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. I don't own Harry Potter neither. It belongs to J.K. Rowling.
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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 are your answers.
Q&A
Is Harry going to get paired with anybody? — I don't know. I haven't thought about it. Its not really in the outline. But he might if I think the right situation came up.
Will Dawn come into the story? — I answered this one before. I'll give another hint. Be sure to read the future epilogue.
What's up with Harry's new powers? — You won't get that answer till a couple chapters later.
Will Remus and Buffy or Buffy and a Weasley get together? — Nope. Buffy will get with no one in this story. I'll write a sequel that will put her with someone. Clue: It won't be a Harry Potter Universe character.
As usual thank you everybody who took the time out last chapter to review. I really appreciate it. Here is the next chapter and I hope you like it as much as the last one.
Stars Not in Heaven
Chapter Thirteen: Move Over Dr. Phil
By: Water Mage
Almost three weeks had passed since the Dracula confrontation. Buffy liked to call it the 'Unfortunate Incident', since she didn't want to be reminded of the Dark Prince. Although Buffy did take great delight in teasing Snape about him being Dracula's man-bitch. Buffy might have been under Dracula's thrall, but at least she wasn't his personal bitch.
The sun shinned though the windows of Harry's room. Harry sat on his bed looking at the paper that he held. His expression was mixed with sadness and a large amount of regret. In his hands were the results of his O.W.L.s taken at the end of last school year. He had received them a few days before meeting Buffy, but had forgotten all about them in due to meeting his new found sister. With school starting tomorrow Harry had remembered his results and the full meaning of them. Harry had done well enough receiving five O.W.L.s, but it wasn't what he had been hoping for. He had wanted six. Needed six. He continued looking at the results, hoping that they would magically change.
Defense Against the Dark Arts – Outstanding
Transfiguration – Exceeds Expectations
Potions – Acceptable
Charms – Exceeds Expectations
Divination – Dreadful
Care of Magical Creatures – Exceeds Expectations
Herbology – Outstanding
Astronomy – Acceptable
History of Magic – Dreadful
Harry had needed at an Outstanding in Potions to be accepted into Professor Snape's N.E.W.T.'s class. The man took nothing less. Harry had studied his hardest, and achieved his objective of brining up his Transfiguration and Charms work, Defense Against the Dark Arts was no problem, but he also needed Potions to be considered for being an Auror. It was required that all Aurors have an advanced level of Potions, since Potions and antidotes were an essential study in their job field.
"There goes a great job down the drain," muttered Harry, lying back on his bed heavily.
"Talking to yourself is never a good sign of sanity. What's up?" said Buffy, entering his room with a red book in her hand.
Harry sighed, showing her his results and telling her the problem. School started tomorrow and looking at the results had gotten him down, putting him in a sullen mood. Buffy frowned looking at the results. "I don't see what the big deal is? So you can't be an Auror. There are other ways to fight dark forces."
Harry rolled his eyes, smiling. "All of us can't be Slayers."
Buffy smirked, "Well, you are English and the Watchers Council is always looking for new people. With your sense of fashion you should fit right in."
"Ha ha," said Harry, dryly. He took back his results and stared at them forlornly. "Its just that being an Auror seemed so perfect for me. You know?"
Buffy slung her arm over his shoulder. He leaned into her side and closed his eyes. He seemed so sad. Almost like someone had told him that Christmas wasn't coming this year. "Harry what about Quidditch? Although I don't like the stupid sport, you're pretty good at it. And what about Herbology and Defense you seem good at those too. You got Outstanding in both subjects. You could become a teacher or maybe something for the Ministry."
Smiling, Harry picked his head up. "Your right. I do have a lot of options left to me. Or if all else fails I can just tag along and help you fight evil. How does this sound… Harry, the Vampire Slayer. The once and future male Slayer."
"How about hell to the no," laughed Buffy, ruffling his hair. Raiden jumped up on the bed and settled down in Buffy's lap. Absently Buffy began to scratch the blue kitten between his ears, making a contended purr escape from his mouth. Harry noticed the book in her hand for the first time. He reached out and snatched it before she could say anything. He read the cover and immediately the room was filled with his resounding laughter. He managed to calm down resorting to chuckling ever few seconds. Buffy was looking at him with an irritated look.
"Are you done yet?" she asked, annoyed.
Harry shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. "Come on, Buffy. Really?" Counseling for Dummies," he said, reading the tittle of the book.
Buffy crossed her arms, giving him a haughty look. "They didn't have 1.2.3. Easy steps to Counseling."
* * *
Buffy sat at the Head Table waiting for the kids to come pouring in. Harry was sitting at his house table looking more anxious than she had ever seen him. The tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. Thousands of candles floated in mid air above the four house tables giving light to the room.
Buffy tugged uncomfortably at the sleeves of her robe. Dumbledore had specified that while in the corridors or anywhere besides her quarters and office, she was to wear a robe. It was standard dress code for all teachers to wear one. Only a few staff had exceptions. Like Hagrid who Buffy had met a few days prior. He was too big for robes to fit him, so he wore regular clothes. Buffy had liked Hagrid from the moment she met him. Hagrid was so nice and sweet to her and Harry that she immediately began to think of him, as someone whom could be trusted.
"Nervous Buffy?" asked McGonagall, leaning over in her seat.
Buffy tried to smile widely, but only summoned up a weak one. "A little. I'm just hoping I'll do my job right."
McGonagall waved her hand. "Don't worry about that. We have had Professors who barely even knew the name of the subject they taught. You'll do fine."
Buffy felt a little better at hearing the advice. 'Don't worry you'll be fine. There's no need to vomit uncontrollably,' she told herself.
She repeated her silent mantra over and over. McGonagall rose from her seat and excused herself to go and collect the first years. Buffy felt her breath catch. This was it. Showtime. With a loud bang the Great Halls doors burst open and hundreds of loud, chattering kids entered the room. Buffy watched with a small smile as Hermione ran into the room and hugged Harry for all he was worth. Ron rolled his eyes and hugged Harry quickly, but in a much manlier way.
Harry pointed up to the Head Table and Ron and Hermione didn't appear surprised at seeing her there, seeing as Harry already had written to them about Buffy and Remus becoming part of the staff. They waved at her happily and Buffy smiled and waved back. They waved even more when they saw Professor Lupin. Buffy nudged him with her elbow.
"Looks like your pretty popular here," she said, nodding at the Gryffindors who were all calling his name and waving madly.
He gave a wave back, talking to the Buffy out of the corner of his mouth. "I suppose," he said with false modesty. Buffy snorted and took a sip of her pumpkin juice from the goblet next to her plate.
"Looks like your even more popular," Remus pointed out, amusement in his voice.
Buffy looked around the hall. Boys were checking her out as if she were really available. Her eyes landed on a boy with blond hair. When he caught her eye he hurriedly fixed his hair and straightened his robes, before giving her a dashing smile that spoke more than words.
"What can I say," said Buffy, shrugging. "I guess I just have that affect."
At that moment Professor McGonagall came striding into the room. Behind her walked a long line of young small kids. It was about forty of them and they all looked particularly scared to be here. It was easy to deduce that these were the first years. They came to the Head Table and formed the line so they faced the students and the teachers behind them. Professor McGonagall went to the side of the room and came back with a four-legged stool that she placed in front of the first years. On top of the stool she placed a pointed wizards hat.
Buffy stared at the hat in distaste. Harry had told her that the Sorting Hat was old, but he never said it was so ugly. That thing looked like something even Goodwill wouldn't want. It was dirty, frayed, and patched in multiple places. Like the rest of the hall Buffy found her attention drawn to the hat. Everyone stared at it waiting. All was silent till suddenly the hat twitched and the brim opened up like a mouth and the hat began to sing:
"A thousand years or more ago,
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts School began.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones they had to teach.
By Gryffindor, the bravest were
Prized far beyond the rest;
For Ravenclaw, the cleverest
Would always be the best;
For Hufflepuff, hard workers were
Most worthy of admission;
And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.
While still alive they did divide
Their favourites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?
'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!"
(Rowling, Goblet of Fire pp.176-177)
Buffy clapped politely with everyone else. McGonagall opened a long piece of parchment and called out. "Adams, Justice."
Buffy raised her eyebrow at the name. Obviously somebody's parents were a little unusual. Although she couldn't say much, there weren't too many Buffy's in the world. A small blond boy with big blue eyes walking timidly to the stool. The hat was placed on his head, covering his whole face, since the hat was so large on him. There was a moment's silence as the hat considered. The brim opened again and the hat shouted, "RAVENCLAW!"
The whole hall clapped as the boy nearly ran to the loud, cheering table next to the Gryffindor table. And so it went. Slowly, this trend continued till finally, "Zabini, Simon" was sorted into Gryffindor. The boy had gulped shooting someone at the Slytherin table a look of fright before scampering off to table that was waving and cheering the loudest. McGonagall picked up the hat and stool and walked off. Dumbledore rose to his feet his arms spread wide. "Welcome back everyone. Welcome newcomers," said Dumbledore, smiling widely his voice loud and echoing across the grand hall. "I'm sure you're all hungry so rub! Dub! Dub!"
Buffy nearly choked on her pumpkin juice. She hid her mouth in her sleeve to muffle her laughter. Buffy wasn't the only one, the whole hall was roaring with appreciative laughter. Incredulously, she looked at the Headmaster in shock. Dumbledore gave her a brief look his blue eyes twinkling with that ever-present light. Buffy mouthed good one before digging into her food that had appeared on the golden plate in front of her.
"This is really good," commented Buffy, eating a piece of steak.
Remus nodded in affirmative. "The feast are always good here at Hogwarts."
Buffy engaged in conversation with both McGonagall and Remus during dinner, as they sat on either side of her. Buffy still wasn't used to some of the more foreign foods such as the steak-and-kidney pie or blood pudding. She just tended to stay clear away from dishes like those. Dinner passed quickly for Buffy. Soon she was sitting back in her chair her stomach full and her mood content. Once all the students were finished eating and began talking, making the noise level rise, Dumbledore got to his feet.
"The feasts seem to get better and better each year," smiled Dumbledore. "Now its time for the usual start of the term notices. The Forbidden forest is off limits to all students—hence the name. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that tracking mud in the corridors will not be tolerated. A list of appropriate punishments are tacked outside his office door if one is interested in come seeing it.
"Also, we have two new additions to our staff. With Professor Umbridge leaving us last year, our Defense Against the Dark Arts positions was left unfilled." He paused as a loud series of yells and cheers broke out. Buffy grinned in her chair. Obviously, Umbridge wasn't missed too much. Professor Dumbledore smiled and continued, "I am now delighted to welcome back the teacher who will take over the Defense position, Professor Lupin"
There was a round of over enthusiastic applause from all the houses expect for Slytherin. The Gryffindors were the loudest table cheering and catcalling for their favorite teacher. Buffy smirked as Remus cheeks actually tinged red a little.
Dumbledore continued when the applause died. "I am pleased to welcome another addition to our growing staff. Professor Potter will be taking over our newly resurrected position of guidance counselor. Feel free to come and talk to her about anything that troubles you or something that you have to get off your chest."
Instantly heads snapped from Buffy to Harry then back again. Buffy gave a wave to the goggling onlookers. She looked away since some of their stares were unnerving her. It felt like some of the teenage boys in the room were undressing her with their very eyes. Buffy felt like Dumbledore was going on and on with his speech. Unintentionally she began to tune him and the world around her out. Her eyes blinked as she recognized the sounds of singing going on around her. The whole school was singing the school song. The words were written in the air in shimmering blue light. Buffy saw this and sung along with the rest of the school. She couldn't help but laugh along with everybody else, while singing. No one was taking it seriously; everyone was just having a good time and enjoying the moment.
Dumbledore dismissed the school and students began to file out of the Great Hall. Harry bade goodbye to his friends and joined Buffy at the Head Table. Earlier he had been giving the choice by Dumbledore to either live in the Gryffindor Tower or continue to share Buffy's and his quarters. Harry picked the second choice, wanting to be near his family. He would know the password to the Gryffindor common room, but he wouldn't live there with his fellow housemates.
Buffy waved to her coworkers and went with Harry to their room. The students in the hall gave them curious looks as they walked together in the hallway. They went down a long corridor till they got to their destination. Harry put his hand on the blue and bronze tapestry in front of them.
"Hellmouth," he said.
The tapestry turned transparent and they walked through it, entering their living room. Sleepily they said goodnight to each other and adjourned to their separate rooms to sleep for the night.
* * *
Buffy sat with the Professors at the Head Table the next morning. She was more nervous than she had ever been in her life. Today was her first day on the job. Buffy sent a silent prayer to the Powers that Be that her first day would go smoothly. Buffy was chewing on her bacon when Remus suddenly began to sputter. The students near the table looked up concerned then went back to eating once he gave them a smile.
"Is the food that good, Remus?" asked Buffy, her lips quirked into a smile.
Remus shook his head and handed her the copy of the Daily Prophet he had been reading, while eating. Buffy took the paper and her eyes widened at the headline on the front page.
Boy Who Lived, Not the only Potter!
Imagine our surprise when word was given to us that
the Boy Who Lived was not the only living Potter. That's
right. Our special sources have informed us that Harry
Potter, long survivor of the killing curse cast by He-Who
Must Not Be Named, has a 20 year old sister. Buffy Potter
is the first born child of Lily and James Potter. The young
couple had their daughter, Buffy, at the age of sixteen, while
attending England's most noted school of magic, Hogwarts
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Potters knew that
they were too young to keep Buffy, so she was given up for
adoption to a muggle adoption agency. It was only recently
at the death of her adoptive mother that Buffy sought out
her brother, Harry, and took him from their muggle relatives
that Harry stays with during summers. They both are currently
residing at Hogwarts, where Buffy is the counselor and
Harry a student in his sixth year. (Continued on Page, 5).
Buffy sat the paper down on the table. She looked at the offending article in disgust. They could have at least asked if they could publish the article. Hadn't they ever heard of invasion of privacy? Matter of fact, Buffy was surprised they hadn't put that she was a Slayer in the article also. Buffy turned her gaze to the students in the Great Hall. There was at least one Daily Prophet at each table and already she could see them spreading the word like wildfire. Harry put his own copy of the Prophet down. He rolled his eyes showing his aggravation with the newspaper too. Clearly, Harry wasn't a fan of the press.
Buffy crossed her arms a scowl fixed on her face. "Well, isn't that just peachy. Doesn't this paper have real news to cover? I'm pretty sure they haven't cured Mad Cow disease or Aids."
"The Prophet is going down the drain these days," commented McGonagall, shaking her head disapprovingly at the article. "Nothing but rubbish."
Remus nodded. "If they're not slandering someone or reporting their business, they are putting someone down. It never fails. It's like a big cycle with them."
Slowly the Great Hall started to thin out as students made their way to their classes. The Professors followed suit. Buffy sat in her seat, suddenly realizing she didn't know where her office was. Dumbledore appeared in front of her an ever-present smile on his face.
"Allow me to escort you to your office, Buffy."
She let out a breath of relief. She was a little worried there. Buffy joined him and together they left the Great Hall. They walked down the hallway then up a staircase. They passed the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom till they came to a door painted white. There was an opaque window built in the door and on the glass was written Prof. Buffy Potter, School Guidance Counselor.
"Welcome to your new office," said Dumbledore, opening the door.
The room was what Buffy would call comfy. It was large, but without being overly so. There was a large window that overlooked the lake along the back wall. A brown desk sat in front of the window. In one corner of the room was a squishy black armchair and a long black sofa and along another wall was a bookcase filled with different books.
Buffy looked around in stunned disbelief. Her hand went to her heart. For a second she was sure it had skipped and missed a beat. "All this is mine," she breathed in wonder.
"Yes, all you see here. I took the liberty of making it comfortable for you. Our last counselor left it in… somewhat of a mess."
Buffy enveloped Dumbledore in hug. "Thank you so much, Albus. You've done so much for me and Harry," she said, breathlessly. "I swear if you ever need anything. I will be there."
Dumbledore was floored by her gratitude. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back. "Now, now, child. There is no need for that. I did it simply to help you."
"Well, thank you anyway," replied Buffy smiling, unwrapping him from her over enthusiastic hug.
"I'll see you at lunch," said Dumbledore. He left the room, leaving her alone.
Buffy went behind her desk and sat in her extremely comfortable chair. She spun around letting a little giggle escape her lips. A book was sitting on her desk that had a blue cover. Curious, Buffy opened it and lost herself in the adventures of a hobbit named Frodo and his company of friends who were on a quest to destroy an evil ring. She didn't even notice the time fly. Before she knew it the clock on the wall told her it was lunchtime. It literally told her it was lunchtime and quite rudely too.
Buffy ate her lunch without any trouble. She went back to her office and picked up the book, continuing where she left off. It was an hour later when she heard a knock sound on her door. Startled, Buffy fumbled with her book and called, "Come in."
Through the door entered a young boy whom she recognized, as Justice Adams, Ravenclaw, from the Sorting Ceremony last night. Timidly, he walked into her office, keeping his eyes on the floor. Buffy immediately got over her nervousness, seeing how shy and upset he was. She rose to her feet and gestured to the sofa.
"Have a seat."
He sat down still keeping his eyes to the floor. Buffy sat down on the armchair that was positioned next to the sofa. "I'm Professor Potter."
"I'm Justice Adams," replied the boy softly, looking at her for the first time. His wide blue eyes looked fresh with sadness and tears.
"Can you tell me what's wrong, Justice?" asked Buffy, her voice laced with concern.
Justice nodded, putting his face in his hands. "I was in Potions this morning. It was my first time ever making a Potion and I was so excited. I'm a muggle born so I'm still getting used to all this magic stuff. I was doing so well, but I went so fast that I mixed up my ingredients. My cauldron exploded, showering the whole class. People started to swell up and boils appeared on their skin." He paused as a tear made its way down his cheek. Buffy went to the sofa and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Go on," she urged, softly.
Justice sniffed, wiping his noise with his sleeve. "Professor Snape said that I was stupid and incompetent. He took fifty points away from my house. It's only my first day! My housemates looked like they were so disappointed in me. I swear I didn't mean it! Honest!"
Buffy rubbed his back soothingly. This always used to calm her down when she was little. Her mother used to do it to her when she was upset over something. Eventually the rubbing started to work and Justice began to regain control of himself.
Buffy looked down at him with a small smile. "You know it's not your fault. I don't mean to bad-mouth him, but Snape isn't that good of a teacher in the first place."
"I figured that but he took away fifty points. On the first day! My housemates are going to hate me. We're already in the negatives," said Justice sadly.
"I'm sure when your housemates find out that it was Snape who took the points, they'll understand. Everyone is used to it," she handed him a Kleenex. "Dry your eyes and just don't fret over it. Your housemates are your family, your friends for the next seven years. Points are no points. They will stick by you no matter what. Plus you are in Ravenclaw, the brains of Hogwarts. I'm sure you guys will make up the lost points faster than you can say Prada."
Justice suddenly smiled. "Your right. I'll take it as it comes and just work hard to make up the points."
"There you go," replied Buffy, patting his back.
Justice picked up his shoulder bag still smiling. "Thank you, Professor." He walked to the door.
"Hey, Justice," called Buffy, stopping him. He turned around wondering what she wanted. "For being my first patient, twenty five points to Ravenclaw," she winked.
Justice smiled widely, practically beaming. He smiled thankfully at Buffy then departed the room. Buffy went to her desk and collapsed into her chair with a sigh. A smile came on to her face as she thought over the last fifteen minutes. Her first session had gone better than expected. She put her hands behind her head, twirling around in her chair looking at the ceiling.
"Beat that, Dr. Phil," she said smirking.
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I'm really tired now. It's 12:00a.m.and I'm wiped. I hoped you all liked this chapter. Buffy will do fine in her new job. I personally think it's the best job for her, besides Slaying of course. I hoped you guys aren't disappointed that nothing exciting happened. I assure though… the next chapter will be hella good. Also the one after that also. Oh, I just can't wait till I write them. They are going to rock, I assure you.