Thanks to SeleneHarker for Beta-ing this Fic. She Rocks!
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Epilogue: Part I
Harry spent the next couple days getting ready to leave. It was odd to be getting ready. In the past he'd always just tossed his stuff in his trunk and that had been it. Ready to go. Now Harry found himself experiencing an odd thing known as the long good-bye. First, Joyce has insisted that he have one last dinner at her house before he left. Giles, not wanting to be outdone, had decided that they should have one last dinner at his flat. Harry suspected that this was really done so that Giles could prove to his nephew that he could cook. The gang filled up Harry's days with 'one last movie- at the theatre' and then 'one last movie at home' and because Harry hadn't seen a single James Bond movie (Xander had been particularly loud. "How the hell! You're British, he's British..isn't that like some rule over there!") he had been forced to stay for 'one last last movie.' Which had actually been quite good. Harry was of the opinion that he should trust Xander to pick out movies from now on.
Then there was 'one last trip to the Expresso Pump' followed by 'one last trip to the Bronze' which was odd considering he's never had a first trip there. Still, despite his rather uncoordinated performance at the Yule Ball, Harry managed to dance decently, if this could be called dancing. He had tried to demonstrate his waltzing abilities, which the gang all found amusing, although the girls did swoon a bit. Still Buffy had leaned in closer during their dance. They had largely been keeping their distance, a silent agreement to put things on hold for the moment. Resting her head on his shoulder, she had spoken softly that there would have to be 'one last' kiss before he left.
It had been an interesting two days.
And while all these little adventures were exciting, Harry found more peaceful contentment in the small things. Like the night he and Giles had prepared his farewell meal. While not completely inept in the kitchen, Harry had to admit his Uncle wasn't above making anything more complex than a sandwich and perhaps some eggs...if he paid attention. Thus Harry had graciously lent a hand after the first attempt resulted in a lumpy substance that even a demon wouldn't touch.
"I, well, I have actually cooked something edible in my life," stated a rather grumpy Giles.
"Mm hmm, I'll have to see that to believe it." Harry raised an eyebrow at his Uncle, who gazed heavenward in exasperation.
"You work magic, fight vampires and evil wizards and yet you have trouble believing that I can cook a meal." Giles leaned into the sink, his arm scrubbing at the current concoction with seemed determined to ruin his only frying pan.
"What can I say, I only believe what is reasonable," Harry opened the refrigerator and tried to see what else he might be able to magic up.
"Ha, ha, ha." Giles laughed sarcastically. "Well, I suppose it is nice to know you can take care of yourself." Giles sighed and left the pan to soak.
"Uh, yeah. I suppose so." Harry frowned, hiding the expression behind the open fridge door.
"What are your plans in England? A Flat...and house...for all I know the Potter's might own some ancestral home." Giles peered at his nephew speculatively.
"I wouldn't know. Gringrotts, do you know about..." Harry turned to his Uncle.
"Wizarding bank right?" responded Giles.
"Yeah, they sent me a letter about settling accounts now that I'm of age or something. I uh...didn't get back to them, yet." Harry rubbed his forehead thinking about the seven letters, which had grown increasing more impolite, that were still buried in his trunk.
"What would they...well I suppose it's possible that your parents might have left something in trust for when you reached adulthood. You should get that settled before you figure out your living situation."
"Yeah...I guess. I'm rubbish with financial gibberish. The whole vault full of gold was enough, don't know if I want to find out about the rest." Harry sighed. Giles swallowed and ignored the 'vault of gold' comment.
"Well so there is something you aren't good at." Harry turned to glare and Giles grinned. "Don't worry, I've found finances are one thing that you get better at as you go. I'm sure you'll manage."
"Yeah." Harry remained quiet. He stared unseeingly for a moment. These were the times when he hated being an orphan. People tended to feel sorry for him because he had lost his parents, but he'd been so young, and it had been all he'd ever known...honestly it didn't bother him most of the time. It was what he knew. But it was times like this, when he could really use the support, that he hated not having them. He didn't want to be sitting alone in Gringrotts trying to figure out his financial situation, he had no idea what was good or bad. He could just picture himself looking like an idiot in front of the Gringott's Goblins.
"Where would you like to live?" Giles asked after the long pause in discussion. He turned to see Harry lost in thought.
"Uhh, I don't know. Somewhere quiet. Where no body knows me. I was thinking of just getting a room at the Leaky Cauldron...magical pub, not a bad place, but its right at Diagon Alley, and really don't want to play the "Look it's Harry Potter! Let's Point and Stare" game."
Giles snickered for a moment. Harry shot him a sobering look. "I can see how that might get tiring," the older man acquiesced. Harry nodded.
"Well depending on your finances a house might be a good investment. I've always thought of buying a place. Then you know you've got a home. Somewhere you can always go to." Giles gave this advice trying to think of Harry as an adult, under normal circumstance he'd never recommend a seventeen-year-old buy a home. But, Harry wasn't normal, so maybe some "abnormal" advice might be in order.
"Yeah, that would be nice." Harry reflected for a moment. He could almost picture it. A small place, in the country like the Weasley's house maybe. Far away from fans. Maybe a garden? But a house meant so much stuff, more things to figure out. Did the magical world have heating bills? Maybe he could get a House Elf...could he avoid having a House Elf if Dobby found out he had bought a house? The more he thought about it, the more complicated it seemed. Harry banged his head against the fridge in frustration.
"Harry...um I'm going to hazard a guess and say that you don't know what you want to do?"
"What gave me away," asked Harry.
"Well the fact that you're trying to brain yourself was a small hint." Giles grabbed the young man's shoulders and stopped him from knocking his head again.
"Ah yes, I can see that," Harry nodded and rubbed his temple.
"Try not to worry, I'm sure it will all work itself out," soothed Giles.
"Yeah, sure," agreed Harry.
The conversation was soon dropped as food preparation got under way. With Harry's help Giles managed to cook what even Joyce pronounced to be a 'wonderful meal'.
But, eventually even all the 'one last' events had to come to an end. Harry, while wanting to stay, was even more convinced he had to go, his dreams remained troubled and his magic seemed restless. It surprised him he hadn't noticed the state of his magic before. It seemed so apparent now. Dumbledore always did have the talent of pointing out the obvious. Harry saw now that he had been pushing off all the turbulence in his magic as isolated incidents, he'd never bothered or wanted to see the pattern.
So, his trunk was packed. Harry fought the need to go. Buffy and the gang were dropping in to say good-bye. He'd snagged a coke from his Uncle's fridge and was watching the bright California sun slowly slip closer to the horizon. It was quiet for the moment. His Uncle seemed to be in deep thought. Harry had started to see that this focused thought was a part of his Uncle's character. Somewhat like Hermione in that regard, they would have gotten along splendidly. For a moment Harry could close his eyes and picture Ron and Hermione beside him. They would have liked Sunnydale he decided. The town was full of mysteries. They, the golden trio, had always been happiest when in the midst of a mystery. Who was after the stone? Who was heir of Slytherin? How was Sirius Black getting in the castle? Who had entered Harry's name in the tournament? What was the Order Protecting? How would they stop Voldemort? Harry and his friends had never really been without mysteries. He wouldn't have known his years at Hogwarts without them.
"Harry?" Giles's voice drew the young wizard out of his reverie.
"Yeah?" Harry turned and met his Uncle's look. The older man looked nervous and Harry prepared himself for a good-bye.
"I was wondering, if perhaps you'd like some company, for a bit."
Harry turned startled. "What...eh what do you mean?" Harry's green eyes had opened slightly.
"Well, I was thinking you might like a hand getting things settled. Evil seems to be taking a break here for the moment, and Buffy could always contact me if I was really needed. I just thought you might want your old Uncle around for a bit." Giles made his proposal with a somewhat scratchy throat, but as he finished he raised his eyes and smiled at the young man.
Harry paused, his eyes flickering for a moment, trying to understand this action. "I...well, I'd appreciate that," he finally managed to answer.
Giles nodded. "Good, I wouldn't mind taking a peek at the magical world...I was out of the house when Lily got her letter, she told me about it though...sounds very interesting."
"You're just doing this for the magic bookstore right?" teased Harry.
"Did someone say magical bookstore?"
Harry and Giles turned to see Willow standing in the open door with, what could only be described as, glinting devilish eyes. She smiled and Harry couldn't help but cringe. He saw the all to familiar bookish gleam in Willows eyes. Xander, who was standing behind her, hit his head.
"Don't say the B-word around Willow, and defiantly not if it's combined with the M-word." Willow shushed him and hurried over to Harry and Giles.
"A real magical bookstore, we only have the magic box here. But the new owner hasn't bought any new books since the old owner died."
"Don't be down Will," appeased Xander, "This new owner is bound to be killed sometime soon, maybe you'll get a more booky guys next time."
"Well, one can only hope," Willow replied distractedly. She noticed her mistake and looked up panicked. "Not that I want anyone to die...I mean, it's not as if I'm hoping we'll find him in a pool of blood, but well...I mean..."
"Stop while you're ahead," advised Oz bumping her with his elbow. Willow grinned and raised a hand to 'zip' her mouth shut.
"Yes, well Harry and I have decided that I'm going to go with him for a bit," stated Giles.
"Uhhh..." Buffy looked up and raised her hand.
"Yes, Buffy," Giles replied with a sigh.
"Slayer would like to know why Watcher is allowed to leave hellmouth, leaving Buffy to fight evil alone."
"Xander hopes that we can continue speaking in the third person," added the dark haired man.
"Willow would like to stop now please."
"As would I." Giles removed his glasses and paused. "I suppose that the recent lull hasn't escaped your notice."
"The only people in the graveyards last night were dead," related Buffy.
"Yes, darkness usually dies down during the summer months anyway, but their recent defeat has no doubt also given them the incentive to lay low. I think you and Sunnydale will be fine if I'm gone for a week or so. Enough time to get Harry settled."
"And explore Magical Bookstores!?" pouted Willow.
"What's all this?" asked Joyce. She had been carefully parking her car while the Scoobies had hurried inside. She looked around at the narrowed faces.
"Giles is going to go with Harry for a bit," explained Buffy, her mouth in a firm line.
"That's an excellent idea," Joyce replied with a smile and a nod. "I will admit I was a little worried about you. I know you're accomplished in this magical stuff...but you really should have an adult to look over you."
Harry stopped himself from declaring that he was an adult.
"Mom!" fumed an outraged Buffy. "This isn't good news. It isn't fair that Giles gets to go and have fun in magical England while Buffy is stuck here to slay the badness. And I was good all summer!" Buffy continued pouting and Joyce tactfully ignored the somewhat silly response. As Buffy's mother, Joyce could easily recognize the true source of her daughter's frustration.
"Now Buffy, don't take out your missing Harry on Giles."
"I'm..." Buffy frowned at her Mother, raising her chin stubbornly. "That's not it."
"Umm...any chance there might be an extra ticket handy?" questioned Willow with wide hopeful eyes. Buffy turned to her friend, momentarily speechless.
"I...well I suppose that could be arranged." Giles turned to Harry who nodded. Harry had spotted the drive to learn in the red head's eyes, he didn't want to stand in the way of that.
"What!" Buffy had regained control of her voice and spluttered at the young wicca.
"Well it would be an amazing experience, and we'd have a guided tour of the wizarding world."
"We?" questioned Oz, having aptly caught Willows use of the plural.
"Maybe a few extra tickets?" prompted Willow.
Buffy now turned to her friend with a raised brow. "How long have you been planning this?" she questioned.
"Hmmm...well I wasn't really planning..." Willow shrugged and smiled sweetly.
"You did say the hellmouth action is at an all time low," stated an intrigued Xander.
"Yes, but..." Giles turned for a moment, catching the grin on his nephew's face. "You wouldn't mind...umm, quite a bit of company?" inquired Giles.
"I don't think I've got much of a choice," Harry responded.
It had taken a long, long time for everyone to be ready to go. Did he say long? Long was the amount of time it took for Buffy to decide between her pink tank top or her green tank top. In the end, she'd just decided to bring them both. Harry had decided that it would have been easier to just shrink her room and take it with them. Still, they were finally ready to go.
Harry tapped a conjured coil of rope and the object glowed blue for a moment. He unwound the length and had everyone grab hold before grinning cheekily to everyone.
The group as a whole hadn't been encouraged by the smile. The fact that they could all travel almost around the world in only a few moments by holding onto a piece of rope already had them on edge. They had port-keyed before. To the hellmouth. It had been nothing. But then...why was Harry looking so smug?
"Hold on tight, don't want to loose anyone over the Atlantic," advised Harry.
"Can that happen?" squeaked Xander. Everyone shifted, Oz wrapped a protective arm around Willow.
"You'll come get me this weekend?" asked Joyce. Buffy's mother hadn't been able to come, but arrangements had been made for Harry to pick her up on Saturday. It seemed transatlantic travel was much easier with Harry Potter as your friend.
"Here we go," said Harry as he felt the magic beginning to swell.
"Tingly!" gushed Willow. Buffy turned to see here red haired friend alight with the opportunity to travel to Magical England. It made the slayer's heart feel lighter, she had felt terrible knowing that Willow had given up Oxford and Harvard for her. Now maybe Buffy and old Sunnydale could give the young wicca something back.
But everyone's thoughts were soon wiped away in the great gust of magical wind that seemed to lift them up and take them swirling. A hook seemed to have fastened itself in their navels and was tugging them along.
"HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?" shouted a windswept Giles.
"NOT LONG!" replied Harry. Buffy fought a grin while watching Harry, he seemed perfectly calm even if he had claimed to hate portkey travel. Buffy decided to relax and trust Harry, the swirling wind surrounding them, no ground at their feet, it was all kinda exciting, like riding a roller coaster. Sadly the ride was all too short.
BAM!
The swirling suddenly stopped. Almost everyone was flung to the ground even Harry stumbled a bit, international portkey travel wasn't exactly easy. Nor was there landing spot. Buffy looked around with raised eyebrows.
"This...is...eh...nice," commented Buffy. They were in an ally, and a dirty one. Trash cans stood overflowing with rather smelly trash, dirty brick walls surrounded them.
"Follow me," Harry shook his head at Buffy assessment. "We'll want to try and get some rooms. Don't know how crowded they'll be."
"Ummm, where," questioned Willow. She too seemed a little perplexed by the magic world. Harry just lead them to the left brick wall, Buffy did a double take. She hadn't noticed that door before...that was unusual.
Harry opened the door that lead into the Leaky Caldron. He'd decided to set everyone down between Diagon Alley and the pub proper. It wasn't the most exciting entrance to the magical world, but it might be safer. He didn't know what reaction he'd be getting in the Leaky Caldron. He had sort of disappeared for a bit and, if anything, Harry knew that public opinion was a fickle thing. As long as he wasn't being only referred to with a hyphened name, he'd be just fine. But, just to be on the safe side, he conjured a quick baseball hat and set it low over his forehead, flattening his hair completely over the telltale scar.
The people behind Harry tried to act calm an composed. Tried being the key word. This attempt ended when Xander happened to spot someone flooing from the fireplace.
"You guys see that, the fire was bright green, and it...so cool."
"I know look at that!" said Willow. Xander's exclamation seemed to have given her permission to begin being bubbly. She raised her finger and pointed to a wizard who was dressed in bright robes, seemingly arguing with a book in front of him.
"Ooh what do you think that is?" questioned Xander as one wizard hastily consumed a drink that was smoking. "You think Harry can let us try that?"
Buffy rolled her eyes at the two of them. "Calm down guys, don't be so...holy heck! Did you see that!" Buffy nearly leapt into the air when a young wizard flew into the pub with his harried mother chasing after him. The Scoobies paused and watched as the mother shot a spell immobilizing the boy, threatening to take away his belching slugs.
"Geez, rather glad my Mom doesn't have a wand," said Buffy in amusement as she watched the young wizard, now unfrozen, burst into tears. They listened to his continued begging not to take his slugs as the mother grabbed her son and they flooed away.
Needless to say, the group was rather distracted as Harry approached Tom the bartender and asked after some rooms.
"Harry P-"
"Shhhhhhhh." Harry silenced the man quickly.
"Ah, righto, Mr. P- um righto. So you're back are you. I'm right glad to hear it."
Harry smiled warmly at the friendly man, "Yeah, how are you Tom?"
"Never better, business has picked back up since people don't have You-Know...well I suppose you would know who... People can live again, quite a relief I can tell you. And don't you worry, I didn't believe anything the papers have been saying."
Harry paled slightly. "Wh-what have they been saying." Harry paused, "Never mind I'd really rather not know." Harry leaned in, "I was wondering if you had some rooms handy?"
"Course anything for you Mr P–umm, how many will you be needing?" Tom asked cheerfully. Harry frowned...how many...one for everyone? He turned to the muggles behind him, trying to discreetly get their attention. Luckily he managed to catch Giles's eye. He waved them over and after a quick conference settled on the rooms, one for Willow and Buffy, another for Oz and Xander, and Harry and Giles would occupy a third.
They were on their way to the stairs, Harry still head bowed, when Buffy paused seeing a picture on the front page of a Wizarding paper. She had really only paused because the picture was moving and she had wanted to point it out to Willow, but she froze slightly when she recognized the face. Harry? She leaned in closer, ignoring the fact that the others had moved on. Her eyes flashed to the headline, her lips pursed as she read the winding words.
Boy-Who-Lived Hunting Deatheaters!
The Daily Prophet has recently discovered who captured the Death Eater known
as Walden Macnair (a.k.a previous Ministry executioner, see pg 8 for in-
formation on his trial and pg 9 about the faults in Ministry hiring process)
It was none other than our own Boy-Who-Lived! Harry Potter has not abandoned
us as proposed by many in this last week, but rather has engaged in a world wide
hunt to locate and capture the remaining Death Eaters. A Ministry informant told
this reporter, "Macnair was pretty roughed up, nearly didn't make it. Potter must
have beaten the seven shades of shit out of him, course no more than the evil
bugger deserved"
Buffy trailed of, gazing up. "Harry did you read this about you? Boy-Who-Lived! You made thefront page!" Buffy yelled across the room. Harry froze, the loud a busy pub had suddenly become very quiet.
"Harry Potter!" several voices shouted at once.
"Mr. Potter, ohhhhh Mr. Potter,can I get your autograph!"
"Coo, is it really 'im?"
"Show us your scar!"
The colophony of voices soon overwhelmed the room, the words became quite un-distinguishable. Harry meanwhile had begun to slowly back up, as if he had encountered a raging animal. The Scoobies had become wide-eyed, mouths hanging open in surprise.
"Uhh, hi," Harry waved in an attempt to placate the crowd. This however, was not the thing to do. The noise only became louder as a few witches bust into tears about how terribly cute Harry was. Harry's eyes flickered to the Scoobies. "See you guys in the room," Harry called. Without a sound he disapperated.
"Coward!" Buffy called as the crowd converged on the Scoobies. With a few polite shoves, Buffy and the others managed to reach the stairs, dashing to their rooms. They all ran into Harry and Giles's suite, slamming the door with a loud bang. The excitement from downstairs could still be heard through the closed door.
"Whew, that was a close, why were those people being...?" Zander turned to those around him with a questioning gaze.
"It seems Harry didn't tell us something." Buffy turned a gaze upon the only other occupant of the room. Harry flushed.
"Um...I'm kinda..."
"Famous?" provided Buffy.
"You could say that." Harry slumped onto one of the beds.
After much prying the Sunnydale gang managed to pry out of Harry why exactly he was so famous. On the whole, the group wasn't very pitying.
"Well isn't that just peachy," Buffy complained. "I saved the world, I fight vampires nightly, there are no parades for Buffy! I barely graduated what with principal Skinner treating me like a juvenile offender!"
"Hey I said I didn't go to the parade!" argued Harry.
"Well I'm sorry, Mr-I've-Got-My-Own-Fanclub!" Buffy's eyebrows had raised significantly as she spoke. Harry shook his head.
"Just trust me, the entire thing is creepy."
"I don't know, some of those girls down there weren't bad looking," commented Xander. Buffy's face turned around looked at the young man pointedly.
"Eh, they ain't got nothing on you, of course," Xander managed to say, proof that he did indeed have a sense of self preservation.
"This is gonna be so much fun," gushed Willow. Harry smacked his head and burst into laughter. It wasn't long before almost everyone was laughing. Buffy held out the longest, glaring but eventually laughed the loudest. It was certain to be a fun trip.
-
It was still quite early when Harry and Giles crossed the Gringotts lobby, Harry still rather dazed. His uncle, being the practical sort, had decided that they should visit the bank to establish Harry's financial situation.The two had gotten up early, while the other Scoobies still slept. (They had wisely decided to leave the girls alone after Buffy had chucked a shoe at their heads, and they had quickly left Oz and Xander's room when the young werewolf had lived up to the creature's reputation. Who would have known that the young musician wasn't a morning person?) The two had gone alone, the streets uncrowded, snagging slices of toast from Tom as they left. The Gringotts Goblins had seen them quickly, although there had been several grumbles about people who didn't respond to letters in a timely manner. Harry and his Uncle had listened, Giles had asked questions and discussed options. Harry had sat rather quietly, signed what needed to be signed and left as quickly as he could.
Giles guided Harry through the streets, and settled him at a table while Tom went to fetch some tea.
"So," said Giles.
"I'm one of the richest wizards in the wizarding world," stated Harry, echoing the goblin's words.
"It would seem so," Giles rubbed his chin, amusement flickering in his eyes as he watched Harry try to come to terms with this interesting fact.
Harry shook his head. "Still, it's a crappy way to get money. My parents died and left me money, Sirius died and left me everything, the Ministry gave me all that money cause of Voldemort...I don't want it." Harry stared at the table, not noticing that Tom had delivered their tea. Giles smiled to the man and poured them both cups. Harry took the drink absently.
Giles sighed. "I know that it isn't how you want things Harry, but they...well your godfather and parents anyway, they left you this money so that you won't have to worry. You can do what you want, be happy."
"I'd rather not have it," Harry insisted stubbornly. "But I guess if it's mine I might as well put it to some use. Maybe I'll buy a Quidditch team."
"You already own one," stated Giles.
"I do?"
"Weren't you paying attention?" questioned Giles.
Harry shrugged, "After a while it all started sounding the same. Which team is it?"
"The Cannons, or something like that."
"Bloody Hell, Ron's gonna be ballistic." The statement was uttered thoughtlessly, then with a chagrin grin Harry realized Ron would never know. He shook his head. "I would have to own the team that is in the bottom of the league."
-
Harry's eyes narrowed at Buffy, Buffy returned his gaze with her sternest look. The two where each standing on a separate side of the room, and the room seemed to crackle with tension. Those present watched the spectacle in silence, as one might watch a pair of sword masters.
"I fought my teacher who was possessed by Voldemort, who was trying to kill me,"
"That's–"
"When I was Eleven!" Harry announced this last bit proudly. In the background Giles gagged.
"Well a teacher? I fought the mayor, and he was Invincible!"
"A mayor?" Harry raised his eyebrows obviously not impressed.
"He turned into a giant demonic snake," Buffy added. The glint of challenge in her eyes.
"I fought a Basilisk, which can kill with its gaze, and it's poisonous."
"Big Deal, so you fought a big snake,"
"Big! It was sixty feet long!"
Giles paled. "Um...how old were you..."
Harry didn't turn from Buffy as he answered. "Twelve,"
"Bloody," Giles muttered in the background.
"Demons!"
"Gigantic man-eating spiders!"
"Ha! Evil Bug teacher!"
"Teacher possessed by Voldemort!"
"Vampires, Lots!"
"Dementors!"
The challenge went on for a bit more, each trying to add another monster to their slate. Harry finally yelled "Giant Three-headed Dog!"
"Hellhounds," Buffy returned fire.
"Werewolves!" Harry shot back
"Me too!"
"Oz doesn't count!" Harry cried. "Did he try to eat you?"
"No...um I don't think so...did you?" Buffy turned to Oz who shrugged.
"How old were you when the...werewolf?" Giles asked weakly.
"Uh...third year." Harry replied absently. He failed to notice his Uncle's growing distress.
"Killed a Vampire Master!" Buffy said loudly. "He was like ancient, or something, right? And a prophecy said I'd die and I still did it!"
"Prophecies! Don't even get in a prophecy competition with me!" Harry swung his hands about as he spoke.
"Oh come on, I'm the Chosen One"
"HA! Me TOO, there have to be fifteen bloody chosen ones!"
"Ooh! Stopped a demon from sucking the entire world into Hell!" Buffy grinned, suddenly remembering her final battle with Angel.
Harry hissed and ground his shoe into the carpet for a moment, obviously thinking hard.
"Well...Stopped Voldemort, and he'd have made hell on earth,"
"Phft," Buffy huffed and rolled her eyes, she began pretending like she was buffing her nails, "Boring."
"Boring! These people don't even call him by his name! Really evil. Oh and Stopped MacNair and Light of Hell thing! That's saving the world.
"Doesn't count you're the fricking Light of Hell, you can't get credit for stopping yourself!"
"Well Voldemort and all his little minions count. Also I don't think stopping your ex is really that spectacular!" Harry said. Xander clapped in the background, albeit very discreetly.
"Can't we all just agree you guys have had umm, exciting lives?" asked Willow timidly. "Also I think Giles is gonna faint."
Both teens turned to watch as Rupert Giles slid to the floor.
"Uncle Giles are you okay?" Harry asked dropping to his knees. He turned to Buffy in confusion. The slayer crossed the room kneeling beside Harry.
"Honest Giles we were just playing, Harry I aren't really mad at each other," Buffy appeased.
"Yeah, why would we be? Both stuck playing the hero gig." Harry swung an arm around Buffy who smiled in return. Giles waved their comments aside before lifting his chin to look at his nephew.
"What the hell kind of school did you go to?" he inquired incredulously.
-
Buffy preened nervously in front of the mirror.
"You look lovely dear," the mirror told her. Buffy tried to feel flattered but talking mirrors creeped her out. She couldn't get past the idea that the voice was really some pervert on the other side who was spying on her. There were so many interesting things in the wizarding world but it could be unnerving at times. Harry had taken them on a tour of Diagon Alley, as well a small village called Hogsmeade, he'd even pointed out Hogwarts. She hadn't been able to see it at first, it merely looked like a ruin, but when Harry took her hand she was able to get a glimpse of the place that Harry called home. They had held hands as they walked back. It had been sweet, she decided that she needed more sweet in her life.
Of course the trip hadn't been all fun and games. Willow hadn't been joking about magical bookstores. They had been stuck in one for what felt like hours. Eventually, Buffy, Oz, Xander and Harry had ditched the bookworms and had ventured into Muggle London. And Harry and Giles had been doing some work with finances. Buffy hadn't asked much about it, she just knew that when Harry got back he always seemed worn. So she'd joke with him until he was back to himself.
Buffy patted her skirt again. Her time with Harry was somewhat confusing. There were some moments that seemed so... intimate. Once while they were in muggle London, they had stopped to listen to some street performers. Harry had lifted her in the air and spun her around. Even when he stopped it still felt like the earth was spinning. Indeed, she never seemed to have steady ground. But, they always seemed to be dancing around what was between them. When he had told her he was leaving she had thought it best not to become involved, but she'd past involved awhile back and was stepping into uncharted territory.
She knew he liked her, they had that friendly pre-relationship fluttery feeling. But they hadn't wanted to start something that would have to be stopped. At the end of the week she'd be back in Sunnydale, and Harry would have to stay here. She saw that now. Harry was much more relaxed here, without the dark magic of the hellmouth weighing him down. Sometimes she wondered if he'd ever really be able to come back to Sunnydale. I wasn't just the magic, it was this place. The people here needed him. Harry might call what he had fame, but it was something much deeper. People, all kinds of people, respected Harry. They smiled more when he was there, they tried harder, felt safer. She saw it in little ways, ways Harry likely didn't notice. She frowned.
It all broke pieces off her heart. Because where in the world could they be together when each had lives on separate continents.
"Smile dear, you don't look as pretty when you frown," the mirror advised.
"Hmm, you ready Buffy?" Willow asked coming out of the bathroom. Buffy nodded distractedly. The young wicca smiled comfortingly and tried to distract her friend.
"Do you think the food will be different, We've eaten in restaurant so far...it all seemed the same, although that ice cream was wacky...and the whole raw liver thing I didn't quite understand...by maybe they have different kinds of food in a wizard home?"
"Harry says she's a great cook," commented Buffy. She turned back to the mirror. "Is this skirt too short, I don't want to look like some hussy...I mean maybe I should wear something more traditional...or maybe wear those robes that Harry bought me?"
"Chill Buffy, it's just dinner," came a voice from the doorway. Buffy looked up to see Xander in the hall, peeking into the room.
"Not just dinner, we're meeting the Weasleys!" Buffy bit her nail. "Harry said they're like his family, and Mrs. Weasley's the closest thing he has to a mom...what if she doesn't like me..."
"She'll like you Buffy, who couldn't like you," encouraged Willow.
"I'll gonna wear the blue dress, it's more classic..." Buffy rummaged though her bag and grabbed a dress before hurrying into the bathroom. Xander tried not to smirk.
"That will be the third outfit," commented Willow. "I'm lucky I was given enough bathroom time to brush my hair."
"Yeah well, the Buff likes to worry about stuff like that...still it's not like she and Harry are engaged or something...right?"
Willow shrugged. "It's a mess. She likes him, he likes her, they both fight evil, and ordinally this might sound like a match made in heaven...but the geographical distance is causing a problem."
"You don't sound worried," mentioned Xander.
"They'll figure it out."
"Eck, I hope I'm far away when they do. Seeing Buffy exchange spit with the brooding vampire was bad enough." Xander cringed at the thought.
"You don't like Harry?"
"No don't get me wrong, loads better. Has a pulse, has a sense of humor, enjoys a good Bond movie, free airfare to anywhere in the world...definitely better. Still can't you picture how horrifyingly mushy they are gonna be."
Willow smiled and looked dreamy, "Yeah, they'll be so cute."
"Many a man has been ruined by meeting a girl, that is all I'm saying. Remember me and Cordelia. I was a like puppy dog," Xander shuddered.
"Yeah, it's a shame what happiness can do to people."
"Happiness is fine, it's Love that screws you up."
Willow paused and looked at Xander, "That was almost astute, in a cynical way."
"Astu-what?" Xander scratched his head.
"Never mind."
Buffy emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in a blue summer dress, her hair hanging on her shoulders. "What about this?" she asked her two best friends.
"Great, you can't look better then that," stated Xander enthusiastically. Willow gave him a thumbs up.
A knock came from the door frame, "You guys ready?" Harry's voice asked.
"Yep," Willow replied. Harry entered and stopped when he spotted Buffy.
"I...ugh, you look very nice," he told her.
Xander rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's starting."
"What?" questioned Harry.
"Nothing," Willow covered. She latched onto Harry's arm. "So how are we getting there?" The Scoobies had all become rather used to the various forms of magical travel. They all had their favorites, Buffy preferred doing slide-along apparition with Harry. Willow and Xander seemed to enjoy Flooing, while both Oz and Giles thought portkey was the only way to go. Of course, they hadn't tried broom flight yet.
"Floo," Harry replied to the red head's delight.
Buffy moaned, "I don't like that one, makes me sick."
"But Buff we're traveling by fire, that's just neat," argued Xander. The gang trooped downstairs, Harry was once again disguised. Groups of people had taken to waiting in the Leaky Caldron once it was discovered that Harry was staying there. He'd become quite good at glamour charms, at the moment he looked like an old man with a big salt and pepper mustache. The disguises were usually good enough for Harry to slip away before the ruse was noticed. Giles kept arguing that they should find somewhere else to stay, here he'd raise his eyebrows in Harry's direction. But the young man just said the Leaky Caldron was so much more convenient. Buffy took a deep breath and closed her eyes before stepping into the fireplace.
"The Burrow," she stated just as Harry and Giles had done. When the swirling finally stopped, she opened her eyes and stumbled out of the hearth.
"Welcome dear," a plump red-haired woman greeted.
"Mrs. Weasley?" Buffy questioned. The slayer walked forward stepping out of the way as Willow came bouncing along behind her. Buffy took the moment while the others arrived to examine the magical home. The house had a cluttered quality to it, bright colors and oddly slanting shelves filled her vision. She spotted a funny clock and pair of knitting needles in the corner that seemed to be operating on their own.
"Oh yes dear, you must be Buffy. Fred and George mentioned they had met you," the motherly woman said interrupting Buffy's scan of the house. Buffy looked around the room and for the mischievous twins they had meet in Diagon Alley yesterday. As of yet, the pair were no where in sight, probably safer that way. The two were largely the reason the Scoobie gang plus Harry was here. Xander had really wanted to see a magical joke shop, they had all laughed and been amazed over the items inside. However, the Scoobies had all jumped in surprise when two identical young man swooped down and lifted Harry away. In the end they hadn't been able to escape without promising to come over for dinner.
"You all must be starving," bemoaned Mrs. Weasley. "Nothing but pub fare, nothing against the Leaky Caldron, but really Harry I hope you are eating." Mrs. Weasley moved around the kitchen, checking on pots, waving her wand absently.
"I am Mrs. Weasley," responded Harry automatically. The Weasley matriarch paused for a moment and settled her eyes on Giles.
"Well hopefully this uncle is taking care of you, that other one, well anyway, it is nice to meet you...Mr. Giles was it."
"Please call me Rupert," the watcher said with a smile. The door to the kitchen opened and an older man with red hair entered.
"Oh, they've come have they?" Mr. Weasley attempted a smile, but a soft sadness seemed to exist in his eyes. Buffy suddenly remembered with a shock that these were Ron's parents. She noticed Harry shift uncomfortably.
"Rupert Giles," introduced Giles, holding out his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Arthur Weasley, so you're Harry's uncle. Quite an improvement against the other one I must say," replied the wizard with a chuckle.
"Can't be too hard," replied Giles with a grimace.
"Fred and George should be along any moment, then we can start dinner. GINNY!" Mrs. Weasley's voice broke into a yell without pausing for breath. The visitors all looked a little startled, Willow broke into a fit of snickers behind quickly raised hands.
"What?" came an somewhat irritated voice. Footsteps clomped down the stairs, a young a girl with red hair emerged. Her clothes were rather rumpled looking and hair un-brushed. She turned to look at her mother and froze as if stunned, her brown eyes opened wide.
"MUM! You didn't say we were having guests," the girl squeaked. She raised a hand and waved at the people below, "uh, Hi?"
"Hey Ginny," Harry greeted. The girl on the stairs broke into a huge grin. "Harry! You're back!" At this, the red head leapt off the stairs and swung her arms around Harry, catching him in a hug. Harry smiled back.
"See I told you I'd be back," said Harry with a grin.
Ginny punched him in the shoulder, "About time."
"Harry," interrupted Mrs. Weasley, suddenly the kindly woman seemed to be glaring down at the young man, "I don't think what you're doing is very safe. Goodness knows those terrible deatheaters need to be captured, but it isn't safe for you to be tracking them down on your own. Really dear, I was so worried about you," Mrs. Weasley clicked her tongue is disapproval as she spoke.
"Mrs. Weasley I haven't been tracking deatheaters," Harry argued. This had been one of the harder rumors to deal with when Harry ran into people. They all seemed to think he was some avenging warrior. Harry didn't know if they were disappointed in the fact that he wasn't. Mrs. Weasley didn't look convinced.
"But the papers said you captured Macnair?" she asked with raised brows.
"Well, yeah...with Buffy and well, everyone's help." Harry gestured to the group behind him. Ginny seemed just to have really noticed who was here.
"Wait, is one of you the Slayer?" the younger girl asked.
"Uh yeah," said a somewhat subdued Buffy. The girl broke into a wide smile.
'Oh my gosh! I wrote a paper on you...well not you, but the Slayer. By far the best part of DADA. You show all those guys how tough a girl can be," Ginny spoke with a great deal of excitement.
"Uh, thanks," replied Buffy, not sure how to respond. She eyed the red head who was still standing rather close to Harry. Buffy felt like demonstrating some of her Slayer strength but kept the instinct in check.
The fireplace flared up and two more people emerged.
"The gangs all here,"
"It seems," stated Fred and George Weasley.
"You're late," chided Mrs. Weasley, "They've been starving here waiting for you two to come home."
"Well, Merlin, if it weren't for –
"The two of us, snagging Harry here –
"And he's a wily bugger, –
"We might not have had the chance to catch up."
Molly Weasley merely rolled her eyes before shooing everyone out to the backyard where expanded tables had been arranged to fit everyone. Many dishes already covered the tables, preserving charms keeping insects away from the food. Xander had fallen into the rear and began chatting with the twins about their pranks, the older pair grinned, happy to have found someone who embraced their chosen profession. Oz and Willow were examining the plants in the garden, some of them were quite unusual. Willow shrieked in surprise when something that looked like a walking potato ran into the bushes.
"Garden Gnome," explained Harry. The young wicca raised her eye brows, clearly indicating that it didn't look anything like any garden gnome she had seen.
"Are you sure it isn't a little demon or something?" she questioned.
"Well, they do have a nasty bite but they're hardly dangerous," commented Harry. Willow continued to eye the vegetation warily.
"Harry dear would you mind fetching the chairs," Mrs. Weasley asked.
"No problem Mrs. Weasley" answered Harry. With a flip of his wand, comfortable chairs, one for everyone, appeared. Buffy, who was used to magic by now, went and found a seat, the other Scoobies followed. Buffy looked up to see the Weasleys quickly trying to cover up any surprise.
"I suppose it always slips our minds that you can use magic now," said Arthur, covering up their gobsmaked attitudes.
"Took me awhile too," said Harry with a shrug.
The dinner progressed quite nicely, the food was delicious, not all of it recognizable, but very good none the less. Willow and Mr. Weasley made quite the pair, each trading questions. Him about the muggle world, her about the magical. Both seemed to be enjoying the conversation very much, every once and awhile amazed "ohhhhs" could be heard as each marveled over one thing or another. The twins and Xander seemed to be keeping themselves entertained, Buffy kept an eye on their conversation with some worry. Harry seemed to be fending off Mrs. Weasley, the woman couldn't seem to stop adding food to his plate. In the end Harry just submitted to the inevitable, and focused on learning how his classmates were doing. He asked Ginny a few questions, as she seemed to be up on all the latest Hogwart's news. After Mrs. Weasley's maternal nature had been appeased, the red haired woman got into a quiet conversation with Giles. By the gazes the two were shooting Harry, it wasn't difficult to determine what the topic of conversation was.
"Dean's apparently dating a girl from Hufflepuff, you wouldn't know her I don't think, she's in my year. Apparently she's a muggleborn too, and a big Manchester United fan"
Harry laughed, "Trust Dean to fall for someone because of a football team."
"And then– "
"Ugh, I don't know how much more gossip I can stand," sighed Harry. "They never get things right," the dark haired young man complained. Ginny got a silly snooty look.
"Well, Mr. Potter, I will have you know all my sources are quiet reputable," Ginny managed to say before bursting into giggles.
"You should be a reporter," Harry advised her, "If your information is correct, then you're already better then Rita Skeeter," Harry shook his head remembering that particularly troublesome reporter.
"You're just trying to get a member of the press on your side," Ginny said gravely.
"Well it can't hurt," Harry smirked in reply.
"It's odd to have the press knowing about you," commented Buffy, entering the conversation.
"Odd and annoying," added Harry.
"That's right," said Ginny, "You've got to keep that you're the Slayer a secret from muggles right? Gosh, that must be hard, totally unfair when prats like Harry get all the glory."
"Hey!" complained Harry. The two girls laughed at the look on his face.
"Harry," Mr. Weasley called from across the table. "Dumbledore mentioned the offer he made you, are you thinking of accepting it. Be quite and honor, you'd be the youngest professor Hogwarts has seen," Mr. Weasley smiled as he spoke. The table grew silent as everyone turned to Harry, the Scoobies and Giles included. Harry smiled nervously, um he'd forgotten to tell them about that.
"It's not a professorship...just an assistant, I...well it sounds nice but I don't know," replied a muffled sounding Harry.
"Harry what is this about?" Giles asked, leaning forward and fixing his nephew with a stare.
"Umm, well Dumbledore hired this professor for defense, but he'd gonna go home on weekends, so he might need a hand, and Dumbledore thought I might be good, and you know I could learn more..." Harry trailed off.
"It's quite an honor," added a proud Mrs. Weasley.
"Well you'll have to consider it," said Giles with raised eyebrows. Harry nodded.
After that the evening developed into a story hour, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley relating tales of Harry's visits to The Burrow. There was always a tinge of sadness in their voices when talk turned to memories of Ron and Hermione. Mrs. Weasley let her tears fall openly, laughing about some silly prank war Harry and Ron had fought against the twins. But, despite the sadness, it was really a happy remembering. One which seemed to do them all some good. Mr. Weasley in particular looked lighter on their leaving then their arrival.
When they were getting ready to Floo back, Harry pulled Ginny aside.
"I wanted to ask how everyone was doing?" he enquired softly. The tone of his voice filled with concern that quickly told the young woman it wasn't Hogwart's gossip that Harry was interested in.
Giny gave Harry a sad smile. "We're, well we're holding together. There are good days and bad days, days we all miss Ron so much. But we're doing better. Bills gonna try to get a house near here, and even Charlie may come home for a bit, he was offered a job by some Ministry research group. And Percy...well he's still being a prat, but I guess he's written Mum some letters, and talks to Dad at the office, so maybe that will be okay too. The twins are...well the twins. They've got a lot of money coming in from the shop, but so far they seem happy to stay here. Which is really good because I don't know what this house would be like without them." Ginny bit her lip, knowing that her two pranking older brothers were staying for her sake. Ginny smiled a little tearfully. "I always thought most of my brothers were prats, but it turns out that most of them are good guys, I wish I'd said that more," Ginny shook her head. She hadn't needed to say that she wished she had told Ron more.
Harry wrapped his arms around the slim read head, "Its gonna be better," he whispered into her hair.
"I hope so Harry, gosh I'm so glad you're back. It seemed so much worse when you were away, and not coming over. Like we lost you too," Ginny sniffled.
"Well I'm not going anywhere now," said Harry.
"But are you gonna stay?" Ginny's words were swallowed into the night air where they stood. Harry said nothing, only hugged the younger girl again, before they both went inside.
A/N: Orginally this was only going to be one really long update, but a friend of mine who reads the fic complained that I was taking too long. Hence it has been devided into two parts. I hope you enjoy, and that this epilogue serves to answer some questions.
Della