Title: Pen Pals pt 12
Subtitle: The Final Days to Summer
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The next morning, Faith began working through the haziness of a dream filled night. She'd had a wonderful dream about Draco, which now with more awareness she realized that nothing could happen between them until he graduated.
She rolled over and found there to be a body next to hers. Smiling slightly she realized that her dream hadn't been one at all, he really did come to bed with her. She was on her side facing him, and just enjoying watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful that she hated to wake him up so she rolled over to the other side of the bed. Before she could sit up an arm snaked around her stomach.
"Morning, luv." He whispered moving behind her.
"Mornin'." She replied leaning into the warmth of his arms. After a few moments she said, "We should probably get dressed."
Neither moved until they heard banging on the door. Faith jumped up and hurried down the stairs. Opening the door she was surprised to see Lupin and Snape standing there. Raising her eyebrow she asked, "Is there something I could help you gentlemen with?"
"Malfoy is missing. No one's seen him since you left the other day, except for when he was teaching with Potter." Snape replied slightly worried, but knew that if he were anywhere it'd be here.
"Look no further, he fell asleep on my couch. I think he was waiting for me to return from Sunnydale." Faith replied opening the door wider so they could enter.
"Oh, good." He replied more relieved.
"So did I miss anything terribly exciting? Stephanie, told me that I didn't miss much yet she's liable to hold things from me." Faith asked sitting in her chair noticing that Draco had replaced his robes on and went to stand in the corner.
"Nothing really. It was all pretty much normal." Lupin told her.
"Good to hear."
"How was the hellmouth?" Snape asked.
"Surprisingly quiet. I guess this big bad in Sunnydale is scaring the demons away." Faith said, knowing that no one except Dumbledore knew the real reason Dawn was here. They'd decided it'd be best if no one knew. She didn't even tell Draco, having promised a slayers promise with Buffy.
"Really? Anything you need?" Lupin asked.
Shaking her head, "I'm not even sure what's the what."
Lupin saw the book on the ground. "What's the book for?" He asked.
Faith looked where he was looking and replied, "Oh, that's a book Matthew gave to me. It's called "Demons Fact or Fiction". It's pretty good for an author that knows nothing about demons."
"May I borrow it sometime?" Lupin asked.
"Sure. In fact you can take it with you before you go." She replied smiling when he smiled back. Turning to Snape, "Any luck on finding a cauldron that wont melt?"
"Not yet, but before the next year I'll have a dozen." Snape growled.
Laughing she replied, "If you say so."
Snape just glared at her. She knew him better than most people and he wasn't sure if he was mad about it or happy that he had someone he could talk to. "Well we best leave you to prepare for your day." He said with a scowl.
"It was nice of you to drop by." Faith replied walking them to the door.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Snape yelled before leaving.
"Yes, Professor." He replied from his place in the corner.
"Head to the Slytherin tower and show your Prefect that you haven't been eaten." He snapped.
"Yes. Professor."
The two professors left and began walking down the hallway. When they were gone Faith closed the door and began walking towards the middle of the room. Before she could say anything Draco pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Faith was shocked but returned the soft kiss, that is until her brain kicked in and she pulled away. Brown eyes met gray, before her lips met his again in an equally intense kiss. After a few moments they broke apart but she remained in his arms.
"I'd better go." He whispered.
"You should." She whispered back. Faith's mind was thinking at about a mile a minute. Part of her screamed * step away! *, but the other half screamed * kiss him! * She listened the louder part of her brain and stepped away from him, though she couldn't look at him for fear that his eyes would show anger.
Draco saw her pull away and was relieved that one of them could. He would have loved to stay here with her in his arms for the rest of his life. The thing that bothered him was that she wouldn't look at him. Reaching a hand out to cup her face he brought her chin up so that she could see only love in his eyes.
She smiled when she didn't see anger only love. "Better hurry or Snape will think I'm having my way with you."
He laughed his hands sliding down her arms to her hands and brought them to his lips where he placed a soft kiss upon them. He turned and walked out of the room and was gone before she made it to the door to watch him walk away.
Sighing she closed the door and walked up to her room where she picked out a pair of black stretch jeans and a black t-shirt. Once she was dressed she pulled her professor robes on and went to brush her teeth. She pulled her hair up with a black clip and put her favorite black boots on and walked quietly down to the Great Hall.
She walked in and saw Dawn sitting quietly against the wall behind the Gryffindor table. Walking up the isle towards her the girl she was protecting she noticed everyone's eyes were on her. She knelt next to Dawn and asked, "How are you?"
Dawn looked up and replied, "I've been better."
"I'd imagine so." Faith replied taking a seat next to the other brunette.
"Will it ever stop hurting so much?" She suddenly asked Faith.
Faith looked at her and remembered Christi asking the same thing when they couldn't see their mom anymore. "No, but it does get easier. I remember when my littl' sis and I got separated from our mum and I hurt so badly but she was so young she didn't really remember. Then when my sis and I tried to run from our dad, he caught us. Needless to say my littl' sis isn't around any longer." Faith replied tears showing themselves again.
"Oh Faith, I didn't know." Dawn replied horrified.
"It's okay, Dawnie. The only person to know this is Draco and now you." Faith replied pulling the girl into a hug. "Now why don't you join your friends?" She asked.
"They keep staring at me and asking me lots of questions." Dawn replied.
"Did you want to join me at the professors table?" She asked after looking at Dumbledore.
"Can I?" She asked.
"Sure, come on." Faith said pulling the other girl up.
"Mr. Filch, would you fetch another chair for the table?" Dumbledore asked when he saw Faith and Dawn heading up to the table.
"Yes, sir." Filch replied and disappeared for a moment or two but came back with a chair and placed it on the end.
"Thank you Mr. Filch." Faith replied.
"Your welcome Professor Wilkins." He replied before returning to his own seat.
"Severus, Remus, I'm sure you remember Dawn Summers." Faith replied to the men sitting at her left.
"Good morning, Ms. Summers." Lupin replied.
Snape just glared and Faith received a "See!" from Dawn.
"Behave Severus, or I'll make sure you're my next partner for one of my demonstrations." Faith mocked which earned her a growl. "Touchy." Faith replied turning to her food.
Lupin just laughed along with Dawn. Dawn had never seen this side of Faith before; actually she'd never seen any real side except for the one that's always guarded.
Faith smiled at Dawn glad that she'd been able to make her laugh.
After breakfast she went for a walk with Dawn around the grounds after excusing her from all of her classes. "Do you like it here?" Faith asked.
"I think I'd like it better if I was actually a witch, rather than just sitting in class not understanding anything." Dawn answered looking at the ground.
"I know what you mean, when Dumbledore came to me and offered me a position I was like "what am I going to teach them that could possibly help them" but after my first week, I discovered I could empower them in ways other than magic." Faith explained. "If you'd like I can train you."
Dawn squealed in happy delight. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Your welcome, but we should keep this between us. I know Buffy wouldn't like it seeing how you're what 15 and haven't learned yet?" Faith replied.
"They all think I'm just a kid sister." Dawn told her.
"Well you'll always be a kid sister to Buffy, but to me you'll be my student, not to mention my adopted sis." Faith grinned at the girl. "Did you want to start today?"
Dawns eyes went wide as asked, "Can we?" When Faith nodded she replied, "Lets go."
A little while later Dawn and Faith were on the roof above her room. "Okay, I'm gonna start out slow and see how you do." Faith told her. "Now I want you to hit this." Faith instructed holding up an orange punching bag. "Ready when you are."
Dawn was a bit nervous at first but once she got the hang of it, she felt she was doing a good job.
"Good, now when you go to hit don't drop your shoulder. It's a giveaway on what you're planning." Faith told her and when she nodded her understanding Faith said, "Now I want you to hit like this." Faith dropped the bag and stood next to Dawn. "I want you to go. Left, left, right, left. Then you'll switch and go right, right, left, right. Got it?"
"Yep." Dawn said and watched as Faith picked up the bag. She did the exercise for a few minutes.
"Grab a drink." Faith told her. "One of the most import things about training is to keep hydrated."
"What's going on up here?" Draco asked pulling himself onto the roof.
"Training Dawn behind Buffy's back." Faith replied. "Classes over?"
"No, Lupin wanted to know why you were making so much noise up here. Sent me 'cuz I'm the only one with your password." Draco smirked.
Faith rolled her eyes. Dawn just laughed. "Get to class, Draco. Or I'll assign you training homework."
"Yes, ma'am." He mock saluted and went back to class.
"Is he always like that?" Dawn questioned.
"No, sometimes he's worse." Faith replied laughing.
"I heard that!"
"Get to class!" Faith yelled.
"Professor Wilkins!" Cried another voice.
Faith made an 'uh oh' sound as she leaned over the edge to get a good look at the classroom down below. "Yes Professor Lupin?" She asked with a face that clearly read, 'I didn't do it!'
"I'm trying to teach a class here." He tried to remain angry with her but with her being upside dawn it became very difficult.
"I'm sorry Professor. I'll try and keep it down." Faith replied, as she was sure her face was turning red because of all the blood rushing to her head.
"Fine, fine. What are you doing up there anyways?" He asked but than said, "Never mind I'm sure I'll hear later."
Laughing Faith pulled herself to the roof with the greatest of ease. "Ready to continue?" She asked Dawn.
"Yep, what now." Dawn asked.
"Professor Wilkins! Get in here." Lupin yelled.
"Coming!" She yelled back and helped Dawn into the window of her room. "Come on." She replied. Opening the door to the DADA classroom she said, "Yes Professor Lupin."
"Could you train her someplace else? The students find it extremely funny that you're up on the roof while they're stuck in class." Lupin drawled.
Faith glared at the students who quickly became quiet. "I can do that for you Professor. Sorry to disturb you." Faith replied.
"It's alright." He replied walking back to the desk in the front of the room. Faith and Dawn walked out and Faith was wondering where they could go.
"Come on, no one's in the Great Hall at this time." Faith said grabbing her training gear and walked down the hall. Entering the Great Hall Faith began, "Okay, next we're going to do kicking. Have you ever watched Buffy practice with Giles?"
"No, they never let me." Dawn replied.
Faith sucked her top lip in between her teeth as she thought about how she was going to show her. Snapping her fingers she walked to the wall. "Okay here's what I want you to do." She stood so that there'd be no way she'd hit the wall. She stood in fighting stance and leaned back on her right leg and kicked with her left. "I want you to start out on your comfortable side standing. Kick-kick-kick. Then switch. Got it?" Faith looked at the girl.
"Yep."
"Good!" Faith began picking up the longer red punching bag. "When ever you're ready." Faith told her.
Dawn kicked in the rhythm that Faith instructed and switched legs and did it on the other side.
"Good job. The last thing we're going to do before we head back to my room where, I'm going to show you some healing techniques is the combination of the two exercises." Faith started. "Remember left, left, right, left, switch, right, right, left right, switch kick-kick-kick switch, kick-kick- kick. Got it?"
"Yes." Dawn replied and when Faith nodded she began the exercise. Once she'd finished the first set Faith told her to do it one more time.
"Wow." An outsiders voice said.
"Concentrate, Dawn." Faith instructed. "Good, one more set." When they were done there was a crowd of people watching. Faith looked at Dawn and replied, "Good work, Dawn. Come on."
As they were leaving the crowd burst into applause.
Back in Faith's Room
Draco was waiting there for them to return.
"Oh good you're here. Wanna join Dawn in a lesson on healing, that you missed out on last time?" Faith asked.
"Sure." Draco responded taking a seat on the floor.
"Okay first we're going to meditate to clear our minds." Faith told them taking a seat in front of Dawn and Draco who sat next to each other. "Take several deep breaths." Her voice soothed.
An hour later they were finishing up the final stages of meditation and healing when a knocking on the door sounded in the room. Seeing how Faith, wasn't really meditating just leading Dawn and Draco, stood and headed towards the door.
"Professor, is everything alright?" Faith asked worried.
"A word if I might Professor." Dumbledore requested.
Holding a finger up she walked back into the room and replied, "Take a cleansing breath and open your eyes." Once they did so she continued, "This concludes our training and both of you should head to your respective towers to prepare for dinner. I shall see you then." Her look booked no room for argument as they both stood and walked from the room. She followed them to the door and requested that Stephanie send all visitors away.
Faith sat in her chair as Dumbledore had already taken the couch. "Faith, it's come to my attention that Mr. Malfoy has been staying in your room and that he knows your password." He began but before she could say anything he continued, "While I believe nothing has or will happen because I'm sure you understand the consequences. So I will request that Mr. Malfoy doesn't stay in here, unless it's to train which I prefer if you did it else where so to not put forth the wrong conclusions."
Faith looked at Dumbledore and replied, "I understand, and will inform him when we are to train later. However, I must ask that we'll be able to train on the roof because it adds extra balance and strength that wouldn't be gained anywhere else. But I will change my password as soon as I can."
The twinkle was in his eyes again, "I understand that you feel strongly for him, but I'm not sure the other students, parents or even professors would understand the bond between you and him."
Smiling she replied, "I'm not sure I understand it. But I assure you, as I will to any student, parent or professor that my grading is fair."
"Glad to hear it." He said but then asked, "Will you be joining us again next year?"
Faith looked at him and thought for a moment her words to Dawn came floating back into her mind. "I would love to come back."
"Wonderful." He replied standing up. "I shall see you in a few minutes."
Nodding her head he walked out. She let out the breath she'd been holding as she turned to her room. Changing into a clean royal blue t-shirt and black hip huggers she fixed her hair and replaced the clip before she placed her robes on. Slipping into some low cut boots she headed out her door. Turning to Stephanie she asked, "I need to change my password, should I do that now, or when I return?"
"You may change it anytime, Professor." She giggled.
"Okay, I'd like to change it to.." She looked down the hallway and made sure no one was coming before continuing, "Scooby Gang."
Giggling Stephanie took note and watched as Faith walked down the corridor to the Great Hall.
Faith entered another hallway and felt as if someone from behind her was watching her. Continuing at her normal pace she waited, and just as she suspected someone charged at her. Using her skills as a slayer she whipped around and pushed the attacker against the wall.
Scared eyes meet brown as Faith realized who it was. Releasing her hold on him she asked, "And what might you be doing following me down the hallway?"
"I was just checking your reflexes." He replied which earned him a raised eyebrow from the rogue slayer. Sighing he replied, "I don't know. I saw you and couldn't help it."
Laughing she pulled him into a hug. "So where's the rest of the gang?"
"They don't know I'm here." He replied. At her pointed look he continued, "I was just checking on the Dawnster."
"Would you like to join us for a wonderful meal?"
"Did someone mention food? He asked.
Laughing she replied, "Come on, I'll show you to the Great Hall." As they walked he caught her up on everything that was happening. They'd surprisingly beaten Glory so both girls could return to Sunnydale and not have to worry about some evil hell goddess being around the next corner.
Once they made it to the Great Hall she said, "Let me get her. I'm sure it'll be more fun this way."
Laughing he replied, "Evil."
"You know it." She winked before entering the Great Hall. Walking towards Dawn she managed to stand behind her without her noticing.much.
"I know you're there Faith.I mean Professor Wilkins." Dawn replied without turning around.
Leaning over she whispered, "I've got a surprise for you waiting outside."
Dawn looked at Faith as if seeing if she'd tell her more but as fate would have it Faith was already halfway to the door. Standing up she raced behind her leaving everyone in the Great Hall baffled. Faith stepped out the doors and turned to her left winking at him.
Dawn walked out and the first thing she saw was, "Xander!"
"Hey Dawnster." Xander replied hugging her.
"You freak of nature I thought I was in trouble." She turned and glared at Faith who was laughing.
"Freak of nature isn't how I'd put it." A sinister voice called out from the shadow.
"Dawn, Xander get inside." Faith replied turning to stare at Lucius Malfoy.
"But Faith." Dawn started looking as confused as Xander.
"Now!" She snapped not taking her eyes of Lucius, feeling their surprise and wishing that she'd been softer.
Xander didn't wait for any other kind of out burst and took Dawn into the Great Hall not liking the way the sinister man was looking at Faith.
Faith just watched Lucius waiting for him to say something or do something. She'd seen scarier things, one of which was herself, so she wasn't about to back down because of this slip of a man who happened to be a wizard.
Inside
Draco watched as someone hurriedly escorted Dawn back into the Hall. He didn't know who it was, but figured him to be friends with Dawn. He began to worry when Faith hadn't re-entered the room and noticed that Snape and Lupin noticed it too. He stood in time to hear a crack of thunder that echoed from the hallway. Running out the door with most of the students and professors he came face to face with his father and a figure lying on the ground.
* Oh, god! Faith. *
TBC
Subtitle: The Final Days to Summer
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The next morning, Faith began working through the haziness of a dream filled night. She'd had a wonderful dream about Draco, which now with more awareness she realized that nothing could happen between them until he graduated.
She rolled over and found there to be a body next to hers. Smiling slightly she realized that her dream hadn't been one at all, he really did come to bed with her. She was on her side facing him, and just enjoying watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful that she hated to wake him up so she rolled over to the other side of the bed. Before she could sit up an arm snaked around her stomach.
"Morning, luv." He whispered moving behind her.
"Mornin'." She replied leaning into the warmth of his arms. After a few moments she said, "We should probably get dressed."
Neither moved until they heard banging on the door. Faith jumped up and hurried down the stairs. Opening the door she was surprised to see Lupin and Snape standing there. Raising her eyebrow she asked, "Is there something I could help you gentlemen with?"
"Malfoy is missing. No one's seen him since you left the other day, except for when he was teaching with Potter." Snape replied slightly worried, but knew that if he were anywhere it'd be here.
"Look no further, he fell asleep on my couch. I think he was waiting for me to return from Sunnydale." Faith replied opening the door wider so they could enter.
"Oh, good." He replied more relieved.
"So did I miss anything terribly exciting? Stephanie, told me that I didn't miss much yet she's liable to hold things from me." Faith asked sitting in her chair noticing that Draco had replaced his robes on and went to stand in the corner.
"Nothing really. It was all pretty much normal." Lupin told her.
"Good to hear."
"How was the hellmouth?" Snape asked.
"Surprisingly quiet. I guess this big bad in Sunnydale is scaring the demons away." Faith said, knowing that no one except Dumbledore knew the real reason Dawn was here. They'd decided it'd be best if no one knew. She didn't even tell Draco, having promised a slayers promise with Buffy.
"Really? Anything you need?" Lupin asked.
Shaking her head, "I'm not even sure what's the what."
Lupin saw the book on the ground. "What's the book for?" He asked.
Faith looked where he was looking and replied, "Oh, that's a book Matthew gave to me. It's called "Demons Fact or Fiction". It's pretty good for an author that knows nothing about demons."
"May I borrow it sometime?" Lupin asked.
"Sure. In fact you can take it with you before you go." She replied smiling when he smiled back. Turning to Snape, "Any luck on finding a cauldron that wont melt?"
"Not yet, but before the next year I'll have a dozen." Snape growled.
Laughing she replied, "If you say so."
Snape just glared at her. She knew him better than most people and he wasn't sure if he was mad about it or happy that he had someone he could talk to. "Well we best leave you to prepare for your day." He said with a scowl.
"It was nice of you to drop by." Faith replied walking them to the door.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Snape yelled before leaving.
"Yes, Professor." He replied from his place in the corner.
"Head to the Slytherin tower and show your Prefect that you haven't been eaten." He snapped.
"Yes. Professor."
The two professors left and began walking down the hallway. When they were gone Faith closed the door and began walking towards the middle of the room. Before she could say anything Draco pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Faith was shocked but returned the soft kiss, that is until her brain kicked in and she pulled away. Brown eyes met gray, before her lips met his again in an equally intense kiss. After a few moments they broke apart but she remained in his arms.
"I'd better go." He whispered.
"You should." She whispered back. Faith's mind was thinking at about a mile a minute. Part of her screamed * step away! *, but the other half screamed * kiss him! * She listened the louder part of her brain and stepped away from him, though she couldn't look at him for fear that his eyes would show anger.
Draco saw her pull away and was relieved that one of them could. He would have loved to stay here with her in his arms for the rest of his life. The thing that bothered him was that she wouldn't look at him. Reaching a hand out to cup her face he brought her chin up so that she could see only love in his eyes.
She smiled when she didn't see anger only love. "Better hurry or Snape will think I'm having my way with you."
He laughed his hands sliding down her arms to her hands and brought them to his lips where he placed a soft kiss upon them. He turned and walked out of the room and was gone before she made it to the door to watch him walk away.
Sighing she closed the door and walked up to her room where she picked out a pair of black stretch jeans and a black t-shirt. Once she was dressed she pulled her professor robes on and went to brush her teeth. She pulled her hair up with a black clip and put her favorite black boots on and walked quietly down to the Great Hall.
She walked in and saw Dawn sitting quietly against the wall behind the Gryffindor table. Walking up the isle towards her the girl she was protecting she noticed everyone's eyes were on her. She knelt next to Dawn and asked, "How are you?"
Dawn looked up and replied, "I've been better."
"I'd imagine so." Faith replied taking a seat next to the other brunette.
"Will it ever stop hurting so much?" She suddenly asked Faith.
Faith looked at her and remembered Christi asking the same thing when they couldn't see their mom anymore. "No, but it does get easier. I remember when my littl' sis and I got separated from our mum and I hurt so badly but she was so young she didn't really remember. Then when my sis and I tried to run from our dad, he caught us. Needless to say my littl' sis isn't around any longer." Faith replied tears showing themselves again.
"Oh Faith, I didn't know." Dawn replied horrified.
"It's okay, Dawnie. The only person to know this is Draco and now you." Faith replied pulling the girl into a hug. "Now why don't you join your friends?" She asked.
"They keep staring at me and asking me lots of questions." Dawn replied.
"Did you want to join me at the professors table?" She asked after looking at Dumbledore.
"Can I?" She asked.
"Sure, come on." Faith said pulling the other girl up.
"Mr. Filch, would you fetch another chair for the table?" Dumbledore asked when he saw Faith and Dawn heading up to the table.
"Yes, sir." Filch replied and disappeared for a moment or two but came back with a chair and placed it on the end.
"Thank you Mr. Filch." Faith replied.
"Your welcome Professor Wilkins." He replied before returning to his own seat.
"Severus, Remus, I'm sure you remember Dawn Summers." Faith replied to the men sitting at her left.
"Good morning, Ms. Summers." Lupin replied.
Snape just glared and Faith received a "See!" from Dawn.
"Behave Severus, or I'll make sure you're my next partner for one of my demonstrations." Faith mocked which earned her a growl. "Touchy." Faith replied turning to her food.
Lupin just laughed along with Dawn. Dawn had never seen this side of Faith before; actually she'd never seen any real side except for the one that's always guarded.
Faith smiled at Dawn glad that she'd been able to make her laugh.
After breakfast she went for a walk with Dawn around the grounds after excusing her from all of her classes. "Do you like it here?" Faith asked.
"I think I'd like it better if I was actually a witch, rather than just sitting in class not understanding anything." Dawn answered looking at the ground.
"I know what you mean, when Dumbledore came to me and offered me a position I was like "what am I going to teach them that could possibly help them" but after my first week, I discovered I could empower them in ways other than magic." Faith explained. "If you'd like I can train you."
Dawn squealed in happy delight. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Your welcome, but we should keep this between us. I know Buffy wouldn't like it seeing how you're what 15 and haven't learned yet?" Faith replied.
"They all think I'm just a kid sister." Dawn told her.
"Well you'll always be a kid sister to Buffy, but to me you'll be my student, not to mention my adopted sis." Faith grinned at the girl. "Did you want to start today?"
Dawns eyes went wide as asked, "Can we?" When Faith nodded she replied, "Lets go."
A little while later Dawn and Faith were on the roof above her room. "Okay, I'm gonna start out slow and see how you do." Faith told her. "Now I want you to hit this." Faith instructed holding up an orange punching bag. "Ready when you are."
Dawn was a bit nervous at first but once she got the hang of it, she felt she was doing a good job.
"Good, now when you go to hit don't drop your shoulder. It's a giveaway on what you're planning." Faith told her and when she nodded her understanding Faith said, "Now I want you to hit like this." Faith dropped the bag and stood next to Dawn. "I want you to go. Left, left, right, left. Then you'll switch and go right, right, left, right. Got it?"
"Yep." Dawn said and watched as Faith picked up the bag. She did the exercise for a few minutes.
"Grab a drink." Faith told her. "One of the most import things about training is to keep hydrated."
"What's going on up here?" Draco asked pulling himself onto the roof.
"Training Dawn behind Buffy's back." Faith replied. "Classes over?"
"No, Lupin wanted to know why you were making so much noise up here. Sent me 'cuz I'm the only one with your password." Draco smirked.
Faith rolled her eyes. Dawn just laughed. "Get to class, Draco. Or I'll assign you training homework."
"Yes, ma'am." He mock saluted and went back to class.
"Is he always like that?" Dawn questioned.
"No, sometimes he's worse." Faith replied laughing.
"I heard that!"
"Get to class!" Faith yelled.
"Professor Wilkins!" Cried another voice.
Faith made an 'uh oh' sound as she leaned over the edge to get a good look at the classroom down below. "Yes Professor Lupin?" She asked with a face that clearly read, 'I didn't do it!'
"I'm trying to teach a class here." He tried to remain angry with her but with her being upside dawn it became very difficult.
"I'm sorry Professor. I'll try and keep it down." Faith replied, as she was sure her face was turning red because of all the blood rushing to her head.
"Fine, fine. What are you doing up there anyways?" He asked but than said, "Never mind I'm sure I'll hear later."
Laughing Faith pulled herself to the roof with the greatest of ease. "Ready to continue?" She asked Dawn.
"Yep, what now." Dawn asked.
"Professor Wilkins! Get in here." Lupin yelled.
"Coming!" She yelled back and helped Dawn into the window of her room. "Come on." She replied. Opening the door to the DADA classroom she said, "Yes Professor Lupin."
"Could you train her someplace else? The students find it extremely funny that you're up on the roof while they're stuck in class." Lupin drawled.
Faith glared at the students who quickly became quiet. "I can do that for you Professor. Sorry to disturb you." Faith replied.
"It's alright." He replied walking back to the desk in the front of the room. Faith and Dawn walked out and Faith was wondering where they could go.
"Come on, no one's in the Great Hall at this time." Faith said grabbing her training gear and walked down the hall. Entering the Great Hall Faith began, "Okay, next we're going to do kicking. Have you ever watched Buffy practice with Giles?"
"No, they never let me." Dawn replied.
Faith sucked her top lip in between her teeth as she thought about how she was going to show her. Snapping her fingers she walked to the wall. "Okay here's what I want you to do." She stood so that there'd be no way she'd hit the wall. She stood in fighting stance and leaned back on her right leg and kicked with her left. "I want you to start out on your comfortable side standing. Kick-kick-kick. Then switch. Got it?" Faith looked at the girl.
"Yep."
"Good!" Faith began picking up the longer red punching bag. "When ever you're ready." Faith told her.
Dawn kicked in the rhythm that Faith instructed and switched legs and did it on the other side.
"Good job. The last thing we're going to do before we head back to my room where, I'm going to show you some healing techniques is the combination of the two exercises." Faith started. "Remember left, left, right, left, switch, right, right, left right, switch kick-kick-kick switch, kick-kick- kick. Got it?"
"Yes." Dawn replied and when Faith nodded she began the exercise. Once she'd finished the first set Faith told her to do it one more time.
"Wow." An outsiders voice said.
"Concentrate, Dawn." Faith instructed. "Good, one more set." When they were done there was a crowd of people watching. Faith looked at Dawn and replied, "Good work, Dawn. Come on."
As they were leaving the crowd burst into applause.
Back in Faith's Room
Draco was waiting there for them to return.
"Oh good you're here. Wanna join Dawn in a lesson on healing, that you missed out on last time?" Faith asked.
"Sure." Draco responded taking a seat on the floor.
"Okay first we're going to meditate to clear our minds." Faith told them taking a seat in front of Dawn and Draco who sat next to each other. "Take several deep breaths." Her voice soothed.
An hour later they were finishing up the final stages of meditation and healing when a knocking on the door sounded in the room. Seeing how Faith, wasn't really meditating just leading Dawn and Draco, stood and headed towards the door.
"Professor, is everything alright?" Faith asked worried.
"A word if I might Professor." Dumbledore requested.
Holding a finger up she walked back into the room and replied, "Take a cleansing breath and open your eyes." Once they did so she continued, "This concludes our training and both of you should head to your respective towers to prepare for dinner. I shall see you then." Her look booked no room for argument as they both stood and walked from the room. She followed them to the door and requested that Stephanie send all visitors away.
Faith sat in her chair as Dumbledore had already taken the couch. "Faith, it's come to my attention that Mr. Malfoy has been staying in your room and that he knows your password." He began but before she could say anything he continued, "While I believe nothing has or will happen because I'm sure you understand the consequences. So I will request that Mr. Malfoy doesn't stay in here, unless it's to train which I prefer if you did it else where so to not put forth the wrong conclusions."
Faith looked at Dumbledore and replied, "I understand, and will inform him when we are to train later. However, I must ask that we'll be able to train on the roof because it adds extra balance and strength that wouldn't be gained anywhere else. But I will change my password as soon as I can."
The twinkle was in his eyes again, "I understand that you feel strongly for him, but I'm not sure the other students, parents or even professors would understand the bond between you and him."
Smiling she replied, "I'm not sure I understand it. But I assure you, as I will to any student, parent or professor that my grading is fair."
"Glad to hear it." He said but then asked, "Will you be joining us again next year?"
Faith looked at him and thought for a moment her words to Dawn came floating back into her mind. "I would love to come back."
"Wonderful." He replied standing up. "I shall see you in a few minutes."
Nodding her head he walked out. She let out the breath she'd been holding as she turned to her room. Changing into a clean royal blue t-shirt and black hip huggers she fixed her hair and replaced the clip before she placed her robes on. Slipping into some low cut boots she headed out her door. Turning to Stephanie she asked, "I need to change my password, should I do that now, or when I return?"
"You may change it anytime, Professor." She giggled.
"Okay, I'd like to change it to.." She looked down the hallway and made sure no one was coming before continuing, "Scooby Gang."
Giggling Stephanie took note and watched as Faith walked down the corridor to the Great Hall.
Faith entered another hallway and felt as if someone from behind her was watching her. Continuing at her normal pace she waited, and just as she suspected someone charged at her. Using her skills as a slayer she whipped around and pushed the attacker against the wall.
Scared eyes meet brown as Faith realized who it was. Releasing her hold on him she asked, "And what might you be doing following me down the hallway?"
"I was just checking your reflexes." He replied which earned him a raised eyebrow from the rogue slayer. Sighing he replied, "I don't know. I saw you and couldn't help it."
Laughing she pulled him into a hug. "So where's the rest of the gang?"
"They don't know I'm here." He replied. At her pointed look he continued, "I was just checking on the Dawnster."
"Would you like to join us for a wonderful meal?"
"Did someone mention food? He asked.
Laughing she replied, "Come on, I'll show you to the Great Hall." As they walked he caught her up on everything that was happening. They'd surprisingly beaten Glory so both girls could return to Sunnydale and not have to worry about some evil hell goddess being around the next corner.
Once they made it to the Great Hall she said, "Let me get her. I'm sure it'll be more fun this way."
Laughing he replied, "Evil."
"You know it." She winked before entering the Great Hall. Walking towards Dawn she managed to stand behind her without her noticing.much.
"I know you're there Faith.I mean Professor Wilkins." Dawn replied without turning around.
Leaning over she whispered, "I've got a surprise for you waiting outside."
Dawn looked at Faith as if seeing if she'd tell her more but as fate would have it Faith was already halfway to the door. Standing up she raced behind her leaving everyone in the Great Hall baffled. Faith stepped out the doors and turned to her left winking at him.
Dawn walked out and the first thing she saw was, "Xander!"
"Hey Dawnster." Xander replied hugging her.
"You freak of nature I thought I was in trouble." She turned and glared at Faith who was laughing.
"Freak of nature isn't how I'd put it." A sinister voice called out from the shadow.
"Dawn, Xander get inside." Faith replied turning to stare at Lucius Malfoy.
"But Faith." Dawn started looking as confused as Xander.
"Now!" She snapped not taking her eyes of Lucius, feeling their surprise and wishing that she'd been softer.
Xander didn't wait for any other kind of out burst and took Dawn into the Great Hall not liking the way the sinister man was looking at Faith.
Faith just watched Lucius waiting for him to say something or do something. She'd seen scarier things, one of which was herself, so she wasn't about to back down because of this slip of a man who happened to be a wizard.
Inside
Draco watched as someone hurriedly escorted Dawn back into the Hall. He didn't know who it was, but figured him to be friends with Dawn. He began to worry when Faith hadn't re-entered the room and noticed that Snape and Lupin noticed it too. He stood in time to hear a crack of thunder that echoed from the hallway. Running out the door with most of the students and professors he came face to face with his father and a figure lying on the ground.
* Oh, god! Faith. *
TBC