SERIES: Beyond the Veil

TITLE: 7 – A Sense of Purpose

AUTHOR: Scorpio

FANDOM: Harry Potter/Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Multi)

RATING: PG (Varies)

SUMMARY: Sirius Black wants to help fight the good fight. The gang considers his proposal.

Beyond the Veil 7 – A Sense of Purpose

"Um…not that I'm saying no or anything, but why would you want to hunt vamps if you don't have to?" Buffy held out a hand palm up towards Xander to stop him from interrupting. "And yes, I know that there are a lot of people that want to help for their own reasons. But that's what I mean. What is your reason, cause it's not the sort of thing that one does just to avoid boredom."

Sirius sighed and looked around at the panel of young folk that made up the top level of fighters and decision makers here at the Reformed Watcher's Council. He had met and liked them all, individually and as a group. He also believed their cause was a good one. But there was much more to it than that.

"You've all heard about my world. I've mentioned that the Wizarding World is in a state of unrest, on the edge of a full out second civil war." Everyone nodded and he sighed and leaned back in his chair. "There are three factions; the current corrupt official government known as the Ministry of Magic, the Order of the Phoenix and the Dark Lord Voldemort and his loyal Death Eaters."

"At the end of the first war with Voldemort I was framed by a Death Eater for a crime I didn't commit. I could have easily proven my innocence, but I wasn't allowed a trial by the MoM, which is illegal. No one cared that I wasn't given a trial though. People were angry and wanted to punish someone…anyone for the horrors they'd survived."

"I escaped from Azkaban Prison and the Order of the Phoenix was hiding me from the Ministry, but…I'm still a wanted escaped prisoner. That meant that I was basically confined to the Order's headquarters and rarely got to go anywhere or to help with the fight very often." His eyes were haunted. "It's sometimes harder to stay behind and do nothing when you know you can do good and help fight the evil stalking your friends and family, then it is to face danger and possibly death."

Xander was nodding his head in total agreement.

"Now that I'm here, I don't have to worry about being seen and arrested. I also have a lot of skills to offer. I have experience, magic and determination. Plus, I would like to believe that the mystery of the Veil will someday be solved and I will be able to return home. I need to be in tip-top shape, battle ready and able to fight on the front lines if I'm to be of any use to the Order."

Sirius watched in a mix of confusion and amusement as the group began to talk together about his offer in a strange conglomeration of high speed babble, vague hand gestures, facial expressions, seemingly random phrases and code words. Eventually Buffy sighed, nodded and turned to smile at him.

"Okay, Seriously Black…we all agree that your heart is definitely in the right place. We also think that you have a fairly good idea of the danger and aren't just looking for a fun little adventure or something equally stupid." She made a vague gesture towards him. "So…what is it that you would like to do for patrol? What role do you see yourself in?"

Smiling, Sirius stood up and away from the table. "I would suggest that I be used for tracking purposes. Plus, I am very good at Incendio, so I could set vamps on fire." He frowned in thought. "I was told they are vulnerable to that."

Buffy nodded in agree. "Dusts them just as nice as a stake. But, how would you help track down demons?"

Grinning, Sirius melted down into his animagus form of the large black Grim-like dog known as Padfoot. He wagged his tail and barked happily. Everyone stood up from the table and walked over to him, looking down on him. They didn't seem scared of him, which was good. The 'Grim' was a bad omen on his world, but not here apparently.

"Ooookay. Girl walking her dog is a good cover story." Willow nodded her head thoughtfully. "Plus, super sensitive doggie nose for sniffing out tracks."

Slowly, Buffy nodded her head too. "Yeah. Okay. But we have to do something about the snarled tangle of matted fur. And having him put a little more meat on his ribs won't hurt either."

"Not to mention he smells like a Fyarl Demon." Everyone looked at Faith. "What?! He does!"

"I agree. Also, so not liking the whole 'dragged backwards through a hedge' look." was Dawn's comment.

Sirius transformed back into a human and pouted. "Well, sorry if I offend. That was how I stayed sane in Azkaban. The prison is guarded by semi-tamed demons and their ability to suck out happiness and joy doesn't affect Padfoot as much. Dog brains aren't compatible, I guess."

Willow gave him a reassuring smile and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll just have to give you a doggie bath!"

[End: A Sense of Purpose]