Disclaimer: I (unfortunately) own none of the characters from either Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the Harry Potter series. They belong to the geniuses, Joss Whedon and J.K Rowling. I am not trying to take credit for their works, I am just a poor college student amusing herself by writing some fan fiction!

For the timeline and changes I made to both the Buffy and HP fandoms, see Chapter 1!

--------------------------

Author's Note: This will most likely deal with Buffy and the Scoobies (with the exception of a few HPvers characters) until Buffy gets to London.

On with the story!

--------------------------

Two days after Buffy, Giles, and the Scoobies had discussed the possibility of Buffy going to London and sending the owl back to Dumbledore with their reply, Buffy had gotten another owl baring a message from the Headmaster. The letter had stated that while it was not safe to discuss the details of her employment through owl post, he would like to arrange a face to face meeting. One day after receiving this letter, at precisely noon, the Scoobies, plus Joyce and Wesley, who the gang had reluctantly invited, were once again gathered in the Summers' living room awaiting the arrival of Albus Dumbledore. There was an air of excitement in the air that rapidly changed when a figure popped unexpectedly into the room.

Willow, Joyce, Wesley, and Xander shrieked loudly (Xander trying rather unsuccessfully to turn his scream into a manly cough), Giles and Oz stood up quickly, and the two Slayers moved to retrieve weapons from the trunk next to the couch. Before Buffy and Faith could do any bodily harm to the visitors, Giles called "Wait!" and motioned for them to put down their weapons. Not sensing any danger from the man standing in front of them, they slowly lowered their weapons before tossing them back into the trunk.

"Albus," acknowledged Giles, moving toward an older gentleman wearing what appeared to be a navy-colored dress covered with stars and a pointy hat. Before any more words could be exchanged, Wesley stumbled forward in an attempt to get to the powerful wizard.

"Professor Dumbledore! My name is Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. It is such an honor to meet you, sir!" he babbled, grabbing Dumbledore's hand and shaking it furiously. Suppressing a smirk and Wesley's behavior, Giles coughed slightly, causing his fellow Watcher to step back, slightly pink from embarrassment.

"Professor," Giles tried again, sending a slight glare at Wesley "So good to see you again."

"Rupert, the pleasure is all mine," replied the Headmaster, with a slight bow.

Giles then introduced the rest of the Sunnydale crew, each waving or offering a small "hi" when they were mentioned. Giles motioned for Dumbledore to take a seat and everyone once again gathered around the coffee table to hear what he had to say.

"Professor, how do you know Giles?" questioned Willow curiously from her spot on the couch next to Oz.

"He and I met many years ago through the Council," replied Dumbledore, casting a small smile at the watcher. "Though the Council, as well as the Ministry of Magic, frowns upon our correspondence, we have kept in contact through the years." He then turned his attention to Buffy. "Miss Summers, I believe that you have had time to consider my offer?"

"I have Professor. And I would like to take you up on your offer. I need a break from slaying for a bit and Faith and the gang can handle whatever baddies pop up here on the hellmouth. The perk of having two Slayers, I guess," replied Buffy. After a nod from Dumbledore, she continued. "What exactly would my job entail, Professor?"

"Please, my dear. Call me Albus. You are, after all, one of my colleagues now," replied the Headmaster with a small smile at Buffy's blush and shy nod. "If you choose to accept my offer, Miss Summers, you will be asked to teach a course entitled 'Defense Against the Dark Arts" along with a dear friend of mine. In addition, if you so choose, I would also like you to lead an additional class to the students which will prepare them for physical combat in case they loose their wands in battle. Lastly, and most importantly, you will keep an eye on a Mister Potter to ensure that he stays out of trouble."

"Alright," Buffy managed to gulp after a few seconds of silence. "I think I can handle tha-"

"How long will she be gone for, Professor Dumbledore?" interrupted Joyce with a quick, worried glance at her daughter.

"A little more than a year, Mrs. Summers," replied Dumbledore. "She would be needed for the entire school year"

"A whole year?" cried Joyce, terrified at having her baby be so far away from her for an entire year.

"Do not worry. You two will be able to keep in contact and there will be options for you to visit Miss Summers at Hogwarts or for her to come home," added the Headmaster gently. "Rupert," he asked, turning his attention toward the Watcher, "I believe that you will want to accompany your young charge?" With a nod at his affirmation and a smile at Buffy's look of surprise he continued, "You

wouldn't expect us to throw you into the magical world alone, would you?"

Buffy turned to her friends, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the entire conversation.

Each were looking at her with a look of pride at her accomplishment, but also with sadness at her leaving for an entire year.

"When would I have to leave?" she asked quietly, still looking at her hands.

"Within the week, Miss Summers."

"Ok," she nodded, putting on a brave face. "I'm in."

--------------------------

Leave a review! They keep my muse content and productive.