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Chapter Eleven
Patrolling Buffy strode into the training room yelling, “Dawnie what the hell were you thinking talking to Snape like that?” “You do it all the time.” “Not the issue here.” Dawn sighed and tried to explain. “He was picking on Neville so I yelled back.” “Yeah, I get that, but did you have to call him an ass?” Dawn at least had the decency to look ashamed. “You’re lucky I was able to talk Dumbledore into letting you serve detention with me.” Buffy heard a snicker from behind her. She swiftly turned her attention to its owner. “And you, blondie! I don’t know what was written on that paper, but Spike is pissed. You’re lucky he hasn’t killed you yet. You will also be serving your detention with me.” “But I didn’t....” “I don’t want to hear it, Draco. I’m very disappointed in both of you. Spike isn’t going to help out tonight because of this. So we’re going to do things a little different tonight. I’ll explain when the rest get here. They sat in uncomfortable silence until the Gryffindors arrived in a noisy group. They quieted quickly though upon noticing the tension in the room. “Where’s Spike?” “He’s not coming tonight, Harry.” Dawn said quietly. He gave her a questioning look but she shook her head indicating that now was not the time to discuss it. “ We going do things differently tonight. Everyone is going to spar, but just one pair at a time. I want the rest of you to watch and learn. Hermione and Neville, I want you to go first.” “But Buffy...” “Relax Neville.” Buffy said with a gentle smile. “Nobody here is expecting you to be perfect, just do your best.” Buffy had paired him with Hermione on purpose. Out of the group they were the ones with the least amount of experience and having the most problems. Hopefully, together, they would not feel as much pressure. A half an hour later Buffy awarded them with a big smile, they had done better than she had hoped. “You guys have made a lot of progress, I’m proud.” Neville’s face shone with the praise. “Next I want Ginny and Harry.” “But Ron is normally my partner.” “I know, but I want you to spar with someone else tonight. Plus, I’d like to see Ginny spar with someone who’s had more training so I can see where her skills lie.” The two stood facing each other and Harry swallowed nervously. He knew the beautiful redhead before him, like Dawn, was stronger than she looked. He had witnessed her fighting with her older brothers and lately she had been winning. Harry just knew he was going to have bruises after this. Before he knew it Ginny landed a kick in his stomach doubling him over. She quickly latched her ankle behind his and pulled, knocking him to the ground. “Only Potter could get his ass kicked by a girl.” “Really? Then what do you call all that time you’ve spent on the mat? Resting?” Dawn asked smugly. “Quiet you two. Harry get up. Very good Ginny.” And so it continued for the next half-hour. By the time Buffy told them to quit Harry’s entire body ached, while Ginny possessed a huge smile. Draco was quiet during the next pairing because he began to have a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. His normal partner, Dawn, was sparring with Ron which only left one other possible partner in the room. Buffy. His worries of sparring with the slayer soon left his mind as he watched his angel. Even in her casual clothes and her hair in a ponytail she was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. She moved with ease and grace. Poor Ron moved like Neville compared to her. On her face, her mouth broke into a wide smile. Oh how he longed to kiss those very lips. He wanted to hold her in his arms and give her the love he always wished he had received. “All right, one more sparring session. Draco against me, and don’t worry. I won’t hurt ya, too much.” Draco tried to hide his nervousness and crossed to the slayer. He knew she was still upset about his receiving detention and hoped she’d go easy on him. Buffy had kept her mouth shut about the real reason for the change in pairings that evening. She needed to be able to see what kind of progress the kids had been making. The feeling that something was coming hadn’t left her and she wanted them to be as prepared as possible. She wanted to spar with Draco for several reasons. The first being that since she was now responsible for him she had noticed a protective feeling developing for him and wanted to assure herself that he could take care of himself. The other being that she had watched him spar with Dawn and had a feeling that he was holding something back. “ Draco remember, you can’t hurt me so I don’t want you to hold anything back, got it.” Buffy instructed him. He just nodded his head. He took a couple of swings which Buffy easily deflected. “Come on Draco; show me what you’ve got.” His face got more determined and he started a new assault. As they exchanged blows, Buffy began to smile. The boy seemed to be a natural. While he lacked her slayer speed and strength he was able to hold his own. Yet something about the set of his shoulders told her that there was more. “Please, you call yourself a Malfoy? I’ve seen five-year-olds that could fight better.” Buffy retorted and she suddenly saw what she was looking for. Draco’s entire demeanor shifted and he attacked her with a fury. He began to push her back and she stopped holding back so much. She understood now why Dumbledore had placed this boy in her care. The young Malfoy needed an outlet for all his pain and anger caused by his father, and this was the place to do it. Buffy saw him begin to tire and called a stop to their session. She excused everyone but Draco. When the others had left, she pulled Draco into a hug. “Hear this now. Every time you spar, no matter who your partner is, I want you to do it just like that.” She pulled away and looked directly into his gray eyes. “I’m here to help you so if you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate. I know things weren’t the greatest in your past, but you’re future will have nothing but love.” “But Spike...” “He’s only pissed cause he expected better from you. Believe me, you’re growing on him. And I am very proud of you standing up for what you believe, even though it’s going against your family.” Draco could only look at her in wonder. She was offering him the love he had never received from his parents. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she would be there for him and support whatever he did. For the first time in his life he felt safe and loved. With tears in his eyes he pulled her into another hug and buried his head in her shoulder. He didn’t know how long they stood there like that when he heard a noise in the doorway. He looked up and saw Dawn. He quickly turned away and wiped the tears from his face. “What did you need Dawn?” “Spike’s lookin’ for you.” “Tell him I’ll be right there.” Buffy turned back to Draco after Dawn had left. “You ok?” “Yeah. Thanks for, well, for everything.” “Not a problem.” Suddenly embarrassed by his display of weakness he ducked his head. “I need to go study.” Buffy nodded and watched him leave. ******** “What’s up?” Buffy asked lightly as she entered the room she shared with Spike. “I’ve found a vamp nest.” Buffy suddenly turned very serious. “You’re joking right? Cause we’ve been here three months and haven’t seen any, none, zip, nada.” “I’m afraid not.” “You know how many?” “Not sure yet. Thought we’d get a closer look tonight.” “This is so not of the good. We’ve got to get it cleared out before they start attacking the students.” Spike dropped his gaze and casually asked, “How was training?” “Ginny is pretty good, I think I’ll shift her to your sparring group. She already has good balance and control so she doesn’t need more lessons on that. Plus, she totally kicked Harry’s ass this evening.” Spike chuckled. “And the rest?” “I think I finally made some headway with Draco.” Spike’s face darkened but he remained silent. “I don’t think his childhood was all hugs and puppies. I sparred with him and finally got him to release his anger.” Spike raised an eyebrow at that. “Really?” “Really really. I saw evidence of real emotions tonight, not harsh mask he wears. I think there’s hope for him.” Spike just grunted and opened the door. “You know, it wouldn’t hurt you to be nice to him. I think he needs it if he’s ever going to make it.” “Fine.” Spike ground out. “You’re wonderful.” Buffy said brightly as she kissed him lightly on the lips, then she headed out the door. When she realized he hadn’t moved she turned around and called out. “We gonna check out the nest or what.” With a sigh he followed her down the hall. ******* Two nights later found Buffy and Spike heading to the nest, again. Only this time they were joined by two others. “Luv, I’m still not sure this is such a good idea.” “Aren’t you usually the one telling me to relax? Come on, there’s only fifteen of them. Those two are only here to catch the ones who try to run.” Buffy gave a little laugh. “You know Dawn can take care of herself.” “Yeah, but what about blondie?” “He’ll hold his own.” Buffy said smugly, repeating the words he had told her about Dawn and quidditch. “But he’s never actually fought a demon before.” “He will eventually, especially since we’re his guardians now. I’d rather be there with him the first couple of times than to have him do it on his own.” “I get that, luv. It’s just...” With mock surprise Buffy asked, “Is that concern I hear in your voice?” Spike glared at her and replied, “I just don’t want him to get hurt.” “Now you sound like me worrying over Dawn.” Buffy said with a smirk. “That was completely different, you wouldn’t let her do anything. If it hadn’t been for Red loosin’ control of her mojo she’d probably still be in Sunnydale locked in that house.” “And why isn’t she?” Buffy knew she had him. “Because you can’t protect her forever. She has to go out and do things on her own.” Suddenly Spike stopped and looked at her. Buffy just grinned and kept moving. Several yards behind them Dawn and Draco walked in silence. Both were too lost in their own thoughts to hear the conversation ahead of them. Dawn kept casting furtive glances in Draco’s direction. She had been surprised by what she had seen on his face when she had interrupted him and Buffy. So many emotions were evident, and not just in his eyes. His entire being screamed out his sadness but had undercurrents of hope. But what had affected her the most were the tear tracks that had lined his cheeks. It had taken all her willpower to restrain herself from kissing away those tears and to try and put a smile on his face. A smile? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him truly smile. The thought made her heart break for him even more, but she knew better than to show the handsome Slytherin any pity. Handsome? What the hell? True, he was good looking, but not anymore that Harry. Oh, you’re getting off-track silly, remember we’re thinking about how to help him! But how could she help him without making it obvious, or look like she pitied him? Dawn was brought out of her contemplations by a soft voice beside her. “Where’s your wand?” “Back in my room, why?” Draco looked at her in amazement. “You’re going to fight vampires without magic?” Dawn resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Yes Draco, I did it all the time back at Sunnyhell. Besides I’ve got four stakes on me, what more do I need?” He looked over her in wonder. She had on a dark blue baby tee and jeans that had practically been painted on. “Four stakes? Where are you hiding them?” She just winked at him. Draco felt his face getting hot and decided to change the subject. “So what’s with the duster Spike’s wearing? I’ve never seen it before.” “He got it off a slayer he killed in the seventies.” Draco stopped in his tracks. “He killed a slayer?” Dawn turned and replied simply, “No. He’s killed two. Come on, I think we’re almost there.” He couldn’t believe it. Spike had killed two slayers and this one let him live? Not only did she let him live, but shared her life with him. He felt hope grow in his chest. Maybe he had a chance with Dawn after all. He smiled to himself as he quickly caught up with the rest of the group crouching behind some bushes. “You guys see that shack ahead?” Buffy whispered, pointing to a dilapidated building a hundred yards in front of them. “That’s the nest?” Draco asked. “Yes, now remember the plan. Spike and I will go in and clean out the nest. You guys wait outside and get whoever tries to run away.” “Yes Buffy, we know. You’ve only explained this a half a dozen times already. Let’s just get on with it.” Dawn said impatiently. “That’s my girl.” Spike said with a small amount of pride in his voice. “Now let’s go kick some demon ass.” The four stood and crossed to the rundown building. When they were only a few feet away Buffy turned to Dawn and Draco, “See you on the other side. Ready Spike?” Bringing his demon to the front he grinned, “always slayer.” And the two charged in. Dawn sighed. “We probably won’t get to kill anything.” Draco hated to admit it, but fear was beginning to claw at his chest, making it hard to breathe. What if Buffy had been wrong to believe he could do this? What if he died? Before he could think of any other horrible thoughts a figure emerged from the structure in front of them. “Oh goodie!” Dawn squealed. A stake suddenly materialized in her hand and she quickly attacked. Unfortunately for the vampire it was no match for Dawn and quickly turned to dust. Dawn pouted. “That was too easy.” He couldn’t believe his ears. “You want it to be difficult? Difficult could kill you!” Before Draco could continue Dawn held up a hand to silence him. “What’s wrong?” He whispered. “I don’t think we’re alone.” Suddenly twenty demons of various types emerged from the trees around them. “Looks like things just got difficult.” Draco murmured, then he shot a glare at Dawn. “I hope you’re happy.” “Shut up Draco and fight.” She quickly yelled, “Buffy, we need some help out here!” Then she threw herself at the demons. Upon seeing his angel fight for her life, Draco knew he had no choice but to help her. He saw one try to sneak up behind Dawn. He didn’t know what hexes would work on the demon, so he did what Buffy had taught him to do. He released his anger. With a strength that startled even himself he grabbed the demon by the shoulder and pulled him away from Dawn. With the ugly things attention now on him he landed two punches in what he assumed was its face and a firm kick into its stomach. Unfortunately Draco never saw the demon that approached him from behind. The next thing he knew he was flying through the air. He only stopped when he hit a tree and slid dazedly to the ground. Dawn saw what happened and screamed. “Draco!” She saw his limp body laying there while three demons crossing to him and something inside her snapped. Draco looked up in time to see a green fire erupt around Dawn. Before he could register the approaching demons he heard her call out. ‘Yellonyë Fëanáronna na ustë raukar anten. I minë ya haryë oore vá harna.’ The demons surrounding them suddenly burst into flame and quickly turned to dust. ‘I neldë hecero. I mahtar, I istar, ar i fólë. Ventë tulto i fólë ta euva atalantelya.’ Then Draco’s world turned black. Previous Chapter The Slayer... Menu Next Chapter |
