Unofficial Portkey Archive

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 UnderExposed - A New Girl in Town

Emily and Caitlin exchanged startled expressions. Had they heard the Headmaster correctly? They had expected to be chastised. Was he actually saying that they could spend the summer as true naturists?

"You're having a go at us," Emily blurted out.

Snape laughed in spite of himself. "I assure you, that I'm not."

"Just us or can others be natural, too?" Caitlin asked.

"I assume you mean young Timmy and your friend Miss Thatcher if she again visits at the end of summer. Certainly they may likewise be comfortable." Snape said. He was noticeably uncomfortable.

"I more meant adults," Caitlin replied. "Jamie, Sam, our parents?"

Severus noticeably gulped. "If they so choose, I imagine it would be acceptable." He glared momentarily at Katie, as if asking her what she had gotten him into.

"We can be nude all the time; anywhere on the grounds or in the castle. Even the Great Hall?" Emily questioned excitedly.

Severus nodded. Suddenly he felt as if he had opened Pandora's box and that all hell was about to break loose.

"We have to get down to the infirmary," Katie said, grabbing Severus's hand. "You girls have a wonderful summer."

"We will," Emily and Caitlin shouted happily in unison.

When Professors Snape and Bell turned the corner, the girls exchanged high fives. It was going to be a marvelous summer.

Chapter Two
Never Satisfied

Although Emily and Caitlin were both happy with their newfound freedom, they soon both became likewise disenchanted. They had anticipated Jamie and Hermione promptly joining them in their pursuit of freedom from clothes, but that didn't come to pass. After her ordeal at Slytherin's hands, Jamie wasn't yet psychologically ready to shed her clothes and scamper happy-go-luckily through the corridors of Hogwarts.

Although a part of her very much wanted to join the girls, Hermione took a halfway approach. She eagerly exercised and ran with the girls in the morning sans clothes, but didn't feel at ease taking meals and strolling about the castle unclothed. It wasn't that she was in any way ill at ease about being nude, but more that she was cognizant of the feelings of Professor Snape and some of the other staff members. Severus in particular was having a tremendously difficult time dealing with the copious amount of flesh Emily and Caitlin now displayed on a regular basis. It was evident that the Headmaster was extremely uncomfortable. At meals he went out of his way to avoid even looking in the direction of the unclad girls.

Unfortunately, the Headmaster's clothing optional policy had caused some conflict with certain couples. Harry being Harry had immediately given Hermione his unconditional blessing to do whatever she saw fit although he declared his intentions to remain fully clothed in front of his peers.

Ginny hadn't even had the courage to broach the subject with Draco. There was a time when Ginny had been considered rather a tease and she had dressed extremely provocatively. That all ended when Draco and her became a couple. She was now always dressed quite primly and properly. In Draco's opinion, a pureblood witch would never consider doing anything so scandalous as appearing nude in public.

It was between Ron and Sam that the policy caused the greatest rift. At first they argued over whether Timmy should be allowed to scamper bare about the castle and grounds; on that subject they were finally able to find an agreeable middle ground. Timmy was allowed to play nude, but was required to dress for all meals in the Great Hall. What truly goaded Sam was when Ron publicly stated that she shouldn't even for a moment consider peeling off her clothes.

Although Sam had enjoyed the pleasures of naturism on the cruise the previous year, she was not one to push the limits. She hadn't even considered going bare in front of the fully dressed staff, especially since she was three months pregnant and Hermione and Jamie were remaining clothed. That was until Ron started issuing orders.

Sam loved Ron with all her heart. She would have walked over burning hot coals in her bare feet for him if he asked, but she didn't appreciate him ordering her about. She was Ron's partner, his soul mate, not his subordinate. Ron made matters worse by constantly bringing up the subject even though Sam had not shown any inclination to parade about without clothes in any place other than their quarters. At times Sam became so annoyed with Ron's attitude that she wanted to streak naked from their quarters. The only thing that prevented her from doing so was her lack of guts.

Monday, August 7, 2006

And so after a month of the clothing optional policy, only Emily and Caitlin had taken full advantage of it. Neither girl had worn a stitch of clothing since the Headmaster had initiated the guidelines. As they lounged next to the lake, the lack of tan lines on their nubile bronzed bodies attested to this.

"Are you as bored as I am?" Caitlin asked dismally.

"Bored to tears," Emily replied. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I wish it was September first."

"I know what you mean," Caitlin agreed sadly. "I'll hate going back to wearing clothes, but I really miss Evan."

"At least you still get to be nude in your common room. I have to go to my dorm if I want to be comfortable," Emily replied enviously.

"Not necessarily," Caitlin replied. "Each year I have to get the permission from the new first years before I can go starkers."

"I can't imagine that being a problem. I can't imagine any of the boys objecting," Emily said with a laugh. "Plus, you're a fourth year. Most of the girls will be too intimidated to object either. Just think; you should actually be a fifth year."

"Yeah!" Caitlin sighed. "The stupid orphanage held me back a year; they claimed I wasn't mature enough to enter the boarding school environment. I think they just wanted to collect for another year from my grandparents' estate. All in all, I guess it worked out okay though."

"I'm jealous of you," Emily said. "You'll be fifteen and of age when school starts. You can actually have sex if you wish. Are you going to shag poor unsuspecting Evan on the Hogwarts Express?"

"Yeah, that would be romantic," Caitlin said sarcastically. "Did you forget that Evan is only twelve?"

"But boys don't trigger the alarm," Emily replied impatiently. "No one would ever know."

"I don't know what to do," Caitlin replied anxiously. "Technically, Evan and I having sex would be illegal. And what if he isn't the right one? I was so sure about Matt and I and look how that turned out. It probably sounds old fashioned, but I don't want to sleep with a lot of different boys. I want my first time to be with the guy I'm going to marry."

"The only way to insure that is to stay a virgin until you get married," Emily said, with a sigh. "And even that won't guarantee that the marriage will last. We're not nearly as bad as Muggles when it comes to divorce, but not all wizard marriages last for one hundred fifty years. No matter what your age is when you do it, giving your love to someone is a gamble."

"But you sound pretty clear in your mind about you and Tyler lasting, despite the fact that you were separated for a year?" Caitlin asked.

For no apparent reason, Emily burst into uncontrollable tears.

"Emily, what's the matter?" Caitlin asked, embracing her sister tightly.

"I had a dream last night," Emily replied nervously. "But it wasn't really a dream. It was more a premonition. It was like I was in a pensive visiting someone's memory."

Emily shuddered and then took a deep breath before continuing. "It took place in the medical wing. You were there. You were crying and Mum was holding you. Jamie was crying, too. Dad was hugging her."

"Where were you?" Caitlin asked, edgily.

"I was there, too," Emily answered pitifully. "I was lying in a bed; I had just died."

Caitlin's eyes widened. "But surely, it was just a dream… an awful nightmare," she cried desperately.

"No, no it wasn't," Emily said, shaking her head assertively. "I've had visions like this before and they've always come true."

Caitlin was staggered. She had a question that had to be asked, but to which she didn't truly want to know the answer. "How old were we in this vision?"

Emily's watering eyes looked into her sister's. "Not perceivably much older than we are now." Emily heaved a deep sigh. "Neither of us had a tan any longer, so I'd guess late this winter or early spring."

"This spring?" Caitlin shouted, appalled. "We have to tell Mum and Dad."

"No!" Emily yelled emphatically. "You can't tell anyone. Caitlin, it's going to happen and no one can stop it. Not even you with all your fantastic powers," Emily sobbed. "I'm sorry to burden you with this, but I had to tell someone. I don't know how long I have to live and there is so much I want to do. I need there to be someone that understands if at times I seem rather obsessed."

Emily and Caitlin embraced, neither girl speaking.

Caitlin had no idea what to say to Emily. After several minutes, she finally spoke. "Isn't there anything I can do?"

Emily forced a smile. "I could do with an ice cream cone."

Caitlin couldn't suppress a weak laugh. Emily obviously didn't want to discuss the vision any further. "You don't ask a lot." She simultaneously shook her head and bit her lip. "Let's get some clothes on and walk into Hogsmeade."

"Did I ever tell you about my dream?" Emily asked.

"Another one?" Caitlin shouted, aghast.

At the look of horror on Caitlin's face, Emily added, "Not that kind of dream, more like an improbable visualization for the future."

Caitlin stared questioningly at Emily.

"I always hoped that some day naturism would become an acceptable practice. I actually envisioned a clothing optional world. I even promised Kim that at the end of her seventh year I'd see her off on the Hogwarts Express totally starkers. I guess that will never happen now." Emily sighed. "Caitlin, before we get that ice cream, can we walk around Hogsmeade? Maybe do some window shopping?"

"Sure, why not?" Caitlin replied; anything to get her mind off Emily dying. "It's early and we have nothing better to do."

Emily got to her feet, slipped on her sandals and started brushing out her hair. "Ready whenever you are."

Caitlin's chin dropped to her chest. "Like this," she cried. "We'll both be arrested."

"Maybe, maybe not," Emily replied. "Nudity actually isn't illegal in the Wizard World; probably because no witch or wizard in their right mind would ever consider going naked in public."

"No witch in her right mind," Caitlin repeated. "Where does that leave us?

"Naked in the middle of Hogsmeade if you're game?" Emily replied impishly.

"Emily, I love you," Caitlin answered, slipping on her sandals. "I just hope we get adjoining padded cells in St. Mungo's."

* * * * * *

"Hi Hermione!"

Hermione jumped. It was always startling to have your fireplace suddenly flare up and then a head unexpectedly appear in the flames.

"Luna!" Hermione shouted, looking about for anything with which to cover herself. "You gave me quite a start."

"I'm sorry," Luna replied in her dreamy voice. "It's rather important that I talk with you and Harry. Is it okay if I floo to your quarters?"

"I'm not decent at the moment," Hermione replied, trying unsuccessfully to shield her body from Luna's view with a much too tiny pillow.

"That's okay," Luna replied unflappably. "I'm not offended by nakedness. In fact, I think you look extremely attractive nude."

"Thanks," Hermione answered with obvious embarrassment as she dropped the shields that prevented anyone from flooing to their quarters uninvited.

Hermione watched as Luna gracefully stepped out of the flames. The years evidently hadn't helped improve Luna's fashion judgment in the least. She was wearing black knee high boots along with a bright orange mini shirt, topped with a chartreuse tube top; her earrings today were baby carrots.

"Thanks for seeing me," Luna said, her eyes scanning Hermione. "Is it uncomfortable being naked when your guest is fully clothed? Would you like me to take my clothes off?"

Hermione tried to say, "That's not necessary," but Luna disregarded her and promptly began slipping out of her tube top and skirt.

She had just shed her knickers when Harry walked into the room. "Hermione, who are you talking…?" Harry stopped in his tracks. He was accustomed to seeing Hermione and the girls naked, but Luna totally nude except for knee-high boots was a shock. Being the gentleman he was, Harry tried hard to focus his eyes on the carrots dangling from Luna's ears.

"You're fully clothed," Luna gushed, her voice sounding slightly disappointed. "Now I'm perplexed. Should I be naked or clothed?"

"That's totally your choice," Harry replied evenly. "Hermione and the girls are more comfortable nude; most times I prefer to be fully clad."

Luna paused briefly. "I've never been naked in front of a man before, but oddly you don't make me feel the least bit embarrassed or self-conscious. I think I'll stay like this if neither of you mind." She looked down at her legs. "I probably ought to get rid of these boots though," Luna laughed. She plopped herself down in a chair. "They're such a pain to get on and off. Could you give me a hand please, Harry?"

Harry looked reluctantly in Hermione's direction, but she just nodded her head and. snickered. He found it strangely discomforting to get down on his hands and knees in front of an unclothed Luna.

Luna on the other hand seemed totally at ease with the situation. It didn't seem to bother her at all that Harry now knew beyond a doubt that she was a natural blonde.

"Why don't I get us some butterbeers," Hermione said conversationally, "while you tell us the reason for this surprise visit."

"It's about what Harry said and what the Ministry and Daily Prophet did to Justin," Luna explained. "It's not right that he got fired simply for telling the truth. I gave him a job with the Quibbler, but I can't begin to pay him what he received at the Prophet."

Harry nodded his understanding.

"I also heard about what happened to Jamie," Luna commented sadly. "Although there wasn't even a mention of it in the Prophet. Minster Weasley is again pressuring them to hide the truth from the wizard world, just like Fudge did with Voldemort. People have to know what's happening. The longer Weasley ignores Slytherin, the stronger he will become."

"Then you believe that Slytherin is among us?" Harry asked.

"Of course! Your girls wouldn't lie about something so important. I've tried printing the truth in the Quibbler, but for some reason readers don't always take our articles as seriously as they should. Somehow we have to get Weasley out of office." Luna looked at Harry with her protuberant eyes. "Do you really think a weirdo like me would have a chance against that pretentious git?"

"You're not a weirdo," Hermione interrupted, adamantly. "Indeed, you sometimes have rather unorthodox viewpoints, but that doesn't make you odd. You're an honest and trusting person; that's why Harry and I both adore you."

Luna looked from Hermione to Harry and than back again, her eyes moist. "Do you really? Do you both actually like me?"

"Of course we do," Hermione said hugging Luna firmly. Hermione stepped aside and to her surprise found Harry as well giving Luna a heartfelt hug. Luna blushed all over.

"I stand by my earlier statement," Harry declared. "I think you are exactly the one we need to straighten out the Ministry. The problem will be getting Weasley out and you in since the people actually have no vote. As you know, the Ministry of Magic isn't a representative democracy, like most of the European and North American Muggles have; it's an oligarchy."

Luna raised her eyes.

"An oligarchy is a government in which a small group exercises control, unfortunately usually for corrupt and selfish purposes," Hermione explained.

"The Magical Ministries in Europe are all oligarchies, Luna. They select their leadership for their civil services and from the older families. So naturally those are the interests they primarily defend. That also means that public policy is partially held hostage to those old interests," Harry gave details.

"Then how can we bring about change?" Luna asked skeptically. "It would appear that we'd have to bring down the entire system of government."

"That would be one way," Harry admitted. "Hopefully we won't have to go to that extreme. Remember that members of an oligarchy are only loyal to themselves. They will do whatever necessary to preserve their way of life even if it means sacrificing one of their own. Consider how fast they sacked Fudge and replaced him with Scrimgeour. We have to once more unite the whole Wizarding community and get them screaming for Weasley's resignation."

"But even if we are victorious in getting Weasley sacked, won't they just replace him with another one of their flunkies?" Luna asked dejectedly.

"That would be their first choice," Harry conceded. "But remember, their primary objective is to have the oligarchy survive. They'd begrudgingly accept an outsider if they weren't given any alternative. Our job is to create a public outcry so great that they won't even consider putting anyone in the position other than you."

"That doesn't sound like an easy task," Luna said disconsolately. "But even if we created this minor miracle, I'd still just be a powerless figurehead."

"No you wouldn't," Hermione exclaimed. "Over the centuries, the oligarchy has entrusted more and more power to the Minister of Magic. That can't be usurped overnight. Once in office you would be able to revolutionize our way of government dramatically, actually giving our people a say in how they are ruled."

"It all sounds like a pipe dream," Luna concluded. "Most of our world thinks of me as Loony Lovegood the crazy editor of the Quibbler and Playwizard magazines. I can't picture them lining up to support me for Minister of Magic."

"That's because they don't know you the way we do," Hermione said, embracing Luna. "Give them time."

* * * * * *

"I can't believe we're actually doing this," Caitin said, as she and Emily blissfully neared the village of Hogsmeade. "I feel so good and comfortable, but at the same time sinful and wicked."

"That's caused by years of indoctrination that nudity is wrong and immoral," Emily replied. "We're all an end result of our nurturing. Some people think nudity causes promiscuity, my parents believed just the opposite."

"What do you think?" Caitlin asked.

"I think people in general are tempted by the unknown, by what is forbidden," Emily replied. "Take boys in general. Most of them reach puberty having never seen a naked girl except in the crumpled pages of a nikked Playwizard magazine. They're obsessed with getting a girl naked and checking her out; it intensifies their normal sexual desires. Timmy and Ben will never have that fascination. They'll both grow up seeing naked girls every day of their lives. They'll still have sexual desires when they reach our age, but they won't be deepened by the desire to see a nude girl."

"That kind of makes sense," Caitlin answered anxiously, gazing at Emily. "Aren't you the least bit nervous? We're about to parade down the middle of Hogsmeade totally exposed."

"I know," replied Emily contentedly. "Doesn't it feel wonderful to have nothing blocking the sun and breeze from touching your skin?"

"At the moment I'm more worried about Dad thrashing my bare butt when he finds out what we've done," Caitlin retorted. "Nobody has seen us yet; maybe we should just turn around and head back to Hogwarts."

"Are you embarrassed about being seen nude?" Emily asked.

"Of course not," Caitlin replied as if offended by the remark. "I'm not the least bit ashamed; I'm only worried about the consequences of our actions. What do you think people will do?"

"I'm not sure," Emily admitted. "I've only ever done something like this once before and at that time I still had a little girl's body. Reactions might be different now considering that we've both developed significantly."

"Especially you," Caitlin said, a touch of envy in her voice. She abruptly stopped walking. They had reached the edge of town. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to just get an ice cream and then head back to the castle?"

"You don't have to go with me if you don't want," Emily said understandingly. "I can't explain it, but this is something I just feel I have to do."

Caitlin visibly gulped. "I'm with you, no matter what," Caitlin said grabbing Emily's hand. "Where to first?"

"I thought we'd go to Honeydukes," Emily suggested.

"Emily, we don't have any money," Caitlin said, just remembering her lack of pockets.

"But we're both authorized users of Mum and Dad's charge accounts," Emily responded. "I'm sure they won't mind as long as we don't over do it."

"Somehow I think us using their charges will be the least upsetting of our actions today," Caitlin replied.

They paused briefly next to the ice cream shop to survey the quiet roads of the magical village. The few people occupying the streets were scurrying from shop to shop and didn't take time to look in the direction of the two bare girls.

"Honeydukes!" Caitlin said, taking a deep breath.

Emily nodded and the two girls set off down the street. Caitlin was waiting nervously to hear someone yell or scream in shook, but apparently everyone was looking in another direction because they reached the door to Honeydukes unchallenged.

"Is everyone blind?" Caitlin asked. She was befuddled by the fact that they had walked a good distance down the main street of Hogsmeade and evidently no one had even noticed their lack of clothing.

"I think that's all about to change," Emily said wryly.

Sure enough, besides the clerk, there were six customers in Honeydukes. One pompous looking lady had her young son in toe. He was enthusiastically pointing out the window with one hand while he jerked his mother's hand urgently with the other. She didn't seem to pay him any heed until the bell tinkled when Emily and Caitlin entered the shop.

"For Merlin's sake, what are you girls doing!" she screamed, hastily covering her son's eyes with her hands. "Haven't you any decency? Did your parents raise you to be sluts?"

"Give them a break," protested a nattily attired wizard. "They aren't hurting anyone. Besides, I think they look adorable."

"Then you must be a nasty pervert," the lady retorted. "No proper gentleman would goggle at those naked little tramps."

"I'd watch my words if I were you," the man retorted angrily. "I'm not goggling and I am most certainly not a pervert. Just because you're an uptight old prude, it doesn't give you the right to belittle these young ladies. I applaud their guts."

"Please, please, now let's remain civil," the female clerk behind the counter asserted. "There is no reason to be name calling. Girls I have no idea what you are trying to prove, but you're causing a disturbance."

"We don't wish to cause you any problems," Emily asserted. "We'll be on our way if you just allow us to buy some candy first."

"And what are you going to use for money?" a plump female customer asked smugly. "You don't seem to have any pockets or be carrying a purse."

This query caused the clerk to turn and look questioning at Emily and Caitlin.

"We're authorized to use our parents' charge account," Caitlin replied politely. "It's under the name Potter; Harry and Hermione Potter."

Suddenly the shop was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. "You're the Potter girls, Caitlin and Emily?" the clerk asked sheepishly.

"Yes!" answered Caitlin.

"What would you girls like?" the clerk asked.

"You can't seriously intend to serve them," the first woman protested. Her son had finally slipped out of her grasp and was now gawking open mouthed at Emily and Caitlin's exposed forms.

"I most certainly do," the clerk replied. "We all owe our very survival to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. If they have no problem with their girls walking about the village nude, I certainly don't."

"Well you've just lost Honeydukes one of their most valued customers," the woman said, affronted. She grabbed her son's hand and wrenched him out of the store.

"Personally I think Honeydukes will survive without her," the fashionably dressed man said. "Please give these girls anything they desire and put it on my account."

"We couldn't accept that," Emily said, graciously.

"Don't worry," the man replied. "There are no strings attached. I just admire your determination and guts."

When they at last left the store clutching their purchases, Caitlin commented, "Well, that didn't go as bad as I expected."

"Only because you mentioned Mum and Dad's names," Emily replied. "That clerk never would have served us, otherwise."

"Is it important why she served us?" Caitlin replied. "I'm just glad she did. These peppermint creams taste extra delicious today."

"Of course it's important," Emily retorted. "I want our naturism to be accepted just because it should be, not because our parents are heroes."

"Yeah, I see what you mean," Caitlin responded. "That guy was pretty cool though. At first I was concerned that the lady with the kid might be right, but he turned out to be okay."

"That lady was a trip though; the way she went on all high and mighty and tried to shield us from her son's view," Emily added. "She acted like the human body was something hideous and should be hidden."

"Speaking of the devil, there she is," Caitlin announced. They stood for a short time and watched the older woman as she ranted and raved to persons walking by. "The ice cream shop and Hogwarts is in that direction, but I don't much fancy walking by her."

"Neither do I," Emily agreed. "Let's slip up this side street. Maybe we can avoid another confrontation with her."

"I'm not sure if that is such a good idea," Caitlin replied, hesitancy evident in her voice. "That street leads to the seedier part of town. We're not exactly dressed for slumming."

"I'll leave it up to you," Emily said, shrugging. "But we do have our wands with us and at the moment I think I'd rather deal with the unknown than face that irate bitch and her cronies."

Caitlin took another quick look at the angry woman gesticulating animatedly in their direction.

"Let's get out of here before she decides to tar and feather us," Caitlin said, grabbing Emily's hand and heading quickly up the side street.

As they walked, the girls became more and more apprehensive.

"This wasn't one of my more brilliant ideas," Emily admitted. "It doesn't bother me in the least to be glimpsed unclothed, but I don't like being leered at lustily."

"Me either," Caitlin agreed. "I wish we had our Apparation licenses. Those grungy men are beginning to make me feel creepy. I wish we were back at Hogwarts."

"Let's go in there," Emily suggested. "Maybe the owner will let us use his fireplace to floo back to Hogwarts."

"In there?" Caitlin questioned alarmingly, looking up at the battered wooden sign hanging from a rusty bracket over the door, with a picture upon it of a wild boar's severed head leaking blood onto the white cloth around it. "Isn't the Hog's Head a rather … you know … dodgy place? Students don't normally go in there."

"Students don't generally strut through Hogsmeade naked either," Emily reminder her, "but here we are. I don't think those grubby blokes headed our direction want to discuss the weather. I'd rather take my chances inside."

Caitlin hesitated, first looking at the door to the tavern and then toward the filthy group headed their direction. "Let's go," said Caitlin slightly nervously, pulling the door open.

They were just about to step inside when a hand seized each of their shoulders.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

* * * * * *

Claudia clutched the thick heavy envelope, made of yellowish parchment, nervously in her hands. She had been turning the enveloped over in her trembling hands ever since it arrived, first looking at the address and then at the purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake surrounding a large letter H.

"Hurry up, girl!" Her mother encouraged. "Open it."

"I'm afraid. What if I'm been rejected?" Claudia questioned.

"Then we deal with it," her mother answered tolerantly. "But we'll never know if you don't open the damn letter."

Claudia timidly withdrew the letter from its envelope and read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL
Of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Severus Tobias Snape

Dear Miss Priestly,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Based on the results of your placement tests, you will be meeting for classes with our fourth year students. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. It is a tradition at Hogwarts that all new students cross the lake to the castle by boat and then be sorted into one of our four houses. Therefore, I ask that you please follow all instructions directed to our first years when you arrive at the Hogsmeade train station. I apologize for any awkwardness that this might cause for you.

The Hogwarts castle and grounds with well over one hundred staircases is tricky to maneuver for even the most agile. I've enclosed an information sheet on some contrivances marketed by Ali Bashir Limited that you might find helpful.

We await your owl and look forward to meeting you in person at the start of term.

Yours sincerely,

Hermione J. Granger

Hermione J. Granger,
Deputy Headmistress

Claudia reread the letter before finally handing it to her mother, a perplexed look on her face. "What did you tell them?" Claudia asked harshly. "Why is Professor Granger cautioning me about staircases and enclosing a pamphlet on flying cushions?"

Her mother's face paled and her expression turned guilty. "I felt it best to prepare them in advance so that you wouldn't be swamped with hard to counter questions." The woman took a deep breath. "I told them that you have an untreatable infection that has stunted your growth and caused you to lose use of your legs."

Claudia closed her eyes and shook her head dejectedly.

"Are you angry with me, Honey?" Her mother asked tentatively.

"No," Claudia answered sadly. "You meant well. Besides, they always say that the best defense is a strong offense." She paused. "Or is it the other way around. I always get it mixed up. I just wish that deceit wasn't necessary, but I guess what's really important is that I'm going back to school."

"That's right, Darling," the older woman responded, relief evident in her voice. "May I see the list of everything that you'll need?"

Claudia unfolded a second piece of paper and handed it to her mother.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL
Of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

Minimum requirement:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
5. Dress robes (if attending Yule Ball)

Please note that all clothing should carry identifying nametags

COURSE BOOKS

All fourth year students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 4)
By Miranda Goshawk

Intermediate Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi By Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Creatures of the Night: Defense Against Dangerous Dark Beings
By Quentin Trimble

Students taking Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, the Study of Ancient Runes or Muggle Studies should check with the store clerk for the appropriate textbook for their grade level.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales

Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad

"This isn't too bad," Mrs. Priestly commented. "You already have all the necessary equipment and uniform items except for Dress robes. We can pick them up when we go to Diagon Alley for your books."

"Why waste the money?" Claudia grumbled. "There isn't much chance of a growth stunted invalid being invited to a dance."

"I'm sorry, Honey," Claudia's mother said, embracing her daughter lovingly. "I wish things could be different."

* * * * * *

Caitlin hesitated, first looking at the door to the tavern and then toward the grimy group headed their direction. "Let's go," said Caitlin slightly nervously, pulling the door open.

They were just about to step inside when a hand seized each of their shoulders.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

Caitlin and Emily both jumped when the hand detained them.

"Amanda, where did you come from?" Caitlin asked, both shock and relief evident in her voice.

"Never mind that at the moment. Just what exactly do you two think you're doing?" she asked crossly.

"We were going to go inside in order to get away from those perverts," Emily explained.

"That would be a excellent example of jumping from the frying pan directly into the fire," Amanda snapped back.

Amanda offered her left arm. "Both of you hold onto my arm very tightly and I'll Apparate us out of here."

Both girls gripped Amanda's proffered forearm. The girls redoubled their grips when they felt Amanda's arm twist away from them. The next thing Emily and Caitlin knew, everything had gone black; they were being pressed very hard from all directions; they found it difficult to breathe, iron bands seemed to be tightening around their chests; their eyeballs were being forced back into their heads; their eardrums were being pushed deeper into their skulls and then --

They were standing inside Florean Fortescue's Hogsmeade Ice Cream Parlor, the one managed by his son Roger.

"If that's what Apparation feels like, I'll stick to the floo network," Emily proclaimed.

"Me too," Caitlin agreed. "I don't think I could ever get used to that."

"You will in time," Amanda said understandingly. "Apparition is very practical, especially in an emergency when there isn't a floo connected fireplace handy; plus, it's also a lot cleaner."

The shop wasn't extremely busy, but everyone there had looked up at the sound of the Apparition pop. Those customers were now staring at naked Caitlin and Emily with varying expressions on their faces.

"What happened," Roger asked concernedly, hurrying toward the trio.

"These two decided to take a stroll through Hogsmeade sans clothes," Amanda explained. "I caught up with them just as they were about to enter the Hogs Head in order to get away from some reprobates. I used Side-Along Apparition to bring them here."

"Two at once?" Roger said sounding fairly impressed. "That's extremely difficult to bring about; it's fortunate that no one was splinched. I'd hate to see any of you missing any of your extremely delectable parts." His eyes briefly gazed Emily and Caitlin. "I must say that you both look gorgeous."

"Roger! Sometimes you act like a pervert," Amanda scolded. "Don't encourage them. They almost got themselves raped strolling about the village in their birthday suits."

"It would be prudent to avoid that section of the town near the Hogs Head even when fully clothed," Roger warned.

"Amanda! How long have you been here in Hogsmeade?" Caitlin asked, trying to change the subject.

"I just arrived by train this morning," Amanda replied. "Alex wrote me about what happened to Jamie and I came to pay her a visit."

"You came just to see Jamie?" Emily questioned impishly. "Are you sure you didn't have an overwhelming desire for ice cream."

Roger and Amanda both blushed profusely.

"Never mind me," Amanda retorted. "What about you two? Where are your clothes? You can't walk back to Hogwarts as you are."

"I'd like to see anyone stop us," Emily replied sharply. "I appreciate that you helped us out of a tight spot, but we're not covering up. I understand that we shouldn't have been in that part of town, clothes or not, but we're not hurting a single person by being nude."

"You do realize that Harry and Hermione will skin you alive when you get home, don't you?" Amanda asked.

"Are you going to run and owl them?" Emily questioned angrily.

"No! But you are both known by a good number of the townsfolk. It wouldn't surprise me if word of your exploits today has already reached the castle," Amanda replied.

Caitlin reluctantly nodded her agreement with Amanda's statement.

"Then I guess we should get back and face the music," Emily said begrudgingly. "Roger, we initially made the trip into town for ice cream. May we have two cones before we leave?"

Roger smiled. "Caitlin or Emily size dips," he said with a laugh.

At first Emily didn't comprehend exactly what he meant, but then Caitlin poked her gently on the breast and she understood his gist.

"Amanda is right," Emily laughed. "You are a pervert, but I still love you. We'll have two cones with Jamie size dips."

* * * * * *

"Are they all right?" Harry asked worriedly?

"They're fine," Hermione answered, shaking her head in frustration. "Harry, what are we going to do with them? They're never satisfied."

"Actually they remind me a lot of you," Harry replied.

"Me!" Hermione gasped. "Have you forgotten that I'm the girl that used to be reluctant to take her knickers off to take a shower? I may love being unclothed now, but I'm not one to push the limits."

"Perhaps not with naturism, but you've never been one to settle for fractional success," Harry stressed. "Two examples I can think of offhand would be elf rights and Muggle-born equality."

"But that's different," Hermione insisted. "Those were and are important social issues. Naturism doesn't hold a candle to them."

"Perhaps not in your eyes, but Emily is quite zealous in her mind-set," Harry replied. "And obviously she has found a staunch supporter in Caitlin. I don't want to quash their enthusiasm, but I don't want to see them get hurt or be ostracized either."

"So what do we do?" Hermione asked.

"I say that first we talk to them separately and find out what exactly prompted today's excursion, then we'll decide on a suitable punishment."

* * * * * *

Caitlin paced the living room nervously. She didn't like the idea that Harry and Hermione had decided to talk to her and Emily separately. She had tried listening, but someone had put an Imperturbable Charm on the bedroom door. Finally after what seemed like hours Emily emerged from the room and gave Caitlin a weak encouraging smile.

"They want to interrogate you next," she said. So that no one other than Caitlin could see it, Emily made a motion with her hand over her lips as if closing a zipper. Caitlin nodded and entered the bedroom.

"Young lady, suppose you give us your version of what happened today," Harry said sharply, once the door had closed.

Caitlin shrugged. "There isn't a great deal to tell," she began timidly. "Emily and I were bored to tears and so we decided to go for an ice cream. Once we were in town we thought that while we were there we might as well do some window-shopping. Then we got our ice cream and walked back to the castle."

"That seems like an extremely abridged version of the days events," Hermione said, shaking her head in frustration. "Can I assume that it was Emily's idea that you both parade into Hogsmeade totally starkers?"

"She suggested it," Caitlin admitted, "but I thought it was a good idea."

"You thought it was a good idea for two young teenage girls to stroll naked through the streets of town!" Harry shouted. "Didn't you even consider the ramifications?"

"There is nothing sordid about the naked body. It's only people's thoughts that are dirty," Caitlin protested.

"Your father and I agree, but we're in the minority," Hermione asserted. "We can't just shove our beliefs and values down other people's throats. The great majority of the populace finds public nudity to be offensive."

"How many owls did you get from people that were offended today by Emily and I?" Caitlin asked.

"Thus far three, but that's not the point," Hermione protested. "Not everyone that was upset will take the time to write. Besides, what you girls did today is dangerous. You attracted the attention of an uncouth element of the village. Harry and I love you, but you've gone too far this time and you both need to be punished."

"No! Punish me if you must but you can't punish Emily; not when she has so little time …" Caitlin slapped her hand across her mouth. Emily had trusted her.

"What do you mean; Emily has so little time?" Harry asked fearfully. "What are you talking about?"

---

My thanks go out to my betas for this chapter: Ken, Matt and Mistri-Tonks' Admirer. If anyone would be interested in being a beta for this series, please contact me at Brwneil@AOL.com. Please be a good reader and take the time to review.

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