Harry had faced death many times, but he had never felt so powerless than sitting in the passenger seat while Faith was driving. When he played quidditch he moved faster and had less protection. He was also the one doing the driving. If he crashed on a broom he didn't have to worry about shrapnel or another vehicle. Buffy's tight grip on his forearm told him that she was having a similar experience.
"Where to, B?" Faith asked without slowing.
Buffy took a breath to steady herself, "Take the next left."
Faith took the turn at speed. The car fishtailed, creating a new groove in the shoulder of the road in the process.
"Just right up here," Buffy said. "Slow down, there's debris that will pop the tires."
Faith let out a little laugh, "Your pet vampire lives worse than I did before I got here."
The car came to a screeching halt. Something thudded against the underside of the car. Harry was certain he heard something detach from the impact. They managed to get out of the car after a bit of juggling. There may have been some accidental groping in the process. At least it was accidental on his part. Buffy's hands seemed a little too agile after the first time she felt up his crotch.
Harry followed Buffy into the ruined house. Angel looked up at them in shock not expecting her to have company. He had something wrapped in an old rag in his arms.
"Buffy?" Angel asked as he got to his feet.
"Angel," She replied with a soft smile. "Easy, this is Faith and Harry."
Harry nodded at him. Faith crossed her arms and waited.
"This," Angel held up the bundle. " The Glove of Myhnegon. I was going to bring it to you."
"You've had it the entire time?" Faith asked.
Angel nodded, "I've had it for a while. Guarding it. There wasn't a reason to do anything with it until then."
"Not even when Angelus was driving?" Faith asked.
Angel shook his head, "It's not worth it."
"Why do you say that?" Harry asked.
"It can't be removed once you put it on," Angel answered. "There are other artifacts that are stronger without the downsides."
Harry nodded, "I could see that."
"Who are you?" Angel asked looking at Harry.
"Harry Potter," He answered. "Wizard."
"Wizard," Angel repeated. "Hedge or Ministry?"
Harry studied the vampire for a moment, "How do you know about the Ministry?"
"I've spent a lot of time in Europe," Angel answered.
Harry nodded.
"Are you a Hit Wizard?" Angel asked.
Harry shook his head, "I'm on vacation."
"I'll take this to Giles," Buffy hefted the bundle.
"He doesn't feel evil," Harry bumped Faith with his shoulder.
Faith nodded, "The evil ones like to talk more. And dress better."
Angel looked down at his clothes and sighed. He didn't want to admit it, but they were right. His wardrobe needed to be updated.
"Does he pass?" Buffy asked.
Faith nodded, "For now. Don't make me regret it."
"I won't," Angel said. "Did you want to stay?"
The last part was directed solely at Buffy.
She shook her head, "I need to take this to Giles. They need to tell everyone you're not evil."
"Thank you," Angel said truly meaning it.
The drive back to the library wasn't as tense. Buffy still rode on his lap. She relaxed against his chest as she held the Glove tight. Faith shared a little look of amusement with him. There wasn't any 'accidental' grinding this time.
"Could you drop me off here?" Harry asked as the Magic Box came into view. "I have some potion ingredients I need to pick up."
Faith pulled the car to a screeching halt, "I'll see you at the house."
Harry stepped out of the car. He was a little disappointed that there wasn't any groping this time. It made sense with the mood not being the same. He stopped at the door to the Magic Box. It was still open for some reason. The shine of silver along the handle was a nice touch. It would turn the hand of any vampire that touched it into a gnarled stump. The hand would grow back, eventually, but it would still hurt like a bitch.
He stepped inside the store to find someone else at the counter.
"Welcome to the Magic Box," The woman said. "Are you looking for anything special?"
Harry didn't feel any sort of magic at play other than the residual that hung in the air.
"Who are you?" Harry asked.
"Who are you?" She asked with a perfect customer service smile.
"Harry Potter," He replied.
"OH!" Her eyes went wide. "Stella told me about you. She wanted me to pass along a message."
Harry tensed, "Go on."
"She said to thank you for having that annoying woman buy the powdered Fluxweed," She replied. "She was able to take a vacation for the first time since she opened the store."
"She's on vacation?" Harry repeated.
The clerk nodded, "I'm Kathy. Stella will be back in a couple of weeks. She's taking the chance to resupply too."
"Do you know how dangerous it is to keep the store open at night?" Harry asked.
Kathy nodded, "I'm a Sunnydale native. I know how to handle myself. The store has the right to refuse service to anyone. It works the same as uninviting a vampire."
"What about the other things out there?" Harry asked.
"Silver on the door for werewolves," She explained. "Salt the has been soaked in holy water across the doorway and windows for demons."
Harry nodded, "That makes me feel a little better."
"What can I help you with tonight?" Kathy slipped back into her sales voice.
Harry stepped up to the counter, "I need a full restock of standard potion ingredients, a couple of Yew stirring spoons, and iron shaving if you have them."
"I can do that," Kathy smiled brightly as she began to gather the supplies.
Harry scanned the area as she worked. He didn't like having his back to the door. Sunnydale turned out to be what he needed. He couldn't stay still for too long, but it was nice to be able to step away. This wasn't his calling and it didn't rest solely on his shoulders. He was there to help when he could.
He had been careful with his magic use as his signature was known by the Ministry. The Hellmouth was a good cover as long as he didn't go all out. He wasn't powerful enough to block it, but his magical signature was different enough to stand out if he made waves. Harry wasn't under the illusion that Sunnydale would be a long-term stay. He wanted to see more of the country before eventually going home. Extra focus on the word eventually.
Kathy came back with the goods and began to pack them into a neat parcel. She gave him the price, which seemed a bit high, but he wasn't going to argue. He shrunk the package then put it in his pocket.
"Thank you," Harry smiled at her. "Be careful."
The customer service smile remained in place, "Thank you and please come again soon."
Harry began to walk home. A small smile played across his face as he noticed a couple of vampires avoiding him. He wasn't sure why, but he wasn't going to argue.
"Faith?" Harry called as he stepped inside.
"Kitchen," She replied.
Harry resized the parcel and set it on the coffee table. He found Faith in the midst of making some food.
"How did the report go?" Harry asked.
She rolled her eyes, "Some yelling and disappointed looks."
"The usual then," Harry chuckled.
Faith nodded, "The lovebirds haven't been caught yet."
"Oh?" Harry chuckled. "How?"
She shrugged, "They were playing footsy when we got there."
"What is your read on Angel?" He asked.
Faith thought for a moment, "Decent looking if you're into brooding. Bet he thinks having a girl on top is scandalous."
Harry laughed as he tried to school his expression.
"You know what I mean," Harry said with a smile.
She shook her head, "It's a little late to ask about that."
Harry motioned for her to continue.
"He would stake himself if Buffy asked him to," Faith replied then quickly followed it up with. "It looked like she was enjoying riding you."
"I'm going to bed," Harry said. "Did you want to join me?"
Faith shook her head, "I can dust some vamps before sunrise."
~
The next couple of days were tense. Harry was happy to keep his distance. Adjusting the Wolfsbane potion took up a lot of his time. The Yew stirring spoon meant the heat had to be lower which increased the brewing time but helped the ingredients blend better. He made sure to take detailed notes to track any progress.
Harry kept his distance from Buffy and her group. She seemed to need the space after the Angel situation. Things eased after a few days. Xander was one of the louder voices in the argument, but his dalliances with Willow distracted him from the issue. It was getting ridiculous with those two. He had no idea how they hadn't been caught yet.
As it always does, the secret broke in the worst way. Willow was kidnapped by a vampire to brew a love potion with Xander held hostage as leverage. Oz and Cordelia caught them in flagrante.
Cordelia had been hurt and was currently in the hospital. Harry felt it only polite to visit. She was hooked to an IV and her chest was wrapped in bandages. He knocked on the door before he entered.
"I told you to go away, Xander," Cordelia snapped. "I don't want to see you again."
Harry stepped inside, "It's Harry."
"Harry?" She turned to look at him. "Why are you here?"
He took another step closer, "I wanted to check on you."
"I don't suppose you have a magic potion that could fix me up?" Cordelia said flatly.
Harry smiled as he pulled a small bottle from his pocket, "If you want."
"Really?" Cordelia sat up, winced, then settled back in the bed. "Are you sure it will work?"
Harry nodded, "You're a human. There isn't anything to complicate things."
"I'll try it if it gets me out of here faster," Cordelia held out a hand. "What will it cost me?"
Harry shook his head, "No cost with the friends and family discount."
Cordelia studied the small bottle for a moment.
"Do yourself a favor," Harry said before she could open it. "Down it in one go. It tastes like old sweaty socks."
Cordelia rolled her eyes and drank it. She shivered and gagged a little.
"You were joking," She coughed.
Harry laughed, "And that's the improved version."
"It itches," Cordelia rubbed around her wounds.
"That means it's working," Harry replied. "You will still need rest and be really hungry for a couple of days."
"Thanks, Harry," Cordelia gave him a tired smile.
He nodded before he started to turn away.
"Um," Cordelia said before he could leave. "Could you stay for a while?"
Harry pulled a chair over, "Of course."
"Oh," Cordelia gasped. "You weren't kidding about being hungry."
Harry chuckled, "I'll get you something to eat."
He left after a couple of hours. Cordelia was embarrassed after eating enough to satisfy three people. Quite impressive considering it was hospital food. She would be back in the swing of things after a couple of days rather than weeks. The physical wounds would heal, but she would need some more time for the emotional ones.
~
Harry was making notes on his progress when he felt a charge in the air. The build-up energy snapped as the world changed around him. He slowly turned a circle taking in everything. His cauldron and supplies vanished, replaced by a barren bedroom.
He stepped out into the hallway to find the rest of the house in the same condition. There was a layer of dust on everything. His footprints were the first in a long time. Faiths' room was empty as well. The master bedroom had a different coat of paint and a dried blood splatter where the bed had been.
"That is not good," Harry muttered.
A look out the window showed that this wasn't the only abandoned house on the street. Buffys were among that number.
"Not good at all," He said to himself.
NOTE:Short chapter to set the scene for the next one.