Giles stared across the table at Meggie. They had dispatched with all the small talk, and now it was time to find out why she was here.
"Ah…Meg," he began as he removed his glasses.
"Ripper, put your glasses back on," interrupted Meg. "You want to know why I'm here, right?"
"Well, yes. Don't think that I'm not happy to see you, but it your arrival was rather unexpected," Giles said hesitantly.
"Well, I am the new associate professor of Psychology here at Sunnydale University. Apparently, the last Professor was skewered by a hybrid demon she made," began Meg with a grin, but that was fleeting. When she continued her face fell in hesitation, "Now as to the other part…"
Giles reached over to take her hand, but instead, knocked over a glass of wine.
"Oh, blast," he said as he started to blot the stain with his napkin.
"Ripper, let me," said Meg, pleased that circumstance had provided her with the opportunity she was looking for. She subtly waved her hand over the glass and stain and in a soft voice said "Vinotassium Restoria." Instantly, the stain was gone and the glass was filled with wine again.
"Oh dear," whispered Giles. "I see you have followed in your grandmother's footsteps."
"Well, I followed in your family's footsteps as well," answered Meg with a small grin. "I'm also affiliated with the Watcher's Council now."
"Now just a bloody minute," began Giles. "If those idiots think they can come here and replace me as Buffy's watcher, they had best think again. Don't they remember what happened the last time they replaced me?"
"Giles, shut up and listen to me, will you," said Meg. "I am NOT here to replace you at all. After the council's last meeting with Buffy when the provided her with information regarding Glory, they learned their lesson. There is a special bond between all of you and they are not going to interfere with that."
"Well, then, why are you here?" asked Giles in confusion. "Is there another slayer? There wasn't one called when Buffy died this time was there?"
"No, they next slayer will be called when Faith dies. I'm a new kind of watcher. I'm here for Willow and Tara. Those two girls are two of the most powerful witches the council has seen in a long time, but they need guidance. A lot of guidance."
"Well, I have to agree that Willow is a bit out of control. But Tara seems to be in control of her powers," said Giles.
"You're wrong Rupert. Or at least partially wrong," replied Meg. "Yes, Willow is in danger of losing control, but Tara is in equal danger. She is even more powerful than Willow, but she isn't aware of the scope of her power, nor does she have any faith in her abilities."
"Well, yes, I suppose that makes sense," said Giles. "She is a very insecure young lady, and she has been very worried about Willow's abuse of magic. I think that she is holding herself back to compensate for Willow."
"Ripper, there's more, I am here about Buffy and Dawn too," said Meg looking at him pensively. "I'm here for them as well."
"I thought you just said the council wasn't going to try and remove me as her watcher?" asked Giles.
"If you'd listen for once instead of interrupting, maybe you'd find out, " the younger woman replied. "The council is aware that Buffy's financial situation is precarious, and while they won't condone paying her a salary, the bloody miserly sots, they do want to help. That is where I come in, with your help. I want to become the Summers' new boarder."
Giles sat back in his chair and gazed at the woman who sat across from him. Her idea had merit, but how could they pull it off. His gang of Scoobies was incredibly insightful and if they weren't careful, they would see right through this scheme.
"We'll figure something out Meggie. This will help all of them. Tara and Willow need guidance, and Buffy and Dawn need the financial support," Giles said pensively.
"Um…Ripper? About Dawn…there's more," Meg said studying his face.
"Oh God, what else can there be?" asked Giles resting his forehead on his hand.
Meg just stared at him and shook her head in disbelief wondering, how the man she had loved since childhood could be so obtuse.
"Ripper, she's still the Key," said Meg as if that explained it all.
Giles stared at her in shock. "How did you know that? We never told the council that."
"Giles, the council never knew, but I do. I've always been aware of the major events that have happened in your life. Do you remember when I was younger, you would always know when I was in hurt or in trouble? Well for me, that connection was never broken. That's how I know about Dawn. But, the council still doesn't, and we need to keep it that way. Her blood can never again open that portal, but she is still a very magical person and needs guidance as well."
Giles just stared at Meg, unable to reconcile the beautiful woman with the pig-tailed child who used to trail after him all the time.
"Well Meggie, my Girl, you certainly don't make things easy for yourself, now do you?" asked Giles with a bemused expression on his face.
"I guess not, and I suppose, before we go any further, we ought to talk about Xander, Anya and Spike. I'll be watching over them as well…"