Chapter Sixteen
The Yule Ball
Saturday, December 27, 2003
As Hermione sat up in bed, she looked to her left and an immediate smile covered her face. It wasn't a dream; he
was there and they were going to be married. Unexpectedly, there was a light tapping at the bedroom door. "Are you
awake Mum? Is it all right if I come in?" Caitlin asked.
"Come on in honey. You can help me wake your dad."
Caitlin rushed into the room and jumped on the outsized bed, first giving her mum a hug and kiss and then turning to Harry who was lying on his back. Caitlin moved over and sat on Harry with one leg on either side of his stomach. She then leaned down and whispered in his ear, "You better get up lazy bones or I'm going to tickle you."
All of a sudden Harry, who had been faking sleeping grabbed her and started tickling her unmercifully. He didn't stop until she pleaded for compassion.
Caitlin rolled over and looked at Hermione and Harry who were both naked to the waist. "Are you guys naked under those covers? Did you make love again last night? Don't you ever get tired of it or is it that much fun?"
Hermione blushed slightly, "You certainly are the nosy one. Yes, yes and no. Honey, it's something you won't understand until you're much older, but you never get tired of making love to someone you adore as much as we do each other."
Harry added, "Your mum and I missed a lot of time we could have been together and don't want to waste another day. One never knows what tomorrow may bring."
"As for it being fun, yes it's fun, but not fun like going to a party or riding a roller coaster. Being together with someone you love is a feeling of fulfillment. It's hard to describe, but the more you love a person the greater it feels."
Caitlin looked at her parents and smiled. "Then it must feel terribly special for you two because I can't believe anyone could love someone more than you love each other."
Hermione looked at Harry and smiled. "Me either."
Harry took Hermione in his arms and kissed her intensely. Caitlin adored her parents and loved to watch them show affection for each other. She hoped that some day she would experience that type of fondness for someone. But even good things could be overdone and this morning they showed no signs of stopping. "Okay! Enough already. Do I have to throw a bucket of cold water on you two? Are we going running this morning or are you both going to spend the day in here snogging?"
Hermione slid out of bed. "We're going running young lady. Get out of here so your dad can get ready."
As greatly as Caitlin was looking forward to the Yule Ball that evening, she was regretful that a lot of the students would be returning and the school would be getting back to normal. She had very much enjoyed spending the holiday in the staff quarters with her new parents. Even meals had been super because in place of sitting at separate tables, all the staff and students that had remained for the holidays ate collectively. It had been nice to sit flanked by her mum and dad instead of at a table ostensibly miles away.
Yesterday had been a most awesome day. If Caitlin had any qualms about how renowned and admired her parents were, they
were totally erased. Hermione had worn her engagement ring to breakfast where Madam Pomfrey immediately noticed it and
made the balance of the staff aware of the momentous event. Since the staff was eating at the same table as the
students, the exchange was unquestionably overheard. By ten o'clock owls started arriving congratulating the
couple.
Justin Finch-Fletchley's head appeared in Hermione's fireplace shortly before noon expressing his best wishes
and asking if Harry and Hermione would be agreeable to sit for an interview; something neither had ever granted prior.
Because of the fine piece Justin had written pertaining to the trial, Harry and Hermione decided to oblige just this
once.
Justin's interview became the focal point of a special edition of the Daily Prophet that was rushed to press and available Friday afternoon. It was only the third time in the 300 plus years of publication that the Prophet put out a special edition. The previous two times were to announce the defeat of Voldemort.
Then, last evening at dinner the ceiling of the Great Hall turned black as thousands of owls swooped in and literally
buried Harry and Hermione to their necks in congratulatory letters. Caitlin had beamed with pride realizing just how
much the wizard world revered and loved the two people she now referred to as Mum and Dad.
Emma Wrong had gone so far as to declare their wedding day a wizard holiday.
* * * * * *
Saturday, December 27, 2003
It was a curious morning in the Zacherley household. Everyone was wearing clothes for breakfast. Not that they had
given up naturism, but they had to make a train by ten o'clock. Just as they were about to start eating, the family
owl tapped on the window.
Mr. Zacherley gave her a snack and the owl flew off after delivering two copies of the Daily Prophet. Mr. Zacherley studied the two papers as a broad smile came to his face. He turned to his wife, "Jennifer, they're getting married. The Minister of Magic has declared their wedding day a national wizard holiday."
Mrs. Zacherley looked quizzingly at her husband. "Who is getting married and why did the owl bring two copies of the paper?"
Before he could answer her, another owl tapped at the window. As soon as it was opened the large white owl flew to Jamie's shoulder with its letter. After receiving a treat the owl was on its way.
Everyone just stared at Jamie because the Hogwarts seal was quite visible on the letter. No one took a bite of his or her breakfast as Jamie read the letter.
Dear Jamie,
I sincerely hope this letter reaches you before you read the Daily Prophet. Harry and I granted Justin Finch-Fletchley an interview today and a number of items we mentioned to him off the record ended up in his article. Justin is a wonderful person and I'm sure he intended no harm.
Our goal was to discuss this with you privately, but now we can only hope Hedwig gets to you with this letter before you see the newspaper. Christmas Eve Harry asked me to marry him and I said yes.
You've read Harry Potter, a History, so you are well aware that I spent most of my time with Harry and Ron while I attended Hogwarts and never really developed what I could call a close relationship with any of the female students.
Although some might think it improper for it to exist, I feel you and I have a particularly close bond. That attachment has grown through mutual admiration and respect. (Caitlin told me I was your role model. I'm honored.)
I would be quite pleased if you would serve as maid of honor at my wedding to Harry. It will be a quite simple affair. There will be no bride's maids; just the best man, Ronald Weasley and the maid of honor.
Caitlin will be giving me away.
I'm sorry I didn't get to discuss this in person with you first.
Love, Hermione
"She wants me to be her maid of honor. Professor Granger wants me to be in her wedding."
Jamie's dad looked as if he was ready to burst with pride. "My little girl is going to be a part of the most celebrated wedding in contemporary wizard history. That's what the special edition of the Prophet is all about. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger are going to be married in May."
Amanda, Alex and Emily all gathered around Jamie trying to read the letter over her shoulder as they patted her on the back and kissed her cheeks.
Mrs. Zacherley stared at Jamie as tears formed in her eyes. "You and Professor Granger have become quite close in the last five years haven't you?"
Jamie immediately knew what her mum was thinking and rushed to her side, giving her a kiss and throwing her arms around her. "Mum, I think a great deal of Professor Granger. She is my mentor and role model, but you're my mum and no one could ever take your place in my heart. I love you and will never stop loving you."
Mrs. Zacherley looked up at her daughter. "I'm sorry honey, it's just that I see so little of you now what with you away at school ten months of the year. I miss you, so much. Soon Emily will be leaving and your dad and I will be all alone."
Jamie placed her hand on her mum's heart and then placed her mum's hand over her heart. "We may not always be together mum, but I'll always be in yours and you'll always be in mine." Jennifer Zacherley stood up and hugged her daughter. They hugged each other tighter and longer than they had in years.
Emily looked at her mother and sister as she shook her head and commented to Amanada, "You'd think they were never going to see each other again."
* * * * * *
Carl Zacherley called out, "Hurry everybody. We have to leave within fifteen minutes to catch the train."
Jamie gave her dad a calming pat on the back. "We'll make it dad, don't get excited."
"Jamie, if you're all set. I'd like to talk with you a moment." Mr. Zacherley ushered his daughter into the vacant kitchen. "Your mum and I are exceedingly proud of you, young lady."
Jamie blushed as she saw the happiness oozing from her father's face. He continued, "I've always recognized you and your sister were extraordinary, but I've always chalked some of that up to parental prejudice. For Professor Granger to take such individual interest in you, she must have seen it, too. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger are undoubtedly the greatest wizard and witch alive. Listen to what they say and trust them. They can be a strong positive influence on your life. You are extremely fortunate to not only have them as Professors, but also as friends."
"I know Dad. They are both magnificent, but so are you and Mum. You're the best parents a girl could have."
"Well, perhaps its your turn to be slightly prejudiced with that comment. I love you, honey."
Jamie kissed her Dad's cheek and they hugged tightly. As they broke the embrace Mr. Zacherley gave his daughter a solemn stare. "I like Alex. Is he the one you've chosen to receive your gift?"
It made Jamie feel good that her father and she shared such a close relationship. Not many daughters could talk to their fathers about who they may or may not have sex with. "I'm not sure. You told me I would know, but I almost gave it to Professor Potter. Alex and I are such good friends. It would be so easy, so comfortable to be with him, but I'm scared. After almost mistakenly giving myself to Professor Potter, I'm afraid what Alex and I have is more hormones than love. How can I be sure?"
"First, don't be so positive you were erroneous when you decided to give yourself to Harry Potter. You and Ms. Granger are quite comparable. Under different circumstance, Harry Potter may well have been the correct choice. Take it slow with Alex. The doubt will eventually be removed one way or the other."
Emily burst into the kitchen and scolded her dad. "You told us to hurry and now you and Jamie are in here gabbing. Do you want them to miss the train?"
* * * * * *
Caitlin had practically worn a path in the carpet as she anxiously paced back and forth. "Mum, the train just
pulled into Hogsmeade. It won't be long before they're back. When can we put our robes on?" Caitlin
implored.
"Not till after dinner. The dance doesn't start until eight. Those robes are made of a very special fabric. Normal spot removal charms might not work; so let's not take any chances."
Hermione gazed at her little girl. She's actually my little girl and going to her first formal dance. She's going to be upset with me, but I have to tell her. "Caitlin, about the robes for the dance."
Caitlin didn't like the sound of her mother's voice. She said apprehensively, "What about the them? You're wearing yours, aren't you? Please, Mum! You have to wear it. Dad's anxious to see you in it."
"I know, but I'm a professor, not a student. My shortest shorts cover more leg than those robes. I owled Madame Malkin to learn if it were possible to lengthen the hem. She wasn't precisely happy with the thought. She claimed the designer would be offended because the robes are designed to show all the leg, but she understood my circumstances."
Caitlin looked extremely disenchanted. "How long are you going to make it? Are you going to make me lengthen mine?"
"It will still be exceptionally short. Madame Malkin insisted that I could only extend the length two inches without ruining the dress. I tried it on after doing the adjustment charm. Its still three inches above my knees. Harry and everyone else will still see rather a bit of my legs. More than I'm contented with in robes."
Caitlin looked at her mum as if pleading. "Are you going to make me increase the length of my robes? I'm sure Jamie will wear hers as designed."
"I'm sure she will," Hermione wincingly agreed. "I don't see how you girls can be at ease in robes that only just cover your crotch."
"Mum, we're both nudists. If permitted, we'd both be contented attending the dance without a stitch on."
"Just your saying that gives me goose bumps. I can't envisage how the two of you could have paraded around exposed in front of the entire Gryffindor house on Halloween."
"Mum, that's ancient history. You forbade us from doing it another time and we haven't. Being naked is not the same as wearing dress robes that are micro max."
"Not quite and I must admit that you and Jamie look astounding in them. You will promise to do the modesty charm on them every fifty minutes so that it doesn't expire. And please remember to sit like a lady with your knees together. The charm won't conceal that view."
Caitlin looked at her mum with a gigantic smile and then started laughing.
Hermione, looked exceedingly exasperated. "Just what did I say that you find so humorous?"
Caitlin hugged her mum. "I'm sorry, it's not anything comical you said; it's just that you're being so mum-like; so fretful. I love you."
Hermione returned Caitlin's hug. "I love you, too. And be careful who is around when you go up and down staircases."
* * * * * *
"Well, what do you think, Dad?"
Harry Potter surveyed his daughter as if she were a new Muggle car he was about to buy. "You look beautiful, but how can you move in those robes?"
"Watch this!" Caitlin grabbed the sides of her robes and lifted her arms as if she were going to take it off over her head. The hem remained just below her crotch.
Harry just shook his head as he said, "What will they think up next?" He took a deep apprehensive breath. "Are your mum's robes that short?"
"Nah! She ruined hers with an augmentation charm. They come all the way down to here now." Caitlin held her hand about mid thigh indicating the length of her mum's robes and then flopped herself down in a chair.
Harry stared at Caitlin as if unsure whether to speak or not. "You do realize that when you sit like that your pubic area is totally visible?"
"Dad, normally I'm totally nude. This certainly isn't the first time you've seen that."
"It's different tonight. You have quite short dress robes on. I'm concerned if you sit improperly now that you might do so later this evening and give someone a show."
Caitlin jumped up from the chair and gave Harry a hug and then a kiss on the cheek. "You really do think of me as your little girl now, don't you? I love you." Caitlin gave her dad an even better hug.
As Hermione entered the room she momentarily watched Caitlin and Harry hugging before she said, "I'm glad you two have become so close." Harry and Caitlin turned toward Hermione's voice. They both just stared. Neither one had ever seen her looking so attractive.
Harry was the first to speak. "Hermione, you're gorgeous. I mean, you've always been beautiful, but tonight… Wow!"
Hermione blushed as she smiled at Harry, "I'll take that as a compliment Mr. Potter. May I say that you look quite handsome yourself? What are your plans for after the dance?"
Harry smirked, "Well, it happens I skipped dessert at the evening meal."
Hermione blushed deeply, "Exactly what do you have in mind?"
"Hold it you two," Caitlin shouted. "I know we all agreed that you would treat me as an adult and not hide anything from me. And I really appreciate that you talk openly about sex in front of me, but some things should remain on a need to know basis. I just got this vision of mum nude with whip cream and chocolate syrup all over her.
Harry and Hermione turned a deep red just as they were saved by a knock on the door.
"Harry, that's probably Ron and Sam. Will you let them in? I have to get my wand," Hermione stated.
"Sure, Herm," Harry responded as he headed to the door. After greeting Ron and Sam, he showed them into the room. "Hermione and I are really delighted the two of you are helping us chaperone this evening."
"Sam would have walked over burning coals to get a look at the inside of Hogwarts. I've already given her a tour of some of the castle, but saved the Great Hall for last," Ron remarked.
Harry turned to Sam, "The great Hall is always impressive, but at Christmas it's spectacular." Caitlin had inched her way over to her dad. "Sam, you haven't met our daughter. This is Caitlin."
"Hi Caitlin, it's nice to finally meet you. Those are beautiful robes you have on. I saw them at Madame Malkin's shop. But they're so tiny. How do you manage to move without something showing?" Sam asked.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Bowman. They have a modesty charm that keeps them from riding up. Watch, I'll show you how it works," Caitlin replied.
Ron and Samantha watched as Caitlin grabbed the sides of her robes and lifted the hem above her waist giving them both an excellent view of her exposed naked body just as Hermione walked into the room.
Ron's face turned as red as his hair as Caitlin apologized copiously for upsetting Ron and Sam. Hermione scolded, "Caitlin, I told you to renew that charm every 50 minutes. Is it necessary for me to do the lengthening charm?"
"No Mum! Please don't. I'll be more careful," she said as she charmed the robes.
Sam had been studying Caitlin's face and now said, "Caitlin, its no big deal, an apology isn't necessary. I would like you to explain one thing, however. You seemed quite upset that Ron and I might be embarrassed, but you didn't seem the least bit unsure of yourself. How is that possible?"
Caitlin looked first at Hermione and then at Harry as if asking their permission to tell the truth. They both nodded yes. "I'm comfortable with being seen naked. I'm a naturist. Mum and Dad allow me to be naked whenever I'm in our quarters."
"I thought so," Sam replied. "My best friend in school was a nudist. She loved to be nude and it didn't bother her who saw her, but she was always concerned about how other people felt. As much as she hated clothes, she would prefer to get dressed rather than have someone else feel self-conscious."
Ron seemed extremely puzzled as he looked questioningly at Harry and Hermione, "Does that mean that the two of you have become nudists?"
Harry shook his head no as Hermione responded emphatically, "Not on your life. The chances of it snowing in July are better. I could never expose myself to a stranger. I feel overexposed in this dress.
"You should feel gorgeous," Sam replied.
"Yes, Ron added. "I don't know when I've seen you look so stunning."
Hermione blushed and simply said, "Thank you."
Caitlin was very fascinated by the news that Sam's best friend was a nudist. "Miss Bowman did you ever spend
any time nude with your best friend?"
Sam looked tentatively at Ron as if wondering whether to answer or not. "Yes, quite a bit. I love swimming in the nude. You and I have something else in common."
"What's that?" Caitlin quizzed.
Sam went over and whispered in Caitlin's ear.
Caitlin looked at Sam in shock, "You don't?"
Sam grinned, "Never!"
Hermione wondered to herself what Sam and Caitlin were whispering about, but when she looked at the clock she put the thought aside. "We best be on our way. The four of us should get to the Great Hall before the students start arriving and, Caitlin, you want to hurry over to Gryffindor tower and meet your friends." Hermione stared at Caitlin. "How often are you going to do the modesty charm?"
"I think maybe every half hour, just to be safe," Caitlin replied.
"Sounds like a plan," Harry answered. "And if you dance every dance you won't have to worry how you sit."
Caitlin smiled at her mum and dad, "I can't get over how fast you two got into parenting. I love you both." Caitlin hugged Harry and Hermione and after telling Ron and Sam good-bye for now; she left for Gryffindor tower.
* * * * * *
"Amanda, you look fantastic. Tony will be drooling all night," Jamie commented.
"Thanks Jamie, but I just hope he notices me after he sees you almost in those cocktail robes. The way it forms to your body; it's like a second skin. Alex is going to go crazy touching your bare back all evening."
"Do you think it's too short and revealing?"
"Frankly yes, but somehow on you it looks marvelous. The guys will love it; especially if you bend over at all."
Jamie giggled, "It's charmed to lengthen so that's not a problem. I just have to remember to restore the charm every hour."
"Please do, we don't want to have a riot."
Just then they heard a knock on the dorm door. Jamie looked at Amanda and said, "That must be Caitlin."
"I'm not late, am I? I was afraid you would leave without me," Caitlin inquired as she entered the fifth year girls' dorm.
"You just made it. In your rush did you forget the bottom of your cocktail robes? You're showing an awful lot of skin," Amanda teased.
"Don't you start it, too? Mum threatened to lengthen the hem just because I had a slight accident."
"Accident? What happened?" Jamie asked.
"Professor Weasley and his date were in my parent's quarters. Her name is Samantha Bowman. She's quite nice. Anyway, I went to demonstrate how the Modesto Charm worked, but unfortunately it had been over an hour since I renewed it."
Jamie's eyes went wide. "You flashed Professor Weasley and his date?"
"Yes. I did a first rate job of it, to boot. The hem of the dress was at my waist before I realized the charm wasn't functioning."
Amanda broke into laughter. "I'd love to hear your definition of major, if that was a slight accident. Wait! I've figured out your ambition. You want to have the entire staff of Hogwarts see you naked before the end of your first year. First it was Professor Granger, then Professor Potter and now Professor Weasley. Who's next? Headmaster Snape?"
Jamie couldn't help but laugh as she put her arm around Caitlin. "Don't worry about it. By the way, did I tell you how fabulous you look? Matt and Randy are going to be the envy of all the first year boys. Speaking of which, were any of the boys in the common room yet?"
"Matt and Randy weren't, but Alex was wearing a path in the carpet. Where are we meeting Tony?" Caitlin said as she scowled at the still giggling Amanda.
"At the bottom of the steps just outside the Great Hall. We should get going. I don't want to keep him waiting," Amanda's voiced was suddenly trembling.
As the girls entered the common room, three chins simultaneously hit the floor as the three pair of eyes attached to those heads became fixed on their targets.
Alex was the first to gain a degree of composure as he walked over to Jamie and said, "You're stunning. I'm going to be the envy of the ball with you on my arm. Oh! Here I got you flowers." Alex stretched the band as Jamie slid her hand through the wrist corsage.
Matt and Randy just stood staring at Caitlin until Amanda finally cleared her throat.
"We got you flowers, too. Here, Randy." Matt handed the corsage to Randy.
Unfortunately the boys had purchased pin on flowers. Randy just looked at Caitlin dress. There were no straps and the dress was cut straight across the front just above the nipples that would some day be the focal point of her breasts. He handed the flowers back to Matt. "I told you we should have gotten one for the wrist. You do it."
Matt's hand shook as it headed toward Caitlin's chest. "Cait, I'm afraid I'll stab you unless… Am I going to get slapped if I stick my hand in there to prevent the pin from pricking you?"
Jamie had been watching the boys, while trying not to laugh. She winked at Caitlin. "I doubt Caitlin would slap you under the circumstances, but I don't think it's a good idea for you to get used to putting your hand on her chest no matter how noble the intentions. I think I have a better suggestion." Jamie drew her wand from its sheath and pointed it at the flowers. "Rubando." Suddenly Matt was holding a wrist corsage that he easily slipped over Caitlin's hand.
"Let's get going people," Amanda urged. "I'd like to see my date before the evening is over."
They quickly traversed the corridors and flights of stairs that led to the Great Hall. As they turned the corner Amanda saw Tony standing at the bottom of the tall main staircase awaiting their arrival. They got to within a few meters of the stairs when, Jamie and Caitlin both froze as if having the same thought. They couldn't descend those without giving Tony the show of shows. Being a naturist is not being an exhibitionist.
They stood there for a few moments before Matt leaned over and whispered in Caitlin's ear. "You and Jamie don't have knickers on, do you?"
Caitlin shook her head, no.
"Randy, walk down the stairs in front of Jamie. I'll walk in front of Caitlin. We don't want anyone looking up the ladies' robes," Matt suggested.
When they all reached the main level, Tony joined Amanda and gave her a kiss on the cheek before placing flowers on her wrist. "Amanda, you look dazzling tonight."
She responded, "Thank you Tony. You're looking quite handsome." Amanda felt like she was about to melt.
Tony looked again at Amanda and then noticed Jamie and Caitlin's robes. "I think it's lucky that Alex and I are both Beaters. We'll probably have to spend the entire evening defending you three beautiful women. What do you say we check out the decorations in the Great Hall?"
As they walked through the open doors of the Great Hall they saw that the House tables had vanished; instead, there were about thirty smaller, lantern-lit ones, each capable of seating about a dozen people. The walls of the Hall had all been covered in sparking silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling.
As they walked by one table, a group of first years called to Caitlin, Matt and Randy to join them. Caitlin looked at Jamie as if in search of permission. "Go ahead and join your friends. You don't want to spend your entire evening with us old fogies. Caitlin, don't forget the charm." Jamie smiled as Caitlin and her two escorts joined their friends. Then she glanced at Amanda. "Next year, I'll have her and a real sister here."
They found an empty table and took seats just as a hushed murmur started to spread through the Hall. The intensity amplified and suddenly everyone sprang to his or her feet and started applauding. Jamie soon realized that the applause was for Professor Granger and Professor Potter who had just entered the Hall with Professor Weasley and Samantha Bowman. Most of the school had been on vacation when their engagement was announced. This was the first time the student body had the opportunity to voice their approval and they were most certainly doing so.
As Hermione and Harry just stood there stunned, Ron grabbed Sam's hand and hurried toward the stage. Sam watched as he jumped on the stage and after speaking to the lead singer a few seconds; he took the microphone in hand. "Could I please have your attention for a few moments?" The crowd slowly quieted down.
"September, twelve years ago I was a petrified first year student searching for a place to sit on the Hogwarts Express. I happened upon a compartment occupied by a solitary boy; a boy with broken glasses, unruly hair and a scar on his forehead.
"Later an obnoxious know it all little girl with messy hair and buck teeth visited our compartment. Ever since that day, the boy has been trying to get me killed and the girl has been bossing me around.
"The three of us had a truly special friendship, but for Harry and Hermione it's always been more than friendship. You'd think that two people that could figure out how to defeat Lord Voldemort, could figure out they loved each other. Especially when one of them is the smartest witch alive.
"But no, it took them twelve long years till they finally figured it out. I know these two too well. When they get married it will be a quiet affair and I won't get to make any speeches. They also probably won't have a reception and get to dance a first dance as a husband and wife. I know we are a few months early, but let's make them dance that dance for us tonight." The students burst into applause approving the idea. "He hasn't changed much. The hair is still messy and he still has a scar, but at least he has new glasses. She's changed a lot; quite a lot. I'd like to introduce the future Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter."
On cue The Weird Sisters started playing a slow number as the students applauded for their favorite professors to lead off the first dance. Hermione looked into Harry eyes, "We don't have a choice sweetheart."
Harry smiled at Hermione. "Yes we do. I choose to love you more and more everyday of my life. May I have this dance, my bride to be?" Harry took her hand and led her onto the floor as the group played Lady in Red.
As Harry and Hermione took the floor, Tony commented to Alex, "I can't believe that's Professor Granger. I always thought she was attractive, but she's so…"
"Hot! I think the word you're looking for is hot. Potter is quite a lucky bloke," Alex remarked.
Amanda jumped in. "Professor Granger isn't doing so bad herself. Professor Potter has been on the top ten handsome bachelors list the last six years. Professor Malfoy and he usually fight it out for first place. They each have three firsts and three seconds. I guess it ends in a tie."
Jamie listened to her friends' gossip as she watched Harry and Hermione dance. Yes, they were an attractive couple, but their love went far beyond physical attributes. Their love was based on friendship and compassion. Harry fell in love with Hermione long before she transformed into the lovely swan she is today and she loved him before he grew into a handsome wizard. The kind of love they have will never die because of a few wrinkles or unwanted pounds.
Jamie's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of The Weird Sisters lead singer. "Since we're acting as if this is an early wedding reception, will the best man and the maid of honor and their companions please join the future bride and groom? Caitlin, Will you and your date please join the wedding party?"
Sam dragged Ron onto the dance floor as Jamie coaxed a hesitant Alex. Meanwhile, Caitlin was torn as to whether to dance with Matt or Randy until Matt dejectedly spoke, "Randy and I had decided that since you were here with both of us tonight, we would alternate dances. He won the toss, so he gets the first dance."
"No! This isn't the first dance; it's a special dance. You're both special to me? I'm either dancing with both of you or not dancing at all."
"You realize that we're going to look ridiculous?" Randy questioned.
"And that everyone will laugh at us?" Matt added.
"So, are we going to do it or not?" Caitlin asked.
"Of course!" Both boys responded as they each grabbed a hand and led Caitlin on to the floor.
* * * * * *
Nothing makes a girl feel more like a princess than attending a ball with her prince. Amanda was having the most
enjoyable evening of her life. No one had ever treated her like Tony. He literally made her feel like a princess. They
had danced most of the night and when they weren't dancing he only talked about her and how he wished he had asked
her out sooner.
Caitlin felt like the belle of the Ball. All the Gryffindor first year boys asked her to dance at least once, as did both a second and third year boy. Even Alex and Tony asked her to dance. With the help of Jamie, she even remembered to recharm her robes thus avoiding the wrath of her mother.
If Caitlin felt like the belle of the Ball, imagine how Jamie felt. She hadn't sat out one dance. Even Professor Weasley and Harry had asked her to dance. She had danced a slow number with Harry and felt like she was going to melt when he wrapped his arm around her bareback. Jamie realized that Harry and she were never intended to be lovers. She was glad that he hadn't taken advantage of a foolish girl. Yet, she felt a strong connection to Harry, much more than a teacher-student bond. She felt that somehow they would become even closer.
Hermione had her prince. Life was good; life was terrific. She had a profession she venerated, an adopted daughter that she cherished, a soon to be husband that she adored and if early indications were correct perchance a child on the way.
She hadn't told Harry yet because it was too soon. She hadn't even missed a menstrual period yet; that was due Monday, but she had been experiencing a sensation of nausea for the last week.
Hermione noticed Caitlin was taking a break and had glanced in her direction. Hermione pulled on her ear lobe. Caitlin smiled and pulled on hers. "Harry, she is finally sitting out a dance. It's probably now or never." Then as an after thought she said. "Oh! Harry. If you lift her; please make sure first that she has renewed the charm."
Harry glanced over to where Caitlin was seated. "Ron, will you please entertain Hermione while I have a dance with my daughter." Ron nodded his head as Harry walked toward where Caitlin was seated.
Hermione watched as she saw Harry go into his act; a smile covered her face. Harry first bowed and then as Caitlin accepted his offer and got out of her chair, he took her hand and kissed it. "He looks like someone out of a bad B movie, doesn't he?"
"I think your husband to be is very sweet," Sam sighed and then looked at Ron. "Almost as sweet as Big Red."
Ron blushed, "If you ladies will excuse me for just a moment, I have to see a man about a horse."
Hermione looked at Sam irritated, "Why can't a man just say he has to take a pee or whatever? Why do they insist on using silly phrases that mean nothing?"
Sam laughed, "I don't know. Ron's the same way with sex. He has yet to say 'let's have sex' or 'let's make love'. He always says something corny like roll in the hay or go bowling."
Hermione blushed a deep red, "Harry never asks. He knows it isn't necessary. I'd make love to him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week if we were physically able."
It was Sam's turn to blush. "I thought Ron and I had it bad."
Out of the blue Hermione said, "Do you think the two of you will ever get married?"
Sam shook her head, "All he has to do is ask. I know he loves me, and he loves Timmy, too. You should see them together. It's the whole werewolf thing. He thinks that he is some kind of monster and that he would be ruining both Timmy's life and my own. He doesn't understand that it doesn't matter. I love him."
Suddenly Hermione turned ghastly white. "Are you alright, Hermione? You look sick."
"I'm unexpectedly feeling a little nauseous. Please, excuse me for a moment. I'm going to step outside."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, I'll be fine. You wait here for Ron and Harry. They'll go into a panic if they come back and find us both missing. I'll be fine if I get a little fresh air."
Sam watched as Hermione headed to the terrace doors. Just before she reached them, a young boy handed her a small box. She took the box and proceeded out the door.
Samantha stood by herself only a few moments before Ron returned. "Where's Hermione?"
Sam answered, "She stepped outside for a few moments. Had a sudden feeling of nausea. I wouldn't want to start any rumors but the way she looked reminded me of my first month carrying Timmy."
"You think she's pregnant?"
"Let's not jump to conclusions, but yes."
"I wonder if Harry knows?"
"From the way those robes cling to her flat stomach, I would guess that she may not even be sure herself. Not to change the subject, but the evening is almost over. Think there is a chance of the chaperones having one more dance?"
"Excellent chance. Here comes Harry now. Let me tell him where Hermione is and then I'll step on your feet some more."
Sam giggled, "Yes, we have to work on your dancing skills a little. I believe a slow dance is known as a foxtrot, not a wolf stomp."
As soon as Harry was within conversational distance, he inquired as to Hermione's whereabouts. Ron and Sam told him she had stepped outside for a moment and then after indicating the door through which she had exited; they went off to dance.
Caitlin had watched her father walk across the floor and as soon as she saw him hurrying to the terrace doors she scurried after him, thinking perhaps something was amiss. Jamie noticed Caitlin and followed to see what the trouble was.
Harry had only exited the hall when the girls caught up to him. "Is something wrong Dad? Where's Mum?" Caitlin asked.
"Everything's fine. Your mum just stepped out for a moment. She was feeling slightly queasy. You girls will catch your death out here dressed the way you are. Go back inside. I'll locate her."
Jamie had a sudden uneasy feeling in her stomach. Caitlin and her exchanged glances before Jamie said, "We're not cold. Let us help you locate her."
Since they were on the far end of the Great Hall, Hermione could have turned either left or right and walked to one of the long sides. Harry suggested that the girls go left and that he would go right. Harry had just reached his corner when he heard Jamie screaming, "Professor Potter, come quick!"
Harry turned and ran toward the sound of Jamie's voice. He ran past the point where they had exited the Great Hall, but when he got to the corner of the terrace, he just stopped and looked in disbelief and dismay. In front of him stood Caitlin and Jamie, both with tears flowing down their cheeks. Jamie was holding the sheath containing Hermione's wand in her left hand. In her right hand she clutched a tiny pair of red knickers and Hermione's red dress. Caitlin was kneeling next to her mum's shoes and a small box. In one hand she held a necklace and a pair of earrings. With the other hand she had just picked up her mum's engagement ring.
Hermione Granger had vanished.
End of Chapter 16
WARNING: The next few chapters are quite intense and graphic. Read at your own risk.
Special thanks as always to the best three betas in the world: Andrew, Atlantis and Zena.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. If it hadn't been for you, this story probably would have never gotten past chapter one.
If you would like to discuss the story or receive a response to your review, please Join Hogwarts Exposed