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with them.
Break from the Cause – First Impressions.
~*~
Willow stared at the woman a moment longer before arching an eyebrow.
"So... a school of witchcraft... can't say I've heard of that before." She hoped her voice had been casual but even she could hear the high pitch quality to it.
"And Wizardry." McGonagall finished, "I truly am sorry about scaring you Miss Rosenberg."
"Ah, scares. Happens all the time, what with all the vampires and monsters, I'm good with the whole 'Ahh' factor." The woman looked at her curiously.
"Vampires? Monsters?" Willow nodded lazily.
"Yeah. Well, hanging around with the Slayer doesn't really keep you off their radar, does it?" She drawled from her still standing position.
"No, I suppose it doesn't. Anyway, Sky." McGonagall turned to the blonde who was standing behind Willow's seat. "My reason for being here; Dumbledore wanted to know if you would be so kind as to teach this year."
"This wouldn't happen to be the accursed Defence against the Dark art's position will it? Because if that's so then I'm going to have to perform several protection charms."
The two women laughed whilst Willow looked between each as she tried to grasp at anything she might recognise.
"What's this school like?" She piped up eventually causing both women to look at her. "What? I'm American; you can't expect me to know what all English folk do." She said as though it was the most obvious thing on the planet. McGonagall chuckled.
"Minerva do you know about a year ago, the magic the covens foresaw as being enough to destroy the planet? Fuelled by grief?" Sky asked, sending edgy glances at her surprised friend.
"I do. I believe Albus was about to go over himself but your watcher fellow went over before he could step off the grounds. Seeing as we're all here, I assume it went well?" She cocked an eyebrow in question.
"It all turned out fine. It's just the magic... it emanated from Willow here." McGonagall's eyes widened to an almost comical level, turning to look at the American witch who laughed nervously.
"You can't be serious." The woman whispered in awe.
Willow swung her arms slightly by her sides nervously. Rocking on the balls of her feet she gave what she thought was a smile but probably looked more like a cringe.
"Yeah, umm... Sorry about that. There were... reasons I'd rather not go into right here but could you apologise to this... Albus was it? Could you say I'm sorry for causing so much hassle?"
Rubbing her hands together to get rid of some of the sweat gathering there she felt herself shrinking mentally under the woman's shocked gaze.
"Oh my dear no," McGonagall chuckled at the sight of Willow. "I'm not scalding you; you're not one of my students." Willow laughed nervously.
The tension in the room was broken by Sky as she suddenly jumped up from her seat and asked the pair if they fancied some more tea. They both agreed and the bubbly witch stepped into the kitchen.
"So what is this school of yours like?" The redhead enquired. "I'm assuming it's not all hocus pocus and Abra Kedabra."
"If you assumed that, you would be correct. Though the term 'Abra Kedabra' sounds a lot like one of the Wizarding worlds more lethal curses... so I'd watch where you say it." McGonagall said partly in jest partly serious, but the smile on her face calmed Willow a bit.
"Oh alright. So, what? You teach magic? As in wands, cauldrons and... broomsticks?"
"Oh yes, although the first years aren't allowed to play Quidditch, they have to wait till second year." McGonagall said this so casually that Willow had to look at her properly to see if she was kidding or not.
"...Quidditch?" She whispered. McGonagall faltered slightly before remembering the witch before her didn't have the slightest idea of what she was talking about.
"Yeh, Quidditch is a game that wizards play on broomsticks. They fly in the air above an oval shaped pitch. They're-'' Her explanation was cut off however when Willow began to giggle not-too-discreetly and allow it to escalate into full-blown laughter.
"Oh... I'm sorry." The American witch managed to get out through the laughs. McGonagall merely raised an eyebrow in question. "It's just... it seems... so cliché." She then dissolved into yet more laughter. When Sky re-entered the room with a tray in her hands that carried a full tea pot and three fresh cups, she stopped at the sight of a hysterical Willow.
"What's going on Minerva?" She asked the older witch as she cast wary glances at her friend.
"I was explaining about Quidditch and she just, for lack of a better word, burst."
Sky cocked an eyebrow and looked at the American girl who was still trying to cover her laughter, yet completely succeeding in failing miserably.
"What's so funny about Quidditch?" She asked confused and Willow, whilst still giggling, looked mildly confused.
"You know, broomsticks...it's all very weird. I mean, there's no such thing as a flying broomst..."
Sky walked from the room into the bedroom before returning with a glistening broomstick in her hand.
"... Oh..." The red head finally muttered out. "That really flies?" She asked, letting her eyes roam over it.
"Yes. This model is a Nimbus 2000; it's not the best out there but it's better than most." The blonde set the broom down next to her. "I'll explain everything to you soon enough. In fact, how about coming up to Hogwarts with me? I mean... if that's alright with you Minerva." She looked pleadingly at the greying witch who in turn, sighed in defeat.
"Very well. Albus wants everyone at the school for the 'before-students- arrive' meeting at 6:00pm so it's now... oh my, it's 5:45. We better be going." She along with Sky made to leave via the fire place but Willow remained seated.
"Where exactly are we going to?" She asked apprehensively.
"Scotland." McGonagall said causing Sky to roll her eyes and mutter something that sounded strangely like 'Well that narrows it down' only to receive a pointed glared from the older witch.
"I'm wondering because I can, um, well... what do you call it when a person can disappear at will?"
"Apparate, apparition... etc." Sky informed her.
"Yes, I can apparate there, but it's a kind of modified way of doing so." Looking over the rims of her glasses Minerva looked at the girl sternly.
"So can most of us, granted, not modified, but we can too. Honestly, you're as bad as Mr Potter about the floo. How can two big powerful Wicca's be terrified of the Floo?" Sighing the older woman picked up a pot with dust in it. "It's really rather simple Miss Rosenberg, It won't kill you, I swear." Willow eyed the pot accusingly, trying her hardest to not come within three feet of it.
"Still, all the same... I'd feel better just apparating there." Sky smirked at the expression on McGonagall's face.
"Come on Minerva. You can introduce her to the what's and how's of the world another time. Can we get going please? I want to see how Remus is doing." McGonagall sent another glare her way before admitting defeat.
"Fine, come on. You have a 100 yard anti-apparition barrier around your house, we'll have to walk." The pair made for the door but again, Willow remained where she was.
"I hate to be a fuss or anything, but you say the ward-things are 150 yards out?" McGonagall nodded. "I 'apparated' in about... 30 yards away. I should be able to apparate us all out of here too." She explained.
Looking at one another briefly in shock the two British women turned back to the young witch.
"Well as long as you're sure you won't splinch us." Sky said a little hesitantly.
"I have a feeling Dumbledore's going to be very interested with you." McGonagall said as she straightened her robes to hide her shock in fear of revealing her loss of composure.
"Great." The redhead said excitedly. "I need a mental image of the place; I take it you've both been there?" They nodded. "Ok, Sky. Get an image up of the place we're going... Hogwarts? And I'll link to that. All that's left to do is hang on."
McGonagall and Sky latched tightly onto Willow's arms and after a few seconds thought, the American 'poofed' them outside the main entrance of the Hogwarts Castle. The oldest of the three witches gave a startled 'yelp' at the method of transportation and regarded Willow carefully.
"Where did you learn how to travel like that, Miss Rosenberg?" She asked after she'd had a moment to collect herself. The American looked at the woman uneasily before answering.
"When I went haywire and almost burnt the planet to a fiery crisp?" her tone was of nervous jest. "It just kind of stuck with me; it's been handy. What with all the run-ins with vamp's we have back home... Ok, we were trekking with around 7 slayers but 5 of them had all of 2 month actual slayer-strength training-and we're getting off course again." She turned her eyes down to the ground.
"Minerva, do stop terrorizing the young woman."
"Asking a question is not a terrorist act my dear." The older woman sniffed as she pulled her cloak around her tighter.
Willow gave a nervous titter at the two witches bickering. Turning to the red head with a huff at Sky, McGonagall waved a hand towards the building.
"Welcome to Hogwarts Miss Rosenberg, Let's just try to survive the weekend shall we?" Turning briskly the older witch led the way towards up the path as the other two scurried after her. "Dumbledore will be expecting us." She called as her cloak swished around her.
"Come now Ms Rosenberg." Sky spoke in a mock-McGonagall tone, making Willow stifle a giggle behind her hand. The greying Professor faltered in her stride but didn't comment. The two younger witches looked at one another, grinning 'discreetly' and followed.
As they stepped over the threshold Willow stopped, her eyes wide. She latched onto Sky for support for a moment before standing up straight.
"What's wrong Will'?" The blond questioned. Her friend looked around the entrance hall, her eyes still wide.
"When I stepped inside... it was like, I don't know... it was like a barrier but it was so powerful. I haven't felt anything like it since I helped with the slayers." She whispered with confusion and awe lining her tone. Ahead of her, a warm chuckle brought her back to reality. After shaking her head to clear the cobwebs, she turned to see an extremely old looking man. He wore long robes made up of what looked to be exquisite material and vibrant colours. His twinkling blue eyes shone with warmth and kindness. To top it all off, he had waist length almost-silver hair.
"Well when I sent you out to retrieve our lovely Sky here I wasn't expecting guests, particularly one's attuned to the magical wards of Hogwarts." His eyes twinkled slightly as he regarded the blushing red head. "My dear, welcome to Hogwarts." He took her hand and placed a chivalrous kiss on her hand. McGonagall rolled her eyes as he coughed deliberately.
"Taking on Dolores's traits in her absence Minerva?" The man chuckled causing the woman to scowl at him menacingly. Willow fought a smile as she watched the exchange in amusement.
"Albus we may be old and above such comments involving beating one another in some form of violence, but do not doubt for a second I will not, in Potter's words, 'Thoroughly beat you.'"
"Now now Minerva." The old man held up his hands in mock-defeat that only succeeded in causing the other witch's scowl to deepen.
"Sky! Is that you?" a totally new voice entered the scene and everyone turned to see two men walking towards them, both faces alight with happiness and excitement. Willow looked at the men confused as to who they were exactly. Her blonde companion seemed to be familiar with the older one, she noted.
"Remus Lupin. That can't be you." She teased playfully. The pair embraced briefly before she moved on to the younger man that had walked over with Remus. "Harry, Harry, Harry." She chanted in a sing-song voice. "Miss me?" Grinning, the man pulled Sky into a bone-crushing hug.
"Ah you're hard not to miss my sweet." He kissed her cheek then took a step back to stand beside Remus once again.
Willow stood nervously rocking back and forth on her feet as she watched the group exchange greetings before the younger of the two turned to her.
"Oh... hello?" He said as she blushed and gave a little wave. Sky grinned as she turned to the shy girl.
"Sorry Will. Harry, Willow: Willow, Harry." She moved a hand to gesture between the two as they shook hands and Remus moved forwards.
"Let me guess... Remus?" The witch joked as the blonde chuckled and shook her hand.
"Aye, and I'm going out on a limb to say you're Willow?" The American nodded, smiling slightly and watched Remus step back to stand beside Harry.
"Harry here is the 'Potter' these two keep mentioning." Sky said as she winked at the boy who turned to the older wizards quizzically.
"You two are insufferable... do you know that?" He sighed dramatically, causing everyone to laugh.
"Remus, Harry." Sky chirped, sounding more and more hyper with every word she spoke. "Where's Black?" Harry scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously. Remus wasn't much better for answering either. The blonde witch was just about to ask again when an extremely loud voice ran through the school.
"REMUS! HARRY!" The unmistakable voice of Sirius Black roared. Both Remus and Harry had moved from their previous position to one behind Willow and Sky in an attempt to hide.
Willow was a pit of confusion. She looked around to try and see who the voice belonged to but could see no one until an irate looking man that looked to be about the same age as Remus came charging into the entrance hall. She couldn't stop the laughter from escaping her lips at the sight of him. The man had neon pink hair and wore lime green robes. It was truly a sight she would savour... that much was for sure.
"Hmm? Yes Sirius?" Remus said politely as he continued to use the laughing red head as a shield. Harry gave a titter but Sirius whipped his head round to glare at him making him cower, albeit laughing, behind Sky.
"Don't 'Yes Sirius' me. What the hell is this?" He cried pointing at his fetching hair style.
"Well you ARE related to Tonks, I would've thought you'd have enjoyed the extremity of it all." Harry moved closer to Willow and Remus by shuffling the giggling blonde witch sideways with him.
Pitying the poor man Willow smiled at him. "Here let me help."
Waving a hand before the confused male her, she muttered a Latin incantation and a soft whoosh noise sounded before Sirius' black hair and dark robes returned to normal.
"...Holy shit." The man muttered as all, except the smirking headmaster, looked at her in awe.
"She's a... she's like..." Harry said as Willow watched him try to grasp what he'd just witnessed.
"She's almost as powerful as you are Harry... a little under, maybe." Dumbledore said as the rest of the group looked round at the man.
Sirius whisked back round to the blushing red head. Giving a heart-stopping grin he held out a hand. "Sirius Black, in your debt for your kindness." Grinning, Willow took the pro-offered hand as the man turned it and kissed it in a suave way.
"Ahem." They both looked over to Remus who had an eyebrow raised and his arms crossed, Harry cracking up behind him.
"Oh Moony, you know I love you." Sirius grinned at his husband.
"Black, don't I get a 'hello-kiss'?" Sky pouted, quite obviously teasing Remus but not caring. Sirius smirked and sauntered over to the blonde witch. He leaned over to kiss her when he felt someone grabbing onto the back of his robes and pulling him back.
Remus growled unconsciously as he pulled Sirius next to him. He knew Sky was messing around but still... Sirius was his and he wasn't ashamed to show it. He grinned at his husband and then at Sky. The group were sent into hysterics.
"Albus, I was meaning to ask you..." Sky spoke up as they all began walking towards the staff room for the meeting.
"Hmm?"
"I was wondering if Willow could possibly help me in the classroom for a couple of months." This caught the attention of the entire party. They all listened for the Headmaster's answer.
"Help you in what manner?" The man asked.
"Well, you know. Co-Professor. She doesn't have certification but she has the experience. She's fought vampires, demons... she's even re-cursed 'Angelous'." At this, Dumbledore's eyebrows raised.
"Angelous? Really?"
"Yes. She's trained with the Slayer... well, a lot of slayers. She knows her stuff. So do you think it would be possible?" The blonde asked hopefully. Dumbledore seemed to ponder this for a moment or two before smiling down at his former student.
"We will of course, have to put this forward to the faculty members during the meeting but I see no problem." His eyes twinkled merrily as Sky thanked him profusely.
~*~
We'd like to thank Chris for editing, pointing out mistakes, laughing in out general direction... and so on. :]
We hope you enjoyed the chapter as much as we enjoyed writing. Review!
Thank you!!
Cal & Chrissi x
Break from the Cause – First Impressions.
~*~
Willow stared at the woman a moment longer before arching an eyebrow.
"So... a school of witchcraft... can't say I've heard of that before." She hoped her voice had been casual but even she could hear the high pitch quality to it.
"And Wizardry." McGonagall finished, "I truly am sorry about scaring you Miss Rosenberg."
"Ah, scares. Happens all the time, what with all the vampires and monsters, I'm good with the whole 'Ahh' factor." The woman looked at her curiously.
"Vampires? Monsters?" Willow nodded lazily.
"Yeah. Well, hanging around with the Slayer doesn't really keep you off their radar, does it?" She drawled from her still standing position.
"No, I suppose it doesn't. Anyway, Sky." McGonagall turned to the blonde who was standing behind Willow's seat. "My reason for being here; Dumbledore wanted to know if you would be so kind as to teach this year."
"This wouldn't happen to be the accursed Defence against the Dark art's position will it? Because if that's so then I'm going to have to perform several protection charms."
The two women laughed whilst Willow looked between each as she tried to grasp at anything she might recognise.
"What's this school like?" She piped up eventually causing both women to look at her. "What? I'm American; you can't expect me to know what all English folk do." She said as though it was the most obvious thing on the planet. McGonagall chuckled.
"Minerva do you know about a year ago, the magic the covens foresaw as being enough to destroy the planet? Fuelled by grief?" Sky asked, sending edgy glances at her surprised friend.
"I do. I believe Albus was about to go over himself but your watcher fellow went over before he could step off the grounds. Seeing as we're all here, I assume it went well?" She cocked an eyebrow in question.
"It all turned out fine. It's just the magic... it emanated from Willow here." McGonagall's eyes widened to an almost comical level, turning to look at the American witch who laughed nervously.
"You can't be serious." The woman whispered in awe.
Willow swung her arms slightly by her sides nervously. Rocking on the balls of her feet she gave what she thought was a smile but probably looked more like a cringe.
"Yeah, umm... Sorry about that. There were... reasons I'd rather not go into right here but could you apologise to this... Albus was it? Could you say I'm sorry for causing so much hassle?"
Rubbing her hands together to get rid of some of the sweat gathering there she felt herself shrinking mentally under the woman's shocked gaze.
"Oh my dear no," McGonagall chuckled at the sight of Willow. "I'm not scalding you; you're not one of my students." Willow laughed nervously.
The tension in the room was broken by Sky as she suddenly jumped up from her seat and asked the pair if they fancied some more tea. They both agreed and the bubbly witch stepped into the kitchen.
"So what is this school of yours like?" The redhead enquired. "I'm assuming it's not all hocus pocus and Abra Kedabra."
"If you assumed that, you would be correct. Though the term 'Abra Kedabra' sounds a lot like one of the Wizarding worlds more lethal curses... so I'd watch where you say it." McGonagall said partly in jest partly serious, but the smile on her face calmed Willow a bit.
"Oh alright. So, what? You teach magic? As in wands, cauldrons and... broomsticks?"
"Oh yes, although the first years aren't allowed to play Quidditch, they have to wait till second year." McGonagall said this so casually that Willow had to look at her properly to see if she was kidding or not.
"...Quidditch?" She whispered. McGonagall faltered slightly before remembering the witch before her didn't have the slightest idea of what she was talking about.
"Yeh, Quidditch is a game that wizards play on broomsticks. They fly in the air above an oval shaped pitch. They're-'' Her explanation was cut off however when Willow began to giggle not-too-discreetly and allow it to escalate into full-blown laughter.
"Oh... I'm sorry." The American witch managed to get out through the laughs. McGonagall merely raised an eyebrow in question. "It's just... it seems... so cliché." She then dissolved into yet more laughter. When Sky re-entered the room with a tray in her hands that carried a full tea pot and three fresh cups, she stopped at the sight of a hysterical Willow.
"What's going on Minerva?" She asked the older witch as she cast wary glances at her friend.
"I was explaining about Quidditch and she just, for lack of a better word, burst."
Sky cocked an eyebrow and looked at the American girl who was still trying to cover her laughter, yet completely succeeding in failing miserably.
"What's so funny about Quidditch?" She asked confused and Willow, whilst still giggling, looked mildly confused.
"You know, broomsticks...it's all very weird. I mean, there's no such thing as a flying broomst..."
Sky walked from the room into the bedroom before returning with a glistening broomstick in her hand.
"... Oh..." The red head finally muttered out. "That really flies?" She asked, letting her eyes roam over it.
"Yes. This model is a Nimbus 2000; it's not the best out there but it's better than most." The blonde set the broom down next to her. "I'll explain everything to you soon enough. In fact, how about coming up to Hogwarts with me? I mean... if that's alright with you Minerva." She looked pleadingly at the greying witch who in turn, sighed in defeat.
"Very well. Albus wants everyone at the school for the 'before-students- arrive' meeting at 6:00pm so it's now... oh my, it's 5:45. We better be going." She along with Sky made to leave via the fire place but Willow remained seated.
"Where exactly are we going to?" She asked apprehensively.
"Scotland." McGonagall said causing Sky to roll her eyes and mutter something that sounded strangely like 'Well that narrows it down' only to receive a pointed glared from the older witch.
"I'm wondering because I can, um, well... what do you call it when a person can disappear at will?"
"Apparate, apparition... etc." Sky informed her.
"Yes, I can apparate there, but it's a kind of modified way of doing so." Looking over the rims of her glasses Minerva looked at the girl sternly.
"So can most of us, granted, not modified, but we can too. Honestly, you're as bad as Mr Potter about the floo. How can two big powerful Wicca's be terrified of the Floo?" Sighing the older woman picked up a pot with dust in it. "It's really rather simple Miss Rosenberg, It won't kill you, I swear." Willow eyed the pot accusingly, trying her hardest to not come within three feet of it.
"Still, all the same... I'd feel better just apparating there." Sky smirked at the expression on McGonagall's face.
"Come on Minerva. You can introduce her to the what's and how's of the world another time. Can we get going please? I want to see how Remus is doing." McGonagall sent another glare her way before admitting defeat.
"Fine, come on. You have a 100 yard anti-apparition barrier around your house, we'll have to walk." The pair made for the door but again, Willow remained where she was.
"I hate to be a fuss or anything, but you say the ward-things are 150 yards out?" McGonagall nodded. "I 'apparated' in about... 30 yards away. I should be able to apparate us all out of here too." She explained.
Looking at one another briefly in shock the two British women turned back to the young witch.
"Well as long as you're sure you won't splinch us." Sky said a little hesitantly.
"I have a feeling Dumbledore's going to be very interested with you." McGonagall said as she straightened her robes to hide her shock in fear of revealing her loss of composure.
"Great." The redhead said excitedly. "I need a mental image of the place; I take it you've both been there?" They nodded. "Ok, Sky. Get an image up of the place we're going... Hogwarts? And I'll link to that. All that's left to do is hang on."
McGonagall and Sky latched tightly onto Willow's arms and after a few seconds thought, the American 'poofed' them outside the main entrance of the Hogwarts Castle. The oldest of the three witches gave a startled 'yelp' at the method of transportation and regarded Willow carefully.
"Where did you learn how to travel like that, Miss Rosenberg?" She asked after she'd had a moment to collect herself. The American looked at the woman uneasily before answering.
"When I went haywire and almost burnt the planet to a fiery crisp?" her tone was of nervous jest. "It just kind of stuck with me; it's been handy. What with all the run-ins with vamp's we have back home... Ok, we were trekking with around 7 slayers but 5 of them had all of 2 month actual slayer-strength training-and we're getting off course again." She turned her eyes down to the ground.
"Minerva, do stop terrorizing the young woman."
"Asking a question is not a terrorist act my dear." The older woman sniffed as she pulled her cloak around her tighter.
Willow gave a nervous titter at the two witches bickering. Turning to the red head with a huff at Sky, McGonagall waved a hand towards the building.
"Welcome to Hogwarts Miss Rosenberg, Let's just try to survive the weekend shall we?" Turning briskly the older witch led the way towards up the path as the other two scurried after her. "Dumbledore will be expecting us." She called as her cloak swished around her.
"Come now Ms Rosenberg." Sky spoke in a mock-McGonagall tone, making Willow stifle a giggle behind her hand. The greying Professor faltered in her stride but didn't comment. The two younger witches looked at one another, grinning 'discreetly' and followed.
As they stepped over the threshold Willow stopped, her eyes wide. She latched onto Sky for support for a moment before standing up straight.
"What's wrong Will'?" The blond questioned. Her friend looked around the entrance hall, her eyes still wide.
"When I stepped inside... it was like, I don't know... it was like a barrier but it was so powerful. I haven't felt anything like it since I helped with the slayers." She whispered with confusion and awe lining her tone. Ahead of her, a warm chuckle brought her back to reality. After shaking her head to clear the cobwebs, she turned to see an extremely old looking man. He wore long robes made up of what looked to be exquisite material and vibrant colours. His twinkling blue eyes shone with warmth and kindness. To top it all off, he had waist length almost-silver hair.
"Well when I sent you out to retrieve our lovely Sky here I wasn't expecting guests, particularly one's attuned to the magical wards of Hogwarts." His eyes twinkled slightly as he regarded the blushing red head. "My dear, welcome to Hogwarts." He took her hand and placed a chivalrous kiss on her hand. McGonagall rolled her eyes as he coughed deliberately.
"Taking on Dolores's traits in her absence Minerva?" The man chuckled causing the woman to scowl at him menacingly. Willow fought a smile as she watched the exchange in amusement.
"Albus we may be old and above such comments involving beating one another in some form of violence, but do not doubt for a second I will not, in Potter's words, 'Thoroughly beat you.'"
"Now now Minerva." The old man held up his hands in mock-defeat that only succeeded in causing the other witch's scowl to deepen.
"Sky! Is that you?" a totally new voice entered the scene and everyone turned to see two men walking towards them, both faces alight with happiness and excitement. Willow looked at the men confused as to who they were exactly. Her blonde companion seemed to be familiar with the older one, she noted.
"Remus Lupin. That can't be you." She teased playfully. The pair embraced briefly before she moved on to the younger man that had walked over with Remus. "Harry, Harry, Harry." She chanted in a sing-song voice. "Miss me?" Grinning, the man pulled Sky into a bone-crushing hug.
"Ah you're hard not to miss my sweet." He kissed her cheek then took a step back to stand beside Remus once again.
Willow stood nervously rocking back and forth on her feet as she watched the group exchange greetings before the younger of the two turned to her.
"Oh... hello?" He said as she blushed and gave a little wave. Sky grinned as she turned to the shy girl.
"Sorry Will. Harry, Willow: Willow, Harry." She moved a hand to gesture between the two as they shook hands and Remus moved forwards.
"Let me guess... Remus?" The witch joked as the blonde chuckled and shook her hand.
"Aye, and I'm going out on a limb to say you're Willow?" The American nodded, smiling slightly and watched Remus step back to stand beside Harry.
"Harry here is the 'Potter' these two keep mentioning." Sky said as she winked at the boy who turned to the older wizards quizzically.
"You two are insufferable... do you know that?" He sighed dramatically, causing everyone to laugh.
"Remus, Harry." Sky chirped, sounding more and more hyper with every word she spoke. "Where's Black?" Harry scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously. Remus wasn't much better for answering either. The blonde witch was just about to ask again when an extremely loud voice ran through the school.
"REMUS! HARRY!" The unmistakable voice of Sirius Black roared. Both Remus and Harry had moved from their previous position to one behind Willow and Sky in an attempt to hide.
Willow was a pit of confusion. She looked around to try and see who the voice belonged to but could see no one until an irate looking man that looked to be about the same age as Remus came charging into the entrance hall. She couldn't stop the laughter from escaping her lips at the sight of him. The man had neon pink hair and wore lime green robes. It was truly a sight she would savour... that much was for sure.
"Hmm? Yes Sirius?" Remus said politely as he continued to use the laughing red head as a shield. Harry gave a titter but Sirius whipped his head round to glare at him making him cower, albeit laughing, behind Sky.
"Don't 'Yes Sirius' me. What the hell is this?" He cried pointing at his fetching hair style.
"Well you ARE related to Tonks, I would've thought you'd have enjoyed the extremity of it all." Harry moved closer to Willow and Remus by shuffling the giggling blonde witch sideways with him.
Pitying the poor man Willow smiled at him. "Here let me help."
Waving a hand before the confused male her, she muttered a Latin incantation and a soft whoosh noise sounded before Sirius' black hair and dark robes returned to normal.
"...Holy shit." The man muttered as all, except the smirking headmaster, looked at her in awe.
"She's a... she's like..." Harry said as Willow watched him try to grasp what he'd just witnessed.
"She's almost as powerful as you are Harry... a little under, maybe." Dumbledore said as the rest of the group looked round at the man.
Sirius whisked back round to the blushing red head. Giving a heart-stopping grin he held out a hand. "Sirius Black, in your debt for your kindness." Grinning, Willow took the pro-offered hand as the man turned it and kissed it in a suave way.
"Ahem." They both looked over to Remus who had an eyebrow raised and his arms crossed, Harry cracking up behind him.
"Oh Moony, you know I love you." Sirius grinned at his husband.
"Black, don't I get a 'hello-kiss'?" Sky pouted, quite obviously teasing Remus but not caring. Sirius smirked and sauntered over to the blonde witch. He leaned over to kiss her when he felt someone grabbing onto the back of his robes and pulling him back.
Remus growled unconsciously as he pulled Sirius next to him. He knew Sky was messing around but still... Sirius was his and he wasn't ashamed to show it. He grinned at his husband and then at Sky. The group were sent into hysterics.
"Albus, I was meaning to ask you..." Sky spoke up as they all began walking towards the staff room for the meeting.
"Hmm?"
"I was wondering if Willow could possibly help me in the classroom for a couple of months." This caught the attention of the entire party. They all listened for the Headmaster's answer.
"Help you in what manner?" The man asked.
"Well, you know. Co-Professor. She doesn't have certification but she has the experience. She's fought vampires, demons... she's even re-cursed 'Angelous'." At this, Dumbledore's eyebrows raised.
"Angelous? Really?"
"Yes. She's trained with the Slayer... well, a lot of slayers. She knows her stuff. So do you think it would be possible?" The blonde asked hopefully. Dumbledore seemed to ponder this for a moment or two before smiling down at his former student.
"We will of course, have to put this forward to the faculty members during the meeting but I see no problem." His eyes twinkled merrily as Sky thanked him profusely.
~*~
We'd like to thank Chris for editing, pointing out mistakes, laughing in out general direction... and so on. :]
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Cal & Chrissi x