As Strong As We Are United
Chapter 22 – Formal Affairs
The following week passed quickly. Dawn, with help from Draco and Hermione, began extensively researching theories about the creation of portals and their uses. Professor Vector happily recommended several more books for them to read. He also asked to be included, when Dawn was ready to begin experimenting with her newfound abilities.
Draco's mood improved greatly after holding tryouts to fill Nott's, Crabbe's, and Goyle's positions on the Slytherin quidditch team. For the first time in years, two members of the Slytherin team were women. Blaise had not exaggerated about her Chaser skills, and Millicent Bulstrode hit the Bludgers with a force equal to that of Crabbe and Goyle. A large fifth year boy filled the other Beater position.
Harry's mood, however, did not improve. He worried that even with three new members, Slytherin would win their games against Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Harry called additional practices for the Gryffindor team. Ron and Ginny complained frequently that he was channeling Oliver Wood. Fortunately, their complaining gave additional credibility to the rest of the school's belief that the trio was not on good terms. Shannon would smile to herself whenever Harry called an extra practice. After all, they had made a habit of spending time alone in the captain's office after each practice.
Ron went out of his way to romance Hermione. Though they spoke at length about their first night together, they were both still feeling a little guilty. Each day Ron would make some grand romantic gesture. With the help of Dawn and Shannon, he would leave flowers or candy on her pillow. He arranged a candlelight dinner in the common room one Saturday night. He even went so far as to attempt to write poetry for her, though he was not very good at it. They finally agreed to slip away together on the night of the masquerade ball to, as Hermione said, "do things properly this time."
The Scooby faculty members spent several evenings arguing over who would be attending the Watchers Council opening gala and who would be stuck at Hogwarts chaperoning the masquerade ball. Faith was the most vocal about her plans. "Robin is required to be there, and I am not going to get stuck chaperoning high school kids when I can spend the night at a fancy-shmancy affair on my husband's arm."
Buffy and Willow both burst into a fit of giggles at hearing Faith use the words "fancy-shmancy."
Wesley interrupted the giggling. "Faith, I don't think that any of us will argue that you have a right to go. All the active Slayers, who have finished training have been invited. Buffy, you should go as well."
"I think it makes the most sense that all of you who are directly associated with the Council should go," stated Genevieve.
"But, Gen, the problem is that none of them want to go with out their significant others," explained Spike. "Do you want to go without me?"
"But technically I am not associated with the Council. I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, which is a Hogwarts position only," replied Genevieve.
"But you're a Slayer," Willow reminded everyone.
"And a vampire," answered Genevieve. "I am perfectly content to stay here with William and chaperone the students."
"I should stay too," added Cat. "As Muggle Studies professor, my first obligation is to the school."
"Then I'll stay with you," Wesley immediately offered.
Cat smiled at him. "No, as a Watcher you should go. Besides, Dumbledore will probably argue that it is safer for everyone if I stay here."
"But you came to Los Angeles this past summer," replied Wesley.
"But I had the protection of Wolfram and Hart," Cat reminded him gently.
"And, on Halloween you would have the protection of the Council," argued Wesley. "There will even be a few Order members there."
"Who?" asked Willow concernedly.
"Well, Remus Lupin is a member of the Council. I believe Tonks will be accompanying him. Moody also volunteered to be there," answered Wesley. Willow did not look happy about this news. She began seriously debating if she really wanted to go to the Watchers gala.
"I think it would be fine if you all go to the Council gala," stated Genevieve. "William and I, along with the other faculty members are more than capable of performing chaperoning duties."
"I will probably stay here too, being caretaker and all," added Oz. "Unless you would like me to accompany you, Willow?"
The question was innocent enough, but Willow did not take it that way. "Um, we'll talk about it later. Oh, look, I'm late to meet Snape to work on that potion. I have to go." Willow hurried out of the portrait hole.
"What did I say?" asked Oz. "I just thought if she didn't want to go alone, I'd offer."
"Don't worry about it, Oz," Charlie assured the younger man. "All the women around here have been acting a bit off lately." Several pillows were hurled in Charlie's direction. Genevieve managed to hit him hard, squarely in the chest, causing him to fall backwards into one of the chairs. This sent Buffy into another fit of giggles.
Willow stormed into the potions lab, causing Snape to look up from his work. He was surprised to see her. "I wasn't aware that we were scheduled to work this evening," he stated, his voice neutral.
Willow threw herself into a chair at the side of the room, before speaking. "I just needed to get away from my friends for a little while. You were a good excuse."
"I was under the impression that people normally want to spend time with their friends," replied Snape, going back to his work.
"Their making plans for the Watchers Council opening gala, trying to determine who should go and who should stay here to chaperone the kids' ball," explained Willow.
"I would assume that you should go to the Council. Technically, you are an employee of theirs."
"Yeah, but Tonks is going to be there with Lupin." Snape raised an eyebrow. "Just as friends, I'm assuming. And, then Oz goes and asks if I want him to escort me. I just can't deal with relationship stuff right now," Willow explained.
"Regardless of your past, Mr. Osborne is a friend, is he not?" asked Snape.
"Well, yeah," replied Willow.
"Then I suggest that you tell him that friendship is your only intention at this time. As for Tonks, avoidance solves nothing."
Willow laughed dryly. "Great advice coming from the man who has made avoidance a lifestyle."
Snape shrugged. "I'm not telling you what you should do with your love life. If you want to go to the Watchers ball, then you should go regardless of who is going to be there. If you are more comfortable staying here, then stay. I can't say that I would be disappointed to have someone worthwhile to speak with during this retched ball."
Willow smiled. "With an invitation like that at least I know you aren't hitting on me," she kidded.
"While I admit that I do enjoy your company, Willow, I must say that I do not have any romantic intentions toward you," Snape stated, as he added a pinch of white powder to the boiling cauldron in front of him.
Willow giggled. "I don't know if I should be relieved or insulted," she quipped. "So, can I help you with what you are working on?"
"It's Pepper-Up potion for Madame Pomfrey. The hospital wing is running low, and it's the beginning of cold season," Snape explained. "If you gather the ingredients listed on the board there, you can begin another batch."
Willow stood. She was in better spirits after talking to Snape. He was right about her needing to talk with Oz, but it could wait for a few hours. She began gathering ingredients for the potion.
They worked in silence for several minutes, before Willow spoke again. "You know, Severus, the path to redemption can be a lonely road. You might consider getting out and dating."
Snape laughed heartily. "I don't imagine there is a woman who would tolerate me."
"Pft," scoffed Willow. "There is someone out there for everyone – even you. Someday you are going to meet a woman who will refuse to be put off by your surliness. For that matter, you might even find a woman who thinks it's sexy." Snape continued to laugh. "Hey, it could happen," Willow insisted, though she too had begun to laugh.
That night Willow went in search of Oz. She found him watching over Nott, Crabbe, and Goyle, as they scrubbed the trophy room. "I thought Snape was running their detentions," Willow commented.
Oz smiled. "He said that he was busy working on some potions with you and offered to let me put these three to work. I was happy to oblige."
Willow smiled. She was disgusted by what the three Slytherins had attempted to do to the Gryffindors and particularly to Dawn. Seeing their disgruntled looks at having to clean the Muggle way, pleased her immensely.
"So what can I do for you?" Oz asked, pulling Willow away from her thoughts.
"I wanted to talk to you about your offer to escort me to the Watchers gala thing," she mumbled.
"Willow, I was asking as a friend. I just thought that with Tonks there, you might not want to go alone," explained Oz.
"So, you don't want to date me then?"
"Willow, what we had in the past was special, but it's in the past. And, right now I'm not looking for a relationship with you or anyone else. I'm still dealing with the wolf."
Willow let out the breath that she had not realized she was holding. "Oh thank the goddess." She and Oz smiled at each other.
"I'd still be happy to escort you to the Watchers thing," offered Oz.
"If it's okay with you, I think I'd rather just stay here and chaperone the students," replied Willow.
"Fair enough," stated Oz. "I have to get back to making sure those three actually work."
"See you later then," replied Willow, before heading back to the Scooby common room.
The night of the two balls, the Scooby common room was a flurry of activity. Buffy, Willow, Cat, and the three seventh year girls periodically banged loudly on each other's doors to borrow everything from safety pins to jewelry to lipstick. When they were in various states of undress, the women would use summoning charms, after loudly yelling to ask permission to borrow something.
Harry, Ron, and Draco, who had changed into their dress robes quickly, were now sitting in the common room. Draco was playing chess against Ron and losing spectacularly. Every so often a hair potion or lipstick would zoom over their heads. "How many products do women possibly need?" questioned Draco.
Ron smirked at Draco. "Yeah, cause your hair naturally falls like that."
"You know, Weasley, a little gel in your hair wouldn't exactly hurt," replied Draco, moving his bishop.
Harry laughed at the look of indignation on Ron's face. "Oh bugger off, Harry," Ron retorted. "You of all people could use some help keeping your hair in place."
Before Harry could argue, Charlie was calling for his help. The Watchers ball was a Muggle event; therefore, Charlie had to wear a Muggle tuxedo. Harry walked over to the stairs that led to Charlie's quarters to see if he could help. On the way, a tube of lipstick smacked him hard in the forehead. "Ow," cried Harry, bending forward and clutching his forehead.
Ron raced to his best friend's side. "Is it your scar? I thought that you weren't feeling anything from Voldemort anymore because of the occlumency." Harry's shoulders began to shake. For a split second Ron thought the other boy was crying. But no, Harry was laughing. "What is so funny?" demanded Ron.
"It's not Voldemort. It's lipstick," replied Harry, showing Ron the tube that had smacked him in the head.
As Ron began to laugh, Shannon stuck her head out of the door to the girls' quarters. "Where the hell is that lipstick?" she yelled.
"Right here," called Harry, before hurrying to give the tube to his girlfriend.
"Hey, Harry, what about helping me with this tie thing?" yelled Charlie.
"I'll help you, Charlie," replied Wesley, who had just exited his own rooms.
As Ron sat back down to his game with Draco, bright green flames burst in the fireplace and Andrew fell out. "What are you doing here, mate?" Ron asked.
Andrew stood, smiling and brushing the soot from his robes. "Dumbledore agreed to let me come and take Luna to the ball. I'm supposed to meet her in ten minutes near the Ravenclaw common room."
"I'd say that we'll see you at the ball, but we won't be able to recognize you," quipped Ron.
"That's not entirely true," said Hermione, as she descended the stairs with Dawn and Shannon. "Dumbledore agreed that the Head Boy and Girl and their staff should have the same masks as the faculty members. We will be able to recognize everyone."
"Good," commented Draco, taking Dawn's hand in his. "I won't have to worry about losing you."
"And those of us who aren't on speaking terms can just happen to wind up spending the evening together on the dance floor," noted Shannon.
"Or other places," commented Ron quietly to Hermione, who blushed slightly. "After a few dances, we'll wander back up here okay?" Hermione nodded happily.
Dawn and Shannon each gave Andrew a quick hug, before he left to collect Luna. Hermione then handed the six students a mask each. They all tried them on and were happy to see that they could easily recognize each other.
Willow and Oz soon joined the students, and they all walked down to the Entrance Hall where everyone was to gather to be given a mask that would disguise face, hair, dress robes, and voice. Couples were instructed to hold hands when they first placed the masks on their faces, so as not to lose each other. Shannon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione purposely stood apart, knowing that they could find each other after entering the Great Hall.
Wesley and Charlie found themselves taking Ron and Draco's places at the chessboard. "I hate to admit that my kid brother is much better at this game than I am," Charlie commented, as he surveyed the board.
"Well then I might have a chance at winning," noted Wesley. "Ron beat me more than once this summer."
"What is taking Buffy and Cat so long?" asked Charlie, after losing another pawn to Wesley. "Willow, Oz, and the kids left nearly an hour ago."
"It takes time for us girls to make ourselves beautiful for you," quipped Buffy, as she descended the stairs.
"Wow," was all Charlie could say, as he stared at Buffy in her strapless silver gown.
"Glad you approve," replied Buffy with a smile. Charlie moved in to kiss her, but she turned her head to the side. "Wouldn't want to mess up my lipstick." Buffy turned to Wesley. "Cat isn't ready yet? I thought I would be the one making us wait."
"Even us brainy girls like to take our time dressing up every so often," noted Cat from the bottom of the staircase. She was hardly recognizable as the overly professional schoolteacher that the students saw her as. She was dressed in a floor-length fitted dress with a high slit up the side and a plunging neckline. The velvet of the dress was the deepest purple, almost appearing black except where the light hit it. In addition to the dark makeup, the biggest change was the short, choppy hairstyle that sported a purple sheen to match the dress.
"You're hair," said Buffy. "I like it. It's such a different look for you."
"Well, the color is just a temporary charm. I've chopped it this short lots of times in my real life. I just haven't been in the mood to mess with it lately," explained Cat.
"Well, I must say that you look incredible," complimented Wesley, as he took her hand and kissed it, causing Cat to laugh out loud.
The two couples gathered around a small pitcher that Dumbledore had transformed into a portkey for them. They all touched it simultaneously and felt the pull behind their navels. They quickly found themselves in a small chamber off the main lobby of the new Council buildings.
"We thought you were never going to get here," commented Anya, as she walked forward from the doorway along with Faith. "Xander is talking with Robin, Narcissa, and Giles out in the lobby. We're supposed to take you to sign in and get your emergency portkey pin, then meet up with everyone else outside the ballroom."
"Emergency portkey pin?" asked Buffy.
"Safety precautions," explained Faith. "Giles got the idea from the portkeys we wore when we stopped the prophecy last year. He figures that with such a public gathering, we need contingencies in case any of our many enemies decide to make trouble."
The arrived at the desk where they signed in and each received a nondescript pin. "Where do these things go when activated?" Cat asked the receptionist.
The receptionist smiled. "If you touch the pin and say Hogwarts, you will be transported to the school grounds in front of the castle."
"Dumbledore convinced Giles that it would be the safest place for everyone," explained Narcissa, who along with Giles, Robin, and Xander had stepped up behind the newcomers.
"Are we expecting trouble tonight?" Buffy asked Giles.
"According to Dumbledore the Order has received information that something big will be happening soon. It is a definite possibility that they will target us, since we have given them so much trouble," Giles informed the group.
"Maybe you should have waited to have the opening gala," commented Wesley.
"After a lot of discussion, we decided that no time is ever really safe for us – if not Death Eaters, then some other group like those crazed Bringers a couple of years ago," explained Robin.
"But we have first rate magical protection on the buildings," added Xander. "Come on, I'll show you guys around." Anya, Robin, Faith, Buffy, Charlie, Wesley, and Cat followed Xander, as he took them on a tour of the complex.
The students entered the Great Hall and began seating themselves at the many small tables, each of which had enough room for eight people. Dawn, Draco, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Shannon made a point of sitting together. Another couple approached and asked if they could sit as well. The six students who were able to identify everyone in the room were all surprised to note that the other couple consisted of Pansy Parkinson and Ernie McMillon. Ron almost made a comment, but Hermione kicked him under the table.
The eight students placed their meal orders and then sat in silence. "It is very hard to know what to say, when we don't know who we are talking to," commented Ernie.
"We should talk about something general, not anything too personal," suggested Shannon.
"I got a topic," said Dawn. "It always struck me as odd that two of the founders of Hogwarts were men and the other two were women, but there are no stories about any involvement between them."
Pansy happily latched on to the topic. "You know I read that the whole fallout between Gryffindor and Slytherin was over a woman."
"So which one got her?" asked Ron interestedly.
Pansy laughed. "Well Slytherin loved her, but she loved Gryffindor. However, his heart belonged to another, and when he spurned her affections, she gave up on men forever."
"So, she just stayed alone for the rest of her life? How sad," commented Hermione.
Pansy shook her head. "No, not alone, just not with a man. She wound up with Helga Hufflepuff, which is why the heirs of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin pop up in the history books, but we never hear anything about the heir of Hufflepuff. There wasn't any."
"You can't be serious," questioned Ernie. He was scandalized to hear this about the founder of his house.
"Don't worry, it wasn't only a scandal for Hufflepuff, but for Slytherin as well. You see this woman was a Muggleborn witch."
"Did all this really happen or are you putting us on?" asked Shannon.
"It happened over a thousand years ago," replied Pansy with a shrug. "It isn't like there was anyone around back then who's still here now to confirm or deny the story."
As the eight students ate their meals they continued to discuss the personal lives of the founders, making several speculations. When the music started, Draco and Dawn excused themselves to dance. Ron and Hermione soon followed. After a few songs had played. Ernie finally asked Pansy to dance.
Harry and Shannon found themselves alone at the table. "Wow, Pansy and Ernie, never saw that one coming," commented Shannon.
Harry laughed. "Me neither, but he seems good for her. She was actually almost charming tonight. But, then again, she doesn't know who we are."
"She did report her housemates about the amorphous potion too. Maybe she's changing for the better, and if it's because of Ernie, who are we to complain," Shannon thought aloud. "So, are you going to dance with me tonight?"
"You know that I'm not very good at dancing," whined Harry.
"And you know that no one knows who you are," retorted Shannon playfully.
"Fine," agreed Harry, standing and taking Shannon's hand.
When the cocktail hour had ended and everyone was finally seated at their assigned tables, Giles rose with a glass of champagne in his hand. "If everyone will take a glass, please." The Scoobies who were seated at a table together each took a glass in their hand.
Giles continued. "It is because of the hard work and dedication of everyone here tonight that we have been able to rebuild the Watchers Council. We are here not only to dedicate our new facilities, but also to honor the Slayers and the Watchers who make our fight against evil possible. I propose a toast to all of us here tonight, to all of the future generations who will continue our battle, and to the memory of those who have come before us."
Everyone except Faith drank at least a sip of champagne before placing their glasses back on the table. "How come you didn't even try a sip?" asked Xander.
"Just want to keep a clear head in case we have any trouble tonight," replied Faith with ease.
"But Buffy had a few sips, and you can definitely handle alcohol better than her," continued Xander.
"Maybe I'm not in the mood to drink tonight," replied Faith.
"Faith has a good point about keeping a clear hear," noted Buffy, as she put down her nearly full glass and picked up her water glass in its place. Faith shot her a grateful look.
"But it's a party," continued Xander.
"Xander, just drop it," ordered Robin.
Anya was looking from her husband to Faith to Robin to Buffy. "Something is going on that you aren't telling us," Anya stated.
"Nothing is going on, Anya," Giles assured the ex-demon. It still amazed him how very adult the Scoobies could act one moment and how easily they could regress the next.
Robin leaned toward Faith and whispered in her ear. The group watched her nod. "Something is too going on," insisted Anya eyeing the couple.
"We do have some good news to share with you all," Robin informed the group. "We were going to wait until Thanksgiving, but. . ."
"But Xander doesn't seem to want to let it rest that I'm not drinking alcohol," finished Faith.
"Sorry," mumbled Xander.
"Don't worry about it," replied Faith. She took Robin's hand in hers, inhaled deeply, and said, "I'm pregnant. We're having a baby."
"Congratulations," chorused many of the Scoobies.
"That's wonderful," added Narcissa.
"I'm so happy for you," said Cat, giving Faith a quick hug.
"You know, Rupert is a strong name for a boy," commented Giles.
"Giles, you have a woman now. Have your own kid and name it Rupert," suggested Anya. Both Giles and Narcissa were very quiet immediately following Anya's suggestion.
Throughout the rest of the meal, the Scoobies talked about nothing but babies.
Ron pulled Hermione tightly into his arms, as they danced. "Are you sure that you want to slip out of here?" he asked.
"Of course, I'm sure," she replied. "Aren't you?"
"I'm absolutely sure," he said, before dipping his head to capture her lips. "We could go now," he suggested, after the kiss. Hermione nodded her agreement.
Ron took her hand in his and led her out of the Great Hall, up the stairs, through the castle, and through the Scooby common room to the boys' quarters. "Ignore Harry's and Draco's mess," he said, as he opened the door to his private room. Hermione gasped. Not only had Ron cleaned, but also he had filled the room with candles and flowers.
Ron led Hermione to his bed. They sat side by side. He reached out his hand and cupped her face gently. "I love you so much, Hermione."
"Show me how it's supposed to be," she whispered in reply, as they leaned toward each other and kissed softly.
Cat and Wesley finally sat down after spending nearly an hour tearing up the dance floor. "I'm glad you decided to come here with me," Wesley admitted.
"I'm glad too," replied Cat. "This is the way my life is supposed to be."
Wesley frowned at Cat. "Even when I first met you, I knew that the façade you put on at Hogwarts wasn't the real you. At first I thought that you were hiding yourself because of your father, but everyone knows now and you still hide. I only get glimpses of the real you when we're alone or away from the school, like this summer in LA and now."
"You're very perceptive, Wesley," noted Cat.
"I'm not, because I still cannot figure out exactly why you hide," replied Wesley.
"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out. It's not about hiding from other people. It's about hiding from myself." Cat was quiet for a moment, trying to think of the best way to explain herself. When she finally spoke, her voice was raw with emotion. "The wizarding world, England, Hogwarts, it's not my life. My life is in the Muggle world, somewhere between New Jersey and Massachusetts."
"But why can't you be yourself here?" asked Wesley.
"Because if I am myself, then this becomes my life, and I don't want it to be. I spent years coming to terms with who my father is. One of the ways I did that was to choose a different life. I want that life back. I miss my apartment and my job and my friends. My best friend Becca and my second cousin Lena, they're like sisters to me, and they don't even know exactly where I am because it might put them at risk."
"Wesley, the only part of this life I want to take with me when all this is over, is you. That's why you're the only one who knows who I really am."
"So once your father is defeated, you're going back," said Wesley dejectedly.
"Yes," she replied. "But, I have every intention of still being with you even though it won't be every day. I'm willing to make the long-distance thing work, if you are."
Wesley smiled. "We'll make it work when the time comes."
"Good, you had me worried there for a minute." Both Cat and Wesley began to laugh, but a loud siren silenced them.
"What is that?" asked Cat. The music stopped. "Everyone please listen to me," ordered Giles, microphone in hand. "We have security breach." A loud blast reverberated through the room. "Everyone, please use your portkeys now."
"Go," Wesley told Cat, as he pulled away from her.
"Where are you going?" she asked frantically.
"To make sure everyone gets out," Wesley replied.
"Not without me, you don't," replied Cat.
"Are you sure this isn't your life?" he asked, before grabbing her hand and dragging her toward the other Scoobies.
They arrived to find Giles and Buffy ordering everyone to use their portkeys. "I sent Faith, Robin, Xander, and Anya ahead," Buffy called to Wesley. "You two should go to. They'll need more help at Hogwarts than here." Cat and Wesley agreed and activated their portkeys.
"Buffy," called Giles. "There are people trapped under fallen bookcases in the library." Buffy and Charlie hurtled toward Giles and Narcissa. Buffy began moving the heavy bookcases with her Slayer strength, while the others used levitation spells. Several minutes later everyone was free and had activated their portkeys.
"Is anyone hurt?" asked Willow, as she ran toward her friends, who had appeared on the front lawn of Hogwarts.
"We're fine," replied Buffy. "Is everyone here okay?"
"Robin made Faith see Madame Pomfrey just in case. Believe it or not, Pomfrey told him that being pregnant was not an illness and that he should just take Faith home," Willow explained.
"You know it wouldn't hurt for you to see Madame Pomfrey," suggested Charlie. Buffy glared at him. "You did some serious lifting, and Slayer strength or not, you're going to be feeling it in the morning. So why not get a potion to prevent the morning after hurting," he argued.
"Fine," replied Buffy. "She let Faith go. Maybe she'll be in a good enough mood to let me go too." Before allowing Charlie to lead her into the castle, she turned back to Willow. "Wills, make sure that Giles had everything he needs to get these people back to their homes." Willow quickly agreed.
Charlie sat outside the hospital wing, wondering if his girlfriend would ever speak to him again. When he and Buffy arrived in the hospital wing, Buffy explained to Madame Pomfrey that she wanted a potion to prevent sore muscles in the morning. However, Charlie accidentally-on-purpose mentioned that Buffy had been feeling under the weather for weeks now. Madame Pomfrey insisted that she give Buffy a full check-up, and told Charlie to wait outside.
The door opened, and Madame Pomfrey stuck her head into the hallway. "You may come back in. I would like to speak with you both." Charlie noticed that the mediwitch did not look happy.
Charlie sat in the chair beside the bed on which Buffy was seated. "I do not know what you were thinking doing heavy lifting in your condition," Madame Pomfrey chastised. "At least Professor Wilkins had the sense to return immediately to Hogwarts instead of putting herself at risk."
In her annoyance for the situation, Buffy was only half listening to the mediwitch's tirade. Charlie, however, had heard every word. "What do you mean her condition?" he asked.
"You haven't told him?" Pomfrey asked Buffy, who was looking thoroughly confused.
"Tell him what?" asked Buffy.
"My dear, you're pregnant. At least two months if I had to guess," Madame Pomfrey informed the startled couple.