To all who support me, I bow to you life is so much sweeter when I read your reviews. Great thing for cheering me up on a particularly depressing day. Here's the next chapter – I know you people've been all antsy about it.
Chapter 3
Switching Worlds
"Keep your eyes and ears wide open, Crumpet" Lorne told Wesley seriously, "I'm sensing trouble."
"How's that different from any other day of the year?" Wes asked, in a joking tone.
It was noon in LA – everyone was gathered in the Hyperion to bid their friends a final farewell. Dawn was all ready to go too, but her pick-up wouldn't come until later that evening. Wesley, Spike and Faith all stood in the middle of the hotel lobby with their luggage. Wesley was weighed down the most with one large duffle bag, that Faith suspected was full of books. Faith herself had a knapsack slung over her shoulder, having packed only the few clothes she had. Spike carried nothing except what he wore (trademark leather duster), and what was in his pockets.
Lorne sighed, running his fingers through his hair "I'm serious, something 'bout this just doesn't feel right."
"Watch your back, dog" Gunn said, clasping his friends' hand firmly, "Lorne might be right."
"I'll stay alert – and you just watch over Fred" Wesley ordered, though his smile gave him away.
Gunn shot a glance towards Fred who was talking to Faith.
"Taken care of" Gunn nodded solemnly.
Faith and Fred hugged warmly; it was a little awkward for Faith, of course, never being one with the intimacy. But even Faith couldn't help liking the shy Texan when she'd met her – there was just something about Fred's pure optimism that Faith loathed to have anyone stamp on it – including her.
"Don't forget to write" Fred smiled, "I want all the details."
"I'll write regularly – I have a feeling Brit-boy over there is gonna be so wrapped up in research and teaching that he'll forget all about updating" Faith grinned, jerking her head in Wesleys' direction.
Fred laughed, knowing it was probably true.
"I'll see you at Hogwarts – if not sooner, kay?" Faith said to Dawn who was right there with her and Fred.
Dawn nodded, "Just go a week without trying to stake Spike because he pissed you off and I'll be happy."
"Can't guarantee that, D, but I'll try – if Bleach-boy keeps himself in check."
Dawn rolled her eyes exasperatedly. Spike and Faith had a tendency to argue a lot, usually ending with Faith threatening the vampire by stake-point. Dawn knew that neither Slayer nor Vampire meant anything by it – and that Faith would never stake Spike over some trivial argument, but still…
"If you cause any trouble I will personally fly over there and kick your sorry British ass" Angel told his grand-childe seriously.
"Yes, granddaddy" Spike snorted sarcastically, using the name that he knew irked his Sire the most out of all his nicknames.
Dru had often called Darla 'Grandmummy' and it had irritated the older vampiress to no end. So when Spike had lost a large chunk respect for Angelus, he started calling him 'Granddaddy' – with the same effects as it had on Darla to Spikes' delight.
"Watch yourself, boy" Angel growled dangerously, "Or I'll stake you before you get to teach anything."
"Listen, Peaches, you worry about you, and I'll worry about me – got that?" Spike snarled.
"Yeah right. Just do me a favor, though – keep an eye on those three" Angels' eyes flickered towards Wes, Faith and Dawn.
Spike said nothing, but raised his eyebrows briefly to indicate agreement.
There was a loud crack like a whip in the air and Dumbledore suddenly appeared in the lobby. Faith jumped and cursed under her breath making Fred giggle.
"Are you all ready to go?" Dumbledore asked, holding out a deflated beach ball.
"What's with the beach ball?" Faith asked.
"Portkey, Slayer" Spike shrugged, "Our transport."
"We're ready as we'll ever be, Albus" Wesley interjected before Faith could question further. The Watcher glanced around, wondering if he'd forgotten anything.
"Alright – everyone hold on" Dumbledore instructed, glancing at the clock that hung on the wall in the Hyperion lobby.
Faith, Spike and Wesley gripped the beachball along with Dumbledore.
"Three, two, one…"
The four suddenly disappeared into thin air. Dawn blinked. They'd gone with no sound, no smoke, no flashing light – they'd just… vanished.
Dawn raised an eyebrow before remarking casually "That was cool."
--
Faith's head reeled. She'd lurched forward, feeling a sort of pull at her middle when the Port-Key kicked in. Now they were somewhere else, Faith let go of the deflated beach-ball/ port-key and stumbled backward. Wesley, his gentlemanly upbringing kicking in, slipped a hand around her waist to steady her.
"Forever the gentleman, aren't we Wes?" Faith laughed shortly, with raised eyebrows. Then smiled softly "Thanks."
Instead of blushing and being all flustered as OldWes would have been. Wesley just grinned at her, "Old habits die hard."
"Do-gooder" Spike snorted "So Albus, where have we landed?" the vampire asked conversationally, tucking the ruby amulet under his shirtfront.
"London – a small, secluded area quite near to the place we're headed" Dumbledore smiled, brandishing his wand which was now out.
"And that would be where exactly?" Faith asked shifting the knapsack on her shoulder.
"This way."
===
"So what's she like, anyway?" Harry asked, getting more and more interested in Willow's past, and the people she'd hung out with.
"Who? Dawn?" Willow responded, flicking her hand at a hallways closet, the closet door opened and two pillows, a quilt and some sheets floated out.
"Yeah" Harry affirmed, ducking as the pillows flew overhead.
"And more importantly, is she cute?" Ron asked cheekily, earning him a punch on the shoulder from Hermione.
"For heavens sake, Ron, is that all you think about?" Hermione demanded.
Ron pretended to consider it "Yeah, pretty much."
Hermione turned her would-be scowl into a roll of her eyes. Harry laughed, as did Willow, but only the oldest redhead noticed Hermione's little cover up. Willow grinned and flicked her wrist at the closet once more. A large mattress tried to squeeze its' way out of the too-small closet door.
"I don't think that's gonna fit through" Harry remarked.
"Oh? We'll see" Willow scowled, making a pulling motion, the mattress pulled forward but didn't come through, "I'll make it fit through."
Sensing what would happen Hermione motioned to her friends and they all stepped back. Willow gave one last violent tugging movement and the mattress literally flew out of the closet and plowed straight into the redheaded witch.
"Oh, my god – Willow, are you alright?" Hermione asked rushing forward, to the mattress that held Willow captive.
Harry and Ron each grabbed a side of the mattress and hauled up.
"I'm ok" Willow said a little dizzily, "Last time I try that then, huh?"
"I think that would be wise" Ron smirked.
The group of four glanced at each other – before suddenly erupting with laughter. Hermione helped Willow to her feet still giggling uncontrollably.
"Alright – let's get this stuff to my room" Willow announced, "We promised Aunt Molly we'd have Dawn's bed set up before dinner."
===
The group of four walked silently down the street – 'silently' being the operative word – no one spoke. There was just something about the stilled atmosphere (it was the dead of night) that made one want to creep down the street and talk in whispers if talking was needed at all. It was so silent in fact that everyone jumped when Dumbledore said, "We're almost there."
Faith looked up and down the dark street – it was a chilly, but she supposed that was the England air. Then she glimpsed a black figure in the shadows. When she glanced again the figure was gone, but an unpleasant feeling worked its way down her spine and she knew – she just knew – that it had been the dog.
"Ms Black are you with us?" Albus asked, snapping Faith out of her thoughts.
"Ms Black?" Faith laughed, "Albus, no one has called me that since I dropped out of high school. Well, I think those Watcher guys must have used it once or twice too. But still…"
"Just wanted to get your attention, dear" Dumbledore smiled warmly.
Wesley and Spike, however, looked at Faith oddly.
"You're last name is Black?" both asked at once.
Wes and Spike glared at each other – both irked that they might have been thinking the same thing.
"Speaking in unison now?" Faith smirked.
Wes rolled his eyes in response. Spike just lit a cigarette – his own little action of indifference. Dumbledore, however, was looking into a darkened alley; he shook his head very slightly at it. This action did not go unnoticed by Faith who peered down the same alley and caught only the barest hint of movement.
"We're here," Dumbledore said softly, interrupting Faiths thoughts once more.
The group came to a sudden halt. This was street was called Grimmauld Place. Or at least that's what the sign had said when they'd passed it. To Faith it looked normal enough, large houses along the street, the kind that weren't 'The Slums' but weren't for the richest of people either. Normal. But Faith knew there was something about this particular area. Call it part of her 'Slayer Sense' or whatever – but she could feel it.
"Now, read this and memorize it" Dumbledore instructed quietly, holding out a piece of parchment.
Wesley didn't miss a beat – he knew what was going on.
"Who's the secret keeper?" Wes asked – his voice equally low as he read the parchment and passed it to Spike.
"Myself, of course" Dumbledore smiled, "but it's far too risky for me to be blurting out the address in the middle of the street – no matter how… deserted… it may seem."
Faith was getting more and more confused – it was almost frustrating to listen to a conversation in a language you understood and still be unable to comprehend a single word said.
"I'll explain inside" Wes promised, off her confused look.
Spike glanced at the parchment and handed it to Faith.
--The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London.—
Faith blinked, as soon as she thought the address, a door appeared in the gap that was suddenly between two houses. Upon closer inspection – she noticed that only houses number eleven and thirteen were completely visible. In the new gap there was only a door. But then it started to grow – pushing the houses beside it even further apart as the grimy walls appeared and then windows until it inflated into an entire house.
Faith blinked, wondering if she was hallucinating.
"I still never get used to that," Spike grumbled, taking a long drag from the cigarette, making it shrivel. He then crushed it with his boot.
"Let's go inside, shall we?" Dumbledore suggested hospitably, as though the house hadn't just appeared from nowhere.
'Then again he's probably seen it a million times' Faith thought to herself as they all made their way through the door.
"Oh and please, we must be very quiet" Dumbledore added, "There's a rather… spirited… painting in the main hall."
"Painting?" Faith asked, only just remembering to keep her voice low
They'd only gotten a few steps inside when Spike cleared his throat softly – still it was easily heard. Everyone turned to look at him.
"Umm… anyone mind givin' a bloke an entrance pass?" Spike asked quietly, holding his hand against the invisible barrier for effect.
"Oh, sorry, William" Dumbledore smiled apologetically, "Come in, come in."
Spike stepped through the door. It was very dark, though Faith could still see it was a hallway. What she didn't see was the large black dog that sped through the open door noiselessly, dodging around their legs and through an archway ahead.
Once the group had reached the end of the hallway and headed into another room, Dumbledore gave the OK to speak normally again.
"You own this place Albus?" Wesley asked, since he'd been the one to give the invite.
Dumbledore shook his head, "No, but it of course serves as our headquarters, allowing anyone from the Order to give out invitations to certain… guests."
"Makes sense" Wesley nodded.
It suddenly came to Faith – Wes had already explained about the Order a day before. The guys holding up what's-his-name. But if this was their base of operations – Faith had her doubts.
In it's own way, the Victorian style house was hauntingly beautiful – but it was in serious need of a good clean up. The room they were in seemed to be a living room, it had a large sofa, two armchairs and a long tea-table in front of the fire place. No television, Faith noted, but she remembered that someone mentioned something about the Wizarding World not needing them (To which Faith had immediately rolled her eyes and said "Everyone needs TV.").
"I'm sorry, I know it's a mess," a voice said in the doorway that seemed to lead to the kitchen beyond.
Everyone turned, Faith blinked. A man was standing there. He had longish black hair – much like Faiths', lightly tanned skin – just like Faiths', a slow try-to-be-irritating smirk – exactly like Faiths', and misty blue eyes – which were not like Faiths' at all.
Faith didn't know what to say (momentarily dumbstruck) – Wes, however, did.
"Sirius Black!" Wes snarled in a tone of voice which seemed to surprise even Spike.
Faith had never heard such a note of cold fury coming from her Watcher. Even when she'd tortured him, when he was angry with anything, even on the Angelus hunt – none of that seemed to compare to this.
"Well waddya know" Spike raised an eyebrow.
"What the hell is that doing here?!" Wes demanded, looking at Dumbledore.
Before Dumbledore could even open his mouth, the other man spoke.
"You've got to believe me, Wes, it wasn't me. It was Peter…"
"You're despicable!" Wes raged. Faith had no idea he had such a temper. "Blaming the dead now, Sirius? That's low even for you!"
"Quiet" Dumbledore ordered in his usual calm, slow manner. Both men fell silent.
Faith raised her eyebrows "That worked."
"Always does" Spike chuckled with a shrug "I for one want to know how he got out of Azkaban." Spike jerked his head towards – Sirius Black was it?
'Hey wait a minute' Faith thought dizzily 'That's my last name.'
"Sirius is innocent" Dumbledore stated, "It's true, Wesley – and Peter Pettigrew is very much alive."
"There's no way he could be" Wesley said shortly, "Unless…"
"I suspected someone close to us was working both sides," Sirius said quietly.
"You switched – good lord, you did, didn't you" Wesley said, sinking into a nearby armchair in front of the fire.
"I did – I did and it was stupid of me, I should have known" Sirius sighed.
"We all should have" Wes said quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose although he didn't wear glasses anymore – old habits really do die hard.
"Faith?" Spike said suddenly.
Everyone turned to look at the Slayer. She was shaking – not something Faith used to do very often, but she was shivering like she was cold.
"Tell me – tell me now" Faith quivered, "I should know him, shouldn't I?" she pointed a shaky finger at Sirius.
Her question seemed to be directed at Dumbledore. Wes glanced sharply at Sirius. It all came to him. He'd forgotten Faith's last name was 'Black'. It had said so on her profile when he became her Watcher. He'd even forgotten it momentarily when she'd told them before they'd gotten into the house.
Back when Wes first became her Watcher – he brushed off the fact, believing that her last name was purely a coincidence. But now that they were both in the same room Wes could see the similarities between Faith and Sirius. It was almost scary – and looking back, Wes started piecing together bits and pieces of Faith's behavior, actions and personality – her wild streak was very much like Sirius' own. Not to mention their love for black leather was the same – Sirius had favored a knee-length leather jacket back in the day, to go with his motorbike of course.
"Is this what I think it is?" Wes asked quietly, his eyes darting back and forth between his slayer and friend.
"Bloody hell" Spike swore – now piecing it all together.
"Faith" Dumbledore said, "Meet your father – Sirius Black."
===
"There – all done" Willow said, when they'd fixed up Dawn's bed in her room.
We'll it wasn't Willow's room exactly – she was simply borrowing it. It had been her cousin Percys' – who apparently had gotten into an argument (or "a row" as Ron had put it) with the family last year and though everything had been cleared up Percy didn't come home. According to Fred and George, Percy now lived in a small apartment type place in the Ministry building, which was apparently full of small apartments here and there. According to Uncle Arthur, a lot of Ministry employees lived there – particularly if they were unattached.
"So – you never finished telling us about Dawn" Harry reminded her.
"You didn't tell us if she was cute, either" Ron added helpfully earning him another smack on the arm from Hermione, "Ow."
"Umm… let's see. Dawn's about this tall" Willow held her hand up to about Harry's height, "She's got brown hair, uhhh… hazel eyes – though I think they've got a little blue in them. Cute? I don't know how you guys define that – but yeah I guess. And trouble seems to always find her wherever she goes."
Harry, Hermione and Ron glanced at each other with raised eyebrows.
"And from what I've heard, that's something you both have in common" Willow grinned and ruffled Harry's hair, "Maybe I could hook you two up – match made in heaven if you ask me."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Then I don't think I'll ask you – like I need a girlfriend who'll get me into more trouble than I already get into."
Willow just laughed as Hermione and Ron exchanged a chagrinned look.
"But seriously, Dawnie's the coolest. At least she'll be here for you birthday – which I hear's gonna be one hell of a party" Willow smiled warmly.
Harry ginned at the thought of his very first birthday party "First party ever – this'll be great."
"Better believe it" Ron laughed, "And to top the day off we'll have a Quidditch match after cake."
Willow and Hermione glanced at each other simultaneously rolling their eyes.
Hermione sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Boys."
===
Faith sat down hard on the couch. She was still trembling. Wesley gaped, his eyes widening in surprise. He had suspected this but still – hearing it confirmed was a shock. Dumbledore sat down on the opposite end of the couch.
Spike's eyebrows rose, as he glanced from Faith to Sirius, "Bloody figures."
"There must be some mistake" Faith insisted, shaking her head vigorously, "You're pullin' my leg, right, teach?"
Faith had taken a breath and stopped shaking – giving a small, nervous smile. It couldn't… he couldn't be… it had to be some kind of joke – a bad joke, but still.
"I'm afraid not, Faith" Dumbledore insisted, nodding solemnly.
Faith shook her head even more roughly if that was possible.
"No… you don't get it – I don't have any parents" Faith insisted, "I never knew my father – he's probably dead – and my mother was an alcoholic."
"No, Faith" Sirius said, looking sober "I'm not dead – and as for your mother, she wasn't an alcoholic."
Something inside Faith snapped – she was mad.
"Yes she was" Faith snapped at him "Don't you think I remember. Always drinking, passing out, never having enough time for me, going out without a word to me and coming back home late at night and high on drugs and…"
"Faith let me explain…"
"NO" Faith yelled rising from the chair.
"Faith – maybe you should listen" Wesley suggested, having said nothing for a good long while "Please – I had my doubts as well but…"
"None of you get it do you?!" Faith raged, "I don't want any explanations – I have no family."
Dumbledore's voice suddenly filled the room.
"Faith, please, listen to what he has to say" Dumbledore said gently.
Faith sat back down. "Fine" she grumbled, she glared her 'father', "Talk fast."
Spike looked at Faith almost feeling sorry for her. She was pissed – no doubt, and Spike could understand what she was feeling – well sort of. He could at least understand why she was being abrupt. Spike sent the Slayer what he hoped was a reassuring look – though he was sure he wasn't very good at those.
But all eyes were now on Sirius who took a deep breath.
"Please understand that this is really hard for me – I haven't really talked about it much since I've been back. But you could say it started a good twenty-two years ago" Sirius began "Voldemort's reign was still powerful. I fell in love with an American Witch who came here to England and joined the Order. Your mother, Faith."
Faith opened her mouth to argue, if her mother was a witch then technically she should be too. Wes shook his head slightly at Faith – a silent request not to interrupt. Surprising even herself, Faith said nothing.
"We got married a year later and had you, Faith" Sirius continued "But when you were only three – Voldemort had learned from an old gypsy woman that a child would be his downfall. Wormtail – or Peter Pettigrew – a lousy excuse for a human being whom I thought was a friend – was already working for Voldemort at the time. He told Voldemort of my child and went to great lengths to try and kill you, Faith. After several narrow escapes I knew I had to get you and your mother out of the country. With the help of Dumbledore, James Potter and Remus Lupin we moved the both of you back to America. I had to stay behind and help fight the war and I planned to return to you when it was over. But Voldemort found out what I was doing and he tracked you and your mother down."
Everyone was silent and Sirius wiped away growing tears.
"Anyway – you should already know by now that Voldemort knows some of the blackest arts – and since he was an essence of pure evil, he had the power to drain the magic from a witch or wizard – this was how he became so powerful – he absorbed the powers of countless witches and wizards – and then he'd kill them when all the magic was drained out of them turning them muggles."
Faith made a mental note to ask what a muggle was later.
"But you must know that when a witch or wizard or sorceress or whatever, has the magic completely drained out of them it can have serious repercussions – some of the worse cases have resulted in soul-extraction and even death. In your mothers case it was most of her grip on sanity. So I suppose that would make her seem drunk.
Voldemort found you in your crib – and then found out that you were a girl. He was furious for the waste of time as he believed that a girl could never bring about his downfall. Although many of his followers were females – he was very big on male-dominance. Voldemort just decided to leave you, thinking you would die anyway – especially with your mother in the condition she was in.
A few short years later Voldemort met his defeat when he turned his wand on Harry Potter who was only a year old. When he was defeated I was planned to finally bring you home and get your mother some help. But the Ministry of Magic arrested me for the murder of James and Lily Potter when it was really Pettigrew who betrayed them to Voldemort. I escaped from prison a couple of years ago and tried to get revenge on Pettigrew – I failed and Harry helped me escape yet again. I'm his godfather you know. Anyway – Harry helped me and I journeyed all the way to America – but of course your mother was dead and you were nowhere to be found. And I couldn't go asking around because I was a wanted man. So I came back here and started helping the Order and Dumbledore has helped me find you."
Faith waited for all this to register. She glanced at Wes who was looking at the floor with a deep frown. It was his 'thinking' face. When he was in such deep thought that not even a marching band trampling through the house would have roused him.
For once Spike had no clue what to do or say to make things any better or worse. He simply looked at Faith questioningly. Faith met his gaze, letting him know she was OK – a little shaken, maybe – but OK. It was surprising how much Spike had become like a sort of older brother… or maybe annoying cousin since he mostly played 'big brother' to Dawn. Even though they argued like cats and dogs a lot of the time – exchanging witty quips and mocking remarks – Spike always made it a point to make sure Faith was feeling alright – and that she wouldn't do anything rash if she wasn't.
Faith's glance slipped to Dumbledore who was looking at the ceiling, as if he knew she was a little uncomfortable and didn't want to be stared at while she organized her thoughts. Sirius – her father – however was different. He looked at her with a feeling she couldn't describe. A mixture of pain, pride, sorrow, love… and a whole mixture of emotions she couldn't explain. He was nervously waiting for her reaction.
Not knowing what to say, Faith looked at the floor and tried to start conversation from a different angle. "This Harry Potter – I've heard of him once or twice – who is he?"
This no one had been expecting. Sirius blinked, Wesley snapped out of his thoughts to stare at her, Spike raised his eyebrows and Dumbledore stopped looking at the ceiling abruptly to look at Faith.
Faith grinned sheepishly.
"Look I dunno what else to say alright" she raised her hands in surrender, "Some guy comes along and tells me he's my father – can't exactly deny it since I look so much like him" at this Sirius smiled slightly, "but really – that's it. What's more important right now is the Voldy-snort-man – and it seems this… Harry Potter, is the key stone in this little war."
Sirius sighed, "James Potter was my best friend and his wife Lily was a close friend as well – his son Harry is my godson."
"You say 'was'…" Faith trailed.
"Faith, James and Lily Potter" Wes breathed deeply, "were murdered long ago by Lord Voldemort."
Faith inhaled sharply, "Shoulda guessed – and the boy is still alive right?"
"Right" Dumbledore said, "You'll meet him – he goes to school at Hogwarts."
"I was hoping for you to meet him sooner if you like" Sirius shifted uncomfortably, "I mean – it's his birthday soon and I'm his godfather and well I wanted him to meet you … and you meet him… and well…" Sirius trailed off looking at the floor, "Wesley – we were friends once, you are more than welcome."
"We are still friends, Sirius" Wes told him, smiling a rare smile, standing up.
Wes stepped forward and gripped his friends hand firmly, "We always will be."
For the first time since she met him, Sirius smiled warmly. The two men hugged, clapping each other on the back.
"Alright" Spike said, breaking the silence, "I know Watcher-Boy here went to Hogwarts – but you two were friends?"
"Watcher?" Sirius said blankly looking at Wesley oddly, "You became a Watcher? Who are you and what have you done with Wesley Wyndham-Pryce?"
"I'm kinda wondering about the whole you-two-being-friends thing myself," Faith piped up.
Wes shrugged giving a little shamefaced smile. Indicating quite clearly to Sirius that they should attend to Faith's questions first.
"We will finish this later" Sirius vowed, as both men sat across from each other – Sirius in the opposite armchair.
Spike opted to stay standing.
"There's not much to tell really," Wes said, "When Sirius, James, Remus Lupin and… Peter Pettigrew," he spat the last name out "were in their Sixth year at Hogwarts, I was in my First along with Remus' younger brother Arion and his twin sister Valandra. Arion became my best friend. And because the Lupin Siblings were always really close we all just kinda… hung out."
"Makes sense, I 'spose" Spike said.
"But you knew my last name was 'Black'," Faith said, looked at Wesley sharply "When you became my Watcher you must have known."
"I didn't realize…"
"Her Watcher?!" Sirius suddenly broke, "Her Watcher – you're a Slayer?" Sirius stared at Faith wide-eyed.
"Well, yeah" Faith said.
"And you failed to mention this why exactly, Albus?" Sirius asked.
Dumbledore just gave a small smile, "Just wanted to surprise you."
"You did that" Sirius glowered, he looked at Faith, "Are you a new or old Slayer?"
"Huh? Oh if you mean before the Potential Slayers were activated – then I wasn't one of them. Been a Slayer for a few years now. Slayer Number two after Buffy."
"Buffy was Rupert Giles' Slayer, right?" Sirius asked.
"Yes she was" Spike nodded, with a far-away look in his eyes. Faith noticed he hadn't said very much the entire time they'd been in the house.
"I know you all have to catch up on things" Dumbledore interrupted kindly, "But it is getting late – perhaps we should show our guests to their rooms, Sirius."
"Oh, yes, sorry" Sirius said, "Zippy!" He called up into the house.
There was a sudden zipping noise that reminded Faith of Speedy Gonzalas or Road Runner on the cartoons. There was a small puff of smoke as a small creature with large flappy ears and a long nose literally zoomed in.
"Yessir" he said.
"Everyone, this is Zippy, our new house-elf – our old one died last month of old age" Sirius explained, "Zippy, please show our guests to their rooms and bring them something to eat if they wish. I'd like you to meet Faith, she's my Daughter."
"Family?!" the… house-elf said in surprise, "Tisanhonortobeserving,MissBlack."
Zippy bowed so low that his nose touched the carpet. Faith blinked – this house-elf talked fast. It took her a while to register that he'd said 'Tis an honor to be serving, Miss Black'. Boy, Zippy really was an appropriate name even if it was a little weird – he talked like he moved – in hyper-drive.
"Uh… serve me?" Faith asked. Noticing that the house-elf's words weren't properly structured sentences, either. But maybe all house-elves talked like that.
"I'll explain later" Sirius promised, "Anyway – show Wesley and… sorry what's your name again."
"Oh, I guess we haven't been introduced" Spike shrugged, "William the Bloody, but just call me Spike."
Sirius shook his hand carefully, he frowned as if trying to place him "Spike – as in Scourge of Europe, Vampire Spike."
"The one and only."
"I'll explain later" Faith told her father.
Sirius shook his head to clear it, "Zippy please show Wesley and… Spike… to their rooms and make sure you walk slow so they can keep up."
"Yessir" the house-elf said, "Please come with Zippy," he said politely to Wes and Spike as he started jogging very quickly on the spot.
The Watcher and Vampire left.
"I'll leave you two alone than, shall I?" Dumbledore said, "I have to sort out some issues with the Ministry tomorrow – if you'll excuse me."
With a sharp 'CRACK' he disappeared. Faith shuddered involuntarily.
"Not scared of me, are you?" Sirius asked, genuinely worried.
"What – oh no, it's not you – it's just that whole disappearing act creeps me out" Faith admitted.
Sirius actually laughed, "Well, that's a shocker, I thought Slayers were afraid of nothing."
"Oh, don't bet on it – we get plenty scared, but we just don't have the chance to run" Faith smirked.
"You must tell me all about it then – come now, I'll show you to your room and then we can talk."
===
"Dawnie!" Willow cried happily, rushing forward to hug her.
"Wills – how are you and how the hell did you do that?" Dawn asked, indicating the fireplace in the Hyperion lobby that the redhead had just come out of.
"Magic" Willow winked, "Literally. You all packed?"
"All set and rearin' to go" Dawn announced, "I even had all the goodbye hugs a few minutes ago so we don't waste precious time."
"Bye, Dawn, have a good trip" Fred smiled and waved from behind the computer, "a double good-bye for good measure."
"I'll send you some books or something – I know your curious" Dawn called back.
Fred grinned and nodded. Gunn waved his goodbye from beside Fred, only pausing to look up from the book in front of him. New apocalyptic demons had made themselves known that night – hence the research mode in full gear.
"Now, you remember, sugar-cookie" Lorne told her, standing up for one last hug, "If anyone gives you any trouble over there in merry old England they'll have to answer to your Uncle Lorne."
Dawn giggled, "Take a number, Lorne, I think Spike is over-protective enough as it is."
"Then I'll back down – but let me know when you want me to listen to those vocal chords of yours."
"It might be a while" Dawn smiled.
"Where's Angel?" Willow asked looking around.
"The Brood-master, Mr. Do-not-disturb himself?" Lorne asked, "Upstairs, in his room. Researching in his own private wonderland."
"Don't worry – I've already said goodbye…"
"Bye Dawn!" A voice yelled from upstairs, "Keep an eye on Spike."
"Will do" Dawn yelled back, she turned to Willow, "Shall we?"
After a few more goodbyes – and an extra hug from Fred – Willow gave a quick explanation about Floo-Powder.
"Oh – and tell Angel that the Hyperion fireplace has now been permanently hooked to the Floo-Network. I've got some relatives who pulled a few strings."
"Will do, sweet-cheeks" Lorne grinned, nodding.
"Right then" Willow smiled, remembering that Lorne just loved his flowery nicknames for everything, "Dawnie, you go first …"
===
It was quite early in the morning back in merry 'ole England…
"Think there gonna come anytime soon?" Ron demanded impatiently.
He, Harry, Hermione and Ginny were waiting by the fireplace for Willows return with Dawn. They all stood in front of it just waiting.
"Be patient, Ronald" Hermione said, though using Rons' full first name usually indicated that she was getting irritated herself.
"I'm sure she'll be here soon" Ginny smiled, reassuringly.
"I just hope she doesn't get off at the wrong grate like I did back when…" Harry started but was interrupted when a figure stumbled out of the fireplace.
Harry reached out instinctively and caught the person before they could fall. It was a girl.
"Thanks" she said, looking up into his face, still in his arms.
Harry's breath caught as he met a pair of hazel/blue eyes, "Uhhh… don't mention it?" Harry tried, smiling slightly, "You must be Dawn."
"Oh, did Willow ever happen to mention my supreme klutziness?" Dawn smiled.
"No – but we got a description" Harry smiled back. Yep, brown hair, average height and cute – emphasis on the 'cute'. Willow's description didn't do her justice.
Suddenly the fire roared emerald green once more and Willow stepped out with a duffle bag that must have been Dawns. Willow grinned when she saw Harry with Dawn in his arms. They hadn't moved.
"Awww – it's a Kodak moment," Willow teased.
Dawn and Harry both blushed and practically sprang apart. Ginny, Ron and Hermione giggled.
"Well, Dawnie, I see you've met Harry Potter" Willow said, still grinning.
"Pleasure" Harry said, still blushing, and seemingly finding the floor very interesting at the moment.
"And these are two of my cousins, Ron and Ginny Weasley, and their friend Hermione Granger"
"Oh – is she here?" A voice called from the next room.
"Dawnie – this is my Aunt Molly" Willow introduced, as Mrs. Weasley bustled out of the kitchen.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Weasley" Dawn said, shaking the red-headed woman's hand, "Thanks for letting me stay here for a bit."
"It's no trouble at all, dear" Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly, "Come now, are you hungry? Breakfast is almost ready – boys, be the gentleman I know you are and take Dawn's bag up to Willow's room. Do you only have one bag, dear?"
"It's mostly just clothes" Dawn nodded.
"We'll have to go shopping for her school stuff" Willow put, "As soon as possible so she can get a head start before September. And then we can make another trip when the others get this school lists this year"
"That sounds like a plan, then" Mrs. Weasley nodded, she looked at Willow, "Perhaps you could show Dawn her room – and Ginny, give her a tour of the house, would you?"
"Sure mum" Ginny nodded.
Willow grinned and gestured to the nearby staircase "This way."
===
"…I was forever asking her out, but your mother was stubborn – she always said 'no'," Sirius said in fond remembrance, "But she didn't know that she'd met the one person even more stubborn and persistent than her. She also was really pissed off when I told her I wanted her to go into hiding with you – it took us weeks to convince her. 'Us' being James, Remus and Dumbledore. Honestly, I think Dumbledore was the one who convinced her – she'd never listen to anyone else..."
Faith grinned – they'd been talking for several hours now and light was slowly starting to seep through the open window. Faith relived her Slayer days and she'd even told him the truth about her being in prison, and why she'd been in there. For some reason Faith felt she couldn't lie to him – she didn't want to.
Sirius had been shocked – but not angry. In fact, he told her that he blamed himself for whatever she did – because he hadn't been there for her.
In turn Sirius was telling her stories about himself, James, Remus (whom she was looking forward to meeting), and Peter Pettigrew (whom she was looking forward to beating up). Most of these were stories from Hogwarts, allowing Faith to learn more about the school she'd be teaching at. Sirius also explained about Harry Potter and everything that'd happened to the poor boy since his First Year (which Sirius wasn't there to witness himself – but his godson had apparently told him all about it in detail).
Faith felt sorry for the kid – famous for something he couldn't even remember, forced to stay with family that mistreated him for his own protection and having countless things trying to kill him non-stop. In a way it reminded Faith of being a Slayer. But Faith knew that the Potter boy was a Champion – like Angel. It was his 'fate' – fing powers that be. They just had to give a one-year-old kid a life-threatening destiny.
The conversation had then slipped to Faith's mother, and how she and Sirius met, courted, had Faith and then went into hiding.
"It's late" Sirius noted, looking at the sun which was quickly rising, "Or early, depending how you look at it. Maybe you should get some sleep."
Faith grinned, "You're really getting this paternal instinct down, ain't ya?" she joked.
Sirius smiled back, he leaned over and kissed her forehead, "Sleep well dear."
We all still awake? Lovely. Anyway – hope you liked this chapter. I hope it wasn't too boring.
A lot of this was supposed to be in italics, but for those of you who write fanfiction you'll know that sometimes it doesn't work for some reason when you load up onto the site. So, sorry for the inconvinience.
For anyone who cares to know, Arion is actually a Greek name – pronounced (uh RY uhn), but for this story we can just pronounce it (Air Ree On). Anyway – according to Greek mythology,
Arion was a singer and musician, inventor of the dithyramb (poem of praise). It was said that he sang so beautifully that the fish would rise from the depths of the sea to listen to him. Indeed – a music-loving dolphin once saved him from drowning.
I know it probably would have made more sense if I'd named Remus' brother Romulus. But that's been done in another story I've read, so I didn't really want to seem like I was copying or nuthin.
By the by – Valandra just come from something I heard once. I don't know if it means anything or whatever.
Just for fun I've decided to add little teaser lines for the next chapter. I've seen several stories that have them and I enjoy them immensely. So I decided to try for myself.
Teaser-line -
"You do realize you've got a chicken-horse in one of your rooms, right?!?!"
How 'bout another?
"You guys fly? Like on brooms? Wizard of Oz style? …Oh we are so not in Kansas anymore, Toto."
One more biggie…
"Bugger off! I am NOT telling you lot what house I was in."
"Oh c'mon, mate, it's not like you were in HufflePuff, right?"
"…"