Chapter 14
Changes
Harry and Hermione watched as Ron and Charlie disappeared around the corner; then they turned and started the long trek toward their quarters. Harry looked at Hermione, "Are you running this morning?"
"No, it's already near seven. I told Jamie and Draco to take charge this morning. I thought we might be a little late. Besides I want to take a shower and do a few other things this morning before going into Hogsmeade."
"You're going to Hogsmeade?" Harry asked with surprise.
"Yes, I promised Caitlin and Jamie that we would go look at dress robes for the Yule Ball. I have to look good for my fellow chaperone."
"You'd look great to me if you came dressed in a bath towel." Harry's eyes lighted up at the thought. "Actually that sounds appealing. It would show off those beautiful legs that you always hide except when we run."
"Harry, you're dreadful." Hermione gave him a loving nudge.
"Only when I'm on the subject of you, Mione."
Hermione stopped and looked into Harry's face. "I love when you call me that." She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Hermione, what would the staff and students say if we held hands walking through the castle?"
"I'm sure some of them might get the idea that we liked each other. Others might think we were dating. Some would probably think we were shagging each other."
"Are we doing all those things?" Harry asked.
"Well, I prefer the term 'making love' over shagging, but yes, we are."
"May I hold your hand?"
"Oh! The tongues will wag," Hermione said, mockingly chastising Harry. She paused, grinning at him, 'Yes, Mr. Potter, you may."
Harry was suddenly serious. "Do you think Ron and Sam are open about their relationship?"
"Harry, I would have never believed Ron was gay, but now that I think about it; it all makes sense."
"It does?" Harry certainly didn't understand how.
"It explains why he never pushed me for sex when we were together and why despite shagging all those girls, he never found one he cared for. Girls couldn't give him what he needed."
"In school Ron always seemed quite interested in girls," argued Harry.
"Yes, but that was before he was bitten. Remember, Remus never realized he was bisexual until after he departed Hogwarts."
"I wonder if Sam was ever tested for Animagus ability?" Harry questioned.
"Harry, what a wonderful idea! We'll have to bring it up at dinner," Hermione excitedly suggested. "If he has the ability, I'd be happy to tutor him. You and I would, of course, still stay with Ron, but it would be wonderful if his friend could, too."
They had already arrived at Hermione's quarters. As Hermione undid the locking charms Harry just stood there gazing, thinking about her soon to be naked body in the shower. "I'd be happy to scrub your back."
"Hmm! That sounds inviting, but just my back?
"Well, I'd probably get around to the balance presently."
"Come on then," she said as they stepped inside. "But make sure you put a locking charm on the bathroom. I don't want Caitlin seeing us in the shower together, if she gets here early."
"What time are you leaving for Hogsmeade?"
" I told the girls to be here at 10:00 o'clock."
"That gives us three hours. Maybe we could do more than take a shower?"
Hermione looked at Harry and winked. "Exactly what did you have in mind Mr. Potter?"
Harry took Hermione in his arms and began kissing her lips and cheeks and neck. Then he started unbuttoning her blouse. "I'll give you a hint. It involves your bed and both of us being naked."
* * * * * *
It was a rather nippy November morning, but Hermione had suggested nonetheless to the girls that they walk to Hogsmeade rather than take a carriage. Caitlin was quite wound up because she had never been to Hogsmeade before and wouldn't be allowed to go on a student visit until she was a third year.
Jamie pointed out all the places of significance and Hermione promised that they would visit both Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks before returning to the castle. "I want us to look at the evening dress robes at Gladrags Wizardwear and Madam Malkin's before we do any other shopping."
The three were quite frustrated with the choice offered at Gladrags Wizardwear. They must have spent a whole ten minutes in the store with no one even having a yearning to try anything on. As they left the store, Hermione shook her head in disgust. "I certainly hope Madam Malkin's has a better selection or we'll all be going naked."
Jamie and Caitlin looked at each other laughingly. Then Hermione said, "I was joking. I can't believe you two."
Hermione had never been in Madam Malkin's before and she was stunned by the size of the store and the number of gowns on display. As soon as they walked in, Caitlin ran over to the wedding robes. "Mum, you'd look beautiful in this."
Hermione blushed slightly. "Let's not rush things."
Jamie gazed at the robes and then at her Professor. "Would you say yes if he asked you?"
Hermione's blush turned a deeper red. "In an instant, but neither of you girls breathe a word about that to him." Jamie and Caitlin nodded their heads in concurrence as the trio tore themselves away from the wedding segment of the store and walked toward the part containing Ball robes.
There were literally thousands of robes ranging from heavy-collared, black, and floor length to mini-length, diaphanous robes with matching thongs.
"Why don't we each try on something for sizing purposes?" Suggested Hermione. They each selected robes and a few minutes later stepped out of their dressing rooms.
They all looked at each other in horror. Jamie was the first to speak. "I think we should all be completely honest and tell the others what we think of the robes they have on." Hermione and Caitlin nodded their agreement. Jamie continued, "Caitlin, you look like a little tart. Being a nudist is one thing; wearing a see-through dress to a ball is quite a different matter."
Hermione frowned at Caitlin, "You don't think for a moment that I'd let you wear something like that?"
"I thought we were just trying them on for size. This fits great, but I don't want it. Just like I'm sure you don't want to wear that nun's habit you have on."
Jamie and Caitlin looked at the somewhat hurt expression on Hermione face. "You weren't actually considering that were you? You're so beautiful. I'm sure Professor Potter would love to see you in something sexy," Jamie remarked.
"Well, certainly not as sexy as what you have on. This is a school dance. You can't wear robes that only cover one breast and have a pasty on the other. Perhaps we should all try on something that the others suggest?"
Caitlin had wondered off to another rack and suddenly shouted, "Mum, Jamie, come look at this robe gown and its in all sizes and colors."
Jamie swiftly went over to where Caitlin stood. "I love it; it's beautiful. We could get it in different colors."
"Mum what do you think? Will you try it on? Caitlin implored.
Hermione looked at the little robes. "I think you girls would look rather attractive in them, but they're way too short for me."
Caitlin suddenly had a beseeching look in her eyes. "Would you at least try one on so that Jamie and I can see you in it and give you our opinion?"
"I'll try it on, but I could never wear it. What colors do you girls like?"
Caitlin exclaimed, "They have a light blue in my size. That would go nicely with my hair."
"I kind of like the yellow," said Jamie. "It would go with my green eyes and light brown hair. What color do you like?"
Hermione couldn't take her eyes off the little red robes hanging on the rack in front of her. She had always wished she had robes like that when she was younger, but she was now twenty-three and a professor. She couldn't wear anything like that. But maybe she could try it on. "Not that I'd ever wear anything that short, but the red is pretty."
Caitlin started jumping about. "What are we waiting on? Let's try them on."
They had been in the dressing rooms for a few minutes when Hermione questioned Jamie. "Do they make a special bra for this type of dress? Mine shows."
"I believe it's designed to be worn without a bra," Jamie responded.
A quiet sigh was Hermione's only answer.
Jamie and Caitlin stepped out of their dressing rooms. "I love it," Jamie said as she admired the beautiful robes in the mirror.
"I do, too!" Caitlin replied. "But I wish it had straps. I'm afraid if I take a deep breath it will fall down. Mum, aren't you coming out?"
"I'm not sure if I should. I feel quite exposed."
"Mum, it's just Jamie and me and I've seen you nude. Please, come out." Jamie looked quizzically at Caitlin. "I'll tell you later," she whispered.
Slowly, the door open and Hermione hesitantly stepped out, looking a tad uncomfortable with her choice of dress robes.
"Mum, you look gorgeous! You must buy it; Professor Potter will love it!" Caitlin grinned at her mother, clasping her hands in front of her excitedly.
"She's not lying," Jamie added. "If you don't believe us, ask the dressing room mirror, they're not allowed to lie."
Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. The robes were a good 5 inches above her knees. Any shorter and her knickers would show. It was cut straight across the front just below the armpits, but the back was bare to slightly below the natural waist. "Mum what holds it up in the front?" Caitlin asked
Madam Malkin, the owner of the shop, was just approaching them to see if they needed any assistance and heard Caitlin's question. "The fabric above the waist is charmed to cling to your body, as if it were a second skin. The skirt is made of modesty-charmed material."
Caitlin looked at Madam Malkin questioningly. The older woman smiled. "Let me demonstrate." She walked over to Jamie and said, "Modestio. Please bend over and touch your toes."
Jamie delayed. Like Hermione her dress was quite short. If she bent over in that way she knew her bare butt would be exposed. Madam Malkin just smiled. "Please trust me." Jamie doubted whether it was the proper thing to do, but she bent and touched her toes.
Hermione just watched in awe as Caitlin exclaimed, "The dress lengthened as she bent."
The Madam explained. "The Modestio charm remembers where the hem of the dress falls against your leg when you stand up straight. If you bend, stoop or sit, it maintains that length. Of course, the charm has to be renewed every hour."
Hermione seemed puzzled. "Why not a longer time duration?"
"In case you want to go to the loo or remove the dress. The design of the dress requires it being removed over your head. With the charm in place you would never be able to get it off. It would continue to get longer and longer.
"The three of you look lovely in those dresses. Are you all sisters?"
Caitlin giggled as she first indicated Jamie and then Hermione. "No, this is my best friend and that's my mother."
Madam Malkin looked astonished. She glanced back and forth between Jamie and Hermione. "You two look so much like sisters and," she looked at Hermione, "how could this possibly be your daughter?"
"I'm adopted," Caitlin answered. "Professor Granger adopted me."
Madam Malkin was taken aback. "You're 'the' Hermione Granger! I'm so honored to have you in my humble establishment. You make me so proud to be a woman. You first being a part of the Covenant that defeated Voldemort and now how've you stood up against our corrupt legal system to help this young lady." She smiled at Caitlin. "If you ladies like those robes it would honor me if you would accept them as a gift."
Hermione was quick to speak, "That is totally unnecessary, but greatly appreciated. Besides, this just isn't me. I could never wear it."
Madam Malkin shook her head as she glared at Hermione. "I've seen many women try on those robes and none have looked as lovely as you. Am I not correct, mirror?"
The mirror responded, "I'd be quite content to reflect her image all day. She looks stunning in those robes."
"Please, Mum. It would be so neat for us all to dress alike and you do look terrific," Caitlin urged.
"You do look great in them. I'm sure Professor Potter would be of the same opinion," Jamie added.
Hermione blushed as she looked in the mirror. She really did love them. She'd treasured these two girls and wanted to please them by dressing the same. Harry would probably like them because they exposed so much leg, but she was a Professor and these robes were so not her.
Madam Malkin laughed. "Well, Professor, what do you say?"
Hermione looked at Caitlin and then at Jamie. They both cheered as she said, "We'll take all three."
"Wonderful! This time is on me," Madam Malkin insisted. "I do have a couple of suggestions for you, however, Professor Granger. First the dress will hold you quite firmly. Wearing a bra detracts greatly from the effect of the open back."
Hermione bashfully nodded her head. "Secondly the back cuts quite low. I would suggest quite tiny low-rise knickers or none at all. The other two ladies look fine from the back, but quite a bit of your knickers show."
Hermione hadn't realized that her knickers extended two inches above the bottom of the v-cut back. The Madam continued, "The modesty charm will keep the robes from exposing you when you sit as long as your legs are kept together. Stairs could be a slight problem"
The girls were extremely excited and happy as they left the shop. Not only had they gotten dress robes that they loved, but also they were free. That left them with plenty of money to accessorize. They had finished their shopping by one o'clock, after which they stopped at the Three Broomsticks for lunch and then Honeydukes for some treats to take back to the castle.
Jamie and Caitlin dropped their purchases, except for candy, off at Hermione's quarters before heading back to Gryffindor tower.
"You don't think your Mum will back out and wear something else to the ball?" Jamie asked.
"I certainly hope not. Those robes were made for her and you," Caitlin replied.
"What about you? You looked great."
"Nothing like you guys. It's charmed to hug the curves of your body and I don't have any curves to hug."
"You looked beautiful. Give your body time. The curves will come."
Caitlin thought back to the evening when the mirror reflected one of her possible futures. "I hope so, but I wish they'd get a move on."
The girls had just left their purchases lying on Hermione's couch. She had said she would hang everything up, but first she decided to take a quick shower before Harry arrived. The two of them would be staying with Ron again tonight and tomorrow evening.
Just as Hermione had stepped out of the shower and started drying off, she heard a knock at the door. She wrapped the towel around her and then asked. "Who is it?
"Just me, Mione. I can come back if you're not ready yet," Harry answered.
When Hermione opened the door Harry stood momentarily mesmerized before he said, "You're wearing my second most favorite outfit."
As he closed the door and took her in his arms, she asked between kisses, "What is your favorite outfit?"
Harry pulled the towel loose and it dropped to the ground. "This is my favorite outfit."
Harry kissed her lips and then kissed her neck. He proceeded down her body kissing her breasts and stomach until finally he was in front of her on his knees. "Harry, you have such poor timing. You're driving me crazy, but we have to meet Ron in less than an hour. I have to get dressed."
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you came like this," Harry joked
"He might not, but I would," Hermione answered as her face turned red. "Now let me get dressed."
Harry reluctantly got off his knees and gave her a kiss and one last embrace before releasing her.
As Hermione went to her room and started to dress, Harry walked over to the couch. "Are these the robes you girls bought today?"
"Yes, but we didn't actually buy them. Madam Malkin insisted on giving them to us for free. It seems I have somewhat of a fan in her."
The robes were on hangers wrapped in a clear plastic. Harry easily figured out which was Caitlin's because it was much smaller. He examined the blue dress and was rather surprised that Hermione would let her wear such a short backless dress. He then looked at the yellow and red dress robes, which were the identical style. He held the red one up in front of himself and tried to picture where it would fall on Jamie. Wow he thought to himself, She is going to look gorgeous in that. She'll have to beat the boys off. I wonder why she got two dresses in the same style. "Didn't you find a dress you liked, Mione?"
"Oh Harry. You're so nosy. Now you spoiled the surprise," Hermione yelled from the bedroom. "The red one is mine."
Harry looked at the red dress robes and turned them side to side trying to picture his Mione in them. The image his mind created caused him to have an abrupt physical reaction, just as Hermione entered the room.
Hermione straight away noticed the protrusion in Harry's pants. "I had misgivings whether or not I should buy those robes, but if they get that kind of reaction on a hanger, I can't wait to see your reaction when I wear them."
"Mine and every other male over ten years old. You three girls will have every chap in Hogwarts taking cold showers." As they talked Hermione finished dressing.
"I think I can come up with a much better solution to your problem rather than taking a cold shower. Perhaps the night of the ball you could stay here."
"Hermione, I've been thinking about that very topic. What would you think of us moving in together? I know it's been done before.
Hermione hesitated as she looked at Harry. "I'd like to Harry, but I'm not sure. Caitlin knows we've had sex together, but I'm not confident how she'd react to us living together."
"I'm willing to put my fate in her hands," Harry said "Who asks her? You or me?"
"Much as I'd love to say you, it's better if I talk to her about it," her mood shifted as she smiled at him, "Now if you'll stop modeling my dress robes, I think we best get to the dungeon before Ron starts with out us."
"Speaking of Ron, are you as nervous about Friday night as I am?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and I don't know why," Hermione said as Harry and her left her quarters and started the long trek to the dungeon. "We both knew Seamus and Dean were gay and it never bothered us in the least Remember how you and I even got them back together after they had that spat?"
"How could I forget? I can't believe you talked me into dancing with Dean. Then you took your good old time getting Seamus out on the floor with you. I thought you were never going to ask to change partners."
"I almost didn't cut in. You and Dean looked so cute, both trying to lead. Harry, I think it's because we always thought that they were gay. When they finally came out about it, we just accepted it because they were our friends. With Ron it's a total shock. We had no advance warning. If anything we had every reason to believe he was heterosexual."
"I agree; it's a total surprise, but he's our best friend so we have to accept Sam."
"And we will. I wonder what he's like?"
"I don't know. I thought about asking Ginny, but didn't even know if Ron had told her."
"Yes, I considered that, too, but decided against it. Friday will be here before we realize it. Then we'll know first hand."
* * * * * *
Friday, November 14, 2003
Harry and Hermione Apparated to the door of the Three Broomsticks ten minutes late for the meeting with Ron. They were supposed to have met Ron and Sam at 7:00. They had no more then entered the tavern when they spotted Ron waving to them from an out-of-the-way corner table.
"I'm sorry we're late Ron. We were delayed by a couple of students. I guess we should be more like Snape was when we were students. No one ever approached him in the halls with a question. Where is Sam?" questioned Hermione.
"In the loo, we just arrived ourselves," Ron answered.
"We're quite anxious to meet Sam," Harry commented as he noticed an attractive young woman headed their direction. Now that's the type of girl I always thought would capture Ron's fancy.
"Yes", added Hermione with a big smile. "We have to see if we approve."
"So that's what this dinner is about. I have to be given a stamp of approval."
Hermione was startled to find an attractive young lady addressing her.
Ron stood up to pull out her chair and as he did he said, "Harry and Hermione, I'd like you to meet Sam Bowman."
Harry nearly choked on the sip of water he had just taken. Hermione's face broke into a large grin as she looked at Harry and neither could hold back laughter. "You're Sam?" Hermione questioned through her giggles.
Sam looked quite embarrassed to be the subject of the laughter, and Ron's face turned bright red with anger. "Just what do you two find so amusing about Samantha?"
Hermione and Harry both jumped to their feet and Hermione threw her arms around Sam. "I'm so sorry. Harry and I aren't laughing at you. We're laughing at ourselves. Ron told us he had met someone special. That the person's name was Sam and we jumped…."
Suddenly a big smile came to Samantha's face. "You thought Sam was a guy! You thought Ronnie was gay?"
Ron's face turned an even brighter red as he practically shouted, "You thought I was gay? You both considered that I was gay? I thought you guys knew me better than anyone else on the planet."
"Calm down Ron," coaxed Harry as he went over and put his arm around Ron. "We both couldn't believe it, but we haven't seen you in years. What with the werewolf thing and being in Azkaban, we thought maybe you had changed."
Sam looked over at Ron and giggled as she said, "My big, strong, gay werewolf."
"Oh! Fine! Now it's going to be three against one. What chance do I have?" Ron said.
Samantha leaned over and gave Ron a kiss. "With me the odds are 100% in your favor." She looked at Harry and Hermione smiling. "You guys certainly know how to get an evening off to a fast start."
"And you are the best looking Sam I've ever met," responded Harry.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, too," Hermione added.
"I'm happy to meet both of you, also. I'm sorry I disappointed you by not being a guy."
"Well, I'm certainly not," Ron growled.
As the evening progressed, it became obvious that Sam liked Harry and Hermione and that they in turn liked her.
"How do you keep such beautiful long finger nails?" Hermione inquired. "I'm constantly breaking mine."
"Mine get broken, too. It's a trick my grandmother taught my mother and in turn she taught me. Actually it's all done with concentration. Watch, I'll show you."
They all watched as Sam concentrated on her fingers and suddenly the nails began to grow. Then they stopped growing and as she concentrated more, they returned to their original length.
Hermione and Harry exchanged smiles as Ron looked on with disbelief. "You never told me you had Animagus abilities!"
"Ron, you know there are no such things as Animagi. That's just an old American folk tale. People can make their hair or nails grow, but they can't turn into an animal."
Ron looked questioningly at Harry and Hermione and they both nodded, yes. "Samantha, there are real Animagi in the world. I've personally known four and you're sitting at a table with two of them."
Sam turned and first looked at Hermione and Harry. "You're not kidding are you? You're serious. There are really witches and wizards that can turn into animals?" She asked.
Hermione studied Sam's expression. "Harry can transform into a golden griffin and I can transform into a wolf. I believe you have the abilities to be an Animagus. It's difficult and painful at times, but I believe you could be taught. Harry and I would be happy to work with you so that possibly in time you could do as us and stay with Ron when he changes."
Suddenly Sam's eyes filled with tears. "Ron, we wouldn't have to be apart; would you mind if I tried?"
Ron's eyes now teared as he once again realized how lucky he was that this wonderful person had stepped into his life. "It would only be another reason for me to love you." Suddenly as if the world love shocked him into consciousness, Ron continued, "Speaking of love and not to charge the subject but is my sister back with that Slytherin bastard Malfoy?" Ron seemed disgusted at the thought.
Hermione was surprised by the question. "I don't believe so, Ron. They avoid each other as if they each had the plague."
Harry interjected. "They only talk about school matters and then only when absolutely necessary. What makes you ask?"
"Well, you know that when my parents died Fred and George moved into the burrow in order to keep it in the family. While Ginny was studying in the States she always spent the summer with them. When she started teaching at Hogwarts, Snape gave her that cushy schedule that gets her done at noon on Thursday. She spent each weekend at the Burrow up until a few weeks ago. Now, no one knows where she goes. She leaves Hogwarts practically every weekend, but never goes to the Burrow. Fred and George thought she might be off shagging the ferret again."
"Draco does leave Hogwarts, most weekends, but then so does Neville, and about fifty percent of the staff. Even the Headmaster has been occupied elsewhere the past few weekends. Ginny may be seeing a Muggle in London. She did date a number of Muggles when she went to university in the States. I don't get to talk to her often; she's always with 'bats in the belfry' Trelawney," Hermione answered.
"We'll see if we can find anything out," Harry interjected and then changed the subject "How does it feel to be a teacher at Hogwarts?"
Ron smiled. "I owe you both big time for sticking your necks out for me. The job is a dream comes true. I love teaching the first years flying and next year I'll have a say in the Quidditch schedule. I hope to do away with the current 5 game schedule and go to six games so we have a true champion."
'I'll support you on that. It's never seemed fair to me that the houses didn't all play each other. How can you have a true champion when two houses don't play against each other?"
Hermione leaned over to Sam. "We may as well take a walk to the ladies room and discuss your training. Once they've started talking Quidditch, we've lost them for the balance of the evening.
* * * * * *
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Amanda quizzed Jamie as they left the Quidditch pitch. "Is it just me or was that a boring Quidditch game?"
"It's not that it was boring, both teams played excellent games, it's just that you didn't have anyone to cheer for, like when Slytherin or Gryffindor are playing. When Gryffindor plays we want to win. When Slytherin plays we want them to lose. When Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw play against each other, I don't care who wins. I have friends in both houses and I like all the players. You need someone to root for or against to really enjoy the game."
"Amanda, are your parents still going to be spending Christmas in the United States?"
"Yeah. They're visiting friends with whom they went to school. I was welcome to go with them, but I think I'd rather stay here. I've never met the people and they have no children. Here, at least I'll have someone to talk with."
"My parents told me it was okay if I had a friend or two spend the holiday. Would you like to come to my home for the Christmas holiday?"
Amanda hesitated. "You'd all be nude; wouldn't you? You don't expect me to do that?"
"Of course not. Have I ever tried to talk any of you girls into being naturists? Even with Caitlin, it was entirely her idea."
"What about Caitlin? Are you going to invite her?"
"I intend to offer, but I doubt that she will come. Caitlin will unquestionably want to spend Christmas with Professor Granger. Alex is coming for a day. He is going to come on the twenty-sixth and then ride back to school with me on the day of the ball."
Amanda couldn't believe her ears. "Take-a-shower-with-his-clothes-on Alex is going to spend a day at your house? You just made my decision for me. I have to be there to see that. Your Mum and Dad will be there and nude?"
"Yes. My dad will probably treat Alex as if he's my boyfriend and embarrass him."
"Now that you brought up the subject, are you two ever going to admit that there is more going on between you than just friendship?" Amanda asked.
"I don't know if there is or not. I like Alex an awful lot, but saying you love someone is a big step. I don't want to risk jeopardizing our friendship on false signals." Jamie tried to change the subject, "Did you get your daily note from Tony yet?"
Amanda blushed as she nodded her head yes. "Tony's really nice. I'll never figure out how he was sorted into Slytherin. He's not like the rest of them."
"There are probably a lot of decent Slytherins," Jamie commented. "Unfortunately the Dick Bancrofts of the world get all the attention."
By this point in their conversation they had reached the castle entrance.
"I promised to meet Alex in the library to help him with his History of Magic homework. Do you want to come with me?" Jamie asked.
Amanda hesitated for a moment as she tried to come up with an excuse, but finally decided it was best to just tell her best friend the truth. "I'm meeting Tony."
Jamie gave her friend a knowing glace. "Is it true that snogging gets better the more you practice?"
Amanda blushed deeply. "Some things you have to find out for yourself."
* * * * * *
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Hermione laid down the book she was reading and stared at the young girl cuddled on the sofa. I couldn't love you more if you were my very own child. Hermione Granger was not one for making rash decisions. Probably the quickest decision she had ever made was the one to adopt Caitlin. A decision she had not once regretted.
She had been wrestling with another decision for a number of weeks. Harry had suggested that they share quarters and this was something she wanted. They spent most nights together anyway. It seemed the logical next step, but what would Caitlin think?
"Sweetheart, could you come sit with me? Hermione asked. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Caitlin gave her Mum a quick smile. "Sure, Mum." Caitlin nudged Crookshanks aside as she laid down her book and went over to Hermione. Quickly, she squirmed onto Hermione's lap and put her arm around her neck as she gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm not in some kind of trouble, am I?"
"Not that I know of." Hermione said, wrapping her arm around the thin girl's body. Unbelievably, Hermione had grown quite accustomed to Caitlin being nude. Although she was fully dressed today, Hermione actually occasionally walked around her quarters naked now. She wasn't sure what had caused the change in her attitude. It could have been Caitlin, or the discussion with her bedroom mirror or it could have been Harry.
Harry made her feel so good about herself. He treated her like she was the most precious and beautiful creature of earth. Mr. Potter also seemed to be constantly undressing her. He would spend hours touching and kissing her body and then when she went to get dressed he would complain that he was just getting started and that she shouldn't cover up God's most beautiful creation. Hermione had grown up thinking she was an ugly duckling. Maybe she actually had turned into a swan like people claimed. It wasn't really important. Harry made her feel beautiful and that's all that mattered.
"Caitlin, I've been putting off asking you something. This is quite illogical. I'm the mother and you're the daughter, but I wom't do this without your permission. Professor Potter and I would like to share quarters. How would you feel about that?"
There seemed to be a trace of bitterness in Caitlin's voice as she said, "Might as well. You guys shag each other every night of the week anyway."
Hermione looked shattered as she took Caitlin's hand in her own. "Please don't call it shagging honey. That makes it sound so dirty. I love Harry and he loves me. We make love together; we don't shag. I thought you liked Professor Potter. Don't you want us to be together?"
Caitlin looked at her mother's face. She had just hurt the person in this world that she loved the most. "I'm an awful selfish little brat. I don't deserve someone as wonderful as you for a mother." Caitlin jumped up off of Hermione's lap and ran to her room, slamming the door behind her.
Hermione was both hurt and confused as she knocked on Caitlin's door. "Caitlin, you and I don't have secrets. Something about my relationship with Professor Potter is bothering you. Can I please come in and talk about it with you?"
After a few moments Caitlin responded, "The door isn't locked."
Hermione entered the room and found Caitlin lying on her bed with her face buried in her pillow. She sat down on the side of the bed and started lightly scratching the young girl's back. "Can we talk honey? What's the problem?"
Caitlin sniffled through her tears. "I'm selfish. If you give a man free milk he won't buy the cow."
Hermione was totally confused. "What exactly does a man not buying a cow have to do with you being selfish?"
"It means that if you live with someone and have sex with them; then there is no reason for them to marry you. I want Professor Potter to marry you so that I can have him as a dad. That's why I'm selfish. Instead of thinking about you being happy; I'm thinking about what I'm losing if you just live together."
Hermione leaned over and kissed the back of Caitlin's head as she continued to stroke her back. "Do you consider me your mum?"
"Of course."
"If I don't have to be married for you to think of me as your mother, why does Professor Potter have to marry me for you to think of him as a father? He already cares for you and I know that his love for you will grow the more the two of you are together just as my love for you has grown.
"Marriage is just a piece of paper," Hermione continued. "It's far less binding than the love you hold in your heart for someone. If your adoption papers became lost, do you think I would stop loving you or you stop loving me?"
Caitlin sheepishly responded, "No."
"It would be nice if some day Harry made us a legal family, but for now it's more important that he loves me and I love him and that we both love you."
Caitlin rolled over and put her arms around Hermione's neck. "I love you Mum and I want you to be happy. Will we live in his quarters or here?"
"We'll continue to live here. These quarters were originally designed for a married professor with three children. These rooms are much larger than Harry's and can actually be magically expanded if ever necessary."
Caitlin hesitated and then said, "Will I still be able to be nude when I'm here?"
Hermione grinned teasingly at Caitlin. "Only if you promise not to try to
lure Professor Potter away from me."
End of Chapter 14
As always my thanks go out to all who took the time to review. Special thanks go to Andrew, Zena and Atlantis for their beta work.
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