Chapter Thirteen - Blood Ties

"Wow. Just - wow."

"Yeah. I guess you could say that."

Harry sat there, stunned. Buffy told her story, unabridged, leaving absolutely nothing out, from the time she found out she was the slayer in LA to the point she got the letter to come teach at Hogwarts. It took hours, but Harry, Hermione, and Ron were attentive the entire time.

Harry finally understood, once and for all, why this group was so close, and yet whey there was always tension in the air when they were together. Trouble seemed to find them no matter where they went, and obviously, Hogwarts was no exception to that rule.

"So - so you were sent here to protect Harry?" Hermione asked, still somewhat shaken by Buffy's story.

"Yes. WE were sent here to protect Harry, not realizing there would be a major prophecy involved."

"There's always a prophecy involved, B."

"Shut up Faith."

"Alright, now here's my question." Harry said.

"Shoot."

"This whole prophecy thing seems to revolve around me defeating Voldemort. What I want to know is when is this going to happen? And how can I defeat him? I'm only one person."

Buffy empathized with the poor kid. She knew exactly what was going through his mind -Why is it always me? Why can't I just be normal? Isn't there some way for me to escape? I don't want to endanger my friends, but I always do - WHY ME?

"Harry, listen to me. I've been fighting demons for over seven years now. A big evil starts lurking about, and I have to fight it. It's my job. But I've learned the hard way that one person can make a huge difference. And you'll never be alone - your friends will always stick by you, no matter what. Your professors are here to support you. I'M here to help you. I know what you're going through because I've been there. More then once. But you have to understand. I have no idea why, but for this, YOU are the chosen one. I'm just here to guide you. I don't know when it's going to happen. I don't know how it's going to happen. But never doubt for a moment that it WILL happen, because it will sneak up on you when you least expect it. I don't want to scare you. I'm just preparing you for what you'll have to face. What you'll have to accept. What you'll have to be."

"What DO I have to be?"

"Who you are."

"What if I don't know what I am? What if I get a little - scared?"

Buffy smiled. "You're only just beginning Harry. Give it time before you fully understand."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry walked out feeling a little better about the whole situation. He put his arms around Hermione's waist and squeezed. Hermione smiled - she didn't know what else to do or say.

Ron and Dawn walked down the hall, and Dawn started humming.

"You're happy all of a sudden." Ron said. "Not that it's a bad thing."

"Yeah. I'm feeling a little better about a lot of things. I'm not so scared anymore."

Ron pulled her to him. "Good." He kissed her and she sighed.

They continued walking and she continued humming.

Ron laughed. "What ARE you humming?"

"This song called Shelter by a Muggle singer, Sarah McLachlan. It just seems appropriate, that's all - the words I mean."

"It sounds pretty. Would you sing it for me?"

"Umm, no. I - I don't do singing. Hum, yes, whistle maybe, the occasional scale, sure. But I don't sing unless some demon is making me do it. Sorry."

Ron pouted. "But Dawnie, please?"

Dawn bit her lip, while Hermione whispered, "Don't give in!"

"How about we strike a compromise. I have the c.d. with me - "

"The what?"

Dawn giggled. "Never mind, The point is, I have a way for you to listen to the song without me having to sing it."

"But we want to hear you sing! Right Harry?"

"Don't drag me into this." Ron elbowed him. "I mean, yeah, sure. Please Dawnie?"

'Now they're both giving me the cute puppy eyes...Oh damnit.'

"Ok! I give! I'll sing."

Ron grinned. "That's my girl."

"Oh, I'm your girl now, am I?"

"Don't you want to be?" Ron looked hurt.

"I'm kidding Ron! Of course, I'd love to be."

Ron blushed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Word spread around the Common Room like wildfire that Dawn was going to sing. Everyone was back from Hogsmeade, so she had a fairly large audience.

Dawn sat in one of the armchairs tuning her guitar so that it didn't sound like a dead cat - she hadn't played it in a while.

"I said I would sing for you, not the whole school." She said somewhat angrily as Ron approached her.

"It's not the whole school. It's just the Gryffindors. Besides, if you sing as well as you hum, what are you so worried about?" He kissed her on the cheek and announced, "HEY! Quiet guys! She's going to start!"

Dawn shook her head. "I am SO gonna get you for this."

Ron smiled.

Dawn took a deep breath and started playing the first few chords. Then, she started to sing.

"They're crowded into the smallest spaces / While outside, all of nature cries / It's known to be cruel and unfair / But there is no place to hide

Oh, I've seen a part of people that I never really wanted to share / Oh, I've seen a part of people that I never knew was there

Shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm / Shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm

I can't sleep, I'm haunted by their faces / The sadness in their eyes / It hurts so much to see them helpless / It makes me want to cry / But still there is so much left unanswered / For so many innocent lives / They closed the door and are letting nobody in / And only the strong will survive

Shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm / Give them shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm

I've seen the anger and I've seen all the dreams / Watched their existence torn apart at the seams / Though I may seem helpless / I will do all that I can do

I've seen a part of people that I never really wanted to share / Oh, I've seen a part of people that I never knew was there

Shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm / Give them shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm / Shelter, give them shelter from the coming storm / Give them shelter

Give them shelter from the coming storm."

The Common Room burst into applause.

"Dawn, that was AMAZING! How could you say that you can't sing?" Ron said, disbelieving.

Dawn blushed. "It was nothing, really. Please, don't praise me for it. I get all blushy and embarrassed."

"But - " Dawn cut him off with a kiss. Ron sighed with defeat.

"That's cheating, you dirty cheater."

"I know, but I won, didn't I?" Dawn pat his shoulder and brought her guitar up to her room.

"So Ron, how's life as a man in love?" Harry said grinning.

"I'm NOT in love, you stupid git. You should be one to talk!"

"What's this about love?" Hermione asked coming down the stairs.

"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Ron took a breath. "Right Harry?"

Harry had to stop himself from smirking.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Respect. That's what I expect from you - Respect for me, respect for each other, and respect for yourselves. The more you fight with each other, the more I will make you work with each other." Professor Summers said, pacing the front of the room. "I'm sorry if that bothers you, but let's get a few things straight. This class is not to be used as an excuse to maim each other. I find out that what you learn is being used outside of this room for fighting, and I will personally have you removed from this class. Two, sometimes, no matter how much you despise it, you have to ally with your enemies. You'd be surprised at how well that can actually turn out."

The room was quiet except for a whispering in the corner from Malfoy. Harry was hoping he didn't plan to sabotage Professor Summer's lesson.

"Excuse me, Professor?"

"Yes Ginny, what is it?"

"Where's Professor Morgan?"

"She had a meeting with Professor Dumbledore. She can't be here today, but she will be back tomorrow."

Ginny nodded.

"Let's get started. Today, you are going to learn how to fight using your senses rather then your fists. You never want to be caught off guard. You always want to be the hunter, not the hunted, and sometimes that means relying on your ears and your instincts. Dawn, hit the lights."

Dawn put out the only torch that was lit, leaving the class in pitch darkness.

"I will turn out the lights after a brief demonstration. Are there any volunteers?"

"I'll help." Malfoy spoke up, surprising everyone. Even in the dark, Harry and Ron eyed each other.

Dawn moved from her spot by the door and carefully made her way over to them.

"What is he doing?!" She hissed. "Buffy could wipe the floor with him in seconds!"

"I think that's what he wants." Hermione said. "I mean, if she hurts him, he can go crying home to daddy and get her in some major trouble, just like Hagrid!"

"Shit, shit, shit - and I planned this so well..."

"What?" They asked her.

Even in the dark, they could see her grin. "Faith's revenge for the last demonstration they did together. I was going to distract her, while Faith snuck up behind her. This completely screws everything up!"

"Mr. Malfoy," Buffy said smirking, "I didn't expect anyone to actually respond. I was joking, really."

"But, I want to try."

"What is he DOING?!"

"SHH!" Ron put his hand over Dawn's mouth.

"Malfoy, this isn't a game. I could hurt you."

"Nothing Madame Pomfrey can't fix." He smiled almost angelically, making Buffy all the more suspicious.

"Alright. Try me. But I'm warning you now, don't complain if I hurt you. Remember, YOU wanted this."

"Yes, I get it. Alright." Malfoy said exasperatedly. "Can we get on with this?"

"Fine. Come at me."

"What?"

"Attack me!"

Since Ron's hand was still firmly clamped over her mouth, Dawn slapped her forehead.

Malfoy shrugged and attempted to aim a kick at Buffy's left side. Buffy saw this coming and used his weight against him, slamming him to the floor.

Faith, seeing Buffy distracted, attacked her from behind. Buffy let out a surprised scream as her legs were kicked out from under her. Faith laughed and Buffy glared.

"Someone, help me up! I can't move!"

Buffy, still on the ground, sighed. "Dawn, hit the lights."

Dawn yanked herself out of Ron's grasp and did as she was asked, bringing a tumult of laughter as the room filled with light.

Buffy was still sitting on the floor, ignoring Faith's assisting hand. She was only pretending to be mad - she actually had to bite back laughter at the whole situation - she should have seen that coming from a mile away.

Malfoy was still lying on the ground, complaining that he couldn't move.

"I can't get up! I'm paralyzed!"

"Draco, you most certainly are NOT paralyzed, believe me, I've paralyzed people before."

"I think you broke my back."

Buffy sighed. "Professor Morgan, please help Draco to the infirmary. Again."

Faith picked Malfoy up onto his feet with barely any effort and practically dragged him out of the classroom, much to the amusement of the Gryffindors. The Slytherins, however, were in an uproar. Buffy decided to end class early.

"Class is over early today. Your homework - get some rest. You all look exhausted."

Ron walked over with his arm around Dawn's waist and Buffy had to bite back the urge to say something to him about it.

'She's 17. You were 17 when you lost your virginity. You were in love; she's not. Oh God, please let Dawn still be a virgin. Breathe Buffy, breathe. They're probably just making out, not having sex...yet.'

Buffy shook her head, banishing all thoughts of her little sister having sex from her mind. "So, is he always this melodramatic?"

"Yeah. I give it two days, if you're lucky, before his dad shows up and tries to get you fired." Ron said, frowning.

"I probably should have seen this coming, shouldn't I?"

"Malfoy challenges the slayer, knowing very well that he's going to get his ass kicked. Why suffer the humiliation unless he has plans for sabotage?"

Buffy put a hand to her temple as Faith walked in, obviously in a VERY bad mood.

"If I EVER get my hands on him, I'll - "

"Now Faith, let's not get all homicidal. We both know how well that turned out last time." Faith glared.

"What happened?" Harry asked, already knowing the answer.

"One Draco Malfoy insists that his back is injured, even against Madame Pomfrey's diagnosis that he's fine. He owled his father. Lucius Malfoy is coming tomorrow to speak with Professor Dumbledore and us."

"Told you he would cry to daddy." Dawn shot Ron a look and he shut up.

"Well, this is just dandy, let me tell you. Why don't you four go back to your Common Room. We'll let you know how things turn out."

"Merry Christmas to us." Faith grumbled. Buffy put a hand on her shoulder.

"Let's get some sleep. We're going to need a clear head to get through this in the morning."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Funny how I went to bed to sleep." Buffy said with a wry smile.

"Not much sleeping getting done here." Angel said with a sly grin.

Buffy giggled and they rolled over so that they were on their sides facing each other. Angel ran his hand down her arms and side. She perched herself up on her elbow and sighed.

"What's on your mind?"

"I'm just worried about tomorrow. I'm happy here, you know, besides this whole prophecy and Dawn falling in love thing."

"You fell in love at 17."

"It was sixteen, and believe me, the thought has crossed my mind. I just don't want one little mistake to screw things up."

"Dumbledore won't let Malfoy's father mess things up for you. You know that."

"Yeah, but what if - "

"Shh." Angel pressed a finger to her lips. "No talking."

Buffy smiled and responded with a fierce kiss. They rolled over so that she was under him again and - well - you know...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lucius sat in Dumbledore's office, his son at his side moaning about the pain in his back that just wouldn't go away.

Professor Morgan blinked so that he wouldn't see her roll her eyes.

The door opened and Professor Summers walked through.

"Ah, Professor Summers, how are you this morning?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"A bit tired, but other then that, I'm ok."

"Lucius, this is Professor Buffy Summers, your son's other Defense Against Muggle Attacks teacher." Buffy, biting her tongue, stuck out her hand. Lucius shook it reluctantly.

"Professor Dumbledore, I wish to address this matter as fast as possible. I have an important meeting to attend at the Ministry."

"Very well Lucius. Professor Summers, Mr. Malfoy is a bit concerned about your actions in yesterday's class. Please, explain what happened."

"Professor, I have already gotten the full story from my son. She purposely fought a student, and then refused responsibility for his injury."

"Excuse me, Mr. Malfoy, but I warned your son that he would, in all probability, be injured and to back down. He insisted on being a part of the demonstration, so I tried to be easy on him. Believe me, I could have done much worse."

"Are you threatening him?"

"Who was threatening anybody? I jokingly asked for volunteers, and the rest of the class seemed to understand that it was a joke. My sister was supposed to take the fall, not your son. He wanted it, I warned him, he persisted, I demonstrated. It's his fault for not heeding my warning."

"The woman has a point Lucius. She did give him fair warning."

"So that gives her a right? I'm sure I'm not the first person to say this, but the company you're hiring - "

"Is for me to decide. I had both the Ministry of Magic and the Watcher's Council's approval for these cases. If you have a problem, I'm sure the Ministry will be happy to personally show you their credentials."

"That doesn't change the fact that she injured my son!" Lucius said, standing up.

"And what would you like me to do about it Lucius?" Dumbledore said, standing to face him.

"It just so happens that I have the solution to our problems right here in my pocket." Lucius pulled out a piece of parchment. "Signed by each of the school governors suggesting that Professor Summers be suspended from her teaching position until further notice."

"WHAT!?"

"Faith - "

"No Buffy. You have got to be kidding me. Your son goes up against an able slayer and expects to come out on top? He very well knew what he was getting into. It's his own fault!"

"That isn't for you to decide girl! It is the Ministry's decision and is in place until further notice. Dumbledore, I will be in contact with you soon. Draco, come."

The two Malfoys walked out with identical smug looks on their faces.

Dumbledore sighed. "Buffy, I am truly sorry about all this."

Buffy shrugged. "It's ok. I still have Faith to teach for me, right? We can do our demonstrations and I can tutor the kids. I'll still be around."

"So that's it?" Faith said. "You're both just going to sit back and let this happen?"

Dumbledore fixed his gaze on Faith. "Right now, it is out of my hands."

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