Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 9 - Classes Begin
Hermione woke her new roommates bright and early. Lavender and Parvati had been up for nearly an hour. They both had rather lengthy morning beauty rituals.
"Come on, get up. Classes start today," said Hermione, as she alternated between shaking Dawn and Shannon.
Shannon opened one eye and starred at Hermione. "Don't tell me you are seriously excited about attending classes?"
"Of course, I am excited. It is a brand new year, and there are so many new things we are going to learn."
Lavender had slipped out of bed. "Shannon, you have to understand, Hermione is always this excited about class. She is kind of a. . ." While Lavender searched for the word, Dawn jumped in, "Nerd?"
Hermione turned bright red. "Sorry," said Dawn. "It isn't really an insult. Before the battle with the First, I totally got into the whole research thing. Willow, I mean Professor Rosenberg, used to tell me all the time that I had the same nerd genes as her. It was actually a compliment."
That seemed to satisfy Hermione, who returned her attention back to getting everyone up.
When the girls entered the Great Hall, Lavender and Parvati off to sit with Seamus and Dean. Dawn, Shannon, and Hermione sat with Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Andrew who were already eating. Hermione was disappointed that the boys had beaten them to breakfast. "How is it that you three are already here? You are never as excited as I am about the start of classes," she said.
Ron answered, "Mione, it isn't about classes. We were all just hungry."
"That figures," she replied.
"Besides, Ron and I have a free period this morning," added Harry.
While the seven teens ate breakfast, they compared their class schedules. Dawn and Shannon had Basic Transfiguration first thing that morning, and Hermione had Arithmancy. Dawn, Shannon, and Hermione would meet up with Harry and Ron for Research Skills, later in the morning. After lunch, Dawn and Shannon had History of Magic, while the sixth year Gryffindor's had Transfiguration. They all had Fighting Techniques, as their last class of the day, with the exception of Hermione who had Astronomy late that evening.
While they were all talking, Andrew pulled out a notebook and began taking notes.
"What are you doing?" asked Hermione.
"I am supposed to be recording everything that happens with the new Slayer program for future generations, and since this is the first day of classes, I am starting now."
"Andrew, if you need any help organizing all your notes, I would be happy to help," offered Hermione.
"Me too," piped in Ginny with a big smile.
Ron ignored his sister and instead harassed Hermione. "Mione, classes haven't even started yet, and you are already trying to find extra work to do. There really is something wrong with you."
Hermione gently slapped his arm in reply to the insult.
"Sometimes it really sucks being a year behind all of you," commented Ginny. "It would be cool to be in some of the same classes. Oh well, we should get going." The girls agreed and along with Andrew left for their first classes.
****************
The Gryffindor teens met at the entrance to the library for their Research Skills class.
"How was Transfiguration?" Harry asked Shannon.
"Different," she replied. "McGonagall seems ok, though."
"She's strict, but definitely fair," explained Harry. "As long as you are willing to put in the effort, she will go out of her way to help you." Harry was thinking of McGonagall offer the previous year to help him get accepted into Auror training.
The six teens were the last to enter the library, just as Willow introduced herself to the class. "I am Professor Rosenberg and this is Research Skills. During this class you will learn about the most important books of prophecy as well as the key reference volumes in magical rituals, magical objects, and demonology. I will also be teaching you some muggle methods of research, specifically using online search engines. Professor Flitwick has been kind enough to charm several laptop computers for use in this class."
Draco, who had been sitting toward the back of the group, mumbled something to his fellow Slytherins.
"Excuse me, mini-Spike, do you have something you would like to share with the class?" asked Willow, in her best stern teacher-voice.
Draco noticed Dawn turn to look at him. This time instead of seeing tears in her eyes, he noticed that she was trying to stifle a giggle. "I was just saying that no self-respecting wizard would stoop to using a muggle device for something as simple as research," he replied.
"I have worked with the Slayer to stop numerous apocalypses since I was a sophomore in high school, which is equivalent to fifth year at Hogwarts," Willow explained. "I have learned that slaying is not just about going out and killing the big bad. It is important to understand what you are battling first. Knowing where to find necessary information has saved not only the lives of my friends, but of everyone in the world, including each and every one of you sitting here today."
"In preparation for every battle, we would go into serious research mode. We used every source of information available to us: books of prophecy, ancient scrolls, Internet searches, seers, and informants. Twice, we even used books of fairytales. Scary but true, Hansel and Gretel are actually a demon, who appears every fifty years to tear apart communities by breeding fear of witchcraft."
There was a collective gasp from all of the muggle-born students.
Having proved her point to Draco, Willow proceeded to give the class a brief introduction to each of the major books of prophecy, many of which Wesley had donated from Wolfram and Hart.
When the class was dismissed, Hermione hung behind to speak with Willow.
Hermione caught up with her friends as they were entering the Great Hall for lunch.
"What did you have to talk to a professor about on the first day of class?" Ron asked Hermione.
"The lecture on prophecy got me thinking. I know that the magical prophecy was lost during the fight last year, but maybe there is some written prophecy about the rise of Voldemort." Ron shuddered, and Hermione rolled her eyes. "So I asked if it would be ok if I worked with her to find it," replied Hermione.
"I have something that I need to tell you," said Harry, his voice quiet but serious. His friends looked at him. "I know what that prophecy said. Dumbledore told me."
"What did it say?" asked Hermione.
"For either Voldemort or I to fully live, one of us has to kill the other. So, if I want to live, then I have to become a murderer, just like him," Harry replied.
Shannon placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. She understood how he felt. As a Slayer, her life would inevitably be filled with death. There was always that fear that she would lose herself in the killing. Harry looked in her eyes and knew that she understood. Though no words were spoken, he felt an immense weight lifting from the knowledge that he was not alone.
"There is still the possibility that there are other prophecies related to specific plans that Voldemort has. It would be a good idea to look into them," commented Andrew. It still amazed Dawn, whenever Andrew had a good idea.
"That is a good idea," said Dawn. "Hermione, would you mind if I helped?"
"That would be great," replied Hermione.
****************
Slayer Fighting Techniques was being taught in the Great Hall. The tables were against the walls and exercise mats covering all the floors. The students had all been told to change into comfortable clothes before coming to class.
Buffy began, "We will be spending the first few weeks doing simple exercises that will promote balance. Those students who excel in these exercises will be asked to join an additional class of Advanced Fighting Techniques."
Faith continued, "Balance is necessary to win any fight. For example. . ."
Buffy and Faith then proceeded to spar. Wood drew the attention of the students to the attacks that highlighted the importance of maintaining one's own balance, while throwing the opponent off theirs. The students' eyes were glued to the fighting Slayers. None of them had ever witnessed anything like it. Their movements were like a well-choreographed dance.
After the demonstration, Buffy, Faith, and Wood led the class in several exercises.
At the conclusion of the class Professor McGonagall came into the Great Hall. With a flick of her wand, the mats disappeared and the tables returned to their usual position.
****************
On Tuesday morning, the sixth-year Gryffindors had Defense Against the Dark Arts with Slytherin. Hermione met the others outside the classroom. She had just finished an early History of Magic class. Harry and Ron were no longer taking the class, because it was not necessary for their chosen careers.
The six teens entered the classroom and took seats in the front row. Giles entered the room and closed the door behind him. The class grew quiet in anticipation. They never knew what to expect from a DADA professor. In the past they had discovered that Voldemort was living on Professor Quirrel's head, they had received a quiz on Professor Lockhart's favorite color, they had been subjected to the Imperius curse by an imposter Professor Moody, and they had been subjected to day after day of theory but no practice with Professor Umbridge. The sixth years had learned to expect anything in this class.
"Hello, and welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am Professor Giles. During the first half of this term, we will be concentrating on a variety of demons. We will highlight characteristics specific to each, including their vulnerabilities. During the second half of the term, we will focus on apocalyptic events and how they have been successfully averted in the past. Are their any questions?"
When no one spoke, Giles continued, "We will begin today by discussing vampires. Can anyone tell me the history of the vampire?"
Dawn and Hermione both raised their hands.
"Yes, Hermione," said Giles.
"Well, Professor Giles, the last demon to walk the earth mixed his blood with that of a human. The result was a vampire. The vampire killed some and mixed his blood with others, thus creating more vampires," answered Hermione.
"Very good, Hermione - Five points to Gryffindor. And how do we kill a vampire?"
Several hands were raised. Giles called on a student in the back of the room. "You can stake them through the heart with something made of wood."
"Anything else?" asked Giles. "Yes, Harry?"
"Decapitation," said Harry.
"Anything else?" asked Giles. Dawn was the only one to still have her hand raised, "Yes, Dawn."
"Fire, sunlight, a vat of holy water, Willow flew a pencil into one once, and the ubervamps were killed by magical sunlight from the amulet that Spike was wearing, and Buffy got rid of Angel by sending him to hell, and . . ." Giles cut her off, "Very good, Dawn. The key to defeating a vampire is to assess your surroundings and use what you have at hand. If you don't have a wooden stake with you, there are many substitutes: a chair leg, your wand, or a tree branch."
"Now, I have a surprise visitor for today." With that Angel walked through the door. Dawn and Shannon smiled. Giles continued, "This is Angel. Though as Dawn said, he was once sent to hell. He is back and still very much a vampire."
Angel put on his game face. Many of the new Slayers knew Angel from their time at the Hyperion, and so were unfazed. The Hogwarts students, however, screamed and clamored to the back of the room. When Harry jumped up, Shannon put her hand on his wrist and pulled him back into his seat. "It's ok," she whispered. "He's on our side, and Dawn's sister used to date him."
"You can't bring a vampire into a classroom," said Draco. "You are putting the students in danger. My father . . ." Draco stopped. During his tirade, he had momentarily forgotten that his father was in Azkaban. He really hated moments like this. He still was not sure how he felt about everything that happened. The only thing that he knew was that he hated Harry Potter. Draco sneered at Harry.
Harry and Ron rolled their eyes. 'Typical Malfoy,' they both thought.
"Mr. Malfoy, do sit down. The rest of you, please return to your seats as well," said Giles. "Angel is an exception. He has a soul, and fights on the side of good. He is here today to show you what you should expect when confronted by a vampire. Now that you have all seen a vampire, you will not hesitate to take action against him."
"Your assignment this evening is to keep a log of everything you come in contact with that could be used as a weapon against a vampire. Class dismissed."
As everyone was leaving the classroom, Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew stayed behind to talk to Angel. Dawn gave Angel a big hug. "Hey, Angel, I never expected to see you here."
"Hey, Kiddo," Angel replied. "Giles thought I would make a good impression on the class, and I agreed."
"Cool," said Shannon. "Are you going to stick around for awhile?"
"Not for too long. I will be returning to Los Angeles this evening, but now that Giles has showed us how to travel by floo power, I am sure you will be seeing all of us from time to time."
The teens left the classroom, and walked to the Great Hall. They did not notice Draco lurking just outside the classroom. He had been watching them. He couldn't believe that Dawn so nonchalantly had hugged a vampire, when one look at him had caused her to cry. There was definitely more to this girl than meets the eye.
"I cannot believe that you have a close friend who is a vampire," said Hermione.
"Actually we had two," replied Dawn. "The other was Spike. He didn't survive the battle with the First."
For a moment the six teens were silent.
Before things got too intense, Ron spoke, "That was wicked cool. A real live vampire, right there in the classroom."
"Yeah, but they aren't all as nice as Angel and Spike. Any other vamp would have tried to make you his dinner," warned Shannon.
"Yeah but it would have been worth it just to hear Malfoy scream like a girl," added Harry. They all laughed.
Harry put his arm around Shannon's shoulders and said, "Besides if a regular old vamp tries to eat us, we have a Slayer here to stake him." Ron grimaced, and Shannon smiled.
"Come on, everyone," said Hermione, "let's get to lunch."
During lunch, Dawn and Shannon asked Harry, Ron, and Hermione about what to expect in their next classes. "After lunch we have Charms and then Potions," Dawn explained.
"We have the reverse, Potions then Charms," said Hermione.
"Not me," said Ron. "I am not taking Potions anymore."
Harry and Hermione looked stunned. "But you did well enough on your O.W.L. to take the next level of potions," she said.
"I talked to Professor Giles this summer, and he helped me choose the classes that would be most important for becoming a Watcher. He said that I really didn't need anything higher than O.W.L. potions, but that it was very important for me to take Muggle Studies," Ron explained.
"I wish I didn't need any more potions," said Harry. "I could definitely live without ever sitting in a class with Snape again." Ron smiled broadly. "Oh, don't gloat," said Harry.
"He didn't seem that bad during dinner that first night at the Order," commented Andrew.
"Just wait until he is in his element," said Ron.
****************
After dinner, the six teens sat in the Gryffindor common room. Dawn and Shannon were talking quietly over their homework, while Hermione helped Andrew organize all his notes from the day, and Harry and Ron were playing a game of wizard chess.
Harry turned to Shannon, as one of Ron's pawns demolished Harry's knight. "So how were your Charms and Potions classes?" he asked.
"The Basic Spells class was totally cool. I did really well using my wand for the first time. But you were right about Potions. Snape is really mean, and he grosses me out with that nasty, greasy hair," replied Shannon, as Dawn giggled.
"Just don't let him rile you," advised Hermione before returning to her work with Andrew.
"She's right," said Ron. "If you take his bait, you will just wind up losing points for Gryffindor."
The teens continued to discuss their classes until it was time for bed.
****************
Wednesday afternoon Dawn, Shannon, Harry, and Ron had a double period of History of the Slayer. Before Wesley could begin the class, Professor Bolgya entered the classroom and walked up to him.
"Professor Wyndam-Pryce, would you mind if I listened in to your class?" she asked.
"Of course, and please, call me Wesley," he responded.
"My name is Catherine, but please, call me Cat," said Professor Bolgya. She took a seat at the back of the classroom, and Wesley began his class.
"I am Professor Wyndam-Pryce, and this class is History of the Slayer. The content of this course will include information from the Watcher's diaries that have been salvaged. In addition, the last two slayers of the slayer line, Buffy Summers and Faith Wilkins, will share their histories with you. The Watcher's diaries contain a vast amount of information about battles faced throughout history by the Slayer. However, as you hear Buffy's and Faith's stories, you will learn that being a Slayer, or for that matter a Watcher, is not just about the battles that are fought. It is about the lives we lead, including relationships with friends and family. It is widely believed that Buffy has survived for so long precisely because she had friends and family who helped her wage her war against evil."
Wesley picked up a stack of books and began to pass them out. "You are each being assigned a past Slayer to study." Wesley proceeded to explain what the students should do as they read the diary of their Slayer.
Wesley spent the remainder of the class lecturing on the creation of the Slayer by the Shadow Men and the subsequent creation of the Watcher's Council.
****************
Buffy found Giles sitting in the scooby common room.
"Hey, Giles, do you want to come on patrol with me? If we take one end of the castle, and Faith and Wood take the other, we can get done faster."
Giles looked up at Buffy. She had not asked him to patrol alone with her since the night he betrayed her by setting up Spike to be killed by Wood. Buffy asking him to accompany her was a big step in her forgiveness of him.
Giles agreed, collected some weapons, and followed Buffy, Faith, and Wood out of the scooby common room.
While they were patrolling the castle, Willow, Xander, and Wesley remained in the common room. Willow explained to Wesley, what Hermione had asked her earlier about the possibility of prophecy foretelling of Voldemort's rise.
Wesley went to his quarters and returned with several books, which he thought were most likely to contain the type of prophecy they were looking for.
As the three began their search, Professor Bolgya entered.
Wesley rose to his feet, "Cat, it is good to see you."
She smiled at him, and then spoke, "You all seem very involved in something. Is there anything I can help with?"
Wesley cleared his throat. For some reason he felt completely flustered when in the company of this woman. He spoke in a near whisper, "No, we are just doing a little preemptive research, nothing too serious at this moment."
She nodded, "Well, in the future, if you need help, please do not hesitate to ask." With that she retired to her quarters.
Wesley, Willow, and Xander continued to read until the others arrived back from their first patrol of the castle.
"How did patrol go?" asked Wesley.
Faith answered, "This castle is really weird, but nothing evil abrewin."
The group soon retired for the night.
Chapter 9 - Classes Begin
Hermione woke her new roommates bright and early. Lavender and Parvati had been up for nearly an hour. They both had rather lengthy morning beauty rituals.
"Come on, get up. Classes start today," said Hermione, as she alternated between shaking Dawn and Shannon.
Shannon opened one eye and starred at Hermione. "Don't tell me you are seriously excited about attending classes?"
"Of course, I am excited. It is a brand new year, and there are so many new things we are going to learn."
Lavender had slipped out of bed. "Shannon, you have to understand, Hermione is always this excited about class. She is kind of a. . ." While Lavender searched for the word, Dawn jumped in, "Nerd?"
Hermione turned bright red. "Sorry," said Dawn. "It isn't really an insult. Before the battle with the First, I totally got into the whole research thing. Willow, I mean Professor Rosenberg, used to tell me all the time that I had the same nerd genes as her. It was actually a compliment."
That seemed to satisfy Hermione, who returned her attention back to getting everyone up.
When the girls entered the Great Hall, Lavender and Parvati off to sit with Seamus and Dean. Dawn, Shannon, and Hermione sat with Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Andrew who were already eating. Hermione was disappointed that the boys had beaten them to breakfast. "How is it that you three are already here? You are never as excited as I am about the start of classes," she said.
Ron answered, "Mione, it isn't about classes. We were all just hungry."
"That figures," she replied.
"Besides, Ron and I have a free period this morning," added Harry.
While the seven teens ate breakfast, they compared their class schedules. Dawn and Shannon had Basic Transfiguration first thing that morning, and Hermione had Arithmancy. Dawn, Shannon, and Hermione would meet up with Harry and Ron for Research Skills, later in the morning. After lunch, Dawn and Shannon had History of Magic, while the sixth year Gryffindor's had Transfiguration. They all had Fighting Techniques, as their last class of the day, with the exception of Hermione who had Astronomy late that evening.
While they were all talking, Andrew pulled out a notebook and began taking notes.
"What are you doing?" asked Hermione.
"I am supposed to be recording everything that happens with the new Slayer program for future generations, and since this is the first day of classes, I am starting now."
"Andrew, if you need any help organizing all your notes, I would be happy to help," offered Hermione.
"Me too," piped in Ginny with a big smile.
Ron ignored his sister and instead harassed Hermione. "Mione, classes haven't even started yet, and you are already trying to find extra work to do. There really is something wrong with you."
Hermione gently slapped his arm in reply to the insult.
"Sometimes it really sucks being a year behind all of you," commented Ginny. "It would be cool to be in some of the same classes. Oh well, we should get going." The girls agreed and along with Andrew left for their first classes.
****************
The Gryffindor teens met at the entrance to the library for their Research Skills class.
"How was Transfiguration?" Harry asked Shannon.
"Different," she replied. "McGonagall seems ok, though."
"She's strict, but definitely fair," explained Harry. "As long as you are willing to put in the effort, she will go out of her way to help you." Harry was thinking of McGonagall offer the previous year to help him get accepted into Auror training.
The six teens were the last to enter the library, just as Willow introduced herself to the class. "I am Professor Rosenberg and this is Research Skills. During this class you will learn about the most important books of prophecy as well as the key reference volumes in magical rituals, magical objects, and demonology. I will also be teaching you some muggle methods of research, specifically using online search engines. Professor Flitwick has been kind enough to charm several laptop computers for use in this class."
Draco, who had been sitting toward the back of the group, mumbled something to his fellow Slytherins.
"Excuse me, mini-Spike, do you have something you would like to share with the class?" asked Willow, in her best stern teacher-voice.
Draco noticed Dawn turn to look at him. This time instead of seeing tears in her eyes, he noticed that she was trying to stifle a giggle. "I was just saying that no self-respecting wizard would stoop to using a muggle device for something as simple as research," he replied.
"I have worked with the Slayer to stop numerous apocalypses since I was a sophomore in high school, which is equivalent to fifth year at Hogwarts," Willow explained. "I have learned that slaying is not just about going out and killing the big bad. It is important to understand what you are battling first. Knowing where to find necessary information has saved not only the lives of my friends, but of everyone in the world, including each and every one of you sitting here today."
"In preparation for every battle, we would go into serious research mode. We used every source of information available to us: books of prophecy, ancient scrolls, Internet searches, seers, and informants. Twice, we even used books of fairytales. Scary but true, Hansel and Gretel are actually a demon, who appears every fifty years to tear apart communities by breeding fear of witchcraft."
There was a collective gasp from all of the muggle-born students.
Having proved her point to Draco, Willow proceeded to give the class a brief introduction to each of the major books of prophecy, many of which Wesley had donated from Wolfram and Hart.
When the class was dismissed, Hermione hung behind to speak with Willow.
Hermione caught up with her friends as they were entering the Great Hall for lunch.
"What did you have to talk to a professor about on the first day of class?" Ron asked Hermione.
"The lecture on prophecy got me thinking. I know that the magical prophecy was lost during the fight last year, but maybe there is some written prophecy about the rise of Voldemort." Ron shuddered, and Hermione rolled her eyes. "So I asked if it would be ok if I worked with her to find it," replied Hermione.
"I have something that I need to tell you," said Harry, his voice quiet but serious. His friends looked at him. "I know what that prophecy said. Dumbledore told me."
"What did it say?" asked Hermione.
"For either Voldemort or I to fully live, one of us has to kill the other. So, if I want to live, then I have to become a murderer, just like him," Harry replied.
Shannon placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. She understood how he felt. As a Slayer, her life would inevitably be filled with death. There was always that fear that she would lose herself in the killing. Harry looked in her eyes and knew that she understood. Though no words were spoken, he felt an immense weight lifting from the knowledge that he was not alone.
"There is still the possibility that there are other prophecies related to specific plans that Voldemort has. It would be a good idea to look into them," commented Andrew. It still amazed Dawn, whenever Andrew had a good idea.
"That is a good idea," said Dawn. "Hermione, would you mind if I helped?"
"That would be great," replied Hermione.
****************
Slayer Fighting Techniques was being taught in the Great Hall. The tables were against the walls and exercise mats covering all the floors. The students had all been told to change into comfortable clothes before coming to class.
Buffy began, "We will be spending the first few weeks doing simple exercises that will promote balance. Those students who excel in these exercises will be asked to join an additional class of Advanced Fighting Techniques."
Faith continued, "Balance is necessary to win any fight. For example. . ."
Buffy and Faith then proceeded to spar. Wood drew the attention of the students to the attacks that highlighted the importance of maintaining one's own balance, while throwing the opponent off theirs. The students' eyes were glued to the fighting Slayers. None of them had ever witnessed anything like it. Their movements were like a well-choreographed dance.
After the demonstration, Buffy, Faith, and Wood led the class in several exercises.
At the conclusion of the class Professor McGonagall came into the Great Hall. With a flick of her wand, the mats disappeared and the tables returned to their usual position.
****************
On Tuesday morning, the sixth-year Gryffindors had Defense Against the Dark Arts with Slytherin. Hermione met the others outside the classroom. She had just finished an early History of Magic class. Harry and Ron were no longer taking the class, because it was not necessary for their chosen careers.
The six teens entered the classroom and took seats in the front row. Giles entered the room and closed the door behind him. The class grew quiet in anticipation. They never knew what to expect from a DADA professor. In the past they had discovered that Voldemort was living on Professor Quirrel's head, they had received a quiz on Professor Lockhart's favorite color, they had been subjected to the Imperius curse by an imposter Professor Moody, and they had been subjected to day after day of theory but no practice with Professor Umbridge. The sixth years had learned to expect anything in this class.
"Hello, and welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am Professor Giles. During the first half of this term, we will be concentrating on a variety of demons. We will highlight characteristics specific to each, including their vulnerabilities. During the second half of the term, we will focus on apocalyptic events and how they have been successfully averted in the past. Are their any questions?"
When no one spoke, Giles continued, "We will begin today by discussing vampires. Can anyone tell me the history of the vampire?"
Dawn and Hermione both raised their hands.
"Yes, Hermione," said Giles.
"Well, Professor Giles, the last demon to walk the earth mixed his blood with that of a human. The result was a vampire. The vampire killed some and mixed his blood with others, thus creating more vampires," answered Hermione.
"Very good, Hermione - Five points to Gryffindor. And how do we kill a vampire?"
Several hands were raised. Giles called on a student in the back of the room. "You can stake them through the heart with something made of wood."
"Anything else?" asked Giles. "Yes, Harry?"
"Decapitation," said Harry.
"Anything else?" asked Giles. Dawn was the only one to still have her hand raised, "Yes, Dawn."
"Fire, sunlight, a vat of holy water, Willow flew a pencil into one once, and the ubervamps were killed by magical sunlight from the amulet that Spike was wearing, and Buffy got rid of Angel by sending him to hell, and . . ." Giles cut her off, "Very good, Dawn. The key to defeating a vampire is to assess your surroundings and use what you have at hand. If you don't have a wooden stake with you, there are many substitutes: a chair leg, your wand, or a tree branch."
"Now, I have a surprise visitor for today." With that Angel walked through the door. Dawn and Shannon smiled. Giles continued, "This is Angel. Though as Dawn said, he was once sent to hell. He is back and still very much a vampire."
Angel put on his game face. Many of the new Slayers knew Angel from their time at the Hyperion, and so were unfazed. The Hogwarts students, however, screamed and clamored to the back of the room. When Harry jumped up, Shannon put her hand on his wrist and pulled him back into his seat. "It's ok," she whispered. "He's on our side, and Dawn's sister used to date him."
"You can't bring a vampire into a classroom," said Draco. "You are putting the students in danger. My father . . ." Draco stopped. During his tirade, he had momentarily forgotten that his father was in Azkaban. He really hated moments like this. He still was not sure how he felt about everything that happened. The only thing that he knew was that he hated Harry Potter. Draco sneered at Harry.
Harry and Ron rolled their eyes. 'Typical Malfoy,' they both thought.
"Mr. Malfoy, do sit down. The rest of you, please return to your seats as well," said Giles. "Angel is an exception. He has a soul, and fights on the side of good. He is here today to show you what you should expect when confronted by a vampire. Now that you have all seen a vampire, you will not hesitate to take action against him."
"Your assignment this evening is to keep a log of everything you come in contact with that could be used as a weapon against a vampire. Class dismissed."
As everyone was leaving the classroom, Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew stayed behind to talk to Angel. Dawn gave Angel a big hug. "Hey, Angel, I never expected to see you here."
"Hey, Kiddo," Angel replied. "Giles thought I would make a good impression on the class, and I agreed."
"Cool," said Shannon. "Are you going to stick around for awhile?"
"Not for too long. I will be returning to Los Angeles this evening, but now that Giles has showed us how to travel by floo power, I am sure you will be seeing all of us from time to time."
The teens left the classroom, and walked to the Great Hall. They did not notice Draco lurking just outside the classroom. He had been watching them. He couldn't believe that Dawn so nonchalantly had hugged a vampire, when one look at him had caused her to cry. There was definitely more to this girl than meets the eye.
"I cannot believe that you have a close friend who is a vampire," said Hermione.
"Actually we had two," replied Dawn. "The other was Spike. He didn't survive the battle with the First."
For a moment the six teens were silent.
Before things got too intense, Ron spoke, "That was wicked cool. A real live vampire, right there in the classroom."
"Yeah, but they aren't all as nice as Angel and Spike. Any other vamp would have tried to make you his dinner," warned Shannon.
"Yeah but it would have been worth it just to hear Malfoy scream like a girl," added Harry. They all laughed.
Harry put his arm around Shannon's shoulders and said, "Besides if a regular old vamp tries to eat us, we have a Slayer here to stake him." Ron grimaced, and Shannon smiled.
"Come on, everyone," said Hermione, "let's get to lunch."
During lunch, Dawn and Shannon asked Harry, Ron, and Hermione about what to expect in their next classes. "After lunch we have Charms and then Potions," Dawn explained.
"We have the reverse, Potions then Charms," said Hermione.
"Not me," said Ron. "I am not taking Potions anymore."
Harry and Hermione looked stunned. "But you did well enough on your O.W.L. to take the next level of potions," she said.
"I talked to Professor Giles this summer, and he helped me choose the classes that would be most important for becoming a Watcher. He said that I really didn't need anything higher than O.W.L. potions, but that it was very important for me to take Muggle Studies," Ron explained.
"I wish I didn't need any more potions," said Harry. "I could definitely live without ever sitting in a class with Snape again." Ron smiled broadly. "Oh, don't gloat," said Harry.
"He didn't seem that bad during dinner that first night at the Order," commented Andrew.
"Just wait until he is in his element," said Ron.
****************
After dinner, the six teens sat in the Gryffindor common room. Dawn and Shannon were talking quietly over their homework, while Hermione helped Andrew organize all his notes from the day, and Harry and Ron were playing a game of wizard chess.
Harry turned to Shannon, as one of Ron's pawns demolished Harry's knight. "So how were your Charms and Potions classes?" he asked.
"The Basic Spells class was totally cool. I did really well using my wand for the first time. But you were right about Potions. Snape is really mean, and he grosses me out with that nasty, greasy hair," replied Shannon, as Dawn giggled.
"Just don't let him rile you," advised Hermione before returning to her work with Andrew.
"She's right," said Ron. "If you take his bait, you will just wind up losing points for Gryffindor."
The teens continued to discuss their classes until it was time for bed.
****************
Wednesday afternoon Dawn, Shannon, Harry, and Ron had a double period of History of the Slayer. Before Wesley could begin the class, Professor Bolgya entered the classroom and walked up to him.
"Professor Wyndam-Pryce, would you mind if I listened in to your class?" she asked.
"Of course, and please, call me Wesley," he responded.
"My name is Catherine, but please, call me Cat," said Professor Bolgya. She took a seat at the back of the classroom, and Wesley began his class.
"I am Professor Wyndam-Pryce, and this class is History of the Slayer. The content of this course will include information from the Watcher's diaries that have been salvaged. In addition, the last two slayers of the slayer line, Buffy Summers and Faith Wilkins, will share their histories with you. The Watcher's diaries contain a vast amount of information about battles faced throughout history by the Slayer. However, as you hear Buffy's and Faith's stories, you will learn that being a Slayer, or for that matter a Watcher, is not just about the battles that are fought. It is about the lives we lead, including relationships with friends and family. It is widely believed that Buffy has survived for so long precisely because she had friends and family who helped her wage her war against evil."
Wesley picked up a stack of books and began to pass them out. "You are each being assigned a past Slayer to study." Wesley proceeded to explain what the students should do as they read the diary of their Slayer.
Wesley spent the remainder of the class lecturing on the creation of the Slayer by the Shadow Men and the subsequent creation of the Watcher's Council.
****************
Buffy found Giles sitting in the scooby common room.
"Hey, Giles, do you want to come on patrol with me? If we take one end of the castle, and Faith and Wood take the other, we can get done faster."
Giles looked up at Buffy. She had not asked him to patrol alone with her since the night he betrayed her by setting up Spike to be killed by Wood. Buffy asking him to accompany her was a big step in her forgiveness of him.
Giles agreed, collected some weapons, and followed Buffy, Faith, and Wood out of the scooby common room.
While they were patrolling the castle, Willow, Xander, and Wesley remained in the common room. Willow explained to Wesley, what Hermione had asked her earlier about the possibility of prophecy foretelling of Voldemort's rise.
Wesley went to his quarters and returned with several books, which he thought were most likely to contain the type of prophecy they were looking for.
As the three began their search, Professor Bolgya entered.
Wesley rose to his feet, "Cat, it is good to see you."
She smiled at him, and then spoke, "You all seem very involved in something. Is there anything I can help with?"
Wesley cleared his throat. For some reason he felt completely flustered when in the company of this woman. He spoke in a near whisper, "No, we are just doing a little preemptive research, nothing too serious at this moment."
She nodded, "Well, in the future, if you need help, please do not hesitate to ask." With that she retired to her quarters.
Wesley, Willow, and Xander continued to read until the others arrived back from their first patrol of the castle.
"How did patrol go?" asked Wesley.
Faith answered, "This castle is really weird, but nothing evil abrewin."
The group soon retired for the night.