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"Oh waitress," Lorelai called out to her daughter as she stood talking to Willow and Tara at the Booster luncheon. Rory walked over to allow the three adults to select food from the tray she held, "Thank you, you may go now," she smirked.

"Bite me," murmured Rory quietly.

"Well, I never," Lorelai sighed dramatically, "You just can't get good staff these days."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" whined Rory.

"Willow didn't you inform your staff not to talk to the guests?" asked Lorelai smirking at the redhead.

"No, I'm sorry Lorelai, I just assumed they would know better," replied Willow returning the smirk as Dawn passed and the redhead placed her empty glass on her Ward's tray.

"You know, in medieval times impudent servants would be flogged," said Tara with a straight face.

"Really," said Lorelai, "Oh those were the days." She looked at her daughter, "Are you still here?"

Dawn passed her tray of empty glasses over the drinks table to Madeline, "I'm thinking a week without TV and music would have been better than this humiliating situation," she told her friend as she picked up another tray with full glasses. Someone on the Booster committee had suggested all the waitresses should wear little frilly aprons over their school uniform, Dawn suspected Lorelai, or Willow who had been the staff member for the last two Booster club meetings. "How much can these people drink anyway?"

Just then, Louise walked up to them, "Hey did you hear Lemon's mum is having an affair with Ivy's dad."

"Really," smirked Dawn, "Do they know, and more importantly do the other Puffs?"

"I doubt it," said Louise returning the smirk. "Maybe we should tell them."

Dawn looked speculatively at the blonde, "I think we should, it's the right thing to do. After all they do keep reminding Rory of her mum's indiscretion with Mr Medina."

"You're right Dawn," nodded Louise her eyes twinkling. "I'll tell them tomorrow in class, when everyone's there," she said walking off into the groups of teachers and parents with her tray.

"We'll see you in a while Maddie," sighed Dawn following the blonde.

* * * * *

"So you both went shopping," asked Lane joining her two friends as they carried several shopping bags each towards their homes. She was still not supposed to be this close to her friends, but her mother had told her to deliver something to her aunt. Whose house just happened to be past her two friends homes, it would have been impolite to ignore them; well that was what she planned on telling her mother if she just happened to find out.

"Yeah," said Dawn. "I got books for Willow and Tara, I bought my friend Madeline a charm bracelet 'cause she invited me to her family Christmas party, I got Lorelai a coffee mug that says 'I want coffee' when you shake it gently. I figured she'd love the chance to annoy Luke with it," she laughed, "Obviously I can't tell you what I've got for you and Rory."

"And I got a mooing cow shaped timer for Sookie, some cardio-salsa tapes for Michel, a book for Dean..."

"You got Dean a book?" interrupted Lane.

"Yeah. Metamorphosis."

"Metamorphosis," smirked Dawn. 'I don't think he'll understand it?'

"It's Kafka. What's wrong with that?" asked Rory looking at her two friends.

"Very romantic," said Lane.

"I think it's romantic," insisted Rory.

"Yeah if you were going with someone that's into books, but let's be honest here Rory, Dean isn't one for books like that," corrected Dawn gently.

"I know I've always dreamed that someday a guy would get me a really confusing Czechoslovakian novel," said Lane.

"I think he'll appreciate it," insisted Rory.

"A book like that sends the wrong message," explained Lane.

"What are you talking about?" asked Rory confused.

"Just imagine that you actually gave Dean something really romantic, and he gave you a football," explained Lane. "Your hypothetical romantic present is saying that you really, really like him. And his present is saying, 'Hey man, let's just be friends'."

"And for Dean to think your present is romantic you need to know what he thinks is romantic," added Dawn.

"And you're both saying that this book is..."

"Is a Czechoslovakian football, yes," said Lane.

"So then what do I get him?" frowned Rory.

"What you should do is find out what he's getting you and gauge your gift accordingly," said Lane.

"But doesn't that kinda take the fun out of it?" asked Rory.

"There Rory, you are on your own," smiled Lane.

* * * * *

"People please pay attention," yelled Miss Patty raising her voice over the many conversations going on. "Now, I want my before Mary over here, and my after Mary over here. Wise men, shepherd line up for the processional." A man wearing the back end of a horse costume appeared from one corner, Miss Patty looked around, "I only have half a donkey. I need the rest of the donkey!" she cried.

"Ow!" cried Kirk as he stood on a stool while Lorelai was hemming.

"Hold still Kirk," she ordered.

"You stuck me," Kirk whined.

"I did not stick you," said Lorelai.

"You did to," pouted Kirk.

"Okay, be quiet now," sighed Lorelai as she glanced over at Rory and Dawn giggling at him before they turned to Taylor.

"Um, Taylor, the baby Jesus is missing an arm again," said Rory from where she and Dawn had been looking through a trunk.

"What?" asked Taylor in annoyance.

"I was just getting it out of the trunk and..." Dawn tried to explain.

"Let me see that," snapped Taylor taking it from the teenager. "Oh for Pete's sake! Okay listen up!" he said raising his voice. "The arm is missing! I repeat the arm is missing!"

"Maybe it's just time to get a new baby Jesus, you know, one that's a boy," Rory suggested.

"It's a doll, no one can tell," said Taylor.

"Well it has a bow," pointed out Rory.

"This has been the baby Jesus in every Christmas pageant since 1965. Were you here in 1965?" Taylor asked.

"No, obviously I wasn't," conceded Rory.

"Find the arm," ordered Taylor.

Rory glanced over at her mother, who was smirking at them.

Lorelai looked back at Kirk. "What are you doing?" she asked glancing up at him.

"Nothing," said Kirk quickly.

"You're flinching," Lorelai accused.

"You stuck me once. There's nothing to say you won't do it again."

"Okay you know what? You're done," Lorelai sighed standing up.

"Well?" asked Taylor walking back over to the teenagers.

"I swear, we've both looked twice," Rory assured him.

"Look again," Taylor ordered.

"Look Taylor, we've both looked twice, unless the trunk has a secret bottom you haven't told us about, it isn't in there," said Dawn firmly.

Before Taylor could reply, Miss Patty called out. "Taylor come quickly. Our before Mary is about to become an after. Who else in town is knocked up?"

Dawn giggled as Taylor hurried off. "I didn't think I'd have so much fun here tonight, but I gotta say, seeing Taylor running around like a headless chicken is worth it."

"Welcome to the insanity that is our town," laughed Rory.

"Hey isn't that the arm?" asked Dawn pointing out a dog crossing the street with a doll's arm in its mouth.

"Yeah. I mean how likely is it that he just happened to find some poor girl's doll laying around," smirked Rory.

"Well I guess we go and tell Taylor," laughed Dawn getting up.

* * * * *

"So your grandpa's gonna be okay?" asked Dawn as she sat on Rory's bed.

"Yeah, I was so scared I'd lose him, when I only just started to get to know him," Rory sniffed.

Dawn put her arm around her friend, "Well everything's okay now. You have years to get to know him."

"I know," said Rory as her friend held her gently in her arms, "I just felt so useless as the paramedics took him out the door, but mostly I thought of all the books we would never get to discuss."

"When my sister died, all I could think about was that I'd miss our fights... And that I'd never get to borrow her clothes, or go to Vegas with her when I'm twenty one," she smiled a little sadly.

Rory smiled back at Dawn as she pulled out of the hug, "Mum and I have a similar thing planned for my twenty first. We are going to go to Atlantic City. We plan to sit at a blackjack table at eleven fifty-nine. Order martinis and we're then going to play twenty-one when I turn twenty-one. Then hopefully we'd win and we'll take our winnings and we'd buy twenty-one things. And then we'd find twenty-one guys to give our number too, only we plan on telling them my name is Michele and give them Michel's number," she giggled.

"Woo evil," smirked Dawn joining in on the giggling.

* * * * *

Tara stopped the car a short distance from the imposing front door to the Lynn family home, she smiled at her Ward sitting in the back, "Have a wonderful time and we'll be back to pick you up at about eleven, sweetie," she said as Dawn began opening the door.

"I will," Dawn said happily as she climbed out, holding the small wrapped present she had bought for Madeline. "Bye Will, bye Tara. See you both later," she said as she shut the door.

As she watched their Ward walk up to the door, Willow smiled at her girlfriend, "We really did do the right thing, taking Dawn away from Sunnydale, didn't we. I haven't seen her so open and happy since her first year on the Hellmouth."

"Yes, it was good we brought her here," agreed Tara smiling. "I think it has helped the girls she's befriended as well... Not forgetting ourselves, I don't know if our relationship could have survived if we had stayed. What with the almost nightly fights against the evil there, we never seemed to have time just for each other. Not that I begrudge the time we spent helping with the fight, but it would have been nice just to have a relaxing night without fear one of us would be eaten... and I seem to have caught your babble," she laughed.

"Well I'd have to say it is cute on you," said Willow joining in the laugh as Tara pulled away.

Dawn rang the doorbell, she could hear festive music from inside, she smiled as the same maid that had opened the door last time stood before her, "Hi, I'm a friend of Madeline's, she invited me to the party," she said.

Alexis smiled as she stood aside to allow Dawn to step inside, "Good evening miss. Please come in. Miss Madeline told us to expect you. May I take your coat," she asked as she closed the door on the cold night air outside.

"Thanks," said Dawn taking off her overcoat and revealing the royal blue cocktail dress she had underneath.

Just then, Madeline stepped from a room, the music drifting into the entrance hall from behind her. Her face lit up at the sight of her friend, "Hey Dawnie, you made it," she said happily, as she came over and hugged her friend.

Dawn enjoying the chance to touch the other brunette, returned the hug with enthusiasm, "Thanks for inviting me Maddie," she said. As she pulled out of the embrace, she offered Madeline the gift she held, "I figured I should get you something for all the help you've given me over the last two months in catching up with school as well as being a good friend."

Madeline smiled as she accepted the gift, "Thanks and I got you something as well, so did mum and dad."

"But I can't accept presents from your parents, I didn't get them anything."

"Giving a gift in expectation of receiving something in return is not a gift," said Madeline sagely. "Daddy loves giving gifts."

"Okay, I guess I can accept it, as long as it's not something that cost too much."

"It's not, promise. And anyway my family have more money than we could spend in a lifetime," replied Madeline without any conceit in her voice. "Come on let's get back to the party," she said grabbing Dawn's hand and leading her towards the door she had exited moments before.

Dawn looked around the room as they entered. There were about twenty adults as well as five or six teenagers about their age and a dozen or so younger children including Matthew, who eyed her warily. Along one wall, stood tables laden with all types of food and in the far corner sat a huge Christmas tree.

"Let me introduce you to some of my family," Dawn allowed her friend to pull her gently over to a group of adults, she recognised Sarah, Madeline's mother among them. "Hey mum, you remember Dawn right, from Parents day?"

"Of course," said Sarah, "A pleasure to see you again dear."

"Thank you Mrs Lynn and thank you for inviting me tonight," said Dawn politely.

"This is my father, Matthew. Dad this is my friend Dawn," said Madeline turning to the heavily built man next to her mother.

"Nice to meet you Dawn," said Matthew smiling at her as he offered her his hand.

"It's nice to meet you too Mr Lynn," replied Dawn accepting the offered hand.

"Please call me Mat," offered Matthew.

"And please call me Sarah," added Madeline's mother.

"Thank you Sarah, Mat."

"And these are two of my aunts, Aunt Emma and Aunt Maria," said Madeline introducing the other two women standing with her parents that looked enough like Sarah that they were obviously her sisters. "This is Dawn Summers. She goes to Chilton with me."

"Pleased to meet you Dawn," said Emma, the eldest looking of the three sisters. "Madeline tells us you're on the Mintonette's with her."

"Yes ma'am," smiled Dawn.

"Please call me Emma, I can't allow you to call me ma'am while calling my sister, Sarah," laughed Emma. "I was a member of the Mintonette's that won the State championship in 1972..."

"Yes and I was a member of the team that won both the 1980 and 81 championships," interrupted Maria.

Madeline smiled at Dawn, "You'll have to excuse them. This argument starts every time they come here. Which team was better!" she clarified.

"Yes it does," smiled Maria. "Please forgive us our little eccentricities Dawn."

"Of course," said Dawn returning the smile. "I live in a town full of eccentrics."

"Oh really and where is that?" asked Emma.

"Stars Hollow, I moved there from California at the beginning of November," explained Dawn.

"Ah so you must know Lorelai Gilmore?" enquired Maria.

"Yes, she's one of our neighbour, her daughter goes to Chilton with us," said Dawn. "How do you know her?"

"I went to Camp Chataguay one summer with her. She was asked to leave in our second week because she tried liberating the horses," laughed Maria. "Camp just wasn't the same after she left."

"I'll be sure to mention you to her when I see her," laughed Dawn.

"Madeline dear, why don't you introduce Dawn to some of your cousins, I'm sure she doesn't want to spend the entire evening with us," said Sarah looking at her daughter.

"Yeah okay mum," smiled Madeline.

"Okay, if you'll excuse me then," smiled Dawn allowing her friend to lead her towards three boys standing next to the tree.

"Hey guys, I'd like you to meet my friend Dawn," smiled Madeline. "Dawn this is Todd," she indicated the blond, "Jacob," wearing a military type uniform, "And this is little Michael," she giggled putting her arm around the last boy that could not be more than five foot tall even though he looked about their age.

"Well at least I'm not so tall that insufficient oxygen gets to my brain, Bean," retorted Michael.

"Bean," said Madeline dramatically. "I haven't been a bean pole since I was twelve. She turned to Dawn who stood smiling at the exchange, "Do you think I look like a bean pole Dawn," she asked raising her arms above her head and swaying her body in a rather provocative way.

Dawn swallowed hard as she looked at the person she revered most in the world, "Ah no, I don't think so. But hmm should you be doing that in front of your cousins?" she asked as she desperately wished she had something to occupy her hands with at that moment as she ached to touch her friend's body.

Madeline giggled, "I guess not," she said seeing the blushes on the three boys' faces.

"So Jacob, are you in the military?" asked Dawn to pull her thoughts away from contemplating her friend's body.

"No not yet, I'm in my first year at West Point," he smiled happily to have something to talk about other than his rather flighty cousin. "It's hard but I like it."

"Well I guess that's good, 'cause all the marching and things, not very nice if you don't enjoy it," giggled Dawn. "My late sister use to date a boy that went to West Point," she said. She had realised recently that by adding the late before mentioning her sister, people normally shied away from asking about her family, assuming it was painful to her, which it was. It was not that she did not like talking about Buffy and her mother; it was just her way of not moping on her loss when she was around people she did not know.

"Oh my condolences," said Jacob, "So do you go to Chilton as well?"

"Yes, I started this November when one of my guardians got a teaching job there. Before that I went to public school in southern California," explained Dawn.

"Oh so you're still getting accustomed to the cold we have around here," Jacob laughed.

"Oh yeah, but I seem to be getting there, give me another ten or fifteen years," replied Dawn laughing herself.

Neither of them saw the jealousy come to Madeline's eyes as they exchanged pleasantries, "So Jacob, how long until you have to be back at school?" she asked a little catch in her voice.

"I don't go back until the New Year," Jacob replied absently as he smiled at Dawn.

"Oh that's good. Well I should finish introducing Dawn to our cousins, so please excuse us Jacob," said Madeline gently taking Dawn's hand and leading her away.

"We'll talk more later," said Jacob.

"I'd like that," smiled Dawn as she allowed her friend to guide her to more of her cousins, girls this time.

"Yeah later Jacob," said Madeline shortly. 'Not if I have any say in it!' "Dawn, I'd like you to meet Melissa, Melanie and Maryann," she said stopping next to the three girls. Melanie looked about five, Melissa possibly a couple of years younger than her and Madeline, and Maryann around twelve. "Guys this is my friend Dawn, she goes to Chilton with me," she turned to Dawn, "Melissa is in her last year at Chilton junior prep and Maryann starts there in the fall."

"Hi," Dawn chirped to the younger girls.

"Hey. So how come I haven't seen you around?" asked Melissa.

"I only moved to Connecticut at the start of November," explained Dawn. "Do you mind me asking," she said glancing to Madeline. "Is there a reason why you and most of your cousins' names start with M?"

"Yeah. Family tradition, the Lynn family have been naming their children with names beginning with M since the civil war," explained Madeline.

"Oh so Todd and Jacob aren't Lynns?" asked Dawn.

"No, Todd is Aunt Maria's and Jacob is Aunt Emma's," explained Madeline. "Hey why don't we go get some food?" she prompted wanting to avoid talking about her older cousin with Dawn.

"Yeah let's," lisped Melanie.

Dawn noticed that she was missing her front teeth. "Okay," she laughed as the five made their way over to the tables.

* * * * *

At ten o'clock, everyone gathered with the younger children to wait as one of the gardeners who had dressed as Father Christmas carried in a large sack of presents for them. Dawn could not help a smile coming to her face as she saw the excitement on the smaller children's faces. Madeline's father made a great show of providing a chair for the man to sit down and start handing out presents to each of them starting with the youngest, Melanie, who had turned out to be a real giggler.

When it was Dawn's turn, she blushed slightly as she walked forward to accept her two gifts before returning to her spot next to Madeline. She glanced at her friend, a little shyly before opening the envelope that held Madeline's parents present. Slipping the card from the envelope and opened it her eyes going a little wide.

She looked over at Matthew and Sarah who smiled back, "Merry Christmas, Dawn. We were unsure what to get you until Madeline told us how much you enjoyed horse riding. The membership is for life, you will still need to hire a horse, but at a reduced cost," explained Sarah.

Dawn walked over and hugged Sarah, "Thank you so much," there were tears in her eyes as she pulled away.

"It's our pleasure dear," smiled Sarah. "Now why don't you open your present from Madeline?"

Dawn nodded and walked back to her friend, who watched her closely as she unwrapped the small package to reveal a small narrow box. When she opened it, she could not stop the giggle erupting from her. She looked up at her frowning friend, "Sorry Maddie, it's lovely. Open my present and you'll understand why I'm giggling," she said mysteriously.

"Okay," agreed Madeline as she retrieved Dawn's present to her from a nearby table. Pulling the paper from it to reveal an identical box to the one Dawn now held, her eyebrow rising in suspicion she opened it and glancing at her friend they both began giggling again as they held up almost identical charm bracelets for the others to see. In fact, the only differences were that Madeline's had a little key charm, that only Dawn knew the significance of, and a letter M while Dawn's had a D.

The two girls hugged each other before separating and helping the other place the bracelet on their wrist.

* * * * *

Madeline and Dawn sat next to each other watching and smiling a little as the various adults attempted to get the younger children to go to bed. "Thanks for inviting me tonight Maddie and thanks for the bracelet," said Dawn unconsciously fingering it. "Your family's great, although you do realise that if we continue playing volleyball so well and actually win the State Championship you're going to be drawn into your two aunts' argument as to which Chilton team was best."

Madeline laughed, "Yeah I know, but I think I could live with that if we do win."

Dawn looked up as she saw her guardians enter the room with Alexis. The two teenagers rose and walked over to join them as they spotted Madeline's parents walking towards them. Dawn turned to Matthew and Sarah Lynn, "Mat, Sarah, these are my guardians Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay. Will, Tara, this is Madeline's parents, Matthew and Sarah Lynn."

The adults all shook hands, "I hope Dawn behaved herself," smirked Willow her eyes twinkling as she shook Sarah's hand.

"Willow, I'm not five," said Dawn rolling her eyes.

Sarah laughed, "Yes she's been very well behaved," she said glancing at her guest.

"Mum," sighed Madeline who also rolled her eyes.

"What?" smiled Sarah, "Willow asked? Did you want me to tell her guardians that Dawn was swinging from one of the chandelier?"

"Mother."

"Okay. She was a delight to have here, and I'd be more than happy for her to come to my home anytime," said Sarah. She looked at her daughter, "Satisfied?"

"Yes," smiled Madeline.

"Would you two care to have a drink before you go?" asked Matthew.

"Thank you, but no, it's getting rather late. We also left a friend on his own at home and should be getting back," answered Tara.

"Oh you must go then, but you must come back some time to visit, maybe in the New Year?" suggested Sarah.

"Yes we would like that," said Willow.

"Right, let us see you out," said Matthew leading the way to the door where he took Dawn's coat from the maid and helped the teenager into it. "Merry Christmas Dawn. And don't be a stranger," he hugged the teenager for a moment before his wife replaced him.

They stood back while Madeline hugged her friend, "Happy Christmas Dawnie," she whispered, "And thanks for the bracelet," she said releasing her.

"And you Maddie, I can't believe we bought the same gift for each other," Dawn laughed. She turned to Matthew and Sarah, "Thanks for having me and thanks again for the present."

"It was our pleasure Dawn, have a lovely time tomorrow and maybe we'll see you early next year," said Sarah.

"I hope so," said Dawn as they stepped outside she turned to Madeline one last time, "Bye Maddie, call you tomorrow."

After a round of good nights and merry Christmases, the three climbed into their car and with a final wave from Dawn, they drove away.

Dawn sat in the back lost in thought as she absently fingered her bracelet. "What? Sorry, I was miles away there," she said as she realised Tara was talking to her.

Tara's eyes twinkled as she thought of what her Ward was thinking about! "I asked you what Mr and Mrs Lynn gave you?" she asked.

"Oh sorry. They bought me a lifetime membership to the Austrian riding school, where Madeline has her horse stabled," Dawn said.

"That was nice of them," said Willow.

"Yeah it was," smiled Dawn a faraway look in her eyes.

* * * * *

Opening their door they found Giles seated on the couch reading a book, closing it he rose and walked over, "So Dawn did you have a good time at your friend's?" he asked.

"Yeah it was really nice," replied Dawn.

"I was thinking of getting some eggnog, if anyone is interested in joining me!" asked Giles.

"Yes that would be lovely Giles," agreed Tara.

"Yeah," nodded Dawn. "I think I'll get changed for bed first though," she said starting up the stairs.

"Right then," smiled Giles pushing his glasses up his nose and heading for the kitchen.

Dawn changed quickly into pyjamas and wrapped her robe around herself before she hurried back down to rejoin her family. As she went to take her eggnog from the tray, Giles placed a restraining hand on her. "I'm not sure you should have any of this, it is mildly alcoholic," he announced seriously.

Dawn spotted the little twinkle in his eyes, she looked at her two smirking guardians, "You're never going to let me forget the wine, are you," she pouted.

"Of course not," laughed Willow.

"Fine!" said Dawn, "But if you hadn't intended me to have any eggnog. Why is there an extra cup?" she asked logically. "And if the wine incident shows anything, it's that I can at least hold my drink." She looked at the redhead as a smiling Giles let her take the cup and curl up on the end of the couch with the two witches. "Because I seem to remember there was a certain Witch not a million miles away that got drunk while only eighteen when she split up with Oz!" she smirked.

"I was not drunk," cried Willow indignantly.

"Ooh I also remember Buffy telling me about a certain Watcher that got smashed on more than one occasion, and shouldn't that Watcher have been more responsible around teenagers," Dawn laughed as Giles spluttered over an excuse.

Tara laughed at the other two adults, "Although it was wrong for Dawn to drink the wine, especially without us here, she does have a point."

Giles smiled at the smirking teenager as he sat in an easy chair. "Yes and I would point out her error, although of course I don't condone any underage drinking," he clarified. "She broke the cardinal rule, she got caught."

"Giles," exclaimed Willow and Tara together.

"Right do something wrong, don't get caught," giggled Dawn.

"Dawn!" said Tara.

"It's okay Tara, to be honest, I don't like wine that much," smirked Dawn.

"That's a beautiful bracelet," observed Giles as Dawn's charm bracelet caught the light.

Dawn smiled, "Yeah," she agreed fingering the horse charm. "Madeline, the friend that invited me to the party tonight bought it for me. It was quite funny because I bought her one as well."

"It looks expensive!" mused Giles.

"Yeah, well I think the Lynn family can afford it," smirked Dawn.

"Lynn, you say?" asked Giles, "That wouldn't be the same Lynns that control the largest merchant bank in the world?"

"Why yes I believe it is," replied Dawn her eyes twinkling.

"You are making some powerful friends Dawn," Giles pointed out.

"You're telling me, another of my friend's father is CEO of one of the largest insurance companies in America, another's is big in the Petrochemical industry. Even Rory's great grandfather on her dad's side has enough money to buy a small country," she told the Watcher.

"How do you know that about Rory's great granddad?" asked Willow curiously, already aware of Paris and Erica's parents positions.

"I was curious a little while ago and checked them all out on the net!" explained Dawn rather vaguely. In truth, she had this strange compulsion come to her after waking up one Saturday to begin gathering information on all her classmates and their families. After about a month, she had filled twenty-four CD-RW with the information freely available on the internet and had recently begun gathering more via hacking, thanks to the things she had learnt from Willow. She had no idea yet what to do with it all but she continued to gather more anyway!

The four of them talked idly for about half an hour before Dawn stood with a yawn, "Well I think I'll go to bed," she smiled.

"Sweetie, you sure you don't mind that we haven't decorated the house?" asked Tara. "Christmas isn't a holiday for Wiccas, although it does stem from the old midwinter festival we celebrated on the twenty first."

"No that's okay I understand... And hey still getting presents tomorrow," Dawn pointed out as she headed towards the stairs, "Night guys, see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Dawn," said Giles watching as the teenager yawned again before exchanging smiles with the two witches.

"Night Dawnie," said Willow.

"Goodnight sweetie," said Tara before glancing at Giles. "Would you like some tea or cocoa, Giles?"

"Some cocoa sounds like a wonderful idea, thank you Tara," replied Giles gathering up the empty eggnog cups and following the blonde to the kitchen.

They were joined by Willow who sat at the table watching the other two go about washing up and making three mugs of cocoa. "Tara and I were saying earlier how much Dawn has changed since we brought her here. More relaxed and happy, like she was when she arrived in Sunnydale."

"Yes. Although of course, she was not really there at the time. Nevertheless, she does seem happier here but then this is a protected town in addition to not being a Hellmouth." Giles smiled in understanding, "I know you still have some doubts about the wisdom of moving away from Sunnydale with her but even Spike has come to realise that it was for the best. No if you have any doubts just spend five minutes with her and you'll know you did the right thing."

Willow smiled over at the Watcher, "I know Giles but you know me, always trying to second guess myself. So changing the subject, did you manage to get a tree?"

"Yes. I must say though that Kirk fellow is very strange," Giles chuckled. "I also picked up some extra decorations just in case."

"Good," laughed Tara. "We have to make sure we get some pictures of Dawnie when she comes down in the morning."

"Right then," declared Giles drying his hands, "I'll get the tree," he opened the back door.

* * * * *

"Dawnie, time for breakfast sweetie," said Tara shaking her Ward gently.

"And presents," laughed Willow happily from the door.

"Don't wanna," mumbled Dawn pulling her covers over her head.

"Oh, okay," said Tara in a sad tone. "We'll just tell Xander, Anya and Faith to go home then," she sighed heading for the door.

"What!" squealed Dawn jumping out of bed and heading for the door. She took the stairs three at a time, reaching the bottom she launched herself at Xander who stood with the others when he heard the teenager squeal. "Xander," she cried as she wrapped her legs and arms around him.

Had he not been expecting an exuberant teenager she probably would have knocked him off his feet, "Heya Dawnie. Does this mean you're glad to see me?" he laughed.

"No, I always greet guests like that," quipped Dawn as she lowered herself to the floor. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"Well duh, wouldn't have been a surprise if we'd told you," chuckled Xander.

The teenager beamed at him before turning to Anya who she noticed did not look pleased at how she had greeted Xander. Hugging the former vengeance demon, she whispered in her ear, "I got over Xand after coming here. I only see him as a brother now, promise on mum and Buffy's graves," smiling as she released her.

"But you always said you'd love me for ever and ever after I bought you that CD for your twelfth birthday," groused Xander with a mock pout.

"Xander, that was supposed to be a secret," pouted Dawn slapping him on the chest before laughing. "That was then this is now. Now I think of you as my big brother."

"Woo does that mean I get to intimidate potential boyfriends?" laughed Xander.

"After what you, Faith and Buffy did to my junior prom date. You're not getting anywhere near anyone I go out with until at least our first anniversary," she declared with a toss of her head. Dawn now turned to the last of their guests, who she hugged enthusiastically, having had a little bit of hero worship for the dark Slayer, who at her worst had never hurt her. "I'm glad you came Southie."

"Me too Brat," smiled Faith hugging back just as enthusiastically.

"How long can you all stay?" asked Dawn.

"Anya and I have to fly back first thing tomorrow because my company starts clearing the old high school site on the twenty seventh," answered Xander.

"And Faith and I must return tomorrow as well," added Giles coming in from the kitchen where he had been seeing to breakfast. "If the vampires and demons find out that there is no one guarding the Hellmouth, I dread to think what could happen."

"Dawnie, why don't you go and get dressed then we can have breakfast and you can open your presents," prompted Tara.

"So do you like the decorations?" asked Willow as the teenager started making her way to the stairs and seemed to notice them for the first time.

Tears came to her eyes as she jumped in to hug her guardians, "Thanks guys."

"Well we all wanted this to be special for you," explained Tara stroking Dawn's hair. "This is your first Christmas without your mum and Buffy," she said sadly.

"Thank you," said Dawn smiling sadly at them, wiping her tears away on her sleeve. "Be back in a minute," she shouted running up the stairs.

* * * * *

When Dawn returned some five minutes later it was to find everyone at the dining table helping themselves to various food items, taking her seat she began grabbing some herself. "So where did you three stay last night?" she asked.

"The Independence Inn," replied Anya. "Their rates seem quite reasonable."

"Ooh our friend Lorelai runs it, she lives next door," explained Dawn.

"So we hear," said Xander. "And is the concierge also a friend? I had to talk Faith out of hurting him last night when we booked in."

"Faith!" said Giles in that voice adults use when they want to know why you did something you should not have done.

"He all but accused me of casing the joint. I just told him if he didn't shut up, I'd rip off his di..." Faith saw Tara raise her eyebrow, "...his nose off and shove it where the sun don't shine."

"I thought you said you'd rip off his dick and shove it up his ass!" Anya frowned.

"Anya, honey I thought we talked about inappropriate language in front of Dawn," said Xander.

"I fail to see what is wrong about talking about a penis in front of Dawn. I've read about the teenagers of this country. Sex and drugs are all they think about," said Anya ignoring the many embarrassed looks being sent her way. She turned to Dawn, "So have you had sex yet?" she asked.

Dawn turned several shades of red. "No, of course not," she choked out.

"You should, orgasms are wonderful," smiled Anya dreamily. "So what about drugs? Although drugs are bad, you really shouldn't take them except when prescribed by a physician."

Dawn had to giggle as she heard the strangled sound coming from Giles. "I don't take drugs. And," she looked at her two guardians, "I have no plans to have sex anytime soon. But I'll remember your advice on both matters."

"So," said Xander hurriedly changing the subject. "Why don't we go back to the living room and Dawnie can open her presents."

"Excellent idea Xander," Giles agreed enthusiastically and stood up.

As Dawn led them all back to the living room she smirked at her guardians, "We really should introduce Anya to Miss Patty," she giggled.

"Oh goddess," exclaimed Willow.

"Ooh, ooh and make sure Taylor is nearby as well," Dawn smirked her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Dawn," chastised Tara. "I know Taylor can be annoying but no one deserves that."

They all took seats around the room, Dawn making sure she sat closest to the tree and the gifts around its base, where by agreement, Giles knelt and handed the gifts out. Dawn's eyebrow rose when he handed Xander his present from her. "We snuck in your room after you were asleep and got the gifts you had for the Scoobies," explained Willow.

Once the gifts had all been distributed, they took turns opening them, Dawn going first. "Open ours first," insisted Anya pulling the gift from near the bottom of the teenager's pile, well over half the gifts were for her.

"Okay," smiled Dawn ripping the brightly coloured paper from what felt like quite a large heavy book of some kind! She lifted up the leather-bound book, inscribed with the words Book of Shadows.

"We figured if you're living with a couple of witches, you should have your own book to scribe spells and things in," explained Xander.

"Thanks guys."

"Mine now," said Willow. "Tara and I decided that we should each get you a gift besides those we got you from both of us," she explained.

When Dawn opened it, she found it to be an Electronic organizer. "I programmed all of our addresses and details in as well as your friends I know about from school, so if I missed anyone you'll need to put it in yourself," explained Willow.

"Thanks Will," said Dawn getting up and hugging the redhead.

"And this one is from me," said Giles moving several other gifts to place the quite large flat rectangle present on the girl's lap. "Although I am unsure as to where it will go?" he smiled a little mysteriously.

When she broke the paper, she found a very detailed oil painting of her former home in Sunnydale, "Oh Giles it's beautiful, thank you so much," smiled Dawn.

"I think we should put it over the fireplace," suggested Tara looking at Willow who nodded her agreement.

"I'll put it up for you later," offered Xander.

"I got you that Brat," smiled Faith as Dawn opened the next present, which turned out to be a black leather jacket. "You always said you wanted mine, but that was never going to happen, so got you one of your own."

"Thanks Southie," smirked Dawn.

The rest of Dawn's gifts were mostly items of clothes, books she had asked for etc.

After everyone else had opened their various gifts. The most noteworthy being Giles' gift to the two witches which consisted two tickets to a Broadway show Dawn had told the Watcher they wanted to see, with them went an open reservation for an overnight stay at a five star hotel. The other notable gift was an exquisitely carved plaque of an ash tree in the form of the world tree that to the surprise of everyone Xander had carved.

Finally, when all the other gifts had been opened, Tara pulled out the smallish cube shaped parcel and handed it to Dawn. "This is from me... to, I guess all of us, but mainly you sweetie," she said somewhat reverently.

Looking curiously at the blonde that in all but name had become like a mother, she carefully removed the wrapping paper to discover a cube type DVD holder containing ten crystal DVD cases. Looking back at Tara she smiled, "Thanks. What's on them?"

"I had a friend from college put all your family's home movies and all the videos your mum made of everyone back in Sunnydale onto them," replied Tara gently.

Dawn placed the cube carefully with her other gifts before jumping up and hugging the blonde tightly. The others gathered around to hug the quietly crying teenager. "I love you all so much. Thank you all for making this day so special," she mumbled into Tara's shoulder.

* * * * *

Dawn was so happy she thought she would burst. The only things that could have improved her day as far as she was concerned would have been having her mother and sister as well as Madeline there with the family of her heart.

Willow and Tara exchanged a look with each other as their Ward enthusiastically led everyone towards the town square to watch the Christmas pageant.

"Hey Dawn," waved Rory as she stood with Lorelai and Lane just outside Luke's waiting for the pageant to start. "So how's your day so far?" she asked as Dawn and the others joined her.

Dawn's smile grew wider her eyes sparkling with happy tears, "Better than I could have wished for," she said as she enthusiastically hugged her friend. "You remember Giles right?"

"Yes, nice to see you again Giles," smiled Rory. "This is my mum Lorelai and our friend Lane Kim. Mum, Lane this is Rupert Giles but everyone calls him Giles."

After the older man had shook hands with Lorelai and Lane. Dawn moved on to the others. "This is Xander Harris, his fiancée Anya Jenkins and this is Faith..."

Suddenly Dawn found Faith's hand over her mouth as the Slayer looked sternly at her. "You swore," she reminded the younger girl before removing her hand.

Dawn blushed, "Sorry, I forgot for a moment," she apologised, looking back to a now curious Rory, Lane and Lorelai. "This is Faith, just Faith no last name, like Madonna. Guys this is some of my friends here in Stars Hollow, Lorelai, Rory, her daughter who goes to Chilton with me and this is Lane."

Xander looked pointedly at Dawn, "You know Faith's surname?" the teenager smirked and nodded. "So what is it?"

"I'd tell you, honest Xand, but then Faith would have to kill you," laughed Dawn.

"So when did Faith reveal her surname to you Dawnie?" asked Willow curiously.

"The second time she met me. I thought it was so cool that I knew something about her that no one else did... I still do," Dawn said smiling at the Slayer. "That was also when she started calling me Brat and I called her Southie, you know 'cause she comes from south Boston."

"Oh you must be the one Michel was talking about! The one that made such a colourful threat," laughed Lorelai. "You can come back and stay at the Inn anytime you like. Tobin my night manager told me that Michel hid in the kitchen when he heard you coming down the stairs this morning."

Faith's eyes twinkled with mischief, "Well next summer I plan to visit some of my old haunts in Boston, maybe I'll stop by for a few days."

"Ooh please," Lorelai smirked. "Just give me a couple of days notice so I can set him up with the right shifts."

"You got it," laughed Faith.

* * * * *

Later Dawn asked Faith to join her in her bedroom. The Slayer smirked as she followed Dawn into the room, "Sort of girlie ain't it," she commented looking at the frilly curtains and matching bedspread, and band posters over two of the walls.

"Yeah well, girl here," Dawn laughed. "We're not all butch like you Southie."

"So I see," smirked Faith looking the teenager over.

"You think?" giggled Dawn placing one hand on her hip and sticking out her backside while putting her other hand through her hair striking a pose.

"Oh yeah," laughed Faith. "I'd jump you in a second if it didn't mean spending the rest of my life as a rat when Red found out."

"Yeah," giggled Dawn. "But I'd look after you, make sure you had clean bedding and enough to eat," she bantered.

Still smiling a little, the Slayer looked around the room, she would not have let anyone know but she liked the room, it reminded her of the room her first Watcher had provided for her when she had first been called. "So what did you want to tell me that you couldn't say in front of the others?"

Dawn opened one of the drawers of her desk and pulled out something wrapped in cloth. "I know you and Buffy didn't really part on good terms. And you always seemed to be fighting," she said walking over to stand in front of the Slayer. "But I think she would like you to have this," she held out the cloth covered item.

Frowning, Faith took it and slowly unwrapped it, a wooden stake falling into her other hand. She looked up at Dawn, "A stake!"

Dawn smiled at her friend, "Not just any stake. It's the one that Kendra gave Buffy the night she died, it's called Mr Pointy. Buffy thought of it as a lucky charm. She didn't have it with her when she faced Glory and died, and Kendra didn't have it when she faced Drusilla! So maybe Buffy was right, maybe it is a good luck charm..." she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Anyway, I think you should have it. When you use it, think of Buffy and Kendra, and all the other girls that came before."

Faith did not speak she just drew the younger girl into a hug, which was returned with equal understanding.

* * * * *

Early the next day Willow, Tara and Dawn drove to Hartford to see their family off.

After arriving at the airport, they all gathered in the cafeteria for a light breakfast, not yet willing to say their farewells.

"So Anya and I were wondering if you three would like to be part of the wedding. I need a best man... woman," he corrected himself looking at his oldest friend. "I always figured I'd be asking Jesse, and Giles is giving Anya away. So Will, will you be my best woman?" he asked smiling at the redhead.

"I'd love to," smiled Willow grabbing Xander's hand and squeezing it warmly.

"And will you and Dawn be my bridesmaids?" asked Anya looking pleadingly at Tara and Dawn.

"Of course we will," said Dawn enthusiastically. "And that totally works out because everyone knows the best man always hooks up with the chief bridesmaid," she smiled before taking a sip of coffee.

"But you're my Ward, and I'm your teacher, I don't think hooking up with you would be right. What would Tara say," asked Willow with mischief dancing in her eyes.

Dawn's eyes went wide as she choked on her coffee as everyone laughed. "Willow," she exclaimed after Tara had patted her on the back.

Tara looked back to Anya, "Yes I'd be honoured. If you want to send us some pictures of the designs you want as well as the material, I'm sure Lorelai would be willing to make them for you."

"Yeah, she's an awesome dressmaker. She made Rory and me dresses for our winter formal and all our friends complemented us on them," added Dawn.

"Alright I'll find some pictures to send you. I'll make some notes for her as well and send them to you in the new year. You'll have to let me know how much she wants to make them," said Anya happily.

"I doubt she'll want anything to make them," mused Tara. "But both the Gilmores love their food, if you send Lorelai some of the wedding cake I'm sure she'll be happy."

Glancing at the board displaying the departure times, Giles looked around the table, "I believe we need to check in," he noted sadly.

Dawn and her two guardians walked with them as far as possible. There were many tears as the three said their farewells to their friends.

When Dawn pulled out of Giles arms, she handed him a gift she had found for Spike. "It's a signed copy of Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols by well duh, the Sex Pistols," she giggled her eyes still filled with tears. "Would you give it to him for me please?"

"Of course Dawn," Giles assured her as he hugged her one last time. "Well we'll see each other at the wedding. Goodbye you three," and with that he joined the others and gave a final wave as they went through the door leading to their flight.

To be continued...