Chapter Five: Harry
"Well that was the strangest potions class we've ever had," muttered Ron, as he and Harry walked towards the Gryffindor common room. "Snape didn't even torment Neville when his potion blew."
"Yeah, he seemed distracted," Harry agreed vaguely.
"So do you, Harry. What's the matter?"
"I met this girl today. Her name's Buffy Summers, atleast I think it is. She was in a big hurry to see Snape and she said something about apparating into Hogwarts."
"You must have heard wrong. How many times has Hermione reminded us that no one can apparate into Hogwarts? It's impossible. If Dumbledore can't do it, then it's not possible."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. She was peculiar though, American I think."
Ron grabbed Harry by the arm and started dragging him along. "You have to point her out to me."
"Ron! She's like Charlie's age," Harry laughed but proceeded to look for the blonde who had literally knocked him off his feet.
-------------------------------
By supper Harry still hadn't seen Buffy, and he was starting to think that he'd just imagined her in his sleep-deprived state. When walking into the Great Hall, Harry noticed one thing. There was an extra chair next to Dumbledore and a tiny blonde woman filled it. She seemed far more dismal than when they'd met earlier, but comfortable even when sitting next to one of the most powerful wizards; though if what she'd said before was true…
"Ron," Harry urged, "that's her next to Dumbledore. That's Buffy!"
"Whoa," his friend breathed. "Now I can see why you've been distracted."
"What are you two staring at?" Hermione called from behind them.
"Harry's new obsession. Say bye-bye to Cho and hello Buffy," Ron teased.
"Shut up ickle Ronniekins or I'll…" Harry growled.
Just as Ron was about to retort, the headmaster stood catching everyone's attention. The Gryffindor trio rushed to sit down and hear what most assuredly was about their new arrival.
"Everyone I'd like to introduce a new arrival to the school. Miss Summers comes to us from America and I'm sure you will all make her feel welcome," Dumbledore stared intently at Draco and Pansy. "She'll be moving from classroom to classroom helping your professors as she is needed. You shall all see her tomorrow in potions with Professor Snape. Now dig in!"
Harry noticed that Buffy didn't seem all that embarrassed by the attention bestowed upon her by all four houses, especially the Slytherins who gave her disgusted looks. Harry could only imagine that their hate was because she was a muggle or at the very least what Draco would call a mud-blood. He then turned an inquiring eye in Snape's direction, surprised that he would allow Buffy to be near his classroom, let alone in it. Though this morning she had gone to see him; maybe they'd known eachother before? He could only hope she wasn't another ex-death-eater.
Severus, for his part, wouldn't even allow himself to turn in her direction. He decided that she must have some kind of power, some sort of thrall, to break through his finely built walls. Her confessions earlier surprised him, and although he still was confused by her presence, he felt that he could find an equal ground with her. She had a painful past, he had a painful past, and they were both trying to forget. For now that would have to help get him through the days in her company and perhaps he could learn what Dumbledore most assuredly knew – just why this tiny blonde could capture everyone's attention and not even want it.
-----------------------------------------------
I promise that next chapter I will reveal the whole apparating thing, I just really wanted to get a solid base going before I went all out! Thanx again to all who reviewed. You're the reason I update as much as I do!
