HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN
Jamie grabbed the books off her bed and hurried out of the seventh year girls' dormitory to join Alex and Amanda, who were already in the common room. As she was about to pass the third year dorm, the door opened and Caitlin slowly emerged.
"What are you doing!?" Jamie asked, coming to an abrupt halt.
"I'm about to give Matt an answer," Caitlin answered, trying to hold back her tears.
"No you're not," Jamie barked. "At least not until I know the question.
Chapter Eleven
Driving the Point Home
"Would you mind explaining to me why it appears like you were about to go down to the common room totally starkers?" Jamie asked.
"Because that's exactly what I intend to do," Caitlin declared. "That is, unless you have it in mind to stop me."
"Suppose we step into your dorm for a minute and you explain to me exactly what's going on," Jamie suggested. "Then I'll decide whether I'm going to stop you or not."
Caitlin turned back into the room as Jamie followed her. She tossed the towel she was carrying onto her bed and then sat down. Jamie sat down next to her and placed her hand on Caitlin's leg. "What did Matt do?" Jamie asked as if reading Caitlin's mind.
"Do you remember the first day you and I spent together nude?" Caitlin asked.
"Like it was yesterday," Jamie answered with a smile.
"I asked you a question about not wearing knickers and you ended up telling me a story about Trelawney's class."
"Yeah, I remember," Jamie said, thinking back to the day.
Caitlin wasn't sure what to do so she looked at Jamie for guidance. Jamie nodded for her to go ahead with her question. The other girls all gathered around in anticipation. "You said you never wear any knickers, but yet you wear mini skirts. Aren't you concerned you will give a show?"
The other girls looked back and forth at each other. They wanted to hear the answer to this question, too. "I prefer skirts to jeans for the same reason that I don't wear knickers. I like the freedom. I like the feel of the air on my vagina. I try to bend and lean properly so that I'm not exposing myself, but if someone should see me, I don't think of it as that big a deal. After all if I had my choice, they'd be seeing all of me naked. Usually if a person sees that part of me, it's just a quick glance and they think they are mistaken."
"You mean like Alex before Trelawney's class two years ago?" Amanda laughed.
"That was an unusual circumstance. I'm glad it wasn't someone like Dick Bancroft or I never would have heard the end of it."
"What happened?" Caitlin asked.
"It was June of our 3rd year. The temperature was predicted to be in the high nineties, so I had worn as little as possible under my robes. I had on a thin mesh white half tee that barely covered my breasts and the shortest mini I owned. Still I was dying through most of the day, as was everyone else. You can't believe how hot those black robes can get. We had Divinations with Trelawney the last period and her class is held in the North Tower. You have to climb a silvery ladder to get to it and the room is normally hot because of all the candles she burns. We hadn't even reached the ladder and every one was complaining how hot they were. I could feel that my tee was completely soaked."
"When we reached the bottom of the ladder Professor Trelawney yelled down for us to take off our robes and leave them at the bottom of the ladder because the temperature was well over 100 degrees in her room. I was concerned what type of reaction I would get as I dropped my robes. No one said a word, but Amanda told me later that I might as well have taken the tee off too because there was no mystery, it was totally transparent."
"Now Alex and Amanda are used to seeing me naked so they told me that I should go up the ladder first and they would cover my flank."
Caitlin stopped Jamie for verification. "Alex has seen you naked? Is he a naturist?"
"Alex a naturist! Not hardly. I think he takes a shower with his clothes on, but he's been cool about me being nude ever since he found out in first year. He's seen me naked dozens of times. Anyway I started up the ladder with Alex behind me, followed by Amanda. Now Alex, of course, was being the perfect gentleman by looking straight ahead and not up my skirt until I asked him a question and he automatically looked up as I was lifting my right leg to the next step of the ladder. He later told me that he could have easily given me a gynecological exam."
Caitlin turned red. "You mean he saw up inside you. That must have embarrassed you."
"Why should it? It's just another part of my body. Guys have their sex organ out on display. Girls have theirs inside. I don't feel it's a big deal."
Caitlin nodded her head, obviously now in agreement with what Jamie had said.
"How did Professor Trelawney handle you being virtually topless?" Caitlin asked.
"That was one of the biggest surprises of my life. I thought she would send me out of the tower or give me detention. I know Professor Granger would have. Trelawney just looked at me and smiled. Then she commented that thanks to me she wouldn't have to worry about any of the boys closing their eyes in class today."
"Jamie, was Alex upset because your blouse became transparent and everyone could see your breasts?" Caitlin asked.
"You have to remember, that was long before Alex and I became a couple." Jamie smiled. "I think he just sat back with everyone else and enjoyed the show I was giving."
"Now that you're going together, does he ever give you a hard time about being a nudist or not wearing a bra and knickers?"
"No. I actually brought up the subject once," Jamie replied. "Obviously Alex doesn't go around lifting my skirt or encouraging me to give shows, but he has a sweet way of reacting if someone does get an accidental look."
"What does he do?"
"He smiles at me and says 'There's someone else who knows how very beautiful you are and how extremely lucky I am."
"He's not the only one that's lucky," Caitlin said. "You're lucky to have someone who loves you so much and is so understanding and accepting."
"Yes, I am," Jamie agreed, "but we're supposed to be talking about you and Matt, not Alex and I."
"Matt caught a similar view of me going up Trelawney's ladder today," Caitlin confessed. "Although he said he was enthralled by the view, he practically ordered me to start wearing trousers. He even went as far as to tell me to put on a bra." Caitlin gave a depressed sigh. "I told him that I'd give him my answer tonight."
"And your answer is to cause a riot by walking into the common room completely naked? Couldn't you just tell him that you're his girlfriend and not his possession?" Jamie asked.
"I tried that," Caitlin answered dejectedly. "He claims he loves me, but at the same time he wants to change me."
"He's an arse," Jamie replied, shaking her head in sympathy. "You do remember though that Hermione forbid us both from going into the common room nude."
Caitlin nodded her head.
"You also know that the first and second years were not a part of the Gryffindor House that accepted us as nudists and gave their blessing for us to be naked."
Caitlin nodded her head again.
"You also realize how much trouble you could potentially get in."
Caitlin nodded her head once more. "I also appreciate that in all likelihood it will mean the end of Matt's and my relationship. Jamie, I'm a naturist. I love being a naturist. I'm proud of who I am and I don't want to change. It's the only way he'll understand."
Jamie got to her feet. "I love you, but you're crazy to do this," she said as she started to unbutton her blouse.
"What are you doing? Caitlin asked.
"You supported me on Halloween, two years ago. I'm supporting you tonight."
"No! No you can't," Caitlin begged. "You're in your seventh year and Head Girl. I won't let you risk everything you've worked so hard to achieve. Besides, I have to do this on my own. He won't understand otherwise."
"Okay! Have it your way," Jamie said, "but give me a head start so that I can clue in Alex and Amanda. Good luck! I love you!" Jamie put her arms around Caitlin and held her tightly. Then she kissed her on the cheek and headed for the door.
As Jamie entered the common room, Matt immediately ran up to her. "Have you seen Caitlin? I've been waiting for her all night."
"I was just talking to her," Jamie replied. "She'll be down in a few minutes. You might want to sit down."
"She's going to do what?" Amanda asked, a look of horror on her face as Jamie explained what Caitlin was about to do. "I can't believe you didn't talk her out of it."
"Amanda, when were we ever successful in talking Jamie out of anything once she set her mind to it?" Alex asked. "Caitlin is no different."
Jamie nodded her head. "If I were in her shoes, I'd likely be doing the same thing. Fortunately, I'm not," she said reaching for Alex's hand.
"Oh! My God! She didn't call it off," Amanda cried, staring at the vestibule to the girls' staircase.
It was only moments before everyone in the Common Room was staring in Caitlin's direction. Some were doing more than staring, as Caitlin tried unsuccessfully to speak about the din.
"What the hell are you doing?" Matt hollered as he ran over to Caitlin. "Are you crazy? Everyone is gawking at you. Go back to your dorm immediately."
"I don't think so," Caitlin said defiantly. "What you see is me! The real me! You can either accept me or reject me, but don't try to change me."
Caitlin ignored Matt's protests and turned to the room in general. "Can I please have your attention," Caitlin said, but her words were lost amid the clamor her nakedness had caused. She had their attention, every eye in the room was on her, but they wouldn't listen to what she had to say.
"Shut up and let the girl talk," Alex bellowed over the racket. He walked over to Caitlin and stood behind her, placing his hands reassuringly on her bare shoulders. "I realize none of you are accustomed to a beautiful young lady baring herself in front of you, but that's no reason to act like a bunch of moronic five year olds. Two years ago, most of you were present when Jamie and Caitlin revealed to us that they were nudists. At that time they explained to us their lifestyle and many of you graciously granted them permission to put into practice nudism in the common room. They never took us up on that offer. Maybe for some reason, Caitlin's changed her mind. Wouldn't you at least like to know why she's standing here naked?"
Although it was evident from their facial expressions that the students, especially the first and second years, had varying opinions on Caitlin being nude, it seemed they were all fairly interested in the reason why. They continued to gawk at the naked girl, but remained quiet, waiting for her to speak. Alex turned to return to Jamie, but Caitlin reached out and snatched his hand, clutching it tightly. He smiled and remained by her side.
Caitlin cleared her throat and then began to speak, her voice cracking because of her nervousness. "If I sound nervous, it's because I am," Caitlin began, "but not for the reason you probably expect. I'm not uneasy because I'm nude. I'm nervous because of what many of you are thinking, especially you first and second years."
She paused a moment. "You guys, in particular, must think me a tart," she said looking in the direction of the first years. "We haven't even had time to get to know each other yet, nevertheless I'm exposing myself to you.
"It is really difficult to explain naturism to someone who has never tried it. Do any of you have an old shirt or a pair of pants that you wear more than anything else you own simply because it feels especially comfortable on you and you're relaxed when wearing it? That's the way I am with being nude; it's the way I feel most contented. Hard as it may be for you to believe or understand, this is the most comfortable I've been in the common room in two years, despite the fact that many of you are staring a hole right through me.
"I wear clothes to classes only because the school rules necessitate it. I'd prefer to be nude all the time, but I'm not allowed. Every day I live a charade, pretending to be someone I'm not. Please tolerate me being myself. I'm not trying to hurt anyone. I'm not a tart and I'm not trying to attract attention. I just want to be me." Alex pulled Caitlin into his arms as she started to cry.
"It's up to you guys," Alex said, looking out over the common room. "No one can give Caitlin permission to do what she's asking. I'm sure it's against a multitude of school rules." Alex looked toward Jamie and she nodded her head. "If anyone has a problem with Caitlin being comfortable in the common room, just inform the Head Girl or myself anonymously and we'll require her to dress. If we receive no complaints, we'll remain blind to the situation."
"But what if the Headmaster or one of the professors finds out?" asked a fourth year girl. "What if someone owls their parents and they in turn contact the Board of Governors?"
"Well for starters, I think the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl will be open," Alex replied with a laugh. "But if anyone in this room does that, then the sorting hat made a horrible mistake. I have faith in my fellow Gryffindors. I'm not saying you all understand Caitlin's feeling about nudity; I'm just saying that Gryffindors don't purposely hurt other Gryffindors by stabbing them in the back."
Two first year girls that had been whispering to each other suddenly became silent and exchanged guilty, embarrassed glances.
Alex put his arm around Caitlin, leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'm not sure how long this will last or what the ultimately consequences might be, but for tonight at least feel free to be comfortable."
Matt looked at Caitlin disbelievingly. "You did this all because I asked you to wear trousers?"
"I don't recall you ever asking me to do anything," Caitlin retorted. "If I remember correctly, you ordered me as if I were your slave or servant." Caitlin backed slightly away from Matt.
"Take a look! Take a good long, hard look! I'm a nudist. I intend to be one the rest of my life and I have it in mind to be naked whenever possible. Anyone wanting to be my friend is going to have to accept that and not try to change me."
"And what about someone who wants to be more than a friend?" Matt asked.
"Matt, I thought we had something special. I even fantasized about us someday getting married. But I'm not going to change, and I'm not about to take orders. When I get married it will be to someone that is willing to love and accept me, as I am, someone who thinks of his wife as a partner, not a subordinate. I wanted you to be that someone, but…" Caitlin trailed off.
"I'm sorry," Caitlin said, tears once more filling her eyes. "You mean the world to me, but I think we need to take a break from each other. I think you have to reconsider if I'm the right girl for you." Caitlin turned away from Matt and walked confidently across the room toward the other third years. Matt watched her briefly, then turned and sprinted up the stairs to his dorm.
"It looks like they broke up," Amanda surmised.
"Yeah," Jamie agreed sadly. "She liked him a lot. It won't be easy." Without warning Jamie threw her arms around Alex and kissed him soundly.
"Please tell me what I did to deserve that, so I can do it again," Alex said, when Jamie finally released him.
"That's just for being you and giving love and support to Caitlin," Jamie responded. "I love you."
Alex didn't have to repeat the words, they were etched in his eyes, "Since we're blind to Caitlin's nudity, can I assume you'll be joining her?" Alex asked.
"I wish I could," Jamie said contemplatively. "Two years ago, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. Now being Head Girl and all, I probably shouldn't. It's going to be hard enough explaining to Harry and Hermione that we allowed Caitlin to do this without me also participating."
"Then you think someone will spill the beans," Alex asked concernedly.
"I don't know," Jamie replied. "Maybe not right away, but Caitlin is only starting her third year. It seems rather unrealistic to think she could spend the next five years running around starkers in the common room without anyone ever becoming the wiser."
"In other words, I shouldn't become too attached to my Head Boy badge?" Alex asked.
"I wouldn't."
* * * * * *
"Harry, do you think there is something wrong with us? Are we sex maniacs?" Hermione asked, as she and Harry relaxed after a very fulfilling session.
"What would make you ask such a question?" Harry replied.
"I've read in different books that many couples, after they been together for a while, only have sex once a week; some do it even less," Hermione informed him. "You and I seldom miss a night and more often than not do it multiple times."
"The difference could be that we don't have sex," Harry asserted. "We make love."
He held Hermione in his arms, staring lovingly into her face. "I can't believe I was so blind for so many years. All that time we spent together; all those adventures we shared. How could I not see that I'd never be happy with anyone but you?"
"I was just as sightless," Hermione confessed. "Maybe it's true that sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees."
"And sometimes it just takes a good kick in the pants to wake you up," said Harry.
"I assume now that you're referring to Draco and Ginny," Hermione said. "I still can't believe that finally, after all this time, he just up and popped the question."
"Draco is unusually good at hiding his true emotions, but I think the kidnappings significantly affected him. I believe that he suddenly came to the realization as to just how fragile life is."
"Do you think he's afraid of dying before he's experienced having a family?" Hermione questioned.
"That among other things," Harry answered somberly. "I just hope his intentions toward Ginny are sincere."
* * * * * * *
Thursday, September 29, 2005
"Good night buddy," Ron said after tucking Timmy in bed. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Daddy, I love you."
Ron lumbered back toward his and Sam's bedroom.
"Okay, Ron! Out with it. What's bothering you?" Sam asked as Ron sat gloomily on the edge of the bed.
"Nothing," Ron lied.
"Ronald Weasley, don't lie to me," Sam scolded. "I'm your wife. We share good times and bad times. Something is bothering you. Out with it."
"The students hate me," said Ron. "They think I'm a terrible teacher."
"I doubt that," Sam said, encouragingly. "I'm sure you're exaggerating."
"No I'm not. You forget that werewolves have very acute hearing," Ron pointed out. "I hear them talking when they think I'm out of range. They all wish they had Ginny for 'Anatomy of the Sexes,' She's the sexy, cool Weasley; the one who's not afraid to tell it like it is. Today, one group actually said that I made Binns seem alive and exciting by comparison."
"Honestly Ron, it can't be that bad," Sam said supportively. "What do you have the classes do?"
"Read and outline the chapter," Ron answered.
"And once they've outlined the chapter, what then?" Sam pressed
"Then they read and outline the next chapter," Ron answered, sounding as if this was certainly the most logical progression.
"They just read and outline? Don't you ever discuss the material with them?" Sam asked. "I know those textbooks were the best available, but they're old and out of date. They're lacking a lot of important information."
"They're thirteen and fourteen year olds," Ron said in horror. "Half of them are girls. You don't actually expect me to discuss sex with them?"
"No, not your personal experiences," Sam said, shaking her head in disappointment. "But I would think you'd at least discuss the material they've read in the text and give them the opportunity to ask questions."
"But what if they ask a sexually explicit question? How do I answer that in mixed company?" Ron asked.
"Honestly," Sam responded. "Tell them the truth. Your job is to give them the facts so that they can make educated decisions with their lives. Isn't it better for you to end up red faced and embarrassed because you had to answer an uncomfortable question than for a young girl to end up pregnant because she never got the opportunity to ask the question?"
"As usual, you're right," said Ron. "Maybe you should be teaching this class."
"No, you're the teacher. You just needed a little help getting your head on straight. You'll do fine tomorrow," Sam said, positively.
Ron hugged his wife lovingly. If only he had as much faith in his abilities as she did.
* * * * * *
"Ginny, would it shame you, if you became pregnant before our wedding?" Draco asked, as he cuddled with his
wife-to-be.
"Are you that eager to become a father?" Ginny asked, still mystified by the changes in Draco's behavior.
"Yes!" Draco declared candidly. "I understand your desire to wait until the end of the school year to get married, but if we wait that long to conceive, the baby won't be born until next winter."
"I could check with Poppy," Ginny suggested. "Perhaps she has a concoction to counteract the birth control potion I took. You do realize that I could possibly end up full term by the time our wedding day arrives, don't you?"
From the smile on Draco's face, it appeared that was exactly what he was hoping for.
* * * * * *
Friday, September 30, 2005
"This is quickly becoming my least favorite class," Matt said as he and Randy neared the classroom.
"I have the same opinion," Randy agreed. "I can only think of two things good about the class. It's only a single period and it only meets once a week."
"Did you ever think you'd be struggling to keep awake in a sex education class?" Matt asked.
"We wouldn't be if we had a decent teacher," replied Randy. "Kim says that the other professor Weasley is really cool. She discusses everything in the book and even allows them to ask any questions they want. It's just our luck to get the loser Weasley as our professor."
"Speaking of losers, here he comes," Matt said as they were seated. "Wish I had remembered to go back to the dorm for my pillow."
As Ron entered the room, all the third year Gryffindors, took out their textbooks, anticipating their professor's instructions.
"Textbooks away. You won't need them today," Ron said tensely, as he seated himself on the desk. "You've read the first four chapters. Hopefully, by now, you're bursting with questions."
Tentatively, Michael Hallowell raised his hand. "Professor, must the question be limited to the material in the first four chapters?"
Ron noticeably gulped, his face already warming. "I'd prefer we concentrate on the material we've all read, but if you have a pressing question, I'll endeavor to deal with it."
"Sir, is there actually a penalty for having sex under age fifteen or is that just a fairy-tale told by our parents to scare us into abstaining?" Michael continued.
Ron relaxed slightly. This wasn't too bad. He could handle this question; it didn't deal with the actual sex act or body parts.
"It's not a myth," Ron began, "and unfortunately many magical parents neglect to inform their children of the consequences. Sexual intercourse prior to age fifteen is considered rape. If the male is fifteen or older he will be sent to Azkaban, the sentence varies depending on the age of the girl involved: the younger the girl, the longer the sentence. If both parties are under age, neither is sent to Azkaban, but rather both taken from their, now declared unfit, parents and placed in a juvenile detention center until they are fifteen."
"Excuse me, sir!" Jennifer asked raising her hand. "What if the girl is fifteen, but not the boy?"
"Nothing would happen because the spell that causes the names to appear in the Offenders Log would not be triggered," Professor Weasley replied.
Caitlin's hand shot into the air.
"Yes, Miss Potter."
"Then are you in actuality saying that a boy could have sex under fifteen and get away with it, but a girl can't?" she asked.
"The age requirement law applies to both boys and girls, but only girls generate a posting in the log."
"That seems unfair and extremely sexist," Caitlin declared. "What exactly sets off this spell?"
The conversation was going in a direction that was making Ron nervous, but he took a deep breath and said, "Semen. Semen within proximity of the walls of the vagina triggers the spell and causes the names of both offenders to be registered. I don't know exactly how it works, but every female witch born since the early fifteen hundreds has had this as a part of their DNA." Ron hesitated slightly. "Before anyone asks, those rubber things that Muggles use don't prevent detection."
Caitlin appeared to be extremely angry with reference to her newly obtained knowledge. "I don't have a problem so much with the law. Fifteen seems reasonable, but I do have a problem that my own body has somehow been implanted with something that snitches on me. It's an invasion of privacy. Why was this done to only girls?"
"I've never been a great student of history," said Professor Weasley. "In today's world, in most countries, perhaps it wouldn't be necessary. We are, however, talking about a time when girls entered into arranged marriages as early as age ten; an age at which they were not even yet truly a woman.
"Not to change the subject, but have any of you heard of King Henry V.," Ron asked. Every hand was raised. "How many of you can tell me the name of his mother?" Every hand quickly went down.
"His mother's name was Mary de Bohum. She was a witch, but she never got to attend Hogwarts and learn magical skills. Can anyone tell me why?" Everyone remained silent.
"The reason is that she married Henry IV in 1381 when she was only twelve and died at the age of twenty while giving birth to her sixth child. At that time in history people only seemed to be concerned with carrying on a family name. Hogwarts although never a single sex school, might just as well have been one. Girls that attended were for the most part withdrawn by their second or third year in order to marry.
"It was at that time that the international magical world met and decided to take action. Many wanted to set the age of consent at eighteen, but finally compromised on fifteen."
"But how did that stop prearranged marriages?" Caitlin asked.
"It didn't," Professor Weasley answered. "Muggles continued to marry at ridiculously young ages. Magical families for the most part saw the wisdom in keeping children, children until they finished their education."
"Did the Muggle world follow suit and also set an age of consent?" Jennifer asked.
"It took them a little while," Ron answered with a laugh. "There was no age of consent for Muggles until 1861 and then it was established as twelve. Knowledge of why something is as it is doesn't always bring acceptance, but hopefully it will at least bring understanding. I hope that answers the question to your satisfaction."
"Sir, what about the other two openings? Will they trigger an alarm?" Michael inquired.
Professor Weasley's face turned as bright red as his hair. Some of the class stared at Michael in awe that he would be so daring as to ask such a question. Others just stared questioningly not understanding at all what he was talking about. Only Jennifer raised her hand.
"Professor, what is he talking about?" Jennifer asked innocently. "In order to have sex, the male penis is inserted into the female vagina. Any eight year old knows that; there aren't any other openings."
Jennifer's statement was followed by some looks of agreement, some blank stares and some hidden chuckles.
"I think he's talking about oral and anal sex," Caitlin offered openly.
For a moment Ron just stared at Caitlin in disbelief. Then he withdrew his handkerchief and wiped his now profusely sweating brow. For the first time in his life, he wanted to strangle Sam. Why had he listened to her? How could he wiggle his way out of this? He couldn't tell them they're too young to know about such things, even though he certainly felt that way. All he could hear was Sam saying, "Be Honest. Tell them the truth."
"Is that what you're referring to, Mr. Hallowell?" Ron asked, practically having to drag the words out of his mouth.
"Yes, Sir," Michael said apprehensively. He wasn't too sure now that it had been at all wise to ask such a question. Jennifer, Jane and Lynn looked like they were about to be sick. The balance of the class was just looking, rather more, staring in his direction.
"Neither will trigger the alarm," Ron stated truthfully, but reluctantly. "As much as I'd like to leave the subject there, I'm afraid that in good conscience, I just can't. You're still only thirteen. In my opinion you are much too young to consider any type of sexual activity." Ron looked at his watch; class was nearly over.
"Next week we'll talk more about these alternatives. At your age you should be abstaining from any type of sex, but just in case, I want you to be aware of health precautions that should be taken."
"Are any of you currently in a relationship?" Professor Weasley asked, concernedly.
Caitlin found herself automatically looking in Matt's direction. As their eyes met, they both quickly turned their heads. No one raised his or her hand.
"Good! Then we should be safe leaving it there till next time."
* * * * * *
October 20, 2005
"I can't believe it," Jamie said, as she and Amanda watched Caitlin playing exploding snap.
"She's been spending every evening nude in the common room for over a month now and no one has even as much as
grumbled about it, much less officially complained."
"It would have been unexpected if any of the boys had complained," Amanda stated. "Caitlin might not be up to Playwizard standards, but she is no longer a toddler either. I imagine some of the older boys even get a lot of pleasure out of gazing at her.
"Honestly, I expected problems from some of the younger girls, especially the first years who didn't know her. I thought they'd feel threatened by an attractive blonde parading about nude."
Jamie studied Caitlin for a while before responding to Amanda. "When did that all happen?" Jamie asked as if seeing Caitlin for the first time. "She's always had a pretty face and beautiful hair, but she's not a skinny string bean any more. Her little buds have even blossomed into breasts."
"Personally, I'd kill to have a firm little butt like hers," Amanda said, enviously. "Mine sort of shifted with pregnancy and it doesn't seem to have any intentions of shifting back."
"Most of the house seems to have adapted to her nudity," Jamie observed. "They might still initially check her out when she enters the room, but then they seem to go about their business."
"With two obvious exceptions," Amanda noted. "Matt can't take his eyes off of her. I don't know if it's love or obsession, but he has it bad."
"You can't help notice Matt," Jamie said. "I think Caitlin still has feelings for him, too. I've considered talking to her about him, but decided against it. They have a huge abyss between them; I'm not sure it can even be bridged. If it can, they have to do it on their own."
Jamie looked observantly around the room. "You said two. Who is the second?"
Amanda indicated the smallest of a group of first year boys. He kept turning and looking yearningly in Caitlin direction. "I don't know when I've seen such a bad case of puppy love. Do you know his name?"
"That's Evan Creevey. Isn't he the sweetest little thing?" Jamie asked. "Every time I see him, I want to hug him"
"I wouldn't suggest it," Amanda warned. "He'd probably suffocate between the twin peaks."
Jamie gave Amanda a frown. "You don't understand. I guess I just feel sorry for him. He's an orphan. Voldemort's Death Eaters killed his parents, Albert and Betty, along with his brother Dennis. He's been raised most of his life by his oldest brother."
"It gives me the shivers, just to think of those days," Amanda said. "And from what I've read on him, Salazar Slytherin makes Voldemort sound like a nice guy. I can't believe that the Ministry is living in denial of his return."
"Oh! No!" Jamie cried, nervously.
"What is it? Amanda asked concernedly.
"Caitlin just got finished with her game and flopped down on the couch by herself. I think Evan has worked up the nerve to go talk to her. Please be kind to him, Caitlin. Please be kind," Jamie murmured.
"Why is it, that you never have a pair of extendable ears with you when you need them?" Amanda questioned. Then both girls stopped talking as they concentrated on trying to read lips.
"Hi!" Evan said nervously as he approached the couch. "You're Caitlin Potter."
"Yes, I am," Caitlin said, holding back a giggle. "And you've Evan Creevey."
"You know who I am?" Evan asked in surprise.
"I try to get to know everyone," Caitlin answered. "Especially my fellow house members. I'm sorry we haven't gotten to talk before. Why don't you have a seat?"
"Me! Me, sit with you! But you're pretty and naked."
Caitlin laughed. "I don't know about the pretty part, but I'm definitely naked. Please, sit down. I promise you that it's not catching; your clothes won't suddenly disappear."
Evan uncertainly took a seat as far away from Caitlin as feasible. "I have your Mum and Dad as professors," Evan said, trying to make conversation.
"I know," said Caitlin, unable to hold back a chuckle.
"You know! How did you know?" Evan asked in amazement.
"My parents teach all the first years," Caitlin responded.
Evan blushed. "You must think I'm a real dimwit."
"I think nothing of the kind. You're just nervous," Caitlin said pleasantly.
"Yeah! I've never been this close to a naked girl before." Evan shook his head.
"Who am I trying to fool? I've never even seen a naked girl before."
"Most boys your age haven't," Caitlin said reassuringly, "unless they're a naturist or have a sister without a modesty hang-up."
"It's not just that you're nude. You're beautiful," Evan avowed. "Your hair is like silk and your eyes… I've never seen a prettier blue."
"Are you sure you're only eleven?" Caitlin asked.
"I wish I was older," Evan said, a look of desperation in his eyes. "Your skin looks so smooth and soft." Evan blushed. "I'm sorry. I know it's wrong but I can't stop looking at your breasts. They're beautiful. Every part of you is grand." He glanced between her legs. "Even your, you know what, is splendid."
"I'm glad you think so," Caitlin said, a genuine smile on her face. "Evan, I'm a nudist; I don't embarrass easily. If looking at me pleases you, then feel free to look intently all you want. It won't bother me; actually in your case I'll consider it a compliment."
"Do you really mean it?" Evan asked, a smile spreading from ear to ear.
"I really mean it," Caitlin said returning the smile.
"Did you know you have a string sticking to you?" Evan asked innocently. "Want me to get it for you?" Evan didn't wait for an answer, but instead reached for the string.
Caitlin didn't have time to respond verbally. She grabbed Evan's hand as quickly as possible and held it securely against her inner thigh.
"What just happened?" Jamie asked anxiously.
"I don't know," Amanda answered, shock evident in her voice. "Evan looks scared to death, but Caitlin is smiling, actually laughing."
"The hell with the facial expressions, look where his hand is. Another three inches and she'd be pressing it against her vagina instead of her thigh," Jamie replied angrily.
"She moved it," Amanda said excitedly. "She's still holding it against her leg, but now its mid thigh."
"There better be a good explanation for what just occurred," Jamie growled. "Do you think anyone else saw what we did?"
"I don't think so," Amanda said, shaking her head. "No one is staring and everyone seems to be going about their business. Oh! Hell! Matt is on his feet and headed their direction. Evan's dead!"
"I'm sorry," Evan cried nervously, his face burning red. "I wasn't thinking. I saw the string and my first reaction was to pick it off of you. I forgot for the moment where it was. I didn't mean to be fresh. I really didn't. I'm sorry." Evan appeared on the verge of tears.
"Will you please calm down," Caitlin said, holding Evans hand even tighter. "I'm not angry with you. It wouldn't have been a huge deal to me if you had accidentally touched me there. I know you weren't making sexual advances. I think, however, that you would have been extremely embarrassed if you had pulled that string; it's attached to my tampon."
Although seemly impossible, Evan's face became an even brighter red.
"Evan, it's okay! Relax! I'm a girl. Girls have a period once a month. It's a fact of life and one of the reasons nudists always carry a towel to sit on."
Evan didn't have a chance to relax. The words telling him to do so had barely left Caitlin's lips, when Matt appeared next to the couch.
"What do you think you're doing with my girl, you insufferable little runt?" Matt yelled. "I hope Madam Pomfrey has a large supply of Skele-Gro on hand because I'm going to break every bone in your pitiful body."
"First of all I'm not your girlfriend and I haven't been for over a month," Caitlin screamed. "Secondly he wasn't doing anything wrong. And thirdly if you touch him, you'll destroy any slim chance that still exists for us to ever get back together."
"Are we having a problem over here?" Alex asked putting his hand firmly on Matt's shoulder.
"Not at all," Matt answered. "I was just on my way to bed and stopped to pass on good wishes to Caitlin and her new mini boyfriend." Matt shook free of Alex's grip and headed for his dorm.
"Did I screw up things between you and Matt?" Evan asked as everybody else went about his or her business.
"No," Caitlin said sadly as she stood up. "He did that himself and seems intent on increasing the chasm between us."
Evan leapt to his feet.
"I think I'm going to turn in," Caitlin said. "I like you, Evan. I hope we can become good friends." Without considering the consequences, Caitlin put her arms around Evan and pulled him into a hug.
Had they both been fully dressed, the height differences would have made hugging difficult; Caitlin being nude made it impossible. Evan tried to turn his head but still ended up with his cheek pressed tightly against Caitlin's chest.
Caitlin turned and headed for the stairs to the girls dorm. She either didn't realize or didn't feel what had just happened was important. Evan, on the other hand, seemed to be in seventh heaven as he floated back to the table where his fellow first years were sitting.
* * * * * *
October 30, 2005
Once the golden plates were again clean, Snape stood up. There was a thrill of excitement in the air.
"The time has come," Snape said observing the anxious faces before him. "Before we bring the casket in, I would like to say a few words of explanation."
Kim looked wide-eyed at Emily. "Did he say casket?" she whispered.
Emily didn't answer, but rather uncertainly nodded.
"The team from Salem will be arriving at six o'clock tomorrow," Snape announced. "Lessons will end half an hour early so that all students will have time to spruce up and then assemble in front of the castle to greet our guests who will be joining us for the Halloween Feast."
"At the feast, our six member team and two alternates will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire," he said. "Mr. Filch, the casket please."
Filch approached Snape carrying an extremely old looking wooden chest encrusted with jewels. Snape tapped three times on the top of the casket with his wand and with a creaking sound the lid slowly opened. From the chest, Snape removed a large, roughly hewn wooden cup that was full to the brim with dancing blue-white flames.
"The Goblet of Fire," Snape said, holding up the cup as if to introduce it. "The Goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. Anybody wishing to participate must write their name and house legibly upon a piece of parchment and drop it into the goblet. Tomorrow evening, the goblet will return the names of the six individuals it judges best to represent the school, along with the names of two alternates.
"Please remember that the placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. Do not enter into it lightly. Once your name is selected you are obliged to see the tournament through to the end."
"I remind you that first years are not eligible to compete," Snape added. "Do not waste your time submitting your name. It will only win you a night's detention with Mr. Filch. If there are no questions, I think it is time for bed. Good night."
"Jamie, are you going to submit your name?" Caitlin asked eagerly.
"I'm not sure," Jamie answered.
"You must," Amanda insisted. "You're the best athlete in our house."
"Okay, I will if you both do," Jamie agreed.
"But I'm not athletic," Amanda argued.
"Neither am I," Caitlin said adamantly.
"Who said you had to be athletic?" Jamie questioned. "The way they talk, the team must be well rounded. I think everyone in the school should submit their names so that the goblet can select the best team possible to compete for Hogwarts."
"That makes a lot of sense," Alex said, "especially if all the particulars of the contests have been given to the goblet. It alone would know the best combination of skills needed to succeed."
* * * * * *
October 31, 2005
"This had to be the longest, most boring day ever," Emily moaned as she and Kim filed down the steps, along
with the other Slytherins, and lined up in front of the castle with the other houses.
"Isn't that how it always goes?" Kim asked. "If you dread an approaching event, time appears to fly. If you're looking forward to something, it always crawls. Did your parents mention what time the train carrying the Americans is scheduled to arrive in Hogsmeade?"
"I doubt they'll be arriving by train," answered Emily.
"Do you think they'll Apparate then?" asked Kim. "Maybe Americans are allowed to do it at a younger age than us."
"I think I recall my Mum saying at least a hundred times that you can't Apparate inside Hogwarts grounds," Emily joked. "She told me that when The Triwizard Tournament was held here, the students all arrived in really impressive ways. The delegation from Beauxbatons arrived in a gigantic, powder blue, horse-drawn carriage. The carriage was the size of a large house and it was pulled through the air by a dozen winged horses, each the size of an elephant."
"The party from Durmstrang arrived on a sailing ship," Emily continued. "A whirlpool appeared in the very middle of the lake and this magnificent ship just rose up out of it."
"Well, in that case I'm sure the Americans will want to put on a fancy show," said Kim. "I wonder what they'll come up with?"
"I don't know," Emily answered, "but whatever it is, I wish they'd hurry. It's already after six. I'm hungry and I have to pee."
"That would be a nice greeting. As they walk by, you can pee on their feet. I'm sure they'd never forget you," Kim laughed.
"It isn't funny,' Emily moaned. "I really need to go."
Just then a gigantic shape passed over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest. "What is it?" Marta cried.
"I'm not sure," Tyler answered, "but it's huge. I don't see where it is going to land. It's looks bigger than the Quidditch pitch."
"It's a carpet," Kim screamed. "A gigantic red, white and blue striped flying carpet."
"Flying carpets are illegal," Denise protested.
"Maybe not in the United States," Tyler suggested. "They probably obtained special permission to fly it over Britain. Looks it's going to land on the flat lawn where we had broom flying lesson last year."
When the carpet finally came to rest, a small building, sitting in the middle became perceptible.
"It's a log cabin," Tyler said in displeasure. "What a bloody disappointment. Based on the size of that carpet, I expected something a great deal more impressive."
The words had barely left his lips when over a hundred skyrockets zoomed into the air illuminating the grounds with bursts of red, white and blue. Everyone gasped in awe as the pyrotechnics display continued on, increasing in magnitude until the sky was blazing with color and the ground was shaking from the detonations. Finally, in conclusion, there was a huge explosion and the sky glittered with thousands of American flags.
"Got to give it to the Yanks," Tyler said, "that was pretty impressive." His attention, along with everyone else's, now returned to the smoke obscured log cabin.
They waited impatiently for the smoke to clear and the American delegation to exit the log cabin. But as the smoke dissipated, it was apparent that the log cabin was no longer present; a full size replica of the United States White House had replaced it.
"Impressive," Tyler said, biting his lips and nodding his head.
"Will you hurry up?" Emily cried, trying to cross her legs without losing her balance.
Finally, the doors opened and the American group proceeded down the steps and then across the lawn toward the waiting Hogwarts students.
"Oh! No!" Emily cried, as the group neared.
"Emily, please tell me you didn't have an accident. Not now, of all times," Kim entreated as she turned toward her best friend.
End of Chapter Eleven
Thank you to those who took the time to review. It's greatly appreciated.
Thank you also to my betas for this chapter: Amber, Don, Alison, Lucy and Peter I'd be lost without you guys.
Want to be advised of new chapters and get to read them first? Join Hogwarts Exposed