Title: Pen Pals pt 11
Subtitle: Death's Never Easy, Especially on the Hellmouth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The end of the year was coming in a little more than a month. Buffy had written everyday to both Faith and Dawn telling them about what was happening on the hellmouth. Faith had received an owl shortly after dinner when she was alone in her suite and noticed it was from Buffy.
'Dear Faith,
I'm glad to hear everything is well with you and Dawn. She tells me the funniest stories about your classes. She seems to have gotten quite attached to Harry Potter, which I'm not sure is a good thing. What do you think?
I've got some news. The days draw closer as Glory is getting weaker and weaker. I'm not sure how much longer it'll last seeing that she's a hell goddess but I'm hoping it'll end soon. The gang and I are trying to figure a way to stop her, but Giles is convinced that if Dawn's not here on the specific night and time Glory will disappear. I can only hope it's soon I miss Dawn so much, plus after our talk I miss you as well. I know we were never that great of friends, but you're the only one that understands what I'm feeling.
I've written Dawn a letter explaining about our mother's death. It was so sudden, and I didn't know what to do. Her funeral is Wednesday at 6pm if you can make it. I know how much you like Joyce, even after what happened. I would greatly appreciate it if you were there. Hope to see you, Buffy Summers'
Tears welded in Faith's eyes as she quickly left the room to find Dawn, knowing that they could cry and laugh and cry some more. Running into someone that she couldn't see because the tears were blurring her vision. It wasn't until the figure spoke that she knew who it was.
"Faith, are you alright?" Draco asked as he looked at the women before him she was positively shaking.
"She's dead." She mumbled and Draco took that meaning as Buffy was dead.
"Oh, Faith I'm so sorry." Draco replied pulling her into him.
"It's not fair, why her?" She asked tears streaming down her face.
"I don't know." Draco replied.
"Faith?" A female voice called and once Faith stepped away from Draco came barreling at her.
"Dawnie, I'm so sorry." Faith hugged the girl trying to give her some comfort that she wished she had to give.
"Did she say how she died?" Dawn asked crying.
"No, but she did say that the funeral is Wednesday and that she wants us to be there for her." Faith replied tears slowing as she began to pull inside herself.
Draco watched helplessly as Faith's features changed from pain and hurt to silent and withdrawn. * Not again. * He thought as he whispered the password and helped the two lost girls into the room and seated them on the couch so that they could continue to talk.
Moment's later hot cider was brought to the room, and Draco thanked the house elves for their service. He walked over to the girls who were silently thinking to them and handed them the mugs.
Faith looked up and smiled softly. He'd helped her so much she didn't know how she could have deserved it, or where to start thanking him. Dawn just took the mug not saying anything. Faith stood up after finishing her drink and knelt in front of Dawn. The younger girl just looked so lost, and in great pain. Hugging her she whispered, "I've got to talk to Dumbledore about the arrangements I'll be right back."
After she nodded Faith stood up and looked into Draco's understanding eyes. He pulled her into a hug, and kissed the top of her head and watched as she sadly walked from the room.
Minutes later she was at Dumbledore's office. Sighing she said the password and began climbing the stairs. Knocking once and waiting for an answer that she heard a moment later. She opened the door and peered in, seeing him sitting at his large desk motioning for her to come in.
"I'm sorry to bother you at such a late hour, Albus, but I've just received word that Buffy would like Dawn and me to return to the hellmouth for a funeral." She told him trying hard not to begin crying again.
"Of course." He replied knowing not to ask. "How would you like to travel?" He asked standing from his chair and walking to comfort his lost professor.
"The fastest but safest way possible. Because of the great threat on the hellmouth, Buffy is forced to send her letters to a friend in another state and from there they're sent to me. The funeral is tomorrow evening." She offered.
"Ah the floo network it is." He sighed. "Have you informed Professor Lupin?"
"No Albus, but I can have Draco and Harry teach classes tomorrow as they are my best students." She answered.
"Alright. Why don't you head to your room pack what you and Dawn need and meet me here in twenty minutes to floo out." He replied.
"Thank you Albus." Faith replied numbly. She turned and walked out the door and back to her room without so much of a word to those she passed. "Slayer." She whispered and the door opened. She noticed that nothing had changed since she'd left moments before.
Draco heard the door open and saw a drained slayer walk into the room. He saw the look in her eyes, and nodded for her to help Dawn. She thanked him softly and walked with Dawn out of the room.
Once at the Gryffindor tower Faith kindly asked the fat lady in the pink dress if she would open the door. The lady nodded at Faith because she knew that she was a professor. "Hermione, would you please help Dawn pack some things. And please no questions." Faith replied.
"Sure, Faith." Hermione replied taking Dawn's hand in hers and lead her to their shared room.
Faith waited for a few moments before someone from the house asked why she was here. She ignored the question and asked one of her own, "Where's Harry?"
"He's in his room with Ron." One of the boys answered.
"Will you please tell him that I need to talk to him." Faith asked and watched as he walked up the opposite set of stairs leading to the male dorms.
"What is it, Faith?" Harry asked moments later.
"I need you to help Draco with classes tomorrow. I've informed Professor Dumbledore that the two of you would be taking over for me while I'm gone." She began but held up her hand silencing him before continuing, "I want you to show those moves I showed you on the roof the other night when we were training. As for the younger students the notes are on top of the desk."
He nodded his head in understanding, knowing that she'd tell him if she wanted him to know.
"Thank you." She replied and looked up to see a tearstained faced Dawn. Walking over to her she pulled her into a warm embrace. "Are you ready?" She whispered. When Dawn nodded she pulled away but kept an arm around her waist. Accepting the bag from Hermione she lead a still crying Dawn out of the tower.
They meet Draco halfway between the Gryffindor tower and Dumbledore's office. Thanking him again, she told him what she told Harry. She also asked him not to mention anything about what he heard her say, having a feeling that he thought it was Buffy they were mourning.
She hugged him goodbye before walking up the stairs. Knocking on the door she heard more than one voice call "enter" as she opened up the door. Taking in the sight of Snape, Lupin and Dumbledore sitting around his desk she nodded her hello.
"Are you two ready?" Dumbledore asked. When Faith nodded again he explained how the floo powder worked. When he was done he asked if she had any questions.
"Will I do the same thing to come back, and if so am I taking some with me?"
"Yes, and yes." Dumbledore replied handing her a small urn to place in her bag. Once she'd done so he asked, "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Faith replied, and Dawn just nodded. "Should we go together, Albus or would it be safer if we went one at a time?"
"You probably should go one at a time, because of the effects of the suddenness of the journey. Perhaps you should go first. We'll make sure she leaves after you do."
Nodding her okay she looked at Dawn, "I need you to hold on for just a little longer, okay."
"Okay." She whispered so quietly that hardly anyone heard her.
"I'll see you on the other side." Faith replied which got Dawn to smile, even if it was a very small one. "Buffy Summers, Sunnydale!" Faith called after she'd stepped into the fireplace. Throwing the powder down she was surrounded by green fire and then was gone.
Dumbledore gave her a soft smile and walked her to the fireplace. "Have a good trip." He replied.
She stepped into the fireplace like Faith had and repeated the same action.
Faith stumbled out of the fireplace mumbling, "Whoa that was weird." Shortly after she was out Dawn came flying out. "Don't worry, I got you." Faith said holding the poor girl up.
"Dawn!" A voice behind her called.
"Buffy!" Dawn echoed. They joined in a tight embrace, filled with tears of happiness and sadness. "I missed you so much." They cried.
Faith felt out of place at the moment. Taking her eyes off the sisters, she looked around the room. She saw four shocked faces of three people she knew. "Hey, guys." She said.
"Faith, what are you doing here?" Xander asked.
"Well I got the letter from Buffy about Joyce. So I brought Dawn with me so that she didn't have to do that alone." She answered feeling suddenly nervous under their stares.
Buffy walked over to her fellow slayer and hugged her as she said, "I'm so glad you're here."
"You didn't tell them did you." Faith whispered returning the hug.
"I didn't know how." Buffy replied, but turned to the group and said, "It's alright guys. She's a teacher at the place we sent Dawn."
"You're a teacher?" Willow asked obviously surprised.
"I know, kinda weird huh." Faith said not feeling so nervous now. "When I was in jail, I had this pen pal from this school and we'd write back and forth." She began, and before long they knew the whole story of the last six months. "And here we are today." She finished.
"Wow, sounds like you've had more fun than we have." Xander replied very impressed.
"Well anything's more fun than demons and hellmouths.except maybe jail." Faith laughed softly. Faith pulled out the floo powder and saw a note attached. She read it quickly.
'Dear Faith,
As you know I've sent you to Sunnydale with some Floo Powder. The Summers' home is now on the Floo network until the beginning of next year should Dawn continue coming to Hogwarts.
Hope things are well, at least as well as they can be. Give Ms. Summers' my regards for her loss. Return safe and sound. Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore.'
Faith silently handed the note to Buffy who in turn handed it to Dawn and on down the line. "So that basically means you can travel to see us anytime. Plus I saw Albus doing this awesome thing with it. He started a fire in the fireplace and then threw some of this in it and called out a person that he wanted to talk to. And their head appeared in the fireplace. It was very cool." Faith told the group.
"So have you learned a lot?" Willow asked.
"A few things here and there. Draco taught me how to start a fire, I've learned some charms mostly for healing." She answered. She laughed and at their looks she told them the story about the chaos demons.
"You're serious?" Questioned Giles.
"Swear to high heaven." Faith laughed. "He turned out to be a good friend once we got past that." She turned to Dawn, "Have you told them about Snape?"
"Augg, awful man." Dawn grunted.
"Seriously? You don't like him?" Faith was shocked. She'd heard stories from both parties and found him to be a practical teacher.
"I don't think he likes me." She stated.
"Don't let him bother you. A secret from me to you." She replied which caught everyone's attention. "He's really a softy." She stated.
"No way." Dawn protested.
"Seriously. When we first met he was all hostile and glaring. After he found that I didn't scare easily and that I wasn't there to cause trouble we had some good times."
Buffy raised her eyebrow, "Does Draco know?"
Faith laughed, "Not like that! Get your mind out of the gutter."
Buffy laughed as Faith pushed her off the coffee table they were sitting on. "Why it's so much fun to tease you." Sobering up she asked, "How's Draco?"
"He's alive and well. He's really good at defending himself. I've got him and Harry doing extra training on nights that they don't have Quidditch practice." Faith noticed the looks and replied, "Think soccer with three more balls, three polls with hoops at the top and brooms."
They were still confused but they could see that she was tired. It was after 2am when they flew out of the fireplace and it was now 3:30. Faith took the couch, as Giles, Xander, and Anya went to their homes. She had a hard time falling asleep, but soon fell into a light slumber.
The next morning the house was a buzz, but not in the good way. The two slayers, a key, and one and a half witches (A.N. I know I sped up the timeline, and changed it a bit so please don't flame me.) talked quietly before Xander and the others arrived. Slowly they all left the house, and it was dead silent (A.N. don't mind the pun) for the trip there.
The service was a beautiful one. Flowers lined up the front of the church; friends of the family donated most of them. The Summers didn't have much in way of family except for those who lived at the house. In one afternoon all that changed, their beloved Joyce Summers was gone.
The next part of the service was putting her to actual rest. Close friends stood by the Summers' girls as they watched their mother be put to eternal rest. Dawn was crying, as was the Scooby gang. Faith, at the request of Buffy, stood on her right side and helped by giving her extra strength.
Buffy was left in the cemetery, because she needed to be alone. Faith talked quietly to Buffy asking her if she wanted her to stay around for another day or so, which Buffy had declined. Faith gave one final glance at her fellow slayer and walked hand and hand with Dawn.
They'd returned to the house a half an hour later in which Faith and Dawn left shortly afterwards. They said their goodbyes and take cares. Faith pulled Willow off to the side and said, "Please take care of Buffy. She's not stable right now, she needs all the strength she can get."
"I will. Protect Dawn." Willow replied.
"With my life." Faith replied hugging Willow. "Don't forget if you need to, you can come to the school." Faith said pulling away from the red head.
"Okay."
"Bye Xander." Faith said pulling him into a quick hug. "It was nice to meet you, Anya."
"You too."
"See you around Giles."
"Take care Faith."
"I always do." She replied getting into the fireplace. She called, "Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts!" She threw the powder in down and disappeared.
Dawn follow the same suit and also disappeared.
"Will I ever get used to that?" Faith asked rhetorically. Turning she caught Dawn again. "Got ya."
"You probably wont get used to it, but that's half the fun." Dumbledore replied, blue eyes sparkling. "I trust everything is well?" He asked.
"As good as it'll be for now." Faith replied. "I'm going to get her to bed."
"Okay." He replied watching the two girls leave his office.
They walked down the great hallways without saying much, not that they had to. Faith had gotten pretty good at communicating without words, as did Dawn. "Harry!" Faith called to the seventh year.
"Faith, Dawn you're back." He replied running towards them.
"Yep. Could you take her to her room? She's had a hard day.." She trailed off when she realized that she was sleeping. Sighing she handed Harry the bags as she picked her up. "Lead the way."
Once they got her back to the Gryffindor tower Faith carefully placed her into bed covering her with the soft peach comforter they'd allowed her to have. Not more than a minute after she walked back into the common room she was bombarded with questions.
Sighing she said, "Dawn's mother died of a tumor. Please don't ask anymore, and don't say anything. It's a sensitive subject."
"If it was her mum why do you care?" Someone asked.
"Because when I didn't have a mom she stepped in, like she did with all of Buffy's friends." Faith started. "I'm going to bed now. Good night Gryffindor." With that she walked out of their tower and back to her room. "Hello Stephanie, how's it been around here?" She asked the women in the picture, as she'd tried to catch up on what she missed. Smiling she told Stephanie good night and said the password. She sighed softly and walked into her room only to find Draco on her tan couch.
Breathing deeply she walked to where the extra blankets were and grabbed one. She walked over to her sleeping friend and placed the blanket on him. She stood there for a moment before realizing that he wasn't wearing the traditional robes but something that could be described as muggle pajamas before changing into something more comfortable.
Stepping out of her bathroom she saw that he was still asleep. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to sleep much after her day she grabbed the "Demons Fact or Fiction" book and settled in front of the fire.
Draco woke up before the sun came up the next morning afraid he'd missed her, when he noticed two things. One he had a blanket on him keeping him warm and two the slayer in question was laying on the ground in front of the fireplace with a book in her hands.
Smiling at her position on the floor he lay there just watching her peaceful slumber. Getting up, he decided he should put her to bed. Slowly picking her as to not wake her he carried her up the stairs and placed her on her four-posters bed with her pale blue sheets already folded down. Covering her up he brushed a light kiss upon her forehead before turning away from the women.
"Draco?" She whispered as if in a dream.
"I'm here, luv." He replied at her side.
She rolled over and requested, "Stay." Then she was asleep once more.
Smiling softly he lay next to her on the bed and watched as she snuggled closer to him. He watched as her breathing slowed and not too much later he fell asleep too.
TBC
Subtitle: Death's Never Easy, Especially on the Hellmouth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The end of the year was coming in a little more than a month. Buffy had written everyday to both Faith and Dawn telling them about what was happening on the hellmouth. Faith had received an owl shortly after dinner when she was alone in her suite and noticed it was from Buffy.
'Dear Faith,
I'm glad to hear everything is well with you and Dawn. She tells me the funniest stories about your classes. She seems to have gotten quite attached to Harry Potter, which I'm not sure is a good thing. What do you think?
I've got some news. The days draw closer as Glory is getting weaker and weaker. I'm not sure how much longer it'll last seeing that she's a hell goddess but I'm hoping it'll end soon. The gang and I are trying to figure a way to stop her, but Giles is convinced that if Dawn's not here on the specific night and time Glory will disappear. I can only hope it's soon I miss Dawn so much, plus after our talk I miss you as well. I know we were never that great of friends, but you're the only one that understands what I'm feeling.
I've written Dawn a letter explaining about our mother's death. It was so sudden, and I didn't know what to do. Her funeral is Wednesday at 6pm if you can make it. I know how much you like Joyce, even after what happened. I would greatly appreciate it if you were there. Hope to see you, Buffy Summers'
Tears welded in Faith's eyes as she quickly left the room to find Dawn, knowing that they could cry and laugh and cry some more. Running into someone that she couldn't see because the tears were blurring her vision. It wasn't until the figure spoke that she knew who it was.
"Faith, are you alright?" Draco asked as he looked at the women before him she was positively shaking.
"She's dead." She mumbled and Draco took that meaning as Buffy was dead.
"Oh, Faith I'm so sorry." Draco replied pulling her into him.
"It's not fair, why her?" She asked tears streaming down her face.
"I don't know." Draco replied.
"Faith?" A female voice called and once Faith stepped away from Draco came barreling at her.
"Dawnie, I'm so sorry." Faith hugged the girl trying to give her some comfort that she wished she had to give.
"Did she say how she died?" Dawn asked crying.
"No, but she did say that the funeral is Wednesday and that she wants us to be there for her." Faith replied tears slowing as she began to pull inside herself.
Draco watched helplessly as Faith's features changed from pain and hurt to silent and withdrawn. * Not again. * He thought as he whispered the password and helped the two lost girls into the room and seated them on the couch so that they could continue to talk.
Moment's later hot cider was brought to the room, and Draco thanked the house elves for their service. He walked over to the girls who were silently thinking to them and handed them the mugs.
Faith looked up and smiled softly. He'd helped her so much she didn't know how she could have deserved it, or where to start thanking him. Dawn just took the mug not saying anything. Faith stood up after finishing her drink and knelt in front of Dawn. The younger girl just looked so lost, and in great pain. Hugging her she whispered, "I've got to talk to Dumbledore about the arrangements I'll be right back."
After she nodded Faith stood up and looked into Draco's understanding eyes. He pulled her into a hug, and kissed the top of her head and watched as she sadly walked from the room.
Minutes later she was at Dumbledore's office. Sighing she said the password and began climbing the stairs. Knocking once and waiting for an answer that she heard a moment later. She opened the door and peered in, seeing him sitting at his large desk motioning for her to come in.
"I'm sorry to bother you at such a late hour, Albus, but I've just received word that Buffy would like Dawn and me to return to the hellmouth for a funeral." She told him trying hard not to begin crying again.
"Of course." He replied knowing not to ask. "How would you like to travel?" He asked standing from his chair and walking to comfort his lost professor.
"The fastest but safest way possible. Because of the great threat on the hellmouth, Buffy is forced to send her letters to a friend in another state and from there they're sent to me. The funeral is tomorrow evening." She offered.
"Ah the floo network it is." He sighed. "Have you informed Professor Lupin?"
"No Albus, but I can have Draco and Harry teach classes tomorrow as they are my best students." She answered.
"Alright. Why don't you head to your room pack what you and Dawn need and meet me here in twenty minutes to floo out." He replied.
"Thank you Albus." Faith replied numbly. She turned and walked out the door and back to her room without so much of a word to those she passed. "Slayer." She whispered and the door opened. She noticed that nothing had changed since she'd left moments before.
Draco heard the door open and saw a drained slayer walk into the room. He saw the look in her eyes, and nodded for her to help Dawn. She thanked him softly and walked with Dawn out of the room.
Once at the Gryffindor tower Faith kindly asked the fat lady in the pink dress if she would open the door. The lady nodded at Faith because she knew that she was a professor. "Hermione, would you please help Dawn pack some things. And please no questions." Faith replied.
"Sure, Faith." Hermione replied taking Dawn's hand in hers and lead her to their shared room.
Faith waited for a few moments before someone from the house asked why she was here. She ignored the question and asked one of her own, "Where's Harry?"
"He's in his room with Ron." One of the boys answered.
"Will you please tell him that I need to talk to him." Faith asked and watched as he walked up the opposite set of stairs leading to the male dorms.
"What is it, Faith?" Harry asked moments later.
"I need you to help Draco with classes tomorrow. I've informed Professor Dumbledore that the two of you would be taking over for me while I'm gone." She began but held up her hand silencing him before continuing, "I want you to show those moves I showed you on the roof the other night when we were training. As for the younger students the notes are on top of the desk."
He nodded his head in understanding, knowing that she'd tell him if she wanted him to know.
"Thank you." She replied and looked up to see a tearstained faced Dawn. Walking over to her she pulled her into a warm embrace. "Are you ready?" She whispered. When Dawn nodded she pulled away but kept an arm around her waist. Accepting the bag from Hermione she lead a still crying Dawn out of the tower.
They meet Draco halfway between the Gryffindor tower and Dumbledore's office. Thanking him again, she told him what she told Harry. She also asked him not to mention anything about what he heard her say, having a feeling that he thought it was Buffy they were mourning.
She hugged him goodbye before walking up the stairs. Knocking on the door she heard more than one voice call "enter" as she opened up the door. Taking in the sight of Snape, Lupin and Dumbledore sitting around his desk she nodded her hello.
"Are you two ready?" Dumbledore asked. When Faith nodded again he explained how the floo powder worked. When he was done he asked if she had any questions.
"Will I do the same thing to come back, and if so am I taking some with me?"
"Yes, and yes." Dumbledore replied handing her a small urn to place in her bag. Once she'd done so he asked, "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Faith replied, and Dawn just nodded. "Should we go together, Albus or would it be safer if we went one at a time?"
"You probably should go one at a time, because of the effects of the suddenness of the journey. Perhaps you should go first. We'll make sure she leaves after you do."
Nodding her okay she looked at Dawn, "I need you to hold on for just a little longer, okay."
"Okay." She whispered so quietly that hardly anyone heard her.
"I'll see you on the other side." Faith replied which got Dawn to smile, even if it was a very small one. "Buffy Summers, Sunnydale!" Faith called after she'd stepped into the fireplace. Throwing the powder down she was surrounded by green fire and then was gone.
Dumbledore gave her a soft smile and walked her to the fireplace. "Have a good trip." He replied.
She stepped into the fireplace like Faith had and repeated the same action.
Faith stumbled out of the fireplace mumbling, "Whoa that was weird." Shortly after she was out Dawn came flying out. "Don't worry, I got you." Faith said holding the poor girl up.
"Dawn!" A voice behind her called.
"Buffy!" Dawn echoed. They joined in a tight embrace, filled with tears of happiness and sadness. "I missed you so much." They cried.
Faith felt out of place at the moment. Taking her eyes off the sisters, she looked around the room. She saw four shocked faces of three people she knew. "Hey, guys." She said.
"Faith, what are you doing here?" Xander asked.
"Well I got the letter from Buffy about Joyce. So I brought Dawn with me so that she didn't have to do that alone." She answered feeling suddenly nervous under their stares.
Buffy walked over to her fellow slayer and hugged her as she said, "I'm so glad you're here."
"You didn't tell them did you." Faith whispered returning the hug.
"I didn't know how." Buffy replied, but turned to the group and said, "It's alright guys. She's a teacher at the place we sent Dawn."
"You're a teacher?" Willow asked obviously surprised.
"I know, kinda weird huh." Faith said not feeling so nervous now. "When I was in jail, I had this pen pal from this school and we'd write back and forth." She began, and before long they knew the whole story of the last six months. "And here we are today." She finished.
"Wow, sounds like you've had more fun than we have." Xander replied very impressed.
"Well anything's more fun than demons and hellmouths.except maybe jail." Faith laughed softly. Faith pulled out the floo powder and saw a note attached. She read it quickly.
'Dear Faith,
As you know I've sent you to Sunnydale with some Floo Powder. The Summers' home is now on the Floo network until the beginning of next year should Dawn continue coming to Hogwarts.
Hope things are well, at least as well as they can be. Give Ms. Summers' my regards for her loss. Return safe and sound. Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore.'
Faith silently handed the note to Buffy who in turn handed it to Dawn and on down the line. "So that basically means you can travel to see us anytime. Plus I saw Albus doing this awesome thing with it. He started a fire in the fireplace and then threw some of this in it and called out a person that he wanted to talk to. And their head appeared in the fireplace. It was very cool." Faith told the group.
"So have you learned a lot?" Willow asked.
"A few things here and there. Draco taught me how to start a fire, I've learned some charms mostly for healing." She answered. She laughed and at their looks she told them the story about the chaos demons.
"You're serious?" Questioned Giles.
"Swear to high heaven." Faith laughed. "He turned out to be a good friend once we got past that." She turned to Dawn, "Have you told them about Snape?"
"Augg, awful man." Dawn grunted.
"Seriously? You don't like him?" Faith was shocked. She'd heard stories from both parties and found him to be a practical teacher.
"I don't think he likes me." She stated.
"Don't let him bother you. A secret from me to you." She replied which caught everyone's attention. "He's really a softy." She stated.
"No way." Dawn protested.
"Seriously. When we first met he was all hostile and glaring. After he found that I didn't scare easily and that I wasn't there to cause trouble we had some good times."
Buffy raised her eyebrow, "Does Draco know?"
Faith laughed, "Not like that! Get your mind out of the gutter."
Buffy laughed as Faith pushed her off the coffee table they were sitting on. "Why it's so much fun to tease you." Sobering up she asked, "How's Draco?"
"He's alive and well. He's really good at defending himself. I've got him and Harry doing extra training on nights that they don't have Quidditch practice." Faith noticed the looks and replied, "Think soccer with three more balls, three polls with hoops at the top and brooms."
They were still confused but they could see that she was tired. It was after 2am when they flew out of the fireplace and it was now 3:30. Faith took the couch, as Giles, Xander, and Anya went to their homes. She had a hard time falling asleep, but soon fell into a light slumber.
The next morning the house was a buzz, but not in the good way. The two slayers, a key, and one and a half witches (A.N. I know I sped up the timeline, and changed it a bit so please don't flame me.) talked quietly before Xander and the others arrived. Slowly they all left the house, and it was dead silent (A.N. don't mind the pun) for the trip there.
The service was a beautiful one. Flowers lined up the front of the church; friends of the family donated most of them. The Summers didn't have much in way of family except for those who lived at the house. In one afternoon all that changed, their beloved Joyce Summers was gone.
The next part of the service was putting her to actual rest. Close friends stood by the Summers' girls as they watched their mother be put to eternal rest. Dawn was crying, as was the Scooby gang. Faith, at the request of Buffy, stood on her right side and helped by giving her extra strength.
Buffy was left in the cemetery, because she needed to be alone. Faith talked quietly to Buffy asking her if she wanted her to stay around for another day or so, which Buffy had declined. Faith gave one final glance at her fellow slayer and walked hand and hand with Dawn.
They'd returned to the house a half an hour later in which Faith and Dawn left shortly afterwards. They said their goodbyes and take cares. Faith pulled Willow off to the side and said, "Please take care of Buffy. She's not stable right now, she needs all the strength she can get."
"I will. Protect Dawn." Willow replied.
"With my life." Faith replied hugging Willow. "Don't forget if you need to, you can come to the school." Faith said pulling away from the red head.
"Okay."
"Bye Xander." Faith said pulling him into a quick hug. "It was nice to meet you, Anya."
"You too."
"See you around Giles."
"Take care Faith."
"I always do." She replied getting into the fireplace. She called, "Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts!" She threw the powder in down and disappeared.
Dawn follow the same suit and also disappeared.
"Will I ever get used to that?" Faith asked rhetorically. Turning she caught Dawn again. "Got ya."
"You probably wont get used to it, but that's half the fun." Dumbledore replied, blue eyes sparkling. "I trust everything is well?" He asked.
"As good as it'll be for now." Faith replied. "I'm going to get her to bed."
"Okay." He replied watching the two girls leave his office.
They walked down the great hallways without saying much, not that they had to. Faith had gotten pretty good at communicating without words, as did Dawn. "Harry!" Faith called to the seventh year.
"Faith, Dawn you're back." He replied running towards them.
"Yep. Could you take her to her room? She's had a hard day.." She trailed off when she realized that she was sleeping. Sighing she handed Harry the bags as she picked her up. "Lead the way."
Once they got her back to the Gryffindor tower Faith carefully placed her into bed covering her with the soft peach comforter they'd allowed her to have. Not more than a minute after she walked back into the common room she was bombarded with questions.
Sighing she said, "Dawn's mother died of a tumor. Please don't ask anymore, and don't say anything. It's a sensitive subject."
"If it was her mum why do you care?" Someone asked.
"Because when I didn't have a mom she stepped in, like she did with all of Buffy's friends." Faith started. "I'm going to bed now. Good night Gryffindor." With that she walked out of their tower and back to her room. "Hello Stephanie, how's it been around here?" She asked the women in the picture, as she'd tried to catch up on what she missed. Smiling she told Stephanie good night and said the password. She sighed softly and walked into her room only to find Draco on her tan couch.
Breathing deeply she walked to where the extra blankets were and grabbed one. She walked over to her sleeping friend and placed the blanket on him. She stood there for a moment before realizing that he wasn't wearing the traditional robes but something that could be described as muggle pajamas before changing into something more comfortable.
Stepping out of her bathroom she saw that he was still asleep. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to sleep much after her day she grabbed the "Demons Fact or Fiction" book and settled in front of the fire.
Draco woke up before the sun came up the next morning afraid he'd missed her, when he noticed two things. One he had a blanket on him keeping him warm and two the slayer in question was laying on the ground in front of the fireplace with a book in her hands.
Smiling at her position on the floor he lay there just watching her peaceful slumber. Getting up, he decided he should put her to bed. Slowly picking her as to not wake her he carried her up the stairs and placed her on her four-posters bed with her pale blue sheets already folded down. Covering her up he brushed a light kiss upon her forehead before turning away from the women.
"Draco?" She whispered as if in a dream.
"I'm here, luv." He replied at her side.
She rolled over and requested, "Stay." Then she was asleep once more.
Smiling softly he lay next to her on the bed and watched as she snuggled closer to him. He watched as her breathing slowed and not too much later he fell asleep too.
TBC