Chapter 42
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For the past two weeks Harry and Xander decided to spend their evenings preparing healing potions for the upcoming main event. They just hope that they'd be able to make enough in time. When it happens they would have no idea what condition the people would be arriving in.
"Hey Harry just so you know you're running low on Black Beetle Eyes and Lace-wigged flies but where are you keeping the Knot Grass?" Xander asked from his potion caldron.
"It's on the third shelf down on the right hand side." Harry replied. "As far as the other ingredients we'll have to take an inventory and pick up what we need over the weekend."
"Yeah, this weekends the big day. It's that last time we listen to Giles tell us he can't spare anyone to help us." Xander said excitedly.
"Are you sure this is a wise thing to do?" Harry wondered.
"Listen Harry, for whatever reason Giles has this 'out of sight out of mind' thing going on where I'm concerned. He did it to me the last time I was out here in Africa. By now he's totally forgotten about us and is spending huge amounts of money in other areas, not even thinking along the lines of hiring us some help out here. While several shipping containers will be coming by cargo ship in two weeks' time so everything looks legitimate on paper, the girls will be sending us other supplies over the weekend by magic we'll need a crew to help us and I plan on getting them if I have to go behind everyone's back to get them." Xander explained
"You get no argument from me. With just the two of us and virtually no supplies we're getting nowhere fast." Harry agreed.
"How's the skelegrow potion coming along?" Xander asked.
"Fine, I didn't have to substitute any of the ingredients so this batch will be potent. But like you said we're running low on certain ingredients and we need to get more. Will you be able to make another batch of pepper-up potion?"
"No, I've used the last of the fluxweed on this batch." Xander replied.
"You've gotten awfully good at potions in a short amount of time." Harry complimented.
"Well learning occlumency helped a lot. I wish I knew about it back in school." Xander commented.
"I swear, I read that book ten times and couldn't make heads or tails of it other than the meditations. You explained it so much better that a first year student could do it." Harry claimed.
"Well, the book was written under the influence of document zero. The author may have had an iron clad memory but he made a mess of the expiations." Xander replied.
"I never thought of it that way but I think you're right." Harry admitted Gob smacked by the idea.
"How do you like the books I picked out for you?" Xander asked.
"Well the carpentry one is very helpful and I've been practicing some of the things in the survival guide book but why did you recommend 'The art of war'?" Harry asked.
"Well both the survival guide and 'The art of war' are required reading in the Guardian Council. 'The art of war' has many more applications than just on the battle field. It's about knowing your enemy and knowing yourself. How to win and how to avoid the conflict altogether which is still a win. Lawyers have been known to use its methods. Knowing the information in that book has helped Watchers and Slayers immensely out in the field. After the 'main event' the ones we save might not be all that happy with how things turn out. I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I figure, having a good tactical strategy as well as the moral high ground under your belt can't hurt."
"Well, with such a ringing endorsement, I guess I'll have to crack that book open rather soon then. Are you having any trouble understanding any of the other books I've loaded you?"
"No, not yet anyway. I started with wizarding etiquette and wizarding economics which I must admit that last one gave me a little trouble at first. And right now I'm doing potions that don't require any arithmacy. Willow said that if I can do arithmacy it would be like a spring board to advanced math which I always had trouble with."
"Yes, Hermione has told me that Wicca arithmancy is much more difficult than wizarding arithmancy but allows much finer tuned control over a magic practitioners spells."
"Yeah, Willow mentioned that too. I'll eventually move on to ancient rune but I want to go through herbology first. I've always had a love for plants. Before I learned about the things that go bump in the night my plan was to buckle down on the books to raise my grades and get into collage. I wanted to become a botanist specializing in food crops one day or at least farming. I had plans to feed the world. Then I stumbled into demon hunting after my best friend Jessie was turned into a vampire. I decided that the hunt was more important than farming so no one would have to lose friends or family again."
"Well, herbology is a bit different than feeding the world." Harry said.
"Yes, but it's still about growing plants; and, any new techniques about growing plants may put extra food on the table when applied to other plants."
"That's true. Ancient rune might help as well. The right runes could improve a plants health."
"Maybe, we'll have to do some testing to find out but first we have a building to construct." Xander said after some thought.
"Not to mention potions to finish." Harry said.
/Scene Break/
At the Guardian Council in England in Giles office a 'main event' Scooobie meeting was in progress.
"Giles we can easily cut costs if we stop trying to bud in where we're not wanted. We should stop our effort in trying to build a Guardian Council anywhere near the middle east, Korea, or China. They don't respect women and they don't respect the Guardian Council. And even if we were able to get a foot hold in any of those countries you would be hard pressed to get anyone of the girls to work there. They don't like us and none of the girls like them." Vi announced. "I also think you should close some of the ones in the United States. We no longer need the ones in Georgia or Colorado not to mention the ones in California. The earthquakes are getting pretty bad."
In the end all the states will succumb to one large earth quake so I don't see that winning any points in this debate. However, while Wolfram & Heart still have influence there we'll need to keep our slayers there as long as we can. Otherwise Angel and his people would have died for nothing." Giles explained. "As to the others you make some very good points. Why I've kept trying to beat a dead horse is beyond my comprehension. I should have put a halt on it ages ago. I've been letting money slip throughout fingers like water and at this point I can let it keep happening. We will stop talks with the Middle East and Korea and stop building in China. We'll close down the school in Georgia and send the women there to other Council Academe. A month or two later we'll do the same to Colorado. Has the announcement been made that we are opening a school in Africa?"
"Yes." Dawn announced. "I believe it was a good call to announce it. Closing down schools without opening another would have made the slayers think we were having some sort of financial problems. This way we can tell them with some confidence that we're closing them do to less demon activity in those areas, And that we found a new battlefield that need our skills."
"Very good, now, we have all made lists of slayers we think should be saved. Many of those names have been repeated on each of our lists. These are women most of use can agree on coming with us to be in Africa when the main event happens. What is their situation at the moment?" Giles asked.
"They have all been transferred ether to the Brazil branch of the G.C. or here in England we have only the ones we want in Brazil while only half of England is populated with our choices." Buffy announced halfheartedly. "The other half is girls that were only on three or four of our lists. I guess they would be considered our 'plan B group'."
"I don't get it, why did you ship the plan to a group in Brazil?" Dawn asked.
"We can't have our people magically showing up in Africa without going through customs. I plan on chartering an international flight from Brazil to Africa so in the end everything will look aboveboard. Having them all in Brazil will make it easier. While the slayers stay in Brazil it will acclimate them to jungle life before getting to Africa." He explained.
"I suppose that makes some kind of sense. Having their passports check out will give them a nice legal paper trail." Vi said.
"I'm so glad you approve." Giles said sarcastically.
"Think nothing of it." Vi responded with a smirk.
"I've got a question." Rona announced. "How did it go when you told Sarah Jane Smith about the main event? I only ask because I always thought she was a wicked watcher and if I were to take on anther watcher she would be the one I'd want."
"Oddly enough you may get your wish." Giles began. "As you all know since the death of Rose Tyler her slayer team has been somewhat handicapped. While Sarah Jane took the news with some difficulty she eventually accepted the role I asked her to partake. As you also know we decided to tell her and her remaining slayers to get some added help for the move and while she didn't have a problem one of her two slayers were very upset. Lily Scotts then had to be obliviated by Miss Granger. But before doing so Lily asked to be with her parents when it happened so afterwards I had her reassigned near her home town. So instead of three people added to our number we only have two, one slayer and one watcher."
"Does that mean Xander and Harry will have to wait longer for help or will you be sending some of our girls there anyhow?" Willow asked concerned.
"Hmm… oh yes well, we can't spare any of our people at the moment but not to worry we will find some kind of arrangement for them I'm sure." He replied.
"You can't expect Xander and Harry to build a structure to hold a hundred and fifty slayers and nearly another hundred people of assorted talents all by themselves. We're cutting it close the way it is. The cleansing could start sooner rather than later you know." Buffy nearly shouted.
"And then they have the magical beasts we'll be sending their way that may need help adjusting to the new environment which Harry will have to handle. That will leave Xander to fix up the place by himself." Willow explained.
Giles caught himself before he could smirk and said. "Yes, well, we may have to send some local construction crews in to help them. I plan on looking into it this weekend."
"This stuff needs to get done Giles. Just make sure he gets the help or the slayers will be crabbier than we think they will be after their ordeal. Buffy warned as she walked out of the room whether the meeting was done or not. Fortunately it was."
Buffy had been steamed at Giles lack of interest in providing help to her Xander's shaped friend. She had got half way down the hall as a plan to help Xander as well as some slayers formulated in her head. However, unbeknownst to Buffy similar ideas were formulating in her Willow shaped friend's head as well.
/Scene Break/
Mr. Weasley came back to the burrow a depressed man. He had been to see his relative through marriage Danna Nobel. On this day he had went to meet her in the park near her home when she along with her mother approached him and in a surprise maneuver Mrs. Noble slapped him as hard as she could causing him to trip over backwards to land upon the ground on his backside.
"What have you been telling my daughter you charlatan." She hissed.
"Mom! How could you? You said you'd be civil." Donna said.
"Oh don't be so naïve, Donna. This man tells you you're the long lost daughter, and of witches and wizards no less, and then you stand there and tell me you believe him. Oh really Donna do grow up. Life is not a fairytale."
"But mom everything I've told you is the truth. I was in London one second and the next I was in Cardiff. "
"Honey they must have pumped some serious drugs into you to make you believe that. But don't worry well get a doctor to run some blood tests after we get the police here to apprehend this man who ever he is. She said as she pulled out her mobile phone."
"Mom, he really is a wizard." She then turned to Arthur and said. "Do something wizard like and show her."
Arthur pulled out his wand and pointed it at Donna's mother. Her mother only rolled her eyes in disbelief at him as she started to dial nine, nine, nine to get the police to come to the park. She never got to dial the last nine as she heard him say "stupefy".
As she fell to the ground Donna yelled." Oh my God, what did you do to her?"
"A simple stun spell, she'll awaken no worse for ware. But I must ask what you think you were doing telling your mother about our world."
"I needed someone to talk to and she's my mother. I'm sorry but I went to her for advice."
"I'm very disappointed. I warn you that there would be consequences if non magical found out. The Auror's will undoubtedly be sent out for this infraction of the secrecy law."
"What will happen then?" Donna asked worriedly for her mother.
"They'll take her memories about everything you told her about magic." He admitted. Arthur explained.
"On the surface that doesn't sound so bad but then I realize you're talking about messing about with how someone's mind works. I don't think that's a good thing at all." Donna said.
"I would have to agree with you. Having ones memories permanently ripped out can leave a gaping and naggingly distracting hole, especially when an Auror's don't know how to perform the spell correctly. It could be especially dangerous when driving a car afterward."
"Oh my god, what can we do?" Donna asked.
"There is the option of the person who divulged the secrets taking the memories and hopefully that person is better skilled with the spell."
"But I can't do magic." Donna said.
"Yes, I am aware. However, I wasn't referring to you. I'm the one who told you the secret that you told your mother. And thankfully I've become very good with memory charms during the war. Right, now I'll need to tend to your mother."
"You're not going to rip the memories from her are you?"
"No I'm simply going to hide them by shoving them into her subconscious and bury them under other trivial thing. If she remembers at all it will seem like a half forgotten dream. She would only remember if she were actively trying to remember. But then why would she?" Arthur explained.
"So it won't hurt her or distract her?" Donna asked.
"No not with the spell I'm using." He replied.
"He then pointed his wand at Donna's mother and said 'Obliviate' as he gave his wand a slight twist."
"But isn't that the spell you said the Auror's would use." Donna wondered.
"It's the same spell only with different wand movements. As I said I only buried the memory I didn't rip it from her. Seriously Donna she'll be okay." Arthur confirmed.
"Well if you're sure." She replied skeptically.
"I am Donna. Now sit down next to your mother wont you." He said sadly.
"Why are you going to wake her up now?" She asked as she sat down.
"No. Do you remember that I said that the wizard who divulged the secrets needs to take the memories before the Auror's need to? Well I divulged the secret to you. A squib who hadn't known about our world and you told your mother someone who should never have known about it. I'm sorry Donna but now the law is forcing me to do to you as I did to your mother." He explained.
"No but you can't. It's like you said I'm one of you. I haven't even met your family yet or my aunt or my cousin." Donna pleaded.
"I'm sorry Donna but this is the way it has to be. But I promise you we will meet again."
"No, but…" Donna began but never finished as Arthur said 'Obliviate.' When Arthur put his wand away Donna was unconscious as her brain still had yet to adjust. During this time Arthur pulled a large jade ring from his pocket and places it on Donna's finger with a 'notice me not' and 'compulsion' charm on it so she would never take it off. The ring was a portkey Hermione had made on Macboon Island. It would take the wearer straight to Africa. Arthur was saddened it had to be this way but she left him little choice.
"Goodbye Donna Noble, I hope to see you again by next year." He said before apparating away. The resounding crack left behind awoke both women who were very confused as to why they were sleeping on a bench in the middle of the park.
Now Arthur was home at the Burrow and headed for the stairs.
"Arthur is that you?" Molly said from the other room. Arthur quickly pulled out a flask from his pocket and swallowed a mouth full of alcohol before recapping it.
"Yes dear, I've had a long day and I'm going to turn in early."
Molly came into the room in a huff and said. "That's all you ever do anymore. You come home from work have some supper then after going to the bar you come back smelling of cheap booze only to go right to bed. Others are starting to talk. All this drinking could ruin our family's reputation."
"More so than our daughter the bank robber or our freeloading son the war hero fraud who never had a job in his life and runs around Ottery St. Catchpole in the buff?"
"Alright maybe I shouldn't have said that I don't need you pulling it down any more." She said in a whisper. "But your rarely home anymore to find out what the rest of the family is up to."
"That's because I no longer have my garage to get away from you and the rest of the family and now have to spend my nights in different bars to get some peace." He lied as he was actually at the G.C. magically helping them pack for the move to Africa.
"I'm not the one that burnt it down, you did. It's not like you had to do it and what do you mean get away from us?"
"I heard you and Ronald plotting against me. You were going to send me to Saint Mongo's. So, yes, I had to burn it down and give up my muggle hobby just so my family couldn't turn against me by pointing to the muggle devices I owned. I have four boys I feel I can still trust in this family, the rest of you have all needed a reality check for some time now."
"How dare you. I can concede the idea that two of our children aren't a model witch or wizard but what right do you have including me. My reality is just fine. Perhaps I should still take you to a mind healer."
"You can do that but I can also take quill and ink in hand and write my own articles telling the witches of Britain how you really raised our children. Don't forget I know the title of each and every child rearing book you used for your articles in witch weekly, and all of them were muggle books so no one would know you plagiarized the material. Furthermore if anyone in this house wishes to be cast out of the Weasley clan just try and go against me because I'll tell you right now that Harry Potter isn't the only one with powerful contacts and as soon as I'm missed there will be a full level investigation. After that, you're out."
"You wouldn't dare do that to our family." Molly said in horror.
Arthur brought his face close to hers and said in the coldest tone she had ever heard come from her husband. "Try me."
After a small pause to maintain eye contact with her he turned and climbed the stairs to sleep in Percy's old room leaving Molly to look on in awe and horror.
/Scene Break/
Guardian Council Cleveland Ohio
Willow was feeling nervous as she got read for tonight. The skin tight green cat suit was not her style at all. This costume was the type performers wore in movies for chroma key work. The custom was one of a set that came in different colors of the rainbow. They were purchased under the Guardian Council name for their participation in Cleveland gay pride parade. Willow had always been a bit body conscious and she understood why she needed to wear it but it hugged every curve of her body. This only added to her nervousness as she also thought of what they were going to do tonight. She exited her room and made her way to the teleport receiving room where the others of her party Buffy, Vi, Rona, and Hermione were waiting. They were all dressed in skin hugging cat suits of different colors. Hermione wearing dark blue seemed just as uncomfortable as she was. Buff wearing yellow asked if she was ready. Willow who was too nervous to trust her voice only nodded. Vi who was wearing red could tell how nervous Willow was and wrapped her in a comforting hug.
"It will be okay Willow; we're all behind you in this. We'll get through this together." She said.
"Yeah, it will be over before you know it." Rona said wearing orange.
"It wouldn't be as bad if we didn't have to wear these outfits." Willow complained.
"It was the only thing we had from our gay pride parade. It's perfect for what we're going to do." Buffy replied.
"Wearing masks and costumes just makes it feel more criminal." Willow responded.
"We're only in costume in case we get caught on video surveillance." Rona replied.
"But I can disrupt any camera within fifty yards." Willow replied.
"Yeah, well, what about the cameras that are fifty one yards away that can zoom in." Vi replied.
"In 'the end' it won't matter and 'the end' is bearing down upon us faster than we'd like it. Just remember we won't be stealing, we're rescuing what would be destroyed and unobtainable later." Buffy said trying to change her friend's view.
"Let's just get this over with." Willow said with a frustrated sigh as everyone put on their matching colored masks.
They all held hands and disappeared from the teleport receiving room.
Willow had transported them to a loading dock outside of a large Home improvement warehouse in Washington State. The building suffered a power failure plunging the area into darkness just prior to their arrival thanks to magic.
"Alright Hermione, will this trailer do the trick for what we need it to do." Buffy asked.
"Yes, this should do nicely." She said after opening it and finding it empty. She then began drawing runes on the inside walls.
Willow magically bypassed the bugler alarm before opening the loading dock doors and walked in along with Buffy. The place was lit by emergency lighting. The shelves were large and so high they almost reached the ceilings which were fifty foot high. They were laden with lumber, tools, hardware, electrical supplies, lighting, pluming, kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures masonry and much more.
Seconds later Vi ran up to them.
"Hermione said everything is all set with the trailer. It's really incredible to see."
"Well Will, I guess you're up." Buffy said.
"Just remember to keep the path from the doors to the trailer clear or somebody could get hurt." Willow replied.
Willow released a cleansing breath and began gathering her power. Buffy thought she saw her slightly glow after a few minutes. Then all at once all the items on every shelf began to lift and float. Everything in the warehouse seemed to be caught in a slow moving whirlpool as they circled the entire inside of the place. Then, very quickly the items started moving out the door and into the trailer. Hermione watched in frightful awe as the merchandise from the warehouse flew passed her with the blinding speed of a tornado into the trailer that she had made to have nearly endless storage. She knew Willow was powerful but this was so much more magic than she ever experienced in any of the magical communities. She could almost taste the magic.
The items began to slow as the warehouse began to finally empty. With curiosity Hermione made her way to the door to see Willow glowing brightly as the last of the items passed the loading dock doors. All of the sudden there were male voices yelling.
"Come on, we need to find out where all that stuff went." An angry male voice said.
Just then a security guard came running around the corner. Upon seeing the colorful clad figures they began yelling.
"Hold it right there. Don't move." One of them shouted.
The women might have been in trouble had the security guards been able to carry firearms but since they weren't they had nothing to fear. With a raised hand Willow simply said 'sleep' and they fell to the floor unconscious. Unknown to Willow two of the guards came from the other end. Vi noticed and took them out slightly more painfully. Rona came up behind Hermione and announced to everyone.
"Everything is locked up and ready to go." Startling Hermione because she had been so focused she hadn't seen Rona approach.
"Will they be alright?" Hermione inquired.
"The ones Willow knocked out will wake up as if from a nap. The one Vi took care of will have a slight headache." Buffy explained.
"Do you think I should obliviate them?" Hermione asked.
"That's a good idea." Willow said. "Even if we are in disguise I'd prefer they didn't remember seeing anything."
Hermione went to work erasing the seven men's memories. Once done, she went back to the trailer and attached a portkey to it and activated it. The trailer disappeared leaving the colorful clad females standing alone on the dock thinking of how easy this was, so easy it was criminal. They each held hands and disappeared from the scene of the crime or rescue as they thought of it.
/Scene Break/
Xander, Harry and three other slayers stood in the waiting room of the Guardian Council located in Colorado waiting for two particular slayers. Once they announced themselves it didn't take long for the two women in question to bound into the room yelling Xander's name and hugging him in excitement because they hadn't seen him in so long, hugs which Xander returned gratefully for the same reasons. He then turned to Harry.
"Harry, Christa, Nicky, Jenny, I'd like you to meet my other two farm girls Daisy and Sandy. They helped me remodel this old hotel to G.C. standards. Daisy, Sandy, this is Jenny she's also a farm raised girl.."
"Woman." Jenny interrupted.
"Woman…"Xander corrected. "And Christa and Nicky are military brats raised on a military bases around the country and abroad."
"I was raised air force." Nicky replied.
"And my father was in the Marines." Christa added.
"Christa and Nicky helped me remodel the G.C. in Georgia. And this is my newest friend who has been helping me with the G.C.'s most recent construction job Harry Potter."
"You know he's not right, right? I think any of us slayers can feel it."
"Actually he's just how he is supposed to be. Harry is a Wizard." Xander explained.
"He feels different than any of the magic users I know of."
"That's because he 'is' different. "
"My magic is inside of me. The Wiccan draw their magic from other places." Harry explained.
"Anyway, the reason we're here is to find out if you two want to help with the construction of a new G.C. being built in Africa."
"You want us to go to Africa. That would be so exciting." Sandy said.
"This sounds fantastic Xander, where in Africa? Monte-Carlo? Egypt?" jenny asked.
"The Democratic Republic of Congo actually." Xander informed.
"You're kidding right?" Asked Jenny this being the first any of them heard where they were supposed to go.
Xander sighed before he continued. "Look, for whatever reasons we believe the powers-that-be have guided us to that location. It's been quiet since Harry and I have been there but once we get one of the building repaired Harry and Willow along with the rest of the witches and wizards can set up wards that will keep us safe."
"Wait a moment you said one of the buildings. How many are there?" Daisy asked
"We're looking to build a campus." Xander replied.
"In the middle of the Congo?" Jenny asked again.
"The Democratic Republic of Congo. When you say 'The Congo' you're actually talking about a different place which most people just group together because it's just as dangerous. Listen, it's going to be fine but this is going to be a rough one. The buildings there are in a terrible state and various states of decay. We don't have much to work with at the moment but Buffy and Willow promised to get the materials to us soon. I need a good crew to help us and thought of you guys. You won't be slaying as much but with all the work ahead of us you'll be able to work off the extra energy. I just need to know if you guys want in."
"Xander, you should know you never need to ask. I really enjoyed working on this place and even if we're going to be building a new G.C. campus from the ground up I'll be there wearing the tool belt you bestowed upon me from the last time." Daisy told him.
"Yeah, me too." Sandy agreed.
"See, I told you two." Christa told Nicky and Jenny.
"Okay, what are we missing?" Xander asked.
"I knew we all worked with you before so when you singled us out I told these two to pack their tool belts as well. There in our back packs." Christa explained.
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you were a seer." Xander replied with a smile. "Anyway, like I told the others, pack stuff suitable for the heat of Africa. I'm going to file this as a long term move so we'll have the rest of your things moved there."
"Long term?" DaisyAsked.
"This is going to take a long time guys. We could be there a couple of years if not longer. You may want to consider making it a permanent move. This is going to be the new headquarters of all the other G.C. It will have all the Scoobies as well as the heads of the Watchers, Wiccan, Wizards as well as Werewolf's and a host of magical creatures we are just learning about."
"Wait a minute, what magical creatures?" Jenny asked.
Xander looked to Harry and Harry knew he was being asked to elaborate on the question.
"Well there are centaurs, dragons, jakalopes, yetis, hinkiepunks, fairies unicorns…"
"Unicorns, we can get a chance to see unicorns?" Sandy asked excitedly.
"Umm.. yes. Then there are trolls and manacores and many other things you probably never heard of." Harry finished.
"Well what are we waiting for? We all agree so let's get going." Daisy said.
"You two are far too exited and forgot you need to pack and while you're doing that I'll sign you guys out on a long term mission." Xander replied.
"Oh right, we'll be back down in a few minutes." Sandy said and they ran back out of the room and up the stairs leaving the rest of the group smiling at each other.
A half an hour later they were in Africa via portkey.
"Oh man that was nasty." Christa said as she pulled herself off the ground.
"I thought it was fun." Nicky replied.
"That's what I thought at first but it was a bit too long." Jenny groaned.
"Well this is the rail way station we have all the portkeys come to. Sort of like the teleport receiving room in all the other G.C. buildings. The buildings we're working on are behind the station and down the hill." Xander explained as they exited the station and made their way down the dirt road. As they came to the hills peak they overlooked what looked like a ghost town.
"Are you kidding? Xander, there's hardly any structures to build off of." Christa commented.
"Are you kidding this place has all kinds of potential." Jenny replied
"I didn't say it would be easy. We will be building from scratch on some of these foundations but at the moment we're working on the bank as it's the soundest structure in town."
"You mean the building with all the holes in it?" Christa asked.
"Once the cement gets here that won't be a problem." Xander explained.
"Where are we supposed to bed down at night?" Daisy asked.
"You guys have your own tent. Follow us." Harry said.
As they rounded the corner of one of the buildings they saw a small tent.
"Xander, I hope this is some kind of game because this is too small for even one of us. Where are we going to sleep?" Daisy asked not believing for a second this tent was for them.
"Xander had a huge smile and told them to try it out."
"Xander cut it out. I'm not sleeping in a claustrophobic rag box." Christa said now getting mad.
"Just please trust me and walk inside." Xander replied.
Jenny rolled her eyes because whatever the punch line was going to be she was sure she wouldn't like it as she walked into the tent. Once she was through the door flap the other girls heard her shouted "Oh my goddess!" and then ran out backward and ran around the tent before looking through the flap again. She then turned to Xander and asked. "How?"
Magic. Xander replied with a large smile.
With the other girls curiosity peaked they all rushed to look inside. As Xander and Harry followed they bumped into the rest of the young ladies as they stood at the entrance to stunned to move any further.
"The Kitchen is fully stocked at the moment but with you slayers I can see it won't stay that way for long. There are heavy cooling charms to keep food cold and lesser cooling charms throughout the tent to keep you cool throughout the day and while you sleep. The bathroom has a fully functioning toilet, shower, and sink. Neither Harry nor I know where the waist water goes when you flush the toilet or drain the water. All we can say is it's done by magic. We suspect the water comes from the moisture in the air but don't quote us on that."
"Kitchen and bathrooms in tents?" Christa wondered.
"I've never heard of let alone seen magic like this." Sandy said.
"That okay, even Willow is surprised by it but she's learning a lot about it right now so don't let it get to you."
"Are you kidding this is wonderful. I can learn to like this." Sandy said moving around the living room.
Nicky sat on the couch trying to absorb the situation.
"Are you okay Nicky?" Xander asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine, this is just wild." She replied.
Christa brought everyone out of their bewilderment by asking to see what work needed to be done to the bank. With that they each followed Xander and Harry out of the tent.
"We don't have much building supplies left. What we do have has been made by Harries magic from the debris of the other buildings. Cement from stone, reconstituted wood from old timbers. It takes a lot out of Harry to make so much but Buffy, Willow and one of our other new friends Hermione promised to get us supplies real soon."
Just then they felt and indescribable feeling in the locale air pressure. All of the sudden a large spinning trailer appeared out of nowhere and seemed to be still in motion as it moved across an empty lot sideways and slid into place with its tires screeching coming to rest next to a dilapidated building.
"Looks like Hermione Buffy and Willow finally sent us those supplies." Harry said to the stunned group which included Xander.
Xander cleared his throat and said. With an unconvincing calm."Well it's about time."
Just then Hermione came down the hill from the station at a brisk walk. As she got to the group she said. "Oh good it got here in one peace and it seemed to have made a reasonable landing. It's the first time I set a portkey location using someone else's memories and GPS coordinates."
"Ladies this is Hermione Granger. Hermione I'd like you to meet the work crew I commandeered since Giles couldn't be bothered to send anyone to help. From left to right we have Jenny, Daisy, Christa, Sandy and Nicky."
"It' a pleasure." Hermione responded.
"Nice to meet you." Jenny Sandy and Nicky said. However the others had other issues.
"Xander, what do you mean commandeered? Is Giles hanging you out to dry again?" They asked.
"What else is new?" Xander replied.
"But why does he do that?" Daisy asked.
"I think it may have something to do with a condition we recently found out he has or it could be something completely different. I try not to dwell on it. Besides, seeing I'm the only G.C. rep. here in Africa at this time, I became the local head guy out here. If I have to make the executive decisions I'm not going to let Giles undermine our progress."
"We'd follow your lead anytime Xander. So what are we going to do?" Christa asked.
"Well, let's head into the bank and I'll show you." Xander said.
"I must say this looks like quit an undertaking for seven people even if most of you have supernatural advantages. How far do you think you'll have gotten by the end of the year?" Hermione asked.
"Our main concern at this moment is this bank and that's why I'm glad you're here Hermione. I'd like to talk to you about some spells." Harry said.
"I think I know where you're going with this Harry but I'll need to look the place over and then go over some of your blueprints and floor plans. Being a bank this place doesn't have a cellar or basement…" She responded only to be interrupted by Xander.
"Actually it does and I found it weird as well. It's smaller in length and width but it has one."
"Strange, but that can work to our advantage. I'll need to see it of course."
For the next two and a half hours they hashed out the new plans; and, because of Xander's limited architectural knowledge and Hermione's organizational skills, they had a very workable plan. When Hermione was ready to leave Xander stopped her and handed her a list.
"Tell Buffy and Willow that the supplies from home improvement centers are great but we'll need more specialized supplies and equipment. Raiding lumber mills that actually cut down trees to cut into lumber would be much better, especially if you can swipe the equipment that does so. After all we are making a small town and will need to make our own lumber eventually once the lumber you procured runs out. The same goes for the tools from rock and cement quarries. Bottom line is in the end we'll need to be self-sustaining."
"I see what you mean. I'll impress upon them the importance of what you said."
"Thanks, I'm sure the ladies will expand on the idea. Have a safe trip Hermione." Xander said.
"Thanks I will." She replied.
Harry caught up with her and walked her toward the train station.
"How do you like working with Xander?" She asked.
"It's been brilliant. I've learned loads about construction. And Xander has been like a brother I never had. I can tell you one thing; we're very much like kindred spirits. He's parents were a lot like my aunt and uncle."
"I'm sorry to hear that." She responded with a wince and was sorry for bringing it up she hoped for a change of the subject and Harry didn't disappoint but she soon found more anxiety from his next subject.
"Hermione, I've had talks with Xander and about rescuing items that would otherwise be lost forever so, I know where those supplies came from."
"Oh Harry I feel so dirty, stealing from muggles. I feel as dishonest as Zacharias Smith. If the Ministry ever found out my part in it I may be in Azkaban when the main event hits. You must think of me as no better than Mundungus Fletcher." She nearly cried.
"Hermione, it's fine I understand why you're doing it."
"How can you say that, Harry? You were an auror."
"As I've said I've been discussing and debating this issue with Xander and have come to the conclusion that a lot of work went into manufacturing the stuff you've collected. It would be such a waste to have all of those needed supplies at the bottom of the ocean where they wouldn't be doing anyone any good. There will still be a lot of it ending up there in the end anyway. If you feel you can't do this I'll take over your part in it because in the end we'll really need those supplies."
Hermione had been in deep concentration as she tried to figure out where Harry was coming from until that last comment.
"Don't be silly Harry you're desperately needed here and now that I can see your point of view I guess that it can be justified for the cause. I still won't like it but it has to be done and I need to contribute."
Harry chuckled as he said. "Hermione, you racked your brain doing research for months looking for the safe spot. You looked for and found Document zero as dangerous as that was, a document that gave us the clues needed to find the safe spot. Then you went back and destroyed that document freeing us all and saving one of the last Macboons. Don't you think you've contributed enough?"
Hermione turned pink with embarrassment from Harry listing her accomplishments. "Well when you put it that way, but I need to be doing something so I may as well help Willow and Buffy. Besides I've learned so much from them."
"Well just stay safe and let me know what's going on. Xander and I have to go into town for basic supplies for everyone. Food, toothpaste that sort of thing and Xander is going to call Willow for a mobile phone for me from the Guardian Council that anyone can operate from anywhere so I'll let you know what my number is when I get it."
"That'll be ever so convenient. All right Harry I'll see you soon."
"Bye Hermione."
And with that she activated the portkey and was gone.
/Scene Break/
Just outside of the hell mouth of the Mayan Cenotes Ethan Rayne sat waiting for the verdict as to the future of his magic. Magic he hasn't been able to accesses due to a binding spell. He had already been to two witch doctors (for lack of a better word) each more powerful and practiced then the last. This was Ethan's last resort. He knew of no one better so his magical future was riding on this person's recommendations. When the practitioner entered Ethan knew by the look on his face that it wasn't going to be good news.
"Ethan my friend…The witch doctor began."
"Oh god. With an opening like that this was going to be really bad." Ethan thought.
"It would seem that a combination of spells and potions have been used upon you. I've tried to discern some of the ingredients of the potion used but some I've never seen while others haven't been used in years as they have been thought to be extinct for decades such as hair of a centaur. That they used what would undoubtedly be the last preserved pelt of Yeti skin tells me they really wanted you out of the magic business."
"Damn that can of soft drink had been unopened. It was the only thing I drank when I was there and I stole it from one of the slayers. Double damn, it had been a plant. What's the world coming to when you can't trust a sealed can? Is there anything you can do?" Ethan asked.
"I'm afraid not. Those ingredients are too powerful and their counter ingredients are just as hard to get or extinct. It's just beyond my and most practitioners capabilities."
"Ethan was not happy and the witch doctors considered his next recommendations carefully before he spoke."
"There may still be a way my friend."
"Ethan looked at him with hope."
"I am reluctant to advise this however you are one of the few priest to the god Janus left. "
"Go on." Ethan said.
"There is a demon djinn that might perhaps help you. Any demon is a very dangerous risk to implore even more so with a djinn. But a demon djinn is infinitely the most dangerous."
"I've heard rumors of such a being but I never thought it might be for real. Is it?" Ethan asked.
"It is. And although it might be your only hope it might kill you in the process."
"Yes, I've heard he expects a sacrifice in the form of physical trials. But do you think his magic will be stronger than the potion used on me?" Ethan wondered.
"One of the last magical feats I have heard of him doing is to put a human soul permanently into a vampire."
"Why in god's name would a vampire want that? Isn't one do-gooder vampire enough? Oh well, it doesn't matter, if the demon djinn is my only option than that's who I will have to see. Now more than ever I will need my magic to bring the Guardian Council down around Rupert's ears. Where do I need to go to find this Demon djinn?" Ethan demanded to know.
"You're trek will be difficult as it lives among a tribe of human-like demons which eat humans and are at the center of the Sudan in Africa. Your physical trials may take months and may take just as long to recover."
"Damn, nothing is ever easy when demons are involved. Very well, I guess there's nothing for it but to get on with it. I'll try to make my way back here next year once I'm able and we will share a bottle of my finest wine to celebrate the collapse of the Guardian Council." Ethan announced.
"Indeed my friend. I will look forward to seeing you again. Goodbye Ethan."
"Goodbye is so final Joseph and I do plan on coming back so it's farewell for now." Ethan said.
With that Ethan left the tent not knowing he would never see his friend again.
A.N. (Reviews can make a story even better.)