one wanted to miss the dueling teachers. The Slytherins, for the most part, anxious to see Snape put their muggle born teacher in her place. The Gryffindors just as anxious to see their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher embarrass Professor Snape.
"Okay since everyone's here, we'll start a little early," Willow said standing on the long platform Professor Snape had conjured to make them easier to see, "Faith and Professor Snape will go first. You all did agree that Professor Snape would be a good choice for this exercise. He can use any spell he would like, as long as he uses a wand, to disarm Faith before she disarms him."
"So I understand the rules, I can use ANY curse?" Snape asked.
"What about Unforgivables?" Neville asked, "You aren't allowing those are you?"
"Unforgivables?" Willow asked.
"The Killing Curse, the Imperious Curse, and the Cruciatus Curse." Harry explained.
"Okay well, without even asking for meanings I'm going to say the Killing Curse is a no," Willow answered, "We don't want to kill anyone. And the other two?"
"Imperious allows you to control the other person, and the Cruciatus Curse causes pain, unbearable pain. People have lost their minds because of it," Hermione said.
"Okay then we'll say Imperious is allowed, but not Cruciatus. Again don't want anyone hurt," Willow decided, "Faith, Professor are you ready?"
Faith moved to one end of the long platform and Snape backed to the other, leaving several feet between them. Willow waited for Snape to raise his wand before continuing.
"On three then," Willow stepped off the platform, "One, Two, Three."
Snape raised his wand higher, "Imperio"
As soon as Willow reached three, Faith saw Snape aim his wand and dropped to a somersault, rolling several times under the flash of red light emitting from his wand. She came back to her feet in front of him as the last of the light died out.
"Stupe." Before he could get the word out Faith pulled the wand out of his hand. Smiling she held it up, ignoring the glare he was giving her.
"Maybe she's exceptionally fast, even for a slayer," Someone from the back argued.
"No she isn't," Willow said, taking the wand from Faith and handing it back to Snape, "But if Buffy can come here with Angel we can put your theory to the test."
"I'm outta here, but if B is going to fight him," Faith glanced at the still glaring Professor, "I wanna see it."
After Faith left, still laughing, Willow explained that now she would duel Snape, all he had to do was stop her, with his wand, before she could stop or disarm him.
"It should be best of three," Malfoy said, "Anyone can miss once."
"Fine with me," Willow glanced at Snape who simply nodded his consent, "Miss Granger count us out please."
"One, Two, Three," Hermione said loudly after both Professors had taken their places.
"Stupefy!" Snape said loudly aiming his wand at Willow.
"Thicken," Willow said quietly and waved her hand in front of her as the red light from his wand shot toward her.
A few feet in front of her the light hit an invisible barrier and bounced back at Snape, who quickly fell, to the laughter of the Gryffindors.
Willow waved her hand and the barrier went down, "Does anyone know the counter curse?"
"Do we have to?" Ron asked, still smiling.
Hermione glared at Ron for a moment before stepping forward and muttering the counter curse. Willow reached down and offered a hand to Snape.
"You okay?" Willow asked smiling.
"Fine," He snapped, "Ready?"
Willow quickly crossed the platform and Hermione once again counted to three.
Snape once again raised is wand and uttered a spell that sent green light, this time, shooting toward Willow.
"Stop," Willow held up her hand, and the light froze in place, "Dissipate."
The class stared in shock as the remains of the spell faded away. As Snape glared at her, this was now becoming embarrassing for him, first the muggle, now. His thoughts cut off as Hermione once again began counting.
".Three."
"Imperio!" Snape shouted but before the spell could hit its mark Willow was gone.
"Where'd she go?" Ron asked Harry and Hermione.
"She can't Disapparate in here," Hermione insisted.
"Well she's gone isn't." Harry cut off when he saw the familiar red hair appear behind Snape.
"Hi," Willow said reaching over the very confused Professor's shoulder and plucking his wand from his hand.
""What the."
"How did you?" Several students were asking at once.
"You can't apparate or Disapparate on Hogwarts grounds!" Hermione was again insisting along with several other voices.
"Right and I didn't," Willow handed Snape his wand back, "I moved, I disappeared, but I was still here."
"Disappeared?" Snape asked.
"Yes, one of the many things I learned when." Willow trailed off, "Anyway it's more like flying. Apparating lets you appear instantly; I faded from your sight and moved."
"Can we learn that?" Several students were asking.
"I don't. We can try I guess."
"Do you need me any longer Professor Rosenberg?" Snape snapped.
"One moment please class," Willow said and walked with Snape to the hall, she didn't speak again until they were out of the room, "I need to see you later. I uh, had a vision last night."
"Fine, I'll see you after dinner then," He said and walked away.
"Sure, no problem," Willow muttered heading back to the class.
When she returned to her students there were several questions about what she had done, and could they learn it. She agreed that they could at least attempt some wand-less spells in the coming weeks. When the discussion died down she dismissed the class for the day.
"Mr. Potter can I speak to."
"I had another vision," Harry said not waiting for her to finish.
"Me too," Willow agreed as Ron and Hermione joined them, "Did it make sense to you? Any idea where they are?"
"No," Harry shrugged, "Wish I did. But if they're near Hogsmeade."
"They're nearby. Don't go after him yourselves. It's exactly what he wants," Willow said, "Find Faith or me if you feel the need to go looking okay."
"All right," All three kids agreed and headed out for class.
**********
Faith knocked on the door to Remus' room, still in a very good mood after embarrassing the entirely arrogant Professor Snape. It wasn't as fun as embarrassing Draco Malfoy but still. The door swung open, pulling her out of her thoughts, as she saw Remus without his robes, for a change, he was wearing dark pants and a white shirt open at the collar.
"You look very happy," He smiled and stepped aside to let her in, "Have a good morning?"
"Pissed off Professor Bitchy, So yeah, good day for me," Faith sat on the couch in the corner of the room.
"What did you do?" Lupin sat next to her, "If making him angry makes you this happy, Harry must love you."
"Malfoy said it was easy to stop a muggle," Faith explained, "We had a little duel today I disarmed Snape before he could do a damn thing. Did the same thing to Malfoy last week."
"You disarmed Severus Snape?"
"Yeah," Faith smiled, "You should have seen the look on his face when I took the wand out of his hand."
"Priceless I'm sure."
"Oh yeah," Faith laughed.
"You don't have a class this morning?"
"Did this morning, I only have one a day," Faith smiled, "So I can stay here pretty much all day. Red had another vision last night though."
Faith recounted what Willow had told her of her dream. Lupin asked a few question, and has some ideas of where they could be.
"I wouldn't go charging in yet," He said quickly, seeing the look on Faith face, "We don't know what he wants other than Harry."
"But we do know he has Dumbledore, and we want to."
"If his goal is to draw Harry out, he won't harm Dumbledore," Lupin insisted, "And I wouldn't worry about Dumbledore anyway, he is capable of taking care of himself. Have you told Snape yet?"
"No, Willow said she'd talk to him," Faith replied, "Why?"
"He may know more about Voldemort's location. He was a Death Eater; he is our best chance at figuring out the location."
"I still don't like doing nothing."
"If it will make you feel better I can contact Moody," Lupin offered, "Have him and Kingsley see if they can find anything."
"Who?"
"Mad-eye Moody, he was an Auror. One of the best."
There the magical police thing right?"
"Sort of yes," Remus answered, "Not exactly the same as muggle police but very close."
"I guess if that's the best we can do today."
**********
Ginny and Hermione stopped Willow and Fred on the way into the great hall before dinner.
"Professors can we talk to you?" Ginny asked.
"Sure," Willow smiled, "What's up?"
Hermione glanced around at all the students making their way into the hall. She did not want to discuss this where they might be overheard.
"Um, can we." She gestured toward Firenze classroom across the hall.
The other three turned and followed her to the class room. Willow and Fred both gasped when the saw the enchanted room. Firenze was in the small clearing in the center watching the stars above.
"Hello," The centaur smiled at them, "Professors, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger."
"Hi, Firenze," Hermione smiled, "We just need to speak to the Professors for a moment."
"And you don't want your fellow classmates to hear?" He questioned, "I understand." He moved further into the trees to allow them more privacy.
"What's up?" Willow asked, still not sure what the girls wanted.
"Well, we.That is I.it's about the party that Faith wants to have on Halloween," Hermione stuttered, this was much harder to ask than she expected.
"Ron doesn't know Hermione's a girl," Ginny said bluntly.
"That's silly, of course he knows you're a girl," Fred insisted.
"How long have you known Ron?" Willow sighed; this sounded a lot her relationship to Xander.
"Um, well since our first year here."
"You were what eleven?" Willow asked, at the younger girl's nod, "She's probably right about the not noticing thing. I take it you want Ron to ask you to the party?"
"Well, yeah," Hermione said blushing, "But if he doesn't."
"Then we have to make him notice," Willow smiled, "It can be done."
"I found this love potion but some of the ingredients are in Snape's private."
"I am not stealing from Professor Snape," Willow smiled, "And love potions and magic are a bad idea. I'll tell you about it some other time. We just need to make him see that you're a girl."
"Yeah, what are the rules about make up here?" Fred asked.
"Make up?" Ginny asked.
"Like Faith wears," Hermione explained, "The color on her face. They don't have make up in the wizarding world, but I've seen girls use magic to color their cheeks and lips."
"I'll see what I can do," Willow smiled, "Tomorrow after dinner, can you two come to our room. I would think one of us should have some clothes that would help, if not I can owl Buffy and Dawn. The two of them could open their own mall. Faith brought us a ton of Hair and make up products, when we were in Diagon alley. I'm sure we can make Ron pay attention if that's what you want."
"Thank you," Hermione said hugging the two women.
"So can you get to our room?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, I'll bring Harry's invisibility cloak in case we need it to get back." Ginny was smiling; Ron and Hermione were perfect together if they could just get her brother to wake up.
**********
"Hello," The Wizard hanging in front of Snape's door smiled at Willow as she approached, "Nice to see you again. Did he give you the password?"
"Nope," Willow smiled, knocking on the edge of the portrait, "I have to knock again."
"I hope he lets you in this time," The wizard said as the door swung open, "Hope to see you again soon!"
"Well he's very cheery today," Willow smiled and walked in as Snape pulled the portrait closed, "Did I tell you he's the perfect guard for your door, he hates the students too."
"Does he?" Snape took a seat in the chair as Willow sat on his couch.
"Yeah, that's why he wouldn't let me in yesterday. I looked angry but you could make him guard the Slytherin door and he didn't want to deal with 'Those Horrible Students' everyday."
"I would have to agree. I wish I did not have to deal with them everyday either," Snape watched her carefully. Surely she had not come here to discuss his portrait choice, "You needed to see me about something?"
Willow quickly explained her dream, and told him Harry had the same one. He once again marveled at her ability to get so much information out in so short a time. Though, he realized, she had stayed on topic the entire time.
"Well, I do suppose it is good that Potter never managed to learn Occlumency," He commented, "Amazing how his failure to follow directions always works to his benefit."
"Huh?"
"Last year Dumbledore asked me to teach Potter to close his mind to invasion. He never bothered to practice. Now it seems that it is a good thing," Snape frowned, "However, I don't know where Voldemort is. There are a few places near Hogsmeade he could be hiding. His power is strong enough to hide if he chooses. Unfortunately even if he summons, I can no longer answer. I was able to keep track of him that way before, but he is aware now. If I show up he'll kill me."
"You believe he could be using magic to stop anyone from stumbling on them?" Willow asked.
"Yes, it's done all the time. For instance if a muggle were to stumble upon Hogwarts accidentally they would simply see a run down deserted castle. And have a sudden desire to be somewhere else."
"If its magic it would leave an imprint though, all magic does," Willow wasn't really expecting a reply, she was simply thinking out loud, "Buffy used a spell once, to see magical imprints. That's how we found out Dawn was the key. I wonder if it would work to find Voldemort. I'll owl Giles for the spell. Can you find the places you think it could be? Though it may not work to locate an area, a big ball of mystical energy is different than a hidden camp."
"Yes I can find the locations for you. Do you need to be there for this spell to work?" Snape asked, he was interested in her statement about Dawn but decided to deal with what he had understood first.
"I think so, but that could be bad. We wouldn't be prepared," Willow frowned, "I so do not want to stumble in without being ready. Giles will know."
"You think very highly of this Giles," Snape said, she had mentioned him almost every time there was a problem that she couldn't solve herself.
"Well, yeah, he's Buffy's Watcher. He helped me after I went all scary Willow. Without him there would be well, nothing, I would have ended the world that day."
"He's the man you were.torturing?"
"Yeah, I can't believe he ever forgave me for that," Willow said quietly.
"Should I send for some drinks?" He asked.
"Thanks but I have to owl Giles about the spell," Willow said, "And I have to talk to Faith, about Hermione. Fred and I have a lot to plan. Ron won't be easy; he's like Xander, not always the quickest to see what's right in front of him you know? I'm sure Faith will share her make up though. Fred was going out to the Forest with Charlie after dinner; he has a dragon out there. Special permission from the Ministry or something to have it, Hagrid's thrilled; Fred's whole scientist thing is making her all anxious to see it. Faith might be with Remus, I'll have to check. I think Fred really just wants to be around Charlie it has nothing to do with science. Remus is staying at the castle for a while too. Are you going to the Halloween Party?"
Snape stared at her, why did he want to spend time with this woman; every time she spoke he ended up with a headache. He was reasonably sure there was more than one subject in what she had just said, he, unfortunately didn't understand any of it.
"Halloween Party?" He finally asked.
"Yeah, are you going?"
"The feast, of course, I'll be there."
"No the party after the feast, music, dancing; Faith talked Professor Mcgonagall into allowing her to have a muggle party for the students."
"No."
"No, you're not going?" Willow asked, "Why not? No let me guess, the students will be there."
"Precisely," He shrugged.
"If you don't go, who will glare at the students," She laughed when his lips tilted into a small smile for a second, "They may actually have fun if you're not there."
"I'll consider it," He conceded.
"Great," Willow bounced to her feet, "I'll see you later then. After I hear from Giles, gotta go find a way to knock some sense into Ron now."
"Weasley?" He asked following her to the door, "I don't believe that will be possible."
"If Cordy could become a higher being anything is possible." Willow smiled, kissed his cheek and pushed the portrait open, "Sweet dreams."
She laughed as she made her way down the hall, and heard the Wizard from portrait laughing as he told a woman in another portrait that the little red headed professor was proving to be more than a match for Severus Snape.
Willow smiled as the last of the students made their way into the great hall on Monday morning. Everyone was early today, seems no one wanted to miss the dueling teachers. The Slytherins, for the most part, anxious to see Snape put their muggle born teacher in her place. The Gryffindors just as anxious to see their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher embarrass Professor Snape.
"Okay since everyone's here, we'll start a little early," Willow said standing on the long platform Professor Snape had conjured to make them easier to see, "Faith and Professor Snape will go first. You all did agree that Professor Snape would be a good choice for this exercise. He can use any spell he would like, as long as he uses a wand, to disarm Faith before she disarms him."
"So I understand the rules, I can use ANY curse?" Snape asked.
"What about Unforgivables?" Neville asked, "You aren't allowing those are you?"
"Unforgivables?" Willow asked.
"The Killing Curse, the Imperious Curse, and the Cruciatus Curse." Harry explained.
"Okay well, without even asking for meanings I'm going to say the Killing Curse is a no," Willow answered, "We don't want to kill anyone. And the other two?"
"Imperious allows you to control the other person, and the Cruciatus Curse causes pain, unbearable pain. People have lost their minds because of it," Hermione said.
"Okay then we'll say Imperious is allowed, but not Cruciatus. Again don't want anyone hurt," Willow decided, "Faith, Professor are you ready?"
Faith moved to one end of the long platform and Snape backed to the other, leaving several feet between them. Willow waited for Snape to raise his wand before continuing.
"On three then," Willow stepped off the platform, "One, Two, Three."
Snape raised his wand higher, "Imperio"
As soon as Willow reached three, Faith saw Snape aim his wand and dropped to a somersault, rolling several times under the flash of red light emitting from his wand. She came back to her feet in front of him as the last of the light died out.
"Stupe." Before he could get the word out Faith pulled the wand out of his hand. Smiling she held it up, ignoring the glare he was giving her.
"Maybe she's exceptionally fast, even for a slayer," Someone from the back argued.
"No she isn't," Willow said, taking the wand from Faith and handing it back to Snape, "But if Buffy can come here with Angel we can put your theory to the test."
"I'm outta here, but if B is going to fight him," Faith glanced at the still glaring Professor, "I wanna see it."
After Faith left, still laughing, Willow explained that now she would duel Snape, all he had to do was stop her, with his wand, before she could stop or disarm him.
"It should be best of three," Malfoy said, "Anyone can miss once."
"Fine with me," Willow glanced at Snape who simply nodded his consent, "Miss Granger count us out please."
"One, Two, Three," Hermione said loudly after both Professors had taken their places.
"Stupefy!" Snape said loudly aiming his wand at Willow.
"Thicken," Willow said quietly and waved her hand in front of her as the red light from his wand shot toward her.
A few feet in front of her the light hit an invisible barrier and bounced back at Snape, who quickly fell, to the laughter of the Gryffindors.
Willow waved her hand and the barrier went down, "Does anyone know the counter curse?"
"Do we have to?" Ron asked, still smiling.
Hermione glared at Ron for a moment before stepping forward and muttering the counter curse. Willow reached down and offered a hand to Snape.
"You okay?" Willow asked smiling.
"Fine," He snapped, "Ready?"
Willow quickly crossed the platform and Hermione once again counted to three.
Snape once again raised is wand and uttered a spell that sent green light, this time, shooting toward Willow.
"Stop," Willow held up her hand, and the light froze in place, "Dissipate."
The class stared in shock as the remains of the spell faded away. As Snape glared at her, this was now becoming embarrassing for him, first the muggle, now. His thoughts cut off as Hermione once again began counting.
".Three."
"Imperio!" Snape shouted but before the spell could hit its mark Willow was gone.
"Where'd she go?" Ron asked Harry and Hermione.
"She can't Disapparate in here," Hermione insisted.
"Well she's gone isn't." Harry cut off when he saw the familiar red hair appear behind Snape.
"Hi," Willow said reaching over the very confused Professor's shoulder and plucking his wand from his hand.
""What the."
"How did you?" Several students were asking at once.
"You can't apparate or Disapparate on Hogwarts grounds!" Hermione was again insisting along with several other voices.
"Right and I didn't," Willow handed Snape his wand back, "I moved, I disappeared, but I was still here."
"Disappeared?" Snape asked.
"Yes, one of the many things I learned when." Willow trailed off, "Anyway it's more like flying. Apparating lets you appear instantly; I faded from your sight and moved."
"Can we learn that?" Several students were asking.
"I don't. We can try I guess."
"Do you need me any longer Professor Rosenberg?" Snape snapped.
"One moment please class," Willow said and walked with Snape to the hall, she didn't speak again until they were out of the room, "I need to see you later. I uh, had a vision last night."
"Fine, I'll see you after dinner then," He said and walked away.
"Sure, no problem," Willow muttered heading back to the class.
When she returned to her students there were several questions about what she had done, and could they learn it. She agreed that they could at least attempt some wand-less spells in the coming weeks. When the discussion died down she dismissed the class for the day.
"Mr. Potter can I speak to."
"I had another vision," Harry said not waiting for her to finish.
"Me too," Willow agreed as Ron and Hermione joined them, "Did it make sense to you? Any idea where they are?"
"No," Harry shrugged, "Wish I did. But if they're near Hogsmeade."
"They're nearby. Don't go after him yourselves. It's exactly what he wants," Willow said, "Find Faith or me if you feel the need to go looking okay."
"All right," All three kids agreed and headed out for class.
**********
Faith knocked on the door to Remus' room, still in a very good mood after embarrassing the entirely arrogant Professor Snape. It wasn't as fun as embarrassing Draco Malfoy but still. The door swung open, pulling her out of her thoughts, as she saw Remus without his robes, for a change, he was wearing dark pants and a white shirt open at the collar.
"You look very happy," He smiled and stepped aside to let her in, "Have a good morning?"
"Pissed off Professor Bitchy, So yeah, good day for me," Faith sat on the couch in the corner of the room.
"What did you do?" Lupin sat next to her, "If making him angry makes you this happy, Harry must love you."
"Malfoy said it was easy to stop a muggle," Faith explained, "We had a little duel today I disarmed Snape before he could do a damn thing. Did the same thing to Malfoy last week."
"You disarmed Severus Snape?"
"Yeah," Faith smiled, "You should have seen the look on his face when I took the wand out of his hand."
"Priceless I'm sure."
"Oh yeah," Faith laughed.
"You don't have a class this morning?"
"Did this morning, I only have one a day," Faith smiled, "So I can stay here pretty much all day. Red had another vision last night though."
Faith recounted what Willow had told her of her dream. Lupin asked a few question, and has some ideas of where they could be.
"I wouldn't go charging in yet," He said quickly, seeing the look on Faith face, "We don't know what he wants other than Harry."
"But we do know he has Dumbledore, and we want to."
"If his goal is to draw Harry out, he won't harm Dumbledore," Lupin insisted, "And I wouldn't worry about Dumbledore anyway, he is capable of taking care of himself. Have you told Snape yet?"
"No, Willow said she'd talk to him," Faith replied, "Why?"
"He may know more about Voldemort's location. He was a Death Eater; he is our best chance at figuring out the location."
"I still don't like doing nothing."
"If it will make you feel better I can contact Moody," Lupin offered, "Have him and Kingsley see if they can find anything."
"Who?"
"Mad-eye Moody, he was an Auror. One of the best."
There the magical police thing right?"
"Sort of yes," Remus answered, "Not exactly the same as muggle police but very close."
"I guess if that's the best we can do today."
**********
Ginny and Hermione stopped Willow and Fred on the way into the great hall before dinner.
"Professors can we talk to you?" Ginny asked.
"Sure," Willow smiled, "What's up?"
Hermione glanced around at all the students making their way into the hall. She did not want to discuss this where they might be overheard.
"Um, can we." She gestured toward Firenze classroom across the hall.
The other three turned and followed her to the class room. Willow and Fred both gasped when the saw the enchanted room. Firenze was in the small clearing in the center watching the stars above.
"Hello," The centaur smiled at them, "Professors, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger."
"Hi, Firenze," Hermione smiled, "We just need to speak to the Professors for a moment."
"And you don't want your fellow classmates to hear?" He questioned, "I understand." He moved further into the trees to allow them more privacy.
"What's up?" Willow asked, still not sure what the girls wanted.
"Well, we.That is I.it's about the party that Faith wants to have on Halloween," Hermione stuttered, this was much harder to ask than she expected.
"Ron doesn't know Hermione's a girl," Ginny said bluntly.
"That's silly, of course he knows you're a girl," Fred insisted.
"How long have you known Ron?" Willow sighed; this sounded a lot her relationship to Xander.
"Um, well since our first year here."
"You were what eleven?" Willow asked, at the younger girl's nod, "She's probably right about the not noticing thing. I take it you want Ron to ask you to the party?"
"Well, yeah," Hermione said blushing, "But if he doesn't."
"Then we have to make him notice," Willow smiled, "It can be done."
"I found this love potion but some of the ingredients are in Snape's private."
"I am not stealing from Professor Snape," Willow smiled, "And love potions and magic are a bad idea. I'll tell you about it some other time. We just need to make him see that you're a girl."
"Yeah, what are the rules about make up here?" Fred asked.
"Make up?" Ginny asked.
"Like Faith wears," Hermione explained, "The color on her face. They don't have make up in the wizarding world, but I've seen girls use magic to color their cheeks and lips."
"I'll see what I can do," Willow smiled, "Tomorrow after dinner, can you two come to our room. I would think one of us should have some clothes that would help, if not I can owl Buffy and Dawn. The two of them could open their own mall. Faith brought us a ton of Hair and make up products, when we were in Diagon alley. I'm sure we can make Ron pay attention if that's what you want."
"Thank you," Hermione said hugging the two women.
"So can you get to our room?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, I'll bring Harry's invisibility cloak in case we need it to get back." Ginny was smiling; Ron and Hermione were perfect together if they could just get her brother to wake up.
**********
"Hello," The Wizard hanging in front of Snape's door smiled at Willow as she approached, "Nice to see you again. Did he give you the password?"
"Nope," Willow smiled, knocking on the edge of the portrait, "I have to knock again."
"I hope he lets you in this time," The wizard said as the door swung open, "Hope to see you again soon!"
"Well he's very cheery today," Willow smiled and walked in as Snape pulled the portrait closed, "Did I tell you he's the perfect guard for your door, he hates the students too."
"Does he?" Snape took a seat in the chair as Willow sat on his couch.
"Yeah, that's why he wouldn't let me in yesterday. I looked angry but you could make him guard the Slytherin door and he didn't want to deal with 'Those Horrible Students' everyday."
"I would have to agree. I wish I did not have to deal with them everyday either," Snape watched her carefully. Surely she had not come here to discuss his portrait choice, "You needed to see me about something?"
Willow quickly explained her dream, and told him Harry had the same one. He once again marveled at her ability to get so much information out in so short a time. Though, he realized, she had stayed on topic the entire time.
"Well, I do suppose it is good that Potter never managed to learn Occlumency," He commented, "Amazing how his failure to follow directions always works to his benefit."
"Huh?"
"Last year Dumbledore asked me to teach Potter to close his mind to invasion. He never bothered to practice. Now it seems that it is a good thing," Snape frowned, "However, I don't know where Voldemort is. There are a few places near Hogsmeade he could be hiding. His power is strong enough to hide if he chooses. Unfortunately even if he summons, I can no longer answer. I was able to keep track of him that way before, but he is aware now. If I show up he'll kill me."
"You believe he could be using magic to stop anyone from stumbling on them?" Willow asked.
"Yes, it's done all the time. For instance if a muggle were to stumble upon Hogwarts accidentally they would simply see a run down deserted castle. And have a sudden desire to be somewhere else."
"If its magic it would leave an imprint though, all magic does," Willow wasn't really expecting a reply, she was simply thinking out loud, "Buffy used a spell once, to see magical imprints. That's how we found out Dawn was the key. I wonder if it would work to find Voldemort. I'll owl Giles for the spell. Can you find the places you think it could be? Though it may not work to locate an area, a big ball of mystical energy is different than a hidden camp."
"Yes I can find the locations for you. Do you need to be there for this spell to work?" Snape asked, he was interested in her statement about Dawn but decided to deal with what he had understood first.
"I think so, but that could be bad. We wouldn't be prepared," Willow frowned, "I so do not want to stumble in without being ready. Giles will know."
"You think very highly of this Giles," Snape said, she had mentioned him almost every time there was a problem that she couldn't solve herself.
"Well, yeah, he's Buffy's Watcher. He helped me after I went all scary Willow. Without him there would be well, nothing, I would have ended the world that day."
"He's the man you were.torturing?"
"Yeah, I can't believe he ever forgave me for that," Willow said quietly.
"Should I send for some drinks?" He asked.
"Thanks but I have to owl Giles about the spell," Willow said, "And I have to talk to Faith, about Hermione. Fred and I have a lot to plan. Ron won't be easy; he's like Xander, not always the quickest to see what's right in front of him you know? I'm sure Faith will share her make up though. Fred was going out to the Forest with Charlie after dinner; he has a dragon out there. Special permission from the Ministry or something to have it, Hagrid's thrilled; Fred's whole scientist thing is making her all anxious to see it. Faith might be with Remus, I'll have to check. I think Fred really just wants to be around Charlie it has nothing to do with science. Remus is staying at the castle for a while too. Are you going to the Halloween Party?"
Snape stared at her, why did he want to spend time with this woman; every time she spoke he ended up with a headache. He was reasonably sure there was more than one subject in what she had just said, he, unfortunately didn't understand any of it.
"Halloween Party?" He finally asked.
"Yeah, are you going?"
"The feast, of course, I'll be there."
"No the party after the feast, music, dancing; Faith talked Professor Mcgonagall into allowing her to have a muggle party for the students."
"No."
"No, you're not going?" Willow asked, "Why not? No let me guess, the students will be there."
"Precisely," He shrugged.
"If you don't go, who will glare at the students," She laughed when his lips tilted into a small smile for a second, "They may actually have fun if you're not there."
"I'll consider it," He conceded.
"Great," Willow bounced to her feet, "I'll see you later then. After I hear from Giles, gotta go find a way to knock some sense into Ron now."
"Weasley?" He asked following her to the door, "I don't believe that will be possible."
"If Cordy could become a higher being anything is possible." Willow smiled, kissed his cheek and pushed the portrait open, "Sweet dreams."
She laughed as she made her way down the hall, and heard the Wizard from portrait laughing as he told a woman in another portrait that the little red headed professor was proving to be more than a match for Severus Snape.