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 (or am borrowing) RJ, Gina, Gabe, Joe, Ez, and any other characters that 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 6

A/N: Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Yule and stay safe this holiday season! LGB

Gina-

I'm sorry, but I refuse to call you aunt just yet. Maybe eventually, but I doubt it will happen soon. Forgive me for not sending you a letter earlier, but it's been a very busy day. I really enjoy the Burrow and the Weasleys. Ron, who's going to be in my grade, has his two friends over for the summer, Harry and Hermione. They're awesome, too. I'm not sure what else to say, I'm having fun. Sorry, I guess for running out on you like that, but I guess I just needed to get out of the castle for a while. I'm going to be there for an entire school year. What if we scheduled a date when we could all go to London and meet each other? I kinda wanted to stay here at the Burrow if I could. Please tell Draco I'm not abandoning him; just tell him I'm doing some research. He'll know what I mean. Tell my brother and sister, who ever they are, that we'll meet soon, but on my terms. Thanks.

-RJ

PS- Thanks for the name-dropping, Coach. Got me in a bit of a twist with my new friends.

"That's all he wrote?" a male voice called out from the fireplace.

"Yeah, I know. Stupid little bastard. I'm half tempted to go down there right now," Gina said, folding the letter carefully and placing it on the table next to the couch.

"Don't," the man said, sighing. "Let him enjoy the rest of his summer. He does need this. But we have to schedule a time soon. I miss my little brother,"

"I know, Blaze. I know. I'll contact you, someone's knocking on my door," Gina said, closing the connection, and turning to the portrait. "Come in,"

"Gina?" Draco asked, peeking his head around the portrait.

"Come on in, Draco. I just got RJ's owl."

"What did he say?" he asked, walking over and lounging out on the other couch.

"He said, he's not abandoning you, just doing some research. He said you'd know what that meant."

"I do, thanks, Gina. When are we going to go kidnap him?" Draco asked calmly.

"I do like the way you think, Mr. Malfoy," Gina said, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

Mrs. Weasley heard the chime of the Floo and smiled as she watched Gina sneak up the stairs to the boys' room. She knew she was on her way to kidnap RJ to take him somewhere, but Merlin only knew where. She had been talking with Gina since the day the howler arrived a week or two ago. Gina had asked Mrs. Weasley to arrange a time and date for her to kidnap RJ without the rest of the kids knowing. When the day had finally come for Gina to come get him, Mrs. Weasley made sure to wake up a little early to watch the festivities.

Gina snuck into the boys' room and smiled when she saw RJ curled up underneath the covers, his wand in his hand. She quickly cast a silencing spell on him and a small charm to keep him asleep until he was away from the Burrow. She didn't want him waking up the Weasleys or their guests to let them know he'd been kidnapped.

"Alright, up you go," she said, lifting RJ onto her shoulder and grunting. "Damn, kid. Mrs. W's cooking must be good if you've gained this much weight."

Gina quickly made her way down the stairs, being careful so not to wack RJ's head on any of the walls or banisters, as much as she was tempted to. She smiled over at Mrs. Weasley as she made her way into the living room. "Thanks for helping me out, Mrs. W. I'll have him back before dinner."

"Don't worry about it, dear. It was my pleasure. Ralston seems like he's more stubborn than Ronald when it comes to seeing the truth of the matter," she laughed.

"He is, but what he doesn't know is his aunt is just as stubborn." Gina laughed and threw a handful of Floo Powder into the fire. "The Leaky Cauldron!"

RJ slowly opened his eyes and looked around the unfamiliar room before sitting up in bed and screaming. When no sound came from his mouth he began to panic until he saw Gina sitting in a dark corner of the room, her eyes focused in on him.

"As you can see, it's no use screaming. No one will hear you," she laughed. "Merlin, I've always wanted to say that to someone."

RJ rolled his eyes and threw himself back on the bed and closed his eyes. He heard Gina walk over to the bed and sit on the edge.

"Look, I know you didn't want to see me, but there's a cute blonde downstairs who's been dying to see you. This was actually his idea. Not mine," she explained. "If you can keep your attitude in check I'll take the silencing charm off you."

RJ slowly sighed and opened his eyes, nodding. Gina waved her wand and stood.

"So this was completely Dray's idea? You had no hand in this whatsoever?" RJ asked, skeptically.

"Okay, fine. So I helped a little."

"I figured as much. Well, I guess I have no choice," RJ sighed again and sat up in bed. "Can I at least have a different pair of clothes so I'm not in my pajama's?"

"I should make you walk around London in your boxers, but I'm not sure Draco would appreciate that. I'll take that back, he might after all." Gina said, raking her eyes over RJ's nude torso.

"Quit looking me over, Gina. You've seen me in less before, just get me some clothes."

Gina huffed and threw RJ a duffle bag. "There's some clothes in there. Go take a shower, you smell. And don't try and escape, I'll know."

"Of course you would, Coach. You seem to know everything already, I'm just waiting for you to let me in on the secrets." RJ said, his voice a bit harsh as he shut the door to the bathroom behind him.

"You'd be surprised what I know, Ralston," Gina said to herself as she made herself comfortable on the bed.

RJ walked out of the bathroom in a pair of blue jeans and a tight black sweater. He threw the duffle bag on the bed next to Gina and shook his head. "Thanks for not making me wear the leather again."

"I had thought about it, but since it is Muggle London I figured the jeans would be better."

"What do you mean, Muggle London?" RJ asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I decided to take you and Draco into Muggle London for a shopping spree. We have to stop at Gringotts to change some money, but other than that, we're Muggles for the day."

"What did Draco say about that?" RJ asked, laughing. He knew the pure blood might have a few qualms about going somewhere without being able to use his wand.

"He actually seemed kind of excited about it. Come on, let's go, before Draco gets tired of waiting," Gina laughed, pulling RJ out the door and down the stairs.

"Finally. I was about ready to come up there and get you," Draco said, pushing his blonde hair over his shoulder.

RJ rolled his eyes at his friend. "Good to see you too, Dray."

"Now can we get on with this, Gina? I'd like to have my wand back eventually." Draco whined.

"You'll get it back, don't you worry your pretty little head about that one."

Draco rolled his eyes and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

"Quit complaining, Dray. At least you get to shop."

"But it's Muggle clothes, Ralston."

"I find nothing wrong with Muggle fashion, Draco. I doubt you will either," Gina said, a small smile forming on her lips. "Especially the Armani Exchange or Banana Republic."

"Oh please, we're not going in there are we?" RJ whined.

"You bet your ass we are. You need to get yourself a decent wardrobe." Gina said looking the two young men over. "On second thought, the jeans thing just isn't going to cut it." She waved her wand at the two young men. Their jeans changing into chic gray slacks. "Much better."

RJ rolled his eyes. "Are you finished changing our clothes, Gina?"

"You keep that attitude up and you will go in leather."

"This is going to be a long day," RJ said to Draco when Gina's back was turned.

"I heard that."

Harry woke up with a start and looked around the room. Something didn't feel right and he searched the room for it's two other occupants. He sighed in relief when he saw Ron sleeping peacefully on his bed, but gasped when he found RJ's bed empty. He quickly threw on his robe and tore down the stairs, hoping to find him in the kitchen. He quickly stopped when he only found Mrs. Weasley sitting at the kitchen table.

"Mrs. W! RJ's gone! He's not in his bed, in the bathroom..." Harry started.

"I know," Mrs. Weasley cut him off. "His aunt came and picked him up early this morning. He'll be back in time for dinner. Don't worry. Now, why don't you go get yourself cleaned up, dear. Breakfast will be on the table soon."

Harry sighed and nodded. "Alright, Mrs. W. I'll wake up Ron while I'm at it,"

"Thank you, carrot."

Harry slowly made his way up the stairs and looked again over at the empty bed by his. He didn't know why he was feeling RJ's absence so profoundly, but he knew it felt like some important part of his life was missing. Harry quickly prodded Ron awake and shook his head as his friend rolled over and closed his eyes again.

"Well, at least I tried," he said to himself. Gathering himself a pair of jeans and a shirt he made his way into the bathroom and smiled as he turned on the water. Being first up in the morning had its advantages, mostly the guarantee of hot water. Harry quickly washed himself off and stepped out of the shower, drying himself off in the process. He thought about how quickly RJ had become a part of his life and his friends'. Suddenly, Harry remembered that RJ's birthday was in a few days.

"Shit!" he said to himself, as he pulled on the jeans and the shirt. He quickly made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen where Hermione sat still in her nightclothes with a cup of coffee and the Daily Prophet.

"Hermione, when's RJ's birthday?" he asked.

"The day after tomorrow, why?" she answered. "Wait. We haven't gotten him gifts yet, have we?"

"No we haven't. And today's the perfect day." He turned to Mrs. Weasley who was cooking breakfast at the stove. "Would we be able to go into Diagon Alley to get RJ some gifts?"

"Of course, Harry. I'm going to want you to pick up a few things for me while you're there, though. I've got a few gifts for him too, you know." Mrs. Weasley said, a smile on her face.

"Ron shouldn't be up until after breakfast is done being cooked, go run upstairs and get a shower in now so we don't have to wait as long after words." Harry said to Hermione. "We've got a lot of shopping to do for him."

Hermione noticed the smile on Harry's face as he talked about RJ and nodded as her suspicions were confirmed. Harry liked RJ just as much as RJ liked him. This was perfect. Now, if she could only get the two of them to start dating. She ran upstairs and began to formulate a plan in her head.

RJ sighed as they walked into Abercrombie and Fitch. "You just had to tell him about A and F didn't you, Gina?"

"Of course I did, what self-respecting gay man doesn't own some Abercrombie?" Gina said, incredulously.

"I don't," RJ said.

"Well, that's going to change now isn't it?" Draco laughed, looking around the store. "I do believe I'm in heaven."

"Oh great! Well, there goes another two hours of my day," RJ sighed, looking around the large store.

Gina threw a pile of clothes in his arms. "Dressing room, now! I want to see every outfit."

RJ groaned and made his way to the back of the store, passing by the counter where a tall, dark haired man was standing.

"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" the man asked.

"I just need to find the dressing rooms. My crazy aunt decided I need to try on the entire store, twice." RJ laughed, blushing slightly as the attractive man made his way next to him.

"Here, let me take some of that for you and we'll get you into a dressing room right away. My name's Jason," he said, taking some of the clothes and setting them on the counter.

"RJ," he replied, smiling. "Thanks for the help. It's nice to meet someone who isn't crazy."

"I know quite a few people who would disagree with you on that fact." Jason said, brushing his hand against RJ's back as he unlocked a dressing room. "Here you go, I'll bring the other clothes by in a few minutes. Give you a bit of time to try on those first."

"Thanks," RJ said, stepping into the small room.

"It's my job," he laughed, turning away. "I'll be back in a little bit, just call me if you need anything, RJ."

RJ nodded and quickly shut the door as he noticed Gina making her way towards them. He quickly locked it and laughed when she tried the door.

"Nope, sorry G. Not going to happen. Not here at least." RJ called out from behind the locked door.

"Fine, be that way, RJ. We'll just see how quickly that lasts," Gina said, laughing. "Oh, and don't forget, we're in Muggle London, don't try and collect any phone numbers, there's no phones at Hogwarts."

RJ rolled his eyes and began undressing. "She'd have to remind me of that, wouldn't she?" he thought to himself. He quickly shook his head and sighed, remembering he had someone back home he'd rather be calling up right now.

"Harry, come on, you've been looking in here for an hour now," Ron whined, leaning against the jeweler's counter, looking bored.

"I'm sorry, guys. I just..."

"Want to find something perfect, we know." Hermione laughed, smiling. "Ron, why don't you meet us at Quality Quidditch Supplies. We'll be there in a few."

Ron quickly agreed and made his way out of the shop.

"You really like him, don't you?" Hermione said, after Ron had left.

Harry began blushing and turned to look down into the case of bracelets. "I don't know what you're talking about, Hermione."

"Bull shit, Harry. I've known you for almost six years now, I think I'd know when you've got a crush on someone," she laughed, leaning beside him.

"Fine. You caught me. Tell her what she's won, Chuck." Harry said, dryly.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "What does he remind you of?" she asked.

"Who, RJ?" Harry thought for a moment. "A cat. I know it sounds strange, but he does. Especially when he just wakes up. You should see him when he stretches, every muscle..." Harry's voice quickly faded out as another blush ran up his cheeks.

Hermione only smiled and shook her head. "Oh, yeah. You've got it bad. Alright, so he reminds you of a cat. Why don't you get him a collar?"

"Hermione!"

"What? I think he'd look good in a nice choker necklace." Hermione smiled, winking at him.

Harry shook his head and made his way over to another case. "I've been looking at this one, but I'm not sure," he said, pointing down into the case.

Hermione smiled and nodded. "I think he'd love it. Get it engraved with something. Or have a protection charm put on it."

Harry smiled and nodded. "I like that idea. Then I'll always be protecting him," he said, waving the shop owner over towards him.

"Always the hero," Hermione laughed, punching him lightly on the arm. "Ever the romantic."

"Oh, stuff it." Harry laughed.

"Oh, youhave to wear to dinner tonight," Gina smiled at RJ as he walked out of the dressing room in a pair of faded blue jeans and a tight red and gold-stripped sweater.

"What do you mean? I thought I was going back before dinner," RJ said, disappointed.

"Mrs. Weasley agreed to meet us at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner before she took you back for the evening. I would like to meet these people that you're staying with for the summer."

"So you're saying that you're going to have dinner with the Weasel clan, the Muggle-born, and Saint Potter?" Draco said, contemptuously.

"Dray, they're not that bad, honestly. You just don't know them."

"Nor will I ever, Ralston." Draco said, crossing his arms over his chest.

RJ rolled his eyes. "Quit being such a queen. If you're going to continue to be my friend, then you'll have to get used to them."

"Not tonight I won't. When are we meeting them, Gina?"

"In about fifteen minutes." Gina said.

Draco nodded and called a sales person over to him. "We're ready to leave, but he'll be wearing this out."

"That's fine, sir. We'll have everything ready for you momentarily, Mr. Malfoy. Will you be putting that on your account with us, today?"

Draco looked over at Gina and RJ's open-mouthed stares. "Yes, thank you. Just think of it as an early birthday present, Ralston. And close your mouth, we are not a codfish."

"Mr. Malfoy, I didn't think you shopped at Muggle stores at all, let alone Banana Republic," Gina said, astounded.

"My father made sure I looked good on any occasion. Even if Muggle-wear was required. Now can we get to the Leaky Cauldron, I do not wish to see the Golden Trio until I absolutely have to." Draco said, turning on his heel and walking towards the front of the store.

"I, however, can't wait to meet these guys. Dumbledore's told some fantastic stories about them." Gina laughed, following after Draco.

"Oh, this is not going to be good." RJ sighed and slipped on his shoes, shaking his head. "Not good at all."

Harry walked into the Leaky Cauldron, a small smile one his face as he felt the weight of the small box in his pocket. He turned when he saw a bright flash of green from the fireplace and saw RJ standing next to it with a familiar looking woman.

"RJ!" he called out, making his way over to them. Hermione and Ron following behind.

"Hey guys! What's up?"

"Nothing, I didn't expect to see you here. I thought your Aunt kidnapped you?" Ron asked.

"I did," Gina said, laughing. "Gina Vaughn, you must be Ron." Gina held her hand out to him and smiled.

"So you're his aunt, I've been waiting to meet you since the howler came. That was awesome!" Hermione laughed, holding out her hand. "I'm Hermione."

"It's my pleasure, on both accounts." Gina laughed. "I've always wanted to send one of those."

Harry leaned into RJ and whispered. "Now I really do feel sorry for you. She's almost worse than Sirius was."

"From the stories, you've told, I'm sure she is worse. About twenty times worse." RJ laughed.

"And you're Mr. Potter. It's a pleasure to meet you," Gina said, holding her hand out to the dark haired man.

"Likewise," Harry said, taking the hand. He blushed a bit and looked down at the floor.

"Alright, come on. Let's get a table. I'm starving," Gina said, laughing.

"We've got to be back at the Burrow before dinner," Ron said, looking at the fireplace.

"No you don't. Mrs. Weasley has agreed to let me keep you for an hour or so." Gina said, turning the group around and making their way to a small round table near the back of the pub.

RJ sighed and shook his head. He already knew the next hour or so, as Gina had put it, would be complete hell for him. Full of embarrassing stories from his youth, or something just as humiliating. He wouldn't put it past Gina to have some kind of old baby pictures on hand for such an occasion. He took a seat next to Harry and laid his head on the table.

Harry looked down at RJ and laughed, patting his back. "Sorry, mate. She's paying."

"No, I'm paying," RJ said dryly, looking over at the other three at the table occupied in a quick conversation. "And when this dinner is over, you'll understand what I mean."

RJ quickly made his way upstairs to his bedroom at the Burrow once dinner was finished. He placed the bags on his bed and stashed Harry's birthday present in his bedside table drawer.

"We're going to be out in the yard, RJ." Harry said, throwing his and Ron's bags on their beds.

"Alright, I'll be down once I've put all this shit away," RJ laughed, looking at the large pile of bags that sat on his bed.

Harry laughed and nodded, shutting the door behind him as he left. RJ quickly put all his new clothes in the wardrobe and smiled over at the clock in the room. His birthday was officially in one hour and he couldn't wait. He made his way quickly down to the front yard and threw himself on the ground next to Harry.

"You know, RJ. Your aunt really isn't that bad," Hermione said from beside Ron.

"That's because you two think alike, Hermione. It figures you wouldn't think she's that bad."

"No, really RJ. Your aunt's pretty funny," Harry laughed.

"That's because she was telling you stupid RJ moments," RJ huffed and laughed.

"I still have to admit, hearing about you running full speed into a wall is the funniest point of the night," Ron laughed again.

"I told you, I was turning a corner and missed. I was being chased!" RJ argued, his voice defensive.

"It's okay, Peanut, we'll just have to get you glasses soon," Hermione laughed.

"Can we change the subject, please? I've have an entire day of pick on RJ," he pouted.

"Fine. So your birthday is in a few hours. You'll be a legal wizard." Harry said, rolling over and propping himself up on his elbows.

"You mean, like... fully legal?" RJ asked.

"Yeah,"

"Wow! A whole year early. You're not legal until your eighteen in the States. And even then, you can't drink until you're twenty-one."

"I'm glad we're seventeen already," Hermione laughed, poking Ron in the side. "Well, one of us acts more like it than the other, but..."

"Oh, stuff it, Mione." Ron said, cheerfully.

"Fine. So, RJ. Are you going to stay up and watch your birthday in?"

"Of course. It's a tradition for me," RJ blushed. "I guess it's a little childish, but I can't help it."

"It's not childish, I still do it," Harry said.

"I would too if I hadn't had a real birthday until I was eleven, Harry." RJ laughed, gently tickling Harry. He felt the now familiar blush rush on his cheeks the moment he touched Harry's skin.

"Uncle!" Harry called between deep breaths. "Damn it, RJ. You know I can't stand that." Harry mock pouted and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh, but Harry. I just can't keep my hands off you," Ron said, laughing, trying to imitate RJ.

"Ronald! I can't believe you'd say that!" Hermione glared.

"It's just the truth, Mione. It's obviousHarry and RJ have more in common than they thought"

Ron's words hit close to RJ's heart. He felt his face pale as he turned and jumped up, running into the woods surrounding the house.

"RJ, wait!" Harry called after him, shooting a glare in Ron's direction as he turned and followed the chocolate haired man.

Ron sighed and looked at Hermione who shook her head and followed after Harry. "What? Didn't everyone else already figure it out?" he asked, dumbfounded.

"RJ!" Harry called, finally catching up with the young man. "RJ, slow down!"

"Why should I?"

"Because I want you to, please." Harry begged, tugging on his arm. "Is it true?" he asked when RJ finally stopped.

RJ just sighed and looked away, walking towards a large stone he could sit on. "Does it matter?"

"To me, yes, to everyone else, no." Harry said, taking a seat next to RJ on the stone.

"Why does it matter to you?"

This time it was Harry's turn to blush and turn away. "Because I like you, RJ. I really like you, and I don't want to get hurt. So if you aren't, tell me now so I can move on. I've been hurt by too many people, and I don't want you to be one of them."

"I like you, too, Harry. I just..."

"You've got a boyfriend. It's Malfoy, isn't it? I always knew he was a ponce." Harry said, somewhat dejectedly.

"No, I don't have a boyfriend. Let me finish, Harry." RJ turned Harry's face towards him. "I just don't want to rush into anything. I want us to be friends first."

"We are friends, aren't we?"

"Yeah," RJ said, smiling and placing a small kiss on Harry's cheek. "Let's not rush anything though. I could use someone to cuddle with at night though."

Hermione stepped out from the branches and sighed. "RJ, please, can I speak freely now?"

RJ smiled up at her and rolled his eyes. "Go ahead, number one." he said, in his best Captain Picard imitation.

"Finally! Merlin, I've been holding this in for too long. Damn, you two are a cute couple!" she laughed.

"You KNEW?" Harry said, jumping up and turning to Hermione.

"He held me under Wizard's Oath, Harry. I couldn't help it."

"Damn RJ. You really did learn quickly didn't you?" Harry said, looking over at RJ with surprise.

"I learned it from Gina the first day I got here. That's why she couldn't tell me anything about the wizarding world." RJ's face still held a bit of hurt, but now showed a hint of understanding.

Suddenly, the wind through the forest began to change and a pair of tri-colored green eyes opened within the trees around them.

"What the hell is that?" Ron asked, walking up behind Hermione.

"I don't know, but it looks like it's getting closer." Harry said, pulling his wand from the waistband of his jeans. RJ glanced over and saw Hermione and Ron doing the same.

"When in Rome..." he thought to himself as he pulled his own wand from his jeans.

The quartet watched as a large black panther walked into the clearing. It's eyes locked with RJ's and they held each other's gazes for a moment. Hermione gasped as she heard RJ let out a small squeak and begin to fall to the ground.

A/N: Oh, I almost forgot! Thank you BUNCHES to all who replied and have joined my Group. If you'd like to become a member, go to my homepage!

To My Reviewers:

lessthanlucid: I'm glad you're enjoying PotP so far. The reason RJ didn't see any other students was because... well. I made up my own time line. shrug Sorry, I know it's not very canon of me but... I needed to arrange some things differently for my own uses. Please don't sue.

Rachel:Yes, the pot thing will be explained in coming chapters. Sorry, but it's a thread I just need to hang for a little while, if some of you haven't figured it out yet already. :-D Thanks for the review, glad you're enjoying the story!

LuvtheOlympics: Thank you for the wonderful encouragement! I won't let anyone tell me this story isn't any good. ;-) Hope some of your hunger is satisfied with this chapter. More to come soon, after the holidays... my Muse had family to visit so she's been off for a few days. ;-)

Kowen: That is the best review I think I've ever gotten. Thank you so much. I'm glad that I've been able to hook you on an HP/ story. I hope to keep you all on your toes with this, and keep it just as wonderfully written as JK herself.

G W: Thanks! Now that RJ and Harry are actually in the same area, it's easier to keep the Golden Trio in the forefront. But I must say, I can't wait until the term starts! I'm looking forward to some Hogwarts Hijinks soon. ;-) Hope you enjoy!

Chris: I'm glad that Michael was able to introduce you to my story. He's a dear friend and amazing beta! I'm still working hard on the next chapters so, more should follow!

And to the one "spark" I got. SK- Maybe that's the way I wanted to write my story. Apparently, it's a good story from the reviews I've had up until now. Thanks for the information, however. blows raspberry

Warm Holiday Cookies to all! And to all a good night! ;-)