Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar's Return

HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN

"Harry! I'm so glad you're back!" Hermione cried, as he entered their quarters. "I was just about to send Hedwig to get you.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked, seeing grave concern etched on Hermione's face.

"I'm not sure," Hermione answered tensely. "Severus just stuck his head in the fire and asked that you and I come to his office immediately. Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt are on their way." Hermione bit her lips. "I don't think it's a social visit. Severus looked distraught."

Chapter Fourteen

The First Casualties of War

"Aren't you coming?" Jamie shouted as she made to run for the castle.

"I want to talk to Evan first," Caitlin said, indicating the diminutive first year Gryffindor boy that was standing nearby. Evan already appeared to be soaked to the skin by the heavy rain.

Caitlin and Evan exchanged quick looks and then both sprinted toward the shelter of the nearby building. They didn't speak until the door had closed behind them.

"My socks and trainers are soaked," Caitlin complained, as she led the way to the girls' locker room.

"I can't go in there," Evan said shyly, pointing to the sign on the door.

"Don't be ridiculous," Caitlin said, grabbing his hand and pulling him through the door. "No one is here but you and I."

"But what if someone catches me in the girls' changing room?" Evan pleaded.

"They won't," Caitlin said reassuringly. "You and I are the only two people crazy enough to be out of the castle in this weather."

Caitlin sat on a nearby bench and began to remove her trainers and socks.

"How come your costume didn't get wet?" Evan asked. "My clothes are sodden."

"That's because I don't actually have the costume on, it's in reality only a concealment charm. Watch!" Caitlin said, canceling the charm.

Evan suddenly found himself looking at a very wet, very naked Caitlin. He had become accustomed to seeing her nude, but this was the first time he had ever been alone with her when she was naked. The fact that her body glistened from the rain made him even tenser.

"I've got the chills," Caitlin said. "I'm going to take a quick hot shower," she said, nodding toward the adjoining open room.

"I'll go wait outside," Evan said uncertainly.

"If you want," Caitlin said, seemingly bemused. "It seems rather silly though. You see me nude in the common room every day of the week and I'm sitting here now completely starkers. It would be ridiculous for you to leave just because I'm going to take a shower."

For the first time since entering the changing rooms, Caitlin really looked at Evan. He was trembling uncontrollably because of his cold wet clothes. "You should get out of those clothes so that I can do a drying charm on them," Caitlin suggested. "It wouldn't be a bad idea for you to also take a good hot shower."

Evan shivered. "Maybe I should," he said, starting to head for the door with the intention of going to the boys' locker room.

"I don't have a problem with you staying here," Caitlin said. "There is plenty of room and honestly I'd rather not be alone. Of course, I'll understand if you'd rather not have me see you naked."

Evan was knocked for six. A goddess had just asked him to shower with her. Well, not actually shower together in the usual sense. They wouldn't, of course, be washing each other, but they would be in the same room.

This was the type of fantasy teenage boys often dreamed of. Here he was, not even twelve and about to.... Could he actually do this? Could he really expose his little boy body to this beautiful girl?

As if able to read his mind, Caitlin took Evan's hand in hers. "Being a nudist has a lot of advantages," she said. "I've seen a multitude of men and boys naked. Nudity to me is really no big deal. I've also learned that physical appearance is only part of the package. Actually it's only the outer wrapping; what's inside is of much greater importance."

Evan blushed as he listened to Caitlin. He was ashamed of himself. Although he truly liked Caitlin, he had been placing a great deal of emphasis on her physical appearance. Caitlin, on the other hand, seemed to place a much greater weight on character. She'd already judged him on what she considered was important. Without actually saying it, she had just told Evan that she wasn't about to judge him on his muscularity or penis size.

"I'd like to stay here with you, if you're sure it's all right," he said nervously.

"I'm sure that some people would find it very disturbing and improper," Caitlin said, "but those same people would probably consider anything involving nudity as dirty." Caitlin gave Evan a smile. "I'm not getting any warmer standing here talking. If you're going to join me for a nice hot shower, hurry and get out of those wet clothes."

Evan would never know where he acquired the courage, but he immediately sat down and started removing his trainers and socks. Then he stood and removed all his outer clothing until nothing remained but his boxers. He didn't even look to see whether Caitlin was watching; instead, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and slid them quickly to the floor.

Caitlin reached out and grasped his hand tightly. "You better hold on to my hand if you intend on keeping your eyes shut," she giggled, as she led him into the shower room.

They took spaces next to each other and at first both just stood, enjoying the warm water flowing over their naked bodies. Then Evan watched spellbound as Caitlin lathered her entire body with soap.

"Since you're just standing there gawking, would you mind scrubbing my back?" Caitlin asked, a genuine smile on her face.

Evan stuttered incoherently in response.

"I'll take that as a yes." Caitlin said turning her back to Evan.

"Just my back and only from the shoulders to the waist," she instructed in a mock menacing way. "I don't want to have to hurt you."

As Evan gently applied soap to Caitlin's back, he envisioned what it would be like to reach around and touch her breasts. He suppressed these desires realizing that Caitlin's friendship was worth much more to him than a quick feel.

After Caitlin rinsed her back, she offered to scrub Evan's. He declined, not sure whether he could withstand such intimacy.

After toweling off, they both returned to the locker room. "Evan, can I discuss something with you?" Caitlin asked, placing her towel on one on the benches and then sitting down on it.

Evan nodded his head apprehensively and then after placing his towel next to Caitlin's, took a seat. Although worried about what she was about to say, he couldn't get over how comfortable he was with this girl. No one had seen him naked since when he was an infant, yet he realized that he wasn't the least embarrassed for this girl to see him that way.

"Evan, I like you," Caitlin said sincerely. "In the short time we've known each other, you've become a very close friend. During my first and second year I spent most of my time with Matt and Randy; they were my best friends. Matt and I breaking up more or less forced Randy to choose between the two of us. Randy choosing Matt has made me sort of a loner, since Kim and Emily are in a different house and a different year. You and I becoming friends really meant a lot to me and it helped me through a bad time." Caitlin placed her hands on Evan's bare thigh. Goosebumps surged throughout his body.

"I don't want to lose you as a friend," Caitlin said, her eyes watering. She looked sadly at Evan. "I don't think I could sit here like this with any other boy and feel so comfortable. I love spending time with you and I have a special favor to ask of you, but I don't want to lead you on or hurt you."

"I know you'd never purposely hurt me," Evan replied. "You're not that kind of person."

"I'd like to think not, but sometimes we can hurt people without meaning to do so. Sometimes people are hurt because they misconstrue our actions." Caitlin took a deep breath. "I hope we'll always be friends, but at times I get the feeling you'd like our relationship to develop beyond mere friendship. I'm sorry Evan, but for a number of reasons, I don't think that will ever happen."

Evan turned his head away from Caitlin, not in anger, but rather to hide his tears. He knew he had been dreaming an impossible dream, but it hurt to have Caitlin confirm this as fact.

"I know you're too old for me," Evan said with a laugh, trying to conceal his disappointment. "Besides can you imagine us walking around together, people would laugh themselves silly. You have to be at least four inches taller than me."

"More like eight," Caitlin thought to herself.

"Don't worry about hurting my feelings, you didn't," Evan said, trying to put up a brave front. "I realize the extreme odds of us ever being more than just friends. I'm satisfied that you consider me a good friend. You said something about me doing a special favor for you?"

"I'll understand if you don't want to, especially after our discussion, but I didn't want you to jump to any wrong conclusions when I asked you. All the tournament participants need a partner for the Yule Ball and I was wondering if you'd consider escorting me?"

"You want me to go to the Yule Ball with you?" Evan shouted in a high gleeful voice.

"Only if you are comfortable with it and you understand that we're only going as friends," Caitlin reiterated.

For Evan, Christmas had just come early. Even though the goddess for whom he was carrying a torch had just rejected him; he didn't feel hurt or glum. Somehow being asked to escort the most beautiful girl in the world to the Yule Ball had a way of softening the blow. Especially when she asked you totally naked after just having showered with you. If this was how rejection felt, Evan wanted to be cast off every day.

Evan jumped to his feet, faced Caitlin and bowed. "It would be my honor to escort the beautiful princess to the ball," he said.

Caitlin blushed as she got to her feet and pulled Evan into a firm hug. "You are a special friend," she said, holding him tightly.

Evan didn't respond. He felt as if he had just died and surely gone to heaven.

* * * * *

"No doubt about it, young lady," Madam Pomfrey said excitedly. "You are definitely with child. We will be able to calculate the due date more precisely after I ask you a few questions, but I'd estimate mid July."

Ginny beamed as she looked adoringly at Draco. "You sure didn't waste any time, Mister."

Draco smiled, but it seemed to be a smile that was hiding something. "Time is the most precious commodity we have. I've wasted too much of my life."

"Would you like to know whether it's a boy or girl?" Poppy asked.

"Can you tell already?" Draco asked in amazement. "It can't be any bigger than a Knut."

"If that," Poppy replied with a smile. "Some people want to know so they can make plans, others would rather be surprised."

Ginny squeezed Draco's hand. "Do you mind, Love?" she asked, her face aglow with happiness. "I'd like to know."

Draco didn't answer; he simply nodded his approval as he held Ginny's small delicate hand in his.

"This won't hurt at all," Poppy said as she prepared her wand by slipping a sanitary sleeve on the end. "I only have to insert it a few inches. Please drop your knickers, lift up you skirt, sit on the end of the table and spread your legs."

Ginny blushed slightly before lifting her skirt and sitting on the end of the table. Draco had finally gotten her to stop wearing knickers. In truth, he hadn't actually talked her into discarding them, but had instead destroyed all her exiting garments by ripping them off her when caught up in passion. Poppy didn't comment, but instead again just smiled.

"You'll need to spread your legs just a bit more," she said and then inserted the wand gently when Ginny obliged.

Ginny waited impatiently as Madam Pomfrey counted seconds off silently. Finally, she removed the wand, discarded the cover and gave her wrist a flick. Pink sparks emanated from the wand.

"I hope she's every bit as beautiful as her mother," Draco said. He ignored Poppy being there and took Ginny into his arms, kissing her passionately. There was a genuine smile on his face, but his eyes were moist with tears.

* * * * *

After depositing Ben with Sam and Ron, they hastened to the Headmaster's office. Harry promptly gave the password to the stone gargoyle. He and Hermione reached the top of the spiraling staircase just as Tonks and Shacklebolt finished removing their rain gear. One look at the solemn expressions on the Aurors' faces, and they knew that this most definitely wasn't a social call.

Snape gestured for everyone to be seated. "What is this visit concerning?" he asked, scrutinizing the Aurors.

"As you know, at the last meeting of the Order of the Phoenix, Harry asked Tonks and I to be on the lookout for anything suspicious; anything that might point to Salazar Slytherin recruiting followers," Kingsley stated. "This morning The Magical Law Enforcement Patrol was contacted by an elf, reporting that her masters had been killed. Tonks and I decided to tag along."

"Fortunate that we did," Tonks interjected. "The Ministry has ordered a cover up."

"Cover up?" Harry asked questioningly.

"It's being reported as a double murder, kidnapping," Tonks revealed, "but it's not. Even the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol knows that, but all the evidence has been sequestered."

"What makes you think Slytherin had anything to do with it?" Harry questioned.

"This!" Shacklebolt said, withdrawing a partially written letter from his pocket. "While I was listening in as the patrol leader questioned the house elf, our Nymphadora did a little confiscating of evidence herself."

Tonks gave a shudder; she hated when anyone used her first name. "If I hadn't, you know it would have been destroyed," Tonks said defensively.

"You're quite right! I was complimenting you, not criticizing you," Kingsley explained as he handed the letter to Snape.

Without looking over the letter, Snape began reading it aloud.

Darling,

I know my last owl upset you. If it were possible for your father and I to undo our past, don't you think we would? You can't imagine how many times we've regretted ever becoming involved with the Dark Lord. My only excuse is that we were young and foolish.

We can't change the past, but we need to do everything possible now to protect you and Hillary. You girls are our world. I don't want us to fight, but I'm not leaving you behind. We've made arrangements to depart for the United States on Sunday. I know this is upsetting to you, but we have no choice.

It is imperative that you tell no one. We will

"Do you think she was writing this letter when the murderer arrived?" Hermione asked.

"That's our belief," Shacklebolt replied. "Tonks and I think the parents were being coerced to join with Slytherin. Their daughter, the one the letter was being written to, is a seventh year at Hogwarts. Once the ministry fabricates their story, I'm sure they will contact the school. Although difficult under the circumstances, it might be best if you could talk to the young lady before the ministry intervenes."

"I agree," said Hermione, "but isn't our first concern for Hillary, the girl that was kidnapped? What is the ministry doing to locate her?"

"Nothing!" Tonks said, unable to hold back her tears. "That's part of the ministry sham. She's not kidnapped; at least not anymore."

Hermione, Severus and Harry all stared at Tonks, expressions of confusion and unease on their faces.

"There was another piece of evidence that the ministry ordered destroyed," Kingsley said, his voice shaking uncontrollably. "Whoever committed the murders also delivered a package to the home." Kingsley hung his head sadly and closed his eyes as if ready to say a prayer. Tonks started crying uncontrollably. "The box contained Hillary's decapitated head."

Hermione's face became a ghastly white as she lunged for the waste bin. Harry and Severus sat motionless, neither wanting to fathom such an atrocity.

After a few minutes of uneasy quiet, Harry spoke. "They have the child's head. How can they possibly say she was kidnapped? They must see that this is the work of the evilest of wizards."

"The ministry refuses to believe that Slytherin has returned and walks amongst us," Shacklebolt replied.

"But what of the poor girl's head?" Hermione cried. "How can they deny its existence?'

"Because it was transfigured to a twig and tossed into the trash," Tonks sobbed. "The remainder of her body will undoubtedly never be found."

"The poor dear," Hermione wailed. "At the very least she deserved a proper burial."

"I felt that way, too," Kingsley said, tears filling his eyes as he gently removed a twig wrapped in a soft cloth from his pocket. "She should be restored to human form when the time comes, but I don't think I have the stomach for it."

"I'll do it," Hermione said, looking at the ceiling as if asking for strength. "Severus, could you please put the twig somewhere secure until the proper time? Who is Hillary's sister? We need to talk to her before the ministry gets a hold of her."

"Doris Burke," Shacklebolt answered.

"No! No!" Hermione cried, slumping to her knees and looking as if ready to pound the floor to dust. "No!" Harry got on his knees next to her and wrapped his arm around Hermione comfortingly.

* * * * *

Doris walked quietly into the Headmaster's office, and then studied the somber faces surrounding her. Without anyone uttering a word, tears filled her eyes. "My parents are dead, aren't they?" she asked, fighting to hold back the tears.

"What about Hillary? Is she okay?" Doris asked hopefully.

"No, I'm afraid not," Hermione said tearfully, getting up from her chair and going to comfort the distressed girl.

"I've lost my entire family," Doris sobbed, "and I'm next. It's just a matter of how soon."

"No one is going to hurt you," Hermione said reassuringly. "Hogwarts is safe and secure."

"I'm a seventh year. I graduate in June," she cried. "They'll come for me then and my only choice will be to join him or die."

"Join who?" Harry asked, his voice showing concern.

"Slytherin! The bastard is back!" she screamed. "The ministry and the Daily Prophet are lying. He's returned just like Jamie said and he's determined to take over our world."

"Doris, I give you my word that everything physically possible will be done to protect you," Harry said firmly. "I regret that it's too late to save your sister and parents."

Harry got to his feet and walked over to Doris. "In a very short time the ministry will be contacting you. They will be giving you a very different account of the events that occurred today from what you and I know to be true. As hard as it may be, on the surface, you must appear to accept their explanation of events. If you argue and claim that Slytherin was responsible, they will perform a memory altering charm on you."

Doris was bent over in her chair, her tear stained face hidden by her hands, but she nodded her understanding.

"Doris, do you know what a Pensive is?" Harry asked.

Again she nodded her head.

"It's extremely important that you retain the truthful memory of what has occurred. Likewise, it is imperative that we learn all the pertinent details so that we can protect you and help others. At this time I feel that questioning you would be extremely stressful for you and cruel on my part. Would you be willing to place your memories of all events leading up to today's dreadful occurrence in a Pensive so that the Headmaster and I can visit those recollections?"

Doris solemnly nodded her head as Severus stood and headed toward a locked cabinet.

"I regret having to say this, but I don't trust our governing body and I prefer that you not be alone with any ministry officials," Harry commented. "Would you mind if Hermione stayed with you?

"I don't want to be alone," Doris sniveled.

"Is there anyone we should contact to help you make arrangements?" Hermione asked.

"I have no close relatives," Doris sighed. "Do you think Jamie would be willing to help?"

"I'm most sure she would," Hermione answered. "If you feel up to it, I believe the Headmaster is ready to show you how to use the Pensive.

* * * * *

"Then Hermione is going to tell Doris what actually happened to her sister?" Severus asked.

"Yes," Harry replied. "She and Jamie are with Doris now. They felt it better to wait until after she had dealt with the ministry officials before telling her everything."

"That was unquestionably the correct call," Severus said. "I greatly doubt that she could have maintain any degree of civility with the representatives had she known the extent of the cover-up." Severus hung his head. "How can anyone do that to an innocent child?"

"It would take a monster," Harry replied sadly. "Unfortunately it would seem that Slytherin and his followers fill that description. I'm afraid this is only the beginning of the killing."

"Are you ready to step into her memories?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded his head reluctantly. Although he prized being a wizard, some things about the magical world still made him queasy. Pensives were at the top of this list, only superceded by Floo powder and Portkeys.

The two men leaned over the shallow stone basin with its carvings of runes and other symbols; both seemed entranced by the basin's silvery contents.

"Together then," Snape said, and he and Harry both reached out to touch the material in the basin. Snape's office gave a massive lurch and Harry and the headmaster were both thrown forward and pitched headfirst into the substance inside the basin.

The professors found themselves standing in the Great Hall next to the Slytherin House table. It was breakfast and the owls were just arriving with the morning mail.

Harry watched as an owl landed in front of Doris, nearly knocking over her cereal bowl. The girl hastened to detach a letter attached to the owl's leg and then gave the owl a treat, before it flew off. Doris for a moment stared tentatively at the envelope, and then opened it hurriedly. Harry and Severus quickly took positions behind Doris so that they could read the letter along with her.

Darling Doris,

I wish it were possible for me to be with you today, instead of writing, because what I have to say is so difficult to put in a letter. Yet it is imperative that you be informed of the present situation as soon as possible.

The past has come back to haunt your father and I once again. We were so young and foolish when we joined the ranks of the Dark Lord. At the time, his beliefs were similar to ours, but we had no idea the horrible lengths to which he was willing to go to achieve his goals. We both learned from our mistakes, but it seems they insist on haunting us.

Theodore Nott just visited us. His father was a Death Eater, one of the worst. He took great pleasure in torturing and killing. His son seems to be following in his late father's footsteps.

Nott informed us that our greatest fear is true. Salazar Slytherin has indeed been restored. Furthermore his goal, once he assembles a following, is to take charge of the wizarding world.

Slytherin is offering a simple choice, accept him and live in eternal servitude or die. Being a pureblood will offer no protection against his wrath.

Nott and others are approaching former Death Eaters and their grown children offering them the opportunity to serve Lord Slytherin. To accept is to commit to a lifetime of misery. To refuse is the same as signing your death warrant. Your father and I refused.

They have already threatened your life and undoubtedly won't hesitate to hurt Hillary either. We must leave the country at once.

I know this is upsetting, but we have little choice. Please keep this letter confidential and be prepared to depart school with little notice.

I'm sorry!

Love,

Mother

Doris angrily crumbled up the letter and then without warning jumped to her feet. Harry and Severus needlessly scampered to get out of her way.

"Do you think we should follow her?" Snape asked.

"Yes," Harry replied. "The memory thread hasn't ended. I want to see her complete reaction."

Harry and Severus hurried after Doris as she scurried out of the Great Hall, trying to conceal her tears. She literally ran down the corridor before entering a room on her right.

"You're not proposing we follow her in there are you?" Snape asked, scandalized. He pointed nervously to a sign on the door that read 'GIRLS'."

"I don't think she's going in there to relieve herself," Harry answered, walking through the door in a ghostlike fashion, an ashen-faced Severus following apprehensively.

Doris performed a locking charm on the door and then checked all the stalls to be positive the room was empty.

Once certain she was alone, she flung the letter with anger into a sink and then pointing her wand said, "Incendio!" The letter immediately burst into flames.

Doris watched through watery eyes until nothing remained but ashes, then she turned the faucet on and washed the vestiges down the drain. She sank to the floor and burst into tears.

As Harry looked to Severus, Doris' sobs died away. The lavatory was dissolving as though it were made of smoke; everything was fading; he could see his own body and Snape's - all else was swirling darkness....

Gradually another room appeared around them. Harry looked about him and saw five four-poster beds. Then he saw Doris sitting at a desk, apparently just finishing a letter.

"Harry! We're in the seventh year Slytherin girls' dorm," Severus shouted. "We shouldn't be in here."

The last word had just departed his lips when the door opened and a girl entered. She appeared to be wearing nothing but a towel.

"Harry, we should leave immediately," Severus said anxiously. "This just isn't appropriate."

"We will," Harry said, undecidedly. "It's important that we see what Doris wrote to her mother though. I'm fond of the girl; I want to trust her and help her. That letter is the key to just how far we can allow our faith in her to go."

"Are you writing a book?" Marilyn asked. "You started that letter long before I began my shower."

"It's not that the letter is that long," Doris answered. "I just have to be careful how I word things."

"Oh! A 'dear John' letter," Marilyn wrongly guessed. "If he's good looking, send my picture along. I'm in between boyfriends at the moment."

Severus turned toward Marilyn, shaking his head at her comment. She picked just that moment to discard her towel. He quickly turned his head away, but not before seeing more than a Headmaster should.

"Harry! Please! We shouldn't be here," Severus implored. "I'll never be able to look at Miss Monroe again without feeling guilty and immoral."

"I know," he agreed, "but you have to read this before we leave."

Dear Mum and Dad,

"Before I say anything else, it's imperative that you know one thing. I love you both. I always have and I always will. Nothing could ever change that.

As far as making mistakes and doing stupid things goes, I can most certainly relate to that. I wasted six years at Hogwarts avoiding and shunning anyone that was not a pureblood. Only within the last year were my eyes opened to the fact that it is the person that is important, not their lineage.

I love you; I don't want anything to happen to either of you or to Hillary. You guys are my world, but I'm not running away with you. Leaving would be the easy choice, but staying and fighting for what I believe is the right choice.

I'm not going to be someone's slave and I'm not going to stand by and watch good people be killed. I'm staying and I'm fighting. If I die, which I probably will, I'll die fighting alongside my friends for a better world, a world free of hatred and bigotry. I want my sister to come to a different Hogwarts, a united Hogwarts, and a Hogwarts where petty house bitterness no longer exists.

I pray that by the time she is a first year, the threat of Slytherin will have been eliminated and that we can all be a family once again.

I love you!

Doris

As the image of Doris faded, Harry felt himself rising into the air, Severus at his side. Soon all was blackness, and then he felt as though he were doing a slow-motion somersault, finally landing flat on his feet back in Snape's sunlit office. Severus Snape was standing beside him, a perplexed look on his face.

"You don't think Slytherin will approach you in regards to supporting him, do you?" Harry asked. Concern was evident on his face.

"I seriously doubt that," Severus said, forcing a weak smile. "Slytherin seems to be mainly attracted to past supporters of Voldemort and their descendants. I seriously doubt that he'd want a retired old spy, who was instrumental in bringing about Voldemort's final defeat, as a member of his legion."

Harry studied the headmaster's expression momentarily. "Then your chief concern is that he might try to draft some seventh years that are about to graduate, especially those with ties to former death eaters."

"Yes! I'm most certainly concerned about the students," Severus replied. "And also the staff."

At first Harry just stared at Snape. The staff? Then his brain finally shifted into gear. "Draco!"

"I saw you and Tyler sitting together at the practice session," Kim taunted.

"We weren't sitting together." Emily corrected her. "We were simply sitting beside each other."

Kim looked skeptically at Emily. "Would you mind explaining the difference?"

"You have a propensity to use the word 'together' to indicate a relationship," Emily answered sharply. "We did not go to the practice session as a couple and we did not sit together. I arrived first and initially sat alone. When Tyler arrived, he politely asked if he could sit and talk with me. I graciously said yes. Don't try to make more of it than there was."

"You can gloss over it if you like," Kim persisted, "but when it started to rain; the two of you were sitting so close that I couldn't have wedged a Knut between you."

Emily blushed. "Tyler was just being nice and sharing his robes. I was only covered by the concealment charm and I got rather cold when it began to rain."

Kim shook her head and then looked skyward. "What are you trying to do, drive the poor boy crazy? You refuse to be his girlfriend, you refuse to go to the Yule Ball with him, but you let him hold you in his arms when you are totally starkers." Kim lowered her head and continued to shake it in frustration. "Tyler is probably suffering from a massive case of 'blue balls' as we speak."

"Suffering from what?" Emily asked innocently.

It was Kim's turn to blush. "I'm a few chapters ahead in our sex education book," she confessed.

"How many?" Emily asked.

"I finished it last night," Kim admitted. "Anyway, 'blue balls' is a term used to describe the condition that occurs when a guy gets extremely aroused but doesn't get to ejaculate. It goes away fairly quickly, but can be extremely uncomfortable for a time."

"Why are you looking at me that way?" Emily asked. "I didn't tell him to have a stiffy. What was I suppose to do about it, masturbate him to orgasm?"

"Of course not. But it's cruel to lead him on and continually build up his hopes," Kim said. "Why don't you reconsider and go to the Yule Ball with him?"

"Even if I wanted to, I couldn't," Emily said resolutely although Kim was sure she caught a hint of regret in Emily's eyes. "We both have dates. He's going with Denise and I'm.... Well, my invitation was accepted."

"Emily! I thought we were best friends?" Kim questioned. "When are you going to tell me who you asked to the Ball?"

Emily hesitated. She wanted to share her secret with someone, but she couldn't risk the information getting back to Harry and Hermione. She was worried about their reaction.

"If I say who I'm taking, will you swear not to tell a soul?" Emily asked.

"Do I really have to answer that?" Kim asked. "After all we've been through, I'd hope you'd know that you can trust me with any secret."

Emily took a deep breath. "I asked Roger."

"Roger, as in Roger Fortescue?" Kim asked. "The jerk... ahh -- clerk from the ice cream shop in Hogsmeade. But isn't he over twenty?"

"It doesn't matter," Emily said defensively. "Headmaster Snape said that we could invite Hogwarts graduates as our dates."

"I kind of think he meant that more for a seventh year to invite someone who only left school last year. I doubt he meant for a second year to invite a twenty year old," Kim exploded.

"Well, he didn't say we couldn't," Emily said haughtily. "Besides what's the big deal about eight years age difference? Wizards often marry witches much more than eight years their junior."

"Something like that is looked upon much differently once both parties are past legal age and considered adults," Kim declared. "It just isn't right for an adult to want to date a minor."

"Are you saying I look like a little girl?" Emily protested.

"No! Not at all! Actually, I think your figure is going to rival Jamie's in a few more years. It's just that...." Kim shilly-shallied; she was not quite sure how to proceed. "If Roger wants to take you out because of your physical attributes, that makes the situation even worse. He shouldn't be thinking about you like that."

"Don't you consider that double standards?" Emily asked. "You were just defending and feeling sorry for Tyler because I gave him a douse of 'blue balls', but if Roger gets a stiffy looking at me, he's a pervert."

"No, he's not a pervert if he gets slightly aroused looking at you," Kim clarified. "He's human and you're attractively appealing. He's only a pervert if he keeps looking and takes actions on his desires."

"In that case you are prejudging him," Emily affirmed. "Roger has never touched me or even said anything out of line. He's always been a perfect gentleman around me. You should read his response to me. He was absolutely thrilled that I asked him. Roger is so happy in fact, that he offered to buy me a dress for the occasion; not just any dress, but an original from the House of Gayee in Paris. I had to send them a whole bunch of measurement since I can't go for a fitting. He even wanted my shoe size."

"Maybe, I'm judging him wrong," Kim admitted. "Originals from a Paris fashion house can be very pricey; he must genuinely like you. It was wrong of me to prejudge and categorize him." Kim thought for a while. "I can't remember where, but I think I've heard of the House of Gayee."

"Then you promise not to tell anyone?" Emily asked nervously.

"As long as you promise to let me be the first to see the dress when it arrives," Kim said. "Speaking of which, how are you going to explain that you don't need a dress for the Ball?"

"I told Mum that in order to cut down on expenses, I was wiling to wear Jamie's dress from two years ago. She said that it wasn't necessary, but I convinced her that I loved the dress and really wanted to wear it."

"The Slytherin in you is showing," Kim replied. "Exactly how do you intend to keep Roger a secret? Won't they ask who is taking you?"

"They already have and I told them I was going with Mr. Fortescue's son," Emily answered. "I think they assumed that I meant Darryl who is a fourth year in Ravenclaw."

"So what happens when they see you with Roger the night of the ball?" Kim inquired.

"I'm sure I'll be punished, but they won't make a scene at the Ball; they aren't like that. I'm not going to worry about the consequences beforehand; doing that would ruin the evening."

* * * * *

"Ron, stop sitting and sulking," Sam insisted. "You should be happy for your sister, not acting like it's the end of the world."

"How can I be happy?" Ron protested. "She's pregnant and planning to marry Draco Malfoy. I know he's changed somewhat since we were in school together, but I can't disregard how big a git he was."

Ron looked disbelievingly at Sam. "I can't believe you've become a Draco supporter. Have you forgotten that it was he that impregnated you and then just disappeared from your life?"

"I haven't forgotten, and perhaps under different circumstances, I wouldn't be so forgiving," Sam responded. "You have no one but yourself to blame for how I feel. I have a wonderful, loving husband and Timmy has a terrific adoring Dad. What would I gain by harboring hatred for Draco? Besides, that Draco no longer exists."

"I wish I had your conviction," Ron retorted. "I keep having dreams about Ginny waking up and finding Malfoy gone. I'm frightened he'll do the same to her that he did to you."

"No! It won't happen," Sam said, shaking her head with conviction. "Different times, different feelings and different girls. When Draco and I first crossed paths he was carefree and simply spreading his wild seed. Where I saw love and a lifetime relationship, he saw sex and an easy one-night shag. I'm not sure what caused the change, but Draco isn't the same person he was and Ginny isn't me. He loves Ginny. I think he'd rather die than hurt her or see her placed in harms way."

"I'd have no problem with him dying," Ron confessed. "However, the timing could have been better; you know, like before he knocked up my little sister."

"Ron, he's going to be your brother-in-law," Sam reminded. "For Ginny's sake try to forget the past and give him a second chance."

Ron just stared at Sam in disbelief. If ever the term 'easier said than done' applied, it was now.

* * * * *

It was never planned, but Harry and Hermione had drifted into a regular routine. They went to bed early each evening so that they could cuddle in each other's arms as they updated each other on the events of the day. Then before going to sleep they would always make love. It had become so much a part of their lives that now neither could envision being able to sleep without first giving pleasure to the other. Tonight might be an exception.

"How did it go this afternoon?" Harry asked. "Did you get all the interment arrangements made?"

"Yes," Hermione answered sadly. "It was tough on all of us. Obviously for Doris, but it also brought back depressing memories for both Jamie and I. I dread the actual burials."

"What about her sister's remains?" Harry inquired. "Has a decision been reached on how best to give her a proper burial?"

Hermione nodded her head, and then closed her eyes. She rubbed her forehead as if in pain. "Hillary should be buried in the family plot next to her parents," Hermione said, sadly. "But since the ministry is feigning that she has been kidnapped, that's impossible. Severus has suggested that she be buried initially in the Hogwarts cemetery and later, when appropriate, be moved."

Hermione started to cry. "Doris wants to see the .... Oh! Harry! She wants to see the head before we bury it. She says that she has to know it's really Hillary and not just a twig."

"I wouldn't be willing to take anyone else's word either," Harry, said glumly. "Maybe she should see first hand the horrors that Slytherin and his henchmen are capable of committing."

"Harry, she's just a young girl," Hermione begged.

"Not anymore," Harry disagreed. "Slytherin has taken away what remained of her youth. I'm afraid that before this war ends many children will be robbed of their youth. I'm going to recommend that Doris be accepted into the Order of the Phoenix,"

"But she is so young and still in school," Hermione argued.

"Her sister was just a child. That didn't stop those bastards from killing her," Harry retorted. "Unlike the war with Voldemort, this war won't have a neutral ground; Slytherin has already made that clear. When asked, you either join him, thus entering enter a life of eternal servitude, or you die. The day Doris graduates, she's going to be given that choice."

"Isn't there something we can do to protect her?" Hermione asked.

"Very little!" Harry answered. "Once students leave the protection of Hogwarts, they are basically on their own. Doris won't be the only one facing this choice. At first, it may only be students whose parents once showed allegiance to Voldemort, but in time, as Slytherin's legions increase, I'm sure all graduating students will be approached."

"Sick, but ingenious," Hermione commented. "If the child joins, Slytherin has a foothold into getting the entire family. If the child refuses, he kills them, thereby giving the family a warning of what will happen if they don't submit to him."

"Harry! He could win without a war ever actually taking place," Hermione said, trepidation evident in her voice.

"Exactly!" Harry declared, a bitter taste lingering in his mouth. "Worse, the Ministry is actually helping him by hiding the truth from the public. The more atrocities they hide, the stronger he will become."

"Since all of Fudge's decrees were abolished, the Ministry has no say in what takes place at Hogwarts; perhaps the curriculum should be adjusted to better prepare the older students for the contingency," Hermione suggested.

"Severus and I discussed that earlier today," Harry enlightened Hermione. "We want to make changes in the program, but at the same time we don't want to train those that may one day be fighting against us. Remember how we anguished over who to allow in the D.A."

Hermione nodded her head. "Not all Slytherins are bad and not all Gryffindors are good. The same holds true for the other houses. How are you and Severus going to determine who is friend and who is foe?"

"Unfortunately, we can't be one hundred percent sure," Harry said. "Even Dumbledore made mistakes; he allowed Peter Pettigrew to become a member of the Order. The plans are to increase defensive training for all students. If we are confident of a student's allegiance, for example Jamie and Alex, they will be offered membership in the Order."

Hermione seemed slightly relieved. "I take it then that you are only considering select seventh years for induction into the Order?"

"For the most part," Harry agreed, "but exceptions will be made. Caitlin and Emily should be allowed to join. After all, they're part of the Prophecy."

"My god, Harry! Have you lost all priority?" Hermione cried. "They're just little girls."

"Little girls, I might remind you, who have already suffered once in the clutches of evil. I refuse to treat them the way Dumbledore treated me. I will not keep them in the dark for years like he did me. If we are to defeat Slytherin, it will only be with their help. They deserve to be familiar with what actions the Order of the Phoenix is taking."

"What about Draco and Ginny?" Hermione asked heatedly. "They're a part of the Prophecy and they're also adults. If you're so eager to add members to the order, why haven't they been asked to join?"

Harry's face turned somber. "Severus and I are concerned that Draco might have already joined the other side," he answered dejectedly.

"You can't be serious," Hermione huffed. "I know his father was highly ranked in Voldemort's legion, but Draco isn't like his father. Harry, he is going to marry Ginny Weasley, she's pregnant with his child."

"I know," he responded, sorrowfully. "All that makes what Severus and I learned today that more serious. Slytherin is contacting all former Death Eaters and their offspring and asking them to pledge their loyalty to his cause. The choices are unswerving devotion to the Darkest Lord or Death."

"Of course, you and Severus automatically assumed that Draco has joined with Slytherin," Hermione huffed furiously. "Neither one of you once considered that he might not have been approached yet; that he might not want to join Slytherin's followers; that he might need our help."

"We just thought..."

"I know what you thought," Hermione interrupted crossly. "Did either of you even consider approaching the man and asking if he needed help?" Hermione jumped out of bed without waiting for a response and headed for the door. "Because he's not dead, you automatically assume he's joined Slytherin."

"Where are you going?" Harry cried out.

"To talk to Draco. One of us should at least give him the benefit of the doubt. Or in Draco's case, do you and Severus consider him guilty until proven innocent?" Hermione asked.

"Wait, I'll go with you," Harry called. "Let me take a moment to check the Marauders' Map. We don't want to barge in on Draco and Ginny doing anything kinky. Besides, don't you think you should slip some clothing on before going any place?"

Hermione blushed, but instead of immediately grabbing her robes she followed Harry to check the map.

"How close are the dots?" Hermione asked.

"Not close at all," he answered. "Ginny is in their quarters, but Draco appears to be at the top of the Astronomy Tower."

"The Astronomy tower?" Hermione repeated questioningly. "Draco's never had any interest in the stars, besides it's still raining."

Harry looked at the map, a horrified expression on his face. "Draco's dot just moved from the middle of the tower to the extreme edge. You don't think he could possibly be considering jumping, do you?"

Harry looked up, waiting for Hermione's answer, but all he saw was her bare arse streaking out the door of their quarters.

End of chapter fourteen

Betas for this chapter: Dove, Bluezy Lucy, Amber, Ken, Don, Peter. Thank you.

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