Chapter Nine

Training

Ginny lay in her bed and watched the sun rise. She found her heavy heart was making it hard for her to sleep. Even though she had told Hermione yesterday that she was moving on from her five-year crush on Harry, her head was having a hard time convincing her heart of it. She knew that intellectually that Harry would never care for her the way she cared for him, but her heart wouldn't let go of hope. It kept telling her that there was always a chance that he would realize what was before him.

She had seen the way he looked at Dawn, but she couldn't really blame him. Dawn was very beautiful. She had a simple grace that showed as she moved. She was also one of the nicest people Ginny had ever met. She was friendly to everyone and seemed to genuinely care for Harry for who he was and not his celebrity status. She had even gone out of her way to make friends with them; she was interested in their lives away from Harry. It would be so much easier if she hated Dawn, but she didn't.

Sighing, she closed her eyes and tried for the hundredth time that night to sleep. However, Harry's face floated on the back of her eyelids. His green eyes sparkled and his smile seemed to shine for her alone. His tousled hair just made him more endearing. If only that was true in real life and not her fantasies.

Ginny opened her eyes chasing his image away. It was obvious that sleep was still alluding her. Maybe if she avoided Harry it would help convince her heart to move on. No, she thought, that has never helped over the summer holidays. As a matter of fact it only made it worse.

She heard Hermione moving around on the bed next to her. She knew that it would be time to get up soon. Just what she needed, to face another day watching Harry with Dawn with no sleep. Maybe that's what would help! If she spent more time around them, seeing them together, maybe that would convince her stupid heart to move on.

Or maybe she could find another guy to concentrate her attentions on, but the question was who? She wasn't attracted to another guy there, and she wasn't the kind of girl to make up affections for someone just to get over another. Plus, it wasn't fair to the other guy.

Ginny sighed. Her only option was to spend time with them. She knew she would be having a lot more sleepless nights before this was over. This was going to hurt, a lot.

One bright side for the day, according to the others Spike would be there for muggle defense.

******

Ron's thoughts were also in a chaotic jumble as he got ready that morning. Only one day had past for the school year and they already had a mystery on their hands, Malfoy's attentions on Dawn. He knew it had to be about her being the key, it would be the only thing that would attract his attention. Ron supposed it could be because of her looks, but she wasn't a pureblood and therefore, in Malfoy's sick mind, beneath him.

Although Ron really didn't see how pretty she was, to him her beauty paled in comparison to his Hermione. Humph, my Hermione, like she'd ever be mine. He knew he wasn't as smart as she was and always felt that because of it he wasn't worthy of her. And he wasn't like Krum and have money to buy her all sorts of things. What could he really offer her? It was times like this that he hated being poor.

It had taken him a while, but he had finally admitted it to himself over the summer. He was in love with Hermione. He wasn't sure when or how it happened, just that it had. He loved everything about her from her bushy hair, to her brains, right down to the cute way she crinkled her nose up whenever she disapproved of whatever harebrained scheme he and Harry had thought up.

He had told Harry the truth, however. He was never going to tell her for fear of ruining their friendship. He needed her too much to ever risk the chance of loosing her. He could live with just her friendship if it meant having her with him forever. Course, this didn't mean he wasn't above trying to find more ways to spend time with her.

Ron sighed quietly. He was pretty sure this was also how Ginny was feeling about Harry. Although hers was probably worse since she was seeing him with another girl. He wished there was something he could do to alleviate the pain she felt, but he knew that only time could heal that wound. As much as Ron wanted to protect his baby sister, he had to let her grow up and experience things for herself.

He looked at his watch. "Bloody hell! I'm late for breakfast!" With that, he grabbed him booked and ran out the door.

******

The next day found the sixth year Gryffindors and Slytherins back in Muggle Defense. This time all the students were suitably dressed for class.

"The first thing you need to learn in balance and control. All the strength in the world and even technique won't help you if you don't know how to control it and stay centered. Now some of this might be kind of weird for you and it might seem like it has nothing to do with defending yourself, but trust me. When you master these exercises, the rest will be child's play." Buffy said with a smile.

"Now, I want everyone to stand and make sure you have plenty of space around you to move." She calmly waited while the students situated themselves around the room. "Ok. Place your feet shoulders width apart and stand up straight. Pretend there's a wire pulling from the top of your head. Close your eyes."

Buffy and Spike began to walk around the room checking everyone's posture. "Relax Miss Parkinson, don't keep your shoulders at your ears. Your body should be straight and tall but relaxed. Concentrate on your breathing. Very good Miss Granger. Now everyone raise up onto the balls of your feet and try not to wobble. Ok, back down."

And so class went, with Buffy running them through seemingly easy motions to help them with their balance and control. Most of the students were loath to admit it, but the exercises were harder than they seemed, and they were rather tired and sore by the time the class ended.

"Just remember, the more you put into this class, the more you will get out of it. If you need any help or have any questions outside of class, please don't hesitate to find me. You guys did some great work today. You're excused."

*******

During lunch Ron suddenly had an idea. "Harry, you said that Buffy was also training Neville at night with you and Dawn, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Think she would take another student on?"
"I don't see why not." Dawn answered for him. "You heard what she said in class today. I think she's hoping more will want extra help."
Ron smiled. "I think I'll join you then. What about you two?" He asked, turning to Hermione and Ginny.

Hermione narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why would you be interested in extra work for class?"
"Well, I was thinking that every little bit helps, especially when we're up against you-know-who." Then he added, rather sheepishly. "It might help out with quidditch. Give a little help there."

Hermione laughed. "I knew there was some kind of ulterior motive, but no, I have homework. Plus the research for Dawn."
"Oh come on 'Mione, think of it as extra credit!"

A sparkle appeared in her eye and Ron knew he had her. Grinning he turned his attention to his sister. "What about you Gin?"
"Sure, like you said, every little bit helps." But she wasn't really thinking about extra help for class, but more about her plan for getting over Harry.

"Then it's settled. We'll all have extra training sessions." Ron said beaming.

Dawn had been pretty quiet through most of the exchange. She was sensing that her alone time with Harry was quickly coming to an end. Not that she didn't like the others, but she enjoyed her time alone with Harry in the evenings. Granted Buffy and Spike were hovering over them, and recently Neville was there too. But it was her time to have Harry away from his friends.

She admitted that she had a bit of a crush on him, but then again no sane girl wouldn't. He was caring and giving and quite good looking. She felt a bond with him that she never had with anyone else. It could be because of similar experiences in their pasts, but it felt like something more.

Then suddenly she felt Draco's eyes on her again. She really wished he would stop it, it was quite unsettling. She stole a quick glance over to the Slytherin table and felt a tremor in her stomach. Wow, where did that come from? She turned her gaze back to him and stared back. There was something different about him, he had changed somehow. She didn't know what it was, just that it had happened.

She looked back to her food when she couldn't take the tremors anymore. What was causing that? Maybe it was something I ate.

Dawn felt someone nudge her leg and she looked beside her. Harry gave her a questioning look and she shook her head and smiled. She hoped he wouldn't be able to tell she was lying. Apparently he couldn't cause he gave her a big smile, one that warmed her heart and chased all thoughts of Draco Malfoy from her head.

Across the hall Draco scowled.

********

That evening after the training session with the additional students, Buffy and Spike were called into Dumbledore's office.

They arrived before the headmaster and sat down to wait. Fawkes flew to Spike's shoulder and sat happily as Spike petted him.

"I fear you are stealing my phoenix." Albus said with a chuckle.

"Never, although I'm not sure what his fascination with me is."
"Maybe he senses how your good outweighs your evil and seeks to soothe your conscience."
"Maybe." Spike said thoughtfully. "So what's up Albus?"

"I had a rather interesting conversation with Mr. Draco Malfoy earlier today."
Buffy felt Spike tense next to her, she looked over at him. But he just sat there petting Fawkes.

"What did the little brat have to say?" She asked, crossing her arms.

"Evidently his father gave him an ultimatum before he came to school this year. He is to either become a death eater or never come home again."

"Yeah, so?" Spike asked through clenched teeth.

"He does not wish to join Voldemort's following."
"You're joking!" Buffy exclaimed.

"No Miss Summers, I'm not. However, he is very concerned for his safety."

"I can't believe you're fallin' for this Albus! This has to be some sort of trick. He's a Malfoy, he can't be trusted!" Spike yelled, standing abruptly, startling Fawkes from his perch on his shoulder.

"William! You of all people should know that a person is not necessarily defined by their heritage." Albus said, rising to his feet.

Buffy saw something pass between the old friends and knew that there was something going on that she didn't know about.

"Spike, what is he talking about?"

"You mean she doesn't know?"

"Of course she doesn't Albus. This is not something I go around telling everybody."
"What don't I know?" Buffy asked.

"But I would have thought you would tell her," Albus said, clearly not hearing her.

"Haven't exactly had an opportunity to."
"Tell me what?"

"She has a right to know Spike."

"I know," Spike said, a little irritated.

"The right to know what?" Buffy asked standing. She was beginning to get pissed.

"But not at this moment Albus."
"Excuse me, but do I get a say in this?" They both turned to Buffy, having momentarily forgotten that she was in the room. "I mean, hello, standing right here! Now will one of you please explain?"

Again Albus and Spike exchanged a look and then Spike nodded.

"I promise I will tell you everything later, luv. Right now, we've got more important things to discuss."
"Spike..."

"Please Buffy. Trust me."
"Fine, but you better believe I'll hold you to that promise mister." She grumbled as she sat back down.

"Obviously Mr. Malfoy cannot return home or to any of his relatives. So I'm placing him in your care." Albus said quietly.
"What?!" Buffy cried as she jumped to her feet again.

"Please, Miss Summers. The boy needs protection and that is one of the reasons why I hired you."

"Fine, is he aware of this?" Buffy relented as she sat back down. Just because she didn't like the kid didn't mean she wanted him dead.

"Yes, I've already discussed this with Mr. Malfoy. I am afraid he was a bit more resistant to the arrangement than you were, but he also realized that he had no other choice."

Despite herself, Buffy actually began to feel a little sympathy for the boy. It must be hard to know that your father was probably going to have you killed.

"I understand that you are giving several Gryffindors some extra training." Albus said with a twinkle in his eye.

Buffy's face lit up. "Yup. They asked for some extra help and I couldn't say no."
"I think it is wonderful, especially the special attention you are giving Mr. Longbottom. I believe most people underestimate that young man."
"I'll say." Spike said. "He's workin' really hard even though he's havin' some trouble."

"I want Mr. Malfoy to join these training sessions."
"No!" They said together.

"You can't be serious Albus!" Spike growled.

"I'll spend most of my time breaking up fights between him, Ron and Harry!" Buffy protested.

"Nevertheless, I believe the sessions will help give him focus. The boy is quite lost, he could use the stability from Mr. Potter and his friends."

"I still say this is a bad idea." Buffy grumbled, understanding that Dumbledore had made up his mind and nothing she said could change it.

"So noted. He'll join you starting tomorrow."

"Bloody hell."

******

The next evening Draco was the first to arrive for the training session. Spike could barely contain a snarl as he crossed to the window, turning his back on the boy.

Buffy turned a cold and calculating stare on the Slytherin. "You are aware that we are your guardians now?" The boy nodded. "I want you to understand something. If you are really in trouble then you won't find better help. But if you betray us." She stepped up to the tall youth and looked him squarely in the eye. Despite the fact that he was a head taller than her, Draco felt himself cowering from the power radiating from the slayer. "You will wish for Voldemort to find you. Got it?"

Draco gulped and nodded.

"The only reason you are with us is because Dumbledore wanted you here. If you cause any problems you'll regret it. Any questions? Comments?"

"Just....thank you." Draco said as he dropped his gaze to the floor.

Buffy blinked in surprise, that was not the response she was expecting. She opened her mouth then closed it. She tried again. "You an athlete or something?"

The blond looked up with surprise in his eyes, how did she know that? "Yeah, I'm the Slytherin Seeker."

"Explains it."

"Explains what?"

"I noticed in class yesterday that you have a good sense of balance and control." Before she could continue the Gryffindors entered the room.

"What's the ferret doing here?" Ron asked disgustedly.

"He's going to train with you guys." Buffy said.

"But..."
"No buts Ron, Dumbledore's orders. Let's get started. Dawn, Draco will join your group. Hermione, Ginny, Neville come over here." Buffy led the three to one side of the room and started them on their balance exercises.

"Spike, we're ready." Dawn called as Spike had not moved from the window. Her turned and crossed to the group.

"Harry, I want you to change your sparring partner to Ron, and Dawn you'll spar with blondie."

"But..."

"No buts bit. Less chance of arguments this way."
Dawn turned her stricken eyes towards Draco. How was she suppose to concentrate on sparring with him when every time she saw him she got tremors in her stomach?

Draco saw the horrified look in her eyes and silently resigned himself to the fact she would never want him. So he protected himself the only way he knew how. He turned the Malfoy smirk on. "Don't worry mudblood, you'll get to touch Potter later. Or is the thought of touching me getting your panties in a twist?"

A glint of steel flashed in her eyes as she retorted back. "Don't think for one minute that you had any effect whatsoever on my panties."

Draco smiled, Merlin he loved her fire. There was that word again, love. What was wrong with him? He didn't have much time to wonder about it as Spike began the training.