Hi guys and gals. Once again, I'm sorry it's been sooo very long! Remember last year at this time when I was packing up to move to Seattle? Well, now we're packing up to move again...possibly to Texas! I do NOT want to go...I absolutely LOVE it where we are...but the other half has been offered a job there. He's been offered a job in a few places, but Texas is offering the best money, which he thinks will make our quality of life better. That is, if we don't die from heat exhaustion. Lol. So I'm stressed and sad...and packing. All I can say is that I'm sorry it has taken me away from my writing and posting. I do so love hearing from my readers, so I hope there will be reviews for me...about story or anything.

Thank you to everyone who posted a review on TtH, AO3, or FFN...I love you guys! And to Sharie for posting on all THREE sites! And also thirteentorches for reviewing EVERY chapter in the last...idk how many days! I appreciate that you didn't just zip through all the posted chapters and just post one when you caught up. Haha. x56!

In this chapter you meet a few new characters. Mostly annoying ones. Haha. Enjoy!

Chapter Fifty-seven
Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Buffy's last week at the sisters' house was busy—oh so busy! Not only was she frantically trying to get through her fourth year books—and retain as much as possible—but there seemed to be a constant stream of visitors at the house who seemed intent on preventing her from finishing up her studies.

Not intentionally, of course, but at times it felt like it!

With reluctant permission from Vin and Sophie, the Giles visited often—almost every evening at dinner time—bringing a multitude of information from the Council, including some books for Buffy to take with her. It was their hope that Buffy would continue to work with them even though she would be over five hundred miles away from them—and despite the fact that she was no longer theirs to command. Smiling indulgently, Buffy accepted the books and information—glad to have it all—but hoping she would not need it during her time away. She wondered where she'd put it all—her trunk was only so big—until Tom reminded her that everything could be shrunk to take up less space and lighten the load. Magic was awesome!

Edmund, of course, came with his parents—looking both excited that her next adventure was about to begin and sad that her departure was imminent. It had all seemed far less real until he started to see that her things were being packed and moved into the lounge. During the weeks that he'd spent at his aunts' house, visiting with her and watching her study, he could almost pretend that she would not be leaving. At times it felt like she'd always been there—a part of his aunts' household—but now that her departure was upon them, he felt a strange pang in his heart. She was actually leaving and he didn't like it. Not one bit.

And his feelings of guilt—over the kiss he'd taken the liberty to steal from her—were overwhelming at times. She'd not mentioned it after that night! Part of him wished that she would—to remind him that he should never do such a thing again—but a larger part was grateful that she hadn't. He had received just one comment about it from Tom—which was mainly to let him know that he was aware of the kiss, but it was also a bit of a warning that it had better not happen again! Either way, Edmund felt sad. He felt like he was losing a friend—or perhaps that he'd already lost one.

Alistair also stopped by—more than once. The sisters had been quite keen on meeting him. They'd both issued strong warnings against him taking another bite out of their Buffy, but in the end, the sisters liked the ancient vampire who was so very clearly distraught over what had happened with their charge. And strangely, he seemed to enjoy their erratic and sometimes harebrained company as well.

Alistair's visits were often super late—usually after the Giles were gone—and occasionally extended to him joining the sisters in their outings. He was as curious about them as they were about him! And funnily enough, neither sister was the least bit afraid of him. Maybe it was because of their magic—which seemed to be quite powerful—but it was hard to tell. Their immaturity seemed to improve when he was around and he was different as well. Buffy was surprised to see him smiling one night—a smile that turned into a chuckle as the night wore on. Buffy could see that the odd friendship that was forming was good for all three of them.

And then there was Tom. As of the week before he had still been going back and forth between Wools and the sisters' home—as usual—but this week he'd all but moved in. It had taken a visit from Professor Dumbledore—and an official letter from Headmaster Dippet—to facilitate the temporary repositioning of his housing, but after the man had spoken to Mrs Cole, the woman gave up on her ridiculous curfew and released him. This made the last week in London so much easier!

As a group, they'd also taken trips to Diagon Alley nearly everyday and purchased much more than was necessary for any student starting their fifth year
at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When Buffy asked about it, the sisters waved off her interest with laughs, handing them more money as they went into another shop.

Glancing at Tom, Buffy just rolled her eyes and suggested they go find something to look at. Nodding, Tom took her hand and guided her down the bustling alleys. He would gladly entertain Buffy while Vin and Sophie were busy—doing what, they didn't know. And Tom didn't care as long as he got time alone with Buffy.

And hey, despite how crowded the alleys were with everyone starting to do their school shopping, they managed to explore all of the other alleys that week, so... that was something. Buffy insisted they go into every shop that they hadn't visited before, as well as the ones they had. It was like she intended to see everything in case she never had the chance to visit again. Tom had to force himself not to think about it or he might actually start to get maudlin—and that simply wouldn't do! Instead, he tried to focus on Buffy and the pure joy she seemed to find in everything.

Tom was further pleased that they'd somehow managed to avoid running into anyone he knew. It was bad enough that he had to share his knowledge of Buffy with Malfoy and Travers!

And the fact that Travers and his father had visited the sisters' house...well, Tom would simply have to have a talk with his Housemate about it—he would impress upon the other boy that he expected him to keep his mouth shut about what he'd seen there. It should go without saying, of course, but he would issue a warning and make sure there was a threat in there—just in case!

And then, on the Saturday night before their Tuesday morning departure, there was an odd visit from the Travers' families—this time seven of them—the older brothers sniping at one another almost the entire time. Both men had brought their wives this time. One of them, the wife of the wizard Travers, Ursula, who worked at the Ministry of Magic—and seemed to be looking around the house, hoping to find things that were not legal. She couldn't find anything, of course, but not for lack of trying. Definitely a witch, Buffy decided—in more ways than one!

And, of course they'd brought with them their only son, Kieran, who clearly did not want to be in the house of Muggles—who weren't really Muggles at all! The boy had a sour look on his face the entire time he was there.

And the other woman, Marguerite, the Muggle wife of Gawain Travers, spent the entire time minding the two small children they'd brought with them—five year old Charlotte and three year old Quentin—and looking more than a bit on edge about where they were. Obviously, she was aware of what her husband did for a living and what his family was—part of a separatist magical community who didn't like their kind—but being exposed to both at the same time was overwhelming!

"Why are you here, Gawain?" Torquil asked tersely, his eyes narrowing on his brother. "It is my understanding that Miss Summers wants nothing to do with your Watchers Council."

"Hey!" Buffy cut in. "I might be a witch, but I'm also a slayer," she said, not really sure why either of them were standing in the sisters' living room—darkening the room severely with their presence!

Torquil glanced at the girl with annoyance—almost as if he'd forgotten she was there—then back at his brother. "And you've brought your family with you," he sneered with disgust, his gaze going to the two small children his brother had brought with him. "What was the purpose of that?"

Gawain snorted—then smirked as he watched his five year old daughter, Charlotte, crawling all over her cousin. He was standing rigidly, off to the side, and the little girl had wrapped her arms around the older boy's leg and was pleading with him to pick her up. Clearly she knew he was related to her. And Kieran, staunchly ignoring his younger cousin, looked extremely uncomfortable. It appeared as if he was ready to bolt.

For Gawain, it was amusing to see his nephew's discomfort—all due to a small Muggle child.

"I have...information for Miss Summers that is none of your concern, Torquil!" he said, turning his gaze back to his brother. "And why have you come again? I'm certain I remember that you were asked to leave the first time you were here."

From her chair, Sophie snorted. They'd both been told to leave! There'd been no asking involved! The fact that they were back—and on the same night—was extremely annoying! Closer to infuriating! If she didn't know better, she would think the brothers had planned it. Though, obviously that wasn't the case, as the brothers clearly hated one another.

Torquil's eyes narrowed again. "And what sort of information does a Squib have for a witch?" he asked, ignoring his brother's question.

"The information I have comes from the Council, for the Slayer!" Gawain snapped. "Though, as I have said, it is of no concern to you!"

Ursula made a tutting sound. "Oh, but it is!" she said almost gleefully, her black eyes flashing. "As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the Ministry of Magic, my husband is obviously concerned with all things involving the law. And with all those who break the law."

Gawain glared at the dark-haired woman. He'd dealt with a lot in his life. His family had not been kind to him and his brother's wife was no exception! She'd made no secret of the fact that she disliked him immensely. "And what laws have we broken now, Ursula?" he demanded.

"My 'usband ees breaking no laws!" the other woman interrupted as she picked up her three year old son. "En fait, we always mind our own beesness."

Ursula snorted at her French sister-in-law. "You are here, aren't you? Getting involved with a witch when you and your... offspring should be staying away from her!" she countered, grimacing at the little Muggle children with disgust. "Where are your other brats?"

"Zat ees also not your concern, Ursula!" she said, holding her son against her chest and glaring at her sister-in-law.

Ursula Travers rolled her eyes.

"You are just jealous because we 'ave many children and you 'ave only zee one!" Marguerite snapped.

Ursula's eyes widened. "How...how dare you?!" she sputtered.

The French woman was now smirking—which caused Ursula Travers to draw her wand.

"I am not afraid of you, Ursula!" said Marguerite, knowing that there was no way the other woman would use magic on her with so many witnesses. And she was right. At this point, Torquil cleared his throat and his wife stepped back and stowed her wand.

"You ought to keep your Muggle family in its place, Gawain!" Torquil sneered at his brother.

Gawain's Muggle wife snorted with annoyance.

"What are you going to do...arrest us?" Gawain asked before Marguerite could respond.

Torquil shrugged. "Possibly. It would be within my rights to do so. But then, what would your poor, unfortunate children do without their doting parents to take care of them. Perhaps a Muggle orphanage!" he sneered.

Standing at the fireplace—just behind where Buffy was seated—Tom Riddle's face hardened. But he didn't say anything. He would not risk it. He couldn't risk it!

Gawain stepped closer to his brother. "I should like to see you try."

Smirking, Torquil moved into his brother's space. "Are you challenging me, Gawain?"

This is where Buffy stood up and maneuvered herself in between the bickering brothers. "Alrighty then...let's maybe put a pause on the testosterone for a bit, hmm?!" she said, her eyes going from one brother to the other. It was like they were ten year olds! "I don't know why you're here... again, Mr unfriendly wizard Travers, but...you weren't invited and we've done nothing that warrants someone from law enforcement to be here."

Ursula snorted. "Not that's immediately visible," she said snidely, her dark eyes turning on Tom. "Though, I do recall sending an owl to this residence over a month ago."

Still standing at the fireplace, casually observing his Housemate's family argument, Tom kept his face straight and said nothing.

Buffy's eyebrows raised, but otherwise she ignored the woman and went on. "And you...Mr Travers from the Watchers Council! I told the Giles that I would continue to work with them if they backed off! For the most part, they've done that. I'm not sure why you're here though. Your presence is also unwanted."

Marguerite Travers harrumphed. She was still glaring daggers at her sister-in-law, but turned angry eyes on Buffy. "You are very rude."

Buffy shrugged, as if she didn't care—and she didn't.

Gawain opened his mouth to respond, but Vin stood up at this point and, looking at Buffy and Tom, said, "Why don't the two of you go back to studying and leave this nonsense to us? One of us will call you up for dinner when it's ready...definitely after we've rid ourselves of...them!" With a look of disgust, Vin waved a hand around the room, managing to make everyone squirm a bit.

Nodding, Buffy looked at Tom and he pushed himself off the mantle. His eyes went to his Housemate, who was glaring at Buffy. Kieran's features changed though when he saw the way Tom was looking at him. The boy with the bushy black hair almost looked frightened. Stiffly, Kieran nodded. "Riddle."

Saying nothing, Tom returned the nod—then took Buffy's elbow and guided her out of the room. They didn't look back.

By the end of their visit, Vin and Sophie were ready curse the lot of them with boils!

~oOo~

"Well, that was fun," Buffy said once they'd reached her bedroom. "I don't like them."

Tom chuckled. "I think they're not very fond of you either," he said. He felt like he was going to have to give Kieran Travers more than one warning where Buffy was concerned, if the look the other boy had given her was any indication of how he felt about her. He thought he should probably warn Buffy as well, but he didn't know what to say to her without giving her more information about his gang of followers.

Instead, he said nothing further on the topic. Glancing at the small stack books Buffy still had piled on her bed, he nodded at them. "Is this the last you need to pack?"

"Oh. Hmm. Let me see," she responded, her eyes going about her room. "There's that sweater over there." She pointed at where it was hanging on a hook. "I'd also like to bring the dress I arrived in...you know, just in case there's a school dance. Do you guys have those?"

Tom nodded. He'd never been comfortable attending any of the Hogwarts balls, but they did have them.

Buffy nodded in return, but her mind was on her belongings. "Oh, and I have my toiletries still in the bathroom. And some washing to do before I'm completely packed. And those books, of course. I'm nearly done reading them, but...I guess I have next week to finish them...in between tours and my sorting." She grinned. She could hardly wait! "I've already put everything else in my trunk, so..." She shrugged. "I'm like...ninety-five percent ready, I think. Maybe even ninety-six percent!" She grinned.

Tom nodded.

"I hope Vin and Sophie get them out of here soon, I'm starting to get hungry," Buffy said next—causing Tom to chuckle again.

"Of course you are."

Buffy stuck her tongue out at him—which made Tom raise a brow.

"Better watch what you do with that," he said calmly, yet somewhat threateningly, his eyes focused on the tip of her protruding pink tongue.

Buffy's green eyes sparked with heat—then smirking, she closed her mouth and took a step closer, then tilted her head to look up at him. "Are you threatening me, Mr Riddle?" she hiss-whispered, as she leaned into him.

In return, Tom's eyes flashed darkly. He wanted to grab her and do naughty things to her—things he suspected she may no longer object to—but he stopped himself anyway. There were twelve people upstairs and there could be an interruption at any moment. Not to mention it would be improper, he reminded himself! He could destroy her reputation and he had no desire to do that—even if she wasn't concerned about it.

Taking a small step backward—so that their bodies were no longer touching—he reached out and took her upper arms, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "You mustn't be such a tease, Buffy," he said quietly, opening his eyes again and looking into hers.

"Who's teasing?" she returned with a smile—and then a winked at him.

Tom shook his head, then chuckled. "I don't know how you manage to look both innocent and devious at the same time."

Buffy shrugged. "I suppose it's one of my many talents," she told him, grinning.

Sighing, he shook his head. "Seriously, we can't do this at Hogwarts. I don't know what it's like where you're from, but...this could go very badly for you if we're caught," he told her.

Buffy blinked. She kept forgetting that she was in a different time...and place. Not that she'd ever been intimate with anyone yet! Except for a few kisses. Her mind went briefly to Angel—then she forced herself to focus on the here and now—and who! Vin and Sophie Fairweather's house in Soho, London. It was nineteen-freaking-forty-two. And she was friends with Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Tom was right. She knew they often got carried away. Sighing, she nodded, then leaned her head against his chest.

Tom resisted for a mere second, then he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close again. She was extremely hard to resist! He would have to keep reminding both of them that they had to behave!

~oOo~

Not longer than forty-five minutes later, Buffy and Tom were called upstairs to dinner. Thankfully, all the Travers had gone, but the Giles were still there. They weren't surprised, as they'd been attending dinner at the house all week—much to Vin and Sophie's annoyance. The sisters could have asked them to leave, but for some reason they hadn't. Maybe they were attempting to work through the barrier that had risen between the three of them—which was a good thing!

As they all settled at the dining table, Rupert looked at Buffy and smiled. "Are you ready for your new adventure?" he asked with genuine caring.

Buffy nodded. "Oh yes. I think so. That is, I'm nearly all packed," she said. "I was just telling Tom that I'm about ready. I mean, I have a few more things to do, but..." She shrugged.

Edna glanced at her sisters, then looked at the Slayer. "I'm...I apologize for the Travers'... display this evening," she said.

Vin paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. "Hmm. Very curious that they both came back on the same evening."

Edna frowned. "I know Gawain wished to discuss something with Buffy, but...well, I suppose it doesn't matter now." Her words trailed off. "As for his brother, I'm not aware of his purpose for being here. We could probably find out."

Sophie huffed. "Probably?"

Rupert nodded. "We'll find out, Buffy," he said, he gaze shifting from his sisters-in-law to their charge.

Buffy shrugged. "It doesn't really matter," she said. "That was some display though, huh? I mean, a whole lot going on there and none of it pleasant."

Edna sighed—seemingly with relief. "Their wives are...most unpleasant," she said.

"Indeed," Vin and Sophie chorused, the latter picking up her glass of wine and sipping and the former pushing a bite of food into her mouth—both to prevent any further comments from coming out. Even they could see that their sister wasn't to blame for the evening's ruckus.

Buffy shrugged. "I appreciate that and...I suppose I'll find out in due time."

Both Edna and Rupert hmm'd, hoping it wasn't important—causing Buffy to frown a bit.

"Is it crucial?" Buffy asked after a moment. "What Gawain came all this way to tell me?"

Edna glanced at her husband, then shrugged. "I don't believe so...not at the moment."

Buffy nodded. "But you'll tell me if...it becomes so."

Edna nodded. "Of course."

"All we know is that it isn't related to slaying, so...for now, you can put it out of your mind," Rupert added.

"All right," Buffy said with a nonchalant shrug. But she did wonder what in the world Gawain Travers...from the Watchers Council...wanted that wasn't slaying-related.

"So, Riddle, my sisters said you've used the information regarding your family we gave to Buffy," Edna said next.

Tom shifted uncomfortably. He didn't wish to discuss his Muggle father with the Watchers. He didn't even really want to discuss it with Buffy. "Yes," he said shortly.

"Mother," Edmund said, giving her a warning looking. She knew they'd gone to Little Hangleton and she'd already tried to get information out of him. He'd told her nothing, which had forced her to resort to asking her sisters—who'd clearly said very little.

Edna huffed. "I'm just trying to make polite conversation. Inquire how the meeting went," she said.

Buffy snorted. "More like fishing for information, I'd say. And let's just say...the visit was a bust." She glanced at Tom worriedly.

"And please, Mother, call him Tom," Edmund added.

Edna pursed her lips, then looked at her sisters. "So...what will you two do once Buffy and... Tom...go off to school?" she asked nosily. She assumed they'd go right back to their previous lives with all their frivolous behavior.

"Oh!" Sophie exclaimed excitedly. "We have plans. Lots of plans!"

Vin nodded. "We certainly have," she agreed—without explaining anything.

Edna looked between her sisters and wondered what plans they might have. They never did anything except eat, lounge around or sleep, and go to nightclubs to drink and dance. At least, that's all she'd ever known them to do in the past.

"Oh Buffy, we should work on those last two fourth year potions...either tonight or tomorrow," Sophie suggested, shifting the conversation to Buffy to prevent Edna from asking more nosy questions.

Buffy grinned and nodded. Most of their potions had turned out quite nicely...especially when they had Tom there to guide them. His suggestions and previous knowledge had been invaluable.

"I'd like that," she said.

"Potions?" Edna queried.

Sophie nodded. "That is one of the classes at Hogwarts. Sort of like a cooking class, but..."

"With magic!" Vin finished for her sister.

Edna nodded. "I see."

"We've made all sorts of things," Buffy put in. "Though I'm not sure how useful some of them are." She smiled. "I mean...come on...that pumpkin head potion...like... really?" She laughed.

Even Tom smiled a bit. "The Pompion Potion is rather absurd," he agreed.

Buffy nodded. "As is the Hair-raising Potion. Like...why?"

Sophie giggled. "Do you remember what we all looked like after taking that one?"

Vin burst out laughing. "Ridiculous!"

Edna frowned. "You tested the potion on yourselves? Isn't that rather dangerous?"

Sophie shrugged. "It might have been, but...we're quite good at potions," she said proudly.

Vin smiled. "There was just that one mishap."

Edna's eyes widened. "Mishap?"

"Oh. Just a teensy little explosion," Sophie said. "It resulted in purple potion all over the kitchen."

"And in our hair," Buffy added.

Sophie huffed. "Don't remind me. It took forever for it all to come out."

Edna was still frowning. This potions thing sounded unsafe! But she wasn't really able to discuss it further, because the conversation changed again—and then several more times before the evening ended and the Giles reluctantly left for home, bidding Buffy and Tom farewell and wishing them both a productive school year.

~oOo~

The next day—two days before their departure—they were all excited and spent a lot of time together talking about what to bring. In fact, there was so much piled in the lounge that it looked like they were all making the move—that Vin and Sophie were planning on attending Hogwarts themselves.

"Seriously guys," Buffy said as she side-stepped the massive heap of trunks—and miscellaneous packages—in the lounge. "Who's going off to Hogwarts? Me and Tom or...you two?" She laughed and flung a hand out and gestured at everything. "I mean, I love it, but...we do not need all of this."

Sophie giggled, but didn't explain. Instead, she turned sparkling blue eyes on her sister.

"Well, actually, we'll be looking at houses in that village that's close to the castle. Hogsmeade?" Vin said, glancing at Tom—who nodded. Smiling, she went on. "Albus sent a letter with a permission slip for us to sign. Apparently, there will be weekends that you'll be allowed to go there and...we wanted to be close. So we can see you." She bit her lip and glanced at Sophie—who suddenly looked worried.

"Is...is that all right?" the blonde asked.

"Oh. Um. Yeah! Of course it's okay!" Buffy burst. "I just wish you would have told me sooner, because...you know...I've been feeling a little down about having to leave you guys behind, but this...this is great!"

Both Vin and Sophie sighed with relief.

"Oh good," Sophie said with a smile. "We were worried that we might be smothering you."

"It's a little smothery, but..." Buffy shrugged. "It's okay. Really. I'm actually relieved that you'll both be close enough for us to visit you."

Tom frowned. "About that...I don't actually have permission to go to Hogsmeade."

Buffy's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"Because a parent or guardian must sign the permission slip and..."

"And Mrs Cole has never signed yours," Buffy finished for him, her voice flat.

Tom shook his head. "No."

Buffy snorted—then shrugged. "Well, we'll make sure it's signed today! For sure." She smiled at him.

Pursing his lips, Tom nodded. But he didn't feel much hope. He'd asked Mrs Cole to sign it each year and every year she conveniently forgot—or just neglected to do it. Either way, he'd never had permission to join his classmates in Hogsmeade. He'd been there, of course, but he'd had to use the secret tunnels to get there. It was inconvenient, but...if Mrs Cole didn't sign his permission slip today, it wouldn't really matter. He would still manage to go.

~oOo~

On the 25th of August, their new adventure began...

Getting over to Kings Cross Station was a bit of a production, considering everything they had to take with them. In the end they took a cab—and needed two of them to carry all of their belongings. And even then Vin was grumbling about all they had to leave behind.

At the station it took four trolleys—stacked higher than Tom had ever seen before. It looked like the sisters had packed their entire house!

"We'll send for the rest," said Sophie decisively. "Providing we find the perfect place to stay."

Vin nodded. "I'm sure we'll find lodgings that will suit us," she said, agreeing with her sister. "We don't need much. Just a few rooms."

Sophie hmm'd. "We'll need at least four bedrooms."

Vin frowned. "I'm not sure there will be houses that large, and...Buffy and Tom won't need bedrooms. They'll have their House dormitories."

"And a lovely fireplace, so we can have roaring fires when it's blustery cold outside," Sophie added, ignoring her sister's last statement.

Vin nodded. "Definitely," she said, rubbing her hands together—and forgetting the last thing she'd said.

Buffy looked between the sisters, then snorted. "You two always planned to go with me, didn't you?"

"Hmph! I wouldn't say always," Vin denied. "But...you know...a while ago."

Sophie cackled a laugh—then frowned. "How do we find this...Platform Nine and Three-Quarters? I mean...that's a strange number, isn't it?" She pointed at their tickets, then looked up at the labeled platforms in confusion. "How can there be a Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?"

"Pardon me!" Vin called out to a man on the platform as she hurried toward him. He was wearing an official looking uniform and appeared to be the one directing people around, so she decided he must be the station guard. "Can you tell us where we might find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?"

The man turned and frowned down at her. "Nine and Three-Quarters? Think you're being funny, do ya? I haven't the time for jokes, madam!" he snapped—then started muttering to himself as he turned his back on her and walked away.

Vin glared. "How... rude!" she sputtered.

Beside her sister now, Sophie glared at the back of the station guard. "What a nerve!"

Tom chuckled. "What did you expect? He's a Muggle. He won't have any idea what you're talking about."

Vin and Sophie harrumphed in unison.

"Anyway, we don't have need of assistance, because I know exactly where it is." He smirked. "It's right here," he said, indicating a plain brick wall. "Just between platforms nine and ten. You take a run at it and...you'll end up on the other side."

Sophie frowned. "The other side? The other side of what exactly?!"

Forgetting the oddity of the situation—since he'd been a part of the wizarding world for years now, Tom just pointed. "The barrier. To the platform. It's there. You will enter an entirely different world."

Buffy cocked her head and shrugged. "Okie dokie then," she said and started off at a decent pace, pushing her overly loaded cart, and closing her eyes just as she was about to run into what appeared to be a solid wall—but instead disappeared quickly through the barrier.

Vin and Sophie stared—flabbergasted.

"You should both go next. Simply run straight at the barrier," Tom instructed. "I promise that you'll end up where Buffy is. And I'll follow immediately."

Sophie nodded. "All right," she said. "Here I go!" She took off.

Vin waited but a moment, then followed on her sister's heels.

Tom smirked—then went after them.

~oOo~

Once on the other side, Tom joined his companions—but was quickly distracted by others on the platform.

"Riddle!" shouted a girl of the same age. "I wondered if it might be you."

Tom glanced at Buffy, then at the girl who'd spoken. "Of course, it's me, Urquhart!" he greeted snappishly, giving the girl a stiff nod—his gaze then going to another. "Crockett. What are you both doing here?"

The one called Crockett smirked. "We've been summoned early, Riddle," she said, eyeing Buffy. "Something about a foreigner coming to Hogwarts...needing sorting before term." She looked back at Tom. "Do you know anything about it?"

Before Tom could respond, Buffy spoke up. "That would be me, the foreigner," she said with a cheery smile, giving them a little wave.

Crockett scowled at the blonde interloper, then looked at Tom. "Greengrass, Montgomery, and Nott are already on the train. As are some of the others," she said disdainfully. "We're meeting in the dining carriage since there's hardly anyone onboard. Care to join us?"

Tom gave the girl a clipped nod. "Give me a moment!" he snapped. "I need to get Buffy and her aunts settled first."

Crockett's eyes narrowed on the two women who were fussing with their luggage a short distance away—then she turned her back and marched away, taking the one called Urquhart with her.

Buffy snorted. "Friendly," she said sarcastically.

Tom sighed. "I told you this would be complicated."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "There's a difference between complicated and just plain rude, Tom. And speaking of rude, you didn't even bother to introduce us," she said, clearly disgruntled. "How am I to fit in without knowing what's the what and who's who?"

Tom sighed. "You're right, Buffy. I will make proper introductions as soon as I can. But until then, just...try not to ruffle any feathers," he said warningly. "Find a way to blend in. But, be strong as well. If they see any weakness, they'll attack."

Buffy nodded. "Okay. Ixnay on the meekage and keep the Slayer close. I can do that! Like, it's the story of my life," she said, smiling—then held up a finger and shook it at him. "But, I'm telling you right now, Tom, if they 'attack'"—she used air quotes—"they'll be getting some back." At this, she opened her jacket to reveal her weapons—it appeared that all her wands were neatly stowed on one side and a few stakes were tucked into the other—and grinned slyly.

Tom's eyes widened. "You brought your stakes with you?!" he hiss-whispered as he looked around to see if there was anyone else on the platform.

"Yessiree, Bob! I'm the Slayer, after all," she hissed back, bobbing her head—then smoothed her jacket closed. Then she frowned. "Or... a slayer, I guess. But...once a slayer, always a slayer, you know? It doesn't matter to me if there's another. Besides, she's not here, so..."

Tom shook his head. He wanted to scold her and yet he couldn't help being amused by her tenacity.

"Oh. And there are more in my trunk," Buffy said next. "I've been stocking up stakes and the Giles gave me a few more tools of my trade...just in case. And I have my crossbow too, of course!"

Tom glanced at her trunk, wondering how she'd gotten all her things inside and wondered if she'd managed to put an extension charm on it. It was a very sophisticated charm—and usually heavily controlled by the Ministry—but he wouldn't be surprised if, between her and the sisters, she'd somehow figured it out.

"Let's load our trunks and find ourselves a compartment. I wasn't aware all the Prefects would be going early as well," Tom said, frowning as he started pushing his trolley toward the train. This had to be some sort of ploy from Dumbledore to influence Buffy—to offer her options that would separate her from him.

"I'm sure there will be some sort of Prefect meeting...there usually is, so...I will need to be there with the others," he said when they'd reached the train. "But I promise I'll be back as soon as possible." He hadn't anticipated having to leave her alone on the train. At least she would have the sisters to keep her company. That was a luxury that no other new student had—not that there'd ever been a new student that wasn't a first year.

Buffy nodded. "Oh. Yeah, sure. Okay," she said. She also hadn't really considered that Tom would have duties to attend to as a Prefect, but she should have. He'd seemed pleased and proud that he'd been chosen—he'd told her it was an honor—so she'd been happy for him. Now though, all she could think about was that she'd be on her own some of the time.

Not completely alone though, she thought as she looked up and saw Vin and Sophie talking to a man who appeared to be assisting them with their luggage. They each had a trunk and two suitcases! Watching the two of them made Buffy smile. She was so lucky to have these two quirky ladies to help her. What would she have done without them?!

"What about the McOwls?" she asked Tom.

"We can take them into the compartment with us," he said. This was also something that he'd never had to consider in previous years, as he'd never had a pet before.

"Oh good. I doubt they'd be allowed on a regular train," she said.

Tom chuckled. "Probably not," he said as he lifted one of the birdcages from the trolley and looked at the owl. He still couldn't tell them apart—nor did he truly care—but he knew better than to make disparaging remarks about not needing an owl. Buffy would only scold him and remind him that they couldn't be separated.

Quickly, they dragged their things onto the train and the four were ready to find a place to sit. Except for the Tube, Buffy had never been on a train before, so she was excited by being on another old-time train—with steam and everything—despite the fact that Tom was going to have to go to some dumb meeting.

Finding a compartment was easy enough—since they were on a mostly empty train—so Tom quickly chose one and made sure they were comfortable. He knew he ought to leave them and join the Prefects, but instead he sat down next to Buffy—she was all but bouncing in her seat.

"Excited, I see," he commented, amused by her behavior.

"Extremely!" Buffy said, grinning as she took up his hand. "Wouldn't you be if you were me?" she asked. "I mean, weren't you on your first trip to Hogwarts?"

Tom shrugged. "I was...mildly impressed," he said simply.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Liar!" she accused.

He chuckled, giving away that he was indeed lying. He truly had been excited. But he'd also been nervous and only eleven years old—and completely alone. Buffy, on the other hand, was lucky to be sharing the experience with others. To be taking the sisters—family, for all intents and purposes—with her. No other new student had that! Tom felt lucky to be included on Buffy's new adventure.

~oOo~

At eleven o'clock sharp, the train's whistle blared loudly and slowly the train started out of the station. Not long after that they were being carried out of London and speeding past fields full of cows and sheep. They were all quiet for a time as they watched everything fly by.

"I should go," Tom said after a while. "Or someone will come looking for me."

Buffy nodded. "Okay." Part of her thought that he should let them come, but she didn't say it.

Sighing, Tom stood up. "I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Of course you will, dear," said Vin, reaching out to pat his arm.

"Have a nice meeting," Sophie added without looking away from the scenery—she was engrossed.

Tom gave them all one last look, then closed the compartment door.

~oOo~

Slowly, Tom made his way to the dining carriage. In years past, he'd thought about this day—even dreamed about his first Prefect's meeting—but now it fell short. He knew he needed to get this over with, but he really didn't want to go. He wasn't sure what sort of reaction he'd receive from the other twenty-three Prefects—and didn't think it would be very positive.

He was not wrong!

"All right, Riddle!" the girl named Crockett barked at him the moment he'd opened the door to the Prefects' carriage. She'd been standing in the aisle talking to a girl who was sitting in the seat next to her, but now had her eyes narrowed on Tom. "Who is that girl and where'd she come from?!"

Tom stopped and stared, at a loss for words—which was so unlike him—then turned and closed the carriage door.

"And what's she to you?" asked an older boy wearing a green and gray tie.

Tom rolled his eyes. "You're all so predictable, aren't you!" he said as he slid into the first empty seat and turned to look out the window.

"So you won't answer us?" a girl with mid-length, medium brown hair asked, smirking at Tom from a seat on the other side of the carriage. "I suppose that means that she is your girlfriend."

Tom ignored the girl. Her name was Serena Montgomery and she very pretty, but she was also a right twit. Ever mischievous, irresponsible, and somewhat bawdy—and who was constantly flirting with everyone. She was not someone Tom considered worth his time. Furthermore, she was always meddling in the affairs of others—especially those of her much nicer cousin. How she'd been chosen as Prefect was beyond Tom.

"Attention everyone!" another voice called out loudly from several seats away. "Tom Riddle has a girlfriend!"

"Shut it, Nott!" Tom snarled, glaring at the boy.

The volume at which everyone was talking decreased until the entire carriage was silent—and then everyone started laughing.

Tom clenched his jaw. "Buffy is not my..." He stopped and glared at everyone. "Oh never mind!"

Crockett laughed again. "Yeah, that's what I thought," she said—then turned to talk to someone else.

Tom sighed and turned away, glad they'd let it drop.

"Buffy, eh?" someone said as she sat down beside him.

Scowling, Tom turned and looked at the girl. But his features soften when he saw her look of interest and realized it was curiosity not animosity. Gwendolen Heloise Urquhart was nice enough. Smart too. And she stayed away from most of the other students in their House—especially the girls in their year—which made her less of a bother. It was no surprise that she'd been chosen as the female Prefect of his year. She was the best choice!

Nodding, Tom tipped his head and leaned it on the window. "Yes. Buffy. I met her this summer. She's...different."

"I'll say," Gwen said with a smile. "You know, you shouldn't allow anyone to taunt you, Tom," she said, giving his arm a gentle pat before getting up and going to sit with Thalia Scamander—who was apparently Hufflepuff's fifth year Prefect, as well as Urquhart's long-time closest friend. Neither girl had allowed their Houses to get in the way of their friendship—and Tom was sure that Buffy would like both of them!

But Tom scowled at the girl's retreating back anyway. Of course he wouldn't allow anyone to taunt him. They all had another thing coming if they thought he wouldn't retaliate if they continued. He had a mind to hex the lot of them right now! But he knew he couldn't...not yet! There was plenty of time to get them all back for harassing him. He would just bide his time and choose the perfect moment.

~oOo~

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