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

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Caitlin asked, breaking the silence. "Is it about Evan and I and what Dad saw us doing in the shower?"

This comment had both Hermione and Emily quickly sitting upright. Harry had not yet mentioned the scene he'd witnessed to Hermione. Emily, of course, was entirely caught unawares.

"You and Evan took a shower together!?" Emily questioned, partly shocked, party envious. "Where? When? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Yesterday," Caitlin answered guiltily. "I was going to tell you, but what with everything else it seemed rather trivial." Caitlin went on to explain everything that transpired after she and Evan left the Quidditch pitch.

"You actually gave Evan permission to shower with Caitlin?" Emily asked, staring at her mother with astonishment. "What about Tyler and I? Would you give us permission to be intimate?"

"Caitlin is of age," Hermione debated. "You and Tyler are only thirteen."

"Evan isn't of age," Emily protested. "Caitlin and Evan have their entire lives to be together. Tyler and I have little more than six months."

Emily shook her head angrily. "I'm sorry, Mum," she moaned. "I promised myself that I'd never use the 'going to die' card to get my way and here I am already doing it. It's just so hard. There are so many things I wanted to do, so many plans I had for the future and now…. How do you cram a lifetime into six months?"

No one spoke. No one had an answer. Finally in desperation to change the subject, Harry said, "Caitlin, what happened yesterday in the shower isn't what your Mum and I wanted to talk to you about. It seems that after fifteen years; your father has decided that he wants to meet you."

Chapter Eight
Best Friends

"My Dad," Caitlin replied, astonished. "You've actually talked to my real father?"

"No, not exactly," Harry explained. "His lawyer managed to make contact with our solicitor."

"Now what? What exactly does that mean?" Caitlin asked her face twisted in bewilderment

"That is entirely up to you," Harry replied. "Our solicitor, Seamus Finnegan, can contact his legal representative and tell him you have no desire to have any contact and that will be the end of it; or Seamus can make arrangements for you to meet him. It's a decision that only you have the right to make."

"What should I do, Mum?" Caitlin asked, looking eagerly to Hermione for advice.

Hermione bit her lip and shook her head despondently. "I'm sorry, Honey, but I can't help you with this. As Harry said, it's a choice you must make on your own."

"Why now, after all these years?" Caitlin wondered out loud.

"That's a question I'm afraid, that only he can answer," Hermione counseled.

"I don't know anything about him except that he was a Muggle," Caitlin continued. "My grandparents told me lots of anecdotes about my mother, but they refused to speak at all about my dad. They actually got really angry whenever I asked about him. I imagine it was because he abandoned my mother, their daughter, when she was pregnant. I don't even have the slightest idea what he looks like."

No one spoke for a while; Caitlin appeared deep in thought. "You're the only parents I've ever known and you both know how much I love you. Nothing could ever change my feelings for you, but…" She hesitated, searching for the right words.

"You don't have to explain," Harry said, motioning for his 'little' girl to come closer so that he could hug her. "You want to be able to attach a face to the name."

Caitlin nodded warily. "That, and ask him some questions; hear his side of the story."

"It's always good to listen to all sides of an issue before passing final judgment," Harry said, hugging Caitlin tightly. "I'll contact Seamus and see what can be arranged and how quickly."

Hermione didn't speak; her eyes simply wandered sadly from Caitlin to Emily and then back again. Could fate possibly be so cruel as to be planning to cleave both these girls from her life?

* * * * * *

"Master, you appear in low spirits today," Nott said cautiously, feigning straightening out some parchments. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No," Slytherin replied. "Actually, I suppose I should be pleased. All my plans are moving along ahead of schedule. It's just that it's all too easy. I miss the challenge.

"I expected the Muggles to react as lemmings, but I had thought that wizard-kind would have progressed somewhat in the last thousand years. Even the dullest troll purportedly learns in time from its mistakes. This Weasley and his minions have no clue what is going on despite the Lovegood girl painting a lucid picture for them. Is she the only member of the wizard world with any intelligence? Even Harry Potter, who you speak so highly of, and his Order of the Phoenix seem ineffectual."

"It is not that I laud Potter," Nott groveled. "Compared to you, the great Lord Slytherin, he is an inconsequential ant. It is just that he did conquer Voldemort and I had anticipated him to at least make an effort to challenge you. My sources, however, inform me that he is plagued with personal problems at the moment that are occupying much of his time. His daughter is dying; the one with the seer powers."

Slytherin nodded his head and laughed. "I laugh not at his despair. I'm empathetic even to the heartache of my enemies. It's just that this is so incredibly effortless. Purportedly, the only group that stood a chance of stopping my take-over of the world was the prophesied cube of two. When the seer dies, the prophecy dies with her. At this rate, by summer we will be able to walk into the Ministry of Magic and take control without even hurling a spell."

"Then you don't want me to have Luna Lovegood silenced?" Nott asked guardedly.

"Most certainly not!" Slytherin bellowed. "I find her entertaining. When we take control perhaps she will be willing to switch her allegiance. In the meantime she is no threat; even if the entire Ministry suddenly came to their senses, it would be too late. We will be patient and wait for the death of the seer before making our final move. Meanwhile carry on with the attacks and continue to undermine what little faith the people still have in their pathetic government."

* * * * * *

"Where have you been all weekend?" Claudia asked as Caitlin squeezed in next to her at the Gryffindor table.

"I spent the weekend with Emily in my parents' quarters," Caitlin answered hazily, avoiding giving Claudia any particulars.

She and Claudia had become best friends and she wanted to share the traumatic events of the weekend with her friend, but Emily had sworn her to silence. Caitlin was, however, about to tell Claudia about her real dad petitioning to see her, but was interrupted.

"We did it!" Claudia gushed, her blushing cheeks reddening. "Matt and I really did it."

"You guys actually had sex?" Caitlin asked excitedly, checking to make sure that no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. "How was it? What did it feel like?"

"It was wonderful," Claudia said beaming. "Matt was fantastic. Admittedly, it hurt a little the first time. I guess I'm rather small and tight down there, but Matt was very patient and gentle. I honestly can't wait until we get to do it again. The feeling is indescribably amazing."

"I'm envious," Caitlin admitted. "Are you guys planning on doing it again soon?"

"Yeah!" Claudia answered, still glowing. "We're a couple. Can you believe it? Matt asked me to be his girlfriend. He likes me. Despite all my handicaps, he actually likes me."

Caitlin smiled. "Yes, I can believe that. I'm very happy for both of you."

Suddenly, Claudia's face lost some of its glow.

"He even asked me to the Yule Ball," she announced. "I really wish I could go."

"Why can't you?" Caitlin protested.

"My legs are slowly improving," Claudia said, "but I'm months away from being able to walk; let alone dance. Besides, I don't have proper attire for a formal ball."

"I might be able to help you out on both counts," Caitlin said, happily.

"What do you mean?" Claudia questioned eagerly.

"I have an idea," Caitlin replied subtly. "We have the first period free. Hurry and finish your breakfast so that we can go up to my parents' quarters."

"But…"

"Finish your breakfast. I'll explain everything once we get there," Caitlin replied emphatically.

Claudia kept trying to worm details out of Caitlin, but her friend resolutely refused to give in. Finally, after a frustrating fifteen minutes, for Claudia, they reached the Potters' quarters.

As usual, as soon as the door closed behind them, Caitlin began shedding her garments.

"You really do hate clothes, don't you?" Claudia asked, shaking her head in disbelief at her, by now nude, best friend.

"You'll never appreciate just how much," Caitlin replied. "I'd truthfully be happiest if I never had to wear clothing."

"No! You're right, I'll never understand," Claudia admitted. "You'd be content to strut about starkers in front of the entire world and I'd consider it the most humiliating and degrading castigation imaginable."

"And yet we've somehow managed to become best friends," Caitlin said blissfully. "I guess that means that we're both very accommodating people."

Claudia nodded meekly.

"Follow me; I have something that I want to show you," said Caitlin invitingly.

Claudia followed Caitlin silently to her bedroom. It was only when they in point of fact entered the room that Claudia realized that she had been staring fixedly at Caitlin's bum. She went red in the face and quickly turned away, but not before Caitlin grasped the reason for her friend's sudden embarrassment.

"It's no problem," Caitlin said with genuineness. "It's natural for a textile to stare at a naturist. It doesn't bother me in the slightest and it doesn't imply that you are in the least bit gay."

"I'm sorry," Claudia said sincerely.

"Don't be," Caitlin insisted as she opened her closet and began searching about.

"Here it is," she said pulling out a hanger containing a dress covered in a plastic casing. "Only worn once and a cleaning charm was applied immediately afterwards."

"It's beautiful," Claudia exclaimed, looking admiringly at the beautiful blue gown.

"Try it on," Caitlin offered. "If it fits; it's yours to keep."

"You can't be serious? You're giving this to me? It must have cost a fortune?"

"It's doing no one any good hanging in my closet," Caitlin insisted. "It was rather short on me when purchased. I doubt I could even get in it any more and if I did, my entire arse would probably be exposed."

"The boys would like that," Claudia remarked jokingly.

"They might, but I doubt the Headmaster or my parents would be any too happy with me." Caitlin rejoined. "Alas, when you live in a textile world you must follow their rules." She laughed. "At least most of the time. Go on, try it on."

Claudia quickly unwrapped the gown and then held it up against her body. She gasped. "It really is short, isn't it?"

"Nah!" Caitlin said unconcernedly. "It looks like it will be a lot longer on you than it was on me. It barely covered my crotch. Dad wasn't too happy with it, but he wasn't my Dad then yet and Mum had given her reluctant approval. Hurry up and put it on. I want to see how it fits."

Claudia suddenly realized that Caitlin expected her to change right then and there, in front of her. She faltered nervously. Other than her mother and just recently, Matt, no one had ever seen her naked. Well. Caitlin wouldn't actually see her naked. There was no reason for her to remove her panties, but she'd have to take everything else off. Since she refused to wear kiddy undershirts and had no reason to wear a bra; that meant being topless.

She thought about requesting to use the bathroom to change, but decided she couldn't do that. Not with Caitlin standing in front of her totally starkers. Besides, Caitlin had just proclaimed how they were best friends. Well, this would without doubt show how truly accepting Caitlin was of their differences. Claudia took a deep breath; she was about to reveal her nonexistent breasts to her best friend.

"Do you need any help?" Caitlin offered.

"I'll be okay," Claudia said, sliding off her floating cushion. "I can stand stationary for a short time. It's moving about that's difficult. Can you hold the dress while I disrobe?"

Caitlin took the formal gown from Claudia's hand and waited patiently for her friend to remove her clothing. Caitlin didn't even consider that perhaps she should turn her head away. Since full nudity was no big deal to her, semi-nudity meant nothing.

Claudia slipped off her robes and then undid the belt and zipper on her skirt. She allowed the skirt to fall to the ground, surprised that she wasn't that uncomfortable to have Caitlin see her bare legs so exposed. Slowly she undid the buttons of her blouse. This was going to be the hard part. She gritted her teeth and allowed the shirt to slip off her arms.

"The dress goes on over you head," Caitlin said disinterestedly. "I'll help you. At first it will seem too big, but it will actually form to your body."

Claudia stretched her arms into the air as Caitlin assisted her. Best friend or not, Claudia had expect Caitlin to make some sort of off-putting comment about her lack of a chest, but there was, joyfully, none. The dress seemed to sense when it was properly in place and tightened gently against Claudia's body.

"It looks great on you," Caitlin shouted excitedly. "Well except for the knee socks and trainers. You might want to forgo them for the Ball."

Claudia giggled. "It looks beautiful," Claudia admitted, "but I could never wear this to the Ball. It's sinfully short and what's keeping the top up. I'm afraid to move."

The dress was cut straight across the chest, well below the armpits, just barely covering Claudia's nipples. The sides and back were totally bare to a few inches below the natural waist.

"Mum, Jamie and I all bought the same design dress at Madam Malkin's my first year at Hogwarts," Caitlin explained. "The fabric above the waist is charmed to magically cling to your body, as if it were a second skin."

Caitlin could see the skepticism in Claudia's expression.

"Seriously, you could wear this dress to do a whole regimen of exercises and your nipples would never pop out. It's almost like it's glued to your chest."

"But it's so short," Claudia insisted. "It barely covers my panties. If I bend or move even slightly, I give a show." She demonstrated by stretching just a little; immediately the pink panties popped into view.

"That's because the Modestio charm hasn't been activated," Caitlin explained.

"The what charm?"

Caitlin glanced at her watch. "Good! We have seventy minutes before class. Stand up straight and let me brush the material flat."

Claudia did as instructed, even though not comprehending what exactly Caitlin was up to.

When Caitlin was finished, she said, "Modestio."

"What was that all about?" Claudia inquired.

"The skirt is made of a modesty-charmed material," Caitlin enlightened. "The Modestio charm remembers where the hem of the dress falls against your leg when you stand up straight. If you bend, stoop or sit, it maintains that length. I've never tried it, but I understand that you could actually stand on your head and your modesty would still be maintained."

Claudia stretched, bent and leaned to each side. Surprisingly the dress maintained full coverage. "Why did you look at your watch before activating the charm?" Claudia inquired.

"The charm only lasts an hour."

"Why?"

Caitlin laughed. "Try taking off the dress."

Claudia grabbed the material and tried to pull the skirt up. The more she pulled, the longer the material became in order to cover her legs at the same level. As soon as she let go of the material, it shrank back to its normal size.

"That can be very aggravating," Caitlin laughed. "The charm only last an hour in case you have to go to the loo or remove the dress for any other reason."

Claudia nodded. "It's beautiful; I just don't know if I have the daring to wear something so revealing. It shows so much skin." Claudia took tiny baby steps trying to turn herself around so that she could get a back view of the dress in the mirror.

"Shit! My panties show above the low cut in the back." She reached under the skirt and unceremoniously pulled her panties down slightly so that the waistband was no longer exposed. "The outline of my panties still shows," she growled.

"Yeah! It kind of does," Caitlin confirmed. "It really takes away from the sleek look of the dress."

"What did you do to solve the problem?" Claudia asked.

"I didn't have that problem," Caitlin replied. "If you recall, I never wear knickers."

Claudia didn't try to hide her shock. "Even with this dress as short as it is?"

Caitlin shrugged her shoulders. "The charm did its job. Look Claudia! I consider you my best friend. I'm not trying to force you to wear a dress that you're uncomfortable in. I just wanted to try and help you out. Think about it. I have to use the potty."

As the door closed, Claudia took one more look in the mirror and then shook her head glumly. She was about to change back into her school uniform when she realized that she wouldn't be able to get out of the formal gown until the charm ended at the end of the hour. Again she looked in the mirror; first at her knee sock covered legs and then at her quite obvious panty lines. Dolefully she summed her floating cushion and perched herself on it. She looked down and couldn't believe how much leg she was exposing. The shorts she wore in the summer time didn't expose this much bare skin. The dress had, however, continued to maintain her modesty even in a sitting position.

She sat there for a short time unable to make up her mind and then hurriedly kicked off her trainers and started to remove her knee socks. She stood up and glanced quickly at the mirror and then at the bathroom door. She had to be crazy, but she wanted to see how the dress looked without the hideous panty lines. Shaking her head in disbelief, she yanked her panties down to her knees and then allowed them to side to the floor before looking up again at the mirror.

The reflection was still hers, but she certainly looked different. The mirror image was of a beautiful and alluring young girl. She might not have breasts, but she most certainly had legs, rather nice legs. She turned slightly to get a view of her back. Claudia gasped when she realized that the dress went so low in the back that it actually exposed the top of the cleavage between her bum cheeks. Damn, this dress made it look like she had a gorgeous derrière . Matt kept telling her that she was beautiful and this dress made her actually feel gorgeous. The question was, did she have the nerve to appear in public so scantily clad. Her thoughts were shattered by the sound of the toilet flushing. Panic-stricken, she kicked her panties under the Chesterfield and flopped down, checking that the charm was still covering her modesty.

Caitlin sat down in a chair opposite Claudia and at first just smiled at her friend. "Claudia, can I be straightforward with you?"

"Sure," Claudia replied. "Friends are supposed to tell it like it is, aren't they?"

Caitlin nodded her head and then bit her lip, not sure quite how to start.

"Claudia, life has delivered you a slap in the face; no, actually a punch in the face. I can't imagine being frozen in the body of a ten year old. I'd probably still be crying. But somehow you have to look past the negatives and see all the positives."

Claudia sighed disgustedly.

"Yes there are positives. More than you might want to admit," Caitlin insisted. "You might look ten, but you're certainly not a bucktoothed, blemished, ugly, ten-year-old girl. You are a beautiful ten. Your hair and face are gorgeous and you have baby soft skin. And your legs… Hell, I'd kill to have your legs and butt.

"You can either spend your entire life feeling sorry for yourself or you can be thankful for the positive stuff in your life and make the best possible situation out of the hand you have been dealt.

"You've looked at your reflection. You know I'm telling the truth when I say you look beautiful in that dress."

"But I'm still joined at the hip to that stupid cushion," Claudia moaned. "I want to be able to dance with Matt at the Ball."

"I might be able to help you somewhat with that, but it will take a lot of courage on your part," Caitlin said.

"How do you mean help me?" Claudia asked.

"As you know, I'm a Hyperempath. Some people think we can cure the world. Unfortunately that's not true. Hyperempaths have powers similar to a Phoenix. We can cure injuries, but not diseases. I could undoubtedly save the life of a man bitten by a Acromantula, but I can't cure a common cold." Caitlin sniffed, thinking of her inability to help Emily. "I can't do anything to help your aging and physical growth dilemma, but I might be able to speed along the rehabilitation of your legs a little. I can't have you ready for a marathon, but we might be able to get you up to strength to make it through at least one dance."

"I'm not sure, but if you fancy, I might even be able to help you a little with the breast situation. During an emergency condition a while back I was once able to cause my sister, Emily, to lactate. I think I could possibly stimulate some growth for you. Nothing massive, obviously, you don't want to look like a freak, just something small for Matt to nibble on.

Claudia blushed crimson. "You could actually do that? Help me to walk and give me boobs as well?"

"I'm not one hundred percent positive about the boobs, but I'm fairly certain that I can speed up your walking rehabilitation," Caitlin replied.

"I don't understand how this entails courage on my part?" Claudia replied. "It sounds like a no-brainer to me. I have everything to gain and nothing to lose."

"Sort of," Caitlin replied. "It's just that you're extremely shy and treatment by a Hyperempath requires a great deal of physical intimacy.

"Exactly how intimate?" Claudia inquired apprehensively.

"That depends on the part of the body being treated. The Hyperempath is usually always nude. In this case you'd have to also be nude. One of us would have to lie on top of the other. The overseer would watch to make sure that our chests and legs remained in contact during the whole process especially while we're in a trance."

"I'd have to be nude," Claudia gasped. She brought her knees up to her chest and clutched them in panic. "And we'd be lying on top of each other." Claudia kept shaking her head. "You can't imagine how much I want what you offering. It would be like a dream come true, but I'm not sure I can pay the price."

"I understand," Caitlin said sincerely. "I surely don't want to push you into something uncomfortable, yet I'd feel guilty if I didn't offer to help."

"How long would we be like that? You know, on top of each other?"

"Each session would probably only last about a half hour," Caitlin replied.

"Each session?" Claudia shrieked. "How many times would we have to do it?"

"I'm really not sure," Caitlin replied. "I've never done anything quite like this before. I'd like to see us continue until you can toss that floating cushion in the bin."

"Can I think about it?"

"Sure, but remember the Yule Ball is only five weeks away and we can only do a maximum of three treatments a week. If you want to dance at the Ball, we should start as soon as possible."

Caitlin glanced at her watch. "The hour is just about up. The dress should allow you to remove it soon."

Claudia blushed. "Caitlin could you please do me a favor and hunt my panties for me? I wanted to see how the dress would look without the ugly panty lines so I took them off. Then I got jittery when you came out of the bathroom and sort of kicked them under the Chesterfield. I have to put them on before I take the dress off. I know you'll see me starkers if I go though with the treatments, but I'm not ready for you to see that part of me just yet."

Caitlin chuckled. "Claudia, please don't be upset, but you've been prominently displaying that part of you for the last ten minutes."

Claudia pale white skin turned bright crimson. "But how? I know the charm was working."

"The charm only controls the length of the dress, it doesn't prevent up skirt peeps," Caitlin explained. "You have to be careful with staircases and how you sit, especially if you ultimately decide to go knickerless. Claudia, I know you're embarrassed, but please don't be. To any true naturist it's just another body part. Only textiles get excited at seeing so called private parts."

"I still can't believe I sat there displaying myself to you like that," Claudia said, mortified.

"Remember, we're best friends. We don't have to hide anything from each other," Caitlin avowed. "Hey! It's getting late. See if that dress will come off otherwise we're going to be late for class."

Claudia couldn't believe she was doing it but without hesitation she grabbed the hem of the dress and quickly lifted it over her head. "Can you keep it in your closet until the night of the Ball?"

"Then you're going to wear it?"

"Yes! I think so," Claudia said tentatively.

"With or without knickers?" Caitlin prodded.

"I don't know," Claudia answered nervously. "It looks so much better without, but that's so not me. I don't know if I have the nerve. Will you be there to give me moral support?"

"Best friends are always there when needed." Caitlin threw her arms around Claudia and hugged her tightly. Suddenly Claudia began to tingle, as energy seemed to permeate her whole body. As abruptly as she had initiated the embrace, Caitlin ended it. "That's how the treatments will feel, only longer and more rewarding."

"You're a good friend. I trust you." Claudia sighed. "When can we start?"

"Tonight's good," Caitlin replied. "Right now we better hurry and get dressed unless you want to go to class nude."

"Not on your life," Claudia retorted, knowing that Caitlin was just joking. "Best friend and boyfriend, okay, but nobody else is ever going to see this girl starkers."

Oddly both girls put on their socks and shoes before reaching for their skirts and blouses. When Caitlin finished dressing, she fumbled around under the Chesterfield until she found Claudia's missing knickers.

"Do you want to wear these or are you going to join the bare arse club?" Caitlin asked.

"I'm definitely going to wear them," Claudia laughed, quickly slipping on her panties before they hurried off to class.

* * * * * *

Harry leaned over and kissed Hermione's forehead before sitting down to join her for lunch.

"Seamus contacted me by floo this morning," Harry said indecisively.

"Already," Hermione responded, rather shaken. "You only owled him yesterday."

"I was surprised, too," Harry replied. "Evidently he contacted Caitlin's father's attorney, a man by the name of Mark Williams, first thing this morning. Williams was elated to hear from him. It seems that Tom Pitt, Caitlin's dad, has been practically driving Williams insane. Despite being told that it could take months to establish contact, Pitt has been calling Williams on a daily basis asking for an update. After waiting fifteen years, it seems that Pitt is now fanatically obsessed with seeing Caitlin."

"So, was a meeting arranged," Hermione asked, guardedly.

"Yes, for this Saturday," Harry said resignedly. "Pitt wanted to spend the entire weekend alone with Caitlin in order to get acquainted with her, but I point-blank refused. I'm not about to send Caitlin off to spend two days with a complete stranger, even if it is her natural father."

"So, we're going with her?" Hermione asked anxiously.

"At least one of us," Harry replied. "Pitt lives near Orlando, Florida. It didn't seem fair to make him go to all the time and expense to fly all the way over here for a visit that would last for only a few hours, so I suggested that Caitlin could Portkey to him."

"But not alone?" Hermione clarified.

"No, definitely not alone. Pitt would prefer it that way, but appreciates our concerns," Harry explained. "At the same time he doesn't feel that he can properly get to know his daughter if we are both there, especially me."

Hermione nodded her understanding. "So it will be just be Caitlin and me."

"There is a five hour time difference," Harry explained, "so leaving Hogsmeade at four in the afternoon will get you there at eleven in the morning his time. The Portkey will return you after dinner. I have no idea what plans he has for the day, but I made it clear that he would not be permitted to be alone with Caitlin on this trip."

"This trip?" Hermione questioned.

"You know Caitlin as well as I," Harry said, purposefully. "She is a loving and forgiving person and believes in second chances. Unless this guy turns out to be a real arse, she'll want to see him again. As much as I wish I were, I'm not her real father; he is."

"Harry, she's not going to stop loving you simply because this Tom Pitt suddenly decided to reappear in her life."

Harry shrugged his shoulders, but didn't seem convinced.

"By the way, has Caitlin talked to you at all today?" Hermione asked.

"No. Why?"

"She's going to start therapy treatments on Claudia Priestly tonight. Miss Priestly is slowly regaining use of her legs and Caitlin feels that she can speed the process along. I told her I'd consult, but she'd like you to be there also as the overseer."

"Will it be necessary for Miss Priestly to be nude during the treatments?" Harry asked uneasily.

"Most likely," Hermione replied, casually. "Skin to skin contact is imperative during most healing treatments by a Hyperempath. That doesn't bother you, does it?"

"No, it doesn't bother me, especially not with you in attendance, but I'm amazed that Miss Priestly is all right with it. She strikes me as an extremely bashful girl. I'd expect that she'd had qualms about being naked in front of just Caitlin. I can't believe she's amenable to you and I both seeing her nude."

"I'm sure Caitlin has advised her." Abruptly Hermione's attention was drawn to Emily and Tyler as they entered the Great Hall. "They make such a cute couple," she said sadly.

"He's a fine boy," Harry agreed. "They remind me of a younger version of you and me." He shook his head despondently. "Life is so unfair."

"Emily asked me if Tyler could spend this coming weekend with her in our quarters," Hermione commented matter-of-factly.

"What does she mean by spend the weekend?" Harry asked troubled.

"The usual thing that the girls do," Hermione answered. "Hang about together during the day and then sleep over Saturday night."

"I imagine he'd sleep in Jamie's empty room," Harry said assuredly.

"They'd probably both sleep in there, it's a bigger bed," Hermione replied.

"They're planning on sleeping together and you approve of that," Harry said, shocked. "They're only thirteen."

"And one of them will barely see fourteen," Hermione sobbed. "Under normal conditions I'd never condone something like this, but these aren't normal conditions. Emily is dying. She and Tyler love each other. They want to spend what little time she has left together."

"But what if they get caught up in the moment and have sex," Harry asked. "She'd be taken away from us by the Ministry and none of us would ever see her again."

"They know the consequences and I'm sure that they are intelligent enough not to risk that happening," Hermione replied. "I'm not saying that they won't do other things to gratify each other, but I'm positive that they'll stop short of actual sex. They just want to spend what precious time she has remaining together. I can't believe that the Ministry doesn't allow any exceptions to the under age sex law."

Harry didn't reply immediately, but instead watched Tyler and Emily interact. He loved both Caitlin and Emily equally, but admittedly Caitlin had always been closer to Hermione and Emily closer to him. A father never wants to envision his little girl being intimate with a boy. Fathers want to freeze their daughters in time so that they would always be their little girls. In this case, Harry wished he could freeze time so that he wouldn't lose his little girl forever.

Tears filled Harry's green eyes. "He makes her happy. I want her to be happy for the short time she has remaining."

* * * * * *

Bob Erskine waited apprehensively in the Minister of Magic's outer office. He had been Percy Weasley's Public Relation Advisor since the git assumed the position of Minister of Magic and he loathed the job. In point of fact, it wasn't the job he detested, it was his egotistical boss.

In all his years of giving advice and recommendations to people of import, he had never before met such a pompous know-it-all prat as Percy Weasley. He felt that he was wasting his time and energy, but he had a family to support and the salary was good.

As he was wondering how Weasley would react to the latest poll results, the Minister's secretary interrupted Erskine's thoughts. "Minister Weasley will see you now."

As he entered the office, Weasley greeted him in his customary disingenuous fashion. Percy Weasley was as two-faced and phony as they came. He only had time for a person if there was personal gain in it for him.

"Bob, its good to see you," Weasley said hypocritically. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I've just received the latest popularity poll results," Bob replied cautiously.

"I assume that my numbers are good," Percy snapped portentously.

"I'm afraid not, Sir," Erskine answered. "Your approval rating is down considerably."

"Exactly how bad are the numbers," Weasley asked, momentarily dropping his haughtiness.

Erskine cleared his throat. "They are very poor. The only person to achieve worse was Fudge just before he was ousted from office."

Suddenly the arrogance and superiority were gone from Weasley voice. "Certainly there must be some mistake. What could be causing my numbers to drop repeatedly?"

Bob resisted saying 'because you're a pompous git.' Instead he said, "The plummet in your popularity seems to be directly related to the spiraling popularity of Luna Lovegood. People seem to be losing confidence in the Ministry and Lovegood's editorials in the Quibbler have had a lot to do with that."

"That rag," Percy disputed. "No one of any repute believes the garbage published in that scandal sheet."

"That's not true," Erskine retorted. "Every since the Quibbler printed that interview with Potter back in the nineties, a subtle change has been taking place in the publication. Without doubt, they still have some rather out of this world articles, but the public now seems to place more validity in their editorials than they do in those of the Prophet. A great majority of the public feels that the Prophet is under Ministry control."

"That's totally ridiculous," Weasley knowingly lied.

He got up from of his chair and began to pace the floor anxiously. "Lovegood and the Quibbler must be brought down," he declared. "Any suggestions on how to do it?"

"The only way for you to make the public lose faith in Lovegood would be for you to face off against her in a debate and show her to be a witless fool, but I heartily recommend against that."

"You don't think I can outdebate Lovegood?" Weasley questioned angrily.

"I'm not questioning your debating skills," Erskine retorted. "I'm fearful that you are underestimating the woman. She most certainly has her eccentricities, but she is no village idiot. Remember she was in Ravenclaw."

"And I was in Gryffindor," Percy replied pretentiously. "I want you to arrange a debate between me and the village clown. I think its time that Miss Lovegood be put in her place."

"I most heartily recommend against this course of action." Bob rejoined.

"And I heartily advise you to remember who here is the Minister of Magic. What I want or consider important is all that matters."

Erskine swallowed hard. He needed this job. Weasley had the power to destroy his career. "I understand, Sir," he said weakly. "I apologize if I over stepped my bounds. May I at least urge that limitations be set on what topics may be discussed?"

"You can't be serious," Percy laughed condescendingly. "And void the possibility of her bringing up one of her imaginary creatures. No way. This debate must be no holds barred. I want to humiliate and bury this pain in my butt, air-head blonde once and for all."

"Yes, Sir! I'll contact Miss Lovegood and see if she will be willing to debate you."

"Bob, you'll do more than try. Unless you want to join the unemployment line; you will make this debate happen and soon."

"Yes, Sir."

* * * * * *

"Do you two want to go to the library and finish that essay for Professor Malfoy before dinner," Tyler asked Emily and Kim as they exited the dank dungeon classroom.

"I can't," Emily sighed. "I have to go see Madam Pomfrey. She wants to prod and poke me once a week so she can tell how fast my disease is spreading. I imagine the professors have a betting pool on how soon I'll croak."

"That's an awful thing to say," Kim protested. "Madam Pomfrey just wants to keep tabs on you so that you don't over-exert yourself. She's concerned."

"I know," Emily admitted, resentfully. "It's just that all the tests seem like such a waste of time. Nobody can do anything to help me, so why not just let me die in peace."

"What are you doing?" Tyler asked Kim, trying to change the topic. He knew it was eventually going to come to pass, but hated it when Emily got on the morbid subject of her dying.

"I'm going with Emily, sort of for moral support," Kim answered.

"Oh!" replied Tyler, feeling slightly left out.

"I didn't think you'd want to be there," Emily said, suddenly feeling in the wrong. "Besides, you know how bossy Pomfrey gets at times. I wasn't sure if she'd let you stay with me, what with you being a boy and all."

"I understand," Tyler said, turning to leave. "I'll see you two at dinner."

"Wait," Emily called out, feeling guilty. "I want you with me. We promised each other that we'd spend as much time as possible together. In this case that means you watching me get poked and prodded."

"But what if Pomfrey won't allow it," Kim questioned. "I doubt she'll examine you with a boy at hand."

"Then she won't examine me," Emily said arrogantly. "Its my damn body. If I have no problem with Tyler being there, Madam Pomfrey shouldn't.

As they headed off for the hospital wing, Kim had a strong feeling that Madam Pomfrey wouldn't agree with Emily.

"Good, you're right on time," Poppy said as Emily entered the room. "This should only take about thirty minutes; your friends can have a seat outside."

"Please Madam Pomfrey, they're my best friends, may they stay," Emily pleaded.

Poppy studied Emily's pleading expression and then looked at Kim and Tyler. "Very well, Miss Thatcher may remain, but Mr. Bancroft will have to wait outside."

"I want Tyler to remain, too," Emily insisted.

Poppy gave Emily a patient look and then pulled her aside. "I understand that you are a naturist, but this goes beyond simple nudity and it would not be proper for Mr. Bancroft to witness your exam."

"Shouldn't that be my choice?"

"You don't understand Emily," Poppy explained patiently. "This will be an extremely through exam. Not only will it be necessary for you to be totally nude, but also I will be examining and taking test samples from inside both your vagina and anus. I'm sure you don't want Mr. Bancroft watching as I spread your cheeks and probe your anus."

"I know that you think Tyler and I are just two silly little kids swept up in puppy love, but our relationship goes far beyond that," Emily insisted. " I have no doubt in my mind that had fate not thrown this curse in my direction, Tyler and I would be marrying soon after graduation. He's not a little boy that's going to laugh and make jokes about seeing my anus. He's my soul mate and he cares deeply about me."

"I'm sorry Emily, but I just can't allow a boy to be present while I examine you. Such a thing is simply not appropriate," Poppy concluded.

"I guess we have time to go to the library and work on that paper after all," Emily called out to Kim and Tyler, "my exam has been canceled."

Emily turned to leave, but Madam Pomfrey grabbed her by the shoulder. "Emily, this exam is important. You're parents agree with me that it should be conducted weekly."

"Why? I'm going to die anyway," Emily shouted. "What good are the exams anyway? Is it that important that you can predict to the hour when I'll breath my last."

"You can be stubborn if you want, but you know your parents will insist on you returning tomorrow and allowing me to conduct the examination."

"You're probably right," Emily replied arrogantly. "But my parents also love me and realize that I'm the one doing the actual dying here. If I tell them that I want Tyler to hold my hand while you stick some doohickey up my arse, they're going to agree and you know it."

Poppy sighed deeply. Whether she approved or not, she realized that Emily was right about her parents and the girl would eventually get her way. "Okay, they can both stay," Madam Pomfrey, agreed grudgingly. "I need you to undress from top to bottom. Would you like a dressing gown?"

As one might have guessed, Emily refused the disposable gown.

Both Kim and Tyler watched indifferently as Emily hastily removed her clothing. Such a sight would hold most boys Tyler's age spellbound, but seeing Emily naked was a common occurrence for Tyler. Undoubtedly, he still enjoyed seeing her nude form, but their relationship was not based on unbridled lust. Poppy was amazed to see that Tyler's expression was one of love and concern and not one of hunger and lust

At first the exam preceded like any Muggle physical with Poppy checking Emily's weight, temperature and blood pressure. Then Madam Pomfrey held her wand to various parts of Emily's body as she uttered strange incantations. Poppy made notes on the various color sparks her wand emitted. The nurse even carefully examined Emily's feet and legs.

Throughout the exam, Tyler held Emily's hand at whatever time possible, their eyes never straying for an extended time from each other's. As Poppy watched the young girl and boy she was reminded of her dearly departed husband and the profound love they shared for each other.

Finally Poppy said, "That's everything except for the tissue samples. I need one from both your vagina and rectum. Please lay on your back with your knees in the air."

Emily climbed on the table and hurriedly got into position.

"Now spread your knees as far apart as you possibly can," Madam Pomfrey instructed. "This will smart a little." She inserted a device inside of Emily that looked like it was designed to nip a piece of flesh.

Poppy had expected Tyler to be gawking keenly at Emily's widespread opening, but was pleasantly surprised instead to find the young boy at the head of the table talking softly to Emily and then leaning down and gently kissing her forehead.

"Now I need you to roll over onto your stomach," Poppy said in a businesslike fashion.

As Emily got into position, Tyler watched apprehensively as Madam Pomfrey reached for a long one-inch diameter probe and began applying some type of lubricant to it. "You're not planning on shoving that thing up her butt, are you?" Tyler questioned in horror.

"Yes," she answered rather coldly. "It's necessary to get a proper reading. It's not all that painful as long as the patient completely relaxes."

"How far in must it go to get a reading?" Kim asked, concern now likewise etched on her face.

"At least six inches, but the further the better," Poppy replied deprecatingly.

Tyler shuddered at the thought of what it would feel like to have such a device invade one's rectum. He got down on his knees in front on the table so that his head was level with Emily's. "You have to settle down," he said fretfully. "Is there any thing I can do to help you relax?"

"Just hold my hand and remind me how much you love me," Emily said tenderly. "I can handle anything, even death, as long as you love me."

"With all my heart," Tyler replied. "You are my world."

The normally severe Madam Pomfrey turned her head so that no one noticed the tears swelling in her eyes. She could tell that they weren't just saying the words, Emily and Tyler in truth loved each other.

Poppy shook her head desolately as she went about her work. Unquestionable love occurred rarely, but especially so in two so young. How unfair that they would never get to experience the intimacy of a physical relationship. The antagonism that she held earlier for this young couple was completely erased. Her only feelings now were of compassion and grief. Carefully she inserted the probe just as far as necessary, trying to be as gentle as possible. Emily cringed as tears filled her eyes. Tyler's grip tightened on Emily and then it was over.

"You can get dressed," Poppy said, trying to hide her emotions. "You might have some discomfort for the remainder of the day, but it should be gone by morning."

Poppy watched as both Kim and Tyler helped Emily to her feet. Before Emily could even think about dressing, Tyler swept her into his arms and hugged her tightly. Kim joined the hug, wrapping her arms around her two best friends.

Poppy's heart was breaking. This was so wrong. They belonged together for eternity, not for just a few short months. She felt so helpless that there was absolutely nothing that could be done to save Emily's life

"Emily, there's one more test I must do," she said, holding back her tears.

"Hasn't she been through enough today?" Tyler protested.

"This won't hurt," Poppy promised, "and it will only take a few seconds."

Emily nodded her approval.

"I need you to climb back up on the table for me and position yourself once again on your back," the nurse instructed.

As Emily lay back, Poppy reached for her wand and pointed it precariously close to Emily's vagina.

"You're not going to shove that in her," Tyler objected vehemently.

"I'm not going to hurt her," Poppy insisted kindly. She muttered a few indistinguishable words and suddenly a bright golden light filled the room. The light appeared to actually be emanating from inside Emily's vagina. Poppy said a few more words and the light slowly began to fade and then disappeared.

"What was that all about?" Kim inquired.

"Just another test, that I forgot to do earlier," Poppy said dismissively. "That's everything for today. You may get dressed. I'll see you next week at the same time."

Madam Pomfrey turned to head for her office and then turned back. "Emily, if you are more comfortable with your friends present, they are more then welcome to accompany you next week. Oh! Would you please have your mother contact me at her earliest convenience?"

Emily, Tyler and Kim all exchanged looks wondering what had caused Madam Pomfrey's total change of heart.

"Hurry and get dressed," Kim said. "It's time for dinner and I'm starving."

"If you're in that big of a hurry, I could always go like this," Emily said playfully.

Tyler shook his head in disbelief. "You're going to actually do it one of these days aren't you?"

"Do what?" Emily said, grinning.

"Walk into the Great Hall totally starkers," he replied.

"Well, you have to admit that it would be an exit that would be talked about for years to come."

Tyler forced a smile and then kissed Emily lightly. He didn't want to think about Emily's final exit from his life.

* * * * * *

Claudia played fretfully with her food.

"There is nothing to be nervous about," Caitlin said with assurance. "There is zilch that can go wrong. The worst-case scenario is that the therapy won't go as swiftly as I envision. I'm sure I can help you to walk. It's just a matter of how long it will take. The breasts, I can't guarantee, but it's definitely worth a try."

"It's not as much nerves as it is excitement," Claudia declared. "You can't imagine how I feel. For once in my life things seem to be going right for me. Sure I'm still stuck in the body of a ten-year-old, but I have a bona fide boyfriend that actually seems rather fond of this body. Plus, I've been invited to a Ball and I have a beautiful dress to wear." Claudia looked caringly at Caitlin. "But more importantly than all that is that I have a best friend; someone I can trust and someone who really cares about me. I've never had a genuine friend before."

Caitlin blushed and then picked up her pumpkin juice. "To friendship," she said, "today, tomorrow and forever."

Claudia picked up her glass. "To our friendship, may it last an eternity." She smiled. "Please don't think I'm gay, but I just had the strongest urge to kiss and hug you."

"Me, too," admitted Caitlin. "Best friends should be able to show their feelings." She embraced Claudia tightly. "Maybe we should wait on the kiss until we're alone; you've been having a good week and I don't want to ruin it."

Claudia smiled. "I hope someday I'm in a position to show you how much your friendship means to me."

"Are you done eating?" Caitlin asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"I guess so," Claudia replied. "I'm not really hungry for dessert tonight."

"Then are you ready to get naked?"

Claudia laughed. "I never thought I'd say this, but yes. It's funny how I don't mind being nude in front of you. You're not judgmental like most people; you're so accepting of me as I am. Where are we going to do this? The hospital wing?"

"Nah! We don't need a hospital environment. Besides, my parents' quarters are much more private. You'd be amazed how many students call on Madam Pomfrey every night with varying afflictions. Her nights are even busier than her days.

Claudia glanced up at the Head Table and saw that the Potters were engrossed in conversation. "Your parents won't mind us doing it there."

"Of course not. It's not like we're going to damage anything," Caitlin emphasized. "We'll just be doing a little bonding."

Claudia blushed. In this case bonding meant naked hugging with another girl.

As they departed the Great Hall, Claudia looked back one more time to insure that the Potters hadn't left. "You say that this will only take thirty minutes?"

"Give or take a minute or two," Caitlin said as she scurried along the passageways, Claudia floating along aside her.

Once again as soon as they entered the Potters' residence, Caitlin stripped out of her clothes.

"I guess I should get undressed, too," Claudia said, tentativeness still evident in her voice.

Caitlin nodded. "It would help."

Claudia didn't shed her garments at quite the speed of Caitlin, but to her surprise, this time she wasn't at all embarrassed for her friend to see her naked.

"A Hyperempath doesn't have to be nude for all procedures," Caitlin explained, "but for what we're endeavoring it is critical that no clothing come between us. My consult and the overseer will make sure our bodies remain in constant contact; in this case especially our legs and breasts."

"Two other people will see me unclothed," Claudia cried, noticeable shaken by the news. "I thought it would be just you and I."

There was a click as the door opened.

Claudia was too staggered to even think fast enough to cover herself.

"I see that you girls are ready to proceed," Harry said pleasantly.

Claudia felt lightheaded. Not only were two people gong to see her completely nude, but they were two of her professors and one of them was a male, Harry Potter. Claudia collapsed on the floor in a faint.

End of Chapter Eight

My thanks go out to my betas for this chapter: Don and Friedrick. If anyone would be interested in becoming 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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