Epilogue

A Few Months Later

Hogwarts

"You should have told him."

"Really, Severus? And what would that have accomplished?"

"He's right, you know. Telling him wouldn't prevent it from coming to pass."

"Maybe not," Snape conceded, "but he still deserves to know."

"Why? You know, as well as I do, that Ripper would protest profusely."

Snape narrowed his eyes in anger, "Ripper may have many faults but he is no longer that man. Or were you not there, Sirius?"

"You know exactly where I was, Snape." Sirius growled, much to Snape's amusement.

"Gentlemen," Dumbledore interrupted, holding his hands up to stall any arguments. "This is getting us nowhere. We should proceed as planned."

This was an old argument, one that Snape had no delusions of winning. However, he knew that they were wrong and if he couldn't make them understand, he would just have to deal with it himself. "Manipulating Ripper will help no one. This isn't some game, Albus."

"I'm fully aware of that, but this is the way it must be."

"For now." Snape replied shortly, before storming out, leaving Sirius and Dumbledore staring at his retreating form.

"You know he won't let this lie?" Sirius turned to face the headmaster.

"I know," Dumbledore sighed. "Severus was always close to Rupert. But he will do what he's meant to."

"I hope you're right."

England

"What the bloody hell do you want?"

"Now, now, Spike is that any way to talk to family?" The man smiled as he dismounted from his steed.

Spike narrowed his eyes as he took in the wizard's appearance. He had thought that he wouldn't be seeing that man for a while. Angelika had mentioned that something big was brewing and he would be stuck in the middle of it. Hopefully, this man was not here to start trouble. That was the last thing Spike needed.

"Uncle Sev?" Angelika had heard Spike's outburst and watched as her uncle sitting atop a regal horse dismounted.

His eyes met hers and he sighed deeply, "It's time, Angelika."

"You're certain?" She had known that this day would come, but she had hoped that she would have more time to spend with Spike before she would be called upon.

Snape knew what she was asking. How could he not. This whole mess was beyond his control, however, they just had to play it out and hope to salvage the situation. "The players are nearly in place. Thanks to Dumbledore and his incessant games."

"You'll take care of it though, won't you?" She inquired, knowing that her uncle would never leave Ripper to deal with this on his own.

"I will." He stated in no uncertain terms. "Just remember what part you play."

During their exchange Spike was getting antsy. He hated being kept out of the loop. How could he protect Angelika if he didn't know what was going on? He growled suddenly and stood in front of Angelika, facing Snape, "What the hell are you going on about?"

"Spike, this isn't your concern." Snape replied shortly.

Quirking an eyebrow, he regarded Snape silently. "Uncle, perhaps you should let me? Spike could help in this endeavor."

"Very well." He relented, knowing that his niece would be telling Spike regardless. He mounted his horse and glanced at his Niece and Spike once more, "Angelika, I beg of you, please be careful." That was the most emotion she had heard her uncle display in a long time and she couldn't help but smile at him.

"Do not worry, Uncle. It is Ripper's destiny to face her," Angelika rubbed her temples, suddenly feeling a headache coming on. "I am only going to track her, nothing more."

"Just remember that her power right now lies in the dream realm." With that final warning Snape rode off, hoping that it wouldn't be the last time he laid eyes on his niece.

Sunnydale

Why did I let Buffy talk me into this? Rupert Giles was unaccountably nervous. Buffy had managed to convince him to play at the Espresso Pump. It had been many years since he had sung in front of people and he was feeling slightly sick at the concept.

"Giles, you'll be fine." Buffy smiled and patted his knee consolingly.

"Easy for you to say." He mumbled while rubbing his sweaty palms on his pants.

"Relax, Giles. You have a beautiful voice." Before Buffy could comment any further, it was time for Giles to go perform. Leaning up, she gave him a gentle kiss that was full of promise.

As per Buffy's request he started his set with Behind Blue Eyes. It really was a beautiful song and it marked the moment when she had first started to fall in love with him. Buffy's heart fluttered as Giles gazed at her lovingly, while he continued to sing. She felt special, as if he were singing just to her.

"See, Giles, nothing to worry about." Buffy beamed at him.

"Ripper, I didn't figure you'd sing in public again."

"Yes, well," Giles looked down at Buffy and grinned, before grasping her hand in his, "Buffy can be quite persuasive." Giles looked up and shook the newcomer's hand, "What brings you here, Severus?"

"Business, I'm afraid. We need to talk."