HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN
Evan, Caitlin and Tyler were running frantically after her. Tyler and Caitlin had their wands out and were screaming Finite Incantatem; pointing first at Emily and then at the door she was speeding toward. Just as Emily's head was about to slam violently into the solid wood door, Tyler pointed his wand and yelled Reducto. The door was blasted to dust, filling the doorway with a cloud of thick black smoke.
Emily's body for reasons unknown had come to a sudden halt, but the girl remained motionless. Caitlin reached the body first. Emily's chest was covered with deep gashes oozing blood and a pool of the dark red liquid was starting to form beneath her.
"No! No! You can't be dead! You can't!" Caitlin screamed. She literally ripped her dress off and flung her bare body on top of Emily's, wrapping her arms around her sister's bloody body and holding her tightly. "I love you! This isn't fair. You can't leave us."
Chapter Eighteen
Second Chance
The music had stopped; everyone was staring in the direction of the destroyed door and the two young girls lying motionless on the floor. Students were looking at each other with expressions of dismay on their faces, shaking their heads in doubt. It had all happened so fast that many were questioning their friends as to exactly what had just occurred. All that anyone knew for sure was that Emily was laying in a pool of blood with her sister on top of her, both girls completely bare and motionless.
"What happened?" Denise asked frantically, causing Becky to jump with a start.. Becky hadn't realized that her roommate was standing right next to her. "Janice and I just returned from the bathroom when we heard a scream and saw poor unfortunate Emily sliding naked across the Hall."
"Marta and I saw the whole thing," Becky remarked, "but, truthfully, I'm still in the dark as to what exactly took place."
"Me, too," agreed Marta. "Becky and I were watching Emily and Tyler dance. We had been discussing how beautiful Emily looked and how we wished we were built like her and had the guts to dress like she does."
"She did look stunning tonight," Denise agreed through gritted teeth.
"We were still watching them as Tyler walked her back to her table. They stopped to talk with Caitlin Potter and that little first year she is dating," Becky said. "Then, just like that, her dress was gone and she was standing there nude accept for her shoes and those adorable socks."
"The dress skimmed across the floor and went under the door that used to be there," Marta added, pointing to the blackened doorframe. "The next thing we knew, Emily was on her back heading the same direction, head first."
"It all occurred so fast that I can't be sure of all the details, but it almost looked like she was being pulled across the room by her breasts," Becky said. "She was screaming in agony as she clutched her chest. It was like she was trying to prevent them from being literally torn off."
Marta nodded in agreement. "I didn't think breasts could be stretched out so far like that," Marta said, actually shivering as she recalled the dreadful sight.
Denise scrunched up her face as if in deep thought. "The way you describe her dress being torn off sounds like a Summoning Charm, but can you summon a person?"
"I don't think that's possible," Janice answered, perhaps a little too quickly.
"I'm sure her parents will figure it all out. After all, they are the greatest witch and wizard of our time," Denise said assuredly, although her voice sounded slightly sarcastic. "I just hope poor Emily is all right. I can't believe anyone could do something so mean like that to another human being."
Harry and Hermione just stood in shock staring at their two little girls. Harry had almost tried to pull Caitlin off of Emily, but Hermione had fortunately stepped in and stopped him in time.
"Whatever we do, we can't break the bond," Hermione warned him.
That had been five minutes ago and neither girl had moved in the ensuing time.
"Draco, we have to do something about the students," Ginny said. "We can't just let them mill about staring at Caitlin and Emily. Harry and Hermione are too distraught to take charge."
"May I have your attention?" Ginny shouted above the chatter. "The Ball is officially over. There is nothing any of you can do here. Please return to your common rooms immediately."
Many of the students grumbled, but most just turned silently and started to slowly head toward the doors.
"No!" shouted Draco. "Stay where you are. No one is to leave this room." He took out his wand and pointed it in turn to every exit. The doors slammed closed and locked. "Everyone to the other side of the Hall; either be seated or stand against the wall.
"Ginny, quickly, go alert the Headmaster as to what has occurred."
"But the students, Draco," Ginny begged. "They shouldn't be here. They shouldn't be seeing this."
"Ginny, one of them did this," Draco declared. "If they are allowed to leave this room we may never know who. Their wands all need to be checked for the last spell cast."
* * * * * *
The first thing the Headmaster did upon arriving was to conjure up a barrier to screen off Emily and Caitlin from view.
Then after briefly talking with Harry and Hermione, he and the other available members of the staff joined Draco and
Ginny.
"That was commendable thinking on your part," he said, giving Draco an appreciative nod. "With any luck, the perpetrator of this dastardly deed has not since used their wand and we will be able to apprehend them using Prior Incantato."
"I've sent Jamie Zacherley to get Potter's magical map of the castle, so that we can round up any stragglers that might have departed the dance early." As if this were her cue, Jamie burst breathlessly into the room clutching the already activated Marauder's Map.
"Headmaster, there appear to be no missing students," Jamie declared, handing the map to Professor Snape. "The castle and grounds are totally empty. Everyone is here in the Great Hall."
Snape quickly perused the map in order to confirm Jamie's observations. "Excellent," he said returning the map to Jamie. He then turned to the students who immediately quieted.
"If you do not have your wand on your person, please step forward," he ordered. Slowly, nervously a number of students formed a small group before him.
"Is there anyone else?" he asked. When no one answered, he stepped toward the small group, flicked his wand and then pointed it in turn toward each student before raising it.
"Accio wands!" he shouted "Mr. Filch the door please."
Filch had only just obeyed the instructions when the first wand came speeding through the door and soared toward its owner. Within seconds all the absent wands were at hand.
"Now that you all have your wands, please form a line so that your professors and I can check them to see what spell was cast most recently," he commanded
Denise and Janice looked at each other apprehensively as they held off hurrying to join a queue. They seemed relatively satisfied to take a rear position.
* * * * * *
"Hermione, it's been over half an hour," Harry pleaded, not taking his eyes off his little girls.
"When I was shot, Caitlin and I were in a coma for days," Hermione said, trying to reassure herself as much as Harry.
"That was when Caitlin was a novice," Harry argued. "At that time she didn't even know she was a Hyperempath or how to properly control her powers. She was able to heal Nora in a matter of seconds."
"Nora wasn't hurt badly. I think Emily was…." Hermione couldn't bring herself to say the word. "Harry, you heard what Caitlin shouted."
Harry stared at her disbelievingly. "But Caitlin shouted 'you can't be dead'." His voiced quavered. "Hermione, what would happen if a Hyperempath tried to save someone that … that it was too late to save?"
Hermione gave Harry a desperate look. "Before Caitlin heals, she shares the victim's injuries. If the damage has already caused death, she would then share death. She couldn't return to the living, much less bring someone back with her."
"Then have we possibly lost them both?" Harry asked, his body shaking uncontrollably at the thought.
"I honestly don't know," Hermione sobbed. "Harry, I have no idea what is happening. They both seem stationary, as if balanced on the threshold of death. I can't detect any heartbeat, yet there is no sign of rigor mortis setting in."
"Is there anything we can do?" he asked.
"No more than wait and pray," Hermione said, hanging her head somberly.
Harry and Hermione watched their motionless daughters anxiously, oblivious to the wand inspection taking place on the other side of the hall.
After each wand was checked acceptably for the last spell it had cast, its owner was allowed to depart the Great Hall. The line shortened rapidly until there were less than a dozen students left behind to have their wands tested. Jamie scrutinized those remaining. She was never one to jump to conclusions or prejudge, but it was a well known fact that Janice and Denise had never liked Emily and they looked extremely apprehensive as their turn to have their wands checked approached.
Finally Professor Snape raised his wand and place it tip to tip with Denise's at the same instant as Draco placed his to Janice's. Both men shouted "Prior Incantato!"
Disappointment was etched on Jamie's face as it became evident that the scouring charm, Scourgify, was the last spell performed by both wands. As Denise and Janice scurried from the Hall, Jamie stared at the headmaster in disbelief.
"Jamie, don't look at me like that," Snape sighed. "I know what you're thinking and while I agree with your conclusions, I can't suspend students based on such flimsy circumstantial evidence."
"But Sir, their story just doesn't make sense," Jamie insisted. "Why would they go to the bathroom and remove all their makeup, the dance wasn't even over yet?"
"I agree," Snape said in an understanding manner. "It would seem more likely that they were removing the dust and dirt from the explosion, but all the ghost images show are two sparkling clean students. Cleanliness in itself is no crime."
Jamie shook her head in frustration. The Headmaster was correct; there was no evidence to corroborate their suspicions, yet they both knew whom the perpetrators were.
* * * * * *
Sunday, January 1, 2006
"I must have dozed off," Harry said guiltily. "Has there been any change in their condition?"
"No," Hermione said. "They haven't moved. I just don't understand."
Harry had never seen his wife looking quite so distraught. Her eyes were puffy and red from a combination of lack of sleep and crying; her hands trembled. Harry checked his watch. "The students will be starting to meander in soon for breakfast," he said.
Hermione simply nodded, never taking her eyes off Emily and Caitlin. It was then that she noticed a slight movement in Caitlin. It was as though she had awoken, tightened her hold on Emily and then gone back into a trance.
"Did you see that?" Hermione asked excitedly. "I'm sure Caitlin just moved."
As Harry turned his attention to Caitlin, she once again stirred and then opened her eyes as if awakening from a long sleep. "What time is it? How long have I been out?" she asked, an embarrassed look on her face.
"It's nearly time for breakfast," Hermione answered. "Are you all right? What about Emily?"
Caitlin blushed profusely. "I'm fine," she said. "Emily is too, but she's going to be rather sore for the next few days. We should get her to the hospital wing. That spell or whatever it was nearly ripped all the internal organs out of her chest. Her heart had stopped beating."
Hermione wrapped her arms around Caitlin and hugged her tightly as Harry leaned over to pick up the still ostensibly lifeless body of Emily.
"She's still in stasis," Caitlin said. "I thought it would be best to leave her that way until Madam Pomfrey has checked her over."
"But she'll be okay?" Harry asked, seeking reassurance. "You're both okay?"
Caitlin started to weep. "I'm sorry I gave you guys such a fright," she cried. "It's all my fault. I was so stupid."
"Caitlin, none of this is your fault," Hermione argued. "You saved your sister's life."
"Mum! I worried you and Dad and everyone else needlessly," Caitlin bawled, as they departed the Great Hall, Harry carrying Emily in his arms. "I inadvertently put myself in stasis."
"But how?" Hermione started to ask. Then she laughed, realizing exactly how it had happened. She gave her daughter a reassuring kiss.
Harry stared at Hermione and Caitlin. "Anytime you're ready; I'd like to be let in on the joke."
"I'm sorry Dad. It all happened so fast that I didn't take the time to think," Caitlin said. "I allowed my emotions to take charge. As soon as I realized that Emily's heart wasn't beating, I straightaway put her in stasis. Then I stripped off my dress and pressed myself against her in order for us to bond. When I did that, I shared her injuries, but I also put myself in stasis."
"That explains why they neither seemed alive or dead," Hermione added.
"Fortunately, I was eventually able to pull myself out of stasis, but it took some time." Caitlin continued. She gritted her teeth trying to hold back the tears. "If Emily had come out of it before me, we'd both be dead."
Hermione clutched Caitlin's hand tightly as at the same time Harry tightened his hold on Emily's delicate limp body.
As they turned the corner, none of the family at first took notice of the three Ravenclaw girls that had abruptly stopped and were now staring wide-eyed at them.
"Caitlin are … are you and Emily all right?" one of the girls stuttered. "Why are you both still naked?"
* * * * * *
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
"You have visitors. Would you like my help to put on a dressing gown?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
Emily simply smiled at her.
"I'll take that as a no." Poppy grinned and just shook her head. She would never get used to the Potter girls and their complete lack of modesty. "I'm going to run down to the greenhouse while your company is here. When I return, we'll apply some more healing balm to your chest."
Emily scowled slightly. She'd rather if her Mum or one of her sisters were on hand to apply the potion. She liked Poppy, but it felt weird having the older woman rub her chest.
"How are you doing beautiful?" a voice echoed, bringing Emily back to reality.
"Roger! What are you doing here?" Emily asked excitedly. "Would you please come help lift me into a chair so that we can sit and talk?"
"Help you?" Roger said apprehensively. "Sure, but I thought there would be no permanent injury."
"Supposedly there won't be, but at the moment my muscles seem to be on strike. I guess they still think I'm dead," Emily said with a laugh.
"That's not funny," Roger retorted worriedly. "You had us all extremely concerned."
"I'm sorry," Emily replied. "Roger, I thought you were going to help me into a chair."
Roger seemed to be uncertain how to proceed. "I can carry you to the chair, if you like. Perhaps I should wrap something around you first, it sort of looks like you might be topless?"
"I better be bottomless, too," Emily replied with a chuckle. "You must certainly realize by now that I don't have any qualms about you seeing me nude. Just throw back the covers and lift me up in those big strong arms of yours."
"But what if someone else comes to visit you?" Roger asked.
"If it bothers them to see me nude, then I guess they'll just have to close their eyes," Emily answered with a chuckle. "I spent my first life catering to other peoples' prejudices. This time around I'm living for myself."
Roger tried his best not to gawk as he threw the covers aside and then slid his arms gently under Emily. Once he positioned her in the chair, he placed cushions around her to both support her and make her more comfortable.
"You weren't really dead," Roger said nervously. He wasn't sure how Emily would react to his comment.
"No! But only because of Caitlin," Emily replied calmly. "If she hadn't been there, I'd most assuredly have died. My heart had stopped beating and the damage to my internal organs was extensive. My blood loss alone was enough to kill me. She almost died herself saving me. How can I ever repay such a debt?"
"By continuing to be the person you are," Roger replied. "You're very unique and that's why Caitlin was willing to risk her life to save you. Stay just like you are, extraordinary."
"Roger, there's something I have to tell you, but before I do, would you grant me a favor?" Emily asked. "Would you please kiss me? Not like a little girl, but like you would a grown woman."
"That's not a favor," Roger replied. "That would be my pleasure. As for the little girl part, I've only ever seen a beautiful young woman whenever I've looked at you."
Roger stooped down next to Emily's chair and placed his hand behind her head. He leaned toward her until their lips met and then he kissed her. It was a kiss that neither would ever forget, but when it ended they both had tears in their eyes because they knew it was both their first and last kiss.
"Roger, I'm sorry," Emily blubbered.
"Don't be sorry," Roger interrupted. "I'll never forget you. Maybe under different circumstances it might have worked for us, but whether you want to admit it or not, you're already taken."
Emily looked at Roger as if ready to protest.
"I saw how you looked at Tyler and I also saw how he reacted to you being hurt. Life and love come with no guarantees, but I think you two have something that could be very distinctive. You just both have to give it a chance." Roger wiped a tear from his eye. "Tyler's waiting outside. Would you like me to ask him to step in?"
Emily could no longer hold back the tears. "I'm sorry, Roger. I never meant it to end this way. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you."
"Sometimes we hurt ourselves when we set our sights too high or dream the impossible dream," Roger said as he grasped Emily's hand. "Oh, I nearly forgot." He reached for a box he had laid on the nightstand.
"I was able to salvage your dress," Roger said. "I don't know how it managed to survive that blast, but all it needed was a cleaning. I hope you get to wear it again, you truly looked fabulous in it."
"Thank you," Emily whispered. "I'll look forward to seeing you at the ice cream shop. I hope you find someone soon who can return the love you deserve."
"Thanks! Time will tell," Roger said as he got to his feet and kissed Emily on the forehead. "Shall I tell Tyler it's all right to come in?"
Emily watched sadly as Roger departed the room, and then strained unsuccessfully to lift her hand high enough to wipe the tears from her eyes.
Roger and Tyler must have talked briefly in the hallway because it was a few minutes before Tyler cautiously entered the room.
"Hi!" Tyler called, as he walked into the room. "Roger tells me you're not feeling quite up to calisthenics yet." He wavered when he saw Emily sitting nude on the chair next to her bed.
"Are you sure it's okay for me to come in?" he asked, finding it difficult to maintain eye contact with Emily.
"I told Roger to ask you in," Emily replied. "Besides, after some of the positions you had me pose in for those pictures last year; there is no part of me you haven't seen intimately."
"Emily, I've apologized a million times for that. I don't know what more I can say," Tyler replied.
"I know. I was wrong to bring it up again," Emily sighed. "Come over and sit next to me. We have to talk."
Tyler took a seat on the bed facing Emily's chair. Although he tried to maintain eye contact, his attention was drawn to the faint red lines on Emily's chest, reminders of how her chest had been literally ripped open.
"My battle scars," Emily laughed, seeing where Tyler's eyes had settled. "Madam Pomfrey assures me that they will completely disappear within another day. Lucky I'm not a Muggle or I'd be hideously scarred for life. Actually, if I were a Muggle, I'd be dead."
Tyler quickly reached for the hand that was lying on Emily's leg. He was clutching it in support before he realized just how far up her thigh it was or how close his hand now was to her personal area. He went to jerk it away, but Emily held it tightly.
"I trust you Tyler," she said, and then sighed. "What hurts most is the knowledge that someone hates me so much that they'd actually try to kill me."
"We all have a pretty good idea who that someone was," Tyler cut in angrily.
"But the evidence is all circumstantial," Emily pointed out. "Denise has never hidden her dislike of me, but I can't believe she'd go as far as to try and kill me."
"If not her, then who?" Tyler asked in an agitated manner.
"I don't know," Emily answered nervously, looking toward the door in a panicked manner. "It just doesn't seem right to jump to conclusions without proof. What if she's innocent?"
Emily began squirming around in her chair nervously.
"I doubt she's innocent," Tyler declared. "Emily, is something wrong? All of a sudden you seem extremely panicky."
Emily's eyes were watering. She looked at Tyler in desperation. "Tyler, I have to pee. I have to pee really bad."
Tyler jumped to his feet. "I'll help you up," he said offering his hand for support.
"It's too far," Emily cried, desperation evident in her voice. "I still need help just getting in and out of bed. Do you think you could possibly carry me?"
Momentarily, Tyler just stared, his eyes wide, his mouth gaping.
"Please, Tyler!" Emily begged. "I don't want to have an accident."
Without further thought, Tyler dropped to one knee, slipped one arm behind Emily's back and the other under her thighs. Then mustering all his strength, he managed somehow to get to his feet. Once standing, he was surprised at how light Emily was in his arms. He was also amazed at how soft and smooth her skin was and how wonderful it felt to hold her in his arms. He hurried across the room and pushed the door to the bathroom open.
He expected to find a room full of stalls, but was surprised to find a normal bathroom with a sink, shower and toilet. With embarrassment, he placed Emily on the chamber pot. Once he was sure she was stable, he turned to leave, but already he heard a steady stream of urine meeting the water in the pot.
"Tyler, please don't go," Emily cried, tears now streaming down her face. "I feel very unsteady, like I might tip over." She audibly gulped and then took a steadying deep breath. "Besides, I need you to do something else for me if you think you can. I know I can't move my arms enough to do it myself."
"Emily, I'd do anything for you." The words were said with such inflection that there was no doubt to their sincerity.
She tilted her head and looked toward the ceiling, but her eyes remained closed. "You're going to need a small wad of tissue paper," she said, trembling with each word.
When he returned her to the ward, Emily asked that Tyler place her on the bed instead of back in the chair. It was with great reluctance that he allowed her to slip from his arms.
"Should I draw the covers up?" he asked.
"It's rather hot in here," Emily replied. "I'd rather you didn't unless it bothers you to see me like this."
Tyler laughed. "It bothers me, but in a pleasant way."
Suddenly the expression on Emily's face turned to one of seriousness. "Tyler, we have over two years before we're fifteen. Assuming we become a couple, you're going to see me more often without clothes than with them on. You have to remember that I'm not trying to turn you on or seduce you by being nude; it's just how I feel most comfortable. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't want you to ever read too much into the fact that I'm naked."
"I understand," Tyler said, nodding his head. "But you need to understand that I think you're beautiful and that I enjoy very much looking at you."
Emily smiled. "Do you remember the first time that you saw me naked?"
"I'll never forget it," Tyler answered.
"I told you then that it was okay for you to look at me, even examine me; that it didn't bother me to be seen nude. It still doesn't bother me to be seen nude or for that matter be examined, but the way you look at me now is so different than how anyone else has ever looked at me. You make me feel so extraordinary, like I'm some sort of deity."
"That's because you are," Tyler said. Then without warning he leaned over and kissed her. Although it hurt tremendously, Emily forced her arms around his back. She had to hold him. Just a few minutes ago she had kissed Roger and it had been pleasant; this was more than pleasant, this was heaven!
"Excuse me!" a man's voice barked. "I'm pleased that you two have reconciled, but…"
Before Harry could utter another word, Tyler was on his feet and shaking frenziedly. He felt sure that the professor was about to pull out his wand and perform the Avada Kedavra curse on him. Instead, Professor Potter ignored Tyler, went over to the bed, leaned down and kissed his daughter.
"I'm glad to see that you're improving," he said. "Yesterday you could barely move your arms and today you're able to hug." He looked at the covers pushed to the bottom of the bed. "Your idea or his?"
"Mine, Daddy!" Emily cried. "You know how hot I get, besides Tyler has seen me nude often. It's no big deal."
Harry nodded his head, but his expression was still grim. "Where is Madam Pomfrey?"
"She had to go down to the greenhouse. It was a good thing Tyler was here. I had to pee really badly and he carried me to the bathroom." The words were no more out of Emily's lips when she knew this was probably not the proper time for such honest chatter.
"I'm sure he enjoyed that," Harry said, looking sternly in Tyler's direction. "Your mother will be here shortly, we'll discuss it further then. Meanwhile Tyler, I think you should hurry off before you miss lunch." Tyler took the hint, said good-bye and quickly departed the room.
Once Tyler was gone, Harry turned to Emily and his grimace weakened. "You like him a lot, don't you?"
"Yes, I do," Emily answered honestly. "I have this feeling that we belong together."
"I like Tyler. He's definitely not like his brother," Harry said. "Just be careful, don't rush things. After all you're only twelve and I don't want you getting hurt."
"Then you're not upset?" Emily asked.
"Of course, I'm upset!" Harry answered. "Show me any father that wouldn't be upset to walk into a room and find their nude daughter lying on a bed kissing a boy. It's just that… well, you're always naked and I trust you."
"Daddy, will you hug me?"
"Sure, now you want to get me in a questionable position," Harry said jokingly, but he wasted no time taking his daughter in his arms and hugging her tightly. He then slid her up in the bed and adjusted her pillow. "He really carried you to the bathroom?"
"You know how I am Dad. When I have to go I have to go," Emily said. "I was sort of embarrassed to ask him, but it would have been worse to have an accident right in front of him."
Harry nodded his head in agreement.
"He was so loving and gentle, especially when he patted me dry."
Harry looked at Emily and forced a smile. Sometimes Emily was too open with information. Harry would have rather not been made aware of that little detail.
"Dad, would you do me a favor, please?" Emily asked. "It has nothing to do with Tyler; it involves my medical treatment."
"Certainly, sweetheart. Anything I can do," Harry answered.
"That jar on the bed stand contains a healing balm that has to be rubbed onto my chest," Emily explained. "Madam Pomfrey is going to do it when she returns."
"And?" Harry questioned, not understanding what this had to do with him.
"I know its weird on my part, but I don't like her rubbing my chest," Emily explained. "Her hands are rough and well it just feels strange to have her touch me. Would you rub it on me before she gets back?"
"Emily, you're not a little girl any more. You've developed breasts. It wouldn't be proper for me to do that," Harry made it clear.
"That's silly," Emily argued. "Breasts are just another body part, what's the big deal. You're my Dad; it's not like you're going to get sexually excited or something by touching me. When we wrestle, you often touch Caitlin and me, even Jamie. It doesn't bother any of us because we know it's innocent. Besides, I'm asking you; actually I'm imploring you."
Harry picked up the jar and stared fixedly at it. Emily's arguments were sound, but still a part of him felt that doing this would somehow be very wrong, even to some perverted. At that moment Hermione walked into the room. Harry couldn't remember when he had ever been so happy to see her. He handed her the jar before she even had a chance to kiss Emily.
* * * * * *
Friday, January 6, 2006
"Miss Zacherley, a moment, please," Professor Flitwick called, hastening to catch up to Jamie.
"How is your sister doing?" he asked concernedly.
"As good as new," Jamie answered happily. "Madam Pomfrey is going to discharge her today."
"Good, good. I was very anxious," Flitwick explained. "I almost felt that I was an accessory to the crime. After all, the culprit undoubtedly learned the Summoning Charm from me."
"You mustn't feel that way Professor. I know Emily doesn't blame you in the least," Jamie exclaimed. "Who would think that anyone would ever use a Summoning Charm in such a vicious way?"
"True, but perhaps I should have placed more emphasis on how dangerous it would be to use such a spell on an individual," he answered.
"I don't imagine it would have mattered," Jamie replied. "I don't believe that the individual that cast that charm had the slightest concern for my sister's well being."
"You sound like you have a good idea who the wrongdoer might be," the Professor surmised.
"No solid proof, but yes, a very good idea, Professor."
"Then I suggest you keep a particularly watchful eye on both your sister and the probable perpetrator. A person with such blatant hatred is apt to strike again," Professor Flitwick said uneasily.
"Do you have a class to which you must be hurrying?" he asked.
"No," Jamie answered. "This is a free period for me."
"So it is for me." Flitwick said, smiling. "I was wondering, Miss Zacherley, if you'd have the time to follow me to my office. There is something of great importance I'd like to discuss with you."
"Certainly, Professor," Jamie said, and they headed off toward the professor's nearby office. Jamie scarcely had time to contemplate what the tiny professor might wish to talk to her about, when she was being ushered into his office.
"Please have a seat," he said indicating a chair. "May I get you something to drink; tea, pumpkin juice, a warm butter-beer?"
"A butter-beer please," Jamie answered. "There is nothing better than a warm butter-beer on a cold day."
The professor prepared their drinks and then climbed into a chair next to Jamie. "Miss Zacherley, would it be presumptuous of me to ask you what your plans are after you depart Hogwarts?"
"Not at all sir," Jamie said, and then she wavered briefly. She wasn't even sure herself what her plans were now. Alex and she had intended for so long to go into training together to be Aurors, but now she no longer felt well matched to the position.
"I'm not certain, Sir," she finally admitted. "I've always had this dream of becoming an Auror. At least I did until I was required to kill Madame Hooch. I'm not sure any more that I want an occupation where you fairly often find yourself in a kill or be killed position."
"That is understandable," Flitwick said. "Killing is never easy, even when the casualty is a person of ill repute. You are undoubtedly the best student I have ever taught at Hogwarts. Even better than Hermione Granger and that is saying something. Have you every considered working in the field of Charms?"
"There are rather few opportunities other than teaching and I'm certainly not qualified to do that," Jamie answered. "Besides, even if I were, what learning institute would give a professor's job to someone just out of school themselves?"
"A school that prides itself on hiring the most qualified person available for a job, regardless of their age or experience," Professor Flitwick stated unequivocally. "It is supposedly a secret that I intend to retire at the end of this school year, therefore I imagine every student in the school is aware of it. Am I correct?"
Jamie didn't answer, she just nodded her head shyly.
"Miss Zacherley, I am extremely proud of the Charms program that I have established at Hogwarts. I feel it is one of the best courses of study in the wizarding world," Flitwick declared. "I do not want to see it deteriorate at the hands of a substandard teacher. I've recommended my replacement to the Headmaster and he has agreed, pending her acceptance."
"I'm sure that anyone you would propose will do a superb job," Janie said honestly. "Sir, the Hogwarts' rumor mill has it that you suggested a woman, but that she has other commitments. Would it be too forward of me to ask who you wanted to step into your shoes?"
"I'm afraid my shoes are rather small," the little professor said with a laugh. "If I can talk you into accepting the position, I feel you'd be much better off wearing your own shoes."
"Me!" Jamie's eyes at once filled with tears. It was all she could do to resist picking up the small professor and squeezing him tightly. He had just presented her with an opportunity that even in her wildest imagination she had never dared to dream of happening.
Suddenly her tears of joy turned to tears of distress. How could life throw her such a cruel choice? Was she to be forced to choose between a dream come true and the boy she loved more than life itself?
* * * * * *
Saturday, January 7, 2006
"Evan, are you angry with me?" Caitlin asked dejectedly, sitting down next to the first year.
"No! Why would I be angry with you?" he answered impersonally.
"That's what I've been trying to figure out," Caitlin replied. "You've been avoiding me all week and when I do corner you…. Well you're different. It's like you don't even want to be around me any more; like you don't want us to be a couple anymore."
"It's you who shouldn't want me," Evan shouted. "Look at you! You're famous, a celebrity. Not only are you the most powerful Hyperempath in over a century, but also you're the smartest witch in your year and you're beautiful to boot. I'm just a little nothing, zilch, nobody. I'd probably be failing half my classes if it weren't for your help. I don't even do things to you like a proper boyfriend should."
"You are not a nobody," Caitlin protested. "And what do you mean by saying that you don't do things to me like a proper boyfriend?"
Evan looked at Caitlin bashfully. "Well, Randy says that a proper boyfriend licks a girl down there," he whispered. "You know, where you pee."
"Oh he does, does he?" Caitlin said, fuming. She looked around the common room, but fortunately, for his sake, Randy was nowhere about.
"Evan, you and I need to have a good long talk, but not here, somewhere private, away from prying eyes." Caitlin reached for her robes and hastily slipped them on. "Will you come with me to my parent's quarters?"
"Okay, if you want, but don't you want to put something more on than just your robes?" he asked anxiously.
"That would be a waste of time," Caitlin said. "I'll be undressing again as soon as we get there anyway."
Caitlin didn't give Evan time to question, instead he found himself rushing to catch up to her as she stepped briskly through the portrait hole. They didn't talk much on the way to the Potter quarters. Evan was too busy panting as he endeavored to keep up with Caitlin, who was setting a brisk pace, her robes billowing behind her. He wondered quietly what type of view Caitlin was affording those students headed the opposite direction.
The first year boy had never been in this part of the castle before and tried to absorb all the highlights as they scurried through the various passageways and staircases. Finally Caitlin stopped outside a doorway.
"Wait here a second," she said opening the door. "Mum doesn't like it if I just burst in unannounced with friends. She has a thing about it not being proper for a student to see one of their adult professors nude."
Evan nodded. He had forgotten that the entire Potter family were nudists and that more than likely two of his professors were parading about in the buff just beyond this door. He had little time to consider this situation before Caitlin returned and ushered him inside. She had already removed her robes and had even slipped out of her trainers.
"They're on their way out, so we'll have the whole place to ourselves," she said matter-of-factly. "Do you want to take your clothes off and get comfortable?"
Evan just stared at her thunderstruck. Was she serious? Caitlin was already nude. Her parents were about to leave and now she was suggesting that he get naked, too. What were her intentions?
"Good morning, Mr. Creevey," Harry said reaching out his hand to the young boy. "How is your brother?"
"Good morning, Sir," Evan said tensely shaking his professor's hand. "Colin is fine, very busy."
"What are you two up to this morning," Hermione asked, giving her daughter a questioning look.
Caitlin gave Evan a scornful look. "Evan and I need to have a long private discussion about relationships and sex," Caitlin said, not even blinking an eye.
"Just make sure that all you do is just talk about it," Hermione said, giving Caitlin a trusting smile.
"Mum!!!" Caitlin said, turning bright red.
"Yes," agreed Harry. "It would be a shame for Mr. Creevey to not even live to finish his first year at Hogwarts.
"Dad!!"
Before Caitlin could say another word, Harry scooped her up in his arms and gave her a big hug. "We're just kidding, Honey. Your Mum and I both trust you." Harry gave Evan an evil look. "It's him I don't trust." Then he smiled and messed up Evan's hair with his hand. "We should be back in time for us all to have lunch together."
Evan stood watching the door quietly close behind the Potters. "I can't believe your parents," he said looking at Caitlin in amazement. "They don't seem to have any problem at all with us being here alone together even though you're nude."
"The fact that I'm nude has nothing to do with anything. How long would it take to slip clothes off if we were planning to mess about? They trust me to use good judgment. That is one of the wrong conclusions people in general jump to about naturists. They think our nudity relates in some way to an eagerness to be sexually active. Believe me, it doesn't."
Caitlin studied Evan a moment. "I'll take your hesitation as a signal that you'd rather keep your clothes on," she said. Her voice had a sound of disappointment to it.
"Were you serious?" Evan asked. "Do you actually want me to get undressed?"
"Only if you're comfortable with it," Caitlin said. "That day in the Quidditch changing room you seemed to adjust quickly to being nude. I thought given the opportunity that maybe you'd like to give it another go."
"But what if you parents come back?" he asked. "What will they say if we're both totally starkers?"
"Not a thing if we're behaving ourselves," Caitlin answered. Then she added, "And we most certainly will be."
"Will you turn your back?" Evan asked timidly.
Caitlin chuckled. "If it makes it easier, but it's kind of silly, don't you think? I've already seen you naked and will again once I've turned around."
Evan agreed and didn't persist. Instead, he quickly slipped out of his shoes and socks; then his other clothes until his only remaining article of clothing was his boxer shorts. He gulped and dropped them to the floor.
Caitlin smiled. "Now that we're on equal footing, we need to talk. Look at me and tell me what you see, leaving out all the complementary adjectives."
Evan looked at Caitlin incredulously. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"Okay! Then let me start," she said. "I see a naked boy."
Evan laughed. "I see a naked girl."
"I see a boy that I like to spend time with," Caitlin added. "He's extremely easy to talk to and accepts me for what I am. He doesn't try to change me."
"I see a friend, a special friend. Someone that makes me smile just by walking in the room," Evan said.
"I see someone that I want by my side as I experience life and the challenges that it will bring."
"Really?! You want me by your side?" Evan couldn't believe his ears.
"Evan, I can't give you any guarantees," Caitlin said. "I'm thirteen, you're only just twelve. People change, circumstances change. A year ago I couldn't picture myself dating anyone other than Matt; now he and I hardly speak. You make me feel good. You make me feel comfortable with myself. Forgive the comparison, but you're like a comfortable piece of clothing that a person doesn't want to ever discard."
"But you're so special. You're beautiful, you're brilliant, you're a Hyperempath," Evan argued. "I'm just a …."
"Alone, you're just a naked boy. I'm just a naked girl, but together we're a couple and I'd like to see us stay that way." Caitlin leaned to kiss Evan on the cheek, but was drawn to his lips instead. She found herself kissing him like she had seen her mum kiss her dad. Their arms wrapped around each other until there bodies were merged in an unyielding embrace.
Suddenly, Caitlin broke the hug. She looked at Evan, nervously. "Sex, we've got to talk about sex."
"Sounds like I'm just in time," called a cheery young female voice from the door. "That's one of my favorite topics of conversation."
Evan looked around nervously for something to cover himself with. It was one thing to be naked in front of Caitlin, but he didn't want anyone else seeing him like this. He looked apprehensively toward the sound of the voice; to his shock, Emily was standing just inside the door already removing the last of her clothing.
"Hi Caitlin! Hi Evan!" Emily said nonchalantly as she sauntered into the room.
Evan felt like he needed to pinch himself. He had to be dreaming; this was too weird to be actually happening. Emily was totally naked, yet it didn't seem to bother her one bit that he was in the room. Moreover, she didn't even seem to be aware or care that he was unclothed.
"Either of you guys want a butter-beer?" she asked, getting one for herself. "Sex talk is always better with butter-beer."
She got them both a drink and then flopped herself down on the chesterfield next to Caitlin. "What prompted the discussion of my favorite topic," Emily asked, looking from Caitlin to Evan. Then her expression became serious. "You guys are considering doing it are you?"
"Of course not," Caitlin answered. "We both know the penalties for underage sex. It's that prat Randy. He told Evan that he wasn't a proper boyfriend because he wasn't licking my pussy."
"He is such an arse," Emily declared. "I honestly don't understand what Kim sees in him." Emily considered Caitlin and Evan for a moment. "So I imagine you guys got together today so that he could learn how to do it properly."
"Emily!" Caitlin shouted. "You know better than that."
"Yeah!" Evan agreed. "That's gross. No one would ever lick a girl's pee hole."
Caitlin and Emily exchanged looks before Caitlin spoke. "Evan, how much do you actually know about sex? Don't be embarrassed. Please trust me and answer honestly."
Evan's face blushed. "Not much," he admitted. "Only what I've learned here at school and so far that's been mostly about animals; you know, birds and bees and that stuff. We haven't discussed people to a great extent."
"But you know how babies are made?" Emily asked pointedly.
"Everybody knows that," Evan answered defensively. "A man and woman have sex and she gets pregnant. Then nine months later a baby pops out." He hung his head in embarrassment. "I just don't understand exactly what having sex involves."
Caitlin kissed Evan on the cheek and then placed her hand reassuringly on his leg. "Don't be embarrassed. Until I was ten, I thought the stork brought babies. Emily had the luxury of having parents who answered her questions appropriately since she was a toddler; I only got the accurate facts after I was adopted."
"Babies aren't a necessary result of having sex," Emily interjected. "Precautions can be taken to avoid the girl becoming pregnant. Most people just have sex because it feels so good. My sister says it's the greatest feeling in the world. I can't wait till I'm of age."
"Our parents do it every night," Caitlin pointed out. "Mum says that sex between two people that love each other is the most beautiful experience in the world."
Evan stared at Caitlin with an expression of both understanding and confusion. "But exactly what is sex? How do you do it?" he asked. His voiced sounded pained as if it hurt him to ask a question to which he was obviously expected to already know the answer.
Evan had expected the girls to laugh at his lack of knowledge, especially Emily. But it was Emily that quietly explained. "The act of having sex is when a boy inserts his penis into a girl's vagina." She spread her legs just slightly and pointed to the little slit between her legs.
"Does that mean I'll never be able to have sex?" Evan asked, disheartened. "My penis is too small. I don't think it's long enough to even reach inside of Caitlin."
Caitlin flushed. The thought of Evan penetrating her sent shivers throughout her body.
"You guys have a few years to go before you need worry about that," Emily said. "I'm sure by that time you'll be more than adequately equipped for the task."
Evan seemed somewhat relieved. "Then all that stuff Randy was telling me about licking a girl down there was all a lot of bull; he was just having a go at me."
"Not exactly," Caitlin began, and the girls spent the next hour explaining foreplay and oral sex to Evan.
When they finished, Evan's head felt like it was spinning out of control. He was about to ask the girls how they knew so much about sex when the door once again opened. This time it was Jamie, who seemed quite in a world of her own. She outwardly ignored Evan's presence which, considering his state of undress, he appreciated.
"Do you know when Hermione and Harry will be back?" she asked no one in particular.
"Any time now," Caitlin answered. "They said they'd be back in time for lunch."
"Good," Jamie said, heading toward one of the bedrooms. "I have to talk to them." She returned in a few minutes sans her clothes and suggested that the group start preparing lunch.
Evan was beside himself. He didn't know what to do. He had actually gotten fairly comfortable being undressed in the company of just Emily and Caitlin, but Jamie's presences made him extremely tense. She was so much older than the other girls and her body was magnificent. Plus he was extremely leery of sitting to lunch with two of his professor's in his present state of undress.
Caitlin kissed his cheek and then grabbed his hand. "You did great for a first time being nude around other people," she said. "I'm proud of you. Would you like to put your clothes back on before my parents return?"
"What about Emily and Jamie?" Evan asked. "Will it bother them that I'm dressed while they're still nude?"
Caitlin smiled. "Not in the least. It's all about being comfortable and right now I sense you'd feel much better with your clothes on."
End of Chapter Eighteen
Thank you to those of you who were considerate enough to take the time to comment on chapter seventeen. Thank you also to my betas for this chapter: Amber, Alison, Dove, Lucy, Don and Peter.
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