A/N: Another chapter! Enjoy and review! Makes a Bubbles more bubbly to know how you feel.

Chapter 3

In the weeks leading up to September 1st, I was faced with both challenging and enjoyable moments. One of the highlights was the shopping trip, where I found it necessary to purchase clothes that would not only allow me to work out comfortably but also provide the required maneuverability. This included getting spandex shorts to wear under my school skirts and finding better shoes to match my uniform.

In addition to the shopping, I dedicated myself to daily training sessions. With the help of Buffy, Xander, and others, I engaged in rigorous combat and weapon training in the backyard. I distinctly recall the sense of accomplishment and progress I felt each day.

As the start of school approached, an exciting new experience awaited me. I was joined by Giles, Buffy, Xander, Dawn, and Willow for my first patrol. The anticipation and nervous energy were palpable as I embarked on this important milestone.

Flashback

We went to a cemetery a few towns over and just walked around until Buffy stopped in front of a headstone that looked new. The dirt still looks freshly laid. "This is your stop girly. We've talked and trained. You have your stakes?" I nod and pat the two inside pockets of my black jacket. "We are gonna stand just over here," Buffy and the Scoobies, as I was told they call themselves, moved over 3 headstones. "I'm going to be here if you get in trouble, but this is all you. Trust your instincts." Then Willow proceeded to lay a blanket down where they all sat and she passed Giles Hogwarts: A History and sat with History of Magic for herself. Dawn was eating a sandwich, Xander just leaned against the headstone and gave me a nod of his head.

I took a deep breath and proceeded to wait, never taking my eyes off the ground. It took a little bit longer than I thought, but figured digging yourself out of a grave is hard work. Finally, the dirt started to move. I took a step back and a hand appeared out of the dirt. "Show time, Hermione," Buffy said. It took a couple of moments for the vampire to crawl out of his grave, he looked around, saw Buffy and Xander first, and took a step towards her. "You don't want us. Look behind you. Have at it. Small 11-year-old girl. We won't stop you."

The vampire slowly turned in my direction, a menacing grin spreading across his pale, cold face. Without hesitation, I reached for the stake tucked into my jacket and sprang into action. As he lunged towards me, I swiftly rolled under his outstretched legs, narrowly evading his attack. With a quick, agile motion, I rose to my feet and dealt a forceful kick to his back, sending him crashing to the ground.

Without wasting a moment, I closed the distance between us and seized his shoulder, maneuvering to straddle his prone form. With a determined grip, I drove the stake downward, aiming unerringly for his heart. The vampire let out a guttural howl as the stake pierced his undead flesh, and I watched in grim satisfaction as he disintegrated into a cloud of shimmering dust beneath me.

"Excellent, Hermione," Giles stated.

"Efficient and quick," Willow said.

"Buffy would have played for a minute, but for your first 10 out of 10," Dawn added.

Flashback ends

Another thing that happened was Headmaster Dumbledore got a special dispensation for me to use magic outside of school from the ICW. Professor Flitwick who is the Charms professor is also a dueling champion. Buffy wanted me to be able to work in both situations where I could use my magic and not. Now I haven't had schooling yet but Professor Flitwick would come and duel me specifically to improve my muggle fighting, speed, and agility. Once I have a few spells under my belt we'll add that in.

Giles and Willow buried themselves in books that were from not only my school books but also other books they purchased from Diagon Alley. That was an experience for everybody. Xander got lost twice. Once in Gambol and Japes- a joke shop- and in Quality Quidditch Supplies. Dawn and Buffy had a blast in Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions. They even found stuff to manage my hair easily. We also bought me a beautiful black owl with white-tipped wings which I named Leo. We wanted to ensure I had the means to contact anybody when I was not in school.

Xander helped me relax a bit. He helped me to understand that there needs to be a balance between work and play or else I would run myself into the ground. Don't get me wrong I do still love my books, but being a slayer requires 'Fun downtime to chillax' as Xander would say. He also came with a trunk loaded with weapons for my training which included the Slayer's Scythe.

Buffy told me a bit about the weapon. A battle ax that morphed into a stake at the end. When I touched it I felt so powerful and a part of something bigger. It felt like mine, what was surprising was the glow it gave off when I held it. It was a similar feeling to when I got my wand. I asked if I could cast spells with it but Giles said he wasn't sure but wanted me to owl him if it worked in Hogwarts.

Xander said he would meet me at Hogwarts since he wanted a chance to say bye to the others, but they did see me off with my parents to Platform 9 ¾. There were lots of hugs and last-minute words of advice from everyone. I waved from my compartment window as the train pulled out into a new adventure.