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: I'M BACK! Wow...it's been awhile, hasn't it? Oh well, but with the school coming up, updates will be once a week. I don't know what 'exact' day will be perfect so I was thinking on a Friday update thing? I'll try to update every Friday so that it'll just be after school or work or whatnot but before the weekend begins. Thoughts? Anywho, thanks for the reviews! Up next: Buffy is starting to get settled in Hogwarts. Read down to find out more!
-
---
Chapter 6—Settling in Hogwarts
---
-
Buffy stepped out of the moving staircase and entered Dumbledore's office. She took everything in with surprise and humor, never having seen any of them before Huge portraits of moving old men were hung in the circular office and started looking at her curiously. There were strange trinkets scattered all over his wooden desk, along with several stacks of paper. To her left, there was a roaring fire going despite the warm weather of summer. It was just so…him.
"Good evening, Buffy. I trust your stay at the Leaky Cauldron met your standards," Dumbledore greeted her just as she was examining a gorgeous scarlet bird.
"It was fine. Although the military boys that came yesterday and gave me the second degree ruined all my fun," Buffy replied dryly, finally stopping her wandering eyes. She sat on one of the cushioned chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk when he offered her one.
"Yes, I've heard about the Ministry's visit to your room. It's actually the reason I wanted to talk to you before you settled in," Dumbledore paused as if to think on what to say next. He sat behind his desk and continued on. "You've heard about Sirius Black's escape, correct?" Buffy nodded.
"What do you know about him?"
"From what I heard in the Leaky Cauldron, this Sirius man was a great supporter of Viddlewart and that he killed a street full of muggles in broad daylight. I also heard that he was the reason why Harry's parents are six feet under," Buffy replied, wondering if all the rumors were true.
"Sadly, what you have heard is correct. We thought that Sirius Black was in our side during those times. He was James's best friend ever since the two met in their first year here. The duo was inseparable; they could've been mistaken for brothers if it wasn't for their surname. They, along with Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew-," Buffy's eyebrow rose up. Lupin knew Sirius? "—were one of the most mischievous students that ever stepped foot in Hogwarts. But when Voldemort came into power, things started to change.
"The Potters had Harry during the War, and those were terrible times for everybody; wizards and muggles alike. Everyone was on high alert; even some muggles. Each were wondering if the other was a spy for Voldemort and fearing for their lives. However, the Potters managed to find happiness despite the dark times.
"James appointed Sirius as Harry's godfather, and many who now knew of his decision, regret his choice. When word reached us about Lily's and James's death, we were…devastated to say the least. We finally realized Sirius's true side once we've heard the news of the massacre a week after that. Predictably, the Ministry sent him to Azkaban where he has been locked up these past thirteen years. Until now," Dumbledore said, a sad glint in his eyes forming.
"After we heard that he escaped from Azkaban, we all came to the agreement that Black will try to do what the Dark Lord could not; kill Harry Potter in revenge for his downfall. The Minister and I finally decided that the dementors, the guardians of Azkaban, will search for any signs of Black in Hogwarts, much to my chagrin. Despite their so-called 'importance' to Black's recapture, everyone in the staff including me, feel an animosity towards them. They will arrive next week, and I cannot stress how much you need to stay away from them, Buffy," Dumbledore warned.
The Slayer knew that the headmaster was keeping something away from her, but let the feeling dropped. Instead, she opted for the next available topic. "Okay, I got the 'warning' part on that one, but not the 'why'," Buffy pointedly stated. If these demented guards were the ones who failed to guard Sirius in the first place, they couldn't be that bad, could they?
"Buffy, these dementors are one of the foulest of the foul. They live off the happiness on a person, and force them to relive their worst moments. The guilt, anger, despair, and heavens know what will come back and haunt you," Buffy shivered as she remembered waking up in her coffin. "Many go mad if they stay near a dementor long enough. This is why you should stay away from them at all cost. You have no magical abilities to keep them away, even at bay; Slayer or not," he added firmly, leaving no room for Buffy to object.
"However, I firmly pressed to Cornelius Fudge—the Minister—that the dementors cannot pass within the school's boundaries, which includes a part of the Forbidden Forest. If it's not too much to ask, would you be willing to patrol along these borders? I fear that Voldemort might try to regain power, due to his past attempts in the last couple of years. You may have the lack to do magic, but I trust your strength will help you."
"Consider it done," Buffy said, glad that she would be able to do her nightly patrols. "And speaking of 'not doing magic', what do you want me to do with my whole Slayerness?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "I apologize for not telling you sooner, but I highly suggested telling no one of your stature. The staff in this school has been told of your title and has sworn confidentiality about it, but to the rest of the wizardry world, you are a squib."
"You told people I'm a squid!" Buffy yelled, horrified at what he did.
The Headmaster seemed to think it was funny as he started laughing. "Not a squid, a squib. A squib is a witch or wizard who is unable to perform magic, despite their direct heritage. This might explain Cornelius's attitude at your incompetence to be a Professor. And I need to warn you in advance that there will be students along with their parents that will think so too if they hear about it."
"Great. I officially have two aliases," she sighed. "I am so not liking this Chocolate Fudge person, and this is coming from someone who loves chocolate and fudge," Buffy pouted.
"Quite. I would appreciate it as well if you tell no one about your connections with your friends back in Bath. I fear that the subject will lead to too many questions and gain suspicion. Oh and before I forget, I assume that you already know that Professor Lupin is a werewolf?"
"Like the back of my hand, Dumbledore," Buffy grinned.
"Well yes," Dumbledore replied, not knowing what to say to the response. "I would really be thankful if you don't...erm, harm him in any bodily way. He is one of your co-workers and one of the best students I've had in Hogwarts. I'm actually quite surprised that Lupin came up here in one piece, but thankfully nothing of the sort happened. So, if you please...?"
Buffy's smile broadened. "Wouldn't even dream about it," she replied to the unfinished question.
"Fantastic. So, now that we are done with our business here, would you like to see your room? Minerva, Professor McGonagall that is, will be stopping by tomorrow to lead you to your classroom as well as to the Great Hall for breakfast," Dumbledore informed her conversationally as they exited his office.
Buffy was only half listening as she stared with awe in her surroundings. Sure she saw a part of it while walking to Dumbledore's office, but Buffy never enjoyed it as she had to keep up with McGonagall's fast pace. Like in Diagon Alley, she wished that they would walk so much slower.
There were ghosts floating around, their translucent bodies had allowed her to see right through them. They passed a group of suit of armors who saluted at Dumbledore as they walked by them. Torches hung against the wall to provide them light, just like what one would expect in old castles.
Finally, they stopped in front of a huge painting. There was a petite English girl looking at them with curiosity. Dressed in a purple Victorian corset, her brown hair curled down her slender shoulders giving her an elegant look. A harp stood right next to her, playing a soft tune on its own accord. Finally she spoke to them. "Good evening, Albus," she greeted softly, "This would be the new Professor, I assume?"
"Yes she is. Buffy Summers, I would like you to meet Lady Lyra, the guardian of your room."
"A guardian, huh?" Buffy eyed her curiously as well. More like a painting.
Lyra nodded at her. "I am, Professor. What would you like your password to be?"
"I need a password for my room?" Lyra once more, nodded. Buffy shrugged the odd need, but thought of one. "Hmm, how about...'Slayed'?" The painting nodded again and swung open, and revealed a hidden room behind it.
Despite the lavished feel of Hogwarts, Buffy never thought her room would be quite like this. The circular room was almost as big as one of the living rooms back in Bath. Buffy entered her room and couldn't help her jaws from dropping as she took sight of it.
The walls were painted in creamy yellow, which gave the room a warm and light feeling. There was a queen sized, four poster bed in one side of the room which was covered in some soft blue material. It shimmered under the light of the simple chandelier that hung down her ceiling. In front of the bed was a crackling fireplace, which provided the warmth she'll need during winter. There were posters that hung next to it: a badger, an eagle, a lion, and a snake.
Next to her bed was a small bedside table where a lamp stood. A huge closet stood near the other side of her bed with a mirror hung over it. There was a beautiful wooden table near a window in what looked like the corner of her room. The window opened to the cascading mountains that bordered Hogwarts and was surrounded with red tapestry.
A bookshelf near her table was filled with books that surprisingly caught her attention. There was a blue couch and a coffee table next to the bookshelf, which made it look like a mini-library.
There were a couple of doors located at both ends of the room. One lead to an enormous bathroom, the walls painted in pastel green and pale silver. The other door led to a fully equipped training room that had mats and every weapon imaginable. Instead of having stones as her floor, it was polished wood. The walls in this room were in deep scarlet, bordered with golden paint.
All in all, the room made her speechless. "Wow."
Behind her, Dumbledore chuckled at her reaction. "To put it in a way. Since you didn't attend Hogwarts, I took the liberty on posting the four houses in the school. The badger is Hufflepuff, the eagle is Ravenclaw, the lion Gryffindor, and the snake, Slytherin. I understand that you had a tiring trip today and that you still need to unpack, so I asked one of the house-elves to bring you your dinner," Dumbledore paused. "Goodnight, Professor Summers."
"Back at ya, Dumbledore," Buffy muttered, still in awe of her room. All of her luggage was in the foot of her bed and Mr. Gordo was also standing right next to the window. Dumbledore laughed before leaving her room. Things definitely looked better for Buffy.
-
---
-
There was somebody calling her. "Buffy!" a voice shouted outside. The Slayer immediately recognized it as Professor McGonagall and quickly got out of her bed. She regretted her decision sorely when coldness hit her and was tempted to jump back in when the shouting continued.
"Miss Summers, if you don't want to go to the Great Hall with me, you are quite welcome to find your own way. All you have to do is say so," McGonagall added testily.
Finally, the portrait swung open, which revealed a disheveled Slayer. Her hair was still messed up from the recent sleep and her eyes still looked tired from the rude awakening. "Uh... I had train-lag?" Buffy answered her sheepishly. When she didn't receive a response, Buffy hastily added, "Just give me five minutes to change from my pjs."
Five minutes later and Buffy came out of the room. "What are you doing?" McGonagall asked exasperated, "you haven't changed at all."
Buffy looked down, expecting to see her pajamas, but only saw her tank top, loose pants, flip-flops ensemble she picked out awhile ago. "Yes I did. See, no puppy pjs and frizzy hair," she defended as she started to tie her hair.
McGonagall looked like she was about to say something else but thought better of it. Besides, it would've taken ten more minutes out of her schedule before they proceeded to breakfast. "Fine. Follow me," she said as they began walking. After several flights of stairs, they finally came to another hall Buffy recognized to where she and Lupin entered last night. The older Professor led her to another set of doors, which revealed the Great Hall.
"Wow…" Buffy whispered under her breath as she stared at what she assumed where the ceiling was. Instead of the usual wooden ceiling, or hard stones, the clear blue skies from outside showed. Even a few birds flew across. She idly wondered how many times she would say that before getting used to the magic concept.
"How did-"
"The ceiling is enchanted to present the weather outside. Its one of the best features about Hogwarts," McGonagall answered the unfinished question, her voice filled with pride at the school. "There's some more explanation in Hogwarts, A History, found in the Library if you want to more know about it." They walked up to the teacher's table, where most of the staff was.
"Good morning, everyone. May I present to you Professor Buffy Summers, the new professor of the also new subject of Physical Defense," the professors welcomed Buffy to the school. "Buffy, these are most of the professors, your co-workers, at Hogwarts. You can sit next to Remus if you like," McGonagall suddenly waved her wand at the end of the table, which suddenly extended and produced another seat along with another plate without looking like it grew bigger.
"Hiya, Remus," Buffy greeted as she sat down next to him.
Lupin grinned half-heartedly at her cheery presence, suddenly losing his appetize. He was still puzzled at Buffy's ignorance at his werewolf state, especially since the rest of the staff knows that he was one. Dumbledore certainly would've told Buffy by now, if not 'sense' his demonic part. After all, aren't Slayers able to do that? Remus thought that it would be she who would react the worse; she being the Slayer and all. But since the 'Slayer' neither said nor acted as if she did know, Lupin wasn't thoroughly complaining.
"Good morning, Buffy. What do you think of Hogwarts?" he asked conversationally, as she placed some breakfast on her plate.
"Great so far, considering I was only here for less than twenty-four hours," she answered back. "How 'bout you? Has the whole 'being back here since seventeen' joggled your memory back in place?"
Lupin laughed. "I can never forget this place. It brought some changes into my life and I will never regret any of them," a sad glint in his eyes appeared. Before Buffy could change the subject, a dark haired professor suddenly appeared in front of them.
"Severus," Lupin greeted in what he hoped was a cool voice. The other professor merely glared at him with pure loathing in return.
"I'd watch your back if I were you, Remus. There are some of us who will take pleasure on catching fugitives red handed," he sneered back at him. Professor Sever-Us shot Buffy a look before stalking away in a billow of his cloak.
"Let me guess, old school rivalry?" Buffy asked calmly as she bit into her toast. She stared at the retreating professor, wondering when the last time he took a bath was.
"It goes way back, I'm afraid," Lupin said in response as he took a sip from his goblet.
"As long as the time he last rinsed the slime from his hair off?" Lupin snorted in his drink, making him choke from the pumpkin juice. Buffy chuckled as he comically tried to calm himself down.
"Sorry. Just, brought back some memories is all," he apologized.
"Care to enlighten me?" The becoming too-familiar sad look in his eyes appeared again, and Buffy hastily added, "Or not." Despite what Lupin felt about talking about his past with Sirius Black, the known infamous traitor, he started describing about his time in Hogwarts anyways.
"It's fine. During my years as a student here, my friends, James, Peter, and...Sirius," he added forcibly, "that is, had a great dislike for Severus Snape. Of course, him being in Slytherin and us in Gryffindor didn't help matters either. I'm afraid that some of our pranks and tricks during the seven years in Hogwarts had fueled his animosity towards us. Then again, so were the ones we tricked on did too, though hopefully in a lesser degree.
"And now that here I am, years after all the humiliation we've cost him, and teaching here nonetheless, let's just say he isn't the happiest of the professors here. Added with the fact that I am teaching the very subject he so desperately wants, I seriously doubt he respects the Headmaster as he once did," Remus added thoughtfully.
Buffy grinned. "So, its group hates boy, boy hates group. Group plays pranks on boy, boy gets angry. Years later part of group comes here and teaches where boy teaches too. Yup, that'll explain the threat all right. What I don't get is where the hair part comes in," she wondered aloud.
Lupin laughed at how she summarized his story. "I'm afraid even Dumbledore can't solve that mystery."
Someone cleared their throat. Buffy and Remus looked at McGonagall who was staring at them with her eyebrow raised. "While I appreciate your way of introducing the other professors here, Remus," Lupin smiled sheepishly, "-I need to borrow Buffy for awhile. It's time she sees her classroom before I'm off to start the year's lesson plan."
"I could do it for you, Professor," Lupin offered. The werewolf could've smacked his head right there and then, but thought better of it. He didn't know why he suddenly offered his supposed 'enemy' a tour of Hogwarts. An idea dawned inside his head. Maybe getting to know the Slayer will answer his hidden questions.
"Thank you, Lupin. But I hardly doubt that you can create my plan for the year, despite your grades when you were here," the older Professor replied, an eyebrow raised.
Remus laughed humorously. "Not that. I meant with me giving Ms. Summers here her tour. I'm sure you want to have the students the best lesson they could have this year, and it won't be a burden at all," Lupin clarified.
"Oh so now I'm a burden?" Buffy growled under her breath so only Lupin heard it. Remus bristled at her tone but kept looking back at McGonagall.
"I suppose so. Unless Buffy objects of the change," she asked the Slayer.
"Oh, not at all. Lupin and I will have a fun day with the meaning of burden hanging around our heads." His head to be exact. Buffy grinned wickedly at Remus who pointedly ignored her predatory look.
"If you say so," a slight confused look passing on the older woman's face, "Buffy's classroom is at the end of the second floor, Remus. It's near the portrait of Gory the Grim," McGonagall instructed before heading off to her classroom.
"A burden, huh?" the Slayer growled once more, and this time there was no point on ignoring her further. She could've laughed out loud at Lupin's horrified face but wanted the effect that made him squeamish last longer.
"Erm, I'm sorry?" Lupin apologized, fearing that he finally signed his death warrant. Stupid Remus, stupid!
"And that's supposed to clear the fact that you still called me one?" Buffy didn't give her new friend a response back before she gave him a slap on the head, reminding herself to give him a soft hit.
Soft that is, on Buffy's standards. Remus grimaced with pain as he held onto his head. He was surprised when he realized that she was merely jesting—and was touched by the playful manner—but clearly, Buffy's slayer strength also lies within her lightest punch. He could already feel a bump coming along and shuddered to think if Buffy hit him harder.
"Ow. Didn't deserve it that much."
"Sorry. Guess I don't know my own strength sometimes," Buffy had the grace to look sheepish. "So, you done with breakfast yet?"
…
Buffy yawned as she entered her room. The tour around Hogwarts Lupin gave her had tired her, despite the Slayer package. From walking around the dungeons to climbing up endless stairs, from visiting her classroom to going through shortcuts, long-cuts, and secret passages, she felt as if they've visited every crook and cranny of the school and told Lupin so. In response, he merely said that they haven't even been to half the places he'd gone while still in school.
But all the same, Buffy had gotten a taste of the vast halls of Hogwarts. Even if her tour guide was still a bit edgy around her. She rubbed her eyes as she kicked off her shoes. "Hey, Gordo," she greeted the owl. The brown owl hooted in response before he closed his eyes.
The Slayer looked at the bird and suddenly remembered that she needed to write back to the others. With a sigh, she took out her chair and some writing materials, including her pen and started to write:
-
To Everyone,
I've finally arrived to the famous Hogwarts place and it really has something to be famous for. Its huge halls and all of the magic that is going around really makes it look that it came out of a Disney movie. Anyways, I just wanted to write and tell you that I'm finally realizing what their term of 'magic' is around here. There are even talking paintings, saluting suites of armors, and a ceiling that lets people see the weather outside around this place!
Other than the whole school thing, one of the professors in here is a werewolf. It's kinda awkward to do the whole teaching and slaying thing with him around, but then again, I had much practice with Oz back in the days. Speaking of teaching, I was wonder if you can give me some pointers about it, Willow. You handled the computer class back in SunnyD so...guidance for the much needed here!
How's work, Xand? Still going on top as always? Thanks by the way on helping me make this decision. It's one of the best so far. I was actually wondering if you can send some of my weapons back? The owls will be able to handle it. Hopefully.
Oh, and Giles, have you gotten anything else about this Sirius Black? I'm starting to hear some stories about his 'betrayal' during the War with Voldemort, but it still doesn't match up with the Slayer dreams. Despite how cryptic they could be, they still turn out right one way or the other.
And Dawn, I realize that you'd be off to Oxford soon, so I wish you good luck! And no, there won't be any brooms coming along your way, people in college might call in the animal rights department of the government and take away the owl, and no matter how harmless a broom could be, it will be in your hands. You better not touch a single ILLEGAL thing in there or I will personally come down there and kick your butt. Sister or not.
Faith, I owe you a lot for doing this. I thought that asking you to leave Cleveland would be a bit too overboard, so, thank you. I know it's been hard for you ever since Robin...uh, you know, didn't survive in the hospital in L.A. You could talk to me or any of the gang about it. Believe me, we all have our share of mishap relationships. Anyways, keep me in the loop with everything going on back there (keep a close eye on the others) and have fun with being the boss. Not that you need the idea of fun.
Buffy
-
The Slayer tucked in the parchment into an envelope and tapped Mr. Gordo's cage. The owl glared at her interruption, but Buffy paid no mind. "Bring this back to Slayer Central in Bath, would you? And there might be some heavier load in the return letter, so I'd suggest going to the Owlery to get some help. See ya in a couple."
Mr. Gordo hooted in annoyance, but did what he was told anyways. He snatched the letter away and flew off to the Owlery to recruit some more owls. Buffy didn't even bother to change and soon slept on the soft mattress.
-->
A/N: So, what do you think? Bonus points to those who realize what the color of Buffy's room mean. Remember to review!
-->
Special Thanks To:
Anne-Marie-Well then I am touched that I didn't managed to bore you. Hopefully it goes with the rest of the chapters that are bound to come. Appreciate you thoughts!
buffyfan363- I do plan on making them good friends. I mean come on! Wouldn't it be a big 'duh'? LOL Thanks for commenting on their characters being intact. I needed the reassurance. And as for the Spike thing, I planned him coming in after Angel's season finally. Do the whole 'coming back and showing Buffy I'm alive as a vampire' thing. And thanks for the support.
Highlanderfanatic- I did take your suggestion into consideration...only I went on another way with it, if you get my meaning. If you don't, what I meant to say is that instead of having a Spuffy fic, I changed it and went with nada. Like I've said on Sorrow1's review, this might turn into a series, and shippers might go there.
La Vito- I'm sorry if things didn't go like you liked, but like what somebody said, I can't keep everyone happy, although I strive to do so. It's an annoying trait of mine. Anyways, I hope this doesn't stop you from reading this.
Lightdemondarkangel- thanks for the support, I really appreciate it. But if you managed to read the 'temporary' chapter six, you would realize that I turned this into a neutral fic. So, you don't have to struggle through Spuffy romance. Yup, you waited long enough for this update!
Marz1- I hope this chapter explained your first question. And don't worry. There will be some Buffy vs. Dementors action going on in the future, so keep on reading. Phew...I was pretty worried with Lupin over there. But then again, he didn't play that big of a scene anyways...
Sonofgloin- thanks a lot! I really needed the assurance if I typed Lupin, Sirius, and any other characters intact. It's my first time writing them you see...Hopefully this chapter showed a bit more of Buffy's way of saying 'I don't care if you're a werewolf' if not subtly. I mean come on! Hanging out with Oz, has to count with something!
Sorrow1- I guess you didn't like it that much then, huh? Anyways, if you are still interested in reading this story, you would know that I changed the shipper back again. Although...I had one reviewer that told me that there aren't that much Spuffy fics out there, which got me a little confused. So, anyways, I think it'll be much safer to be on the neutral side. Who knows? I might even turn this into a series and write a shipper with somebody there...
sparky24- ahh, yes. The inevitable question. I'm actually surprised that there was only one person who managed to catch on to that note. Anyways, yes, I DO realize that Lupin was introduced in the 'real' PoA at the train scene. And it still will be for the Hogwarts students; only a little bit tweeked for the story purposes. Anywho, this will come along at around Chapter 10 which I am currently typing right now so read until then!
Suzij- I'm guessing you don't like Spuffy then. I got a little confused by your review though. The one thing I did get that you hated Spuffy...you can't over look this shipper...but you'll read it because I turned it into a neutral story...and you'd like more updates. Oh well, the last two things are what matters now I guess.
Tranquility- Well, the thing is, I'm really not that big on getting the whole gang into Hogwarts since a) the plot of Prisoner of Azkaban will get all screwy and b) while there are authors out there who have managed to get them to Hogwarts and still write all of them without getting cramped, I am not one of them. Thanks anyways for the review.
Wizathogwarts-...nobody's forcing you to read my story. And it's just silly that you said that I just wasted your time, because again, it is you who used it. It's pretty interesting that some readers will just stop because of a shipper they don't like. Nope, it's not the plot or the writing style that 'suddenly' disinterests them, but the chosen romance. It's just an interesting notion is all...
Thanks for the others that I have not mention, I really appreciate it. Review some more!
-->
edited on 8-21-05