Title: Bound by Loyalty
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Harry Potter- Pretty much books 1-4.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer- Seasons 1-5 and some of season 6.
Pairings: Buffy/Sirius Black, Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione
Summary: Buffy gets a letter inviting her to help teach at Hogwarts. Dumbledore tells her about the fight with Voldemort, and she agrees to help protect Harry Potter. While there, she learns things about herself that she never knew, and she finds a way to live. Meanwhile, Sirius Black can't stop thinking about the blonde Slayer that has suddenly invaded his life.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of them. Buffy goes to Whedon, and Harry and everybody in the Potter-verse go to Rowling. If you don't recognize anyone, they're probably mine. I do own the plot, though. Don't sue. Please.
Author's note: I kind of changed things in the Harry Potter universe. Did you see the pairings? If you did, you will notice that Buffy and Sirius Black will be a couple. So that means that Sirius is cleared of any crime. He is now working at Hogwarts as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It'll explain more in the story. Now, for the Buffy universe. Seasons one, two, three, four and five happened. This is five years after Once More with Feeling, but Buffy and Spike never kissed or anything. The gang knows Buffy was in Heaven, and Giles hasn't left yet.
So, thanks to mysticallove, kitty minky, Siren's Call, FallenAngelLindsay, angelofdeadlydarkness0010, IceBlueRose, and Just Me for reviewing.
Mysticallove- thanks! Hmm... brown eyes. Well, I love Orlando Bloom's eyes. They're like chocolate.
Kitty minky- Warm chocolate and warm elves...sheesh, do I wish I could be transported to middle earth. I love Spike's blue eyes. They're very icy. I've always liked Oz, and I hated it when he left.
Siren's Call- Even though most people were always "Oh, Snape is dumb. I hate him," I was "Oh, Snape is so cool." I think that he and Buffy have a few things in common, and maybe he reminds the Slayer of a certain brooding vampire seeking redemption... Gray eyes are so pretty. It makes me wonder how such a bland color can be so pretty. Plus, they remind me of a storm, and I love it when it rains.
FallenAngelLindsay- Welcome! And thanks for deciding to read my story. Yeah, you spelled significant right. I like blue eyes, but everybody in my family has blue eyes, so I'd go more for someone with green or gray, or even brown.
angelofdeadlydarkness0010- It's not that everybody has a crush on Buffy, it's that she's a very remarkable, likable person, and everyone can relate to her and get along with her. Thanks for reviewing!
IceBlueRose- Hmm... Draco and the Trio believing that Buffy and Snape are "getting along". Yeah, I can see them jumping to conclusions. Ooh, wouldn't it be totally fun if Sirius did something public? Yes, I'm getting ideas. Thanks for reviewing!
Just Me- I never liked the stories where one of the students is paired up with one of the teachers. They're about 15 years older, some more. Green eyes are my favorite too. You're the only one who has said that.
...Chapter Sixteen: Can't Fear When Fear Is Expected…………..
'Never show fear, never show pain,
I'll shamble on in this wolf bane.
The monster's restrained by moonlight veiled in cloud,
The screaming is refrained, but never out loud.
A whirlwind of hate,
Is what I placate.
For it shall never be freed, no not again,
While I still bleed, I'll entomb it within.
The chains hold it back,
If it's the courage I lack.'
….Chad "Chains"
It was fun, hanging out with Snape. Well, not exactly fun, but it was interesting. This man was smart. He had been telling Buffy about potions and about Hogwarts for the last hour, and she was practically hanging on every word he said. Snape was so detailed, and he told her in a way that kept her curious and wanting to learn more.
"I can see why you're a teacher. You're good at this," Buffy told him as they came to a stop in front of a broom store.
"That's not what I'm told," Snape replied, scowling as he thought of his various students and how many times he had heard them complain to each other. He was trying his best. Every day, it hurt to wake up, but he did anyone and he taught them and he tried.
Buffy noticed his scowl and felt his emotions. He was hurt by his students apparent lack of sensitivity. But Buffy understood what they felt. And she also understood what he felt. "Well, what do you expect them to tell you? Snape, you're mean to them. I don't know how many stories I have heard about what happens in your class. They're horror stories! You teach them, and they learn, but you have absolutely no people skills."
"Yes I do," he said, a bit sulkily.
She stared at him in surprise before laughing. "Are you sulking?" Buffy asked, giggling when he immediately stopped and scowled. "Snape, you're a good person. I know that. Don't say anything," she warned when he opened his mouth. "You put on this tough exterior, and you are tough, but you're not the horrible person I hear so much about. I know you're trying to redeem yourself, I get that. But you can't distance yourself from other people so much. I can tell you love being a Potions teacher. It makes you passionate. It's like a fire to you. I don't see why you're so bitter about wanting to be a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
He was quiet. Buffy just smiled softly and they continued walking. Snape led her away from Hogsmeade to a bench, far from prying eyes. He sat down and waited for her to sit beside him before he spoke. "I feel that because I was part of the darkness for so long, it's in me. And the only way for me to get rid of it is to teach the students about it."
"And you believe that the others are unqualified," Buffy added, laughing when he started to protest. "You don't want to admit it, but it's true. You may be right about a few previous teachers, but not about all. I mean, Quirrell was horrible, and so was the Moody-imposter. Also that famous dude. But Remus was a great teacher! And I know you think he wasn't qualified, but he was. He was a werewolf, and werewolf's are made from the darkness. He's like you. He went against what was expected, and he became good. And Sirius grew up with evil people, all supporters of Voldemort, and he defied them! He wanted to be good. And me, well, I'm the Slayer. I'm the very essence of darkness. I play for the light, but the Slayer was made from a demon. So, I think I have the credentials."
"Maybe." Snape told her, kind of feeling disappointed that his righteous anger didn't feel so...righteous anymore. He had spent a very long time hating himself, hating everybody, and it felt different when someone called him on it and practically told him he was behaving like a child.
"The thing about getting rid of it by teaching them about it? Not gonna happen. But what you're doing right now? It's so much better. You're risking your life, gathering information. And teaching the students about Potions is better than teaching DADA. You love this subject. Instead of teaching them in a way that makes them hate it, teach them and act like you enjoy it. No, you should actually enjoy it, not pretend. Don't just teach them what they need to know, teach them potions that would be fun to know. Potions that you like. They'll have more fun, and learn more, and things won't look so bleak anymore," Buffy told him. She knew what it was like going to school and hating it because the teachers didn't understand her, didn't understand what she was going through.
Snape didn't reply. Instead, they sat in comfortable silence until he noticed the time and saw that they had to go. Nodding her head, Buffy stood up, grabbed all her purchases, and they began walking back to where they were supposed to meet everyone. Halfway there, Snape took a few of Buffy's bags and held them for her. Buffy smiled but didn't say anything. She was getting somewhere, at least.
"So, what do you think is going on with Snape and Buffy?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione. They were sitting in the Gryffindor Common Room late Saturday night, and everybody else was asleep. It had been a good day, full of fun and relaxation. It was the most relaxed Harry had been in a very long time.
"I don't even want to think about it," groaned Ron, squeezing his eyes closed. It was a horrible thing to have in his mind.
"Well, I like Buffy, and if she and Snape are... together, then I'll respect that. I won't like it very much, but I'll respect it," Hermione said, setting aside her large book on Hinkledoos, furry creatures that ate fingernails.
Harry nodded absently, his mind on the image of Buffy and Snape walking through Hogsmeade, talking and getting along. The image was scary. "It is strange," he said. "But if they are... together, then maybe she'll help him become not so bitter. It'll be good all around."
"That's true." Ron brightened considerably. If Buffy and Snape got... together, then Snape wouldn't be a cranky git all the time, and their lives would therefore be easier. He was struck with a brilliant idea. "Tomorrow, why don't we visit her and tell her that we think it's a good idea that they are...together?"
Hermione stopped reading in a middle of a sentence and raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Ron, just because they were walking and having a civil conversation does not mean that they are...together. I believe that we shouldn't jump to conclusions and do something foolish, and possibly embarrassing to all involved."
"I guess so," Ron mumbled. Harry nodded in agreement.
"You know what?" Harry asked. Ron and Hermione looked at him in curiosity. "I think that Sirius likes Buffy."
This made Hermione close her book all the way and Ron set down his half eaten chocolate frog. They contemplated this thought, and Hermione smiled. "I can see it," she said. "I think that they would be very cute together. And Harry, if they get married, you two would be kind of related. Not blood or by law, but because Sirius is your Godfather."
When they went to bed, Harry's thoughts were focused on that one thing. He was supposed to live with Sirius this next summer, and having Buffy there would be fun. He went to bed with a smile.
……………
Once again, Buffy was patrolling alone. She had a lot to think about, mainly Snape and his insistence in blaming himself for not being able to let go of what he had done, and the way he taught. He was a good teacher, full of life. At least when he was talking to her. He made learning seem interesting when he was teaching her about Hogwarts. And when they had gotten onto the subject of Potions, he became passionate. Buffy could tell that he loved his job, even if he was always bitter to the students and teachers.
Her thoughts turned to Oz. He had left two days ago to London so he could buy a few supplies, like clothes and magic things. He was expected back tomorrow. When he got to Hogwarts, Buffy was going to sit him down and tell him he needed to go see Willow, who still thought he was dead. Buffy wrote them a letter every week, but she hadn't said anything about Oz. It wasn't her place to tell them. It was Oz's job, and she wanted him to do it right, and soon. She remembered how sad she had been when they learned that Oz was dead. Willow was practically devastated. She had cried for a week straight before Tara-
Her thoughts were cut off when she heard a snap behind her. Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Buffy whipped around and pulled out a wickedly carved knife. She didn't feel any vampires around, and if it was a demon she wanted to be prepared. But it wasn't a demon. Out stepped a person in a long black cloak, the hood pulled up to cover their head. In their hand was a wand.
Buffy rolled her eyes and groaned. "Oh, come on! Not again. Didn't you learn last time I kicked your ass? Go back to Pordenmart and tell him that he's not gonna win and to back off." She had every intention in continuing her rant, but at that moment at least 10 more Death Eaters stepped out of the shrubbery and surrounded her. Buffy's shoulders drooped as she thought about the upcoming fight. She was bound to ruin her clothing, for sure.
Dropping into a fighters stance, she tried to keep them all in her sights. They rushed and the fight began. It didn't last very long. Buffy drop kicked one of them, then swept the feet out from under another before doing a summersault and punching another one. The one she had tripped had already gotten up, and aimed his wand at her. She grabbed his hand and twisted. Hearing it crack, she shoved him into two other Death Eaters, knocking them over, and she turned one who was approaching.
She heard someone shout something, then an awful pain coursed through her body. Trying to fight it off, she swung her fist at the Death Eater, and he went down. Buffy turned to another one, only to hear then shout another curse and she felt the pain double. Falling to her knees, she lashed out at the Death Eater that come close enough before collapsing on the ground.
……………
It was some time later before she awoke. She didn't wake up in a nice white room this time. Instead she was in a dark, dank dungeon, chained up to the wall. Her body felt like it had been hit by a semi truck, then ran over repeatedly. Buffy swallowed, her throat parched. Boy, was she thirsty. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the pain in her bones and the various aches in her joints. Extending her senses, she knew she was in the house that she was in the first time. She felt Death Eaters wandering around, and then she felt something evil. And it was right outside her door.
Opening up her eyes, Buffy heard the door the dungeon creak open, and Voldemort swept in. While before he had been polite to her in hopes of her joining his side, this time he radiated positive hate. He wanted to kill her. But he was also curious. She could tell, which was why he hadn't yet killed her. Maybe if Buffy could play on that curiosity, she could find some way to escape. Voldemort stopped in front of her.
His hood was down so she could see everything of his face. Eyes small and round, like a snakes. His nose was slitted. Buffy expected a forked snakes tongue to sweep out of his mouth, but the thin lips stayed close and the beady, malicious eyes glared at her. At length, he spoke.
"For a very long time, I have been feared by all excepting Dumbledore and the Potter kid. But I look at you and see no fear. I see… contempt, and that is a very fascinating thing to see because no one has been brave enough to hold me in contempt. I feel that I should give you another chance." He paused, and Buffy stared at him in suspicion.
Another chance for what? she wondered, yet didn't say anything. They continued the staring contest for a few moments before Voldemort hissed in annoyance. He pulled out his wand and muttered a curse under his breath. Buffy didn't hear what he said, but she felt it. Hot needle pricks went through her body, but she didn't scream. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction. She squeezed her hands together, and her nails broke the skin of her palm. Blood trailed down her arm. After what seemed like hours, but surely couldn't have been more that two minutes, the pain stopped and still Voldemort stared at her. She glared at him hatefully.
Then he laughed. It was an evil sound. Dry and rusty. "I have caused you pain, you know that I can easily cause you more, and yet you do not fear me. Why is that?"
Buffy felt that it was time to speak. "How can someone fear something so pitiful?" She asked, her throat practically screaming in protest. She still glared at him, refusing to look away from those eyes that spoke of such anger and unchecked fury.
"I do believe that you would be a great asset to my cause. Tell me, is there anything that can…persuade you to change your mind?" Voldemort asked, tapping his wand against his palm.
At that moment, a terrible idea began to shape in Buffy's head. It was something that she shouldn't think about, for she was most likely going to get killed for it, but it was the only idea she had. She smiled a positively evil little smile and Voldemort almost shuddered.
"So, there is something," he said, seeing her beginning to crumble.
"Oh yeah. There's something that can persuade me." And she and Voldemort began to plan.
………………
(Sunday, Oct. 4)
It was raining. That was the first thing Draco noticed when he got up on Sunday. Outside, the sky was a dark, rolling gray mass of clouds. Lightning struck every once in a while, and thunder sounded loudly. The rain cascaded down in angry torrents. The second thing he noticed was the deep feeling of wrongness in his stomach. Jumping up out of bed, he got dressed and hurried to the Great Hall. It was filled with silent students. Hardly a murmur could be heard. Dumbledore and the rest of the teachers were at the Head table, and none of them spoke. It was as if they knew something was terribly wrong.
Sitting down at the Slytherin table, Draco's eyes kept darting around. Potter and his friends were already at the table, and their conversation was hushed. They weren't eating any food, instead they had a few pieces of parchment out and Hermione was rapidly writing something down. Turning his attention away from them, Draco looked hard at Dumbledore. He looked worried, which was enough to scare Draco shitless because he had never really seen Dumbledore look worried. There was no Summers to be seen anywhere. Then Draco had a terrible thought.
Something had happened to her. He knew it, just like he knew his world was going to change when he first saw her walk into the Great Hall. Black was staring bleakly at his food, and even Snape was looking sort of blank. Standing up, Draco made his way to the Head table. When he got there, he stood beside Dumbledore for a full ten seconds before he realized that he didn't notice him. But the student body had. Clearing his throat, he frowned when Dumbledore whipped his head around and stared at him in surprise.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. How can I help you?" He asked with forced cheerfulness.
"What's going on?" Draco asked, not even bothering to lower his voice. Draco Malfoy was anything but timid. If he wanted to know something, then he damn well found out!
Dumbledore sighed and looked over at Black, who nodded his head. "Very well. I suppose we can't really keep a secret, at least not in this school." He stood up and clapped his hands, not that he needed to since everybody was staring at him avidly. "This morning, we discovered the unfortunate fact that Professor Summers is missing once again."
The Hall filled with murmurs. Harry looked at his friends, paling. That wasn't good. Not good at all. "How are we going to find her?" He asked, standing up to face Dumbledore. The students quieted once again.
"We have Aurors out looking for her right now. You will be informed the moment we find her, but for now we can only wait and hope that that Professor comes back safe."
……………(Back in Sunnydale)……………
Dawn tapped her pencil against her homework, hoping Shawna came back to their dorm room soon. She could really use her help since she had taken the same Mythology class last year. Glancing back at the paper, she threw her pencil across the room in frustration, the groaned when it bounced off the door. Banging her head on the bed, she knew it was futile to continue. Setting aside the binder, Dawn stood up and stretched. She had been laying there for three hours.
At the moment, the door opened and Shawna entered with two Starbucks cups. Sighing in relief, she hurried to her. "You are a Goddess, Shawn. I love you to bits and pieces," Dawn said, taking the coffee and sipping it. She closed her eyes in satisfaction. "And where have you been?" she asked her, opening her eyes.
Shawna grinned and held up a bag. "Shopping," she said, pulling off her coat and tossing it on her bed. "It's my cousins birthday tomorrow, and I got him this book on mythology. He took it last year also."
"Oh?" Dawn asked, interested. "And which cousin is this?"
"Rick," Shawna said nonchalantly, grinning to herself. She knew Dawn liked him, even if she hadn't said so.
Dawn grew quiet, thinking about the man in question. Oh, what a hunka, hunka burnin' love, she thought. If only she would get invited to the party. Eyes narrowed, she stared at her friend in suspicion when she giggled. "Something fun, Shawn?" She asked in a dangerous tone.
"Oh, no," Shawna replied innocently, turning to her and widening her eyes. "Do you want to come to the party? I can ask Rick if you do," she offered.
Dawn smiled, the squealed, giving her roommate a big hug. Then she turned to her closet and began to pick out the outfit she would wear tomorrow.
She couldn't wait to tell Buffy.
………………………..
So, this is it. Review, please.
Ooh, pointless question: What is your favorite quote?