A month and a half passed. Xander had portkeyed back to the Guardian Council from Africa to England. Hermione realized how she could work around the portkey problem. The ministry may detect someone making a new portkey but she wasn't really making any new ones. She just repurposed the old portkey by changing the two locations to where they would take someone.
Xander had been trying to get real-estate from the English consulate in Africa but they didn't seem to want to part with even one of their smallest properties within their African domain. But at least now he knew why and would be relaying the information to Giles when he saw him. At the moment Giles was once again at the great Library in England researching something dangerous and demonic that was plaguing the Greek coastline. The slayers would need the information he dug up in order to slay the thing.
Xander knew something was up when he exited the teleportation room and heard the receptionist announce that he was here. Sure maybe his friends just wanted to make sure he was safe but he didn't think that was it. A moment later Buffy showed up and pulled him into the visitor's waiting room before rounding on him.
"Just what did you say to my sister? What did you say to make her so depressed before you left?"
Xander knew exactly what Buffy meant he was just surprised that Buffy didn't know by now. He then realized why she might not know and decided to find out if his suspicions were true.
"Before I answer that I need you to answer a couple of question."
"Hey I asked first. Now spill before I beat it out of you."
"You know me. You can break every bone in my body and still not get anything out of me before I'm ready." He said with a lopsided grin.
"You can be so stubborn sometimes."
"And you can be pretty violent but those are just our quirky ways." He replied with a shrug.
"Alright, fine, ask me your stupid questions." Buffy said
"Okay. Have you been going to the scoobie meeting?"
"Well, yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"Have you been listening or have you been going to that special Buffy place in your head while making everyone believe your listening with the occasional nod and uh-huh's."
Buffy was startled that Xander had figured out her secret. "How long have you known about that?"
"Oh, let's see now. I think it was back in high school."
"Alright fine. I may not listen to everything said at the meeting but the important stuff is usually said in the first five minutes. When the information starts to move into the technical stuff or the history I start to zone. But what does this have to do with my sister?"
"You sisters job was to find out and report the history and economics of Africa. So, what you just told me is that you want to know what's wrong with your sister but you don't want to listen to her when she's telling you what upsetting her."
"No…wait. You mean that the stuff she's been reporting was the stuff that's depressing her."
"Yes. I know people say that Africa is a beautiful land but there is a reason it's known as the Dark Continent."
"I thought it was called that because it was so mysterious."
"It was, but these days the definition of dark when pertaining to Africa has changed. It's a very violent place and I'm not talking about just the animals or anything supernatural. There's the rouge gorilla military trying to take land and make political statements by kidnapping important people, mostly people from powerful countries just to bring attention to their cause. There are terrorist from other countries making there base there. There's prejudice's among there own people as well as foreigners. There's starvation and poverty as well as other inhumanities such as female slavery. It doesn't mater what color the girls are they all have the potential to pull in a heavy price. Believe me I was there. I've seen it." He explained.
"Xander, we're supposed to be moving there in a few months. How are we supposed to live there?" Buffy asked bewildered.
"It's like what Giles said after I told him the same thing. 'What choice do we have?'" Xander replied
"Damn, how am I supposed to fight logic like that?" Buffy said.
"In any case, this is why Dawn has been so depressed." Xander explained.
"Yeah, I get it now. I'll have to go over her notes. And I'm sorry for cornering you like this."
It was then that Willow showed up with a Vi and Rona in tow.
"Good you're both here, right on time. Are you ready to go?"
"I thought we were having the scoobie meeting first?" Xander commented.
"Wouldn't be much point if we didn't help Hermione first, I mean sure there would be a point but not as much of a point as there would be after we helped Hermione with her problem." Willow responded.
"Willow, breath." Vi ordered.
"How many cups of coffee did you have today?" Xander asked.
"Only one and that was this morning. I'm just nervous about meeting new people. I don't want to offend anyone and what we're going to do today will rip people's beliefs to shreds. And what if they get angry with us for that?"
"We'll do fine Willow. What other people think can't be helped. Those that cant take it or don't believe us will end up paying for it in the end and there's nothing we can do about that ether. It'll just be a case of free will at its finest… or… you know… it's darkest." Buffy said.
"So, do you have another portkey or what?" Xander asked.
"No, I'll be taking all of us there to meet up with everyone. Hermione will have the portkey that will take us the rest of the way."
"Just great." Rona said sarcastically under her breath but everyone heard her anyway. She really didn't like traveling by magic.
Xander grabbed a duffle bag full of weapons Vi brought for him. "Alright, ready when you are Wills." he said.
They all went into the teleport room and Willow had everyone hold hands and they all disappeared.
They reappeared in Scotland near a lake with what appeared to have a giant squid swimming in it. Everyone just stared at it.
"Is that thing actually waving at us?" Vi asked.
"I suppose it is." Willow said waving back. "The squid then dropped its tentacle, slapping the water as it did which splashed the five land dwellers."
"Playful little cuss isn't he?" Rona commented sarcastically.
"Oh, don't be like that. And yes I do think it was playing with us. Most of the creatures here are magical and some of them may be intelligent to some degree."
"Alright, where are we supposed to meet up with everyone?" Buffy asked.
"Look behind you." Willow said.
When they did the women all gasped.
"I know, isn't it cool?" Willow asked.
"Oh my gosh, Willow this place is amazing." Buffy said and the rest of the women agreed.
"Sure if you like dangerous looking runes." Xander commented.
"Are you high?" Rona Asked. "This place is beautiful."
"Oh my gosh, Xander can't see the castle." Willow exclaimed. "He can't even approach it. There are wards that make the place look like an old rune to people without magic and other wards that repel them. Oh Xander you have no idea how sorry I feel for you for not being able to see this place. I really wanted to show it to you. This just stinks."
"Don't worry about it Willow. The wizards have their reasons for it. I'm sure I'll live." Xander said trying to calm her.
Willow hugged her best friend as the seven people approached.
"Hello everyone." Hermione said announcing their presence to Willow and Xander at least. The others had seen them approach.
"Hi Hermione." "Harry, I'm surprised you could make it." Buffy said.
"I took the rest of the day off telling my superiors that I was feeling under the weather." Harry replied.
"These are our friends Minerva McGonagall Headmistress of the Hogwarts, Arthur Weasley who works for the ministry, Neville Longbottom, magical botanist, Hannah Abbott landlord, and Katie Bell healer." Hermione said introducing the people she brought with her.
"And these are our friends from the Guardian Council, Willow Rosenberg, muggle magic specialist, Xander Harris jack of all trades, Buffy Summers, Vi Ferriday, and Rona Idoe. Let call them bodyguards for the moment." Harry said introducing everyone from the G.C.
"Wow! You remembered. I guess we made an impression because we all know you don't come and visit that often." Rona said.
"Harry can't help it Rona. He has his duties that can't be ignored." Hermione said defending him.
"Hermione, what's going on? Why did we have to sign those magical binding secrecy documents? I feel like we just signed up for the defense association all over again. If professor McGonagall didn't sign first I don't think most of us would have. And why do we need bodyguards?" Katie wondered.
"And what is the Guardian Council?" Hannah asked.
"Professor McGonagall and Arthur Weasley already have some idea of what's going on. But the stakes are much higher then they were in our fifth year so, secrecy must be kept. As for the Guardian Council, we'll get to that in a moment but first we need to relocate. Everyone will need to hold on to this rope. It's a portkey."
Everyone did so and after Hermione said the password they were all relocated to somewhere dark because where ever they were it was night.
"Where are we?" Hannah asked.
"A small village in Russia." Hermione announced.
"Okay, what are we doing here?" Katie asked.
"Yes, I thought we were to be going to this Guardian Council. I thought you said it was in London somewhere." Arthur inquired.
"Actually we are a global organization. We have properties at all the hot spots." Buffy announced.
"Hot spots?" Minerva inquired.
"We're just about to get to that." Hermione said as they walked towards a shabby little pub.
"For those of you wondering this is not a location of the G.C." Willow said.
"No, this is where we do our job. Guarding the public from what you'll see inside." Xander announced.
As they entered many of them were fascinated with the creatures they saw there.
"We are going to tell you right now that the things in front of you are defiantly not magical creatures. Take a good look and tell us what comes to mind when you look them in the eye. But don't take to long as we expect to be attacked any second."
These statements befuddled them for a moment but took it as the warning it was and quickly looked toward the creatures looking them in the eyes and were startled to see what they found there.
"Dangerous." Hannah stated.
"Evil!" Katie exclaimed.
"Murderous." Arthur said astonished.
"D…d… demon." Neville stuttered in realization.
"Yes, that's it. They're demons." Katie said and everyone agreed except one.
"No! Don't be ridicules. That's not possible." Minerva denied.
It was then the demons began to attack. However, the slayers were on top of the situation as they took the swords and battle axes from Xander's duffel bag and began to slice and chop their attackers to peaces. This startled the witches and wizard. Harry and Hermione began throwing curses to slow the demons down so the slayers wouldn't get mobbed. Willow opened her satchel. The knives inside rose from within and took off like a shot imbedding themselves in the skulls of many demons. When she ran out of knives she began throwing fire balls. The witches and wizards began following their friends lead. One of the demons got close enough to grab Minerva by her robes, it roared in her face and was about to bring its claws down for a killing blow but there wasn't a person that didn't immediately react to their friend being in danger. That single demon was hit with so many spells and blades it was as if it had jumped into a tree mulcher. The slayers had reacted and killed it so quickly and were back in the fray so fast that it gave the other demons pause. They were now uncertain of the outcome of this fight. As a matter of fact they didn't see themselves coming out of it alive. Some of the demons in the back began ripping the back wall apart to get outside because there wasn't a back door. The demons in the front didn't know this however, and were unaware that they were the ones holding the slayers off so the other demons could escape. When the last demon fell Buffy turned to Minerva and said.
"I'm terribly sorry. I take full responsibility. The demons weren't supposed to get by us. This outing was just so that you had proof of demons. "
"I must admit that had the…demon not got as close as it did I probably would not be calling it for what it was. But where did they come from? I mean yes, they must have come from hell but how did they get here on earth?" Minerva asked
"You've heard of the hell mouth right."
"Yes, Miss. Granger, Miss. Rosenberg your sister and I were just talking about it not long ago… Are you saying that it's not just a name? That it truly is the mouth to hell?"
"That's about the size of it. Yes, and the demons have been crawling out of it for generations." Willow said.
"How is it you ladies are so strong?" Hannah asked.
"We're Slayers." Vi answered.
"Slayers?" Katie wondered.
"A girl between the ages of twelve and twenty that has been imbued with strength, speed, skill, and supernatural healing ability she uses to fight the demons and vampires. It's been happening since the dawn of time." Hermione educated.
"What! Why so young and why girls." Hanna asked.
"We were never clear on that. Maybe the shadow men used the first person they could find or maybe because demons equate girls as weak and so they were easy meals. But that's a question we may never be able to answer." Buffy said.
"What I'd like to know why you people risked our lives to bring us her?" Minerva Asked.
"So you could see for yourself that demons were real and that what we're going to tell you is real. So that you wouldn't leave the table thinking that we and your friends Harry and Hermione were crackpots." Buffy said.
"Most people have to be shown the dirty things that live under your bed and at the bottom of your closet besides your soiled socks." Vi said.
"We just introduce you to the things that go bump in the night." Xander said.
"And we're the ones that bump them back where they came from." Rona announced.
"There are almost one half billion demons on earth while the population of mankind is seven billion people. But it was much more than that before two thousand two." Willow announced.
"Why were there so many then." Arthur.
"Because before then, there was only one slayer in all the world but Buffy changed all that when she got a magic user to spread her power to any girl that could be a slayer." Vi said.
"Why have we never seen or heard of them before?" Hannah asked.
"Listen, we would love to answer all your questions but not here. This is enemy territory and we don't need the enemy knowing anymore than what they already do. So lets all go to the G.C. where we can relax and chat."
Everyone agreed and Hermione pulled out the portkey.
/Scene Break/
Half an hour later everyone was sitting around Giles office with a beverage in their hand. Giles had return from the library just for this meeting. After the introductions the meeting began.
"Again, I'd like to say how sorry we are for letting that demon get so close. We thought we had enough slayers to cover everyone but I think in the future we will have one slayer for everyone we induct." Buffy said.
"You expect to do this again?" Minerva asked shocked that they would treat more people this way.
"I don't understand. Why were we inducted in the first place?" Neville wondered.
"The answer to those questions and more are in these very helpful information packets being passed out to you at this very moment." Xander announced as he passed out said packets.
"Before you open them I think we should give you the background story on what your about to read. You see there is a very dangerous issue we were researching that we had a devil of a time finding the answer to." Giles said.
"Meanwhile, I was looking into the reason the magical world separated itself from the muggle world." Hermione announced. "I realized that there had to be a document about it. I went through some very dangerous obstacles to get to it. And because it was in a language lost to the magical world it took time to translate it. What you have in those packets are the history and translations of that document. What you're going to read you wouldn't have been able to believe without knowing that there are demons in the world, which will be explained in the packets. I must warn you, you won't like what you're going to find in that document. Once you've read them and when the shock wares off, be ready to be shocked again because it will be at that point where we get to the real reason for being here, which is about the research Mr. Giles spoke of. Now, please open your packets."
Everyone did so and began reading or rereading in Arthur's case. This time around he found the document to make more sense. And what the group read they didn't like. They read the history of the demon, wizard, and muggle war. They read about the document and the signing of it. They read about the hidden clauses that kept them stagnant in their progression for so long and realized that they could have been so much more. They read about unspeakables and dementors enforcing the laws of the document. And then they read the hand written note at the end that was added as an after thought which read.
To break the enchantment on an individual he or she needs to believe in demons.
"Is this why you took us to that place with all the demons? How do we know if the spell is broken?" Hanna asked.
"I can only tell you how I found out I was no longer affected." Hermione began. "I didn't realize it at first but then I didn't know I had been under the spell in the first place. I didn't know about the spell until I found and translated the document. By that time the spell had been broken for months. All I knew between those times was that I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt more free and more adventurous. I wanted to learn from the world around me not just from books. When I did find out about the broken spell I went back to some spells I was having a hard time creating and was able to finish them with ease. Now that all of you have acknowledged that demons exist you might find the same is true for you."
"That can't be the only reason for this outing." Katie wondered.
"No, it's not and now we come to the part about why your really here. I trust you've all read the part of the document about the conditions of which the document enchantments will end?" Giles asked.
"If you mean the prophecy that can never happen then yes. What about it?" Asked Hanna.
"That's the thing. Certain things have already been put into motion. The prophecy is coming true. The world is about to end and we have proof of it." Willow said. "But first let us explain the why's and how's of its happening. We are about to show you a crude animation that does so. Any humor you may find in it is just to alleviate tension." "We've already tried to show Minerva. I don't know if she believed it but I think she'll have more of an open mind on the subject this time." Willow used the remote control to play Charlie Frost's video on the fifty inch plasma screen. By the time it was over they all looked at the blank screen in shock. Neville looked to Harry and said. "Tell me it isn't true Harry. This couldn't really happen could it?"
"I'm sorry Nev but it's already happening. The temperature of the earth's core is already rising. The muggels already know and have been monitoring it."
"The muggles already know and we're just finding out? How is that possible? Why are the wizards just finding out?" Hanna said sounding a bit hysterical.
"Only the muggle government knows and they haven't told the rest of their people because they know there would be rioting in the streets if word got out." Hermione explained. "And when have the wizarding government ever listened to the muggles? Let's face it that would be the only source it would come from besides prophecies and they tend to scrutinize both sources. However, we really don't think they know anything about it and wouldn't do anything even if they did." Hermione explained.
"Really Miss Granger, this isn't Fudge's administration any longer. Your less than optimistic view of our government is disconcerting." Minerva stated.
"Actually, Harry and I have been discreetly asking questions, hypothetically of course and it would seem that they are completely oblivious to the world ending." Arthur explained.
"I recently had dinner with Kingsley." Harry announced. "I was able to bring the conversation around to procedures of what muggles would do in an extreme emergency and I've even gone as far as asking him what kind of procedures we have if a threat of national natural disaster were to happen, one that could wipe out every living thing. He said that there would never be such a threat and that I have nothing to worry about. There's nothing that magic can't do. That answer had been so childlike it was lucky he was more interested in the food on his plate or he would have noticed my gob smacked expression that answer left me with before I could put on my mask of indifference."
"So, what are you going to do about it?" Hanna asked.
"It's not what I'm going to do. It's what all of us are going to do. And that includes you. The prophecy alludes to a safe haven and we are going to find it and move there." Hermione said lying about not knowing where the safe spot was.
"In the mean time we will be gathering things to save from the magical world that would otherwise be lost forever along with supplies that will be needed for survival. The Guardian Council will help in any way they can and we will be helping them. We are all working together on this." Harry said in his most authoritative voice.
"So you just recruited us. What about family and friends?" Katie asked.
"Let's put it this way. The muggle governments know about the up coming disaster and have built several arks to save a small portion of humanity. But they haven't told the general public because they know that they won't be able to save everybody. There just wouldn't be enough resources. Anyone you would tell, you would be responsible for. It would be your job to feed and shelter everyone. We don't know what kind of people or dangers will be there. And let face it there would be instances during the war where we will see people being less then heroic as they run like the cowards they are. I hate the idea that we have to pick and choose but we simply have no other choice."
"You were referring to that coward Zacharias Smith." Hanna proclaimed.
"Among others, believe me there were more than just him on both sides. I said at the time that I wouldn't hold it against anyone to turn and run but let's face it I put a lot of time in training every one, Zack more than most. Then I find out that he became a thief and using his magic to rob muggles. He's lucky he left the country before the auror's caught up with him. I'm too disappointed in him and his cowardice to even conceder him. He just disgusts me to much." Harry confirmed.
"I don't think any of us would disagree with you Harry." Hanna said.
"We are in a similar situation. There are thousands of highly trained slayers. But we can't save everyone. There will be a significantly smaller number going with us." Giles announced.
"I can see why most of the others were picked for this but why me? I'm just a land lord." Hanna asked.
"You were part of the defense association and you are all for the most part unattached. You Neville and Katie haven't got extended family so you were the first group we contacted. Arthur and Professor McGonagall already knew about some of it almost at the same time Harry and I found out." Hermione explained.
"How did you find out about all this?" Neville asked.
"I have a job in the muggle world as a librarian at the Great Library of England. It was there I met Mr. Giles who needed my help looking for demon prophecies when we stumbled upon one that spoke of the cleansing. Once you've found it you can find it in every religious book in every language in every country. It was under our nose all the time. It's just the location of the safe spot that's hard to find but we're working very hard to find it."
"Now I see where this Guardian Council comes in." Hanna said. "So what now?"
"Yeah, what do we do now?" Katie asked.
Hermione left out a sigh of relief that this was going so much better than she had expected. "Well since were here, I thought we could make a list of thing that we should collect and then discuss who to contact next."
"Can we have a break first? Like maybe and hour or two? This is a bit overwhelming and I'd like just a little time to…I don't know…think or process or whatever." Neville said looking a little green.
"Yes, of course, I should have thought of that. I'm sorry everyone, you all must be feeling overwhelmed. Do any of you want to postpone this meeting till maybe tomorrow or a few days from now?" Hermione asked.
"If Neville and everyone else are up for it a couple of hours will be fine." Hanna said.
"I wouldn't mind finding out more about the Guardian Council. I'm sure with the jobs you do many of you get hurt, and being a healer I'd like to know what kind of treatment the injured get." Katie said,
"Sure, I can do that." Xander said. "Anyone else want to come?"
No one answered which surprised Harry and Hermione because they were sure Arthur would want to go but he was rereading the translations of document zero.
"Alright, just to be clear, there are only a few girls here that know anything about the cleansing. Anything we discussed in this room stays in this room. If you happen to mention it please call it a bake sale. It's the code words we're using this week."
After everyone agreed, half the people left the room while the others stayed to ask detailed questions about document zero and the cleansing.
/Scene Break/
Five minutes later Neville was sitting on a stone bench out in the yard where several slayers were watching a demonstration in some form of hand to hand combat. Neville wasn't really paying attention to it though. Someone put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to find Hanna.
"Hey." he said.
"Hey yourself." She said sitting down besides him. There was a pregnant pause before she continued. "What are you feeling Neville?"
"It's just one thing after another. It's just snowballing out of control. Every year it's another funeral or some other bad news. I thought we were going to enter happier times after the war, after our friends and family members were buried. But it just seems to keep going, one tragedy after another. First my Father the next year my Gran then my Mum and then that outbreak of dragon pox lasted a year and a half before we got it under control."
"I know Nev, it's very depressing."
"Frustrating is more like it."
Hanna looked at him puzzled.
"Every time I want to mark a date with a special and hopefully happy occasion some other tragedy pops up to sour it all."
"I don't think I understand?" Hanna replied.
"I'm not even half as upset about the deaths as I am frustrated about the bad timing of it all. I've come to the conclusion that there will never be a time that isn't going to be marked with tragedy for one of us. I don't want you to think that I'm doing this because of the…" Neville stopped as he looked towards the slayers when Hanna finished his sentence.
"The bake sale?"
"Yeah…Hanna, we've been going together since the war ended. Longer if you count the times we spent in each others company in Hogwarts and for the past few years I've been trying to ask you something only to have something else pop up."
"What is it Neville?"
"Please don't think I asking this because of the, a… bake sale. Neville got off the bench and got down on one knee in front of her. He pulled out a small box from inside his robes."
"I've been carrying this with me for ages in hopes that I'd find the right time." He opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring. "Hannah, you are the most beautiful woman I know. Your heart shines golden and anyone its light touches knows the gentle and caring soul you are. I have admired all those things that make you so special for a long time now. You warm my heart and breathe new life into me whenever I'm low and you're close. I would consider it to be an honor to share the rest of our day together. Hannah Abbott will you marry me."
From the moment Neville got down on his knee and Hanna realized what was happening she felt her blood rushing through her so fast it felt like her veins had tidal waves flowing through them. Her emotions were high and whirling through her head like a spinning top. She knew she loved him and she knew he loved her. She dreamt of him asking her this question for so long. She understood how he felt about the poor timing of events that transpired and would prevent him from asking. She really did because she knew he wanted to ask and just as she thought he was going to, tragedy struck. She was so happy that he didn't let it get in the way this time.
"Oh thank God. I don't think I could take another tragedy getting in the ways of our happiness. Of course I'll marry you Neville nothing could make me happier." She said and kissed him deeply.
The slayers across the yard just stopped as they saw Neville get down on one knee. They couldn't hear what was being said from so far away because of the music they were playing for the demonstration but they knew the romantic scene Neville was enacting and watched it play out. They held their breath as they waited to see Hanna's response. When they witnessed her nod and kiss him passionately tears ran down some of their faces as they began to clap and cheer with congratulations just as Neville slipped the ring onto her finger. The happy couple was a little embarrassed to have an audience but they just held on to each other and began nodding and waving to the bystanders. The slayer that had been giving the demonstration then got her class back on track and Neville and Hanna took a stroll around the yard basking in each others glow of happiness.
/Scene Break/
Xander had been showing Katie the medical wing. Katie was impressed. She was familiar with muggle medical practices and their equipment and for not having magic they were well equipped to handle most any injury.
"I'm very impressed. I can see you even have many of the muggle machines necessary for diagnosing injuries."
"Yeah, but some of it is pretty antiquated."
'Isn't that the machine that allows you to see the bone under the skin."
"An X-ray machine, yes but there are better machines that allow you to see the organs as well as the bones. If we had that we might have been able to save many of the slayers that got skewered through their kidneys or other such organs."
"Still, the machines you have were undoubtedly expensive and hard to get hold of, were they not?"
"Yes they were. Purchasing them had to be low key. We couldn't put most of it on the books because people would start asking questions. "
"Not bad for a secret organization."
"How do you do it in your world?"
"With magic of course, I can do many of the same diagnoses that your machines do with just my wand as well as some small healing spells, bigger ones and diseases require potions."
Just then two slayers walked in one clutching a blood soaked rag to her nose.
"Jenny, what happened?" Xander said.
"Training accident." The unhurt slayer said. "She didn't block the bamboo sword in time, not that she saw it coming"
"Why weren't you using head protection?"
"It wasn't supposed to be a practice match. It was a demonstration. Kathy wasn't even in the demo; she was a spectator who got to close." Jenny explained.
"Well who hit her?"
Jenny cringed. "That would be me. And what's worse is that it was my demo."
"Well I know she's is your best friend. So, I know you wouldn't have done this to Kathy on purpose; you two go shopping together every other week. Well, as long as this wasn't a fight. I won't have to write you up, just the injury report. May as well have a seat the doc will be back from break shortly."
"I can take care of it if you like." Katie said.
"No, I don't mind, go right ahead." Xander offered.
Katie told Kathy to remove the rag. Once it was removed the nose bled freely. Katie took Kathy's chin in her hand and looked at the nose. She brought up her wand and pointed it right between Kathy's eyes and said 'episkey' everyone in the room heard a clicking sound as the bone in Kathy's nose moved into place and mended itself. To Kathy it felt burning hot, then ice cold but in the end her nose was completely healed. There wasn't any blood or even any pain when she touched it. Slayers healed fast but this was just amazing. Katie wasn't done however, as she pointed her wand at Kathy once more and said 'Tergeo' and all the blood was gone.
"Wow! Thanks a lot. You wouldn't believe how hard of a time I have getting blood out of my cloths. And thanks for my nose too."
Xander went to the filing cabinet and pulled out two forms and handed them to Jenny and Kathy. "Here, go into the other room and fill theses out explaining what happened. Put them in the 'in' basket when you're done."
The slayers took the forms, sighed and walked into the next room.
"I take it this happens often?" Katie asked
"Oh yeah, slayers can be brutal when training but put them on patrol and they don't hold back like they do during practice but nether do the demons. Many slayers come back hurt badly and near death and yes we have lost some girls because of it or because we didn't have the right medical supplies. We keep improving in all three areas; practice, patrol and medical care to make sure these girls get only the best."
"May I ask you a personal question?"
"I suppose. I may not answer though."
"Fare enough. What happened to your eye?"
"One of the worst of the big bads decided I've seen too much and decided to push his thumb through it."
"And there was nothing your doctors could do for it."
"Well, the nerves are still there and functioning but not enough to attach a new eye and they couldn't guarantee that I'd be able to see more than a blur with a donated eye anyway. Plus the muscles were damaged too much and wouldn't be able to move the eye."
"May I see?"
"I don't know it's pretty gruesome in there."
"I am a healer but if you don't wish to show me the damage you don't have to take the patch off. I'll be able to get what I need from my wand."
"Alright then, if you really want to."
Katie waved her wand several times around his eye socket after a few minutes she smiled at him and as she put her wand away.
"Well, if you ever want a new eye I can probably make it happen for you."
"Yeah, and that's what bothers me. The word 'Probably' doesn't inspire too much confidence in me seeing anything."
"Oh, you would definitely see through the eye I gave you and I can even tie it to the motion of your right eye so that wherever it pointed the left would follow so the damaged eye muscles wouldn't be a problem. The only part that the word 'Probably' would be a problem would be political. You see, they don't treat muggles at St. Mungo's not even if they suffered spell damage from a witch or wizard. So, if you want to go through with it we'll have to work around it somehow."
"Wait…you mean you can positively give me a functioning eye and give me my depth perception back? I'll really be able to see with it as good as I could see with the eye I was born with?"
"Yes, better in fact, much better. Getting one of the golden trio to help should be easy they seem to like you and your organization."
"Golden trio? Who are they?" he asked.
"Well Harry and Hermione of curse. Didn't you know? They are very powerful figures in our society. They're war heroes. They get a lot of leeway for most of their endeavors."
"You said 'trio' who is the third?"
"Someone we recently found out wasn't a hero at all. Harry and Hermione were the real heroes Ron was the coward that ran. Harry and Hermione covered for it because Hermione had hopes of marriage with Ron but he cheated on her so the truth came out."
"Oh wait, I read that in the paper Luna gave me. Come to think of it, it was the night it happened. I remember thinking it was odd because Hermione didn't look all that upset like a woman who dumped her boyfriend."
"It just goes to show what a piece of work he was."
"I suppose. So how can we make this eye replacement happen?"
"We'll have to get together with Harry for his help."
"Are you sure you'll be able to get me in to get this done?"
"If not it'll have to wait till we get settled in the safe land when I can open my own practice."
"I don't want any of my friends to know anything. If it works I want to surprise them. I don't want to get their hopes up if we can't do it or it doesn't work."
"I could do that. But perhaps we should be getting back. I'm sure there's a lot to talk about yet."
"Yeah, you're probably right. Let's go. He said with high hopes for the future at lest for his eye sight."
/Scene Break/
For the past two hours Arthur and Minerva had found out more about muggles than they had in their entire lives. To realize how far behind the magical world really was almost made Minerva want to cry. Arthur, however, was fascinated. He almost wished he could be a muggle over a wizard because of all the wondrous things they could do. Giles, Willow and Hermione helped them understand, now that their minds were more open to it. Within that time Willow had shown them both several examples of the things muggles can do that is just the same as magic or better. Magic however, still had the edge in several areas.
The room started to fill with Harry and Hermione's guests as they came back from wherever they had been. But before Hermione could bring the meeting to order Neville and Hanna stood.
Before we get started Hanna and I would like to make an announcement. During the break I asked Hanna to marry me.
And I said yes. Hanna concluded.
The room erupted with congratulations. Everyone was happy for the newly engaged couple. It took another few moments for the meeting to get back on track but it eventually took off at speed, focusing on topics that Hermione and Harry hadn't thought of. While they thought that Katie would think of ways to get there hands on magical medical supplies they hadn't expected Professor McGonagall to talk about diverting funds and equipment from Hogwarts to supply them with the means to create a new magical school.
Truth was they hadn't even thought of a new magical school or anything about what they would do with their lives after the cleansing. They supposed this could be one possibility. After more items and equipment were discussed it came down to who else they would tell and hopefully recruit.
"Before we came up with the idea of people without extended family I did some checking into some of the others from the D.A. among them I found that Cho Chang is rarely seen in the magical world as she has married a muggle and only come into Diagon alley for certain supplies she feels are better than the muggle equivalent such as wizard cleansers and potion ingredients, Peeper-up potion when she was feeling sick and of course Gringotts to do her banking. Other than that the war put her off the wizarding world for good and wouldn't come to this meeting if Harry himself begged her to.
But she's a pure blood, it's her heritage. How could she throw it all away? Minerva asked.
"The War hurt us all in different ways." Harry began. "Many of us still wake up with night terrors. Others just couldn't bear to live without there best friends at their side. If I remember correctly Cho lost many a good friend during that final battle. She probable has been doing everything she can to avoid remembering that time."
After a reflective pause Hermione decided to change the subject. "At this time I would like to ask how everyone feels about recruiting Lavender Brown. She asked.
Everyone looked at everyone else around the table and one by one everyone said they would have no problem with her but that she might have a problem with everyone else.
What's the problem with this Lavender Brown chick? Dawn asked.
She's become a shut in, a recluse. During the final battle she was bitten by a werewolf, a real furious one whether man or beast by the name Fenrir Greyback. Lavender was his last victim before he was taken down. Everyone thought she was dead too. She was put in with the rest of the bodies. If Parvati hadn't gone in to say goodbye to her and noticed that she was still alive it would have been a sad way to go. She immediately brought it to the healer's attention. Katie said.
I almost hexed that healer when he treated her like she didn't matter because she was now a werewolf. I think he might have been the one to send her to the makeshift morgue that day. Harry said.
"Well we showed him." Hanna announced. "You could see he nearly wet himself when most of Gryffindor surrounded him their wands pointed at him for being such a bigoted prat. You know, Parvati use to try visiting her every week. I don't know if she still does."
Is it really that bad for werewolves in your world? Buffy asked.
It used to be worse before the war but the minister we have now use to work with a werewolf in the order that was against Voldemort. He's been passing law in favor of the werewolf population and putting an end to any legislation that takes away any of the freedoms the rest of us enjoy even if it goes against the Wizengamot. That isn't very often when he has Harry and the press at his side. But he gets a lot of flack from angry citizens that have grown up with the bigotry and don't want them living among us. Hanna explained.
"Well, you can tell Lavender that we have people that can teach her to take control of the wolf." Willow announced. "She'll still be a werewolf but she won't have to change if she doesn't want to. She'll keep her mind when she does and will be able to use the heightened senses the wolf gives her to do other things even when she isn't in wolf form.
That…that's not possible. Minerva said in shock.
Tell that to our friend Oz. He uses his senses to find lost children." He's taught several others. One of them is his on again off again girlfriend. Buffy said.
"It's true I've met him and seen it for myself." Hermione confirmed.
His record for not transforming is eighteen months. He only took wolf form that time to find a kid lost in the wood going on three days in November. Apparently four legs are faster than two. Who knew? Xander commented.
I'd like to meet this Oz person. Maybe he and I could write a book and get the information out to other werewolves. Katie said.
He'll have to be a silent partner because he's a muggel, Katie. Harry announced.
I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Willow said. He would just want the information to get out there to help others. I'll have a talk with him.
Moving along, who else will we be recruiting? Harry asked trying to keep the meeting focused.
People's names were tossed around in favor of recruitment. Some were from the D.A. some were Hogwarts staff, Aberforth Dumbledore had been mentioned, Marietta Edgecombe was dismissed because no one trusted her after telling Umbridge about the D.A. Thankfully no one mentioned Ginny or Ron even after many of their brothers were mentioned, possibly because they read what had been happening between them in the Papers. In the end they came up with at least fifteen names, which everyone agreed should go and could also keep a secret with possibly more added at a later date. Harry and Hermione were skeptical about Hagrid secret keeping abilities so everyone agreed that he be in the last group contacted. They decided that groups of five would be the safest number of people for the outings and Buffy would supply just as many slayers for their protection plus herself or Willow as the representative speaking for the G.C. After another hour the meeting came to an end. Hermione had taken many notes and was pleased with the input from the others. It was because of this input that she realized how much bigger their jobs were going to be. Everyone agreed to try to be here when the next groups were to be recruited. Those that couldn't make it would be filled in later. The group began gathering their things and in preparation to leave. Vi was asked to show everyone back to the teleportation room while Harry and Hermione stayed behind. While their meeting was over the Guardian Council's was about to begin and Harry and Hermione were invited to stay to find ideas they may have overlooked. When Vi returned, Xander decided to open the meeting with his concerns.
So, how has everyone responded to the bug-out bags?
Well, the slayers don't seem to mind them, they all seem to like learning how to use the equipment in them. The witches however, keep giving us a hard time about them. One of the topics they argue about is why they need to know the seven ways to make fire when they can do the same thing with magic much easier.
Well they may have a hard time in the coming months because earth magic is getting harder and harder to channel. Willow announced. After the earth goes through its changes they may find themselves without power for some time while the earth heals.
Yeah but they aren't privy to that information yet. Dawn replied.
Well in any case no one gets a free pass they all learn about every peace of equipment within the bags or the slayer are on research duty and the witches have to patrol on demon hunts and you know how much they both hate those duties. Vi said.
But for the most part the girls feel like their in the girl scouts and kind of like it so they're a big hit at the moment. At least until they find out they'll be carrying them around all the time by the end of next year. Dawn commented.
In any case, I want to know how things are progressing with the hunt for real estate in the Dark Continent. Giles asked Xander
Giles, I'm having a hard time nailing down property for the G.C. They keep telling me they haven't any land to sell at this time but I know certain properties have been vacant and on the market for decades.
But why would they lie. Giles asked.
I wondered that myself and one night I figured that the one place I could get the answers was at the town bar. Some of the locals were able to inform me of what was going on. In the past Africa was split into territories between the British the French, Spanish, Portuguese, Germans, Italians, and Belgians. According to the world view these territories no longer exist which is a farce. Those same nations still legally hold real-estate that they won't give up easily to someone not of their nation. Once I found that out I figured that the U.K. and America being allies would give me a foot in the door with the British but I soon found that they don't want to sell to an American even though I tried telling them that it was for a school run by an Englishman.
I see. Well this is problematic. I don't have the time to shop around for real-estate there's just too much going on in several of the hot spots. I'm sorry Xander you'll just have to try harder.
I'll do my best but I really can't promise anything.
You must find a way to succeed Xander our survival depends on it.
Okay Giles. No pressure. Do you want a side of fries with that?
"Xander!" Giles reprimanded.
"Giles!" Buffy exclaimed. "He said he would do his best. You need to back off."
"Buffy." Xander calmly got her attention. "It's the withdrawal."
Willow's head snapped in Giles direction. "Have you been drinking the tea I've been mixing for you mister?"
"Yes, but I suppose I should have drank some before this meeting."
"I'll make some for you Giles." Dawn said and went over to the corner where the hot water urn was to make Giles special tea blend. The tea definitely took the edge off Giles magic withdrawal but it seemed to be needed more frequently than he liked and therefore needed to run to the loo more often.
After Giles received his drink the topic turned to what new items the group thought to bring, how to store it and when to ship it. The later being dependant on when Xander could find land for them to live on. Ultimately the topic turned to which of the slayers to bring with them and how many and as usual the meeting became a bit emotional with a bit of an argument about who deserves it more. Slow but sure, the lists were coming together. Soon the ones picked would be stationed here at the England branch for their special training unaware what they were being trained for before heading to wherever Xander found property in Africa. After an hour the meeting came to an end yet another meeting would be held tomorrow with the group sent by the 'powers that be'. Harry and Hermione learned a lot and had plenty of notes on how to conduct their next meetings and what topics to cover. Fifteen minutes later Harry and Hermione said their goodbyes and headed home. Well, Hermione headed home Harry however, needed some odds and ends from muggle London.
/Scene Break/
With a wave of his wand Harry was now dressed in a business suit because he wanted to give the appearance of a successful business man just getting off work. And why not; he was very successful in his business and wanted his success to translate in the muggle world as well. Harry was one of the few wizards that knew how to dress like a proper muggle. The only other person he knew to be able to do so was the long since deceased Barty Crouch senior.
Some new jeans, a tin of tea, a bag full of citrus fruit and a few muggle snacks he would sometimes get a craving for later, Harry was ready to leave the city and go back to the leaky caldron when he past a parking lot and heard a very familiar voice. He couldn't miss it, it was yelling about tire company's producing inferior products and how the city needed to maintain the roads and keep them clean. Harry walked over to the couple as the elder man had his head in the boot of the automobile.
Hello Uncle Vernon. Hello Aunt Petunia.
Vernon hit his head on the lid of the boot before coming out rubbing the lump that would soon grace his head.
You! What the hell are you doing here boy? I thought we were done with you and your lot. Haven't you done enough damage to our lives?
Actually, I just happened to be passing by when I heard you wailing about the cities street cleaners. It's nice to see you both came out of the war safely.
When you left I had hoped you died in that so called war you were supposed to be heading into. Yet here you are without as much as a scratch on you. It was a load of hogwash if you ask me. Vernon said.
Harry wasn't surprised at anything Vernon said. Quite frankly he would have been scared had they said they missed him. "I'm happy as long as you all came out of it safe and sound. You're the only blood family I have after all." He said glancing at his aunt. "Where did the order hide you anyway?"
"How the ruddy hell are we suppose to know." Vernone yelled. "We never saw the outside of any of the places they kept us prisoner. We spent months in hiding until they told us it was over and we could go home. I still haven't figured out your angel but when I do I'll have the proper authorities slap you in the clink where no wand or flying car will get you out."
Harry was amused at hearing that. His escapes from Pivot drive were some of his most fond memories. Harry then looked toward his Aunt. She stood stock still with an unreadable stony expression on her face. She probably was holding in so much fear and loathing at seeing him again. If she uttered anything she would probably brake out screaming at him so he opted to just nod in her direction.
And just what the hell do you think you're doing dressing like normal people and in a business suit no less. Vernon said interrupting Harry's assessment of his aunt. He looked down at his clothes and then back to Vernon with a smile.
You know what they say Vernon. A person should dress for success. My wife wouldn't want to see me in anything less. I must say I'm slumming it a bit but my Armani suit is at the cleaners.
Like you can afford an Armani suit. Vernon scoffed.
For your information dear uncle I'm actually a millionaire several times over. I mean I was a multi millionaire since I was born but I've added millions of my own after the war by making really good investments.
With these statements Harry had lied a little bit about several things. He didn't own an armani suit, he own several. He had more than a few million in trust held for him. However, he didn't know anything about it until after the war. He also had non liquid assets such as family heirlooms and real-estate he had inherited from the Potter line but the investments only made a few million so far. His product endorsements easily made at least a million on top of what he had inherited. However, he had no intention of explaining this to Vernon. It was better to state things without complicating it to much for his uncle's small thought organ he called a brain. He watched as Vernon's piggy eyes shifted back and forth obviously wondering if Harry was telling the truth at one point he looked like he was going to deign Harry's claim but as he looked over Harry's expensive suit saw Harry's manicured nails and Harry's overall confidents he decided it wasn't a lie and so decided to pounce.
You owe us boy. He growled. You owe us for all the hardship you put us through. We took care of you when no one else would. We fed you, clothed you, and put a roof over your head for fifteen years. We put up with all your shenanigans like the time you blew up my sister and putting Dudley life in danger with those dementoes. I demand compensation.
"Or what?" Harry replied knowing Vernon didn't have a leg to stand on in this situation. He watched for a few seconds as he saw his uncle flounder for a retort but decide to take that privilege away from him as he continued. "As far as feeding me you gave me the scrapes off your plate. The most disgusting gristle that you wouldn't consider eating, old brown apples, a tin of outdated oysters that you weren't sure were any good. The clothes you gave me were worn hand-me-downs from Dudley that were eight sizes to big. And the roof over my head you made sure I earned with the labor of the cores you had me do. As for that beastly foul woman you call your sister she deserves every nasty thing magic can throw at her and more. I have absolutely no regrets when it comes to that day she inflated and flew out the window. I can leave this world with a clear conscience about the matter. As for Dudley that was kind of my fault. The dementors were after me, to kill me. Dudley just so happened to be near me at the time. Had I not used magic to chase them away he'd be a walking soulless automaton drooling on his shoes for the rest of the 'bodies' life.
Petunia squeaked as she shuttered thinking about her boy's soul being lost.
Where is Dudley by the way? Harry asked.
He moved out to start his own life. He's gotten married as well. Vernon tried to boast but sounded a bit flat.
Oh really? Any kids?
Vernon growled as he ground out a 'No' in response. Petunia looked at her feet.
"Well we're even in that respect. My wife and I haven't started making a family yet ether." Harry had little hope that he would ether but he wasn't going to tell Vernon that."
"Never mind about Dudley. What about compensation for taking you in."
Harry was surprised that he wasn't surprised at the gall his uncle had in continuing to demand money but that was Harry's goal when he told Vernon he was a millionaire. Greed would be Harry's revenge.
"Alright you want money here, take my pocket change." He said as he dug through his pockets. "Here is two thousand pounds."
Vernon's eye's boggled as he tried to process his nephew carrying two thousand pounds in small notes as walking around money which Harry was now shoving into his hands.
I have money for Dudley as a wedding gift as well. If you want to tell me where to send it I'll have it delivered to him.
"He doesn't deser…. want your money." Vernon corrected himself in mid sentient. "You can just give that to me as well."
Harry heard the word 'Deserve' even though Vernon didn't say it. Harry thought that he must be still holding a grudge about Dudley saying he didn't think Harry was a waste of space.
"I think not. Dudley 'deserves' my special attention, maybe a hundred thousand pounds worth."
"Wait a moment. You only gave me two thousand pounds. That can't even be considered what I would call compensation, this is peanuts, this is an insult."
Harry got nose to nose with Vernon and smiled as he coolly said. "I know."
Vernon threw the notes at Harry's chest which fell to the ground as the breeze carried them in all directions across the parking lot.
Harry shook his head in disappointment. He then looked to his Aunt who seemed to be staring at him so hard she seemed to be looking through him. Harry then looked to the car and saw the flat tire his uncle was about to change for the spare. "Well the least I can do before I go is help you with the flat."
Harry pulled his wand from his sleeve and waved it at the tire which then seemed to inflate. He noticed a huge hole the size of his hand in the edge of the tire which Harry couldn't fathom what Vernon managed to roll over to make such a nasty gash. Air would never stay in that tire the way it was but luckily it was filled with magic and that would never leak out. He could have repaired the hole as well but thought it would be funny to see what his uncle would make of it. He wasn't disappointed ether as his uncle growled and turned red.
"You and your lot can't even change a tire properly. Why don't you just leave? Get the hell out of here before I call a policeman and have you arrested for harassment and loitering and…and…and…damaging my tire."
"Sure thing Uncle Vernon." He said and turned to say goodbye to his Aunt when he noticed some type of emotion in her eye he couldn't identify. He may not have understood what the emotion was but it stirred some emotions within him. This was his Aunt; she and Dudley were his only blood relatives. By this time in the year two thousand thirteen he would be the only one left. There would be no one of his blood left. He would truly be alone in the world. So would many others but he had family and still felt alone most of his life. He didn't know why but this was important to him he needed to tell them or at least her. He needed to at least try and save them even if they didn't deserve it. Even if they didn't appreciate it. He needed to try.
"Aunt Petunia, I need you to listen to me. I need you to believe what I'm about to tell you." He said with some urgency. "There are some very reputable people that have found a prophecy throughout many religions that states the continents will sink between the months of December two thousand twelve and May of two thousand thirteen. The muggle governments have proved it with science. They've been measuring the temperature of the earth's core and it's heating up. They know the world is about to end and have been building arks to save a select few. You won't hear anything about it from the government because they don't want to deal with the riots it would cause. My friends and I have been researching it for a while now. We believe that the only safe place that will be left will be Africa. If you value your life as much as I obviously do get to Africa before December and stay there. There won't be a land mass called England after that. There won't even be a United Kingdom."
Just then Vernon stop giving his damaged tire a death glare that was sure to melt it at some point as he heard some of the yarn his nephew was spinning in Petunia direction. "Are you threatening my wife? Just what kind of cods wallop are you dishing out these days? As if we were interested in anything you had to say. I thought you said you were leavening. Why don't you follow up and get the hell out of our sight."
"Right you are uncle and by the way I'm really proud that you got over your obsession for money. I'm sure some well deserving vagrants will really appreciate that you would let two thousand pounds of your money drift into their hands. They could probably really use it for shelter and a hot meal and stuff. Well so long. He said and tapped the top of his head with his wand and faded away.
Vernon then looked back to the parking lot as he watched his money drifting around it. He looked back at the tire and then back to the lot and decided that the tire could wait and began chasing the notes to Harry's amusement. Harry wasn't really gone. He just disillusioned himself to watch the entertainment his uncle would be providing and he wasn't disappointed. He looked back to his aunt who also watched the spectacle Vernon was making of himself running after the notes. Harry was surprised to see amusement on her face as well. She had a smile on her face. She rolled her eyes and shook her head as she got into the car to wait for her husband to stop being silly. As Vernon bent to pick up another note Harry had to bite down on his fist to keep from laughing as Vernon's split his pants wide open to revile smiley face boxer shorts underneath. Harry was surprised again as he heard a scream of laughter coming from his Aunt. With the car windows shut it was too muffled for Vernon to hear across the parking lot but Harry heard it just fine.
By the time he was done Vernon would only have retrieved a hundred and twelve pounds of the two thousand he threw into the wind. He was to frustrated, angry and too embarrassed to change the tire in his split paints so going against his hatred of all things magical he decided to drive home on the magically inflated tire with an obvious gaping hole. And Harry made his way back to his apartment above the Leaky Caldron.
