Harry Potter and the Vampire Slayer
Hogwarts Express
Chapter Five
by: Miss Witch
Rated PG
Summary: Dark forces are afoot. (Gee, that never happens!) Giles receives an unusual request and has to leave Sunnydale. This request has to do with the protection of a certain young boy with a lightning scar on his forehead. A BtVS/Harry Potter crossover story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Not even my car. BtVS belongs to Joss (all hail), Mutant Enemy (grrr argh), Fox, UPN, WB…. whoever. Basically, it belongs to someone who is not me, no matter how much I whine and beg.
Disclaimer 2: I so don't own any of the Harry Potter stuff. If I did I'd be J.K. Rowling and well on my way to being the first billionaire writer ever. I lay no claims on any of the characters or what will happen after book 4, so please don't sue!
Spoilers: This takes place before Season 4 of Buffy, and after -Goblet of Fire
Distribution: Just ask. If it helps, I'm going to say yes. I just like the thrill of knowing someone wants it.
Feedback: Pretty please.
Notes: [ ] means thoughts. Oh, and for the sake of argument and my sanity in writing this… Faith did not go bad, just to L.A. (granted, some would argue that it's the same thing)
Disclaimer 3: As we enter the Harry Potter world, I would like to make clear that these stories are my interpretation of the Harry Potter books. If it doesn't jibe with your interpretation, I'm sorry. But, just go with it. Who knows, you might learn something you didn't notice before.
"Are you sure we're in the right place?" Buffy asked, looking around the crowded train station. "These people don't look too magical to me."
"They're not." Willow said, studying the paper Giles had left them. On it was written very specific instructions so that they could catch the train to school. "We have to pass through a magical barrier to get to our train." Willow looked up from the paper to read the platform numbers. "It should be over there." she said pointing. "Somewhere between 9 and 10."
"Let me get this straight," Xander grunted as he started pushing his heavy cart. It had been decided (by the girls, of course) that he and Oz would be in charge of pushing the trunks to the platform. Xander had argued that since Buffy had the super strength, she should be the one pushing the carts. It hadn't worked, but Xander had felt it'd been worth a shot. "We have to take a train from between platforms."
"Stop whining." Buffy ordered. "Push"
Willow shook her head. Buffy had been irritated with Xander since he'd interrupted her near kiss with Giles. Not that Willow blamed her, but she'd hoped Buffy would've been over it by now.
Willow supposed it was because Giles had just pretended nothing had happened. He'd opened the door and sent Xander on his way, giving him permission to call for room service. Then, turning back to Buffy, he'd told her they were both very tired from the day's outing, and she should go rest.
Ok, so he'd followed that up by sending food and chocolate desserts to the room. But still, Buffy had been very disappointed at the turn of events. She'd also been understandably cranky since then. She'd ranted and raved for hours afterward. It had taken all of Willow's calming influence, plus almost all the chocolate, to keep her from marching over and smacking Xander around.
"Well, here we are." Willow said, standing between platforms 9 and 10. She looked back at the instructions. "According to Giles, we're supposed just walk casually at the barrier and we should pass right through." Xander's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"We're supposed to do what?" he yelled. Buffy and Willow hissed at him to be quiet. Meanwhile, Oz was undeniably moseying toward the barrier. Acting like he was looking at the platform signs, he slipped silently through the wall.
"See." Buffy hissed. "It's easy. Hop on the cart." she told him, knowing he'd never be able to go barreling toward a solid barricade. Xander did as he was told, covering his eyes as they grew closer to the stone wall. Chatting, the girls pretended to be deep in discussion, unaware of where they were going.
They passed unnoticed through the wall. On the other side, they found themselves surrounded by people in robes of all colors. Kids of all ages were pushing around similar carts piled with trunks along side of a scarlet steam engine, smoke drifting up from the engine.
"Wow." Willow whispered, trying to take everything in.
"Now we're in the right place." Buffy said as Xander jumped off the cart. Xander caught a glimpse of red hair and hands waving at them.
"There's Oz with Ron, Harry and Hermione." he said pointing. He helped Buffy push the cart down the platform toward them.
"We found an empty compartment, and we thought you'd like to share." Harry offered shyly. Buffy grinned.
"That's great. Thanks." She began to effortlessly heave the trunks onto the train. The young students watched in amazement.
"That is so awesome." Ron breathed. Xander smiled understandingly.
"Better get used to it or else you're going to spend a lot of time in awe." he said putting his hand on Ron's shoulder.
A whistle sounded causing the group to jump. They scrambled onto the train and into the compartment.
"Wow, this is nice." Buffy said, looking around the wood paneled compartment. She jumped in surprise when a large snowy owl hooted softly at her. "Is that a real owl?" she asked. Harry nodded.
"This is Hedwig. She's my owl." he said, opening the cage door and holding out an arm for the bird. The white owl hopped on to it and blinked at Buffy.
"Can I touch her?" Buffy asked. Harry nodded and Buffy cautiously reached out toward the feathered head.
"Hello Hedwig." she said, softly stroking the bird. "I'm Buffy." Hedwig hooted a greeting back at her. Buffy smiled. "Wow." she whispered. Harry put Hedwig back in her cage, explaining she was safer there for the trip.
The train whistled again and began to move slowly away from the platform. The group of teens all settled into seats and prepared for a long ride. Willow and Hermione soon became engrossed in several spell books. Buffy could hear Hermione giving Willow pointers on performing some of the spells.
"Make sure that you roll your r's when you say the spell or it won't work."
"Tell her about how you made fire out of ice." Buffy suggested, grinning mischievously. Willow rolled her eyes.
"Don't try doing that on anything flammable, like your bedspread." she advised Hermione.
"Where's your Watcher?" Harry asked curiously. "He's not coming with you?" Buffy shook her head.
"He left yesterday so that he could prepare for class." she told him. Xander nodded.
"We were relieved." he told Harry. "We've been researching for that class since he got the job."
"What sorts of things are we going to be doing?" Ron asked eagerly. He was looking forward to being taught by someone who'd averted a couple of apocalypses. Xander and Buffy looked at each other and shrugged.
"We don't know." Buffy said. "We just helped do research."
"We research a lot." Oz interjected. "It's pretty much second nature now."
The group fell into comfortable conversation, each group telling the other about their experiences. It grew into a friendly game of one-upmanship.
"So, then, Xander walks back into the cafeteria and is about to eat the Jell-o, when he looks up and sees the lunch lady dumping rat poison into the food." Buffy was telling them. Behind her, the door of their compartment slid open.
"Well, well, well. Isn't this interesting?" a snide voice that reminded Buffy very much of Cordelia in her sophomore year. Buffy looked up to find a thin, pale boy looking at her with very mean eyes. On either side of him stood two stocky and stupid looking boys.
"Great. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle." Harry muttered.
"Rumor has it that the Vampire Slayer's on the train." Malfoy said unpleasantly. He looked the Scoobies over and then at Harry and Ron. "Obviously the Weasley twins are telling tales."
Eyes narrowed, Buffy stood slowly.
"I'm the Vampire Slayer." she said shortly. Malfoy looked her up and down and snorted.
"You? The Vampire Slayer?" he laughed nastily. "I find it hard to believe." The stocky boys behind him laughed as well. "You, however, have many other possibilities." he added lecherously. For a moment, Buffy stood and stared at him. He couldn't have possibly just said what she thought he had.
"You take that back, Malfoy!" Harry and Ron shouted almost simultaneously. They had drawn their wands and were pointing them at the boy. Malfoy snorted.
"And what are you planning on doing?" he asked them.
"I wouldn't worry about them," Buffy told him, her voice low and dangerous. She closed the distance between them in two steps. "I'd worry about me." Before Malfoy could say or do anything, Buffy had grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the ground.
"Help!" he gurgled to his friends, his feet dangling. Crabbe lunged toward Buffy, and ended up with an elbow in his face for his trouble. He backed away, holding his nose and howling in pain. Harry could see blood trickling down his face.
"I wouldn't." Buffy warned Goyle as he took a step toward her. Wisely, he chose to stay where he was. Buffy slammed Malfoy against the wall. "Never, ever insult a Slayer." she advised, emphasizing each word with a knock against the wall. "We're not known for our even tempers." She gave Malfoy's neck a squeeze. "Now, apologize."
Malfoy gasped out an apology. Buffy let go and he dropped to the floor in a crumpled heap. He stood, rubbing his neck and glaring at Buffy.
"You're regret that." he told her. "Crabbe, Goyle, let's go." he ordered. The three boys strode off, Crabbe still holding his nose and whimpering.
"That was bloody brilliant." Harry said. Ron nodded his agreement.
"Wait 'til Fred and George see those three. They'll know immediately who did it." Ron added, grinning. "They'll be so mad they missed it."
"Who were they?" Willow asked. Harry, Ron and Hermione rolled their eyes.
"Draco Malfoy and his thugs, Crabbe and Goyle." Harry explained. "They hate us and we hate them."
"So it's all even then." Buffy said with some humor. Her anger had dissipated, although she was pretty sure Giles would not be amused when he heard about the incident.
"Malfoy's from one of the oldest wizarding families." Ron said. "They don't believe anyone from Muggle families should be allowed in Hogwarts."
"Snobs." Oz summarized. Harry nodded.
"I hope you're not in Slytherin." Harry said to Buffy. "He'll make your life miserable." The gang looked at him, confused.
"What are you talking about?" Buffy asked.
Harry began to explain to them about how Hogwarts was split into four houses, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin. Hermione interjected to give a detailed history of the four houses.
"They don't care about that." Ron told her, gesturing for Harry to continue. Harry explained that each first year student had to try on the Sorting Hat, and the hat determined what house they were in.
"What house are you in?" Willow asked.
"Gryffindor." Ron told her. "All of us." The gang looked horrified.
"Giles didn't say anything about being sorted." Willow said, sounding panicked. "What if they split us up? What if we never see each other? What if…"
"Oz." Buffy murmured. Oz leaned over and covered Willow's lips with his own. When he pulled away, Willow took a deep, calming breath.
"Ok, I'm alright now." she assured them. Ron, Harry and Hermione looked at Buffy for confirmation of this. She gave them a slight nod.
"Do you think they'll have us 'sorted'?" she asked. Ron and Harry looked at Hermione, who shrugged.
"I don't know." Hermione admitted, causing looks of disbelief on Ron and Harry's faces. "Well, I don't." she defended. "There's never been anything like this. When the other schools came, they brought their own sleeping quarters." Buffy settled back in her seat.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see."
A few hours later the train slowed as it pulled into the Hogwarts station. The gang had changed into their robes and school clothes. Buffy had decided to have a chat with Giles about this, as there was no way she could do any sort of slaying in the gray pleated skirt.
"I feel like a dork." she muttered to Willow. Willow nodded her agreement. The train came to a stop and they pushed their way through the door and onto the platform.
"Firs' year over here!" a big booming voice called. Buffy and the gang looked over and jumped in surprise.
The biggest, hairiest man they had ever seen was calling for the first year students. He stopped when he saw Harry, Ron and Hermione. A huge grin split his face.
"Oi there! You alright there?" The three waved like mad at him.
"Hi Hagrid!" they called. Hagrid noticed the gang standing by Harry.
"You there. You Professor Giles' lot?" he asked. Speechless, they nodded. He gestured for the gang to follow him. "Come with me."
The gang made their good byes to Harry, Ron and Hermione and followed Hagrid, along with about 40 other students, down to a dark lake.
"Everyone in a boat. Four to a boat." he ordered. The gang clambered into a boat, looking around for oars or a motor. They couldn't find either. Once Hagrid had ascertained that everyone was safely in a boat, he called out "FORWARD!"
The boats glided silently along the lake, taking a path well known to them. The gang could see a huge castle on a cliff above them. Buffy just shook her head.
"It's gonna be a weird year." she whispered to herself when Hagrid yelled for everyone to duck as they passed into a dark tunnel. After a few minutes, they landed in an underground harbor.
Once everyone had climbed out of the boats, and Hagrid had checked to make sure nothing had been left behind, he led them through a passageway, up some stone stairs to the huge front door of the castle.
A tall witch wearing green robes opened the door immediately. She looked the students over critically.
"These are the firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid told them. Professor McGonagall nodded.
"Thank you, Hagrid." she said, a Scottish burr evident in her voice. She opened the door wide and gestured the first years into the large flagstone entrance hall. Buffy had never seen anything like it in her life. She couldn't see the ceiling, it was so high. Off to her right, she could hear the low murmur of voices. [Must be the rest of the students.] she thought.
Once the entire group was in the hall, Professor McGonagall addressed them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." she said. "In a few moments, I will take you into the Great Hall, so that you may be sorted into your houses." Professor McGonagall went on to explain that they would live, take classes and spend free time with their houses. Willow clutched Oz's hand in worry. They were warned against any infraction of the rules, as it would cost their houses points, while good behavior and knowledge would be rewarded. Professor McGonagall looked the group over critically and advised them to straighten themselves up.
"Form a line, please." she ordered. "and follow me."
Professor McGonagall led the nervous first years down some halls and finally into the Great Hall itself.
"Oh my God." Buffy whispered to herself as they entered the room. Huge didn't even begin to cover how big it was. There were four long tables, all set with what looked like gold plates and goblets. The tables were filled with students. Buffy was pretty sure they were all staring at her.
The group passed by what was obviously the Gryffindor table, as Harry, Ron and Hermione were all seated together. Ginny sat next to them, and across the table Fred and George gave Buffy enthusiastic thumbs up. Buffy couldn't help but grin back. She knew they were congratulating her for beating up Malfoy.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a silver white figure floating through the room. [A ghost!] she thought with a start. The candles that floated above her in midair amazed her. They filled the air, lighting the room for the meal. However, she jolted when she realized that the ceiling looked just like the outside sky, belatedly remembering that Hermione had told them that it was bewitched to look that way.
[What have I gotten myself into?] Buffy wondered as Professor McGonagall led them to the front of the hall. On a raised dais stood another long table, which was where all the teachers were seated. Buffy raised her eyes and found Giles staring down at her. He was dressed in black robes over an outfit similar to the uniforms of the students. The candlelight glinted off his glasses as he gave her a small smile and nodded. Buffy gave him a small wave, trying not to draw too much attention to herself.
Taking a deep breath, Buffy felt her nervous stomach settle. Just knowing Giles was here made her feel better. Down towards the middle of the table, Buffy saw Professor Dumbledore, dressed even more finely than when he'd visited them in Sunnydale. He, too, was watching her and gave a small smile. Buffy smiled back at him.
From his seat in the Great Hall, Giles watched Buffy and the others enter the room. From the look on her face, Giles figured that Willow had a near death grip on Oz's hand. Xander was looking more than a little pale, and Buffy was looking overwhelmed.
She gawked up at the candles, and jumped when she saw a ghost float by. Giles supposed that he should have warned them of what to expect. But he had wanted them to have the full experience of arriving at Hogwarts. Giles regretted that, in all likelihood, the teens would only have this single year to experience the wizarding world. He wanted it to be as full as possible.
As Buffy grew closer to the head table, Giles couldn't help but notice the way the candlelight shone on her hair. Unbidden, Giles remembered the vanilla scent of her shampoo and how silky it had been in his hands. Giles mentally cursed himself and Xander. Himself for even considering kissing Buffy, Xander for stealing possibly the only chance he may have had to make that dream a reality.
Pretending that nothing had happened had seemed the best course of action at the time. He couldn't imagine what sort of explanation he could've given Buffy. [Terribly sorry, Buffy, my lips slipped and fell on yours.] Giles snorted with laughter. [That would've gone over oh so well.]
Still, as Giles noticed the sixth and seventh year students watching her with a great deal of interest, he couldn't help but wish he'd been able to kiss her. If only for that one time. Admittedly, he'd been glad to leave London early to escape the awkwardness that was sure to follow the moment. He just hoped that he and Buffy would be able to move past it.
On the floor below, Professor McGonagall placed a four-legged stool in front of them. On the stool she placed a tall, pointed wizard's hat. The hat was tattered and dirty.
The hall grew silent, and everyone's attention became fixed on the hat.