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Chapter One
We Need The Slayer “But do you think it’s really necessary?” Asked Cornelius Fudge, the current Minister of Magic. “Yes, I do,” replied Dumbledore. They were currently in the Headmaster’s Office discussing the hiring of the new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher. “But they are Muggles, they don’t belong here.” “I would hardly call them Muggles Cornelius. We are talking about the current Slayer, a key, two former Hogwarts’ students, one who happens to be a vampire, a vengeance demon, and two Wiccans.” Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. “A vampire! A vengeance demon! You are willing to invite two members of the opposing side into this school? To protect the students!” “Now, now Cornelius, there are extenuating circumstances behind those two, they are working for the Powers That Be. They have been fighting alongside the Slayer for several years. Do you really think she would let them live if she believed they were truly dangerous?” “Do you really think they could help?” Fudge asked, with a frown on his face. “They are a highly trained, skillful group of young people. They are ready to face a threat at a moment’s notice.” Dumbledore said. *********** Buffy walked into her house with the pizza to find her friends sprawled out in her living room. Xander was asleep on the couch with a small amount of drool on his chin, while the girls were engrossed in the movie they were watching. “Hey guys, what ‘cha watchin’?” Buffy asked, as she headed into the kitchen to deposit the pizza on the counter. As she walked back in, she noticed that no one had moved, or answered her question. So she tried again, and still got no response. A sly grin appeared on her face. She stepped in front of the TV and began yelling, “There’s a demon on his way here! Move it people! Move it! Grab weapons now!” Then she stood back and laughed. Xander jumped so high off the couch that he had fallen off and was now looking around the room with a dazed expression on his face. The rest had risen so quickly from their positions and had taken off that they ran into each other and were now in a collapsed heap on the floor. This was the scene that greeted Spike as he walked in from the basement. He chuckled slightly to himself, knowing that somehow Buffy was responsible for this. He looked over at her and saw the tears of joy running down her face as she watched her friends scramble around. He walked over to her and put his arms around her. “Your work luv?” He purred into her ear. She was laughing so hard she could only nod her head. Buffy’s friends, hearing her laughter, stopped and turned to her with confusion in their eyes. “Um, Buffy. What’s so funny?” Asked Willow. “There’s a demon coming, shouldn’t you be getting ready?” “No demon....getting your attention....fell down...” Buffy gasped between bouts of laughter. “That wasn’t very funny Buffy. I nearly had a heart attack,” exclaimed Anya. Willow and Tara just giggled quietly to themselves, while Xander continued to look around the room in confusion. “Xander, there’s no demon, Buffy is just back with the pizza.” Dawn tried to explain. “Demon?” “Never mind Xander.” The gang sat down and began eating the pizza. “So what movie were you watching that you completely missed me coming in with pizza?” “Life as A House with Kevin Kline and Hayden Christiansen. It is such a beautiful movie,” said Willow with a tear in her eye. “It was boring if you ask me. Just some guy moping around about how unhappy he is,” said Xander. “That was evident by the drool on your chin when I walked in.” Buffy said with a laugh. “So, what’s tonight’s game plan?” Xander asked quickly, trying to change the subject. “Tonight is girl’s night, so you and Spike need to go somewhere for a while,” replied Dawn. “Says who? I’m staying right here,” Spike objected. “Fine. Then we’ll paint your toenails, and put a mud mask on your face too.” Dawn said sweetly. “Bloody hell, up for some pool, whelp?” ********** Albus sighed as he sat back down in his chair. He had finally convinced Cornelius that hiring the slayer and her friends was the only option they had. Last year’s teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts was not prepared to handle Voldemort. While she was quite knowledgeable, she had not been prepared to face the Dark Lord himself and resigned at the end of the year, stating she was suffering from emotional and mental distress. The Headmaster knew that the slayers group had faced several different forms of evil and would be up to the challenge of taking on Voldemort. He carefully composed a letter and gave it to Fawkes. He only prayed that the slayer would accept his invitation. ******** The boys had returned from their pool game with Giles in tow, and the Scooby gang was gathered in Buffy’s living room once again. This time watching The Princess Bride. “Tell me again, why are we watching this?” Spike grumbled. “I’m telling you, you’re gonna love it. There’s action, death, revenge, true love. This movie has everything.” Dawn insisted. “Action huh? All I’m hearing is ‘As you wish’ what kind of crap...” He was interrupted by a tapping noise on the window above his head. Everyone turned to see a beautiful red bird hovering outside the window. “Is it me? Or is there something tied to that bird’s leg?” “Yes, there is. Bloody hell, let it in Buffy.” “I’m not letting some strange bird in the house. What if there’s some sort of spell or sleeping dust on that paper.” “Trust me, let the bird in.” “No.” “Fine, I’ll do it myself.” And before Buffy could stop him, Spike strode to the door and let the bird in. It flew to Buffy and dropped the letter on her lap, then flew to Spike’s shoulder. Buffy looked up to Spike who was calmly petting the bird perched on his shoulder. “Well, go on, open it up. See what it says.” Spike urged her. “Hogwarts?” She said as she looked at the seal on the back on the letter. “Oh dear.” “What is it Giles?” Willow asked. “Hogwarts is a wizarding school in England.” “A wizarding school? How come we’ve never heard of it?” Asked Tara. “Because you aren’t wand witches.” Spike explained. “The school only takes those who use wands, the ones with the magic in their blood.” “And how may I ask do you know about Hogwarts?” “Simple watcher, went there myself.” “You’re a wizard?” Asked Willow, with wide eyes. “Once, yeah. Haven’t done anything in years. Not really sure where my wand is to tell you the truth. I’ll explain later, what does the letter say Buffy?” Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock International Confederation of Wizards, and Supreme Mugwamp Miss Buffy Summers, I am pleased to be able to offer you and your companions a chance to teach at Hogwarts. However, I wish that this offer could come under better circumstances. A dark wizard is terrorizing the wizarding world and he has specifically targeted one of our students. It is our wish that while you are here teaching, you can also aid in the protection of our students. The school term begins on September 1st. To send your reply, just give your note to Fawkes, my phoenix, and he will deliver it to me. I expect word by no later than July 1st. Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore “So Albus is still alive and kicking is he?” Spike mused. “Haven’t seen him in years. Wonder how they’ve been treating him. Nibblet, can you get Fawkes here a bowl of water, I’m sure he’s thirsty.” Dawn left the room, and soon came back with the water. Fawkes began to drink deeply. “So you know this Albus guy?” Buffy asked. “Yeah, went to school with him, he was a fifth year when I started there.” “He was headmaster when I went there.” Giles said softly. “So, he’s trust worthy huh?” “Oh, yes. Wonder what classes he wants us to teach?” “Giles, are you ok?” Buffy had noticed that her mentor was staring absently at the wall. “Yes, of course. Why would you ask?” “Gee, only cause you’re staring off into nowhere. Do you think he’s on the line with this?” “Yes, Albus has always looked out for the best interest of his students. If there is trouble, and he thinks you are needed, then you should go.” “What do the rest of you think? He’s offering jobs for all of us.” “I don’t know Buff. I mean, I already have a job, I can’t just take off for England, I’ve got responsibilities.” Xander said nervously. “But Xander, these students are in trouble, they need our help. Are you going to abandon them?” Tara asked. “I don’t know, Tara. He has a point. I have my own responsibilities with the hellmouth. The people here need me too.” “Slayer, the hellmouth is beginning to close. Hell, we’ve done enough research to know that. It has been attracting less and less demons.” Spike pointed out. “When was the last time we faced some major big bad?” “Glory.” “Yeah, and that was over two years ago. Most of the demons are leaving; there are even fewer vampires. We don’t see more than three or four a week now. I think Hogwarts needs us more.” “What about Dawn, and her schooling?” “I’m sure Albus can arrange something, Buffy.” “What do the rest of you think? Who would be willing to go?” Tara, Willow, Dawn, Anya, and Spike all immediately raised their hands. Xander seemed to think for a moment, then raised his too. “Giles?” “I’m not sure if it would be appropriate for me to go with you.” “Why not?” “You do remember my past Buffy, as Ripper?” Buffy nodded her head. “It was at Hogwarts that Ethan and I raised Eyghon. Albus found out and expelled us and broke all of our wands.” Spike lifted an eyebrow. “You were expelled?” Giles lowered his head and stared at the floor. “Wow. But surely Albus knows you’re her watcher and would have stated specifically for you not to come.” Giles looked up, with a questioning look. “He’s famous for giving people second chances, this could be yours.” Giles nodded. “Looks like we’re goin’ to England.” The Slayer... Menu Next Chapter |
