Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 50 – Farewell to Friends
During the last day of the school year, everyone spent the afternoon readying themselves to leave Hogwarts. Personal possessions had been scattered during the past ten months. They needed to be gathered and packed. In previous years the boys waited until after the leaving feast to pack. (The girls were always more organized than the boys with the exception of Luna, who usually missed the leaving feast to find her possessions that had been taken during the school year.) However, this year the Scoobies were hosting an after party in the Scooby common room for the students and faculty who had helped defeat Voldemort's plan to gain the power of the First Evil. It would be the last night that they entire group would be together for awhile.
At 6:00pm the whole of Hogwarts was seated in the Great Hall. Large red and gold banners emblazoned with the Gryffindor lion hung throughout the hall. Though Slytherin had won the quidditch cup, Gryffindor won the house cup. Professor Dumbledore had personally awarded fifty points to each student who helped to defeat Voldemort in their most recent battle. Draco earned fifty points for Slytherin, and Luna earned fifty points for Ravenclaw. Together, Dawn, Shannon, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville earned 350 points for Gryffindor, securing the house cup.
The hall was filled with chattering students and faculty. Many were discussing summer holiday plans. Eventually the students and faculty fell silent, when Professor Dumbledore stood to address them.
"Another school year has come to a close. We have faced new experiences, and I am sure that we have all learned much. The Slayer training program has been a great success. New areas of study have been made available to all Hogwarts students, and new friendships have been forged."
"Two years ago, when Voldemort first returned, I reminded you that we are as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. For a time, I feared that we would remain divided. Several students and staff members laid my fears to rest this year. Different houses – purebloods and muggle borns – wizards, Slayers, and muggles – regardless of their differences, they worked together to drive back Voldemort, to protect our way of life."
Dumbledore's voice filled with conviction. "We all must follow their lead. We must unite as one. Together we are strong. Together we shall prevail."
Dumbledore smiled benevolently as his eyes swept over the faces of the students. "Now, tuck in." As plates of succulent dishes appeared on the long house tables, the silence that weighed heavily after Dumbledore's words was broken.
At the Gryffindor table those who had fought against Voldemort discussed Dumbledore's speech. Shannon, Harry, Ron, and Andrew filled their plates and began shoveling large forkfuls of food into their mouths. Much to Hermione and Ginny's great disgust, the four Gryffindors continued their conversation with their mouths full. Hermione, Ginny, and Neville began eating as well, though taking much smaller bites and swallowing before adding their comments to the conversation.
Dawn did not touch the food that lay in front of her. She stared across the Great Hall to the Slytherin table, her eyes locked with Draco's. Wordlessly, the two teens communicated how much they would miss each other during the summer holidays. Dawn would be spending time in the United States with Buffy and Shannon. Draco would be spending time with his mother in their new cottage in Hogsmeade. Neither wanted to be apart.
Buffy noticed the two teens starring at each other. She nudged Willow, who was sitting beside her at the faculty table. "Bit over-dramatic aren't they?" asked Buffy.
"Oh, come on, Buff. They're cute. Don't you remember not wanting to leave Angel to go to LA to visit your dad that one summer?" replied Willow.
"But I was going for the whole summer. We're only going to be away for three weeks. It's a vacation. She should be happy to be going on a vacation."
Cat overheard the conversation. "Buffy, where exactly are you and Dawn going?"
Buffy smiled. "Charlie and I are taking Dawn and Shannon to Las Vegas. Since Genevieve has been staying in LA to help Angel, she offered to let us stay in her house in Vegas. It should be nice. Charlie has never been there, and Shannon and Dawn will be plenty occupied with Shannon's friends."
"That sounds nice," replied Cat. "Maybe you can stop in LA before you return to England. Wesley and I are going to be spending the summer helping Angel at Wolfram and Hart."
"Wish I could help out," commented Faith. "Robin and I don't have time to go anywhere this summer."
"What are you two going to do?" asked Buffy.
"We are going to start looking for a house in Hogsmeade. Robin is going to work for the Watcher's Council; so, it isn't like we can live at Hogwarts," explained Faith. "If we can find a place in Hogsmeade, he can use the floo network to get to work, and all I have to do is walk up here."
"It won't be the same next year without you here," commented Willow.
"Yeah, but I won't be far, and if anything comes up I can always sack out in one of your sitting rooms," noted Faith. "Besides, I don't think Robin and I are the only ones who won't be living here next year."
"Why? Who else would leave?" asked Willow.
"Giles for one," answered Buffy. "At some point he has to begin working on rebuilding the council. Actually, I think that's what Giles wants to talk to all of us about after the feast."
"That sucks. It won't be the same without the whole Scooby gang," said Willow morosely.
Buffy and Faith exchanged a knowing look. "So, Red, what are you up to for the summer?" asked Faith, effectively changing the subject.
"I'm going to be staying with the coven who helped me when I first went all evil," replied Willow. "I need to focus my full attention on my recovery for awhile." Buffy, Faith, and Cat nodded their understanding of Willow's current situation.
While the faculty were discussing their summer holiday plans, the Gryffindor students had begun to do the same. "So does anyone have anything fun planned for the summer holiday?" asked Ginny.
"Dawn and I are going with Buffy and your brother to Las Vegas for a few weeks. Genevieve is lending us her house. It should be cool. We can hang out with some of my old friends," explained Shannon.
"Wish I could sneak there again," commented Harry. "I hate going back to Privet Drive."
Shannon smiled at her boyfriend. "It will only be a few weeks. When I get back to England, I promise to find a way to visit you."
"Las Vegas sounds like fun," said Hermione, who was not interested in beginning Harry's annual moping about his relatives any earlier than necessary. "I'm sure you and Dawn will have a great time."
"Not likely," mumbled Dawn. Everyone ignored her.
"I'm surprised that Andrew isn't going with you," commented Ron, also trying to keep the conversation from focusing on couples being separated. He was not any happier about being apart from Hermione, than Harry was about being apart from Shannon or Dawn was about being apart from Draco.
"Buffy asked him, but he claims that he has other things to do," replied Shannon, glaring at Andrew. "Of course, he won't tell us what those other things are."
"It's a surprise," stated Andrew. "You'll find out later tonight."
Harry and Ron shook their heads. They had become used to the weirdness that was Andrew, after sharing a dormitory for the past ten months. "Mione, have your parents decided where they are taking you on holiday?" Ron asked his girlfriend.
Hermione's face lit up. "Yes, they finally decided. We are going to Greece. I'm so excited to see all the historic ruins." Ron looked depressed. "But this year, we are only going on holiday for a few weeks. I insisted that I needed to get back, so that I could start studying for NEWTs. I'll be back in England at the end of July."
Ron smiled. "Maybe when you get back, you can come to the Burrow for a few weeks." Now Harry looked depressed. Ron nudged his best friend. "You're invited too, mate."
"I'd like that," said Hermione.
"Yeah, me too," added Harry. "Although, it would be okay if we all wound up at Order headquarters." Harry was looking at Shannon, as he said this.
"Don't worry," said Shannon. "I'm sure we will all be back together again soon."
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When everyone finished eating dessert, Professor Dumbledore dismissed the students. Dawn, Shannon, Andrew, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, Ginny, Neville, and Luna gathered in the entry hall, before walking together to the Scooby common room. After giving the password to the Slayer portrait, they entered the portrait hole to find all of the Buffy and Willow passing out glasses to all the gathered Scoobies. The faculty members, Narcissa, Angel, Spike, Genevieve, Fred, and Gunn were all in attendance.
"Grab a glass and have a seat," Giles instructed the students.
"Wow, champagne?" questioned Dawn.
"No," replied Buffy, "sparkling white grape juice." Dawn and Shannon sighed, as they took their glasses and sat down.
Giles called the group to attention. "First, I have some announcements to make. I will not be returning to Hogwarts next year." The students all looked disappointed. "It is time to begin rebuilding the Watcher's Council. As the senior member, it is my duty to oversee this. However, Professor Dumbledore has confided in me that he has already filled the Defense Against the Dark Arts post for next year. I'm not at liberty to discuss any new hires, but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed."
"Some others, who are here tonight, have agreed to work with me at the Council. Xander has agreed to take the position of Director of Facilities. He will be overseeing all building planning and construction."
"Robin has taken the position of Director of Slayer Education. He has educational administration experience, having worked as a high school principal. You will still see him from time to time at Hogwarts, as he checks up on the Slayer training program."
"Narcissa has taken a diplomatic position. She will work as a liaison to the Ministries of Magic in the countries, where Slayers are assigned."
"Though he is not here tonight, many of you know Remus Lupin. He has agreed to head up the Council research division."
"Lastly, Andrew will be working for the Watcher's Council as well. His recording of the Slayer training this year has far exceeded my expectations. I have offered him the position of my personal assistant, and he has accepted."
Everyone burst into conversation about the news Giles had just given him or her. Dawn and Shannon jumped up, yelling their congratulations and hugging Andrew. The other students debated who the new DADA professor would be. Buffy and Willow gave Xander hugs of congratulations. The conversations were quickly halted, when Giles cleared his throat loudly.
Giles looked around the room, smiling at those who were gathered. "Eight years ago, when I was first sent to Sunnydale, I had a lot of expectations for my life as a Watcher to the active Slayer. What I never expected was to become a Scooby. At the time, I didn't know what a Scooby was. Needless too say, I was greatly confused to find that a Scooby is a cartoon dog." Everyone laughed. "But for us being a Scooby means being family. Buffy, Willow, and Xander may have been my students and may now be my colleagues, but I do consider them my family."
"Over the years, several other people have become part of the Scooby family." Giles looked around the room, as he named them in the order that they became Scoobies. "Angel, Wesley, Anya, Spike, Dawn, Faith, Robin, Andrew, and Shannon – during our years in Sunnydale, you all become part of the Scooby family. There are others, who are not able to be with us today – Oz, Cordelia, Jenny, and Tara – but they will always be in our hearts." Many of the people in the room bowed their heads in silent prayer at the mention of those who were lost.
"This year has brought new members into the Scooby family – Fred and Gunn, Cat, Narcissa, Genevieve, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, Neville, Ginny, and Luna."
"Tonight Professor Dumbledore reminded us that we are as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. All of us in the room are united as part of the Scooby family. We may not always like each other, but when one of us is in need, the others will be there." Giles glared first at Angel and Spike, then at Harry and Draco. All four looked sheepish. "Even as we go our separate ways, each and every one of us remains a Scooby. This is our strength."
"Everyone please raise your glasses. I propose a toast to us all, to the Scoobies."
"To the Scoobies," everyone toasted loudly before drinking from their glasses.
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Author's Notes: Well this is the end of my first fanfiction story. I hope that you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I would like to thank everyone who reviewed my work. You were all very kind. I hope that the constructive criticism that I received has helped to improve my writing.
I am planning to write a sequel to this story. I have sketched out the general storyline. However, I really need to devote some serious time to my doctoral dissertation; so, I may not have time to begin the sequel for awhile.