Chapter 11
Chapter 11
As it turned out Giles had stayed back in the U.S. with Dawn who was still in school, but Buffy and Willow were determined to save the unicorns just as Xander predicted. Harry told me of his conversation with Professor Dumbledore about the stone being set for destruction, the power of Harry’s mother’s sacrifice, and Professor Snape’s apparent hatred of Harry’s dad. I am not even going to try and touch on that last one. Harry also got a present from Hagrid consisting of photos of his parents, which Harry showed to me. It’s nice he has that.
We are now in the Great Hall decorated in green and silver seeing as Slytherin will be winning the house cup. Xander explained that he set up a little demonstration for the school as a treat. Buffy and I are going to battle it out with 3 of the professors and a guest. Buffy and Willow are at the Head Table with the Professors as well as a man who has some scarring on his face, but he looks extremely kind. All the students quiet down as Professor Dumbledore steps up to the podium.
“Another year has gone. What a year it has been. I hope your heads are a little bit fuller than they were… you will have the whole summer to get them empty for next year. Now I understand the house cup needs awarding. In fourth place, we have Gryffindor with 312 points; in third, we have Hufflepuff with 352 points; Ravenclaw has 426 points and Slytherin with 472.”
At that, the Slytherin table goes wild. I’ve never seen them so happy or not proper.
“Yes, yes, well done Slytherin, but recent events must be considered. I have a few last-minute points to award.” The hall falls silent. “To Miss Hermione Granger,” I perk up. “For going above and beyond the call of duty, protecting this school and its inhabitants when it was not yours to do. As well as a calm demeanor in the face of extreme danger. I award 100 points.” I smile as my fellow Gryffindors cheer and receive a wink from Xander.
“Second, to Mr. Harry Potter for outstanding courage and pure nerve. I award Gryffindor House 50 points.” More clapping. “Third, to Ronald Weasley for standing loyal in the face of the unknown. I award 10 points.”
I turn to Harry and Ron with a wide grin, “We’re tied with Slytherin!” The noise in the Great Hall grew to a fever pitch but quieted when Professor Dumbledore raised his hand.
“There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal to stand up to your enemies, but it takes even more to stand up to your friends. I award Neville Longbottom 10 points.” The Hall erupted with cheers and people hugging Harry, Ron, Neville, and I. “I believe a change in decoration is in order.” With a clap of Professor Dumbledore’s hands, the hall the green and silver turn into red and gold. “As a special treat to the school, I will turn you over to Professor Harris.”
Xander ambled up to the podium and spoke loudly, “I’m not one for speeches, so I’ll keep it short. The things I’ve seen this year are amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I look forward to more. I believe I promised a first year flying class something. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape as well as a Hogwarts Alumni, Remus Lupin,” Each person stepped forward, “have agreed to help with that promise. I’m positive I’ll get an earful later, but who wants to see their teachers' butts get kicked by a couple of girls?!” At that, the crowd just loses it. Gryffindor cheers at the idea of Professor Snape getting his and the other houses shouting for redemption from exams. “Everybody stand up!”
I’ve never seen students move so fast. Professor Dumbledore transfigured the house table into stands along the walls and the students practically ran to sit down. Once everyone was seated Xander spoke again as Buffy stepped forward and the volunteers moved to the south side of the hall. Buffy was in her red leather pants and black tank top with her hair in a ponytail. “I’m sure you’ve wondered about Miss Granger and the things we do. This is going to be a demonstration. This is Buffy Summers, a muggle and the leader of our program of particularly gifted women, who has agreed to partner with Mia for you guys today.” The students started clapping and Gryffindor specifically cheered when I went to join Buffy who moved to the north side. I pulled my wand and cast a simple finite at my transfigured robes. Professor McGonagall was nice enough to do it for me earlier. I matched Buffy in my Purple top and black leather pants the scythe appearing on my back as well. “Mia, no wands,” Xander added. I moved, handed him my wand, and moved back to my spot. “You get 5 minutes to discuss strategy. Buffy and Mia, the rules are simple. Don’t break them. Teachers and Mr. Lupin… God help you.”
Professor Dumbledore erected dueling wards to protect the audience. I turned to Buffy, “What’s the plan?”
“Take out your two then get to me so we can use the scythe. Other than that, work together and wing it,” Buffy replies with a smile.
I pull the scythe from my back and return her grin, “Work together and wing it.” We turn and get in our stances facing our opponents.
After five minutes, the four spread out along their side. Xander speaks once we’re ready. “I call your name and say gone that means you’re out step aside and move behind the barrier. Fight to the last person standing. On three. One… Two… Three!”
As soon as Xander said three, Buffy and I dropped, and four spells zoomed over our heads. Buffy rolled to the left and I rolled to the right. I charge Professors McGonagall and Flitwick while noticing Buffy is doing the same to Professor Snape and Mr. Lupin. Professor Flitwick moves into an offensive position with Professor McGonagall taking a defensive position just behind him.
Professor Flitwick points his wand to the ground in front of me and casts Glacius causing the floor to cover itself in ice. I jump just before the ice hits me and swing the scythe under me standing on the shaft and the blade comes down on the ice. I ride the scythe over the patch of ice, jump, and roll onto normal ground just a couple of feet from the professor. Coming to a stand I continue forward. Professor Flitwick cast a Stupefy at me and I held the ax of the scythe at the right angle to not only dodge, but the stunner reflected and hit Professor McGonagall.
Reaching Professor Flitwick I sweep my leg out, knock his legs from under him, and jump up bringing the stake part of the scythe to a stop just over his heart. “Flitwick, gone,” I hear Xander say as I move to Professor McGonagall. I hear Buffy struggling and shout, “Buffy,” as I throw the scythe in her direction. Professor McGonagall is throwing spell after spell as I run to her and dodge at every turn. Upon reaching her I jump up flip over her head and kick the back of her knees. I bring my arms around her head in a motion as to snap her neck. “McGonagall, gone.”
I was so into the battle I didn’t hear the students cheering like mad. This fills me with courage as I turn to help Buffy with Professor Snape and Mr. Lupin. Buffy is dodging and blocking spells with the scythe from both men. Mr. Lupin is a few feet behind Professor Snape casting defensive and offensive spells. “Buffy, going up!” I run at Buffy and just as I reach her, she bends forward throws the scythe high and I use her back like a springboard launching myself over her and Professor Snape grabbing the scythe and landing just behind Professor Snape. I use the scythe to block a spell from Mr. Lupin, kick Professor Snape in the back, and turn to Mr. Lupin.
It’s not even five seconds later I hear, “Snape, gone,” from Xander. I straighten up as Buffy joins me, the both of us grinning.
Mr. Lupin tosses his wand to the side and says, “Clearly magic will not work with you two.” He takes a defensive stance and Buffy, and I charge. Mr. Lupin rolls in the direction of his wand and grabs it with a Flipendo that catches Buffy straight in the chest sending her flying back toward the north side of the hall. I get to Mr. Lupin, and he jumps and swings a punch down that catches me in the face, knocking me to the ground. I quickly roll under him tripping him and jump to swing the blade of the scythe down an inch from his face.
“Lupin, gone! Team girl power for the win!” Xander shouts and the students go crazy! I held my hand out to Mr. Lupin and helped him up.
“Very impressive, Miss Granger. You have done Gryffindor proud. I look forward to working with you and Mr. Harris in the next school year.”
Still on high from the fight, I ramble out, “Oh that was so much fun! What are your plans for next year? Do I need to get books?”
“Miss Granger, we will work out the details later, but maybe you should get that nose taken care of.” I reach up and touch my face and wince slightly pulling my hand back and seeing blood. “I thought as much. Madam Pomfrey is over there.”
After that, we had a lovely leaving feast and boarded the train home.