As Angel looked at the unconscious Buffy, the memories of what had happened since the night of her 17th birthday came back to him, first slowly, then quickly. His eyes began to widen in horror and then filled with tears. He closed his eyes and began shaking his head. "I'm so sorry. I should have know better. Oh God, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry for the things I said. I'm sorry for Ms. Calendar. I'm sorry. You must all hate me," he mumbled. The tears flowed out of his closed eyes, and down his checks. He didn't even notice when Buffy woke.
"We don't hate you," Buffy murmured, touching his cheek with the back of her hand. His eyes flew open, there were tears in his eyes and fear of what he might see.
"I remember the hate in your eyes," he said sadly, starting to pull away.
"I hate Angelus," she said, "I love you." And with that she pulled him down into a passionate kiss. When the kiss ended, Angel looked at her with love and confusion in his eyes.
"Buffy, the demon's here I can feel him. Our love can't be, the spell-" Angel said, tears welling in his eyes.
"Love binds the spell now. Love will only strengthen it," Harmony cut in. Angel eyes lit up in surprise and joy.
"So strengthen," Buffy said playfully, pulling him down for a passionate kiss. It was long and passionate. The kiss of reunited lovers. Angel gazed at her with love and wonder.
"You are amazing. I don't know how you could love me after the past few months," he told her softly.
"You haven't done anything in the last few months, except be dead," Harmony stated,"The memories of the last few months are Angelus's, not yours."
"But Angelus and I are one."
"No you're not," Harmony said, "You are two different beings in the same body. It's like two people sharing a house. The memories of what the body has done are there, and what the body has felt are there. The perspective of the body is the same as the person or demon in charge. That does not make you the same entity."
"I see," Angel said slowly nodding.
"They don't usually tell vamps. It might give 'em ideas," she said with a smile.
"So Harmony, how long do sorceresses live?" Angelus asked smiling.
"Longer than humans, but not as long as you're thinking Uncle," she said giggling and opening her eyes to look at him.
Part 8
"Uncle?" Buffy asked in surprise.
"Yep. My 6-greats-grandmother was Angel's sister. She was a sorceress. She escaped the massacre and married a nice magician from the neighboring college. I was named after her. I'm from one of the branches that stayed in magic. I'm afraid she died almost 150 years ago, though," Harmony said.
"But the resemblance is uncanny," Angel said.
"Someone had a premonition when I was born, so they called up 6-greats-grandmother to come and bless me. Apparently she used a little magic to bless me with her good looks," Harmony laughed. Angel could only shake his head and laugh. Harmony smiled and got up and walked towards the door. "I need to stretch my legs," she said as she strolled out the door.
"And I thought I was out of relatives," Angelus sighed.
"That reminds me," Buffy said, "we really need to find new ways to celebrate our birthdays." Angel nodded and pulled her closer for a kiss. The kiss was long and said all the things they didn't say: forgiveness, love, and trust. As she pulled away Buffy smiled up at him. "Never leave me," she said.
"I won't," he murmured into her hair. He held her close and as tears rolled down his checks.
* * * * *
Harmony walked into the hall and smiled, thinking of Buffy and Angel. She thought of the blue and green light show that had accompanied the spell. She wished that the others could have seen it. Unfortunately only those with the magical gift could have seen it. Her thoughts were interrupted. "Where's Angel," Dru growled, from behind her. Harmony spun around to face Dru and Spike.
"I don't know," Harmony replied.
"You did something to him. I can feel it," Dru said, "What did you do?" Harmony didn't answer.
"Perhaps some pain will make her talk," Spike suggested.
"Can I?" Dru asked excitedly.
"Of course, Love," Spike replied. Dru smiled and began to slowly walk towards Harmony.
"This is not a good time to mess with me," Harmony warned. Dru smiled and lunged at her. Harmony dodged to the side. She made a throwing motion and Drusilla was lifted up and slammed against a wall. She hit the floor unconscious. Harmony could see her hands begin to glow as she raised them above her head.
"Do it and the cat's a snack," Spike said. Harmony turned back to Spike. Spike was holding a hissing Mystical by the scruff of the neck. Anger showed plainly on Harmony's face. Slowly the glow on her hands began to die down. She wiped her hands over her face and the glow was gone. She looked at Spike and began to laugh.
"I'm afraid your feelings give you away. I'll make you a deal. You give me back Mystical and I'll give you what you want: the role of being hero to Dru, and Angelus out of your hair," Harmony said.
"The slayer would also get Angel back and I'd get another bloody thorn in my side," Spike countered.
"Well it's that, or let Angelus come save Drusilla. Then you'll have lost her for sure," Harmony said. Spike was quite for a few moments.
"Deal," he said, as he threw Mystical at her. Drusilla was slowly levitated up onto Spike's lap. Spike wheeled off as soon as she was securely on his lap. Harmony picked up Mystical and placed her back on her shoulder. She turned and walked back into the library thinking there was too much excitement out in the hall.
Part 9
"Who were you talking to?" Buffy asked.
"Spike," Harmony replied. Buffy was on her feet in an instant. "Don't worry. After Dru was out cold, he was a pussy cat," she said petting Mystical. Mystical gave a reproachful meow. Harmony only chuckled before turning back to the Buffy and Angel. "Ready to hear about the second spell?" she asked Angel.
"Second spell?" Angel asked.
"Yes, it's a strengthening spell. Now I consulted with my professors. We know that the spell will let you keep your soul until you don't love or feel friendship for anyone, and no one feels love or friendship for you. We also know that a second half is possible: that during the day you will be completely human, and at night you will be a souled vampire. Now the second half will either happen or it won't, there isn't any halfway, although there may be a sometimes. If there is a sometimes, we believe it will happen when you love someone deeply. That will mean it will happen all the time, or at least while Buffy is alive, or not at all. Now if the second half does happen during the day you will be human in every way. You will be able to eat normal food, have children," she gave Buffy a significant look," and age at about half the rate of humans. It will also means that you won't heal fast or be super strong during the day. It's your choice as to whether to go through with the spell or not." Harmony slowly backed away and went over to talk to Giles, who was fairly bursting with curiosity.
Angel looked at Buffy his eyes alight with new hope. "I would be able to see you during the day. I could see myself in the mirror," he said with amazement.
"You'd have to shave," she shot back with smile. He pulled her close to him and looked into her eyes.
"Buffy, I would love nothing more than to be human with you. This could be all the dreams I never dared dream, but ... if you don't want me around that much, I'll ---"
"Angel, I love you and want nothing more than what this is offering, but I'm worried about you. You won't be able to rush into the middle of a brawl with extra strength, but I will. I don't want you to get killed, because you under estimated you strength, or pushed yourself too hard after an injury, or other stupid macho stuff," Buffy said tears welling in her eyes. "Besides," she started babbling, "Being human isn't as easy as you may remember. You'd have to get a job and earn money and cook ...and other normal ... human things." Angel smiled at her
"It will be hard. I'll have to learn to think differently, but I am willing to endure any hardship, if I even once got to see you in the sunlight." She looked up at him with the tears shinning in her eyes. He kissed her passionately and she answered him. When they broke away, the walked hand in hand towards Harmony and Giles.
"It has always been known that one of the greatest sources of power for magic workers of good is their every present ability to turn away from the wiles of the other gender!" Giles stated.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Your virginity or lack of has NOTHING to do with a sorceress' or magician's amount of power! It's TRUE that evil wizards and witches can gain a small, temporary amount of power through physical pleasure, but that has nothing to do with their natural power!" Harmony threw back.
"It clearly states in several texts that some of the most powerful sorceresses and magicians were celibate and stayed celibate to keep their power!"
"Well the texts are wrong! SU has turned out some of the most powerful sorceresses of all time and has kept records of them after they left. Many of them were married or had boyfriends at one point."
"Political marriages are supposed to be, but aren't always consummated. And just because two people are dating does not mean they are bedmates!"
"AAhhhhh!! Look you must have heard of Catherine de Sulc."
"Of course."
"Her most famous mission of all was her last one. She was called out of retirement to do it. In the archives at SU, they say that even after 4 years of retirement she had just as much power as she ever did. The fact the she was able to come out of retirement, have as much power as ever, and be able to do so well, despite having practiced nothing but minor magic in the last 4 years, proves that her magical powers on that mission were as powerful before."
"Yes, of course. Her choice to retire was considered a great loss to the powers for good."
"Well, did you know that during those 4 years she got married and had a child?" Giles starred flabbergasted and could say nothing. Buffy and Angel started laughing at the look on Giles face.
"I'm afraid she has you there," Angel said.
"I suppose so. I will want to see proof of the children," Giles replied.
"I will do my best," Harmony replied mockingly. "So, have you come to a decision?"
"Yes, we want to go through with it," Angel replied.
Part 10
"Great. Clear these chairs out of the way. We can just sit Indian style this time. Buffy and I will sit on either side of Angel, the rest of you form a circle," Harmony said. Everyone helped clear the chairs out. "Everyone join hands. Now, concentrate on good feelings towards Angel." As Harmony began to chant, Angel was bathed in light. "Tibsu nevod himut." It was all over rather quickly and was much less impressive than the last one.
"Is that it?" Xander asked.
"Afraid so," Harmony replied tiredly, "I'm afraid it used up my reserves though."
"How do we know if the second part worked?" Buffy asked.
"Well, if it works he'll be human during the day whether he's in sunlight or not. So see if he reacts to crosses, holy water, or he could try holding his breath. If his eyes start to bulge and his face turns blue, he's human." Everyone laughed.
"So does this mean you'll have a secret identity?" Willow asked.
"Yeah! And get a job?" Xander chimed in.
"I guess so," Angel replies.
"You could be grocery bagger," Xander teased.
"A janitor."
"You could pump gas."
"A bouncer."
"A construction worker."
"You could try law enforcement," Buffy added, joining her friends in the good natured teasing.
"Ugh," Angel replied.
"You might be able to help out at a history museum, considering you've lived thru quite a bit of it," Giles added helpfully. The others turned and gave him a disgusted look. Harmony smiled tiredly as she listened to them tease Angel. As the jokes died down, Angel stood up and offered Buffy a helping hand. As he did, Harmony glanced towards the door. She saw a young woman at the door throw a magical fireball at Angel. Harmony had just enough time to through up a hasty shield. The shield stopped the fireball, but the fireball had destroyed the shield. Harmony was now out of power and she watched in horror as the girl raised her hands to throw another. Then, someone hit her over the head and she slumped to the floor. A handsome young man with black hair, and green eyes stood in the doorway with a staff in his hands.
"Hey, Michael," Harmony said and passed out from relief and exhaustion.
Part 11
Harmony woke a few minutes later. Michael was standing over her. Buffy, Angel, Willow, and Oz were standing near by. Giles and Xander were standing over the young woman near by. The table and chairs had been returned to their normal places. She was currently seated in one of those chairs. "How long have I been out?" Harmony asked.
"About 15, 20 minutes," Michael replied, as Buffy and Angel came over.
"Who's the girl who attacked us?" Harmony asked.
"Amy, she's the local witch. She's on our side," Buffy explained.
"Who's your friend?" Angel asked.
"Oh excuse me. This is Michael. Michael that's Buffy, Angel, Willow, Oz, Xander, and Giles," Harmony said pointing to each in turn, as Willow and Oz came over.
"Good timing," Oz said.
"Hey! What are you doing here?" Harmony asked.
"When I could feel the first spell back at the University, I knew you'd be drained. I also knew you always forget to check for local witches, and ghosts and stuff, so I came to watch your back," Michael explained.
"You felt the spell?" Willow asked.
"I'm a magician. We can feel magic. Usually not from so far away, but that was quite a spell you performed," Michael explained.
"And you had the best intentions at heart," Angel said sarcastically.
"Michael's my boyfriend. He goes to University of Magic. It's within sight of SU. The archives say SU was built within sight to anger the magicians at UM, because they wouldn't except women," Harmony told Angel.
"I think they just wanted to spy on the cute guys through binoculars," Michael teased. Harmony tried to give him a mean look, but laughed and ruined the effect.
"A magician boyfriend," Angel said disapprovingly.
"Uh oh. Look he's known we're related for less than an hour and already he's acting like a disapproving uncle," Harmony said, sighing dramatically.
"I assure you, magicians can be gentleman," Michael said with a mock bow.
"Besides," Buffy said pulling him towards her, "A magician's not that outlandish compared to a kind, cradle-robbing-creature-of-the-night boyfriend." Angel laughed at the old joke, and playfully kissed her on the nose. "Walk me home?" she asked.
"Of course," Angel replied.
"Don't worry," Willow said, "We'll make sure Amy's okay and bring her up to date."
"Thanks Will. See you in the morning," Buffy replied walking out of the library with Angel.
"We're leaving too," Harmony said taking Michael's arm, and following them out, "I'll be back in the morning to see if part two worked."
"That's right! I guess I'll have to stay with you 'till sunrise," Buffy told Angel.
"Won't your parents be mad?" asked Michael.
"I'll just sneak in, or say I went for an early run or something," Buffy said lightly.
"I'm sorry for what I said to your mom," Angel said quietly.
"She didn't take it as bad as I thought she would. I'm afraid she's either going to kill you on sight, or she's denying you ever told her. I wouldn't go near her 'til I've told her were back together though," Buffy said. Angel nodded, but said nothing.
"That's the sort of talk in a together always couple. Poor guy, I'd never want to get roped into that," Michael said sadly, shaking his head.
"And what makes you think you haven't," Harmony said tickling him. He laughed and ducked away before simply wrapping his arms around her to pin her arms to her sides. Buffy and Angel laughed at the playful duo.
"There's nothing wrong with being in love," Angel said.
"And when you're in love, all you can think about is being there forever," Buffy said, looking into Angel's eyes. He pulled her into a passionate kiss. After a few seconds, Michael looked at his watch and began timing them. When Harmony started wondering how the were breathing, she cut in.
"Looks like neither of you are going to get any sleep. All I want is for you to promise me one thing and we'll leave you two alone."
"Anything," Buffy said with exaggerated desperation.
"I get to be the godmother when you have children," Harmony said.
"Certainly," Angel replied.
"It won't be soon, though," Buffy warned, "But I could hardly deny a child a real fairy godmother."
"Shhhhh!! Don't say that! The fairies get mad," Harmony said glancing around. Buffy burst into laughter and the others followed suit as they walked out of the school.
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