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Part 3
"You mean he'll be human," Buffy asked.
"Possibly, but even he will, it will only be during the day, and only if he uses the strengthening spell. I want to double check with the board."
"What do we need for the spell?" Buffy asked with real joy in her voice. Joy she had not felt in a long time.
"I'll need an Orb of Thesely, as many of his friends as we can find, and his love. I can get an Orb of Thesely, you were all his friends, and I was under the impression that you and Angel were quite close," Harmony told Buffy.
"Wait, who says we're still Angel's friends. How can we even like him?? He KILLED Ms. Calendar," Xander asked angrily.
"Angel did NOT kill Ms. Calendar! Angelus killed Ms. Calendar. The DEMON killed Ms. Calendar. You must understand," Harmony said turning to Buffy, "they are two completely different entities. Angel is a good, kind human soul, Angelus is a cruel, killing demon. Simply because Angelus was keeping the body alive when Angel was in control means nothing. You can love one and hate the other. Angel and Angelus are not the same person. You must all understand that, or this has no chance of bringing Angel back." A long silence followed. "Do you understand" A general assent of murmurs. Happiness alighted Buffy's face as she realized she still loved Angel and she might be able to get him back.
"No, this guy is a murderer!" Xander cried desperately.
"He's not! He saved you a time or two. Don't be a jealous ass. He needs your friendship too." Buffy replied. Xander looked shocked and offended, but looked at Cordelia and was quiet for a while.
"You're right," he finally said, "Let's save Angel."
Angelus watched Buffy as she practically skipped through the graveyard. She was humming to herself, but he didn't recognize the tune. He had followed her all night. She was on her way to the Bronze, and had already killed one vampire. He couldn't figure it out. Last night, he had killed another kid from the school. She should be moping or angry, not happy. Buffy let out a sigh of anticipation, and stopped staring up at the stars. Angelus froze in place. "Soon," she murmured, "Oh Angel, soon we'll be together again. Soon." Angelus stayed frozen in shock, as Buffy continued on towards the Bronze. He watched her go in bewilderment. He had always thought she would turn into a vicious crazy. Then a thought hit him and fear slowly crept into his vampire features. "The spell," he whispered in horror.
He looked up and darted after her. By the time he caught up to her, she was nearing the Bronze. He hurried up the fire escape of a neighboring building, and jumped to the roof of the Bronze. He took up his usual position on the roof, just over the public entrance to the Bronze. Buffy took up her usual position in the doorway below him. Willow came from inside and stood beside her. "So when's the sorceress supposed to get back with the Orb of Thesely?" Buffy asked as Willow handed her a cup of coffee.
"Some time around 4 p.m. tomorrow. We're all supposed to meet at the library around 8. She said she needed the library to herself to prepare," Willow replied.
"But that's an hour after dark."
"She said she wanted to give you an hour of darkness, in case you can't catch Angelus during the day tomorrow. That way you have an hour to drag him there, without killing him."
"What about you guys. You'll have to get to the library after dark."
"Oh Cordy's picking me, Xander and Oz up in her car, since it's Angel proof," Willow said giggling.
"Angelus proof," Buffy corrected, "so when did Giles finally let her leave."
"About an hour ago. He was asking her so many questions, she practically ran out the door." The girls giggled at the joke. Buffy finished of her coffee, before leading the way inside. Angelus let a smile cross his face, before heading for Spike and Dru's.
Spike and Dru were talking in the main room. "Someone new is in town. I can feel it," Drusilla told Spike.
"Of course there is," Angelus said as he came in, "They found a sorceress to give me my soul back. Damn gypsies just won't stop."
"It's not a gypsy. They're like a shadow," Dru said, "She's like a blade. She's powerful. Kill her."
"Of course I'm going to kill her, but she won't be back until tomorrow night," Angelus replied.
"Then why did you come back so early?" Spike asked irritably.
"Buffy's going to try and catch me, before she gets back. I'm going to split and hide out in the sewers. I've got to kill the sorceress at the Library, taunt Buffy, and possible kill one of her friends. I won't be back 'till late tomorrow night and I wanted to tell Dru so she wouldn't worry," Angelus said, kissing Dru's hand.
"Then go dammit! Don't lead her here!" Spike yelled.
"I'm going," Angelus said nonchalantly as he walked out the door. Spike watched him go, and an evil glint came to his eye.
"Dru, how would you like to watch Angel kill the sorceress tomorrow, hmm?" he asked.
"Oh yes please. She's strong. It'll be fun to watch her die. May we go, please?" she begged.
"Of course, of course."