What's happening in my little old life...

So, the last nine days have been...a bit hellish for me! Woke up at 4am on the 14th with a bloody nose! Annoying, but...it happens. Usually once or twice a year and only when it's hot and dry. It was not hot and dry here on the 14th! Anyway, I went to work and did the bookkeeping, but when it came time to be out on the floor with customers...and my nose was still bleeding...I told my boss I needed to go home. Spent the rest of the day...and Saturday and Sunday in bed. Monday morning it was still bleeding, so I went to urgent care...they sent me to the ER, because they "don't have the equipment to deal with it." Went to the ER...they packed my nose (which FUCKING HURTS!), but otherwise did nothing. Oh, they gave me prescriptions...antibiotics, painkillers, and nausea meds. Went to the pharmacy to get meds, but they didn't take my insurance, so had to go to Kaiser...then went home. Talked to work. Called Kaiser to find out what to do next. Had to wait for their call. Meanwhile, I teetered between extreme discomfort and pain...and tried to resist meds. I only resisted until my husband got home that evening and I took a pain pill. I didn't want to be home alone while taking them. No, I've never taken anything before. Kaiser finally called Tuesday evening...said that a nurse would call me Wednesday. They called and gave me an appointment to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat) on Friday. I was suppose to be back at work on Thursday, so I had to call work again. Friday appointment...yesterday...which was NOT FUN! Still bleeding, so he cauterized it! I'm telling you...never, never, NEVER allow anyone to pack your nose...go straight for the cauterization! Mine you, I had asked the ER to do that, but I suspect that because my insurance was Kaiser, that's why they wouldn't do it. They also said they didn't have the right equipment-which is freaking ridiculous as I've had my neck cauterized there several years earlier when I'd had an accident at work. Work was paying for that, so...no Kaiser! Anyway, ENT says I have a hole in my septum, probably caused by the rhinoplasty I had 35 years ago...which is causing my nose to be super dry all the day. And apparently I have high blood pressure too...that might have caused the nose bleed too. He wants me to see my primary care physician SOON to have it looked at. So...drove home...and just rested. But now I'm worried about my life! SIGH

And thank you kayleerenea, chao-hellsing, and Sharie for taking the time to post comments! It is GREATLY appreciated!

Chapter Forty-five
Less Than Friendly Visitors

When Buffy arrived home she found that Vin and Sophie were not getting dressed up to go out, because the Giles had stopped by—uninvited, she presumed by the look on the sisters' faces when she did a quick sneak peek. Both were sitting in their favorite chairs, holding very large glasses of wine, and glaring daggers at their sister—who was lecturing them yet again for allowing Buffy to go traipsing all over 'war-torn' London by herself. Never mind that she wasn't alone.

But that was part of the problem too, because Edna Giles still wasn't pleased about, 'the Slayer's association with riff-raff,' Buffy had heard her say—loudly—as she'd entered the house.

Buffy tried her damnedest to close the front door silently—so as not to be heard—then crept forward to listen.

"I just don't understand," Edna Giles said—and Buffy could almost see the exasperated look on the woman's face, even though she had her back to the wall and wasn't even looking into the lounge.

Buffy rolled her eyes at the woman's tone and decided she needed to get gone.

"There's nothing for you to understand!" she heard Vin snap as she made an attempt to sneak past the doorway—freezing when she saw movement in the lounge, then pulling back and pasting herself against the opposite wall.

Grimacing, Buffy managed to maneuver herself to just the other side of the doorway without being seen and was backing toward the stairs—and the safety of her bedroom—when a throat cleared behind her. Huffing, she knew that she'd been caught and slowly turned.

"Edmund?!" she hiss-whispered. "Oh thank goodness it's you!"

Silently, he waved hello, then pushed at the bridge of his glasses and gestured for her to follow him into the kitchen.

"I was making the tea," he said as he went over to the cooker. "Would you like some?"

Smiling, Buffy shook her head. "No thanks," she said. "And...hi. Um. It's good to see you," she said, shifting on her feet. It had been a couple weeks. The Giles had stayed away. She suspected that Edna was still upset about her letting that vampire go, but it had felt right at the time. That wasn't to say that she hadn't had second thoughts about it since. After all... vampire!

Edmund nodded. "It's nice to see you too, Buffy," he said—then frowned down at the cooker and shook his head. "I don't really want any tea either. That was the only excuse I could think of to allow me to leave the room." Sighing, he turned off the burner. "How is...everything?"

Buffy shrugged. "Good. I guess. I was just out with Tom."

Edmund nodded again. He'd assumed that she had been. He didn't like it, but what choice did he have? If only he'd been the one to find her.

"But I've been studying a lot too...since I saw you," Buffy said, clearly wanting him to know that she wasn't all-play girl when there was work to be done. "There's so much to cover before I go off to school."

"I can imagine," he said. "I'm surprised that you have any time for outings."

Buffy tilted her head to the side and studied him, then smiled gently. "I can't stay cooped up studying 24/7, Edmund."

"I suppose not," he said. If he were in her place, he would do nothing, but study. "Have you...had time to do any slaying."

Buffy almost laughed—wondering if that's why the entire Giles crew had come over for a visit—to check up on her slayage—then shrugged. "Not a lot. I was considering going out this evening, because I thought Vin and Sophie would be out. They said they were going to, but...looks like maybe not."

"But we appeared and interrupted their evening plans?" the boy finished for her.

This time Buffy chuckled. "Yeah. That about sums it up," she said. "I'm sure they weren't at all pleased to have their gallivanting cut short."

Edmund made a face, then pushed at his glasses again. "No, they weren't. They're even more displeased that Mother and Father have brought with them someone from the Council and—"

"Really?" Buffy cut in, her eyes wide. In her attempt to get past the doorway undetected, she hadn't taken an interest in who else might be in the room. All that had mattered was getting by without Edna Giles seeing her.

Edmund nodded. "Mr Travers and—"

"And?!" Buffy interrupted again. "You said someone, which indicates...well... one someone! You know, because of the singularness of the word one."

Edmund chuckled, amused by the girl. The way she spoke was entertaining. "Mr Travers has brought...family with him. You see, it seems that some of them are like you."

"Like me?" asked Buffy, her brow raised with interest.

Edmund nodded.

"Like...a slayer and a witch?"

"Well no...not a slayer, as there's only one." Edmund frowned at his own words. "Usually," he added, then shook his head. "What I mean to say is that, apparently his brother and his nephew are like you. That is...magical. You will be in the same year as the son, so..." His words trailed off.

Buffy nodded. "Oh. Right. I see."

Edmund studied his friend. "You look...disappointed."

Buffy shook her head. "I'm not," she denied. "Well, maybe a little bit. I guess I was just hoping that magical Mr Travers had a daughter instead of a son." She sighed. "How well do you know these Travers people?"

"I don't," said Edmund. "Apart from the Mr Travers that I run into occasionally at work."

Buffy hmm'd. She hated that Edmund was just sixteen and had to work. Much like herself. Why couldn't they just be normal teenagers?!

"I haven't met them before, you see," Edmund continued. "Even though I spend quite a bit of time at the Headquarters, Mr Travers has never brought in any of his relatives. Not that it's unusual. When working for the Council either your entire family works there or you're the only one. I'm babbling, aren't I?"

Buffy smiled. "You are."

"Sorry."

Buffy shrugged. "Hey, it's no big. I do it all the time. Really," she said. "But let me see if I've got this straight...this Mr Travers guy, from the Watchers' Council, is here to what...check up on me? And he's brought his wizard brother and nephew with him?"

Edmund nodded. "In short, yes."

Buffy snorted. "Now I can see why Vin and Soph are in the lounge tanking it up," she said, giving the doorway a glance and wondering if she could sneak downstairs, then up and out onto the street from her bedroom before the sisters knew she was home. She would love to go out and poke something—and avoid the whole scene where they were all in the same room playing tug-o-war with her as the rope!

"I can see the wheels turning, Buffy," the boy said, his eyes narrowed. "Don't you dare even think of running off."

Turning, Buffy looked at him with wide eyes and placed a hand on her chest. "Run off? Moi?" she asked with feigned innocence. "I would never."

It was Edmund's turn to snort—then he blushed and made an attempt to cover up his discomfiture by pushing at his glasses again.

"They must be going out of their tiny little Watchery brains with frustration out there," she said, grinning.

Edmund smiled. "They are...which is why I excused myself."

"Hmm. So...why are these Travers guys here?" Buffy asked. "I'm assuming it's not a social call."

"It most definitely isn't," Edmund agreed.

"And how do I fit into this?"

Edmund's brows rose. "Are you joking? You're a slayer and a witch. The Council still wants to acquire you. Despite telling my parents to take a step away, they believe you are theirs. And the magical community wants..." He shrugged. "Well, I'm not exactly sure what they want. As I said, I made myself scarce in the lounge when they started to talk about it." He laughed, a bit nervously. "I should have probably stayed to gather more information."

"Hey, I don't blame you one bit. If I could make myself scarce..."

"Er...no, don't even think about it!" Edmund cut in, repeating what he'd already said. "You can't leave my aunts to deal with this without you."

Buffy pursed her lips. "You're right," she agreed. "But gawd, I can see why they drink." Her eyes widened. "Oh! Speaking of drinks...I had beer today!"

Edmund frowned. "You're only fifteen. Who serves alcohol to fifteen year old?!"

Buffy snorted. "Actually, despite what Vin and Soph say, I'm sixteen," she corrected. "But whatever! I mean, what's a year in the life of a slayer-witch, right?" She waved her hand dismissively and grinned at him. "And apparently the wizarding community doesn't give a rat's ass about age where alcoholic beverages are concerned."

"Nice language," came a cool voice from the doorway. "So ladylike."

Buffy and Edmund both turned and looked at the boy who was standing there listening to their conversation. Edmund grimaced with obvious annoyance—he already wasn't a fan of the young Travers boy—and Buffy stared for a moment, then said, "Hmm. I don't know who you are, but a gentleman would let his presence be known immediately."

The boy narrowed his eyes—they were very dark. Clearly he was offended by the gentleman comment, but Buffy didn't care.

"The wizarding community does give a rat's arse about underage drinking, by the way, which makes me wonder what you did to be served."

Buffy smirked. "Well, um. I might have used my feminine wiles," she admitted.

The boy stared back, his eyes narrowing again. "So, you're this... slayer?" he said, looking Buffy up and down. "You're rather...small. Much smaller than I'd anticipated."

Edmund chuckled. "She is," he agreed. "But I wouldn't tease her about it."

"And why is that?" the boy asked.

"Well, she is the Slayer," said Edmund.

The boy snorted, as if he wasn't too impressed.

Buffy glanced at Edmund, then back at the stranger. He was tall and slender, with a crown of bushy dark hair and very dark eyes—darker even than Tom's, she decided. In contrast to Tom's tidy appearance, this boy looked...a bit sinister, in Buffy's opinion. But it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. She was used to sinister!

"Um. Yes...I am the Slayer, but...eavesdrop much?! Gawd!"

The boy glared. "I was not!" he denied. "It isn't my fault that you weren't paying attention. It's my understanding, based on, all be it limited, information that you should be hyper-aware of your surroundings, which...you were not. Of course, all of this slayer stuff is completely new to me, so..." He shrugged.

Buffy harrumphed. "Well, it isn't new to me. What is new to me is all this witchy wizardry stuff!" She waved a hand in frustration. "It's interfering with my senses, you know? And, I'd be willing to bet that being a slayer is going to interfere with my magical education too." She sighed—annoyed—wondering what sort of creatures she would find at Hogwarts. It was always something. She needed to be ready—to fit in. And she was so far from fitting in! And now there was another person who was aware of her calling. A person who clearly wasn't pleased by her presence in his world.

"I'm Buffy, by the way," she said. "And...you are?" she prompted.

The boy huffed. "Travers," he said bluntly.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Jeepers! I got that part already. What is it with you wizards and not liking to give your first name?" she asked. "Like, no one at home does that." In my time, she added to herself.

Grimacing, the darker boy looked at Edmund. "Is she speaking English?" he asked.

Edmund chuckled. "I've wondered that a time or two myself."

"Um. Hello," Buffy cut in. "She is standing right here!"

Edmund curtailed his mirth and the Travers boy narrowed his eyes. "We should go back into the lounge. Father wants to meet you."

Buffy snorted. "I'm not going anywhere. Not until I have your full name, Mr Unfriendly," she countered. "Or should I start making up names for you until you give in? Hmm. What shall I call you? How about...Mucho Surly Boy or...how about Travie, for short?" At this point, she had to resist grinning—as he looked pretty upset.

His face coloring, the boy clenched his jaw, then shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "My name is Kieran Torquil Quentin Travers."

Buffy made a face. "Eesh. Now that's a mouthful, huh?" she teased—then put out her hand. "I'm Buffy Anne Summers. But...um...just Buffy works for me."

Kieran glanced down at her hand and grimaced as if it were something dirty, then offered her two fingers to take—wishing he hadn't removed his gloves when he'd come in.

Buffy stared at his offering, then took his entire hand in hers and gripped it firmly—holding tight even when he tried to pull away. He was acting like he was afraid he'd be soiled by her touch, which only made her hold on longer. "I would like to say it's a pleasure, Mr Kieran Torquil Quentin Travers, but...you've made that difficult."

Kieran struggled to remain calm. He'd tried to keep the handshake minimal, but the girl hadn't allowed it, forcing him to endure her touch for much longer than was normal—or necessary. He had to admit she was strong. He could tell he wouldn't have been able to pull his hand away from hers. When she finally released it, Kieran dropped his hand to his side and, not even bothering to hide it, he wiped his palm on his trousers. Trousers he didn't like to wear without robes to go over them—and there were no robes, because they'd been forced into Muggle London to accompany his disowned Squib uncle to the Fairweather house to meet this slayer-witch.

And now, all he could think about was, what would Tom Riddle say when they arrived back at Hogwarts on the first of September?! He hoped that Riddle would find a way to drive her away.

And Salazar forbid if she were to be sorted into Slytherin! The idea of it was repulsive!

~oOo~

"I believe that we will need to consult the Ministry regarding Miss Summers' admittance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," one of the Mr Travers was saying as the three teenagers walked into the lounge—Kieran first, then Buffy, and finally Edmund.

"Aren't you the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the Ministry of Magic?" the other Mr Travers sneered.

"Well, yes, but as you know, I have nothing to do with Hogwarts or its Board of Governors," the first said. "I simply can't believe this American girl has been admitted."

Buffy snorted. "This girl most certainly has been admitted," she interrupted. "I have a letter from the Ministry to prove it and everything. And a wand." She pointed to it. It was sticking through her hair—its tip lighting up when she pointed at it.

Buffy looked between the two brothers. She could see that there was no love lost there. One of them was a wizard and the other, well, she really wasn't quite sure what he was. All she knew was that he worked for the Watchers Council. Whether or not he was a wizard, she did not know.

"So. Um. I'm Buffy," she said, as if they didn't know. "I suppose you're all here for little old me."

"Good evening, Buffy," said Edna. "How are you?"

"Oh, just dandy," Buffy replied sarcastically. "I always like coming home to strangers in the house." Her eyes went to Vin and Sophie. "Everything okay here?"

Vin shrugged. "I suppose everything's all right...if you don't mind unexpected guests." Looking up at her sister, she glared—and Edna lifted her chin defiantly.

Sophie snorted. "Which we do mind...depending on the guests," she said, her eyes going to Edna accusingly.

"So let me amend that 'all right' to super annoyed?" Vin said, her eyes on Sophie now.

Sophie nodded. "Super extra annoyed," she agreed, giggling because she realized they were both starting to use words that Buffy did.

Buffy grinned—and Edmund hid a chuckle.

Pursing her lips, Edna looked somewhat uncomfortable. "We've brought these people to meet you, dear," she said sweetly.

Buffy snorted again. "I can see that," she said, looking at the two strangers. "I've already met the kid, here." She gestured at Kieran and made a face—and he glared at her.

"This is Gawain Travers. He's a senior Watcher on the Council," Edna said, presenting one of the men.

Gawain Travers nodded at Buffy politely, but she could tell she was being evaluated.

"And this is his brother, Torquil Travers," Edna went on, gesturing at the other man. "He is—"

"The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the Ministry of Magic," Buffy finished for the woman. "I heard that part as we were walking in."

Torquil Travers looked her up and down—much like his son had—his eyes coming to rest on her wand. Its tip was still lit up—and now sparkling a bit—which was interesting, because the girl wasn't touching it at the moment.

Buffy accessed the two men in return. Gawain Travers appeared to be the slightly shorter of the two, his medium brown hair thinning somewhat in the front, while Torquil Travers' head was covered by a fedora, hiding whether or not he had a receding hairline. The hair she could see was very short and the same color as his brother's and Buffy wondered if his fancy hat only made him appear taller than his brother.

Gawain was dressed similarly to Rupert Giles—in his all-brown tweed splendor—very conservative, but not overly expensive. Torquil, on the other hand, had obviously spent significantly more on his sleek charcoal gray attire. Both brothers had matching hazel blue eyes, which looked identical as they watched her look them over. Buffy decided that it was possible that they were twins.

"Hmm. So, what can I do for you gents?" Buffy asked, not wishing to draw this out any further than she had to. Crossing the room, she picked up the bottle of wine that the sisters had opened and refilled their glasses—knowing it would calm them a little—and received a smile of gratitude from each.

"Thank you, dear," they said delightedly, each taking a sip and sighing.

"I mean, it is my understanding that the Council has been informed of my new status," she said, her eyes on Gawain Travers. When he nodded, she looked at Torquil. "And I've received my Hogwarts letter, so...what's the deal here?"

"As far as I am concerned, there isn't a deal," said Torquil Travers. He flashed a look of irritation at his brother. "I was simply taking it upon myself to take a personal look at this case."

Buffy frowned. "Case? I am not a case," she objected. "I'm just a girl...who happens to be both a slayer and a witch. I'm just...Buffy." She shrugged, smiling a bit.

Gawain nodded. "You are," he said, agreeing. "As you know, Buffy, the Council gave instructions that you won't be formally assigned to a Watcher. However, we understand that you've agreed to allow the Giles to offer you assistance occasionally."

"Hmm. That's somewhat true," Buffy said, her eyes going to Edna and Rupert. "As long as they stick to the now and then part and not appear on our doorstep 24/7 with every Tom, Dick, and Harry who wants to take a look at me. I'm not a sideshow or a circus act, you know!"

Gawain nodded again. "Of course, Miss Summers. However, the Council would like you to be aware that we are here for you, should we be required."

Buffy opened her mouth to reply, but Torquil Travers spoke first.

"Why does that sound as if your Council just wishes to put its nose where it doesn't belong... watching, but doing nothing?" he asked.

Gawain's face colored. "This from the man who doesn't think the Slayer belongs in the wizarding world's precious school of magic!" he said angrily. "You never could understand that there's more to the world than magic."

Torquil glared at his brother. "You are simply resentful, because you weren't able to attend Hogwarts and jealous your slayer is a witch and has been invited."

"I thought you didn't believe that she'd been invited," Gawain threw back.

Torquil glanced at Buffy—her wand was still sparkling—then back at his brother. "I have reevaluated her. She's definitely a witch and we have things to discuss that you shouldn't hear."

Gawain's jaw clenched. "I grew up in the same house that you did, Torquil!" he snapped. "Don't tell me that I shouldn't be here! I am a Watcher and she is the Slayer, of course I should be involved."

Buffy huffed. "Back to the Buffy-tug-o-war! So much fun," she grumbled.

Looking at her sister, Sophie rolled her eyes. Vin nodded and stood up. "All right. That's enough. I want all of you to leave," the dark haired sister said.

Torquil's eyes widened. "This is Ministry business, Madam. I won't have a Muggle ordering me around!" he snapped.

Sophie snorted. "Now you've done it," she said, almost gleefully.

Vin's eyes narrowed at the man. "Muggle?!" she spat, glaring at the condescending man. "First of all, I will have you know that we are not ordinary Muggles, Mr Travers. We may not be witches in the same sense Buffy is, but...I promise you that you do not want to interfere with us. Secondly, this is our house and we won't allow you to come here and order us about. And thirdly, as Buffy's guardians, we will decide if and when we'll allow our ward to discuss anything with the likes of you!" She punctuated the last word by pointing at the man sharply—which caused a static like spark to light up at the tip of her finger. She was not messing around!

Still glaring at the man, she gestured for Buffy to come to her, then gently pushed the girl behind her. She was no match for Buffy's physical strength if Buffy chose to assert it, but she had a feeling that her own magic was far greater than anyone else's in the room. After all, she didn't need to rely on the use of a wand to channel it.

"Now, as I said, I want you to leave," Vin repeated firmly. "And I mean this instant!" She looked at her youngest sister. "And I mean all of you."

Edna's eyes widened. "But Lavinia, we've brought information regarding Buffy's friend Tom."

Buffy blinked, interested. "Vin," she whispered.

The dark-haired woman huffed. "Fine. You may stay to deliver your information, but they need to go," she said, pointing at all three Travers and narrowing her eyes at them. "I don't know what's going on between you two brothers, but Buffy is not a toy that you people can play with. I don't care who you are, I won't allow it! We will not allow it. Please show yourselves out."

Glaring, Torquil Travers took his son's arm and the two of them disappeared on the spot—causing Vin and Sophie to start.

"They've Disapparated," Gawain said, seeing their shocked expressions. "It's a very convenient wizarding way of traveling. Ridiculous though, as they don't reside far from here. That was just Torquil being dramatic."

Buffy grinned. "When will I be able to do that?" she asked.

Gawain Travers chuckled. "Witches and wizards are taught Apparition in their seventh year at Hogwarts. There is a test, apparently, and a license is required," he explained, hesitating in his departure.

Curious, Buffy said, "A license you don't have?"

"You are very astute, Miss Summers," he said. "No, sadly I do not. I am what the magical community refers to as a Squib, which means that I was born to magical parents, but did not inherit their magical abilities."

Buffy frowned, suddenly understanding more about the dynamics between the two brothers. Clearly Torquil Travers looked down upon his non-magical brother and Gawain Travers had been forced to go out on his own. It had probably been a hellish upbringing for the latter.

Vin hmm'd and glanced at Sophie, then looked at the man. "Is there a way to prevent this Appear-ation?"

"What?!" Buffy burst. "No, I want to learn that...when I'm old enough, that is."

Vin shook her head. "I don't mean to prevent you from learning...when the time comes. What I mean is, if Mr Rude Head of Law Enforcement is able to come and go as he pleases, I need to know how to stop him, so that he cannot just appear in our house at will and possibly take Buffy somewhere by force." She was looking at Gawain again.

"Pfft! As if!" Buffy said disbelievingly. "Do you know what I'd do to him if he tried?"

Gawain looked amused. "I should like to see that," he said—then looked at the sisters and nodded. "And yes. You can ward your home to prevent Apparition and Disapparition. That is...coming in...and going out." He grinned. "That should thoroughly irritate Torquil. Not that any decent witch or wizard would Apparate directly into one's home without an invitation."

Buffy snorted. "Yeah, sure."

"Hmm. Yes, we need that," Sophie said. "No one should be able to come in without being invited and I'd like to make it impossible."

Buffy's eyes lit up. "Like vampires!"

Vin nodded. "Exactly!" she said. "I will see what I can cook up in the way of that type of ward."

Gawain frowned. "You're capable of wards?"

Vin shrugged, her eyes going to Edna. "More or less...yes," she said. "Some wards, however, are more difficult than others. We already have a few."

Gawain nodded. "I'm sure I can point you in the right direction, if you decide you'd like assistance."

Vin nodded. "Thank you."

"You can do that?" Buffy asked.

Gawain nodded again. "I can't set up wizarding wards, but I grew up around magic and know where to go to get the information I need."

Buffy hmm'd. "Handy."

The man chuckled. "Well, I'll see myself out."

"Oh! I'll walk you to the door," Buffy offered.

~oOo~

Back in the lounge, Buffy walked in on Vin lecturing her sister.

"In future, there will be no unarranged visits! No more dropping in!" she said, wagging a finger at her youngest sister. "No more bringing strangers here. Anyone who shows up at our door must have already been invited. No exceptions. Do I make myself clear?"

Edna frowned. "How are we supposed to do that? You don't have a telephone."

Vin shrugged. "Not my problem."

"Send a letter," Sophie piped up.

"Oh. Hey! You could get an owl," Buffy suggested.

Edna snorted. "And where would we keep an owl?" asked exasperatedly.

"Again, not my problem," said Vin.

Sophie giggled.

"I keep mine in a cage in my room during the day and let them go out at night...to go hunting and stuff," Buffy explained. "I sent a message to Professor Dumbledore just last night and...I think they'll be good for staying in contact with Vin and Sophie while I'm at Hogwarts." She nodded, then smiled at the sisters.

"Anyway," Buffy continued, her gaze going back to Edna. "You said you had information for Tom?"

Edna bit her lip, then gave a clipped nod. "Not much, as of yet, but..." She pulled out a folder and opened it, then pulled out a slip of paper that read:

Tom Marvolo Riddle

Mother: Merope Riddle (née Gaunt) – deceased, survived by brother (Morfin)

Father: Tom Riddle – living (Little Hangleton), remarried (Cecelia), issue (unknown)

Maternal grandfather: Marvolo – deceased
Maternal grandmother – unknown

Paternal grandparents: Thomas and Mary – living (Little Hangleton)

"No, it's not much, but it's something," Buffy said. "I'm sure Tom will be grateful. He has a place to start. Thank you."

"I will let you know if we find any more information," Edna said.

Buffy nodded. "I appreciate the effort," she said.

Edna watched Buffy for a moment, then nodded at her sisters. "I will find a way to make contact prior to visiting.

Vin nodded. "See that you do."

As the Giles moved to leave, Buffy glanced from Edmund to Vin and Sophie and bit her lip, then made a face that was completely transparent to the sisters. They shared a look, then shrugged.

"I suppose you can use Edmund to deliver messages if he's amenable," Sophie said. "We don't mind if he comes over unannounced. But only Edmund."

Turning, Edna gave Sophie a tight smile, then nodded. "That is...acceptable," she said, her eyes on her son—who nodded as well.

Buffy grinned and clapped her hands excitedly. "Edmund could even stay and visit this evening," she suggested, hopeful that she could sit and visit with her friend. "I mean, it's been a while."

Edna frowned. "I'm not comfortable with him doing that. It would mean he'd need to travel home alone in the dark and...there are creatures out there."

Buffy's green eyes lit up. "Well, I could accompany him home…later. I had considered going out to patrol, so..."

Sophie frowned. "But then you'd be alone returning home."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "You guys go out alone at night all the time and...I'm much stronger than you are," she argued.

Sophie glanced at Vin for help.

"Or he could stay over," Vin offered. "We have the space, Edna."

Edna appeared to think it over, then glanced at her husband—who gave a short nod—then nodded herself. "All right."

Buffy grinned. "Yay! Slumber party!"

Edmund smiled too. He'd missed Buffy. When he was around her, he was able to feel like a teenager and that was fun.

~oOo~

Outside, Abraxas Malfoy watched the building that Buffy Summers had entered. It was a very long building, stretching as far as the eye could see on a narrow street, with a multitude of different shops and residences, most of them four stories tall, but each narrow and compact—very unlike his family's home, with its enormous manor house and sprawling grounds. From across the street, he stood underneath an arched overhang watching—and contemplating knocking on the door. It was rude to show up unannounced and even more so because he'd followed her home, but part of him was so curious about this peculiar American girl that he didn't care if she thought ill of him.

He did care though and he didn't quite know why—and he was struggling with what to do.

It had made him more than a little nervous being out in the Muggle world. He felt uncomfortable with the way the Muggles had stared at him and knew that it was due to the way he was dressed. He'd even pulled off his robes and draped them over an arm, hoping to be more inconspicuous. But that had made him feel even more uncomfortable, because now he felt underdressed. And it was hard to go unnoticed with hair as light as his.

And then, after a time, the front door opened and a man stepped out—a man he recognized!

What is the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the Ministry of Magic doing at the house of Buffy Summers? he wondered.

But something didn't look quite right. Buffy stood at the door talking to the man, then waved—in neither a friendly nor an unfriendly manner—and closed the door. The man then turned and started down the street. Shouldn't he have gone to the nearest Apparition point? Which, consequently, was probably in the alley that Abraxas was standing in himself?

And then two more people left the house—a man and a woman—and Abraxas wondered if they were Buffy's parents. They walked down the street, going in the same direction that Travers had, and seemed to be mildly bickering. He wished he was close enough to hear what they were saying.

It was all very odd. Everything to do with Buffy Summers was odd!

And that did it—Abraxas Malfoy crossed the street to Buffy's house!

~oOo~

Okay now, show me the love...if for nothing else but to distract me from my discomfort and worries! Lol.