Okay people. Sorry it's taken so long, but I've got lots on at the moment.
Wow! To all the reviewers, I love you guys! Your questions will be answered at the end.
You find out Buffy's real dad in this chapter, it's almost anti-climactic. Lexinator – how did you guess Buffy's real dad? Was it that obvious?
Chapter 3 – Presents and explanations
"Okay, now presents!" Ron grinned.
Harry and Buffy were shoved into chairs (everyone was still in the kitchen, which was the warmest and friendliest room in the house – as Harry remembered) and beset upon.
"Ours first!" Ron and Xander grinned.
"Huh?" Buffy asked.
"We bought your presents the other day in Diagon Alley. Together. It's easier to buy two presents than one, and gave us more scope to choose from." Ron explained.
"Thanks, guys." Harry grinned.
"Snazzy." Buffy smirked. The two birthday people grinned at each other and tore open the wrapping paper.
"Cool!" Harry stated.
"Wicked!" Buffy crowed.
Both had been given a wrist wand holster. Buffy's was dark brown with a silver unicorn emblazoned on it, Harry's the same but with a golden phoenix instead. They were well made leather and good quality.
"These are great, you two. I've been storing my wand in an improvisation on my leg." Harry grinned and slid on the holster, and placed he wand inside. It was a proper Auror's holster, complete with a spell to make it invisible and unnoticeable as well as easy to flick out and catch the wand.
"Yeah, I store mine... well, wherever." Buffy shrugged.
"Your hair was a favourite for a while." Xander teased.
Buffy protested. "I couldn't find a hair clip that morning!"
"Now us." Hermione and Willow came forward. The two Muggle-born witches had become fast friends over the last few days.
"Same trick, huh?" Buffy asked.
"Same trick, but different reason. We needed to pool our money to get you what we wanted to." Willow grinned.
Buffy and Harry opened up the presents to reveal Auror kits and Defence tools.
"Willow told me you wanted to be an Auror like Harry, so we thought we'd get you the equipment." Hermione grinned. "Seems appropriate."
Buffy grinned. "This is great. Thanks, guys."
Harry nodded. "And now I've got all summer to practise. Tell me when Gred and Forge prank you, I'll practise the spells on them."
Ginny grinned at her brothers (they'd reappeared for cake). "Be afraid, be very afraid."
"Hey, Harry, you're supposed to be our friend!" George protested.
"Not to mention financial backer." Fred whispered.
Harry grinned. "Well, I need someone to practise on." He was looking through the kit. "Wow." He pulled out a dagger and sheath.
Willow stared. "That wasn't in there when we got them."
Buffy pulled out a similar one.
"Definitely not. They wouldn't sell those ones to us." Hermione frowned.
Harry shrugged. "Maybe they forgot. Another phoenix. Interesting." The sheath was plain, but good quality, black leather, the only ornament a golden phoenix. The blade was of the finest steel, the edge peerless, and the hilt of a golden metal, harder than gold. A phoenix was upon the hilt, tiny rubies for eyes.
"Mine's a unicorn." Buffy frowned. Her blade was identical, but for the hilt being of a silvery metal with a sapphire-eyed unicorn.
They continued opening presents. After a while, it came down to the last one or two.
"Harry, this was commissioned and paid for by your father." Lupin informed him, bringing something forward. "But he never came to pick it up. Tonks, Moody and I have given it a few extra furnishings. I think your father wanted it for when they went into hiding."
Harry frowned at him and then bent down to open the large gift. A deep brown trunk with the name 'Potter' engraved on the side with a golden substance greeted him. It had no keyhole, just a long groove in the top. (A/N: The trunk is influenced by some of the fics I've read – 'Harry Potter and the Power of Time' and 'Harry Potter, Heir of Gryffindor' being the principal two. Go read the fics!)
"Wow."
Remus grinned. "Only you and I can actually get in. James had me with him at the time and it was needed for someone else to be able to get in. You, having Potter blood, can get in anyway, you just need the password." Remus whispered it in the boy's ear. Harry grinned.
Running his finger along the groove, Harry murmured, "The Phoenix rises," barely audibly. The trunk lid clicked and Harry opened it.
It proved to be a multi-compartmented trunk, like Moody's, but with a major difference. This trunk was made for living in. It had a living room, library, kitchen-dining-room, bedroom complete with pull out beds, duelling and training room, it's own Room of Requirement, and a 'garden', which proved to be a large garden complete with a massive expanse of countryside, including forest, streams and rivers.
"My God, that's impressive." Ron whistled low. Strangely, he couldn't feel jealous of Harry. But then, Harry had never really had anything from his parents before, this was effectively fifteen years' worth of birthday presents.
Harry smiled. "I know. It's appropriate too. Coming of age and all. Sixteenth birthday."
Remus smiled. "Yes. In truth, I'd forgotten it, but the trunk maker recognised me and told me to give it to you. Moody and Tonks did some work on the training room and we added a few little home comforts. And some books."
Harry almost choked. "Guys... Thank you." Then he grinned. "Was the 'garden' created so you could relive your midnight adventures?"
Remus moved and put his hand over Harry's mouth. "Not in front of the Headmaster. I swear, you do that deliberately. Just like Prongs."
Harry grinned and shoved his former professor's hand away. "I wonder why that is, Moony?"
Fred and George blinked.
"Did you just say Prongs..."
"And Moony..."
"The miraculous creators..."
"Of the Map..."
"And aiding a new generation of pranksters..."
"To continue their noble work in Hogwarts?"
Buffy stared at them. "How do you do that?"
"They're twins, Buff. 'Nuff said." Xander grinned.
Harry looked at them innocently. "Didn't you know that my father, our dear former professor and my late godfather were the Marauders?"
"Weren't there four?" Fred frowned.
"Wormtail lost his position as a Marauder when he betrayed Lily and James and sent Sirius to Azkaban." Remus snarled.
"You mean *Peter Pettigrew* was a Marauder?" George asked. "That rat!"
"Yeah, and you didn't think he was your pet for years." Ron rolled his eyes.
Then George suddenly looked at Fred. "You know what this means?"
"Yes I do."
"Our dear silent partner..."
"Has hidden from us..."
"That he is Prongs Junior..."
"No wonder..."
"He thought our joke shop..."
"Was such a good idea..."
"And gave us the money..."
"To finance it."
Harry groaned. He hadn't been looking forward to this conversation.
"What do you mean?" Molly Weasley asked.
"Y'know after the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Harry asked. She nodded. "I got that money and I felt it should have been Cedric's. I didn't want it. I eventually forced your sons to take it for their joke shop. We're going to need all the laughs we can get."
"What do you mean 'forced' them?" Buffy asked.
"I threatened to hex them if they didn't take it. I know some good ones." Harry shrugged.
"Nice." Buffy grinned appreciatively.
"Harry, you shouldn't have given away your winnings like..." Molly began.
"I didn't want them. I didn't need them. However, I need a laugh every so often. And your family has been the closest to a real family I've ever known. I had to do *something*. Besides," Harry now grinned, "I don't think the twins are cut out for work in the Ministry. They'd blow the place up. But at the rate they're going, they could give Zonko's a run for their money."
Mrs Weasley didn't know whether to feel annoyed or relieved. She settled on sighing. "Never mind."
"Besides, we're making good money, Mum." Fred pointed out.
"By bringing happiness to people." George grinned.
"And that's always important." Fred finished.
"You two have learnt how to get around me, haven't you?" Molly groaned.
"Hope so."
"We're getting there."
Buffy grinned. "Well, now that that's sorted, can I have my last presents?"
* * *
This next day, Dumbledore summoned Harry, Xander and Buffy to his new office in Grimmauld Place. It seemed that they had finished the cleaning and now redecorating was in order. Sirius had clearly wanted to get it in some sort of reasonable order for Harry to come and stay that summer. Harry felt a pang of guilt, but knew Sirius would not want him to blame himself. In any case, most of the bedrooms had been redecorated in bright, clean colours, many rearranged into suites, and the rooms of the ground floor were being reorganised and magically changed. In any case, Dumbledore now had an office as Head of the Order. Everyone else stayed in their rooms or the kitchen anyway.
"You wanted to see us, sir?" Harry asked, trying not to feel angry that Dumbledore had taken so long to tell him about the prophecy. He was making a real effort. And slowly he was getting there.
"Yes, are Rupert and Joyce with you?" Dumbledore asked.
The adults were passing. "Yes, yes, come in, you too, Remus."
Remus looked surprised. "Why me?"
"Well, you're the last of James' friends left. I believe you should be here. And I think you have a right to know. Besides, I think Harry would appreciate it." Dumbledore explained.
Harry just frowned. "Why? What's going on?"
"Harry, how do you view Remus?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry looked lost in thought for a moment, then grinned. "Like an uncle I s'pose. But a lot more responsible than Sirius..." Harry gulped and continued, "was. After all, he was my professor for a year."
"And a member of the infamous Marauders." Giles commented.
Remus grinned at the man, who was only a year or two younger than he. "You're just sore because we pranked you and Ben at school."
"I'd've thought Ben being James' brother would have made him immune." Giles sighed and took his glasses off to clean them.
"Nah, family get worst of it. Mind you, James actually liked Ben, so it wasn't too bad. Sirius and Regulus... Not a good combo." Remus smirked.
"Does anyone else feel like they're caught up in a verbal tennis match?" Harry commented to Buffy and Xander.
"Yup." Xander grinned. "How's about you continue that fascinating conversation later so old Bumblebee can tell us whatever?"
Buffy and Harry burst out laughing. As did Dumbledore.
"*Bumblebee*?" Buffy gasped.
"S'what Dumbledore means, y'know." Xander replied defensively.
Dumbledore gave a dry smile. "Your father called me that as well. And that is what we're here to talk about."
"Bumblebees?"
"Your parents." Dumbledore explained.
"What about them?"
"Let's start at the beginning. Which is with the building of Hogwarts school. As you know, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were two of the Founders of our school. What is less well known is the two families descended from them, purely because they ordered their children to change their surname. They didn't want them to be so conspicuous, but also it believed that Gryffindor, who was a Seer, saw a time when their descendants would be persecuted because of their name. So they changed them." Dumbledore informed them.
"Gryffindor's son was given the name Potter, which came from their creativity, particularly with clay. I know it seems strange, Harry, Xander, but you both have a gift for pottery, even if you've never used it. Hence the name. Gryffindor's line had several consistencies. The first- born was always male. The second-born could be either, and there were rarely more than two children. The family fortunes, of course, were automatically handed to the first-born, but often the second-born would receive something, particularly if the child were female, then as a dowry. The line has always been considered pureblooded, despite the number of Muggle-born and half-bloods married into the family. But it remained pure because of Gryffindor's purity of heart and the family's same condition. And all the Potters had rather unusual magical gifts.
"Now, the women had theirs, but they did not pass it onto the children and frequently the second-born son had one, but usually did not pass it on to his children. Xander is an exception to that. And usually the first-born only has one gift. Again, Harry you are an exception. I'll explain about these later." Dumbledore smiled. He now looked at Buffy.
"Ravenclaw had a daughter, and she had a daughter after that. In fact, all of the first-borns were girls. And they all retained the surname that Ravenclaw gave her own daughter. Summers. This came from the woman's love of the sun and the summer months, but also because Ravenclaw herself, as well as being highly intelligent, was described as 'as beautiful as summer's dawn'. Again, the Summers line has several consistencies. The first-born is always a daughter. A second child is even rarer than in the Potter line, but occasionally occurs. Frequently, the second-born will be a boy. Again, the Summers are always seen as pureblooded because of heart and old name, not because of truth. After all, your mother married a Muggle." Dumbledore smiled.
Strangely, as he said this, Joyce flushed and looked at Giles. He looked back and then looked down, a little worried.
"Again, the Summers women have unusual magical gifts. These were not passed onto the second-born, only ever passed on to the first-born daughter. You, however, do seem to follow the rule about Ravenclaw's descendants, unlike those two troublemakers." Dumbledore smiled. "However, Ravenclaw did have one piece of heritage none of her descendants have displayed."
"What's that?" Buffy asked, curious, but wondering if it was as she thought it was.
"She was the Slayer of her time."
Xander stared and Harry frowned.
"The Slayer... Isn't that the girl who fights vampires and all? Stops demons, apocalypses and so on?" Harry asked.
"How did you know that?" Giles asked, surprised.
"Every once in a while I listen to Binns in History of Magic. But how he can make the Slayer seem boring I don't know." Harry shrugged. "So, Ravenclaw was one? I didn't think witches could also be the Slayer."
"It's rare, but they can. They have an advantage though. When they turn twenty, the next Slayer is automatically called. It's something about the witch physiology. She keeps her powers, but the call is placed on another. Usually the Slayer is a Muggle, and unfortunately they keep going until they die." Dumbledore looked sorrowful for a moment. "So by the time Hogwarts was being built, Ravenclaw's duties had ended as Slayer, though should any evil come here, she would sort it out. Usually with Gryffindor's help. He was the last Defensor this world has seen."
"Defensor?" Harry asked.
"In some ways the wizarding world's equivalent of a Slayer. But very different. A Defensor has a magical control over the elements and nature as well as the ability to do any spell wandlessly. They can often reflect Dark spells against their casters, though not by design, until they reach sixteen. They also have extremely fast healing abilities and higher than average strength. Not, however, as strong as the Slayer. A Defensor is more powerful than a Slayer though, because of superior speed and healing ability, and the rarity. But a witch-Slayer also gains the ability to her own spells wandlessly and so a Defensor and witch-Slayer are remarkably well matched. The spells of both, with a wand, are much stronger than average and can take ages or lots of wizards or witches to break. They also have an inherent knowledge of weaponry and unarmed combat and perfect body memory." Dumbledore looked thoughtful. "Anyway, back to the three of you.
"Xander, it appears, from Harry's vision, that you have an ability of cloaking or shielding. That would explain why you were not found. We will work on your control of that, unless Rupert has worked upon it with you." Dumbledore looked at Giles. The man shook his head. "Excellent. Buffy, your gift is unusual even for your family. It appears you have an elemental gift, though not as powerful as that of a Defensor's. I trust you can change the weather?" Dumbledore asked.
"It was a spell gone awry!" Buffy protested.
"No. And it may also explain why you burned down the Quidditch pitch." Dumbledore grinned. "Harry, you have Gryffindor's most prized gift. You are a Seer. No, the visions from Voldemort are separate. In these visions, no one would be aware of your presence, and they should not cause pain. They will be of the past, present and future. Also, you seem to have the ability of telekinesis and self-healing." Dumbledore frowned a little, then smiled. "But the healing ability may be that of your mother's. She was an exceptional Healer and had the ability to heal herself with a thought."
Harry grinned. "Cool. Now, can we go? We need to go to Diagon Alley. Buffy said she broke her wand, so she needs a new one. And I think the OWL results arrive today."
Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, you may go. And they do. Good luck."
Harry, Buffy and Xander ran downstairs for breakfast and their results. Dumbledore looked at Giles and Joyce.
"I believe there is something about Buffy's heritage you would like to tell me?" Dumbledore looked at them.
Remus cleared his throat. "Uh, maybe I should go?"
"No, Remus, it doesn't matter. Buffy will probably find out anyway." Giles sighed.
"Hank isn't Buffy's father." Joyce stated. Hank Jenkins, Joyce's husband, had been a Muggle. (A/N: Yes, I know it was Hank Summers, but I've made Summers Joyce's maiden name. It's AU anyway!)
"I am." Giles stated. "We, er, we got a bit too close one time."
"Hank was on a business trip. Again. I called Rupert because he was in the area and we... well, you know. I think even then Hank was cheating on me. He did go on a lot of business trips." Joyce mused.
"That will make things interesting." Dumbledore raised a brow.
"Buffy doesn't know. You can't tell her." Joyce ordered.
"No, I won't."
"Me either." Remus then gave a sly grin. "It always surprised me you two stopped dating. I'm pretty sure Ben and James had a bet on when you'd get married."
Joyce blushed, while Giles looked mortified.
Dumbledore began again. "There is something else that I did not tell the other two. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw loved each other very much. Yet they could not marry due to their parents' orders. Both were married to people they did not love. But they met after the marriages. It was much later discovered that they were soulmates."
"When was it discovered?" Joyce asked, somewhat suspiciously.
"When Gryffindor jumped in front of Ravenclaw to save her from the Cruciatus Cruse. Ravenclaw felt his pain. And then when Gryffindor sacrificed himself for her. Slytherin attacked the school. He had known of the truth and looked to hurt Gryffindor by killing Ravenclaw. Gryffindor took the curse, but not before shooting one at Slytherin that banished him from existence. Gryffindor died."
"But what..." Giles began.
"I'm coming to that. Previously, Gryffindor prophesied that one day the four heirs shall be reborn. 'Gryffindor shall escape Slytherin, destroy him and unwillingly resurrect him. Hufflepuff shall be slain by Slytherin. Ravenclaw shall be Called and shall meet Gryffindor at the Coming of Age. Slytherin must be destroyed, and only by Gryffindor's hand can it be done. But Gryffindor cannot win without Ravenclaw and the souls must mate in spirit and acceptance, or all is lost.'" Dumbledore recited.
"And you think..."
"There is a chance that it could pertain to Buffy and Harry. Voldemort, as we know, is Slytherin's last direct descendant. Cedric Diggory was Hufflepuff's and he was slain over a year ago. Harry escaped Voldemort's curse, destroyed him and then Wormtail took some of Harry's blood to resurrect Voldemort, hence 'unwillingly'. And I believe Buffy was Called?"
Giles nodded. "Yes, she was. The Quidditch pitch was full of vampires."
"I thought as much. Harry and Buffy may well be Gryffindor and Ravenclaw incarnate. Which means both are in danger and we need to keep a close eye on them."
Joyce sighed. "As if life wasn't complicated enough..."
"Don't tell them. If they are, they must discover their feelings for themselves." Dumbledore ordered.
"Feelings? Oh, holy mother of..." Joyce began.
"Come on." Remus interrupted, grinning. "We've got some kids to congratulate or commiserate dependant on results."
"Willow hasn't shut up about them." Joyce groaned again.
"Then she will get on very well with Miss Granger." Dumbledore commented, smiling, as they left the room.
"Bloody hell, Harry, you got how many?" Ron's voice yelled.
"Fourteen." Harry's muffled voice came back. (A/N: No idea how OWLs work, so bear with me. Say there's a total of seventeen. Eight subjects – doubles, and History of Magic.)
"Harry, that's so disappointing." Fred said. "We were expecting you to follow in our footsteps."
"Fred!" Molly yelled.
Harry snorted. "Yeah, I really want your mum to murder me." Harry grinned as the three adults entered. "Hey, Moony."
"Well, Prongs Junior, how many did you get?" Remus asked.
"Fourteen."
Remus grinned. "Interesting. Your father got twelve and your mother got seventeen, as in, all of her subjects. You're in the middle."
Harry grinned. "I got Dad's Quidditch skills and Mum's brains. Not bad."
"What did you fail?" Buffy asked.
"History of Magic and Divination. Poor on both." Harry shrugged. "I fell asleep in History of Magic, so I was going to fail that anyway. And Divination... Well, neither Trelawney or Firenze teach the subject so you can understand it."
"Buffy, what about you?" Joyce asked.
"Oh, I got fourteen as well. I failed my Care of Magical Creatures theory, History of Magic and Divination practical." Buffy explained. (A/N: You get an OWL for both theory and practical in this, okay?)
"What about grades?" Giles asked.
"Oh, Os in DADA, Charms and Potions. Es in Herbology, Transfiguration and practical Care of Magical Creatures. And As in Divination theory and Astronomy." Buffy grinned.
"Xander?"
"Average. Os in Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies and Charms. Es in Herbology and DADA. As in Transfiguration, Astronomy and Potions. Failed History of Magic. Oh, I failed my Potions theory and Astronomy practical." Xander looked a little miffed.
"That's still fourteen." Giles told him.
"Ron?" Harry asked. "What'd you get?"
"Um, Os in Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology. Es in Transfiguration, Charms and Potions. As in Astronomy. Failed Divination and History of Magic." Ron grinned.
"What about Defence?" Hermione asked, frowning.
"Oh, that, Os." Ron said flippantly. "As you can see Harry is a much better teacher than Umbitch."
"Ron!"
"What? What'd I do?"
"You didn't tell me! That's what!" And Harry proceeded to wrestle him.
"Willow, Hermione, don't tell us. You got Os in everything." Buffy groaned as the two girls opened their mouths.
"No, I passed them all, but I only got an E in the Astronomy practical and Care of Magical Creatures practical." Hermione blushed.
"And I only got Es in Herbology and the Ancient Runes theory." Willow confessed.
"Ah, that's not so bad." Buffy grinned. "Hey, Harry, what actual grades did you get?"
"Um, Os in Care of Magical Creatures – Hagrid'll be pleased – Charms, Potions and Transfiguration. Es in the others except for Astronomy, As in that."
"What's your Defence grade?" Remus asked.
"It says X." Harry stated.
"*WHAT*?" Hermione yelled.
"Never!" Buffy grinned.
Ron just stared. "Bloody hell."
"What does it mean?" Harry asked.
"You only got the *highest in Defence Against the Dark Arts in all the OWLs taken last June*." Hermione stated. "Nothing big."
"Oh." Harry looked confused. Then grinned. "I guess having a homicidal wizard after you can be good for your grades."
Ron, Buffy and Xander laughed while Hermione and Willow gave identical 'You're-not-taking-this-seriously-enough' looks.
"Hey, this means I can become an Auror!" Harry grinned. "I got a high enough grade to get into Potions!"
"Oh, do you want to be an Auror too?" Buffy asked. "Cool!"
"I think the Auror's kits gave it away yesterday, Buff." Xander pointed out.
Buffy, being the mature girl she was, stuck her tongue out at him.
"Okay, so the subjects that would be are..." Harry mused. "Transfiguration, DADA, Charms, Potions... Oh, there's some more... Ah, Auror Studies and Basic Healing. God knows I need to learn Basic Healing." He grinned. "That's perfect. You need top C, T and P marks for that, and I've got all three."
"C, T and P?" Buffy asked.
"It's much quicker than saying Charms, Transfiguration and Potions." Harry explained. (A/N: Quicker to type too!)
"I only got an E in Transfiguration." Buffy bit her lip.
"You can still get in. It says which ones you take on the slip." Harry pointed it out. "See?"
Buffy grinned. "I need that one too."
"I think I will." Hermione smiled.
"Oh, why?" Harry asked.
"Well, I've been thinking about maybe becoming a Healer..." Hermione explained.
"Perfect. I can see you now, Healer Granger, Overseer of the Spell Damage Ward." Ron stated, spreading his arms as though onto a scene.
"Ron!" Hermione stated, annoyed.
"Does that mean you have drop to Arithmancy?" Harry asked.
"No, I think I have... No, that would be too many." Hermione looked upset. "Never mind."
"You can always study it in your free time and describe it as a hobby or personal study." Willow suggested.
"That's a good idea. Anyway, C, T and P, to use Harry's nickname," she grinned at her friend, "Herbology and Defence are all good ones to have anyway. One of the widest ranges. Everything requires Charms and Defence. And Healing looks interesting." Hermione explained.
"No S.P.E.W.?" Ron asked hopefully.
"No." Hermione shot him a look. "I took a closer look at them and decided that maybe I was going over the top. Forcing them to take freedom isn't very nice. Besides, it's only those who've been extremely mistreated, like Dobby, who need freedom. If people could be a bit nicer... That's what's really needed. People to just show appreciation. Though I still think they deserve some time off."
Ron smiled. "That's the spirit. Besides, they *enjoy* it. We don't want to take away what they love."
"How very philosophical of you, Ron." Willow grinned.
"Okay, guys, how about we go to Diagon Alley and collect our books and supplies?" Harry asked. He then looked at Buffy. "Hey, Buff, you're wearing that necklace I got you."
Buffy grinned. "Yeah, how did you manage to get something so personal for someone you didn't even know?"
"I know you now." Harry grinned. "It just called out to me. Magic."
Buffy fingered the tiny, delicate, silver unicorn on her necklace. "Maybe it was."
"Let's go to Diagon Alley." Hermione stated. "I need a new copy of..."
"Hermione!" Everyone groaned exasperatedly as she started on books again.
* * *
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter. A lot was explained here. Sorry if the bit about OWL results bored you, but it was necessary. Just wait until the next chapter...
Okay, replies to reviewers. If you didn't review the last chapter, skip to the bottom – and maybe press that little button that says go?
Reviewers:
Renna: Wow, you really like it, don't you? You may be able to tell exactly what the connection between Buffy and Harry is now. Hope you enjoyed!
mickk: Xander's taking the Potter name, as explained in this chapter. Snape's reaction, oh, I'm looking forward to writing that!
Lolly6: You found out the secrets now. I'm glad you like the way I've linked the two boys. I just couldn't see Harry as having a sibling in this story.
charmedfanatic3000: Yup, hate GCSEs. I'm glad you like it. Nope, only Giles, Joyce, Xander and Willow know Buffy's the Slayer, and that's now extended to Dumbledore and Remus *only*. There was no way I was going to let anyone else find out so soon. The discovery of Buffy's true identity is extremely important, as this chapter suggests.
witchlight: As you can see, once a week is a no-go. It's whenever I really have chance. I'm glad you like it. As for long chapters... I can't really write short ones all that well! Thanks!
casperRose: Thanks! Long lost sibling wouldn't work in this story, thought I have another one on my computer that attempts it. But it's not your normal long-lost sibling one anyway. I'm still trying to decided if I should post another fic.
pem: Yeah, Dumbledore's headmaster again. It actually says that at the end of book 5, but there you go. Glad you like the twist and as for Quidditch, well... that would be telling, wouldn't it?
kacy: I'm glad you like it. I tried not to make the prophecies too confusing, but it does sometimes happen!
harrycrazy432: Thanks!
moon, gates, slaying: What do you think? I'm glad you like it. Yeah, most definitely Harry/Buffy.
P.H. Wise: Sorry if you don't like the dialogue. I do my best. I'm British, so it's difficult to use American terms. I've also had a lot of good feedback. So there!
lexinator: Yup, you got Buffy's dad right. As for the pairings... I can't decide. I think it'll be W/X, R/Hr and J/G, but I haven't decided on anybody else. I'm sure my fic isn't better than yours!
Anne-Janet: I'm glad you like it. A lot of people like the fact that Xander is Harry's cousin. I'm not sure if I've seen it done before. Certainly not in this way!
That's thirteen reviews! For the last chapter! Okay, so one was negative, but who cares? I love you guys! Really, I do!
So, you know what you have to do now, don't you?
Review!
By the way, did I mention I love Bank holidays?
Lol, Tanydwr
Wow! To all the reviewers, I love you guys! Your questions will be answered at the end.
You find out Buffy's real dad in this chapter, it's almost anti-climactic. Lexinator – how did you guess Buffy's real dad? Was it that obvious?
Chapter 3 – Presents and explanations
"Okay, now presents!" Ron grinned.
Harry and Buffy were shoved into chairs (everyone was still in the kitchen, which was the warmest and friendliest room in the house – as Harry remembered) and beset upon.
"Ours first!" Ron and Xander grinned.
"Huh?" Buffy asked.
"We bought your presents the other day in Diagon Alley. Together. It's easier to buy two presents than one, and gave us more scope to choose from." Ron explained.
"Thanks, guys." Harry grinned.
"Snazzy." Buffy smirked. The two birthday people grinned at each other and tore open the wrapping paper.
"Cool!" Harry stated.
"Wicked!" Buffy crowed.
Both had been given a wrist wand holster. Buffy's was dark brown with a silver unicorn emblazoned on it, Harry's the same but with a golden phoenix instead. They were well made leather and good quality.
"These are great, you two. I've been storing my wand in an improvisation on my leg." Harry grinned and slid on the holster, and placed he wand inside. It was a proper Auror's holster, complete with a spell to make it invisible and unnoticeable as well as easy to flick out and catch the wand.
"Yeah, I store mine... well, wherever." Buffy shrugged.
"Your hair was a favourite for a while." Xander teased.
Buffy protested. "I couldn't find a hair clip that morning!"
"Now us." Hermione and Willow came forward. The two Muggle-born witches had become fast friends over the last few days.
"Same trick, huh?" Buffy asked.
"Same trick, but different reason. We needed to pool our money to get you what we wanted to." Willow grinned.
Buffy and Harry opened up the presents to reveal Auror kits and Defence tools.
"Willow told me you wanted to be an Auror like Harry, so we thought we'd get you the equipment." Hermione grinned. "Seems appropriate."
Buffy grinned. "This is great. Thanks, guys."
Harry nodded. "And now I've got all summer to practise. Tell me when Gred and Forge prank you, I'll practise the spells on them."
Ginny grinned at her brothers (they'd reappeared for cake). "Be afraid, be very afraid."
"Hey, Harry, you're supposed to be our friend!" George protested.
"Not to mention financial backer." Fred whispered.
Harry grinned. "Well, I need someone to practise on." He was looking through the kit. "Wow." He pulled out a dagger and sheath.
Willow stared. "That wasn't in there when we got them."
Buffy pulled out a similar one.
"Definitely not. They wouldn't sell those ones to us." Hermione frowned.
Harry shrugged. "Maybe they forgot. Another phoenix. Interesting." The sheath was plain, but good quality, black leather, the only ornament a golden phoenix. The blade was of the finest steel, the edge peerless, and the hilt of a golden metal, harder than gold. A phoenix was upon the hilt, tiny rubies for eyes.
"Mine's a unicorn." Buffy frowned. Her blade was identical, but for the hilt being of a silvery metal with a sapphire-eyed unicorn.
They continued opening presents. After a while, it came down to the last one or two.
"Harry, this was commissioned and paid for by your father." Lupin informed him, bringing something forward. "But he never came to pick it up. Tonks, Moody and I have given it a few extra furnishings. I think your father wanted it for when they went into hiding."
Harry frowned at him and then bent down to open the large gift. A deep brown trunk with the name 'Potter' engraved on the side with a golden substance greeted him. It had no keyhole, just a long groove in the top. (A/N: The trunk is influenced by some of the fics I've read – 'Harry Potter and the Power of Time' and 'Harry Potter, Heir of Gryffindor' being the principal two. Go read the fics!)
"Wow."
Remus grinned. "Only you and I can actually get in. James had me with him at the time and it was needed for someone else to be able to get in. You, having Potter blood, can get in anyway, you just need the password." Remus whispered it in the boy's ear. Harry grinned.
Running his finger along the groove, Harry murmured, "The Phoenix rises," barely audibly. The trunk lid clicked and Harry opened it.
It proved to be a multi-compartmented trunk, like Moody's, but with a major difference. This trunk was made for living in. It had a living room, library, kitchen-dining-room, bedroom complete with pull out beds, duelling and training room, it's own Room of Requirement, and a 'garden', which proved to be a large garden complete with a massive expanse of countryside, including forest, streams and rivers.
"My God, that's impressive." Ron whistled low. Strangely, he couldn't feel jealous of Harry. But then, Harry had never really had anything from his parents before, this was effectively fifteen years' worth of birthday presents.
Harry smiled. "I know. It's appropriate too. Coming of age and all. Sixteenth birthday."
Remus smiled. "Yes. In truth, I'd forgotten it, but the trunk maker recognised me and told me to give it to you. Moody and Tonks did some work on the training room and we added a few little home comforts. And some books."
Harry almost choked. "Guys... Thank you." Then he grinned. "Was the 'garden' created so you could relive your midnight adventures?"
Remus moved and put his hand over Harry's mouth. "Not in front of the Headmaster. I swear, you do that deliberately. Just like Prongs."
Harry grinned and shoved his former professor's hand away. "I wonder why that is, Moony?"
Fred and George blinked.
"Did you just say Prongs..."
"And Moony..."
"The miraculous creators..."
"Of the Map..."
"And aiding a new generation of pranksters..."
"To continue their noble work in Hogwarts?"
Buffy stared at them. "How do you do that?"
"They're twins, Buff. 'Nuff said." Xander grinned.
Harry looked at them innocently. "Didn't you know that my father, our dear former professor and my late godfather were the Marauders?"
"Weren't there four?" Fred frowned.
"Wormtail lost his position as a Marauder when he betrayed Lily and James and sent Sirius to Azkaban." Remus snarled.
"You mean *Peter Pettigrew* was a Marauder?" George asked. "That rat!"
"Yeah, and you didn't think he was your pet for years." Ron rolled his eyes.
Then George suddenly looked at Fred. "You know what this means?"
"Yes I do."
"Our dear silent partner..."
"Has hidden from us..."
"That he is Prongs Junior..."
"No wonder..."
"He thought our joke shop..."
"Was such a good idea..."
"And gave us the money..."
"To finance it."
Harry groaned. He hadn't been looking forward to this conversation.
"What do you mean?" Molly Weasley asked.
"Y'know after the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Harry asked. She nodded. "I got that money and I felt it should have been Cedric's. I didn't want it. I eventually forced your sons to take it for their joke shop. We're going to need all the laughs we can get."
"What do you mean 'forced' them?" Buffy asked.
"I threatened to hex them if they didn't take it. I know some good ones." Harry shrugged.
"Nice." Buffy grinned appreciatively.
"Harry, you shouldn't have given away your winnings like..." Molly began.
"I didn't want them. I didn't need them. However, I need a laugh every so often. And your family has been the closest to a real family I've ever known. I had to do *something*. Besides," Harry now grinned, "I don't think the twins are cut out for work in the Ministry. They'd blow the place up. But at the rate they're going, they could give Zonko's a run for their money."
Mrs Weasley didn't know whether to feel annoyed or relieved. She settled on sighing. "Never mind."
"Besides, we're making good money, Mum." Fred pointed out.
"By bringing happiness to people." George grinned.
"And that's always important." Fred finished.
"You two have learnt how to get around me, haven't you?" Molly groaned.
"Hope so."
"We're getting there."
Buffy grinned. "Well, now that that's sorted, can I have my last presents?"
* * *
This next day, Dumbledore summoned Harry, Xander and Buffy to his new office in Grimmauld Place. It seemed that they had finished the cleaning and now redecorating was in order. Sirius had clearly wanted to get it in some sort of reasonable order for Harry to come and stay that summer. Harry felt a pang of guilt, but knew Sirius would not want him to blame himself. In any case, most of the bedrooms had been redecorated in bright, clean colours, many rearranged into suites, and the rooms of the ground floor were being reorganised and magically changed. In any case, Dumbledore now had an office as Head of the Order. Everyone else stayed in their rooms or the kitchen anyway.
"You wanted to see us, sir?" Harry asked, trying not to feel angry that Dumbledore had taken so long to tell him about the prophecy. He was making a real effort. And slowly he was getting there.
"Yes, are Rupert and Joyce with you?" Dumbledore asked.
The adults were passing. "Yes, yes, come in, you too, Remus."
Remus looked surprised. "Why me?"
"Well, you're the last of James' friends left. I believe you should be here. And I think you have a right to know. Besides, I think Harry would appreciate it." Dumbledore explained.
Harry just frowned. "Why? What's going on?"
"Harry, how do you view Remus?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry looked lost in thought for a moment, then grinned. "Like an uncle I s'pose. But a lot more responsible than Sirius..." Harry gulped and continued, "was. After all, he was my professor for a year."
"And a member of the infamous Marauders." Giles commented.
Remus grinned at the man, who was only a year or two younger than he. "You're just sore because we pranked you and Ben at school."
"I'd've thought Ben being James' brother would have made him immune." Giles sighed and took his glasses off to clean them.
"Nah, family get worst of it. Mind you, James actually liked Ben, so it wasn't too bad. Sirius and Regulus... Not a good combo." Remus smirked.
"Does anyone else feel like they're caught up in a verbal tennis match?" Harry commented to Buffy and Xander.
"Yup." Xander grinned. "How's about you continue that fascinating conversation later so old Bumblebee can tell us whatever?"
Buffy and Harry burst out laughing. As did Dumbledore.
"*Bumblebee*?" Buffy gasped.
"S'what Dumbledore means, y'know." Xander replied defensively.
Dumbledore gave a dry smile. "Your father called me that as well. And that is what we're here to talk about."
"Bumblebees?"
"Your parents." Dumbledore explained.
"What about them?"
"Let's start at the beginning. Which is with the building of Hogwarts school. As you know, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were two of the Founders of our school. What is less well known is the two families descended from them, purely because they ordered their children to change their surname. They didn't want them to be so conspicuous, but also it believed that Gryffindor, who was a Seer, saw a time when their descendants would be persecuted because of their name. So they changed them." Dumbledore informed them.
"Gryffindor's son was given the name Potter, which came from their creativity, particularly with clay. I know it seems strange, Harry, Xander, but you both have a gift for pottery, even if you've never used it. Hence the name. Gryffindor's line had several consistencies. The first- born was always male. The second-born could be either, and there were rarely more than two children. The family fortunes, of course, were automatically handed to the first-born, but often the second-born would receive something, particularly if the child were female, then as a dowry. The line has always been considered pureblooded, despite the number of Muggle-born and half-bloods married into the family. But it remained pure because of Gryffindor's purity of heart and the family's same condition. And all the Potters had rather unusual magical gifts.
"Now, the women had theirs, but they did not pass it onto the children and frequently the second-born son had one, but usually did not pass it on to his children. Xander is an exception to that. And usually the first-born only has one gift. Again, Harry you are an exception. I'll explain about these later." Dumbledore smiled. He now looked at Buffy.
"Ravenclaw had a daughter, and she had a daughter after that. In fact, all of the first-borns were girls. And they all retained the surname that Ravenclaw gave her own daughter. Summers. This came from the woman's love of the sun and the summer months, but also because Ravenclaw herself, as well as being highly intelligent, was described as 'as beautiful as summer's dawn'. Again, the Summers line has several consistencies. The first-born is always a daughter. A second child is even rarer than in the Potter line, but occasionally occurs. Frequently, the second-born will be a boy. Again, the Summers are always seen as pureblooded because of heart and old name, not because of truth. After all, your mother married a Muggle." Dumbledore smiled.
Strangely, as he said this, Joyce flushed and looked at Giles. He looked back and then looked down, a little worried.
"Again, the Summers women have unusual magical gifts. These were not passed onto the second-born, only ever passed on to the first-born daughter. You, however, do seem to follow the rule about Ravenclaw's descendants, unlike those two troublemakers." Dumbledore smiled. "However, Ravenclaw did have one piece of heritage none of her descendants have displayed."
"What's that?" Buffy asked, curious, but wondering if it was as she thought it was.
"She was the Slayer of her time."
Xander stared and Harry frowned.
"The Slayer... Isn't that the girl who fights vampires and all? Stops demons, apocalypses and so on?" Harry asked.
"How did you know that?" Giles asked, surprised.
"Every once in a while I listen to Binns in History of Magic. But how he can make the Slayer seem boring I don't know." Harry shrugged. "So, Ravenclaw was one? I didn't think witches could also be the Slayer."
"It's rare, but they can. They have an advantage though. When they turn twenty, the next Slayer is automatically called. It's something about the witch physiology. She keeps her powers, but the call is placed on another. Usually the Slayer is a Muggle, and unfortunately they keep going until they die." Dumbledore looked sorrowful for a moment. "So by the time Hogwarts was being built, Ravenclaw's duties had ended as Slayer, though should any evil come here, she would sort it out. Usually with Gryffindor's help. He was the last Defensor this world has seen."
"Defensor?" Harry asked.
"In some ways the wizarding world's equivalent of a Slayer. But very different. A Defensor has a magical control over the elements and nature as well as the ability to do any spell wandlessly. They can often reflect Dark spells against their casters, though not by design, until they reach sixteen. They also have extremely fast healing abilities and higher than average strength. Not, however, as strong as the Slayer. A Defensor is more powerful than a Slayer though, because of superior speed and healing ability, and the rarity. But a witch-Slayer also gains the ability to her own spells wandlessly and so a Defensor and witch-Slayer are remarkably well matched. The spells of both, with a wand, are much stronger than average and can take ages or lots of wizards or witches to break. They also have an inherent knowledge of weaponry and unarmed combat and perfect body memory." Dumbledore looked thoughtful. "Anyway, back to the three of you.
"Xander, it appears, from Harry's vision, that you have an ability of cloaking or shielding. That would explain why you were not found. We will work on your control of that, unless Rupert has worked upon it with you." Dumbledore looked at Giles. The man shook his head. "Excellent. Buffy, your gift is unusual even for your family. It appears you have an elemental gift, though not as powerful as that of a Defensor's. I trust you can change the weather?" Dumbledore asked.
"It was a spell gone awry!" Buffy protested.
"No. And it may also explain why you burned down the Quidditch pitch." Dumbledore grinned. "Harry, you have Gryffindor's most prized gift. You are a Seer. No, the visions from Voldemort are separate. In these visions, no one would be aware of your presence, and they should not cause pain. They will be of the past, present and future. Also, you seem to have the ability of telekinesis and self-healing." Dumbledore frowned a little, then smiled. "But the healing ability may be that of your mother's. She was an exceptional Healer and had the ability to heal herself with a thought."
Harry grinned. "Cool. Now, can we go? We need to go to Diagon Alley. Buffy said she broke her wand, so she needs a new one. And I think the OWL results arrive today."
Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, you may go. And they do. Good luck."
Harry, Buffy and Xander ran downstairs for breakfast and their results. Dumbledore looked at Giles and Joyce.
"I believe there is something about Buffy's heritage you would like to tell me?" Dumbledore looked at them.
Remus cleared his throat. "Uh, maybe I should go?"
"No, Remus, it doesn't matter. Buffy will probably find out anyway." Giles sighed.
"Hank isn't Buffy's father." Joyce stated. Hank Jenkins, Joyce's husband, had been a Muggle. (A/N: Yes, I know it was Hank Summers, but I've made Summers Joyce's maiden name. It's AU anyway!)
"I am." Giles stated. "We, er, we got a bit too close one time."
"Hank was on a business trip. Again. I called Rupert because he was in the area and we... well, you know. I think even then Hank was cheating on me. He did go on a lot of business trips." Joyce mused.
"That will make things interesting." Dumbledore raised a brow.
"Buffy doesn't know. You can't tell her." Joyce ordered.
"No, I won't."
"Me either." Remus then gave a sly grin. "It always surprised me you two stopped dating. I'm pretty sure Ben and James had a bet on when you'd get married."
Joyce blushed, while Giles looked mortified.
Dumbledore began again. "There is something else that I did not tell the other two. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw loved each other very much. Yet they could not marry due to their parents' orders. Both were married to people they did not love. But they met after the marriages. It was much later discovered that they were soulmates."
"When was it discovered?" Joyce asked, somewhat suspiciously.
"When Gryffindor jumped in front of Ravenclaw to save her from the Cruciatus Cruse. Ravenclaw felt his pain. And then when Gryffindor sacrificed himself for her. Slytherin attacked the school. He had known of the truth and looked to hurt Gryffindor by killing Ravenclaw. Gryffindor took the curse, but not before shooting one at Slytherin that banished him from existence. Gryffindor died."
"But what..." Giles began.
"I'm coming to that. Previously, Gryffindor prophesied that one day the four heirs shall be reborn. 'Gryffindor shall escape Slytherin, destroy him and unwillingly resurrect him. Hufflepuff shall be slain by Slytherin. Ravenclaw shall be Called and shall meet Gryffindor at the Coming of Age. Slytherin must be destroyed, and only by Gryffindor's hand can it be done. But Gryffindor cannot win without Ravenclaw and the souls must mate in spirit and acceptance, or all is lost.'" Dumbledore recited.
"And you think..."
"There is a chance that it could pertain to Buffy and Harry. Voldemort, as we know, is Slytherin's last direct descendant. Cedric Diggory was Hufflepuff's and he was slain over a year ago. Harry escaped Voldemort's curse, destroyed him and then Wormtail took some of Harry's blood to resurrect Voldemort, hence 'unwillingly'. And I believe Buffy was Called?"
Giles nodded. "Yes, she was. The Quidditch pitch was full of vampires."
"I thought as much. Harry and Buffy may well be Gryffindor and Ravenclaw incarnate. Which means both are in danger and we need to keep a close eye on them."
Joyce sighed. "As if life wasn't complicated enough..."
"Don't tell them. If they are, they must discover their feelings for themselves." Dumbledore ordered.
"Feelings? Oh, holy mother of..." Joyce began.
"Come on." Remus interrupted, grinning. "We've got some kids to congratulate or commiserate dependant on results."
"Willow hasn't shut up about them." Joyce groaned again.
"Then she will get on very well with Miss Granger." Dumbledore commented, smiling, as they left the room.
"Bloody hell, Harry, you got how many?" Ron's voice yelled.
"Fourteen." Harry's muffled voice came back. (A/N: No idea how OWLs work, so bear with me. Say there's a total of seventeen. Eight subjects – doubles, and History of Magic.)
"Harry, that's so disappointing." Fred said. "We were expecting you to follow in our footsteps."
"Fred!" Molly yelled.
Harry snorted. "Yeah, I really want your mum to murder me." Harry grinned as the three adults entered. "Hey, Moony."
"Well, Prongs Junior, how many did you get?" Remus asked.
"Fourteen."
Remus grinned. "Interesting. Your father got twelve and your mother got seventeen, as in, all of her subjects. You're in the middle."
Harry grinned. "I got Dad's Quidditch skills and Mum's brains. Not bad."
"What did you fail?" Buffy asked.
"History of Magic and Divination. Poor on both." Harry shrugged. "I fell asleep in History of Magic, so I was going to fail that anyway. And Divination... Well, neither Trelawney or Firenze teach the subject so you can understand it."
"Buffy, what about you?" Joyce asked.
"Oh, I got fourteen as well. I failed my Care of Magical Creatures theory, History of Magic and Divination practical." Buffy explained. (A/N: You get an OWL for both theory and practical in this, okay?)
"What about grades?" Giles asked.
"Oh, Os in DADA, Charms and Potions. Es in Herbology, Transfiguration and practical Care of Magical Creatures. And As in Divination theory and Astronomy." Buffy grinned.
"Xander?"
"Average. Os in Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies and Charms. Es in Herbology and DADA. As in Transfiguration, Astronomy and Potions. Failed History of Magic. Oh, I failed my Potions theory and Astronomy practical." Xander looked a little miffed.
"That's still fourteen." Giles told him.
"Ron?" Harry asked. "What'd you get?"
"Um, Os in Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology. Es in Transfiguration, Charms and Potions. As in Astronomy. Failed Divination and History of Magic." Ron grinned.
"What about Defence?" Hermione asked, frowning.
"Oh, that, Os." Ron said flippantly. "As you can see Harry is a much better teacher than Umbitch."
"Ron!"
"What? What'd I do?"
"You didn't tell me! That's what!" And Harry proceeded to wrestle him.
"Willow, Hermione, don't tell us. You got Os in everything." Buffy groaned as the two girls opened their mouths.
"No, I passed them all, but I only got an E in the Astronomy practical and Care of Magical Creatures practical." Hermione blushed.
"And I only got Es in Herbology and the Ancient Runes theory." Willow confessed.
"Ah, that's not so bad." Buffy grinned. "Hey, Harry, what actual grades did you get?"
"Um, Os in Care of Magical Creatures – Hagrid'll be pleased – Charms, Potions and Transfiguration. Es in the others except for Astronomy, As in that."
"What's your Defence grade?" Remus asked.
"It says X." Harry stated.
"*WHAT*?" Hermione yelled.
"Never!" Buffy grinned.
Ron just stared. "Bloody hell."
"What does it mean?" Harry asked.
"You only got the *highest in Defence Against the Dark Arts in all the OWLs taken last June*." Hermione stated. "Nothing big."
"Oh." Harry looked confused. Then grinned. "I guess having a homicidal wizard after you can be good for your grades."
Ron, Buffy and Xander laughed while Hermione and Willow gave identical 'You're-not-taking-this-seriously-enough' looks.
"Hey, this means I can become an Auror!" Harry grinned. "I got a high enough grade to get into Potions!"
"Oh, do you want to be an Auror too?" Buffy asked. "Cool!"
"I think the Auror's kits gave it away yesterday, Buff." Xander pointed out.
Buffy, being the mature girl she was, stuck her tongue out at him.
"Okay, so the subjects that would be are..." Harry mused. "Transfiguration, DADA, Charms, Potions... Oh, there's some more... Ah, Auror Studies and Basic Healing. God knows I need to learn Basic Healing." He grinned. "That's perfect. You need top C, T and P marks for that, and I've got all three."
"C, T and P?" Buffy asked.
"It's much quicker than saying Charms, Transfiguration and Potions." Harry explained. (A/N: Quicker to type too!)
"I only got an E in Transfiguration." Buffy bit her lip.
"You can still get in. It says which ones you take on the slip." Harry pointed it out. "See?"
Buffy grinned. "I need that one too."
"I think I will." Hermione smiled.
"Oh, why?" Harry asked.
"Well, I've been thinking about maybe becoming a Healer..." Hermione explained.
"Perfect. I can see you now, Healer Granger, Overseer of the Spell Damage Ward." Ron stated, spreading his arms as though onto a scene.
"Ron!" Hermione stated, annoyed.
"Does that mean you have drop to Arithmancy?" Harry asked.
"No, I think I have... No, that would be too many." Hermione looked upset. "Never mind."
"You can always study it in your free time and describe it as a hobby or personal study." Willow suggested.
"That's a good idea. Anyway, C, T and P, to use Harry's nickname," she grinned at her friend, "Herbology and Defence are all good ones to have anyway. One of the widest ranges. Everything requires Charms and Defence. And Healing looks interesting." Hermione explained.
"No S.P.E.W.?" Ron asked hopefully.
"No." Hermione shot him a look. "I took a closer look at them and decided that maybe I was going over the top. Forcing them to take freedom isn't very nice. Besides, it's only those who've been extremely mistreated, like Dobby, who need freedom. If people could be a bit nicer... That's what's really needed. People to just show appreciation. Though I still think they deserve some time off."
Ron smiled. "That's the spirit. Besides, they *enjoy* it. We don't want to take away what they love."
"How very philosophical of you, Ron." Willow grinned.
"Okay, guys, how about we go to Diagon Alley and collect our books and supplies?" Harry asked. He then looked at Buffy. "Hey, Buff, you're wearing that necklace I got you."
Buffy grinned. "Yeah, how did you manage to get something so personal for someone you didn't even know?"
"I know you now." Harry grinned. "It just called out to me. Magic."
Buffy fingered the tiny, delicate, silver unicorn on her necklace. "Maybe it was."
"Let's go to Diagon Alley." Hermione stated. "I need a new copy of..."
"Hermione!" Everyone groaned exasperatedly as she started on books again.
* * *
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter. A lot was explained here. Sorry if the bit about OWL results bored you, but it was necessary. Just wait until the next chapter...
Okay, replies to reviewers. If you didn't review the last chapter, skip to the bottom – and maybe press that little button that says go?
Reviewers:
Renna: Wow, you really like it, don't you? You may be able to tell exactly what the connection between Buffy and Harry is now. Hope you enjoyed!
mickk: Xander's taking the Potter name, as explained in this chapter. Snape's reaction, oh, I'm looking forward to writing that!
Lolly6: You found out the secrets now. I'm glad you like the way I've linked the two boys. I just couldn't see Harry as having a sibling in this story.
charmedfanatic3000: Yup, hate GCSEs. I'm glad you like it. Nope, only Giles, Joyce, Xander and Willow know Buffy's the Slayer, and that's now extended to Dumbledore and Remus *only*. There was no way I was going to let anyone else find out so soon. The discovery of Buffy's true identity is extremely important, as this chapter suggests.
witchlight: As you can see, once a week is a no-go. It's whenever I really have chance. I'm glad you like it. As for long chapters... I can't really write short ones all that well! Thanks!
casperRose: Thanks! Long lost sibling wouldn't work in this story, thought I have another one on my computer that attempts it. But it's not your normal long-lost sibling one anyway. I'm still trying to decided if I should post another fic.
pem: Yeah, Dumbledore's headmaster again. It actually says that at the end of book 5, but there you go. Glad you like the twist and as for Quidditch, well... that would be telling, wouldn't it?
kacy: I'm glad you like it. I tried not to make the prophecies too confusing, but it does sometimes happen!
harrycrazy432: Thanks!
moon, gates, slaying: What do you think? I'm glad you like it. Yeah, most definitely Harry/Buffy.
P.H. Wise: Sorry if you don't like the dialogue. I do my best. I'm British, so it's difficult to use American terms. I've also had a lot of good feedback. So there!
lexinator: Yup, you got Buffy's dad right. As for the pairings... I can't decide. I think it'll be W/X, R/Hr and J/G, but I haven't decided on anybody else. I'm sure my fic isn't better than yours!
Anne-Janet: I'm glad you like it. A lot of people like the fact that Xander is Harry's cousin. I'm not sure if I've seen it done before. Certainly not in this way!
That's thirteen reviews! For the last chapter! Okay, so one was negative, but who cares? I love you guys! Really, I do!
So, you know what you have to do now, don't you?
Review!
By the way, did I mention I love Bank holidays?
Lol, Tanydwr