Chapter Nine: Returns
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There was chill in the air that pleased him. Perhaps that was why he preferred the night. Not that his personal preferences mattered much. Most of his servants couldn't endure sunlight, the hindrance when one hired vampires. Just as well. Darkness was his time, and always had been. But, the cold was a part of him too. That had been their mistake when they had sent him to Azkaban. The chill and despair that were infused in that island prison hadn't bothered him as it did others. But, he'd rather not think of the past. The past was filled with so many dreams left unfulfilled.
He leaned back and closed his eyes. The present was hardly enjoyable either, his new role was rather tedious. Far to much planning, not enough torturing. Hmmm, he sighed. It was the screams he missed. A scream was the most revealing sound in the world. It told who a person was, who they had been. He'd heard so many he could interpret them. Muggles screams were filled with panic and fear, their mindless shells not able to understand the magic that was coursing through their bodies. Rich pathetics like that Malfoy brat had a broken squeal to them as well as a hidden outrage. He enjoyed watching them tremble. Pain was a great equalizer.
Yet, of all the screams he liked those of the heros the most. True fighters held their screams. The kept them close to their chests, until the pain was too much. But when the yells finally burst fourth, the sweetest symphonies in all the world couldn't reproduce the beauty in those screams. Sometimes if he closed his eyes long enough he could remember his favorites. One particular scream which had issued from a young man in a cemetery was one of his most priceless. He had been almost giddy watching the boy tremor. How he had wished it had been his hand that had held that wand. He wished he had been the one to nurture that scream. The dark-haired man's head lolled back as his mind echoed that precious sound.
There was little doubt that he had lost what rational mind he had.
"Master," a voice called interrupting his memories. The dark eyes flashed open.
"Carsten," purred the cold voice. The vampire swallowed nervously.
"Mein Herr, a voman comes vith news for you. News of the zauberer. The slayer's zauberer," said the vampire. His head bowed as he spoke.
"Ah. Show her in." Carsten hurried to obey. When he returned he was followed by a blonde vampire. She seemed to hesitate before him, her fear palpable.
"What have you seen?" the cold voice asked. Her eyes flickered to his shadowed face before hurriedly looking back to the ground.
"Uh...my lord. I and my group were in town tonight. We were set upon by the slayer and another. This other beheaded on of our number, I and my brother fought him. He wielded a sword and he fought well. But, he seemed to change during the battle. His voice became cold as ice. And his eyes glowed red, bright as hell." Her story finished the woman kneeled before him. Their master rolled his eyes as the creature's words. Voice as 'cold as ice' and eyes as 'bright as hell.' They were such melodramatic things vampires. But the eyes...
"His eyes glowed red you say?" he asked impatiently.
"Yes, master," she intoned softly.
"This other. Carsten tells me he is young. Is that so?"
"Yes master, quite young." She looked up impudently. He glared down at her.
"What else," he growled.
" He...has dark hair master. Messy, and a strange scar is on his forehead." The vampire said rapidly, her eyes flashed nervously. She hoped this was what the master wanted to hear.
"A scar?" his spine leaned forward in interest.
"Yes, like–"
"Lightning." The vampire stared up in amazement. Her master merely nodded thoughtfully a hungry gleam in his eyes. But, it was only there for a moment before it was lost in his usual murky stare. He looked down at as the blonde vampire cowered before him.
"You have done well. What is your name?" he asked.
"Sara," she said.
"You are dismissed Sara." His cold voice grated at her nerves as he spoke. She nodded fearfully and left the room. The man in the chair watched her run with amusement. With a quick turn of his head, he nodded to Carsten. Back to business.
"Have you heard from the vampires in Los Angeles?" he questioned.
"Ja mein Herr. They vill come. Hundred strong."
"Good," the master's voice purred in approval. "And what of your contacts in New York. Have they responded."
"Not yet mein Herr. But they vill."
"Good. Let me know when they do." Carsten nodded, not needing to told when he was dismissed, he headed to the door.
Now that his servants were gone, the new manic of Sunnydale found his lips parting in a smile. It was too much. A laugh rumbled from his chest. It started slow and echoed, then it grew high. This perverted joy slashed through the silence of the tomb. He raised his hands to his lips in an attempt to stifle the noise. But his twisted smile was still etched on his face even after the sound had died away.
"Harry Potter, my dear boy...what have you been doing." The laughter began again. There was no sanity left in it. It changed pitch at will, uncontrollable. It was almost like a scream.
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Buffy stumbled into the kitchen. It was a lazy Saturday morning. Or, at least it should be. She looked the part, dressed in her baggy sushi pajama pants and tank top. She sat at the counter, and her mother was preparing breakfast liked she always did...but something was troubling the young slayer. Well actually she might be considered an old slayer, seeing as she had lived to be eighteen. But, Hey! She didn't need any more morbid thoughts this morning. With a sigh, Buffy rested her forehead on the cool counter top.
"Late night slaying?" her mother asked compassionately. Buffy shrugged her shoulders but didn't remove her head from the counter. A frown flickered on Joyce's lips, her forehead crinkled.
"Buffy," she said trying to remain calm, "There isn't um..."
"No ends of the world mom, you can chill." Buffy lifted her head and gave her mother a little smirk. Joyce rolled her eyes at the impish remark.
"Well, what's troubling you than?" she asked. Buffy swallowed.
"How did you know something's wrong?" she asked curiously.
"I'm your mother, I can always tell when something's wrong," she said with an all-knowing smile. Buffy shook her head as she looked at the table.
"It's no big Mom, not like end of the world big...Just Harry kinda took off. He, well something must have spooked him or something, and Giles has been a ass--"
"Buffy!" her mother said with a glare.
"Sorry Mom, but it's true, he's been crabby. And now Harry's gone..." Buffy sighed. "I'm not sure if he's going to be coming back," she said softly. Joyce's eyes grew soft as she watched her daughter. Buffy looked up as her mother pulled out a chair and took a seat, Joyce slung a comforting arm around her daughter.
"Oh Buffy, I'm sure he'll be back," consoled her mother.
"How do you know, it's not like he has any reason to stay. I mean he came to see Giles, and well I wouldn't have stayed this long with Giles all bad moody. He's probably got friends at home, a home where he doesn't have to spend his nights following some Chosen one on her Chosen mission." Buffy frowned at the counter, letting her thoughts stew.
"Well, I don't know about the slaying...and I don't know Harry well. But, from what I've seen I don't think Harry's the type of boy to disappear without saying good-bye." She wrapped her arms around her slumped daughter.
"How do you know? He just popped over here on the spur of the moment, whose to say he won't pop away just as fast?" Buffy watched her mother as she voiced this fear. The first thing she had learned about Harry, was that he could be impulsive. Who came to another country half-way round the world on just one letter? Would he leave just as suddenly?
"Buffy he's a nice young man, don't you think?" Joyce watched her daughter carefully without appearing to do so.
"Ugh...yeah Harry's really nice," said Buffy.
"And did he mind patrolling with you?"
"No, he seemed to like coming with me...but he might have just wanted to avoid Giles," countered Buffy.
"I doubt that," Joyce smiled fondly at her daughter.
"What?" Buffy asked noticing her mother's grin.
"Nothing," replied Joyce. "Do you want pancakes or waffles for breakfast today?" she asked.
"Pancakes...now what was that face about?"
"Nothing Buffy." Her mother reached in the cabinet and pulled out a box of pancake mix. Buffy frowned at her mother pensively, Joyce ignored the look and brought out a mixing bowl and some milk. Buffy remained silent as her mother mixed the ingredients. Joyce paused for a minute and looked upwards.
"Harry has such lovely blue eyes." Joyce seemed to be speaking to no one in particular.
"They're green," Buffy quickly corrected. Joyce gave her a knowing look. "What?" Buffy demanded.
"Nothing dear," Joyce turned back to the pancakes. Buffy rolled her eyes.
"Not like you could miss them, they are the brightest green I've ever seen...like emeralds," mumbled Buffy. Buffy didn't notice how her mother smirked before pouring the batter onto a pan.
The doorbell rang.
"Buffy would you get that," Joyce said as she watched the spluttering pancake. Buffy nodded and jumped to her feet. She was still a little more sluggish than her usual Saturday morning brightness, but her mother's words had comforted her somewhat. Harry wouldn't leave like that...right?
Buffy opened the door, and couldn't help grinning at what she saw there.
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Harry walked toward 1630 Revello, Buffy house. He had woken this morning, and decided that it should be her house he visited first. He had been so focused on his own problems last night, that he didn't even remember apparating away. He'd only done that once before, not long after Voldemort had been defeated. He hoped she was okay. He knew she could more than take care of herself, but they had become some what of a team this last week. It was only normal for him to be concerned.
He was also slightly worried about how Buffy might take his desertion. He had just ditched her without saying anything. Harry paused and stared at Buffy's house. It was unusual for him not to know how a friend would react. And, he really considered Buffy a friend. He had known her for less than a full week, and yet he trusted her. Or, at least as much as he trusted anyone.
Still, it was a new situation for Harry to have a friend he truly cared about, and not know their every reaction. Ron and Hermione had been his friends for so long he had always known what they would say. In this situation, Hermione would give him a tight hug than lecture him gently before demanding he talk. Ron would just shrug and say he understood, even if he really didn't. But Buffy...he didn't know how she'd feel. Angry? Understanding? Or, perhaps she'd just be freaked out...although Harry had a feeling that Slayers didn't get surprised by much.
Harry continued to stare at her house, he growled under his breath. Why was this so difficult? He'd faced vampires, demons, dark lords...and here he was too nervous to enter his friend's house. Why was he being so... Harry sighed and took a deep breath.
Okay, here I go, he thought to himself.
Move.
Harry sighed. Of course the real problem was, if Buffy was really mad at him, that left him alone again. Ron and Hermione were gone. They had been his best friends. And, now he worried he might lose another friend.
Shut it, Harry. He scolded. Stop being as emotional as a teenage girl, just walk up there and tell her you're sorry.
Harry was about to follow his own advice, really he was, when a hand reached around and grabbed his shoulder tightly. Harry's neck spun around as he spotted the young man gripping his leather jacket tightly. His other shoulder had already reflexively swung back, prepared to strike the unknown man but, he stopped the motion as he recognized the man's face. Or rather, he recognized this man from a photo he had seen.
"I-"
"I don't appreciate peeping toms, poking into my friends houses. Get a magazine kid." Harry glared at the dark haired young man.
"I wasn't--"
"Sure... Let me give you a little advice, you really don't want to bother that girl. She's more than a pretty face." Harry rolled his eyes at the young man he assumed to be Xander Harris.
"Really, I'm a friend of Buffy's," stated Harry, rather hurriedly, hoping he would be allowed to finish a sentence.
"Nice try kid," Xander said with a grin. Harry clenched his jaw, he hated being called 'kid'. "But, I'm one of Buffy's best buds and I never seen you before," replied Xander.
"I'm a recent acquaintance," argued Harry. He glared at the young man's firm grip on his leather jacket. In all honesty, Harry could easily remove himself from Xander's grip. But, he was getting the measure of the man. Xander was fiercely loyal. It might be easier to just allow the contact. Also, he doubted Buffy would accept his apology if he left her protective friend bleeding on the sidewalk.
"We'll see about that," Xander said. With a firm tug from his jacket, Harry was dragged without complaint up to Buffy's porch. Xander rang the doorbell and glared at Harry. The pair waited in silence for a moment. And, it was Harry's great relief that a certain blonde opened the door.
Buffy smiled for a moment at the sight before her. Not only was it funny seeing Xander hoisting Harry's leather coat heroically, but it felt as if a weight was off her shoulders seeing that the British wizard had returned. She couldn't help but let a suppressed laugh roll of her lips. Harry rolled his eyes, obviously a little embarrassed and upset with Xander's handling. Which, only made the situation more funny. But, behind all the joking, Buffy could see some worry in Harry's eyes. He seemed to be watching her a little more closely than usual. With a smile she leaned in and gave Harry a hug, completely missing the gob-smacked expression on Xander's face. Buffy pulled away from the hug a little quicker than normal, and eyed Harry.
"Don't do that again," she said.
"I'm sorry," responded Harry.
"Breakfast?" invited Buffy.
"If it's not too much trouble," voiced Harry. Buffy shrugged to indicate it wasn't a problem. The pair entered the house. Xander remained on the porch, his mouth open wide. Finally waking up, he followed the pair inside.
"Hello! Did I miss something? And Buff, not feeling the love here," complained Xander.
"Oh sorry Xander, I'm glad you're back." Buffy turned around and gave Xander a big hug. Xander smirked at Harry over Buffy's shoulder. Harry merely raised an eyebrow before turning into the kitchen.
"Oh Harry," Joyce said from her place at the stove. "I'm glad to see you, Buffy was worried you were gone for good," she smiled kindly at the young wizard. Harry rubbed his hands a little guiltily.
"Mom!" Buffy complained as she entered.
"I'm sorry dear, I didn't know it was a secret." Joyce smiled when she spotted the other young man standing behind her daughter. "Xander, how was your trip."
"Yeah, how was America?" Buffy asked. Harry also looked curiously at the young man. A real road trip, it must have been amazing.
"It sure is a beautiful land of ours," Xander said dreamily.
"So where'd you go?" Buffy asked.
"Eh...well," Xander colored and rubbed his neck. With a sigh he rolled his eyes. " I got as far as Oxnard and the engine fell out of my car, and that was literally. So, I ended up washing dishes at 'The Fabulous Ladies Night Club' for about a month while I tried to pay for the repairs. No one really bothered me or even spoke to me until one night when one of the male strippers called in sick and I--" Xander caught sight of Buffy's mother. He coughed. "I hear a lot of things are going around now...bird flu...monkey flu...surprising it being summer..."
Xander continued to ramble along this topic for a bit while the three other people in the room eyed him curiously. Deciding to spare the poor boy some embarrassment, Joyce turned back to the stove top and flipped her pancakes. Buffy and Harry however shot each other wide-eyed glances, each trying to contain their laughter.
"And that is the end if the story, no more questions," finished Xander.
"I don't know Xan...it seems like there is more to that story," teased Buffy.
"No more questions," stated Xander. "Let's make with the pancakes instead."
"Oh dear," Joyce eyed the nearly empty bowl of batter. "I don't know if I have enough with both you boys here,' she eyed Xander particularly. Having had Xander's company at prior breakfasts she knew how much the boy could eat.
"Here allow me," Harry said. With a flick of his wrist, Harry's wand was in his hand. He pointed at the bowl and muttered a quick incantation. Everyone watched with interest as more mix appeared in the bowl. Harry held his wand on it until the batter reached the top, than with another flick, his wand was hidden again.
"Thank you dear," Joyce said rather calmly. Buffy nodded before going back to eating the pancakes on her plate. Xander stared at Harry, once again his mouth agape. He swallowed and cleared his.
"I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you both knew he could do that?" Xander stuttered, his voice a little faint. Buffy's head shut up quickly.
"Ooh can you refill the blueberry syrup too?"
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After the syrup was replenished, and after everyone had eaten some pancakes, Xander finally got his questions answered. Like Buffy, Xander wasn't too surprised about Harry's magic. Indeed what seemed to disturb the young man more was imagining Giles as an Uncle.
"Giles had like...sisters...like actual sisters?" questioned Xander. He shook his head with wide eyes, then he shrugged. "Guess it's better than you being his kid, that would be way weirder. Because then we'd all know about his s--" Xander's words were interrupted with a loud cough from Buffy. The four people at the table all took a bit of their pancakes. Or rather, three people took bites, while Xander preceded to cram his reaming pancake down his throat.
"Mm-whanks fer brekfast, Mzs Summars," Xander managed to say with a full mouth. He rose to his feet.
"You heading out?" asked Buffy.
"Got to. The parental units will no doubt be sober by now. I don't want them calling the cops and having my car towed when they don't recognize it." Xander gave the two women a friendly smile and sent a warning glance in Harry's direction. They three left at the table listened as Xander shut the door.
"Buffy, I'm going out with June today, will you be alright by yourself," Joyce asked. Buffy rolled her eyes.
"No, I need someone to watch me and make sure I don't run with scissors, or get any boo-boos," remarked Buffy sarcastically.
"Well, than Harry will have to be in charge," her mother replied just as cheekily. Harry smiled softly, enjoying the friendly banter mother and daughter shared. Buffy pouted playfully.
With a flick of the wrist, Harry had the dishes clean themselves. Joyce in particular appreciated this, and left to get ready.
"So, what do you say to a movie? You haven't seen nearly enough," said Buffy. Harry nodded.
"Not another...chick flick," stated Harry firmly. Buffy sighed.
"Fine, we'll watch something nice and manly, lots of violence and nudity. How about Legally Blonde," offered Buffy coyly.
"Never heard of it," said Harry with a shrug.
"You'll love it," declared Buffy...although, Harry had the distinct impression she was lying. Nevertheless, Harry followed Buffy into the living room and took a seat on the couch. He watched as she looked under her telly for the particular movie.
"Why is the box pink?" blurted Harry nervously. Buffy smiled evilly. Harry groaned.
"Well it is your own fault for not being more pop culturally informed," scolded Buffy. Harry glared at her. Buffy glared back. Harry finally looked away with a sigh. Buffy smiled in triumph.
"You're just lucky you're cute," grumbled Harry. Buffy turned away, a small flush gracing her face. She hurriedly inserted the movie and joined Harry on the couch. The music for the movie started, a peppy pop beat. Harry sighed. He most certainly wasn't going to enjoy this film.
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Harry and Buffy had been watching the movie for an hour. Or, rather, Buffy had been watching the movie while Harry had inserted snarky comments. Now Harry had leaned back on the sofa, letting his body relax. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night, too many nightmares had intruded. Buffy watched as his posture became more slack, his face became peaceful. He seemed like a completely different person when he was like this. He looked so...young. Sometimes it was difficult for Buffy to remember that Harry was younger than her. Only by a year, her mind reminded her. It was just, Harry seemed so much like an adult. He even looked adult. As she compared how different he looked now, Buffy couldn't help but wonder what had made Harry what he was. What had made him such a alert fighter? But, more importantly, what had happened to him to age him before his time?
"Harry?" Buffy asked softly.
"Hmm," said Harry. He tilted his head in her direction but didn't open his eyes.
"What happened last night?" Buffy voice was soft and undemanding as she spoke. The only emotion in her voice was a tinge of worry. Harry opened his eyes, his green meeting her hazel. They sat quietly for a moment.
"I-ugh, I kinda freaked out I guess," Harry rubbed his forehead nervously, through his messy hair Buffy glimpsed the familiar lighting bolt scar.
"Why?" she questioned. What had happened?
"I...Buffy," Harry looked closely at his friend for moment. He turned away and when he spoke again his voice sounded scratchy. "Buffy do you ever worry if you're a good person?" asked Harry cautiously. Buffy took a breath and looked at her hands.
"I guess. I mean, I've done some things that could be bad. Things I'm not proud of." Buffy left her answer at that, not sure how much she should tell the mysterious boy.
"Me too, I mean I've done things I'm not proud of. But, I seem to keep doing them. I always seem to slip." Harry stared blankly at the television.
"Slip?" questioned Buffy.
"The other night, I hurt that vampire and I was...I enjoyed it," said Harry softly.
"Of course you did," replied Buffy. Harry's head whipped around and focused on the girl before him. Buffy felt a little anxious under Harry's stare. His eyes, they seemed to flash power. She looked away. "I mean it's not fun at the carnival kind of fun, not like ha ha fun...but well your got to enjoy your work. Not that it's work really, I mean it kind of is...but..." Buffy's rambling trailed off as she lost track of what she had been saying. Harry continued to stare, and Buffy refused to meet his eyes. Had she said something wrong? But, she looked up when she heard a soft chuckle come from Harry.
"I've never heard anyone say that," admitted Harry. "So, you don't think it's wrong?" Buffy shook her head. Harry sighed.
"Why would it be?" questioned Buffy. Harry shrugged.
"The wizarding world has very firm ideas on Light and Dark," explained Harry.
"Light?" Buffy frowned, where had she heard that phrase before. It seemed familiar.
"Good and evil. My past...well sometimes I worry I'll cross that line," confessed Harry.
"Whoever said it was a thin line? I've fought evil a long time, and it seems like the world is full of gray area. Vampires with souls fighting for redemption, and heck some demons just want normal nine to five job. I know we get close to that world...you haven't told me much about your home...or past, but I can tell you've been in the wars," claimed Buffy. Harry hung his head.
"You have no idea," whispered Harry. Buffy normally would challenge such an accusation, she'd been through a lot, but there was such sadness in Harry's voice that she wondered.
"Sometimes we have to walk close to the bad, and when you're so close you wonder if it's in you. But Harry, I figure that as long as you still care about other people and want to help people rather than hurt them...you're okay in my book," concluded Buffy.
"Thanks," voiced Harry. He had meant to be sarcastic, but with a shock Harry realized he meant it.
"No problem...so where did you go?" asked Buffy. "And why with the slow disappear?" Harry flushed slightly.
"Sorry about that. I had a lot on my mind...I didn't even realize I was doing it. But to answer your question, I went to England for bit." Buffy shook her head. It was weird to imagine being able to pop around the world.
"So you visit some friends?" she asked. Harry nodded slowly.
"Yeah, Ron and Hermione. My best friends." Harry leaned back again. Buffy raised her eyebrows and groaned in annoyance. Harry really was mysterious. Didn't the boy share anything?
"Well tell me about them," she prodded.
"Okay...
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A/N: Sorry for the longer time before update, I visited a friend last weekend whose father had died. Lots of deep conversations, and no time for fanfic. But I really want to thank those that reviewed. It really helped me to know that this story is still being read and enjoyed. And, extra plus the more people who review, the more I write. He he he, I'm evil I know.
Not much in the chapter but expect some surprises in the next. Hope you enjoy.
Also I want to mention that Xander's line explaining his failed roadtrip (Oxnard and the strip club) came from the episode "The Freshmen." This this interesting histroy was derived from their writers not me. I included it because I'm trying to stay as close to Buffy's time as possible. Hope that this covers any copyright thing. Not MINE! okay. smiles.