Chapter Seven: Buffy, Draco, and Snape – oh my!

Draco grew anxious waiting for Buffy or whoever to come back to the room. She was very adamant when she told him to rest but Draco never took much stock in following the rules. He would be damned if Potter ended up being his escort to safety. It would be unacceptable for the Gryffindor to see him in this condition. While his injuries had improved with a good night's rest, Draco was not at his best. The last thing he needed was mighty "St. Potter" to come rescue him.

The Slytherin slowly rolled out of bed, preparing to find a safe house on his own. Maybe he would contact Professor Snape. Severus had been unable to do anything helpful other than cause a distraction while Malfoy ran away. Sometimes his double status kept him from doing a fair share of good. Now though, the potions professor would be back at Hogwarts or at least somewhere he could store Draco away in secrecy. Just as he was fixing his cloak the door behind him opened.

"And where do you think YOU are going?" Buffy demanded.

"Out," he answered shortly.

"Yes, because that is something everyone who's hiding should do – move into the open." Buffy sighed. "Never mind, I was sent here to get you ready to go anyway. Give me a few minutes and we'll leave."

"You're taking me somewhere?"

"Remus and Dumbledore have already gone ahead. They had things to discuss." It was vague but mostly true. "I'm taking you to the Order house."

"Does anyone know you're doing this? I mean, I'm not the most well liked candidate for dropping in on the Order of Phoenix."

"Just trust me would you?" Her hands were on her hips and she was getting aggravated with all these questions. They had to leave here as soon as possible and he wasn't helping.

Draco just continued to stare at her. Buffy had only revealed her slayer history to him the night before. Perhaps enlightening him to some of her contacts to Hogwarts would put him at ease.

"I'm in the Order."

The shock on his face couldn't have been more obvious.

"Ok so now do you think we can move? I for one do not want to stay in a vulnerable place for very long. Your father is not someone I want to see again in the near future and by now he's got to be looking for you."

Those words were all the motivation Draco needed. The two of them were on the street not moments later headed for the one place he never thought he'd see.

"How did you get in the Order? I thought you'd just arrived here a few days ago." Draco couldn't see how this girl could be useful. She killed demons and vampires for a living. She was strong, yes, but she didn't kill creatures with souls.

"I know some people." Buffy was used to thinking on her feet, "I mean you saw me with Remus just yesterday."

"Have you seen Professor Snape?"

"Why would I have seen him?"

"He's in the Order." The words were dry. Draco was tired of the girl giving all his questions the run around.

"I assume right here is where I'm supposed to deny that. I should tell you that it was just random chance that Snape allowed you to escape. That's what the death-eaters think anyway." She stopped and he came to a halt beside her. "But I don't think lying helps anyone and you'll find out the truth soon enough. Besides, you seem to know already. Yes, he's a double. Yes, he's in the Order. Yes, I've seen him. In fact, I'm taking you right to him. I heard he's worried about you."

Draco's eyes grew larger in shock before he caught himself.

"Yeah, I know. The news shocked me too," Buffy giggled. "Here grab hold of this." She held up a shoe that she had pulled out of her bag.

"Is it a portkey?"

"Yes, it will take us close."

Draco grabbed an edge of the shoe. He soon found himself on a regular street facing several houses.

"So which one is it then?" He was surprised to find himself slightly excited to be able to finally see the Order of Phoenix and all it entailed.

Buffy pulled a scrap piece of paper from her pocket. "Read this."

Confused, he did as he was told. The house appeared between two others, slowly pushing them apart to accommodate its size.

"Come on then. Try to be quiet although I doubt the painting will holler at you."

She led him through the door and dropped her things. "I'll get them later," she shrugged. They continued on to the kitchen. Severus Snape was there sitting at the table. He looked up from his writing as they entered.

"One boy, mostly intact, as promised," she sassed.

To Draco's surprise Snape didn't even bat an eyelash. He didn't glare or yell. "Yes, thank you Buffy. You can go now," the slight sneer with his words ruined his image of courtesy.

"What? And miss your shining personality – never."

Draco couldn't understand her need to aggravate the man. "Buffy, maybe you should go put those bags away now."

"They'll be fine," the slayer smiled at him. Then she took a seat across from the potions master and smiled prettily at him. "Severus, have you seen Dumbledore?"

"He's upstairs. I would prefer you refer to me as Professor Snape."

"I can't. We're going to become so close in these next few months, and calling you Professor Snape would only delay that process."

Both Slytherins looked confused now. Snape looked at Draco only to find the twin look of shock reflected back at him.

"Didn't anyone tell you? I've decided to make you my authority on all things magical until school starts. Dumbledore wants me caught up enough to start with the sixth years, so we'll be spending tons of time together I'm sure."

Snape sputtered for a few moments, unable to comprehend how it had all happened. The girl was there three days and had already somehow taken charge and enchanted several followers within the Order.

Buffy smiled in victory. "You know what? I think I will go take those bags upstairs. I'll leave you two to discuss matters." She sauntered out of the room with a wink to Draco.

Severus looked at his student for two reasons. First, to make sure Draco's wounds were properly dealt with. Second, he had to see if maybe he imagined his conversation with the Californian girl.

Draco sighed with a slight smile. "Yeah, she's kind of like that."