Chapter 18
Diagon Alley
- - - - -
Buffy woke up early the final morning before they were to go to Diagon Alley. She tiptoed downstairs, as she usually did, and crept back to her usual studying spot. This morning, she took a Charms textbook with her, taken from a large stack from Ginny's wardrobe.
Hermione had continued to make her stacks of notes. Buffy didn't know how to thank her since the notes proved to be invaluable. She was learning quite a bit.
But this morning served a higher purpose. Tomorrow they were returning to the magical world before spending their final two days at The Burrow. Hermione was excited because she was going to see her parents again. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione were all excited about this new school year, talking about everything from O.W.L.'s to the person replacing their previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
She found herself wondering these things.
Harry joined her less than an hour later. He no longer showed his surprise at the fact she was studying as hard as Hermione did. She knew she had a lot to prove as a Potter and was going to prove it. "You excited about Diagon Alley tomorrow?" he asked lightly.
She nodded, grinning. "Harry, do you think I can borrow your owl for a short flight?"
"Who are you sending a letter to?" he asked curiously.
She tried not to blush, but was unsuccessful. "I wanted to send something to Giles," she mumbled. "I was told I could send something to a contact of his. Giles would be able to get via regular mail."
"Sure," Harry said, not wanting to press the issue any further. She let out a long, pent-up breath.
She was doing nothing of the sort, however. After irritating Percy to his boiling point by borrowing Hermes for days on end, he'd finally asked if she would just borrow Hedwig. She'd consented finally, swearing that she was going to get her own owl to send correspondence with.
Hermione and Ginny were still the only ones who knew of Buffy's penpal. Except for Percy, but they really didn't count him into their private circle.
Buffy thanked her brother and walked back inside the house and up to his bedroom, where three sleepy figures were just emerging. She smiled at them all, so adorable in their pajamas and rustled red hair. She called Hedwig onto her arm and then swept back out.
Tucking the letter into the small packet attached to Hedwig's leg, she turned to the owl, which stared at her. "Can you take this to Oliver Wood, please?" she asked softly. When the owl hooted, she gently touched her crown. "You're such a pretty owl." She moved to the window and released the snowy white, watching as she disappeared into the sunrise.
Breakfast was served shortly thereafter. Percy and his mother were having another row, leaving both ill-tempered. He had confessed to Buffy what the up and coming argument had been about, too.
"It's the same as last year," Percy said angrily. "Dad thinks that Fudge wants me to spy on him because of his associations with Dumbledore! Honestly!"
Buffy didn't know what to say, since she didn't know either one of them enough to pass that sort of judgment.
Mrs. Weasley was silent as she handed out plates that morning, making sure that the basket of muffins in the center of the table was filled to capacity. Percy had already left for work, and Mr. Weasley and Bill weren't far behind. Fred and George left nearly an hour later, needing to return to their store.
Buffy returned to her room and started packing her things. Her coveted letters were wrapped with a seal of string and were hidden deep within her dark green bag. There were five of them now, each one more detailed than the last. Percy brought these letters to her nearly every day, with a deep scowl as he practically threw the last one onto her lap at dinnertime.
Each letter warmed her heart, reminding her of better things. Like the school term she was rapidly approaching.
When she'd mentioned she'd be at Diagon Alley, he'd asked her to owl him. He wanted to see her again and she barely hold her excitement in as she hastened to write him the letter.
The rest of the day passed quickly. She had spent it at the table with Hermione, reading the endless notes the girl had given her. There was a stack fourteen inches high of History of Magic notes taken from the first two years. Buffy was beginning to feel as though she'd never get through all of it.
Harry, Ron and Ginny were once again playing their homemade version of Quidditch. Buffy finally relented that afternoon and agreed to her first flying lesson.
She was glad that Fred and George weren't around. If they had been, she might have done something even more stupid.
Harry led her up to the hill, his Firebolt over his shoulder. This set off a twenty minute discussion on the proper behavior of a good broom. Ron and Harry started talking over one another enthusiastically about the different styles of broomsticks, while Hermione rolled her eyes and Ginny giggled.
Finally, he set the Firebolt on the ground. "It's probably not the best learning broom," he said, moving to stand beside her, "but it's the best I can give you to try on."
She tried to laugh, but all that came out was a sound like a wounded cat would make. "All right," she said, coughing. "What do I do?"
"Put your hand over it," Harry replied. Buffy moved her right hand over the broomstick, watching as it still did nothing.
"Okay... now what?" she asked.
"Say 'up'," he replied. Buffy said the word. When nothing happened, she said it twice more. On the second attempt, it snapped straight into her hand.
"Whoa," she said, reeling slightly at the force of the impact. She worried she would crush it in her hands, but it just sat there in midair even when she let it go. "Okay..."
"Grasp it like so, mount it like that," Harry said, watching as she followed his instructions perfectly. "And kick off like--"
Buffy suddenly gasped as the broomstick rose another six feet in the air. She let out a bellow of surprise but relaxed slightly as the broomstick stopped, hovering in midair. She seemed to be catching her breath when it suddenly jolted forward.
"Ah!" she gasped out, laughing as it punched out of the trees and towards the house. It was an exhilirating feeling in the pits of her stomach. She started laughing even harder as she tried to pull directions, yet it seemed to respond to her very thought, which was to return to the person who owned it. She let out another happy cry as it rose even higher and moved even faster back towards Harry and the others on top of that little grassy hill.
She finally set back down, her feet on solid ground. She rolled off the broomstick and laid on her back, winded yet thrilled. "That was better than Disneyland," she giggled.
"Was it better than chocolate?" Hermione asked, moving to help the older girl sit up.
"I don't think anything's better than that," Buffy said, running a hand through her wild blonde hair. "So, Harry," she said, once she'd finally gotten her breathing back to normal, "how did I do?"
He grinned at her. "Just wonderful, dear sister."
She could now understand the appeal of a sport like Quidditch. She wondered if, when riding on a broomstick, that wonderful soaring sensation would ever fade away. She still felt it. It was almost addictive. "Will you let me ride it again?" she asked, joining him and the others at the crest of the hill.
Harry grinned at her. "You can get your own broomstick tomorrow if you'd like."
This was even more exciting than even she could stand. "A broomstick, an owl, books..." A dreamy expression fell across her face and she forced herself to keep quiet.
"Why would you need an owl?" Harry asked curiously.
"Correspondence," Buffy replied simply. Harry didn't ask her to elaborate, nor did she make any move to. He just assumed she meant that she was still corresponding with her friends and family in California.
She dropped down next to Hermione as Harry lifted into the air again with Ginny and Ron. She took another book from her pile and reached out to scratch Crookshanks behind the ears. The cat purred and settled itself in her lap, making the perfect bookrest and diversion to keep her mind off of cheering and hiccuping charms.
"This is pretty complicated stuff," Buffy muttered, turning the page.
"Once you get your wand tomorrow, it won't be all bad," Hermione replied.
"Ooh, my wand," Buffy said with an edge of a giggle. "It's exactly what I'd been looking forward to."
Hermione just shook her head and returned to her book. Buffy found her own attention ebbing as she watched the two Weasleys and Harry fly above them, tossing apples back and forth. "It must be nice up there," she said softly, remembering her short flight an hour before.
Dinner that night was a wonderful affair. The two tables groaned underneath five wonderful courses and Buffy felt as though she had never eaten so much in her life. A few fireworks were set off again, filling the sky with silver sparks and stars. She could tell that the twins were staring at her, but didn't look back. If she did, it would spell danger, for she would surely have to once again prove she was the stronger of the three.
She was one of the last people to go to bed. Hermione and Ginny had already changed and were settling beneath warm covers when Buffy closed the door behind her. No sooner had she closed it when another knock sounded on the other side. Giving the two girls an apologetic smile, she quickly opened the door and stepped out, sealing it once again.
"Oh, hi," she said, recognizing one of the twins standing in front of her. She really couldn't tell which one it was, since he was in auburn pajamas and not wearing his telltale initial-stamped jumper. She just had to assume it was George though by the way he was looking at her. She was wearing her study garb and she hadn't bothered to change into clothes a Wizard or Witch would wear.
"Good evening," he said slowly. Reaching for her hand, he pulled her away from the door. "I hope you don't mind that I'm borrowing you for a few minutes."
"Not at all," she said, a sliver of anxiety in her voice. They were now completely hidden in the darkness. It was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. "What's going on, George?"
"I just wanted to talk, Teeny."
This was really uncomfortable now. She had a fleeting memory of being in a dark corner with Scott and that had been made worse by the fact he had given her a ring. That had been excrutiating. At least she could end this situation before it became unbearable.
"So... talk..." she said, forcing out the words in a cordial tone. It was taking all of her willpower not to just pin him to the wall before stalking off.
"You're leaving soon," he said, his face still hidden in darkness. Buffy could see him though, using her inherited Slayer abilities, and saw that he was smiling. "I really wish you wouldn't."
"I'm touched," she said, just managing to keep the sarcasm from her voice. "Look. You and Fred are a blast to be around. You've definitely given me a run for my money. But..."
He fumbled in the dark until he'd taken her hands. "Look, Teeny... er, Buffy... I just wanted to say that you've given us probably the best few weeks of my life. You've certainly livened things up around here. Especially with Percy being home."
She opened her mouth to once again defend the elder brother, but his hand found her mouth and covered it. Her eyes widened slightly and she knew he could see them, since part of her face was covered in the small bit of light seeping out the bottom of the bedroom door behind them. Her heard her muffle something behind his hand, and finally pulled it away, blinking.
"I know you like him, and I can't begin to imagine why. Maybe someday you'll explain it to me."
She opened her mouth again. "What are you getting at?" she asked him in confusion.
"I like you," he said simply. "I really, really like you. And I know it doesn't mean a thing because I know you don't feel--" His voice cut off and he tried again, "because you don't..."
"George," she said, squeezing his hand gently, "don't. I don't want you to explain. You don't have to."
"I don't?" he asked in confusion.
She shook her head, grinning. She could see his face, so full of worry, break out into a wide, beaming smile. She stepped over and wrapped her arms around him. "You're a good man, George Weasley," she said, her eyes sparkling. "But I do have a confession to make."
"There is someone else, isn't there," he said, studying her face in the darkness.
She nodded, pulling back. "There is. But you're not related to him."
"Thank you," he said in a low voice, rolling his eyes. "For a moment there..."
She started laughing. "Oh, George... you certainly have kept me on my toes. I appreciate it. You're a good person to have around."
"You're just Teeny," he said in a teasing voice, grinning in the darkness. "Sorry I made this so uncomfortable for you."
"It really wasn't," she said. It really hadn't been that bad. The truth had to come out, and she managed to say it in this dark corner tucked away from the rest of the family.
"But if you ever changed your mind..." he said, looking at her with those eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.
"You'll be among the first ones to know."
He took her by the shoulders suddenly. She let out a small gasp as his hands moved down her bare arms to her hands. Bending over, he picked her up easily, carrying her over his shoulder until they reached her door. Setting her down, he leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Gotcha."
She grinned as he disappeared into the darkness before opening the door and walking back in, feeling a bit more comfortable now that she was inside this room with four walls surrounding her. If she had spent any more time around the other Weasley boy, something may have happened.
As she crawled into bed, she felt more at peace. She put her head on the pillow, listening to the sounds of Ginny's breathing and of Hermione reading, occasionally turning a page, muttering under her breath. "Hey, Hermione?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to look at the girl in the bed behind her own. "What's Diagon Alley like?"
"You'll see for yourself tomorrow," Hermione said kindly as she marked her page and set the book aside. "Good night, Buffy."
"Good night, Hermy," she said with a flicker of a grin.
"Don't call me that," Hermione replied.
Buffy couldn't help grinning now. "Sorry, but I couldn't resist."
- - - - -
Breakfast the next morning was rushed. Buffy walked downstairs and found herself being dragged into the Kitchen with a large plate of food shoved in front of her face. After what seemed like five minutes of picking at the breakfast, she was dragged out of her chair, given a cloak, and pushed in front of the fireplace.
Mrs. Weasley appeared, holding a small stack of parchment. She passed a sheet to each child. "These are your book lists and all," she said, taking her Floo pot. Mr. Weasley and Bill were going to go along with them, but Buffy had a sneaking suspicion that they were only doing this for Harry's sake. Percy had already gone to work, and the twins had Disapparated about five minutes before.
"It's Diagon Alley, dear," she said, waving Buffy toward the fireplace. She quickly threw down her handful and found herself wrapped in green flames.
"Diagon Alley!" she shouted as she felt herself start to spin. When she finally found herself slowing down, she reached out and managed to step out of a fireplace without falling onto someone or something. It was definitely becoming a fun way to travel.
Harry followed behind her. He came out of the fireplace, reaching for his glasses which he'd stored in a set of long black robes. She glanced at the simple black cloak she wore around her own Muggle clothes, suddenly feeling out of place.
The rest of the Weasleys and Hermione appeared behind them. Immediately, the trio left, with Ginny following closely behind. Buffy followed behind her as they pushed open a door.
They appeared to be in a bar of sorts, only it wasn't the sort of bar she had ever seen before. Willy's had been an upscale place, even if it was a demon bar. No, this one was definitely different.
Harry walked back and took her hand. "This way," he said, leading her out the back door and to a wall.
"We go through walls?" she asked blankly.
Harry shook his head and glanced over at Bill, who grinned easily and lifted his wand, tapping on five separate bricks.
The wall suddenly transformed in front of her eyes. She had seen a lot of things since she'd started living at The Burrow. But this was definitely one of the strangest things she had ever seen.
The stones had formed themselves into a gateway of sorts. With a sharp intake of breath, she saw that there was some sort of a town behind the wall. People were moving freely about. "What?" she asked in surprise. She felt Harry take her by the hand and pull her through the archway.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," he said quietly.
Her eyes were entranced as she looked at everything. There were stores all up and down this street, she thought hungrily, glancing back and forth, wishing she had another two or three sets of eyes. Men and women walked back and forth, wearing long, colorful cloaks and robes. There was the Eeylops Owl Emporium. And the Apothecary. She felt her jaw drop when she noticed several witches and wizards gathered around the front of a shop, boasting the newest in an international-standard racing broom. The store was called Quality Quidditch Supplies and Buffy knew she would probably lose herself in there given the chance.
"Where to first?" she asked blankly, turning back to Harry.
"Gringotts," he said, pointing to a large white building in front of them. "It's the Wizarding bank."
Buffy followed the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione into Gringotts. There they met up with Mr. and Mrs. Granger, who had been changing money. Buffy stepped up to the counter and felt her jaw drop when she noticed that a funny little creature was staring unblinkingly down at her. "I'd like to change some money," she said quickly, pulling out her package of pounds. "And I'd like to open an account, too."
"Name," the creature said, still not blinking, still not looking away.
"Potter," she said, breaking eye contact finally, "Elizabeth."
"One moment," the creature said, beckoning a second. The second one came around the counter and stood next to her. It came up to about the tops of her knees and stared up at her, not bothering to break eye contact. Buffy found herself being beckoned back to the counter. The creature held out its hand and she handed it the package. It counted the money and immediately, coins of different sizes and colors started pouring from three small tubes above them. They seemed to be pouring through the floor. "And does Miss Elizabeth Potter wish to make a withdrawl?"
"I have an account here?" she asked blankly.
The creature stared back at her and repeated the question. She nodded. "And does Miss Elizabeth Potter have her key?"
She shook her head. "I just found out that I had an account here. I wouldn't have a key, would I?"
"Take this," the creature said, handing her a tiny vial. "You must confirm your identity before access is allowed to your vault."
"I have a vault?" she asked wonderingly, uncorking the vial. She drank the substance inside in one tiny gulp.
"Name, please," the creature said, still not blinking.
"Elizabeth Anne Potter."
"Age, please."
"Eighteen as of January," she said, trying to figure out why the creature was asking her so many questions. After nearly a dozen more, it finally turned down to the second creature.
"Present Elizabeth Potter with her replacement key and take her down to vault seven hundred twenty five."
Buffy soon found herself in an old mining cart, going underground in what felt more like a rollercoaster ride.
"Your currency has been transported to your vault," the second creature said. Buffy suddenly wondered where Harry and the others were. Harry had left her alone to go and collect money from his own vault. He had offered to share it with her, but she'd declined. After all, Giles and Joyce had sent her a rather impressive amount of money.
The creature unlocked the vault and the heavy door swung open. She walked inside, feeling her jaw drop.
It was stunning. The small floor was covered in mountains of coins. There were coins still falling into perfect piles from the ceilings. "What's your currency rate?" she asked curiously.
The creature told her. She nodded. "Thanks." She bent down, scooping a large amount of the gold, silver and bronze coins into her small bag. As she turned to leave, she noticed a flat black box on the cold floor. She swept it up, tucking it inside her shoulder bag. When she left her vault, it closed heavily behind her. The creature handed her the key and they returned back to the lobby.
Buffy met Harry, Ron and Hermione outside Gringotts. "The others went to get Ginny's books," Harry explained to her as they started off toward Ollivander's. "I think it's best if you get your wand first. And then we'll go and get the rest of your lot."
She nodded as they left her outside of the wand shop. This is what she had been waiting for the most, she realized. Both of her parents had had a wand.
The man behind the desk glanced up and saw her. His eyes widened slightly. "I never thought I would see you in here, Miss Potter," he said in a voice she thought couldn't have sounded more oily even if he had swallowed gasoline.
"I'm looking for a wand," she replied.
"Actually, I think that you'll find the wand will find you," he replied, moving back behind his desk, where shelves upon shelves were filled with small, narrow black boxes. A few moments later, he handed her a box and set it down, pulling off the top. He lifted a gorgeous white wand with flourish and set it in her hands. "Twelve inches, constructed of ivory wood with a hair of unicorn. Surprisingly spry and agile."
She stared at him dully, holding the wand in her hands.
"Well, give it a flick," he said impatiently, waiting as she jerked her hand upwards. The oil lights hanging above their heads shattered, raining glass down upon the both of them. "Certainly not," he replied. He pulled out his own wand and muttered, "Reparo." He then disappeared, only to come back two minutes later with another box. He pulled out this wand and handed it to her. "Nine-and-a-half inches, made from the finest wormwood and quite springy, might I add."
She continued testing wands until she was certain she had shattered everything in the store. She'd been in there nearly a half hour until he sighed, setting down one final box. "I was really hoping that this style of wand would never be of use again." He paused before tucking it inside of her hand. "Ten inches and created from mahogany. It contains both a hair and a bit of blood of a mystical creature."
She flickered her hand with flourish now. A strange white light surrounded the wand and spread warmth from her fingertips to the tips of her toes.
"I do believe we have found you your wand, Miss Potter," he said as she dug out seven of the golden coins to give to him. "Your parents were extraordinary. Your brother has held much fame. We have yet to see what you will bring but I can assure you, they will not diminish the Potter name."
"Yeah, thanks," she said, backing from Ollivander's and returning outside. Harry was sitting on a bench in front of Flourish and Blotts, waiting for her.
"Come on," he said, pulling her inside. "Let's get your books."
Several hours later, she'd bought a collection of textbooks, since she still hadn't chosen her classes, her supplies for Potions, which she guessed she would have to take, and had been fitted for robes. She'd spent the most amount of time in Madam Malkins, looking through a lot of the jumpers and other clothes that Wizards and Witches wore. After purchasing yet another bag of items, she finally found herself in front of Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ron, Ginny and Harry were all goggling the broom inside the front window. Buffy moved to see what this broomstick was and found her eyes widening when she saw it.
It was a beautiful thing, poised perfectly in midair. It was made from dark wood and was sleek, with a shiny silver handle and perfect twigs.
"What is that?" she breathed to her brother, who glanced at her quickly.
"That's the newest model," Harry said, grinning at her reaction, "the Firebolt Squared."
"It's a gorgeous thing," Buffy marveled, finding herself entranced. She could feel its energy on the other side of the glass. "But before I go off and spend all of my gallons on a broom, I want to go and look at owls."
"Go ahead," Harry said, not tearing his eyes from the broomstick.
Buffy grinned and retreated further up the street, gratefully dumping her heavy bags with Mr. Weasley, who was treating the Grangers to an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlor.
She walked through Eeylops for what seemed like ages until she found a beautiful black owl near the back of the store. It stared at her and made a soft hooting noise.
"She's one of the last from last season's hatching," an older Witch said, standing next to Buffy as she gently pet the small bird. "She's quite moody, but she's been trained harder than the rest."
The owl stared at her with silvery eyes.
"I'll get her," Buffy decided. After paying for the owl and a cage, as well as a large bag of owl treats, she happily set down her cage with Mr. Weasley and returned to the Quidditch supply store.
She was starting to feel disappointed that Oliver hadn't turned up, yet. She was beginning to wonder if Hedwig had even reached him. Harry and the others must have gone inside and, indeed, they were inside, inspecting the broomstick from a new angle. There were brooms everywhere, dangling from the ceiling and pinned to the walls with small black bindings.
A hand suddenly brushed against hers and she looked up, her mouth widening into a brilliant smile. "Oliver!" she exclaimed, beaming. "I was beginning to think I'd never see you!"
"It's been hell trying to find you," Oliver replied, pulling her back as a pair of older witches walked in, arguing about the newest Cleansweep model. "I figured you'd work your way here eventually."
Ginny caught this exchange and quickly turned around, grinning. Harry and Ron were too busy staring at the newest model and listening as the crowd talked happily about its improvements over its predecessor.
Oliver held onto her hand a few moments longer, pulling her deeper inside the store. "Fancy looking for a broomstick?"
"I don't even know where to begin," she admitted, looking around. "What sort of broom do you use?"
"Firebolt," he said, nodding at a model suspended in midair near the back of the store. "They're the best of the best and I'm speaking from experience. Harry also uses a Firebolt if I remember correctly."
"He does," Buffy said, moving her hand over the perfect model. "It is gorgeous," she said quietly. "I don't even want to know how much this is going to cost me."
"If you're worried about cost," he said, taking her by the hand and moving into the opposite corner, "the Cleansweep Eleven is efficient, especially if you're a novice, which I am assuming you are."
"Oh, yeah," she laughed, touching the broomstick dangling from the ceiling. "I like this one."
"It'll suit you," he said, walking to the spot where a second broom sat on a table. He picked it up and handed it to her. "Take a feel for yourself."
She moved her hand over the smooth wood, momentarily passing it over his own. "Would I even be able to keep up with you?" she asked lightly as he handed it over to her.
"I'm sure if you tried hard enough," he said, shaking his head as he chuckled. "But, truly, it is a good broomstick. Unless you want to try the Nimbus 2001."
She set the Cleansweep back down and moved to the Nimbus. It was at this point in time that Harry noticed him and called out over the din of the store, "Oi! Wood! Hey, Wood!"
Oliver glanced up, the broomstick in his hand. "Here," he said, handing it to Buffy. "I should probably go over there and say hello."
She grinned as he walked over to where Harry, Ron and Ginny were standing. Hermione was standing off to the side, talking with two other people Buffy didn't know. She moved so that she was standing behind him, still holding the dark broomstick.
"Buffy!" Harry said, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her around to face Oliver. Ginny giggled from beside her and Buffy hid her face, blushing brightly. "Oliver, this is my sister--"
"We've met," Oliver said cordially. "I was just showing her the best kind of broomstick for a beginner."
"Oh!" Harry said, glancing back at his sister, who finally swallowed and looked at him, grinning.
"I was thinking of this one," she said quietly, showing him the Nimbus. He nodded approvingly.
"Oliver certainly knows his brooms," he said, touching the fair handle. "Although, if you want a Firebolt..."
"No, no," Buffy said, pulling the broomstick back and taking a step away from them. "I think I'll stick with a good model that won't try and hurt me too badly my first time out."
Harry shrugged. "Suit yourself."
She smiled at him as his attention was diverted toward a brave little Wizard, who held one of the new prototype broomsticks in his hand, his eyes wide.
She walked over to where bundles of Quidditch posters were on display. Oliver joined her a moment later. "Thank you for not mentioning you were here because of me," she said out of the corner of her mouth.
"I should have, just to see you blush again," he teased, finally relieving her of the broomstick. She rested her hand on his shoulder and he found he didn't mind it in the least. "Did you want to look at anything else?"
"Does your team have any posters?" she asked lightly, looking over her left shoulder.
"You fancy a peek at Puddlemere?" he asked in confusion as he scanned the posters hanging behind them, crowded with teams waving wildly.
"I fancy a picture of you," she said, just as lightly as her question spoken before. He turned back to her, realization dawning in his eyes.
"I have a better idea. Why don't you pay for this first and then I'll let you in on my brilliant plan," he said. She grinned as he handed her the broomstick.
"I like it," she said with a tiny wink as she moved to the counter, paying for the Nimbus 2001. As the man wrapped it, Oliver came up behind her.
"I think we've been spotted," he said, tapping her shoulder and pointing to where Hermione and Ginny were standing, engaged in conversation with the two people Hermione had been talking with before. One of them had moved and had swept Ginny into a huge hug and kept an arm over her shoulders. Both girls occasionally glanced in their direction as Buffy and Oliver waited.
Buffy gave the tiniest of waves to Hermione before accepting her package and her change. "All right, I'm happy with my broom now. What is this brilliant plan of yours?"
"Outside," he whispered into her ear as he moved behind her. She felt his hand on her back and liked the sensation. As they passed, Oliver was called back. He turned and saw Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, two of his former housemates. They had been the two conversing with Hermione Granger. He turned around, taking Buffy's hand to pull her with him.
Hermione made the introductions. Both Dean and Seamus looked stunned when Buffy was introduced, but she didn't clarify nor did they ask her to. "Call me Buffy," she said, shaking each of their hands. Dean shook her hand before returning his attention to the youngest Weasley, who was blushing as red as the tips of her hair.
After she swept outside, she let out a long breath. "That was interesting."
"I'm sorry," he said, coming up behind her and ushering her down the street, back towards Gringotts. "They were former housemates."
"They said that," she frowned as they approached a tiny wagon cart on the street. "What do you mean by that?"
"They're Gryffindors," he replied as they stopped. "There's four houses, right? I'm sure you know all about these."
She shook her head. "But it would make sense. I've picked up talk of Slytherins and Ravenclaws in the past few weeks."
"There's also Hufflepuff," Oliver said, taking her hand again and walking to the front of the wagon. A man sat inside, looking bored. "Wotcher," he said, trying for a smile. "We'd like a portrait."
The Wizard glanced up and looked from him to the young blonde his hand was attached to. "Very well," he said in an oily voice not unlike the creepy man from Ollivander's, "this way. Step inside the tent."
A small, purple tent had been erected behind the wagon. Buffy pulled aside the golden curtain and stepped inside. "Whoa," she whispered, suddenly finding herself in front of a beautiful bit of scenery.
"I don't think I've ever been in here myself," Oliver replied, ducking in behind her. "But I figure that this'll make it more of a lasting memory."
They found themselves in an awkward moment, staring at each other before he finally extended his hand. She took it and he pulled her a bit closer and they smiled shyly into the distance. After a few more moments, they ducked back out.
"That was different," she said as Oliver paid the man.
"Your portrait will be ready in a few minutes if you'd like to sit and wait. Two copies, I assume?"
Oliver grinned. "Of course."
They moved to sit on a bench outside the tent, staring at Diagon Alley as it was spread before them.
"So, how do you like our wizarding paradise so far?" he asked her easily.
"It's wonderful," she said quietly. "I've been having the time of my life. It is a bit better now that you're here. It makes it all that more special."
"Really?" he asked, gazing into her eyes. She found her gaze turning dreamy and pulled her eyes away when the short Wizard approached them, handing them each a framed portrait.
"Have a nice day," he said blandly before returning to his wagon.
"This is a memory to treasure forever," she said suddenly, bursting out laughing as she saw the two of them inside the portrait look at each other, join hands, and smile awkwardly at the camera.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I have to keep this away from my team," he said, wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. "If this gets out, my reputation is ruined."
They both rose and walked back towards the main street. She carried her broomstick in one hand and paused to tuck the picture inside her handbag, along with the flat box she'd pulled from her vault. She followed him as they walked back toward Quality Quidditch Supplies.
"And here we reach the end of our tour," Oliver said softly, coming up behind her. She felt a hint of sadness in the air as she turned back to face him.
"Is this really the end?" she asked.
"I certainly hope not," he replied, taking her hand again and squeezing it. There was just something that felt so right about her hand in his. They just felt right together. She was suddenly feeling that shiver down her spine again. It had been a long time since she'd been in the company of someone of the opposite sex and had felt this comfortable around him.
"Me neither," she said, falling into step beside him.
In front of them, she noticed that Ron was arguing with a salesperson over the newest Firebolt model. Harry was standing next to him. Down the street a ways, she saw Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, which she assumed was the shop owned by Fred and George.
"I should stop by there," she said quietly, pointing to the store. She knew that Fred and George would be disappointed if she didn't.
"I'll stay here in case," Oliver replied, reluctantly letting go of her hand as she jogged quickly across the street and disappeared into the shop.
Buffy ducked underneath a curtain of tiny beads which squealed in delight as she passed through them. Fred, who'd been standing behind the counter, wearing a pirate's hat with a large 'F' stamped on it, grinned as he noticed her. "It's Teeny Tiny!" he said happily.
George walked from the back, nearly dropping the thick black cauldron he carried in his arms. "So it is," he said, his voice just as happy.
"I had to see this shop," she said as she walked up to the counter, gazing around the crowded store, transfixed. "Did you really make all of this up?"
"Yeah," Fred said proudly, removing a small silver tray and offering it to her. "Canary cream?"
"Yeah, right," she said, pushing the tray away. "I know you too well to take anything you'd ever offer, Fred Weasley."
"Ouch, mate," George said from behind her. A pair of arms encircled her from behind as George hugged her tightly.
"The least we could do is offer some indulgences," Fred grinned.
"Just a few things to make your year a bit easier," George agreed, letting her go and moving back to stand next to Fred.
"We'll send you an owl," Fred promised.
"Many owls," George agreed.
"Thanks," Buffy replied, quickly saying goodbye and walking back out. She wandered back towards the Quidditch shop. Then she heard a loud voice.
"What are you doing here, Weasley? Do you think you can afford a twig of that?"
"Bugger off, Malfoy," a heated response came from Ron.
"Strike a nerve, did I?" the same cold voice replied again, even louder than before. "And what about you, Potty?"
Potty? She frowned slightly before moving so that she could better see what was happening.
Three more boys had joined the crowd outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. One was tall with bright blonde hair and a pointed face, wearing long, billowing black robes and a deep scowl. He was surrounded by two boys who could have rivaled Angel in their size. They were both large and bulky, although she could tell by the dull, ignorant looks on their faces they had no more brains nor skills than Spike's lackeys.
And speaking of the blonde-haired boy, he did sort of resemble Spike.
"I thought my message was clear when your dear Daddy went to Azkaban," Harry retorted in a voice Buffy had never heard before.
Hearing footsteps behind her, a hand touched her back and moved her towards the group. "Oliver," she said as they moved quickly, "who is that?"
"Malfoy," Oliver said, a dark look in his blue eyes. "Nasty little git, that one. He's been rivals with Harry since they started six years ago."
Buffy nodded in understanding as they approached the group. Harry looked slightly surprised to see his sister and Oliver Wood together. The look was not lost on Malfoy, who turned to see what Harry was looking at with a sneer.
What he didn't expect to see was a small, striking blonde-haired woman in the company of a tall, athletic Quidditch player. He recognized Oliver Wood immediately. The girl standing slightly in front of him must be his girlfriend. She was looking scandalized. "Wood," Malfoy sneered, pointing rudely at the girl, "and a Wood wannabe."
"Leave her alone," Harry said in a dangerous voice from behind them. Malfoy took a step back so he could keep them both in his line of sight.
"I don't know what she's doing with a Gryffindor," he said, his eyes scanning the blonde again. "She's quite adorable, Wood. Did you pick her up from somewhere far away from England?"
Harry didn't know why Buffy and Oliver had shown up together. He reckoned they had heard him and Draco fighting and had run to intercept. He also didn't like the dark look in Buffy's eyes. He could tell Malfoy was pushing her buttons.
Oliver put a protective hand on her back. He scowled, not enjoying hearing the platinum Slytherin talking about the American girl as though she were just some property to be passed around. And obviously she wasn't taking it well either, judging by the fearful look in the eyes of both Ron and Harry.
"Leave her be," he finally said, staring down the Malfoy boy. Draco finally moved his eyes back over to the blonde. They narrowed slightly. Before he could open his mouth again, Harry leaned over and pushed him away roughly. Both of the two boulders standing behind him grunted.
"I said leave her alone," Harry said forcefully, stepping in front of her.
"Harry," she said, laying a hand on his shoulder. He glanced at her in surprise.
"She must like you, Potter," Malfoy snapped, glaring at the black-haired boy. "I suppose you'll take care of whoever cares to touch your famous robes. I suppose she's just a little fame-seeker herself!"
"Are you talking to the wrong woman," Ron muttered under his breath.
Buffy took two steps forward, her hands gathering a fistful of a the black cloak the other boy wore. "When you address someone, you use their name properly. I will not be talked to like I'm some object of affection, Malfoy, so bugger off."
Oliver felt an inane sense of pride at the girl. She certainly could stand her ground well, even against Malfoy, who could insult and jeer with the best of them.
"Leave Harry and Ron alone. And if I ever catch you calling him 'Potty' again, I will personally sign your warrant. Do you understand me?"
Malfoy nodded, a hint of fear in his silvery eyes. She released him and he turned to his boulders, who shuffled away. Malfoy followed them, looking like some sort of royalty as his cloak billowed behind him.
"No one messes with my family," she hissed in a low voice.
Harry and Ron glanced at each other before turning to Buffy. "Thanks for that," Harry said quietly. "You managed to accomplish what I haven't been able to do in six years."
"He means lifting that nitty ferret off the ground," Ron explained.
"It was my pleasure," Buffy said coolly, picking up her broomstick again. "Are you two all right?"
"We're fine," Harry assured her. "Are you all right, Wood?"
Oliver, who stood beside his sister, nodded feverently. "Yeah. I'm great." He noticed that both Harry and Ron were looking at him questioningly. "We heard the argument and came to investigate," he explained quickly. They both bought his explanation and sighed.
"Malfoy is such a git," Ron muttered as he cast one last lingering look at the broomstick. "I still need to replenish my parchment supplies."
Buffy said goodbye to her brother and his best friend as they retreated towards the Apothecary. Oliver took her by the hand again and pulled her along so that they could see the newest Firebolt better. "Don't let him bother you," he said quietly. "He's just an irritating sixth-year. Harry can handle him."
"What was that bit about Azkaban?" she asked softly.
"You'll have to ask him, because I'm not the right person to tell you," he replied. He pulled her away again, towards the Apothecary. "Did you get everything you needed for term?"
She nodded. "It was fun, too. I didn't think it'd be that exciting, shopping for things I really didn't want."
"I wonder which house you'll get sorted into," he mused.
"It'd better be Gryffindor," she giggled. "Could you imagine the look on Harry's face if I were to be sorted into Slytherin?"
"Do you even know what that means?" he asked, bemused.
She nodded. "I actually do. Ginny was talking about it at breakfast thing morning. Someone said something about the house full of dark people and Ginny mentioned Slytherin."
He stopped and gazed at her. He felt as though he could do this for hours on end because he'd never run out of reasons to look. "You're an extraordinary woman, Buffy."
"I like you too, Oliver," she said with a teasing grin.
"You know what I mean." The serious look had fallen over his face again. "I think I keep liking you a little bit more."
"It's a start," she said. He reached for her hand again, but instead stretched his arm over her shoulders, pulling her to his side. She giggled slightly as her body made contact with his. Now, this felt right.
They walked over to the ice cream parlor, still talking about their embarrassing first picture that afternoon. Before Buffy could join the group, Oliver pulled her aside.
"I had yet another fantastic time with you today," he said, his eyes sparkling.
"I know what you mean," she said, giving him a sad smile. "I'm just sorry it had to end."
"Me, too," he said sadly. He put his hand on her face. "I can't wait to see you again and I don't even know..." He paused a moment. "I guess I'll be making a lot of trips back to Hogwarts," he said mysteriously.
"You'd better," she whispered. "I can't imagine not seeing you. You make all of these weird days just a bit stranger." She paused, grinning. "I'll just have to train my owl to memorize where you live."
"You'd better," he said, echoing her words. "I'm glad you had a great time," he said, folding her in his arms again. She held onto him as he let go of her, their faces very close. "You watch your back, Potter. And I'll see you soon."
She nodded as they pulled back. He took two steps away before turning back. He rushed at her and held onto her for another precious, delicious moment. She could feel the emotion in his arms and only hoped he could feel her heart in hers. Her pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. "I'll be seeing you," she whispered as he beamed down at her.
"You really will," he said, walking away and disappearing from sight at last.
Buffy quickly smoothed her clothes and stepped out from around the corner, joining the others. Harry and Ron had joined them and were telling Hermione and Ginny about Malfoy. When the two girls saw Buffy and her dreamy smile, they both knew that they had to ask her about it later.
Her fingers touched the place where his head had touched hers. Harry turned to her curiously as he picked up his own bags and reached for her owl's cage. "You got a pretty bird," he said, complimenting the black owl.
"Yeah," she said vaguely, collecting her packages and tucking her broomstick under her arm. "Yeah..."
They disappeared behind the archway. Hermione said goodbye to her parents while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley managed to get all four of the other children through the narrow door and back to the small bank of fireplaces.
Buffy was almost sad to watch as all of her packages shrank into nearly nothing. Mr. Weasley disappeared first and Buffy was only too happy to go last. She didn't want this day to end. She would have rather it gone on forever.
While Mrs. Weasley prepared their dinner, Buffy retreated up to the girl's bedroom with Ginny and Hermione. They were all unwrapping their new things. Buffy was surprised to see a brand new trunk at the foot of her bed. All of her new robes and jumpers had been taken by Mrs. Weasley to be laundered.
She picked up her shoulder bag and pulled out the two items inside. She set down the flat black box and picked up the portrait. She showed it to both Hermione and Ginny, who began to tease her. Buffy found she really didn't mind.
They were called down to dinner a quarter of an hour later. All three girls glanced at their neatly packed trunks. Now that Buffy had her own wand, she was able to work some of the simpler charms, although Hermione warned her that using magic, even though she was of age, was dangerous.
Tucking her wand under her pillow next to the portrait of her and Oliver, Buffy walked downstairs, feeling as though she were walking on a cloud, feeling happy as she thought about spending the last two days with people she considered to be family.
- - - - -
Chapter 19... the last weekend at The Burrow.
Chapter 20... the Hogwarts Express.
To the Reviewers:
I am REALLY enjoying writing for Buffy and Oliver. I'm glad I decided to stick with this pairing...
The wand actually was an ingenious idea of Aly's, so I thought I might mention it here. It'll be explained later in the story, but I'll tell you the 'essentials' include things from a Slayer.
Sorrow1 -- What you're saying makes sense. But, see, there's the problem that Buffy hasn't had ANY contact with Giles or anyone. They wouldn't know that she knew the Council and the Ministry were related, would they? I'm just trying to point out that there is a significant gap between what she knows and what they know. As for the drug, they're only trying to help her. As for her power being used, it isn't her real power, because she has super reflexes. Those are most likely being used. No, I'm talking about a significant drop in demonic activity around the area where she is. This is likely to be picked up by the Council and not some minor scuffling. I hope these future chapters help ease your confusion. I just wanted to add a bit in there that shows the Sunnydale people are trying to help her, even if they don't know everything.
Wow. Long note. Sorry about that.
Naitch03 -- Wes is going to have his day, I assure you. And Faith will have hers, too. And the drug could be the sacrifice or else she'll sacrifice something completely different. She has no idea what her friends are trying to do for her. She'll have to make a choice though.
Anna -- Wesley's not the DADA teacher. It's someone connected to him though. Since I've never watched "Angel", all I can say is... this guy is a father figure. I gave away too much. Hell, it'll be two or three chapters before we meet him.
BlackCat200 -- Now there's an idea... even more drama. How much more can these poor characters take?
Kaitlyn -- It just shows what she knows and what they don't. Simple as that. She's not about to do something as stupid as take what they give her. Not yet.
As for what will happen to the Watcher's Council... well... if you think the First did a number... imagine it being done from the inside and with magic. These are among the first notes I had, more of a "what if" scenario.
Thank you readers! Thank you reviewers! You call get cookies. Or cake. Or something that tells you I LOVE YOU!.
I hope you enjoyed this extremely long chapter. You should also notice that our heroiness-persona hasn't even picked out her classes yet. I just wanted to show that not everyone is used to her being around yet. As for why she's always named Elizabeth, I was really thinking about something mundane, like Amalia, but, would it make sense? Buffy just seems like an Elizabeth name. Lupin, Tonks and Mad-Eye will return later on.
Next update? I'm assuming my usual Monday night update before I go to work. It's more fun that way. And the next few chapters are extra-long, too. So please rest your eyes often and don't get migranes from staring at a computer for too long. Those aren't nice.