Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar's Return
Hermione was about to comment when a shrill alarm sounded and the vehicle came to a sudden halt.
"Please remain seated, the safari ride will continue momentarily."
"I wonder what's wrong?" Nora asked, gazing concernedly at Dick.
"I doubt that it is anything important," Dick said. "You have to remember that this place uses a lot of Muggle technology and Muggle stuff is constantly breaking down. We'll probably start back up in a couple of minutes."
Just then, off in the distance, there was a great flash of light followed by the sound of a huge explosion. Within seconds the tube in which they were traveling was filled with a foul smelling smoke. Red lights began to flash on the ceiling of the tube and their seat restraints suddenly unlocked.
Over the speakers came a loud voice commanding, "Emergency evacuation! Emergency evacuation! Please follow the arrows to the nearest emergency shelter immediately!"
"Harry, what are we going to do?" Hermione asked staring at the flashing red evacuation arrows. "That's the direction the smoke came from; if we follow the arrows we'll be heading in the direction of that explosion."
Chapter Twenty-four
Dead or Alive
"Before we do anything, we need to comfort the students and perform the Bubble-Head Charm on everyone," Harry said, steadfastly. "We won't be going anyplace if this smoke proves to be toxic."
"What if our wands still won't function?" Hermione asked, concernedly.
"Pray that's not the case or this might end up being our tomb," Harry replied, solemnly.
Providentially, whatever had caused the ride to malfunction had also lifted the ward that caused their wands to not work. Hermione gasped a sigh of temporary relief as she helped Harry and Ron cast charms on all the students. Once everyone's head was enclosed in a bubble of breathable air, the trio started checking the emotional state of the students.
"They're a brave lot," Ron stated after a few minutes; clearly impressed by the students. "Even the younger ones seem to be emotionally in control of the situation."
"Hermione, at the speed we were traveling before coming to a standstill, how long do you imagine it would have taken us to get to the point where that explosion occurred," Jamie asked tentatively.
"Oh! I don't know," Hermione answered, somewhat inattentively. "Assuming this tube runs in a straight line to that point, I'd estimate somewhere between a minute or two. Why do you ask?"
"Weren't we supposed to start off a minute after the American team?" Jamie inquired. "But we were delayed slightly because we waited for Brian and Debby to get on board."
Jamie didn't need to clarify her query any further. Harry, Hermione and Ron immediately realized where she was headed with her questioning and they swapped troubled looks, but before any of them could speak there was another explosion; this one coming from the direction in which the ride had originated.
"If there was any question as to what direction to head, that settled it," Harry remarked, clenching his fist, an anxious expression covering his face.
"Yeah! I sure don't want to go back to where those spiders are," Ron said. Just the thought gave him the shivers.
"Harry, you don't think that …" Hermione couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.
"I don't know, Hermione," he said, shaking his head in frustration, "but we have to find out for sure, one way or the other. If the American team was involved in the explosion up ahead we have to check for survivors; see if there is anybody we can help."
Hermione nodded, fighting to retain her composure. They were students, not yet adults, just kids actually. Their lives were just beginning. They had to be all right.
"Listen up, everybody," Ron shouted to the students. "We're going to disembark the vehicle and proceed on foot in the direction the arrows indicate. Everyone stay together and keep alert."
"Professor Weasley, should we draw our wands?" Jeffery MacDowell asked.
"Not just yet," Harry cut in. "Everybody is a little jumpy and we don't want to hazard someone getting hurt by a misfired curse. We'll give you the word if wands are needed."
"Do you actually think we'll need wands?" Hermione whispered apprehensively.
"I don't know," Harry said shaking his head sadly. "It depends on whether that explosion involved this shielding tube and if so, whether it was breached or not."
"If it was breached, we're no longer secure in here," Hermione muttered.
"No, and it most certainly isn't any safer out there," Harry said, gesturing toward the transparent wall of the tube. He looked forlornly at the ten students whose lives were now in his, Ron and Hermione's hands. Less than an hour ago they were all screaming in glee; would they soon all be screaming in horror and pain?
* * * * * *
"Have you received a report from Keane yet?" Slytherin asked, commandingly.
"Yes, My Lord," Nott answered, uneasiness apparent in his voice. He dithered slightly before continuing on. "Eric has run into some slight problems."
"Out with it!" Slytherin bellowed. "I'll not kill the messenger today. You are much too loyal and valuable a servant for me to forgo."
"Thank you Sire," Nott said, groveling at his master's feet. "It seems that Eric underestimated the safeguards that Doctor Soderbergh had built into his security systems."
"Am I to understand that he has botched his assignment," Salazar Slytherin snarled angrily.
"N-N-Not entirely," Nott stammered. "Although Keane was able to successfully disable both the primary and secondary shields, it appears that the major barriers of the island were safe guarded by yet a third source of which he was unaware."
"Then he has failed," Slytherin retorted, his voice coupled with disappointment and anger.
"Not entirely," Nott clarified. "Although the outer wards remain intact, preventing the beasts from escaping or overrunning the island. The interior wards have failed."
"Meaning exactly what?" Slytherin queried impatiently.
"The students and their chaperones were on a safari ride at the time the interior wards failed. They are now trapped behind the island's protective barriers," explained Nott.
Slytherin smirked. "They are imprisoned together with the creatures they sought to observe; how perfect. What is their likelihood of survival?"
"Infinitesimal," Nott answered. "The wards protecting the tubes in which they were traveling cannot be restored because of an explosion that caused a rupture in the system. Now that the tube can be seen by each and every one of the creatures it is only a matter of time before it becomes penetrated and over-ridden. If Potter and his companions remain in the tube, it will ultimately become their last resting place. If they leave the tube, they are at the mercy of the island's creatures. Either way, they will most surely perish."
Slytherin nodded his head approvingly. "Perhaps I won't have to kill Eric after all," Slytherin laughed. "Has news of this 'tragedy' been made public yet?"
"The Ministry has been trying to keep a tight lid on the event, but it is just a matter of time before word gets out. After all, reporters from all over the world are headed there for the competition that was to occur tomorrow."
"Have Eric assist the news media surreptitiously in any way he can," Slytherin ordered. "We can't have the Ministry thwarting the people's right to know. And make sure the world realizes that this was no accident. Credit should be given where credit is due." Salazar shrugged dramatically. "It appears that I will never have the pleasure of meeting the great Boy-Who-Lived and his lovely Mudblood wife. How sad! I had so eagerly anticipated the time when they would prostrate themselves in my presence and kiss my feet before I killed them."
* * * * * *
After about twenty minutes of silent walking, Harry came to an unexpected halt. "Hermione, wait here with the
students while Ron and I explore what is around this bend."
Hermione glared warningly at Harry, as she reached for her wand. "You're doing it again, Harry," she said with meaning. "Jamie is quite capable of staying back with the other students. You, Ron and I are a team; we have been since our first year at Hogwarts. I didn't suddenly become incompetent when I said 'I do'."
"Sorry! Just being overprotective again," Harry muttered apologetically. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Hermione said, kissing Harry briefly. "Now let's go see what lies in store for us around that corner."
Harry gave Ron a resigned look as they lingered for a moment while Hermione passed on instructions to Jamie. Then as the students waited nervously, the three professors slowly disappeared around the curve.
They had only gone a short distance when Harry again stopped. "Did you hear that?" he asked.
"All I hear is some birds twittering," Ron retorted.
"That's the problem," Hermione cut in. "We're in an enclosed protective tube. We shouldn't be hearing any birds unless… unless the tube has been breached."
They proceeded cautiously and then suddenly all three froze. They were faced with a horrific sight.
"NO! NO!" Hermione screamed. "They can't be dead. Those poor innocent children." She buried her head in Harry's shoulder, tears streaming from her eyes.
"What happened?" Ron questioned, the revulsion of what he was viewing choking his voice. "My god! They were cremated alive; they didn't even making it out of the vehicle."
"Hermione, I need your help," Harry urged. "Can you piece this puzzle together? What went wrong; what exactly do you surmise took place here?"
Hermione clenched her teeth, trying to gather her wits about her. She looked away from the traumatic scene and gazed out the gaping hole in the protective tube, staring at the soon to set sun. Then she saw the powerful, large grey African beast.
"Harry, it was an Erumpent, like that one" she exclaimed, pointing at a rhinoceros like beast in the distance. "An Erumpent attacked the tube and the result was a catastrophic explosion."
"But I thought they were rather passive and wouldn't attack unless sorely provoked?" Harry questioned. "Surely, this section of the tube was charmed to be invisible. How could the beast have even seen it?"
Hermione shook her head trying to make sense of the awful series of events that had occurred. Then as if a light was turned on, it became clear to her, the only rational explanation.
"The beast was frightened," she exclaimed.
"By what?" Harry asked incredulously. "And why would it attack a vehicle it couldn't even see?"
"I think it could see the vehicle," Hermione replied. "I think that's what scared it. Consider this. Our vehicle stopped and the alarm sounded in the tube before the explosion ever occurred. What if the Erumpent was peacefully grazing adjacent to this section when suddenly the tube and the vehicle within it became visible? It would have felt challenged and thus attacked. The Erumpent's horn can pierce everything from skin to metal, and contains a deadly fluid, which will cause whatever is injected with it to explode."
"Then Soderbergh is responsible for these deaths," Harry asserted irately. "Him and his damn glorified zoo."
"I don't think so, Harry," Hermione said. "Dr. Soderbergh was too confident in the safeguards. The only thing he wasn't primed for was sabotage. Remember his remark:
"For our system to fail it would have to be a case of deliberate systematically planned sabotage. Honestly, who would ever consider such an act of hostility against a zoological park?"
"Then you don't think that this was all just a dreadful accident," Harry declared. "You think this was a deliberate act of sabotage? You think these innocent students were murdered. But who…"
"Someone horrible, with no conscience. Someone that wants the Wizarding World to know that he is back and organized to assume the throne," Hermione announced tremulously. "Someone that wanted to use this tournament as a stage to announce his intentions and cause worldwide pandemonium, Salazar Slytherin"
Harry bobbed his head in agreement; it all made sense. "The greasy bastard," Harry bellowed. "He killed these defenseless students just to gain worldwide media hype."
Hermione grimaced. "Slytherin wanted the news coverage, but I don't feel the American students were his primary target; I think you, Ron and I were. He wants to show the world that the Covenant of Three is only human and no match for the power of Salazar Slytherin. He's hoping to bring the world to its knees without ever hurling a curse."
"And just like Voldemort, he doesn't care how many innocent lives he destroys in the process," Harry voiced disgustedly as he dejectedly viewed the slaughter. "It's going to be dark soon. We have to find a safe place to spend the night, but first we need to account for everyone that was in that vehicle."
"Do you think anyone could have possibly survived?" Ron asked skeptically.
"Doubtful," Harry declared. "But if anyone did, we have to locate them straight away. No one can survive in this place unaided. Hermione, is there enough remaining aura for you to recognize the bodies?"
"Not for me," she said, shaking her head disconsolately. "Caitlin's abilities are far superior to mine. She might be able to identify them, but I hesitate exposing someone her age to such carnage."
"Regrettably, it appears that we are once again at war," Harry declared, heaving a deep sigh. "Children must age quickly during such times. Besides, they all must pass this point eventually. We could shield the scene from their view, but they have a right to know the awfulness our world faces."
"I'll go get Caitlin and prepare the others," Hermione said, solemnly.
* * * * * *
"Dad, I think you should have a look at this," Caitlin called out, anxiously.
With Hermione's assistance, Caitlin had been identifying the charred vestiges in the vehicle based on their lingering aura traces.
"We know that there were eight passengers riding this safari rover, two adults and six students," Caitlin noted. "I've been able to identify remains of the six students and that," she pointed to a pile of ashes, "is what's left of the American coach, Mr. Ryan. I can't, however, find any hint of Mr. Simone."
"Is it possible he was carried off by the Erumpent?" Harry inquired.
Hermione pointed to a large pile of ashes. "The Erumpent that caused this tragedy died in the explosion, but look what Caitlin noticed." She indicated the ruins of all the other seats where ashes had been found; there were remnants of still buckled seatbelts. "I saw Rishard jump into this seat next to Bud Ryan; look at the remnant of his belt."
"It's been cut using a Muggle knife," Harry said, shocked.
Ron looked at the others dubiously. "So, you think Rishard is still alive? That somehow he managed to cut his belt and flee the vehicle before the explosion? But why would he be carrying a knife and what would make him consider it necessary to escape the vehicle?"
"Harry, the time between the ride stopping and the explosion was too brief for him to both sever the belt and also sprint out of danger," Hermione stated without doubt.
"I know," Harry agreed, his voice edged with disgust. "That's what has me sickened. I think the belt had been cut long beforehand."
"Then you believe he knew that the Erumpent was going to attack?" Ron asked incredulously.
"No, I'm sure that element wasn't planned," Harry answered. "But I do believe that he was aware that there was going to be a malfunction and that he was primed to evacuate the vehicle when it occurred."
"I'm confused," Ron admitted. "If the explosion wasn't part of the plan, than what was the actual purpose of the breakdown?"
"We may never know for sure," Harry said, shrugging. "Right now we don't have time to speculate or even search for Rishard." He glanced in the direction of the setting sun. "We need to see if we can locate food and water, then find a place to bunker in for the night."
"We're going to leave the tube and go out there?" Caitlin whispered nervously.
"We have to," Harry said giving Caitlin's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Once the sun sets it will be pitch dark in here. We wouldn't be able to make out anything approaching and if we use our wands for light, we could attract unwanted attention."
Caitlin gulped in understanding.
"Will you please get Jamie and the others, so that I can explain our plans?"
Caitlin nodded and hurried off.
"Harry, do you think it's safe out there?" Hermione asked concernedly.
"No, but it's not safe in here either," he made clear. "At least out there we have someplace to run and someplace to hide if we're attacked. In here we're like a hamster trapped in a tube with only one way to go." He paused briefly. "I got the impression that the safari was taking us from one enclosed area to another. If other Erumpents are the only dangerous beasts in this part, we should be safe as long as we give them a wide berth."
Hermione and Ron both nodded their concurrence. Harry had led them out of numerous dangerous situations in the past. Hopefully, his judgment would win through at least one more time.
The students gathered around and listened apprehensively as Professor Potter explained his strategy. Although most of the students were leery about venturing out of the tube, they were also hungry and thirsty. What the Professor said made sense. As secure as the tube might seem, it was like being trapped in a cattle chute.
"Everyone stay together," Harry called out, as they slowly negotiated their way out of the ruptured tube. "Pair up with someone and don't let them out of your sight."
"Do you think we'll find any food and water?" Hermione asked, as they slowly made their way through the dense underbrush.
"Water, yes," Harry said confidently. "I'm sure the beasts have a natural water supply, although, it might be necessary to perform a purification charm. As for food, I'm not sure. I believe the Erumpent is a plant eater."
Hermione nodded her head in conformation.
"Look!" Lee Wilson shouted excitedly, pointing up at a nearby tree. "Are they bananas?"
"Good eye," Harry said, slapping the Hufflepuff boy proudly on the back. "Only question now is how do we get to them?"
"Climb," Caitlin said, matter-of-factly. "Mum always says I'm half monkey, now is my chance to prove it. I'll just need a boost up to the first bough."
"Caitlin!" Kim cried, grabbing her friend's arm. "You can't climb a tree. Have you forgotten what you have on?"
"You're right," Caitlin said gratefully. "I almost forgot. This is my favorite cover-up. I wouldn't want to chance damaging it." Without faltering or asking permission, she hastily slipped the article of clothing off over her head.
"Who'll give me a boost?" Caitlin asked, standing unashamedly with her hands on her hips, totally naked except for her trainers.
Harry looked beside himself, ready to burst.
"Harry, it's okay. Don't get agitated," Hermione said, holding him back. "She's a naturist and these are her friends. You reprimanding her would only embarrass you both."
Jamie quickly ran to assist Caitlin, pulling a reluctant Donald Thomas along with her.
"How are we going to do this?" Don asked Jamie; doubtful as to how exactly one should go about properly lifting a nude girl.
"Jeff, come here and help us," Jamie called out urgently to the tall boy. "We'll do this like Muggle cheerleaders. If you can bend down slightly, Don and I will assist Caitlin to stand on your shoulders. Then try to stand straight. Once she is balanced, she should be able to reach the lowest branch. Don, be ready to catch her if she slips."
Three times they tried and failed. Don's face had ended up a brilliant red. The last attempt had required him to catch Caitlin in a rather private way.
"No big deal," Caitlin said indifferently, readying herself for another try. "Just promise me that you won't tell my boyfriend. He's never touched me there."
"I wish I had her confidence," Hermione said, clutching Harry's hand.
"Because she is so secure with her body?" Harry asked.
"No." Hermione replied sadly. "Because she's so positive that we'll return to Hogwarts. Harry, what will become of Ben and Emily if we don't make it back?"
"We've been in worst situations," Harry affirmed. "We'll make it through this."
Hermione squeezed Harry's hand as she gave him a weak smile.
"She made it." Nora shouted excitedly.
Everyone's eyes were glued on Caitlin as they watched her ostensibly swing from branch to branch effortlessly.
"I thought Emily was the Tomboy in the family," Harry remarked to Hermione. "Caitlin is amazing; she reminds me of a Muggle trapeze artist."
Hermione simply smiled with obvious pride.
"That's something you don't see everyday," Don said, his eyes fixed attentively on Caitlin.
"No," Jeff agreed. "Do you think we could hide her dress? I wouldn't mind her remaining unclothed."
"Be careful what you say boys," Jamie warned. "That's my younger sister you're chatting about." Then she snickered. "You'll in all likelihood get your wish. Caitlin prefers being nude and most likely won't cover herself unless ordered by Harry or Hermione."
After the group had gorged on bananas, they luckily with no trouble located a nearby source of drinking water. Jamie had been accurate about Caitlin's desire to remain unclothed. Although prompted several times by a persistent Kim, Caitlin showed no inclination to cover herself.
Harry had been upset when Caitlin first shed her clothes to climb the tree. He was even more disturbed that she had remained nude. "Hermione, don't you think we should tell Caitlin to put her clothes back on?" Harry asked, disconcerted.
Hermione looked desolately toward Harry. "If I ask you a question, will you give me a truthful answer?"
"I never lie to you," Harry said, wholeheartedly.
"I know you'd never lie to me," Hermione said, taking Harry's hand and squeezing it firmly. "But sometimes you don't tell me the entire truth, either. Honestly, what do you think the odds are of us all getting out of this situation alive?"
Harry looked Hermione directly in the eye. "Slim to none," Harry answered straightforwardly. "If all the protections are down, this island will shortly be swarming with beasts. Everyone will be scampering to Apparate safely off the island; they've undoubtedly presumed us all dead. I'm afraid that we're totally on our own."
"Then we have much greater concerns to worry about than our daughter's propensity to loathe clothing," Hermione declared. "She's not hurting anyone by being nude. No one other than you seems disconcerted. Actually the others seem quite taken with Caitlin's spunk. As hot and humid as it is, I'd absolutely consider joining her if it weren't for the inappropriateness due to the fact that I'm their professor."
Harry knew Hermione was correct. He also had come to recognized that nudity in and of itself was totally innocent, but it was still hard to standby and watch teenage boys eyeball his unclothed daughter.
"Harry, it will be dark in a few more minutes," Ron reminded. "Unless you have an alternative suggestion, we ought to return to the shelter of the tube."
Harry glanced toward the ruptured tube, an unreadable expression on his face.
"I'm not eager to go back in there either," Hermione said. "It makes me feel rather claustrophobic."
"We don't have much choice," Harry answered regrettably. "If we remain out here, we're end up prey for the creatures of the night. This is the type of climate Lethifolds favor. I'd rather not end up smothered in my sleep."
"Harry, don't Lethifolds glide along the ground?" Jamie interjected. "Actually, aren't most of the more dangerous creatures land dwellers? What if we slept up there?" She pointed to the treetops.
"Jamie, that's a great idea." Nora declared sardonically. "Only one slight problem. Not all of us are as athletic as you and Caitlin. It would be a struggle for some of us to climb a tree, much less stand on someone's shoulders and hoist ourselves up to a limb."
Harry stared up at the tall trees surrounding them. "They would be the safest place for us to spend the night," he agreed. "But Nora is correct. Not everyone is athletic and the animals seem to have destroyed all the lower branches."
"What we need is a rope," Ron stated. "Unfortunately I didn't bring one with me and there seems to be an absence of usable vines."
"We could always use our clothes," Kim suggested timidly.
"That would work," Hermione chimed in excitedly. "If we made a rope of clothes, Caitlin could tie it off in the tree. Some of us could climb the makeshift rope and then pull those not capable of climbing up after them."
"Excuse me," Debby said. Being an American, she felt like an interloper, but a question was bugging her. "I can see the advantage of sleeping in the trees for safety reasons, but how does one keep from falling out of the tree once asleep?"
"We'll undo the clothing rope and use the garments to tie ourselves securely to the tree." Jamie suggested. "Then in the morning we can remake the rope in order to get down."
Lee Wilson looked around nervously. "That means we'll be dressed in nothing but our boxers until morning."
Lee had not taken part in the skinny-dipping earlier at the pool. He had chosen rather to remain in his bathing costume.
Hermione gave Lee a thoughtful look. "Lee being seen in your boxers is no more revealing then wearing a swim costume. There is no reason for you to be discomfited or ashamed. In times of crisis people must often do things they wouldn't do under normal circumstances.
"I have no idea how Nora or Debby dress under their outer garments, but I know factually that Kim, Jamie and myself never wear a bra or knickers. Therefore, when we strip off our clothes, we will all be as naked as Caitlin is now. I somehow doubt anyone will notice your boxers."
Hermione had barely finished speaking when she started to unzip her jeans. "Are you sure about this?" Harry inquired.
"No," Hermione answered. "But you and I are the teachers. We must set an example. And in this case I think it's best to act before anyone has too much time to think."
As Harry started to remove his shirt and jeans, he noticed with pleasure that all the students, including Dick Bancroft and Nora Jordan had followed Hermione's lead.
Soon all the boys and men, including a redder than normal Ron, had stripped to their under shorts. Bancroft was the only male that preferred briefs to boxers.
Hermione wasn't at all surprised to discover that Debby also went sans knickers, nor that the attractive American girl also preferred the fresh look.
Nora seemed the most nervous of all the girls, despite the fact they were all nude and she was still covered with her modest bra and bikini style knickers.
"It's okay," Dick said reassuringly clutching her hand in support. "Don't be embarrassed. You're beautiful."
"You don't understand," she said, hers eyes watering. "I've struggled my entire life to fit in and even now I stand out like a sore thumb." She pulled her hand way from Dick.
"What are you doing?" Dick asked. He was completely bowled over, as Nora unclipped her bra and quickly stepped out of her knickers.
"They're all completely starkers, and not a one of them looks as if they're the least bit embarrassed by it. If I'm going to die on this damn island, at least I'm going to die the same way as my friends. Now if only I could rid myself of this jungle growing between my legs, I'd be just like them."
Nora jumped slightly as an arm slipped around her waist. "Nora, you're one of us. You're like a sister; you don't have to change. But if you're really serious about wanting that gone, I can help you," Jamie said giving Nora a peck on the cheek. "Personally, I've never had pubic hair, but Hermione tells me that she was quite self-conscious when she first removed hers."
"Do it!' Nora said clenching her lips. "Please, before I wimp out."
"You won't feel a thing," Jamie said reassuringly, drawing her wand out of its holster and pointing it at Nora's vagina. "Aufero pubic saeta"
"Oh My god!" Nora exclaimed, looking down at herself. "I feel like I'm ten again. I'm nuder than nude."
"I like it!" Dick declared ecstatically, ogling Nora.
"You would," Nora retorted testily. "And would you please look me in the eye when you talk to me?"
"I always do," Dick replied.
"Funny, I don't remember having any eyes positioned between my legs," Nora retorted.
"Don't be so hard on him," Jamie said. "He's like a kid with a new Christmas toy. Give him time to get accustomed."
"I'm worried that time is something we have little of remaining," Nora answered darkly. "I feel like the odds are stacked against us and getting poorer by the minute."
Jamie didn't reply, but instead gave Nora a heartfelt hug. "Right now we have to help the others tie these clothes together into a rope."
Once they finished making the makeshift rope, Caitlin was once more hoisted into the tree where she secured the rope. Everyone then tried, in turn, to climb the rope. Some were capable of the challenge and quickly joined Caitlin in her treetop roost. Others had to tie the clothing rope around their waist and be pulled up into the heights of the tree. The last trace of sun was just disappearing as the final survivor was raised off the ground.
"Okay, everyone find a partner and stick together," Harry instructed once again. "Take a couple of articles of clothing with you and use them to tie yourselves to the tree. It will prevent you falling out if you thrash about in your sleep. Guys if more ties are needed, it may be necessary for you to drop the boxers and rip them into strips."
A number of the boys winced at this suggestion, but none openly complained. After all, how could they protest? The girls, including Jamie and Professor Granger were already totally starkers.
Harry was the first to take the plunge. He deftly stripped off his boxers and then began ripping them into semi-equal strips.
"Let me know when you're positioned as comfortable as possible," Harry said softly to Hermione. "Then I'll secure your arms and legs to the tree."
"Harry, do you realize how kinky that sounds," Hermione giggled uncharacteristically. "If you made that proposal to me in our bedroom, I'd presume you wanted to give bondage a try."
"Sounds like an idea," Harry said mischievously, "But I'm afraid we'll be going to sleep tonight without our usual relaxing work out."
"Guys, I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but the walls in this tree are rather nonexistent," Ron apologized. "I know this is going to sound bizarre, but if Sam were here I'd have sex with her and I wouldn't care who heard or saw us. I don't have that opportunity; I'll likely never see her again. If you'd like, I'll turn my back and try to shield you so that you can be intimate together."
"Ron, what if the kids heard or saw us?" Hermione asked, shocked.
"They're a good group," Ron replied. "I think they'd understand. They aren't trolls; they know our world has deserted us and it's only a matter of time until this awful place catches up with us. Think about it. I doubt I'll be going to sleep anytime soon."
Hermione and Harry exchanged silent longing looks; they both wanted to take Ron up on his offer, but knew they just couldn't. They'd always said that when the time finally came, they wanted to die together. They just never expected it to be this soon. Would this be their final night?
"At least it's a beautiful night," Kim said, trying in vain to find a comfortable place to position herself. "The sky is full of glowing stars."
"I don't think those are stars," Caitlin answered uncertainly. "Jamie, what are all those glowing lights above us?"
"I'm not sure," Jamie replied, "but they're definitely not stars. Stars don't jump about."
"Oh shit!" Caitlin exclaimed. "It looks like one of those stars is getting nearer. I think its some sort of animal."
The three girls froze, daring not to move. Whatever the creature was, it was getting closer and closer; swinging between branches with the agility of an orangutan.
"I think its some sort of monkey," Caitlin declared. "A green monkey!"
"It's a Clabbert," Jamie declared. "I've never seen one before, but they're a tree-dwelling creature, in appearance something like a cross between a monkey and a frog. They originated in the southern states of America, but since have been imported worldwide. The light is from the large pustule in the middle of its forehead, which turns scarlet and flashes when it senses danger. Around here, I doubt it ever stops flashing."
"Are they dangerous?" Kim asked worriedly.
"They're considered harmless and can be domesticated, but I wouldn't scare one. They have short horns on their heads and razor sharp teeth," Jamie expounded. "I think this one is simply curious and wants to get a closer look at us. Stay still and don't frighten it."
The girls remain motionless as the hairless, mottled green creature creep closer and closer until its long supple arms were within reach of Caitlin. She held her breath as the beast stroked her skin with its webbed hand, playing momentarily with her breast. Then it sniffed the air and without warning plunged its nose toward her pussy. Caitlin tried not to move or scream, but her body shook uncontrollably. Jamie had drawn her wand, just in case. The Clabbert raised its head showing its wide mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. It appeared to be grinning. The creature reached out, grabbed an overhead limb and was gone.
"I think you've made another conquest," Jamie laughed.
"Did you see his thingy?" Kim chortled. "I thought it was going to try and have sex with you."
"Ugh! That's sickening," Caitlin cried. "It couldn't actually do that, could it? It's not even part human."
"I don't know," Jamie giggled, "but if I were you, to be on the safe side, I'd sleep with all orifices covered tonight.
Caitlin felt a strong urge to hurl.
* * * * * *
Saturday, June 24, 2006
After breakfast, all the Hogwarts students made their way out to the Quidditch Pitch. Although the final task of the
tournament was taking place on the remote Fantasy Island, special provisions had been made for the students and staff
to view the event. Huge screens had been erected so that the event could be watched as it occurred on the
wizardnet's version of Muggle television.
The gates of Hogwarts had been opened to the all citizens of Hogsmeade and neighboring villages so that one and all could take pleasure in the unique occasion. Vendors hawked souvenirs as supporters of all ages vied for the best to be had seats. Sam and Timmy were sitting next to a very pregnant Ginny while Katie Belle and the Headmaster along with many other members of the staff, including Neville, occupied the row directly behind them.
"I can't believe you of all people wore robes today," Tyler commented. "It's a beautiful sunny day. You're going to bake."
"Do you think so?" Emily teased naughtily.
Tyler shook his head. "Don't tell me that in this massive crowd you're wearing nothing but the concealment charm?"
"I bet she is," Evan declared. The young Gryffindor boyfriend of Caitlin Potter was sitting on Emily's other side.
"There's one way you can both find out," Emily suggested.
"You don't mind if I touch you?" Evan asked, speechless. "But I'll see you nude."
"You see Caitlin naked all the time," Emily reminded him. "I see no reason why you shouldn't see me; she and I both have the same equipment, it's just arranged a little differently."
"I can't get over how open you and Caitlin both are," Evan said, tentatively touching Emily's knee lightly.
"On the other hand, I can't understand why most of the world is a priggish as it is," Emily remarked. "As warm as it is today, there is utterly no reason for anyone to be wearing clothes. I shouldn't even have to hide behind this stupid spell. We should all be sitting here fully exposed to the sun and air and enjoying their gentle touch on our bare skin."
"But not everyone is as beautiful as you," Tyler remarked, placing his open hand on Emily's lap. She cleared her throat as a declaration of caution, but didn't make her boyfriend remove his hand.
"You're thinking erotic nudity, the type depicted in magazines and Muggle movies. That, unfortunately, is how most people view nudity. Being a naturist isn't about displaying yourself. It's about being comfortable with your body and being one with nature. Everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of nudism, whether young or old, tall or short, slender or weighty."
"Sorry, but I'd rather look at you or Caitlin than that old portly lady over there," Evan observed.
"And so you should," Emily retorted. "You're twelve years and she's about one hundred twelve." Emily struggled for an explanation. "It's so hard to put in plain words for a non naturist. There are thousands of people here, but you hardly pay any of them attention. If you had grown up in a naturist environment, you would treat them the same if they were naked. What it boils down to is that people are people whether they have clothes on or not. We should be judging what is inside a person, not their physical presence whether clothed or not."
"I don't know about Evan, but I kind of think I understand what you're trying to say," Tyler muttered. "Nonetheless, I hope you don't mind if I continue to stare at you."
Emily sighed. "Actually I hope you never get tired of looking at me. Just be careful what you do with that hand or you might be looking at me through black eyes."
"Oh look!" Evan screeched excitedly. "I think it's about to start. I can't wait to see Caitlin."
"Witches, wizards and all creatures of near human intelligence I give you the Minister of Magic, Percy Weasley," the unseen announcer's voice proclaimed.
"I don't want to listen to that pompous git," Alex complained. "We want to see the competition."
"You just want to see Jamie ten times bigger than life in that miniscule costume she's forced to wear," Amanda teased.
"I'd rather have the real thing here with me now," Alex sighed.
"He's just being a classic politician," Amanda remarked. "Going for the photo op when there is a huge audience available, although, he doesn't appear to be very happy."
"My friends, it is with great sadness in my heart that I address you today. Like you, I had planned to spend my afternoon watching the valiant students of Hogwarts do battle with our American neighbors from across the sea."
Weasley seemed to be stumbling for the correct words.
"There is no easy or painless way to put this," he finally said. "Our world suffered a great tragedy yesterday. All members of both participating teams died in a catastrophic disaster. American coach Bud Ryan died along with his team, as did event facilitator and popular media personality Rishard Simone.
"We here at home not only lost eight bright and talented students, but also three celebrated heroes from the war against He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named. Harry Potter, once know both as the Boy-Who-Lived and the Chosen One, died with his team, as did his Muggle born wife, Hermione Granger. I personally knew and cherished both these great people. The third member of the Covenant of Three also perished; my younger brother, Ronald Weasley, who I loved deeply and will miss greatly."
"You fucking, lying bastard." Ginny Weasley was on her feet screaming and shaking her fists at the face on the screen. "You've disowned the entire family and haven't spoken a word to Ron since the day he was bitten. You hollow lying sack of shit."
"Ginny, please try to calm yourself," Severus coxed, putting his arm around the distraught woman. Most of the crowd had turned in the direction of the shouting and were now staring at the Headmaster and the hysterical pregnant witch.
"Mummy, what did that man say about Daddy?" Timmy cried. Sam couldn't answer; she just buried her son's head in her chest and sobbed uncontrollably. Katie hugged Sam, but remained silent. She knew that at a time like this no mere words could express her feelings or give solace to the grieving woman.
Emily just sat shaking her head. "No, no," she said softly. She kept repeating the same words louder and louder as tears flooded her eyes. "No, no, not again. Not again God, not again. I can't…"
Her words were muffed as she buried her head in Tyler shoulder. Evan wordlessly hugged them both.
Amanda and Alex hadn't spoken; they were just clinging to each other desperately as each cried on the other's shoulder.
"I can't believe the insensitivity of that git," Severus barked. "How could he announce something like that to the world without first contacting those intimately affected."
"Minister Weasley, Minister Weasley, will you take questions?" a reporter called out.
"Yes, but just a few, please," the Minister answered. "As you can imagine, I'm quite distraught.
"Can you give us any more information as to what actually happened?" the reporter questioned.
"As you can imagine, details are still rather sketchy at this point," Weasley explained. "Fantastic Island was protected by a new and as yet untried blending of magical spells and wards along with Muggle computers and electronic enhancements. It appears that while the teams were experiencing one of the parks attractions, the system failed. There were at least two explosions. Either the blasts themselves or the creatures that were thus set free killed all the victims. The island has been totally evacuated and quarantined "
"Is a rescue team being dispatched to the island?" the reporter asked.
"To rescue whom?" Percy replied. "All humans have been withdrawn. The island is currently overrun with highly dangerous beasts. We've already suffered an enormous loss of life. I'm not about to jeopardize more lives in order to search for bodies that more than likely no longer even exist."
Another reporter raised his hand and was acknowledged by the Minister. "What about Dr. Soderbergh? Will he be allowed to return to the island in the future to continue his work?
Percy seemed uneasy with this question. "The ministry holds Dr. Soderbergh personally responsible for this tragedy. Unfortunately, he somehow managed to flee the island unnoticed, but a warrant has been issued for his arrest. I expect him to be taken into custody within hours. Now if there are no further questions." Minster Weasley turned to leave.
"Minster, I understand that the Quibbler has rushed out a special edition," Justin Finch-Fletchley shouted. "They calm that this was no accident, but rather a deliberate act of terrorism carried out by Salazar Slytherin's supporters."
The Minister stopped and turned to face the reporter. "The Quibbler!?" Weasley said sounding affronted. "Are you seriously placing any credence in something published in that rag?"
"The Quibbler was the first to print that insightful interview with Harry Potter concerning the return of Lord Voldemort," Justin pointed out.
"Correct, they did," Minister Weasley confirmed with a laugh. "I believe that was over ten years ago. As the Muggles sometime say, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in awhile. I think you can be assured, however, that ninety-nine percent of everything published in the Quibbler is one hundred percent garbage."
"But this article is written by the editor, herself," Finch-Fletchley plodded on. "Luna Lovegood claims that she had just arrived on Fantastic Island minutes before the catastrophe occurred. She also writes that Dr. Soderbergh personally informed her that Slytherin's followers had already claimed responsibility for the incident."
"Does she, in fact?" Percy exclaimed. "Does she also mention in the account her most recent expedition in search of the nonexistent Crumple-Horned Snorkack? Or was it the Blibbering Humdinger she was off searching for this year?"
"Be reasonable Justin," Percy declared derisively. "On one hand you have a former Hogwarts prefect who went on to become school head boy and ultimately the esteemed Minister of Magic." He smirked, pointing at himself. "On the other, you have an eccentric girl who holds a variety of rather weird beliefs, which have no basis in fact. A young lady who was given the moniker Loony by her peers and now edits both a sleazy rag and a nudie magazine."
"Who do you think the prudent wizard should believe and trust?"
End of Chapter 24
My thanks go out to my betas for this chapter: Lucy, Don, Ken and Mistri-Tonks' Admirer. Please be a good reader
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