Okay, I'm really, really, really, really sorry I've taken so long in posting this chapter up. It wasn't meant to be so late, I swear! I've just struggled with exams and writer's block and everything.
However, my exams are now over! Hooray! So hopefully, updates will be a little more frequent. Anyway, onto the chapter!
Chapter 4 – Diagon Alley
"Cool!" Buffy stated as she and her friends stepped into the sunlight of Diagon Alley.
Harry smiled. "I was beginning to think I'd never see this place again."
"Why?"
"I haven't been here in three years." Harry explained.
"Wow. Where to, then?" Buffy asked her mother.
"Gringotts first. We need some money for school supplies." Joyce smiled.
"Me too." Harry stated.
The groups split up. The Weasleys went to do their own shopping with Hermione along, while Harry, Buffy, Xander and Willow followed Joyce and Giles (not to mention being flanked by Tonks and Remus) to Gringotts.
"Do I have a vault, Giles?" Xander asked.
"Yes, your parents' vault. It will be open to you now. Now you're sixteen." Giles explained, and handed him a key.
"Am I Potter again, now?" Xander asked.
"You were always Potter. I just enrolled you as Harris. Your records show you as Potter." Giles answered.
"Cool, now I'm not the only Potter around." Harry grinned.
"I can see the start of a dangerous friendship." Remus commented.
"Why?" Xander asked.
"Harry's father was a prankster. So was yours, though not to the same degree. And I believe Joyce and Rupert had a prank war going on in their first few years. A little like Lily and James' prank war. Of course, once they got into Seventh-year they stopped." There was a dangerous twinkle in Remus' eye.
"You were a prankster, Mom? And you never told me?" Buffy demanded.
Joyce smiled. "Yes, I was."
"What exactly did my Mum do to my Dad?" Harry asked suspiciously.
Remus grinned. "It was quite funny, though annoying for those of us who shared dorms with them. Let's just say they both made sure the other regretted being their gender at times."
Harry paled. "Okay, I don't think I want to know. And don't even suggest what I think you're going to about the Heads' Rooms."
Remus widened his eyes. "What, would I suggest something like that?"
"Yes." Harry answered. "Here we are."
They entered Gringotts. The goblins were busy with customers, but they soon found an unoccupied one.
"Harry Potter, I'd like to withdraw some money from my vault please." Harry asked, handing him his key.
"Alexander Potter and Rupert Giles. Our vaults." Giles handed the goblin two keys.
"Joyce and Elizabeth Summers, some money from the Summers vault, please."
"Very well then. Griphook!" The goblin yelled.
A goblin appeared.
"Please escort Messrs. Potter, Potter and Giles and Misses Summers and Summers to their vaults." The goblin ordered, handing the goblin the keys.
"Griphook." Harry frowned, then brightened. "Hey, you were the goblin that took me to my vault the first time! The very first time I came to Diagon Alley."
The goblin smiled – a little uncharacteristically. "Yes, Mr Potter, I remember, though I daresay I wasn't expecting you to."
"You told Hagrid there was only one speed on the carts. Hagrid doesn't the carts at all." Harry grinned at Xander, Buffy and Willow. "He turned a very fetching shade of green. I like them. It's pretty cool."
Harry, Buffy and Xander appeared to be the only ones who enjoyed the ride. Willow felt ill, as did Joyce and Giles. Remus and Tonks had been forced to wait above for them.
Money didn't take long to get.
"Willow, haven't you got an account?" Harry asked.
"I'm Muggle-born. My money is in a Muggle account. I'm getting some of it exchanged for school supplies today." Willow answered.
"Oh. Just make sure the goblins don't rip you off." He grinned.
"I'll try." She grinned back.
It wasn't long before they were out of Gringotts and into the sunlight. Harry grinned at Tonks and Remus.
"Why don't you just walk with us? It looks less suspicious. Besides, its more suspicious if I'm not talking to you, what with Remus being one of Dad's best friends and Tonks being Sirius' cousin." Harry explained.
They submitted. Tonks smirked. "Not to mention other things."
"What 'other things'?" Buffy asked. She liked Tonks – she was clumsy but good-hearted and clearly very good at her job.
"Well, the Hogwarts staff have decided that a couple of Aurors won't go amiss at Hogwarts. And my superior instantly volunteered me. Maybe something to do with my inability to walk around normally." Tonks explained, tripping over a cobblestone.
Harry and Buffy reacted with lightning sharpness to catch her before she fell face first. She grinned.
"See? Where would I be without my two saviours?" She grinned.
Buffy walked forwards and pointed to the ground. "About there."
While the teens and adults laughed, Tonks squawked indignantly and began to chase her.
"Hey, you two! We've got supplies to get!" Harry called.
"Fine." Tonks sighed. "Anyway, as I was saying before, we're gonna be helping protect the school, and maybe starting a duelling club or something."
Harry looked at her, his face radiating happiness. "Really? That's great! Finally we might actually get some decent training! I expect you'll be teaching what we actually need to know, Giles?"
"Yes, I will." Giles smiled. "I'm looking forward to it. Hogwarts is a much... busier place than Salem Institute. In many ways, more exciting."
Harry grinned. "Yep, but we have a bad record with DADA teachers. Did anyone explain them to you?"
"Yes, I believe Tonks did." Giles replied. "I assure you I will teach you plenty, not try to kill you or erase your memories, I'm not working for Voldemort, I don't have any dark secrets and I don't intend on taking over the school."
"Are you going to give me a lifetime ban from Quidditch?" Harry wanted to know.
"Merlin, no! Only really heinous crimes like killing another player or something deserves that."
"Thank God!" Harry sighed. Then he looked sterner. "Unfortunately, I don't know where my broomstick is, or if Dumbledore's got the ban lifted."
Buffy smirked inexplicably.
"What?" Harry asked.
She pointed at the newspaper someone was holding up. It read 'Educational Decrees Abolished'!
"Yes!" Harry whooped. "Mind you, she's probably in St. Mungo's with Lockhart now. If I can't get my broomstick back..."
"You'll need a new one. Big deal." Xander shrugged.
"My broom was a gift from Sirius." Harry replied. "A Firebolt."
"Bloody hell! You have a Firebolt?!" Xander gasped.
Buffy and Willow began giggling. "You're properly British now, Xand, no more Americanisms for you!"
"What?" Xander looked confused.
"Have you come across many Americans who say 'bloody hell' on a regular basis?" Harry asked, mock-politely.
Xander groaned, but then shot back at Buffy. "You're not exactly American either, y'know."
"What?"
"Well, your mom's British too. I don't know about your dad..." Xander shrugged.
"Mom?" Buffy asked.
"Hank was born in England, but he moved to America when he was very young. We met when he was here for a time, doing business. You were born in Britain, Buffy." Joyce gave her a grin.
"Ack, I'm British, what's the world coming to?!" Buffy gasped.
"Well, you haven't got a British accent, so be grateful for that." Harry grinned.
"But British accents are cool." Buffy sighed.
"It's a statistical fact that people are often attracted to someone with a different accent to themself." Willow informed her.
"Oh, that explains it." Buffy grinned. "Where's the wand shop?"
"Here." Harry pointed and they walked into 'Ollivander's Wand Shop'.
Buffy blinked, her eyes trying to get used to the darkness of the store. 'Weird,' she thought, 'that anyone can keep it so dark.'
"Ah, Mr Potter, what can I do for you?" A voice asked.
Buffy observed that her mother and the others had remained in the sunshine. She looked at Harry. He shrugged.
"Nothing, Mr Ollivander. It's Buffy. She needs a new wand." Harry explained.
"So no problems with your wand then?" Ollivander asked.
"Nope. Does a nice Priori Incantatum against Voldemort's wand, but other than that, fine." Harry explained.
"The reverse spell effect? What happened?"
"My fourth year. His wand regurgitated spells. I saw Cedric Diggory, an old man, Bertha Jorkins and then... my parents, reappear, they were shadows. They saved my life. Anyway, we're here to talk about Buffy, not me."
"Ah, Miss Summers. What happened?"
"My old one broke. I was using it for a shield spell and it splintered." Buffy explained.
Ollivander, rather than looking his usual dreamy self, looking furious. "WHAT? A wand that splinters under a shield spell should never be used! That means it was nearly incompatible with you! What make?"
"Uh, Jarren, I think..."
"Ah, his wands." Ollivander showed clear disgust. "No wonder. He does not spend enough time over choosing the correct wand to witch or wizard. Never mind. You have the papers?"
Buffy handed him a bunch of papers declaring that her old wand had been destroyed and she needed a new one.
As the tape measure was measuring her, he smiled. "Hopefully this wand will be more compatible."
He selected a box, thinking hard. "I remember your mother's wand and her family's. The women of your family do tend toward unicorn hair. But as for the wood... Oak, thirteen inches, unicorn hair."
He handed it to her. She waved it. A glass shattered.
"No, no, no, certainly not." He gave a half smile. "Let's hope you're not as tricky as Mr Potter was."
Buffy cast a look at Harry. "I had to try about every wand in the shop before I found one." Harry answered.
Buffy groaned.
After trying a number of them, Ollivander smiled. "Hard customer, eh? Never mind, Miss Summers, there's always one to the witch. Now – no, but why not – it was right with Mr Potter..." He turned to Buffy. "Ten inches, willow and unicorn hair, very old. Should be good for charms."
Buffy took it. Instantly, blue and silver sparks erupted from her wand. "Oh we have a match. Very good. Yes, you lived up to your family's tradition, like Mr Potter, really..."
"What, the Potters favour phoenix feather?" Harry asked.
Ollivander nodded.
"Then why did you have me try the other two cores?"
"You were and still are an unusual wizard. But like your wand, Miss Summers' brother wand is unusual."
"What?" Buffy asked.
"Some unicorns live for years. I know for a fact that the unicorn which provided the hair for your wand was the same unicorn that provided the core of Rowena Ravenclaw's wand."
Harry grinned. "Hey, at least it isn't shared with Voldemort's wand."
Buffy paled. "You wand shares cores with Voldemort's wand?"
"Uh huh. Core's from Dumbledore's phoenix too. That wand's got to be old."
"Five centuries. It was an especially magical unicorn." Ollivander explained. "Some wands take centuries to chose their wizard or witch."
"How much?" Buffy asked, sliding the wand into her holster, which she wore already.
"Ten galleons."
Buffy handed over the money. "Thanks, Ollivander."
"You're welcome, Miss Summers, Mr Potter." Ollivander smiled. As the two students left his shop, he turned and headed into the back to write a letter, much as he had done five years ago.
"Here we are." Harry grinned. "Flourish and Blotts, the only place for books. If we really look hard, we might be able to find Hermione buried in some books somewhere."
Willow gasped. "Wow. It's huge!"
The bookstore had obviously had an increase in size over the last couple of years, Harry reflected, on the inside only, of course. It still looked old fashioned, but now it had many more rows of shelves. They headed towards the schoolbooks section.
"What do we need?" Buffy asked Harry. Since they had chosen the same subjects, she had left her list at home.
He showed her.
Transfiguration
'Advanced Transfiguration' by Emeric Switch
'Conjuring Tricks' by Kella Creatis
'Animal Transfiguration' by James Potter
DADA
'Dark Curses and Countering' by Leila Rusce
'Defensive magic and when to use it' by Olden Orenda
'The Darkest Creatures: Demons and their mythology' by Rupert Giles
Basic Healing
'Healing Charms for Beginners' by Althea Eruc
'Healing: A guide to injuries and their cures' by Poppy Pomfrey
Charms
'Advanced Charms' by Drury Merrick
'Charms for every situation: From protection to offence' by Lily Potter
Potions
'Potions ingredients: The dos and don'ts' by Arsenius Jigger
'Potions for the advanced student' by Mericam Paracelsus
'Bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses' by Severus Snape
Auror Studies
'Constant Vigilance' by Alastor Moody
'Duelling: How not to get killed' by Kingsley Shacklebolt
'The Art of an Auror' by Lady Wakanda
Other
'The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 6)' by Miranda Goshawk
"What the...?" Harry began. "Why did no one tell me my parents wrote books in the fields of Transfiguration and Charms?"
"Uh, because I didn't know." Remus stated. "James and Lily must have had them published under different names to begin with. I've not seen them before. Ask Dumbledore or Minerva, they'll probably know."
"Hey, Tonks, d'you know who's teaching Auror Studies?" Buffy asked suddenly.
Tonks paled. "Uh, no."
Buffy grinned. "You do."
"Don't."
"Do. Tell me. Please?" She gave her the innocent, puppy brown eyes look. It got people every time, though her technique was nowhere near as good as Xander's.
"Oh alright. Kingsley and I aren't just there for protection. We're the ones running the Auror Studies course."
"But, isn't Kingsley head of the investigation, y'know, about Sirius?" Harry asked.
"The Ministry finally accepted our word that Sirius was innocent. But he also died. They've stopped the case, though there's now some people searching for Pettigrew. If they find him, or at least find proof that Sirius was innocent, well, Sirius will finally be able to rest in peace."
"What happened to him?" Buffy asked.
"He passed through the veil in the Department of Mysteries." Harry explained shortly. "If I hadn't been there..."
"Harry, remember, it is not your fault. It's Bellatrix Lestrange's. If I ever get my hands on that bitch..." Remus looked almost dreamy for a moment.
Harry shook his head. "There's someone with much more right than us for revenge on Bellatrix Lestrange."
Remus frowned for a moment. "Who?"
"Neville."
There was silence, and Harry and Buffy started pulling out their books.
"Who's Neville?" Buffy asked Harry.
"A boy in my year, my house." Harry replied. "Neville Longbottom. He was at the Department of Mysteries with us."
"What happened? Why has he got more right to have revenge on Bellatrix Lestrange?" Buffy asked.
"It's not my story to tell. But I'll say this. I'm pitied for being an orphan. Neville... He's got it far worse." Harry sighed. Then he looked around. "So where's my parents' books, hmm?"
# # #
"We are not eating ice cream for lunch." Hermione plainly stated as they met up outside 'Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour' that lunchtime. Everyone had got their necessary supplies. Now they were looking forward to an afternoon of fun.
"Yes we are. Live a little, Hermione, it won't kill you." Ron told her and dragged her inside to order.
For some reason, the adults had left them alone, surprising everyone, especially Harry. He shrugged it off though. Presumably there was some sort of safety net around them. He had also been handed an emergency portkey if they needed to get out.
So there they ended up, sat in the August sun on Diagon Alley, eating ice cream for lunch. They had taken a while to convince Hermione, but had managed it.
"Is there anything else we need?" Buffy asked.
Harry surveyed his list again. And scowled. "I swear that wasn't on here five seconds ago."
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Dress robes." Harry groaned.
Ron grinned. "Fred and George got me some last year. And they fit perfectly. I think there's a charm on them for that."
"I need new ones." Harry sighed. "I've grown taller and larger. My set's two years old."
"Don't worry, we need them too." Xander commiserated.
"What's wrong with you guys? It's shopping! It's fun!" Buffy grinned.
Even Hermione joined in.
"We'll go there next. Get it over and done with. There must be some sort of ball or special occasion this year." Ron sighed.
"There maybe a few things like that. Trying to raise morale, what with the threat of Voldemort and all." Harry explained.
"Never thought he could do something good." Buffy smirked. "I like balls."
Eventually they finished their ice creams and headed into 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'. The girls seemed to take hours over their choices, while the boys were much quicker.
Harry selected Gryffindor red robes. His last set had been green, but this set called out to him for some reason. The fabric was finer quality than his school robes – which he had to buy some more of – and very comfortable against his skin. There was a small amount of gold trimming along the edges, golden phoenixes at the corners of the bottom hem. He was very pleased.
Xander's was a dark blue, with a silver edging. It looked great and he was very pleased with it.
They asked the girls about their robes, but all three refused to give them a glimpse.
"Okay, next stop, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes!" Ron announced.
"Your brothers' shop?" Xander asked.
"One and the same."
"Cool!"
The group of friends proceeded to the shop, which was quiet, for now.
"Be careful." Harry warned the Americans (A/N: Even if Buffy and Xander are technically British!). "You never know what the twins are going to throw at you."
His warning was right on. Because as Xander stepped on the welcome mat, he was instantly doused with what appeared to be floral-scented bubblebath and water.
"That's cold!" Xander stated, annoyed. "You couldn't make it warm?" He demanded, looking at the redhead behind the counter.
"Aww, chill, Xand. Nothing a drying spell doesn't clear up." Willow grinned. "Aridus." She incanted.
"Xander, Willow, Buffy. They let you out then?" The twin grinned.
"Yup." Xander grinned. "With the other trio in tow."
"Ah, our beloved financer!" He rushed forward. "What do you think of what your money has produced for us?"
"George!" Harry warned. As he did he recognised a scent mixed in with everything else.
"I'm not George, I'm Fred." He informed Harry loftily.
Harry looked at him closely for a moment, and realised with surprise that he was taller than him. "Nah, you're George."
He stared at him. "How do you know? Our own mother struggles to tell us apart!"
Harry grinned. "Well, there's a distinctive smell in here. And I recognise it. Angelina is the only girl I know who wears a vanilla/chocolate scent. And since one of you isn't here..." The Boy Who Lived left the rest to imagination.
George nodded. "Yep, she and Fred are in the back room 'talking', so they say."
"Anyway, do we get discounts?" Xander jumped forward, asking.
"Well, since you're the cousin of our dear financial backer... Not to mention you helped burn down the Quidditch pitch at your old school... Yes, I think you're troublemaker enough to be eligible for what we call the 'Marauders Discount'." George winked at Harry.
"Hey, George." Harry spoke as they looked at the various prank items. "Y'know how the Marauder's Map insults people who try to get it to show itself without the password? D'you think you could make something like that? Responding to what the people around are saying? With the people whose parchment it is having their own nicknames and giving personal responses?"
George's eyes lit up. "Harry, that is a masterful plan! We just need to work out how to do it. There'd be a potion to give the personality, the nicknames could be inscribed in a special ink... D'you think Remus'd mind if we asked him for help?"
"No, give him back some of his childhood. Maybe his grey hairs will lessen." Harry smirked. It was the smirk that so many people had hated and so many others had loved. The same smirk his father had had when he was pulling a prank. Harry just used it less.
At that moment, Fred and Angelina appeared, looking a little dishevelled.
"So, you two definitely going out then?" Harry asked conversationally.
Fred scowled. "Yes, we are."
"Oh good. How's your holiday been, Angelina? How'd you do on your NEWTs?" He gave a lopsided grin to the twins.
"Transfiguration, Charms and Potions, Os. Herbology and Arithmancy, Es." Angelina answered. "More importantly, Pride of Portree has asked me to be on their reserve team!"
Harry grinned. "That's great! Well done. And good luck."
Angelina smiled. "Yeah, I'm gonna need it. Who're these?" She gestured to the newcomers.
"C'mere guys!" Harry called. They obeyed. "Fred's girlfriend wants to meet you."
Ron grinned wickedly. "You finally asked her out then? After all those dates and stuff?"
Fred went red. Any blush Angelina had was hard to tell on her dark cheeks.
"Okay, Angelina Johnson, meet Elizabeth – Buffy – Summers, Alexander – Xander – Harris..."
"No, no, no, Harry, Potter, remember?" Xander grinned.
"My mistake, Alexander Potter, and Willow Rosenburg."
"Potter?" Angelina asked.
"Yeah, I'm Harry's slightly older cousin. My parents were killed just before his. I've been living with my guardian in America since then. Until we got given our ultimatum." He grinned.
"Ultimatum?" Fred asked. He had his hands locked around Angelina's waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. Ron fought the temptation to fake gag.
"Yeah, we either accept being transferred to Hogwarts or we're kicked out anyway." Buffy explained.
"What'd you do?" Angelina asked.
"Accidentally burned the Quidditch pitch down." Buffy looked awkward. "I tell you, Xander was not pleased that that was our only course of action."
"Why?" Fred asked.
"Fanatical Chaser." Willow answered. "Buffy's nearly as bad."
"You're both Chasers?" Harry asked. They nodded. "Great! If you get into Gryffindor, and I don't doubt that you will, you can tryout! There's only the Keeper and Seeker left, since I'm technically still banned."
Angelina frowned at him. "Yeah, Ginny's a good Seeker, she just needs a bit more confidence. Worried about getting your position back?" She grinned.
Harry nodded. "A little."
Xander frowned. "Harry, don't take this the wrong way, but you might not do so well as Seeker now."
Harry frowned back. (A/N: They're doing a lot of frowning aren't they?) "Why?"
"You've grown." Angelina explained. "You're bigger. But... What about the other positions? Wasn't your dad a Chaser?"
Harry nodded. "But I've only ever practised Seeker. And Ginny wants to be a Chaser..."
Ron snorted.
"What?"
"Um, she only really said that so you wouldn't worry. Maybe we can sort something out, see if you'd make a good Chaser. There might be some garden out the back." Ron explained.
"We haven't even looked to see!" Hermione gasped. "Why didn't we?"
"Cleaning." Ron grinned.
"Um, guys, didn't you want to go to those little shops at the other end of the Alley?" Willow asked her two friends. "Because we've got to meet the adults at six."
Buffy nodded. "Yeah. Can we pay for this? Not that it isn't fascinating discussing Harry's possible career as a Chaser."
Xander and the others grinned and they swiftly paid for their purchases.
Buffy led the way to clusters of tiny little shops that seemed to contain a bit of everything. The six teens almost flung themselves at them – they liked rummaging through these old things, especially Ron, who was good at catching bargains.
Buffy and Harry found themselves at the back of one shop examining Muggle- style magical weaponry.
"That seems very King Arthur." Harry remarked.
"What?" Buffy asked.
Harry was holding a broadsword that she could help but notice seemed made for him. "As long as you wear the scabbard your wounds don't bleed. Which means that they can be healed before blood loss occurs. It's nice though."
He was right. Like most of his recent belonging or presents, the scabbard was simply made of brown leather with a golden phoenix emblazoned upon it. It was exceptionally fine though, and looped round a matching belt. The hilt seemed simple and sturdy enough. The pommel was a large ruby, the metal of a golden sheen, but harder than gold. But upon the golden hilt was a phoenix. Harry couldn't help but wonder if there was a theme.
He drew the blade, slowly at first, but it whipped out fast as lightning. The blade was perfect. Peerlessly-edged, the finest steel – or was it a different metal? – available, long and straight, a blood-channel running up three-quarters of the way. Along the sword in runic letter was written a word or name. Harry didn't know how, but he could translate it.
"Defensor's lightning." He breathed. He knew instantly as he held it that this sword was his. He knew it was the sword Godric Gryffindor had used to protect his world.
"That sword..." Buffy gasped.
"How much?" Harry turned to the man who appeared behind Buffy.
"Oh, now, I'm not sure I can be selling that to you young sir, not sure at all..." The wizard murmured.
"How much is it? It's the sword of my ancestor. I can't just leave it there." Harry announced.
As Harry said this, Buffy's eyes fell upon a sword of her own. It seemed identical in some ways, the plain sheath, but for a blazoned silver unicorn, the simple hilt, the pommel stone blue and the hilt bronze- coloured. The unicorn in silver engraved upon it. The blade was similar, blood channel, peerless edge, fine steel – what was that metal? She drew it towards her.
The shop owner instantly changed his tune. He drew himself to a larger height. "Ah, now I understand."
"What?" Buffy asked, pulling the sword close.
"Why you are here, Mr Potter, Miss Summers."
"How did you...?"
"Those swords are a pair. One cannot be chosen alone. But you two... You are close. Closer than you imagine. Take the swords. They are yours. They were always yours."
"Surely there is some charge?" Harry looked confused.
"No, no, not for those. Be careful, Phoenix, Unicorn. Your time will come soon."
With that, Harry and Buffy were forced out of the shop and the door shut. They flew out onto the ground of the street, and watched as the shop promptly disappeared.
"Your sword or scabbard have any other interesting habits?" Harry asked.
"Protection. As long as I wear the scabbard and belt, no curse can harm me. Even Avada Kedavra." Buffy explained.
"There was something very odd about that." Harry frowned.
"Ya think?"
"I do. And when we get back to Hogwarts, I think I'm going to be doing some research into my family's history. Not to mention the Hogwarts founders."
Buffy grinned. "Except to be joined in that. As if there wasn't enough problems with Quidditch and studying."
Harry nodded. "Not to mention the yearly mystery."
"Huh?"
"Remind me to explain that to you."
Buffy nodded. "You coming? Let's see if we can find the others."
# # #
A/N: So, how was that? Was it worth the wait?
Anyway, to my marvellous reviewers, who I hope I haven't lost:
LaRoseMinuit: I'm glad you like the Giles as Buffy's dad thing. I do. Yeah, I do wonder why he doesn't rip his hair out, but I guess it's something he's had to accept. Glad you liked the meddling. It may happen some more, until the kids figure out that the adults knew all along. Glad you like the Brit-speak!
Renna: Thanks! Good that you like the Gryffindor/Ravenclaw story and the soulmates theory. As for getting together... What do you think?
Anne: Thanks. I'm glad I've managed to make it so that the characters are still themselves! Oh, yes, Draco. Yes, that's got to be done carefully...
Draco's Slytherin Vampiress: Sorry, the update's a little late, isn't it? Couldn't be helped, I'm afraid!
Sk8erWitch: I'm glad you like it. My other crossover is HHr, though. Thanks for making an exception.
scarlett caelian: You like Xander being Harry's cousin? Great! Thanks!
dreamer123: Nothing like it? I got something that's completely original (for fanfiction)? YES!
lexinator: Glad you like it. Now update your fic, please! I mean, I have! Yeah, I do that, though it's more with pairings.
Sam-453: Potential? Wow. See my blush! Thanks for reading. Yeah, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update this one!
Silver Warrior: Glad you like my ideas. Yeah, Ron says bloody hell a lot, doesn't he? I do too, actually. But I'm British, so I'm allowed! I'm also real!
i want in: Cool name. Yeah, I know there's a fair few bits that are new. Nope, Willow and Hermione are just Willow and Hermione. Not related. I think it's enough with Harry and Xander! I'm glad you think it's original. I don't think I've seen all that many where the wizarding world is known about (like there's one where Faith is actually a witch as well), let alone them being a perfectly normal part of it! And Giles always seemed more of a father to Buffy (and Dawn) than her real dad anyway, so I just took it a step further.
BrokenSkye: Sorry it took so long. Really. You think it's that good? Thank you so much!
Renna (again!): No, I'm not discontinuing the story! I've just had lots of school stuff, and can anyone say exams?! Though, I must admit, the praise definitely helped stimulate me to write more!
Thanks to mck, cancan227, AmericanHavoc, moon,gates,slaying, and manticore- gurl1071134 as well!
Hopefully the next chapter should be up sooner than the last. A fortnight, tops!
Have a great summer to everyone, especially those who have completed exams!
Lol, Tanydwr