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.
Notes to Reviewers:
Dreamer Child-Don't worry. Buffy's dream(s) won't have anything to do with Sirius…not yet, at least. There'll be some mention of their meaning, but not until something happens with another slayer. And about Buffy ignoring the Hogwarts' gang, I didn't like it either. However, I moved around a lot as a child and I've had two sets of friends meet. Sadly, those situations are unable to avoid. Over time, though, I can assure you Buffy will find a proper balance between both groups.
EyExCaNdY-Thank you so much! I find writing the Marauders a lot easier than the "Trio" (as the group is called). It's a lot easier to go into a different direction and still be truthful to the characters. Thanks and continue to read (and review wink wink).
Sorrow1-The time distortion is as follows: pure "What if". There is very little evidence in the HP stories to indicate an accurate time period, except J.K.'s word (which is God to me). I've pretty much shoved the events of the previous generation 20 years in the future. For the second part of your review: I agree a 100%. I've always prided myself on my proper use of the English language, so you can imagine how difficult it is to write for characters with less respect than myself. The only people I have saying, "gotta", "gonna", and the like are the 'Scoobies' and Hogwarts crowd. They're 17 years old and that type of slang is common amongst teenagers (especially American teenagers). Everyone else has pretty much used proper grammar, especially Giles.
Buffy13-buffyspike4eva-Spike and Buffy will not get together in this story. As much as I loved the chemistry between James Marsters and Sarah Michelle Gellar, I hated the Buff/Spike relationship. Partly because I disliked Spike as a lovesick puppy, and partly because of the dark connotations the relationship possessed. Spike will be coming back, but not as a romantic figure.
Thank you everyone else who reviewed, I'd list you, but I want to post this as soon as possible. I'm not explaining the time-issue again, if you're curious, read previous A.N.'s. Also, to the reviewer who asked about Angel (I don't remember who you are at the moment because I'm not looking at my e-mail—sorry): Angel will not be making an appearance. Sorry to disappoint.
And to everyone reading this: You all are a demanding lot! No, seriously, I love you guys! So sorry for the delay, but personal life got in the way. My entire summer seemed to be one problem compounded upon another. But, now's all good…I'm away from the asylum that is my household, which definitely helps. Keep reading, because I'm going to keep writing. Thank you and enjoy the next chapter!
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Hogwarts
School had started once again, the students filling up the Gryffindor dormitory with their noise and goings-on. The seventh years were even more overwhelmed by the amount of work they were assigned. And with the N.E.W.T.S. steadily approaching, sleep was becoming more difficult to grasp.
As a Christmas gift to Buffy, Professor Dumbledore had 'let slip' the location of a secret room. A room where she could release any sort of aggression. Pretty soon, the 'Room of Requirement' was the new hangout for Buffy and her friends. After class, the six of them would head to the seventh floor, opposite a tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, and lay down on the plush furniture. Lily, of course, would ruin the fun by reminding everyone of his or her work. A couple of times, Buffy had worked out, but she wasn't too fond of an audience, so she normally spent one of her mealtimes training.
Ever since her last talk with Dumbledore, Buffy had stepped up in her training. She would occasionally write to Giles about her techniques and various pieces from her dreams. But the man couldn't really help her, especially since whatever was coming was hardly interested in the Hellmouth. When she talked to Professor Dumbledore about her nightmares, he made mention of a coming 'wizard war'. Apparently, some pureblood families were beginning to ban together behind a powerful wizard. A very powerful wizard, whose name was yet unknown. If a war were coming, Buffy would be ready. She had been itching for a fight.
And Buffy wouldn't be the only one. What Professor Dumbledore had told her was too important to keep it a secret from her friends. The news had been hard for Sirius. He could only assume that his family would be one of the firsts to join forces with this anonymous wizard. Out of his entire family, Andromeda and he were the only Gryffindors. 'Blacks are above those with muggle blood. The filth must be eliminated,' they would all say to him. And part of that filth would be Buffy and Lily. Sirius wouldn't let anything happen to either of the girls.
Despite the dark future that would lie before the children of Hogwarts, everyone was in a pretty pleasant mood. Buffy and Sirius, as well as Lily and James, were regularly dating, as much as a relationship would allow at school. The gang seemed closer than ever. Even Snape and Malfoy had backed off from tormenting the Gryffindors, if one could discount the sneers and other offensive comments.
So here she was, furiously striking the punching bag. She was quickly becoming restless. The nasties had all dispersed, leaving the Hogwarts grounds a relatively peaceful place. And such a place was not good for the slayer.
Who would have thought that as much as Buffy bashed her destiny, she secretly enjoyed it? Sure, she didn't like the whole 'death-clause', but she loved the fighting, the adrenaline pumping through her veins. Faith's letters didn't help the matter much. Both slayers had become close, understanding each other like no one else. The dark-haired slayer would write to her new friend, describing her latest adventures, her victories. But what could Buffy write in return? 'Transfigured a beetle into a ruby'? Hardly compares to nightly slayage.
'Face it,' Buffy thought glaring at her inanimate opponent, 'you're the Boring Slayer.'
"I think it's already afraid of you."
Whipping her head around, Buffy was shocked to see her boyfriend's figure illuminated by the candlelight. 'When had it gotten so dark,' she thought to herself, trying to determine how long she had been hidden away in the spacious room.
Pausing briefly, Sirius stepped closer to the girl, allowing his eyes to take in her unguarded appearance. For lack of a better word, Buffy looked tired. Large, dark circles were under her eyes and her skin had taken an almost sallow color. His girlfriend was thin, but now, she looked practically emaciated. Why hadn't he seen this earlier? What kind of boyfriend was he to not notice this sooner?
"Are you okay," Sirius blurted out, already preparing himself for her answer.
Brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes, she briefly glanced in Sirius's direction. "Fine," she responded, turning around to face the punching bag once more.
"Bollocks," Sirius scoffed. Noticing her tense posture, he continued. "You've been hiding out here for over a week. You rarely eat; you barely pay attention in class. The only time anyone gets to talk to you is in here. So…what's up? Must be something to keep you up every night."
As Sirius's words sunk in, Buffy could only sag her shoulders in defeat. She was sure Lily's heart was in the right place, but it didn't quell the annoyance she felt right now. The last person she wanted to hurt was him, but she doubted he would let the subject drop. Not without a fight, at least. And Buffy didn't want to get any blood on her clothes.
"I can't do this."
The whispered words took Sirius by surprise. "Can't do what," he asked, settling himself into plush blue armchair against the wall. He never expected Buffy to acquiesce so easily and now that she was talking, he wasn't going anywhere.
Noticing he wasn't giving up on the conversation, Buffy fully faced him. "This," she said waving her arm to accentuate her point. "This whole wizard-witch deal. I'm not a magic-mojo person."
Once she started, Buffy found she couldn't stop. "I'm from California, Land of the Eternal Tan. This is England. This is the last place I belong. I should be going to high school, a normal high school, worrying about what to wear Friday night. Not the best antidote to cure poisonous warts."
As soon as her tirade began, it finished. Wasn't there more she wanted to say? "They're okay," she stated, looking at Sirius. At his confused look, she continued, "They're okay in Sunnydale. I mean, in their letters…they sound happy."
"Shouldn't they be happy? Merlin, Buffy…how selfish can you be? I hate to disappoint you, but the world doesn't revolve around you. So you have this big destiny thing? Congratulations! Do you want everyone to shed tears over you? Everyone must be happy with you and sad without…is that it?"
This wasn't how the argument was supposed to go. As soon Buffy tried to open her mouth, Sirius continued.
"And when times are tough, you wanna just give up? You never seemed like a coward before. You think you have problems? Well, don't we all? I mean, look at all of us…Lily's and James's families are as dysfunctional as can be, Remus is a werewolf, my family is evil incarnate, and Peter is…well, Peter's Peter."
Buffy couldn't help but smile at Sirius's words. He was right; she was being a selfish bitch. Sitting on the armrest of the chair, she sighed, "I'm sorry, I-I didn't really mean it. I just feel…I feel like I can't breathe sometimes. On one side, I'm a witch. And I like it here; I like being here with you. But I'm also the slayer. I always hated it when Giles pushed those words on me. The Slayer. But I think I get it now. I'm different. I can beat things up, do some damage…but I like it. It's who I am. So how do I choose?"
"Who said you have to choose," Sirius asked, pulling her down to sit next to him. "You have to be Buffy, the person. I kinda like her."
"Kinda?"
"Okay, really like her. So, Hogwarts isn't exciting enough for ya'? Guess we'll just have to take that holiday to Sunnydale. Until then though, you can just take out your aggressions on Remus."
That's why she loved him. Yes-loved. Of course, the last someone she loved turned into a monster hell-bent on world destruction…no! She wasn't going there, not now. Now, Buffy was going to enjoy herself in Sirius's strong arms. Leaning forward, she could feel his warm breath on her lips and closed her eyes.
"And for the record, we're in Scotland, not England. Ow!"
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Sunnydale
Faith walked into the library, balancing the books in her left hand. She really didn't have time for this. Willow was supposed to help her with her French dialogue. 'Stupid French,' she thought to herself, 'Why can't everyone speak English?' Expecting to see Giles, she was shocked to see a tall, dark-haired young man with glasses. Only one type of person could look that idiotic and conceited at the same time.
Looking at Giles as he exited his office, she voiced her opinion. "New Watcher," she asked, glaring at the wimpy figure adjusting his tweed vest. 'What was with Watchers and tweed,' she wondered.
"Wesley Wyndam-Pryce," the wimp responded, extending his hand to greet his new charge.
Oh…how she really wanted to turn around. But, this could be fun. "You're not evil are you," Faith asked, stepping closer. She cocked her head to the side and smiled charmingly.
"E-evil," Wesley asked, visibly shaken by Faith's forwardness.
Innocently placing her hands behind her back, 'to accentuate her assets' she always said, Faith explained, "The last one was evil."
"Oh, yes. Gwendolyn Post. We all heard. No. Mr. Giles has checked my credentials rather thoroughly and phoned the Council, but I'm glad to see you're on the ball as well." Intimidated by the slayer's glare, he stepped back. "A good slayer is a cautious slayer."
"As far as I can tell, that would be a 'no'," Giles said, sensing Faith's patience waning. He could only roll his eyes at the girl's pleading gaze. Vampires and demons the girl could easily face down, but a watcher? Sometimes, he was really worried about the fate of the world.
Unaware of the staring contest between the other two in the library, Wesley continued his conversation. "Why don't you tell me everything about last night's patrol," he suggested, extracting a small notebook from within his vest pocket.
'This can not be happening,' Faith thought, channeling her feelings to Giles. Since when did she worry about being polite? Realizing she wasn't going to get anywhere with the man, she admitted defeat. Directing a glare at the new watcher she scoffed, "Screw this."
The two British men could only stare at her retreating back.
"She'll get used to me," Wesley whispered, mostly to make himself feel better.
Giles, on the other hand, barely managed to keep the smile from his face. Was it wrong to proud of his slayer just then?
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It had been an exhausting day for Faith. After school, she was forced to listen to Wesley's whining. At least, she was sure it was whining. She was a little too busy thinking about John and his 'yummy-goodness' to pay attention. And then, the idiot wanted her to train for the better part of afternoon. An afternoon she could have spent talking to Willow and Xander at her house. Hell, an afternoon she could have spent studying. Naturally, Faith was relieved when two hours of haunting the cemeteries resulted in one vamp. Calling it an early night, she entered the house to find Joyce still awake and the two watched television over cups of hot tea.
And as exhausting as the day was, Faith couldn't fall asleep. Correction: fall back asleep. Not after that freaky nightmare. All she could remember was a green glowing shape, a snake, and screams. Lots and lots of screams. She remembered when Buffy had first written to her about her nightmares. The two had assumed something was going down…on Buffy's side of the ocean. Putting pen to paper, Faith wasn't too sure how to tell her friend that they may have been terribly wrong.
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Yay! It is such a relief to be finished with this chapter…Honestly, I don't know what is up with this segment. I didn't have much planned (I'm sure you can see that), but I ended up going off on a bizarre tangent. The whole Sirius/Buffy convo—totally unexpected. The only way to justify it is this: Buffy feels torn, and suddenly out of place. She going to have to realize that she's a figure in two worlds, neither being more important than the other. It's something I'm going to address later on. And I think I'm writing this more for my benefit than yours, but I digress…
More action is planned for the next chapter, and I'll working on it later today. If the muse is kind, I might have the next chapter posted on Wednesday. If not, then you'll have to wait until the weekend. Thank you for getting this far and for being sooooooooooooooooooooooo patient.