Disclaimer: Nope! Still not mine!
A/N: I want to dedicate this chapter to Shadwmage7. Never before have I received such enthusiastic and encouraging feedback!!! This is for you sweetie!
Part 6
Xander was thankful that he'd managed to land on something soft, rather than the hard ground, until he realized exactly *what* that something was. Frozen for a moment, all he could do was stare into Harry's eyes from above.
"Oh . um, sorry!" Finally struggling to get up, Xander flushed from the contact. "I . I didn't mean to . uh . land on you!"
"S'alright," Harry had had the wind knocked out of him but knew that couldn't be the cause for the sudden dryness of his mouth. He slowly stood up and took a deep breath. "Same thing happened to me my first time too. Takes a bit of getting use to."
Xander took a look around while willing himself to breath normally. 'God! Can I *be* any lamer?! Why did I freeze like that? Why do I feel like the world is spinning whenever Harry even *looks* at me?' Unbidden, the thoughts kept circling his head until he finally clamped down on them once and for all. 'Get a grip, Xan! You're starting to babble like Willow!'
"So . this is England?"
"Scotland, actually. I live in England but this is where we'll be going to school. Hogwarts isn't far from here." Harry was glad to see that they'd appeared just outside of Hogsmeade. "Come on. I'll treat you to your first taste of the wizarding world!"
Xander and Harry started up the road toward town. As they walked, The Boy Who Lived explained that Hogsmeade was the only completely wizarding town and that they often were allowed to spend a day there during the weekends.
"Um . I guess Professor Dumbledore will be getting in touch with your father. Once you get a permission slip signed, you'll be able to come out with us." Harry had never realize a person could blush so many times in one day. "I mean . if you want to, that is!"
"Yeah," Xander smiled broadly at the invitation. "That'd be cool."
Reaching their intended destination, Harry opened the door and led Xander into the cool pub. "This is The Three Broomsticks. Hermione, Ron and I come here every chance we get!" Harry turned to the woman behind the bar. "Can we have a couple of butterbeers, Madam Rosmerta?"
"Sure thing, Harry-love! Go ahead and have a seat; I'll be right over."
Xander let out a big yawn as he sat down across from the other boy. "Oh! Sorry! I guess I didn't think about the time difference. I would actually be asleep by now back home. What time is it anyway?"
"It's just a bit past noon." Roserta answered as she set their drinks down. "May I ask what brings ya here all the way from America?"
"This is Alexander, Madam Rosmerta. He's come to go to Hogwarts."
"Alex, is it? Well I'm sure you'll love it here. Most everyone does!" With that, she returned to her duties.
*******
Once the young wizards had finished their butterbeers, which Xander had loved of course, Harry had insisted on buying his new friend a set of robes before they headed on to Hogwarts.
Xander hadn't liked the idea of Harry buying the clothes for him but he soon found that once Harry had set his mind on something, there really was no talking him out of.
"It's just something for you to wear until we can get you some school robes and things. Just consider it a 'Welcome to Wizardry' gift!"
So Xander had selected very simple black robes. He *was* quite happy to be able to cover up the garish shirt he had been wearing (as he'd rather despised the cheap, second-hand clothing he was forced to endure) and it helped him to feel a bit less out of place in this new, mysterious place.
What Harry had been unwilling to say was that he saw a lot of similarities in the way he and Xander had been raised. 'Perhaps he didn't get tossed in a cupboard but, from the looks of things, he was just as mistreated and as unloved as I was.' And Harry was determined to make sure Xander never had to feel that way again. 'I just hope his father is as good a man as Dumbledore says.'
"Holy *shit*!" The look on Xander's face could only be called amazed and slightly disbelieving.
"What's wrong?"
At first, the boy could only point ahead of him, past the gates they now stood before. "*That's* where we're going?!"
Harry smiled easily as he recalled his first view of the school. He was silently pleased to be there for Xander's first sight of it.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Xander."
No longer able to form words, the American followed Harry through the gate and up to the main entrance. He nodded when Harry suggested they head up to Gryffindor tower to drop off his bag until Xander could be properly sorted before getting a quick bite in the kitchens. Having heard the mention of lunch, Xander followed Harry eagerly toward the other boy's dorm.
"Do all the paintings move like that?"
"Was that a *real* ghost?"
"Um, why is this staircase moving?"
"I'll never be able to find my way around here without getting lost!"
Harry just smiled and answered every question good-naturedly hoping that his new friend would be as comfortable as Harry, himself, was within the walls he called home.
******
After surviving lunch that had been served by house elves ecstatic to see Harry and meet Xander, Harry proceded to give Xander a tour of the school.
Xander had gaped at the Great Hall. He'd marveled at the enchanted ceiling. He'd been stunned by the view from the highest point of the Astonomy Tower. And he'd been slightly confused at Harry's mention of the dungeons. They had not gone down those stairs and, at Xander's question of why the other boy avoided them, he was answered with, "Trust me, you'll see more of them than you could ever want before the summer is over!"
Finally, Harry had stopped in front of a stone gargoyle and announced that they had arrived at the headmaster's office.
"Lollipop," Harry stated clearly to the statue.
Then in front of them stood a staircase that spiraled upward toward the office door. Before they'd even had a chance to knock they heard the old wizard inside granting them entrance.
"Ah! Harry . Alexander," Dumbledore greeted them merrily. "Do come in and sit. I trust the tour went alright?"
As was the headmaster's custom, Albus led the discussion making sure to keep matters light for the time being. Although Harry was quite use to this, Xander was becoming increasingly agitated. While he had enjoyed his tour of the castle and wanted to learn everything he could about his new school, there was something more important to him that remained at the forefront of his mind.
"Um . Professor? I- I don't mean to interrupt but can I ask you a question?" He really had no idea if he was stepping over some invisible line of propriety but he feared that Dumbledore might never get around to his concerns.
"Of course, Alexander! I'm sure you have much on your mind."
"Well, you mentioned back in Sunnydale that you know my dad." Xander shifted nervously in his seat. "When will I get to meet him? Does he know that I'm even here? Will he come to Hogwarts? Will I be staying here until the new term begins or will I go to live with him?" Xander finally stopped to catch his breath before he realized he had gone on a full-scale Willow babble.
Albus chuckled kindly at his newest pupil. "Let us start with the simplest question and work our way up, shall we?"
Xander swallowed heavily and nodded. He noticed the empathetic look on Harry's face and smiled. The other young wizard had already shared his story of his parents' deaths and had offered Xander his support.
Dumbledore saw the glances shared between the two boys and was happy to know they had become friends.
"You will be remaining here for the rest of the summer. Now, we'll need to get you sorted into the proper house so that you may become accustomed to your surroundings."
"Sorted? How do I do that?"
"Oh! It's quite easy, dear boy." Albus stood to rmove the ancient Sorting Hat from its shelf. "I'll just place this hat on your head and within a few moments it will tell us where you are to be placed. I must say . I am quite curious myself! I suspect the hat to find it difficult deciding your placement as it did with Harry five years ago."
"What's the difference? I mean, is it more than just separating students for the sake of space in the towers?"
"It is, indeed, more than that, Alexander. Each student is sorted according to their skill and personality. Space is not an issue as the castle will immediately adjust to accommodate for you once the Sorting Hat announces your House."
Xander sat still as the old hat was placed on his head. After a moment he heard a voice begin speaking. It was clear to him that neither Harry nor the headmast could hear this. He briefly wondered if that was normal.
~~I see you've finally found your way home, Alexander. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever arrive.
Now, where to place you. I see a connection within you to all four of the Houses. This will be difficult indeed. But have no fear, you will be suitably placed.
I see an eye for planning but patience does not appear to be one of your traits so a Hufflepuff you shall not be.
You have worked very hard to hide your intelligence from your peers in the past but you cannot hide it from me. You have a brilliant mind, young man. Make sure not to hide it within these walls. Still . I do not see you benefitting from Rowena so Ravenclaw is out as well.
Hmmm . your recent experiences have shown you to have quite a cunning mind but I sense it is not likely you would be happy in Slytherin.
No . the answer is quite clear to me now. You have braved many dangers for the good of those around you and are headstrong and fearless . though you claim otherwise at times. You, Alexander, are a true White Knight. Therefore the House for you could only be.~~
"*GRYFFINDOR!!*"
Xander looked over at Harry to find him smiling broadly while Dumbledore placed the hat back on the shelf.
"Now, might I suggest that you both return to your dorm to rest before dinner?" The headmaster picked up a small wooden chest from his desk and handed it to Xander. "In this box are all the books you will need to catch up with your classmates. I highly suggest you wait until you've arrived in your room before opening it though. It's been charmed to be smaller and light weight until it is opened."
Xander stood to take the chest and eyed it curiously before looking back up at Dumbledore.
"But, sir . what about- "
"All of your questions will be answered the next time we speak, Alexander. I will tell you, however, that by this time tomorrow you will truly understand how different your life will be."
Trying not to let his disappointment show, Xander followed Harry out of the headmaster's office and back toward Gryffindor tower.
"Don't be too upset with the Professor, Xander." Harry knew, from experience how the other boy was feeling. "He usually knows when it is the right time to answer the questions asked of him. I know it can be frustrating but just trust that he knows what he's doing, alright?"
"Yeah . I guess I don't have much choice, anyway." Xander shot Harry a quick look before asking, "So . does this mean we're going to be roommates?"
"Yep! You'll be with me, Ron, Seamus, Dean and Neville. They're all good guys so you shouldn't have any troubles making friends with them once the term starts. The girls in our class are nice too. Hermione is the brains while Lavender and Parvati are just a tiny bit flighty. Hermione is the one Dumbledore wants to help you with your studies."
By the time they'd climbed the stairs to their dorm, the room had already increased in size and a bed, night table and cupboard had been added for Xander.
"Wow! The headmaster wasn't kidding when he said 'immediate', was he?"
"I never could figure out how they do that. I mean, it's never a guarantee how many first years will be sorted into each house and the dorms are always the right size for whatever number it happens to be. Hermoine would probably know. She's practically memorized every word of 'Hogwarts: A History.'"
Xander looked around the room. "So which bed is mine?"
Harry quickly pointed out each bed and named which student would occupy it when the term began. "... and this one is mine so that would make ."
"Make mine next to yours," Xander finished when he'd realized why Harry had stopped speaking. He instantly blushed at the thought of sleeping next to Harry every night. 'Well, not sleep *next* to him . just . close to him. Damn! I've go to stop this before I freak him out!'
Avoiding looking at the other boy for a moment, he placed the miniature trunk Dumbledore had given him at the foot of his bed. Warily, he reached out and flipped open the top. In the blink of an eye, the trunk and all its contents had grown to full size.
"Whoa!" Xander stumbled back a bit. "This is really going to take some time to get use to!"
Having briefly forgotten the embarrassment about the bed placement, Xander looked back toward Harry. Before he could get another word out he found himself lost in the emerald eyes of the other wizard. Xander had never seen that particular look directed at him before.
It was the way Buffy looked at Angel.
Harry tried, with all his might, to tear his gaze away from Xander. He raked his fingers through his hair and attempted to speak. It proved to be a harder task than it should have been.
"Xander . I . "
"Yeah . me too." Xander was more than a little confused. After Buffy had come to Sunnydale, he had been certain he was falling in love with her. 'Buffy is beautiful! What guy wouln't want her?' But, in all that time, he'd never been so effected by her. 'Harry is a guy! Why does being near him make me think of long walks and picnics and . kissing?'
At the same moment, Harry was lost in similar thoughts. 'How is this possible? I mean, I like girls. Right? I had such a huge crush on Cho during fourth year. But . this. this is so . different. Xander makes me think of sunlight and poetry and . kissing.'
Neither would ever be able say who moved first. All either of them knew was that one moment they were half way across the room from each other and the next they were only centemeters apart.
Harry reached a hand up to touch Xander's cheek. He decided that he liked the feeling of the other boy's skin beneath his fingers. He could feel Xander's breath on his face and all doubts flew from his mind. He slowly leaned forward trying to convey his intentions to Xander in case he wanted to back away.
Instead of pulling back, Xander closed his eyes and met Harry half way.
It was just a brief kiss. Their lips brushed gently together and parted ever-so-slightly. Harry tilted his head so they could have better access to each other. Both boys shivered at the sensations creeping through their bodies.
As they pulled away, Harry smiled nervously. He saw the peaceful look on Xander's face and gave a sigh of contentment and relief.
"Wow."
"Yeah . wow."
TBC
A/N: I want to dedicate this chapter to Shadwmage7. Never before have I received such enthusiastic and encouraging feedback!!! This is for you sweetie!
Part 6
Xander was thankful that he'd managed to land on something soft, rather than the hard ground, until he realized exactly *what* that something was. Frozen for a moment, all he could do was stare into Harry's eyes from above.
"Oh . um, sorry!" Finally struggling to get up, Xander flushed from the contact. "I . I didn't mean to . uh . land on you!"
"S'alright," Harry had had the wind knocked out of him but knew that couldn't be the cause for the sudden dryness of his mouth. He slowly stood up and took a deep breath. "Same thing happened to me my first time too. Takes a bit of getting use to."
Xander took a look around while willing himself to breath normally. 'God! Can I *be* any lamer?! Why did I freeze like that? Why do I feel like the world is spinning whenever Harry even *looks* at me?' Unbidden, the thoughts kept circling his head until he finally clamped down on them once and for all. 'Get a grip, Xan! You're starting to babble like Willow!'
"So . this is England?"
"Scotland, actually. I live in England but this is where we'll be going to school. Hogwarts isn't far from here." Harry was glad to see that they'd appeared just outside of Hogsmeade. "Come on. I'll treat you to your first taste of the wizarding world!"
Xander and Harry started up the road toward town. As they walked, The Boy Who Lived explained that Hogsmeade was the only completely wizarding town and that they often were allowed to spend a day there during the weekends.
"Um . I guess Professor Dumbledore will be getting in touch with your father. Once you get a permission slip signed, you'll be able to come out with us." Harry had never realize a person could blush so many times in one day. "I mean . if you want to, that is!"
"Yeah," Xander smiled broadly at the invitation. "That'd be cool."
Reaching their intended destination, Harry opened the door and led Xander into the cool pub. "This is The Three Broomsticks. Hermione, Ron and I come here every chance we get!" Harry turned to the woman behind the bar. "Can we have a couple of butterbeers, Madam Rosmerta?"
"Sure thing, Harry-love! Go ahead and have a seat; I'll be right over."
Xander let out a big yawn as he sat down across from the other boy. "Oh! Sorry! I guess I didn't think about the time difference. I would actually be asleep by now back home. What time is it anyway?"
"It's just a bit past noon." Roserta answered as she set their drinks down. "May I ask what brings ya here all the way from America?"
"This is Alexander, Madam Rosmerta. He's come to go to Hogwarts."
"Alex, is it? Well I'm sure you'll love it here. Most everyone does!" With that, she returned to her duties.
*******
Once the young wizards had finished their butterbeers, which Xander had loved of course, Harry had insisted on buying his new friend a set of robes before they headed on to Hogwarts.
Xander hadn't liked the idea of Harry buying the clothes for him but he soon found that once Harry had set his mind on something, there really was no talking him out of.
"It's just something for you to wear until we can get you some school robes and things. Just consider it a 'Welcome to Wizardry' gift!"
So Xander had selected very simple black robes. He *was* quite happy to be able to cover up the garish shirt he had been wearing (as he'd rather despised the cheap, second-hand clothing he was forced to endure) and it helped him to feel a bit less out of place in this new, mysterious place.
What Harry had been unwilling to say was that he saw a lot of similarities in the way he and Xander had been raised. 'Perhaps he didn't get tossed in a cupboard but, from the looks of things, he was just as mistreated and as unloved as I was.' And Harry was determined to make sure Xander never had to feel that way again. 'I just hope his father is as good a man as Dumbledore says.'
"Holy *shit*!" The look on Xander's face could only be called amazed and slightly disbelieving.
"What's wrong?"
At first, the boy could only point ahead of him, past the gates they now stood before. "*That's* where we're going?!"
Harry smiled easily as he recalled his first view of the school. He was silently pleased to be there for Xander's first sight of it.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Xander."
No longer able to form words, the American followed Harry through the gate and up to the main entrance. He nodded when Harry suggested they head up to Gryffindor tower to drop off his bag until Xander could be properly sorted before getting a quick bite in the kitchens. Having heard the mention of lunch, Xander followed Harry eagerly toward the other boy's dorm.
"Do all the paintings move like that?"
"Was that a *real* ghost?"
"Um, why is this staircase moving?"
"I'll never be able to find my way around here without getting lost!"
Harry just smiled and answered every question good-naturedly hoping that his new friend would be as comfortable as Harry, himself, was within the walls he called home.
******
After surviving lunch that had been served by house elves ecstatic to see Harry and meet Xander, Harry proceded to give Xander a tour of the school.
Xander had gaped at the Great Hall. He'd marveled at the enchanted ceiling. He'd been stunned by the view from the highest point of the Astonomy Tower. And he'd been slightly confused at Harry's mention of the dungeons. They had not gone down those stairs and, at Xander's question of why the other boy avoided them, he was answered with, "Trust me, you'll see more of them than you could ever want before the summer is over!"
Finally, Harry had stopped in front of a stone gargoyle and announced that they had arrived at the headmaster's office.
"Lollipop," Harry stated clearly to the statue.
Then in front of them stood a staircase that spiraled upward toward the office door. Before they'd even had a chance to knock they heard the old wizard inside granting them entrance.
"Ah! Harry . Alexander," Dumbledore greeted them merrily. "Do come in and sit. I trust the tour went alright?"
As was the headmaster's custom, Albus led the discussion making sure to keep matters light for the time being. Although Harry was quite use to this, Xander was becoming increasingly agitated. While he had enjoyed his tour of the castle and wanted to learn everything he could about his new school, there was something more important to him that remained at the forefront of his mind.
"Um . Professor? I- I don't mean to interrupt but can I ask you a question?" He really had no idea if he was stepping over some invisible line of propriety but he feared that Dumbledore might never get around to his concerns.
"Of course, Alexander! I'm sure you have much on your mind."
"Well, you mentioned back in Sunnydale that you know my dad." Xander shifted nervously in his seat. "When will I get to meet him? Does he know that I'm even here? Will he come to Hogwarts? Will I be staying here until the new term begins or will I go to live with him?" Xander finally stopped to catch his breath before he realized he had gone on a full-scale Willow babble.
Albus chuckled kindly at his newest pupil. "Let us start with the simplest question and work our way up, shall we?"
Xander swallowed heavily and nodded. He noticed the empathetic look on Harry's face and smiled. The other young wizard had already shared his story of his parents' deaths and had offered Xander his support.
Dumbledore saw the glances shared between the two boys and was happy to know they had become friends.
"You will be remaining here for the rest of the summer. Now, we'll need to get you sorted into the proper house so that you may become accustomed to your surroundings."
"Sorted? How do I do that?"
"Oh! It's quite easy, dear boy." Albus stood to rmove the ancient Sorting Hat from its shelf. "I'll just place this hat on your head and within a few moments it will tell us where you are to be placed. I must say . I am quite curious myself! I suspect the hat to find it difficult deciding your placement as it did with Harry five years ago."
"What's the difference? I mean, is it more than just separating students for the sake of space in the towers?"
"It is, indeed, more than that, Alexander. Each student is sorted according to their skill and personality. Space is not an issue as the castle will immediately adjust to accommodate for you once the Sorting Hat announces your House."
Xander sat still as the old hat was placed on his head. After a moment he heard a voice begin speaking. It was clear to him that neither Harry nor the headmast could hear this. He briefly wondered if that was normal.
~~I see you've finally found your way home, Alexander. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever arrive.
Now, where to place you. I see a connection within you to all four of the Houses. This will be difficult indeed. But have no fear, you will be suitably placed.
I see an eye for planning but patience does not appear to be one of your traits so a Hufflepuff you shall not be.
You have worked very hard to hide your intelligence from your peers in the past but you cannot hide it from me. You have a brilliant mind, young man. Make sure not to hide it within these walls. Still . I do not see you benefitting from Rowena so Ravenclaw is out as well.
Hmmm . your recent experiences have shown you to have quite a cunning mind but I sense it is not likely you would be happy in Slytherin.
No . the answer is quite clear to me now. You have braved many dangers for the good of those around you and are headstrong and fearless . though you claim otherwise at times. You, Alexander, are a true White Knight. Therefore the House for you could only be.~~
"*GRYFFINDOR!!*"
Xander looked over at Harry to find him smiling broadly while Dumbledore placed the hat back on the shelf.
"Now, might I suggest that you both return to your dorm to rest before dinner?" The headmaster picked up a small wooden chest from his desk and handed it to Xander. "In this box are all the books you will need to catch up with your classmates. I highly suggest you wait until you've arrived in your room before opening it though. It's been charmed to be smaller and light weight until it is opened."
Xander stood to take the chest and eyed it curiously before looking back up at Dumbledore.
"But, sir . what about- "
"All of your questions will be answered the next time we speak, Alexander. I will tell you, however, that by this time tomorrow you will truly understand how different your life will be."
Trying not to let his disappointment show, Xander followed Harry out of the headmaster's office and back toward Gryffindor tower.
"Don't be too upset with the Professor, Xander." Harry knew, from experience how the other boy was feeling. "He usually knows when it is the right time to answer the questions asked of him. I know it can be frustrating but just trust that he knows what he's doing, alright?"
"Yeah . I guess I don't have much choice, anyway." Xander shot Harry a quick look before asking, "So . does this mean we're going to be roommates?"
"Yep! You'll be with me, Ron, Seamus, Dean and Neville. They're all good guys so you shouldn't have any troubles making friends with them once the term starts. The girls in our class are nice too. Hermione is the brains while Lavender and Parvati are just a tiny bit flighty. Hermione is the one Dumbledore wants to help you with your studies."
By the time they'd climbed the stairs to their dorm, the room had already increased in size and a bed, night table and cupboard had been added for Xander.
"Wow! The headmaster wasn't kidding when he said 'immediate', was he?"
"I never could figure out how they do that. I mean, it's never a guarantee how many first years will be sorted into each house and the dorms are always the right size for whatever number it happens to be. Hermoine would probably know. She's practically memorized every word of 'Hogwarts: A History.'"
Xander looked around the room. "So which bed is mine?"
Harry quickly pointed out each bed and named which student would occupy it when the term began. "... and this one is mine so that would make ."
"Make mine next to yours," Xander finished when he'd realized why Harry had stopped speaking. He instantly blushed at the thought of sleeping next to Harry every night. 'Well, not sleep *next* to him . just . close to him. Damn! I've go to stop this before I freak him out!'
Avoiding looking at the other boy for a moment, he placed the miniature trunk Dumbledore had given him at the foot of his bed. Warily, he reached out and flipped open the top. In the blink of an eye, the trunk and all its contents had grown to full size.
"Whoa!" Xander stumbled back a bit. "This is really going to take some time to get use to!"
Having briefly forgotten the embarrassment about the bed placement, Xander looked back toward Harry. Before he could get another word out he found himself lost in the emerald eyes of the other wizard. Xander had never seen that particular look directed at him before.
It was the way Buffy looked at Angel.
Harry tried, with all his might, to tear his gaze away from Xander. He raked his fingers through his hair and attempted to speak. It proved to be a harder task than it should have been.
"Xander . I . "
"Yeah . me too." Xander was more than a little confused. After Buffy had come to Sunnydale, he had been certain he was falling in love with her. 'Buffy is beautiful! What guy wouln't want her?' But, in all that time, he'd never been so effected by her. 'Harry is a guy! Why does being near him make me think of long walks and picnics and . kissing?'
At the same moment, Harry was lost in similar thoughts. 'How is this possible? I mean, I like girls. Right? I had such a huge crush on Cho during fourth year. But . this. this is so . different. Xander makes me think of sunlight and poetry and . kissing.'
Neither would ever be able say who moved first. All either of them knew was that one moment they were half way across the room from each other and the next they were only centemeters apart.
Harry reached a hand up to touch Xander's cheek. He decided that he liked the feeling of the other boy's skin beneath his fingers. He could feel Xander's breath on his face and all doubts flew from his mind. He slowly leaned forward trying to convey his intentions to Xander in case he wanted to back away.
Instead of pulling back, Xander closed his eyes and met Harry half way.
It was just a brief kiss. Their lips brushed gently together and parted ever-so-slightly. Harry tilted his head so they could have better access to each other. Both boys shivered at the sensations creeping through their bodies.
As they pulled away, Harry smiled nervously. He saw the peaceful look on Xander's face and gave a sigh of contentment and relief.
"Wow."
"Yeah . wow."
TBC