Contents

Idea behind the Story

Family Staffs 1

Family Staffs 2

Family Staffs 3

Family Staffs 4

Family Staffs 5

Family Staffs 6

Family Staffs 7

Family Staffs 8

Family Staffs 9

Family Staffs 10

Family Staffs 11

Family Staffs 12

Family Staffs 13

Family Staffs 14

Family Staffs 15

Family Staffs 16

Family Staffs 17

Idea behind the Story

From:"Sonia" <danthomir@yahoo.com>

Date:Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:35:48 -0000

Subject:[imaginings] More bunnies

I seem to be a bit obsesed with Harry Potter today ..huh.. I also seem to be a bit odd, but that's nothing new.

Sonia

Bunny the third:

- When Noble Families were first founded their founders made sure the family could survive even if the main branch died out. Every Noble Family has a magical artifact capable of calling (teleporting?) everyone with so much as a drop of its creators blood. When all of them are assembled in one place the artifact scans them and selects the new Head of Family who possesses the highest measure of values the founder of the family wanted in his heirs. During the centuries this has grown more and more problematic. With

all the intermarrying, everyone in the magical world has at least a drop of blood from most (if not all) the families. With the squibs leaving the blood has spread to the muggle world and a simply shocking number of family founders forgot to make it necesary for a Family Head to have magic. The values promoted by the founder of the line weren't neccesarily the values of the last Head of the Family. If a family doesn't die out the Minister of Magic

cannot seize their property etc. Eventualy the Ministry has found a way of blocking the artifacts magic, but they still exist and as more and more of the Noble Families die out the block is starting to erode from the increase of presure. With the Black  Family artifact added the blockade cannot hold and with that many Noble Families getting a new Head of Family and reactivating their seat in Wizengamot the magical world will never be the same.

for example:

Grissom: None of these laws are logical.

Taylor: I suggest we repel all of them and simply write the new ones that are logical.

Caine: I second the motion.

Fudge: Look now...

Xander: I vote against the idiot in silly bowler hat...I mean for Mr. Taylor.

Ethan Rayne: Well I'm normaly in favour of chaos and illogic but watching you explain logic to this lot should be fun. I vote for Taylor.

or:

DiNozzo: I suggest we bring in Gibbs as an outside consultant for the Aurors. If he doesn't scare them into doing their job, they're no longer breathing.

or:

Caine: I'll be checking into the death of the Diggory boy since no one has bothered to solve it yet.

Taylor: Mind if I come along? I have some concerns about the security at that school.

Family Staffs 1

Notes:  late year five for HP, right after the attack at the Ministry.  Some information on from book seven but not a lot, just that horcruxes exist.  CSI:Miami around season three or four, wherever he married and lost Marisol, but I diverge from cannon since Speed's still alive.  CSI:NY during Lindsey's first year.  She's still a bit cranky with everyone.  Buffy, post Initiative, Glory happened but was minor, Tara never died.  Supernatural, post car crash but John never died..

The Minister in charge of the stored artifacts room went rushing up to his boss's office.  "Minister Fudge, sir, we've got a breaking charm."

"Why can't you fix it?" he demanded.

"Because it's the Noblise Oblise charm," he said, glaring at him.  His boss went pale.  "It's breaking right now, sir.  I can't stop it.  We're going to have a problem by midnight.  It's a third broken right now."

"Get a curse breaker to fix it," he ordered.

"I tried.  The goblins said that's not their job.  They said it'd be better if it did break when I pushed.  Then he hung up on me."  He checked his watch.  "We've only got an hour before it's gone.  Do we have *anyone*?"

"What started the break?" he asked, standing up and following him down to the artifact room.  In the very back of the room sat a table with eighteen staffs.  All of them were starting to glow.  All of them were looking very angry with their glow.  "Don't we have any curse breakers that work for us?"

"No, sir.  They all work for the goblins and we contract through them."  He wrung his hands.  "I don't know what happened."

"I do.  The last head of the Black family died," he sneered.  "Pity."  He cast a curse at the wall and it shattered.  Not what he had intended.  He had meant to shore it back up.  They flashed and the staffs disappeared.  "Hell.  Track them!" he shouted, pointing at the empty table.

The underling shrugged.  "How?"  Fudge's face started to turn purple.  "Sir, I don't have a tracking charm already on them.  The goblins do.  You decided to save money by only subcontracting the curse breakers from the goblins four years ago."  He stomped off, making sure his other precious babies were still there.  He found one box empty.  "Um, Minister?  The charger's gone," he shouted.  His boss stormed out.  "It wasn't stolen either!" he shouted after him.  He went to talk to the Unspeakable's department head.  They could probably track them somehow.  "Bad news," he said in greeting.

"More about the attack here last night?"

"No.  The staffs in my artifact room are gone and so is the charger."

The head of the Unspeakables leaned back, staring at him.  "What are these staffs for?  Shouldn't this be something for aurors to deal with?"

He shook his head, sitting down across from him.  "The staffs appoint the head of the various founding families."  The other man moaned.  "The ministry offered them a safe resting spot, away from family politicking, a few centuries back.  Then they blocked them from being put into use.  Fudge had a shield erected around them so they could not ever come into play again.  Did the head of the Black family die last night?"

"Sirius Black did.  Though there's something strange going on there," he admitted.  "I'm not sure what and if I stick my nose into it I'm sure I'll have it bitten by the Minister."

The Artifact Minister nodded.  "He wasn't pleased when they disappeared off the table either."

"I'm sure he's not," he said, looking a bit smug.  "So they'll go to the head of the new family, no matter what?"  That got a slow nod.  "And if it's not the current one?"

"The staffs overrule mere lineage."

That got a slow nod.  "What if they're muggles?  Some of the founding families are pretty dark and have had...affairs with some muggles in the past.  Willing and not."

The Artifact Minister shuddered.  "That would destroy the Ministry."

The Unspeakable's Minister stood up.  "Let's see if we can track them.  Can anyone already do it?"

"The goblins and they refused to help.  The one I tried to reason with said it'd be better if the shield did break."

That got an evil smirk.  "In many ways I'm sure.  Very interesting.  Let's go look."  He walked him back there, looking at the pristine shelves.  "How much of this was voluntarily handed over?"

"Diplomatically forced for the most part but a few were confiscated.  Why?"

"The new heads could probably claim them."

The Artifact Minister whimpered. "Not my babies!" he whined.

"We'll do what we can," he assured him, patting him on the back.  The table had magical residue but he couldn't find all of them.  "A few aren't in Britain.  At least one headed toward the Americas."  That got a horrified look.  He shrugged.  "It happens.  Some of them went over after that pesky Independence fit they threw a few centuries back."  He went to report to the Minister for Magic.  "Fudge, it's worse than you're imagining.  Some of them are overseas already.  You might also alert the lawyers you're going to get challenged for anything else that's been held in storage for the heads of the families.  Oh, and look at Malfoy tomorrow, see if he has it."  He smirked.  "Because his is in America too."  He walked off, much happier now.  Lucius Malfoy was a zit on the bum of the Ministry.   He had much too much power around here for the wizarding world's good.   Now all he needed was a snack so he could sit back and watch.

Because all across the world, people were suddenly grasping their new symbols of power and being brought back to the family's homes.  Whether or not they were squibs or not.  He sent a memo to his people to tell them to watch over the new ones.  They'd need some help getting adjusted.

***

Horatio Caine looked up from his paperwork, finding something floating in front of him.  "I have been doing too many hours," he told himself, going back to his current form.  He could leave after this one.  All he had were six more boxes to fill out.  The hallucination hummed.  He glared at it.  "I know you're the stale coffee I had and the ham sandwich from the machine, but do be quiet," he hissed.  It bopped him on the head, proving it was real.  He grabbed it to keep it from hitting him again and felt...something from flowing through him.  "What are you?"  It hummed at him, sounding pleased.  He looked at it.  It was finely carved cherry wood.  It had silver accents.  It had writing in Latin glowing at him that wasn't engraved.  It looked like it was floating just above the wood.  He frowned, finding an online translator to type the phrase into.  What came back did not amuse him.  "To the victor goes the family and all the duties thereof?" he read.  He looked at it.  "I don't have that much of a family anymore," he told it.  It flashed and he wasn't in his office anymore.  He looked around the hall he found himself in.  "I need to get that done," he told the staff.  "Tonight.  I also can't just take off.  The victims need me."

The staff considered him then took him back to his office.  It filled out the forms on the desk for him.  Everything was done and it left a note sitting there citing family business as a reason for the absence, then it took him back to the hall.  It waved itself and made Horatio follow along.  All the lights were lit for the first time in ages.  It was home.  Finally it was home.

"Interesting," Horatio said, looking around.  "Very interesting.  Speed would love you."  It hummed at him.  "He's injured, staff.  He can't come see this or you," he said quietly.  It warmed in his hand.  "Don't you dare.  He deserves his rest."  A ghost floated in and stared at him.  "Who're you?"

"I should ask the same," she said, staring at him.  Then at the staff.   "It picked a new head.  It's been a while since there was one of us."

Horatio found a chair and sat down, looking at her.  "Ma'am, I have no idea what you're talking about.  Would you please fill me in so I can make an informed decision?"

She snorted.  "You haven't heard of head of families?"

"Only in the Mafia."

She blinked. "I've never heard of that family."

"It's an organization.  They do bad things."

She stared at him.  "This is obviously going to be a long discussion, young man.  Do you have a name?"

"Horatio Caine.  I live in Miami."

"Is that an Italian province?"

"It's in Florida.  A major city in Florida."  She looked confused.  "In the United States of America?" he offered.  This was seriously strange.  Another ghost floated in, this one nearly a shadow without features.  It whispered and joined with the other one.

She 'ah'd and smiled, nodding.  "Then we do have much to discuss, Horatio.  Welcome home."

"Home?"

"This is your family's home.  It is yours by right.  We'll have to see where you diverged from.  The family scroll is in the library.  Follow us."  She floated that way and he followed, still looking skeptical.  Not that he could doubt she wasn't real.  She might be an effect of the stale coffee and the old ham sandwich from the machine at work though.  She looked back at him.  "I'm the sister of the last head of the family, Horatio.  Not a byproduct of a spoiled bit of food."   He gave her a horrified look.  She smirked.  "There is much to discuss before someone rude barges in for answers.  The Ministry can be like that you know."

"If the Ministry is a government agency, I have dealt with similar people," he admitted.

She smirked.  "Of course you have.  The other one told me who you are."  She found the scroll and floated it down, letting him unroll it for her.   She found the current generation and pointed.  "There you are," she said, staring at it.  "Hmm, the male who founded your part of the family was not the most genteel or polite.  He was a bit surly and nearly got expelled from the family for being a bastard to the rest of us."  She traced it down.  "Well, it is direct.  The blood has clearly thinned."

"Why didn't the rest of them breed?"

She pointed at something.  "There was a bad wizard then, Horatio.  An evil one.  He started a war for power."

He nodded.  "We've had those in the past.  Which World War was it, ma'am?"

She laughed.  "Child, this was nearly the beginning of last century."  She pointed.  "This one was born in 1903.  The war was nearly a generation before her.  He wiped out any who could contest him."  She looked at him.  "There is much you should know.  Including the duties of the head of the family.  Even though there's not many left."

He looked then pointed.  "You're missing one.  My brother sired a daughter outside of his marriage."

"Men are want to do that," she sighed.  "It is disgusting."

He looked at her.  "He was high and so was she," he admitted.  "It was because of the drugs."

"Another bad thing people do to themselves."  He nodded that he agreed.  "Do you stop them?"

"When I can.  I speak for the victims."

She smiled.  "Good.  Then we'll get on."

He swallowed.  "I still have to get back to Miami sometime.  Someone has to run my lab and help others."

"Once you're fully integrated over here, it'll be easier to do that.  Tell me, do you prefer apparating or portkey for long journeys?"

"Huh?"

She sighed.  "Do you have a wand?"  He slowly shook his head.  "No formal magical education?"

"I can't do magic."

"You can or it wouldn't have picked you," she corrected.  She frowned.  "We'll call Ollivander tomorrow.  Perhaps he can figure out what would suit you easily."  She pulled down a tattered book and handed it over.  "This is a history of the family you belong to, Horatio."  He took it and sat down at the desk to start reading.  She went to check the rest of the house.  There were no house elves, unfortunately, but they could find some she was sure.  The house did need a good scrubbing.  The tiles were dingy and you could barely see the family crest in the entry's floor.

***

Mac Taylor looked over when someone squeaked on his crime scene.  "What happened?" he demanded, standing up and storming over.  Three staffs were floating at the boundary.  "Uh-huh.  Prank?" he asked one of the officers.

"No, sir.  They just...appeared," he said with a hand wave.  "I have no idea where they came from.  They're not hanging by anything, not being held up by anything."

Mac felt around them.  No strings.  No braces.  He stared at them, tipping his head to read them.  "To the family goes the victor and the duties.  Wear it well," he read on one.  "Interesting.  Any idea?"

"No, sir.  Just a slight flash when they appeared."

Mac reached for them but two of them backed off.  One moved forward.  He let it touch a finger and he felt a warmth run through him.  "It's warm."  He took it to hold.  "Stella," he called.  "Process that for me please?  I've got to figure out if this is harmful or not."  She nodded, getting back to work.  He ran a hand over it again, feeling it feel *happy* somehow.  "What are you?" he asked.  "You're too light to be a weapon of some sort."  It was pretty wood.  Dark red with gold highlights.  The other two flashed as two men walked over arguing.  "Stop," he ordered.  They stopped and stared at him then at the staffs.  "I don't know.  They just flashed when you got nearer."

Danny moved carefully closer, nodding finally.  "They're not dangerous, Don."  He touched one that was floating nearer to him.  "What's up, staff?"  It hummed at him.  "Me?" he asked.  It flashed.  "If you want but I need time to arrange shit."  It shrunk and went into his pocket.  He looked at Mac.  "Interesting story," he offered with a grin.  "I'll let you know later.  They're not dangerous.  Where did you go to school, Mac?"

"I ...  Columbia."

Danny stared at him then at the staff in his hands.  "He's not one."  It flashed, looking angry.  "If you're sure."  It flashed again. "Then let him know.  We've got shit we gotta do tonight then we're yours. The other belongs to who?"  It moved closer then he nodded.  "Torn between two.  Sure, we can do that.  Stella?"  She came walking over.  "Touch this thing please?"  She did and it flashed then it went to bother the other one, simply disappearing.  He grinned. "Long story."  It came back and nuzzled up to Stella.  "You sure?"  It flashed. "Okay.  Let her know.  I know she doesn't."  He looked at Don.  "It's going to get strange and difficult.  You're gonna blow your stack in a few days while we're on vacation."

"Why are we going on vacation?" Don asked.

"Because I gotta go do stuff and so do they.  You wanna come so you're outta the crossfire?  I have the feeling we've got a situation going on that could use some muscle and common sense.  Three of these appearing at the same time makes *no* sense."

"I want more information before I agree to leave time," Mac complained.

Danny grinned.  "We'll tell you later.  Let's get this one bagged and sent back to the office.  Then we'll let Doc handle it, Mac."  He went to help, patting the staff in his pocket.  The other two shrunk down, Stella's hiding in her top since she didn't have pockets.  Of course, she complained that the staff hid itself but oh well.  He was not amused either.  This was a really bad thing.  A really, really bad thing.  Three family staffs appearing at once with a war going on?  No way this wasn't critical.

***

Xander Harris fell backward as the demon shoved him, picking back up his sword to stab it.  It fell and he swung to get the one behind him, gutting it too.  The sword stuck though and now he didn't have one.  He grabbed a stick off the ground behind him to hit the other.  "Buffy, lost the sword!" he shouted. "It stuck in the blood!"  He shoved that one back at her, letting her kill it.  Then he squeaked as the staff shot off in his hand.  "Huh?" he asked, looking at the vaporized bodies.  No more demons.  No more minor apocalypse.  He stared at it, reading the words on it.  "Willow, did we send magical weapons?" he yelled.

"No," she yelled back from her position.

He wasn't going to take a mystical, demon killing weapon for granted when it suddenly appeared.  He pointed the staff at her. "Do whatever you did to mine to hers please?  All the harmful demons but Spike currently in the graveyard."  It flashed in his hand.  "No, I mean it," he ordered, shaking it some.  It thought the order and it flashed more happily, doing it for him right before one of them gutted Buffy.  He looked at the confused slayer and witches, waving the stick.  "It did it.  I picked it up off the ground.  Anyone got a clue about the family values teeny staff?"  It enlarged in his hand, letting him lean on it.  "Gee, thanks.  Needed that."

Willow came over to look at it.  "That's very old magic but I can't tell anything about it."  She tried to touch it and it burned her hand. "Hey!"

Xander shrugged.  "Maybe it doesn't like you."  He looked at it.  "She won't hurt you or I'll bop her on the head with you."  It still wouldn't let her touch it.  Buffy it let touch it.  "So we're not evil, right?"

Buffy shook her head.  "Not in the least that I can tell."  She looked around.  "Giles!" she shouted.  He came jogging over.  "Xander got given a magical weapon that ate the demons."  She looked around.  "And the sword he got stuck in the body."  It reappeared.  "Thanks.  We needed that back."  She picked it up.  It was perfectly clean, sharp, and had the handle fixed.  "It even fixed the handle and sharpened it.  Nice staff," she said, patting it on the top knob.  "Even if you do look like a guy I knew once."

Giles gave her a dirty look, running a hand over the staff.  "Are you sure you want that one?"  It flashed and shrank in his hand.  "Very well then.  Xander, you're going to be doing some traveling."

"My passport's at home.  So's my last uncashed check."

"It should give you enough time to get those.  Show it to Anya, expect a fit.  Take Tara with you.  I'll have her meet you."  He nodded, heading for home.  "Ladies, he'll be fine. That's a very special calling symbol and it means a great deal to him, or it shall once he's there."  He looked around then led them back to the shop.  Their problem was done for the night it seemed.  He did call Tara to go meet him so they could go together.  Trusting Xander around magical beings was going to be hard but obviously it didn't want Willow  with him for some reason.

***

Tony DiNozzo fired at the escaping felon, then felt something trip him.  He took another shot and this one hit him in the leg, making him fall down screaming.  He stood up and walked over there, looking at him.  "Next time, don't run," he complained, hauling him up and back to his backup.  He looked at what had tripped him.  He had to, it was now floating at eye height.  "Hey, boss?" he called.  "Did this guy have a floating stick with rubies?"

"No, DiNozzo."  He took the guy to check his cuffs then stick him in the car so McGee could bandage his leg while they examined that thing.  That stick had tripped his agent.  "What is that thing?"

"Don't know, boss.  Not a clue."  He looked it over.  "It's pretty.  Fairly old looking by the wear on the knob."  He touched it with a finger, getting smacked by his boss on the head.  "Hey!"

"You don't know if it's harmful."

"It's humming," he complained.  "The only dangerous humming things I know are five- year-old-girls."  He touched it and it warmed in his hand, seeming to push against his skin.  "It's friendly."  He disappeared, landing in a wooden building.  "Huh."  He looked around then up.  "Not cute," he told the staff.  It lit and he found a stairway.  He walked up it, finding a building with people in it.  He waved the staff.  "This thing brought me from Alexandria, Virginia.  Anyone know why?" he announced when they stared at him.   They continued to stare.  "Not speak English?  I speak Italian if it helps."

One of them coughed.  "No, we speak English," he said with a British accent.  "Who're you?"

"Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, NCIS.  Any idea what this stick is?"  He waved it again.  "Since you know something."

He just nodded.  "There's someone here who can answer your question, sir.  Let me get him."  He went to call them from the back room.  "Rudy!"  He came jogging out.  "You know that thing?"

He stared at the staff.  "It's mythical," he complained.

"Apparently it's not," Tony said, letting him hold it.  It flew off back to him. "Okay, I won't let others hold you," he complained, looking at it.  "Don't expect me to pet you.  Even if you are purring."  He looked at Rudy.  "Can I get some intel?"

"Sure.  Boss, can I?"  His boss nodded so he walked him off, taking him outside to talk to him.  The family's seal hadn't been seen in nearly forever.

***

Harry Potter looked up as something flashed above him, reaching up to grab it.  It flashed and he shrugged, getting up to go into the bathroom to look at it better.  Magical things happening in a magical school, who would've thought.  "What are you?  You're not evil or we'd have  Croonshanks in here."  He looked it over, translating the words on it.  "Ron!" he yelled.  He came jogging in with Neville and their head of house wasn't far behind.  He waved it at them.  "Any idea why it woke me up and flashed at me or why it's humming now?"

"That's a family staff," Ron said, taking it cradle like he would an infant.  "It means you're the head of your family, Harry."

"I'm the last one, I'd probably better be," Harry said, giving him a look and taking it back.  "Anything else I should know?"

Minerva McGonagall cleared her throat.  "It means your family is a founding family, Harry.  One who founded our civilization as we know it.  That means there's going to be people looking for you from the Ministry soon.  Those have been lost for centuries as far as I know."

Ron nodded.  "The Minister for Magic took them in a diplomatic move.  He said there were too many assassinations for power in the higher families.  Then he put them in a room and locked 'em in.  So why are they free now?"

Harry glared at him.  "Sirius died.  Is this the Black one?"

"That's the Potter one," Ron said, pointing at something.  "That's the mark next to your father's name on his trophy in the case, Harry."

McGonagall took it to look over, nodding.  "That is indeed the Potter crest, boys."  She smiled.  "There could be one coming from the Black family.  I'm not sure who it would go to.  It is meant to show the new head of the family.  It chooses them.  Those families sit on a special board at the Ministry.  Or they're supposed to."

"Malfoy does," Ron sneered.  "Bastard."

Harry shrugged.  "Not like I like him, Ron."  He looked at the staff.  "Any idea who has the Black family one?"  It led him back to his room, letting him smile and pick it up.  "A matched set or just visiting?"  It hummed in his other hand then disappeared.  It came back a minute later and snuggled in.  "Well.  Interesting."  He looked at McGonagall.  "I think we should wake some people up."

"I think we'll need some discretion," she countered.

"I was talking Ron's father, not the headmaster."

"He should know."

"He'll know at breakfast," Harry countered.

She considered it then nodded.  "True."  She led him down to her office and the floo so they could call.  "Arthur Weasley."  His head appeared.  "Arthur, was there something about the family staffs getting out tonight?" she asked.  He nodded slowly.  "Two came to Harry."

"The Potter and...."

"The Black's."

"Oh.  Interesting.  I didn't know he was a direct descendant."

"I think if we look, he might have named him an heir," she offered more gently, getting a small sniffle from Harry.  "Are there any others loose?"

"All of them got loose.  Fudge is in a snit," he informed her.  "Already called us all for a dawn meeting."

She nodded.  "Very well then.  Let us know?"

"Of course, Minerva.  Harry, do hide those," he ordered, staring him down.  "They're very important and people will not like to see them, especially not in your hands."

"Like Lucius Malfoy?" he asked.

He smirked.  "I have it on good authority his is not with him.  It appeared somewhere else.  Overseas."  He smiled before leaving them alone.

Harry looked at them. "How do I hide them?"  They shrank down.  Sentient magical artifacts, even better to come to a school of magic.  "Okay then."  He put them into his robe's pocket.  "What do I do with them?"

"Avoid the ministry for now," she ordered.  He nodded at that.  "Go back to sleep, Harry. I have no doubt tomorrow will be tiring."  He nodded, heading back to bed.  She went to look them up in the library.  She knew at least one other might appear in the school.

***

Sam and Dean Winchester looked at the thing hovering in front of them.  Dean splashed it with holy water again, then shrugged.  "It's not possessed."

"Then why is it floating?" Sam demanded.

"Simple answer," a male voice said as he appeared with a blonde woman next to him.  "It's magic of some sort.  I know that one appeared to me earlier and ate some demons for us."  They stared at him, one of them quirking up an eyebrow.  "Hi, Xander Harris and this is Tara Maclay.  She's a Wiccan who works with the same slayer I do."

Dean swore, then shook his hand.  "Mr. Harris.  Dean and Sam Winchester.  We hunt the smaller demons."

Xander grinned.  "Drop the Mister, Dean.  I don't care.  I'm not the dirtbag at home."  That got a nod from both of them.  "It's not harmful, or at least mine wasn't.  Go ahead and grab it.  Whichever it wants."  They both touched it and it stuck with Sam.  "Okay then.  Pack.  It wanted to pull me with it.  Giles sent Tara with me because now and then I make magic go funky.  He was nearly having a fit so I'm guessing it's important."  They nodded, grabbing stuff.  Including the car keys.  He grinned and they disappeared with the car.  He looked at Tara, taking her hand again and they disappeared too.  As soon as they landed a lot of people were pointing pieces of wood at them.  "Whoa," he ordered and they froze.  "Huh.  Sorry.  Can you unfreeze them?" he asked the staff.  It did that.  "Thank you."  He looked at them, waving the staff around.  "I don't have a clue but it just ate some demons we were fighting on the hellmouth?  Then it brought me to another one of it before here?  Are they alien?"

One of the people slowly moved closer.  "Put your wands on the floor."

Xander snorted.  "I don't use a wand."  He looked at Tara.  "Do you have a wand?"

"On the altar at home."  She looked at him.  "I've heard of your kind," she said in a near whisper.  The staff hadn't liked her stuttering and had stopped it as soon as she started.  "We have no idea why it appeared to help Xander fight demons with our slayer."

The man shifted closer and looked at it.  "It's a family staff.  It marks the head of a magical founding family."

Xander looked at it.  "You know magic goes funny around me, right?"  It flashed and stayed, seeming to purr.  "Okay then."  He grinned.  "How many of you are there?"  It showed him.  "That's fine then."  Something landed in front of him and he picked it up, wincing when it went off in his hand.  He handed it to Tara, who it went off more mildly for, while he waved his hand to get the feeling back.  "Even better.  No one's hurt, right?"  The guy shook his head slowly.  "Good."  He grinned.  "So what do I do with this thing?"

"Let me see which family it belongs to?" he said.  Xander let him hold it.  "It's the Malfoy staff," he announced.  They all gaped at him.  He looked at him before handing it back.  "That's a very precious thing and there will be people who want it, sir."

"Harris.  Xander Harris.  From Sunnydale."  A few people gasped.  He gave them a delighted look.  "You've heard about us helping Buffy?"

"I've heard of her and your town," she said, putting away her wand.  "Sir, why come here?"

"It was driving," Xander said with a small shrug.  "It felt like coming here.  How would I know?"

"Good point," she decided.  "Come up to the office, both of you.  There's people in your family home.  You can deal with them tomorrow but this way they know so they have time to toss a fit and be polite later on."

"That'll work," Xander said, taking Tara's hand while she floated the bags after them.  "So, do they say good things about Buffy?"

"Mostly," she agreed.  She could like this guy.  He was nice enough, even if he was clueless.  "You don't do magic?"

"Tara does.  She does nature magic."

She shook her head.  "We do ours with wands."

"Maybe that's the second flashy light," he offered.

She nodded.  With that artifact?  "Could be."  She got them off on her floor and walked them into the office.  "Boss?"  The head auror came out of his office.  "The Malfoy family staff just appeared in the lobby with these two.  This is Xander Harris and Tara Maclay.  She's a Wiccan sort.  He helps the Slayer Buffy on the hellmouth."

He just blinked a few times.  "Lucius is going to throw a fit," he told the young people.

"Do we know him?" Xander asked.

"Pureblood snob," the woman with them snorted.  "Arsehole of the highest order.  Pushes his blood and weight around all the time around here."

Xander smirked.  "So this will do what to his power and pure blood?"

"Freak him out and make his power useless," she said with a mean smirk.

He smirked back.  "We deal with Master vampires.  He can't be any worse than Spike when he's been up for ten days and is jonsing for chocolate rice krispies for his blood."

Tonks burst out laughing.  "Oh, that'll be one pretty confrontation," she decided.  She looked at her boss.  "Also, boss, that little brass monkey thing that charges wizards flashed on them."

"Get Ollivander here immediately.  Make sure he's a wizard."  She nodded, going to call him.  He looked at Xander.  "This way, kids."  They walked into his office.  "Let me explain what's going on."  He set them down, sent for tea, and they talked.  They could tell Lucius at breakfast.

***

Harry walked into the Great Hall, finding Draco throwing a fit.  "What's his problem?" he asked Hermione.

"The family staff went outside him and his father," she said, looking confused.  "I have no idea what they are."

"They pick the head of the family," Neville said.  "The Prophet said all of them were lost at the Ministry last night."

"They went to find others," Harry said, staring him down.  Neville opened his mouth so he shook his head.  Neville nodded at that.  He walked over to Malfoy, tapping him on the shoulder to get his attention.  "How far did it go?"

"Why do you want to know, Potter?" he sneered.

"Because my family has one too, Malfoy."

Draco gaped, then backed away slowly.  "No.  There's no way."  Harry pulled his out, waving it as it enlarged.  The others gasped.  Draco snatched it to look at then stared at him in horror.  "This is the Black family one!"

Harry took it back. "Sirius was my godfather," he said quietly, making Draco sit down.  "It showed up last night.  We heard some went to America.  If they're all on the same schedule are they here now?"

He swallowed.  The Headmaster answered for him.  "There's a meeting today, Harry.  You have your family's?"  Harry brought them up to show him.  "Very well then.  You are excused for a day to deal with this."

"I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with these."

"There will be people there to help you.  I can go if you want."  The staff turned him into a toad.

"I don't think it liked that idea," Harry said, glaring at the staff.  "Turn him back!  That's rude and I'm sure my mum would complain!"  It turned him back.  He shook his head. "It's sorry, sir."  He looked at it.  "Will someone there know?"  It lit up.  "Do we need to bring someone?"  It flashed and pointed at two people.  "Okay.  Headmaster?"

"Severus?"

"I can attend the meeting," he agreed.  "Mr. Malfoy, it wanted you there as well."

"I should meet the one who took over for my father," he said coolly.  "Let me pack my school bag for the day, sir."

"Let me eat first, Malfoy," Harry told him.  "The thing woke me up at three."  That got a nod from Snape.  "Should I change into off-school clothes?"

"Those look better than anything else you own," he sneered.  "Don't bother."

"Yes, Professor."  He went to eat then pack his school bag for the day.  Including some paper and pens.  He met them in the entry and they were taken by the staff to a small room with a circular table and padded chairs.  He looked at the people coming in the door.  "Hello.  Um....  I was told I could bring someone to explain some things to me since I wasn't raised in the wizarding world."  The house elf that popped in made him smile.  "Where can the people I brought sit?"  It pulled out chairs for them.  "Thank you."  He sat down in the chair that matched his staff.  It felt right.  He looked at the professor.  "Do you know what's going on?"

He nodded. "Listen for once and you shall find out."

"Thank you."  He turned back around, looking at the one next to him.  "Hello, Harry Potter," he said, holding out a hand.

"Xander Harris.  This is Tara, she got sent with me in case magic started to go screwy around me again.   Oh, you have two?"  Harry nodded, letting him see them.  "Wow."  He held up his.  "I have no idea why this came to me."

Draco snatched it to look at then gaped at him.  "It went to a muggle!" he demanded.  "My family's honor?"

Xander took it back.  "It apparently liked me more.  I take it you're a Malfoy?"

Draco swallowed and wiped his sneer.  This one could kick him out of the family and take away his family's money.  "Draco Malfoy, son of the former head until you were found."

"Xander Harris, from Sunnydale over in the US."  The boy went paler.  "Huh.  You've heard of us," he said with a grin. "We help the slayer over there."

Draco sat down with a small whimper.  "My father must be pitching a fit."

"Was he the blond with the gay hair who had his nose in the air until the staff turned him into a toad?"

"Mine did that to my headmaster," Harry told him.

"It seems to like that idea," Tara nearly whispered.  Snape stared at her.  She stared back then looked away.

"Leave her alone please.  She's very gentle," Xander told him.  Others came in.  "Hi, guys.  Do you guys have a clue?"

Horatio walked in and nodded.  "I do have some.  I found a very friendly ghost who helped by explaining things to me after my staff did some paperwork for me then brought me over here."

Mac looked at his.  "Can you do that for mine?"  Horatio smiled and patted him on the shoulder.  "Good to see you again, Horatio.  You met Danny and Stella, right?"

"I did.  Good to see you both again."  He shook their hands.  Horatio took the seat that looked like his staff, looking around.  "How many are we missing?"

"I know one because we popped in there first," Xander said.  Sam was led in.  "There he is.  Harry has two."  He did a visual count.  "Looks like two others?"

The others sat down and looked around.  An officious man in an ugly robe and hat walked in.  "Are we not all here?"  He looked.  "We're missing two."

"I have two," Harry noted.  "We're missing one, Minister Fudge."  He glanced at Snape, who scowled.  He shrugged and turned back around to look at him.  "Which family is missing?"

"Centeres," Horatio said, looking at the back of the seat.  A staff appeared and hung in mid-air.  "No heirs?" he asked it.  He was getting used to talking to inanimate objects.  Mac gave him a funny look for it.  "It seems they're at least partially sentient, Mac."   It laid down in front of the seat.  "Can you find anyone who might be?"  It flashed dully then went pale and crumbled.  "I guess it's without heirs."

"The last one died recently," Snape sighed, looking at the empty spot.  Then at Harry.  "I believe you were there."

"Cedric?" he whispered.  Snape nodded.  "Damn it."

"Indeed," Snape agreed.

"Can we get on with this?" one of the others in wizarding clothes demanded.  "I do run a business."

"Shut up," Harry said.  "We had one of them die last year."  He shut up after staring at him.  He looked at the Minister.  "Now.  I heard what these are for, but I'm sure others haven't.   Can someone please explain the details of what should be going on to those of us who weren't born here or raised here?  I know we didn't cover them in History of Magic."

The Minister spluttered.  "Just because you're you doesn't mean...."

Xander threw a stake at him.  "Shut up."  Sam snickered.  "God, I hate puss suckers like you.  Go away!" he ordered.  "Unless you have one?  I'm sure someone less...political can tell us what's going on."  He huffed.  "Now."  The man pulled his wand.  Xander pulled his gun and shot his wand, splintering it.  "Right the hell now."  He fled the room.  Xander put back his gun then looked at the other two who had come with Harry.  "Do either of you have the name of someone who should be here?"

"I can tell you," Draco admitted calmly.  This head of his house was very forceful and very dumb to show off like that.

"Nice shot," Horatio said.

Xander grinned.  "Thanks."  Horatio pulled his badge.  "I hunt vampires on my hellmouth.  Are you in California?"  He slowly shook his head.  "Then I don't care."

Tara bopped him on the arm.  "Be polite.  Giles would be appalled."

Xander gave her a look.  "Yay.  The staff was about to turn him into ashes."  He looked at the blonde boy.  "Go ahead, Draco.  Please.  I have no clue beyond what the auror told us last night."

Draco nodded, walking into the center of the table, looking at them.  "The staffs you now hold pick the heads of their families.  Families that have been around for centuries.  Ones that founded the present wizarding civilization as we know it."  He cleared his throat.  "I do not know why it went beyond our borders."

"All the inbreeding," Snape said calmly.  "You know very well there is a bit too much going on around here."

"I do," he agreed.  He looked around again.  "As the new heads of these families, you have the responsibility to any remaining family attached to yours to deal with them if they go dark and cause problems.  You also have the right to bother things here in the Ministry."  His father stomped in.  "Father.  This is Xander Harris, he fights with a slayer on the hellmouth.  He holds our family's staff.  He's asked for an explanation."

"The staff would not choose one who does not know."

Xander tossed it at him.  "If it doesn't want you, it'll let you know I'm sure."  The staff lit him on fire.  Tara put him out with Snape following along a second later.  "Any other questions?"  He took it back, noticing it was undamaged.  He looked at Draco.  "Sorry.  Not my choice to use fire."

"No, it will defend itself," Draco agreed calmly.  "That is a sign of your power of office.  Anyone who bothers you is to be taken care of either by the family, by the staff, or by you if you can manage it."

"They activated his magic last night," Tara told him.

He nodded slowly. "It's not unheard of.  The creators of the staffs all said that the people who followed them were to uphold the ideals of the family.  Not that they had to be magical."

"That's good because I'm not," Tony said dryly.

Draco swallowed.  "Each family put into their staff what an ideal head of family should symbolize.  The Founders Council is here to make sure that the Ministry doesn't get off track.  It's a guiding force."

"Do we have congressional like duties?" Sam asked.

Draco looked at him. "Congressional?"

"Our country, for those of us who're american, is run by congress underneath our president.  Like your Houses of Commons and Lords then the Prime Minister."

"We have a Ministry," Draco said slowly.

The other wizard looked at Sam.  "Basically, we can negate some of the laws if we feel they're invalid for some reason.  As I learned about your country, the answer you want is probably somewhere between your congress and Supreme Court.  We are the final authority of law.  If they are invalid, if they are upheld properly.  We do occasionally hear an appeal from the lower courts if the person gets pushy but it's very rare."

Sam nodded at that.  "Okay, that makes more sense.  Are we always in session?  I'm sure at least the one with the badge has a job he has to go to most of the time."

Draco smiled because that he could answer.  "For the first six months, expect to be here.  After that, the Council convenes once a month.  The first six months are so you get used to the way it works, can talk to all the people who want to suck up, all that stuff.  That way you can state your political leanings easier."

"We can take six months I guess," Sam admitted.  "Guys?" he asked the clump of officers.

Tony shook his head. "My boss would scream and the director would never allow it."

"You do what?" Danny asked.

Tony grinned. "Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, NCIS.  I work on Gibbs' team."

Mac chuckled.  "I know Gibbs.  I'll let him know, Tony."

"He'll expect to hear it from me.  You're..."

"Taylor, this is Messer and Bonasera from my crime lab in New York.  The redhead is Horatio Caine from Miami's felony lab."

"Nice to meet you guys.  Must've missed you at conventions."  He looked at the wizards.  "Some of us won't be playing politics.... Draco wasn't it?"  He nodded. "Can we skip that?"

"It'll still be asked even if they are going to annoy you," the other wizard said dryly.  "They did to me.  You find yourself favoring one side or another.  Do watch out for Fudge.  He's an imbecile."  Harry snorted and nodded.  "As he should know.  Mr. Potter, how are you healing?"

"I wasn't that injured but I am grieving for my godfather," he admitted.  "Does this mean we can look into matters like supposed death eaters being sent to jail without a trail?"  Horatio and Draco both gave him horrified looks.

That wizard nodded.  "It would."

"Good.  Because I know very well my godfather wasn't given one.  Or veritassium.  For that matter, one of his supposed victims is still walking around.  I ran into him last year and the year before."

"Not this again," Snape complained.  "He was, Potter."

"Then Hermione should've been able to find a mention of the trial and she couldn't," Harry said, staring him down.  "They found him collapsed, laughing in grief, and sent him that day.  For that matter, I know very well Pettigrew is still alive!  I'm still not insane!  I'm still not lying and you know it too!  So does everyone else after the attack the other night!"  He stood up.  "If you can prove he had a trial, bring it to me and I'll drop it."  He stared his teacher down.  "Unless you can, he didn't."

Mac coughed.  "I'm sensing some undercurrents."

Danny cleared his throat.  "Harry, how is the war going?" he asked calmly.

"They attacked here the other night to get a prophecy," Harry told him.  He flopped back down.  "A few students and I were here.  It was a bad plan, I will admit that, but it was necessary."

"You did what he wanted," Draco snorted.

"How would I know?" he countered hotly.  "No one tells me anything!"

"You didn't know about the prophecy?" Draco asked.  Harry shook his head.  "Everyone else did."

"I didn't know why Quirrel was giving me headaches in my first year either.  All I got told was 'it's nothing, don't worry about the brain splitting, bleeding inducing headaches, Harry'.  Including by your head of house.  Including by the headmaster."

Draco just looked at his head of house.  "He did?"  Snape nodded.  "No one's training him?  Father expected him to be trained by now."  Harry and Snape both shook their heads.

"He won't listen to me when I try," Snape told him.

"Why would I listen to someone who hates me for what my father did?" Harry demanded.  He gave him a look.  "Would you if you were me?"

"I would find the knowledge useful."

"I would too but attacking me does nothing to teach me, Professor Snape."  Xander patted him on the arm. "This isn't the place for this."  He looked at the other wizards.  "What else do we do?"

"That's mostly it," Draco said, staring at him.  "You really don't...."  Harry shook his head.  "How in the bloody hell does the old coot expect you to win for his side?"

Harry shrugged. "We've managed so far by getting around him and McGonagall, plus your head of house.  Thank Hermione."

"I'm sure someone will," he muttered.

"Which would piss me off greatly," Harry assured him dryly.  "And then I'd attack back."

Draco just nodded.  "With what?  A jelly legs curse?"

"I'm sure we could find something in the library."

Xander raised a hand slowly.  "I'll gladly ask Spike if he knows what would help him.  I'm thinking the nasty vampire with the morning 'tude could help.  Yeah?" he asked Tara, who nodded.

"Vampires are real?" Stella asked.  The other wizard gave him an odd look as well.  "Can you prove it?"

Xander looked at his staff.  "Can we get a vamp here?"  One appeared, not one he knew.  He looked around then vamped out and tried to eat Draco until Tara floated a stake over to get him.  Then she swatted Xander.  "Sorry.  Meant for one of the harmless ones we know, people.  He was probably closer to something."

"Used to work on the third floor," the other wizard said.  "Where are you from again?"

Xander beamed. "Sunnydale.  All my life."

"It's probably the magic going oddly around your staff," Sam told him.

"Could be," Xander said, looking at Tara, who shrugged.  "We'll figure it out."  Draco was still giving him a horrified look.  He grinned back.  "We do that nightly.  Wanna come home with me to explain this to Buffy and Giles?  I won't let Willow pester you."

"No, thank you.  I don't think I need to run into more vampires," he decided, regaining his composure.  The head of his house was powerful and slightly insane.  His founders wanted strange things in their family.  Though that might explain his father and his house elf torturing issue.  He frowned then cleared it up.  "Is there anything in front of the board presently?" he asked the wizard who had been here.

He shrugged.  "Not really.  Do we have anything beyond Mr. Potter's suggestion?"

"The death of the other member," Horatio said.  "What happened?"

"Voldemort took us with a portkey and had him killed because we came together," Harry said.  "He's the bad guy before you have to ask.  Doing a pureblood stomp through the world to clean it out."

"We deal with that?" Stella asked Draco and the other wizard.

"You can make a resolution and have the ministry take it up," Draco offered, looking at the other one, who nodded him to sit down.  He did that gratefully.

"We can bring a resolution saying that the Ministry will not fall to the Dark, no matter what, and we will not allow Death Eaters to work here so that they may not help their cause by destroying us from the inside."  He pulled out a parchment and handed it around to her.  "That's the one I drafted.  Lucius did not like it.  He was the ball of flame his new head of house made."

"Ah.  The gay hair one," Sam said dryly.  He looked at Draco.  "Is he always such a flaming queen?  Not that I have a problem with it or them but just wanted to know."  Snape covered his smile with a cough.

Draco nodded.  "He can be now and then.  Then again we're one of the richest, more pure families in Britain these days."

Xander looked at him.  "I'm sure that's why I was chosen?"

"I have no idea why you were chosen," he admitted, looking grim.  "Do expect him to retaliate though."

"Sure, if he gets through Buffy, I'll kick his ass," Xander agreed.   Fudge stormed in with aurors.  "Oh, hey, the nice guy from last night.  Did it get fixed?"

"It did, Mr. Harris.  Thank you for asking.  Malfoy, Snape, what are you doing here?"

"My staff said to bring them," Harry said.  That just got a nod.  "Both of them."

"Both of them," the head auror mouthed.  "Which ones?"

"The Potter and the Black ones."  He let him see.

"You can't hold the Black one, you're not an heir," Fudge sneered.

Snape coughed.  "Unless Sirius named him his only true heir," he corrected in his usual near hiss.  "That would get him past that qualification.  Only the goblins can say that however."

"Being sentenced to prison would've removed him from the linage," Fudge sneered.

"Only if he had a trial," Draco said.  That did hold up Potter's accusation.  Fudge gasped and backed away from him.  "Was there one?  If so it should've picked someone else.  My mum, my insane aunt, one of them."

Xander pulled out something.  "The nice auror person handed me that, Draco.  It's how they found me on the family tree."

He unrolled it to look at, tapping a dot.  "No, it says under Sirius' entry that he's actually alive."

"He went through the veil after being stunned," Harry said quietly.  "By your insane aunt.  He's alive but unretrievable according to the sources Hermione found."

Draco looked at him then pointed at another dot.  "Potter is listed on here.  His entry says that he was made an heir and bled into upon his blessing to be made a true heir of the Black family."  He let Harry see that.  "That's how it was done."

Harry nodded, handing it back.  "Why are they on the Malfoy one?"

"Inbreeding," Sam told him.  "Like was said earlier."

Draco nodded.  "Only so many good families to go around.  You are?"

"Sam Winchester.  I basically do what Xander does only my brother, father, and I do it around the country instead of in one spot."

"I'm basically a cop for the Navy and Marines," Tony said.  "Horatio, Mac, Danny, and Stella are all officers who do forensics."

"I'm a student," Harry said.  The others all looked at each other and groaned.  This was going to be a problem.  "Why didn't the staff want Dumbledore here?"

"I knew I should have him removed," Fudge muttered.

"Can we please kick him out?" Draco whispered to Snape.

Harry looked at him.  "I do believe Mr. Malfoy's right.  Do we really need Minister Fudge here for this?" he asked the experienced member.  He shook his head.  "Then can we agree to do this together so we get to know each other for now?"

"Those staffs are Ministry property and you stole them," Fudge announced.

Harry snorted. "How did I get here from Scotland in the middle of the night in my pajamas without my broom since your torturer still has it locked up, break into a part of the Ministry I didn't know existed, walk them out of here, and then make it home to wake up Ron Weasley and McGonagall at three this bloody morning?" he demanded. "You can verify the time if you want.  About a half hour later, McGonagall woke up Arthur Weasley to ask him if he knew that they were out."  Fudge stormed off.  He muttered something under his breath.  He looked at Draco.  "Does your father like him for his begging or other skills?  I've wanted to ask for a while now."

"His flattering nature," Draco said blandly, giving him a look.  "He does what he wants without fail."

"Obviously."  He looked at the aurors.  "Do you need to speak to the board?"

"No, Mr. Potter.  We do need to speak to you about the other night.  We'd like a better account."

"Ask Ron."

"We have.  We need your statement now," the head auror said calmly.

"Can I tell Tonks?  I trust her."

He nodded.  "We can do that later in my office, young man.  Come to us when you're done."

"I can do that.  Thank you."  They left and he locked the door with a charm.  "Sorry, headache."  He rubbed his head.  "Not the scar," he said at the panicking looks.  "Just a headache."  He looked at the others.  "Who's officially in charge of the board?  The one who sets agendas and things?"

"Lucius," the experienced member said.  "Which would mean Mr. Harris would inherit it I suppose."

"Don't want it," Xander announced.  "You know what you're doing so can we lean on you for that?"

"I can see that," he agreed.  "I will try not to be too political.  I'm definitely not a Dark Lord supporter and I'll take veritassium to prove it."

Snape nodded. "If necessary I can procure and administer some."

"Does anyone disagree?" Mac asked.  No one said anything.  "Then we can consider it carried?"  That got a mass nod.  "All right then.  We'll let you lead.  Is there a term for elections?"

"We usually voted once a year.  With the staffs being gone and so many people being wiped out with the last few Dark Lords, we've been down to a few of us," the new head of the Council admitted.  That got a nod.  "Since I've got a proposal open, can we vote on the statement I asked about earlier?"  They all took it to read over.  "Does anyone not like the wording?"

"It sounds like we're all very stiff," Sam told him.

Harry looked at him.  "Most of the wizarding world lives on Victorian values," he told him.  "Except in girls' school uniforms, which are pretty modern.  Plus we have running water in the school and most houses."

"Then I don't have a problem," Sam agreed.  "I refuse to support evil."

"Anyone against?" the chair asked.

"I didn't like the fourth sentence," Stella said.  "It sounded awkward."

He looked it over.  "How would you rather put it?"  She pulled out a pen and drafted it, letting the others see it.  He nodded.  "That does sound better and more concrete."  He smiled.  "Anyone disagree?"  No one said anything.  "We're all for it then?"   Everyone nodded.  "Good, then it's passed and I'll pass it on later to the Prophet and those it should go to.  What next?  We'd usually have a formal schedule set up."

"What about the missing member's death?" Horatio asked.  "Should we look into that since I'm sensing that no one did?"

"They all said I lied," Harry told him.

"Of course they did.  It stripped their power," Danny said with a small grin.  "As an American in the same world, we've heard some really bad crap about the Ministry and their policies.  Should we look at those?"

"Yes," Snape said.  "Please.  There's contradictory ones, there's ancient ones that were never repealed.  There's ones that will put any teacher in jail for educating any muggle born wizard and kill us for educating any female witch of any sort of birth."  Draco looked at him.  "It's still on the books, even if it's not upheld.  Umbridge's inquisition board was acceptable under some very old rules."

Harry rubbed his arm.  "I wouldn't oppose that but I know that the law book is very large thanks to Hermione looking in it.  She didn't like the mandatory marriage clause for witches of a certain power level.  She said she tested in that level and the law stated she'd have to marry a pureblood to hype the bloodlines."

Draco shuddered.  "That's barbaric to make us marry a muggle born or mudblood," he complained.

"Please use nicer language," the chair of the board snapped.  "Some of the board are muggle, Mr. Malfoy."

"Not my fault the staffs went nutters."

"Still, it is impolite," he said, staring him down.  Draco nodded he wouldn't do it again. "Thank you."  He looked at the others.  "Are there any other suggestions?  I would like to hear a report from the people looking for the Dark Lord about how it's going.  I'm sure Mr. Potter would like that information too."

"I would," Harry agreed.  "Because I don't think anyone is."

They all moaned. Xander patted him on the back.  "If we have to, we'll track him down and shoot him, Harry."  That got a smile and a nod.  He looked around.  "Are there any other suggestions?"  No one said anything.  "Good because that sounds like a lot of work to do right now."

That got a nod from Sam.  "A lot of reading too.  Are we gathering anywhere or do we hold meetings here?  It doesn't seem that secure."

"It puts people in a panic if we're not in the open," the chair said.  "That's why we meet here.  We have held informal gatherings in the past.  Most of you do have houses I would assume."  Tony shook his head.  "You do have one but it's fairly run down.  You haven't had family living there since the bombings during the last world war."

"So I was told by Rudy.  He also said the Ministry confiscated the family's funds?"

That got a slow nod from the Chair.  "We will look into that first.  Then we'll get the rest settled.  That should take us a few days.  Then you can meet with other members in case we need a proxy voter while you're at your normal employments?"

"That sounds reasonable," Mac agreed.

"Then we'll break for a long lunch, say until one?  At that time we can get a goblin in here to explain those things to you all.  During that time, you can go to Ollivander's to get fitted for wands, for those who need them.  For those who don't we'll have an accurate count.  It will be locked up and kept as confidential," the Chair assured them.  "Mr. Potter can give his statement during that time as well."  They all nodded.  "Good."

"Any idea where the nearest cellphone tower is?" Tony asked.

"Believe it or not, there is one that carries into Diagon," the Chair said with a smile.  "I've heard a muggle born student telling her mother that recently.  That way you can reassure your director or whoever that you're all right."  That got a nod from a lot of them.  "Professor, Mr. Malfoy, can we trust your discretion and helpful natures to get them into Diagon, into Ollivander's, and then back here by one o'clock?"

Draco nodded.  "You may.  Is my head of house going?"

Xander pulled his wand.  "I wanted to talk to him again anyway.  He said he wasn't sure if he could shield mine against whatever makes magic go funky around me."

"Funky.  That's a word I haven't heard in a few decades," Mac teased.

Xander smirked.  "What goes around comes around, even fashions and words.  Look at bellbottoms.  They came back again and they're hugly ugly."

Horatio nodded. "That they were," he agreed.  "I did have a question.  How would those of us who are getting a wand educate ourselves in the usage?"

"You could take some private lessons," Draco told him.  "Hire a tutor."

"One of the other schools may offer remedial tutoring as well," Snape offered.  "I do know that Hogwarts does not.  There are many former teachers who are unemployed however."

"Including one I know," Harry said quietly.  Snape looked at him.  "That would be a suitable job, right?"  That got a nod but a heated look.  "If they want to talk to him I'll bring him there."  He looked at the Chair.  "Are we broken up until lunch then?"

"Anyone disagree?"  No one said anything.  "Then let's do that while I call Gringotts."  They filed out together, Snape leading the way while Draco talked to Xander with Tara guarding him at the rear of the pack.  That was going to be an explosive confrontation.  The Malfoys and Mr. Harris were nothing alike.

***

Tony walked into the local NCIS office, showing off his ID.  "Gibbs and the Director wanted me to call on the comm. system," he told the local head agent.  "I got taken by something so I could attend some important meetings."

"We can let you borrow ours," he said with an Irish accent, leading him that way.  "Clear the room, we're calling DC."  They all cleared after it was dialed.  "Have a good shouting match, DiNozzo."

"Thanks.  I'll try to keep the volume down."  He put on the headset and stood there while Gibbs was gotten on his end, waving at the director.  "Ma'am."  He looked at Gibbs.  "Yes, the glowing thing did it, boss," he said when he appeared.  "I need to take some emergency family leave to handle things.  Apparently it named me the head of my family and there's things like a government official who stole the family's money."

Gibbs gave him an odd look.  "I want a better explanation, DiNozzo."

"I'd love to give you one, boss, but I was informed I could not let all the information I now have out into the open.  Telling you is one thing.  Telling everyone there and the director is another.   I'm told I can have you brought over for a bit.  I could actually probably use the backup since the first government official I met today was a slimy toad, nearly literally, and he tried to have me arrested for it showing up last night on its own.  They had taken it into custody as well to keep it from doing its job."

"What are you talking about, DiNozzo?" the director complained.  "You don't need to use code.  We are on a secure line."

He gave her a look.  "I'm not allowed to tell you everything, Director.  There's lives in jeopardy.  Including some of my family's and mine now that I know."  She stepped back.  He looked at Gibbs again.  "I can tell you that I'm not the only person pulled into this.  Four CSI are also here with me, pulled in by the same manner.  I might have a list of names if you wanted to do a background for me," he asked hopefully, grinning some.

"That bad?" Gibbs asked calmly.

Tony stepped closer to the camera.  "Gibbs, the slimy toad tried to have us arrested because we got called into this without knowing why.  There's accusations of the same slimy toad putting people in prison without a trial, for life, because it was *assumed* they had done something.  There's also a manhunt going on for a person trying to wipe out a lot of people and I'm in the way of that too.  None of the others called, but there's former members who were causing another of us trouble too.  It got bad enough that another of those called pulled a gun on someone earlier to make him go away."

Gibbs considered it.  "That would count as a family emergency."  The director stared at him.  "His family called him for the emergency to help out.  They're going to be killed.  That's an emergency."  He looked at DiNozzo again.  "I want full disclosure, DiNozzo.  Tonight."

"I'll try to have someone get you here, boss."

"I still need *him* here," the director sneered.

He stared at her.  "We have officers here who aren't even trying to stop the person starting to commit genocide because their boss is the slimy official and he said so," he shot back.  "I could use him more, Director."  She stepped back at that.  "There's possibly in the thousands of lives that could be saved if we can get this settled."  He looked at Gibbs again.  "Want to transfer to London, boss?  I'm told I have a townhouse somewhere nearby if the government hasn't claimed it too."

"We'll see if you need that much help.  You will call me from a secure landline tonight at nineteen hundred hours your time, DiNozzo.  Am I clear?"  Tony nodded.  "If I like your problem you can have leave."

"Sure, boss.  Thank you."  He hung up and put up the equipment, walking out.  "Thanks, guys."  He headed back to the pub he had been told to go to earlier, putting his new charm bracelet against the discolored brick.  The doorway opened and he walked in, finding his escort there.  "Professor.  I wanted to ask a question on the walk back to the meeting area.  Is there a way to get my boss over here?  I think he can help some things and he wanted full disclosure or else I was going to be fired.  That way if they had to they could do the same thing they did to the redhead who showed up to bug Tara earlier."

He considered it.  "It is a long portkey."

"He said he wanted to talk to me at seven, our time."

Snape nodded.  "Easy enough to do by then.  We can call someone over in the Ministry there and have them deliver it."  That got a smile and a nod.  "What do you know of Harris?"

"Not a thing but the boss and I do excellent background checks," he offered, holing the door open for him.  That got a nod of thanks.  "I don't deal with the strange stuff.  Never heard of him, his town, Sam, any of it."

"Interesting."

"It's one of those underground things.  The closest I get is one girl who lives a goth lifestyle."  Snape gave him an odd look.  "You'd have to meet Abby.  I can't describe it."  That got another nod and they walked into the meeting area.  "We're back."  They all waved.  "Are we set?"  He looked.  "Xander and Tara?"

"Tara needed to look at something in one of the shops," Danny told him with a grin.

"How's Gibbs taking it?" Mac asked.

"He said we're talking at nineteen hundred hours or else," Tony admitted.  That got a knowing look.  "Snape said he might be able to get him here so we can do this in person and they can do whatever thing they did to the redhead if they need to."

"He's stubborn," Mac warned Snape.  "Extremely stubborn.  I was a Marine too and I couldn't out-stubborn him."

"He eats other agents and makes them go away," Tony assured him.  "Even the FBI leaves him alone."

"I need that skill," Horatio said dryly.  Something small in a business suit, including vest, walked in, making him frown.  "Is that a goblin?"  Danny nodded.

Mac looked at him. "I've been meaning to ask you how long you've known about this stuff."

"I went ta school for it," he said with a grin.  "We start at eleven, just like over here."

"So you're like Draco then?" Horatio clarified.  Danny nodded.  "All right.  Can you teach those two what you know?"

"Some.  I don't keep in great practice.  There's not much need and I can't use it on the job."  He looked at the goblin.  "The last one of us will be late.  The witch with him needed to help heal a plant in the herbologist's store."

"I can tell him later."  He looked at Tony. "Let's start with you since you're the easiest."

"I was told the Ministry confiscated all the family money and the family home."

"Indeed.  Illegally but they do make the rules."

"That'll be fixed," Mac told him.  The goblin smirked at him.  "Tony's an officer of the law, the same as the four of us are."

"Interesting."  He opened a book.  "This is the current challenge.  It was refiled this morning.  The judge said it could not be filed without a properly chosen head of the family.  When it was pointed out why one couldn't be chosen he instructed the Ministry to let it go long enough for that.  They have not complied and the judge had a brooming accident before they could be fined.  It was refiled this morning.  It will be heard next week.  Our courts aren't that overcrowded on that side."  Tony nodded.  "Beyond that, the family has these three dwellings."

Tony leaned on the table to look.  "Are they being lived in?"  That got a nod.  "Then I'll make a call to find suitable housing for myself while I'm here.  How long should the hearing take?"

"A few hours.  Our judges are not going to let it be drawn out.  The judge that claimed the case is already very unpleased with the Ministry."  That got a nod.  "That is as it stands.  Should they give it back, it should be with interest, which means you'd have this much after you pay the attorney."

Tony nodded slowly.  "Can you access my accounts at home for me?"  That got a simple nod.  "Because I do have funds.  Are there any suitable houses nearby?  At least two bedrooms, furnished if possible."

"There are.  We do keep a real estate listing as well, Mr. DiNozzo."

"Good."  He wrote down something.  "I'll be down there later tonight.  After I talk to my boss.  This is my accountant's name and number in DC.  He has all my account information, including numbers and which bank it's in.  Can you work with him?"

"We can."

"Thank you."  He handed it over.  "I'll be there soon."

"I had planned for us to do this, then let you go arrange for those things tonight," the Chair offered.  "You could go arrange that now and have the auror with you when you talked to your supervisor."  Tony nodded, heading out to deal with that while another goblin came in to deal with the others.  "Thank you for your patience."

"This is a very critical thing," the goblin assured him.  He moved to Danny, looking at his staff, pulling out a thicker book.  "This is your family's assets.  They have not been claimed in a while."

"I noticed the house was pretty dusty.  No other heirs?"  The goblin shook his head.  "Gotta work on that then."  He went over it all.

***

Xander walked into the bank with Tara behind him, smiling at the goblin who rushed out to meet him when he spotted them.  "I'm sorry I'm late for the other meeting."

"We needed to speak more privately anyway.  Yours is the only family that still has a lot of active account activity, Mr. Harris."  He led him into his office.   "Did Master Malfoy come with you?"

"Draco went back to school."  That got a nod.  "So I'm told around the alleyway full of stores that's highly improbably by the laws of physics as I know them that Lucius is a supreme bad guy?"

The goblin looked at him.  "What do you do beyond hunting demons?"

"I work construction."

He sighed.  "Lucius is the Dark Lord's right hand," he said quietly.  "He is also taking out the family's money at an alarming rate."

"Define alarming," Xander said.

"In the last three months he has removed a tenth of the family's assets."  He pulled out the sheet that listed them all.  "That is a basic summary of the last few months' activity."

Xander looked at it then sighed.  "It looks like he's funding something huge."

"That could be.  We have no definite proof."

Xander considered it then looked at him.  "What about an allowance system?"  The goblin looked stunned.  "What's a fair amount for someone in their level to need to spend?"

"A hundred a month is more than reasonable," he told him, liking this one.

"Which would be the easiest way to do that?  Change the locks on the vaults?  Do a drop vault?  Send it to them directly?"

"By a drop vault you mean a separate vault that they can only draw out the required funds from?"  Xander nodded.  "That would be more difficult.  It would be easier to send it to them directly each month."

"Then let's do that and change the locks on the vaults.  Will that cause a lot of expense?"  The goblin shook his head.  "How about auditing the household expenses?"

"Three galleons a month.  You don't want to include the household expenses in that hundred?"

"I don't think that's fair.  The household expenses - shelter, food, staff paychecks, utility payments, those things - can come out directly?"

"That's most reasonable and easily audited."

"Then let's do it that way.  Put me on for fifty."

The goblin nodded.  "That is most reasonable."  He drafted the paperwork, letting him look it over.  "There must be a penalty clause or else they would ignore it."

"They won't be able to get into the vaults and if they do, they're penniless and evicted from the family's estate," Xander said simply.  That got a nod and it was fixed.  He signed it.  Tara signed it as a witness.  The goblin signed it then went to send off official copies to the families.  Along with their first months' allowance.  The goblin came back. "Is there a family home that's safe from Lucius so Tara doesn't have to live in fear of them?"

"The local condo is quite nice."  He gave him keys and directions.  "We can make sure that the shields and spells will keep out anyone but you two.  Even that redhead from earlier."  That got a nod and a smile from Tara.  "Then let us go do that.  Let me get a curse breaker."  He went to do that, leading them to the condo the family owned.  It was spacious, had minimal furniture, smelled like it had been used as a brothel, but it would do for now and it was safer.

***

Tony looked up from his sandwich as Gibbs appeared, looking startled at the paper in his hand.  "Hey, boss.  How was the trip?"

"What was that?" Gibbs demanded.

"I'm told it's a portkey.  That way we could talk in absolute privacy without the director trying to listen in."  He ate another bite then pushed over the second plate.  "Nibble if you want, boss.  It'll turn your stomach."

"That bad?"  Tony handed over a folder.  "Start from the top."

"The staff thingy is a magical artifact that picks the head of the family.  It picked me even though I have little or no magic."  He leaned back, looking at his boss.  "That's the current situation over here.  Their hero and savior is fifteen, boss," he said quietly.  "I feel sorry for the kid.  They're not teaching him anything.  The officials aren't doing anything.  The Dark Lord is going around killing people without pure bloodlines.  He came back from the dead to do this a second time.  He was defeated before.  The kid just found a prophecy stating it was him or the dead guy."

"Hold on," he said, holding up a hand.  "Magic?"  Tony nodded, pointing at the portkey.  "Some agent came up and gave it to me, said it'd help me get to you.  Where am I?"

"London."

Gibbs got up to look out the window, then stared at him.  "How in the hell, DiNozzo?"

"Portkey, boss.  The same as the staff did to me last night.  I got you ham and swiss, no mayo."  Gibbs came back to sit down and eat while he read over the information.  "You'll be proud to know that there's four CSI, two demon hunters, and the kid on the board with me now.  The Ministry had been keeping the staffs locked up so they couldn't name new family heads.  That way no one could oppose them.  It was going on for at least a generation but the latest guy is on a power rip."

"Bad?"

"The grand canyon has nothing on this guy's need for power, boss."  He shifted, glancing out the window then at him.  "He told the kid that he had lied, that he hadn't been there when the bad guy was brought back to life, hadn't fought him, hadn't seen another student die from the same guy, and then let a grand high inquisitor into the school to torture him for supposedly lying."

Gibbs looked over the edge of the folder at him.  "Would you stepping in solve it faster?"

"I think me stepping in will help a lot.  I have Taylor on the board with me.  Two of his CSI.  Caine from Miami too."  That got a smirk and a nod.  "I still want to see you run over the aurors to make sure they're doing their job.  The slimy guy in control is keeping them from it.  They can't sneeze without his permission as it stands.  Horatio's on a trip against him too.  He had the last of his family locked up in an asylum because he was having visions."

"They're real?"

"Apparently.  The guy had one saying the bad guy would be back so he got put into a hole."

Gibbs finished reading, looking over at his senior agent.  "Is this long term?"

"Once we get things set up, I can cut back to one meeting a month.  It'll take some time to get it set up."

Gibbs considered it then nodded.  "I can let you do that.  How are they on technology?"

"Even worse than you are with technology."  Tony gave him a look.  "They use quills, boss."

"Excuse me?"

"Yeah.  Most homes don't have electric heat or lights.  They do have running water.  The school uses quills.  The Ministry uses quills.  They're very Victorian for the most part.  But the girls at the school have to wear normal school uniforms, complete with short skirts."

Gibbs shook his head.  "You're going to go nuts."

"Yup.  Then again, this is still London, boss," he said with a grin.  "I'm sure I can find a pretty girl or two to date."

"Probably."  He ate a bite of his sandwich then looked at it then him.  "Ham?"

"They said it was ham.  Tasted like ham."  He looked.  "That's ham."

"It's sweet."

"It's maple ham."

Gibbs shook his head and ate it anyway.  "The others?"

"Are settling in, meeting with their families, that stuff.  I've got to go to court over mine."

Gibbs nodded.  "Good luck."

"The Ministry wouldn't let the staff out to pick a new head even though the last judge said so; he had an accident before he could enforce it.  Harris literally shot at the Minister earlier when he tried to squash things.  Broke his wand."

"What does he do?"

"He's a demon hunter."

Gibbs shook his head at that.  "Demon hunter?"

Tony nodded.  "Did you know there was recently a government project to harness demons in combat?"  Gibbs moaned.  "Xander and his people took them down, boss.  Can I get you to do a background for me?  I can go check my email at a few places."

"I'll do that.  List?"  Tony handed one over with the portkey.  "It's a fun ride but I'm not one for roller coasters."

"Sorry, boss, but it's a long plane ride and I can't do it any other way."  Gibbs disappeared.  Tony stretched out, thinking hard.  This was a royal mess.  Even the royal family couldn't get into a mess like this.  Even cheerleaders in horror movies couldn't get into a mess like this.

***

Sam walked in and found two older women, an auror, and his brother in ropes.  "Let my brother go."  The auror banished the ropes.  "Sorry, Dean."  He smiled at the older ladies.  "I was told we had two maiden great-aunts.  I'm Sam, this is Dean if he didn't get a chance to introduce himself."

One of them sneered at him.  "What gives you the right to barge in here?"  He pulled out the staff and it enlarged.  She backed up at that.  "That was lost ages ago!"

"The Ministry had them," Sam said dryly.  Both aunts and Dean stared at him.  "Our father's still alive too.  We were going to call him over for a vacation when things calmed down again.  Would that be all right?"

"Which side are we related on?" Dean asked.

"Mom's."  He grinned at him.  "Mom was their niece."

"You're Mary's boys?" the other said.  Sam and Dean both nodded.  "Hmm.  Fine."  She looked at the auror.  "Thank you, dear."

Sam stopped him from moving.  "I want you to tell Dean everything we know about this Dark Lord bastard.  We fight and hunt demons for a living," he said at the opening mouth.  "We're both excellent at weapons, defense, and hunting.  We might be able to help some if you let us know what's going on."

The auror looked at him.  "I'd need permission, sir."

"That's fine, we'll come ask your boss tomorrow then.  Let him know?"  That got a nod and he left.

Dean frowned.  "He went through the fireplace?"

"It's something called a floo.  You can talk and travel through it," Sam said with a grin.  "It sounds like a neat ride."

Dean just nodded, pinching himself.  "Damn, must be suppressed or in a coma again," he muttered.  Sam popped him one on the shoulder. "Hey!  Bitch!"

"Oh, shut up, jerk.  We're here, it's going to take a while, call Dad.  Let him know we're at Mom's family house and we might be needing some backup.  There's an asshole committing genocide against everyone, including a school full of kids."

Dean glared.  "Presently?"

"Planning and gaining strength.  Did the last time and someone brought him back from his last death."

"Think we can cancel the resurrection?"

"I got a full account from Harry about the ritual used, what ingredients, how he died the first time, though there's some debate there.  I also bought two books that the bookstore said are factual about him."  He handed over his backpack.  "Don't touch the wand. We're seeing if you need one tomorrow."  He looked at the aunts.  "Tonight I thought we'd talk a bit.  Since we had no idea you existed."

"Your mother didn't tell you?" the first aunt sneered.

"She died when I was six-months-old, kinda hard to," Sam shot back without heat.  They both gasped, holding hands.  "So we'd like to get to know the other side of the family.  The goblin said there were only you two.  Was he right?"  He led them back to the kitchen.  Dean would bring in what they'd need for research in awhile while he and the aunts cooked dinner.

Dean found their cellphone, looking at it.  "Hey, a signal," he said, smiling at it.  He dialed the number that went to their father's phone, ignoring the voicemail message.  "Dad, Dean.  Sammy and I are kinda in deep shit.  We're with Mom's aunts in England or somewhere.  Sammy just got named the head of the family.  There's a resurrected bad guy who wants to kill kids and a lot of others who's going to be coming for us soon.  Sammy's got a wand now too so apparently we're both going to be doing magic.  I have a signal here at the house so call."  He hung up and went into the kitchen to look over the rite that had been done.  They'd seen it before so they knew how to counter it if they got close enough.  "Who's this other note on?" he asked, pointing at it.

Sam looked then grinned. "The guy from last night added that.  Rosenburg showed up.  They erased her memory and sent her home but that was her suggestion."

"That book's protection rites, not offensive stuff," he complained.

"Someone's got to protect others," Sam pointed out.  "Even if we do go hunt the bastard down."  The phone rang.  "That was quick."  It could only be one person or a problem.  A problem they'd pass on but their father they'd have to deal with.

Dean answered it.  "Hey, Dad."  He listened to his tense voice complain.  "No, we haven't been drugged.  We're in England somewhere with two of Mom's aunts.  Sam's the new head of the family on that side.  There's an undead ghoul who's been fully given his old body and powers back so he can go torture and kill others, including a school in the way."

"Their hero's a fifteen-year-old boy who has not a clue what he's doing because no one teaches him anything," Sam said next to the phone.  "Hey, Dad.  England's pretty, what I've seen of it.  Even if the officials are slimy.  I nearly helped Xander shoot one earlier."

Dean looked at him.  "That's why I told you to go unarmed this time."  His father complained about that.  "Yeah, that's what we're in the middle of, Dad.  It'll be a while before we get back there."

"They're thinking months," Sam agreed.  He looked at the aunts. "If you wanted and it was okay, we could move to the house in the suburbs of London.  That way Dean could drive around and I'd be closer for stuff.  That way we didn't bore you or make you uncomfortable."

One patted his cheek.  "Quit being so stupid, Samuel, and shut up.  We're bored out here all by ourselves.  We're also formidable witches in our own right.  We'll be teaching you and Dean how to use your wands."  She handed him the salt.  "Add some please."  He did that then tested it, nodding that it was good.

Dean smirked at his father's continued complaining.  "Hey, we can always do it on our own, Dad.  You know that.  Us, Harris from Sunnydale and Buffy's crew.  The hero kid.  If not, let us know."  He hung up and went back to reading.  "He's down to whining.  He'll call back tomorrow.  I got the car off the front lawn earlier."

"Any damage?"

"No.  She's solid."  He held up something.  "Tell me that doesn't say they killed another kid because he came too?"

"Can't do that.  He was supposed to sit on the board with us," Sam said dryly.  "Last of his family line.  His parents supposedly had a home fire right after he died.  Right after they filed a suit against the Ministry."

"Charming."  He went back to reading, nodding some at what he saw.  "If we can get close enough we can counter it."

"That's the current plan."

"Decent.  We'll get with Harris and the others tomorrow to work on it."

"Want to help me go over the law book tonight?"

"Must I?" Dean complained, taking his bowl of soup to start dinner with.  "Thank you, Aunt."

"You're welcome, Dean."  She pinched him on the cheek and served the others.  "Law books?"

"Did you know there was a law saying that any child who manifested after the age of eleven was to be put to death?" Sam asked.  They both shook their heads.  "That way they couldn't out the community.  It was never repealed and has been used in the last hundred years; about eighty ago if I heard right.  Of course it was restated in another law that was last enacted twenty years ago."  Dean moaned, shaking his head.  Sammy pulled out the law codes and put them on the table, showing that it was a thick, heavy book.  "The legal system here.  It says you can kill as long as it's in self defense, the person is wearing purple spots, and/or they have made you polka dotted.  But if you do it without your wand, even to protect your own life, it's an automatic death penalty offense and it is to be considered premeditated murder because you didn't use your wand to try to get away with it.  As written by the present Minister for Magic.  The cops on the panel turned to the first page and nearly moaned in misery."

"Cops?" Dean asked.

"Four CSI, one federal agent, Harris, me, and the present hero and savior of the wizarding world, who is fifteen, plus a few older ones that had been there before.  He's expected to kill the bad guy yet again even though no one's been giving him decent lessons in how to do that.  He takes up two seats."

Dean looked at him, shaking his head slowly.  "He's fifteen and fighting?"

"Few days back he had to lead a small group of students to defeat some Death Eaters breaking into the Ministry.  He lost his godfather, hence his second seat," he said more quietly.  "And today one of his more minor enemies learned that he's not getting extra lessons.  He was horrified and pointed out that the bad guy would expect him to have them."

"Charming."

"But Harris is his new head of the family.  His staff burned the enemy's father."

"Good to know."

"The kid needs help.  Think we could get Dad to take him under his wing?"

Dean spluttered, choking on his soup.  "You tell Dad, maybe he would."

Sammy grinned. "I called earlier."

"Oh, good."  He ate another bite of his soup.  "Any other good news?"

"The agent had to tell his boss.  The aurors went to watch him, make sure they didn't have to erase his memories too.  The cops and he want to step in.  Xander wants to step in.  I want us to step in.  I think between us, we might have a good shot at getting the bastard dead in a permanent manner this time.  Oh, and we really do need to see if Dad will step in.  Harry has normal people relatives who like cupboards for his room."

"Like the things that hold cups?" one aunt asked.

"Like the thing under the stairs where you put old clothes," Sam told her.  She shook her head.  He nodded.  "Harry was muttering about that being nearly as bad as the law code."

"No, his aunt and uncle might be muggle but they appreciate him and tell him all the time how great he is."

Sam burst out laughing.  "No they don't.  We've seen some kids who've been badly abused and he ranks right up there on the scale we've seen.   Someone attacked Harry in the alley earlier and he ended up shirtless.  He has more scars than we do combined from demon hunting our *whole* lives."  Dean stared at him.  "If not, can we adopt a fifteen-year-old boy?"

"If we have to stay for a while I don't see why he can't stay with us," Dean agreed.  "Where's school?"

"Boarding school in Scotland."

Dean shrugged.  "Then I don't mind if it's for breaks and things.  The kid okay?"

"He ended up having to hex the person.  His professor stared in horror as he did it.  Malfoy giggled insanely when the guy fell due to a few lesser hexes.  Probably stuff he learned as a younger student.  Then Harry had to get some new clothes.  The others were dissolved.  The seamstress tutted and helped him get his student robe back into shape but otherwise he had to buy all new clothes.  Ones that fit."

Dean nodded.  "Yeah, we can manage that.  Dad'll like having a new son.  What did Harris say?"

"He leaned over to Harry earlier and offered to go find his relatives for him if he wanted.  That way they would be leaving him alone.  Threatened to have Rosenburg adopt him.  She is a very bouncy, hyper, babbling witch.  Tara's her girlfriend, not Xander's."

"Dad might like that then."  He heard a thump outside.  "That had better not be on my car," he said, getting up to look.  He opened the door and stared at the man standing there.  "You didn't touch the car, right, Dad?"

"No, I didn't touch the car," he muttered, walking inside.  "How did I get here?"  He handed Sam something.  "I think that's yours."

Sammy looked at his staff.  "Thanks for getting Dad for us, Staff."  It shrank so he put it in his pocket.  Where he thought it had been.  "Hey, Dad.  We're doing dinner.  Want some soup?  Have you met the aunts yet?"

John nodded politely.  "Ma'ams.  I did meet you at the wedding."  He got his own bowl and sat down with them to eat.  Dean passed over the information sheet.  "From what source?"

"The kid they captured and bled.  Who needs to be adopted," Sam told him.  "He's fifteen."

John grunted in displeasure at that, going back to his reading.  Then he put it down and finished his soup, looking at his sons.  "How bad is it?"

"They're brave enough to break into the Ministry," Sam told him.  "The same kid led some other students to fight them there.  The adults joined in once they got there.  Speaking of, the Ministry's security is still horrible, even after an attack.  I got lost earlier by accident and ran into a room where they're testing stuff and another one where they were torturing someone.  Literally.  We're working on the law codes next."  He patted the book.

John shook his head and sighed.  "That's a full time job, Sammy."

"The staff picked me and if not the world can go to hell, Dad.  Once we get things set up it'll be one meeting a month for a weekend."

"Fine."  He picked up the information sheet.  "The kid needs help."

"He's not getting it at home or at school.  No one's giving him specialized information.  Also, Harry has scars like you do, Dad."  John dropped the papers to stare at him.  "Like on your lower back."

"His parents?"

"Dead.  He's living with an aunt and uncle, plus a cousin I think he said."

One of the aunts nodded.  "His aunt is his mother's sister and she's married to a very stout man, plus has a very fat son," she told them.  "We're told they treat him like gold."

"Not if he's scarred like that," John told her.  He looked at Sam.  "He needs it that badly?"

"Yup.  Harris offered to *talk* to his relatives for him."

"Harris is scary," Dean told him.

"He shot the Minister's wand earlier when he tried to have us all arrested," Sam said with an evil grin.  "He's a very good shot.  One of the cops protested until he came back with aurors."

John blinked.  "Harris.  Buffy's Harris?"  They both nodded.  "He's been chosen?"

"To head a family of supporters for the idiot in charge of the darkness."

Xander appeared.  "Hey, I heard my name taken in vain and the staff decided I didn't need a sandwich after all."  He pulled a chair over and sat down, smiling at Dean.  "Hey, you look less tired."

"I spent half the day napping while tied up."

"Ah.  That can do it.  It works wonders with Spike too."  He looked at the older guy.  "Mr. Winchester."

"How do you know me?"

"Rupert described you.  I told him I had met Sam and he thought I meant you because he wasn't listening while stocking things.  He said hi by the way."

"Tell Ripper I said hi back.  How's the girl?"

"Doing okay.  She's having a girl thing tonight with Willow."  He looked at Sam.  "Turn to page 108.  I couldn't get past some of the language so I chose at random."  Sam opened it and stared, then burst out cackling.  He nodded.  "Yup.  We are supposed to marry within the family to keep the family secure and pure.  So, Dean, like your brother that much?"

"Not really."  He took the book to read the section Sam pointed at, then closed it and carefully put it down.  "Please remove that one."

"Oh, it'll be removed," Sam promised.  He looked at his dad.  "It is a law that I am to marry within the family to keep the bloodline pure."

"If you sleep with Dean I'd kick your ass," John promised.

"Thank you," Dean said.  "Didn't need the bad sex, Dad."  His aunts blushed and tittered.  Sam punched him on the arm. "You're out of practice, Sammy."

"He can date my ex since I just broke up with her," Xander offered. "Anyanka's a go all night bunny who has a bunny phobia and a love of money."

Sam shook his head, then shuddered suddenly.  "The one over vengeance?"  Xander grinned and nodded.  "You dated *that*?"

"She's temporarily human."

Sam shuddered again.  "Eww!"

"Sorry."  He grinned at the stunned looking father.  "So anyway, Tara and I were talking about kidnaping Harry and making him see what normal people who don't want to use him are like since he's been fighting since he was eleven.  Can I count on some kidnaping help, Sammy?"

"Sure.  I think it'd do the kid good to stay with a good family for a long time."

"He has a friend he can stay with now and then but the Headmaster keeps sending him back to his relatives for some sort of blood bonded protection.  He only gets to stay there for a few weeks a summer."

Sam nodded. "I've got a house.  You've got a house.  He's got a few houses probably."  Xander nodded.  "What did he say?"

"His headmaster said he didn't think Harry needed our sort of experience when I offered to let him stay with us for dinner tonight."

"So he's back at school?" John asked.

"No, I sicced Willow on him.  He's probably eating the sandwich Tara was making me."  They all smiled.  "I hate people who let others abuse kids.  There's no anti child abuse laws.  Tara can do a search me spell through a book.  She looked for me and there's not any."

"That'll change with four cops and an agent on the board," Sam assured him.  Xander beamed and nodded.  "We've got to rewrite that."

"Oh, yeah.  Page 464.  Bottom half of the page."  Dean took it to look it up this time, then he stared at him in horror.  Xander nodded.  "I don't like them telling me that my witch can't get on top and do it for herself.  Or that if she does, she's to be stoned but he can have the child implanted."

Sam took it to look at.  "No, it's not fair to tell people what position they can get into."  He kept reading and came to one.  "Did you keep going?"

"Six pages over?"  He smirked evilly.  "I'm so wanting to let Tara have them for that one.  Nature witches, like Tara and Willow, are not to be tolerated.  Should we see them we're to stone them then burn them for acts of unnatural action, their wording, for being able to do magic without a wand.  Any looting, pillaging, or raping is highly encouraged to make them change their ways and give up since they were here first."

Sam looked.  "As written by Fudge two years ago," he announced.

"Which was when Willow helped save the world probably," Xander agreed.  They shared an evil smirk.  "I nearly let Willow have him earlier.  I should have."

"That's mean," Dean complained.  "Don't make her get her nails dirty."

"Pity," Xander said dryly.  He looked over as an owl flew in.  "We saw one of you earlier.  It's the mail."  He took the scroll it was carrying, letting it have a bite off Dean's plate.  "Thank you, dear.  Very good job."  It hooted then left.  Xander unrolled it since it was addressed to him.  "Ah, here we go.  Fudge has made it illegal for the Founders Council to meet."

"Fudge needs to go," Dean said.  He took it to read, then handed it to Sammy.  "It's now a death penalty offense to be one of you two."

Xander smirked.  "Not for long it won't be."  He and Sam shared a look.  "We can make it to the room before they can get us.  We can probably remove Fudge."

"If we can veto any law, then yes, we probably can," Sam agreed.  He heard someone enter the living room.  "We're back here."  The head of the Council came back dusting himself off.  "Dad, Dean, aunts, this is the Chair of the Council."  He held it up.

"I've seen.  I've already repealed it.  I didn't think anyone would mind."  Sam and Xander shook their heads.  "I called the others on the floo and they didn't mind either.  It's unanimous.  As is the repeal of the one saying that they have to be British and fully trained at a school to serve.  That's not his job to pick the heads of families."

Xander raised a hand.  "Can we get Fudge gone?"

"We can but we have to be more subtle."

"I've learned some of that," he admitted.  "I still prefer frontal attacks and sneering or quipping while I slay.  He comes near me again and I'll give a demonstration.  According to the book as long as I feel threatened and use my wand like a stake, I'm fine."

The Chair nodded.  "That is what's written."  He smiled, patting Sam on the back.  "Headmaster Dumbledore...."

"Is in deep shit with us for putting the kid back with abusive relatives," Sam told him.  "Harry is more than welcome to stay with us."

"Or me," Xander agreed.  "Buffy's mom would love to watch over the boy once she meets him.  She said she wanted a son."

The Chair shook his head slowly.  "He wanted to invite you two to tour the school.  He wanted to propose some changes."

Sam nodded.  "That might help, yeah.  We'd have to see and talk to the students and teachers.  We can do that after we fix the travesty of a legal code and Fudge."

He nodded. "I can see that happening.  Harry needs to be moved?"

"And taught what to do in a fight," Xander agreed.  "I saw him earlier.  He had no idea how to watch his own back.  He did it automatically but he doesn't understand the concept like it was taught to him."

"Um," he said.

"That makes no sense," John told him.

"Some people shield instinctively.  We learned at home," Xander told him.  "Ducking and covering our asses while hiding doesn't help you in a battle with people behind you.  He doesn't understand how to cover his backside properly because it was never taught to him, just the instinctive to keep from being hurt."

"The kid has no self defense training," Sam agreed.  "I did see the fight and no, the kid has no training by anyone."

"He made that point earlier," the Chair agreed.  "I would've thought Dumbledore was teaching him too.  The boy's exploits are in the papers monthly."

"I think some of that was from my little minion in the making," Xander told him.  "Not that I might not like Draco if he had a real life and a brain of his own.  We'll have to see about that."

Sam smirked at him.  "He's a little puss sucker."

"Well, yeah," Xander agreed.  "But he's not thinking for himself either.   Not yet anyway.  Oh, I set them on an allowance.  Lucius had kindly removed a tenth of the family's funds in the last three months.  The goblin thought he might be sponsoring larger institutional bodies."

"He was funding the Dark Lord?" the Chair demanded.  "He's an upstanding member of the Ministry, Xander.  Do you know how absurd that sounds?"  Xander handed over three pictures.  "What're these?"  He looked then went pale.  "You caught him without a shirt on?"

"During his treatment.  Willow's camera can see through illusion spells.  From what I'm told he's a lieutenant to Voldemort.  I will not put up with that.  He will not be in the family for very long.  You can be a snob.  You can be an elitist snob.  You can be such a snob you're a cheerleader.  I will not put up with having a murdering bastard in the family.  He's the sort who does it for fun.  He reminds me a lot of Spike."

The Chair shuddered.  "You can present this to have him arrested."

"That's a later step if I must," Xander assured him with a small grin.  "For now, I'm going to monitor the rest of them.  They're not going to be happy."

"Narcissa did file to have it taken away from you.  Harry's as well."

"Yay us.  According to page 35, the staffs have precedence.  Even if the family doesn't like it."  He looked at that rule then smiled.  "If they don't like it they can leave the family.  That's the way it's written."

That got a nod and he put the book back.  "Indeed it is.  So, bright and early at ten tomorrow?"

"Dude, I get up at six, have sex with my former girlfriend, who is a former demon and now is a nympho, then go work all day," Xander said dryly.

"We get up by eight," Dean told him.  "Do morning PT then head off into the sunset."

"I get all the PT I need on the job," Xander said dryly.  "It's great for the arm muscles."

The Chair chuckled. "I'm sure you two will bring a lot of life to the board, boys.  I'll let you finish dinner."  He headed back to his residence to let the others know that things were about to be shaken up a lot.  No one liked Fudge.  Even the new guys it seemed.

Xander looked at John.  "Harry's coming in tomorrow.  During the lunch break I'm going to go over battle plans with him."  That got a nod.  "Someone should suggest that he take some other training as well."

"I can do that," Sam agreed.  "I need to bring Dean and Dad in anyway to see if they need wands."

"I'm too old for that stuff," John complained.  "How's the security?"

Xander smirked.  "Willow *walked* past them and found us.  Wearing bright pink, like usual, and jeans.  In a government building full of people in robes."

John just nodded.  "After an attack.  I'm not impressed."

"Me either.  I was told it had been better but Fudge told them they wouldn't be coming back."

Sam snorted.  "Why not?"

"Fudge isn't standing in his way.  Whatever reason he's got for getting in the way of others trying to do decent things is helping the bad guys."

"Fudge is power hungry.  He's trying to block those who are tarnishing his golden reputation for power," Sam told him.

"Willow can open and close the hellmouth.  That's power.  What he has is an illusion of power.  It's not power unless you can end the world with it."

"He can have people put to death," Sam countered.  "That is a lesser power."

Xander shook his head.  "No, that's a nasty reputation and being a sociopath, or so I'm told."  He grinned.  "The spell didn't work before you ask."

"Even better," Dean agreed.  "Any other cheerful news?"

Xander grinned at him, patting him on the back.  "Your family has a lot of money and a house on the beach in France."

"That might not be so bad for vacations.  How're the women?"

"They wear victorian clothes and don't believe in sex being healthy for you," Sam told him grimly.  "No bars other than a few pubs.  No strip joints.  No clubs."  Dean gave him a horrified look.  "Except for the girls' school uniforms being more modern."

Dean looked at Xander.  "Can you make them wear more slutty clothes?"

"I think we can make things progress a bit toward at least the twenties."

"That could be good," he agreed.  Xander pulled something out of his pocket and handed it over.  "Witch World Weekly."  He looked at the fashions on the cover.  It was proclaiming some woman was a tramp for showing her knees in a dress.  Then it showed how to deal with the too short Hogwarts uniform skirt and still be a good girl.  Dean stared at him.  "Fix it?"

"We'll see."  He patted him on the back then looked at his staff.  "Hate to eat and run..."  It made him disappear.  He popped back.  "It was good to meet you all.  Sorry about that.  Lacking manners."  He disappeared again.

John looked at Sam.  "He's as strange as Rupert said he was."

Sam grinned.  "But he's a nice guy from what I can tell."

"I don't see how he was dating a former demon," one aunt said.

Sam shrugged.  "Apparently it was good for him."

"If she's that hot in bed, it might've been," Dean agreed.  "We'll have to ask or get him to brag."  Both aunts shook their heads and went back to eating dinner.  It was going to be along adjustment period getting to know the new family members.

Family Staffs 2

Horatio was the last to sit down and he tossed down his copy of the legal code.  "Does anyone have a justification for that being so messed up?"

"Fudge seems to have written a lot of the messed up stuff," Sam pointed out.

"Can we scrap it and rewrite it?" Danny suggested.  "Because some of that is really f-ed up in the extreme."

Mac nodded.  "I didn't like their policies on gender discrimination either."

"We have to leave the rule on page 35 alone," Xander noted calmly from his leaned back, feet up on the table position.  "It's about the staffs being the last and only authority on who heads the family.  It's caused problems in the past but if not you guys get Draco's father and mother here and Harry loses one of his spots."

"No, we're keeping that rule," Mac assured him.  Tony smiled in relief.  "How's Gibbs?"

"I explained everything to him.  He's doing what he can to help while keeping my director out of things."  He looked at Xander.  "Comfy?"

"Twisted my back earlier beating the person who tried to kill me on my way in thanks to Narcissa."  He gave him a look.  "She didn't like the allowance I put her on."  He sat up, putting his feet back on the floor.  "Mr. Chairperson, can we scrap them and rewrite things that make sense?"

"As long as it doesn't drag on too long.  We don't want to be without any."

"Then I suggest we let Mac and the other officers come to us with a good selection of laws to choose from," Sam offered.  "They deal with those things.  We can add onto them for situations as needed or advised."

The chair considered it then nodded.  "Gentlemen?"

Horatio shrugged.  "We can easily do that.  We do deal with laws that make little sense every day."

Danny shrugged.  "Why not.  The first sub-committee."

Tony nodded.  "I'll gladly help."  Mac and Stella both nodded.

The chair looked around.  "Are there any of the rest of us who wish to serve as a voice outside the law?"  No one said anything.  "Any disagreements?"  No one said anything.  "Then I so order that sub-committee be formed and within a week progress shall be shown on that project."  That got a nod from all of them.  "Are there any other new issues that should be taken up?"

"I want to look into our missing member's death," Horatio noted calmly.  "No one else seems to be doing so even though the reason he died is no longer under a coverup.  Especially with his parents mysterious deaths right after they filed a suit against the Ministry."

"That is supposed to be for the aurors but if you wanted to take an unofficial look you may and hand over any evidence you may find.  That would be within the scope of our powers," the chair told him.  Horatio nodded at that.  "I'm sure someone has knowledge of what happened."  He looked at Harry's empty seat. "Do we have any idea where Mr. Potter may be?"

"School," Xander said.  "I had Tara put a tracking charm on him.  He's in a little room in the school being talked to by supposedly reasonable people who want him to do things."   He looked back at Tara, who nodded and yanked on the spell to bring him there, making him land next to her.  Xander helped him up.  "Morning.  Need some soda or something?"

"Please.  Some tea would be nice as long as it didn't have a compulsion potion in it."  He sat down.  "The headmaster's sorry I'm late.  He needed to have a conference with myself and my head of house because apparently I'm too young to make logical decisions."

"I don't see why," Stella said.  "You're how old?"

"Fifteen."

"You're old enough."

"Legal age for the adults around here is seventeen but Mr. Potter has no suitable relatives who could stand in for him."

"Narcissa Malfoy is trying," Harry admitted.

"My patience," Xander agreed.  "Which is a very thin commodity most of the time."  Harry smirked at him.  He grinned back.  "She didn't like that I instituted an allowance either.  She tried to attack me this morning on the way in."

Draco stormed in, looking at his new head of household.  "My parents wish a word with you in front of a judge, Mr. Harris."

"Your parents are in deep shit, Draco," he said honestly.  He stood up.  "I'll be back in a few minutes."  He picked up the law code book and walked out with him.  "Did you get your allowance?"

"I did.  I was wondering why it was necessary," he said coldly.

"Your father withdrew a tenth of the family's assets in the last three months."

Draco stopped and Xander stopped to look at him.  "Excuse me?"

Xander nodded.  "We all went over our family's wealth yesterday with the goblins.  I got back a bit late so I went to the bank and had it explained to me."  He pulled the papers out of his back pocket, handing them over.  "A condensed summary of what's been going on."

Draco looked at it then stared at him.  "How in the hell did he spend that much?"

"You can't," Xander said honestly.  "Unless you're supporting something like an army."

Draco groaned, kicking the nearest wall.   A head's word was law and even his father said that.  So he had to protect himself and his mother if he could since his father was now a goner.  "You do believe he is?"  Xander nodded.  "Does that count household expenses?"

"No.  Shelter, food, utility, staff payments, those things, aren't covered under the hundred galleons a month for each of you.  They're taken directly out of the vaults and I've asked for audits to see if they're reasonable."  He stepped closer.  "I'm trying to protect the family, Draco.  You can help me or not.  Your mother and father will not win this time.  I'm more stubborn than the vampires I fight and the slayer I fight beside.  Am I clear?"  Draco nodded quickly, starting to smirk some.  "Now, let's go disappoint them.  They seem to finally get color in their cheeks when I make them huff in irritation."  They continued walking up to the court floor, letting Draco lead him to the judge's chambers.  "You called?" he asked as he walked in, opening the law code book.  He put the book down in front of the judge, pointing at the pertinent law.  "I haven't found one yet that overrules that.  Is there one?"

"Minister Fudge...."

"His last few attempts to screw with us already got overturned," he said dryly, crossing his arms to stare down at him.  "Unfortunately the staffs picked for stubborn and able to do the job."

"You're messing in things you have no clue about," Narcissa sneered.

Xander stared at her.  "Really?  Hmm.  You'd be surprised what I know about magic, Narcissa Malfoy.  I've seen and helped with plenty of it.  I've helped kill things, I've helped stop bad spells, and I've helped stop bigger and badder than your husband's boss.  I know a lot more than you think.  As for the allowances...."  He took the papers from Draco.  "The goblins handed me that."  He handed it to her.  "If he kept going, you'd be poor.  It doesn't matter to me, I have a good job.  You don't.  Nor do you seem like you'd be able to find and keep one.  I'm not supporting you guys and I get half of what you do until I'm finished settling in.  Then I'll quit taking an allowance once I have a good paying job over here."

Draco gave him an odd look.  "You work?"

"I enjoy working.  It gives me something to do all day while waiting to go slay vampires and other demons."  He smirked at the boy.  "Someone's got to do it.  Might as well help the slayer before I get eaten too."

Narcissa looked at the forms once she found the seal the goblins put on official papers.  "Who has been getting into the vaults?"  Xander pointed at Lucius, who was turning red in anger.  "Lucius, why have you been spending so much of the family's money?"  Xander pulled a picture out of his back pocket and handed it to her, making her sneer at him.  "I knew that."

"Armies still have to be paid and fed," he said dryly, tossing it at the judge.  "From yesterday when Lucius took the family staff and it burned him."

He looked at the picture then at him.  "Can you prove this is real?"

"Can you break the charm over it?" Xander countered.  "The witch I had take those said there's some sort of illusion charm over it."

"I was under the Imperious during the last war," he sneered, standing up.  "You have no business...."  Xander punched him, knocking him out.

Xander waved his hand to get the feeling back in his fist.  "Next time, make him brush his teeth.  I didn't need to smell the cum on his breath," he told Narcissa.  "Nor am I going to put up with any disrespect from him.  This Imperious sounds bad, and I'm sure it's powerful, but can compulsion spells really work for over a year?"  She gaped.  He looked up.  "Can I have that book please?" he called.  It fell onto the desk in front of him, along with a note that floated down.  He smiled and put it into his pocket.  "Buffy's mother wanted to meet Harry, make sure he had enough cookies."  He opened the book to look up the spell.  "Ah.  Here."  He handed it to the judge.  "No Imperious curse has ever lasted over six months straight.  It must be reapplied to continue working and repeated applications mean that you get resistant to it, like you do any spell."

Draco gaped.  "Who said that?  I've never seen that!"  He took the book to look at the title.  "Was this written by one of ours?"

"One that crossed over into the Watchers Council," Xander said with a small grin.  "There's been witches and wizards in there for centuries.  That was written by one of them who used to be a curse breaker.  Giles, the Watcher I work with, said that book is considered a definitive source."

The judge took it to look at it, then nodded.  "I have seen it quoted and it is considered such."  He went back to the entry on that curse, then handed it to Narcissa.  "Do you believe he's still helping him?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"  The forms were handed to him.  "That is an extreme amount of money."

"Taken out in chunks like it had been, he's paying someone's salary and housing costs.  So either he's setting up a whorehouse and paying them until they make enough on their own, or he's helping support the Dark Lord's army."

The judge considered the amounts.  "That's more than most mansions."

"So the goblins told me.  They have no absolute proof of it, but I'm told that the sort of binding mark he has on his arm can only be done with consent.  If the consent is revoked, it weakens the bond.  So said the wiccan I work with and she's powerful enough to close the hellmouth repeatedly and stick souls in vampires."

The judge shuddered.  "We do not like their sort."

"I don't care.  I grew up with her.  She's still trying to see why magic sometimes goes screwy around me."

The judge just nodded at that.  "I can see how that would happen in your town."  He put down the forms to look at Narcissa.  "It does appear he has the best interests of the family at heart and the staffs cannot be overruled by law.  That's why the minister who took them did so, to stop the fighting over their decisions.  Looking back, the staffs were looking for people who were able to accept some change going on in the world around them while still holding the family strong.  I think this one will help with that."

"He is against everything the family stands for," Draco said calmly.

"The staffs pick the new head based on the ideals of the originating members of the family," the judge told him.  "Whatever the first head of the family wanted the family to stand for."

"The words that came up after the first greeting message say 'strength, power, and honor'," Xander said, letting him see them.

"You read Latin?" Draco asked.

Xander nodded with a small grin.  "A lot of the Watchers materials are in Latin.  I had to learn to help with the slaying and research around Sunnydale."  He took it back, letting Narcissa see it.  "Did you want to see it as well, make sure it didn't want to change its mind?"

"I'm only married into the family, I'm not eligible for this one."

"I asked Harry, he asked the goblins.  Sirius made him his direct and only heir," Xander told her.  Draco nodded.  "He looked at the scroll himself."  Draco nodded again.  "Harry has enough shit on his plate right now without you.  Sam and I have both offered Harry a place to stay for a while so he has a neutral place to calm down.  Neither of us care about his family's holdings nor anything like that.  We do care that the boy looked ready to snap yesterday.  We would appreciate it if you supported him instead of trying to rip him up further.  I doubt it's doing his grades any good."

"He's not of legal age," she said snottily.  She stood up.  "Only an adult can hold an office.  That is the law."

Xander opened the law book to another page then handed it to her.  "Right side, third of the way down.  Taking a life in self-defense is one of the things that can be used to determine adult status.  If he killed the Dark Lord the first time, that proved it then.  Three of the other things listed also fit him I'm sure."  The judge took it to look over.   He nodded slowly.  "I've heard there's a prophecy.  I know that there's been battles he's fought in.  I'm sure he's had at least one drink in his life.  I do not know if the virgin clause is something that he's gotten past or not," he admitted.

Draco shook his head.  "He's barely kissed a girl."  He judge gave him an odd look.  "I should watch him.  He's a bloody Gryff and always in my way."

Xander looked at him.  "After your Lucky Charms?" he asked dryly.  Draco gave him a clueless look.  "Look it up, Draco.  You'll giggle."  He looked at her again. "The book says only two of the longer list have to be met to apply to him since he's taken a life.  He passes that line at the very least."

The judge sighed but nodded, shutting it.  "If that is true, then he would qualify as an adult," he agreed.  "Since it's been in the papers and even Dumbledore has admitted to the prophecy, then we know it's true.  I'm sorry, Mrs. Malfoy, the staffs overrule everyone in the family."

Xander looked at him.  "Dumbledore spread that prophecy around?"

"He had to.  The Ministry started to and he had to correct it."

Xander blinked.  "Huh."  He took the book.  "By the way, the officers and agent on the Founders Council are looking at the laws.  There's some damn strange ones in there."  That got a smirk from the judge.  "Should you have any they definitely need to look at, you might write them a note with page numbers and references.  There's four CSI, forensic cops, and one agent who used to be a homicide detective."  That got a nod from the judge.  "Thank you for helping in this matter, Your Honor.  Have a better day."  He looked at Draco.  "Are you going back to the school or helping me some more today?  Tara's at home doing something now that we've rescued the missing member."

"I'll follow you," he muttered.  "At least I'm not doing boring things I've done before."

Xander grinned.  "You're keeping me from making a lot of mistakes.  He's been very helpful, Narcissa.  Thank you for lending me your son."  He walked out with him, going back to the council chamber.  "Harry, page 167, third of the way down on the right," he ordered before sitting down.  "The judge agreed, the staffs overrule everything else."  Draco sat behind him.  "Narcissa is in a bit of a snit but she'll figure it out.  I did let her know about Lucius' withdrawals and she was not happy either.  I also told the judge we had overruled Fudge's last few attempts to have us all killed," he announced.  That got some nods.  "I let the judge know we're looking at the stupid laws so he can find the ones that irk them the most for quicker fixing.  Oh, and Harry, Dumbledore has been making statements to the press about you again."  He looked at the young guy, who gave him a dirty look.  "About a prophecy," he said more quietly.  "After the Ministry released it."

Harry moaned, thumping his head on the book.  "Why me?"

"I don't know but we'd like to have someone else to hate," Draco said snidely.  Xander glared at him so he shrank down.  "Sorry, out of line."

"Thank you," Xander said, patting Harry on the back.  "The offer stands if you want to stay with me and Tara, or Sam's probably still stands if you want to stay with him," he said quietly.

Harry looked at him.  "Dumbledore won't allow it.  There's a blood protection on my aunt's house."

Xander snorted.  "Blood's a great thing, Harry, but I find that muting works better.  If they can't find you they can't kill you."  Sam nodded at that.  "Willow can do that.  Tara can do that."

"We know ways of hiding magical signatures as well," Sam agreed.  "We can work with Tara.  Willow scares us," he told Xander.

He nodded.  "Me too.  She's in a cranky mood because Tara's over here.  She's not getting snuggles."

Harry looked at them.  "Are you two insane?"

"We fight demons, Harry.  You have to be a bit insane to keep doing it after the first time," Xander said dryly.  "Then again, I've helped save the world a few times."   He grinned.  "I've got a nice spare bed.  Sam might have one and he has aunts."

Sam nodded.  "Both of whom said you could come over to stay if you needed some stress relief."

"Thanks.  I'll think about it," Harry agreed.  "It's nearly the end of school for us."

Xander smirked a bit, leaning closer.  "If that law holds true in one part of your life, it holds true in others, Harry.  If you're an adult he cannot tell you where to live, who to live with, how to vote, how to spend your money, and who you can and cannot see.  We want you to make your own decisions.  It's occasionally a hard thing but it's the adult thing to do."

"I'd like that," he agreed.  "He wanted to know if I could suggest a field trip to the school."

"After we get some of the most serious things out of the way I don't see why not," Mac offered.  "Why does he want us to tour?"

"He wants to do some updating of things."

"I don't see a problem with us taking a tour once we've got the most critical issues out of the way," Horatio agreed.  "We can talk to the students he hasn't carefully prepped for us to talk to, see what's actually going on, and make sure his plans are reasonable."

"Because not all people in command are full of logical thought," Xander agreed.  "Some just want the power.  It's annoying when they do that."  Draco gave him an odd look.  "It is.  Our principal was like that at the high school.  Fortunately the huge demon that came up for graduation to eat everyone started with him before we blew him up."

Tony groaned.  "That was your graduation?  The high school that exploded due to a gas leak?" he asked.  Xander looked at him and nodded. "Not a gas leak?"

"Ninety foot demon who had been the mayor.  He wanted to eat everyone and take over the world.  Pity.  It was the only way we had to stop him.  We could've earlier but it would've meant sacrificing someone.  That was our method of last resort."

Tony just nodded slowly at that.  "There's agents still looking into that."

Xander shrugged.  "Not our fault they let the bastard keep going after a hundred years.  They didn't stop him when he was letting the townspeople be fed on like they were a buffet for the nightlife.  They didn't stop it when the school was so far under standards it was in the toilet.  They didn't stop our thirty percent homicide rate.  They didn't stop the dirty cops.  They come after us for that and we'll let them be turned.  Then there'll be someone with a clue in the Feds."  He grinned.  "So said Buffy."

Tony just nodded. "I'll slip something into someone's ear later."

"Thank you," Xander said cheerfully.  "Did you like learning about the Initiative too?"

"My boss looked into that one.  It's sealed."  Xander tossed over a CD case from his jacket pocket.  "This is...?"

"The Initiative's files, personnel rosters, training tapes, testing tapes, and personal notes they left lying around the base after we finally ran them off.  We had to clean it out to keep the carrion eaters out of it.  We also dropped the soldiers' bodies at the gates to the Army reserve base up the road.  That way they could have a proper burial."

"Thank you," Mac said seriously.

Xander nodded.  "They were assholes but they didn't deserve to be left to rot.  At least their families have some closure."

Mac nodded. "I'm sure they'll appreciate it.  Can I look at that as well?"

"We don't care.  The more people who know the less chance it'll happen again and we have to go stop it a third time."

Mac nodded.  "Thank you, Xander."

"Welcome.  Torturing assholes get to me."  They shared a look.  "Have a bowl handy," he warned them.  "It's not pretty."

Tony nodded. "I've seen other unpretty things," he assured him, putting it into his knapsack.  He looked at Mac.  "Dinner?"

"Sure.  You live close by."  He looked around.  "We were in the middle of discussing how broad we want to make the laws."

"Basics like 'don't kill except in self defense or in defense of others?" Xander suggested.

Sam nodded.  "That works for us.  Don't rape.  Don't steal.  The basics were covered.  Some of the others were being looked at."

"Can we please remove the one saying we have to marry within our families to keep them strong?  I like Draco so far but I don't want to have to turn him into a girl after marrying him."

Draco coughed.  "That's been on the books nearly forever."

"Incest and inbreeding are still ewwish," Xander said simply.  "And what happens if there's no other family members, like in Danny's or formerly Cedric's cases?"

"Or in mine," Sam added. "I've got two maiden great aunts, my father, and my brother."

Draco shrugged.  "It was meant to keep at least some of the family's lines pure of taint and hopefully keep the staff inside the majority of the family's lines instead of some outlying line from a daughter marrying into some other family."

"Yet, ours looks like a knotted spider web," Xander reminded him.  "There's not a whole lot of people in this country that you're not related to in some way, Draco.  Inbreeding is bad and I'm sure one of the more chemistry oriented people can tell you why."

Sam nodded.  "I've seen it in action before."

"So have we," the chair sighed.  "I don't think that's a law that's being pushed or enforced, Xander."

"Still icky.  Draco would probably make a horrible girl once Willow got done with him."  He looked back at him.  "By the way, Tara wanted you to come to dinner tonight.  She wanted to get to know more about the family and figured you'd have an idea.  You're less hostile and less evil than your father so she wanted to pump you for information on distant cousins and things."

Draco shrugged.  "That's fine.  What are we having and should I change?"

"I don't know.  She's going shopping today.  I can tell you it won't be meat.  She's a vegetarian."  Draco just nodded at that.  "Be comfortable."  He turned back around.  "Can we remove it anyway?  It's not practical.  Half of us are related to half the world and the rest don't have relatives we can marry.  Unless you guys want Sam to marry his brother or father?"

"Eww," Danny agreed.

Sam grinned.  "I take it you've met my brother and father?"

Stella snickered.  "I have met your father, Sam.  It's not a happy thought anyway."  He grinned at her.  "I have a whole bunch of family I don't know so I don't care but I'm not really looking forward to marriage anytime soon.  I do work and it's a demanding job."

"You don't know any of your family?" the chair asked.

"I was given up for adoption," Stella said honestly.  He moaned.  "I was raised in the foster care system.  It's not too horrible in most places.  I did okay for myself."

"You did," Sam agreed.  "It's not many women who can say that they bring down scum who hurt others."  She smiled at that.  "I'd never be able to do your job."

"You do the same thing only in a different field," Horatio pointed out, giving him a look.

Sam grinned.  "Background?"  Horatio, Danny, Stella, Tony, and Mac all nodded. "Just on me?"

"We tried to do one on Xander but it's locked," Tony told him.  "Probably by the same program."

"Or by Willow since she hacks," Xander admitted.  They all moaned.  "Just ask, guys.  I babble.  I can babble at you just as easily as I do at Tara."  They all nodded at that.  "So, what other wacky laws are we looking at?  The ones that say you can't wear polka dots?  The one that said there's to be no striped underwear or else you can spend a year in prison?"

"There is?" Tony asked.  Xander opened his book and passed it over.  "There's a whole section on clothing laws."  He read it over then started to mark things out.  Horatio gave him an odd look. "Might as well.  That way we can name them by number.  Can we get rid of the one saying that only proper skirts are allowed?  The rest of the world has moved on and sometime soon we're going to have a clothing outbreak where girls start to wear shorter skirts."

"Dean wanted me to encourage girls to wear mini skirts if they had the body," Sam said with a small grin.  "The Victorian age is long past and the current fashions are much shorter and less cumbersome."  He tossed down a fashion magazine.  "That's an ideal but all the girls read those sort of things for ideas."

He flipped through it, giving them horrified looks.  "Women wear skirts that show their knees?"

"Women wear skirts that show their thighs," Xander corrected.  "And tops that show cleavage.  And arms.  And sometimes backs and shoulders."  The man gave him a horrified look.  He grinned and nodded, tossing one over as well.  "That's the one the girls I hang with swear by for looking up new fashion ideas."  He switched to that one.  Then he let out a swear at the swimsuit section.  Sam leaned over and nodded.  "I know, sorry.  That's what you wear to swim these days."

"Or less," Horatio admitted.  "In Miami it's often less."

"I think we can mark that one out then," Tony said, marking out that rule and going on.  "Anyone want to keep the 'no black underwear' law?  Though I have no idea what women do when they want to look sexy."

"Go ahead and strike that too," Stella told him.  "They're not comfortable but some women will have to go there for their men."

Tony nodded, striking that out too.

The Chair coughed.  "Women actually *wear* these sort of things?"

"The British women are still pretty modest but yeah," Xander agreed.  "We can take a field trip to a park if you want.  Say around lunch?" he suggested.  "Get all the secretaries and those sort out on their lunches?"

Horatio nodded.  "That might be painless."  He looked at the Chair then smiled when he held up something.  "In my city they wear less because of the sun."

"Your city's also snobby about it," Danny reminded him.  "Only the pretty get any sort of niceness."

"In some areas," Horatio agreed.  "Then again we had a slightly heavy woman stoned last year by her husband for gaining weight.  Miami can hold shallow people."

Xander looked at him.  "Can I come visit your bikinis for stress relief?"

"As long as you don't cause any trouble," Horatio said dryly, giving him a look.  Xander grinned back.  "No having to hunt in Miami, Xander."

"Yes, Horatio.  It's not a vacation if I have to."

"Good point.  Then that would be fine.  Warn me first just in case."  Xander nodded at that.  "Mac, Danny, and Stella are from New York."

"I wanted to hit there on my road trip but I got stuck in Oxnard stripping when the car blew up."  He shrugged a bit.  "Fate sucks to us."  He looked at the Chair then at the clock on the wall.  "It's nearly noon now.  Want to go on the field trip so he can finish swearing at the loose women?"  That got a nod and they walked out together, heading for a nearby park, Xander dragging Draco with him.  Dean and John joined Sam on the trek through Diagon.  "Hey," he said, hugging Tara when he ran into her.  "What's for dinner?  Draco wanted to know."

"Vegetarian lasagna."

"That's cool.  I love how you make it."  She smiled and he kissed her on the cheek.  "Gotta go.  We're dealing with the updated world issues."  He jogged off to catch up. He grinned at Mac.  "She'll be fine.  She can protect herself even though she doesn't like to have to."  John gave him a very strange look.  "She's a *pure* witch," he said quietly.

"She helps you guys?"

"Research, bandaging, spell support.  She will if she has to but most of the time she doesn't have to.  We do it for her.  Willow does the same thing anymore."

"Your friend Willow needs some help, kid," John told him.

Xander nodded.  "We've started to notice  that she's using it for *everything*."  Draco gave him a 'so what' look.  "She's starting down the road to addiction of it.  She was changing music stations on the radio the other day."  Draco shrugged. "We'll discuss that later."  He looked at John.  "Got any good MA groups?"

"Stripping them of it."

"We need Willow and her skills.  Plus that's really mean."

"True but if you have to...."

"Then Giles knows other watchery sorts who might be able to," he sighed.  John patted him on the back.  "I know but it sucks."  They found themselves by a fountain in the park, Tony lounging off in the grass with Danny and Stella.  Dean and Sam were on a bench talking about something.  The others were spread out so they didn't look like a mob.  Xander and John were together to keep talking with Draco in convenient hearing range.  "So, been to our town recently?"

"I try very hard to stay away from there.  The vampires annoy me to no end."

"You should try having Spike as a roommie because Giles is getting frisky with his foreign honey," Xander said dryly.   "Though, tying him to the recliner was fun.  Even if he did get me back by adding blood to my cereal so he could have it."

John looked at him.  "You need help, kid."

Xander shrugged. "It's a Sunnydale thing, John."

"Hey, Dad, tell Xander that he shouldn't go back to his last girlfriend either," Dean called.

"What's wrong with Anya now?" Xander complained, looking at the brothers.

"Your ex Anyanka is probably not healthy for you."

"She hasn't tried to kill me yet."

"Yet," Sam said, grinning at him. "Date nice girls, Xander.  Not girls like that."

"But she's finally learned that me getting off means she gets more sex, which she wants all the time.  It's gotten better."

"You dated the demon over scorned women?" John asked.

Xander grinned.  "She lost her power center."

"You're still insane."

"She's the first who hasn't tried to kill me yet."

"Stella, this one needs help finding *real* women," John called.  She laughed.  He walked him over there, handing Xander to Tony.  "He was dating a vengeance demon."

"She was back to human again," Xander complained, pouting some.  "Just because she wanted sex all the time and money, lots of money, doesn't make her too bad.  She's getting used to being human again after eleven hundred years."

Stella looked at him, then shook her head.  "No. You need *good* women, Xander.  We'll have to help you find one so you don't date horrible things."

"Tara?" Danny suggested.

"Likes her Willow snuggly," Xander told him.  "Willow would pull me apart at the molecules if I flirted with her witch."

"Ah.  Do any of you guys date normally?"

"Not me or Buffy.  Those two are together though."

Stella patted Xander.  "We'll start looking for a nice girl for you, Xander.  You do like girls, right?"

"So far I've only liked girls."  She smiled at that.  "No, I'm not hitting on you."

"Good."

"Mostly because you'd turn deadly and try to kill me.  Like the others have.  I still don't know if it was me that turned Faith bad or if I was just a sign."  He walked off to talk to Draco.

Stella looked at John.  "That bad?  Since you might know and all."

John groaned.  "From the rumors, yes.  His last real girlfriend was a mean, nasty, bitchy cheerleader.  The one before that was killing people to survive by sucking them dry.  The one before that was some sort of demon that needed him to fertilize things and then it'd kill him.  The current one not killing him is a good thing, I guess.  She's still the one women scorned call out to for revenge."

"I've met her," she admitted.  She shook her head.  "That boy's dangerous."

"Only when he's dating," Tony said dryly.

"No, he hunts with the team too," John assured him.  "He's dangerous when he needs to be.  Or when he's getting some I guess.  Maybe Dean can help him pick up someone nice.  Dean doesn't have that problem."

"He picked up a succuba last week," Sam called.  Dean punched him on the arm.  "Aw, quit, jerk."

"Shut up, bitch.  The others didn't need to know that."

Xander grinned at him.  "They're cute and fun but they don't like me after the third round.  The last one complained that Anya made me inhuman."  He grinned at Draco, going back to their talk about powerful things in the world.  He had wondered about some rumors.

A middle-aged white man walked up to Xander and stared at him for a moment.  "I say," he interrupted.  "You're one of Ripper's brats, aren't you?"  Xander looked up and nodded.  "What are you doing over here?  You should be slowly going to hell on the hellmouth for interrupting in his slayer's sacred duty."

Xander smirked.  "I came over to talk with some of the rest of the family."  He nodded his head at Draco.  "Just found them and we've been going over family stuff.  Did you want me to pass back a message?  Buffy's just fine by the way.  Twenty-one but just fine."  The man went pale so Xander stood up.  "If I hadn't jumped in, the whole line would've died during the ascension.  Aren't you glad we stopped it?"

"She could have...."

"No, she couldn't have," Xander said with a smirk.  "A ninety foot demon?  Not a chance.  She tried.  We ended up going with a modern solution.  The same as we'll use one on you guys if you *ever* come back to Sunnydale and bother us again.  You can tell the glory hole whore Travers I said that."  The man backed off another step, still looking horrified.  "Or, you know what?  Let's take a meeting this weekend.  Travers has shit he wants to say to me, he can say it in person.  Guys, are we meeting Saturday?"  They all shook their heads.  "Then let's have Travers meet me here Saturday.  Say around this time of day?"

The man nodded quickly.  "I'll extend the invitation."   He looked around, spotting the few glares in his direction then he fled.

Xander flopped down again.  "Sorry.  Watchers," he called.  "They annoy us often."  He found his cellphone and called home.  "Hey, G-man, me.  Ran into one of your former coworkers.  I extended the hand of 'gonna kick your ass for annoying me' to Travers on Saturday," he said in greeting.  He listened to him complain.  "Taking a lunch in the park.  Tara's doing dinner tonight and she wanted to talk to my new cousin Draco too.  Well, there was a small one but we did manage that issue.  Sure, I'm here.  I might even be able to get a cell signal at home.  Yup, one of them.  Called me one of your brats.  Did you want to tell me something about how bad my mother was in bed?"  Giles spluttered and hung up.  "Ah, happy again," he said fondly.

"You really do believe in chaos, don't you?" Draco said, giving him an odd look.

"He needed the happy news and the ranting does him good.  We're on our usual summer slowdown."  He patted him on the back.  "As for chaos, I know someone who practices that path if you were interested in talking to him.  I think Willow could find him easily enough."

Draco gave him a horrified look.  "You know someone who does *chaos* magic?" he said a bit loudly.

"Yeah.  He comes to torment Giles now and then.  Turned us into our halloween costumes one year."

Draco blinked.  "Why!" he shouted.

Xander shrugged.  "He thought it'd be fun and entertaining for his God Janus."

Draco stood up, staring down at him.  "Do you do that?"

"No but the spells seem to like me so they stick better," he said with a grin.  "It comes in handy now and then."

Draco walked off shaking his head.  "I'm going to go get drunk."

"Be sober by dinner," Xander ordered.  "Tara and I can't stand drunks."

"Fine.  Thank you."  He waved a hand as he continued to stomp off.

"Janus?" Mac asked.

Xander grinned. "One of Giles' former playmates.  He shows up now and then to bother us."

Mac shook his head.  "Your town should be closed."

John nodded.  "The demons would never allow it."

"Probably true.  They'd overload LA and then Angel would get mean and sic Cordy on us.  Again."   He grinned.  "We'd have to take up a collection to get her Gucci so she'd quit ranting and complaining about us or calling us names."

"I hear explosives could help," John said dryly.

"Don't.  Tempt.  Me," Xander said, staring him down.  "Really."

John snickered.  "I think we'd all love to see it happen, kid."

"Us too.  Then Buffy could shop instead of hunt.  She'd like that."  John walked off snickering.  Xander looked at Mac.  "I'm trying really hard to be good."

"I know you are.  Try harder, Xander."

Xander just grinned.  "Does that mean Stella can't set me up with nice women?"

"No, she can set you up with all the nice women she wants to."  Xander nodded, stretching out to enjoy the sun.  He walked over to Horatio, sitting next to him.  "Xander's a bit strange."  Horatio gave him a look over the top of his sunglasses.  "I'm not sure if it's job or if it's just him.  Sam seems normal."

"Could be both," Horatio offered.  He nudged the chair on the arm.  "There we go.  The start of the lunch rush."  He watched as the man stared at the young women walking around the park to enjoy their lunches.  "That is a modern woman's business suit.  It's considered modest by modern standards."

The chair pointed at one. "What is that then?"

He looked at the woman in the longer skirt.  "She's apparently gone for comfort.  Some women do but not many."

He looked around, shaking his head at all the legs he could see. "These are normal clothes?"  The pants on the girl he was staring at were obscene!  He could see her rear and crotch!   Women should not be seen that way!

"Those are mostly business clothes.  For off duty many women wear those," he said, subtly pointing at the woman in jeans that had horrified him.  "Those are jeans and a t-shirt."

The Chair stared at him.  "We would never accept that look."

Horatio looked at him.  "The world will intrude, even when you don't want it to," he pointed out gently.   The other man shuddered.  "You have to put plans in place to ease into that transition.  It will be a bad culture shock to see girls in those things."

"I saw a few in the alley," Xander called, standing up to walk over to them.  "They were being walked around like they were trash."  He sat on the edge of the fountain with him.  He pointed at one young woman.  "That's pretty standard clothes where most of us come from for off-work, free time clothes."  He looked at him.  "Nearly everyone wears that look in one form or another.  Jeans, shirt, sneakers."

The man shook his head.  "That's just wrong.  You can see her privates," he hissed.

Xander nodded.  "Yeah.  They've been wearing those now for over thirty years though."

"Perhaps we can find him a history of fashion book so he can see where they are relative to the present time," Horatio offered.  That got a quick nod.  "Where's a good library?"

"Muggle?" he asked.  He considered it.  "I have no idea."  Xander pointed at a building.  "Are you sure?"

"If not it's built like one."  He grinned.  "I've spent a lot of time working with my slayer in a library."  He winked and got up, going to find out if it was and get him a book.  They had one and the librarian was charming about him being in on a foreign student bid when he told her that's why he was local.  He brought the book back to the council's chambers, handing it over.  "There you go.  Popular fashion from the Middle Ages on."

He flipped through it until he found an area that looked fashionable to him.  Then he slowly went forward.  He squeaked some at the flapper clothes but kept going.  He nearly had a heart attack at the clothes from the sixties.  Then it just got worse.  He finally looked at the others.  "We should make rules to ease this change."  They all nodded.  "Thank you for showing me that."

"I figured it'd been pushed a bit by the kids who weren't born into the same world," Xander told him.

"Muggle borns get treated a bit more roughly in Diagon but allowances seem to be made for shopping right before the start of school.  Their next trip they usually realize that they stood out the last time so they make allowances for it I guess," Harry said.  He got comfortable.  "I've never seen how that worked."

"Social pressure can be very heavy," Stella said.  "The pressure to conform is very high and can be deadly in some cases."  Xander nodded at that.

"If every magical woman in Britain wears such old clothes why do the girls' uniforms look like modern clothes?" Harry asked.

"To entice boys to date them," Danny said.  "They get shocked by the short skirts."

"It could also be some desensitization therapy for later on and those who end up back in the muggle world," Tony offered.  "Those were pretty tame compared to some of the ones you see in the offices around DC."

Horatio nodded. "The ones in Miami as well."

Sam grinned. "It was nice to see that jeans are nearly universal."

The Chair coughed. "Those would never be acceptable."

"Some of your women wear pants," Xander pointed out.

"Not that tight!"

"They're still pants, and you can buy looser jeans," Xander said dryly, grinning at him.  "Most women don't because the tighter ones make them look better and more attractive."

The Chair shuddered.  "I'll look at ways to ease the transition."

"As long as that book makes it back to the library," Xander said patiently.  That got a nod.   He looked at the others.  "What else are we taking up today?"

"Minister Fudge is trying again," Stella said.

Tony nodded.  "One of the aurors warned us he's going to try something stupid again."

"That reminded me, I wanted to have information on this Dark Lord person," Sam said.  "With our experience, Xander and I might be of some help to those fighting."  Harry gave him an odd look.  "We do fight, Harry.  My father taught me self defense."

"You can teach that?" Harry asked.

Xander grinned and nodded. "Yup.  I learned on the job but Sam got taught and all the officers here probably got taught during their training."

"Wow.  That might come in handy."

"Probably," Sam agreed.  "Dean and I agreed that we'd be more than happy to help you work on that, Harry.  Plus any weapons work you needed."

"Weapons?" the Chair said, looking horrified.

"I use a stake, a crossbow, and a battle axe most usually," Xander agreed. "I can use guns of many classes and we've had to resort to artillery once."

"We use guns more than your group does," Sam told him.  "It's safer to shoot than stake."

"I can't get good wooden bullets made," Xander told him.

"We have a supplier for that," Sam said with a grin.  "Also for blessed iron and rock salt rounds.  Dean does most of our rock salt shells."

"Sniping the demons might be easier but we never seem to have it when necessary.  That's why we go on nightly patrols," Xander said.  Mac gave him a horrified look. "It's the only way to keep the vamps down."  He pouted.  "I haven't had to patrol in days.  It's odd that I haven't had to stake something.  I'm not sure if I miss it or not."

"You probably miss the feel of the hunt," Sam said, patting him on the hand.  "I know it's strange because I haven't been in the car in days.  I'm always in the car going to another area.  I haven't even heard heavy metal in days.  I'm about to wonder why."

"It'd probably drive your aunts nuts," Danny said dryly.  "You two gonna detox from that shit okay?"

"We'll be fine.  This is a vacation," Sam said with a grin.  "I had a long one when I went to college."

"I hated school," Xander admitted.  "I so sucked in there.  I like construction work.  It's good for me and I like doing it."

Sam nodded.  "I've done some day work doing that."  He looked at Harry.  "No, we're not normal."

"I was hoping you weren't."

"Normal military guys are like Mac," Tony told him.   Mac smirked at him.  "I could've said Gibbs but he hasn't met him yet."  He looked at the Chair.  "Are we going to get a report on how bad the Ministry's screwing up?  It was all over the paper this morning."

"The paper's a piece of shite," Harry said bluntly.  "Likes to make up stories and the like.  Said I was insane a few years back."  That got a round of laughs.  "So you can't trust anything and they will twist anything you say."

That got a nod from the Chair.  "They're partially right."

"Is the cause the same as the one we're going to have to beat again?" Sam asked.

"We heard the heavy boots too," Mac assured him.  An auror opened the door and Fudge walked in.  "Minister Fudge."  He looked at the Chair again.  "We should have a good list of what needs cut and what can be updated within a few days.  Tony's already started marking things out that're simply stupid to code."  That got a nod.  "Where are we meeting, boys and Stella?"

"My place?" Tony suggested.  "I live up the alley."  That got a nod from that group.  "Sam, what did you go to college for?"

"I was going to start law school before my girlfriend was killed," he said.  Xander gave his wrist a squeeze.  "Thanks, Xander."

"Welcome.  It's a sucky thing to be stuck in the life we live, Sam."  He nodded at that.  He looked at Fudge.  "What can we do for you today?"

"You can surrender Ministry property," he sneered.

"Um, no," Harry said.  "It's family property the Ministry stole."

"You can't prove that."

Harry pulled something out of his school bag.  "I asked Hermione to find the pertinent references."  He handed them over.  "It should be in the paper tomorrow."  Fudge went purple.

"Um, if he has a stroke I don't know the CPR for that," Xander said.

"Call the paramedics and make them comfortable," Tony said.

"Oh, okay."  He nodded.  "Much nicer than mouth-to-mouth resuscitation."

Tony grinned.  "Had to?"

"Brought back Buffy.  That's why there's two slayers."

Fudge gave him an alarmed look, backing off.  "You work with a slayer?"  Xander beamed and nodded.  "Where?"

"Sunnydale," he said with a sneer.  He stood up.  "Let me introduce myself, Minister Fudge.  I'm Alexander Harris, White Knight of Sunnydale and Buffy's backup."  He fled the room.  Xander sat down, grinning at the aurors.  "You guys have heard of us too?"  They nodded and fled.  "Huh.  I didn't know we had such a heavy reputation this far away.   Must've been listening to the Watchers Council."  He shrugged and grinned at the others.  "Sorry.  I hate ass lickers like that."  They all nodded they agreed and got back to work on the law book, crossing out sections for later on.  "Is it allowed for me to make a preemptive motion and ask that we remove Minister Fudge from office?" he asked the Chair.

"The one after him is worse," he assured him.  "Trolls might be better than he is at the job but all those in line came up with him and would do the same things.  Many of them might even be Death Eaters or sympathizers."

Xander sighed.  "That's fine.  Can we hobble him so he quits acting up?"

He shrugged.  "How would we?"

"Make it so he cannot touch us or the staffs?" Sam suggested.  "I know there's got to be a way."

"With the brains in this room we'll find something," Stella assured him.  That got a nod.  "Until then, we'll keep beating at him whenever he tries something stupid."  Two men in uniform walked in.  "Morning, boys."

"Mr. Harris?"  Xander gave them his best 'interested' look.  "Sir, the Council is not pleased that you're over here."

"I just got named the head of my family and I'll gladly kill Travers to make him leave Giles alone.  The only talk we'd ever possibly have is one where punches were thrown."  That got a nod from one of them.  "I believe in leaving him alone if they do us.  After all, Travers only makes things worse.  Are he and Fudge twins?"

"They share certain management styles," one of them said dryly.  "He would like to talk to you."

"I'd like to kick his ass."

"That may not be possible."

Xander grinned.  "Excuse me early today.  Let me handle my associates."  He walked out with them, letting them take him to the Council.  Where his first act was to hit Wesley's father.  "Next time, don't fuck with the slayers. We get evil."  He turned and hit Travers too.  "That's from Buffy because she's too ladylike to do it herself."  Someone grabbed him and the fight was on.  At least until he was tired of it then the staff took him home after blinding a good few of them with a flash of magic.  Tara looked him over slowly.  "Travers."  She handed him an ice pack.  "Thanks."  He sat down to ice his bruised knuckles.

Family Staffs 3

Harry gave Xander a look the next morning.  "Do you need a mediwitch?" he demanded.

Xander grinned, patting him on the head. "I've had worse on patrol, Harry.  I'm only sore.  I've had advil."  He sat down and looked at Sam.  "They ran into your dad?"

"Twice last night.  He's very sorry that they had to have one of those talks too."

"Yeah, so was I.  I'm expecting Giles to call ranting after they apologize."

"Probably," Sam agreed.  "Need some muscle rub?"

"I'm okay but ask around lunch when the advil wears off?"

"Sure."  They looked at the cops, who were giving them horrified looks.  "We get hurt worse than this during most fights, guys."

Xander nodded. "I've gone on patrol with bruises like this and still managed to stake vamps.  This is nothing."  He went back to his lounging, smiling at the Chair when he walked in.  "Fudge trying again?"

"Not yet.  He's hiding in his office.  Did you intend to blind a good many people?"

"Just a flash to get free.  It was that bright?"

"Or the magic got pissed at them," Danny told him.

Xander shrugged.  "They probably deserved it for the other slayers in training they've been ruining for centuries."  He looked at the Chair again, shrugging a bit again.  "I'm sure it'll come back sometime."

"Probably.  You're very dangerous."

"Only when you fuck with me," Xander promised with a grin.  "The same as most of us in here are."

That got a nod.  "I'll let that be known.  The aurors wanted to know what happened."

"A brawl.  They didn't like me jumping in to help their slayer with her job.  I didn't care about their opinion and they've been trying to kill her for a few years now.  See, she wasn't raised by them so she has independent thought and emotions that they haven't made her lock up yet.  So yeah, not really of the good for their continued problems."

"They train slayers?" Mac asked.

"They take them from their families, put them with a Watcher who raises her until she's called.  Then she's turned into a tool and sent out to fight every night until she dies and another is called," Sam told him.  "Or so we hear."

Xander nodded. "Basically.  The Watcher can get too attached, at which time the girl's taken from him and ours was fired for giving too much of a damn.  He's still doing the job.  Buffy told the Council to blow her when they started shit on her."

Horatio frowned.  "No one steps in, like CPS?"

"Who said they train them in the US?" Xander asked.  That just got a nod.  "If some are trained in the US then they're probably hidden so CPS can't find them.  It's not a camp environment, it's one watcher, one slayer until death do them part.  Has been since they made the first one back in caveman days.  We had to summon her spirit to help us with the Initiative.  She was not a happy slayer by any means."

"I'd like to hear more about this," Mac said calmly.

Xander nodded.  "We'd like the girls to be given to reasonable people who didn't turn them into future robots."

"So would I," he assured him.  Xander grinned and tossed over a book.  "What's that?"

"The location of all the slayers-in-training.  Tara summoned it for blackmail.  That way they wouldn't try it again."

Mac smirked.  "You guys don't play nice, do you?"

"Can't.  The other side doesn't.  If we do, we get killed."

"Good point."  He tucked it into his bag. "So, we've gone over the law book."  He pulled out copies.  "These are the ones we want to change.  Any with purple brackets we want to change to fit better and be more realistic or more clearly written.  We photocopied the pages with the ones we wanted to keep so it could be condensed."

The Chair looked at the thin stack of pages then at the various laws.  He blinked, nodding some.  "These are the base laws."

"Ninety percent of what we took out was put in by Fudge," Horatio told him.

Tony grinned.  "It was interesting reading.  Did you know that he had to make it illegal to sleep with any inhuman creature?  We weren't sure if that was because he wanted to sleep with one or if it had been a problem for a while."

"Some of them are cross-mating capable," Harry told him.  He looked at Xander.  "Do you often get beaten up like that?"

"Now and then."

Harry shook his head.  "You're insane."

"Someone's got to do the job," Xander pointed out.

"Maybe but I still say you're insane."

Xander nodded.  "Could be.  Too many times hitting gravestones with my head."  Sam snickered.  "I have."

"I'm sure you have."  He gave Harry a gentle smile.  "Sometimes you have to get hurt to fight the good fight.  It's happened to all of us."

"I got the plague," Tony told him.  Harry shuddered.  "Exactly.  Every job comes with risk of injuries.  They just do dangerous jobs."  He looked at the Chair again.  "What did he want to screw that much?"

"Probably his house elf," he said quietly, getting a few snickers.  They got back to the laws.  They had left in the pertinent laws.  "I see you left in the one Xander complained about but you want it changed?"

"We think that it should go something like 'if you marry it should be someone who can help keep your family strong' instead," Stella told him.  Danny nodded at that.  "It would keep some people marrying like Draco's family has but not all of them."

That got a nod.  "We'd be expected to enforce it."

"That's why we put in 'if you should marry' instead of making it 'you will marry'."

"That does sound reasonable.  Do we have the suggestions written out?"  Horatio handed those over.  "You five are certainly efficient."

"Happiest paperwork I've done recently," Horatio admitted.  That got a grin from Mac.  "I hate paperwork."

"You and me both," Mac promised.  "Think we can get a house elf to do them for us?"

"I'm about to replace Eric with one.  They wouldn't flirt with women the way he does.  It causes problems."

Danny snickered.  "I won't tell him you said that."

"If we have to arrest another ex-girlfriend of his I'm going to tell him that myself," Horatio said blandly, cracking Stella up.  "Want him, Mac?  We'll take Stella so she can get a tan."

"Mine," Mac said dryly.  "Though I will come poach if you want."

"Two newbies at the same time," Tony teased.

"Never mind.  One's more than I can stand with Speed off on injury leave."  He sighed, leaning back some.  "A few we weren't certain how to word it.  That was the best we could come up with."

"I think we can polish them," the Chair assured him, smiling at him.  "Did you check in with your people?"

"I tried but they all screamed so I hung up and I'll call during our lunch break," Horatio told him.

"I called Flack, he's still complaining," Danny offered.

"I talked to Gibbs, he's throwing a fit about the Initiative stuff.  That DVD was Willow-fied according to Abby but they got the full files from her."

"Figures she wanted to know who was accessing the information," Xander said with a small shrug.  "We definitely don't want them to do it again and we don't want your people on our doorstep for having to stop them."

"You won't be arrested for that," Tony promised.  "Gibbs made sure of it."  Xander grinned.  "Want some more tylenol?"

"I'm good.  Thanks though."  He looked at the Chair.  "What was our next topic?  The Dark Lord?  The aurors?  The paper that said I was sleeping with Draco?"

Horatio coughed to hide his smile.  "It did say that."

"I let Draco have the paper and he went to scream and rant at them and his mother for telling them that," Xander said with a grin.

Harry looked at him.  "They might be destroyed.  Draco is just as much of an evil bastard as his father was," he pointed out.

Xander grinned. "Not really.  Lucius has not a brain or a clue.  Draco has a brain, he simply doesn't use it yet."  That got a slow nod.  "We'll see where he ends up after he finishes growing up.  He might surprise you a bit."

"He's always going on about purebloods," Harry said.

"Yeah but he's been trained to do that.  His parents trained him that way."  Harry caught the clue.  "We'll see what he's like after he starts to think for himself and all that good stuff."

"Fine.  Can I still paste him in the halls the next time he picks on 'Mione and Ron?"

Xander shrugged. "If he starts it, finish it."

"Thanks, Xander."  He grinned.  "Have someone like that?"

"I was picked on.  I got it out on the vamps."

"Ah."  He took his copies of the laws they wanted to keep.  "What's this one turning the bank back over to the goblins?"

"It's because Fudge made it illegal for the goblins to fully control the banking system when he was in Goblin Relations.  He put a Ministry official in their board to help him control them and the money flow," the Chair told him.  "That was during the first war.  They protested but this council wasn't as strong then.  We couldn't overrule him.  Without half the seats taken we were more advisory.  It was a major move on his way to the Minister's spot."

Harry nodded.  "Would the goblins mind that?  Or would they start having problems like hiking fees?"

"I don't know.  We'd have to talk to them to see what method they'd like that to take," the Chair told him.  "Very good question however."

Danny coughed.  "We weren't sure what would happen so we were expecting to talk to someone about most of them."  That got a nod.  "At least a judge or someone to advise us on any heavy changes."

"Make this our choice of how to change it then go to an advisor to make sure it would be acceptable to the courts, then ratify it formally?" the Chair suggested.  They nodded.  "That's a sound idea."

"The judge I saw was upstairs by two floors," Xander offered.  "The goblins seemed willing to help us somewhat at the least so getting one in to talk about that issue should help."  They all nodded at that.  "I'm all for asking people about what I don't know."

"Good.  Then we'll make sure these are what we want.  We'll let him advise us on how to change those so they're worded appropriately, then we'll ratify the changes," the chair said.  "Anyone disagree?"  No one said anything.  "Xander, can you ask him to come see us later?"

"Sure.  After lunch, about two?"  That got and he went to do that, finding him in his office.  He smiled as he tapped and leaned in.  "Have a few seconds?"

"If you need me to.  What's wrong?"

"We're done looking at some really ridiculous laws.  Like the 'you can't wear polka dots' law."

The judge smirked.  "I see you didn't like it?"

"No.  We also have a good percentage of officers on the Founders Council and they didn't like it either.  They're looking at simplifying things."  That got a smirk and a nod.  "We've done the cut and paste thing to get down to the base we want.  There's some that need changes but we don't want to cut.  We'd like you or another judge to come down say around two if you're not busy to advise us on the wordage that would be most useful to the judicial system."

The judge blinked.  "Already?"

"We went through with a marker," Xander said bluntly.  "Honestly."  That got a slow nod.  "So are you busy around two or is there someone that might be better suited if you don't think you can help us?"

"I think we can and a few of us can come down about then," he decided.  "Thank you, Mr. Harris."

"We hate stupid laws," Xander assured him.  "There's a few really horrible ones.  Why can't you give house elfs ear massages?"

"It makes them go into heat."

"Oh.  And the problem with them going into heat is?  Is it a population control thingy?"

"No.  Simply considered disgusting.  That one was written against those who like their house elves too much."

"I think we can put in a clause saying you can't do your house elf unless they agree."

"They're subservient and would do anything for their masters."

"I'll let them know."  He grinned. "Two?"

"Is good for us.  Would you like us to bring down the headmaster?  He's part of our court as well."

"Damn he gets around.  No, let's keep it at three or less of you guys.  That way you don't get into a fight."

"Sure.  I'll let them know that."  He smiled, watching the young man walk out, shaking his head once he was gone.  That was going to be one strong fixing.

Xander walked in.  "The no sleeping with a house elf clause needs to stay in," he said as he sat down.  "They're subservient and the judge said they'd do anything to make their masters happy.  That's the reason for the no ear massages rule."

"We can rewrite it so it's better worded and easier to enforce," Horatio assured him.  "We were talking about proxies in case we're called back to work."

"Family based or one of us?" Xander suggested.

That got a nod from the chair.  "Those are acceptable solutions.  I would caution that your family can do some serious damage."

"Draco might not fit under the current adult clauses.  I'd never leave it to them unless I had a good understanding of where they stood on many issues.  Even then they'd have to swear a blood oath to me not to screw up things and to vote like I would."  That got a gape from the chair.  He grinned.  "I'm used to wiccans but I do know the power of oaths."  That got a simple nod.  "Then again, I'm not doing much beyond my construction job and I can get a new one when I get back.  Or even my old one.  We've always got openings."

"Good point," he decided.  "Would that be acceptable to the others?  You hand your proxy to someone either on the council or someone in your family who would vote as you would?"

"That seems most reasonable," Harry agreed.  "That would also keep some people from pressuring me."

"Yeah, I was wondering about that," Xander admitted.  "The judge I asked said that the headmaster's on the judicial council as well?"

"We have a large judge's panel called the Wizengomet," the Chair told him. "It decides very hefty matters.  Like you Yank's Supreme Court."

"Why is a headmaster on it?" Danny asked, looking confused.

"He got voted on a long time ago by a Minister for Magic.  He's defeated a Dark Lord in the past.  He's considered a national hero."

"Which is his natural job?  What did he start out doing?" Sam asked.

"He started out teaching Transfiguration."

"So he's looking for a political career as well?" Horatio asked, looking confused.

"He's already got some pull," Harry assured him.  "He and Fudge butt heads too.  Dumbledore's making sure some of us fight the current Dark Lord."

Horatio just nodded at that.  "It sounds like he's going for Minister himself."

"I'm not sure he's not," Harry admitted.  "Now and then I have some doubts."

"We'll get into that," Sam decided.  That got a mass nod.  That wasn't right to them.  "Is headmaster a publically appointed job?"

"Inherited.  You move up the hierarchy until it's yours," Danny told him.  "Or at the one I went to it was."

Harry nodded.  "Here too.  Snape is our Potions teacher.  He can tell you the current line.  I know McGonagall is his deputy."

Xander just nodded.  "Even worse than Snyder."

Sam patted him on the arm.  "No flashbacks."

"Sure."  He looked at the Chair.  "Later on?"

"We'll get into that nearer to when we talk about school matters," he agreed.  An auror slid in and closed the door.  "Yes, Auror Smith?" he asked her.

"Sir, I was sent to see if we could get a statement from Mr. Potter about something that went on at the school last night."

"Something happened at the school last night?" Harry asked.  He gave her a confused look.  "What happened?"

"Two students were caught under Imperious."

"I didn't do it and unless it was a Gryff, I wouldn't realize it."

"One was.  Miss Granger was found to be under one this morning."

Harry snorted.  "Fat chance.  'Mione can shove it off."  She looked stunned.  "I taught her how I do it and by the end of the year with the Death Eater pretending to be Moody she could.  So can Ron."

She blinked.  "The headmaster reported she was under it and he removed it.  He wanted to see if you knew who had put it on her."

"She was mouthing off about Slytherins last night.  She wasn't under it then."

She just nodded. "Interesting.  I'll let him know that.  Thank you, Mr. Potter.  Mr. Harris, the Ministry official in the Watchers Council said they're very sorry and they're not going to attack you again.  Clearly having you go against their intended laws was working well at the moment and they wish you to continue as long as they never have to see you again."

"Sure, I'm all for that.  Travers is one person I could do without."  She nodded and left.  He grinned at Harry.  "I wonder if they have the official hyped on their usual thing or if he was a plant?"

"From what we know about the Watchers Council they could've suggested it so they could get information from him," Sam pointed out.  "One of their own people sent over here to work until their plan was pulled and he was allowed back."

"Could be," Xander agreed.  "They're like that."  He patted Harry on the back.  "The Watchers also had a definite book on various curses that said that particular one has to be reapplied every six months.  Plus you can build up a tolerance against it."  Harry gaped at him.  He grinned and nodded.  "Another crossover person studied it."

"That's interesting," he said.  "Can I see it?"

"It's in my bag from yesterday."

"I'll pop around to get it before I head back tonight."

"Come for dinner, Harry," Xander offered.  He grinned and nodded. "If you have to, you can crash on the couch like Draco did last night after Tara fed him."  He grinned at the Chair, who was also giving him an 'interested' look.  "Sorry for interrupting."

"No, that's an interesting bit of news.  I'd like that book too."  Xander pulled out his phone to text Tara, getting the book a minute later.  It was tossed down to him.  He looked it up in the index then at the facts as presented.  "He truly did study it by using it repeatedly."  He frowned at the information.  "Very interesting indeed."  He looked at a few other ones and the information was very good for what he knew had gone wrong in the last war.  "May I hold this for a while?"

"As long as I get it back.  Giles wants it back."

"Of course."  He tucked it into his bag.  "Now, let's get back to the laws as they stand.  Does anyone see anything that should have been left in?"  Everyone shook their heads.  "Then let's get lunch in for now and we'll go over it when the judges get here."

A house elf appeared with sandwiches. "Twirpy made them himself," he announced.  "No tampering."

"Who asked you to tamper?" Sam asked.

"No one.  Making sure.  Aurors said it would be good idea if Twirpy did."

"Thank you," Sam said, taking his to nibble on.  Xander did the same.  The others gave them odd looks after their first bites of the strange meat.  "I've had to eat MRE's," he pointed out.

"They taste like it," Mac agreed.  He dug in.  He was hungry.  Stella let him have hers.  So did Danny.

"Tastes like base food," Tony sighed, digging in too.  Horatio let him have his.  "Thanks, Horatio.  You sure?"

"Definitely."

Xander pulled out something and tossed it at Horatio, making him catch the trail mix.  "I nibble during meetings and we always nibble during research."  He finished up and dug out some water to drink.  It had been foul.  Like magical spam.

***

Harry looked at his headmaster the next morning.  He had been summoned back to the school before his next meeting.  "Yes, Headmaster?"

"Harry, are you feeling all right?  You stayed in town last night."

"Xander invited me over for dinner last night to look over a copy of a book on the various curses and how they were formed, their duration, and how you build an immunity.  One of the Watcher blokes studied it and he got a copy from the Watcher he works with."

"Xander?  You've mentioned him."

"He's from the hellmouth out in Sunnydale.  He now heads Draco's family."  Dumbledore looked a bit upset at that.  "He's very honorable and he's pushed to have Lucius put in jail.  He's stopped Narcissa on both our behalfs.  He's been working on Draco to make him think for himself so he can see what sort of man he'll grow up being.  He's not a bad guy and he's got five years of combat experience on the hellmouth fighting with a slayer.  There's another demon hunter on the new council as well and he's offered to go over some strategy stuff and self defense with me.  The officers have been offering their help wherever they can too."  He shifted, crossing his feet.  "They've been very nice to me and Xander even found the standards of adulthood before the legal age.  Did you know I happen to qualify under a few different statutes?"

"I hadn't," he admitted, pulling down his law code book to look it up with a muttered spell.  It opened to that page.  "This one?"

Harry looked then shook his head, flipping back to the other one.  "That one, Headmaster."

He read it then blinked at the boy.  "It does seem that you've managed to obtain it already. Mr. Malfoy as well possibly."

"Xander wasn't sure and wasn't going to ask him.  He figured if he wanted that sort of notice he'd come ask him."  He smiled.  "Right now we're going over the silly laws that have no reason to be on the books.  I really don't know why someone coded it so no one can wear polka dots but it's ridiculous.  The officers on the board have gone over it and have asked a few of the judges for advice."

"I hadn't heard that either."

"They felt you'd be very busy here, sir.  They got some of the ones with offices in the building to help them with some wording changes."  He stood up.  "Now if you'll excuse me I'd like to check on Hermione.  Someone told me that she had been found under an Imperious command, even though she can throw it off."

"She can?"  Harry nodded, grinning a bit.  "That's good."  He closed the law book.  "How drastic a change is it?  I can understand the silly laws being eradicated by them."

"The new book will be about a sixth of that one," he said, nodding politely before he left.  He ran into Ron and Draco staring off down at the bottom of the spiral staircase.  "Quit," he ordered.  "Ron, leave him be.  Draco, Xander didn't say he needed help today but we're going over some of the more stupid laws that have been put onto the books.  Things like you can't wear striped underwear really did annoy the officers on the panel."  Draco snickered at that.   "They're going over some wording changes as well.  Do you want me to floo Xander to see if he needs help today?"

"No, I'm fine being in classes today, Potter.  Any other good news?"

"Have you looked at the statutes to declare yourself an adult?  Not the law establishing the legal age but the 'but' clauses as your head of family says."

"I hadn't.  Where are they?"

"About page 500 or so.  There's a whole list.  He wasn't sure if you qualified or not.  He did say he was going to let you come to him if you did and let him know if you wanted to be known that way or not."

"That's reasonable of him," Draco agreed coolly.  "Thank him for me."

"Of course."  He smiled.  "Did you also hear that the Watchers decided to have a ...talk with him about how he's doing on the hellmouth?  We all offered him pain killers yesterday but he waved them off."

Draco gave him an odd look.  "Really?"  He nodded.  "Interesting.  I'll floo him later, see if he needs me after lunch so I don't get filthy in Magical Creatures."  He walked off.  "Thank you for that bit of gossip."

"You're welcome.  We'll be taking a tour of the school after we're done with the stupid laws."  He looked at Ron and grinned.  "See, easier," he said more quietly.

Ron smirked.  "He's not happy."

"I don't care.  I don't head his family."  He grinned brighter.  "So, how's classes been?  I can tell you that the meetings are often more boring and dull than even History is."

Ron snickered.  "That's good to know.  Need help?  Hermione's in a snit."

"I got told she was Imperio'd."

Ron shook his head slowly.  "Not that I've heard and I would've.  We've been together the whole time."

Harry grinned.  "Good.  We're going over stupid laws.  Apparently you can't wear dark underwear either.  We're not sure why that's in there or the rule that say you can't bugger a dragon."  Ron burst out laughing, patting him on the arm.  "Exactly.  We'll be doing the school stuff after this.  Let Hermione know so she can beat everyone in the tower until they clean up that day?"

"Sure, Harry.  Having fun?"

"Well, so far we've taken a trip to show the Chair what modern women are wearing.  That way we can ease that problem into fewer issues later on.  He was horrified.  Wanted to get up and dress some of them."  He grinned at McGonagall, giving her a hug.  "I'm off for more boring meetings over stupid laws we have."

"Really, Mr. Potter, no laws are stupid," she huffed.

"Really?  Then can you explain to me why we're not allowed to wear dark colored underwear, striped underwear, or polka dots anywhere but on a feathered hat?"

She blinked.  "I concede, those may be stupid laws," she decided after a moment's thought.  He nodded with a grin.  "Going back?"

"We have a few judges who're helping us with some changes.  There's one that says I have to marry someone within my family to keep it strong and pure.  I'm not so sure I want to do that.  Xander and I might have to decide which of us is marrying Draco and another member might have to marry his brother or father."

She shuddered.  "Please fix that.  The very thought of you two getting together is horrifying."

Harry grinned.  "Yes it is."  She pointed at the floo.  "Thank you."  He headed off to the Ministry.  If this is what having a job was like, he was going to be bored forever once he graduated.  He walked in.  "Sorry, Headmaster wanted to talk to me.  I told him we'd probably be up that way after we got done with some of the stupider laws.  Then I noted the polka dot and striped underwear ones.  Xander, Draco said he'd look over that part you found me and tell you if he qualified or not and if he wanted to be known as such."

"Thanks, Harry."  He grinned. "You okay?"

"I'm fine.  How's Tara?"

"She's doing fine but she's back with Willow for the day.  Willow needed some spell research help."  He looked at the Chair.  "Okay, we're here.  Have the judges figured out anything?"

"We're being too literal," Mac told him.

"Well, literal seems to be a good thing.  Little wiggle room.  Clear cut.  Easier to understand."

"The law doesn't like that," Horatio said.  "It's also not in the proper format.  He'll have them for me next week so we can go back over it."

Xander shrugged.  "Sure.  Let us know.  What else is on the agenda today?"

"The Dark Lord stuff is coming," Harry announced.  "I called out last night and someone I know who has it will bring it over to your house tonight, Sam."  He nodded at that.  "Please find him for us?"

"If we can, Harry.  We think there's a way to cancel the resurrection spell."

Harry beamed at him, getting up to hug him.  "I love you."

"You're welcome.  Sit down before some snoopy reporter thinks we're getting married."

"Better than some of the ones they thought I was with.  Draco started a rumor I was seeing my friend Hermione but we had broken up and I was under so much stress I was going odd in the head."  He sat down again.  "All right, what else was going on?"

"The Headmaster wanted us to look over the school," Mac said with a small smirk.

"He's probably on his way here," Harry told him.

"Even better.  Less interfering officials," Danny said with a grin.  "Shall we?  Can you lead a tour?"

"Sure," Harry agreed.  "If the Chair wants us to?"

He shrugged.  "Better to have that done now so he can lay out what he wants to change later on.  That way we have time to consider it."  He smiled.  "How is this year's stand-in defense teacher?"

"Don't ask," Harry said bluntly.  "Just don't.  It's nice she's covering what Remus Lupin did three years ago less competently than he did.  Speaking of, the werewolf laws?"

"Being looked over," he assured him.  He pointed at Sam.  "At his insistence."

"Thank you," Harry told him. "The trial thing?"

"I'm having files pulled," the Chair assured him.  That got a smile and a nod.  "Shall we travel, gentlemen and Stella?"

"Sure," she agreed.  "How?"

"Want to floo and walk up, let the staffs apparate us, or fly up in ministry cars?" Harry asked.

"Floo then walk.  That way we can see the castle's outside," Horatio decided.  The others nodded it was fine with them and they left to find a floo port.  The Chair knew where they were so it was good for them.  They came out and looked around the town.  "This is quaint and nice, very peaceful," Horatio said, looking around, sliding into his sunglasses.

"Very nice," Xander agreed.  "It's like my hellmouth without the bad magic and demons."  They all gave him tolerant looks.  Sam patted him on the back.  "Which way, Harry?"  He pointed and they walked up the path with him.  Xander slowed down, looking around.  "Hey, um, Harry?  What's with the dark magic?" he called.

"It's the forest.  It protects the school."

"Uh-huh," Sam said.

"It's been here since the school's founders, guys."

"Uh-huh," Danny said, looking around.  "Okay then.  Catch up, boys."  Sam and Xander caught up with the group, both of them having their hands on their weapons, just in case.  "You two are paranoid."

"Yeah, but that's a good thing in our lives," Xander defended.

"Good point," Mac agreed.  "Calm down.  I'm sure they won't hurt the school."

"We're not students."

"True but we're not going to hurt the school either."  Mac gave them looks and they relaxed slightly.  "Thank you."  They came out the other side and the boys relaxed but Horatio was staring at the castle.

"There's an illusion on it to make it look broken down," Harry told him.

"I'd hope so.  Is that one tower leaning?"

Harry looked.  "We must be inside the shield.  Yes, it is.  We have Divination in it."  He grinned.  "The castle is magical and slightly sentient.  It won't fall in."

"Is it safe?"

"As far as we know."  He walked them up to the lawn area.  "That's our grounds keeper's hut.  His name's Hagrid and he's very nice.  He's the first wizard I met.  Came to get me from my relatives.  He teaches Magical Creatures.  Xander, Sam, please don't kill them?"

"Sure, don't let them eat us," Xander agreed.  That got a nod and they walked in, looking around.  He stopped to look at a wall.  "Could use some minor maintenance.  The grout's fuzzy."  He walked on, making mental notes.  He nodded at the giant man.  "Hi.  How are you today?"

"Hagrid, this is Xander, one of our new Founders Council members.  He holds the Malfoy family staff."

"Morning," he said politely.  "Do you like creatures?"

"As long as they aren't attacking me I don't mind them in the least," he said with a grin.  "Is your class a mandatory or an elective?"

"Mandatory for the first five years," he said proudly.

"That's very cool," Xander said, making him relax.  "I hope the kids enjoy it."  He pointed at the leaning tower Horatio was still staring at.  "Does anyone do routine maintenance on the castle?  I noticed some of the grout on the outer walls was furry."

"The castle should do it itself."

"Then we'll have to see why it's not," Horatio said calmly.  He smiled at him.  "It looks like your students are drifting off."  He looked then went back to it.  "How long have you been in construction?"

"Little over a year," he admitted.  Horatio handed him a pen and notepad.  He grinned.  "Sure."  He started to make notes.  Harry led them to the greenhouses, letting them talk to the teacher and a few students over there.  She was very nice but flustered.  She had to go save a student from a human eating plant.  He nodded politely at Draco since he was out there, making another note about a broken panel in the roof.  Then they went into the school.  Even Horatio had to blink at the lack of light.  He looked up at the windows then at Harry.  "Are all the rooms this dark?"

"No.  Some of the rooms are very light," Harry assured him.  "It's dark in the entry to keep the paintings from fading."  He pointed at the walls of paintings that were nearly crushed together.  "We have a large collection of what's known as living paintings.  They're imbued with magic so they can talk back to you in limited ways."

"That's pretty cool," Danny said.  "My school didn't have these."  They walked on, Harry leading them to another classroom, where he ducked in and came out with a teacher.  "Morning."

"Good morning.  The Headmaster is away at the Ministry," she admitted, smiling at Harry.

"That's fine.  Unannounced visits means that no one has any time to change things for it," Mac told her.  "This way we get a real feel for the true school."  She nodded that she understood.

"Can Mr. Potter escort us around so we can be nosy?" Sam asked.

"Of course.  He's been here now for five years.  He should know his way around."  She smiled at him.  "Do behave."

"Of course.  This is not only our Deputy Headmistress but also our Transfiguration teacher.  Would anyone like to take some of the back seats in her class?"

"Right after lunch would be better.  I have first years then," she told him.  "This class has no empty seats."  That got a nod from everyone.  "Go ahead on your tour.  I'll make sure the house elves know you're here for lunch."  They walked on, Xander stopping to look at a blank painting them making a note.  "She's probably left to tell her other painting that you're here," she told him.

He grinned. "I'm more concerned about the hole she's hiding."  She came to look then tutted.  "I know it happens.  I do carpentry so I'm the note taker."  She nodded at that.  "Nothing bad."  He grinned and walked on, catching up with the others.  Harry was showing them the Great Hall.  He looked up like everyone else was.  "Hmm.  Wonder if it shows when people fly in."

"Yup," Sam said, pointing.  "There's a flying car."  They all nodded and left, heading off to the next area - the dungeons.  "This is cheery," Sam said sarcastically.  "Really, really Addams Family cheery."

Xander snickered. "It so is."  Professor Snape came out.  "Professor, we're touring today.  Is there a reason they put you down here?  Is it structurally based?  I know you were complaining about people blowing potions up."

"That is one reason, that and so any ambient magic released can be soaked back into the ground," he admitted coolly.  "It's also because my house is down here."  He looked at Potter.  "Did you want them to see Slytherin?"

"If you wish, Professor.  I'd leave that up to you and show them Gryffindor anyway."

He nodded.  "That is reasonable.  Did you need to see my classroom?"

Xander nodded.  "For just a minute, to make sure you don't have anything that needs fixed?" he suggested.

Snape stared at him.  "The castle does that on its own."

"Then why is there a hole in the wall in the entry?" he countered.  Snape gave him a horrified look.  "This way it can be addressed and we can find someone who can do the work and help the castle fix itself."

"That is ...thoughtful."

"I work carpentry."  He gave him a look.  "Need anything?"

"A larger room and a better ventilation system."  He let them into his room.   "All work will stop while our guests are here," he announced.  "We do not want to blow them up with your mediocre potions."   They looked around and he followed Stella.  "This is our storage area."

She looked around.  Then at him.  "Does it need to be expanded?"

"I could use it," he admitted.  "I will not push for it.  There's not many empty spaces down here.  Taking out a wall would be most disastrous."

Xander pointed at one. "That one's not load bearing.  It could be done easily enough and then a new one put up further back."  He looked at him.  "That would give you at least another ten feet of room.  Or we could arrange it so that was your office since you'd have your back to an outer wall.  Then you could add that area out here.  It'd give you a view of  the door as well."

Snape tipped his head.  That was a suggestion he could like.  His paranoid nature would like that.  "That may be helpful."

"Draw up ideas for us, Snape," Xander said plainly.  "Include any rooms and any fantasies you have.  If we have to, we can pare it back down with your authority."  That got a nod.  "Are all the students doing okay or does the curriculum need tweaked?"

"They're all hopeless," he said bluntly.  "Even making it all doltproof would not help."

He nodded.  "That's reasonable then."  He smiled.  "Thank you for your time."  Something exploded.  He and Sam, plus Mac and Horatio, all had their guns pulled within a heartbeat, pointing them at the scared student, who wet himself.   Stella and Danny had theirs out a blink after the first group did.  "Would blast shields help?" Xander quipped.

"Indeed.  I do need to redo those spells."  They put up their weapons and nodded, leaving after thanking him.  He calmed himself down.  "Clean that up," he snarled.  The student burst out crying.  "Now!"  The student ran for a mop to clean up his mess.  He calmed himself further.  "The rest of you get back to work."

"Who were they?" one student asked timidly.

"The new Founders Council that just got called."  That got a shudder.  "Work, do not think up bad things.  I can do worse."  They got back to work, the one mopping finishing up and heading to the bathroom to clean himself up as well.  Even though Professor Snape would be taking off points for that.

***

Harry led them into Gryffindor.  They had done Slytherin just before lunch, after charms, defense, and the elective classrooms, giving him time to have someone clean up any messes.  "This is my house.  As you can see, Hermione thinks she's a house elf," he teased, getting swatted for it.  "It's usually clean enough.  I'm sure they've all seen a common area before, Hermione."

"It was filthy and Ron left out quidditch magazines," she complained.

"He's like that," Harry chided, smirking at her.  She huffed and stomped off.  "Follow her up to the girls' side if you want to."  They did that.  Harry led the others to the boys' side.  "This is my dorm," he told them, letting them inside.  The others in his dorm were in there.  "Who gave us a free period?"

"McGonagall demanded it, Harry," Ron said, waving a bit.  "Hello.  Welcome to our dorm.  We're under orders to behave or else she's changing us in the next human to inanimate lecture."

Horatio coughed.  "Can she?"

"And back," Neville said grimly.  He smiled.  "We even freshened the room so it doesn't smell like a boy's dorm."

Mac smiled.  "Relax, boys.  Most of us went to college and lived in a dorm too.  Some of us were even military and lived in barracks.  This is pretty nice.  Why the curtains?"

"There's a chill in the winter," Ron told him.  "Stones don't trap the heat enough sometimes."

"Can that be fixed?" Horatio asked.

Harry looked at him.  "Some of us would beg, including some of the Slytherins since they're down so far."

Xander made a note on his third page of notes.  "We can talk about that.  It shouldn't be too hard to do something."  They all nodded.  He grinned.  "Anything else need fixed in the common room or up here?  Things like holes, loose stones, that stuff?"

"One of the stairs on the girls' side is loose," Ron said.  "It's supposed to all slide down so we can't get up there.  It doesn't thanks to that one."

"Is that a problem?" Danny asked with a smirk.

"Not for some of us," Dean said dryly from his bed.  They all laughed.  "They might like it fixed though.  Girls are allowed in here if we want."

"That seems uneven," Stella said as she walked in.  "Hmm.  Less cheery than the girls' side."

"It happens.  They're girls," Harry said with a smirk.  "They probably decorated."

"They have lighter stones and more sunlight."  She looked at the bed.  "That's heavy.  How do you guys clean under them?"

"The house elves do it once a year," Harry told her.  "They'd like to do it more often but students get in a snit when their beds are moved."

"It's what little privacy and private property you have," Stella agreed.  "It all works?"

"Oh, sixth year's third stall in the bathroom doesn't work," Ron admitted.  "Only goes cold water."

"Is that on purpose or a problem?" Xander asked dryly.

"Could be on purpose," Ron admitted.  "But the boys complain a lot when it's the last one open in the mornings."

Xander nodded, making a note of that.  "I can see how that'd be a problem."  He smiled.  "Okay, we're going to...."

"Lunch," Harry said.  They nodded, heading down with him and the boys.  "Then Transfiguration for a while, then up to Divination, Horatio?"

"Please.  I want to make sure that tower's safe."  That got a nod from everyone.

"If you do, can they have stairs instead of a rope ladder?" Ron asked.

Dean punched him on the arm.  "I like the ladder.  It lets me look up skirts," he hissed.

"Never mind."

Horatio looked at the boys.  "While that's a consideration, is it difficult for students to attend classes?"  They sighed and nodded.  "What about students who are on crutches and things?"

"They don't usually have to use them for more than a few days," Ron told him.  "Madam Pomfrey can fix broken bones and the like pretty quick."

"What about those who have physical handicaps?" Xander asked.

Ron frowned.  "I'm not sure if any witch or wizard has them."

"I'm sure there are," Horatio said.  "We'll ask about it."  That got a nod and the boys all relaxed again.  "We have nothing against boys being boys," he assured him quietly.  "We need to make sure it's safe so no one dies."

"Then make the big git who's hunting Harry go away," Neville said firmly.

"That's a topic we're looking into," Sam assured him with a look, getting a lot of relaxed boys.  And Hermione.  They walked into the Great Hall.  "The ceiling does mimic very well.  That's good work."  They looked and found an empty table.  "Headmaster, if you don't mind, can we eat with the students?"

"Of course.  You can pull them up to your table if you want to talk to them," he assured him.

Sam smiled.  "How would you know what worries the students if they're not free to talk about things?" he countered.  He walked over with Neville.  He seemed like a nice boy.  He sat next to him and smiled.  "Hi, Sam Winchester."  They all stared at him.  Xander sat down across from him.  "This is Xander Harris.  We're on the Founders Council.  Don't mind us.  Gossip away.  We were your age not too long ago."  They all just nodded slowly.

Xander snickered.  "Guys, I'm surrounded by girls all day every day.  Relax.  We're not mean.  We're not here to make things bad or worse.  We're here to do a physical tour to make sure things work.  There's no holes, those things."  They all nodded and smiled.  "So don't treat us any differently.  Okay?"  They nodded.  "Good.  Now does anyone have anything that needs to be fixed in their dorm rooms?  We've heard about the cold shower in the sixth year's boys dorm."

"The safety measure for the girls needs fixed," one older girl said.  "The boys have been a pain about coming over."  Xander made note of that.  "I don't know why it doesn't work."

"Someone said something about a sticking step?" Xander suggested.

"Third one down does stick in position.  It only wiggles," Hermione told them.

"Do we think it's odd that the girls are allowed in the boys' dorm?" Sam asked.

"That lets us decide if we're going to do things but protects those girls who don't want to associate themselves with boys," the same older girl said.  "Plus the younger kids."

Xander leaned on the table to look at her.  "Do you think the boys would take advantage of them?"

"They haven't been," she admitted.   "I can see the point of having it on both sides."  They nodded and smiled.  "Though it would make it inconvenient when we need to get books for them."

"Then we'll take that into account," Xander agreed, making a note.  "Anything else?"

"Can we have a makeout room again?" one fourth year asked.

Hermione growled. "That's disgusting!"

"He's at the age that those thoughts come up, Hermione," Sam explained.  "It's a natural urge.  It's not like he can really go on dates around here."

"He can escort his chosen girl to town," she said primly.

Xander looked at her.  "You're muggle born so I'm going to assume you've heard of good dates.  How would that rate on your scale?"

She grimaced.  "Poorly.  It's still not done and is against school codes."

He nodded.  "Sneaking around and not getting caught makes you smarter," he agreed, looking at the boy.  "Finding ways to get what you desire anyway is one way to grow brains.  You can use the lessons you have, higher lessons, warp lower lessons, and use regular sneakiness to get that need taken care of."  The boy sulked but nodded.

"I did," Sam agreed. "My father was really strict on that stuff when I was your age.  Sneaking around him made me better at what I do now."

Xander nodded.  "Sneaking around with Cordy helped us too," he agreed.

"Please don't tell them about your exes?" Harry begged.

Xander snickered.  "I won't.  I doubt they need to hear that."  He looked at the table.  "Anything else need fixed?"

"The attic has a draft," one of the Weasley twins said.

"Are you treating Harry all right?  Our mum would be furious if not," the other told him.

"We had a nice dinner last night.  Harry slept on the couch.  Tara's a very good cook."   They smiled at that, nodding a bit.  "Tell your mother I'll help Harry however I can.  Sam too."

"That's a ..."

"Good idea," they agreed together.

"He could probably use some help studying since this is going to put him dreadfully behind," Hermione told him.

"If he needs it, we can help," Sam assured her.

"Where did you go to school?" one of the first years asked.

"Stanford.  I don't usually use magic in daily life.  Didn't know about my other family actually."

Xander nodded.  "I went to school in Sunnydale."  The higher years all gave him horrified looks.  He grinned and waved.  "Yes, there."  They just nodded en masse.  "It's cool, guys.  I'm on the slayer's team."  That got a sigh of relief from a few of them.  "Sam does the same thing."

Sam nodded.  "A lot, all over the country."

"Wow.  So you don't use magic?" one girl asked.  Sam shook his head.  "Why not?"

"It's not necessary to do what I do."  He pointed at something.  "I've been seeing ghosts.  Are they problems?"

"They're house mascots," Hermione told him.  "Please don't trap or banish them, Mr. Winchester."

"Sure, as long as they're not a problem."

She shook her head.  "No.  Not a problem."

"Except Peeves," one first year girl pouted.  "He's a poltergeist."

Sam smiled.  "I'll have to ask and see if the headmaster wants me to work on that."  Xander made a note.  "If so we'll help.  If not maybe you can negotiate with him to leave you alone?  Sometimes they will do that if it amuses them."  She beamed and nodded, going to find him and do that.  He looked at that Ron kid and nudged him.  "Eat.  Or else you'll pass out later and we'll have to make note of that too."  The others ate and they dug in too.

Xander got up and headed over to Slytherin to sit with them.  "Guys, since I've got the fixing list and I haven't heard Stella ask, do we need anything in your house fixed?  Loose stones, showers that don't work, that stuff?"  They all sneered at him.

"Shut it, you lot," Draco ordered.  "He's the holder of the Malfoy Staff."  Xander nodded.  "There's a few things I knew of in years past.  I'm not sure if they've been fixed or not."

Xander sat down beside him, showing him the list he had already.  "That's what we found when your head of house took us."  Draco added to the list.  "Cool with us.  Anything in the upper years?"

"Haven't been in them yet," he said with an evil smirk.  "Pansy, anything you know that needs fixed?"

"The globe's off in one room," she said.  "Seventh year girl's side."  Xander nodded, making a note.

"I noticed you guys needed more light," Stella said.  "Is that something that could help?  Make the house easier to study in?"

Draco nodded.  "The common room could use a few more lamps."

"More than a few," Xander snorted.  "How many of you guys get depressed in the winter?"

"We'd never show it," Draco said calmly.  "It's not the Slytherin way."

Xander stared at him.  "There's no weakness in admitting you have a problem and getting it fixed.  Not fixing it leads to a greater weakness as it gets worse.  Then you become undependable due to it.  Even injuries."  That got a simple nod.  "Bright lights or like you have now?"

"We could use a few good bright lights overhead," one of the seventh years told him.  Xander nodded, making note of that.  "Are you touring the other houses?"

"If they need or want us to," Stella said with a smile.  "If not I'm sure we can get a list from them.  We might do it right before we go.  After this we're sitting in on Transfiguration then heading up to do Divination."

"The rope ladder is the most fun some of the younger kids get," one said bluntly.

She laughed.  "So I've heard."

"I still say sneaking off to get that need met makes you smarter," Xander told them, giving that one a look and a small smirk.  He got one back.  He looked at Draco.  "Did you look it over?"  He nodded.  "Do you?"

"I fit but I'm not ready for that yet."

"Okay.  Tell me when you are."

"Would you have a minute later on to speak on something?" Draco asked, looking serious.

"Of course.  Before we leave good or now?"  He picked up a roll and nibbled.  "We can talk now if you want."  He nodded, walking out with him.  "What's up, Draco?"

"There's a marriage contract coming due and as head of the family you have to ratify it," he said quietly.

"Yours?"  Draco nodded.  "Then either come get me Saturday or bring it to me then.  We can go over it at your place or mine."  Draco nodded.  He stopped him.  "I'm a practical man but I will be going over it in depth, Draco.  Including your feelings on the subject.  I'm not your father.  Understand?"  He shook his head.  "Then we'll talk then.  Call me and we'll figure out where.  Tara's at home tonight."  He nodded.  "Now, go finish eating.  I'm going to look at more of the stairways.  There's some illusion stairs.  Oh.  Question came up."  Draco turned to look at him.  "What do witches and wizards born with a handicap or who end up handicapped do around here?  Some of the classes aren't easily gotten to even if you're walking right."

Draco shrugged.  "As far as I know they don't come here.  Never have."

"Where would they go?"

Draco shrugged.  "They may not be allowed to study.  An infirmity like that wouldn't be wanted in the bloodlines."

"Usually birth defects aren't that genetic as it was told to us in biology."

Draco gave him a smug look.  "Pure bloods would *never* accept such a child," he chided.

Xander nodded.  "That's what I thought you'd say.  What about those people on crutches?"

"They make it somehow."  He walked off, going back to his lunch.  That was an odd question.

***

Xander looked at the headmaster, presenting him with the list.  "That's the spots we know that need fixing."

He sighed, looking it over.  "I can get our caretaker on much of it."  He looked at him.  "This grout problem isn't natural?"

"No and it's weakening the bond between stones," Xander told him.  "That's why Divinations is leaning."

"We have people who can work on that level of spells, we'll see what's going on with it.  We definitely don't want things to be unsafe."

"Us either," Horatio said.  "A question was raised by a few of us.  What do handicapped students do?"

"They train at a day institution in London," he admitted.  "It's fully set up for them."   They all nodded. "It's a very nice facility."

Xander gave him a look.  "Is it a *facility* or a school?"

"More a facility.  Most of the students there are severely injured from the inbreeding; I'm sure most of you have seen on the family charts you've been looking over."  They all nodded.  "That's so they have somewhere to harness whatever magical eminations they're putting out so they don't hurt themselves and others."

"What about those who don't have mental difficulties but a physical one?" Horatio asked.

"The teachers there have a way of determining that and training them."  That got a nod.  "I'm sure you could tour that one as well.  As well as any other day schools we have around."

"We probably will," Xander assured him.  "It was told to us that you were asking about updating some things.  What things?  Generally speaking."

"I was going to ask about updating a few rooms.  Their fixtures are extremely old.  There's also a need for a few more house elves.  We'd like to add a few courses to the curriculum and the Board of Regents haven't been agreeable."

"Such as?" Horatio asked.

"Household classes."

"For *both* sexes, right?" Stella asked.  He gave her a startled look.  "Boys won't live with their mothers forever and even they have to figure out how to do the laundry and cook."

"That is a good point.  The Board does not like it however."

"Would the board consent to having you update the quills for real pens?" Xander suggested.  "And notebooks to keep better notes?"

Mac looked at him.  "I was watching one kid try to keep up with one.  He was doing okay."

"I tried, it takes a while to get adjusted to one even if you do use a fountain pen.  It puts the kids who don't live in the world behind right off the bat and lets everyone know even if they don't."

"That's a good point.   Also, how about updating some of the curriculum to better reflect the actual muggle world?  Muggle Studies was teaching things from the seventies like it was presently in use."

Albus blinked.  "We're behind?"

"They didn't even mention a computer," Danny said dryly.  "The rest of us use them every day in some way or another."

"Oh, dear.  I'll have to look into that one.  The pen issue as well.  What would you suggest instead?"

"Pencils?  Fountain pens?  Regular pens?"  He shrugged.  "It shouldn't be too hard to figure out.  They might even be cheaper.  The quills I saw earlier in a store window were really expensive."

"Fountain pens would be about as expensive but would last longer and be easier to use.  They have some that carry the ink inside them even."

"Roller balls still work better," Sam quipped, cracking the others up.  "Or laptops."

"There's no electricity in the school for some reason," Xander pointed out.

"It won't work here.  The nature of the protective shield prevents it unfortunately."

Xander nodded at that.  "Okay.  Good to know."  He made a note about that.  "What about the heating issue?  We've heard a lot of complaints about lack of heat in classes and towers."

"That is one we've been working on.  What would your suggestion be?"

"Radiators aren't fully efficient but could be helpful," Mac said.  "That's hot water running through exposed pipes to heat areas.  Radiators are coils of pipes to give you more space for heat to come off of.  It could be diverted on the way to the showers.  It won't take up that much room and if it's a closed system instead of going to the showers you'd be reheating the same water over and over."

"I doubt we could put in baseboard heat, Mac," Danny pointed out dryly.

"I know.  Or air conditioners for those hot days when you're boiling inside the stones."

"I also wanted to mention, no one knows the fire drill plan?" Stella said.

Albus blinked. "Fire drill?"

"In case a fire starts in a room?  To get the students outside the school quickly?  It's a first step of any safety plan."

"I don't think we need one."

"If that one tower falls in it could compromise three different classes and one common room," Horatio said bluntly.  "You'll need an evacuation plan."

"Good point."

"Also helpful in case of attacks," Xander pointed out.  "The common areas are good but not that well hidden.  Does the school have a safety plan in case of attack?"

"He wouldn't dare come here."

"Bullshit," Xander said bluntly, staring at him.  "I'm calling up five years of experience hunting on a hellmouth, Headmaster.  They will come here.  Here is powerful and a symbol.  If they can bring down the school it's a symbol that they're stronger.  It'll create more fear than anything but taking down the Ministry building."

He nodded slowly.  "That is a good point.  Are you helping Harry?"

"Wherever he needs me to.  All he has to do is ask."

"Thank you.  I will look over those ideas later.  Let me copy that list."  He magically copied the list and handed it back to him.  "Thank for this as well.  I'll get the less than general suggestions to you shortly."

"We'll be breaking soon for a long break to get our real lives straightened out then come back for monthly meetings," the Chair told him. That got a smile and a nod.  "Once we get the law code updated again."

"I heard something about that."

"Nearly done," Xander said proudly.  "Harry, are you coming for dinner?"

"No, I think I'll stay here and calm people down.  I think you scared some when Trelawany looked at you and had a spontaneous vision about Death."

Xander grinned. "It seems to follow the Sunnydale group around.  That's why Buffy's not dead yet.  He appreciates her in her tiny skirts."  Tony smacked him on the head. "Hey!"

"Stop it."  He looked at Harry.  "See you in the morning."

"Of course.  Have a good talk with your supervisor."

Tony smirked.  "I'll probably be smacked in the head too."  They walked off together chatting, checking over the list.  Tony stopped at the magical creatures pens, looking at something.  "What's that, Hagrid?  It looks like a worm with a giant butt."

"It's a blast ended skwert."  He poked it and it blasted off a few feet to get some more peace.  "The first years learn it."

"That's an interesting animal."  He grinned.  "Thanks."  He jogged to catch up to the others, letting his staff take him since the others were.  He landed behind his seat, pulling the person in it out of it.  "Hey, boss."  He sat down, looking at them.  "Did anyone else want to start humming the Addam's family theme song?"

Xander and Sam both nodded.  Danny cracked up and nodded.

"I do agree, they could use some updating," Horatio said patiently.  "Mac?"

"A lot of updating."  Stella nodded.  "Especially about gender equality."

"Definitely," she agreed.  She looked at the Chair.  "So?"

"It's about the same as when I went," he admitted, shrugging a bit.  "Nothing much has changed."

"Even though everything else has?" Xander suggested.  He sighed and nodded.  "What do you think about home ec., Stella?  It's usually a pretty easy and satisfying class when you cook."

"I liked it," she admitted.  "I think it'd be good for them.  As long as all of them got it.   Make it a first year mandatory?  Or whenever they get a free period?"

"Third," the chair said. "That might be workable.  I don't know.  I'll ask Albus."  He made a note for himself.  "What would you teach?  Homey spells and cooking?"

"That'd help around the tower too," Danny said dryly.  "We lived in real dorms, not like that.  Some of those needed scrubbed and the house elves were saying they couldn't.  They were nearly crying that they couldn't scrub well enough."

"Think we can get a house elf to come do the paperwork?" Stella teased.

"If at all possible," Horatio agreed, smirking at her.  "Gibbs, nice to see you again.  We're nearly done then you can smack Tony on the head."

"I wasn't planning on it.  Does he need one?"

"He said you'd be doing it," Sam said with a grin.  He looked at the Chair then around.  "Anything new?"  They all shook their heads.  "Then let's let Tony go be spanked or whatever so his boss is happy and the rest of us can go eat."  They nodded and broke up, heading back to their places.

Tony looked up at him.  "The school uses quills and ink pots," he said bluntly.  Gibbs shuddered.  "No electricity.  No heat.  And that's the best."  Gibbs  shook his head.  "Exactly, boss.  Dinner?"

"Sure."  He walked out with him, nodding at the auror he had been escorted by.  "Any new information on the worst of the problems?"

"Harry's getting us some."  He gave him a look.  "They're having a 'don't you worry your pretty little heads about it' attitude, boss.  So we went to the source."  That got a nod.  They were stopped by another auror in the halls.  "Tonks," he said fondly, giving her a perfunctory hug.  "What's up?  This is my boss, Jethro Gibbs."

"Sir," she said.

"I'm only a Gunny, don't sir me," he said dryly, making her laugh.  "I was in the Marines."

She saluted him.  "Better than I got for training then."  She handed Tony a file.  "Harry said you wanted that?"

"Want dinner?" Gibbs asked.  This was a source who'd be able to answer questions.

"Sure, I could eat."  She walked out with them, the other auror peeling off to make a report.  "Sorry about them but they want higher jobs and I just want to get it done."

Tony looked at her.  "Gibbs scares FBI agents like that."  She smiled and Gibbs smacked him on the head while he read the file.  "Thanks, boss, I've been missing those."

"You'll get another one later.  No pretty girls?"

"I've found a very few pretty girls.  They're all students however.  So I didn't do more than look."

"The uniforms are horrible," she agreed.

Tony gave her a look.  "Have you seen muggle fashions?"  She nodded with a grin.  "I pick up women like those."

"Not much here for you then.  When are you guys gonna start the alignment marriages between families?"

"Some families don't have that many people.  Beyond that, we can work together and whoever we appoint with the staff's help will be able to work with someone."  She gave him an odd look.  "I'm not always going to be available.  I do undercovers and stuff."  She gaped.  "I'm an agent too, Tonks, and a former detective," he said fondly, grinning at her.

"He does pretty good at undercovers," Gibbs admitted.  They came out of the elevator and into a phone booth.  He looked then shook his head and they walked out together.  "I don't want to know who was watching _Get Smart_."  They walked around, taking the long way so Tony could pick up some food he guessed.  "So you'll pick a proxy or second or whatever?"

"Yup.  Let the staff help me pick one so I have someone I can lean on when I'm not here.  Xander's going to be doing the same thing.  He'll have to reappear for apocalypses.  Which he said happen way too often for my liking."

"I finally got through his files and you're right, they do."  They shared a look.  "You done yet?"

"Want dessert?"

"Don't care."

"Then no."  He went to get a few more things so they could check out and head back through the Leaky Cauldron to his condo.  He waved at Tom.  "Tom, this is my boss, Gibbs.  If you see him, call me please?"  That got a nod. "Thanks."  He used his charm bracelet to get them into the alley then down to his apartment.  "Ah, home again."  They went to the living room, letting him put up food and start dinner.  "No food allergies, Tonks?"

"No, mate.  Thanks."

"Welcome."  He got back to work.

Gibbs looked at her.  "How involved are you?"

"I'm in Harry and Dumbledore's group against orders."

"Tonks, honestly, how bad is your department doing?" Tony asked, turning to look at her.

"We could use a foot that wasn't attached to Fudge."

"Can I nominate for that?"  Tony asked.  She nodded.  "Then I will if we have more problems.  They didn't want to share information at all."

"Of course not.  It might get them banished by Fudge to the top reaches of the country to look for skwerts or something," she said dryly.  "He said back in his early days that they were evil creatures and should be treated as such."

"Tried to stick his finger in the wrong end?" Tony asked dryly.

"Possibly.  Or something else.  No telling about him when he's been drinking."  She looked at Gibbs again.  "We think we can handle it."

"Who's teaching the kid the stuff he needs to know to fight?" Gibbs asked.  "Tony told me he's not getting special training."

"Snape's teaching him occulmencary."

"He's attacking him to make him put up shields," Tony corrected in a sing-song voice.

"Aw, bloody hell," she muttered.  "They're not?"  Tony shook his head.  "Then I'll start if I have to."

"You might have to.  Sam and Xander are both interested in helping.  Horatio wants to help if he starts a real campaign.  Mac too.  You've got most of our council behind you, Tonks.  Tell us what you need to do, beyond training Harry."

"Can you remove Fudge?"

"We were told the people after him were just as bad," he sighed.

She slumped.  "Might be.  Definitely possible."  She looked at Gibbs.  "Think you could give some lessons?"

"I think if you guys need it I'm nominating him to take over," Tony said dryly.  "He's got more than enough experience dealing with these things after being a Marine and then an NCIS agent.  Speaking of, boss, how's the director?"

"Pissed at your continued absence."

"Not like I'm not needed.  We'll be done with the major stuff soon then one weekend a month for meetings."

"That'll work."  He looked at her.  "What else can we give you?"

"Do you guys have a way to monitor stuff from a distance and tape it?"

"We have for over forty years.  We can do video and audio."

"I need to learn that stuff."

He smirked.  "There's ways to do that I'm sure."  She nodded.  "Learn from DiNozzo.  He's good at AV equipment."

"Thanks, boss.  Have you been petting my movies for me so they don't feel lonely?"

"Abby has and consider yourself smacked."

"Yes, boss," he said cheerfully.  He brought over plates, handing them each one then going back to get his own.  "Drinks are in the fridge when you want something."  He sat down to eat, looking over as his floo discharged Xander.  "Problems?"

"Major ones.  Lucius just escaped prison.  Voldemort got them all."  Tonks ate one last bite then hopped up and went to check.  He looked at the two agents, shaking his head.  "Fudge just announced on the radio that it's a drill."

"Uh-huh," Gibbs said dryly.  "How bad is this?"

"He's gotten back all his people that we've captured so far," Tony admitted.  "I toured the prison.  It's horrible, boss. They have these creatures that suck out your happy memories as guards."

"Who were on Voldemort's side last war," Xander told him.  Tony whimpered.  "Exactly.  We're in deep shit and Sam and I are meeting later."  He disappeared through the floo, going to Sam's house.  He turned on the radio in the kitchen then turned to look at Sam.

John listened to the standard government 'this is just a drill, no need to be alarmed, the prisoners aren't really escaping' message.  "Please tell me it's really a drill?" he demanded.

Xander shook his head.  "The guard creatures at the prison were on Voldemort's side last war.  We had over thirty Death Eaters in custody according to Harry.  They're gone now."  Both aunts started to sniffle.  "I've got to tell Harry."  He looked at Sam.  "Let's plan it."

He nodded.  "Whatever we can do."

Xander nodded.  "Thanks, Sam."  He disappeared, holding his staff.  He reappeared in the middle of the Great Hall, walking up to the head table, pulling Harry on his way.  "The Minister for Magic is announcing that the prisoners weren't just released and the dementors aren't gone, it's just a drill," he said quietly.  Dumbledore got up and headed to his office.  He looked at Harry.  "Sam and I are doing what we can on our spectrum.  Got it?"  He nodded.  "See us tomorrow after the meeting.  Let us know how bad it is."

"Agreed.  Did Tonks...."

"Gave it to Tony earlier."

"Even better.  He's former military?"

"Military cop.  His boss is former military.  Long term, has command experience military.  Mac too."  Harry nodded and relaxed.  "Remember, you have us, Harry.  We know shit you don't and we'll help you with whatever we can.  Including Willow if I have to beg."

"Thanks, Xander."  He gave him a short hug.  "You'd better go.  Fudge is going to start swinging wildly to control the rumors."

Xander snorted.  "What's he going to do, have me eaten?"  He shook his head, then disappeared.  He had to watch the rest of his family.  Lucius had been there.  Narcissa was one of them.  Draco might end up there.  It was now a full war.  This was not a good thing.  He sat down and called Willow.  "It's me.  We might be needing extra help.  Because the bad guy over here doing what Hitler did just got his prisoners of war back," he said bluntly.  He listened to the current crisis.  "The black case is in Giles' back closet, Wills.  Use it."  She said that to someone, who moaned and went to get it.  "The pin you'll need to reinsert is in his jewelry box.  He removed it so Spike couldn't play with it.  If you need me to I can hop back for a few hours but I might be needed here. Yeah, I need help.  Tracking spells?  I don't know yet.  Thanks."  He hung up and considered it.  Then he went to Tony's to get that information file, taking it home with him to look over.

Tony smirked at Gibbs.  "He plans for that group out there."

"Figures.  How did he get military codes?"

"Sam said a possession."

"Like something he owns?"

"Like someone used him as a Xander suit."  He ate a bite of dessert.  "So, how's Abby?"

"Good.  Pouting but okay.  She misses you."

"Soon, boss."

"You hope."

"I know.  We'll pare back to lesser meetings once we fix some laws.  They had some stupid ones.  Like not wearing striped underwear stupid."

Gibbs moaned, shaking his head.  That was a bad sign.  Tony handed him the law book and he flipped through it to look at the ones crossed out.  His agent was doing a good thing for this world at least.

***

Xander walked in the next morning, handing something to Harry.  "That's where they're siphoning power from.  I asked and Willow found it for me.  They've got to be either connected to it somehow or near there."

Harry looked then smiled at him. "That'll help."  He went to floo that to his Headmaster.  "Xander's friend Willow found out that someone major is siphoning power off this point," he said, handing over the note through the floo.  He smiled at that information.  "That means they're connected or close by according to him."

"Either would be doable.  We'll have to look, my boy.  Thank him for me."

"Of course.  Is there anything else I can ask of them?"

"Have them start thinking up plans.  We've got to find them quickly."

Harry nodded. "I'm sure they are."  He hung up and walked back in there after Tony.

Tony slammed the door once Harry was in.  "Can I please appoint Gibbs over the aurors?  They're not doing anything today but playing cards."  The Chair gave him a confused look.  "That wasn't a drill."  He swore.  Harry shook his head too.  "Where do you need us?"

"We need to recapture them, keep them with humans instead of dementors, and then keep pressing to get more of them into custody."

Xander and Sam both unrolled scrolls.  They glanced at each other's then took them to look over.  "Yours works better in woods," Xander admitted.

"Yours is a better general battle plan.  We thought it'd be a running battle."

"Probably a combination of both," Mac said, coming over to take them to look at.  "Good job, boys."  He frowned.  "Woods?"

"They're hiding at various supporter's houses," Harry admitted, taking them to look over.  "We don't have that large of a force, guys.  Maybe twenty if we're lucky."

"Sam's is scaleable, mine's for a standing in a field battle, Harry."  He nodded at that, going to bring them back to Dumbledore too.  He looked at Mac.  "I'm used to battles.  Sam's used to running battles.  My running battle is 'get them and don't trip'."  Horatio laughed.  "It is."

"So I've heard, Xander."

He grinned.  "Finally got the background done?"

"Yes I did.  I had someone ask a few people in the same business in our neck of the woods.  They were quite interested."

Xander just grinned his most innocent grin.

"Of course, half of it said that you're always tripping and you make magic go screwy," Danny added.

"I can.  That might be me or the area.  Not really sure."  He shrugged.  "I do what I do best, guys.  I'm an end game, nothing gets past me fighter."  They nodded.  "And I do what's necessary, like at graduation."

"Let's hope it's not this time," Horatio told him.

"Let's," Xander agreed, grinning at him.  "Okay, Mr. Chairperson.  How are the judges coming?"

"Horatio?" he asked.  "You were liaising."

"We are done," he admitted, handing over that copy through the others.  Each one read it then passed on a page as soon as they got done.  By the time he got them all back Xander was frowning.  "I know a few had to be left in.  He said it would cure lesser problems they've been having."

Xander nodded.  "I still don't want to marry Draco."

"Me either," Harry said as he came back.  "By the way, he's tense and pacing."

"Bring him here," Xander ordered.  Harry nodded outside.  "Draco!"  He came in.  "We need an independent person opinion.  Read the laws."  He took them to read, sitting in his usual seat.  Xander looked at Horatio.  "The one about wandless ones I did not like."

"They're scared of your friends' sort," Mac told him.

"While that's nice, there's probably just as many of them as there are this sort of witches and wizards.  Are they scared that they don't have wands or that they're female for the most part?"

"Probably a combination," Horatio admitted.  "We did leave it down to the point of them not being legally recognized witches for the purpose of any legal action, but that leaves the bank alone if they care to recognize them.  Which would give them a different sort of legal recognition."

"I still don't like fear mongering in the law," Danny admitted.  "I get what each side is saying but Xander's got a point.  Who sits overtop of one of his friends' kind when they go bad?"

"Their coven or a higher coven," Xander admitted.  That got a slow nod.  "It's not an institutional setup.  I realize that but I think it's short sighted.  Especially since that would leave off chaos people and they tend to get in the way when you don't want them to.  Plus they're only getting stronger."

Horatio considered it.  "He would like that one to stay in but he could see how that one may be a referendum but not a law."

"That I'd like better," Xander admitted.  "But I still can't vote for it."

"That seems like a reasonable compromise," the Chair agreed.

Draco looked up.  "The wandless ones don't go to schools, right?"

"They're taught by their coven and usually a relative," Xander told him.  "It's often passed down.  If not, a teacher is usually drawn to one that's strong.  Like Willow.  Giles has been teaching her for years and keeps forgetting to take books from her."

"Which is relatively scary with how powerful your friend is."

"Without her being that powerful we'd have been screwed many times.  She can close the hellmouth.  That law says that your Ministry can go over and arrest her for having to do that."

"Which is a point but we don't know how to deal with their sort," Draco pointed out.

Xander shifted to look at him.  "The problem is that you shouldn't have to deal with them.  They have people in place to do that.  There's one in Devon from what Giles has been saying recently.  They do a lot of teaching and training.  They also rein in the stupid ones.  But if they're not legally recognized and one has to testify about a cure or something, how would they?"

"That's a point," Draco agreed.  "But if you give them the same rights they'd have the same responsibilities.  They'd need training, have to be able to pass their tests.  Can't act against the common good."

"What about those who can do both?" Xander suggested.  "Would this harm their standing as well?"

Draco considered it then nodded.  "It probably would.  Changing it to say that the wizarding world, as it stands presently, does not recognize any other sort of witch or wizard who does not use a wand in the practice of magic would be better.  It leaves room for interpretation.  Especially if you add that you know some can do it but enough is not known to make sure that they uphold the same standards we do and while some may be good we cannot be sure how many are.  Therefore we would be skeptical and not grant them legal standing until further information is gathered and certain questions were answered."

"I like that better," Xander admitted, looking at Horatio and his people.

"It could be stated more smoothly," the Chair admitted.  He wrote it down and reworked the phrasing, handing it over.  Xander read it then nodded, handing it back.  "Then that would make a good referendum.  Horatio, mark that one out?"  He took the pages back to find that clause and mark it out.  "All right.  Are there any other laws we might not like?"

Sam raised his hand.  "You have a clause in there that grants spirits as intelligent beings.  What happens when you have one that you have to send on because they're harming others?"

"Hmm.  Most of the time we banish them."

"I was taught to banish then salt and burn their remains," Sam told him.  "They can't come back that way.  They're forced to move onto the afterlife."

He blinked.  "That's a bit extreme."

"We deal with ones that hurt others," Sam pointed out.  "Not the granny living in the attic but the ones throwing kids into walls because they moved into the wrong house."

He considered it.  "How does that one read, Horatio?"  He handed it over turned to that page.  He read it then nodded slowly.  "That's how it was stated before.  Wasn't there a clause about what to do with stuck spirits in the last one?"

"Yeah," Danny said, digging it out.  "Here."  He let him read it.  "We could add that."  He let Sam read it, getting a nod.  "Would that do?"

"That would work for us.  As long as we're not going to be arrested for having to push one on when they get violent."

"We can add that on," he agreed, copying that onto the forms.  That got a smile.  "Anything else?"

"The National Hero's clause?" Harry said, looking amused.  "Do not include me.  No matter what anyone says.  Please?"

"Too late," the Chair said with a smirk. "You were included when you defeated him the first time."

"It was something my parents did," he complained.

"So?  He still died.  If Xander fell into a well and his doing so led to the rescue of a few dozen people he would be included as well."

"Don't joke about that," Xander said, starting to frown.  "Those things happen around me.  I don't make them happen."

The Chair looked at him.  "I should hope it doesn't."

"Me too."

"Us too," Sam said with a grin.

"Gee thanks," Xander said dryly.

"Welcome, Xander."  He patted him on the back.  "Just don't date, okay?"

"Sure, I'll pick up a good time girl or something in a club instead," he said, giving him a look.

"You're the one who dated the former vengeance demon," Sam said dryly.

Draco poked Xander on the arm.  "Former vengeance demon?"

"Yeah, we just broke up.  She didn't want to be with a wizard.  I dated Anyanka when she got rehumaned."

Draco got up and went to beat his head on a wall.  The former head of his family must have been insane to code the staff so it would pick Xander.

Harry leaned out of the chamber.  "He said she's the first one that didn't try to kill him.  So she was the nicest apparently."  Draco thumped his head a few more times.  "Introduce him to some nice girls.  It'll mean he'll stay."  He went back to his seat.  "Draco's going to have a stone imprint on his forehead."

"I've done that a few times," Xander admitted.

"Dean too," Sam said with a grin.  The cops just gave them dirty looks.  "What?"

"Neither of you two should date," Stella said.

"By the laws I'm supposed to be dating someone who's good for the family," Xander said dryly.  "That means I can date you and turn you into an evil bitch."  He beamed.  "Wanna?"

"No.  You're a bit too young and hyper for my tastes, Xander.  Thanks anyway."

"Sure, let me know.  I'm fun and Anya used me as a sex toy often enough that I'm pliable when asked nicely."

Draco walked in and zapped him until he fell asleep.  "My head of family is very sorry.  Apparently one of them got him again."  He looked at Sam.  "You seem to understand him, why don't you date him?"

"I like girls and I'm getting over my girlfriend being killed by the demon who's after my family," he said honestly.

Draco shuddered.  "I will never hunt like you two do."  He sat down.  "Should we make an announcement?"

"Does anyone have any other laws we have problems with?  Sam, do you know if Xander had any others he was wary of?"

"Just the marriage one since some of us aren't looking forward to it," Stella suggested.

"Unfortunately that can't be removed without a larger than average stink," the chair said.  "It's what we all hope to do, find someone that will be good for our family."  He checked it.  "They removed the time clause.  It'll be fine if you want to wait a few years, Stella."

"Sure.  I hope I can."  Someone slammed the door open and she drew her gun as the guy pointed his wand at the Chairperson.  The others got their guns up and out about the same time he started to fire.  Harry got him with a hex first, making him scream in pain.  "Nice shot, Harry."

"Thank you."  He stood up, looking at him.  "Dark Mark."  He looked at the stunned chair person.  "Someone check him.  Tonks!" he bellowed.  "Death Eater in the Ministry!" he yelled when no one came.  Some aurors came and he pointed.  "He tried to hex the chairperson of the council."

The aurors stared at him.  "What did you do?" one demanded.

Xander was woken by Sam.  "He defended our chairman," Sam told him.  "He had his wand out, was halfway to saying crucio and we all drew on him.  Harry got there first."  Xander blinked at him.  "Someone should check him."

Xander went to look.  "He's in shock.  Mac, got anything to drink?"  He pulled out a bottle of juice and handed it over.  "Thanks."  He got the chairman on the floor, helping him drink it.  "Shh.  You're safe.  We'll protect you too."  The man blinked at him.  "You're safe."

He shook his head.  "I'm not."

"You are.  We know you are."  He let him drink the rest and stood up.   "If you leave him there much longer, we'll have to try to change him into furniture, guys.  Just so he won't get away."  They led the guy off.  Harry fired a binding at him, making sure he wasn't going to be getting away.  "Good idea."  He looked up the hall, finding an auror stomping their way.  "That man burst in here to fire on our chairperson.  How did he get into the Ministry?"

"We're not sure.  Everyone all right?"

"I could use a check I think," the chairman said calmly, standing up.  "Thank you all for protecting me."  They nodded.  "Horatio, until I return, you are in control."

He nodded.  "I'll do my best."

"Thank you."  He let himself be led off, still sipping his juice.

Xander sat down.  "Okay, we need help."

Tony nodded.  "Anyone mind me putting Gibbs in charge of the LEO people?"  No one said anything.  "Last chance?"  Horatio looked at him.  "He'll help."

"He will," he agreed, Mac nodding beside him.  "Will they put up with it?"

"Yup.  Next situation.  Fudge.  Anything?"

"Make him in name only," Sam said, tossing something over.  "That would make him unable to write new laws.  It'd return the power where it once was instead of where he usurped."

Horatio looked it over and looked it up in the law codes.  "I do see how that was done.  That would mean he'd be in here with us."

"We can outvote any stupidity," Xander pointed out.  "Sorry about the nap."  He slugged Draco on the shoulder.  "Don't do that again.  I'll make you marry Buffy."  Draco shuddered.  "Can I see?"  It was tossed over.  He read it then nodded.  "That would help."  He tossed it to Harry, who read it then passed it on.

"Any dissent on Sam's request?" Horatio asked.  Everyone shook their heads.  "Then motion carried.  Tony, with yours we'll wait to have him here."  That got a nod.  "Draco, how would you like to deliver that?"

"I'd like to live," he said dryly.  "Let Dumbledore."

"He hates Fudge and his problems," Harry agreed.  "That could work."

Tony grinned.  "Definitely."

***

Headmaster Dumbledore walked up to the news conference a few hours later, coughing to get attention.  "The Founders Council has found a clause that you created due to the lack of proper heads of families being chosen, Cornelius.  Since they are now reformed and vowed to the service of our people, they have repealed that clause."  Fudge went pale.  He handed it to him.  "As was intended, the Minister for Magic is part of the Council, not above it.  They expect you to show up tomorrow to talk about repealing some baseless laws and making two new referendums."  The press stared at him.  "As pointed out there were many laws that were laid for no reasonable excuse.  I have no idea why people aren't allowed to wear polka dots but they found that coded in the books as well."  That got some notes taken.  "The Founders Council has looked them over and has found some restatements plus some laws for no reason so they've taken the law code to task.  It's much simpler to understand now."  He looked at the Minister for Magic.  "They start at ten in the morning, Cornelius.  They await hearing your ideas for the betterment of wizardkind."

"One seat's still unfilled," he said coldly.

"Yes, the Diggory boy's death meant the last of that line.  Especially when his family had a house fire right after filing against the Ministry."  He turned and walked off.  The boys had been quite correct, this would get him out of his hair for a very long time.  He walked into the auror's office, seeing all the horrified looks.  "The Council also wanted to know if you would like a consultant from America, one who was a Marine and is now a government agent over certain military crimes."

"DiNozzo's boss?" one asked.  Dumbledore nodded.  "He's not a bad sort.  Listens to information."

"I think we can handle it," the head auror stated.

Dumbledore nodded.  "That's fine then.  They're doing the final vote on the new laws tomorrow.  It's much simpler now.  Many less stupid ones.  Like no dark underwear.  I do wonder why that was coded into law by Minister Fudge."  He walked off chewing on a lemon drop.

Xander leaned in a minute later, grinning at them.  "Want an advance copy?  We all agreed on it so we only have the last vote tomorrow.  That way you guys can ask us any questions before we break for the day."

"Please," the head auror agreed, coming to get one with him.  He saw the much shrunken book.  "We cut that many?"

"We cut that many," Tony agreed.  "Some were dually stated.  Some were seriously stupid."  The head auror took one of the 'visitors' seats so he could sit down and read it.  He grinned at Xander.  "Dinner?"

"I was going to invite Sam and his family over."

"Come eat with us, Xander.  Dean's cooking and he said it was fine."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure.  Tara can come too."

"She's still back helping Buffy blow up a major demon with artillery."  Horatio gave him a look like he wasn't sure he was sane.  "It works."

"I'm sure it does.  Was it necessary?"  Xander nodded. "No other method?"

"Not that they could get to immediately.  Unless they're in Ancient Greece."

"Will this work?"

"Yeah.  That and a spell.  It'll work.  They're probably on the clean up by now."

"That's good at least.  Collateral damage?" Mac asked.

Xander shrugged.  "Wasn't there.  Buffy instinctively knows how to fire any weapon.  We do try to minimize it but the town ignores it.  There'll be a story about another gas leak tomorrow probably.  Sunnydale's just like that."

Sam nodded. "We've all heard stories about that."

The head auror looked at him.  "Yes, it was killed according to the American aurors.  It's a bloody mess.  Goop all over town.  Two civvies went to the ER but both're probably fine.  Everyone's saying how bad it was that a chemical explosion went off like that and got the cemetery.  Who knew bodies looked that horrible after a few years."  He went back to reading.

"Sounds like Sunnydale, yeah," Xander agreed.  He grinned at Sam.  "Wanna come hunt with us for a while?"

"No thanks.  We've got one we're hunting."

"Giles is a former Watcher.  If he doesn't know what it is he knows where to look to find it."

Sam smiled.  "I might take you up on that offer."  The head auror burst out laughing.  "Which one?"

"The typo on law 131."  Tony looked then shrugged. "American spelling?"

"It can be adjusted for British spelling," Xander offered.  "I can if no one else can."  He took it to look at.  "Yeah. That's a British-ism for ass, guys."  They all groaned.  "We'll pick another word."

The head auror made that correction and kept going.  It was fairly simple.  "How many votes are left?"

"Tomorrow's," Horatio assured him.  That got a nod and they finished the reading.  "Any other problems?"

"Nah.  Translate it into Brit spelling for Fudge.  He won't be thankful or agreeable if he has to read it in that state."

"I can do that," Xander promised.  That got a nod and it was tossed over.  "Any other business tonight?"  No one said anything.  "Horatio?"

"I agree, let's go home for the night, people.  Tomorrow will be a busy day."  They all left, Xander grinned at Draco and thanking him quietly for his help earlier before following Sam home.

Draco looked at Potter.  "He's insane."

Harry nodded.  "I think hunting demons for so long did it to him.  I'm hoping this war doesn't turn me that way."

"Too late," he said dryly, heading for the floo.

Harry snickered behind him, going back to the school.  He'd get him back when he wasn't so tired.  Or let Ron do it for him.  That could work so he'd get a nap.

***

Fudge stormed in the next morning.  "What was the meaning of that.  You did not have to do that in front of the press!" he shouted.

"We tried to do it in private, you brushed him off," Mac told him simply.  "You left us no other choice."  He looked at the empty chair and the staff sitting in front of it.  "How long before it goes to choose another one?" he asked quietly.

"Twenty-four hours," Harry said. "I looked it up."  That got a nod.  They all looked at the staff then at Horatio.   "Does this leave you still in charge?"

"Until we can vote when the new member gets here," he agreed.

"Why are you in charge?"

"He was the chairperson and he put Horatio in charge while he was gone," Sam said simply.  "Sit, please.  We found your chair in the closet and had it cleaned off for you."  He looked at Horatio.  Then at Xander.  "Get it done?"

"Barely."  He handed over the new copy.  "My printer's about out of ink so I need to print a better copy but that's a good working copy.  I stopped to buy new ink and it's with me in my bag if we need it today.  I had Willow charm it to work on ambient magic instead of electricity."

"It looks fine," Mac assured him.  "Along with a list of changes?"  Xander pulled out his laptop and printer, printing that off after a few seconds of clicking and waiting.  "Thank you."  He looked them over, checking the copy with Horatio and Danny reading over his shoulder.  "The two referendums are in the back.  Good job, Xander."

"Thank you, Mac."

"Minister Fudge, we went through for some severely limiting and stupid laws that had no reason to be in the law code," Horatio told him calmly.  The man opened his mouth.  "There is no reason to code what colors people can wear.  Or what pattern.  That is against free will.  We don't care who looked bad in it."  He handed over the amended copy.  "As such we also found some that had been stated more than once and ones that were now defunct because the world had moved on.  After all, slavery is not exactly the issue it used to be and stating that no wizard or witch shall own slaves freed up ten pages of how to own one and do it legally."

"But....  You can't do this!"

"We can do this," Harry told him.  "The same as Lucius did with you."  He leaned on the table.  "Unfortunately we also found some other laws that led to the direct raising of Voldemort."  The man whimpered at that name.  "Not saying his name makes him a stronger boggart, Minister Fudge."

"That's a simplified, easy to understand code of laws.  We've already agreed.  You have more than enough time to look it over.  The judges we worked with liked it quite a lot.  We did turn two of their suggestions into referendums but they should be binding all the same from what they said when I checked last night," Sam noted.

"You're not an adult, Potter."

Xander tossed over something.  "Directly copied from the old law book, Fudge.  He fits four of them, that gives him adult status.  We did keep that, right?"  They all nodded.  "That lets Harry vote his own seats."

Fudge spluttered. "How...!"

"I'm still the only heir Sirius had," Harry said dryly.  "Since he never had a trial the head of family staff was never removed from his care.   The only thing that can legally remove it is the intentional causing of harm to the family.  Since he never got a trial that didn't happen and I'm now his only heir.  The judge agreed with me when Narcissa Malfoy brought that point up."

Fudge growled.  "You won't get away with this.  I will not stand...."

"Then don't.  Sit," Xander ordered, making him do so.  "Hmm."  He looked at his staff.  "No doing the compel thingy, staff.  Not unless I ask."  It bobbed in his hand.  He looked at Fudge again.  "You can not vote or you can vote after you read.  The aurors liked it.  We liked it.  The judges liked it.  The goblins will probably like it since it frees them to do their job again."

"You have no authority!" he shouted, standing up again.

"Then take us to court, Fudge," Xander said dryly.  "I call for a vote on the new laws since he's refused to read them."

"Seconded," Sam said casually.

"All those against?" Horatio asked.

"Me," Fudge sneered.

"All those for?" Horatio asked.

"Me," the rest said.

"Then I do believe that is carried."  He took the book back.  "We'll get a formal copy printed up tonight.  Do we have a printing office, Harry?"  He nodded. "Can you get someone to do that for us?"

"Percy Weasley.  He helps Minister Fudge.  He should know who to go to."

"That'll work," Xander agreed.  "That'll give him a helper he can trust not to do too many bad things.  House elf!" he shouted.  One appeared.  "Percy Weasley needs to be here. Please get him for us?"  It nodded and disappeared. He looked at Horatio.  "Now, anything else?"

"Just the Dark Lord issue," he said dryly.  "Boys, do we have things in place?"

"We can counter the resurrection," Sam promised.  "We've seen it done before and we've had to counter it in the past.  We made sure through a lot of contacts, including talking to Xander's Mr. Giles.  As long as we can trap him we can do that.  The application of a curse to bind his soul at the same time would be for the best and keep it from happening again.  He'll turn back into a ghoul and we'll have to deal with that issue.  I'm researching that now."

Horatio nodded.  "I'll want a complete report on how to do that."  Sam took Xander's printer to print that out for him.  He smiled.  "On the ball as well.  Thank you."

"Not a problem.  We worked it out together last night."  He handed it to Harry first, who leaned back to read it.  Someone tapped on the door then opened it.  The skinny redheaded man looked around then moved to his boss's side.  "Are you Percy?"

"I am.  What did the Founders Council need of me?"

"To print the new code of laws," Horatio said.  "With only one negative vote it was carried.  Pending a hearing by any court of law he wants to get, it's the new one."  He handed it over.  "If the printer has a problem, Xander should have another copy on his computer?"  Xander nodded at that.

Percy swallowed, glancing at his boss then at him.  "If the Council demands.  Should I expect to tell him to hold off due to a legal challenge?"

"We had three judges sitting in to help us," Horatio told him.

"The full Wizengomet will have to sit on this," Fudge sneered, stomping off to call them.  Xander waved after him.

Percy smirked at the boy.  "You talked to my brother."

"I did.  He seemed like a nice boy."

Percy smiled.  "My mother will be pleased at that."  He looked at the small book.  "This is the only volume?"

"It's the only one needed," Tony told him.  "Once you took out things like what pattern people could wear it was a lot smaller."

Percy nodded at that wisdom.  "I can see why.  I'll give it to them but tell them to hold off for today.  That way he can call the Wizengomet together."  He left, carrying the precious thing to the printing office.  "The Founders Council said this is the new law book as of Minister Fudge challenging it."  The printer nodded, taking it to put onto his desk. "We expect the challenge in the next few days."

"That's fine.  I can hold off until it's done."  That got a nod and Percy left.  He sat down to read it.  It was a lot simpler than the last one he had printed.  No typos either, that was very nice of them.

***

Horatio took the forefront for this argument.  "The Founders Council charter does state that we can unmake laws that are unsuitable.  We did find many outdated laws and many that were not suitable to be laws.  We had three of you down to advise those of us on that sub-committee."

"What experience do you have with the law?" one asked.

"I'm a Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Crime Lab.  I'm an officer of the law.  The rest of the committee are as well.  One's presently a federal agent and a former officer.  The others are like me and officers who find things through science."

She blinked.  "That's interesting.  The staffs picked you?"  Horatio nodded, holding up his.

"Very interesting," Dumbledore agreed.  "What was the problem with them choosing before?"

"They were locked on a room with a shield around them," Xander said simply.  "A prior minister hated that they were overruling him and causing some dissent because they were apparently picking people who were open to new ideas.  So he had them diplomatically stolen.  This current Minister for Magic made it so they could not get out and choose a new one when one was needed.  That left the Council with less than a majority and Lucius Malfoy in control."

"Is he not in your family?" Dumbledore asked.  Xander nodded.  "Do you know where he is now?"

"If I did he'd be on his knees begging," Xander said dryly.  "I'm well known as a fighter for the light."  That got a look from most of the judges and Horatio.  "I am."

"You are.  Still not the time or place, Xander."

"Point.  Sorry.  Bit too much like combat."

One of the judges coughed and snickered.  "Now and then."  He looked at his copy of the laws.  "This is much simpler.  I do see that two of the ones we asked for came out as referendums?"  He read them over, nodding.  "Both stated so they could be changed at a later time when and if new information came to light."  Xander nodded.  "I know you work with those wandless ones."

"I do.  I also know that they have people who watch over them.  With what you guys know about them, you need to gather more information to make a credible, legal decision that won't impact the future too meanly.  We don't want to code fear or genocide into the laws."

"Good point," he agreed.  He handed it on.  The others read through the simplified code and nodded, mostly.  A few scowled. "The real issue here isn't what the laws are but whether or not the Council has the ability to do so," he told the one scowling.

"You don't plan to make it mandatory to marry?"

"Some of us do work," Horatio told him.  "I have been married.  Twice."  That got a groan.  "With no legal children from them.  While it'd be nice if we did, I cannot force anyone to marry.  As long as there's a good choice for our second-in-command we have time to wait on marriages."

"Good point," that one sighed.

"Some of us didn't plan on it happening anytime soon," Stella offered.  "I'm very highly respected in my job and having a husband would hurt that.  If I find someone I will marry but I'm not going to start hunting for one."

That got a nod from that one.  "That is reasonable and in line with the modern world. I noticed that the clothing laws were all gone."

"Fashionable taste will change," Tony pointed out.  "No matter what you do the modern world will intrude and the women there do wear fewer clothes.  Things are slowly moving that way in your own world.  Having restrictive clothing laws only makes it more difficult on those who live in the modern world."

"True."  He looked at the others.  "Again, though, that is not the question before us.  The charter, as it stood, has always said that the Minister for Magic was a member of the board."

"Which we fixed to be so again last night," Horatio assured him.  "After someone came in and attacked our chairman."

"I heard."

"I could not find him before that press conference," Dumbledore admitted.

"That's fine, Albus," the chair of that board said.  He looked at Fudge.  "No matter what you want, it is your job to be part of the Council and the Founders Council does make new laws.  Before, when the staffs were locked up and couldn't choose new members, was one thing.  Now there is a council and they are taking back their traditional duties.  You had a vote."

"He was our only negative vote and he refused to read them," Horatio told her.

"Hmm."

"He also tried to have us arrested for supposedly stealing the staffs, even though they got free of the shield he had put around them," Xander offered.  "Plus tried to outlaw the council all together."

"Doing so will end the Ministry," she admitted.  "I saw the refusal of those laws."  She looked at the law books, smiling at the evenness of them.  "Those who advised you did good work crafting them."  Those three smiled and nodded.  "The laws stand.  Minister Fudge is part of the Council, not the full council."  She banged her gavel.  "Any dissent?"  No one said anything.  "Then please print and announce this."  She looked at Horatio.  "Being a chairperson is hard work.  Are you ready for it?"

"I am.  We work well together.  We can only hope the next one who joins us works as well with us."  He bowed.  "Thank you, madam."

"You're welcome.  Do have a better evening, gentlemen and lady."

She smiled.  "I'm one of the guys most of the time."  That got a small laugh from Danny.  "Thank you."  They walked out together.  "How are we doing the announcement, Horatio?"

"Xander, may we borrow Draco?"

"If he wants.  Draco!" he yelled.  He came walking up the hallway.  "Would you like to make the announcement?"

"If you want.  That's fairly daring."

"I can," Fudge sneered.

Xander looked at him.  "I was going to let you save face and not have to do it."

"If he wants to, let him.  He's used to the politics," Draco said with a smug look.  "Or we could appoint someone to announce things for us."

"Do we know of someone who can?"

"Let Potter.  He likes his fame," Draco sneered.  Xander glared.  "Or at least he seems to," he corrected.  He wasn't sure he wanted to be on this one's bad side yet.  He was still trying to figure the guy out.

"Not really.  I wish they'd leave me alone," Harry told him.  "You too by the way."  He walked past him.  "Who's the head lawyer for the Ministry?"

"I said I will," Fudge announced, huffing off with the book.  A formally bound copy was gotten easily enough and he went to make the announcement.  He walked into his press room and up to the podium.  "The Founders Council today has finished weeding out laws that have no bearing on today's wizarding world," he announced.  Everyone stared at him so he waved the book.  "The new book of laws is shorter, more simplified, and easier to get to.  New copies will be printed over the next few days.  We'd like to thank them for finding so many frivolous rules."  He would not mention most of them had been his.  He would sulk and plan how to get them back later.  "Their hard work will be appreciated by many judges I'm sure."

"Is that an advanced copy?"

Tony strolled in with a box.  "The printer was checking the first batch.  These should be the official copy but the council will be checking one tonight to make sure."  That got a nod.  "So this is it as far as we know."

They got books to look over, nodding at some of the easier laws.  "Who worked on the new laws?"

"Three judges from the Wizengomet and five members of the Council," Tony said.

"You are?" one asked.

"Tony DiNozzo, head of the Family Mercator."

They scribbled and stared at him.  "Any other announcements from the council?"

"Right now, we're going to break for a few days once the first printing is checked, that way those of us with a real life can go get it settled.  We'll be moving back to less frequent meetings so we can deal with our lives and do what the books command, finding help for the families.  Some of us are moving more locally.  Some of us will travel back and forth.  We'll figure it out as we go along."  That got a nod.

"Who is the present chairperson?" one reporter called.

"Horatio Caine.  He's the redhead in sunglasses."  That got some more notes taken.  "I do know that the head of the Malfoy family is going to be moving closer as soon as he can get things settled at home.  Horatio has to go back to Miami for a bit so Xander will be helping him for now until more of us can move closer again."  That got a nod.  "As for the rest, ask Minister Fudge."  He smiled. "I'm off to dinner and some light reading."  He took a copy and walked off to compare it.  It was correct so they signed off on it and let it be known it was official.  Then they went back to their own homes to deal with their real lives.

Family Staffs 4

Xander walked into his people's hangout, looking around.  "Well, I've got good news and I've got bad news."

"Bad news first, we're already eating ice cream," Buffy ordered, eating a bite.

"I've got to move to England thanks to the staff choosing me to head a family."

"Family, like mafia?" Willow asked.  Tara shook her head.  "Oh, what you guys were doing.  How's it going?"

"We fixed the laws," Xander said.  Giles gave him a horrified look.  "Not just me.  By the way, John Winchester is going to look for you to see if you can find him any info on the demon that's hunting his family."  He looked at his ladies again.  "I will be just a call away but they've got a kid fighting a bad guy over there."  That got a moan from Buffy.  "He's fifteen."

"I was once."

"His isn't a demon and it's him or it.  Prophecy."

"Damn.  Need help?"

"Might.  They do not like wandless magic though.  Fair warning."  That got a nod from the two witches.  "So I'm off again shortly.  Once I see if Anya left any of my stuff alone."

"We put it in storage," Willow assured him.  "She's still complaining."

"Yay her."  He shrugged.  "Not like I chose me.  It chose me.  This weekend I get to talk to a cousin about his marriage contract."  He grinned at Giles, who had let out another moan.  "But I have a nice apartment over there.  You guys can all pop in and visit.  If you need me, yell my way."  They all nodded.  "Then I'm going to get my crap and go.  The staff's getting impatient."  He waved and disappeared, and all his stuff came with him to his apartment.  "Thank you, Staff.  You're very helpful."  He gave it a pet and put it down so he could unpack and sort things out again.

Willow shook her head.  "He's in charge of things.  That poor world."  The girls nodded and ate some more ice cream, even letting Giles have some.

***

Horatio walked back into his office, looking at his boss.  "It was unavoidable."

"I heard.  A lot really."  He handed over a sheet of paper. "You don't get to be a Chief of a major metropolitan city without hearing about those things, Caine."

"I am the present chairman of the Founders Council," he said quietly.

"Congratulations."

"We just unscrewed a lot of laws."  That got a laugh.  "We've moved it back to monthly meetings now so I should be all right to continue working but can I get a house elf to do my paperwork?"

"As long as it's written neatly," he sighed, walking off shaking his head.  "Speedle and Duquesne are going to gut you."

"I'm sure they will, sir.  Thank you for being so understanding."  He summoned his house elf, showing it how to do the various forms, getting a nod so he could watch her do it.  She had good penmanship.  Better than his.  She could type faster too.  He looked up as someone stomped into his office.  "Speed."  He smiled, standing up to hug him.  "How are you feeling?"

"Better.  You?"

"Much better and I've been moved back to monthly meetings."

"For...."  He looked at the thing behind the desk.  "Alien?" he asked dryly with a point.

"House elf."

Speed gave him a dirty look.  "Uh-huh."

"She likes doing paperwork.  Mac has one too."

"Uh-huh," he repeated.  "Where were you?  You don't look tanned."

"We were mostly in a small room inside a larger building having meetings, Speed.  No time to get a tan."

Speed slammed the door in someone's face and stared at him, arms crossed over his chest.  "Beyond that?"

"England."

"Why?"  Horatio pulled out the staff to show him.  "It's a mini maypole.  So?"

"It came to me to choose me as the new head of my family, Speed."

"That should've been a given.  You only have a niece and nephew."

"There's a few others farther away."

"Uh-huh," he repeated.  "And?"

"We had to make some changes thanks to an officious little man in charge."

Speed just sighed, shaking his head.  "I don't want to know, right?"

"I can't tell you even if you wanted to."

"Wonderful.  Every month?"

"Probably one weekend."

"Good."  He opened the door and leaned out.  "He's back.  Watch out for the creature doing his paperwork."

Eric leaned in, looking at the creature then at Horatio.  "You have a house elf?"

Speed moaned.  "How do you know about them, Eric?"

"One of my cousins went to school for it."

"I'm the new head of my family," Horatio told him.  "We had to rewrite a legal code.  That's what took so long."

"Need some tylenol?" Eric asked.

"I'm fine now.  This is Lucia.  She's here to do paperwork.  Not to make you coffee, Eric."

"Yes, H."  He got out of the way when he was poked so Calleigh could walk in with the new guy.

Ryan looked at the creature then at him.  "House elf?  I didn't know they could type."

"How do *you* know?" Speed asked.

Ryan grinned.  "I went to school where some worked."  Eric gaped.  "I did," he defended.

Calleigh looked at the creature then at her boss. "Mutant?"

"House elf."

"House elf," she said slowly.  "Hmm.  Would you like to explain where you were?"

"London.  I got named the new head of my family and it was an emergency.  Someone had been trying to take over and it was not pretty.  We ended up rewriting laws."

She grimaced.  "I'm sorry."

"With the people I had you do background checks on."

"Even worse.  Is he as bouncy as we heard?"

"Yes.  He's handling things while I'm here."  She gave him a hug then punched him on the arm, walking far around Lucia.

"Does Horatio need Lucia to make coffee or snacks?  It will not take Lucia long to do forms for Horatio."

"I'm fine, Lucia, thank you.  Just tidy up in here once you're done please."  She nodded, going back to work.  He looked at Ryan.  "That's a very interesting admission."

"I couldn't tell you if you didn't know."

"I know why now.  We should talk."

"We should.  Did you get any training with that staff?"

"No.  Xander talks to his.  He thinks it's sentient.  I'll give it as much as some guide animals but I'm not sure about true sentience yet."

"That's probably about right as we heard it," Ryan admitted.  "Put it away before it zaps an annoyance.  Stetler's coming and the aurors get a bit pissed when I turn him into a pink frog."  Horatio snickered, putting it back into his pocket.

"It shrank," Speed said.

"It does that," Ryan agreed.  "And if you see people in robes, send them to Horatio."  He walked off.  "Welcome back.  Happy paperwork, H."

"I'm going to get him," Eric muttered.

"Why?  He'll learn like you did, Eric," Speed assured him.  He looked at Horatio.  "I want a better explanation for being woken up in the middle of the night by a panicking Chief saying you had disappeared with only a note saying you had family business to take care of.  Stetler asked if it was *family* business too."

"No, not really.  Though there is a war going on over there."   Stetler pushed his way inside.  "Rick.  Good morning."

"What is that thing and is it legal?"

"Lucia is very legal and she's very helpful.  The Chief has already agreed I can use her as a secretary."  He smiled.  "She types very fast.  She also makes very good coffee.  She spoils me horribly by cooking as well."

Rick snorted, glaring at him.  "I doubt that."

"Lucia, did we bring lunch?" he asked.

"Horatio said that Horatio was going to be buying lunch for team," she said patiently.  "If Horatio wants, Lucia will pop home and make something for team."

"No, I can buy," he decided, patting her on the head.  "Thank you for reminding me."

"You hired a retarded mutant for your secretary?" Rick sneered.  "Good job, Caine."

"Horatio, Lucia is done with all sixty forms.  Does Horatio have more for Lucia to do?"

"Just dust a bit, please."  She nodded, pulling out things to dust and getting to work.  He sat down to check them over, nodding that everything but one form is right.  "This one needs some fixing."  She moaned but came over to let him show her again.  "That's how."  She nodded and fixed it then printed it for him. "Thank you."  He handed it to Rick once it was in an envelope.  "Here, since you're still standing in my office."

"She ...."

"Types.  Yes."  Rick glared then stomped off.  He waved.  Speed gave him an odd look. "Xander did it."

"We'll talk when you're more sane."  He walked out, going back to his lab to glare and glower at others.

Horatio smirked at his back.  Poor Speed.  But he would adjust or he wouldn't let Lucia make him desserts.  Alexx came up and nearly screamed.  "That's Lucia, my helper," he said from his couch.  He hadn't had a crime scene yet this morning.

"What is she?"

"She's very nice," Horatio said, looking over at her.  "She types a hundred-twenty words a minute.  She makes excellent coffee and muffins.  She cleans.  She doesn't have a high salary."

"What is she beyond supernatural?" she demanded.

"A house elf," Ryan said from behind her, grinning some.  "Aren't they wonderful?  I went to school where a few work."  He put a dish on the desk.  "Lucia, this is stuff the house elves at my school used to love.  I figured I'd welcome you to the lab with some."  He patted her on the head.  She looked at Horatio, who nodded.  She ate a piece and beamed.  "If you need help with someone you let me know.  I can handle someone without nasty aurors coming," he said quietly.  She nodded, going back to her straightening out.  He looked at Horatio.  "Stetler told someone you're sleeping with her."

"Horatio is not one of those sick humans who sleep with house elves," Lucia said patiently while she dusted.  "If Horatio was, Lucia would not serve Horatio."

"Good to know," Horatio agreed.  "Thank you, Ryan.  Peppermint?"  He nodded and left.

Alexx stared after him then glared at Horatio.  "She's not normal."

"Lucia is so normal house elf," she defended, scowling at her.  "Missus human woman should not put Lucia down!"

"That's right, she shouldn't," Horatio agreed.  "She doesn't understand."

"Horatio could turn her into a house elf," she said with a giggle.

Horatio smiled. "I might but she's my friend and she might swat me like Gibbs does Tony."

She cackled. "Gibbs sir loves to swat his Tony sir."  She went back to cleaning up after him.  Really, humans were so messy!  She got another piece of candy to suck on while she cleaned.

Horatio smiled at Alexx.  "Mac Taylor has one as well.  His is named Floppy."

"Floppy?"

"That's his name," he said dryly.  She huffed off.  "I know where Speed learned it from now," he called after her, grinning some.  She'd get him back later but oh well.  He was having a good day.

***

Mac walked into his office with Floppy, sitting down with him to show him the forms.  Floppy nodded and got to work.  "In English, not French," he ordered.  It was fixed.  Mac went to find out the status of his last case.  "I'm back," he announced as he walked past a lab.

"What the hell is that!" someone shouted up the hallway.

"Floppy is not a that," Floppy defended, sneering at the woman. "Muggle woman is loud!"  Then he shut the door.  "Floppy has work to do.  Human is annoying Floppy and making Floppy be bad house elf."

Mac smiled.  "That's a good explanation."  He ran into Don, smiling at him.  "Morning."

"Finally.  You okay?"

"Fine.  We got part of it fixed.  Now we're helping and doing monthly meetings."

"Uh-huh."  He stared at him.  "Would you like to tell me something, Mac?  Because the thing coming up the hall after you is clearly a house elf."

"The staff picked the new head of certain families in England," he said quietly.  "I'm one."

"Ah!"  He nodded.  "Understood."  He nodded at the house elf.  "Good morning.  Are you Mac's house elf?"

"I is Floppy.  Floppy is to do Mac's paperwork and clean his office."

"That'll work," Don said, handing him a life saver.  The house elf smiled and sucked on it, handing Mac something.

Mac looked at it.  "English?"

"Bosses man wanted to see you immediately about yous leave."

"I'll talk to him in a minute.  Thank you, Floppy.  This is Don Flack.  He apparently knows about you guys."

"Floppy likes you more than noisy human woman."  He went back to the office to get back to work.  He would have to remember to write in English for his Mac person.

Stella looked in the office then down the hall at Mac.  "I can't believe you brought Floppy back, Mac!"

"He likes doing paperwork."  Stella gave Don a hug.  "Did you know he knew?"

"He didn't look that surprised at the appearing staffs."

"No that was kinda shocking but less shocking than watching the Commissioner stare in horror at your secretary, Mac."

Mac turned and went back to the office.  "Sir, this is Floppy.  He was serving with some extended family I didn't know about until the other night."

"I see.  What is he doing?"

Mac looked.  "My paperwork in Arabic it looks like.  American English, Floppy."

"Floppy sorry.  Floppy will redo," he called, getting out a new copy and reminding himself to put it in English.  Some people were picky.

Mac smiled at his boss.  "He's very helpful."

His boss stared at him.  "Helpful?"  Mac nodded.  "How much is his salary?"

"I can pay it out of pocket, sir.  The family has some funds as I found out the other day."

"Interesting.  So you were off dealing with a *family* issue?"

Mac nodded.  "Indeed.  They needed a new head of the family and I was chosen.  Stella and Danny were both there, sir.  It was fully proper and my family is quite nice most of the time."

"I see."  He walked off nodding.  "Make him wear better clothes, Taylor.  We'll look over his abilities later."

"Thank you, sir."  He smiled and waved.  Don gave him an odd look.  "Learned it from Xander."  He put his hand down.  Then he went in to write a note and put it on the desk.  "There.  So you remember."  He patted him on the head.  "You're very helpful, Floppy."  Floppy smiled and went back to work, glancing at the note that said all Floppy's work was to be done in American English unless told otherwise.  That was a good reminder.

Don Flack snickered.  "Have a good rest?"

"Mostly.  We had to rewrite some laws."

"Poor man.  Danny?"

"On this afternoon."

"I'll see him then."  He walked off shaking his head.  Mac with a house elf was hilarious.

***

Sam looked at his father.  "Xander's back in London.  Giles is ready whenever you wanted to head, Dad."  That got a nod and John finished packing his things.  "You don't have to leave for good, you know that, right?  There's plenty of ghosts and things around here."

"I'll be back," he assured him, giving him a look.  "Are you enjoying bossing Dean around?"  Sam just smirked.  "Try to be more gentle.  This is freaking him out a bit, son."

"I'm trying.   It's not my fault house elves think he's cuddly."  He walked off to his father's laughter.  "Dean, Dad's getting ready to head," he called.  They passed in the hallway, along with Dean's worshipful following of two house elves.   He hadn't ordered them to but it was so cute!  His aunts both gave him an odd look.  "Dad's finding new information on the demon who killed mom."

"Are you two moving to the other house?"

"If you want us to we can," Sam promised.

One aunt snorted.  "We're still bored, Sam, but you two are loud.  Especially that noise Dean calls music."

Dean came down the stairs.  "We can move to the other one if you want."

"Just turn down the music, Dean," the other aunt said.  "You'd end up killing the family's ghosts at the other place if you moved there."

"As long as they're nice we won't touch them," Dean promised.  "Sam said he's met nice ghosts."  Sam nodded.  Both house elves nodded.  He looked at them.  "Who told you to follow me around?"

"Lord and Master Xander."

Sam burst out laughing.  That was so like Xander!  "I didn't ask," he said at the glares.

"Lord and Master Xander said that Sammy's Dean would get into trouble and mean people were coming for Sammy's Dean so we had to watch him very carefully to make sure he didn't get portkeyed away," one explained.

"That we could learn a lot from Sammy's Dean because he was very smart and very good with female humans.  Since we both want to breed, Sammy's Dean would be a good teacher of how to attract female house elves."

Sam walked off snickering.  "That is something you can teach them.  You did me.  It worked well enough that I got Jess."

Dean glared at his back.  "I will get you and Xander back," he shouted after him.  He looked at the house elves, who looked miserable.  "I don't mind you two following me around but I don't need you two to follow me everywhere.  I can teach you how to pick up chicks without that and be protected.  All right?"  They nodded, looking happier again.  "How do you guys mate?  Do you each choose?"

"Males choose female house elfs," one of them said.  "She shove us off high spot or take us up.  Either way."

"Then I can definitely teach you how to woo a girl house elf."  They smiled.  "As long as you quit following me because I feel like I'm a parade."

"Lord and Master Xander said that Sammy's Dean is all knowing and very wise," the other one told him.

"I may be but I don't need followed, guys.  If someone comes for me I'll knock them out.  Okay?"  They nodded.  "Good.  We'll talk about chicks later.  Go do something else for now."  They hurried off to help clean the house so the aunts wouldn't be overworked.  He went to find something for his headache.  He was so going to get Xander back for that prank.  "Guess he's back in London?"

"He called.  He's been back for about an hour.  He'll be getting a cellphone once his money transfers over."

Dean shook his head.  He would have to get Sammy and Xander back.  Soon.  With something horrible.  Maybe even embarrassing them in front of others in that alley place.  One aunt gave him a hug.  "I like Xander but I'm still going to get him back."

"At least he didn't try to teach them how to pick up girls," she pointed out.  "He's got horrible taste and they'd probably end up dating a demon."

Dean nodded. "True, it could've been nice on his part."  He went to talk to them now.  That way they could go find their females and leave him alone.  He could take care of himself.  Even against wizards or whatever.

***

Draco led Xander into his father's study.  "Don't worry, he's not here."

"I know.  We had him rearrested last night."  He gave him a look.  "He wasn't very smart.  He was trying to get into Gringotts with a few others."

"My father's talents do not lay in his mind," he agreed. He sat down after putting the marriage contract down in front of him.  "That's it."

Xander unrolled it to look over, frowning at a few of the points.  He finally looked up.  "Okay, I've got to ask a few questions.  Do you *want* to be married to her?"

"It's good for the family."

"Not what I asked, Draco.  Do you physically want to mate with her, sleep with her, have babies with her, all that stuff until the end of your days, however long that lasts?"

Draco considered it.  "Not particularly.  I do believe we'd end up in separate rooms and only get together for the creation of heirs."

"Would that be a good marriage to you?"

He shrugged.  "It's acceptable as long as I was discreet and no other heirs came from any other man with her."

Xander leaned on the table.  "Do you want me to uphold this?"

Draco got up to pace, thinking about that.  "It is good for the family."

"Then give me the good points and we'll look at bad points in a minute."

Draco stared at him then nodded.  "That's reasonable I suppose.  We're not that closely related."  Xander made that note.  "She's a fifth cousin I believe."  Xander made another column to start on his bad points while he thought.  "She won't bring much wealth but her pureblood status will bring us honor.  She's well educated.  She's known me for the last few years so she knows that I have a temper and things."  He paced in the other direction.  "She's had the same upbringing as I have.  She's not nearly as powerful as I am and she probably won't be trying an assassination bid to get the family's money once there's an heir."  He stopped to look at him.  "For an arranged marriage it's got many good points."

"One of the biggest bad points is that she's going to be drawing you closer to where your father was.  Have you decided if that's a fate you want yet?" Xander asked calmly.

Draco considered it.  "I'm too young to be called."

"True, but it's still something that will happen.  Especially if the war hasn't ended by then.  Are you willing to step up to his side?  Kill people for his ideals?  Including other kids you've known just as long?"

Draco shuddered.  "I don't want to think about that."

"Will she draw you closer to that or away from it?"

"Probably closer.  Her parents are both supporters and her father's marked."  He looked at him.  "You don't favor it?"

"The words on the staff say strength, power, and honor."

"Keeping to it would be honorable."

"She's your fifth cousin, Draco.  What about looking outside the country?  Getting some pure blood that hasn't mixed itself to death?  Even that level of inbreeding can lead to kids with deformities and brain damage.  It'll also lead to weaker bloodlines and weaker magic."

Draco considered that point.  "These sort of arrangements are made when we're very young.  This one was made when I was two."

"Which was long before you knew what you wanted out of life," he agreed.  "I understand why they're done.  I understand the reasoning behind them.  I'm worried that this interbreeding can weaken the family's lines.  If she was from another bloodline, another country's purebloods, I might not have a huge problem with it.  It says in two years.  I didn't know it took that long to arrange a wedding."

"I guess it can.  It's set to go off shortly after we both graduate," he admitted.  He sat down to look at him.  "I can see your point.  It would be better if my parents had looked outside the country for better, stronger purebloods."  Xander nodded.  "But they didn't and backing out now is very unseemly."

"Unless you can find a reason to.  Is she going to go like your father and her father?"  He nodded.  "Are you?"

"I..."  He slumped.  "It's expected of me."

"Not by me.  I told you I want you to think for yourself.  If you still choose that side at least you made your own decision.  I want you to *think* and *reason* out what may or may not happen.  If the war escalates soon, you might not have a chance to get married before he calls you.  Therefore no heirs."

Draco considered that.  Then he sighed.  "That is a point to consider.  Are those your only reservations?"

"It looks like a desperation move.  She's poor.  We're paying her to marry you.  She's not bringing anything to the family but pure blood?  That's not a good trade off."

"Women aren't as equal as they are in the muggle world," he said with a hand wave.  "They're not expected to bring anything to the family."

"No, I'd expect someone wanting into this family would bring things to it.  At least something that would help the family stay stable and perhaps grow in wealth.  Some skill that would bring the family credit and notice so they could move up."  Narcissa walked in.  "We're going over the bad and good points of his marriage contract.  She's not bringing anything to the family but blood?"

She shrugged.  "There's not many that are of suitable blood.  Lucius desired us to stay in country."

"He was arrested again last night," Xander said bluntly.  "If you want to quietly look outside the country I wouldn't be against it.  The family tree looks like a grape vine."

She pursed her lips.  "I have been but no suitable ones have opened up nearby."

"Then look at some of the purer families from farther away.  Would you object if your daughter-in-law was Arabic but pureblood?"

She considered it.  "They are polite."

"They wouldn't stab me in the back," Draco said.

"They could also bring in other skills that could bring the family more honor and better notice than Lucius has."  Narcissa gave him a startled look.  "Draco's got to decide for himself, Narcissa.  I want the boy to think for himself and make his decision based on what could and will be happening.  Battle isn't a place for everyone.  I've been in plenty.  I've had to lead untried kids before because it was a necessity.  Do you think Draco can stand there and take orders that will certainly get him killed?"

She looked at her son.  "It is expected."

"If the war goes off sooner, do you want me to stay in school, mum?" he asked plainly.  "He's gathering his forces.  Potter was thinking that they were going to step up the war soon."

She considered it.  "That does go with what I've heard.  If he's beaten before you graduate you can retire to do whatever you want.  Including become the next one."

Draco nodded.  "Which is what Xander wanted me to consider.  Do I want to risk my future to join him early or even at all?  I could be killed long before there's the opportunity for a Malfoy heir."

She considered that, looking at Xander.  "You do know battles?"  He nodded.  "How?"

"I've spent the last few years fighting beside a slayer on the hellmouth.  I led the graduation ascension battle.  The up-front, give Buffy time to distract him, give us time to clear the parents and spectators part of the battle.  I planned it.  I do most of her planning."

She sighed.  "Then that is something to consider."

"Which is what I want him to do.  The staff says strength, power, and honor are the family's motto.  This one brings nothing to help strengthen the family except for being in the Dark Lord's service.  We can keep it on file just in case but if you wanted to look further afield you have my blessing.  Though I would like Draco to at least get along with his wife as a friend of some sort."

She nodded.  "That is a reasonable request.  How much of an allowance do you get?"

"Fifty.  Until I've found a job locally to kill time."  She nodded at that, leaving them alone.  He looked at Draco.  "I know, I need to shop."

He smirked and nodded.  "Just a bit.  You don't really fit in with the family's image."

"Shit happens around me, Draco.  I have to be able to fight if attacked."

"I've seen how you treat your weapons."  He sat up straighter.  "You wouldn't care if she was foreign born?"

"I'd like for you two to be able to get along.  I'd like it to be someone who brings more than blood to the family.  I'd like her not to be some simpering bitch like I used to date."

Draco nodded.  "I can see that.  We'll keep that one on hand just in case?"  Xander nodded.  "What if it comes too close to the time?"

"Get held back?" Xander suggested with an evil grin.  "Do something so she has to give you a year?"

"Good point.  You really don't fancy her?"

"I haven't met her but I'd be wary of having you tied to anyone who was only there because you can cast curses, have a nasty temper, and you like the feeling of power in your hands.  You're right, she'll probably try to kill you once there's a suitable heir."

Draco nodded.  "I really don't like her.  I barely put up with her around the house."

He shrugged.  "Then let's look farther afield.  You can use the war as an excuse.  She's going to definitely go.  You may have to promise not to go to get someone suitable."

"Which might be reasonable.  Or I could promise to live with her family for a bit," he agreed quietly.  "That's a good precaution.  I will think and make my decision about that service soon."

"That's all on you.  I'm not pushing for more than you to think.  The same as I don't think if you realized what it was like you'd go for it.  You like the power but there's other ways to get power.  Including learning more than one form of magic.  Which she couldn't help you with."

"Then I'd get a lot of respect," Draco said thoughtfully.  "Without having to clean blood out of my nails."

"Or hair.  Hair's worse.  At least with demon slime it is."

Draco shuddered.  "Eww."

Xander grinned.  "Hey, I could be pushing for you to go study under Willow and Tara."

"Tara was frightfully powerful," he admitted.  "She was making the pots fly like it was nothing."

"It is nothing to her.  She does it at home all the time while she bakes.  Willow's powerful enough to change her clothes with a snap of her fingers."

Draco blinked.  "I think that's a bit excessive."

"Which is why we're worried about her.  There's an overuse line which you'll have to find no matter what form you study."

"That is something we must all concern ourselves with," Narcissa said as she came back with a heavy book.   "The last Who's Who guide."

Xander smiled at that.  "That's very thick."

"Indeed.  You know one of those wandless twits?"

"Two.  One's strong enough that she's been changing clothes with hers.  The other came with me.  Tara's a very good, white witch.  Willow, her girlfriend, is strong enough to close a hellmouth or stick a soul in a vampire."  Narcissa gave him a horrified look.  He grinned. "I grew up with Willow.  I think Draco could handle that sort of study and I think if he did that it could earn him a lot of good notice.  Let him step out of Lucius shadow."

"You think the war will be ended before graduation?"

"If we had our way it'd be ended tomorrow," he said honestly.  "People who do like he's doing piss others off."  She sighed but nodded.  "I also think if it comes down to it, I'm going to have to fight against him.  No matter how much Lucius wants, this head of the family is a white lighter."

"My son may not be called."

"Your husband was a lieutenant.  He will call and he'll expect Draco to be just as strong as his father is, even if he doesn't see him for himself and his own strengths.  I doubt your son can be the sort to take stupid orders without questioning since he does have a brain and he does use it.  I can see your son being the one that people go to for information on other forms of magic.  I can see your son being the one that ends up taking over some year.  I might even possibly be able to see him as the next Dark Lord.  This one is basing his problems on things that he has no business messing in.  Or haven't you seen the inbreeding problems?"

"I have.  That's why I don't want a wife that's too close."

"Then have him marry out-country with a line that's never been used here."

She nodded, opening the book to start looking.  "It does list if they're under contract."  She found a few that looked promising, letting Xander hand her some strings to mark the spots.  "Draco, love, would you mind a Hindu wife?"

"I know nothing about them, Mother."

She marked it.  "We'll look together."  He nodded at that.  "Do take Xander shopping, son.  He clearly needs it."

"Yes, Mother."  He stood up and they left together, stopping to get Xander's allowance bag from his apartment.  "You should have something suitable for meetings."

"Don't dress me like Dumbledore?" he pleaded.

"Not an issue.  That man has no fashion sense."  He led him to the clothier he liked. "Can you get your allowance raised for the next while?"

Xander sighed and looked at him, then nodded.  "I still have access to the vaults."

"I need new clothes," he whimpered.  "I'm growing and I have to look good for courting."

Xander smirked.  "You're sucking up so badly."

"Is it working?"

"A bit.  I don't need that many clothes."

"You can only get two outfits for what you have as long as you still have all fifty."

"I have about thirty-five.  I had to get some groceries."  Draco moaned.  "Come on."  He held up the keys and they went to the bank.  "I need into this vault."

The goblin took the key then looked at him  "You are?"  He put the staff on the counter.  "I see."  He looked at Draco.  "Are you showing him what you've seen?"

"He's growing.  He needs clothes for his contract stuff.  Plus he said I'm falling down on the family image."

"That's a reasonable expense."  He let them into the vault.  "Take him to the carts, Mr. Malfoy."

"Thank you."  He walked Xander that way.  "Usually we use our wands or say our names."

"Mine's still in purple ink in the book," Xander said.  "I'm getting my accounts from home switched over and translated."

"How much will it be?"

"Not much.  My parents aren't wealthy.  My last girlfriend sucked money like a vacuum."

Draco grimaced.  "I don't know what one of those is but it sounds bad."

"The thing that sucks the dirt out of the carpet?" Xander suggested.

"I don't watch the house elves.  Speaking of, where did those two go?"

"To get help from Sam's brother so they could find a good female house elf to mate with.  They wanted help learning how to pick up girls."

Draco gave him an odd look.  "Most of the time the female won't say no."

"It was relaxing Sam.  Dean could use it anyway.  They don't have any and Dean's a major target if someone comes after us.  It's only him and two maiden aunts."

"I suppose that's reasonable."  They climbed into the cart.  "Give me the key.  If you lose it we're in trouble."  Xander let him hold it, pet it, and coo at it.  "I miss having my own."

"Once things settle out and we don't have to worry about someone stripping the family of money for the simple things then it can be changed back."

"I don't mind that much.  Not with what the goblins found."  They took off and Xander whooped in glee.  He smiled.  "Yes, it's quite stomach turning."

"I should take you on a roller coaster."  They stopped in front of a large doorway and the goblin got out.

"Light, please."  Xander handed it over before stepping out and helping Draco out.  "Key, please."  Draco handed it over.  He slid it into the lock and opened it.  "Blood, please."  Draco sliced his palm and let it drip onto the right spot.  "Thank you."

Xander looked at all the gold.  "Shit, I need Horatio's sunglasses for the glare."

Draco snickered.  "He does love those things."  He carried a bag in there, loading up on the gold coins.  Xander coughed.  "You'll need it and so will I.  It's only three hundred or so."  He let him hold the bag and got another ten.  "For ice cream."  They came out and took the key back, it going into Xander's pocket.  They went back up there and Xander got drug to the clothiers Draco liked the most.  Not Madam Malkin's but somewhere tasteful that didn't sell uniforms.  He walked them inside, nodding at the old man behind the counter.  "This is my new head of family.  He's American.  He's from the hellmouth."

"Is he living?"

Xander smirked.  "I fight with a slayer.  I need things I can fight and draw weapons in."

"I suppose we can do that."  He came over to measure him, making sure Xander was truly alive.   He and the boy both got fitted for a good sized lot of clothes but they paid up front.  They took the addresses for them to be delivered to.  Then the boy went to find his head of house an owl and get him some ice cream.  He shook his head.  "Don't know why they needed someone like that to head that family.  Must be a good reason though."  He got back to work on the new clothes.  They had to be perfect.  Any Malfoy, even an American one, had to be picky.

***

Xander looked up as Tonks joined him at the table in the Leaky Cauldron.  "Anything good?"

"Tom makes good stew."

"I know that.  I've already got a good sized sandwich on the way.  I meant on the other problem."

She grimaced.  "No.  Though it was nice to find that for us.  Thank you.  Even the boss said so."

"Not an issue.  I don't like his sort."

"Good."  She beamed at Tom when he came over with the sandwich.  "You eat like Hagrid," she teased.

"Hagrid seemed like he was a very nice man," he countered, smiling back.  "Besides, I'm only twenty-one and I figured you probably hadn't eaten yet."  He gave her a third then dug in, nodding and moaning in appreciation.  He paid Tom, getting a smile for the tip.  "Thank you," he said before taking another bite.  He looked at Tonks, making 'go on' motions.

She swallowed.  "We know that the area they've been siphoning off of is nearly empty."

"Can we find another one like that and guard it?"

"I'm not sure."

"Who would be?"

"Someone with better ties to the earth.  I can ask Madam Sprout."

Xander shrugged.  "Or ask Snape.  He seems like he's smart enough to research outside his field."

"I can do that too."  She ate another bite, chewing slowly.  She hadn't had lunch yet and it was nice of him to buy it for her.  She swallowed.  "The other problem is that he's trying to rally others to join him."

"Some will but they're not going to be very well trained troops.  They'll be scared of him, but they're still going to be thinking for the time being. Plus, I didn't see a lot of offensive spells being taught at the school."

She shook her head.  "There's not.   The house wars would get worse."  She ate another bite while she thought.  "He lets the highers pass down spells," she said once she swallowed.

"Taking out foot soldiers pisses them off.  Taking out a general either demoralizes or pisses them off worse," Xander offered.  She smiled and nodded.  "Taking it from the top down is an option in this case.  Unlike the drug wars that Horatio and Mac have to fight, where you have to start from the bottom."

She considered that.  "We don't know all his higher ups."

"We don't have anyone?"  She gave him a long look.  "Can we get it from someone we have in custody?" he asked.  She beamed at him and got up, walking off with another third of his sandwich.  "Glad I could help."  He went back to his eating and reading.  He was really liking this book.  Someone sat across from him so he looked up.  "Yes?  May I help you?"  He was ready to hurt the guy but he'd give him a chance to tell him why he was interrupting his lunch.  This time.

"You're the new head of the Malfoy family," he said bluntly.

"I am."

"What qualifications do you bring?" he sneered.

"Five years of combat beside a slayer," he said coolly.  "A level head.  I uphold the codes of the family and I'm one of those who can think.  I can also fix problems without getting too huffy.  The family is getting to know me.  Are you part of us?"

He glared.  "No, I'm not.  I'm a friend of Lucius."

"Pity he doesn't uphold the family's values," he said dryly.  "He may have one of them but not the others.  I also didn't like that he made me defend myself against him.  Doing so puts me in a very bad mood.  I make others suffer then.  Or I go hunting vampires."  The man went pale.  "By the way, who's your sire?"  He stood up and ran off, pulling a cloak on so he wouldn't burn up outside.  "Interesting."  He called Tony.  "Did you see anything that showed vampires in that folder?  Because one just came up to me saying he was a friend of Lucius'."  He nibbled, listening to him.  "Exactly.  Thanks."  He hung up and finished up, heading to the Ministry to find someone.  He ran into Harry's adopted father, Arthur.  Harry had told him he could talk to him about these things.  "Do you have about thirty seconds?"

"What's wrong, Mr. Harris?"

Xander led him out of the path of people.  "I just had a vampire come up to me in the Leaky Cauldron saying he was a friend of Lucius Malfoy and wanted to know my qualifications to head the Malfoy family."

Arthur gave him a stunned looked then moaned.  "I'll let it be known.  If we should have a major infestation?"

"Tell me.  I'll do what I can.  Or I'll call Buffy."

He nodded.  "Thank you.  We needed to know that."

"Not an issue.  Keep me informed, please.  I'm going to do whatever I need to do and the family knows this."

"But... they're supporters."

"I'm not and I'm making them think and make that decision for themselves without family pressure."

Arthur smiled.  "That's a bold plan."

"It's a logical one.  War isn't for everyone."  That got a nod.  "Let me know if I can help."  He walked off, heading back to his apartment.  He found Dumbledore waiting on him.  "Did you disable the alarm system?" he asked, looking at the panel.  He put it back on standby.  He thought the goblins had said no one could do that.  He'd have to check with the curse breaker again.  "I have some very rare books thanks to Giles."

"I noticed."  He looked at him.  "Did something happen?"

"A vamp just came up to me claiming to be a friend of Lucius Malfoy.  Wanted to know my qualifications to lead the family."  Dumbledore gave him the same horrified look.  "I went to talk to that Arthur guy Harry introduced me to since he said he could trust him.  I also had a very pleasant talk with Tonks over lunch.  She's going to see if she can find the other lieutenants that he's using so we can possibly take out that level easier.  It should demoralize the force and create dissent with the power plays for the positions, plus you'd have less trained and capable people in charge."

Dumbledore stared at him.  "You really do plan."

"I really do plan the slayer's true battles," he agreed, grinning some.  He sat down to face him.  "Anything new come up yet?  I know you have the battle plans Sam and I drew up."

"I do.  They're actually very good."

"Sam and his family does what I do only they don't have a slayer.  Mac looked at them as well.  He's a former Marine, he was in command before and now he's in command of his unit at the NYPD."

"That's very interesting.  That Horatio chap?"

"In command of his unit in Miami's police department.  I know he's former bomb squad.  I don't know much else about him."

He nodded slowly.  "Very interesting.  The other staff has chosen."

"We have a meeting this weekend.  We'll be meeting her then."

"That's good."  He stood up.  "I came to see if your friends had managed to find any other information."

"Not yet.  They've been dealing with a vampire wanting a harem the last few days.  Tonks said anyone with earth magic could do that.  She suggested Madam Sprout but I thought Professor Snape might know as well."

"I can ask him.  Are there other wandless ones like you know locally?"

"I know there's a very strong coven in Devon that Giles trusts to teach others.  I know if someone from the Ministry came near them they'd be fried, but a polite request for help might go over well."

"I know some people from that area.  I'll ask them to set up a meeting for me.  Thank you, Mr. Harris."

"Not an issue.  It sucks to be in Harry's spot."  That got a nod and Dumbledore left through the floo.  Xander went to get a soda, then came back out to sit down.  "I can hear you," he called.  Draco came out from under an invisibility cloak.  "Morning."

"My father knows vampires?"

"Apparently."  He shrugged.  "It happens.  How's your mom's search going?"

"She's found three she thinks she likes.  She's writing notes to them this week."  He sat down, staring at him.  "What if I want to take part in the battles?"

"Then that's your decision," Xander told him.  "I won't like it, I'm going to be honest about it.  I also don't think it's in your nature to do that.  You might be able to hex, curse, and damage, but I don't think you're going to like killing."

"I'm not sure I can either."

"Then let's go on patrol tonight, Draco."

"Patrol?" he asked, looking confused.

"I'm going to teach you how to stake vampires."  Draco gave him a horrified look.  "That's killing.  If you can do it then it'll make you see what it'll be like on the field of battle."

Draco slumped.  "You're serious?"

"I am."

He looked at his wand then at him.  "Can I bring my wand?"

"Yeah, go ahead.  Don't try to stake with it.  It might break."

Draco nodded.  "Will I need anything?"

"Stake.  Shoes you can walk or run in.  Comfortable clothes you can move or fight in."

Draco nodded.  "I have that."  He stood up.  "After dinner?"

"Sure.  I'll be here."  Draco nodded and headed off as well.  Xander finished his soda and went to find where the vampires were coming up tonight.  There weren't many.  The Watchers Council was doing a decent enough job in their backyard it seemed.  "This could help him too.  Especially if the asshole is using vamps on his side," he muttered.

***

Draco looked around the cemetery.  "It's peaceful," he said finally.

Xander grinned. "I think that's half the point."

Draco shuddered.  "Not a good thought."

"No, it's a good thought.  You want your final spot to be peaceful.  Or else someone like Sam has to come for you."  That got another shudder and a grimace too.  "It happens."  He led him to the grave, looking at it.  He could barely hear the scratching going on.  "We've got at least ten minutes to wait."  He nodded at someone else out there.  "Morning," he called.

The man looked over, then glared.  "Patrol?"

"This is my cousin Draco.  He's thinking about his choices for after graduation."

"Ah.  Sending him our way?"

"That depends on him."

That got a nod.  "We'll leave you that one and the one behind you then."  He walked off, whistling at his partner to finish up.  He had a compressed air gun with wood shots.

Xander looked at Draco.  "Watchers.  They're over the slayer lines."

"Interesting."   He leaned against a tombstone, looking at the other side.  "There's a hand already up on this one."  Xander moved over there, watching as the vamp came up.  It charged and Xander tripped it then staked it on the back.  "Nice work."

"Easier than normal.  Usually they fight more."  He pointed.  "You stake in the heart and only the heart, Draco."  Draco turned and found the vampire had come up and was sniffing him.  Draco lunged to stake him but the vamp moved.  "And they're faster," Xander said helpfully.  He moved to block the thing.  "I'm teaching him how to hunt.  Stand still."

Draco got in a decent enough shot, it hit a lung.  "Blast!"  He did it again but the vampire hit at him.  Xander knocked it down.  Draco did a cutting hex and cut off his head.  "That's so much easier."

"You can get others," Xander said, holding the cut on his arm.

"Oops."

"It happens.  Buffy's nearly staked me a few times by accident too."  He looked at the pile of dust then at Draco.  "Congrats.  Your first kill."  Draco looked then moaned, walking off to be sick in private.  Xander followed, checking his arm.  It wasn't a bad injury.  Could probably use a stitch or two but he'd be fine.  They had packed his emergency kit with his weapons.  Xander slowed down, looking around.  "Draco, down!" he snapped, making him go to his knees as a demon lunged over him.  Xander backed up and took a side swing at the demon.  It wasn't going to kill it.  "Shit, I need silver!"  He caught the dagger Draco tossed at him and went to work against the demon.  The two Watchers were back but he didn't care.  It was going to die.  He finally got it after having to get back up twice, and now having a bruised rib.  He panted, holding his chest.  "Any others?"

"No," one Watcher said, coming over.  "You good, Harris?"

Xander looked at him.  "What are swamp demons doing in London?"

"I have no clue."  He frowned at it.  "Those are swamp demons, huh."  He searched it then came up with something.  "You've got problems, mate."  He let him see the information sheet.

Draco looked.  "That's my father's handwriting."

"Then your father's fucked when I get him," Xander said, staring at him. He handed back the dagger.  "You might need that."  He looked at the Watcher.  "Any idea how it got here?"

"Summoned?" he suggested.  "They're hardly ever alone."

Xander nodded.  "I'm taking him home.  Thank you for watching out for my cousin for me."  That got a nod and they left.  He looked at the demon then at the information sheet.  "He doesn't have a good source.  My birthday's wrong."  He walked him off, reading over it on the way back to the car.  He ran into Dean and Sam there.  "Hey."

"Hey.  You okay?" Dean asked, looking at his arm.

"I'm fine.  His father hired a demon to take me out."  He handed Sam the information sheet.  "I killed a swamp demon.  Got a vamp.  Draco got his first vamp."  Draco turned green again.  "We were talking about life choices earlier."  He got Draco into the car and walked around to the driver's side.  "If you guys wanna hunt, be careful.  There's two Watchers doing the same thing.  They watched Draco for me to make sure he wasn't attacked but I'm not sure how they feel about you guys."

Dean nodded at that.  "I can do that.  Thanks."

"Welcome."  He smiled.  "Have fun with the poltergeist in the church."  Sam grinned and they headed that way to check on it.  Xander slid behind the wheel, taking Draco back to his place.

"It is always like that?"

"Yup.  And battle is like when the vamp fought back.  Only in your war it'd be people with spells fighting against your spells.  There'd be a lot more people on each side and you'd have to watch both sides fall.  You'd be in about as open of a spot to be effective."

Draco stared out the window then at him.  "You did that every week?"

"I did that most days of every week," Xander agreed.  "We patrolled almost every night.  Sam and his family take on special calls.  Mostly poltergeists, higher level demons that have to be summoned, those things."

Draco nodded, going back to his thinking.  "I'd have to do that again, wouldn't I?"

"Only they wouldn't be ashes.  They'd be a body.  Blood pouring out of them.  Eyes probably open."  Draco turned green.  Xander pulled over and let him puke again.  He turned up the radio to give him a bit of dignity, waiting until he came back.  "Even if you stand up for the ideals, not everyone is supposed to be in combat, Draco," he said quietly once they were on their way again.  "Some people need to be the planners.  Some are scholars.  Some are physical people who can do combat.  But combat changes you.  It makes you think in different ways.  It also gives you many nightmares."  Draco nodded, wrapping his cloak more tightly around him.  "Use this when you think, Draco."  He gave him a pat and dropped him in front of the Leaky.  "Head back to school."  He nodded, doing that once he had a drink.  Xander went home and found the guys waiting on him.  "Hey."  He let them inside, nodding at Tonks.  "I still have a security system."

"Told 'em I was your girlfriend and breaking in to surprise you.  The cops were very nice when I said I was going to tie myself down and get naked."

Xander grinned.  "If you want," he offered with a smirk.  He took off his jacket, letting Dean haul him closer to a light to look at his arm. "Draco did a cutting hex to cut off the vamp's head," he said quietly.  "His aim was off with the stake."

"You think the other is a problem?" Sam asked.

Xander shrugged.  "Could be.  Could not be.  It could be that Lucius is about to die."  He grinned.  "I could ask an ex for a favor."

"Anya?" Dean asked, finding the first aid kit in the kitchen.

"Under the sink, Dean.  It's my patrol first aid kit."  He found that one and brought out stitching supplies and a local anesthetic for his arm.  "Thanks."  He let him stitch him.  "You do better than Willow does.  She pulls them too tight."

"We have to do each other's," Sam said.  "Think it'll help if you do ask?"

Xander took off his necklace with his free hand, tossing into a clear spot on the floor.  A female form slowly took shape and he grinned.  "Tabby."

"Xander," she cooed.  "What happened to my favoritist stripper buddy?"

"One of my relatives kindly set swamp demons after me," Xander said dryly.  "Possibly others."

She pouted.  "That's mean.  You don't like those sort of demons that way."

"Exactly.  I was out with his son when it attacked too.  Draco got his first vamp tonight," he said with a grin.  She shuddered.  "Can you please fetch the demon that's over that contract and my beloved cousin Lucius for me?"

She considered it. "Can I have another night?"

"Sometime later this week?" he offered.  She nodded and disappeared.  Soon a big, ugly demon appeared.  "Morning."

"Who're you, human?" it sneered.  Xander said something and threw something from the drawer of the table he was sitting on it, making it shriek then suddenly go silent even though it was still screaming.

Xander gave it a few minutes then he coughed. "You done?"  It slumped, nodding.  "I want to talk to you about the contract out on my life that was done by a Death Eater."

The demon swallowed.  "I do not know of what you speak."  Xander held up the information sheet and picture.  It nodded, hanging its head.  "They went to one to call me to do that.  They have not paid."

"Nor will they be paying for anything but my anger," Xander said calmly.  "What will it take to cancel it?"

"Hellmouth blood," he sneered.

"I'm born and bred on the hellmouth.  One of the protectors of it."  The demon flinched, trying to back away.  "What else would it take?"

"I will take that," he said.  Xander pulled out his boot knife and sliced his palm, letting the demon collect ten drops of it.  "Consider it canceled.  Do you want the one who summoned me?"

"I want the names of them and any Death Eaters or supporters of Voldemort who were involved to appear here."

He nodded.  "That is reasonable."  He watched as the hand was bandaged, summoning them.  Ten people appeared.  "That way I don't have to name them."  He disappeared once Xander released him.

"Tonks," he said, waving a hand.  "All but the dark haired, scared looking person in the back please?"  She hopped up to bind them.  He grinned at Dean.  "You're very good."

"Thanks.  You were born there?"

"Few blocks from the sucker.  It's under the old high school's library."

"That explains that gas leak," he said.  He finished and let Sam put up things while he went to look at the guy Xander had said to leave alone.  "You know him?"

"Ethan Rayne.  One of Janus' top people."  Xander stared at him.  "Hey.  How ya doin'?"

"Why are you in England?" he asked, taking a step away from Dean.  "I meant no harm.  It was a paying job."

"I know," Xander agreed.  "That's why you're not being arrested.  I'm here because a family staff called and chose me."

"Family....  That means you use magic!" he said, straightening up.

Xander smirked.  "Don't I though?  Yeah, we figured out why things went screwy around me most of the time."  He grinned. "I'm now the head of the Malfoy family."  He nodded at Sam. "This is the head of another one, Sam Winchester, and his brother Dean is sizing you up for chains."

Ethan stepped away from Dean.  "I mean your family no harm. They wanted me to summon a few demons to deal with you.  That you were standing in the way of their good fight."

"For purity.  They're Aryans, the magic edition, Ethan.  Pick a side.  It's a real war this time.  They have a resurrected ghoul leading an army.  We have a school full of kids in the way."

Ethan gave him a long look.  "I'd rather stay out of it."  He coughed. "I'll gladly go hide somewhere else for a few years.  The Carribean all right with you?"

Xander shrugged. "I hear it's pretty.  Never been."  He grinned.  "If you do that, I expect you to stay out of it fully unless I beg for a favor.  Can we make that deal?"  Ethan nodded quickly.  "Can you cancel any remaining things coming for me?"  Ethan nodded again.  "Think you can help us with the ghoul killing?"

"I have a book that will help," he admitted. "I'll post it to you from Bermuda."

"That'll work," Xander agreed, smiling some.  "By the way, the Council hates me.  Still.  They tried to beat my ass too.  Pity."  Ethan shuddered but left through the door.  He looked at the last person Tonks had to bring back with her, smiling when she came to get him.  "That a good night for you?"

"Wonderful for me, mate."  She beamed.  "You still gonna go with the demon?"

"She's not bad.  Not harmful.  Won't kill me."  He shrugged.  "She's good in bed."  She shuddered, walking off with the last one to bring back to her boss.  He grinned at the boys.  "Want to see what books I have?"  They nodded, getting into them with him.

Family Staffs 5

Rupert Giles looked up as a slimy toad of a man walked into his store wearing an ugly robe and a bowler hat.  He nearly rubbed his eyes but Xander had described him perfectly.  "Can I help you?"

"Are you Rupert Giles?"

"I am.  What can I do for you, Minister Fudge?"

He stared.  "You know of me?" he asked happily.

"I can tell who you are," he corrected.  Xander had said this one especially was deathly afraid of those who didn't use a wand for magic.  Fudge stepped back.  "What can I do for you?  Supplies?  Books?"

"Did you know your protege is sleeping and consorting with demons?"

"Usually it's former demons but I do understand why.  The boy has the worst taste in women.  His last girlfriend is Anyanka, over women scorned.  She temporarily lost her powers," he said with a smirk.  "Is this one nicer?  She told him all sorts of ways to torture others.  Though she was the first that didn't want to kill him after dating him."

Minister Fudge blinked.  "Then he's done this before?" he demanded.

Giles shrugged.  "On the hellmouth there's not that many humans.  He couldn't date the witches we work with, they're together, and my slayer only likes dangerous men who can match her in a fight.  Xander's good but he's not on par with a slayer's gifts."

Fudge let out a small whimper.  "He's slept with other demons?"

Giles laughed.  "His first girl was the Slayer Faith, Minister Fudge.  His next was a cheerleader who sucked his energy, time, and money.  The first one he got interested in was actually a resurrected mummy who was sucking life force from people.  She loved him enough to not kill him but take the others to protect their relationship."  Fudge turned pale.  "As I said, his last one was Anyanka and she's not exactly pleasant all the time.  It's interesting how only the most deadly things are drawn to him and he flirts back.  I do hope this one is more harmless than most."

He nodded. "I'm sure she is.  That one, Winchester, told someone about her and said she was."

"Then she's just a fling," Buffy said as she came out of the back.  "Xander's like that.  Not too many humans left around here."  Fudge just nodded. "Is Xander in trouble?  If so I can come help."

"Um, no, I believe he found out and canceled the demonic contract against him," he said, starting to sweat.  "Are you one of the witches?  I heard one of you was blonde."

She smirked.  "No, I'm Buffy."  He went very pale and wobbled.  "Don't pass out.  I was just doing my nails and I'd hate to mess up the polish catching you."  He nodded and fled the store.  "Idiot.  Giles, I feel slimy," she complained.  "And he stared at my breasts.  He's way disgusting and can't even imagine as high as he'd have to get to get me."

Giles smiled.  "That is how Xander described him.  That is the head of the wizarding government where Xander is."

"No wonder they want Xander in control of stuff.  That's sickening and I hope he doesn't breed with real people."  She went back to her nails.  She'd have to tell Willow and Tara about him.

Giles snickered, going back to his reading.  Yes, if they were all like that man, Xander could do their government a lot of good after he got done driving them all insane.  Though he did wonder about his new girlfriend.  Xander had some horrible taste.  "John, have you heard anything from your boys?" he called back into the research room.

"Your boy went to someone named Ethan to get the contract the same guy set canceled.  Ethan's heading for the Caribbean; Xander said he heard it's pretty but he's never been.  One of his new family set the contract with the other death eaters."

"Interesting.  I'll have to write Ethan," he muttered. "Anything on the new girlfriend?"

"Xander said she's harmless, good in bed, and only wanted another night with him."

"Even better," Buffy called.  "Because Xander has really bad taste and we want to encourage him to go gay too."

John's laugh came out very clearly.

***

Xander looked out across the field.  He wasn't sure why he was in a field.  He had been in a harem just a moment ago.  Of course he knew this was a dream so he wasn't *too* concerned.  He looked at the woman who appeared beside him, shrugging at her curious look.  "Got any sort of idea?  I had been having fun in a harem."

"If from beneath you it devours, and the one who cannot see must see, then why is the sky purple and the ground dead?" Willow asked.

He frowned, staring at her.  "That's more cryptic than usual.  Should I research part of that?"

She tweaked him on the nose.  "Honk."  Then she disappeared.

Xander looked around the field, memorizing it.  It was apparently important.  He woke up with a gasp, staring at the man standing there.  "Draco?"  He nodded.  "Paper, pen, muggle pen, now.  Dream."  Draco got some and handed it over, letting him write it down while he remembered everything.

"You have visions?"

"No but I think it's important," he said, blinking up at him.  "What time is it?"

"Ten.  You have a meeting?"

"Oops."  He got up and grabbed clothes, heading for the shower.  "Tell them to give me twenty please?"

"Sure."  He went to tell the council that.  "My head of house was having some sort of odd dream that may or may not be prophetic," he announced to them.  "He's bathing and he'll be right here."

"Prophetic dreams?" Mac asked with a snort.

"How likely?" Danny asked, looking serious.  Draco shrugged.  "Have him bring it."

"If you want.  It was a jumble of words to me."  He went back to get it for him, handing it over.  "Danny said to bring it."

"Thank you, Draco.  You're a great helper."  He headed back via his staff, taking his cousin with him.  "Sorry.  I had been in a harem and then I had a Willow and Tara dream.  No clue why."  Danny nodded so he tossed it over.  Watching his face was nearly comical.  "What?"

"The first part is a prophecy that's fairly well known in the American schools," Danny said, looking at him.

"Aw, shit."

"Basically."

"I'll call them later."  He took it back and looked.  "No Sam either?"

"Sam's presently off getting stitches.  Someone tried to kill him on the way in and he got them back," Mac told him.

"Better than strange dreams."  Xander nodded at Horatio.  "Morning.  Sorry."

"It happens."  He pointed. "This is our newest member of the Council, Patricia."

Xander nodded.  "The last one was a good man who we liked to work with.  He even explained things to us."

She smiled.  "I'll do what I can, Mr. Harris."

"Xander, please.  Mr. Harris is still back in Sunnydale rotting."

She nodded.  "That's fine then."  Sam came in with Stella.  "Are we all here?  I noticed a few empty seats."

"Harry has two," Horatio told her.  "The other unfortunately died out."

"That's a shame."

"Plenty of the families are looking like that.  I'm the last in mine.  Horatio?"

"I have a niece, a nephew, and apparently a cousin somewhere in Russia."

"I've got two maiden aunts, a father, and a brother who's driving me insane.  Anyone want custody of Dean for the rest of the weekend so he can pick up girls?" Sam asked.

Mac laughed.  "I doubt we'd be hitting somewhere like that, Sam.  Sorry."

"Draco, do you need pointers in how to pick up girls from bars?" Xander asked.

"I don't think so.  I tend to go for exclusive establishments where my name is whispered in awe," he said dryly.  "Thank you anyway."

"Okay.  If I have to, he can come sleep on my couch, Sam.  That way he can hit some clubs in London."  He pointed at Tony's chair.  "Missing, working, or in trouble?"

"His director handcuffed him to his desk," Danny said dryly.  "We've called Gibbs, who is on his day off.  He'll be here soon."

"Okay then.  No rescues needed."  He looked at Sam.  "Tylenol?"

"Had a pain potion and they're very nice."

"Even better.  Okay.  Horatio, can I move that we start this meeting?"

"You can do so."  He banged the small gavel on the table.  "I'm calling this meeting to order.  Tony can come in quietly when he gets rescued."  He looked around.  "As noted earlier, we do have a new member chosen for the Council.  Patricia D'Ortens.  As a matter of future reference, do you work or have any hobbies that might benefit the board?  Myself and a few of us are officers, a few of us are demon hunters.  Harry's still in school."

She cleared her throat.  "I do appraise art as a job.  I garden as a hobby.  I have two children."  She looked around, seeing nothing but smiles.  "I don't know what else you want me to say."

"No, that's good," Xander said with a grin.  "We know now that if anything arty comes up to come see you."

She smiled.  "Of course.  Is the Malfoy collection going to be appraised anytime soon?"  Xander and she both looked at Draco.

"I'd have to ask Mother.  I don't deal with that, it's her passion.  That and her jewelry."  She nodded at that.  "If so, I'll see who we use and if we can let you do it if you want."  She smiled at that.  "As a helper, I do have to mention something.  We have no set schedules for meetings."

"Good point," Sam agreed.  "Would that work for the officers on the board?  I know your job often calls you out of bed and things."

"It would work very well for us," Mac told him.  "That way we can schedule our weekends off in advance."

"Then I make a motion we look at that today," Sam said.

"Seconded," Stella agreed.

"We can put that on the agenda," Horatio agreed, writing that down.  Tony walked in.  "Are you healthy?"

"Few handcuff marks, nothing critical or painful."  He sat down.  "Sorry for being late.  It was unavoidable.  My director is trying to keep me from doing my duty and I'm about to have something eat her."

"There's four things in the DC area that could do that," Sam said with a grin.  "Want their addresses?"

"Or for the local demon bar?" Xander asked.  "You can probably find something there and talk it into eating her as a dare.  She's got to taste nasty."  They all gave him odd looks, even Draco.  "Spike said politicians do.  I figured he'd know since he's eaten a few."

"I still can't believe your Watcher was making you live with a vampire," Sam said.

"He has a government chip in his head thanks to that project we brought down.  He couldn't eat me, just annoy me to death.  He did a damn good job of that and sleeping with my ex too."

Horatio shook his head quickly.  "If Tony should need such help I'm sure he can come to either of you sometime when there's no one taking notes," Horatio noted.

"Can you kill them, Sam?" Tony asked.

"I'll let Dad know," he promised with a grin.  "I won't be back for a bit.  Dean might be heading back for a month, not sure."

"Please?  I don't want a demon eaten body on my case load.  Ducky would take forever trying to figure out what ate it."

"Mallard?" Xander asked, frowning some.  Tony nodded slowly.  "Giles knows him from his schooling.  He mentioned he told wonderful stories to the Watcher trainees.  He was teaching them physiology while healing from a badly broken leg or something."

"Then I'm sure we can handle it," Tony quipped. "Thanks, Xander.  I'll ask him and tell him your friend said hi."  Xander tossed over a card.  "I'll hand that over too."  He tucked it into a pocket.  "What else was on the agenda today?"

"We were going to make sure that there weren't any problems with the last few issues the council looked over, then move onto new business.  The only new business put forth so far is looking at meeting schedules."

"Then I want to add one," Tony said.  "The aurors are once again not doing a whole lot.  Except for six of them.  Can I make a motion that we look at getting them someone to look at their caseload to see if they're taking on other departments' work or something?"

"I can add that," Horatio agreed, noting that down.

"Do we think they are?" Patricia asked.

Tony grinned.  "I think that they don't have a clear-cut idea of 'this is what cases we handle' and they've tried to take over a few different investigations where they got sent away.  It's leaning toward them not being able to do anything.  Maybe some clearer cut boundaries would let them actually get to work.  Hopefully without fear of reprisals.  That has been mentioned a few times."

She nodded. "Do you know someone who can?"

Tony grinned his best politician's grin.  "My direct boss, Gibbs, is a former Marine Gunny Sergeant.  He's been an NCIS agent, that's over Navy and Marine crimes, now for 19 years."  She looked impressed at that.  "He's the one who molded me into the agent I am now.  He's tough, but he's fair and he's a very good motivator.  Tonks has had dinner with us once if you wanted to ask her.  She's an auror."

"I know of her," she said, leaning back.  "I'll have to ask her opinion of him when we break for lunch."  He nodded at that.  "I heard that we have three appeals coming in front of us, Chairman?"

"We do.  We have three appeals to some of the laws we removed during the marathon session the last time.  Someone wanted them put back.  Two of them are species related laws.  One is faintly unusual."  He smiled.  "We'll get to that while we look over any problems associated with the changeover.  Minister Fudge, have you been told of any problems?"

"No.  In fact some of the judges on the Wizengomet are very pleased," he said, looking miserable.  It was undoing all his good work.  No one would remember him.  "Has anyone else been told of some?" he asked, sounding a bit hopeful.

"I'm told that the two referendums are useful but they'd still rather have them as laws," Tony said.

Stella nodded, putting down the water she was sipping.  "I've asked a few of them and they said it's easier to make decisions and prior case history is still pertinent but not as important in some cases.  It's let them move forward with a few very difficult cases.  Speaking of, Tony.  I heard your family's case was just heard?"

"It was and it was all given back, plus interest," he said proudly.  "The rest of the family is moving back to their own homes and the few who were being forced to work in muggle jobs aren't any longer.  They're taking the time to find good jobs around their homes that'll support their families."  That got a mass of smiles and nods.  "The judge also threw out the original complaint against them since no one could prove they were wearing a dark mark."  He looked at Xander.

"Lucius said he was under the Imperious curse," he said dryly.  "As he's not the head of the family, they can't do that this time.  I had the goblins check and make sure that, if something like that were to happen, the family's assets and properties would be safe."  That got a nod.  "It's now also a clause for getting your inheritance by the last will.  They agreed that was a good rule under the 'no abnormal practices' clause that was already established.  We've already had a talk with someone from the Ministry who wanted to do that but it was pointed out Lucius was taken out of control of the assets once things were handed to me.  They've agreed that it will not be happening while I'm in control."  He reached back to tap Draco.  "Did you get that note from the bank?"

"I did.  Mother and I both got that letter."  He made himself look relaxed.  Xander's letter had explained it and why, and it was protecting them and the rest of the family.  His mother wasn't marked, Voldemort didn't like women in his service unless they were extraordinary.  He couldn't argue with that one.  "Thank you for looking out for us."

Xander smiled.  "It's what I do."  He looked at the board again.  "I haven't had the chance to meet with any judges due to the moving and shifting of stuff.  Giles sent me nearly three hundred books last week for some reason.  I don't know why.  Were there any negative comments about the new ones beyond complaints that we didn't code them, just made them non-binding?"

Horatio looked around.  "Has anyone heard anything?"  No one said anything.  "Then let's move onto the three specific ones they wanted back.  I have two from the Species department," he said, pulling them out.  "Citing pertinent laws and clauses, they would like back and why."  He passed them to Harry first since he was on his left, past the empty chair.  "I'll give everyone a chance to read those over before we discuss things."

Xander took them after Harry, reading them slowly.  He pointed at something, leaning closer to Harry.  "Isn't that a type of dragon?"  He nodded.  "Thought so."  He went back to his reading, frowning a bit and handing it on.  "I wasn't sure we needed those.  It seems to be common sense."

"If sense were common, everyone would have it," Stella reminded him.  "And the law books would be a lot shorter."

Xander nodded.  "Good point."  He waited until Patricia and Fudge had read it then raised his hand.  "I don't mind the second law but the first one was stated in a way that made no damn sense to me."

"I second that," Mac agreed once he had read it over and handed it to Danny.

Danny read it over then nodded.  "I can agree with putting the second back.  If I remember right we argued over needing that group of laws over that one dinner.  We decided it was unnecessary because no one would probably do anything like that."

"Actually, there are people like that, even among wizards," Draco said grimly.  "The same as the muggles have ones who go after their animals."

"True but we put in one that should have covered it," Mac said, opening the book to find it.  "Here we go.  No one shall attempt or enact any sexual act with any creature that does not have free will and has not consented to such acts."

"That covers unsentient beings and ones who are sentient but don't consent," Xander said thoughtfully.  "Can we talk to them?  Would that be acceptable?  Ask them how that particular rule doesn't cover?  I didn't see that argument given," he said when Tony glanced at him.

"That might be reasonable," Patricia agreed.  "I didn't see that argument either."

Mac looked again.  "It's not there.  We could bring them down to see if that one needs another clause added to it.  Horatio?"

"That would be reasonable and acceptable to me.  Any dissent?"  No one said anything. "House elf?"  One appeared.  "Twirpy, can you please get the person who wrote this from the Species department or someone higher up if they're not available?" he asked, handing over the scroll.  "We had some questions if they ask."  He nodded and disappeared.  "While we wait, I have the third one here.  It is from Minister Fudge and it deals with some of the clothing issues we took out."  He passed that to Harry.

Tony took it and frowned, then looked at him.  "You do realize that there's some atrocious fashion out in the alley?  I saw someone wearing a bright pink hat with a featherless chicken on top and a lime green dress."  He handed it on.

Danny coughed.  "Minister Fudge, one of the reasons we took those out was to not impede progress since the Wizarding World is so out of touch with the rest of it."

"They look like harlots," he sneered.

Danny shrugged.  "Modesty standards have changed.  You have kids and parents who're coming in from the muggle world and being horrified because of the fashions you have.  Beyond that, it would allow for the designers to pick up new ideas and use new materials, like elastic.  We've had it for a long time now and it's very handy."

"Elastic?" Draco asked.

"That stuff that holds up underwear?" Xander suggested.  Draco looked confused so he shifted.  "Here, this is elastic."  He showed him the edge of his.  "It stretches and contracts to hold it against your body.  Much easier than the ones that tie.  They fit tighter, they don't shift.  Occasionally the elastic wears out but it's very handy."  He righted his clothes and tucked his shirt back in.  "Has anyone else noticed no one uses zippers outside of the school uniforms?"  Everyone nodded.  "Another very handy invention of the late eighteen hundreds that could be good for a lot of wizards."

"By not restricting things we'd let society take the place of the law, letting it set how and when to change fashions so it would move on.  Right now you're stuck with clothes that haven't been popular for over a hundred years," Mac told him.  "It was felt that that's society's job, not the law's job.  Even with the ugly clothes."

"Because what I find ugly and you find ugly is probably a bit different," Xander added.  "I personally find the fur stole Patricia has on to be slightly offensive because of the way and times I grew up in and because I know how mink is harvested."  She gave him an alarmed look.  "I'm not going to force an anti-fur view on anyone," he assured her.  "If you want to wear dead animals, go for it.  I wear my dead animals in leather."  She nodded at that, relaxing again.  "While it might be fashionable, it's not really my place or your place to tell her what to wear."

"Nor is it the law's place," Sam agreed.  "Would you feel better if she had eaten the mink or something, Xander?"

"Probably.  I've rationalized leather that way.  That and it's light armor."

Fudge slumped.  "I'm trying to uphold decency standards."

"But that's not the law's job, that's society's job.  That's the job of people like Draco's mother and magazines like Witch World Weekly," Stella told him.  "Coding it into law means that no one can move on and people can be punished because people like Xander like Hawaiian shirts."

"Hey!" Tony complained.

"And apparently Tony, even though he wears designer suits," she added.

"I'd like to own them, not wear them."

"I own and wear a lot of them," Xander said with a grin.

"I've seen that.  You could preserve them as clothing relics of Magnum," Tony suggested.

"Off the topic," Horatio noted.

"Sorry," Tony said.

Stella smiled at him. "It's okay.  We know you're a goofball part of the time."  She looked at Fudge again.  "What's going to happen when the rest of the world moves onto other forms of clothes?  You're already over a century behind.  People are moving toward less and less clothes all the time.  You've got to let the people decide for themselves if they want to join in.  That's how innovation happens.  Because trust me, no woman wears a corset of her own free will if she doesn't have to.  They hurt."

Patricia nodded. "They do.  Muggles don't wear them?"

"No.  We could go on another trip to the park," she suggested to Horatio.  "Let Minister Fudge and our new member both see what muggles really wear these days."

"If they wanted to I wouldn't care to do that," Horatio agreed.  "If you want that would give you an opportunity to see how far fashion has gone on from where you are."

"I gave the last guy a library book on fashion," Xander reminded him.  "He found the current ones and then moved forward."

"I was wondering about that book."  She pulled it out of her bag.  "This one?"  He nodded.  She found their current fashions and let Fudge see, then slowly moved forward, gasping at some of them.  "Some of those are indecent."

Stella handed over the magazine from her bag.  "I was reading it to kill time earlier."  They flipped through it and they both shuddered.  "We're not saying you have to go there today.  We're saying that keeping it static by making it a law means that you're going to have a lot of problems in coming years when more and more people end up in the muggle world to work or to live.  We're saying to let society pick out the trends that it wants to set and the decency level it wants to set instead of making everyone look like they're from a Dickens novel."

She nodded, handing the magazine back.  "I can understand the reasoning.  It would create some dissent in society."

"It's that sort of dissent that creates change and brings new ideas," Tony told her.  "Beyond that, the horrible clothing clause still isn't reasonable.  What you find horrible I might find cute and everyone looks different in each outfit.  Even that one woman in the venom green robe might look good in something that looks horrible on you."

She nodded.  "Then I can see why it was removed."

"Can we vote on Minister Fudge's suggestion?" Horatio asked.  Everyone nodded. "Anyone for it?"  Fudge raised his hand.  "One vote by Minister Fudge.  Anyone against?"  Everyone else raised their hands.  "The other votes are against it and the motion to dismiss is carried," he said.

"Read the handbook on how to be a chairman?" Mac teased.

"I did."  He smirked.  "I figured I should do this the most official way for now.  We can relax rules later on as we get used to our jobs."  He looked at Minister Fudge.  "If you had a specific one, one that leaned on the decency laws, that might be more suitable to the sub- committee who rewrote it."

"I'd still be wary because tastes and decency standards change with each generation," Stella said.  "My mother's generation couldn't sit down in their skirts and would've been horrified by the pants we wear today."

"True," he agreed.  "But one stating that wearing of indecent, as defined by showing too much of your sexual portions of your body or something like that, in public might be more acceptable?"  Everyone nodded.  "As long as it was fairly worded, didn't try to set clothing standards, and was reasonable."

Fudge nodded. "I'll look into amending that."

"That's fine.  We'll hear it when you've got it," Danny agreed.  "The five of us were the sub-committee over the laws since we deal with them daily.  Yell at us if you need help."  That got a nod.   The house elf came back.  "They not in?"

"Will be down in twenty minutes.  Needed to gather books," he said.  "Twirpy get tea?"

"Please," Patricia said.  "Plus something to nibble on for those who missed breakfast?"  He nodded and disappeared, coming back a few minutes later with a tea tray and floating one of snacks.  "Thank you, Twirpy."  She served the tea and passed it to who wanted it, putting food in front of Xander.  And Harry.  "You're still both very young and need it."

Xander grinned. "I'm twenty-one but I am hungry so thank you."

"You don't look that old."

Xander grinned. "It's nice to hear.  Especially after last night."  He nibbled while he texted the dream to Giles via Buffy's phone in spurts.  You could only text so many letters at once.  She was probably going to be yelling about it but oh well.  Not like Giles had a fax machine.

Draco leaned over his shoulder.  "What are you doing?"

"I'm using my cellphone to send text messages back to Buffy about that dream last night."  He let him see.  "Her phone will get the same message and she can pass it on.  If Giles had a fax machine or believed in email I'd send it that way.  This way he can start to look things up before he calls to demand a better account than I can type in this."  He grinned.  "It's very handy."

"Very," Horatio agreed.  "You can pass on limited information nearly immediately."

"Finally got a local number?" Mac asked.

Xander tossed over his phone.  "Hit send for me.  It's on the main screen and I haven't memorized it yet."  He did that and looked then wrote it down for the rest of them, tossing the phone back when he was done.  "Giles hates computers.  Thinks they're the spawns and sign of Satan coming."  That got a few laughs.  "He doesn't even like the ATM or the timer on his coffee maker.  If I text Buffy, she'll decode the message and pass it on once she gets up."  He checked his watch.  "Though she may still be up.  It's patrol time."  He shrugged and put his phone up.  He even got to eat most of his breakfast before the Species person walked in with an armful of books.  Harry helped him, earning a grin.  "Used to books?"

"Hermione does the same thing now and then."  He sat back down.  "Good morning."

"Good morning."  He did a doubletake at recognizing Harry.  "Um..."

"Yes, it's me.  Get on with it," he said blandly, giving him a look.

"Of course.  I hadn't seen your law, I must have missed it on my first go-through," he admitted.  "But it doesn't fully cover every situation.  In the past we've had people who've assaulted magical creatures in other ways."

"Did we include one for harming animals?" Horatio asked.

Mac looked.  "One for harming animals and a fine, plus jail time if the judge agrees."  He let the man see it.  "That should cover that situation as well."

He shook his head.  "Mystical creatures have never been covered as mere animals, sir."

"Okay.  Could an amendment be offered to include mystical creatures?"

"What about for potions?" Draco asked calmly.  "They do sometimes require parts."

The species person looked at him then sneered.  "Are you studying that, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Quit sneering at my cousin," Xander said quietly.  "Unless you have proof he's done something like that."

"His whole family...." he started.

"Draco is not his father and it's up to him to decide where he stands on any issue.  That's part of becoming an adult.  I would be disappointed if Draco become someone who hurt animals or mystical creatures on purpose and for shits and giggles but he knows he has to make up his own mind about things."  The man stepped away from him.  "He is still a minor.  Again, if you have evidence or allegations that he's been doing bad things, bring them to me and we'll see if they can be proven."  The man nodded curtly and turned away from him.  He looked at Draco, who shook his head quickly so he looked at the man again.  "What did the old laws state?  Do we have a copy of them?" he asked the man.

"I...I do."  He let him see them.

"One establishing intelligence in some species.  One against harming them except for necessary reasons.  Three more that make no sense with how they're worded.  Someone speaks Yoda."  That got a snort from Tony.

"We found a lot of that," Danny admitted.  "Any others?"

Xander turned the page.  "Looks like one establishing rules for potions components and procurement.  And it looks like the last one is an anti-cruelty one?" he asked.  That got a nod so he handed it to Horatio through Harry. "What are the three that make no sense for?"

He looked at the book.  "Two we're not sure of ourselves.  The other one was supposed to be an early anti-cruelty statute."

"So an amendment saying that mystical creatures, intelligent or not, are protected by the anti-cruelty and the anti-molesting rules, plus one for the potions people setting out fair guidelines?" Sam suggested.  "If we make it more general instead of having to name specific species, would that help or hurt your department?"

"It would probably help.  We've found a few that weren't covered before and had to get them covered by legal order in the past."

"Would that sort of wording work for you?" Xander asked.  "All mystical and mythical creatures, intelligent or not, are hereby covered under rules....  Name them and then go on to add in another clause stating ethical guidelines for gathering potions ingredients or harvesting from dead animals?"

That got a quick nod and a smile.  "That would be of benefit to my department, yes, Mr. Malfoy."

"Harris."

He gave him a horrified look.  "You hunt demons!" he shouted.

"I do.  The ones that're attacking.  Buffy and our team does not go after everything.  If it's not causing problems, we're too tired to deal with it and could care less until it does.  The only exception we make is vampires and we stake them all unless they've been resouled or chipped."

The man snorted.  "How would you know if they're harmful?"

"We usually get them mid-attack or find out that they're the cause of someone being attacked afterward.  We don't take preemptive action unless it's an apocalypse and Giles tells us what each thing is when we run into things we don't know about.  That's part of a Watchers job."

"You still kill them."

"Yup.  Otherwise more people would die.  Then again we have noticed that our hellmouth seems to drive some species closer to insanity and blood lust.  We've had a few different species that are usually peaceful that have attacked people and had to be dealt with.  The same as our team does work with some of the less harmful demons.  Kitten poker aside."

The man swallowed hard.  "Still, you kill them."

"Chaining them up doesn't do them any good and if they get free we have to get them again.  Besides, the temptation would be too great for the Watchers to follow in the footsteps of the Initiative."

"We heard you were involved in that," he sneered.

"Yeah.  We brought 'em down.  Twice," Xander said with a cold smirk.  "They liked Buffy but she didn't like their ideas of research equaling torture.  Especially when they got a friend."  The man stepped back.  "If you wish to speak on this matter at a better time, I'm in town and living nearby.  You can call and I'll gladly tell you what's been going on out there and our methods of hunting."

"No, I doubt it'll be necessary.  Are you hunting locally?"

"I took Draco to show him how to stake a vampire one night.  We got two fledges rising and a swamp demon that had been stuck on my ass by a contract."

"Language," Horatio said.

"Sorry.  I'll try to modulate it."

"Thank you."  He looked at the man.  "Yes, we do know what Xander does in Sunnydale.  We all did a background search on him when the new board came together.  I've never heard it said that he was doing anything but going after those who hunted and hurt humans."

The species person grimaced.  "It's still not right."

"It's about how I feel about wearing fur," Xander told Horatio.  "Again, if he wants to talk to me, I live nearby and he can come talk to me."

That got a nod.  "That is the most reasonable alternative."  He looked at Mac, who had figured out how to word it, taking it from him.  "That's nicely stated."  He let him see it.  "Would that work to cover that gap?"

He looked then smiled.  "It would."

"Pass that on, we'll vote on it," Horatio said.  Everyone read it over.  "Anyone opposed?"  No one said anything. "Anyone for?"  Everyone raised their hands.  "The motion is carried.  We'll have the amendment printed tonight."

"Are we reprinting the whole book?" Fudge asked.

"No.  It can go out as a single sheet and stuck into it," Danny said.  "The next full printing will contain it but there's no reason to reprint for only one new law.  That wastes taxpayer money."

Horatio nodded. "I think that's a good way of doing it.  If too many more are found, we might have to issue a supplementary pamphlet.  A reprint won't be run for probably another year."

"That would work for us as long as the judges knew," the species person agreed.

"Of course.  They hear first," Xander assured him.  That got a stiff nod.   "Does that cover all your gaps that your department has seen?"

"It does as far as we can tell," he agreed.

"That's fine.  We're setting a meeting schedule later on.  If there's more, come to us," Horatio told him.  He nodded and left with his books.  "Twirpy, can I please have Percy Weasley again?" he called.  He flashed in with Percy.  "Mr. Weasley, can you please have them print this single law?  No need for a full reprint but it's an amendment and an addition to the law code."

He nodded.  "I can do that.  Anything else going that way?"

"We'll be announcing the meeting schedule publically.  It shouldn't have to be posted.  Unless that's Ministry standard?" Mac asked Fudge, who nodded.  "Then we'll send that later.  Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He nodded at his boss before going to do that, then went to save his tea.

Draco smiled.  "At least you didn't catch him in the loo."

"We'll request him next time," Horatio said.  "I'll apologize later for the abrupt summons."

"I'm sure he's used to it," Fudge said dryly.  "My assistant knows he has to be able to snap to attention at any given moment."

"It was still impolite of me," Horatio countered.  "I don't work that way.  Even if my own people do work very hard."  He looked at the schedule.  "It looks like we're down to the meeting schedule."  Everyone who worked pulled out their work schedules.  He sighed.  "I can change my weekend off to the one you have, Mac.  Does anyone not have the tenth off?"  Harry raised his hand slowly.  "Where will you be?"

"At my aunt's.  The headmaster said it was still important that I go back there."

Xander smirked.  "If you have any problems, you let me know.  I'll come get you, Harry."

Harry gave him a look.  "They need the blood in their bodies, Xander.  Thank you anyway."

"Dean can get him," Sam said.  "He has tact when he wants to use it."  He grinned.  "The same as you can come stay with us.  The aunts said you could.  They're missing having someone to complain about Dean's music with."

"I'll see if that's possible," Harry said.   Xander gave him a look.  "I pointed that out but he said it was to protect me."

"The best protection is still a muting charm so no one can feel you."

"We can figure that out then," Sam said, patting Xander on the hand.  "We'll do what we can to protect Harry."  That got a nod and Xander relaxed again.  "I'm not doing anything that weekend that I know of."

"Me either," Xander agreed.

"Then we'll schedule the next meeting for the tenth and tentatively schedule the one after that for approximately the same time?" Horatio suggested.  Everyone looked.

"The weekend after that," Danny said.  "We've got an S&M convention and we usually get at least one jealous person who kills.  Since we're the felony lab..."  He trailed off with a smile.

"Does anyone have anything against the weekend after that in July?"  No one said anything.  "Patricia?"

"No, I'm off every weekend."

"Boys?" he asked.  They both gave him odd looks.  "Fine.  If you have to go back, let us know, Sam?"

"Of course."

"Thank you.  Tony?"

"I'm good.  We have the weekend before off but I can switch.  Besides, the director switches those things all the time.  It's possible she'll hear I'll be over here and switch it back that weekend."

"Can a memory charm help her?" Patricia asked.

"No, she's a bitch," Tony told her.  "She's power hungry, she's changing rules for no reason.  She's trying to make people conform to standards that no one can and will.  She's hired people who aren't qualified without background checks.  She nearly lost us all funding.  We're a government agency and she nearly lost us all funding."  She winced.  "Exactly.  A memory charm would have to go back a few years to be effective."

"If you have problems, let us know," Horatio reminded him.  "Like Sam, you have the right to pick a proxy if you can't be here."

"If I can't be here, please let Danny vote for me," he said.  "That way it doesn't have to be so complicated.  Unless I can send Gibbs, Danny can do it."

"Agreed.  We'll make note of that," Horatio said, writing that down.  "Any dissent on the tentative meeting?"  No one said anything.  "Good.  We'll have those posted later.  I do believe we're to Tony's suggestion of looking at the auror's duties to see if they can be simplified or clarified to give them an easier path of working.  Minister Fudge, have you seen any problems with them being able to work?  I've heard the main complaint was pressure from others about cases."

He shrugged. "I never noticed it."

"All right.  Then we'll talk to them after lunch.  Xander, please go invite them to see if we can discuss it?"  He nodded, going to do that.  "Any other topics we should take up?"  No one said anything.  "Then let's have a snack break while Xander gets someone."

Patricia raised her hand.  "You all seem to be friendly with each other."

"Mac and I do the same job.  Stella and Danny work with him," Horatio told her.  "Tony basically does the same job they do but he does it for different reasons.  His job is to look at Navy and Marine crimes, our jobs are to look at felony crimes to see who did them.  We've worked cases together in the past."  She nodded slowly at that.

"We're what's called criminalists," Stella explained.  "We use science and forensics to find out who did what crime.  Like fingerprints, I can take anyone's and see if they've been at a crime scene or not.  The same with blood samples, tissue samples, gunpowder residue, things like that."  She nodded more quickly at that.  "That's what we all do.  Tony's does the same thing but we do more analysis and he does more legwork than we do.  He does more questioning and hunting down while we spend longer in a lab working on cases.  They have someone who does that for his agency."

"Oh.  So was it coincidence?"

"We have no idea," Danny admitted. "Three of the staffs showed up on a crime scene Mac and Stella were working on.  I and the detective got there after they showed up.  Tony said his tripped him and basically kidnaped him during an arrest of a suspect."

"Mine caught me doing paperwork and filled it out for me before taking me to the family home," Horatio told her.  "Xander?" he asked since he was walking in.  "How did you get chosen?"

"I thought it was a stick on the ground that I picked up to hit a demon with until it killed the demon for me.  I had just lost my sword to sticky blood and we were being overrun by things that eat people when they're in heat.  A minor apocalypse since there were so many of them."

"Mine appeared in our hotel floating in midair," Sam told her.  "We tested it to make sure it wasn't possessed.  Then Xander and his friend Tara appeared and told us what had happened to him before disappearing.  It gave us enough time to pack then brought us, car and all, to the aunt's house."

Harry shrugged. "The first one woke me up in the middle of the night and flashed at me.  After looking at it, asking Ron and Professor McGonagall what it was, the second one appeared on my bed.  We talked to a family friend then I went back to bed until the next morning.  It was a long night."  The auror came in.  "Good morning."

"Good morning, Mr. Potter.  What can the council ask of us this time?"

"We've heard that there's blockades to you guys getting things done," Tony said patiently.  "We were wondering if we might do something to help with that.  Maybe solidifying some boundaries with some other departments so you don't have to go out on calls they're on.  Or giving you more oversight if you need it?  What do you guys need to do your job the best that you can?"

He considered it.  "We're usually okay."

Harry coughed. "It's been told to me by a few different sources, inside and outside of your department, that you're having political pressure to solve cases certain ways?"

He nodded. "That happens to all officers I'm sure."

"No," Horatio said, shaking his head.  "I get it very rarely and I run my department."  The auror gaped at him then moaned.  "Tony?"

"We get more because we're in DC and we do higher profile crimes.  Then again my boss scares them off."

"Mac?" Horatio asked.

"I get some from my higher ups but it's usually to solve certain cases faster than to solve them a certain way."

"I do get that on higher profile case," Horatio agreed.  He looked at the auror.  "Is there a way we can help you with that?"

He shrugged. "Make all the politicians disappear?"

"Oh, if only I could," Tony said dryly.  The auror gave him a confused look.  "I work in Washington, D.C.  The capital of the US.  I get to arrest politicians sometimes."

"I don't envy you that job," the auror told him.

Tony grinned.  "It has its perks."  He leaned on the table.  "Is there anything we can do to help you guys be more efficient and effective?  Talk to the Americans so you can have some updated technology to look at, ease some restrictions?"

"No, we're pretty good unless you can get rid of the politicians."

"I could see putting in a hefty fine for trying to interfere in an active investigation," Sam told them.

"That could backfire if someone has to investigate on their own or they hire someone to do a private investigation," Tony said.  "Though I have seen times when PI's uncovered things we'd never have gotten."

The auror looked at him.  "PI?"

"Private investigator.  Basically someone who looks at situations for someone else.  A lot of times they're used to see if someone's cheating or to do background checks for new hires, but I have seen some who've been investigating older crimes and other, newer, crimes that the police weren't finding important."

"We don't have those."

"Yes you do.  There's three just off Diagon," Malfoy said dryly.

"Oh, them.  Yeah."  He shrugged.  "They don't get in our way that often.  Usually it's the politicians pushing for us to do things the way they want so they come out the way they want."

"We could put a fine out for that," Harry said.  Fudge shifted uncomfortably.  He knew, and they all knew, whom they were talking about.  "Are you feeling overstaffed or understaffed?"

"I do have two or three that're looking to transfer to the Unspeakables or Mysteries," he agreed.  "We're working on that between us, Mr. Potter."

"Sure.  So if you have problems you can let us know?"

"I can do that."  He looked at him.  "Where are you heading after school?"

"The Headmaster would like me to head to my relatives'.  I'd rather go stay with Sam or Xander to see what they can teach me this summer."

"That's not a bad idea.  Anything like that could help you."

"I do have to ask," Mac said.  "I'm a former Marine myself, and this topic has come up before.  Does the Ministry have a competent emergency plan in case of another attack?  Evacuation, all that?"

"They won't be coming back here," Fudge said snidely.

"The Ministry, like Hogwarts, is a symbol that would be very powerful used on their side if they can take it down," Sam told him.  Xander nodded to back him up.  "If they could do something like bring down the building, it'd be a good sign that their side was going to win and would let him recruit more scared people.  It would also cause a general panic.  Something no one needs to deal with."

The auror looked at them.  "We have one but we're still tweaking things.  Your staffs can get you out."

"Most of us are stand and fight sorts," Xander pointed out.  "We would like to see it once it's finished.  That way we know as well."

That got a nod.  "We can do that.  It'll probably be a few weeks.  Have we heard they're coming this way?"

"It's a bold move but not unlikely in my experience," Xander told him.  "Like killing a slayer, there's always another one but it'll take some time for her to be as good."

He considered it then nodded. "I'll ask the captives we've managed to recapture about any plans in that direction."

Xander grinned.  "Did Tonks bring the ones that put the contract out on me?"

"They did.  Gave her hand cramps from the forms," he said dryly.  "We kept all but one who claimed it wasn't him and we couldn't break him under truth serum.  We're watching him.  The one who set it?"

"Somewhere in the Carribean.  He's been a pain to our group in the past.  Our Watchers former buddy from his youth.  It was a paying job for him and he's staying out of it unless we come begging for help."

He nodded. "Understood.  Always better to get them out of the way and make sure they're not helping the other side."

Xander smirked.  "He follows Janus.  The other side is chaotic, but not enough for him."  The auror quirked an eyebrow up.  "He once set up a costume shop for Halloween.  Then he turned all the people who bought costumes into their costumes."  The auror gave him a horrified look.  "They're not chaotic enough for him."

"Bloody hell that must've been a mess," Harry said, giving him a horrified look.

Xander grinned.  "You have no idea and I'll have nightmares."  They just nodded at that.  "Would fining politicians who interfere when you bring them to us help you?"

"A lot.  If we get one that's too pushy we'll come complain," he assured him.  "Next time, pick on another auror?"

"Tonks broke into my place to ask me questions.  Next time send someone else."

"Sure."  He looked at Horatio.  "Anything else?"

"No.  If you do have those sort of problems, let us know."

"Of course."  He nodded politely then left.

"Think a fine would work with my director?"

"Have Gibbs spank her.  That'd work for most everyone but your Abby," Mac said dryly, shooting a smirk at him.

"Abby might enjoy it," he agreed with a grin of his own.  "I'll suggest it and duck the head smack."  Horatio laughed. "Anything else on our agenda today?"

"I do have a point to make," Fudge said, standing up.  "It's come to our attention that none of you are married?"

"I'm grieving for my wife," Mac told him.

"I just recently lost my second one," Horatio said.

"I lost my fiance to the demon that's hunting my family.  I can't even start to date until that's solved," Sam said.

"My last one was Anyanka, over Women Scorned," Xander said, watching him shudder when he realized what that meant.

Patricia looked at him.  "You have dangerous tastes."

"No, not really.  She made me take her to the prom then she kinda moved in and jumped me for sex, then never left."  He shrugged.  "She didn't try to kill me.  I'm happy with that.  It's a first for me."

"We're fixing you up with nicer women," Draco said firmly.  "My mum said so."

"Sure."  He grinned.  "As long as they don't expect me to be your dad or high society."

"I'll remind her."  He rolled his eyes once Xander had turned around.

"The rules were rewritten so that those who aren't attached to someone have time to decide on someone," Harry pointed out.  "I'm nowhere near ready to settle down and I can't until the war's done with.  The prophecy was very solid on that point and I refuse to leave a grieving widow behind.  Or to make them a target."

Fudge grimaced. "Surely we're going to get married?" he asked Stella.

"I'm very well respected in my field and marrying right now would take that away.  Beyond that, I'm not ready for marriage.  I'm not particularly looking forward to being a mother either.  We've decided on a second-in-command for the Council seat and he is married, with three children, and does have some sense.  So even if I get shot on the job we'll be okay on that matter."

Mac nodded.  "Tony?"

"I've dated a lot of women but none of them stuck with me.  Especially when they hear I had the plague and it might affect me having children.  Or that my father and I don't get along all that well.  Most of them are in it for the money though."  He leaned back, looking at him.  "I work seventy hour weeks, Minister Fudge.  I've had plenty of cases where I stayed overnight and even for a few days at a time to get it solved quickly.  A wife would complain about that.  Unfortunately I'm called to my job and no woman has understood that."

"You could marry Stella," he said.

"I could but we're in different cities.  She's over three hundred miles away from where I am.  She works hours like I do.  Even if we did, we'd never see each other."

"Oh."  He sat down.  "So it's not looking hopeful?"

"It might happen but a few things have to settle in first," Xander corrected.  "Sam has to get the demon that's hunting his family or else no one's safe.  Harry has to get the demon hunting him so that whoever he chooses is safe.  Stella needs a promotion to a desk job so she's not working so many hours."

"Suggest that to someone and I'll kill you," she said bluntly.  Danny cracked up.  "You either."

"I know better than to even try," he teased with a smile.  "I'm like Tony.  I've dated a lot but none stuck.  Partially because of the job."

"There is that clause..." Fudge started.

"That would be kinda difficult," Sam interrupted.  "That means I'd have to marry a great-aunt, my father, or my brother.  They're the only ones left in the family."  Fudge moaned.  "I know you don't want to encourage incest."

"No," he said weakly.

"I'm the last in my family," Danny said.  "The ones that gave birth to me expelled me because I wouldn't join them in crime.  They're not even on the family tree."  Fudge slumped.

"I've met some nice people and I've been in serious relationships but none have ever gone farther," Stella said.  "If it happens, it does.  If not, I'm satisfied and I've made arrangements for things like this seat."

Mac nodded. "I might never remarry.  I lost my wife six years ago and I don't feel ready to date yet.  Like the other officers, any spouse of ours would have to understand the long hours we work.  I work more hours a week than Tony and Horatio does more than I do."

"When the staff showed up I thought it was a hallucination from the bad sandwich I had from the machine in the break room and the stale coffee I washed it down with," Horatio said dryly.  Xander snickered at that.  He smirked at him.  "You?"

"I didn't notice it was pretty until it ate the demons.  It was a piece of wood I picked up until then."

"We can be a bit crafty now and then," Draco said smugly.

Xander smirked at him. "Yes you can."  He looked at Fudge again.  "If it happens, it does.  If you try to force the issue, it'll piss us off.  It'll never happen and then we'll get to make others miserable."

"Very well.  What about some nice teas to introduce you to others?"

"Would they understand why I do my job?" Stella asked.

He shuddered. "Probably not.  I don't."

"I do my job for the same reason the others do," she told him.

"Someone has to speak for the victims and make sure the right people go away," Horatio finished.  She nodded.  "If we don't, no one does."

Fudge fully slumped at that. "I'll ask around, see if anyone would like an introduction.  That way you know some of the more influential people in society."  Draco snorted.  "A problem, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Slight sneeze, Minister Fudge.  A bit of dust."

"Oh.  I'll have the house elf dust better."

"Thank you."  He looked at Xander.  "Are we having dinner?"

"If you want.  Sam?"

"We didn't plan on it.  Harry?"  He shrugged.  "Want to have dinner with me and the aunts?  I can send Dean to Xander's couch later."

"Sure.  I wouldn't mind.  If no one else does?"

"I think it's good to have friends around your own age," Mac said with a smile for the boys.  "Maybe Sam can work on your hand-to-hand tonight, Harry."

"I might like that.  Sam?"

"Sure, I can do that."  They grinned at each other.  "Any other business?"  No one said anything.  "Then I move we adjourn for the day and come back tomorrow to see if there's any new problems.  That should take us about twenty minutes.  Then we can check in on whoever and head back home."  They all nodded at that and Horatio adjourned the meeting.  Sam walked Harry out to the floo, taking him back to his house.  "Hey, ladies.  Harry and I are going to work out in the backyard.  Dean, Xander said you could have his couch so you could go pick up women in a club."

"Thanks, man.  Love you."  He came down the stairs.  "Hey, Harry."

"Mac suggested you guys could do more work on my hand-to-hand?"

"Definitely," Dean agreed, leading him off.  "Then you learn how to use your wand with it."

Sam smiled.  One of the aunts frowned.  "He needs it."  He grabbed them some bottles of water from the fridge and headed out to help.

***

Xander looked across the small table at Draco.  "What's up?"

"I'm worried about a few things."  Xander nodded.  "Are you willing to settle down and raise heirs to the family?"

"If someone comes along that's suitable and who wants to stay with me."  He ate another bite.

Draco considered it.  "It might help ease some fears if you at least dated.  It would tie you to the community better."

Xander smirked. "Who would've thought I'd be the problematic member of the Council."  Willow appeared. "Hey.  I ran into someone who hates me for hunting demons."

"Wonderful."  She gave him a hug around the neck.  "Giles wants an account of the dream.  He didn't want to call long distance."

"I was going to do that later on."  He grabbed it and handed it to Draco.  "Can you do the same copying spell?"  He swished and it was done.  "Thank you, much easier."  He handed the copy to Willow.  "There you go."

She looked it over, frowning.  "Not good."  She patted him on the head before leaving again.  "Giles, it's very not good," she called as she appeared.

Xander grinned at Draco. "They'll research and let me know if I'm needed."

"Good.  What about tying yourself more closely over here?"

"I'm doing what I can.  Baby steps.  All my money is now over here.  I moved all my crap here.  Plus the good stuff I have.  I moved a lot of Giles' books over here.  I'm looking for a job to do during my off hours."  Draco smirked at that, nodding a bit.  "I can't not work.  Even if I won the lottery I can't not work."

"Some people are like that I suppose.  You should also learn how to use your wand and the staff."

"I know.  I'm working on it.  I got a first year book of charms and I'm working my way through it.  Want to tutor me this summer?"

"I might, depending on what's going to happen."

Xander winked.  "Oh, it'll be spectacular.  Sam and I are seriously hunting now and it's going to be ended before you graduate."

Draco nodded. "If you're sure."

"If we have our way and we are experienced."

"Then I wish you luck."  He ate another bite of dinner.  "She froze some of it for you?"

"Yup.  Just as good out of the microwave."

"Could you teach me their form of magic?"

"I can let you have access to the books and let you call them," Xander offered.  "I've only helped now and then.  Like I said before.  Magic goes screwy around me sometimes."

"I think that would be reasonable," Draco decided.  "That would also mean that you didn't embarrass us by not using magic.  I don't know why the staff picked a squib like Tony."

"It went for the best suited.  Remember, magic is only one way of doing things.  The world's wider than just magic."

"True, and he does have some very good ideas.  He's also very strong and stubborn."

"Yup.  He sticks up for his family as well."

He nodded.  "I guess."  He ate another bite.  "Finish up and we'll start the tutoring tonight since Professor Snape gave me tonight off."

"Sure."  He finished and put the dishes in the dishwasher, turning it on and making Draco jump.  "It's to wash dishes.  So you don't have to do it by hand.  It uses less water than doing it by hand too."  He found his wand and came over to go over what he had learned and what he was still working on.

***

Draco came out of his professor's floo the next afternoon, giving him a look.  "He's a lunatic," he said calmly.  "But he likes bigger bangs, he likes weapons, and doing color changing spells makes your hair change colors but not his."  Snape gave him an odd look.  "A bit of remedial tutoring."

"How bad was it?"

"Incredibly.  I'm not sure if the energy that he's got stored in him is doing it, if it's the staff, or what, but it does indeed go strange around him.  He did a flame charm to light candles and it set the couch across the room on fire.  The water spell came out steam.  The ice spell worked however."  Snape moaned.  "Exactly.  We're working on it though."

"I'm sure you'll have him using it well enough within a year."

Draco snorted.  "Maybe.  I'm not certain of that but if you think I'm that good of a teacher."

"Not particularly.  I believe he's more stubborn and he'll study on his own."  He gave him a once over.  "Are you back?"

"I am.   I understand better why the staff chose him."

"Why?"

"He's very stubborn.  Very strong physically as well as emotionally.  He's been able to combine them to even out-stubborn that Sam boy and the others."  He licked his lips.  "Power I'm not sure about.  He may be very powerful but it's very warped.  Honor he does believe in.  Which puts him above my father."

"Has he done anything about the Ministry's move to confiscate Death Eater properties?"

"He told the one in charge that he was in charge now, my father was in deep trouble with him, we weren't supporting my father, and they agreed with the goblins that being Dark Marked before you're of legal age counts under the 'abnormal practices' clause in the will.  I was stopped yesterday and told by that same person that if I should be found with one afterward then they would try to take the Malfoy estate directly under my care.  I showed him my arms and he walked off smirking."

"Interesting.  So he's protecting your family very well?"

"Quite well.  Mother agreed with him when he sent notice from the bank of what had happened."  He sat down.  "He barely knows us."

"That would be part of being honorable," Snape reminded him.

"Not something I'm used to."

"No, but it is something you could learn from."

"True.  Did I tell you that he gave my mother permission to look farther afield for a suitable wife for me?"

"You hadn't.  He didn't like the one you're contracted to?"

"He said it looked like a desperation move.  All she was bringing was her pure blood and nothing else, like skills, to the family.  He wanted me to find someone who brought more skills or wealth to the family.  Plus he was uneasy with our degree of relationship; even at fifth cousins he felt it was too close.  He suggested we look in the East.  Mother's found a few good ones she's writing to."

"Very interesting.  What if you're called, Draco?"

He shrugged.  "I do not know.  Mother does not want me to leave school for it.  Not unless I can somehow produce a suitable heir by then.  I'm the last in direct lineage according to the family tree."

"Your new head of family?"

"Wants me to think and make the decision for myself.  He does say that he can't see me in a true battle. That I'm more of a thinker than I am a physical fighting sort."  Snape nodded slowly at that.  "Then he took me to stake my first vampire."

"Oh dear."

"He told me how it was like a battle since the nasty thing attacked me to get a nibble.  I couldn't stake but I did manage an impressive cutting hex.  Got him on the arm."  He smirked.  "He wasn't even upset.  He had handled another one and the demon someone had contracted to kill him.  They said it came from Lucius but he wasn't one of the ones called."

"It was your father's idea," Snape assured him.  "He had to get someone else to do it since he's back in prison."

"So I heard.  Xander does have a very Slytherin attitude about looking good to the outside world, even if we're a wreck inside."  He leaned forward.  "Are battles really like that, Professor?"

"I have no idea how your experience went," he said.  Draco found the pensieve he kept and dumped the memory into it, letting him see it.  He considered it and the talk they'd had afterward.  "It can be.  You hope that the other wizards are farther away.  Or else they can hurt you physically or grab your wand," he said finally.  He looked at his student.  "The killing is the same.  He was quite correct in that.  You would be watching them fall in the same manner.  Injured or dead, bleeding everywhere."  Draco turned green.  "Do not vomit in my office, Mr. Malfoy."

"Yes, Professor."  He sat down again, looking at him.  "I'm not sure I could handle that.  Here in the halls.  Probably one-on-one.  Not like that."

Snape nodded.  "It is a consideration.  The same as you can support the same force but not be a foot soldier.  Your mother would be most displeased that he did that with you."

"I told her.  She wasn't pleased but she agreed it gave me a way to think about battles without relying on some story written by a bard who's never been in one."

Snape nodded.  "It did."

"So he's right?"  Snape nodded.  Draco turned green again.  "Then I believe I won't be leaving school for it.  Someone has to take over for Harris when his next girlfriend kills him."

Snape smirked.  "That is entirely possible," he agreed.  "His life has been a lot of danger.  He might be missing it."

"He said it's strange but he's dealing right now."

"It will still become a need again.  It does for others."

Draco nodded at that.  "Then I had better learn from him how to head the family."

"You should.  He has much he could teach you."

"Think I could do what that Willow girl does?"

"I have no idea."  Draco nodded and left, going to think.  "You did not need to leave that memory," he called after him.

"Use it for the others who have doubts."

"Fine."  He smiled.  The Harris boy was very brutal in his honesty.  Making Malfoy think was a very good trick.  It wouldn't change much but it was a good trick.  He winced as his mark started to burn, grabbing it.  He headed off to meet with his Lord and Master, bowing as was proper.  "You summoned me?" he asked.

"Yes.  I have heard much of this new head of the Malfoy family and my spies say that the boy is back.  Have you talked to him?"

"Just now, My Lord."  Which meant the man had some sort of magical spy in his office.  He'd have to find it.  "His head of family is trying to protect the rest of the family from what Lucius has been doing.  He's blocked the Ministry from taking the family's assets and made it so someone like Lucius could not fund you directly with the family's vaults."

"Interesting.  What of the boy?"

Snape took a moment to organize his thoughts.  "Harris has shown the boy what combat could be like," he said.  "Draco is not a gentle boy by any means but some are not meant to stand in a battle and fire on others.  Harris has led some battles in the past and been part of others.  He gauged him as one would a soldier under one's command and found him more suited to more scholarly pursuits.  Especially since Draco appears to be the only suitable one to follow him so far.  Seeing how he turned green after a short battle with a vampire, one which he did physically and magically fight, I can understand his hesitation in sending Draco to you.  He wants the boy to make his own decision so he knows what he's asking for when he requests to take his Mark."

"Very interesting.  Is he pushing the boy toward the light?"

"He's more pushing him to think on his options and perhaps to step back for a bit until there's a better heir to follow him.  Draco is the last in direct line from the Founder.  The assorted cousins are numerous but less than acceptable.  The staff headed directly to him instead of checking anyone nearer to it.  I'm sure he's checked on the others and has found Draco to have the most sense of them.  Harris must look out for the family first and then the others.  He's also made the Ministry not confiscate the Malfoy assets by promising that Draco would not have his Mark before he turned of age.  After that it would be only his assets that could be taken."

"A wise move.  Does he fancy Narcissa do you think?"

"I think he tolerates Narcissa, Lord.  I do know he has given Narcissa permission to look at farther flung young women who might be suitable for Draco because Harris thinks they're still too closely related.  Plus the girl brings nothing to the family.  Draco said that was his main argument for not ratifying the marriage contract immediately.  He wanted someone who would bring new skills or wealth to the family and someone who was of a pure bloodline that hadn't mixed in."

"It is good for the future children should it go that way," he admitted.  "The one he's tied to.  She's a fourth cousin?"

"Fifth, my Lord."

"That is still related," another said as he came in.  "Is the Malfoy head of family pushing against the contract?"

"He said Narcissa may find someone who is less related if she desires," Snape told him.  "He's also told Draco he'd prefer to have someone who brought more to the family than another Dark Mark."

"If he's a strategist, that could give us an in when we move toward that country's people," the other Death Eater noted.

Voldemort considered it then nodded.  "It would be good for the boy and the bloodline.  How far afield are they looking?"

"I have no idea.  I do know that Mr. Malfoy has been looking up information on Arabic and Hindu customs."

"Interesting," Voldemort said, still looking thoughtful.  "Do you believe the boy would serve?"

"His mother and head of family both want him to wait until he is out of school.  There's no one to follow Harris if something happens due to his demon hunting.  It would also give Draco more time to be able to stomach a true battle."

Voldemort nodded. "Why is someone for the light giving one of my future higher ups such help?"

"He is family," Snape said.  Though he doubted that was truly why the boy was making Draco think.  He didn't think he could fully turn him though.  "He does not want the best hope for the family continuing to die off in a pointless battle when he freezes.  That's why he is making Mr. Malfoy think on his own decisions."

"That would make him more loyal when he joined us," Voldemort decided. "I will leave Harris alone for now."

"A caution, Lord.  Harris is not one to take lightly.  From the sources that the others have checked with he is powerful even if magic does go oddly around him.  He has even out- stubborned some demons in the past to make them let him go."  Voldemort laughed.  "Beyond that we're not sure our magic works right around him. A wand he may have but it still goes wrong and Mr. Malfoy noted last week that he seems to be actively drawing in magic for some reason.  With his hellmouth taint, there is no telling what may happen around him if we attack."

"Certain spells always work."

Xander uncovered himself from the invisibility cloak.  "Really?  You so sure about that?"

"Crucio!" he cast.

Xander slapped his ass and looked at it then at him.  "Was that supposed to pinch?"

Voldemort gave him a horrified look.  "Why did it not work!" he shouted.

"Because you're pitiful.  Hell, I've seen master vampires with more class and sense than you."  He walked closer, looking him over.  "Bad transformation.  The mayor made it to a full snake demon."  He shrugged.  "I've seen what I need to see.  You're not worth the effort.  Maybe I'll let Buffy handle you."  He walked off, swishing the cloak back over himself, dropping the charm Tonks had given him on the way out the door.  He cleared it and then called her.  "It's down.  He's there."  He hung up and stepped back to help when the aurors appeared.  They got a bunch of lower death eaters but Voldemort managed to disappear before they could make it into the main room.  Xander grinned at Tonks.  "You didn't say he was so pathetic."

"He is?"

"Yeah.  And that crucio thing.  It's supposed to do more than pinch your ass, right?"

"It's supposed to make you hurt all over," she said, stepping away.

Xander shrugged. "Guess it's the hellmouth stuff."  He grinned.  "Need more?"

"No.  Thanks, Xander."

"Welcome.  Let me know if I can help more."  He took his staff back home with his cloak.  It was very pretty and he'd have to thank Harry for letting Tonks borrow it for him.

Tonks straightened up as her boss showed up.  "Sir."

"What did we do?"

"We managed to get someone to drop a tracking charm so we could capture more death eaters, sir.  We netted another sixty.  The big git wasn't here.  He left as we were breaking into the inner chamber."

"Who brought the tracking charm?"

"Harris."

He shuddered.  "How?"

"He used his staff to get here while cloaked, made fun of him for a second, then dropped it on his way out.  He followed us in to help."

"The *Malfoy* head of family?" he demanded.

"Who fights for the light on his hellmouth," she reminded him.

He groaned.  "Sixty you say?"  She nodded.  "Good work, Tonks.  No more bringing in non-trained people."

"Yes, sir."

"Have fun doing the paperwork."

"I'm not the only one here this time.  Learned my lesson the last one."  He walked off laughing.  "Let's clean up, people," she shouted.  "Boss's is here!"  They finished cleaning up the mess and searching the house.  She smiled at her haul, bringing them back to the office to question and put in for trials.

***

Harry came out of Xander's floo the next morning, Draco right behind him.  "Morning."

"It's in the kitchen, on the table.  It got a bit damp from the ground.  Thanks for the lending, Harry."

"Welcome.  I had no idea what she wanted it for."

"Did you follow me back to the school?" Draco asked.

"No, I had the staff watch where she wanted me to and I used it to send myself there."  He ate another bite of ice cream.  "Your intended was in there."

"She was?"  Xander nodded.  "Any other news?"

"Any idea why that crucio spell felt like a pinch on the ass?"

Draco blinked, staring at him.  "No.  No idea."

Xander grinned. "Figure it out and tell me?"

"Definitely," he assured him, smirking back.  That would be a helpful bit of information to have.  "You used an invisibility cloak?"  Xander nodded. "Anything else I should know?"

"I told him our mayor got his transformation better.  He's pretty pathetic, he makes everyone fear him but not respect him.  They can and will leave him if they can be protected from him getting them back."

"He can harm them through their Marks," Draco said.

"Huh."  Xander considered it.  "Then it sounds like I should have Willow or someone look at the marks.  Huh?"  He ate another bite of ice cream.  "Did I rip it, Harry?"

"No, staying out of family stuff."

"Get breakfast if you need it."

"I'm still at school.  We ate this morning.  Why are you having ice cream?"

"Because I'm single, twenty-one, and I'm not the sort to live on beer for a while."  He looked at Draco.  "Know anyone we can get a good look at the Mark from?  There may be a way to cut it or loosen it."

"Yes.  I'll ask them."  He stood up, staring at him.  "Snape told him that you want me to stay out of it due to the heir issue."

Xander nodded.  "That is one good point to you staying out of it.  I'd rather you made your own decisions because you wanted to make it.  I can't stop you from going bad if that's what you really want to do.  I can keep you from doing it out of stupidity and arrogance.  I can keep you from doing it out of family allegiance.  It's up to you to decide if you go over to the dark, Draco.  Not me."

"True.  It's my life and if I want to take that chance for the power then it's up to me."  Xander nodded.  "Snape agreed with you about the battle thing."

Xander grinned.  "I'm sure he did.  He seems like he'd been in a few when I met him that first day."  Draco nodded.  "Remember, I'm here to talk to as well."

"Thank you."  He looked at Harry then at him.  "You should practice more."

"I probably should.  I'll do that after my ice cream."  Draco snorted, heading back through the floo.  He grinned at Harry.  "Tonks have a sore wrist from the paperwork?"

"Yup.  Her boss said you two did good work but no more bringing you."

"I offered."  He smirked.  "Need more help?"

"Something to cut the link to him so he can't gloat through my head.  Had bloody, nasty visions all night."

Xander looked up.  "Willow?" he called.  She appeared.  "Two things.  Well, three.  The crucio curse in that one book.  Why did it feel like a pinch on the ass?"

"It can't get through the hellmouth taint probably.  You've got a lot more than most people."  She grinned at Harry.  "Hi, part of his new family?"

"Nope, this is Harry Potter.  He's sitting on two seats.  He's the local one who has the stupid prophecy about him."

"Ooh.  You poor thing."  She gave him a hug.

"He's also got some sort of link back to the goober that's giving him bad visions and bleedover."

"Hmmm.  Interesting."  She looked at the scar.  "From whatever you did the first time?"  He nodded.  "We can look at it.  What else?"

He grinned.  "Somehow he has a mark on them that he can use to summon, hurt, and kill his minions with.  Since he rules by fear...."

"If we can remove it we can entice people away from him," Willow said.  Xander nodded.  "I'll need to look at one."

"I know someone," Harry said.  He walked over to the floo, finding Snape alone.  "Sir, a question or three have just been posed to that nice girl Willow who works with Xander.  She needs to look at a Mark to see if it can be broken and removed," he said quietly.

He looked at him.  "I don't think it's possible."

"If Xander can make the crucio feel like a bum swat and she can close hellmouths, she may be able to do it.  May she look at yours?"

"She may," he decided.  "Are you at his flat?"  Harry nodded.  "Let me step through."  Harry got out of the floo for him.  He nodded at the witch.  "The memory charm didn't work?"

"Never do," she said cheerfully.  She looked at his arm, gently touching the area around it.  "Hmm.  A small bit of contagion into your body."  He looked startled. "Does cutting it off work?"

"No.  Others have tried and one had his burned during an incident."  He looked at Xander.

"I told him to leave me alone."  He finished his ice cream.

"Wash that," Willow snapped when he put it on the table.

"I'll put it in the dishwasher in a minute, Willow.  Chill.  My house."

"Fine.  You'll still get bugs."

"I live on the sixth floor.  No bugs this far up."

She glared.  He huffed but went to empty the dishwasher and put the bowl in there.  "Thank you."  She grinned at the professor.  "It's so hard to house train boys these days."  She went back to it while he fought not to smile.  She gently ghosted a finger over it.  "There's three ways I can see but I think it'll take a bit of looking up."

"There's some in custody if we have to try it," Harry said.  "That way you have it foolproof before you hurt someone who won't be kissed soon."

Snape nodded.  "That would be for the best."  He pulled his arm back and put down his sleeve.  "You do think you can cut it?"

"I'm pretty sure I can at least cut the link.  I'm not sure if I can remove the contagion at the same time.  That might take a separate spell.  Then the removal of the mark itself would be easier."

He nodded.  "Should you, you'll let me know?"

"Of course.  Once I've tried it on someone so I don't hurt you and make you end up a vegetable."

"That would be good of you," he said dryly.

She grinned.  "Quit scowling.  It's a beautiful day and you survived to see another one."  She looked at Xander.  "I'll look at the other two.  I think we have a good book on stuck mental brains."  She hugged Xander then left.

Xander grinned.  "Before you can ask like Draco did, I used the staff to follow you.  I didn't follow him back and then you that way."

"I figured you had.  He thought you had flooed after him?"  Xander nodded.  "He's a foolish boy."

"He's young.  Most young boys are like that."  He gave him a look.  "Thank you for sticking up for me making him make his own decisions."

"It is only right.  Do you need Mr. Potter again?"

"He came to get his cloak back."

"That's fine.  Let's go, Mr. Potter."

"Sure.  See you soon, Xander."

"Of course.  Remember, all you have to do is ask and we can come rescue you."  Harry nodded, heading back to the school.  He stopped Snape.  "Has anyone actually watched his relatives?"

"No.  I don't believe any of us could stomach that."

"Make the old fart do that.  Before Dean goes badass on them."

"I'll suggest we watch the house more closely."

"Not the house, the people.  If Harry has scars like I do, and he's not demon hunting, how did he get them?"

Snape gave him an appraising look.  "I'll have him look into that possibility."  That got a nod and Snape left.  That boy did meddle so.  For good reason but he did meddle.

Family Staffs 6

Dean got the owl letter a week later, looking at it.  "Sammy!" he yelled.  Sam came jogging down the stairs.  "Harry needs picked up."

"Let me grab my shoes."  He went to do that, finding his wand and staff at the same time.  They walked out together, heading to the Impala.  "Any idea where we're going?"

"Little Whinging, in Surrey."

"Hmm."  Sam pulled out his phone and called someone.  "Xander, how do I get to Harry's house?"  He took down notes.  "From where?"  He nodded.  "I can do that."  He hung up.  "Let's pick up Xander."

"That's a good six-hour drive."  Sam looked at him and suddenly them, the car, and all that were in front of Xander's place.  Dean got out to check the weapons, nodding before shutting the trunk.  "Guess not."

"It's a two-hour trip from here," Sam told him.  Xander came bouncing down the stairs and got into the back.  "What did the letter say?"

"Just asking for us to come get him.  He couldn't stand it."

"His aunt and uncle are like my parents," Xander admitted.  "All buckled up."  He handed over the directions.  "Off mapquest."

Dean grinned, driving them off.  At least he was on the correct side of the road this time.  He had been practicing at the other house.  "Which one is he staying with?"

"I've got a spare room," Xander offered.

"So do we and the aunts seemed to like him," Sam said.  "Guess that depends on why he needs saved."

"His relatives are like mine.  Of course he needs saved," Xander said.

"Need yours put away?" Dean asked.

"Giles said he had it done."  He grinned.  "Willow got to happy dance and everything."

"Cool," Sam agreed with a grin back for him.  "What else has been going on?"

"I helped Tonks by dropping a tracking charm after I went to look at him.  He's got a partial self transformation into a snake.  At least his face.  Worse than Cobra Commander ever did."

Dean snickered at that.  "Good to know."

"He rules by fear so Willow's looking at how to remove the mark that he uses to bring them to him.  Also, Harry's connected to him somehow mentally.  She's looking at blocking that too."

"That occulmencary stuff would be about that," Sam said.

"Okay.  I'll write her an email later once I find something on that."  Dean turned onto the highway.  "I'm thankful he doesn't live somewhere farther away."

"Definitely," Sam agreed.  "Did we change to British plates, Dean?"

"Yup.  Recently."

"Good.  I don't want the car confiscated."

"That would be bad," Xander agreed.  "Speaking of, your dad said he's raiding my stuff out there for weapons."

"When did he say that?" Sam asked, turning to look at him.

"Last night when I called over about that vision to see if they had anything.  He was getting ready to leave and said he was raiding it for some new stuff."

"You mind?"

"No.  I don't really want Buffy using a gun when she has PMS."

Dean laughed.  "That might be dangerous."

"To each and every male she runs into," Xander agreed, cracking them up.  He shifted. "Ohh!  Fudge went to ask Giles if I always consorted and slept with demons."  Sam cackled at that.  "Giles told him about my past dating history and said he hoped this one was nicer."

Dean cackled too.  "That's so bad."

"Fudge apparently ran from the Magic Box and back to his office.  Giles was not comforting at all."

"It could be worse.  You could be dating," Sam quipped with a grin.

"Yeah.  I need to find someone to wake up next to.  It's not good to wake up without snuggles."

"You'll find someone and we'll make sure she's not possessed or demonic," Dean promised.

"Thanks, guys.   You're really neat."  They got off the highway and they watched the very mundane buildings go past.  They finally made it to Harry's relative's house and parked in the driveway.  Xander nodded at the nosy neighbor.  "Coming to see a friend."  He grinned and she waved then disappeared.  He looked at them.  "Who wants point?"

"I got it," Dean said, walking up to the door, the other two behind him.  A skinny woman with way too much neck answered.  "Ma'am, we need to see Harry on some business stuff."

"Business stuff?" she sneered.

"Yes, we sit on the same council," Sam said smoothly, smiling at her.  "We need to talk to him about the next vote."

"He doesn't do any such thing."

Xander shifted forward with a small sigh.  "You know, if you actually looked at the boy, you'd be damn surprised, but I don't think you're capable of taking that good of a look.  So let us in and we won't destroy the house."  She gasped and stepped back.  They walked in, finding Harry locked to a stove.  "You yelped?"  He undid him then gave him a hug.  "Go pack."  He nodded, going to do that with Sam's help.  Dean followed.  Xander looked at her, frowning some.  "You do know that we can turn you in for child abuse?"

She sneered. "We've taken care of that boy."

Xander snorted.  "Yeah, and I so believe that.  You know what, if you did, then your own son should be treated the same way."  She stepped back, going pale.  "I think that would be fitting."

"No, Xander," Harry said.  "Please don't."

"You sure?"

"I am.  It's not worth it," Harry said, getting in his face. "Please?"

Xander looked at him then nodded.  "If you're sure."

"I don't care enough to care."

"Fine.  Finish packing."  He went to do that.  Xander looked at her.  "You're damn lucky.  Remember, those of us who've been there do tend to show up at the worst moments to giggle when their abusers fall."  He went to help Harry.  "Hey, Hedwig."  She hooted from her locked cage.  He got that lock undone too.  "There we go.  Anything else?"

Sam looked at the broken trunk.  "I think we could use a bag or two."

Xander pulled his staff. "Please fix the trunk so we can get Harry out of here?  And find his staffs and wand?"  Both staffs flew in and one of them fixed the trunk.  The wand was in pieces but Dean caught it.  "We'll see if someone can fix that."  They finished packing the boy up. "Need anything else?"

"I'm good," Harry said, taking the owl.  He turned and found his uncle there with two officers.  "I'm leaving."

The officer on the left coughed.  "Boys, what are you doing?" he asked politely.

"Rescuing the boy from the abusive assholes," Xander said honestly.  "Because what they do is wrong."  He walked Harry out, taking him down to the car.  Dean and Sam got the trunk.  Everything went into the trunk but Hedgwig and Harry then he turned to look at them again.  "Officers, it is wrong to handcuff someone to a stove, right?"  They nodded.  "He was when we got there."  Dean handed over the note.  "They have another child in the home as well but I've heard he's the prince of the family.  CPS or someone might want to take a look."

Harry got out.  "Xander, please?" he asked.

"Is he being harmed?" the officer asked him.

Harry snorted. "He's never denied anything and he's a great bully who ways about three times you.  If you count letting him get that fat, making him into a bully by letting him learn on me, and never teaching him that he can't throw fits at our age, then yes."

The officer handed back the note.  "Are you coming back?"

"Not if I can help it," Harry said.  "I didn't want to come back this year but my headmaster said I had to."

"He goes to a reform school!" Harry's uncle yelled.

"I do not.  I go to a very nice boarding school.  The closest I get to reform is detention for being out of my house after hours for a snack."

The officer just nodded.  "That's fine then, boys.  You didn't threaten the family?"   He nodded at the staff in Xander's hand.

"It's like my worry stone.  I didn't threaten anyone.  I did promise that boys like me show up when they least want them to."

The officer nodded.  "Someone get your parents?"

"Some friends," he said with a smile.

"Decent of them.  Take him and go, boys.  You're how old?" he asked Harry.

"Sixteen in a few weeks."

"Then I can't really say much.  Make sure he's well taken care of, he makes it back to school, all that stuff."

"Of course," Xander assured him.  "I'm not going to let him starve or anything.  I have a very nice guest room in my place."

The officer nodded.  "Thank you, sir."  They watched them get into the car and leave.  He looked at the aunt and uncle.  "You'd best be thankful they didn't threaten you.  Boys like that will do that to save another one."

"Hooligans," she sneered.

"No, not with the clothes that one boy was wearing.  He was wearing designer clothes and they were well taken care of.  He clearly didn't steal them."  He walked off to make his report, his partner with him.  He heard the door slam and smiled.

"Are we turning them in?"

"Yup.  Their son too."  He saw the extremely fat boy down the block barely on his bike and stared back.  "I'm guessing that's the son."

"I'd say the boy was right.  He's three you.  Or me."

"That's probably unhealthy for him."  They went to make the report to their boss and the other officials who would have to know.

***

Molly Weasley rolled out of the floo with her wand out.  "Give me Harry Potter," she demanded.

Xander quit drinking his coffee to look at her.  "Woman, put it down before I send you home the hard way," he snorted.  She sneered.  He got up.  "I'm protecting Harry.  Who the hell are you?"

"Xander, that's Ron's mum!" Harry called from the bathroom, coming out to look at her.  "I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley.  They rescued me.  Please quit pointing a wand at my fellow council member?"

She huffed.  "I only want to protect you, dear."

"I know but they're doing it very well too."  He grinned.  "All right?"

"Fine."  She glared at Xander.  "You'd hit a woman?"

"If she's attacking me.  That makes her a legal target."

She shuddered.  "Fine.  He's coming with me."

"No, we're working on something to help hide him better.  He can come see you and your son in a few days," Xander told her.  "It'll take about two days to finish the spellwork to hide him so no one can track him."

She gaped.  "You can't do that!"

"I can't but my friends can and they're working on it now."

"How would the headmaster find him!"

"Why can't he ask?" Xander asked.

She gaped at him.  "Well, I don't know," she admitted.  "He checks on him all the time though."

"Really?  Then why didn't he see Harry being chained to the stove?  Literally."

"I don't know," she admitted, starting to frown.  "Maybe he only has a check on his physical health."

"Then he'd note that he hadn't eaten in two days?" Xander suggested.

She blinked. "He hadn't?  Harry!"

"Not his fault," Sam told her as he came out.  "Okay, Tara's ready for you again, Harry."  He went back in there.  "She said he'll flash really brightly for a second then be muted."

"That's fine.  Half the Death Eaters know where I live anyway," Xander said dryly.  "Having that demon pop them here showed them."

"Good point," Dean said from the kitchen.  "Harry, want some coffee?"

"No thanks.  I'm told it'll stunt whatever growth I have left."

"Dude, we grew up on it.  Didn't hurt us," Sam told him.

"Think it'll make me shoot up that way?" Harry asked.

"Not with what your body's been through," Xander said.  "I'm surprised I'm as tall as I am."  He went to make him more food, making him eat it while Tara worked.  She smiled and closed them all out of the bathroom.  He shrugged and went back to his own meal.  "Want a sandwich, Mrs. Weasley?  Are you related to Arthur?  Harry introduced us."

"He's my husband.  And no, dear, I'm not hungry.  How long?"

"I was going to let Harry study some stuff that I've got here," Xander said.  "Sam said he could work on Harry's hand-to-hand defense work too.  If it's a problem, Harry's more than welcome to stay with me.  Most of the rest of the council said the same thing."

"I think it'd be safer if he stayed with us.  He's used to sharing a room with my son Ron."

He shrugged.  "He can come stay with us if he wants.  After all, by the law he is technically an adult even if he isn't old enough."  She gasped.  He stared her down.  She nodded her acknowledgment of that fact and that Harry could make his own choices.  "We all want to protect and help Harry.  Sam, Dean, and I have all been in battles and we're sharing our experiences.  Plus I think a real vacation could help the kid.  He's uptight and tense.  Horatio has a nephew about his age and I can ask if Harry wanted to go see him for a few weeks as well.  Miami's a pretty city and I'm sure Harry would love to have a real vacation on a beach."

She considered it.  "We might need him closer."

"The staff can get him.  We have a meeting in three weeks."

"True."  She nodded.  "That's fine, I can accept that.  It'll be safer for him anyway."

Xander nodded.  "I'll call him now."  He called over there.  "Hey, Lucia, is Horatio there?"  He smiled.  "Sure, have him call me back.  Tell him I was asking for Harry so he could take a real vacation.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "His house elf took the message.  He's in a meeting."

"He took a house elf back to do his paperwork?" Sam asked with a grin.  "Really?"

"Really.  Him and Mac.  Mac took Floppy."

Sam giggled. "I'm sure their police departments must love that."

"They're good house elves.  Mac said he had to remind Floppy to write in American English a number of times.  His higher ups didn't like the forms being filled out in Arabic, French, or anything else.  Horatio found another wizard on his staff and one who knows thanks to a cousin.  Mac found another wizard in his people too."

"Wonderful," Dean agreed.  "I still can't see a house elf in a PD. uniform."  He shook his head quickly.  "By the way, remind me to beat your ass for sending me two house elves to follow me around like a parade."

"They stopped three people trying to kill you," Sam said.  "Or else I would've stepped in."

Dean gave him a dirty look.  "I could've."

"Long distance weapon, Dean."

"Fine."

"They can tell demons too," Xander said.  "One noticed my necklace.  Another one recognized hellmouth taint on me."

Dean shook his head quickly.  "That might be helpful but we can't travel with one."

"How are you liking British ghosts instead of American ones?" Xander asked, eating a bite of food.

"They're generally more polite before they kick you around but otherwise they're about the same," Sam said with a grin.  "Any good demons you've seen?"

"Only the few that've come after me.  I told you what I saw when I helped Tonks, right?"  Sam nodded.  "Tape's in the bedroom."  He went to get it.  He grinned at Molly.  Harry yelped then came out glowing brightly.  They watched as it slowly faded and he looked like every other boy in the world.  "Can you still use your wand?" Xander asked.  Harry did a simple candle lighting spell and it worked.  He blew it out.  "Good.  Mrs. Weasley, can you do the tracking charms?"  She tried one and frowned, shaking her head.  "Even better.  Tara, is he done?"

"With me."  She leaned out.  "You're right, they can learn."

He grinned.  "Is it hellmouth taint that removes certain curses?"  She nodded.  "We might have to take that into account then."  His phone rang.  "Hello."  He grinned.  "Hey, Horatio.   No, a real vacation.  You shouldn't have to do more than make sure he eats.  Sure, we can do that.  Can you check on him?  Thanks, Horatio."  He hung up.  "We can send you to Miami for a few weeks.  That way you can relax and do nothing, even worry, for a few weeks.  He said to set you up in a hotel room and he and Lucia would look in on you."

"I can take a real vacation?"

"To a real beach with a real ocean," Dean agreed. "Miami's a very pretty city, Harry.  Lots and lots of pretty women to stare at too."

Harry blushed.  "I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught her."

"Maybe you'll figure that out."  Sam hit him on the arm. "He might!"

"He needs a real vacation, not a sex vacation," Sam complained.  "Come on, Harry.  Let's find out how to get you to Miami and set you up a hotel room."

"There's a decent wizard's travel agency up in Diagon," Molly said.

"Then we'll go there," Sam agreed with a smile.  "C'mon.  You need some new clothes anyway."  They headed out together.  Tara trailed behind them, talking quietly with Sam about spell research.

Molly led them into the travel agency.  "Here we are.  This is my adopted son.  He's getting to visit some friends in Miami."

"In Florida," Xander added.  "In the US."

"We can do the portkey and any other reservations he may need," the travel agent assured him.

"We have a friend but he said it'd be easier if he got a hotel room," Xander said.  "Our friend works a lot of long hours."

"Of course.  Is he of legal age?"

Harry grinned.  "Technically I qualify as an adult even though I'm nearly sixteen."

"Even better.  We can handle that easily enough.  Just lie and say you're eighteen, Mr. Potter."  He went to make arrangements, letting Harry pay for it.  "Now, it'll leave tonight so he'll need clothes."  Xander nodded, and everyone took Harry shopping next.  They came back and watched Harry leave a bit later, waving at him.

***

Harry landed in a park, smiling at the different smells in the air.  "This is much different from London."

"Very," Horatio said, looking over from his reading.  "A bit later than I thought."

"They made me shop for two hours.  Dean said Sam shops like a girl.  Then Mrs. Weasley tutted at me about the shorts being so short and the shirts being too tight."

Horatio laughed.   "It happens."  He stood up.  "Did they make you hotel reservations?"  Harry handed over the sheet the agent had given him. "That's a good hotel near a beach."  He looked at the boy.  "I will be watching you for bad behavior.  No drinking, no drugs, no prostitutes, Harry."

"Why would I want to?"

"Most college students who come down on spring break hit at least one of those vices."

Harry shrugged. "I wouldn't know what to do with a girl if I found one."

"Fine.  We'll talk about that."  He walked him off, taking him to the hotel.  "This is Mr. Potter.  He's here for a vacation."

The check-in guy looked at him.  "Is he of age?"  Harry handed over his paperwork. "Oh, I see you're barely eighteen.  That's fine, sir."  He checked him in.  "I see you're prepaid and it's all taken care of, plus there's a hundred dollars on the tab for pay per view movies," he said with a smile.  Harry grinned back. "Relax.  If you're that tense, you really do need the vacation."  He handed him the key.  "That's your room key.  There's a list beside the phone to call down if you need anything, Mr. Potter.  Please enjoy your stay with us."

"Thank you, I hope I will."  He let Horatio walk him up there, looking around his room.  He had a view of the ocean.  "That's beautiful."

"Very," Horatio agreed, sitting in one of the chairs.  He wrote out a list.  "This is the local Gringotts, as I've been told and shown recently.  This is the local Ministry office if you have problems.  This is where I am and my cellphone number."  He handed over something.  "That has two hundred minutes on it in case you have to call someone at home.  It won't charge you more for long distance."  Harry nodded.  "Do you need to know how to work anything in here?"

Harry looked around.  "I think I can figure it out.  My relatives are muggle, even though I don't get to watch tv."  Horatio gave him a long look.  "Dean, Sam, and Xander came for me earlier."

"Ah.  Good."  He stood up and gave him a short hug.  "Call me soon and we'll have dinner.  I know the first few days you'll want to explore and look at the women on the beach."  He smiled.  "Be safe and call if you need me."

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you."

"You're welcome.  Next summer you can see Mac.  New York has a lot of the world living there."  He left him alone, going back to work.

Harry unpacked and checked to see how long he had.  He had eleven days to explore Miami.  He decided to change into some shorts and a t-shirt, like Dean had made him buy, and head down to the beach.  The sneakers were a bit less than comfortable but they'd get better as he wore them he supposed.  He took his room key and headed out.

"Sir, if you want, we can hold your room key for you," the check-in boy said.  "That way you can't lose it."

Harry smiled, letting him hold it for him. "Thank you.  How do I get to the beach?"

"Go left outside the door then three blocks.  I would suggest some sunscreen however.  You're a bit pale, sir."

"Harry, please."  He looked around.  "Sunscreen?"

"The pharmacy on the way would have a good selection."  Harry nodded, heading out to look.  Xander had some of his money changed over to muggle money for him.  It had been a good exchange rate day.  Sunscreen was expensive but not too bad.  He got a small bottle and paid for it then put it on as he walked up to the beach.  The view was beautiful and inspiring.  The women.... well he nearly lost his mind and went to dress some of them but that was even more inspiring.  He wished he had a camera.  Wait until Ron saw this!

***

Professor Dumbledore walked up to the nibbling three men.  "Boys," he said.

Xander looked at him. "He's with Horatio in Miami taking a *real* vacation.  Horatio said he headed right for the beach and nearly tried to dress someone in a bikini but he's staring in awe now."

Dumbledore shook his head.  "I'm assuming you're talking about Harry?"  Xander nodded.  "There were protections on the house...."

"Which don't mean a damn thing if they're going to kill him anyway," Dean interrupted.  "Since they had beaten the boy earlier for not waking up at dawn to make their lard asses breakfast, oh well.  We had him protected even better than you can."

"Molly told me that.  How does that charm work?"

"Ask Tara.  She found it," Xander quipped.  "She explained it and Harry said it'd be a good idea.  We had Mrs. Weasley check when she came in demanding to have him back."  He gave him a look.

"They may not have been decent but they are his relatives."

"So were mine.  They're presently under investigation too."  Dumbledore stepped away from him.  "I know you wouldn't normally put up with that but just because he's useful doesn't mean he's a tool, Dumbledore.  Really.  The boy still has to grow up.  Part of that is learning how to be a boy and have some fun."  He paid then walked off.

"We all agreed it would be better if Harry had a real vacation so he knew what fun was," Sam said quietly.  "We also bought him clothes that fit him.  For once."  Dumbledore nodded at that, looking embarrassed.  "Let's quit using him and let him grow up."

"He's safe?"

"Horatio's watching over him."

"Horatio is not a strong wizard."

"He has a wizard in his people and Horatio is every bit as protective as Xander is," Dean assured him.  "He also has a nephew about Harry's age.  He's having fun, for once.  The muting charm will protect him.  He'll be fine.  We'll be calling to check on him."

"Good.  Let him know I'd like to know how his vacation went when he gets back."  He left them alone.

"Go find Xander?" Sam suggested.

Dean nodded, going to find Xander wherever he had huffed off to.  He found him watching kids on a playground and sat next to him.  "Sunnydale was so screwed up that no one saw.  We see here.  Sam and I have both turned in bad parents to the system."  Xander looked at him.  "Need to talk?  Sammy's good at that stuff."

"I'm fine.  Thanks, Dean."

"Welcome.  Now, let's finish lunch.  I'm starved."  Xander smiled, heading back with him.  He nudged him.  "You don't have to go back."

"I know.  Except for whatever funky prophecy I've had recently."  That got a nod.  "But I'll be fine."

"Good. You'll be fine and we'll all be fine."  He led him back into the Leaky, finding Sam talking with some woman who should *not* be wearing that outfit.  He nearly shuddered.  And it was robes too!

"Excuse us, Miss Reporter, but can we finish our dinner without you pumping us for information too?" Xander asked as he moved around her.

"Are you making alliances?"

"Talking about vacations," Dean covered.

"What did the headmaster want?  We saw you with Harry Potter earlier."

"He's taking a vacation," Xander said.  "Somewhere no one knows him.  It's good for everyone."  He stared her down and she backed off.  "Anything else?  You can pounce Harry at the next meeting."  She nodded, walking off.  "You'll never find him.  Don't try.  Give the kid a chance to have some fun," he called after her.  He dug into his dinner.  "I really should do something about some things."

"Like?" Dean asked.

"Lucius bought the Daily Prophet a few years back."  He ate a bite, shaking his head.  "I believe in free press.  I know I do."

"You do," Sam agreed.  He grinned.  "What else do you own?"

"A lot of shit.  They finally got the full list of holdings to me yesterday.  I can buy Draco a really good wife who I like and who'll make him too stupid from all the sex to do more than get good grades in school because it'd please her and he'd get more sex."

Dean snickered.  "You sure about that?"

"Yup."  He looked over as Draco stormed in.  "Morning.  In a snit?"

"Very."  He stared at him.  "Father owns a broom store?"

"Yeah.  He did.  He also owned the Daily Prophet."

Draco gave him an odd look.  "You're joking."

"Nope."

"Well, damn it!" he decided, stomping off again.

"I've got the full list at home if you wanted to see it," Xander called after him.

"Thank you, Head of Family."  He left, going to bother his mother.  "Did you know that we own the Daily Prophet?"

"Your father got annoyed with them when they were a smaller paper and bought them out to fire a reporter who said he looked bad," she said dryly.

"Where are the profits going?"

"Into the regular vault I suppose.  We can ask."  A paper landed beside her so she looked at it.  "Into the regular vault.  I didn't know we owned a broom shop."

"Apparently that's how he bought the team's brooms."  He took it to look over.  He glared at the note at the bottom.  "He cannot buy me a wife."

"Some women can be bought, son."  She gave him a look.  "It may not be a happy marriage but it would be one."

He handed it over.  Then he went to sulk outside.

She read it over, nodding at what it contained.  "I didn't know he owned the shop she was in.  We might be able to use that to get clothes instead of rent.  I need something new."  She put it aside and went back to her needlepoint.

***

Horatio looked at his wizard on staff.  "We have a visitor in town that no one needs to know is here but I need to be able to find him just in case."

Ryan Wolfe looked at him. "Which Council member?"

"Harry."

"Ooh."  He grinned.  "Is he a nice boy?  The papers say a lot of crap about him, H."

"He seems very nice.  He headed straight for a beach earlier."

"Hmm."  He cast the usual tracking charm.  Nothing.  "Interesting."

"He was with Xander before this so there's the possibility that they did something with the pagan stuff."

"Probably," he agreed.  He tried it again, using a more powerful one he had gotten off an auror.  Still nothing. "Let me see your staff for a minute?"  Horatio let him see it and lay a finger on it to test it.  He picked up a pebble then cast a complicated charm, letting the pebble sit on the staff for a minute, then altered the charm a bit to find any other staff.  He smiled when it pointed.  "He's by Hacienda?"

"He is."

Ryan held up the pebble.  "This will find any staff in the city.  But yours."  Horatio nodded at that.  "So unless someone else pops in that's where Harry is.  Whoever hid him did it very well.  Even the spell the aurors use didn't work."

"I'll keep that in mind.  Thank you, Mr. Wolfe."

"Welcome, Horatio."  He watched him leave, grinning some.  Harry needed a vacation and he was going to go nuts at the bikinis.  He did at that age.

***

Harry looked up as Horatio sat next to him.  "I'm in awe," he said, nearly whispering.  "They're like some mystical creature."

"Many men think women are like that, Harry," he said with a smile.  "You have a sunburn."

"I don't care," he said, grinning madly at him.  "Xander has some really good ideas."

Horatio nodded.  "He can."  He stood up and pulled Harry with him.  "You can't live on the sight of bikinis, Harry.  Let's get you cleaned up and we'll have dinner."  He nodded, walking back to the hummer with him.  He smiled when the boy patted it.  "Know someone else who has one?"

"They're almost myths where I'm from."  He climbed in and checked himself in the mirror on the sun visor flap.  "I really am burned."

"You need to reapply sunscreen every few hours.  Tomorrow I suggest you find indoor things to stare at."

"Do you have museums?"

"Many of them."  He took him back to his hotel, watching Harry get his key with a smile.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome, sir."  He watched him walk the boy up to his room, shaking his head. "He'll learn about sunscreen soon."

Horatio got Harry into the shower and picked out clothes, then looked at the money he had dropped on the table.  "Someone underestimated how much he'd use."  He decided to take him to the bank on his way to dinner.  Harry came out in his clean clothes.  "Let's stop at the bank so you have enough for a tour tomorrow as well."

"Xander said he wasn't sure how much I'd need but he said that should do me at least two weeks as long as I didn't get too souvenir happy."

Horatio smiled. "That's half the fun of a vacation, Harry."  He watched him gather everything and headed out with him again.  "I have something at home for the sunburn."  He smiled at the bouncing young man.  "My sister-in-law and nephew will be eating with us tonight."

"Sure.  Is her spouse coming?"

"He's unfortunately passed on."  Harry gave him a hug.  "Thank you, Harry."

"It's hard when you lose relatives. I know I wish I hadn't lost mine."  That got a nod and they walked out together. Horatio drove them to the bank and he walked inside.  "Hi. I'm on vacation from England.  I need to get into my vault and have some money changed over please?"

The goblin looked at him.  "We can do an automatic withdrawal for you, sir, then change it over. There is a twenty Pound fee."

"How much is that in galleons?"

"Six and a half at today's rate."

"Is the rate going to get better?" Harry asked.

He laughed.  "We'll see.  You need it in Pounds?"

"No, I need it in American money."

He nodded, taking his key to look at.  "You're the Black heir?"  Harry put his staff on the counter, getting a gasp.  "Sir, you have a vault over here."

"I do?"

"You have a cousin who lived over here."  He called someone over.

"I have a friend waiting on me in the car.  Can I get him?"  The goblin nodded so he ran outside.  "I'm finding new relatives.  I have a vault here?" he asked Horatio.

"I have no idea."  He followed him inside, nodding at the goblin he had met recently over his family's situation.  He had moved one of the vaults over here.  "There is one?"

"There is one.  It's not terribly large but there is one and the former owner is dead.  No heirs given," the goblin admitted, walking them back to his office.  He pulled up the account so they could see it.

Harry blinked. "That's larger than the one my parents left for me."

"Mr. Potter, I used to work in the London branch.  You do know you have *three* vaults from your parents?  One that's full of furniture and things?"

Harry slowly shook his head.  "No, I hadn't."

"Yes, you do."

"I'll talk with them when I get back."

"That would be acceptable to us."  He let him sign the forms.  "No other heirs have claimed these. They were to go to his favorite nephew, but he died and so did the rest of the family."

"Bellatrix was recently kissed and Andromeda is married to a muggle," Harry corrected.  "I'm Sirius' heir."

"We weren't told."  He looked it up.  "He said that his heir could not marry a muggle so that leaves her out.  That does leave you the only heir of that part of the family."  He let him have the keys.  "Now, you were here to get some changed to American money?"  Harry nodded with a small smile.  "We can do that.  We'll move the rest to your regular vault."

"Please."  He shook his hand.  "Can we go down?"

"How much did you need?" the goblin asked.  "It'll be faster if you don't have to physically carry it.  We're near closing."

"He's on vacation for the next twelve days," Horatio said.

"Then I think half should be good."  He went to do that and came back with an envelope.  "There you go.  Muggle money, American version, and it should be enough to let you buy whatever you need."  Harry smiled and nodded.  "One last form.  We'll transfer it back once you're at home."  He let him sign it and they shook his hand before leaving.

"I'm very surprised," Harry said once they were in the hummer.  He looked.  "Those are bigger bills."

Horatio looked.  "Have the hotel put that in the safe," he ordered. "That way you can't lose it."  Harry nodded. "For now, put it in the glove box, Harry."  He did that and they went to his house.  He smiled at his nephew running out to greet them.  "Hold on."  He got out, helping Harry out.  "Ray, this is Harry.  I work with him on that new council I sit on."

"Hi, Harry Potter," Harry said, shaking his hand.

"Ray Junior, Horatio's nephew.  C'mon.  Lucia cooks *really* good.  Even Mom said that.  She's still freaked out by her but she said she cooks really good."  He led him inside, chatting about various things to see if they could talk about anything.

"I sat all day on the beach," Harry said with a grin.

Ray laughed. "It looks like it."  He got him the aloe gel from the fridge.  "Put it wherever it hurts, Harry."  He went to the bathroom to do that.  "He goes to a boarding school?"

"It's the only option," Horatio told him.

"Oh."

"The school's by a very small town in Scotland."

"Wow."  He brought Harry onto the porch once he was done, going back to talking about things with him.  The boy at least knew what most sports were, even if he didn't play.  They could talk about soccer.

Harry smiled at Yelina.  "His first vacation."

"He's very young."

"He's an orphan.  His aunt and uncle had been raising him until some mutual acquaintances rescued him this morning."

"Rescued?"  He nodded.  "Ah."  She went to introduce herself to the boy.  He'd relax soon.  She went to check on dinner but Lucia ran her out.  "Horatio."

"Cooking is her job," he reminded her patiently, giving her a look.  They watched the boys laugh over something.  They could get along for now.

***

Professor Snape walked up to Xander where he was in the park.  "Where is Potter?"

"With Horatio.  I talked to him last night.  He got a bad sunburn his first day on the beach but spent it staring at the women like they were a mystical creature."  He grinned at him, making room on the bench.  "Horatio had him over to dinner and introduced him to his nephew.  They spent today going around some shops Ray Junior likes and then a museum.  They're going to go back to the beach tomorrow to stare at the pretty women some more and Ray will teach him how to body surf."

"Body surf?"

"Riding the waves back into the shore on your stomach instead of using a board to help you.  It's a lot of fun."

"You're from near a beach?"

Xander nodded, smiling some. "There's one just up the road from Sunnydale.  I spent a lot of time loafing off there and body surfing.  He said Ray made him get a camera so he can come back with pictures for everyone.  He said the view was inspiring."

"Good for him.  He's been safe otherwise?"

"Horatio told me that the American Aurors spotted him and nearly went spastic until someone stepped in and told them he's on vacation, no one can find him magically, and he's under Horatio's watch."

"How does that charm work?"

"Ask Tara, it's her stuff."  He went back to his book.  "Did you ever get the updated plans done?"

"They'll be presented at the same time as the rest of the headmaster's ideas."

Xander looked at him.  "How do you feel about home ec. classes being taught to everyone?"

"Home ec.?"

"Cooking, cleaning, sewing, how to do those things."

"Sounds like a class many witches should take and might actually pass," he said with a slight sneer.

"Boys too, Professor.  After all, we do live on our own too.  Not everyone has a mother they can go running to for meals."

"That might raise some Gryffindor's averages beyond what they presently are.  Some Hufflepuff's too," he decided.  "When would it be taught?"

"We thought sometime when you had a free period.  Not you specifically but a student," he corrected at the horrified look.

"Do it their last year.  They usually have at least one free period and it might be an easy class, less stress on them.  That would let the students finish with a good average I suppose."  He adjusted his robe.  "Has your friend made any progress on her research?"

"She says she has but I've been chewed out for letting her into Diagon so I can't call her here."  He gave him a look.  "Want to come to dinner with us tonight?"

"If I must."

Xander grinned. "I'm not a bad cook, Professor.  I passed home ec. very well.  It was the only one that year but I did pass it very highly."

Severus shook his head.  "If you say so.  What time?"

He checked his watch.  "I should probably do a bit of shopping.  Say two hours or so?"  That got a nod.  "I'll see you then.  You can floo or just walk up somehow."  He grinned, heading off to buy food.  He knew what Willow wouldn't eat and the Professor was probably not going to love California cuisine but oh well.  Trying new things was good for you.  It wasn't like he was going to try to make exotic things like sushi.  He found what he wanted, even though it was really expensive over here.  Still, it was food to them.  He took them home, getting to work on the dinner.  Snape appeared nearly exactly two hours later.  "Willow, he's here," he called.  He went back to fixing dinner.  "How do you feel about avocados?"

"I've never had one," he admitted.  He looked in the bowl.  "That does not look that appetizing."

"It's a sauce, Professor.  Willow!"

She appeared pouting.  "I was having snuggly time."  She looked at the Professor, smiling.  "I think I have a way to loosen it at the very least.  I think it will be a two-step process."  She went back to get her things then bring them back.  "What I found is this.  Does this look like the process he's using to make the marks?"

He shrugged. "He keeps it secret.  All I know of it is that he uses his wand and burns it on there."

"Then it's probably this one," she said, letting him see that information.  "If so, we can cut the binding down to nearly nothing and then leach out the contamination, which means we could cut the rest fully," she finished happily.  "Xander, what are you cooking?"

"Salad."

"What sort of salad?"

"The sort you like.  Quit fussing at me."

"Fine."  She went back to finding what she was doing, outlining the spells she'd have to use, why and how, and what it would probably feel like.

Xander finished up and put things on the table.  "Food."  He got ice water and brought the pitcher out.  "Filtered water, Professor.  Filtered the ice too.  The water here is gross."

"Muggles do put a lot of chemicals into their water," he agreed, helping Willow into her seat.  He was a gentleman sometimes.  Xander sat down and he looked at the food.  "What is that?"

"That is taco salad.  It's a bit messy but it's very good," she told him, dishing it up.  "It's beef, seasonings, some vegetables, and you can put things on top.  Do you prefer sour cream, avocados, or salsa?"

He gave her an odd look.  "We don't have food like this."

"Oh.  Well, try it with some of each," she offered, making her own by crumbling the chips.  "You can also eat this as a snack by using chips to dip it out."  She looked at the bowl of brown sludge.  "Refried beans?"  Xander nodded so she took some of those too.  Then she dug in.

Snape carefully ate a bite once the others had.  It was a different taste.  The meat itself wasn't too spicy but the toppings could be.  It was also creamy in some areas and crunchy in others.  Most odd.  He did eat while he read, looking over what information they had.  "Do you believe someone of our sort of power could do this?"

"I believe he's been using my sort of gifts," Willow corrected.  "I don't know if you guys could do that.  You might have to make a whole new charm.  I haven't studied your arts and Xander's still going through the first level books.  I'm assuming that'd be advanced magic."

"Most likely.  Can I bring this back with me to talk to our Charms instructor?"

"Sure.  It's always better to get a second opinion."  She smiled then at Xander.  "We finally figured out the funky vision you had."  Xander gave her a stare.  "There's a prophecy saying the First Evil might come but it'd take someone being resurrected wrong to do it."  Xander got her something and let her see it.  "Yeah, that'd do it," she sighed.  "We'll have to kill him to cancel out the prophecy."

"That's how they raised Voldemort from the semi-spirit state."

She moaned. "Your bad guy over here?"  Xander nodded.  "What was he before?"

"Some sort of ghoul that was living on the back of someone's head and feeding off snakes and unicorns."

She gave him then the professor a look.  "How was he raised?"

"His loyal followers wanted him back," he said simply.

"Well, poop."  She read that over, going over the rite.  "Are the neater notes Sam's?"  Xander nodded, eating another bite.  "He can do that I guess."

"He said they've had to do it before.  The problem is getting close enough," Xander told her.  "He has almost no imagination for how people would do that.  He blocked out the usual travel methods but not sneaking in.  I snuck in with an invisibility cloak and got into his face."

She smirked. "You are the best at annoyance, aren't you?"

"Well, yeah," he said with a grin.  "Got tape of him too."  She went to watch it.

"Eww," floated out a minute later.

"He's evil, what did you expect," Xander called back.  He looked at the teacher across from him.  "Aren't you glad you don't have her in classes?" he hissed.

Professor Snape smothered the laugh but nodded.  "Quite.  I have enough bouncy, hyper children blowing up my classroom as is."  He ate another bite.  "Why are there two of the red sauce?"

"The one in the blue bowl is hotter."

"It can get hotter?"  Xander handed him the spoon so he dipped his pinky in and took a taste, shuddering as he put it back down.  "People eat that?"

"Daily," Xander agreed happily.  "And hotter.  That's only medium."

"Why?"

"They like the fire," Willow said as she came back.  "That's disgusting.  Why do a partial self-transformation?"

"I'm not sure if he did it on purpose or not," Snape admitted.  "If so it was to gain power."

"Huh.  Well, we see worse bad guys than him.  I'm sure between Xander, Sam, and you guys we can figure it out with us researching behind Xander's back."  Snape nodded at that.  "I will be bringing more about this First Evil prophecy so we can make sure it can be handled by killing him."

Xander nodded. "Please do.  We have a meeting in three weeks.  I'll have the session closed and we'll talk about it together."

"Sure.  I'll be there."  She kissed him then smiled at the professor.  "I'll see you then?  Will that give you enough time?"

"It should."

"Then I'll see you then."

"Listen for bad guys in Miami for us?" Xander asked.  "Horatio's down there with Harry.  I know the muting charm works but I don't think there's any vamps or anything."

"I'll check."  She smiled and disappeared.

Xander smiled.  "There, even better.  Even the stuff Sam and I deal with won't hurt him."

"That is most acceptable."  He looked at him.  "If the two are combining...."

"The prophecy would have to happen in Sunnydale.  The Seal's imbedded in the hellmouth, Professor."  He shuddered.  "That doesn't mean her minions can't cross over here to hit someone, like say the Watchers Council.  Or that they won't come after you guys or even Voldemort for standing in her way.  We're going to have to let the others know.  Just in case it appears over here as well."

He nodded.  "We should probably tell the American Aurors."

"If I knew any I would.  If not, Horatio or someone can brief them once they head home."

Snape nodded.  "That is sensible."

"I try.  Finish up.  I bought a pie.  Cherry."  He nodded, finishing his dinner then letting Xander get him some pie.  Dean appeared looking confused.  "Sammy send you to pick up girls again?"

"I don't know.  I touched his doorknob and got sent."

"Phone's on the table charging."

Dean went to call home.  "Aunt Cordelia, why did I end up at Xander's?"  He listened.  Then he nodded.  "Ah.  The staff wanted him to have personal time.  Okay.  I'm here if he asks."  He hung up.  "So, anything new?"

"Willow thinks she can cut the Dark Mark off.  The funky prophecy dream I had may be about the First Evil prophecies."  Dean gave him a horrified look.   "We're going to go over it at the next meeting.  It'll give her time to finish her research."

"How?  Doesn't that take a botched resurrection?"  Xander waved the paper.  "Oh, no."  Xander nodded. "Aw, shit."

"Basically.  So we'll be discussing it in three weeks.  You might wanna warn your circle."

"Can I make international calls?"

"Check my minutes.  It's prepaid so I didn't have to deal with that."

He looked then used Xander's laptop to get online and buy him more minutes.  He input the codes, smiling when it came up.  Then he took it into the bedroom and shut himself in.  "Ellen, Dean.  I know we're in England, Ellen.  I'm in London and I just heard bad things.  Is Bobby there?"  He frowned.  "Can you conference us in?" He nodded.  "Please.  Because we think the First Evil prophecy might be coming.  We do have one.  It's the bad guy where we are.  We're working on this problem then one of the slayer's team started having prophetic dreams.  Please."  He waited while she conferenced him in.  "Bobby, Dean.  No, not now.  I'll call later from mine.  I'm on Xander's cellphone.  The First Evil prophecies were about a botched resurrection?  One who came back wrong so it let her into the world, right?"  He listened to him find it and read it off.  "Our bad guy over here, Voldemort, is one.  One of the slayer's team started to have prophetic dreams starting out with 'from beneath you it devours'.  Yeah, so it's apparently going on.  Does it say *anything*?"

He nodded as he listened.  "Okay.  We have Sunnydale, which Dad knows.  He was there getting some research help from Mr. Giles, the watcher over Buffy.  Get with him, let him see them.  Let him know if it happens the seal's in the hellmouth itself.  Which Xander said is underneath the old school.  I'm not sure where in town it is but I'm guessing it'll be bad.  They might come for any white lighters to eliminate the threat too, Bobby.  So be damn careful and put the others on guard, Ellen.  Send me what they look like so I can do the same thing.  We're going over it during the next meeting in about three weeks.  Sure.  The cell's with Sammy.  His staff wanted some private time with him so it sent me to Xander."  He grinned.  "That'll work.  I'm here.  Ellen?  Can you pass on the news?"  He nodded at her certainty.  "Just be careful.  I don't know how we'd kill these things yet."  He hung up and thought.  This was going to be so bad.  So very, very bad.  They didn't need this and a war.

Family Staffs 7

Xander walked into the Council meeting.  "After we do the usual stuff, we need to brief everyone about a prophecy and it will be a closed meeting," he announced.  "I don't care if you fuss, but it's slayer stuff that's bleeding over and we're all in deep shit if it keeps going, people.  Yes, it is relevant to the Dark Lord stuff as well," he told Horatio.  "That's why Sam's got his brother and father coming in.  I've got Willow coming.  Possibly Giles too."

Horatio nodded.  "We can do that after the meeting, Xander.  How bad?"

"It's an endage prophecy, Horatio.  About the First Evil coming back."  Horatio gave him a horrified look and everyone else shuddered.  "After we brief you guys, hopefully just an FYI but if you run into it we need to know, you can brief the American aurors?"  Horatio nodded.  "Good.  I stopped in on their floor and their boss will come down to be briefed as well.  I don't want to panic but the way he got brought back started it off."

"Shit," Danny muttered.

"Exactly."  He sat down, smiling at Harry.  "You're tanned!"

"I am and I'm happy.  It was a great vacation.  Thank you, Xander."

"You're welcome.  Everyone deserves one."  He patted him on the back.  "Okay, now that my drama queen side is finished, what's on today's menu, chairman Horatio?"

"We have to finalize next time's meeting date.  We need to see if there's been any other exceptions to the laws that need to be looked at, and we need to get an updated intelligence briefing about the Dark Lord.  We can put that with yours."

Xander nodded. "Sounds like an easy day."  He looked at the others.  "Relax.  We've handled things that are just as bad before.  This one may spill over, that's why we're worried."  He looked around.  "Can we start?"

"We can," Horatio said.  "Tony said he's not going to be here today so his proxy goes to Danny Messer by Tony's choice.   Does anyone have any problems with the meeting time for next meeting?"

"Our schedule shifted, we'll have it on," Mac said.

Horatio nodded. "Mine's waiting on me so I can change it however.  When do you three have off?"  Mac pushed over a calendar.  "I see the twenty-first.  Patricia?"

"No problem for me, Horatio."

"Minister Fudge?"

He looked at his calendar.  "We have a society thing later that night.  As long as it's a short meeting it shouldn't matter."

"Boys?" he asked.

"I'm good with whatever," Xander said.  "Ours go off in the spring."

Sam nodded. "That's good with us, Horatio.  Depending on what we've found out we may be heading back to the US for a few weeks."

"That's fine, Sam.  Let us know where you are."  He looked at Harry.  "Nothing for you?"

"I'm free until school starts again as far as I know."

"Good.  Tony said he'll be here no matter what next time.  This time his director has him on a surveillance team and he couldn't get off.  I've already talked to Gibbs, who threw a fit at her, so it'll be fixed for next time."   He looked.  "We'll make the weekend of the twenty-first our next meeting since no one disagrees."  They all wrote it down.  "All right.  Have there been any problems with the laws as they've been rewritten?" he asked.

Minister Fudge cleared his throat.  "The decency statues were looked over and I do have a proposal."  He handed it over.

Horatio read it then passed it on.

Sam frowned.  "That leaves out men being obscene," he said, looking up.  "We don't have streakers?"

"Streakers?"

"Guys who go pantless or flash women," Xander said.  He read it over Sam's shoulder. "Still a bit too restrictive.  Any cleavage?  Technically you can see it in what Patricia is wearing."  She covered it up then did up the button.  "Not saying it's not good, just pointing it out," he assured her.  "You were very tasteful."

"If we add the word excessive in front of that it might be better," Sam offered.  He took a pencil from Horatio to make that change.  Then he kept reading.  "The last part of it would qualify against pants, Minister Fudge.  Even your women wear them at home."

"But not in public," he said firmly.

"What about the students who're coming in to shop?" Harry asked.  "They often do wear pants.  So do their parents."

He grimaced.  "An exclusion could be made for them."

Patricia looked at him.  "Pants are more comfortable," she told him.  "I know some wizards prefer the old style of robes but they're uncomfortable and you can't do much in them."  She took it to look at.  She tapped her fingers a few times.   "I like Sam's change of putting 'excessive' in that cleavage clause.  I also agree that the last clause is a bit much."  She passed it onto the other officers.  Mac took the pencil to strike out that line.

Stella looked then shook her head. "I'm sorry, the first one is fairly offensive.  Just because I'm not wearing a corset doesn't mean I'm not wearing foundation garments and it's not up to you to decide who wears a bra or not, Minister Fudge.  If some woman wants to go braless that's up to her."  He spluttered.  "It is."  She handed it on.

Horatio took another look at it.  "So we have issues with the first and third clause?" he asked.  Everyone nodded.  "Does anyone not like the addition of excessive in the second one?"  No one said anything.  "Does anyone want to remark on the fourth or fifth one?"

"Unnecessary," Xander said.  "Also sexist.  Unless it applies to both genders, it doesn't apply to one in my book."

Horatio looked at them.  "They are both limiting for women but not men."  He frowned.  "Does anyone like the fourth and fifth clause?"  No one said anything.  Patricia cleared her throat.  "You had an alternative?"

"I do believe it should be considered distasteful to be naked in Diagon or Knocturn, or any other market area no matter what sex you are."

Horatio nodded, writing that down.  "Any public area that may house children?" he suggested.  "That would get them out of the problem for bars if such things existed."

She grimaced.  "Why would one want to be?"

"Drunks and nude people, Patricia," Sam said.  "It's often gone together."

"Like that bar by your house by about ten miles," Mac told her.

"Oh, that place," she said with a grimace.  "I don't like it and I doubt the wizarding world would either."

"Lonely men hang out there."

"Do they raise rates of molestation?  You hear things in the news."

"That and other forms of pornography aren't clearly associated with it.  The same people who do those sort of acts against another being do it for power.  They can imagine themselves doing it even before they get pictures or shown it in a strip club."

"And honestly, how many social parties have ended up having naked people?" Danny asked.

"Well, that's true.  I definitely do not want it around children."

"Then we can put on there around anyone who may be under the age of consent," Horatio assured her.  "Or would you rather it be of legal age?"

"I like age of consent personally."  Horatio nodded, writing that down.  He handed it down to her, letting her see his wording.  She smiled.  "I do like how that is worded."  She passed it to Fudge, who nodded that it was acceptable to him.  The others looked then nodded. "That and the excessive cleavage law?"

"Would that cover the excessive cleavage law?" Danny asked.

"We can put a rider on it to limit the amount of excessive attire in public," Mac offered.

Stella nodded.  "I can see that.  Or we can add onto that one.  In public where anyone under the age of consent may be is fine.  No nudity or partial nudity, Horatio?"

He considered it.  "That would leave it up for the streakers and flashers," he agreed.  "Partial nudity might be subjective.  They could call the top you have on partial nudity, Stella."

She looked down at then at him.  "It can be fought though.  You can't see anything that's covered by appropriate bras with it."

"We can define partial nudity as showing anything that's usually covered by regular undergarments," Sam offered.  Horatio nodded at that, changing the wording around. "Would anyone have a problem with that?"  Patricia shook her head.  Fudge shook his head reluctantly.

"As it reads presently:  Nudity and partial nudity, to be defined as showing flesh that is usually covered by regular undergarments worn by either sex, shall not be allowed in any public place where someone under the age of consent may be present."  He looked up.  "Any dissent on that wording?"  No one said anything.  "Stella?"

"That works for me.  Patricia?"

"That does work for me," she agreed. "Minister Fudge?"

"That's the core of the old ones so I'll let it stand," he agreed.  Even though it had taken out the carefully worded clauses that took him two days to write to limit what that obscene female wore around *his* world.  He knew he couldn't win this battle but at least he was working them to his side slowly.  They'd see things his way eventually.  Then all this silliness would be stopped and that female would be properly attired so he wouldn't have to keep watching her the way he was.

Horatio nodded.  "Let's draw this up better."  Xander printed it out, letting him check it.  "Two a's typo, Xander."  He corrected it and let him see it.  He nodded so it was printed and passed around so it could be signed by all of them.  "Thank you.  Any other laws that need to be looked at?"

Patricia coughed.  "I'm told you took out the quarantine laws."

"That should be up to healers to decide.  If they're causing harm by getting out that can be inferred under the assault statutes," Stella told her.  "All three judges agreed that was reasonable.  That's the doctor's job to make sure of it."

She nodded.  "Which is reasonable.  Enforcing it?"

"We put a sign on the door and trust in common sense, feeling sick, and the honor code," Stella told her.

"I've heard there's things spreading rapidly in the muggle world," Fudge said dryly.

"Most of those are STD's, Minister Fudge."  He gave her a confused look.  "Sexually transmitted diseases.  Some of which have been around since the beginning of time.  The newest one is more modern and they're working to find very good treatments for it."  He blushed.  "We have people who only deal in that.  Again, that should be whatever sort of Health Department you have here.  The same as testing is."

"Our personal physicians can," Patricia told her. "You have special facilities to test?"

"Our personal ones can but the Health Department is over all that.  They're over the general health of the city.  If there's an outbreak of something you expect the health department's people to show up.  They're the ones who do the vaccination pushes and make sure everyone's got the ones they need.  They're the ones that poor people go to for pregnancy testing and birth control, they keep track of disease statistics and spread, all that."

"Vaccinations?" Fudge asked.

"Yes, we can hold off or eliminate most of the major diseases that have killed people for the last few centuries.  Like polio is virtually gone now.  It's rare to see a single case a year."  He gaped. "The same with measles, rubella, whooping cough.  We have vaccinations that can ease the flu if you get it.  One that can protect you against chicken pox, or make sure you only get a light case instead of a worse one.  We even have vaccinations against hepatitis.  Which I've heard is a bit rampant around here."

"Can we talk to them?" Patricia asked.

"I know London has a very good health department or you could come back with us," Danny assured her.  "There's a witch in the health department.  She's the one who sends out letters for New York when a witch is found by someone before they're school age.  It's her job to look things over.  I don't know if London has one or not."

"I'll be seeing you in a few days if you could make an appointment for me with her," Patricia said.

Danny made a note.  "I'll call Monday.  She's not in on weekends."  She smiled and nodded.  "Then I'll tell one of the local ones so they can send an owl."

"Thank you.  That is something we should look into.  We lose too many children every year."

Stella nodded. "That's why we do it."  She looked at Horatio.  "Okay, anything else before we get to the closed portion of our meeting?"

Horatio looked.  "Are there any other topics that need to be discussed first?"  No one said anything.  "Then let's close this meeting once we have the others in here."  Sam went to get them, having to argue with the aurors about them all.  He finally drug them and the auror in, plus their boss.  "Problems?"

"They want to memory charm dad."  He sat down.  "Sit behind me, guys."  They sat in the seats behind him.  "Someone block the door?"  They did that.  "All right.  Let's get some back story.  I'm going to put into evidence the information I got from Harry about how Voldemort was raised.  Yes, it is important," he said at Fudge's opening mouth.  He passed it over to Horatio, who passed it on.  "Go ahead, Willow."

"Hi, I'm Willow Rosenburg for those who don't know.  Witch to the slayer in Sunnydale.  I work with Xander."  She looked around.  "There's a fairly bad prophecy that was activated by him being raised."  She handed that over.  "That's a copy of the prophecy.  We didn't realize it was going to be interacting with the war you guys are having until Xander had a prophetic dream and we went looking."

"How is this relevant?" Fudge demanded.

"The prophecy is that the First Evil's coming back," Xander said dryly.  "Due to a botched resurrection, one that came back wrong."  Fudge went pale.  "With how Voldemort was raised he qualifies."

"The problem isn't that it's happening, though it is for us in Sunnydale and probably the west coast.  The problem is that we've had hints that her minions, the Turok-Han or Bringers, are going to go after anyone who could oppose her or stop her coming out.  That means the Watchers Council.  The aurors here.  The school possibly.  Harry probably.  She might even go after Voldemort if she thinks he's in her way."

Horatio stared at her.  "Please tell me you're joking."

"I can't do that.  We've dealt with bad things before but this is worse.  This is way worse.  We're looking at how to stop it now.  We know if her anchor is broken, meaning redead, before the seal is open it could stop her from coming out."

"We have a few ideas on that," Sam admitted.  "We think we can cancel out the resurrection spell and turn him back into what he was before.  Then it's a matter of trapping it and then killing the ghoul."

She nodded. "Once you do that it's possible it'll stop her.  If she's summoned more of her higher minions, we're pretty well screwed.  We'll have to fight and we're not sure how we're doing that yet.  There's hints of a weapon but we can't be sure.  The Council isn't being cooperative."

"We have a library here," the head auror said seriously.  "We can look for you, Miss Rosenburg.  What do these Bringers look like?"  She pulled out a picture she had copied.  "I've seen one."

Xander looked.  "There was one following a Watcher the other day," he announced.  "Shit, they're going after the slayers in training and the council."  He looked at her.

"I'll pop there next," she promised.  She looked around.  "We don't want it to spill back over to your world, but you've got to handle the Voldemort thing faster, guys.  He's gotta go.  She can open the seal by Christmas."  Harry moaned.  "I know it's pushing you."

"I'll do what I have to do," he agreed.  "I need to know what I'm doing though."

"Of course," Sam agreed.  "We've got it laid out for you, Harry.  It's going to have to be a surprise attack.  It's going to have to be done while he's trapped so he can't get away."

"We can set up anti-apparation wards," the lesser auror assured him.

"Problem with that," Xander said.  "I've had Willow looking into the dark mark thingy to see if we can use cutting that tie to entice more of his people to our side so we have more spies."

"That's directly out of some Egyptian magic.  Wandless, ancient magic," she told him.  "Which means he can probably do the same sort of teleporting I can."

He sighed.  "We can't stop you."

"We can talk to the curse breakers, have them look at it.  Did you bring that?"

"I let Professor Snape look at it," she said.  "He was taking it to the Charm's teacher to see if they had something similar."

"I'm sure he would like to be able to remove it," the head auror sighed.  He looked at Xander.

"No, Lucius is going to be a goldfish before I remove that."

"That's fine.  Thank you."  He looked at her again.  "I need everything you have on this.  We can brief the American aurors as well in case you need help."

"That might be a nice change.  Where were they during the ascension?" she asked.

He shrugged.  "Have to ask them.  We only heard about it after the fact.  Nice job, very well done," he told them.  Xander nodded his thanks.  "Okay, will you need Harris or Winchester?"

"I might need more fighters.  I'm not sure. We're still looking."

"I can go back," John promised.  "I want the boys here, Willow.  There's no way I want them walking into hell to fight."

"Okay.  Going into hell?"

"You'd almost have to," Xander agreed.  "You can call me.  I'll come."  She nodded.  "This is why I asked for the closed meeting."

Horatio nodded. "I can see why.  The officers would be the ones to probably find them if they did attack someone in our cities."

Willow nodded. "They're not subtle either.  We've found evidence that they run through walls.  They're super vamps and seriously hard to kill.  She's got a small army of them at her disposal if she can get the seal open."

They all nodded. "This was that important.  Over here it'll end the war and probably be necessary to watch some people and targets," Horatio decided.  "If you need help, you will tell us?"

"Oh, I'll scream for help," she assured him dryly.  "Xander will hear me screaming for help.  That's not an issue."  He nodded.  "We might be evacuating the town though and that might release more magical items into the world and other magic users who've been hiding."

"It's also a matter of the taint because it will draw demons," Xander told her.

She nodded.  "Exactly."  She looked at them.  "So this is a head's up.  We're doing what we can but we expect it to spill over."

They all nodded.  "We can deal with it," the head auror assured her.  She beamed.  "Go tell the gits on the council.  I'm sure they'll be pleased."

"They hate me as much as they do Xander."

"Travers' office is done in pale creams and leather," he told her.  She came over to stare into his eyes, getting the picture from his mind.  "Knew you still knew that one."

"Yup. Thank you."  She kissed him on the forehead.  "Be safe.  You're a target too, Xander."

"I'm safe.  You be careful."  She nodded and disappeared.  He looked at John.  "You're sure you can help them?"  He nodded.  "Then Dean, Sam, and I can watch each other if we have to."

"That's good with me," he assured him, smiling some.  He stood up.  "With that I should get back on the road.  They'll need me soon if it's to be by Christmas."  Sam waved his staff and he disappeared, landing with his truck and bag in front of the Magic Box.  "That was easier than Customs."  He walked inside.  "Willow just briefed us.  Where do you need me?"  Giles pointed at Buffy.  "I can spar with her.  Come on, Buffy."  She nodded, sighing a bit as she followed him.

Xander looked around.  "I'll keep people informed as I get intel.  I don't know how often she'll tell me.  She's back on her 'protecting the normal people' kick and I'm still counted as a normal person in her book."

"If we hear you'll hear," the head auror assured him.

"Good.  Then we need every little bit of intel on Voldemort," Mac said.  "As soon as we can."

He nodded.  "I can do that.  I know some's been passed on."

"A bit," Xander agreed.  "Even the hidden stuff and the stuff from his first go-round.  It could help us predict."

He nodded. "I'll get that to people tonight."  He left, taking down the anti-eavesdropping spells.

Horatio cleared his throat.  "That was a bad thing.  Once you know what you're doing, let me know, Xander."  He nodded.  "I wish you three the best of luck and if you need more...mundane experience let us know.  We're more than willing to help."

"I can do that," Harry agreed.  "Thank you."

"My house, tomorrow," Sam told him.  Harry nodded.  "We'll go over the intel and plan.  Then we'll figure out how to start it off."

"That's fine, I can do that.  Dinner or earlier?" Harry asked.

"Dinner's good, Harry.  The aunts still want to feed you."

He grinned. "Your aunts are nice."  He looked at the others.  "Are we done?  Some of us have things we need to do."  They nodded so Horatio broke up the meeting and they went to their respective residences to calm down and think.  He looked at Ron then nodded everyone into the kitchen except Ginny.  "Order business."

"If there's fighting I can handle it," she reminded him coolly.

"No you will not!  I will not have this family harmed," she said, staring her daughter down.

"Oh, it's so much worse than that," Harry told her.  "I should go into hiding."  They all stared at him.  "Bringing back Voldemort started off the First Evil prophecies in Sunnydale."  Arthur went pale.  "We've got to get him out by Christmas.  Sooner if possible."

Molly swallowed.  "That bad?"

He nodded.  "That bad.  Xander had his people brief us and she'll go after those who can stop her.  I need to hide myself a bit better.  I'm meeting with them tomorrow night to start planning."

"That's fine, dear," she decided, giving him a hug.  "You go to Grimwald place."

"She has minions, super vamps Willow called them.  I'm not sure that they can't find it even with the secret keeper spell.  We'll have to see.  If they show up here, apparate away, people.  Immediately."

"I'll teach Ginny and Ron," Fred told him.

George looked at him.  "You all right, mate?"

Harry shrugged. "I knew it had to happen.  Now we're on a time constraint.  I don't want to get anyone hurt.  Xander and Willow think she might even go after Voldemort herself if she thinks he's a threat."

Molly patted him on the back.  "You go pack and we'll send you there, Harry.  Then we'll see what can be done."  He nodded, heading to do that.  She looked at her family.  "Make them get it right today, boys.  I'll call the others.  I still do not want you fighting."  They nodded, taking Ginny and Ron out back to teach them to apparate.  She looked at her husband.  "Someone has to know by now."

"Oh, we told everyone," Harry told her as he came down with his trunk and bag, plus owl cage.  "We had a closed meeting to brief everyone and the aurors were there too.  Even Fudge listened after Willow let it be known how bad this is."

She swallowed.  "Come on, we'll head there together.  Albus has to know."

"We don't think the school's a target."

"It shouldn't be," she agreed.  She hoped.  They flooed together and Harry looked at Snape.  "They've heard?"

"That there was a bad announcement," Tonks said.  "My boss sent me here.  He figured you'd need the protection this time, Harry."

Harry dropped his things in a corner then faced everyone.  "The Founders Council met today," he announced.  Everyone went quiet. "After the regular meeting we went into a closed session to talk about a problem going off in Sunnydale that's coming over here."  He started to pace to think then stopped.  "Willow said that because Voldemort was raised, the First Evil prophecies are happening.  The aurors and Xander both identified a Bringer, her minion, following some of the Watcher's people."  Snape sat up suddenly staring at him.  "He's the one that got back wrong and is her gatekey."  He looked at him.  "We're on a time constraint.  She can come out around the hols if we can't take him out by then."

"They're sure?" Albus asked calmly.

Harry nodded.  "Willow was sure.  Xander had some sort of vision in a dream that got them to start looking.  Then things started to happen so they're certain now.  There was at least one Bringer in England following a Watcher."  He shuddered.  "He did say that she might go after him herself.  That she might see him as a threat.  We were also told that they'd go after anyone who might stand in her way."

"Going after the Watchers would do that.  They control the slayer line and if I remember right the full prophecy said something about seven slayers stopping it," Dumbledore said.  "I'll look that up and send it to Mr. Harris."

"Some of us are meeting tomorrow night to start planning.  We're waiting on the full information file.  We need what the Order's gathered but not handed over."  Dumbledore nodded at that.  "If she comes after me, they're being called super vampires.  So you may be able to get away from them by apparation.  As far as they knew.  Willow was talking about them knocking in walls.  I don't know if they can sense me here or not if they do come for me since I'm the one who can bring down Voldemort."

"Not the only one.  There's one other child that fits," Dumbledore reminded him.  Harry nodded at that. "I'll have him guarded.  Tonks, if you would please?"  She nodded.  He looked at Harry.  "How was your vacation?"

"It was wonderful," he said with a smile.  "I came back so relaxed.  I saw a lot of nice things.  Took some great pictures.  Stunned Ron stupid by some of the beach pictures."

Molly frowned.  "I can't believe women wear such scanty things."

He looked at her.  "You can't swim in a dress, Mrs. Weasley.  Besides, as we've been shown, the rest of the world wears less clothes than we do."  He looked around.  "Also, Fudge had us take up a decency clause today.  So now it's no nudity or partial nudity in public places where you'd expect to see someone under the age of consent.  They defined partial nudity as anything covered by regular underthings."

"That's remarkably sensible for Cornelius," Albus said dryly.

"He came in with five clauses that took up a foot of parchment.  We argued a bit over some of them and rewrote it on him so it's simpler and covered all the points we wanted to.  He wanted a 'you have to wear a corset' law as well.  Only included women at first.  We worked it out, took about half an hour.  That's after we set the next meeting date."

"How's the new member working out?" Molly asked.

"She has some sense and tact, even if she does like Fudge.  For whatever reason.  She and Stella discuss women's lib and things.  She was the push to keep us going earlier when we about negated the whole thing.  We were down to an excessive cleavage law.  She added children and helped expand it."

"Then she's working out fairly well," Albus agreed.  "It's good to have more women on the panel anyway."

Harry nodded.  "Stella can get scary sometimes about women's rights.  Did you know that women in the rest of the world can vote and drive?"

Dumbledore blinked.  "I dare say they could drive here if we used cars, Harry."

"No, we couldn't.  There's a law against any witch or wizard driving cars," Molly corrected.

"Not anymore," Harry told her.  "That went in the first round with the clothing laws."  He pulled out his copy of the law book and handed it to her.  "Minus today's new law.  The other one is in the back, folded up.  They'll appear in the next edition."

She sat down to read it.  "Well, this is much simpler," she said happily.

"The five officers sat on the board with three judges to advise them," Harry told her.  "They wanted it to be simpler and take out the stupid ones, like no one could wear polka dots except on certain hats.  Still don't understand that one."  He looked at Dumbledore.  "Do you want me to stay here?  Knowing that they could be coming for me?"

"We'll try it.  If not, I'm sure there's other Black family properties that would work," Dumbledore agreed.

He nodded.  "Okay then I'm here until I meet with Sam tomorrow night.  His father went back to Sunnydale to help.  Horatio reminded me to ask if I needed more help over here."

Dumbledore nodded at that.  "That's most reasonable.  Thank you for that report, Harry."

"Not a problem as the others say," he offered with a grin.  "Best to hear the bad news now so we can plan."  He walked off to take his stuff upstairs.  That way he could get his mind around having to do this by the holidays.

"His vacation did him good," McGonagall said happily.  "He's much more relaxed."

"He is," Dumbledore agreed.  "I'm very happy with the boy's conduct as well.  Our aurors asked and they said he was a very good boy on vacation.  Horatio looked over his shoulder about every day to make sure he wasn't living on the beach."

Snape shook his head.  "All young men do such things."

"What of your research, Severus?" McGonagall asked.

"It is coming down to something they can do.  We do not have similar charms according to Professor Flitwick.  If so we can remove a mark and break the link back.  It would be a good incentive to bring others to our side.  Those who joined because they're scared and stay because they're more terrified of leaving."  Dumbledore nodded.  "Have we any candidates?"

"Six or seven," he admitted.  "What of Mr. Malfoy?"

"His mother has instructed him to stay in school if he should be called.  Voldemort asked and I've told him the same thing Harris told him.  Mr. Malfoy will not do well in a combat situation.  His strengths lie in his mind.  I've also told him about the edict his head of family passed down saying that Draco may not take the Mark until he is over age or else the Ministry will try to take their funds.  That he has told the boy to think for himself and make his own decisions in regards to taking the Mark.  He thought it interesting and that it could be useful later on.  Then Harris rudely interrupted and made fun of him before calling the aurors."

"Worked for us," Tonks promised with a grin.

"Yes, so I've heard.  He was quite unamused by that act."

"He planned it, just asked for a tracking charm."

Harry came back in.  "He took tape for Sam and Dean to look at too.  That way they could help plan things."  That got a mass nod.  He looked at Snape.  "By the way, Willow does think it's hellmouth energy that blocked that curse from him," he said quietly.  "I don't know how or why."

Snape smirked. "I'll have to remember that."

"He said to tell you."

"He sent an owl?"

"He called."  He sat down at the table.  "Anything else to get on today?  Once we have battle plans, I'll bring them back.  Someone here can work out where we'll be and what spells we'll need so we all have them.  Then we'll go in I guess.  Neither one wants to plan too far ahead of time."

Snape nodded. "That's a wise idea in this case.  He's still moving around often."

"I'll let them know.  Any idea about his schedule?"  Snape shook his head.  "Then we'll take it into account somehow.  Would you like to come to the planning, sir?  That way you can tell them about any defenses he would have up?  Like the non-apparating charms?  Oh, that was the other thing.  His transformation.  Willow identified it was wandless, ancient Egyptian magic.  She thinks he might be able to get around like she does and the aurors cannot stop it yet."

Tonks smirked.  "That's a right handy thing to know, Harry.  Thanks for that."  She got up and left.  She got a full briefing from her boss and went to talk to Neville's Gram.  She smiled when the older lady opened the door.  "Mrs. Longbottom?  Auror Tonks.  I'm here to guard your family.  May I come in?"

"Whyever for?" she asked quietly.

"Let her in, Grams," Neville called.  "Harry trusts her."  She was let in and Neville looked at her.  "An attack?"

"Not by the Dark Lord, but there's another problem that he activated.  We think it's a long shot but there's been hints that the First Evil prophecies have been started thanks to him coming back."  She looked at the elderly lady, who was sitting down and shaking.  "Hey now.  It's pretty much a long shot they'll come for Neville.  I'm here to make sure you two get away if her minions come for him."

"Why would they?" she asked her.

Tonks smiled.  "There's a few kids who might fit the same prophecy that Potter fits, ma'am.  Neville does technically fit even though he's not been trained that way."  She winked at Neville.  "So we'll watch over you until we know it's safer.  We're trying to close it down early but we're not sure yet."

Neville nodded.  "We'll do whatever we can to help you, Auror Tonks."

"Just Tonks, Neville."

"Thanks."  He smiled at his grandmother.  "See, the new Council is smarter than Fudge."

"Very," Tonks agreed, smiling some.  "We've got two demon hunters on it and a bunch of cops.  They're very practical people.  We like that about them.  Offered my boss a few rule changes so we could do our jobs easier too."  Neville smiled at that.  "You're about sixteen?"  Neville nodded.  "Well, I probably shouldn't let you know but I'm going to go over how to apparate with you, Neville.  Just to make sure you can get away if you have to."

"Thank you," his grandmother said.  "When should it come?"

Tonks shrugged.  "If it comes it could be at any time.  It just depends on if she's going to act against the Dark Lord herself or not.  She might if she thinks he can get in her way.  Going after Potter and anyone who could stop him would keep them from taking down her gateway to this plane from what I'm told.   So we're here to guard you two until further notice."  She nodded. "At least until the start of school."

"That'll be fine," Neville agreed.  He followed her outside. "I'm a member of DA, Tonks," he said quietly.

"Knew that, Neville.  Harry told me," she said with a grin.  "Smart of you.  Let's get to work on that and then we'll make sure you're up to snuff if you have to cast then disappear."  He nodded, settling in to learn this new thing.  She had warned the Missue office just in case they got caught.  They agreed it was a good idea.

***

Willow appeared in Travers' office, freezing everyone.  "Morning," she said, unfreezing Travers.  "We've got issues and Watchers are being hunted.  The First Evil is being let out."

He spluttered.  "That's not possible.  No one's died!"

"Voldemort," she said slowly and clearly.  "He came back wrong.  He's her gateway and we're working on that end but we've seen Bringers going after a Watcher.  Xander saw one, the aurors have seen another."

He sat down hard, staring at her.  "You're sure?"  She nodded, pulling down the book with the prophecy for him.  He read it then sighed, looking at her.  "We're in deep trouble then."

"They're coming after Watchers.  Do you have emergency protocols?"  He nodded, giving her a 'you're stupid' look.  "Good.  Then I'd do it and maybe move the library and things?  Today?"

He nodded.  "We can do that.  You're sure?"

"Xander saw a Bringer tracking a Watcher.  He didn't say what happened.  Or where."

He sighed but nodded.  "He brought it to his new people?"  She nodded.  "Why?"

"The aurors have to know.  Think about how many mystical artifacts get into the open if Sunnydale goes down.  Or even if the Bringers do something like bring down this building, Travers."

"Good point.  Plus they might have targets there?"

She smirked.  "Xander and the Winchester family is working on the Voldemort issue.  We've been having hints but we've fully put it together now.  Giles tried to fax it."

"An underling must've gotten it.  I'll deal with it, Miss Rosenburg.  Can you unfreeze them?"

"And have to kick their hineys like Xander did?"  She snorted. "Yeah, right."  She smirked.  "Do you have anything you want me to tell Giles?  We've gotten the Winchester patriarch out to help us.  We're still down to what we usually have and we can call Xander back if we have to."

"I'll send some Wesley's way.  This could be a very bad thing for us."

"If she gets out, it's not just you who she's getting," she reminded him.  She disappeared and everyone unfroze.

Travers looked around.  "We have credible proof that the First Evil prophecy is being enacted, people.  I want emergency protocols followed today!  This minute!"  They ran to do that while he went to a meeting with the high council.  He walked in.  "Rosenburg was just here."  He slammed the door.  "The Voldemort issue is the keystone to the First Evil prophecies."  They all groaned.  "They're working on it.  Harris is working with the Potter boy.  So are some hunters from the US.  We need a strike team or better in LA to handle it if necessary.  They only have Buffy.  See about getting Faith out of prison as well."  They nodded.  "We're doing emergency protocols today.  Harris saw a Bringer following one of us."  That got a groan and they broke up to make sure their areas were covered and being moved.  He looked up.  "Let's hope the slayers are good enough this time," he prayed.  "Hell's a bit warmer than my tastes for a vacation spot."  He left and they finished moving most of the artifacts before it blew up later that night.

***

Xander woke up with his staff nearly screaming in pain.  He looked at it, taking it to hold.  "What?"  He felt its distress and went to get dressed. "Take me there."  It took him and he looked at the wreckage, gasping.  He knew that building.  "Oh, shit!"  He went to the line, shoving a police officer.  "I know them!"  They let him through to the Inspector in Charge.  "That's the Watchers Council building," he said more calmly.

He looked at him.  "I know.  Any idea why?"

"We have a major issue going on.  Anyone survive?"  He shook his head.  "Anything survive, like the library?"  He shook his head.  "Shit!"  He called a number on his cellphone.  "Wesley, why are you at the Magic Box?"  He shrugged.  "Put it on speaker, get Giles and Buffy.  Now, Wes. It's damn bad news, Wes."  He paused while he did that.  "Guys, me.  I'm here looking at the wreckage of the Council's building.  I'm sorry, guys, it looks like it exploded."  He grabbed the inspector's arm, pointing.  "They're the things that blew it up.  They're the problem, we have no idea how to kill them but they're hunting us.  We need an all-points to anyone who might know one of us."  He nodded, going to pass that on.  "Yeah, I'm positive it's a Bringer, Giles."  It stared at him.  Then it advanced.  "Giles, got any clues?  After me."  He hung up and his staff changed into a sword. "Thanks, babe."  It growled and attacked so he slammed the sword into the usual good spot - the neck.  Didn't do much damage but the thing backed off and ran.  He sighed, calling him back. "Sword to the neck did not work," he reported.  "Yeah, I need to know, Giles.  They... they're saying even the library isn't there.  I don't know if they evacuated anything.  Sure, I'll see what I can do."  He hung up and looked at the Inspector, getting a nod.  "Any clues?"

"No, sir."  He nodded at the sword that turned back.  "That yours?"

Xander grinned. "Family heirloom.  If anything survived, these people are handling the crisis," he said, writing down the number.  "It's in California.  Ask for Rupert Giles or Buffy Summers.  If anyone survived and comes looking, Rupert said to evacuate everyone back to him."  That got a nod.  "Thank you."  He walked off, thinking.  He ran into an auror, who gave him an odd look.  "The Bringer attacked me."

"You take command very well."

"I'm the general planner out there.  He knew what the Council was."  He looked at the building then at him.  "Can you tell if there's anyone alive?"

"One just left by magic with stuff," he offered. "Other than that, no."  He looked at them. "Your friend warned them."

"They have a few million book library, dude."  That got a shudder.  "Exactly."  He stared at the building again.  "If you know any of them, Giles said to fall back to Sunnydale and bring the girls if they had them."  That got a nod.  "Any way to go back and see what they did?"

"Time turner.  I don't have one.  I can't authorize you to have one and neither can the boss."  Harry walked up to him and handed him something.  "How did you get one?"

"Dumbledore's.  Hermione got it from him."  He grinned. "Comes in handy now and then around the school."  They both groaned.  "One twist an hour, Xander."  He nodded.  "I'm coming by the way."

"Sure.  Magic and I go screwy," he agreed.  He put the chain around both of them and twisted it back four hours.  They landed much further back and he sighed, looking around.  "Well, this is charming."

"This is a bit more than screwy," Harry said, giving him a dirty look.

"Not like I planned it," he complained.  He walked inside the building, since it was there, even if everyone looked like a bad Austin Powers movie remake.  Which meant it was the sixties.  "Hello, I need to speak to Quintin Travers or the most senior Watcher available.  I'm from Sunnydale.  We have a prophecy issue."  She gave him an odd look. "Don't even try, woman.  I deal with a slayer in the future.  We're having a First Evil prophecy issue.  You guys just got blown up."  She rang for someone and he looked at the guard.  "Hola."

"Who're you?"

Xander pulled out his ID, handing it over.  The man shuddered.  "Look at the date."

"I saw.  Temporal magic is dangerous."

"The First Evil just blew up the Council in my time.  I was going to go back hours.  Is Quentin Travers one of you yet?"

He nodded. "He's in training."

"Bring us to him please.  He's the head in our time."

"That's gotta suck," he muttered, walking them off.  They walked into the library and he went to find the young man while Xander pulled down the books Willow had brought him.  Harry gave him an odd look.  So did the guard when he came back.  "Sources?"  Xander nodded.  "This way, sir."

Xander followed him back, Harry right behind him.  "Travers."

"How do you know me?"

"You head the council and we've butted heads over the slayer I help in Sunnydale.  You tried to kill her on her eighteenth.  Since she's my age and still going, we think we're right."  Travers gave him a horrified look.  He shrugged.  "Tough shit, Travers.  Move on for the moment.  I'm not creating a paradox."

"Thank you for that.  I'm the head of the Council?"

He nodded.  "You are.  You sent Rupert Giles out to guard the girl in Sunnydale."  He nodded slowly.  "When we're my age, your girl and I, the First Evil prophecy is going to be started due to a bad guy in the magical world.  We won't realize it until the Bringers start showing up.  I got a funky vision during a dream.  Took us a few weeks to put everything together.  Willow, our witch, warned you today.  In the last hour, my time," he said, showing him his watch, "they blew up the council's building.  This one."  Travers went pale and the guard sat down heavily.  "No one survived.  You might have been moving things.  We're not sure."

"We'd move the dangerous artifacts first and then the books," he said quietly.  "It'd take most of a day.  We probably, barely, got done with the artifact vault.  Not the most dangerous stuff but the regular stuff."  He looked at the books and went to get another one, bringing it back.  "This one.  You need this scythe.  It's in the dangerous artifact vault somewhere."

"Send it to Rupert," Xander said firmly.  "Your slayer there is good.  We've got the magical one.  Do whatever you have to, Travers."

He nodded.  "I'll do so but I won't create a paradox if I can help it.  How did you get so far back with a time turner?"

Xander grinned, taking back his ID.  "I'm a born and bred hellmouth baby.  Things like magic go screwy around me.  The only one that doesn't is a family staff.  By the way, don't try to wet works me again, Travers.  Not before this.  I'm one of the ones working to stop the bad guy who's the gatekey.  He'll still be one even without me but they have a lot less chance of wining without some hellmouth strategies."

"Agreed," he said, shaking his hand.  "Thank you, Mr. Harris.  We'll do what we can."

"Can you get us home?" Harry asked.

"Of course."  He smiled at him.  "I've met someone who looks like you."

Xander grinned. "His parents should be teenagers probably."  He winked and walked off, taking Harry outside.  He looked at the three staffs.  "Tired, darlings?"  They hummed.  "Take us home then.  Since I know you warped it."  They were taken back home and landed beside the auror, handing Harry back the time turner.  The auror snatched it and put it into his pocket.  "We got the message through.  Let's hope he remembers."

A voice coughed and they looked back at Travers.  "It's been heading to Giles slowly over the last three days, boys."  Xander grinned.  "I thought about it very hard and then I realized how much damage you could do to us, Harris."

"Aww, you say the sweetest things."  He patted him on the cheek.  "We good?"

"We got most everything cleared and nearly everyone.  Now we're hiding.  We might still lose people."

"Yeah, but that happens in any war," Xander reminded him.  "The girls?"

"Falling back to Sunnydale too.  It's a good plan.  I've also sent him reinforcements."

"Tell them to leave John alone?  He's a hunter."

"Of course.  I already heard and told them to leave them all alone."  He gave them a look. "That was totally stupid."

"It helped, it was a very Sunnydale thing to do," Xander said.  He looked at the building then at him.  "Could've been worse since you had all died."

"Good point.  We're going into deeper hiding.  Those who can fight are heading to Giles with their girls.  Those who can't are hiding.  We hope it doesn't kill us all."

"I hope it doesn't happen at all.  I don't want to fight her."

"Him," Travers corrected.  "The First Evil is male, Harris."  He walked off, going to talk to the officer in charge about his poor building.  They could rebuild as long as they didn't all die from this.  He looked back.  "By the way, we're already down ten percent thanks to them, Harris."

"We got it to you as soon as we figured it out and told those involved with the first problem."

"Thank you."   Xander nodded, walking Harry off.  He shook his head.  "Cocky brats."

The officer looked at him.  "He takes charge very well."

"I'm hoping he doesn't have to take charge if all the Watchers die."  That got a shudder. "He helps one of our girls."  He looked back but they were gone.  So was the auror.

Harry took Xander to Grimauld place, letting him inside.  "There's a new wrinkle," he called.

"Is that why you needed my time turner?" Dumbledore asked.  He looked at Xander.  "Mr. Harris."

He grinned.  "We had to go back and warn the Watchers better than Willow did since the Bringers had blown them, their library, their building, and the thing that kills them up."

Dumbledore sat down, pale and shaky, giving them a horrified look.  "Paradox?"

"The staffs took us back to the sixties.  We warned Travers then.  They might still die by a Bringer's hand but the weapon to kill them is a scythe.  It's on its way to Sunnydale."  That got a sigh of relief.  "They also managed to save the library."

"They're down ten percent of their people?" Harry asked. "That's what he said, right?"

"Buffy's been getting slayer dreams about them going after the slayers in training, Harry.  There's a Watcher with them usually.  They've been getting them all.  Everyone is falling back to Sunnydale who can fight this time."  Dumbledore sighed in relief.  "The rest are in hiding.  No paradox, we went back too far."

"That's good to know.  My time turner?"

"The auror there has it.  Smith."  Dumbledore nodded.  "He told me what to get but said he couldn't get it for us.  Harry showed up with one."

"My staff started to scream.  The Potter one, not the Black one."

"Mine too," Xander admitted.  "That's what got me out of bed and to the explosion site."  He looked at him.  "They're still being hunted.  We're going to be down a lot of Watchers soon.  They're only getting stronger."

"But this scythe can kill them?" Dumbledore pressed.  Xander nodded.  "Then we have a chance?"

"We have a chance.  We still need to get Voldemort soon.  Harry, I'll see you tonight."  He disappeared, going to wake up Sam and tell him.  "Hey," he said quietly, nearly getting brained.  "Don't hit me."  Sam turned on a light.  He sighed.  "The Bringers brought down the Council's building."  Sam sat up, staring at him.  "The Potter staff and mine both started to get frantic so we went to see what was going on.  It had all been destroyed but Harry, I, and the staffs did some time turning."

"That's dangerous."

"We went back to the sixties.  No paradox.  They cleared the library and artifacts.  Tell your dad the scythe is traveling that way.  It has been quietly for three days.  It will kill Bringers.  All the fighting capable watchers are falling back to Sunnydale and any of the girls that're left are going too.  Tell him to warn Giles because they hate his ass."  Sam nodded, reaching for his phone.  "The rest are in hiding."  He yawned.  "The bringer did come for me.  I don't know if it was because I was there or not.  That was before we went back in time though.  Sword through the neck did not work."

Sam nodded, finishing dialing.  "Dad, heard from Xander.  Take notes."  He repeated it while Xander fell asleep on the foot of his bed.  Dean came in to give him an odd look.  "Info for Dad and them.  He had done some temporal spell."

"Nifty I guess."  He went to use the floo.  He had magic even if he hated using the wand.  "Draco Malfoy."  His sleepy head appeared a minute later.  "Xander's with us.  The problem he was briefing about earlier came for him.  I don't think it'll come for you but if you have a way to keep out super vampires, I'd pull it up now, kid."

Sam came bouncing down the stairs.  "Draco, do you have a good dark library?"  He nodded, giving them a bored look.  "Look up the First Evil and her minions, Bringers or Turok-Han.  One of them came for him earlier.  They also blew up the Watches' Council.  Fortunately they had some warning."

"Fucking hell," he muttered. "Is this that important?"

"Xander said they've been killing slayers in training and watchers.  He said they can go after anyone in their way.  Xander's in their way, Draco.  They might go after his family."

He nodded.  "Let me look that up and I'll see what we have.  Thank you for the warning.  He's there?"  They nodded.  "I'll see him tomorrow for a full briefing."

"He'll be here," Sam warned.  "He's worn out from doing some temporal magic."

Draco shuddered. "Nasty shite," he muttered.  "Thanks for the warning."  He hung up and went to look them up, still half asleep.  He found them and started to read.  What he saw woke him up and he went to tell his mother.  She wasn't in her bed.  He checked the entire house and she wasn't there.  He looked.  No mother on the wellness charm either.  He swallowed and went to hide in the specially shielded room.  Not even Voldemort could get in here.  He grabbed the books on the way but that was all he was bringing with him. He could read by wand light.  He made it in there and found his mother.  She was dead.  No sign of what had killed her.  He backed out, glancing around.  Then he headed for the floo.  "This is Draco Malfoy.  My mother's been killed and we think it could've been a Bringer," he announced when an auror answered.  She snorted.  "My head of family is Xander Harris and they attacked him earlier."

She stared at him. "Out of the way, boy."  He moved and she came through, letting him lead her to the area.  She looked then nodded.  "That's their thing."  She looked at him.  "What do you have on them?"  She took the books he was holding to read, nodding slowly.  "That's about what we have.  Anything else?"

"Winchester just called.  Xander's with them. One came for him.  They blew up the Watchers Council.  He had to do some temporal magic.  He's exhausted probably."

She nodded.  "Do you have a safer place to be tonight?  He'll help you set up somewhere tomorrow."

"Let me call someone."

"Of course.  I'll wait with you just in case."

"Why go after my mother if they're going after slayers in training, yet not me?" he asked.

"I don't know," she admitted.  "We'll have to figure that out.  Maybe they don't think you're a threat."

Draco gave her an odd look.  "My mother wasn't a threat.  I'm more of a threat than she is."  He went back to the floo.  "Severus Snape," he called as he tossed in floo powder.  His head of house was not happy.  "Bringers killed my mother.  They blew up the Watchers Council earlier."

"I'll be right there.  Xander?"

"With the Winchesters.  He had to do some temporal magic.  Probably related back to the Council stuff.  They're going after slayers in training.  I don't know why they didn't get me."

"We'll figure it out, Draco."  His head disappeared and he showed up ten minutes later, taking him, the bag the auror had him pack, his vault keys, and the books with him.  Draco had wisely packed his broom and other escape measures.  "Good thinking."  He put him into his personal house, letting him go to bed.  Then he went to call the Winchesters.  "Why would they not come after Draco?" he asked.  "They did get his mother."

Sam shrugged.  "Not a clue at the moment.  I'll ask Xander in the morning.  He's exhausted after using a time turner to go back to the sixties to warn the Council.  They got their library and most everything out.  He said the special weapon was on its way."  He sipped from his mug.  "I don't know, Professor.  We'll figure it out in the morning.  We know one went after Xander."

Draco came over.  "Why Mum and not me?"

"Maybe they think they'll get you later.  Maybe they think you're just a bystander because you haven't chosen a side.  Maybe it's where you're a bit dark, Draco.  I don't know.  When I can get Xander off the foot of my bed I'll ask him."  That got a nod. "For now, protect yourself.  Practice ways of getting away.  The auror I talked to said that the one they caught at the Council's building could not apparate.  He also could not do more than pound and beat, cut, burn, or do explosives.  They're not magic and most magic won't work on them."  Draco shuddered. "So practice ways of getting away from them."

"Gladly.  Tell him?"

"Of course."  That got a nod and they signed off.  Sam looked at Dean.  "That's a very good question.  That and why did Xander's staff and Harry's Potter staff but not the Black one react or the others."

"Vision?"

"Talked to the auor, she got it from the one on the scene."

Dean nodded at that.  "Interesting.  Maybe a link?  Xander's I can see but why Harry at all?"

Xander came down the stairs with a yawn.  "Travers had met his father.  He mentioned meeting someone who looked like him."  He looked at them.  "Who?"

"Draco's mother.  He's with Professor Snape."

"Good.  Snape can protect him.  Why not Draco?"

"That's what he wanted to know," Sam admitted.  "Us too."

Xander considered it.  "He's not a threat to them but Narcissa...."  He called someone.  "Auror Smith, was Narcissa Malfoy a potential slayer?"  She shrugged.  "There's a mole that marks them on their shoulder.  Back of the shoulder.  Left if I remember right."  She nodded.  "Then she might have been.  That wouldn't explain them missing Draco."

"He's a little dark shit, maybe she considers him a minion," she said dryly.

"I'm told the First Evil is male.  Travers said so."

"So maybe he considers Draco a minion."

"Maybe."  He hung up and went to where his heir was.  "Draco, I have part of an answer but I'm looking for the rest."  Draco looked up at him.  "Your mother was a potential slayer."

"How would you tell?" Snape asked.

"A huge, hairy mole on their left shoulder, just over the edge of it."  He pointed at the area.  "About here."

Snape grimaced.  "Not that uncommon."

"No but the placement marks it.  It could be that they missed her because of the magic.  I don't know how they missed her.  I can ask Giles."

"No, don't.  Why leave me?" Draco asked.

"No, this we need to know in case there are other girls," Snape corrected.

"I'll call and ask," Xander promised.  "I don't know," he said honestly.  "Maybe a protection on you?  Maybe something else.  I'm looking.  I'm sorry about your mother, Draco."

He nodded.  "We'll figure it out.  I've got to help now."

"No.  I want you safe.  You're not ready for combat.  Even if you are nastier than most kids, you're not ready to kill things and Bringers can only be killed with a certain weapon."

Draco nodded at that.  "Only used by one of the slayers I suppose?"

"As I heard it, yeah."

Draco swallowed.  "You'll find out?"

"I'll have Tara look, see if there's a good reason."

"Can I go see her?"

"Sure.  We can do that.  Can't we, Professor?"

"We can do a portkey," he agreed.  Xander smiled at him.  "It might hide him."

"Everyone's falling back to Sunnydale.  At the very least finding it out might help some of the others."  He stroked over Draco's head.  "For now, do what you can to rest.  We'll make any plans and things tomorrow afternoon."  Draco nodded more quickly, pulling his head away.  "I'm sorry, Draco."

"Not your fault."

"I feel like it is."  He looked at Snape.  "Call me at a slightly more decent hour?"  He nodded. "At least give me until seven.  I need a nap."  He disappeared, heading home to sleep and think.  He did call out there.  "Giles, good.  Two things.  One of my family here had his mother killed.  She was probably a potential that never got called.  For some reason the Bringers ignored him totally.  We're sending him tomorrow, Giles.  I want Tara to look him over, see if she can tell why.  Secondly.  Do you have the scythe?"  He smiled and relaxed.  John was getting it.  "If you need me, call.  My temporal twitch meant the library survived too.  Plus more watchers, all headed your way.  They'll leave John alone."  He smiled.  "Of course.  I'll come with him for a bit."  He hung up and slept for now.  He wondered about Harry's staff too, but if Travers had seen Harry's father or someone....  Well that was an interesting thought.  He'd have to ask.

***

Xander and Draco appeared in the middle of the Magic Box, letting him cough.  "I know it's early, people, but really.  It's nearly eleven."

Buffy came out of the back.  "Making tea.  Giles has a headache."  She looked at Draco then at him.  "Another Watchery refugee?"

"This is Draco Malfoy.  He's part of my family.  They got his mother for having the huge, hairy mole problem but not him."

"Why?"

"I don't know."

"Tara!" she yelled.  She came out of the back room with Willow.  "They got his mom, who had a slayer mole, but not him."

"Interesting."

"Willow, I need you to research something in the Watchery databanks if we can get into it.  Let Tara look?"

"Sure."  She let Tara have Draco and led him over to her laptop.  "What's up?"

"When the building blew, my staff and one of Harry's staffs started to scream."

"Huh."  She got into the banks.  "Which one?"

"The Potter one.  Travers said he had met someone who looked like Harry before."

"So let's see if they have anything on the staffs or Harry's father.  What's his first name?"

"James."  He sat down while she worked, watching her type.  He even smiled at Buffy when she gave him some soda.  "Thanks.  Been a long night."

"Welcome."  John walked in with a box.  "Is that it?"  He nodded, handing it over.  She  looked at the blood.  "They get him?"

"Him, his trainee, the girl," he said bluntly.  Xander groaned.  He looked at him.  "Sam and Dean?"

"Safe.  They came after me."  He called Harry's phone.  "You good?" He listened.  "That's what we're looking up.  Go somewhere extremely shielded and tell Snape plus Sam, Harry. Yeah, like now.  Why?"  He shrugged.  "Why would they come after Ron's sister?"  He slapped himself on the head.  "Mole on her shoulder, Harry?"  He asked and she said something smart.  "She's a potential.  They're going to go after her more than they will you.  This has something to do with why our staffs responded.  Hide.  Now."  He hung up and called Sam.  "Harry has Ginny Weasley and they are hiding.  She's a potential.  They came after both of them."  He hung up and looked at John.  "Sam was out of breath but it was sparring because he almost sounded happy."

"That's fine then."  He came over to look.  "What's that?"

"Last night my staff and one of Harry's reacted but none of the others."

"The Potter family had been Watchers until the magical schism of 1482," Giles said as he came out of the back.  "You do the work, even if you're not one."  Xander stared at him.  He nodded, sipping his tea.  "They were."

"Why aren't Watchers finding potentials that're magical?"

"They can't bend or break them the proper way and they can't give them the training for their magic, which can end up killing them when it comes out accidentally.  It was thought better to mark and then leave alone or watch over them."

"Do we have a list?  They've went after two now at least, and killed one."  Giles went to look it up.

"Got it," Willow said.  "Their servers and information are in Sweden."  She printed it off.  "That's the SIT's they have listed as do not touch, too magical."  Xander grinned.  "As for Potters..."  She printed something else off.  "I looked at the schism and found out why."  She handed it over.  "That's all yours.  We'll watch Draco, see why he's protected.  Then we'll send him to you directly."

"Thanks."  He kissed her on the head.  "You're my favorite research nerd."  He disappeared, heading to the Ministry.  The aurors gave him horrified looks. "I know why Narcissa Malfoy was killed.  I know why they're after the Weasley girl."  They took the information from him, giving him back the Potter information after a glance over it. "Watchers take the girls from their families to turn into perfect little soldiers.  Giles said that they couldn't break them right and accidental magic ended up frying too many people."

"We can find them and protect them," one said, smiling at him.  "Thank you.  The Malfoy boy?"

"With my friends. For some reason they didn't go near him and we need to know why.  It might be something we can duplicate to protect others."

"Why did Potter show up last night?" one asked.

"Harry's family used to be Watchers before a schism in 1482 according to Giles."  That got an understanding look.  "I'm off to Sam's house.  Harry's supposed to meet us there later.  He has the Weasley girl with him."  They nodded, going to find them first.  He smiled.  "Can I get a copy?"  That got a nod and they did that.  "Thanks."  He disappeared, landing in their front room, scaring one of the aunts.  "Sorry."

"That's all right, Xander.  Boys!"  Dean jogged in.  "Did you find anything?"

"I found a lot thanks to Willow.  Harry's family used to be Watchers.  They kicked out wizards over some sort of argument back in 1482."

"That explains his staff's thing.  Draco's mom?"

"They don't train the potentials that have too much magic.  Accidental magic would come out to kill them and they don't break right.  They had them on a list to watch."

"Aw, shit," Dean sighed.

"The aurors know.  I went there first.  Harry's got one with him."  That got a nod and he followed him out, letting Sam read.  He came back to use the floo.  "Severus Snape."  He showed up.  "Need you for ten seconds.  Can you step through?"  He nodded, coming through.  Xander handed him the list and the information sheet.  "Why and why."

Snape looked then gave him a horrified look. "They haven't been coming for them?"

"Accidental magic killed too many and they don't break right.  A direct quote."

He copied the list for himself then glanced at the information sheet.  "That would explain why, yes."  He handed them back.  "Thank you."

"I told the aurors.  I figured yours and Tonks group should know too.  Just in case.  You can probably find the students faster."

He nodded.  "We shall.  Any idea on guarding them?"

"The special weapon is in Sunnydale.  John got it before they could get it back and destroy it.  They're looking at Draco to see why he was protected.  If so, it may be able to be duplicated."   Snape nodded. "I'll know in a few hours.  When I do, you will.  So will Harry since he's got Ginny Weasley."

"That's fine."  He disappeared from right there, heading back to the meeting.  "We have a list," he announced.  "The slayer team found the list of all the potential slayers within the magical communities."  Albus snatched it to look over, sending it off with his phoenix to the other schools he knew of.  They could see if any were on their rolls and find them. "Ginny Weasley is with Mr. Potter.  Mr. Potter's family used to be Watchers before some magical division happened back in the fourteen hundreds."

"I've read about that," Dumbledore admitted.  "He told someone official?"

"He handed it to the aurors first, he told me.  He said we might be able to find them sooner.  They're looking over Mr. Malfoy to see what sort of protection it was so they might be able to duplicate it.  The special weapon is there.  It was saved before they could get to it."  That got a sigh of relief.  "So now we know most things."

"We'll get onto it," Tonks said, taking the list and heading off.  Someone else was watching Neville today for her.  She flooed her boss.  "Who do we have already?  Some aren't ours.  Dumbledore sent letters off with Fawkes to the other schools."

He nodded. "We've sent it Ministry to Ministry.  We have the Weasley girl and Potter here.  We're waiting on word of what they find over Malfoy."

"The girls?"

"We're looking."

"Let us," she ordered.  He nodded. "Where to?"

"Here.  We have special shields on some rooms that may work."  She nodded and hung up, going to help the teachers gather the other girls they knew about.  Dumbledore went to tell Molly first but that was what he should be doing.

***

Draco reappeared in the Ministry.  "Hello."  They all stared at him.  "My mother had one of them cast a fairly sophisticated charm over me to hide me from the Watchers and anything that may come after her for her well being.  They found the charm."  He held it up.  "It's not our magic.  The Watchers didn't really deal with it."

Harry looked then nodded.  "Can they cast it over the lot of them?"

"For the most part.  Willow's trying with the girls they have there."

"Bill can do some of it," Ginny said quietly from her corner.  "He's a curse breaker and he's been in the tombs so he's been studying what he's recovered."

"If not, Xander once told me there's a coven in Devon.  One that his Watcher trusts to be white lighters," Harry said.

The head auror nodded.  "We'll find 'em."

"He did warn Dumbledore to be polite," Harry warned.  "They can fry us and might not like us."

"Good point.  I can do that anyway.  C'mon."  He took him and Draco, after copying the sheet and leaving a copy with Ginny to call her brother, and took them to the Devon office.  "You louts know anyone in the local coven of the other sort?"  One snorted.  "Shut it.  We've got a prophecy that's killing young women and blew up the Watchers Council last night.  He-Can't-Be-Named being brought back wrong started the First Evil prophecies.  We sent you a briefing sheet."

"Barely got it this morning.  Why do you need them?"

"Their magic has a way to shield people they're after," Harry said.  That got some respect and they were led to one's house.  He smiled at the older woman who answered.  "Ma'am, Harry Potter."

"We can't help you with Voldemort, Harry."

"No but your kind of magic can help us protect the ones the Bringers are coming after thanks to him being brought back.  They blew up the Council last night."

"I saw that on the news. What protection?"  The sheet was handed over.  She looked at it.  "Who cast this?"

"One of the Watchers cast it for my mum," Draco said honestly.  "They ignored me when they came for her."  She gave him a hug.  "Thank you," he said awkwardly.  He pulled away as fast as he could.  "My head of family does that too," he said at her amused look.  "He's strange enough."

"Xander is strange," she agreed.  "Always has been.  Though he's a very good boy.  He keeps Willow from going evil."  She let them into the house.  "How many do we have under protection?  I don't know if we can cast it over a group or have to do it individually."

"We're leaving it to you since you know that sort and we don't," the auror said honestly.

"Are you going to try to arrest us this time?" she asked conversationally.

He smirked.  "Harris is on the Founders Council and they changed the law.  It's a referendum that we don't understand your ways well enough to trust you guys, but for now we'll study you and see if you're good or not."   Harry coughed and unshrunk his book to hand over, turned to the right page.  "You carry that?"

"I was reading it last night when they broke in.  It was instinctive to put it in my pocket," he admitted.  "Any idea why my staff reacted?"

"Your family used to be Watchers way back when," the auror told him.  "They found that when they found the list of girls."  He looked at the witch, who was giggling.  "The best he could do."

"It shows and it's much nicer of him.  Thank you, Harry."

"Not a problem. He explained some things.  Can we cast it over the girls they want to kill?"

"I'd need information I might not have."

"Willow found that after Tara found the spell on me," Draco told her.

"Ginny said her brother Bill's been studying from the tombs he's been raiding for Gringotts," Harry added.  "He might be able to do some of this sort of magic."

She nodded. "Then we might be able to do something.  Let me call the others, see if we can get a full copy of the spell."  She went to do that, starting with Willow.  She sent it to her in her email and it was very nice.  "Three of us will have to cast it.  The idiot who cast it on Draco made him null and unable to hurt the dark."  She gave him a look.  "Don't go to his side, boy."

"I'm still making my decision.  I can't hurt the dark?"  She shook her head.  "So I'm harmless?"

"To the dark," she agreed.

He considered it.  "That's odd."

"They botched it," she said honestly.  He smirked at that, nodding a bit.  "I'm sorry about your mother."

"It happens.  We're working on things.  I'll grieve in private."

She nodded, gathering some things and two other members of her coven.  Then they went off with them, back to the office.  She smiled at Ginny.  "Let's use you as a test case, young lady.  You and Mr. Potter first.  I do like the muting charm someone did on you, Harry."

"Tara.  Xander asked so I could have a real vacation and be a bit safer."

"It's very well done.  We should get Tara over for some training time.  We could use some new blood and she seems quite good.  We were all proud of Xander when he brought her over to help him and it kept her from being killed."  She led them into a room to get to work on them.

The auror looked at Draco.  "Find your head of family."  He nodded, going to floo there.  He slumped, then wrote out a memo to the others who had to know.  He decided to include Dumbledore since he was looking for the girls with them.  Saved time and Tonks' energy blipping back and forth to tell him.

Family Staffs 8

Notes:  some mild spoilers for books six and seven of HP.  Also mild NC-17/hard R rating on this part.

Xander smiled at Harry when he finally made it over.  "Good news.  They could cast it over it over *all* the remaining slayers in training."  Harry grinned at that.  "Not all the Watchers however."

"Not over the girls who were overage either," Harry told him.  "We had two here and they couldn't."

"That makes sense.  It's easier to ward kids than adults," Sam agreed.  "We're expecting Professor Snape too, Harry."

"That's fine.  We can be polite to each other."  Xander gave him an odd look.  "He hated my father.  My father was a bastard to him in school."

"Better and better."  Xander led him over to where they were looking at plans on the outdoor table.  "How's this look?"

Harry looked.  "What's that?"

"Tonks said that's the house he was using this week.  Draco thinks he's using this configuration for how he's setting up.  Snape can tell us how they're doing wards," Sam said.  Harry nodded slowly.  "If they're not there, the general outline will still work."

Xander grinned.  "We're good at this, Harry."

"I'm hoping so.  Are we sure we can get him?"

"If we can trap him, we can do the spell on him.  That'll cancel the resurrection and leave him back to the state he was in before.  We can capture him at that point and then kill him once we find a definitive way."

Harry nodded.  "Dumbledore said something about Horcruxes but I have no idea what they are."  Sam sat down behind his laptop to look them up on various research sites.  Harry looked then smirked.  "Really?"

"Really," Sam agreed, grinning at him.  "We'll find them and it'll be easier."  Professor Snape appeared.  "Evening, sir.  We've got a preliminary plan done."

"He has some way of watching me," he said, not moving.

Xander looked at him then at Harry.  "Can you blind any watching spells?"  Harry nodded, using the Black staff for that.  It was a bit more...even about working on other people.  They both walked over to the table.  "How's this look?"

Snape frowned.  "He moved from that house last night."

"Bringers?" Sam asked.

He shook his head.  "He felt it had been compromised."  Xander put up another plan.  "That is the house he's in.  How did you know?"

"It's a house Lucius bought," he said dryly, giving him a look.  They adjusted the plans for what Snape knew would be his preferred method of hiding in there. They nodded, had a snack while Harry called Tonks to get them some backup, then the three boys and Dean 'ported via the staffs into position just outside of sensing range.  "He in there?" Xander asked.

Harry shook his head.  "I can't feel him this far away usually.  I don't now."

Tonks appeared behind them.  "How many?"

"Not a clue," Xander admitted.  "We just got here.  We're trying to see if he's here."  She shook her head.  "Then we'll go capture some and maybe someone will know where he is."  They formed into a strike team, the four of them behind the aurors, and went in to clear the house of Death Eaters.  Xander looked at the blinking thing Dean found.  "Wow.  Haven't seen one of those in a while."  He got down to look. "Could use some wire cutters or a knife, guys.  Mine's on the table at home."  Dean handed his over.  "Thanks."  He cut the right wires then handed it over.  "Someone has been looking at muggle weapons or there were Bringers here.  That's the same way their bomb was from what I saw of the debris."

Tonks gaped.  "You know bombs?"

"Horatio knows them better.  I know a few kinds because we were debating how to bomb the school to get the mayor."  She shuddered and walked off to tell her boss that there had been a bomb.  They cleared the house and found the last few house elves, which Xander brought with him.  Xander sat down in front of them.  "I know you guys are very smart.  The same as I know that house elves are very strong and hear nearly everything that goes on in any house."  They both nodded slowly.  "I need to know where Voldemort went."

"Master say no tell anyone," one said.

Xander pulled out his staff, showing it to him.  "I am the head of the Malfoy family.  Lucius is in jail."

Draco stared at them.  "Tell him or tell me.  Do it now or I'm giving you clothes and dropping you in the damn river," he snapped.  "I'm not going to play with you like my father did, but I did learn very well at his feet."

One nodded.  "We is being Malfoy elves.  Bought by Lucius."

"Then tell us what we want to know," Draco ordered.  They nodded and told them everything they had overheard.  Tonks took off for another house to raid it with her boss.  Draco made other notes.  He looked at them.  "For right now, you are to not talk to anyone outside of myself, my head of family, and Potter or Snape," he said, pointing at them.  "You are to go to Professor Snape's choice of residence and work there until I say otherwise."

"I don't need one," Snape said calmly.

"Send them to the school then," he said with a wave of his hand.  "We don't want them to be somewhere they can be called back."

"We don't want them at the school.  There's a good possibility he'll use the school as a standing ground.  It represents too much to the light," Xander said quietly.

"He not attack school until coming back day," the other one told him.

Draco looked at Xander.  "How did you know?"

"If you had the chance and choice to take out something that meant so much to the light, that was a shining light of strength and the other side, wouldn't you?"

"Well, yes."  He looked at them.  "The coming back day?"  They nodded.  "Damn it."

"I'll let someone know," Harry said.  "Anything else you know about that?"

"Planned on sitting in there when students come," the other said grimly, kicking his fellow house elf. "Not tell them that."

"No, you'll be telling us that or I'm pinning your ears to the ceiling," Draco assured him.  They babbled about that at them.  "Any other plans?"  They babbled about the one for Yule.  "Well, damn," he said, walking off shaking his head.  "Professor, send them somewhere?"

"I have no idea where to put them.  He could use them under an Imperious."

"Think Willow would like a house elf?" Harry asked with a grin.

Draco gave him an odd look.  "Don't make me concuss you, Potter."

"They might.  They've got to feed a lot of mini slayers and they all eat like cows," Xander told him.

"They're muggles," Draco reminded him patiently.

"Who use magic," Xander shot back with an evil grin.  "Besides, it's good stress relief for them, Draco.  Mac said petting Floppy gives him good ideas."

"He *pets* his house elf?"

"On the head.  Nothing bad.  Like you would your cat."

Draco shuddered, shaking his head at the end.  "The world as we know it is going to hell," he muttered, walking off.  "I'm off to find a drink," he announced, going to do that.  The Leaky Cauldron should be safe enough at the moment.  He had his cloak and he could hide a table if he had to.  His head of house would be joining him later.

"You'd have to get permission," Snape said plainly.

Xander called the cellphone he had given to Tonks.  "Hey, can we send these two house elves, who gave us very good information about the attack on the school and on the ministry, to Willow and them?  They're feeding an extra large army of slayers in training, who graze all day long.  Please?"  He grinned. "Thanks, Tonks."  He hung up and looked up.  "Hey, Willow?"  She appeared, looking oddly at the creatures, tipping her head to the side.  "They're house elves.  They're the servants over here.  They're bred and born to serve.  They love to serve and cook and clean and mend and all that stuff you won't have time to do.  They've been very good house elves who have given us a lot of information about an attack on the school and the ministry.  We need them somewhere safe so they can't be used but I was thinking you guys could use the help feeding everyone while keeping each other safe.  They're very powerful magical creatures, they just don't want to use it against humans."

"Sure, why not.  Can't be any worse than the six new cats the fussing Watchers turned into when they made Tara cry."  She took them back with her.  Buffy gave them a confused look. "They're house elves.  Xander said they're bred and born as the servants in their world.  These two need to be kept safe but they like to cook and clean and that stuff.  Xander thought it might be best if we watch them so his bad guy doesn't get them and they can help us with the cooking stuff."

"Kneady loves to cook," he assured Buffy.  "Makes very good beds too."

"Can't be any worse than the four new gerbils Dawn turned some of the mini slayers into for going off on her for being here."

"Cool.  Guys, this is the kitchen in here.  You can hang out with us or in there or whatever."

"House elfs do not hang out with human masters.  It's wrong," Kneady told her.

She frowned. "Master?"

"Those who own house elfs.  We serve because we like it," the other one told her.  She smiled.  "Any food for elfs to cook?"

"Sure, find whatever you can.  There's about sixty people in the house right now so we might need groceries."  She turned and found Tara there, shrugging a bit.  "Xander said they're born and bred this way."

She nodded.  "I've seen and asked.  They can get free.  They can be freed, but that makes them suicidal in most cases."  Willow moaned.  "They're very helpful and they don't want to be freed, Willow."

"Fine.  We'll work on that *after* this issue."

"Good."  She smiled.  "I turned them all back."

"Dawn's too?"

She nodded.  "I had to.  They were yelling at each other and I couldn't sleep."

"Do not wake my witch up any more!" Willow shouted.  "Or else I'm turning everyone into something slimy!  Then I'll let Xander turn you back!"  That stopped any and all fighting.  It went back to a polite argument between Giles and the other Watchers.

Buffy grinned.  "Nice work."

"Thank you."

"Need midol?" Buffy quipped.  "Second cabinet, beside the sink."  Willow got some with a blush, taking it and taking Tara to the yard to snuggle under the stars.  She shook her head, going back to the living room.  She leaned in.  "My town, my rules.  Shut up or go be killed somewhere else.  Any other questions?" she demanded.  They all stared at her.  She smiled.  "Good.  Then find us somewhere we can all live in together."

"The mansion," Giles said.

"That'll work.  Pack!" she yelled. "We're moving the camp!"  The house elves brought out single bags but they looked heavy.  "Is that the food?"

"Food, pots, all kitcheny stuff," Kneady told her.

"Frost gathered all sheets and towels, plus laundry," she said happily.  "Will do there."

"Sure," she agreed.  "Let's go!" she ordered.  Most of them came down the stairs with their bags.  "C'mon, guys, I'll show you where we're heading."  She led the way, doing a small patrol on the way to the mansion.  There were still some vamps in town.  The girls were edgy.  It'd calm them down.  The house elves walked in first, shrieking about needing to clean stuff, heading to the kitchen.  Frost disappeared, making Buffy blink, but reappeared a second later with mops, brooms, and buckets.  "Need help?"

She swatted at her.  "Cleaning is house elf job, not human job!"  She went to work cleaning things.

Willow came in with the next group.  "Wow, they're better than a cleaning spell any day."

Buffy nodded. "Definitely."  She and the other slayers watched them work.  They were very efficient.

John looked then moaned, shaking his head.  "Two were following Dean around to learn how to pick up girls," he muttered as he walked off.  "Do the house elves need more help?" he yelled from the kitchen.

"Could use one more," Frost yelled back.  "Please Mr. John sir."

John came out.  "How did you know me?"

She covered her ears.  "Bad men talks about Mr. John sir.  Saying he is a thorn and a pain in the side of the dark.  Will have to remove thorn to get sons out of way."

John smiled.  "Will you tell me what else they said?"

"After clean.  Not clean, not good for humans," Kneady said firmly, swatting at him.  "Go sit!"

"Sure.  Let me call my sons to see if they can spare theirs for a few hours."  He walked off calling them.  "Boys, the house elves are great.  We moved camp to an old mansion that Buffy and Giles knew about.  They also said that there's a plan by your bad guy to remove me because I'd take you out of the game."  He listened to how the earlier raids had went.  "Good.  Excellent job, boys.  Can we borrow the two there?"  He smiled.  "That'll work.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "They're coming."  He went back to checking all the exits.  Giles gave him an expectant look.  "I asked when Xander sicced two on Dean to protect him from other wizards who might try to hurt him and to learn how to pick up girls from him. They followed him like it was a parade for days.  Even watched him while he slept."

Giles smiled.  "Xander can be odd sometimes," he agreed.  "He's generally a good boy.  As long as he's not dating."

John snickered.  "Fudge tried to get them all to marry."  He walked off smiling, looking in on the house elves that had appeared. "There's three more floors, guys.  Mostly bedrooms.  We'll need them by lights out tonight."  They  nodded. "One of you start on food please?  The slayers in training are always hungry."  One went to do that for him.  "Thank you."  He looked at Willow.  "Don't ask.  They say they like it.  They complain when they're freed.  It's been this way for centuries according to the one I asked.  They like it this way.  I don't know why.  Sam tried to make one of them quit cooking and she burst out crying because he didn't love her enough to make her cook."

"That's still freaky and probably wrong."

He shrugged.  "Their world, their ways, girl."  He walked off.  "Giles, take some of the whiny bastards and go relieve the shop of anything we might need in case of an assault.  Bring books for research and the spell stuff too."  He nodded, going to do that.  "Buffy, I want you to run a training group.  I want to make sure all the girls are up to the same place as you were when you had been called for a year."  She nodded, taking them off to do that in the yard.  "Willow, Tara, relax.  We'll have spell stuff to do later.  Take a nap now so you won't be woken up by the patrol."  They nodded, going to do that.  He looked at the remaining Watchers.  "Set a watch rotation.  At least one slayer and one watcher on at all times.  Two if possible.  Front and back."  They nodded, going to do that. "Damn I'm still good," he said as he walked, proud of himself.  He ran into Dawn in the kitchen, watching the house elf.  "Go take a nap now if you can."

She looked at him.  "I'm a pretty strong witch."

"With no training.  Unless you can power boost, I want you out of the way until you've had some training, Dawn.  Magic can kill you, no matter how easy they make it look.  It's still a tool and a weapon.  Until you know it, you can't use it."  She nodded at that.  "The other option is to call Xander or someone to see if they can shield you."

Tara walked in, patting him on the arm.  "Giles said there's a good coven in Devon," she said quietly.  "They might be able to."

"They might," he agreed.  "I'll let him call when he gets back."  He looked at her.  "I'm not going to let you go into the battle, Dawn.  You're too young.  I wouldn't do it to my sons and I'm not letting you.  I'm not letting any of the girls under the age of sixteen go if I can help it."  She slumped and nodded.  "You've got your whole life ahead of you to get into battles.  This isn't yours."  He tipped her chin back up.  "Some day this'll be your job.  For now, watch, learn, and help where you can.  Help with the research and stuff."  She smiled at that.  "Good girl.  I'll talk to Giles about the coven thing.  Buffy would probably fight better if you were safe."  She nodded, going to talk to her sister.  He looked at Tara.  "Good idea.  Closer to the boys too."

"How's their thing?"

"Going.  They captured another thirty death eaters today."  He smirked.  "Voldemort has some sort of spying magic somewhere on Snape.  He's not sure how.  They've been trying to block it but haven't managed it yet."

She smirked.  "I think we might be able to help them with something."  She went to look up a spell on the site Sam had shown her, emailing it to him.  That could definitely help and it wasn't that hard to do.

***

Sam looked over at his laptop since it was playing the 'new email' song.  He got up to check.  "Something from Tara."  He smiled at the short note.  "They're at the mansion, Xander?"

"Angel's old crib."  He got up to look, smirking some.  "We might be able to talk the coven into it.  If not, maybe one of the others."  They looked at the spell then Xander summoned Snape so he could do it on himself.  It'd work best that way.  He did it and sighed in relief.  "Okay, now let's get back to work."  Snape settled in to help them make plans over the meal.  They had to trap Voldemort soon.

***

In London, Minister Fudge was buying a very dark bottle of something.  He had a plan to stabilize his world and they would go along with it once they knew why he had done it.  He was making the world safer for everyone. It'd only take a few hours and they could spare that much for stress relief, couldn't they?

Now, how to get it to them....

***

Xander moaned as he tasted the butterbeer in his hand.  "Oh, shit," he called.  Dean gave him a horrified look.  "Take the butterbeer from me, from Sam, from everyone.  Call the others?"  He grabbed his head as the potion started to work.

"Poison?" Dean asked.

"Worse.  Lust potion."

Dean moaned but he did as ordered, taking it and recapping it so it could be tested later.  He got Sam and Xander both upstairs because Sam had gulped his butterbeer - he was just back from his run.  Sam moaned before attacking Xander and that's all it took.  They both gave in.  "That's really strong," he decided, going to call the others from their cellphone.  "Mac, Dean Winchester.  Sam and Xander just got given a lust potion in their butterbeers.  I have no clue what I'm supposed to do.  Beyond letting them have the room, that's all I've figured out.  I've got it here to be tested.  Please.  Warn the others?"  He smiled.  "Thanks, man."  He hung up and went up to check on them.  They were making some nice sounds together.  Sam was clearly needy and Xander was a bit dominant but that was fine with Sam at the moment.

***

Mac hung up and called Horatio.  "It's me.  The boys got hit with a lust potion just now.  Dean called, I haven't felt it yet but be on guard for it.  Ask Ryan, he might know."  He hung up and paged Stella, but didn't get anything.  He paged Danny and Don, making them both come running since it was an emergency code.  "Sam and Xander just got given a lust potion," he announced.  "Stella's not answering a page."

"Whoever gave it to them is screwed under most rape statutes," Don said grimly.  "Where was she, Mac?"

"Down in fingerprints last I knew," Danny said.  Don headed that way.  "You feeling okay?"

"So far.  Then again I haven't eaten anything recently."

"Let's stick with that.  Only stuff you open.  Lust potion tastes like violets if I remember my lessons right.  If you get hit, lock yourself down or find a friend, Mac.  It's all you can do.  Because you doing it for yourself won't work with them.  It'll get exponentially worse."  Mac sighed, nodding.  "Got it?"  He nodded. "You call the others?"

"I called Horatio, I'll let him tell Gibbs."

"Good.  Let's go find Stella."  They went to help Don look, finding them in a lab with someone watching.  "Someone dosed her," Danny announced.  "Leave her alone.  She can't control it."  He tugged on Don's arm.  "Napping closet," he ordered.  Don nodded, taking her that way.  He glared at the tech.  "Someone slipped it into something, probably a drink since it's usually found in liquid form.  Find it."  They went to look, finding it in her lunch's soup.  Danny tested it himself, nodding. "That's it."  He poured it into a specimen jar and put it in a freezer.  He looked around.  "Mac?" he called, going to check him.

"How did someone break into the lunch room to dose someone?" the tech called after him.

"No idea yet.  Let us handle it and leave her alone about it."

"Yes, Danny."  He shrugged.  "I only wanted to watch.  She's hot like that," he muttered.

Danny found Mac sweating in his office.  "Did you eat some of Stella's soup?"

"I got a bottle of water from the machine," he said, rubbing his forehead.

"Keys," Danny said.  Mac gave him a look.  "Now.  You've been dosed too.  There's only one cot in the napping closet."  Mac tossed them over.  "C'mon, let's head to your place. It'll be easier when we tie you down or you can call someone over in private."  He walked him out, taking him down to his car, ignoring the scent that was pouring off him.  He rolled down the windows to dilute it but that was normal from what he remembered.  Getting him home was a trial and Mac nearly pounced him when his control finally shattered.  "You sure?"

"It won't get weird?"

"I cannot and will not hold this against you, Mac," he promised.  Mac nodded, pulling him closer to wear this out with him.

***

Horatio hung up and moved away from his desk.  "Lucia, do not touch anything on the desk."  He called Tony's phone, getting his director.  "Director Sheppard, I need to warn Tony about something.  Because someone just drugged two of the people on the board we sit on."  She said something smart and hung up so he called Gibbs' phone, getting her.  He called Abby's phone.  "Tell me they're not in the field, Abby.  It is Horatio.  You have to get word to Gibbs immediately that at least two of the Council have been dosed with a drug that sends the person out of control.  The person who told me called it a lust potion and he watched two very straight young men have to jump each other because of it.  Have Tony call me to make sure he's fine."  He snapped his fingers at Ryan.  "Lust potion?"

"Tie yourself down or find someone, it'll get exponentially worse if you try to handle it on your own.  Lasts about six to seven hours depending on dosage.  Longest recorded is twenty-seven-and-a-third hours from a triple dosage and that person nearly died.  That's what finally wore it off, the medicine to control the heart attack.  It's usually found in liquid form and if they dosed anyone they're in violation of every single country's rape statutes.  Why?"

"Someone dosed Sam and Xander with one."

"They're screwed then.  It's usually in liquid form and if it was one of us it can be in something unopened."

"Heard that, Abby?"  He nodded.  "That stuff.  Please."  He hung up and looked at his desk.  "Can you tell it?"

"She can.  Lucia?"  She blinked up at him.  "Someone's going to be trying to dose Horatio with a lust potion."  She held up his coffee mug. "It's already in there?"  She nodded.  "Let me analyze this and clean it, H.  We'll see what we can do.  Make sure he doesn't get any, all right?"

"Lucia will guard the Horatio."  He nodded and patted her on the head before leaving with the coffee cup.  "Horatio needs new coffee?"

"Maybe in a bit, Lucia.  Can you see if it's in anything else, like my lunch?"

"Lucia will beat someone for that!  Horatio needs his lunch!"  She went to check, bringing Ryan two more things.  "Lucia found it here too."

"Thank you, sweetie.  I put a bag of peppermints in Horatio's desk."  She went to get into them.  He analyzed all three samples, frowning when it came up.  "Aw, crap, they did the extended version.  That's going to cause merry hell."  He printed it out before sealing samples for later proof.  Then he brought it all up to Horatio.  "They used an extended version.  It will not only make you want to jump someone, it will create a situation where you have to once your control snaps.  No matter what their gender or your preference is.  No matter if you're married or not."

He sighed. "Who do you think?"

"It's coming up right so I'm thinking they bought it off the black market.  Pick a bad guy, H."

"Local?"

"No, you can't get it locally.  Every now and then I check but the local potions person loathes this one because it knocked him up."

"Him?" he asked.

"Using a few other potions at the same time.  They did it to him at the potion's college he went to.  A dorm prank turned very wrong."  That got a nod.  "Just don't eat or drink anything that she doesn't clear first.  You have a good case against them."  He handed it over.  "You'll feel light-headed first, things'll start to smell better, then you'll start to feel the normal symptoms of needing someone.  Until you finally snap and grab them, even if they aren't willing."

Horatio nodded. "If I feel that, I'm handing my gun over.  Lock me somewhere and have Speed watch over me."

"He's off today, H."

"You can call and bring me to him?"

"I can fight you off or stun you for long enough," he promised with a grin.  "You feeling all right?"

"I'm fine.  Not lightheaded.  Pissed but not light headed."

"Call as soon as you do.  They're sneaky if they soaked your sandwich."  He left, going down to the lab to brood about this.  This was not a good thing.  Very not a good thing.

***

Tony grabbed the phone off the desk.  "Hello," he said happily in his fake accent.  He listened to the note then Abby hung up.  He frowned, looking at his supposed bodyguard, Gibbs.  "That was strange."

"What sort of strange?"  He looked up from his reading.

Tony strolled over.  "Someone just called to warn me that at least three people I know have been dosed with a new street drug and they think they'll try me soon."  Gibbs gave him a long look.  "An anonymous source.  Very nice young lady."  He sat down, then looked at the magazine.  "Nothing better to do?"

"No.  Not yet.  When we go out I'll be less tired."  He started to sip his coffee but Tony stopped him.  "Some reason I can't drink it?"

"I'd rather be careful at the moment.  The person who did this got people in a few different cities with something that turned them...rabid."

"Biting?"  Tony gave him a look and he knew that look.  He'd seen him give it to girlfriends over the years.  "You're not joking?"

"No.  They got at least three of them."

Gibbs nodded once.  "How?"

"Liquid from what she said.  She said it makes you do strange things for six to seven hours usually, but has been known to act up to twenty-seven hours in the past.  It's a relatively new street drug.  Not one I want to run into while alone.  They said that could make it worse."

Gibbs nodded. "Then we'll be careful.  Any idea if it's got a taste?"

"She said violets.  She double checked with another source."

Gibbs sniffed his coffee, then let him sniff it.  "Like that."

"Like that," he agreed.  They shared a look and Gibbs went to restart the coffee maker.  When the new cup came out the same way, he gave it up.  Maybe sealed bottles?  Tony gave him a look and shook his head.  "I'm wondering which one it was."

"I don't know.  Think it can be found chemically so we can beat whoever did it, boss?"

Tony smirked.  "What a very wicked idea.  I'll have to look into that."  He went to lie down on the bed.  He wasn't even drinking things from an unopened can until they were sure it was going to quit coming.

***

Dean checked on them, finding them tangled together and both of them were fighting to get on top.  He walked in and pushed Sam over, letting Xander get on top and make him happier.  Of course, Xander had demonically induced stamina and Sam was a normal guy who had went out with normal girls.  Xander was clearly going to kill him.  Dean took off his shirt and joined in, kissing up the back of Xander's neck.  "Go easy on him, Xander."

Xander grinned at him.  "Of course.  I know he didn't get the lessons I did from Anya."

"Need me to help?"

"If you want."  He winked and went back to it, making Sam howl in pleasure.  "I didn't even get to the good stuff yet," he pouted.

Dean laughed, pushing Xander onto his side.  Sammy went willingly and it was good for now.  Xander was preparing him and Dean grabbed the lube, preparing Xander for himself.  Xander moaned, arching back into his fingers.  "Let me," he soothed.  "It'll help wear it out sooner."  Xander nodded, sliding into Sam's body.  Sam was begging and pleading for more.  Dean slowly slid into Xander, he was still a bit tight.  Finally he was in and Xander was enjoying it by the noises he made.  "Nibble on his throat," he whispered in his ear, shoving in a bit to make Xander thrust into Sam.  Xander did and it was nice.  He slowly ordered him in how to tease his brother and it was good.  Sam got off and napped.  Dean got Xander off a minute later and he fell into a nap.  Dean went limp on the bed.

"It's all you can do when they've been hit," one of the aunts said from the doorway.  "It'll be a few before they're right again.  Put them in the shower after this and let them play."

Dean nodded.  "Xander's last ex was a nympho.  He can go for hours."

"This'll wear some of that out.  You can referee for them, Dean."  He nodded and she went to call someone.  "Tonks, dear.  We have a small issue."

"What sort of issue?  An attack, an imp...."

"Lust potion in the butterbeers Xander and Sam were drinking."

"That's not a small issue," she corrected.  "That's nearly treason with who they are."

"Dean's refereeing.  I heard Dean calling around.  It might be too late for some of the others too."

"I'll get onto the Americans to check the ones over there.  See if we can get samples."

"Xander tasted it and had Dean cap his."

"Even better," she agreed, coming through the floo to get it.  She tested the bottle with her wand, nodding.  "That's the expanded version.  It'll probably be hours, Cordelia."  She smiled at her.  "Good catch."

"Dean's making sure Xander can't hurt Samuel.  Who would do such a thing?  He-Who- We-Don't-Name wouldn't, would he?"

"Nah, beneath him," she agreed.  She sealed the bottle and took it with her.  "Thanks for this.  Keep them indoors.  Have the house elves check everything else."  She nodded, going to do that.  Tonks apparated back, holding up the bottle.  "Expanded lust potion," she called.  Her boss came to the door.  "Got Sam and Xander at Sam's house.  This is Xander's butterbeer.  He tasted it and knew."

"Well, shite," another one said, taking it to check.  "It is."

"Dean was trying to call around.  We should call our American cohorts and have them check on the others."

"I'll call someone to check on Potter," her boss agreed.

"This one has an age clause," Tonks said with a smirk.  "Harry's only sixteen, boss."

"Even better," he said, relaxing some.  "Get over to them."  She nodded, going to call over the floo.  "Mark that into evidence.  I want to know who did that."

"I'm sure they will to," Tonks quipped.

***

Ryan looked up, jogging out to intercept the person wearing robes.  "I have three samples of the lust potion that tried to get Horatio.  He's got his house elf here and she can tell."  That got a smile and a nod.  "They're up in the office."  He led him that way, looking at Horatio.  "Can you check him for it?"

He did it and nodded.  "Barely dosed, but some."  Horatio gave him an odd look.  "American Aurors, Lieutenant.  Any idea what's going on?"

"Dean Winchester called Mac Taylor to say Sam and Xander had been dosed," he said.  "Mac was worrying about his people.  I called Abby, at the NCIS lab, to warn Tony and Gibbs.  They're undercover and their director has their phones."

"Interesting.  Wrong way to do that but interesting."  He took the samples to test, nodding.  "Chemical analysis too.  Thank you, Wolfe.  Much better than we usually see you for."

"It's not my fault the guy pisses everyone off and he ends up being a little pink toad.  If he left me alone I wouldn't accidentally change him."

"I'll remember that the next time," he said dryly, looking at Horatio.  "You've been dosed, you should head home," he ordered.

"I'm going to be with one of my people so they can watch over me."

"Have them tie you down or have fun."

"I heard."  He looked at his gun.  "Am I fit to drive?"

"Use the staff, Horatio," Ryan said gently.  Horatio glared.  "You can."

"Fine."  He did that.

Ryan grinned at Lucia.  "Lock up and head home.  He'll be fine.  You can bring them dinner later at Speed's."  She nodded, doing that.  Ryan looked at the auror.  "Mac's in the NYPD Manhattan felony lab.  Him, Danny Messer, and Stella Bonasera all sit on the same council as Horatio."

"I'll check.  I'll check on Gibbs too.  Thanks, Wolfe."  They walked out and Lucia locked the office door before she disappeared.  "Gotta love house elves," he said fondly, heading off with the samples.  Someone was getting a few boots up the ass soon.  Since they were American aurors they even wore the heavy combat boots that left a deep imprint.

Ryan went to talk to Eric and Calleigh.  "Horatio was just dosed with something, but he got a very minor dosage," he told them.  "It's basically equivalent to a lust potion.  It breaks control, makes you snap, do things you wouldn't normally do.  He's headed to Speed's house.  Whoever gave it to him got his lunch good and the agent who just took the samples is figuring that out."

"Why go to some agent?" Calleigh demanded.  She saw the look he and Eric shared.  "Oh, no, this isn't some guy thing.  I want a straight answer."

Ryan leaned back.  "Timmons?"  He came back from the elevator.  "She wants to know why I went to you instead of handling it in-house."

"Just don't change her into a toad too," he complained, heading off again.

Ryan pulled them out of the way.  "You know that staff Horatio always has with him?" he asked.  She nodded slowly. "It's a lot like mine," he said, pulling his wand.  "Only his is more powerful and he never went to school for it.  The council he sits on with the others got dosed with a lust potion.  It's already made at least two het people jump each other.  What they did is so much worse than roofies.  It's also across a few continents since the council they sit on is in England."  He looked at the door then changed Stetler into a dog.  A cute dog, a blue dog, but a cute dog.  "Not a toad," he sneered at him.  "Feel lucky."  Timmons appeared and took the dog, giving him a dirty look for disappearing again.  "That's why I usually see him.  Usually because Stetler pisses me off and he turns into a small, pink toad."

Eric snickered.  "Speed would love that."

"He's got Horatio.  H got a very light dose.  Most people would've broken by now and pounced someone, unwilling or not."

She frowned.  "So you're saying this thing is going across state lines?"

"State and country lines," he agreed.  "And I'm sure when Horatio finds them they're going to wish they were dead.  If Xander or Stella doesn't get there first."

"Oooh, that might be painful for her."

"Very."  He looked at Eric again.  "If we have doubts, it starts off with lightheadedness.  It moves to sweating, feeling needy, and then you snap.  You literally have no control.  So if we get it, we'll know.  If you try to handle it yourself it gets worse.  Lock yourself down or find a friend was how my teacher told us when he warned us.  It tastes like violets."

Eric nodded.  "I can watch the others.  Calleigh?"

"I still want to know about the wand."

Ryan tapped her on the forehead, doing her hair up for her.  Then he grinned.  "Magic is nice."  He walked off, leaving Eric calling him a showoff and her complaining because her hair looked like something some ancient woman would wear.

***

Stella stormed into the auror's office the next morning.  "I want their fucking souls in front of me now," she snarled.

"That might be a problem," the head auror said, leading her into his office. "Are you all right?"  She nodded.  "You put in the right law to charge them but it'll be a problem if you do.  They'll have the right to ask you what you did and he's a slimy sort, he'll enjoy it more."

"Who?" she demanded.

"Guess."

"Dark Lord?"

"Close."

"Fudge?"  He nodded.  "I'm going to kill him.  He's stepped way over the line this time."

"It'd be easier if you got him for hurting you than if you went through the other trial, Ma'am.  I know you know this but suing him for humiliation, wrecking your work career, and pain and suffering would make him suffer even more greatly."

"Was I the only one?"

"No.  We found out because they dosed Xander and Sam first."

She shuddered.  "I'll never get a piece once they start to rip him apart."

"The only one not affected was Mr. Potter.  It had an age clause."

"That's good at least."  She looked out there then at him.  "Did we include that law?"  He nodded.  "Can I get it done soon?"

"If you file the right papers we can pass them up today.  If you get the others to file with you, he's going to be begging."

"Who goes after him for his job?"

"The Under-Minister.  Not a nice bloke."

"Elections?"

"Nah.  In-house."  He shrugged. "Mostly it confirms what you already know."

"Thank you.  Papers?"  He handed both sets over.  "Thank you for your warning."

"Not a problem.  You okay physically?"

"Yeah, even though I'm highly embarrassed.  I was at work."

He patted her on the arm.  "The only thing you can do is make him suffer."

"As much as I can," she agreed. She walked out, heading down to their meeting area.  "Do we want to charge him in front of the courts or would we like to sue him for fucking up our lives?" she asked.

Xander looked at her.  "Both?"

"I've got forms here for both situations.  If we all get together behind one it'll be easier."

"Harry's not coming?" Tony asked as he walked in with Gibbs.

"Age clause."

"Good.  He's a nice kid but he didn't need to go through that," Gibbs said as he sat down behind Tony.  "The others?"

"Horatio's on his way in.  Sam's upstairs ranting at his father on the phone, hopefully somewhere others can't hear.  I still own the paper."  Stella gave him an evil smirk.  "Exactly.  I'm not happy with whoever did this."

"Fudge," she told him.  "I asked if it was the dark lord and the head auror said I was close.  The guy after him is worse."

"Can't be much worse," Xander said dryly.  "Really."  Sam stomped in with Horatio and Mac behind him.  "Danny?"

"He's coming but he had to take some tylenol first," Mac said.

"Oh, Mac," Stella moaned.  He nodded.  "You okay?"

"A bit sore.  So's he.  Don?"

"He's okay.  He came over with me.  He's probably upstairs asking questions."

Xander looked around.  "Twirpy?"  She showed up.  "Can you please get ...."

"Don Flack Junior," Stella said.  "I came in with him."

He nodded. "Twirpy can do.  Emergency session, need Minister Fudge?"

"No, not yet," Xander said.  "We'll need him soon.  Let us get things ready for him first."  The house elf nodded.  "Someone floo Patricia?"

"I did," Horatio agreed.  "She's on her way over.  Tony, Gibbs?"

"We're sane," Tony said dryly.  "Now."

"I was at work," Stella complained.

Tony grinned. "I was undercover."

"Your director had your phone and refused to send on a warning," Horatio told him.  "And Gibbs' phone."

"I left mine at home," Gibbs told him.

"I called it, she answered.  That's why I called Abby."

"Thanks for the warning," Tony said. "Took them four hours but I got hit from a can of soda out of a machine."

"They dosed my lunch."

"They got my soup in the breakroom fridge," Stella said.

"Sam and I were having buttterbeers after our jog," Xander offered. Patricia and Danny came in.  "You okay?"

"My husband was not amused," she admitted, taking her seat.  "Minister Fudge isn't here yet?"  Stella handed over the evidence sheets.  "Oh, no."  She nodded.  "They're sure?"

Horatio tossed over the one he had.  "From the Americans as well.  They can track back the spell that put it there."  She looked then sighed and nodded.  "What are our options?"

"We can get him under the rape law or we can get him for pain, suffering, humiliation, etc. and so forth," Stella offered. "I got the papers for both."

"I want his supplier.  I'm assuming, but this is illegal?"  Everyone nodded.  "Anyone else want to scream and yell at the man?"

"Oh, I do," Danny said, hissing a bit as he sat down.  "A lot."

"I still want his supplier.  Did they say who made it?"

Horatio tossed that over.  "You may know him."

"Ah.  Yeah, I do."  He looked at the center of the table.  "Staff, can I please have Ethan Rayne here?"  It made him appear.  "Ethan," he said dryly, standing up to lean closer.  "What was the deal we made?  Oh, yeah.  You'd step out of this war completely and go somewhere warm and sunny so I wouldn't have to kill you."

"I came back to pack."

"Really?"  Xander smirked.  "Would packing include selling things like lust potions?"  Ethan backed up a step.  "It won't save you, Rayne.  Nothing and no God is going to save you this time."

"The chippy not to your liking?  Need a cure?" he taunted with an evil smirk.

"The last time I looked in a mirror, I wasn't a girl," Sam said with his worst scowl.  "Nor is my brother."  Ethan gave him a horrified look.  "You have a lot to answer for, Rayne.  He gave you a chance, he was nice about, and then you did this.  You done fucked up," he finished blandly.  "And now we're going to talk about it."

"It was for traveling money.  He said they had agreed," he said, backing away from him.  Stella grabbed him and made him hurt.  He screamed in pain.  "I won't do it again!"

"I'm sure you won't," Stella agreed.  "From prison I doubt you can."

"I need to know some things," Xander said, looking at her.  "Ethan, is there a chaos potion in with it?"  He got a sneer.  "If there is, you can be charged with treason.  We do make the laws around here."  Ethan tried to move but Stella was having fun squeezing that same pressure point.  "Was there a chaos inducing potion with it?"

"That's dreadfully hard," he sneered.  "I can't do those."

"Really?  You know, I would've thought after that Halloween that you could."  Ethan swallowed, trying to move again.  Mac joined her in restraining him.  Don walked in.  "Morning.  The seat behind Stella's yours."  He looked at him again.  "Well?" he demanded.  "It's us or I'm bringing Ripper to beat your ass before we send you to prison."

"Yes, all right, there was!"

"How is it canceled?" Mac asked, sounding calm.

"It has to wear off," Xander said.  Ethan nodded frantically.  "How long?"

"Ten weeks," he moaned.

Horatio sighed.  "Are you sure?"

"Yup.  Saw Willow looking at it as a way to disturb an enemy force.  I want the copy of the spells you used, Ethan.  Every damn last one of them."

"You can't take my books!"

"I can so and if I have to ask a second time it's going to be life in prison. You're an accessory to twelve counts of rape and one attempted count of rape of a minor child. That law goes on age, not on the other adult laws."  Ethan whimpered.  Xander stood up again.  "I will personally walk you down to your cell, lock you in, and then tell everyone there how you made a drug that made us commit rape and it was given to a sixteen-year-old virgin."  Ethan fell to his knees.  "Do I have to ask twice?" he sneered.  Ethan brought the books. "Is that all of them?"  He nodded.  "Every damn last one?"  He nodded again.  "Thank you.  Someone put him in custody."  He sat down.  "Horatio, as the chair, we need to talk about which path we're taking."

"We can charge the person who administered the potion under the rape law," Stella said. "But that means he has the right to question us under truth serum.  Or we can go the legal hell route and get him for pain and suffering, plus humiliation and wrecking our careers."

"Surely it won't matter for long," Patricia said.  "After all, you'll be married sometime soon I'd suppose."

Stella gave her an odd look.  "Patricia, in our world women don't quit working just because we get married.  It's mostly expected we will keep working because living in our world is more expensive and it's easier to have a decent home life with two salaries."  Patricia gave her a horrified look.  "Really.  Even when we have kids, most women don't quit working.  This has made it nearly impossible for me to go back to work right now."

Don stroked over her shoulder, moving her hair.  "No one will say a thing, Stella."

"To you!"  She sent a glare his way and got a grin back.  "They'll say plenty to me, Don."

"They won't or I'll kick their asses," Danny promised. "I told them you had been drugged.  That we couldn't stop it.  So all you have to worry about is drug testing by IAB and it probably won't show up."  She shot a glare at him.

"Your women don't stay home with their children?"

"No and plenty of us don't want children.  We put off children until we're financially secure.  Usually in our late twenties or early thirties if we can."

"But that's barbaric! You can't expect women to work after they're married!  It's unseemly!"

"Don't you work?" Mac asked her.

"It's the family's business  I'm allowed to do some work in there since we don't have children yet.  When we do, I'll have to retire and only come in to help when there's issues."

Xander whistled.  "Different time periods, different values," he yelled.  "Stella, remember, they live on Victorian values.  Like the people on _Little House on the Prairie_ you women didn't work after you were married unless you were dirt poor.  Patricia, the rest of the modern world does pretty much expect a woman to keep working.  Just because she gets married doesn't mean her life's over with.  A lot of women even choose to keep their own name instead of taking their husband's for professional reasons.  You wouldn't expect a doctor or someone to go through all that education and then suddenly have to quit just because she got married, right?"  She shook her head.  "Well, Stella's an officer.  From what I understand, her job is a lot like an auror's job.  She had to do a lot of school to get there.  She's not going to retire just because she got a shiny ring and someone to sleep with every night."

"Modern women are supposed to be strong enough to work and then come home to deal with any family issues and modern men are supposed to be good enough to sometimes take over household things and offer to cook because we're too tired," Stella told her. "It's moving so it's more equal but some guys don't do household chores without nagging."  She wrote out something then held up the paper.  "That's my yearly salary," she said.  Patricia gave her a look.  "The second number is Don's.  Mine's higher because of the special education I have.  The third number is how much my one-bedroom apartment costs me a month.  That's not counting food, transportation, any of those costs.  And I live in a less than great part of town."

"Your family has money."

"I'm not going to bankrupt my family so I can live in a huge townhouse, Patricia.  I earn my own money and everything of mine is mine because I earned it."

"Oh," she said weakly.  "Someone could demand that you marry the one that debauched you."

"I've had other lovers, Patricia, she didn't debauch me," Don said, making Danny chuckle.  "Or me her.  I stepped in as a friend."

She slumped.  "But that's not how we do things."

"Patricia, even you've said that values are changing," Mac said calmly.  "If you had the choice, would you keep working?"

"Well, yes," she admitted.  "But I don't have that choice.  And being over here you should be using our values."

"Then I'm out of touch with the majority of my life," Stella told her.  "I'm sorry but just because Don stepped in doesn't mean I'm marrying him.  I value him as a friend and coworker even if I can't look at him anymore."  He swatted her on the shoulder.  "Quit."

"No.  We'll work that out later."

Horatio coughed.  "Beyond that, Patricia, not all of us jumped women," he told her.

"That's acceptable to us.  Now and then we're called to that."

Sam let out a bitter snort.  "When Xander and I both got hit, we ended up pulling my brother in to help me wear out Xander.  How do you feel about two brothers marrying another guy?" he asked.  She went pale and gave him a horrified look.  "Xander has phenomenal skills."

"Thank you," Xander said with a smirk at him.

"But he's also had to grow it due to his bad taste in women.  I have no doubt the fact you nearly killed both of us yesterday comes from Anya, Xander."

"It does.  She was a go all night bunny most of the time."  Mac and Horatio gave him looks.  "She was."

"We had to get a healer in," Sam told them.  They groaned.  "Dean nearly stroked out from his blood pressure being too high.  He's very good but a bit hyper and she made him have stamina like a long distance race horse."

"I'll remember that if I set him up with someone," Danny quipped.  He looked at Patricia.  "Even if we wanted it, it was still wrong of him to dose us.  Now, are we going to go criminal or civil to get the bastard?"

"Start civil and take that to go criminal?" Stella suggested. "It'll keep some of the embarrassment down."

Xander coughed. "I still own the paper.  I will fire every sleazy ass person there if they run any details about this."  She smiled at that.  "I don't care if they do have freedom of the press.  That's a bit too graphic and no one needs to know about that stuff."

"So, civil?" Horatio asked.  Everyone nodded.  "Anyone disagree?"  No one said anything. "Tony?"

"No, I want the puss sucker to pay," he promised.  "So does our director when we got dosed.  It jeopardized a long-term undercover operation.  Fortunately I told him in the open when I got the warning from Abby."

Xander looked at him.  "Your director and Fudge are a lot alike.  Can we set them up so they share a prison cell for their married lives?"

Tony snickered. "Don't tempt us, Xander."

"I'd have to take over," Gibbs told him.  "I'd kill everyone."

Xander grinned.  "You guys do know that Willow hacks and every time I get frustrated I go rant at her?  She told me that she's more than happy to do that for you, Tony."

"No, if we need it we have our own," Tony promised with a grin.  "Thank her for me."

"Sure."  He looked around.  "Can we do this now?  I was going to have a more pleasurable morning planning the next raid."

"We've gone on raids?" Mac asked, sitting up with a small wince of pain.

"We've gone on three raids," Sam said.  "He had some sort of spying spell on Snape so we haven't gotten the big guy himself yet but we've gotten a lot of the littler guys.  Including his main battle planner.  He's down to under thirty minions."

"Good work, boys," Horatio praised.  "How soon before we can get the real problem?"

"We've got to step it up," Xander admitted.  "He's planning on attacking the school and being there when the kids come back to greet them.  The Ministry's attack was planned for around Yule.  We found a few house elves and they hear everything that goes on."

"They can make up stories," Patricia warned.

"They had details about how he planned to attack and how he planned to set up his new throne in the Great Hall," Xander told her.  She slumped.  "They didn't make up stories. The Yule one wasn't that planned out yet, just that they should.  They could use the school as a platform."

"So we need to stop that one definitely.  Have we told anyone else?" Tony asked.

"Yeah and once we had the spying spell canceled we let Snape know.  Draco heard too so he's passed it onto other kids or other teachers."

Horatio nodded.  "We'd like a copy and progress reports."

"Tonks has all those today," Sam said.

"I'll get them from her then.  Should we appear in the auror's office together or go find a judge?" Horatio asked.

"I have the forms from the aurors," Stella said, handing them down.  He looked then filled them out, passing them around so they could each add their own part to it.

"I've noticed something," Xander said. "Are there a lot of people in the Ministry that's related or is it just me?"

"It's not just you, I've been noticing that too," Mac admitted.  "Nepotism you think?"

"Big word?" he mouthed.

"Families helping families," Danny defined.

"Could be," Mac agreed.

Patricia cleared her throat.  "It's almost assumed that any pureblood can come work for the Ministry.  They're usually more competent."

"How are they more competent if they all get the same education?" Stella asked.

"It's assumed that their parents help them at home."

She shrugged.  "So?  That gives you people like Xander's cousin Draco.  What he learned at home is probably not good for the Ministry."

"He did vow that he was going to kill my family and Dark Mark them because not even Voldemort's house elves could find a use for them," Xander said happily.  "Even if he didn't join."

Stella looked at him, then shook her head.  "Probably not a good idea."

"Willow introduced him."

"Oooh," she said with a wince.  "They alive?"

"I don't care."  Patricia gasped.  "Speaking of, since we're getting into this topic.  Is there no Wizarding CPS?"

"No," Stella said.  "And I think we need to look at that."  She looked at Patricia.  "I've seen some great people who weren't pure bloods and they had just as much skills.   They're still wizards and witches.  Why can't they work here?"

"They can if they show great skills," she said firmly.  "It's still not done.  They're not pure."

"So?" Sam said.  "Pure means inbred and lessening levels of magic by generation.  I'm pretty sure if you looked you'd find that magic was weakening the more inbreeding is allowed to go on."

"That's why I gave Narcissa permission to look for a wife outside the country for Draco."

"You support marriage contracts?" Stella demanded.

"I have a few reasons and a few situations, yes.  I think at the higher levels it's a way to control the inbreeding so you don't get anyone too close.  I had to give her that permission because the best Draco could hope for in-country was a fifth cousin."  She shuddered.  "Who had some serious problems since she looked like the door had hit her face ten too many times and she was built like an obelisk."

"I remember her," Stella said.

"Draco's related to nearly every single pureblood in the country and half the halfbloods.  Including Harry.  At his level of going on, it's got to happen to make sure you don't marry anyone too close.  Yeah, it's not a love match and not what we'd want but he said it was a good match because she wouldn't kill him in his sleep once there was an heir.  I can also see lesser families using it to step their own situations up.  I'm sure it's been done before."  She nodded.  "Since, as Patricia just said, the right connections and blood are everything or you can't get a decent job, it's got to happen for some people if they don't want to open their own shops."

"I still think it's wrong and nearly slavery."

"The first question I asked Draco was if he wanted it.  It was set when he was two.  You see it in other parts of the world and most of the people say that it works for them.  I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt for those who want it to happen.  I'm not going to force everyone into one.  The same as I know you don't like the 'witches of certain power levels shall be married into proper families' standard that we had to take out of the law, but it has a point.  It's to keep the inbreeding down.  Giving them someone suitable to go to instead that won't weaken a family or the bloodline."

"I'm glad we took that out," Stella said.

"Me too," Xander agreed.  "It should be by choice.  But now and then you have to map it out.  Narcissa had a copy of the family chart she had to mark people out on to find one for Draco I'm sure.  He's worried that he can't marry now.  I'm looking in the same places Draco's mom was before she was killed."

"She was killed?" Tony asked.

"Bringer got her.  She had been a potential slayer and they got her for it."  He looked at the others.  "By the way, thanks to the shield she put on Draco, we found a way to protect the young ones better.  It might not help the Watchers or anyone with them but it will help the slayers in training and anyone underage with them.  We hope on the last part and Willow's pretty sure she added that protection on.  They're all in hiding."

"Then that's good news.  It'll keep the killings down," Horatio said.

"They bombed the Watchers Council the other day."

Horatio sighed, nodding.  "Then it's necessary."

"Yes and if you find one in the open tell them to get to Giles in Sunnydale.  They're falling back to there."  That got a mass nod.  "I'm not sure how long they're going to keep trying to kill people but they did try me when I showed up at the Council's wreckage."

"We'll watch out for you, Xander," Sam reminded him.  Xander grinned at him.  "Let's get an auror down here so we can file this?  Or should we go directly to a judge?"

"I'll go ask," Danny said, getting up and walking out.

"What do you think about civil service exams?" Mac asked Tony and Gibbs.

"Keeps the idiots out of most jobs, but not all of them require it," Gibbs said.  "Some you can move higher from too."

"But it's a good start," Stella agreed.

"Civil service exams?" Patricia asked.

"To make sure the idiots don't hog all the good jobs and people who're qualified get jobs that serve the people," Stella told her.  She whimpered.  "That way you don't need to beg a family member for a job.  You take an exam and whoever passes highest and has the best interview gets the job."

"That would destroy the system here at the Ministry!" she complained.

"Not really.  Civil service exams have been around since the ancient Chinese put them into use to stop corruption and officials that had no idea what they were doing," Mac told her.  "They had another system of nepotism and it wasn't working well.  It made petty tyrants in the outlying provinces and people who made rules for no reason."

"Like no striped underwear," Tony agreed.  Gibbs smacked him on the head.  "Even you remarked on that one, boss."

"I did."

Stella grinned at him.  "Same problem," she said quietly.

"Figures," he agreed.  "He'll probably defend it as trying to make you all mate and marry."

"I'm still grieving and I'm not ready to move on and date," Mac said.  Patricia nearly cried.  "The civil service exam idea isn't a bad one but I think we should talk to most of the Ministers and Under Ministers about it, guys."  That got a nod.  "So we'll schedule that for a later meeting, Horatio?"

"We can," he agreed.

"The other thing you were talking about, CPS, what is that?" Patricia asked hesitantly.

"It's to make sure parents aren't hurting or killing their children," Stella told her.  "Making sure they're fed, aren't beaten to death, aren't worked to death, aren't molested.  Those things.  They also usually oversee the foster care system for orphans and those who have to be removed for their safety."

"We have orphanages."

"I saw one.  It was dreary and it's pretty rare that the kids go to Hogwarts instead of somewhere lesser," Sam said.  "Is that really fair?"

"And who speaks for the children with parents who aren't right in the head?" Xander asked.  "Because right now there's no way for them to get away before they die.  Since that's a common outcome of inbreeding it's got to be happening more often.  Not to mention those with combat trauma from the first war."

She gave him a look.  "Parents aren't like that."  He stood up and took off his shirt, turning around.  She got sick.

He put back on his shirt and sat down.  "Yeah, they are.  It's not just a problem with us either.  I've seen some parents dragging their kids around by the hair in Diagon.  I've seen one kid who clearly had a broken arm and was sobbing but it was more important that Mommy shop right then.  The auror who's following me around got the kid a healer and ranted at her for it.  Madam Malkin joined in."  She looked pathetic.  "It's so bad parents don't get a chance to turn kids into me, Patricia.  Plus to take care of kids like Stella, who had parents who couldn't for whatever reason."

"They'd interfere in the family's business," she said.

"No, they'd only step in if there's problems," Stella told her.  "Not into every family.  Just into the bad ones that needed them to."

"I still say it's not necessary."

"We'll talk about this at another meeting," Horatio said.  "This meeting is for the emergency session due to the lust potion.  We'll put it on to talk about it next time."  He made that note as well.  "Do we still like the next meeting time?" They all nodded.  "Then we'll keep it.  This way Patricia can go look and talk to whoever she needs to so she can make an informed decision and so can we."  They all nodded.  "This is still off topic, but Xander, have you thought about healing?"

"I have.  Willow's parents are expensive therapists when the worker ordered my parents to send me to them.  Didn't help any.  Still doesn't help any.  I'm down to the level of pissed but I'm not going to do anything about them.  I escaped, I survived, and they can go to hell.  I'll help Willow open the hellmouth to make their trip easier if they want."

Horatio sighed.  "It's not good for you, Xander.  It can color your later relationships."

"Who said I'm going to have one?  I tried that, I was thinking about marrying Anya.  Who says that what my parents did isn't responsible for my horrible taste?"

"True," he agreed.

"Speaking as someone who's seen others, he'll heal, Horatio.  The longer it goes on the more he can heal himself and if he finds someone good they'll help him," Stella said more gently.

"True.  I do hope that you can find someone who does help you finish healing," he said.

Xander grinned.  "I love my cousin for his offer.  I know I need to heal but it's always going to be a sore spot with me.  Otherwise I'd offer to be the first wizarding CPS worker."

"We'll help you," Sam promised, smiling at him.  Xander grinned back.  "Relax.  Your back has to hurt."

Xander shrugged.  "I've had worse than throwing it out pouncing you, Sam.  It's nothing."

"Like the nothing that happened when the Watchers got you?" Tony asked.

"Less nothing than that."

"Tylenol?" Stella offered, holding up her bottle.  He shook his head.  "You sure?"

"I'm good.  I threw my back a bit last night.  That's all."  A judge walked in.  "Morning."

"Good morning, gentlemen and ladies.  I've heard what happened."  Horatio handed over the information sheets.  "That is more than enough to charge him with the pain and suffering, plus the humiliation and the loss of job credibility, or even lost wages if you can't go to work for a while."

"Most of us are working hard to be able to look at our coworkers," Horatio told him.  That got a nod from him.  "We are mostly taking off today to deal with this but with the drugging we took from that potion our bosses have been very understanding and want clearance that we're okay again."

"I can have a healer look at all of you," the judge agreed. "That would be normal for this sort of suit."  He looked at it then at Patricia.  "You aren't joining?"

"I was with my husband, thankfully."

That got a nod.  "Very well then. The man huddled on the floor?"

"The one who made the potion," Xander told him.  "Plus a chaos potion on top of it.  They were mixed so we cannot do our jobs."

"Did he know?" the judge asked him.  Ethan nodded, still cowering away from Xander. He looked at his books but Mac coughed.

"Mr. Rayne, I should point out that I'm a former Marine, Tony's boss is a former Marine, and a lot of us are officers. Even if Xander doesn't get you, we will."  He shifted away from his books.  "We're waiting to see what the aurors want to do with him."

Danny walked in with Tonks.  "That's him," he said, pointing at Ethan.  "And his books."

"Which are going to Giles.  He can probably use them right about now," Xander told her.

She nodded.  "As long as we get a look first, Xander."

"That's fine.  You can even call Giles if you want."

"We can do that."  She hauled him up then used her wand to float the books off.  "I'll want a report for the criminal portion."

"We're taking the civil one and heading over because it'll keep our private lives less exposed," Danny told her.

"That is a reasonable precaution and one that's done quite often," the judge agreed. "I have it, Tonks."  She nodded, leaving them alone.  "We can call him to the courtroom to answer to these charges today.  Is there anything not on here?"

Sam raised his hand.  "Xander and I were together when we were dosed.  To keep Xander from hurting me with his greater stamina he pulled my brother in with us.  Mostly to help him instead of me."

The judge shuddered.  "That is a serious offense and he will answer for that in criminal court," he said, nodding.  "Let's adjourn to the Wizengomet chambers."

"It'll be the full one?" Stella asked.  He nodded.  "Xander, the press?"

"We can close the proceedings," the judge assured her.  "We have in the past."

"Like I said, if I see it in the paper I'm firing," Xander told her.  "That's not news, that's gossip."

That got a nod and they walked up with him.  They sent one of the judges to get Fudge once the other judges had seen the complaint and had heard what they had to say.

***

Xander walked into the Daily Prophet, handing over a notice.  "This is all I want to see on this matter," he told the editor.  "I am the head of the Malfoy family.  We do own this newspaper and if you *ever* print something to hurt Stella or anyone on the council on purpose and it's not relevant to the job, just their personal lives, I will start firing people.  Am I clear?"

He gave him a haughty look.  "Even with that you don't make that decision."

"I can shut your rag down," Xander promised.

"We make you a good profit."

"By printing trash.  If you printed *news* it might be nice.  That is news.  That is a formal announcement.  Do not dig into the reason behind it.  You will hurt people and I will fire everyone and remake this paper so it's a credible source."  He walked off, meeting with Draco outside the door.  "Hi."

He looked at him.  "Are you all right?"

"Pissed but the situation was solved."  A reporter ran out and he looked at her.  "Yes?"

"You're on the Founders Council, right?"

"This is Xander Harris.  He's the head of my family," Draco said.  "Why?"

"He just handed over an announcement that Minister Fudge was going to prison for lust potion dosing.  We wanted to know who."

"It does not matter who.  That is not news.  That is delving into personal lives and you can ruin a lot of people's lives with that."  She sneered.  "Do be aware that I own this paper as the head of the family.  If I see a single graphic detail in this or any other lust potion or rape case I will shut you down.  Am I clear?" he said calmly.

"They make us a good profit."

"Destroying lives isn't worth it and we can hire reporters who'll do it better and report on real news."  He looked at him. "Instead of it being a gossip rag worse than the Quibbler mated with Witch World Weekly."  Draco snickered at that comparison.  He looked at the reporter.  "Am I clear?"  She nodded, heading back inside.  He looked at him.  "Stella thought it was sweet you wanted to kill my family too."  He walked off with him.

"They need it!  Muggles like that should be eliminated and the kids raised by someone better so no one else turns out violent and strange like you did."

"You know, that might be the reason I dated girls like Anya."

"I should go bloody well kill them today," he muttered.  Xander grinned.  "Are you still looking for marriage partners for me?"

"I am.  Your last one is now void because we arrested her yesterday before the potion hit."

"Who?" he asked.

"Fudge.  He claims he wanted us to be mated and this would ensure it.  The chaos potion he claimed he didn't know anything about but under truth serum it came out."  He smirked.  "We're now looking at civil service exams for Ministry service and a CPS like department."  Draco gave him a confused look.  "They handle parents like mine."

"Oh, brilliant!  Can we start them this week?"

"Next meeting.  That way Patricia can ask around and find facts.  She was horrified and thought it wasn't necessary."

"Bet me," he snorted.  He glanced back at the reporter trying to stealthily trail them.  "Yes?  You needed more?"

"CPS?" she asked.

"Look.  It.  Up," Xander ordered.  "I know the muggles have one locally."

"Oh."  She went to find what that was.  What she saw stunned her.  Why didn't they have one of these?  She looked.  They had until thirty years ago.  That was interesting.  She brought that fact to her editor, who was old enough to remember why since it wasn't in the back issues of the paper.  She also mentioned they were talking about civil service exams for the Ministry.  He told her what those were too and she went to write her article.  Tony would get her later when she got facts wrong.  Including handing her an American study guide for their tests.

***

Xander looked up as Harry walked up to him, nodding quietly.  "You ready?"

"Not really.  We sure this time?"

"We're sure."  He grinned.  "Willow's helping this time."

"Oooh, that'll be messy."

"Very."  He led him to Sam and Tonks.  "Dean?"

"Pouting."

"It'll be magical, he can't come if he hasn't figured out how to use his wand," Tonks said.

Xander frowned.  "I can barely use mine, woman.  Dean, hurry the hell up!" he shouted.  He came jogging out, checking his gun before putting it up.  He shook his head.  "Willow, pickup!" he called.  She moved them to where they needed to be.  "Remember, Harry, one objective.  To trap him so we can do the spell."  He nodded, getting away from Xander, pulling his wand.  "Remember you have more than that to count on," he warned.  He looked at Sam, then at Dean.  "We good?"

"We're great," Dean agreed.  "Time to kick some ass."

"Then we go," he agreed.  They moved in silently, nodding at Mac and Gibbs on their strike team with Tony leading since he had the better control of his staff.  Horatio was backing up the third team with Willow on it.  She had decided they matched so she was happier with him.  She was being an odd girl.  He pointed at one area, getting Dean heading to do the doorway for him.  Mac's team was taking the back doors and Horatio's was waiting for people to run out.  Mac tossed in a smoke grenade, making most everyone run out and Willow closed down any way of moving out of there with Tonks and the other auror's help.  They rushed in, stunning those who hadn't been fast enough, running into Voldemort heading for a secret exit.

"Fat chance," Sam said dryly.  "Willow, got him!"  She popped in and stunned him, freezing him so he could not move, could not use magic, and could not get away.  Harry did the spell with Sam to undo the resurrection while Dean and Xander guarded his back.  It was finally done and the body slumped but the ghoul remained.

"Trap it," Dean ordered.  Willow trapped it in a pretty silver cube.  She sealed it and handed it to Harry.  "Try it.  We don't know if it works."

Harry drew up every bad thing that had ever happened, all the anger, pain, and resentment Voldemort had caused and cast the killing curse.  He heard a scream but he was still moving from what he heard.   "Still in there."

"Then we'll lock it up for now and figure it out," Xander decided.  He looked around.  "Rats?"

"That's Pettigrew, stop him!" Harry snapped.  Dean shot the rat on the back end and it screamed before turning into a human and writhing on the floor with the gunshot wound to the lower back.  Just off the spine.  "Damn," Harry said, grinning at him. "Can you teach me to do that?"

"Sure.  Not a problem."  He looked at Tonks, who was staring in horror.  "You wanted him?"

"Yeah, we need him.  Boss!"  He came running in so she pointed.  "He might need a mediwitch but isn't he dead?"

He looked then whimpered. "Yeah, he is."  He bound him and floated him off with a few quiet spells.  "Search the house, get the others," he ordered.  The rest of the aurors went in to search the house.

The team walked out together, nodding at the others.  Harry held up the cube.  "He's trapped, but not dead yet."

"Smooth style, boys," Gibbs praised.  "Stupid to bring only mundane weapons."

"We've had ours as long as Tony has," Xander said.  "I'm barely into the first year books and that's with tutoring, Gibbs."

"You'll learn and get better."

"Hopefully I won't have to do this again," he pointed out.  He stiffened, looking around.  "Willow, Bringer!" he shouted.  She came jogging out and looked with him, pointing.  "Disappear," he ordered.  Tony took Gibbs and the rest went off with either their staffs or appration, Tonks holding the cube with Harry just in case he dropped it on the way.  He stared at it.  "Why does it want me?"

"The one who sees," she said.  "You spotted them first, leading us to find out and fight."

"Yay.  So I annoy them.  Why sic a super vamp on me?"  The bringer growled and lunged at them but Xander shot him in the forehead.  Buffy appeared nibbling a burger thanks to Willow.  She had been ready just in case this happened during the assault.  She used the scythe and it dusted.  "Thank you.  Why sic them on me?"

"Giles has *no* clue," she assured him with a grin.  She hugged him. "You smell like a sweaty patrol night."  She looked up at him.  "How's it going?"

"We've got it trapped.  Now we have to kill it."

"Good luck.  Coming home soon?  John's kinda humorless now and then."

"I'll send the boys."  He beamed. "I have to find Draco a wife.  He was going to marry his fifth cousin."

"Eww.  How very...hillbilly of him."  She shook her head, finishing her snack. "Let's go, Willow.  By the way, *love* the house elves.  If you come back to live with us again you're bringing them and more.  They make better watchers than most of the watchers do."  They disappeared.

Xander smirked, looking at Horatio, who had come back.  "They appreciate me now and then."

"You should be appreciated most of the time, not now and then," he said.  He nodded.  "Let's go.  They're arguing."  They used their staffs to get back to the meeting area.

Xander looked around.  "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" he shouted.  Everyone stopped and looked at him.  "Thank you.  Headmaster, would you know why the killing curse did not kill him?"

He nodded solemnly.  "He has some anchors, called Horcruxs, that keep him in this plane."

"Can we find them?" Dean asked.  "Easily or not?"

"We can.  Harry has to gather them."

"Harry doesn't go alone," Mac told him.

"We can go," Tony said with a shrug.  "I'm suspended anyway."  He grinned.  "My director hated that I got drugged during an undercover.  How long should it take?"

"A few months at the most," Dumbledore said.  "A few I'm not sure of the location of at this moment.  Once he has them, he can sever the link and then he'll die as any mortal would."

"We can do that," Tony agreed.  "Maybe not in a row but go now and do a massive one then do the rest when we can.  Or can someone else gather them?  Does it have to be Harry?"

Dumbledore gave him a look.  "I don't know.  I'll have to look it up."

"Draco?" Xander asked, looking at him.  "Does Harry have to be the one to gather them?"

"No.  He has to be nearby or they have to seem like Potter.  Some of them will be keyed to the contagion that he left in the curse scar I'd assume.  At least I'd make it so only myself or someone related or who felt like me could remove them."

"Can we make a mimic of that?" Mac asked.

"Yes," Dumbledore said.  He smiled at Draco.  "Expect some points when you get back to school, Mr. Malfoy.  That is very insightful."  He looked at the cube.  "We should lock that away so he cannot get out."

"I'm all for that," Tonks agreed, taking the cube.  They locked it into a coded box that would take a pushed-in code only an auror should know.  "It's safe enough there.  That's stuck to that spot and only one of us should have the code."  That got a mass of nods.

"Thank you all for the help over the last month," the head auror said.  "Mr. Harris, when will your witches know if they've averted or helped that prophecy?"

"Probably within days.  You can call her, she'll come."

"We can do that.  For now, go clean up.  You all did very good work."  He nodded at Malfoy.  "You as well."

"Someone has to.  No one of them researches."  He looked at Xander.  "When are you finding me a suitable wife?"

"I have found three that I think you'll like and two wrote back to your mother so we can meet them too.  See which one you like best."  He put an arm around his shoulder and walked off with him.  "Harry, dinner?"

"Sure, Xander.  Tomorrow night.  Dean already asked me."

"Call first, make sure I'm not napping."  He walked Draco off, taking him back to his place to show him the different witches he had found him.  They all seemed very nice to him.

Harry shook his head.  "Should we trust his taste in finding Draco a wife with what he's dated?" he asked Horatio.

Horatio smirked.  "One never knows.  He's looking at this as a practical matter instead of a love match.  It may make a difference."  He patted him on the shoulder. "I'll see you at our next meeting.   Behave and call if you need more help."

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you to everyone who helped today."

"Not an issue.  We'll figure out where we're going to look for these things tomorrow," Tony promised with a grin.  "Let me go have dinner with the boss."  Harry nodded, giving him a hug before he left, following Horatio out.  "So, you got him onto a beach?"

"I had to rescue him from one a few times," Horatio said happily.  "The bikinis snared him."

Gibbs snickered.  "They do that to DiNozzo now and then too."  They went to have dinner together.  The rest of them went to look up what they needed to be doing and/or went to dinner with Sam and Dean.  Someone would tell him what he was looking for after they looked them up, probably Tony at the same time.

Family Staffs 9

Harry was shopping for school.  It was more fun this year.  People were happier.  Things had settled in well.  Draco wasn't being annoying even though Xander and Stella had volunteered to take them both school shopping.  Draco was pointing out his opinions on his future wife.  Apparently Xander had found some pretty women with brains who weren't all that impressed with Draco but it would be good for him to have a woman that could finish his training.  At least to Harry's way of thinking.  He looked at them.  "Do I have to hear Ron do this much complaining about his future one?"

"Weasley may be a pureblood but there's no way his parents will contract his hand.  He's the youngest son.  The older ones all had careers lined up by now.  He'll be lucky if he marries.  Then again, they probably wouldn't be too ashamed if he married the mudblood," he sneered.  Xander smacked him on the head. "Ow!  You learned that from Gibbs," he complained.

"So?"  He gave him a look. "Company manners, Draco, or I'm spanking next and cutting your allowance."

"Can we go back to the way it was?" he asked hopefully.

"Once he's fully dead and gone and so is Lucius," he assured him.

"I might be married with a son on the way by then," he complained.

Xander looked at him.  "If you have a kid with anyone in the school they're going to be tragically inbred," he pointed out. "Unless you found a nice muggle or halfblood girl there?"  Draco gave him a horrified look.  "Exactly."  He stared him down.  "Do not say such things in front of Stella or myself."

"Yes, Xander."  He pouted but they kept shopping.  Stella had a good eye on what would look good on them.  Nearly as good as his own.  "Stella, can you *please* get Potter things that aren't hanging off him like he's been tragically ill?"

"My aunt and uncle gave me my cousin's hand-me-downs," Harry said quietly.

"Is he Jabba the Hut?" Stella asked.

"Nearly," Harry admitted.

She shook her head.  "You were doing good this summer."

"That was Dean's doing," Harry told her.  "I don't care as long as I'm not naked."

"Now you have a position and am image to uphold," Draco said firmly.  "As a Founders Council member you may not look like a slob or it reflects badly on the rest of us."

Stella looked at him.  "Why would you care?"

"My mother was a Black.  I refuse to be associated with people who dress like slobs!"  He looked at Xander.  "Or someone who wears ungodly shirts like that.  I did not buy that one.  Please?" he begged her.

She smiled. "I think we can do that."

"Not much choice in the uniform," Harry said dryly.  She gave him a look.  "Really.  Only some off-class clothes."

"Uh-huh."  She led them into the robe shop, making Harry quit fussing.  She smiled at the seamstress in charge.  "They need fitted for school.  Harry's grown an inch this summer and finally put on some weight.  He also needs off-time clothes.  We have summer stuff for shorts and stuff."

"Some t-shirts too," Harry told them.

Madam Malkin looked at him.  "We can do that.  What about what he's wearing right now?"

Harry looked down at his shorts and t-shirt then at her.  "I wore it to Miami and I looked hip there," he said with a grin.

She snorted. "This is not Miami, wherever that is."

"It's a city in Florida where all the pretty people play," Stella told her.  "This is normal summertime wear, ma'am."

"Not for local customs.  He must've went muggle to buy those."  She put him onto a stool and looked at him. "Still a Gryff, right?"  Harry nodded.  "Mr. Malfoy, take the next empty one."

"Yes, Madam Malkin."  He glared at a first year, letting him have the next open spot instead of her.  He climbed up there.  "He's on the Founders Council you know."

"I refuse to wear robes in my off hours unless it's necessary," Harry said when one came for him.  "School robes, not formal robes unless we're having a ball or something."

She pursed her lips.  "You should uphold the wizarding standards, Mr. Potter."

He glared at her, hands on his hips.  "I want to be comfortable.  It'll be for hanging out in the common room and sneaking down to get more food from the kitchens.  Not for formal things.  I have clothes for formal things.  Unless we're having another ball?"

She shrugged. "I hadn't heard yet.  Fine."  She got him his school things then worked on the off-time clothes.  Xander was snickering.  "Other Council members could use the help too," she said, staring at both of them.

"I'm comfortable and I'm staying comfortable," Stella told her.  "I can't work in a dress like yours.  It'd keep me from chasing criminals."

"You're an auror?"

"I'm a detective and a criminalist.  Half the time I'm on a scene of a crime picking up evidence and the rest I'm in a lab."

She sighed, shaking her head.  "Still showing a bit much of your body, dear."

She looked down then at her.  "This is demure for me.  Get over it."  The woman huffed but went to dress both boys.  She looked at Xander.  "Am I looking slutty today?"

"No, I like that top on you.  You look good and actually look pretty and feminine in that outfit.  It makes you look like a girlier girl instead of your usual tough one.  Must work well with the crooks when they try to outsmart you."

She pinched him on the cheek.  "Quite often.  You should see Floppy.  He's been making Don fat with cookies."

Xander grinned. "Buffy said if and when I came home I was to bring at least those house elves and any others I might've picked up."

Draco looked at him.  "Do not bring them over here," he mouthed.

"No, if the hellmouth falls in they're going to next active one.  Which they think is Cleveland."

"Where is that?" Harry asked.

"Ohio.  Near to where Tony works."

"Oh."

"Halfway between me and him," Stella told him.

Harry nodded. "Is it a pretty city?"

"Don't know.  Never been there," she said with a smile.  "I'm sure someone can find you pictures online, Harry."  She walked over to look him over.  "Robes cover up any good back and butt muscles.  It's a shame."  She straightened out his sweater then nodded.  "That fits you.  You don't look like too much of a dork."  She grinned.  "All uniforms do it.  You should see me in mine."  He held up the tie.  "Aww."

"Not really.  Strangles me," he complained.  More clothes were brought out and he sighed.  "I only get one trunk."

"I have three, I simply shrink two so they fit inside the other one," Draco told him.  "You can do the same."

"We can?"

Draco nodded. "I even brought a chair to read in last year."

"Did Snape yell?"

"He was amused and told me if my grades went down he was burning it on me."

"Sounds like him, yeah."  He let the fitter do her job, heaving a few sighs when the more formal clothes came back.  "I can't get messy in those."

"Sometimes you need better clothes," Stella reminded him.

"I have clothes for that."

"Beyond your uniform, Harry."  She gave him a pat and looked at Draco.  "Those are not your colors."

"I know but it must be endured until we graduate.  My off duty clothes look better."  He looked at Xander.  "We did take money out of the bank?"  He held up the money bag, letting Draco snatch it to look.  "I'll probably need more, Xander."  He held up his own allowance bag, letting him look at it.  "What did you buy?"

"A new bed.  Mine's crappy."  He took it back.  "That's sixty-two if I remember right."

"This stop will run him twelve," Madam Malkin assured him.

"See, we can afford that and ice cream."  She came at him.  "Don't even try.  I'm happy with mine and he made me do major shopping a few months back."

"That shirt is very loud."

Xander looked down then at her.  "Is speaking to fabric a skill like speaking to snakes?"  She gave him a dirty look and walked off while Draco cackled.

Harry looked over.  "I wonder if it's considered as evil as being able to talk to snakes."

"Only on those who don't listen," Stella soothed.  She helped Draco down so he could hit the bathroom.  "So bad, Xander."

He grinned. "I'm missing my taunt the vampire days.  Spike's not here so I can't pick on him."

"Pick on Danny.  He could use some good taunting."

"I can do that."  He grinned.  "We have a meeting this weekend?"  She nodded.  "That's cool."  He paid for both boys from his allowance and they went to get the other stuff.  Harry gave him an odd look.  "You haven't been to the bank."

"I have so."  He paid him back and went to buy his own schoolbooks.

A female came out of the shelves.  "Harry, why are you with that git?" she demanded, giving him a hug and glaring at Draco.  Xander smacked her on the head.  "Hey!"

"Leave Draco alone.  He's agreed to be polite today," he said, staring her down.  She backed off.

"Hermione, this is Xander and that's Stella.  I've told you about them."

"Charmed to meet you both even if you are with Malfoy."

"Um, Hermione, Xander's the head of his family," Harry said.

Draco shook his head.  "Let her have her opinions.  I have a wilder life than she'll ever lead and I'm more satisfied.  Someday she'll be wondering where she went wrong to be so boring and old before her time, Potter."  Xander gave him a look.  "I was polite."

"You mostly were," Stella corrected.

"For him, that's polite," Hermione assured her.  She smiled.  "I've heard you've been easing some of the restrictions for some of us who want to move closer to the muggle world?"

"Mostly we took out the clothing laws," she agreed.  "There were some really stupid clothing laws."

"Including how you could commit homicide and call it self defense if they were wearing purple polka dots," Xander agreed.  Stella nodded at that.  Draco gave him an odd look.  "As coded by Fudge as a favor to someone who used that in their defense.  He decided he snapped and they were sick since they were wearing polka dots.  It's also when he wrote the law saying it was illegal to wear polka dots except on a hat."

Draco shuddered.  "I can't see what my father saw in that man."

"He was a minion and he didn't stand in the way of things," Xander said honestly.

"Good point.  I could use some more minions."

"Get married first, then gather minions."

"Yes, Xander.  When am I meeting the last one?"

"October sometime.  We're finalizing. I'll pull you out that day."  Draco nodded.  "You do like them so far?"

"I've liked all but that one.  She's a bit driven and only wants me as a sex toy and someone to walk around with at parties so she can make social contacts."

"Did you like the Hindu girl, Bindi?"

"I did.  She was very sweet and blushed a lot," Draco said with a grin.  "She seemed very nice.  Very good manners."

"Won't let you run over her," Xander added.

"That as well.  Plus she wants children.  That bodes well for my future."

Harry shuddered.  "Can we please stop talking about marriage contracts before someone tries for me?"

"As the head of your family someone probably should but we'll help you if they show up," Stella teased.

"Thank you.  Don't want to date someone like Anya."

"I'm phenomenal in bed thanks to her," Xander taunted.

"Doesn't mean I need that sort of pressure," Harry shot back.

"True, a normal girlfriend first," Xander agreed.  "Then one who'll kill you in bed."

Stella swatted him.  "Behave.  He can date normal girls."

"No he can't, he's horrible with them," Hermione assured her.

"Tony's been helping him," Xander said with a grin.  "He gets a lot of dates.  So does Dean."

"Dean has helped and Sam told me how he knew it was a special thing."  He finished paying for his books and they left, waiting on Draco.  "Um, Xander.  Would you happen to have a scythe on you?"

"I'm not a slayer, Harry."  He looked where he was pointing and swore.  "Let me lead the sucker off."  He handed Draco the bags, then gave them to Stella instead.  "I'll be home later, after I lead him off."  He took off jogging, using one of the emergency exits out of the alley to lead the Bringer off.

Draco sighed, shaking his head.  "He needs to do less dangerous things."

"What was that?" Hermione asked.

"A Bringer.  A super vampire," Harry said.  He looked at his list.  "Owl food.  Parchment?"

"I could use some," Draco agreed, leading that way, glancing around just in case.  "I wonder if a cutting hex would work on them the same way," he mused as they walked.

Harry shrugged.  "Ask Sam.  He has all that research because he was helping Willow."

"I'll do that this weekend," he decided.  They got their last few things and Draco headed back to Xander's while Stella took Harry and Hermione back where they should go.   He flooed Sam.  "Would a cutting hex work on Bringers?"

"I don't know.  I'll look at that.  Did one show up?"

"For Xander, of course.  Why?  He's not a Watcher."

"He's part of the slayer's team and part of the prophecy, Draco.  That's why he had the vision."

"Fine.  Anything I should worry about?"

"Only if he starts having more."

"Even better.  Thank you."  He hung up and sat down to write to the potential wives.  He needed to know more about them before he agreed to any of them.  One meeting would not a happy marriage make.

***

Xander landed beside the counter in the Magic Box, looking at Giles.  "Why are they still after me?  Being part of the prophecy doesn't make a damn bit of sense since mine's a consequence, not fighting her."

"I don't know, Xander.  I have no idea.  How many now?"

"I just escaped my third one."

"I'll look into it deeper.  Are they still after that Harry boy?"

"No. He's fine now.  Getting ready to start school again.  Oh, tell your friend Draco does like his friend's daughter a lot.  Said she was polite and very nice.  He's writing letters to all the ones he liked before he goes back to school."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Am I listed somewhere else in the system?  They haven't been bugging Willow this way, right?"

"No but the hellmouth could be masking her."

Xander frowned.  "Not making a lot of sense if it is."  He shrugged.  "Let me know.  Please?"

"Of course.  How are things otherwise?"

"Narcissa's funeral was ornate and flower filled, just like she wanted and planned.  Draco was stoic but I got him drunk that night and he let most of it go so he's back on healthy emotional territory.  We're doing okay but I did get to mark a lot of the family off after all the arrests.  The family's thinned out incredibly."  Giles laughed.  "We're still waiting for the last few things so Harry and we can kill the ghoul.  Then we'll see what's going to happen."

"Good boy.  Tell the boys that their father wants to hear from them."

"They're heading this way after the next meeting," he said with a grin then he disappeared, landing back in the apartment.  He found Draco in the kitchen.  "You need to learn how to cook."

"I'll have house elves."

"What happens if they get sick?"

"A wife?"

Xander made a buzzer noise.  "Women like it when you spoil them with special dinners, Draco."  The boy slumped. "It'll be easy."  He washed his hands.  Draco washed his then they got to work on one of Xander's favorite dishes.  Draco caught on well.  He did good in potions so measuring came naturally to him.  They ate dinner and Draco finished his letters before hitting the spare bedroom for the night.  Xander smiled, he was being a good cousin to him.

***

Harry finally made it onto the train and flopped down.   He leaned his head back and used his wand to lock the compartment.  "There, better," he sighed in pleasure.  Someone knocked.  "I'm tired!" he yelled.  They walked on.  Must be one of the Gryffs or a new kid looking for a compartment. He yawned, settling into the seat, getting comfortable.  Hedwig hooted at him.  "I know, they were mobbing us," he agreed quietly.  "I don't know what I did this time.  Maybe Hermione will tell me."  He yawned again and laid down, curling up to nap.  "Wake me when the lunch trolley comes," he told the owl.   She hooted gently and watched her human fall asleep.

Hermione broke into Harry's compartment with Ron, clucking her tongue.  "He must've been mobbed again," she sighed.  She petted Hedgwig through the cage then sat down next to Ron.  "How was your summer?"

"Less exciting than his."

"Xander made him go on a real vacation."

"I saw the pictures before those things came for Ginny," he said with a grin.  "Have you ever worn a bikini?"

She blushed.  "No comment."  Harry snorted and blinked at them.  "Why were they mobbing you this time?"

"Some sort of announcement.  Not a clue why," he said tiredly.  "I need to finish my nap."

"Sure," she agreed.  She saw Malfoy walk past then back up and come back. "He's sleeping."

"Xander asked me to look out for him," he said dryly.  Harry glared at him.  "Yes, you, git.  What did that one woman push through?"

"She managed to push through an initiative to make it more popular to have multiple children.  Gives them a break on tuition."

"My mum loves it," Ron agreed.

"I figured it was sensible to do if they had more than four kids," he admitted.  "The other stuff I can take or leave."  He looked at Draco.  "Why is he worried?"

"Hunters, Potter."

"They headed back to the US," Harry said, looking confused.

"Ring hunters," Draco said dryly.  He leaned on the edge of the doorway, crossing his arms over his chest.  "He didn't figure you'd know how to handle girls that were in it for the ring any way they could get it."

"Well, no," he agreed, making himself sit up.  "I'm not all that good with girls yet.  Tony did help some."

"He should know."  He smirked.  "If you need help with a persistent problem let me know so I can tell him.  He thinks the girls will start to react soon."

"So it'll be like he's a male veela?" Ron taunted.

"Exactly like what you did to the veela during the Tournament," Draco agreed.  He looked at Harry again.  "Xander also thinks that some girl's going to try to trap you into marriage by getting stuffed up."

Harry shook his head.  "I'm not ready for that yet.  I don't care what she wants."

"They can be persistent, Potter," he said smugly.  "I've had more than one that knocked me down and had me."

"Against your will?" Hermione snorted.

"No but I do wish they had better timing now and then.  I needed to get homework done that day."  He strolled off again.

"I'm not sure if I like this new smug Malfoy," Hermione complained.

Harry grinned.  "He's great fun at getting Xander to growl at him.  Or to go do something other than plan."

"I'm sure he is," Ron said.  "You two hung out?"

"I like Xander.  Xander's his head of family.  We spent a lot of time together this summer planning things."

"Malfoy helped?"

"Now and then."  He smiled. "He's been explaining wizarding things to Xander for a while too.  Helps out now and then.  Even if Danny does give him odd looks for some of his comments on some of the laws that Fudge wanted to put back through Patricia."

"How bad is it?" she asked.

He grimaced.  "She wants to keep everyone the way they were ten years ago.  When she was closer to our age.  Fudge does too because that makes him look stronger.  Since he's about to be kicked out as Minister in a few weeks, he's worried about how people will see him."

"What did he do?" Ron asked.  "All the paper said was there was a scandal and the whole Founders Council had sued him in the Wizengomet."

"He dosed some people with a lust potion."

Ron gave him a horrified look.  "They didn't do it in criminal court?"

"They did after the civil one.  That meant that no one had to share what went on.  Though he was not amused when he heard what he had caused and how badly he had screwed up.  Stella was going to rip him to pieces for it.  The judge said he had to have a clean handover by the end of next month, that way things could be arranged and handled before the next guy stepped into his mess.  Then he gets to go to jail."

Ron smirked.  "Wonderful."

"We were going to clap," he told him.  Hermione rolled his eyes.

"No, he's right, 'Mione.  That's the same as taking away someone's ability to consent," Ron told her.  "That's illegal."

Harry nodded.  "He got it from both ends and he's in deep for that stunt of his."

"Did it get you?" she asked.

"It has an age clause built into it.  It was a few weeks before my birthday."

"That's good at least."

"The best news is that we have all the Death Eaters we found in jail," he said quietly, reaching over to close the cabin door again.  "Voldemort's in a small cube waiting on us to finish killing him."  She gaped.  "Sam and Xander helped and so did a lot of the others.  Sam and Xander planned most everything.  Now all we have to do is deal with the prophecy his bringing back started."

"Which is what nearly killed Ginny and us," Ron finished.  Harry nodded.  "She's shielded, right?"

"Yeah, they shielded her, Ron.  She's safe and I don't think they can get into the school."

"Good."  He relaxed.  "Why the hurry?"

"Bringing back a body wrong can lead to letting some very evil things back onto this world, even beyond whatever evil person was raised," Harry said.  "Xander's tied to the group out on a hellmouth with a slayer.  Those same things that went after Ginny destroyed the Watchers Council's building and are trying to kill all of them."  Ron shuddered.  "Him being raised started off a greater evil trying to come back.  Those Bringers are his minions.  So if we see one on the grounds, we need to know immediately.  We're still not sure why they tried to come after me that once.  My family hasn't been Watchers in centuries."  Draco walked in and slammed the door shut.  "Problem?"

"Goyle."  He sighed, sitting down beside Harry, looking at him.  "He wants to kill you for getting his whole family arrested."

"They were housing the Dark Lord and serving him like he was the queen!" he defended.  "That wasn't me.  That was the aurors.  Have him talk to them!"

"I told him that.  He tried to hex me so I'm taking my head of family's advice and walking away."

"Good idea," Harry praised, grinning some.  "Are you taking Xander shopping for the holidays?"

"Bloody hell yes.  The man wear atrocious clothes around me.  I nearly went blind in the shirt he wore while he took us shopping."

Harry laughed.  "What did you think of Stella's outfit?"

"I agreed with him.  It made her look more delicate so she'd be underestimated at work.  She looked nice in it though.  It suited her coloring and figure very well."

"What does she do?" Hermione asked.

"She's a CSI, that's a detective who uses science to find criminals.  She works in a felony lab with two of the other board members, plus Horatio does the same thing in Miami."

"She's a criminialist?" she asked.  Harry beamed and nodded.  "Then she's got to be a strong woman.  Being an officer is hard enough but that's harder still."

"Is that like an auror?" Ron asked.

"She basically does what the aurors who do spell checks and investigative spells do, only she does hers with muggle science," Draco explained.  "I had to explain it to Patricia too."

Ron nodded.  "Okay, that makes more sense.  How many of the board do that?"

"Five.  Mac, Danny, and Stella work together.  Horatio works in Miami, he's the one I had watching over me on my vacation."  He dug out the pictures and handed them to Draco.  "From there.  You wanted to see.  Tony does the same thing but he does less of the science and more of the investigative end; he does his for the American Navy and Marines when they have problems.  Xander and Sam hunt demons.  Patricia's family does art appraisal.  Then there's me and the next Minister of Magic."

"I thought there were eighteen," Ron said, looking confused again.

"Patricia votes for them because they're more minor families and they have some sort of agreement from when Lucius was on the board.  He apparently annoyed them to death."

"I would've paid to see Xander beat him," Draco agreed.  He held up one.  "Sunset over the ocean?"

"Upside down, Draco.  I took that from my hotel room."  He turned it around and it made more sense to him.  When he got done Harry handed them to Hermione.  She gave him a look, holding up a picture of a bikini.  "That nearly trapped me on the beach," he defended.  "Horatio had to come rescue me my first day.  I got a very nice sunburn staring at that."  The door opened and he looked up at Goyle.  "Yes?  Wanted to see the pictures I took in Miami too?"

"No," he sneered.

"That was the auors," Harry told him firmly. "Not us.  Don't take it out on Draco or me.  After all, I can write myself an exemption to the law if I have to hurt you."  Goyle stomped off.  He looked at Draco.  "Are you moving into our dorm too?"

"I hope not.  You're all messy."  He got up.  "Thank you for keeping my temper for me."  He left, going to hex Goyle to make him leave him alone.  Crabbe too since he was plotting with him.  Then he went on his Prefect rounds.  His head of family would be proud of him and he had promised rewards during his first weekend in town.

Harry grinned.  "Yes, Xander's bribing him and finding him a wife."

Ron shuddered.  "Better him than me."  He finished looking at the pictures then handed them back.  "Did you have fun?"

"Lots of fun," he said with a grin.  "I got to see museums.  I met Horatio's nephew.  He's a great guy, about our age.  Totally muggle but nice.  He showed me around and helped me buy my camera.  We totally ate ourselves sick a few times on Cuban and Mexican food.  He even took me to the nude beach."  Ron's mouth fell open.  "Not all pretty women but they're all there to enjoy being in their skin.  Looks don't matter much to them so they're happy.  We played some beach games.  He taught me to body surf.  It was a great two weeks."

"Good," she said happily, smiling at him.  "You needed it."

"Yes I did.  Now that it's nearly over, it's a lot better."  He laid down again.  "Wake me when the lunch trolley gets here?"

"Of course."  She pulled out a book and Ron pulled out a magazine, letting them watch over him while he napped.  At least until he started to have a nightmare and then they tried to help.   He woke up with a gasp, holding his forehead.  "Harry?" she asked.  "Are you all right?  Was it a vision?"

"He's out."  He patted his carry-on bag, finding his cellphone.  "Damn it, no signal!"  He got up and went to find Draco.  "Do you have a signal?"

He frowned, pulling out his phone to check.  "I do.  I guess where mine bounces off space or whatever it would."  Harry snatched it and found the number he wanted, dialing it.  "What happened?"

Harry listened to Sam's cheerful greeting.  "Check him.  Someone broke him out, Sam.   My scar just went off.  Someone got him out.  On Draco's phone.  They won't work at the school.  Please?"  He nodded.  "Thank you."  He hung up and handed it back.  Draco gave him an incredulous look.  "He's still a ghoul.  We have all his people."

"Let's hope he doesn't possess whoever lets him out."

"Or a Bringer."

"That would be worse," he agreed, rubbing his own forehead.  His phone rang so he answered it.  "Draco Malfoy speaking."  He handed it over.  "It's Xander."

He listened.  "Are we sure who yet?  The first time I saw him he was possessing someone and living on the back of their head, Xander.  Please?"  He nodded, leaning against a wall.  "My scar woke me.  Let me know?  They won't work at the school.  We'll have to turn them off.  Sure, if he cares to.  Can you walk down to the apparation barrier tomorrow to check for messages?"

"If he wants."

Harry nodded, handing it back.  He walked off, getting some chocolate off the trolley.  Then he sat down to nibble it while he thought.  Ron gave him a nudge with a foot.  "He's out.  Someone got him out of that locked case in the auror's department."  He took a vicious bite and chewed while watching out the window.  Draco came back thirty minutes later.  "New news?"

"Fudge," he said simply.

"He wasn't marked. They checked."

"No, he's possessed.  They have him in custody but not the other, Harry."

"I'll let others know when we get in," Harry decided.

"Xander did.  He's throwing an ungodly fit at his place right now.   Willow's too busy to try to track him and the others can't."

"What about the witches that did the masking charms?" Ron asked.

"Sam's calling them to see."  He looked at Harry.  "Calm down.  He's not coming this way."

"He was feeding on unicorns before," Harry reminded him.  Draco nodded, walking off, leaving him to think and plan.  "Hermione, tell the DA members?"  She went to do that.  He knew Xander and Sam would let the others know, especially Tony since his people heard things from all over the world.  They'd be okay.  They would be because he was Harry Potter and if Xander could withstand dating and sleeping with demons he could help him defeat the bastard once and for all.

"You'll get him, Harry," Ron promised.

Harry nodded.  "We will."  He got some more chocolate and came back to finish his thinking and planning.  Hermione came back later on and they sat around to wait until they got to the school.  At least he couldn't take over the school now.  "Any idea who our defense teacher is?" he asked.

"No," Hermione admitted.  "I'm still wondering what charms Quirrel used on his turban to hide him from the Dark Arts wards on the school."

"I think that it's wearing out like the other charms on the school," Harry said.  "When we took the tour, we found a bunch of things that were starting to fall apart, including the Divination tower."  He paused.  "I hope they fixed it.  Horatio was really pissed that it was leaning."

"Let's hope they fixed the stairs on the girls' side," Hermione complained.  Harry nodded at that.  "Well, we'll see soon I suppose."

They got comfortable and waited on the rest of the ride.

***

Xander walked into the next meeting of the Founders Council, handing Horatio something.  "Harry has detention with Professor Snape and cannot be here today.  He asks that Tony or Mac vote for him."

"That's fine with me," Tony promised.  "How are you doing?"

"I'd be doing a lot better if we knew where the stupid ghoul went to."

"They can't track him?" Horatio asked, frowning a bit.

"The Devon witches could for a bit then they lost him.  He possessed someone but he was near a mall at the time so he could be on everyone.  So if you know someone and they suddenly start wearing large hats, look on the back of their head.  He did it to a Defense teacher before."

"I read that book," Mac said dryly.  "How did he get past the dark wards on the school?"

"The school's over a thousand years old," Danny said honestly.  "Like the repair spells, it's probably getting a bit thin."

Xander nodded. "That's what Harry figured too."  He nodded politely when Patricia and the new Minister for Magic walked in.  "Good afternoon."

"Afternoon," he said pleasantly enough.  "Are we missing people?"

"Harry has detention with Snape for doing what he was supposed to.  He sent a letter with his choice of Tony or Mac to vote for him."

"Tony's agreed to," Horatio told him.  "That reminds me, I did want to see what had been updated at the school.  I think we need to make sure that the repairs weren't forgotten."

"Don't they have a board of regents?" Patricia asked.

"Half of them are in Azkaban," Xander said honestly.  "Draco can't take his father's seat for the next year.  That board isn't meeting until around Easter anyway."  She nodded at that.  "I'd like to know if the aurors have anything new.  I asked and got blown off."

"Reasonable.  Do they at your home?" Mac asked.

"Nope.  It's weaker but she had moved onto step two by the time we got him."

"So they're facing a lesser apocalypse?" Tony asked.  Xander nodded.  "Are you going back?"

"If they need me to.  I'm told John does a credible impersonation of me but he won't wear my hawaiian shirts."

Stella laughed from her seat.  "That might be a good idea.  They might infect Sam or Dean."

"No, we'd have to hit each other if we wore clothes that loud.  I still don't know how you snuck around in them."

Xander grinned.  "No one pays attention to me.  Even the girls sometimes."

Sam shook his head.  "I do. You date scary women and I'm watching to make sure you don't date anyone else," he promised.  Xander beamed at him for that.

"Off topic, boys.  Since we're all here, let's start this meeting.  I call it to order.  To the agenda for today.  We have to take any petitions about laws that need to be reset.  We need to set the next meeting date.  I want to talk to either Harry, Draco, or someone we trust at the school to make sure the changes have been made and things fixed.  We need to ask an auror for an update on the Voldemort situation.  Does anyone have anything to add?" he asked.

The Minister for Magic frowned.  "We're still involved?"

"Fudge let him out of the locked case," Xander told him.  He moaned, shaking his head.  "We're pretty sure he's possessing someone but we can't tell who.  We're working on it but whenever I ask I get funny looks and blown off."

"We'll get one down here to make a report," Danny agreed, heading to do that for them.

Horatio smiled.  "While he's gone, when's a good time for the next meeting, people?"

Mac pulled out their schedules.  "The system spit out a bad one for the next month," he admitted.  "Depending on which weekend either Danny or Stella will have to take a day off."  He let him see it to compare with his and Tony handed over his.  "Looks like we can do this weekend but we're all on then," Mac said.

Horatio looked at Tony.  "Can we get Gibbs to shift your on-call weekend?"

"Maybe.  We've got a major terrorism case right now."

That got a nod.  "So you won't be taking time off except for today until it's settled?"  Tony nodded.  "All right.  We'll call if we need you that day, Tony."

"Thanks.  Gibbs said he didn't mind if he didn't need me but the nature of the beast means I might be needed to go on a raid within minutes."

"We understand," Mac promised.  He pointed at a block.  "Danny has more leave time.  It's six weeks from this meeting but it might be doable.  If we go with a month, that'll leave Stella needing that weekend off.  She can trade or take it off, whatever."  She nodded at that.

Horatio looked at them.  "Any scheduling conflicts with anyone else?"

"We have a visit from the Bulgarian ambassadors in five weeks," the Minister said, handing over that schedule.

Horatio looked.  "The weekend before?"

"We'll be setting up but I can come down for a few hours.  The meetings have been relatively short."

"That'll work," Mac agreed.  "Patricia?"

"I'm open if you are," she reminded him.  "Sam, Xander?"

"We'll be heading back to the US for a while after this meeting but I can make it back for anything," Sam promised.  "Even if we're in the middle of a situation Dean knows I've got to be here.  Unless we're under active attack it should be fine."

Horatio nodded.  "You're staying, Xander?"

"Unless they call, again a moment's notice sort of thing."  Danny walked in with Willow.  "Good news?"

"They wanted a report from us.  They didn't like the fact that she was torturing Spike for the blood she needed before they stepped up the assaults against the big boogerhead."

"No idea where he is according to them.  They've scanned and think he went to a muggle and then transferred once he found a witch or wizard he could use."

"We should ask the hatmakers and Madam Malkin, plus the other clothing store places.  They've got to buy new clothes sometime."

Horatio nodded.  "They might be of help but we're trying to keep this one under wraps until we're sure," Danny told him.

"Didn't we do that before?" Sam asked.

"Yes but for different reasons.  Everyone thinks he's dead," Danny told him.  "He will be within a day of us finding him so it's not that big a lie.  They can excuse it as some of those things that Tony and Harry have been gathering."

"We've got all but two known, possibly up to six total if he hid more than Dumbledore thinks," Tony reported.  "We're going next weekend to find the rest."

"Let us know when he's gone."  He looked at the Minister for Magic.  "Do you have a problem with us formally setting the meeting date on the sixteenth?"

"I do," Danny said.  "I'm off that weekend due to a friend's wedding on Saturday.  It'll be an all-day affair, it's a friend from a large, Italian family."

Horatio grimaced.  "That would spread out next one out to six weeks," he told him.

Danny shrugged.  "I can set a proxy that weekend."

"If that would work for you," Horatio agreed.

"Then let's do that if no one has any arguments and I'll let Stella or someone vote for me."

"Agreed," Horatio said, making note of that.  "Anyone have any problems with the sixteenth?"  No one said anything.  "Good.  Do we have any laws that need to be looked at or petitions for new ones?" he asked, looking at the Minister for Magic.

"The current ones are nice," he admitted. "But they don't leave much room for interpretation."

"We had three judges help us set the language," Horatio told him. "The five officers agreed to take on that job and formed a sub committee."

He nodded.  "I can see that.  It was a good job but I used to be a lawyer and I'd hate them.  There's no wiggle room."

"The law should be clear cut.  It means that scum doesn't get off on a technicality as often," Sam told him.

That got a nod. "True.  So far my review has been pretty decent.  You really did condense a lot of the old stuff that was outdated and took out a lot of Fudge's rules."

"The man made some pretty stupid rules," Danny pointed out.

"True.  He was pretty hated for that around here.  Patricia, have you had any complaints?"

"No, Dwayne.  I haven't heard a thing.  I have been looking into the proposed department additions that the others have made."  He looked curious.  "We were talking about a department to oversee things like shots for school and diseases of the carnal nature."

He nodded.  "Could help.  The muggles have shots for stuff?"

"All sorts of things, mostly to prevent totally, some are to lessen cases," Stella told him.

"Interesting.  I'd like to look at those proposals."

"They weren't formally drawn up.  It was mentioned during discussions that the wizarding world could use them," Xander told him.  "It was a health department system, CPS, and civil service exams."

"We were giving Patricia and those she votes for time to look up those institutions to see if she could come up with good arguments against them and see for herself how much of a need there was."

"Civil service exams?" the Minister asked.

"For Ministry or other governmental jobs.  That way it goes to the most qualified, not the one with the most relatives," Mac told him.  "Started in Ancient China and most countries use some sort of service exam for higher, non elective government offices."

"So, no more incompetent people?"

"Or less.  They'd have to pass a test and an interview," Sam said.

"That could be good for the Ministry," he decided.

"I had someone send away for the exam that the Americans take for government service.  It won't work for us," Patricia said.

"The idea will even if the same questions won't," Tony corrected.  "Of course we can make it specific to the department you want to work in.  I don't expect people wanting to work in Species to need the same test as someone who wants to be in the mailroom."

The Minister nodded slowly.  "True, and it's not that hard to do," he agreed.  "I'd like a formal proposal and sample test questions drawn up."

"Right now we're at the kicking it around to talk about it stage," Xander told him.  "The next step would be to talk to the other Ministers and Under Ministers to get their ideas and test questions could be done from that when they say what they *need* in their departments."

"So a general section and then a specialty section for various departments," Tony said.  "Not a bad idea."

"Once you have it I'd like to look it over," the Minister agreed.  "The same with the Health Department idea.  What they'd be over, if we had any research on these shots the muggles take, all that."

She nodded.  "I've started to gather that one.  I still do not like the CPS idea, boys.  Usually other family members handle it when a parent gets too rough with their child or harms them."

"Most people like that learn it from their own growing up," Stella told her gently.  "So it'd be repeated only by a different tormentor.  They could also make sure all orphanages were up to a good standard of care.  I visited one and it was nasty.  It was filthy.  The workers had no training.  I wanted to tell them to mop.  Plus they said any child that came out with magic was less likely to go to any sort of school for training.  Then what do they do?"

She nodded.  "I can see that point.  I'm still not favorably inclined toward it because it could take a lot of what's family business and put it into the open."

"No our records are sealed," Danny told her.  "Usually by court order."

She tipped her head to the right.  "That is better.  I'll keep looking into it.  I don't know many who do those things."  Xander tossed over pictures.  "You were following people?" she demanded.

"Taking pictures here in Diagon before the school rush.  Every one of those would've been a CPS case in the US."

She looked through them, looking very unhappy.  "That's fifteen pictures out of over nine hundred families that week."

"CPS shouldn't have to deal with more than the five to ten percent who do bad things to their kids," Xander told her.  "The rest they leave alone."

She huffed.  "I'll talk to them.  I have talked to a few case workers in the muggle system. They were happy to give over information when I said I was looking into as a career.  It does take some training."

Stella nodded.  "It does but it means that the six kids who've been in the Prophet for dying in the last month might not have been."

"Which is important," the Minister agreed. "You work with them often?"

"Sometimes.  I also grew up in the foster care system.  Xander's had family that should've been caught and didn't."

"Dad got a lot of calls about the way we moved around and bruises from our training," Sam told him.  "Some are very good.  Some are on a crusade.  Some accuse before all the facts are in.  They're still human but the system itself is a good one.  We can make sure that the ones who'd accuse without good cause aren't hired."

"It wouldn't even have to be a large department.  Forty cases per social worker, two to oversee the orphanages and their standards."

"If only about five percent of families need that sort of help then we could start with ten people and see if they needed more," the Minister agreed.  "Again, something I'd like to see in writing.  Concrete plans."

"We were going to make a separate meeting for that closer to the holidays," Horatio admitted.  "That would give others time to research and talk about it with those she holds the proxies for."

"Which is a good standard to set," he agreed.  He looked at her.  "Let me know so I can see it when we go to committee?"  She nodded at that.  "Good.  Thank you.   What was up next?  Hogwarts or another school?"

"That one," Xander said.  "We went on a tour."

"Albus been falling down on the job again?" he asked dryly.

"The repair spells are starting to wear out," Xander told him.  That got a wince from Patricia.  "Your predecessor went with us.  We did a complete tour and came up with six pages of notes on things that needed fixed, some dangerous situations, some suggestions, and presented them to the Headmaster.  He was going to be coming to us with ideas to improve the school beyond what the Regents could approve of."

"Safety has to be looked at," Patricia agreed. "Six pages?"  Xander pulled his copy out of his bag and passed them down to her.  She read it over, handing off the pages when she was done with them.  "Some of those are minor."

"Some are but minor things turn into major things.  The problem with the Divination tower was a minor thing too.  Before it could've been solved a lot easier.  Now, they might have to rebuild the tower if they can't fix the repair spell or the repair spell can't handle it."

The Minister winced.  "That'll be costly."

"Exactly," Xander said. "Some were suggestions.  Slytherin could definitely use more lights."

He smiled.  "I've heard that complaint.  Do we have a report?"

"With permission I'd like to either talk to Harry or Professor Snape," Horatio said.  "We can floo him."

"Works for me," Sam agreed.

The Minister nodded.  "It's a Saturday.  That should be fine with him.  Even if he is a bit cranky."  He went to set the floo for them, then came back to his seat once the professor's head was up.  "Professor, we had some questions."

"May we speak with Harry or yourself, Professor?" Horatio asked.

"You may speak with me.  Potter is in detention."  The view was widened on his end.  "As you can see, he messed up again."

"I heard why," Xander told him.  Harry shot him a smirk then shook his head.  "First of all, the list of repairs and suggestions.  How many were done?"

"Sixteen," Harry called.  "The Gryff girls' staircase is still broken.  I had to beat someone sneaking in the other night."

Snape turned to glare at him.  "I have not heard such rumors."

"The headmaster said it was some boy sneaking in to see his girlfriend.  Since she was screaming that she didn't know him loud enough to wake Hermione up the hall, who came and got me, I'm doubting that, sir."  He looked at him.  "It was a Ravenclaw.  He had need of Madam Pomfrey once Ron and I got him for her."

Snape sneered at him.  "Boys being boys?"

"I doubt it.  They're not together.  No matter what the Headmaster thinks.  Even if it was fixed it's not that hard to get up there."  He went back to his scrubbing.  "I did hear Draco say Slytherin got two new lamps.  Both dim."

Snape nodded.  "That is true.  The Headmaster is claiming that all the problems this summer distracted his attention from that list," he admitted. "Professor McGonagall brought it up during our pre-term meeting."

Horatio nodded.  "When did he say they would be fixed?"

"He said he's calling in a specialist to look at the spells.  He did move Divinations however."

"The classes it'll affect when it falls in?" Xander asked.

"Are still there," Snape admitted.  "It's not leaning any worse at the moment."

That got a nod from everyone.  Harry yelped.  "Sorry, it bit me," he said.

"Did you use your wand to transform the table?" Snape demanded, turning to look at him.

"No, sir, it's the same set of teeth that bit Neville last week."  He showed him the bite.  "May I please be excused to see the nurse?  I can see bone this time."

Snape looked then nodded, muttering as he left.

"We were watching and he didn't have his wand," Xander told him calmly.  "It's still on your desk."  Snape looked then muttered something before turning around.  "A prank?"  He nodded.  "Is that something that can be fixed by a teacher or something someone else needs to fix?  We can add it to the list if you want."

"No, she can fix it," he assured them, crossing his arms so his hands went up his sleeves.  "Are there other concerns?"

"We would like to know what he'll be doing about the necessary repairs within a month," Horatio told him.  "If you could pass that on."  That got a curt nod.  "Have any new ones shown up?"

"Two or three new holes from pointless wand waving and mock duels in the halls due to the house wars," he admitted grimly.  "One painting needs repaired."

The Minister added those to the list.  "They told us Albus had suggestions?"

"He's writing them out for the next meeting.  He had plans of being there for the next time."

"We're meeting on the twenty-second I do believe it was?" Horatio said, looking at the calendar he had marked.  "Twenty-third, sorry."  He looked at him.  "Work schedules got in the way for a sooner one."

"As they do here," he admitted.  He looked around then back at them.  "Are there other matters of interest?"

"Let him know that we're pretty sure the ghoul is on someone's head," Xander told him.  "Nobody's sure whose."

"I can do that as well."  Harry came back in.  "Are you suitably bandaged?"

"Yes, Professor, but she did say to not scrub with that hand."

"We'll see," he sneered.

"Rubber gloves?" Xander suggested.

"The rubber or coating could react with some of the ingredients."

"Okay, if you say so.  That's your area and I'll trust your expertise," Xander said happily.  That got a happier curt nod.  "Are there other matters we should hear of?  Massive new disciplinary issues?  Events I have to prep Draco for?"

"We are having a winter ball this year.  He's already deciding on whom he's asking and what he's wearing."

"That's fine.  Let him tell me then.  Anything else we can do for you, Professor?"

"Not at this point.  Should there be, are you local?"

"Unless I'm called back.  It wasn't fully stopped, just lessened."

He gave them a grim look.  "Then I hope he has mercy on them when he appears."

"We know how to stop it once it happens," Willow assured him.  "We can fight him.  It takes seven slayers and we have over thirty slayers in training right now."

Snape gave her an interested look.  "Then you do have a plan?"

"We do and we shouldn't need Xander.  We've got a lot of fighters at our disposal right now."  That got a nod.  "Plus he's got a cellphone and so do Draco and Harry from what I've heard."  Xander nodded at that.

"You'd have to take it outside the non-electrical field.  Past the apparation barrier. Draco called a couple of nights ago and pouted that you weren't home."

"I was off on a date," Xander said.  "He's got voicemail waiting."

"I'll let him know later," Snape promised.  "Should I hear anything that you need to, I'll let the Council know.  Good day."  He hung up on them.

Xander looked at Horatio.   "Is the headmaster stalling?"

"It's expensive to look at those sort of spells," the Minister told him.

"Get someone experienced and use it to train others," Xander said.  The Minister gaped.  "Don't you have a unit here that deals with that stuff?"  He nodded slowly.  "Let them look at it and then use it to train others."

He smiled.  "That's not a bad idea.  I'll suggest that later."  He smiled at Horatio. "We have a very loose meeting style."

"We've learned how to work together and those who jump in usually have some very good ideas," Horatio told him.  "Feel free to as well if you feel you have something to add to an argument."

"I shall."  He looked at Willow.  "You're not one of ours, right?"  She grinned but shook her head.  "Didn't think so."

"I've seen scarier than that professor at two in the morning," she assured him.  "Okay, I'm done with my reporting duties.  Xander, can we keep those house elves?"

"I don't care but they're Draco's so I'll check.  If not I'll let him help me find you some."  She nodded.  "Thirty slayers, another twenty watchers, all the Sunnydale crew, in one house," he told the Minister.  That got a shudder.  "I let two of Draco's elves go help them with the food stuff."

"That's probably kinder," he agreed.  "Saves sanity."  He looked at Horatio.  "What else was on the agenda today?"

"That was all that was on our agenda today.  Unless we had new business no one noted before?"

Sam raised his hand.  "I want kept up to date on the Sunnydale thing when I'm here."

Willow nodded. "Your dad can.  He took over as camp mommy."  She disappeared.

"That's a bad picture.  I'll have to share that with Dean," Sam said with a grin.

Horatio shook his head.  "Let us know if you can't get back in time, Sam."

"I will.  Minister, did you have anything new to put on the schedule?"

"Are we going to be introducing you lot to the ambassadors?"

"Eww, society stuff," Xander said honestly.

"If we're here, and it's necessary, some of us can fill in," Horatio told him.  "Most of us do not like those sort of events."

"It is the easiest way to find mates."

"Not this again," Stella complained.  "FYI.  Mac's a grieving widow.  Horatio lost his last one within the last year.  I'm not looking forward to it and I'm putting it off for my career.  Sam's fiancee was killed by the demon that's hunting his whole family.  Xander's unnaturally drawn to demons because he grew up on the hellmouth.  Patricia's already married.  Danny dates vapid little things with little brains and work's been too hectic even for that recently.  None of us want a society spouse.  Not even Tony, who only dates beautiful women and then dumps then when they get serious on him.  And don't you dare do what Fudge did and use a lust potion."

He gave her a horrified look.  "That's what got him fired?"  She smirked and nodded.  "He should've been in jail sooner!"

"The judge wanted a smooth handover and wouldn't let us tear him to bits," Xander said.

"That might've been nice but still!"  He looked at her.  "Your career?"

"I do the same thing Danny, Mac, Horatio, and Tony do and I do it brilliantly.  I don't need a husband to screw up my world or my reputation by doing mushy stuff in the labs.  I do the same sort of work and I do the same amount of arresting as they do."

He nodded slowly.  "Is that like being an auror?"

"Like the aurors who do the checking stuff with the spells," Xander said.  "Only they use science.  We've had to explain this one before."

He just nodded.  "I've loved watching them work.  Think I could have a tour?  See if we could use any of it?"

"Sure," Mac agreed. "Give me some warning in case we're having a field work day."  He nodded at that.  "I'm not looking forward to her marrying either.  She's my second in command and she'd have to take time off for that plus it'd stress her out with the wedding, the newlywed arguments, and all the sex she'd be having that first year.  I'd never get anything done."

"Floppy can do some of the paperwork for me," she offered with a smile.

"He could," he agreed.  "He's been bored.  I'll let him help you with your backlog.  Horatio, how is Lucia working out?"

"Quite well.  My Chief loves her more than he does me and Ryan spoils her with peppermints all the time.  The Chief's wife even wanted to take her shopping.  I had to rationalize it as she wasn't being given clothes but better uniforms to wear to work."

"I'll have to try that with Floppy," Mac said.

"Buffy graciously let one of the ones out there borrow a shirt from her since it had stains but Kneady thought it was beautiful."

Mac smirked.  "That's an even better idea.  Thank you both."  He looked around.  "Any other new business?"  No one said anything.  "Then let's get back to work, people.  Our cities don't pay us to do this."  They all headed out once Horatio had closed the meeting's notes.

Xander grinned and hugged Sam. "Have fun in Sunnydale.  Watch out for vampires.  You can stake ours."  He pulled back.  "Tell Dean to embarrass the girls.  They need it now and then."  He left, heading back to his apartment and part time job.  He was putting together little circuit boards at the moment.  It didn't pay great but he was okay on money for right now.

Sam grinned.  "Such a goofball."  He sent himself home then hugged the aunts before sending them and the car to Sunnydale.

***

Sam walked into the Magic Box and looked at the mess.  "I take it the Bringers were here?" he called.  Someone came out with a gun.  "Hi, we're John's sons."

"He said you're Brits," he sneered, raising it.

"No, he said we were in England," Dean corrected.  "Clean your damn ears, dude.  You're pathetic and your form sucks."  He hit him and he fell, the shotgun coming out of his hands.  "Dad would never put up with that."  He looked around.  "We're back!" he shouted.  "Hide all the cute chicks!"

"Dean!" Sam complained.

"Thought I heard overblown egos, but it could've been more watchers," Buffy said as she came out.  "So you're John's boys.  He said lots and lots of bad things about you two."

Dean smirked. "Probably only half true, sorry."

"Just don't hit on my sister, Dean."  She shook their hands before looking down at the whimpering guy on the floor.  "I see you've met Jacques."

"He has bad form with the shotgun," Sam told her.

"Well, yeah.  He won't take instruction very well either.  He's about to be vamp food if he keeps it up."  She hauled him up. "Help us pack, we're heading back to the mansion."

"Mansion?" Sam asked, moving to help her carry boxes out to their father's truck.

"Angel's old place."

"Ah."  He nodded.  Xander had mentioned that place.  "Willow back yet?"

"She called from the coven.  They're trying to find the ghoul again."  She waved as John stomped over.  "One of them hit Jacques for standing wrong."

"Better than I did.  I took a kendo stick to him for his bad posture."  He hugged both sons. "I see you survived being a politician again."

"For now," Sam quipped back with a grin.  "Have to go back in six weeks."  That got a nod.  "We're setting up a good CPS system, a health department system, and civil service exams."

"From what I've heard, it might not be enough to help."

"They're changing but it's slow.  They're still stuck in Victorian times, Dad."  He took the box from Dean to load while he got his own manly hug.   "Xander's fine, Buffy.  He was really pleased that Draco wanted to kill his relatives and Dark Mark their house for him.  He bragged in Council."

"Draco was not amused.  I didn't think anyone could sneer that much," she told him. "Willow introduced them."

"Poor muggles," Sam moaned, shaking his head.

"You're even using the lingo, I'm impressed," John said smartly.

Sam smirked.  "I have to deal with people who want to hear my ideas too."  John walked off shuddering.  "It's not that bad.  We're putting home ec. into the school once it's finally fixed!" he called after him.

Dean pinched him on the arm.  "Behave.  They'll think I'm like you and I'll never get to flirt with the pretty ones."

Sam looked at him.  "You could always go hit on Xander.  After all, he went on a date the other night."

Dean gave him an odd look.  "When you two were dosed was one thing."

"No, please go date Xander," Buffy begged, grabbing his arm.  "The next one might end more than just him.  Please?"

He grinned at her.  "Not my usual style.  Maybe Sammy could since they worked so closely together all summer on the battle plans."

Sam smirked back.  "He's a very nice guy who could use a lot of hugs.  I'm still straight."

John came back.  "Why is that suddenly being called into question?"

"Xander's dating," Dean said.  "While they were dosed with lust potion was one thing."

"Lust potion?" Buffy asked.  "Would that be like a lust spell Xander had been under?  By his own hand I might add."

"No, this is something that makes you snap and jump whoever's nearest.  Even if they're not your type, your sex, or if either of you want it," Dean told her.  "The head guy over there decided they should all be settling down so he dosed the whole Founders Council with it.  Xander, Sammy, and I were together."  John gave him a stare.  "I protected Sammy by jumping Xander.  Xander's got a lot of energy and a lot of stamina."

"We heard," John assured him.  "Anya's still complaining that she dumped him and about all the sex she's missing."

"The aunts called a healer.  We were near a matching set of heart attacks," Sam told him honestly.  "He wore us out, Dad."

John nodded.  "At least there's no kids coming."

"Xander can do many things but he cannot get pregnant," Sam quipped.

"He'd better not be able to," Buffy said.

John patted her on the back.  "It'll be okay, Buffy.  I promise it will be."  She nodded, going to heft more boxes and make the Watcher actually work.  "You two okay?"

"We're good," Dean promised.  "Took us a day to calm down and feel normal.  He's in jail.  He's the one who released the ghoul on his way to jail."  John shook his head.  "He was their Minister for Magic."

John snorted.  "Politicians.  If you two turn into one I'm beating you both senseless."  He walked off, going to help haul boxes.  "Come on."  They came to help him with it.

***

Harry walked up to Draco, poking him on the shoulder to get his attention.  "Xander said you have voicemail waiting.  He was on a date when you called."

"Someone let him date?" he demanded.  "Who in the bloody hell was that stupid?"

Harry shrugged.  "No clue.  He said he had been on a date when you called so he called you and left voicemail."

Draco stomped off to floo his head of family.  He got around Snape.  "Xander Harris," he called once he tossed in floo powder.  "You're dating?" he demanded when his head popped up, lollipop and all.  "What are you dating?"

He twirled the lollipop and moved it to the side of his mouth.  "So far she seems like a nice human girl.  Didn't set off any of the demon senses I have."

Draco snorted.  "I doubt that.  Not with what you draw to you and what you're drawn to."

"She didn't.  She's not a witch.  She doesn't believe in that stuff.  We talked about ghost stories since she was interested in that stuff.  She thinks I'm a cute foreign boy."

Draco glared at him.  "We'll be seeing."

"If I get serious about her I'll let you meet her and check her for demon taint.   You know, usually I get this speech from girls," he said dryly then his head disappeared.

"Don't you dare throw something," Snape warned from his desk.

Draco looked at him.  "Do you know what he's dated in the past?" he demanded, pointing at the fireplace.

"That bad?"

"His last girlfriend was Anyanka, Vengeance over Women Scorned! She was a human for a while!"

Snape shuddered.  "Young men often have bad taste."

"That's not the first one!  He said she was the first one who didn't try to kill him!  I do not want the family in one of the other cousin's control!"

"At the moment, you're his defacto heir.  It may come to you," he pointed out.

"There's eighteen cousins still left, Professor.  There's a very good chance that it may not since two are older and have their own businesses."

Snape nodded.  "That is true."

"Better to have the one you know than the one you don't who might wreck my life and not help me find a wife."

Snape smiled.  "Are you looking forward to it?"

"I'll have sex without worry.  Yes."  He walked off shaking his head to sulk on the pitch for a while.  His head of family was insane.  He couldn't commit him or else the staff would be passed on.  That was considered being a threat to the family.  Why did he have to get stuck with the nutty one?  Why not someone like Horatio?  Or even Sam?  He seemed nice enough for a mostly muggle guy with no fashion sense and bad hair.  A school owl flew out and deposited a chocolate frog, making him smirk.  Someone was looking out for him.  The note on top made him snort. //Harry said your head of house is slightly insane and driving you there and you needed this more than he did.  Even if he did want the card.//  He opened it and bit into the head, nibbling while he looked at the card.  He didn't have it yet so it went into his pocket.  At least his mother's head of family was more kind and responsible.  You'd never see Potter dating demons.  Possibly not anyone but never demons.

Family Staffs 10

Xander was pacing back and forth, watching the news as it replayed events.  He couldn't get hold of anyone out there.   Not their cellpones, not their house phones, none of it.  His staff wouldn't take him there and he didn't know how to apparate yet.   He turned to pace in the other direction and ran into Horatio.  "Bad news?"

"Comforting."

Xander slumped.  "I can't get anyone."

"The earthquake it set off probably knocked out the cell towers and phone lines.  They do it often enough in other areas."  He made Xander sit down.  "They aren't dead, Xander.  You'd know that."  Xander slumped, nodding, looking down.  Horatio sat next to him, putting arm around his shoulders.  "Shh.  It'll be okay."

Xander leaned against him.  "You're sure?"

"I'm sure.  Willow said it wasn't going to be as bad as they thought.  Sam has his staff and he would protect who he could.  He's like that."  Xander nodded.  They watched the news coverage.  It did look bad.  They couldn't get even a news chopper near there for pictures. All they were getting was long distance photos.  "Was the National Guard there?"

"There's a reserve base outside of Sunnydale," Xander said quietly. "They can step in pretty quickly.  Some past governor did it in case whatever happened in Sunnydale spilled over.  They probably even have cute codenames for our stuff."  He watched, grabbing Horatio's knee. "Busses."  They watched as busses pulled up and let out most of the town's residents.  Someone said something and some of the military guys headed back.  "That's normal residents.  No Watchers."  He blinked.  "Buffy's sister is there."  He pointed at her.  Then he called her.  She had a satellite phone, he had upgraded hers when he had done Draco's.  "Is everyone all right?"  She walked off to talk to him, telling him what had happened.  He slumped, nodding while he listened.  "Who didn't?"  He squeezed his eyes shut.  "Can we get in there to get them out?"  He nodded. "I'll see what I can do.  I know she's fragged.  Be right there."  He hung up.  "A whole segment got trapped.  Sunnydale's no more but they made it out of the hole.  The town being sucked into the hellmouth trapped them."

"Go," Horatio agreed.  The staff still wouldn't let him.  Horatio looked at his.  "Send him.  He needs to help save his friends."  It did that and Horatio went back to the office, finding others watching it.  "Most everyone got out," he announced.  "I was talking to someone who lived there."  They stared at him.  "Xander."  That got a few nods from those he had mentioned the young man to.  They went back to watching.

***

Xander appeared, startling the military guys.  "Hold on.  I'm part of the team, I was in England."

"Why didn't you come earlier!" Buffy shouted at him, getting into his face.

"Because the staff wouldn't let me," he shot back.  "It still doesn't want me to be here but I'm better at the small tunnels than most of you are."  She slumped and he hugged her.  "You did your best," he soothed.  "You got most everyone out."

She nodded.  "Dawn?"

"I called her.  She's at the line."  She nodded, letting the guys walk her off to check her injuries.  He walked over to Dean.  "Sam, your dad?"

"Sam's heavily injured.  One got him on the back before he could get his weapon away from the one he was chopping up.  Then he got stepped on by another one."  Xander winced.  "They're saying he'll be fine.  Dad's somewhere with the trapped ones."

"Are they *here* or are they there?" he asked.

"Here.  Definitely here.  Trapped somehow," Dean said.

"Okay.  You coming?"  Dean nodded, following him out.  "Which way were they heading?"

"It was more a scramble to get out of the hole and then onto the busses," Dean admitted.

Xander looked at the ripples on the pulled ground and the absolute blankness of everything.  "Shit."

"Basically."

They looked at each other then Xander looked at his staff.  "Can you pinpoint the trapped ones or are you still mad?"  It led him over to a spot that he marked.  "How deep?  Very deep, can I blow the tunnel?"  It flashed.  "Thanks."  He jogged back and got the emergency rescue kit for earthquakes off the back of a military jeep, going to blow the spot.  It wasn't deep enough but they could hear voices.  "Let us work for a few, guys.  How many are down there?"

"Ten, six injured.  We're missing another four," a male voice called.

"They headed east," another, female, voice called.

"Okay."  Xander and Dean broke through into the tunnel and he looked at the staff again.  "Can you find the other four?"  It dimmed.  "Even their bodies."  It led him off, letting him find three.  One was still missing.  John.  He winced.  "No idea where he is?"  The staff dimmed.  "How about this.  Can you summon John for me?"  It flashed brightly then got warmer.  It gave up after a second.  "Dean, I need Sam's staff!" he called.  It was brought over.  "Okay.  Can you do it with his staff's help?"  A dim flash.  "How many more?"  It flashed twice.  He looked up.  "Harry!"  He appeared.  "I need your staffs.  John's father is trapped somewhere."  He pulled them out and they laid them together.  "Bring us John Winchester, Staffs."  They all hummed and flashed, then John fell on top of them, panting, alive, bleeding on them, on his knees.

"Medic!" Dean shouted.  Someone came running to get John for them.  He picked up Sam's staff.  "Thanks, Sammy's staff."  He petted it, letting it rest in his pocket for now.  "Thanks, Harry."

"Not an issue.  I had to fight with it to get here."

"Horatio had to send me because mine didn't want me here," Xander admitted.  He picked up his.  "Thank you."  It hummed and shrunk, going into his pocket.  "If they worry tell them it's closed.  Most everyone made it out alive." Harry nodded and left.  Xander and Dean went back with the rescue team into the old tunnels, getting the last few injured out.  Then they went to check on their friends.  Willow was passed out in her bed, being mothered to death by Tara.  "She good?"

"She'll be fine.  It's exhaustion."  She looked at him.  "We're going to Angel's."

"If it had let me, I'd have been here," he promised.

She smiled.  "Willow refused to call you."  Buffy huffed off again.  Xander nodded.  "Giles?"

"Haven't seen him."  He looked around then pointed.  "Back corner."  She nodded, going back to her fussing.  Xander leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, then Willow.  "You can come rest with me if you need to."  She nodded.  He moved to check on those he knew, finding Giles still bleeding.  They had some major trauma so he only had a bandage.  "Let me, Giles."  He grabbed some gloves and the stuff he needed off a tray, going to stitch the cut for him.  "Willow wouldn't call?"

"She said you weren't going to be needed here.  John was doing a credible impersonation of you in, only in better clothes."  He smiled.  "I sent both the house elves to Sam's house before we left."  That got a nod.  "Is it bad?"

"Your wrist is broken; that will ache later on."  He finished his forehead and bandaged it with a clean one, then looked.  "It's not dislocated."

"No, it popped back in on the way out."

"Good."  He felt gently then nodded.  "Could use a cast."  Dean handed  him a brace.  "That'll do too."  He put it on and looked at him.  "Tara was looking for you.  She's with Willow.  Who's exhausted."  That got a nod and Giles hugged him before going to check on her.  Xander moved to help the ones who had taken his place.  They were working on the people they were sending on so he moved to help Dean with John's injuries.  "Hey."  He gave him a look.  "You still could've called me."

"Willow said not to. She didn't want to see you injured."  He shrugged then winced.  "Ow."

"You were in hell, John, duh," Xander said.  He smirked at that.  "Let me get some new stuff."  He went to raid for more of what they needed, coming back to patch him up.  He glanced at Dean.  "The Impala, since I know it's your baby."

"She's sitting outside of town," he promised with a grin.  "Dad's truck too."  That got a nod.  "We'll get them in a few."  He finished his last injury and they moved onto the next one back there.  The reserve unit only had two medics and a few people who could apply bandages.  They were both a bit better than that.  Dean pulled Buffy down to look at her hand and arm, finding a splint for her while Xander did the cut on her shoulder.  They finished up and left the tent since the medics had everyone else. Dean stared at the destruction.  "We're not used to this stuff."

Xander looked at him.  "Worse than what we've fought too, Dean."  He nodded at that.  "Sammy?"

"Already sent to the ER.  He went in the first load."

"Go find him.  I'll watch John if I have to."  He nodded, jogging off for the former woods.  They had shifted but not that much.  Their cars should still be safe.  He looked over as Buffy and Giles came out with a wobbling Willow, pinching her on the arm. "Call next time."

"No.  Shut up."  She glared at him.  "We had others, Xander."

"Not like I had a meeting today, Willow.  I would've been here."

"So?  We had a lot of others with us, Xander.  You were going to be seriously injured and I won't have that."  She leaned on Tara, looking at the area of nothingness.  "It could be worse."

"It could be a lot more ground," Buffy agreed.

Xander nodded.  "Could've been the world.  You guys did good work."  They all smiled and nodded.  "Head off.  Dawn's helping the old-guard deal with the townspeople and the story."  Giles moaned and walked off with them.  He smiled, going to find John.  "C'mon, big guy, time to fade into the sunset."  He nodded, letting Xander help him up.  "Manage to keep the keys or am I hotwiring your truck?"

"I've got the keys."  He leaned on Xander, heading out to the truck.  "Dean said Sammy's in the ER."

"Nearest one is in LA.  We can head there.  I'm free for a few more days."  That got a nod.  Someone came jogging after them.  "His son went in the first load to the ER."

"Sir, we can send him," the officer said.

"I can drive him," Xander promised.

"Were you here, sir?"

"No, they refused to call me.  He's fine and I'm medic trained."  That got a nod and the officer let them go.  He couldn't ask them what had happened. They wouldn't know.  "Ask Rupert Giles," he called.  "He was in the last wave of those who got out.  I did his broken wrist and forehead."  That got a nod and he went to find him.  They found the truck.  It was still there, just sideways instead of the way it had been sitting.  Xander got him in and took the keys, walking around to drive him to wherever they were keeping Sam.  The radio would tell them that.  It wasn't that far away.  He got there and got him out, walking him inside.  "Already treated," he said when a nurse came toward them.  "His son, Sam Winchester, is here."

"He's been admitted. You can check with the front desk.  He could use a bandage change."

Xander looked then nodded.  "You could, John."

"I'm fine."

"Get a bandage change and we'll head up.  Won't take more than a few seconds if she's good."  Xander handed him over no matter how much he complained.  He grinned because she gave John crutches too.  He went to check for the room number, coming back to find John hopping his way.  "Third floor."  John nodded, heading for the elevator.  "See, easier than leaning on my shoulder all day."

"Much.  You're bony there."  They shared a smirk and headed up to visit Sam and Dean, who was arguing with a nurse.  "Hey!" John shouted.  "Dean, I taught you better than that."

"They don't want to let me stay."

"Sammy won't stay in any hospital without one of us guarding him," John told the nurse.  "Deal with it."  He hopped in there, looking at his son.  "Well?" he asked when Dean came in.

"Concussion.  Few broken ribs. Cracked leg.  Mostly the head injury that's keeping him down."

"Then we can wait," Xander said, pulling in another chair for John.  "Sit."  They sat.  Xander looked at his phone, then at the date on it.  "Crap.  I promised to meet Draco today."  He walked out.  "Where can I use my satellite phone?"  She pointed and he went to the marked safe area, calling him.  "Draco, Xander.  No, it went off today."  He grimaced as he looked out the window.  "I'm fine.  Willow refused to call me and the staff refused to bring me.  Sam's in bad shape.  Head injury, a few broken bones.  His dad's a bit banged up too.  Most everyone on the team made it out.  Eight casualties."  He pushed back the tears again.  "No, I knew two of them," he said, smiling because Draco had known he was upset.  "Anya was one.  I have no idea why she was fighting.  She hated to."  He looked up the hall.

"I'm good.  I'll call the others.  We're at a hospital.  Sam's been admitted.  John's hopping around.  Dean's being stubborn and stoic.  I'll take you out next weekend for your present, okay?"  He smiled.  "Thanks, man."  He hung up and called Horatio.  "Let them know we're mostly fine.  Sam's got a massive head injury and he's been admitted.  Plus a broken leg and ribs.  Dean's got his staff for now.  They're not looking too grim so it should be okay, just a recovery time."  He nodded.  "His dad's a bit banged up too.  So we'll see.  I can handle him healing at my place if we have to, Horatio.  Yeah, a few.  Eight.  Two of them I knew pretty well.  Anya."  He sighed at the 'I'm sorry'.  "Thanks, man.  Yeah, I'm here.  Tell me if we need anything.  Thanks."  He hung up and went back.  "I called Draco since I was supposed to meet him today.  He said he'd ask Snape if anything might help.   Then I called Horatio.  He'll let the others know it's done, Sam's injured and here, and you have his staff, Dean."  That got a nod.  "So now all we can do is wait and watch how the news plays it."

"How were they playing it earlier?" John asked.

"Earthquake.  Bad earthquake."  He looked at him, moving to work on his shoulder.  "Quit tensing.  It'll hurt more. You know that."  He worked out the knot for him, making him relax.  "Want me to go buy some tylenol?"  They nodded.  "I can do that."  He went down to the gift shop, using his credit card this time.  He didn't have any american money on him.  He brought that and waters back up, handing it over.  "I added a candy bar, Dean.  You're shaking."

"I didn't get much breakfast."  He looked outside as someone stomped their way.  He nodded.  "Tonks."

"Boys.  What happened?"

Xander shrugged. "Willow refused to call me and the staff refused to bring me.  She said I'd get injured so I couldn't go."

She grimaced. "Not real handy of her."

"I already yelled.  She's stubborn."

Tonks nodded. "Redheads can be."  She looked at John.  "You look like you were near the front.  Care to give a statement?  We can do it in here so you don't have to leave Sammy's side.  He's a good boy and needs you to get better."

John nodded.  "I can do that."  Xander closed the door for him and leaned against the window to listen to what had happened.

***

Xander walked into the meeting chamber, looking at the others.  "We all good?"

"We're fine but that new bare spot out there is freaking some geologists out according to one I know in New  York," Danny told him.

"We didn't much like it either," Xander admitted.  He sat down, looking at Dean.  "Sam?"

"Still dizzy as hell.  He sent me."

"That's fine," he said, giving him a hug.  "Pass that back and save some for yourself."

"Will.  Mushy."

"I'm allowed.  Buffy yelled at Willow for not calling me too."  He looked over as Harry came in with Draco behind him.  "Ah, my cousin.  How goes it?"

"Two of them decided not to be mine."  He handed over the letters.

"I was hoping for that one since she seemed to like you."

"Her parents got an offer from someone nearby."  Xander gave him a pat.  "My second choice is still available."

Xander smiled.  "We'll go over it after this."  He nodded and Xander put them into his pocket.

"How is everyone?"

"Anya died during the battle.  Everyone who was alive managed to make it out.  I haven't heard if my parents did or not.  The others are healing in LA or heading to Cleveland."  That got a nod from everyone.  "I'll put it into the official record in a few."

"That would be fine, Xander.  I know it was covered in the Prophet."

"Which is why I went to fire two reporters and the editor," he agreed.  "If they had used facts I might not have minded."  That got a few snickers from Harry.  "Which is why the next day they were saying I was unnatural and evil."  The Minster for Magic walked in.  "Morning."

"Good morning, everyone.  Xander, nice work with the Prophet.  They've been annoying recently."

Xander nodded. "Me too."  He looked around.  "Patricia?"

"Coming in a few.  She's going to be slightly late.  She had a healer's appointment."  Everyone nodded.  "You dated demons?"

"Yeah.  I was living on the hellmouth.  They're kinda drawn to me."

"Is this new one?" Draco asked dryly.

Xander looked at him. "No. And we only went on three dates because she decided I was a goofball."

"Thank Merlin," Draco muttered, leaning back.

"The one he's been seeing this week is a nice water demon though," Dean added with a smirk for him.  Draco moaned and leaned forward to cover his face with his hands.

"She's very nice and very harmless unless she decides to drown me.  Plus she likes my sense of humor."

"It's not good for the head of the family to date demons," Draco said, glaring at him. "It sets a bad example and I'll never be married, Xander.  Can't you wait?"

"Your father's study had so much demon summoning stuff I had to ask Willow what realm some of them went to," he shot back.

"So?  It's never been in the press!"

"Fine.  We'll be more quiet about it."

"Can't you dump her?"

"No."

"Why not?  Take up with her later?  If she's like you she's practical."

Xander gave him a dirty look.  "You don't treat other people like that.  It comes back to you, Draco.  Remember the three-fold rule."

"We don't go by the Wiccan rules," he shot back smugly.

"Fine, there's still the issue of Karma."  Draco went quiet at that while Harry chuckled.

The Minister coughed.  "It really isn't seemly, Xander."

He shrugged.  "The only ones who like me are evil."

"That's one way to draw out any hidden death eaters," Dean snarked.

Xander smirked at him.  "I've already turned in three, thanks though."  They all gaped.  "Should we start without her?"

"We can wait," Horatio told him.  "You really do need better taste in women, Xander.  This can't all be about your hellmouth.  What happens if your staff doesn't like who you're dating."

"It likes Draco.  I asked."

Draco smiled.  That solved some of his worries.  "Good to know."

"But it liked her.  I asked.  It flashed happily and hummed.  Didn't like the last one but it likes this one."   They all moaned.  "Then again it liked the thought of me and Sam too.  I have no idea why."

Dean shook his head.  "That would crimp our hunting a bit."

"There's plenty of ghosts over here," Draco said firmly.  "It's much more seemly to have him married to Sam or you than some water demon."  The family staff came out of Xander's pocket humming.  "See, it agrees!"

Dean looked at it.  "Calm down."  It and the other staffs started to hum and act up, gathering around the empty seat.  The former staff started to reform in midair then hurried off.  "They found a new heir?"

"He must've been off-dimension or something," Xander said.  He grabbed his.  "Be right back, people."  He looked at it.  "Follow."  He landed on a military base and looked around.  "Freeze all but the staff holder please?"  It did that.  "Hey."

He pulled his gun.  "You didn't want to freeze me?"

"I came to talk to you about the staff thing."  He held up his.

"Okay.  What is it?"

"It's the sign you're the last in your family."

"I have relatives."

"Longer story than that," he said.  "Would you like to do this here, outside, or possibly with the rest of the Council that staff means you now sit on?"

The guy blinked.  "Huh?"

"Read it."

He looked then read it.  Then he looked at him.  "You're joking."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"  He grinned.  "Also, big shocker, slightly magical."

"I was torn between that and an Ancient's device," he admitted, looking at it.  The writing had changed.  "Interesting.  Why didn't it come before?"

"Were you off-dimension?"

"Off the planet actually."

"It couldn't find you.  It searched down here and went to powder when it couldn't find one.  Until you reappeared then they got together and it came back and here we are."

The man shook his head quickly.  "Okay.  And this means...."

"You're the head of your family.  You have a seat on a council called the Founders Council.  It's in England.  It can get you there if you're down here.  It's a very protective staff.  Mine helps when I'm in trouble or hunting demons."

"Demons?"

"I'm from Sunnydale."

"Oh!"  He just nodded.  "I've met some guys who were on that project."

"We took them down.  They were torturing others."

"Doesn't really surprise me with those I know."   He looked at the new guys coming in.  "Stand down."

"He froze them!"

"I didn't want shot today, thank you anyway," Xander told him.  He looked at the new guy.  "Name?  Mine's Xander."

"John."  They shook hands.  "Can we talk some more about this in front of someone with more authority?"

"Let me blip back and come back.  We're about to have a meeting."  He did that.  "Guys, new guy's military."

"Coming," Mac said.  "We'll postpone the meeting."  He went with Xander, smiling when the guys groaned.  "I'm a former Marine, boys.  I thought it might come easier from me."

"Sure," John agreed.  "The CO's office is this way, guys."  He led them up there. "Um, Xander."  He unfroze them and someone did shoot.   "Someone needs training."

"They'll get it," one of their guards promised.  He let them into the CO's office with a knock.

"General," John said.

"I thought it was only me who got into these sort of things," he said dryly.  "Mr. Harris."

"Do I know you?"

"I've been over the program out there.  I was on the board to shut them down and send them away."

"Can you have Riley molested extra for being an asshole to Buffy?"

"He's working with Homeland and Homeworld Security.  That's a worse fate."

"Well, yeah."  He grinned.  "And you thought I was strange," he said with a grin for Mac too.

"I knew you were strange, Xander.  That was very clear the first day I met you."  He looked at the young guy.  "Mac Taylor, Marine and now NYPD CSI."

"John Sheppard.  I work here, kinda.  We're in a classified project by the way."

Xander snorted and shrugged.  "I know better secrets than this.   Mac too probably."  That got a nod.  "Okay, anyway...."

"Let me, Xander.   That way you don't have to babble."  He looked at him.  "The staffs nominate new heads of their respective families.  We thought yours had died out because you were unable to be found."

"By a long shot.  Xander said that."

"Good.  What he didn't tell you yet, probably, is that not only are the staffs magical but the Founders Council they make us sit on is in magical England."

"He said something about England.  He said something about magic too."

"Yes, it does exist," his general said dryly.  "Seen it in action when something came after one of the guys in the Initiative."

Xander nodded.  "These staffs mean that our family, somewhere back in time, were the founders of the society of wizards and witches in Great Britain.  The last of your family died out a few years back due to an evil asshole and then the Ministry we think."

"We think?"

"They had a house fire right after suing the Ministry," Xander offered.  "It was never investigated and the asshole in charge then is in prison for other crimes now."

"That's a good thought then.  Yeah."  He nodded, looking at Mac.  "Can we prove this?"

"Probably.  Xander, do you have your wand?"

"Draco would kill me if I didn't."  He looked around.  "I'm not great yet.  Only had the thing a year."  He changed a statue on the desk into a moving, metal eel.  "Sorry, I have problems with feet."

John picked it up to look at.  "Wow.  Never seen the thing do that."  Xander changed it back and he felt it over.  "One toe's shorter."  He looked then fixed it.  "Thanks.  Was a diplomatic present I had to bring back."  He put it down and looked at them.   "So this means I have magic?"

"Could.  Tony, another guy on the board, has very little.  He can use his staff but not a real wand," Xander explained.  That got a slow nod.  "We can see.  The wandmaker Ollivander fitted the rest of us."

"Okay," he agreed.  He looked at Jack.  "Permission to go over there with them for a few days, sir?  That way I can get things straightened out."

"Let the docs check you first," he ordered.  He nodded. "They can wait in here."  He nodded and left.  "How much of his time will this take up?"

"We try to have short meetings monthly but he can appoint a proxy if he's not there," Mac said.  "At first we had a month solid of being there because we had to help with some truly stupid laws."

"Like dictating the color of your clothes stupid," Xander said at his grin.  That got a laugh.  "We're on the council that makes new laws and keeps the Ministry moving forward instead of backward."

"They pretty well live on a Victorian standard of ethics and codes," Mac told him.  "Our last meeting lasted an hour.  This one's going to be longer because we're going over the health department stuff."

"Did she finally get figures on which vaccines work on us?"

"She did.  She's bringing it with her from her healer's appointment."  He looked at the general again.  "If he can't be there he can appoint someone who is here or one of the others on the council.  One of us is NCIS.  There's four CSI including myself.  Xander, Sam, who both hunt demons.  Harry, who's in school.  Patricia votes for seven of them plus hers and the Minister for Magic all have votes."

He nodded.  "We'll let him go over today, get this straightened out, make whatever choice he wants.  This evil asshole who killed his relative?"

"Is a ghoul.  We're finding his remains to kill him," Xander admitted.  "That one being brought back was when his relative was killed and his being brought back also was what set off the last apocalypse of Sunnydale."

"I saw that.  What happened?"

"The First Evil," Xander told him.  Jack gaped.  He shrugged. "They didn't invite me for that one.  They're still healing.  It's handled and it can't happen again.  The seal's buried."

"Good.  Very good.  Where did they go?"

"Some are in LA.  The majority are in Cleveland."

"I'll make a note of that."  John walked back in.  "You cleared?"

"I'm cleared.  Am I taking military transport?"  The staff flashed and he was in another room with a round table that had a spot in the center for speakers.  "I guess I'm not taking military transport."  Xander and Mac appeared behind their seats.  "Um, hi.  I'm Colonel John Sheppard."

"Sit," Horatio ordered.  "Welcome back from wherever.  You don't have to tell us."  He smiled.  "Horatio Caine.  I'm the chairperson of this council and a CSI in Miami."

"Mac said there were a lot of you."  He shook his hand since he was between him and Harry.  "I'm guessing you're Harry?"  He nodded and shook his hand.  "Okay, can I get a more detailed briefing?"

"Sure."  Tony came over to talk to him quietly, telling him all that was going on, what the staff meant, all that.  That got a few nods as he listened. "So all we expect you to do is help us make decisions or pick someone decent to do it for you when you can't be here.  Like Dean's sitting in for his brother today."

Dean waved.  "Hey."

"Hi."  He looked at him.  "We're in control of things?"  Horatio nodded.  "I'm so going to screw this up."

"No, that's my job, find another one," Xander quipped.

John smirked at him.  "Smartass."

Xander grinned. "And proud of it."  He looked.  "This is my cousin Draco.  He's basically my heir at the moment and helping me so I don't make a lot of mistakes."

"I have other family."

"They might not be eligible.  Some of the families put in that you had to be magical.  Some didn't."

"Wow."  He looked at the staff then at him.  "I guess that make sense in some ways."  Xander nodded.  "Okay, now what?"

"Now, we were ready to have a meeting," Horatio said.  "Do you have the time today to sit?"

"The general gave me all weekend if I need it."

"That'd be good.  Then you could talk to us in more depth, get to know us, where we stand, those things," Horatio agreed.

"We've got a nice house and the house elves from Sunnydale, who're bored stupid," Dean said.  "I can call and see if we can get together a picnic."

"That might be nice," Mac said with a grin.  "Thanks, Dean."

He nodded, calling home.  "Kneady, tell the aunts we're bringing everyone on the Council, including the new guy, back and we're having a picnic.  Can you do lunch for us?"  He nodded.  "Shouldn't be less then an hour, could be longer.  That's fine.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "He said two hours to make a decent lunch and get the tables arranged."

"We're going to be here a while today anyway," Horatio said.  "I call this meeting to order since we're all here.  For the record, our missing member has been found and is with us today, John Sheppard sitting in the last seat's position."  The recorder noted it.  "For the agenda today, the usual two items.  Any new laws that need to be looked at and the next meeting date.  A report from Xander about what happened in Sunnydale with the First Evil situation.  Patricia has a movement on the health department idea in new business.  Any other new business to discuss?"

The Minster for Magic cleared his throat.  "Tickle.  Sorry," he said when everyone looked at him.

"Twirpy, can we please have some water or something?" Horatio called.  The house elf brought in a tea tray with coffee for the officers and Dean.  "Thank you, Twirpy."

"Welcome, Horatio sir."  He looked at the new one.  "Did not see you.  Will get you something.  Master Malfoy?"

"Please," he agreed.  Twirpy disappeared and came back with cups for them, coffee for John and tea for him.  "Thank you, Twirpy."  The house elf disappeared and he got some sugar from Xander when it came nearer.  "He's a house elf," he told John.

"Okay, was wondering if he was alien."  He took some sugar for his own coffee after tasting it.  "Not bad."

"Beats military issue," Tony agreed, getting a grin back.  "Does anyone have anything new to look at?"

"No, just the usual banter," Xander quipped.  That got a nod from Horatio.

"Meetings first," Mac said.  "Our schedule is screwed up again.  My boss hates that we three sit here."

"Be honest, he hates you and me," Danny said dryly.

"That too," Mac agreed.  "He had personnel redo my schedule.  He doesn't like my 'commitment' that I have to do for a few hours certain saturdays."

"He can blow me because he put me on for ten days straight," Stella told him.

"I fixed yours by switching one of yours with Lindsay."

"Thanks.  It in my box?"  He nodded.  "I'll check when we get back."

"He's apparently been talking to my Chief because he fixed mine as well," Horatio admitted.

"There is the proxy idea," the Minister said.

"My nephew isn't old enough.  He's only sixteen," Horatio said.  "And in Brazil."

"I'll take it if I can get here," Tony said.  "My director is still not happy with us."

Xander looked at Draco.  "Is it ethically wrong for me to offer to memory charm them?"

Draco put down his tea cup, considering it.  "It's practical but probably not ethical."

"The American aurors yelled at Mr. Wolfe on my staff for doing one," Horatio told them. "I doubt they'd like this one either."

"Not yours, Horatio.  You might not have one soon anyway.  Willow told me to warn you there's a big demon moving into your territory.  She'll email you how to kill it if you need it."

"Why?" he asked patiently.

"It wants and eats silica."

"It's going after the fake tits?" Tony asked.  Stella smacked him on the arm. "Sorry, breasts?"

Xander shrugged.  "She thinks that and all the other plastic surgery parts."  He shifted.  "It had been in LA but Angel's son Connor drove it off."

"Dad was wondering.  How did Angel have a son since he's technically a walking corpse?" Dean asked.

"Ask Wes.  He was there for it.  I wasn't.  I've been missing out on all the bad things being over here.  Including Cordelia being a higher being."

Horatio gave him an odd look.  "Your ex?" Stella asked.  He grinned and nodded.  "Aw, damn it.  Can't you guys stop the world going to hell?"

"We did," Xander said. "The higher powers picked her as a messenger."  He shrugged.  "Don't know why.  Guess it's because she can out-stubborn anyone who doesn't want to listen."

"Probably," Stella agreed.

"Hey!" an incorporeal voice complained.  "I'm a good messenger, thank you!"

"Of course you are, Cordy.  What do you think of the new girlfriend?"  She appeared and smacked him across the face then disappeared.  "Okay, guess she doesn't like her either."

"At least she has some taste," Draco said dryly.  Xander shot him a smirk.  "She must, she doesn't like your taste in women after having dated you."

"Uh-huh.  Keep it up, Draco.  I can still make you marry Buffy."

"Please don't," Harry said.  "Buffy's a very nice girl and Draco might warp her."

"I'll tell her you think she's nice, Harry," Xander said with a grin.  "When is a good day for you guys, getting back on topic."

"The first," Mac said.

Horatio looked at his.  "I have court that day but I might be able to be here in the afternoon."

"I'm off that day, I think," Stella said.  Mac nodded.  "Danny?"

"As far as I know.  Tony?"

"Good with me.  All I have to do is tell Gibbs when and he'll arrange it.  We're always on call even when we're off."

The Minister looked at him.  "Doesn't that tire you out?"

"Only when we get called out in the middle of the night for a case and end up sleeping in the office for the next four days.  Those are not good cases."

Horatio looked at him.  "Gibbs makes you sleep in the office?"

"He expects us to be there when he's there.  If he goes all night, we go all night.  My desk chair is very comfy and I've got a good spot behind it if I want to be more horizontal."

Horatio shook his head.  "That's probably not a good thing by employment law."

"He's Gibbs.  You tell him no."

"Good point," Mac admitted.

"We get the next day off once we've solved," Tony assured them.

The others cops all shook their heads.

"Hate to say this but I've had to pull extreme hours due to apocalypses before.  Is that the right plural?" he asked Harry.  Who shrugged.

"That sounds right," Mac agreed.  That got a nod.  "I know you can't stop in the middle of yours but most of our cases have a stopping point while we wait for reports."

"We nap during those, we just do it in our chairs," Tony told him.  "We're Marines because Gibbs is a Marine, Mac.  We live on his code."

Mac nodded.  "I can see that."  He patted him on the arm.  "Patricia, is the first bad for you?"

"No, it's fine with me but I would prefer afternoon."  She put a hand on her stomach.  "I have to announce I'm pregnant."

"Congratulations," Xander said, smiling at her.  "I  hope you're happy with your little future demon in there.  Because I'm told all toddlers are demonic and a form of chaos sorcerer with what they get into."  She giggled and nodded that might be true.

"When are you due?" Stella asked.

"Mid May."

"Then we'll have to throw a shower for you," she said.  "I do excellent ones around the office.  I won't let the guys plan a thing."  That got a smile and a nod.  "So, afternoons are better for the morning sickness?"  She nodded quickly.  "Okay.  Minister?"  He looked at his schedule then shrugged.  "Nothing on the first?"

"That whole week is free for random emergencies."

"Good.  Dean?  You and Sam?"

"We're clear until Sammy's better.  That'll probably be a month."  That got a nod.  "Harry?"

"We have a transfiguration test that Monday," Draco said.  Harry gave him a look.  "She announced it to our class."

"I must've been being bothered by Ron about his owl's feathers coming out."  Draco nodded.  "Good to know.  As long as I get some time to study that weekend I'm fine."

"If I'm around Earth at that time I can be here.  If not, I'll have someone chosen by then," John promised.

"Let me know," Horatio said, sliding over his card.  "That has my office number and email on it.  I have a house elf who answers my phone when I'm not there."

He nodded.  "Okay, I can do that."  He tucked it into his shirt pocket.

"Then we'll set our next meeting for the first in the afternoon."  He wrote that down.  "The second old business.  Any law complaints?"

"One," the Minister said, handing it down.  "Species."

Horatio looked.  "That should've been covered under the 'you can't abuse or hurt an animal or mystical creature one," he said.

"The judge said it was.  Species said they want a specific law against it."

Horatio looked at him.  "Specific laws lead to later confusion."

"I know.  That's what I pointed out.  Can we add an amendment underneath that one to say this is covered under that?  That would be specific enough for them."

Stella took it to look over.  "That should've clearly been covered."

"They feel it's too broad.  Gives too much leeway for interpretation."

"If it causes physical pain, embarrassment, or a health problem, it's harming them," Xander said.

"I like that wording," Horatio said, writing it down. "The embarrassment would cover those who're sentient."

"Would that leave an out for the sick bastards who like to *touch* the animals in that gross way?" Dean asked.

"No, and language please," Horatio ordered.  "That should cause physical pain."

"On some of the larger ones it might not," the Minister said.

"That would cause a health problem and aren't most larger ones sentient?" Xander asked.

"All but dragons."

"I'd like to see one of the animal buggerers go after a dragon," he said dryly.

"It's happened.  Every year we get someone back from one of the preserves who went after them.  They usually come back in a box, but they do come back."

"Wouldn't touching them that way back up something or cause a health problem from the egg delivery tunnel, whatever it's called on dragons?" Dean asked.

He considered it. Then he nodded.  "It probably would."

"Someone could infer that it would cause them pain," Xander told him.  "Most judges aren't going to toss out a complaint like that."

"True."

"So we can put on a follow up stating this would include any acts that would cause physical pain, embarrassment, or health problems to occur?" Horatio asked.  "Patricia?"

"I like that wording."

Horatio nodded. "Minister?"

"I do like that wording."

"Anyone disagree?"

"I don't think it's necessary but I'm okay with the wording," Stella said.  "We can write the announcement to say the species department wanted that one clarified, right?"  That got a nod.  "Then I'm fine with it."

"Mac, Danny, John?"

"I'm good with it," John said.

Mac shrugged.  "I thought it was implied before, like Stella.  Can we make it an announcement, not a law?"

"A posted clarification is allowable," the Minister agreed.  "We've had to do that before with Fudge."

"We saw why," Stella assured him.  He laughed.  "So a clarification would be just as easy?"  He nodded.  "Then can we do that, Horatio?"

"I don't see a problem.  Patricia?"

"No, if that works for them then I'm fine," she agreed.  "So are the ones I vote for."  They all nodded.  "Anyone else mind?"  No one said anything.

"Then I declare it passed and we'll write up the announcement."  He did that and passed it around, letting everyone read and sign it.  It was handed to the Minister, who nodded and put it with the original.  "Any other legal issues?"

"We are getting a challenge from the Wizengomet," the Minster admitted.  "Someone is challenging the fairness of a law because it applies to men."

"Everyone is equal under the law," Stella told him.  "Even men."

"Which law?" Horatio asked.  "Next meeting or this one?"

"Next one or later."  Horatio made a note for the next meeting.  "The indecency law."

"More men do things like flash kids than women do go around topless," Dean pointed out.

"Flashing?"

"Guys who wear robes and nothing under them then intentionally expose themselves for the shock value," Xander defined.  "Like the guy in the paper today."

"I was hoping that applied to him."  They all nodded.  "Good.  I'll let Law Enforcement know."  He tapped the table a few times.  "The person challenging it thought that it was unnecessary to include men into that law."

"As the guy in the paper proves it's not," Dean pointed out.

"True.  They can make an argument next meeting?"  Horatio nodded.  "I'll let them know they can make a *brief* statement and ask for it to be changed at that point.  Along with the judges over the hearing who let it stand."

"The briefer the better," Xander agreed.  "Speeches put me to sleep."

"I'll make sure they realize some of us are more action oriented," he promised dryly.  Xander grinned back.  "That's all I had.  Did anyone else have any?"

"I had a question about one," Patricia said.  "One of the people I vote for."  She handed it over.  "This is one they wanted to know the reasoning behind."

Stella looked then at her.  "Because everyone's equal under the law, even if they're not born into families that've been wizards for centuries.  The law applies to everyone or it's not ethical."

"They are purebloods and they thought it was unfair to them."

She passed it on.  "If their kids are superior, let them prove it."

Horatio read then passed it on.  "That is a good point.  Yes, it would apply to them that way, Patricia.  We all agreed on the sub committee that the first rule was everything was equal to every person we hold sway over."  She nodded at that reasoning.  Dean passed it on to her and she passed it onto the Minister.  "I know that the purebloods want to consider themselves better because they've been doing it for so long but that may not be true."

"Speaking as a member of a house that has a lot of purebloods, some of them are downright stupid," Draco told her.  "A few of the ones in my house should never work and never breed they're so badly inbred or they lack that much intelligence.  I'm not enamored of a muggle born being given preference over them but I can see that some of us aren't worthy."

"That's why we wanted to post civil service exams for Ministry positions," Tony told him.  "So they could prove who the best one was.  By the way, had that hearing and a few of the Ministers are blaming non-purebloods for creating change."

"I didn't like that one who complained that a half pureblood witch had changed some forms made him more work.  It was two yes/no questions and it saved him three more forms, but he said it was ponderous and slowing him down," Stella reported.

Horatio nodded.  "That's not a good thing.  I wish some of our forms could be fixed that easily."  Mac nodded at that.

"Every now and then we have to fix the 'see question...' and a page number answer we give on ours," Tony told him.  "We have four forms that only have three questions on them but they go to different places so we can't just include them on the other one and then print off various copies."

"I thought that change brilliant myself," the Minister admitted.  "Saved me time and ink. I'm starting to like this Civil Service exam idea as well.  A lot of the Ministers agreed that if they had a sure way of knowing who had a clue how to do things they'd have hired them instead of the ones they've presently got.  Species included."

"Thank you for coming to that meeting," Stella told him.

"Figured it was better than a huffy goblin," he said dryly.  "By the way, you should talk to them about the Ministry's accounts sometime soon, Horatio."

"Over budget?  Isn't there an office for that?"

"Yes and they were allowing Fudge to have a special category."

"If it's against rules we can sue him to get it back for the Ministry," Stella offered.

He grinned.  "I like that you're mean, Stella.  Thank you."

"Not an issue.  He did a lot of wrong things."

"How much?" Mac asked.

"Over a million galleons over the course of his career."  Patricia gasped and moaned.  "Exactly."

"No, I think she's having a problem," Xander said. "That's blood on the floor.  Get a healer, now!"  He walked over there, helping her down onto the floor, curling her on her side, letting her knees come up.  "That way you'll reduce some of the flow of blood," he soothed.  "Now, let's calm the breathing so we can calm your pulse rate," he said, showing her how.  She stared at him and followed along, calming herself until the healer got there.  "I've got her doing some deeper breathing to slow her pulse rate," he said.  "Need help lifting her?"

"Please."  They got her onto the gurney and floated her off immediately.

Xander sat down again.  "Twirpy?"  He appeared and Xander pointed at the blood.  "However you do it so it can't hurt her more, please."  He nodded, getting stuff to clean that up.  "I say we take twenty and make sure she'll be fine and those who need it get a snack since John looks starved."

"Seconded," Stella agreed, heading out.

"Let's take that break so we can make sure she'll be fine," Horatio agreed.  He paused long enough to call her family's shop.  "Are you Patricia's husband?"  He nodded slowly. "Horatio Caine."

"Yes, Mr. Caine, what can I do for you?"

"Patricia was just carried out of here bleeding.  We're headed to the hospital now to check on her if you'd like to join us?"  He nodded, hurrying through the floo to come with them.  "Xander noticed her starting to bleed."

"I'll thank him later.  This isn't our first one."  He rushed ahead once they got there.  "My wife?  Patricia D'Ortens?"  She pointed and he went back.

Horatio looked at the nurse.  "Is she being admitted so we can come check on her?"  She nodded.  "Then visiting hours are when?"

"After five until seven," she said.  "She'll be down here during the earlier ones probably."

"That's fine, we'll be back by then to check on her."  She nodded and they left, heading back to the room.  Xander, Harry, and John were talking, none of them looked happy.  "She'll be admitted.  We can visit between five and seven tonight, boys."  He sat down again.

"For those who can't be here to visit, I'll bring cards or whatever for you," Xander offered.  They all nodded.  "I guess we're holding off hers until next meeting?"  Horatio nodded.  "So just my report?"

"Just your report," Horatio agreed.  "Do you want to give it or Tonks?"

"She took statements.  Whichever one the Council wants."

"Let's see if she's busy first," Harry said, going to floo her.  "Tonks, are you too busy to come give us a final statement on the First Evil matter?" he asked once her head appeared in the floo.

"Nah, doing paperwork.  Give my wrist a chance to uncramp.  Be right down, Harry."  She hung up and went to tell her boss.  "They want a final statement on the First Evil nastiness."

"Have fun.  One of them got brought out by the healers just now."

"Patricia.  Nice enough lady."  She grabbed that folder and brought it down, handing it over.  "So the Council can have it copies for their records."  Horatio let the recorder do that.  "Basically, we were a bit slow to stop him.  It lessened it but by the time we had done the second raid to find You-Know-Who the First Evil's minions had moved onto the second step.   It did lessen it a lot.  As did Xander's time turner accident with the staffs and Harry.  They found that it took seven slayers to accomplish sealing it again.  Rosenburg activated all the slayers during the battle.  They went in to do it and lost about eight people.  Including Xander's former girlfriend." Xander nodded at that.  "On the way out a vampire with them sealed it.  It had been his blood used and his soul sealed it."

"Vampires with a soul?" the Minister asked.

"Special exception.  He went to have one put in because he loved Buffy," Xander explained.  "It was Spike.  William the Bloody officially."

He nodded at that, making a note to look him up later.

"When Spike sealed it, it started to suck the ground into the seal," Tonks told them.  "It created a damn big mess of nothingness on the ground.  Sucked most of the town in.  Took out a good mile and a quarter diameter around itself."  That got a few shudders.  "A few of the people got trapped on the run out and they were rescued somehow.  I know Dean and Xander both pitched in for that.  Xander said he couldn't get there for the fight due to his staff not cooperating.  That's why he jumped in to help with the clean up and rescue efforts.  As of this time, the remaining slayers and Watcher gits are either in LA recovering and helping that Angel bloke with his upcoming apocalypse, or they're headed for Cleveland to take care of the hellmouth that opened there when Sunnydale closed."

Xander coughed.  "Giles has found and bought a new building for them in Cleveland.  It's a small campus like area and it's about seven miles from the hellmouth.  They agreed to keep all the slayers there for now for training.  At this time they're going out to find any that the Bringers missed but didn't make it to Sunnydale.  Plus all the hiding Watchers.  They'll set up British operations within a year.  Once their insurance company pays and they have a new building up. Giles said half the old Council is going to be tied up in a closet until then or he's sending them to help Angel with his apocalypse so they die.  Buffy nearly shoved one out of a moving car.  Dean, you'll be happy to know that John was teaching the girls back in Sunnydale so a bunch of them are going to do what you guys were on the way there.  That way you two don't have to worry so much about getting back anytime soon."

"I'm sure Dad had a lot of fun teaching them to salt and burn remains to banish ghosts."

"Probably not.  Dawn said a lot of the girls were kinda whiny at the moment.  It might've been more to give them something to do to keep them out of trouble."

"Should we worry about Angel's upcoming apocalypse?" Horatio asked.

"I'm told they have it, I'm not needed since so many Watchers and their strike teams remain, and we only have to worry about it if Angel loses.  If so I'll let you know on my way over there to chew them a new one and help handle it at the later stage."

Horatio nodded.  "Anything else we should know?"

"I'd hate to be over training for that building full of slayers," Tonks said dryly.  "Are they coming after the magical ones?"

"Travers didn't survive.  Giles is now the head of the Council.  The others voted him in.  Things will be changing so they might come ask the girls locally but they won't demand, won't take them from their families, none of that.  No making them into perfect little soldiers or anything.  We're waiting on Willow finding how to uncall them.  That way we don't have twenty or so slayers available for any emergency."

"I'd hate to see the emergency that needed twenty if this last one only needed seven and a few backups," John said.

"That's why we're waiting on Willow to uncall them."

Tonks nodded.  "Looks like it's all fixed and all that, just the clean up and the insurance stuff."

"Which I still have to see if I need to file," Xander said.

Tonks smirked at him.  "I asked the people who were doing the refugee stuff.  No, they didn't survive.  Your uncle either."  Xander got up and snoopy danced.

"Keeps me out of Azkaban for killing them," Draco said dryly.

"He was really proud you were ready to kill them for him," Danny said with a grin.  Draco smirked back.

"Sit," Horatio ordered, giving Xander a fond look.  "You can file for that later.  Thank you, Tonks.  More hand cramps?"

"Finishing up reports as trials are done for the death eaters we caught."  He smiled.  "I know, but it's a good thing.  I'll get a drink tonight and it'll be all better."  She smiled and left.  "Hey, boss, he danced a silly dance he was so happy," she called as she walked in.

"Figures he can't dance," he called back.  "You have any done?"  She went to drop her done stack on his desk, making him moan.  "No wonder you have cramps."  He stared to read and correct any misspellings for her then sign it and pass it on.

***

Xander and Draco were corned during their lunch after the meeting by a reporter.  It was Xander's fault, he had chosen to eat in the open today since it was so pretty out.  He was not liking the rain that made up British fall.  "What?" he sighed when he heard her squeal of pleasure.

"Mr. Harris, I have a few questions," she said, pulling out a quill and a notepad.  "I know you don't mind."

"I'd rather you left me and my cousin to talk about family matters and came back later," he told her.   She gave him such a hurt look.

Draco stared at her.  "We're talking about my choice for spouse.  Can't you wait two hours?  He's due to give me a present and you can have him while I coo over it."

"It'll just take a minute and deadline is at five," she pouted.

"I'll be done long before then since he has to visit the council member in the hospital."  She started to sniffle.  "Oh, not that," he complained.

Xander patted him on the hand.  "If we do, you can coo in peace."

"Thanks."  He sneered. "Fine, go ahead.  Be done in under ten minutes when our food gets here."

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy."  She looked at him.  "First, a council member collapsed?"  Xander nodded.  "Do you know of what?"

"Ask her family.  I don't give out personal information about other people."  She scribbled that down.  "Anything else?"

"Oh, yes.  You were seeing a young woman recently?"

"I was but Draco didn't like her, the family staff appreciated her but wasn't the happiest about her, and Draco yelled about her not being suitable.  So I'm considering if we're dating or not."

"Better not," Draco said dryly.  "You'll get into more trouble."

"She's not like that."

"I don't care.  It's still bad for the family and you have to take that into account."

Xander sighed.  "See what I put up with?"

She nodded, scribbling that down.  "Is she a muggle?"

"She's ....  Well, yeah, she's not magical in the least."

"Are all the girls drawn to you really evil because of the taint you took where you grew up?"

He shrugged.  "I don't know why I attract bad girls.  This present one isn't in the least that I can tell.  She might be a normal girlfriend if she and Draco can come to an understanding.  If not, I'm still considering it since he rightly pointed out I have to be good for the family image now and then."

"Oh, I see.  That can be trying."  She looked at her list then at him.  "About the lust potion you were given against your will...."  She nearly froze at the look in his eyes.  "Was there or was there not a bonding potion added?"

"As far as we know only a chaos potion was added to it.  We can have it tested for that since we did keep samples for future reference.  What do you know about that?"

"Just that that's why Minister Fudge was sent to prison.  We know it was more than just you.  I was wondering if you'd tell me who you broke the potion with?"  He shook his head.  "If there is a bonding potion, are you going to do right by them?"

"We'll see.  If there is that would be decided after talking to them."  She nodded, writing that down.  "I still do not want that incident in the press.  It has the ability to hurt a lot of people."

"Of course.  We'd never do more than note that you were put under it against your will.  Anything else would be supposed at."  She got out of the waiter's way.  "Are there any new rulings from the Council?"

"Not today.  We were going to go over a suggestion but Patricia fell ill.  We'll go over it next time.  There's a few major ones in front of us soon.  We're looking over the ideas for merit.  We also clarified a law today for the species department.  Anything else?"

"Just one more question, sir.  When do you expect to marry and have heirs?"

"When I find someone I want to be with.  I'm too American to put up with a loveless marriage or an arranged marriage.  I'd have to like my spouse a lot to marry them."  She nodded, writing that down.

"He will try to make it someone who isn't like his first one however," Draco said smugly.  Xander gave him a dirty look.  "I meant loud.  She was very loud when she showed up to complain."

"She was," he agreed.  He sniffed his food then cut the steak into pieces.  "Anything else?" he asked before taking a bite.

"Are you two close?"

"He's taken a personal interest in my life since both my parents have been killed," Draco said dryly.  "He's helping me find a good spouse as well."

"I hope he picks you one you can get along with, Mr. Malfoy.  Any idea what your present is?"  He shook his head so she left with that.

He shook his head again.  "I don't like them doing that."

"Think how Harry feels.  They stalked him into his shower once."

"That was bloody brilliant of me to tell them how to get into his tower," Draco said smugly.  Xander smacked him on the head.  "He's too much fun to pick on to leave alone."

"Try anyway."

"Yes, Xander."  He dug into his lunch, smiling when a box was pushed across to him.  "Mine?"

"Your allowance for the year," he corrected.  Draco gave him an odd look.  "Just open it."

Draco opened it and looked then gasped and hugged him.  "Thank you!"

"It's a smaller one.  I've given you your parents allowances as well.  It's all in there for you and it will be deposited monthly for you.  After this I thought we'd go let you do a bit of shopping."

Draco smiled.  "I could look in the broom shop."  He petted the key while he ate a bite of his lunch.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  I told you I'd start handing it back when they both died or there was no danger of the family fortunes disappearing."

"He's in jail."

"He was kissed last night," Xander corrected quietly.  "I got the owl this morning."

Draco slumped, looking at him.  "Why?"

"One of the dementors in custody got free and went after him.  He was high in the hierarchy and they got another one for the same reason before it was caught."  Draco nodded at that.  "I'm sorry.  I should have announced it better."

Draco smiled.  "That's true.  Not that I minded about him."

Xander patted him on the cheek.  "You'll do fine, Draco.  I promise you will.  So you like the one?"

"I do like her.  She's beautiful.  She's nearly my age.  She'll be graduating a year before me but I don't mind that.  She's got some good skills managing estates since she does her own.  It's a good match for me.  She'll increase the family's wealth, even if I can't touch it due to the prenuptial agreement she was demanding."  Xander nodded at that.  "I can't see many down points.  She'll mellow as she ages.  Her views are a bit more progressive than my own and I don't necessarily find fault in that since she's capable of thinking for herself.  I think I'd like to offer for her."

Xander nodded, handing over something.  "I had the family's attorney draw that up for you."

He read it over, smiling at the clauses.  "If I can't have hers, she can't have mine?"  Xander nodded.  "Clauses for upkeep if something happens to me.  Penalties if she hurts the family or if we divorce and it's her fault.  I do like that one."  Xander grinned.  "Thank you."

"Welcome."  He punched him on the shoulder.  He handed him a pen and Draco signed it.  Xander signed it and rolled it back up.  "We'll mail it on the way to the broom store."

Draco grinned, digging in again.  It was good for him and Xander was a very lenient stepparent at the moment.

Family Staffs 11

Xander smiled at Sam as he came down the stairs.  "A reporter asked me something earlier and I thought you should hear it first."

"That bad?" Sam asked, flopping down but holding his head.  Xander handed over something.  "What's this?"

"Healing potion for your ribs.  Draco begged Snape to make it for you."  Sam sniffed it then drank it, moaning as it worked.  He was glowing, he was feeling better, it was good stuff.  Xander grinned.  "I'll write him a letter of thanks."

"I'll write one myself and use the owl post in town."  He leaned back, much happier with the world now.  "What's up?"

"The reporter that pounced me at lunch wanted to know if there had been a bonding potion added onto the lust potion."

Sam sat up straighter.  "Is there?"

"They don't think they can check for one.  I don't know how to check for one and I'm not allowed to do magic again according to Willow.  She's back thinking I'm evil and it's going to kill everyone.  She even took my wand.  I'm going to beat her later for that since I had Draco steal it back."

Sam moaned.  "Can we check?"  Xander handed over a book he had found.  "The checking spell?"

"Yup.  At the pink bookmark because that's what the salesgirl found for me."

He turned to it, nodding slowly.  "Do we have any samples?"  Xander handed one over.  "Mac's?"

"Stella's.  I asked Mac for it."  He nodded, taking it into the kitchen to find his wand and do the not really complicated spell.   Sam's bellow was not happy.  "The ribs come back?" he called.

"No, that's an 'I'm going to kill' yell," Dean said as he came down the stairs.  "Problems?"

"Bad ones."  They walked into the kitchen, looking at the listed results.  The spell made a list in midair in lights.  Chaos potion.  Lust potion, extended version.  Conception potion.  Bonding potion.  Spell for extended shelf life.  Spell for hiding the taste, incomplete.  Spell for safe traveling.  Xander looked up the bonding potion in the same book, finding it.   He handed it to Sam, looking at him.  "Up to you."

"No offense," Sam said.

Xander grinned.  "None taken, Sam.  It wasn't us.  We're buddies."  Sam nodded, giving him a hug.  Dean took the book to look at, frowning at it.  "Yeah, it probably included you since it said it can come out in the sweat if only applied to one person."  He let Sam go.  "Go rest.  Let me tell Stella?"

"I want to be far away from that explosion."

He grinned.  "That's Horatio.  He's former bomb squad."  He took the book and the sample, canceling out the spell.  Then he had the staff take him to Mac's office, startling Floppy.  "I need to see Mac, Danny, and Stella please, Floppy."  He nodded, paging them.  "Thank you.  Also, did Mac pull out the other samples they took from the lust potion?"  He pointed.  "Thank you.  You're very helpful."  He looked behind him as someone leaned in.  "I'm waiting on Mac.  You are?  I think I met you once."

"Don Flack.  They're up the hall in a meeting."

"You're a friend of Stella's, right?"  He nodded.  "I'm on the same Council."

"I figured with the magic book.  I'm trained."  Xander went back to the bookmark and held it out to him.  He looked then at him.  "We think there was more than a lust potion?"  Xander nodded. "I'll watch out for her throwing things.  It'll be a few.  Sit."  Xander sat down, reading over the other section.  "You're Xander, right?"  Xander smiled and nodded.  "Saving up your energy?"

"To duck."

"Oooh.  Really bad?"

"Yeah, really, really bad."  Don came in and took the book back, looking at what he had been reading.  "Test it yourself."  He went back to the spell, glancing around before pulling his wand to test the samples Mac had pulled out.  Don dropped the book.  "I'm saving up to duck."

"It won't save us."

"I figure it won't.  I can hear Danny."  Don went to waylay the guys for a minute.  He smiled at Stella, canceling the spell.  "A reporter came to me earlier."

"Bad news?"

"She asked if there had been any other spells on the lust potion.  She mentioned a bonding potion actually and she said she was not going to put your name in the press, just mine."  She nodded at that.  "Didn't make me happy but someone found out why Fudge went to jail."

"So we have a leak?"

"The present Minister, has to be.  He's leaked other stuff.  I brought you a checking spell."  He grabbed the book and handed it over.  "So you can check for yourself.  I used yours when I went to talk to Sam."

"Is there?"  He nodded.  She took the book and tested a sample.  Then she moaned.  "Who else knows?"

"Don was in here.  I let him test the one I canceled.  He asked.  I remember he was supporting you so I didn't think you'd mind.  If you do, go ahead and beat me."

She gave him a hug.  "You were right to tell him.  Next time let me."  He nodded at that.  "Mac's gonna hit the roof."

"We're all ducking your screaming and throwing things."

"Give me time to process this."  He pointed at the book so she went to the other bookmark to read up on the bonding potion.  "It could've hit him?"  Xander nodded.  "Sam?"

"And Dean," he reminded her.  "I started with Sam, let him test it."

"Aw, shit," she muttered.

"Exactly.  I've still got to tell Horatio.  Then Tony."

"Gibbs is going to flip."

"You think I didn't?"

"Good point."  She waved the guys in there.  "I'm so sorry, Don."

"Hey, it wasn't your doing," he reminded her.  "You're on something right?"  She nodded quickly.  "Good.  Don't need the added pressure of kids at the moment."

"Huh?" Danny asked.  Stella handed him the book open to the checking spell.  He looked at them.  "Necessary?"

"I'm giving you all the proof you need," Xander told him.  "After the reporter asked me earlier about other potions in that one."  He moved and went to check, nearly whimpering at the one she had left up.  He checked the same sample Flack had.  Mac looked over his shoulder.  "The book has something on that."

"It's fucking illegal to make!" Danny shouted.

"Ethan's not exactly a happy member of law enforcement, Danny.  He's a chaos sorcerer.  He's proved his worth to Janus."

Mac looked in the book, finding the other bookmark and flipped to it.  He read it, leaning against the front of his desk.  "This is the one they found?"

"The checking spell lists each potion or spell on it by proper name," Danny said, sitting beside Stella to hug her.  "That's why each potion or spell has to have a slightly different name."

Mac put the book down.  "Who else knows?"

"Us, Sam, Dean," Xander said.  "I was heading to Horatio next and then to Tony.  Then I'd visit Patricia and let her know when I check on her."  They all dug out cards to hand over.  He put them in his back pocket.  "Do you want to tell either one?"

"Hell.  No," Danny said.  "Horatio's scary!"

"Gibbs is worse," Mac assured him.  "We'll mourn you."

"We need to figure out how to deal with this.  Someone knew, the reporter asked me specifically about that potion.  It got slipped that this is why Fudge is in jail.  She came up to Draco and I at lunch.  She's using my name and I warned her from telling any other details.  She said the rest would be thoughts and she wasn't naming anyone else."

Stella nodded.  "So we'll talk.  You and Sam?"

"We're buddies.  We already had that short talk.  Dean's still kinda numb I guess.  He didn't join in."  He shrugged, taking the book as he stood up again.  "Should I pop in on Lucia?"

`

"Please," Mac agreed.  "We've got a lot to talk about."

"Does he have a sample?"

"Wolfe locked one up."

Xander nodded and disappeared, landing in Horatio's office.  "Um, hi."

Speed looked up at him.  "Hi.  Who're you?"

"Xander."

"Oh, yeah, you're on that council thing.  What's up?"

"Need to give Horatio some information and he'll want to look at that sample of the stuff he got dosed with again."

"It'll be a few."

"It's probably not happy news," he admitted.

"He's on a crime scene.  Let me call him."  He called.  "H.  Have Xander in your office with an old, heavy book and unhappy news about that thing you got dosed with.  Yeah."  He hung up.  "He said twenty minutes.  How unhappy?"

"Potentially, he's going to blow up the prison to get the guy who dosed us."

"You all got it?"  Xander nodded.  "The others?"

"The ones in New York are talking.  They're very unhappy at the moment."

"I'll have Wolfe pull that sample," he said, going to do that.  He saw Xander reach for a life saver but Lucia smacked him on the hand.  "Those're hers."

"Sorry, didn't know, Lucia."

"That's all right, Xander sir."  She smiled and went back to work.  "Bad problems with that potion?"

"Did you test it for anything else?"  She nodded.  "Did you tell Horatio?"  She gave him a horrified look.  "Don't start hurting yourself or anything.  None of us realized.  That's why I'm here."

"Lucia will make sure Horatio has good, soothing food tonight for dinner."  Ryan walked in and put the sample on a table.  "Not there!  That is desk!  Not lab!"

"We need to test that one," Ryan said.  He looked at Xander.  "Can I know?"

"If Horatio tells you.  It's not my secret to tell."  That got a nod and Ryan left, going to think.  Horatio stomped in a minute later so Xander opened the book and handed it over.  "I'm not sure if you can get it through the bottle or not.  Mac's only had his wrapped."  Horatio looked at the spell, casting it quietly.  Nothing came up so he undid the seal and top, doing it again.  The list came up and he gasped.  "Other bookmark, Horatio."  He looked at the house elf.  "Lucia, does he have a card for Patricia?"  She nodded, handing one over.  "Thanks.  I'm heading there later."  He put it in his back pocket too, standing up to come over.  "A reporter asked me over lunch.  She got news about who gave it to us and asked specifically about that potion," he said quietly, getting a long glare.  "Not my fault, Horatio.  She's not saying anything about anyone else.  Just that I got dosed among others without my consent.  I told her if she posted more than that she was gone.  She asked specifically about that one."

"We have a leak."

"It's in the Minister's office and I'm assuming he knew before he leaked it."

Horatio nodded, handing back the book.  "Are there pertinent laws about that?"

"I have no idea.  I'm letting all you guys know because I got told.  The aurors said they couldn't check for it."  Horatio moaned, sitting down in his desk chair.  "Someone asked if they could know and I said if you told them.  I slipped and told Stella's, I'm not going to do that again."

Horatio nodded. "I'll talk to him about that.  You three?"

"Sam and I agreed we're buddies."  That got a smile.  "He's very pissed at the moment.  Yelling in anger pissed.  Stella's processing so she'll be throwing things later I'm told.  Mac's gone stony."

"I'm going to blow the prison up," Horatio muttered.  Xander wrote down the address and relative size, getting a smile.  "Thank you."

"Least I could do since I bring bad news."  He checked the cards then looked up.  "I've still got to tell Tony.  I'll see you at the next meeting."  He disappeared, landing in the elevator for some reason.  He pushed the button for the next floor up and got off, finding a lab and a morgue.  "Hi, I'm apparently lost," he told the nice looking older man.  "I'm looking for Tony or Gibbs."

"How did you get in without an ID badge, young man?"

Xander grinned.  "Magic."  He gave him a look.  Xander held up his staff, getting a nod of understanding.  "It's bad news.  Are they here?"

"They're in the lab actually.  Let me call them here.  You can use my office."

"Sure."  He went that way.  "Tell them to bring any sample they kept from Tony's dosing.  They'll need it."  The older man nodded and Xander sat on the visitor's couch, waiting.  Gibbs stomped in.  "Don't glare at me, I'm only the messenger after a reporter asked me."

"What?"  Xander handed over the book open to the second bookmark.  "You're sure?"

"I'm going to test it in front of him so he has proof.  Our samples had it."

Gibbs nodded, paging Tony from the desk phone.  Tony strolled in a minute later and closed the door, handing over a card.  Gibbs handed him the book.  "This is ...."

"What else was in the potion.  Or at least the others' had it in theirs and so did mine, Tony.  A reporter asked me."

"Cochrane is leaking info?"  Xander nodded.  "Figures.  Who?"

"One of the Prophet's reporters cornered Draco and I at lunch.  She asked specifically about that one.  The aurors said they couldn't check."

"Can we?"  Xander took the sample and the book, doing the charm.  It was very strong because it came up in ten inch high letters instead of one inch high letters and his were neon orange.  "You need to control that better."

"Sorry."

Tony looked then sighed.  "Banish it?"  Xander canceled it and he went back to reading, sitting beside him on the couch.  "This is not good news."

"No, it's not," Xander agreed.  "I'm not sure of the legal ramifications of it since it was done this way.  Oh, I sent off the intended's contract today for Draco."

"Congrats to him then.  You have other cards for her?"  Xander nodded, patting them to make sure they were there.  "Good.  Tell her I hope she feels better."

"I can do that."  He looked over his arm and pointed at a line.  "That one worried Stella."

He read it a few times then nodded.  "That worries me too.  How do we test for it in ourselves?"

"I don't know.  Draco didn't know when I asked him since he heard.  He said he'd ask and call when he found out."  That got a simple nod.  "He thinks the school library has at least one mention of it.  If not, Snape should."

"Decent of him."  He handed the book back and stood up.  "I'm in the middle of a new case.  I'll get drunk and rant and scream later."  He walked out.

"What line?" Gibbs asked.  Xander reopened the book and pointed at it, letting him see it.  He slumped then nodded.  "Find out how to test for it, kid."

"As soon as I can," he promised.  That got a nod and Gibbs stomped off too.  Xander stood up, checking the cards.  One had slid down so he had to dig it out of the couch.  "Not digging for change, one of the cards to a sick council member came out," he said lightly, then he stood up, looking at the redheaded woman standing there.   "Sorry, had to talk to Tony about something important, ma'am."

"You'll tell me."

"No, I won't.  Sorry.  You don't own me, Director.  I helped bring down a bad military unit."  He smiled sweetly and walked past her, going to the elevator so he could disappear from in there.  He found Gibbs and a strange girl.  "Your director's really a bitch, Gibbs.  I told her I'd tell Tony how I helped take down the Initiative if she kept bothering me and trying to make me give her information instead of Tony."  He disappeared before the smack landed.

"That's pretty cool," Abby said.

Gibbs nodded. "He's not a bad kid.  A bit hyper, mouthy, smartass.  He reminds me of a younger DiNozzo clone only he dates some really horrible women.  I'm told his last one was demonic."  She laughed.  "I don't think Harris was kidding."  She gaped then squealed, hugging him.  He smirked.  "Heard of him?"

"Oh yes.  A lot."

"He sits on Tony's council thing."  They got off on their floor.  "DiNozzo, the director tried to get in your business again.  He told her no, said he'd tell you how he helped take out the Initiative if you wanted."  He sat down.

Tony looked at him. "Boss, do you really need me right now."

"I need you working but your gun stays in that drawer until we go out to arrest, DiNozzo."

"Thanks, boss."  He looked down then at him.  "I take it you read?"  Gibbs nodded. "I'm so sorry, boss."

"Not a problem.  We'll figure it out, like always."  That got a nod and Tony got back to work.  Gibbs looked at Abby.  "Why did you come up?"

"So she'd quit lurking in my lab.  I'm ready to see if she melts in the rain."  Gibbs snickered at that, so she walked off again, getting a snack before going back to her lab.  She had work waiting on her in the lab and the director was back in there.  "There's no cameras in Ducky's office," she announced as she walked in.  "He made sure of it, Director.  He talks in his sleep sometimes."  She took her keyboard back.  "That is a severe violation of our civil rights and I'm filing charges."  She walked off in a huff.  Abby did fill out the sheet and send it in.  She didn't need a camera in her office or spyware on her computer.  Thankfully she knew how to disable it.

***

Xander smiled at Tonks when he ran into her at the hospital.  "Injured?"

"Wrist cramp nearly killed me.  They gave me something for it.  You?"

"Seeing Patricia but can I ask you something?"  She nodded slowly.  "Why can't you guys test for the other potions that were in there?"

"Because my boss leaks like a sieve," she said dryly.  He nodded at that, opening the book to show her.  She grimaced.  "Snape can mix something to tell.  Most healers can tell too."  She handed it back.  "We're sure?  Been a while."

"They sealed the samples so they couldn't degrade all the way."  She grimaced.  "A reporter asked me if it was in there.  Can you send me the pertinent codes?"  She nodded with a smile.  "Thanks.  Draco didn't know."

"You're welcome, Harris.  Go see her.  She's pouty."

"Sure."  He went up there, tapping before entering the room.  "Up for some cheer?"

"I could use some cheer."  He handed over the cards, earning a smile.  "Thank them for me."

"Most of them wished you a speedy recovery and that it doesn't happen again," he said gently.  She smiled and nodded.  He closed the door then sat down next to her.  "Did you know there were other potions in that lust potion?" he asked quietly.

"It's not an unheard of use.  A bonding one?"  Xander nodded.  She beamed.  "That means that they're all but married.  It's usually used during some older ceremonies."

"I'll keep that in mind for Sam and Dean."  She winced at that.  "Yeah."

"Well, you can pick one."

"We'll talk about it later.  I'm doing the informing thing since a reporter asked me specifically about that potion."

"Most healers can tell if it's there."  Xander nodded his thanks and gave her a hug.  "Did we break up?"

"Yup, and we'll go over your proposal during the meeting on the first.  I let Tonks give my report for me and we broke up."  She nodded.  "Get better faster, Patricia.  Too many people count on you for you to be in here for too long."  She smiled.  He drew a symbol on her forehead.  "Willow gave me that one for you.  It's a blessing for strength."  He winked and left, going home.

She touched her forehead, then smiled.  She couldn't object to that.  Even if she hated wandless sorts that was a nice blessing.  She settled in to read her cards.  They were very sweet to send them to her.

***

Dean came out of the floo at Xander's later that night, being handed a beer.  "Did you tell our dad?"

"No.  He bribed one of the house elves to nark."

"That's how he knows."  He sat down to sip it.  "Can we tell?"  Xander handed over the potion and he saw the instructions, going to a mirror to drink a drop.  He pulled Xander over to look too.  It was there.  "The others?" he asked quietly.

"Got their own vials sent by Harry."  He looked at him.  "I got the info from Tonks on what it means, legal issues with it, and all that."  He handed it over and went back to his beer and pretzels.

Dean sat down to read it, holding it up when Sam came out of the floo.  He saw the potion and looked at it, doing it again with both of them in front of the mirror.  Yup, it was there.  "Why couldn't they test for it?"

"Tonks said her boss leaks."

"Ah."

"We knew the Minister did."

"Not uncommon if they can use it to their benefit," Sam said, sitting down to read the information she had sent.  He finally looked up.  "Is Stella blowing up the prison?"

"I gave Horatio the address and relative size.  Stella's probably throwing things.  Don said he'd duck."

"Good.  Might be a good idea," Dean agreed. "Can't say as I don't want to too."

"There's an exception for twins who want to put someone between them," Sam told him.

"Then Mom carried you an extra long time, didn't she?" he shot back.

Xander snickered.  "There's an out clause on the last page.  If we all protest it might work."

Sam looked at it, Dean leaning over to look over his shoulder.  They both groaned.  "We can't," Dean said.  "It said no sex."

"Except in case of a lust potion, which is rape, and therefore should be able to be done under that law," Sam said.

"I love your mega brain," Xander teased.

Sam grinned back.  "Good to know."

"Guys, sickening," Dean complained.  He took it to look over.  "You sure?"

"We need to ask the others," Xander told him. "If we do it individually it could be a problem.  One or two holds outs aren't an issue but them all doing it might be."

"We do have some extraordinary circumstances," Sam pointed out, pointing at Dean.

"I know.  Think about how drunk Tony might be right now."

"Probably."  He called him.  "Hey, Tony, Sam.  Did you try the potion?  We sent it to you via Harry.  Huh.  Yeah, we've got one.  Come get it."  He hung up.  "The director took the unknown biological substance and flushed it."

"Anyone mind if I flush her?" Tony asked as he appeared.  Xander handed back the bottle.  "Directions?"

"On it and we have the legal information too.  We can protest it since we were done the way we were done.  It'll look better if we all do it."

Tony nodded.  "You guys have a special out clause with them being brothers."

"There's a twins clause," Sam told him.

Tony grimaced but left again.  He landed at his desk, glaring at the Director's back.  "Boss, need you for about ten seconds."  He nodded, walking around her to join him in the hallway.  "Bathroom.  It's more private, no cameras."  That got a nod and they went in there.  He took the potion and looked in the mirror, moaning.  "That makes it official."  He looked at him.  "We can protest it."

Gibbs nodded.  "Do we have the legal code?"

"Sam had it."  It landed next to him.  He saved it from the wet sink.  "Thanks, Sam."  He handed it over.  "They think we can protest it."  His phone rang with a text message: 'dump the rest'.  He poured it down the sink and rinsed it out.  "Now what?"

"Let's look this over, talk to a few people.  We have a slight advantage of the system over here versus the one you guys reset."

Tony relaxed.  "I hadn't thought of that."

"We'll talk to them tonight, DiNozzo.  For now, calm down."

"Xander wants to hurt her, boss," he said quietly.  "He hasn't had to hunt in a while."

Gibbs nodded.  "Taylor and I talked about that about an hour ago."  That got a nod and they walked out, him sitting down to go over the pertinent codes.  "Why did you get out early today?"

"Patricia started to miscarry in the middle of the meeting so we did one last thing and broke up.  Xander brought my card to her earlier tonight, boss."

"That's good.  Going to visit?"

"In a few days.  I figure she wants some time to grieve first."  That got a nod.  "Should I call?  Ask for a meeting?"

"We'll pounce them in their office later," he promised.  He looked at the staring director. "Yes?"

"What are you talking about?"

"More problems associated with that drug they dosed DiNozzo and myself with, Director.  Some odd side effects and we're looking at laws to add more charges so the guy dies in jail."

"Horatio's former bomb squad," Tony offered happily.

"I might help with that," he admitted, going back to reading.  She tried to take it and he took it back.  "Not US laws, Director.  It also doesn't concern you."

"You are part of this agency."

"Oh, shut up!" Tony snapped.  "You weren't dosed with it!  You have no say in how we go after him for dosing us with it!  Get over yourself, Director, you have no need to know about our private lives or that incidence's consequences.  We do still have a right to a private life outside this office, one you can't interfere in by law.  This isn't China where you have the right to say such things, so move if you don't like it."  She sneered at him. "I've seen teenage boys do that look better," he sneered back.  "Want me to introduce you to one?"  She stomped off.  Tony slumped.  "I have no idea why I did that," he said once he was calm again.

"After effects?" McGee asked, coming out of hiding behind his computer.

"Could be," Tony admitted.  "I don't know yet."  He stood up and took the forms, walking off.  "I'll see you there, boss."  He left, going to the auror's office locally.  He walked in and handed over the sample then the laws.  "They put a bonding potion on it."  The female auror in front of him gasped.  "We have no fucking idea what we're doing.  Do you?"

"Who threatened your mate?"

"Our Director.  Is it a bad thing to sic Draco on her?"

"Could be considered it, yeah."  She took him back to her seat and sat down to go over it with him after she tested it.  "Did you do the potion?"

"We both glow pretty in the moonlight looking glow," he admitted, leaning back and tipping his head back.  "I have a pounding headache."

"That's kinda normal after your first snap, DiNozzo.  Don't worry about it yet.  We'll go obliviate her or something later."

He sat up.  "Thank you."

"Not an issue.  Just keep Mr. Harris in England."

"He and Sam Winchester were dosed at the same time.  They ended up with his brother Dean," he admitted.  "This is in confidence, right?"  She nodded.  "Thanks."

"Not a problem.  They may be able to wiggle out of it with that but no one can remove the potion.  It's eternal.  You can find it on corpses."  He slumped further.  "We'll see what we can do.  The whole board dosed?"  He nodded.  "Just found this part out today?"

"A reporter asked Xander.  He threatened to take the director down."

"I'm sure he could."  She smiled, going over the British law, pulling up their own laws on it.  "We definitely have an exclusion here for that painful triangle.  It'll take about ten months to get anyone to hear it though."

"I'll let them know," he said, pulling over some paper to make notes.

***

Tony walked in the next morning and found Gibbs waiting on him. "She still in a snit?"

"No, she's calm, fluffy, nice, sweet, and singing to her picture frames."  He smacked him on the head.

"Wasn't me, boss."

"They did it a bit too much, DiNozzo."

The auror following them walked up to them.  "It's because she's taken too many, Gibbs.  Let her nap and she'll be fine.  We didn't get her until her morning run."  She walked off, still happy.  She had done good.  Even if the director was singing to her picture frames and petting them like they were her fuzzy sheep.  Or at least they were in her mind.

Tony pointed.  "See, not my doing."

"Whatever.  Desk, now."  Tony handed over the notes before going that way.  He looked them over on his way to his desk, nodding.  "Drawback?"

"More crowded system."

"Did you fax these?"

"Copied and emailed into Horatio's and Mac's emails, boss.  With notes to open immediately, news on the dosing we got.  With a header for Floppy and Lucia to print and erase immediately."

That got a nod and he went back to reading.  He would not comment on those two's house elves doing their paperwork for them.  "How long?"

"Ten months expected."

Gibbs grimaced.  That was a long time to wait for an annulment.

***

Mac walked in and took the papers from Floppy's hand, smiling at the email's contents.  "We erased it?"

"As soon as made sure copies were right.  Printed two."  That got a nod and Mac sent one to Stella with Floppy.  It might be a better day after all.  Even if his boss was stomping up the hall.   "Yes, sir?"

"The dark-haired boy who appeared without an ID badge was?" he demanded.

"Xander Harris.  I work with him on that Saturday commitment I have, sir.  He was bringing me information."

"How did he get in here?"

"I have no idea.  Xander's a resourceful young man.  He's from that town that just caved in.  He trained with someone from the Watchers Council."  That got a reaction and the man went paler than the time he'd had the flu and passed out in front of the press.  "It was regarding that dosing the three of us took, sir."

"Why you three?"

"A former member of the same group did it," he said honestly.  "He's in prison.  He brought proof of more side effects of it and then another person did some more research, which I got this morning."

"Something they can use in court?"

"Sir, unless you know certain things, I can't tell you a whole lot about this situation."  Someone with robes trotted up the halls.  "Interesting.  Aurors?"

"Yes, detective.  You may tell him and we'll fix it."

Mac nodded, sitting down to outline it to his boss.  It was going to be a long day but still maybe a good one.

***

Horatio looked up as his boss walked into his office.  "Thank you for coming, sir.  There's been a development about that dosing I took I think you need to hear."  He frowned as Rick Stetler walked in, banishing him with his staff to the parking lot.  He closed the door.  "I don't think my private life needs to be used as gossip fodder and he's fond of that approach."  He handed over the email Lucia had printed for him.  "That dosing I took was...."

"A lust potion.  I was informed of that by the local aurors when I got pissed that you took off that way again.  So?"

"It wasn't just a lust potion.  It was also a bonding potion, sir."

"Bonding....  Marriage?" he asked.

"In some societies it's considered such.  In the US and Britain it's considered like handfasting, a first step before the official one.  It's legal enough for inheritances and it's everlasting apparently."  He nodded at the email, letting him read it.  "I have the choice to fight it."

"Did you break?" Horatio nodded.  "With?"

"Speedle."

"Have you talked to him?"

"Not yet, sir."

"Why come to me first?"

"Because I was made to accidentally bond with my second-in-command."  That got a small moan.  "Who is also male.  I think there's going to be more problems there than Speed and I talking.  Even though I'm putting it off."

He sighed and looked at him.  "Bring him up here so we can discuss it together."

"I don't want him moved."

"Good.  He's too cranky to deal with any other lab boss.  Get him up here."  Horatio paged him and let him in, pushing Rick out again.  Ryan walked past under his office and Rick was a small salamander, bright purple this time.  "Does he pick those colors on purpose?"

"I think it's so someone can find him," he said, shutting the door.  He looked at Speed. "New information came to light about that lust potion," he said calmly.

"Figured that when I saw Xander yesterday.  And?"  He leaned against the front of his desk, arms crossed.  "H?"

"It had a bonding potion in it."

"Uh-huh," he said slowly, nodding some.  "So we're married now?"

"By legal standards, we're considered about halfway but it's permanent.  We can fight to have it legally annulled.  It'll be a while if we do it over here.  It's more shaky if we try over there and if we try one place we can't try the other."

Speed nodded at that.  The email and information from earlier that night was handed over, letting him look it over.  "Does this mean I'll never get to date again?"

"It means that even if it's annulled you'll still read as it and they'll be able to find me because of it," Horatio admitted. "It also meant that Tony went off on the director last night when she started on Gibbs again."

"I go off on those who yell at you anyway, H.  They annoy the crap out of me."  He went back to reading, looking over when someone knocked. "Busy," he shouted.

Ryan leaned in.  "Eric had to go out for a family thing.  His sister called up sobbing, not sure why.  He needed you to know so he couldn't be called out.  Calleigh tried to have him taken off today's list but they wouldn't let her.  Also, she's down with Alexx.  We just had a patrol officer suicide in the changing area, H.  We're on that one."  He withdrew and left to get back to the scene.

"Let me go see to that and I'll come back after you two have the awkward talk," the Chief said, going to do that.

Horatio closed and locked the door, looking at him.  "I was waiting until I had all the facts.  That way we wouldn't both be up and pacing all night."

Speed nodded. "I'll do it tonight instead and you can sleep."  Horatio cracked a smile at that.  "Anyone worse than ours?"

"Gibbs isn't magical.  That can cause a problem with Tony's family since there seems to be a lot of pureblood snobs.  Xander had both Dean and Sam, who're brothers."

"So we're not the worst case.  Mac?"

"Danny.  Stella jumped Don."

"Ah."  He nodded, going back to reading.  "The common consensus is?"

"Fighting it.   We can have it annulled."

"But it'll always be in our systems, drawing us back together," Speed finished.

"That I don't know."  He heard muttering and opened the door to look at the auror.  "Ryan was trying to protect me.  Rick was trying to butt in to cause harm."

"Then find a wiccan, Horatio.  This is annoying and after too many times he'll be stuck."

"Maybe that's why he changed animals," Speed said dryly.

"That could be.   At least he's easy to find."  She changed him back and glared at him.  "Quit pissing off the lab before you end up that way permanently."  He walked off snarling.  "I should compulse him."

"Please do, he's a pain in our hemorrhoids."

She smirked. "I like that one.  I'll have to use that saying."  She walked off.  "Where is Wolfe so I can yell at him?"

"Dealing with a suicide in our changing area," Horatio said quietly.

"Then yell at him for me," she offered, going to make notes.  Plus get an order for Ryan to do a mandatory transfiguration review.  That way he could change him back himself!

Horatio closed the door, grinning some.  "Some days Ryan is quite something else."

"Yeah, and then there's the days he and Eric act like toddlers stealing toys from each other.  Can I give them this?"

"No.  It's illegal."

"I know but Wolfe could probably use laid.  Unless he likes house elves?"

"I caught him out on a date the other night.  She seemed fairly nice."

"Good.  Maybe he got some."  He went back to reading. Then he looked at him. "What do you want to do?"  Horatio shrugged, sitting down to look at him. "Why go to the chief first?"

"I accidentally married my second-in-command, who is male," he said quietly.  "We could talk anytime.  That can get us both killed or transferred."

"Good point I guess."  He sat down, looking at him.  "So."

"So," Horatio agreed.  "Any option you like better?"

"How long in the British system?"

"Within a week probably.  The full Wizengomet isn't that busy most of the time."

That got a nod.  "Here?"

"Ten months by the note at the bottom."

"That's an awfully long time," Speed said.  Eric walked in and slammed the door.  "Hey! Having a talk here!"

"I need someone who can unpossess my cousin.  He's been taken by a ghoul."

"Ghoul?" Horatio said.  "Bring him here, Eric."  He nodded, going to do that.  He was only down in the car.  He called Sam.  "I have a coworker with a possessed cousin.  A ghoul is taking him.  That's what I was thinking, Sam.  Please?  Also, we have information on the chances of annulment here in the US."  Sam appeared before he could hang up.  "Not busy?"

"Having a headache," he admitted.  "I don't want to be married to my brother.  Or Xander.  I like Xander but he'd drive me nuts in bed.  He nearly killed us both," he complained.  Speed snickered.  "No, literally.  The healer said he nearly killed us both!"  Speed gaped.  Sam nodded.  "Beyond that, Dean might turn evil."  Eric brought the guy in so he looked.  "Oh, that is *so* our ghoul of the hour," he praised.  "Good job."  He looked at it, smirking and waving.  "Hi, Voldie.  How're you?"

It sneered at him.  "You will not win."

"Bet me, asshole."  He immobilized the guy.  "Door."  Eric got the door.  "Aurors?"

"Calling," Horatio said, dialing the number he had for more of Wolfe's accidents.  "This is Horatio Caine.  We have the ghoul of Voldemort in my office possessing someone.  We need containment now, please."  He hung up on the assurances they'd be right there.  A few seconds later people ran in and looked at the immobilized wizard.  "This is Eric's cousin.  Eric works with me.  His cousin went to a wizarding school," he reported.

The head auror nodded.  "Good catch, guys."

"We have all but two of the things that's keeping him here," Sam told him.  "They're being retrieved this weekend."  That got nod.  "Then we can kill the sucker for real."  He helped by adding holy water and doing the exorcism for them.  Once the poor guy was freed Sam handed him off.  "Baptize him.  Bless him.  Communion him.  If you know a priest who knows tell him exactly what happened and that this ghoul is especially evil.  He's killed hundreds of people for his deluded thoughts on purebloods ruling others. Even though he's not one."  Eric nodded, heading out with the auror helping him.  They knew a priest.  He watched as it was entombed again.  Then the box was sealed in something airtight that had six keys.  He was given one and Horatio another.  The rest were handed out to aurors.  "Want ours in England?"

"No, sir.  You can come to the US and do it in our office to make sure he's gone," the head auror assured him.  "We'll gladly cooperate to help him die."

Sam smiled.  "Thank you."

"Not an issue.  Always happier to come for real emergencies instead of Wolfe turning the Internal Affairs guy into something."

"He changed.  It's not a toad," the usual one said.

He snorted.  "Nice of him.  Why doesn't he use the hedgehog anymore?"

"It's too sweet of an animal for Stetler," Speed told him.  That got a laugh and they carried the tomb out using the special poles so they didn't have to touch it.  "Wow."

Sam nodded. "He was a very evil man.  I can't stand hate crimes for any reason and that one started two wars for his.  Let me go tell Harry.  Thank you, Horatio."

"Tell the headmaster we'll be doing another inspection at the holidays and expect everything to be fixed."

"Sure."  He smiled and disappeared, landing in the Great Hall since it was early dinner over there.  He walked up to the head table.  "Harry needs to be released this weekend.  We found *him* on someone in Miami with Horatio's help."  Dumbledore smiled at that news.  "The aurors in Miami have him and are awaiting us to come destroy him *there*."

"It's probably safer than transporting him," he agreed.  "I can release him for that and let him come back late as well."

"Thank you.  Also, I was told by Horatio that we're taking another tour this holiday season to make sure all the repairs were done and nothing new has come up, plus to get your ideas for the school."

"I'm sure I can have them drawn up by then," he said smoothly.

"Good.  Horatio's having a very bad week."

"I noticed the small article in the Prophet about that potion," McGonagall said quietly.  Sam nodded.  "That would be enough to do it for anyone."

"You should hear my brother," he admitted, disappearing again with a quick grin at Harry.

She looked at the headmaster.  "Does that mean what I think it means?"

"That means that Xander jumped them both," Harry said quietly since he had snuck up to them.  "What's happened?"

"They've found the ghoul.  He's in custody in Miami.  They'll want you to do it there, Harry."

"If  I can."  That got a nod and Harry went back to his table, thinking about that. He'd still need the last two of those things.  Then he could finally get rid of the asshole.  Then he realized he was picking up bad language from Sam again.  He shook his head to clear it, smiling when an owl floated down beside Draco and let him pull off something thicker and heavier.  Draco smiled and gave the owl a treat before sending her off.  "Good news?" he mouthed.  That got a nod.  The scroll was put into his bag for now.

"How do you two get along?" Ron demanded.

"Xander's helped him change some.  Besides, he's not worried about aping his father or anyone else."  He looked at him.  "He's been a lot of help to Xander and Sam.  If he uses that language near the council, Xander or Horatio get him for it."

Ron shook his head.  "He'll never really change."

"He's very polite when we have to work together on something."  He got up and walked over there.  "Good news?  I heard you sent it off."

"Excellent news," he said happily.

"Congratulations then.  Don't worry about inviting me for protocol's sake."  Draco smirked and nodded at that.  "I've got to talk to them later on.  Want me to spread it?"

"No.  I'll floo him tonight and hand over the contract to him."

"Then I'll leave it as I hope you have a happy marriage, Draco."  He left, smirking some.

One of the younger Slytherins gaped at him.  "They've set a date?"

"She's just signed a contract," Draco told him.  "She's a wonderful young witch from lower India.  Pure back thirty generations.  A year older than I am.  She's skilled with estate management and is graduating near the tops of her class."  They all cheered at that.  He walked it up to Snape, who looked it over and nodded.  "May I use your floo later, sir?"

"Of course, Mr. Malfoy.  Remember, you cannot send those via floo."

"I know.  Can I floo with them on me?"  He shook his head.  "Can I pop off for a few?"

"If you can be subtle."

"Thank you, sir."  He went back to his seat, putting the precious scroll into his bag again and making sure it was sealed so no one could take it out.  A few of them looked envious and one looked very pissed after her six months in Azkaban.  "Xander wanted me to marry someone who would bring much to the family and who couldn't be related in any way."

"I heard," she said grimly.  She knew very well her contract with Draco being voided was her own fault for being caught at a Death Eater meeting.  "I hope she makes you happy until she kills you."

"She'll have no reason to kill me."  He gave her a smug look.  "Her parents are slightly more wealthy than my own because they own a jewel mine."  She sulked at that.  "I have no worries with her and we got on well when we met."

"Can he find me one?" she pouted.

"I don't know.  Mother contacted her first but Xander handled it after she was killed."  He sipped his water.  "You can have your mother ask him or Patricia.  She's on the Council and he probably got advice from her."

"Thank you, Draco."  She went back to sulking, stealing nearly all the desserts near her.  Her mother was probably pouting too, or she would be when she heard.

***

Xander walked Draco into the bank the next morning, letting him hand over the scroll himself.  "I'm told I have to present this to your offices?"

The goblin over the Malfoy fortune unrolled it then nodded.  "A very nice choice."

Draco smiled.  "We get along rather well when we met."

"Congratulations, Mr. Malfoy."  He stamped it as filed with him then put it into the family's box of documents.  He found one and looked at it.  "As we discussed, certain things are his upon this moment," he said, handing it over to Draco.  Who sat down to read.

"Does this mean I'm the head of the family?"

"No, this means you're the head of the *Malfoy* part of the family," Xander corrected with a smile.  "Your inheritance vault is your old school vault."

Draco beamed.  "So I get all the Malfoy money again?"

"Within reason and I can still stop you from spending it all," Xander warned.  "I'm still keeping you on the allowance we talked about over lunch."  Draco nodded at that. "The rest you and the goblins can talk about investment opportunities and the dividends from the various things you own."

"The rest of the family isn't that rich," he said.

Xander smirked, patting him on the head.  "Remember, the head of the family had his own money, not just the Malfoy money.  When the staff got taken, it got locked.  It was only unlocked again recently when I proved the staff wasn't leaving me."

"Oh."  He frowned a bit.  "Then what's yours and whoever's and what's mine?"

The goblin laid out the various sheets. "These are the Malfoy assets.  These are ones that belong to your other cousins.  The exact amounts are blurred out for their privacy.  This is the head of the family's assets, including his personal vault that he brought over from the US."

Xander looked, it was clear to him, they all were.  "How's my interest doing?"

"Fairly well."  He smiled.  "Now, there is the matter of you living in a Malfoy-owned apartment?"

"I don't care.  Cede it to him," Draco ordered.

"He owns the building if you do that," the goblin warned.

Draco looked at him.  "He found me my marriage partner, he's revived the family from the ashes of Voldemort.  He can have the bloody building."  That got a nod and the goblin started on that transfer.  "Pay any fees or taxes that'll be needed too, please."  He checked. They owned a lot of stuff.  He owned a lot of stuff.  He looked at Xander's.  "Are you keeping control of the Daily Prophet?"

"The way that contract read, the head of the family owns fifty-one percent and the rest goes to the Malfoy heir," the goblin instructed.  "Your father wrongly assumed it was him."

"So now we can deal with them together," Xander told him.  "What is this house?"

"The ancestral home in the middle of nowhere that's nearly falling down," Draco said.

"Ah."  He nodded. "I can probably fix that."  That got a smirk.  "Buffy wants the house elves back.  You mind?"

"They can buy their own.  You'll need some."  He frowned.  "Was she right?"

"Not going into this here.  Sam and I have to talk about that stuff first."  Draco gaped so Xander stared him down.  He swallowed and nodded at that.  "Thank you."

"Certain contracts do magically update with these things," the goblin told him.

"When I was dosed, I jumped both brothers," he said quietly.  That got a wince.  "We're talking about how best to challenge it.  We're friends."

"Friends make good alliance marriages," Draco offered.

"Sam's still grieving over his girlfriend.  The same as I now am," he pointed out.

"Oh."  He nodded. "Well, I guess you can change one of them into a girl."  He went back to reading, not ducking the swat he had earned.  It wasn't too hard so Xander wasn't too pissed with him.  The sheets updated in his hand, showing the transfer to Xander's sheet.  He looked then nodded.  "Do have fun with that."

"I will.  How do you find house elves?"

"They have a place they go when they're given clothes," Draco said.  "Or they breed and usually stay within the family.  Though it was funny watching those two hit on the female house elves and make them cackle at the silliness. They're both quite popular with the ladies.  My mother caught them at it once and nearly laughed herself sick."

Xander grinned. "I knew Dean could help them."

"Uh-huh."  He smirked and went back to his looking over things.  "May I?" he asked Xander, who shrugged and nodded. The goblin let him see Xander's form and he gaped.  "You brought how much over from the US?"

"Exchange rate from dollars to pounds then to galleons," Xander said.  "I lost a bit in the second translation but I also went back to sell nearly everything I owned.  Including a lot of the heavier weapons no one else could use.  John claims he confiscated and moved the rest to LA before the hellmouth ate it.  So I've got a good few weapons left and a bunch of other stuff I've collected here and there.  Did the bank go over to seize magical artifacts the vamps and things had?"  The goblin nodded, looking smug.  "Good.  I'm glad I gave you guys that tip.  Thank you for the good interest."  The goblin smirked back for that. He took his sheet back and Draco stared at him.  "You sure I can have the apartment and the old house?"

"I'd rather live at Malfoy Manor.  I grew up there.  I've cleaned my mother and father's ghosts out and it's much more pleasant now."  Xander gave him a hug around the head.  "Thank you.  Now, any more business?"

"Who's doing the planning?" Xander asked.

"She can.  We'll hire someone to do the local one.  She can do one for her people.  She sent that suggestion in her acceptance."

"That works for me.  Don't make me dress up as more than a spectator?"

"As head of the family you will have to give your blessing," Draco warned.

"I can do that but I hate being in the wedding party."

"That's fine then."  He smiled.  "I bragged and Millicent nearly sulked her way through last night.  She wanted to know if you could help her."

"I looked in the same book your mom did.  Have her do it."

"She's a confirmed, acknowledged death eater.  No one is going to go for that unless they're desperate," the goblin told him.

Xander shrugged.  "Life sucks when you make bad decisions.  I've made plenty I regret."  That got a nod.  "So, we done?"  The goblin nodded, taking forms back.  "Thank you.  Keys to the other house?"  They were dug out and handed over.  "Will the staff know where it is?"  He nodded.  "How much do house elves cost and are there maintenance fees or anything?"

"They eat scraps.  The usual cost is minimal because they're happy to be of use to you," the goblin assured him.

"I can show him.  We have to go after Dobby turned on my father and went to Potter."  They left together, heading for the shelter/pound building.  "How many do they need?"

"Probably six or seven.  The old house?"

"Is *huge*," he warned.  "Extremely large.  Cleaning it will take a whole army of elves a month.  Or so my mother said.  I've only seen it from the outside."

"Wonderful."  They walked in and he looked around.  "Hello?" he called when he didn't see anyone.  Someone came out of the back.  "Draco said I need my own house elves and I'm hoping you have some that the new Watchers Council can have too."

She smiled.  "They've set back up the local building?"

"No, they've set up the new campus in Cleveland.  They've got close to thirty girls in residence, plus a lot of the older Watchers who made it out.  They're living on something that looks like a college campus."

"There's a few very good shelters in the US.  I can direct them there if you want."

"Sure, that'll work.  I need at least one.  I live in an apartment but I'm told the ancestral home is mine."

"Ancestral home?"

He grinned but Draco answered.  "This is the new head of my family."

"Oh.  So the Malfoy ancestral home.  We don't have that many in residence."

"Let's start off with one or two," Xander offered. "I'll be fixing it up slowly."  She nodded, going to get some for him.  "Hi, I'm Xander," he told them.  "I'm the head of the Malfoy family."

One looked at him.  "Twerp was given clothes by Narcissa."

"My mother's dead," Draco said patiently.  "Xander isn't a girl to need that same sort of help either.  He has an apartment in town and he's fixing up the ancestral home.  Which could honestly use a good scrubbing by now."  They nodded.  "He's on the Founders Council so you have to know how to press clothes neatly.  Plus cook."

The elves picked out three and the keeper added another one with a smile.  "I'm not marrying anytime soon," Xander told her.

"That's okay.  This one's an outdoor elf.  She can deal with the gardens that're overgrown.  She's very good at it."

"That's cool.  How much?"  She pointed at the sign and he looked then paid it out of his pocket.  "Okay, one with me for now.  I'll show you around my apartment.  Then we'll go look at the old home?" he asked Draco.  "So I can see what I need?"  That got a nod.  Xander accepted the slips for them and the address of a good place in the US.  "Thank you for your help."  He led them out, taking them to his apartment first.  They all looked around then Draco took them to the old home.  He looked and sighed in pleasure.  "It's a beautiful building, Draco."  It felt like Hogwarts' wards were surrounding it to keep strangers out, but it was an ancient building.  Not quite a castle but he'd probably call it a keep.  It didn't have any towers.  It was huge, as he had been warned, but it had large glass windows and it was probably about the same size as the Pentagon, but in a more square shape.

"Yes, the ancestors had taste.  Obviously they didn't code that into the staff.  Why are you wearing that shirt?"

"It's comfortable and clean."

Draco shook his head, leading the way inside.  The staff got the doors open and released the magical barriers around it.  They walked inside and the staff went nuts, flying around.  "Hey!" Draco complained.

Xander held up a hand.  "C'mere.  We'll look around."  It backed away from him.  "You've been with me now for over five months, staff.  If you want, we can move out here."  It shifted away further.  "No?  Do you want to stay in town?  We can do that."  It floated closer.  "What's bothering you?  Is it a ghost?  A demon?"  Both got negative flashes.  He looked around.  "Did something bad happen here, Draco?"

"Many bad things happened here.  The staff probably saw most of them."  He caught it and handed it back.  "Lead us to where the problem is so we can take care of it."  The staff led them that way, letting them find the remains of the bodies.  "The Holliwell massacre," he sighed.  "That should've been cleaned up ages ago."  The staff led him on, finding a few more places where there were bodies.  They ended up in the basement and Xander was starting to scratch.  "Allergies?"

"Very bad feeling.  Like being eaten bad feeling."  He looked then sighed.  "Damn it."

"What?" he asked, looking where he was.  What he saw did not make him happy.  "Why is there a tentacle hanging out of the wall?"

"Someone tried to open a hellmouth here.  It's not fully closed.  Who do we call about the bodies?"

"I'll make the calls.  They can go to the same people who did mother.  There's a cemetery on the grounds.  Should I call the brothers too?"  Xander nodded.  "Anyone else?"

"Willow.  This has been open longer than Sunnydale."  He nodded, going to do that while Xander patted the tentacle.  "Don't worry, you can have it back soon."  Willow came trooping down the stairs with Buffy.  "Welcome to the ancestral house.  Apparently bad things used to happen here."

"Really?  What gave you that idea?" Buffy asked, staring at the tentacle.

"How old is this?" Willow asked.  "It feels stronger than Sunnydale."

"There was a barrier up to keep things together," Xander admitted.  "It came down when the staff touched the door then the staff went nuts."

"Yeah, with this sort of energy I'm going nuts," Willow admitted.  She stepped back. "Buffy, make it withdraw?"  She stabbed it until it pulled back then Willow closed the very open portal.  She looked at him, shaking her head.  "That's been open for centuries."

"We can rebless the house and stuff.  We'll have to, we walked into the remains of a massacre in a few rooms."  That got a nod.  Dean came down the stairs.  "You missed the tentacle."

"That one?" he asked with a point.  They looked and Willow groaned.  "What's keeping it open?"

She looked around then found something.  "This.  It's tied to this."  She felt it.  "Destroy it."  She handed it to Dean, who went to hand it to his father.  His father took a sledgehammer to it and then Draco blew it up with a spell.  Willow did the closing spell again, sighing in relief because it felt really solid this time.

Draco came down the stairs.  "Merlin, that's a bad stink."

"It probably canceled the rest of the preservation spell," Sam said as he joined them.  "Now what?"

"Now, we get someone to take the bodies, we bury them in whatever cemetery we should, and then we rebless the house before I start working on it.  That way the evil taint doesn't send the staff out of control again."  It tried to wiggle in his hand so he looked down.  "I know about the dark, staff.  The same as I know the family was built on it.  There's dark and then there's evil.  We'll clear off the evil."  It hummed that it liked that and let him continue to hold it.  "Should we salt them before we bury them?"

Dean nodded.  "Definitely.  Cremated if possible too."  Draco nodded. "You sure?"

"It'd be easier than trying to identify them."

"Spirits that aren't identified properly come back," Sam warned.

"We can put up small headstones with who we think they are," Xander suggested.  "Bury the remains under them."

"The family history book should have most of it."  He went to get it from the family home and came back to start identifying people based on the story of the massacre.  One's ghost came up.  "Let me know if I get them wrong."  The ghost nodded, walking around with him.  The funeral people finally showed up and gasped in horror.  "We just unsealed the house," he said.  "We found them like this."  That got a nod. "I'm identifying most of them so they can go to their rest."  He finished up the last few but the ghost pointed so he followed, finding a few more bodies. "Lucinda and Altera Malfoy," he said, writing out their names.  Something felt off.  "Xander?" he called.  He came to the doorway.  "Relatives."

He came in and the staff tried to go to one.  "Huh. Are you repudiating me?" he asked.  It struggled so he let it go.  It went to snuggle up to the mother. "Any idea?"

"A former holder.  She was assumed dead," Draco said, looking her up.  "Here we go.  Entombed in the glass palace of the ancestral home.  The staff did choose her and the men were not pleased so they put her in a permanent sleep spell then put her here."  He looked up.  "Is that a problem?"

"I don't know," Xander admitted.  He looked at the bodies, then shrugged and leaned down to poke her hard.  "Good morning!" he yelled.  The child woke up and stared at him.  "Hi.  I'm Xander.  Can you wake the mommy?"

"Altera is the mother, Lucinda is the daughter," Draco said.  The child was shaking her.  "Try with her, Xander."  He tried it again and the mother snorted but woke up.  "Good morning, ancestress."

"Who are you?"

"Draco."  He handed over the copy of the family tree.  "Son of the areshole Lucius."

She looked then at the staff, petting it.  "You woke me up."

"No, I woke you up," Xander said.  She stared at him.  "The staff chose me a few months back. Xander Harris."  He held out a hand.

She shook it.  "Altera Malfoy and this is my daughter Lucinda."  She looked at his clothes.  "Working in the field?"

"He dresses like that now and then," Draco admitted.  "It's the year 2004," he said calmly.  She laughed.  Xander handed over his ID, which had a few years back listed on it.  She gaped at him, then at Draco, who nodded.  She went back to the family tree, finding herself and her daughter.   Then she counted the generations.  "Which creates a problem.  The staff chose him but went insane when it found you here."

"When we opened the house but I thought it was all the dark magic," Xander said.  "Staff, do you have any idea what we're doing?"  It flashed brightly.  "Okay, and?"  It snuggled in.   "I can understand that.  You chose her first, long ago.  You probably missed her."

"It's not that alive," Lucinda scolded.

"It's very smart," Xander corrected.  "It's helped me quite a lot.  It even answers limited questions."

Altera looked up. "You're not on here, Xander."

He looked then pointed.  "That one started my family line."  She groaned, rubbing her forehead.  "There's myself, Draco, and about eighteen cousins in the family, Altera.  Most of the rest were just arrested for going evil."

"We do like the dark in this family."

"And I hunt demons," Xander countered.  "We're talking evil, not dark."  She slumped.  "But we still have a problem with the staff."

She sighed, looking at it.  "It might have missed me."

"The ministry took them back during Pella's reign," Draco said, sitting on the end of the bed.  "They confiscated all of them.  When they finally broke free, after the last Black heir died, they went choosing and ours chose Xander at that time.  That's been nearly five months now.  He's been a good head of the family.  He's even found me a decent wife."

"Which county is she from?"

"She's Indian.  Unfortunately the purebloods have interbred for so long he's got a lot of cousins," Xander told her.  "The inheritance stuff stops at second cousins.  He's related to nearly all the purebloods left in the country.  She's from a good family."

"Pure back thirty generations," Draco said with a smile. "She helps manage her family's estate.  She's a year older than I am.  She's very nice.  We've met and we do get on fairly well.  She's well read, well spoken, and graduating near the head of her class."

She smiled at that.  "It sounds like a good match to me, even if she isn't from here."

"New blood would keep the magic stronger," he pointed out.

"True."  She went back to looking at the family chart.  "The Founders Council?"

"Was reformed when we got chosen," Xander told her, shrugging a bit.  "They chose a lot of Americans."

"I remember some people emigrating over to the new world."

Xander nodded. "That's the Americas and Canada."

She nodded at that, closing the book.  "Why were you chosen?"

"Because my father had taken over and had nearly let a very evil Dark Lord take over.  One who would have destroyed the whole wizarding world," Draco told her.  "He was a half-blood and killing anyone not pure.  That would've left about ten people and a lot of house elves."

She grimaced.  "That's not wise."

"My father wasn't that bright," he admitted.  "My mother did more thinking.  Thankfully she held on until Xander got here and he fixed a lot of things.  Including kicking Lucius out for nearly destroying the world as we know it."

"She's listed as deceased."

"She was killed by a bringer," Xander told her honestly.  "She was an uncalled slayer."

She gave him an odd look.  "How did the First Evil get here?"

"The same dark lord had a botched resurrection done," he said dryly.  "We're gathering the last few things we need to kill his ghoul."

"Oh, dear."  She looked at her daughter then at him.  "If the staff stays with me that does make me the head of the family, Xander."

He grinned.  "Altera, things have changed a whole lot since you went to sleep.  You do realize that?"

"I had hoped some things have."

He took her and handed Draco the child.  "We'll be right back."  He took the staff from her and sent it a mental command, taking her with him.  He pointed at the building around them. "This is New York City, in the US, my country.  This is one of the most populous countries in the world.  In this one you can find people from every other country."  He looked at her.  She was staring around in horror.  "This is the modern world.  The wizarding world is still about a hundred years behind this one."  She gave him a look, nearly crying.  He nodded.  He pointed at the billboards.  "Those are electronic.  They flash, they're made of lights."  He pointed at a girl. "Everyone wears that nowadays.  It's not only fashionable but comfortable and nearly expected."  She sniffled.  He gave her a squeeze.  "The Council is helping the wizarding world make gentle steps in this direction.  They're so far out of date that it's creating problems with the muggle born and half blood students coming into Hogwarts and other schools."  She slumped, nodding some.  "We don't expect or want this level of stuff, but for it to be at least closer to the twentieth century than they are now."  He took her to another place, making them invisible and intangible. "These people live in a long ago time.  They don't use technology.  The wizarding world is about up to their standards at the moment."  She moved to look at them.  He watched, letting her educate herself.  She came back.  "I'm helping move the family closer to the point where they can flourish again."

"Take us home?" she asked.  He did that and she sat down on the bed, taking her daughter to hold.  "The world has truly changed."  Xander and Draco both nodded.  "Would I have a place?"

"Of course.  Do you want a place here or in one of the other houses?  I was going to restore this one so it's glorious again.  After we remove all the bodies."

She blinked then at Draco, who handed over the book open to the correct page in the family's history.  She read then looked at him. "They left them here?"

"Sealed the house to the staff," he said.

"Oh, dear."  She frowned, rereading it.  "I definitely don't want her to see that."

"The bathing chamber's clear, we already did that," Sam said.  "Problems?"

"Altera Malfoy, meet Sam Winchester.  He's one of the ones chosen at the same time I was.  Sam, they had her put to sleep and then stored here for a good four centuries at least."

"Closer to ten," Sam said.  "Judging by the clothes."  She nodded at that.  He walked in.  "We're nearly done with the last few bodies, Draco."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Do you disagree with us overseeing the cremation so the ghosts can move on?"

"No, please do.  They deserve a rest.  If they want to come back they can."  Sam nodded, leaving them alone.  "He hunts demons like Xander did before he was chosen."

"Are you a Watcher then?" Lucinda asked.

"I worked with one of their girls but I wasn't a Watcher, Lucinda.  I jumped in to help our slayer fight after a friend was taken by vampires."  She nodded at that.  The mother smiled a bit.  "We just saved the Council.  They're presently annoying the rest of them in Cleveland.  They'll be back in a year."

She rolled her eyes.  "They don't like us."

"They avoided finding and training witches," Draco told her. "We didn't know until Mum was killed by the bringers."  She sighed at that.  "They had them to watch but otherwise leave them alone."

"We were hoping they would.  Too many good minds were torn apart by their training."  Xander nodded he agreed.  "Yours, was she council raised?"  He smirked as he shook his head.  "Ah.  Then you helped her a lot."

"Quite.  I even brought her back to life and made it so there were two at one point in time."  She whimpered.  "To fight the First Evil, a witch activated all of them.  There's somewhere near thirty at the moment."

"That must mean there's a greater evil coming," she said quietly.

Xander shook his head.  "Willow can uncast it or make it so they can die off naturally.  She's already checked."  She slumped, crying some.  "If it stays with you, that's fine, Altera.  I'll help you all I can.  Draco's been a lot of help to me.  I can help you get used to the world as it is now and what the world needs."

She looked at him.  "Give us a few minutes?"  They nodded and left her alone.  She looked at her daughter.  Then at the staff.  "Are you going back to him?"  It wobbled.  "Not sure?" She sighed, looking down again.  She was so innocent.  "I'll never let her be taken by the evil that is coming," she told the staff.  She considered it, looking out at the trees she had known as saplings that were bigger around than the dining table in the kitchen now.  She sobbed once.  Then she grabbed a knife.

Dean knocked a few minutes later, looking in on her.  "Ma'am?"  He winced, closing the door gently.  "Xander, do you have the staff?" he called.  It flashed in between Xander and Draco.

Draco looked at it.  "I don't want you yet.  I'm too young and not experienced enough.  I'll learn from Xander."  It floated closer to him and he let it touch him, then it went to Xander to snuggle back in.  "It likes you."

He looked down then sighed.  "Dean?"

"Don't," he warned.  Draco went to get someone so they could hold a proper burial for her and her daughter.  "What did you do?" he asked quietly.

"I showed her what it was like now.  She was fine until the baby asked me if I was a Watcher.  Then I told her about the ones in Cleveland, that they wouldn't be back here for a while."  The staff made him wince as it put something into his head.  "Ow.  Thank you." He looked at them.  "She decided that too big of an evil was coming for all the slayers and she would not risk her daughter that way.  She told the staff: better to die innocent then damned."

Draco nodded.  "It's a common saying in the family for those who go to the light without even trying the rest of us."  He smiled at the two new ghosts.  "Happier?"

"We can still live here?" she asked Xander.

"Of course!"

"Good.  We need to clean this place."

"I've got four house elves back at my apartment waiting on word of when to come clean.  We were going to finish removing the bodies first."

Sam walked out with them.  "These ones don't salt or burn," he ordered.  A note was made and put on them then they were off.  He walked back inside.  "Who opened the hellmouth downstairs?"

"The same person who did the massacre for power," Draco told him.  "My great-great- great grandfather."

"The stupid great-great-great grandson of mine," she told him. "Brains went downhill."

"Inbreeding as Xander's shown me," Draco told her. "That's why he had me go for a foreign witch."

She smiled. "Hopefully you'll be happier than I was in mine, Draco."  She floated off. "Well make sure all the bodies are gone."

"Would it bother you if we rebless the house?" Sam called.

"Take the taint, boys.  Do not take the library."

"No, sometimes you have to learn the dark to fight it," Xander told her.  She smiled and nodded her head, then she and her daughter went to see the gardens.  "Bless before the elves?"

"The elves would never come in here," Draco said.  That got a nod and Sam went to get things to bless the house with Willow.  He smiled at Buffy.  "Whenever I misbehave, he threatens to make me marry you."

She laughed.  "You're cute and all, Draco, but way too nice for my tastes," she said, pinching him on the cheek.  A goblin appeared. "You're not deadly, right?"  He shook his head.

"Their warriors are.  There's a few huge books on the goblin wars in our library," Dean said, looking around.

"What happened with the staff?" the goblin asked.

"We woke up Altera Malfoy.  It liked her until she and her daughter died.  Then it checked everyone before coming back to me," Xander said, holding it up.  The goblin sighed in relief.  "I have to come do more paperwork, don't I?"

"No, it will remain.  We had to make sure."  Xander let him examine the staff then it came back to him willingly.  "Very well then.  Everything will remain the same as before but you'll have to change your number.  You're now two higher."

"Like presidents who skip a turn then  come back?" Buffy suggested.  The goblin nodded.  "Okay.  Are you like the house elves?"

"He's a goblin, not quite," Xander said.  "I have the address for a shelter in the US so you can rescue native house elves."  She beamed at him.  "You can even bring John to help you pick them out."

"I gave you both my sons, be nicer to me, kid," John complained.  Dean choked and walked off coughing.  "That'll have to be fixed."

"We're petitioning."

"If they turn it down?"

"We have the right to petition in the US but it means we'll have to wait a good, long time to get a judge.  Like probably a year."

"That kinda sucks," Buffy said.  "Hold on, you did Dean *and* Sam?  Thank you for turning gay," she said happily, giving him a hug.

"We got dosed with a lust potion, Buffy.  Ethan made it and sold it to the former pain in our asses.  Then the really great thing happened.  Ethan put in a bonding potion."  Willow choked from the dining room this time.  "Exactly," he called.

"So you're...married to Dean *and* Sam?" she asked hesitantly.  Xander nodded. "Well, I guess it'll be a fun bed."  John scowled at her.  "They'll both pounce Xander, not do the nasty incest stuff, John.  I'm sure Dean doesn't want to jump his brother and make him beg for it like I used to when I had Riley."  She sighed.  "I need a new guy."

"Xander found me an excellent wife," Draco offered.

"He used to have a crush on me," Buffy told him.  "Then I kinda went selfish and bratty."  Xander nodded at that.  "But I'm better now."

"So he not only attracts evil things, but future evil things?" Draco asked.  "We'll have to keep an eye on his last girlfriend then."  He walked off again to twit Sam about being married to his brother.  He gave the better reactions.

"I helped him be a better guy, not a totally good guy."

She pinched him on the arm.  "If you find one, send them my way?"

"Sure.  I can do that.  I'll ask Gibbs and Tony if they know any good Marines.  Or Mac."  She smiled and left to help Willow.  He looked at the Goblin, then at John.  "You know I didn't intend that to happen."

"I know, Xander.  It'll work itself out.  Though I will never admit that my boys are married to each other thanks to this."  He walked off to help his boys and Willow while Buffy looked around.

Xander looked at the goblin.  "See what I put up with?"  He laughed before disappearing.  Xander called the elves and told them they were blessing the house.  They flooed over and came to start the cleanup.   It was going to be a long cleaning session.  One even remembered to bring the house elf shelter/pound's address for Buffy.

***

Giles looked up as John walked in two days later with seventeen house elves. "Did we need this many?"

"They're so damn pitiful," he sighed, sitting down.  "They gave me this look like I was about to shoot them for being faithful dogs, Rupert."

He patted him on the arm.  "The girls will enjoy having some help for chores."

"Three are garden and outside elves."

"That might help as well," he sighed, looking around.  "Think they'd sink the old watchers?"

"I think two of them would if you asked nicely and patted them on the head."

Upstairs, Buffy squealed as she grabbed a house elf to hug.  She loved these guys!

Family Staffs 12

Xander looked around the spotless house, smiling at the elves.  "You guys did great work.  I'm so proud of you."  They all smiled.  He handed over peppermints, something he had learned from Horatio.  "What's next?"

"Moving here?" one said.

"I need to keep some stuff in town."  They snorted and went to move all his stuff plus get the furniture out of storage to replace the beds that had people die in them.  Xander went to look outside, smiling at the garden.  The grass was trimmed instead of being waist high.  Some flowers were planted and the bushes were trimmed nicely.  He heard the doorbell and went to answer it.  "I've got it," he called.  He opened the door, smiling at Sam.  "Hi.  Come in.  They're done cleaning."  He led him to show him the common areas, getting a smile for them.  "Didn't they do a great job?"

"They did a wonderful job, Xander."  He got led to the garden, sighing in pleasure.  "This is going to be great to meditate in."  He grinned at him.

"What did I miss?"

"Stella came over to talk to a judge about the various cases, just as a deciding factor to see which one we would use.  Since we're on the Council it has to be done here."  Xander slumped.  "And the judge said that while odd, there was no harm in seeing us married to you so the Wizengomet probably wouldn't grant the petitions."

"If we went to the US?"

"They won't be recognized.  It'll be an international squabble."

Xander grimaced. "Not good?"

"Of the ending treaties sort," he agreed.  He sat Xander down on a bench, looking at him.  "Draco did have a point.  It's not a formal wedding.  We can still date others. We just have to be more discreet and Dean can't screw half a sorority house anymore.  We'd have to do that anyway to not embarrass our families."

"He did?  That's skill."

Sam grinned. "From what he said, they were all drinking and it happened."  He sat beside him.  "So we have to make some plans.  This creates some strong alliances on the Council.  It could change a lot of stuff."

Xander shook his head.  "We agree on most everything.  It's Patricia and the new Minister that scratch each other on the itchy spots."

"Instead of just their backs?" Sam teased.

"Yup, because you can itch in other spots and not be able to reach it too."  He grinned back.  "Sorry, speaking from experience after being possessed by a furry."

"What sort of furry?  I could see a puppy dog.  You kinda bounce like a puppy."

"Hyena."

Sam blinked.  "That was unexpected."  Xander smirked at him.  "Though you are a huge predator of the dark side."  He shrugged and leaned against him.  "So what're we going to do about this?"

"Be discreet when we want women?"

"Beyond that."

"Why can't we go to the US?"

"Being on the Council gives us British citizenship for magical matters, no matter that we're US residents. Since it'd be a wizarding court, they'd have to take that into account."

"The one Tony talked to never said that."

"She's going to ask over there too.  Just in case."  He pulled Xander closer, letting him cuddle.  He looked upset.  "It's not so bad.  You get used to Dean's mouth."

Xander looked at him. "I'm more worried about hurting you two again."

"If you get that desperate, we'll tie you down," he decided. Xander nodded. "How is Draco's wedding going?"

"They hired someone for the local one.  The one in her homeland will be planned by her.  He's agreeing to anything she wants within reason.  She is *so* going to run over him."  Sam laughed but nodded.  "It'll happen right after his graduation and with hers being this year she'll have the year to plan everything. She's coming up with her mother to look over the Manor to see if they want to hold it there.  He was worried about his mother's roses."

"I'm sure he can explain it to her."

"I hope so.  She seemed nice enough."  Sam nodded, stroking his arm.  "You're doing really good if you want me to pounce you again."

"I'll remember that for the future pouncing," he teased.  Xander grinned back.  "If we have to leave it are you going to be really upset?"

"No!"  He smirked.  "Though if you do find a great girl we'll figure out some way to marry her since this won't be a legal one."

"Well, since there was a consummation, it will be," he admitted.  Xander sat up to look at him.  "She asked that too since using the lust potion is like being raped, that would mean that they condoned people being forced to marry their rapists.  The judge didn't like that argument. He argued she had the ability to tie herself down.  Then she pointed out that none of us knew those were possible, and she had been at work.  That the dosing had been done with malicious intent by someone who was in jail for it.  He said that argument may be better received, but she managed to fight off the conception part.  She blandly told him about birth control pills.  He blushed but said he'd have to remember that for his own daughter.  So we may really be stuck."

"We'll manage," Xander decided, slumping down some.  "You won't go complaining about everything like Anya, right?"

"No, I only whine at Dean."

"Then I'll accept that as long as you don't whine about me lacking in the bedroom in public like she did or become a money hoover."

Sam frowned.  "Why did she complain?"

"Not enough orgasms."

"You nearly killed us and she wasn't getting enough?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"Over a thousand years as a demon."

"Oh."  He nodded, giving Xander another hug.  "We'd never complain about anything but too much sex, Xander."  He grinned at that.  "Is your staff having problems?"

"No.  It's off visiting the graveyard."  He pointed. "I can feel it."

"Okay, that makes more sense."  He gave him another squeeze and smiled.  "So we're cool?"

"Sure.  Are you guys going to move in with me or not?  I do have the bigger house."

"We're talking about that.  You kinda live further into the middle of nowhere than we do."

Xander pointed at the woods.  "Go two miles that way and it's the edge of a city that has clubs, strip joints, and bars.  The bus only comes a few times a day but I hiked that way and found the bus stop.  I even went into town.  It was pretty.  Small city instead of larger one."

Sam beamed.  "Dean might be very happy.  Is there a garage for the Impala?"

"Nope.  There's an old stables though."

"I was going to ask if you needed a horse to get around in here."

"Not really.  I'm not using most of it.  Ooh, did you get to see the library?"

"Only under the sheets."  He let Xander pull him up and in there, gasping then sighing in pleasure when he saw it.  "Oh, this is a wonderful library."  He looked up.  "It's larger than Stanford's stacks."  It extended so far over his head you could fly a broom in there.  The room was big enough to hold a football match on the ground floor.  He literally could not see the tops of the shelves and the roof looked kind of tiny from where he was.  Now if only he knew how to fly.

Xander gave him a hug.  "I thought you might like that."

"I so very much like this room.  Can we move a bed in here?"

Xander blew a raspberry on his neck, getting out of pinching range with a grin. "I might be talked into a daybed."  Sam grinned and went to call Dean over, dragging him into the library.

Dean looked up.  "Now if only we played quidditch," he said, frowning some.  "How many stories are there?"

"I don't know.  I haven't climbed up that far," Xander said happily. They both smirked at him.  "Willow peeked and told Giles so if we have to we might have to do some research for him now and then."

"That's fine.  I like research," Sam promised.  "Think Harry can teach us to fly?"

"He or Draco could," Xander agreed.

They all beamed and went to floo Harry.  It was a Saturday, he was free.  "Harry!" Sam said happily.  "You free today?"

"Mostly.  I have to study for term tests.  Why?"

"The library's too big, we have to fly," Dean told him. "Unless there's a mirror or something up there."

Harry blinked.  "The library's how big?"  Xander nodded.  "Can't, I'm in the common room.  I can't floo travel from here."  He hung up and came back a minute later, coming out of the floo.  They led him that way, letting him appreciate the wooden floors and all that.  He stepped into the library and stared.  "That's not a mirror."  He looked around.  "I could've sworn I heard Hermione squeal in pleasure."  They laughed and he unshrunk his broom, lifting off to go up.  He even counted.  "Eighteen stories," he called down.  He floated back down and landed.  "How do you find books?"

"I don't know."  He went to floo Draco.  "Have you seen the library?"

"Mine?"

"Mine," Xander countered.

"Oh, that library.  No.  Big?"

"Eighteen stories," he said.

Draco smiled.  "You can fly in there."

"I don't know how to fly."

"I'll teach you during the holidays.  If you don't make Potter do it first," he said, catching sight of him.

"Busy today?"

"Term tests," he sighed.  "Go into the library and say 'I want a book on ...' then name something.  That's how you bring the books down to you."

"Shoot.  Don't have to fly to find a book?"

"You can if you know it's up there."

"So someone needs to make an index?"

"It should be in a large red book.  Ours is."

Xander beamed.  "Thanks, Draco."  He hung up and went back in there.  "I want a book on vampires."  Sixteen books floated down to land on the single table in the room.  "That's cool."  He looked then put them aside.  They shelved themselves again.

"You may not live in here, Sammy," Dean ordered.

"Yes, Dean.  Think we can put an internet port in here?"

"If you put in electricity and the phone line," Xander said, giving him a look.  Sam pouted.  "Seriously."

"I'll see if it can be done since we're near a small city."

"Can I borrow a book on domestic charms?" Harry asked.

"Harry needs a book on domestic charms."  The vampire books all reshelved themselves and one floated down for him.  "That's a good clause to know," Xander decided.  Harry grinned and took it back to the floo so he could go back to his studying.  "Can he still teach us how to fly?"

"We'll learn over the holidays," Sam said happily.  Xander beamed at that.  "Then maybe Dean can see quidditch in person instead of on the radio."

"The guys have their game coming up next week."

"Can we go?" Dean asked.

"I'd assume so."  He went to call.  "Headmaster Dumbledore, Hogwarts."  His head appeared.  "Headmaster, can we appear for the game? Dean's never seen quidditch and neither have we."

"Of course, it's in two weeks," he agreed.  "When did you plan your tour for?"

Xander shrugged.  "We make each next meeting at the one we're in due to work schedules."

"That's fine.  Give me a bit of warning and we can even do some dusting."

"Sure.  Do we have to buy tickets?"

"No, admission is free.  Go to Hogsmeade and walk up, Mr. Harris."

"Thank you. And thank you for letting us borrow Harry for a few minutes."  He hung up and bounced back in there.  "We can go.  Floo to Hogsmeade and then head up.  It's in two weeks."

"We have a meeting that day," Sam pointed out.  "An afternoon meeting."

Xander pouted.  "That's mean."

"We'll get out in plenty of time," Dean assured him.  "We usually do."

"We're going over the proposed health department stuff," Sam said.

"Still shouldn't take much time," Xander pointed out.  "Draco said his last one lasted three hours."

"Sure."  He went to floo Horatio, getting the time of the meeting.  Then Harry again.  "Good news, the meeting's at noon," he called.  "We should be able to make the game since it starts at three."

"Even better," Dean agreed, going to look at the books.  He liked the moving picture books.  Even the dirty moving picture books.  The first one he pulled out was clearly one of those and the pictures were fairly anatomically correct.  He giggled at a few of the positions.

Xander grinned at him then went back to his browsing.   It was all good for him.  Sam came back to get back to his research.  He called down books on the demon that was hunting them, sitting down to take notes on his laptop.  He could recharge it later.

***

Horatio appeared with the boys in Hogsmeade, following them up to the school.  He frowned.  "That tower is still leaning."

"They moved the class," Xander offered.

"It's still dangerous."

"It won't fall off until the spell's fully exhausted," Xander assured him.  "I did ask the people who did the evaluation.  They're doing it over the holidays so they don't trap any students."

Horatio nodded.  He found a seat with Xander and Sam in the Slytherin box it seemed.  He nodded politely to a few of the students giving him odd looks.

One looked at Xander.  "You're Draco's head of family, aren't you?"

"I am," Xander said, smiling at him.  "You are?"

"Blaise.  I share a dorm with Draco."  He shook his hand.  "First match?"

"For all of us."  Dean came jogging up the stairs and sat behind Xander.  "This is Dean and Sam, and that's Horatio.  Sam and Horatio are on the council with me."

"That's wonderful," he agreed.  "Are you rooting for Potter or Draco today?"

"Both," Xander said.  The kids all smirked at that.  "Can't play too many favorites, guys."  They nodded at that wisdom.  He tensed when Dean grabbed his shoulders but he looked and found the kids flying out onto the field.  "He has got to teach me that," he said in awe.

Dean stared.  This was looking like a fun sport.

Blaise leaned closer.  "The seekers, Harry and Draco in this case, look for a small, gold ball that flies around by itself," he said quietly. "If you catch it, it ends the match."  Dean nodded at that.  "It also awards you a hundred-fifty points.  The ones with bats are beaters, they deal with the bludgers, which come at you to kill you."  Dean nodded slowly.  "The other ball is called a quaffle and it's tossed by the chasers while the keeper guards the goals."

"How many periods per game?"

"It goes until the seeker catches it," another kid said.  He smiled.  "My dad likes basketball for some odd reason."

Dean nodded.  "It's not a bad sport.  Not much violence though."

"You'll get plenty of it this game.  We're arch rivals you know," the other kid told him.  Madam Hooch tossed the quaffle up and Gryffindor took possession, leading the charge toward the other goals.  Horatio winced when one bludger hit a girl but she kept flying after tossing it off.

Dean kneaded Xander's shoulders, watching raptly as the playing went on.  He could definitely like this sport. He hissed as Harry fell but he got back up and went back to it again.  A foul was called and a penalty shot taken and blocked.  Then the regular game went back to it.  Xander leaned closer to Sam so he kneaded their shoulders instead. Horatio was leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees while he watched.  Then the seekers took off and fought for a bit but Harry caught the ball.  They all cheered and Harry grinned.  Draco gave them a dirty look but Xander grinned at him.  He rolled his eyes.  They landed, shook hands, and headed for the changing areas.

Xander pounced Draco for a hug.  "You were great up there!"

"Still didn't catch the snitch," he complained.

"You have other great skills.  Catching a little gold ball is only a minor one."  Draco smiled at that.  "You do know that you're teaching us over the holidays, right?  Even if Harry can't?"

"Of course I will.  Are they moving in with you?"

"We're talking about it," Sam admitted, giving him his own manly, back slapping hug.  Draco looked confused.  "Manly hugs require pounding you.  Dad said so."

"Your father's nuttier than Xander."

"Only some days," Dean said dryly.  "Good game.  You can teach us how to play too, right?"

"If you're any good," he promised.  "I should shower and change.  Are you staying for a while?"

"If you want us to," Xander promised.

"No, go.  You can fuss over me during the inspection tour."  He looked at the divination tower then Horatio.  "We only got two lamps."  He smiled at that and Draco went to take a shower and ignore his teammates' complaining.  Not like they could beat Potter either.

***

Xander woke with a groan, looking at the woman floating above him.  "What's up, Altera?"

"There's a strange man here to see you and the house elves aren't properly trained to send them off."

"Strange how?"

"His energy signature is wrong."

"Might be John," he decided, climbing out of bed and getting dressed so he could head downstairs.  "Not John.  Huh."

"Where might Colonel Sheppard be?" he asked coldly.

"Last I heard he was going home."  The man blinked.  "I'm assuming he went back to base.  You are?"

"Doctor McKay."

"He's mentioned you," he said, then he yawned.

"Still in bed at this hour?"

"I was up late doing Watchers Council research for them.  I only got to bed at five."  He looked at his staff, which had floated down after him.  "Any idea where John and his staff are?"  The staff hummed pleasantly.  "Base?"  No flash.  "Family home?"  No flash.  "Wherever he was hiding that the staff couldn't reach?"  That got a flash.  "There he is." He looked at him again, seeing the incredulous look.  "The staffs would know."

McKay spluttered.  "That's totally illogical!" he shouted.

Xander looked.  "You don't look like a Romulan or a Vulcan."  He frowned.  "Are you half?"

"No!" he sneered. "I'm a scientist."

"So is most of the board.  They're all forensics people.  I'm not.  I have no idea how it did it.  The staffs are very old magic.  They're nice though, they do help protect us."  He looked at the staff. "Think we could contact him?"  The staff floated over to a mirror and charmed it.  "I love you."  He gave his a hug, then grinned at John.  "The huffy Romulan here wants you back."

"I'm fine, Rodney.  I meant to go back to base but it brought me home when I said home."  He grinned.  "It's kinda neat really."  He patted his staff on the head.  "You're a good staff."  It flashed brightly.  He grinned at his buddy again. "Xander, tell Mac to be expecting an email in a few days.  It has to go from us to Cheyenne and then on."  That got  a nod.  "Rodney, go back to the base.  The ship's probably ready to leave.  If not, Sam said she was going to beat you this time for staring at her."

"Fine.  You will be explaining this to me."

"Sure."  He watched him go.  "Sorry.  He's a bit high strung," he said quietly.

"Did you get to meet Willow yet?"

"Only for a second when she popped in to give you cookies for stealing a weapon."

"She's like that all the time."  That got a smirk.  "We saw quidditch," he said happily.

"Congrats.  Is it fun?"

"It's great fun.  Flying and multiple balls, a few hoops, some violence.  Balls that want to kill you or anyone that gets close enough."  John laughed at that.  "Dean's getting off on quidditch."

"I'll have to catch a match the next time I'm in town.  Which probably won't be for six months...."

"Hmm.  Too late for the season here but Harry said there's pro teams so maybe we can take you to see one."

"That'll be fun.  Any other good news?"

"You're going to miss the school inspection trip.  Horatio's not pleased."

"I might be able to make it back for that," he said with a wink.  "Gotta go, it's dinner here."

"Have fun and be safe.  No bad aliens coming to eat you hopefully."  He hung up and went back to bed.  He was tired!

John went to dinner knowing that the week long trip back to Atlantis was going to give Rodney enough time to build up a good head of steam so he'd better be ready for him to yell at him all night when he got back.  He'd have to save up calories now.  Though he hoped Xander was right and no human eating aliens were coming anytime soon.

***

The Inspection trip was called and everyone gathered, even John.  They were gathered in Hogsmeade this time and Patricia was already complaining.

"Is this really necessary, Horatio?"

He pointed at the castle in the distance. "Look at the one in the rear, on the right."  She looked then groaned.  "It's tilted.  The spells are starting to wear out.  Only some of them have been fixed and Dumbledore wants us to let him make some changes."

"This way we can do both," Sam said.  "Plus it's a nice walk and a good time to check on them.  After all, some year all this is theirs."

"Fine.  I suppose he doesn't know we're coming?"

"He knew we were coming sometime this month," Xander corrected.  "We told him sometime this month."  She sighed as she followed them up to the school, noticing Xander had a notepad and his previous notes.  "Have to make sure things are safe.  We had safety features not working last time."   The looked at the pitch. It looked very pretty in the snow.  He looked at Hagrid's class.  "Does anyone else hope they have warming charms?"

Horatio nodded.  "I would."  He smiled.  "Hagrid, nice to see you again."

"Nice to see you too, all of you.  Up for inspection?"

Xander nodded.  "Plus to hear ideas that the headmaster has.  Are the kids cold?"

"Nah, got the breeze moved," he said happily.  "Warm enough with cloaks."

"Would something like an open shed help?" Xander asked.  "Or maybe just a roof and side walls?"

"Could, yeah, I cou' use one for 'ome of the animals that stay outdoors.  Good thinking."  He smiled and they went to check Herbology.

It was relatively warm in there but the ceiling panel was still broken.  Xander checked the walls as they walked past them.  Still fuzzy.  He noted that too.  They walked into the entryway and one painting screamed.

"Interesting defense technique," Sam said.  "But probably useful."  A teacher came running.  "Just us."

"Oh, good, she thought you were barbarians here to take her hostage for her purity."  They all smiled at that.  "Where to first, gentlemen and ladies?"

"Let's do it in the order we did last time," Xander told her.  She nodded, leading them on the tour since the Headmaster had ordered her too.  "No classes today?"

"The headmaster wanted you to have a good guide this time since Mr. Potter is in class."

"That's fine," Horatio agreed.  He stopped to look at the hole in the entryway.  It was gone.  That was nice.  They headed down to the dungeons and he was freezing.  "No heat?"

"We do try," she admitted.  She tapped on the portrait.  "The Founders Council, Severus."

"Everyone stop what you're doing and put down your wands," he ordered.  "You will not work and blow someone up today."  He let them inside.  Xander looked around, including his storeroom.  "I did get some more room," he assured him.

Xander smiled.  "That's good but is this the only warm room in the castle?"

"I have the only class down here.  Heat is not wasted where it's not needed."

"No freezing pipes that burst?"

"The house elves take care of those."

"Oh."  He nodded, looking around.  "Did they shrink your ceiling?"

"I put on extra charms for this one."

Xander nodded.  "Anything you need noted?"

"Not at this moment."

"Thank you for your time, Professor," Sam said, smiling at him.  "Is hers supposed to be about to boil over?"

"Stir," Snape ordered her.  She stirred with her wand until it went back down.  He let them out and shook his head.  Meddling people.  He called Slytherin's elf to make sure it was clean and tidy.  He'd be leading them through there later he had no doubt.

***

Xander came up the stairs last and smiled at the headmaster.  "Still haven't fixed the girls' stairs?"

"That's in the works for the holidays," he admitted.  "Did we find new problems?"

"Six," Stella said, handing them over.  "After talking to the nurse."

He looked and went pale.  "No one informed me."

Xander looked then pointed.  "You told Harry that one was a boyfriend."  He went more pale.  "The others?"

"I'll bring this to Severus right away."

"Thank you," Stella said, smiling as Patricia sat down.  "Things don't look like they're getting worse.  Beyond that one problem."  He nodded.  "Any problems you want to note to us?"

"No.  I'll have them all fixed when the spells are recharged over the holidays," he promised.  Xander handed over a copy of his amended list.  "Still not enough light in Slytherin?"

"There's shadows as big as I am," Horatio told him.  "No one can study like that."  That got a nod.  "Now, you had proposals for us?"

"I do."  He dug them out and handed them over.  "Some will take both yours and the regent's board to grant, some only take yours."

Horatio read them then handed them on.  He watched how Xander and Sam reacted.  Xander had a good feel for taking care of children.  Sam did too.  Sam was also more educationally inclined among those two.  Xander cleared his throat. "Are there other schools?"

"Two.  Much smaller but they're day academies and closer to where a good group of the students live."

Xander looked at them. "How will this increase their ability to work later on, especially considering we're instituting civil service exams?"

Dumbledore blinked.  "When?"

"We're writing up a sample test now for approval," Sam said.  The Minister gave him a look.  "We are.  We're doing it with a few of the teachers and some people in the Ministry's education department."  That got a nod from him.  "We were pretty for the exams before, Minister."

"I don't mind as long as they're fair."

"To everyone," Xander agreed.  "Men, women, pure and not."  That got a quick nod.  He looked at Dumbledore.  "We've been made aware of the prejudice levels against anyone not of a pure family, Headmaster.  How they can't get jobs in the Ministry without being exceptional.  That leads to a lot of idiots in places that they can screw things up.  Is this something that would enforce that divide?"

"I would certainly hope not.  I do support all students getting a good education."

"Then why, when I asked, did they say that only two-thirds of those muggle born who show gifts are educated in a magical school?" Sam asked.  "They couldn't answer that one."

"If they're not very strong, it's been felt better for their emotional well being.  I'm sure you had your problems in high school."

"We moved so frequently I don't have one to call home, Headmaster, but I did nearly graduate Stanford until a personal tragedy struck me.  That's an ivy league college."  He nodded at that.  "Wouldn't teaching them be better for them?"

"We think that the other students will pick on them for being very weak witches and wizards."

"Are they given any education?" Horatio asked.

"There are home school programs," he assured them.

Horatio nodded.  "I looked into that other school.  The one for the handicapped magic born?"  That got a terse nod.  "The ones who don't have difficulties studying don't get taught anything.  They have some very bright students who are there due to a physical handicap, not a mental one."

"That should be a Ministry issue.  I'm not over that school."  Horatio pulled something out of his jacket pocket and handed it over.  "I did help set up the curriculum, yes."

"There was no allowances made for differences in skills?" Xander asked.  "I've seen a few witches that could destroy buildings by sneezing.  I went with Horatio and Mac, plus Stella and Patricia.  You had six down there that were more than strong enough if allowances were made for a physical handicap that hadn't been corrected, even though four seemed as though they could be.  We were wondering if you'd like to set up different curricula for them?  Since you sit on their board and you're over their educational standards as well."

"I can look into that, yes," he agreed.

Xander smiled.  "Thank you for that."  He pointed at the list.  "That's your copy.  So you can refer back to both to see what had been fixed.  Did you ever decide about home ec.?"

"I'm not sure it's practical.   Most students will have a house elf."

"Not really," the minister said, giving him an odd look.  "Home ec.?"

"Domestic skills class," Xander told him.  "Cooking, laundry, mine included sewing.  Harry and I were talking.  He was thinking the seventh years could use it and Professor Snape thought that might be the best time if you did institute it.  It'd give them an easy class and an easier grade that year.  Plus give the boys a way to show off to the girls by cooking them brownies or something."

He nodded.  "I have breached the subject with the regents.  They weren't sure it was necessary."

"It's usually a pretty fun class," Stella said with a smile.  "It's also good because it means kids won't starve when they move away from home.  Plus girls can figure out how to cook before they poison a boyfriend."

"That is a good reason," he agreed.  "I'll discuss it with them again.  You'd want both sexes to take it?"

"Yup.  Both sexes have to eat and do laundry.  Best to teach them.  It'll give the charms teacher a break probably."

"That it might do," he agreed, looking like he was thinking. "I'll definitely ask around about it."  She nodded.  They left, taking his suggestions with him while he slumped in his chair.  "How many more of these do I have?" he muttered.  A house elf popped up with a note that said 'one a year once you get things fixed'.  He smirked at the handwriting.  "Mr. Harris has very good ears."  He put it down and called a staff meeting to discuss things.  He walked in.  "Severus, we'll dig out some lamps for you," he said before he could sit down.  He passed down the list.  "This is the current list of what they found problems with.  They also suggested that we teach the seventh years, of both sexes, a domestic skills class.  One that includes practical things like cooking and laundry skills."

"They could us it," Professor Flitwick, the charms instructor said.  "All the students could use it really."

"It was pointed out Severus said it'd be an easy grade their final year?"

"As they put it to me, I did offer that opinion when asked when it would be best shoved into the schedule.  It would give the little brats a class they could not worry about studying for.  Most of them have at least two free periods a week.  Take one of them."

"I've agreed to talk to the regents about it."  Minerva McGonagall held up the 'once a year' note.  "I asked how often we'd have those as they were leaving.  That was their answer."

"Do we think Potter complained?" Snape sneered.

"No, I think Mr. Malfoy said a few things about the lack of lights."

"No, I was in there.  The redhead looked around and shuddered, saying he thought it looked like a crypt.  Mr. Harris told him there weren't any sarcophagus so it couldn't be.  He said it looked like a master vampire's lair.  All it needed was a disco ball."

"I'll have more lights brought down," he promised.  "Are there any new comments?"

"The lack of heat was mentioned a number of times," McGonagall said, handing it on.

"Harris asked about freezing pipes."

"If I remember right, wasn't he in carpentry?" Flitwick asked.  The other professors all nodded.  Dumbledore let out a small moan.  "So he does know of what he speaks, Albus."

"I know they were worried about the Divination tower falling into Hufflepuff," Madam Sprout said.  McGonagall nodded she had heard that too.  "That was very nice of them to worry about my students."

"We worry about all students," Harry said as he uncovered himself.  "That's why we went to visit that one facility for those who have birth defects and found that even the ones who could think and reason well weren't being taught."  He looked at the headmaster.  "Horatio was *livid* about that.  Cited some mistreatment as well to the Ministry.  He wrote a ten-page report on that to the Ministry."  Dumbledore moaned.  "They'll be looking over the other schools soon from what I heard.  They came here first because here is the oldest on the continent and often bragged about."  He looked at the teachers.  "Yes, home ec. would be nice and you could have a house elf teach the cooking parts really.  One of the good seventh years teach the others the household charms that are common usage."

"I'm very good at them and cooking," Professor Sinistra said.  "I don't have a heavy class load and it's not like there'd be homework.  I might be able to teach that class."  That got a smile and a nod, plus a note made. "Mr. Potter, how are your grades?"

"About the same as usual, ma'am.  The Council isn't interfering with my studies in the least."  He smiled at her.  "Actually, I'm learning a lot that I didn't in History of Magic looking at the background of some things."  He smiled.  "Horatio did send a note saying he'd like an update when the holidays were done if everything was fixed. Their next one will be during the summer.  As will be future ones probably if things are all fixed and tidy."  He smiled and walked out, carrying his cloak back to his house.

"He's a smug brat today," Snape sneered.

"The Council was most firm in some of their opinions and they are taking good care of him, helping him become quite a strong willed young man," McGonagall said.  "He was thinking about talking to the Watchers about their program the other day."

"I thought he wanted to be an auror."

"To rid the world of darkness.  They killed Voldemort's ghoul last weekend, Severus," she countered.

"I felt."  She smiled.  "Is he truly gone?"

"He was kept in containment the whole time.  They had a monitor on him and it said he was still in there and unliving until the last moment.  Harris and Winchester were quite helpful in getting him into the proper mood to fire the right curse.  It went off well and they checked, then they sank the containment chamber into the ocean.  No one recorded where.  All they said was it was over comfortable diving range."

"So unless we start living at the bottom of the ocean, that one's gone?" Madam Sprout asked.  Dumbledore nodded.  "Good.  One less worry.  Now all we have to do is watch for the next one to come through here."

"I had been thinking the Malfoy boy might turn into one but Harris has done an incredible job straightening him out," Madam Pomfrey said.  "I haven't seen a single case of bullying in the last four months due to him."

"He's happily engaged, taking orders, and doing well in classes, plus not bullying.  I think we may have seen the second coming of Merlin," McGonagall said dryly.  The mediwitch bopped her on the arm.  "It's good to see him only fighting slightly with Mr. Potter, but Mr. Weasley looks very confused."

"Of course he does.  His brain does not work that well," Snape pointed out.  He stood up.  "Are we done?  My students should start appearing for dinner soon."  That got a nod and most of them left.  Dumbledore was left to think of what to do next since he had no political hold over these young men who now ran his world.  It wasn't something he was used to.

***

Xander followed Stella back to her place, smiling at her for the niceness.  "Thanks, Stella.  I wanted to make sure we're up to educational standards.  I sucked in school but it wasn't just my fault."

"I know.  Don's coming over soon."  She smiled when someone knocked on the door.  "Who is it?" she called as she went that way.

"Chinese," the man called.

"I didn't order."  She looked out the peephole, then motioned Xander over.  He looked then shook his head, turning his staff into a sword.  "Check across the hall.  They order all the time," she called.

"No, it was this apartment."  They had to move back when the door shook.  It exploded inward and Xander grabbed the guy, tossing him and stabbing his buddy with the sword.  He fizzled but the human gaped at him.

"No, I don't think it was us," Xander said dryly.  "Who're you, who're you working for, and what did you want with Stella?"

"You her boyfriend?" he sneered.

"Coworker."  He stepped on the guy's throat, making him gag and gurgle.  Then he eased off.  "Next time is a full minute.  Who? Why?  Time's ticking and I'm too young to have patience yet."

"Stella!" someone shouted.

"I'm good.  Xander has 'em."  She looked at him.  "Well?"

The man spat something and Xander moved his foot back, making him try to scream but choke.  "Not a good answer considering I understand that demon language.  Even if you have a fucking army of them, they won't save you."  He eased up then leaned down.  "Next chance to tell me what I want to know.  Or it'll be a minute and a half.  I know how to summon spirits and rip them apart, I can do it to yours for what I need to know."

"Gravis!" he shouted before the foot came back.  "He sent us.  He wants her.  Said she's powerful!"

Xander snorted. "Gravis is a what?"

"Vampire.  Master Gravis, wears a pink rose."  He sobbed.  "Please?  He'll kill me."

Xander snickered.  "Uh-huh.  Anything else I should know before *I* kill you?"  The man blinked at him.  He grinned.  "Let me reintroduce myself.  I'm Xander Harris.  Buffy's Xander."  He pushed down again and the man choked and gagged until Xander pulled his foot off.  "We killed Gravis last year.  Who, why, and I'd do it now.  My patience has *snapped*, little boy."  He stared down at him, sword at the ready.  The man spat something.  Xander said something else and the man's eyes went wide.  "Had to learn how to read the books somehow.  And?  Waiting's not my strong suit."

"Belinizor.  He needs an heir.  She's powerful enough for it."

"Why tell us the first guy?" Don asked.

"Mortal enemies," Xander told him.  He looked down at him again.  "Belinizor is a what?  A Gorg?"  He nodded quickly.  "And he's where?"  A pebble was held up.  "Anything else I should know?"

"His army will destroy you!" he shouted.

Xander snorted.  "Yeah, I keep hearing that.  Yay them."  He let him go then kicked him in the side, making him scream in pain.  "Don't attack women.  It upsets *real* men."  He looked at Don.  "After I'm done might I have a few minutes to ask you about educational stuff and what you'd expect a school to be teaching?"

"Sure.  Can we do that now while we wait on the cops to arrest him?"

Xander grinned. "Probably not.  But it won't take me that long.  Promise."  He blew a kiss and activated the pebble, taking himself off to the small sub-dimension.  "Oh, dear, I'm home!" he shouted. Then he laid into the first demon.  He had had enough and this was not going to happen to his friends.  He got to the main guy with only small injuries and cast a blessing at him.  He had done good in his lessons with Draco and Sam.  The demon screamed and flailed, trying to get to Xander.  "That's for Stella."  He did it again and the demon died.  He walked over the carnage, going to rescue the others he probably had hostage.  He found them.  Then he leaned on a bar.  "Captain Cornflakes.  Good to see you again."

"Harris," Riley Finn sighed.  "What are you doing here?"

"Killing things that wanted to take a friend.  Where's he keeping his harem?"

"Medical by in the back.  Get us out and we'll help."

Xander looked at him.  "I don't trust you."  The man gave him a heated look.  "Sorry, still don't trust you.  I still owe you for fucking around on Buffy."  He walked off, finding the women cowering against the wall.  "Relax, I work with slayers and I'm here to bring you back to your own world."  He turned and killed the demon, making him scream in pain as he fell.  He looked at them again.  "Come on.  We'll free the military guys on the way out.  That way they can feel useful."  He pulled one up.  "You'll get medical attention first," he assured her.  She nodded and the others slowly stood up, coming with him.  "Are we missing any?"  They pointed and he went to get the two pregnant ones, bringing them with him.  He undid the cages on his way past.  "Fall in behind the women, guard them until we can get the portal open.  Two are heavily pregnant.  Argue with me and go back in the cage and stay here until Willow remembers you."  They kept up and only a few were trying to get up.  Xander walked over them, giving them looks.  They quit and Xander found the place he had come in at.  He touched his pendant and focused.  "Willow, ready for pickup and delivery of some hostages, they need medical support," he whispered as he called.

A portal opened.  "You can't stay out of trouble, can you?" Dawn demanded.

"They came for a friend.  Bite me."  He gave her a hug.  "A gorg had them."  She grimaced.  "Wanted heirs."  That got a nod and she got them out of there.  The military got a shove in one direction, the ladies got led in another one and Xander walked out, then went back to Stella's.  He wiped himself clean when he saw the looks he was getting.  "Sorry."  He did a cleaning charm and grinned.  "Better?"

"Much," Stella said.  "No ick on my carpet."

Xander looked then cleaned it too, grinning at her.  "I'm getting much better."

"You are.  I'm proud."  She gave him a kiss on the cheek.  "How many were there?"

"Sixteen women, two really pregnant ones.  Some Initiative guys.  Not a big."  He shrugged.  "Smaller demons."  He looked at Don.  "If I give you a curricula can you see if it makes sense based on what you were taught?"  He nodded.  Xander patted himself down until he found it, handing it over.  "Should be clean."

"All but one edge," he said, sitting down to look at it while the patrol guys finished up.   He frowned  "What year is this?"

"Sixth?"

Don looked at him.  "No."  He shook his head, calling someone to send him something.  They appeared behind him on the counter so he handed them over.  "Our standardized test prep books.  Grades seven, nine, and twelve."  Xander beamed.  "What do they take?"

"Fifth and seventh years.  Fifth year depends on higher classes and seventh is for things like jobs."

Don nodded.  "Makes sense.  We were doing this in tenth at the latest."  Xander nodded.

"We knew there were problems, Xander," Stella pointed out.

"A lot," Xander told her.  "That's Harry's advanced curricula."  She moaned, sitting down again.   He looked at Don.  "On the back are the standard mandatories and then the optionals.  Do they seem reasonable?"

He looked then shrugged.  "I took most of them through tenth then specialized.  Creatures was junior high.  You could specialize in it later but not then.  Potions was only high school."  He sat down to write the years he had taken it and when it was usually offered or mandated.  He handed it back.  "How bad is this place?"

"This is Hogwarts," Xander said.  Don whimpered.  "We had to suggest home ec."

"Not a bad idea.  I found it very stress relieving and it came in handy when I wanted to make any girlfriends cookies."

"That's what I thought too," Xander agreed.  He shrugged.  "I don't know.  I came from a crappy school system."

"We'll handle it," Stella reminded him.  He nodded, accepting a hug then he went to bug Horatio.  She looked at him.  "Hi."

"Hi.  It's good he was with you."

"I could've gotten them."

"You have a sword?"

"No.  I didn't know our staffs could do that."  Hers hummed in her hand and shifted.  "Okay.  I'll let Mac teach me how to use you then."  It changed back.  "Thank you."  He smiled at her.  "Xander's right, they're pretty smart."

Don led her over to her couch so they could talk.  He could fix the door problem in a few minutes.  After Mac ran in being frantic once he heard.  Otherwise Mac would rip it down again.

***

Xander landed in Horatio's office.  "Hi."

"Hi.  Problems?"

"You have one of us on staff, right?"  He nodded.  "I wanted them to look over the curricula."  He waved the books.  "Got these from Don."  He let him see what he had found out so far.  Horatio grimaced.  "Exactly.  And that's Harry's advanced NEWT stuff."

"Damn it," he muttered.  He paged him.  It took a few minutes since he was getting ready to go home. "Mr. Wolfe, would you please do me a short favor?"

"Sure.  What's wrong?"

"Look at that and see where it relates to your studies back in high school and junior high," he said.  He handed the paper over.  "On the back are the mandatory and optional classes the students have to take."

He started there, noticing the numbers on them.  "Hmm."  He took a pen to make his own notes.  Then he went back to the other side, pulling his own study guides to him to find certain things.  He handed it back.  "That's what year?"

"Sixth."

"So eleventh here?" Ryan asked.  Xander nodded.  "Does that mean it's the advanced lessons?"  Xander nodded.  "I'm sorry for the kids."

"The teachers are nice enough," Xander admitted.  "But they're falling behind."

That got a nod.  "I can see that.  Good luck.  Why do you have blue stuff on you?"

"A demon wanted Stella and I went to protest on her behalf."

"Oh.  Cool.  As long as I don't have to clean it up."  He waved and left.  "Night," he said as he walked off.

Xander let Horatio see it and he slumped.  "Ministry?  The one here?"

"Start with the one here.  Can you get sample NEWT and OWL questions?"

"Sam can.  He's working with them."

"Get them, bring them to the main office in DC.  See what they have to say."  That got a nod.  "Then we'll compare and see about the other schools."

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you for honoring my quirks."

"Good education is essential to finding a good job, Xander.  Even if your school sucked this one won't be.  Too many of us like education.  Talk to Patricia too."  He nodded, disappearing to talk to Sam.  Horatio shook his head.  "Something has to be done," he muttered.

***

The next afternoon, Xander got dressed up and went to talk to Patricia, smiling when she opened her door.  "Got a few?  Horatio and I were talking to Harry and we got to wondering about some things."

"Bad things?"

"Educational things."  She nodded, letting him inside.  He looked around.  "This is beautifully decorated, Patricia."

"Thank you.  It took me many years to get it perfect."  She led him into a drawing room, sitting down with him.  "I know you and Horatio don't appreciate Hogwarts."

"We do.  Horatio and most of the others are very pro-education.  I went to a crappy school and I'm a hands-on person so lecture classes never did anything for me. Even if Sunnydale's education hadn't been in the toilet."  She nodded at that.  "What we got to wondering was our NEWT level classes versus the American ones.  Sam's been working with the education department recently on what they want for their part of the service exam.  He saw that scores are about the same and that made him happy, but they didn't rate them against other countries really.  We do that compulsively in the US."

"To rate yourself would show areas you're lacking in."  She leaned back.  "Why is this a problem?"

"Because I went, with Sam and Horatio's knowledge, to talk to a few wizards the others know in the US."  She nodded slowly.  He handed over the study guides.  "They take three standardized tests.  Every other year counting backwards."  She flipped through the highest one, frowning.  "I brought Harry's NEWT curricula with me when I asked, just to see what he, the first one, thought of the subject matter being taught.  I figured it might've changed, we might be ahead of where he was since he's Danny's age."

"Okay."  He handed over the paper.  She looked at them.  "The numbers out from them?"

"The pencil are the first, the blue pen are the second, the red pen are the US Department of Magical Education standards for when those things are taught."  He shifted some.  "Don's the one who gave me the study guides, Stella's friend.  He went in New York."

"That's a good academy."

"The other one went to Orlando."

"A fairly decent private academy," she admitted.  She looked at the red numbers.  "They're teaching some of these in ... what are these grades?"

"Twelfth is seventh year over here."

She counted backwards a few times to make sure she had it then looked.  "We learned this one in our third year," she said, pointing at one.  "I know they've had defense teacher issues."

"That's not an issue.  That's a problem," Xander said.  "Look at the potions."  She looked, then nodded.  "They only take them in high school over there.  That's the last four years.  Sam and I both went there, him to ask more relevant questions than I could since he's been to college.  Snape is the only one who is teaching at the same level as the US's standards.  McGonagall is trying.  Hers is a year or so behind depending on which thing.  That might be how she arranges things."

"But the rest...  Charms?"

"Charms is like hers.  I have the feeling that may be not pushing the students.  That may be how he arranges things.  Notice one of this year's is a fourth year over there but one's a seventh year.  Hagrid's teaching all the first and the last two year's creatures.  I honestly expected some backlog.  A bit here and there.  Our NEWTs are their third year exams though."

She sighed, looking at him.  "That is a problem."

"And it's not just Hogwarts.  Sam asked about the other two before I came over with the Ministry here.  They were horrified.  They think the Americans are pushy."

"You lot can be," she agreed dryly.

He shrugged.  "We've all learned in our daily lives that it makes things happen."

"Good point."  She looked at the books again, going through the easier one.  "This is as hard as my OWLs were."  She looked at him.  "What did you want me to do?"

"I want us to take a good, long look at the curricula sometime soon.  With teachers.  Like we're doing with the civil service stuff.  I want to see them look over the standards in other places, like those test prep books.  Then I want them to compare to what we have here and see if there's a way we can keep up.  I'm guessing not many of us get jobs overseas, even in British companies?"

"No but there's that quota here.  At least seventy percent of your employees must be born somewhere within the British Empire."  He nodded at that.   "If we're right, we're creeping behind even farther."

"I don't know much about school.  I freely admit that.  Can we look at the ones like the French school?"

"I can do that, plus some of the smaller academies as well.  Ours?"

"Have to teach to the NEWT and OWL tests.  We overhauled the law our first year.  Let's made education our second year?"

"I can see doing that.  I'll talk to the ones I vote for and let them see this.  Can I hold these?"

"Please do.  Sam has a copy of all that too."  She nodded.  "I'm sure the people I left him talking to are not happy in the least."

"It's all right, Xander.  Sometimes these things happen.  Remember, we've had two wars."  He nodded, standing up.  "I'll call around.  Let me compare them."

"Thank you.  How are you feeling?"

"Much better.  Thank you, dear."  She escorted him off, watching him disappear.  Then she went to talk to her husband.  "Did you know our students are behind?"

"Figured it a bit with the lack of proper defense teachers."  She handed him the third year standardized test prep book.  "What's this?"

"For their third years in the US.  That's their version of their third year OWLs."

He flipped through it, frowning.  "I got some of this our seventh."

"Exactly!  We're falling behind.  Xander and Horatio went to look at this.  They're not even ours and they're finding all these problems!"

He gave her a hug.  "Sometimes an outside view sees issues that a closer one doesn't but you have the power to get things fixed," he reminded her.   She sighed and nodded, resting against his shoulder.  "We'll fix it so we're the jewel of the magical crown again," he soothed.  She smiled and left him there to start calling around.  He went back to looking.  That was sad.  Very sad.

***

John looked up from reading as Xander walked in.  "We're visiting."

"That's fine.  Read away, John."

"What happened?"

"Sam saw some stuff at the education department that shows we're a bit behind everyone else.  Like our sixth years are taking third year classes according to the US."  John winced.  "I went to talk to them with Sam.  We're so behind."

"It happens.  The two wars meant not focusing on education."

"It's not just that!  The only teacher who was teaching to a higher standard was Snape!  A few it may be how they arrange things, but the rest are doing junior high work!  How are they going to get jobs?"

"Remember, it's not just *your* problem, Xander.  You have others to talk about this with.  Call an education conference."

"We plan on it."  He sat down, looking at him.  "Either the US pushes themselves or we're so far behind over here it's not funny."

Patricia came out of the floo.  "Sorry, conference?"

"Patricia, this is John, Sam and Dean's father.  John, this is Patricia, she sits on the Council for us and votes proxy for a few people as well."

"Pleasure, ma'am," he said, shaking her hand.  "You know, Xander, Sam's very good at education stuff.  I had to move the boys every month or so for most of their school careers and Sammy still won full ride scholarship to Stanford."

"I know.  That's why I'm letting him ask the smarter questions."

Patricia smiled.  "There may be hope.  There's an education conference in four months in Leningrad, Russia.  I've managed to talk to the person overseeing reservations.  They don't usually include us but with the assurance we were looking to update the curriculum he managed to make four seats available.  I thought one should go to someone in the Ministry."

"Sam!" Xander yelled.  He appeared.  "There's an educational conference."

"We have four seats that can go.  Is there someone in the Ministry you'd like?"

"I like Abellette Mansford.  She seems nice.  She's got a teaching degree from a muggle college.  She's been working on updating the NEWTs with some questions that hadn't been seen dozens of times."

"Her, Snape because he's at standard for the US?" Xander suggested.

"What about the other schools?"

"There was a Professor Collins from that small day school by Leeds.  He teaches Herbology if I remember right."

"I did like him," Patricia agreed.  "He seemed to care about the students.  Would you want a headmaster?"

"No I think Dumbledore has a lot on his plate already," Xander said dryly.  She smiled at that.  "He's a headmaster and a judge."

John frowned.  "How?"

"I'm not sure," Xander admitted.  "But he does both."

"That's probably a lot of work for him," John agreed.  "What about a good other teacher from another school?"

"Actually I was thinking McGonagall or Flitwick.  She's a deputy headmistress.  He's very good in his field and both are nearly at standard as well."

She considered it.  "I'll let them decide between themselves," she decided.  "Can we agree to defray the costs?"  Xander got up and went to the office, coming back with a handful of gold, which he handed over. "That should pay most of it, dear.  Thank you."  She kissed them both on the cheek then left.

Xander looked at Sam.  "The third year test is the same as her NEWT exam," he said quietly.

"Hopefully the kids can still get jobs," he said.  Xander nodded, pulling him down to cuddle.  "Hi, dad."

"Son.  You all right?"

"It's been a long day," he admitted.  "I should get back for another half an hour.  Dean was drooling on a broom magazine the last time I saw him."

"I'll call him over then.  Have fun.  Dinner?"

"We can eat here," Xander suggested with a grin.  "My house elves cook very well and they think I'm an army."  John smiled and nodded. "Cool.  I won't have to eat alone tonight."   He went to tell them that the others were coming.  "Sam, invite the aunts too if you want," he called before he disappeared.

John shook his head.  "He's besotted."

"He's lonely," Sam corrected quietly.  He left, heading back to work.  "Sorry, Patricia got a few people seats to go to the educational conference coming up in Leningrad."  She squealed and hugged him. "Yes, I suggested you.  Just so you can see how far behind we really are."  She smiled and they got back to work on the civil service questions.

***

Patricia came out of the headmaster's floo after a trip home to talk to the other man and pay him for the four seats.  "Headmaster.  Ah, there you are, Professor Collins.  I'm sure Sam can tell the other one.  I have been asking around about educational standards and there happens to be a conference this summer in Leningrad."  She handed Collins a pamphlet.  "You are paid to go to it so you can report to us and the Ministry, which will have one of the four seats, so we can see if we need to make educational changes."

"They didn't invite us," Dumbledore noted.

"I asked why.  He said it's because we're behind." She handed over a test prep book to them.  "That's the US test prep book for third years and their test."  He looked at it, frowning at some of it.  "Exactly.  Some that was on my NEWTs."

"Some of it's still on the NEWTs," he admitted, handing it over.  "Finny and who is going?"

"Abellette Mansford in the education department. She's been working on rewriting the NEWT tests.  Professor Collins.  Mr. Harris wanted Professor Snape because our investigations said that he's teaching nearly at the US standard.  It was also suggested that we could decide between Professor McGonagall or Flitwick for the other seat.  Both are high in their fields.  Both are near the standards set by the US, but some fall below and above.  It was suggested it was more how they organized than not being up to higher standards.  Whichever one you think would like to go or let them decide."

Collins smiled.  "I'd love to go.  Even if I will have to put up with Severus sneering at the other potions people."  He handed it back.  "I'm appalled they push their students that much."

"Our students are competing with theirs for jobs."  He winced.  "Exactly.  Xander suggested we've spent most of this first year on law matters, we can spend our second on education."

He nodded.  "I can see that.  We clearly need some if third years are taught that."

She nodded.  "These come from their department of magical education."

"Oh, dear."  She nodded.  "Can we talk to the others, Albus?"

"Of course.  I want the students to have the best education possible."  He sent a house elf for them.  They all showed up within a few minutes.  "Mrs. D'Ortens has a proposition for two of you three."

"There's an educational conference coming in Leningrad."  Collins handed over the pamphlet.  "We have four seats.  One's going to someone in the Ministry.  One is reserved by special request for Professor Snape since the people looking into this found that he's teaching to a higher standard than ours.  The last seat would go to one of you two, Professors."

"What standards?" Snape asked.  She handed over the book.  "This is for which test?"

"The US's third years take that test.  Potions is only the last four years over there."

"It takes me seven years to cram four years worth of knowledge down them?"  She nodded.  "That's up to standards?"

"You're teaching at the same year they are.  Even if they do start later," she said.  "The other two have things that are and aren't but it was suggested that it's how they organize and what has to be taught what year instead of falling behind."  Snape nodded at that.  "The only requirement for that is that we're going to be looking at educational standards and we'd like reports of what went on and analysis of ours versus theirs.  You may be called in to talk about it when we do."

"Who is going for the Ministry?" McGonagall asked.

"Abellette Mansford.  She's updating the NEWTs and working with Sam Winchester on what her department needs to know to get a job with them for the civil service exams."

Collins smiled.  "That might improve the Ministry greatly."

"Indeed," Flitwick agreed, looking at the conference.  "I would gladly help the Council and the Ministry update our standards but not much will apply to me.  As Minerva is also a deputy headmistress it should go to her."

She smiled.  "Are you sure?"

"Quite, dear.  There's no discussion of charms at all it appears."

"Thank you, Filius.  I'd love to go.  How much will it cost me?"

"We've paid for your reservations, your fees, and your travel costs."  She handed her the brochure.  "The rest is up to you.  Basically food and souvenirs when they're not provided."

Snape smirked.  "Malfoy?"

"Harris.  He suggested you personally."

He nodded.  "The boy did ask me what needed to be updated in the curriculum."

"Sam's father told me he had to move because of the demon hunting he did.  He had to move the boys very often, usually about once a month or so.  Samuel still managed to win a full scholarship to a prestigious ivy league college."  They looked impressed. "Xander hated that his school was below standards even for poor schools.  Those two are aligned so it's reasonable they're working with Horatio's knowledge when Sam found out."

They nodded.  "I'd love to," Professor McGonagall promised. "When are we taking up these matters?"

"This summer.  It'll be our second year's main topic."  She nodded at that wisdom.  "By the way, someone took Mr. Potter's sixth year curriculum around with them to a few former students the other board members know plus to their department of magical education.  That's how we found out what they teach."  She handed over the study guide.  "That's for the test their third years take.  I have the other two at home."

She looked through it.  "That's on the NEWTs," she sighed.

"Oh, dear," Flitwick said, taking it look through.  "We'll do what we can."  She smiled and handed out the rest of the reservations to them before disappearing.  "Are we really this far behind?"

"That's why they never invite us," Collins assured him.  He stood up.  "Pleasure as always but I have tests to grade.  I'll see you this late spring."  He flooed back to his school, going to gloat to his headmistress about his conference reservation.  Even if they would be sneered at all weekend.

"I would like those reports as well when they're finished," Dumbledore said.  They all nodded and left, going to talk about what to pack.  He considered it.  They were that far behind?  Third years could beat his seventh years?  The Council was right to twit him over things it seemed.  Even if they were nosy and annoyingly chipper.

Family Staffs 13

Xander looked around the next meeting.  "Sam, Patricia?"  They smiled.  "Go ahead.  It's your project, I just got you started."

"We have been looking at the educational standards.  Sam and I both feel that they are far below standards."

"Last year students doing ninth grade work," Stella agreed.  "What're we doing about it?"

"First, we're sending three teachers and a ministry person to an educational conference."  The Minister for Magic raised his hand.  "In a minute.  That way they can report on the various standards the other countries are using and how far behind we are based on the current one at Hogwarts."  That got a nod from everyone but the Minster for Magic.  She handed something over.  "Between Xander and Sam we've gotten this far already using Mr. Potter's sixth year curriculum as a guideline.  The pencil marks are one student trained in New York.  The blue pen is one who was trained in Orlando.  The red are their department of education's standards for when those things are taught."

"We're doing brilliantly on test scores," he complained.

"We're not testing on the same things," Xander told him.  "The NEWTs are like their third year tests."

He gave him a horrified looks.  "Are you sure?"  She handed over the study guide.  He looked at it and whimpered.  "So we're testing well but against what they're testing..."

"They should be in that special facility, yeah," Stella agreed.  "The pencil and blue pen are our age.  The US is still behind a few other countries.  We're probably right above cannibals right now by some lists."

He handed it on and went back to the test guide until he gave up.  "Who's paying?"

"I did," Xander said.  "For most of it."

"Thank you, Mr. Harris.  Who's going, Patricia?"  She handed over the confirmed registrations.  He smiled.  "One Ministry.  Three teachers.  One's a deputy headmistress so it'll be her headache soon.  Have we seen if they have special primary schools to get them up to that standard?"

"I never asked," Sam admitted.  "We can."

"We can ask at the convention," Harry said.  "I'll pass on suggested questions to the teachers."   That got a nod and smile.  "Does that mean this summer we're going to be doing a marathon session in education?"

"Probably longer meetings, more frequent ones, or possibly partial council meetings," Patricia told him.  "Have something planned, Harry?" she teased.

"Mac said I could visit New York this year.  I went to Miami last year."

"I saw that in the Daily Prophet.  You looked wonderful with a tan," she praised. "Even in those silly shorts."  He blushed a bit.  "I have a doubt if we should go year by year or just set goals and let the teachers work it out?"

"I think setting goals at first should work then if they're not met, setting tougher standards," Danny said.  "I went in New York and it's a lot tougher than Harry's is.  I looked at that and we were doing most of that our fourth year, first year of high school."  Harry winced.  "Yeah, kiddo."

"We're that far behind?"

"As Snape put it when I told him that he was matching up on year level standards, he's taking seven years to push four years of potions into your heads."

Harry whimpered.  "They only take it for four years?"

"The last four.  Probably a safety precaution," Xander told him.  He patted him on the back.  "That means that it should take effect after you graduate, Harry."

"Thank Merlin!"

"If we set it this summer, they can slowly move up so the students aren't hit in a blintz," Mac agreed.  "Make them for the incoming year this coming year?  By graduation you have to have accomplished to this level.  That gives them a year to warm up and then six years to meet standards."

Horatio considered it.  "What about the current years?"

"The teachers will have to ramp up theirs so they're ahead of the other students," Sam pointed out. "We can't make the kids graduating with Harry catch up to four years of work, Horatio."

"I know.  Make it so the years before have to at least come up to a certain standard and starting that incoming year they have to meet up to full standards?"  Everyone nodded. "Do we make it a percentage?  They have to meet to at least sixty percent of the standard set?"

"That could work.  We'll ask the teachers when they get back," Patricia said.  He smiled and nodded.  "Did the war really impact us this much?"

"I was doing the same thing and I graduated before the first war," the Minister sighed, looking at her.  "You graduated during the in-between time?"  She nodded.

"I would've thought that would've pushed standards up higher so people could defend themselves better," Xander said.  "It makes sense to me."

"It does in a lot of ways," Mac agreed.  "Then again most of the teachers were involved in fighting that war."  That got a nod.  "So this is a future warning of a lot of work coming?"  Patricia laughed but nodded.  "That's fine with us.  I'd like to have good education if I ever have kids."  He looked at the Minister for Magic.  "It was nice how you decided we're all marrying soon."  He went red.  "I'm still grieving for my lost wife.  Even if the asshole Fudge did put a bonding potion in that lust potion he fed us.  As we found out when a reporter told Xander."  He went even more red.

"About that.  Talked to a lawyer in the US I was referred to by the auror Tony talked to."  She pointed at Tony's empty seat.  He was sitting on a stakeout.  "She said it may be that the US court would consider us British citizens but if they did rule the Brits didn't have to recognize it.  It might start a diplomatic war if they didn't however."

"What about Dean and me?" Sam asked.

"I specifically cited you two and she said it's reason in the US and if the Brits won't, you still can't appeal over there.  Just don't tell anyone if you slip and sleep with your brother so we don't have to arrest you for incest."

"Gee thanks," he said dryly.  She smiled back.  "Can I sic my dad on the judges?"

"With the way he's ranting and picking on us, he might enjoy it," Xander said.  "Oh, side note, off topic.  John went to get house elves for the Watcher compound.  He went intending to get about six.  That was the recommendation Kneady and Frost gave him.  He came home with seventeen moaning about the pitiful looks he was getting."

Patricia smiled.  "It's good that they can stop even the strongest man from walking away," she said.  "They do me every time."  She looked down then at Horatio.  "Excuse me for a minute."  She left, going to the bathroom.  She winced at what she saw.  It was only a spot of blood but her personal healer was in the hospital.  She left, only stopping to grab her gear.

"Need walked?" Mac asked.

"It's only a block.  Thank you."  She left, heading off as fast as she dared.

Mac sighed.  "That poor woman."  The others nodded.  "What else needs discussed?"

"Can we make the NEWTs optional?" Harry asked.

"Nice try," Danny congratulated.

"Shoot."  He stood up.  "I should get back to studying if we don't have anything else?"

"Two reports for the health department."

"Anything's better than Hermione nagging me to revise."  He sat down again, taking them to look over with a smile from Horatio.  "It is.  She nags worse than Mrs. Weasley."  He read them over. "I'm confused."

"So are we," Horatio said.  "That's why there's a healer coming, Harry."  He nodded, calling their house elf for some tea.  It was going to be a long afternoon.

***

Xander flopped down that night, turning his head to look at Dean's Aunt Sniffella. Who apparently had a mother with allergies and a mean streak.  "I'm ready to give up the health department idea."

"It'll be fine once it's finished, Xander."

"No it won't."

"Yes it will," Dean said as he joined them.  "Did you vote?"

"We have an in-between meeting in two weeks for that vote.  Open to the public."  He held up his arms.  "Please kill me now?  Kiss me first but kill me?"

"So you can go happy?" Dean teased.

"Or at least distracted."

Dean kissed him anyway but made him sit up to work on the muscle rocks in Xander's shoulders and neck.  "What was it?"

"Technical healer lingo."  He whimpered.  "Bad healer lingo.  Disease this and cure rate that.  Do and don't work ratios and shots this and shots that and shoot me please?"

"Nope.  We'd miss your ugly shirts.  Not even Sammy can wear ugly shirts like you can."

"I'll leave them to him."

"He still would only touch them nicely in the closet, Xander.  Who would horrify Draco then?"

"I'll haunt him?"

"That might work."  He kept working making Xander moan and go limp under his hands.  "Good boy."

"Not that young."

"You're two years younger than Sammy, Xander.  Yes you are."

"Harry's young.  I'm an adult."

"Uh-huh.  Then quit whining."

"Yes, Dean," he sighed.  "Can I beg for more?"

"Sure, beg all you like.  I like begging.  It's good to hear begging."

"Does that mean I should tell you about the harem I liberated to keep Stella from being stolen?"

Dean smacked him on the head.  "No, because I heard already and you went in alone.   Dumbass.  Smarted off to the military?"

"It was Buffy's ex.  The remaining Initiative guys."

"Yay."

"I let them do rear guard on the way out so the women would be okay."

"Uh-huh.  Still yay."  He gave him a gentler swat.  "Impressive is nice.  Living is better."

"Yes, Dean," he sighed.

"By the way, Dad was the one who told me.  Buffy and Willow went to make sure that nothing else was going to come for them.  They were impressed.  Dad was impressed.  Dad was pissed when he heard you did that by yourself.   He told me to spank you."

"I don't like spanking games.  Anya tried."

Dean snickered.  "I'm sure she did.  Just to control how much lust you put out."

"No, she complained she wasn't getting enough."

"Xander, you give way more than most people.  If she wasn't getting enough, she should've gone to work in a brothel."  He gave him a look when Xander gave him a hurt look.  "Honestly.  Remember, you nearly killed us.  How many did she want a night?"

"Ten if possible.  Six was good and she'd praise instead of complaining."

"Was she hard to get off?"

"Sometimes.  Usually she was a sneezer.  She even had a lot of toys."

Dean's aunt blushed and went to check on the house elves.

"Women like that don't enjoy it as much as others, the ones you take time to draw it out on," Dean told him.  He went back to work on the tense spots.  "If you draw it out it's always better than just going at it unless it's an emergency, gotta have it now, type of thing."

"Apocalypse sex," Xander agreed.  "She never complained about that.  I tried to do the drawing it out thing, she got bored."

"Well, you never have to worry about that with us, Xander," he said dryly.  "You only have to worry about us dying on you."  Xander blushed.  "I know your experience has been limited to bitches, but really."

"Faith and Anya.  Cordy and I groped, kissed, and fondled."

Dean shook his head.  "Faith?"

"First time.  Five minutes.  She was on top and kicked me out afterwards."

"Poor guy."  He gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder, which made him twitch.  "It should be better than that."

Xander nodded.  "But I was tired and the girls were kicking me to the curb because I was normal."

"Not now you're not."

"I didn't think I was then either.  They were having cranky days."  He turned and gave Dean a hug.  "For the backrub.  Thank you."

"Welcome.  Learn to take your time and explore, Xander.  It'll make it better for you and whoever."  He nodded.  "Good.  Now get off my lap.  I don't cuddle that way.  That's Sammy."  Xander got off his lap and stretched out again, putting his head on Dean's thigh.  He smirked.  "Smartass."

"I'm not on your lap."

"Not the same way.  I guess it's fine since you're so tired from the healer stuff."   He patted his hair down where it was sticking up.  "I'm more used to talking kill ratio than healing ratio too.  I probably would've napped."

"Horatio ordered Sam and Harry to nudge me if I started to drift off.  She noticed and I told her I had no idea what a healer did beyond make me yelp and whine when I was stuck in a bed.  Someone would tell me if it was a good thing or not.  She used simpler language.  It was nicer then but it was still 'this shot does this and works on this percentage of our people'.  Which I don't care about."

"Did you get all your boosters?"

Xander shrugged. "No clue.  My shot record's in hell somewhere."

"Speaking of hell, Willow said she had a letter from the insurance company for you."  He handed it over.  "He had her send it since she was bugging him."

"Cool."  He opened it and read it.  "How is there an act of God clause in a life insurance policy?"  Dean shrugged.  "I'll let the family lawyer talk to them."

"Sammy?"

"No, the Malfoy family lawyer.  We pay him for this stuff."

"We have one on retainer?"  Xander nodded.  "Criminal?"

"Doesn't specialize.  He has two goblins working under him for each side."

"That's pretty cool.  Will we have to ask Draco?"

"If I do I'll hand him the letter.  It'll piss him off."  He shifted, rolling onto his side. "Comfy now.  Thanks."

"Welcome."  He went back to petting Xander, watching as he fell asleep.  Sam came in.  "Stayed late to talk to the teacher?"

"Horatio wanted to know if there was a way to keep Xander awake for the boring parts."  Dean shook his head.  "He napping?"  Dean nodded.  "I was joking.  Patricia wanted to talk about the education stuff."  He moved Xander's feet and sat under them, taking the letter to look at.  "I didn't know there were act of God clauses in life insurance policies.  Have to call them tomorrow."  He put it into his bag and looked at Dean.  "How was your day?"

"Talked to Dad.  Did you know this one took on an elite guard troop and a gorg demon to get some women and the rest of the Initiative's boys free?"  Sam slowly shook his head.  Dean nodded.  "It wanted Stella so Xander disappeared to beat its ass.  Got the guards, got him, got the women out after smarting off to the military boys.  Had them guard the women's back on the way out.  Went back to see Don like nothing had happened according to him."

Sam nodded.  "We need to make him the special medal."

"It's on his desk."  Sam went to get it, coming back to pin 'stupidhero of the day' on his chest.  Then he sat under his feet again.  "Anya was sometimes hard to get off, had a lot of toys, and demanded ten orgasms a night, but if she got six or more she wouldn't complain in public."

"He told me she complained in public a lot."

Dean nodded.  "Often.  Buffy said she knew more than she wanted to; even if she was dating him she didn't want to know that much."

"Hmm.  We'll have to break him of that habit.  It's bad for him."

"And us."

"And us," Sammy agreed happily.  They shook hands on it.  If they had to keep Xander they were going to make sure that the heart-stopping sex only happened now and then, not every day.

***

Horatio looked up as his boss walked into his office. "One last form, sir."

"No Lucia?"

"She's at home fixing dinner."  He finished it and handed it over.  "Your note said I had to personally fill those out, not give her orders and let her do it."

"I did, didn't I?" he taunted with a smirk.  "Good for you now and then, Caine."

"Not really.  It hurts my hand.  I need to switch brands of pen to one with a better grip."

His boss laughed.  "Of course you do.  Now, what is going on with you and Speedle?"

"Nothing.  We've talked and we've agreed to leave it alone for now since there appears to be nothing we can do without setting off an international diplomatic war."

"Even the brothers?"

"No, sir.  The judge advised them not to admit they were doing more than Xander."

"Ah.  That old dodge.  Why do they like this?"

"They're claiming it lends stability to the lesser families and calms Xander and Sam down since they're a bit bouncy."

"Are they?"

"Now and then.  Especially on chocolate.  They're also young.  They have time to quit bouncing so much."  He leaned back, looking at his boss.  "Why the interest?"

"I haven't heard any rumors of you two being together yet."

"He's desperately dating some blonde girl with a nasty attitude who likes to steal his favorite t-shirts."

"Denial is the first step to acceptance," he quoted.

"Only if you're going to die," Speed said from behind him.  "Can I get you to blow up her house?"

"No.  Not worth the jail time, Speed.  You didn't learn anything from the reconstructions we've had to do?"

"I have.  It'd look better if someone else did it for me."

"Hire someone," their boss said dryly.  "Get in here."  He walked in and closed the door.  "Are you two okay at the moment?"

"It's a bit weird.  H is a great husband but he doesn't cuddle enough and he hates my books."

"I hate that your books lay *everywhere*.  If they laid beside a chair or two and the bed and the bathroom, I wouldn't care.  Instead your house looks like it's built of books."

Speed shrugged.  "Sue me I like books."

"You need more bookshelves."

"I don't have any room for them."

"I have noticed that, yes," he admitted.  "Move to somewhere bigger?"

"As much as I've heard about your ancestral home, it's still somewhere overseas.  I can't commute like that on my bike."

"You could store some at Horatio's house.  I hear he has a room with nothing in it," the Chief said.

"That's called his kitchen and the house elf would beat me."

The Chief snickered.  "Lucia doesn't leave leftovers?"

"She cooks so well you can't stand to leave any," Horatio defended.  Lucia appeared, giving him an expectant look.  "I'll start driving home as soon as the boss is done with me."

"Is Speed sir coming?"

"We'll see," Speed said.  She pouted at him and he sighed.  "I hate it when you do that."  She grinned.  "Fine, I'll come eat and then go home and read."

"Speed sir should do mating, giggly dance with husband.  It's only right and how else will Lucia have babies to take care of."

"We're both males, no babies possible," Speed said, mentally shaking his head at what she called sex.  "And I don't giggle."

She huffed.  "Do so!"  She glared at the chief.  "My boys needs to eat.  You go!  Shoo!  You have own male wife to deal with!"

"I have a female wife," he told her.

She snorted.  "Male wife wears pants and panties.  She more boy than girl most days.  You married her for being boy, so quit fussing and go make giggly, happy noises with him."  She disappeared.

"Sorry," Horatio said, trying not to smile.

"She's right, my wife is very strong willed.  I'll have to tell her what she calls her."  He walked off.  "Have a good dinner, boys."

"Yeah, thanks," Speed said, looking at Horatio.  "Aren't the other house elves less pushy?"

"Not to hear Buffy complain about hers."

"It must be being in the US then."

"Ride over.  I'll be behind you."

"I thought you liked it the other way," he taunted with a smirk before leaving.

"I should do like she suggested and make you giggle," he called after him.

"Not likely," Speed called back.

Horatio grabbed his things and went to trap Speed in the elevator, tickling him until he was giggling then getting off and leaving him like that.

"I'll get you for that," Speed yelled.

"Sure you will, Speed.  It was an order."  He put on his sunglasses as he stepped outside, smirking at Frank.  "I'm being a good boy and following orders."

"Whose?"

"Lucia's.  She said I should make Speed giggle.  He has a very high-pitched giggle."  He walked over to his hummer, sliding in and closing the door, starting the engine when Speed stomped out.  He backed out with a smug look at his second-in-command.  "Let him be a brat again," he said dryly.

Speed growled. "I'm going to get him for that."

"Uh-huh.  You giggle?"

"I do NOT giggle!" he shouted.

"If you're sure," Frank said smugly, walking back inside.  He went to the operations room so he could look at the elevator camera.  "Aww."  They all laughed at that.  "Lucia told Horatio he needed to giggle more."  They all laughed as he went back to his desk.  That was priceless.

***

Tony looked at Gibbs.  "Boss, want a beer after work?  I'm having issues that I need to talk about."

"Issues?" McGee teased.

"From the dosing, Probie," he said coolly.  He slunk down again.  He had been ranting to Abby and McGee had heard so he knew everything.  "We heard back from the one Stella talked to."

"Any good news?"

"Here is easier, it won't be recognized in England, and it'll start a diplomatic war."

"Then I'll take that as a no."  He looked at him.  "The issue would be?  Since we're alone up here."

"Dating, my life, if I move from here, that stuff?"

"Fine.  We'll talk after we finish these forms."  He got back to work.

"Are you going to leave?" McGee asked.

"I guess that depends on the bitch upstairs," Tony admitted.  He looked at his staff.  Not glowing or humming.  His bracelet.  Not glowing, humming, or tingling.  Then what had that bit of magic been?  He looked up.  "Boss, go check on her?  I felt magic and it wasn't mine."  He went to go check on the director.  He looked at McGee, who was looking confused.  "Am I a dog?"

"No.  Not in the least.  Why?"

"I felt it right after calling her a bitch."  He heard the laughter and groaned, calling the auror they worked with.  "It's DiNozzo.  I felt strange magic and had the boss check on the thing upstairs.  He's laughing. It's not a good sign."  Gibbs came down with his camera phone, picture up.  "Oh, good, a partial transformation into a dog."  He hung up, putting his head down.  "This is not good for my career."

"No, it's probably not, but it's cute," he said dryly.  McGee looked so he let him see.  McGee took the phone and downloaded the picture, handing it back to him.  "I want a copy."

"Emailing it now, boss."  He did that and one to Abby too.  She needed a laugh. He swore he could hear her cackle all the way out there.

The auror came down the stairs behind Tony.  "Let's get you tested again, Tony.  I think you just manifested, dear."  He looked up at her.  "Honestly.  That means you can use a wand."

"Ooh, yeah.  Years behind even the Hogwarts students."

"They'll catch up and so will you."  She nodded at Gibbs, who waved.  She took Tony back to the office to have him tested for magic.  They held the staff and bracelet during it but he did test as having some.  It tested stronger this time too.  So he got to go wand shopping that weekend.

***

Xander looked at the judge that had wanted to speak to him.  "So, what's up?"

"There's been some debate about the potion you were dosed with."

"I agree with Stella.  Making us stay bonded to them would be like making someone marry their rapist.  None of us were in control and I had the misfortune to jump both brothers."  He shivered.  "They're nice, sir, but we're just friends and they're still brothers.  Their father's in a royal level snit."

"Hell.  Well, we might be able to break it for one of them, but the potion would still be tainting them.  Though the analogy you both used is correct, there's nothing we can do about the potion."

"Would anyone know how to do it?"

He shrugged. "You might ask Professor Snape."

"I've thought of that but they're in the middle of heavy classwork at the moment."

"Even he gets a day off now and then."

"I know."  He shifted.  "I don't know what we're doing yet.  We're friends, we can joke and play, but they're still brothers and while I'm young and have stamina they'd probably get tired of me since we're all fairly heterosexual."

"While that's a problem, there's a time-honored tradition of mistresses, Mr. Harris."  He gave him a look.  "I know, it's an american ideal to not need one, but you're the head of your family.  Have you considered the fact that this union may be very good for your family?  As alliance marriages go, it's not a bad one.  Even if his is smaller and less wealthy."

"First, no heirs would come from it.  With the shrinking the family just went through due to the death eaters being caught we'll need more kids being born."

"You could have one with a surrogate.  It's not unheard of."

"That would be breaking my vows and Draco could contest them being heirs.  As could some of the snot noses little cretins further out in the family that I haven't gotten to correct yet."  That got a nod.  "I honestly wouldn't care but Dean and Sam are still brothers.  It's freaking their father out badly.  If I had to stay in it I could easily do that but I don't want to hurt the bond they have.  That bond is what makes them an incredible pair of demon hunters.  Even if they do have to do that over here for now."

"If they had a sister, would you have taken her hand instead if it was proposed as an alliance marriage?"

Xander nodded.  "I know my duty to the family is to find a strong spouse that can help me shape the family and keep it strong and going forward. Sam or Dean would fit that.  But a trio isn't legal even to you guys, unless it's twins and they're not.  Plus this is killing Stella's friendship with the one who helped her.  He's been one of her oldest friends and there for her for a long time through some very bad shit.  It's a shame she's having to lose it due to being forced to marry him before either one was ready and when neither one was looking in that direction.  They were like siblings before.  And she blames herself because she jumped him."

He sighed.  "That is a difficult position.  I understand this is hurting them but they can prosper in these relationships."

"No, she can't.  She can't work and he works with her.  This is ruining her reputation.  Her reputation being in the crapper will get her killed some day soon on ht streets when no on wants to back her up.  Plus it'll keep her from advancing even if she doesn't die of being shot horribly by some criminal."

He slumped.  "I hadn't known that."  Xander nodded.  "The others?"

"One jumped his male, three-times-divorced boss, who is a Marine.  Their director is trying to have them both fired and Tony put in prison because of this.  Horatio's had a lot of awkwardness with his male second-in-command that he jumped.  Mac jumped one of his CSI and they're still acting like nothing happened.  Sam and Dean aren't as comfortable around each other as they were because of this."

He nodded.  "If Professor Snape could find a way to break the bonding potion, then the legal argument would be easier taken."

"I'll talk to him this weekend.  It's a Hogsmeade weekend and it'll probably be some free time for him.  Thank you for that advice."

"You're welcome."  He shook his hand and watched him leave.  He hadn't known that it was going to destroy them and their personal lives.  They looked to be solid relationships to him.  Friendships often made a good relationship.  Then again, some were torn apart by the relationship.

***

That Saturday Xander walked into the castle, smiling at the teacher he saw.  "I have an appointment to ask Professor Snape about a potion.  Is he in his rooms?"

"His office most likely," she said.  He nodded his thanks and walked on.  "He's such a polite young man.  Not at all like the thug the papers say."

"Only when I have to fight," he called back.  She laughed at that.  He found the potions classroom and looked at the painting.  "Do I knock or ask that you get him for me?"  One of the bats flew in to get him.  The painting opened and he looked at the imposing potions master.  "Am I late?"

"No, not in the least.  Come in."  He let him into his office, watching as he checked the chair before sitting down.  "I don't often toss books on chairs."

"I've had teachers who used their visitor chairs for graded papers."  That got a nod.  "I'm here because the judge that's advising us on this potion fiasco that Fudge made us go through said I should talk to someone of your caliber and skills to see if there's a way to break the bonding potion."

He studied him.  "That is a difficult request."

"I managed to jump two brothers, Professor."  He winced at that.  "They do the same thing I do and the bond that made them a great team that would outlast most of the others in the field is being eaten away by this weirdness. Stella's career is nearly shattered and her closest friendship was with the person she bonded with.  She can't focus at work.  Horatio and his second in command are very awkward in any situation and they have to depend on each other in the field to protect each other's backs.  They can't do that when they're avoiding looking at each other.  Tony's boss wants to put him in jail for this.  By US law, since they're military, she can have them both tossed out, take their retirement accounts, and have them blackballed from working in any sort of job ever again."

"Those are troubling," he agreed.

"Troubling is Horatio nearly got shot last night by one of his department's people because they heard he and his second were together and he didn't like it.  Walked up to him in his office and tried to shoot him."  Snape grimaced at that.  "He'll go to prison for it, but he won't be the last probably.  If we could break the bond, that would let those who it was forced on make that decision on their own.  Without the problems we're experiencing.  Beyond that, we're still looking at this issue because this is like being forced to marry the person you raped or them to marry their rapists, depending on which side was dosed."

He considered the young man in front of him.  "Draco has said you're close with yours."

"I am but it's still destroying their lives.  We're friends and I don't want to see their bond destroyed over this shit he forced on us.  If it had happened normally, I wouldn't have cared to marry either one as an alliance marriage.  We're all fairly decent friends even if they don't fully understand me."

"There is a potion.  It is extremely difficult."

"Tell me who to go see about it and I will," he promised.

"It is well within my skill range."  He stared at him.  "I can make it.  It will be costly."

"Define costly?  I have my personal funds leftover from the US I can use and I don't think Draco would mind me using the Head of Family's funds for this as long as I didn't bankrupt the family."

"Around a thousand galleons."  Xander leaned over and wrote something, handing it over to him.  It was a slip permitting him to bill a certain vault for ingredients for a potion he was concocting for them.  That got a nod.  "It will take me the better part of a month to brew it."

"We can last that long.  Will we need medical watching after we take it?"

"No. There is the clause that if you go back to the one you bonded with, even once, it will come back into being."

"I'll let them know that.  Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He shook his hand.  "Also, thank you for pushing for more light in Slytherin's common room."

"You can't study in the dark.  I tried many nights while on patrol."

"How would you do in potions?"

"I cook very well but I don't know.  Draco hasn't tutored me there yet.  We're staying with charms and transfiguration at the moment.  The practical things that could save my life in the field.  Potions I can buy, a sword I'm screwed if I don't have when I need it."

"Good point," he said, trying not to smile.

Xander grinned.  "You can.  Buffy did."  That got a snort.  "Thank you for being so nice to Draco recently.  I know he's had a bit of a transition and it's been rougher on him than he's let me see."

"He hasn't shown much strain to me either but that is how he was trained."

Xander nodded.  "Still, you could have made it a lot more difficult for him."  He got up.  "Call us when it's done please.  I'll let the others know."  He nodded and Xander left, nearly dancing in joy.  He went to where the others had decided to have a picnic, in the Winchester aunt's back yard.  "There is a potion," he announced.  They all smiled at that.  "If we ever revisit the ones we're bonded with it'll come back, but Professor Snape said he could make it for us.  He said it'll take about a month."  That got a nod.  "That means if you decide to go back with them, you're stuck," he warned.

"How expensive?" Danny asked.  "I know some potions are horrible."

"I've already written him permission to withdraw it from the stuff I brought over from the US.  Don't worry about it."  Dean gave him an odd look.  "The judge said that if the potion was broken, the arguments would be easier swallowed."  That got some nods and they went back to chatting.  He pulled Dean aside, making Sam follow.  "While I might want to stay bonded to you two, and I love you guys, this is wrecking *your* bond.  It's making it weird between you two and that can kill you.  I want you both to live long, happy lives, but I'm not going to be the one that breaks up your team.  So if you two *want* it after it's broken, then I won't say anything."

"You're right, Dean and I aren't like we usually are," Sam said, looking at his big brother.

Dean nodded.  "True.  I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the 'bonded and married' part."

"Which is why if you want me, come back to me," Xander said, smiling at them.  "Okay?  Even though I love you guys.  I want you to stay too.  The house is way too quiet."

"Sure, we can continue to stay over," Sam promised, giving him a hug.  Dean just patted him on the back.  "There, now go eat. You missed breakfast."  Xander went to eat.  Sam looked at him.  "He's right."

"I know.  We'll fix it then figure out if we want him."  That got a nod.  "Think Draco will scream at him for it?"

"No.  Draco watches people and he gave us odd looks for fighting the last time he saw us."

"That's fine."  They went back to the rest of the picnic, patting Don Flack on the back.  "Relax.  We don't bite.  Often."

Don smirked at him.  "Good to know."  He stared at Stella, going over to talk to her.  It was like having to gentle and train a wild owl with her sometimes.  "Hey."

"Hi."  She smiled.  "So, maybe?"

He grinned.  "I'm sure it'll work and then we'll figure out what we really want without the pressure."  He pushed some hair back behind her ear.  "You missed some."

"It wanted me to chew on it I guess."  She fixed her hair.  "We'll figure it out," she promised.  He nodded.  "So, how was that game you were watching?"

"Pretty good."  They switched back to mundane topics.  Something he was very used to.  "We didn't win but it was okay."  She nodded, walking him over to the food.

Mac gave him an encouraging look then went over to Horatio.  "You all right?"

Horatio nodded.  "Upset but it was only a graze.  Lucia freaked and healed it on me, screaming and ranting the whole time.  They had to pull the guy away from her magicing him into the glass wall."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Speed heard and came in on his day off to yell at the guy."

"It happens," Mac reminded him.  "Every bigger department has at least one."

"True.  I'm wondering how many more we'll have."

"Probably not too many.  Are you putting up extra security?"

"The chief posted a guard within the lab so he could move around and make sure nothing was going on.  He wanted me to put an ID card reader on the main doors into the lab but I pointed out that might not work if we were carrying a lot of stuff.  Plus other officers had to come see us sometimes and they wouldn't have access.  He asked the others and Calleigh nearly shot him for thinking she'd let us be hurt.  She hadn't been there or the guy would've been dead."

Mac patted him on the arm. "It'll be better, Horatio."

"I hope so.  Lucia was taunting Speed and said we should make giggly, mating noises again."  Mac walked off laughing.  Horatio went to talk to Dean.  "If you want him, you can have him."

"He was right.  This is straining mine and Sam's 'ship with each other."  He looked at him.  "Then we'll see about him.  We have to be right with each other to work together."

"The same as I and Speed do," he agreed.

"Only ours are more focused on killing us than getting away," Dean said.  "Plus everyone else they can."

Horatio nodded.  "I've seen that."  He looked around then at him.  "Don looks upset."

"I think he could move that way but she's seeing a lot of issues that've been cropping up and she doesn't want to trap him," Dean offered.  "Where's Gibbs?  I thought Tony was bringing him since he was involved and dosed."

"Gibbs is at home working on his boat.  He didn't want to come.  He'll let Tony tell him what was offered."  That got a nod.  "How much do you think it was?"

"He had about three grand in there changed over from dollars from what he was doing with the balancing sheet the other day."

"I'll add some for Snape's use then."

"I've got it," Xander called over.  "Really.  Well within my personal funds, Horatio.  Don't worry about it.  Spoil your nephew."

Horatio smiled sadly.  "He and his mother moved to Brazil, Xander."  The younger man walked over and gave him a hug.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  It's hard when you lose family.  Remember, they can still write."

"They're hiding."

Xander poked him on the shoulder.  "Can the people they're hiding from divert emails?"  He shook his head.  "Then video chat with him."

"That's not a bad idea," he said.

"Or ask the staff to get you down to see him," Harry said.  "Or portkey."

"Another good idea," he agreed.  "Thank you, boys."

Xander grinned.  "Some day you'll have to find a new nickname for us."

"You'll still be younger than I am," he taunted back with a slight smirk.

"Don't let Fudge hear you say that, he might do a deaging potion next," Danny said dryly from his seat, then ate a bite of his burger.

"Then we'd all have to go to Hogwart," Tony agreed.  Horatio laughed, which was what they intended.  "No Speed?"

"He's on today.  He's in charge and is probably picking on Eric and Ryan to make them quit fighting."

"Handcuffs and a closet?" Xander suggested.

"Don't tempt me."  Xander walked off laughing.

"Maybe make them both bitches and put them outside in your yard to fight it out?" Dean suggested.  "That'd make them stop and think and if they still wanted to fight they could battle but not kill each other."

"It'd keep Ryan from turning him into anything too," he agreed. "Last week Ryan was too tired and sneezed, turning him into a turtle because Eric had been being slow to his point of view.  He figured out how to change him back finally."

"The aurors said there were refresher courses," Tony said dryly.  "Which I am now enrolled in for any spare time I have available for the next six months, except council meetings."

"You finally broke out?" Don asked.

"I was thinking of our director as a bitch and she halfway changed to one.  The auror found her looking in her bathroom mirror, touching her new puppy ears, nose, and whiskers."

They all laughed.  It was good to laugh for a change.

***

Horatio reappeared in his office and froze Stetler since he was in there nagging but in front of him.  "Problems?"

"The usual.  You're bad, I'm stupid, Wolfe's a bastard who takes bribes and has issues, Eric's a slut who's getting paid for it.  I was letting him rant before I asked Lucia to make him part of the windows so he could see outside for the rest of his life.  How did it go?"

"There is something that can remove the potion from us, but if we ever go there again it'll come back and be permanent this time."  Speed nodded at that.  "It'll take about a month."

"I can hold off that long," he promised with a smirk.  "Want to unfreeze him so we can get with the embedding?"

"I don't want to stare at his back forever, Speed."  He unfroze him but changed him to a baby alligator.  "There, go bother Eric, he's used to your kind."  The alligator trundled off and Horatio sat down, looking at him.  "How was it?"

"I'm going to shoot both of them non-fatally and then put them in adjoining beds so they have to work it out."

"Speed, with how bad a shot you are, they'd die," Horatio said simply.  "Then we'll have two new CSIs to train.  With the ones who applied, they'd be horrible."

"Fine.  It was a good evil plan."

"Then have Calleigh do it."

"I could do that," he agreed.  Somewhere Eric screamed.  An auror went running.  "They might be pissed at you for making him look like a normal one."

He shrugged.  "It's been a long day.  Anything else of note I should see?"

"Not at the moment.  Why does he think Ryan takes bribes?"

"Ryan makes some money on the side doing magical work so he thinks I do that.  Though I do gamble now and then if he mentions that."  Ryan leaned in.  "Horatio, you're supposed to make him funny colored so he doesn't get mixed up and sent to the pound."

"I'll remember that next time."

"I'll tell her so she doesn't yell at you.  Good news?"

"There is a way to break the bonding potion.  It'll take a month."

"Good."  He smiled and went back to his lab, looking at Eric.  "You know they're planning on stopping us from fighting any way they can, right?"

"If you weren't such an annoying prick, it wouldn't happen so often."

The auror looked at them.  "Don't make me turn you both into toddlers for the week."  They stepped away from her.  "Go away.  Let me change this one back."

"We have samples out, we can't," Eric said.  "Take him up the hall to the darkroom beside AV."  She nodded, taking him that way to deal with him.  "That was mean of you."

"Not me.  H."

"Then that was mean of H.  What did alligators do to him?"

"They keep attacking you when you're working," Calleigh said as she walked in.  "Did I see a baby alligator?"

"Stetler," Ryan told her.  "Horatio's back."

"Good to know.  You?"  He shook his head.  "Fine. Can you two please do a bonding exercise or something?"

Xander leaned in and grinned.  "They will be.  Can you finish up for them, dear?  I'm sure you're better than they are combined."

"Of course I am.  Who're you?"

"Xander."  He grinned and took both of them with him to the place he wanted.  Then he shoved them into the arena.  "They learn to get along and Eric learns to respect magic or else they get a second one," he told the ring master.  Who shrugged.  It wasn't a real match but they wouldn't know that.  He sent in something harmless.  It was huge, slobbery, looked really dangerous but it was a puppy underneath.

Eric pulled his gun but Ryan stopped him. "It's not harmful."  He pulled his wand and moved closer, making sucking noises.  The dog tipped its head to the side then licked him.  He smiled, giving it a good scratch.  "Good boy," he said after a glance back. "Very good boy."

Eric gave him a horrified look.  "How did you know to do that?"

"Specialized education."  He waved his wand. "Somulous."  It fell asleep.  He looked at Eric.  "I take it we can talk here?" he called.

"Go ahead," Xander called back.  "You two aren't getting out of there until you're no longer annoying bitches worse than slayers with PMS.  You have an hour then I'm sending in something harmful."

Eric snorted.  "Who is that?"

"That is Xander Harris.  The guy from Sunnydale Horatio had us look up for a background check."

"So?  What gives him the right...."

Ryan held up a hand.  "Someone asked him to make us figure out how to get along. If you huff about it, he'll send in something harmful in an hour we'll have to fight and possibly kill.  You huffing will take a good few hours and it'll probably get worse as it goes on."  Eric slumped.  "So let's talk.  We can work this out before we both get eaten."

"Fine," he muttered.  He picked a spot and sat against the wall, letting Ryan sit near him.  He was still in control.  "Why put us somewhere you'd be more knowledgeable?"

"Who said he did?  The next thing might be something you've dealt with.  Xander's supposed to be experienced in combat.  He knows what breaks a decent team up."

"The fighting we've been doing," Eric agreed.  "It's bad enough H and Speed are strange with each other."

"Yeah and we have to watch out for them but if we can't work together then that leaves Calleigh to cover where those two are skipping parts by trying to stay away from each other."

"You know why?" Eric asked.

Ryan sighed.  "Remember the lust potion he got dosed with?"  Eric nodded slowly.  "That's bad enough.  It breaks all your inhibitions.  You can't control yourself.  If it had been given to you and you were next to your mother, you still would've jumped her."  Eric shuddered at that.  "Honestly.  It's outlawed because of that problem.  There's a more minor version that's used on wedding nights for arranged marriages when the people don't like each other."  He shifted, looking at the sleeping dog then him.  "As part of that, there were other spells and potions put into that one that they didn't find out about until later."

"It's bad enough H ended up jumping him, that made things strange and tense between them, but this is worse?  They would've talked that out."

"There was a bonding potion in it was well.  Xander found that out later when someone asked him."  Eric looked clueless.  "Like it sounds, Eric.  It's a pre-marriage or handfasting level of bonding.  It's also permanent.  Even if the court annuls it, they're still going to show the potion forever."

"So what if Speed dates?"

"He did date."

"He got really frustrated."

"Exactly."  Ryan glanced at the dog then at him again.  "There's a rumor of a potion that could break the bonding potion.  I haven't been able to find it.  If I had, I would've offered to give it to someone I know who does great in potions."

"So not only did H lose his mind thanks to this, he jumped Speed, which he wouldn't normally do.  So he's feeling like he either took advantage of him or nearly raped him.  And then they're married?"  Ryan nodded.  "Is it legal?"

"About as legal as a common law one by magical standards.  The potion has been found to exist even after death.  Those who know can also use it to track the other bond member."

"So H is really mad at himself and he's trying to give Speed room?"

"I think Speed forgave him for jumping him.  Things were getting back to normal before someone told Xander about the bonding potion.  Remember, he showed up that day with the book and needed that sample?"  Eric nodded, he had heard about that.  He glanced at the dog again then back at him.  "He's waking up."  He sighed.  "Right now they're trying to figure out what to do about that.  That's why they're edgy and tense around each other and Lucia is making comments about them getting together for real."  They heard something bellow and he looked around.  "That didn't sound good."

"Harris dealt with it," another voice called.  "Pudgy, come on, boy."  The dog came over and laid down beside Ryan, letting him pet him some more.  "Fine.  I'll get you in a few minutes."

Ryan smiled.  "You can pet him.  He probably needs love."  Eric came over to pet him.  "I had the same sort of education you had, Eric, except for middle and high school.  The rest was the same way you did."

"Middle and high school?"

"I got my letter when I was eleven, started when I was twelve.  Birthday cut off rules."

"So you take how many years?"

"Seven total.  There's magical colleges but my parents wanted me to be in the normal world so I went to college and then the academy."

"So you went for seven years then gave it up?"

"No, I use it at home but I'm forbidden from showing it to anyone who doesn't already know.  Even though your cousin went and you know some I'm not supposed to show you more of it to break the barrier further."

"Do you have a house elf?"

"No.  They're for richer families and those with big homes or a lot of kids.  I have a modest condo.  I don't need a house elf.  I clean perfectly well and I can cook."

Eric smirked.  "The OCD?"

"I don't have that many cleaning at home rituals for OCD.  My gun, a few others, but not cleaning at home.  Honestly, half the time I run the vacuum by magic and then swish and flick the rest of the stuff back into place.  Except in the kitchen.  I break glasses when I wash them by magic."

"You can do dishes that way?"

"Yeah.  A scourgify spell."  The dog shifted so he went back to scratching behind his ears. "It's what parents use to soap their kids mouths too."

"So you can do some great things."

"I was taught to do normal things.   While I can study and do great things, I chose not to because my parents threw a fit."

"Was there any subject you were good in?"

Ryan smirked.  "Transfiguration but I always had a problem turning things back."

"Uh-huh.  Probably because you wanted them that way."

"Well, yeah.  You should ask Stetler about his week as a footstool."

"You did?"

"He came to my house at three in the morning to yell at me about how I sometimes gamble.  Brought my former shift supervisor, who looked at me strangely anyway because of the OCD.  Apparently this was the first normal thing I had done around him."  He looked down.  "You're a good puppy."  The dog moaned and tipped his head, letting Ryan hit an itchy spot and let Eric have his other ear.  "I snapped.  I had barely gotten into bed.  I had a double the day before and for the last week because we were short.   Being the strange, young guy meant I got the crap shifts.  So I snapped.  I changed him into a footstool then growled at my supe.  Who knew.  His sister went.  He stuttered that out and told me I had the next day off.  I put him in my living room and waited until someone felt the magic and came to look.  Took them a week.  The aurors are really nice."

"Right," Eric said dryly.  "Do most people get away with what you do to him?"

"No but she talked to him."

Eric burst out laughing.  "So he changed her mind and she decided it was reasonable?"

"I guess.  She never yells.  Just sighs and complains."  He shrugged.  "Every now and then I have to switch animals or he'll get too comfortable as it and then stay that way.  I started out with hedgehogs but he was too cute and people wanted to pet him.  So I switched to orange salamanders, normal ones not magical ones that can set fires.  Then I moved to pink toads.  Now I guess I'm going to have to pick a new one.  I've played with a few but none of them seemed to suit him and I can't change him into a dog, he might bite someone."

"Can you turn him into a house elf?"

"I'm not allowed to change him into something sentient."

"Pity."

"Yeah.  Well, then maybe he'd learn how to cook.  I heard Yelina say he was a bad one once."

Eric smirked.  "That was a bad relationship.  We think he did it to get back at H and so he could find more dirt on him.  He's still trying to blame his brother on him."

Ryan coughed.  "I ran across something because of a case."  Eric leaned closer.  "Ray never died, Eric."  He gaped, leaning back again.  The dog made whining noises so Eric came back to pet him.  "I ran into it by accident because of that drug dealer case."

"So, Yelina and Ray Junior going to Brazil?"

"I'm guessing Ray Senior was on the plane too."

Eric nodded.  "H has got to be torn up."

"He probably is but he won't let anyone make him feel better.  Speed would usually get some of it but with them being strange..."

"He's feeling pretty lost.  We've got to fix that for him."

"If I had a way I would."

Xander appeared, looking at them.  "It was pointed out earlier that he could video chat and the staff could take him down there if he needed to.  It can take you to any family member to check on them."  That got a nod.  "Do you two think you can keep up this civil discussion back at work?"

"A lot of that is stress," Ryan told him.  "My OCD, being the new guy."

Xander shrugged.  "Then Eric should take you drinking, get you laid, and then make you feel like one of the team.  Not try to rip you down because you're like that.  The same as Speed did to him when he showed up.  The same as Calleigh got when she showed up."  He looked at Eric.  "Huh?"

"I should've," he agreed.  "It was stressful.  Speed had been injured..."

Xander held up a hand.  "You're damn lucky the person on shift at the scene was a healer, Eric.  I asked.  Speed said he was healed and then transported.  They got there before full death."

"So they brought him back?" Ryan asked.  Xander nodded.  "But...."

"It's not that hard.  I've done it with Buffy.  Willow did it with Buffy."  They all nodded.  "So can you two pull your heads out of your asses before the Feds shut you down or you two fighting causes another death?"  They nodded. "You sure?  Because I respect and like Horatio and he doesn't need this right now."

"Ryan told me why."

"Then Horatio can spank him later," Xander answered.

Eric nodded.  "I can get along better.  I'm not dealing well with things at the moment."

Xander leaned down.  "That's why you have friends and that's why someone intelligent became the first therapist.  Pick one, Eric, talk about it.  It'll make you feel better.  Because if you die, it doesn't help any of the ones you're concerned about."  He straightened up.  "Got me here?"  He nodded, realizing he was right by the look in his eyes.  "Now, you could go distract Speed's mind for a while.  He could probably use it.  You can talk to Ryan, you guys made a good start.  The nice blonde lady seemed like she might listen too.  She was obviously pissed at you two for your fighting stuff."

Ryan nodded.  "We'll do that."

"Good.  Now, let's let the doggy go eat the person who runs the gladiator arena for demons."  The dog looked at him so he said something.  The dog howled and ran off, going to do that for him.  He hauled them both up and took them back to the station, dropping them in front of Horatio.  "They've learned how to communicate under penalty of me sending deadly things at them so they have to learn to fight together."  He smacked them both on the heads.  "Next time I take you vampire hunting.  There it's watch each other's back or die."  He looked at Horatio.  "By the way, the demonic fighting arena you have here in town might be changing hands but I'm going to tell Buffy and them so expect the girly patrol of ass kicking girls."  He grinned and disappeared, landing in Cleveland.  "Are we leaving the kill or be killed gladiator demon arenas alone?" he called.

"Hell no!" John said, coming out of an office.  "Where?"

"Miami.  I just had the owner eaten by a nice demon dog.  It was more than happy to.  I found one of my relatives there as a concubine.  Sold herself off."  He disappeared, going to the school's infirmary.  "Sorry, had to go back for the ones I had put there to talk or else.  Do I need to call her mother for you?"

"No, dear.  I've already written her mother.   She wasn't answering the floo."

Xander looked at the staff.  "She at home?"  It flashed.  "Okay.  Thanks."  He looked at her.  "Do I need to sign more permission to treat stuff?"

"I'd like to move her to a special ward at St. Mungos," she admitted.  Xander nodded.  "It'll heal some of the demon marks on her.  Plus treat the other symptoms of her incarceration."

"But he promised us power," she whined.

"It'll also cure that thinking," Madam Pomfrey told him.

"I've seen others with that thinking.  That doesn't bother me."  He looked at her.  "Paper?"  It was handed over and he read it.  "If I sign this, you will be healed.  If he survives then  you can decide to go back once you're of age.  You're underage for making demonic contracts.  Otherwise, I might've left you there."  She pouted.  "Don't start.  I'm from the hellmouth, girl."  She slumped and cuddled her pillow.  "Once you're an adult you can make that choice.  You're underage.  The contract was void because of that."  He signed it.  "Until she's an adult, then she can decide to go back to that or not."  Madam Pomfrey nodded, going to call them.  He nodded at Professor Snape when he joined them.  "Found her having made a deal for power.  She's underage for that though."

He looked at her then at him.  "You're admitting her to the special ward?"

"Until she's an adult and can make that choice on her own.  Yes."

"Her mother?"

"The nurse sent an owl."

"That's fine.  I'll call her myself."  He looked at her.  "I am most disappointed."  He looked at Xander again.  "So far it's going well."

Xander grinned.  "Thank you."  He patted him on the arm.  "Let me know if any of the rest of the family are causing you problems.  I'll handle it if I have to and their parents aren't available or won't."

He nodded.  "That's acceptable to me."  He watched him leave.  He looked at the girl.  "You have a year yet.  Make a better and more rational decision."  He went to call her mother.  Once she had her head in his floo he stared down at her.  "Your daughter sold herself to a demon for power."

"She said she was going to."

"The head of your family found her.  She is underage.  He has stated that she has to be of legal age to do that.  He's removed her and Madam Pomfrey is sending her onto St. Mungos."

"She's my daughter!"

"The head of your family said so," he sneered.  "That is his ruling.  Be of age or be rescued."  She disappeared and he snorted.  "Weak."  He looked over and found Draco at the doorway.  "She's already gone on."

"I wondered where she went.  Pity but a desperation move."  He came in and held up something.  "Do you think she'd like it?"

He looked at the delicate necklace.  "It's a good first present.  She would take into account that you could only get to Hogsmeade."  Draco smiled.  "He's already left."

"I know.  How is the unbonding potion going?"

"So far the base is going well."  He went to check and stir it then looked at him.  "Do send that on."

"Should I write a note as well?"

"That is generally acceptable when you send a gift, yes," he said dryly.  Draco went to do that.  He rolled his eyes.  "He's trying in whole new ways now."

***

Xander looked at the Wizengomet.  "No, what I said was that if she wanted to make that decision when she's of age, that's up to her.  She is underage.  Her mother could not be contacted.  As she's underage, she's under my jurisdiction in matters of marriage."  He glared at the mother.  "Or being taken as a concubine."  She sniffed and raised her nose, looking away.  "So I rescued her and brought her back to the school since she's supposed to be there.  I consented to initial treatment since she was bleeding from a few places. The nurse tried to get her mother while I went to talk to a few others I had left there to talk and work things out.  Then I came back and found out her mother had not been found so I made my decision as head of the family.  If she's of legal age and wants to go back, she can do that.  Under legal age and the contract was void anyway so whatever she was hoping to gain she wasn't going to get.  He was going to use her and kill her before she came of age.  That's how it usually goes," he said when one opened his mouth.  "Then I had her admitted to the special ward under the nurse's suggestion.  She said they deal exclusively with things like this."

"They do," one of the judges agreed.  "They strip the taint, they heal the injuries, they do any mental health care that may be needed for those who were taken against their wills.  Were there other humans there?"

"I only saw her but I also sicced the slayers' council on them," he said with a grin.  "They'll go find more if there's more."

"Good.  That's a reasonable precaution.  You told the aurors?"

"I told Horatio.  That's in his city.  That way they could handle any normal runaways or call the aurors if they needed it."

"Again, a reasonable action," Dumbledore agreed.  He looked around then at the mother.  "The head of the family has the right and responsibility to take care of all family matters.  Including underage children when their parents are lax or absent.  As you could not be found in a timely manner he stepped in, as was proper for a head of the family.  Does anyone have any dissent to him agreeing to treatment for the minor child?"  No one said anything.  "Then I don't see a problem with him agreeing to her treatment.  She clearly needed it by the records Mediwitch Pomphrey supplied."

"If she wishes to go back as a legal adult, you'll let her?" another judge asked Xander.

"I can't stop her from sending her life to hell, literally or not.  I can rescue her if she asks.  I will as long as she asks.  I won't do it so she can go to a different one and I'll make that clear to her.  If she's a legal adult I cannot stop her from entering into a legal contract but I would not look favorably on any member of the family that did that.  I have a lot of experience seeing the bad side of those deals.  Plus it doesn't look very good on the family.  I would suggest she keep it out of the press and say that her daughter had been taken unless proved otherwise because a scandal for the family would create an inner-family war.  I don't want to see what someone like Draco would pull up if his marriage was canceled due to that.  He's a bit creative."

"Indeed, he's shown that his entire school career," Dumbledore said dryly.  "Especially on some of his homework assignments."

Xander shrugged.  "He's bored."

The head judge banged his gavel.  "Then I suppose we're in agreement.  Mr. Harris was acting in the best interests of his family.  Even if the family's members don't like it.  The same as he had many death eaters stricken from the family."

"But any heirs they have will be allowed on the family tree," Xander said.  "I marked through them and made a note saying that their conduct had embarrassed the family so their heirs could be recognized.  The bank said that would be better."

The head judge nodded.  "That's a logical thing to do.  Thank you for handling that quietly."

"Why embarrass the whole family or even her single part of the family for a daughter who wanted more power and made a bad decision to get it."  That got a nod.  "Are we done?  I need to eat breakfast."

"Go," the judges said tolerantly.  They watched him leave, looking at the mother.  "He has made himself quite plain about the conduct he expects to see from the family.  He's also made it well known that he used to hunt demons.  I would be more subtle or find a way to remove her from the family before she decides to go back."  She nodded and the judges looked at each other once she was gone.  "That was an interesting case."

"But he is a very upstanding young man," Dumbledore said.  "Even if he does jump into everything."

"Aww, are we smarting that he's taking on education next time?" another judge asked.  "I heard he and that Winchester boy are both focused on that issue and got Patricia into it."

Dumbledore nodded.  "He proved to her how far behind we're falling and she came to us to send some of us to a conference then they're going to take it on as an issue for their second year. I fear the next incoming class will have quite a lot more work to do."

They all smirked at that.  "Whatever's best for the students, Albus.  Remember, some of them have to be able to find jobs overseas and we have to keep up with the other countries."

"Indeed but I had no idea we were so far behind."  They all gave him odd looks.  "In the US they teach potions only for the last four years.  As they found out, Severus is teaching year appropriate things right now to his sixth years.  Minerva and Filius as well for most things.  Apparently what we test for on NEWTs they test for some starting in their third year."  A few members slumped.  "So we're looking at how to improve the curricula over the next year."

"We're that far behind?" the Minister for Magic asked.  Dumbledore nodded.  "I saw that sheet but I thought it was just the US.  They're always pushing ahead and doing things with technology."

"I got study guides from the Japanese and Mexican schools as well," Dumbledore said.  "The Mexicans had been behind us the last time I knew.  Now they're teaching NEWT level things on their OWL equivalents.  It's most distressing."

"We'll fix it and be the crown of the magical empire again," the Minister promised. "They all want us to move a bit more forward into the current century.  Did you know our clothing standards are over a hundred-twenty years behind?"  They all shook their heads.  He nodded.  "Harris got a book from a muggle library that shows fashion through the ages.  Finding ours was easy enough but they've had a lot more in the muggle world.  That's why the decency statue was written the way it was."

"They're definitely pushing us ahead so we can start to keep up with the rest of the world, but what about the magical world?" one judge asked.

"The French are ahead of us but not by much," Dumbledore admitted.  "At least socially speaking.  In education they've had a good deal of teachers that are quite excellent.  They wanted me to use muggle pens in the school.  That it'd be faster and easier for all the students, plus take a handicap away from the muggle borns who didn't grow up with a quill."

"It'd be easier, cheaper, and help you take notes," one judge agreed.  "I know some of the muggle born have probably tried."

"Yes, but the other teachers have noted that they have to use quills."

"Try it with a few select students, a good mix of muggle born and not, see if it does work better," one suggested.  "What did he say about the other schools?"

"They're behind as well.  The whole system is behind and they found a lot of fault with the facility for those who are born with birth defects.  Including that many of them there were capable of doing normal work if allowances were made for their physical problems.  I was ordered to go back over it since I had been involved in the first curriculum so very long ago.  They also found issues with how the students were being treated."  That got a few winces.  "So I would suggest that more than them go look into that matter.  As they have pointed out a few times, I'm a very busy man and can't do it all myself."

One of the females nodded.  "I'll gladly go look in on them, Albus.  Want me to report to you or them?"

"Either or both would be acceptable.  Thank you."  She nodded.  He was still worried that someone would decide to close a school.  They were all fine institutions even if they did need updating.  Then again, they were saying that there were a good number that weren't being taught...  So maybe another school was the answer?  He cleared his throat.  "They mentioned another point.  We're missing muggle borns who show magic.  They said we're only getting two-thirds."

"The schools are at capacity," one of them said, frowning some.  He worked at another school.

"Then that may cure both problems," the female noted.  "If there are students in that facility that could do the normal work if allowances were made for physical infirmity and we need to house other students to teach them, then what about setting up another school.  Boarding or not?"

They considered it, then Albus nodded.  "That's the only way I can see those needs being met.  Plus it would give them a good place to show what the updated curricula would be doing.  They could use it to set goals and standards beyond what they'll have the Ministry set for us."

"Where would you put it?" she asked.

"We can make suggestions.  They're open to them," Albus pointed out.  "During their last inspection they listened to some of mine and added a few of their own.  They're not unreasonable and they do tend to ask people in the correct fields for advice.  As they did with the laws they had to fix."  That got some smiles and nods.  "I will warn you that all but Mr. Harris and Mr. Potter have graduated college or nearly so.  Mr. Winchester was nearly there when his last girlfriend was killed by a demon.  He was going to law school.  The officers all have advanced degrees and possibly some going toward Masteries."  That got some nods.  "They are serious about the schools being up to date, fixed and in working order, and being safe."

"How did Hogwarts fare?"

"Our spells are starting to get old.  They need recharged and that should fix most things," he said happily.  "They'll be done over the holidays and the students shall come back to a sparkling clean, well adjusted and fixed school."  That got some smiles.  "So we'll see.  They said if we meet up then you only get one inspection a year.  We've had one about every five months so far.  They even said they'd do them near the end of school or the summer."

"Even better.  That way they don't have to worry about whining students."

"Ours did have some reasonable complaints.  The Slytherins needed new lamps.  One of the girls' staircases hasn't been working as a security device.  The students were most happy to talk to them."

That got some nods and plans were made for their next inspections.  If they wanted to hear from the whiny students they would make some available to the council.

Family Staffs 14

Tony looked up as their director walked down the stairs, nodding politely at her when she stared at him.  "Morning, Director."  He got back to work on his last case.  Thankfully it hadn't gone all night.  He finished and started a spell checker.

"DiNozzo, are you done for now?" she asked.

"I'm spell checking a report," he said, looking at her.  "I'll be free in about a half hour, once I hand it in and get it approved."  She nodded, leaving him alone.  "Should I report up there?"

"Please."  She continued on her way to check over her people's shoulders.

Tony shrugged at McGee' and Ziva's odd looks.  "No clue."  He finished up and checked it, sending it to where Gibbs was at home with a sprained ankle.  The doctor had forbidden him to come in today and had told Ducky to make sure of it.  So he was on the couch for today being annoyed.  He got it back a few minutes later, making the few corrections he demanded, then sent it back.  That got back an all right.  So Tony locked his computer and went up to her office.  He pointed for the secretary, who shrugged.  "She busy?"

"Not at the moment.  What happened to Gibbs?"

"He sprained his ankle in the dark last night while we were on our scene.  The doctor called Ducky to make sure he took today off it."

She smiled.  "I guess someone can out stubborn him."

"Abby too," he said, making her laugh.  He knocked on the door then walked in.  "You wanted to speak to me, Director?"

"I wanted to know more about this dosing you took, DiNozzo."

"It was maliciously done by someone that I used to sit on a council with.  He claimed it would make us more stable to be mated to someone.  He's in prison."

"Here?"

"No."

"Not in DC?"

"Not in the US.  He was a foreign national and he went to serve his sentence in Britain.  Where he's from."

"Oh, I see."  She looked at him.  That was a bit different.  Citizenship rules did say that they could be sent back to serve their sentences in their home countries.  "Are you cured from it?"

"There's a few, limited, side effects.  One of them is presently on the way to being worn out.  We think it'll take a month or so to fully weed itself out of my body.  That one was told to a friend who also sits on the council and he came to tell us.  You saw him that day."

"The one who threatened me?"  Tony nodded.  "That really should have landed him in  jail."

Tony snickered.  "Ma'am, Xander's from Sunnydale."  She looked clueless so he pulled up a site Xander had said to go to if this sort of situation ever came up.  He logged onto it and clicked on a link, turning the monitor back around.  "He fought with things like that since he was sixteen.  A human woman is nothing to him, ma'am."

"Costumes?"

"No.  Limited segment of the population but not costumes."

"This is like Abby plays with?"

"No.  Though he has dealt with that sort of issue before."  He went to another site and opened it for her, showing her the footage that had been recorded the last time a major demon went into Chicago to rampage.  "That happened about ten months ago.  Xander deals with those issues.  A human is nothing to him."

"He's dangerous?"

"Only if you're attacking him, his family or friends, or an innocent.  Otherwise, he's a nice, sweet, goofy guy with a bad sense of humor and a large hawaiian shirt collection."

"My questioning you was seen as an attack?"

"Probably.  More likely where you got into his face was, ma'am.  There were privacy issues going on at that time."

"I saw the complaints."

"Then next time don't try to spy and don't put cameras in the bathroom.  You did violate a lot of privacy regs.  You nearly made a lot of agents quit.  If you wanted to gut NCIS and then rebuild it with the agents who only kiss your ass and don't get any work done, you nearly accomplished it."

"I realize I was being a bit stringent.  I've loosened up some."

"I've seen that."

"What does your council sit over?"

"A small group of people.  It's hereditary."

"A commune sort of place?"

"More like a small town than a commune.  We're responsible for writing new laws, making improvements.  Unfortunately they're stuck far in the past and we've been having to update things.  They had nice rules like you could kill anyone wearing polka dots.  The person who wrote that one did it as a favor to a political friend," he said at her giggle.  "Who was being tried for it.  He also wrote laws saying you couldn't wear dark underwear, striped underwear, polka dots anywhere except on hats.  He had written in laws making it legal to own torture devices if your family had owned them for years.  A lot of very bad laws.  We shrank the law book by about five-sixths."

"Now it's a matter of maintenance?"

"Now we're moving onto a health department, civil service exams for officials, CPS rules, and then we're tackling the poor education standards for our second year.  We should not have any more marathon sessions but we'll have some more frequent meetings while we set the education things up."

She nodded.  "Then it sounds like you have a good handle on what you're doing at least."

"We do and Xander's a major pushing factor on the Council.  If anyone finds that out they might try to take him out.  He's the head of a fairly influential family and his cousin, who is his only heir at the moment, would be decent but a bit more power hungry."  That got a nod.  "So we're worried about him but he's the one who has come up with some very good ideas and got us looking at education stuff."

"Then I suppose I can excuse his conduct that once."

"Next time, Director, don't get into his face.  Xander's spent a lot of time in combat.  He's still adjusting back to not being in combat nightly and he still goes out to hunt now and then.  If you attack him, even verbally, he'll react and it'll be bad."

She nodded. "I'll remember that.  Your next meeting is?"

He checked the calendar on his phone.  "The eighteenth of this month.  We have that weekend off call and Gibbs knows.  He's went with me a few times while we were dealing with the legal issues because there had been a problematic case of a serial killer.  With five of us being CSI or an agent, he helped with that issue."

"Five of you are ....  You and four CSI?"  He nodded.  "Interesting."

"Very."  He smiled.  "They're all very good officers, ma'am.  We've done a lot of good for them and we're working to make it a lot better for them."

"I hope you can continue.  Who is that person who follows you around?"

He frowned.  "Redhead?"  She nodded.  "Oh, that's a friend who's watching over me for the Council.  There's been a few threats."

"The changes made some other powerful people upset?"

"Yeah, a lot.  She's here to make sure they don't attack us.  She comes when we call most of the time."

"That's good to know.  Does she follow you or Gibbs?"

"I'm almost always with him.  It makes it easier for her."

"That's fine then.  Thank you for that information, DiNozzo."

"Welcome, Director."  He left, going back to his desk, shrugging at the curious look McGee gave him.  "She wanted to know about the council I sit on."

"How is it going?"

"Pretty decent.  We're down to the last few steps to establish a health department.  Next is CPS rules and civil service exams.  We had some really stupid people in charge.  Like making rules that you couldn't wear striped underwear stupid rules."

"Did he make them because he looked bad in them?"

"He claimed everyone did and it helped decency," he said dryly, giving him a look, making him crack up.  "Yeah.  That's why we took on the laws first.  Education is the next major topic.  They're a bit behind."

"Have fun with that.  Need help?"

"The top school there does not allow you to use any pen but quill pens," he said quietly.  "The school has some unheated rooms.  It's going to be a lot of meetings."

"I'm sorry.  Are yo going to upgrade them to computers?"

"Normal pens then later on computers."

"That's more reasonable.  Not a large jump to make people nervous," Ziva agreed.  "Where is it?"

Tony looked at her.  "It's a closed community, Ziva.  Don't worry about it."  She nodded at that and got back to work.  He found one from Gibbs wanted to know what she had wanted.  He downloaded the recording his phone had made, earning a few comments back.  "We'll have to see, Boss.  He said he's waiting on reports," he noted.

"Proofreading now," McGee told him.

"I'm translating mine back and proofreading," Ziva said with a sigh at the end.

***

Xander looked in the broom store then walked in.  "Hi."  The man behind the counter smiled.  "First broom."

"You didn't learn in school?"

"I came out late."  That got a knowing look.  "I'm being taught how to fly over the holidays."

"So you need safe?"

"Indoors and out please.  I have a huge library at home."

The man smiled and led him to a case.  "What's your budget like?"

"Let's see what works then I'll hit the bank."

That got a nod and the man pulled down one.  "This one's fairly sturdy.  For traveling more than games or chasing things.   For your weight and size it's fairly well balanced."  He let Xander hold it and test how it balanced on his hand.  "You'll be sitting up on this end," he said when he had to shift where the center of gravity was for the broom to stay balanced.

"Is it good if the guy who said he'd teach me wants to play with quaffles?"

"That's not good for that.  This one's better but more expensive," he said, handing that one over.  Xander looked it over, balancing it.  Still a bit off what he'd expect.  "Again, you'll be sitting up here."

"But if I'm sitting up there, then my weight will tip it and with the center of gravity back that far won't that mean that the bristles will come up to compensate my weight sinking it?"  The man gave him a look.  "I deal with a lot of swords and sword work."

"Ah."  He got down one.  "This one's got a center of balance further back to deal with it.  Cleansweeps are used in some schools."

Xander hefted it.  "Kinda light."

"They are that."  He got him an older model.  "This one's used, last year's model and a tester for us."  Xander nodded he liked that one better.  "I can give you that one for forty."

"Let me hit the bank."  That got a nod and the man put it back for him.  Xander walked up to the bank, smiling at the goblin that rushed out to meet him.  "I need to take some out for personal expenses."  They walked back to his office.

"Yours has had someone dipping into it?"

"I let Professor Snape charge to it because he was making a potion for me."

That got a nod from the goblin.  "That's how it's usually done.  He presented us with the letter and we arranged it for him.  How much were you needing?"

"About forty for a broom.  It's my first one."

He smiled.  "Let me check your key."  Xander held up one.  "You can use the head of family's money, Mr. Harris."

"I thought that was for family things."

"No, two of those are under your *direct* control for whatever you need.  One's purpose was listed as 'to maintain the image of the head of the family'."  He pointed at a key.  "That one."

"You don't think they'd mind?"

"Only if Mr. Malfoy was being petty."

"He takes those moods now and then."

"You could use your allowance."

"I didn't get it this month."

He checked.  "The owl couldn't find you."

"I'm at the ancestral home.  I'm finishing the fixing up stuff."

"That's good of you.  The place was a wreck."

"It had a lot of dead bodies when we got there and an open hellmouth portal that we had to shut."  The goblin gave him a funny look.  "Willow did it for me."

"Good of her."  He went to get his allowance bag for the last two months, handing it over.  "There you go.  Would you like us to put that into your personal vault?"

"Please," Xander agreed.  "I come here first anyway."  That got a nod.  "That reminds me, I need to have some shifted to pounds.  Holiday shopping and not everyone can get something magical."

"True."  He walked him to that desk.  "This desk does that switch for you."

"Thank you.  You're very helpful to us."

"Your money makes us good profits, sir."  He left, going to note the talk and send an owl to Mr. Malfoy to suggest he talk to Xander about what 'good uses' for the vault would be since he didn't think he should use it.  He made sure to include that so the boy wouldn't jump to conclusions.

Xander went back to buy his new broom and then do some light holiday shopping.  He came home and found Draco waiting on him.  "Did I screw up?"

"No.  The goblins said you needed a guideline on what you were to use the money put aside for heads of family to use."  Xander nodded.  "A new broom?"

"The guy suggested it."  He let him take it while he put the rest of the stuff down.  It disappeared.  "Put those in my office, they're presents," he called.

"Tailor wrap pretty," one of them called back.

"I can do it.  I'm not done yet with their presents."  That got a giggle and the house elves went back to playing in the kitchen.  "I think they're bored."

"Probably.  You never do any entertaining."  He walked him into the study.  "This isn't a *bad* broom but fairly on the slow and average side."

"But for just learning and not playing pro sports, it's probably good, right?"

"For that it's excellent.  Hogwarts uses an older model of the same one."  He put it in the corner then looked at him.  "You use the head of family funds for yourself.  The family funds are for family events, like an annual holiday party?" he suggested.  Xander gave him an odd look back.  "Fine, I'll throw Mother's usual one then.   You will have to attend."

"Yes, Draco.  I'll try not to embarrass you.  Is she coming in for the holidays?"

"With her mother and aunt.  I'm still worried that she'll hate Mother's roses."

"Explain it to her, she probably won't mind.  She might even take over caring for them."

"Perhaps," he agreed.  "You use the money set aside for head of the family for your personal comfort and to maintain your image.  That means you shop on it, you buy food on it, you woo your mate on it.  You use the family money to pay bribes, hold events for the family, all that stuff."

"But there's not that much there."

"There had been."  Xander dug out the last bank balance statement and let him see it.  He coughed then smiled.  "Xander, those aren't in hundreds.  Those are in thousands," he said, pointing at a bit of very small type.  Xander blinked.  "Also, the funds for *your* apartment building should be put into your personal vault, not the family's."  He made a note of that. He'd straighten that out with the goblins himself.  He made marks on the paper.  "These ones you use to look magnificent and upstanding, woo your mate, or make yourself comfortable.  These ones you use for family things, like updating the home.  You shouldn't have taken that out of the head of family accounts.  I'll get that straightened out for you."

Xander gave him a hug.  "You're the bestest secretary and helper I've ever seen even if you do want me to shop all the time."

Draco pushed him away but gave him a fondly tolerant look.  "Someone has to.  At least you're wearing decent clothes today and a robe.  I'm impressed.  Thank you.  Besides, doing it now means I have a better chance of following you since you don't want to change either of them into a girl."

"They might mind."

"Then change yourself."

"I don't want to end up like my parents, Draco."

He looked at him.  "There's no way you could.  You would never let yourself fall into that same drunken state of hell they were in."  He looked over it again.  "Let me pop over and deal with this."  He gave him a look.  "You'll excuse me from Herbology and Potions?"

"If you need me to.  Thank you, Draco."

"Better to have it fixed than to make you muddle up the system so I'll have to fix it when it's my turn."  He flood to the bank, going to fix it with him.  Honestly, that man needed to get used to being wealthy.  A good shopping spree for the holidays might cure that, but he'd have to prompt him and go with him to make sure he didn't buy someone ugly clothes on purpose.

***

A few days later Dean came out of the floo, looking at the house elf who came to see who it was.  "Xander here?"

"Flying, Dean sir."  He nodded, heading that way.  She giggled, watching him stare at Xander flying around.  "Him not get too high yet.  Then he say he go fix barn."

"Barn?"

Xander jumped, looking at him. "Hey, Dean," he said, grinning at him.  "I figured out how to float."

"Good job."  He came out.  "What barn?"

"There's an old stable off to the side of the house.  I thought it'd be good to fix up for the Impala when it was here.  Since I live pretty close to a city."  He tugged on his arm.  "Climb up behind me."  He floated a bit lower, letting him climb on.  He flew them that way, letting him see the barn and the wagon track leading to it.  "We haven't had horses here in nearly forever.  I had to bury two bodies and I come out some nights to watch the ghostly horses play."  He concentrated as he lowered them.  "Feet down."  Dean put down his feet, Xander put his down when they were able.  Then he got off.  "Good broom.  Thank you."  He leaned it against the side of the barn, letting him lead Dean inside.  "I moved a carriage because it was in horrible shape and falling apart.  I sent a picture to Draco and he said it wasn't a special one.  For the wedding he'd have to use the one all the way in the back but there's a back door for it and they have horses.  Would this be a nice enough spot for your baby?"

"This is a great spot, Xander," he said, grinning at him.  Xander was such a fussy guy sometimes.  He loved that about him.  He appreciated the same things he did.  "A bit small maybe.  She's longer than she looks."

"Help me move this one up then."  They pushed and moved the smaller carriage up closer to the one in front of it. "Do we need more?"

"No, we're good."  He looked.  That should fit his baby very well.  They went to look at the special wedding carriage.  It was nice but it needed cleaned.  "You'll need to fix the upholstery."

"I've been looking for someone to see what needed to be done beyond the wheel that has a crack and washing it."  Someone came in.  "Draco.  Why are you out of school?"

"We had a sudden need to have the afternoon off after Longbottom's potion destroyed the dungeon and part of our common room.  Snape said I could so I wouldn't be in the way."  He came over to look.  "It needs cleaned."

"It's got a cracked wheel and has holes in the upholstery."

"There's spells on it," Draco told him.  "If they're broken, it's bad luck.  It always looks new on the wedding day.  Besides, only I ride in it to the wedding.  She'll use another one.  Then we'll use a different one for the ride off to our honeymoon."  He looked around.  "Where's the green one?"

"I moved it out back.  It was nearly in pieces.  When I ran my hand over an edge a whole side fell off.  You might ask her what colors are good omens in her culture, see if one of the others might work better."

"It's not tradition so I suppose I could."  He shrugged.  "We'll see."  He went to look at it.  It was in very bad shape.  He came back to look at the family one.  "The reason it has holes and cracks are from nervous Malfoy heirs.  We pick at the holes.  The wheel crack was from a fight to win the right to marry the girl instead of the heir."  Dean grinned at him.  "It is tradition.  It'll look splendid that day."

"As long as you're sure," Xander told him.

"It is tradition."

"Okay.  I'll let you guide me there."  He looked at the empty spot.  "I'm letting Dean park his baby in here when he's over."

"That's what it's for."  He smiled at the ghostly horse, nodding politely at it.  "Good evening."  It faded out.  "If you open the stall it lets them out to play too," he said more gently.  He did that with the other stalls and the ghost horses went to play in the field once the barn's door was open.  He looked at Dean.  "They don't need banished."

"They look pretty harmless.  I'm guessing they'd protect the house."

"Some of them have for many centuries," Draco assured him, getting a nod back.  He walked them out, leading them to another building out back so he could look.  "Our storage area."  He led them down the stairs, using his wand to light the lamps overhead. There were trunks, crates, and wooden boxes stacked all around the large underground area.  "Point me at dishes," he said.  His wand led him to the dishes that had been packed, letting him look at them. "Father said he put the wedding dishes back out here."  His wand pointed at another box so he went to look, smiling at what he saw.  "Can you get a house elf?"

"Tailor!" Xander called.  He appeared.  "Help Draco shift those back to Malfoy Manor please?  They're for his wedding next summer."  He nodded, coming to do what Draco said.  On the way back he brought some of Draco's elves to help him.  "What else is all this stuff?"

"Old things that the family left here and there.  School supplies, old clothes," he said, waving in a direction toward those.  "Probably some papers that got cleared out of the office now and then.  The rest of the dishes and the extras for all the family homes.  Each one has its own pattern," he said at Xander's confused look.

"Why?"

"Because someone before Altera said so," he said patiently.

"Oh.  Supporting a new plate maker?"

"Possibly.  Her reason was never written down."  He found the one for Malfoy manner, handing it to one of the elves.  "If you break these, I'm giving you a sweater. And you'd better not break the others either, they're important and traditional."  The elf nodded frantically, disappearing.  "He's been clumsy recently," he said at Dean's dirty look.  "We can't break those.  The wedding set is charmed in case of poisons and has a blessing for happiness woven around the gold bands on them."

"Does the house elf need glasses?"

"That's a possibility.  I'm having the house elf healer in over the holidays too.  Just so nothing gets in the way of the wedding."  He looked.  "This pattern goes to the apartment by Hogsmeade, Xander."  He came to look.  "This one goes to the villa in France and this one is in the Mediterranean somewhere.  Mother enjoyed it but sun and I don't get along that well."  He pointed at another one.  "That one is in South America somewhere.  My father bought it for some reason."  He looked at the others.  "Hmm."

"That one was at the apartment in town," Xander told him, tapping one.

"Then this one must be a minor place and that one too.  There's only four place settings."

"Mistresses?" Dean asked dryly.

"That might be," Draco agreed.  "I need to make sure that Father hasn't left any loose ends that way or that I don't own her house.  That's tacky and she should have it for having to put up with Lucius in bed.  He must've been a bore."  He looked at one other box, frowning.  "That's for the head of family's and other important funerals."  He looked at Xander. "It's bad luck to bring them out except for that."

"One setting's in the kitchen.  I think I had coffee in the mug," Xander said.  Draco went to check and bring them back out.  "It was probably leftover."

"No, the house elves have been out here and brought a sample of each set.  I've straightened them out."  They came to get the set for this house and left again.  He carefully repacked that one and the house elves repacked the others for him.  "There, that's better.  No more bad omens or luck."

"Draco, remember, death and I are friends," Xander told him.  "We've had a few long talks."

"Why?" Dean asked.

"Because it's been a few times in Sunnydale.  Buffy nearly died of the flu and ended up killing a demon that was killing kids in the hospital.  Angel went psycho stalker when he lost his soul.  I had to keep him out of her hospital room during that.  Not to mention bringing her back from drowning.  Willow bringing her back from Glory.  Death follows Buffy around because he likes her short skirts.  Since we were helping we got used to her stalker buddy."

Dean gave him a hug because he had noticed Xander got reassurance faster if there was physical contact involved.  "You don't have to do that anymore, Xander."

"Giles made me an honorary research watcher."

"It's all right.  You won't have a girl to control."

"Thankfully."  He gave him a squeeze.  "Thanks, Dean."

"Not a problem.  We'll teach you our ways so you can hunt with us now and then.  Where is Dad by the way?"

"Probably headed for Miami and the demon fighting arena I saved one of Draco's cousins from."

"I heard," Draco said dryly.  "Father would've had her committed for psychiatric help if she embarrassed the family that way."

"I admitted her to the special unit and told her she couldn't do that until she was of legal age.  To not spread it around because I would take action if they embarrassed the family, and if she called for a rescue I would but not if she only wanted it so she could move to another one."

"Lucius would've put her mother in for help for bringing that to the courts."

"Of course.  Your father was an asshole, Draco."

"True," he admitted, grinning some.  "I'm better at least."

"A lot better."  Dean even nodded to show he agreed.  "We need anything else out here?  It's a bit creepy and feels like some crypts I've been in."

"As long as you don't plan on decorating that way," Dean told him, giving him a small spank.

"It couldn't be worse than my grandfather's tastes.  My mother had to remove a lot of dark red leather furniture when she moved in."  They left the storage area and Draco locked it again, letting them head in through the kitchen.  He looked at Xander.  "Did you hear anything about your bastard relatives?"

"Their life insurance policy had a clause that said they don't have to pay out for an act of god."

"That wasn't an act of God, that was an act of Spike," Dean assured him.  "You said you were going to take it to the family lawyer."

"I forgot."

Draco went to find the letter and take it with him, waving before he flooed back to the school.  "Xander has Dean over for some private time and I had to straighten out some things, plus find the wedding dishes."  He went to owl the family's attorney that letter and a note, telling him to ask the aurors for a statement on what really happened.  Then he went to dinner.  Sometimes Xander did drain his nerves dry.  He sat down and nodded at his table mates.  "Good evening.  Is it fixed yet?"

"Somewhat.  Snape found the play room and a few other things he didn't like so they had to stop to confiscate it," Pansy said.  "Bread?" she asked, handing over the basket.

"Thank you.  Did he confiscate the liquor stash?"  She nodded. "Pity."

"We'll call home to get more," she reminded him. "Will your head of house send any?"

"He had drunken parents.  He doesn't really drink due to that.  I'll send one of the house elves to get some."  She nodded at that, smiling a bit.  "Anything else get found that we didn't know about?"

"There was a wedding chamber for forced marriages here in the school.  It was resealed.  There's also a storage area that got found.  Stuff that we've left behind and things."

"Anything good?"

"A few pieces of lingerie.  A few pieces of jewelry.  Nothing spectacular or noteworthy."

"That's fine then.  I had to go change some dishes and tell his house elves they didn't need to have dishes from each of the houses and the funeral set in the house.  Looked over the barn and the storage area at the ancestral home.  Xander's done a good job restoring it.  Only a few things need fixed."  She smiled at that.

"Are you holding the wedding there or Malfoy Manor?"

"Malfoy Manor.  We have that ballroom we only use for the holiday parties and the gardens if she'd prefer.  The ancestral home is built like an ancient fortress and has a lot more wood, which doesn't look good against either of us.  The gardens are starting to be healed but it may not be enough by the time next summer comes around. That reminds me, I have to have the house elf healer in to look over mine, just in case."  He ate a bite of dinner, then got some more meat, eating heartily.

Pansy looked at him.  "Are you playing heir for your head of family?"  He nodded. "How is he doing managing things?"

"Fairly well.  He lets the goblins do all the investing decisions for him.  In the last six months we've had ten percent returns.  That's very nice.  He manages all the minor incidences fairly easily.  The only problem I have with the man is that he likes to wear ugly muggle clothes and it looks bad on us.  I take him shopping now and then but he never really fully wears wizarding clothes.  I was proud, he went out today in a fully wizarding outfit but for his trainers, and carried his wand and staff."

"He doesn't carry his wand?"

He looked at her.  "He's more likely to carry weapons and explosives.  He used to hunt demons, Pansy."  She went pale.  "The same as the only magic he knew before getting here was that wandless stuff.  Fairly powerful.  Rosenburg scares the crap out of me.  She's more powerful than the family staffs really.  Anyone who can stick a soul in a vampire has to be quite strong."

She shook her head quickly.  "Excuse me?  She did what?"

"Stuck a soul back in the vampire it had gotten free of.  According to Xander he went 'psycho stalker git' and she had to return it to its rightful place."

"She stuck a *soul* back in a *vampire*?" she clarified.  He smirked and nodded.  He so did love to make her look so horrified for little reasons.  "Why?"

"She's like that and so was Sunnydale from what I'm told.  Took her three tries to close the hellmouth portal they found open in the basement of the ancestral home but it had been open for over six centuries.  Longer than the one in Sunnydale had been active and she's shut it a number of times."

She blinked, staring at him.  "Is your head of family normal?"

"He hunted vampires from the time he was sixteen until he came over here at twenty-one, Pansy.  What do you think?"

She shuddered.  "Is he dangerous?"

"Only if you attack one of us, his friends, or he finds you attacking an innocent.  Look at how he snuck up on the Dark Lord that first time."  She shrank down some.  "Exactly.  And he doesn't use our methods yet but I have been very busy tutoring him.  It's going well.  He's in the second year of charms and transfiguration work.  Not bad for six months with a wand."

"No, not bad," she said weakly.  "Is he going to marry soon?"

"There's the most likely probability of some sort of alliance with the Winchester clan.  They're working on delicate matters together and they're friends.  We'll have to see how that goes."  He noticed Professor Snape staring at him.  "It could still, Professor."

"It may," he agreed.  He had seen that the boy cared for them.  "Would that be best for the family?"

"Better than his usual taste in women considering his last long term girlfriend was a vengeance demon that had been returned to a human state.  That was really not acceptable even in my family.  Consorting yes, perhaps granting sexual favors, but not intending to marry her like he had."

Pansy gave him a gentle poke on the arm. "He was dating what?"

"Anyanka over Scorned Women.  She had been turned into a human for a bit.  Fairly scandalous but he was thinking about marrying her before he got summoned over here and she broke up with him.  Then she died in that last battle over there."

"Oh."  She nodded.  "He's good to the family otherwise?"  Draco smiled and nodded. "Your new bride knows this?"

"When we met her father asked Xander what he did.  He had heard of him and what he used to do.  He's retired now but Dean offered to teach him their methods of demon hunting so he could go with them now and then."

"Charming of him.  Dean?"

"Sam Winchester's older brother."

"Oh, him.  He was a bit cute when he was here on the inspection tours."

"He's grieving for a lost fiancee and there's a demon hunting their family, Pansy.  He's never going to take up with someone who can't fight for themselves."

"So he and Xander then?"

"It's possible.  We're waiting to see how things work out.  Then we'll have to demand heirs from them via surrogate or transfiguration spells.  Either would be acceptable."

"I suppose they would be."  She considered it then nodded slowly.  "Think he could tell my mother how you found yours?"

"My mother started off looking in the Who's Who guide since he wanted us to go farther afield for unmixed blood.  He followed up with what she was doing."

"I'll let Mother know that.  Maybe she'll find me a handsome man with intelligence."  She dug in again, deciding that his head of family was turning Draco strange.  He had some high expectations and Xander was clearly trying to turn Draco into an average wizard instead of the stunning jewel he would've been for the dark.  Pity but perhaps his future wife would lead him back to his proper side.

***

Xander smiled as Horatio appeared for the next meeting.  "Did it help?"

"A lot.  They've begun to talk and hover very worriedly over Speed and I like we're fragile."

"They were saying that they had to compensate where you two were getting strange."

"It's not necessary."

"I didn't tell them to."

"I told them that.  They walked off snorting and talking about what to turn Stetler into this time."  Tony snickered.  "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine.  Gibbs is at home working on his boat.  The director has evened out and I warned her about going after Xander if he shows up again.  She decided I was right.  She thinks this is for some small, closed community near DC somewhere."

Horatio nodded, looking at Patricia's seat and the man sitting next to it.  "Hello.  Petitioning?"

"I'm one of the ones she votes for.  I came to vote for myself today."

"That's fine," Tony agreed.  "Is she going to be late?"

"A bit.  Her husband is making her scream at him at the moment."  He nodded as Stella came in, standing up some.  She waved him back down.  He would ignore her clothes.  How could a proper woman wear pants?  "She's talked about most of you."  He looked at Xander.  "Are you Sam or Xander?"

"I'm Xander.  Sam sits to my left and Harry on my right."  John appeared in a burst of sparkles.  "Morning, ET."

"I got to do more than phone home this time," he shot back with a grin.  He sat down.  "Harry?"

"Detention," Xander said, handing down the letter.  "McGonagall got him for getting Ron back when Ron complained he was being a prat because he was getting some attention again.  Ron went on a jealous snit streak and Harry finally turned and punched him in the nose.  I pointed out this was a council weekend.  She said he could turn over proxy but he would be serving this one and then they'd both straighten Ron out together."

Horatio read the sealed letter.  "We might be doing more than that.  She's making Ron his proxy for the day and Harry did agree."  He put it aside.  "He'll be down shortly I'm sure.  Stella, Mac and Danny?"  She handed over the sealed note. "Court?"

"Yup.  Guy who killed three kids is trying to get out of it.  Mac's on first so he may make it before we're done.  He's not sure."

"All right then.  Tony, you're voting for Danny.  Stella, you have Mac's until he gets here. John, welcome home again.  How is your project going?"

"Reasonably well but I was asked to find some food to bring home."

"Seeds or food?" Xander asked.

"Seeds would be great but food is better.  We're down on fruit and those things."

"I have an apple orchard behind the house.  I wouldn't mind if you took some cuttings or whatever.  Plus the school seems to live on potatoes and pumpkins."

John smiled.  "That could help.  I'll stop to get some."

"The herbologist up the street might be able to help," Horatio told him.  "I know I've seen her planting some good looking saplings and some early pumpkin vines so they'll be bigger and produce more when you plant them.  I asked."  John smiled and nodded at that.  "If not, my family's home has an orchard as well.  I'm sure you could come get some of the fruit that ended up staying on the ground to get seeds."

"I'll have to get Rodney over here to help me find the best way to do that.  Thanks, guys."

"Welcome.  Don't want to have to join you to save us all," Xander quipped with a grin.

John smirked back.  "Smartass.  We can do just fine, thank you."

"If you're sure."

"Rodney is our senior scientist.  You'd have to deal with him all the time."

"I'm sure he's decent when he's not screaming at me about you being missing."

"Maybe."  He shrugged.  Ron was walked in by the Minister for Magic.  Patricia was following him, giving her helper an odd look.  "Good morning, everyone."

"Morning," the Minister for Magic said as he sat down.  Patricia sat next to him.  "We're missing people?  I was told why Ron was sitting in."

"Danny and Mac have court today.  Mac may be joining us.  If not, Stella is voting for him and Danny's is being held by Tony today," Horatio told him.  "Mr. Weasley, do you know how Harry would vote for things?"  He nodded, staying silent.  "All right, if you need help, ask John or Xander.  They're around you."  He looked around.  "Patricia, anyone else coming in from your proxies?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"All right then I call this meeting to order.  Looking at the agenda, we have the usual two: legal issues and the next meeting.  Do we have anything else for today beyond the final health department votes and setup?"

The minister coughed.  "Not to be rude, Horatio, but when do we vote for your position?"

"We thought it'd be done yearly," Horatio said.

That got a nod.  "That's reasonable.  Just wondering in case I had to have a proxy voter. That would be the third meeting after you all got called?"  He nodded.  "Then I'll make sure I'm here for that one personally."

"Do we need to hit on any of the education stuff today, Patricia?"

"Not today, but I have heard a rumor that the other schools would ask that a fourth school be opened for the students at the facility here in town who could be turned over to a normal education and for the ones we're missing.  Since none of the other schools are capable of handling children who might have difficulty doing stairs and things.  Plus it would give us a good place to grade against if we started out using the higher standards."

Horatio marked that down.  "We have next meeting set for education specifically.  Let's address that then?"  She nodded and smiled.  "Though I believe that might be the easiest ideas.  The other schools can't handle them?"

"Or the extra students.  The dorms may stretch but only so much."

"Then that might be the most workable plan," Horatio agreed.  "Do we know who suggested it?"

"It was suggested after Xander had to spank his family member in front of the Wizengomet.  I believe Dumbledore was a suggester of it and a few others agreed with him."

"That might be a good thing, a bit of higher competition," Xander said.  Twirpy came in and handed over coffee and tea.  "Thank you, Twirpy."  He nodded and left.  "It's good we have it today.  Are we going to have to ask the healer to speak in small words again?"

"No, we're doing the setup of departments and duties," Patricia assured him.  He nodded at that.  "You don't pay attention to those things?"

"I'm a hands-on learner, Patricia.  Lectures do *nothing* for me."

She nodded. "My brother was that way.  Give him something mechanical and he's wonderful.  Put him in a lecture class and he fails."  She sipped her tea.  "A bit strong today."  She looked at Horatio.  Then at Stella.  "We were going to start talking about the CPS idea?"

"We were whenever you got ready to discuss it."

"I've managed to get some more research in and I can say that it may be needed but I'm still not in total favor of the idea.  Especially not with how the muggles deal with those things."

"Which is one thing we can decide," Stella agreed.  Xander sipped his tea then choked.  "Xander?  You okay?"  He shook his head, going to puke in the trash can.

Patricia came over to help.  "It's green, what did you eat?"

Ron sniffed the cup. "We need the healer."  Horatio went to get her while he froze Xander.  "We've had six cases of this at school.  One of them was Harry last week and one was Draco."  The healer rushed in and came to look at him.  "I froze him because that's what Madam Pomfrey did when his cousin started to vomit it up."  He handed over the cup for her to sniff.  She led him off.  "Harry said this was a fairly calm, quiet meeting."

"They are until someone poisons someone," Stella assured him.  "Let me get an auror."  She went to get one, dragging him back by his ear because he had argued with her.  "Here you go, Horatio."

He looked at him.  "Someone put a poison in Mr. Harris' tea."

"Here?" he demanded, rubbing the feeling back into his ear.  Horatio nodded.  "How did it get here?"

"Twirpy brought it," the Minister said. "Twirpy!"  He appeared, looking at him.  "Who gave you the tea for Mr. Harris?"

"Twirpy was not given tea for Mister Xander sir.  Twirpy was given tea for Mr. Sam sir."

"That's why I have coffee I suppose," Ron said.

"Twirpy always puts cups out of range for left-handed people," the Minister agreed.  "Where is Winchester?"

"He said he'd be about ten minutes late.  He had to finish stitches on his brother's arm where he ran into a tree on Xander's broom," Horatio said.  "He flooed.  Twirpy, who gave you the special cup of tea for Sam?"

"Twirpy was told to mix sweetening for Mr. Sam sir into Mr. Sam sir's tea."

"Did they tell you to dose anyone else?" Horatio asked.  He shook his head quickly.  "You're sure?"

"Mine's strong but it doesn't taste funny," Patricia said.  "Did any get into my cup?"  The house elf shook his head.  "Thank you, Twirpy.  Who gave you the sweetening?"

"Other house elf."

"A Ministry house elf?" the auror asked.  He nodded.  "Which one?"

"Sweetbread."

"Where does that one serve?"

"Species."

"Thank you, Twirpy.  Get the vial of sweetening and meet me in my office soon, please.  I'll be there once I get the other house elf.  I will get to the end of this matter, Horatio.  No need to come help this time."  He left.

Horatio looked after him.  Then he looked at Stella.  "You can since he doesn't think he needs mine."

"Oh, I so will."

Sam strolled in and looked.  "Xander's off today?"

"Xander just got poisoned," Stella said.

"Hmm.  He'll be killing someone then."  The Minister gave him a horrified look.  "Do you think he can't?"  He sat down.  "I'll check on him soon," he said at the odd looks.  "Dean will be anyway."  He texted him and got back a 'going'.  "He's at the hospital?"  Horatio nodded.  "Dean can hold him down since Xander hates hospitals.  He'll be escaping as soon as he can."

"Sure.  I do," Ron agreed.

Sam grinned.  "You don't look like Harry."

"Harry has detention and he said if I thought this was so glamorous I can come fill in for him today."

Sam laughed.  "We're mostly a decent punishment."  Dean sent back a text message.  "He'll be fine and he said to let me vote his vote," he said, tossing the phone to Horatio, who recorded it and sent it back.  "Okay, have we started yet?"

"Looking at what else has to hit the agenda," John said.  "Why are we looking at the CPS laws?"

"There aren't any," Stella said.

"Ah.  That's probably a bad thing then.  Anything else we had for today, Patricia?"

"I'm good with those."  They nodded.  "Just the beginning talks for the CPS stuff, Horatio.  We're not ready to vote yet."

"Of course.  We often talk about things for a few meetings before we vote," he assured her.  "All right, let's set the next meeting now.  Stella, do you have your schedules?"

"We are open the twenty-first of december."

"That's Solstice and a holiday over here," Patricia said.  "I'm hosting an event that night."

"We have the fifteenth open as well, Mac wasn't sure if you guys celebrated Solstice or Christmas."

"Most of the parties are on Solstice and Christmas is family only," Patricia told her. "The fifteenth would work for me.  When are students coming back, Ron?"

"The twentieth."

"Then the fifteenth should work.  Tony?" Horatio asked.  He shrugged.  "You're not on, on?"

"No clue.  She hasn't made December schedules and all I have to do is tell Gibbs I need to be here.  I can get a few hours."

"Good.  John?"

"Whatever is fine with me, Horatio.  Ron, what about exams?  I know we had some right before the holiday."

"We'll have some that week but Harry can stay up late studying.  We do anyway.  He said the four hours doesn't really make a lot of difference.  Made his OWLs better he thought."

"Then we'll schedule next time for the fifteenth."  Horatio wrote that down.  "Onto the next point.  Any new legal news or issues we have to hear?"

"That one petition about the law not needing to apply to men," the Minister said.  "They're in the hall waiting and glaring at each other."

"Anything before we hear that argument?  We can take a tea break after that to check on Xander before we get into the heavier stuff."

"One, again from Species," the Minister said, handing it over.  "They didn't think the clarification went far enough.  They cited examples that would've been missed."

Horatio read it over.  "It looks like all of those would've been covered under the health issue part."  He passed it to John, who read it and passed it to Ron, who frowned.  But he read it and passed it to Sam.  "Did they say why?  All of those caused a health issue."

"No, just that it wouldn't have been caught.  That was the whole argument."

Patricia got it and read it then grimaced.  "That's disgusting."  Everyone nodded.  "But clearly covered since they all included a health issue.  That was put in there, right, Horatio?"  He pulled out his copy to hand over to her.  She compared it. "I would say they'd all be covered."

The Minister nodded, taking that back to make a note on it.  "I'll let them know."  He looked at him.  "Want me to get them?"

"Please."  Mac came in.  "Or you can.  We're hearing arguments on not needing the decency statue to apply to both genders.  They're in the hall, Mac."

"Sure.  Where's Xander?"

"Poisoned," John said.  "At the hospital with Sam's brother."

"Is he all right?"

"Dean said he was fine and whining."

"I do too," Mac agreed.  He opened the door.  "The people here for arguing about gender issues?"  They came in and he sat down.  "Thank you, Stella."

"The case?"

"Solid.  The defense didn't even try to trip me up.  Asked me my qualifications.  Once they got to Marine they shut up."  She smiled at that.  "So even if Danny flubs somehow it's good."

"It's good to hear the good guys won another one," Horatio said.  "All right, I'm told that you two wanted to argue the legality and necessity of the decency statute being applied to both genders?"  They nodded. "Which is which side?"

"We're both on the side against, sir.  The judges said you wrote it, you could handle it.  They had an emergency call to hear a case."

"Then I'll start by asking for a reasonable, calm argument why it should not apply," Horatio said.

"We don't feel men do those sort of things, sir.  It's fairly rare."

Stella pulled something out.  "I asked the aurors.  There's been one-hundred-eighteen decency complaints in Diagon in the last year."  She handed it to Horatio.  "Ten of those have been men but the majority were under the old clothing laws Fudge had put out to make himself look better."

"Ten?" the second one said.

"That includes the guy who was flashing the kids a few months back," she assured him.  "There's been nine of those since we changed the rules.  Five of them have been the male cases."

Horatio looked at the summaries for why then nodded.  "I would think that a robe that blew up when you're not wearing anything would be a problem.  Was it an accident?"

"Not from what they said.  He walked over the same grate three times and never bothered to push it back down," Stella reported.

The men coughed.  "May I?" Horatio looked at them.  "Well.  Mostly exposing themselves."

"Which is one of the most common ways to do that," Stella agreed.  "The women they got for really tight pants or tops, which I don't like but I do understand the local standards are still fairly old."  They looked at her outfit.  "Yes, I work in the muggle world and this is considered modest and decorous of us."

One of them frowned.  "Our women will never wear clothes like that!"

"The world moves on and things are changing," Stella told him simply.  "There are plenty of women who already wear this sort of outfit."

"I've never seen any!" the second complained.

"Then you weren't here when the new students went shopping?" she asked.  He blushed.  "Let me guess, you were staring at the kids?"  He went pale.  "Are we perhaps wanted for something like looking at kids?"  He shook his head quickly.  "Are you sure?"  He nodded.  "Good.  I'd hate to arrest you too.  That is my job."

"Stella, you could wear a skirt at least," Patricia chided.

"All my skirts end at my knees or higher, Patricia."

"Higher?" she squeaked.  She nodded, pulling out a picture to show her.  "Oh, dear.  Is that considered professional?"

"I was out on a date.  I can't chase bad guys in skirts so I don't usually wear them at work."  She took it back and held it up.  "That is fashionable in the modern world.  The wizarding world is slowly being caught up to it, because they have to be.  There's no way to totally insulate a society from another one when they occupy the same country.  Now, why do you think men don't do those sort of things on purpose?"

"No upstanding man would," the first said firmly.  He looked away from that picture.  She put it up.  "There have always been loose women, but men are not like that."

"What a crock of shit," Tony said dryly.  "There's been more men who play around on their wives than there have been loose women, who're usually more poor and had to do it to make ends meet.  I'm sorry, if the law applies, it applies to everyone and so far your argument has been mostly whining.  Do you have any *real* evidence that men don't do those sort of things?"

"Well, I never...." one huffed.

Tony shrugged.  "Then at least you won't be arrested under the decency law then, huh?"  They stomped out.

"Have a nice day, gentlemen," Mac called.  "Was their court argument that whiny?" he asked the Minster.  Who nodded.  "No wonder the judges turned it down."  Horatio handed over the statistics.  "Good work, Stella."

"Thank you, Mac."  Horatio handed them to recorder to be put with the notes.  "Do we want to check on Xander or go right to the health department stuff?"

Sam texted his brother.  "Dean said they'll let him go rest at home in a few minutes.  He's still whining.  He said Xander said hospitals are evil."  That got a few laughs from John, Ron, and Mac.  The new text message came in.  "Dean's taking him home now and they'll be on the couch in the library since Xander said he's not too sick for that and he doesn't need to be in bed."  That got a nod.  He looked at the cup of tea for him.  "Do we think it's safe?"

"Twirpy said the sweetening only went into yours, Sam," Horatio told him.  "He must have mixed them up."

Sam smirked at him.  "Really?"

"The aurors will tell us why.  We can check on the way out."

"Then can we call ten minutes to get something from the commissary?"  Horatio nodded and they went to do that then came back.  Sam was sipping his soda.  "Okay, now that we're all back.  What's next?  Health department?"  Patricia nodded.  "More healer testimony?"

"She's here to tell us how she thinks it should be since she's the one doing all the research."

"Okay.  Anyone have anything before we get to that?" Sam asked.  Ron went to get her when Horatio gave him a look.  She walked in.  "Welcome."

"Good morning, everyone.  Thankfully the whiny one will be fine."  She pulled out her notes.  "We were going to start where today?"

"Structure so we can gauge how much it's going to cost," Patricia told her.  She nodded, enlarging her notes so they could start on that.

***

Ron walked into McGonagall's classroom.  "Stupify me?" he demanded in a whine.

"Why?" she asked with a small smile.  "Bored?"

"They're setting up a health department for shots and stuff.  We went over how many people could cover how many shots per day and how often they had to be given and how to do them to the older kids and then how many mediwitches it'd take to do girl stuff and check for diseases."  He sat down, holding his head.  "Merlin, if Harry deals with that he's a stronger soul than I am.  Even my mum would've been worn out by her babbling figures."

Harry laughed as he walked in.  "What did we decide?"

"Xander's a whiny asshole when the poison got him instead of that Sam bloke.  The health department got passed and passed onto the budget department to find them money and a place to work from in Diagon.  Have to ask Draco about that."  He handed over the note.  "The two whiny ponces who think men don't flash girls in Diagon got laughed out when they started to complain that only loose women did those things.  Next meeting's in there."  His head hit the desk again and he fell asleep a minute later.

Harry opened the letter, reading all the facts.  "Is Malfoy in detention today?"

"Not this weekend."  She looked at it.  "You may go, Harry.  You're done."

He nodded, heading down there.  She could deal with a sleeping, snoring Ron. She had in class before.   He found the Slytherin door and looked at the snake, switching to Parseltongue.  "I need Draco Malfoy please.  It's family news."

Pansy Parkinson opened the door.  "What do you want, Potter?"

"I need to see Draco.  It's family news."

"What sort of family news?"

"His head of family was slightly poisoned earlier."

"I'm not sure he's here.  He might be on the pitch.  Stay there."  She closed the door and went inside to look for him.  "Draco, your head of family was just poisoned," she said in greeting.

"Someone will be dying then," he said, getting up.  "How do you know?"

"Potter's outside with a letter."

"Black edged?"

"No."

He went down there, walking out into the hall and closing the door.  "He was poisoned?"

"He got Sam's tea by mistake."  He handed over the letter.  Draco gave him an odd look. "McGonagall said since Ron was jealous of the perks I get for Council stuff, he could go in my place today."

"Bet that stopped that fit.  I used to hate it when my father pulled me with him.  Boring shite.  Really."  He read the letter, nodding.  "So he's fine?"

"Ron said Sam said he was whiny."

"Xander's not the sort to sit idle in a hospital.  He hates having nothing to do.  He's at home at least so it wasn't serious."

"Ron's in McGonagall's classroom. You can ask him if you need more."  He took the note back.  "Did you read the bottom section?"  Draco snatched it back and read, then nodded.  "Doing so would be good publicity for the family and I'm sure you can get a tax break or something for it."

"I'll consider that.  I do own a few shops down there."

"They'd need almost no windows.  Like healers would."

"Then I definitely have something.  I have an odd little townhouse squashed between buildings that I might be willing to part with.  I don't like the place.  No one lives there."  That got a nod.  "Talk to the Minister for Magic?"

"Probably.  He's got to have passed it onto the budget office by now if we passed it."

"Then I'll floo him later.  Any other good news you want to share?"

Harry leaned closer. "If the next meeting's the fifteenth..."

"Exams after that but I can make Xander pick me up at King's Cross and take us both holiday shopping."

Harry smirked. "You were mumbling the other day about making him do a shopping spree to break his desire to never spend money."

"That is a decent enough plan.  Thank you, Potter."

"Welcome."  He walked off, going to his tower.  He was free, Ron had been disgusted and bored all day for him, it was a good day to nap.

Draco went to call the Minister for Magic's office.  "This is Draco Malfoy," he told the secretary.  "It was mentioned to Potter that someone thought I might have a building the new Health Department would like to use?"  She passed him back.  "Sir."

"Draco, my boy.  I haven't seen you in months.  How's school?"

"Fairly decent.  I heard I have a building you might want to buy for the Health people?"

"I was thinking the former Blue Moon Emporium building."

"Potter said they'd need privacy like a healer.  What about the townhouse between there and the Pottery Barn place?"

He blinked.  "You own that?"  Draco nodded.  "Interesting.  Why?"

"My father had his mistress there but kicked her out when she turned him in for trying to kill her.  It's been empty for years.  It's a three level townhouse.  I don't favor it.  It's in a good spot."

"We'll have four departments but one might be able to share a floor since it'll be mostly paperwork.  I'll have the healer we put in charge come look with you over the holidays?"

"Of course.  I'll even give the Ministry easy payment plans."

He laughed.  "That's good of you, Draco.  How is your head of family?"

"I've just heard from Potter, though Weasley, that he was ill.  He's fine?"

"As far as we know.  Sam got some sort of messages on his whatever that was in his pocket."  Draco held up his cellphone. "Yes, that thing.  What is it?"

"It's a telephone but it's a cordless one that works nearly anywhere you might be.  It's called a cellphone."

"Oh.  Interesting."

"Very handy things unless you're in the middle of nowhere."

"Even better.  He got messages on it somehow from his brother saying that Xander's at home, on his library couch, whining that he's not actually sick, just nasty feeling."

"I'll call him next to check on him.  Did we find out why?"

"Someone heard about the bonding potion but not the lust potion."

"Ah.  Thank you, sir.  Let me know when you want to look at it."  He hung up and tossed in some more.  "Xander Harris."  His head popped up and one hand came up to hold his forehead.  "Will you live?"

"I'd better.  You'd be bored in meetings talking about CPS stuff."

Draco smirked.  "So I take it you're whiny because you're bored?"

"I was reading.  I was being good and reading.  I was only whining in the hospital.  Hospitals are evil and for really sick people.  I was only puking."

"You were poisoned."

"So?  Been there before with some demons."  He shrugged.  "I'll live."

"Good.  We're going shopping for presents when I get back to King's Cross on the twentieth.  Pick me up."  He hung up and went back up to his bed to rest.  Sometimes Xander was the most annoying wizard in the world, right behind Potter.

***

Dean pulled Xander back down onto the couch and away from the fire.  "You still need to rest to be well enough to take him shopping."

"I'm scared of that trip."

"I would be too.  Get us something pretty nice and we'll be fine."

"I've already got yours.  They're stored and safely locked up since Sam doesn't know the unlocking charm yet."

Dean grinned.  "Did I get good stuff?"

"Yup."  He leaned against his shoulder.  "Save me from a shopping Draco?"

"Sure.   Maybe he can even help me replace your broom for you."

"Okay.  And get your own to run into the trees."

"And get my own to run into the trees," he agreed.  "You've been poisoned by a demon?"

"Claws."

Dean poked him.  "Not very informative."

"A lot of demons have poisoned claws.  I've been hit with them five or six, maybe seven times.  We had stuff on hand and I took it so all I had to do was heal the cuts."

"Dad said that your legend among the slayers is nearly mythical.  He had to burst some of it.  Like how you couldn't have snuck onto a military base for a weapon."  Xander nodded. "You did?"

"Yeah, I did.  We even double dated during it.  Me and Cordy, Willow and Oz.  I had passwords from the possession."

Dean groaned.  "Did you really take on a Replessor demon by yourself?"

"She saw that?" he asked sheepishly.

"No, Spike left a journal with Angel to give to her if he died.  It mentioned it."

"Oops."

Dean pulled out his cellphone, calling his father.  "Hey, Dad, Dean.  You were wrong to tell the slayers he didn't do those two things.  He did."  He hung up and grinned.  "He's swearing at Horatio."

"Poor Horatio."

Dean gave him a squeeze.  "Horatio can pop my dad on the head like Gibbs."  His phone rang.  "Yeah, Dad?"  He listened to him complain.  "He did.  He said he had passwords and codes from his possession.  No, he said he did take on that demon by himself but he didn't think Spike saw."

"I didn't think anyone saw.  It was in my basement," Xander complained.

"He said it was in his basement so he's not sure how anyone saw.  On the couch in the library because he got poisoned  earlier when someone went after Sammy for that bonding potion.  Sammy told him the whole truth and he burst out crying for him and begged him to not touch me.  That they needed him too much to have him in jail for doing both of us."  He smirked as his father said he'd beg him not to do that too.  "Aw, come on, Dad."

Xander took the phone.  "Draco told me how heirs get done, John, but I'd have to transfigure one of them into a girl."  He hung up on his spluttering and put his head back down.  "My head hurts.  He was loud."

"He can be that way sometimes," Dean agreed.  He looked over as Sam strolled in with dinner trays.  "You took the time to cook?"

"No, I grabbed it from the house elves."  He set it in front of the couch and sat down, pulling Xander over.  "I'm sorry he poisoned you instead of me, Xander."

"He's been poisoned before by demon claws," Dean said, grabbing his plate.

Sam looked at him.  "Are you sure you're not a Winchester, Xander?"

"If I am, we're in real trouble."

"Good point.  Dad would really scream then," Sam agreed.

"I got to tell Dad that he was wrong to tell the slayers Xander hadn't done those things."

"How did he take it?"

"He gave Xander a headache with the loud ranting."

"Ah."  He handed Xander his mug of soup and got his own plate, watching him sip it slowly.  "It won't happen again.  They won't tell the press and it won't happen again."

"There's a group?" Dean asked.

"Yeah.  A decency group.  They decided it's not our fault."

"How very white, upperclass of them," Dean said dryly.

"Most were, and female," Sam said.  He ate another bite, watching as Xander's fingers stole a piece of roll off his plate.  "Feeling better?"

"I guess."  He nibbled it and drank his soup.  "The healer said only liquid for the next day and a half."

"That's to help flush your system," Sam told him.  "Like you did before when you were poisoned."

"I took a vial of stuff and a bandage.  I was all better."

Dean shook his head, but he stuffed it instead of saying something.  Maybe Xander *was* a Winchester.  It'd explain how those things happened to him.

John appeared, looking around.  "This wasn't where I expected to be."

Xander called Horatio.  "Why do we have John?"  He nodded.  "Sure, in about when?  We can do that."  He hung up.  "Feds were coming up the hall."

"Better if I miss that," John said.  He looked at him.  "You don't look too sick."

"That's what I said.  Last time I had a vial of stuff, some bandages, and I was good.  The healer said I had to lounge around and drink for the next day and a half.  Can I go play outside later?  Please, Daddy?"

John smirked.  "Nice try, kid, but you don't quite sound like Sammy."

"Sam," Sam countered.  "I'm not five."

John looked at him.  "I changed your diapers; I can call you whatever I want."

Xander looked at him.  "Draco said I could turn him into a girl so you could change your grandkids's diapers if you want."

"Turn Dean, he's prettier and he'd make a better girl," Sam said.  He waved his fork and took a bite.

"I am so going to kill you later," Dean assured him.  "Then there won't be a problem, huh?"

"Then you'd have to explain shit to me and sit on the boring meetings," Xander told him.

Dean considered it.  "Well....."

John laughed.  "He has a point, son.  You or me after this if it's not your aunts."

"We're going over CPS stuff next," Sam told him.

"Are they overstepping themselves here too?"

"They don't have one," Xander told him.

"Then who takes the kids like you and who watches over the orphans?"

"No one.  There's no official standards set and no guardians."

John shook his head.  "That's bad."

"We were talking about it.  Patricia doesn't like the idea but she sees a small need.  Very small according to her because other family members would step in.  Horatio set up an appointment for her to talk to someone who recently killed his.  The person she was voting for showed up, well one of them, and gave her a few funny looks throughout it.  Gave some to Stella too.  Patricia tried to make her wear Victorian clothes.  Stella had to break her bubble because all her skirts are knee length or shorter.  She was horrified.  So were the two dweebs from what I hear?"

"Putting it mildly," Sam said.  "Two dweebs came up today to protest that the indecency law doesn't need to apply to men because no real man does that, only loose women wear too few clothes or flash kids."  John snorted. "Might as well sit down, Dad."  He sat down.  "Tony basically ran them out heckling them for their views on loose women.  Stella supplied facts.  Even Mac said something about them."

"Could've been long winded and worse I guess," Dean offered.

"No, someone told them that we're mostly action oriented people so any long arguments we'd fall asleep during and disagree with them when they woke us up."  A woman came out of the floo.  "Who're you?"

"Hi, Madam Pomfrey.  Guys, this is the school nurse at Hogwarts.  One of the relatives?"

"Checking on you for fussing one so they'll leave me alone to see the other patients I have."  She came over to run her wand over him, nodding.  "You're healing very well."

"Does that mean I can go play?"

She gave him a look.  "You never rest, do you?"

"No.  Hospitals are evil and only for the really sick, contagious, people with lots and lots of broken things, or who need surgery."

"Fine, gentle playing, young man.  Keep your heartrate down.  No sex either tonight."  She ran her wand over him again.  "You do heal extraordinarily well."

"From a possession, the merman stuff, or otherwise?  Can you tell?"

She blinked.  "Excuse me?"

"Can you tell if it's because of a possession I've had, the mermaid taint I got exposed to and mostly cleared from my system, or is it from something else, like the hellmouth taint?"

She stared at him. "You've been possessed?"

"Twice.  Came in handy too."

She gaped.  "How on earth?  Was no one watching over you?"

"Giles was Buffy's Watcher.  Why should he have been watching over us?  That would've meant he couldn't watch Buffy as well.  Even if he did try to control Willow's descent into magic."

She slumped, shaking her head.  "Someone must yell at that man."

"He's in Cleveland," John said with a smile.  "At the New Watchers Council."

She pursed her lips.  "I'll keep that in mind.  Have you contacted your family healer?"

"Haven't picked one yet.  The ER said to sit down, try to nap, and drink a lot.  Can I eat solid foods?"

"If you can keep them down.  When was the last exposure to a poison?"

Xander considered.  "Three, four weeks ago maybe?  Some demon with claws jumped me in the woods behind the house.  I killed it, took the antivenom we used just in case, and finished my hike to catch the bus into the city."

She stared at him.  "I would like to see that anti-venom."

"Dean, can you get into my patrol backpack in the closet in my study?"  He nodded, going to do that for him. "It's a blue, screw top vial."  He grinned at her.  "If it'll help.  Willow found it and Tara makes it for us."

"I see."  Dean handed it over, letting her examine it.  "This may work better.  Did you take any today?"

"They gave me stuff in the ER."

"That's fine then, dear.  Try to rest for a bit longer.  You can go play tomorrow.  You can eat soft things but if you start to vomit, go back to soup and the like."  She patted him on the head.  "I'd probably hate having you in my infirmary as much as I do having Harry Potter."  She left, going back to the school.

Xander grinned at his buddies.  "Wanna go play with the ghost horses?"

"Sure," Dean agreed. "Metta, can you please bring Xander some soft stuff?  He was cleared to eat food."  She brought in a plate for him and took the empty ones, then came back and handed one to John before disappearing again.  "Might wanna eat, Dad.  She'll fuss if not."

He dug in.  "The ones in Cleveland throw fits if we don't eat."  He ate a second bite and kept going until his plate was clean.  He looked over; Xander was inhaling his.  He shook his head, going back to his dinner.  It was very good.  Afterward Xander called Horatio, who said to keep him for a while longer, so they went to play in the moonlight and snow with the ghost horses.  Xander got into the paddock and a young foal came over to play tag and chase with him.  He saw the goofy looks on his boys' faces and sighed mentally.  Looks like he'd have to deal with the situation after all.  Xander was it and the horse was kicking up snow at him but he got it and ran off again.  At least until one of the bigger ghosts got in his way.  Xander ducked under his stomach and rolled to his other side.  Good reflexes John decided.

"Hi, herd stallion sort.  Can't I play with the baby horse?"  He snorted and walked off.  "If I knew what you guys ate, I'd leave some treats but I doubt you like carrots."  The foal charged and he evaded, going back to his game of chase.

Draco strolled over.  "Didn't she say to make him rest?" he said dryly.

"For him this is rest," Sam said with a smile.  "He's fine, Draco."

"Good.  Is he trying to physically capture one?"

"They're playing tag," Dean said, grinning at him.  "One person gets to be it and chase the others until he catches one and then they're it and chase the other kids," he said at the confused look.

"I used to play it with the house elves," he admitted.  He leaned on the fence, watching him.  Xander panted but waved and grinned at him, ducking a mare who came to play.  Now they were both chasing and playing with him.  Draco heard a growl and looked around.  He pulled his wand.  "Stupify," he cast at the growling blot of shadow.  Nothing.

Sam looked.  "Dad, silver?  I can't wear one to Council and Dean probably left his inside."  John shot it and it died.  "You kill those with silver to the brain, Draco."   The younger boy turned green. "Sorry."  He looked at Xander.  "How are we doing the dead demons?" he asked when Xander came over to see.

"I usually burn them unless instructed not to."

"Incendio," Draco cast, lighting it on fire.

"Thanks, Draco.  Wanna come play tag?"

"I'll get messy and sweaty."

"So?"  He pulled him into the enclosure and ran.  "You're it."

Draco sighed but chased after him.  And the horses that were apparently still playing with them.  If his future wife saw this  he'd be in trouble.  She would expect him to be mostly mature.  Not playing tag with ghosts and his head of family.  He nearly shrieked when Xander pounced him into the snow and grinned down at him.  "What was that for?"

"You're too serious for your own good.  Women like a good sense of humor."  He got up and hauled him up.  "Quit thinking and play.  It's one of the last chances you'll have until you're a father."  Draco groaned but tried to wrestle with him.  Xander did a nice hip toss and it was good there was a lot of snow.  "Play, Draco.  It's good for you."  Draco groaned as he got up but went back to their game.

***

Draco came out of Snape's floo sweaty, sticky, and damp from the snow.  "Don't ask."

He looked him over.  "Brawling?"

"My head of house wanted me to play tag with the ghost horses with him."  He headed down to change and get warm again.  He held up a hand when Pansy opened her mouth.  "I went to check on Xander."

"Was he under attack?"

"Playing."  He went to shower and strip off his wet things.  Snow had even gotten into his underwear when one of the foals had pushed him into a snow pile.  He leaned his forehead against a wall, letting the warm water warm him up again.

One of the guys leaned in.  "Draco, Snape said to come back presentable next time.  That you know drying charms."  Draco flipped him off American style.  "What's that mean?"  He did it British style.  "Oh.  Want me to pass that on?"

"I did do the drying charm."

"I'll let him know."  He went to pass on that message.  "He said he did do the drying charm, sir.  He's under warm water right now."

"He took a chill?" Pansy asked.  Blaise nodded with a grin.  "Why?  He said they were playing."

"Outside.  His socks are coated in snow," Blaise told her, making her giggle.

"Shouldn't he have been resting if he was poisoned?" another female asked.

"Probably but he's very strong," Pansy said.  "Draco said he used to hunt demons. Maybe he's got an immunity."   Draco came down the stairs in his pajamas.  "Are you better now?"

Draco glared at her.  Then at Snape.  "Permission to go get a pain tonic, sir?"

"Why?" he asked smugly.

"Because my head of family was playing with the ghost horses on the estate and demanded I play with him.  Must be a side effect of the poisoning he took earlier.  I'm a bit stiff and there's none in the quidditch kit."

"Very well.  Go to my office.  I have some."  Draco grabbed his robe and did that.  Snape shook his head all the way down there.  "What was he doing with the ghost horses?"

"A game called tag.  One person's it, the others are chased by whoever's it?"

"He was playing that with the ghosts?"

"Yes."  He took the pain tonic and winced as it worked.  He was handed another one.  "Thank you, Professor."  He took the pepper up potion and went back to his bed.  He was exhausted!  Xander had more energy than a pack of first years on sugar!  Poor Sam and Dean were going to die from it!  He barely got the curtains pulled before he fell asleep.  Goyle came up at Pansy's urging, tucking him under a blanket then he went back downstairs, shaking his head.

"Asleep?"

"Fully.  Only snored at me."

"I've never heard of a poison that gave someone too much energy."  She went to look it up.  Sounded like a fit punishment to some sorts to her.

Family Staffs 15

Madam Director looked at the chemist she had given a sample to.  "So what was it?'

"It's all herbal and it has some deadly combinations," he said, handing her the analysis.  "I don't know why they combined those things or what the two unidentified ingredients could be.  There's a chance it's something that dissolved completely in the solution.  It be something that got changed during the mixing and cooking process.  I know for sure heat was applied because of the way some of herbs tested for strength.  If that made them jump each other, it's got to be the two unknown ingredients.  You're very lucky it didn't kill them with some of the things in there."

She frowned at the paper.  "We can't replicate to see?"

"I'd need those other two ingredients and probably a year to mess around with it until it came up the same way.  Even if it was legal.  Two of those are forbidden to apply to anything you might ingest in this state."

She nodded.  "How do we think this person got the recipe?"

"Who knows?  It could've been an old family recipe from the old country to help with reluctant wives on their wedding night.  I've seen a few of those over the years."

She grimaced.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  It's a nice puzzle but still pretty deadly."

"They didn't get sick, have a fever, any of it.  They opened the dosed cans, took a drink, then basically went at it like bunnies."

He smirked.  "Then they're stronger men with stronger stomachs than I have."

She shook his hand.  "Thank you, Peter."  She left, heading back to her office to consider it.  She had no idea why it had reacted that way.  Or why they decided to use that on the council Tony sits on.  Well, if they were old fashioned, it was probably so they could catch them and make them marry someone or something she decided.  Then again there weren't bad side effects and it had looked good for their working relationship.  Gibbs seemed to be mellower at the moment.  She made a few plans and let it go from there.  Then she'd see if they should be thrown out for conduct unbecoming.

***

Tony looked up from his lunch.  Someone was staring at him.  He looked around and raised an eyebrow at the other NCIS agent.  "Problems?" he mouthed.  He got a nod.  So Tony brought his lunch over there.  "What's wrong, Tiggs?"

"The director was looking into your drugging again."

"Which one?"

"The one that made you and Gibbs jump each other," he said quietly, glancing around.  Tony paused in drinking to stare at him.  "I have a friend in the FBI labs and they said she had talked to one of their drug specialist chem. techs.   She was getting it tested."

"So she's either going to try to break up our team farther because of it or she's doing something else with it for her hidden war on this one arms dealer?" he asked quietly.

"Could be.  She took out the whole second sample.  They only needed a small piece to test."  He leaned forward.  "There is a third option and with the way she acts there's no telling which one's the real reason until she does something."

Tony nodded slowly.  "That's possible.  I'll have warn some people. Thank you."

"Welcome.  Hide your wand better, DiNozzo."

"You know?"

"I have known.  I went to the one in Virginia."

"Why can't I change things?"

"It's concentration.  You're too scatterbrained most of the time.  That's why all the rocks you've been working with come out looking like breasts."  He got up and left.  Tony was smiling and he had been warned.

Tony finished up and went to the auror's office since it was up the street.  "Hey."  He smiled at the aurors he had worked with recently.  "Sheppard took the second sample of lust potion out and had it analyzed in the FBI's lab."

She frowned.  "Why?"

"Three good choices from what Tiggs and I talked about.  She's looking at the case to break up my team.  Which she'd like to do to get Gibbs and to be in total control of everything since he doesn't really listen to her and he makes our team's rules.  To use it against that arms dealer she's got the vendetta against.  Which could be possible.  She's tried to send me after him more than once.  Or to try it around Gibbs to get him back."

She frowned.  "They're not good ideas."

"No."

"Are you hoping for the first one?  You can fight that."

"In some ways I'm hoping for the third.  It could get her removed from the agency and things might return to a good place."

"If she manages it, she'll be bound to *both* of you," she pointed out.  "Like Dean is."

"I'm headed there next.  Thought I'd stop in and warn you first."

"Thanks for that.  I'll set someone on her."

"Please."  He grinned then left, driving out to Gibbs' place.  Then he called the aurors back.  "It was option three, she's here and I hear screaming."  He hung up and pulled his gun, carefully heading to the door.  "Boss?" he called.

"Get her!"

"She's potioned!"

"I noticed that."  Tony came down the stairs and handed over his handcuffs, knocking her out so she could be cuffed and moved easier.  Gibbs looked at him.  "Something I should hear?"

"Tiggs told me about a half hour ago she had pulled your can's sample out and had it tested in the FBI lab.  Then she came back to the office probably not looking happy."

"Wonderful."

"I stopped in to tell the aurors.  We weren't sure if she was opening the situation to fire someone and break the team or if it was you or maybe the arms dealer issue again, boss."  He looked at her then at him.  "I called her on the way in."

Someone stomped down the stairs.  "Agents DiNozzo and Gibbs, Master Kendrell, American Aurors."

"She took the potion we got exposed to," Gibbs told him.  "Then came here."

"She only knew that it made us jump each other, boss, not about the bonding part.  Did she get you?"

"She pounced, the closest she got was my throat."  He looked at the large man on the stairs.  "They don't usually wear robes like yours."

"I'm the self-defense instructor.  It was felt I could subdue her easier if necessary."   Tony pointed.  "It's a good idea.  How did you knock her out?"

"Gun butt to the back of the head.  Had it done to me so I know it works."  Gibbs smacked him.  "Sorry, boss."

The auror smirked.  "It's reasonable and saving you both.  After all, if she had, you'd both be married to her."

"I'd rather kiss a toad I transfigured," Tony told him, getting a laugh.  "Need help carrying her?"

"I'm good."  He called in.  "She's handcuffed and knocked down with a blow to the head."  He hung up and more aurors came in.  "We'll take custody of those samples for you."

"Talk to Abby.  That's her lab and she's in charge of that," Gibbs said. That got a nod.  They carried the director off and he looked at Tony.  "I was the last to know?"

"We figured the first two options were more likely," he admitted.  "I thought this one might be but it could be used to fire her ass so things went back to normal and workable."

Gibbs nodded.  "It could help."  He picked up his dropped hammer.  "Come help me."  Tony came over to help, getting into the complicated task.

***

Fornell was waiting at Gibbs desk when they got in the next morning.  "Your director has been admitted to the hospital."

"How much did she take?" Tony asked.

"A sip, the same as you two did.  Her cameras in her office show her reading something then opening it and taking a drink before leaving."  He stood up and let Gibbs sit down.  "That means you're in temporary control.  She said so."

Gibbs looked at him.  "Yay me.  Any other cheerful news?"

"She won't be back for a week?" he suggested with a smirk.

Tony grinned.  "A week with people who have a clue in charge.  We could like that."  Gibbs glared at him. "Sorry, boss.  She badly hurt?" he asked Fornell.

"No.  They tied her down and let her rant and scream until it wore off.  What was it?"

"It's been described as a lust potion," Tony said quietly.  "Used for wedding ceremonies."

"Oh."  He just nodded. "So ancient herbal thing."

"Yup."

"The one who dosed you?"

"In a special prison in England."

"I looked, I couldn't find his name in the official files."

"He's in a prison called Azkaban.  It's a special facility."

Fornell nodded.  "I'll have to look it up.  Gibbs, you all right?"

"She only got my throat.  I was holding her off, Tobias.  Thanks for caring."  He gave him a look.  "Anything else?"  He handed over a letter.  It was official, he was in charge until she came back from medical leave or the president appointed someone new.  "Made my day," he said dryly.  "DiNozzo, you're in charge.  Don't disappoint me."  He headed up the stairs, handing the letter to her assistant, letting her open the door to the director's office. The first thing he did was call an auror to get the damn potion on her desk.  It was too dangerous to be sitting in the open.  Anyone could've gotten into it.  One appeared, capped it, then disappeared again.  Gibbs looked at the schedule.  "Cynthia, I'm not making her meetings this week.  Let them know she's sick and hospitalized from the effects of it."  She nodded, going to tell them that.  He sat down to go over the case files and other paperwork she had left.  He hated being this far up the chain of command.  The paperwork was going to kill him.  He got an idea and called Mac.  "Is Floppy busy?  I'm in charge."  He smirked.  "Thanks."  He hung up and called DiNozzo.  "Call Taylor, go where he tells you to, get someone like Floppy for NCIS.  We can leave her hidden."  He hung up.

Cynthia leaned in.  "A house elf?" she mouthed.  He nodded.  "Why?" she asked.

"Paperwork.  Two major cities have assistants who are in their labs."  He smirked at her.  "They type."

"I'm sure they do."

"It can do it for the director.  So she has more time to do important things, like meetings."

She laughed.  "Sure.  If not, you take him home so I don't have to, Gibbs."  She went back to her desk.  Tony appeared a few minutes later with a very nice looking female house elf in a business looking suit.  "Good morning, I'm Cynthia, the director's personal assistant.  You'll be helping both of us."

"I is Geraldine," she said, shaking her hand.  "I's speak three languages and can type fifty words per minute.  Plus file and make coffee."

"Then we'll get on just fine, Geraldine.  For now, go help Gibbs with the paperwork please?"  She nodded, going to do that.  She smiled at Tony.  "Who has one?"

"Taylor has Floppy, who fills out forms in a lot of languages other than english, and Horatio has Lucia, who types a hundred-twenty words a minute and runs his office for him."

"Aww.  They must be helpful."

"Very.  Think I can convince her to write reports if I give her an outline?" he asked quietly.

"No, DiNozzo, but I'll let her proofread if I have to," Gibbs called.  She giggled and came out to start coffee then went back to help him with the paperwork sitting around.

Tony walked off smirking.   Theirs was the first federally sanctioned house elf.  It was kinda cool and Abby would love her.  He sat down to call her.  "Abby, Gibbs just put a new helper in for the director.  I think you'll like Geraldine."  He hung up with a grin.  McGee gave him an odd look.  "She's very competent and she'll help Gibbs with the paperwork."

"I'm sure she will.  Goth too?"

"No."  He grinned at Ziva.  "Anything new come in yet?"

"Not yet."

"Cool."  Tony looked at Gibbs' phone.  "Forwarded?"

"To your desk once he went upstairs," McGee assured him.  That got a nod and they got back to work until something came in.  He watched as a ...something that looked like a walking, hairless cat with huge, floppy ears brought Tony some coffee.

"Thank you, Geraldine.  How is the boss doing?"

"Boss is being doing the budget paperwork while Geraldine does the other paperwork, Tony sir."

"Good girl.  Listen to Gibbs.  He's filling in and hates paperwork."  She nodded.  "But he loves coffee.  Strong, black coffee."  She nodded, going back up there to check on his coffee cup's level and get him more then get back to work.  He sipped his, nodding.  "She makes really good coffee."

"Was that a house elf?" Ziva hissed at him.

Tony grinned and nodded.  "Yeah.  They're working well as personal assistants to two CSI I know.  She used to work in a Fortune 50 company but her CEO boss quit right before he got fired.  He moved and didn't take her."

She rubbed her forehead.  "That's just wrong.  She will not like it."

"She'll have a lot less paperwork to do," Tony said dryly.  "It'll save her aggravation so she can go to all those meetings and conferences she keeps missing."

"We might want to help her with grammar issues then," McGee said.

"I'm sure the boss will," he said.  "If not, Cynthia will."  Someone upstairs squealed then something thumped.  He looked up there then went up there.  "Mouse?"

"Yes!"  She hugged Geraldine.  "She got it before Gibbs could shoot it.  She's a great hire."

"She's done a lot of this sort of work for a CEO before."

"Good, maybe she can make sense of the budget for me."

"Geraldine is very good with budgets, Boss." She went to help him with it.

Cynthia smiled at him.  "I love you for getting me a helper."

"Welcome."  He winked and walked off happier.  "It was a mouse.  Geraldine got it for her."  The agents staring up there all went back to work.  "Gibbs is in charge, people.  Really work, don't pretend."  They all got back to real work.  Gibbs was a slavedriver about work getting done on time.

Tony skipped back to his desk to drink his excellent coffee and make sure he was caught up before they took the next call out.

Ziva and McGee both shook their heads.  That was so bad.  She'd be screaming when she came back and Gibbs would have to shoot her for it.  He looked at Tony then at her.  "House elf?" he mouthed.  She sent him an IM with a link.  He went to read the site from one of the US shelters.  He looked at Tony, who only gave him a smug look.  "It doesn't say there's administrative assistants."

"There are.  There's a speciality office for them.  Mac loves his.  Floppy might still fill out forms in other languages on him but he loves Floppy.  His boss asked Floppy to come to the last budget meeting instead of Mac and everything.  The Police Commissioner's wife in Miami took theirs shopping so she had a more professional image but Horatio got a pay raise because she did all his paperwork on time and in good handwriting; she's wonderful around the lab and office to keep it going as it should.  The lab protocol team didn't like her until she spouted off chapter and verse from the manual at them and shot them down.  They decided she's keeping them all on the straight and narrow."

Ziva shook her head.  "The ones I've met before could barely follow orders."

"The ones I've been around follow orders wonderfully.  The only that can't is Floppy's thing about other languages.  He fills out budget things in Arabic, all other office forms in French, and any case files in English until Mac tells him to correct them."  She shook her head quickly.  "His chief was thinking about giving him a badge he's so good."

"I can't see them in a uniform like that," she said, rubbing her forehead.

Tony's phone rang.  "Yeah, boss?" he answered.  "Sure, I'll quit picking on Ziva, boss."  He hung up.  "You'll get used to her."

Abby came down the stairs and looked at him. "Is she like Mac's Floppy?"

"And Horatio's Lucia."

"I was wondering what they looked like."  She walked off happier.  A house elf in charge of a government agency had to be better than the usual politicians.  At least Geraldine listened when she said something was impossible.

***

Director Sheppard knocked on Tony's door four days later.  "You replaced half my duties with a midget with a birth defect in her ears?"

"She's very efficient, she helped Gibbs with the paperwork, she saved Cynthia from a mouse that was trying to devour her.  She makes great coffee, she speaks three languages, and she's very efficient.  She works for very little pay and only eats a little bit at home."

Sheppard shook her head.  "The downside is?"

"She's a bit subservient.  Not as much as some I've seen with her conditions but a bit.  She likes to tease Gibbs about his boat and being a pirate.  Take her home, she'd probably cook you dinner and clean the house too.  Her last boss was a CEO who quit before he could be fired.  She's very grateful for the job.  Plus, she and Abby get along very well.  She can translate Abby into a language you understand."

"Her grammar issues?"

"English isn't her first language."

"I'll work on that with her."  She walked off rubbing her forehead.  Sure enough, she brought Geraldine home and she got to work making dinner.  "Noimi does that, Geraldine.  We need to work on your English grammar a bit."

"But Geraldine should serve," she complained, pointing.

"No, it's fine.  Let her.  I pay her to do that.  Let's work on your English grammar and how I want you to dress.  All right?"

"Boss lady not like this?"

"First, call me Director Sheppard."  Geraldine nodded so hard her ears flapped.  "I do like that outfit but you need more than one to work at NCIS, Geraldine.  We can shop so you have enough outfits to wear and look presentable."  She sniffled.  "What?"

"You is giving Geraldine clothes?"

"No, I'm making sure you fit the corporate image at NCIS.  You can't be around senators in the same outfit every day.  We're using your paycheck to do that so you uphold the image around the office."

She nodded, understanding that it was a change of uniform now so that was fine.  Gibbs had warned her about that with Floppy's help.  She would take the uniform allowance and go shopping if she had to.  "Geraldine would love to live up to corporate image."

"Good.  Noimi, we'll eat in the study tonight while I go over better grammar with her."  She nodded, going to take care of the details for her.  Sheppard led her into the study, settling in with her to go over how to speak better.  She was a very quick learner and learned very well.  By dinner time she had her using pronouns properly and instead of her name sometimes.  It was a good step.  She could appreciate assistants like this one.  Cynthia did a lot for her but Geraldine did the rest.  She had a lot more free time to worry about other things now.

Like how to apologize to Jethro for her conduct while drugged.

***

Horatio, Mac, and Tony met for lunch, Lucia and Floppy next to them at another table so they could talk about office things together.  "No Geraldine?"

"I gave her to NCIS.  She agreed it'd be fine.  She's doing very well.  The Director has been tutoring her in grammar and has given her better uniforms to wear so she can change.  She even makes her wear small heels.  They do very well together and Geraldine even managed to stop someone who wanted to kidnap her."

"Wonderful," Mac agreed.  "Has anyone noticed?"

"No.  Like Xander said people only notice what they want to and usually only the things that they're used to.  Denial is a great thing."

"So everyone thinks she's a midget with big ears?" Horatio teased.

"Yup and there's a few people in congress who wanted one of their own."  He grinned.  "It's so cute.  She brings Gibbs coffee every few hours even if she's working in the director's office.  She likes him.  Thinks he's nice."  Gibbs joined them.  "Hey, boss."

"Geraldine is a lifesaver.  She fixed the budget so it balanced by finding the place that didn't balance in a category that led back to nothing according to Cynthia.  A month's worth of stress headaches fixed in ten minutes."

Tony gave him a nudge.  "I heard a certain senator had tried to bribe her to leave the director and Geraldine went off on him."

"She did, then she drug him to me and let me tell him off.   She's a great asset to NCIS."

"Floppy's better liked than I am," Mac told him with a grin.

Horatio nodded.  "My boss likes to tease me about her.  He sends through a form now and then that has orders she can't fill it out for me.  He sent her a huge box of peppermint candy for the holidays."

"I'll have to remember that for Geraldine's present."  Gibbs got his coffee and the waiter came over to take orders.  He looked at the house elves.  Mac and Horatio ordered for them and the waiter nodded.  "They're assistants."

"That's fine."  He went to place the orders.  He wouldn't remark on the little alien things.

John appeared looking mussed.  "Sorry to pop in.  I was looking for you, Horatio.  What are the rules to having someone competent come up to help us?"

"Want Xander?" he asked.  He pointed at a chair and John sat.  "This is a wizarding place.  New waiter though."

"Thankfully."  He flopped down, looking at them. "I know our coordinator is a politician sort.  I have known that.  She just tried to make Rodney blow up a culture on purpose.  Without reason.  Because they had insulted the project and us humans."

Horatio patted him on the back.  "It'll be fine."

"Rodney threw an absolute fit.  He stomped off.  He's locked himself in the lab.  He's got the failsafe and codes in there, guys."

"No one can stop her?"

"I stopped her.  I locked her in her office and told her to take a nap.  They weren't a threat and I'm military commander of the project right now."   He looked at the house elves. "You guys really have them as assistants?"

"They're more popular than we are," Mac told him.

"Think they know anything about Atlantis?" he hissed dryly.

Mac nodded.  "I asked.  Floppy does know something.  Not a whole lot.  It's all rumors.  A sparkly city that floats and flies.  Wondrous things happen without help.  That's about all he knows."

John sat up, looking at him.  "They knew?"

"I don't know.  You'd have to do some research in an older library than any we have access to.  Does Xander's library have anything?"

"I don't know," Horatio said, pulling out his cellphone call him, then Sam when he didn't get Xander.  "Sam, are you near the Malfoy library?"  He smiled.  "Can you see if it has anything on the myths of Atlantis?"  He went to do that.  "Two books?  Myths or...."  He listened then handed the phone over.

"What did you get, Sam?"  He listened, then smirked.  "Really?"  He beamed.  "Can I borrow it?  Thanks, man."  He hung up.  "They have some history books that say some interesting things.  He'll copy those pages for me."  A tied roll of papers appeared next to him.  He sat back to read them over, nodding at some things.  "Oh, yeah.  We knew most of this.  Where would be an older library?"

"Greece, Italy?" Mac suggested.

"We have members from both places," John admitted.  "Thanks, guys."  He disappeared, heading back to the base.  He knew a few other wizards were around.  He'd had the staff point them out.  He drug them to the General's office.

"That staff is damn handy for blipping around the universe," Jack said dryly.  The papers were put in front of him.  "That's... interesting," he decided, looking at him.  "So?"

"That's from a fairly old British library."  He looked at the wizards.  "Are there older libraries somewhere like Italy or Greece that would have information on Atlantis in it?"

"Probably," one said, thinking about it.  "Definitely in the Oxford collection."  Jack gaped.  "That's where our History of Magic program is."  He looked at him.  "Why?"

"Because house elves know something.  It was called a sparkly city that floats and flies and one where wondrous things happened without help."

"Why did you ask a house elf?" one of the wizards asked.

"What is a house elf?" Jack asked.

"House elves are servants," one of the wizards told him.  "They were bred a long time ago.  They're very nice servants.  We could use a few in the kitchens to make things edible."

John smirked. "I know ones that do office paperwork for labs in two police departments."

Jack leaned back.  "Can I have one that can do paperwork?  I'd kill a few senators for that."

"Ask Horatio Caine where he got his."

"He's...."

"Lieutenant over the Miami-Dade crime lab."  Jack smirked at that.  "Or Taylor, the one who came to tell me?  He's got one too.  Floppy writes and speaks three languages."

"I'd love that."  He looked at the wizards. "You couldn't tell me?  You let me screw up the paperwork for months without telling me?"

"We thought Jackson would've run across a mention and told you," one said with a shrug.

"I can ask."  He looked at John.  "Permission granted for any of you to find the mentions we need, people.  It could help them a lot."

"If you get a house elf can we have a few too?" John asked.  "We could really use one.  Maybe even for first contact.  We'll seem non-threatening."

Jack snickered.  "We'll see.  Go home."  He left.  "I love that staff of his."

"Staff?" the one in the back asked.

"Head of family stuff staff.  It's how he got down here.  Go find the mentions and me a house elf, people."  They left and he went to find Daniel.  "Have you run into something called a house elf?"

"Bred an Asgardian and some sort of demon according to legend," he said absently while he read.  "Why?"

"John Sheppard just blipped back.  He said they know something about Atlantis."

Daniel Jackson frowned, looking up then at him. "Excuse me?"

"The one he talked to said he knew a bit about Atlantis.  More than the myths."

"Uh-huh.  And this is relevant why?"

"Why didn't you tell me they did paperwork?"

"I knew about cleaning and cooking," he offered dryly, smirking at him.  "Why would they do paperwork?"

"Two labs have ones that do paperwork."

Daniel shook his head quickly.  "Okay.  I obviously need more coffee."  He went to get some and then maybe a nap.  He had been up all night again.  It was bad for his brain.  Jack came by to give him a note then walked off smirking a half hour later.  "A government agency has one in the director's office?  Did it help?" he called after him.

"Stopped her making stupid rules for no reason.  It runs much nicer now."

"There's a house elf at NCIS?" he muttered.  "Why?"  He laid down.  He definitely needed a nap now.

***

Professor Snape appeared in the backyard, handing over the sealed tube.  "Each dosed person takes a half a dram.  As long as you do not engage in a carnal relationship ever again, it will stay faded from your bodies."

"A kiss?" Don asked.  "She's a buddy and needed one in the past."

"The instructions said carnal but they were made by a Puritan potion's master," he admitted.  "I would say no, but I cannot be sure in that circumstance."

"Then we'll deal if it does," Dean said.  Everyone came up to let him measure them out a dose.  He was the master after all.  They took it and felt something fade from them.  A feeling of connection and touching left.  They looked at their intendeds. "Can we try the other one to make sure?" Dean asked.

"There's a spell to tell and it won't react," he said, casting it for him.  No glow.  "You've dissipated."  They all nodded and he got hugged and paid a bonus by Horatio and Sam.  Then they went to talk to the others.

"We're having lunch, would you like to join us, Professor?" Xander asked.

"I should get back to the school.  The students are ready to kill each other due to testing stress."

"Tell my relatives I said good luck," Xander said with a grin.

"I shall."  He took the rest of the potion back with him, sealing it into his private cabinet.  Just in case some stupid student decided to do the bonding potion with his 'one true love' that he'd be breaking up with after a few weeks.

Xander looked around.  "So," he said.  "Anyone else feel strange?"  Everyone nodded.  "Then it's not just me."  He sat next to Sam, giving him a nudge with an elbow.  "You okay?  You've got the cranky face on."

Sam smiled.  "I'm fine, just thinking."  Xander nodded.  "Thanks, Xander."

"Least I could do.  I don't want you two to be upset and break up because of this stuff."  He went to man the grill, shooing the house elf off.

"What man has wrought, man can tear asunder," Sam muttered.  Dean gave him an odd look.  "Heard it somewhere.  We should talk."

"Hunt Christmas demons with me?"

Sam grinned.  "I could like that.  Do we know any?"

"Two.   Both up that way so we can stop in for the holidays.  If Xander ever gets a tree put up."

Sam nodded.  "He was going to get the house elves to take him to a tree lot soon."

"Why?  We cut them," Patricia told him, sitting next to Dean across from Sam.  "I'm sure at least one of the family homes has a stand of the right sort of trees planted for such an occurrence.  He should ask Draco if it's there or at his house."

"I did, we chopped the last one last year," Xander called. "His father never replanted any so we've got to do that this spring."

"He does have very good hearing," she said dryly.

"Yeah, he has to listen for subtle sounds during patrol."  Dean sipped his soda.  "You sure, Sammy?"

"I'm sure.  I've been missing being in the car.  We can go hunt those two and then come back for the holidays."  Xander brought over a large platter, letting them steal the first hamburgers.  "Thanks, Xander.  Can we drop by your place for the holidays?"

"Your aunts aren't?"

"They're doing some but not that much and they don't want to cook Christmas dinner."  He grinned at him.  "Think you could host us since it'll be your first one in your own home?"

"I can do that."  He grinned and went back to the grill but Horatio moved him and took over.  "Fine, I'll go eat."

Horatio smiled.  "It's a native way of cooking where I'm from, Xander."

"Sure.  Since I'm hosting Dean and Sam, plus their aunts, for the Christmas dinner, am I having anyone else?"  They all stared at him.  "What?  Sam said his aunts didn't want to cook.  Not like I'm inviting over the gang.  They're going to be handling a tree demon that tries for the local city trees every year.  I asked, they said so."

"Sure," Aunt Snifella said happily.  "We'll come have Christmas dinner with you, Xander."

"Cool.  Just you four or should I plan on John too?"

"That'd be nice," Sam said, looking at Dean, who shrugged. "We'll call him and check,"  he decided, doing that. "Dad, Sam.  Xander's hosting a Christmas dinner for those of us who don't have a home and the aunts since they don't want to cook.  Are you coming?  Sure I can come pick you up.  We'll see you then, Dad."  He hung up.  "We need to pick him up on Solstice.  They're doing the Pagan holiday this year."  That got a nod.  "He didn't want to get involved since it isn't his way."

"That's fine," Xander agreed.  He looked at the others.  "Should I have the house elves make extra, just in case?"  They all shrugged.  "Okay."  He went back to the grill to help but Mac walked him off to talk about a rumor he had heard.

"You have weapons?"

"I do have weapons.  I was the weapons master back in Sunnydale.  Plus I have some stuff we stole off the vamps.  John had it moved for me.  Why?"

"I heard you have high powered, very strong weapons, the sort the government worries about, Xander."

"Oooh.  Well."  He considered it then shrugged.  "Kinda.  A few.  I sold a few to a clan of hunting demons.  They hunt rogue clans that're making trouble and drawing attention to the demonic population.  John took some.  I don't know what he saved."

Mac nodded.  "How would a contact in the FBI have heard?"

"The owner of the storage building probably turned it into his insurance and since the FBI is looking for things that might've caused it, then they probably jumped on that.  It was on the edge of town.  It might still be standing partially."

"I'll let them know why."

"Tell them to ask the LA office.  We saw them during the 'gas explosion'," he said, doing finger quotes.  "They were not happy campers by any means.  They got handed raw footage of graduation and one got sick.  Tell them to assign the same agents.  They know what's going on.  One got eaten during it and had to retire suddenly."

"I'll do that.   What do you have?"

"That depends on what John rescued.  I left it there so they could use it."  He called Willow.  "Did John moving the weapons get the FBI nervous or was it an insurance claim?"  He walked off, listening to her babble.  "Because  someone told a friend I had real weapons that terrorists would love to steal, Willow.  Exactly.  Please?"  The phone was handed over.  "Mac wants a listing and who's asking."  He listened. "He knows.  He came during the investigation for graduation.  Why is he whining?"  He nodded.  "I'll go talk to him.  No, I figured you guys might need something out of it, that's why I left it there.  Sure, I don't mind if they have it, John.  That's why I gathered them, for the team's use.  Tell Giles not to put the purple sticks up anyone's butts since they shoot out chlorine gas and not to use the green grenades.  You'll know when you see them.  No, they're garlic bombs.  Yeah, those.  They work too.  Sure.  Mac Taylor.  Yeah, him.  He told me someone was wondering.  Remind the guy of graduation and I'll be over there later."  He hung up and looked back at Mac.  "Convenient memory syndrome.  I'll be right back.  Save me a few burgers please."  He disappeared, landing in the new building in Cleveland.  "What?" he asked.  "You think we didn't need them more than that one time?"

"You amassed an armory that would make dictators proud, Harris," he said dryly.

Xander grinned.  "Thank you.  We had to sometimes.  Now they're for the use of the people here."

The agent walked him off.  "You have three things listed as biological weapons," he said calmly.  "And another that's sub-nuclear but can be changed over."

"That last one got sold to a clan of demons that hunts rogue clans that're getting the others notice.  It got blown up last month in Iowa from what my contacts said."

"Prentiss?"  Xander nodded.  "So that compound...."

"Demons trying to take over the world via the usual militia style," he said dryly.  "The clan of hunters took them down so we didn't have to.  The three biologicals?  Are we talking the chlorine gas sticks?  The garlic bombs?  What ones?  I'm no good in chemistry."

He handed over the list.  "The ones highlighted in pink."

He looked then led him to the containers, looking around. "Hey, John, didn't you get the stuff on Special?"

"No, didn't know it was there," he said.

Xander nodded, taking the agent with him, smirking when he squeaked.  "Easier than airfare.  Cheaper too, I'll need a nap later."  He walked over to where the street should've been, then looked at his staff.  "Can you feel my weapons?"  It pointed and put a beam of light on an area.  "Thanks, staff."  He looked then did a digging charm, uncovering the top of the bunker he had 'borrowed' from a former inhabitant.  The guy didn't need it anymore.  No one had bought the house.  He continued the digging, coming to the edges of the doorway.  "Someone had an old nuclear war bunker," he explained.  "They got eaten."  He led him down into it, trying the overhead light.  He started the generator and it was on.  "There we go."  He pointed.  "Which ones?"

He went to look, finding what he wanted and needed.  "These six cases are bad to own.  You get agents on your doorstep for them."  He looked at him.  "Did they need this?"

"This stuff I mostly confiscated from the demons and vamps around here," Xander told him.  "Sorry.  I was keeping it safe.  It's all here."

Dean appeared with John and Willow.

Willow looked then nodded.  "Confiscated crap?"

"Yup.  Think we should do a look through the tunnels to make sure there's no more hiding?"

"I think that'd be creepy," John told him.  The agent held up something.  "Is that a thermo-timer?"

"Yup.  Heat sensitive trigger."  He looked at Xander.  "Who had this?"

"Some blue demons that went squish under some holy water."  He looked at Dean, who had Sam's staff.  "Changing off?"

"I'm borrowing."

"Cool, let's go see if we can spot more."  They went back up and went to look around town.  "Okay, Staffs.  We are looking for any other weapons, bombs, anything like that, that may be left in town.  In the tunnels, wherever.  Can you mark spots for us with a little purple flag and maybe note depth?"  A few flags appeared and he smiled.  "Thank you.  How far out did we go, the college?"  More flags appeared in the distance.  "That'll work.  Thank you.  Yo, guys?"  They came up.  "Little purple flags means weapons somewhere.  They should have some sort of depth marking."

"Can we confiscate them?" the agent asked.

Xander shrugged.  "You and John can debate what goes to Cleveland for all I care."  He looked at him.  "They didn't want me to help set things up so I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing."  He looked at Dean.  "Wanna dig a few with them?"

"No, that's okay.  Dad?"

"I'm good helping," he decided.  "Better to have someone that has a clue.  Any idea what they are?"

"I asked for any weapons, bombs, anything like that," Xander said.

"Even better," John said.  He looked at the agent, who was calling someone.  "Shoo."  They left, going back to the picnic.  "Dean and Xander aren't a bad match," he told the agent once he hung up.  "I was worried but the boy knows his stuff with weapons."

"Clearly.  He put the most dangerous things down here."  Two National Guard troop carriers pulled up near them.  "See the purple flags?  There's some sort of weapon buried beneath each one.  He went to the college with them."  That got a nod from the commander.  "Could be a single one, could be bomb components, not sure."

"We'll dig, sir," he agreed.

"They have a depth marking or should."  That got a nod and they went to do that, leaving a truck there.  He and John hauled the weapons they had already found.  Though John had to go look at something when someone shouted.

"It's a part, soldier.  Toss it aside.  It's to be burned so nothing worse comes to eat it."  That got a gross look.  "It's the life cycle.  Some things eat dead things to recycle them.  Just like you eat chicken.  By the way, greasy spot on your shirt, Private."  He looked then wiped at it.   He looked at what they found underneath.  "We've got a good haul here," he called.  The agent came over to look, helping him haul them to the trucks.

***

John landed back in Cleveland thanks to Willow, who had helped dig in a few spots.  "We're back."

Buffy came out to check on them.  "What did you find?"

"A lot of stuff no human or demon outside the military needs.  We let the agent have those. He also said he'd like those chlorine gas sticks to test."

"But Xander made those," she pouted.

"Xander said he could have them," Willow told her.  "We probably won't need more and he can always make more if we do.  His place is big enough for a real weapon's workshop."

"Don't tempt him and Dean," John said dryly.  "They confiscated a cargo plane's worth of stuff from the tunnels and Xander's other hiding spot of confiscated stuff."

Buffy grimaced.  "I hate that little bunker place.  Nothing's marked so I can't find the good stuff."

"Now it's in LA at the FBI's warehouse and they're going to fix it so no one can have it," Willow told her.  She found the crate with the sticks in question and dug them out, stacking them neatly for him.  She found something else and looked at it.  "Hmm.  New grenade type. I wonder what it is."  She handed it to Buffy.  "Don't set it off."

"Yes, Willow."  She looked it over, finding a small tag.  "What's ammonia gas and why would we need it?" she asked John.  He snatched it and checked the pin, just in case.  "Super bad then?"

"Very."  He went to look through the rest of the things, keeping that grenade with him.  They didn't need a biological attack to happen here.  Tony and Gibbs appeared later on with another, blindfolded, agent.  "He with the guy from LA?"

"The guy from LA called him and asked him to come look at what got stored out here.  He knows but he doesn't *know*."

"That'll work.  Hold that," he told Gibbs, handing him the grenade.  He went back to searching.  "Everything by the bay door is too dangerous to use on a hunt unless it's a strike force situation.  The rest are guns, garlic bombs, those things.  A few holy water grenades in a case marked 'holy hand grenade'."

"Xander likes Monty Python," Tony said with a grin.  "Figures."  He looked at the grenade. "What sort is that one?  I can't see the tag."

Gibbs looked.  "Ammonia gas."  He looked at John.  "Who?"

"Possibly Xander."  He pointed.  "I've been sorting for the last few hours.  The confiscated stuff out of Sunnydale that he had stored was scary enough.  Three different biological weapons he took off various demons."

"Hey, they didn't use them on us," Buffy said as she strolled back in.  "Need water or anything, John?"

"Coffee," he said.  "It's going to be a while."

"Sure."  She went to get some and bring it out, nudging the still blindfolded agent.  "We're not the scary ones.  That's the ones we fight."

He nodded.  "I've been briefed."  He held out a hand.  "Marcus Whitby.  I'm your local FBI contact, Miss Summers."

"Welcome to the New Council.  Giles is in his office, in the Admin. building.  It's the one with lights."  She walked over to look.  "We like the holy hand grenades," she complained when Gibbs tried to move them.

"They use explosive force."

"Yeah but they clear nests of demons and vamps wonderfully.  Better than a super soaker does."

John shook his head.  "Leave those, Gibbs.  I'm picking the weapons master who'll be following Xander's footsteps for them."  That got a nod.  "He'll have sense and skills."

"Even better."  He left those alone.  "What're the red sticks?"

"Chlorine gas," John called.  "He warned Giles not to stick them up a few of the old Watchers's butts and set it off."  Buffy walked off giggling.  "She brought coffee, guys.  Whitby, the building with the ivy and the lights on."  He went to introduce himself.  He looked back at Gibbs and Tony.  "Bright idea?" he asked, nodding that way.

"He took Ranger training and got moved to Special Ops, but he failed training due to another one of them shooting him in the knee," Tony told him. "It's been replaced but that dropped him out and he resigned due to medical.  Honorable discharge.  He went FBI and they like him.  He's not a total asskisser but he can pretend well enough when the director comes."

That got a nod.  "Then he's got some sense and training.  We need some of that around here.  The older Watchers often don't."

"Most of the researchers were left," Buffy called.  "They've only had field training."  She leaned in.  "We're having dinner soon.  Should we save you some?"  They shook their heads.  "You sure?"

"We just came from a picnic," Tony told her.  She nodded, going to dinner since they didn't need to.  She'd make sure John got something later.  His boys would complain at her again if she didn't.  So would all the house elves.  Tony looked at the piles of stuff.  "Where's the rest?"

"Mostly guns, bullets, stakes, crossbows, staffs, swords, and those sort of weapons.  They're in the armory already.  I've been slowly unpacking and organizing in here.  Just so the girls don't touch the weapons and set something off by accident."

Tony went to find it and snoop.  It was well laid out to him.  You could run in and grab things from marked sections.  He went back to help with Whitby, who was actually pretty helpful once he got over his duty.

Gibbs looked at the stack of things they were taking.  "Not too bad," he decided.

"My boss was hoping it wouldn't fill more than a trunk," Whitby admitted.  He looked at Gibbs.  "Know someone who wants a sample of a few things?"

"You sure?" he asked with a small smirk.

"Very.  My boss will have a heart attack if we bring all this back.  He was expecting a sedan trunk, not an overly full pickup truck's worth.  Even if Harris does make most of them himself.  Where is he?"

"England.  He's dealing with paranormal things over there.  You can assure whoever he only brought swords and crossbows.  He doesn't hate the monarchy; he might not mind queens with as many drama queens as he's seen from the slayers."  Gibbs snickered and so did John. "Hasn't he?"

"Probably," John agreed.  "He's a good kid.  A hunter like my boys.  They said he tends to handle things and not tell anyone."

"If it's asked I'll let them know."  Whitby watched as Gibbs took samples for the people he knew who did new weapons in the Pentagon.  John kept a few samples back just in case, but he watched him lock them into a safe as well.  Then the rest went into the car he called and they took them back to the local office to check in for destruction.  He faxed the list to the LA office for the other agent.  What he got back scared him.  They had kept that sort of material in Sunnydale?  The note at the bottom that it had been confiscated from the enemy's forces made him feel a bit better.  He finished his report and it got the weapons sent to the ATF for destruction and/or testing.

***

Xander made himself available since he had heard rumors someone official was looking for him.  He decided on lunch out in London today, sitting at a quiet little deli with outdoor tables.  It was chilly so no one else was using them except for one guy with a laptop and a huge cup of coffee.   He found a spot out of the wind and settled in with his own huge cup of tea and sandwich, nibbling and watching as people hurried past.  Tonks appeared and flopped down with a sigh of relief.  "Christmas shopping?"

"Last night.  Today my boss went on a 'the Founders Council is full of maniacs' rant at me."  She looked at him.

"I was the Sunnydale weapons master."

"And fixer and developer and confiscator and storage site manager," she said dryly.

"Well, yeah.  Buffy likes weapons but she might have shot us."  He sipped his tea. "I kept it all hidden."

"We realize that.  Good work."

"Thank you."  He grinned. "I'm still not a threat."

"Even better," a male voice said as he joined them.  "MI-6, Mr. Harris."

"Does this mean I get to meet James Bond?" he teased with a grin.

"No, but if we had a Q of our own, I'm sure he might get some ideas from you."  He gave him a look.  "I know of the Watchers Council, sir."

"I helped the slayer in Sunnydale, on the hellmouth."

"I've heard that.  Their records on you are a bit strange."

"They didn't like me, thought I was useless, and wanted to kill me for jumping in and creating a two-slayer situation."

The guy blinked. "That was you?"

"CPR, dude."

"Oh.  No wonder."  He made note of that.  "Are you still storing weapons?"

"I have some stuff to hunt demons over here.  Mostly in the sharp and pointy class.  I knew I'd have problems getting a weapons permit so I'm not going to admit that I brought more than a handgun over."

"We're putting you in as someone we can count on if something happens wherever you're living."

"You know, I don't know where the house is.  Tonks, which county am I in up there?"

She considered it.  "I don't know.  Which city are you next to?"  He pulled out his map and pointed.  It enlarged.  "There you are," she said with a point.  "Malfoy."

He looked then wrote it down.  "No guns but a handgun?  No shotguns?  No artillery?"

Xander grinned.  "I'm learning other methods of defense."

"That's fine with us, sir, but we need to know if someone tries to invade we can count on you."

Xander nodded. "Like the cops up there can even though most of them are still probably trying to figure out why they had a guy tied to a light pole and the bomb on him was disarmed.  I was Christmas shopping and he was being rude."

The man smiled.  "I heard about that.  They said if they found you they'd say thank you and hope you were retired military."

"Possessed by a soldier."

"Close enough for us, sir.  Are you going to be gathering things?"

"Should I?"  He drank a bit of tea then ate a bite of sandwich.  "Want lunch, either of you?"  Tonks took some money to get lunch and the agent shook his head.   "Honestly," he said quietly.  "Do you want me to?  I have no problem collecting new babies."

He looked at him, then nodded.  "As long as you can make sure no one else uses it.  That it stays safely in your control, and we have access to it if we're invaded or it's another necessary situation."

"The aliens land and I'm there," he promised. "But I do work with other hunters.  They're mostly of the shotgun sort."

"I've heard.  We'll deal with that in-house and talk to them."

"Want me to call and put you in contact?"

"We have one of them after he went to banish a ghost last night," he admitted.  "We were waiting on this meeting first.  He needed a bit of first aid and we wanted to see how resourceful his brother really is."

"Do I need to find a healer for them?"

"No, sir.  They're fine.  Banged up a bit.  Mostly big scratches.  We waited until they got the thing first."  Xander nodded at that, sipping some more tea.  He studied him then handed over a card.  "If you do get more...babies, I'd like to personally know so we can keep track of it."  That got a nod.  "Just in case we have to know."

"That's fine.  Did you want me to worry about things like garlic grenades or chlorine gas sticks?"

He blinked.  "You can?"  Xander nodded, smiling when Tonks came back, helping her into her seat since her hands were full.  "A few might be fine but I'd rather those especially don't get out."

"I found the recipes online."

He nodded, marking that down.  "By any chance you wouldn't have the site bookmarked or anything?"

"I saved down what I wanted."  He grinned.  "But yeah, in case I need to go back and look for more neat stuff."

"That's fine, sir.  As long as your... babies are in *your* control and you don't pose a threat."

"Only if certain oldline Watchers come bother me," he said, looking at the other guy.

"We hate you, Harris.  Why would we bother you?  You made yourself clear when you beat the ones Travers sent after you and then helped save us."  He looked at him then smirked.  "You're on as a backup source and a local source.  Possibly a magical resource.  Nothing else."

"That's good.  Do you have Kendrick's site bookmarked?"

"I do.  It's one of ours."  He let the agent see it.  "He saw a test of your ammonia grenade and he was impressed.  He was also impressed that you packed the chlorine gas sticks into something the size of a flare."  Sam walked over and sat down, making him smirk.  "Winchester."

"Boring Watchery sort," he greeted back.

"He's one of the field guys in training," Xander told him, getting a nod.  "Was I predictable?"

"I was going to pick you up here and follow you.  I've already alerted the other team you decided to eat here.  There's three others nearby."

"Are you going to try something?" Tonks asked.

"We'd like to look at his staff."

"Family heirloom.  It's like a wand only stronger.  No."

"Fine.  The newer ones can take that word."

"It will and has burned people for touching it."

"That's fine.  Can we take a magical resonance?"

"I'll think about letting Tara do it."

"That'll work for us.  We like her.  She's a good witch.  The Devon coven likes her too."  Xander smiled at that.  "Good work getting back to Travers by the way.  Saved a lot of lives and the day."

"I try."  He looked at Sam.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine.  I caught a nap then disappeared once I was sure Dean was out of trouble."  That got a nod.  The agent looked at him.  He grinned.  "I'm a lot like Xander."

"That's fine.  We were going to talk to you after we talked to him since it's been hinted you three are hunting together?"

"Now and then.  We more work together on a special council."

"One of ours," Tonks said.

"Wonderful," the agent said happily.  "Be more subtle or find a silencer for the shotguns, boys.  We do have very strict gun laws.  You're scaring the normals and cops."

"We'll try.  I'll tell Dean."  That got a nod and the agent handed him a card too.  "For?"

"If you run into something that we should be worried about."

"We usually give Tonks hand cramps and let her notify people so they can swear at her," Xander said with a grin.

He laughed.  She pouted at him.  "I thought you liked me."

"I do.  It'll give you a chance to say flippant lines and walk away like Buffy does."  He pulled something out of his pocket. "I was going to drop your holiday present off later today.  Since you're here anyway."

She looked then squeaked.  "That's beautiful."

Xander kissed her on the cheek.  "Because you helped us a lot this summer, Tonks.  It wouldn't have been near as good if you hadn't been getting hand cramps from helping us."

She sniffed once then kissed him then Sam on the head.  Sam handed over an envelope.  She looked then laughed.  "Thanks, Sam.  You too, Xander.  I'm glad I got hand cramps with you guys this summer.  Just don't stick me with the head job.  I'd kill people."  She got up and left, taking her lunch with her.  She'd lose the pretty necklace and gift certificate to the specialty weapons shop if she didn't put them safely away soon.  She could eat at her desk.

The agent smiled.  "She's a nice lady.  We've worked with her department in the past."  He looked at them.  "You'll let us come to you if there's an issue?"

"If it's a good one," Xander agreed.  "Not for petty problems, rioting, those things.  Huge ass problems like an invasion, a huge demon, those things I'm good with.  This is my cell number."  He wrote it down.  "If you need us for big things, you can come by or call."

"I'll remember that.  Thank you, boys."  He looked at Sam.  "You?"

"If you find something we can help with, let us know.  We'll do it if we can."

"Thanks, boys."  He handed something to Xander.  "For the saving of a lot of lives by doing stupid things."

"We made a nice medal for him that says 'stupidhero of the day'," Sam said with a grin and a pat on Xander's back.

Xander looked at him.  "It was necessary."

Sam stared at him for a minute.  "You could've asked for help."

"Fine," he muttered, opening the envelope.  He blinked.  "Is that official?" he demanded.  The agent smirked before walking away.  "Um, Sam?"   He let him see it.  "Doesn't that usually take seeing a royal person?"

"Dad said you've seen plenty of queens between the Watchers and the girls."

Xander snickered. "That's so true," the Watcher said dryly.  "Travers was the worst queen of the lot."  He stood up, looking at that notice.  "Well, it makes your reputation official."  He walked off, making a note as he left.

Xander let Sam read it.  "Hold that for me?  I'll lose it."

"Sure.  You could put it in with the presents."

Xander looked at the bag at his feet then at him.  "If I did that I'd photocopy it and send it to Buffy since that's hers and Dean's presents."  Sam gave him an evil smirk.  "I should send it to your dad, let him announce it."  That got an evil snicker.  "We can do that on the way home.  When I find a frame.  I've got about ten Pounds left."  They left, Sam carrying the presents.  Unfortunately wrapped so he couldn't peek but that was fine.  It'd drive Dean nuts.

***

John accepted the couriered package, signing for it, looking a bit confused.  He looked at the name at the top under 'sender' and smiled, taking it into the dining hall.  It was dinner.  Everyone was in there.  He sat down at his usual spot and opened it, staring at the letter he pulled out.  Then he read it a second time.  "Um,  Rupert?" he called, getting Giles and nearly everyone's attention.  "Message from the boys that's in Brit english.  Care to translate?" he asked with a grin.

"Good news?"

"I think so.  It goes very well with his reputation."

He came over to get the paper, reading the announcement of Xander's knighthood for saving lives, but it was going to be a 'quiet' one.  Known only to the Monarchy and certain people in the government.  "Bloody hell!" he said.  Now he really had everyone's attention.  "Sorry, didn't mean to say that out loud," he announced.

"What is it?  Are they in trouble?" Willow demanded, taking the note to look at.  "Um...  Does that say that Xander's now a knight?  Like jousting and queens and that stuff?"

"He's a covert knight," John corrected smugly.  "That way they don't have to out who he saved to get it."  The remaining watchers all moaned at that.  So did Buffy.   "So his rep as the White Knight will definitely keep going."  Willow swatted him and went to sulk.

"We should hang this in the case," Giles decided.  "Right next to the picture Spike took of him taking on a demon he had no business getting near."

"He said it was in his basement."

"So he did take on Replessor?" one of the younger slayers asked.

"Xander said it was in his basement," John sighed.  "And he had the base codes from his possession.  He still couldn't have done the rest of the things they whisper about."

"You'd be amused," Giles said dryly, going to hang that in the 'case of glory'.  It was a notable achievement. "Certainly one that would make Travers roll in his grave if he knew," he said, closing and locking the case up.  Buffy came out to look over his arm.  "He's done very well."

"He has.  He's still a goofball who dates horrible women."

"True."  He smiled and they went back to dinner.  Maybe they should have Xander teach the girls how to think like him so they could get out of most situations?  No, that would be mean to the girls and make them all strange weapons fanatics.  Perhaps Sam or Dean.  They were more sane and logical than Xander ever had been.  None of them had ever discovered that Klingon was actually a demon language.  Or Romulan.  He ate a bite of dinner.  "I was thinking, we could use a course on how to get yourself out of things, John.  Think we could ask your boys?"

"Probably.  Dean and Sammy are both good at that," he said with a grin.  "Can't ask Xander himself?"

"No, I think he might warp some of the girls."  That got a few laughs.  "Xander is the only known person to ever talk his hostage takers out of keeping and eating him because he spoke Klingon, which was their language."  He ate a bite.

John stared, mouth slightly open. "He smarted off in Klingon and the demons used that language natively?"

"Yes, he did," Buffy said grimly.  "We didn't believe it either until Andrew and his people were found talking to the demons and Xander joined in.  Then they told us what had been said.  We nearly beat Xander to death for spreading Star Trek to the demons.  And then he goes out and finds Lord of the Rings poofy elf demons!  I swear! Willow had the book and even they said it was a book that was too long."

Willow nodded.  "We had to borrow Jonathan for that one.  One of Andrew's buddies.  He spoke elven.  Which is a good idea since they wanted Xander to mate with their queen so she could be killed after the baby was born so they could have a queen who wasn't such a whiny bitch."

Buffy nodded, stuffing her mouth before she said anything.  Then she swallowed.  "Anyone who wants to become Xander, we're shipping you to England to live with him!" she announced.  "One was enough!  Especially if you start dating people like Anya!"  She pouted all the way through dinner.

John smiled at Giles, who shrugged.  Buffy was being a princess again, it happened now and then.

***

Xander popped into Mac's office, stunning the non witch there.  "Hi, good news," he said, handing over a copy of the announcement.  "The original's on the wall at home."

Mac read it then smiled.  "It proves what we already knew, Xander.  You make a very good knight."  Stella stared at him in awe.  "He was covertly knighted for saving so many of the Watchers Council," he announced.  Danny and Stella clapped.  "Tell anyone else yet?"

"Not yet.  Well, Sam was there when I got it."  He grinned and disappeared.

Mac looked at the frozen CSI.   "Danny, can you please unfreeze Lindsay so we can get back to the meeting?"

He tried then shrugged.  "Can't, Mac."

Stella pulled out her staff.  "Can you please unfreeze Lindsay?  I need her to do her own work so we can take a bubble bath tonight instead of doing her work."  That worked, her staff liked lounging in a bubble bath holding her hair up.   "Thank you."  Lindsay gasped as she woke up.  "You okay?  You drifted off."

"I guess that's why I saw someone appear," she said, looking around.  "Sorry, must be more tired than I thought."

"It happens to the best of us," Mac assured her patiently.

***

Horatio and Eric looked up as someone appeared.  "Off the crime scene, Xander."  He looked then backed up.  "Thank you.  Why are you here?"

"Good news!"

"I'm guessing it's happy, good news?" Eric teased.  "Here comes Speed, let him see the paper since we're gloved."

"Sure.  Didn't mean to pop in on the crime scene.  Do you need me to stun the cannibal worms?"  He pointed.  "There's some by your ankle, Eric."

He looked then gathered and bottled them.  "Thanks for that.  Could've eaten our person."

"They only eat living things."  He looked at Speed. "They said to let you see that since they're gloved and working."

Speed read it then looked at him, smirking just a bit. "You're a knight?"  Horatio choked.  "H, you okay?" he asked with a grin.

"You are?" Eric asked.

"It's an announcement of formal, but covert, knighthood in thanks for saving so many lives in the incident that brought down the Watchers Council," Speed told him, letting him see it.  "It's a copy."

"The original is at home on the wall."  He beamed.  "I'm so proud of myself."

"I'm proud of you too, Xander," Horatio said with a small smile.  "If I wasn't working I'd give you a hug."

Xander beamed.  "Thanks, Horatio.  Test her for magic since she's kinda glowing in that bad Willowy way?"  He took it back and disappeared.

Speed looked.  "She is glowing.  Wolfe, get your ass over here," he shouted.  He came jogging over from taking witness statements.  "She's glowing in a way Sir Xander described as Willowy."

"He's a knight?"

"Now."

"Wow.  That's an accomplishment."  He knelt beside her to test her.  "She was stabbed with a holy weapon."  He looked at the wound.  "It looks like a blade.  So like the blade in the nunnery up the state by about an hour," he told Horatio.  That got a nod.  "The glow will fade.  I'm guessing it was the pent up blessing or magic on it."  He stood up and went back to witness statements.

Eric nodded.  "That gives us a lead."

"It does," Speed said, coming over to remove more of the nibbling worms.  "What are they?"

"Flobber worms," Ryan called.

"Oh, good to know."  He put them in the container with the others and got in to help them.

***

Tony blinked as Xander appeared.  "Shit, there's cameras here, Xander!"

"They're stunned."  He grinned.  "And no one else can see me so you're talking to thin air."  Tony shrugged, they'd think he needed a nap thanks to the current case.  He handed over the sheet.

Tony read it then looked at him.  "Let me copy this.  Gibbs will never believe me."  He went to copy it then handed it back.  "Congrats."

"Thanks.  I'm so happy."  He disappeared again.

Tony went to hand Gibbs the sheet, holding it up since he was washing his hands in the bathroom.

Gibbs looked at it.  "Excuse me?"

"Xander showed up being a bit invisible to share the happy news.  He was nearly glowing in pleasure."

Gibbs shook his head but he was smiling.  "It goes with his reputation.  He's called the White Knight."  Tony snickered and nodded.  "I'll send him a congratulations card."  Tony left, going to shred that since it was a covert knighting.  Gibbs shook his head.  He didn't want to see Xander in a suit of armor.  He really didn't.

***

The next morning Draco accepted his letter from the owl, smiling at the handwriting.  He opened the envelope and looked at the copy of the notice.  Then he stared.  "Huh," he said.  He walked it up to Snape, holding it up.  "It's a copy but is that the proper form?"

He looked then nodded slowly.  "It is.  Quite an accomplishment.  No wizard or witch has been knighted since the 1950's."

"Really?"  He smiled.  "In the books then?"

"Probably," the potions professor said.  "I'm almost surprised we haven't seen one for all the help he gave us this last summer."  He took a sip of his pumpkin juice.  "It would be the first honestly won medal or commendation in your family in nearly two centuries I believe."

Draco smiled.  "Well, he did say he was going to make us better at one point."  He went back to his seat.

Harry had taken note and knew that he couldn't pass it around but Dumbledore had heard too and he had that crafty look on his face.  "Harris did what?" he asked his teacher.

"He was accorded a covert knighthood," Snape told him.

"Interesting but good for his family."  He ate a bite of his breakfast, thinking hard.  He did need to pay the *dear* boy back for meddling in his school....

***

The Minister for Magic stepped up in front of the press.  "I have an announcement so let me get this out," he shouted.  The reporters quit chatting and looked at him.  "The nomination committee and I have been in long talks most of the day.  We have decided that some noteworthy people deserve recognition for their help with the Voldemort matter this summer," he said regally.  "So at this time I am announcing a few new awards.  First, the new Third Order of Merlin honorees go to Mac Taylor, Horatio Caine, Anthony DiNozzo, and his supervisor, who is a muggle but does know about us, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.  They helped with multiple raids this summer and some of the planning.  They were all present in the final raid and Mr. DiNozzo helped Harry Potter gather some very necessary items to destroy the former Dark Lord.  Two new Second Order of Merlins have also been announced.  Dean and Samuel Winchester for the more intense help they have given to us on this matter.  They did a great majority of planning and went on nearly every raid.  Along with them is the auror Nymphadora Tonks.  As she put it, she got many hand cramps working with the boys to help solve that issue quickly when it was needed.

"There are also two First Order of Merlins being awarded.  One to Mr. Potter for his bravery and his final curse that killed the Dark Lord.  The other to Mr. Alexander Harris, because he not only helped the Winchesters and Mr. Potter in this matter, but he also went to save some of our allies with Mr. Potter when an associated apocalypse nearly killed them all.  He has provided much help in this world and for that we award him also a second award, a Sword of Roses."  That got a gasp.  That award hadn't been given in *years*!  "I know it's unusual but he has handled more issues than we were aware of before we were lucky enough to have him protecting us.  Mr. Harris, as some of you know, was once part of the slayer's team on the hellmouth in Sunnydale.  While there he not only brought his slayer back to life, he fought beside her while he was still in his training and had to learn a lot of new skills, often at personal risk.  Not to mention how he learned from possessions, nearly got turned into a creature to stop the evil ones, and then went on to help them stop the American Military when they tried to come in and torture demons who weren't harmful.  Without him being part of the team out there, we might not be here to celebrate this summer's victory.  The slayer's expect to fight and die for us; he jumped in and did it even though the Watchers did not want him to.  Please applaud our new awardees."  He clapped and they followed.  Then he left.

This should cancel the poker debt he owed Albus nicely.  Not that the award committee didn't want to do it earlier, but the men involved weren't ones for medals.  They could scream but oh well.

Family Staffs 16

Ryan looked at the owl coming down to where he was sitting outside the police station.  "Hey, girl."  He looked at the address then around.  "He's not here right now.  Can I take it for him?  I promise to deliver it as soon as I see him.  He's in court."  She hooted and let him take the letter.  "Thank you, love.  I have some chips if you want some."  She nibbled a bite then took flight again.  He waved Frank Tripp over when he saw him.  "When should Horatio be back?  I just got a letter for him."

"I saw an owl."

Ryan grinned.  "A friend's trained one for short notes.  He hates email."

"Is it really critical?"

"Probably not *critical* but maybe important."  It had the US Department of Magic seal and the British Ministry seal.  It was official news.

"Probably around one.  You could drop it by the courthouse."

"With my luck I'd miss him."

"Then give it to Speed."

"I told the owl I'd deliver it."  That got a nod and he walked off.  He texted Horatio to see if he was done yet.  He got back an 'I'm at lunch, Mr. Wolfe.  Join me.'   He packed up and went to deliver the letter with a smile as he walked up to him.  "Official post."  He leaned down next to his ear.  "American DoM owl came up to me because she couldn't find you at the courthouse," he said in his ear, getting a nod.  He pulled out the letter and handed it over.  Horatio gave him an odd look.  "With the seals it's something official.  I was hoping it was good news you'd share."

Horatio shook his head but he did slit it open and read the enclosed announcement.  Then a second and a third time.  "Excuse me?" he muttered.

Ryan looked.  "That's like a knighthood," he said quietly.  "Ours is like a rank raise for you, boss.  Congrats."  He patted him on the shoulder.  "That's really great news."  He walked off happier.  Wait until Eric heard this.

"No spilling it, Mr. Wolfe," Horatio called after him.

"Yes, Horatio."  He was still happy for him.  He'd never do anything to warrant that sort of award.  He hoped.  Most of those were given posthumously.

Horatio looked at it, staring at the words.  "I will beat Xander to death if he did this."  He found his phone and called him.  "Did you have anything to do with an award from the Minister and the Americans?"  He listened to his opinion that it was Dumbledore getting them back for being nosy.  "Why do you think that?"  His answer of 'Draco and Harry both warned me he did something that gave the Minister a bad case of the cackling evils' made him smile.  "I see. Thank you, Xander.  No, don't warn the others.  We'll hear when they do."  He hung up and tucked the notices into his pocket.  He didn't need medals and he didn't need awards, even though they were nice because they gave him a raise.  He went back to the courthouse, going to see his boss for a second, handing him the notes to read.

"Congratulations, Horatio.  Very good work," he praised, handing it back with a smile.  "If I could, I'd give you one too."

"You do and I quit, sir."

"I know, Horatio."  He patted him on the arm.  "Have a party.  Let Lucia quit pouting."

"I'll think about it."  He walked off shaking his head.  Lucia had been pouting about not cooking for anyone.  He called her.  "We are doing an announcement at the house tonight, Lucia.  Yes, you can tell them all.  Thank you."  He hung up and went back to waiting for it to be his turn to testify.

***

Don looked up at the hoot, staring at the owl.  "Hey, baby."  He looked around.  "Who?"  She held out the letter, letting him take it.  "He's over there, I'll hand it over.  Thank you, baby."  She hooted, letting him scratch her eye ridge, then he was gone.  He walked the letter over since it was him, Mac, and Danny.  "Owl post."

"Owl?" Mac asked.

"Yeah, they use trained owls," Danny said.  "Like Harry's owl Hedwig, Mac."

"Do you have one?"

"I have giant rats that'd eat one.  I use the public post when I need an owl and email the rest of the time."

Mac shook his head.  "Very strange," he muttered.  He opened it, staring at the notices inside.  "Huh?"

"Very erudite," Danny teased.  "Shows all your higher education very well."  Mac scowled. "Bad news?"

"They gave me a commendation!"

Don plucked the letter to look then grinned.  "Wow.  The British one is like a knighting.  Ours is what, equivalent to stars in the military?"  Danny nodded, taking it to look at.

"I don't need medals or shiny stars," Mac ground out, taking it back.  "No laughing."

"Someone decided you deserved it, Mac," Danny said with a grin, patting him on the arm.

"Think this has anything to do with Xander's?" Don asked.

"Don't know.  We can call and ask."  Danny's phone beeped.  "Message from Horatio.  Ah, it was Dumbledore because we're nosy assholes."  He let them see the message.  "So I guess you're not the only one, Mac."  He got out of range of the glare of death he was getting.  "It looks good on you and the department."

"I don't need it."

"So?  Can't hand it back.  Though the American one is usually given post-heroic death."

Mac folded it up and put it into his work case.  "Get back to work, both of you."  They smiled and got back to work.  "No telling Stella.  She'll complain."

"She'll giggle," Don teased.  "The image of you in Merlin's robes or in a suit of armor will get to her."

"I look very good in light armor, thank you," he shot back.

"Really?  Some Ren Faire in your past, Mac?" Danny teased.

Mac looked at him.  "Want suspended without pay for the rest of today?"

"Not really.  Have to do a bit of last minute shopping with this check."

"Then don't ask."  He got back to work and so did they.

"Heard from Wolfe down in Miami," Danny said as he knelt.  "They found flobber worm on a site."

"Why?" Don asked.  "I didn't think they'd be that far south."

"Don't know.  They were hungry, they were trying to nibble on Eric.  Someone killed with a blessed blade sort of thing."

Mac shook his head.  "Flobber worms?"

"I'll show you the creatures book when I get back from dinner," Don told him with a grin.  "You're going to tell Stella, right?"

"No.  I'm going to ignore it."

"Um, Mac, they'll be on the bottom of every single piece of magical mail you write for the rest of your life," Danny told him.  "It's automatic upon winning it and it can't be removed."

Mac walked off moaning.  He had been having such a good day!

Don and Danny shared a smirk but they got back to work looking for the missing body part.

***

The head of the American aurors decided to deliver one of them personally since they were only up the road a bit.  He could use out of the office.  He went over to NCIS, checking the telltales they had on DiNozzo just in case he was out.  He was there.  He walked in and looked at them.  "Boys," he said.  "Follow."

Tony blinked at him.  "Peter?"

"Now."

"Boss?"

"Go."

"You too, Gibbs," he ordered.

They groaned and went upstairs to the Director's office.  "I'm going to spare you both some press, but some awards were handed to us by the Brits to give you and we decided it was only fair to give you equivalent to theirs."

"No thanks," Gibbs said.

"Too late," he shot back evilly.  He nodded at the director.  "Have to hand these over, Ma'am."   He unrolled the scroll, letting Tony close and silence the door, which he enforced.  "For the help you gave the British Ministry with the Voldemort issue, they have granted you the Third Order of Merlin."  He withdrew the pins to hand over.  "Even though Gibbs is a muggle and should not have been involved, you both provided invaluable assistance, especially during that last raid to get Voldemort.  Along with these pins you will have that notation put below your name on any magical correspondence until such a time as you die or it's removed from you for turning criminal."  He rolled the top back up and unrolled more of the bottom.  "In accordance with their awarding you the Third Order of Merlin, we in the American Department of Magic feel that you should be awarded an equitable award and commendation so we have hereby awarded you the Commendation of Nissolhm.  He was one of our bravest early fighters.  He jumped into the Revolutionary War and won a lot of battles for us, a few very critical ones, with his use of magic and strategy together.  Since Gibbs has a military rank, this is the equivalent of being made a Captain for bravery on the field of battle."  He rerolled it and handed it to Gibbs.  "If you need a separate copy, DiNozzo, let us know."  He nodded then turned and obliviated the stunned director.  "Have a good day, boys."

"I don't need it," Gibbs said.

The head of the aurors smirked at him.  "Then quit doing things that count, Gibbs."  He walked out much happier.  The looks on their faces was priceless.  He should've taken pictures.

Tony pulled Gibbs out of the office before the director woke up.  "Elevator so we can call Xander?" he suggested.  Gibbs handed over the scroll and pin.  "If you're sure, boss."

"I am.  Put it with the others."

"Sure, boss.  I know you don't need medals for doing the right thing.  The same as I don't, but it's kinda fun.  Can I tell Probie?" he hissed. "Please?"

"Let him read it."  He gave him a dirty look.  "Never mention this again."

"Sure.  Just remember, it'll be at the bottom of any magical letters."  He dropped the scroll on McGee's desk, sitting down to put the pin with the other medals he had of Gibbs'.  His own went into his award box.  McGee spluttered and choked.  "Don't get it wet."  He tossed it back on his way to choke in the bathroom.

Gibbs shook his head.  That was mean but oh well.  He got into his email, finding one from Horatio.  "Horatio said a certain old coot did it to get back at you guys for being nosy after he heard about Xander's award."  He looked at him.

"Headmaster old coot?" Tony asked.  Gibbs nodded. "Interesting.  I wonder who got what."  He went looking.  "Hmm.  The local department has a link to the story in the Prophet.  It's online?"  He shrugged and settled in to read it, his eyes going wide.  "Boss?"  He came over to read.  Gibbs winced.  "Yeah.  Someone's going to hit the roof."

Gibbs checked the header.  "This is tomorrow's edition," he said. "An advanced copy of it for notification purposes."  He printed it and went back to his computer.  "Send me the link?"  Tony did that.  "Let me send it Taylor and Caine.  Just in case."  He sent it, shaking his head.  He was going to kick someone's ass when he found the headmaster and Minister for Magic the next time.

Tony was wondering if this meant he had to buy funny robes or a suit of armor.

McGee finally came back, giving him a dirty look.  "It's real," Gibbs told him, letting him see the original article.  His computer hacking agent sat down and whimpered in fear.  Giving Tony a medal might be the sign of another apocalypse.  He had John Winchester's email, he'd ask him that.

***

John opened up the email from Gibbs, reading the message.  "I don't know.  Giles, Gibbs wants to know if DiNozzo getting a medal and commendation are the sign of an apocalypse."

"Not unless they come with an award for stupidity for a mortal born and an award for an officer of Justice," one of the research watchers called back.  "Though mortal might have been a mistranslation.  The original one looks like muggle for some reason.  Must've been a personal nickname."

John read the article then went to find Giles.  "Read this.  One of the pains in the library just said there's an apocalypse based off this convergence?"

Giles read then shuddered.  "Well, yes, but nothing too terrible.  The hellmouth is being opened again."  He went to find the original so he could read it.  It was in Latin and John could read Latin.  "Are you proud of your sons?"

"For doing it, yes.  For getting noticed, no.  Dean's going to flip out."  He thought about calling him but he decided they might be able to hear the scream even though Dean was in Ireland at the moment hunting a poltergeist with Sam.

***

Dean looked up, pointing at the owl staring at them.  "Owl."

"I like mail owls," he said, smiling at it.  "Do you have Xander or auntie mail for us?" he asked.  The owl hooted and hopped down to sit on his arm, letting him take the two letters.  "Thank you.  We have some bread if you want some."  It flew off.  "Have a good flight."

"It's an owl, not the staff."  He looked then took his letter.  "Isn't that a Ministry seal?"

Sam looked at his and nodded. "What's the other?"

"American Department of Magic."  He opened his letter, looking at the pin that came tumbling out first.  "Um, Dean.  Don't scream and rant.  You'll scare off the poltergeist."  He moved to the second page of the notice, which said about the American award, and the Department of Magic would forget, for now, about how they had funded their hunting activities.  "Really, don't yell."  He looked over.  Dean's face was red.  His blood pressure was very high.  He was very upset.  Sam ducked and put his fingers in his ear.  Dean let out a shriek like he had when he was six and something had bitten him that was supposed to be harmless.  Sam looked up at him.  "Did you read them both?" he asked.  Dean snarled but he flipped to the second one.  Sam put his fingers back in his ears.

Dean glared at him, kicking him on the ass.  "We can hand it back."

"No, we can't.  No more than Xander can hand back his knighthood."

Dean gave him a horrified look.  "They gave us *awards*, Sammy!  We can't fade off into the shadows when we have *awards*!"

"You know, with the way they explained the Nissolhm one, Xander may have one named after him some year."

Dean looked at him. "Don't I usually throw out the strange lines that make you give me odd looks?"

"Well, yeah but you're huffy so I figured we'd change places this time.  This means I get to drive, right?" he asked with a bright grin.

"Hell.  No."  He stomped off to put the stupid letters and pins in the car then shut it carefully before stomping off.  "We have to get this poltergeist then we can make someone sorry."

"Think anyone told Dad?"

Dean turned to look at him.  "Why do you want to kill our father that much?  Is it being in England?  Are you channeling Shakespeare?"

"No, just wondering if he'll have a good reaction or not."

"Not, Sammy!  I can assure you it won't be a happy one when he hears we got *awarded* for hunting demons and Voldemort!"

"Okay," he said dryly.  "Think this is a sign of an apocalypse?"

"It must be.  You just gave me a look I used to give you when you freaked out at the shadows in the creepy motel rooms."  He stomped off again.  They had to kill the poltergeist then they could go kill someone at the Ministry.  That should get it taken away, right?

"Think they got Xander again?" he called as he followed.  He was upset but watching Dean have a Buffyish hissy was fun.  "He might have two knighthoods or something."

Dean turned to glare at him.  "If he comes sobbing after blowing up the Ministry, you hold him.  I don't cuddle."  He stomped off again.

"Sure.  I'll let him cuddle.  You want to tell the aunts and Dad?"

"Hell.  No!  I don't want to hear his fit!"  Their shared phone beeped.  "What now?" he muttered, looking at the message.  "Horatio said the headmaster did it.  Think we can stop by to beat his ass?"

"He's in Scotland and there's no roads nearby.  Otherwise, I'd say yes."

"We could use the staff."

"If we use the staff, it'd confuse a lot of people and they'd have to add autoshop to the curriculum because they'd be in awe of the Impala.  We haven't even looked at vocational school yet."

"Will we be?"

"I'm going to ask."

"Good.  They're usually good careers."  He continued to stomp off in a steaming huff.  How dare someone do this to them!  It was totally unfair and it would cut into the hunting. He had a bad feeling when that staff had shown up.  Now he knew why.  That gave him a pause.  He had a prophetic feeling.  Nah, it was a one-time thing since it was about Sammy being in trouble.  He could excuse one time feelings.  He wasn't turning into a Psychic Friends Network sort.

Sam grinned behind Dean's back, knowing what he was thinking.  He paused and looked around.  "Dean, shh.  I think I hear another owl."

"There had better not be!" he said, looking outraged.

Sam snickered.  "Your face is so priceless right now.  The body language too.  You remind me of Mrs. Weasley when she thought we had stolen Harry."  Dean growled and lunged at him but Sam dodged around a tree.  "Temper, temper, Dean.  I'll tell Xander you need a lot of cuddles to get over this trauma."

"He'd give them anyway," he said, walking off in less of a snit and more of a sulk now.  That had been a good prank.  He'd have to get Sam back.  Again.  Especially for saying he had looked and sounded like Mrs. Weasley.  That was unforgivable.

***

At breakfast that morning, Harry and Draco both looked up at the Ministry owl coming in and landing in front of the professor's table, hooting at McGonagall then hopping over to hoot at Professor Snape.  It was an odd thing to happen.  A few other students had taken notice too and were watching in interest.

Professor Snape read his and cleared his throat.  "Mr. Malfoy, an announcement so you can clean your head of family up for his presentation."  Draco gave him an odd look.  "Unless you want him to wear one of those loud shirts and a pistol to be thanked by the Ministry?" he asked dryly.  He came up to get it but ended up giving his teacher a horrified look.  "Indeed," he said smugly.

"Who in the bloody hell gave Xander more honors?" he demanded loudly.  Harry snickered.  "Potter, if this was you, I'll gut you with your own wand," he snarled.

"No, I don't think this was his doing," McGonagall said.  "Mr. Potter, come forward, please?"

"I'd rather stay here, ma'am."

"Tough.  Someone has seen fit to remind someone that they owed you a bit of thanks for helping in the war."

"Can I join with Draco in gutting them?" he asked, not moving.

"Not in front of the other students, Mr. Potter.  Come here.  Don't make us drag you."

Hermione gave him a helpful shove.  "Gee, thanks, stick up for me," Harry muttered on his way up.  "I don't need thanks, Professor.  I was happy to get the freak out of my head when he was gloating and off this plane so he didn't hurt anyone else."

"Yes, well, the Ministry wasn't satisfied with that, Harry.  The Ministry has announced that they have awarded you the First Order of Merlin for your participation in the war.  As well as the Americans awarding you an Order of Contigra.  That is analogous to you getting another Second Order of Merlin."  She looked down at him.  "I know you will wear your pin better than Percy did his Headboy pin?"

"I think it'd be best if it was put safely away where there was no way for it to be damaged, Professor."

"It could be, yes," she agreed with a hint of humor.  "Also be aware that both awards will be under your name automatically whenever you write magical correspondence."

"Ooh, yay me," he mouthed.  She held in a smile at that.  "Thank you, Professor, for handing on that bit of news.  I'm sure someone at the Ministry feels much better now that they've thanked me.  I'll remember them in my holiday wishes."  He went back to his table, grabbing his bag so he could put the pin and letters up in his trunk.  The bottom of his trunk.

"Mr. Malfoy's letter was to announce his Head of Family was also awarded a First Order of Merlin and a Sword of Roses, for not only his participation in the war at Potter's side, but also for his prior work on the hellmouth.  There will be a formal presentation of both awards on the twenty-first," Snape said.  "They wanted to make sure Mr. Malfoy could make sure Mr. Harris shows up.  Plus give him a way to brag."

"I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun getting Xander there, sir."  He finished his breakfast.  "May I use your floo for a minute, Professor?  Just in case he hasn't heard?"

"You may," he agreed.  "Use my classroom one.  I'll be right there."  Draco walked off to do that.  Following a few minutes later would let him miss out on much of Mr. Malfoy's alto screaming like a girl about this award.  It was a great honor but a man like Xander did not do things for honors or awards.  He smirked evilly at the, as the Americans put it, freaking out going on over his classroom floo.  He walked in.  "You must attend.  Or else they'll summon you.  Or send Tonks after you."

"I don't want it!"

"So?"  He shrugged.  "By the papers, you weren't the only one awarded."

"Someone get me a copy of the Daily Prophet!" Xander shouted back at his house elves.  He looked at Draco.  "The blue outfit?"

"I'll dress you," he promised, hanging up.  He looked at Snape.  "He's going to kill them all for this."

"They wanted to get the idiots out of certain offices.  That would certainly do that."  Draco walked off shaking his head.

***

Xander called Horatio.  "How much explosives would I need to blow the Minister's office up and do you think an owl would carry a letter bomb?  I'm only good at big applications of explosives."

//Calm down, Xander.//

"Fuck calm!  They gave me a First Order of Merlin, a Sword of Roses, and then the Americans gave me one called the Order of Contrigra.  I feel like calling the Order of Taraka on them!"

//What do they do?// Horatio asked.

"They're demonic assassins."

//I don't think it'd help make them go away any faster, Xander.  Stay calm.  It can't be that bad.//

"They sent it to Draco to make sure I'd appear!  They announced it at the school!  I knew he plotted to get one of us but I didn't need another one!"

//Since the headmaster is using this to pay us back for sticking our noses into his school, I'm not surprised.  Stay calm.  Gibbs got an award, so did I, Tony, and Mac.//

"Harry too," Xander said.  "Sam and Dean you think?"

//Lucia handed me an email with a link that led to a Daily Prophet story about them.  They got the Second Order of Merlin.  Probably the same Order of Nissolhm the rest of us got from over here.//  He nearly smiled at the huff of irritation.  //You're starting to sound like a girl who can't decide which shoes to wear, Xander.  Calm down.  We'll accept our awards gracefully.  Then we'll go drink ourselves stupid.//

"They're giving me mine on the twenty-first."

//The papers say mine too,// he agreed.  //We'll be there together.  Calm down.  We can use this to annoy people for ages.  Think about what your friends Buffy and Willow will say.//

"They'll say it's the start of another apocalypse."

//I'm sure they won't.  Stay calm ad we'll be okay.  We'll talk about it after the meeting.  All right?//

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you for calming me down.  Why can't they leave me alone?  The one was cool but now I have *four*!"

//I know.  Calm down.  Go take something for your headache.  It'll be okay.//

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you."  He hung up and went to take something for his headache and find that Daily Prophet article himself if he had to.  "Fucking Ministry.  Why do they have to award me things?" he complained to himself as he stomped.  "I didn't need awards and they make it really hard to sneak around.  People will want to shake my hand or name their babies after me.  This is *horrible*!"

The listening house elves decided he wasn't mad at them.  He was mad at the Ministry.  Which was fine with them.  They had heard the Ministry was full of stupid people before. They ran after Xander to take care of him.  He needed them more than ever today.  He didn't have his lap Dean or snuggly Sam with him right now.

***

Tonks came out of the fire on the twenty-first.  "No, leave the explosives and the weapons," Horatio was saying upstairs.  "I know you want to but you can't bring them, Xander.  No one will try to attack you.  I promise.  Now please put that up before I remember that when I get home and make note of it."

"If I have to put on a bloomin' skirt, he has to put on a tie," she yelled up the stairs.

"Ties are evil and strangle people," Xander called back.  "I don't own any."

"That's metaphorical," Tony told him.  "Have you ever seen a tie strangle anyone on its own?"

"Yes.  It was possessed but yes."

"Mine's not possessed and it'll look good on your outfit, Xander."

"Don, that tie's fairly ugly," Horatio said.  "I have no idea what you wear it with but it's ugly."

Mac laughed.  "We've stopped taking bets about which one's the worst," Danny told him.

"I like my ties," Don complained.

Tonks walked up the stairs, making Xander beam at her.  "Yes, I'm wearing your present, goofball."  She looked at them.  "Robes, people.  This is a wizarding award."  She looked around.  "Gibbs primping in another room?"

"Gibbs doesn't accept awards.  He sends me to accept them for him," Tony said, handing her a note.  It was from the director about Gibbs never accepting his own awards and him sending Tony to do it for him.

"I doubt that'll work," Tonks said dryly, handing it back.

"He's hiding," Tony said smugly.  "Willow's helping hide him wherever Sam and Dean are hiding."

"We invited Willow, Buffy, and Giles to the presentation," she said.  "I'm sure we can convince her to cough 'em up.  Robes, people.  We have to be there in thirty minutes."

Draco walked in with boxes.  "Thankfully Madam Malkin knows this was an emergency and we can do a few tailoring charms if we must."  He put down boxes and looked around.  "Don, tie, ugly."  He took it off him and handed him his robe, then gave the others theirs.

"I'm not getting anything," Don complained.

"You'll make the group look bad.  Especially Stella.  No."  He looked at his head of family. "Off with the weapons."

"They won't let me carry any either," Tonks told him when Xander pouted.  "Even if there's an attack."

"Don't say that, you'll jinx us," Harry complained.

"Seconded," Xander agreed.  Horatio gave him a gentle cuff on the shoulder.  "I can run now, right?  The staff can take me to visit John?"  It flashed negatively.  "Why not?  You like John.  You think he's neat.  Or hey, we can go hide with Sam and Dean."  It flashed happier at that.  "See, we can do that."  Tony kept him from grabbing the staff, handing it to Draco. "Mine," he complained.

"Draco can hold it until we're done," Tony said, brushing the lint off Xander's back.  "I didn't think you had animals."

"I was petting Hagrid's dog in the Leaky Cauldron the last time I wore this one."

Draco looked at him.  "You must look perfect today," he said tightly, taking him to his closet and looking.  "Where are your clothes?  Tailor!"  He came running in.  "Where are Xander's clothes?"

"His room, Master Draco sir."  He disappeared.

Draco looked around.  "This is the master suite."

"This room is drafty.  I need to fix a window."  Draco groaned and let Xander walk him over to his room on the other end of the, thankfully, short hall.  "See, my clothes."

Draco looked then at him.  "How did you wrinkle *everything*?"

"I don't know.  But see, I can't show up!"

"Bull."  He growled as he stomped into the closet, finding something he liked him in.  He came out and found Xander gone.  He looked at the staff.  "Bring him back.  He'll embarrass the family if he doesn't take it like a man this time."  It pulled him out of the bathroom.  He looked at him.  "No one will mind the muggle underwear."  He handed him the outfit and went to hand someone else a shirt he cast an ironing charm on.  "Don, here.  Less ugly."  He walked off with a sigh of displeasure.  He looked at Tonks.  "You're *not* wearing that."

"What's wrong with it?"

"It's ugly, brown, and did I mention ugly?"  He huffed and looked up.  "I need my mother for times like this," he complained.  Altera floated in.  "Good.  Dress Tonks.  She has to accept an Order of Merlin today and she's an auror so she has to be able to duel at the least if necessary."  She nodded, taking Tonks out to the storage area to get her clothes.  Draco went to iron the cloths on Xander for him.  He found his cellphone and called Sam's.  "You will appear.  You will appear in robes.  Or else you are embarrassing your family and mine, Samuel.  I will make your life a miserable, bloody hell if I must because no one embarrasses my family.  Now get your ass dressed and here.  We'll appear together."  He hung up and looked at Xander, frowning.  "Did you grow?"

"They shrank in the wash when I got demon goo on them."

Draco got a different pair of black pants and handed them over, using a lint roller first and then an ironing charm.  He'd use a pressing one but he might kill Xander with it.  He really might.

"Calm down, Draco," Stella ordered.  "It'll be okay.  He won't embarrass the family.  We won't let him go armed or anything.  He won't blow up the Ministry.  It'll be okay.  Quit stressing before you break out.  Your future wife won't like pimples."

"She's at home.  Did I tell you that?" he asked Xander.

"I thought she was coming in tomorrow."

"She decided the bad weather they're having meant she could come earlier.  I found them in the garden staring at Mother's roses."

"Did you tell her your mother had planted them?" Xander asked.

"I did when I found her.  I rather blurted it out but she smiled and said it was good to remember my mother and they were beautiful roses.  So she'll leave them alone.  She even wanted to cut one for her bouquet she thinks."

"Good," he said, smiling at him.  "Now I can escape, right?"

"No.  Not in the least.  She'll be there.  So will her mother.  Do not embarrass the family."  He looked at Stella.  "No."

"Tough."

He stunned her then floated her off to wherever his great-however-many-times- grandmother was.  "Her too, please?"

"She looks cute enough," Tonks complained.

"The skirt is practically not there."

"So?  It's the way muggles are."

"This is a wizarding award."  He walked off.  "The top was fine."

Altera shook her head. "Must get it from the inbreeding," she shared.  She found the perfect skirt to go with Stella's sparkly top and tossed it onto her then got out a dress for Tonks. "This is a bit longer and should fit you, dear.  It'll look good on your coloring too."

"I'm a metamorpahgus."

"That's even better," she said happily, pulling out something.  "My first daughter's courting dress."  She handed it over.  "Still a bit short on you but it'll look darling if you darken your complexion just a bit.  Plus she always said she wore it because it was her most comfortable dress."  Tonks nodded, retiring to the bathroom to dress.  Don came in.  "Do dress her in that skirt please?"

"She took nearly forever to choose hers."

"Trust me.  She'll look fantastic in my choice.  Plus no one will say anything."  Don shrugged and did the changing spell for her.  The satin with velvet accents did look good against her darker tights.  "Ah."  She found a pair of boots.  "Here, borrow these."  She floated off to check on Xander, who was frozen stiff.  She smiled, watching as Draco checked to make sure he wasn't getting dirty or anything.  "I did that before many family portraits."

"My future wife's mother and she will be there today," he told her.

"I look forward to looking in on her, Draco."  Stella woke up complaining.  "Do behave please."  She floated back.  "I knew that would do well on your taller form.  Modern women are much taller than in my day and those boots go wonderfully.  You look cute."

"I can't fight in this if something happens."

"That's why there's aurors, dear."  She went to check on Tonks, who was staring at the straps in consternation.  "Cross back and forth."  She did that, letting her relative show her how it was done.  At the end, it was fit fairly well and comfortable.  Draco walked in and looked then did a tailoring charm on the back to make it a bit tighter around her waist and chest.  She nodded.  "Not totally modest but she looks good."  She floated in a pair of shoes.  "Here, wear those, dear."  She slid into them and bent to tie them up.  She floated out.  "Draco, you're all sweaty," she chided.  He gave her a panicked look and went to fix it, pulling out and unshrinking his spare outfit.  She smiled because the first thing he did was his hair.  Then he got dressed once it was perfect.  She nodded and they went to gather the others.  Stella was still staring at herself.  "It suits your figure and no one can say you weren't trying, even though it's mid-calf, Stella.  The boots look good against it and the top could probably be tighter but that's fine."

"There's the top that goes with it," Don said, holding up one.  "Or wouldn't it go?"

She looked then nodded.  "We'd usually wear that over a top."  She found one and handed it over.  "Try that.  Not too tightly but it should be fine."  Don did the changing charm again and then Draco came in to play with hers and Tonks' hair and makeup so it was perfect.   When he was done Stella looked like a portrait but she was cute.  The top dipped low like her normal ones did, but it was a fitted waist and it looked kind of peasant-y.   With the skirt it looked odd.  She changed back to her skirt and it looked good to her.  That got a nod from Altera and it was too late for Draco to make her change.  So they went that way.  Draco made sure they were all dusted off after they appeared and repressed Xander.

"Quit," he snapped.

"Yes, Xander."  He sighed, going to take his place next to his future wife.  "Clothing traumas," he excused.

She leaned closer.  "Relax.  You're flushed, Draco."

"I don't want him to embarrass the family.  He wanted to bring weapons."

She smiled.  "Men like him do that."  She patted his hand, taking it to hold.  The doors opened and the group walked in together.  Some of them sitting down, some going up to the dias to take their proper, marked seats.  The Minister stepped up and looked around.  Tony handed him a note, getting a look back.  Before he could retort, the doors opened and Sam walked in with Dean, properly dressed and Draco prayed his thanks to Merlin for that, and John sat down in the back since he was in muggle clothes.  They took their seats, looking around to nod at the others.

The Minister for Magic smiled.  "With one exception we're all here and one of them feels medals slow him down in the field.  So we'll go present it to him at work instead."  He looked at the group.  "Thanks to these people, the war was won.  Not just them but these ones stepped in late and brought with them skills that made for decisive victories from a series of raids this summer.  Until then we had only caught twenty death eaters, ten of them thanks to Mr. Harris and them trying to eliminate him."  He saw the looks from the other Council members. Xander shrugged.  "After they stepped in to help us, we arrested over a hundred within a month."  That got some polite clapping.  "Then the rest of them joined in for the final two assaults, which netted us the rest of the death eaters attending meetings and Voldemort himself."

That got louder clapping.  "It would have taken us much longer if we hadn't had the help they provided."  He turned to them. "Let's go in order of announcement.  Mac Taylor?"  He stood up and stepped forward, going to parade rest.  He smiled. He pinned the medal on him.  "We award you the Third Order of Merlin for your work on the raids that netted us the most death eaters and Voldemort."  He nodded his thanks and sat down.  He liked that, he hadn't tried to make a speech.  "Horatio Caine?"  He stepped up and accepted his award in the same manner.  "Anthony DiNozzo."  He stepped up and got his award then sat down.  "We'll be presenting Gibbs his at work since he said he was too busy on a case to appear and someone's life may be in jeopardy."  He moved that tray and opened the next one.

"The Second Order of Merlins go to three of you.  Auror Tonks, I believe it's still women first?"  She stepped up to get her award, nodding her thanks before sitting down again.  He wondered about her dress.  It looked very darling and sweet on her.  "Auror Tonks was the one who got the most death eater arrests because anytime one of the others wanted to go on a raid they'd call her personally to help them.  She made quite a dint on our ink supplies in the Ministry."  That got a few laughs.  "Her boss was most happy with her writing cramps and her ability to lead a raid or follow those who know various styles of raiding while integrating it into her own taught style.  The other two Second Order of Merlins belong to a pair of brothers who did a lot of the planning for all those raids.  Even when someone tried to keep them out they wouldn't.

"We'll go by age this time I believe.  Dean Winchester?"  He stepped forward and went to parade rest.  Interesting.  He didn't know he was military trained.  "For exceptional work even though you only knew about our world starting this summer."  He pinned the medal on him.  There was some light applause from their family and friends.  Dean nodded and sat down.  "Samuel?"  He stepped up and took his own medal as stoically.  It was like they were about to be shot.  He'd have to talk to them about gracious award acceptance.  The applause came back before Sam could sit down, teasing a slight smile from him.  He put that tray aside and pulled out the other two.  These were larger medals.  They went up in size as you went on.

"For the First Order of Merlin we have two exceptional people.  One who was told at a mere eleven years of age that it was going to be his duty to fight the Dark Lord.  The other who jumped into a war that wasn't his, even if the other side wanted him as a prize.  The first, Mr. Potter, has saved us all by casting the final curse that ended Voldemort's reign forever."  We hope.  If he came back again, someone was going to be quite pissed.  "He fought for many years, even when the adults tried to force him to stop because they didn't understand or weren't paying proper attention."  Ha, take that Albus!  "In his fighting he has saved lives, he has lost a few, but on the whole he has saved many lives by casting that final curse and doing as well as he could while still in his education.  We know Mr. Potter will go on to do many great things.  Harry?"  He stepped back, standing still.  He pinned it on him. "Thank you from all of us," he said quietly.

"I did what I had to."

"We are all glad you did, lad."  He got a nod and Harry sat down.  "The last one, well, he's a bit more than just a fighter for us.  Mr. Harris has fought for quite a while on his native hellmouth.  He has aided a slayer through numerous apocalypses and the more minor and mundane patrols to ensure the continued health of most of the population in his town.  It was his planning that got his slayer through some of the worst situations.  An ascension.  A military unit trying to take over the town to torture demons.  A hell goddess.  And most recently he leant what help he could while he was helping us to aid her in the apocalypse that ultimately pulled the hellmouth into itself with most of the town.  Even when we at the Ministry tried to get him to stop he would not.  He took it upon himself to sneak into the Dark Lord's chamber to start the first raid.  He even got to make fun of him for being unable to stop him."  That got a bit of laughs from those who knew Xander.  A few more looks by the older men on the Council with him as well.

"Then he moved on to help the Winchester brothers plan the other raids, going on each and every one with them.  When the situation in Sunnydale spilled into our world, he managed to have a time turner accident to save a lot of lives in the Watchers Council, some of which are our people.  He managed to make sure the special weapon the slayer needed was going to get to her.  When his personal family was attacked, he comforted the remaining member and found out why he was spared, then let us have that information so we could save others who were threatened.  He is a major influence on the Founders Council and behind  a lot of the good ideas we've had.  So we do not only award Mr. Harris the First Order of Merlin for his help in this war, we award him the Sword of Roses for his past heroics that have benefitted not only our world but the entire world, muggle and magical."

Xander stood up and walked over to him, getting pinned with the medal.  Then the Minister hefted the heavy sword.  It was a very heavy, solid sword carved with roses up the blended silver/iron blade with a leather wrapped silver handle.  He handed it to him.

That was when the doors broke in and a demon came running in.

Xander reacted, stabbing the demon before it got closer than the foot of the stage, kicking it off the end of his blade with a foot.  He tossed his staff at Draco.  "Black bag, on my dresser. Now."  Draco disappeared because the staff made him do so.  The other demons came in and Dean pulled a gun.  Sam pulled a gun.

"Oh, dear," the Minister said, backing away behind the rest of the Council and Tonks.  "Why are they doing this?"

"They don't like Xander being rewarded for taking them out," Tonks said.  "Ooh, there's Buffy and Willow too," she said, pointing.

"Got another one?" Horatio asked Dean.

Draco reappeared on the stage, handing the bag over.  "What's in that?"

"Supplies," Xander said as he used the sword to cut the head off another demon.  "Guys, silver bullets and holy water rinsed, blessed ones in the bag," he noted.  Dean and Sam reloaded.  Horatio found another gun.  Mac got one.  Buffy and Willow took out the edges to keep them away from the others.  John helped get the doorway finally blocked off.  Xander and the boys, plus Horatio and Mac, got the rest of the demon clan.  Xander hopped off the stage, taking off his robe to toss to his future cousin-in-law.  "Hold that for me please?" he asked with a smile.  He stomped out, taking point, Buffy and Willow behind him, John behind them, and his boys behind him with Mac and Horatio covering the rear since all they could do was shoot.  "The blue ones don't react to blessed anything or silver," Xander noted.  "Willow, take them?  Buffy, get the red, hairy ones.  The rest, take out the others.  They'll die with it."  They opened fired and he got anything that came closer.   Thirty minutes later the last one fell.  Xander panted, looking around.  "Well, that was fun," he said dryly.  "Injuries?"

"A small scratch," Horatio said.

"A few bruises and a bite mark," John said.

"Let me look at that, just in case," Willow said, coming over to look at the bite mark on his ankle.  "Looks okay but I'm dosing you when we get back to wherever.  Xander?"

"A few scratches and a bite too."  He waved at his leg.  "One got me as he was falling to the stab in the chest."  He looked at Horatio and Mac.  "Welcome to demon hunting.  Yes, it's always like this."  He checked Dean and Sam, who were panting.  "You two okay?"  He moved to check them over.  "Dean, you got bit."

"It happens."  He brushed him off.  "I'll be fine with some neosporin."

"Okay.  Sam?"

"I'm good."  He let both Dean and Xander look him over to make sure then his father.  "Guys, I'm not four!  I can handle a few bruises!" he complained.

"Shut up, Sammy.  You may be a giant brain but you have little sense when it comes to how serious your injuries are.  Like Xander.  Xander, is that cut on your back bleeding maybe?" John asked dryly.

Xander looked then used a hand to pat at it.  "It'll clot soon.  It's shallow."  He walked inside, using his ruined shirt to wipe the blade off.  He nodded, taking his bag and staff back.  "Home," he whispered to Draco, getting a nod.  He smiled at his cousin-in-law.  "Thank you for holding that for me, dear.  Most kind of you."  She smiled back, nodding a bit.  "Are you coming for dinner in a few days?"

"Draco said we were."

"That's wonderful.  I look forward to meeting you for more than tea.  Do ignore their manners.  They were raised by inferior demons."   He walked out, waving his staff.  "Anyone need a lift back to the house?"

"Me," Buffy said.

"We've got you, Dad," Sam promised.  "Should we just leave?  It seems like things should still be going on."

Xander shrugged but he waved his wand.  "Incendio demons."  They went up in a blast of heat and light.  Then there was only blood and a few bits and pieces strewn about.  "Not too bad of a mess."  He disappeared, taking Buffy with him.

"Show off," Sam snorted, taking his father and brother with him.

"Are they insane or is it us?" Mac asked Horatio.

"Them.  Tony?" he called.  "Tonks?"

"Guarding the doors," Tony said, leaning out.  "Hey, he even mostly cleaned up.  I'm impressed.  Buffy leaves them laying around sometimes from what we heard.  I'll bring Tonks and Harry."  He went back inside.  "Minister, Xander cleaned up most of the mess.  There's a bit of blood and stuff, but otherwise the hallway is clean.  Draco?"

"I'll get there."

"Sure.  Tonks, want a lift?"

"Please.  Harry?"

"I'll make sure Draco and his guests get there since Tony froze me to my chair."

"Sorry, Harry.  Finite incantantum."  He swished his wand then took Tonks with him.

Harry got up.  "I probably should protest," he told Draco.  He looked, grabbing the two expended clips to put into his pocket.  Then he walked over there.  "We can take you back if you want."  They nodded, taking his hands.  "Draco?"  He came over and grabbed his arm and they were gone.  He landed them in the library.  "This is the ancestral home instead of Malfoy manner and this is the main library.  Let me go check on them while Draco gives you a tour."  He hurried off to change and check on the others.  "Do I need to get a mediwitch?" he called as he jogged up the stairs.

"Yes, they're all drama queens.  I'm sure Xander's very sorry about that," Draco told them, getting a laugh.

"Attacks happen when they do," his future mother-in-law promised.  "He handled it well, without swearing and sneering."

Draco smiled. "I'm sure it's because he thought there might be sensitive ears in the room.  Let me give you the tour while they change and clean up a bit."  He took Bindi's arm and led them out to show them around the common areas of the house.  "Xander has decided this is his favorite house of all of them but he does have an apartment within a few blocks of Diagon for meetings and late nights that way."  That got a smile.  He led them to the center garden, the one in the center of the protections, off the kitchen and dining room.  "The house elves have been busy rehabilitating the gardens.  They were completely wrecked when we reopened this house.  It hadn't been in use in centuries and not even the strongest of flowers were able to be revived.  He'll be planting all new this coming spring. This one is mostly used for cooking herbs but it looks like it'll turn out as a nice, quiet place to sit and read during the summer.  With a canopy from the eaves so you can even watch the rain."  She nodded so he led them through the rest of the house and into the main gardens.  "This will be the formal gardens.  When we got here, the grass was waist high.  The bushes were tangles of nettles.  So far they've done a great job getting it ready to be replanted.

"The house elves have been doing a wonderful job restoring this old one," the mother said, looking up.  "A cracked window?"

Draco looked up.  "Xander used to work in carpentry.  He's insisting he's fixing all things like that by hand to preserve the integrity of the house."  He smiled at the paddock. "Come meet some of the guardians."  He led them that way, pointing.  "Look there.  She's fading in and out in the sunlight."

She looked then cooed.  "It's a ghost foal."

Draco smiled. "They come out to play in the paddock at night.  Xander made me come play tag with him and then a few months back.  He enjoys coming out to play with them."  She smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek, moving forward.  The horse came over to look at her then nudged her playfully before galloping off to his mother. "Xander will probably be out tonight, little one."  That got a nod from the mother. "This is my fiancee, Bindi, and her mother."  The horses studied them then nodded again and faded out.  He smiled at them.  "Some of them have been here for ages untold."  He led them back inside through the study door.  "This is Xander's study."  He led them back into the main hallway.  "Are we nearly ready to eat?" he called.

"Food is being finished and cut now," one house elf called.  "Plates are being laid."

Draco went to check.  "We are using the dishes for this house?"  They pointed.  "No!" he snarled.  They flinched.  He pointed at a cabinet.  "Use these."  They went to unmake the table and then remake it with the matching dishes.  "I thought you put those back."

"Xander said he didn't mind most of them being in here.  Just not funeral set," one said timidly.

"That's fine for him but we have guests."  The house elves looked then looked upstairs, adding more food.  He went back to them.  "Sorry.  We have a different place setting for each house we own and the elves put those out instead of the matching set.  It shouldn't be too much longer if you'd like to look around the front or the library again?"

"I'd like to look in the library again," Bindi said.  "Yours was large but this one's larger."

"This is the home where all the other books come from."  He led them back into there, letting her look around. "The way the charms are laid all you have to do is ask for a book on any topic.  I want a book on... then name it.  If we have one it'll float down."

She smiled. "I want a book on the family history of the Malfoys."  Two thick books floated down.  "That is an excellent spell for such an old building."

"It wasn't in use for a long time so it wasn't worn out."  He looked at the books, sending one back.  "That one's written by cousins that were mad at us.  The other's a fairly factual account of the history of this family.  All branches.  I have the specific Malfoy family history back at the Manor.  Oh, Aunt Lucinda," he said with a smile when he spotted the child ghost.  She waved and grinned at Bindi.  "Her mother is one of my ancestresses.  This is Lucinda and her mother is Altera Malfoy.  The men of her time were against strong women so they dosed her but she's a happier ghost now who picks on Xander's taste in shirts as well."  Bindi's mother laughed.  "He does like to wear some loud, muggle clothes."  Lucinda floated closer.  "Are you bored?"

"Mommy said to quit bossing the house elves around.  It could've shown her the various properties."

"I was going to take her on a tour of them for our honeymoon.  That way she could see them in person.  Besides, it's not acceptable with guests.  With family it's fully acceptable as long as it's not the wedding set or the funeral set."  Xander walked in and smacked him on the head.  "Ow.  Fine.  I'll chastize more gently next time.  Sorry, Xander."

"Thank you, Draco."  He smiled at Bindi's mom.  "We're eating in about ten minutes if you wanted to freshen up.  The bathroom's that blue door behind you.  It shifts now and then but it's mostly there."  He walked off, his t-shirt and jeans pressed but clean.

Draco shook his head.  "Go ahead and I'll escort you."  He stepped out of the room, running into Altera.  "Well?" he hissed.

"She's a beautiful young woman, Draco.  You look nice together and she seems to care for you.  I would heartily agree to this union if you were my son."  She smiled at Bindi as she came out.  "No towels?"

"Plenty.  I used some of the hand sanitizer as well."

"That is neat stuff," Lucinda said.  "Xander uses it on cuts instead of the stingy stuff."  She floated over.  "Are you going to marry Draco and have babies like me?"

"I hope we will someday," she agreed.  The girl beamed and faded out with her mother.  "She is very smart."

He smirked a bit.  "It is a family trait.  I have quite good grades at the moment, even with all the hecticness that's been going on this semester."  Her mother came out.  "Ready?"  She nodded.  He led them that way.  "Did I tell you that I caught the snitch during our game against Ravenclaw?"

"You hadn't.  You mentioned you play seeker on your house team."  He nodded, helping her into her seat then her mother.  She smiled at her mother.  Draco was growing up into a more polite young man than they had heard.  He sat down on her left.  "I got your present."  She touched it.

He blushed a bit.  "I'm glad you liked it.  Hogsmeade was limited in scope for presents unless you'd like some candy?"  She giggled but shook her head.  "I thought that would look beautiful around your neck.  It sets off the complexion of your skin and the tan you have."  She blushed at that, giggling a bit.  He kissed the back of her hand then put it back onto the table.  "I've still got to wrap your Yule gift.  We only got back yesterday and I made Xander take me shopping so we could both complete our shopping.  Plus he has very nice taste in presents.  He was the deciding factor on which one I got.  It might be a bit odd...."

"Spoiling it," Dean said as he came in.  "If not, go get it."

"I can wait."

"You have three.  I can give you this one now."  He went to get it, bringing it back.  "It may be a bit odd, but Slytherin is the House of the Snake at our school."  He opened the box to show off the snake bracelet.  "I chose one that was from around your homeland.  It's charmed to bite anyone who would harm you."  He put it on her, watching her shiver.  "I know, it will take a second to sense you.  It's a very good charm.  I wore one when I was younger and my father dragged me everywhere with him.  The bite will not harm you, only someone who grabs or scares you that you sic it on.  The instruction card is in the box with the coded phrase to use for it."   She looked then smiled at the assurances on it.  "This way, even if you're alone and you run into something you can't handle, it can help you handle it.  So you're not lost to your family or me."  He stroked her cheek with a gentle smile.

She smiled back. "It's a lovely and thoughtful gift, Draco.  I'm sure it'll help me if I'm in a situation that could hurt me that I can't handle."  He grinned at that.  She showed her mother, who nodded.  "It's back into a normal feeling bracelet."

"As it should be," Willow said, looking at it.  "That's very complex magic.  I might look at it for a last resort sort of weapon for the slayers."  She sat down with Sam's help.  "Thank you, Sam.  You looked very distinguished earlier."

"We went to a place in Ireland.  It was a nice little shop."  He sat down, standing when Buffy walked in.  "Is Tonks joining us?"

"She'll be right in." She sat with Draco's help on his other side.  "Hi.  Buffy Summers."

"Bindi, future wife of Draco."

Buffy grinned.  "Watch out for Xander.  He used to threaten Draco with marrying me if he was behaving like a little snot."  Bindi giggled.  "It worked.  He's a much nicer guy to be around now."  She looked at his hair then fixed a piece.  "There, better.  You shouldn't look mussed unless she did it for you."  She smiled at Tonks when she came in and the men stood as a sign of respect.  "I need to date guys like these."

"How did the last one work out?" Horatio asked as he walked in.  "I thought he was a nice young man."

"He was but he was scared of a strong woman.  He couldn't accept that I could kick his butt in sparring.  It made him pout more than me without chocolate."

Draco gave her a look.  "Polite conversation topics?"

"I wasn't talking about when I *need* chocolate, Draco, just when I wanted it."  She smiled at Bindi.  "He's got his panties in a twist again.  It's that British thing since Giles and the other watchers do it too."

"I suppose it could be," she agreed. "Though he is cute.  He'll burn at my home but he's cute."

"They make sunscreen," Harry assured her.  "I learned how to apply it after a bad sunburn during my trip to Miami."

"I've never been, how was it?"

"It's a beautiful city.  I spent a lot of time with Horatio's nephew Ray.  I spent some time on the beach.  Ray taught me how to body surf.  We ate ourselves sick on the food.  It was good.   You two should go."

She smiled.  "Maybe we'll go for an anniversary."  Draco shrugged. "You wouldn't mind?"

"Travel is supposed to be very broadening.  It's very fun, educational, and good for you.  I wouldn't mind doing some light traveling a few times a year."

She nodded.  "That would work for me."  She took his hand to hold.  "Is anyone else coming?"

"Tony's on the phone with Gibbs about the assault.  Dad's coming but he's having a quiet argument about us jumping in and accepting our awards.  That's why he pulled Dean back out."

"You didn't want them?" Bindi's mother asked.

Sam shook his head.  "We're demon hunters.  If there's too much fame attached we can't live in the shadows like we need to and people will follow us around and get hurt.  Unfortunately we couldn't get out of it this time.  Draco got pushy."

She nodded.  "He can be forceful when he wants to be."  The missing members walked in and dinner was served.  She smiled and patted the house elf giving her the plate on the head.  "Thank you."

"Bindi is welcome."  She moved onto feed the others.  "Master Draco sir, is everything all right?  You is not being eating."

"It's polite to wait for the women to eat first," he told her.  She nodded and left.

Bindi took a bite and moaned.  "They do *very* well, Xander."

"Thank you.  I'm not a bad cook myself but they do much better than I do."

"They do nearly as good as my mom did," Buffy said.

"Joyce could make a mean pan of brownies," Xander teased back.  Buffy nodded.  "How's Dawn?"

"Frustrated.  The other Watchers think she should be doing preschool somewhere.  It's worse than I gave her back in Sunnydale."

"You have a younger sister?" Bindi's mother asked.

"She's fifteen.  We treat her like she's five, but she's fifteen.  The old Watchers that're left treat her like she's two.  I pointed out she's got some skills and knowledge.  They don't even want to let her train to become one of them."

"Then they're stupid and something else will happen that'll prove their inflexibility is a problem when it kills them," Xander reminded her.  "Sunnydale nearly killed Wes before he grew up.  When he did, he realized it wasn't all black and white and fixed himself.  That's why he became an asset to Angel."

"I guess."  She ate another bite.  "By the way, thank you for the house elf place's address.  John got pitifuled to death and brought home seventeen.  They're *very* helpful around the campus."

"Campus?" Bindi asked, eating another bite.

"The new Watchers Council is sitting on a small private campus.  That way all the older watchers can have one building and whine to each other about the old days when they turned us into machines that died when we broke down.  We're doing okay rebuilding.  It's going slowly but we're doing okay.  We could use more watcher trainee candidates.  They didn't go after the research watchers, mostly the field watchers, and the research guys are better but not trained or able to do combat."

Xander gave her a look. "Then recruit from police and military who've seen it.  Not Initiative boys but guys like John.  He knew somewhat before.  You've got officers around you that know.  Agents who know.  Recruit from them."

She nodded.  "I'll suggest that to Giles.  We're still looking for the basics.  A doc for after patrol bang-ups.  A new weapons master since John wanted to find a good one for us.  Someone to do the physical training at the advanced levels because Giles is good but not perfect.  We need more witches to associate with and so Willow can take lessons."

"Tara got offered a learning spot with the Devon coven," Willow told her.

"If you move over here that means I'm the last one left over there and I'd have to move too.  It's not fair.  The British are recruiting too fast.  They give medals and award and neat stuff."

"I didn't want an award," Dean told her.  "It makes it harder for us to hunt if people know who we are.  We have to spend too much time on the edge of the light to find the bad guys that any light on us keeps us from working.  Today we had to.  There seemed to be a compulsion to show up."  He glared at Draco.

"I did not.  I left it at a nasty phone call," he defended.  "Xander can't not go, it looks bad on the family.  You guys not supporting him looks like you don't care for him."

"We're friends, Draco.  The potion was broken," Sam said.

"Friends would've still been there to support him," Draco said. "If I were getting one, I'd want my family and friends there.  You're some of his closest friends and you didn't want to show up."

"We were going to come in disguise so we could show up for him," Dean corrected. "Just not ours."

"What would your aunts say?"

"That it's not practical to wear shiny things all the time.  It attracts attention."

"They were pleased but they wanted us to be subtle about it.  With the rumors that have to still die down it's been harder on them recently."

"At least it was broken.  Now you two can heal your thing and it'll be fine," Xander told them.

"We've pretty well gotten back to normal, Xander," Dean promised.  "When am I getting my Christmas present?"

"Christmas morning," he teased.  "You have to wait four more days.  I know it's a horrific wait but I'm sure you can do it."

"I'm sure I can too.  It already wrapped?"

"Both parts are and Sam's is wrapped too."

"Good.  Then we'll go sneaking around."

"Did I get one?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, I'm overnighting them to Giles tonight so he can hold them for you."

"That's mean."

"Tough."

She frowned.  "I love you."

"If you did, you'd be evil," Draco quipped, making Bindi swat him on the arm.  "Xander draws evil women," he protested.  "He always has."

"He has," Buffy agreed.  "We've had to stop a few of his girlfriends from ending the world.  We'd like it a lot better if Xander would decide to keep a Dean or a Sam around all the time.  This new gay him is pretty relaxed and happy."

Dean gave her a look.  "I do try but I still have to be me, Buffy.  I'm not going to give up hunting for a while."

"Sure, I get that.  You can take Xander with you and fill in all the gaps in his training, right?"

"We've been teaching him how we do things," Sam promised. She beamed at him.  "But if we ever go back there, the bonding potion comes back.  So we have to think very carefully."

"Even if only one of you goes back?" she asked.

"We're not sure yet," Dean admitted.  "We're still seeing."  She nodded at that, digging in again.  "So, Bindi, all we've heard about you is that you're smart, pretty, accomplished, and nice.  What do you do for fun?"

"I ride horses and I help around the estate.  Sometimes I go sort some of the new gems because I'm taking gem evaluation lessons.  We've been talking about expanding our horse breeding operation recently.  I'm taking the time to plan the weddings carefully so I know exactly what I want."

"Would you rather have an outdoor one or an indoor one?" Buffy asked.  "I know Xander's got to do a lot of work on his garden."

"I was going to offer Malfoy Manor for it," Draco assured her.  "We have a beautiful walking garden that could host it.  It's been cultivated now for over a hundred years straight."  She smiled at him.  "If not, there's that large ballroom on the mezzanine.  We'll be able to hold it in there."

She nodded.  "Either would suit me.  I'd like to see the garden in the summer first.  Most plans would be good for either site."

"Having a backup in case of rain would be best anyway," Xander agreed.  "That way if you wanted it in the garden and it rained you could go inside."

"Very true," she said happily.  "You wouldn't be opposed to him having a traditional Hindu ceremony at my family home?"

"Of course not.  We'd love to travel over for it," he said happily.  "You'll have to give us pointers on how to dress and act.  I haven't been outside the US except for here and the only traveling I did before was limited.  Where I'm from isn't very diverse."

She nodded.  "I can send you tapes and books if you'd like."

"Wait on the tapes.  I have to run electricity out here.  The home's ancient but it shouldn't be a problem."  Draco gave him a horrified look.  "Maybe on the other side of the manor?  The back side?  That way it comes through the woods?  There's more things that need fixing over there.  It'd be easier to run."

"If you say so.  I say the power lines are an ugly eyesore."

"They can be but they can also be hidden and buried," Xander said with a smile.  "Since we're only two miles from the nearest city's edges, it shouldn't be too hard to have it run this way."

"If you want.  It's your house now.  I don't see much use for it."

"To recharge your phone?" Xander teased.

"That could help, yes."

"Have one of the house elves charge it at the apartment."

"I have been.  Every Sunday night.  Snape does not like the phone you got me.  Said it's an annoyance and a distraction that no student needs.  He also called it worthless."

"The next time you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, you can debate that with him."

"You got him a cellphone?"

"I got him a satellite phone so I could reach him at school, once he's outside the boundaries that won't let any electronics in.  What are they going to do when the wizarding world goes electric?"

"We never will," Draco told him.

Tonks snorted. "I love the stuff.  I have a loud alarm I can set with a few buttons.  A stove that keeps a constant temperature without having to load wood and watch the gauge.  I love my hair dryer, my washer and dryer.  All that."

"You don't dry things on a line?" Harry asked.

"I live in a flat, Harry."

"Oh."  He nodded. "How do we dry things at Hogwarts?"

"No clue," she admitted. "You'd have to ask a house elf."

"I probably should.  Just to see how."  He looked at Xander.  "Are we thinking it'll be in the next few years?"

"I think that there's a lot more muggle born witches and wizards that aren't being educated.  I think that was to hold the status quo.  Then again, I also think that the major breeding population for purebloods was cut down to a third recently thanks to the Dark Lord.  All those arrested and people being in prison, they can't have kids.  So that means more muggle borns coming in and more kids from mixed relationships.  Which means that more and more of them are going to be expecting to see things like electric lights, which are great for studying, Draco.  All you have to do is flip a switch and you have real light.  It'd cure the problem in Slytherin within a few minutes.  Even just more lamps that have a multiple glow setting.  That way if you wanted it dark and gloomy you could turn it down.  Or brighter for the really dank nights."  That got a shrug.  "I also think that there's more things that students are going to be looking for.  If they want to go to any sort of college these days they have to know how to use a computer."

Harry grimaced. "I hate those things."

"Oh, they've gotten tons better in the last five years," Willow promised, pulling out hers.  "This is a blackberry device.  From it I can send emails, check online, watch some videos, send text messages like on your phones.  I keep a calendar on it.  I even keep a helpful spell file on it so I have the recipes and stuff."  Harry took it to look at.  "That's where computers are going.  Smaller and hand held."

He handed it back.  "Can it help us take notes?"

"I use my laptop and type what I'd usually write.  Then I go back to flesh it out with the book's notes.  It means I can revise and correct stuff without rewriting everything.  I can save it down for years at a time if I need to on small storage media that doesn't weigh a lot or take up a lot of room."  She pulled out a data key.  "This is a two-gigabyte memory card.  That means I can hold all the information on Xander's computer twice on this little stick."

"Do you have anything that can mimic a floo?" Tonks asked.

"Not the traveling part.  I have one magically that can mimic apparation but not the floo system.  For talking? Yeah.  I can put a camera on any of my computers and a microphone so I can chat along with someone else who has the same stuff and an IM account."

She shook her head. "You're catching up to magic."

"You guys will catch up to the rest," she said with a small grin.  "Honestly it's going to be a long while before we get instantaneous transport.  That's futuristic science fiction stuff."

"So were computers back in the eighteen hundreds," Xander said.  The others nodded.  "Then again I've seen some really ancient sci fi that had things like telephones that dialed themselves and radios that could contact outer space, and even televisions."

"So what's one person's future fiction is another's present and someone in the future's history," Harry said.  Horatio smiled at that.  "I would like to learn how to use a computer.  Email seems easier than sending Hedwig over there."

"It would be," Mac agreed.  Stella nodded.  "Faster too.  Anything I need to send over this way I send to Sam or Xander and let them owl."

"I think there's a way for you to go to the post and have them send it to a closer station through the floo," Bindi said.  "There is in India."

"There might be," Xander agreed.  "No clue.  I do what Stella does or I pop around.  I'm more impressive in person."

"You certainly are," Dean agreed.  "The sword okay?"

"It's a pretty decent weapon.  A bit heavy.  I'm thinking it's a blended silver blade.  It didn't hold the original edge perfectly so I'll spend some time sharpening it tonight.  It's pretty though."

"Very," Harry agreed.  "Now I know to run if someone ever offers me one."

Xander grinned.  "Me too."  They all laughed and went back to eating, talking about sports and other things to include Draco and his guests.

Later that night they went to play with the ghost horses.  Xander grinned at Draco, who was giving him a begging look so he pulled Harry out and taught him how to play tag with the ghosts.  Bindi sighed in pleasure.  "They're a beautiful sight.  The ghosts playing and acting like real horses."  She took Draco's hand to hold.  "He's very fit."

"He is.  The time he pulled me in to play with him I only lasted about twenty minutes."

"I don't mind if you two take a walk under the moonlight as long as her mother doesn't," Xander called.  They nodded and walked off with her mother following them so they couldn't get into any mischief.

"How far do the lands extend?" Mac asked.

"I think all the way through the woods.  I need to have it resurveyed and magiced.  I know the city claimed some but there's no way they claimed this far back.  We're on the edge of the city."  The Minister for Magic appeared and he consciously snubbed him by looking at Sam.  "Come play?"

"I make ghosts nervous."  Xander hauled him and Dean in, letting the ghosts sniff him then play with them.  Sam laughed, grinning at Xander.  The foal that was it tagged him so he got to chase the others, tripping Dean to get him.  "You're it."

"I'm getting you back for tripping me."  He chased after them.  Xander and Sam both avoided the horses like they were real.  Harry accidentally stepped through one and apologized.  "Do they mind?"

"I would," Harry said with a grin, dodging away from him.  He looked.  "Why are there headlights coming up the driveway, Xander?"

"Don't know."  He went to greet them.  "No, don't bother getting out of your car. This is my house," he told the officer.

"This thing has been condemned for years," he said patiently.

Xander shrugged.  "All it took was some love.  I still have to do one side and a few windows but it's back in shape.  None of the other heirs had wanted to live here."

"It's been abandoned for generations."

"There had been a few murders here," he said.   "None of us wanted to live here.  Since I had it recleaned it doesn't bother me that much.  Why the worry?  I've been here now for over a month.  Are we being too loud?"

"The city was going to have this place torn down next month."

"There were no posted signs.  No one bothered to contact the family. Since the other house is about three hundred miles or so up the road...."

He grimaced.  "I'll let him know it's been fixed.  They were going to make all this a park."

"You guys have a beautiful park in the middle of the city."

"Been there?" he asked.

"Yeah, and the same day I tied someone to a light pole for being rude."  The man gaped.  He grinned.  "This is the ancestral home, you can tell him that and that I'm the new head of the family.  Unless they have a *very* good reason to try for the house, I'm working on rehabilitating the parts that need it.  It was actually in good shape and I know he didn't get into it.  Or else he would've said something about the body we found."  The cop shuddered.  "So let him know, huh?"

"I will, sir."

"Harris.  Xander Harris.  New head of the Malfoy family."  He held out a hand.  The cop shook it.   "If he has a problem I have a local cellphone.  He can call."  He wrote the number on his complaint pad.  "There.  He can call.  If a destruction crew comes out here I'm going to have to protest in court and bankrupt the city."

He nodded.  "I understand, sir.  Have a good night.  Are those ghosts?"

"Yeah, ghost horses.  We're play tag.  They were here first and they need some excitement."

"I'm sure they do.  Have a good night."  He restarted his engine and backed down the driveway.

Xander walked over there.  "Harry, do you often say things and have them happen?"

"No.  Why?"

"The nice officer said that they're trying to claim and tear down the house to put up a park."

"Interesting.  Sorry."

"Probably a probability problem around me," he said dryly.  "It's happened before."  He went back to his playing.  "Tailor, I need my phone."  The house elf brought it out for him.  "If it rings and I don't have it beside me, bring it to me immediately, please?"  He nodded and left them to play.

Horatio and Mac shared a look then shook their heads.  Sometimes things happened around both boys that made you wonder.

The Minister for Magic coughed.  "We've decided not to award you lot for helping us with that invasion to come get you earlier since it was like pulling teeth to get the present one."

Xander looked at him.  "Good."  The it horse nudged him and he grinned.  "Sure, I'll be it for a while."  He raced off, chasing Dean to tag him, then he switched and got Sam.  "Ha!  Not watching each other's backs," he crowed, running off again.

Sam shook his head but took off after Harry, who Xander was teaching diversion and escape strategies to.  "If we ever have kids we can use this to teach them the same way," he told Dean.

"Yeah, that'll work."  He panted then cornered Harry for Sam but Xander distracted him and Harry got away but Sam got him anyway.  Then Harry turned and got Xander back.  "Remember, tag is each man for themselves, alliance are short lived," he taunted.

Xander smirked back, kissing him.  "It."   He ran off again.

Dean smirked.  "That's playing dirty."

"We're not wrestling in the mud," Harry said, looking very confused.  "How is that getting us dirty?"

Horatio moaned.  "Come here, Harry, let me explain girls to you."

"Can you explain why Hermione's such a twit some days and others she's like the Goddess and bent on proving it to Ron and me?" he asked, heading over to let Horatio give him that important talk.

"I can try.  Some women are just like that though."  He walked them off into the formal gardens.

Mac shook his head.  "They don't teach sex ed in the schools?"

Xander shook his head.  "It's quietly spread through the students when someone asks.   Most of the girls are told 'your husband will know' and most of the guys are taught contraceptive charms so there's no illegitimate kids with whatever curious girls they can find to try it out with.  I'm guessing pregnancy is still the major marriage encourager in this country."

Mac shook his head.  "If birth control works...."

"That'll help a lot," Dean agreed, coming over.  "Minster, was there other happy news you brought?"

"I was waiting to see what Xander was going to do with the muggles."

"Sue them if they try.  They never got into the house to see how worn down it was.  No one screamed about the bodies.  I told the cop that too.  And that they had run into me before when I took out some guy with a bomb."  Sam gave him a look.  "He was rude while I was trying to shop for your present and one for Buffy."

Sam shook his head.  "You're the one who tied that guy to the light pole?"

"The agent didn't tell you?"

"I wasn't listening, I was watching the people around us for the most part."

Xander shrugged.  "It happens."  He grinned.  Sam snuck in a kiss.  "I did good?"

"You gave Dean one."  He walked off grinning.  "So, Dad, staying tonight with Buffy and Willow?"

"I think they want to claim the kitchen," he said, walking off with both his boys.  "Evening, Minister."

"You as well."  He shook his head, heading back to his office to talk to the local authorities up that way to make sure they knew the Malfoy estate was off limits.

***

Xander walked into the Mayor's office the next day, smiling and holding out a hand.  "Xander Harris, new head of the Malfoy family."

He shook it.  "You're very young."

"Most of us that're left are."  He sat down, looking at the man, pretending mentally to be Giles so he wasn't looking too American.   "Sorry if it left a shakeup but there were no posted markings.  The house was nowhere near falling in."

"It's been abandoned for years."

"It was built a long time ago and it was meant to last for centuries with little upkeep.   In fact I have the back line of the square still to fix but I've got the rest cleaned up.  With the exception of a few windows and running some electric to one side of it, it's nearly done."

"Only one side?"

"We'll move on from there.  Modernizing without destroying the structure and beauty will take me a good, long time.  So I'll make myself a tv room and internet room on that side and slowly move it to the rest of the keep."

He nodded, frowning some.  "From what we could see it's in bad shape."

"How far out were you looking?"

"Ah.  You're one of those sort of families.  I do know of our hidden community, Mr. Harris."

"Better than I do.  I haven't found them yet."

"They're down behind the department store."

"Thank you for letting me know."  He smiled. "Yes, we are.  That was probably a shield on the house.  I'm going to get the gates fixed too and put on new wards to keep people out since I found people sneaking through my woods."

"Our woods."

"Why did you claim back that far?"

"We've already claimed the whole thing," he told him.

"Without contacting the family that's illegal, sir."  The man went pale.  "Since there's been a lot of heirs and the last person who took over until a *good* head of the family could be found was still alive until about ten weeks after I took over, you could have and didn't.  It's not like it's that hard to find Lucius.  Or even his wife."

"We tried."

"I'm sure you did try.  You still haven't proved that to me.  If we have to go to court I will and I am the vindictive sort.  That is the family's ancestral home.  I can guarantee that you won't get it."  He spluttered.  Xander stood up.  "I was willing to be pleasant if you were.  Pity."  He paused.  "Anything else?"

"We need the area for a new housing development."

"It has high ground water, poor soil for building in because the bedrock is so high, and you'll never recoup the money to build them if you try.  Yes, I did work construction."  He walked out, calling the family's attorneys.  "It's Xander.  The city near the ancestral home is trying to claim that they did notify the family so they could claim the lands and have gone to court.  I need an injunction filed today.  If we have to I can do a tour.  Also, get someone out there to ward the land better," he finished quietly, calling Draco's phone to let him know.  He'd get it when he got up.  He walked into the sunlight and looked at the reporter. "Are you that bored?"

"We heard there was a rumor that someone was trying to claim the ancestral home for the city."

"Not that it'll help them any.   We'll go to court over it.  He tried to be pushy."  He walked off smiling.  He hadn't had a chance to show his nastier side in a while.  This might even be fun.  He met the attorney where he had said to and they went to file the injunction together.  The judge looked startled when he was introduced.  "There's been a constant heir for centuries.  They only live about three hundred miles away, sir.  It wasn't that hard to find Lucius or his wife."

"You're American?"

"The head of the family, yes.  Draco, Lucius' son, is my present heir until I have one."

"Oh.  You're how old?"

"Twenty-one."  He leaned down.  "Even if he won, they'd be a losing proposition for the city.  The bedrock's too high to build in.  The water table's high because of it.  Anything they built there would flood.  Like the stables do."  He straightened up.  "That's beyond the point that they illegally seized it because no one told the family.  The house isn't a wreck and hasn't been.  If you had gotten next to it, you would've screamed about the body we found."  The judge went pale.  "Looking at it from the road is often deceptive."

He swallowed.  "I'll allow the injunction against destruction."  He signed that order.  "But I want someone to make sure the house is liveable."

"I have no problem leading a tour of the parts I've fixed already.  I've got a side of the square and a few windows left to do."

"Square?"

"It's a keep with a center garden."

"Oh.  I'd like to look as well."

"Of course.  I haven't really decorated for the holiday yet.  I would also like to file a complaint about them taking our woods.  That is part of the family's home."  He put down the original document he and Draco had found in the office late last night.  "That is the original survey.  I can see taking it for the road since we have land on both sides."

He groaned, looking at it.  "These measurements are ancient.  I'll have to look them up."

He pulled out something else. "My cousin Draco's future wife is very skilled in estate management and she translated it for me into distance, which I went out and looked at for GPS coordinates."

He looked then nodded.  "That is in the other side of the woods, against the former royal preserve."

"The family used to hunt with them probably," Xander said, shrugging a bit. "That's the ancient past.  Like I said, I can see the road and the stuff on that side of the road.  It's better ground to build on anyway.  Though I wouldn't put a housing development out there.  There's no way the city needs one or could afford the losses when they do build one."

"There is that. You know finances?"

"No, I know construction and how much it takes to build a house that'll attract today's yuppies and young professionals.  I doubt anyone wants to eat the tax burden a bunch of new multi-hundred-thousand dollar homes would bring until they're all sold some year far down the road when they've depreciated down to under a hundred grand.  That's beyond the fact that all that land but a corner is outside of marked city boundaries.  That would've made it a county matter, not a city one.  My construction crew had to deal with that tapdance in the past."

"That is true," he said, considering it.  "I'll reopen the petition to claim the lands.  Would that suit you?"

"As long as it was fairly done, yes," Xander agreed happily. "I knew I couldn't get you to throw it out."

"Then you're at least reasonable."

"And I'm not sobbing.  I'm sure you've seen a lot of that with this move."

"Oh, indeed."  He looked at the attorney then at his calendar.  "I have an open spot in March.  Would that work for you?"  He looked then nodded.  "You should hire this one.  He argues well."

"He's a Malfoy.  They all learned how to argue and bargain very well.  It's a family trait."  The judge laughed.  He looked at him.  "Can we deliver that for you?"

"Please do.  I'll have a copy sent to the company that the city hired to destroy it and build the houses.  Thank you, gentlemen."  He shook their hands and they left with a copy of the injunction.  He called them.  "It is Judge Phillips, I have issued a stay on the destruction of the manor house.  Yes, today.  Because none of you took the time to look for heirs.  I just had a very peeved one in my office who has construction experience.  We're reopening it.  It'll be March.  Go ahead and give them the holiday off.  I'll send over the order immediately."  He hung up and had a courier take a copy over there.

Xander walked into the mayor's office with a smile.  "You might also want to look up the difference between outside your city, which means you have no right to claim it, and county property, sir.  We're outside your stated city limits by all but a corner of the property.  Beyond that, I'd watch the crook who's trying to defraud the city and who is going to be costing you a lot of money to upkeep those houses before they're sold.  You don't have enough people who're willing to buy expensive houses in this economy."  He strolled out again, nodding at the lawyer.  "Will I need to do anything else?"

"No, Mr. Harris.  We've got it all set and are doing research for you.  We'll keep you informed."

"Please let me know when the hearing is."  That got a nod.  Xander strolled off, going to find the department store.  He wanted to look in this wizarding's area.  Draco would be horrified that he was shopping on his own but he was only going to window shop and maybe look in the broom shop if they had one.  He hadn't replaced the one Dean cracked on him.

The lawyer shuddered.  The boy was every bit of Malfoy evilness when pushed to it.  Lucius was more open about it but that one made it so you felt the evil when you went against him.  He went back to the office to report to his superior.  He'd be very happy with how today went and how Mr. Harris was proving himself as head of the family.

***

Xander smiled at Bindi and Draco as they walked in.  "Did more muggles show up?" he asked at the disgusted look.

"One came to the door huffing that you could not know the local economy or how to build houses at your age."

"Yet I did build houses and part of a school.  Hmm."  He gave him a look.  "Why did we put this here?"

"I don't know.  I thought we took over one after overrunning the last owners."  He shrugged.  "We've done it before.  We might want to warn the wizardig neighbors."

"There are?"

"Two."

"Oh.  Sure, let them know."  Draco nodded, going to send out letters, shaking his head at Xander's cluelessness sometimes.   Bindi laughed and gave him a kiss, making him smile, so it was all right.  He sent off the letters and they went back to Malfoy Manor.  It was safer and Xander couldn't horrify anyone that way.

Xander looked at the house elves.  "We're expecting a judge and possibly a few others to come in and look around because they think the house is a wreck.  If so, stay out of sight."  They nodded, going back to work. "How are we doing on Christmas dinner?"

"You said to fix whatever.  Elves were going to fix stuffing sandwiches."

"We're feeding, Dean and his whole family, including the aunts and John, and me, plus the others in the family and friends may pop around."  They squealed in horror and went to shop for that.  That was nearly an emergency.  There was only three days to cook!

Xander looked around, finding they still didn't have a tree.  He grabbed a wood axe and went to find one in the woods.  He could do that much.  He ran into someone out there.  "Hello."

"What are you doing?"

"Cutting one of my trees."

"The city's trees."

"There's an injunction as of this morning," he said sweetly, smirking at the horrified looks. "Get off my land before I shoot trespassers.  As is my right."  The guy showed his badge.  "Good for you.  Want to help me haul back my tree?  I've got to decorate and I haven't gotten to yet.  Too much stuff going on."

"Um...  I still don't think you can do that with the injunction, sir."

"They never notified the family.  They also tried to claim lands outside the city's limits."  The cop winced and hissed.  "What are you doing out here?"

"Cutting a tree," he admitted. Xander looked at the one he had chosen then shrugged. "You sure?"

"I'm sure."  He smiled, going back to it.  Xander walked off to find his own. "You guys'll find I'm a nice guy.  Just don't piss me off.  You do that and I do things like tie people to light poles."  The guy stiffened and looked at his back, then shuddered and went back to his tree.  His wife would be happy and so would his kids.  He'd warn his boss if he hadn't heard.   If the guy had disarmed a bomb and a person who had self-defense training to tie him up that way, what else was he trained to do?  Especially being American and how violent they all were!

Xander looked at his chosen tree, frowning.  "Is it too high?  Metta?"  She popped in next to him.  "Is this one too high?"

She looked then nodded. "For main library, yes, Master Xander sir."  She looked then pointed.  "That is good sized."  Xander looked then went to cut that one down.  She giggled and the other house elves appeared, taking it, roots and all, back to the house.

Xander grinned. "Sure, we'll replant it."  He headed back to the house, stopping to get some branches for wreathes.  He knew how to make those.  He had some nice wire in his new work area to make them bend into shape.  He found the tree planted in a room and frowned. "Am I going to have to fix that?"

"No," Tailor squealed.  "Supposed to be like that.  Will replant later on."  They nodded and Xander helped them decorate the tree, bringing out the presents to put around.  Then Xander got to work on his wreathes.  They oohed at what he was doing.  They heard a car and they all went to hide in the attic or the pantry in the kitchen to work.

Xander opened the door to hang the wreathe, finding the Chief of Police and the judge.  "Hi, guys.  Welcome to the ancestral Malfoy home."  He hung the wreathe and nodded. "You can come look."

"The roof, sir?"

Xander looked up then at him.  "Oh.  It's to throw people off."  He led them into the barrier and they looked up, then sighed in pleasure.  "Come on, I can give a tour.  I'm only hanging wreathes."  He led them around to let them see the parts he had gotten done. "A lot of it only needed a really good scrubbing.  We've kept the house in very good condition through the years."  He spotted Synch, another of the house elves and waved, making her disappear from her fluffing beds and pillows job.  The judge gave him an odd look.  "What?"

"I know what those are," he said quietly.

Xander grinned.  "Xander Harris, White Knight to the Slayer," he said quietly, holding out a hand.  The judge moaned.  "Head of the Malfoy family.  I was chosen this summer."

He shook it.  "We'll do what we can."  They kept looking around, nodding that even the parts he hadn't gotten to yet only really needed cleaned.  "Why was it abandoned?"

"There had been a pretty gruesome massacre here.  They even left a few of the bodies.  So they moved to Malfoy Manor and sealed this one up.  Then the family staff got lost for a bit thanks to another governmental body and a person who wanted more power.  Since that picks the new head of the family it wasn't official until it got free this summer and chose me."  He heard another car.  "Sounds like someone else with the holiday cheer."  They went back that way, finding Horatio answering the door.  "Off on break?"

"I wanted to borrow a book from the library for Speed."

"Sure, borrow away."  He nodded at the mayor, who was giving him a horrified look.  "It really only needed cleaned up."  He shook his hand and pulled him inside, letting the wards around him relax.  Then he blinked and stared in really horrified shock.  "What else did you expect from the family, sir?  It only needed a lot of cleaning and some new windows.  Which I'm still getting to."

"He's done a good job restoring this place," the Chief of Police agreed, looking at something on the wall.  He blinked.  A *covert* knighting?  Those only usually were given to intelligence people.  The reason given made him mentally swear.  "So, Mr. Harris.  Where did you grow up?"

"Sunnydale, out in California.   It's about three hours from LA but it's a small town.  The one that recently got sunk into the ground."  They all stared at him.  He smiled.  "Fortunately all my friends got out even if my family didn't.   Horatio, what book did you want to borrow?"

"A history one?"

"There's a whole section on history."  He walked him that way.  "Horatio needs a history book suitable for a muggle who knows and wants to learn about magical history."  Two floated down and he looked at them.  "Can't tell you which one is better."

Horatio looked.  "Can I?"

"Sure.  Bring them back sometime."  He walked him off, watching him disappear from the kitchen before going back.  He smiled at the man staring at his knighting.  "I helped save some people that were going to be blown up.  The building still went but a good portion of the people survived.  It was related back to what happened in Sunnydale."  Someone else stomped in so he shook his hand and pulled him inside more gently.  The man gasped in horror.  "It only needed a good scrubbing and a few windows for the most part."  The man stared at him.  He smiled.  "How are you today.  Xander Harris, out of Sunnydale.  Head of the Malfoy family."

The man nodded.  "This is old."

"Very.  We've had this keep since the six hundreds if I'm not mistaken.  Draco and I were talking to see if we built it or if we conquered it.  There's been some great knights in the family during things like the Crusades."

The contractor stared at him.  "You were in construction?"

"We were a smaller crew because the town was smaller but I was acting crew chief when I left to take up my duties.  They did pretty well without me.  Finished the school project we had started.  Finished the few houses we had contracted for after that.  We did good work, the remaining houses in Sunnydale were mostly our work."

"Oh.  So you really do know about building."

"I do.  I studied very hard to know what I was doing.  Including noticing when we had special problems because of the high water table in some areas and bedrock issues in another.  Like we have over most of this property.  The basement floods most springs but I'm working on that next.  You have to have a sold foundation to build anything, even knowledge."

The man studied him then nodded.  "You don't think the houses will pay off?" the mayor asked.

"To attract them I think you're going to have to build upper crust homes, in the hundreds of thousand dollar ranges.  Unless you're building poor housing?"  He grimaced and shook his head.  "That's a need that most cities have."

"It is but we just put up a new development to help some of them buy their own homes."

"Mayor, sir, I don't know many people who can afford to put down money on an expensive home like that," the Chief of Police told him.  "Not even your sister," he said, reminding him of the scandal of his sister having her house foreclosed.  "The housing market is down."

He nodded.  "That's a good point.  High bedrock?"  Xander nodded.  "You gave the judge information that your family's lands extend to the other side of the highway?"  Xander went to get the originals of the copies he had given the judge.  He looked and blanched.  "That's up to the former royal preserve."

"It's also outside city property limits," Xander told him.  "We're in the county's property out here."

The mayor slumped but nodded.  "We'll see what we can work out."

"Thank you.  Did you never see the sneering blond man with the ponytail and his nose in the air?"  The Chief of Police laughed but nodded.  "That was Lucius, the acting head of the family."

"We though it had been abandoned," the contractor said.

"If it's that old, wouldn't the historical preservation people have to go over it first?" the Chief of Police asked.  Xander nodded.  The contractor and Mayor both looked embarrassed.  "I think we'll leave you alone, Mr. Harris.  Good luck finding matching windows."

"I've found ones that are hand formed; it's taking some time to get them to me.  It'll be fixed beautifully for the summer.  Then I'll have to worry about the gardens.  Fortunately my cousin is marrying next summer and his future wife seems to know a bit about them.  She's agreed to take over protecting his mother's favorite roses in their family garden."

"That's wonderful," the Chief of Police said, watching them walk out.  "Can we count on you if something happens?"

"Not for rioters but if it's something major.  Major demon, alien invasion, invasion by the Swedish Bikini Team...."  That got a laugh and Xander nodded.  "There was a very nice man from MI-6 who asked the same thing of me.  I'm not stepping in for normal things or rioting, but if you need my tracking skills or hunting skills for demon things, let me know.  If we have an invasion, let me know because I'm damn good at sabotage."  That got a nod.  "Did you know about the guys behind the grocery store that meet there to talk about blowing things up?"

"No, I hadn't.  This morning?"  He nodded. "We'll have someone snoop that way."

"They stopped when they saw me."

"I'll keep that in mind."  He patted him on the shoulder and walked out, getting back into the car.  "He's a very nice bloke, isn't he?"

"He is," the mayor agreed.  "His family's known for being evil."

"He's American, he's trained in multiple weapons because he disarmed that one guy we found tied up."  The Mayor stiffened.  "He's trained enough to let me know that he found a group of guys talking about blowing things up today and warned me they were overly cautious when they noticed him.  That means we'll need to go undercover to spot them.  He also told me he could be gotten for missing kids and things because he's an excellent tracker and hunter."

"Think he's former military?"

"I think if he was it was part of a group that was so special ops they couldn't tell anyone.  If not he was trained by someone who was.   I also think he knows what he's doing."

The mayor nodded. "We'll leave him alone.  If he wants to retire out here, then more power to him as long as he's peaceful and not planning a take over."  He backed them down the driveway.

"He said we could come to him for help if we were invaded by aliens or the Swedish bikini team," he joked.

The Mayor shook his head.  "Good to know."  They got back onto the road and headed off.  "What did you think of the three men in the attic?"

"The father was going over things with his sons.  He might be the one who trained the boy.  His mannerisms screamed military.  The boy he called 'son' did too."

That got a nod.  "Then we'll leave him and his lands alone."

"That might be a good idea, sir.   He did tell us he was thinking about running electric out to the far side of the house then spreading it across.  So we'd have to bury lines out this way."

"I'm sure he can contract that with the company."  He turned onto the main road and headed back into town, wondering if the city would let him expand boundaries so they could tax him and his property.  It would help the city's coffers a lot.

Family Staffs 17

Xander looked around.  It was Christmas day.  No one was here yet and it was Christmas day.  He was pacing.  Where was everyone?  Weren't they coming?

"I knew you'd be pacing," Tony said as he came out of the floo.  "Harry said we needed to rescue him from the school and Ron's evil clutches.  He was about to sweater him to death."

"I like his mother's sweaters," Harry chastised, but he was smiling.  "She makes me very nice sweaters.  Even if Ron was trying to get me to put on Ginny's."  He smiled and hugged Xander.  "Happy Christmas, quit worrying, Xander."

Xander beamed, hugging him back.  "Happy Christmas, Harry.  You too, Tony."  He gave him a hug.  "We finally have the tree up."

"I noticed it looked like the decorating fairy had visited," Tony teased.

Xander pouted.  "I did the tree with the house elves and all the wreathes.  I was raised with Willow.   Is Gibbs coming?"

"Soon.  I'm going to go back and get him in a minute once we made sure you were ready for us."

Harry looked at the floor.  "Looks like he's been ready for hours."  He smiled.  "Let me get the others up.  I know Dean and Sam are at their aunts' to bring them over."  He went to call them.  "Xander's feeling like we don't like him again because we weren't over at dawn."

"We're leaving now," Sam promised.  "Give us twenty, Harry."  He nodded, hanging up to call the others.  "Xander's been waiting impatiently on us, Horatio.  Sure, heading now."  He hung up and got the aunts into the car surrounding his father in the back then the staff took them and the car, with Dean driving of course, to the gates of the manor.  They opened and Dean drove them through them, letting the aunts get the full view.  Once the wards brushed over them they gasped in pleasure.  Dean parked in the barn and they got out, heading inside through the study.  Xander beamed at them and pounced them for hugs, handing them cups of coffee and tea for the aunts.  Then he shooed them into the tree room.  They had moved couches and chairs in there.

Xander bounced in once the rest of them but Patricia, John, and Horatio were there.  Horatio had needed to spend the day with his niece and Patricia had her own family.  John had to see but he'd try to get down for the holidays.  "Hi, guys.  Anyone need refills?  Or pastries?  I think we have some."

"We're good to wait until lunch," Gibbs promised.  He smiled, the boy was like every little kid at the sight of the tree.  "You did a good job decorating, Xander."

"Thank you.  I think I went a bit overboard since it's the first time I decorated but I guess it did turn out okay."  Sam pulled him down.  "Presents?"

"I'll hand them out."  Dean got down to pass out presents, piling his in his lap.  Everyone but Gibbs got one.  Xander hopped up and came back with it and a few others, passing those out.  Then he ran out again to get the last ones he had hidden, which had Gibbs' in it.  "Locked them from snooping?"

"Yup.  Willow hunts presents."  He pointed his staff at the small piles he had made.  "Can you send Buffy, Willow, and Giles' to them?"  They disappeared.  "Now John's to his staff?"  Those two disappeared.  He sat down with another bounce, finding the others had passed out the presents they had bought.  Xander nearly squealed.  He had presents!

Horatio walked in with his niece.  "I didn't think you'd mind if Madison and I came to open our presents here, would you?"

"No, of course not.  Hi, Madison, I'm Xander, and this is my house.  Welcome."  She smiled shyly, clutching Horatio's hand.  "Here, I'm not taking up the whole couch, you can come sit with me.  That way you can be comfy while you open presents."  She climbed up with Horatio's help then he sat down to pass out presents.  "Did you open some already?"

"I got two dollies and a playhouse," she said, staring at him.  "What did Santa bring you?"

"I don't know, I haven't opened them yet.  Horatio, in your pile is something Santa forgot to leave her and left here since he knew you'd bring it to her."

Horatio smiled, finding her present and the ones he had brought for her in the stack he was handed.  "Thank you."

"Thank you," Madison said, smiling as she ripped into her first one.  "Ooh, now I have twins."

"Or a little sister," Xander said.  "Like Sam and Dean.  Sam's a little brother."  She beamed at Sam for being a little brother then dug into her presents.  Xander watched the others.  Dean was stroking the new gun he had given him.  Sam was smiling at the removable hard drive he had gotten him since he was always on his laptop.  John was loving his new weapons harness, combat issued and tested.

Madison poked him.  "Aren't you going to open them?"

"I wanted to see what Santa got them."  He opened his first one, making her smile and go back to her new toys from Horatio.

Horatio looked over since his was on top of the pile.  "I thought you might like that."

Xander smiled.  "I do.  I needed to know the history of guns.  I've only dealt with current ones and I should know where they started."  He gave him a hug.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome."  An owl flew in and dropped off a few presents that resized themselves.  Sam gave it some owl treats and it flew off again.  "Thank you!" Horatio called after it.

"Xander, we love the new scarves," one aunt told him.  "They're absolutely darling to wear in the spring time."  He beamed and dug into his next present.  She smiled at Dean, who had helped them pick out something for the boy.  Looks like they were right about his tastes.

Xander held up a bright blue shirt, looking at it.  "Thank you, Stella."

"You're welcome.  You need cute shirts for dates and stuff."

He looked over.  "Don coming for lunch?"

"If he can get away from his parents.  They're being pushy today."

"That's cool.  He'll call first so we can find a place for him to get in?"

"He will I'm sure."  He nodded.  "Horatio, no Speed?"

"He'll be in for lunch.  He was helping Eric corral his nieces and nephews this morning.  They called in support personnel since there's two new ones thanks to a recent marriage."

"Big families can be wonderful," Harry said.  "Ron's mum has seven kids.  It's like a circus some days but it's wonderful."

Xander zapped someone out the window.  "Use the whole quote or I'll have you fired!" he shouted.  The reporter ran off.  "Sorry.  Not even the Daily Prophet."

"We'll fix it if they do say something," Harry said, going to write a note to Mrs. Weasley and Ron.  Just in case.  Then he came back to finish opening his presents.  Stella had gotten him a nice outfit too.  "Thanks, Stella."

"You especially need to have good stuff for dates.  It shouldn't be too bad for dates this summer either."

He blushed a bit.  "Now that I know how and why you do things with girls, that might happen."

"What do you do with girls?" Madison asked.

"So far all I've done is play games like chess.  Even the girls I know beats me at it."  She giggled and hugged her uncle's arm.   He opened Xander's and found a chess set of his own.  "Thanks, Xander."

"I know you were saying that you were always playing chess with Ron.  I thought maybe having your own set would help you win against him finally."

"I think it'll take someone who knows strategy better than I do."

"I don't play," Xander told him.  "Never learned."

"I do," Dean said.  "We'll play after lunch or if there's a gap between presents and lunch."  Harry nodded, smiling and opening the next one, making him giggle and hide it behind him.  "Sammy and I figured you'd need practical help with that stuff."

"Probably, yeah.  Thanks, guys."  He gave them both hugs and got back to it.  He'd hide the 'one thousand and one pickup lines that will get you that pretty witch you want' until he got back to his room.  Xander squealed and rubbed a new spot.  "Another bum pinching hex?"

"I think it was Willow."  He rubbed the spot.  "It's a nice working robe," he called.  "You said you needed a new one and it's dyed with natural dyes."  He went back to it.  Stella gave him an odd look.  "Wiccans wear all natural robes to work in.  So I found her a new one.  It's in light pink."

"Ah."  She nodded, getting back to her opening, smiling at the ones she got.  Sam and Dean both smirked when she opened theirs.  "Thanks, guys, I needed new flimsy stuff."

"As far as we know, all women love that stuff," Sam said.  "Jess did."  The gift certificate should let her get something nice.  They went back to opening presents, Sam smiling at his newest one.   It was a copy of an anti-shock and bouncing spell.  "Thanks whoever gave me the charm for the laptop."  That got a smile from Mac.  "We need it now and then."  That got a nod and they went back to opening.  He was watching Xander's face.  He saw when Xander got to theirs.   He blushed and put it under his thigh.  "Welcome."

Xander grinned at him.  "Thank you.  Will the harddrive work?  If not I've got the receipt."

"It should work fine, Xander.  Thank you."  Xander beamed and went back to it.

Gibbs laughed as he opened his last present, Xander's.  "Thanks, Xander, I needed a leash for Tony sometimes."

"It's a veela hair leash.  It's to help hold onto them when they get snatched by someone who wants the seductive little half-creatures."

"Well I am attractive enough to be one," Tony said.

Sam gave him a nudge.  "Behave."

"Why?"

"Because you should.  Veelas are like sirens, Gibbs."

"He gets a lot of women but not that much."  He looked at it then at him.  The package even had a matching collar with green stones.  He smirked and held it up.

"Sure, next case at an um..." he trailed off when Horatio coughed.  "Club we'll let you do that for me, boss."

"It's got a micro transmitter in it," Xander told them.  "I knew you'd need it for an undercover sometime."  He gave them an innocent look, making Gibbs cackle.

Willow appeared.  "Where's Tara's?"

"It should've come in the mail by UPS yesterday."

"Thanks."  She hugged him.  "And for the robe.  And Buffy said for the cute outfit."  She disappeared.  "Tara, honey, yours was on the UPS truck no one got the stuff off of."  She nodded, accepting that she'd get it in the morning.

Xander grinned.  "I got her something special and food."  They finished up and a house elf came in to ring the bell.  "Lunch?"  It nodded so they followed to the formal dining room. He smiled at Madison.  "Let's see if we can find you a pillow since the table's awfully high.  Before anyone ask, yes, this is a new table.  Not the one we found when we walked in.  That one was burned."

"Why?" Madison asked.

"There were some bad stains on it, sweetie."  A house elf appeared with a wooden bench like booster seat.  "That's new or wasn't in use when we opened the house?"  It squeaked and left again, coming back with something else.  "That should work.  That's from my bathroom so I can look at something on my belly in the mirror."  She giggled, sitting on the small step.  It made her a bit too tall but that was fine.  "How's that?"

"Thank you, Xander."

"You're welcome."  He looked at the others.  "Speed?"

Horatio called.  "Are you done?  Lunch time."  He smiled and let his staff bring him.  He smiled at his comfortable, slightly loose jeans and scruffy t-shirt.  "The kids run you over?"

"They were playing 'knock Eric down and tie him up' when I left."  He sat down on Madison's other side in the free chair.  "Hi, Maddy."

"Hi, Speed."  She gave him a hug.  "Were the Delko kids mean to you?"

"They were mean to Eric.  I refereed so they didn't leave him tied up for too long."  She giggled.  Don Flack appeared after texting Stella.  "Morning.  You look rumpled."

"Mom was throwing a fit."

"We would've understood if you stayed with your family, Don," Xander pointed out.

"Not at me.  At the neighbors who were playing new age Christmas music.  I had to hold them off from the fight.  Ma nearly brained her for being pagan.   The patrol officers were amused and Dad got her calmed down and apologizing.  So it's all good.  She was too flustered to cook anyway."  He smiled.  "Hi again."

"Hello, Don," Aunt Cordelia said happily.  "Are your parents all right?"

"They're fine.  Dad said they're going to cuddle in the light from the tree.  He said they used to when they were my age and gave me a pointed look."  Stella blushed.  He grinned.  "Dad's bad about hinting."

"He can be.  He bluntly asked me what was wrong with you."

"You tell him the truth?"  She nodded.  "I wondered why he wanted to know which prison he was in."  He patted her hand.  "Who's the cute thing in Pooh, Horatio?  I didn't know you were dating."

Madison gave him a funny look. "You're strange."

"No, that's Xander's job.  I'm a Don.  I'm a detective with Mac and them."

She looked at her uncle.  "Xander's strange?"

"In a very special way and only when he's too hyped on sugar," he assured her.  She laughed and the elves trooped in with food.  "Are we expecting Draco and his future wife?"

"They're having a dinner today.  I told him he could call if he wanted me there but otherwise to enjoy some alone time with her family to get to know her better.  I had to step in to stop a break up when she complained about all the snake stuff.  He told her about his house and what it meant locally and to his family especially.  So she understands now and told him she loved horses.  So he's getting her horse related stuff instead.  He had to change out two presents at the last minute."  The house elves brought out the ham last, two of them carrying it between them.  They set it in front of Xander.  "That looks great, guys.  Thank you."  They nodded and disappeared.  He looked at the coating.   He plucked out the hair he found.  "Sorry, must've shed."  He looked at the massive thing.  "I'm going to screw this up, I'm sure of it."  He stood up to carve the thing.

"Across," Horatio said quietly.  Xander did that and then looked at it.  "That's a bit pink," he agreed.  They carried it back in there.  Horatio leaned down next to one.  "What else dropped?"  She whispered back.  "Don't do that to us again."  She nodded, going to get those things.  They walked back out there.  "Sorry, the ham wasn't quite done yet.  The other stuff either.  So we'll have a meatless Christmas."

"We can have ham sandwiches later," Speed promised, smiling at him. He looked at Xander.  "One thing always has to go wrong, Xander."  In the kitchen something fell to the floor with a crash.  "Like that."  The aunts headed back to help them, gasping at the mess.  "It'll be fine, right?"

"It'll be fine, dears.  They just have to remake some of the pies."  She glared at them and they went to buy some.  She came out.  "Xander, maybe you should have a house elf that just cooks, dear."

"I probably should.  I think Draco traded me his elf that was getting clumsy for one of mine."  That got a nod from most everyone.  "I can go tomorrow so the next thing we do won't have any accidents."  They all dug into the reduced meal.  Which still had game hens, two other types of stuffing, and a lot of vegetable dishes.  Plus a few bowls of fruit and candied yams.  The usual rolls were there and Danny found a house elf hair in the middle of one but that happened when you cooked.  Yes, Xander would be getting a cooking house elf tomorrow, just so no one could say anything.  He wanted to cry but Danny laughed it off and it was good.  No one was worried or upset.  So he could relax.

Dean was on his right and patted him on the wrist.  "You did an amazing job," he said quietly.  Xander relaxed and smiled.  "Next year's will make us all beg for mercy by the desserts."

"Sure.  It'll be better next year for Thanksgiving if anyone wants to come over.  It's not even Buffy's celebration curse.  No one's invading."  John choked. "Are they?"

"Over there.  Someone's trying to open the hellmouth.  She did walk around hoping out loud that nothing happened at this celebration.  Zombies for her birthday?"  Horatio coughed.  "Sorry."

"A few of the other kids decided to dress up specially for her birthday one year."  Horatio shook his head.  "They did."

"I'm sure they did."  He cut up some of the game hen for Madison, handing her plate back. "There you go, sweetie."

"Thank you, Uncle Horatio."  She ate a bite.  "Is that chicken?  It doesn't taste like chicken."

"It's game hen.  It's like a smaller chicken."

"Oh."  She ate another bite.  "Still good."  She finished up, looking at the red stuff. "Is that like the stuff in the can?"

"Um-huh."  She nodded, digging into it.  It wasn't too bad, even if she did find a bit of fluff in it.  Horatio looked at Xander over her head, getting a helpless look back.  "I guess the house elves must've done what Mommy did and tripped."

"Probably, or one forgot and was rinsing out the cloth next to it," he said, checking it for her.  That dish got taken into the kitchen too.  He smiled at Xander when he came back.  "Not your fault."

"I'm kinda glad Patricia isn't here, or Draco.  They'd be screamed at."

"Possibly."  A house elf came out with a clean dish of the same sauce.  Horatio handed over the bit of fluff and they withdrew with it and a plate of the game hens.  "It happens," he said.

"I never noticed," John said.  He shrugged, looking down at Xander.  "It's your first one, it's supposed to be a disaster.  Our first holiday after being married, Mary nearly burned down the house with the turkey and did set the drapes on fire with the stuffing.  Then the freezer and fridge blew on Christmas day with the rest of everything in it, in the middle of the night so we never noticed."

Dean looked at him.  "Was she pregnant with me?"

"No.  Just before.  I comforted her from the mess that had happened with her parents on their way over.   We went to a nice buffet instead.  Then I came home and calmed her back down.  I'm pretty sure you were started then.  Sammy was your mom deciding she wanted to change diapers again.  I thought she was insane but she said she wanted to change more diapers.  Put it just like that."  Sam groaned but Xander patted him on the back.  "All the quirky nature comes from their mother, Xander.  Cherish it."

"I do.  They get my jokes."

"That's always a good thing," Danny agreed.  It was so cute watching Xander like both brothers.  "So, John, anything good with the setting up?"

"Well, we've finally weeded out all the weapons Xander had confiscated in Sunnydale. The ATF in LA got done with the destruction run yesterday.  The one in Cleveland was the day before.  It went just fine.  We kept most everything but some of the nastiest of the higher artillery.  Gibbs?"

"The samples I took were liked a lot, kid.  Then Pentagon thought they were good adaptations and easier to carry in a combat situation.  They also that the ammonia grenade was a great idea.  Cleared a test building very fast and it wasn't that hard to duplicate."

"I had to use stuff I could get easily.  I'm glad they liked it.  We did save some for patrols?" he asked John.

"I saved about ten of each thing just in case, kid."

"Okay.  If you need more, let me know."

"Ammonia gas grenades?" Speed asked him.

Xander nodded.  "There was a bad thing that was bothering Sunnydale that needed that sort of scent to make it behave better and leave people alone," he said delicately, looking at Madison, who was busy eating and not paying attention.  "It was easier and more practical than a glass jar.  I had Willow mix me some and inserted, then made sure it'd work.  It worked very well and he was much better after he went away.  Never did come back to bother another thing."  He ate a bite of dinner.

Horatio shook his head.  "I'd like to see some of them.  That way I know what they are if they show up in Miami."

"If they do, I'm coming back to beat a slayer for it," Xander quipped.  "John, did anyone like my suggestion?"

"The girls all called him creepy but he knew his stuff.  He's the one I liked and so did Giles.  His twin brother is running the range while he runs the gear shop and the armory.  Where did you meet them?"

"Jesse used to talk to them when he was younger.  It was one I kept up after he died.  They turned into mega gun geeks since their father used to do some customizing work for a gang.  They're still straight but they know everything up to and including light artillery.  The other stuff they were still studying."

"We have a former Ranger doing PT," John told him.  "He can help if he has to."  That got a nod.  "It'll happen, kid.  Don't worry so much."

"At least one of those jobs would've been mine."

"You're handling things over here.  That's more important for the moment.  Has the twit come over to talk to the girls locally?"

"Tried to bring her back by force.  He's in jail and I went to yell at him," Xander told him.  "Then I summoned Giles over for a talk about how that was not how they did things.  The man was very sorry by the time Giles got done yelling at him and left him there.  Which we all thought was pretty fair."

"Wotcher, Xander," Tonks called as she came out of the floo.

"In the formal dining room, Tonks."  She came that way.  "Dinner?"

"Problems."

"Alien invasion?"

"Watcher invasion."  He laughed because not that different sometimes.  "A few of the old liners who want their guy back."

"Call Giles."

"Did.  They decided they hadn't voted him the new head."

"Then I guess they aren't watchers anymore, huh?" Xander said.

"I'll come, Tonks.  I've been dealing with them," John offered.

"Nah, they want Xander.  They think he'll stand up for them."

"Excuse me for a minute.  Let me go spread some holiday cheer."  He stood up and took something from John.  "I'll bring it right back."  He went back with her, coming out of the floo in the auror department.  He looked at the watchers, who were staring at him.  He lifted the gun and shot one in the leg, the other in the shoulder since he was moving and the third in the ankle.  "It is Christmas day," he noted.  "This is incredibly rude at the best of times.  Today is it unforgivable.  You all voted Giles in.  Deal with it!"

"I did not vote," the one holding his ankle whined.

"That's your fault.  Either you follow the rules or you're not watchers.  Take your pick."

"He was doing..."

"Things the wrong way.  The way that got many of the slayers killed way too early.  Congrats, you made it so they went though so many girls.  If you had done what Giles did, think how long they would've lasted since Buffy was called at fifteen and she's now twenty- two.  Longer than any other slayer *ever*."  They cowered so he walked over.  "The rules state that the girls are to be talked to, see if they want the training.  If they don't, you are to leave them with their families or whatever unless they are in a dangerous situation.  Was she?"  The girl, Ginny Weasley, shook her head.  He looked at them.  "Even the magical ones are to *offered* the chance to train and if not, they can be given the usual regimen's outline and some local teachers suggested.  If they want to go back,  you report it to Giles in Cleveland and then arrange for their travel expenses as well as briefing the parents where the girls will be.  What part of that did you not understand?" he finished with a snarl.

"She's being taught magic instead of slaying," the one with the thigh wound defended.

"There's four schools in this country to teach magic like she's learning.  She's not a witch like Willow, she's a witch like Merlin.  With a wand.  Get over it!"  They flinched back.  "Yes, there's plenty of witches like her who were skipped over before.  The old methods of training broke them the wrong way and then accidental magic killed the watchers with them because they weren't training it."

"It's wrong to put them all together," the one with the shoulder wound argued.  "What if she comes back?"

"How would the First Evil come back?  Has there been a botched resurrection?"  They slowly shook their heads.  "Has anyone unburied the seal in Sunnydale?"  They shook their heads faster.  "To call the one that had all those watches and pre-slayers killed would take another botched resurrection in the proper way.  Then they'd have to unbury the seal.  It won't be happening.  No one is unburying the seal."  They slumped down.  "Now, the orders that got sent were to politely talk to the girls, tell them about the gifts they now have, talk up the training to her and her family so she can make an informed decision.  Did you do that?"

"They stomped in like they bloody well owned the house and tried to remove me by force while pointing those things in your hand at my family."

Xander glared at them.  "That is attempted kidnaping with a lethal weapon, gentlemen.  I'm sure Giles will be happy to forward your unemployment forms to you for the prison officials to sign."

"You'd let her stay?"

"Yeah.  All witches, all of them, over a thousand of them total, are being taught here. There's academies for magic all over the world.  She goes to a really ancient one with a piss poor curriculum.  So?"  They whined.  "Tough and suck it up.  I've had worse and went on patrol," he sneered.  "Arrest them.  I'll call Giles once I get home.  Those things in their hands are cleared and made safe this way," he noted, doing it to their weapons to show the aurors.  "They're guns."

The head auror nodded.  "I'd like to learn about them."

"You can ask me or any Winchester."

That got a nod.  "Thank you, Mr. Harris."

"We're going over the education stuff starting this summer.  If there's something you guys want to see in kids who want to be aurors, let us know.  Ginny, do you need escorted home?"

"Mum would like some answers."

"Sure.  Are you done with her?"  They nodded.  "Let me or Sam know if they cause more problems.  Their father's working with Giles.  This is an old school versus new school issue."  He walked her back through the floo, looking at the worried looking relatives.  "They're very sorry, they're in jail, and I got a good rant about how Giles had changed the rules because he didn't like how they used to do things like that.  I'm going to call Giles as soon as I get home and he'll be here soon to offer his own apology for the idiots."

Molly swallowed. "They said Travers demanded things like this."

"Travers is dead, Mrs. Weasley."  She gasped.  "He fell to a bringer."  She slumped but nodded.  "The new way, since Giles is in charge, says that the girls are informed, talked to, given the information to make an informed decision, and then she's allowed to make it with her family.  Giles will be beating them like he did the last one."  She nodded. "It's only been a few months and he's still consolidating power and finding all the hiding bastards.  He's letting it be known but the Watchers Council was about as big as the Ministry. It takes some time to get it through some thicker heads.  Now, the weapons they pointed at you, if you should need it, this is how you take them.  This part fires and the bullet comes out of here."  She nodded at that.

"So you block them from touching this area.  This switch or something like it is on every gun.  It makes it so it can't fire.  If you see another one, you block the trigger, you take it from them without touching the trigger, and then you flip on the switch.  You do this," he said, showing her.  "That removes the bullets.  Then you put them down and let someone more skilled handle it."  She nodded at that.  "I'm certain Giles will be very sorry they did that to your family. They are in jail on attempted kidnaping with a deadly weapon charges.   If more come back, you floo me.  Got it?"  She nodded, smiling at him.  "Oh, if you hear Harry said a bad thing, he didn't, the reporter that I found lurking outside this morning misquoted.  He sent an owl."

She nodded.  "I'll let you get back to your lunch.  Be safer and expect Giles soon."  He left, going back to his house.  "Done, Tonks.  John, let me clean it."  He went into the office to do that while he called Giles. "I had to shoot three of your idiots," he said in greeting.  "Who're you to be answering Giles' private line?  Xander."  She shrieked something.  "Hey, Giles.  Young slayer?"  He laughed.  "That explains it.  I had to shoot three of them who said Travers would've approved of them kidnaping a young witch at gunpoint from her family home for learning magic and that storing them all together was a bad idea in case the First Evil came back.  I educated them after I injured them."  He swabbed the inside of the barrel.  "Then I gave the aurors a bit of a tutorial on how to make a gun safe.  Three of them.  Now you have two matched sets and I said you'd come to apologize to Ginny Weasley in person and fire them.  Yeah, her.  Horrified she was learning magic.  Yup.  I said within a few days.  If more showed up to floo me and showed her mother how to disarm the gun.  Thanks, Giles."  He hung up and walked back out once it was back together.  "I owe you three bullets, John."

"That bad?" he asked, taking it back to check before putting it back into the holster.

"Three of them tried to kidnap a witch from her family home at gunpoint because she was learning magic and it's a bad idea to have them all together in case it happens again.  I injured them then I educated them.  Then I scared a young, female Watcher when I called Giles.  She's not happy since I told her I injured them for it.  They're going to jail."

John nodded.  "Sounds handled."

"The aurors have no idea what to do with those.  I gave a short tutorial.  And one to Molly Weasley."  Harry choked.  "They went after Ginny.  I showed her how to block the trigger guard and then take it, put on the safety and how to expel the clip."  That got a nod.  "She'll floo if more show up."

"Teach me too?" Harry asked.

"I'm teaching you and I can teach them," Dean promised.

"I told the aurors to ask me or one of you three," Xander told him.  "If you want, I'll let you."

"It'll give me something to do while we're looking for a new bad spirit to deal with."  He ate a bite of pie, using his fork to point.  "Eat.  Get bouncy with Sammy and Madison."

Xander smiled.  "I can do that."  He dug in.  "The aurors were not sure what to do with them.  They had them waiting on me when I got there."  Tonks nodded since she was eating a bite of cake.  "Many of those?"

"One other.  The witch stunned him and ran.  We called that Willow girl, who ripped them a new one and took him back to be beaten for us.  We figured it was worse than a few years in prison."

"Possibly.  It's like getting new laws through the Ministry if half were hiding and pining away for Fudge."

"We have that in some departments now.  Speaking of, we're bringing you a list of departments next meeting to have you guys look at.  Some we're not sure why we have them."

"I'll gladly schedule you or your boss some time," Horatio promised.  "We've wondered about a few of them ourselves."

"I still wonder what that door on the second floor is," Mac said.

Tonks looked at him.  "Which one?"

"Red.  Short."

"Oh, goblin embassy."

He nodded.  "Why do we have a full one?"

"They said so they could train some humans to deal with them instead of thinking they're really smart house elves who play with money."

"I find them a very nice species for the most part," Xander told her.  "More intelligent than a few of your coworkers."

She grimaced but nodded.  "We choose for muscles, not brains," she reminded him.

"You have to have a good balance or how do you catch the people who do wrong?" Horatio asked.

"I've pointed that out.  They do all the hauling since they're so strong."  She smirked.  "Saves my shoulders wear and tear.  They're a great lot if you're moving too.  Usually pretty sweet about it if you ask nicely."

"Good to know," Danny said.  "I've seen some big guys that thought their muscles were  a license to be stupid and do bad things."

"Fortunately the healer we have on retainer in the PD knows how to fix things," Don said dryly, giving him a look.

"Well, yeah.  She sees a lot of that."

"We have a healer on retainer?" Mac asked.

"The magical union does.  She hates to see me coming."

"That's because you do things like jump off a fire escape to get someone," Danny shot back.

"You two need a private room to keep baiting each other or just some mistletoe?" Xander quipped.

"If I could change him into a girl, maybe," Don shot back.

"No thanks.  Lived through that in school when someone tried to prank me."

"What's wrong with being a girl?" Madison said.

"Nothing but I'm not one and I'm happier being a boy."

"That's good since you're a grown up boy," she said.  "You'd have to be reborn to come back a girl."

He nodded.  "I would.  Which is why Don's happier with Stella."

She pinched him.  "We're friends."

Don smiled at her.  "Of course we are."  She smiled at him. "Are you working the First Night thing this year?"

"I am," Mac told him.  "She's off."

"I'm on for it.  I volunteered," Don said.

"I might attend.  It's no fun when you're working it."

He smiled.  "True.  You don't get to dance or have fun or any of it."  She smiled.  "I've even got to wear a uniform.  I gotta dig it out and have it dry cleaned and pressed."  She smiled and nodded.  "I look like a dork in mine."

"I think we all do unless we're newly out of the academy," Danny said.  "Mine looks really sucky on me.  I end up looking paler than Draco does."  Horatio coughed and laughed, sipping some water.  "I do.  I'm too dark for it to look good on me. Even the people at the academy said so.  Now, Mac looks good in his, either one."

"Horatio doesn't look bad in one," Speed told him.

"When did you see me in mine?"

"Deb's funeral."  Horatio nodded, he had been an honor guard and had worn his.  He grinned.  "Plus your old patrol picture in your office.  Wolfe said you look better than he did in his too."

Horatio smiled.  "Did we pass it around?"

"I sent him up there to chew on him for another fight between him and Eric while you were gone.  Then I followed after chewing Eric a new one."

"Have they been better?" Xander asked.

"Much.  Thank you."

"Welcome.  John, did you get the arena?"

"I did.  It was a nice job.  Thanks, kid."

"Welcome."  He looked at Horatio.  "Did you get hand cramps like Tonks?"

"A few.  Lucia got more fixing my reports for me."  Tonks blushed.  "Mac and I both have house elves as assistants.  They're very well liked and we've caught up with paperwork."

Mac nodded. "Floppy's better liked than I am.  Even Gerrard likes Floppy.  Claims he's more intelligent than most cops on the force because he knows that politics rule the department."

Tonks looked at him.  "Need pointers on how to hire?"

"We have an academy that they have to apply for."

"So do we, and look at the cute but tragically dumb new kid we just got."

"And lost," Harry said.  "Saw him in the paper.  You looked good on that arrest, Tonks."

"Thanks, Harry."  She smiled and got back into her dessert.  She finally finished and stood up.  "Guess I'll go back to the desk of doom.  I'll let you know if we need more, guys.  Thanks.  Happy  Christmas."

"You too," Madison said after her, smiling when she left.  "She's a very nice woman.  You should date her, Uncle Horatio."  He looked at her.  "She's a police officer so she'd understand when the lab made the slurping noise to keep you there all night."  Speed laughed.  "If not, maybe Uncle Speed could?  He could use a good girlfriend who let him cook for her or read to her.  He reads to you very well."

"He does and if she likes us we might try a few dates, but I think she's looking for a special sort of guy."

"You're very special," she assured him.

"I am but not the right sort of special.  She and Speed might hit it off though."

"We'll see.  One of us would have to move," Speed said.  "We're really a far way from Miami."

She nodded.  "I understand that.  She has a cute accent."  She smiled and looked at Xander.  "Can we go play in the snow?"

"If you have proper snow stuff to wear and your uncle says it's okay."

"I think we can find her some," Don said with a wink for Horatio.  Who smiled his thanks back.  He looked at her clothes then went to transfigure some stuff smaller for her.  He brought them back.  "Try those on."  She did and beamed.  "Let Horatio take you."  She squealed, dragging him with her.  She hadn't seen snow before and she wanted to.  Stella and Mac went to play too.  Danny and Don eventually followed.

Sam smiled at Xander.  "Want to follow?"

"I play a bit too roughly for someone her size.  I bruised a house elf during a snow ball fight the other day."

"Then we'll go look at your workshop and armory," Dean said, getting a smile and a nod back.  They were bigger boy toys for boys like them.  Gibbs followed them but Tony went to play in the snow.  The aunts went to watch and cheer on Madison in her effort to beam them all with snowballs.  Don was getting Danny while Mac laughed at their antics. Danny snuck one in that got him on the forehead.

"That's for the girl crack," he crowed, getting him again.

"Maybe if he did, I'd have a sane girl on shift with us," Stella shot back, pegging him with a snowball.

"Didn't I hire you Lindsay?"  Mac asked.

"I said sane," she reminded him.

"She is acting a bit strange."  He got Horatio with a snowball, making the other man look at him.  He gave him an innocent look.  "It was a fairy."

"I didn't know the Marines let in that sort of fairy," Horatio shot back.  "I didn't think they accepted wings at all, Mac."

Stella snickered, nearly falling onto her butt in the snow.

"They say we can't have tattoos but no one said anything about wings as far as I know.  You'd have to ask Gibbs."  He got him with another one.  "As for the other sort, some of their strongest have been even if they don't want to think about it."

"Denial is a bad thing no matter what your field is," Danny reminded them, getting them both then Stella, which got the snowball war started for real.  Madison helped Stella, girls uniting, to sneak attack Mac and then Horatio with snow down the back of their shirts.  Then they ganged up on Speed, who had been watching.  They got him so bad he tripped into Horatio, who caught him and held him steady.  Mac snickered at that.

"Kiss him, Uncle Horatio!" Madison creeled, pointing up.  "There's mistletoe."

"So there is," he said, kissing Speed on the forehead, getting a smile back.  He let him go.  "There, better?"

"Much."  She got him with another one.  The snowball war continued while the other boys cooed over the toys in the armory.  Not that Gibbs would ever admit to ever doing more than casually fondling one.  He wasn't like that and Marines didn't coo at the guns.

***

John reappeared in Cleveland covered in snow. "Morning."

Giles smiled at him.  "Snowball fight?"

"Tag with the ghost horses and Xander tripped me on purpose so he could get away from Sammy."  He dusted himself off, making Dawn shriek since the snow had hit her.  "Sorry, snowflake."  She punched him on the arm and walked off to dry off.  "That was weak, I'm going to make you do exercises."

"Sure.  It'll make me hotter for the guys."

John smirked at Buffy's complaints from further up the hall about how Dawn wasn't allowed near boys for the next century so she didn't need to bother getting hot.  "The boys are fine."

"I figured they were.  Did he clean your gun?"

"While talking to you."  He smirked.  "They were really rude from what we heard."

"I've had Willow bring me over and only got back an hour ago myself.  How was dinner?"

"The house elves tried to cover up that they had dropped some of the food.  Xander is getting a cooking house elf to do just that.  It went okay otherwise.  Horatio brought his niece and she had a ball playing in the snow for the first time.  It was fun.  We had a snowball war."  Dawn came back.  "Feel better?"

"Can I beat you for messing up my hair?"

"No."  He smirked.  "You can try Sammy though.  Or Dean, he uses product."

She strolled off.  "I'll remember that when I'm ready to date if Xander doesn't keep them both."

"They could do worse," he agreed.  She smiled at that compliment.  "But you still need to be able to hunt to have one of them."

"I'm learning.  I'm only fifteen."  She headed for the kitchen.  "Do you want your plate of leftovers?"

"Go ahead, Dawn."

"Thanks, I'm starved."  She went to do that.  She was hitting another growth spurt again and pretty soon she'd have to make Buffy take her shopping.  Buffy scowled.  "I asked!"

"Fine.  Why are you so hungry?"

"Growth spurt.  That blue skirt you thought was cute a few months back now is at the length of trashy ho."  She ate another bite.

"We can shop for you," she agreed.  "Or you could ask John.  That way you get stuff you can work out in."

Dawn looked at her.  "Since when are you afraid of a mall?"  Buffy gave her an odd look. "Giles, this isn't Buffy!  She doesn't want to go shopping!" she shouted.  Willow and Giles ran in to capture the not-Buffy while John organized a search party to see if she was on the grounds.  Willow stared at her.  "I'm mid-growth spurt."  She ate another bite.  "I asked John."

"Fine.  If we can't find Buffy tonight, I'll take you tomorrow."  She walked off shaking her head.   "How long has the not-her been here?"

"Two days according to her.  I've sent John her coordinates," Giles told her. "Let us banish this mimic."

Willow nodded.  "Before more freaky behavior comes up."  She did the banishing and went to pull out first aid supplies for Buffy.

Dawn smiled when she was led through the back door.  "We knew she wasn't you when she became allergic to a mall."

She looked her sister over.  "You're growing, aren't you?"  Dawn smirked and nodded.  "If I'm not too tired."

"Maybe Draco can; he likes to shop," John said.

Buffy looked at him.  "Is Xander dating again and infecting others?  That was an evil thought, John."

"He does and his future wife is in.  This way she gets to see his good taste without enduring him making her shop."  Buffy shook her head.  "They wear long skirts.  Nothing trashy."

"I might like that.  Maybe a few things."  She looked at her sister.  "You can call him tomorrow."  She let herself be led off for first aid.

***

Horatio looked at Suzy, Madison's mother, when she came out of Madison's room.   The young one had fallen asleep at dinner.  "She had a lot of fun."

"I noticed the dampness."

"We had snow."

"Oh.  Where were you?"

"With a new friend.  His name is Xander and he's just inherited a large estate so he invited a few friends up for lunch and presents today.  He got her the other doll.  She said now she has twins or a slightly younger sister."

Suzy smiled.  "I'm glad she had fun."

"She and Stella ganged up on us men to get us all with snowballs.  She's got a good aim."  He brushed at his ear.  Suzy giggled.  "Did you have a good day off?"

"I did.  It was nice to take a long, hot bath without her needing the bathroom.  It was great.  Thank you, Horatio."  She gave him a hug.  "Want some dinner?"

"Xander fed us enough food for a battle cruiser."  She laughed at that.  "It was his first one.  He went overboard but the holiday was good."  She nodded. "I'll let you collapse for the night, Suzy.  Have a good evening."  He smiled as he walked out, heading down his hummer.  He drove back to his house, finding Speed there with a book.  "Bedtime story?"

"Madison said you needed one and made me promise."  Horatio smiled, letting him inside. "She's quite a girl, Horatio."

"She is.  I'm glad she had such fun today."

"Xander's a big kid himself," he pointed out.  "Hey, Lucia, no need for dinner."

"Want coffees?  Lucia knows that Master Xander sir's house elfs would feed you."

"And one clumsy one that ended up tripping a few times with food," Speed told her.  "Coffee, H?"

"I think I'm coffeed out.  How about some juice?"  She went to get them some juice, bringing it back before going back to her room.  They sat down.  "What did you bring to read to me?"

"One of the history books.  I cross referenced with an English history book.  Sometimes they didn't cover up well enough and it meshed in a lot of points, even if the goblin wars didn't."

"I figured some had to bleed over."  He settled into the couch better, drinking his juice.  Speed opened his book and got to reading for him.  Horatio smiled, liking this bedtime story thing.  It had been decades since his last one.

Speed smiled and plucked the glass from Horatio's hand, kissing him on the forehead before taking the blanket from Lucia for him.  "Let him sleep," he hissed, getting a nod.  He left, going to enjoy the warm weather for a nighttime ride.  It was nice and had been a great day.  He hadn't played in years.

***

John Sheppard walked into his room, looking at the two boxes sitting on top of his dresser beside his staff.  He moved closer then smiled.  "No wonder they couldn't do the email today."  He checked the cards, taking the other one down the hall.  "McKay."  He leaned out of his room so John threw the present at him.  "From Xander."

"Who?"

"Xander.  The guy you yelled at when the staff chose me because you thought he had kidnaped me?  Him?"

"Why did he get me a present?"

"It's Christmas and he's like that."

McKay opened it, pulling out the all natural, sugar free, variety of flavors package of throat drops.  He looked.  "A few are citrus but I suppose it's the thought that counts."

"He didn't know you're allergic. You have other packages."  McKay put that one back, pulling out the cherry one to read the ingredients before popping one into his mouth.  It was a nice gift and Rodney had yelled at Xander so it was a subtle hint too.  "Merry Christmas."

"It is?"

"Today.  Xander said he'd send my present up if I couldn't make dinner earlier."  He walked back to his room to open his present, smiling at the two DVD's.  He had told him that they could play them up here.  They didn't have these either.  Goofy, funny movies were always good when you're in a combat area according to the note so he was more than happy.  Underneath was a heavier wrapped square.  He unfolded the butcher paper and found fudge.  He moaned, eating a smaller piece to test it.  Peanut butter and mint chip fudge.  He loved that man.  He looked at the ingredient list on the inside of the paper, smiling at the thoughtful ness.  Xander was a sweet guy.  He'd have to thank him the next time he went down for a meeting.  He laid back, eating the next piece, totally happy with his night.  The last people they had contacted hadn't been bad or wanted to attack them.  No wraiths for the last two weeks.  He was a happy boy.  Someone knocked on his door.  "What?"

"The spare bags," McKay called.

"Enter."  He walked in and dropped the bags.  "You could give them to the other scientists."

"They'd run through them in a day and come searching for mine.  I'd hate to kill them for it," he said dryly.  "What did you get?"

"Two comedy movies and some fudge."  He let him steal a piece, smiling when he moaned.  Another package appeared and he got up to look at it, smiling at the DVD holder of ripped movies.  "From Sam and Dean.  Sam sits on the Council with me."  He let him check out the titles.  "They went for stress relief."

"I believe that's the one on the bottom," McKay said dryly, walking off with a smirk.

"I was complaining I couldn't date," he called after him.  "Must've been Dean's half of the present."  He put one into the computer in his room, settling in to watch it with his fudge.  It was really great fudge.

***

Tony sat on his apartment's porch the next morning, looking out across his city.  He was thinking, which some would say he couldn't do but he was having some deeper thoughts.  Marriage bonds and love potions and all that the staff had brought into his life, all the insanity it had given him by simply tripping him up at a scene, and for some strange reason he felt a bit content.  Almost happy with the level of insanity in his life.  He sipped his coffee.  Then he suddenly smiled.  "Not even a twisted, psychological, B movie could come up with a plot like this one.  Not that they'd be able to find someone to cast me anyway."  He got comfortable and let the deeper thoughts about what to do with the marriage bond settle into the back of his head for now.  He wasn't sure he wanted to think about his boss that way.

It was a pretty morning, much too pretty to be thinking about Gibbs' tight, overly physically fit ass.  He wouldn't care if Dean and Sam had finally reached an agreement and had Xander claim them in their car.  He was...going to allow it to happen as it came this time.  Gibbs could set this dance's tempo for a while.  He went back inside to get more coffee while he prepared for his daily run.  Yup, it was just insane but he seemed pretty able to handle it.  So he guessed he'd keep the stupid staff.  For now.

The End.  End of series!

Table of Contents

Idea behind the Story. 2

Family Staffs 1. 2

Family Staffs 2. 34

Family Staffs 3. 48

Family Staffs 4. 82

Family Staffs 5. 99

Family Staffs 6. 124

Family Staffs 7. 140

Family Staffs 8. 161

Family Staffs 9. 185

Family Staffs 10. 205

Family Staffs 11. 224

Family Staffs 12. 247

Family Staffs 13. 267

Family Staffs 14. 288

Family Staffs 15. 312

Family Staffs 16. 333

Family Staffs 17. 362