Title: Strange Events Author name: PeriwinkleBlue Author email: PeriwinkleBlue25@aol.com Category: Action/Adventure/Romance Keywords: Harry/Snape/Buffy Rating: PG-13 Spoilers: SS, CoS, PoA, GoF OotP, Buffy through season 7. Summary: Buffy/HP Crossover. Buffy is the new teacher at Hogwarts. Hired to help protect The-Boy-Who-Lived, she finds more than she bargained for in the case of teaching fifty young wizards, inter-house rivalries, an ancient artifact, and a greasy potions master.
DISCLAIMER: Buffy and Co. belong to Joss Whedon etc., Harry and friends belong to J.K. Rowling. (this is internal thought)
Chapter 6
"Ms. Summer's, I'm Minerva McGonagall. Welcome to Hogwart's."
"Hi, please, call me Buffy."
"Err, Buffy? I understood your name to be Elizabeth, was I mistaken?"
"Oh, no, Buffy's a nickname, but it's what everyone calls me. Elizabeth is a bit too formal for me."
"Ah, I see, well then Buffy, It's a pleasure to meet you." Both women smiled and shook hands, this time Buffy did notice Bert's mimicry, but chose not to comment.
Hagrid spoke up, "Well, Minerva, I'll jes leave 'er in yer hands then. I'm sure Fang'll be needin' let ou'."
"That's fine, Thank you Hagrid. Well, Buffy, the Headmaster is waiting for you in his office. I shall get some house elves to take your things to your room." Immediately following this statement, several loud pops were heard and Buffy saw a smallish creature (I guess that's a house elf. Cool ears.) which without delay grasped her suitcase.
Without conscious thought Buffy spun, drawing her knife and placing it against the throat of a previously unnoticed house elf who had only been trying to take her duffel bag. Stunned silence followed.
"Professor Summers wishes to keep her bag?" Squeaked the terrified elf.
"Oh, sorry, I'm just a little sensitive about people touching me or my stuff. How about I just carry this one, Okay?"
"Of course Professor Summers." With more loud pops the house elves disappeared. Turning to meet the shocked gaze of deputy headmistress, she grinned guiltily and shrugged.
"Sorry about that, this place has my slayer senses going haywire, so I didn't know he was there. I don't like being snuck up on." (Wow, nothing like going psycho on a butler to make a great first impression.)
Smiling nervously, McGonagall nodded, and indicated with her hand, "If you'll follow me, I will guide you to Albus' office."
Buffy followed the older woman upstairs and through many winding halls, only getting glimpses of fantastic paintings that seemed to be moving, suits of armor turning to watch her progress down the corridors, and the flap flap of Bert's feet muffled on the thick carpets. After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a statue of a gargoyle.
McGonagall said, "Licorice Wand." The gargoyle slid aside to reveal a set of stone steps going up. "Professor Dumbledore's office is at the top, he's expecting you. Again, it was nice to have met you M...er, Buffy, I'm sure I'll see you at dinner."
Watching McGonagall's back as she strode back the way they had come, Buffy took a deep breathe and looked at Bert.
"You ready?" Bert's response was to give her a wide grin and gurgle. Taking his hand, Buffy and clabbert climb the stairs.
Buffy knocked on the door, and hearing a muffled invitation, entered the headmaster's office. She received a jumbled impression of the many portraits of snoozing people, and a large dark wood desk, before her attention was on the elderly man standing behind the desk. The man was clothed in plain, but luxurious maroon robes, long white beard tucked into the belt, half-moon spectacles perched on his long nose, and a gentle smile on his face. But Buffy knew better, radiating in waves from this merry-looking grandpa, was power so strong that it made Buffy wince. Before she could say anything, Bert ripped himself from her grip and launched himself at the venerable man. Wrapping Dumbledore in a bear hug (or should you really say clabbert hug?) and gurgling contentedly, both slayer and wizard laughed.
"Sorry about that, I guess he just likes you. I'd say I'd never seen him take to someone so fast, but I've only had him a few hours, so it wouldn't mean much."
Disentangling himself from the still gurgling creature, Dumbledore smiled. "It's no matter, It's always nice to have a hug now and again." With Bert now standing on his own two webbed feet, Dumbledore extended his hand and introduced himself, "Good evening Miss Summers, delighted to have you here. My name is Albus Dumbledore, I am headmaster here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I trust your journey to us was pleasant?"
"Yes, it was, thanks. I..." Buffy cut off as Bert shoved himself in front of the headmaster and once again that day extended his hand to shake. But, unlike his previous attempts this one was met with success as the old wizard gravely shook the creatures hand, saying, "How do you do, I'm Albus, and you are?"
Pumping the mans hand up and down, he was rewarded with a loud, "Bert!"
"A pleasure Bert." This seemed to satisfy Bert as he let go and wandered over to inspect the shiny instruments lying on a near-by table. "Well, Miss Summers..."
"Ah, Buffy, please." The wizard's face gave no outward sign of anything wrong with the correction, which made him rise a notch in Buffy's estimation. Her entire life people had given her grief over her name, this was a nice change.
"Buffy, please have a seat, and we may go over a few things pertaining to your tenure here." She did, reclining on a large red velveteen sofa, and he moved to sit behind the massive desk. Pulling out several folders, he shuffled pieces of parchment until they were arrayed to his satisfaction.
"Now, Buffy, I have hired you to teach our Defense Against the Dark Arts class. You will be responsible for teaching the first through sixth years, do not worry about the seventh years, I will be teaching the N.E.W.T.s class. I understand your calling has made you familiar with most types of fighting styles as well as weaponry, and you have a decent background with Dark creatures. Now, if you wish to find out more about regular DADA classes, I've taken the liberty of stocking your rooms with the appropriate books, also feel free to search the library, I'm sure the librarian will be happy to help."
Shuffling more parchment, he continued, "In addition, I would be grateful if you plied your skills to our Forbidden Forest, lately we've been hearing rumors of vampires and other unsavory characters lurking about in there. Some of Hagrid's chickens have been killed.I trust you have brought adequate supplies for this?"
"No problem, got it covered." Buffy gestured to the black bag at her feet.
"Wonderful, also, I would like you to keep a special eye out for three particularly special students. Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Now the reason for this is Mr. Potter and to some extent his two friends are targets for the most evil wizard ever encountered in our world, Lord Voldemort. When Harry was a mere babe, he succeeded in living through a powerful curse, and defeating Voldemort. Unfortunately, two years ago, Voldemort was brought back and has since..."
Interrupting, "Were there snakes involved?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Um, well you see, um, about a year and a half ago, I died, and then a coupla months later my friend Willow did this spell to bring me back, and she said snakes came out of her mouth and er, I was just curious."
Dumbledore stroked his beard and regarded the tiny slayer for a moment, apparently at a loss for words.
"From what I have been told, no, there were no snakes. Let's see, where was I? Oh yes, since his revival Voldemort and his followers, called Death Eaters have been determined to destroy Mr. Potter. The other two are in harm's way simply because they have chosen to be friends with him. Now, last year some of Voldemort's followers broke out of prison and along with their master proceeded to lure Mr. Potter from the protection of the school. Mr. Potter fearing for the safety of his only living relative, his godfather, he and several other students engaged in a battle in the Ministry of Magic with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The Death Eaters were captured, but Voldemort escaped. Unfortunately, Harry's godfather was killed by a Death Eater. This has been a great blow to Harry, and I am worried that he may not be handling the loss well. From what I understand Harry's letters to his friends have been strained and unhappy. So for this school year, if you would watch over those three especially would be an immense help."
"Okay, will do."
"Now, I'm sure you must be tired after your journey, and it's almost time for dinner, so please let me escort you to your rooms, and you may freshen up before dinner."
"Okay, thanks."
"Oh, and Buffy, if I might ask, what do you have in that bag, it's rather peaked my curiosity."
"Oh, here." Unzipping the bag, Buffy pulled out a long sword, laid it on the thick crimson carpet, then she proceeded to line up next to it, a dozen stakes, the crossbow, a matching pair of daggers, several small throwing knives, and a morning star. Last but not least, she removed the scythe, shining dully in the torch light. Buffy couldn't help herself, she gave the weapon a few twirls showing just how well the blade was meant for her.
"Very impressive, I see you have things well in hand."
Smiling, Buffy quickly put the arms back in the bag and zipped it shut.
"Shall we?" The headmaster offered her his arm, she took it and they left the office, Bert trailing behind them.
Dumbledore led her through several more twisting corridors and down several staircases. Stopping in front of a painting of two purple fairies flitting about in their frame, Dumbledore said the password.
"Elizabeth Summers," the painting swung open "That is the password though you may change it, all you have to do is tell the fairies. I have to apologize for a room so far down in the castle, but taking into account that you would be spending a great many late nights, I didn't think you would want a room with an eastern exposure."
"That's cool, thanks."
"Well, I'll leave you to it then, shall I send someone in say half an hour to take you to the Great Hall?"
"Sounds good."
Buffy and Bert went through the hole, and into a sumptuous sitting room. Comfy looking chairs and a low divan sat in front of a large gray marble fireplace. Soft blue carpet hushed Buffy's footsteps as she examined the three large bookcases on the far end of the room. Hearing a yip of joy from Bert, she turned to see him happily jumping on one of the chairs, giving a yelp with every bounce. She grinned and continued with her exploration. A large dark wood door led her into the bedroom, complete with a canopy bed, wardrobe, and dresser all in the same color wood. Whereas the living room had been all blue, this one was done in shades of red, burgundy curtains hung on the bed, and a carmine rug on the hearth accented both the gleaming wood floors and the pink marble mantel above the fireplace. The small high windows were covered with thick scarlet drapes, which Buffy ran a hand along, relishing in their sensual feel.
She saw her suitcase had already been laid on the bed and she quickly got to work unpacking and shaking out various blouses, skirts, pants. Buffy briskly decided on the least wrinkled of her outfits and shedding her clothes, she changed into a small black skirt, red tank top, and black strappy sandals. She readjusted the knife sheathe at her back, and looked in the mirror to fix her make-up.
"Lovely dear, simply lovely, you sure are a breath of fresh air in these dungeons."
Buffy reached for the knife, while looking around warily. Not seeing anyone she asked, "Who said that?"
"I did dear, over here, the mirror."
"You can talk!?"
"Of course, so can you."
"Well, it's just I've never met a talking mirror before, what's your name?"
"Veronica, and yourself?"
"Buffy, nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
"Um, Ronnie, where can I find the bathroom?"
"Over there hon."
Buffy looked around a mentally smacked herself for not noticing the door next to the wardrobe. (Oh, well I guess a talking mirror's enough to make any slayer a little less than observant.)
Buffy opened the bathroom door and smiled. The bathroom was beautiful, done in silver and black marble, a double sink graced one wall, and along the other was a sunken tub with a dozen faucets, each with a different handle. (Yeah, definitely gonna have to spend some time in here.)
Buffy moved to the sinks and brushed her teeth, finishing she gave herself a wide smile in the mirror, quickly replacing it with a frown. She walked back into the bedroom.
"Hey, Ronnie, how come the bathroom mirror doesn't talk?"
"Well, do you really want something to watch you while you're in there?"
"Guess not, good point."
Moving back out into the living room, Buffy gave a snort when she saw Bert sprawled out on the couch fast asleep and snoring. (Guess I'm not the only one having a big day.) Finding a small quilt she covered the little guy. Checking her watch, she frowned. (Hmm, batteries must have died.)
Buffy walked over to the bookshelves again and began to peruse the titles. Pulling out ones that caught her eye she soon had a stack consisting of such titles as, The Dark Arts: A Guide to Self-Protection, The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, Muggles and the Dark Arts, Defensive Magical Theory, and Hogwarts, a History." (Wow, I never thought I'd be glad for Giles forcing all that research on us. Well, okay, mostly the gang, but I helped!)
Just then a pop sounded, announcing the arrival of a house elf. Buffy turned and was slightly grateful that it wasn't the one she'd almost attacked earlier.
"Professor Summers, Peachy is here to show you to the Great Hall for dinner. We is going now, yes?"
"Sure, Peachy."
Buffy entered the vast Hall, and stared at the ceiling. It looked as if the walls simply opened onto the night sky. Buffy walked over to a large oval table already occupied by several witches and wizards. Conversation stopped as the professors studied the newcomer. Nervously smoothing her skirt, she smiled at Dumbledore,McGonagall, and Hagrid and took an empty seat between a skinny witch with large spectecles, and a very tiny man who was sitting propped up by several large volumes. Dumbledore stood and clapped his hands.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce Miss Buffy Summers, our new DADA teacher. Buffy this is Sybil Trelawney, Divination, (the spectacled witch), Irma Pince, our librarian, Hagrid and Minerva, you know, and Filius Flitwick, Charms, (the tiny man). Well, let's eat."
Following Flitwick's example, Buffy took the piece of parchment from her plate, and read the menu. Not wanting to brave something called Kidney pie, she looked at her plate and said, "Meatloaf." At once there were thick slabs of meatloaf, a mound of mashed potatoes and a nice pile of green beans occupying her plate. Digging in Buffy spent the rest of the meal watching and listening to the others' conversations, ranging from old friends, to magical theory, to a game played on flying broomsticks, called Quidditch.
Mind realing, and stomach heavy she was escorted back to her rooms by yet another house elf. Finding Bert had moved to her bed with his blanket, she barely managed to shove him over to make room for herself before she was asleep.
End Chapter 6
DISCLAIMER: Buffy and Co. belong to Joss Whedon etc., Harry and friends belong to J.K. Rowling. (this is internal thought)
Chapter 6
"Ms. Summer's, I'm Minerva McGonagall. Welcome to Hogwart's."
"Hi, please, call me Buffy."
"Err, Buffy? I understood your name to be Elizabeth, was I mistaken?"
"Oh, no, Buffy's a nickname, but it's what everyone calls me. Elizabeth is a bit too formal for me."
"Ah, I see, well then Buffy, It's a pleasure to meet you." Both women smiled and shook hands, this time Buffy did notice Bert's mimicry, but chose not to comment.
Hagrid spoke up, "Well, Minerva, I'll jes leave 'er in yer hands then. I'm sure Fang'll be needin' let ou'."
"That's fine, Thank you Hagrid. Well, Buffy, the Headmaster is waiting for you in his office. I shall get some house elves to take your things to your room." Immediately following this statement, several loud pops were heard and Buffy saw a smallish creature (I guess that's a house elf. Cool ears.) which without delay grasped her suitcase.
Without conscious thought Buffy spun, drawing her knife and placing it against the throat of a previously unnoticed house elf who had only been trying to take her duffel bag. Stunned silence followed.
"Professor Summers wishes to keep her bag?" Squeaked the terrified elf.
"Oh, sorry, I'm just a little sensitive about people touching me or my stuff. How about I just carry this one, Okay?"
"Of course Professor Summers." With more loud pops the house elves disappeared. Turning to meet the shocked gaze of deputy headmistress, she grinned guiltily and shrugged.
"Sorry about that, this place has my slayer senses going haywire, so I didn't know he was there. I don't like being snuck up on." (Wow, nothing like going psycho on a butler to make a great first impression.)
Smiling nervously, McGonagall nodded, and indicated with her hand, "If you'll follow me, I will guide you to Albus' office."
Buffy followed the older woman upstairs and through many winding halls, only getting glimpses of fantastic paintings that seemed to be moving, suits of armor turning to watch her progress down the corridors, and the flap flap of Bert's feet muffled on the thick carpets. After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a statue of a gargoyle.
McGonagall said, "Licorice Wand." The gargoyle slid aside to reveal a set of stone steps going up. "Professor Dumbledore's office is at the top, he's expecting you. Again, it was nice to have met you M...er, Buffy, I'm sure I'll see you at dinner."
Watching McGonagall's back as she strode back the way they had come, Buffy took a deep breathe and looked at Bert.
"You ready?" Bert's response was to give her a wide grin and gurgle. Taking his hand, Buffy and clabbert climb the stairs.
Buffy knocked on the door, and hearing a muffled invitation, entered the headmaster's office. She received a jumbled impression of the many portraits of snoozing people, and a large dark wood desk, before her attention was on the elderly man standing behind the desk. The man was clothed in plain, but luxurious maroon robes, long white beard tucked into the belt, half-moon spectacles perched on his long nose, and a gentle smile on his face. But Buffy knew better, radiating in waves from this merry-looking grandpa, was power so strong that it made Buffy wince. Before she could say anything, Bert ripped himself from her grip and launched himself at the venerable man. Wrapping Dumbledore in a bear hug (or should you really say clabbert hug?) and gurgling contentedly, both slayer and wizard laughed.
"Sorry about that, I guess he just likes you. I'd say I'd never seen him take to someone so fast, but I've only had him a few hours, so it wouldn't mean much."
Disentangling himself from the still gurgling creature, Dumbledore smiled. "It's no matter, It's always nice to have a hug now and again." With Bert now standing on his own two webbed feet, Dumbledore extended his hand and introduced himself, "Good evening Miss Summers, delighted to have you here. My name is Albus Dumbledore, I am headmaster here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I trust your journey to us was pleasant?"
"Yes, it was, thanks. I..." Buffy cut off as Bert shoved himself in front of the headmaster and once again that day extended his hand to shake. But, unlike his previous attempts this one was met with success as the old wizard gravely shook the creatures hand, saying, "How do you do, I'm Albus, and you are?"
Pumping the mans hand up and down, he was rewarded with a loud, "Bert!"
"A pleasure Bert." This seemed to satisfy Bert as he let go and wandered over to inspect the shiny instruments lying on a near-by table. "Well, Miss Summers..."
"Ah, Buffy, please." The wizard's face gave no outward sign of anything wrong with the correction, which made him rise a notch in Buffy's estimation. Her entire life people had given her grief over her name, this was a nice change.
"Buffy, please have a seat, and we may go over a few things pertaining to your tenure here." She did, reclining on a large red velveteen sofa, and he moved to sit behind the massive desk. Pulling out several folders, he shuffled pieces of parchment until they were arrayed to his satisfaction.
"Now, Buffy, I have hired you to teach our Defense Against the Dark Arts class. You will be responsible for teaching the first through sixth years, do not worry about the seventh years, I will be teaching the N.E.W.T.s class. I understand your calling has made you familiar with most types of fighting styles as well as weaponry, and you have a decent background with Dark creatures. Now, if you wish to find out more about regular DADA classes, I've taken the liberty of stocking your rooms with the appropriate books, also feel free to search the library, I'm sure the librarian will be happy to help."
Shuffling more parchment, he continued, "In addition, I would be grateful if you plied your skills to our Forbidden Forest, lately we've been hearing rumors of vampires and other unsavory characters lurking about in there. Some of Hagrid's chickens have been killed.I trust you have brought adequate supplies for this?"
"No problem, got it covered." Buffy gestured to the black bag at her feet.
"Wonderful, also, I would like you to keep a special eye out for three particularly special students. Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Now the reason for this is Mr. Potter and to some extent his two friends are targets for the most evil wizard ever encountered in our world, Lord Voldemort. When Harry was a mere babe, he succeeded in living through a powerful curse, and defeating Voldemort. Unfortunately, two years ago, Voldemort was brought back and has since..."
Interrupting, "Were there snakes involved?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Um, well you see, um, about a year and a half ago, I died, and then a coupla months later my friend Willow did this spell to bring me back, and she said snakes came out of her mouth and er, I was just curious."
Dumbledore stroked his beard and regarded the tiny slayer for a moment, apparently at a loss for words.
"From what I have been told, no, there were no snakes. Let's see, where was I? Oh yes, since his revival Voldemort and his followers, called Death Eaters have been determined to destroy Mr. Potter. The other two are in harm's way simply because they have chosen to be friends with him. Now, last year some of Voldemort's followers broke out of prison and along with their master proceeded to lure Mr. Potter from the protection of the school. Mr. Potter fearing for the safety of his only living relative, his godfather, he and several other students engaged in a battle in the Ministry of Magic with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The Death Eaters were captured, but Voldemort escaped. Unfortunately, Harry's godfather was killed by a Death Eater. This has been a great blow to Harry, and I am worried that he may not be handling the loss well. From what I understand Harry's letters to his friends have been strained and unhappy. So for this school year, if you would watch over those three especially would be an immense help."
"Okay, will do."
"Now, I'm sure you must be tired after your journey, and it's almost time for dinner, so please let me escort you to your rooms, and you may freshen up before dinner."
"Okay, thanks."
"Oh, and Buffy, if I might ask, what do you have in that bag, it's rather peaked my curiosity."
"Oh, here." Unzipping the bag, Buffy pulled out a long sword, laid it on the thick crimson carpet, then she proceeded to line up next to it, a dozen stakes, the crossbow, a matching pair of daggers, several small throwing knives, and a morning star. Last but not least, she removed the scythe, shining dully in the torch light. Buffy couldn't help herself, she gave the weapon a few twirls showing just how well the blade was meant for her.
"Very impressive, I see you have things well in hand."
Smiling, Buffy quickly put the arms back in the bag and zipped it shut.
"Shall we?" The headmaster offered her his arm, she took it and they left the office, Bert trailing behind them.
Dumbledore led her through several more twisting corridors and down several staircases. Stopping in front of a painting of two purple fairies flitting about in their frame, Dumbledore said the password.
"Elizabeth Summers," the painting swung open "That is the password though you may change it, all you have to do is tell the fairies. I have to apologize for a room so far down in the castle, but taking into account that you would be spending a great many late nights, I didn't think you would want a room with an eastern exposure."
"That's cool, thanks."
"Well, I'll leave you to it then, shall I send someone in say half an hour to take you to the Great Hall?"
"Sounds good."
Buffy and Bert went through the hole, and into a sumptuous sitting room. Comfy looking chairs and a low divan sat in front of a large gray marble fireplace. Soft blue carpet hushed Buffy's footsteps as she examined the three large bookcases on the far end of the room. Hearing a yip of joy from Bert, she turned to see him happily jumping on one of the chairs, giving a yelp with every bounce. She grinned and continued with her exploration. A large dark wood door led her into the bedroom, complete with a canopy bed, wardrobe, and dresser all in the same color wood. Whereas the living room had been all blue, this one was done in shades of red, burgundy curtains hung on the bed, and a carmine rug on the hearth accented both the gleaming wood floors and the pink marble mantel above the fireplace. The small high windows were covered with thick scarlet drapes, which Buffy ran a hand along, relishing in their sensual feel.
She saw her suitcase had already been laid on the bed and she quickly got to work unpacking and shaking out various blouses, skirts, pants. Buffy briskly decided on the least wrinkled of her outfits and shedding her clothes, she changed into a small black skirt, red tank top, and black strappy sandals. She readjusted the knife sheathe at her back, and looked in the mirror to fix her make-up.
"Lovely dear, simply lovely, you sure are a breath of fresh air in these dungeons."
Buffy reached for the knife, while looking around warily. Not seeing anyone she asked, "Who said that?"
"I did dear, over here, the mirror."
"You can talk!?"
"Of course, so can you."
"Well, it's just I've never met a talking mirror before, what's your name?"
"Veronica, and yourself?"
"Buffy, nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
"Um, Ronnie, where can I find the bathroom?"
"Over there hon."
Buffy looked around a mentally smacked herself for not noticing the door next to the wardrobe. (Oh, well I guess a talking mirror's enough to make any slayer a little less than observant.)
Buffy opened the bathroom door and smiled. The bathroom was beautiful, done in silver and black marble, a double sink graced one wall, and along the other was a sunken tub with a dozen faucets, each with a different handle. (Yeah, definitely gonna have to spend some time in here.)
Buffy moved to the sinks and brushed her teeth, finishing she gave herself a wide smile in the mirror, quickly replacing it with a frown. She walked back into the bedroom.
"Hey, Ronnie, how come the bathroom mirror doesn't talk?"
"Well, do you really want something to watch you while you're in there?"
"Guess not, good point."
Moving back out into the living room, Buffy gave a snort when she saw Bert sprawled out on the couch fast asleep and snoring. (Guess I'm not the only one having a big day.) Finding a small quilt she covered the little guy. Checking her watch, she frowned. (Hmm, batteries must have died.)
Buffy walked over to the bookshelves again and began to peruse the titles. Pulling out ones that caught her eye she soon had a stack consisting of such titles as, The Dark Arts: A Guide to Self-Protection, The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, Muggles and the Dark Arts, Defensive Magical Theory, and Hogwarts, a History." (Wow, I never thought I'd be glad for Giles forcing all that research on us. Well, okay, mostly the gang, but I helped!)
Just then a pop sounded, announcing the arrival of a house elf. Buffy turned and was slightly grateful that it wasn't the one she'd almost attacked earlier.
"Professor Summers, Peachy is here to show you to the Great Hall for dinner. We is going now, yes?"
"Sure, Peachy."
Buffy entered the vast Hall, and stared at the ceiling. It looked as if the walls simply opened onto the night sky. Buffy walked over to a large oval table already occupied by several witches and wizards. Conversation stopped as the professors studied the newcomer. Nervously smoothing her skirt, she smiled at Dumbledore,McGonagall, and Hagrid and took an empty seat between a skinny witch with large spectecles, and a very tiny man who was sitting propped up by several large volumes. Dumbledore stood and clapped his hands.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce Miss Buffy Summers, our new DADA teacher. Buffy this is Sybil Trelawney, Divination, (the spectacled witch), Irma Pince, our librarian, Hagrid and Minerva, you know, and Filius Flitwick, Charms, (the tiny man). Well, let's eat."
Following Flitwick's example, Buffy took the piece of parchment from her plate, and read the menu. Not wanting to brave something called Kidney pie, she looked at her plate and said, "Meatloaf." At once there were thick slabs of meatloaf, a mound of mashed potatoes and a nice pile of green beans occupying her plate. Digging in Buffy spent the rest of the meal watching and listening to the others' conversations, ranging from old friends, to magical theory, to a game played on flying broomsticks, called Quidditch.
Mind realing, and stomach heavy she was escorted back to her rooms by yet another house elf. Finding Bert had moved to her bed with his blanket, she barely managed to shove him over to make room for herself before she was asleep.
End Chapter 6