Colliding Worlds Series
Startling Revenlations
Chapter Title: Startling Revelations
Chapter: 2
Author: Bek Allen
Rating: PG-13 - R - NC17+
Summary: On June 23rd 1999, Sirius Black fell through ‘The Veiled Archway’ in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic, London. The Order of the Phoenix, along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna as well as the rest of the Wizarding world, believed him to be dead - due to Bellatrix Lestrange’s Unforgivable Curse. But what the Wizarding World doesn’t know is, that archway doesn’t lead to just anywhere… It leads to the Hellmouth in Sunnydale California. What they also don’t know is that… Sirius is far from dead.
Feedback: Yes please. Although flames will be given to my cat to play with, chew up, smack around and tear apart as she sees fit.
Spoiler: This Fic contains spoilers for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer - Season 1, 2 and 3.
Disclaimer: I own none of the ‘Pre-established’ Characters in this Fic. I’m just using them for my own depraved pleasure. So please don’t sue. No, really… all you’d get is one seriously twisted cat.
Notes: I normally write Buffy or Angel Fan Fiction, this is my first attempt at a fully-fledged Harry Potter / Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover Fic. So please bear with me and let me know what you think. And yes, I’m fudging the time line here for the sake of the story, this includes Harry’s birth year as 1984 so… deal with it. Also, just because this is a Crossover between the Whedon-verse and the Potter-verse, do not assume that Buffy will be saving the day… oh no. Buffy’s role in this Fic is going to surprise a very people.
“Well!” Isabella stood as though her spine was made of steel, her eyes boring into Sirius’ as he dangled in mid-air.
“Isabella will you please just let me down,” he begged, he could feel the blood rushing to his head and knew he’d just as soon fall on his face the minute his feet touched solid ground again.
“Not until you explain to me why, you’ve avoided seeing me or contacting me in the last three years.” She ground out between clenched teeth. “I believed in your innocence for twelve years Sirius, I still do, but why is it, that after three years of you being on the run do I get a message from Albus *and* Remus telling me what’s happened to you!” She let out a noise of frustration, somewhere between a growl and a caw before flicking her wand and watching Sirius hit the floor with a loud thud.
Turning away from Sirius, she fumbled in one of the pockets of her robe, before pulling out a small, compact mirror, “Don’t even think about moving Black,” she aimed her wand over her shoulder, “Petrificus Totalus!” She smirked as his arms snapped to his sides and his legs clamped together, his face going a stony colour.
“Was that really necessary Izzy?” Giles asked as he caught Sirius from hitting the ground again and propping him up against the wall.
“Probably not,” She let both her arms fall to her sides, “But it will give him a chance to figure out what, exactly it is that he’s going to tell me, and for the blood to rush back to his feet.” She turned to face Giles, the corners of her mouth turned down and the heartache she’d felt for fourteen years shining out of her eyes. “He found it in himself to tell Remus and Harry and Dumbledore, but he couldn’t have sent me an owl telling me that he was okay?” She shook her head, “When I read in the Daily Prophet that he had escaped from Azkaban, I was so happy. And a year went by and I thought, alright, he needs to make sure everything is safe before coming back to me and then another year went by and not even so much as a postcard telling me he was okay.” A tear slid down her cheek slowly, “I had been waiting for thirteen years for the little rat bastard to show himself, so I could be with Sirius again; and then when it looks like that could happen… nothing. Not so much as a note saying that he was okay.” She brushed away her tears with the back of her hands, “Finally, after spending last year moping about the Grove, Minerva and Albus contacted me, they needed me to come out here, see if I couldn’t find out what happened to your aunt and uncle. Albus says they had a second son named Alexander before Lily and James got married,” She bit her bottom lip, “apparently the boy was a well kept secret, and shortly after the funerals, Reginald and Celeste moved from England to America – getting their only remaining son away from the Wizarding world.” She watched Rupert carefully for any sign that he knew what she was talking about.
“Have you managed to locate them?” His voice was soft, his uncle and aunt had been missing for nineteen years, nearly twenty; along with his long, lost cousin.
She nodded, “It took some doing, first I had to find their secret keeper, poor Hagrid nearly died when I asked him if he knew where they were.” She grabbed one of Giles’ hands and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “They passed away when Alexander was five years old. The strain of suddenly changing the way they lived became too much, along with the grief of losing James, Lily and Harry.” She watched the colour drain from Giles’ face, “Hagrid reassured me that they had a proper burial, and, as stated in their will, the boy would go to a regular, muggle family with no knowledge and no ties to the Wizarding world.” She looked up at Rupert, hoping that he would cotton on to where she was trying to lead his thought process.
“Hagrid and Albus arranged everything, the papers, new parents, all the legal documentation. Including the use of a memory charm on the new parents and Alexander and of course there was the matter of getting the boy’s name taken off the list for Hogwarts when he turned eleven.” She smiled sadly and sat down on the edge of the desk, “It’s taken me nearly seven months to try and track him down, Hagrid said Reginald and Celeste had been in New Orleans when they passed away, so I assumed that was where the boy still was, I spent three months searching every part of Southern America for him until I found someone who could give me decent enough information. Since then, I’ve been following one lead after another, finding people that could remember Jessica and Anthony Harris.” She watched as it all dawned on Giles, nodding her head, “Then, tonight, as I was getting ready to go and approach them; I met Sorrow, poor thing must have been exhausted,” She shook her head and reached into her robes, withdrawing an envelope to match the ones Sirius and Giles had received.
“Dear Isabella,
There is no doubt in my mind that you have found the young man Alexander Potter, but I must ask before you encroach upon his adoptive parents that you follow Sorrow to the home of one Rupert Giles. There is someone there whom I think you shall be both happy, yet enraged to see.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore.”
Isabella read the note out loud, shooting a glare in Sirius’ direction, “And that’s not all, listen to this.
“Dear Izzy,
There was a fight this evening at the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Mysteries. Voldemort’s followers lured Harry there. In the event of the ensuing fight, Sirius fell through a veiled archway – Dumbledore tells me that it leads to Rupert’s new home in California – but that is beside the point. Harry thinks that Sirius is dead as no one, as yet has explained the veil to him, and until Dumbledore explained it to myself, I did as well.
When you see him – as I have no doubt you will – please give him a sound rollocking for all three of us. I’ve enclosed an enchanted hand mirror – Sirius’ of course – and have the second one with me, when you’re finally done with him, just contact me via the mirror. I’ll be waiting with Minerva McGonagall and Dumbledore to Apparate to Sunnydale.
Give Rupert my best,
Your friend,
Remus Lupin.
PS: I’m dreadfully sorry we kept you in the dark for so long.”
Giles shook his head, “My letter from Albus said almost the same thing. That as soon as you arrived and called them, they would be here; after explaining to us why Sorrow was used instead of Fawkes,” he looked over at Sirius who was sending pleading looks his way, “I’m sure Sirius’ said the same, along with news of Harry, Remus and the others.” Moving over towards the other man, he grinned, “Sorry old friend, but, you can stay like that until Remus and the others have arrived. Unless, that is of course Izzy hasn’t finished with you yet.” He gave the small woman a questioning look.
“Oh… very well,” she lifted her wand and paused, “But I want a thorough explanation when you can talk again!” She gave a small flick of her wand, “Finite Incantatem!”
Sirius slumped against the wall as he felt the jinx lift, flexing his fingers and arms; he looked balefully at the woman now glaring at him. “I’m sorry Bella, more then I can possibly say, but when I first escaped from Azkaban, I didn’t want the Dementors hunting you down as well, it was bad enough they were attacking Harry and when they had finally given up, I figured it was easy just to let you be and get on with your life. I made Remus swear he wouldn’t tell you where I was; I made the conscious decision that, after twelve years you’d have moved on and I had no right disrupting that.”
“Moved on!” Isabella screeched, “I promised you the day of your trial, when I saw you last that I will always, *always* love you Sirius Black, that not even a life time in Azkaban could make me change.” She scowled in disgust, “Even now I still love you, when I very well know I shouldn’t.”
The hopeful look on Sirius’ face did not go unnoticed by either Giles or Isabella, “Isabella, do you --”
“Unless you’d like for me to jinx you again Sirius, don’t speak to me. I’m still beyond pissed off – yes Rupert, I said ‘pissed off’ --” She shot the Watcher a menacing glare, “That you would even consider not letting me know that you’re okay. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to contact Moony and the others.” She held up the small mirror, scowling at the way she looked. Quickly waving her wand over her face, she muttered a small glamour to neaten her hair and get rid of the tearstains and blood shot eyes. “Remus? Remus Lupin, are you there?” She spoke in a clear voice to the piece of glass.
“I take it you’re done with him?” came the soft reply as Remus’ face appeared in the mirror.
“For the time being,” Isabella replied, offering the werewolf a small smile, “Now, hurry up Moony, Padfoot, Rupert and I are waiting to see you.”
“We’ll be there in just a moment, I believe Albus is just getting Harry settled into the infirmary and we’ll be on our way.” Remus flashed Isabella a warm smile, “It’s good to see you again Bella,” he murmured, glancing up at something, or someone she couldn’t see. “See you in a moment.”
The mirror turned back into a normal mirror before three, resounding cracks filled the apartment. Isabella rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Remus in a tight hug, “It has been far, far too long Remus Lupin.” She smiled as she pulled back, “Whatever happened to ‘I’ll come to The Grove every summer, make sure you’re keeping out of trouble’?” She inquired as she stepped back, shaking hands with Minerva McGonagall, “Hello Professor,” she beamed at the other woman who, against all odds, beamed back.
“It’s good to see you again Miss Skye,” she held the girl’s hand a moment longer then necessary before letting her go.
“And, Uncle Albus,” Isabella smiled up into the kind blue eyes, taking both his hands in hers. “I’ve missed you, so has Wimple. He swears I’m not half the master you or my father was, but he’s glad I’m about.” If James having a brother was a well-kept secret, then this was even more so. Albus Dumbledore had a brother, who had a daughter, who had a son, who in turn had a daughter – Isabella – and save for the staff at Hogwarts and their closest friends, the Wizarding world assumed Aberforth Dumbledore was childless.
Dumbledore pulled his great-great niece close, enveloping her in a warm hug. “As I have missed you child, alas things have kept me busy these past years and I am sure that Wimple understands.”
Isabella nodded as she stepped back, allowing Rupert to welcome the three into his home.
Giles let himself get untangled from the brotherly hug he had given Remus, chortling as the other man swore under his breath before turning on Sirius. “Professor McGonagall,” He smiled, “Still as lovely as ever,” his smile turning into a smirk when she blushed.
“Come, come now Rupert, it is Minerva now that you are no longer a student.” He had been one of her favourite pupils – alongside Remus and the other Marauders, and was still as charmingly handsome as ever.
“Albus,” Giles nodded, giving the older Wizard’s hand a shake. “I’m sorry but, I had to explain to Buffy and the others about the Mirror shortly after Sirius arrived.”
“Quite all right Rupert, quite all right,” Albus beamed, his blue eyes taking in the small, but cosy apartment. “I was actually hoping they would be here when we arrived, it would save me having to make a second journey once we return Sirius to Hogwarts.” He eyed Sirius with no small amount of amusement as Remus tried to tell him off quietly.
“I sent them out to patrol just after Isabella arrived, I decided that it would be easier for Sirius to receive his rightful abuse without an audience.” He motioned to the sofa and chairs, “Won’t you please sit down, Sirius kindly supplied us with a bottle of Rosmerta’s finest Mead, we’ll have a drink and then, we can get down to business.”
“Splendid, splendid,” Dumbledore grinned and sat down in Giles’ slightly over-stuffed armchair. He gave his wand a small flick and produced another four glasses before another, small flick and the bottle was floating along, filling – or refilling in the case of Giles and Sirius – everyone’s glasses.
“Uh,” Sirius spoke up softly, having survived a thorough telling off from Remus and a stern look from McGonagall, “Dumbledore, is Harry… does he…” He tried to smile politely at the Headmaster, but knew that it must have looked strained.
“No, he does not know yet Sirius. He spent a good hour railing at me in my office – as he had every right to, before I explained the reason why he was lured to the Department of Mysteries. Then, once I had finished, I sent him off to see Poppy in the hospital wing. It seems Miss Granger was hit with an extremely strong stunning spell, while Mister Weasley was attacked by someone else’s thoughts no less. Miss Weasley suffered a broken ankle, Miss Lovegood had the wind knocked out of her and Mister Longbottom a broken and bloodied nose. But other then that, they are all fine, your cousin is in good health as well, if not a little shaken and vowing to make Bellatrix pay dearly for hurting you. She too, knows the truth of the veil now, as does the rest of the Order.” He watched as Sirius sunk down onto the desk, his entire body sagging with relief. “I have also been informed by Cornelius Fudge that your record has been expunged and all charges against you, dropped. Though I do not expect him to last much longer in the position of Minster of Magic,” his long, silver beard hid a small smile when McGonagall voiced her happiness, “And, I have spoken with the man who will be taking over – Rufus Scrimgeour – he has also, kindly agreed to destroy your records as well.
Remus, Isabella and Giles all shared smiles of relief. There friend was now a free man, to do as he pleased, when it so please him.
“Of course, Harry will have to return to the Dursley’s once a year until he has come of age so that he can be protected from any more attacks from Voldemort. He can, however stay with you in between that time and returning to school.” Dumbledore settled back in his chair, “There will be no arguments Sirius, my word is final.”
Sirius nodded slightly, and Giles could understand his frustration, Petunia Dursley was a wretched woman, made even more wretched by her husband and son. She had, at one point according to Lily, been a very pleasant big sister, always looking out for Lily; always making sure Lily wasn’t being bullied by bigger children… until Lily had received her acceptance letter from Hogwarts. According to Lily that was when Petunia, at the tender age of fourteen had turned her back, pretending that she didn’t even have a younger sister. Jealousy was a curse, and a curse that had rotted Petunia Evans to the very core.
They sipped silently on their mead as Dumbledore and Remus relayed the last of the battle to Sirius, McGonagall, Isabella and Giles; both women crying out loud as Dumbledore told them of Voldemort inside of Harry, Sirius clutched his glass so tightly that it shattered in his hand so that Remus, visibly shaken and much paler then when he arrived set about fixing the cuts and repairing the glass with a softly uttered ‘Reparo!’ and Giles sat there as though someone had stolen his breath. When things had calmed down, and their glasses had been refilled, Dumbledore rose and began to pace in front of the mantle.
“I assume you have told Rupert and Sirius why you were in America Isabella?” He looked down at his niece, his penetrating stare holding her gaze.
“Yes Uncle Albus,” she nodded solemnly. “I was on my way to his home tonight when Sorrow caught up with me.”
“And, I assume that, at least you have figured it out Rupert?” He looked to Giles who nodded, “Sirius?” He asked softly, looking at the younger man, his blue eyes shining as comprehension dawned on him.
“I was otherwise occupied when Izzy told Rupert,” He shot her a look, his lip curling slightly, “But I heard… That boy… young man, friends with the Slayer; he said his name was Xander.” Sirius looked up at Dumbledore who inclined his head slightly.
“We call him Xander,” Giles smiled softly; “He is the self professed ‘Zeppo’ of our small little band. But, he is far braver then all of them, including Buffy.” He looked up at the faces around him, “Alexander LaVelle Harris was, according to school records, born on March nineteenth, 1980. James would have been twenty, or there-abouts when he was born. Uncle Reginald and Aunt Celeste were in their early forties, it was… scandalous. I remember my father telling my mother so, a child at their age.” He smiled slightly.
“Precisely,” Dumbledore nodded, “the reason as to why they went into hiding.” Dumbledore frowned, “When the time came for Celeste and Reginald Potter to be buried, Hagrid and I took it upon ourselves to make sure the boy would be safe, as far away from the Wizarding world as possible. With Voldemort assumed dead, we could not allow Alexander to return to England, for you see, I was unsure whether or not Voldemort was truly, once and for all, finished. It is why Harry was placed with the Dursleys. So, imagine my surprise when I discover four years ago that the boy’s home was located on top of a Hellmouth.” He gave Giles a knowing look.
“You helped push my name up the list didn’t you?” Giles looked across at his former Headmaster, “You were the one responsible for Buffy being here and my being her Watcher.” Giles’ fist clenched tightly.
“I am, but Rupert, do not blame me, you’ve seen yourself what would have happened had she not been here. I believe poor Miss Rosenberg’s own Doppelganger was ripped from her timeline earlier this year before you managed to put her back.” He peered at the Watcher over the tops of his half-moon glasses.
“Yes, sorry.” Giles sat back in his seat as though his teacher had just chastised him. “But I still don’t understand what this has got to do with anything at all. Alexander Harris has shown no magical ability in the three years that I have known him. He is, on all accounts if you say that he is my cousin and James’ brother, a squib. Nothing more, nothing less, and surely, even at the age of five he’d remember his parents, and his brother.”
Isabella bristled, “Did you not hear a word I said Rupert? My uncle used a memory charm on the boy and his adoptive parents. He does not remember Reginald, Celeste or James. He remembers nothing of his proper life, only that he was born to Jessica and Anthony Harris and spent quite a lot of time when he was younger moving around before finally settling in Sunnydale.”
“I do believe,” Dumbledore interrupted quietly, ending the tirade his niece was working up to, “That being friends with The Slayer, a Witch and a Werewolf, has… overshadowed the young man somewhat.” He smiled slightly at Giles. “Isabella was supposed to find him, and bring him to Hogwarts,” he turned and looked at the door, “The children will be here soon, so I must ask for no more interruptions.” He looked around at each of them who nodded, “Minerva, if you don’t mind…” He motioned to the doorway, smiling when she nodded and begrudgingly moved to the front door, changing into a cat as she did so.
Sirius held open the door, “Just… yowl if they get close Professor.” He smiled at the disdainful look he received before shutting the door behind her.
“Now,” Dumbledore continued to sip his mead, “A prophecy was made some time ago, long before the one Sybil divulged to me that night in the Hog’s Head. Unfortunately, earlier this evening, the Ministry’s records of any and all known Prophecies were destroyed, many thanks to Harry and his friends. However, Remus if you please,” he motioned to a case he’d been carrying and Remus lifted a large stone basin from the wooden case delicately onto the table in front of them. “Through a great deal of trial and error, I managed to convince Eliza Potter to give me this,” he pulled a small, glass vial from his inner robes. Popping the cork, he tipped the silvery fluid into the pensieve. “She was, of course, reluctant at first but as I am sure you know Rupert, your great grandmother has always been reluctant to hand things of this nature over.” He looked up at Giles over the rim of his glasses, smiling a little as he gave the silver memory a prod with his wand.
The four of them watched as a glimmering figure emerged from the pensieve, her face reminded Giles of his beloved Jenny, but she was dressed as a gypsy, not in the comfortable jeans and sweaters his Jenny used to wear. “In the fifth year, brother and brother will be separated. Lines shall be drawn; never crossing until the hall has emptied, uniting blood once more to defeat the Dark Lord… In the fifth year, brother and brother will be separated. Lines shall be drawn; never crossing until the hall has emptied, uniting blood once more to defeat the Dark Lord.”
Giles turned to Dumbledore, “You can’t possibly believe that.” He glared as the shimmering figure faded into the pensieve once more.
“You said yourself he was braver then most,” Albus lifted his chin a little, “We have kept an eye on all brothers within the wizarding world. And only the Potters are viable candidates.”
Giles shook his head, “You’re telling me I’m going to have to let Xander leave with you for Hogwarts?” He glared at Dumbledore, “No Albus, I will not let you do that. I lost one cousin already I will not lose another! I’ve spent the last three years making sure all of my wards were kept safe, I would lay down my life for each and everyone of them time and time again if I could, I will not let you do this to him!” Giles had stood up from the couch and begun to pace, “He’s like a son to me Albus, if my aunt and uncle didn’t want him to be a part of that world, then I won’t blatantly go against them and send him into some battle that he isn’t prepared for.”
“Don’t you think he has a right to know Rupert?” Remus stood up and faced his friend, “Just as Harry had a right to know the truth about how his parents died and what almost happened to him?”
Giles looked at his old friend, noting the lines on his face, the new scars that hadn’t been there fourteen years ago. “Of course he does Remus, but what then? How do I sit him down and tell him that, contrary to what he believes, those muggles aren’t his parents, that his whole life is based on a lie because some megalomaniac with a thirst for power killed his brother and sister in-law, almost damn near killed his nephew and the loss of that was far too great for his real parents so they up and died, leaving him with Jessica and Anthony --” Giles froze as motion at the door drew his attention. “Brilliant.” He muttered under his breath, watching as Xander stood there staring at him
“I did warn you, several times,” came the stern voice of McGonagall as she straightened her glasses and stepped back inside the flat. “But you were too busy shouting at anyone to notice.” She glared at Giles as she shut the door.
“Xander, I…” Giles began, rubbing the back of his neck; he looked up at the boy, no, young man, trying to gauge how much he had heard. His stony silence was more then enough, “I can explain.”
“Buffy’s hurt,” he managed, tearing his gaze away from Giles, “There was too many of them, one of them managed to get her with a piece of rebar. She needs you now.”
Giles’ heart felt as though someone had slipped it into a vice, “Where?”
“Shady Hill, we thought it was a nest, turns out it was a whole commune.” He looked around at the new people who’d obviously arrived after they left.
Rupert moved quickly, grabbing his jacket and his favourite broadsword. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”
“Sit down Rupert,” Dumbledore spoke up for the first time since he’d begun his tirade. His voice was soft, yet it still had a steely edge to it. “You and I have not finished.” He turned to face the young man now glaring at the back of Giles’ head, “Alexander, would you be so kind as to show Isabella and Sirius where your friends are?” He asked; his voice noticeably warmer, “You will Apparate the others back here, Minerva, they may need your help. Remus, I assume Rupert has a sizeable first aid kit around here somewhere, please find it and take it up stairs and prepare for the young woman’s arrival.”
“I want to stay.” Xander stood up straighter, raising his chin in defiance.
“You shall hear what Rupert and I both have to say when you return, until then; your friends need your help, as does Sirius and Isabella.” Dumbledore smiled and followed them out the door, shutting it silently behind them.
“I meant what I said Albus, I will not put Xander through that, I can’t.” He watched as Remus flicked his wand, muttering ‘Accio Rupert’s First Aid Kit!’ before he disappeared up the stairs. “If he goes to Hogwarts, he’ll be leaving behind all that his ever known; childhood friends, memories both good and bad, he’ll be alone, and don’t you think he’s been through enough?”
“That decision is not yours to make Rupert,” Albus came back and sat down in the chair, “He is of age, old enough to make his own decisions. We will tell him everything, naturally. But then, should he wish to come to Hogwarts and meet Harry, and more importantly stay and learn, then he will and you cannot change that. If he decides to let sleeping dogs lie, then so be it.”
“And what of his life here Albus; what of the friends and family he leaves behind?” Giles could feel the anger bubbling up inside of him.
Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling, “I have spoken to Hemingford School for Witches,” he flicked his wand and waited until Rupert had accepted the glass of mead before continuing, “I spoke to them quite often in fact after the Restoration spell had been cast, it seems Miss Rosenberg was by all accounts taken for a muggle when she turned eleven, she had shown no signs of inheriting any of her grandparent’s abilities, the Coleman’s, after the birth of Sheila left the Wizarding world to protect their child, born a squib.” He sighed softly, “The war scared off a great many families Rupert. The Coleman’s and the Potter’s are just two.”
“That still doesn’t explain what will happen to Xander and the life he has here if he chooses to go to Hogwarts.” Giles bit out, he had often wondered why Willow had never been chosen for the prestigious all girls’ school of Witchcraft, her quick learning and natural abilities were continuing to grow day by day.
“I am getting there,” Albus smirked, “I have discussed it with the school Governor’s, should Alexander accept my offer to come to Hogwarts, his friends, including the werewolf you call Oz, are more then welcome. Miss Rosenberg and Mister Potter can resume sixth and seventh year classes, however, Miss Summers and Mister Osborne, while welcome to come and stay at the castle for as long as they wish, I am afraid, can not. You know for yourself that a Slayer is magical enough without the use of magic itself. And, while Mister Osborne is a werewolf, he shows no sign of magical abilities whatsoever. Therefore, I can not allow him to study along side the others.” He sat back, his fingers resting against his chin.
“And what of me Professor, if Xander chooses to go to Hogwarts, the others will join him, they do not abandon each other, am I to become redundant?” Giles asked, his insides burning with anger at the fact that Xander, Buffy, Willow and Oz’s lives had been mapped out for them.
“I had been led to believe by Quentin Travers that you had already been made redundant Rupert, and are therefore, in need of a job.” He gave the other man a knowing smile, “I assume that you did not get to finish reading your letter before Isabella arrived,” when Giles nodded, Albus continued, “I had originally written to you three days ago, but with so much happening in such little time, it was not posted. The school is in need of a new Muggle Studies teacher, there was much discussion after your position as Watcher was terminated as to what you would do next, and several weeks ago, Professor Meriwether approached me with a letter of resignation, it seems she wants to spend more time getting to know her muggle grandchildren and less time teaching Wizards and Witches how to behave in Muggle Society. Professor’s Sprout, Flitwick, McGonagall and Hagrid mentioned your name. After spending so long with muggles, you seem the logical choice.” He smiled softly, “The position is yours if you wish to take it, and with the changing of Ministers at the Ministry, Hogwarts has once again been left in my capable hands. Remus will be resuming his position as Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts, and if you so wish, you may, hire an assistant to help you grade papers.” There was that knowing smile again and Giles wished for half a second that he could reach out and wipe it off Dumbledore’s face. “I am sure Mister Osborne will find something to occupy his time between moons.”
Giles swallowed the last of his mead before setting the glass down, “I shall wait to see what Xander has to say about all of this, and I shall make my move from there.”
“Very well,” Dumbledore smiled, “I am sure they will be back presently.”
Moments later, the apartment was filled with two resounding cracks, a garbled noise and someone rushing for the bathroom. Dumbledore smiled as Giles’ face went pale. First time apparition was never easy, especially if you weren’t used to it, and as the sounds of retching continued from the bathroom, he was sure one of the girls had left their stomach behind.
“Giles?” Willow’s voice floated from upstairs, “It’s Buffy… she…” She looked up as the toilet flushed and Buffy emerged, the piece of rebar had left a hole in her side before Willow, Oz and Xander could dispatch of the remaining vampires.
Giles all but flew up the stairs, “What happened?” He barked at Willow, moving Buffy over to the bed where Remus, Isabella and McGonagall waited, “You promised me you’d be careful,” he said soft enough for only Buffy to hear him.
She offered him a tiny, weak smile before moving her hand from her side so he could assess the damage.
“Where are Sirius and the others?” He asked, wincing in sympathy when he saw the blood blossoming on the light coloured material.
“They’re walking back,” Isabella said softly; her hand moving out and resting on Giles’ arm. “C’mon Rupert, let Minerva and Remus do their job.” She smiled down at Buffy before leading her Watcher and best friend away, leaving the others to staunch the flow of blood and seal the wound.
“Willow, what happened?” His voice held the calm, quiet fury of earlier.
“We were having a pretty quiet night Giles, not a single vampire until we hit Shady Hill, Oz smelt them first, and the four of us tracked it to that new mausoleum, you know the one the city has started to build for the Mayor and the students after graduation when he…” She made a little hand gesture before continuing, “Buffy checked it out, said there were six, maybe eight of them, which you know two on one, not that hard, we’ve done it before, but… We got in there and there was a WHOLE lot more then eight Giles. There had to have been at least twenty of them, we went in and we got a few, but…” She wiped at her face, her hands trembling, “Oz and Xander covered me while I tried to figure out that sun spell, you know the one I was working on last summer? And, well, we were only down to about fifteen of them now, maybe less, and one of them, he picked up a piece of rebar, I think the work crew left some of it behind when they packed up for the night and, well, he… and Buffy… Oz and I sent Xander here for help, and I remembered the spell, and poof! And then Xander came back with Sirius and Isabella and the woman upstairs and then, she grabbed Buffy, Isabella grabbed me, and poof! Back here and Buffy was sick and Xander stormed off in a huff just before we came back here and Sirius and Oz went to find him and bring him back.” She finished, her heart pounding in her ears as she sunk down onto the sofa.
“I think you may need a drink Miss Rosenberg,” Dumbledore spoke up, handing the young witch a glass full of mead, “Rupert, why don’t you go and see how Remus and Minerva are fairing with young Buffy while Isabella and I make things a little more comfortable in here, I’ve no doubt Sirius will be returning soon with Alexander and Mister Osborne.”
Giles nodded and moved back to the loft, stopping only to place a reassuring hand on Willow’s shoulder. “I shan’t be long Willow, just relax.” He took the stairs two at a time, waiting by the door until Remus and Minerva had finished.
Isabella looked from Dumbledore to Willow and back again, “There are ten of us Uncle,” She smiled as he stood up, removing his wand from the inside of his robes.
“Yes, another sofa and armchair should do nicely Isabella; perhaps you could clear a little space over there by that book shelf.” He watched as she did as he requested, smiling when the bookcase slid out of the way. Flicking his wand, Dumbledore conjured up a rather large comfortable armchair and matching sofa, “Splendid,” he muttered softly before claiming the new armchair as his own. “Now, Miss Rosenberg, I am Albus Dumbledore.” He looked across at her, his blue eyes sparkling. “I’m sure you’ve heard of me?”
Willow lifted her gaze away from the mead, still in her hands, “What? Oh, yes. Giles and Sirius told us this afternoon. You’re the Headmaster of Hogwarts.” She smiled politely before looking up the stairs towards the loft.
“Your friend will be fine, I assure you. While Minerva and Remus are not Poppy Pomfrey, they are quite adept at healing trivial things such as a wound in the side.” He frowned slightly when she didn’t look at him, “A sickle for your thoughts Miss Rosenberg?” He enquired softly, resting his chin on the tips of his fingers.
She heaved a great sigh, she wasn’t quite sure what a sickle was, but she understood the nature of the question. Turning, she took a sip of mead before meeting the Headmaster’s gaze. “I’ve been working on this sun spell for almost a year now, it’s supposed to be a tiny ball of sunshine,” She held her hands about three inches apart. “I’ve done it three times already… last summer, but tonight… Buffy could have died because I kept fumbling over words, and, okay I got there in the end, but by that time, it was too late.” She shook her head, “I almost lost one of my best friends all because I panicked.”
“You can do the Solaris spell?” Isabella enquired from her place by the front window, keeping watch for Sirius and the others.
“Yes, can’t most Witches and Wizards?” Willow looked up at the slightly older woman just in time to see a look shared between her and her Uncle.
“The Solaris is a highly powerful spell Miss Rosenberg, Earth magic. How did you come by it, if I may ask?” Dumbledore’s voice was soft, soothing almost, but not as soothing as Rosmerta’s mead.
“Please, call me Willow.” She blushed slightly, “And I found it in one of the books Giles tries to keep hidden from me.” She noticed another look between the two adults and her face paled, “Oh! But, he’s already told me off, please, he didn’t even know I’d looked at it until after it was too late.”
Dumbledore chuckled, “No one is getting in trouble Willow; I was merely stating a fact.” He settled back, looking at the two young women across from him. “You are incredibly skilled for someone who has never been formally trained.”
Willow blushed, “Thank you.” She lifted her head towards the loft, “Do you… do you think it would be okay if I went and saw Buffy now?” She asked, while her hands had stopped trembling she still looked rather pale.
“By all means,” he smiled at the young Wicca as she stood up, slowly making her way up to the loft.
When they were left alone, Isabella turned from her place by the window, letting the curtain drop. “You are going to get us into a world of trouble Uncle Albus.”
“My dear Isabella, we are already in a great deal of trouble; even more so if Rupert continues to be so pigheaded and stubborn.” Albus sat back, smiling when Sorrow flew from his current perch atop a bookshelf to the arm of his chair.
“This isn’t just some silly old fairy tale Uncle; this is the life of an entire family. These young adults… they are the closest thing Rupert has to a family of his own, you can’t honestly ask him to send one of them off to what could very likely be his death.” She moved and sat down by her uncle’s feet, “I haven’t been here long enough Uncle; but… look around you. The picture holding pride of place on the mantle, the way Rupert was ready to go out and face whatever it was that had attacked his Slayer, the way Alexander looked when he overheard your conversation…” She smiled sadly up at Dumbledore, “I love Rupert like he was my own brother, and I’ve missed his quiet presence, we all have. And we would all love to see the Potter family reunited, none so much as Rupert himself, you *know* how hard it was for him after Lily and James died and after Reginald and Celeste disappeared, but for him to lose a cousin he’s only just discovered will destroy him.”
“But who is to say that he will lose him Bella?” Dumbledore cupped her cheek; she had a strength of spirit inside of her that many rarely saw, her passion for her friends could, at times be overwhelming.
“You know there are no guarantees Uncle, for five years Harry has fought Voldemort, beating him each time through sheer luck, what if Alexander isn’t as lucky? Merlin knows Harry *needs* what’s left of his family, but he shouldn’t have to suffer any more losses, he’s suffered enough.”
“As Rupert said, we will let the young man decide.” Dumbledore squeezed her shoulder gently, “Until then, let us not dwell on this matter – ah look, Miss Summers, what an honour it is to finally meet you.” Albus and Isabella stood, moving as one to greet Buffy. “I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” He held out his hand, smiling warmly as she gave it a firm shake, “I believe you’ve already met my niece, Isabella.” He grinned when Isabella blushed.
“Kinda,” Buffy turned to her and smiled, “You’re the eagle.” She smirked when Isabella’s blush deepened.
“Well, yes. I’m sorry for that… display. However, Sirius Black deserved every bit of it. It’s a pleasure to meet you Buffy.”
The Slayer nodded, “Thanks for your help tonight, though, I’m not exactly sure just… popping… me back here was a wise thing. It was cool, I’ll give you that, but I think I left my stomach back at the cemetery.”
“Yes, apparition takes a while to get used to. But it did seem the quickest way of getting you home safely.” Dumbledore nodded as Remus and Minerva came down to join them.
“Rupert shall be down momentarily,” McGonagall gave Dumbledore a tight-lipped smile, “He said to tell you if things should be done, it would be best to get them over and done with this evening, but first he needs to gather a few things.”
“Splendid, splendid,” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled and Buffy realized that he looked more like someone’s kindly old grandfather then the powerful Wizard Giles and his Friend had talked him up to be earlier, but then again, people often mistook her for some silly girl – some silly *blond* girl – so she knew first hand about how looks could be deceiving. “Now, while Rupert is doing whatever it is he is doing, I shall introduce you both to my colleagues.” He smiled at Buffy and Willow, “This is Professor Remus Lupin, our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and this is Professor Minerva McGonagall. Deputy Headmistress and teacher of Transfiguration, both fine teachers, probably the finest Hogwarts has ever seen.”
Buffy and Willow shook hands with each of them, Willow, Buffy noticed was in awe of all three Professors, and the Slayer could see the questions kicking over in her friend’s brain. “Well, welcome to the Hellmouth,” she smiled as she stepped back, looking oddly at Remus, “You’re the werewolf Giles and Sirius was talking about, aren’t you?”
Remus’ face became even paler as he looked at the young women now standing in front of him, turning; he looked at Dumbledore, “Is nothing sacred these days?” He asked; a slight edge of panic creeping into his voice.
“What? Oh, no, it’s cool.” Buffy shared a small smile with Willow, “So long as you’re not the type that goes around ripping out throats for fun whenever it’s *that* time of the month, is cool with us. And, well, Sirius and Giles told us about becoming Animagi with Giles’ cousin so you *don’t* go out and do that. Besides, it’s not like we haven’t met a werewolf before, right Willow?”
Willow beamed, “Right.” Turning she looked at Buffy and had to swallow the laughter bubbling up in her throat. Her friend’s eyes were so clear; she could practically hear the unspoken ‘Or dated a werewolf.’
“Besides, kinda hard not to notice… you made my spider senses go a little tingly.” Buffy moved and sat down on Giles’ sofa. “So… You were Giles’ teacher once?” She asked looking at Professor McGonagall, “Was he very, um… studious?” She tried putting it as politely as she could.
Willow moved and sat beside her friend, and Dumbledore noticed that the colour had returned to her cheeks. “Was he a trouble maker? Cos, I could see Giles as someone who was always in detention.”
“Rupert Giles? Detention?” McGonagall shook her head, “A ludicrous idea. No, if anything, he spent much too much time with his nose in a book.” She caught sight of Isabella and Remus’ look of disbelief. “Believe it or not, I too know how to have fun. Merlin knows I saw plenty of it this year, between Peeves and the Weasley twins I’m not sure which would have made Sirius and James more proud.”
Willow opened her mouth to ask just who exactly were Peeves and the Weasley twins when the front door opened and Oz, Xander and Sirius all stepped inside. Jumping up from the chair, she moved and stood beside Oz, “Are you guys okay?” her voice was soft as she tried checking both her friends over for any injuries.
“We’re good.” Oz murmured, eyeing Remus carefully. “Moony?” He asked, looking at Sirius who nodded.
Remus however was watching Oz with a gaze unlike Sirius had ever seen, the way he stood, the way his gaze flickered from Oz to Sirius and back again, even down to the low growl in the back of his throat, *just* audible to Sirius’ ears, screamed of someone staking a claim on his ground.
“It’s alright Remus, he’s friends with Rupert. Daniel Osborne, Remus Lupin. Remus, Daniel. Now, get back in your box Moony and leave the poor lad alone.” Sirius moved away and tugged on the back of his friend’s robes.
It was another second before Remus conceded and moved to sit down across from Buffy. “Sorry, one can just…”
“Never be too careful.” Oz finished as he moved to shake the other wolf’s hand, “Sirius told us that earlier when he thought I was going to attack Giles.”
“Ahh,” Remus smiled, “Fair enough.”
Oz turned around again as Dumbledore introduced himself and McGonagall; shaking both their hands politely, “Nice to meet you.” He sat down, looking at Buffy, “You’ve stopped bleeding.”
“Yup, a little hocus pocus and I’m good as new.” She smiled, “Where’d you guys get to?”
Oz shook his head, “Just around.” He looked pointedly at Xander and shrugged, lowering his voice; he leaned towards Buffy and Willow, “Even more stoic then me, ever since he got back from getting help.”
Buffy looked up, her gaze trained on Xander for any signs of injury, “Xander? Earth to Xander, come in Xander?” When she didn’t even get a smile, she looked around the room and shrugged, whatever it was, it couldn’t be too important otherwise Xander would have told them the moment he walked in the door.
“Sorry that took so long, blasted things were shoved to the very back of my wardrobe.” Giles announced as he came down stairs, “Are Xander and the others --” He was cut off as Xander stepped into his line of sight.
“I want to know *everything*.” He ground out, “Now.”
Willow felt her blood freeze in her veins as she looked at Xander, she’d only ever heard him use that tone of voice once before, three years ago when he’d been possessed by a Hyena Spirit. “Xander?”
“Xander I think it might be best if we --” Giles began, only to get cut off again.
“You think it might be best? How long have you been lying to me Giles, to all of us? I mean, sure you’ve got your secrets, things about your past that you don’t want us to know about because they hurt, and I understand that. Believe me, I understand that. But… you don’t get to decide what’s best for me, you’re not my dad… and apparently, neither is the guy I’ve been calling ‘dad’.” Xander was shaking with barely suppressed rage; Buffy, Oz and Willow had frozen in their spots. Neither of them had ever seen Xander this upset, not even when Angelus was on the loose or when Buffy had returned from her three-month stint in Los Angeles. “Do you have any idea, what it’s like to be eight years old, with a fist coming towards you because if he hits you, he won’t be hitting your mom? Or what it’s like to be twelve and listening to your friends talk about what they’d had for dinner, or what they were going to have for lunch, when you’ve been hungry for three days because it was either pay the rent or buy groceries because your parents decided to spend most of their pay cheque on booze?” He shook his head, “When you understand that, *then* you can come and tell me what you think is best!”
“Xander,” Willow and Buffy moved towards their friend but came to a sudden stop when his hand went up.
“I need to think,” turning on his heel; he pulled open the door and walked out into the night, not even bothering to slam it.
Dumbledore watched quietly, waiting, his heart aching for the boy and his story. When he was sure Xander was far enough away from the apartment block, he turned, “Minerva, Isabella…”
“We’ll watch him Uncle.” In the blink of an eye, a tabby cat and eagle were fleeing out into the night to follow him.
“Oz,” Buffy turned her head, “The door…” She waited for Oz to nod and close the door quietly before rounding on the others, her brain already snapping out of the shock at seeing Xander so angry. But as she opened her mouth to speak, Willow beat her to it.
“Someone better tell me what the *HELL* is going on here… NOW.” She looked from Albus to Giles, both faces equally pale, Giles’ hands, she noticed, were trembling, his green eyes glassy with tears.
“Giles?” Buffy moved closer, her hand reaching out and touching his arm, she had only ever seen Giles cry once, the night he’d gone after Angelus with a baseball bat. “We’ll sit down and then you and Professor Dumbledore can explain everything to us okay? Oz, you and Willow go make tea? I think there might also be a tin of cookies my mom sent over after graduation in the cupboard by the refrigerator.”
“Sure.” Oz was already moving, leading Willow gently into the kitchen.
Buffy looked up at the remaining Wizards, all standing around, looks of uncertainty on their faces. “Sit,” her voice was soft and she felt a pang in her chest when they all complied. “Now, how about someone starts at the beginning and tells us what’s going on?” She saw Giles nod his head slightly out of the corner of her eye before passing her a large, leather bound book.
“It’s the family album. I thought it would be better to show him before I explained everything, he, he needed to, to see.”
Buffy raised an eyebrow slightly as Oz came back out to the kitchen laden down with the tea and a tin of cookies. “Willow?” her voice soft.
“Calming down,” he set the tray on the table and moved to sit on the sofa.
She nodded and opened the album, a tiny shout of surprise sneaking past her lips as the first picture waved back at her.
“I-it’s a wizarding photo album, magic…” Giles supplied, reaching out and taking a cup of tea.
“Oh,” Buffy held the album towards Oz so he could see as Giles continued to tell them about Xander and his real parents, about the war that had seen his brother and sister in-law dead, about his fifteen year old nephew who had faced James’ murderer four times in the last five years and had survived. As Willow came back into the living room, he told them about the prophecy that he had only just heard, about how Xander, after his real parents had died had been placed in the care of Jessica and Anthony Harris, how his real parents had wanted him to have nothing to do with the world he came from.
Willow leaned across the back of the sofa, looking at the last few pictures in the album. Sure enough, there stood her oldest and dearest friend at the age of four, clinging to the legs of what was an older version of himself wearing glasses. She rubbed her eyes as he waved up at her, “How long have you known?” Her voice was soft as she avoided Giles’ gaze.
“Since just after you left for patrol this evening, Isabella told me what she knew, I pieced it together from there.” He looked back down at the cup in his hands.
“Are you lying?” Willow asked, “Because, to me, it seems a little odd you being his cousin and all… surely you knew Giles.”
He shook his head, “When I first met Xander… his resemblance to James was… unbelievable. But I pulled his school records, wondering if it could have been… if there was even the slightest chance he was related, but it all seemed in order. By all accounts he was the natural child of Jessica and Anthony Harris. So I left it at that.”
Sirius nodded solemnly, “When I saw him today… he looks so much like James, his hair is a little neater, but the eyes, the face…” He sighed softly, “He walked in when Albus and Rupert were arguing about --”
“I wish for Alexander to come to Hogwarts, to study.” Dumbledore spoke up for the first time, “He deserves the chance to get to know his nephew and to take his rightful place in the world.” Dumbledore looked from Giles to his charges, “Rupert seems to think that this is unfair, that I should not expect so much from someone who has no idea what could possibly lay in store for him.”
“Too bloody right!” Giles raised his voice, “Xander is like a son to me, cousin or no, I will not allow him to be led off where he could possibly die.”
“Yet you allow him to patrol with The Slayer, to fight along side of her to keep the world in balance.” Remus piped up from his place beside Sirius, he held up his hands in front of him when he received a glare from the other man.
“That is different.”
“How is that different?”
Everyone turned, once again, none of them had even noticed his arrival.
“Xander!” Willow rushed forward and enveloped him in a hug, “Giles was just… he was trying to explain…” She flushed; the look on Xander’s face told her he was still angry. Shutting her mouth she moved back to the sofa.
“How is me helping Buffy on a nightly basis any different to me going and meeting what’s left of my family?” He was looking directly at Giles. “I get that it’s dangerous, Isabella and Professor McGonagall told me everything. Right down to the prophecy and what this Voldemort guy could do. How is it different Giles?”
“Xander, you could die.”
“I could die here Giles, I could walk outside tomorrow and get hit by a bus.” Shaking his head, he sighed, “It doesn’t matter, I’ve already made up my mind, I’m going and you can’t say anything to make me change my mind. We’ve looked at what? A dozen prophecies in the last three years and we’ve always come out on top, why should this one make any difference?”
Giles slumped back against the sofa, “Because it just is Xander.”
Xander looked around at the faces of his friends, “Can the others come to this Hogwarts place with me?” He asked, looking at Dumbledore.
“If they so wish, but I am afraid I can only offer you and Miss Rosenberg a place within the student body. Miss Summers and Mister Osborne must look to some form of employment, Rupert here has already been offered a position among the staff, but I am sure I can find something for them to do.”
“Right,” Xander nodded, “When can we leave?”
“Xander, are you sure you want to do this?” Buffy looked up at her friend, her eyes full of worry.
“More sure then I’ve ever been Buff,” He flashed her a quick smile.
“You, Mister Harris --”
“Potter.”
“Mister Potter,” Dumbledore smiled, “may leave with Sirius, Remus and Isabella this moment if you so wish. The others will have to follow in a few days.”
He nodded, “Okay then, what about money for clothes and accommodation and…”
Albus smiled and rose from his chair, “You will, of course be staying with Sirius at his home until the new school year begins. As for money, your parents originally left you and James an equal amount of money; however, with their disappearance from the Wizarding world, and yours, it was left to your nephew, Harry. Though I am sure once things have been explained to both Harry and the Ministry, as well as Gringott’s, what is rightfully and lawfully yours, will be returned.”
Xander nodded, “Alright then… how are we getting to Hogwarts?”
“Ahh yes, a simple matter. Minerva if you please?” Dumbledore held out his hand as she passed him what looked like an old tin kettle. Tapping it with his wand, he passed it to Remus, “I have given you enough time to say goodbye to your friends before the portkey is activated, then you simply grab a hold of the kettle and you will all be transported to Grimmauld Place. Much easier then transporting you to Hogwarts as it will arouse less suspicion. Isabella, I want you to stay with them, they are going to need all the help they can get.” Dumbledore smiled at his niece who nodded, albeit hesitatingly.
“Alright then,” Sirius stood up and moved towards Rupert, “We’ll see you in a few days then Rupert,” He helped the man to his feet before giving him a quick hug. “He’ll be in good hands Rupert, Moony and I’ll keep a close watch on him, and… well, anything for James’ brother, you know that.”
Giles nodded as Isabella threw her arms around his waist. “I’ll make sure they don’t get him into trouble Rupert, and I’ll make sure he gets down to Diagon Alley to collect his things.” She looked up at him, “Stay safe and we’ll talk in a few days, alright?”
Remus followed, shaking Giles’ hand, “He’s in good hands, and if what Quentin Travers says is true, he’ll be magnificent.”
The three of them stepped aside as a blur of red and blond rushed Xander, “We’ll see you soon okay Xander?” Willow looked up at him, “Stay out of trouble and I want to know everything you’ve done the moment I get there okay?” She wrapped her arms around his waist in a long hug, blinking back tears. It would be the first time either of them had been separated by such a long distance since Willow had had to go with her parents to some conference in New York when they were seven.
“You know me Will, trouble’s my middle name.” He gave a soggy chuckle as she nodded and stepped back, allowing Buffy to take her place.
“If anyone so much as looks at you wrong, you let me know.” She spoke into his chest. He was so much more then her best friend, he was her brother just as Willow was her sister.
“My staunch defender,” he wheezed, trying to suck in lungfuls of air, “Buffy… oxygen.” He smiled down at her sheepish expression when she let go and stepped away. “Oz,” Xander turned, rubbing his side. “Take care man.”
“You too,” He reached out and shook his hand.
Nodding Xander turned to finally face Giles. “In a few days, we’ll talk… a lot.” He gave the other man a brief hug before turning and nodding at Remus who held out the kettle.
Satisfied that everyone was holding onto the portkey, Dumbledore nodded, “It is time. Minerva and I shall follow along shortly. We still have some business to discuss with Rupert. It was good to finally see you Alexander.” He smiled once more as the four of them whirled once and were gone with a small ‘pop’.