Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 35 - The Plan
By the next morning, the entire school had heard about the attack on the Gryffindor quidditch team the previous afternoon. The Great Hall was filled with the voices of students and faculty discussing the attack. Only five Gryffindors sat in silence. Shannon, Andrew, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny avoided their housemate's questions while picking at their breakfast. They were incredibly worried about Harry and Dawn.
Draco strode up behind Ron. "Lost without your precious golden boy," Draco sneered.
"Don't start, Draco," ordered Shannon.
Ron and Draco ignored her. Ron spun in his seat to look up at Draco. "Sod off, Malfoy," Ron said.
"A bit touchy, aren't we? Though I suppose without Potter around, you don't know what to do with yourself," said Malfoy.
"And apparently without Dawn around, you don't know how to behave yourself," accused Shannon. Draco glared at Shannon, but quickly turned his attention back to Ron. Shannon realized that something was definitely going on. She was unsure of what was happening, but knew that it was best for her to stay out of it.
Draco continued harassing Ron. "What is a sidekick to do without someone to follow? I know. You can follow me around like a pathetic little puppy. I usually have higher standards for my minions, but I am feeling a bit generous today."
"I'm warning you, Malfoy," said Ron behind gritted teeth.
Hermione placed her hand on Ron's arm. "Calm down," she whispered.
"So pathetic, Weasley. Taking orders from your mudblood girlfriend," sneered Draco.
Ron launched himself at Draco, knocking the blonde teen off his feet. Hermione screamed, alerting everyone in the Great Hall to the fight that had just broken out. Ron and Draco continued rolling around on the floor, punching and kicking at each other.
"Separatus," yelled a deep voice. Ron and Draco flew apart to see Snape aiming his wand at them. "Both of you, report to the Headmaster's office immediately," he ordered. Everyone was still silently staring at the scene. "The rest of you get back to your own business," said Snape, before following Ron and Draco out of the Great Hall.
The stress of Harry and Dawn being taken had finally gotten to Hermione. She burst into tears. Ginny placed her arm around Hermione. "It's ok, Mione. That was just Ron's way of dealing with everything that is happening."
"Going and getting himself expelled is not going to help bring Harry and Dawn back," sniffled Hermione through tears.
"I don't know about that," said Shannon almost to herself.
Hermione looked across the table to Shannon. "What do you mean?"
"Maybe it was just me, but something about that whole scene just wasn't right," replied Shannon. "It was like Draco purposely didn't mention Dawn, and Ron didn't even turn a little bit red like he always does when something upsets him."
"Now that you mention it," added Ginny, "Snape didn't have his usual look of pleasure at catching a Gryffindor in trouble."
Hermione had stopped crying, but now looked deep in concentration. "And, Snape didn't take any points. Snape would never let something like this go without taking tons of points from Gryffindor."
"But how could staging a fight help us find Harry and Dawn?" asked Andrew.
"I don't know," said Shannon, "but eventually they'll let something slip, and we'll find out."
****************
Narcissa Malfoy had just returned from the dungeon in Malfoy Manor. Lucius had agreed to allow her to give breakfast to Harry and Dawn. Narcissa placed the prisoners' dinner trays from the previous night on the large table in the kitchen. She instructed one of her house elves to clean them.
Before Narcissa could leave the kitchen, a large brown barn owl swooped into the room with a letter addressed to her from Hogwarts. Narcissa read the letter.
Mrs. Malfoy,
Your presence is required at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry immediately to discuss the behavior of your son, Draco Malfoy. Draco had been involved in a physical altercation with another student. This behavior is unacceptable and could result in expulsion.
Please come to the Headmaster's office via floo powder as soon as possible.
Regards,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster
Narcissa left the kitchen in search of her husband. Lucius had been spending most of his days in his study. Narcissa knocked softly on the door. "You may enter," came the booming voice.
Narcissa opened the door and stepped inside. She handed her husband the letter and spoke. "Lucius, I must go to Hogwarts to straighten this out."
"Maybe it would be best to allow Draco's expulsion. He could then be inducted into the Death Eaters and take his rightful place at the side of our master."
"Lucius, that will all come in due time," said Narcissa in a placating voice. "However, we both know that Draco is in an ideal position to keep an eye on our enemies at Hogwarts. Would you be willing to trust information coming from someone other than your own son?"
Lucius growled in anger, but his voice turned silky as he replied to his wife. "You are quite right, my darling. If only I could give Dumbledore a piece of my mind."
"Unfortunately, as long as you are considered an escapee from Azkaban, that is not possible. Besides, you have much more pressing matters to attend to. Allow me to straighten out this situation with Dumbledore," replied Narcissa.
"Very well," replied Lucius. "Go."
Narcissa nodded toward her husband and backed out of the room. She returned to the kitchen. Throwing floo powder into the large hearth, she said, "Dumbledore's office," and was immediately transported there.
Narcissa stepped into Dumbledore's office to find several other people in the office. The Headmaster was seated behind his desk. Professors Snape and McGonagall were seated off to the side. Rupert Giles and a young blond woman, who Narcissa assumed was his Slayer, were seated on the opposite side of the room. Four chairs were placed in front of Dumbledore's desk. A very annoyed looking Molly Weasley, one of her sons who was purposely ignoring his mother's glares, and Draco were seated in three of the chairs. Professor Dumbledore indicated for Narcissa to take the forth.
After taking her seat, Narcissa addressed Professor Dumbledore. "What is all this about?" she asked.
"Our sons have been fighting like street urchins," Molly said coolly.
Professor Dumbledore held up a hand to prevent Molly from continuing. "Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley did in fact participate in a physical fight during breakfast in the Great Hall. However, the fight was nothing more than an elaborate ruse to bring Narcissa here to Hogwarts."
"So then you are not in trouble?" Molly asked her son.
"I tried to tell you," grumbled Ron.
Dumbledore, ignoring the discussion between Molly and Ron, turned his attention to Narcissa. "Two of our students have been abducted from the Hogwarts grounds. We were wondering if you might have any information regarding their whereabouts."
"I do." Everyone in the room looked at Narcissa. "Harry and Dawn are being held in the dungeon of Malfoy Manor. However, they are heavily guarded, and barriers have been set up to prevent apparation and portkey use. There is no way to get them out without further risking their lives. You-know-who has taken every precaution to ensure that the second part of the prophecy takes place."
"That is not surprising," said Giles thoughtfully.
Narcissa continued, "The children are going to be taken to the cemetery in Little Hangleton for the ritual. I do not know how this will be done. Maybe the barriers will be taken down to use a portkey. I see no way to prevent the ritual from taking place. Your only chance will come after the ritual. I have secured an unauthorized portkey, Narcissa indicated the necklace she was wearing, that I hoped to use to send them back to Hogwarts immediately following the ritual. I hoped that everyone's attention would be focused on Rupert and his Slayer then."
"I have always assumed that we would not be able to stop the commingling of blood. As the prophecy stated, our hope lies in the combining of our own power to prevent the actual time of possession," explained Giles.
"I think we all agree that our priority is to get Harry and Dawn to safety," added Buffy.
"I will do whatever I can at the time of the ritual," said Narcissa. "However, you must realize that my cover will be blown by doing this. I will not be able to provide you with any further information."
"Narcissa, if you are needed to protect the children, you are welcome to return here to the sanctuary of Hogwarts," Dumbledore offered.
"Thank you, sir," replied Narcissa. "I better be getting back home. Lucius will become concerned if I am gone for too long. What shall I tell him was the result of this meeting?"
"Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley will each receive detentions three times per week for the next month," stated Professor Dumbledore.
Ron and Draco looked shocked. They both wondered if they would actually be receiving detention. Buffy answered their silent question. "They will serve their detentions with me." She smiled at them. "You can take the time to do your homework or help Hermione and Dawn with some of their research." Ron and Draco smiled.
Narcissa smiled at Buffy and then looked toward Giles. "I can see why you are so proud of her," she said, before departing for home via the floo network. Molly Weasley departed a few moments later, after extracting a promise from Dumbledore to inform her as soon as Harry returned to Hogwarts safely.
****************
Ron entered the Gryffindor common room to find Shannon, Andrew, Hermione, and Ginny waiting for him. The four of them looked annoyed. "Don't start," said Ron warningly, before flinging himself into one of the overstuffed chairs in front of the fireplace.
"What's going on?" demanded Hermione.
"Mione, you know that I cannot stand when he calls you that horrible name," replied Ron.
"I appreciate when you stand up for me," said Hermione with a smile. Ron felt a wave of relief, but it did not last long. "However, do not think that your friends are stupid enough not to realize that something was off about that whole fight."
"It was just a fight," replied Ron.
"No, it wasn't," said Shannon. "The two of you never even mentioned Dawn."
"And you didn't turn the least bit red," added Ginny. The comment itself caused Ron's ears to gain a tinge of pink. "Like that." Ginny pointed at her brother's ears.
"And don't forget that Snape didn't take any points from Gryffindor," interjected Andrew.
"So, I ask again, what is going on?" said Hermione her voice even.
Ron looked from his girlfriend to the others then back to Hermione. "I'm not allowed to tell you," he replied in a near whisper.
"What do you mean you aren't allowed to tell us?" asked Shannon.
"I mean that I am under strict orders from Dumbledore to keep my mouth shut," he replied.
"You won't even tell us?" asked Hermione in a hurt voice.
Ron sighed. "Mione, I have no secrets from you. This isn't my secret. It's someone else's, whose life would be in danger if I said anything. I can't do that."
Hermione nodded. "I understand."
"We'll find out eventually anyway," said Shannon.
"When the time is right, I am sure you will," Ron replied.
"So, are you in trouble then?" asked Andrew.
"Malfoy and I have detention with Professor Summers for the next month." Ron couldn't help but smile. "She wants us to help Mione and Dawn with their research."
****************
Buffy and Giles walked together back to the Scooby common room. "I think that Draco's mom likes you," Buffy teased.
"Of course she does. She and Elena used to follow Ethan and I everywhere. It makes sense that we could be friends as adults," replied Giles.
"You know that's not what I meant," said Buffy. "I think she likes you likes you. It was obviously from the way she looked at you before she left."
"Chosen." The portrait guarding the Scooby common room swung open. "She is a married woman," replied Giles.
"Yes, married to a man, who she has obviously turned against," retorted Buffy.
"But married none the less. Besides, we have more important things to deal with than my lack of a significant other. We need to get our plans set for the rescue tomorrow night. I am going to go call everyone else down for a meeting." Giles walked up the stairs to the door of Willow's quarters.
Buffy noticed Charlie sitting on one of the sofas reading a book about breeding Norwegian Ridgebacks. She sat beside him. "Sorry that took so long," she said.
Charlie placed a marker in the book and put it aside. He turned toward Buffy. "How much trouble is my brother in?" he asked.
"Ron will be serving detention with me three days a week for the next month," replied Buffy.
Charlie smiled. "So, if I pick a fight with someone in the Great Hall, can I get a punishment like that?"
Buffy leaned in and kissed him. She pulled away with a smile. "Maybe we could work out something," she replied. She wanted to kiss him again, but was interrupted by Willow and Tonks, who had descended from Willow's quarters. Tonks had decided to stay and help with the rescue.
"Do we know where the ritual is taking place yet?" Tonks asked.
"Yes, we just found out," replied Buffy. "Giles is getting everyone together to discuss a possible plan."
"I promised to let the Order know what was going on. Some of them have volunteered to help," said Tonks. She walked over to the fireplace, threw some powder into it, shouted "12 Grimmauld Place," and stuck her head into the fire. A few minutes later, Tonks stood up. "Mad-Eye, Lupin, Bill, Kingsley, and Hestia are on their way. They insist on helping."
"We should ask Spike and Angel to help too," said Willow. "Spike will never forgive you, if you don't let him help rescue Dawn."
"Especially since Gunn and Fred probably told them what happened. They left late last night, just before Fred, Angelina, George, and Oliver left," added Anya, who had just entered the common room with Xander.
After the Order members arrived through the fireplace, Buffy walked to it, threw some powder into it, shouted "the Hyperion," and stuck her head into the fire. "Dawn needs you two," everyone heard her say. Buffy stood up in time to allow Spike and Angel to exit from the fireplace.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to get in touch with us," said Spike.
"What can we do?" added Angel.
"Giles will explain everything, as soon as Wesley, Cat, Faith, and Robin get here," explained Buffy.
"We're here, B.," said Faith, as she ascended the stairs from Robin's quarters. Giles entered the room only a minute later with Wesley and Cat following him.
Buffy introduced everyone to each other. Lupin, Angel, and Spike gave each other weary looks, each able to smell the others. Buffy explained that Lupin was a good werewolf and that Spike and Angel were vampires with souls. The three shook hands, and Buffy continued her introductions. She could not help but smile brightly as she introduced Charlie to Spike and Angel. Bill raised an eyebrow toward his brother, not knowing previously that he was dating Buffy. Spike and Angel both sneered. "Ex-boyfriends," Buffy whispered to Charlie. "Ignore them."
Before Angel or Spike had the opportunity to comment about Charlie, Shannon, Andrew, Draco, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny burst into through the portrait hole. "I cannot believe you were going to make plans without us," said Shannon.
"None of you is of age. We cannot allow you to be involved," explained Lupin.
"Forget of age," shouted Shannon. "I'm a Slayer, and I am going to help save my best friend and my boyfriend."
"No, you are not," stated Buffy. "Normally, I would want you to help in the fight, but you are too close to Dawnie and Harry. I don't want your emotional involvement to get you killed."
"Because you aren't emotionally involved in finding your sister," shouted Shannon.
Giles stepped in. "Shannon, I agree with Buffy that it is better for you to sit this one out. However, it is only fair that you all know about the plan."
"Now," said Giles, turning his attention back to the group, "we have received information regarding the whereabouts of Harry and Dawn. They are currently being heavily guarded in a secure location. It is far too risky to try to break them out prior to the ritual. However, we do know the location of the actual ritual. It is taking place at the cemetery in Little Hangleton."
"Buffy and I will take the portkey provided by Voldemort. The rest of you will either apparate or take a portkey provided by Dumbledore to the outskirts of the cemetery. No one is to make a move until Harry and Dawn are away from Voldemort. That means we are going to have to let him complete the ritual. As soon as the ritual is completed, we will need your help to get the four of us out of there."
"You will leave ahead of us from here tomorrow night. Our portkey is set for 11:30. Are there any questions?"
Chapter 35 - The Plan
By the next morning, the entire school had heard about the attack on the Gryffindor quidditch team the previous afternoon. The Great Hall was filled with the voices of students and faculty discussing the attack. Only five Gryffindors sat in silence. Shannon, Andrew, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny avoided their housemate's questions while picking at their breakfast. They were incredibly worried about Harry and Dawn.
Draco strode up behind Ron. "Lost without your precious golden boy," Draco sneered.
"Don't start, Draco," ordered Shannon.
Ron and Draco ignored her. Ron spun in his seat to look up at Draco. "Sod off, Malfoy," Ron said.
"A bit touchy, aren't we? Though I suppose without Potter around, you don't know what to do with yourself," said Malfoy.
"And apparently without Dawn around, you don't know how to behave yourself," accused Shannon. Draco glared at Shannon, but quickly turned his attention back to Ron. Shannon realized that something was definitely going on. She was unsure of what was happening, but knew that it was best for her to stay out of it.
Draco continued harassing Ron. "What is a sidekick to do without someone to follow? I know. You can follow me around like a pathetic little puppy. I usually have higher standards for my minions, but I am feeling a bit generous today."
"I'm warning you, Malfoy," said Ron behind gritted teeth.
Hermione placed her hand on Ron's arm. "Calm down," she whispered.
"So pathetic, Weasley. Taking orders from your mudblood girlfriend," sneered Draco.
Ron launched himself at Draco, knocking the blonde teen off his feet. Hermione screamed, alerting everyone in the Great Hall to the fight that had just broken out. Ron and Draco continued rolling around on the floor, punching and kicking at each other.
"Separatus," yelled a deep voice. Ron and Draco flew apart to see Snape aiming his wand at them. "Both of you, report to the Headmaster's office immediately," he ordered. Everyone was still silently staring at the scene. "The rest of you get back to your own business," said Snape, before following Ron and Draco out of the Great Hall.
The stress of Harry and Dawn being taken had finally gotten to Hermione. She burst into tears. Ginny placed her arm around Hermione. "It's ok, Mione. That was just Ron's way of dealing with everything that is happening."
"Going and getting himself expelled is not going to help bring Harry and Dawn back," sniffled Hermione through tears.
"I don't know about that," said Shannon almost to herself.
Hermione looked across the table to Shannon. "What do you mean?"
"Maybe it was just me, but something about that whole scene just wasn't right," replied Shannon. "It was like Draco purposely didn't mention Dawn, and Ron didn't even turn a little bit red like he always does when something upsets him."
"Now that you mention it," added Ginny, "Snape didn't have his usual look of pleasure at catching a Gryffindor in trouble."
Hermione had stopped crying, but now looked deep in concentration. "And, Snape didn't take any points. Snape would never let something like this go without taking tons of points from Gryffindor."
"But how could staging a fight help us find Harry and Dawn?" asked Andrew.
"I don't know," said Shannon, "but eventually they'll let something slip, and we'll find out."
****************
Narcissa Malfoy had just returned from the dungeon in Malfoy Manor. Lucius had agreed to allow her to give breakfast to Harry and Dawn. Narcissa placed the prisoners' dinner trays from the previous night on the large table in the kitchen. She instructed one of her house elves to clean them.
Before Narcissa could leave the kitchen, a large brown barn owl swooped into the room with a letter addressed to her from Hogwarts. Narcissa read the letter.
Mrs. Malfoy,
Your presence is required at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry immediately to discuss the behavior of your son, Draco Malfoy. Draco had been involved in a physical altercation with another student. This behavior is unacceptable and could result in expulsion.
Please come to the Headmaster's office via floo powder as soon as possible.
Regards,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster
Narcissa left the kitchen in search of her husband. Lucius had been spending most of his days in his study. Narcissa knocked softly on the door. "You may enter," came the booming voice.
Narcissa opened the door and stepped inside. She handed her husband the letter and spoke. "Lucius, I must go to Hogwarts to straighten this out."
"Maybe it would be best to allow Draco's expulsion. He could then be inducted into the Death Eaters and take his rightful place at the side of our master."
"Lucius, that will all come in due time," said Narcissa in a placating voice. "However, we both know that Draco is in an ideal position to keep an eye on our enemies at Hogwarts. Would you be willing to trust information coming from someone other than your own son?"
Lucius growled in anger, but his voice turned silky as he replied to his wife. "You are quite right, my darling. If only I could give Dumbledore a piece of my mind."
"Unfortunately, as long as you are considered an escapee from Azkaban, that is not possible. Besides, you have much more pressing matters to attend to. Allow me to straighten out this situation with Dumbledore," replied Narcissa.
"Very well," replied Lucius. "Go."
Narcissa nodded toward her husband and backed out of the room. She returned to the kitchen. Throwing floo powder into the large hearth, she said, "Dumbledore's office," and was immediately transported there.
Narcissa stepped into Dumbledore's office to find several other people in the office. The Headmaster was seated behind his desk. Professors Snape and McGonagall were seated off to the side. Rupert Giles and a young blond woman, who Narcissa assumed was his Slayer, were seated on the opposite side of the room. Four chairs were placed in front of Dumbledore's desk. A very annoyed looking Molly Weasley, one of her sons who was purposely ignoring his mother's glares, and Draco were seated in three of the chairs. Professor Dumbledore indicated for Narcissa to take the forth.
After taking her seat, Narcissa addressed Professor Dumbledore. "What is all this about?" she asked.
"Our sons have been fighting like street urchins," Molly said coolly.
Professor Dumbledore held up a hand to prevent Molly from continuing. "Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley did in fact participate in a physical fight during breakfast in the Great Hall. However, the fight was nothing more than an elaborate ruse to bring Narcissa here to Hogwarts."
"So then you are not in trouble?" Molly asked her son.
"I tried to tell you," grumbled Ron.
Dumbledore, ignoring the discussion between Molly and Ron, turned his attention to Narcissa. "Two of our students have been abducted from the Hogwarts grounds. We were wondering if you might have any information regarding their whereabouts."
"I do." Everyone in the room looked at Narcissa. "Harry and Dawn are being held in the dungeon of Malfoy Manor. However, they are heavily guarded, and barriers have been set up to prevent apparation and portkey use. There is no way to get them out without further risking their lives. You-know-who has taken every precaution to ensure that the second part of the prophecy takes place."
"That is not surprising," said Giles thoughtfully.
Narcissa continued, "The children are going to be taken to the cemetery in Little Hangleton for the ritual. I do not know how this will be done. Maybe the barriers will be taken down to use a portkey. I see no way to prevent the ritual from taking place. Your only chance will come after the ritual. I have secured an unauthorized portkey, Narcissa indicated the necklace she was wearing, that I hoped to use to send them back to Hogwarts immediately following the ritual. I hoped that everyone's attention would be focused on Rupert and his Slayer then."
"I have always assumed that we would not be able to stop the commingling of blood. As the prophecy stated, our hope lies in the combining of our own power to prevent the actual time of possession," explained Giles.
"I think we all agree that our priority is to get Harry and Dawn to safety," added Buffy.
"I will do whatever I can at the time of the ritual," said Narcissa. "However, you must realize that my cover will be blown by doing this. I will not be able to provide you with any further information."
"Narcissa, if you are needed to protect the children, you are welcome to return here to the sanctuary of Hogwarts," Dumbledore offered.
"Thank you, sir," replied Narcissa. "I better be getting back home. Lucius will become concerned if I am gone for too long. What shall I tell him was the result of this meeting?"
"Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley will each receive detentions three times per week for the next month," stated Professor Dumbledore.
Ron and Draco looked shocked. They both wondered if they would actually be receiving detention. Buffy answered their silent question. "They will serve their detentions with me." She smiled at them. "You can take the time to do your homework or help Hermione and Dawn with some of their research." Ron and Draco smiled.
Narcissa smiled at Buffy and then looked toward Giles. "I can see why you are so proud of her," she said, before departing for home via the floo network. Molly Weasley departed a few moments later, after extracting a promise from Dumbledore to inform her as soon as Harry returned to Hogwarts safely.
****************
Ron entered the Gryffindor common room to find Shannon, Andrew, Hermione, and Ginny waiting for him. The four of them looked annoyed. "Don't start," said Ron warningly, before flinging himself into one of the overstuffed chairs in front of the fireplace.
"What's going on?" demanded Hermione.
"Mione, you know that I cannot stand when he calls you that horrible name," replied Ron.
"I appreciate when you stand up for me," said Hermione with a smile. Ron felt a wave of relief, but it did not last long. "However, do not think that your friends are stupid enough not to realize that something was off about that whole fight."
"It was just a fight," replied Ron.
"No, it wasn't," said Shannon. "The two of you never even mentioned Dawn."
"And you didn't turn the least bit red," added Ginny. The comment itself caused Ron's ears to gain a tinge of pink. "Like that." Ginny pointed at her brother's ears.
"And don't forget that Snape didn't take any points from Gryffindor," interjected Andrew.
"So, I ask again, what is going on?" said Hermione her voice even.
Ron looked from his girlfriend to the others then back to Hermione. "I'm not allowed to tell you," he replied in a near whisper.
"What do you mean you aren't allowed to tell us?" asked Shannon.
"I mean that I am under strict orders from Dumbledore to keep my mouth shut," he replied.
"You won't even tell us?" asked Hermione in a hurt voice.
Ron sighed. "Mione, I have no secrets from you. This isn't my secret. It's someone else's, whose life would be in danger if I said anything. I can't do that."
Hermione nodded. "I understand."
"We'll find out eventually anyway," said Shannon.
"When the time is right, I am sure you will," Ron replied.
"So, are you in trouble then?" asked Andrew.
"Malfoy and I have detention with Professor Summers for the next month." Ron couldn't help but smile. "She wants us to help Mione and Dawn with their research."
****************
Buffy and Giles walked together back to the Scooby common room. "I think that Draco's mom likes you," Buffy teased.
"Of course she does. She and Elena used to follow Ethan and I everywhere. It makes sense that we could be friends as adults," replied Giles.
"You know that's not what I meant," said Buffy. "I think she likes you likes you. It was obviously from the way she looked at you before she left."
"Chosen." The portrait guarding the Scooby common room swung open. "She is a married woman," replied Giles.
"Yes, married to a man, who she has obviously turned against," retorted Buffy.
"But married none the less. Besides, we have more important things to deal with than my lack of a significant other. We need to get our plans set for the rescue tomorrow night. I am going to go call everyone else down for a meeting." Giles walked up the stairs to the door of Willow's quarters.
Buffy noticed Charlie sitting on one of the sofas reading a book about breeding Norwegian Ridgebacks. She sat beside him. "Sorry that took so long," she said.
Charlie placed a marker in the book and put it aside. He turned toward Buffy. "How much trouble is my brother in?" he asked.
"Ron will be serving detention with me three days a week for the next month," replied Buffy.
Charlie smiled. "So, if I pick a fight with someone in the Great Hall, can I get a punishment like that?"
Buffy leaned in and kissed him. She pulled away with a smile. "Maybe we could work out something," she replied. She wanted to kiss him again, but was interrupted by Willow and Tonks, who had descended from Willow's quarters. Tonks had decided to stay and help with the rescue.
"Do we know where the ritual is taking place yet?" Tonks asked.
"Yes, we just found out," replied Buffy. "Giles is getting everyone together to discuss a possible plan."
"I promised to let the Order know what was going on. Some of them have volunteered to help," said Tonks. She walked over to the fireplace, threw some powder into it, shouted "12 Grimmauld Place," and stuck her head into the fire. A few minutes later, Tonks stood up. "Mad-Eye, Lupin, Bill, Kingsley, and Hestia are on their way. They insist on helping."
"We should ask Spike and Angel to help too," said Willow. "Spike will never forgive you, if you don't let him help rescue Dawn."
"Especially since Gunn and Fred probably told them what happened. They left late last night, just before Fred, Angelina, George, and Oliver left," added Anya, who had just entered the common room with Xander.
After the Order members arrived through the fireplace, Buffy walked to it, threw some powder into it, shouted "the Hyperion," and stuck her head into the fire. "Dawn needs you two," everyone heard her say. Buffy stood up in time to allow Spike and Angel to exit from the fireplace.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to get in touch with us," said Spike.
"What can we do?" added Angel.
"Giles will explain everything, as soon as Wesley, Cat, Faith, and Robin get here," explained Buffy.
"We're here, B.," said Faith, as she ascended the stairs from Robin's quarters. Giles entered the room only a minute later with Wesley and Cat following him.
Buffy introduced everyone to each other. Lupin, Angel, and Spike gave each other weary looks, each able to smell the others. Buffy explained that Lupin was a good werewolf and that Spike and Angel were vampires with souls. The three shook hands, and Buffy continued her introductions. She could not help but smile brightly as she introduced Charlie to Spike and Angel. Bill raised an eyebrow toward his brother, not knowing previously that he was dating Buffy. Spike and Angel both sneered. "Ex-boyfriends," Buffy whispered to Charlie. "Ignore them."
Before Angel or Spike had the opportunity to comment about Charlie, Shannon, Andrew, Draco, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny burst into through the portrait hole. "I cannot believe you were going to make plans without us," said Shannon.
"None of you is of age. We cannot allow you to be involved," explained Lupin.
"Forget of age," shouted Shannon. "I'm a Slayer, and I am going to help save my best friend and my boyfriend."
"No, you are not," stated Buffy. "Normally, I would want you to help in the fight, but you are too close to Dawnie and Harry. I don't want your emotional involvement to get you killed."
"Because you aren't emotionally involved in finding your sister," shouted Shannon.
Giles stepped in. "Shannon, I agree with Buffy that it is better for you to sit this one out. However, it is only fair that you all know about the plan."
"Now," said Giles, turning his attention back to the group, "we have received information regarding the whereabouts of Harry and Dawn. They are currently being heavily guarded in a secure location. It is far too risky to try to break them out prior to the ritual. However, we do know the location of the actual ritual. It is taking place at the cemetery in Little Hangleton."
"Buffy and I will take the portkey provided by Voldemort. The rest of you will either apparate or take a portkey provided by Dumbledore to the outskirts of the cemetery. No one is to make a move until Harry and Dawn are away from Voldemort. That means we are going to have to let him complete the ritual. As soon as the ritual is completed, we will need your help to get the four of us out of there."
"You will leave ahead of us from here tomorrow night. Our portkey is set for 11:30. Are there any questions?"