Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy the Vampire Slayer nor Harry Potter. All of the characters, settings, themes, books, show, titles, worlds, names, demons, witches, slayers, creation, references, and basic gist of the two fantasy worlds all belong the Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Warner Bros., and of course, J.K. Rowling. All rights reserved.

Timeline: Story is set 1 year after Season 7 and five days before Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban. Just for possible future references, the story will be happening during Angel's Season 5.

Author's Note: There's a longer note at the bottom. Please read it since its very important! Anyways, thanks for the reviews! Up next: Buffy finally arrives at Hogwarts and learns more of the reason why she's there. There will also be an appearance by…oh heck, just read more to find out!

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Chapter 5—The Arrivals

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Privet Drive. Monday (12:30 AM)

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Harry grinned as he caught sight of Hedwig flying towards him, her brilliant white feathers illuminated by the moon. Ever since the grandfather's clock from downstairs rang midnight, he had long since abandoned his usual late night studies and waited for any signs of his trusted owl.

It was one of the few moments during summer that actually made him feel that he was still a part of the magic world. A feeling he always seemed to lose when he arrived back here in Privet Drive, gloomy and perfectly in an annoyed mood.

Dumbfounded, he suddenly saw three more owls flying behind her; one of which looked like it was struggling to keep up with the rest. The flock of birds finally reached his windowsill and entered his room, the struggling owl landed on his bed in a pitiful heap.

"Crooooeee," Hedwig cooed sympathetically at the bird, while another owl quickly dropped off its package along with a letter and just as quickly, took flight away from his room, obviously having much more stamina than the former bird.

The other brown owl (who Harry recognized as the school's) landed on his shoulders and gave him his annual Hogwarts packet, listing all his needed supplies before it took flight as well.

Deciding to help the poor bird first, he dropped his mail on his desk and moved towards the tired nocturnal mammal. He took off the small parcel and carried the gray owl he recognized as Errol, the Weasley's old bird, and carried him to Hedwig's cage.

"Hope you don't mind, Hedwig," he turned to his owl, "The poor bird's a bit knackered from the trip." Hedwig hooted in agreement and dropped down her package along with the others on his desk before going in her cage as well.

Harry turned to his pile of letters happily and decided to open Hedwig's delivery first as he sat on his bed. It turned out to be a letter from Hermione in Paris, reminding him to do his History of Magic essay and other homework over vacation.

A small chuckle came bubbling forth. Only Hermione.

Enclosed in her letter was a Broomstick Servicing Kit, which told him all the necessities on how to keep a broom in tiptop shape. A single note was attached to it.

'Happy Birthday, Harry'.

"Holy hell, Hermione," he muttered with a grin, knowing full well that he'd get scolded by her even if it was out of appreciation if she heard him.

Harry set aside the letter and the gift, and promised himself to check it out after reading the rest of his delivery. He opened a rather fat parcel from the Weasleys.

A small, cut-out article from the Daily Prophet fluttered out of it which said Arthur Weasley won the annual Grand Prize Galleon Draw and that they were spending a part of it on Egypt. He smiled enviously at the happy family that was waving vigorously in the picture; a small reminder of something he will never have.

Shaking off the feeling, Harry put down the article and took out the rest. A couple of letters and a small, glass toy came out. He read the letter and couldn't help but grin at Ron's adventure in their trip to Egypt. It was about time the Weasleys got what they deserved: a long, much-needed vacation. Harry picked up the Pocket Sneakoscope and muttered a small thanks to Ron.

This will come in handy with Voldemort trying to come back.

Next, he opened Hagrid's letter.

It simply told him that the book he sent will come in handy during the school year. Curious, Harry took out the book and suddenly realized why the owl was so eager to drop it. A pair of beady eyes appeared at the edges of the book, and the lock that held the pages together suddenly became a mouth that snapped viciously, trying to bite Harry's offending hand off.

Surprised, Potter unceremoniously gave a girly yelp (of which he was later relieved that no one heard) and dropped the book, creating a soft thud that made him cringe. Bugger. The book quickly went under his bed, attacking anything that came to its path. A stirring noise made by a bed next to his room brought him back to senses.

If Uncle Vernon sees this…his thoughts were left hanging when he heard his heavy feet land on the floor, both cursing and thanking the fact that the walls were anything but soundproof.

Aware of the fact that that blasted uncle of his was about to check up one him, he hurriedly took out his belt and lured the book by dangling it. The sound of the door creaking open made him frantically hope that the dangerous book would take the bait, feeling a lot like one of the characters in one those American import films. Something about…mission impossible or something of the like.

A snag from the belt told him it did and Harry quickly wound the leather belt around it tightly, successfully snapping it shut. Swiftly hiding the rest of his letters and the book under the covers, Harry feigned sleep while he tried to control his ragged breathing. Uncle Vernon opened the door to check on Harry, trying to find out what was making that noise. Harry swore he could literally feel his uncle's beady eyes glowering at his disturbed sleep.

Uncle Vernon's eyes narrowed even more as if it will help him see anything out of place. However, all he saw was his scrawny nephew sleeping, and that dratted owl of his stared at him eerily with her bright amber eyes.

He shivered at the owl, and cursed lowly, "Damn bird," before closing the door and returning to his room, apparently finding the owl fault of making the noice.

When the coast was clear, Harry reappeared under his sheets and examined the book further, looking for its title while ignoring its glaring eyes looking right at him. Monster Book of Monsters.

Harry snorted. How fitting. He softly and carefully placed it in his trunk, as he tried his best not to wake his uncle again. Not that he would actually care about how much sleeping hours he was taking in; nah, he'd much rather cause as much problem to his relatives as possible if it wasn't for the fact he can't retaliate once they began their 'punishment' spree on him.

Harry finally took out the letter from Hogwarts. His face fell when he read a small passage in the first parchment.

'Third years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade on certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission form to your parent or guardian to sign'.

"Damn," he cursed under his breath.

He highly doubted that Uncle Vernon will sign his form without any strings attached. Promising he'll find a way before he had to leave, he quickly scanned through the school supply, delighted to find that there weren't any books written by Gilderoy Lockhart.

However, he did find an interesting new note in the end.

'A pair of Physical Defense uniform found in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions will be mandatory for second years and above to buy. First years are able to choose to go to this class but it will later be required to go to as the next school year term starts. See the attached form bellow.'

Harry pondered about this. Physical Defense, huh? This might help him if Voldemort decides to visit Hogwarts again. To which he found the possibility disturbingly high.

Harry yawned tiredly. He glanced at his clock, surprised that it was already nearing three. Putting down his letters on his bedside table, Harry slept with a goofy grin plastered on his face. Although he would have much preferred a birthday where it was celebrated through a party, he couldn't complain. Especially when it's compared to his past 12 birthdays.

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The Leaky Cauldron. Tuesday (10:25)

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"Wakey, wakey!" the mirror shrilled again.

Buffy growled under her breath. She didn't receive much sleep from last night, having been rudely interrogated by the Ministry of her position in Hogwarts. And a Buffy who didn't have enough sleep, is one cranky Slayer.

Ever since the news of this Serious Black escape from Alakazam prison, every single witch and wizard were on high alert. Apparently, this criminal was a great supporter of Voldemort and was the reason why Harry's parents are dead. He was also known to be the wizard who recklessly murdered thirteen muggles with a single curse in broad daylight, making him even more dangerous and lunatic to many people.

A picture of the mad man was posted downstairs and it shocked Buffy when she saw who it was. Not only was the man moving and screaming his head off in the picture, but he was the same person she saw in her dream.

Confusion definitely hit her when her dream about this person didn't match with what was boldly stated on the flyer. In her dream, Sirius was pleading for his life, telling some hooded men that he was innocent. The flyer on the other hand, showed a laughing maniac who looked like he really did what he was charged for.

She decided to send Giles a letter about her dream and asked if any of the Slayers dreamt about the man. He replied with a 'No, but I'll have someone looked into this Sirius fellow' before a short reminder to be careful.

After receiving the response, Buffy decided to have another round at shopping when a couple wizards working for the Ministry, or Aurors as they called themselves, decided to stop by. They asked her questions about her position in Hogwarts and if she had any contact with the wanted murderer.

The interrogation went on for most of the day, which placed her shopping spree into a definite hold. In the end, they gave her directions on how to contact them with any new information and with a warning that they were keeping a close watch with her.

Apparently, the Minister didn't approve of her teaching in Hogwarts, even when Dumbledore told him about her reputation. The part of being the Slayer left untold. Buffy got the distinct feeling that Dumbledore wanted her to be Secret-Identity Gal about her Slayering Duties and decided to trusted on the intuition reluctantly, and told them nothing of her title. So in the end, she had to swallow her pride while she was blatantly told of being watched over.

The teaching deal suddenly looked less appealing with the Ministry of Magic looking at her every move. Buffy promised herself that if she ever saw Black, there will be a few bruises coming from her with the trouble he caused her.

The Slayer snuggled closer to her blankets, the strong presence of sleep claiming her again.

"Aren't you going to wake up, you big lump!" the mirror yelled again, and this time, sleep didn't come as easily as it did before. Buffy was about to pick up one of the pens she bought to replace the quills and throw it at the mirror when it reminded her what today was. "And not that I like you or anything, but its half past ten and don't you need a train to catch? Unless of course, the little trip from the Aurors tired you out and made you forget about it easily," the mirror said snidely.

Buffy's eyes snapped open. "DAMMIT!" she screeched, startling some of those pigeons who made the mistake of sleeping near the windowsill the previous nite. It was indeed half past ten and her luggage was still unpacked.

She hurriedly put on some reasonable clothes, and tied her hair up in a messy ponytail before launching herself to pack everything. There were laundry carelessly cast aside, merchandise out of their respected cases, and with that damn mirror rubbing it on her, needless to say, Buffy's temper was steadilyrising rapidly. In fact, the only one who was calm in the room was Mr. Gordo, much to Buffy's annoyance.

"I'm so gonna miss the train, and I won't BE in the train, and there'll be no Buffy in the train, and there'll be no teacher to teach the kids…," Buffy whined as she hurriedly stuffed her clothes in the suitcase.

"Tick tock, tick tock. Time is wasting, dearie. You wouldn't want to have Professor Dumbledore no less to see you've failed to catch your train now, would you?" the mirror sneered gleefully at her.

Buffy could've sworn she almost growled at it but somehow managed to control her anger momentarily. She focused all of her attention to packing her clothes and miraculously managed to pack it all with fifteen minutes to spare. Ignoring once more the mirror's snide comments, Buffy went to a nearby telephone booth outside to call a cab and took out her bags to meet the vehicle.

She felt awkward when she placed Mr. Gordo inside the cab and chose to ignore the amused glances and sarcastic comments some of the passing people said as she tried to calm the indignant noises her owl was making. After much hassle, Buffy managed to get all of her belongings into the yellow car, which took her to King's Cross.

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King's Cross; Between Platform 9 and Platform 10

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Buffy shook her head at the absurdity of it all. Someone telling her to kill demons she could handle. Someone telling her she needs to stop an apocalypse she could face. But someone telling her to go into a wall she somehow found a bit ridiculous to do. Buffy glanced at the clock which told her that she had 3 minutes before the train had to leave.

Swallowing down her slight nervousness, she started to walk towards the barrier. I hope my nose doesn't take any damage. The brick wall came closer with each step she took, and finally she went through the red wall.

Buffy had no time to celebrate her accomplishment since a shrill noise from the Hogwarts Express signaled its final call.

"Damn it," she cursed before hurriedly pushing the two trolleys towards the train and was about to go inside the carts when someone came up to her.

"Professor?" Buffy turned around.

"Yes?"

"I can take yer luggage into the train, Professor. It'll be no trouble at all, I assure you, Miss. I work in the train," he added when she cast a worried glance at her luggage. Buffy flashed him a smile and nodded gratefully. "And I assume you'd want to sit in the first cart, yes? There's only one other person in the train, Professor, so yer free to wander 'round the train without the kids runnin' into you," the worker said as he led Buffy inside the train. "Well, here you are. I'll leave you to yer own bearings. I'll just take yer luggage to the luggage cart o' the train and we'll be set to Hogwarts. Have a nice day, Professor," he said and began to walk to another part of the train.

"Thanks," Buffy replied, not bothering to ask him to drop her new title. And besides, it's not like I'll be seeing him anytime soon.

The Slayer walked towards the first cabin she saw and sat in the small compartment. Not long after, the train began its journey towards Hogwarts.

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Several hours later, Buffy awoke at the train's change of speed, surprised she had actually fallen asleep. The scenery has changed from the wide, open meadows, to a darker forest. She looked at the sky and realized that it was already dark, the moon shining brightly.

The trip was uneventful, having obviously slept past most of it. She didn't bother to have a look around the train, knowing that she'll meet the other Professor in Hogwarts anyways. Finally, the train stopped completely. Taking this as her queue, Buffy went out of the train and was greeted by a familiar face. "Hagrid!"

Hagrid caught sight of her and waved in return. "Buffy! I've got great news! Professor Dumbledore made me tha new Magical Creatures Professor."

Hagrid beamed with absolute pride. "That's great Hagrid. Or should I say, Professor Hagrid?"

Buffy smirked when he blushed. "It'll be just Hagrid for yeh, Buffy. Anyway, how was yer trip?"

"Uneventful," Buffy shrugged. "I slept most of it though."

"Yeh didn't meet the otha' Professor?" She shook her head. "Oh well. 'Ere he comes now. Professor Lupin!" Hagrid waved at the other Professor Buffy kept on hearing about.

The man smiled and waved back. "Rubeus Hagrid. It's been too long, friend," Lupin greeted back in return once he caught up with them.

Buffy looked at his torn robes with interest yet his attitude showed that he could care less. Something about him caught her attention, but it wasn't his tired eyes, the tattered clothes, or even the gray freckles on his hair that did. It was a familiar feeling she sensed in him; a feeling that she'd gotten to know quite well during her senior year in high school.

She didn't realize that she was staring at him until Lupin greeted her, albeit a bit stiffly than he did with Hagrid. "And you must be Professor Summers, I assume? I've heard much about you," he added as he shook her hand.

Must've heard the Slayer part then, she thought with amusement.

Buffy flashed him the most reassuring smile she could muster. "Didn't know I had fame around these parts. And it'll be just Buffy," she said in return. Knowing that it would be best if he came out of his secret first, she turned to Hagrid with a grin. "So, Hogwarts will be around here right?"

To say that Lupin was surprised at her lack of mention of his state was an understatement. Astonished, shocked, heck even flabbergasted would've been closer to what he was feeling now. Surely she would've noticed it by now?

At Dumbledore's mention of her being the Slayer, it made him think twice about going to teach in Hogwarts with her hanging about, something he never thought he we would do. After all, Slayers were known to sense out any demons and monsters, even in a large crowd. Being a werewolf most definitely placed him in those categories.

But her friendly, almost airy behavior made him doubt if Dumbledore got the right person. He knew long ago that appearances can be deceiving, but Buffy's ignorance about him being a werewolf still surprised him. He was so deep in his thoughts, that he didn't hear the conversation around him.

"Remus, yeh still know the way to the carriages, right?"

"What? Oh yes, of course," Hagrid left them with a short wave, his reason apparently missed during Lupin's musings. "Well, there's no use standing around here, c'mon," Lupin stated as he led her towards the carriages.

Buffy appreciated his attitude towards her even when he knew what she was. This wasn't something she receive quite often when demons (should I even call him a demon?) know that she was the Slayer. They either become too cocky and confident for their own good, or they hightailed out of her way, preferring to keep their heads and any other body part quite intact. But she could still see his edginess and his guard around her.

Oh well, a girl can't have everything.

She was snapped out of her thoughts when Lupin stopped walking.

"Guess we'll be sitting in the same carriage then," he awkwardly stated. He opened the door and signaled her to enter, but the horses that were supposed to pull the carriage caught her attention.

"What are those?" she whispered curiously. Before she knew what she was doing, Buffy walked towards the beasts with awe, leaving Lupin no choice but to follow her.

"I assume you're talking about the thestrals?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I knew about them, would I?" This caught Lupin off guard and Buffy had to laugh at his confused face.

"No, I suppose you wouldn't," he said finally, a slight grin forming on his face. He became more relaxed, albeit slightly, and even Buffy could see that his guard was still up.

"So…about these, winged gothic horses?" she repeated.

"Right. These thestrals are creatures of whom many have not seen. Only those who have seen death are able to see them. Hagrid might know more about them than me. He's fascinated with these types of beasts, he is," Lupin explained, momentarily forgetting who he was talking to.

Buffy smiled sadly. 'Only those who have seen death are able to see them'. She could've laughed at the irony of it.

"Guess that would explain it then," she said softly but Lupin heard the comment nonetheless.

"So, shall we?" he finally said after an awkward pause. He looked at the petite blonde as she stared at the thestrals as if it was a sad reminder of her past.

Lupin finally realized that she was indeed one of the strongest beings out there; one who was claimed to have the strength of ten men. It was that look in her eyes that gave him all the evidence he needed. It was the eyes of a fighter who have seen too much fights, too many deaths, and too much pain. A heavy burden that had claimed the thoughts of the world was placed on her shoulders, and it saddened him to think that any one was destined to protect the world, whether they wanted to or not.

Buffy finally seemed to snap out of it and turned to him with a cheery smile. "Yup."

The short ride to Hogwarts was filled with small conversation. Neither telling the other about being the werewolf or the Slayer, but both of them already knew what the other was. Finally, the carriage drew to a stop and Buffy and Lupin came out of the cart.

The Slayer stared with awe when she finally saw Hogwarts. Immense couldn't have possibly described the size of the castle and neither would the word 'enchanted'. It looked like it was designed from a fairy tale and was made for a king, not a school. The bright stars only made look ever more magical.

"Wow."

"Exactly my reaction in my first year. Although, without the part of looking like a fish," Lupin added and grinned when Buffy glared at him.

"Whatever."

Lupin led her to a huge pair of doors that placed the one in Gringotts to shame. When it opened, they were met by an old, strict looking woman in dark emerald robes.

"Professor McGonagall," Lupin greeted.

"Remus," she said in return. "Welcome back to Hogwarts. As well as to you, Miss Summers."

"It's just Buffy." Professor McGonagall raised a brow. "You know, since we're kind of working together and you're older than me. NOT that I was saying you were 'old-old' but just older and it's kind of weird if you call me Miss Summers since I'll be looking for my…mom if you do," she babbled with a flush. McGonagall's mouth thinned to a smile.

"Indeed, Buffy," she then turned to Lupin. "Fiver will help you to your room, Remus. Dumbledore sends word for you tomorrow. The password's Wizard Crackers."

Lupin was led by a small, creature with big brown eyes that was behind McGonagall and walked away to another direction, leaving Buffy with the other Professor.

"Dumbledore needs to speak with you," McGonagall turned to the blond girl, "he has a few issues to be sorted." With that, the strict woman led her to Dumbledore's office.

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A/N: Was Lupin's character intact? It's my first time writing his character, so I'm really open to suggestions on how to write him. A way to do that is to REVIEW! Now, about the important blip. I may not be posting any more chapters until September. This is due because I am going to write up as many chapters as I could before school start so the problem of not having enough time will be solved. There might be some updates, but the chances of that happening are slim.

Second, I finally decided on keeping the shipper thing into neutral grounds. That means that I won't be writing any shippers for Buffy in this story any time soon. I'm so sorry to those who are disappointed at this, but I think that this is the best

Third, someone requested me to make a similar trivia game from Pandora's Box here. I am still not sure about this, but it will be done in a popular vote. Again, please send your thoughts by reviewing.

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Special Thanks To:

sonofgloin whoosh. I was slightly worried about the escape scene. I'm glad somebody thought it was fine. Thanks so much for the review!

Sleepinbeauty don't forget to send in your thoughts about the poll thinger. I'm glad that you like the story so far!

buffy13-buffyspike4eva lol. I really do appreciate your reviews. I appreciate everyone's reviews. Anyways, send in another review and I'll appreciate you more!

Jay hope this was soon enough for you. I'm happy that you liked the Sirius bit, the mirror part, and the owl. Thanks!

Redlux hey hey! Thanks a lot! I hope you're fine with the decision with the shipper. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter.

Lightdemondarkangel woah, really? That's neat. I will greatly appreciate the reviews that are supposed(?) to come!

And to Jeff, TheMischief, Anne-Marie, and buffyfan363 thanks for all of the reviews, and I dearly appreciate every single one of them!

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edited on 8-20-05