A/N: This chapter and the next will be much shorter than the ones previously, but I can't help it. It just seemed like the place to stop, and remember that these are only glimpses into her life.
A/N 2: You guys are incredible. Absolutely made my day seeing all the reviews. Thanks so much to: Sukera, Moony's-Mate, Cindy B., manticore-gurl071134andMusings-of-Apathyfor dropping me a line and letting me know what you think.
zayra: Wow! I can't believe you put me on your favorites list. I hope I can keep up with your expectations. I also wanted to say that I'm a fan of "The Golden Phoenix" and can't wait to see more. I wish I could answer your questions because I'm really really excited about this story, but I just can't bring myself to give it away…sorry.
WhiteWolf 3: That was actually something I thought about for a while, because it does seem a little unrealistic for that much to have happened in that amount of time. But the way I look at it is that they were just settling down and were getting back on their feet. Dawn was finishing up the end of the school year (seeing as how Sunnydale collapsed before she could) and Buffy was finding a job (through Lorne) to support them. I didn't want there to be too much time before the move because I really do see this as just one bad thing after another for Buffy. I hope I was able to express that in my writing.
goddessa39: (passes goddessa a tissue) Yes he is. And I don't think it can really be called "Dawn bashing" if I remain true to her character, and I can totally see her acting like this, heck it follows with the show…all three seasons she was there.
Anne79Thanks, and I think I do know what you mean and if not…oh well, thanks anyways. I also wanted to say that I'm a fan of "Need," it's on my favorites list. That was a great update.
Just Me: Your review was really flattering and made me smile. I don't even know what to say I'm just so touched. I hope I keep up to that level. Thanks so much, it means tons, believe me.
xoxox
England, August 2006.
"You know," he started, as he slowly sat down in one of the puffy brown chairs she had scattered around, "you're gaining quite the reputation up at the school."
The small smile that played about the corners of her lips as she poured the tea for the both of them told him that she was exactly aware of the rumors about her, and she found them amusing. "Really? That's interesting. I wasn't aware of any of my actions being rumor worthy, considering none of the students have ever seen me."
"Yes, well, as you well know, the smallest things tend to blow out of proportion, and your timely, if mysterious, recovery of Misters Douglas and Beck from the forest last week has the entire school talking."
She looked affronted, "What's so wrong with that? You tryin' to tell me that I should have let the giant spider thing eat them?"
"By no means, by no means at all," he assured her. "But the rumors…well they are not what you would expect."
"How so?"
"Misters Douglas and Beck have been telling everyone who will sit still for two seconds about the new evil that lurks the forest." He smiled at her, "They insist that a shadow was terrifying enough to eat a gigantic spider, and if they hadn't run as fast as they had, they would have been swallowed by the darkness as the second course. The last thing Mister Beck saw as he exited the forest was the shadow entering your cottage." His grin grew wider, "My dear, I have the feeling that you have just become the mysterious evil witch who lives at the edge of the forest."
She couldn't help but laugh at that and pretend outrage, "Don't those kids get warnings at the beginning of term to stay out of the forest?"
"Ah, yes. But then, what would they do all year if they did not test the limitations that are placed on them? I dare say it would make my job even that much harder."
She gave him a stern look, "You know, if you would change the name to something other than 'The Forbidden Forest' I think your problems would be cut in half. Doesn't sound near as interesting if you're telling your friends that you went unscathed in the 'Luminous Forest,' or the 'Gleaming Forest.'
That got a laugh from him, "Be that as it may, I believe you should be prepared in the future for your home to become a challenge or test for the students." He smiled as he settled in the chair with his tea, "Just a warning."
Tbc…
