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 to 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 Notes: oh my goodness! An update! Whee! Am very glad to see people are still reading this, so a major thank you goes to all the reviewers!
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Chapter 11—School Goes On
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Before either of the three got the chance of remotely even coming close to the warm, toasty room correctly dubbed as the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall's strict and worried face appeared from a corridor and stopped them from stepping a foot further. "Potter, Granger, follow me."
They looked at each other, wondering what they've done so early in the school year to…okay so Ron and Harry didn't exactly enter with the rest of the crowd last year, but it wasn't their fault! For the most part…
"I'll save some of pumpkin pies for you both," Ron told them when Harry looked at him questioningly. He grinned weakly, still not over from his recent train experience and waved off before he and Hermione followed their professor to wherever she was leading them to.
Successfully isolating them from rest of the group, McGonagall only halted her brisk steps once they were in front of the infirmary, a sight Harry was well too accustomed to seeing. "In here, Potter. Madam Pomfrey just needs to check you over so no need for the long face. Granger, come with me," she pointed to an empty room, bringing the girl with her.
Blushing from the fact McGonagall already knew about the incident, Harry ducked towards the nurse's office and sat idly on a spare chair after realizing the nurse was nowhere in sight. He frowned slightly when he heard voices coming out of the Madam Pomfrey's office.
"…of course, Poppy, I'll try next time. Thanks for the goodies! Oh hello, Harry. Bye Harry," Professor Summers quirked, before closing the door with a click, a small brown bag following with a swish of her every movement.
Wondering what she would be carrying out of the infirmary (better yet, what Madam Pomfrey gave her), he failed to notice the nurse herself stopping in front of him, an eyebrow raised, "Already sent here, Potter? Must be a new record," she pursed her lips as she began checking him over—looking at his eyes, feeling his temperature—that sort of thing.
"It wasn't my fault—" he started, feeling the need to at least explain himself.
"Yes, yes, I know. Those blasted dementors are the cause of all of this. Seriously, I sometimes wonder what has gotten to Professor Dumbledore. Now eat this," she gave him a bigger chunk of chocolate than Lupin gave him.
"Professor Lupin already gave me some."
"Ah! Finally a professor who knows his remedies," Madam Pomfrey exclaimed, clearly thinking of Lockhart, "But in any case, finish it still. 'No one can have too much of chocolate' as Professor Summers once said. Now get before all the food is gone."
Harry mused over his thoughts as he walked out of the infirmary. First of all, what was Prof—Buffy doing here of all places? Shouldn't she be down with the rest of the staff in the ceremony? What was she carrying in that bag of hers anyways and if chocolate was any indication, did Madam Pomfrey give her some of the remedy too? If that was the case…what for?
"There you are! Hurry up or we'll miss the sorting!" Hermione chided as they half-walked half-jogged towards the Great Hall.
Wait… "Hermione, what did Profe—?"
"Drats. We missed it. Oh? It's nothing important; we just discussed about my schedule this year," she off-handedly stated as they both took their seats next to Ron.
Ron looked at them questioningly once again and as Harry started to explain everything in a hushed whisper, Dumbledore's voiced took over the Hall with great exuberance despite of the unwanted prison guards lurking around the place. "Welcome, students—new and old! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! A few matters of importance must be discussed before our growing appetites are sated. I heard the roast duck was exceptional this year; from most reliable resources, I assure you."
Chuckles were heard throughout the Great Hall, yet everyone knew where this conversation was heading. Everyone was there when dementors met students for the first time in the train, weren't they? The quiet titters were almost like a nervous laugh before they heard the rest of the news. Eventually, the noise quieted down (with the help of Dumbledore's raised hands of course) enough for the headmaster to continue his yearly speech.
"This matter needs much more serious consideration than what to pick as a main course for tonight's meal, however. As all of you already know from the…different train ride, Hogwarts would be the unfortunate hosts to the dementors of Azkaban," his light tone had gone lowly serious. "Although I have high hopes that our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor would introduce these creatures as the school term progresses, I will take this opportunity to warn you and heed it you must.
"Dementors are nothing to be taken lightly of; in fact, any use of trickery against them would only endanger your position for they can see right through such forms of deceits. Including Invisibility Cloaks," Ron and Harry looked at each other, fighting off the tiniest signs that the statement was directed towards them. "Despite the fact none of these creatures can enter school grounds in any circumstance, they are however, stationed in every entrance to Hogwarts, thus having the need to gain permission for everyone if leaving the campus was a necessity.
"Until further notice, each student should be in their respective dormitories at seven in the evening; no later and certainly not earlier. Troubles have indeed grown these past times, but like after every storm, sunlight will still break through the darkened skies and all will be well," then, that familiar twinkle in his eyes began shining again as his grave tone changed back to its cheery self.
"Upon other news, I am sad to announce that Professor Kettleburn had retired from his position as the Care of Magical Creatures Professor at the end of last year. Yet on a lighter note, I am pleased to say that that position is now filled with our very own Keeper of Keys, Professor Rubues Hagrid. While Defense Against the Dark Arts is occupied by Professor Remus Lupin and Physical Defense by Professor Buffy Summers!"
A loud applause welcomed the new teachers as catcalls and shrill whistles backed them up, obviously reserved for the female counterpart. Harry saw Buffy grin as she muttered something to Lupin who gave her an odd look before shaking his head exasperatedly. He grinned excitedly at the prospect of Hagrid teaching them this year; thank goodness, Care of Magical Creatures was mandatory for 3rd years else he would've quit that subject as soon as it was offered.
An eyebrow rose curiously as his oh-so-detested professor came into his view, sulking and positively glaring with such loathing that even he had only seen once or twice before. And that was saying something still. Although it was quite obvious that Snape was once again turned down from having his desired position, it didn't make sense that he was staring at the admittedly friendly DADA Professor with that much hatred. Surely there was more than just occupational envy between the two?
Harry nudged both Ron and Hermione and pointed as Snape just as the hooting around them began to calm down. Both was as surprised as he was, but couldn't comment on it as the headmaster unknowingly interrupted them again. "Yes well, I do hope that the enthusiasm everyone showed would still be present as the school term progresses and classes start. But until then, I will not trouble your yearning stomachs any longer, so dig in!"
On cue, the food appeared on every table, majestically as always. Goblets were filled to everyone's preferred drinks, without even saying a single word. Serving plates were piled high with unimaginable amount of mouth-watering food. And true to his word, the roast duck was exceptional this year…as was the bacon, the grilled chicken, the sautéed lamb, the chowder, and so on. Oh, and one mustn't forget about the desserts—crème brulee, various types of pies, custards, and yes, the ice cream. It was feast worthy of royalty.
Chatter filled the whole Hall, making everyone feel as if they were with their own family. Friends reacquainted themselves personally instead of mails, as they discussed about Quidditch teams, the newest gossips, and even how much work they were bound to receive by mid-term. Everyone was simply enjoying themselves for the last time before the work load piled up.
Yet in spite of the cheery atmosphere, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, stuffed themselves hurriedly; too excited about Hagrid's promotion to chat with each other like the rest of their schoolmates. As soon as they were over with this, the sooner they could congratulate their newly promoted friend on the staff table.
"Hurry it up Ron! Dumbledore would signal for the prefects soon if you don't finish now," Hermione huffed impatiently as Weasley increased…well, his speed of inhaling his food almost to the point that it was literal.
"Mmph—coming…o mwahn tha's gwood—ohay! Ohay! Jwust—mmph…wone mwast bhight," and indeed it was just one last bite; one last huge chunk of the grilled pig that is. Ron began chugging down a goblet of pumpkin juice, oblivious to the open-mouthed stares he receives from his fellow Gryffindors.
Neville chose to spoke up, still incredulous of his time-breaking speed, "Blimey, Ron…that was—"
"—Something we should never had seen," Harry grinned good-naturedly, eyeing the specks of meat and mashed potatoes that missed Ron's mouth and the tiny stream of juice that was leaking at the corner of his chin.
Granger gave a snort of disgust and flicked her wand sympathetically, tidying up her friend's appearance just in time for him to finish his goblet. After mumbling his thanks, she simply retorted, "Belch in front of the staff and you will find yourself no one to proof-read your Potions papers, Ronald."
He grinned cheekily as they stood up, but nonetheless, Harry heard him burping discreetly at intervals as softly as possible. They neared the staff table and walked right over to Hagrid, who was smiling proudly at the sight of the three of them. "Congratulations, Hagrid! Why didn't you tell us the news earlier?" Hermione started.
"Wanted it to be a surprise, o' course! I couldn't believe when ol' Dumbledore 'imself came knocking at me door when Kettleburn's retiremen' news reached 'im. Still can't believe it. It's wha' I've always wanted to do!" then he broke out crying, leaving them with McGonagall's heated stare as she shooed them back to their seats.
The yearly kick-off the school year feast finally ended with Dumbledore's last good luck speech and his signal for the prefects to take the students a way. Everyone was whisked away towards their dormitories at a flurry of robes, moving stairs, and loud chatter. Harry soon found himself staring at the usual portrait of the Fat Lady with the rest of his mates, until he heard Percy shout out, "The new password is 'Fortuna Major'!"
As the boys and girls separated and entered climbed their respected stairs (it was a wonder Ron could still walk the amount of stairs they did with the amount of food he ate, really), sweet, sweet slumber wormed its way to everybody and soon, the rooms were filled with young students snoring their contentment away.
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As per usual, the trio arrived at the Great Hall, nearly fifteen minutes before the first classes start. If there was something Ron loved more than eating, it had to be sleeping. Excitement ran through nearly everybody, which was a peculiar sight since this…had never happened before. They sat right next to Fred and George who was grinning despite the early hour.
"What's got everyone in an uproar?" Ron questioned his brothers as he reached for oatmeal.
"Reckon they'll have the new Professor sometime today," Fred smirked as he handed Ron and Harry their schedules. "Guess you guys won't be having Professor Summers 'til Wednesday—tomorrow, then."
"Unlucky brutes," George piped up, then continued grinning. "Can't wait for PD—me and Fred will have ours right before lunch. Shame we couldn't have it sooner."
Hermione raised a brow, "You do realize you won't be just gawking at Buffy during class, right? You would be doing something."
"Oh ruin our fun, why don't you? And since when were you at first name basis with the Professor?"
"We met her at the train yesterday," Ron replied, happy to be acquainted with her before his brothers.
"Yeah? What was she like?"
As the Weasleys continued to chat on, Harry smirked when Hermione simply shook her head and muttered something like 'Weasleys' under her breath before he noticed something. "Hey Hermione, where's your schedule? I didn't see Fred an' George give it to you."
"Oh, McGonagall already gave me mine yesterday. I think we have the same classes together—I just have a couple more along the way. Anyways, I gotta go; need to pick up my books at the library. I'll meet you up at the tower—I think we have Divination first period," with that she left them as she grabbed a lonely apple off the table and went to the library.
Shrugging off Hermione's complete and utter dedication to her studies, Harry turned to the other three and joined in the conversation as a blueberry muffin muffled his voice. Their chat was interrupted however when a familiar Quidditch Captain came in, looking positively grim as if bringing bad news.
"Oi, don't forget: first practice is tomorrow after the last period—hey, I would have it done a tad later, George…or Fred, but with Black and all out there, McGonagall tightened up the practice sessions, so don't look at me like that, you three. Anyways, d'you guys mind telling Bell and Johnson 'bout the news?"
The three simultaneously declined, knowing how the two of them, if riled up to it (which was way too easy in some cases), had a nasty temper and would leave ears a-ringing and heads aching if they were the bearer of bad news, "Sorry, Wood," Harry smiled sympathetically, "you are the captain; just remind them not to kill the messenger. Heard that doesn't work necessarily, but hey—worth a shot." Fred and George sniggered as Harry added the last bit jokingly, but Wood didn't think so as he went off grumbling about his supportive teammates. Sooner than later, the breakfast session was over, and everyone had to go rushing to their classes if they hadn't done so before the clock rang the signal.
Ron and Harry began their trek to the North Tower, and it wasn't until their 3rd set of stairs that Hermione came panting with them, carrying a back-breaking amount of books. "Sorry. 'Fraid there was a hold-up in the check-out line. Apparently a fifth year tried to sneak out a book from the Restricted Area out of a dare," Hermione off-handedly stated as they climbed the ominous looking stairs.
After what felt like their fifth staircase, Ron suddenly panted, "Oh Merlin! Anymore and I think I'm gonna get myself a hernia!"
"Oh please," Hermione said, although she wasn't in any better shape that he was, "It's about time you lose that excess weight."
"I call that my 'holiday weight' thank you very much," he retorted back, although his ears were already turning pink.
Harry laughed out right at the pair, wondering how the two could still argue about the pettiest things even while hiking this much. But by George! This was a lot of stairs and even he (although not to brag) was in better shape than both of them; training with Oliver for Quidditch certainly increased his endurance over the past two years. "Ergh…maybe Hogwarts needs a pair of elevators," he grumbled under his shortened breath.
"En guard! Who dares trespass these sacred lands? Be it troll or be it thieves, show yourselves and prepare for a duel for I, Sir Cadogan, will defend this place—however dusty they are—if needed be!" a gangly knight in a painting brandished a rusty sword, swinging precariously at everyone, making several of its neighboring portraits flourish with an annoyed huff and run away.
"Hold on there, Sir Cadogan, sir," Seamus, their fellow friend, mockingly saluted, "we're just on our way to…uh…oh yeah! Divination at the North Tower. So ye can swing that sword of yers at someone else."
"Ah. Well why didn't you say so, my good men, and ladies?" Sir Cadogan bellowed, looking all but flustered as he sheathed his ancient sword. "Then with this noble deed, I shall help you with this quest. Follow me, my merry men, do not despair! The end of your road is there!" The knight then began popping from one painting to another, its grand spirit not losing a beat.
From beside him, Harry heard Jordan mutter, "Merry? I'll show him merry!" Hm…guess Ron wasn't the only one who was a tad sore at this tedious walk.
Yet true to his word, the Divination Room was just about a couple minutes of walking away, to which everyone gave a relieved sigh. "And with this, I must leave thee. If my assistance is ever needed I will be just a painting away! Good bye, good men. May the luck of the gods be with you!"
As the group entered the final and topmost landing (joining up with the others who went before them), they spotted nothing but a huge trapdoor on the ceiling, a sign saying 'Professor Sibyll Trelawney; Divination Classroom' attached to the brass handle used open it up. No sooner did the last student finish walking the last step (which was in this case, Neville Longbottom) did the trapdoor open by a thin and shawl-hidden arm in the other side.
"Come in young ones. Quietly, you must, else you disturb the Great Eye," a soft and almost gauzy voice came from above warned as a perilous set of ladders was cast down for the bravest (or stupidest) student to grab hold of and climb up. After a tense minute or two, a Ravenclaw took hold of it and began to climb, starting the line into the classroom.
When Harry entered the dark room, a wave of dizziness suddenly attacked him as the heavy scent of burning incense and the muggy and almost humid atmosphere of the room hit him. Fighting it off, he headed to an unoccupied set of table, waiting for his other friends to sit next to him. No sense of sleeping on the first class of the first day of term, he thought sleepily. In a daze, Harry began looking at what had got to be the queerest room in all of Hogwarts.
Instead of the usual beam-like structures that supported the mainframe of the castle's ceilings, curtains and unlit brass, chandeliers of every size hung in random coordinates. Darker than even Snape's dungeon, the class was literally just lit by the warm fireplace and the little streams of sunlight that managed to get through cracks at the boarded windows, giving the room a red glow. Cushions replaced wooden chairs, circular tables instead of rectangles—hff, no wonder it made him sleepy in the first place. It felt like a perfect place to take a nap—if it wasn't for that heavy waft of incense that came around the room every few moments anyways.
Finally, when everyone was settled, who Harry assumed to be the Divination professor came out of them many shadows and stood in front of the great fireplace that took the better part of the room. Thick, rimmed-glasses settled on the bridge of her nose, glittering against the light that came off the fireplace. Her thin frame was covered by layers upon layers of cloth which was topped off by a thick, black shawl. The messy hair on top of her head just made her look ever more an insect.
"Welcome, children," the same wonder-filled voice started, "just as I have foreseen, every single one of you had been chosen to be here—to learn one of the most difficult subjects in the magical field; but like I have also Seen, one of us would give up this tedious subject and fall away from the path."
Although the news wasn't drastic, Harry heard a collective murmur of surprise from the other students, whispering to their neighboring friends who it would be. He returned his attention to the front, again fighting off the huge urge to just roll over and sleep, "…am Professor Trelawney and will be your mentor and your guide to this path of Visions, Signs, and the Future. Yet I, as well as books, could only take you so far in this delicate subject—"
Ron and Harry had to grin at Hermione's comical open-mouthed horror as her dependability on books were now taken away from her in such a manner that to her, it was like telling that her now favorite pet—Crookshanks (of course)—had just died after complimenting its feline ways. 'Twas truly heartbreaking—to Hermione that is.
"—for the ability to see, to truly peer into the veils of the Future is not acquired but inherited. You boy!" Trelawney pointed a bony finger at Neville who was shaking with shock, "write your grandmother a letter; she may not be as well as you think." The teacher then proceeded to make predictions, from showing off her ability to do so or from just simple foretelling the future, Harry wasn't the wiser.
"Even though there are many more, and much harder ways of divulging into the Inner Eye, we will begin the term with simple tea reading and from then on, we shall go where the Eye takes us. Now, dear," she pointed at Lavender, "please hand out the china set to everyone—yes, over there. Oh, and there is no way to prevent what you fear the most from happening at the sixteenth of October. I'm terribly sorry, my dear."
After Brown's horrified gasp, Professor Trelawney started with the instructions, telling the students to bring out their books, Unfogging the Future, and with that, interpret what the leaves from the tea showed. Ron and Harry paired up, beginning their session of telling each other their leafy future.
"Erm…Ron, if you peer any closer to that cup…I'm afraid your nose would get stuck," Harry feigned great concern, receiving him a glare.
"Well if you got your 'Inner Eye' tested and stuff, why don't you give it a shot?"
"Okay…let me see your grand future, shall we?" Harry started. What the heck? The smell was making him feel goofy too! "Anyways…hm, there's a cross…which according this book, means you'll suffer a tad bit—heh, sorry don't know from what. And that right there could look like the sun…so, you'll get something good out of it. Hah, brings a whole new meaning to no pain, no gain. You're turn."
"Alright then; well, other than the leaves here and there that I have no idea what to do with…I think that over there is a bowler hat…work for the Ministry or something? cos that reminds me the one Fudge has…Funny," he stated after turning it to the side and showing it to Harry, "see that over there? That kind of looks like a scythe and unless your planning to be a farmer, there's nothing in the book about a scythe."
Unbeknownst to them, his comment attracted Professor Trelawney's attention and it wasn't until she snatched his cup that they noticed her at all. "No, no, Mister Weasley, that's the falcon—grave dangers will come to you; an enemy of sorts."
To their side, Hermione muttered when doesn't he ever, but the teacher was too enraptured to even spare her a look. Trelawney had been muttering lowly, bringing the rest of the student's attention to the small table. The club—an attack. The skull—even more dangers. And then…a large gasp and Trelawney dropped the fragile tea set, "Dear, dear…I'm afraid…oh, how terrible! You have…the Grim," she whispered deadly, bringing a collective gasp from the rest of the class (except for a few). "The worst of all omens of death; it takes shape of a huge dog, roaming around innocent churches. Ahh…I'm afraid we'll have to end our lessons here. Yes, that will be best, until next time," then sending Harry the weepiest and most sympathetic eyes he saw before retreating back to the shadows.
With narrowed eyes, Hermione eyed the cup and pointedly said, "I don't see it. Really Harry, don't trouble yourself about it. Personally, I think it's a load of rubbish," she added when they exited through the trap door.
Harry gave her a weak grin, although he and Ron were surprised at her objectiveness of the Divination subject. Since everyone began looking at him as if he was about to just drop dead, his sleepy mood plummeted down—too fast to his taste really, for it gave him a sickly feeling; not to mention that he did see that ominous sign of a big, black dog.
T'was a really nice way to start off the day: say you're about to die soon and that would be like the morning coffee every American seem to need. It was absolutely F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.
Great…so who was on his top five list of who wants him dead? Oh yes, there was Voldemort, Sirius Black, the omen of death…erm, Snape, and of course, Malfoy. The last one didn't really faze him as much as the first four but still that was one more. Merlin! And this was just the first day of school—no, the first class. This was even worst than usual! At least on the past two years he had time to enjoy before he had to save his troubled-butt from imminent danger. Life truly wasn't fair.
News apparently traveled fast in Hogwarts because no sooner had he reached McGonagall's room for Transfiguration, nearly everyone was sending him sympathetic or frightened looks, whispering when he thought he couldn't hear them, or simply avoiding the very direction he was heading or the path he walked. Others were 'unfortunate' enough to be in the same class as him—second period Transfiguration—and had to 'taint' themselves with his bad omen.
Needless to say, everyone was pretty quiet and not a comment was heard when McGonagall had transformed herself into an cat—by means of animagus apparently. Such action had thoroughly disgruntled the old professor who, upon previous times, had received a much warmer and louder welcome than this…depressed class she currently had.
"Oh honestly! I have never seen a class this depressed to go back to Hogwarts!" Lavender began retelling their first encounter with Professor Trelawney, making that grim line of a mouth on McGonagall's face even grimmer. "As much as I am dearly enjoying this mood of class I have now, I hate to break it to you, Potter, but Divination truly is one of the vaguest branch of magic out there; I am not denying that it is hard, but it is still quite imprecise. Not to mention, real Seers are incredibly hard to find and are rarely seen…making it even harder to believe that what most are foretelling are actually true predictions—things that will pass no matter what happens.
"In short, your recent subject is near to what muggles call 'smoke and mirrors' and your fabled predicament will not excuse you from any homework my class will demand. However, I will try to refrain from summoning your ghost and demanding your overdue essay should the event happen."
Even Harry had to laugh at that one. Smiling inwardly at her success, McGonagall proceeded with her class, grabbing the student's attention when she introduced the prospect of being able to change into an animal at will.
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With feet sore, her temper high, and mind painstakingly full, Buffy had declared herself officially knocked out. Who knew handling a bunch of rowdy teenagers was this much work? And if they did…why in the holy hells didn't they tell her? Seriously, for her mental and physical sake, this was just the second period!
Okay, so she had to handle Dawn on her own, but at least then, there were the Scoobies she could always count on. And it wasn't like she was actually talking about the syllabus for the household chores and had to stand on an elevated platform to establish her position.
Nope; all she had to do was threaten her at some point and expect that said sister was smart enough not to touch the pointy end of the weapons. But no…not with them. Hell, now she had to memorize names, act not quite as sisterly, and overall, be a teacher.
Although there was that nifty thing she could now—send overly rambunctious kids to detention. Oh yes, that would be her salvation to those arrogant boys that want to show off so soon in the beginning. Really, that was one incident she will try to forget.
I really need to remember to lock that room first. What good were the punching bags whose sole purpose was to be punched when they were suddenly charmed to do the opposite—hit the student hitting it?
She sighed heavily, but grinned when she realized she had a lunch break after, and since it was real common sense not to have a class after lunch (stomach related reasons, of course), she had another break after that. So overall, she had nearly two hours of 'Buffy' time, which she ideally chose to eat first (…again, did anybody tell her teaching was also very energy draining?), then a short break, and then go for a run after that to clear her mind.
God knows she needs that.
A lot.
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Walking towards that familiar hut, the trio's mood lightened up from their argumentative lunch and started walking faster. Harry thought that the meal would've at least calm down everyone's nerves, including his…but, this just further proved that he was nowhere near being a Seer. As they approached Hagrid's 'classroom', his anxiety finally calmed down, and a happy, albeit tired, grin formed on his face.
Yet his mood plummeted down for what seemed like the tenth time that day when the sight of the most despised Slytherin group sauntered with a sneer towards the class. Along with them came the rest of the class, chattering happily, oblivious to the impending danger that would most likely happen. Just when he was about to complain to his best friends, Hagrid decided to show up and begin the classes.
At the corner of his vision, Harry swore Malfoy and his gang sneer even harder at Hagrid's authority and couldn't help but cringe.
Oh, dear. Something in the air spells trouble.
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Feet pounded hard on the leaf-covered path. Breath came up short as her straining muscles screamed for oxygen. Heart pumped quickly to supply the increased circulation of blood within her body. Sweat began trickling her brow yet these uncomfortable side effects of running nonstop were the only things that she focused on.
Thinking about something else, which what most people would've done, was the very object that she was trying to avoid. As caveman-speak would say it: thinking bad. Thoughts about teaching had enveloped her thoughts for a while and she needed an escape. Running seemed to do just that.
Hence, her intent focus on how her body was reacting to her constant pushing.
A lazy grin formed on Buffy's face as she decided to push her limits even farther, attempting to surround herself with the loud pumping of her blood, the scent of the foliage, the blurred scenery, the salty taste of sweat passing her mouth, and the straining muscles.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Thump.
Thump…Thump.
"AAAAAAAAHHHH!"
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A/N: uh…hehe. School came in rather unexpectedly. Chapter was supposed to reach up to twenty pages…but I decided to cut to here for the sake of an update. Happy early holidays! Btw, really am glad for the review responses from the last chapter. It really made my…month to see that people haven't abandoned this thing.
Special Thanks To:
Lady Saffron of the Daggers- hahha. Being hyper is a v. good thing when done regularly! Hm…Buffy's class hasn't really started for the trio, but hopefully you can hang in there for the next installment because I'll definitely put it on there.
Marz1- uh…not really sure about the grim hunting, but alls I can tell now is that there would be more dementor encounters on the road for buffster. Its really hard to keep the good ol' Buff around, especially since the show has canceled and I'm not really tuning in to the replays (life has made sure of that), but I'm really glad that I AM keeping her in her roots. Just be sure to shout when I'm nearing the OOC zone.
Masau- golly gee, thanks! I haven't been exactly reading many fanfictions out there for quite sometime, but I have some pretty excellent HP crossovers that I could give the links to if you are interested. I know, my update rate, unlike other, is not really written in stone, so predicting when I'll be updating is basically similar to attempting to win the lottery.
OfficiallyObsessedwithPyro- well hey, you never know what I might put in here for the future (wink). Anyways, I do hope you still stick around even without the wanted shipper.
Sparky24- oh you wouldn't believe how many the times I've edited that whole section just to make it as it is, and I am very much proud of how it turned out; and it sounds like it did quite well. Since reading HP crossover fics, I've noticed that most of the Buffy professors were introduced in the Great Hall, so I decided, why not twist it a bit?
Toniboo- greaaat! Now you have another chapter to read! I'm really pleased that you were interested enough to finish this all in one goal, so that put a smile to my face. Like I've said many a times before, I'm really not planning to post up a shipper, but who knows? Maybe in the series?
And even more thanks to: Caz92, Moony, Mione & Padfoot, Flying Philosopher, and Katsheswims.
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(unedited version)