Darkness Takes Light

Chapter 4

Everyone turned to look at him.

"You can't be serious!" Snape spat out.

Remus didn't answer him, but he continued talking.

"I never thought it was true," he said softly. "I heard the rumours of course. Every werewolf in the world has."

Snape looked at him angrily. "For Merlin's sake Lupin! Spit it out!"

"I never thought it could be possible."

"What could be possible?" Arthur asked politely.

"A werewolf with control."

Silence.

"A werewolf- the only werewolf to ever gain complete and utter control over the wolf. A boy who used no magic, only herbs, chanting, meditating. A boy who had to give up everything he had to get control."

"It costs money to gain control? So that's why your robes are in such bad condition!"

Lupin ignored him.

"It cost him his friends and the woman he loved. They felt betrayed when he left. They say he has great power. He is stronger, faster and his senses are more tuned in than normal werewolves."

Snape snorted. "Normal werewolves?!"

He was ignored. "Do you know his name?" Dumbledore asked.

"I've told you all I know."

Dumbledore nodded. The boy was looking at Lupin through his unfocused eyes. He obviously detected a werewolf but didn't move.

"All that remains is what to do with him. I doubt he is dangerous. We need to find someone who could find these things out."

"What about the Watchers' Council?" Minerva McGonagall suggested.

"Minerva, you know as well as I do that the Council will not aid us with the fight against Voldemort. They aren't very fond of us at the moment and I do not particularly trust them."

They all thought for a minute. "What about Rupert Giles?" Arthur asked. "We all know that he hates the Council. He has sufficient resources available and he is nearly a legend; the best watcher with the longest living slayer."

Dumbledore beamed. "I think that that is an excellent idea. Sirius should go to visit him immediately, if he doesn't mind, of course."

Sirius smiled.

"I've been meaning to visit old Rupert anyway."

"Do you think that you could leave out the werewolf part? He might be discouraged Tell him to come alone, the slayer is not necessary."

Sirius nodded and threw a handful of dust in the fire.

"The Hellmouth," he spluttered, and disappeared quickly.

Dumbledore looked to Arthur. "You should go home and rest, Arthur. Bring Ginny along sometime in the next day or two." Arthur nodded and left to travel to the Burrow.

******

Molly brought Arthur a tray of food as soon as he got home. Bill, Charlie Fred, George and Percy, had stayed at home this year to help Ginny when Ron, Harry and Hermione had gone back to school. Fred and George had graduated the year before and spent their time inventing new things for "Weasleys Wizard Wheezes"

The five boys crowded around their father and Ginny was watching him closely. Molly hugged him tightly. She pulled back.

"We heard that you found the place."

Arthur gave a heavy sigh. He walked over to Ginny and hugged her tightly.

"I saw the place where they kept you, Gin. I saw all the cells. I can't believe they locked my baby girl in there."

He hugged her tightly and she hugged him weakly back.

Percy looked troubled. "They say that you found something down there. Where were the Death Eaters?"

"The Death Eaters were gone. And it wasn't something. It was someone."

Ginny looked up quickly. "You found a body?" she whispered

He shook his head. "He was alive. Insane and almost dead but he was alive."

He looked at Ginny. "Dumbledore wants you to see him sometime next week. But only if you want to and you think you can."

Molly interrupted him. "Arthur, I don't think its wise-"

"Dumbledore thinks she can do it."

"I just don't think-"

Ginny stopped her. "I can do it Mom."

"Ginny. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Look at me mom. I am hurt! I may be the only person in the world left that understands what this guy has been through. Somebody gave their life so that I could live and I want to help people. I don't want to waste my life."

She put her hands on her hips and stared at her mother angrily. A hint of the old Ginny peeked through and Molly relented.

Ginny looked at her father. "When can I go?"

"Let's leave it a few days. The man looked pretty bad."

He thought for a moment. "Why don't you come when Rupert Giles comes?"

She nodded.

Molly perked up. "Rupert is coming?"

"The Council won't help. Rupert might help us find his family."

"Is he definitely coming?"

"Sirius is gone to ask him right now."

"He'll have to stay with us. I'll write him an owl. We'll need to set up a bed somewhere but I'm sure that we'll squeeze it somewhere. Maybe Ron's room... And I'll have to buy some things for a special dinner. It's not every day your old friends come back, no matter what the circumstances..." She was off in her own little world by now, talking to herself, running around making plans.

Ginny smiled. I'm going to help someone. She thought the name 'Rupert Giles' was familiar but she couldn't place it. She shrugged it off with the explanation that he must be one of her mother's old friends who she had never shut up about when they were younger.

Contented, Ginny curled back down on the couch and fell asleep unusually quickly.

*****

Rupert Giles and his charges were all gathered in the Magic Shop. After a hard days' work, they were all relaxing.

Buffy was training in her training room. Dawn was looking with distaste at a selection of skulls on a shelf. Xander was building a portable stake holder for Buffy. Anya was counting her money over at the till. Willow and Tara were at either sides of the shop, not talking or looking at each other. Spike was sitting on the steps, sharpening a stake, and Giles was doing some recreational research.

A 'pop' brought them all to attention. They turned to look at the fireplace-where the sound had come from and all gasped in unison. Buffy rushed out of the back room and stopped in her tracks when she saw what seemed to be a person crawling out of the fire.

"Sirius!" Giles exclaimed. He and the man hugged briefly.

"How's freedom treating you, Sirius?"

"Alright. How are you?"

"I'm bloody fantastic. With Voldemort dead, who wouldn't be?! What brings you to this neck of the woods anyway?"

"I'm here with a message for Dumbledore. We need your help Rupert. I don't mean to be rude but you wouldn't have a cup of tea would you? It's been a rough ride over here."

"Of course, of course. Dawn, would you make up a pot of tea?"

Dawn didn't move.

Xander raised his hand. "Everyone did see him come out of the fire, right. Yes? Good! Just checking."

"Oh, how silly of me. Sirius, this is Dawn, Xander, Anya, Spike, Willow, Tara and my slayer Buffy. Everybody, this is Sirius Black, an old friend of mine. He's a wizard."

They all smiled at him except for Willow who took a step back. Giles didn't blame her. Being around magic was very hard for her at present, but as much as he hated her being exposed to it, he knew she would have to adjust.

Buffy was the one who finally asked the question that was on everybody's lips. "Giles, this guy wouldn't happen to be an old friend of yours like Ethan Rayne, would he? And did you just say 'bloody'?!"

Giles sighed. "Sirius is nothing like Rayne, Buffy. For one thing he was framed for killing those people. It was all a set-up. Alright?"

Buffy nodded. "Actually, no. Can I just say one thing? Huh?"

"Take a seat. All of you. Yes, that includes you too Sirius."

He explained all about the Wizarding world, Voldemort and his downfall. Sirius told them of Ginny Weasleys capture and about Harry Potter, his godson. When he finished there were 6 mouths hanging open.

"There's a wizarding world?" Willow squeaked. "Cool!"

She looked over at Tara. "I mean not cool. Not cool at all."

Giles looked at Black. "I guess it's time for you to explain to me why you're here."

"Well you see, after Voldemort's downfall, Arthur Weasley and most of the Ministry of Magic started to search for Voldemort's hideout. It took them until a few hours ago to find it. Inside, the Death Eaters had deserted it, along with any prisoners they had except for one. Its terrible Rupes, he's been tortured and been exposed to the Dementors for probably weeks on end. We think he's insane."

Giles' eyes widened. Black continued.

"Lupin has discovered that he is some kind of, er, demon but we believe him harmless. Hell, he's nearly dead. We were wondering if you could help us find his family or at least anything about him."

Giles nodded. "Of course. I'd be glad to help."

Anya raised her hand. Giles blinked at her politeness.

"Who's Lupin?"

Giles winced. Dammit.

"He's an old friend." He sighed. "I guess there's no point in lying to you... Remus Lupin is a werewolf."

Everyone was silent and as one they turned to look at Willow. Her eyes widened and she let out a squeak.

"Don't worry Willow. You don't have to meet him."

Willow stood up. "I'm gonna go...somewhere. I'll be back later. N-Nice meeting you Mr. Black," she squeaked. She almost ran out of the room.

The others turned to him.

"You never told us you knew another werewolf."

"Does Oz know?"

"What the hell were you thinking of saying it in front of Willow?"

Giles sighed.

"Relax. Anyway, Willow will have to face the fact that there are other werewolves out there someday. She can't forget him forever."

He turned to Sirius. "Just let me get my stuff. I'll meet you tomorrow."

Sirius nodded. "I'll see you then. Meet me at the Burrow."

He threw the sparkling dust in the fire and disappeared.

***

Giles left the next afternoon, after assuring Buffy that she wouldn't be needed. Molly Weasley's letter was delivered just before he left. The 'Scooby Gang' were more that freaked out by the fact that an owl had delivered the message. The owl was small and more than a little psycho. He had hooted repeatedly and buried itself in Dawn's hair. Dawn, thinking it was a bat, had run around screaming like a madwoman.

The letter read:

The Burrow,

England.

Rupert, 12 September.

I hope this letter reaches you. That owl will be the death of me. It's Ron's and it drives him just as mad. Ginny affectionately named it Pigwidgeon and Ron decided to shorten it to Pig (does it look like a pig to you? I've tried squinting but it still looks like a furry snitch to me).

As Sirius has probably told you, our little Ginny was captured by Voldemort (see that! I didn't call him You-Know-Who. Harry must be rubbing off on me.) We have heard that you will be possibly visiting England soon and I would love if you would stay with us. The house isn't much (as you may remember) but it is less crowded than in the summer when all the children are home, plus Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. We know that we may not be the best company, as poor Ginny is not quite herself but I won't accept no as an answer.

Your old friend,

Molly Weasley.

*******

Giles stepped into the fire and shouted "The Burrow!" He reappeared minutes later in the fireplace of a homely looking house.

"Rupert!"

A plump, middle aged woman with flaming red hair jumped off the seat and grabbed him in a hug that would rival the slayer's.

"Molly, my dear. How are you? And you, Arthur."

"I'm good Rupert. Although I am a bit stressed out."

"You look it too. How long have you been that bald?" Giles pointed out to him.

Fred, George, Percy, Bill and Charlie came in to the room. Ginny dragged after them. She settled in to the fire after briefly looking at Giles.

Fred looked at them, distinctly worried. "What happened? We heard a scream."

"Boys, this is Rupert Giles. He's an old friend of ours. Rupert, this is Bill, Charlie, Fred and George or George and Fred- I'm not exactly sure, and Ginny. Ginny sweetie, this is Mr.-"

"Oh for God's sake, Arthur. She can call me Rupert."

"Right, Ginny, this is Rupert. He'll be going to see the man we found yesterday with you."

Giles crossed over to her and lifted up her chin slightly. "Hello Ginny. How are you coping my dear?"

Ginny looked at him. He was definitely old-not Dumbledore old or anything but at least over 45, which to a fifteen year old is classified as ancient. Dumbledore was nearly fossilised to the students.

Rupert wore thick glasses and his hair was receding. He had blue eyes. His eyes looked right at her. It was like he understood. She had an idea that he would be a good father. She forced a smile. He smiled back.

"Don't force yourself my dear. A smile will come naturally," he told her softly.

She nodded.

Her mother beamed.

"I hope you don't mind sleeping in Ron's room, Rupert."

"Why would I mind?"

She beamed wider. Then she snapped back. "You must be exhausted. I'll get you some tea. Do you want something to eat? Oh, how silly of me- of course you do..." She walked into the kitchen, babbling to herself.

Giles shook his head in amazement. "Some things never change."

Fred and George approached him. "Good evening." They said in posh voices.

"How wonderful to meet you."

Giles chuckled.

"Don't mind mum."

"She's just a bit cracked in the head, but when you get used to it... "

"FRED WEASLEY! I HEARD THAT"

"SORRY MUM! Oh, by the way, we own a joke shop and are currently researching and inventing new items. Bangs and explosions will be pretty commonplace. Um, Mum told us we had to warn you in case you set your set your Slayer on us in the middle of the night."

Giles nodded. "I know someone who would love your shop."

Molly came back in with a tray laden with food and tea.

"Why thank you, Molly."

"It's no problem."

He ate quickly and excused himself to go to bed. Bill and Charlie told him about their work in Egypt and Romania. Giles had been very interested.

Percy had regarded Giles with the utmost respect, scowling when Fred had called him "Rupie". He puffed out his chest and said pompously "Mr. Giles, you'll have to tell me all about your experiences on the Hellmouth. I am very curious on the concealment of the Hellmouth to the inhabitants of the town and it's effects on the economic conditions in the town. Many of those problems should have been sorted by the American Ministry and perhaps you should meet with the Minister. I can get you a meeting you know-I'm very well-connected in the Ministry."

At this point he was interrupted by George 'choking' on an Every-Flavour bean. Though, his coughs did suspiciously sound like "Weatherby!"

Giles fought to contain a smile- Percy reminded him greatly of Wesley

"Maybe tomorrow, Percy. I am quite tired now."

"Would you like to go to bed now?"

"Why yes, Arthur. I am quite tired and a little jet lagged."

Before he left, he turned to Ginny. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, Ginny. Get a good night's sleep."

Ginny smiled a small smile and Giles chuckled again.

*****

Ginny didn't emerge out of her room until about five o clock. She had stayed awake worrying about the day ahead, even though Giles had told her to get some sleep. She had spent the day trying to prepare herself. She knew that she would have to face a lot of things today and especially about Oz.

She was terrified.

She had gotten up when she had heard her mother call for Rupert and after she pulled on her robes she went downstairs to the kitchen. Everyone was eating supper and she grabbed a glass of water and drained it. She looked at them all and nodded.

She was distant from her family and she knew that it would never be the same. Her parents and brothers were nothing but supportive but, and she felt guilty for thinking it, sometimes she resented them. They didn't understand her. Not like Oz had, and, she had the feeling that she had understood Oz pretty well as well. Her family hadn't had to go through the pain and suffering and they were on different worlds now. They didn't know how scared she was, how much she had been through, how the dreams she had at night haunted her every waking moment.

She looked at Giles and he smiled at her. "Are you ready to go?" he asked kindly.

She swallowed and nodded.

"Well then. No point in waiting around. Let's go!"

He clapped his hands together and smiled at her. He handed her a handful of Floo powder and she threw it in the fire. "Hogwarts."

She disappeared in a haze of green, Giles following after her.

******

She reappeared in Dumbledore's office. After a few seconds, Giles appeared behind her. She sat down, slightly dizzy. Dumbledore smiled warmly at her and then looked at Giles.

"Rupert, how are you?"

"Quite well Albus. And you?

"Absolutely spiffing. Thank you for asking. Here, I'll escort you down to the boy's chamber."

Giles looked to Ginny. "Ginny, you mustn't be alarmed by the man's appearance. He has been through a lot."

He conveniently forgot to mention the fact that whoever this man was, he was a demon.

Ginny nodded. She looked very pale and he knew that she was more than likely extremely nervous. Dumbledore led them down the steps to the room.

They opened the door slowly. They both took a step into the room and adjusted their eyes to the dark light. Giles let out a gasp and Ginny took a step back, her eyes widening and he face paling.

Giles swore. "Oh Good Lord!"

Ginny found her feet. She let out a squeal and burst into tears. She ran towards the man on the bed, who was staring straight ahead. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"Oh Oz! I though you were dead. I was so scared and alone and there was no-one there and..." She trailed off and looked at him properly.

She touched his face. He didn't respond. She turned to look at Giles who promptly rushed forward.

"Oz? Is that you? Oh dear Lord. Oz, it's me, Giles. Oz, look at me!"

They both turned to Dumbledore. Giles looked faint and Ginny had tears streaming down her cheeks.

"What's wrong with him?" they whispered in unison, eyes wide.