A/N: Dear readers, please enjoy.

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Rupert Giles was reading through one of his larger books, which was saying something considering he had tomes that were over 1,000 pages long. Buffy had come to him early this morning. Apparently the vampiric and demonic activity had been more organized the other night. It was a definite cause to worry, as it was unusual for vampires to work together unless there was a powerful vampire pulling the strings. The fact that demons were also influenced...well it was unsettling. Thus, Giles had pulled out one of his volumes to see if perhaps any rituals were scheduled for the near future. It was a long shot, but he'd prefer to know what was coming.

He was turning the page, when he heard a knock on his door. 'Who could that be?' he wondered. No one he knew knocked. Buffy and the other Scoobies seemed to be unable to grasp the concept. He hoped it wasn't another salesman. Giles slowly walked to the door. He wasn't certain if he was glad for this intrusion or not. His research attempt was probably hopeless, and dull as dust, but at least it kept his mind occupied. His attention had been busy lately, focused instead on a certain letter, and an owl that was probably winging its way across the Atlantic.

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Giles opened the door. What he saw surprised him. A young man with messy black hair and glasses stood on his step. His hands were empty of the ususal sales paraphernalia that most young men who came to his door held. The boy looked up at him quizzically. Shaking his head he gave Giles a slight smile.

"Would you be Rupert Giles?" questioned the young man. Giles stopped short at the boy's accent. His first thought, had been that perhaps the council had sent someone to him. But, taking a closer look, he deemed this impossible. The boy looked far too young, and he wasn't dressed in the traditional watcher uniform that Quentin preferred. His black t-shirt and jeans wouldn't have impressed the Watchers at all.

"Ah yes, how may I help you?" questioned Giles, his voice still cautious. He leaned against his door frame staring hard at the young man.

"This might sound strange, but you wouldn't happen to be related to a Lily Evans...would you?" Giles's hear stopped beating.

"L-lily," he stuttered. "Yes...why?"

"Might I come in?" probed the boy. Giles looked outside. Well the sun was still out...so not a vampire.

"Sure come in," welcomed Giles. His eyes took in the boy as he entered. He was somewhat short for his age, and slender. Yet, he seemed to have some muscle. A healthy young man from what he could see. Eighteen, nineteen maybe. He seemed to hesitate as he looked around, as if searching for something. Giles had better be on his guard, daylight didn't mean everything.

"I seem to be at a disadvantage, you know my name but I don't know yours."

"Harry Potter." Giles nodded. Giles took a seat in a chair and indicated for Harry to do the same, which he did. As he sat, he twisted his hands into his lap twisting his fingers slightly. He took a breath and looked up. Giles noticed a somber quality to his eyes. His heart stirred with worry.

"I'm not really certain where to start." Harry stated.

"I find it is best to start at the beginning," said Giles. Something about this boy made him a little nervous. He hadn't noticed it before. But, now that they were seated facing each other, he felt a curious tingling running down his spine. It was making him more than a little disconcerted.

"Well...I guess this is it." Harry reached in his pocket, Giles tensed but relaxed when he realized that the boy was only bringing out a piece of parchment. He unfolded it and handed it to Giles. A familiar name, written in a familiar hand looked back at him. Lily Evans.

"What are you doing with this!" demanded Giles. He shot the boy a panicked look.

"It...eh, came to me in the mail." replied Harry.

"How...?" Giles stared at the boy. This Harry character wasn't anyone he knew. He didn't look anything like him. Black hair, slight build, green eyes...the eyes. Giles stopped and looked into the boy's eyes. They were emerald green. A bright green. Just like Giles's mother's eyes had been, just like Lily's.

"Lily was my mother," Harry said softly. Giles leaned back in his chair. Lily. He hadn't missed the past tense. Lily was his mother.

"I'm sorry for barging in like this." Harry rubbed his hands nervously. "I just thought it would be better if I...well if you heard in person." Harry looked over at his uncle. The man stared into space. A sad, heartbroken look etched on his face.

"I...how did it happen?"

"Um, well. She was killed sixteen years ago, murdered by Voldemort." Harry thought he said this rather calmly, but his voice still radiated the pain of this event. Giles lifted his palm to his forehead.

"Six-sixteen years ago." Giles looked around blankly. How? Murdered? So long ago and he had never even known. "Uh...this voldemort– he sounds familiar." Giles finally managed to say.

"He was...you do know about the wizarding world don't you?" Harry questioned. Giles nodded absently. "Well he was a dark wizard who was terrorizing England, first for eleven years. Then he was stopped, to an extent. He was reborn four years ago, and has recently been killed. He's gone for good this time."

"I've, well I've stayed away from the news of home. I--" Giles shot the boy a look. This was his nephew. God. How the boy must hate him. He'd never even met the lad.

"How...how old were you when it happened." Giles asked, concern filling his words. Harry looked at his uncle surprised. He had expected for the man to be interested in Voldemort, the wizarding world, or maybe his mother's life before her death. But instead this man seemed interested in him. It was a decidedly different attitude from his other blood relatives.

"When I was one, I'm afraid I don't remember much about her...I've learned a bit from some of her friend, and my father's friends."

"Did you live with, uh where did you go after?" Giles rubbed his chin.

"Um, I moved in with the Durselys."

"Who?"

"Um, Petunia and her family." Harry explained. Giles shot the boy a glance. Harry wasn't certain what the look had meant.

"So...I gather you are a wizard than," said Giles. The boy nodded. "Hogwarts?" Giles asked.

"I was...not certain I'm going back." Harry shrugged his shoulders at his Uncle's curious look. "Last year was a bad year. Voldemort attacked Hogwarts, I lost some friends. I don't need to go back. So, I don't think I will." Harry neglected to mention a great deal of last year. He also neglected to mention some of the reasons that would no doubt bring him back to England.

"So...what are your plans...?" Giles asked. Harry smiled sadly.

"Don't worry, I'm not planning on crashing here. I just thought I'd visit. I was a little curious. You are not a wizard, and yet you used blood magic on that letter. How?" But Harry stopped when Gile's head shot up.

"You're more than welcome to stay here...if you want," the older man said firmly. Harry couldn't stop the smile from crossing his face. He'd spent all his life as a burden to his relatives. But, his Uncle seemed almost pleased by his presence. Still, Harry had no intention of wearing out his welcome. He had no intention of being a burden again.

"But, about the magic, well that's a little complicated," said Giles. "How about some tea while I explain." Harry shot Giles a cautious look.

"Real tea?" he questioned. Giles grinned.

"Real Tea, all the way from England." Harry smiled

"Good, I've already ordered two cups today and couldn't drink either one." Giles laughed at that. The pair went into the small kitchen, and were soon sitting at the table sipping the hot beverage.

"Well...the basics of magic...

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An hours later, Harry leaned back in his chair and began to process all the information he had been given. His uncle had opened up a decidedly different world of magic for the young wizard. Apparently this sort of magic required people to draw magical energy from the world, rather than from themselves. They called upon beings of power, or the elements to have magic preformed. Giles reluctantly admitted that his kind of magic wasn't quiet as handy as Harry's, as it required materials and time, where as Harry only needed a wand. Still, Harry was impressed.

"It's nice to know you are fine with the whole magic element." Harry said relief coloring his words. Indeed, Harry had never met a muggle who seemed so at ease with magic. Even Hermione's parents hadn't appreciated the magical world's interference in their daughter's life. Yet, his uncle seemed quite at ease in the magical world. It was a big change from his other blood relatives. Giles seemed to pick up on Harry's relief, and shot the boy a questioning look.

"Umm, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon don't like magic much," explained Harry. Harry fidgeted a bit, Giles noted the reaction but let his questions slide.

"Jealous no doubt," Giles muttered. Harry lifted his head to argue. But Giles interrupted his thoughts. "It's more John's fault than anything." Harry shot Giles a questioning look. "John...your grandfather." Giles explained.

"Aunt Petunia didn't like to talk about her family much." Harry shrugged his shoulders. Giles frowned. He was starting to get a disturbing picture of his nephew's upbringing.

"Well, then...your grandfather's mother, your great grandmother, was a muggle-born witch. She married a muggle herself, and John didn't have any magical potential. He loved her stories of Hogwarts, told the stories to Petunia and me as well. When Lily got her letter, well he was overjoyed about it. I think Petunia never really liked the attention Lily got." Harry nodded. A few of his parents' friends had commented that Petunia was jealous of Lily, but Harry had never been able to understand that. Petunia had always hated magic or anything abnormal, why would she want to be a witch. Uncle Rupert's explanation made some sense.

"So... you aren't related to Petunia then?" Harry asked.

"No, well...not technically. My mother remarried to John Evans when I was five. Petunia was John's daughter from his first marriage, she was one I believe." Giles explained. Harry casually examined his uncle as he sipped his tea. The man didn't look anything like his mother. Perhaps it had been foolish for Harry to expect him too. When he was younger, after he had seen his parent's images for the first time, Harry had always examined his Aunt's face for a fleeting resemblance.

They sat in silence for a moment. Each wanting to keep their secrets. Giles hadn't brought up being a watcher. Harry hadn't mentioned much of his life in the wizarding world. Really, for their two hour conversation, neither had learned much about the other. Yet, as Giles surveyed the young man before him, he felt a peculiar sense of closeness. He was quiet, in a way that neither Buffy and her friends were. Very grown up as well. Again, Giles's thoughts wondered about his nephew's upbringing. 'Not as if you can talk' Giles thought to himself. 'At least Petunia didn't abandon the boy. What have you done for him?' thought Giles. Of course, the answer was a resounding nothing. He should be grateful the boy had dropped in at all. He doubted he would have bothered when he had been seventeen.

"Umm, would you like to hear more about Lily?" the boy asked speculatively.

"Yes, well and your father as well. I wasn't around much...but if you want to know anything about your family well...I'll do what I can." Harry nodded.

Giles sat and listened as the boy told him tales about his sister. How her life had gone, how it had ended. Giles was surprised to learn that Lily had married the 'prat' she had mentioned a few times in her letters. Harry told him a few tales of Marauders, and their adventures at school. He chose the stories where Lily had played a role. Giles found them all funny, and spent most of the time laughing at their adventures. He looked very interested when Harry mentioned how James and the others had became animagi to help their friend Remus.

"Too bad they didn't have the Wolfsbane potion then. Remus said they helped him not to feel so alone, but didn't help with the physical aspects of the transformation."

"Wolfbane?" Giles leaned forward curiously.

"It's a potion that allows a werewolf to keep his or her mind during the transformation. They are still a wolf, but with a human mind. Remus says if helps with the pain, and other physical hardships." Harry explained.

"Really, you wouldn't happen to know how it's made? I only ask because I know a young man who is a werewolf. We cage him during the full moons, but it is very difficult for him." Harry nodded his head sympathetically.

"It's one of the few advanced potions I learned. I could make it for him if you liked," Harry said. Giles nodded.

"Yes I'm sure he'd appreciate it." Harry glanced at the clock and jumped out of the seat as if he'd been burned.

"What's the matter?" Giles asked concernedly.

"Oh, I guess I forgot the time. I uh...well I wasn't certain I'd find you and made some plans earlier...going to the movies. I'd call and cancel...but well I don't know their numbers," confessed Harry. Giles smiled at the boy.

"You must certainly move quickly if you already have a date lined up."

"It's not like that," said Harry, blushing. "It certainly isn't an ordinary occurrence. But, I met these two girls earlier. Very kind. They even tried to help me find you. I promised I'd go to the cinema with them. I well... do you mind?" asked Harry. He surveyed the older man before him carefully. He didn't want to get on his new Uncle's bad side. But, his Uncle Rupert merely waved his hand.

"Go on, it will give me a chance to get some things done, and ready you a place to sleep. Believe it or not this couch folds into a rather comfortable bed." Harry looked up sharply.

"You mean you really want me to stay here?" he said, surprise cleary written on his face. Harry had been fully prepared to find an inn for the evening.

"I well, I'd love to have you stay. Harry. If you'd like." Giles rubbed his neck in an embarrassed manner.

"Well, are you sure I won't be in the way?" questioned Harry.

"No, the company would be a pleasant surprise," Rupert confided. Harry smiled.

"Well if you're sure–"

"I am," affirmed Giles. "Now get going before you keep those girls waiting." Harry smiled embarrassedly. He nodded to his Uncle and headed for the door. Giles showed him out. As Harry stepped outside, he gave a warning to Harry.

"Um, Harry, it might be best if you come back right after the movie. Sunnydale isn't exactly a safe place after dark." Harry turned and gave his Uncle a careful look. Remembering the dark magic that wove through the town, he nodded his head seriously.

"I'd imagine not," Harry said softly.

"What was that?"Giles asked.

"I'll be right back." Harry assured his Uncle. The man nodded hesitantly. Was it safe to allow him out? Harry was a wizard, and thus better prepared to handle the darker aspects of Sunnydale...but he couldn't help but be worried about his newly acquired nephew. Still, he supposed he couldn't do more than the other parents of Sunnydale, which was hope he got home safely. So, Giles nodded to the young wizard and watched as he walked away.

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Harry walked around the corner and once he was out of his Uncle's eyesight, he found a deserted spot and became invisible. It wasn't that he was worried about upsetting his uncle with magic. But, the man seemed rather well informed about the wizarding world. Instant invisibility wasn't exactly an easy ability. Most wizards couldn't manage it. That was why invisibility cloaks had been invented. He didn't want to the man asking any difficult to answer questions. It was probably silly, and over cautious. But, for Harry, this sort of covert action was second nature. In his invisible form, he apparated silently to the movie theater. He ducked into a handy alley and lifted the spell. For a small town, Harry noted that Sunnydale had a lot of alleys. As Harry stepped out into the sunshine, he spotted a redhead and a blonde looking out into the street. Harry walked up behind them.

"Looking for someone?" he asked. The blonde whipped around with startlingly quick reflexes. Harry jumped back a bit as she raised her arms. Harry's physical training lessons kicking in. He dropped to a slight fighting stance. The girl blushed slightly as she recognized Harry.

"I'll surrender, I promise," teased Harry.

"What are you doing sneaking up on us!" the blonde demanded.

"I don't sneak, you just weren't paying attention," replied Harry. Buffy rolled her eyes at this. Willow giggled at the pair of them.

"Harry I'd like you to meet Oz," Willow said. A short red haired man nodded his head to Harry. He smiled at the other young man.

"Nice to meet you," greeted Harry.

"You were almost late,"chastised Willow. Harry smiled.

"Hey, we are very serious here about movie timelyness," argued Buffy. "I need my previews, and candy."

"And popcorn, with all it's buttery goodness," added Willow. Harry examined the pair curiously.

"I thought the important thing was the movie?" questioned Harry. Oz had been shaking his head in an attempt to keep Harry from finishing his statement. The girls both turned to Harry.

"It's the experience, and the experience requires outrageously priced candy, fake yellow butter and previews." Buffy stated very firmly. Harry, taking his cue from Oz, merely shrugged his shoulders. Both girls sighed.

"Well come on, we will show you the real movie experience." Harry fallowed the trio inside. He bought a ticket, and as the girls demanded, he also bought a bucket of popcorn. He was slightly concerned about the yellow goo that they insisted on, but decided to give in . Harry noticed that Oz bought Willow's ticket, and her desired snack. His thoughts drifted to the Wesleys. He wondered if all redheads were magnetically drawn together.

They sat down in the darkened theater, Harry squeezed in-between Willow and Buffy. As the previews began, Harry's eyes took on a devious quality. Speaking quietly but still loudly enough for both girls to hear, he said,

"By the way, I found my Uncle."

"What!" both girls shouted. A bunched of 'shhs' and angry glares came their way.

"Shh...this is a theater," said Harry. The girls sent an angry glare in his direction.

"You did that on purpose," hissed Buffy. Harry merely grinned as his eyes stayed focused on the screen. Buffy pouted, but as the previews ended and the show began, her anger melted.

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After the movie was over, the four emerged from the theater.

"Mochas?" Willow questioned.

"Yes please," responded Buffy. "And, while we drink, this annoying brat can tell us how he found his uncle." Buffy shot Harry a glare. Harry ignored her. He followed the trio to the coffee shop he'd been to earlier.

"I'm afraid I'll have to join in the caffeine party another time. I said I'd be back at my uncle's after the movie. He seems to be under some impression that Sunnydale isn't safe," replied Harry casually. The gang shot each other not very discreet looks.

"Eh...imagine that," squeaked Willow.

"Oh no you're not getting out of this that easily," warned Buffy. "You spill while we sip, and then we'll walk you home to make sure you stay safe and sound." Harry shrugged. He really wasn't worried.

"Don't worry about me. But, since I guess I was a little mean, I'll treat you all to coffee."

"Yah!" Buffy cheered. "In that case get me a double mocha with extra whipped cream."

"I think I'll have a chai tea," said Willow.

"Guatemala Antigua short," added Oz. Harry nodded. Coffee was certainly complicated in the muggle world. He tried chanting the order in his head as if he was memorizing potion ingredients. He walked away still trying to keep the order right.

"Poor guy, Oz why don't you help him. I don't think he has a clue how to order that," Willow said sympathetically. Oz nodded and fallowed the dark haired boy toward the counter.

"So...what did you think?" Willow asked Buffy, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

"How many times do I have to tell you Willow, this isn't a date," Buffy said firmly. "And please tell me you didn't send away Oz to bring this up."

"Well, kinda. I mean the kid did need help with the order." Willow gazed at her friend. Her gaze searching for answers. She couldn't understand why Buffy was turning down a chance.

"Look Will," Buffy finally said, no longer able to take the Willow death glare. "In another time, if I were a normal girl, maybe it would work out. But, lets face it. We live in this world, and I'm the slayer. He's a nice guy, but I'd only get him killed." Buffy's shoulders drooped.

"Buffy, you can't think that," Willow said. She reached out and put a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. Buffy shrugged.

"All I can take is another friend right now Will," Buffy said. Willow nodded.

Up at the counter, Harry stared helplessly at the menu. What had they wanted again? He was pretty sure Buffy had wanted a mocha. But there seemed to be so many different things. What was a mocha anyway?

"Can I help you?" the employee asked.

"Eh?"

"Need some help?" a quiet voice spoke over his shoulder. Harry turned to see Oz with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah...what did they want again?" Harry stayed silent as Oz ordered. He pulled out the money. Money was much less confusing than this. He grabbed a cup, while Oz grabbed the other two. As they walked back to the table, Harry felt a familiar sense grab his attention. He looked at Oz curiously. He paused discreetly and switched to his magic sight. It wasn't difficult to see. Harry was surprised he hadn't noticed it before. A shadow of a wolf flittered around Oz's person. Oz was a werewolf. That was an interesting development. He idly wondered if Willow knew.

"Hey what took you so long?" Buffy asked as she took her drink from his hand.

"Got distracted," Harry said. He settled into the chair they had saved for him.

"So, how'd you find your Uncle?' inquired Willow. Harry laughed, he ruffled his hair a little.

"By pure accident really," replied Harry. "Not long after you left I overheard a waitress mentioning a British man named Rupert. I figured how many British Ruperts could there be in one town. We couldn't find him because his last name wasn't Evans. He's my mother's half brother."

"Well that was lucky," said an amazed Willow.

"I guess fate really did owe you," Buffy replied. "It's kinda nice to know the bum pays you back." Buffy glared into her coffee for a moment.

"Yes...I suppose it is." Harry nodded solemnly. "Well I hate to spill and run as you say, but I did promise I'd be back." Harry tipped his head to the two girls. "Oz," Harry nodded to him as well. Oz returned the nod. The trio watched his departing back.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Willow asked Buffy.

"Yeah, it's not late yet." Buffy replied. The sun hadn't set too long ago. He'd be safe to get home, she hoped.

It wasn't long before the trio split up as well. Buffy hurried home to get a few hours of sleep before her patrol, Oz walked Willow home. Harry had already returned to his Uncle's house.

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Harry collapsed, still dressed, into the couch bed his Uncle had set up for him. He was exhausted. Was it possible to have jet lag when you hadn't ridden on a jet. Giles had given one look at the exhausted teen, and dimmed the lights. He thought about telling the boy he should change, but he supposed that the boy was a teenager, he could sleep in his clothes if he wanted to.

"I forgot about the time difference, you must have been up for almost twenty-four hours now," Giles said. Harry nodded. He curled into the blankets Giles had set out. Giles watched him for a moment. It was a strange but nice feeling having Harry here. Family. His Family. He'd given up on having that years ago.

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Harry dozed. He was starting to feel normal again for the first time in a long time. Ever since the events of last year, he'd felt like a shell. Merely going through the mechanics of the days. Harry felt normal. So, like a normal teenager, he feel asleep. He'd forgotten about his magical fluctuations. He'd forgotten about his relaxation exercises. He'd forgotten about the nightmares. He'd felt so normal that he'd wanted to pretend for just a little longer.

But Harry Potter was anything but normal.

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A/N: Well that was chapter three. I truly appreciate the reviews, you have no idea how much it means to me. I've had some sadness recently, and your reviews have really helped. As has working on the fic. I'm hoping to keep up the quick updates. As ever, the more you review the sooner I update.

Also if anyone is a fan of HP/X-men crossovers, I'd recommend a fic I recently found. Rather well done. Entitled Harry Potter and the Children of the Atom, by Classic Cowboy. Rather well done. It is a H/Hr so if that pairing bothers you, it might not be your cup of tea.

It can be found here.

http/