I don't own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or anything associated with it. It belongs to its creator Joss Whedon and whoever else owns it. This piece of literature is simply the work of a humble fan.
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:::Author Notes:::
This takes place during Season Four of Buffy. It's after the episode Restless (Where the First Slayer killed all of them in their dreams). For Harry Potter it takes place after the events of book five: Order of the Phoenix.
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Some of you had questions in your reviews. I don't like people being confused so here our your answers.
Q&A
Why was the painting ogling Buffy's middle region? — heheeheehe… use your imagination. ; )
Will this be a Snape/Buffy story? — Never in this life. That pairing creeps me out more than Phoebe and Cole from Charmed.
Why doesn't Buffy keep Summers as her last name to honor Joyce? — Well, Joyce's maiden name isn't really Summers, is it. Summers is Hank's last name. I think Joyce kept it after the divorce simply because Joss didn't want to complicate the show by giving Buffy a different last name then the one she had in the movie.
I see everyone liked the last chapter. : ) I'll try and keep up with the funnies to keep the humor and interest level up. The whole Snape, Chester comment… That comes from a real life experience. There really is a guy who lives near me that my friends call Chester the Molester because he's in his twenties and hits on preteens. He really does also look like Snape a little because they share the same hairstyle.
Stars Not in Heaven
Chapter Seven: Words from Beyond
By: Water Mage
Buffy yawned lightly opening her eyes to the sunlit room. She and Harry had fallen asleep on the couch last night. Both were too tired to drag themselves to their bedrooms. Fortunately, there were no more insults or angry retorts over dinner between Snape and Buffy yesterday. When they went back to their shared room, Harry and Buffy talked the night away. They talked about Harry's life, their common interests, and also likes and dislikes. They had wrapped up their conversation as the time neared five a.m.
Buffy pushed back her hair, smiling fondly at her brother. Harry was sleeping with his head laying on the sofa's armrest. His mouth was parted slightly and a small puddle of drool had collected near his mouth. She carefully extracted herself from the couch without waking Harry. Buffy progressed to the bathroom in her room and did her morning routine. Once refreshed and ready to face the day, Buffy emerged from her room with an impish grin on her face.
She yanked back the curtain attached to the window letting the sun fully light the room. "Its morning," she said singsong.
Harry groaned loudly, squinting his eyes at the harsh light. He sat up and shot Buffy a dark look. He didn't look very intimidating at the moment. His glasses were askew and a thin trail of drool made its way down his chin. Also, his hair stuck up everywhere making him resemble some kind of Japanese anime character.
"Buffy it's the summer!" he said. His statement came out sounding more like a whine because of his sleepiness. "There is an unspoken rule that people don't get up early in the summer."
"Well, normally I'm all sleepy girl in the morning but I have jet lag. Or is it called Apparition lag?" she replied, tapping her lip thoughtfully.
Harry positioned his glasses properly on his face and sat in a more comfortable position on the couch. "What time is it anyway?"
Buffy picked up a pillow off the couch tossing it at his head. Harry's quick reflexes like the rest of him weren't to cooperative in the morning. Buffy laughed as the pillow collided with Harry's head not phasing him in the slightest. "Its time to get up. That's what time it is."
Grinning, Harry tossed the pillow back at Buffy who caught it an inch away from her head. "Your fancy Slayer skills won't save you from my revenge forever."
Buffy placed a hand over her heart in mock pain. "Ow! Though hasth woundeth me with thoust words of cruelty."
Harry rolled his eyes playfully. "You should have stopped at ow." Laughing, he ran into his room before she could take out her revenge. Buffy smiled as the door closed. She was glad that Harry was happy and that they were getting along so well. One thing she had been worried about was the effect of Sirius' death on Harry's mental well being. Knowing first hand what death can do to a person, she could see that Harry was bottling it in.
Harry had told her off Sirius' fall through the veil last night in a cold, monotone, emotionless voice. It was if he just tried to detach the memory of his being there from his mind. Buffy didn't want to force the issue. She figured Harry would need some time before he was fully able to get over it. Something had to give and until that moment came Harry's feelings would just continue to hide behind his mental wall he had built.
Harry emerged from his room thirty minutes later freshly showered. Buffy stood up from her seat on the couch. "Its about time. You are lucky that I was feeling generous and decided to wait on you. Otherwise I would have left you a long time ago."
"Or you just don't remember the way to the Great Hall," said Harry dryly.
Buffy started forward through the tapestry with Harry following behind her. "I'm the master of orienteering," she paused for a minute. "Or would I be the mistress since I'm a girl."
Harry gave her a look of mock surprise. "You're a girl?"
He ran down the hallway laughing as Buffy chased behind him yelling obscene things she would do to him if she caught him.
"I just don't get the point of moving staircases. I'm telling you it's a total rip-off of the movie Labyrinth," told Buffy as she sat at the head table with the staff in the Great Hall.
Harry sat beside her hiding his grin behind a piece of toast. Buffy had been complaining about the stairs since they walked in. While they were coming down the stairs, the staircases started to change and Buffy had lost her footing, falling. In mid-fall she gracefully did a backhand spring landing perfectly on her feet. The move was impressive but the irritated expression on Buffy's face kept cracking him up. He told the staff of her fall and they listened with amused faces while Buffy passionately complained about the stairs.
Snape was the only one who didn't find the situation funny. "Ms. Potter is there really a need for such dramatics. The stairs change. We know this. You are not the only idiot to have taken a tumble," he said annoyed.
Buffy raised an eyebrow at Snape. "Who are you calling an idiot? You are the one who looks like an extra from Grease."
Snape was not slow witted. He had spent time in the muggle world for various reasons. He had never seen Grease before but he had heard of it. Buffy and Snape's hair gently whipped around their faces as an unnatural wind blew suddenly in the hall. It was obviously magical in nature since it didn't seem to effect Harry or the staff. Dumbledore coughed breaking the staring match between them.
The wind stopped as Buffy broke the stare first. She turned to her food restraining herself from flicking the porridge on her spoon at Snape's hair. 'That ought to give him a reason to wash it,' she thought.
Last night she had decided to give Snape a chance after hearing Harry's story. She knew everything that had gone on between her brother and his teacher. Buffy knew that Snape was a jerk. There was no doubt about that. It was after hearing that he had saved Harry's on occasions and was a spy for the light that she had reevaluated her first impression of him. Inwardly, Buffy had decided she was going to apologize for yesterday. Then he had to go and do what he just did, making her initial dislike of him return full force.
One by one the staff departed. Snape was the first to leave. He tossed Buffy a look of pure disdain before he turned on his heel and stalked out of the hall with his black robes billowing behind him. Buffy had rolled her eyes clapping her hands together loudly.
"And the Best Exit from a Eating Establishment Award goes to Severus Snape."
"Buffy," reprimanded Dumbledore.
Buffy gave him an innocent grin. "What? Oh, come on. You know that he was being over dramatic with that last scene. I felt like I was watching an episode of Days of Our Lives. Who does he think he is— Susan Luchi."
Soon the hall was clear of teachers and the only people left were Dumbledore and the Potter siblings. As the last of the food vanished from their plates, Dumbledore turned to Buffy and Harry his gave inquiring. "Buffy I would like to make you an offer."
Buffy cracked up laughing, causing the two wizards to look at her weirdly. She controlled her laughter giving Dumbledore a silly grin. "I'm sorry. I just had this total flashback to the movie Indecent Proposal when you said that."
That didn't seem to clear up anything for them. Buffy sighed seeing their looks. She really didn't feel like explaining, so she sat up straighter and put on her business face. "Continue, please."
Dumbledore smiled. "It is a very rare trait for a Slayer to be both a Chosen One and a Witch. Learning to use magic is an essential tool that could be of great use to you in your fight against evil."
Buffy almost fell out of her seat she was sitting on. She held up hands shaking her head wildly. "Buffy and magic don't mix. Technically we're already mixing, but that's not the point," she said frantically, waving her arms around emphasizing her point. "What if I accidentally kill myself. And me and a wand— Hello! That would totally clash with all my clothes. A stake is no better, but that's not the point either."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his half moon spectacles. Buffy could see he was finding her whole argument amusing. "I'm sure you could defend Harry better. Using magic could be your trump card."
'Damn,' thought Buffy. He had her there. She gave him a small smile. "You went and pulled out the big guns." She looked at Harry to see how he felt about this. He gave her an encouraging nod and a smile showing he was happy that she was going to get this opportunity. Inside Harry was happy. He wanted to get the chance to show his sister the world that they both never had a chance to grow up in.
"Alright, you got me," she replied finally. Contrary to popular belief, Buffy wasn't at all stupid. She had after all got a 1530 on her SAT's. Buffy knew when she was being manipulated into something. Dumbledore had a reason for wanting her to learn magic. One could tell that the old wizard didn't let things happen by chance. He was a strategist first and foremost.
Dumbledore beamed widely pleased at her answer. "Excellent! I'll tutor you in Charms and Transfiguration. I daresay you have had enough experience in the other areas of magic. Especially the Defense Against the Dark Arts kind."
"I can take her to Diagon Alley for her wand, sir," piped up Harry, almost bouncing in his seat anxiously.
The Headmaster nodded in agreement. "Yes. In fact I was just about to suggest it."
"Is Diagon Alley like that mall place you were telling me about?" asked Buffy.
"Yes," replied Harry, already seeing the wheels turning in Buffy's hand.
Buffy stood up pushing her chair back. She looked down at Harry excitedly. Both the wizards were giving her bewildered stares at her sudden mood change. "Do you think they have Proda at Diagon Alley?" she asked in a rush.
"Explain this to me again," said Buffy, holding a handful of Floo powder in her hand. She and Harry stood in the room that was behind the head table. It was the same room that Harry and the Tri-Wizard Tournament Champions met in when their names came out of the Goblet of Fire almost two years ago.
"You throw the powder into the fireplace," Harry said, pointing at the power then to the roaring fire in the fireplace. "And in a loud clear voice yell Diagon Alley."
She sighed loudly and looked up heavenward. "Why me."
Harry bowed low grinning at her sour expression. "Ladies first."
Buffy gave him a perplexed look. "Why aren't you going then?" Laughing, she threw the powder into the fire almost jumping back in surprise as it shot upwards instantly turning bright emerald green.
Buffy turned to Harry her face hesitant. "Wish me luck, Harry Bear."
Harry squawked at the nickname. Buffy stepped into the fire smiling cheekily at the death stare that Harry shot her. She gave a little wave and called out loudly, "Diagon Alley!"
Buffy felt as if the floor underneath her had disappeared and she was falling downwards. Instinctively, she tucked in her arms as her body started to spin faster and faster beyond her control. Glimpses of fireplaces and rooms beyond caught her vision in a never-ending stream. Once it felt as if she would never stop the horrendous ride— it did.
She stopped suddenly in a place that she didn't know. Wiping her eyes of soot she stepped from the fireplace, and got a good look at the place around her. Books lined the walls inside of bookshelves and others were just stacked together in a yard high pile. Practically living in the Sunnydale's High library made her immediately realize she was in a bookstore. A rushing sound from behind caught her attention. Buffy turned around quickly and caught her brother as he stumbled out the fireplace coughing loudly.
Buffy patted his back gingerly. "You alright, Harry?"
He nodded slowly still trying to regain his bearings from his rough ride through the Floo network. Harry looked around the shop recognizing the place. "We're in Flourish and Blotts."
When Harry said he was fine they slipped their way past the people in the shop and left out the shop door. Buffy got her first glimpse of Diagon Alley. It was a little smaller than she imagined. Nevertheless it was still incredible to her eyes. Harry smiled at her reaction.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," he said with flourish.
Harry grabbed her elbow, steering her into the crowd. "Our first stop is Ollivander's. It's the best place to get a wand around here."
At the end of the street was Ollivander's shop. The crowd wasn't thick since it was still morning time. Buffy's head snapped around in all directions. She was taking in all of the sights while they were walking. Everything was so different to her eyes. They entered the shop, the tinkling bell above the door signaled their arrival. Boxes. A whole lot of boxes, was the first thing that came to Buffy's mind as she surveyed the shop.
"Good morning," said a soft voice.
"Holy Shit! " said Buffy in surprise as Mr. Ollivander appeared suddenly from behind the countertop scaring them both. Simultaneously, Harry had jumped backward knocking over a stack of boxes that were at his side. Harry smiled at Ollivander awkwardly. The man always gave him the shivers with his cool gaze.
"Hello, Mr. Ollivander. My sister here needs a wand," he said.
Ollivander looked stunned for a second before it was washed away behind a mask of professional calm. "I didn't know there was another Potter. This is quite the surprise."
"Your telling me," muttered Buffy.
Ollivander stared impassively at her. Buffy's green eyes met the pale silver eyes in an unwavering stare. Mr. Ollivander nodded and moved close to Buffy. She almost took a step back in surprise at how fast he moved. Inwardly, she shuddered at having those unblinking eyes trained on her. Suddenly, Ollivander pulled out a long tape measurer out of his pocket.
"Which is your wand arm?"
Buffy shot Harry a curious glance who just shrugged at her. Sighing loudly she held up her right arm. Mr. Ollivander took the tape measurer and measured her arm in so many different ways that Buffy lost count. Mr. Ollivander let the tape measure go suddenly and it sprang to life measuring on its own. He glided to the boxes lining the back wall and began to take various boxes down from different spots. While he was doing that Ollivander went over the types of wands people used and why no two wands were ever the same.
"That's enough," he said and the tape measure stopped and fell lifeless on the floor. "Here you are. Try this one. Mahogany and unicorn hair. Eleven inches. Quite flexible. Take it and give it a wave."
Buffy took the wand and waved it around only to have it quickly snatched out of her hand by Mr. Ollivander.
"Redwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches, willowy. Try it."
Buffy waved it and it was quickly snatched out of her hand by the old man. Buffy had to bit her lip to keep from yelling at the man that he didn't have to snatch things. Mr. Ollivander quickly thrust another wand into her hand before her mouth ran away from her.
"Rosewood and a single hair plucked from the head of a mermaid. Ten inches quite springy. Go on, give it wave."
Buffy took the wand and immediately felt a shock in her fingers. She brought the wand up and quickly swished it down. There was a burst of light above them and a shining rainbow sprang to life in the air. Harry clapped smiling proudly while Mr. Ollivander smiled in satisfaction.
"Another satisfied customer."
"Thank you," said Buffy absentmindedly, staring at the wand in her hand as Harry paid for the cost.
They exited the shop together. Harry grinned at Buffy who was still staring fascinated at her wand. He could tell that she was thrown off by doing her first display of magic. "So what do you want to do now?"
Buffy snapped her head up at his question. She gazed around Diagon Alley her eyes sweeping over all the shops. "Oh yeah, its definitely time for some major shopping."
Harry groaned audibly. He checked his pockets mentally counting how much wizard gold he had on him. "I have a feeling we will be needing some more money. We'll have to go to Gringotts," he said, walking toward the snowy white building ahead of them.
They reached the white building and went up the flight of stone steps. Buffy recognized the creature standing beside the imposing bronze doors as a goblin. She had never seen one before in person but she had seen a picture of the creatures in various books while researching a new baddie. The goblin bowed as they walked inside. They went through another pair of doors, this time silver. A pair of goblins bowed to them as they walked through the doors. They stepped into a large marble hall. Buffy looked up at the high arching ceiling. She decided that without the reflecting mojo it was nowhere as impressive as the Great Hall's ceiling.
Buffy and Harry walked to the long counter that at least a hundred small goblins sat behind. "Hello," said Harry to a free goblin "We need some money to take out of my safe." Harry reached into his pocket and handed over his key for the goblin.
The goblin inspected it then handed it back and called out loudly, "Azeriel!"
"Can you scream any louder," said Buffy sarcastically, rubbing at her ringing ear.
They followed the new goblin into a small hallway. He led them down a dark barely lit passageway. Buffy eyed the tiny cart that had come barreling down the little railway tracks on the floor. She looked incredulously at Harry then at Azeriel.
"You want us to get into that! Can we say deathtrap people!"
"Oh, come on Buffy. Its safe," said Harry half-laughing.
Reluctantly, Buffy got into the cart praying to whomever was listening that she and Harry would make it out alive. Buffy thought the ride was over way too soon. She didn't know that it would be so fun. They twisted and turned so much that it felt like they were on a roller coaster. Harry and Buffy stood in front of the vault patiently waiting as Azeriel opened it with Harry's key.
"Are you serious. How could you think that was fun? I swear it almost felt like we were going to go over that one cliff," said Harry after Buffy had told him the ride was 'beyond fun'.
Buffy shrugged. "Hey, I don't have a boyfriend. A girl has got to get her kicks somewhere."
There was a loud click and a low hissing sound. The vault door opened slowly. Buffy's jaw actually dropped. She knew that Harry had money, but damn. She had never realized that there would be so much of it. Harry clapped her on the back.
"I had the same reaction," smiled Harry.
Buffy got over her shock and began helping Harry pile some of it into a bag. Seeing something white out of her peripheral vision caught her attention. Lying on the floor nestled perfectly atop a pile of galleons was a clean white envelope. Buffy curiosity got the better of her.
"Harry what's that?" she asked.
Harry followed her gaze then frowned. "See what?"
Buffy pointed to the envelope on the ground. "That envelope on the ground."
Harry looked around the ground not seeing the envelope in front of him. "I don't see anything," he said in confusion.
Buffy picked up the envelope off the ground. There was a flash of light around the envelope as her fingers came in contact with it. "Bollocks! How did that just appear in your hand," exclaimed Harry, staring at the envelope in wonder.
"I didn't do it," said Buffy, also staring at the envelope.
"Open it up. There had to be a reason only you could see it," replied Harry anxiously.
Buffy nodded seeing the truth in his statement. She slipped her finger along the edge and carefully ripped the seal. She reached inside and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Buffy gasped reading the first line. She read the rest through quickly.
"Buffy?" questioned Harry, seeing her eyes tear up while reading the paper. Wordlessly, Buffy handed over the paper to Harry not even bothering to wipe the tears that managed to fall from her eyes. Harry took the offered paper and began to read it.
Dear Elizabeth,
If you are reading this letter now, then we are most likely dead. I've charmed this letter, so it can only be seen by your eyes. Your mum is quite good at that. That's your father. He's sitting beside me holding your brother, Harry while I write this. They both send you their love. If you're in his vault then you already know who Harry is. Elizabeth we want you to know that we will always love you. You were born completely out of love and your birth was a blessing for your father and I. We gave you up because we thought it was for the best. We were only sixteen and there was no way we could properly care for you since we were kids ourselves. We had your best intentions at heart, love. We wanted you to grow up with parents that could provide for you and for you to live in a world that wasn't on the brink of war. Your mum is crying now, so I'll take over. I remember the day you were born so clearly, dear heart. You were so tiny and quiet. I could already tell you would be a real heartbreaker when you grew up. You have your mother's looks. Giving you up was the hardest thing we've ever done. We've both have had to prevent ourselves from going to get your ourselves. The only thing stopping us was the fact we know that your in a safe place where you are loved.. We're in hiding now. Voldemort's looking for us all because of some stupid prophecy. Lily thinks she may have found a way to stop the Dark Lord from killing Harry. It's risky and dangerous, but if it works your brother will live. Take care and watch out for him, baby. This is your mother. I'm sorry for crying dear. We love you and your brother so much.
Your Mum and Dad,
James and Lily
Harry wiped the tears at the corner of his eyes. Buffy was staring at him with a small smile of amazement. Harry felt a similar smile come to his face. There were no words that could be said at the moment. Buffy stepped forward wrapping her arms around Harry. They just stood there hugging each other. It was almost like their parents had just spoken to them. Nothing could ruin this moment for them.
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Here you go. A whole new chapter. I hoped you all liked it. I wanted to have this out sooner but I got really busy. I have been typing this in the free time that I had. I haven't even had any time to read any new stories, which sucks. I'll have to get caught up in all my favorites this weekend. I will try and get the next part out sooner. ^_^