Pawprints of the Panther
By: Lord Gavin Black
Disclaimer: I am not JK, therefore none of the HP characters are mine. I do, however, own RJ, Gina, Gabe, Joe, Ez, and any other characters who appear that are not cannon characters. But I'm sure you guessed that. This is a slash fiction (Male/Male). The rating is for the obvious slash, language,and drug use.
Chapter 2
Gina pulled the keys out of her pocket and set down RJ's bag so she could unlock the door. She turned to RJ and smiled, gently ushering him over the threshold. RJ felt a wave of despair pass over him as memories of his nights spent there while his parents were out of town played in his mind like an old time silent movie. He sighed and made his way into Gina's living room. He threw his bag down on the floor and flopped down on the couch. He closed his eyes and rubbed them, stretching his weary body.
"Hey champ, why don't you get some rest. You've had a rough day," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"That's the understatement of the century," he said, shrugging away her hand and grabbing his bag roughly. His footfalls thudded against the carpet on the stairs. He slammed the door to the guest room as he threw himself on the bed.
"Well, that went better than I thought," she said to herself, looking up at the ceiling. She collapsed onto the couch in exaustion, wishing she had thought to go over to the Fannon's house earlier that morning. She could have prevented him from seeing them that way. She suddenly felt guilty for leaving her charge alone in such a dark time. She made her way into the kitchen and pulled a bottle a wine from the refrigerator and poured herself a glass. Gina walked up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor, stopping to listen at RJ's door. She heard soft sobs coming from the room, but nothing that caused her concern. Gina gave one final look over her shoulder as she continued on to her bedroom. She sat the glass of wine down on her bed side table and pulled a box out from under her queen sized bed.
Gina looked down at the large plain black box that sat in her lap. She slowly opened the lid and pulled out a small silver picture frame. She felt the tears she'd been holding back all day begin to form. She felt the droplets flow down her cheeks and fall onto the picture below. The image of her sixteen year old self, her arms happily wrapped around an eight year old RJ, smiled up at her, their eyes full of innocence. She smiled at the memory that went with the photograph. It was their first outing together, a trip to the local zoo. The day had been long, but the complete joy that filled RJ's face that day had made it all worthwhile.
Gina sat the photo down next to her and pulled out a large photo album and a few video cassettes. She set the tapes aside as she flipped through the album, pictures of RJ and his family on several occassions staring up at her. She felt the knot in her chest tighten at the sight of RJ's eighth grade self smiling up at her from between his parents. Gina silently stood and placed one of the cassettes in her VCR. Grabbing a clove cigarette she made her way back to her bed. With a click she saw the movie on the screen and her own voice from behind the camera.
"So, RJ, you've just graduated eigth grade, what are you going to do now?" she said, laughing.
The younger and much happier RJ held up an airline ticket and smiled. "I'm going to Disney World!"
The video continued, catching snipets of conversations, but keeping the focus solely on RJ and his family. She watched through her tears as the festivities came and went. Different swim meets and and birthdays fading in and out of each other as the video continued. She reflected on the happy life that RJ had lived up until this morning.
Gina had grown up watching her small charge mature into the amazing young man who had locked himself in her guest room. She knew this would be a natural reaction for him, what with his temper the way it was. She just hoped that it wouldn't last as long as his last depression had. She took a drag off of the cigarette as she thought of those two months he had spent deep in his own world that past summer.
Gina had come back from her summer job as a life guard at the local YMCA to find her yard only half mowed and an extremely distraught RJ sitting on her front porch, his head in his hands. She approached him carefully, not wanting to alarm him or cause him to unleash any of the obviously undirected anger at her.
"Hey there, kid. What's got you so down?" she asked, taking a seat next to him on the step.
"Adam's leaving. He's moving to Georgia," he said, not bothering to look up.
Gina nodded at the recognition of the name. Adam Markus had been one of RJ's best friends since sixth grade, but she had a feeling there was more to it than just friendship. Still, RJ had never admitted to anything more than that, so she kept her suspicions to herself.
"I'm sure he didn't have a choice in the matter, Peanut," she said, hoping the childhood nickname would help cheer him up.
"He didn't, but..." RJ said, his voice trailing off.
Gina was suddenly awakened from her musings by a loud screaching that filled the house. "Shit!" she cried, throwing herself off her bed, knocking over her untouched glass of wine in the process.
RJ threw himself on the bed in Gina's guest room, burying his face in the pillow to muffle his cries. He cursed the world for making his life so hard. It was one thing to be a sixteen-year-old gay guy, but it was an entirely different story to be a sixteen-year-old gay orphan. The realization of his sudden solitude created an enormous pressure in his chest. He had felt the pain of being left behind before when Adam had moved months ago, but that feeling couldn't even begin to compare to the grief that wracked through his body.
RJ tried to bring up images of his sister's laugh or his father's smile. He tried remembering his mother's arms holding him close as she always did when he was upset, but his mind wouldn't allow such happy things though. The last thing he said to his sister haunted him. Something shifted inside of his chest, a raw burning pain made his blood nearly boil in rage. RJ couldn't understand why his family was choosen to leave, why not him instead? He would have taken their place in a heartbeat.
The pain was overwhelming and nearly all-consuming. RJ pushed himself off of the bed, quietly making his way over to the closed bathroom door. Without a second thought he opened up the medicine cabinet, grabbing one of the disposable razors that Gina kept there. He turned on the hot water in the bathtub, sitting on the edge of it as he looked down at the pink plastic shaver in his hand. He stared at it for a moment, slightly biting at his lower lip in thought. RJ felt a sigh of relief pass through his lips as the sharpened steel cut into his delicate flesh. He watched for a moment as his blood spiraled down the drain, tainting the white porcelain of the tub pink.
RJ felt the wave of despair pass over him again, his grief and anger welling up inside him as he moved the razor from one hand to the other. He quickly swiped the razor down his wrist and closed his eyes as the pain took him away again. RJ quickly turned his head around as he heard the door to the bedroom slam open. He felt the darkness begin to cloud his vision as Gina stormed into the bedroom her eyes aglow.
"Shit!" Gina screamed, dashing over to the tub and grabbing RJ before his head smacked against the toilet. She carefully laid him down on the floor, her stomach suddenly queasy at the amount of blood RJ had lost. Her eyes bulged as her fingers became slick and sticky from the blood. "I'll fucking kill you if die on me."
Gina grabbed the first aid kit from under the sink, tossing on the floor next to RJ's prone body, opening it quickly. She cursed under her breath as her blood soaked fingers dropped the guaze. As quickly as she could Gina wrapped RJ's closest arm tightly, attempting to stop the flow of blood.
"You've gotta be fucking kidding me!" Gina exclaimed as she realized she had used the entire roll. The cloth was already turning a gastly shade of red. Gina pulled off her shirt, leaving her in just a black sports bra. She pushed a strand of her black hair off of her face, a trail of glistening blood smearing her cheek. Tears welled up in her eyes as she wrapped the shirt around RJ's other arm. "No, no, NO!"
Gina grabbed both of RJ's wrists in her hand, squeezing as tightly as possible in the hopes to stop the blood. Tears fell freely down her face as she watched small trails of blood run through her clasped fingers.
"I have no choice." Gina's head turned to the open doorway, her blood-soaked hand reaching out. "Accio Wand!" In a matter of seconds a thin, sturdy piece of wood landed in her palm. Her fingers tightened around the wand, her knuckles turning white. "Merlin, forgive me."
Gina muttered under her breath as she waved the wand over RJ's motionless body. A shower of silver and blue sparks showered down onto her charge. Almost immediately RJ's arms begin to glow softly. As the light faded Gina quickly removed her makeshift bandages and inspected RJ's skin. She wiped off any of the remaining blood with her ruined shirt. Gina sighed as she saw that the bleeding had stopped, but the wounds were not fully healed.
"I always sucked with healing charms, but it will have to due until I can get you to Pomfrey." Gina muttered. She quickly stood and moved back into the guest room, grabbing RJ's swim team sweatshirt out of his bag. She thrust her wand into the waist band of her jeans before pulling the shirt over her head. Gina moved back into the bathroom, her eyes focusing on RJ's still unconscious form. With an amazing strength, Gina lifted RJ off the floor and cradled him against her chest.
Gina moved with near lightning speed as she dashed out of the guest room and down the steps. As she crossed the living room her front door exploded with a shower of splintering wood.
"Incenndio!" She screamed, brandishing her wand at the fireplace. A shot of light erupted from the tip of her wand and slammed into the open hearth. A large fire roared into life. Gina shifted RJ's body into a more comfortable position as a few black robbed people with silver masks stepped into her house. "You picked the wrong house to fuck with, Deatheater scum."
Gina's wand slid out from under RJ's body as she muttered under her breath. Numerous burts of light streaked across the living room, slamming into the Deatheater's chests. The intruders fell to the floor before they even knew what had hit them. Gina swung RJ's feet up at the urn that sat on her mantle. The containter shattered from the contact, causing a glittering cloud of powder to fall down into the burning flames.
"Hogwarts, hospital wing!" Gina called out as she watched the flames shift from a vibrant red to a glowing green. She gave one final look over her shoulder as she stepped into the fireplace. Gina sneered at the new arrival of men as they tried to revive their unconscious companions. "Fuck off!" She was able to yell before she felt a pull at her stomach, and suddenly the view of the living room was gone.
Harry sat on his bed, his hands clutching at his stomach as another wave of nausea rumbled through him. Ever since he had woken up that morning he was unable to shake off the feeling that something was wrong, horribly wrong. Harry's immediate reaction was that Voldemort was up to something, but the lack of pain in his scar claimed otherwise. He took a slow, steadying breath as he lay down on his bed.
Harry clutched his wrist as he felt a burning sensation pass through his forearm, he withdrew his hand but saw no marks on his skin. His hand instinctivly went to his scar but again felt no pain. He slowly closed his eyes as he felt the world around him fade.
Harry walked through the now familiar forest,his hands reaching blindly in front of him, their task unaided by the new moon. As he reached the clearing he noticed the once bright stream was now dull and lifeless, but in the dim light, he could see a figure shrouded in darkness sitting by the water's edge. He called out to the unknown person, the silence of the forest his only reply. He sighed and took a seat next to the dark shape, a sense of calmness sweeping over him.
The sounds of screaming from his Uncle awoke Harry from his dreamworld, a sudden wave of dispair clenching down on his chest. The door to his room burst open and a discheveled Professor Lupin stumbled in, his wand clentched in his hand, tightly.
"Come on, Harry. We've got to go. Now!" he said, rushing to Hedwig and releasing her from the cage. "Go to the Burrow, Hedwig. Harry will be there when you arrive."
Harry watched as his owl flew out into the night, his eyes locking with Lupin's as he turned from the window.
"It's Voldemort, isn't it?" he asked, quietly.
"Yes, it is. Now, gather your things and we'll get you to the Burrow."
Harry nodded and turned, a gasp falling from his lips as he felt another wave of pain in his arms. Suddenly, the blackness engulfed him as he felt a pair of arms wrap around him.
The familiar sounds of the Burrow assulted Harry's ears as he awoke. He slowly opened his eyes and smiled sheepishly at the group assembled around him. He turned to Remus and sighed. "I blacked out again, didn't I?" he asked.
"Yes, you did," Remus said, taking a seat next to Harry on the worn couch.
"Bloody wonderful." Harry muttered as he pushed his bangs off of his forehead.
"Harry!" Hermione appeared from the kitchen. "Such language." She winked.
"You try losing consciousness, and we'll see what language comes flying out of your mouth." Harry regreted the words as soon as they left his mouth, especially after seeing the hurt look that appeared on Hermoine's face. "Sorry, Mione, it's just been one of those nights."
"It's okay, Harry." Mione smiled at him. "Was it Voldemort again?"
"Hermione!" Ron gasped, his face turning white.
"Oh for Merlin's sake, Ron, it IS his name." She gave the redhead a look.
"No, it wasn't." Harry grinned for the first time that night as he watched his two best friends bickering. "I'm not quite sure what it was." He changed the subject, not really feeling ready to talk about what he saw. "What are you doing here, Mione?"
"My parents went on a second honeymoon, so I got to stay here while they are away." Hermione smiled gratefully at Mrs. Weasley.
"You know you're always welcome here, dear." Ron's mom smiled happily at the trio. "The more the merrier I say."
"You should probably get some rest, Harry." Remus' soft voice washed over Harry. "You look exhausted."
"I'm okay now, Moony." Harry smiled at his parents' best friend. He turned and looked at the disbelieving faces of his two best friends. "Really, I am. Don't give me that look, Mione, you look exactly like Mrs. W. when you do that,"
Mrs. Weasley chuckled. "And what's wrong with that, my dear?"
The group laughed as Harry blushed. "Nothing, ma'am."
"Good answer," she laughed, patting him on the shoulder. She sent Ron a glare as Harry reached for his trunk. "Haven't I taught you better manners than that, Ronald? Take Harry's trunk up to his room before he tries to do it himself."
Ron blushed and sent a smirk to Harry. "Alright fine, Mum."
Hermione and Harry followed Ron up the stairs and into his room. Ron set the trunk down in front of the second bed. He flopped down on his bed and leaned up against the headboard.
"Alright, Harry. Out with it," Hermione said, taking a seat on the end of his bed. "What was the vision if it wasn't Voldemort?"
Harry walked around the room silently for a moment, the two of them following his every move. He felt the words begin to flow and not stop. He told them of the first vision he had. The familiar woman that he had never seen before, and the strange prince comment she had said.
Hermione giggled for a moment and began waltzing around the room, singing. "Some day your prince will come."
"Enough with the Disney references, thank you, Hermione." Harry chuckled.
"Well, if the shoe fits, Cinderfella," Hermione said, grabbing Harry and pulling him around with her.
"She's gone bloody mental, that one," Ron said, his eyes slightly wider as he watched the two dance around the room. Or rather, Hermione dancing around the room, Harry more trying to keep up.
"Just because you can't appreciate muggle movies, don't you make comments about me, Ronald Weasley." She gave him a haughty look over her shoulder. "So what do you think it could mean, Harry?"
Harry shrugged, and sat back down on his bed. "I'm not sure. But she wasn't in the vision today, there was someone there, but I don't know who it was. All I know was that I felt the need to sit next to him, but I never saw his face."
"Maybe that's your prince," Hermione said, flopping down on the bed next to him and smiling.
Harry sighed and stared up at the ceiling. "Maybe."
As RJ slowly regained consciouness he could hear the sound of adults whispwering around him. He also realized that he was laying on something soft, and Gina's bathroom floor was anything but soft. His body felt very heavy, and RJ could feel the bandages around his arms.
"I'm sorry, Albus." Gina's soft voice could be heard. "I didn't know what else to do. There was so much blood, and I..."
"It's okay, child." An older gentleman's voice interrupted her. "You did the best you could have, given the circumstances. We are lucky that you thought to act as quickly as you did."
"I wish I didn't have to." Gina sighed. "I knew that he was upset, but I had no clue that he was depressed enough to try taking his own life. Just the thought of it...."
In his darkenss RJ could hear Gina's soft and quiet sobs. He couldn't stop the rush of guilt that flooded through him as he realized the consequences of his actions. He opened his mouth to talk, so he could make her understand, but his mouth was dry and thick. He slowly opened his eyes and patted the bed next him to get their attention.
Gina turned around and pulled RJ into a bone crushing hug. "You're okay, oh Merlin, thank you!"
"Ms. Vaughn, I believe young Mr. Fannon is turning blue," the gentleman in long, deep blue robes said, a twinkle in his kind eyes.
Gina quickly pulled back and stared at RJ for a moment. "If you ever try that again, I'll do it for you!"
RJ chuckled for a moment before it turned into a cough. He motioned for a drink of water and jumped back when a glass appeared in front of him. He looked between the glass and the occupants in the room, a look of disbelief on his face.
"Go on, lad. It's only water, nothing to be afraid of. We'll explain once you have your voice back. I'm quite sure you'll have a few questions to ask," the older man said, taking a seat in the plush armchair that appeared behind him with a wave of a stick.
RJ gently took the glass from the air where it was suspended in front of him. He cautiously took a small sip then quickly chugged as much as he could, his eyes closing as he felt the cooling liquid flow down his parched throat. He almost dropped the glass in his lap when he found that it was still full when he opened his eyes. He quickly set it carefully on the table next to his bed before looking at the older man. "What the hell is going on here?"
"Ralston Jeremiah, watch your mouth," Gina quickly said, her voice stern.
"Sorry, Coach, Mr. Albus," RJ said, remembering the name he heard Gina say when he awoke.
"It's quite alright, Ralston. I'm sure I would have said something quite similar, yet more vulgar if I was in your position right now."
"RJ, this is Professor Dumbledore. He's the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Gina said.
"Witchcraft? Wizardry?" RJ turned to Gina and raised his eyebrow at her. "You've got to be kidding. That's it, I'm still tripping. This is all one great big pot dream."
Gina shook her head and sighed. "Nope, sorry kid, not this time. And we'll talk about the pot use later." She turned to Professor Dumbledore and smiled. "Muggle drugs," she said, as if to explain.
"Ah yes, Mary Jane. I remember some of the Muggle-borns introducing that to Hogwarts in the sixties. Quite an interesting experience, made me quite hungry, it did." He quickly popped a piece of candy in his mouth and offered one to each of them.
Both RJ and Gina stared at the older man, wide eyed. "I'm sorry, but, what's a Muggle?" RJ asked.
"Non-magical folk, RJ." Gina explained, making a mental note to ask Dumbledore about any of his experiences with the Muggle drug.
"But, wouldn't that make us Muggles, Gina?" he asked.
"Actually, Ralston, you're quite magical," Dumbledore said, his eyes still sparkling. A trait, RJ felt, wouldn't go away very often.
"Ah, the patient's awake. Alright you two, out." A motherly looking woman said, making her way next to the bed.
"Ralston, this is Madame Pomfrey. She's our Medi-witch here at Hogwarts."
"Enough of who I am, let me check the boy over," she said, making her way towards RJ, her stick pointing at his forhead.
"What in God's name do you think you're going to do with that?" RJ asked, trying to sink into the bed.
"Muggle-born?" Pomfrey asked, quickly looking at Dumbledore. She quickly turned back to RJ when he nodded and smiled, gently. "This is my wand, the instrument that helps me direct my magic. I'm going to use this to check your vital signs and cast any spells that might be useful to keeping you healthy. Is that alright?"
RJ bit his lip and nodded, not trusting his voice to answer her. He braced himself for pain and closed his eyes tightly. When he felt nothing but a slight tingling sensation and heard a slight chuckle, he opened his eyes. Looking around, he saw Gina giggling and Madame Pomfrey passing the wand over his chest and arms. He looked over at Gina and glared. "Well, how would you know if it would hurt or not?"
"I would know. How else would you explain me knowing how to get here?" She answered, a slight smirk to her lips.
"Wait. That means... you've known all along. That's why you brought me to your house. How could you not tell me? I might have known what to do. I could have saved them." RJ screamed at her, before he heard Dumbledore whisper something under his breath and felt strangely calm.
"Forgive me, Gina. But, I felt it was necessary to keep the child calm,"
"No, Professor. It's ok. I understand." Gina turned back to RJ and sighed. "I didn't tell you, because I couldn't tell you. But if I had known that your magic had already begun to show itself I would have found a way to help you. I took a Wizard's Oath that I wouldn't tell you, or anyone, about your magic until the time was right."
"What's a Wizard's Oath?"
"What Gina means by a Wizard's Oath is, her secret was bound to her by magic. In actually, she physically couldn't talk about it with anyone until the time was right," Dumbledore explained.
RJ looked over at Gina and nodded. "I believe you. So... that means, I'm a wizard, right?"
"Yep," Gina nodded, a smile on her face.
"And then... you're a witch."
"Witch, bitch, same thing. Forgive me, Professor," she said, her face slightly pink.
Dumbledore just waved a hand dissmissivly at her. Gina turned back to RJ and smiled almost sinisterly. "You'll like it here. I promise."
RJ crawled under the covers of his new four poster bed. The dungons of Hogwarts were a bit cold at times but the seemingly endless fires the burned magically through the rooms were enough to keep anyone warm. After his meeting with Dumbledore, the three of them made their way through the hallways showing RJ some of his new home.
RJ thought back on his first dinner in the Great Hall. Since the students weren't at the school, all the teachers sat at a smaller table at one side of the room. Dumbledore announced that dinner was ready to begin, and RJ nearly fell out of his chair when the golden plates suddenly filled with food. He still wasn't used to the idea of magic or his trip to the magical town in London the next day.
Gina came into his room after dinner that night to check up on him and informed him of the trip to Diagon Alley. RJ wasn't sure what to think of the odd street or the strange people that shopped there. Their first stop was the wand shop. He didn't quite know what to do with his new wooden stick so he shoved it in the waistband of his jeans once they exited the store.
They walked through the street stopping into different stores getting the things he would need for his new life at Hogwarts. RJ watched the obvious displays of magic through wide eyes. Gina carefully watched his reactions and gleefully pulled him into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"Gina," RJ eyed the racks of robes with a wary expression. "What do we need in here? I'm not wearing a dress anytime soon."
"Are you sure you're gay?" Gina smirked at him. "These aren't dresses, they are wizard robes. You've seen all of the teachers wearing them."
"I just thought it was their teacher's uniform or something." RJ blushed.
"No. Wizarding clothing trends are a bit different than muggles, RJ." Gina smiled and waved to get Madam Malkin's attention.
"Hullo, loves. How can I help you this fine afternoon?" The shop owner smiled at the pair of them.
"Pretty boy here needs some school robes." Gina winked. "Including a set of dress robes, he would prefer them in pink, with lace."
"You dirty..." RJ's face turned red with embarrassment, Gina's hand covered his mouth, cutting off his tirade.
"You need to learn to control your tongue, young one." Gina smiled angellically at Madam Malkin. "And keep your mind out of the gutter, child."
"I agree, Professor Vaughn." The matronally woman winked at RJ, causing his blush to even deepen.
"Professor?" RJ's eyebrow raised in question.
"Madam is aware of my teaching in the muggle world." Gina replied, giving Madam Malkin a knowing smile.
"Time to get measured." She pulled out a measuring tape.
"Measured?" RJ glanced at Gina, his eyes widening as she glanced down at his body.
"Don't worry, dearie, it will only take a moment." Madam Malkin released the measuring tape, and it magically wrapped itself around RJ's body, taking all the needed measurements. "It will just be a few moments for your school robes to be ready. Feel free to look around at the dress robes."
RJ and Gina walked among the rows and rows of robes, RJ marvelling at the different fabrics and patterns he had to choose from. Neither of them heard the bell jingle as the door to the shop opened. A tall, menacing man elegantly swept into the shop with a younger man following next to him. Gina finally noticed the new customers out of the corner of her eye.
"Check out the blonde hottie at two o'clock." Gina smiled and nudged RJ in the side. She gently smacked the back of his head as he quickly turned and looked. "Do you not have a subtle bone in your body? I can't believe you never got caught scoping out guys before now."
"Did you have to hit me, Professor?" RJ spat at her.
"I'm glad to see there are still professors the believe in tougher forms of punishment." A deep, silky voice washed over the two of them. They turned to see the dark haired man and young blonde standing next to them. "I am Professor Severus Snape, Potions Master at Hogwarts."
"Gina Vaughn." Gina replied, smoothly brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. "This is Ralston Fannon, a transfer to Hogwarts."
"I'm Draco Malfoy." The pretty blonde answered with a grin. "Did you go to Durmstrang or Beauxbatons?"
RJ looked over at Gina with a questioning glance. "Um... Neither. I went to Yorkville High."
Gina politely stepped in, seeing Draco's confused look. "Ralston here went to a Muggle school in the States."
"Oh," Draco said, understanding. "So what year will you transfer into?"
"Most likely Junior." RJ said, turning back to Draco.
"He means seventh year," Gina said, turning to look at RJ. "It's equivelent to Junior year. You'll be with the same age group."
"We'll be in the same year then." Draco glanced at Severus. "Living in America would explain why they didn't have any reaction to our names."
"Your names?" Rj asked, glancing at the two men.
"Let's just say there are certain prejudices towards certain Wizarding families." Snape explained. "It is rather refreshing to meet someone that has no knowledge of such things."
"Small minded people are so boring." Gina's voice had taken an almost cool, almost regal sound to it. RJ casually glanced at her, in hopes of not bringing attention to himself. "Rather imbecilic if you ask me."
"I quite agree, Professor Vaughn." A small grin appeared on his face, though RJ and Gina had a feeling it was something the professor didn't do often.
"What are you a professor of?" Draco looked at her curiously.
"Sexual education." Gina regarded him cooly, raising an eyebrow. "Any other questions?"
"No, Ma'am." Draco quietly replied, forcing himself not to blush.
"Curiousity killed the cat, young Mister Malfoy." Snape glanced down at his pupil.
"Though cats do have nine lives." Gina gave Draco a small smile.
"Come, Draco. We need to find you a new set of dress robes. You've grown out of your old pair. Quickly now, I don't want you spending all day in here, I do have potions simmering in the lab." Professor Snape said, ushering Draco further into the shop.
"Yes, Godfather." Draco replied. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Professor Vaughn, RJ," he said, turning to each in turn, before walking over to the other side of the store.
RJ turned to Gina and shook his head. "Sexual education? I don't think I'll call you Coach in front of Draco until he learns you were only a phys ed instructor."
"I'll have you know I did teach Sex Ed one year. I refused the position the next year, cuz some kid threw up at the end of the pregnancy video when they show the birth. In fact, I think it was Gabe," Gina laughed, before looking down at the robes in front of her. She picked up a black robe with silver trim. "Here, this looks good."
Madam Malkin stepped up next to them as if she suddenly appeared there. "Your other robes are ready, would you like to try them on while I get this one sized for you?"
"Yes, we would, thank you." Gina said, handing her the robe and ushering RJ to the fitting rooms.
"Oh no you don't, Professor. I go in this dressing room alone." he said, when she tried to step into the room after him.
"I've seen you in your underroos, young man. And I do believe I gave you a bath one or two times when I first started to babysit you, so don't give me that load of bull shit," Gina said as she quickly shut the door behind her as she stepped in. "Now, strip!"
RJ quickly pulled off his t-shirt and held up the school cloak. He put the cloak back down and picked up his shirt again. "You just wanted to see some skin, sick-o."
"Yeah," Gina nonchalantly replied, before smirking as she watched RJ pulled the cloak over his clothes.
RJ looked down at the hems of the cloak, seeing that it was a bit too long. "Um, Gina... I think Madam Malkin might need glasses. These look too big,"
"Nonsense, you'll grow in to them. You're still a growing boy you know." Gina said, patting RJ on the head.
Gina pulled them out of the dressing rooms and up to the counter where Madam Malkin stood with his dress robes.
"I do suppose we should get you a dress cloak to go with it, shouldn't we?"
Madam Malkin smiled and pulled a black cloak down from a rack behind the counter. "Might I suggest this one."
RJ looked at the plain black cloack with a paw print as a clasp. "I love it." he said, smiling over at Gina.
"Add it to the stack," Gina said, gesturing to the other robes.
"Your total comes to 45 Galleons and 17 Knuts."
RJ looked and Gina with another curious glance. "I thought that people in London used Pounds,"
"No, that's Muggle London. Here in the Wizarding world we use Wizarding money," Gina explained before turning to Madme Malkin and placed a sheet of paper in front of her. She pulled out a small gold seal from her pocked and held it up for her to see.
Madam Malkin nodded silently and wrote out a small check and held a candle above it so the wax dropped on the back. Gina pressed the seal into the hox wax and when she pulled it away a Celtic knot was embossed in the red wax.
"I'll send this to Gringotts and you'll can be on your way. Thank you, come again."
RJ pulled the covers closer to his chin as he remembered the rest of his trip through Diagon Alley. He smiled and turned to the fire place, he jumped back as he saw a head appear in the flames. When he rubbed his eyes and opened them again the figure was gone. He scowled and turned his back to the fire and closed his eyes, hoping he wouldn't wake up and see the face in the fire again.
A/N: Merlin! I got two reviews in a day! I'm actually quite proud of that. Anyway, I noticed that one of my reviewers was a little unclear on how RJ'sfamily died in the first chapter. I'm sorry if I confused anyone else. RJ'sfamily died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The constant flow of exaust from their cars over night caused them to sufficate during the night. I hope that clears everything up for you guys. Thank you SO much for the reviews and I hope to see more coming!