Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter is not mine and never will be, but the OC's are and so is the plot concept. Buffy isn't mine either though I certainly wish it was.
Notes: A crossover between BtVS & HP. Just an idea that has been pressing on my brain for what seems like forever. This story actually started out as a plain old HP fic, but when the idea to bring in the Buffy cast jumped into my head I couldn't resist. This fic takes place at the beginning of season 7, right after Willow was about to destroy the world. As for the HP time span, this takes place as though they were in their 7th year just to make things run smoothly plot wise. I apologize beforehand for any OOC scenes, and please feel free to critique and comment. I understand that many of you might not understand the story because you don't watch Buffy, but I do suggest you read the fic anyway. I will try my best to answer all sketchy areas, and if you would like to know more about the plot line please feel free to email me at Ladymioneaol.com.
Quick Summary: He was tired of living his life for his father, and when the opportunity became available he formed new loyalties. Now he must battle his seventh year and his father, but if that wasn't hard enough he must now battle his dreams. He must battle his future. She was tired of feeling like a void after the destruction she caused. Her punishment was to attend proper training in the most prestigious wizarding school known. Yet the dark power that coursed through her veins continued to resurface; beckoning her to join them. What happens when these two worlds collide? And what happens when the Slayer has no control over the outcome? In one world everything has depended on the Slayer, and in the other everything has always depended on the boy-who-lived. What happens when the future of the world resides in two people who are trying to redeem their ties to dark power? A story of friends, foes and fiascos.
One More little note….Thank you for the reviews, I appreciate them very much. As for anyone who believes that this plot has been overdone you are in for a pleasant surprise. Believe me I have worked on this for far too long to make it a carbon copy of what ever else is out there. Anyway….please review! Thanks!!!!!!!
Chapter 2 Who Are You Really?
Willow's eyes slowly rose at the sneering voice. Her heart thumped slightly, and she felt her hands begin to shake. It was at that moment when her eyes locked in on a pair of sliver eyes before her. He looked down at her; his eyes filled with a harsh emotion she was not used to seeing. She jumped in her seat as he spoke; the tone of his voice callous.
"Well, are you just going to stare at me like a some idiot? Who the hell are you?" Draco's eyes raked her body with a curious nature.
" I'm sorry, but I don't understand. I'm Willow, Willow Rosenberg to be exact. I'm from America." She fidgeted in her seat; her eyes glancing over her shoulder at the other figures in the compartment.
" Are you another Weasley or something? Some distant relative? " Armina arched her eyebrow.
Willow looked nervously between the group of them. Was she a Weasley? Her voice stammered as she spoke. " I-I-I don't know if I am, what's a Weasley? "
There was a long silence as Draco studied her. He could tell that she was genuinely scared, and that made him smile with superiority.
"Well if you don't know who the Weasleys are then consider yourself lucky. " Dropping down in the seat across from her he held out his hand, " I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
Carefully she took his hand, "Like Bond, James Bond? " Willow chuckled but her smiled faded as she saw the confused looks on their faces.
She watched as the three other students sat down accordingly, and she folded her hands across her lap with nervousness. She had planned on keeping to herself her entire time at Hogwarts but now as these people sat around her she realized how incredibly difficult that would be. The train ran smoothly along the track as she sat in the plush compartment seat. Silently she looked between the group wondering if she should say something, but she sighed with relief as Armina began droning on and on about the different classes Hogwarts provided.
Willow listened intently as Armina filled her in on Hogwarts; the boys rolling their eyes occasionally. Willow leaned back in her seat and glanced over at Blaise. His eyes were heavily fixed on Armina, and Willow concluded that he had some sort of secret desire for her. It was plainly obvious by the glimmer in his eyes. Willows heart lurched at the sight. Tara used to look at her the same way. Her eyes wandered over to Lawrence whom was staring out the window. His face was hard to read, but Willow figured he liked to keep his feelings tucked inside. Arminas voiced brought her out of a daze and she turned slightly in her seat to listen.
"…And Slytherin is by far the best house. You definitely look like Slytherin potential…." her voice faded out again and Willow's eyes flickered towards Draco.
Her stomach flopped. There was something about Draco's eyes that made her feel uneasy. It could have been the fact that she had never before witnessed a silvery pair of eyes, or it could have been how they seemed to have experienced more than any full grown man she ever met. It was as though he had seen the world rise and fall within the short years he was alive. They were dark, emotionless, but at the same time there was a courage behind them that caused her to gasp. They reminded her of something, of someone, they reminded her of Spike.
"…And its more or less a guarantee that you will fall asleep in History of Magic. I suspect that Professor Binns died because he was so boring. " Armina rolled her eyes slightly and took a breath.
Draco turned and caught Willow's eye which caused her to look away in embarrassment. Had he seen her staring?
Willow fidgeted in her seat, "Well-I-I like boring. Besides it will probably be good for me. I need to learn something tame. " Her voiced cracked.
Draco furrowed his brow; his eyes narrowing as he studied her face. It was creased with lines of regret; lines of sleepless nights. Her cheeks were drawn and sallow with color. She almost looked ghostly. Nervous sparks flashed in her eyes as she spoke, and for a brief moment he was reminded of his mother. Many nights he watched her face crease with the same lines, the same regret. Her eyes were filled with the same vacancy he had seen his mother try to cover countless times. Draco swallowed hard; his curiosity now peaked. Armina had begun to jabber again and Draco brought his hand to her mouth to shut her up. There was a long awkward silence, and Draco could sense the fear brewing inside of Willow. His voice was soft and soothing as he spoke to her, his own eyes softening.
"You fell into dark magic didn't you? I can see it in your eyes. You practiced dark magics, and now your trying to redeem yourself."
Her eyes widened instantly; her mouth opening but failing to provide any words. Willow felt the world around her come to a screeching halt. How in the world did he figure it out? Was he some sort of Seer? Was he able to tap into her mind and read her most private thoughts? Her hands began to shake, but she was interrupted by the compartment door sliding open.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" A plump little lady questioned as she pushed the trolley through.
Lawrence's ears perked up at this but Draco cut him off. " No we don't need anything." Lawrences mouth dropped open and Draco shook his head.
"Alright then, best be ready to arrive in Hogsmeade soon." She smiled softly before moving towards the door and pushing into the next compartment.
Draco turned back to Willow. Her red hair hung around her face almost as if to block her from facing them. For some reason he felt for her. He had seen the tempting powers of the dark; he had been at the front lines almost tasting the power. Yet he had refused, and now he could see that she was trying to push it away as well.
"Its alright Willow. We've all lived with it. Our families are tied in with the dark. There's nothing to be ashamed of. You just need to look within yourself and find what it is your looking for. " Draco locked eyes with her but she quickly turned her face. Chewing lightly on her bottom lip she could feel her eyes begin to sting with heavy tears.
"I- " but she couldn't continue. Instead she closed her eyes.
Armina slapped Draco in the arm. She shook her head in a disapproving manner. Lawrence moved carefully from his seat and sat next to Willow. He didn't say anything; just draped his arm around her. Draco exchanged a nod with him, agreeing that nothing should be said at the moment. The rest of the train ride Willow sat with her eyes closed, the four Slytherins respecting her silence.
The train lurched as it pulled into Hogsmeade, and Willow rose slowly from her seat. Although Draco had tapped into something terrible inside of her she still found his words easing. Know she knew she wasn't alone in the battle against black magic. It seemed as though the four of them had each experienced it in one way or another. Before they had reached the town of Hogsmeade Armina had advised Willow to change into her robes. Without many words exchanged she changed and sat back down silently in her seat. In a way she was relieved to be stepping off the train.
Together the five of them emerged from the compartment and stepped out upon the long platform. Willows eyes adjusted to the large crowd of kids that seemed to fill the area. Smoothing down her robe nervously she watched as Draco and the others made their way towards a group of carriages. Not wanting to be alone she quickly moved towards them but jumped back as a large figure stepped in front of her.
"Willow Rosenberg? " The voiced thundered before her.
Her eyes slowly rose; taking in the large mass in front of her. Her eyes widened as she finally reached his face and she felt a gasp escape her. This surly was no man, he was too large.
"Y-y-ye-yes?" she trembled; wondering if she had already fell into some sort of trouble.
Surprisingly the man smiled through his massive bushy beard and held out his hand.
" Names Hagrid. Although your not really a first year you will be joining them across the lake and then to the sorting. Professor Dumbledore had instructed me to locate you and make sure you understood that."
Willow nodded and followed him as he gathered the first years together. Glancing over her shoulder she watched as Draco and his friends stepped inside one of the many carriages. Draco caught her staring and gave her a reassuring smile. Willow smiled weakly in return, and turned back to Hagrid. By now he had begun to lead the first years towards the boats. Willow watched and waited as they began to pile in. Each face a mixture of excitement and fear. Willow knew her face just showed utter nervousness.
After the last first year stepped into the boat Hagrid motioned towards her to step into his boat. With a sigh she moved quickly to the edge and carefully stepped aboard. Sitting down she noticed a few puzzling glances being shot at her, and she dropped her gaze down to her hands.
" Don't you worry Willow, everything will turn out just fine. " Hagrid offered her another smile, but turned his head when he saw she wasn't looking.
The boat rocked softly in the water as the image of Hogwarts came into view. Willow heard a few of the children gasp and she brought her eyes up to catch the image. Her own breath caught in her throat. The sight was captivating. The enormous castle glistened with candles and Willow smiled. If she had known this was what she was coming to she wouldn't have felt so down from the beginning. It was more beautiful then the pictures she had absorbed from the books. It was absolutely amazing. A low chuckle broke her concentration and she looked up at Hagrid.
" It is a sight isn't it." He nodded towards the castle and Willow agreed mutely.
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Draco sat down next to Lawrence in the carriage and ran his hands across his forehead. His mind was pressed with thoughts of Willow as he stretched out slightly. Armina continued to jabber about her summer as they headed down the bumpy path towards Hogwarts. Draco had planned on telling them about his dream, but for some reason it seemed to be the furthest thing from his mind. Blaise kept shooting him puzzled looks and Draco answered him with a heavy roll of the eyes each time.
" What's your deal Draco? You've been eerily quiet this whole time?" Lawrence glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
"There is no deal. Im just thinking. Don't press on my nerves Lawrence." A minute glare was shot back at Lawrence and Blaise rolled his eyes.
" Lets not start with the whole 'I'm tougher then you routine'. It's bad enough that last year you two had that stupid duel in the common room."
Lawrence huffed and sunk back into the seat. The trees whipped by as the carriage carried them closer to the castle, and finally Draco sat up and balled his fists.
" I had this dream last night. It didn't make much sense to me, but then again none of my dreams ever made much sense. " He rubbed his fingers on the bridge of his nose.
" You want to tell us about them Draco? " Armina leaned over and rubbed his arm in support.
" Do you all really want to listen?" He arched his eyebrow and looked between the group of them.
"Go ahead Draco, that's what we are here for." Armina smiled again and Draco took a deep breath.
"I had this dream I was running, " The three of them rolled their eyes but he stopped them from saying anything, " Look I know I dream about running all the time, but I assure you this is different. I was running through the forest, and suddenly the path split in two directions. Down one path was this horrid red light. The other path was blocked by this girl- " At this Blaise's eyes widened and he smirked. Draco groaned and shook his head. " No you twit it wasn't some sort of sexual dream. She was just standing there, beckoning me to reach her. It was really strange. "
"Sounds to me you were having one of those special boy dreams." Lawrence smirked; a chuckle rising from his throat.
" Sod off Lawrence. Anyway after the girl disappeared I found myself in front of Hagrids hut. Curiosity peaked and I knocked on his door. However he wasn't the person who I found inside. There was some strange guy waiting for me. The funny thing is, he knew things about me, and I think- I think that this guy was some form of the future me. He kept droning on and on about how I needed to remember my loyalties and change my future. He said something about the 'Powers that Be'. I've heard of them before, but I never thought they were real. The point is, this guy told me that my future can be changed, that I have the ability to change the outcome of my life. What does it all mean? Honestly I have no idea. " Finally pausing in his words he took in each of their expressions. They were just as he suspected they would be; utterly confused.
"Maybe it was just one of those odd dreams you've had before. Remember last year when you had that dream about Hogwarts catching fire? Nothing happened." Blaise propped his chin in his hand.
" Or maybe this dream meant a little bit more then that one, Blaise. I'm telling you, I have never before felt so strangely about a dream. It's like I was really there. "
"Well I think you should calm yourself down. A dream is nothing but a dream and until you dream it again, or until something really happens I think you can be considered safe." Blaise yawned and lazily glanced out the window.
Draco scowled and dropped his gaze to his hands. If they didn't want to listen then he would just forget about everything. Perhaps they were right anyway. Maybe his dream really didn't mean anything. A chill ran through his body and she shivered involuntarily. The soft image of the girl became clear in his mind. With a sigh he shook his head and groaned. Then again, maybe the dream really did mean exactly what he thought it did.
The carriage came to a harsh stop and the four snapped out of their dazed states. Draco was the first to step out and glance up at the large luminous school. A pang of sadness somehow crept inside of him and he realized that this would be the last year to take in such a sight. The first glimpse of Hogwarts after a long holiday break was always the most captivating. A heavy arm slung around his shoulder and he gave a sideways look to Blaise.
"We better hurry inside. Wouldn't want to miss the ceremony. See how many new Gryffindorks we can harass this year. " With a smirk Draco made his way inside with Blaise. Behind him he could hear Armina whispering excitedly about Willow and he rolled his eyes. Somehow he would find a way to mute that girl.
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Willow carefully stepped out of the boat and gave Hagrid some room to move. The first years were chatting anxiously and it brought a small smile to her face. In closer perspective the castle looked old and classic. It was as though it was brought directly out of a fantasy book, rolling hills and all. Reaching into her robe she let her fingers play with her wand as she followed the group of kids through the large double doors leading inside.
Nodding a quick goodbye to Hagrid she let her eyes wander around and take in her surroundings. The school was cool and dark as they made their way up the large main flight of stairs. A thunderous chatter sounded in the distance and Willow assumed that it was the older students already inside. She wondered if Draco would let her sit with him once she was sorted into Slytherin. After all he might have a reputation to uphold and she might be the quirky girl to make him the laughing stock of his house. Reaching the top of the stairs with a huff a quick hush fell upon the students and Willow flicked her eyes to the woman standing at the head. She was tall, quite studious in an elderly sort of way. It was an eerie resemblance to Giles in a womanly sort of way and she couldn't help but giggle to herself. With a stern expression the woman folded her arms across her chest and peered down over her glasses. This only caused Willow to giggle more; that was a classic Giles action.
" I expect all of you are anxious to enter the Great Hall and begin your first year here at Hogwarts. I am Professor Minerva McGonagall, teacher of Transfiguration and Head of Gryffindor house. However there are four houses you may be sorted into. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin…" A few murmurs spread through the group and McGonagall cleared her throat loudly in order to obtain their attention again. " Despite the houses you are sorted into, you are expected to treat everyone here with the utmost respect. Failure to do this will result in very strict discipline. Now if you just follow me, we will get you all sorted. " With a quick turn and a few short steps she pushed open the two large doors behind her and gestured for the students to enter.
Swallowing a large lump in her throat, Willow followed the group through the doors and into the room. Dozens of candles floated mid air creating a feeling of mysticism and fun. The ceiling, if she remembered from the book, was charmed to look like the night sky, and the starry heavens shone down upon her light a crown of diamonds. The sight captured her attention so much that she didn't even notice the strange looks the older students kept shooting her. It wasn't until they had reached the front of the room did she dare turn to glance around.
Four long tables stretched out across the room; each of them occupied by numerous students. The front of the room housed the teachers and a small stool with a tattered hat perched on top. They stared long and hard at the hat until a small slit appeared within the center. Surprisingly the hat seemed to smile at them, and then suddenly it began to sing.
"I see inside your head
What others can not see
I'll easily find the place you go
Before you count to three
Ive done this more than fifty years
And although time has worn me thin
I know where you will do the best
Which house you should dwell in
You might do well in Gryffindor
Where bravery speaks the best
Or maybe dear old Hufflepuff
Loyalty high above the rest
Slytherin may be your call
If your cunning, sly and slick
Or finally in Ravenclaw
Where the mind is surely quick
Oh the possibilities are endless
And your anxiousness grows thick
So sit upon this stool and wait
So I can do my trick."
The room broke out into a loud applause and the slit on the hat slowly disappeared. There was a long moment of silence before McGonagall stepped forward and removed a long list from her robes. Picking the hat off the chair she turned to the first years and smiled softly.
"When I call your name please step forward. I will place the sorting hat on your head and once you have been placed you will take your seat with your new house members. " Willow shifted uncomfortably with the first years. " Abrams, Cynthia."
Willow watched as a petite dark haired girl approached the stool. Sitting down nervously McGonagall placed the hat on her head and they waited in silence. A long silence filled the room and the girls face became pale. Then suddenly, startling them all;
"Ravenclaw!" The hat spoke in a thunderous boom and then went silent again.
Willow felt her heart begin to pump nervously. It was bad enough to be the oldest and probably the most inexperienced witch here, but now to sit in front of a room and have everyone stare at her, judge her, it didn't help things at all. The list seemed to move by quickly. Various students being placed in each house, and the applause almost deafening as they took their seats.
"Vintorio, Alexi "
There was only a handful of first years left, and it caused her stomach to lurch. What if the hat didn't know where to place her? What if it felt she didn't belong and embarrassed her in front of the entire school? What if it knew what she had recently done and refused to place her? What if-
"Rosenberg, Willow "
A hush fell across the room and Willow felt all eyes turn to her. Mentally she cursed Giles. Slowly she moved towards the stool and sat down while folding her hands together on her lap. She looks out across the room and tried to focus on the hat and not anything else. Unfortunately she caught Armina's gaze and gave a weak smile as she winked at her. Draco had a tight, but genuine smile spread on his face and it eased her nervousness a tad. It felt like everything was going in slow motion as McGonagall placed the hat on her head. It was warm, and smelled musty and as it remained silent Willow felt her heart beat race furiously.
" Interesting, " a voice boomed inside her head causing her to jerk in her seat, " Your not the typical first year that I'm used to sorting. You're here for a different reason, yes, I can see it all in your head. Power, there is much of it coursing through your veins, and darkness, I can sense that too…"
If she tried to speak mentally to it, would it hear her? Chancing it she tried to defend herself.
"No, you don't understand. It was all a mistake. I never meant to hurt anyone. I was just- I loved her. She was my world and she was taken away. Cant you understand that? I'm trying to fix the wrong I committed. I want to be forgiven… I want to somehow forgive myself…." biting her lower lip she forced herself to remain calm. She didn't want anyone to know that some battered old hat was inflicting terrible memories.
" Redemption is a wonderful thing once you find it. But can you honestly believe that you have the strength to do it? Can you let go of all that power? You hold qualities I have seen before. Many years ago I met a man just like you. He was full of animosity, darkness and oozed with power. I think you would do exceedingly well in Slytherin, but you have something else that he didn't possess. You have the will to overcome the past and change the future. " The hat went silent for a long moment and Willow bit harder on her lip. Then a loud voice rang through the room and she gasped. " GRYFFINDOR!"
The hat went silent and the room exploded with applause from the Gryffindor table. Willow removed the hat and handed it back to McGonagall with a weak smile before moving towards her new table. Casting a sideways glance at the Slytherins she could slightly see the shocked expression on Dracos face. Did it really matter where she was placed? Dark magic or no dark magic she was still innocent Willow. They just didn't know her well enough. Sliding into an empty slot between a first year and another girl with fiery red hair she sighed. A chime from the front of the room caused the entire hall to hush and she watched as an old man stood from the center of the table. The image clicked inside of her head and she knew in an instant that he was Dumbledore.
"First, I would like to welcome you all back to another school year. I do hope that things this year will be much better than last as I recall a few of you skittering around the rules yet again. " Looking over his glasses, Willow followed his gaze to a boy with tousled black hair and glasses.
"Harry Potter…" she thought, recalling the entry from the encyclopedia. A chill ran through her body as the story of his life settled down into her head.
" I do know many of your parents considered keeping you home this term. The rise of the dark power is settling down heavily on their minds, and I do not blame them for being concerned. Yet I assure you that here at Hogwarts you are completely safe. Now for all first years, there is a few rules that we abide by. You may not enter the forest at any time, the third floor corridor is completely forbidden to all, and unless given permission by a teacher or a house prefect, you may not walk the corridors at night. Failure to comply with these rules and any other I have failed to mention, will grant you a dismal detention. Now, with all of that settled, let the feast begin."
"Excuse me, but could you please pass me that basket of rolls?" A voice to her right sounded in her ear. Willow grabbed the basket of rolls and smiled at the girl with the red hair. She smiled as the girl took the basket and shoved a roll into her mouth.
" Showry…" she said, the rolls still shoved in her mouth. Swallowing the lump of bread she extended her hand. " Ginny Weasley. Sixth year. Nice to meet you Willow Rosenberg. "
"How did you know my name? " Her voice faltering as she spoke.
"Well they did just announce it in front of the entire school."
"Oh, that's right. Sorry, I'm just a little nervous about this whole school thing. I'm not used to learning magic as an actual class." Blushing a shade of red she looked down at her hands.
"Its not that bad. In fact it can be quite fun if you take your studies seriously. Just make sure you stay on the good side of your Professors. Most of them are fair except for Snape. He has this thing against Gryffindors and usually finds some way to make them feel utterly stupid. " Ginny grinned and took another bite of her roll.
"Hey Gin, aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?" A voice sounded behind Ginny and Willow craned her neck to get a better look.
"Oh right, of course. Willow, this is my brother Ron. He's a seventh year and most likely will be in most of your classes." She gestured to the boy beside her.
"Good to meet you Willow. If you want I could show you- "
"And this is Hermione Granger." Ginny smirked, cutting Ron off before he could finish his words.
Willow smiled over at the girl with the bushy brown hair. " Nice to meet you Willow. If you have any problems at all catching up on your school work, don't hesitate to ask. I really do make a wonderful tutor."
"Yes, Hermione is top of the class." Ginny grinned and finally nodded towards Harry. " And this is-"
With a smile Willow extended her hand towards Harry. " Harry Potter…I know. Despite my slim knowledge of your world, I did manage to read up on a few things. You were one of them."
Harry's face turned red at her words and he quickly looked down at his plate. A long awkward silence grew between them and Willow wondered if she should have kept her mouth shut. Sensing her concern Ginny whispered in her ear.
"Don't worry much about Harry. He's just having a rough time with the rise of You-Know-Who and all."
Willow nodded mutely and grabbed her mug. Taking a quick swig she sighed and placed it back down on the table. A yawn rose from inside of her and she covered her mouth casually with her hand. The long day had finally begun to take a toll on her and she dropped her chin into her hand.
"Ms. Rosenberg?" Willow sat up and looked over her shoulder. McGonagall looked down at her and handed her a long piece of parchment. " Schedules are usually not handed out until tomorrow at breakfast, but I wanted you to become accustomed to the tight schedule you will have. As you can see you will be attending all the normal classes a seventh year would attend, but you will also be expected to attend private study courses with each Professor. For example, as you can see on Monday evenings you will attend a session of Transfiguration with myself. The sessions will only last an hour, and you will be granted permission to walk the corridors at night, to and from class. Also, we have decided that it would be easier for you to become acquainted with the school if you were placed in a room with only one other individual. Since Ms. Granger is the new Head Girl we can not bunk you with her. Our plans were to put you with Ms. Lavender Brown, but she has made it abundantly clear she will not leave Ms. Patil behind. With that idea tossed aside we have decided you will be bunking with Ms. Wealsey. " Giving a slight nod to Ginny, McGonagall turned back to Willow. "Both of you will find your belongings situated in your own private dorm in the last room of the girls wing. With that said and done you may finish your meal and then head to your rooms. " Turning quickly she headed back to the teachers table, her robes billowing behind her.
"Well that's great Willow! It will be nice to have a dorm only for us. Believe me sharing a room with five other girls just isn't fun anymore." Ginny grinned and drank the last of her juice.
"It sounds great." Willow forced a weak smile to her face. It wasn't that she didn't like Ginny. The girl was utterly sweet. It was just these strange feelings that kept overwhelming her, and she decided that the only way they would stop would be in her sleep. She needed to get some rest. Then again, she wasn't sure if her dreams would even let her sleep at all.
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Draco stared dumbfounded as Willow made her way over to the Gryffindor table. It didn't make sense to him at all. Everything about her screamed Slytherin, right down to the fact that she had even been involved with dark magics. What did that hat see that he didn't? He shook his head with a sneer and turned to Armina whom looked just as shocked as he did. He didn't need to say anything to her. He knew she felt the same way. Any other time he would have cared less about someone being sorted into that crummy house, but a knot in his stomach tugged at his senses. Willow was completely different from anyone else he had encountered. Of course he only knew her for the short train ride, but he could sense these things. There was something about her he couldn't put his finger on. Something that bored into his skin and caused a chill to run through his spine. He went through the slim facts he knew slowly.
First of all she was well beyond the age of any other student there. She was at least 22 and had no official magic training in her. Second she was from the United States, and obviously sent here for a serious reason. Why on earth would she be sent here for any other reason then that? Finally, she had silently admitted to testing the power of the dark. Something no Gryffindor was known for. It just didn't pan out correctly.
"You alright Draco?" Blaise placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Fine, just a bit confused." Running his hand across his face he gulped down the last of his butterbeer.
"The whole Willow is a Gryffindor thing is bugging you isn't it?" He arched his eyebrow and removed his hand.
"I don't know Blaise. It just doesn't make any sense to me. I don't even know why I care so much, but I do. There's more to that girl than she led us to believe. I know there is something going on, but I cant figure out what it is. "
"Well you better get over it. She's a Gryffindork now, and no longer a potential friend.
Sometimes our judgment of people can be mistaken. We have bigger things to worry about than fussing over a girl who we know nothing about. " Blaise leaned in closer and Draco could feel his hot breath stinging on the back of his neck. " We need to figure out how to avoid our initiations this year. You know that, I know that, and so do Lawrence and Armina. This is what we have been planning for a year, and we cant lose sight of our priorities over some silly girl. "
Draco sighed and nodded slowly. Blaise was right. Lawrences seventeenth birthday was the first to come, and they still had no plan on how he would be avoiding his initiation.
"Your right Blaise. In fact…" He looked over at Armina and Lawrence and leaned into the table in a hushed tone. " We will have a meeting tomorrow. We don't have much time before
Lawrence gets an owl from home. We will discuss possible options, and hopefully something will strike us as an intelligent idea. " Pulling back from the table he exchanged a nod with the others. " Until then, I'm heading up to bed. I'll see you all in the morning."
Rising from the table he looked over at Willow who seemed to be in conversation with the youngest weasel. Maybe Blaise was right. She was a Gryffindor now. No reason for him to worry about her anymore. Striding over to the large doors he flickered his eyes over to her once more. The same stubborn knot crept into his stomach again and he cursed quietly to himself. If she meant absolutely nothing, then why in bloody hell was he having problems shaking this feeling?
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Walking through the long corridors Willow watched as the paintings on the walls sprang to life. It truly was an amazing sight, and for the first time throughout the day she felt a bit more relaxed. Ginny had taken the liberty of walking her to the common room. She explained how the staircases moved, and how Mr. Filtch seemed to lurk everywhere when no one expected it. Willow nodded casually as they walked, her thoughts focusing more on the marvelous school rather then the conversation. Once or twice Ginny asked if she was ok and Willow replied with a soft 'yes'.
Climbing up another staircase, Ginny pointed to a large portrait of a heavy set woman. Muttering something about the common room entrance Willow followed her silently. Upon approaching, the portrait looked down at them, and in a monotone voice she spoke.
"Password?"
"Witch Weekly." Ginny rolled her eyes at Willow and they slipped through the door as the portrait swung open. " Lavender is the house Prefect. How she got there, I'll never know, but every time you want to enter the common room you need to say that password."
Nodding again Willow stepped into a large crimson room filled with chatter. There were students everywhere and most of them fell a bit silent as Willow stepped further inside.
"Don't mind them, " Ginny whispered, " They tend to be a nosey bunch. Come on, follow me."
Willow wasted no time in following Ginny up the staircase to the girls dormitory. She watched as a group of younger girls giggled and pushed inside their room. Another set of girls, obviously older then the other group, just rolled their eyes and pushed inside another door. The number on their door read six, and Willow figured they must be the sixth year girls.
Ginny sighed as they walked by the door. " That was my old room. Honestly, you couldn't have chosen a better time to come here. I really didn't get along with that lot."
At the very end of the hall Ginny stopped and smiled. Turning the doorknob she entered, Willow directly on her heels. The room was large, and brightly lit by a few lanterns and a small fireplace. Two four-post beds sat on either side of the room and were dressed in red and gold sheets and blankets. There was a large window directly across from the door and Willow smiled as she saw a window seat underneath it.
"I always wanted a window seat." She smiled again and moved towards the bed where her belongings waited for her.
They both unpacked their clothes and other possessions in silence. Willow finishing with her things a bit quicker than Ginny. Sitting down on the edge of her bed she took in the rest of the room. There was a small bathroom adjacent to Ginnys bed. A rather large vanity mirror and table sat in the far corner. It was a nice room, a lot nicer than the room she had shared with Buffy back in college. The thought of Buffy brought a slight frown to her face and she sighed. What were they doing right now? Probably out patrolling or researching some hell-beastie.
"Miss home?"
Willow snapped back to attention and glanced over at Ginny. She was now sitting on the edge of her bed as well.
"It's just strange being here. I'm not used to any of this. For six years I've studied magic on my own, and now I'm forced to take classes on it. I don't deserve to be here. " There was a waver in her voice and she swallowed hard hoping that Ginny didn't notice.
Ginny averted her gaze from Willow and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Not wanting to step on sketchy grounds she chose her words carefully.
"How can you say you don't deserve to be here? What happened that you could think that?"
A long uncomfortable silence rose in the room. Willow kicked her shoes off and stretched out on her bed without a word. What was she supposed to say? Oh, I was a murderer, and if I didn't come here they were going to throw me in Azkaban? It was more then likely that Ginny would run for the hills. Instead Willow pulled the blankets up to her chin and shook her head.
"People like me don't deserve second chances. The things I have done were things that make my blood turn to ice. Despite what I may look like on the outside Ginny…inside I am nothing." With a quick flick of her wrist the curtains around her bed closed.
Ginny's mouth dropped open at the sight and for a long while she sat motionless on her bed. The most she could do was stare at the curtains of Willows bed and wonder who exactly Willow Rosenberg really was.
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