A/n: (I know technology does not work at Hogwarts. Though I thought I'd make an exception for Diagon Alley. If this is wrong please tell me which page it says so in the Harry Potter books and I'll change it…)
Thanks to all my reviewers, the nice and not so nice ones. Notes to reviewers:
Ifka: I took into account that the last chapter was a bit rushed; so I slowed this one down to give a bit more description. Hopefully it is a bit more improved.
Hopefully Dawn sounds a bit more excited by Diagon Alley in this chapter.
Aomizuoko: Thank you for your kind review.
SailorNeo: Pairings will be evident when classes commence in the next chapter.
Skidddddddddz: Yes, I have spelt Hermione right in this chapter. I do not mind constructive criticism with an emphasis on the constructive side. Example: if something is wrong, do not say it is wrong without giving a reasonable alternative. Though I must say that polite reviews are generally better received by most people, even when only commenting. I am sure some authors would agree with me on that point.
Aomizuoko: Thanks for adding me to your favourites and alert list.
SailorNeo: Thanks for adding me to your alert list.
I feel, even though it sounds pompous that I must state the obviouse today. Which is, nobody is forcing you to read this chapter. So only read it if you are actually interested. Here is chapter two for those who want to read it.
Chapter 2: Dawn"Er – um I really have to go now, Buffy wants me," Dawn said hurriedly.
"But you had half an hour and it's only been ten minutes," Hermione protested.
"I can just tell, see you," Dawn picked up all the books and hurried away. Leaving a bewildered Hermione behind her. Ron and Harry were too busy talking about Quidditch to mind if Dawn was there or not.
Breathing heavily she stopped down the street to catch her breath. The students knew far too much. Until they had been properly introduced to the curriculum Dawn wasn't allowed to say anything. It wasn't easy, Dawn felt guilty for not telling Hermione anything about what she was in for this year. Yet there was nothing she could do about it without getting herself into trouble.
She sighed grumpily and put her IPOD on. Realising that this was probably the last time she'd be able to play music until the holidays. Skipping tracks to the next song Avril Lavigne, Skater Boy, Dawn sung along.
"He was a boy, she was a girl can I make it anymore obvious? She was a punk she did ballet, what more can I say?" Dawn hummed the rest. Ignoring the fact that the some of the purebloods probably wouldn't know what an IPOD was and might consider her crazy singing to herself like that.
"There is more than meets the eye…" Dawn continued. Bored, she changed to a Linkin Park track and played the first few riffs before skipping to a techno song. She slouched against the wall. Resting her arms from book carrying.
Excited witches and wizards passed carrying pet owls or stopping to gossip about the Daily Prophet news. More than ever Dawn wished she could be a part of their world. To be accepted as something more than just an ex-glowing-mystical ball of energy, a teenager and the slayers' kid sister.
Now Dawn decided what harm could it do to visit Fred and George's Joke shop? Grinning at the idea she turned of her music and jogged down the street to the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes joke shop. Struggling to open the door with the bags of books in arms, she forced her way into the store. It was crowded with Hogwarts noisy students. Toy spiders hung from the roof, along with other moving animals on strings; whilst a bodiless arm spun around the room punching customers in the head. Dawn squeaked as one of the Weasley twins dived into her in attempt to catch the punching arm. All of the books scattered across the floor.
"Oh, I am so sorry miss, as you can see the Punching Arm got out of its cage," the red headed boy helped Dawn gather the books. Whilst his brother wrestled the punching arm to the ground and locked it in a cage. Feeling silly Dawn smiled as the red head handed her the book bags.
"Curses and Vampires?" the shop owner laughed.
"Not exactly school curriculum," his twin said cheerily.
"No, they're my friend Giles's books," Dawn explained.
"Ah, odd chap he is. Must think the world's out to get him."
"Yes well, sometimes it is," Dawn laughed.
"My name's Fred, this is my brother George, again sorry for knocking you over. Oi, Melinda we need more trick wands!" Fred called. He excused himself and ran to the counter. Where dozens of students lined up with arms full of joke supplies.
Inspecting everything, Dawn decided she would buy something and try to hide it from Buffy. There were a total of ten galleons in her pocket. Unable to buy a real wand Dawn picked up a trick one as a reasonably good substitute. Also chose one toy fire breathing dragon, guaranteed: to breath flame for two minutes at a time, keep away from anything flammable, unless intended. They were about the size of a fist made of a soft jelly substance and came in every colour; Dawn chose deep red. One hard squeeze started the dragon's flames.
She also bought one packet of exploding snap and a remembrall, the minute she picked it up the ball changed colour. Blushing, Dawn realised that she'd been shopping for over half an hour. The line had considerably shortened. Thus Dawn stopped looking at all the merchandise to buy her three products.
"Two galleons," Fred said.
"Thanks." Dawn stuffed the purchases into her blue shoulder bag.
Proceeding that she pushed her way out of the jam packed shop and ran full pelt to the Leaky Cauldron. Skidding to a halt at the entrance Dawn waited for two old wizards to exit before entering.
Buffy glared up at her from a small table in the corner. Biting her lip Dawn weaved her way around the adults to reach them. Ready for the lecture of a life time she sighed and sat, dumping the book bags down.
"Fifteen minutes late," Buffy said.
"I'm sorry I got carried away. It's not every day that your favourite fantasy novel turns out to be true," Dawn explained.
"I know what you mean," Willow grinned.
"Don't encourage her Willow. Dawn isn't a witch and shouldn't be around so much magic," Buffy shook her head.
"Fewf, I thought you were going to be mad," Dawn laughed.
"I am annoyed, Dawn. You will stay with us for the rest of the day. You didn't buy anything did you?" Buffy asked.
"Well, er, no," Dawn lied.
"Empty your bag," Buffy ordered. With a deep sigh Dawn tipped out the contents of her shoulder bag. There was the: trick wand, the fire breathing dragon toy, exploding snap and a remembrall, along with her black purse, blue IPOD, mobile phone, pen, note pad and muggle camera.
"Hand them over," Buffy ordered.
"No way, you'll just use them yourself," Dawn complained.
"I doubt Buffy will have any use for a trick wand," Giles laughed.
"Yeah but the fire breathing dragon will come in totally handy for vampires."
"I don't care Dawn I'm looking out for you. Hogwarts isn't your world so the less attached you get to it the better." Buffy sighed and scooped up the magic toys. Positively fuming, Dawn shoved her muggle items back into her bag.
"I paid two galleons for those," Dawn whined. Reluctantly Buffy gave Dawn two galleons, which were grudgingly pocketed.
"You know you shouldn't even have galleons."
"I need to be able to buy my own food if I go out, Buffy."
"You can't keep her away from magic completely. She will be there for the whole year," Xander reminded them.
"Her is sitting right here, Xander," Dawn frowned and folded her arms.
"Sorry, anyhow we had better get to Hogwarts and set up the training rooms."
"You said it Xander. Let's go," Buffy smiled. For the first time since training potentials Buffy felt like she would actually be recognised for something her and the gang accomplished.
It was a long wearily journey back to Hogwarts. From disliking magical travel Buffy insisted that they walk. Dawn felt like complaining the whole time but realised that wouldn't be well received. Finally they reached Hogwarts and all Dawn wanted to do was dump Giles's books and go to sleep in the comfy heated bed.