Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 22 - A Scooby Named Draco
The day that Draco was due to be released from the infirmary, Dawn raced from her last class of the day to meet him. She found him dressed and ready to leave. Madame Pomfrey was reinforcing the importance of continuing to get extra rest, before allowing Draco to leave the infirmary.
Dawn took Draco's hand as they left the infirmary. She had planned to walk him back to his dormitory. However, Snape stopped them in the hallway. "Mr. Malfoy, come with me. Professor Dumbledore would like to have a few words with you. Miss Summers, I believe you have somewhere else to be."
Dawn squeezed Draco's hand reassuringly. Both teens knew that Professor Dumbledore wanted to speak with Draco about his spy activities. "You can come find me at dinner in the Great Hall, when you finish with your meeting," said Dawn.
"No. Professor Snape, I know what Professor Dumbledore wants to discuss with me, and I want Dawn to hear it too," said Draco.
"Very well," Snape sneered and led the teens to Dumbledore's office.
Snape spoke the password and ushered the teens up the stairs. They entered Dumbledore's office to find him sitting as his desk, speaking to Buffy and Giles. Snape spoke, "Mr. Malfoy insisted that Miss Summers accompany him to this meeting."
"I'm not surprised," commented Buffy.
Dumbledore motioned for the students to sit and then began to speak. "Mr. Malfoy, Professors Giles and Summers have brought your situation to my attention."
Draco glanced toward Snape. Draco was worried. Snape was well known as a spy for the Death Eaters. Draco couldn't believe that Dumbledore would trust his life to Snape of all people. Dumbledore noticed Draco's discomfort with Snape. "I asked Professor Snape to attend this meeting as well. The reason behind his involvement will become evident momentarily."
"Mr. Malfoy, I understand that following your father's escape from Azkaban he has been in touch with you. He has ordered you to provide our enemies with information about our activities, and you have provided some general information. You have now come to a crossroads. I am aware that your greatest hope was to avoid choosing sides in this war, to graduate and leave behind your life in Great Britain. However, walking away is no longer an option for you. You must choose a side."
"Sir, there really is no choice for me to make. I cannot join forces with anyone, who would torture and kill the people I love," answered Draco. His eyes were on Dawn, as he spoke.
"Very well. Mr. Malfoy, I will not lie to you. You are in a very bad situation, and there is no easy way to escape it."
Draco wondered if there was any hope. He felt Dawn squeeze his hand in a show of support. "There must be some way," said Draco.
"I did not say that it wasn't possible. I said that it would not be easy," answered Dumbledore. "Before I continue, I must remind everyone that nothing about which we will speak shall leave this room." The professors and teens nodded.
Dumbledore continued, "We have a plan to ensure that your father will not allow your entry into the ranks of the Death Eaters until after completing Hogwarts. Beginning tomorrow the school is instituting a policy of random checks for the Dark Mark among all students. It will not be possible for you to take the Dark Mark and remain at Hogwarts."
"But what if my father pulls me out of school?" questioned Draco.
"We will ensure that it is necessary for you to continue at Hogwarts. After all, Voldemort would not want to lose a valuable spy, and your father must answer to him. Throughout your remaining time at Hogwarts, we will feed you specific information to pass along to your father."
Draco sat silently for a moment. If his father ever found out, he would have Draco killed. There was no doubt. Snape spoke, "As Professor Dumbledore has said, this will not be easy and it may be dangerous. I myself have worked as a double agent for several years, and there have been some very close calls. However, with the exception of this summer, you will be protected at Hogwarts through next year."
Draco was shocked. He had always believed that Snape was a Death Eater. Knowing that Snape was a double agent helped convince Draco that he could do it too. These people were all willing to put their lives on the line to protect him. It was only fair that he do the same for them. "I will do it," Draco said. "There is only one problem. Those Death Eaters who tried to take Dawn must have reported back to Voldemort and my father that I defied them."
"That one is easy, Draco," said Buffy. "Before your father even asks, you will explain to him that it was part of your plan to gain Dawn's confidence. You tell him that Dawn is your key into our inner circle, and that she is necessary as a means for you to obtain the information that Voldemort requires."
Draco didn't like the idea of using Dawn in that way. He looked into her eyes, as she squeezed his hand again. "It is perfect," Dawn agreed. "It will also give you the perfect excuse for spending time with me without blowing your cover."
"But, Dawn, I will have to say terrible things about you to my father and maybe even some of my housemates." Draco really didn't like the idea of saying anything negative about Dawn.
"As long as you don't actually believe them, I have no problem with it. You need to do this to save yourself, and you just might save the rest of us in the process," replied Dawn.
"So, when do we begin?" asked Draco. Dawn realized that this was the first time she had ever seen Draco really smile. For the first time in his life, Draco felt hope. He believed that he would be able to escape his father's control.
****************
Dawn walked Draco back to the entrance to the Slytherin common room. He pulled her close, gave her a quick kiss and a hug. "Thank you," he whispered into her ear.
Draco retreated to his room to compose a letter to his father. Professor Snape had agreed to read it over, before Draco sent it.
Father,
Those idiot Death Eaters almost blew my cover on Halloween. I have been diligently working to gain the trust of Dawn Summers, Professor Summers' sister. By 'saving' Dawn from the Death Eaters, I have ensured her complete trust. Although I was forced to use a memory charm on her; so, she would forget what those bloody idiots said about my activities.
Her trust in me has already provided the opportunity to gain some useful information. I have been invited to participate in some research and strategy sessions with the Slayers and faculty. I will send the details soon.
As you can see, Dawn Summers is providing me with some very useful information. It almost makes it worth having to tolerate a disgusting, mudblood yank.
Your son,
Draco Malfoy
After receiving approval from Snape, Draco owled the letter to his father.
****************
The next evening, Draco walked out toward the quidditch pitch. He watched the last few minutes of the Gryffindor team's practice. The Gryffindors noticed Draco as they landed their brooms at the conclusion of their practice.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" asked Harry.
"Trying to steal our plays for your own team?" added Ron.
"More likely, he just wanted to see how a real seeker practices," quipped Harry.
Dawn shot a look of disgust at Harry and Ron, before running over to Draco.
"I really don't get what she sees in him," commented Harry.
"Oh would you two just knock it off already. The whole rivalry thing is really getting old fast," demanded Shannon with a stern look directed at Harry.
Harry quieted immediately. "Sorry, Shannon," he said. "Do you forgive me?"
Shannon had to giggle at the sad puppy-dog look she was receiving from Harry. She planted a quick kiss on his lips. "Just this once," she added smiling.
Ron directed a whipping motion toward Harry, who blushed slightly. "I saw that, Ron," said Shannon. "Hermione is not going to be very happy, when I tell her."
Ron grew worried and gave Shannon the same sad puppy-dog look that she had received moments ago from Harry. Shannon shook her head. "Seriously, you two, could you at least try to be less rude to Malfoy, when Dawn is around. She really likes him. The looks they get from the rest of the Gryffindors and Slytherins is bad enough. She doesn't need a hard time from her own friends as well."
"I guess we can try to behave a little," said Harry.
"I can't promise to be nice to him, but I will try to just ignore him when Dawn is around. No holds barred though, if he insults or hexes Hermione," Ron added.
Shannon figured that was the best she would get out of the two boys.
****************
Draco caught sight of Dawn as she ran toward him. "Hey," she said.
"Hello to you too," he replied. "You were amazing out there, but then I have yet to see you on a broom that you don't look amazing."
Dawn blushed slightly, as she did whenever Draco complemented her. "Thanks," she replied quickly. "So what brings you out here?"
"I was looking for you," he replied. "I thought maybe we could skip dinner, get some food from the kitchen, and spend some time together."
"That would be nice, but Buffy and Giles wanted me to catch you up to speed on everything we have been researching. We could get the house elves to bring dinner to the Scooby common room for us. Then we can talk research without having to worry about being overheard."
"Are you sure the professors won't be upset by our invasion of their common room?" asked Draco.
"Nope, the common room is Scooby central. In fact, we have been conducting research sessions there since right after our first patrol." Dawn assured him as they entered the castle.
Draco followed her to a portrait of a teenage girl with a stake in one hand and a sword in the other. He was surprised to find that there was a portrait of a Slayer at Hogwarts. Then again, there were portraits of just about everything imaginable strewn throughout the castle. Dawn turned to Draco. "The password is 'chosen.' Don't tell anyone."
The portrait opened onto a large common room. Dawn and Draco peered in and saw Giles, Buffy, Willow, and Xander researching at a small table in the corner of the room. "Hey all," called Dawn from the doorway.
"Hey, Dawnie," Buffy and Willow replied in unison.
"Would you two care to join us for some dinner," asked Giles.
"Yeah, I showed the house elves how to make pizza, and they are bringing a couple of pies up soon," Xander added.
"Sure," said Dawn, as she pulled Draco toward the professors.
As Dawn and Draco joined the others at the table, a house elf entered with three pizza and some drinks. While they were eating, Giles addressed Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, how much do you know about what Voldemort is planning?"
"I have heard some things from all of you. Professor Rosenberg yelled something about a dark Slayer, which I assume was Kennedy since she has sided with Voldemort. I overheard Professor Giles speaking of the vampire with a soul that is under the Imperius curse. Dawn has mentioned that she has known two vampires with souls. Also, one of the Death Eaters said something about the child with no mother, before attacking Dawn and I. I understand from certain confidences, which Dawn has shared with me, that the Death Eater was referring to her. However, I must admit that I do not understand how all of these pieces fit together."
Buffy looked surprised. Dawn did not like to discuss being a key. It surprised Buffy that Dawn had told Draco. There really was going to be no way to keep these two apart. Buffy shook her head, then spoke. "The night of Dawn's first patrol, Giles and I got information from one of the vampires that Voldemort is preparing to perform this ritual, the mandy hava something."
"The mandata habere ab primo malo," said Dawn.
If it were possible, Draco became even paler than usual. "Empowerment by the First Evil," he said in a near whisper.
"You know Latin?" asked Dawn.
"Of course," replied Draco. He took Dawn's hand and squeezed it gently. He looked toward his professors. "This is really bad, isn't it?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. The original Scoobies nodded. "Do you know any details of this ritual and how to stop it?"
Willow pulled out a book of prophecy and read.
With the rising of Topaz and the setting of Opal, he shall commingle the blood of enemies:
The Slayer Who Embraced the Dark and the Witch Who Returned to the Light
The Child of the Slayer and The Vampire with a Soul
With the rising of Amethyst and the setting of Garnet, he shall commingle the blood of friends:
The Child With No Mother and The Child Saved by a Mother's Love
The Slayer that Escaped Death and Her True Watcher
When the night equals the day, he shall take of their strength, and the darkness that was shall be called to fill him.
The hope of the light - three friends of three friends of three friends - three minds, three hands, three hearts. And their teacher shall guide the battle.
"The first part with the mixing of the blood of enemies is what happened on Halloween. Kennedy was the Slayer who embraced the dark. Willow was the witch who returned to the light. Robin was the child of the Slayer. Spike was the vampire with a soul." Dawn explained to Draco.
"I thought Spike was dead."
"Apparently there are ways to bring a vampire back," said Buffy. Angel hadn't elaborated on how such a thing was actually done.
Dawn continued. "So the mixing of the blood of friends should occur on January 31. The child with no mother is me. The child saved by a mother's love is Harry." Dawn ignored Draco's unconscious groan. "The Slayer that escaped death is Buffy, and her true Watcher is Giles."
"We are going to try to prevent the mixing of the blood of friends from happening, but if we can't then plan B is laid out for us in the prophecy," explained Buffy.
"Right now we are working on finding the spell that allows for the combining of power of the nine people in the last part, that can then be guided by Giles," added Willow.
"Who are the people, who are the hope of the light?" asked Draco. He had a feeling that it included Potter, which annoyed Draco to no end. Everything always seemed to be about that idiot.
"I even know this one," said Xander. "Three friends - Willow, Buffy, and Me - of three friends - Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew - of three friends - Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Willow, Dawn, and Hermione are the minds. Buffy, Shannon, and Harry are the hands. And, Andrew, Ron, and I are the hearts. The teacher has to be Giles, because he is the only person that was a teacher to all nine of us."
"Everyone has been researching diligently to find more information on the prophecy and the spell to which it refers," said Giles. "We would greatly appreciate if you would help in this research."
Draco answered, "I will do anything that I can."
"I am glad to hear it," replied Giles. "You can begin researching with Dawn and her friends this week. Willow has generously allowed certain students to use her class time to conduct this research." Draco realized that was the reason that the six Gryffindors seemed to be absent from Professor Rosenberg's class fairly regularly. He had thought their absences odd.
"Now, I suggest you two hurry off. It is getting late, and I am sure that you both have homework to do. Not to mention that Dawn is still dressed in her quidditch uniform," said Giles. Dawn looked down at herself. She had completely forgotten about changing. As she and Draco exited the Scooby common room, Dawn gave him a quick kiss and took off to her room to change quickly before tackling her homework.
Buffy came up behind Draco and firmly placed her hand on his shoulder. "We are trusting Dawn's judgment here. She believes that you want to help us, and I trust her instincts. However, if you do anything that hurts Dawnie, including double crossing the Scoobies, you will pray that I turn you over to your father."
Buffy returned to the common room, and Draco shivered. At least he didn't have to worry about Dawn having protection. Apparently her sister would not only die for Dawn, but would also not hesitate to kill for her.
****************
The next morning Dawn arrived for her DADA class, just as Giles began to speak. She slipped into her seat and pulled out a notebook and pen. Dawn, as well as most of the Slayers, found it easier to use her muggle supplies than a quill, ink, and scrolls.
The class passed quickly, as Giles explained the characteristics of Fyarl demons and their weaknesses. When Giles mentioned that Fyarls were not known for their intelligence, Dawn broke into an uncontrollable fit of giggles. Giles looked at her sternly, but she just couldn't stop laughing. He indicated that she may be excused to get herself under control.
By the time Dawn had gotten herself under control, Giles had dismissed his class. Her Gryffindor friends and Draco caught up with her in the corridor.
"What was that all about?" asked Ron.
"Are you ok?" asked Draco, as he shot Ron a nasty look.
"I'm fine, but I am really going to have to apologize to Giles," replied Dawn.
"So what set you off like that?" asked Shannon.
"It was the part when Giles said that Fyarl demons aren't too bright. Giles had this friend, who got him drunk one night and turned Giles into a Fyarl demon." Dawn answered.
"What the hell kind of a friend turns someone into a demon?" asked Ron.
"Ron, don't swear," Hermione chastised.
Draco couldn't help but laugh at the contrite look on Weasley's face. Ron scowled at Draco. Dawn did not want a fight to break out between the two; so she told the group the story of Ethan turning Giles into a demon and Buffy almost killing them both.
By the time Dawn had finished the story, the group was standing next to the portrait that guarded the Scooby common room. They were spending their lunch hour conducting prophecy research yet again. Before Dawn could say the password, Harry nudged her hard with his elbow and tilted his head toward Draco. Dawn ignored Harry and said, "chosen." The portrait swung open, and the group entered the Scooby common room. Wesley and Cat were already working on their own research.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were completely confused by Malfoy's presence. Shannon and Andrew figured that Dawn knew what she was doing. "Giles and Buffy asked him to help us with the research," huffed Dawn. Without turning to her friends, she knew that they all had looks of shock on their faces.
Dawn ignored the others as she quickly briefed Draco on which books still needed to be searched. "Since you know Latin, maybe you should start with this one," she said as she handed Draco an old leather-bound volume. "We should probably leave the easier English texts for the others," Dawn added, throwing a look at Harry and Ron.
Dawn grabbed another Latin text and a donut from the table, where Wesley and Cat were working. She made herself comfortable at another small table. Draco took a donut and sat beside Dawn opening the book she had given him. Dawn clinked her donut against Draco's as if it were a glass of champaign. "Now you are an official Scooby," she said before turning her attention to her research.
Draco sighed to himself. He still didn't understand the connotation of the name, though Dawn had tried to explain it to him in relation to the professors' costumes at the Halloween dance. However, Draco knew that unlike the Death Eaters, this was a group that he wanted to join.
Chapter 22 - A Scooby Named Draco
The day that Draco was due to be released from the infirmary, Dawn raced from her last class of the day to meet him. She found him dressed and ready to leave. Madame Pomfrey was reinforcing the importance of continuing to get extra rest, before allowing Draco to leave the infirmary.
Dawn took Draco's hand as they left the infirmary. She had planned to walk him back to his dormitory. However, Snape stopped them in the hallway. "Mr. Malfoy, come with me. Professor Dumbledore would like to have a few words with you. Miss Summers, I believe you have somewhere else to be."
Dawn squeezed Draco's hand reassuringly. Both teens knew that Professor Dumbledore wanted to speak with Draco about his spy activities. "You can come find me at dinner in the Great Hall, when you finish with your meeting," said Dawn.
"No. Professor Snape, I know what Professor Dumbledore wants to discuss with me, and I want Dawn to hear it too," said Draco.
"Very well," Snape sneered and led the teens to Dumbledore's office.
Snape spoke the password and ushered the teens up the stairs. They entered Dumbledore's office to find him sitting as his desk, speaking to Buffy and Giles. Snape spoke, "Mr. Malfoy insisted that Miss Summers accompany him to this meeting."
"I'm not surprised," commented Buffy.
Dumbledore motioned for the students to sit and then began to speak. "Mr. Malfoy, Professors Giles and Summers have brought your situation to my attention."
Draco glanced toward Snape. Draco was worried. Snape was well known as a spy for the Death Eaters. Draco couldn't believe that Dumbledore would trust his life to Snape of all people. Dumbledore noticed Draco's discomfort with Snape. "I asked Professor Snape to attend this meeting as well. The reason behind his involvement will become evident momentarily."
"Mr. Malfoy, I understand that following your father's escape from Azkaban he has been in touch with you. He has ordered you to provide our enemies with information about our activities, and you have provided some general information. You have now come to a crossroads. I am aware that your greatest hope was to avoid choosing sides in this war, to graduate and leave behind your life in Great Britain. However, walking away is no longer an option for you. You must choose a side."
"Sir, there really is no choice for me to make. I cannot join forces with anyone, who would torture and kill the people I love," answered Draco. His eyes were on Dawn, as he spoke.
"Very well. Mr. Malfoy, I will not lie to you. You are in a very bad situation, and there is no easy way to escape it."
Draco wondered if there was any hope. He felt Dawn squeeze his hand in a show of support. "There must be some way," said Draco.
"I did not say that it wasn't possible. I said that it would not be easy," answered Dumbledore. "Before I continue, I must remind everyone that nothing about which we will speak shall leave this room." The professors and teens nodded.
Dumbledore continued, "We have a plan to ensure that your father will not allow your entry into the ranks of the Death Eaters until after completing Hogwarts. Beginning tomorrow the school is instituting a policy of random checks for the Dark Mark among all students. It will not be possible for you to take the Dark Mark and remain at Hogwarts."
"But what if my father pulls me out of school?" questioned Draco.
"We will ensure that it is necessary for you to continue at Hogwarts. After all, Voldemort would not want to lose a valuable spy, and your father must answer to him. Throughout your remaining time at Hogwarts, we will feed you specific information to pass along to your father."
Draco sat silently for a moment. If his father ever found out, he would have Draco killed. There was no doubt. Snape spoke, "As Professor Dumbledore has said, this will not be easy and it may be dangerous. I myself have worked as a double agent for several years, and there have been some very close calls. However, with the exception of this summer, you will be protected at Hogwarts through next year."
Draco was shocked. He had always believed that Snape was a Death Eater. Knowing that Snape was a double agent helped convince Draco that he could do it too. These people were all willing to put their lives on the line to protect him. It was only fair that he do the same for them. "I will do it," Draco said. "There is only one problem. Those Death Eaters who tried to take Dawn must have reported back to Voldemort and my father that I defied them."
"That one is easy, Draco," said Buffy. "Before your father even asks, you will explain to him that it was part of your plan to gain Dawn's confidence. You tell him that Dawn is your key into our inner circle, and that she is necessary as a means for you to obtain the information that Voldemort requires."
Draco didn't like the idea of using Dawn in that way. He looked into her eyes, as she squeezed his hand again. "It is perfect," Dawn agreed. "It will also give you the perfect excuse for spending time with me without blowing your cover."
"But, Dawn, I will have to say terrible things about you to my father and maybe even some of my housemates." Draco really didn't like the idea of saying anything negative about Dawn.
"As long as you don't actually believe them, I have no problem with it. You need to do this to save yourself, and you just might save the rest of us in the process," replied Dawn.
"So, when do we begin?" asked Draco. Dawn realized that this was the first time she had ever seen Draco really smile. For the first time in his life, Draco felt hope. He believed that he would be able to escape his father's control.
****************
Dawn walked Draco back to the entrance to the Slytherin common room. He pulled her close, gave her a quick kiss and a hug. "Thank you," he whispered into her ear.
Draco retreated to his room to compose a letter to his father. Professor Snape had agreed to read it over, before Draco sent it.
Father,
Those idiot Death Eaters almost blew my cover on Halloween. I have been diligently working to gain the trust of Dawn Summers, Professor Summers' sister. By 'saving' Dawn from the Death Eaters, I have ensured her complete trust. Although I was forced to use a memory charm on her; so, she would forget what those bloody idiots said about my activities.
Her trust in me has already provided the opportunity to gain some useful information. I have been invited to participate in some research and strategy sessions with the Slayers and faculty. I will send the details soon.
As you can see, Dawn Summers is providing me with some very useful information. It almost makes it worth having to tolerate a disgusting, mudblood yank.
Your son,
Draco Malfoy
After receiving approval from Snape, Draco owled the letter to his father.
****************
The next evening, Draco walked out toward the quidditch pitch. He watched the last few minutes of the Gryffindor team's practice. The Gryffindors noticed Draco as they landed their brooms at the conclusion of their practice.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" asked Harry.
"Trying to steal our plays for your own team?" added Ron.
"More likely, he just wanted to see how a real seeker practices," quipped Harry.
Dawn shot a look of disgust at Harry and Ron, before running over to Draco.
"I really don't get what she sees in him," commented Harry.
"Oh would you two just knock it off already. The whole rivalry thing is really getting old fast," demanded Shannon with a stern look directed at Harry.
Harry quieted immediately. "Sorry, Shannon," he said. "Do you forgive me?"
Shannon had to giggle at the sad puppy-dog look she was receiving from Harry. She planted a quick kiss on his lips. "Just this once," she added smiling.
Ron directed a whipping motion toward Harry, who blushed slightly. "I saw that, Ron," said Shannon. "Hermione is not going to be very happy, when I tell her."
Ron grew worried and gave Shannon the same sad puppy-dog look that she had received moments ago from Harry. Shannon shook her head. "Seriously, you two, could you at least try to be less rude to Malfoy, when Dawn is around. She really likes him. The looks they get from the rest of the Gryffindors and Slytherins is bad enough. She doesn't need a hard time from her own friends as well."
"I guess we can try to behave a little," said Harry.
"I can't promise to be nice to him, but I will try to just ignore him when Dawn is around. No holds barred though, if he insults or hexes Hermione," Ron added.
Shannon figured that was the best she would get out of the two boys.
****************
Draco caught sight of Dawn as she ran toward him. "Hey," she said.
"Hello to you too," he replied. "You were amazing out there, but then I have yet to see you on a broom that you don't look amazing."
Dawn blushed slightly, as she did whenever Draco complemented her. "Thanks," she replied quickly. "So what brings you out here?"
"I was looking for you," he replied. "I thought maybe we could skip dinner, get some food from the kitchen, and spend some time together."
"That would be nice, but Buffy and Giles wanted me to catch you up to speed on everything we have been researching. We could get the house elves to bring dinner to the Scooby common room for us. Then we can talk research without having to worry about being overheard."
"Are you sure the professors won't be upset by our invasion of their common room?" asked Draco.
"Nope, the common room is Scooby central. In fact, we have been conducting research sessions there since right after our first patrol." Dawn assured him as they entered the castle.
Draco followed her to a portrait of a teenage girl with a stake in one hand and a sword in the other. He was surprised to find that there was a portrait of a Slayer at Hogwarts. Then again, there were portraits of just about everything imaginable strewn throughout the castle. Dawn turned to Draco. "The password is 'chosen.' Don't tell anyone."
The portrait opened onto a large common room. Dawn and Draco peered in and saw Giles, Buffy, Willow, and Xander researching at a small table in the corner of the room. "Hey all," called Dawn from the doorway.
"Hey, Dawnie," Buffy and Willow replied in unison.
"Would you two care to join us for some dinner," asked Giles.
"Yeah, I showed the house elves how to make pizza, and they are bringing a couple of pies up soon," Xander added.
"Sure," said Dawn, as she pulled Draco toward the professors.
As Dawn and Draco joined the others at the table, a house elf entered with three pizza and some drinks. While they were eating, Giles addressed Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, how much do you know about what Voldemort is planning?"
"I have heard some things from all of you. Professor Rosenberg yelled something about a dark Slayer, which I assume was Kennedy since she has sided with Voldemort. I overheard Professor Giles speaking of the vampire with a soul that is under the Imperius curse. Dawn has mentioned that she has known two vampires with souls. Also, one of the Death Eaters said something about the child with no mother, before attacking Dawn and I. I understand from certain confidences, which Dawn has shared with me, that the Death Eater was referring to her. However, I must admit that I do not understand how all of these pieces fit together."
Buffy looked surprised. Dawn did not like to discuss being a key. It surprised Buffy that Dawn had told Draco. There really was going to be no way to keep these two apart. Buffy shook her head, then spoke. "The night of Dawn's first patrol, Giles and I got information from one of the vampires that Voldemort is preparing to perform this ritual, the mandy hava something."
"The mandata habere ab primo malo," said Dawn.
If it were possible, Draco became even paler than usual. "Empowerment by the First Evil," he said in a near whisper.
"You know Latin?" asked Dawn.
"Of course," replied Draco. He took Dawn's hand and squeezed it gently. He looked toward his professors. "This is really bad, isn't it?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. The original Scoobies nodded. "Do you know any details of this ritual and how to stop it?"
Willow pulled out a book of prophecy and read.
With the rising of Topaz and the setting of Opal, he shall commingle the blood of enemies:
The Slayer Who Embraced the Dark and the Witch Who Returned to the Light
The Child of the Slayer and The Vampire with a Soul
With the rising of Amethyst and the setting of Garnet, he shall commingle the blood of friends:
The Child With No Mother and The Child Saved by a Mother's Love
The Slayer that Escaped Death and Her True Watcher
When the night equals the day, he shall take of their strength, and the darkness that was shall be called to fill him.
The hope of the light - three friends of three friends of three friends - three minds, three hands, three hearts. And their teacher shall guide the battle.
"The first part with the mixing of the blood of enemies is what happened on Halloween. Kennedy was the Slayer who embraced the dark. Willow was the witch who returned to the light. Robin was the child of the Slayer. Spike was the vampire with a soul." Dawn explained to Draco.
"I thought Spike was dead."
"Apparently there are ways to bring a vampire back," said Buffy. Angel hadn't elaborated on how such a thing was actually done.
Dawn continued. "So the mixing of the blood of friends should occur on January 31. The child with no mother is me. The child saved by a mother's love is Harry." Dawn ignored Draco's unconscious groan. "The Slayer that escaped death is Buffy, and her true Watcher is Giles."
"We are going to try to prevent the mixing of the blood of friends from happening, but if we can't then plan B is laid out for us in the prophecy," explained Buffy.
"Right now we are working on finding the spell that allows for the combining of power of the nine people in the last part, that can then be guided by Giles," added Willow.
"Who are the people, who are the hope of the light?" asked Draco. He had a feeling that it included Potter, which annoyed Draco to no end. Everything always seemed to be about that idiot.
"I even know this one," said Xander. "Three friends - Willow, Buffy, and Me - of three friends - Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew - of three friends - Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Willow, Dawn, and Hermione are the minds. Buffy, Shannon, and Harry are the hands. And, Andrew, Ron, and I are the hearts. The teacher has to be Giles, because he is the only person that was a teacher to all nine of us."
"Everyone has been researching diligently to find more information on the prophecy and the spell to which it refers," said Giles. "We would greatly appreciate if you would help in this research."
Draco answered, "I will do anything that I can."
"I am glad to hear it," replied Giles. "You can begin researching with Dawn and her friends this week. Willow has generously allowed certain students to use her class time to conduct this research." Draco realized that was the reason that the six Gryffindors seemed to be absent from Professor Rosenberg's class fairly regularly. He had thought their absences odd.
"Now, I suggest you two hurry off. It is getting late, and I am sure that you both have homework to do. Not to mention that Dawn is still dressed in her quidditch uniform," said Giles. Dawn looked down at herself. She had completely forgotten about changing. As she and Draco exited the Scooby common room, Dawn gave him a quick kiss and took off to her room to change quickly before tackling her homework.
Buffy came up behind Draco and firmly placed her hand on his shoulder. "We are trusting Dawn's judgment here. She believes that you want to help us, and I trust her instincts. However, if you do anything that hurts Dawnie, including double crossing the Scoobies, you will pray that I turn you over to your father."
Buffy returned to the common room, and Draco shivered. At least he didn't have to worry about Dawn having protection. Apparently her sister would not only die for Dawn, but would also not hesitate to kill for her.
****************
The next morning Dawn arrived for her DADA class, just as Giles began to speak. She slipped into her seat and pulled out a notebook and pen. Dawn, as well as most of the Slayers, found it easier to use her muggle supplies than a quill, ink, and scrolls.
The class passed quickly, as Giles explained the characteristics of Fyarl demons and their weaknesses. When Giles mentioned that Fyarls were not known for their intelligence, Dawn broke into an uncontrollable fit of giggles. Giles looked at her sternly, but she just couldn't stop laughing. He indicated that she may be excused to get herself under control.
By the time Dawn had gotten herself under control, Giles had dismissed his class. Her Gryffindor friends and Draco caught up with her in the corridor.
"What was that all about?" asked Ron.
"Are you ok?" asked Draco, as he shot Ron a nasty look.
"I'm fine, but I am really going to have to apologize to Giles," replied Dawn.
"So what set you off like that?" asked Shannon.
"It was the part when Giles said that Fyarl demons aren't too bright. Giles had this friend, who got him drunk one night and turned Giles into a Fyarl demon." Dawn answered.
"What the hell kind of a friend turns someone into a demon?" asked Ron.
"Ron, don't swear," Hermione chastised.
Draco couldn't help but laugh at the contrite look on Weasley's face. Ron scowled at Draco. Dawn did not want a fight to break out between the two; so she told the group the story of Ethan turning Giles into a demon and Buffy almost killing them both.
By the time Dawn had finished the story, the group was standing next to the portrait that guarded the Scooby common room. They were spending their lunch hour conducting prophecy research yet again. Before Dawn could say the password, Harry nudged her hard with his elbow and tilted his head toward Draco. Dawn ignored Harry and said, "chosen." The portrait swung open, and the group entered the Scooby common room. Wesley and Cat were already working on their own research.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were completely confused by Malfoy's presence. Shannon and Andrew figured that Dawn knew what she was doing. "Giles and Buffy asked him to help us with the research," huffed Dawn. Without turning to her friends, she knew that they all had looks of shock on their faces.
Dawn ignored the others as she quickly briefed Draco on which books still needed to be searched. "Since you know Latin, maybe you should start with this one," she said as she handed Draco an old leather-bound volume. "We should probably leave the easier English texts for the others," Dawn added, throwing a look at Harry and Ron.
Dawn grabbed another Latin text and a donut from the table, where Wesley and Cat were working. She made herself comfortable at another small table. Draco took a donut and sat beside Dawn opening the book she had given him. Dawn clinked her donut against Draco's as if it were a glass of champaign. "Now you are an official Scooby," she said before turning her attention to her research.
Draco sighed to himself. He still didn't understand the connotation of the name, though Dawn had tried to explain it to him in relation to the professors' costumes at the Halloween dance. However, Draco knew that unlike the Death Eaters, this was a group that he wanted to join.