Allen Pitt - No, she didn't go back in time, because of some things I have planned for later. Willow's failing locate spell will be explained later on. And no one said it was his plan, per se, that's just what happened. Good underlings are hard to find remember evil smirk
Fanfic-Frankie (aka Jessy) - my lips are sealed accepts trophy
Foxy-Nymph - the jury is out on the pairs thing... I'm not really sure quite yet... we'll see what happens.
And as for everyone else: thank you very much for reviewing and liking the fic! I love you all! Onto the fic!
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Chapter 2 - A Proposition
The next few days seemed to go in slow motion for Buffy. Everyone at the house seemed more than excited to hear the results of Moody's little experiment: everyone except Buffy. She was a little scared, after seeing what had happened to Willow when magic got involved, and flatly refused to believe that she was a witch. She tested the broom several other times, trying to convince herself that it was just a fluke, but it worked every time. In her need to blow of steam, she went patrolling several times a night.
She was sitting in her room now, reading a book she had found on the legend and history of vampires (most of which was complete bull, she found, but amusing nonetheless). She looked up sharply when someone knocked on her door.
"Buffy?" came Sirius' voice, muffled by the wood door.
"It's open," Buffy replied, shutting the book.
"Actually, it was closed," Sirius joked, stepping into the room.
Buffy threw a pillow at him. "You know what I mean," she replied.
"Course I do," he replied, grinning. "But why can't you just say 'come in' like normal people?"
"Because that's all a vampire needs to enter your home," Buffy replied seriously. "I lived on a hellmouth, Sirius. You pick up habits that you never forget."
He nodded. "Right, well, there's someone in the kitchen that you should meet. We all need to have a nice long talk."
"If this is about what I think it's about," Buffy said, turning to face him. "Then I don't want to talk."
Sirius sighed. "Just come downstairs and hear us out, ok?" he requested. "For me?"
Buffy smirked, throwing another pillow at him. "Fine, but just because you're feeding me."
"Actually," he said, pretending to be thoughtful. "I'm pretty sure it's Molly who's feeding you, so you might want to come down for her."
Buffy grinned, walking out of the room with Sirius. "Right," she replied. "Thanks for the tip."
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Buffy was already feeling weird vibes. Not evil-demon vibes, just weird. It made her slightly uneasy, and just a tad more humble than she usually was. Whoever Sirius wanted her to meet, she was fully prepared to make a good first impression.
Buffy paused outside the door to the kitchen and took a deep breath, earning a look from Sirius. He had never seen Buffy nervous, though, in all honesty, he had only known her for just over two weeks. He raised his eyebrows, and Buffy nodded. She was ready. Taking one last look to make sure she was ok, Sirius pushed open the door and held it for her to enter.
"Professor Dumbledore," he said proudly. "Meet Buffy Summers."
Buffy smiled and held out her hand to the old wizard in front of her. His long white beard made her immediately think of every stereotype she'd ever heard and seen about wizards, and she allowed herself a wide smile. When he shook her hand, she could feel the warmth. His eyes sparkled behind half-moon spectacles. Buffy knew that, old or not, this man was a powerful, wonderful wizard.
"Nice to meet you," she said.
"The pleasure is mine," Dumbledore replied, smiling himself. "Please, sit," he said. Buffy looked over as a chair slid out from under the table.
She sat down, and launched straight into her speech of denial. "Look, I think I know what these guys have been telling you, and I know that it would seem like a convincing argument, but I assure that I am not a-"
"Miss Summers," Dumbledore interrupted, sounding amused. She shut up immediately, looking sorry. Dumbledore smiled. "I can assure you, miss Summers, that you are in fact, a witch, and that the only reason you weren't informed of this fact when you were young enough to start school is due to the fact that you are a slayer."
"You don't let slayers into your schools?" Buffy questioned, sounding insulted.
Dumbledore laughed and shook his head. "Dear Lord, no child. We would be honoured to train a slayer. Unfortunately, the council doesn't allow slayers into our schools."
Buffy raised her eyebrows. "They what? Oh, fuck the council," she said without thinking. Her hand flew over her mouth and her eyes went wide. "I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to swear. Really, really sorry about that."
Sirius looked almost proud as he looked over at Lupin, who was stifling a laugh. Buffy sank a bit lower into her chair, sheepishly awaiting Dumbledore's next words. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking, she found, but his eyes danced in a way that made her feel like she hadn't offended him all that much.
"Perhaps we could speak in private?" Dumbledore suggested, looking at the Order. They knew that it wasn't really a request, so much as a command. They filed out, one by one, looking disappointed to miss this: Buffy couldn't imagine why. Sending her one last look, Sirius closed the kitchen door.
"Now, miss Summers," Dumbledore began, but Buffy held up a hand.
"Buffy," she interjected. "Call me Buffy."
Dumbledore nodded. "Very well," he said. "Buffy. I have been watching your exploits for quite some time now," he revealed. "Ever since you were called, in fact. Your first watcher, Merrick, was a close friend of mine, and I took it upon myself to keep an eye on you after his death."
Buffy nodded and swallowed. It had been a long time since she had really thought about Merrick, the man who changed her life forever. At first, she had hated him, but afterwards, after she had gotten to know him, she had grown close. She didn't want to think about his death.
"When you quit the council," Dumbledore continued, knowing that she didn't want to dwell on it, "you were, unfortunately, over the age of children in schools, and we couldn't train you in magic. But I kept watching you, Miss Summers. I know of your recent exploits, and yes, even though you neglected to mention it to the rest of the order, I know your true age."
Buffy looked up and saw his eyes sparkling. She swallowed, knowing and dreading what was going to come up. Sirius had told her a lot about Hogwarts, and though she wanted to see it, to see a real castle, she wasn't sure if she was ready for what she knew Dumbledore would say.
"The Order and I have discussed it quite thoroughly," Dumbledore said, not wasting time. "And we have decided that your power and expertise could be a great help to protecting Harry. Miss Summers, Buffy, we would very much like for you to enrol at Hogwarts in your seventh year."
Buffy groaned. "How'd I know you were gonna say that?" she muttered darkly. "Look, sir, I really mean no disrespect but I do not want to get involved with magic, ok? It's dangerous! I mean, come on, if you've been watching me, then you know about Willow. I don't want that to happen! I don't want to be... dangerous."
Dumbledore's eyes widened. "Good gracious, child, is that what this is all about?" he questioned. After a moment, he let out a chuckle. "Oh my dear, dear child. You have completely misunderstood. Your friend Willow is a wicca, which is a completely different branch of magic. I assure you, witchcraft is quite safe for you."
"So, basically, I've been afraid of nothing?" Buffy said, sounding irritated. "Oh, perfect. They all think I'm a complete muggle who just can't accept the fact that she's magic, and I really had no point in worrying in the first place. Just perfect."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Then, do you accept the offer to come to Hogwarts?"
"Hell ya," Buffy replied firmly. "I mean, yes, yes of course."
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"Ok, remind me again why I chose to go to Hogwarts?" Buffy growled from the change room. Mrs. Weasley waited outside, and grinned at the large black dog beside her. They stood in Madame Malkin's Robes For All Occasions, and Buffy was busy trying on the Hogwarts uniform. From the second she heard about it, she was less than pleased.
"It's really not that bad dear," Mrs. Weasley said gently. "Just come out and let us see."
Buffy groaned and stepped out of the changing room, looking completely defeated. The kilt was rolled, Mrs. Weasley could see, a bit higher than it should have been, and the shirt was unbuttoned at the top and not tucked in. The tie was held in Buffy's hand. When she stepped out, the seventeen-year-old swore she heard the dog snort.
"Oh shut up," she said, glaring. "I don't see you in a uniform."
Molly stifled a laugh and ushered Buffy back into the fitting room. In a few moments, they had payed for the uniform and were out of the store. It had been charged to Sirius' account at Gringotts, despite Buffy's protests. Upon learning that she had no money at all, Sirius had agreed to pay for all her things. From that point on, Buffy had done a lot more work at number 12 Grimmauld place.
"Where to next?" Buffy questioned, holding the parcel in her hands and a bag of books in the other. In response, Sirius bounded off to another shop and barked. Buffy raised her eyebrows. "An owl? Do I really need an owl? I mean, I don't want you spending all this money on me and..."
Sirius barked again, rather firmly Buffy thought. He was starting to attract attention, and both Buffy and Molly sighed.
"Fine," Molly said, "we'll go look at the owls."
They walked into the shop and Buffy had to rub her eyes to adjust to the darkness. She was able to do so much quicker than most, but it still took a second. She drew in a breath, looking around. Hundreds of owls looked back at her, just staring silently. She was sure she had heard them squawking loudly only moments before, yet here they were, not a sound among them. Buffy walked up and down the rows of owls, trying to find one she liked (but not too expensive, as she knew the money was coming out of Sirius' pocket). Finally she stopped and pointed.
"That one," she said firmly. The owl was all black, except for the pale white feathers on his face. Looking at him, she could see his powerful wings, and knew that he could kill his prey in seconds. When her finger touched the cage, he startled her and pressed his head against it. Buffy watched him for a moment longer. "That one," she said again, quieter.
"What are you going to name him dear?" Molly asked as they exited the store a few minutes later.
"Angel," Buffy replied decisively. "I'm going to call him Angel."
"Angel?" Molly repeated, a bit sceptical. "Dear, he is a male owl."
Buffy nodded and grinned. "I know. But he reminds me of someone I know. Someone named Angel."
"Right then. I suppose all we have left to find is your wand."
Buffy nodded, starting to feel unnaturally nervous. This was it, the moment of truth. This was when she found out, beyond any doubt, whether or not she was really a witch. This was the moment that it all came down to. She didn't want to face it alone, and was glad Sirius was there. As much as she knew Molly cared, Buffy felt an inexplicable connection to the large black dog. She couldn't explain it, but she felt protected. He was like another version of Giles, a much cooler and less exasperated version of Giles, she decided, which brought a grin to her face.
They stopped outside the store and Buffy took a deep breath. Looking over at Molly, she nodded and opened the door.
"Welcome to Ollivanders," came a voice from behind the counter. Buffy swivelled sharply to see an old (slightly creepy) man smiling at her. "Dumbledore informed me you would be arriving, Miss Summers."
Buffy nodded. "Uh, yea..." she replied. "I'm uh... here for a wand?"
Mr. Ollivander smiled. "They all are my dear. Now, which is your wand arm?"
"Right?" Buffy replied, not overly sure but knowing that she used her right hand a whole lot more.
Mr. Ollivander merely nodded and flicked his wand. In a second, Buffy was surrounded by tape measurers and various instruments, taking measurements she couldn't dream of uses for. Finally, Mr. Ollivander stepped back and the tape measurers crumpled to the floor. He handed Buffy a long thin box with a wand inside. She took it out and looked at him expectantly.
"Well, give it a wave," Molly urged.
Buffy complied and Mr. Ollivander snatched the wand back. Buffy's heart plummeted. That was it, she thought. She wasn't really a witch: the wand had proven it. But before she could really sink into a depression about it, another wand was put in front of her face.
"Try this one," Mr. Ollivander urged. "11 inches, made of ebony. Dragon heartstring as the core."
Buffy nodded, taking it. And she knew it was for her as soon as her fingers gripped the black wood. She raised it above her head, and in an instant, a dark cloud descended upon the room. The lights went dim all around, until a blinding flash from Buffy's wand illuminated it all for a second. In a moment, it was over, and Buffy was breathing rather raggedly, sitting in a heap on the ground. She stood up quickly, getting odd looks from Mrs. Weasley and being fussed over by Sirius.
"Excellent," Mr. Ollivander muttered. "Most excellent. Incredible creature, the dragon," he said conversationally. "Brutally strong, yet at the heart, completely good. Incredible creatures."
The parallel wasn't lost on Buffy. She nodded and allowed him to put the wand back in a box. After he had rung it up, they handed him the money and walked out of the store. Buffy chanced one look back at him, but he was gone among the wands again, seemingly unaffected by what had happened. In fact, Buffy was quite sure that she was the only one who was shaken, and for her very own reasons. But one thing was certain: she was going to Hogwarts at the end of the summer, and nothing could stop her.
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weeeeee... yes, something more than darkness happened there, but you wont find out till next chapter. review please!