Chapter Thirteen: A Moment of Peace

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Buffy stirred. She felt very comfortable. Yet, she wasn't sleeping in her bed, the pillow didn't smell like her strawberry shampoo. Where was she? Opening her eyes, Buffy found herself at Giles's apartment, she was bundled on the couch wrapped in a fluffy white blanket. Suddenly, the memory of last night came back and Buffy realized why she was here. She couldn't help but frown realizing how helpless she had been. Buffy wasn't a damsel in distress type of person. It didn't suit her. She flushed in embarrassment remembering how Angel had carried her from the graveyard.

Shit!

Angel was here. Why was he here? She supposed she hadn't gotten the chance to ask that question. She sighed into the blanket pulling it over her head. Why did she get the feeling that his presence would make this all the more difficult. It was too much to hope that he had changed his mind about their relationship. Yet, as she stared at the white expanse of blanket over her head, Buffy couldn't help but wonder if she wanted him to change his mind. A week ago she'd been desperate for him to come back. But she'd meant what she'd said to Harry. She really was moving on...as impossible as it might seem.

"Hey Buffster, planning on playing peek-a-boo all day?" enquired a voice. Buffy shook her head, only one person could tease her like that.

"Morning Xander," she said warmly lowering the blanket.

"You okay," he asked kindly. She lifted her arms up and stretched. No soreness, not even any stiffness.

"Yep, least I think so. Probably need doctor Harry to give me the okay though...not sure what he gave me last night but it sure made me loose." Xander raised his eyebrows suggestively at her comment. "Not that kind of loose, you perv, I felt like jello." Xander nodded.

"That's all I was thinking. Gez Buff get your mind out of the gutter."

"Where is that wizard of mine," Buffy enquired as he pulled her legs off the couch.

"Making breakfast, he said you'd be hungry." Xander tilted his head toward the kitchen. "Of course I might have mentioned something about needing to eat too...but hey, a guys got to eat."

"You two seem to be getting along better," Buffy commented, "No more accosting the kid for looking at me?"

"Hey, he was staring at your house...I really like that house no one leers at her but me," joked Xander lightening the mood.

"Uh huh," Buffy agreed with a smile.

"In all honestly I can't help but like a guy who pisses Angel off." Buffy frowned.

"Angel doesn't like Harry?" she questioned Xander.

"Not if the brooding glare was any indication...of course his face might have gotten stuck that way," said Xander pensively, there was no joking in his tone. Buffy rolled her eyes, Xander's attitude was nothing new.

"He probably just doesn't know him well yet, he's always been a little..."

"Grumpy?" suggested Xander. Buffy frowned.

"I was going to say cautious," argued Buffy.

"No fault there," a new voice interrupted. Buffy looked up to see a smiling Harry framed in the doorway, a plate in his hand. He walked into the living room. Xander licked his lips and held out his hand expectantly. Harry ignored him and joined Buffy on the couch, offering her the plate. Buffy nodded and smiled slightly noticing Xander's crushed face.

"So, whose cautious?" inquired Harry.

"Angel," informed Buffy. Xander rolled his eyes. "If he seemed a little...well, unhappy to meet you don't worry he's just a little...umm-"

"I believe the word you used was cautious," offered Xander helpfully.

"Yeah," agreed Buffy. Harry's brow wrinkled.

"He seemed perfectly polite to me," commented Harry thoughtfully. Xander groaned.

"Hey, don't think of taking his side, it's up to us guys with pulses to insult him from time to time, can't have him getting a big head," Xander said rationalizing his beliefs. Harry merely rolled his eyes and Buffy took a bite of the eggs Harry had made.

"Don't I get any eggs?" asked Xander. Harry shrugged and a pair of plates floated in from the kitchen. Harry took one plate and Xander looked at his speculatively.

"Is it...safe to eat?" the older boy questioned. But, before Harry could answer Xander shrugged and took the plate from the air. He took a large bite and Harry decided not to answer Xander's question. His answer obviously didn't matter. Although the young wizard couldn't help imagining what the American young man would do if Harry had told him eating too much could turn him into a newt. His Uncle most likely would prefer not to have eggs in his carpet.

"So, are you feeling better, Buffy?" questioned Harry.

"Mhph," the slayer responded with her mouth full. Swallow. "Yeah all better, no aches and pains."

"Really?" replied a surprised Harry.

"Yep," Buffy nodded. Seeing the wizard's confusion she added, "Super Slayer healing." Harry nodded.

"I'd forgotten about that. Must really be useful."

"Yeah...but Harry that magic the cactus curse or whatever...I still don't understand. I need to understand...how can I fight it?" Buffy's voice radiated determination and desperation. Harry looked down at his plate.

"Well, there really is only one way to fight it...not be hit by it," informed Harry.

"But how? I couldn't even see it coming...it's not like it's a knife or anything," stated Buffy.

"Well, it actually can be seen, but it takes practice. Some spells are very visual. Uh...oh, like this." Harry raised his wand, "Stupefy." Buffy watched as a red light shot from Harry's wand and passed through a chair causing no damage.

"What would that do?" she questioned.

"It stuns someone, knocks them unconscious. As you can see, it is visible as a red light. But there are many spells that you can't see...well unless you have a magic sight and only a few wizards are powerful enough to have that...but umm, like this." Swish and flick, "Wingardium Leviosa" commanded Harry raising a pillow in the air. "You didn't see any beam of light hitting the pillow and making it fly...it just does."

"Well how can I duck something I can't see?" Buffy shook her head in frustration. She clenched her jaw, she had no intention of being helpless again, not like that.

"How did you see me when I was invisible?" questioned Harry.

"I didn't," stated Buffy. She glared.

"Then how did you manage to break one of my ribs, that was a pretty accurate punch," commented Harry.

"Look, I heard you," declared Buffy.

"Exactly, there are other sense. You might not be able to see a spell, but it still moves. And spells tend to move in straight lines. Most don't curve, so if you know where a wand is pointing you know where a spell is going. If you sense a spell moving in one direction get out of the way, it won't move. Does that make sense?" questioned Harry. Buffy paused and nodded her head slowly.

"Kinda like dodging bullets?" inquired Buffy.

"Sort of, except spells don't usually travel as fast as bullets. Easier to dodge." Buffy smiled.

"So I can fight this," stated Buffy. Harry nodded. The tension in his chest lightened as he saw the light in Buffy's eyes. She was herself again.

"You'll help me train for this right?" asked Buffy.

"Uh sure," agreed Harry.

"Hey we'll come too. I think all the scoobies should learn how to avoid this magic stuff, might come in handy...especially if this wizard dude is the new big bad in town." Xander nodded his head.

"I don't want any of you to have to deal with him. I'll do it," growled Harry. Xander looked up and for a minute felt a sliver of fear as he gazed at the younger man...who suddenly looked much older. Buffy however showed no hesitation and reached out a hand to gently grasp Harry's arm.

"Harry, you'll need some help, back-up," she commented softly. Harry shook his head.

"I don't think you should be there. You might get hurt...I couldn't bare that...this is my mess." Harry met Buffy's eyes. Xander squirmed uncomfortably, he had a feeling he was missing something here.

"Look Harry, this guy came to Sunnydale. It's my town. I can't sit back and do nothing. This is my mess just as much as it is yours," asserted Buffy. Harry sighed, he lifted his weary eyes so that they met her's.

"Buffy, you can understand better than most...but even you can't fully grasp what this might mean. There is a curse in the wizarding world...Avada Kedavra, it's called the killing curse. Get hit with it and you're dead...there is no coming back. Could you really stand there and watch Willow or Xander die?" Harry shook his head as both Buffy and Xander paled. "One hit, that's all it takes and they're gone. It isn't like vampires or demons. It isn't a fight where they stand a chance..." Harry's voice trailed off.

"Sometimes you have to stand up, even if there isn't a chance. Sometimes you just have to be there for your friends even if that is all you can do." Harry looked up. Xander stared steadily at the young man. Harry hadn't expected Xander to speak. He had practically called the other young man useless. Yet as he met Xander's gaze there was so much intensity in that stare. Harry thought for a moment he was staring into his own best friend's eyes, and Ron was telling him where to get off. Harry couldn't help but look away.

"We'll be there for you," another voice added. Harry's gaze met the firm resolve of his Uncle. Harry closed his eyes and nodded solemnly.

"Just promise me you won't die for me," pleaded Harry softly. Without waiting for an answer Harry rose to his feet. "If you call Oz and Willow make sure they know...they need to know how bad this can be. But, if they want, we begin training outside at noon." Harry gave those gathered a curt nod before exiting.

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Buffy chose to run home and change and tell her mother that she was alright. Xander stayed with Giles, eating some more breakfast and later gave Willow a call. As Harry had asked, he passed along how dangerous this new dude was. Willow reacted as she'd reacted to the news of vampires, a little fearful perhaps but there was no doubt that she'd be at Giles's at noon. This was who they were. They'd stand beside Buffy until the bitter end. Although neither had made a bid deal about it, both had known that after graduation was their chance to escape. Willow had every opportunity to go to some snobby upper-crust school and Xander didn't have anything holding him in Sunnyhell. Well, nothing except for Buffy. They both knew how dangerous this life was, and both had chosen it regardless.

Leaning back Xander thought about what Harry had said earlier. One curse... It was scary that someone could snuff it like that. And Harry himself, he had looked so haunted. It was strange to see that look on someone so young. But, as Xander thought about it the only time he'd seen a similar look was on someone equally as young. Buffy. After that whole deal with the evil Angel, she'd taken off to L.A. and even when she'd returned Xander had seen traces of that look. He wondered if this was Harry's L.A. Had he come here to escape something? Were his friends missing him as much as he and Willow had missed Buffy? Xander looked up and noticed Giles reading a newspaper as he ate his breakfast. He hadn't seen the Watcher so relaxed in a long time. He seemed to be enjoying his nephew's visit. Xander frowned slightly in thought. Giles was such an adult Xander had never thought about him needing family connections. He was just Giles. But, for the first time, Xander started worrying about the Watcher's happiness. What would Giles do when Harry had to go home?

"Hey Xan," Buffy's warm voice greeted.

"Hey Buffster, you got back fast." Xander tilted his head and smiled at Buffy.

"Yeah well Slayer's are tough. I jogged there and back. Umm...Xander do you know where Angel is?" Xander sighed. He didn't bother arguing that Buffy could do better than the vampire. It was an old argument, they just would never agree.

"He took off around dawn, I think, it got a little sunny."

"Oh," Buffy said. She pursed her lips. "Willow coming?" she inquired, changing the subject.

"Yeah, was there any doubt. She said she'd call Oz too. Harry sure is a little worrier huh. A serious kind of guy." Xander shook his head slightly. Buffy however bit her lip.

"Well, he's been through a lot," Buffy appeased.

"And we haven't?" Xander asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah well...we've been lucky too...I guess, back in England, Harry's best friends died in some war they had there. But don't bring it up with him okay," Buffy urged with a soft voice. Xander nodded. He looked away from Buffy. He frowned.

"That kinda explains a lot," stated Xander.

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Harry sat out in the back yard. He wasn't frowning exactly, but he wasn't looking very approachable either. He didn't like the idea of involving Xander, Willow and Oz in this. He didn't like including Buffy, but had to admit he was 'on her turf'. Yet, he had included them so easily. It would be much better to handle Macnair alone. No risk of anyone getting hurt. In the end, Harry had to admit that he had allowed their presence out of selfish desires. Harry didn't want to think about how far he might go if there were no witnesses.

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Walden Macnair jerked awake. He'd been having a wonderful dream. As the golden light filtered before his eyes he let the memories of last night flow over him. Her scream had been like honey. A shame it was interrupted by that rude fellow. But, he had done his bit anyhow. The human mind could only take so much pain before stumbling into madness. He could have drunk in that honey all night. But sadly he needed her sane. He had very nearly killed that rude vampire, for merely interrupting and taking a few precious seconds. But, he had recognized the thing. The other vampires had spoken of him, a rogue vampire with a soul. Another witness might be good. Yes, he wanted Harry to see the whole thing. He wanted the boy to slip into their minds and fume at his presence. Harry, ah Harry. The boy had screamed so well in the graveyard for the Dark Lord. But he had denied him. The boy had denied him that perfect scream.

Perhaps that was how it should be.

He wondered if Harry was tracking him yet. Was he trying to find him? Or was he too busy tending to the pathetics around him. Muggles. They would hold him back wouldn't they. But time was good, he needed time.

"Carsten, we're moving," he hissed to the vampire.

"Moving mein Herr? But it is day?" the vampire stated in fear.

"I know it is day Carsten, but there are underground tunnels are their not?" the vampire nodded. "Good."

"Vill I gather the others?" Carsten asked.

"Yes...Most. Leave the loud ones here," advised Macnair.

"Ja Mein Herr," the vampire smiled, his sharp fangs extending past his lip.

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"Alright, we'll be starting simple," instructed Harry. He paced before those gathered, watching them carefully. Buffy was standing rather slouched, her attitude almost as if she were bored, but Harry could tell it was just an act. She was watching him carefully and was actually listening. Willow was settled on the ground looking up and Harry, her head cocked to the side. Ox sat beside her, his back stiff and straight. Xander stood next to Buffy. The older boy seemed to be harking back to the night he'd been a solider, his posture strict. He even gave Harry a mock salute as he passed.

"Uh? How are we gonna fight your magic?" questioned Willow, her face pensive.

"Well, you won't really be fighting it...just learning how to avoid it."

"Dodging?" inquired Buffy.

"Yeah, and blocking."

"But how can we block...?" Willow's voice trailed away as she watched Harry begin to wriggle his fingers. She opened her mouth to ask what he was doing when a gold shield appeared in Harry's hand.

"Cool," gushed an awed Xander. The others turned to him with raised eyebrows. "I mean that was...oh come on, you know that was cool. It just appeared!"

"I just called it from my trunk, I have enough for each of you," explained Harry.

"What is it?" asked Buffy. She stepped forward and ran a hand along the smooth metal.

"Well, a shield, duh Buff, you're supposed to be up with the weapons," teased Xander. Buffy sent him a glare.

"This is...different," stated Buffy. Willow jumped to her feet and came over touching the shield. She closed her eyes for a moment.

"Mmm, feels good," Willow purred.

"It's a protective shield," informed Harry. "It can repel or block most magic. Not all...but most."

"What about that cactus curse...does it block that?" Buffy questioned.

"Sort of...but not really. It has been known to muffle the effects. You feel like the curse is running up your hands, if you are holding the shield when it's hit," explained Harry.

"What about that over one...the killing one," asked Willow softly.

"The shield responds like any other object that gets in the way of killing curse. It stops it, but than it shatters. One killing curse and it's gone." Harry flicked his wrist and with a wave of his wand copied the shield at his feet, creating enough for everyone. With another wave he sent each to their respective owners. The others fingered the gold shields curiously. They were surprisingly light for such thick looking metal.

"Hmmm," Oz nodded. The others nodded as well, their usual carefree faces serious. They all knew the 'game'.

"Well, I guess we should practice magical dodging huh?" asked Willow. Buffy nodded.

"Okay," With a concentrated glint in his eye, Harry raised his wand and began firing.

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After their five hour practice, the group had declared it was time for a break. Harry had nodded in agreement knowing not to push them too hard. He had learned quite a bit in his stint as the leader of the D.A. Now they were all gathered in the living room of Giles's flat. The small TV that Giles owned was blaring.

Harry slouched in his chair, yet his own posture was hardly as poor as many of the other's gathered around. Xander was flat on the couch, his legs dangling out in midair to make room on the other end for Willow. She leaned her head on a pillow, her arm drawn up to her chest wincing slightly at the bruise that was forming. During one dodge she had rolled improperly and landed hard on a stone. Ox was seated on the floor next to the red-headed wicca, his arm draped around her legs and he squeezed her knee comfortingly. Willow smiled but she was still a little disappointed with her performance. She had always relied on less physical means of fighting, magic, crosses, holy water, nothing that usually required contact. Dodging was much more physical. Xander had done a little better than her, having never been gifted in magic or particularly quick-witted (although he had his moments) thus while patrolling with Buffy he had largely relied on some fighting ability. Oz had been even better, his werewolf strength and speed coming into play.

But, it was Buffy who had done the best, as if there had been any doubt. The slayer had quickly been able to dodge the visible spells, and although she had been hesitant with the more invisible variety she had managed that as well. She smiled happily. Harry had watched her smile with a warmth in his chest. He knew, how could he not, how much she hated being helpless. In truth, Harry knew that his magical shields would only buy them time. As much as Harry admired Buffy and her 'scoobies,' there was little hope that they could actively fight a wizard, but at least now they stood a chance.

"That is soooo fake," commented Buffy watching the screen. They had stumbled upon an old horror movie while flipping through the channels. Harry glanced at the screen casually. He hated to admit it but he didn't think television would ever hold a sway over him like it did for the others. Starring at the telly always reminded him of Dudley.

"Goodness, how can you rot your brains like that?" asked an exasperated Giles, sticking his head out from the kitchen. "You could at least turn the bloody volume down," the watcher commented.

"Giillllessssss," moaned Buffy. "We'll miss the good parts if we turn the volume down." Giles merely shook his head. It was amazing how well he knew her, he only complained out of habit now.

"See right there, they always get that part wrong," Buffy said. She pointed to the screen where a hero was pulling away a cross while the vampire was shrieking in pain, blisters erupting from the contact. "Crosses don't do nearly that much damage, and with a vampire's healing ability well they'd hardly be struck down because of a little wooden cross. Metal is much better," lectured Buffy.

"Yeah but Buff, they got the right idea at least...better than that whole garlic-" Willow's eyes widened and she smacked her hand to Xander's mouth.

"Let's not start the garlic discussion again," the red-head urged.

Harry smiled as Buffy muttered something about 'vampire propaganda' which caused Harry to snort in laughter.

"My first Defense against the Dark Art's professor used to always smell of garlic. The rumor was he ran into a group of vampires and was always worried they'd track him down again," said Harry a small smile on his lips. Buffy raised her eyebrows.

"And he was your teacher?" she sneered unhappily.

"Well if it makes you feel any better he was the servant of an evil wizard and tried to kill me," stated Harry rather matter-a-factly. The comment was met with silence.

"Um...well, yeah, I guess that is an excuse," responded Buffy with thoughtful look on her face.

"Harry had a teacher try to kill him, welcome to the club man, we'll give you your membership card as soon as we get them printed," joked Xander. Harry smiled and nodded. "He uh...didn't try to seduce you first...uh did he?" the dark haired young man asked.

Harry stared at the other boy for a moment. Then with a jerk, Harry shook his head trying to remove the mental picture Xander had placed in his skull. Quirrel being sexy, wandering the halls with a come hither stare...eck. Gag.

"No!" Harry managed to say when he had regained composure. Xander sighed.

"Guess I'm still alone in that category then," Xander sighed dramatically. Willow petted his arm in consolation.

"Poor Xander," she said with much false pity.

"Some how I'll carry on," moaned Xander.

"Oh come on!" shouted Buffy angrily. She pointed a finger accusingly at the telly. "Vampires can not FLY!" she dictated. Willow and Xander broke into giggles. Oz even managed a chuckle.

"What?" she demanded, "Well, they can't" she said indignantly. The others continued to laugh. Buffy rolled her eyes before cracking a smile.

"Well, I'm personally glad they can't fly," commented Willow.

"Yeah imagine how hard they'd be to slay..although maybe the slayer would get something extra...ooh...like a rocket pack! I'd be like Rocketeer Buffy," she hummed slightly imagining it.

"I think I can guess someone's secret desire," claimed Willow.

"Hey...well I have to admit the whole super power thing would be better if I could fly," confessed Buffy.

"I'll have to take you for a ride on my broom," promised Harry. Silence. Xander gagged. The others shot him a glare. Willow turned away from the choking Xander and faced Harry.

"Harry, that really isn't funny," stated Willow. "Magical people have to fight against those stereotypes." Harry's brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Huh...I wasn't joking," stated Harry. Willow frowned but then her eyes widened and her mouth became an O.

"You really can fly...on brooms?" gushed Buffy.

"Uh...yeah, I was on my House Quidditch team. It's a game played on broomsticks," explained Harry. Buffy smiled wider.

"Can I get a ride too?" Xander asked having recovered from his fit. Indeed everyone was nodding in excitement. Harry nodded.

"Sure, but it might be better to wait until night since you live in the city," added Harry. The others smiled in agreement.

They all settled back into their stupor, watching the flickering images on the screen.

"Bloody Hell!" a male voice yelled from the kitchen. The young people all looked up at the sound of metal clanking, followed by more creative swearing. Buffy and Harry exchanged looks, each rising quietly and sneaking toward the kitchen. The pair peeked their heads in, and instantly had to cover their mouths to keep from laughing.

Rupert Giles, the usually stuffy watcher, had a strange red apron draped around his waist. He was glaring at a pan, whose contents could be best described as coal, and sucking his burnt fingers sullenly. In his other hand he held a large metal mixing spoon and from the sounds earlier had been using it as weapon against the offending cooking instrument.

"Now really Giles, is the pan evil? Did it really require slaying?" teased Buffy. Giles whipped around causing Buffy to break into laughter. Harry, spying the distressed look on his Uncle's face, was able to display more restraint, but be couldn't avoid the smile on his lips.

"I well...I thought I'd make dinner," voiced Giles lamely.

"We...ugh, can...laugh...see that," snickered Buffy.

"Yes...well," Giles rambled away while the other members in the house gathered, looking into the kitchen. Xander became hysterical almost immediately, while Willow sent him a reproachful look.

"I didn't know you cooked," said Willow kindly. Giles flushed in embarrassment.

"I don't," he confessed.

"I can fix something up," offered Harry. Giles however shook his head in the negative.

"You've done far too much cooking for us," declared Giles. Harry smiled slightly.

"Pizza?" suggested Buffy.

"Yum...yeah Pizza," agreed Xander. "Everything with a side of Everything, none of those little fishy things though," ordered Xander.

"Yuck, you don't get to pick the pizza again," argued Willow. "We're going to eat people food, not a monstrosity,"

"Yeah, if we wanted a monstrosity we could just eat Giles's cooking," teased Buffy playfully. Her watcher sent an irritated glare in her direction.

After a small scuffle over the pizza toppings, the gang gathered back in the living room. This time Giles settled himself at the table and Harry joined him. The younger man turned his chair around and watched the others. Once again the group had become boneless, their bodies slumped about the room. The sun slowly sank and soon the room was only lit by the telly and the soft green lamp on Giles's table. Giles haphazardly skimmed through his books. After laughing at Buffy's outrage over another movie mistake, Harry turned to his Uncle who was frowning.

"What's the problem?" he inquired.

"I suppose I just don't like the coincidences that have occurred here. Coincidences always point to prophecies, but I can't find any that would fit our particular situation." Giles stared off into space for a bit and Harry swallowed nervously. Harry was done with prophecies. Trying to draw his Uncle's attention from the book in his hand Harry asked,

"What coincidences are bothering you?" Giles put the book down and looked pensively at his nephew.

"Well, it's just a little odd that the moment you come to visit, we have a dark wizard arrive in Sunnydale, with ties to your past. It's also peculiar that he choose to run here, the one place in the world where you go...it is merely strange. Why would a British wizard on the run come here?" Giles removed his glasses and cleaned them.

"Well he couldn't stay in England. He'd be tracked down by the Aurors. More than likely he was attracted by all the dark magic floating around this town. I'm only glad Voldemort never discovered this place, it is like a nexus for evil energy...no telling what he'd have done with it. Why is that anyway?" asked Harry with a frown.

"No has told you?" Giles asked. Harry shook his head. "Oh, well Sunnydale is on a hellmouth. It is place where the barriers between hell and earth are very thin, and various people have even tried to open them from time to time...making them even weaker." Harry blanched at Giles's words.

"Open...like unleash Hell on Earth kind of open..." Harry's voice trailed off. "How has it been opened in the past?" Harry asked nervously.

"Oh, usually a magical ritual." Giles's eyes bugged as he took in the implication of his words. There was a magical madman on the cusp of hell, and they hadn't even considered the possibility of him opening it? Giles closed his eyes and groaned.

"I'm thinking we better find Macnair fast," advised Harry.

"Do you think he's capable of it?" Giles asked. He feared he already knew the answer but rather than answering immediately Harry paused and leaned back in his chair.

"Honestly, I don't know. He's powerful enough to manage it...but before I'd have said any kind of research or planning was beyond him. He was always Voldemort's pet torturer...not big on complex thought. But now..well, he found his way to Sunnydale, he managed to control the vampire and demon population, he's even challenging the Slayer...he must have some motive I just can't tell what it is." Harry bowed his head in thought. Macnair? Harry hated the sadistic bastard, that was no question. But, he had never honestly considered him a terrible threat.

"Harry, those Aurors you mentioned. They're like police right? Couldn't you contact them and have them deal with Macnair." Harry paused with a frown, he hadn't even considered it.

"I...I suppose I could," Harry paused.

"But?" Giles asked.

"Well, firstly they are busy. A few of Voldemort's supporters managed to escape the explosion, they're busy rounding things up," stated Harry.

"But, wouldn't Macnair be part of the 'rounding things up'" inquired Giles. Harry shrugged.

"They don't know he's alive. I even thought he was dead. And well, there is another reason. I guess I don't want to get in touch with them because then they'd find out I was here," replied a sheepish Harry.

"Harry? Are you hiding from the Aurors?" whispered Giles. He glanced concernedly at his nephew.

"Oh you think...they're not after me. I don't think. It's just well, I kinda took off and didn't tell anyone where I was going," Harry cringed as he spoke.

"Why?" mumbled a flustered Giles.

"Eh, well, I just needed to get away for a bit. Clear my head and what not," Harry offered his Uncle a cheeky smile. Giles shook his head.

"Harry, Not that I'm not glad you're here...but well, running away doesn't help anything."

"I'm not running," argued Harry. "Okay...well maybe a little bit, but it's not a crime to want to take a holiday." Giles shrugged his shoulders.

"Look, I promise, if things get out of hand I'll call the Aurors, okay?" said Harry as a compromise.

"But Harry, you said he killed a friend of yours..." Giles trailed off at the flash of anger on Harry's face. "Look, I'm not doubting you...but this man seems to use magic without thought. I just don't want you to get hurt," appeased Giles. Harry nodded and looked away.

"What if I promised you I could handle him," the young man muttered.

"What do you mean, how can you promise?" asked Giles. Harry shrugged.

"I can," was all he said. Giles nodded slowly.

Harry didn't tell Giles that he had killed Voldemort, Macnair's master. How could Macnair possibly compare to that? And, with his magic's current level...well let's just say Harry wasn't particularly scared of Macnair. He was scared of the things the mental wizard might do to other people before he got to him, but he wasn't afraid of Macnair. He could have explained all these things to Giles and eased his Uncle's mind. But, honestly, he didn't want to be known as an extremely powerful wizard. He didn't want his Uncle to think of him that way. For once he had found a relative who seemed to care about him. It was something he'd wanted his whole life. Would Giles treat him the same if he knew what Harry was capable of? Harry didn't want to take the chance, so instead he let his Uncle worry, appeasing him with a weak promise.

Ding. The doorbell rang and Buffy jumped to her feet.

"Pizza," she said happily. The other's rose as well. But when the door opened they weren't met with the delicious smell of pizza, but rather someone was standing in the doorway.

"Hey Angel," greeted Buffy nervously.

"It got dark, I came back," the vampire replied bluntly, his voice nervous as well.

"We're so glad," commented Xander sarcastically. Willow smacked him on the shoulder.

Buffy stared out as the darkness framed Angel. His soft eyes staring back at her. Her fingers trailed up and down her arms, rubbing away the chill air that drifted in from outside.

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A/N: Dear Readers, hope you enjoyed. A little calm before the storm. School, as I predicted, slowed the update speed, but I gave you a nice long chapter. Hope that makes up some. Reviewers do make me write faster. I promise. Now it is late, and I must get up early. I hope you people are happy, I'm giving up sleep for you lot. Smiles.

Della