The train came to a stop a couple hours later, and the kids filed out. The first years went with Hagrid, as the rest of the kids made their way into the Great Hall. Harry caught a glimpse of the new teacher and his wife. His wife was short and petite. She had blonde hair and stunning eyes. Harry watched them for a while, but then his gaze turned towards the Dark Forest. He saw a light flicker there as if someone just lit a match. He watched in surprise as he saw a figure of a man turn and enter the Dark Forest.

"Harry? What is it?" Hermione asked as she and Ron caught up to him.

"I thought I saw someone go into the Dark Forest." Harry whispered to Ron.

"You think we should tell Dumbledore?" Ron asked.

"No. I think it's time to get out my dad's invisibility cloak."

The three stared in silence at the Forest and then joined the rest of the group in the procession to the great hall.

Dinner went quickly and smoothly. Dumbledore announced who the new teachers were. Their names were Angelus (Angel) O'Connor and Buffy O'Connor. They resided in L.A., California, USA. Most kids were happy to see the new DADA teachers. The girls practically drooled over Professor O'Connor and the boys just stared at Buffy. The kids were told by Buffy herself that she would be addressed as Buffy, since they would most likely get her and her husband mixed up.

After dinner, the kids headed to their common rooms, as the teachers headed off to theirs. Angel and Buffy's room had a view of the Dark Forest and was down the hall from the Gryffindors. Their room had the colors of every house in it, making it flashy in some parts and darker in the next.

"Well, everyone seems friendly. At least we don't have to go patrolling for vampires here." Buffy said as she unpacked her things.

"Don't be so sure."

"What?" Buffy said turning around to face Angel.

"I could smell Spike when we were going up to Hogwarts." Angel walked over to Buffy and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into his, enjoying his company. "Don't you worry. He can't harm any of the students because of that chip in his head."

"You're right. Can you go and try to make him leave? Remember though that he can hit you." Angel released her and left the room.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione skidded to a stop as they watched Professor O'Connor leave his room. He couldn't see them, but he might hear them. They waited until he was gone, and then continued on to the Dark Forest.


The trio had been walking through the Dark Forest for about 15 minutes when they heard someone's voice, and it wasn't the Professor.

"They won't believe me. They think I can never change. I don't like to drink anymore, at least not people." They got closer and saw a man pacing back and forth in a clearing. He had bleach blonde hair, and wore all black, just like Professor O'Connor.

Harry had removed the invisibility cloak when they entered the forest, and it was a big mistake. Hermione walked forward to get closer and tripped. She landed at the edge of the clearing, and the man spotted her. He walked over to her and dragged her to her feet.

"Who are you? And what the bloody hell are you doing in here?" The man said in a British accent.

"I-I heard something. In the forest." Hermione told him shakily.

"You heard something...this deep in the forest?" Her moved his hand to her throat. "Tell me the truth!" Suddenly he shook his head. "It doesn't hurt. The chip doesn't work on you magic folk!"

"Spike!" Professor O'Connor yelled coming into the clearing. Harry and Ron ran out from their hiding place as well, and ran to Angel. "What are you three doing here? Never mind. Spike, let her go!"

"Wait a minute! You know this lunatic?" said Ron as he watched Hermione gasp for breath.

"Not the time Ron! Spike, please let her go. How can you do that anyway? Isn't the chip bothering you?"

"Nope. The bloody thing doesn't work on witches and wizards. They aren't totally human." Spike said with a smile on his face.

"Professor, just help Hermione. Please." Harry pleaded.

"Professor? Whoa mate. What a career choice!" Spike laughed and loosened his grip on Hermione.

"My wife picked it. Buffy wanted me to get more sociable."

Spike scowled at Angel's remark. Angel knew he had a tender side for Buffy and loved to tell him repeatedly how well they were doing together. "I've changed you know."

"Change is something you could never do Spike."

"Well, I did change. I got myself a soul and it eats me up inside. You should have told me how much it hurts when you get one. All the people I killed, all the people I hurt. I can't stand it!" He let go of Hermione and she ran to Harry and Ron. Spike stood alone in the clearing tears flowing from his eyes.

"I hurts Spike. I know it does. It's a price you have to pay when you've done so many bad things. Live with it. You were cursed and now you have to pay." Angel turned and ushered the kids towards a trail.

"No." Spike said stopping them dead in their tracks. "I got this one on my own. I wasn't cursed. Not like you Angel. I went all the way to bloody Africa for this one. Three bloody tests that almost killed me, but I stuck with it. I wanted my soul Angel, and I got it."

Angel stared at Spike in disbelief. Could he really have changed, Angel thought. "Are you telling the truth Spike?"

Spike nodded his head. "Bloody hell am."

"Fine, come with us. You can talk to Buffy. She'll decide if you stay or go." Angel waited for Spike to walk in front of him and then them headed to Hogwarts.


Thanks for those who reviewed my story. Please tell me how this chapter is! Thanks!