Chapter 26

"How are we getting there?" Xander asked on the way to the Headmaster's office.

"Floo," said Sirius rounding a corner.

I let him see my toothy smile and he showed me his in return -- that is until I remembered what the Professor had to say. That broke my smile quick enough. It wasn't fair that I had to decide now. I mean we've only known each other for a few days. How am I supposed to just up and drop my friends over someone I've known for that short of a time.

Granted I don't have a clue on how long we will be here. A week? A month? From what Faith says they've been after this guy for over fourteen years. What can we do that could beat that? I don't think the gang will last for more than a few weeks at the most. Is that long enough?

Before I knew it we were back in the office and stepping into the green fire once more.

A plump red-haired lady met us on the other side.

"Welcome, welcome. Step aside for the others, dear. That's it."

I moved out of the way and looked around at the new digs. It seemed to be someone's house that had seen better days. Not that things were dirty, just old and worn. There were a couple of other people there that I didn't recognize, one of which was about my age with fluorescent short spiky green hair. She nodded at me.

"Wotcher! Willow, isn't it?"

"Yeah," I responded.

"Tonks."

I didn't know what I had done. "Uh, you're welcome."

She cracked a smile. "No, my name is Tonks."

I was still starring at her green hair. "Sorry, color me embarrassed."

She motioned at the tall bald black guy next to her with a single hoop earring hanging from his left lobe. "This is Kingsley Shaklebolt."

He bowed slightly at me. "It is a pleasure."

His voice was low and slow, very sexy. "Hi."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "Down, Kingsley. She's Black's girl."

"Indeed," he smiled. "Well, if you ever do come to your senses and set aside that troublesome prat, please keep me in mind."

Now my face was burning. "I ..."

"Back away you shameless womanizer before I jinx you!"

I turned and saw Sirius smiling wide.

Kingsley and Tonks pushed past me and took hold of Sirius.

"Blimey, man. I'd thought we'd lost you for good."

The tall man pounded Sirius on the back while Tonks squeezed the life out of him.

"Not a chance, and have you all face Voldemort on your own?" Sirius responded.

They released him and he swayed a bit.

"I see you've met my savior. Never would have gotten back if it wasn't for Willow and her friends."

The welcome home party was delayed with the arrival of Dumbledore.

"Willow, I believe we are on a limited schedule."

I nodded and looked at my watch. "Thirty minutes. The casting will take twenty."

Harry was behind him carrying the caldron.

The Headmaster turned with a sweep of his cloak. "To the basement then."

Apparently everyone wanted to witness the work because we all filed downstairs; at least fifteen people were present.

"All has been prepared?" The Headmaster asked.

Tonks nodded even though he couldn't see her. "A ten by ten foot area has been cleared and everything that is lighter than a couch has been stored out of the way."

"Excellent."

We reached the bottom of the stairs. The basement was split apart into four sections, one of which was empty except for gas torches that were secured firmly to the wall. Good enough.

"Willow. The room is yours." Dumbledore announced.

I motioned to Harry. "Me and you. Bring the caldron."

Harry looked particularly nervous. I smiled and tried to put him at ease. "Don't worry. This won't hurt ... much."

He stalled.

"I'm kidding."

He blew out a breath of air that I didn't know he was holding. "Funny," he said sarcastically.

"Just set it there." I pointed to the right side of the room.

I set my back pack on the floor and opened the main flap, withdrawing several small pouches.

"Untie these and set them aside."

He followed directions without any further coaching. Meanwhile I pulled out several candles. I started by taking the largest of the pouches, containing salt, and sprinkled the contends in a circle large enough for two people to stand. This was followed by ground blue chalk in the form of a pentagram.

"What is she doing?" I heard from the side.

Xander's voice came from the shadows. "She's being Wicca Willow. Don't worry, she does this all the time."

Yeah right.

"Okay, Harry, in the middle. Don't disturb the circle." I stopped him before he moved. "Oh, I forgot. Strip."

I thought his eyes were going to pop out of their collective sockets. "Pardon?"

I shrugged, "Well at least everything but your pants. Everything you are wearing will be ruined and you won't be able to get the stains out. Trust me."

I heard Faith whoop from the background.

Harry looked over my shoulder at the crowd.

"It's up to you," I offered.

His face went resolute and he stripped off his robe, throwing it to the side followed by everything but his pants.

I nodded. "Good now into the circle. Leave room for me, eventually."

I had the incantations memorized and started reciting them softly as I sat the candles at the points of the pentagram and lit them. Different scents filled the air. The last bit I lit was a brush of sage, waving it about the room.

I walked the four corners holding the sage above my head. Usually if I get a lung full of this stuff I get a really nasty headache, but it was necessary, cleansing rituals and all.

One of the last bags was in my other hand. When I reached the only opening in the room I noticed all eyes were on me. The current incantation I was reciting had come to an end when I reached them.

"Whatever you see here, don't interrupt."

I caught all of their eyes and saw agreement. Not that I didn't trust them, but I knew what was going to happen and they didn't. That's why I sealed the room with ground hintel root. Once the spell started they wouldn't be able to enter until I finished.

I returned to just outside of the circle. "Ready, Harry?"

His lips set firm, he nodded.

I smiled. "Don't worry, okay. Just do as I say and everything will be fine."

He nodded stiffly, looking to the side at the crowd gathered.

"Ignore them," I said. "I'm the only person that matters right now."

I kicked off my shoes and unbuttoned my robe sliding it off of my shoulders. The only thing I wore underneath was my sports bra and a very small pair of shorts.

I picked up the caldron and approached the circle. "Here we go."