Chapter 32
It was a short time later that the square was filled with wizards and witches, each performing a different duty. Some were repairing the damage done by the many different battles. Others were rounding up the unconscious bodies of what I found out were Death Eaters. Weird name.
I heard sirens in the distance and didn't know whether it was police or ambulance. I was hoping it wasn't the latter because of my earthquake. I knew it would have had to affect more than this small area.
"Are you all right, dear?"
I looked up at a witch dressed in gray robes who was carrying a gray flannel bag.
"Um, fine. Just tired."
She nodded, "Very well."
She scooted off to find someone that was hurt, I guess. Harry was carted off quickly with Sirius by his side looking very concerned.
"Well I've never felt more useless," Buffy said as she approached, her sword swinging limp in her hand.
"Battle's over, B. Voldemort's dead."
"Does this mean we get to go home now?" Xander said with some excitement. "I mean not that this place is dull or anything, but I could go for a little dull at home, right now."
The thought hit me. We're done. We've finished what we came to do. Just like a thousand times before, the day is saved. And just like a number of times before, over the last year, we were going home, back to Houston and home base.
There was one thing that was different this time. I wasn't sure I wanted to join them.
"Can we talk about this tomorrow, guys?" I said weakly. "I'm really tired and I just want to sleep."
Xander gave me a hand up, "Sure, Wil. Come on back to the house. I'll tuck you in."
********************
I woke early the next morning clutching a pillow to my breast. His scent was still clinging to the fabric and I was already getting heart- sick.
"What am I gonna do?"
It was still dark outside as I dressed and shoved the remainder of my clothes, and other things I picked up while we were here, into the back pack and made my way down stairs.
I dropped the pack by the front door which had been repaired to its previous state and made my way to the kitchen and one last meal before we left.
When I opened the door he was sitting at the table, facing me, holding a cup between his hands. The look on his face was intermixed. On one hand he looked fairly happy when I opened the door. On the other, he looked fairly grim when he saw me.
It was only a second or two before he masked it over and put on a happy face for me. "Fancy a cup of coffee, Willow?"
I nodded without saying anything and found my way to the table. He stood and retrieved a mug from one of the cabinets and filled it. I knew he could have done the whole thing by waving his wand, but instead he chose to busy himself.
"We have to go back today." I blurted out.
He stiffened and set the pot back down. "I know."
I saw him take a deep breath and turn. "Thank you for all of your help, Willow. I'm sure we would have gotten him eventually, but it would have been much messier if you and your friends weren't here."
I was trying to tune out what he was saying. "That's what we're here for."
He handed me the mug and I blew across the top of the rim, cooling the contents. I watched him for any type of reaction. I mean I know he told me he loved me yesterday, but that was before the big battle scene and well, adrenaline will make you say stupid things.
He stared down at the table for the longest time and I just sipped my coffee.
"Willow, ... I ..."
The kitchen door flew open and Xander walked in. "Morning all! What's for breakfast?"
Crap.
Sirius didn't have to think twice. "Coffee. There are some scones in the bread box if you're interested."
Xander smiled and made a beeline to the breadbox. I heard voices coming from the hallway and knew Buffy and Faith were up as well.
"Sirius, how's Harry?" I asked to get my mind off the subject of my love life.
I could see the disappointment on his face. "He'll be fine. Lot of broken bones from the fall and his arm was dislocated, but he's at St. Mungo's getting fixed up."
We spent the better part of an hour having breakfast and chatting over yesterday's events. I was on my third cup of coffee when Buffy said the words I had been dreading all morning.
"Ready to hit the inter-dimensional trail, gang?"
Okay, not those exact words, but close enough.
