Part 4
Three sets of eyes, all belonging to the Sunnydale teens, widened to almost comical proportions. The rest were set in varying degrees of expression. Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled happily with the knowledge that he'd finally found the child. Giles had closed his eyes in near sadness at the announcement because he knew he was likely to lose one of the children he had grown so fond of since his arrival in Sunnydale. Harry still held a look of shock and amazement.
The Boy-Who-Lived had been able to figure out Xander's true nature when the boy beside him had grown angry with the discussion topic. He'd felt waves of power pouring off him along with his obvious emotional distress. Harry couldn't figure out why he hadn't felt Xander's magical strength since the moment he arrived. 'And didn't Mr. Giles say that neither Willow or Xander had shown any magical abilities? You'd think the man would have known about this after spending time with him.'
It was several minutes before anyone broke the silence that had lapsed. Then it seemed as though everyone had something to say.
"You're out of your mind!"
"Xander, that is *so* cool!"
"Does this mean you can help more with patrols?"
"Professor, will we be taking him back to Hogwarts with us?"
"My boy, everyone will be so happy to know that you are well!"
"ENOUGH!!!"
Giles just *knew* it would be days before the ache between his eyes would dissapate. He also knew he had to get control of the situation as quickly as possible. If what Albus had suggested was true, too much emotional overload for Xander would soon escalate to 'a very bad thing.'
Once the group had quieted down, the watcher took note of the late hour and informed the girls that it would be best if they were to head home for the night.
"But Giles-"
"No 'buts', Buffy. If you will recall, you've fought a difficult battle tonight. You need to get some well-deserved sleep before your body wears down completely."
"Alright. Xan, will you tell us what's going on tomorrow?"
"Sure, Buff. I'm not real sure I'll know but I'll call you. When are you leaving for L.A?"
"Oh *crap*! I completely forgot I was leaving tomorrow! I'll have to pack before my dad gets here." Buffy gave Xander a quick hug before dragging a silent Willow to the door. "Call me before 5 o'clock, okay?"
"No prob." Xander eyed his best friends. "Willow? Are you okay?"
"Hm? Oh yeah! Just, you know, tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
The newly discovered wizard watched the red head warily as the door shut behind her. He wasn't sure what was wrong with his oldest friend but he knew, for certain, it was more than just being tired.
"Lovely girls!" Dumbledore brought Xander's attention back to those still in the room. "Rupert, you'll want to keep an eye on young Willow. I believe you may eventually find your hands very full!"
Giles knew better than to question the old wizard on the subject. It was clear Albus had no intention of expanding on the advice. The watcher made a mental note to pay closer attention to the slayer's friend.
"Mr. Giles, if I may ask, why didn't you know Xander was a wizard?" Harry asked. "I mean, it seems as if you have spent a great deal of time together and, if I'm not mistaken, he's got quite a lot of power. especially for being untrained.
"Although, I admit that I probably wouldn't have figured it out if I had not been sitting so close to him when he got upset a few minutes ago." He couldn't help the pink that rose in his cheeks at the thought of just how close he was *still* sitting to the other boy.
"Actually, I have a theory about that already." Giles made sure to address both boys so as not to make Xander feel he was still being left out of the conversation that concerned him. "I believe the power eminating from the hellmouth has masked his magical signature since his arrival. And it's very likely that anything he may have done, of a magical nature, has been covered completely by the sheer blindeness of the residents of this town. People do have a way of ignoring those things they cannot explain."
"Giles, don't tell me you believe all this! I mean, you're kidding, right?!" Xander still could not wrap his thoughts around the idea that he could have any supernatural abilities. "Think about it, G-Man! How often have I just gotten in the way since Buffy came to town? You'd think that something like this would have been obvious during all the demon and vampire slaying over the past few months!"
"You know as well as I do, Xander that you have been a great deal of help to our cause! Buffy would not have made it though her first few days here if you had not followed her down into the sewers when she went to find Jesse." Giles softened his tone a bit when he saw Xander's reaction to the mention of his best friend. "And, tonight. Xander, she was *dead*. If- if you hadn't forced Angel into leading you to the Master's lair. Well, you know where we'd all be right now."
"Y-you brought someone back to life?" Harry didn't know of any wizard who could do that.
"That *wasn't* magic! She had drowned. All I did was give her CPR. anyone could have done that!" Xander smirked wickedly. "Except for Angel, of course."
Giles shook his head trying to clear it of memories of Xander's actions the past months. "My point is that you seem to know, instictively, when *your* presence it required. Xander, try to see this as the wonderful thing that it is! Wizards are not common! There are people who have the ability to learn magics. Earth magics. You, however, were *born* with your own power!"
"I-I just don't know how this could be possible. How can you be sure of this if the hellmouth is covering up any powers I'm supposed to have?"
"Ah, that is quite easily answered, Alexander!" Albus smiled warmly at the confused boy. "You come from a long line of pureblood wizards. Never has your family had a non-magical child."
Xander stared at the old wizard in a state of shock a moment before he could put his thoughts into words. "You mean you know my real family?"
"Why, of course, dear boy! I met both of your parents when they were eleven years old and entered Hogwarts as first years. You, like Harry, were listed for admission into the school from the moment of your birth."
"So, he's from England, then?" Harry mentally crossed his fingers in hopes that Xander would, in fact, return to Hogwarts with them. Then he thought of something that he hadn't connected before. If Xander was sent off to America and adopted, that would mean. "Professor? Is all this because of Voldemort? His parents." He cast a sad look at the other boy. He knew all too well Voldemort's effects on unsuspecting people's lives.
"You are very close to the answer, Harry." The headmaster looked back to Xander. "You are, indeed, from England. As far as the questions you must have regarding your family, it is not my story to tell. However, what you should know is that your father is alive. And, if I know the man at all, he will be most pleased to know that you are as well, Alexander."
"Me? Why would he think I was dead?"
"Now!" Albus decided that was the moment to change the course of their conversation. "The question is are you willing to take your rightful place in the wizarding world?"
Xander head was spinning with all the new information he had already received. "What exactly do you mean? What would I have to do?"
"Why, return home with us, of couse! It will take quite a lot of work to get you caught up with the class you should be in but I believe this should not prove to difficult for you."
"H-how far behind am I?"
"Well, you'd be about to enter your sixth year. Now, that does mean that you've missed five years *and* taking your OWLS but with enough time and hard work we can get you caught up by Christmas!"
Xander's eyes felt as if they were going to fall out onto the floor. "*Five* years of schooling in a few months?! There's no way I could catch up that easily!"
"I-I could help you." Harry was sure he was as red as a Weasley's hair. He wasn't sure why Xander had that effect on him but he liked the other boy and hoped they could be friends. He'd be more than happy to help Xander catch up in his studies since it would give him more time to spend with him.
"Excellent! Perhaps, Harry, you could also persuade Miss Granger to assist as well?" Albus knew that between the staff and two of their best students, Xander would have no problems at all.
"Who's Miss Granger? Is she one of the teachers at your school?"
Harry laughed. "No, though she does fancy herself that way when we have a study session. She's one of my best friends. I'm sure she and Ron would both love the chance to help you."
At the mention of Harry's friends, Xander looked over to Giles. "But, what about Buffy and Willow? How could I just leave them here? If I'm a wizard, wouldn't I be able to help more with patroling?"
"Xander, as much as we would all miss you, it would be best for you to be trained. You have the chance to learn more than you could ever imagine! Certainly more than you would learn here." Giles really would miss him but he couldn't allow the boy to stay out of obligation when the task of slaying really was Buffy's alone. "Should you decide to return once you've finished your schooling, we would more than welcome any help you could give us."
"Wondeerful! Now that that's all settled," Dumbledore looked inquiringly at Xander, "What about your family here? Do you think your adoptive parents will object to your srudying abroad?"
Xander had to fight not to laugh at the innocent question. "To be honest, I think they wouldn't even realize I was gone. So, no I dont see a problem there."
"Well, as sorry as I am to hear that, Alexander, it does make matters a bit simpler, doesn't it. Harry and I will escort you home to pack whatever you'd like to take with you. I understand that you want time to say goodbye to your friends but I'm sure you can appreciate the need for leaving as quickly as possible. Will that be a problem?"
Xander thought about it for a moment and as much as he'd like to say goodbye, he knew it would be easier if he didn't. "Giles, if I give you letters for Willow and Buffy, will you make sure they get them?"
"Of course, Xander. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Just- just keep an eye on Willow for me? We already lost Jesse this year and this is going to hurt her pretty bad."
"I'll make sure she is alright. Just make sure you don't forget how to write a letter once you're over there, eh? We'll all want to know how you are doing."
"Sure, G-Man!" Xander smiled as he, Professor Dumbledore and Harry got up to leave. "Well, I guess this is it then!"
Giles stepped up to his student and placed both hands on Xander's shoulders so as to center him. "I am very proud of you for making this choice and I know you will do great things, Alexander Harris. You take care of yourself."
Xander smiled and made his way to the door with Harry close behind. They waited as Albus said goodbye to his old friend.
"Well, Rupert, we part again. Keep in touch this time, will you? There are certain people at Hogwarts that would do well to know how you are doing."
"Yes, Albus, I'll make sure to write." Giles gave the old wizard a wry smile. "And do tell Minerva not to get her knickers in a twist. I'll come home for a visit as soon as my schedule allows."
A choked laugh from Harry caught there attention so they quickly said their goodbyes and the three travelling wizards were soon on there way.
TBC
Three sets of eyes, all belonging to the Sunnydale teens, widened to almost comical proportions. The rest were set in varying degrees of expression. Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled happily with the knowledge that he'd finally found the child. Giles had closed his eyes in near sadness at the announcement because he knew he was likely to lose one of the children he had grown so fond of since his arrival in Sunnydale. Harry still held a look of shock and amazement.
The Boy-Who-Lived had been able to figure out Xander's true nature when the boy beside him had grown angry with the discussion topic. He'd felt waves of power pouring off him along with his obvious emotional distress. Harry couldn't figure out why he hadn't felt Xander's magical strength since the moment he arrived. 'And didn't Mr. Giles say that neither Willow or Xander had shown any magical abilities? You'd think the man would have known about this after spending time with him.'
It was several minutes before anyone broke the silence that had lapsed. Then it seemed as though everyone had something to say.
"You're out of your mind!"
"Xander, that is *so* cool!"
"Does this mean you can help more with patrols?"
"Professor, will we be taking him back to Hogwarts with us?"
"My boy, everyone will be so happy to know that you are well!"
"ENOUGH!!!"
Giles just *knew* it would be days before the ache between his eyes would dissapate. He also knew he had to get control of the situation as quickly as possible. If what Albus had suggested was true, too much emotional overload for Xander would soon escalate to 'a very bad thing.'
Once the group had quieted down, the watcher took note of the late hour and informed the girls that it would be best if they were to head home for the night.
"But Giles-"
"No 'buts', Buffy. If you will recall, you've fought a difficult battle tonight. You need to get some well-deserved sleep before your body wears down completely."
"Alright. Xan, will you tell us what's going on tomorrow?"
"Sure, Buff. I'm not real sure I'll know but I'll call you. When are you leaving for L.A?"
"Oh *crap*! I completely forgot I was leaving tomorrow! I'll have to pack before my dad gets here." Buffy gave Xander a quick hug before dragging a silent Willow to the door. "Call me before 5 o'clock, okay?"
"No prob." Xander eyed his best friends. "Willow? Are you okay?"
"Hm? Oh yeah! Just, you know, tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
The newly discovered wizard watched the red head warily as the door shut behind her. He wasn't sure what was wrong with his oldest friend but he knew, for certain, it was more than just being tired.
"Lovely girls!" Dumbledore brought Xander's attention back to those still in the room. "Rupert, you'll want to keep an eye on young Willow. I believe you may eventually find your hands very full!"
Giles knew better than to question the old wizard on the subject. It was clear Albus had no intention of expanding on the advice. The watcher made a mental note to pay closer attention to the slayer's friend.
"Mr. Giles, if I may ask, why didn't you know Xander was a wizard?" Harry asked. "I mean, it seems as if you have spent a great deal of time together and, if I'm not mistaken, he's got quite a lot of power. especially for being untrained.
"Although, I admit that I probably wouldn't have figured it out if I had not been sitting so close to him when he got upset a few minutes ago." He couldn't help the pink that rose in his cheeks at the thought of just how close he was *still* sitting to the other boy.
"Actually, I have a theory about that already." Giles made sure to address both boys so as not to make Xander feel he was still being left out of the conversation that concerned him. "I believe the power eminating from the hellmouth has masked his magical signature since his arrival. And it's very likely that anything he may have done, of a magical nature, has been covered completely by the sheer blindeness of the residents of this town. People do have a way of ignoring those things they cannot explain."
"Giles, don't tell me you believe all this! I mean, you're kidding, right?!" Xander still could not wrap his thoughts around the idea that he could have any supernatural abilities. "Think about it, G-Man! How often have I just gotten in the way since Buffy came to town? You'd think that something like this would have been obvious during all the demon and vampire slaying over the past few months!"
"You know as well as I do, Xander that you have been a great deal of help to our cause! Buffy would not have made it though her first few days here if you had not followed her down into the sewers when she went to find Jesse." Giles softened his tone a bit when he saw Xander's reaction to the mention of his best friend. "And, tonight. Xander, she was *dead*. If- if you hadn't forced Angel into leading you to the Master's lair. Well, you know where we'd all be right now."
"Y-you brought someone back to life?" Harry didn't know of any wizard who could do that.
"That *wasn't* magic! She had drowned. All I did was give her CPR. anyone could have done that!" Xander smirked wickedly. "Except for Angel, of course."
Giles shook his head trying to clear it of memories of Xander's actions the past months. "My point is that you seem to know, instictively, when *your* presence it required. Xander, try to see this as the wonderful thing that it is! Wizards are not common! There are people who have the ability to learn magics. Earth magics. You, however, were *born* with your own power!"
"I-I just don't know how this could be possible. How can you be sure of this if the hellmouth is covering up any powers I'm supposed to have?"
"Ah, that is quite easily answered, Alexander!" Albus smiled warmly at the confused boy. "You come from a long line of pureblood wizards. Never has your family had a non-magical child."
Xander stared at the old wizard in a state of shock a moment before he could put his thoughts into words. "You mean you know my real family?"
"Why, of course, dear boy! I met both of your parents when they were eleven years old and entered Hogwarts as first years. You, like Harry, were listed for admission into the school from the moment of your birth."
"So, he's from England, then?" Harry mentally crossed his fingers in hopes that Xander would, in fact, return to Hogwarts with them. Then he thought of something that he hadn't connected before. If Xander was sent off to America and adopted, that would mean. "Professor? Is all this because of Voldemort? His parents." He cast a sad look at the other boy. He knew all too well Voldemort's effects on unsuspecting people's lives.
"You are very close to the answer, Harry." The headmaster looked back to Xander. "You are, indeed, from England. As far as the questions you must have regarding your family, it is not my story to tell. However, what you should know is that your father is alive. And, if I know the man at all, he will be most pleased to know that you are as well, Alexander."
"Me? Why would he think I was dead?"
"Now!" Albus decided that was the moment to change the course of their conversation. "The question is are you willing to take your rightful place in the wizarding world?"
Xander head was spinning with all the new information he had already received. "What exactly do you mean? What would I have to do?"
"Why, return home with us, of couse! It will take quite a lot of work to get you caught up with the class you should be in but I believe this should not prove to difficult for you."
"H-how far behind am I?"
"Well, you'd be about to enter your sixth year. Now, that does mean that you've missed five years *and* taking your OWLS but with enough time and hard work we can get you caught up by Christmas!"
Xander's eyes felt as if they were going to fall out onto the floor. "*Five* years of schooling in a few months?! There's no way I could catch up that easily!"
"I-I could help you." Harry was sure he was as red as a Weasley's hair. He wasn't sure why Xander had that effect on him but he liked the other boy and hoped they could be friends. He'd be more than happy to help Xander catch up in his studies since it would give him more time to spend with him.
"Excellent! Perhaps, Harry, you could also persuade Miss Granger to assist as well?" Albus knew that between the staff and two of their best students, Xander would have no problems at all.
"Who's Miss Granger? Is she one of the teachers at your school?"
Harry laughed. "No, though she does fancy herself that way when we have a study session. She's one of my best friends. I'm sure she and Ron would both love the chance to help you."
At the mention of Harry's friends, Xander looked over to Giles. "But, what about Buffy and Willow? How could I just leave them here? If I'm a wizard, wouldn't I be able to help more with patroling?"
"Xander, as much as we would all miss you, it would be best for you to be trained. You have the chance to learn more than you could ever imagine! Certainly more than you would learn here." Giles really would miss him but he couldn't allow the boy to stay out of obligation when the task of slaying really was Buffy's alone. "Should you decide to return once you've finished your schooling, we would more than welcome any help you could give us."
"Wondeerful! Now that that's all settled," Dumbledore looked inquiringly at Xander, "What about your family here? Do you think your adoptive parents will object to your srudying abroad?"
Xander had to fight not to laugh at the innocent question. "To be honest, I think they wouldn't even realize I was gone. So, no I dont see a problem there."
"Well, as sorry as I am to hear that, Alexander, it does make matters a bit simpler, doesn't it. Harry and I will escort you home to pack whatever you'd like to take with you. I understand that you want time to say goodbye to your friends but I'm sure you can appreciate the need for leaving as quickly as possible. Will that be a problem?"
Xander thought about it for a moment and as much as he'd like to say goodbye, he knew it would be easier if he didn't. "Giles, if I give you letters for Willow and Buffy, will you make sure they get them?"
"Of course, Xander. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Just- just keep an eye on Willow for me? We already lost Jesse this year and this is going to hurt her pretty bad."
"I'll make sure she is alright. Just make sure you don't forget how to write a letter once you're over there, eh? We'll all want to know how you are doing."
"Sure, G-Man!" Xander smiled as he, Professor Dumbledore and Harry got up to leave. "Well, I guess this is it then!"
Giles stepped up to his student and placed both hands on Xander's shoulders so as to center him. "I am very proud of you for making this choice and I know you will do great things, Alexander Harris. You take care of yourself."
Xander smiled and made his way to the door with Harry close behind. They waited as Albus said goodbye to his old friend.
"Well, Rupert, we part again. Keep in touch this time, will you? There are certain people at Hogwarts that would do well to know how you are doing."
"Yes, Albus, I'll make sure to write." Giles gave the old wizard a wry smile. "And do tell Minerva not to get her knickers in a twist. I'll come home for a visit as soon as my schedule allows."
A choked laugh from Harry caught there attention so they quickly said their goodbyes and the three travelling wizards were soon on there way.
TBC