Colliding Worlds Series

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who left a review. Here is chapter three, finally. I've started an update email list for those who'd like to be emailed when this Fic is updated, please just leave a valid email address in the review section and I'll add you. You'll also notice a change in title, that's because I'm an idiot who only just realized I'd buggered up the name of the first chapter and the title of the Fic. My apologies for that. ~*~ Denotes a scene change as we;ll be flicking back and forth between Sunnydale and England. Now, on with the Fic!

Author's Note 2 July 3rd 06: Thank you to the anonymous reviewer who let me know that the formatting in chapter 3, 4, 5 and 6 was stuffed up. I'm now well underway fixing it.

Bek x

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Giles stared at the spot where Xander had been only moments ago, his heart pounding in his chest. He had just sent his cousin… the young man he looked on as a son, to another country, another world, one where he would be in twice as much danger then if he stayed on the Hellmouth.

“Giles?” Buffy reached out and touched his arm, “He’ll be okay and I’m sure Sirius will make sure he’s safe.” She smiled softly before turning back to face the others, “Is this… private grown-ups business or can the rest of us stay as well?” She asked, her blue-grey eyes meeting Dumbledore’s.

“You and your friends are most welcome to stay Miss Summers,” Dumbledore smiled softly and sat back down in Giles’ chair, McGonagall at his side. “As it is, I have a few questions regarding Alexander’s life with the Harris’. Some that I am certain only Miss Rosenberg can answer.”

Willow nodded and sat down, her stomach twisting itself into knots, Xander had pretty much covered what life had been like for him in his burst of outrage at Giles, so she wasn’t entirely sure what else needed to be explained. “I’ll answer as best I can.”

Buffy made Giles sit back down while Oz moved about the kitchen preparing tea. The previous summer had seen the Slayerettes take some form of control when confronted with emotional and life-altering moments such as these. As Buffy settled down beside Willow, she looked up at Dumbledore, “What do you want to know?”

Albus and Minerva shared a quick look, both of them amazed at the maturity and level-headedness of the young people in the room. As teachers, they had spent a great deal of time with students as young as eleven, and knew that times like these often ended in chaos.

Turning back to face Willow and Buffy, Dumbledore nodded as he accepted a cup of tea from Oz, “Firstly, I’d like to ask, if in all the years you’ve known Alexander, has there been any… odd occurrences, things that just seem to… have happened with no rhyme or reason behind them?”

Oz sat down beside Willow, automatically reaching for her hand, “Not to sound, well, obvious; but this is the Hellmouth.”

Dumbledore smiled softly, “Yes, but I do believe Vampires, werewolves, demons and the like are very much the norm for this family Mr Osbourne. I am talking about things that have happened to Alexander or near Alexander that offer no simple explanation.”

“You mean like things breaking and going poof?” Willow managed; her voice soft.

“Precisely Miss Rosenberg,” Dumbledore smiled as the young woman’s brow furrowed in concentration.

“I… I’m not sure,” she worried her bottom lip between her teeth as she tried to recall some kind of memory of Xander where odd occurrences – even for the Hellmouth – couldn’t be explained away.

“The bomb?” Oz asked, almost absent-mindedly from his place beside Willow.

She shook her head, oblivious to the confused stares from Giles and Buffy, “No, he told me that the military training stuff from Halloween helped him with that…” The lines in her brow deepened as she continued to think, there was at least thirteen years of memories she had to go through.

Giles shook his head, “Are you entirely sure about this Albus? Perhaps you’re wrong about the whole thing, I’m sure there are dozens of boys out there fitting Xander’s description.”

“Rupert Giles!” the piercing stare of Minerva McGonagall rounded on him, “Albus Dumbledore is never wrong when it comes to matters such as these!”

Buffy managed to hide a tiny smirk as Giles’ face turned beet red, looking every bit the chastised school boy.

“As am I Rupert,” Dumbledore smiled softly, “but alas, no other boy’s parents had Rubeus Hagrid as their family’s Secret Keeper.”

“What’s a Secret Keeper?” Buffy asked from her place beside Willow, “I mean I’m pretty sure I know what a secret keeper is, but, I get the feeling that your idea of a secret keeper and my idea of a secret keeper are a little different.”

“A Secret Keeper, Miss Summers, is… someone bound by the Fidelius Charm.” Minerva smiled at the young woman, “The charm binds the secret to a person, normally a trusted friend or family member, and it is normally used for hiding the location of something or someone of great importance. Alexander’s birth parents were able to go into hiding with the use of the Charm, the only person who knew of their where-a-bouts was Rubeus Hagrid. The only person who could and can tell you their exact where-a-bouts is Rubeus Hagrid.”

“Ah,” Buffy nodded, she got the gist of it. She still wasn’t completely one hundred per cent sure, but she understood enough to make some sense of it.

“OH!” Willow’s face lit up, standing, she flew to the table they had been researching at earlier before their lives got tipped upside down and booted up her laptop.

“Willow?” Giles asked softly, watching as the young woman’s hands danced across the keyboard.

“I think I remember something, I just have to be sure,” she glanced up quickly and smiled at Giles, “I promise I’m not doing anything too illegal.” Her gaze flicked back to the screen, “Just give me a couple of minutes.”

Giles smiled apologetically at Minerva and Albus, “She’s uh, she’s just joking about not doing anything too illegal.”

“No she’s not.” Oz’s lips twitched, showing a hint of smugness. “But, if Giles wants to pretend, then… cool.” He looked over at Buffy, eyebrow raised slightly in amusement as she tried to contain her snickers.

“What is that contraption?” Minerva asked, eyeing the slim-line case.

Buffy’s eyebrows disappeared into her hairline as she gaped at McGonagall. “You can’t be serious?” She looked at Giles, “She can’t be serious? Can she?”

Dumbledore chuckled, “I assure you Buffy, for all intents and purposes Minerva is always serious. However, I must say that I, myself, am rather curious as to what Miss Rosenberg is doing.”

Buffy shook her head in disbelief, how could someone not know a computer when they saw one? They were everywhere these days, even the back streets of Calcutta had internet cafes… or at least that’s what National Geographic was showing.

“It’s called a computer,” Giles said absent-mindedly. “Loathsome things, all hard discs and modems and - ”

“Rodents.” Buffy and Oz chimed in.

Rolling his eyes, Giles continued, “People, Muggles, use them to communicate with each other, or to learn things via the internet.”

“Ah,” Dumbledore sat back, watching Willow, “Something tells me that you do not see eye to eye with computers Rupert.”

“They don’t smell,” Buffy and Oz shared a look, each trying to hide their amusement, though to no avail.

“If you two are quite finished,” Giles glared at them. “They are correct nevertheless, unlike books, computers have no scent, and as I have so often tried to explain to the peanut gallery, there is nothing stronger, then a memory which has been triggered by the scent of old leather, ink, aged paper and binding glue.”

“So true, so true,” Albus smiled, “Though I do imagine it is a far easier way to garner information then rifling through tome upon tome in some archaic language.”

Willow looked up and flashed the Wizard a bright smile, “It is, but there are some things… certain things that just aren’t available on the ‘net. Aha!” She cried, jumping up and pointing at the screen. “I knew it.” She turned and looked at the confused faces around her.

“Knew what?” Oz got up and moved to look at the red-head’s find.

“Xander’s eighth birthday,” she smiled proudly.

“What about it?” Buffy asked, standing up and moving to the printer Willow had set up two days ago on Giles’ kitchen table as Oz printed out… whatever it was.

“Well, Mr and Mrs Harris threw him this birthday party, everyone from our class came; and he’d been boasting about how he wanted this new fire engine toy because, well, Mr Harris threw his one across the room one night…” she trailed off, not needing to explain why Anthony Harris had broken one of his son’s toys. “And anyway, he got a couple of comic books instead, he was really disappointed and after he just sat in a corner of the yard, looking out at, well… nothing. Even after everyone had gone home, he just… ya know, sat there. Jesse and I had stayed behind and we were all just… sitting there when the house next door just went up in flames. Before we knew what was going on, someone had called 911 and well, up pulls the brand new fire trucks.”

Buffy picked up the first piece of paper as it came out of the printer, “The police report says that the cause of the fire is indeterminate,” picking up the next two sheets, she quickly scanned them for anything else, “The fire inspector’s report?” She looked at Willow, “How did you get these?”

“A law was passed when Wilkins was first elected Mayor… the very first time… that the hall of records at city hall maintains a copy of every report ever made, police reports, complaints, coroner’s reports, births, marriages, real estate sales… that type of thing. We’ve got records dating back for the last century. The good thing is that most of the information has now been stored on computers.” She gave Buffy an impish grin.

“Well done Willow,” Buffy teased lightly before turning back to the papers in her hands. “The fire inspector couldn’t find any cause for the fire, no signs of arson or faulty wiring… not even burning candles or matches… nothing, the house just went up.”

Dumbledore beamed, “Splendid, splendid.”

“Xander did that?” Oz raised an eyebrow slightly.

“I dare say he did,” Dumbledore replied, “Most children who attend Hogwarts, show signs of Magical ability at a very young age, we’ve had dozens of reported cases when a child has been highly emotional and something odd happens. Alexander’s nephew was a rather emotional child, we had numerous reports on his habits – the final one however, before he came to Hogwarts, stumped the entire reptile and amphibian department of the London zoo. His cousin shoved him, and Harry proceeded to lock his cousin in the enclosure of a python.”

“Okay.” Oz sat back down, “So… Xander’s a broomstick riding, cauldron stirring, card carrying wizard. He also happens to be related to Giles…” He looked at Buffy, “Another normal night on the Hellmouth.”

The four remaining Scoobies watched as Dumbledore and Minerva rose from their seats. “I do believe that it is time we made our leave. Rupert, it was wonderful seeing you again. And a true pleasure to have finally met your family. Miss Summers, Miss Rosenberg, Mr Osbourne.” He inclined his head to each. “I will write to you in three days time to find out your answers. Good evening.” With one last smile, Dumbledore Apparated from the apartment with a loud crack.

“It was a true pleasure Rupert,” Minerva smiled as she shook his hand, “as always.” She turned to face Buffy, Oz and Willow. “It was also an honour to meet the young woman to whom you have dedicated your life’s work. You truly are an amazing Slayer, Miss Summers. Do not let Quentin Travers tell you anything different.” She smiled as Buffy blushed before turning to talk to Willow and Oz. “Mr Osbourne, whatever your decision may be, please, know that we will keep in touch. And you Miss Rosenberg.” She gave them the friendliest smile she could muster before Apparating after Dumbledore. The foursome remained standing, staring at the place where Dumbledore and Minerva had just been.

“Well,” Oz was the first to break the silence. “That was interesting.”

“To quote Cordy, ‘Understatement much?’” Buffy smiled before turning to watch Giles closely, “Are they one hundred per cent sure that Xander’s their man Giles?” She asked softly.

He nodded, “They wouldn’t have come if they weren’t sure.” He turned to look at them, “Albus Dumbledore has a way of knowing things… your inner most secrets, things you don’t let other people see or-or hear, so, before he even sent Isabella out here to America; he knew who Xander was, knew where and what he was…”

“But… why now?” Willow asked, looking at Giles, her face filled with confusion. “I mean, they’ve had what… fourteen, fifteen years to come and take Xander back to England… why is it so special now? What makes this prophecy so much more important then the ones in the Codex?”

A small sigh passed Giles’ lips and as per habit, he removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “We’re going to need a lot more tea.”

“On it,” Oz moved into the kitchen as Giles nodded his thanks and sank back into his chair.

Buffy sat back down beside Willow, watching Giles closely. “It has to do with this Voldemort guy, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” Giles closed his eyes, gathering his rampant thoughts. “Voldemort is an incredibly powerful, dark Wizard. Forty years ago, he began to… terrorize the Wizarding community. Spouting beliefs that were prejudice and harmful to half the population…” His brow furrowed as he tried to find the right words to explain Voldemort’s terror. “Imagine Hitler, only with a wealth of magical power to back him up.” He opened one eye and saw the look of horror on Willow’s face. “The Wizarding world can be, in some cases split into two categories. Pureblood Wizards; who can trace their magic as far back as Merlin, some even further… and Muggleborns; ordinary people whom just happen to be your luck of the draw Witches or Wizards,” Giles sighed, so much had happened in such a short while, he was sure his brain was the equivalent of a scrambled egg.

“But, what’s this got to do with Xander? I don’t understand.” Buffy’s blue-green gaze focused intently on Giles.

“Xander is to help his nephew defeat Voldemort.” Giles stated softly. “It’s something I’d need to research thoroughly, and I’m afraid I can not do that here.” Giles looked up at Buffy, his piercing gaze boring into her. “In three days I’ll be leaving for England. I’m sorry Buffy.”

She shook her head, “You need to go, even if it means that I’m here, Xander needs one of us there. But… I can’t go… not yet,” she smiled sadly before continuing. “The Hellmouth needs me here, at least until something can be done about Faith or a new Slayer and Watcher team.”

Giles nodded, “Willow, you and Oz need to seriously think about the opportunities you already have. I know both of you have been accepted into several Universities world wide. But, this is something you will both need to consider at great length.”

Willow nodded and looked towards the door as Oz came in bearing tea. “We’ll talk it out, decide what to do and get back to you.”

“Sounds like the start of a plan,” Oz smiled as he doled out the cups of tea. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal. We always do.”

They sat in silence for the better part of an hour, each contemplating the news of Xander’s heritage and Giles’ role in his life. It was so much to take in, but like so many other things that had been thrown their way, they were rolling with the punches; at least they knew that Xander was safe for the time being, assurances were made by Giles when Willow questioned him, and again when Buffy was ‘just making sure’.

As the clock struck midnight, Willow tried her best to stifle a yawn, “It’s been a busy day,” she murmured, rubbing her eyes.

“But, on the bright side,” Buffy began, “it’s summer and all things demon-y tend to head south this time of year.”

“True,” Oz smiled as he ran a hand down Willow’s arm, “I think I’m gonna take Willow home now, Giles?” He looked to the older man and for the first time in two years; realized just how vulnerable he was when something or someone threatened his family.

“Hmm? Oh, yes. Go home, get some rest.” He nodded vaguely as he followed Oz and Willow to the door. “Buffy?”

“I think I’ll stay for a bit, I still have some questions that need answering.” She gave Willow and Oz a tiny wave as Giles shut the door.

“I’ll put some more tea on then shall I?” Giles asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Actually, I’m pretty much all tea-ed out.” Buffy smiled and motioned to his chair.

Giles gave a weary nod and moved to sit down, “I’m not entirely sure how much more I can tell you Buffy.”

“I don’t want to talk about Xander, Giles.” She smiled and sat down on the sofa. “How are you holding up?”

Her Watcher snorted. “The young man I’ve looked to as a son for the last three years is my cousin and has now been whisked away to London with three of my oldest friends, his life has been placed in the hands of his fifteen year old nephew and he’s going to be asked to face one of the most vile Wizards ever to have walked the earth.” He looked over at her, “How do you think I feel?”

Buffy rolled her eyes, “I meant about going back home to England. Not that I don’t understand part of the frustration you must be feeling about Xander, if someone sprung a long-lost sister on me, I’d probably be feeling pissed off as well.” She smiled sadly, “Xander’s gonna be okay Giles, he’s smarter then he acts, you know that. And, well, from what I gather, he’s going to have a whole bunch of people watching his every move.”

“I know, he just… I’m not entirely sure he knows what he’s going into. Voldemort… he’s incredibly dangerous. Not to mention even more insane then Faith.” His entire body sagged into the chair.

“Giles, he’ll be okay. Xander knows when to walk away from danger and when to stare it in the face. And you’re avoiding my question. How do you feel about going home to England?”

“Terrified,” he offered her a wane smile, “What about you? Will you be okay here on your own?”

“I’m a big girl now Giles, I can handle a few vampires, and if it gets too much, I can call Angel; he left his number with Willy before he left for L.A, and if she decides to stay, Willow’s got my back on the research. Just… one thing?” She smiled up at him.

“What’s that?”

“You think it’d be possible for you to move the Veil-y thing from where it is now, to wherever it is that you’re going to be?”

“Buffy, I’m not…”

She cut him off, “Please Giles?” She stuck out her lower lip, “I’m going to need a sure-fire way of getting in touch with you if there’s an emergency. And if Willow goes to England as well, well… please?”

Giles smiled and shook his head, “I’ll see what I can do.”

~*~

“…most inconsiderate, selfish, not to mention downright irresponsible! Have you any idea what Harry’s going through? Of course not! Why should you? After all, he only believes that you’re dead! You just thank your lucky stars he’ll be coming here tomorrow evening before going to those Muggles that call themselves Family!” The red-haired tornado, introduced to Xander as Molly Weasley finished in a huff before turning to Xander. “Now, how are you dear? Port Key is always unsettling first time ‘round, would you like a nice cup of tea? That’ll settle the nerves.” She turned and bustled towards the doorway leading to the kitchen.

Xander looked at Remus and Isabella who were trying not to laugh and looking anywhere but at Sirius who was looking thoroughly told off. “Uh… is she… does she… is she always like that?”

Sirius glared at the other two before turning to Xander; “Molly Weasley is… No. She’s only like that when someone has put her in a state of upset.”

“And only when Sirius -”

“Or George and Myself -”

“Have done something wrong.” The Twins appeared at the top of the staircase, identical grins on their faces.

Xander jumped a little before spinning around to face them.

“Xander; let me introduce you.” Sirius clapped a hand on the boy’s shoulder, “Fred and George Weasley, Alexander Potter.”

Xander held out his hand as the twins approached, “Hey.”

“Blimey,” they moved slowly in a circle around Xander.

“He doesn’t half -”

“Look like Harry.” The stopped and stared at Xander before flicking their gazes to Sirius and Remus, awaiting an explanation.

Just then Molly reappeared, “You two had better not be hassling anybody.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at them, “You’re both in enough trouble as it is.”

Remus coughed a little drawing her attention away from the twins before she went into another full-scale rant.

“Now, you just come into the kitchen love,” she smiled at Xander, “Tea’s on. Isabella, are you staying?”

“Yes Molly,” the young brunette had stayed silent, save for her laughter when Sirius was getting balled out by Molly, “I’ve some things still to discuss with Uncle Albus.” She smiled and followed Molly into the kitchen.

Xander hesitated before a nod from Sirius had him following the two women down the hallway.

“She’s still angry about you two leaving school then?” Sirius looked between the two boys.

“Not as much as she was,” Fred smiled.

“She’s coming around.” George beamed, “So, are you going to tell us who the yank is?”

“In the kitchen,” Remus raised an eyebrow at the twins who nodded and hurried down the hallway and out of sight. As Sirius moved to follow, his hand came down on the other man’s shoulder. “Once everyone’s gone to bed this evening, you and I are going to have a rather long talk about the proper behaviour during a Wizarding battle.” His amber eyes did little to hide the whirl of emotions: fear, grief, anger and relief.

Sirius nodded, having the good graces to look ashamed, his own hand coming up to cover Remus’. He knew what he’d done was bordering on unforgivable, but he’d had a reason… several of them. And he knew that once Remus had finally gotten it all out of his system; it would leave only Harry to tell him off. He looked up, a tiny smile lighting up his blue eyes. “C’mon, best not to leave them all waiting.”

Remus nodded and followed Sirius into the kitchen. The pair had to hide their smirks as Molly continued to grumble and shot glares in the direction of the twins. “Do you need any help Molly?” Remus asked; patting Sirius on the shoulder as he sat down.

“No thank you dear,” She smiled brightly at Remus, “you just sit down. I can’t believe Dumbledore had you port-keyed half way across the world… At least he didn’t get you to Apparate.”

Sirius and Isabella looked at Remus as he sat down, eyebrows raised. He shook his head slightly and looked at Xander who was staring blankly at the table. Sirius noticed as well and spoke up first. “Are you alright Xander?”

“Yeah, just… thinking. Are you sure you’ve got the right guy? I mean… don’t get me wrong, any life is better compared to the one I had, but… I’m not really… If you want magic, you need Willow for that; and if you want someone to kill the bad guys, you need Buffy and Giles.”

“Here you go dear,” Molly set a steaming cup of tea in front of him. “I’m sure Dumbledore has the right man, he’s never wrong.” She placed a hand on Xander’s shoulder and sat down beside him.

“Thanks.” Xander’s hand wrapped around the tea cup; soaking up its warmth.

“What kind of name is Buffy?” George scoffed slightly,

Xander’s eyes flashed, “She’s one of my best friends, she’s The Slayer.”

“Good one George, you’ve put your foot in it now.” Fred rolled his eyes, “wait… did you say The Slayer? As in The Vampire Slayer?” At Xander’s nod, he let out a low whistle. “Bloody hell.”

Sirius smiled, “I think there’s only one way we can be sure that you’re who you are.” He pulled his wand from his robes and aimed it at the door, “Accio Prongs’ diary.” They heard a small thud before a book came flying into the room to Sirius’ waiting hands. “Before that cock up with Peter and…” He trailed off, “James gave me this. Told me that once his brother came of age to pass it to him; but after your disappearance I was going to give it to Harry instead.”

Xander looked at the tattered book, eyeing it sceptically.

“It’s bound by magic, blood magic.” Remus smiled apologetically at Molly’s sound of disgust. “Nothing that serious Molly, I promise.”

“Accio knife,” Sirius flicked his wand again, mindful as the knife flew to his hands. “I’ve tried opening it, countless times, but sadly – James and I were only friends, not blood relatives.” He held up the knife, “It’ll only hurt for a moment.”

Xander raised an eyebrow, “I take it you’ve never had a Slayer try to strangle the life out of you…” He took the knife and drew the blade across the palm of his hand. The twins were suitably impressed when he didn’t even so much as flinch. “Now what?” He set the knife aside, cradling his palm as the blood welled up.

“Run your hand along the spine of the book, if you’re indeed Alexander Potter, the book should open. If you’re not, well…” Sirius trailed off.

“You’ll end up with a black eye.” Remus chuckled softly. “One of James more tame hexes.”

Xander looked at Sirius and smirked. Slowly, he ran his cut palm down the spine of the book, his eyes widening as the lock clicked and the front page fell open.

“You’re definitely a Potter now Xander.” Sirius beamed.

“Hand please.” Molly reached for Xander’s arm, waving her own wand across the cut, watching as it healed over.

“Would someone -”

“Please explain what’s -”

“Going on?” The twins finished in unison.

Xander closed the book and set it aside, “I’m James Potter’s little brother.” He took a long sip of his now, lukewarm tea and sat back as Sirius, Isabella and Remus began to re-tell the story of Reginald and Celeste Potter and their son Alexander.

“And Harry doesn’t know?” Molly looked between Remus and Sirius who shook their heads.

“He’ll know soon enough, I think Dumbledore was going to take him aside once they returned to Hogwarts and explain everything to him then.” Remus smiled softly, “It’ll be alright Molly, you’ll see.”

“And you’ve spent the last three years helping The Slayer? On top of The Hellmouth?” George’s expression of awe was mirrored on his brother’s face.

“Yeah, although, last summer it was just Willow, Oz, Cordelia and I doing all the slaying; Buffy needed to take a get away for a bit.”

“Blimey -”

“And you didn’t use any magic?”

“Nope… well, except for Willow, though she doesn’t like to talk about it.”

“Why not?”

“Is she underage?”

Xander tried his best not to look confused, “No, some of the spells she was casting though… Giles’ would probably have a fit if he knew.”

The faces of Fred and George Weasley lit up with excitement; however, was quickly squashed as their mother spoke. “I wouldn’t even think about it you two; you’re both in enough trouble as it is.”

They slumped back into their seats, an outward sign of defeat; however, the sparkle in their startling blue eyes did not go unnoticed by anyone but their mother.

“I’m sure Harry will be excited once the shock wears off, that child needs all the family he can get.” She shared a look with Sirius, the same light seeing to pop on behind their eyes. “Especially blood relatives…” She stressed the word blood and Sirius gave a sly little nod.

“Molly…” Remus’ tone held a note of warning, “We’ve told you what Dumbledore said…”

“I know very well what Dumbledore said Remus,” She gave him an innocent smile, “I would never dream of going against his wishes. You know that.”

Xander’s confusion increased as he looked between the pair.

“I know that look Molly Weasley, I’ve seen it often enough.” Remus gave what he hoped was a forceful enough look to get the ideas out of Molly’s and Sirius’ head.

“Remus, she was just saying how nice it’ll be for Harry to have someone… family… that isn’t us lot.” Sirius smiled, though there was a knowing glint in his blue eyes.

Isabella smirked as recognition dawned on her. Until now she had remained silent – save for when she was discussing the duty given to her by Dumbledore. “Yes, it’ll be a nice change for the boy no doubt. After all, I went to school with you both for seven years, I know how boring you can be. Not to mention monotonous.” She smirked at Sirius and gave him a tiny, almost imperceptible nod.

Leaning over towards the twins, Xander lowered his voice, “What’s happening?”

The twins pulled their gaze away from the conversation in front of them, “Not here.” George whispered.

Faking a yawn, Fred moved to stand up, “Well, it’s been fun -”

“But we’re going to bed -”

“Good to see you’re alive and kicking Sirius.” They stood up, Fred nudging Xander as he did so before leaning down to kiss his mum on the cheek. “Night.”

“I think I might turn in too. I hope you don’t mind but…” Xander looked around at the faces in front of him, “It’s been a long day… night…” he stood up and held his hand out to Molly, “It was nice meeting you Mrs Weasley. Sirius, Remus, Isabella.” He smiled, grabbed James’ book and moved towards the door. “Oh, and tomorrow… we’re going to be sorting out my parents’ things aren’t we? I’d like to find out a little more about them and my brother… if that’s okay?”

“Merlin! Of course its okay Xander, we’ll take you down to Diagon Alley tomorrow before we go and pick up Harry and the others.” Sirius beamed at him, “Welcome home Xander.” He waved the young man off before turning back to the conversation at hand.

~*~

“I’m gonna miss you ya know,” Buffy smiled softly from her place on the sofa.

“I doubt you’ll even realize I’m gone.” Giles’ tone was light to match the tone of conversation they’d been having for the past hour. Gone were the worries over the other’s emotional state, as were the continued arguments of how Buffy would fare on her own if Willow left as well. “How’s your side?” He motioned to the torn and bloodied cloth of Buffy’s blouse.

“Good… actually, it’s probably better then I’ve ever seen it. Okay, so the shirt’s a total write off, but your friend Remus said that I wouldn’t even scar.” She lifted her head and looked at Giles, “Which reminds me, how come you’ve never done that before?” At his look of confusion, she continued. “You know, with the magic and the stick-y thing and the poof?”

“It’s called a magic wand Buffy, and you know very well why I’ve never done that before.” He looked down at his hands, “After James and Lily were murdered, I wanted out from being a Watcher, they were out, fighting for their lives against Voldemort, and I was at the academy, safe as houses. I thought my best friend had killed my cousin and his wife and their friend, so I turned to the friendship I had with Ethan. Then, after Randall…” He lifted his head, “After that, it was easier to adopt muggle life and focus on my duties as a Watcher. I haven’t used my wand in thirteen years. I only used it today, because when Sirius fell through the mirror, I viewed him as a threat, not just to me, but to, to you and the others. An accomplished Wizard such as Sirius Black who murdered twenty people with one solid hex and one Wizard is a fight I’d rather you never have to face.”

“But he didn’t…”

“I know that now, and when I get my hands on Peter Pettigrew, he’ll rue the day he ever messed with the Giles family… Besides, I’m much more adept at Defence Against the Dark Arts and Potions, Charms work was always more James’ style then mine.”

“It’s funny, we’ve never really given much thought to there being a whole other world where magic is like… an every day occurrence, even though my best friend’s a witch, her boyfriend’s a werewolf and my Watcher has a wicked swing with a flaming baseball bat.”

Giles chuckled, “Well, you’ll at least save on aspirin while I’m in England. And I’ll save on concussions. Though, truth be told, after three years with you lot, I’m not sure I can stand the solitude and privacy Hogwarts will give me.”

A giggle bubbled up from her throat before it metamorphosed into side-splitting guffaws. “Xander will be there Giles, so, I think it’s safe to say you aren’t getting away from us that easily.”

“I’m sorry that you can’t come, I think you’d have enjoyed meeting some of the more pleasant people from my past.”

Buffy sighed softly and shook her head, “I can’t leave the Hellmouth until a new Slayer arrives, or if Faith wakes up and decides she doesn’t want to be on the Crazy, Evil Bitch train anymore.”

Giles nodded, “When I get to England, I’ll see what we can do about getting you over for a visit before the summer ends.”

“Cool,” Buffy stifled a yawn… barely. “Well Watcher-mine, I think I’m going to head home, tell Mom the latest news in this Slayer Soap Opera. But, I’ll be back tomorrow to help you pack. Okay?” She beamed at his nod, no matter how hesitant it had been. Standing up she stretched, completely oblivious to the green gaze watching the movement of her lithe form. “Night Giles, sweet dreams.”

“Yes, you too Buffy, and do be careful walking home.” His body stiffened with shock as her arms wrapped around his waist in a tight hug, before he squeezed her back.

“Love ya. See you tomorrow.” She gave a tiny wave as she bounced out of the apartment complex.

Giles shut the door slowly before whipping his glasses off and pinching the bridge of his nose. “Love you too, Buffy.” Turning off the lights and locking the door, Giles made his way up to the loft, all of a sudden feeling as though he’d battled the denizens of Sunnydale single-handedly.

~*~

“Izzy, you may want to go check that he’s not up to something. God knows that we don’t need Mad Eye *or* Dumbledore breathing down our necks about this.” Sirius looked at the petite brunette, giving her his most charming smile. “Tell him I’ll be up in the Library in about ten minutes, I’m just putting on a new pot of tea… tell him anything, just don’t tell him what we’ve been talking about.”

Isabella smiled brightly, “Mum’s the word.” She stood up from her chair, pushing her chestnut waves back from her face, “Night Molly, it was wonderful seeing you again.”

“Pleasant dreams dear. I’ll see you in the morning.” The older woman watched; a tiny sparkle in her eyes as Isabella hesitatingly kissed Sirius on the cheek goodnight. She waited until she and Sirius were alone before speaking. “It’s good to see you three back together again,” she stated, “Although I presume that bruise on your face is from Isabella and not Remus.”

Sirius chuckled, “It is, although, I’m not sure back together is entirely correct. We’ve still got a lot to talk about, especially now that Xander is here and, well…” he trailed off.

“Yes, now, you’re sure you know the correct way to perform the ritual?” She asked, leaning forward on her elbows.

“Yes, I once used it on Regulus when we were younger, hiding him from our father.” He pushed back his dark hair to look Molly in the face, “I can explain it all to Xander tomorrow, we can have it done tomorrow night and Harry need never return to those God awful muggles that call themselves his family.”

“And Dumbledore?”

“He can’t very well refute it Molly. Harry’s only reason for staying with the Dursley’s has been the protection afforded him by Petunia’s blood connection to Lily, with Xander here, we can make sure Harry’s as safe as if he were at Hogwarts. Not only will both boys have the protection afforded to them by blood kin, but they’ve got a houseful of Wizards and Witches to make sure they’re protected at all times.”

The tiny red-head nodded. “Very well Sirius,” She smiled, “He’ll be with the people that love him, he’ll be home, well and truly home…” She beamed as they both stood up. “Now, I suggest you keep your talk with Remus and Isabella short and get some rest. We’ve all got a busy day tomorrow.” She rounded the table and wrapped her arms around him in a motherly hug, “And don’t you ever scare us like that again, or you’ll have my full temper to deal with.”

Sirius chuckled softly, his arms coming up to pat Molly on the back, “I promise Molly, I’m sorry for upsetting you.”

She sniffled once before nodding. “Don’t forget to take a pot of tea up to Remus; otherwise he’ll be onto us like white on snow.”

“Yes Molly, now, you get to bed and rest. Arthur will kill me if you’re up the rest of the night fretting.”

She nodded and bid him goodnight a final time before disappearing down the hall and up the stairs.

A quickly muttered spell and charm, and Sirius was following her, tea tray laden with cups, biscuits and freshly brewed tea floating in front of him as he went to find Remus.