Author: opalrose81
Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy or Harry Potter, but I have my fingers crossed that I'll get one of them for my birthday (someday). Buffy belongs to Joss Whedon, while Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Summary: This starts off using the events of season 2, episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Becoming II). I've changed the ending obviously, but here's the general idea: Angelus never gets his soul back, forcing Buffy to send him to Hell, not Angel. However, he takes her on his little journey. Instead of ending up in Hell, Buffy finds herself in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, among others, are beginning their seventh year.
Standard Author's Note: See earlier chapters.
Side Note: Yes, I've written that James is Chaser for the Quidditch team. The movie assumed he was Seeker, however the all-knowing J.K. Rowling has stated otherwise. In numerous interviews she has said that James was Chaser. Which makes the movie, sadly, wrong. Actually, I wonder why, if Rowling had such an integral part of the movie, she allowed them to make that error?
Oh well…I've been studying, but my break is being spent between writing this chapter and watching college basketball. Enjoy!
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Hogwarts
"Whew. One down, how many more to go," asked Lily as the six exited the potions classroom. They had just finished their midterm, an excruciating exam consisting of formulating a successful memory potion and its antidote.
"Not sure. Think I lost count," said James, through bleary eyes.
"Ugh! If I see another rat spleen, I'm gonna be majorly ill," muttered Buffy as she brushed her hair away from her face.
The conversation back to Gryffindor Tower consisted of a few comments here or there, the students too exhausted to think. Almost every seventh year had been pulling all-nighters over the last week for the upcoming exams. Buffy didn't think she had ever studied so hard in her life. Seeing as how Professor Dumbledore had given her a place to stay and be accepted, Buffy wasn't going to disappoint him. Or her mother.
Stepping through the entranceway, Buffy was ready to collapse on the floor. She decided to settle for the maroon velvet couch instead. As soon as she landed, her eyes closed in exhaustion. She could hear the various voices of her friends as they too settled down into the various couches and chairs around the fireplace. Opening one eye, she took a glance at the room in front of her. Towards the back, Buffy could make out some younger students hovered over numerous books and parchments, desperately trying to cram every piece of information in their heads.
Noticing some sixth years beginning to exit, Buffy waved to Andromeda Black. Being Sirius's cousin, the two had come to be relatively good friends. Silently mouthing a 'Good luck', she watched as the nine or ten students trudged out of the tower. 'Eager young minds,' she thought to herself with a smile. Yawning and stretching her arms over her head, Buffy lifted herself from her position and looked down at her companions. Settled quietly not too far from her sat James, intently staring at the sleeping figure of Lily. Trying her best not to make too much noise in her robes, she walked over and perched herself on the armrest.
"If you like her soooooo much, why don't you ask her to the Yule Ball," she whispered, smirking as James rolled his eyes.
"Not this again, Buff. I beg you," pleaded James, brushing his dark black hair out of his eyes.
It was ridiculous. Out of the six of them, James and Lily were the only two without dates. Even Peter had one. A couple of days earlier, Buffy and Lily had coached Peter on the best way to ask out Persipone Adler, a Ravenclaw 6th year. The other guys had managed to keep the two girls from witnessing their handiwork (much to their disappointment). But, it was assumed to be a success, as Peter entered Gryffindor Tower with an enormous grin plastered on his face.
Remus was much the same way, with the exception of the goofy grin. The Yule Ball was the last night of exams, before students would be leaving for the holidays. Luckily, the full moon would be two days prior, giving the quiet young man the time to enjoy the festivities. Morgan Carter had apparently asked him after her Herbology exam. James and Sirius had teased poor Remus mercilessly for hours, the blush steadily climbing his face until he was as red as a tomato.
Then there was Sirius. Considering the blossoming romance between he and Buffy, it was no surprise when he asked her to be his date for that evening. Remembering the hesitation in his voice as he tried to make out the appropriate words brought a smile to her face, even now. He had been so nervous and when she started giggling, he had easily misunderstood the situation. Buffy had quickly accepted his invitation, causing Sirius to smile in relief.
And after all was said and done, James wouldn't ask Lily. Lily, the girl he thought about more than any other. And Lily wouldn't ask him. Sometimes, her friends could be too stubborn for their own good. It was only a few more days until the ball and Buffy was determined to set the two up. Even if it killed her. And Buffy was no stranger to dying.
"Not again? I haven't said anything before now," Buffy reasoned. "Ya' mean someone else has been trying to get you to ask her out? Thank God!"
James tried to smile at the small joke; "The guys keep bothering me about it. Sirius has resorted to threats, now. And I want to. I really do. But what if she says no?"
"James," admonished Buffy. "You're asking her to a dance. It's not like it's a marriage proposal. And if you think she's gonna say no, then you are dumber than you look."
"Really?"
"Well…you do look pretty dumb," she teased, hoping that he was finally convinced. It seemed that the others' hard work would pay off.
"Dumb? I can assure you, milady, that I won't look half as dumb as Padfoot will look shortly," promised James, standing from his chair and waving his wand in front of him.
Looking over at the dark haired man in question, the two teenagers tried to retain their laughter. It seemed earlier that Sirius had fallen asleep on the couch that he had previously occupied with Buffy. Before she had moved to sit besides James, his head was leaned against her shoulder, a position she was sure wasn't comfortable, due to her height (or lack thereof). Without Buffy's support, his upper body had fallen onto the other half of the furniture, and was in the process of falling completely off. Looking back up at James's face, most noticeably, his waggling eyebrows, Buffy grinned wickedly.
"Why James," she drawled. "You read my mind."
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Hogwarts
Leaning against the cool, stone wall, James laid his head back and closed his eyes. Trying to calm himself, he looked upwards at the trap door above him. The past few days, Remus, Peter, and Sirius had been giving him a hard time about asking Lily to the Yule Ball. And with Buffy adding her two cents into it, well…James's life was quickly turning out to be unbearable.
And so here he was. As soon as he had finished his Defense Against the Dark Arts exam, he rushed to the sixth floor and the North Tower where Lily would be taking her Divination exam. It had been almost two years since James had stepped foot into that classroom, Professor Vates being a tad too crooked for his liking. Teiresias Vates considered himself to be a seer, however he spent more time as a businessman. He could remember when the professor had seemed so mysterious and exciting. Tales of prophecies and seers transfixed his classmates, until the truth leaked out. His tales had come from none other than books that lay in his shops in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The Marauders had quickly ceased their studies, none being too good at it to begin with. Lily, on the other hand, had decided to continue, as well as a few of the other students.
Interrupting his thoughts was the sound of a ladder clattering down from the trap door. Watching as each student descended, he tried to mentally prepare himself. Noticing the greasy black hair and pale face that appeared in front of him, James began to open his mouth to speak. As his lips formed the first word, he spotted the slight figure of Lily leap from the last rung of the ladder. Plastering a smile, he felt Severus brush past him, no doubt with a sneer.
"James? What are you doing here," Lily asked. She was stunned, to say the least, that the young man was standing in front of her, a smile taking up half of his face. She watched as he rubbed his palms against the sides of his robes, as if he was nervous. The thought of James being nervous couldn't help but amuse her, as well as confuse her more.
Avoiding her question, James stammered, "Hey Lily. Um…well." This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. Fumbling with his glasses, he took a calming breath.
"I-I'll take your books," he began again, taking from her arms. Not bothering to see her stunned face, he started walking towards Gryffindor Tower.
Quickly closing her mouth, Lily ran to catch up with him. Falling into step, she tried to start conversation, "Soooooo…you come all this way, from your DADA exam no less, to abduct my books?"
"Well, I finished early," he managed weakly in reply.
"And I bet Buffy'll still get a higher grade than you," Lily teased, lightly punching his arm.
Turning sharply at her words, he tried to look indignant, "Hey! I still say she cheats." Smiling as she laughed, the two resumed walking side by side, until reaching the portrait leading into the common room. Clearing his throat, he began again.
"Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Looking at the blushing red head, James was stunned. She was asking him on a date? Well…the Yule Ball, but it was, technically, a date. 'Maybe Buffy and the guys were right,' he thought to himself. Soon realizing that he'd yet to answer her question, he opened his mouth to speak. However, he was interrupted again.
"I am sorry dears, but that is not the correct password," the Fat Lady said, raising her chin.
Giving the portrait a look of annoyance, James hurriedly spoke, "Yes! I was going to ask you earlier, but-"
"I know, James. But at the rate you were going, you'd ask me after the ball. Lamia."
As he stared at her retreating figure, he shook his head, noticing the portrait swinging shut. Leaping through the doorway, he managed to stop himself from falling over a still Lily. Confused over why she was silently standing in the middle of the common room, he looked over her shoulder. Facing the pair were none other than the figures of his four closest friends. Each wore a smile on their face, clearly indicating their knowledge of the events earlier.
"It's about time," Buffy exclaimed, breaking the silence amongst the group. As the four laughed, Lily couldn't help but be curious.
"How did you know," she asked, suspecting something between her friends standing in front of her.
Peter, Remus, and Buffy tried to look innocent, each pulling their hands behind their backs and looking up towards the ceiling. Sirius, on the other hand, pulled an object from the folds of his robes, grinning wickedly. Shaking the two-way mirror in his hand, he erupted into hysterical laughter.
"How? But," James sputtered. Walking over to his friend, he pulled his own mirror from his robes, looking at it.
"Remus figured out a charm so we could spy on you," Buffy filled in. Looking at the best friends she wondered if their innocent joke had been a good idea.
As soon as James heard Buffy's words, he looked over at the teenager. Remus was in the process of glaring at Buffy, whose happy grin had turned sheepish.
"Thanks, Buff'. Really appreciate it," he hissed, shaking his light brown hair in irritation.
"Sorry…Ya' know I love ya' Remus, but…" she reasoned, biting her lip in embarrassment. "Sirius isn't the only one responsible."
"Well, to be fair, if you hadn't threatened Moony, he never would've charmed the mirror," Peter spoke. His interruption only resulted in two sets of glares being directed at him, from both Remus and Buffy.
"But it wasn't my idea," she said, clearly. "Sirius thought it'd be good to do the spy-thing."
James had decided that out of the four of them, the ones most responsible were Buffy and Sirius. Directing his 'death glare' at the two, he slowly smirked.
The latter had looked down at the girl standing to his right and said, "After what you and James did to me yesterday, I think I'm perfectly within my rights. It took five hours for those green spots to wear off."
"Buffy," James drawled. He couldn't help but notice as the blonde backed up as he stepped forward. Raising his wand, he smiled.
"Hold it right there, mister," she stated. Noticing that he had done as she commanded, she continued, "It wouldn't be a good idea to try anything. I get very violent when someone pisses me off."
'The Slayer-card,' James thought to himself. Calling her bluff, he whispered, "I'll risk it."
Looking at her friends for help, she realized she would have to admit defeat. With one last look at her three partners-in-crime, she yelled, "Traitors!" Running through the common room, she could distinctly make out the sound of James hot on her heels.
Shaking her head at her friends' antics, Lily sat down in the nearest chair. As the others did the same, she crossed her legs and folded her hands behind her head.
"Well, this is definitely entertaining."
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Sunnydale
It was a beautiful day in Sunnydale, as usual. Sitting on the grass outside the high school, the four teenagers languished in the sun, enjoying the warm temperature. Adjusting her sunglasses, Faith leaned back on her left hand, scanning the crowd around her. It was their daily picnic, a time for them to talk normal teenage-talk: movies, clothes, school gossip, vampires. The usual. Turning her attention to her friends' conversation, she smiled.
"So I finally finished all of my college applications. Yay me," Willow said cheerfully. Only the red head could be excited about filling out college applications. Oz, recently reconciled, clasped her hand in support.
"That's great Will. Wish I could say the same, though. Every time I look at one of those, the mind goes blank and the eyes cross. Kinda like those magic eye-things," remarked Faith. Frankly she didn't see the point. So she did okay on her SATs, she was the Slayer. Not like she had to worry about a career.
"College," joked Xander. "I don't need no stinking college. 'Sides, if I work real hard, I can be Assistant Manager at the Pizza Palace. I'll be moving up the career path."
Despite applying, Xander had resigned himself to not going to college. Even if his grades were good enough to be accepted, he'd have no way of actually affording it. His parents probably didn't even realize he was still alive and even so, they wouldn't be bending over backward to help him out.
"Xander, there's nothing wrong with having a job. Whatever happens, we'll support you one hundred percent," responded Willow, trying to ease her friend's mind.
"Yeah man. Just think, if worst comes to worst, you can be the 'token townie'," spoke Oz.
"Well, thanks for making me feel even lamer. So Faith, how's everything in Casa de Summers?"
"I think Joyce has given up the harpy-act. I mean, weird hours are kinda in my job description. If I had any control over anything resembling the end of the world, then I'd be getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Mostly, though, she's on a major guilt trip, 'cause Buffy."
*Two Days Earlier*
"Jeffrey! I can't possibly make it then-no. No. It's Christmas. I'm going to visit my daugh-Oh! That man is impossible!"
Stomping into the living room, Joyce fumed. The woman continued to mutter curses under her breath as she sat down on the couch next to Faith. Over the few months the two had lived together, Faith had become like a daughter to her. And while she couldn't replace Buffy in her life, she had easily carved her own place in her heart and home.
"You okay, Joyce," Faith asked, taking her eyes away from the television screen. It was a rare night when Giles allowed her to stay in, and she and Joyce were planning on taking full advantage of it.
"That was Jeffrey, my boss. He can't make it to the Tahitian exhibit in Houston, the one next week. Apparently, his life is too important, so I've been 'volunteered' as our gallery's representative. And as much as I want to tell him to drop dead, I really can't afford to lose my job. Not when that old jerk is so close to retirement."
"Next week? During Christmas? But we're going to see Buffy."
"That's exactly what I told him. At least, I tried to. He hung up on me before I could explain and I doubt he really would have cared anyway. I haven't seen my little girl since May. All I've thought about for a month is holding her in my arms and telling her how much I love her," Joyce said, tears running down her cheeks.
Faith had witnessed the excitement within the older woman as she prepared to be reunited with her daughter. Upon hearing this news, she couldn't help but feel anger towards Mr. Grayson, owner of Grayson Art Gallery. The man seemed to be unsympathetic and uninterested in his best employee's life. Wrapping her arms around Joyce, she murmured soothing words in comfort.
"I feel so bad for her. I mean, to not be able to see Buffy, it's…well, it's just mean," Willow exclaimed. "I wonder if Buffy knows, yet"
"Not sure. We sent off a letter," responded Faith. "And can I say, those owls? Still creepy."
"I hope she's okay," worried Willow.
"Do you think Buffy's gonna come back, once school is out and all," asked Oz, somewhat changing the subject.
"Of course she is! Why wouldn't she?"
"Why would she Will? Why would anyone want to stay in Sunnydale?"
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Hogwarts
Adjusting his dark blue dress robes, James resumed his pacing. Looking at Remus who was casually seated in one of the chairs, he smiled weakly. 'How long is it gonna take,' he thought to himself. It was his last night at Hogwarts before the holidays and here he was waiting for his date. James had finished getting ready hours ago. Well, maybe not hours, but it sure felt long enough.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," Remus commented. He still looked a bit pale, but all in all he felt better than he had the night before. Looking back up at the girl's stairway, he brushed a piece of lint from his own dress robes, similar in color to James's. As annoyed as he was with his friend's habits, he was becoming just as restless.
Stopping at Remus's words, James could only glare at his friend. With one last look at the stairwell, he sat himself down in a couch and placed his feet on the table in front of him. "What is taking them so long," he asked exasperatedly. "And where, in Merlin's name, is Padfoot?"
The young man in question proceeded to walk down the staircase which lead to the boys' dormitories. Walking to the nearest mirror, he proceeded to fix his hair to his satisfaction. Seeing two of his friends stare at his reflection, he turned around. "What," he asked, shrugging his shoulders and leaning against Remus's chair.
"I worry about you, Padfoot. I really do," was all James could manage, shaking his head in pity. As his companions just stared in silence, movement in the background distracted him.
"Hey guys," said Morgan cheerfully, jumping from the last step. Her light pink robes swished around her as she walked over to her date, now standing in stunned silence. Twirling a strand of her long raven hair, she smiled softly.
"No fair," yelled Lily as she and Buffy ran down the stairs. Realizing three shocked faces staring at her, she straightened her emerald green robes.
"Yeah, you can't say that and just bail," Buffy added. Walking over to the girl, Buffy glared at the soft giggling coming from her.
Looking at his date, Remus raised an eyebrow, "What did she say?"
Before Morgan could answer, Lily and Buffy interrupted, "Nothing!" Laughing even harder at the two, Morgan took hold of Remus's hand and walked over to the door.
Trying to abate her irritation, Buffy noticed the dark haired boy standing to her side. Smiling hesitantly, she brushed a wavy strand of hair behind her ear. There was something about red that made Sirius oh-so yummy. Clearing her thoughts, she managed a weak nod.
"You, uh," Sirius rasped. Clearing his throat, he began again, "You look beautiful." Her dress robes were a made of a lavender-shaded satin and her blonde hair was done in waves, framing her face.
Somehow, the words made it into Buffy's head, but she couldn't actually form any response. "Yeah," she managed. "You look good, too." Wincing at how stupid she must sound, she prayed that Sirius wouldn't notice too much. Relaxing as he smiled and grabbed her hand, she allowed him to pull her over to where Remus and Morgan were standing patiently, both lost in some private conversation.
The four stood by the doorway, talking amongst themselves, giving their two other companions some privacy. Beginning to get impatient, Sirius looked over at James and Lily, his impatience only growing upon witnessing their 'staring contest'. Taking the initiative, he yelled, "Are you two coming or what?"
James and Lily, awoken from their thoughts, moved their heads in unison in the direction of the voice. Seeing the smirking face of his best friend, James glanced back at his date and extended his arm in an austere fashion, "Shall we go?"
Giggling at James's antics, Lily curtseyed and regally placed her arm through his. "Yes, we shall," she said. The pair began heading towards the doorway, but were stopped at Buffy's shriek.
"Oh no! We've lost Peter!"
Rolling his or her eyes, everyone pushed her through the portrait hole and down the stairwell towards the Great Hall. Sirius explained to the blonde as they walked that they were all meeting the fourth Marauder and his date downstairs. As Buffy tried not to look too embarrassed, she attempted to convince the group that she didn't have a 'blonde' moment.
Upon entering the Great Hall, Buffy was stunned at the sights before her. The walls were covered in silver frost, garlands of ivy and mistletoe strung delicately around. It was beautiful; the enormous room seemed to sparkle. Sirius placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the room, stopping once they had reached one round table in particular. Pulling out the chair for her, he helped her down, smiling as she continued to look at her surroundings. The Great Hall had the same effect on everyone.
Finally, taking in her surroundings in full, Buffy greeted Peter and Persipone. Looking at Lily seated next to her (as James and Buffy needed to be 'separated'), the two came to the conclusion that their matchmaking skills were brilliant. As Buffy looked at her menu, she suddenly realized just how hungry she was. Setting the object down, she paid attention to the playful conversation between her friends. Jason and Elizabeth as well as Andromeda and her date, a Ravenclaw named Marcus Rigby, seated themselves in the empty spaces, the four easily joining in the fun and excitement. It was short-lived, however, as Professor Dumbledore arose from the head table and spoke.
"Welcome to annual Hogwarts Yule Ball. For some, this is the first of many, others the last. With that said, we wish you an enjoyable evening and happy holidays."
As he sat, Buffy watched as the students picked up their various menus. Following their lead, she read the list again, this time whispering to herself occasionally. Looking up from the parchment, she was momentarily floored upon viewing an array of food laid out in front of her. 'Hello,' she thought to herself. 'You're in a school for witches and wizards.' Deciding that this was hardly as unusual as she originally thought, she dug into her meal, wholeheartedly.
Between eating and laughing at jokes being tossed around the table, Buffy and Sirius were able to converse quietly amongst themselves. He explained some of the history, answering her questions patiently. Whenever Giles would explain anything, Buffy's mind would wander, but now…Immersed in this community, she was fascinated. Hogwarts was a place where Buffy belonged. Sure, she was the Slayer, but she was a witch. And everyone else around her was the same, which comforted her a great deal.
As Jason and James were discussing a 'classic' Quidditch match, the tables were cleared, and instrumental melodies began to play. Watching as various couples congregated to the center of the Great Hall, Buffy heard as Sirius's chair scraped against the stone floor. As his hand was thrust in front of her face, she looked to her left to see him standing beside her seated figure. He didn't speak, just smiled as she placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to where the student body was dancing.
Hours had passed and the gang was beginning to feel exhausted. Lily had danced with Peter, Remus, Sirius, but mostly she had spent the evening with James. She didn't think she had ever had as much fun before in her life. The past three balls she attended with her friends, but this one was special, because her date was the boy she had had a crush on for years. As she and Buffy were talking quietly in to the side, Professor Dumbledore had announced that it was time for the last dance of the evening. At the same moment, James's eyes found hers and she walked over to him, smiling at his grin. Twining her right hand in his left, she felt his other arm around her waist and rested her head against the soft velvet material of his robes. Swaying to the music, she closed her eyes in contentment.
Looking down at the auburn head against his shoulder, he smiled and whispered, "Have I told you how beautiful you look?"
"You may have mentioned it once or twice," was her reply, her eyes remaining closed.
Laughing slightly, James continued, "They match your eyes."
Lifting her head from his shoulder, she looked at him in slight confusion, "Huh?"
"Your robes, they match your eyes," he explained. Seeing her try to wipe her grin from her face, he asked, "What"
"I'm amazed you know what color my eyes are, James," Lily giggled in response, her left hand covering her mouth. AS his eyes widened, she began to babble an explanation, "We've known each other since we were eleven, James. For years, you practically ign-"
Unable to do anything but smile, James interrupted her whispered rant, "Shut up, Evans." Leaning down, he met her lips with his own.
Playing with the rich red robes, Buffy snuck a peak at the couple. Tilting her head up at Sirius, she smiled victoriously. The two had been dancing/spying on Lily and James for hours, and she couldn't help but feel relieved seeing James finally give the girl a kiss. Looking back, she grinned again at her success. 'Well, everyone's success,' she corrected herself. Shifting her focus to her dance partner, she frowned a bit seeing she had twisted his robes at the shoulder. Smoothing out the wrinkles, Buffy gave him a brilliant smile.
Sirius was glad for his James, and he was pleased with seeing his other close friends enjoying themselves with their respective dates. But he was more concerned with Buffy at the moment. It was now or never to tell her how much she meant to him. Over the school year, the two had been close, closer than friends, without technically dating. Sirius was hoping it would change tonight. Seeing as how the two were alone in a remote area of the Great Hall, he began his carefully prepared speech.
"Buffy," he said, relaxing some as he looked in her eyes. "I like you. A lot." He winced. 'There goes that speech,' he thought. He had frozen.
"Duh," retorted Buffy. At his confused look, she tried again, "I mean, I know. And I like you…A lot." Not trying to mock him, she turned serious. "I've never been good with the date-thing. Practically every guy I've been with has been evil, but you're different."
"Thanks," whispered Sirius. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not, but thanks anyway."
"Oh! You know I was being nice. With you around, I feel happy. And I like that."
"I'm glad, 'cause I like making you happy," he smiled in response. Sweeping a loose wave away from Buffy's slightly rosy cheek, he leaned closer to her.
She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes somewhat as he brushed her cheek. As his hand lingered against her skin, she opened them and spoke, "But ya' got to know, I don't need you trying to protect me all the time. I'm hardly a damsel-in-distress."
"Is this an American thing," he jeered. At her glare, he said, "Independent, check."
"That means, when Malfoy and Snape bother me, you let me deal with it," Buffy stated, remembering the encounter between the two Slytherins and Sirius and James. Or really, all ten thousand of them.
"Wait a minute! I can't promise you that," joked Sirius. "At least give me first dibs on Malfoy."
Enjoying the banter, Buffy spoke, "Oh sorry. You should've told me that before he asked me to the ball."
At her statement, Sirius's eyes went wide with shock. Dropping his hand from her cheek, he asked, surprised, "Malfoy asked you to the ball? When?"
"Right after you," she said simply, shrugging her shoulders as if it were no big deal.
Pausing, he thought over her last comment. Curious, he asked, "If-if he asked before me, would you have agreed." Buffy's feelings towards Lucius Malfoy were hardly as bad as James's or his. He knew she tried to be friendly with everyone, but he feared she could be too nice for her own good.
"Yes," she said. Seeing his black eyes darken in hurt, she could only continue, "If I was insane." The two smiled at each other, Sirius's arms snaking around her waist. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, a flash of red and green caught her eye above her. Glancing up slightly, she grinned brightly.
"So, are ya' gonna kiss, or what," she asked, pointing up at the mistletoe hanging over the couple. Twirling some dark hair at the nape of his neck around one of her fingers, she giggled as Sirius looked up as directed.
Smiling as he looked into her eyes, he leaned forward. Holding her figure tightly, he whispered, his lips inches away from hers, "Well, I guess I have to."
************************************************
Sunnydale
It was a few short days until Christmas, and everyone was getting restless. Joyce had, grudgingly, left for Houston two days earlier, leaving Faith with Giles. Willow, alone yet again for the holidays, had stayed over, the two girls camping out on the living room floor. While Xander, wanting to get away from his family, had decided to stay as well, leaving Giles with far less sleep than he'd have liked. Blearily, he looked at the clock and checked the time. 'Only an hour left,' he thought to himself, happy and nervous at the same time. In an hour, he would get to finally see Buffy.
The torture he had suffered at the hands of Angelus were nothing compared to the fear and worry which gripped his heart when he had thought about Buffy. Over the summer, he had searched everywhere, not willing to admit the possibility of her disappearance. The fear and worry had ebbed slightly when he received the first correspondence from his slayer. Only when he would see her face to face, be able to hear inane chatter, would he completely feel better.
Walking down the stairs, the laughter became clearer and he gazed fondly at the children seated on the floor. Giles's eyes softened as he took in the scene. Willow, Xander, Faith, and Oz were watching some mindless cartoon on the television, each wearing their pajamas.
"Must you watch this nonsense," he asked, sitting in the nearest chair. Rolling his eyes as none of them responded, Giles walked over and turned the television off. As four pairs of eyes looked at him, he motioned to his watch, "It is 7:15. We only have an hour before we leave. The Portkey must be used at precisely 8:15, so I suggest you hurry along."
Leaping up, Willow excitedly grabbed her bag and ran to the bathroom to get ready. As the other three teenagers stretched their limbs and resumed their chattering, Giles walked around making sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Occasionally, one of them would ask a question, interrupting Giles from his mental checklist to answer. Finally, with everyone was dressed and seated on the furniture, he glanced at his watch.
"Well, we have twenty minutes. Plenty of time to eat," he said, taking a sip from his tea.
"Breakfast," said Xander excitedly, rubbing his hands together. Walking into the kitchen, he yelled, "I'll make my special yummy-goodness."
Paling at the words, Giles jumped from his chair, and ran to stop the young man. "No, Xander. I'll make breakfast. Why don't you go back and watch some television?" Watching the teenager thank him and walk back out to the living room, he shook his head. "You'll surely kill us," he muttered under his breath, turning to the refrigerator.
The five of them had eaten in relative silence, except for the occasional question about where they were going. Giles tried to answer each one as best as he could, but his knowledge concerning the wizarding world was fairly limited. The Watcher's Council had severed ties with The Ministry of Magic centuries ago. Most of what he did know came from other Watchers, especially his father. In truth, he was fascinated to get the chance to see the world only spoken of in skeptical voices, face to face. What he was more concerned about, however, was seeing Buffy.
With the dishes put away, the apartment in relative neat order, he once again stole a glance at his watch. With only a few short minutes left, he instructed the group to grab their bags and hold onto the Portkey. In Buffy's last post, she had included a black teakettle, with specific instructions for its use. 'And, you can use it later,' she had written. 'Two presents in one!'
"Now, hold on tightly. If you let go, well," Giles's voice trailed off, uncertain.
"Why," Xander worried. "What'll happen if we don't?"
"If I honestly knew that, I would tell you. All I do know is that if you want to make it there, alive, then hold on."
As he tried to twist his wrist to check the time, he was startled as he felt a tug at his navel. The room swirling in a variety of colors and light, Giles could only pray that wherever the group ended up, hopefully Hogwarts, they would be okay.
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Okay. Finished, go me! I want to say that while I know the Yule Ball is officially connected with the Triwizard Tournament, I thought it would be a good tradition to include in the school. And while it's held on Christmas Eve, I've changed the date, so everyone can attend, then go home for the holidays. Just some creative license…
Anyway, I'm leaving town in a couple of days, so this will be the last chapter for a while. I will be writing over the holidays, but I doubt I'll be posting. Sorry for the delay, but when I do post again, I should have multiple chapters finished. Hope everyone has a good holiday. Thanks!