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.
Okay, okay…Don't start. I can't even begin to apologize to all of you for the severe lateness of this chapter. No, I have not abandon this fic. No, I have not died. I was, however, on vacation for a while in the Bahamas. A place not too conducive to writing. Then, I returned to school…to only find out I have an ulcer. If you've ever had one, you might understand. If not, I never wish one upon you. Thank you all of my lovely reviewers who yelled at me to hurry up*kiss kiss* I know the last chapter was pretty fluffy: perfect for the holiday season, but weird considering that I was itching to write this one angst-ridden chapter that'll be coming up in the future (the very distant future). With that said, I present to you the next chapter…Enjoy and please review!
On a side note, I cannot believe the number of Buffy/Sirius stories cropping up here…I feel like I may have started a trend :)
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Hogwarts
With a last twist of the black elastic, Buffy secured her long blonde hair in a high ponytail. Satisfied with her appearance, she turned away from the mirror and took in the catastrophe surrounding her. Trunks were flung open, clothes littering the beds and floor. Being the first day of Christmas break, the majority of Hogwarts students were frantically trying to gather their belongings in time to make the Hogwarts Express. Looking around, Buffy decided it would be best to escape the goings on in the dormitory and head downstairs.
Bounding down the stone stairwell, she was amazed at the sight in front of her. And she thought her dormitory was a madhouse. Practically the entire Gryffindor student body was running around, exchanging various presents, personal items, etc. Craning her neck over the small crowd in front of the stairs, she spotted an auburn head. Buffy smiled in relief, and pushed through the bodies. Her smile was short-lived, however, when she recognized her friend. Lily was bent over, intently reading a book. And not just any book, her Divination textbook.
"Oh no! We can't have any of that," she exclaimed, snatching the book from her friend's hands. Looking down at the cover, her eyes narrowed. The bright blue eye staring straight up at her was oddly hypnotizing. Her curiosity was short-lived, however, as the lone eye blinked. Shivering, she looked back at Lily, whose feeble protests were earlier unheard. "Okay. That's just creepy," she continued, sitting down beside her friend. "How do you read this?"
"From left to right," the other girl deadpanned. "What else should I do? Look around, it's chaos. Besides, I'm only three chapters ahead."
Smiling, Buffy settled down next to Lily, "Only three chapters? Lil', you're slipping." Rolling her eyes, she continued, "It's vacation time! You can read, but not this junk!"
The last exclamation was accompanied by Buffy flinging the textbook over her shoulder. Lily, imagining the consequences, closed her eyes in fear. She didn't have to wait long, though, as a loud 'Thud!' was heard behind her. Looking to her left, she momentarily caught Buffy's sheepish expression as the two figures shifted around on the couch.
Peter was standing no less than three feet away, rubbing his forehead, his trunk beside him. James, Sirius, and Remus were on the other side, trying their best not to laugh at their friend's predicament. Of the three of them, Remus was the only one having a modicum of success. As Buffy apologized profusely, Sirius leaned over to pick the textbook up from the floor. James and Remus had walked over to Lily and Buffy, now both leaning over the plush sofa. Lily was bent over in fitful giggles while his girlfriend was looking at Peter in concern.
His girlfriend. Girlfriend. It was a weird word, but it seemed so right describing Buffy. Sure, he had dated girls at Hogwarts, but that's what they were: only girls. They would giggle flirtatiously, maybe flip their hair; he would give his 'sexy smile', as he liked to call it. There'd be dates to Hogsmeade, snogging in darkened corners…and that'd be all. No girl had ever really hung out with him, or any of the Marauders. Except Lily, but she didn't count. No, Buffy was definitely different. And Sirius decided he liked different. Really liked.
So lost in his thoughts, Sirius barely registered Peter wrench the Divination textbook from his grasp and walk forward. Shaking his head, he followed, leaning against the couch near Lily.
"I believe this is your book," remarked Peter, as he extended the object out towards the auburn haired girl. He rubbed his head, wincing at the twinge of pain. He could already imagine the red welt forming on his forehead. The corner of the book had completely taken him by surprise. Naturally, his pain was enjoyed by all of his companions.
"Oh, Peter! I'm so sorry," Buffy said as she bit her lip worriedly. Sweeping his thin blonde bangs aside, she tried to inspect the growing red lump. Sometimes, she completely forgot her own strength.
Shrugging his shoulders, Peter tried to ease the other blonde's concern. "It's not a problem, Buff. I think I'll live," he joked. "Of course, I'd like to hope that you weren't aiming for me…"
"Damn! You've discovered my plot to take over the world. What'll I do for fun now," said Buffy. Turning her attention to the objects farther ahead of her, she continued, "So, you two all packed?"
James nodded his head in response and motioned to Peter. "We've got to get going, the Express will be leaving any minute," he said as he walked over to his trunk. Peter did the same and the two rolled their luggage to where their friends had congregated.
During their conversation, the majority of students had left Gryffindor Tower, leaving the six seventh-years alone. With a few brief parting words, James and Peter exited the tower. Looking back, they grinned at the remaining four, waving as they towed their trunks down the staircase towards the Hogwarts Express.
Once the portrait door had swung closed, the remaining four looked at each other.
"So…," said Buffy as she glanced between Sirius, Remus, and Lily. "What do we do know?"
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Sunnydale
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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Hogwarts
Office of Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster
Almost as soon as the strange feeling came upon the travelers, it was gone. Releasing the teakettle Xander looked around the large and austere room. Staring at the portraits hung on the wall, he was startled when one of the figures moved. Faith, standing beside the young man was in a similar state.
"Uh-Giles," she said, her eyes never leaving the large portrait. "This dude's moving!"
Never turning away from the silver instruments laid out on the tables, he calmly responded, "Yes Faith, people move everywhere. I hardly think that is a reason to upset yourself." Poking one of the silver contraptions, he was most surprised when it emitted a small puff of smoke. "Fascinating," he whispered to himself.
"I beg your pardon, but I am hardly people!"
All heads swiveled to the portrait from where the voice came. The pompous man was perched on his chair, glaring at the faces staring at him in awe.
As Willow stepped closer towards the man, she tried her best to look confident. As she opened her mouth to speak, Oz stepped up beside her and rested his hand on her shoulder.
"Then who are you," he asked conversationally.
"Children! Do they not know how to read? I am Phineas Nigellus," the portrait exclaimed, pointing his finger to the bottom of the frame.
As Giles began to restrain Faith, another presence made itself known from behind.
"I am terribly sorry for my delay. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster here, at Hogwarts. Welcome to our school. You must be Mr. Giles and the rest of Miss Summers' friends from home."
"Y-yes, I am Mr. Giles," he responded, racing forward to embrace the older man's hand. "And this is Willow, Oz, Xander, and Faith."
As each of them was introduced, they nodded in greeting, unsure how to act in the man's presence. Their anxiousness was appeased, however, once he smiled, his eyes lighting up behind his half-moon glasses. Nodding once in greeting, he looked back over the group.
"It is a pleasure to meet you once and for all. However, I bear some unfortunate news-"
"What," exclaimed Giles, his worry masked on the faces of the others present. "Is it Buffy? Is she-"
"Mr. Giles," interrupted Professor Dumbledore, his soothing voice trying to calm the man, "I can assure you Miss Summers is in perfect health. However, as you can tell she is not present at this moment. It seems she as well as some of her friends have gone into the village Hogsmeade. Apparently she needed to do some last minute shopping."
Xander nodded in understanding, "Ah, shopping. She may be a witch now, but she's still the Buff-ster."
Smiling at the dark-haired young man's acceptance, Professor Dumbledore continued, "Be that as it may, there are some matters I wish to discuss with you, Mr. Giles. I shall have Nobby escort the children to their rooms."
As soon as he finished his last sentence, a small creature appeared before the group. Its large eyes looked up at the gaping teenagers, one bony hand pulling at the hem of an oversized towel.
"Oh," gasped Willow, bending down to look closer at the blinking creature. "Its-its so cute."
Professor Dumbledore could only smile in amusement at the antics of the youngsters. Nodding his head in the creature's direction, he continued, "Nobby is a Hogwart's elf. He will lead you to your rooms and anywhere else on the premises where you'd like to go. All you need do is ask."
Nobby looked up at the headmaster and nodded in silent understanding and walked towards the door. The four teenagers looked at Giles for acceptance, which he gave with a brief smile, grabbing their bags and began to follow behind the quiet elf. Thanking the headmaster, they each proceeded down the stone stairway.
As Xander looked the side of the doorway, he saw a beautiful red bird perched on a golden stand. "Big parrot," he said, extending a hand to pet the animal. With one last smile, he exited the room, the door closing quietly behind him.
"Parrot," Phineas scoffed, "elves, me. One would think they were muggles, Dumbledore."
Looking over the top of his glasses, Professor Dumbledore responded, "They are muggles, Phineas"
"Muggles? At Hogwarts? What ever is this school coming too?"
Turning away from the previous headmaster's portrait, he smiled at Giles and gestured to a chair in front of his desk.
"Please, Mr. Giles," he said as he settled himself in his own chair, "take a seat. Tea?"
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Once in their rooms, the four teenagers, looked around at their accommodations.
"Whew," whistled Faith as she hopped onto one of the large four-poster beds. "Pretty swanky place."
"You're not going to unpack," Willow asked, placing a sweater in the large bureau.
"Nah. Too tired, must sleep."
"Hey guys," Xander called, walking into the girl's room. "Nice, huh?"
"Xander," yelled Faith, as she shoved him off of her bed. "Get your own!"
Closing the bearer door, Willow joined Oz at the window. The two held hands and looked out over the beautiful grounds of the school. Finally they turned around to see Faith curled up on one bed, clutching a pillow to her chest and Xander, doing much the same on the other.
"It's snowing, you know? Let's go out and have fun. We might even see Buffy sooner."
"Snow," Faith asked, picking her head up from the bed. Opening one eye she looked at Willow. "You Californians. Sure Red, why not? Let's go have some fun."
Walking out the door, she turned back. "Do we even know how to get outside?"
"Go right, down the staircase, past three doors on the left, down another staircase, left, and out the front door," mumbled Xander. Feeling three pairs of eyes on him, he bolted up from the bed. "It's from 'Soldier Halloween'," he explained, "I can remember my surroundings better."
Watching the boy exit the room, and after the small common room, the remaining three could only shake their heads and run to catch up.
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"Ow! Xander that's cold," squealed Willow, desperately trying to remove the snowball from her jacket.
"What do you expect, Red? It's snow!"
A snowball to the back of her head was the only response Faith received, as she began to make more snowballs for their fight. Already the gang had made a snowman and a snowwoman, complete with accessories. If they stayed out in the cold much longer, they would most likely be icicles.
Running away from the onslaught of Willow and Oz, Xander was unprepared to trip over a snow-covered root. He also wasn't prepared for Willow and Oz to trip over him. The three could sense a presence towering over them and rolled over onto their backs. However, they were surprised to see the face of their missing blonde friend.
"Hi guys," said Buffy, smiling over them.
Willow was the first to recover, quickly standing up and embracing her best friend in a hug. Soon after the others followed, the four embraced, exclaiming 'I missed you' and whatnot. Backing away, Buffy looked at Willow, grabbing the girl's hands, squealing in happiness. She had forgotten just how much she had missed her friends, her eyes misting over from the memories of their adventures.
Things had seemed to settle down, everyone being introduced and happy smiles throughout. From the moment Buffy and Faith were introduced, they hadn't stopped talking. As everyone trudged up the entranceway of the school and into the main corridor, the two slayers were deeply involved in a conversation about the various 'baddies' they had faced.
"So, he was like 'I'm gonna cut you up and chew your bones' and I was all 'yeah, sure' when-"
Buffy had stopped walking as a familiar figure stood at the end of the hallway. Giles could only stare at the young girl whom he had come to think of as a daughter. She looked happy, so happy in fact that he knew his decision made earlier was for the best.
"Giles," Buffy whispered. Standing in front of him, she bit her lip in worry. Did he hate her? The notes he wrote were kind, but now that he was here in person…No, he didn't hate her.
Interrupting her thoughts, Giles embraced Buffy in a crushing hug. Winding her arms around him, she allowed herself to feel comforted. Pulling back, she wrinkled her nose as she took in his appearance.
"Eewww, Giles. At least it's not tweed."
Laughing at her outburst, he could only fumble with his glasses and clean them with the handkerchief in his pocket. Placing them back on, he looked at Buffy and couldn't help smiling at seeing her once again.
"Scoobies reunited," yelled Xander. "How about we continue this at, say, our place?"
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"So, I guess you know about your mom, huh," asked Willow, as the gang had settled themselves on the couches and chairs located in the small common room between guest rooms.
"Yeah," said Buffy sadly. "She wrote me a few days ago. I know she wants to be here but I don't want her to lose her job over it. So, what's the what in Sunnyhell?"
"Well, nothing too much. Faith's been slaying. The demon population seems to have slowed itself. All in all, I doubt it's too different from when you left," answered Giles.
"Hey, so you're not wanted for murder anymore," stated Oz, crossing his legs on the table in front of him.
The other Hogwarts students present, looked at Buffy in confusion.
"Good, that was such a drag."
"Murder," asked Lily, looking at the girl who had come to be her best friend.
"Kendra," was the short answer.
"So, besides 'slay-gal number two', no real comings and going," Buffy asked, trying to change the subject.
"Well, except for the new Watchers, nope," answered Faith, reaching for a cookie.
"New Watchers? Why would you need new Watchers?"
An eerie silence came upon the group, Buffy looking Giles for some kind of answer.
"Buffy," he began, "there's something I haven't told you. I have been removed from the Watchers' Council."
"You've been fired? Why?"
"In their view, as soon as I knew of your whereabouts, I was order you back to your post. 'By any means necessary', was the exact term they used. As I have failed to live up their idiotic standards, I have been relieved of my duties."
"Because of me? God, Giles…I'm so sorry-"
"No, Buffy. Don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for. Besides, I still have my job at the high school and I can continue training Faith. No, I'm okay," answered Giles, smiling fondly as the girl leaned over to give him a hug.
"Yeah, B. Those stuffy Watchers ain't gonna get us down."
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A few days had gone by and the gang had pretty much settled into a friendly routine. During the day, Buffy would give the Sunnydale set tours across the grounds. Giles, however, would hole himself in the library, trying to compare the books of Hogwarts and his own collection. Once it was nightfall, Buffy and Faith would go out on patrol. The patrols would more or less end in a short time, the demon population being practically nonexistent. And each night would end with everyone settled in the common room, talking about various subjects.
All in all, the days were good, however, there was a slight problem. As Buffy became more acquainted with her friends from Sunnydale, she began to shut out her friends from Hogwarts. Most stories were about the high school and other areas of the small town. Despite this sense of abandonment, there was a camaraderie between the two sets. Oz and Remus had found a common bond, if one could call being werewolves a common bond. And Lily and Willow easily struck a kinship concerning the differences in their uses of magic. And while Sirius and Xander may have shared similar personality traits, they were hardly good friends. Xander could easily see the relationship between Buffy and Sirius and to say he was unhappy would be an understatement. However, he had to remind himself, anyone was better than 'Deadboy'.
It was a lovely bright morning, the sun shining off of the newly fallen snow, and the nine were seated at one of the tables eating breakfast with the other students who had stayed over for Christmas holidays. Some of the other students had originally been curious to the strangers, but after a few words from Dumbledore, their curiosity had abated. It was Christmas morning and the large group was preparing to return back to the guest rooms where everyone would open presents.
"Happy Christmas!"
Heads turned to the door, where two figures stood, their trunks set down behind them.
"James! Peter!"
Grinning the two young men, walked over to their friends. Placing a kiss on Lily's cheek, James snatched a piece of toast from Buffy's plate and sat down between the two girls. Peter walked to the other side and sat beside Oz, looking curiously at the young man with spiky red hair.
"How'd you get here," asked Lily, looking at James in shock.
"We portkeyed to Hogsmede and traveled from there. Genius, really. Now we don't have to suffer through the Express with Malfoy and Snape," he answered, grabbing another piece of toast from Buffy's plate. Such an act, though, resulted in his hand being smacked, none too lightly.
Those who understood the boy's words, laughed in agreement. Buffy, seeing the 'Scooby Gang' looking on in confusion, tried to explain, "This is Peter and James. Guys, this is Willow, Xander, Oz, Faith, and Giles. James and Peter came here like you, by portkey."
"And Malfoy and Snape are these two gits in Slytherin that you don't want to be around," finished James, nodding at Sirius.
Not appreciating the interruption, Buffy continued, "They're kinda like Harmony and her little crowd. Come on, I'm done eating. Time for presies."
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Everyone was once again seated in the common room, James and Peter having taken their trunks to the Gryffindor Tower. Tossing each of her gifts at her friends, Buffy laughed and sat back to enjoy the fun. Everything seemed perfect; her two worlds had practically merged. But even she knew that such happiness couldn't last. There would come a time when she'd have to choose.
"Are you gonna open anything, B," asked Faith carefully folding her new leather jacket, a gift from Giles, back into the box.
Taking notice of her new friend, she smiled, "What do you suggest, F?"
Catching the object tossed her way, she began to peel back the bright green wrapping paper. Opening the box, she gasped at the sight of its contents.
"Faith," she said, caressing the silver hilt of the dagger, "it's beautiful."
"Yeah. The cool thing is, I got the twin. Like," Faith questioned. She had been so nervous that the other girl would hate the gift, but was relieved to see her concerns were unfounded.
Buffy looked at the younger girl, smiling in appreciation, "Sister Knives for Sister Slayers."
The rest of Buffy's presents were scattered around her, some clothes, some wizard toys. One box, however, was left unopened. As everyone chatted amongst themselves, Sirius turned to his side. He nudged the carefully wrapped box towards her, grinning when she picked it up in her hands and smiled.
Buffy could only smile at the small box in her hands. Coming to her senses, she reached around her and handed a package to Sirius. Holding the package, he shook his head.
"You first."
Grinning, she ripped into the packaging. Pulling off the top of the box, her eyes misted over at the object nestled inside. Pulling the silver cross out, she looked at Sirius.
"I-I knew about the other one," he stammered. "I was hoping you might like this one. When you look at it, maybe you won't feel sad."
"I love it," she whispered, leaning over and giving him a kiss. "Now open yours!"
Mimicking Buffy's previous actions, Sirius opened the box, smiling at the small ring inside.
"Guess great minds think alike," Buffy said. "I had no idea what to get you, but I saw this and, well…I just knew."
Taking the silver jewelry, he couldn't suppress his smile, as he looked closer at the object. "Dogs," he asked, recognizing the tiny engravings around the ring.
Smiling at his teasing tone, Buffy repeated, "I just knew."
Mouthing 'later', Sirius turned to the rest of the large group assembled, "Shouldn't we get ready for Christmas dinner?"
The Hogwarts gang began to clean the mess they had made and boxed up their various gifts. It was the voice of Giles that gave them pause.
"Actually Buffy, we need to leave," he said, looking at the girl's disappointed face.
"Leave? But it's Christmas," she tried to reason, hoping that they were all joking.
"Yes, but we can't be here for too long. When The Council…fired me, they made the provision that I sever all ties with you. If they were to know that we were here, you could be in grave danger. Which is why we must return to Sunnydale."
"Oh. So, you gotta leave now? Like now, now," asked Buffy, even though she knew the answer. Finally noticing the packed bags at the side of the room, she let the information sink in. They were trying to protect her. 'And themselves,' she reminded themselves. That was the important issue. She needed her friends to be safe, to be happy. And they were. Accepting this knowledge, she walked over to one of the bags and picked it up.
"So let's go."
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Buffy was surrounded by her friends from Sunnydale in Professor Dumbledore's office, desperately trying not to cry. Taking in the faces around her, she grabbed each person in a hug, whispering private goodbyes to each.
"Take care, B," said Faith. "And stop dropping your shoulder."
"Thanks for the advice, F. I'll remember that…never. And take care of Mom."
"Gotcha'. Got that gift in my bag. Don't worry."
With a few more pleasantries and sniffles, the five travelers held the portkey in their hands and…disappeared. Buffy stood there for a few more moments, hoping against hope that they would return as quickly as they had left.
"I assume Mr. Giles informed you of the recent events concerning The Watchers' Council," asked Professor Dumbledore.
Looking up at his concerned gaze, she nodded, "Yeah. Watchers bad."
"You needn't worry, Miss Summers. The Council shan't do anything to harm you."
Appreciating the comforting hand he placed on her shoulder, Buffy smiled sadly at the wise man.
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore. Thank you so much," she whispered as she embraced the man. Letting go, she smiled and turned to exit the office.
"See you at the feast!"
Quickly running down the circular staircase, Buffy was shocked to see Sirius leaning against the adjacent wall. As soon as he saw her face, he walked up toward her and allowed her to collapse into his arms.
It took some time, but Buffy was able to recover and joined the remaining group at the Christmas feast. Everyone laughed and ate too much, wearing their hats from the crackers and big smiles. They all practically stumbled up the stairway into the Gryffindor Tower, giggling about nothing along the way.
"So," said Remus, "this is what our dormitory looks like. I almost forgot. We haven't spent that much time here for the past few days."
"Ha ha, Remus," Buffy remarked, as she settled down beside Sirius on the couch. "But thank you. All of you. For being so great. I don't know what I'd do without you guys…"
"Awww, everyone-group hug," James exclaimed, practically jumping on top of Buffy, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Hey hey, Prongs! Off of my girl," growled Sirius, lightly shoving the other young man. Soon the six were sprawled on the floor, laughing at their silliness.
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'Later' did come for Buffy and Sirius and sometime after that, Buffy settled herself into her warm bed. As she looked up at the ceiling, she allowed a smile of contentment to grace her face. Closing her eyes and taking a long sigh to relax herself, she began to feel sleep overcome her. There would be no bad dreams tonight.
However, maybe a few hours later, Buffy found herself sitting upright in bed, clutching her duvet to her chest in desperate fear. Brushing her hair out of her eyes, she managed to feel the cool sweat covering her skin. Turning onto her side, Buffy curled into a ball, in a futile effort to abate any more nightmares. No, there would be no joy in sleep for her yet again.
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Okay, there it is. Chapter 7. This was excruciating for me to write, I have no idea why. If it sucks, well then, I can only hope that you'll continue to read and maybe enjoy later chapters. I have no idea when Chapter 8 will be done, but I'll do my best to have it done by next week. Thank you so much for getting this far!