So, things have been rough. Not just the normal being totally over-worked rough, but...more the heart sick rough that throws you flat on your back. Except that, because I'm the boss at work, I can't just totally collapse and space out. *sigh*

Okay...I'm going to backtrack...we took our Synchro Team to Colorado Springs to Nationals and they placed 10th...which was exactly where we'd mentally placed them ourselves. It was a good trip. Very fun! The team...16 girls...had a great time and it was fun to be a part of their experience. Mind you, I'm always a part of these trips as my other half is a professionally figure skating coach, so we do these things, if not often, then...a few times a year. We are sooo proud of the team! Go Pacific Edge!

Now for the heavy. We got back from our trip on March 7th...and on the 10th, I got word that my dad had passed away. One of my brothers messaged me to let me know. I knew it was coming, but it always hurts more than you think it will. He had been living in a veteran's home in Henderson Nevada and had been ill, so they'd transferred him to a medical hospital. They'd informed us that he was well again, but that he didn't want to eat and that if he wouldn't, then he'd be put on hospice. Eventually he was put on hospice and...well, that was pretty much the end.

Soooo, on Thursday I drove from my hometown in SoCal to Las Vegas to see my mom and brothers...it took nearly SIX HOURS with traffic and a stop for food. I hate, hate, HATE Vegas...it's freaking ass HOT...but it's good to see family. *sigh* I will collect my dad's ashes and his record collection (at least 1,000 of his 45s), drink a TON of wine with mom...and the obligatory rum and Cokes for dad...and just shoot the shit for a few days. It'll be nice.

Anyway, sorry for the essay on what I've been doing and what I'm going to be doing. *sigh* Here's the next chappie!

Chapter Twenty-five
"A Trip Across London"

Buffy was leading Dumbledore into the house when Vin and Sophie—followed by a much slower Tom Riddle—came out of the kitchen and into the entrance hall.

Vin nodded at the man, who, despite being only a few years older than her, had aged quite a bit in the years since she'd seen him. She'd noticed it a few nights prior—who wouldn't—but was preoccupied by his having turned up in the first place. "Albus," she greeted informally.

"Good morning, Lavinia. Up bright and early, I see," he said, his eyes twinkling at the still youthful and pretty dark-haired woman.

Vin's eyes narrowed. "Of course. After all, shopping awaits."

Beside her, Sophie rubbed her palms together and grinned. "We're all very excited."

Dumbledore smiled at their enthusiasm, his gaze going to Tom. "And good morning to you as well, Tom."

The dark-eyed boy nodded. "Sir," he greeted stiffly.

"Couldn't stay put, could you?" the professor said with a sigh. "It's not like I expected you to." He chuckled. "No matter. It saves us a trip to Wools to fetch you."

"Indeed," Vin remarked.

Sophie scoffed. "Stay put? What boy would stay over there in that awful establishment when he has a pretty girl waiting for him at our house? What a ludicrous idea you had there, Mr Dumbledore."

"Very true," Vin said, adding her agreement. "Quite silly of you to even make such a request, Albus."

Dumbledore looked between the sisters, then at Tom Riddle. Had the boy told them what they'd discussed when he'd brought him back to Wools? Tom's expression was blank. Maybe he hadn't. But then again, he was a good at influencing the adults around him. The Fairweather women were quite intuitive though...

"Well then, are we ready to set out for the day?" Dumbledore asked. "There is a lot to buy."

Grinning, Buffy nodded. "I'm ready," she said excitedly.

Sophie nodded. "Just about. Let us just get our purses," she said—then grabbed Vin's hand and pulled her toward the stairs.

While they waited, Buffy eyed the professor. "You like purple," she stated.

Dumbledore smiled. "Yes. I do have an affinity for the color. You should see my robes." He winked at her.

"Ooo. Nice! I can hardly wait," Buffy said with a nod. "Purple suits you."

The older man eyed the girl. "Red suits you, my dear."

Buffy glanced down at her top and shrugged. "I've been told that. It was one of the colors of my previous school," she said. "Well, maroon, to be exact. This is more a blood red, which is...well, different depending on the amount of oxygen in it." She shrugged again. "I like red."

"Hmm. Maybe you'll be wearing it again soon then," the blue-eyed man said.

Tom narrowed his eyes. Was the old man trying to influence Buffy—make her unknowingly want to be a Gryffindor! He shifted his gaze to Buffy and frowned. She was very much like a lion, he thought, all sleek and graceful—and brave and strong—even though he wished he could hex himself for even thinking such a thing.

Buffy cocked her head. "Tom has told me about the four Houses at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore glanced at the boy. "Has he now?" he said, his eyes going back to the blonde after a moment.

"I have, Sir," said Tom.

"Just a bit, Professor," Buffy added, not wanting to get her friend into any trouble for divulging information he shouldn't have.

Dumbledore smiled at the two of them. "Not to worry, Buffy. I assure the both of you that no harm has been done."

Buffy sighed with relief. "It's all a little confusing to me, Sir. At Sunnydale High, we didn't have different Houses and we certainly didn't live at our school. In fact, most schools in the states are what we call public. Everyone goes home everyday. And we have just two school colors and one mascot, not four of them! At Sunnydale, we are the Razorbacks. Your school seems much more like our universities, with different halls and dormitories."

Dumbledore nodded. "It is similar to that. Our Houses are named after their founders and I believe your halls are named after people they wish to honor," he said. "And Buffy, Hogwarts is your school now too. A home away from home, I hope."

Buffy nodded. "Of course, Professor. I'm just...unaccustomed to everything. I will acclimate, I promise."

The older man nodded. "Of course you will."

"What House were you in, Sir?" Buffy asked next.

"I am a Gryffindor," the man said, watching the girl for a reaction—but there wasn't one.

"That's the red one, right?" Buffy asked.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes. Yes, it is. Red and gold," he said, wondering if she really wasn't sure or if she was pretending that she wasn't. Her questions sounded innocent and unsure, but he suspected they were much more calculated.

Buffy glanced at Tom. "And you're in the green one?"

Tom smirked and adjusted his tie—he'd worn his school tie and had his robes draped over his arm. "Slytherin. Yes," he said. "Green and silver."

Buffy's eyes lit up. "Ooo, I like silver," she said, her hand going up to the large cross hanging around her neck.

Dumbledore watched her. "There is also Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff."

"That's the blue one and the yellow one," Tom provided, using Buffy's wording.

Buffy shook her head. "I swear, I'll eventually get them straight," she said.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Especially after you're sorted into one of them," he said. "Do you have a preference?"

Buffy shrugged. "I'm keeping my mind open," she said, her green gaze going sternly over to Tom. He'd intimated that they'd have issues being friends if she wasn't put in his House—and Buffy'd argued fiercely that she'd fight the divided House nonsense, no matter which House she went in. Though she had to admit that being separated from her only friend would be disconcerting.

Dumbledore nodded. "Good decision," he said—causing Tom to scowl. "Cheer up, Tom. I don't think Buffy plans to abandon you, no matter where the Hat places her."

Tom fought to remove the scowl from his face. It wouldn't do to let Dumbledore see his anger. But he was quite upset. He knew the man was well aware that the Houses didn't mix easily and if Buffy went into a different House than him, it would be hard to remain anything more than cordial.

"Here we are!" Sophie exclaimed as she and Vin came down the stairs. "Ready for a day of shopping."

Dumbledore chuckled at the blonde woman's obvious delight. "Shall we?"

Vin nodded. "Lead the way, Albus," she said, gesturing at the door.

"Don't forget, we need to make a stop to ring Edna," Sophie reminded.

In a flourish, Dumbledore swept out of Number Thirteen D'Arblay Street, followed closely by Buffy Summers, Tom Riddle, and Vin and Sophie Fairweather.

~oOo~

"Nice boots, Buffy," Albus Dumbledore remarked as the five of them headed for the nearest Tube station.

Buffy looked down at her boots and smiled. "Vin and Sophie got them for me," she said—then spun around to face those walking behind her, walking backward to keep up with Dumbledore. "Thank you, by the way. I love them!"

Sophie grinned. "It was Vin's idea."

Buffy looked at Vin. "Thanks."

Vin nodded. "You're very welcome. We saw you eyeing them and thought you should have them."

Buffy nodded, but blushed at their kindness, imagining all the places she could have ended up. She looked at Tom—he was smiling fondly at her—and thought about his lot in life. She was lucky! Him, not so much! Reaching out, she grabbed Tom's hand and squeezed.

For a moment, Tom hesitated, his dark eyes going to their professor. Dumbledore had looked away from the girl walking backward beside him—almost as if giving them privacy or permission. Sighing, Tom relented and allowed her to hold his hand. As if he'd have been able to pull away even if he'd wanted to, he thought. Her strength was still a marvel to him.

At the end of the street, they turned and went into the station, then down a flight of stairs to go underground. It was packed with Muggles, of course, coming and going to their daily destinations. Buffy stayed close to Tom, who followed closely behind the sisters, who were behind the professor. A few people frowned at them, causing Buffy to realize that Dumbledore stood out a bit. He was taller than most and much more bearded than anyone else—and he wasn't quite dressed normally. Bright purple wasn't a color most men wore and...he'd put on some sort of strange hat. When and where, Buffy didn't know.

On the train, they all sat down—Buffy still holding Tom's hand—and waited for the doors to close. Tom had placed himself between Buffy and Sophie—to keep himself from being touched by the Muggles, Buffy was sure, but he was making a valiant effort not to glare at them as they traveled this time. Buffy could tell though that he was uncomfortable. She was too, but not for the same reasons as he—she just wasn't used to being underground with so many people.

"Stop it!" she hiss-whispered at him. "They're not a disease, you know! You won't get infected."

Narrowing his eyes at her, he said, "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Quite positive. Besides, you thought you were one until you were eleven, so..." She shrugged. "Get over it."

Tom glared and tried to pull his hand away—but Buffy clamped down on it and glared back.

"Don't even, buddy," she said.

"I never thought I was like them," Tom said, glancing away. "I always knew I was special."

Buffy snorted. "Yeah. I special little jerk," she teased.

Tom snorted out a laugh. He wanted to be upset with her for strong-arming him and calling him names, but...he couldn't.

"What do you suppose is the deal with them?" Buffy asked, nodding at Dumbledore and Vin. They were sitting across from them on the train and were leaned in close having a private chat. They couldn't be heard over the rumble of the train or the other people talking, but they were talking amicably—or so it appeared.

Tom shrugged. He didn't know much about the professor—he tried very hard to stay away from the man—but now he was interested. "What are you asking? Do you think he likes her?"

Buffy cocked her head and studied the couple across from them. Professor Dumbledore said something and the dark-haired woman laughed and playfully slap his chest, causing the man to smile down at her warmly. "I'd say no," she said with a shake of her head. "Not like that anyway. Maybe in a brotherly way, but that's all. More...do you think he even likes women?"

Tom's eyes widened. "Are you asking...the same thing that you accused me of?"

Buffy snorted. "In my time...not a biggie, Tom," she said.

"That would be huge 'biggie' here, Buffy," he responded. "I think you're rather obsessed with...that." He glanced away.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "I am not," she said, giving him a flick to get him to look at her again—which he did. "And I can't help it if I see things. I'm extremely intuitive. I'd say, 'ask my friends,' but..."

Frowning, Tom looked back at Dumbledore. "Well, I really couldn't say."

"It's still frowned upon by many in my time," Buffy went on. "But we're moving forward and..." She shrugged. "I wouldn't be shocked or disgusted, you know?"

"He's listening, you do know that, don't you?" Tom said.

Buffy blinked. "What?!" She threw a glance across the aisle, then looked around the packed train. Sophie—sitting right on the other side of Tom—didn't seem to be listening to them at all. She had her nose buried in a small paperback novel and appeared to be completely engrossed in it. Frowning, Buffy looked back at Tom. "It's too crowded and loud in here and...he's not even looking at us."

Tom shook his head. "He's definitely surreptitiously observing us. I would bet a Galleon that he's listening...magically."

Buffy narrowed her eyes and looked over at their professor again. "That little shit!" she said—watching the older man for a reaction. There was none, but that didn't mean he wasn't just good at hiding his reactions, just as she was. "Hmm. I suppose I should be more careful, so that nosy old farts don't get an earful."

Tom nodded. "Definitely." He sighed. "I hope you find your inner Slytherin before the first of September," he said quietly. He was teasing her, but also desperately hoping she was sorted into his House.

Playfully, Buffy swatted his chest. "Oh stop!" she said. "I'll be sorted wherever the Hat thinks I belong. And I promise you, we'll still be friends."

Tom nodded, but he knew it wouldn't be that easy. Buffy didn't know the Slytherins like Tom did and he knew they'd react—and not well—to one of their own being friendly with someone from another House.

"What's a Galleon?" Buffy asked next.

Tom frowned at her. "Wizarding money. We have our own. I don't actually have any to bet though," he said with obvious embarrassment. "We have Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. You'll see them today when we're purchasing your supplies. None of the shops in Diagon Alley will take Muggle money."

Her brow knitting, Buffy bit her lip. "And how am I to get these Galleons? I haven't any Muggle money either."

Tom chuckled. "When I first found my way to Diagon Alley, I'd been given a pouch of money to make my purchases. For you though, either Dumbledore will make the purchases for you or Vin and Sophie will exchange their pounds for Wizarding money to buy you what you'll need."

Buffy sighed. "And I thought it was hard to ask my mother for money," she said. "Now I have to rely on strangers." She slumped in her seat and leaned into the boy.

Tom nodded. He totally understood.

~oOo~

Across from them, Dumbledore was chatting with Vin, but he was also watching the teenagers. They were still holding hands, but appeared to be bickering—if the looks on their faces was anything to go by. At one point, Tom tried to pull away, but Buffy hung on tight and didn't allow him to take his hand from hers. That had annoyed the boy as well—and caused Albus to chuckle to himself. The girl was definitely throwing Tom through a loop and he wondered about the havoc she would put Hogwarts through when she arrived. He could already see the utter chaos she was about to cause.

In the middle of his thoughts, he realized that they were talking about him—and his proclivities—causing him to frown. The girl seemed quite sure about it too and, while Tom looked disbelieving, he also seemed curious. Buffy, on the other hand, appeared completely open to the idea. Interesting. Things must be different in her time.

Not that anyone cared here either—not in the magical community anyway! He'd just been private about the things he wanted—the person he'd wanted—because he couldn't have them.

And then Tom told her that he was listening—he even bet on it, despite the fact that he hadn't any money. Neither did she, for that matter. The two of them were quite comical, to say the least. He'd never considered that Tom Riddle could be amusing. He'd been such a sour little boy, bordering on wicked, in Albus' opinion. He'd always worried that the boy's behavior would shift to something much more frightful—even evil, if he were to be completely honest—despite the spell he seemed to have everyone else under. Tom Riddle had charmed them all, including the Fairweather sisters and Buffy Summers.

But with the addition of the bubbly blonde slayer—who's sole purpose was to fight evil—the boy was blooming. Or so the older wizard hoped.

"What is the plan for Buffy?" he asked Vin. "The Ministry gives funds to the school for children like Tom. We could do the same for Buffy. It would save you and Sophie from having to foot the bill."

Vin shook her head. "Nonsense. Sophie and I have plenty of money. We'll take care of Buffy. We would be happy to help Tom as well. He's sorely in need of some clothing."

Dumbledore nodded. "This is true. The boy is growing like Flitterbloom," he said.

Vin looked up at the man and made a face. "Dare I ask what that is, Albus?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Just a plant. Non-sentient, unlike its relative Devil's Snare."

"It sounds...interesting, but also rather disgusting," said Vin.

Albus chuckled. "You must take a look at Buffy's books," he offered. "Strictly speaking, Muggles aren't allowed to read them, but...you two aren't really Muggles, are you?"

Vin laughed. "Certainly not! In a way, anyway. We're Muggle witches. Mitches?" She glanced up at him, grinning.

"Or Wiggles," he countered, his eyes twinkling.

Vin giggled. "Anyway, Sophie's the gardener and the reader, but I'd be thrilled to peruse them, if only casually."

Dumbledore nodded. "They are fascinating," he said. "And I'd be interested to see what you two could do with them. Our worlds are different, but I suspect that some of it is similar."

Vin nodded. "Just about anyone in ours would be able to perform magic if they knew it existed, were to be taught about it, and/or studied it...though not everyone would be good enough to truly use it. In yours, you either have it or don't."

Albus glanced over at Buffy. "Much like being a slayer. You're either one or you're not."

"Like Buffy, yes! That's exactly correct," the woman agreed. "She's exceptional, isn't she?"

"Yes, she truly is," the man agreed with an already fond smile as he glanced at the girl. Somehow, in just two meetings with her, she'd drawn him in and made him want to help—just as she'd done to Vin and Sophie. Who finds a child on the streets and just...takes them in? It was unheard of! Most would find a way to shift that burden onto others—especially in these times.

Albus' eyes floated to the boy next to Buffy. Tom was already smitten with her, which was quite astonishing, given the boy's embittered disposition. In that way, Buffy was very much like Tom—alone in the world and possessing the magnetism to draw in those around them. Not everyone, in Tom's case, as he was still quite leery of the boy.

"So. Funds," said Vin, drawing the wizard out of his musings.

"Yes, of course. I'm afraid the stipend that's allotted for those in need isn't much. It pays for the necessities...mostly just the school supplies."

Vin frowned. "Well, that's not fair. I'm sure that's tough on the children who are in need of more. And the school's resources being spread too thinly." She shook her head.

Dumbledore shrugged. "It is."

"How many children are receiving this assistance, if I might ask?"

"This year there will be twenty-three in total. Each House having several. Four in Gryffindor, six in Hufflepuff, three in Ravenclaw, three are in Slytherin, and then the seven who haven't been sorted yet."

Vin looked thoughtful. "I will need to discuss this with Sophie, of course, but...we have a ridiculous amount of money, Albus, so...I have a proposal!" she started excitedly. "We will allow Hogwarts...or rather, your Ministry...to offer Buffy their meager stipend for school supplies and such, but... we will provide all twenty-three students, including Buffy, an extra amount to be used for other things. Perhaps, for things they actually want, rather than things they need."

Dumbeldore smiled. "If you and Sophie wish it, who is the Ministry to argue? None of the families involved will decline such assistance and...the governors of Hogwarts will certainly welcome it. They are always claiming they wish they were able to offer more, but..."

"It isn't possible, I know," Vin said, her eyes sparkling. "Me running this by Sophie is merely a sisterly courtesy. I promise you, she won't object. Sophie will be thrilled to assist these students."

"Well then, all I can say is...thank you, Lavinia," the professor said. "The students and their parents will be extremely grateful."

~oOo~

Just before their stop, Dumbledore motioned for everyone to get up. Vin had looped her arm through his and started snapping her fingers at her sister.

"Put your book away!" she said to Sophie. "Adventure awaits!"

Sophie stuck her tongue out at Vin as she pocketed her book, then stood up. When the train stopped, the blonde stepped off first, followed quickly by Buffy and Tom—Buffy saying, "Mind the gap," with a horrible British accent as she went. Vin and Dumbledore came last, Dumbledore motioning for Tom to lead the way.

They weren't far from their destination. Just a few turns and they stood in front of a pub called the Leaky Cauldron. Buffy looked up at the sign and realized she would have totally missed it if she'd been alone. Then she glanced around and decided that all the people walking by didn't see it either. Very strange, she thought.

"Hmm. I've been here before," Sophie said as she stared up at the sign above.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?" he said as he reached for the door and held it open for everyone.

Inside the tiny, grubby-looking pub, everyone turned to stare at them. Buffy noticed a few middle-aged women sitting in a dark corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the man behind the bar, who was the owner's son and already balding and well on his way to looking like a gummy walnut. The low buzz of chatter had stopped when they walked in. Everyone seemed to know Dumbledore; they waved and smiled at him, and the barman reached for a glass, saying, "The usual, Albus?"

Smiling, Dumbledore shook his head. "Thank you, Tom, but not today. We've business in Diagon Alley that can't wait."

Tom the barman nodded, his eyes going to the teenagers—and then to the two pretty ladies who appeared to be close to him in age. Smiling, he nodded at them.

Both Vin and Sophie preened at the attention, causing Albus to smile—they were such giddy school girls!

"Come along, children," he said as he led them through the Leaky Cauldron to the entrance to Diagon Alley.