Aug. 27th - School Supplies
Title: School Supplies
Author: 3am_moonlight
Crossover: BtVS / Harry Potter (J.K.R.)
Rating: Gen / Teen
Word Count: 2,030.
Timeline: BtVS: Post-the Gift & HP: Goblet of Fire.
Disclaimer: The Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon and HP belongs to J.K.R.
Summary: Harry has to endure two shopping trips in two days.
Author's Note: Written for Day 27 of the 2019 August Fic-A-Day.
A/N: Follows ' Narrow Escape', ' Hiding Places', ' Fly Away With Me', ' Talking', ' Spilled Secrets', ' Charades', ' Fun at the Beach', ' Laying Down the Law', ' Summer School', and ' Eavesdropping'.
They spent Thursday shopping in the normal world for Harry's and Hermione's back-to-school supplies. The Granger's had already completed theirs but agreed to come along so they could spend more time with their daughter. Harry, on the other hand, needed just about everything and suffered through several hours of shopping for clothes and shoes. All he had were the few outfits they had bought for him the first day, but now they were replacing his entire wardrobe. Including buying things that were several sizes too large, knowing that the potions the Healer had given Harry meant he'd grow a lot over the next year.
The teenager suffered through it and even managed to find a cheerful mood, knowing all of it meant he would finally be able to wear something other than his robes at Hogwarts. He didn't say it, but it was clear it had been a source of embarrassment for him. It would also be an entire year until the next time he would have to go through it.
Buffy decided they needed something else to write on and with, aside from the parchment and quills. It was more work than it should be, and taking notes during lessons could get messy even without spilling ink on what you'd written. Which meant he got a good quantity of spiral notebooks, both in the lined, unlined, and grids variety. She also made sure he had a few sketchbooks, just in case he knew how to draw or wanted to doodle something. Or make paper airplanes or swans, or something entirely different. Then they moved on to writing implements and other related material, and Harry and Hermione both went a little wild.
They also got some reference books and dictionaries, more because Hermione had a brainwave than actually needing them. On Sirius' insistence, they also browsed the fiction section for some light reading. Not everything was about studying, after all.
By the time they left the shop, it looked like they were shopping for 10 or 15 kids instead of two. If they needed more then Hedwig would be getting some exercise, they were all sure she'd appreciate it. Eyeing the pile made her reconsider it, the owl would probably have to settle for regular letters.
After they left the shop they ducked into an alley so Sirius could shrink and pocket all of their purchases, but there, on a trashcan, were two annoyed-looking owls. Both of whom barked in a manner that seemed to ask, where have you been? We've been waiting for *forever*. Buffy had no idea birds could be that expressive.
While the Slayer was contemplating the owls' communication skills, the two teenagers had gone over to them to relieve them of their letters, and as soon as their mission was completed they took off. Both of the kids and Sirius ducked away to avoid the feathery appendages. Buffy was thankfully a little too far away for their wingspan to reach her.
Hermione managed to open hers first and exclaimed happily, "It's our booklists!" Turning to her parents she asked, "Can we go to Diagon Alley and get them?" Buffy met Harry's eyes behind her back and smiled at the boy, this was exactly what he'd told her would happen. The girl really was a lot like Willow, just more confident than her friend had been at that age. She was also more prone to lecturing than babbling.
The Granger's denied her request, much to her disappointment, but promised they would all go the next day as they had agreed upon during their first dinner. Instead, they went for an early dinner and then Sirius Apparated them home, before returning everyone else to their current base.
Back at the house, Sirius decided it was early enough they could do some catch-up on their homeschooling and they all sat down to learn more about the mysteries of the Ancient Runes. It made her long for some of Giles' old dusty tomes to try out her new knowledge on, and she would never, ever tell the man that.
***
The next day went in a similar manner, except Sirius accompanied them in his Animagi form so he was unable to make many contributions to their shopping. They accompanied the Granger's to Gringotts first so they could exchange pounds for galleons, and then they were off. Kreacher had already gotten money from the Black Family Vault.
The elf had also gotten them the Daily Prophet and as Sirius had predicted, Lucius Malfoy had been released due to 'evidence' of his supposed innocence. Three of his fellow terrorists had also been let go, but the last one had been charged and would have to face the magical legal system. The front page also announced that there was a monetary award to whoever helped ensure that the person who tied up the 'upstanding purebloods' was brought to justice.
The article inside praised the apparent awesomeness that was Lucius Malfoy and his friends while condemning anyone who tried to imply anything different. At the same time, they were completely ignoring that was exactly what the paper had done two days prior. Buffy rolled her eyes. At least she hadn't been seen thanks to the invisibility cloak, so that was of the good. It was a pity the 'upstanding citizen' didn't have a car and tires she could slash open. Not that she would ever do that, but she could think it.
A more thorough read-through of the paper revealed that Mr. Malfoy had given a substantial amount of money to something called St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Imagine how very convenient that was...
The first stop of the day after getting money was Madam Malkin's, and Buffy got to chat with her friend again as the witch helped Harry and Hermione with their purchases. School robes were easy enough, they were black and very basic. Sirius butted in, however, and insisted on a much more high-quality fabric than the boy had had before. Harry obviously didn't care but agreed easily enough so as to not draw attention to them taking advice from a large dog. There was a new edition to their list this year though: dress robes.
When Buffy had come back with the news that the TriWizard Tournament had been revived and that it was going to be held at Hogwarts this year, she had been met with three blank faces. A few hours of research had revealed that it was a tournament between magical schools, traditionally the three competing schools were Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Durmstrang Institute, and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. A champion would be selected from each school and they would then compete against each other in three tasks spaced evenly throughout the school year. It was designed to test magical ability, intelligence, and courage.
In theory, it was a good chance to develop friendships and forge political contacts in other countries, but according to the books on the tournament, it was renowned for being extremely dangerous and had been discontinued around 1792 due to many of the champions dying during the tasks. It didn't seem like it was something worth starting up again, especially since war was brewing in Britain.
After Buffy had gotten the digest's version of Harry's first three years at Hogwarts, she agreed that the chance of him not being chosen as the Hogwarts champion was negligible. Sirius had reacted by teaching the kids more obscure spells that were not taught at the school. He also crammed his head with other information and not always on topic. Buffy had added self-defense to her Tai Chi-lessons. If nothing else, Harry might be able to use the meditation to calm himself and stay focussed.
Harry got a set of dress robes in a shade of green that made him look very handsome, and it reminded Buffy that while he was currently younger than her he was actually six months older. It was a surreal thought to have while she was standing in the magical quarter of London, helping a teen pick out what was essentially a dress he was going to wear at a formal ball right before Christmas.
Once they were done, Buffy said her goodbyes to her friend and they went two shops down to Flourish & Blotts' to get the school books. Harry had been especially happy to see that the Deputy Headmistress had allowed him to attend the Fourth Year Ancient Runes and Arithmancy classes on a preliminary basis, given that he passed a test once they were back at Hogwarts. The test shouldn't be a problem, as he was doing very well despite only having started the subject recently.
They got the school books, and Hermione got a few extra ones for 'light' reading and then they moved on to the stationary shop next door. Buying parchment and ink didn't take long and they soon crossed the Alley and entered a trunk shop squeezed in between Eeylops Owl Emporium and another shop.
Sirius had demanded that Harry needed a properly magical trunk with several rooms so his trunk wouldn't be such a mess. Buffy had silently agreed, both because she had seen the mess that was his current trunk and because she wanted to see what the man had been rambling about. It turned out that the multiple compartments worked by inserting a different key into a different keyhole to open each of the compartments.
After some back and forth and quite a few comments from Hermione, he ended up with a trunk that had four separate compartments. One was for books and other school supplies (including a separate space for potion ingredients), one was for his magical broom and his Quidditch equipment, one was for clothes and toiletries, and the last was for whatever else he wanted to store in there.
Hermione also insisted he needed a bookbag since the one he'd been using was close to ripping at the seams. Harry found one he liked, and like everything else it was bigger on the inside and a comfortable weight on his shoulder.
Buffy was looking at the things in wonder while simultaneously wincing at the price tags. Sirius had been incredibly generous, but there was no way she would ever ask him to spend that much on her, no matter how much she wanted it. It did remind her she needed to get an identity and job though, as it didn't seem like whatever had dumped her in '90's Britain had any intention of returning her to 2001 California.
Shaking her head, she paid for the trunk using Sirius' galleons and they made the last few errands before eating dinner in the Alley with the Granger's. They had a great time and agreed to keep in contact during the school year, so Genevieve and Elias Granger wouldn't be so cut off from everything that went on in the magical world. Their daughter was 15 and would probably claim that any events that happened during the school years were a lot less dangerous than they had actually been. It was a concept Buffy herself was highly familiar with both as a teenage girl and as the Slayer.
Hermione went home with her parents to spend the last weekend with them before school began, and they agreed to meet at Kings Cross Station for breakfast at 9 a.m. on 1st September. It would give them ample time to eat properly beforehand, chat a little, and not stress about getting to the Hogwarts Express in time for departure.
Buffy, Harry, and Sirius returned to the Black Summer House for one last weekend together, and cram in a few more lessons, a little more fun, and to make plans and backup plans for whatever would happen next. The Tournament was an obstacle, but it might come in useful as a distraction if they managed to get a trial for Sirius. Or possibly use their foreign guests as a way to force a trial. Having a man spend 12 years in Azkaban without a trial would make Britain look terrible in front of the two visiting school and their countries...
Author: 3am_moonlight
Crossover: BtVS / Harry Potter (J.K.R.)
Rating: Gen / Teen
Word Count: 2,030.
Timeline: BtVS: Post-the Gift & HP: Goblet of Fire.
Disclaimer: The Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon and HP belongs to J.K.R.
Summary: Harry has to endure two shopping trips in two days.
Author's Note: Written for Day 27 of the 2019 August Fic-A-Day.
A/N: Follows ' Narrow Escape', ' Hiding Places', ' Fly Away With Me', ' Talking', ' Spilled Secrets', ' Charades', ' Fun at the Beach', ' Laying Down the Law', ' Summer School', and ' Eavesdropping'.
They spent Thursday shopping in the normal world for Harry's and Hermione's back-to-school supplies. The Granger's had already completed theirs but agreed to come along so they could spend more time with their daughter. Harry, on the other hand, needed just about everything and suffered through several hours of shopping for clothes and shoes. All he had were the few outfits they had bought for him the first day, but now they were replacing his entire wardrobe. Including buying things that were several sizes too large, knowing that the potions the Healer had given Harry meant he'd grow a lot over the next year.
The teenager suffered through it and even managed to find a cheerful mood, knowing all of it meant he would finally be able to wear something other than his robes at Hogwarts. He didn't say it, but it was clear it had been a source of embarrassment for him. It would also be an entire year until the next time he would have to go through it.
Buffy decided they needed something else to write on and with, aside from the parchment and quills. It was more work than it should be, and taking notes during lessons could get messy even without spilling ink on what you'd written. Which meant he got a good quantity of spiral notebooks, both in the lined, unlined, and grids variety. She also made sure he had a few sketchbooks, just in case he knew how to draw or wanted to doodle something. Or make paper airplanes or swans, or something entirely different. Then they moved on to writing implements and other related material, and Harry and Hermione both went a little wild.
They also got some reference books and dictionaries, more because Hermione had a brainwave than actually needing them. On Sirius' insistence, they also browsed the fiction section for some light reading. Not everything was about studying, after all.
By the time they left the shop, it looked like they were shopping for 10 or 15 kids instead of two. If they needed more then Hedwig would be getting some exercise, they were all sure she'd appreciate it. Eyeing the pile made her reconsider it, the owl would probably have to settle for regular letters.
After they left the shop they ducked into an alley so Sirius could shrink and pocket all of their purchases, but there, on a trashcan, were two annoyed-looking owls. Both of whom barked in a manner that seemed to ask, where have you been? We've been waiting for *forever*. Buffy had no idea birds could be that expressive.
While the Slayer was contemplating the owls' communication skills, the two teenagers had gone over to them to relieve them of their letters, and as soon as their mission was completed they took off. Both of the kids and Sirius ducked away to avoid the feathery appendages. Buffy was thankfully a little too far away for their wingspan to reach her.
Hermione managed to open hers first and exclaimed happily, "It's our booklists!" Turning to her parents she asked, "Can we go to Diagon Alley and get them?" Buffy met Harry's eyes behind her back and smiled at the boy, this was exactly what he'd told her would happen. The girl really was a lot like Willow, just more confident than her friend had been at that age. She was also more prone to lecturing than babbling.
The Granger's denied her request, much to her disappointment, but promised they would all go the next day as they had agreed upon during their first dinner. Instead, they went for an early dinner and then Sirius Apparated them home, before returning everyone else to their current base.
Back at the house, Sirius decided it was early enough they could do some catch-up on their homeschooling and they all sat down to learn more about the mysteries of the Ancient Runes. It made her long for some of Giles' old dusty tomes to try out her new knowledge on, and she would never, ever tell the man that.
***
The next day went in a similar manner, except Sirius accompanied them in his Animagi form so he was unable to make many contributions to their shopping. They accompanied the Granger's to Gringotts first so they could exchange pounds for galleons, and then they were off. Kreacher had already gotten money from the Black Family Vault.
The elf had also gotten them the Daily Prophet and as Sirius had predicted, Lucius Malfoy had been released due to 'evidence' of his supposed innocence. Three of his fellow terrorists had also been let go, but the last one had been charged and would have to face the magical legal system. The front page also announced that there was a monetary award to whoever helped ensure that the person who tied up the 'upstanding purebloods' was brought to justice.
The article inside praised the apparent awesomeness that was Lucius Malfoy and his friends while condemning anyone who tried to imply anything different. At the same time, they were completely ignoring that was exactly what the paper had done two days prior. Buffy rolled her eyes. At least she hadn't been seen thanks to the invisibility cloak, so that was of the good. It was a pity the 'upstanding citizen' didn't have a car and tires she could slash open. Not that she would ever do that, but she could think it.
A more thorough read-through of the paper revealed that Mr. Malfoy had given a substantial amount of money to something called St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Imagine how very convenient that was...
The first stop of the day after getting money was Madam Malkin's, and Buffy got to chat with her friend again as the witch helped Harry and Hermione with their purchases. School robes were easy enough, they were black and very basic. Sirius butted in, however, and insisted on a much more high-quality fabric than the boy had had before. Harry obviously didn't care but agreed easily enough so as to not draw attention to them taking advice from a large dog. There was a new edition to their list this year though: dress robes.
When Buffy had come back with the news that the TriWizard Tournament had been revived and that it was going to be held at Hogwarts this year, she had been met with three blank faces. A few hours of research had revealed that it was a tournament between magical schools, traditionally the three competing schools were Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Durmstrang Institute, and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. A champion would be selected from each school and they would then compete against each other in three tasks spaced evenly throughout the school year. It was designed to test magical ability, intelligence, and courage.
In theory, it was a good chance to develop friendships and forge political contacts in other countries, but according to the books on the tournament, it was renowned for being extremely dangerous and had been discontinued around 1792 due to many of the champions dying during the tasks. It didn't seem like it was something worth starting up again, especially since war was brewing in Britain.
After Buffy had gotten the digest's version of Harry's first three years at Hogwarts, she agreed that the chance of him not being chosen as the Hogwarts champion was negligible. Sirius had reacted by teaching the kids more obscure spells that were not taught at the school. He also crammed his head with other information and not always on topic. Buffy had added self-defense to her Tai Chi-lessons. If nothing else, Harry might be able to use the meditation to calm himself and stay focussed.
Harry got a set of dress robes in a shade of green that made him look very handsome, and it reminded Buffy that while he was currently younger than her he was actually six months older. It was a surreal thought to have while she was standing in the magical quarter of London, helping a teen pick out what was essentially a dress he was going to wear at a formal ball right before Christmas.
Once they were done, Buffy said her goodbyes to her friend and they went two shops down to Flourish & Blotts' to get the school books. Harry had been especially happy to see that the Deputy Headmistress had allowed him to attend the Fourth Year Ancient Runes and Arithmancy classes on a preliminary basis, given that he passed a test once they were back at Hogwarts. The test shouldn't be a problem, as he was doing very well despite only having started the subject recently.
They got the school books, and Hermione got a few extra ones for 'light' reading and then they moved on to the stationary shop next door. Buying parchment and ink didn't take long and they soon crossed the Alley and entered a trunk shop squeezed in between Eeylops Owl Emporium and another shop.
Sirius had demanded that Harry needed a properly magical trunk with several rooms so his trunk wouldn't be such a mess. Buffy had silently agreed, both because she had seen the mess that was his current trunk and because she wanted to see what the man had been rambling about. It turned out that the multiple compartments worked by inserting a different key into a different keyhole to open each of the compartments.
After some back and forth and quite a few comments from Hermione, he ended up with a trunk that had four separate compartments. One was for books and other school supplies (including a separate space for potion ingredients), one was for his magical broom and his Quidditch equipment, one was for clothes and toiletries, and the last was for whatever else he wanted to store in there.
Hermione also insisted he needed a bookbag since the one he'd been using was close to ripping at the seams. Harry found one he liked, and like everything else it was bigger on the inside and a comfortable weight on his shoulder.
Buffy was looking at the things in wonder while simultaneously wincing at the price tags. Sirius had been incredibly generous, but there was no way she would ever ask him to spend that much on her, no matter how much she wanted it. It did remind her she needed to get an identity and job though, as it didn't seem like whatever had dumped her in '90's Britain had any intention of returning her to 2001 California.
Shaking her head, she paid for the trunk using Sirius' galleons and they made the last few errands before eating dinner in the Alley with the Granger's. They had a great time and agreed to keep in contact during the school year, so Genevieve and Elias Granger wouldn't be so cut off from everything that went on in the magical world. Their daughter was 15 and would probably claim that any events that happened during the school years were a lot less dangerous than they had actually been. It was a concept Buffy herself was highly familiar with both as a teenage girl and as the Slayer.
Hermione went home with her parents to spend the last weekend with them before school began, and they agreed to meet at Kings Cross Station for breakfast at 9 a.m. on 1st September. It would give them ample time to eat properly beforehand, chat a little, and not stress about getting to the Hogwarts Express in time for departure.
Buffy, Harry, and Sirius returned to the Black Summer House for one last weekend together, and cram in a few more lessons, a little more fun, and to make plans and backup plans for whatever would happen next. The Tournament was an obstacle, but it might come in useful as a distraction if they managed to get a trial for Sirius. Or possibly use their foreign guests as a way to force a trial. Having a man spend 12 years in Azkaban without a trial would make Britain look terrible in front of the two visiting school and their countries...