Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 26 - An American Tradition
After speaking with Xander and Anya, Professor Dumbledore approached Buffy as she was on her way to check on Angel and Spike in the dungeon room, which they had shared the previous night. "Miss Summers, might I have a word with you?"
"Professor Dumbledore, I keep telling you to call me Buffy. So, what can I do for you?"
"Buffy, it has come to my attention that your American holiday of Thanksgiving occurs this Thursday."
"Oh my god, I totally forgot about it," Buffy replied.
"Yes, well, time often passes too quickly, when we are preoccupied with other things. I was wondering, Buffy, if you and your friends would be interested a private Thanksgiving feast in our common room?"
"That would be great. I am sure everyone will love the idea."
"Of course, you will have to inform the house elves in the kitchen about the menu," noted Dumbledore.
"I can do that," Buffy replied.
"Please, do feel free to invite anyone you would like," added Dumbledore. "And know that your visitors are welcome at Hogwarts for as long as they wish to stay."
"Thank you so much, Professor Dumbledore. You have really made Hogwarts a home for us."
"It has been my pleasure. Now, I must attend to some school business."
Buffy called to Dumbledore as he turned from her. "Professor Dumbledore, we would be honored if you would attend Thanksgiving dinner with us."
"It would be my pleasure," replied Dumbledore before retreating toward his office.
Buffy felt a lightness in her step as she continued down to the dungeon. Not only had they found vital information about the prophecy and saved Spike, but also now they would be able to have a huge Scooby Thanksgiving feast. Thanksgiving had always been Buffy's favorite family holiday. Even the students that she passed in the corridors noticed that Buffy seemed happier than usual.
Unfortunately Buffy's good mood didn't last long. She arrived at the dungeon room in time to get an earful of insults that the two vampires with souls were hurling at each other. "Yeah well, who did she pick as her champion? Wasn't you."
"Screw you, Captain Peroxide."
"You'd like that, bloody poof."
"She trusted me to save the world, if she couldn't."
"More like one kiss from you, and she realized that she needed a real man. Sent you packing and came back to me."
"Oh please, Buffy could never stand to stay with the likes of you. Even Drusilla could only take so much, and she was insane."
"Dru and I were happy as clams together, until you had to go losing your soul and screwing everything up."
Before Angel and Spike could come to blows, Buffy interrupted them. "What is wrong with you two? Right now I am not involved with either of you, and I have no intention of getting involved with either of you any time in the near future. God, my sixteen year old students act more mature than you two."
"See what you did." Spike said to Angel.
"Me? You were the one who started it."
"Do I have to separate you?" Buffy yelled at them. It took every ounce of Buffy's self-control not to crack a smile, as the two vampires hung their heads in shame and apologized to her for fighting. After taking a few minutes to compose herself, Buffy extended the Thanksgiving invitation to them both. She also told Angel that he should ask Fred to join them.
Buffy informed the vampires that sunset was in another couple of hours, and that they should feel free to join the others in the Scooby common room at that time. Then in order to prevent any additional arguments between the vampires, Buffy found a windowless room for Spike on the opposite side of the castle from where Angel was staying.
****************
With the exception of breaking up several more arguments between Angel and Spike, Buffy spent all her free time planning the Scooby Thanksgiving dinner. The Scoobies were all thrilled to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The group agreed to invite all the American Slayers to join them. After hearing much complaining from Dawn and Shannon, Buffy agreed that they could also invite Draco, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Draco was not sure that an entire meal with the famous trio was a good idea. He agreed to come for dessert, thus shortening the opportunity for an incident. Andrew insisted that Ginny also be included. Fred had agreed to join Angel and Gunn at Hogwarts. She had extended the invitation to Lorn, who was happy to attend as well.
Giles suggested that in addition to Professor Dumbledore, they should invite Professors Flitwick, Snape, and McGonagall, since they both taught classes to the Slayers. Professor Snape declined the invitation. Buffy had to admit that he was polite in his decline. She didn't take the decline personally, figuring that Snape was simply as antisocial as she had suspected. Professors Flitwick and McGonagall were thrilled to accept the invitation.
Xander agreed to help Buffy plan the dinner menu with the house elves. Buffy chose the dishes that would be prepared and explained them in detail to the kitchen staff. While the rest of the Scoobies were in classes on Thanksgiving Day, Xander spent hours in the kitchen helping to direct the dinner preparations. He admitted that he didn't know much about cooking, but he did know how things should look, smell, and taste.
****************
Dawn, Shannon, Andrew, Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the last to arrive at the Scooby common room for Thanksgiving dinner. The room was barely recognizable. All the furniture had been pushed against the walls, and two very long tables were placed in the center of the room. The tables were covered in rich orange clothes, formal place settings, and beautiful cornucopia centerpieces. Buffy had even written out place cards for each of the guests.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were happy to find that they had met everyone in attendance, except Lorn. The teens were taken aback by his appearance. "Who is that?" asked Hermione.
"Don't you mean what is that?" added Ron.
"Ron, don't be rude," his girlfriend and sister both chastised.
"That's Lorn," Andrew explained. "He's a good guy, who works with Angel from time to time."
"I thought Angel had said something about him performing a lounge act in Las Vegas," commented Dawn.
"That doesn't surprise me," added Shannon. "You should see some of the shows the casinos do."
"I almost forgot you are from Vegas," noted Dawn.
Before the teens could continue their discussion, Buffy called everyone to their seats. She had placed Giles at the head of one table and Professor Dumbledore at the head of the other. She was seated at the end opposite Giles, and Professor McGonagall was seated at the end opposite Dumbledore. Professor Flitwick, the Angel Investigations team, Wesley, Cat, and several slayers sat at the table with Dumbledore and McGonagall. The Scoobies, Gryffindor students, and Spike sat at the table with Buffy and Giles.
When Spike realized that he was at Buffy's table and Angel was not, Spike began taunting Angel. Buffy put a stop to it by promising Spike that she would switch his and Angel's seats if the taunting continued.
When everyone was seated, Buffy rose to her feet. She explained to the others, that it was a tradition in her family for everyone to share one thing for which they are thankful. Buffy began, "I am thankful that both Faith and I are no longer alone in being the Slayer. For the first time since I was 15 years old, I feel like there are a world of possibilities out there for me, and it is a really great feeling."
"I am thankful that I found a place in the fight against evil, and that I can be more than just the Slayer's little sister who gets in the way," said Dawn.
"I am thankful that I got to come to Hogwarts with all of you," said Andrew.
"I am thankful for my friends and family," said Ginny.
"I lost my family in the fight against evil, but I am thankful that I have been taken into the Scooby family," said Shannon.
"I am thankful that I have a home at Hogwarts," said Harry.
"I am thankful for my very big, very crazy family," said Ron.
"I am thankful for the chance to learn so much from all of you," said Hermione.
"I am thankful that you are all a part of my life. We have been through so much together, and I am truly honored to call you all friends," said Giles
"I am thankful that I was able activate the Slayers without losing myself to the dark again," said Willow.
"I am thankful that I only lost one eye. I'm kidding. You guys just don't seem to get the eye jokes. Seriously, I am thankful that I have been able to stand up with my friends in the fight against evil. I am also thankful for second chances," said Xander.
"I am thankful to be alive again," said Anya.
"I am thankful that in my quest for vengeance, what I found was love," said Robin as he looked at Faith.
"I agree with Xander, but for different reasons. I am thankful for second chances," said Faith.
"Bloody hell, like Demon-Girl, I'm just thankful to be alive," said Spike.
"I am thankful that I found new friends, who are willing to judge me on my own actions instead of my family," said Cat.
"I am thankful for the forgiveness of friends," said Wesley.
After the Angel Investigations team, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and the Slayers took their turns to share, Professor Dumbledore said, "I am thankful that you all came to Hogwarts. I believe there is a line from one of those muggle movies that Professors Giles and Summers regularly indulge in watching, that sums up my feelings perfectly. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Buffy stood again, this time raising her glass. "We all have quite a lot to be thankful for. I would like to add one thing. I am thankful that we are all here together this evening to share this meal. Happy Thanksgiving." Everyone toasted to a happy Thanksgiving, as the house elves began to serve the feast.
As everyone began to eat, Hermione addressed Buffy. "Professor Summers, for those of us who do not know much about American history or traditions, would you mind telling us what the origin is of this holiday?"
"Bloody hell, Mione, can't we just have a good time without having to learn something," mumbled Ron.
"Ron, don't curse," said Hermione, before turning her attention back to Buffy.
Buffy explained the origin of Thanksgiving to Hermione, who was happily absorbing all of the information. Buffy ended her explanation, "So now Thanksgiving is a national holiday for us. Every year families get together to watch parades and football and to have a large dinner together."
"I'm all for any holiday that centers around food," commented Ron between bites.
"I second that," added Xander, as he heaped another serving of yams onto his plate.
"Ron, you really remind me of Xander sometimes," commented Willow.
"Yes, but like I've told Xander, Ron would never scorn Hermione like Xander did to me. With all my vengeance experience, I can just tell these things," added Anya.
Harry noticed both Ron and Hermione blushing and decided to change the topic of conversation. "What is football?" asked Harry.
Giles answered, "It is an American sport, much like rugby, though their players are not as tough as ours."
"Hey, I played football in high school, and we were tough," said Robin indignantly.
"Oh please, you lot wear all that protective gear and padding," replied Giles.
Buffy sat back and smiled. Xander, Gunn, Shannon, and a few other American Slayers had jumped in to defend football as a sport, and Wesley, Spike, Angel, and Harry were helping to make Giles point about rugby players being tougher. It was like a Thanksgiving meal in her childhood, when her father and uncles would argue over which football team was better.
When Wesley brought up that American football wasn't really football, that what the Americans called soccer really was football, Buffy began to worry that the football-rugby debate was getting out of hand. Buffy wasn't sure how to put a halt to the discussion. Dawn saw the worry on her sister's face, and decided to move the argument in a different direction. "Neither football or rugby has anything on quidditch," said Dawn a bit loudly.
"What's a quidditch?" asked Gunn. Ron and Harry turned to the other table and began giving Gunn a detailed explanation of the game. "Whoa," said Gunn. "I have to see this."
"I hate sports, and even I am intrigued," added Fred.
Professor Dumbledore extended an invitation to the Angel Investigations team to attend one of the school quidditch games. Harry, Ron, Dawn, and Shannon insisted that they should come to the next Gryffindor match at the start of next term. Gunn and Fred were happy to accept the invitation. Angel declined because he couldn't exactly sit in the sun watching a game, and Lorn declined because of his Vegas show schedule.
The remainder of the meal passed uneventfully. As the house elves cleared the table, Draco entered the Scooby common room. He happily took a seat between Buffy and Dawn. "Did I miss anything?" asked Draco.
"Only a long, boring discussion about if football or rugby is the better sport," replied Dawn. Wesley and Giles glared at her. Dawn rephrased her comment. "Sorry, only a long, boring discussion about if American football or rugby is the better sport.
Draco looked a bit confused. He had heard some of the muggle-born students mention rugby and football, though he wasn't entirely sure what they were or how American football was different still. "Don't worry, Malfoy. I am as lost as you are." Ron stated.
"Did you tell them all, that no muggle sport has anything on quidditch?" asked Draco.
"Oh yeah," said Harry. "We got them so intrigued about quidditch, that both Gunn and Fred are going to come to our next game."
Draco turned his attention to Fred and Gunn. "You two are going to be absolutely amazed at how well Dawn and Shannon play." He pointed at Harry and Ron, "These two are even pretty decent."
"Coming from Malfoy, that is almost a compliment," Ron said to Harry.
"Are you feeling ok, Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Draco just shrugged and turned his attention to the desserts that were being served. Dawn, Shannon, and Hermione shared quizzical looks. It was nearly unheard of for Draco, Harry, and Ron to have a civil conversation. The girls had made them all swear to be on their best behavior, but none of them had expected an actual conversation.
The house elves brought out several types of pies, ice cream, and bowls filled with various types of sliced fruit. Spike picked up a slice of peach from the plate in front of him. Buffy noticed the mischievous gleam in Spike's eyes, but it was too late. "A peach for peaches," said Spike as he threw the slice of fruit at Angel.
"Don't you dare throw food at him," said Buffy as she flung a spoonful of ice cream directly in Spike's face.
Spike retaliated by throwing another piece of fruit at Buffy. He was surprised when another glob of ice cream hit his face from across the table. "Don't mess with the Summers women," said Dawn innocently.
Willow wanted to prevent a possible food fight. She looked across the table at Andrew. "So, um, Andrew, did you like the meal?"
"It was great. We had all my favorite foods, well except for blooming onions. You know Spike and I both share a certain taste for them." Andrew answered.
A piece of fruit hit Andrew in the face. He looked up to see Spike sneering. "I told you not to tell anyone about that."
"Captain peroxide likes blooming onions. How very human of him," taunted Angel. He was rewarded for the taunt by another slice of fruit being hurled at him. It missed and hit Fred. Gunn got annoyed and through it back at Spike.
Within minutes, the professors, students, and their friends were in the middle of an all-out food fight. Even Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were hurling pieces of fruit, though they both had pulled out their wands and set up barriers to prevent themselves from actually being hit.
Harry and Ron turned their attention to Draco. He was hit with a glob of ice cream and immediately returned the assault by flinging a piece of pie at the other two boys. "Is this a normal American Thanksgiving?" Draco asked Dawn.
"Only for the Scoobies," she replied between giggles.
"At least this is fun," commented Spike. "It sure as hell beats being tied to a chair while a bunch of Indian vengeance spirits attack."
"What?" asked Harry.
Between hurling gobs of ice cream, Buffy explained about their first all Scooby Thanksgiving.
"That must have been scary as hell," said Ron.
"Don't curse," said Hermione as she dumped a spoonful of ice cream down Ron's back. He started squirming as the cold hit his bare skin.
"That was nothing," said Spike. "The worst part was when Buffy made a bear."
The teens looked at their professor. "I didn't make anything. One of the spirits turned into a bear all on its own." Buffy said, as she hurled another glob of ice cream toward Spike.
Faith turned to Xander. "You guys really know how to have a party. Indian vengeance spirits?"
Xander shook his head. "Party? I so don't think so."
"He is still a little touchy about the subject, because at the time he was dying of mystical syphilis," Anya explained to Faith, while dodging a piece of fruit thrown at her by none other than Giles.
Faith and Robin both gave Xander looks of amusement. "It wasn't funny," Xander said. He tried to sound serious, but it was difficult to do since Willow had taken the opportunity to drop a pie over his head.
Everyone was laughing and having a good time, until Spike threw an entire pie into Angel's face. Angel returned the assault with a pie in Spike's face. As Angel began to laugh, Spike lost it and hit Angel hard in the face. Angel charged Spike. Fred screamed, alerting everyone to the fight. Buffy grabbed Spike, and Faith grabbed Angel, pulling the two vampires off of each other.
Angel glared at Spike and stormed off to his dungeon room. "Bloody poof," commented Spike. Buffy glared at him. Spike shrugged his shoulders and left to return to his own room.
Buffy smiled at the rest of the group. "Well that was fun."
Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall magically cleaned up the room, before thanking their hosts and retiring for the evening. The students who were invited left shortly thereafter.
As they were leaving, Dawn turned to her sister. "Who would have thought that Draco, Harry, and Ron would be civil to each other, and Spike and Angel who are centuries old would start a fight?"
Buffy thought to herself. 'Something really needs to be done about those two."
Chapter 26 - An American Tradition
After speaking with Xander and Anya, Professor Dumbledore approached Buffy as she was on her way to check on Angel and Spike in the dungeon room, which they had shared the previous night. "Miss Summers, might I have a word with you?"
"Professor Dumbledore, I keep telling you to call me Buffy. So, what can I do for you?"
"Buffy, it has come to my attention that your American holiday of Thanksgiving occurs this Thursday."
"Oh my god, I totally forgot about it," Buffy replied.
"Yes, well, time often passes too quickly, when we are preoccupied with other things. I was wondering, Buffy, if you and your friends would be interested a private Thanksgiving feast in our common room?"
"That would be great. I am sure everyone will love the idea."
"Of course, you will have to inform the house elves in the kitchen about the menu," noted Dumbledore.
"I can do that," Buffy replied.
"Please, do feel free to invite anyone you would like," added Dumbledore. "And know that your visitors are welcome at Hogwarts for as long as they wish to stay."
"Thank you so much, Professor Dumbledore. You have really made Hogwarts a home for us."
"It has been my pleasure. Now, I must attend to some school business."
Buffy called to Dumbledore as he turned from her. "Professor Dumbledore, we would be honored if you would attend Thanksgiving dinner with us."
"It would be my pleasure," replied Dumbledore before retreating toward his office.
Buffy felt a lightness in her step as she continued down to the dungeon. Not only had they found vital information about the prophecy and saved Spike, but also now they would be able to have a huge Scooby Thanksgiving feast. Thanksgiving had always been Buffy's favorite family holiday. Even the students that she passed in the corridors noticed that Buffy seemed happier than usual.
Unfortunately Buffy's good mood didn't last long. She arrived at the dungeon room in time to get an earful of insults that the two vampires with souls were hurling at each other. "Yeah well, who did she pick as her champion? Wasn't you."
"Screw you, Captain Peroxide."
"You'd like that, bloody poof."
"She trusted me to save the world, if she couldn't."
"More like one kiss from you, and she realized that she needed a real man. Sent you packing and came back to me."
"Oh please, Buffy could never stand to stay with the likes of you. Even Drusilla could only take so much, and she was insane."
"Dru and I were happy as clams together, until you had to go losing your soul and screwing everything up."
Before Angel and Spike could come to blows, Buffy interrupted them. "What is wrong with you two? Right now I am not involved with either of you, and I have no intention of getting involved with either of you any time in the near future. God, my sixteen year old students act more mature than you two."
"See what you did." Spike said to Angel.
"Me? You were the one who started it."
"Do I have to separate you?" Buffy yelled at them. It took every ounce of Buffy's self-control not to crack a smile, as the two vampires hung their heads in shame and apologized to her for fighting. After taking a few minutes to compose herself, Buffy extended the Thanksgiving invitation to them both. She also told Angel that he should ask Fred to join them.
Buffy informed the vampires that sunset was in another couple of hours, and that they should feel free to join the others in the Scooby common room at that time. Then in order to prevent any additional arguments between the vampires, Buffy found a windowless room for Spike on the opposite side of the castle from where Angel was staying.
****************
With the exception of breaking up several more arguments between Angel and Spike, Buffy spent all her free time planning the Scooby Thanksgiving dinner. The Scoobies were all thrilled to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The group agreed to invite all the American Slayers to join them. After hearing much complaining from Dawn and Shannon, Buffy agreed that they could also invite Draco, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Draco was not sure that an entire meal with the famous trio was a good idea. He agreed to come for dessert, thus shortening the opportunity for an incident. Andrew insisted that Ginny also be included. Fred had agreed to join Angel and Gunn at Hogwarts. She had extended the invitation to Lorn, who was happy to attend as well.
Giles suggested that in addition to Professor Dumbledore, they should invite Professors Flitwick, Snape, and McGonagall, since they both taught classes to the Slayers. Professor Snape declined the invitation. Buffy had to admit that he was polite in his decline. She didn't take the decline personally, figuring that Snape was simply as antisocial as she had suspected. Professors Flitwick and McGonagall were thrilled to accept the invitation.
Xander agreed to help Buffy plan the dinner menu with the house elves. Buffy chose the dishes that would be prepared and explained them in detail to the kitchen staff. While the rest of the Scoobies were in classes on Thanksgiving Day, Xander spent hours in the kitchen helping to direct the dinner preparations. He admitted that he didn't know much about cooking, but he did know how things should look, smell, and taste.
****************
Dawn, Shannon, Andrew, Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the last to arrive at the Scooby common room for Thanksgiving dinner. The room was barely recognizable. All the furniture had been pushed against the walls, and two very long tables were placed in the center of the room. The tables were covered in rich orange clothes, formal place settings, and beautiful cornucopia centerpieces. Buffy had even written out place cards for each of the guests.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were happy to find that they had met everyone in attendance, except Lorn. The teens were taken aback by his appearance. "Who is that?" asked Hermione.
"Don't you mean what is that?" added Ron.
"Ron, don't be rude," his girlfriend and sister both chastised.
"That's Lorn," Andrew explained. "He's a good guy, who works with Angel from time to time."
"I thought Angel had said something about him performing a lounge act in Las Vegas," commented Dawn.
"That doesn't surprise me," added Shannon. "You should see some of the shows the casinos do."
"I almost forgot you are from Vegas," noted Dawn.
Before the teens could continue their discussion, Buffy called everyone to their seats. She had placed Giles at the head of one table and Professor Dumbledore at the head of the other. She was seated at the end opposite Giles, and Professor McGonagall was seated at the end opposite Dumbledore. Professor Flitwick, the Angel Investigations team, Wesley, Cat, and several slayers sat at the table with Dumbledore and McGonagall. The Scoobies, Gryffindor students, and Spike sat at the table with Buffy and Giles.
When Spike realized that he was at Buffy's table and Angel was not, Spike began taunting Angel. Buffy put a stop to it by promising Spike that she would switch his and Angel's seats if the taunting continued.
When everyone was seated, Buffy rose to her feet. She explained to the others, that it was a tradition in her family for everyone to share one thing for which they are thankful. Buffy began, "I am thankful that both Faith and I are no longer alone in being the Slayer. For the first time since I was 15 years old, I feel like there are a world of possibilities out there for me, and it is a really great feeling."
"I am thankful that I found a place in the fight against evil, and that I can be more than just the Slayer's little sister who gets in the way," said Dawn.
"I am thankful that I got to come to Hogwarts with all of you," said Andrew.
"I am thankful for my friends and family," said Ginny.
"I lost my family in the fight against evil, but I am thankful that I have been taken into the Scooby family," said Shannon.
"I am thankful that I have a home at Hogwarts," said Harry.
"I am thankful for my very big, very crazy family," said Ron.
"I am thankful for the chance to learn so much from all of you," said Hermione.
"I am thankful that you are all a part of my life. We have been through so much together, and I am truly honored to call you all friends," said Giles
"I am thankful that I was able activate the Slayers without losing myself to the dark again," said Willow.
"I am thankful that I only lost one eye. I'm kidding. You guys just don't seem to get the eye jokes. Seriously, I am thankful that I have been able to stand up with my friends in the fight against evil. I am also thankful for second chances," said Xander.
"I am thankful to be alive again," said Anya.
"I am thankful that in my quest for vengeance, what I found was love," said Robin as he looked at Faith.
"I agree with Xander, but for different reasons. I am thankful for second chances," said Faith.
"Bloody hell, like Demon-Girl, I'm just thankful to be alive," said Spike.
"I am thankful that I found new friends, who are willing to judge me on my own actions instead of my family," said Cat.
"I am thankful for the forgiveness of friends," said Wesley.
After the Angel Investigations team, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and the Slayers took their turns to share, Professor Dumbledore said, "I am thankful that you all came to Hogwarts. I believe there is a line from one of those muggle movies that Professors Giles and Summers regularly indulge in watching, that sums up my feelings perfectly. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Buffy stood again, this time raising her glass. "We all have quite a lot to be thankful for. I would like to add one thing. I am thankful that we are all here together this evening to share this meal. Happy Thanksgiving." Everyone toasted to a happy Thanksgiving, as the house elves began to serve the feast.
As everyone began to eat, Hermione addressed Buffy. "Professor Summers, for those of us who do not know much about American history or traditions, would you mind telling us what the origin is of this holiday?"
"Bloody hell, Mione, can't we just have a good time without having to learn something," mumbled Ron.
"Ron, don't curse," said Hermione, before turning her attention back to Buffy.
Buffy explained the origin of Thanksgiving to Hermione, who was happily absorbing all of the information. Buffy ended her explanation, "So now Thanksgiving is a national holiday for us. Every year families get together to watch parades and football and to have a large dinner together."
"I'm all for any holiday that centers around food," commented Ron between bites.
"I second that," added Xander, as he heaped another serving of yams onto his plate.
"Ron, you really remind me of Xander sometimes," commented Willow.
"Yes, but like I've told Xander, Ron would never scorn Hermione like Xander did to me. With all my vengeance experience, I can just tell these things," added Anya.
Harry noticed both Ron and Hermione blushing and decided to change the topic of conversation. "What is football?" asked Harry.
Giles answered, "It is an American sport, much like rugby, though their players are not as tough as ours."
"Hey, I played football in high school, and we were tough," said Robin indignantly.
"Oh please, you lot wear all that protective gear and padding," replied Giles.
Buffy sat back and smiled. Xander, Gunn, Shannon, and a few other American Slayers had jumped in to defend football as a sport, and Wesley, Spike, Angel, and Harry were helping to make Giles point about rugby players being tougher. It was like a Thanksgiving meal in her childhood, when her father and uncles would argue over which football team was better.
When Wesley brought up that American football wasn't really football, that what the Americans called soccer really was football, Buffy began to worry that the football-rugby debate was getting out of hand. Buffy wasn't sure how to put a halt to the discussion. Dawn saw the worry on her sister's face, and decided to move the argument in a different direction. "Neither football or rugby has anything on quidditch," said Dawn a bit loudly.
"What's a quidditch?" asked Gunn. Ron and Harry turned to the other table and began giving Gunn a detailed explanation of the game. "Whoa," said Gunn. "I have to see this."
"I hate sports, and even I am intrigued," added Fred.
Professor Dumbledore extended an invitation to the Angel Investigations team to attend one of the school quidditch games. Harry, Ron, Dawn, and Shannon insisted that they should come to the next Gryffindor match at the start of next term. Gunn and Fred were happy to accept the invitation. Angel declined because he couldn't exactly sit in the sun watching a game, and Lorn declined because of his Vegas show schedule.
The remainder of the meal passed uneventfully. As the house elves cleared the table, Draco entered the Scooby common room. He happily took a seat between Buffy and Dawn. "Did I miss anything?" asked Draco.
"Only a long, boring discussion about if football or rugby is the better sport," replied Dawn. Wesley and Giles glared at her. Dawn rephrased her comment. "Sorry, only a long, boring discussion about if American football or rugby is the better sport.
Draco looked a bit confused. He had heard some of the muggle-born students mention rugby and football, though he wasn't entirely sure what they were or how American football was different still. "Don't worry, Malfoy. I am as lost as you are." Ron stated.
"Did you tell them all, that no muggle sport has anything on quidditch?" asked Draco.
"Oh yeah," said Harry. "We got them so intrigued about quidditch, that both Gunn and Fred are going to come to our next game."
Draco turned his attention to Fred and Gunn. "You two are going to be absolutely amazed at how well Dawn and Shannon play." He pointed at Harry and Ron, "These two are even pretty decent."
"Coming from Malfoy, that is almost a compliment," Ron said to Harry.
"Are you feeling ok, Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Draco just shrugged and turned his attention to the desserts that were being served. Dawn, Shannon, and Hermione shared quizzical looks. It was nearly unheard of for Draco, Harry, and Ron to have a civil conversation. The girls had made them all swear to be on their best behavior, but none of them had expected an actual conversation.
The house elves brought out several types of pies, ice cream, and bowls filled with various types of sliced fruit. Spike picked up a slice of peach from the plate in front of him. Buffy noticed the mischievous gleam in Spike's eyes, but it was too late. "A peach for peaches," said Spike as he threw the slice of fruit at Angel.
"Don't you dare throw food at him," said Buffy as she flung a spoonful of ice cream directly in Spike's face.
Spike retaliated by throwing another piece of fruit at Buffy. He was surprised when another glob of ice cream hit his face from across the table. "Don't mess with the Summers women," said Dawn innocently.
Willow wanted to prevent a possible food fight. She looked across the table at Andrew. "So, um, Andrew, did you like the meal?"
"It was great. We had all my favorite foods, well except for blooming onions. You know Spike and I both share a certain taste for them." Andrew answered.
A piece of fruit hit Andrew in the face. He looked up to see Spike sneering. "I told you not to tell anyone about that."
"Captain peroxide likes blooming onions. How very human of him," taunted Angel. He was rewarded for the taunt by another slice of fruit being hurled at him. It missed and hit Fred. Gunn got annoyed and through it back at Spike.
Within minutes, the professors, students, and their friends were in the middle of an all-out food fight. Even Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were hurling pieces of fruit, though they both had pulled out their wands and set up barriers to prevent themselves from actually being hit.
Harry and Ron turned their attention to Draco. He was hit with a glob of ice cream and immediately returned the assault by flinging a piece of pie at the other two boys. "Is this a normal American Thanksgiving?" Draco asked Dawn.
"Only for the Scoobies," she replied between giggles.
"At least this is fun," commented Spike. "It sure as hell beats being tied to a chair while a bunch of Indian vengeance spirits attack."
"What?" asked Harry.
Between hurling gobs of ice cream, Buffy explained about their first all Scooby Thanksgiving.
"That must have been scary as hell," said Ron.
"Don't curse," said Hermione as she dumped a spoonful of ice cream down Ron's back. He started squirming as the cold hit his bare skin.
"That was nothing," said Spike. "The worst part was when Buffy made a bear."
The teens looked at their professor. "I didn't make anything. One of the spirits turned into a bear all on its own." Buffy said, as she hurled another glob of ice cream toward Spike.
Faith turned to Xander. "You guys really know how to have a party. Indian vengeance spirits?"
Xander shook his head. "Party? I so don't think so."
"He is still a little touchy about the subject, because at the time he was dying of mystical syphilis," Anya explained to Faith, while dodging a piece of fruit thrown at her by none other than Giles.
Faith and Robin both gave Xander looks of amusement. "It wasn't funny," Xander said. He tried to sound serious, but it was difficult to do since Willow had taken the opportunity to drop a pie over his head.
Everyone was laughing and having a good time, until Spike threw an entire pie into Angel's face. Angel returned the assault with a pie in Spike's face. As Angel began to laugh, Spike lost it and hit Angel hard in the face. Angel charged Spike. Fred screamed, alerting everyone to the fight. Buffy grabbed Spike, and Faith grabbed Angel, pulling the two vampires off of each other.
Angel glared at Spike and stormed off to his dungeon room. "Bloody poof," commented Spike. Buffy glared at him. Spike shrugged his shoulders and left to return to his own room.
Buffy smiled at the rest of the group. "Well that was fun."
Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall magically cleaned up the room, before thanking their hosts and retiring for the evening. The students who were invited left shortly thereafter.
As they were leaving, Dawn turned to her sister. "Who would have thought that Draco, Harry, and Ron would be civil to each other, and Spike and Angel who are centuries old would start a fight?"
Buffy thought to herself. 'Something really needs to be done about those two."