As Strong As We Are United
Chapter 23 – A Diversion
After sending Willow, Spike, and Genevieve to meet everyone who had portkeyed from the Watchers Council, Dumbledore gathered the remaining faculty members in the small chamber at the side of the Great Hall. "As you are aware, there appears to have been an attack at the Watchers Council this evening. Everyone escaped safely to our grounds. They are gathered just outside the castle."
The faculty members nodded, and Dumbledore continued. "Unfortunately, this means that we will be ending our Halloween ball earlier than originally planned. The students will return to their house common rooms, where the house-elves will provide refreshments for, shall we say, after parties."
"What are you planning to tell the students?" asked Snape.
Dumbledore sighed heavily. "I think it is best that we tell them the truth. We need the Great Hall to accommodate our guests from the Watchers Council, while ministry aurors appraise the situation at the Council complex."
"And if the students have further questions?" asked tiny Professor Flitwick.
"I will address any additional questions in the morning," replied Dumbledore. "By that time, we should know more of what has happened tonight."
"Now, I must ask Filius and Sophia (Sprout) to escort their students back to their houses. Augura (Sinistra), would you please escort the Slytherins, and Victoria (Vector) would you escort the Gryffindors. Severus and Minerva, I need you to come with me, after I make the announcement." The faculty nodded in agreement.
"And what of the Head Boy and Girl and their staff?" asked McGonagall.
"I will ask them, as well as Miss Weasley, Mr. Longbottom, and Miss Lovegood to remain in the Great Hall with the Watchers Council members," replied Dumbledore.
"Surely, headmaster, it would be best if someone were to make sure they follow your wishes," suggested Snape, who did not trust these particular students to do as told.
"I trust that they will follow my instructions in this instance, as I am sure they want to be kept appraised of the situation," replied Dumbledore, as he turned toward the door to the Great Hall.
Dumbledore entered the Great Hall, followed closely by the faculty members. He nodded toward the band to stop playing. Silence descended on the Great Hall. The students began looking around anxiously. "May I have your attention please," requested Dumbledore. All eyes locked on the headmaster.
"There has been an attack on the Watchers Council this evening." Low mutterings followed this announcement. Dawn grabbed Draco's hand tightly, worrying for the safety of her sister and friends. Dumbledore raised his hand to silence the students. "Everyone is safe. I repeat; everyone is safe. All those who were in attendance of the Watchers Opening Gala have used emergency portkeys to arrive at Hogwarts. At this time they are all on the grounds just outside the castle."
"Now, unfortunately we need a place for our guests to gather while everything is sorted out. Unfortunately, that means that our festivities this evening must be cut short. You will all return to your house common rooms, where the house-elves will provide refreshments. I ask that the following students remain here: the Head Boy, Head Girl, their staff, Miss Weasley, Mr. Longbottom, and Miss Lovegood. The rest of your will be escorted to your common rooms by the faculty."
At the close of Dumbledore's announcement, the Great Hall once again filled with the voices of students, hypothesizing about what had happened and saying farewell to dates from other houses.
Dawn immediately turned to Draco, Harry, and Shannon. "Someone has to get Ron and Hermione back here ASAP," she whispered forcefully.
"Yeah, if anyone finds out they took off to. . ." Harry blushed, "well, you know, they'll be in big trouble."
"So, who's going to get them?" asked Shannon.
"Not me," replied Harry. "I'm happy that they're together, but I don't want to accidentally witness anything." He shivered at the thought.
Draco rolled his eyes. "I'll get them," he volunteered, turning and leaving the Great Hall amidst the waves of students returning to their common rooms.
"I just hope he hurries," added Shannon. Dawn nodded her agreement.
Professor McGonagall swept out of the castle to greet those who had fled from the Watchers Council, while Dumbledore and Snape adjourned to Dumbledore's office to begin contacting Order members while waiting for news from Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was heading up the investigation at the Council complex.
McGonagall immediately found Giles, who along with Narcissa, Willow, and Wesley was assuring that everyone had arrived safely. "Mr. Giles, has everyone arrives safely?"
"It appears that they have. We had a few minor injuries, but they are already being seen to by Madame Pomfrey," replied Giles.
McGonagall smiled slightly in relief. "The headmaster asks that everyone gather in the Great Hall, while the aurors sort out the situation at your headquarters," she informed the head Watcher.
Giles smiled at the transfiguration professor. "Thank you, Minerva." He turned his attention to the large gathering of his colleagues. After magically amplifying his voice, he made the announcement. "Everyone, please follow me into the castle. We will be assembling in the Great Hall until things are sorted out and it is safe for you all to return home."
"Pregnant," stated Buffy disbelievingly. "How could that have happened?" Madame Pomfrey did not answer the question directly. She instead looked from Buffy to Charlie and back to Buffy, one eyebrow raised.
"Okay, I know how that happens, but it couldn't. . . I mean, we're careful. . . well, most of the time anyway," Buffy babbled.
Charlie still had not said a word. He simply sat in shock next to Buffy's bed. 'Pregnant,' he thought. 'Buffy's pregnant. She's going to have a baby. She's going to have my baby.'
"I can't have a baby," Buffy continued. "I don't know what to do with a baby. And I'm the Slayer, well a Slayer anyway. What am I supposed to do – carry around stakes in a diaper bag? This really can't be happening."
Madame Pomfrey placed a hand on Buffy's shoulder. "I assure you that this can and is happening. You are pregnant. Now you two," she glared at Charlie, "have some decisions to make. If you need me, I will be attending to my other patients."
As Madame Pomfrey bustled across the ward, Charlie spoke for the first time. "What does she mean decisions? This has already been decided for us."
"She means," replied Buffy in a rather irritated voice, "that we need to decide whether or not we're going to have this baby, and if we do, whether or not we're going to keep it."
Charlie glared at Buffy. "What the bloody hell do you mean if we have this baby and if we keep this baby? Of course, we're going to have and keep our child. The only decision to make is how soon to have the wedding and tell everyone."
For a moment, Buffy did not know how to respond to Charlie's outburst. A part of her greatly resented that he didn't realize that the decision was hers, not his. However, a much larger part of her was relieved that there was no question that he wanted to stay with her and their child. Not knowing what to say about the pregnancy, she instead latched on to the last words he had said. "You want to get married?" she asked quietly.
Ron and Hermione were contentedly curled up together in his bed. She lay across his chest, while he ran his fingers through her hair and murmured words of love. Both were started by the loud banging on the door. "I know you two are in there," yelled Draco.
"What the bloody hell does he want?" sighed Ron, who could have happily stayed in bed with Hermione for the rest of the night. Draco continued banging on the door. Ron pulled a blanket around his waist and went to answer it, while Hermione pulled the remaining bedcovers around her.
Ron pulled the door open forcefully. "Can't this wait until morning?" he asked, his annoyance evident.
Draco smirked at him. "No, it can't wait. There's been an attack on the Watchers Council. Dumbledore wants all of us in the Great Hall."
"Damn," Ron swore, beginning to close the door.
"And I would hurry up, if I were you two," called Draco. "You wouldn't want any of the faculty to realize that you're missing in action." Draco sprinted back to the Great Hall, not wanting to find himself in trouble either.
Draco got back to the Great Hall just as the Watchers began to enter. He quickly found Dawn, Shannon, and Harry, who were eagerly waiting to see that all of the Scoobies were safe. "Did you tell them?" Harry asked Draco.
Draco nodded. "They're on their way. With how slow this lot is," he pointed at the Watchers who were slowly entering the Great Hall, "they should make it down before everyone gets settled."
"Where is Buffy?" questioned Dawn. "The only people I've recognized so far are Giles and Narcissa."
Draco squeezed his girlfriend's hand, relieved to know that nothing had happened to his mother. "They're probably at the back of the group, making sure everyone is accounted for," he assured Dawn.
"Hey, there's Willow, Wesley, and Cat," stated Shannon. She waved toward the three Scoobies and beckoned them over.
"Is everyone okay?" Dawn asked Willow. "Where's Buffy?"
"Everyone's fine," replied Willow. "Charlie dragged Buffy to the infirmary to get checked out."
Ron and Hermione, looking slightly disheveled, walked up behind the group. "Are Charlie and Buffy okay?" asked Ron, concernedly.
"They're both fine. Buffy did some heavy lifting to rescue some people who were caught under fallen bookcases. Charlie convinced her to get a potion from Madame Pomfrey; so, she won't be feeling it in the morning," Willow explained.
Xander and Anya wandered over to the group, as well. "I think that we're almost all accounted for," Xander stated. "The only people I haven't seen are Faith and Robin."
"Robin insisted that Faith see Madame Pomfrey," Wesley informed the group, who once again looked concerned. "She is fine. Robin is just being overly cautious given Faith's condition."
"What condition?" asked Andrew, who approached the group with Luna, Ginny, and Neville.
Wesley smiled broadly. "Well, she made the announcement this evening so I guess that it's okay to tell all of you. Faith is expecting."
"Expecting what?" asked Andrew, looking confused.
Shannon and Dawn both smacked him on the arm. "He means that Faith is pregnant," explained Luna gently. Everyone smiled.
"It's quite lovely to hear some good news for a change," commented Hermione.
"Of course, I want to get married," replied Charlie. "You're having my baby."
"Oh," replied Buffy. She seemed to deflate. Charlie looked confused. "We shouldn't get married just because we're having a baby. Marriages like that don't work," Buffy explained.
"I don't want to marry you just because we're having a baby," Charlie tried to assure his girlfriend.
"Would we be talking about this right now, if you hadn't knocked me up?"
"Probably not," Charlie conceded. "But that doesn't mean that I don't want to marry you. It just means that we'll be doing it sooner than originally planned."
"Charlie, I want you to think seriously about it before you ask me. If you want to marry me, it has to be because you want me as your wife, not because you want to be a father. You get to do that whether we're married of not," Buffy replied tiredly.
"You should get some sleep," Charlie suggested.
"What are we going to tell everyone?" asked Buffy. "Won't they think that it's weird that I'm spending the night here?"
Charlie shook his head. "I'll tell them that the potion Madame Pomfrey gave you knocked you out. We don't have to tell them anything more yet."
"I think I should tell Spike and Faith though," mused Buffy, as she made herself comfortable in the small hospital bed. Charlie looked at her questioningly. "I need them to go easy on me during classes and training. Don't worry. They can both keep a secret. Besides, Faith owes me. I didn't tell anyone about her other than you."
"Would you rather I tell them?" Charlie asked.
Buffy shook her head. "Spike would probably try to hurt you. I'll tell them in the morning. It'll be fine." Charlie leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Stay until I fall asleep?" she asked.
"Of course."
After nearly an hour, the small crystal ball on Dumbledore's desk glowed red and the face of Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared. "Did you finish your search of the Watchers complex?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes, there was no Death Eater activity at all," replied Kingsley. "The only thing we were able to identify were the remnants of an explosion spell, not powerful enough to cause any real damage only to disrupt the wards."
"But why would anyone bother. . . " Snape began, but then his eyes widened. "It was a diversion."
Kingsley nodded his head solemnly. "While everyone focused on the Watchers complex, several families of muggle-born students and some of our allies were attacked and killed by Death Eaters. I have a listing here. Then students will have to be notified."
"Yes they will," replied Dumbledore. "Could you give me the listing? I will notify the students along with their heads of house."
"Of course," replied Kingsley. "Even Fudge thinks it would be best for you to handle it. Really has changed his tune, hasn't he?"
"If only he would have seen sense sooner," replied Dumbledore, retrieving parchment and ink from his desk to write down the names of students who had lost family.
The tone was solemn, as Kingsley listed the names. "Abercrombie, Bones, Creevey. . .Evans, Finch-Fletchly, Finnegan. . .Summersby. One moment." Kinsley's head disappeared for a few minutes before reappearing. "Madame Bones would like you to wait for her arrival to notify her niece Susan. We have also discovered the body of Elena Bulstrode. Her husband is a known Death Eater; so, we aren't sure why she was killed."
"I have an idea," replied Dumbledore, thinking back to the summer, when she and her brother Ethan had provided information about Voldemort's plan to take Hogwarts.
After Kingsley returned to his work, Dumbledore turned to Snape. "Would you ask the heads of house to meet me here, while I attend to our guests in the Great Hall?"
"Yes, headmaster," replied Snape, before leaving the room. Dumbledore sighed wearily, and then rose from his desk to see to the Watchers.
When Dumbledore entered the Great Hall, the room immediately silenced, as all eyes turned to him. "The aurors have finished their investigation at the Watcher's complex. An explosion spell was used to cause a diversion, while the Death Eaters focused on other targets."
Dumbledore raised his wand, "Multi-portus a Watchers Council." Everyone's emergency portkey glowed momentarily. "It is safe for you all to return to the complex and see yourselves home. Simply touch the portkey and say 'Watchers Council.'"
Dumbledore turned his attention to Giles and Narcissa. "Would you please make sure everyone departs for home safely and return here for lunch tomorrow? We can discuss everything that has happened at that time. Right now, I have to notify those students whose families were attacked tonight."
As everyone stood to leave, Cat put a hand to her temple and then collapsed. Wesley caught her just before she hit the stone floor. Assuming that the latest news of her father's attacks had simply been too much for her, Wesley levitated her body and took her directly to the hospital wing, assuring everyone he passed that she would be just fine.
Cat looked around, unsure of where she was. 'Is it possible to be nowhere?' she wondered, as she walked through swirling mist, seeing nothing beyond. She was startled by the appearance of a tall woman with light brown hair. "Becca?" Cat asked.
"In the flesh," replied the woman. "Well, maybe more like in the spirit."
"Where are we?" asked Cat.
"Don't worry about that right now. I probably couldn't explain it right anyway."
"Okay, then why are we here?" asked Cat.
"That one's easy. Lena and I wanted to make sure that you were safe." Cat turned around several times, looking for her other best friend. "She's not here," explained Becca. "She's waiting to bring us back. Don't ask. Again, I probably couldn't explain it right."
"Cat, are you really okay?" Becca asked again.
Cat nodded. "I really am. I miss my life, but I'm in a good place right now. I'm safe, and I'm doing something that matters."
"And apparently you have the opportunity to get all dressed for a night on the town," added Becca.
Cat smiled. "Watchers Council ball," she said by way of explanation.
"Those stuffy old British guys who control the Slayer?" asked Becca.
"I know quite a few Slayers, who would argue that no one controls them," replied Cat.
"So you left us to become a Watcher? Doesn't seem like your style."
"No, I'm just seeing someone who happens to be a Watcher. And before you ask, no he isn't old or stuffy, though he is definitely British."
"So can I assume you are somewhere in Britain? That really makes no sense, Cat. You are hiding from your father and his followers in the same country as his base of operation."
Cat shrugged. "He knows that I'm here, but he can't get to me where I'm staying."
"Where are you staying?"
"I can't tell you that Becca. I don't want to put you or your family in any risk."
"From everything that Lena and I have been reading in the papers, we're all at risk."
Cat felt a slight headache coming on. "Looks like it's time to go," noted Becca. "Take care of yourself Cat. If you need anything, you know where to find us." Cat nodded. "Oh and nice dress."
"Thanks," replied Cat, as she opened her eyes to see a very nervous looking Wesley bending over her bed in the hospital wing.
"What happened?" Cat asked.
"You passed out in the Great Hall. I think the news of more attacks got you a little worked up," Wesley replied.
Cat shook her head. "I don't think I've ever passed out before, and I've definitely been stressed before. I had the weirdest dream. I never even realized that you could dream when you faint."
"Some people do and some don't," explained Madame Pomfrey, who had come over when Cat awoke. "Now, how are you feeling, Professor Bolgya?"
"I actually feel fine," replied Cat, sitting up. Madame Pomfrey pushed her back down.
"We need to determine why you fainted," the mediwitch stated. "Has this happened before?"
"Never," replied Cat.
"Have you been eating properly, getting enough sleep?"
"Same as usual."
"Are you currently under any unusual stress?"
"Aren't we all?" Cat shot back.
"Maybe I should ask my remaining questions in private," suggested Madame Pomfrey, glancing at Wesley.
"Wes can stay," replied Cat. "And before you ask any more questions, let me give you some answers. I only had two glasses of champagne tonight. I do not use any illicit drugs or potions. Let's see, what else? I am not now, nor have I ever been or ever will be pregnant. Does that about cover it?"
Madame Pomfrey nodded. "Still, I would like to give you a pregnancy test, just to be certain."
"It is not possible for me to be pregnant," replied Cat. She thought that she heard the mediwitch mumble about hearing that before. "Madame Pomfrey, several years ago I had a muggle surgical procedure that truly makes it impossible for me to become pregnant."
Cat glanced quickly at Wesley to gage his reaction to this news. He looked stunned. Cat took a deep breath and sat up. "Thank you for all your help, Poppy, but I am going to return to my rooms now." Before the mediwitch could argue, Cat continued. "Wesley will make sure that I get to my quarters safely."
Cat turned to Wesley and spoke softly, "I think we need some privacy to talk." Wesley nodded in agreement.
As Head Boy and Head Girl, Ron and Hermione agreed to accompany the headmaster, when he met with the students who had lost family. After nearly three hours they returned to the Scooby common room, emotionally and physically exhausted.
"I don't ever want to have to do that again," muttered Ron, as he fell into one of the overstuffed chairs, pulling Hermione into his lap.
"I think it helped them to see that they weren't alone," replied Hermione. "But I do agree about hoping to never have to do that again." She leaned her head on his shoulder, as they sat in silence for several minutes.
When Hermione spoke again, it was in a whisper. "It made me think about the night that Dumbledore told us about our parents. I want this war to be over."
Ron kissed the top of her head. "We all do. I don't think it'll be long before Voldemort tries to take Hogwarts."
"I'm scared," Hermione stated.
"Me too," replied Ron, pulling her closer.
Cat and Wesley sat on the sofa in her sitting room. "So, as you heard I can't have children. When I was twenty-two I found a doctor willing to tie my tubes."
"You don't want children, then," replied Wesley.
"I do, desperately," stated Cat. "Everyone wants children. Well, my cousin Lena doesn't. She just wants little dogs. But it doesn't matter what I want. It would be wrong for me to have a child."
"Why?"
"Because of who my father is," stated Cat matter-of-factly.
"I don't understand. Explain it to me," Wesley requested.
"When I was at Victoriana Academy, we had to choose an area to specialize in. I chose blood magic. I was set to find a way to NOT be my father's daughter." Wesley nodded. "I did extensive research on my family line. There are several dark powers that the heir of Slytherin can posses – more than just being Parselmouths," she added.
"The way my family line works, the heir must be a male. The powers pass from oldest male to oldest male. When there is no male heir, the powers pass through the oldest female. I am not the heir of Slytherin, but if I were to have a son he would be. If I had a daughter, her son would be. The line had to stop, and I was the only one who could end it."
Wesley put his arm around Cat. "You did the right thing," he assured her.
"I've never doubted that," replied Cat. "But just because it is for the best, doesn't mean that you have to settle for someone who can't have children."
Wesley sighed. "Quite honestly, I don't know if I want children or not. I don't want to be like my father was with me."
Cat laughed. "Your father can't be as bad as mine."
"True," agreed Wesley. "If you were to decide that you want children there are other options – adoption, egg donors. And, as for our relationship, there are many factors that will affect us staying together. Whether or not you can have a child with your genetic makeup is not one of them."
Cat smiled, before throwing her arms around Wesley. "I love you," she whispered, for the first time.
"I love you too," he replied, before kissing her deeply.