Freakazoid High

Part 2.

Dawn stood and glared at her sister and Spike accusingly. "We'll make a fine addition to what?"

Buffy moved forward nervously. "Dawn, sweetie, just hear us out...."

Connor snatched Dawn's hand and pulled her roughly past the red headed boy to march to the door. "I don't think so." His hand moved to the base of his neck and clasped the short sword he had snug in a scabbard there as Giles and Xander moved to block him. "Move."

His blue eyes glittered coldly as he looked between them and then Cordelia shoved between them and snarled, "Connor Angel, sit your butt down before I kick into the middle of next week." Her eyes flashed as her son made no move to obey her. "Now!" Connor stared at her for a few seconds and then nodded shortly before pulling Dawn back to stand beside the window.

Ron muttered to Harry, "Crumbs, and I thought Mum was scary!"

Harry nodded in agreement and took his eyes off the beautiful woman glaring at the boy and watched the two teenagers as they stood belligerently by the large window, still looking as though they'd make a break for it any minute.

Connor slipped one hand around Dawn's waist and pulled her tight against him. "We're listening." His tone made it clear that it was under protest and that at the first sign of a strange pile of schoolbooks and any funny looking man dresses, he and Dawn were leaving. By whatever means necessary. He glanced out the window and was reasonably sure he could have Dawn out and up the street before anyone realised what happened.

Unfortunately Buffy realised it too, she folded her arms and said warningly, "You break that window and I'll have you working it off well into next year."

Dawn pressed against Connor's warmth and said in a low, hurt voice, "You're sending us away?"

Buffy's face fell and she exchanged a stricken look with Spike. "No, sweetie, of course not. There's things you don't know and......."

Connor cut her off for the second time as he spat harshly, "So tell us."

Angel swallowed at the look of hurt and betrayal on both faces and he took an instinctive step forward but then halted when Dumbledore said quietly, "You know, I think we'd all find this much easier if we had some chocolate. What do you think, Potter?"

Harry winced, personally he'd had enough medicinal chocolate to last him the rest of his life, but if that's what the old man wanted......"Yes, sir."

Dumbledore clapped him on the shoulder. "Excellent. Why don't you and Mr Weasley go with the lovely Ms......" His eyebrows rose as he looked at Willow.

She frowned at him in confusion for a moment and then jumped. "Oh! Oh, Rosenberg, Willow Rosenberg."

Dumbledore nodded. "Right, you boys go with Ms Rosenberg and see what you can dig up, eh?"

Ron and Harry exchanged glances that said they'd much rather stay and see the drama unfold but then turned and followed Willow to the kitchen with one last curious glance at Connor and Dawn still standing rigidly by the window.

Dawn slipped her arms around Connor's waist and tried stop the uncontrollable trembling that vibrated lightly through her body. "This is because of what happened the other night, isn't it?" Her eyes widened pleadingly. "I swear, Buffy, I won't do it again." She cast a quick look at Dumbledore and her eyes shimmered with tears. "Please, don't do this."

Spike swallowed at the hurt and fear in his girl's eyes. "'Bit, this has nothing to do with the other night." He handed his sword to Angel and walked forward to stop before Dawn and Connor. He laid a gentle hand on her shoulder and then after a moment, laid the other on Connor's shoulder. His head jerked back to indicate Dumbledore. "Listen to what the old bloke in the dress and Giles has to say and then decide." His eyes rested levelly on her face. "An' then if you two brats still want to stay here, then I promise you they'll 'ave to go through me to get you out."

Dawn whispered, "Pinky swear?"

Spike scowled. "What am I six?" He hurriedly took his hand off her shoulder and extended his hand with the little finger extended as her face fell again. "Bloody hell. Alright, pinky soddin' swear." Dawn curled her finger around his and they shook their hands down sharply. "Happy now?"

She sniffed and gave him a tremulous smile. "Yes."

Spike ruffled her hair. "Good. Now you and mini-poof go and sit down and be good kids. You're showing me up in front of the manly men there."

Dawn gave a watery smile and slipped past Spike to lead Connor to the sofa. They settled back into it and both fixed wary eyes on Giles and Dumbledore.

Giles cleared his throat. "Yes, well, the thing is..." He trailed off and stared helplessly at the two young faces before him.

Anya, now standing and leaning back up against Xander, huffed impatiently. "Oh for god's sake." She fixed Connor and Dawn with a matter of fact look. "Giles has been told by the Watcher's Council you're in danger." Her eyes rolled. "Yet again. Only this time you have the most powerful dark wizard in all of history after you and his untold hordes of dark worshippers." She looked around her at the shocked faces. "What? They needed to be told."

Her chin lifted defiantly. "I happen to think there's way to much coddling of the children happening in this house. Besides, if they find out where she is then the bad wizards will hit Sunnydale and destroy us all and I have a child of my own to think of now and I don't want it to be turned into a dung beetle before I get to see it as a human."

Xander hissed, "Anya!"

Dawn blinked. "You're pregnant?"

Anya nodded. "Yes." Her face screwed up with annoyance. "Oh damn it! We were meant to announce it over an expensive dinner that you would all offer to pay for, as a sign of your good wishes." She turned an anxious face up to Xander. "They'll still do that right? And they still have to buy us gifts?"

Xander closed his eyes and groaned. Buffy gave an excited squeal. "A baby! You're going to have a baby!" She flung her arms around Xander and gave an enthusiastic squeeze that had his back cracking and his eyes popping. Anya beamed as Dawn bounded up and threw her arms around her, all other considerations forgotten for the moment.

Giles cleared his throat. "Well. That's most.....I must say....how wonderfully....."

Spike snorted and extracted Xander from Buffy's happy arms and slapped his back. "Good to know you're not completely useless, eh Harris?" He gave a wide grin and then tugged Xander to him in a manly embrace. "Can't believe I'm actually happy there's going to be another soddin' Harris walking around."

Xander grinned goofily. "And I can't believe that William the Bloody Annoying is going to be godfather to my child. Go figure."

Spike gave a shout of laughter. "Me either."

They all turned as Willow came out of the kitchen. "What's going on?"

Xander took Anya's hand and led her over to Willow to place the witch's hand over the demon's belly. "Say hi to your niece or nephew."

Willow's hand flexed in surprise on Anya's still flat belly and then her eyes filled with happy tears. "Oh. Oh! Really?"

She looked in awe at Anya's midriff as the demon said firmly, "Yes. I have about another month before I get fat. It will be most unpleasant." She placed her hand over Willow's. "I expect you will offer me lots of help and advice. I will happily accept it, mortal babies are notoriously fragile."

Willow gave Xander a watery grin and then threw her arms round Anya. "I'll give you whatever you need." She bobbed down and pressed her cheek to Anya's tummy. "Hey baby, hey in there!"

Anya stepped back smartly. "I still like Xander, don't get any ideas."

Xander choked as Willow gave a watery giggle and said, "Don't worry, Ahn, you're safe." She gave Buffy a sly grin and turned her back on Anya to cross to the Slayer's side. "Fat women don't get me off."

**************************

Ron and Harry peered round the corner from the kitchen and watched silently as the tense group from moments before became one laughing mass of people, hugging and smiling as they offered their congratulations to one of the tall dark haired men and the small, angular woman at his side. Even the boy who had been shouted at by his mother was giving the woman a hug and rubbing her belly, before punching the dark haired man lightly on the shoulder.

Harry stepped back. "Weird." He went back to the counter and continued to measure scoops of drinking chocolate into a massive silver teapot. "Threatening to hit people with swords one minute, and throwing a party the next."

Ron took one last look at party that had broken out in the living room, shrugged and followed his friend. "Americans. All mad as hatters." He brightened. "Although being allowed to Apparate and Disapparate without a license isn't too bad."

Harry nodded and flashed an answering grin. "Not bad at all. I can't wait to tell Hermione."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Now what do you want to go and do a thing like that for? I can just hear her now...." His voice rose up to an angry falsetto squawk. "Harry Potter, I can't believe you were so irresponsible. When I think of what could have happened to you.......blah, blah,blah."

Harry sniggered appreciatively. "And she'll lose the plot completely when she finds out Dumbledore was in on it."

Ron snagged an apple from the bowl on the side and sighed happily. "Yes she will."

He tilted his head towards the people in the living room, and the two sullen teenagers in particular. "What do you think?"

Harry carefully eased a full pan of hot milk off the stove and began to pour it into the teapot, his eyes flickered up to follow Ron's gaze to the door before he returned his attention back to the hot chocolate. When the last drop of milk had been poured he took up the long spoon he had ready on the counter and began to stir. The fumes from the hot drink wafted up and he found himself sniffing appreciatively at the aroma, he frowned and then realised he hadn't answered Ron. "Sorry mate, miles away." He pushed his black hair back from his forehead for a moment, revealing the famous lightening scar, "They seem a bit odd."

Ron snorted. "Americans."

Harry flashed another grin. "Is that your expert opinion as Head Boy?"

Ron flushed. "Leave off, Harry. I've had enough mickey taking from Fred and George these holidays to last me the rest of my life." He shook his head despairingly. "I don't think they'll ever get over the shame. And Percy's still not speaking to me."

Harry laughed and placed the lid back on the overlarge pot. "Still jealous?"

Ron got up and helped begin pile mismatched mugs and cups on a tray. "I think he actually turned green at one point." He lifted the tray and waited for Harry to pick up the pot and then they began to amble towards the doorway. "Its not like I wanted bloody Head Boy, do you remember me asking for this?"

Harry gave his friend a droll look, "Welcome to my life."

Ron laughed, "Good point." He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "Ready to face the nutters again?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Well at least we can rule out a career in the Ministry for you. Subtle's just a word to you, isn't it?"

Ron grinned over his shoulder. "Not even that mate, not even that."

****************************

When everyone had accepted a cup of hot chocolate, in Spike's case with a healthy splash of scotch, they sat down and waited for Albus Dumbledore to begin to speak. Dawn felt a bit calmer, although Connor was practically vibrating with tension next to her, and she sipped her hot drink slowly, surprised that she felt more at ease with every sip. The Professor had a very calming aura around him, even ignoring his less than conventional appearance. The long silver hair stretched in a tangle free shimmering mane to his waist and he moved easily despite his obviously advanced years. Blue eyes twinkled at her from behind gold-rimmed half moon spectacles as he swallowed a large mouthful of chocolate and beamed merrily. "Ah, that's the ticket. Nothing better than a nice bit of chocolate to calm the nerves."

Out of the corner of his eye, Connor saw the two boys that had come with the old man exchange glances and then the red headed one took his friend's cup and sidled up to Buffy's prized hibiscus plant. The boy glanced casually around the room and then tipped the contents of the two mugs into the soil with a grimace. He rejoined his friend looking mightily relieved and they exchanged smug looks, Connor looked down at his own mug and felt his stomach heave slightly at the wrinkled skin that had formed on top of the liquid. He leaned forward and set the untouched mug on the table and then eyed Dumbledore, "Tell us about this new power."

Dumbledore looked delighted at the firm order, even though Connor had made his statement as belligerent as possible, "Not new, oh no. Lord Voldemort has been around and making trouble for some years now. Eh, Harry?"

Dawn and Connor looked at the dark haired boy as his hand rose to touch his forehead in an almost reflex action before nodding. "Yes sir."

"No, I'm afraid Voldemort has been a problem for some time." For the first time Dumbledore looked saddened. "There have been some heavy blows to all of us over the years from that particular menace."

Buffy leaned forward. "So why hasn't anything been done? Why let it go on?"

"Alas, things are never that simple. The dark is always more seductive than the light and the fear of evil is enough to make even the bravest hold still at times." The old man sighed. "He was stopped, once, for a time, by young Harry there." All eyes swung to the squirming brunette in the corner as Dumbledore continued, "Years passed and we allowed ourselves to grow complacent in our wards and measures against evil." He sighed. "And then he came back. The first time in our own school. Again Harry, this time with Ron and another courageous student stopped him."

Connor eyed the two boys with grudging respect. Maybe they were manly dresses after all.

"And so it has gone on, year after year. We have always been able to force him back but never vanquish him completely." He smiled at Ron and Harry briefly. "Although those two reprobates had a very good try last year."

Ron and Harry exchanged guilty looks as they thought of their adventure through the forests of Albania and their furious battle to save Hermione and her family when they were snatched by a group of the Dark Lord's supporters. It had taken some fast talking by Ron's father and Dumbledore to keep them out of hot water at the Ministry when the two boys had Apparated without a license in the middle of Diagon Alley with an unconscious underage witch and her two muggle parents.

Dumbledore smiled at their discomfort. "Our Misters Potter and Weasley have never been ones for standing still in the face of danger."

Willow exchanged grins with Xander. "Why does that sound familiar?"

Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, Mr Giles said you might be familiar with the concept."

The Scoobs grinned at their long suffering Watcher as he eyed them with resignation. "I'm afraid they really don't understand the idea of organised regrouping in the face of overwhelming odds." He sighed. "They tend to lean more towards being stupidly brave and ignoring all common sense."

Buffy shrugged. "Hey, whatever works."

Anya squeezed Giles' arm, smiling lovingly at him. "And you taught us everything we know."

Spike choked on his drink at the offended look on Giles' face as Xander sniggered and turned his face to the wall to hide the smirk. Dawn cocked her head to the side and looked levelly at Dumbledore. "I don't mean to trash all that you've been through, but still not seeing what all this has to do with me and Connor." She put her cup on the floor and spread her hands in confusion. "We don't even live in your world, what could this Mouldy Wart want with us?"

It was Harry and Ron's turn to choke at the new name that had unintentionally just been given to the Dark Lord. Ron grinned. "You know, they're growing on me." Harry nodded in agreement and had a brief happy image of himself facing down Voldemort for the last time and calling him Mouldy Wart just before he vanquished him. His grin widened, the imagined look on the dark wizard's face would be enough to keep him warm on many a cold winter's night.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and ignored the sniggering from the far corner. "Lord Voldemort has received word that a key to open dimensions walks in this world."

Dawn snorted. "Where's he been? I've been walking in this world for nearly four years now." She exchanged glances with Connor and rolled her eyes. "Doesn't sound too bright for an evil genius if you ask me."

Connor nodded in agreement. "Not the sharpest stake in the box."

Harry nudged Ron. "I could really like them." Ron smirked and privately wondered just what Connor and Dawn's history was that allowed them to be so unconcerned that the darkest wizard in the world's history was looking for them. He had the feeling that Voldemort rated pretty low on their terror level right now.

He blinked; did she just say she'd been alive for four years? His eyes flickered around the room; no one else seemed to notice anything unusual. He sighed, Hermione was right; he really needed to start paying more attention.

Dawn gestured at Willow. "Plus, we're no slouches in the powerful mojo department ourselves." She nodded at Anya. "In fact, we're pretty chock full of it. If we took down a god, what makes you think we can't kick your boy's ass?"

Ron blinked again. No, everyone else in the room seemed to find the girl's statement perfectly normal.

Dumbledore looked positively delighted. "You will fit in well. I can see you and Harry will complement each other wonderfully."

Connor shot a narrow look at Harry and silently appraised him. Harry swallowed and silently willed Dumbledore to shift back to the main part of the story as Connor's hands flexed ominously against his knees.

Thankfully the old man obliged. "I'm afraid as powerful as your own witch and various supernatural entities are they would fail in the event of a concentrated attack. The only place in our world that the Dark Lord hasn't managed to get a firm foothold in is Hogwarts."

"Your school?" Dumbledore nodded at Dawn's question and watched her intently as she thought for a moment, then said hesitantly, "And you think this guy knows who I am?"

The old man shook his head. "Not yet, no. But it is only a matter of time, then he will gather his forces and attack."

Connor slipped his arm unobtrusively around Dawn's waist. "And where do I come in?" He squeezed Dawn apologetically. "So far it all seems to be about Dawn. Why do I have to run and hide?" His lips curled with disgust as he completed his question and Ron got the impression that running and hiding wasn't something that Connor had much experience with. And absolutely no patience with.

Dumbledore smiled at the deceptively innocent looking boy in front of him. "The Destroyer. The name alone is enough to draw Voldemort's attentions but when it is known that there is a link between the Key, although the link remains unclear to his spies, it is enough to draw his malevolence down on you."

Connor nodded. "Understood."

Dawn and Connor looked round as Buffy spoke, "Its your decision, guys." She darted an apologetic look at Giles as she continued. "I get that it could bring stuff to Sunnydale that we have no hope of defeating but this is a decision that has to be theirs." She took Spike's hand in hers. "If you decide you want to stay and duke it out, then we're here for you. All of us."

Dawn watched the torn expression in her sister's eyes and then looked at Angel for a moment who watched Connor with the same tortured look. She thought for a moment. "What guarantee do we have that he won't attack anyway?" She looked around at her family and then back to Dumbledore. "If we go with you and....hide." The expression on her face made it clear that she didn't think anymore of the idea than Connor, "Then what's to say that he won't hit town and kill everyone anyway?"

Dumbledore's face sobered slightly. "I can't offer you a guarantee that he won't, but if he finds that you are no longer here then his attack may be swifter and less harsh."

Dawn looked unconvinced. "Or he could go nuts and level the whole town." She linked her fingers with Connor and pressed his hand tightly to her waist. "If we stay here, we could help. We might make a difference."

Connor watched the white haired man closely as he considered his next words. "Yes, you might. No one knows what may happen after all, but your powers are new to you and Giles tells me that you have limited control over them at present. We could help you with that. Hogwarts has a fine faculty experienced in all manner of the mystical arts and we could help you hone your powers greatly." He tipped his head to one side. "And when you finally face the Dark Lord your strength and control will be increased immeasurably."

Connor gave a grim smile. "So he will find us eventually?"

"Oh yes, of that there is no doubt." Dumbledore smiled over the rim of his glasses. "But with certain steps taken, he will find it much harder to defeat and use you to his own ends."

Connor said firmly, "But we will get to fight him eventually?"

"Most definitely."

The expression on the boy's face suddenly looked much happier. "And whatever happens, Dawn and I will be together?"

"You have my word."

Connor met his father's eyes for a moment and then placed a gentle hand on Dawn's face to look deep into her eyes. He brushed a light kiss over her mouth and whispered, "I can think of worse things than living and dying by your side." He frowned suddenly. "But no dying without me. That was not fun last time."

Dawn smiled and rubbed her cheek against his calloused palm. "Deal. Are we going?"

Connor kissed her again. "We're going." A mischievous smile lit up his face. "A whole term of school without Spike breathing down our necks?" He kissed the tip of her nose. "Figuratively speaking, of course. Sounds good to me!"

Spike scowled from where he sprawled in his chair. "Hello, vampire? I can hear you, you know."

The whole room looked round at a strangled yelp from the corner. "Vampire?" Ron and Harry were staring with abject horror at Spike.

The vamp in question frowned. "Well, yeah. Problem?"

"You're a vampire." Harry had gone rather pale, whilst Ron raised a shaking hand to his neck where he had been savaged the previous year. "You're a bloody, filthy vampire!"

Spike nodded slowly, obviously considering the red headed boy one step down from Xander on the intelligence scale. "Yeeess." He pointed at Angel and said a tad defensively, "So's he!" He scowled. "And I happen to keep myself spandy fresh, thanks."

Angel nodded cordially at the two boys. "Hello."

His eyebrows rose as they flinched back and he looked helplessly at Cordelia. "I..uh....Cordy...."

Cordelia smiled and stepped forward. "On it." She shot a huge grin at the two unhappy boys. "Look, there's no need to be scared..." Her face fell abruptly as she stared at Angel with a look of utter terror. "Blood, lots of blood. The Bronze, you need to get to the The Bronze."

Ron clutched at Harry and whimpered as Cordelia grabbed Angel's arm. "They're going to die. You need to hurry."

The vampire nodded. "On my way. Spike!"

The blonde was already moving and tipping Giles carelessly off the weapons chest on which he was perched, and ignoring the indignant protest with the ease born of long practice. "Stakes for all, Peaches." He snatched up a handful of wooden weapons and passed them to Willow. "What are we dealin' with 'ere, cheerleader?"

Cordelia concentrated on the images in her head, her hand shooting up to snatch a light sword out of the air as Buffy tossed it to her without even bothering to turn her head. "Some vamps, two, no three big demons." She shook her head. "They don't look familiar."

Harry's eyes bulged slightly as the Dawn's sister, Muffy or something, snatched a heavy broadsword out of the weapons chest and stalked to the middle of the room. "Ok, here's the drill. Spike, Angel, head for the sewers, quick as you can. You got the backdoor." The two vampires nodded and ran for the basement and the newly installed sewer access that Xander, Giles and Spike had installed the week the vampire had moved in with Buffy.

The Slayer turned to Willow and Xander. "You guys are with me and Cordy. We need the holy water bombs and you're taking the cross bows and controlling aerial manoeuvres." The two nodded and headed for the kitchen to grab the box under the sink with their less traditional weapons." Buffy turned to Giles. "You're co-ordination guy. Keep an eye out for anything unusual." She gave Anya an apologetic smile when the demon stepped up gripping a small axe. "Sorry Ahn, you're on restricted duties as of now. Research only."

Anya pouted. "What?" She looked outraged. " I'm pregnant not sick!"

Buffy nodded. "And that's the way we're going to keep you." Her eyes swung to Dawn and Connor. "Stay here and look after our guests." She ran for the front door as Xander and Willow headed out. "Watch your backs!"

Dawn nodded. "Don't get dead." The door slammed behind them and then it was quiet. For about two seconds.

"Right, Connor upstairs, make sure all the windows are shut and get the crosses up against them." Connor ran for the stairs as Dawn stepped seamlessly into Buffy's shoes as group leader. "Anya, go round all the downstairs rooms, same deal." She turned to look at Professor Dumbledore. "Stay in here and away from the windows. I need to go and secure the basement. If anyone knocks at the door, don't invite them in or step outside. There may be a chance that the Bronze thing is a diversion and they could hit Slayer central." She snatched a sword off the wall that Ron had assumed was ornamental up until now. Dawn gave a wry sigh. "It wouldn't be the first time."

Harry and Ron stared dumbstruck at their headmaster as they were left alone in the room. Dumbledore smiled and rubbed his hands together. "Well, this is exciting isn't it?"

Ron and Harry looked at him and then looked at each other. Harry spoke. "What Central?"

**********************************

Half an hour later Dawn replaced the phone. "Stand down red alert. Crisis contained. One of the demons got out and is heading out of town, they're going after it, but Buffy says that it shouldn't take more than an hour. Spike and Angel have stayed at the Bronze to try and clear up a little." She replaced her sword on the wall and sat next to Connor with a sigh of relief. "Nobody get badly hurt, just a run of the mill sacrifice. The vamps got in through the sewers and Angel said he and Spike might have a look around before they head back to make sure there's not a nest down there."

Connor nodded. "Ok. They need help?"

Dawn shook her head and clasped her hand loosely in his. "Nah."

Anya got up with a happy smile. "Good. I feel hungry and as I was not allowed to fight, strangely productive. Who wants lunch?" Dawn and Connor beamed at her in approval. She returned their smiles and headed into the kitchen. "Lasagne?"

Professor Dumbledore stood and nodded at Ron sitting in the armchair and Harry perched on the armrest. "I think I'll join Mrs Harris in the kitchen and let you young people get acquainted." He bustled off in Anya's wake, muttering happily, "Fascinating. Muggle cooking, absolutely fascinating."

Ron and Harry watched him go and then turned back to the two Americans who were far too comfortable with sharp weaponry for their liking. Dawn and Connor for their part were unimpressed with the squealing English boys that freaked over Spike and Angel, and were wondering how to ditch them.

Harry smiled uncertainly. "So, you're coming to Hogwarts?"

The boy and girl looked back at him and nodded in unison but didn't deign to acknowledge his question with a comment.

Harry cleared his throat uneasily. "Right. That's great." He threw Ron a look that plainly said 'For Merlin's sake, help me out here!' and nodded stupidly. "That's great. We have a lot of fun."

Dawn and Connor exchanged looks and then looked back at Harry coldly. Harry kicked Ron's ankle sharply.

"Bloody hell!" Ron grabbed his throbbing ankle and glared at his friend. "What the bleeding hell was that for?" Harry glared back and raised his eyebrows to indicate it was now Ron's turn to make small talk. Ron rubbed his ankle theatrically for a moment and then turned to Dawn and Connor. "What was all the fuss about earlier? The swords and stuff." He waved his hand to indicate the still open weapons chest. "That happen a lot?"

Dawn looked at the empty trunk. "Yes, actually."

Ron opened his mouth and then closed it again. He sneaked a look up at Harry and then concluded weakly, "Oh. Right." He smiled uneasily. "Weird."

Connor lost interest in the two boys altogether and tipped his head back to contemplate the ceiling and just how long it took to make a lasagne from scratch. He narrowed his eyes and wondered what the chances were of getting Anya to use her powers to speed the process up a bit.

Dawn started playing with the ends of her hair and answered Ron after a long pause. "Not really. We're on a Hellmouth and Buffy's the Slayer. These things happen."

Harry mentally snapped his fingers. That was it, Buffy not Muffy. He shifted his weight on the narrow arm of the chair and adjusted his robes. "What's a slayer?"

Dawn yawned and said in an undertone to Connor, "I am so bored of this speech. We really need to get cards printed or something." Her boyfriend nodded in agreement as she looked over at Harry and continued, "In every generation there is a chosen one. She will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer." Dawn held her hand up to the light and examined the nails critically as she said in a bored tone, "Yada, yada. 'She' in this case being Buffy."

Ron and Harry exchanged confused looks and then Ron said slowly, "Right. Um...she does know she missed two?"

Dawn was surprised into a giggle, she gave the red head a semi friendly grin. "Kinda hard not too. She's boinking the blond one."

There was a brief pause and then Ron screwed up his face in disgust. "Ugh. She's screwing a dead man?"

Connor raised his head from the back of the sofa. "We prefer the term 'Alternatively Alive'"

Ron looked horrified. "You're a vampire too?"

Connor smiled reassuringly. "Of course not." He watched as Ron's face flooded with relief. "My father is. He's the one with the dark hair."

Harry laughed as he watched Ron's face fall again and said, "Sorry. Its just where we come from vampires aren't a good thing."

Dawn relaxed slightly against Connor's side. "They aren't that great here. Spike and Angel are....different. They have souls. Their demons are pretty dormant." She paused, thought of Riley when Spike had killed him the previous month and said honestly, "Well, unless they get pissed, then they get pretty intense." Dawn tilted her head and said curiously, "Have you met many vampires?"

Ron touched his neck and his face clouded. "One or two."

Connor cocked his head and scowled sympathetically. "Got bit, huh?"

Ron thought of the puckered scar that measured four inches across on the base of his neck. "You could say that." His mouth dropped open as Dawn pulled the neck of her top down to reveal a smooth, white shoulder and a white bite mark marring the otherwise blemish free skin.

"First time staking a vamp." She let her top spring back into place and then pulled up the hem of her shirt to twist round and show four raised white scars running along her lower back. "Last time out with a hell hound."

Connor snorted and rolled up his sleeve. "Oh please." He extended his bicep and flexed the raised lividly purple scar that ran from his shoulder to his wrist. "Now that's a scar!"

Dawn poked his arm and mocked, "You drew that on before you came over." She hiked up her pants leg, "I win!"

Connor raised his eyebrow at the jagged white scar that bit dip into her calf muscle. "Whoa." He stroked a gentle finger along her skin. "What did that?"

Dawn grinned. "Crashed my bike through our patio door when I was six." She squealed with laughter as Connor grabbed her and began to tickle her unmercifully. After an elongated battle, which ended with Connor face down on the sofa and his girlfriend pressing a cushion over his head and then bouncing her butt off it shouting, Loser! Loser!" at the top of her voice, Dawn faced Harry and Ron again.

"So, any other battle scars?"

Harry slowly pushed his hair back off his forehead. "Just this." He gave Dawn a shy smile. "Voldemort gave it to me when he killed my parents."

Dawn's eyes flashed with sympathy and then she caught the resigned look come over Harry's face as he saw it. She cocked her head to one side and came to the conclusion that Harry Potter had had all the sympathy he could stand over that particular scar. "Now that's a doozy." She nudged Connor. "See? Subtle yet dramatic. You want to get one of those."

Harry let his hair flap back down and gave Dawn a wide grin. He had a feeling he was going to like her after all.