The early afternoon sun hit her directly in the eyes as she exited Slug and Jigger's Apothecary. She squinted ineffectually down the busy street, cursing the Apothecary for its dim lighting. She blinked her eyes in irritation before turning abruptly and colliding immediately into a small body.

"Watch where you are going," she snapped, straightening her clothes and looking for her dropped purchases..

"I'm very sorry, ma'am," replied a small voice. "I've never been here before and I got distracted." He was dressed like a Muggle in clothes that hung loosely on his small frame. Messy brown hair fell across bright eyes as he picked up her dropped package and offered it to her. He looked about the right age to be a first year. Probably Muggle-born.

"It's quite alright, dear. We share responsibility. The sun blinded me for a moment." She offered him a small smile as she took her bag and tucked it in her robe. She gestured at the list in his hand. "School shopping?"

His face lit up with a large grin. "Yeah! I can't believe it." His eyes darted around the crowded streets bustling with families shopping for the new year. His excitement waspalatable. She loved the enthusiasm of Muggle-borns. Everything was still new and special. Magic lacked the taint of the real world.

"Well, best be getting back to your parents. Tell them you met your Potions professor and she expects you to have the freshest ingredients when you start." The boy's eyes fell to the ground and she watched his fingers tighten on the paper. She reached out and touched his hand. He flinched slightly and she and she felt her stomach knot.

"Mister…"

He looked up. "Mills. Henry Mills. You're going to be my teacher?" he asked. She stared for a moment and chuckled. He looked at her curiously.

"I'm sorry. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Mills. My name is Regina Mills." He smiled in understanding. Her face turned serious. "Are you here alone? I am Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and soon to be your teacher so don't even think of lying to me."

"Not really," he said, looking away. She cleared her throat. "My social worker is at the bar that led to this place." He met her eyes with a desperate look in his eyes. "Please don't get her in trouble. She's taking me to a magical family after this and I…"

"Mr. Mills," Regina interrupted. "I still have some shopping to get done today and could use an extra set of hands. We can pick up your things along the way. What time is she expecting you back?"

"6 o'clock but…"

"Then it's settled. We'll start at Ollivanders and get your wand."

"The instructions Ms. Ginger gave me said to go to umm…" he looked at his paper, "Cranville Quincey's Magical Junkshop." His face colored. "For my wand."

"How much did she give you?"

He tucked the list in his back pocket and rummaged through his jeans, pulling out a handful of coins. He held out his hand for Regina to look. "Magical money is strange. It's 493 knuts to a sickle right?"

"Very good, Mr. Mills and 17 sickles to a galleon." She nudged the coins in his hand around. It wasn't nearly enough to get all of his school supplies. She wondered how much of his allotted allowance was being poured down this Ms. Ginger's throat.

"Could you call me Henry? At least until school starts?"

"I can do that Henry, but only if you call me Regina." She winked. "Just until school starts. Then I will have to insist on Professor Mills just as I have to insist on Ollivanders. It shall be my treat." She waved her hand absently. "A fine boy like you deserves a fine wand and Ollivanders makes the finest."

The boy's eyes narrowed. "What's in it for you?"

"I don't have to carry my flobberworm mucus. The smell is just atrocious," she said scrunching her nose. He laughed and Regina smiled as she led the boy to the finest wand shop in all of Britain.

SQSQSQSQ

Elsewhere in Diagon Alley, two formidable witches squared off at one of Rose Lee Teabag's outside tables. The older of the two sipped her tea calmly as the younger gestured passionately. They appeared polar opposites; one old and wizened dressed in somber wizarding robes, while the younger of the two wore a red leather jacket over a tight tank top and even tighter jeans.

"I understand your enthusiasm about this, Professor Swan. I really do, but Hogwarts has for many years upheld a proud nontheatrical tradition. I am loath to break it for a passing whim of some of your students."

"I promise you that isn't what this is. This would be for allthe creative kids. I could even use this as a chance to get to know more of the students. It would even have academic value with the set building and stuff."

"Set building and stuff," Minerva McGonagall said. "If I recall, your Transfiguration N.E.W.T.s left something to be desired."

"Ruby can help me."

"Professor Lucas, while an excellent Transfiguration teacher, is not a suitable cosponsor. The two of you are as trustworthy as a pack of first years." McGonagall looked over her glasses at the woman. She could see the muscles in Emma's jaws clench.

Emma sighed and looked out at the excited families swarming Diagon Alley. She thought she caught a glimpse of familiar red lips and brown hair. "Honestly, it would be best for you to try something smaller for your first club," McGonagall continued. The crowd parted for a moment and she was given a clear view of her nemesis walking down the street. She was with a small boy eating ice cream. The open joy on her face made Emma's eye twitch.

"And if it was Mills asking?" Emma asked.

McGonagall studied the disgruntled woman in front of her. "If it was Professor Mills asking, I would say yes."

"Of course you would." Emma snapped. She watchedRegina wipe a bit of ice cream from the boy's face. Minerva's eyes followed hers spotting the subject of their conversation.

"This pettiness with Professor Mills is part of the reason I'm rejecting this."

"Oh, come on, that nickname wasn't my fault. Everyone knows Regina has an unhealthy obsession with apples."

McGonagall studied the smiling woman. She didn't recognize the boy, but it was pleasant seeing Mills so happy. An idea struck her. "I've changed my mind," she said, folding her hands in front of her. "I'll allow your play." Emma's face lit up. "On one condition." Emma narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"What do I have to do? Apologize to Mills? I can do that."

"Not quite, though I'm sure an apology wouldn't hurt matters. If you are serious about this, I'll allow it if Professor Mills agrees to co-sponsor it."