The Watchman
Buffy was surprised to see Marcus Lestrange sitting with a book further down the corridor when she walked out the infirmary door. She glanced over to Dumbledore and then back at Marcus. What was he doing? There was only the infirmary along here and, as Marcus wasn't the type to sit in deserted corridors, that must mean he wanted to see her. She'd no sooner thought it than Marcus looked up, slammed his book shut, and took off down the corridor.
"And the weird behaviour award goes to..." Buffy muttered, watching him turn around a corner. When Fiona had told her that all the Lestranges were prone to being peculiar, she'd taken it with a pinch of salt. Although she'd seen Marcus' father behaving oddly, Marcus had always seemed sane – until now.
If Dumbledore thought Lestrange's sudden exit was weird, he didn't remark on it. Maybe, as Deputy Headmaster, he was more used to seeing kids running off when they saw him. So Buffy shrugged it off and followed Dumbledore, who was setting a very sedate pace. When Gus Lupin moved alongside them, the professor slowed his steps even more.
"The subjects here must be different to the ones you studied back in your Muggle school," Lupin said to Buffy. "Do you have any favourites?"
Buffy looked down at the stone flags underfoot, caught sight of her ugly grey socks and grimaced. Grey socks looked good on no one. "Um, favourites? I guess, Ancient Runes, Charms – because Flitwick makes it fun to learn – and History of Magic isn't all bad like people make out. The books have descriptions of Goblin warfare and their weaponry is kinda cool." Dumbledore gave her a side glance and, not wanting to upset him, she added, "Yeah, and mustn't forget my Transfiguration classes."
Dumbledore tucked in a smile and turned his head. Did he believe her? Or was he admiring her... diplomacy?
Lupin seemed impressed by her choices. "Ancient Runes? You really like Ancient Runes?"
She nodded, used to that reaction.
"That's... surprising. Not only is it an elective, it's one of the hardest subjects in school. At least I thought so. Was it taught in Muggle school?"
"Nope." Buffy hadn't learned Ancient Runes at Hemery High. Her knowledge came from a different source.
"Buffy's aptitude in runes is quite phenomenal," Dumbledore said with almost fatherly pride. When I took on the task of tutoring her this summer, I was most surprised at her talent in deciphering and grasping the finer nuances of Elder Futhark. She is almost at NEWT level."
Behind them, Demdike let out a disbelieving huff.
Dumbledore added, "The groundwork was all there, she simply needed to be instructed in its magical applications."
"I used to know this Muggle guy who was a complete whizz at ancient history," Buffy explained, throwing in the bit about Giles being a Muggle to annoy Demdike. She'd keep to herself the part where he'd been her Watcher from a previous life. Demdike would like that snippet of info too much. He'd whisk her out of Hogwarts and into his lab faster than you could say 'Initiative'.
"So," she continued, "Giles used to run this... I guess you could call it a 'study group'." Her mouth twitched a little before going on, "He gave us access to all these rare old books written in ancient languages. The pictures were gory," that was true, "and he explained the texts to me. After a while I sorta picked it up. Once you've got cuneiform, runic is easy. Not that they're similar, it's just," she shrugged, "y'know, everything else seems easy after that."
"I bet it wasn't that easy," replied Lupin gazing at her thoughtfully. "Proficiency in Runes will be of enormous help to you when you leave Hogwarts. Have you thought about what you want to do after Hogwarts?"
Buffy shook her head. She'd never wanted a destiny as a Slayer, but, despite that, she had the urge to get out there and patrol. Meeting and killing the vamps in the graveyard had made that urge worse. She knew now they were still out there and up to vampy stuff. Not that killing creepies was all she wanted to do with her life, and in this life she had the option to be so much more. What that was, she still didn't know. Leaving still felt a long way off. She had exams this year and then another two years of studying.
"What about... a career in Healing?" Lupin asked. "That requires a good knowledge of runes. You could seek an apprenticeship in that field."
"Madam Bones says you need a NEWT in Potions. Potions and me are non-mixy," she replied. Hailstones rattled on the glass window panes next to her and Buffy saw that the courtyard below was empty. "Sluggy is disappointed in my lack of brilliance."
Dumbledore cleared his throat and gave her a pointed look.
Buffy's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I mean, Professor Slughorn, the Potions professor."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Don't be so harsh on yourself, Buffy. Potions was one of the subjects we barely touched upon during the summer. I'm sure that, in time and with application, you'll catch up with the others." He turned to look at Demdike, who was staring grimly at the rain hitting the windows. "Wasn't Potions your favourite subject, Solomon?"
Demdike nodded and gave Buffy a disdainful look. "It was. All my family have been exceptional at Potions and to me there was no hardship in following in their footsteps. Of course, someone poorly educated by Muggles is bound to struggle with such a complex subject. Potions is not for those who are lackadaisical or disorganised. It's a subject that involves the careful following of instructions, diligent observations, and the taking of meticulous notes. Do you make detailed notes in class, Miss Summers?"
"Sure." She wrote plenty of notes during lessons, most went to Roz Moody, others (usually ruder ones) went to Travers when he annoyed them or passed back to Malfoy who sat behind her. Roz enjoyed note making too, and they had this cool letter-passing thing going on.
She was saved from being grilled about her note taking by a pair of prefects who turned onto their corridor. They goggled in surprise at the sight of Dumbledore and the two unknown Wizards behind him. Then the Hufflepuffs found their manners, greeting Professor Dumbledore warmly and nodding to the others before continuing onwards.
"Professor Slughorn," began Buffy, once the prefects were out of hearing range, "says I'd do better to concentrate on him more and spend less time observing the flying Wrackspurts. It's not something I can stop. There's a swarm down there and every time he starts droning, er, teaching, they swoop in and burrow their way into the students' heads. I told Slug-, um, Professor Slughorn, that it's not his fault the kids have no idea what he's talking about. It's because of his invisible bug problem and –."
"What?" Demdike cut in. He jostled Lupin, pushing him aside as he stepped next to Buffy.
The whiff of damp basements, old vomit, and stale clothes came from him, almost making her gag. She rubbed the bottom of her nose, trying to breathe in shallowly. Should she cast a Ventus Charm? Trouble was, her idea of a light breeze might not align with her magic's version. If she overpowered it a tornado could blow down the corridor. Buffy didn't relish explaining that she'd only done it because Demdike smelled bad. Better to breathe through her mouth and hope he stepped away.
"There are magical insects infesting the Potions labs?" Demdike's dark eyes bore into hers. Buffy didn't feel the subtle or not so subtle push on her brain that signified a Legilimens, but she'd definitely roused his interest. "What did you say these creatures were called?"
"Wrackspurts," supplied Dumbledore placidly. He gave Buffy a small smile as if he knew what was coming. "The Lovegoods are related to Miss Benedicta Bones. Miss Bones discovered the existence of Wrackspurts last century and wrote a book about – ."
"Seeing With My Fourth Eye!" Demdike stepped away from Buffy – which she was glad about.
"You know Aunt Bendy's book?" she asked. "I'm surprised." Stunned, more like it. From what she'd been told, her aunt's book hadn't made it onto the Wizarding bestseller list.
Demdike sniffed and looked down his nose at her. "Attached to the Department of Mysteries is an extensive library. A copy of your aunt's book is held in there." He gave her a disdainful smirk. "I examined the woman's claims many years ago and it's absolute codswallop. The rambling nonsense of a mad woman who'd imbibed too many mushrooms of the hallucinogenic category. The book has now been re-filed under fiction and fantasy."
Buffy regarded him steadily, refusing to be cowed. "Obviously, you lack fourth-sightliness."
"Fourth Sight? Balderdash!" He laughed, setting her teeth on edge. "There's no such thing. The existence of Wrackspurts, along with all the other creatures in that book, has been disproved time and time again. They even tested those ridiculous spectacle the prattling fool invented. The only use they have, is to make the wearer look stupid."
His condescension made her magic rise and the dark energy that was pure Slayer churned inside her. She pulled in a deep breath to calm herself. Not all demons in life came in demon form but the Unspeakable was not a creeper. She looked up at him from under her lashes. Okay, he was a creeper, but a human one. Sometimes in life you had to wear the Witch's hat, sometimes you had to use Slayer weapons, and sometimes... sometimes you just had to be Buffy.
They turned into the next corridor and she smiled brightly up at the grim Wizard. "Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You're supposed to be this high-up, Unspeakable bigwig. You shouldn't need me telling you how to do your job."
"How dare you! You, you insolent girl!" Demdike's face had grown an ugly shade of reddish-purple which clashed with his hair. "You should have more respect for those wiser and better than yourself!"
God, she'd heard that before! Buffy almost laughed. Since she was trying to be more Slytherin, she kept her face blank. But Demdike was even more of a Slytherin than her. He easily picked up on her internal laughter.
"Dumbledore!?" he barked. "Aren't you going to rebuke your student for this impudence?"
"Ah," began Dumbledore slowly. "You see, that's rather difficult, Solomon."
"Merlin and Morgana!" Demdike burst out. "Why? Make her apologise! Tell her not to tell lies! If you don't want to take a switch to her, be a teacher and take points and give multiple detentions! That's what I would do."
They came to a stop at the top of the main staircase, the portraits around them looking over with interest. Dumbledore eyed a mulish Buffy thoughtfully before turning his gaze on the grey-haired Unspeakable bristling next to her.
"Solomon, I really don't see how I can punish someone for simply having different beliefs to your own," Dumbledore explained. "Nor is Buffy incorrect in saying just because something cannot be seen doesn't make it less real. Take a Seer, for example: should they be punished for believing in their visions? Whilst others may not witness those visions, does it make them any less real? At least... to the Seer."
Angry now, with Dumbledore as well as Buffy, Demdike flapped his arms and made a sound like a half-strangled chicken. Although it was nice Dumbledore wasn't going to punish her, Buffy wasn't sure she liked Dumbledore's answer either. She was no Seer; Wrackspurts were real and the Spectrespecs did work. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence as they descended the stairs, Lupin decided to restart the conversation.
"Buffy, if you're interested in magical creatures, have you thought of a career in Magizoology? You could be our next Newt Scamander?"
Dumbledore tensed, his eyes shooting over to her.
"Maybe..." Buffy knew who Newt was. She'd already read his book as it was one of the basic set texts for Care of Magical Creatures. "I've been watching how Wrackspurts act around the castle and checking out pest books in the library. If I was better at potions I'd invent a spray, something like RAID – to kill them."
"You are not like Newt then," mused Dumbledore, sounding disappointed. "Newt Scamander is one of the bravest men I know and would go to the ends of the Earth to protect a rare creature. If he was introduced to a Wrackspurt, I'm sure he'd make a pet of it and then create a suitable habitat for them to live in."
"Yeah, maybe..." Realising what part of the stairs she was on, Buffy jumped over the jinxed step. Next to her Dumbledore did the same. She turned her head, wondering if Demdike would know to avoid it. The Unspeakable hopped across it.
She let out a sigh, and continued, "Honestly? I'm all behind the eco-warriors, but I'm never gonna be the type to go around making friends with magical... stick insects."
"Bowtruckles," supplied Dumbledore.
"Yeah, Bowtruckles." Buffy went on, "I've nothing against Bowtruckles. They don't eat human body parts." Magical creatures like Bowtruckles didn't set her Slaydar off. "But if I see something hurting people, I just want it gone. Which, I guess, sorta sounds bad. But after watching an invisible insect stick its tongue into someone's brain and suck out their brain-squish, you go all hunt-y and less conservation-y."
"Hmm, I can see how you might have a problem with that," Dumbledore mumbled. He gave her an encouraging smile. "What's your solution?"
Buffy shrugged. "I haven't got one. Trapping them inside Great Expectations seems to work." Spikey still hated that book. "Nothing seems to like a well-bound copy of Charles Dickens..." her voice trailed away as she overheard the conversation coming from the next landing.
A plump girl with long, braided hair swung on the bannister, while another in glasses stood nearby.
"Look! That's her!" Myrtle Warren squealed with glee. "It's that girl they found on the Quidditch pitch. What do you think she's done, Effie? They say a Dementor was involved. I think... I think she's made it kill someone." She let out a high-pitched, nervous giggle. "I saw her talking to that ogre who's in Gryffindor. I bet... I bet they did it together. Ogres are dark creatures just like Dementors."
Buffy shot her a death glare. She hadn't killed anyone – who'd been alive – and Hagrid was not an ogre.
"Maybe she's a spy for Hitler?" a Ravenclaw boy standing nearby whispered to his friend.
"It's Grindelwald we're at war with, you Muggle," laughed the small redhead. "She's a spy for Grindelwald." He shoved the first boy into the two girls. They shrieked and jumped out of their way.
Dumbledore stopped, stepping over to the group and giving them a frosty stare. "You Ravenclaws! Yes, yes, I am speaking to you. If you can't find something more constructive to do than loiter in corridors gossiping, I shall ask the caretaker to look out jobs for you."
As if by magic, the scolded students sheepishly disappeared into the nearby corridor.
"You'd never have that sort of thing happening while Phineas Black was Headmaster," Demdike snapped when Dumbledore came back over to them.
"What was Headmaster Black like?" Buffy asked, curious. She'd spoken to the Headmaster's portrait in the Black's house. He'd been a bit pompous, but he'd told her the little he knew about the last slayer, Lily Moon.
"He was a great stickler for discipline. Those who crossed him were subjected to the switch. A magical switch, that is." Demdike suddenly looked uncomfortable. "One that stung."
"Stung?" She grinned, seeing the first hint of Demdike that she liked. "So... were you a bit of a rebel at school?"
"No! And I was never insolent or rude," Demdike growled. Behind him, the Jester in the painting pulled his tongue out at him, waved at Buffy, and then pointed down the stairs towards the hall.
There were a lot of students milling around down there. It was almost as if they were waiting for something. Professor Dumbledore raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Demdike also spotted the students and pointed at them. "What's going on down there, Dumbledore? Are they having a meeting?"
"I assume... an impromptu meeting... of sorts," Dumbledore replied mysteriously. Using a Sonorus to amplify his voice he stopped on the stairs and called, "Is someone here going to tell me what is going on?" Buffy thought he didn't sound greatly concerned. "Is there a Hogsmeade trip today?"
The students at the front, allowing Walburga Black through. Alphard and Rigel followed her. Alphard nodded to Buffy and then put a restraining hand on Rigel's shoulder to stop him from going any further. Behind the Blacks, Lovell stood, shuffling uncomfortably and shooting anxious glances at Buffy and the students around him. Other faces stood out to her. Marcus Lestrange, Uma, Fiona, Roz Moody, Orion Black, and, right at the back of the crowd Caradoc Dearborn leaned against the wall with the Gryffindor Quidditch captain, Bernard Weasley. A lone figure in Slytherin colours stood in the shadows of an alcove. Tom? But when the figure moved slightly, Buffy realised it was Travers. She scanned the upturned faces again. Tom wasn't there – he must still be in the dungeons, helping Professor Slughorn to set up the classrooms.
"Professor, is it true, the Ministry is arresting Buffy?" Walburga called. She was giving Demdike the stink eye. "What's the charge?"
Buffy blinked, taken aback. Arrested? They thought she was under arrest? She wasn't being arrested. Or was she? Memories prickled, trying to pull her back. Synapses flashed in her brain, throwing up scenes where she'd found a dead slayer and trying to make her relive mortifying police interviews. No! She was not going to zone out! It was not going to happen again!
"...and yet again, we have more examples of insolent students," Demdike was saying. "Hogwarts really has taken a turn for the worse since Professor Dippet took charge. I had no idea that the rot had spread this far amongst its students."
"Rot?! ROT?!" Walburga was incensed. When she got angry she seemed to inflate, like Lovell's toad. "Who are you to call me rotten? HOW DARE YOU?! There's no Muggle rot in me. Can you say the same?"
Demdike glared at her, before turning on Dumbledore. "Will you allow this impertinence to continue, Deputy Headmaster?"
Walburga opened her mouth to screech in retaliation. Her eye caught Dumbledore's, he shook his head at her, and she closed her mouth. No reprimand? Buffy had an odd feeling that, although Dumbledore didn't relish a shouting match about blood purity, he was quite happy to watch how this played out. Why? Was he using this as an opportunity to take their measure? To watch out for the next generation's leaders and their allegiances?
"Solomon Demdike, sir!" Lestrange called out. The Unspeakable looked over to Marcus and frowned with recognition. "You know who I am. My father is Minister Lestrange. I couldn't help noticing the warded Thestral carriage outside. Can you tell me... is my father aware you're taking Buffy in for questioning?"
Demdike's eyes flicked from student to student, and then he peered at Marcus. "Why would your father be interested in a Squib's daughter?"
That question bothered Buffy as well. Alastor Moody had thought it odd Minister Lestrange had gone to visit her mother whilst she was in the hospital. Lestrange had claimed that he was only following up on the Von Kendrick attack, but the more Buffy thought about it, the weirder his behaviour seemed. Not that acting weird signified anything. There were a lot of weird people in the Wizarding World.
Lestrange's statement had also thrown Walburga. "The Blacks have more interest in Buffy than your father does. Why does he care?"
Buffy threw a side look at Dumbledore. There was a crafty expression on the Wizard's face as he watched the Blacks and the Lestranges argue over her. What was he up to?
"My father cares," Marcus replied in a superior tone of voice, "because he and the Lovegoods have been friends for many years."
"Oh, colour me stunned," Buffy muttered beneath her breath. That was some claim Lestrange was making. Especially since, when her mom had sailed for America with her Muggle husband, she'd cut all ties to the magical world. The way Marcus put it, his dad and her mom had been bosom buddies. Inwardly, she winced. Bosom buddies? Eugh! She hoped her mom had never been that intimate with a weirdo like Bracius Lestrange...
The explanation appeared to satisfy Walburga. She shrugged and tossed back her long, dark hair. "Your father might know the Lovegoods, but we Blacks are the ones owing Buffy a Life Debt. Do you have any idea how badly this will affect us if she's shipped off to Azkaban?" Walburga gave a dainty shudder. "The Blacks in magical debt to a criminal? We'll never be invited anywhere again."
Buffy almost laughed out loud. For a moment there, she thought Walburga had been worried about her. It was typical of Walburga to think of herself first.
Lupin, who'd been listening to all this, leaned forward to whisper into Demdike's ear. Whatever he said, Demdike must have agreed with, for he nodded.
Clearing his throat, the Unspeakable began to explain, "Let me assure you all: there's no need for any of you to be upset by our visit. Miss Summers is helping us with our enquiries." He held up a hand as Walburga stepped forward, her mouth open and ready to argue. "Miss Black, Buffy will not be questioned further and we are not taking her anywhere against her will. We are here to remove the Dementor that has been placed in a secure location. Your own Deputy Headmaster," he gave Dumbledore a saccharine-sweet smile, "suggested that Buffy might like to accompany us."
He chuckled, a dry rattling that sounded like a rattlesnake's tail. "No one here is under arrest. Why would they be? When has it become illegal to defend oneself against a Dementor?"
Lovell ducked his head guiltily, making Buffy wonder if he'd instigated this gathering. Yesterday, when he'd learned the Ministry wanted to question her, he'd panicked. He'd told her to say as little as possible, in case the interviewer made the mental leap between the Dementor's staking and the missing vampire.
Had he asked Lestrange to keep watch on the infirmary? She thought of the way Professor Dumbledore had walked slowly coming down here. She'd thought he'd done it because the visitors were new to Hogwarts, yet both Lupin and Demdike had been students here. Had he walked slowly so that Lestrange had time to warn people that they were on their way? Buffy threw Dumbledore a suspicious look. What was he gaining by this? Why had he stood back and said nothing? What was he up to? She gave herself an inward shake, wondering if being around so many Slytherins was affecting her.
"You pair of idiots!" Walburga glared at her brothers. "This was a complete waste of my time. I told you that the Ministry wouldn't be interested in Buffy. She's a no one."
"Gee, thanks," Buffy drawled.
Walburga flashed her a bright smile. "My pleasure. Nice to see that you're finally learning some manners and taking the time to thank people who put washing their hair on hold to help you."
Alphard prodded his sister, drawing her attention. "If that's the case, why is he here? Why send a senior Unspeakable?"
"Yes," Walburga said slowly, "you're right." She threw the question at Demdike. "What are you doing here?"
For a moment, it looked as if he was going to become secretive and not answer. Then, perhaps because the threat of Arcturus Black or Minister Lestrange still played on his mind, he replied, "This is the first time that a Dementor has shown itself susceptible to a weapon. That is the only reason I'm here."
At that, the students began to whisper; some throwing confused looks at Buffy.
Buffy cleared her throat. "Um, thanks for the show of support guys." The students continued talking; only a few stopped to listen to her. "I'm only here to watch the Dementor being taken away. Professor Dumbledore said it would be good for me to get straight back on my Hippogriff."
Rigel Black pulled on his brother's robe sleeve. "I thought Buffy was riding a broom when she met the Dementor? Was she on a Hippogriff?"
Alphard shushed him. "She wasn't on a hippogriff. Professor Dumbledore means she needs to face her fears."
Dumbledore beamed in approval. "That, my boy, is exactly what I meant." He clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention. "I hope that you are all satisfied that Miss Summers is in no danger and that the Dementor is the one being removed by the Ministry?"
Most nodded. Others, who'd already realised the show was over, had begun to drift off in the direction of their Common Rooms. Dumbledore waved a hand to those who remained. "Run along now. We have places to be, and I am sure you all have a stack of homework that needs to be done. And if not, there is always the option of setting you more..."
Students scuttled off in different directions until only Buffy's friends remained waiting at the bottom of the stairs. When she reached them, Fiona, Uma, Roz, Rigel, Alphard, and Lovell surrounded her.
"Come along, Miss Summers." Dumbledore pushed his way through, heading for the main door. "No dawdling. The rest of you, get back to your Common Rooms."
"You need to tell us everything," Fiona whispered to Buffy. She kept a wary eye on Dumbledore as she walked alongside her friend.
Uma leaned in, keeping her voice low so that the Blacks wouldn't hear, "We saw Caradoc Dearborn carrying you in. It was ever so romantic. He cradled you against his chest as if you were his fragile treasure."
Buffy winced. Uma hadn't meant anything by it, but it reminded Buffy of how pathetic she'd been. Weak slayers were never alive for very long. She needed to gain control over her past life flashbacks or it could kill her.
Uma continued, "Dearborn came over to the table earlier and asked me how you were. All the Slytherin boys were giving him daggers. But he didn't care. He's like your Gryffindor knight in shining in armour – only without the armour and the knighthood."
Buffy screwed her nose up. "Um, yeah."
Fiona nodded. "He does seem to like you. I bet he'd soon get used to rescuing you and carrying you in his arms."
"He'd better not. I'm not the 'damsel' type," Buffy replied. She glanced across the hall, accidentally catching Caradoc's eye and her face softened. "Guess it could have been worse."
Caradoc grinned over at her as he was dragged away by his friends. 'Are you okay?' he mouthed.
She nodded, dimpling. Yeah, she could have done worse than Caradoc. When he'd visited her, he'd been sweet. He'd been concerned that she was too cold and cast a warming charm over her blanket.
Lovell took Fiona's place at her side. "I'm sorry about all this," he whispered, eyeing the backs of Dumbledore and the two Ministry Wizards. "It's my fault."
"Thanks for worrying." Buffy touched his arm and Lovell dipped his head, embarrassed. "It's nice to have family concerned for me."
"I met Tom Riddle earlier. He told me the Ministry had been questioning him about you," Lovell explained. "I didn't like the sound of it. And then I bumped into Dearborn, who he'd seen them arrive and recognised Demdike. Lestrange overheard us talking and thought it odd a senior Unspeakable was in charge of this. He said we'd better –."
"Come along, Buffy!" Dumbledore motioned for her to catch up with them. "Lovell, you may speak to your cousin later. Hurry now, we can't keep the Dementor waiting."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Sheesh, that guy has got one sick sense of humour," she whispered. "Come up to the infirmary later."
As she parted from Lovell, she was jostled. Something solid was slipped into her hand, and instinct had her stowing it into her robe pocket before anyone else spotted it. She turned, intending to thank Lovell for the gift... and froze. Lovell couldn't have handed her anything – he was already too far away.
Buffy searched the faces of those left in the hall. Fiona, Uma, Rigel, and Lestrange were the nearest to her. Any one of them could have given it to her or someone else entirely. The question was... had she just been handed something that would aid or to trap her?
"Miss Summers!" Demdike snapped from the main door. "Stop the dilly-dallying, we are waiting for you!"
…
A/N;
Thanks to my beta Deiticlast for his help.
To all who reviewed last chapter, thank you so very much. Every review is read and appreciated!
I thought I'd mention a few points brought up (not just by readers on here) ont eh previous chapter.
The current Headmaster Dippet is in the dark about slayers. It was Phineas Black who knew 'of' the last slayer. Most of the Wizarding World is, the Watchers Council have always been careful to keep their secrets.
The spell cast in the last chapter (poor Lockhart lost his mouth) is one from The Curse of Grindelwald and the caster was a witch from a well-known family. Hint hint.
Dumbledore senses Buffy's magic as it is has grown to be similar to someone who was close to him. I'm glad you have enjoyed how I write him. He is kind, but also cunning. He is a wizarding chess player and willing to lose battles/people to win a war.
This chapter.
Solomon Demdike is my oc. There were once a group of notorious witches during the 1500s who were brought to trial and hanged for witchcraft. I've got a few books on them (The Pendle Witches). Their trial was a big one in this country. One of the group was called Mother Demdike and she and her family weren't nice. I thought it would be interesting to make the name a wizarding one.
Gus Lupin is Remus Lupin's grandfather btw.
Buffy is still throwing Demdike off balance. He knows there is something not quite right about her. She is a Lovegood, who are known to be a light family with odd beliefs, yet here she is a Slytherin with the backing of some of the strongest and darkest Wizarding families after on a few weeks.
Let's just say, she has inherited the family charm...