Colliding Worlds Series

**Disclaimer with Chapter 1**

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Xander rolled over, burying his face into his pillow. He’d had the most bizarre dream; apparently he was adopted and Giles was friends with a talking dog and eagle… A loud thud penetrated his thoughts. It was far too early for the fighting to start, of that he was sure. Prying open a sleepy eye he glanced at his wristwatch, the numbers seemed to mock him – three-thirty am. But that wasn’t right; he could feel the sun on the back of his head. Perhaps it had stopped? Only when it blinked over to three-thirty-one am did he roll out of bed, blinking away the last vestiges of sleep and looked around. He was in London somewhere, he wasn’t entirely sure the exact address and he was with Sirius, Giles’ friend from school, who could turn into a dog at will, though he didn’t talk.

The remainder of the evening had been uneventful; after they’d left the kitchen, Fred and George had explained certain things to Xander, namely what Molly and Sirius were more then likely plotting, and what Remus was trying to dissuade them from doing. They’d even gone so far as to telling Xander about the Joke store “Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes” and, in light of the new face to their small family, had declared they’d name one of the new treats of the Skiving Snack Boxes after him – ‘Zeppos’ – the green end, when taken, would cause a thick, black moustache to appear and bushy eyebrows to match, the blue end, would end it all. The twins had since proclaimed Xander their new best friend.

Stretching, Xander reached for the small overnight bag he’d managed to put together before leaving his childhood home the night before and threw on a clean pair of pants and shirt. As he sat down to put on his sneakers, a glint of dark, red leather caught his eye – THE book, as he’d taken to calling it – he’d read it from cover to cover after the twins had gone to their own rooms, and even with all the words of brotherly wisdom left to him by James, he was still none the wiser to the world he’d suddenly been popped into. Standing up quickly, he made the bed and grabbed the book before making his way downstairs.

As he reached the landing, the smell of bacon and eggs assaulted his nose and made his stomach growl. Moving quickly and quietly, he hurried to the kitchen, only to be greeted by Molly, Sirius, Remus and Isabella and a man he was sure that had to be related to the twins.

“Morning Xander,” Sirius beamed as he looked up from his conversation with Remus and Isabella.

“Morning,” he gave a wary smile, it felt… almost alien to be greeted with smiles first thing in the morning. The only time it had ever happened was when he’d stayed at Buffy’s house. Willow’s parents, when they’d been growing up had not always been around, and Jesse’s father was as bad as his own.

“Xander, this is Arthur Weasley, Molly’s husband.” Remus motioned to the red-headed man who had risen from his seat, ready to shake hands.

“Hello.” He couldn’t help but return the warm smile as Arthur shook his hand enthusiastically.

“Molly told me all about it when I got in last night… You really lived as a Muggle all this time?”
His eyes were wide with excitement and Xander couldn’t help but grin, “Not to mention, you’re friends with The Slayer, this must all seem rather dull compared to that.”

“Well, my oldest friend in the world is a witch, and her boyfriend’s a werewolf, so…” Xander trailed off, “But most of this is new to me, like a whole world where you pretty much live by magic… that’s new. I mean, Willow would die if she were here right now.”

Arthur smiled as Molly bustled over, “Now, I wasn’t sure what you’d eat for breakfast Alexander, so I’ve made pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast, porridge, there are also muffins, kippers, tea, coffee, pumpkin juice and fresh fruit.”

Xander’s eyes widened, “You didn’t have to go to all that trouble Mrs Weasley.” He sat down in an empty chair and watched as she manoeuvred all the food from the stove to the table with a swift flick of her wand.

“You should be grateful-”

“She never cooks like this for us,” said Fred and George as they stumbled into the kitchen, still rubbing sleep from their eyes.

“The only person we’ve seen her cook like that for is Harry.” George sat down and started piling food onto his plate.

“Rubbish!” Molly glared at her two sons, “I cook like this often enough at home… filling the poor boy’s head with rubbish.” She continued to grumble as she sat down and poured herself a cup of tea, “Well, go on Alexander, eat.”

Xander looked around and noticed that everybody was already digging in, a quick shrug of his shoulders and he followed suit.

Breakfast was filled with idle conversation, most of it revolving around Xander’s life in Sunnydale, the demons he’d helped Buffy fight, the things he’d done growing up. The twins were delighted to find out that he’d had a hand in helping to blow up Sunnydale High, and he’d been intrigued to discover that Angel wasn’t the only vampire to ever be cursed with a soul. It was something he’d have to talk to Giles about… once they’d sorted out their other issues of course.

They were just finishing up their third helpings of breakfast when the comfortable chatter was broken by ear splitting shrieks.

“BLOOD TRAITORS! DIFILING THE HOME OF MY FATHERS! MUDBLOOD SCUM! FILTH!”

Xander almost fell out of his seat, his eyes scanning the room for whatever it was.
Molly sighed and ran a hand over her face and Sirius and Remus ran for the hall, cursing as they went.

“Sorry! Sorry Sirius, it’s that bloody troll leg, I keep tripping over it.” A voice floated in from the hallway, “Sorry Molly.” A petite girl with bright purple hair entered the kitchen, “I honestly think it knows when I’m coming over and moves itself into position for me to trip over it… Hello.”

Xander looked up, “Uh, hi.”

“Alexander Potter, meet Nymphadora Tonks,” George smirked as the young witch glared at him.

“The name is Tonks,” she ground out, “and don’t you forget it George Arthur Weasley.”

Fred snickered, “Tonks, this is Xander. Harry’s long lost uncle.”

Tonks’ eyes lit up, “Wotcher Xander,” she moved forward, her hand outstretched. “I didn’t know Harry had an uncle. But Merlin, you look like him.”

Xander shook her hand, unable to look away from her bright blue eyes, “I didn’t know I had a nephew until about twelve hours ago.”
Tonks laughed, “Well, good news all around then.” She smiled and stepped back just as Sirius and Remus returned from quieting the beast in the hallway.

“I will find a way to get rid of that bloody thing once and for all, even if I have to burn this place to the ground to do so.” Sirius grumbled before he was engulfed by the arms of his cousin.

“That was a stupid, stupid thing to do Sirius, don’t ever do it again.” She muttered into his shirt. “I thought for sure you were dead.” She looked up at him and smiled, “You’re all the family I’ve got left Sirius, aside from mum and dad of course, and well, Aunt Narcissa and that ferret of a son, but you’re the only family that I actually talk to.”

“I won’t Dora,” he smiled; ruffling her hair slightly, “us Black’s have to stick together.” He turned to Xander, completely missing the roll of Tonks’ eyes and the muttered “It’s Tonks.” Sirius continued, “That screeching was my dear old mother, she’s not a big fan of… well… us lot. You tend to forget that she’s there after a while.”

Xander nodded as he sat back in his chair, “Alright then.”

It wasn’t long after, that Xander, along with everyone at Grimmauld Place all left for Diagon Alley to see the joke shop bought with the money Fred and George had spent a better part of the year saving. Xander was gob smacked as he entered the Wizarding shopping district, never before had he seen a place that was teeming with life and bright colours – and he lived two hours from Los Angeles. Without thinking, he reached up to check his jacket’s inner pocket, the small envelope was still safely tucked away, waiting for the right moment. He stood a little back from the group, trying to memorize everything so he could recall it for Willow and Buffy at a later time.

The twins were happily chattering away with Sirius, Isabella, Tonks and Remus over their new store, which would be opening in only a matter of weeks while Molly tried her best not to listen, all the while muttering about their education and holding down respectable jobs like their brothers. Arthur seemed to be the only one happy to remain quiet, and oblivious to his seething wife and ecstatic children, occasionally pointing out shops to Xander.

It was when the group had finally come to a halt outside a seemingly empty store front plastered with posters advertising the Grand Opening of Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, that Xander approached Remus, pulling him away from the group at large.

“What’s wrong?” The weary looking wizard asked softly.

“In that… book, diary thing, it said I should give you this, and not Sirius.” Xander gave a tiny smile, producing the envelope from his pocket and handing it over.

Remus’ brow furrowed in confusion as he opened the letter, “Did anything else come with this?” He asked, looking from the parchment to Xander.

“A key,” the younger man patted his pocket.

“Right then,” unfolding the parchment, Remus began to read.

“Right then little brother,

If you’ve gotten this letter, it means you’ve gotten the book, no doubt Sirius has suffered a couple of black eyes – serves the git right for sticking his nose in other people’s business.
Though don’t tell him I said that.
Before the Fidelius was cast, I took the liberty of setting you up your very own Gringotts account; I put all of what mum and dad saved for you, including half of my own earnings into it for safe keeping until you were old enough to understand what happened and why it happened. I’m sorry you’ve been on your own, but no doubt with all that Potter charm, you’ve got the ladies lined up around the corner and an amazing circle of friends.

You need to give this letter to Remus; he’ll show you where to go. Do not give this to Sirius; Merlin knows he’ll probably convince you into spending it on rubbish like invisibility cloaks and flying motorcycles.

Sirius is a good man Alex, but he’s hopeless when it comes to keeping track of finances – don’t tell him I said that though – and Remus is naturally the smarter of the two. They’re good lads Alex, they’ll help you find your way, and more importantly they’ll look out for you and love you like a brother. Just… keep an open mind.

Keep an eye on Harry for me will you? Merlin only knows what kind of trouble he’ll get into as he gets older.

Chin up little brother, give Rupert a firm, manly handshake for me when you next see him… if you see him, and remember, it’s not how high you fly that matters, it’s how you handle your broom.

Love,
Your (dashing) big brother, James.”

Remus chuckled as he folded the letter and tucked it away. “I think he thought of everything your brother. Pompous git that he was,” he handed Xander back the envelope. “I’ll just let everyone know we’ve gone to Gringotts and then we’ll head over there alright?”

Xander nodded, putting the envelope away and watching as Remus returned to the group, watching how he interacted with Sirius and the others. His brother’s journal had been full of surprising bits and pieces about the two men that now seemed to be his family, including their relationship and their relationship with Isabella. He smirked as Remus said something that made Sirius scowl and Isabella laugh before the tawny haired werewolf returned.

“Well, let’s get a wriggle on shall we?” Remus smiled and clapped Xander on the shoulder, steering him towards Gringotts.

As they crossed the street, Xander eyed Remus carefully, “Can I, uh, ask you something?” He asked, turning his gaze back to the road in front of them.

“You may.”

“I read that diary from cover to cover last night, he said some pretty interesting things James, like being able to turn into a Stag, which I knew because Sirius told us all yesterday, but… other things… things about you and Sirius and Isabella…” He trailed off.

“Ahh, yes. James did have a rather big mouth.” Remus led Xander up the steps of Gringotts.

“Well…”

“Not that I mind, nope, I’m all open minded Xander, this is me being open minded. I just thought I should let you know that James told me in the diary.” Xander felt his cheeks heat up.

“No, no that’s fine. It’s just… well, Sirius obviously told you about his time in prison,” he gave a sad smile when Xander nodded, “He’s been on the run from the ministry for three years, and last night was the first night all three of us were actually in the same room as each other, so… who knows.” Remus stopped just short of the doors leading inside the building. “I remember when you were younger… Harry had just been born, you were about four, you weren’t just James’ brother, you were all of ours; James’ and Sirius’… mine. Sirius doted on both you and Harry, telling you some of the most ludicrous stories he could come up with. When Sirius was arrested and Harry was taken to the Dursley’s; I came to visit you, your parents told me they were leaving. You cried for two hours, asking me if I could come. You didn’t understand much of what was happening, only that James, Lily, Harry and Sirius were gone and that now you were going away too.” Remus gave a dry chuckle, devoid of all humour. “You promised you’d be well behaved and would stop pulling Padfoot’s tail and my hair if I could just come with you.” He reached out and placed a hand on Xander’s shoulder, “Your outburst at Rupert’s house last night made me wish I had. I’m sorry for all that’s happened.”

Xander looked away, hating that he couldn’t recall this memory, that he couldn’t recall the images of his mother and father. Of his brother, “It’s alright, I turned out okay. A little slow on some math and spatial relations, but not a complete idiot… do you think that they’d -”

Remus nodded, “Mr. and Mrs. Potter would be extremely proud, as would James. And I’m sure, once Sirius and I get to know you again, and you get to know your nephew, it will not make up for what you’ve missed out on, but it may help a little.”

Xander nodded, “I hope so too, I just… I hope I turn out okay, I’m not exactly known for my ability to well…” he shrugged, “I’m the donut boy. Buffy, Willow and Oz are the special ones. I just fetch the donuts and coffee.”

Remus shook his head, “I’m positive that you will shine at Hogwarts. It’s in your blood. You just need time to adjust and catch up with the other young adults your age.” He gave Xander a small smile, “Now come on, time for you to get whatever it is that James left in your possession.”

Xander nodded and followed Remus up the stairs, barely paying attention to the ‘Goblin’ (as Remus explained to him,) that held open the doors. He’d seen far worse things on the Hellmouth. Xander produced the key on command before a goblin led them down to the track that would take them to his vault in the bowels of the building. Xander enjoyed the ride, it was like Space Mountain at Disneyland, only according to Remus real dragons lived in many of the caverns. When they finally came to a stop, the Goblin jumped out of the cart, Xander and Remus following as he turned the key into the lock on the safe door. His face paled as the goblin opened vault number eight-hundred and seventy-three. He turned to Remus slowly, an identical look of shock on the werewolf’s face.

“Are your sure we’ve got the right vault?”

“You’re Alexander Phillip Potter, are you not?” The goblin huffed.

“Ahhh, as far as we know,” Xander raised an eyebrow and looked at Remus who nodded. “Yes.”

“Then this is your vault. Take what you need please.” The goblin stepped aside, watching as Xander and Remus moved into the vault.

“Uh, Remus?” Xander looked around, unable to believe his eyes, gold and sliver glittered in the flickering torch light, highlighted with bronze.

“Twenty-nine knuts to a sickle, seventeen sickles to a galleon.” Remus explained, handing Xander a decent sized leather pouch. “The bronze ones are called Knuts – think of them like pence, the silver ones are like sickles and the gold ones are like galleons.” He smiled as Xander’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Sorry, pence, pennies. Sickles are like, quarters and galleons are like the Wizarding version of pounds… or dollars.”

Xander gave a short nod, “Alrighty then.” He proceeded quickly to fill the leather pouch with some of each before turning and leaving the vault. “Thanks.” He said, looking down at the goblin that was waiting patiently by the door to close it.

“You’re welcome,” he nodded at Remus and pushed the door closed before twisting the key and handing it back to Xander. The ride back up to the Gringotts building was spent in quiet contemplation. Xander had never even fathomed having that much money before, not even in his wildest dreams.

The pair were back out in the sunshine before Remus turned to Xander, his brow wrinkled. “Did the muggles… Ahh, your parents, not use your middle name?”

“Yes, though… it wasn’t Phillip,” Xander felt his stomach churn at the thought of the middle name he’d been saddled with by Anthony and Jessica Harris. “On my birth certificate… the one they have, it says Alexander LaVelle Harris.” He grimaced, “I’ve always hated LaVelle, my mom told me once it was in recognition of an old aunt I’d had.”

Remus couldn’t help the affronted snort that passed his lips. “Old aunt indeed. Your full name is Alexander Phillip Potter. You were named after an uncle who was, by all accounts quite put out when your *real* parents didn’t name James after him.”

“What about Giles... Uhh... Rupert?”

Remus chuckled, “His mother was your father’s sister, a lovely lady, though rather strict. She didn’t much like it when Sirius, James or I paid Rupert visits during the school holidays. She said we were always getting him into some sort of trouble.”

Xander laughed, “That would explain why he’s pretty much a tight ass around the reference books.”

“There you are!”

Xander looked up just in time to see Fred, George and Sirius all roll their eyes as Molly ran up to them. “We’ve got just enough time to have a nice lunch at the Leaky Cauldron and get your wand Alex before we have to head to Kings Cross to pick up Harry, Ron and the others.”

“Molly…” Remus’ tone was warning, “Harry will be returning to the Dursley’s, you know that.”

“Yes, yes Remus dear,” She waved him off and grabbed both their hands, pulling them along down the street to catch up with the others. “Did you get all that you needed dear?” She asked, looking over at Xander.

“Yeah, thanks Mrs. Weasley.” He smiled as they caught up to Fred and George.

“How’s the shop coming along boys?” Remus asked, straightening his robes.

“Brilliant -”

“We’ll be making galleons hand over wand in no time.” Fred beamed.

“Not to mention the money that’s already coming in through the Owl Orders,” George shared a secret smile with Fred as their mother hurried ahead.

“What are you two up to?” Remus asked, keeping his voice low.

“Well, Fred and I have been talking about it, and -” George began.

“We’ve already got plenty of galleons already saved away, with the start up from our silent investor, the Owl Orders we’ve been taking since last summer and through-out the year -” Fred continued.

“We’re going to ask Sirius if we could buy Grimmauld Place.” George announced proudly.

“You’re what?” Remus’ eyes had grown wide.

“Well -”

“The way we see it,” Fred smiled brightly,

“He no longer needs the house, being a free man and all, and we’re practically living there anyway -”

“We just thought it would be a good idea to make it official.” Fred and George’s grins were triumphant.

“What about the Burrow?”

“We’ll still keep that, naturally.” George gave a sly smirk.

“After all, if Percy the Prat ever gets his head out of his arse, he’ll need somewhere to visit.” Fred sniggered as someone approached him from behind.

“What’s all this then?” Arthur asked softly, bowing his head to listen to the conversation.

“Nothing dad, just… planning a surprise for mum once we open the store,” George smiled.

“Ahh, very well then. Alex, Ollivander’s is just over there, Sirius is waiting, and I think he wanted to be there when you picked out your wand. We’ll be waiting inside the Leaky Cauldron once you’re done.”

Xander nodded and watched as Arthur led the twins back to their mother, Isabella and some woman with shockingly pink hair. He tapped Remus on the shoulder as they made their way to Sirius, “What happened to Tonks?”

“Hmm?” Remus looked around, “Nothing. Why?” He smirked when he noticed the young woman staring intently at Xander.

“She’s not with the Weasley’s.” Xander looked around and smiled warily at the young woman with bright pink hair.

“Yes she is.”

“Who is?” Sirius asked as they finally joined him.

“Your cousin,” Remus smirked.

“Tonks? What about her?” Sirius asked, turning to look over at the witch as she tried to apologize to an elderly witch and help her with the bags she’d just knocked over.

“She’s gone.” Xander said a hint of exasperation in his tone.

“No she’s not.”

Xander tried his best not to get frustrated. “Well where is she? One minute she was with Mrs. Weasley, the next she’s gone.”

Sirius and Remus tried not to laugh; Xander looked even more like James when he was frustrated.

“See that pink haired witch? The one helping to try and right those chairs she just knocked over?” Sirius pointed across the street. “That’s Tonks.”

Xander made a frustrated sound in the back of his throat. “If you two are gonna yank my chain, I’m going in to get my wand thing.” He turned on his heel and marched into the store. He was often the butt of the joke back in Sunnydale, especially when Cordelia and Angel had been around. He wasn’t going to stand for it now, in a new place. Not when he had so much lost time to make up for.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter and Remus shook his head. “Do you think we should tell him about Nymphadora being a metamorphmagus?” He asked softly, holding the door open to Ollivander’s.

“No,” Sirius replied with a smirk, “Let Tonks tell him. Did you see the way she was gawking at him over breakfast?”

“I did, and he was gawking right back.” Remus smiled as they entered the shop, halting the conversation as they saw Xander.

“May I help you?” An old man appeared from the rear of the store. “Ahhh, Mr. Lupin, it’s been a while since you came in here. Twelve Inches, birch with a dragon heart string core if I remember correctly.”

“Mr. Ollivander,” Remus nodded a tiny smile on his face. “You are correct,” he tapped his robe pocket.

“And Mr. Black!” Ollivander clutched his chest. “I had heard you’d been cleared of all charges. You’ll need a new wand I take it?” His cool grey eyes bored into Sirius.

“Yes,” he nodded, “I’ve been using a spare wand of the Weasley’s for the past year.” He stepped up as a golden tape measure began to take his measurements.

Finally Ollivander turned to look at Xander, “I’m not entirely sure I remember you.” He stepped closer, taking in Xander’s appearance. “You aren’t by any chance related to Harry and James Potter are you?”

Xander nodded, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end under such close scrutiny. “I… I need a wand too.”

Ollivander raised an eyebrow, “You’re American.”

“Uh, yeah…” Xander looked to Remus and Sirius for help.

“He’s a transfer, never had a wand before.” Sirius spoke up as the tape measure wriggled up his inner-leg.

“You’re the brother of James Potter?” Ollivander moved towards a set of shelves, weighed down by boxes, piled floor to ceiling.

“I am.” Xander moved his hand to rub the back of his neck, unable to shake the uneasy feeling he was getting from the proprietor.

“Yes, I had wondered why you hadn’t come in to my store after your eleventh birthday.” He muttered to himself, pulling boxes down and setting them into two piles. “Your original wand was thirteen inches, cherry with unicorn hair, was it not Mr. Black?” When Sirius nodded, he grinned. “Try one of these.” He set a pile of boxes down on the counter in front of Sirius.

“Uhh,” Xander watched as Sirius started going through the boxes, carefully so as not to blow up the shop. He jumped when he felt something slide up the inside of his arm.

“Here you go Mr. Potter.” Ollivander handed Xander a box before heading back to another set of shelves packed with boxes.

“Grasp the wand firmly in your wand hand, or writing hand as Muggles call it, and give it a tiny flick.” Remus whispered, turning away to hide his smirk when Xander did as instructed and a stack of paper work was blown over.

“This one,” Ollivander handed him another box before turning to Sirius who was beaming. “Thirteen inches, birch with a dragon heart string core.” The old man smirked and looked between Remus and Sirius who both had the good graces to blush. “That will be seven Galleons, three Sickles and five knuts.”

Sirius handed the coins over quickly before turning to Xander who was opening yet another box.
Xander’s brow furrowed when his hand grew warm as it wrapped around the thin piece of wood. A tiny flick of his wrist and the papers he’d been blowing around the store righted themselves. “Was that a good thing?” He asked, looking between the three men.
“I should say so Mr. Potter, you see, it’s not the wizard who chooses the wand, but the wand that chooses the wizard.” He smiled as he accepted the wand back from Xander, “Eleven inches, oak with a phoenix feather core. Very nice indeed, also very interesting. You see, you are the fifth Potter to come into my store and receive a wand with a phoenix feather core.”

Xander made a small ‘oh’ sound as Ollivander placed the wand back in its box and wrapped it up. “Ten Galleons, three Sickles and two Knuts,” he smiled as Xander counted out the coins from the leather pouch. “Have a pleasant day.” He nodded before disappearing back in amongst the shelves.

Sirius and Remus led Xander out of the store, clutching his purchase tightly in his hand, his gaze scanning the crowd every so often until the uneasy feeling in his stomach passed. “We’ll spend the summer teaching you how to use your wand,” Sirius was saying softly, ignoring the stares of other witches and wizards as they walked past.

Xander nodded turning and looking up at the unlikely pair before leaning in and lowering his voice. “Why are people staring?”

Sirius shrugged; his face a perfect picture of nonchalance. “They’ve probably never seen three devilishly handsome men all in one place before,” he winked at Xander who gave a tiny snort of laughter while Remus shook his head.

“It couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that up until yesterday evening when Rufus Scrimgeour told the Evening Prophet otherwise, you were still considered a mass murderer and a follower of Voldemort, could it?” Remus looked closely at Sirius, one eyebrow arched in question.

“Well, yes that could have something to do with it,” Sirius smiled at Xander before turning to Remus, his blue eyes glinting mischievously, “However, I still maintain that they’ve never seen three men as handsome as us walking down the streets of Diagon Alley.”

Remus rolled his eyes and Xander held the door to the Leaky Cauldron open for them. “He always like this?” Xander whispered as Remus walked past him.

“Afraid so,” Remus smirked as Xander shook his head, his lips pressed tightly together to suppress his laughter.

Xander shut the door before the three of them weaved their way through the crowd looking for the Weasley’s.

“There they are.” Sirius pointed to a pair of bobbing red heads.

The moved quickly, ignoring the pointing fingers and hushed whispers of the other patrons. Xander smiled slightly as Molly shooed her two sons to the other end of the table and patted the place besides a green haired witch, who promptly blushed at the snickering coming from Fred, George and Sirius.

“Come on, sit, sit. Tom will be out with out lunch shortly.” She waved at the vacant seats and Remus and Sirius, promptly sat down on either side of Isabella. Taking a sip from a cup of tea, she looked at Xander, “Did they take you to get your wand dear?” Her eyes sliding warily to Sirius.

“Sure did,” Xander waved the wrapped package in the air before setting it down on the table in front of him. “I also got a little bit of money changed over… I didn’t have time to pack last night before we left Sunnydale, so is there a Wal-Mart or Target around here?” He felt his heart constrict at the looks on everyone’s faces. “Uhm…” he looked to Sirius and Remus for help, but from their expressions, neither knew what he was talking about.

“I can take him Molly.” The green-haired Witch spoke up, a pink tinge colouring her cheeks.

“Are you sure Tonks?” Molly fiddled with her teacup, her eyes filling with worry.

“Positive. Dad used to take me there all the time,” she smiled brightly as Molly nodded, albeit, hesitatingly.

“Only if you’re sure dear, I don’t see the harm in you taking Alex here to muggle London for an hour or two before we have to go to Kings Cross.”

Xander turned in his chair and blinked owlishly at the young witch beside him, opening his mouth to say something, but snapping it closed at the last moment.

“Ah! Tom,” Arthur broke the short silence that had settled over the table. “Just in time, I’m ravenous.”

Xander looked up at the toothless and hairless waiter that bought their lunch over. He smiled nervously as a plate of sandwiches was placed on the table. When Tom left, he turned to his lunch, listening as the conversation moved slowly onto topics such as Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry and the other children, and Dumbledore’s “top secret” conversation with Arthur last night once he’d returned to London.

As lunch came to an end, Xander and Tonks, along with George and Fred excused themselves and stepped out into the sunshine of Muggle London with a strict warning from Molly to be careful (“Alexander hasn’t been to London before”), behave (“If I see any mention of trouble in London today, you two will never see the inside of that joke shop again.”) and to meet them at Kings Cross station at promptly three o’clock.

Sirius smiled fondly as Molly dabbed her eyes with her napkin. “They’ll be alright Molly, Fred and George will look after Xander.”

“Oh, that’s not it, I just… he really does look like James doesn’t he? An older version of Harry, but with James’ brown eyes.”

Remus reached over and patted the older woman on the hand. “He does, very much so. I’m rather sad that we’ve missed a lot of his growing up. He was like a younger brother, not just to James, but to Sirius and me as well.”

Arthur looked up from his cup of tea, “I wonder what he’ll be like when he starts at Hogwarts, he seems to be closer to Percy’s age then I would have thought.”

“He is,” Isabella spoke up, “I’m more then a little annoyed that Uncle Albus kept it from Harry all this while… you should have seen Rupert last night, he was in a right state when he was told that the boy would be given the choice to come here.” She shook her head, “Then he yelled at Rupert and it was all a lot more then I’d have imagined.”

The brunette witch perked up a little bit, “But here, did you see the way Tonks was looking at him Molly?” She waggled her eyebrows.

“I think everyone out in Diagon Alley saw the way she was looking at him Izzy.” Sirius smirked, “The word ‘Gob-smacked’ doesn’t really seem to do it justice.”

“The twins were teasing her about it when you boys walked in,” Molly giggled. “Not to mention the way he was staring at her at breakfast this morning. Like a wizard looking at a glass full of Gillywater after a week in the desert.”

The small group chuckled softly, but it was Remus who spoke next, “He asked about her before we went into Ollivander’s. Wanted to know where she’d gotten to.” He smirked when Molly opened her mouth to speak. “We didn’t explain to him that Tonks was a metamorphmagus, decided it would be far more fun if he found out for himself.”

“It would be a nice match,” Molly looked over and smiled at Sirius, “The Blacks and The Potters, coming together, finally one whole family.”

Sirius gave a short nod, “I’m not entirely sure Andromeda would see it that way however, she’s rather protective of her only child.”

They sat and drank, discussing the sudden attraction between Tonks and Xander until Molly announced that it was time for them to leave. Gathering their packages, the small group left the wizarding pub and made for Kings Cross station.

Xander had had an eye-opening afternoon, he’d watched on in fascination several times as Tonks changed her hair colour, after explaining of course that she was what was known in the wizarding world as a metamorphmagus – able to change her appearance at will. Fred and George had decidedly shown Xander what they considered to be the best spots in London, a muggle club that he was sworn to secrecy in case Molly found out.

They had also explained to him the code of secrecy the entire wizarding world lived by, the twins and Tonks both equally amazed at how he seemed to take it in his stride. Tonks had taken them to a department store, and Xander had to keep Fred and George in line several times as they gaped in awe at the many lingerie boutiques they had passed. It had been a fun afternoon, he surmised as they made their way to Kings Cross station. Although, for some unknown reason, after they had finished shopping for Xander’s clothes, Tonks walked several paces a head, stopping every now and then to shoot the twins murderous looks.

They walked along, talking about all manner of things, Fred and George talked to Xander about Quidditch, in exchange for information on the Slayer and what it had been like to live on top of The Hellmouth. In more time then he would have liked, Xander had described to all three of them his induction into the Scooby Gang, his friendship with Willow and Jesse, the death of many of his friends, his relationship with Cordelia, having to spend time with The Scourge of Europe, to which Fred, George and Tonks, who had at some point joined them once again, all agreed he was a dangerous vampire to be around, soul or not.

Finally, they came to a stop just outside of the station and were greeted by the other, of which Molly almost rounded on her sons, imploring Tonks and Xander to tell her whether or not they’d behaved.

Finally, after Molly was satisfied that the twins had indeed behaved, although Tonks’ admission had been given somewhat begrudgingly, Sirius turned to Xander and clapped him on the shoulder, making him jump.

“Well Xander, are you ready to meet your nephew?”

Xander took a deep shuddering breath, trying to mentally prepare himself for his first meeting with Harry. Only when he felt eight pairs of eyes all trained on him, did he look at Sirius. “As ready as I’m ever going to be,” he nodded and felt a warm hand clasp his and give a firm squeeze. He turned and looked down at Molly.

“Don’t worry dear, it will be alright.”

Xander nodded, unable to quell the wave of adoration for the small woman beside him. She’d known him for less then twenty-four hours, and had already taken him under her wing and into her home.

“Right, well, you all go and wait by platform nine and three quarters, I’m afraid I’ve got something to take care of for Dumbledore.” Arthur smiled and patted Molly reassuringly on the cheek. “Don’t you worry dear, nothing dangerous, just a pick up.” He turned to Xander, “Good luck Alexander, I’ll see you a little later.” Nodding to everyone in turned, he moved closer to the group before disappearing with a crack, though the noise coming from the station and surrounding traffic meant it had gone unheard.

Xander, with Remus’ hand on his shoulder and Molly Weasley’s right hand tucked in his left, made his way up the stairs and into the station, his heart slamming against his rib cage as they approached the brick wall between platforms nine and ten. Giles and Sirius had explained the barrier between Muggle Kings Cross station and Wizarding Kings Cross station, and Xander glanced around, sighing in relief that no one was paying the odd group the slightest bit of attention. He wiped his hand on his trouser leg in an attempt to get rid of the sweat that had suddenly accumulated.

“Should be pulling in -”

“Just about now,” Fred and George whispered, looking around to make sure no muggles were paying attention to the barrier.

“Just remember, he’s as new to this as you are.” Sirius had leaned over, talking softly. Xander glanced back and nodded, noticing how he had one arm slung across Isabella’s shoulders and one hand planted firmly against the small of Remus’ back.

“Got it,” he smiled nervously as Isabella gave him a comforting pat on the arm.

“You’ll be right Xander, if Harry’s anything like his dad, you two will get on like a house on fire.” She beamed brightly, just as Molly gave a heart felt sob and dropped Xander’s hand.

“That’ll be them.” Tonks called out, her eyes lighting up and her face breaking into a wide grin.

Xander watched as two young girls stepped through the barrier, one with flaming red hair, who was no doubt related to the Weasley’s and another with a wild tangle of deep, chestnut curls. Both crying out as they dropped their trunks and flung themselves into Misses Weasley’s arms,
Xander watched as the one with the wild curls pulled back, her cheeks stained with tears and nod in response to something Misses Weasley asked her. It took only moments before the young girl’s eyes had surveyed the crowd watching her, her eyes widening as they settled on something just past Xander’s right shoulder. A quick turn of his head and he realized she was staring at Sirius. He turned back just in time to get out of the way as red and brown blurs rushed past him and launched themselves at Sirius, the air was rife with sobs and Xander felt the urge to look away, not wanting to intrude on such an emotional moment.

He turned his attention back to Molly, who was holding on for dear life to two boys almost twice her size. When she pulled away, he noticed that her eyes were red and swollen with unshed tears… he also noticed the darker haired boy. Xander felt something stab at his chest as he took in the doleful appearance of what must be his nephew. He was thin, thinner then Xander had ever seen another male, and his dark hair was in desperate need of a trim.
He stepped aside as the boy moved closer, trying to edge towards the back of the group, there was something in his eyes that reminded Xander vaguely of the time he’d seen Angelus with Willow in the halls of Sunnydale High. The group almost as one, collective being took a deep breath as he approached Sirius. And later no one would be able to recall with one hundred per cent certainty what had happened in those few precious moments when Harry’s fist connected with Sirius’ jaw before he flung his arms around the older man and sobbed into his faded black jacket.

It was at least fifteen minutes before the two could be pulled a part, both muttering to each other about how irresponsible Sirius had been, and how Harry really would kill him if he ever did such a stunt like that, the group choosing to look everywhere but at the Godfather and Godson. Finally, when Ron had managed to shove Harry away and give Sirius a manly clap on the back, the group, once more as a collective being, released its breath. Fred and George had at some point, secured trolleys for the baggage and were currently trying to pile trunks and school bags and cages onto one Xander noticed offhandedly, before he was being prodded in the back by a smiling, if somewhat teary, Remus Lupin. He looked up and came face to face with a pair of bright green eyes, hidden behind spectacles.

“Harry, I’d like to introduce you to your Uncle Alexander. Xander, this is Harry.” Remus clapped the young boy on the shoulder.

“Surprise!” Sirius exclaimed, a little too cheerfully.