Author's Note:

This is par of an alternate Universe series myself and a few friends are working on. It's set somewhere in the middle of the AU timeline so here's what's changed.

Dawn is in her late twenties and has harnessed some of the 'Key's' powers

Spike is chip-less and has become rather powerful

Buffy is immortal & still working with her Scoobies

I know it seems a bit much but isn't it always? We were bored!

Disclaimer; I own nothing. So please don't bother to sue me for the measly amount I'm worth!

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The students flooded into the great hall for the supper that marked the start of another school year at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizzardry.

Once everyone was seated Dumbledore stood up and proceeded to address the hall. 'The new 'Defence against the dark arts' teacher will arrive presently. She will be covering you for this school year.'

Harry tried to imagine what this one would be like. They had had a new 'Defence against the dark arts' teacher every year since he had started. Ron nudged him, 'How about that? We get a witch this time.' Just then the huge door at the end of the hall creaked and everyone turned.

From the gloom there appeared quite a vision, a witch yes but she was not wearing robes.

She was dressed entirely in white. She wore slightly flared white trousers and a neatly fitted jacket with a slightly stiff collar.

She was also wearing a simple, silver crown with adorned with a crescent shaped moonstone. Her hair was long and fell about her shoulders and her eyes sparkled.

Ron's voice broke Harry's trance; 'Wow, is that her?' Hermione huffed. They turned there heads as the new comer walked past and saw she was also carrying her wand, it was silver and also held a moonstone.

She smiled as she reached the head table and bowed slightly. 'Thank you Miss Summer's for coming on such short notice.' The head master was saying. 'The honour is all mine sir.' She replied in a soft yet powerful voice. 'I hope you don't mind but I had to bring Spike. He worries you know, big cat though he is.'

Harry thought she emphasised the word 'cat' a little, odd. The headmaster nodded and Summers bowed again, 'Thank you Dumbledore.' She then turned and whistled softly.

Immediately the doors of the great hall creaked again and the heads of the pupils turned again.

Then there were gasps and two screams as a huge creature prowled out from the shadows. It was indeed a cat but not a domestic one.

The Black Panther prowled up between the tables of the great hall; it's paws making no sound on the hard floor, the silver chain around its neck glinting in the candlelight.

The muscles along its back and shoulders rippled as it made it's way silently, purposefully towards the lady in white.