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: As would have it, review responses are now individualized so…yah. Thanks for the reviews still! Btw, this chapter has the return of a certain fugitive…it would be too rhetorical a question to ask 'guess who?'
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Chapter 12—Of PD and A Large Dog
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Buffy screeched into a halt when she heard the terrified scream and sprinted in what seemed like a second to the source. Over there, just behind the thicket, was Hagrid's class along with what looked like a mutated horse. Instead of the usual horse's upper-half, it was replaced by a raptor, magnified by twenty with large agitated wings flapping around and about.
Man. Talk about something weird.
Even in all of her Slayer years, Buffy was still startled to see such a creature as that.
But…wait. Who was that over there! Her eyes widened when she caught sight of Malfoy from the train, and rushed over, not even bothering to apologize to the students she just bumped into. Heck, she didn't even hear the startled yelps of said students and the half-whispers about her that spread like wild fire. No, there were more important stuff to attend to.
Hagrid, white-faced but grim, was already trying to calm down irritated creature, but the wailing screams and shocked murmurs from the crowd weren't helping. This was a classic example of how civilians simply just got in the way, Buffy thought to herself.
"Calm down guys," she then yelled, bringing their attention to her. Hagrid turned to her for a second and she caught sight of the fear and anxiety he was trying to conceal before facing the horse/bird again.
"Shh…Buckbeak, calm down you rascal," he grunted before finally throwing a ferret-sized meat to the other side of the clearing. 'Buckbeak' followed it, changing its attention from the injured student to a more desirable one. Buffy jogged over to Hagrid, slightly worried at the weird vibe she was still getting from the creature.
"Get him to the Infirmary, Hagrid. I'll take care of your class," she muttered to him, before sending him a sympathetic glance and a nod to get going. Although he might be a touch sore about his first class being ruined so quickly, the fellow teacher didn't have to be told twice before he scooped up Malfoy and hurried to the direction of the castle.
"Okay, so who knows how to take care of this bad boy?" Buffy asked, knowing that this creature, whatever this was, couldn't be left flapping about. Especially when he had a look that screamed 'danger!'
"It's a hippogriff professor," Hermione called out, still shaken from the recent event but willing to help. "Walk up to about 10 feet away from it, bow low while maintaining eye-contact, and wait until it bows to you as well then you can go nearer."
Although wary at the odd instructions, Buffy did as she was told, trusting on a 13 year-old's information. Oh dear. "Alright…."
One, two, three, four…
Bow low…lower. Don't blink…
Wait…
…wait…
Buckbeak looked at her with curious scrutiny, his molten yellow eyes flashing when it caught the sun's rays. It cocked its head, this way and that, as if trying to read her intentions. And holy crap those claws are huge…Suddenly, it threw back its head and erupted a guttural cry while agitatedly stomping its feet/claws on the ground, but it made no move to attack Buffy.
The class gave a startled yell at its unexpected move, unconsciously moving back a step away from the creature. Ron gulped nervously as he started at the professor at such a vulnerable position.
Yet, all through this, the professor maintained her stance, almost getting lost in those fierce eyes. Not even Buckbeak's cry made her flinch or even did she give a start when the class yelped simultaneously; this must have been the sign he was looking for since the hippogriff kneeled down to the ground after looking at Buffy for a moment or two longer.
A collective sigh resounded from the class before whoots of clapping and cheering followed forth. Buffy too, was relieved at Buckbeak's permission to come closer, and started walking closer to the hippogriff. "You all know where your classes are, I hope?" she threw over her shoulder.
Everyone got her meaning and started walking back to the castle, chatting amongst themselves at the sudden turn of events. "Oh, and Hermione, 10 points goes to Gryffindor. I would probably been sliced and diced if it wasn't for that tip," Professor Summers grinned before leading the winged horse to Hagrid's hut.
When well out of earshot, Ron finally released the breath he was holding and gasped, "Blimey! That was…"
"Crazy?"
"…I was gonna say incredible, but yah, that works," Ron concluded after Harry.
"Really? I would go for odd," Hermione frowned. At their looks, she added, "Well don't you think it was a little bit off at how fast she came here? And not to mention Buckbeak's behavior when she was asking his permission to come closer."
"'Mione, its not exactly any one of us are experts of hippogriffs and besides, she might have just been in the neighborhood," Harry defended.
"Yeah," Ron added, "what so odd about that?"
"But it didn't have the same reaction as it did to you, did it?"
Ron and Harry looked at each other, unable to answer that question.
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The rest of the day went off without another hitch, although the Slytherins were making as much of a big deal as they can about Malfoy's injury. Passing by the infirmary, the Trio heard Malfoy's over exaggerated cries of pain before Madam Pomfrey testily telling him that it was more of a flesh wound than anything else and it had already been taken care of.
Needless to say, it brought a few snickers to the three of them.
News about Professor Summers's interference during the Care of Magical Creatures were almost as well known as her class. Many of those who had her couldn't stop boasting their capabilities of having an easy A in PD despite of the professor's warning about its levels of difficulty. Others were still sore about the jinxed 'punching bags' who began hitting them instead of the opposite.
Those who didn't have her on the first day, were either listening about her fascinating tales or spreading them; with or without the actual facts. This rumor mill was inevitable to reach Buffy's ears themselves, and she nearly choked on her water when the latest news was apparently…well, her.
Along with some really, really, interesting tidbits about her origins.
"So, did you really train in the Transylvanian forests?" a particularly cheery Lupin asked her when he settled down for dinner.
An annoyed glare was shot towards his direction, "Don't even start. News is, I'm apparently growing a fan club! Ugh, fan clubs are for celebrities, Lupin. Do I have a big billboard stamped up somewhere or something? Seriously, what is the hubbub all about? Its just me!"
"You…the one who gallivanted around the train brandishing a torch and attacking a dementor and successfully making it run away in the train, you mean? The one who, quick as a whip, appeared out of nowhere when Mr. Malfoy was injured during Care of Magical Creatures? It's just been two days Buffy, and the kids have nothing else to talk about except the new," Lupin shrugged as he served himself some food.
"I was just running through the woods…" she whined childishly as she poked her peas. "God, I just wished they would stop staring. I'm trying to eat!" Lupin laughed loudly before forcing it into a cough when the Slayer held up her fork threateningly. "Maybe I'll just take this upstairs. I need to catch up on some stuff before I get to sleep, anyways. Later, Rem."
"Have fun! The house-elves will probably bring you something to eat," Lupin advised her who just shot him a scowl but muttering her thanks anyways.
Walking as swift as she could to avoid any students, she was unaware of a lone figure standing just behind the Great Hall doors waiting for her. She almost went past him when he called out her name if it wasn't for his near-platinum blonde hair that was almost impossible to miss.
"Oh, hey Draco…do you mind if I call you with your first name by the way? It's just really weird calling kids by their last name. Really. What is up with that?" Buffy began conversationally, although her speedy steps didn't skip a beat.
Taken aback by her talkative manner, Malfoy almost tripped but managed to keep his feet the same pace as hers; but he still struggled. "Uh…I'm really not sure, Professor, but it would be a pleasure to call me whatever you want." Gagging internally, Draco became disgusted at his remark.
A pleasure to call me whatever you want? What. The. Hell? Shaking his head, he returned his attention to the short professor who finally stopped in front of a painting, which he assumed to be hers, after the several twists and turnes he took. He locked the information in his head, saving it for later use.
"Okay, Draco," slightly annoyed that she wasn't able to shake him off her trail, "oh yeah, how's your arm?" Buffy finally putting her attention to the student.
Putting on a 'brave' face, Draco gave a sad smile and said, "I still get a twitch or two of pain here and there, but its getting better I suppose. Father will be furious when news about this comes to him. That oaf will get what's coming to him."
Slightly surprised by how he sounded, Buffy could do no more than but say, something passively. "Oh. Uhm…I'm really sorry Draco but I have some stuff that needs some attending to. You know, teacher stuff. See you sometime this week, okay?"
"Yes, Professor. Goodnight," taking the hint, he turned around and left, making a disgusted face at his failed attempts at the conversation.
Cocking her head slightly, she shook her head at the kid's somewhat arrogant attitude and muttered her password to Lady Lyra. Entering her room, she sighed thankfully at the warm meal that greeted her, minus that unwanted audience.
She grabbed the borrowed binder from the library that she had neglected to return (which consequently got her some notices from the librarian) and looked over that article she had read over and over already; her only written lead on Sirius Black.
Damn. If only she had a CSI team on this case…
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Several excited murmurs ran amongst the anxious crowd as they neared upon their newest subject: Physical Defense. Yesterday students, mostly of the male student body, brought eye-raising gossips at Professor Buffy's somewhat scanty attire. Others scorned her Yankee roots and made fun of her odd verbage.
But nonetheless, everyone wanted to see her (although for various reasons) for themselves and judge her that way. Besides, news of the jinxed 'punching-bags' were fast becoming old and many of those who run the insider news want the new juices.
Even Harry, Ron, and Hermione (who knew the professor a bit more than the others around them) couldn't wait for the class. Scurrying to a new corridor they (surprisingly) haven't passed in Hogwarts, they skidded to a stop when they read a notice hammered to the door that opened to the PD room:
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Boys to the door to your left, girls to the right.
Please change into the proper uniform before entering
the gym and leave your wands in your lockers.
You only have five minutes to do so before you are
considered tardy.
-Professor Summers
P.S Try and enter the wrong doors and
you'll have detention washing everyone's
uniform the muggle way. Oh, and wear your
sweats.
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Well. That was certainly interesting. No one ever mentioned changing to the uniforms yesterday. Giving a puzzled frown to each other, they entered the door that held the instructions. And there it was. Those two sets of doors to their left and right. Ron and Harry gave a slight wave to Hermione who proceeded to enter the rightful door.
Several aisles of tall, skinny lockers greeted their sight when Ron and Harry went inside. Nervous chattering from the other male students who began changing their clothes was heard simply from everywhere. This subject was new and no one knew how to act; except of course, those who were of muggle roots and/or knew how this went. Anyone could easily spot them in this anxious crowd. They were the once who were standing a bit cockily beside their lockers, dressed up and all ready to go.
Speaking of said lockers, each one had their names on it, grouped by their houses then their years. Finally reaching the right ones, Harry waved a greeting to Seamus and the others who were also twittering nervously. "The locks will only open by voice. Just say your name and it'll open by itself. Safety-slash-privacy concerns apparently," Finnigan tipped them with a shrug.
"Thanks," Ron and Harry muttered before saying their names towards their locker. The door swung open to reveal a very spacious locker—almost a closet. And just to the side, they saw their change of uniforms. Without further ado, the duo began to change like the rest of their mates.
…
"Well. This…is…new," Ron struggled to say as he looked around the 'gym' when they met up with Hermione. It was nearly as large as the Great Hall sans the magical ceiling. Everything looked…out of place considering that quaint old feel everyone felt at Hogwarts was…to put it into a word, erased, when they entered this room.
Polished wooden floors replaced the stone-cobbled ones outside. Brand-spanking new mirrors filled the entire west wall of the room, making the room appear larger even more. Several locked cabinets were up against the opposite wall and not one had to squint to realize that they were the sharp-pointedly weapons that can slice and dice and probably mince someone. Next to it was a stack of 6-foot long sticks and looked as sturdy as bamboos.
The numerous windows allowed much light to get in the room, and Harry had got to admit that this was probably the best lit classroom out of all of Hogwarts. And it certainly compared greatly to a muggle gymnasium. Weird.
"Okay kiddies, settle down," a loud voice chirped over them. Everyone turned to the new Professor who was sporting a pair of sweats herself, hair tied up to a messy bun. Needless to say, it brought several jaws down as no one has ever seen a professor wear anything near 'street clothes'. "Just…find a spot on the floor together so I can take roll."
A loud scuttle of squeaky shoes running across towards the middle just in front of the blonde teacher erupted until Professor Summers gave a loud and somewhat annoyed cough before proceeding to call out their names.
Several minutes and a deafening silence later…
"…ookay. Now that that's done, we'll just skim through the rules for the year before I explain what the change of uniforms are for," Buffy stated as she placed her clipboard to the ground and started walking around, watching them like a military personnel would.
"First off. Not under in any circumstances, whatsoever, will any of you, try to unlock those cabinets and even think about using them as a prank. Doing so will result in immediate expulsion from this class and a long time suspension from Hogwarts. These are not playthings that you can swing out until someone pokes an eye out; they can break bones, create internal bleeding, cut and bruise you, and can give something worse than a lost eye.
"Secondly. Trying to cheat in this class will receive detention and believe you me, I have more than one way to find out if you are," a wicked gleam flickered in her eye, causing the students to look at each other uneasily, "And finally, uniforms are for you to get unstinkified after the daily work out. B.O. is just…ew."
Everyone chuckled at the face she pulled before she hushed them back again. "Other than following what I say and trying not to break anything other than yourselves, we're here to defend ourselves without any means of magic—hence the no cheating policy. We'll cover the basics first this sem—preparing your bodies so that you can do extensive workout with the simplest exercises.
"And this brings us the topic for today's attire. You've probably heard different stories from yesterday, but I'm really up for a run around the castle grounds. So if you'd follow me," Buffy instructed as she led the across the room and out a door that led outside. A clear pathway that led to the woods and probably winded in an out of it met the group of youngsters.
"We're not going in there," a Slytherin girl snobbishly pointed out. "It's going through the Forbidden Forest and if you haven't heard, Black is at the loose as well as all the other creatures that live there." Much to Harry's and the rest's chagrin, several murmurs of agreement backed up her argument.
"Then I guess you haven't heard of magical charms then, eh?" Professor Summers raised a cool brow, before saying to the rest, "This will be the only time I'll be running with you so try to familiarize yourselves as much as you can. We'll be running in three minutes; use this time to stretch out your muscles."
Awkwardly, the class began doing their own stretches, mimicking each other while muttering how stupid they must look. Professor Summers, surprised at their lack of knowledge of simple stretches, called Hermione and another Hufflepuff girl over.
"Okay kids, watch Ms. Granger and Ms. McLeary here. The two of you sit down and face each other; now open your legs in front of you as wide as you can…a little bit more…right, and connect them to your partners. Grab each others hand and then pull gently…gently, Bonnie…as far as the other can take it, hold for five seconds, then the other partner pulls.
"Do this for about a minute then shake your legs for a bit when you stand up. You'll feel some stretching at the back of your knees which is a good sign you're actually doing it right. Sooner or later, you'll be stretched far enough for your nose to actually touch the ground, but…I really doubt that in this case. Now go partner yourselves up or whatever."
Now more organized, several grunts of pain and a few 'oh Merlin! You pulled something' or 'I ain't that flexible, dammit!' came from the students, and Harry could see that Professor Summers bit back a grin while at the same time tried to stop herself from smacking her head at their sight.
"OUCH, watch it Ron."
"Sorry, mate. I just feel…silly doing this, ya know?" he apologized when he yanked Harry's arms a bit too harshly. But Harry could tell he was a bit distracted with the sight around him—girls grunting and stretching…farther than the guys could.
Giving him a glare, Harry smacked him at the head before yanking his arms hard too. "You didn't have to do that, you git," Ron scowled before grinning at him.
"Alright guys and gals. The whole track is about a mile and a half so be ready," Professor Summers took up the lead to a comfortable pace, signaling every one to join her.
Bit by bit, she increased her pace, bringing the students from a nice jog, to a regular run, then almost a sprint near the end. The more athletically built managed to keep up with her, but only slightly and painfully so. Those who prefer sitting around than doing something physical lagged behind, but no one dared to be the first one to stop and rest; either from embarrassment or pride, none could tell.
A stinging prickle began in Harry's chest while his throat became drier and drier as each passing breath came in and out. His legs began to ache and felt like it turned into jelly while his right side throbbed painfully…but he could tell he was a bit better off than some. Ron was wheezing in and out as he struggled to keep up with the brisk pace. Hermione to his left was pale on the face, but managed to keep her breathing softer than most.
Who the hell knew running could be this much pain?
But oh dear god, an opening in front of them showed the castle and more importantly, the end of the track. Hallelujah! A quirky shout up front, coming from the Professor, came and shattered that thought, "From this on, I want everyone to sprint as fast as you can. First one to come behind me gets 30 points for their house. Ready. Set. Go!" And faster she went with inexhaustible amounts of energy coming off her.
"Bloody…hell," Ron whined/wheezed before he too, like the rest, put everything they got in the last 150 yards or so.
But none managed to keep up as well as that one kid from Hufflepuff and even then, it was about a minute or so until he reached the finished line, where the professor was grinning at everyone. One by one, everyone reached the end and plopped unceremoniously to the ground, wheezing and gasping for much needed air.
Harry bent over Ron who was coughing up mumbled phrases as he laid on the ground while Hermione kept walking around, her arms over her head as she breathed deeply through her nose. "It's better if you stand up, you know. And keep your arms up," she instructed both of them.
Ron tried getting up. He really did! But his jelly legs gave way to his weight and Ron just scowled to Hermione, "I like the ground, thanks."
"Great job everyone. 30 Points to Henry of Hufflepuff," several tired 'whoot's and 'yeah's came from the Hufflepuff class but the rest was just simply too fatigued. Harry looked up to see Buffy as cheery as ever, not a drop of sweat on her. It was as if the whole thing was nothing to her and she was sprinting like a maniac on fire!
That.
Was.
Crazy.
"Well, you better get back in and change before you miss lunch." Groaning at the fact they simply had to get moving again, everyone picked themselves up and headed back inside to change, some buckling suddenly when their knees couldn't support their weight. But everyone managed to get inside.
Eventually.
…
"So? How was it?" Fred…or George asked when they sat down like a sack of potatoes on the benches, groaning as their muscles ached.
"Like my legs have been turned into gelatin," Ron muttered darkly before helping himself pathetically to a glass of water. "Ah…That was heaven. Now somebody please kill me."
"What? What happened?" a bunch of other students began crowding in amongst those who just had PD, very much interested in what they had to say.
"Professor Summers just made the whole class run the track. Forced us to sprint like a devil she did," Seamus grunted next to them, wiping his still sweaty brow with the palm of his hand.
"And the weirdest thing is, she hasn't broken a sweat!" another student exclaimed.
"I felt I was gonna die there," Harry concurred after them, still feeling the side-effects of the run. "How 'bout you Hermione?…Hermione?"
She was nowhere to be found. "Funny. I just saw her there awhile ago," Ron whispered to him when Harry pointed it out. "She just prolly went to the 'loo."
"Yeah…I guess."
"Well if you guys are done being sissies…" George grinned at them even as he received death glares from the lower classmen.
"…The new DADA professor is extra wicked this year, we'll have you know," Fred finished after him, sporting the same grin, "totally unlike Lockhart, thank Merlin."
"Good. I don't think I could stand another year chasing Cornish pixies or blocking out his fan club."
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Nightfall finally came, and needless to say, Buffy couldn't have been any happier. It's been too long since she patrolled the grounds…okay, so about five days, but then again, when has she ever been patient?
Two weeks of school had already passed by and she barely had any time to do patrol stuff anymore. Either she was already too preoccupied with trying to fight off that headache from trying to make her class 'fun' and 'interesting' while having to do the boring stuff of basics and trying to put everyone on the same level as everybody else.
Not to mention that some of the kids were getting a bit feisty as they itched for the more advanced stuff to happen. So not good. She (especially she) knew how kids could get when they want to do something bad enough.
But another dilemma faced her right now; one that was facing her weaponry cabinet and brought a deep frown on her face:
To bring that new sword she's been itching to use or not?
After all, weaponry has never really been needed in this particular neck of the woods…but, argh! It's just too…shiny! Finally, with a very dejected sigh, Buffy decided against it, figuring that any of the patrolling Prefects or late-night students will catch sight of it and will just add it to the rising rumors about her. And with a click, she closed her cabinet.
"It's just me and you again, Mr. Pointy," she murmured as she flipped the stake and hid it inside her leather jacket. Smirking inside, Buffy pocketed a small dagger in her black boots, and for once, just hoped to have something a bit more dangerous to happen tonight.
Buffy groaned.
Any other people will hope for a peaceful night with that warm fireplace in front of her…but she just wasn't one of them. For some reason, she just needed that little taste of adrenaline she's been pitifully getting from running in circles around the track.
Maybe solving that huge spider mutation wouldn't be such a bad idea?
…
The crisp night air brought some calm in her frazzled nerves. Buffy was on solo tonight, her werewolf buddy apparently have some class planning to do and sends his regrets. Yeah. Right. The grin that sported his face when she told him of her need to spar something (ANYTHING) was apparently amusing.
Humming a merry tune under her breath, she failed to see a surprised pair of eyes peering through one of the windows up in the castle. Instead, her focus zeroed in the thick foliage she was about to enter and allowed her senses to spread throughout her surroundings.
As she went deeper and deeper into the forest, her hearing senses sharpened, picking up the rustle of leaves and the occasional snapping of branches that reminded her that she wasn't alone. But that creature was merely passing by and had no intention of coming across a Slayer with an itch.
Buffy had long ago learned to tuned these useless sounds out and instead focused more on the ones she shouldn't hear. Her eyes became accustomed to darkness and where most people would be smacking their heads for the lack of lamps (for even a simple 'lumos' couldn't conquer the darkness that simply emanated from the Forbidden Forest), Buffy rather liked it.
For one, it gave her some camouflage, making the stalking of prey easier…if there was some prey to stalk. And second, it gave her the chance to exercise her heightened sight as well. Past experiences had drilled that to her young mind: practice is part of survival as well.
But even the practiced skill of scanning out the area while keeping a constant watch at all times, even the Slayer can still be taken by surprise at her own game…including that especially large dog that just jumped out of nowhere and barring his pearly whites with a snarl.
Oh, Shit.
Buffy yelped. Big time.
When her heart managed to calm down a bit, she held up her hand in mock surrender, trying to put the agitated dog at ease, "Easy boy. I'm not gonna hurt you…I'm more afraid of you jumping at my throat actually," and for some reason…just saying 'Nope, never mind…I'm the slayer so I can actually beat up into a pulp before you bark 'rabbis'' just didn't quite fit.
As if comprehending what she said, the dog quieted his snarls, although Buffy could still see some of its hairs standing up. She took this time to look at the canine fully. Buffy couldn't quite tell exactly how large it was because of its dark fur and the dark surroundings, but she had a pretty good estimate that it was huge. Yellow, doggy eyes bore on her as if calculating what her intentions were while erect ears stood proudly as he…or she, undoubtedly heard noise almost better than she.
But she really have no idea on what to do next. Although she didn't particularly dislike dogs, she didn't know how to act when she was around one; Buffy just never had one to begin with when she was a kid. Mom was too fond of her artsy statues and plates and Dad became engrossed with 'business trips' to even properly take care of her, much less show responsibility for a dog.
"Well…unless you're gonna turn into Dracula, I'm gonna go now, pooch." It cocked its head at her voice but followed her nonetheless, keeping that stiff posture about it. "…Alrighty then. I guess your coming with me…"
And yet, the dog never came up right next to her, but rather stayed behind. Buffy of course, heard his every step and pant and felt his presence but there's something almost…off about it and she couldn't tell what it was exactly. Maybe it was her fried nerves or she must be feeling things, but he/she didn't exactly feel very dogish if that was even possible.
Hours later, it was already pushing to midnight and Buffy had to give up her search for something 'fun' once more. Reaching the end of the forest, she turned to her newly found companion…only to see that he was gone.
Without her even noticing it.
She couldn't have been delusional, there were some paw prints from where he walked behind her and the tracks simply turned around into the forest once more.
"Fine then, pooch," she muttered before she too went her separate way.
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He paced back and forth across the hidden foliage. That was the first time he had come in contact with a wizard without running away from him (or in this case, her) and it confused him a great deal. Certainly, this was one of the new teachers…probably taught that new subject. Some form of martial arts or other.
Sirius scoffed. That petite girl…fighting one on one with a wizard without magic? Please…It would be like battling with a fly with a door. Not to say that she looked anything quite like a fly, quite the contrary in fact.
…But in any case, why would anyone, professor or not, willingly travel in the Forbidden Forest alone and unprotected? It was simply suicidal unless you're strong enough without a wand…okay. Simply preposterous. Which was exactly why he was gravely suspicious of this new character and jumped at her in his first chance.
She was startled of course, but not in the sense of being frightened. That girl even went as far as calling him 'pooch'! He? A pooch? Remus would never live it down once he caught wind of it.
Speaking of which, he longed to see one of his best friends and finally tell him the truth. Certainly, Remus would realize that he couldn't have spilled the secret to that wretched wizard. James was like a brother to him! How could he ever do such a thing to that Potter and what was he to gain from that betrayal?
There's a traitor in the midst and even though he was definitely sure Wormtail resided inside the castle walls, he still needs to be wary with other unknown characters; including that new professor. Yes, she needs to be watched. Something definitely did not add up about her…unless Dumbledore has something up in his sleeves and past experiences (usually from his teenage years but more so during the war) had taught him to be wary of Dumbledore when he has something planned.
Black finally settled down under one of the bigger trees. Enough thinking for tonight…he was tired and hungry and under the circumstances, thinking will tire him even more. Picking up a lone berry, he turned it over and examined it before concluding that it was edible and wouldn't poison him. But then again…he was almost ready to eat anything so he popped it into his mouth with reckless care before spitting it back out with a disgusted noise.
"Bloody fruit," he growled with annoyance before spiting for the last time.
Almost ready, that is.
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It's nearing the end of October and ever since the appearance of that dog, a more consistent trips to the Forbidden Forest was simply a must. And every time those trips occur, the dog will just pop out of nowhere and stay with her until it was time for her to leave. Strangely enough, the dog seemed to have a sixth sense of when she was leaving but it never came close enough for Buffy to pat it.
Even when she was trying to bribe it with some food, its determination to stay a meter or two away from her was kept. Which was greatly surprising since the mutt was mostly made up of skin and bones and even she would salivate at the yummy smells those darn foods were making.
Ah well. Miracles do happen, Buffy thought optimistically as she swung another bag of goodies for the pooch. And speak of the devil, there he was, waiting for her, as if to say 'what are you waiting for? Lets just get this done and be over with it' before it turned away with a whine.
Yes… "So. Caught a whiff of some turkey, pooch?"
He snarled and Buffy chuckled. Although she knew perfectly well why he snarled at her, she couldn't help but feign innocence. "Oh, come now pooch, I made sure its dead before I brought it here." If it was even possible, the nameless stray scoffed before barking at her.
Buffy frowned as she looked at him, "You know you really have to eat. You're a sack of fur and bones, pooch…I guess being a stray does that to you. But in any case, I'm the bearer of the bacon so just eat the turkey already!" she waved the paper back, fully annoyed at the dog's lack of compliance.
The said canine merely gave another snort, before turning around and walking towards a path that lead deeper into the Forbidden Forest. He gave a short bark to the Slayer and she clearly got the gist of it. "Peh. Fine, have it your way, mutt. Just don't come whining back to me when you get hungry."
It gave a sound as if to ridicule that very thought.
"Whatever, pooch."
It snarled with annoyance, but otherwise just followed her lead when she caught up to him.
Yup…it's just another day in the job. Hopefully it's more interesting than the last, Buffy prayed.
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A/N: So it's about 4 pages shorter than I thought it would, but…that's okay. I'm planning to end this story in around chapter 20 or so so I can finally move into the sequel (?) Anyways, Happy Holidays, everybody!
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(unedited version)