Part 12

Back at the Magic Box, the other Scoobies discussed the appearance of Mary Margaret and what she had said to them.

"Do you really think she meant I was supposed to be a part of the Scooby Gang," asked Dawn.  "I mean, I don't do anything except for get in the way, why would she want me."

"Dawny, relax," said Tara as she came up and gave the younger girl a brief hug.  "I have a feeling Professor Farrell knows exactly what she is doing.

"Yeah, Dawnster, when they get back, I'm sure they'll fill us all in on what's going on," added Xander.

"Well I for one don't care, as long as it doesn't effect he profit and loss statement," said Anya.

"Anya, can you ever think about anything besides money?" asked Willow.

"I think of plenty of things besides money," said Anya.  "I think about Xander."

"I stand corrected," said Willow as the bell over the door jingled.

"Customers," sang Anya as she turned around.  Then her face fell as Giles, Meg and Buffy entered the store and she said, "Oh, it's you.  Never mind."

"Everyone, we –ah have some things to tell you before Professor Farrell begins."

Buffy then proceeded to fill the others in on the conversation she, Meg and Giles had at the Espresso Pump.  The others gathered around her, their relief at the end of the Summers girls' financial worries visible on their faces.

"Xander, will you handle converting the basement for us?" asked Buffy.

"Sure thing, Buff, I can get some of the guys to help me at night, it should only take a few weeks."

"Oh, but where is Professor Farrell going to sleep until then?" asked Dawn innocently.

"Ah, yes, well," began Giles as he removed his glasses and rubbed furiously "I believe that I have some room at my apartment."

"Oh, yeah," said Dawn as her face flushed red.

Meg stepped forward and addressed the group.

"I am going to be speaking with all of you one by one regarding your roles as members of this group.

"Well, that leaves me out," said Spike who had remained oddly silent the entire time he was in the shop. "I never have been, nor will I ever be a member of your bloody 'Scooby Gang.'"

"Spike, this concerns you as much as anyone else, now sit down and wait your turn!" demanded Meg. 

Surprisingly, Spike did as she asked.

"Dawn, you first please," said Meg.


"What do you mean Dawn, she's to young to be involved with all of this," said Buffy ignoring the angry look Dawn shot her way.

"Everybody is important Buffy, Dawn is older than you were when you received your call to be the slayer.  However, Dawn's circumstances are unique, and if she consents, you may sit in during her meeting."

"Oh cool, for once I get to decide what Buffy does," said Dawn gleefully.  She then asked, "Nothing she says is going to change anything, is it?"

"No, but you would be wise to listen to your sister.  Her advice is given out of love and experience," said Meg.

"Well, I guess she can come," said Dawn. 

And the three women crossed the floor of the shop to the training room door.