Chapter 11: Dark Magick

The Dark cloud had finally cleared to reveal two men and two women. "Giles…" Buffy's face broke into a grin, even though she was still crying. In the next second, she had launched herself at him and held on as if he might disappear if she were to let go.

"Bu…" Giles found himself having a hard time breathing. "Ca…" He couldn't even make out a full word. Still she held on.

"Hey, Buff, ease up. I don't think Giles can breathe." Willow had noticed Buffy latching onto Giles. She found it very sweet, but Giles still needed to breathe.

Buffy let up immediately with a slight blush, "I'm sorry…I just…I just missed you, that's all."

Giles watched as a tear trailed down her cheek. He took his thumb and wiped it away, while leaning by her ear, "Don't be. I missed you, too." His voice sent shivers down her spine and she gave him a large smile, but it faded when she noticed Dawn, "Dawn! Mom's gonna freak. I am SO dead." She started to pace back and forth.

Dawn was near tears, but refused to cry, "I just wanted to help." She whispered.

"Buffy…" Giles walked up to her, forcing her to stop. He wrapped his arms around her form, "She just wants to help; let her. I'll deal with your mother." Before releasing her, he kissed her cheek. She smiled and relented.

"I don't mean to interrupt this family reunion, but we've got a serious problem." Ron ground out, while clenching his hands at his sides.

"You found Angel?" Giles glanced at Buffy's pacing form.

She stopped, took a deep breath, and turned to face him, almost afraid of what she'd see in his face. "More like he found us." Harry answered for Buffy.

Buffy glanced down afraid to look into Giles' eyes. He walked towards her and placing his hand under her chin, raised her head up to look into her eyes. She could see his love for her radiating in his eyes and knew he wasn't mad at her. "Don't worry. We'll sort this out."

Xander couldn't believe his ears. Giles wasn't even angry at her. She shurks her sacred duty, yet again, and he doesn't care. "Why…Buff…why won't you do it?"

"Xander, try to understand. Angel's like a brother to me. Wouldn't you do everything you could to help your brother?" Buffy replied, barely loud enough to be heard.

"I don't have a brother." He spat, "the only good vampire is a dead one. How many times does this have to happen before you realize that?"

"Maybe we could anchor his soul permanently?" Willow suggested with a small smile.

"Great, Will, let's just give her another reason to be with her undead boyfriend."

Giles could feel himself losing control. Xander was out of line and one look at Buffy told him all he needed to know. The woman he loved was in pain. All he knew was it had to stop. "Xander, that's enough!"

The room grew silent at Giles' outburst. Xander shrank back against Willow, who just looked at Giles in shock. Willow could see that Giles was trying to calm himself. His hands were at his sides and she could see sparks coming off his fingertips. "Xander, maybe you should cool it a little." She suggested in a shaky voice.

"What's happening?" Xander asked Willow in a quiet whisper. She just shook her head unable to respond.

"It's the power." Dumbledore responded.

"Huh?" Xander looked at the wizened wizard, "What power?"

"The magick needs to have balance. Did you forget that, Ripper?" Sirius growled at Giles.

Giles couldn't respond, caught in the struggle deep within. He had his hands fisted at his sides, trying to regain control.

"What was he supposed to do? Shed some innocent girl's blood to cast the spell. Giles wouldn't' do that." Willow responded coldly, looking at Giles for some form of a reaction.

"Maybe not…but Ripper would." Sirius spat back.

Everyone looked at Giles, clearly seeing his younger self. No one dared make a move, uncertain of what he'd do. His eyes were closed and he was breathing deeply. "He's trying to change the power." Dumbledore answered their silent question, never taking his eyes off of Giles.

"You mean…" Sirius started, but found he couldn't finish that thought.

"Yes, the power was fueled by darkness. He's trying to change its intent."

Buffy was watching Giles, barely aware of the conversation going on around her. At this point he had closed his eyes and still had his hands clenched at his sides. What was he thinking? How could she make him see? He was her knight; without him life just wasn't worth living. He gave her hope.

Giles' thoughts were on Buffy; always on Buffy. The power threatened to override all of his emotions. Ripper was a thing of the past, not who he is now. Closing his eyes, he breathed in the scent of buffy. Her smiling face sat on the forefront of his mind.

Buffy closed her eyes, wishing she knew what to do. How could she get her Giles back? It was like her dream was coming true. She could hear Giles' voice in her mind, "You know what to do."

Smiling, Buffy opened her eyes and approached the man she fell in love with. "What do you see?" She whispered in his ear.

Giles breathed in her scent, before answering, "My light shining through all this darkness."

"Is that supposed to mean something?" Xander was completely lost watching Giles and Buffy interact.

"Only to Buffy." Dumbledore responded with a knowing smile.

Buffy smiled and leaned into Giles. "Kiss me." She whispered seductively.

Giles couldn't believe his ears; did she really want him to kiss her? He slowly opened his eyes and looked down at her, barely able to contain the wonder on his face.

Giles was slowly raising his hand to cup her cheek, everyone else forgotten, when Ron stepped forward meaning to stop him. "Ron, don't." Hermione blocked his way.

"But, he's…he's…" Ron scowled at Hermione.

"Buffy knows what she's doing. Trust her." She turned to face the pair again.

Buffy smiled at Giles, wanting to feel his touch. He raised his hand to cup her cheek and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, while lowering his head towards hers.

Keeping his fingers tangled in her hair he met her lips with his own. She moaned into his mouth as his tongue went out to greet hers. The kiss grew as passion took them for a ride, neither one wanting it to end.

The room was silent as they watched the Watcher and the Slayer kiss, not believing their own eyes, until Dawn broke the tension, "Oh my god! Isn't it SO romantic?" They continued to watch Giles and Buffy as they rose several feet off the floor.

"Is Giles doing that?" Willow asked mesmerized by the sight.

"Yes," Dumbledore answered as Giles brought them back to the floor.

Buffy's knees felt weak. Never in her life had she felt so loved. Giles held her close as he whispered in her ear, "Thank you." Buffy gave him a brilliant smile, but didn't move out of his embrace. The feel of him sent shivers down her spine.

With one last longing look at Buffy, he turned to face Dawn, "Do you have it?"

Dawn looked confused for a moment, before unwrapping the crystal globe. She held it out and with a wave of his hand, the crystal rose and flew towards Giles. "You knew?" Buffy asked incredulously.

It took Giles a moment before he realized what she referred to. "Buffy, when was the last time you had listened to your mother?" He grinned at her.

"Point taken, but still…mom's gonna blame you Giles. I don't want her to hate you."

"I will handle it. Besides if not for this crystal, I might lose control again. I can't bear the thought of what might happen." He explained, letting the crystal float in mid-air with his hands hovering around it. They watched as Giles spoke an incantation. The crystal glowed a bright red, blinding everyone in the room.

When the light dimmed, Giles held the crystal in his hands and there was a red mist swirling around it. "What the hell was that?" Xander demanded.

Giles ignored him and instead held the crystal out to the headmaster, "Dumbledore, if you wouldn't mind?"

"Certainly." The crystal floated to Dumbledore's outstretched hand.

"I transferred the power to that crystal. Only I can access it."

"But, why?"

Giles sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, the days of sleeplessness catching up with him. "We may need it to defeat Voldemort."

Ron took a sharp intake of breath at the mention of the dark lord's name, before asking, "I thought that was Harry's job?"

"Under normal circumstances, maybe, but now…" Giles didn't finish his thought, but they were all thinking it; Harry wouldn't be enough to stop both the army and Voldemort.

"Giles, what are we gonna do?" Dawn looked at the man in question. Ron could tell they all placed their faith in this man, but he was reluctant to trust him; something dark loomed in Giles' eyes and it made Ron weary. Something was definitely off, Ron could feel it.

"Angel." Giles responded with a look to Buffy.

"What about him?" Xander snapped.

Giles's Eyes Grew dark, but he took a deep breath and they lightened, "We need him to overthrow Voldemort from the inside." He responded, but kept his eyes on Buffy.

"How? Giles, I don't know what to do." Buffy spun on her heel and started to walk away, but Giles put his hands on her shoulders.

"Yes you do." He took a step closer to her and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Do you trust me?"

Buffy's breath was shaky as she responded, "Always."

Giles smiled, "Close your eyes." He instructed. She did as was told and took a deep breath. "How did you know what I needed?"

"You came to me." She responded, "In a dream."

"Did Angel?" Giles asked, even as jealousy started to rear its ugly head, but he put a stop to that emotion. After all it wouldn't help them, would it?

Buffy shook her head slowly, but found her latest dream pushing itself to the front of her mind. She could feel Giles' presense behind her, his hands on her shoulders and suddenly found herself very scared, scared she was going to lose him forever. "He…Spike and Angel, they…Oh, God!"

Buffy collapsed to the ground, on hands and knees, and started rocking back and forth. Giles could feel her body shaking and every instinct he had screamed at him to do something. He lowered himself behind her and wrapped his arms around her body, hugging her from behind.

He tried to soother her, but she continued to cry, "I…I tried, but they…I couldn't save you."

It suddenly made sense to Giles. Spike and Angel had turned him, with Buffy unable to stop it. "Oh, Buffy…" All Giles could do was hold her close and hope for the best.

"I can't lose you. Please, don't leave me." Buffy shut down mentally. All she knew was that Giles was her life and without him she couldn't go on.

"I'm not going anywhere. You have e word." He whispered in her ear, and was pleasantly surprised when her tears quieted. Giles slowly picked Buffy up and held her in his arms. She sighed contentedly and rested her head against his chest.

Giles turned to see everyone staring at him as he held Buffy in his arms. "I suggest we call it a night."

"Yes, I'm sure you all must be tired. Rupert, I took the liberty of preparing a room for you. The others can stay with Harry, Ron, and Hermione." Dumbledore could see how much Buffy meant to Giles and knew that he wouldn't leave her side.

"Buffy stays with me." Giles looked around, daring anyone to argue.

"Do you think that's a good idea? As soon as he said it, Xander knew it was a mistake.

Giles' jaw clenched and his eyes grew dark as he looked at Xander. Xander visibly gulped and took an involuntary step back.

Hermione intervened before things could spiral out of control, "Xander, that's not fair. You weren't her. Every morning Buffy would wake up calling for him. "She pointed at Giles, "and every night, she would cry herself to sleep."

Xander was taken aback by this revelation and had no clue what to say, so he remained quiet, which is always best anyways.

After much debate, they decided to meet after breakfast the following day. Sirius was the first to leave, agreeing that he would monitor Voldemort closely. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the next to leave, taking the others with them. Dawn, however, was reluctant to leave Buffy's side.

She glanced at Buffy and could see that she was sleeping peacefully, with Giles gazing at her lovingly.

Giles caught her eye and tried to give her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, Dawn…we'll sort it out."

Knowing her sister was in good hands, she followed the others out, leaving Giles and Buffy with Dumbledore.

Giles placed a kiss on Buffy's forehead, beore addressing the Headmaster, "Thank you."

Dumbledore smiled and rose, "She's a special girl."

"That she is…that she is."

Giles gently laid Buffy on the bed and Carressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. When he moved his hand, she stirred awake, "Giles?"

"I'm right here, Buffy." He smiled at her sleepy form, "go back to sleep. I've got some research to do." He kissed her forehead and started to stand, but Buffy grabbed his arm to hold him in place. Giles looked at her and could tell she was near tears, "Buffy, what is it?"

"Could you…just stay with me? Please?" She bit her bottom lip, trying not to cry.

"Of course," He responded with a gentle smile.

Chapter 12: The Cure for What Ails You

Hogsmeade

Spike was walking through Hogsmeade contemplating his life, or unlife, as the case may be. He couldn't understand why Buffy had to be so difficult or why Angel constantly saved her life. It was clear to Spike that Voldemort had failed where Angelus was concerned, but should he tell the Dark Lord?

Deep in thought, Spike made his way into the Three Broomsticks for a drink. What he didn't know was that he would get more than he bargained for. He motioned for the waitress and she lumbered over. He could see that she was tall at about 5' 10" with flowing blonde hair tied up to reveal the shaved underneath. "Hey, Sugar." She smiled down at him.

Spike found himself returning her smile, then he promptly ordered ale. 'Hmmm…British, this could be fun,' she though before mentally slapping herself.

The patrons called her Angel, though her full name was Angelika. Spike could see why; she was both Angelic and an Angel. Consumed by his own thoughts, he didn't see her approach or sit down in from of him, until she tapped him on the shoulder. "What?" He looked up and realized who was staring at him, "Oh, sorry…" Spike couldn't believe his ears; did he just apologize? Well, he supposed, there was a first time for everything.

She smiled, but waved away his apology as though she could do without it. "So, where you from, anyways?"

"All over." Was his cryptic answer.

"Really" Her smile grew and he found himself smiling in return. "I'd like to hear more about it."

"Tonight, then." Spike grinned, feeling at ease in her presence.

"I'm off at one." She stood and placed a kiss on his cheek, before going back to work.

Later in the evening, they strolled through Hogsmeade hand in hand. Angelika and Spike spoke of many things; mainly the way they live their lives. Angelika could feel a connection to Spike, though she didn't quite understand it, but it felt good…really good. He had a dark side, she could tell, and it just fed her own.

Spike smiled at her as they continued walking hand in hand. With every passing minute, he found himself falling head over heels for her; never had he felt that way before…never. Thoughts of Buffy entered his mind and he found himself wondering if he had really ever loved her or not. Squashing those thoughts aside, he looked at Angelika and found himself wanting her.

It was nearing four in the morning when they stopped in front of her house; a slim two story brick building. Spike took in the length of it, then stared in awe as he saw the design on it. He considered it to be of great importance and value. In short the design was of an Angel wearing a skintight leather outfit, which was unmistakably red. Over her outfit was a black duster, but the best part was her wings. Sparkling white breaking through the duster, truly a magnificent piece of artwork.

"Care to come in?" Angelika asked with hope rising through her body.

He longed to go inside, but fear wiggled it's way into his mind. How would she react if she knew the truth? Should he tell her? He looked down, sulkily, "I wish I could."

Angelika could feel her hope diminishing. She knew he wanted her almost as much as she wanted him. "Why can't you?"

Before his mind could talk him out of it, he blurted, "I'm a vampire."

She smiled her reassurance at him then leaned forward and gave him a light kiss on the lips, one that sent tingles down his spine. "I don't mind, I find it rather sexy."

He looked confused for a moment before quirking his lips in a grin, "You think so, do you?"

"I try not to." She answered with a shrug and a seductive smile.

Before he could lose his nerve, he leaned in and claimed her lips with his own. The passion spun out of control as his tongue dueled with hers.

Slowly Spike released his hold on her, as they both took in deep lungfuls of air. "You can stay as long as you like." Spike grinned as she led the way inside. 'Oh, what the hell…screw Voldemort.' Was his last thought as the door shut behind him.

Hogwarts

Buffy woke the following morning feeling safe in the arms of the man she loved. Giles barely stirred as Buffy turned to face him. He looked so peaceful, she didn't want to disturb him.

Without realizing it she reached up and lightly ran her fingers through his hair. Giles slowly opened his eyes to find Buffy gazing at him lovingly. He raised his hand to cup her cheek and smiled when she moved into his palm. "How did you sleep?"

Buffy closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of him. "Perfect…just perfect." She opened her eyes to see Giles gazing at her with such love, it took her breath away. She couldn't believe how much she wanted him…needed him. It felt as though she were finally complete; as if she had finally found the missing part of her soul.

Buffy closed the distance between them and was slightly surprised when Giles met her halfway. The kiss started off slow, a gentle probing of lips. And then grew heated as their passion engulfed them. Buffy moaned when Giles broke the kiss. "Buffy…" she could tell he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. She could hear it in his voice as he spoke her name.

He closed his eyes and placed his forehead against hers. "I know…" she sighed, "as much as I want to, we've got bigger fish to fry." She grinned impishly at him and moved away. Hopefully, some distance would cut down the growing passion.

Giles smiled knowingly, but couldn't resist lacing his fingers through hers as they prepared for the dreaded meeting.

Hogwarts Library

Dumbledore entered the library to find Giles and Buffy deep in research mode. "Any luck?"

"Yes, I believe we may be able to help Angel." It was at this moment that the others arrived.

"I still can't believe you're going to help Angel." Xander commented as he sat down.

"Xander," Giles began, "I know you don't care much for Angel, but the fact remains that we may need his help."

"If it's about that dream, why don't we just kill him. If he's not there, then it can't happen, right?" Ron hated the fact that they were trying to save a vampire that had tried to kidnap Hermione.

"Wrong," Buffy whispered, looking at Giles, "Spike would just do it himself. It's true Angel was in the dream, but what if he were Angel and not Angelus?"

"Buffy's right. We need to save Angel." All Giles wanted to do was pull Buffy into his arms and chase away her fear.

Hogwarts Dungeons

"I'm doing this, Xander." Willow gave him her best resolve face, "Don't try to stop me."

He sighed as he tried to keep step with her, "I won't." he glanced at Dawn, who seemed to be following them.

Willow knew she had to do this. Angel needed help, despite what Xander said. And if Angel was the key to saving Giles, then she would give it her best shot.

She took a deep breath, as they stopped walking in front of Angel's cell. He was chained to the wall and looked up as they approached with a feral smile, "Did you come out to play?"

Hogwarts Library

Buffy watched as Giles put the finishing touches on the spell before standing. He took a few steps then fell to his knees. "Giles!" Buffy rushed to his side, "what's wrong?"

"Willow…" He gasped out. It felt as though his body was on fire; the power trying to consume him. He shook his head to clear it and put blocks in place, hoping that would keep out any unwanted magick residue. He looked at Buffy and could tell that she was terrified for him. He tried to give her a reassuring smile and touched her hand with his own, "I'll be fine."

With Buffy's help he stood and sat at the desk. He reached out to cup her face with his hand and was rewarded when she closed her eyes and brushed against his palm. "Buffy…you must find Willow. She's attempting to do the spell."

His words shook her to the core, "How bad?" She asked knowing that if Giles was worried, it had to be pretty bad.

"Bad." He shook his head as if to clear it, "really bad." That was all Buffy needed to hear, she took off running.

Hogwarts Dungeons

Willow took a deep breath to center her rampaging nerves. She had to get the spell right, Giles' life depended on it. She closed her eyes and help her hands palms facing Angel. She started reciting the spell, first slowly and then gaining momentum as the energy coursed through her system.

Buffy raced down the stairs to see a flame rise up from the candle situated in front of Willow. She knew then that she was too late; Willow had already begun the spell. Not sure of what to do and not wanting to endanger Willow, she stood off to the side silently begging whomever would listen for Willow's safety.

Something was wrong, Willow could feel it. It was too late to stop the spell; all she could do was hope for the best. The candle's flame continued to rise, but suddenly stopped as a blast sounded. It looked as though the flame shot out in all directions. Willow screamed as she was thrown backwards to hit the wall with a resounding thump. Buffy rant to her side as Willow fell to the ground.

"Willow…" Xander was a close second behind Buffy.

Buffy felt for her pulse. Finding it she sighed in relief, "she's alive. Thank God."

"Yeah, no thanks to you." Xander glared at her.

"What?" Buffy stood and looked down at Xander, not sure if she'd heard right.

"I hope you're happy." He brushed her off with a shake of his head.

At that moment, time for Buffy seemed to stop. All the stress, all the dreams, everything came flooding back to her. She never meant for it to happen; for Willow to get hurt, but like so many times her friends got caught in the crossfire. She stood frozen to the spot as the tears started to fall. Then she abruptly ran away.

Dawn couldn't believe how insensitive Xander was being. "What is wrong with you?" She demanded.

"Don't start, Dawn." Xander warned her.

"Buffy doesn't know everything. Hell, she can't even do everything, but at least she cares…" Dawn could feel the tears coming, but forced herself to hold them back. After all, they wouldn't help anyone. "We're family and she needs us right now."

Xander just rolled his eyes, clearly uninterested. "Oh, get over yourself." Dawn growled at him, before running off to find Giles. Buffy needed him right now, even Dawn knew that.

Hogwarts Library

Giles stood abruptly. He knew something had gone wrong. He just couldn't shake the feeling of dread that washed over him. Without wasting another moment, he left the library and ran right into Dawn

He reached out a hand to steady her and noticed the tears trailing down her cheeks, "Dawn, what's happened?"

Dawn wiped her eyes and wrapped her arms around Giles. "I'm so glad I found you." She mumbled against his chest. Giles guided her in the library and helped her to sink into a chair. Dawn looked into his eyes and saw the concern he had for her, Buffy, Willow, and even Xander (though he didn't deserve it), and knew that it was Giles who helped to keep them together and strong.

Giles listened to Dawn as she told him what happened. His hands clenched in anger. Xander had gone too far this time, Buffy hadn't deserved that. He closed his eyes and prayed for guidance.

Suddenly he stood. He knew where Buffy was, knew that she needed him. Giles looked at Dawn and could see the trust she placed with hime. "Try not to worry, Dawn. I'll take care of it.".

Knowing Willow could deal with Xander, he made his way to Buffy's side. Despite the fact that she tried to portray an air of confidence, he knew she had to be hurting and he wanted nothing more than to ease her pain.

Buffy was sitting by the lake, the tears still fresh in her eyes. She found herself wishing that giles was there, holding her close and chasing all her fears away. She was finding it harder and harder to help everyone while being true to herself. Without realizing it she had called to Giles in her mind, wishing he was there, and found him answering her call.

The hairs on Buffy's neck prickled; a sign that someone was watching her. She turned to see Giles approaching. Without waiting, she launched herself into his arms.

"Easy, Buffy. Dawn told me what happened." Giles held her close, trying to ease her nerves.

In all the commotion, Buffy had forgotten that Dawn was even there. Dawn had known what she needed, and now Giles was there, holding her close. When she had calmed down, she looked into his eyes and knew that he would always be there for her…always.

Giving into the urge, he lowered his mouth to capture hers in a sweet kiss. She sighed happily as he ended the kiss. Giles grinned at the look of joy on Buffy's face. "Come on, shall we check on Willow?".

Buffy got a haunted expression on her face, remembering Xander's words. "Why bother? She probably blames me too."

"I think you're being a bit hard on yourself." Giles gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "All you can do is try your best. No one should expect anything else; if they do then they are clearly a fool." Buffy felt relieved at his words. He always knew what to say…how to make it right.

Hospital Wing

"Xander, I don't believe you." Willow chastised him for the umpteenth time.

"How can you act like this?" He demanded. Angel had caused nothing but pain in all their lives; it was time they ended it.

"It wasn't Buffy's fault…you know that." She reminded him with a shake of her head.

"No, I don't and neither do you. Angel is Buffy's responsibility…she should've killed him years ago." Xander ground out, his eyes angry.

"it's not that simple, Xander. You know that." Willow contradicted him, just as Buffy and Giles walked in.

"Willow's right." Giles smiled at the girl in question, grateful to see that she was recovering fairly well, then turned his gaze to Xander, "If Angel had been killed when first discovered, all of us would be dead right now, especially Buffy." He gave her hand a squeeze and she smiled at him gratefully.

Xander looked down sheepishly, ashamed to admit that Giles was right, but knowing he had to concede the point. "I'm sorry." He looked up at Buffy with a small grin, "I just don't see how you can help Angel when all he seems to do is cause trouble."

Buffy was about to respond when Ron walked in flanked on both sides by Harry and Hermione, "I for one, agree with Xander; Angel's a risk."

"He's not a risk!" Willow ground out through clenched teeth. "Haven't you ever believed in something so strong that nothing else matters?" Without waiting for an answer she continued, "Saving Angel will help Giles, what choice do we have?" She wiped away the tears angrily. "We can't lose Giles…He…don't you see? We'd be lost without Giles…" She trailed off as Giles reached out to pull her into a hug.

"I'm…I'm sorry." Ron stuttered, "I just…I guess I can't get past the fact that he's a vampire." Ron shrugged apologetically then added as an afterthought, "They can't be good, can they?"

Giles sighed in resignation. Ron did seem to be honestly perplexed by this whole situation. The least he could do was help him to understand. As if she could read his mind, Buffy walked to Willow's other side and coaxed her out of Giles' arms.

Giles removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose before replacing them and looking up at the three wizards. "Angel's…it's a bit more complicated than that. When a person becomes a vampire, the demon takes up residence removing all feelings of remorse, but in Angel's case when his soul was restored, he worked towards helping us in our fight against evil."

By this time, Willow had calmed and was listening to Giles' explanation. It was amazing, to her, that Giles could move beyond Angel's past sins. What had happened was horrible, but that wasn't really Angel, she reasoned, just as Giles probably had, it was Angelus. They really were two separate people. And right now Angel was fighting Angelus for control…she could feel it. They had to help him.

"So he has a soul? That's what makes him different?" Hermione asked in what could only be described as sheer curiosity.

"Yes," Giles nodded his assent, "And when Voldemort attempted to remove Angel's soul, he essentially, for lack of a better work, screwed up. Now both Angel and Angelus are residing in the same body, which is how Angel's able to gain control at certain moments. We must rectify this as quickly as possible."

"Giles, how do we help Angel?" Dawn asked of the Watcher.

"Shouldn't we be more concerned with Voldemort?" Harry demanded, before Giles could respond.

Instead of answering harry, Giles turned to Buffy, "What are your instincts telling you?"

Buffy closed her eyes as she pondered the question. She didn't want to hurt Giles' feelings, but she really felt they needed Angel. But how should she say it? In what way would hurt Giles the least?

As if reading her thoughts, Giles spoke, "Trust your instincts Buffy…I do."

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes to see Giles smiling reassuringly, "We need Angel."

"Then we'll save him." He confirmed, following her lead.