Disclaimer: No money is being made or received for this work in her playground of characters.
Field Trip Part Three - Old Friends...
The next moment the nine people were standing in front of a store called 'Sunnydale Magic Shop'. Spike let loose of Rowan's hand and walked stiffly intothe store.
"Mom, where the hell is Sunnydale?" Madison asked.
"California."
"Wait a minute." Hermione said. "Sunnydale… California… as in Hellmouth central?"
"Yes."
"Hellmouth… as in… no way… the high school is OVER the Hellmouth." Draco said. "That Sunnydale, California?"
"Yes. You can all stay out here if you want. But we have appointments to keep inside, not out here." About the time she said 'inside' a petite blonde ran by, muttering apologies, and entered the store.
Mason, stillwithout saying a word, followed her. Rowan and the others did the same.
The Magic Shop's door dinged when it opened and Mason led the way in. He stood, just inside the doors, and took one step to the left; crossing his arms and looking around; undoubtedly trying to see what was special about this room. The store was full of the normal items; unless one looked very close, of course. Crystal Balls and potion ingredients; books everywhere, but if you looked closer, you realized that most of them were very old and no one was allowed to touch them, let alone purchase them.
The owner, Rupert Giles, was English, very English; as in the type of English that drank hot tea for breakfast. Behind the front desk, and Mr. Giles' computer. But the English-librarian-turned-Magic-Shop-owner never used the computer. That was up to the petite red-head to use it to look information for the petite blonde that looked as though she didn't know how to read. You also realized with a little effort that there was a dark headed guy who seemed useless and a could not help but notice that the woman beside him thought he hung the moon. She was loud and obnoxious and it was obvious that she had not gotten enough sleep.
"Rowan? Is that you?" Rowan extricated herself from her group of teenagers and walked to the warm embrace of the one they would be introduced to as Rupert Giles.
"How are you Rupert?" They talked quietly for a few moments, before she turned and introduced the group that she had brought. "My two, Mason and Madison Black," he eyed her but said nothing, "Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, and…"
"My God. You must be Weasleys." He interrupted.
Ginny stuck out her hand, "Ginny Weasley, and this is my brother, Ron. How did you know?"
"The amount of time I spend with Arthur and Molly in school? How could I not have known you?" He brushed Ginny's hand aside and drew her into a hug. As he turned to look closer at Ron but hesitated to hug him. "Uhm Rowan, what happened to him?" He looking closer, he realized that Harry and Madison were also covered in their own bruises and blood.
"They met Gunn and Spike at Wolfram and Hart. Learned about weapons." she answered casually.
They followed him to a large table and found seats for everyone. Rupert smiled and clearly wanted to ask additional questions, but instead, turned and introduced his own group of people.
"Buffy Summers, Slayer; Willow Rosenberg, chief nerd; Oz, werewolf and the keeper of the peace; Xander," his voice lowered to a whisper, "I have no idea why he is part of this.", His voice returned to normal, "This is Faith, second slayer, don't ask, long story; Anya, former Vengeance Demon; and of course, me, Rupert Giles, their keeper. Used to be Watcher, but I was… let go when… it isn't important."
Everyone seemed to acknowledge one another, with just a hint of mistrust. Rowan looked to Rupert to see if he wanted to start this meeting. He shook his head no, so she stood. "Thank you for letting us come. We have spent the weekend with your friends in Los Angeles. Angelus… sorry… Angel says hello to you all. Fred sends a special request that you come for a visit Willow, something about a new program she developed. Anyway, we are here because there is a prophesy that basically says that the Dark Lord Voldemort's days are numbers and Harry here has to vanquish him."
Buffy interrupted her. "Want some help? We do this stuff all the time. Would love to get a trip to England out of it. That would be way cool." she looked to Harry, who gulped, as Ginny squeezed his hand on the table. Faith eyed Ron with a look of pure lust. Hermione, who was sitting near Willow did not miss the look.
"Err, I dunno. Does she need to help us?"
"That's why we're here. What we would like from you is a commitment to help us if the war actually breaks out. There will be demons and hell-creatures that we will not have time to research. Honestly, we don't know what Voldemort has up his sleeves. But they seem very full lately. Would you consider being willing to help us should we find we need it?"
Rupert said "Of course you can Rowan. We will always help anyone associated with Dumbledore."
"The most important things we need to research, and I fear we won't have enough time to do it tonight. We probably ought to go to the hotel, get some rest and start early in the morning. What time is best?"
"Eight is early enough, it gives Buffy and Faith a few hours of sleep and everyone is going to skip classes tomorrow to help with this project. What exactly are we looking for?"
Rowan looked to the teenagers before answering, "Rupert, we need to know how to vanquish that which won't die?" Willow, ever knowledgeable, offered her assistance with that project.
The hotel rooms were small but suitable for the night's stay. Rowan got everyone up at 7:45 and gave them enough time to be in her room at 7:55. They shimmered behind a Donut Shop, picked up breakfast, and made it to the Magic Shop at 8:03.
Hermione and Draco joined Willow, who was still wearing the same outfit from the previous night for research. She was excited and talked faster than Hermione when she had figured out something. She believed she had found what the others were seeking and was eager to share it.
"So, how can I best help? Can I help you kick his Moldy butt back to hell?" Buffy asked innocently.
Faith stepped next to Ron; "I have a few ideas as to how to help this one…" he gulped and looked as though he would have liked to run away. Harry gulped again and said nothing. Ron, even though he was very tired, suggested that maybe they could help their fighting techniques. Harry, Ron, and Ginny followed them to the backroomGym for another work out.
Mason and Madison looked at each other, realizing that neither had a clue what to do next. Rupert indicated that they could spend time with Xander and Anya, and do some interviews to see if anyone knew anything about the dark lord or his followers. The four left to talk to speak to Willy, who owned a bar downtown.
When they were finally alone, Rowan turned to him, "Rupert, thank you for not mentioning Sirius."
"You haven't told them?" He was a bit surprised, but knowing the history, wasn't completely shocked.
"No, I told them, they know, but just not everything. Magic and this world is all new to them. I will have to go into detail soon, but I just had their powers unbound." She went on to explainthe details of the ceremony. Beforean abrupt change in topic, she asked, "Did you know that I had to call in a life debt with Wesley to have him help Mason understand the Cowan genealogy, magical binding of powers, and memory charms. He got a big dose of information this weekend, and he's smart, I don't know how much he already has figured out. He didn't say anything when he met in Los Angeles. You know, Wesley flat out refused until I mentioned that Mason was a Black."
Taking a sip of coffee, she continued, "And Angel wasn't exactly the most hospitable of hosts either. He called his interaction with Sirius' mother a 'hell dimension.' " She laughed for a moment with Rupert, before turning serious for a moment, "Was he that sulky when he saved me from Mrs. Black all those years ago?"
Rupert nodded, and then thought for a few moments of his time in the Order of the Phoenix. He had known Sirius, Remus, James, and Lily. Rowan was not an active part of it, but was seen at many of the get-togethers. "I apologize. I should have warned you about how he felt about Mrs. Black."
"Forgiven. I feel the same way. Look, next term, if all goes well, I will have these seven teenagers in seclusion at the Cowan Estatefor a few months of intense training. I believe they are the fulfillment of the prophesy. I wondered if… maybe… your group would be willing to help on a regular basis next term. They can stay either at Hogwart's or the Estate. But I know I will need help."
"We are at a good time, but we cannot be gone for months at a time. The Hellmouth is much too sensitive to just leave here. Buffy is working here as a counselor now, but she would like to also have some kind of a social life at some point. At least, I think she would. Faith, well, she shows up and helps then becomes a neurotic individual and tries to kill the good guys," he finished, lost in thought.
"How about Saturdays? I can get a portkey sanctioned for every Saturday morning or something, for your group to come over and spend all day training and researching.
"That might work, if you can get it past the ministry. They have never helped the Slayer before now."
That brought a smile to her face, "Yes, but… Rupert, did you know that the core of my wand is the hair of a Slayer?" Rupert shook his head, but looked intrigued. She nodded, showing the small pouch and then the wand. He took it, twirling the small one in his hand.
"Any idea which slayer?" He asked. She shook her head no as he handed it back to her.
After securing it in the pouch on her wrist once again, she went on, "Have you heard Fudge is out of office?" He shook his head no. "Yes, replaced by one… Arthur Weasley. I think we can pull of a set port keys as needed." She finished, gauging the reaction of his old friend. Arthur, Molly, Rupert and Ethan had gone to school together long ago and had been very close friends before would understand that if Arthur was in charge, they would have full Ministry cooperation.
"If I write them, can you give them the letter when you see them next?" She nodded, and watched as he left the room to write a letter to his old friends.
Buffy, Faith, Ginny, Ron, and Harry came back first. Harry and Ron were bloody, but surprisingly, so were the slayers. It appeared that there was a good match going on.When they were cleaned by a bit of magic, they fell into easy conversation with Rowan. About the time that she suggested they find the others, the doors opened. Oz, Willow, Hermione, Ginny, Ron, Madison and Mason, were followed by Xander and Anya, who seemed a bit mussed.
"So, I thought we would go on up to San Francisco for a day or so. Are you ready?"
Ginny stepped up, "Rowan? Can we go to the Bronze with everyone tonight?"
There were way too many bad things that were associated with this plan. "The Bronze?" she asked, clearly stalling for more time.
Anya stepped into the conversation "It's so the coolest club. We go every chance we get. Live bands, lots of food, dancing, and few adults." her eyes twinkled as she finished. Xander blushed. Rowan looked to Giles.
"I don't think that you have the… clothes to go out to some place like that…"
Before she could finish, Willow launched into some off handed speech about not worrying what everyone was going to wear. They would just go and listen to Oz's band. But Buffy cut her off. "I think it is mondo important what they wear."
Rowan put her hands out to silence everyone. "Okay… I was just going to say that if you don't have the clothes to go out tonight, you should go shopping!" And she produced her seven students with ID's and credit cards. "Now, as much as I dread telling you this, there are no limits on the cards. Now go before I realize what an idiot I am!"
Buffy looked at her for a minute. "Rowan? You can come over and hang with my mom and Giles tonight. She's gonna leave the gallery early and maybe you could have dinner or something."
"Thank you, Rupert will show me the way, I am sure." And with that, the teens departed the school and headed over to the mall.
Shopping with Wizards
Ron, Ginny, and Draco were awestruck by the Sunnydale Mall. There were three floors of lights, signs, and clothes to be rummaged through. Xander and Oz, who could not dress well to save their lives, took pity on Ron and Draco and led them away from the group, with Harry and Mason following them.
Ginny, Faith, Hermione, Buffy, Madison, Anya, and Willow went to Victoria Secrets. Buffy and Madison told them that they had to start with the proper foundation. Lacy bras and thongs were high on the must have list for the group of witches. Anya asked who they were going to show off for, but no one bothered to answer. Hermione's eyes narrowed again when she heard Faith say something about "…a gorgeous red-head…" but chose not to say anything for the moment.
Much to the delight of the sales person, the girls purchased no less than a dozen sets each. The next store was one called 'Hot Topic'. This was more of a grunge store, but Madison and Faith went wild buying shoes, t-shirts and earrings. Madison found an amazing lace up peasant type strapless leather top. Faith eyed it with envy.
The boys met up at the leather shop. Ron looked at a rack of brown leather pants, while Draco eyed the black leather ones. It took little convincing to have the boys both go try them on. Ron, with two years of hard quidditch training had never been in better shape, filled his pants out well, extremely well. He bought a pair in brown, navy, and black, along with shoes, boots, and belts. Draco tried on a long fitted black leather coat and a pair of pants. When Ron saw the coat, he tied on one as well, the jacket was fitted at the hip line and a long flowing one, much like Draco's. By the end of their time in the store, the four boys had purchased several thousand dollars worth of leather clothing. Just for giggles, Draco purchased Xander and Oz a pair of leather pants as well. Harry and Mason bought one of everything that fitted them. The sales person, who seemed to be about sixteen and worked on commission, kissed each boy as they left the store.
The next stop for the girls were dresses and strappy high-heel sandals. Buffy was in charge of this part of the expedition. Everyone left that store with a new dress for the evening that was sure to get their boyfriends' attention.
When they met back at the central fountain, they were each carrying so many bags that they couldn't see over the top of them. The large group walked into a hallway towards the back of the mall. Hermione opened her bag on her charm bracelet and impressed everyone by utilizing her gift, depositing every single purchase into it.
With shopping done, the group decided they needed to see Sunnydale. The biggest attraction Buffy wanted to show Harry was the cemetary that Buffy and Faith had found so many demons to fight. He had been to a graveyard once, when Voldemort had gotten his body back, and could not imagine fighting his nightmares long enough to be of use, yet, these kids from California seemed to do it every night. Suddenly, he understood why they were there. They would teach them how to finally fight their weaknesses.
With no demons wandering around in the California sun, it seemed best to go back to Buffy's and sort out the clothes and get ready for the evening. Rowan was already there with Rupert and Joyce when they came in. The teens came in and started talking at once to the adults. Ron's face was animated as he talked about the lights in the mall. Rowan and Joyce listened intently until they finished. Joyce suggested that they get dressed, and Rowan, smiling, also requested the return of the credit cards.
Buffy's room was overflowing with teenagers, boxes and bags. Ron blushed when he opened one of the Victoria Secret Bags. Hermione turned even redder than Ron as she grabbed it away from him. When the packages were divided appropriately, Madison took her things and left with Willow to get ready at her house; while Xander took Mason and Draco with him to his house to get ready.
Oz left them to get ready; as he would be playing that evening, he would need to arrive early to meet the rest of his band.
Harry took the first shower, and then went to the spare bedroom to get ready. It was hard for Harry to decide what to wear to impress Ginny. Standing in the bedroom in his t-shirt and boxers, he heard Ginny call the shower and the door shut; thinking fast, he sought Hermione for help. She decided that he should wear a tight pair of black leather pants with a deep red turtleneck. He hugged and thanked her. While in his arms, she whispered that she liked Ron when he wore blue. With a smile she went back to Buffy's room.
The kids clean and clothes picked out, were exhausted from the day and decided to nap. Hermione, much to the irritation of Faith, left Buffy's room in a pair of shorts and a tank-top. She watched the bushy-haired girl walk to Ron's room and enter it, shutting the door behind. Hermione was tired, but with so much having gone on in the past few days, was afraid to even try to sleep alone. She curled up on one of the twin beds and was immediately asleep in the arms of Ron. Harry slept on the next bed over, missing Ginny more than he cared to admit.
Ginny had not left Buffy's room. She had finally seen what Hermione had seen earlier. Ginny sat on the edge of Buffy's bed and looked at the dark headed slayer. "You do know that Hermione and my brother are a couple - don't you?"
Faith eyed her carefully, "Uhm, no, didn't know that. Why?"
"Because you seem to be unable to stay away from Ron and you keep giving Hermione dirty looks when they hold hands or when they are together. I just want you to know that Hermione is one of the smartest witches you will ever meet, and honestly, she is very protective of my brother and my boyfriend Harry. Before you could raise your hand to hit her, she would stun you and leave you on the ground. I would seriously suggest that you just leave Ron alone. Hermione is not a good one to have for an enemy." With that, Ginny stood, crossed the room, and upon entering the room of her brother and Harry, lay in Harry's arms and slept for an hour.
Rowan woke them at 7:30 to get ready for the evening. Around 9:00 that evening, the boys were downstairs talking to Giles, Joyce, and Rowan. Joyce had pulled out a photo album and was showing Mason a picture of him, Madison and Buffy playing in a kiddy pool when they were about four years old. Turns out that Joyce had lived next door to Rowan's uncle and they had met one summer. It took them awhile to have figured it out, but there was no mistake of who the three blondes as they played and splashed.
Buffy came in first and sat comfortably next to Mason to look at the pictures. Someone cleared her throat as Ron turned to see Hermione in a light blue strapless mini-dress and heels. Buffy had fixed her hair in sleek long curls which flowed down her back. Her earrings, which Madison had picked out earlier, were dangling imitation sapphires surrounded by silver. Her neck, fully exposed, had a silver and sapphire choker. Ron's mouth dropped open. Faith, which had come down moments before, in a red leather mini-dress, looked as though she had been slapped by his lack of interest in her.
Harry stood next to him and was clearly impressed, but not nearly impressed as when he saw Ginny come down the stairs in a dark green mini-dress, complete with high heels and gold and emerald jewelry. Her hair was swept up in a twist of some kind with simple tendrils in tiny curls falling around her face. She smiled broadly when her eyes met Harry's.
Buffy leaned over to Mason and asked him if he was impressed by these two; Mason looked at the two girls and gawked for a moment before catching himself, "They aren't Katie," he answered her with a carefully controlled voice. She looked at him questioningly but said nothing, preferring to stare at her new friends who were now whispering to each other.
The Bronze was packed at the prospect of Oz's band playing. When they arrived from Buffy's house, they were met by a frustrated Willow. Madison was at the bar getting a drink while waiting. It seems that Madison, apparently had not been pleased with Willow's choice of clothing, and had dressed her in one of her new dresses. Willow was stunning in a short dark green dress and sandals. Her hair was still down, but it was curled and flowed across her shoulders. She looked so much like Ginny that it made Harry and Ron stop and stare for a moment. Willow, however, did not notice. She was babbling about the drummer being sick and everyone mad because there was not going to be any live music. Mason grinned at Harry and excused himself. Spotting Oz, he asked what was going on.
"The drummer is sick. He can't play. Man they are getting upset out there." he said as he peered out from behind the curtains.
"Accio, Drumsticks!" Mason said as he raised his hand. A few seconds later, his drumsticks broke through and upper window backstage and landed perfectly in his hands. "I think I can help" Mason said non-plussed.
"You don't know our music." Oz said with more worry than necessary.
"Trust me. I can play anything. I'll follow just fine."
Excitement broke across the usually relaxed face, "Let's do it then!" The curtain opened and Mason took his seat behind the drums. Buffy pointed and whispered to Willow. Willow's face broke out of the fear it showed moments before and pride glowed from her body as the band started playing.
Harry and Ginny, followed by Ron and Hermione went to the dance floor. Spike came in and asked Buffy to dance. After a bit of convincing, Buffy joined him leaving Willow and Draco. Faith danced with someone no one had seen before. He finally laughed, grabbed her hand and led Willow out to the dance floor. The song, a fast one, did not call for any touching, which is good because Madison joined the table about a minute after Draco started dancing with Willow.
Xander spotted Anya, waved, and made his way to her. She and Madison were standing together. Madison's eyes narrowed dangerously over Xander's shoulder, when she saw Draco dancing with the beautiful red-head she spent so much time to get ready.
Rather than make a ridiculous scene, she walked with Xander and Anya to the dance floor. Draco saw Xander and Anya, but did not, at first, recognize Madison. He stopped dancing when he realized it was Madison, bruise free thanks to a concealment charm, wearing a strapless, black leather mini dress that laced up the front, high heels and garter belts with black stockings. Her hair was pulled up in the back and blonde curls fell around her face. Her breasts were pushed up as she raised her arms up to dance.
Draco was hit several times by other dancers because he could not move out of their way as he stared at her. The music stopped between the songs. Madison met eyes with Draco and she smiled. She walked toward him. Her eyes did not leave Draco's, until a large dark-headed guy swept in front of her, grabbed her by the waist and began dancing with her. She turned her head several times to continue to look at Draco and the guy leaned in close for a slow song. Draco stood; mesmerized at the sight of the woman he was falling in love with, dance with another man.
Harry and Ginny; and Ron and Hermione, were lost in the music and the feeling of escape on the dance floor. Xander and Anya partnered off as Faith came and took Draco in her arms and began to seductively dance with him. Draco never stopped watching Madison and she never took her eyes from his as they each danced with the others. Madison was passed from guy to guy at the end of each song. After dancing with at least nine different guys, Madison attempted to break away from the large guy who had grabbed her for the next dance. He didn't seem to want to let go. She turned in his arms in an attempt to get away from him. He was dragging her away with him as the next song started. He held her close and started dancing again.
Madison pulled out of his grasp. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back. She yelled at him to let her go, but the music was too loud. Draco noticed her trouble first. He was now dancing with Willow, but had stayed where he could see Madison. He stood for a moment watching to see if she would use her magic or just hit the Neanderthal in the nose. When she did nether, Draco left Willow, found himself flanked by Faith, and approached them cautiously. They were met by several of his friends who just seemed to appear out of nowhere to intercept anyone getting too close to their friend and his dance partner. The song played on as Draco felt Ron and Harry stand by his sides. Buffy stepped in front of them, looking at each boy who now had their wands raised, "NO MAGIC!" she yelled over the music. Draco pocketed his wand as did the other boys.
Each stood toe to toe with the ones trying to keep them away from the dancing couple. Hermione joined Spike, Willow, Xander, and Anya at the table. Willow looked at Hermione and asked what they should do. Her reply was not heard as Buffy picked up one of the larger guys and threw him across the table. Faith drew two off to the side and was seen punching one while kicking the other. Spike was laying odds as to whether the wizards would even get a hit in on the local guys.
Draco hit the one directly in front of him as he heard Madison scream. Harry dropped two of them while Ron had knocked his guy on the ground and was currently beating the hell out of him. Finally, Draco knocked his foe out, watching him for a moment, as he turned to the struggling Madison. He tapped the guy on the shoulder. When they were face to face he drunkenly asked what his problem was.
Draco said nothing. He could see her gasp for breath, holding her ribcage, as her ribs were still tender from the weekend with Gunn. Her dress was half unlaced and her skirt was above the top of her stockings. Her hair had dropped in several places and her lipstick was smeared across her cheek. Her dance partner was wearing the same smear. Draco was angry. He lifted his fist back and hit the guy as hard as his rage would allow him. The man stood for a moment the, with his eyes rolling back in his head, fell with a thud to the floor. The music had stopped about the same time the fight did. Buffy was complaining that she broke a nail on the "…bad ass-ey wannabes."
Draco, sure that there were no more idiots to fight, went to Madison. She was still on the ground holding her ribs crying; she apologized over and over as he held her close. Their friends flanked them as Mason left the stage to check on his sister. Oz tried to calm the crowd from the stage. Citing that there was nothing wrong and everyone should continue dancing. He played an acoustic song while hoping that Mason would return. After being sure that his sister was okay, he did return to the stage and the real music started again.
Madison and Willow went into the bathroom to get cleaned up. Draco stood by the door and would not let anyone else in until Madison came out. She had returned to her normal beauty, no makeup and hair down. She was embarrassed at the scene she had caused, but relieved to find Draco was not angry with her.
Draco led her out on the floor for a slow dance. She winced slightly as he held her just a little too close. He continued to tell her that he was not angry and she had nothing for which to be ashamed.
Buffy got the familiar feeling in the pit of her stomach as another group of rough looking teens came into the bronze. Faith looked up at the same time Buffy did. She kicked Xander under the table and motioned for him to look at them. He didn't recognize any of them but motioned for Willow to look at them too. She shook her head no. Buffy continued to watch them as they ordered from the bar, and found a table across the dance floor.
By midnight, each left of the strange group with a teenager in tow. Buffy signaled for them to let the others know as she, Faith, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Madison and Draco followed them out of the Bronze. It was easy to follow the loud and obnoxious group. Their laughter carried down the nearly deserted streets of Sunnydale. Xander, Willow and Anya found the Witches and Wizards. Oz's band was finishing up and Hermione waited until they were done before telling them about Buffy. Oz and Mason rushed off the stage to follow their friends, Hermione in close pursuit.
Oz's van was parked outside and they all tumbled into it. Mason closed his eyes and concentrated on his sister. He finally made contact. They were all at the cemetery fighting a bunch of vampires. Mason broke the connection to tell Oz where to go. They arrived just as Harry staked one vampire and was turning to the next. Ron and Madison were fighting, and losing, against four of the others. Harry flanked Ron and quickly brought their opponents down as well. Madison screamed as the vampire threw her against a headstone. Draco ran to her, passing Ron and Harry, staking the Vampire with a casual air, just before he reached Madison. She just had the wind knocked out of her luckily. She held her ribcage in pain.
At the end of the short twenty minute fight, Buffy had staked two, Willow one, Xander two, Anya one, and Draco two. Faith laughed that she had no idea how many she had gotten. Buffy rolled her eyes at the second slayer. Harry had staked no less than three and Ron had only one to his credit. Mason saw the look of pain and pride on Madison's face as he lifted her and took her to the van. "He loves me Mase." She told him as she passed out in his arms.
The van was full as it was driven back to Buffy's house. Giles had long since gone home, but Joyce and Rowan were still up talking when the teens came into the house. Draco carried Madison to the couch. She was still taking shallow breaths as her ribs hurt more now than when she left that evening. When she looked at her daughter, she was shocked to realize that she was dressed in a leather mini-dress; but chose to not make it any worse by yelling at her choice in clothes.
Rowan checked on her before rounding on them. "What the hell happened to you?" Surveying the group she saw that besides Madison, everyone was bruises somewhere, clothes were torn, sleeves missing completely. Harry had even lost a shoe. No one's hair was as it should be. Willow had twigs sticking out from her fall on the ground. Ron blushed his embarrassment. Buffy told them of the gang of vampires that had come into the Bronze and talked a couple of the younger teens there into leaving with them. Rowan looked incredulously at the blonde, but refrained from saying anything.She left out the fight prior to that against the drunk football players.
On the whole, Joyce and Rowan were proud of them. Harry seemed to have overcome his fear of a graveyard, and each learned that they could stake a vampire when necessary. They would be sleeping there that night, but she reminded them all of their promises. They would be leaving the next morning. Rowan had called the women at their next stop to explain the delay.
When everyone was settled, Rowan shimmered to Severus at Hogwart's and asked him to bring healing potions for bruising and rib damage. She needed the kids to be in top form for the rest of their journey. He agreed and would meet them in a few hours.
Early the next morning, the teens were awakened by Rowan and Joyce for breakfast. Joyce was shocked to find Hermione and Ron in the twin bed, next to Harry and Ginny. Draco and Mason were both on cots that had been conjured there. Buffy, Willow, Madison and Faith had slept in Buffy's room. Joyce questioned Rowan when they returned to the kitchen for coffee. Rowan explained about the nightmares that these teens had, without too many details.
Entering the dining room for breakfast, they were met by Professor Snape. He handed out vials of potions for the ailing teenagers, pleased that his hangover potion was not needed. Apparently he had wanted to meet the women they were going to see next for some time for their potion making abilities. However, breakfast chatter was cut short by the announcement that they would need to leave by 8:00 in order to get to to their next destination on time.
