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A Sirius Dose of Faith
folder
Harry Potter Crossovers › General - Misc
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
3
Views:
2,331
Reviews:
7
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter Crossovers › General - Misc
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
3
Views:
2,331
Reviews:
7
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter One
Title: A Sirius Dose of Faith (1/?)
Author: QueenC
Feedback: queenc@HotPOP.com
Rating: R
Pairing(s): Faith/Sirius and slight Remus/Severus.
Disclaimer: Whedon and Rowling rock my world.
Distribution: Anywhere I send it. Anyone else wants it just let me know.
Spoilers: Through "˜Sanctuary' on AtS. Through GoF in the Potterverse, although, in this fic, Harry and co. are in their seventh year.
Summary: Faith gets a chance at redemption, Hogwarts style.
Author's Notes: Okay, so this fic has been rattling around in my brain for a while now. It's probably going to be rather long (possibly novel length), and the plot may get somewhat confusing at times. There may also be moments when people seem OOC. I'll try to avoid that as much as possible, but if it happens, you've been warned. As always, Angel is Spike's sire. Enjoy!
******
Faith stared in awe at the castle that was looming before her. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. Any moment, she half expected to see a princess appear in one of the many towers, waiting for her prince to come save her. Of course, the Slayer knew that wasn't going to actually happen. Because, the only person who needed saving was her.
And I sure as hell ain't some fairy princess.
Swallowing, she turned toward her companion, her voice hoarse with emotion. "This the place?" she asked quietly.
Giles nodded, his face a picture of stoicism as he stepped out of the carriage and began making his way up the long, winding path that led to the school. He could see the brunette Slayer out of the corner of his eye; feel the tension that was radiating off of her.
After a few moments he spoke, his voice cutting through the silence. "Yes. This is Hogwarts. This is the place that you will be staying...assisting Headmaster Dumbledore as he sees fit."
Faith sighed, nodding slightly. "Sounds good. A lot better than prison. Or at the hands of the Watcher's Council," she said lightly.
Suddenly, Giles turned to face her, his eyes blazing with emotion. "I do not believe you should be making light of this situation, Faith. Given what you have done, you should consider yourself extremely lucky to be here right now. Albus Dumbledore is a wonderful, compassionate man, and you should count your blessings that he decided to step in and offer assistance. I will not allow you to come in here and insult him by making crude jokes and prancing about as if you haven't a care in the world. Do I make myself clear?" he growled.
The brunette took a step back, her hands going up in a display of surrender. "Hey! I don't want to mess this up, either. I know how lucky I am. And I ain't going to go in here and start trouble," she replied.
Giles fixed her with a dark glare for a few moments, before nodding once and continuing on his way.
"I really do want to make things right, Giles. I know I've said it before. And I know what I did was bad. Real bad. But..." Faith's voice trailed off as the castle doors swung open. Eyes wide, she watched as a tall man with shoulder length black hair and a scowl stepped in front of them.
Demon! her mind screamed instantly, even though she wasn't getting the usual feeling she did when a demon was nearby.
Giles sighed, giving the man a weary look. "Hello, Severus. The Headmaster is expecting us," he stated quietly.
The man narrowed his eyes, his scowl deepening even more. "I'm more than aware of that, Rupert. I assure you that I am not normally in the habit of answering the door unless guests are expected," he sneered. Then, he turned his attention to Faith. Looking her up and down, his eyebrow raised. "I take it you are Faith, then?" he asked.
Faith nodded, trying not to react to his hostility. Reminding herself that he was one of the good guys, no matter how evil he looked, she answered, "Yeah. That'd be me."
Snape studied her a moment longer, taking in her Muggle clothing which appeared to be damn near painted on. He could sense the darkness that surrounded her, as well as the pain that came with guilt and remorse. After a moment, he turned on his heel and began walking back into the castle. "Follow me," he called over his shoulder.
Giles frowned at the Potion Master's back for a second, before glancing at Faith. "I'm only going to say this once more. If you do not behave yourself while within these walls, you will regret it. There are far worse places you could be besides prison or with the Council." Then, he stepped inside.
Faith sighed, biting her lip to keep from making a sarcastic reply. Mentally, she began counting to ten, willing her anger away. Then, once she felt composed enough to continue, she followed her former Watcher.
******
Dumbledore smiled at the three people that entered his office. "Come in, come in!" he exclaimed, rising from behind his desk. Glancing at the surly Potions Master, he questioned, "Thank you for bringing them here, Severus. I assume there were no problems?"
Snape shook his head. "No, Headmaster. It seems as if the students actually decided to remain in their beds this evening."
He sounded almost disappointed.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Very good. Well, as I'm certain you have other duties to attend to, you may go now. I'll see you at the staff meeting in the morning," he said kindly, dismissing the man.
Nodding, Snape turned back to the door. Casting one final glare in Giles' direction, he exited the room.
Once they were alone, Dumbledore motioned to the empty seats. "Please, have seat. I can only imagine how tiring your trip must have been, traveling by Muggle means. Sherbet lemon?"
Faith gave Giles a confused glance as she perched on the edge of a large, over-stuffed chair. "Muggle?" she asked quietly, looking at both men.
Giles shook his head at the Headmaster's offer of sweets, instead sitting beside the Slayer. "A term in the wizarding world. It means non-magical, more specifically a non-magical person," he answered.
Dumbledore nodded, smiling. "Yes, of course. You'll forgive me if I tend to forget how little you know of this world, Faith. Time was, the Slayer worked quite closely with the Ministry," he said, dropping back into his seat. The smile never leaving his face, he threaded his fingers together, resting them on his long beard. "Now, what do you say we jump right to what will be expected of you during your stay here at Hogwarts?"
Faith nodded, swallowing. It seemed almost surreal to her. She had faced down so many things in her life. An alcoholic mother, abusive stepfathers, an angry Slayer, a council of Watchers, and too many demons and vampires to count. Yet this frail-looking old man with his pointy hat and funny looking dress had her completely on edge.
If Buffy could only see her now.
Wincing at the thought of the blonde slayer she had betrayed in the worst ways imaginable, she glanced around the office, noticing that the pictures on the walls were glancing at her and whispering quietly.
That was going to take some getting used to. Pictures that were alive, staircases that moved, and anything and everything else magical was complete lost on the brunette. She had always been about the physical. If she couldn't touch it, punch it, hurt it, she wanted nothing to do with it.
Suddenly, she realized that Dumbledore was staring at her, an amused look on his face. Biting her lip, she slumped down in her chair. "Sorry. This is just...so much, you know? Here I thought I was going to prison or something, and instead I'm in a real, live fairy tale. With a castle and magic and all the crap that I never really thought about and honestly couldn't care less about. And I can't help but think...why me?" she finally asked, stopping her nervous babble.
Who would've thought Willow would have rubbed off on me?
The aging wizard chuckled. "What a wonderful question, my dear. And one that I intend to answer. You see," he said, leaning slightly forward, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Not only are you in need of a second chance, but I suddenly find myself in need of someone who isn't afraid to use their ability to fight to their advantage. From what Mr. Giles tells me, and from what I have ascertained by my own means, you are quite an ingenious Slayer, perhaps nearly as inventive as a certain Ms. Summers."
Faith snorted, shaking her head. "Oh, that's rich, comparing me to B. No, see, you got it all wrong. B's the one who uses her smarts to get out of jams. I just use my fists. At least, I used to. After what I've done, I ain't ever using my Slayer skills again," she stated, looking down at her lap.
Dumbledore frowned slightly. "Well, that's a shame to hear. You see, as I said, I need someone who isn't afraid to fight..." Sighing, he stood up. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time. Rupert, it was a pleasure, as always."
Faith's eyes widened. Sitting up straighter, she glanced at Giles. "What? That's it?" Turning to Dumbledore, she jumped up. "Wait! You can't just...I mean, G said you were gonna help me! Just because I don't want to *hurt* people any more you're sending me off? That's messed up!" she cried.
Giles stood up, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Faith, stop. You apparently aren't what the Headmaster is searching for. It's quite all right. I'm certain we can still find someplace for you," he said gently.
Shaking off his hand, she shook her head. "No!" Stepping in front of Dumbledore, who was making his way around the desk, she peered into his face. "Look, I know I screwed up, okay? And, so maybe I'm not your first pick or whatever. But, come on! I want to change. I want to make amends. How am I supposed to do that if you judge me five seconds after you met me?" she questioned.
She hated the pleading tone that her voice had taken on. Logically, she knew she shouldn't be this disappointed. After all, good things never happened to her. Why should this be any different? But, that didn't change the fact that she felt almost safe here. She felt as if she was meant to be here, that this was where her life had been heading all along.
And I'll be damned if some old guy is going to take that away from me without a fight.
Dumbledore eyed the girl in front of him, a smile crossing his face once more. "There we go. I knew you had it in you," he said quietly. Chuckling at the confused look that crossed her face, he continued.
"You see, my dear, what I require right now is someone with...spunk. Someone who is capable of taking an entire group of children and turning them into a virtual army, regardless of how many obstacles are placed in her way. What I am going to ask of you is not going to be easy, and if you aren't willing to embrace the very power that put you in this situation in the first place, then you are of no use to me. However, seeing how...emotional you became when faced with being told to leave, I know now. You are precisely the person I need to fill this role."
This time, it was Giles who spoke. "Role? I'm afraid I don't understand, Headmaster," he said quietly. "I was under the impression that Faith was coming here to learn self-control as well as begin to make amends."
The wizard nodded, looking at him. "Indeed she is. But, come now, Rupert. You know me. When have I ever been the one to believe punishment is the best form of redemption and change?" Chuckling, he shook his head. "No, what Faith needs is guidance. And trust. She needs the chance to make a name for herself, as well as find her place in this world. Therefore," Looking back at Faith, he said, "I would like to offer you a job as an instructor for this school. A brand new position, I might add."
Moving back to his desk, he sat down, eyeing the wary brunette. "You see, Faith, we are on the brink of war with an extremely powerful Dark Wizard. And, while I have the utmost faith in the Ministry of Magic, I fear that the students here at Hogwarts may some day be forced to defend themselves without the use of magic, something that very few people in this world are capable of. So, with this in mind, I created a class that all students will take. Muggle Self Defense. In short, my dear, I want you to teach this school how to fight back...without their wands."
******
Faith felt as if she were in a dream. Standing in her new room, staring at her reflection in the mirror, she hardly recognized the woman that looked back at her. Flowing black robes concealed her leather pants and halter-top. Her hair was brushed and curled, hanging about her face in soft waves. Her make up, instead of being thick, with heavy emphasis on her eyes, was softer, almost giving her a wide-eyed, innocent look.
Basically, she looked nothing like herself.
Shaking her head, she glanced toward her bag of makeup. She understood that she had to wear the robes. It was part of the dress code. But, why couldn't she put on some eyeliner? Possibly even pull her hair back into a ponytail? Why did she feel like she was supposed to come across as a Buffy wannabe, versus her true self?
"Oh, that's right. Because the real Faith killed people. Yeah, guess the new me needs to look like a new me," she muttered.
"You look wonderful, my dear. Although, I still think you should wear a nice pair of heels, instead of those...boots," the mirror said.
Faith rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Sorry sister. They can take away my clothes, my makeup, even my personality. But they ain't taking my boots," she replied.
Sighing, she finally stepped away from the mirror and moved to her bed. Perching on the end of it, she looked around, waiting for whoever was going to escort her to the Great Hall to arrive. She knew it wasn't going to be Giles. He'd left after yesterday's staff meeting, claiming he was still needed in Sunnydale.
Part of her wondered at that excuse. Granted, Giles was extremely busy in Sunnydale, what with the government suddenly sending in some commandos to try and control the Hellmouth. But, she also knew how uncomfortable he was around her.
Not to mention a few of the Professors.
The main two she noticed Giles had issues with were Severus Snape, the Potions Master, and Remus Lupin, the Defense Against the Dark Arts Instructor. Although Faith wasn't certain what caused such animosity between the three, she had a feeling it went back to Giles' Ripper days. And that knowledge alone was enough to make her want to know more.
Since she didn't think that Snape was likely to tell her anything, what with him avoiding her at all costs, she wondered if she could get the werewolf to talk. That also made her wonder if anyone else knew he was a wolf besides her.
"Sometimes being a Slayer sucks," she grumbled. "Knowing my luck it's some big secret he's been trying to hide." However, she had a hard time believing that. No, Lupin struck her as an honest guy.
A good guy.
A guy that I ain't go no business hanging around.
Groaning, she laid back on the bed, thinking about the rest of yesterday, following Giles' departure. She'd gone to some wizarding town with Hagrid, this enormous man, to get what few supplies she needed. Just a couple of robes, not dresses he assured her, and a few books so she could read up on the history of Hogwarts and the wizarding world in general. Then, they'd gone to an area that was populated by Muggles so Faith could get what she thought she might need in order to teach her classes.
That thought alone made her laugh and groan at the same time. She was a lot of things, but teacher wasn't one of them. How Dumbledore expected her to turn a bunch of wizards and witches into soldiers was beyond her.
Still, the fact that he was willing to give her this chance to prove herself made her willing to try. So, she'd bought several types of weapons, although only one of each. Hagrid assured her that they could use magic to make duplicates, as well as transfigure other items. Whatever in the hell that meant.
Her shopping completed, she'd returned to Hogwarts and gone directly to her rooms so she could try and come up with some sort of lesson plan. At dinner, some freaky creature called a house elf brought her some food, for which she was grateful. Since the students were already in classes, she knew that the Great Hall would be packed. And she wasn't looking forward to meeting everyone.
Which was what she was about to do.
Any minute now, a Professor was going to show up and escort her to breakfast. Then, the students were going to arrive and Dumbledore was going to introduce her as the new Muggle Self Defense Instructor. And then...well, then the questions would begin.
Okay, maybe not right then. But as soon as those kids got a chance, she had no doubt she would be cornered and interrogated as only teenagers could do. And she was not looking forward to it.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at her door and she stood up. Glancing one last time in her mirror, she took a deep breath and headed down the small staircase that led to the portrait-entrance to her rooms. Swinging it open, she sighed.
Remus Lupin was standing there, a smile on his face.
******
A/N: Yes, I know that Remus resigned from Hogwarts after Harry's third year. But, I fully intend on getting into more detail about the specifics of his return during the fic. Now, how about a review to let me know what you think so far? *g*
QueenC
Author: QueenC
Feedback: queenc@HotPOP.com
Rating: R
Pairing(s): Faith/Sirius and slight Remus/Severus.
Disclaimer: Whedon and Rowling rock my world.
Distribution: Anywhere I send it. Anyone else wants it just let me know.
Spoilers: Through "˜Sanctuary' on AtS. Through GoF in the Potterverse, although, in this fic, Harry and co. are in their seventh year.
Summary: Faith gets a chance at redemption, Hogwarts style.
Author's Notes: Okay, so this fic has been rattling around in my brain for a while now. It's probably going to be rather long (possibly novel length), and the plot may get somewhat confusing at times. There may also be moments when people seem OOC. I'll try to avoid that as much as possible, but if it happens, you've been warned. As always, Angel is Spike's sire. Enjoy!
******
Faith stared in awe at the castle that was looming before her. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. Any moment, she half expected to see a princess appear in one of the many towers, waiting for her prince to come save her. Of course, the Slayer knew that wasn't going to actually happen. Because, the only person who needed saving was her.
And I sure as hell ain't some fairy princess.
Swallowing, she turned toward her companion, her voice hoarse with emotion. "This the place?" she asked quietly.
Giles nodded, his face a picture of stoicism as he stepped out of the carriage and began making his way up the long, winding path that led to the school. He could see the brunette Slayer out of the corner of his eye; feel the tension that was radiating off of her.
After a few moments he spoke, his voice cutting through the silence. "Yes. This is Hogwarts. This is the place that you will be staying...assisting Headmaster Dumbledore as he sees fit."
Faith sighed, nodding slightly. "Sounds good. A lot better than prison. Or at the hands of the Watcher's Council," she said lightly.
Suddenly, Giles turned to face her, his eyes blazing with emotion. "I do not believe you should be making light of this situation, Faith. Given what you have done, you should consider yourself extremely lucky to be here right now. Albus Dumbledore is a wonderful, compassionate man, and you should count your blessings that he decided to step in and offer assistance. I will not allow you to come in here and insult him by making crude jokes and prancing about as if you haven't a care in the world. Do I make myself clear?" he growled.
The brunette took a step back, her hands going up in a display of surrender. "Hey! I don't want to mess this up, either. I know how lucky I am. And I ain't going to go in here and start trouble," she replied.
Giles fixed her with a dark glare for a few moments, before nodding once and continuing on his way.
"I really do want to make things right, Giles. I know I've said it before. And I know what I did was bad. Real bad. But..." Faith's voice trailed off as the castle doors swung open. Eyes wide, she watched as a tall man with shoulder length black hair and a scowl stepped in front of them.
Demon! her mind screamed instantly, even though she wasn't getting the usual feeling she did when a demon was nearby.
Giles sighed, giving the man a weary look. "Hello, Severus. The Headmaster is expecting us," he stated quietly.
The man narrowed his eyes, his scowl deepening even more. "I'm more than aware of that, Rupert. I assure you that I am not normally in the habit of answering the door unless guests are expected," he sneered. Then, he turned his attention to Faith. Looking her up and down, his eyebrow raised. "I take it you are Faith, then?" he asked.
Faith nodded, trying not to react to his hostility. Reminding herself that he was one of the good guys, no matter how evil he looked, she answered, "Yeah. That'd be me."
Snape studied her a moment longer, taking in her Muggle clothing which appeared to be damn near painted on. He could sense the darkness that surrounded her, as well as the pain that came with guilt and remorse. After a moment, he turned on his heel and began walking back into the castle. "Follow me," he called over his shoulder.
Giles frowned at the Potion Master's back for a second, before glancing at Faith. "I'm only going to say this once more. If you do not behave yourself while within these walls, you will regret it. There are far worse places you could be besides prison or with the Council." Then, he stepped inside.
Faith sighed, biting her lip to keep from making a sarcastic reply. Mentally, she began counting to ten, willing her anger away. Then, once she felt composed enough to continue, she followed her former Watcher.
******
Dumbledore smiled at the three people that entered his office. "Come in, come in!" he exclaimed, rising from behind his desk. Glancing at the surly Potions Master, he questioned, "Thank you for bringing them here, Severus. I assume there were no problems?"
Snape shook his head. "No, Headmaster. It seems as if the students actually decided to remain in their beds this evening."
He sounded almost disappointed.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Very good. Well, as I'm certain you have other duties to attend to, you may go now. I'll see you at the staff meeting in the morning," he said kindly, dismissing the man.
Nodding, Snape turned back to the door. Casting one final glare in Giles' direction, he exited the room.
Once they were alone, Dumbledore motioned to the empty seats. "Please, have seat. I can only imagine how tiring your trip must have been, traveling by Muggle means. Sherbet lemon?"
Faith gave Giles a confused glance as she perched on the edge of a large, over-stuffed chair. "Muggle?" she asked quietly, looking at both men.
Giles shook his head at the Headmaster's offer of sweets, instead sitting beside the Slayer. "A term in the wizarding world. It means non-magical, more specifically a non-magical person," he answered.
Dumbledore nodded, smiling. "Yes, of course. You'll forgive me if I tend to forget how little you know of this world, Faith. Time was, the Slayer worked quite closely with the Ministry," he said, dropping back into his seat. The smile never leaving his face, he threaded his fingers together, resting them on his long beard. "Now, what do you say we jump right to what will be expected of you during your stay here at Hogwarts?"
Faith nodded, swallowing. It seemed almost surreal to her. She had faced down so many things in her life. An alcoholic mother, abusive stepfathers, an angry Slayer, a council of Watchers, and too many demons and vampires to count. Yet this frail-looking old man with his pointy hat and funny looking dress had her completely on edge.
If Buffy could only see her now.
Wincing at the thought of the blonde slayer she had betrayed in the worst ways imaginable, she glanced around the office, noticing that the pictures on the walls were glancing at her and whispering quietly.
That was going to take some getting used to. Pictures that were alive, staircases that moved, and anything and everything else magical was complete lost on the brunette. She had always been about the physical. If she couldn't touch it, punch it, hurt it, she wanted nothing to do with it.
Suddenly, she realized that Dumbledore was staring at her, an amused look on his face. Biting her lip, she slumped down in her chair. "Sorry. This is just...so much, you know? Here I thought I was going to prison or something, and instead I'm in a real, live fairy tale. With a castle and magic and all the crap that I never really thought about and honestly couldn't care less about. And I can't help but think...why me?" she finally asked, stopping her nervous babble.
Who would've thought Willow would have rubbed off on me?
The aging wizard chuckled. "What a wonderful question, my dear. And one that I intend to answer. You see," he said, leaning slightly forward, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Not only are you in need of a second chance, but I suddenly find myself in need of someone who isn't afraid to use their ability to fight to their advantage. From what Mr. Giles tells me, and from what I have ascertained by my own means, you are quite an ingenious Slayer, perhaps nearly as inventive as a certain Ms. Summers."
Faith snorted, shaking her head. "Oh, that's rich, comparing me to B. No, see, you got it all wrong. B's the one who uses her smarts to get out of jams. I just use my fists. At least, I used to. After what I've done, I ain't ever using my Slayer skills again," she stated, looking down at her lap.
Dumbledore frowned slightly. "Well, that's a shame to hear. You see, as I said, I need someone who isn't afraid to fight..." Sighing, he stood up. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time. Rupert, it was a pleasure, as always."
Faith's eyes widened. Sitting up straighter, she glanced at Giles. "What? That's it?" Turning to Dumbledore, she jumped up. "Wait! You can't just...I mean, G said you were gonna help me! Just because I don't want to *hurt* people any more you're sending me off? That's messed up!" she cried.
Giles stood up, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Faith, stop. You apparently aren't what the Headmaster is searching for. It's quite all right. I'm certain we can still find someplace for you," he said gently.
Shaking off his hand, she shook her head. "No!" Stepping in front of Dumbledore, who was making his way around the desk, she peered into his face. "Look, I know I screwed up, okay? And, so maybe I'm not your first pick or whatever. But, come on! I want to change. I want to make amends. How am I supposed to do that if you judge me five seconds after you met me?" she questioned.
She hated the pleading tone that her voice had taken on. Logically, she knew she shouldn't be this disappointed. After all, good things never happened to her. Why should this be any different? But, that didn't change the fact that she felt almost safe here. She felt as if she was meant to be here, that this was where her life had been heading all along.
And I'll be damned if some old guy is going to take that away from me without a fight.
Dumbledore eyed the girl in front of him, a smile crossing his face once more. "There we go. I knew you had it in you," he said quietly. Chuckling at the confused look that crossed her face, he continued.
"You see, my dear, what I require right now is someone with...spunk. Someone who is capable of taking an entire group of children and turning them into a virtual army, regardless of how many obstacles are placed in her way. What I am going to ask of you is not going to be easy, and if you aren't willing to embrace the very power that put you in this situation in the first place, then you are of no use to me. However, seeing how...emotional you became when faced with being told to leave, I know now. You are precisely the person I need to fill this role."
This time, it was Giles who spoke. "Role? I'm afraid I don't understand, Headmaster," he said quietly. "I was under the impression that Faith was coming here to learn self-control as well as begin to make amends."
The wizard nodded, looking at him. "Indeed she is. But, come now, Rupert. You know me. When have I ever been the one to believe punishment is the best form of redemption and change?" Chuckling, he shook his head. "No, what Faith needs is guidance. And trust. She needs the chance to make a name for herself, as well as find her place in this world. Therefore," Looking back at Faith, he said, "I would like to offer you a job as an instructor for this school. A brand new position, I might add."
Moving back to his desk, he sat down, eyeing the wary brunette. "You see, Faith, we are on the brink of war with an extremely powerful Dark Wizard. And, while I have the utmost faith in the Ministry of Magic, I fear that the students here at Hogwarts may some day be forced to defend themselves without the use of magic, something that very few people in this world are capable of. So, with this in mind, I created a class that all students will take. Muggle Self Defense. In short, my dear, I want you to teach this school how to fight back...without their wands."
******
Faith felt as if she were in a dream. Standing in her new room, staring at her reflection in the mirror, she hardly recognized the woman that looked back at her. Flowing black robes concealed her leather pants and halter-top. Her hair was brushed and curled, hanging about her face in soft waves. Her make up, instead of being thick, with heavy emphasis on her eyes, was softer, almost giving her a wide-eyed, innocent look.
Basically, she looked nothing like herself.
Shaking her head, she glanced toward her bag of makeup. She understood that she had to wear the robes. It was part of the dress code. But, why couldn't she put on some eyeliner? Possibly even pull her hair back into a ponytail? Why did she feel like she was supposed to come across as a Buffy wannabe, versus her true self?
"Oh, that's right. Because the real Faith killed people. Yeah, guess the new me needs to look like a new me," she muttered.
"You look wonderful, my dear. Although, I still think you should wear a nice pair of heels, instead of those...boots," the mirror said.
Faith rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Sorry sister. They can take away my clothes, my makeup, even my personality. But they ain't taking my boots," she replied.
Sighing, she finally stepped away from the mirror and moved to her bed. Perching on the end of it, she looked around, waiting for whoever was going to escort her to the Great Hall to arrive. She knew it wasn't going to be Giles. He'd left after yesterday's staff meeting, claiming he was still needed in Sunnydale.
Part of her wondered at that excuse. Granted, Giles was extremely busy in Sunnydale, what with the government suddenly sending in some commandos to try and control the Hellmouth. But, she also knew how uncomfortable he was around her.
Not to mention a few of the Professors.
The main two she noticed Giles had issues with were Severus Snape, the Potions Master, and Remus Lupin, the Defense Against the Dark Arts Instructor. Although Faith wasn't certain what caused such animosity between the three, she had a feeling it went back to Giles' Ripper days. And that knowledge alone was enough to make her want to know more.
Since she didn't think that Snape was likely to tell her anything, what with him avoiding her at all costs, she wondered if she could get the werewolf to talk. That also made her wonder if anyone else knew he was a wolf besides her.
"Sometimes being a Slayer sucks," she grumbled. "Knowing my luck it's some big secret he's been trying to hide." However, she had a hard time believing that. No, Lupin struck her as an honest guy.
A good guy.
A guy that I ain't go no business hanging around.
Groaning, she laid back on the bed, thinking about the rest of yesterday, following Giles' departure. She'd gone to some wizarding town with Hagrid, this enormous man, to get what few supplies she needed. Just a couple of robes, not dresses he assured her, and a few books so she could read up on the history of Hogwarts and the wizarding world in general. Then, they'd gone to an area that was populated by Muggles so Faith could get what she thought she might need in order to teach her classes.
That thought alone made her laugh and groan at the same time. She was a lot of things, but teacher wasn't one of them. How Dumbledore expected her to turn a bunch of wizards and witches into soldiers was beyond her.
Still, the fact that he was willing to give her this chance to prove herself made her willing to try. So, she'd bought several types of weapons, although only one of each. Hagrid assured her that they could use magic to make duplicates, as well as transfigure other items. Whatever in the hell that meant.
Her shopping completed, she'd returned to Hogwarts and gone directly to her rooms so she could try and come up with some sort of lesson plan. At dinner, some freaky creature called a house elf brought her some food, for which she was grateful. Since the students were already in classes, she knew that the Great Hall would be packed. And she wasn't looking forward to meeting everyone.
Which was what she was about to do.
Any minute now, a Professor was going to show up and escort her to breakfast. Then, the students were going to arrive and Dumbledore was going to introduce her as the new Muggle Self Defense Instructor. And then...well, then the questions would begin.
Okay, maybe not right then. But as soon as those kids got a chance, she had no doubt she would be cornered and interrogated as only teenagers could do. And she was not looking forward to it.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at her door and she stood up. Glancing one last time in her mirror, she took a deep breath and headed down the small staircase that led to the portrait-entrance to her rooms. Swinging it open, she sighed.
Remus Lupin was standing there, a smile on his face.
******
A/N: Yes, I know that Remus resigned from Hogwarts after Harry's third year. But, I fully intend on getting into more detail about the specifics of his return during the fic. Now, how about a review to let me know what you think so far? *g*
QueenC