Author's Note: Been a while, since I last posted…but, life kind of got in the way. It's been known to do that.

Chapter 9: Of Dreams and Letters

Summers' Residence

Giles awoke with a start. Buffy was calling to him, he could feel it. His dreams held nothing, but Buffy. She came to him that night. He wanted nothing more than to be with her. They say that hearts grow fonder the further apart you are, but all he could feel was an ache in his chest. He needed her, just as he knew that she needed him.

Giles rose slowly, it was time he left. Hopefully, he could return with the book by nightfall. He couldn't bear to stand another night away from Buffy. He closed his eyes thinking again of his dream and the warning etched through it…

Voldemort was attacking Hogwarts. Giles looked around helplessly; almost as if he were lost. His eyes were seeking Buffy, she was his light in all this darkness…his reason for fighting even though it seemed hopeless.

With a small smile, he took off, noticing her just outside the castle walls. She was deep in combat with a couple of demons. Finishing them off, she spotted Giles running towards her. Momentarily distracted, Voldemort chose that moment to attack.

"Buffy!" Giles screamed for her as a bolt of what appeared to be electricity, shot towards Buffy. It was dark magick, Giles realized. He knew he'd never make it in time. The ore he ran the further away she seemed. He cried out in pain as Buffy was hit from behind.

Everything suddenly went dark. He blinked away unshed tears as the night whispered in his ear, "You can save her if you just believe. Trust in yourself. You know what must be done." With that cryptic warning he had awoken to find himself alone and in Buffy's bed.

Gryffindor Common Room

A scream escaped her mouth as she watched two vampires sucking the blood from her boyfriend and Watcher, Rupert Giles. "Buffy!" she could hear him calling to her, but she was unable to move. Grounded to the spot, she let out a cry as he fell to the ground. The vampires were now watching Buffy and the tears that slid down her face.

"No!" She fell to the ground, unable to hold it in any longer. She looked up as the vampires approached, and curling herself into a ball she glared at them. The faces of Spike and Angel were staring back at her. She wanted to wipe the smirk off of Spike's face. Giles was gone, and it was all his fault…she was sure of it. She looked to Angel and was surprised when he winked at her, before slinking back into the shadows.

She continued to watch as Giles rose from the ground…a freshly made vampire. If possible, she curled back into herself even more, afraid to move. The sky grew darker and darker; the full moon shining overhead. She slowly stood as Giles walked towards her form. He caressed her cheek and she found herself leaning in to his touch; wanting more.

His fangs glinted in the moonlight as he was lowering his face to her neck. Bright rays shone from the moon, forcing Giles into the darkness and away from Buffy. She looked up and saw through the moon the makings of a mark. It was a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth.

"Soon, Slayer, soon. You will know what it's like…soon he will kill you." All went dark ass Buffy awoke screaming for Giles.

Hermione entered the common room to see Buffy crying. "Are you all right?"

Buffy closed her eyes as another onset of tears started. She wished Giles was there. He was her rock; the missing piece, and she needed to feel him again. Slowly she nodded while wiping her eyes, "I'll be fine."

Hermione didn't look convinced, but let the subject drop. If Buffy wanted to talk, she would. "Don't worry. It'll work out, you'll see."

Buffy tried to smile, but found herself once again crying and yearning for Giles' touch.

"Hermione! Buffy!"" Harry and Ron came bounded into the room. "Dumbledore wants to see us after breakfast." Ron explained.

"Says there's news." Harry added.

"Let's hope." Buffy sighed as they headed to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Dumbledore's Office

"Are you certain?" Dumbledore asked Sirius Black.

"Yes, Professor, Voldemort found a way. I saw it with my own eyes." He explained.

"Extraordinary." Dumbledore leaned back in his chair as Fawkes flew in, landing on his desk.

"He plans to kill Harry and the others." Sirius was saying as Dumbledore reached for the letters.

"He can try," was his reply as he opened the first letter.

"Listen to this." Dumbledore started to read the letter.

"Professor Dumbledore,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding Buffy. She is in fact very special to all of us. The news of Voldemort's rise is very unsettling.

We will do all we can to help you rectify this situation. I wish to thank you for the information you provided to me. That book will prove very valuable in the dark times ahead.

I hope to be joining you and Buffy shortly. Please do not inform Buffy, as I wish to surprise her. Could you give her the other letters as her friends and family have missed her greatly.

R.G"

Dumbledore's eyes shown bright as he finished the letter. "He's really going to help." Sirius sounded like he didn't' believe it.

"I thought he might." Dumbledore responded as the four children walked into his office.

"Sirius," Harry's face brightened as he saw his godfather.

But his spirits suddenly fell as Dumbledore spoke, "Voldemort has brought a vampire here. No telling how many more will follow." A dark cloud of dread settled over them all.

Buffy knew this was going to happen. Her dream had foretold it. The only question was: which vampire? "You didn't happen to catch his name, did you?" She asked hopefully.

Sirius shook his head sadly, "No, but I do know, he was British and had blonde hair."

Buffy could have jumped up and down for joy; that description fit Spike to a tee. She relaxed slightly "That would by Spike."

"You know him?" Ron glanced at her, curiously.

"Yes…in fact the next time I see him, I'm going to kill him." She stated gravely. She knew she had to tell them of her dream, but where to begin?

"Buffy, you look like you have something to add." Dumbledore spoke quietly, but his voice carried.

"I had a dream. If Spike's here, I think Voldemort's going to bring Angel here next." She lowered her eyes.

"Angel?" Hermione saw the sadness in Buffy's eyes and couldn't figure out where it was coming from.

"Yes and that could only spell trouble." Buffy gave them an edited version of Angel's history. "If Voldemort can release Angelus, we'll have more trouble than we can handle." Buffy sighed, not sure what to do.

Dumbledore solved her dilemma, with his plan of action. "Sirius, why don't you keep an eye on Voldemort." Sirius grinned and shifted to his dog form, running out of the castle. He turned to Buffy next, "Perhaps you can find something of interest in the library, while the others attend their classes."

They turned to leave, but Buffy was stopped by Dumbledore's hand on her shoulder. "Buffy, if you could wait for a moment?" she nodded glumly. How she wished Giles were there. Now that he was gone, she found herself wanting him even more; but isn't that the way of the world?

Dumbledore waited for the others to leave, then motioned Buffy to his desk. "I sent Fawkes to Sunnydale," He explained and watched as Buffy's face lit up.

"You did?" she could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"Yes, I felt they needed to know of our predicament." He handed her the letter from his desk," These are from your friends, perhaps they will brighten up your day."

He smiled at her as she reached for the letters, "Thank you." She turned and scurried out of his office.

The Library at Hogwarts

Buffy knew she should be researching, but she found herself looking at the letters longingly. Making up her mind, she opened the first to find her mother's handwriting.

My dearest Buffy,

Things aren't the same without your smiling face around here. Mr. Giles says not to worry, that you'll be home soon. I hope he's right.

I must admit to being a little worried, but he seems so confident. With any luck, I'll be seeing you smiling face soon. Please be careful and take care of yourself.

Love,
Your Mother

A tear slid down her cheek. Trust Giles to keep everyone positive. She took a deep breath and opened the next letter. This one was from Willow and Xander.

Hey Buffy,

You must be pretty shaken up; I know we were when Giles found you missing. I think he blames himself, not sure why though. He's being really secretive lately. (Xander)

I'm starting to worry about Giles. He seems to be having a hard time keeping control of his emotions. I know he really misses you…we all do. (Willow)

Your best buds,

Willow and Xander

Buffy couldn't seem to stop the flow of tears as she took the last letter, knowing it was from Giles. She really hoped he was fine. It seemed everyone was worried about him. Her gut clenched as she thought about it.

My Sweet Buffy,

Sunnydale is not the same without you by my side. I miss you a great deal, but know that you will always have a place in my heart. You are the light shining through all this darkness; my light.

I have a few theories that, hopefully, will bring me to your side. We can take this battle head on; together we are unstoppable.

Whenever it seems too much, just close your eyes and I will be by your side. Whenever I am know that I'm thinking of you…always.

All My Love,

R. G.

The tears were flowing rapidly as she finished reading his letter. It felt like something inside of her was breaking. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

She closed her eyes and pictured Giles; just as he said it felt as though he were right by her side, calming her fears and keeping her nightmares at bay. Everything would by fine if she could just hold him tight.

Chapter 10: Birthday Surprises

Sunnydale Cemetery

Giles still hadn't returned from L.A. Willow had to admit that she was starting to worry. Especially since he should have been back by then, even he said so. If that wasn't bad enough, she was out patrolling with Angel and Gunn. Those two sure knew how to brood…so not fun.

Just as they were about to leave the cemetery she caught a glimmer of something. Slowly she crept over and motioned to Angel and Gunn. Angel leaned down and picked it up. "What do you suppose it is?" Gunn asked the vampire.

"Not sure. It appears to be a crystal ball of some kind. Willow?" He looked to the red head, who refused to touch the ball.

She shook her head. "We should ask Giles. He's the expert." Refusing to give it another thought, she started heading towards Buffy's house, where Giles would hopefully waiting. She couldn't put her finger on it, but the crystal ball made her feel very uneasy. Hopefully, Giles could shed some light on it.

The night was so quiet that she thought she could hear some mumbling. Immediately, she stopped walking and motioned for the others to do the same. "What is it?" Gunn could tell that something was wrong, even if he couldn't sense anything.

"Did you hear that?" Willow tried to reach out, but couldn't make heads or tails of it. She could see Angel doing the same. All he could make out were some incoherent words.

Willow shrugged and was about to start walking again, when she saw a bright light coming from the globe. They all covered their eyes as the light got brighter. When the light dimmed to the point of non-existent, Willow noticed Angel was nowhere to be seen. She watched as the crystal ball fell to the ground with a clank. Thankfully it was still in one piece.

Gunn made a move to pick it up, but Willow stopped him. "We have to be extra careful." She cautioned. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a black cloth. Being careful not to touch the globe, she wrapped the cloth around it. "Hopefully, Giles is back, cause I'm outta my depth with this one."

Voldemort's Lair

Angel fell to the ground with a thud. He was a bit disoriented as he looked around. Before he had a chance to react, Voldemort placed one hand on Angel's head and the other on his chest, holding him in place. He started chanting in Latin and Angel screamed as the pain seared through him.

When Voldemort released him, Angel collapsed into unconsciousness. When he awoke Spike and Voldemort were standing before him. Angel looked at one then the other and let go of an evil and wicked grin as he got to his feet.

"Welcome back, Angelus." Spike approached him and gave him a manly pat on the back.

"It's good to be back."

Hogwarts Castle

Buffy was running through the halls towards the common room when Crabbe and Goyle stood in her way. She turned to see Malfoy staring at her. "What's your big hurry?"

Buffy glared in response, refusing to answer. Instead she let go of a threat, "Get your goons out of my way or they will be meeting the floor."

Malfoy grinned and noticed the letter Buffy was clutching in her hands. With a wave of his wand the letter slipped from her grasp to land on Malfoy's palm. "Give that back!" She yelled, her eyes already filling with tears.

"Make me." He egged her on, making a show of opening the letters. He nodded to Crabbe and Goyle. They advanced on Buffy grabbing her arms.

"Let go of me." She gritted out through clenched teeth.

Malfoy slowly walked up to her, "I warned you, didn't I?"

"And I warned you." Buffy stomped on Crabbe's foot, then Goyle's. Then each of them met a fist and went out cold.

The next thing Malfoy saw was Buffy's fist as it flew towards him. He flew back to hit the wall and the letter fell out of his hands, slowly gliding to the ground. She scooped the letter up and ran the rest of the way to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Once the password was said she ran to the dorm and curled into a ball on the bed as fresh tears started to fall, the letter clutched to her chest. Oh, Giles…I miss you. She cried herself to sleep.

It was Buffy's birthday, she smiled at all her friends. Giles approached her with a smile of his own. As he approached, one by one her friends disappeared, until they were alone. He reached out a hand to caress her cheek. His eyes were alight with love. She knew deep down that he was the other part of her soul; just as she was his.

Giles lowered his mouth to lightly kiss her cheek. "Save me…" he whispered, barely audible, in her ear.

She watched as a black cloud enveloped him. "Giles?" She asked afraid of the response.

"Buffy?" When the black cloud evaporated, Giles was standing there, but he was different.

She took an involuntary step back, "Giles, what's happened to you?" He looked weary, almost tired, but when she looked in his eyes, she could see a fire raging, just beneath the surface.

He approached her with a gleam in his eyes. She forced herself to stand her ground, even though she was terrified; terrified she was going to lose Giles. "I can't lose you Giles, please come back to me."

Her quiet confession stopped Giles where he was, mere feet from her. "I am Giles." He all but growled at her.

"No, you're Ripper. Not my Giles. Not the man I fell in love with!" She screamed through her tears.

"Ripper is me, just as Giles is. That hasn't changed." He grinned, but some of the fire faded from his eyes.

She shook her head repeatedly, "it has…I can see it."

He took another step towards her and stopped. He grinned and held his arms out to his sides, the palms facing Buffy, as if to say, "Look at me."

Buffy could see the dark cloud start to cover him and rushed forward, "I love you, Giles. All of you." She grabbed his arm, "Please, don't leave me."

As the cloud covered him, he whispered, "You can save me. You are my light; my love."

She woke up yearning for Giles' touch.

Summers' Residence

Dawn watched as Giles sat on the porch, thumbing through an old book. Every now and then, he would get a faraway look in his eyes and gaze up at the stars. His eyes looked so sad…so lost

Taking a chance, she opened the door to join him. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he never heard her approach, until she spoke. "Find anything?"

Startled, Giles turned to find Dawn staring at him. Immediately his expression softened. He allowed his thoughts to flit across his face, not the smartest idea, but he knew he couldn't hide anything from Dawn. She'd find out and then where would they be?

Dawn watched him with apprehension growing in her gut. "You can't bring her home, can you?" She lowered her eyes, so he couldn't see the sadness in them.

She knew she had fought with her sister often, but with everything going on; Giles looking like he lost his best friend and her not being able to help. She just wanted to hear Buffy's voice again.

"It's not that simple." Giles responded as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Why not? What aren't they telling me?" If anyone would tell her the truth, Giles would. Above anyone else, she could trust Giles. No doubt about it.

Giles was in the midst of a mental debate. It was clear that Joyce didn't want Dawn to know, but at the same time it was only alienating her; making her feel as though she couldn't help, when it was clear that that was all she wanted to do. One look in her eyes and Giles knew.

Making a decision, he motioned for her to join him on the back steps. "Buffy was sucked into a world that's at war." He explained.

Dawn looked skeptical, but could see that he was serious. "Like another dimension?"

She was more perceptive than he had realized. He gave a small smile, "No…more like an underlying part of our own world; where witches and wizards exist."

Dawn scrunched up her eyes as if thinking of something. "But isn't Willow a witch?"

Giles could see that Dawn was taking it apart. He'd have to be clearer in his explanations. He just hoped it didn't come back to bite him on the arse. "She is, but these witches and wizards use a wand. That is how they access their magic."

"Oh…" Dawn's face fell, "I just miss her. Why can't she come home?"

Giles sighed. The thought of Buffy in danger was enough to make his heart ache. "How she got there isn't as important as why. If this dark wizard gains control, both worlds will suffer. Buffy will need all of us to help."

Dawn was quiet for a moment before looking at Giles, "You love her, don't you?" She asked quietly.

Very perceptive, indeed. Giles couldn't believe he had all but given away that he was in love with his Slayer. He contemplated lying to her, but thought better of it, after all Dawn looked as though she were hopeful. "Yes, I do. Very much." He smiled as a grin spread across Dawn's face.

It was at that moment, when Willow ran up to him, followed by Gunn. "Giles!" She held out the globe for his inspection.

"Where did you get that?" He stood abruptly and took it from her.

"We found it, in the park. Angel…he picked it up, then poof; he was gone." She made a motion with her hands to illustrate this notion.

"We haven't much time." Giles ran into the house with the others following closely.

"What are you going to do?" Willow asked breathlessly.

They watched as Giles prepared the materials needed to cleanse the crystal. "I am going to perform this spell."

"There must be another way." Wesley walked into the kitchen.

"If Voldemort has Angel, Buffy could be in danger. I will not stand by and let this happen." He ground out through gritted teeth.

Once the crystal was cleansed he proceeded to the basement. "We're going too." Xander stated, with Willow echoing his sentiments.

Giles looked up sharply, but at the determination in their eyes he relented with a nod of his head.

"Hey, what about me?" Dawn demanded, "I want to help."

"Absolutely not, young lady!" Joyce stated vehemently. "I will not have you going to god knows where."

Dawn glared at her mother, but said nothing; her mind already made up.

"Joyce, if I may?" Giles pulled Dawn off to the side. He whispered something in her ear and Dawn nodded her acceptance, none too happily. Joyce was convinced that Giles had managed to talk some sense into her daughter.

They watched in shock as Giles took out a knife; a very sharp knife. Willow visibly flinched and Xander gulped, "What are you gonna do with that?" He asked a bit breathlessly.

"The spell requires blood." Giles responded while double checking the spell. He could see out of the corner of his eye Xander and Willow take an involuntary step back. He looked at them with a small smile, "Don't worry. I won't be cutting you." This caused everyone else, except Dawn, to take a collective step back.

Dawn crossed her arms over her chest and glared at them. They should trust Giles. If anyone could find a way to Buffy, he could. Besides, he knew what he was doing.

Giles' eyes darkened for a moment as he surveyed everyone's nervous demeanor. Then he slammed the book closed, startling everyone in the room. "Will you people relax? Give me some credit, I know what I'm doing."

Much to everyone's surprise, Dawn walked up to Giles and gave him a hug. "I trust you, Giles. And I know Buffy does too."

She stepped back and watched as Giles' eyes lit up and he grinned at her. "Thank you. Do you remember what I said?"

"Yes."

"Good." He smiled and touched her cheek lightly, before motioning for everyone to step back. He placed the book in his pocket and took a deep breath to center himself. Closing his eyes, he started to chant quietly. Picking up the knife he sliced across his right palm, letting the wound bleed freely. Everyone expected him to react to the pain, but he never even flinched.

He held his hand over the crystal palm side down and squeezed his hand into a fist, allowing the blood to seep onto the crystal. Still he chanted. Without warning his eyes shot open and all near him could see dark pools of fire in their depths.

"What's happening?" Xander whispered to Willow.

"I'm not sure. Should we stop him?" They moved forward, but Wesley stood in their way.

"No, it could have dire consequences if you interfere."

They looked dubious, but stopped moving towards Giles. Giles uttered a few more words, while thrusting his right hand out towards the wall, palm side out. They all watched as a portal opened.

Giles held his hands out to his sides and with a small motion, raised up a few inches off the floor. He started floating through the portal. Xander and Willow glanced at each other and with a shrug followed.

Giles felt as though he were trapped in his own mind, unable to escape. The power was trying to consume him. There had to be something he could do, some way to stop the magick from taking over. Just as suddenly as that though came, he knew what to do. The power was dark in nature, so all he had to do was draw out his most powerful emotion: Love.

Thoughts of Buffy filled his mind. She was his anchor; with her by his side, he could stop this darkness from consuming him completely.

Dawn watched as they entered the portal. Giles had known what she would do. Buffy needed help and sisters stick together, no matter what. His words echoed through her mind, "When entering the portal remember the crystal globe. I may need it."

Talk about cryptic. With a glance to her mom, she ran forward and scooted up the crystal, wrapping it in a black cloth. "I'm sorry. Buffy needs me." With one last look at her mom, she dove through the portal.

Hogwarts

Harry approached Buffy wearily, no telling what mood she'd be in. He was shocked to see Buffy crying. "Buffy, what's the matter?"

"Nothing…I'm fine." She tried to give a smile for good measure, but knew she failed.

Harry took her hand and helped her to stand. "Perhaps this'll cheer you up. Ron and Hermione sent me to get you." Buffy looked at him curiously. She couldn't' imagine what they might've done. She was about to speak, but Harry stopped her with a look. "It's a surprise." He grinned and dragged Buffy along.

"Now what?" Spike asked Angelus as they stood by the entrance to the dungeons.

"We wait." He replied with a grin. They didn't have to wait long, before the door opened and a blonde boy stuck his head out, waving them inside.

Angelus and Spike followed the boy through the corridors, until they reached the Great Hall. "This is where I leave you." He pointed out Ron and Hermione, before taking off.

Angelus motioned for spike to take Ron while he went after Hermione.

"You really think this'll work?" Ron asked Hermione as they continued to wait for Harry & Buffy.

"It has to." She responded, just as she was grabbed from behind.

Angelus locked both of her hands behind her back, so that she couldn't reach her wand. "Let go!" She gritted out.

"You sure we can't kill them?" Spike asked as Ron continued to struggle.

"He wants them alive." Angelus responded with a feral smile.

By this time a crowd had appeared by no one moved to help against the vampires. "Buffy!" Ron hollered hoping she'd hear.

Hermione rolled her eyes, but was surprised when the vampire holding her let go to clutch his head.

Upon hearing her name, Buffy ran into the Great Hall only to be blocked by a crowd of students. Looking around she spotted Banners hanging from the ceiling. She motioned harry over, "Give me a lift."

"You Sure?" he looked up uncertainly, "Seems awful high."

"Trust me."

Harry took his wand out, hoping this would work. Whispering the spell, Buffy shot up and grabbed the Banner. She started to sway slowly, gaining momentum.

She closed her eyes and taking a chance, let go to land on Spike, forcing him to release Ron. "Bloody Hell, Slayer!" he cursed and pushed her out of the way.

Slightly winded, she stood and prepared to face Spike. Before he had a chance to react she gave a round house kick to his midsection. Spike growled and lunged at her. She easily blocked his advances, while landing a few jabs of her own.

She took out her stake to finish the job, but was stopped mid-swing as Spike sent her flying. He leaned in to finish the job, but she kicked up with both her legs, sending him flying. She picked up her stake and squared off with Spike. A flying kick to his midsection sent him sprawling, with a low growl.

"You'll pay for that, Slayer!" He got up and braced himself as she sent another kick his way. This time, he managed to block it and, while distracted, she brought her other foot up and kicked him in the face. He fell to the ground and she lunged in to finish the job. He blocked the stake and used her momentum to flip her on her back.

Spike was leaning in to kill Buffy, but Angel lunged at Spike and he flew onto the ground, "What is wrong with you?" Angel yelled before screaming in pain and dropping to his knees.

"Angel?" Buffy stood and laid confused eyes on Angel's crumpled form; but that time he had passed out. With a growl, Spike ran from the school with a cow to return.

"What are you waiting for? Kill him." Ron ordered.

Buffy looked at him sharply, before her gaze softened, "I…I can't." Her stake fell to the ground with a clang.

"Buffy?" Hermione questioned.

"If you won't, I will." Ron scooped up the stake, but Buffy stood in his way.

"You can't. Like this he's helpless."

Before they could argue in earnest, Dumbledore addressed everyone in the Great Hall. "Everyone, please make your way to your respective common rooms. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, if you could stay a moment." They waited for the hall to clear out.

Once they were alone, Dumbledore approached Buffy, "I think it best to continue this discussion in my office. In the meantime, Severus, would you lock this vampire in the dungeons."

Snape went to do as was requested, while Dumbledore escorted the children to his office.

Dumbledore's office

Sirius Black was waiting for Dumbledore to return. Vampire's in the school…that was too close. It was still a mystery as to how they got in. They had gone straight for Ron and Hermione…a play to get at Harry, Sirius was certain of that. He turned when he heard the door open. He smiled as he saw Dumbledore herding in the four children.

"I thought you were the Slayer?" Ron started in on Buffy, it didn't matter that she was near tears.

"I am, but I can't kill him…not when he saved my life." A tear slowly slid down her cheek.

"Buffy, it's pretty simple." Ron placed the stake in her palm, "You're the Slayer…he's a vampire."

Buffy closed her fist around the stake, while repeatedly shaking her head back and forth. "I'm sorry…" she threw the stake across the room. "I wish Giles were here, he'd know what to do." She turned and walked towards the wall, lowering herself to the floor, with her back up against the wall. She clutched her knees to her chest as fresh tears started to fall.

"Giles?" Hermione cautiously approached her, "Who's Giles?" that just caused more tears to fall.

Buffy was about to respond when a portal appeared on the far wall with a dark cloud masking the people that were heard entering the office.

"Huh, it worked." A woman with fiery red hair exclaimed as the cloud started to dissipate.

"Well, I should say so." The older, British, man answered her.