A Matter of Family

The group was gathered in Dumbledore's office, getting ready to floo over to the Leaky Cauldron for their trip to Diagon Alley.


"I have prepared a list of all the items you will need for your training," Dumbledore said, handing a sheet of parchment to Dawn and Xander. "This...should cover the cost of everything you will need," he finished handing a purple pouch to Dawn.

Dawn blushed when she looked at the contents. "I...I...thank you. But you don't have to. We've got money."

"Nonsense child. It is my pleasure to provide for you. Besides, you have muggle money. It will do you no good where you are going. Please, take it and get all that you need. Anything left is yours to spend as you wish."

Xander examined his list and groaned. "There must be at least thirty books on here. This is going to be worse than school and research combined. Can we exchange muggle money for wizard money? I'm going to have to go to London first and find a money machine. They use credit cards here right?"

"Nonsense, boy," Sirius said, holding out a key. "This is the key to the Black vault, number 711. You are a Black and have every right to it. Just go to Gringotts and one of the goblins will take you to it."

"You're also a Potter...and there is more than enough money in that vault for just me. You're entitled to part of that too," Harry smiled at his cousin.

"Uh, thanks," Xander blushed, his voice becoming thick with emotion.

"Yes, well, I have an account at Gringotts as well. I'll take care of the business with the Magic Box and set up an account for Faith as well. I'll run into muggle London to do that before I come back here. But first, we'll get everything else taken care of," Giles said.

"I've got me own account, too. Hasn't been used in over a century, should have a good bit of dosh in there."

"I knew you had money stashed way somewhere!" Xander crowed. Spike shrugged and looked at the floor.

"Remember, the Death Eaters will be looking for you. Unfortunately you can't spend a great deal of time exploring on this trip. I'm sure Harry and Sirius can lead you were you need to go as quickly as possible."

Harry and Sirius nodded.

"Xan, you want us to do that spell we used on Sirius on you guys?" Willow asked.

"Put it on Dawn, definitely. Harry too, if he wants it. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure, Xan? It's no problem."

"Thanks for the offer Wills. We know they're going to be looking for me, either to try to recruit me because I'm related to the Blacks or destroy me because of the Potters. I'm not going to hide. Let them find me, we need to send a message early that I'm not going to be used as a pawn, and that trying to mess with my family is a VERY bad idea. Make sure Dawn is shielded, we don't know for sure if they know about her."

"There's no point in trying to shield me, I'm to recognizable," Harry said, disgustedly. "But, Xander....Death Eaters are dangerous and you don't know any magic yet to protect yourself. Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Xander smiled. "Thanks for the concern, Harry. Let me explain something though. We have been fighting things a hell of a lot faster and stronger than us for years now. Last spring, we were fighting Glorificus, and real Hell God....GOD, Harry."

Harry's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"I know Voldemort and his followers are dangerous, I'm not stupid. But after the things we've faced, they just aren't that scary. I've watched Dumbledore using his wand, and there is a major disadvantage to it. You can see the attack coming. And once they release the spell, they can't change the direction, like you could with a punch or kick. Unless its at point blank range, Spike would have no problem dodging one. And, given a little more space, the rest of us could dodge a spell too. After years of building reflexes dodging vamp attacks, we're all a bit faster than 'regular' humans. That's a big advantage for us. The bad guys aren't gonna be prepared for that."

"They won't think nothin' of an untrained wizard. Or, even if they take precautions in case Xan does know the mojo, they still won't think one muggle wizard is a real threat. Plus, I doubt they're used to people fighting back with something other than wands," Spike made a pointed look at Xander's over shirt.

Xander grinned ferally and opened his shirt. There were several daggers fastened to the waistband of his jeans. As he turned, they could see a short sword secured to his back, and four stakes tucked into the back of his jeans. He brought brass knuckles from each of his front pockets.

"That will be their big mistake, and I'll get my message to Moldie. Plus, right now they don't know anything about Giles, Willow, Tara, and Spike. That's another advantage we have, and one I want to keep. If we run into trouble, don't show yourselves unless it is absolutely necessary."

Both Harry and Sirius were wide-eyed with their mouths hanging open. Harry was stunned. He had never known of anyone to carry more than a knife, except for the police in muggle London. His cousin was better armed than them.

Sirius wasn't stunned about carrying the weapons, but on the amount his nephew was able to hide just under his shirt. He was sure if Xander lifted up his pants legs, even more weapons would be reveled. Sirius gave Xander a matching grin, his nephew was turning out to be quiet a pleasant surprise indeed.

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling. He was stroking his long beard, and nodding approvingly. If any Death Eater did try to grab young Mr. Harris, they would be in for quiet an unexpected surprise. In fact, given time to learn his magic, Dumbledore was sure that Xander would be able to go head to head with the best trained Aurors the Ministry had to offer.

"I do believe you are quiet right with that assessment, Xander. All of our enemies have underestimated us in the past. I fully agree with sending a message early," a more Ripper-than-Giles replied. As he adjusted his jacket, the others caught glimpses of many of the same items that Xander was carrying.

"Harry, we'll start you with weapons training, hopefully tomorrow. And you too, Sirius, if you want it. The mojo is a powerful weapon, but its just stupid to only have one weapon. Especially when if you loose your wand you're completely defenseless. Willow and Tara may have magic, and can use it until they can't speak instead of until they loose a wand, but I bet they have at least two daggers and a stake each on them right now."

Willow and Tara nodded in agreement.

"D..Dawn?" Harry asked, turning to the other teen.

Dawn was smiling and bouncing. "I've got a throwing knife strapped to my ankle, and a stake tucked in the back under my shirt. I wanted to bring an axe, but I couldn't hide it with this outfit., and Xan was on his we've-got-a-mission-move-it-people kick, so I didn't have time to change. But I really like this outfit anyway, and I figure if it comes to me needing an axe, we're pretty much screwed anyway."

"Br...breath sweetie," Tara said, smiling.

Harry blinked, and then blinked again. He had never heard anyone say so many words in one breath. Hermione came close, but not even she was capable of those speeds. Finally he just shook his head. "Huh?"

Spike snickered. "You'll get used to the babble soon enough, lil'whelp. The Bit ain't as bad as Red and she's only a little worse at it than the whelp. It's when they all get going at the same time you gotta worry. All you can do then is sit back and wait for them to finish."

"He is quiet right," Giles sighed, while he polished his glasses.

"Why do you call me lil'whelp?"

"Oh, oh. That's a Spike way for showing affection, or insulting you. He hardly ever calls anyone by their real name," Dawn answered. "Xan is The Whelp, so since you're his little cousin you're Lil'Whelp. Spike likes us, so I don't think its meant to be insulting, more annoying than anything. But, that's just the way he is."

"Right, now that we've covered the Scoobie ability to babble and Spike's penchant for nicknames, we've got places to be. Ladies, if you could get with the mojo for Dawnie."

Tara and Willow joined hands, chanting, each placing a hand on Dawn's shoulder. After a moment, Dawn was surrounded by a warm golden glow. The chanting stopped and the glow seemed to be absorbed by Dawn.

"What was...That was....How did you do that?" Harry questioned. "Was that like what you did to Aunt Petunia?

"Not everyone uses wands for magic, Harry. What I did at the Dursleys were barrier spells, basically they made the air impenetrable. What we've done to Dawn and Sirius is a covering spell. It's kinda like putting a blanket over someone. So, it'll cover them, but not stop them from accessing their own magic. We're hoping that by putting our magic on top of their natural wizard magic, it'll keep anyone from finding them. Or, at least make them too fuzzy to pinpoint. We won't know for sure until we leave here though, the castle just has to much magic for an accurate test."

"Right then. Let's get this show going kiddies. The Watcher and I will go through first, then the witches, lil'bit and lil'whelp you come through next. Whelp, you and Rover come through last," Spike said, moving to the fireplace.

Sirius growled as he shifted to Padfoot, but everyone followed Spike's order.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

When they had first came out of the Leaky Cauldron the sight of Diagon Alley had been a bit of a surprise, but nothing remarkable for someone who was used to strange and unexpected. Walking into Gringotts Xander had been amazed by the architecture of the place, the goblins working there didn't even register. Then he, Dawn, Harry, and Padfoot had went into the Black vault, and the world tipped on its axis. Dawn and Xander had both frozen in place taking in the room. After twenty minutes of the two gawking, Harry finally moved and gathered up what they would need. Padfoot snorted in amusement as Harry took the two by the arm and led them from the vault.

In the Potter vault Dawn and Xander went from silent gawking, to imitating fish. Finally, the two began to move around the room touching this and that. "Holy"s, "Hum-a-na"s, and "Wow"s were the only words...well sounds...made. An amused Harry and Padfoot stood back and let the two explore. Half an hour later they seemed to come out of their stupor, and the party made their way back to the entrance to wait for the others.

"I've always thought I was the only Potter left, but now I know I'm not," Harry said, looking at Xander seriously. "As far as I'm concerned everything in that vault is just as much yours as mine. We'll get you a key the next time we come here." Padfoot snorted in agreement.

Dawn squealed and threw her arms around Xander. Xander blanched and stared at his cousin in amazement. "I...I can't accept that. That's too much."

"I don't want to hear it. You said you were here to protect your family. To make sure I was taken care of. Well, this is a way for me to take care of my family too. You're not the only one who values family," Harry said, crossing his arms. Padfoot 'woof'ed and nodded his muzzle.

Xander disentangled himself from Dawn and drew Harry into a bone crushing hug. "I don't want your money. I couldn't care less about it, but I understand how you feel. Thank you." Harry hugged him back.

"Oi. What's all this then?" Spike asked as he sauntered over, while lighting a cigarette.

"Bonding moment," Dawn beamed. "Harry's like rich, said Xan has as much right to it as he does. I think Xan's about to go into shock though."

"Seems I got a bit o' dosh too. Amazing how much interest earns over a hundred years."

Xander released Harry and mock-glared at the vampire. "I always knew you weren't the poor, broke vamp you tried to get us to believe you were. Now, I want payment for all of the money you stole from my wallet, and all of my things that you pawned. Hand it over Bleachie."

"I don't know what yer talkin' 'bout, pet. I never stole anything from you in my un-life." Spike batted his eyes innocently.

"Whatever," Xander sighed with a roll of his eyes.

"Oh Goddess, Spike. You're in the sun," Willow gasped, as she Tara and Giles joined the group. "I mean, I know you were in the sun when we walked over here, but we were walking and I really wasn't paying attention. But now you're just standing there. In the sun. And nothing is happening to you. No Spike flambe. Wow, you're in the sun."

"It's a real kick in the pants, innit?" Spike grinned.

The girls all smiled encouragingly at him. Giles nodded in reluctant approval. Xander just snorted and rolled his eyes again. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Eat it up for now, Blondie. You still owe me. Oh oh, and rent too!"

"I'm not paying you rent for being forced to stay in that bloody cesspit of a basement."

"Ah, yes. Before this can devolve any further, perhaps we should discuss a plan for getting what we need as quickly as possible."

"Sure thing. Whatcha thinkin' G-man?"

"I do wish you would stop calling me by that detestable name," he sighed. "Well, at any rate. I would suggest that we split up to obtain all the items you will be needing. Since you and Dawn both need to get your wands and be fitted for your robes, take Harry and....ah Padfoot with you. They know their way around here. Tara, Willow and I can obtain all of your books and other supplies, since those do not need to be done personally. Also, we can spend more time doing those, as there is no one looking for us."

"I best get a new wand too. Don't know whatever happened to the one I had. Might as well get robes too. Never know when I might need to blend in," Spike said.

"Alright Spike. The five of you get wands and robes and then head back to Hogwarts. The girls and I will take more time getting the rest of the items, and we will need to obtain robes as well. We will also go into muggle London before returning."

"Sounds like a plan. While you guys are getting books, keep an eye out for anything that may help with the chip. We've got to get it out or disable it if Spike is gonna be any use against Voldemort and his followers."

"Are...are you sure that's such a good idea Xander?" Giles questioned.

"Yes. Spike and I had a little...talk earlier," Xander and Spike both shuddered at the reminder. "He's on our side. I don't doubt it. As much as it pains me to say it, we need the muscle and reflexes and you know it as well as I do."

"How can you be sure?" Giles fixed his eyes on Spike.

Willow looked between Spike and Xander. They kept glancing at each other fidgeting, like something had been said that....."OH OH! You had Spike...."

"I'm sure, Giles," Xander said, cutting the redhead off. "Trust me that we can trust him."

Willow smiled knowingly at her friend. She was positive Spike had taken the truth potion. She would corner Xan later to find out what had been said that made the two so nervous.

"You got it, Xan. Let's go." With that, Willow grabbed Tara and Giles and started dragging them down the busy street.

"Alright, lets get this over with. Which way Harry?"

"We'll go to Ollivander's first to get your wands. Follow me."

The quintet moved down the busy street for several minutes before Harry spoke again. "What were you talking about, with a chip? Why won't Spike be able to help?"

Dawn, Xander, and Spike exchanged glances. Sirius had been there when Xander had explained about Spike, but none of them had told Harry. A silent communication was held and finally Spike answered.

"A couple o' years ago, a bunch of bloody military poofters set up shop in Sunnydale. They went around capturing demons so they could torture and experiment on them. They got me one night. Sometime during my stay there, they shoved a bleedin' computer chip in me skull. 'Causes a bleedin' migraine anytime I try to harm a human. That's how I ended up with this lot. Went to them after I escaped."

Harry's mind started racing. "It shouldn't work inside Hogwarts. The wards there keeps muggle technology from working."

The other three shared a glance, questioning eyes aimed at Spike. "Huh. I dunno. Didn't try to hurt anyone since we been there have I? Might have to take a swing at ya when we get back Whelp."

Xander blushed. "Uh...yeah. Well, even if it doesn't work there, it will still be a problem away from the wards. It still has to be taken care of. Gonna hafta get Willow to look at the rocket launcher though. Need to make sure it will work if we need it."

"Rocket launcher?" Harry choked.

Xander just grinned as he stopped under a rounded awning. "Is this the place?"

A shocked Harry nodded, and they walked into the shop. Inside the shop was dark and dusty. There were thousands of thin boxes stacked around everywhere. An old man with grey hair came from the back.

"Ah, Mr. Potter. How may I help you today? Your wand still in working order?"

"Yes, Mr. Ollivander. My wand is working perfectly. My fa...friends need to get their first wands and a replacement."

"A replacement. Let's see....ah, yes Mr. M...."

"Name's Spike. Haven't had my wand in a while now. Don't rightly know what ever happened to it."

"Of course....Spike. Now, what type of wand did you have?"

"Twelve inch, mahogany, dragon-heart string."

"Ah, yes. I remember now. I'll just get you two measured up while I go look for that one."

As Mr. Ollivander left to search for Spike's wand, a measuring tape jumped off the counter and began measuring the other two. A few minutes later he returned carrying several boxes.

"Alright Spike. You first. Try this...its the same as your last wand," he said as he handed the wand to Spike.

Spike took the wand and stared at it for a moment. A mixture of emotions flashed across his face too quickly for Dawn and Xander to sort them out. Finally, Spike gave a flick of his wrist and a golden stream shot out the end.

"Very good. Very good. Now, who's next?"

"Oh me, me," Dawn said, stepping up to the counter.

"Alright young lady. Try this one. Ten and a half inch, willow, unicorn hair. Just take it and give it a flick"

Dawn flicked. It started to rain.

"Eleven inch, holly, dragon-heart string," Mr. Ollivander said, taking back the first wand.

Dawn flicked. Fire erupted from the end.

"Ten inch, unicorn hair, vine wood."

Twenty wands later, and the shop was a mess. Mr. Ollivander was pinching his nose, when he suddenly said "Wait right here."

"This is hopeless," Dawn whined.

"Not it's not Bit. It just takes time to find the right combination."

"Lets try this," Mr. Ollivander said, returning to the front. "Its a very unique wand. I'm not even sure why I made it. It's a ten inch apple wood, something I very rarely use as it is. The core is made from that stone the muggles made such a big deal over a few years ago. What was it called? Ah, yes. The Rosetta Stone. The key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs I believe it was. Well, go on, give it a flick."

Dawn gingerly took the wand. She looked between Spike and Xander and could see they were just as apprehensive as she was about it. Letting out a deep breath, she flicked.

Golden light shot out of the end. Dawn squealed and grabbed Spike in a crushing embrace. "I gotta wand."

"That you did, Bit," He replied, hugging her back.

"Alright, young man, your turn. Try this. Thirteen inch, cheery, phoenix feather. Go on give it a flick."

Xander flicked. An entire wall of boxes exploded.

"Ah. I see," Ollivander said as he took the wand. He spent several minutes studying Xander. Finally he nodded and said, "I think I know just the one you need." He bustled to the back of the shop and returned a moment later.

"This is another very unique wand. In fact, it is one of a kind. It is a twelve and a half inch Baobab," he turned the wand towards Xander. "The core is most unusual. It is the fang of an alpha hyena that was stained with the blood of an honorable warrior. But it wouldn't stabilize until it was wrapped with the hair from a wizard that had been turned vampire." He finished as Xander's hand made contact.

Xander tried to stop the contact with the wand once he heard what the core was, but it was too late. No sooner had the wood touched his skin, than multicolored fireworks erupted from the wand. Spike and Dawn watched in panic as a green glow surrounded Xander.

"Oh my. I've never seen one do that before," Mr. Ollivander said, sounding panicked.

"What's going on?" Harry asked in a high pitched voice. Padfoot was fidgeting and whimpering, pressing into his leg.

"Bloody Hell!"

"Crap! This sooo cannot be good."

They all watched as the glow started to fade, then before it completely disappeared, Xander's eyes flashed green. He collapsed to the floor, breathing heavily.

"Uh...Xan...you okay?" Dawn asked, stepping behind Spike.

"Oi. Whelp. Anyone home?"

"Bloody, buggering, fucking hell," he growled. "Dammit! What the fuck else is going to happen? Shit!"

"Xander, are you okay?" Harry asked in a worried tone. Padfoot was growling softly.

"Fuck no. But, I don't think anything can be done about it," he sighed. "Just give me a few minutes to sort all of this out. I forgot how much my senses increased. Gods, how can you stand this all the time Spike?"

"You get used to it. You still you?"

"What? Huh? Oh yeah. It's still me. Not like the last time, thank all the gods and goddesses. I can feel it, but that's all. No fighting for control of the Xan-man or anything. Its just part of me now. Oh, this sucks," he said as he sat up. "Knock it off Pads, I'm not a threat. Unless you want to challenge the Alpha."

Padfoot immediately quieted. He walked over and met Xander's eyes. He stared for a minute before giving a soft whimper and nod, then went back to sit on his haunches beside Harry.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on?" Harry whined.

"Oh, you see back in high school," Dawn began, then caught site of Mr. Ollivander watching and listening intently. "You know what. I think its something we should discuss back in our rooms, at Hogwarts."

Harry wasn't happy about that, but nodded in acceptance. Sometimes there were things you just couldn't let others know.

"Right then. How much do we owe ya for these?" Spike asked.

Ollivander sighed in disappointment. "Twelve galleons, ten knuts for your replacement. The other two wands are one of a kind, so they are more expensive. One hundred twenty galleons for both."

Xander and Dawn looked lost. Harry snickered and paid for the wands. Seconds later they were outside.

"Guess we should get back to Hogwarts now," Spike said.

"Why? We still need to get robes before we leave," Xander looked puzzled.

"You okay to do that Xan? Sure we don't need to go back?" Dawn asked, worry clear on her face.

"I promise. I'm fine. No desire to eat raw meat or anything. If I feel like I need to get back, I'll let you know. Right now, everything is just really loud, bright, and stinks. So, where do we need to go for these robe things?"

"Madam Malkin's. It's just right down the street," Harry answered.

The group followed Harry down the street. As they passed by Flourish and Blotts, Xander pulled the others to a stop and pointed through the window.

"Thank gods, we didn't have to go with them."

Inside the bookstore they could see Giles, Tara, and Willow moving around the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling stacks. There was a large stack of books already on the counter, that kept growing as each one would bring a new book up.

Xander shuddered and pulled the others away. "Come on. Let's go before they see us."

They entered Madam Malkin's to find two blond men demeaning the shopkeeper. One was taller with long white-blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, while the other had short hair of the same color. The Spike and Dawn moved into the shop and began looking at the displays to await their turn. Xander noticed Harry pale when he caught sight of the two men, and Padfoot began to growl.

The shorter of the two turned. {Geesh...it's mini-Spike}. "What are you doing here, Potter? Mutts aren't allowed," he sneered.

Xander could tell that Harry was bristling at the comment, but he kept his attention fully on the taller of the two men.

"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry seethed.

The taller blond finally turned. He looked disdainfully at the other occupants of the shop. His eyes narrowed on Spike for a moment, then seemed to dismiss him. He looked over Xander and Dawn.

"Muggles," his voice dripped with distaste.

Xander studied the blond for a hard moment before he said, "Not so much. I'm Alexander Harris."

Lucius Malfoy's eyes narrowed. Draco and Harry paled.