WWDD: S2E17 “PASSION”
Dawn finds Buffy pacing her bedroom, pale and frantic, clutching a piece of tri-folded paper. When she sees the drawing of Buffy asleep (in charcoal!), her stomach drops and nausea swells in her throat. Fear spills out as frantic questions: Why was Angel in her room? Is Angel going to hurt Buffy? Are we safe?
When Buffy comes home from school, Dawn feels so guilt-ridden she tells Joyce she's sick and misses dinner. Instead, she collects garlic braids from the chest in Buffy’s room and hangs them over the beds for added protection. When Willow sleeps over, Dawn hauls her pillow and blankets into a heap on Buffy’s floor, too afraid to sleep alone.
At school the next day, Dawn warns classmates to stay inside after dark, even advising a girl hanging up lost puppy flyers not to search at night. She comes home to Buffy and Willow setting up the spell to revoke Angel’s invitation. She eagerly asks to help before spotting another charcoal drawing—this time of Joyce. The color drains from her face. This is only happening because she gave Angel the charcoal. It's her fault. She runs upstairs without explanation before they begin. When Buffy says it worked, Dawn's overcome with relief. They’re safe. No more creepy drawings.
Later, the phone rings. From the couch, Dawn sees Buffy’s face collapse before handing the phone to Willow, who immediately starts sobbing. Joyce rushes to comfort them while Dawn stands frozen in shocked silence. When Buffy rushes to Mr. Giles's, Dawn only manages a small, “Be careful,” and promises to keep Joyce inside. She doesn’t understand any of it. How could Angel suddenly be a monster?
When Dawn finally goes to her room, an envelope taped to her window catches her eye. Her name is written on the front. Her hands shake as she opens it, unfolding a note that holds broken pieces of charcoal. The paper slips from Dawn’s fingers as she clamps her hands over her mouth. It’s short, written in charcoal and flecked with blood: Thanks for your help.
Post-Passion pod episode edit: Dawn was learning to roast a chicken. She was so tired from her day of seasoning and basting that she fell asleep before dinner. Next episode, everyone thinks Buffy is hospitalized because of the flu. Nope—it’s food poisoning.