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Learning to Live Chapter 11
Buffy had just returned to her rooms when Albus's face flickered into the fireplace. "Buffy? How is Xander?" he asked.
She replied, "I think he's doing fine. He and Severus are supposed to be decorating his apartment."
"Now, we're quite done," Severus interjected from his office, "Xander fell asleep not long after we finished decorating. Apparently he's barely slept since you visited him the first time."
"Oh."
Albus said, "I know you are spending tomorrow in California, but could Arthur Weasley come visit Xander? He's wanted to learn Muggle carpentry."
"Ron's dad? Sure, he's talked about his father's interest in the Muggle world. Xander would like that," Buffy told him.
A grin broke out on the Headmaster's face. "Wonderful. I will see you at breakfast." Then he was gone.
Buffy wandered into Severus's office. "Did you and Xander have fun?" she asked.
Sev replied, "You put two of Hogwart's most inept decorators together to take care of a room. I'd like to think that we did an acceptable job. Now, if you will excuse me, good night." He got up and headed to the door to his own bedroom.
"Wait! Thank you for the buffet. You made Xand really happy. And me," she said. The sulky Potions Master paused briefly before continuing through the door.
Buffy headed to her own room and curled up under the covers. Sleep did not come quickly that night. Her best friend was angry at her while her old best friend was fitting in beautifully.
In the morning, Buffy woke up unusually early to find Severus gone from his room. Xander was still sleeping, so she took a walk down to the dungeons, where she thought her flatmate was. But he wasn't there. She decided to look into what she could make in the familiar lab. Using some ingredients from Severus's Class Cupboard (the other one held very expensive or dangerous ingredients), Buffy began brewing a basic healing salve for Poppy. The Mediwitch went through several quarts a month, especially during the upcoming Quidditch season.
Then an owl flew into the lab. It was an owl from a man named Moody.
Dear Severus,
Please brew some Caput Salvo for the Order. Voldemort's followers have increased in attacks, using the Cruciatus more often than usual. Be careful, though. Give it to Dumbledore when you are finished.
Moody
Seconds later, the parchment disintegrated. Buffy realized that she would have to tell Severus the message herself. Unless she brewed the potion and gave it to Albus. Removing the Medicinal Potions manual from Severus's private shelf, she began working on the potion. Two hours later, Buffy had a quart of Caput Salvo and it was seven o'clock.
She headed to Xander's quarters to pick him up for breakfast. "Come on, Xand-man, we're going off to face the school. You'll sit up front as a teacher," Buffy explained as they wound their way through the castle.
Xander let out a maniacal laugh and said, "Finally, I get to act like Snyder!"
"Please don't tell me you're serious," Buffy said jokingly.
Her friend's face took on a completely angelic look and said in an innocent voice, "Of course I am. I just won't assign homework, or maintain discipline, and I'll be sure to teach them all my tricks for getting out of classes."
The petite blond professor shoved the towering doors to the Great Hall open and all the mouths in the Hall except for Severus and Albus dropped open. Buffy led Xander up to the Staff Table with a challenging, defiant look in her eyes. When she reached the table, Albus nodded at her. "I would like to introduce Professor Alexander Harris. He will be teaching a Muggle Studies elective next semester. He is also the new school carpenter. If there is interest, he may also offer a Muggle Woodworking class. Please welcome him to Hogwarts. Let's eat!"
About three-quarters of the school cheered for Xander. Everyone then ate as per normal. Except Severus wasn't there. Buffy sat next to Albus and whispered, "I got a message meant for Sev. 'Moody' asking for a Caput Salvo potion. It's in your office. I made it because I didn't want him to think that I go through his mail. Plus it burned up. Where is he?"
"I will be happy to speak with you after you return from Mr. Giles's house. It's very sensitive information. Perhaps Severus will explain it to you."
Mr. Weasley arrived promptly after breakfast and Xander wandered off with him, talking excitedly of building projects. Buffy left for her room and changed into Muggle clothing. She had fun, donning a little skirt and a light top. Giles would probably take her anywhere in Sunnydale for dinner. He was like a doting father to her.
She entered the fireplace and appeared in Sunnydale. Giles was waiting for her. The two spent the day talking, walking, and Buffy even talked him into renting a rowboat. He was the perfect doting father.
In two days, Giles was going to move to Bath, England. Nothing was left for him in Sunnydale. It wasn't a long train to Hogsmeade, but that didn't even matter. His involvement with the Dark Arts and Eyghon had gotten him banned from the British wizarding world.
"What, may I ask, is the pendant around you neck? I know it's magical," he asked over dinner.
Buffy replied, "It's to bind my magic. Apparently, if I get emotional, I affect the wards guarding the school."
"Really, what have you done?"
"I changed the castle black and white. Seriously, every surface in the castle."
Giles's face bore an expression of shock and pride. "I have never heard of an untrained witch capable of cutting through every barrier like that. Though the council had a theory that, since the Slayer strength is magical, it would appear in magical form once she has some magical training. And, by all accounts, you are the strongest Slayer in history."
"Stop it, Giles, you're gonna make me blush."
Giles decided to switch subjects and asked, "How has your time at school been?"
"Well, I got shot the first day of school saving Harry Potter from--"
"You were shot?! Oh, guns, what has the wizarding world come to?"
Buffy shook her head and explained, "Severus and I went to rescue Harry from his aunt and uncle. Vernon Dursley got me with his shotgun. I'm fine, Sev made this potion that made the shot float to the surface. I was totally healed in three days."
"Severus Snape!? He's a Death Eater!" Giles exclaimed.
Buffy's eyes flashed a dangerous glare as she defended her friend, "He only pretends to so that he can spy for Dumbledore. He's kind and my best friend. He let me stay in his flat so I could heal."
"You're living with him?!" the Watcher started to rant but amended his statement and told his 'daughter,' "Snape is a lot older than you and he has had a dark past. Be careful."
"Thank you," Buffy whispered and they stayed off the topic for the rest of the day. Buffy promised to visit him in Bath in a week with Xander. Giles planned to take them both on a tour of London. When Buffy returned to Hogwarts, no one was around. Severus wasn't in his office. Xander wasn't in his room. So, she sat down and pulled out a book on spells, particularly illegal offensive curses. It was helpful and it was interesting.
The next thing Buffy saw were two huge, gleaming eyes. "Dobby is here to bring you breakfast," the House Elf chirped. He presented a plate laden with a banana, a mug of tea, and a dry slice of toast. Her typical breakfast.
"What time is it?" she asked groggily.
His cheery voice replied, "10 in the morning. Professor Snape took Professor Harris to Diagon Alley for some proper robes and maybe a wand. Mr. Ollivander will judge his magical ability, says Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Oh, is the pitch free?"
"The Gryffindors are practicing."
Buffy said, "Okay, thank you, Dobby."
Half an hour later, the Slayer was off, walking down to the Quidditch Pitch. "Harry!" she called, spotting the boy zipping around after the Snitch.
Immediately, he came down and asked, "Yes, Professor Summers?"
"Could I practice with you? I haven't had anyone to play lately."
"Sure, what do you want to be?"
"Seeker." She withdrew her own snitch from her robe pocket and released it. They both got on their broom and took off after the golden ball. An hour later, Ron called them down and they were tied 1-1.
Ron yelled, "That's the most competition Harry's had!"
"Yeah, Professor, thanks, it was fun. Could you play more often?" Harry asked.
Then Minerva appeared and agreed, "Yes, Buffy, I think you'd be an asset to our team. Perhaps you could act as an assistant coach?"
"Sure. What do I need to do?"
"I think Mr. Potter has had enough practice. Why don't you work with Ron on Keeper?"
Buffy nodded and signaled Ron to follow her. "Okay, leave your broom there. Come here." She showed him a bag of ping-pong balls. "I'm going to start throwing these at you. Don't even try to touch them, just make contact." They went through 200 balls in two groups of 100. In the second group, Ron managed to touch 7/8 of them.
It was time for lunch. "I want you two and Hermione in the DADA room by two o'clock this afternoon. Wear clothes for running," Buffy told them as she left for her room. She showered and put on clean robes before heading to the Great Hall.
Xander was seated at the front table, wearing new robes. He was talking happily with Filius and glaring at Sybil. A seat was free next to him. Unhappily, she noticed that Severus had boxed himself in between Sybil and Hagrid. Two of his least favorite people.
She took the seat next the Xander and Professor Sprout. "I take you spoke with Sybil?" Buffy asked.
Xander nodded and growled, "Yes. She spouted some bullshit about death following my 'light friend.' Sev and Filius have assured me that she's a charlatan."
"I know. She scared the shit out of me when I first came. How was Diagon Alley?"
"May I just say that the ale at Warrick's Brewery is perfect!" he exclaimed. "Wearing a robe is strange though, I keep thinking that I just got out of the shower."
"You'll get used to it. How was Mr. Weasley yesterday?"
"Great. He and I are going to build a submarine to explore the lake."
"Cool. I'm the new Assistant Coach for the Gryff Quidditch team," Buffy told him excitedly.
Severus was listening from the other end of the table. "At least she's eating well today. Well, better than earlier. Mr. Harris is a nice man. Wait, she's coaching the Gryffindor team?! Hmph, I need to speak with her. Oh, an owl," he thought as a dusty barn owl arrived. It carried a letter from Moody.
Severus, Thank you for the Caput Salvo yesterday. Mundungus and Tonks needed some last night. Albus said that you worked very quickly on it. Your contribution to the Order is appreciated. Moody
Noiselessly, Severus got up and left the room, teeth clenched in anger. His flatmate soon followed.
"Sev, what's wrong?" Buffy asked.
Severus spat, "You're a selfish, conniving brat, that's what's wrong. You opened my mail, you acted as me, you volunteered to coach my rival team, and you take advantage of my kindness."
The Slayer paled. "Look, I'm sorry. I tried to help you. It wasn't addressed to anyone specific, and then it was incinerated."
"Then don't open other people's mail! You don't have anyone who could send you a letter by owl other than Rupert Giles and you already know what his owl looks like!"
Buffy looked down and replied, "I didn't know. Please, I'm sorry, at least try to be reasonable. We still live in the same flat."
Severus yelled, "Which is exactly why you can't coach Potter and his friends. Conflict of interest!"
"There is no conflict of interest! I'm friends with you, not your girlfriend!" she hollered, her face now red. She headed into her room, slamming the door.
Severus turned on his heel and headed to his own room, trying to figure out how to salvage his Quidditch team.
That night, Buffy walked into the DADA room to see her three students dressed as she had requested. "Come on, let's run," she said briefly before jogging out the door. Five minutes later, she stopped at Hagrid's home. "Okay, five hundred crunches, each of you." The next hour progressed like this. Running, exercises, running, exercises. It was the single most bland and tiring lesson that she had ever given. Hagrid walked them back to Gryffindor Tower when she decided to do a patrol of the Forbidden Forest.
Three hours and fifteen vampires later, Buffy headed back to her room. Without even removing her robes, she collapsed in the bed and fell asleep.
In the morning, Dobby woke her again. Ten minutes later, Buffy limped into the Great Hall decked out in black. Black leather pants, black shirt, black robe. The gilded cane had been replaced by one of ebony. She sat next to Xander. Her plate filled with a banana and a cup of tea.
Severus sat on the other end of the table, also wearing all black. He was eating a bagel and drinking tea. Neither one did so much as glance at each other. Xander talked with Buffy about the technical aspects of building a submarine while Filius spoke a few words with Severus concerning the latest edition of Essential Charms.
Classes went by without any excitement. Combat training went by without any accidents and Severus was unusually snarky. A far cry from the softer Severus of the past week. Buffy was quiet and withdrawn. Remus controlled most of the class.
When Buffy headed back to her room after dinner, Severus stopped her in the door. "Seeing as how you're clearly healed, I took the liberty of moving your things back to your former flat. Good night." He closed the door.
"Asphodel!" she cried. The door didn't budge; he had changed the password. So, she headed to her old room and changed for slaying.
Four hours, ten vampires, and one demon later, Buffy returned to her empty room. She inspected her right leg. The demon had gotten in a nice kick to her knee. It was already bruising. "That's not good," she mused. "I could go make a Painkilling Potion, so Poppy doesn't fret." She snuck down to the dungeons and set about making the powerful concoction that seemed to be the only potion that worked on her.
Two hours later, it was ready. After replacing everything carefully, Buffy headed to the hospital wing. She stole a syringe, as the potion was useful only intravenously. By the time she finally made it back to her room, it was one o'clock. After a quick shower, Buffy carefully measured out the required amount of the potion and injected it at the crook of her arm. Seconds later she hid the remaining potion and the syringe, she passed out. The petite blond Slayer had been running herself ragged for nineteen hours.
But the nightmares came. Memories of her imprisonment and torture flooded her dreams. Spike's leering, vicious eyes, cruel teeth, and the cold. The tub had been so cold. He had never bothered heater her prison.
Flashback
"You know, I think I like you cold and clammy. Reminds me of a dying body," the blond vampire growled as his fingers ran up her ivory arm. He stopped at the four sets of bit marks that marred her neck. One from the Master, old but originally very neat. The next one was from Angel. His marks were more pronounced. He had been more savage. Dracula's were the most clean and neat. The scars were barely pinpricks; he had been so gentle. The latest set was still crusted with dried blood. Spike's fangs had been cruel and repeated. It was likely that, even with the Slayer healing, they would always remain as glossy, raised scars instead of the pale reminders of the others.
Then Spike's icy lips claimed hers. She began to struggle against his insistent tongue. Then she felt his fangs sink into the flesh above her lips and tear down. The Slayer screamed in agony as Spike chuckled as his tongue found its way into her mouth and he swallowed the blood that fell from her mangled lip.
And all she could do was scream.
End Flashback
Buffy's eyes popped open and tears flowed down her face. Glancing at the clock, it was only three o'clock. "There's no way I can get back toe sleep now," she muttered as she swung her legs out of bed.
Instead, she sat in front of the fireplace and read a book. It was a Sixth Year potions text and she was nearly finished. Potions was the most exciting book for her. But today she couldn't stand it. Severus was part of why she loved it.
Finally, the Slayer gave up on reading and decided to try a long shower. The hot water did her shoulders and legs some good. She welcomed the warmth of the shower and stayed in until her fingers and toes were shriveled. However, it was only four-thirty.
She had to get out of her room, so she went to the DADA room. Her leg was not up to a lot of fighting, so Buffy pulled out a dart board and her collection of throwing knives. Selecting a dozen of them, the knives soon found their way onto the bullseye.
Buffy managed to spend over an hour with her throwing knives before she got bored. She was in peak knife-throwing condition. And very, very bored. So she decided to sharpen her short swords.
An hour later, Buffy went to breakfast. It was clear in the Great Hall that Severus and Buffy were still at odd with each other. The petite blond professor ate a banana and spent the rest of the meal sipping at her tea. Severus ate an English muffin and drank several cups of coffee. The caffeine was welcome in his spy work.
That night, Buffy found herself patrolling again. She found two demons and one vampire. After returning she used the Painkilling Potion. Once again, she fell asleep. It was an initial side effect of the potion. A mere twenty minutes later, she had a nightmare.
Flashback
Spike sauntered in, brandishing a very sharp Japanese knife. He smiled as he recognized fear in his captive's eyes. "Don't particularly fancy blades now, do ya?" he whispered as he ran the blade within a hair's breadth of cutting into the soft skin of her cheek. Then the peroxide vampire began to chuckle as he abruptly pulled away and ordered, "Hang her up."
Twenty-five vampires descending on her naked body, cruelly dragging her out of the tub and hanging her by her wrists from the ceiling and securing her feet to the floor. "See, this make this much easier for me," Spike explained as he sliced lightly down the length of her spine. Then, with an artist's touch, he diligently carved a design into her neck. Buffy had never seen it, but apparently it was a Claddagh design.
"Now, as my finishing touch, so that no one shall ever think you pretty," he drew the knife across her face to form a deep cut.
End Flashback
Buffy woke up and decided to read old Potions Journal issues. By six o'clock, six hours later, she had devoured three years of them, taking notes on each one. Finally, she pulled out a Transfiguration textbook and began to read. She may not be able to do the magic, but she needed to understand it to teach DADA correctly. Three hours later, it was time for her first class. Dobby had delivered a banana halfway through From Armoire to Armored Car: Magic to Muggle Transfiguration.
Her classes passed smoothly and quietly. Students were doing well. Neville had been paired with Annika Hildebrandt, a quiet Slytherin and they hadn't destroyed anything. Remus noticed that her limp was more pronounced than the day before and mentioned it to her between classes. "It's cranky. One day it's great, the next day it's a pain," she replied.
Quidditch practice followed classes. Buffy worked with the Beaters to improve their accuracy. Harry asked for some help with designing a training regimen for the team like the DA regimen that she had Hermione, Ron and himself doing. At 6 am, it was decided, the Gryffindor Quidditch team would meet on the pitch for running. Many of them looked nervous but excited about getting a real edge on the Slytherins.
Three weeks passed quickly. Buffy brewed the potion two or three times a week. She ran with the team at six, read from 7:30 to 8, ate at 8:15, taught from 9-12 then from 1-4. Followed by Quidditch practice from 4:30 to 5:30. Three nights a week, she had Harry, Ron, and Hermione in special lessons. Dinner followed. Grading papers often went on late into the night. Once she was done, she'd go patrolling. Sleep didn't come easily to her, and it was coming less and less.
On the weekends, Buffy slipped into Hogsmeade to pick up replacements for Severus's stores. One Saturday, Minerva and Buffy went to Hogsmeade and went shopping for dress robes. Buffy got the most beautiful green robes that matched her eyes perfectly. Minerva stuck with black, but got a very nice fine wool. Xander was very busy. He and a few Seventh Years were building a few sailboats for the lake. Arthur was still collecting the parts for their submarine. Severus had barely spoken two words to her since the evening he moved her stuff.
Then one day, Severus didn't come to his classes. Even Albus looked a little worried. Remus and Minerva looked extremely preoccupied. Buffy wondered why he was gone; he never missed class. At lunch, the Albus asked, "Would you mind teaching Severus's Gryffindor/Slytherin First Years this afternoon?"
"I think I can, Remus is running a shielding practice today," Buffy replied. The topic in the lesson that day was Muto Ocala, an eye-color changing potion. They were simple and safe to test. Buffy kept a close eye on a Slytherin who seemed to have the same elegance with potions that Neville had. While they were brewing, Buffy recorded the use of the ingredients in a thick record book. Severus took meticulous notes on the use of certain ingredients.
Seven-eighths of the potions turned out to be correct. One poor girl, a Slytherin, left with one purple eye and one orange. Buffy still couldn't figure out how she managed to do that, but there were no major mistakes other than hers. One Gryffindor boy had accidently made his turned his eyes hazel instead of blue, but that was quite minor.
Once the students cleared out at the end of the period, Buffy set about cleaning up the lab. No matter how hard they tried to keep it clean, students were always messy. She ended up sweeping up some spilled powdered bezoar. Then she cleaned out all the cauldrons a second time. She had learned from Severus that he did it every evening because students often didn't clean them out thoroughly enough. Cleaning a dozen cauldrons was no easy task, so she dug in.
The last cauldron was almost in the shiny new state that Sev insisted on when he was cleaning them when Buffy heard a pop followed by a large thud. And then a groan.
Learning to Live Chapter 11
Buffy had just returned to her rooms when Albus's face flickered into the fireplace. "Buffy? How is Xander?" he asked.
She replied, "I think he's doing fine. He and Severus are supposed to be decorating his apartment."
"Now, we're quite done," Severus interjected from his office, "Xander fell asleep not long after we finished decorating. Apparently he's barely slept since you visited him the first time."
"Oh."
Albus said, "I know you are spending tomorrow in California, but could Arthur Weasley come visit Xander? He's wanted to learn Muggle carpentry."
"Ron's dad? Sure, he's talked about his father's interest in the Muggle world. Xander would like that," Buffy told him.
A grin broke out on the Headmaster's face. "Wonderful. I will see you at breakfast." Then he was gone.
Buffy wandered into Severus's office. "Did you and Xander have fun?" she asked.
Sev replied, "You put two of Hogwart's most inept decorators together to take care of a room. I'd like to think that we did an acceptable job. Now, if you will excuse me, good night." He got up and headed to the door to his own bedroom.
"Wait! Thank you for the buffet. You made Xand really happy. And me," she said. The sulky Potions Master paused briefly before continuing through the door.
Buffy headed to her own room and curled up under the covers. Sleep did not come quickly that night. Her best friend was angry at her while her old best friend was fitting in beautifully.
In the morning, Buffy woke up unusually early to find Severus gone from his room. Xander was still sleeping, so she took a walk down to the dungeons, where she thought her flatmate was. But he wasn't there. She decided to look into what she could make in the familiar lab. Using some ingredients from Severus's Class Cupboard (the other one held very expensive or dangerous ingredients), Buffy began brewing a basic healing salve for Poppy. The Mediwitch went through several quarts a month, especially during the upcoming Quidditch season.
Then an owl flew into the lab. It was an owl from a man named Moody.
Dear Severus,
Please brew some Caput Salvo for the Order. Voldemort's followers have increased in attacks, using the Cruciatus more often than usual. Be careful, though. Give it to Dumbledore when you are finished.
Moody
Seconds later, the parchment disintegrated. Buffy realized that she would have to tell Severus the message herself. Unless she brewed the potion and gave it to Albus. Removing the Medicinal Potions manual from Severus's private shelf, she began working on the potion. Two hours later, Buffy had a quart of Caput Salvo and it was seven o'clock.
She headed to Xander's quarters to pick him up for breakfast. "Come on, Xand-man, we're going off to face the school. You'll sit up front as a teacher," Buffy explained as they wound their way through the castle.
Xander let out a maniacal laugh and said, "Finally, I get to act like Snyder!"
"Please don't tell me you're serious," Buffy said jokingly.
Her friend's face took on a completely angelic look and said in an innocent voice, "Of course I am. I just won't assign homework, or maintain discipline, and I'll be sure to teach them all my tricks for getting out of classes."
The petite blond professor shoved the towering doors to the Great Hall open and all the mouths in the Hall except for Severus and Albus dropped open. Buffy led Xander up to the Staff Table with a challenging, defiant look in her eyes. When she reached the table, Albus nodded at her. "I would like to introduce Professor Alexander Harris. He will be teaching a Muggle Studies elective next semester. He is also the new school carpenter. If there is interest, he may also offer a Muggle Woodworking class. Please welcome him to Hogwarts. Let's eat!"
About three-quarters of the school cheered for Xander. Everyone then ate as per normal. Except Severus wasn't there. Buffy sat next to Albus and whispered, "I got a message meant for Sev. 'Moody' asking for a Caput Salvo potion. It's in your office. I made it because I didn't want him to think that I go through his mail. Plus it burned up. Where is he?"
"I will be happy to speak with you after you return from Mr. Giles's house. It's very sensitive information. Perhaps Severus will explain it to you."
Mr. Weasley arrived promptly after breakfast and Xander wandered off with him, talking excitedly of building projects. Buffy left for her room and changed into Muggle clothing. She had fun, donning a little skirt and a light top. Giles would probably take her anywhere in Sunnydale for dinner. He was like a doting father to her.
She entered the fireplace and appeared in Sunnydale. Giles was waiting for her. The two spent the day talking, walking, and Buffy even talked him into renting a rowboat. He was the perfect doting father.
In two days, Giles was going to move to Bath, England. Nothing was left for him in Sunnydale. It wasn't a long train to Hogsmeade, but that didn't even matter. His involvement with the Dark Arts and Eyghon had gotten him banned from the British wizarding world.
"What, may I ask, is the pendant around you neck? I know it's magical," he asked over dinner.
Buffy replied, "It's to bind my magic. Apparently, if I get emotional, I affect the wards guarding the school."
"Really, what have you done?"
"I changed the castle black and white. Seriously, every surface in the castle."
Giles's face bore an expression of shock and pride. "I have never heard of an untrained witch capable of cutting through every barrier like that. Though the council had a theory that, since the Slayer strength is magical, it would appear in magical form once she has some magical training. And, by all accounts, you are the strongest Slayer in history."
"Stop it, Giles, you're gonna make me blush."
Giles decided to switch subjects and asked, "How has your time at school been?"
"Well, I got shot the first day of school saving Harry Potter from--"
"You were shot?! Oh, guns, what has the wizarding world come to?"
Buffy shook her head and explained, "Severus and I went to rescue Harry from his aunt and uncle. Vernon Dursley got me with his shotgun. I'm fine, Sev made this potion that made the shot float to the surface. I was totally healed in three days."
"Severus Snape!? He's a Death Eater!" Giles exclaimed.
Buffy's eyes flashed a dangerous glare as she defended her friend, "He only pretends to so that he can spy for Dumbledore. He's kind and my best friend. He let me stay in his flat so I could heal."
"You're living with him?!" the Watcher started to rant but amended his statement and told his 'daughter,' "Snape is a lot older than you and he has had a dark past. Be careful."
"Thank you," Buffy whispered and they stayed off the topic for the rest of the day. Buffy promised to visit him in Bath in a week with Xander. Giles planned to take them both on a tour of London. When Buffy returned to Hogwarts, no one was around. Severus wasn't in his office. Xander wasn't in his room. So, she sat down and pulled out a book on spells, particularly illegal offensive curses. It was helpful and it was interesting.
The next thing Buffy saw were two huge, gleaming eyes. "Dobby is here to bring you breakfast," the House Elf chirped. He presented a plate laden with a banana, a mug of tea, and a dry slice of toast. Her typical breakfast.
"What time is it?" she asked groggily.
His cheery voice replied, "10 in the morning. Professor Snape took Professor Harris to Diagon Alley for some proper robes and maybe a wand. Mr. Ollivander will judge his magical ability, says Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Oh, is the pitch free?"
"The Gryffindors are practicing."
Buffy said, "Okay, thank you, Dobby."
Half an hour later, the Slayer was off, walking down to the Quidditch Pitch. "Harry!" she called, spotting the boy zipping around after the Snitch.
Immediately, he came down and asked, "Yes, Professor Summers?"
"Could I practice with you? I haven't had anyone to play lately."
"Sure, what do you want to be?"
"Seeker." She withdrew her own snitch from her robe pocket and released it. They both got on their broom and took off after the golden ball. An hour later, Ron called them down and they were tied 1-1.
Ron yelled, "That's the most competition Harry's had!"
"Yeah, Professor, thanks, it was fun. Could you play more often?" Harry asked.
Then Minerva appeared and agreed, "Yes, Buffy, I think you'd be an asset to our team. Perhaps you could act as an assistant coach?"
"Sure. What do I need to do?"
"I think Mr. Potter has had enough practice. Why don't you work with Ron on Keeper?"
Buffy nodded and signaled Ron to follow her. "Okay, leave your broom there. Come here." She showed him a bag of ping-pong balls. "I'm going to start throwing these at you. Don't even try to touch them, just make contact." They went through 200 balls in two groups of 100. In the second group, Ron managed to touch 7/8 of them.
It was time for lunch. "I want you two and Hermione in the DADA room by two o'clock this afternoon. Wear clothes for running," Buffy told them as she left for her room. She showered and put on clean robes before heading to the Great Hall.
Xander was seated at the front table, wearing new robes. He was talking happily with Filius and glaring at Sybil. A seat was free next to him. Unhappily, she noticed that Severus had boxed himself in between Sybil and Hagrid. Two of his least favorite people.
She took the seat next the Xander and Professor Sprout. "I take you spoke with Sybil?" Buffy asked.
Xander nodded and growled, "Yes. She spouted some bullshit about death following my 'light friend.' Sev and Filius have assured me that she's a charlatan."
"I know. She scared the shit out of me when I first came. How was Diagon Alley?"
"May I just say that the ale at Warrick's Brewery is perfect!" he exclaimed. "Wearing a robe is strange though, I keep thinking that I just got out of the shower."
"You'll get used to it. How was Mr. Weasley yesterday?"
"Great. He and I are going to build a submarine to explore the lake."
"Cool. I'm the new Assistant Coach for the Gryff Quidditch team," Buffy told him excitedly.
Severus was listening from the other end of the table. "At least she's eating well today. Well, better than earlier. Mr. Harris is a nice man. Wait, she's coaching the Gryffindor team?! Hmph, I need to speak with her. Oh, an owl," he thought as a dusty barn owl arrived. It carried a letter from Moody.
Severus, Thank you for the Caput Salvo yesterday. Mundungus and Tonks needed some last night. Albus said that you worked very quickly on it. Your contribution to the Order is appreciated. Moody
Noiselessly, Severus got up and left the room, teeth clenched in anger. His flatmate soon followed.
"Sev, what's wrong?" Buffy asked.
Severus spat, "You're a selfish, conniving brat, that's what's wrong. You opened my mail, you acted as me, you volunteered to coach my rival team, and you take advantage of my kindness."
The Slayer paled. "Look, I'm sorry. I tried to help you. It wasn't addressed to anyone specific, and then it was incinerated."
"Then don't open other people's mail! You don't have anyone who could send you a letter by owl other than Rupert Giles and you already know what his owl looks like!"
Buffy looked down and replied, "I didn't know. Please, I'm sorry, at least try to be reasonable. We still live in the same flat."
Severus yelled, "Which is exactly why you can't coach Potter and his friends. Conflict of interest!"
"There is no conflict of interest! I'm friends with you, not your girlfriend!" she hollered, her face now red. She headed into her room, slamming the door.
Severus turned on his heel and headed to his own room, trying to figure out how to salvage his Quidditch team.
That night, Buffy walked into the DADA room to see her three students dressed as she had requested. "Come on, let's run," she said briefly before jogging out the door. Five minutes later, she stopped at Hagrid's home. "Okay, five hundred crunches, each of you." The next hour progressed like this. Running, exercises, running, exercises. It was the single most bland and tiring lesson that she had ever given. Hagrid walked them back to Gryffindor Tower when she decided to do a patrol of the Forbidden Forest.
Three hours and fifteen vampires later, Buffy headed back to her room. Without even removing her robes, she collapsed in the bed and fell asleep.
In the morning, Dobby woke her again. Ten minutes later, Buffy limped into the Great Hall decked out in black. Black leather pants, black shirt, black robe. The gilded cane had been replaced by one of ebony. She sat next to Xander. Her plate filled with a banana and a cup of tea.
Severus sat on the other end of the table, also wearing all black. He was eating a bagel and drinking tea. Neither one did so much as glance at each other. Xander talked with Buffy about the technical aspects of building a submarine while Filius spoke a few words with Severus concerning the latest edition of Essential Charms.
Classes went by without any excitement. Combat training went by without any accidents and Severus was unusually snarky. A far cry from the softer Severus of the past week. Buffy was quiet and withdrawn. Remus controlled most of the class.
When Buffy headed back to her room after dinner, Severus stopped her in the door. "Seeing as how you're clearly healed, I took the liberty of moving your things back to your former flat. Good night." He closed the door.
"Asphodel!" she cried. The door didn't budge; he had changed the password. So, she headed to her old room and changed for slaying.
Four hours, ten vampires, and one demon later, Buffy returned to her empty room. She inspected her right leg. The demon had gotten in a nice kick to her knee. It was already bruising. "That's not good," she mused. "I could go make a Painkilling Potion, so Poppy doesn't fret." She snuck down to the dungeons and set about making the powerful concoction that seemed to be the only potion that worked on her.
Two hours later, it was ready. After replacing everything carefully, Buffy headed to the hospital wing. She stole a syringe, as the potion was useful only intravenously. By the time she finally made it back to her room, it was one o'clock. After a quick shower, Buffy carefully measured out the required amount of the potion and injected it at the crook of her arm. Seconds later she hid the remaining potion and the syringe, she passed out. The petite blond Slayer had been running herself ragged for nineteen hours.
But the nightmares came. Memories of her imprisonment and torture flooded her dreams. Spike's leering, vicious eyes, cruel teeth, and the cold. The tub had been so cold. He had never bothered heater her prison.
Flashback
"You know, I think I like you cold and clammy. Reminds me of a dying body," the blond vampire growled as his fingers ran up her ivory arm. He stopped at the four sets of bit marks that marred her neck. One from the Master, old but originally very neat. The next one was from Angel. His marks were more pronounced. He had been more savage. Dracula's were the most clean and neat. The scars were barely pinpricks; he had been so gentle. The latest set was still crusted with dried blood. Spike's fangs had been cruel and repeated. It was likely that, even with the Slayer healing, they would always remain as glossy, raised scars instead of the pale reminders of the others.
Then Spike's icy lips claimed hers. She began to struggle against his insistent tongue. Then she felt his fangs sink into the flesh above her lips and tear down. The Slayer screamed in agony as Spike chuckled as his tongue found its way into her mouth and he swallowed the blood that fell from her mangled lip.
And all she could do was scream.
End Flashback
Buffy's eyes popped open and tears flowed down her face. Glancing at the clock, it was only three o'clock. "There's no way I can get back toe sleep now," she muttered as she swung her legs out of bed.
Instead, she sat in front of the fireplace and read a book. It was a Sixth Year potions text and she was nearly finished. Potions was the most exciting book for her. But today she couldn't stand it. Severus was part of why she loved it.
Finally, the Slayer gave up on reading and decided to try a long shower. The hot water did her shoulders and legs some good. She welcomed the warmth of the shower and stayed in until her fingers and toes were shriveled. However, it was only four-thirty.
She had to get out of her room, so she went to the DADA room. Her leg was not up to a lot of fighting, so Buffy pulled out a dart board and her collection of throwing knives. Selecting a dozen of them, the knives soon found their way onto the bullseye.
Buffy managed to spend over an hour with her throwing knives before she got bored. She was in peak knife-throwing condition. And very, very bored. So she decided to sharpen her short swords.
An hour later, Buffy went to breakfast. It was clear in the Great Hall that Severus and Buffy were still at odd with each other. The petite blond professor ate a banana and spent the rest of the meal sipping at her tea. Severus ate an English muffin and drank several cups of coffee. The caffeine was welcome in his spy work.
That night, Buffy found herself patrolling again. She found two demons and one vampire. After returning she used the Painkilling Potion. Once again, she fell asleep. It was an initial side effect of the potion. A mere twenty minutes later, she had a nightmare.
Flashback
Spike sauntered in, brandishing a very sharp Japanese knife. He smiled as he recognized fear in his captive's eyes. "Don't particularly fancy blades now, do ya?" he whispered as he ran the blade within a hair's breadth of cutting into the soft skin of her cheek. Then the peroxide vampire began to chuckle as he abruptly pulled away and ordered, "Hang her up."
Twenty-five vampires descending on her naked body, cruelly dragging her out of the tub and hanging her by her wrists from the ceiling and securing her feet to the floor. "See, this make this much easier for me," Spike explained as he sliced lightly down the length of her spine. Then, with an artist's touch, he diligently carved a design into her neck. Buffy had never seen it, but apparently it was a Claddagh design.
"Now, as my finishing touch, so that no one shall ever think you pretty," he drew the knife across her face to form a deep cut.
End Flashback
Buffy woke up and decided to read old Potions Journal issues. By six o'clock, six hours later, she had devoured three years of them, taking notes on each one. Finally, she pulled out a Transfiguration textbook and began to read. She may not be able to do the magic, but she needed to understand it to teach DADA correctly. Three hours later, it was time for her first class. Dobby had delivered a banana halfway through From Armoire to Armored Car: Magic to Muggle Transfiguration.
Her classes passed smoothly and quietly. Students were doing well. Neville had been paired with Annika Hildebrandt, a quiet Slytherin and they hadn't destroyed anything. Remus noticed that her limp was more pronounced than the day before and mentioned it to her between classes. "It's cranky. One day it's great, the next day it's a pain," she replied.
Quidditch practice followed classes. Buffy worked with the Beaters to improve their accuracy. Harry asked for some help with designing a training regimen for the team like the DA regimen that she had Hermione, Ron and himself doing. At 6 am, it was decided, the Gryffindor Quidditch team would meet on the pitch for running. Many of them looked nervous but excited about getting a real edge on the Slytherins.
Three weeks passed quickly. Buffy brewed the potion two or three times a week. She ran with the team at six, read from 7:30 to 8, ate at 8:15, taught from 9-12 then from 1-4. Followed by Quidditch practice from 4:30 to 5:30. Three nights a week, she had Harry, Ron, and Hermione in special lessons. Dinner followed. Grading papers often went on late into the night. Once she was done, she'd go patrolling. Sleep didn't come easily to her, and it was coming less and less.
On the weekends, Buffy slipped into Hogsmeade to pick up replacements for Severus's stores. One Saturday, Minerva and Buffy went to Hogsmeade and went shopping for dress robes. Buffy got the most beautiful green robes that matched her eyes perfectly. Minerva stuck with black, but got a very nice fine wool. Xander was very busy. He and a few Seventh Years were building a few sailboats for the lake. Arthur was still collecting the parts for their submarine. Severus had barely spoken two words to her since the evening he moved her stuff.
Then one day, Severus didn't come to his classes. Even Albus looked a little worried. Remus and Minerva looked extremely preoccupied. Buffy wondered why he was gone; he never missed class. At lunch, the Albus asked, "Would you mind teaching Severus's Gryffindor/Slytherin First Years this afternoon?"
"I think I can, Remus is running a shielding practice today," Buffy replied. The topic in the lesson that day was Muto Ocala, an eye-color changing potion. They were simple and safe to test. Buffy kept a close eye on a Slytherin who seemed to have the same elegance with potions that Neville had. While they were brewing, Buffy recorded the use of the ingredients in a thick record book. Severus took meticulous notes on the use of certain ingredients.
Seven-eighths of the potions turned out to be correct. One poor girl, a Slytherin, left with one purple eye and one orange. Buffy still couldn't figure out how she managed to do that, but there were no major mistakes other than hers. One Gryffindor boy had accidently made his turned his eyes hazel instead of blue, but that was quite minor.
Once the students cleared out at the end of the period, Buffy set about cleaning up the lab. No matter how hard they tried to keep it clean, students were always messy. She ended up sweeping up some spilled powdered bezoar. Then she cleaned out all the cauldrons a second time. She had learned from Severus that he did it every evening because students often didn't clean them out thoroughly enough. Cleaning a dozen cauldrons was no easy task, so she dug in.
The last cauldron was almost in the shiny new state that Sev insisted on when he was cleaning them when Buffy heard a pop followed by a large thud. And then a groan.