A Matter of Family

CHAPTER SIX


AN: Not a lot happening...mostly just convo to tie up a loose end or two and to move the plot along a smidgen. :) Enjoy.




"You alright, pet?" Spike asked once they were alone.

"Nope."

"You about to go completely barmy on us?"

"Yep."

"Right. Just checkin'," Spike nodded.

"How are we famous here?"

"Don't really know for sure pet. They used to always keep tabs on the Slayer, she was a bit of a controversy. She was a muggle, but she was mystical at the same time. So they would write about her from time to time. Never knew of them to follow her like they have apparently you lot. Guess maybe one of the reporters took a shine to you all."

Xander released a long-suffering sigh. "I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I was perfectly happy to let G-man handle this, ya know. Giles understood what was going on, he was gonna get in touch with someone to help. Then I heard what Anya had been planning, and something inside just snapped."

"It was her idea of taking out your little friends and keeping the Bit to be used that broke the walls. The thought that you could be used to hurt 'em that's what done it. Even I know you well enough to know that."

Xander studied the vampire for a long minute. "Who are you? There wasn't a rude, snide, or sarcastic remark and if I'm not mistaken, it was actually almost a complement. What have you done with Spike?"

"Pillock," Spike said, as he smacked Xander in the back of the head, having moved over to sit in the chair beside him.

"Ah, there you are," he said with a smile. "Gods, what am I doing? I'm acting all self-assured and leader-y like....I am NOT self-assured leader-y like. I'm the zeppo, the dough-nut getter, the one with something totally inapropriate to say during a crisis. Giles, Willow...they're leaders, not me. Even you......okay, not you, 'cause I gotta say the thought of you leading totally freaks me out, and makes me want to laugh."

"Don't sell yourself so short, pet. You led those students against the mayor, you're the one who stole the rocket launcher to take out the Judge, and you've done just fine handling this situation. How do think Red or the Watcher would be handling things right now? Rupes is still to tore up over the Slayer to be an effective leader, and Red...Red's solution would be to come in here blasting her magic all over the place without a clue whether it would even work against wizards, or what kind of effect could happen when the two types crossed. Not to mention Red just did a serious bit of dark magic while we were dealing with Glory. She don't need to be feeling any kind of power-trip right now, and taking charge of this problem would send her on one major trip. She needs time to come off that power high, before it gets to strong of a hold on her."

"I hate you right now. Yes, you're right about Giles and Willow...and can I just say how shocking it is to say that? But what you said about me...that was all soldier-boy. ME, Xander Harris, not a leader," he snorted disgustedly.

"Uh huh. Dragging Angel down in the sewers the first time the Slayer died, and threatening to kill the Slayer if anything happened to Red when the Annoying One kidnapped your little friends? Those happened before that cursed Halloween, didn't they? Other than the total freak-out, how have you been feeling since we got here?"

"Yeah, those were before the soldier came along, but my friends were in danger at the time." Another heavy sigh. "I actually asked Willow if she had felt any different when we went to get Harry. She says she feels the same, but I feel like this big wool coat has come off. Weird, huh? And how do you know so much about us?"

"I was trying to take you all out, weren't I? Did a lot of listening, heard all kinds of interesting things. What you're feeling isn't weird. You're off the Hellmouth. It's not keeping your magic all closed up, its finally being able to become part of you."

"Ah, Spike, this isn't the first time I've left. I took a road trip right after graduation. Well, I tried to take a road trip, only got as far as Oxnard before the engine fell out of my car."

"The Hellmouth radiates power for up to a hundred miles in all directions. Its not as strong the further you get away from it, but its still there. How did you feel in Oxnard, its what nintey-five miles from Sunnydale, innit?"

"Huh, never thought of it before. I still felt like something had me wrapped up, but instead of this big heavy coat, it was more like a light sweater."

Spike nodded. "And how did you handle yourself while you were away?"

"Pretty good. I got a job working as a bartender, learned how to flare and everything. The Fabulous Ladies Night. One of the dancers called in one night and they had me replace him," Xander smirked.

"Really now," Spike raised an eyebrow. "Do tell. How did that go?"

"Huh uh. No power on this earth will get me to give out details of that. I will say that I made enough in one night to pay for the repairs to the car, though."

Spike snickered and rolled his eyes. "Only you, Harris. Right then, you were coordinated enough to learn how to flare behind a bar, and confident enough to get up and shake yer arse on stage. What happened when you got back to the 'dale? Why didn't you just get a job at a bar, instead of all of those crap pizza/burger jobs you had when I had to stay with you?"

Xander blushed, and ducked his head. "Uh, yeah. I tried getting a job bar-tending. They laughed me out of the place when I tried to flare, couldn't catch a single bottle."

"Mmmm hmmm. And now that the "coat" from the Hellmouth is gone, you're busting with confidence and all that rot. You've always had the ability to be a leader, Xan. It's just with the Hellmouth keeping you from being...whole....the only time YOU broke through was in a crisis. That soldier possession may have added some tactical skills, but for the most part its always been just you," Spike explained.

"Huh uh. Nope. No way. I'm not a leader. I have no clue how to be a leader. I have no clue what I'm doing here Spike. Gods. I told Harry I was gonna make arrangements to be declared his guardian. How am I going to do that? And how can I possibly take care of a kid? I'm still just a kid," Xander moaned.

"Pfft. As if you will be alone in taking care of lil'whelp. The witches and Rupes will be there to help and you know it. You've all done fine with the Bit, haven't ya? Talk to Dumbledore, he'll know how to get things done."

"Lil'whelp? You gonna be there to help too, maybe teach him some of those things you're not supposed to be teaching Dawnie, but we all know you are?" Xander grinned.

"Yeah, well....." Spike shrugged.

"Dumbledore....soooo not on my list of people I want to ask anything of right now. But, he does seem to have influence around here, and I will need the help," Xander sighed. "How did The Talk go with him? How did he react to Dawn?"

"I think he was a bit shocked, not that he would ever admit to that, or even show it. He readily agreed that no one else needs to be told about Dawn, unless its an absolute matter of life or death. Offered his protection to her, and training. Said he'd get McGonagall and that Snipe fellow to get her caught up so she could go to school here when term started and continue until graduation. That will be two more years after this one," Spike smiled. "She was bouncing off the bloody walls when we got to our rooms."

"Oh gods, Dawnie learning spells," Xander moaned. "Actually, her staying here solves the problem of guardianship with her back in the states. I never expected Hank Summers to show up wanting her, but sooner or later Social Services would have reared their heads. That's something we sooo don't need, noway is anyone trying to take Dawnie away. And if, for some reason, a problem does arise, we can get Dumbledore to do a DNA test and then they can't say anything, 'cause hey, she'll be here where he is."

"Careful there, your letting your leader show," Spike leered.

Xander laughed, snorted, and laughed some more. When he could speak again he said, "So, you were a wizard before being turned, huh?"

"Yup."

"And wizards who get turned don't go all 'grr' destroy everything, because of their magic? They stay pretty much the same only with a sun allergy and a new palate for blood? Except for you, of course, 'cause Dru was a magic sucking leech?"

"Yup."

"Makes a weird kind of sense," Xander sighed. "I want to believe that Spike, I really do, 'cause you actually are needed. But, you gotta see how convenient that looks. Especially after what Anya was up to, and I know you knew I was there. And, uh, thanks for defending me like that, by the way." He rubbed his temples. "I need to trust you, Spike. I'm not going to let anyone else know how I feel. We can't show any sign of weakness in the group that could be used against us. But I really need a way to know for sure."

"Ha! There's the Harris I know. I knew there was no way you were just gonna start trusting me. I was wondering when you'd get around to it," Spike smiled at him. "I knew you would be needing some kind of proof. There is a potion I can take called 'Veritaserum', it's a truth potion."

"So, you take this potion and you have to tell the truth?"

Spike nodded.

"And you would take it willingly?"

Spike nodded again.

"Alright. I'll take some too, and let Harry question me. The poor kid has to be freaking out. A little reassurance that we aren't out to hurt him should make him feel a little better. And after what he heard tonight about Angelus and everything else, he probably thinks we're all nuts. Sirius being here is probably the only reason he didn't just bolt."

"Right. We'll get tall, dark and greasy to brew us up some, he's the potions master here. We'll just tell him its to make the lil'whelp more comfortable, he don't need to know about me taking it. Then we need to take Dawn to get what she'll need for her training, and you too Whelp."

"Nonononono....I graduated! I shouldn't have to go back to school," Xander groaned.

"You don't learn how to use and control that magic in you, and you're a walking time bomb waiting to happen. I gotta get some things too, it has been over a hundred years since I did any of this, and Ripper will probably be brushing up as well. Like you said, we can't show any weakness if we're gonna keep the lil'whelp, Bit, and you safe. Right now, having the two of you completely untrained is a huge weakness."

"You're right," Xander sighed. "We need to do something about Sirius, too. You can tell he loves Harry, and wants to protect him, and honestly we are gonna need all the help we can get. We're not going to loose anyone else. I'll talk to Wills and Tara, see if they can do a spell. Maybe the Wicca magic can disrupt the wizard magic or camouflage it or something. You know, turn him into a scrambled channel for anyone trying to find him."

"Sounds like the beginnings of something, pet. You seem to be covering all of your bases."

Xander took a deep breath, "No, not all of them. Still at least one that we haven't discussed. You. We're going up against humans, which means you're a non-combatant right now. We need you."

Spike blinked in surprise.

"You do the truth potion, and you're on the up and up, I'll get the wizards looking for a spell or something to take care of that chip. Have Wills helping with it too, she'll need to explain electronics and how they work. I mean, this place doesn't even have electrical lighting, I doubt they know how a computer chip works. And Spike, I know you probably think we haven't been looking for a fix for the chip before now, but we have been, all of us when we've not been running for our life. We just haven't been able to find anything in any of the books we have, maybe the wizards will have something. But with the new developments, we have to be one hundred percent sure you're on our side...so truth potion first."

Spike did a very convincing impression of a gold fish. "I...I...thank you, pet." He couldn't say anything else.

"That thing is barbaric...we all think so. I can't really say that I regret you getting it though. It's because of the thing that you became part of the group. As big of a pain in the ass as you are, and as much as I don't like you most of the time, it is nice having another male around," Xander smiled. "I meant what I said in the office earlier, you are becoming someone I consider family, and you know I will do anything I can to protect my family. Getting that chip out will help to protect you, and help you protect Dawn, and the rest of us."

Spike could only nod in acknowledgment.

Xander chuckled. "I've rendered the Bleached Menace speechless. I wi....ummm...too bad no one is here to see it. Oh well. I'm gonna crash now. I feel like I've ran a thousand mile marathon, I'm beat. We'll ask the vamp wannabe about the truth potion when he brings your sun-proofing and non-blood-drinking potions. Maybe we'll get lucky and they keep a supply of it around here, and we won't have to wait for one to be made. Night, Spike." Xander reached over and squeezed the vampire's shoulder before he left the room.

Spike watched silently as Xander disappeared into the room they would be sharing.

"Bloody hell," he breathed.

Spike was utterly stunned. Listening to Xander plan was like listening to a master a work. He was thinking of everything. Who else but Xander would think of taking a truth potion to gain the lil'whelp's trust?

Spike shook his head, "Only Harris."

Getting the witches to try to confuse Sirius' magical signature with Wicca magic was actually a pretty good idea, and just might work. Getting Xan and the Bit started training was the first thing they needed to do though. The Bit was fairly powerful, but since leaving the Hellmouth, Xan had had power literally rolling off him. Spike knew everyone around him had to be feeling it, but no one was saying anything. Even his poof of a grand-sire had been smart enough not to comment on it.

"Boy put himself under enough pressure today as it is. No need to add to that. We've been bloody lucky he hasn't lost control yet. Guess he was able to keep a reign on everything by focusing on just getting everyone together and safe. Gods save us if anyone threatens them now, before the boy gets some grounding. Right, wands as soon as possible."

Spike began to pace.

The boy had made sure the Hellmouth was protected before he would leave, when most would have just run. When Angel, the supposed champion, had ran. Then, he's putting the most powerful wizard in the world through the paces, calling him on half-truths and playing games, without so much as batting an eye. And he thinks he's not a leader? It was no wonder those kids followed him during their graduation, if he was anything like he is now. And then there was the chip.

Spike stopped and stared hard at the door to his shared bed chamber.

He had been worried about the chip, knowing that he wouldn't be able to help if something happened here. But, he had been afraid to bring it up; afraid they would think him being here was only a plot to get the chip out. But Harris had been the one to bring it up, and say it needed to be taken care of. Agreeing to take the Veritaserum wasn't a problem at all, after all it was his idea, and Harris was doing the right thing in making sure he could be trusted. And Spike had no doubt that if he failed the truth telling session the chip wouldn't be an issue, Xander would stake him on the spot.

He began to pace again. Lighting a fag as he made circuits around the common room, he hadn't smoked since they had arrived.

Harris was a master, no doubt about it. He had courage and loyalty to defend those he cared about to the death if need be, and a cunning, determined, resourcefulness to make sure they stayed safe. The boy...no he was a man now...was amazing to watch. Not to mention he had backed Angel down, AGAIN. That was a thing of beauty, that was. He snorted and began pacing again.

Hours later when he finally went into the bedchamber, he found a heavy tapestry covering the window. The bed furthest from the window was empty, and Xander was on the other snoring softly.


The next morning found everyone rushing into the common room when Dawn screamed.

"What's going on?" "What's wrong?" Was said by a very disheveled group, all falling into fighting stances.

Harry and Sirius were sitting on two of the chairs smiling, while Dawn was standing in the middle of the room. She was pointing, wide-eyed, at a small grey creature with rather large ears, wearing a wild mixture of clothes, standing in front of the seated males. The small creature had his hands clutching his ears, and was looking with fear at her.

"It...it...it just appeared out of nowhere," She stuttered.

"What is it?" Willow asked.

Spike and Giles relaxed, and snorted in amusement.

"It's a house elf," Giles explained. "They work here. They are servants of wizards."

"Oh, you mean like butlers and maids?"

"Er, that is close enough," Giles looked around nervously.

Willow's eyes narrowed. "Are they slaves?"

Harry and Sirius groaned. "Oh Merlin, she sounds like Hermione," Harry whispered.

"Dobby is not a slave. Mr. Harry Potter, sir, set Dobby free. He is a good young master he is," the house elf spoke. "Please do not try to free the other house elves. Bimpy gets quiet angry any time Ms. Granger says such things. Dobby does not like when Bimpy is angry."

"Willow, please. Things are different here, and the house elves are actually quiet happy with their positions. They take great pride in serving their masters," Giles pleaded.

Willow didn't look convinced, but didn't pursue the topic further.

"Why are you here Dobby?" Harry asked.

"Dobby heard young Master Potter was back, and that he had found new family. Dobby very much wanted to meet the new family, and ask what he could bring for your breakfast."

Harry sighed. He wasn't ready to explain what was happening to anyone. He wasn't even sure if he knew or believed any of it. This was all just to weird, even for him.

"That's Xander. He's my cousin and Sirius' nephew. Everyone else is his family. The redhead is Willow, the blond girl is Tara, the gentleman who just sat down is called Giles, Dawn is the one who screamed when you came in, and the other...fellow...is called Spike."

Everyone said 'hello' the the house elf.

"Dobby, could you please just bring us something to eat? We'll answer questions for you later. There is still a great deal we need to discuss."

"Of course, Mr. Harry Potter sir. Dobby understands. Is there anything you would be liking in particular?"

Looking around the room and seeing many blank expressions Sirius answered, "Just bring whatever is ready in the kitchens, Dobby."

The small creature bowed, and with a pop disappeared from the room. Everyone stared at the empty spot where the Dobby had just been.

"Well, that was...." Xander trailed off, taking a seat on the sofa in the middle of the room.

Harry smiled. "Dobby is a bit....odd. He means well, just don't ever let him try to save your life." Sirius snorted at that.

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Did you sleep well?" Xander asked as everyone else took a seat. Spike sitting with him on the sofa, while the others claimed the remaining seats.

"Yes. Thank you. I'm still....."

Xander held up his hand to stop him. "I know. But, can we get through breakfast before we get into this again? I'm starved, we didn't eat after we got here. To much was going on."

No sooner had Harry nodded in agreement, than Dobby appeared with two other elves. They were loaded down with plates of eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, milk, tea, and numerous other foods. The elves spread all of it out on the large table in the middle of the room and disappeared.

For the next thirty minutes the only sounds heard were of people eating, with occasional explanations of what some of the different foods were. Spike devoured an entire black pudding, which the Scoobies stayed well away from once they were told how it was made. Giles and Spike looked like they were in heaven, partaking of some of the very British food stuffs. Harry and Sirius smiled in amusement at some of the dubious looks the others had for what their friends were consuming.

Finally the meal was over, and the elves had returned to remove the used dishes. They were just settling back to begin another question and answer session when there came a knock at the door. Willow answered.

"I have brought the potions for.....Spike," Snape said, moving into the room.

"Oi. Ta mate," Spike said, taking the offered vials.

"Remember, take the ''sangre restituo'' daily and the 'eclipso' weekly. I have prepared enough 'restituo' for the week," Snape said as he turned to leave.

"Professor Snape, sir. May I ask a favor?" Xander asked, respectfully.

The shocked look on the potions master's face was mirrored on Harry's.

"I suppose you may ask, although I cannot guarantee I will assist you," Snape replied warily.

"Well, this is an awful lot for Harry to have to take in. With everything that's happened to him in the past, he's probably thinking this is some sort of trap. Spike said that there was a truth telling potion. Could you possibly make one for me? I'll take it so that Harry can question me and put his mind at ease."

Snape studied the young man in front of him intently. The boy had insulted him, but he had also not allowed the old fool to get by with any of his usual manipulations. Plus, there was the fact that the boy's power was incredible, and it would not be wise to upset him until he had some control. Glancing over at Potter he found a shocked but hopeful expression. Sighing as though it was a great inconvenience, he pulled two vials from his robe.

"This is 'Veritaserum', three drops and you will not be able to lie," Snape said, handing Xander the first bottle. "This is the antidote." Xander took the second.

"Antidote? Cool, I thought it would just have to wear off. I was prepared to lock myself away if need be. Thank you sir. This will really help."

"Yes, well. A suspicious Potter is an annoying Potter, well, more annoying than usual. That is merely to make my life easier," Snape sneered as he left the room.

Xander chuckled as he turned to Harry. "Well, that was handy. I wonder what else he's got hidden in that robe....ugh never mind, I feel dirty now."

Harry smiled brightly.

"So, what do you think? You wanna do the potion thing? I understand....we all understand...you probably need some kind of reassurance that we're not out to hurt you. I have nothing to hide from you. So?" Xander asked holding up the Veritaserum.

Harry looked nervous, but answered, "Yes, please. I don't mean to suggest anything, and you don't seem to be Death Eaters, but......."

Xander put up a hand to stop him. "I told you we understand. This was my idea, no need for you to feel bad about it. So, three drops and I can't lie? Ooookay."

Xander started to take the potion, then paused and turned to his friends.

"Not a single word from the peanut gallery, or I swear I'll get Harry to freeze everyone of you or something and give you this stuff too! I don't care who opens their mouth, ALL of you will get potion-ed." Several smiles disappeared. He turned back to Harry so he could watch him place three drops of the potion on his tongue.

"Yuck! That stuff is vile! Ugh, I've had demon goo in my mouth that tasted better."

"Ok. But how can we be sure it's working?"

"Crap."

"Um...." Harry chewed his bottom lip. "What is your most embarrassing moment?"

Xander's eyes bulged out of his head, and he turned a deep beet red. You could see him visibly struggle not to answer the question. "Crap. Nonononono. DAMMIT! The first time I danced at The Fabulous Ladies Night."

All of the Scoobies perked up at that. Xander had swore he would never tell about that night. They all cast pleading eyes at Harry to get more of an answer.

Harry looked confused, though. "How is dancing that embarrassing?"

Xander sighed, defeatedly and didn't try to fight the compulsion to answer the question. "Because I was on stage, and it wasn't LADIES night."

The Scoobies all howled at that. Sirius snickered loudly. Harry continued to look confused for a moment, then understanding bloomed across his face. He blushed brightly and then looked down.

"Ah. Right. I think its working then. Are you my cousin?"

"As far as I know, from what I've been told about the tapestry and how it works, I am."

"Are you Sirius' nephew?"

"The same, as from what I've been told about the tapestry I am."

"Do you serve Voldemort?"

"No."

"Do you have any plans to harm me or anyone else at this school?"

"Not as long as they don't harm my family."

Harry looked uncomfortable with that answer. Sirius put a hand on his shoulder and nodded.

Harry huffed. "Right then. To your knowledge, do any of your friends serve Voldemort or do you think they may?"

"No."

"Alright. Why are you here?"

"To protect my family. You, Dawn, Sirius. And to take out Voldemort so he never a threat again."

Harry nodded. "Thank you. Sirius, do you want to ask anything?"

"No, I think you covered it quiet well."

Harry smiled brightly. "Thank you.....cousin."

Xander beamed. "So, can I take the antidote now?" Harry nodded.

Xander swallowed half of the antidote. After a few seconds he said, "Alright. We've got another long day. Apparently it has been decided Dawn and I need training. So we have to go get supplies. Lets get ready people. Willow, Tara, can you see if you can put a cloaking spell or something on Sirius? See if you can scramble the wizard magic or something to anyone that would be looking for him? I'll feel a lot better if my family were all together, and if he gets scrambled he won't have to worry about hiding, at least for a while."

"Sure Xan, we've got a couple of spells we can try. Mr. Black, would you come with us?"

Sirius stared at the boy completely gobsmacked. He hadn't expected his nephew to try to help him as well. Yes, this boy would be a great protector for his godson. Sirius nodded and followed the two Wiccans out of the room.

Everyone else filed out of the room to get ready for the day. Xander handed Spike the bottle of 'Veritaserum' as they entered their room.

"So, you stripped for a bunch of blokes, did you? And made enough in tips to put the engine back in your car. That must be a VERY interesting story," Spike leered as he took the potion.

Xander grabbed a clean shirt before he replied. "Whatever Spike. Wouldn't your perverted mind like to know the details?"

"Actually, I'd rather have a demonstration than an explanation." Spike's eyes bugged out of his head. He looked decidedly confused and uncomfortable.

Xander looked just as uncomfortable and fidgeted as he said, "Righty-o then. Let's get this done as quickly as possible shall we?"

"Don't know, pet. There's something to be said about taking you're time." Spike paled.

"What the....!" Xander started to yell. "You know what, never mind. Spike, are you planning on turning against us?"

"No."

"Is this all just some plot to get your chip out?"

"No."

"Even if you get the chip out, are you still going to fight on our side. Be here to protect us?"

"Yes."

"Do you consider us family?"

"More than family. Clan, its a vampire thing. Maybe more in your case." Spike blanched.

"Right. Okay. I believe you. Take the antidote, NOW."

Spike quickly swallowed the antidote.

"Not a single word, Spike. I don't know what that was....but not a word. Let's just get ready. We've got things to do today."

Spike nodded. Questioning himself as to where in the nine hells some of those things had come from.

Fifteen minutes later everyone was again in the common room. Spike and Xander sitting on opposite sides. Willow and Tara bounced into the room, a smiling Sirius following behind.

"Well?" Xander asked.

"We think it worked. But we can't be sure until we test it. There's too much other magic here to try," Willow answered.

"H...his aura has ch..changed. It's still pr...pretty much the s...same, just f..fuzzy. Like st...static," Tara said.

Xander nodded as there was a knock at the door. A second later and Dumbledore was strolling into the room.

"Oh good. You're all ready. Well then. Who is ready for a trip to Diagon Alley?"

The younger Scoobies looked confused, Giles and Spike nodded, Sirius and Harry beamed brightly.