Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar's Return

HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN

"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 be saw was her bare arse streaking out the door of their quarters.

Chapter Fifteen

Life Goes On

"I never knew this room was here," Doris said, softly as she looked up and down the long hallway. "Is it generally used to provide somewhere for guests to stay?"

"I only learned of its existence last year," Jamie admitted. "It's called the Room of Requirement. It only appears when it's needed. Harry found out about its existence during his fifth year when he used it to hold secret Defense Against the Dark Arts meetings. Hermione suggested that you and I might want to spend the night here."

"She's wise beyond her years, isn't she?" Doris asked. "Leave it to her to know that I'd want to get away from people tonight, but yet not want to be completely alone. Jamie, I'm so very glad you and I became friends." Doris reached out and briefly touched Jamie's hand before they entered the room.

Tonight the room had converted itself into sumptuous sleeping quarters. It was decorated in an especially cheery way and contained two oversize beds. On each bed there laid dressing gowns and nightclothes. There was an attached bath and even a small fully stocked kitchen.

"This is some room," Doris said, looking around in amazement. "Have you personally ever used it before?"

Jamie blushed profoundly. "Alex and I come here occasionally," she admitted.

Doris felt awkward. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry into your private life."

"You're not prying," Jamie said, reassuringly. "It's certainly no secret that Alex and I have slept together. My sisters know, and it was actually Hermione that recommended this room for my first time together with Alex."

"Professor Granger helped arrange a place for you to have sex?" Doris asked in disbelief. "My mother and I are close, but I don't think I'd ever be able to talk to her about my sex life; not that I have one."

Suddenly Doris realized what she had just said and started to sob. "I'll never be able to talk to her about anything, ever again."

"I still talk to my Mum and Dad," Jamie said unashamedly. "It's not the same; they can't answer back or give me a reassuring touch, but I know they're still watching over me. A person never completely dies as long as someone still loves them and thinks about them. I'm never going to let my parents fully die."

Doris nodded, but didn't respond. Then, after a brief silence she walked over to one of the beds and picked up the dressing gown and nightclothes. "I imagine these were provided for us?" she said. "It's been a long, difficult day. I think I'll get ready to go to bed."

Jamie watched sadly as her friend entered the bathroom and closed the door. She knew how Doris felt; the loss of her own parents was still quite fresh in her mind. She wished there was something she could say, something she could do, to lessen the grief, but she knew there wasn't. Only time would ease the pain, but not even time would ever fully eliminate the hurt and loss. Doris had not only lost her parents, but also her younger sister; she was totally alone.

Jamie looked dejectedly at the sleeping attire lying on her bed. She loathed all clothing, but she especially hated having to dress to sleep. It was so much more comfortable to sleep nude. She glanced at the bathroom door. Now was not the time to think of her personal comfort. She was here to console Doris, not to make her feel ill at ease.

After quickly shedding her garments, Jamie momentarily stood naked staring at the nightwear the room had provided. "Nobody wears baby doll pajamas any longer," she said to herself picking up the frilly piece of clothing with matching pink panties.

Just as she was about to slip it over her head, Doris came back into the room. "I haven't worn one of these things since I was five," she said before stopping in her tracks and staring momentarily at Jamie before turning her head.

"Are you actually going to wear yours?" Doris asked in surprise, not looking a Jamie. "I thought you were a nudist. Don't you as a rule sleep in the all together."

"Normally," Jamie admitted, "but under the circumstances, I didn't want to add to your torment by making you feel ill at ease."

"I appreciate that," Doris replied sincerely, "but after all you've done for me, the very least I can do is allow you to have a comfortable night's sleep. Besides, we're both girls. It's not like you have any parts that I haven't seen or don't have."

Doris grabbed a quick peek at Jamie then added, "Although on you everything tends to look somewhat more enhanced."

Jamie blushed slightly as she bustled to get under the covers. She wasn't embarrassed to be seen naked, but discussions about her physical build tended to make her feel self-conscious.

There were a few minutes of awkward silence and then Jamie heard Doris' muffled sobs. "What am I going to do?" Doris cried. "I've lost my entire family and they'll be coming for me next. Jamie, I'm scared. I can't be one of them, but I don't want to die."

Without thinking, Jamie leapt from her bed and darted to Doris, enveloping the girl in a comforting hug. "You're not going to die. We'll protect you," Jamie said reassuringly.

"Harry and Hermione are already making plans for your security," Jamie confided. "You focus on laying your family to rest."

"Jamie?" Doris asked quietly. "Would it be asking too much for you to sleep with me tonight? I don't want to be alone and it's comforting being held by you."

"I'm not going anywhere," Jamie said, nestling Doris' trembling body into her arms and kissing her cheek supportively.

* * * * *

"I was hoping Jamie would be here tonight," Caitlin said, climbing into her bed. "I wanted to talk to her about what happened today."

"Is there a reason you can't talk to me?" Emily asked, sounding hurt.

"It's about Evan and you'll just make fun of me," Caitlin responded.

"Why would I make fun of you?" Emily asked. "I think the runt is kind of cute."

"He is not a runt; he's sweet," Caitlin retorted.

"He's a first year and nearly a foot shorter than you."

"Last year at this time you were a first year; or have you forgotten," Caitlin retorted. "At least he's not a perverted cradle robber. You invited that arse, Roger, to the Yule Ball, didn't you?"

"What makes you think that," Emily asked feigning innocence.

"Well, for one thing I happen to know who Darryl Fortescue is actually taking to the Ball and it isn't you," Caitlin said pompously.

Emily looked at Caitlin, panic evident in her eyes. "Please don't tell Mum and Dad," she begged.

"If I did, it would be in your own best interest." Caitlin affirmed. "Mum and Dad are going to kill you when they find out. Besides, all Roger wants is to shag you."

"That's not true," Emily insisted. "He has never even as much as tried to touch me and I seriously doubt he wants to end up in Azkaban for rape. He knows that I'm only twelve."

"Then why on earth is he going out with you?" Caitlin asked.

Emily's eyes became teary. "Am I that awful a person? Did you ever consider that maybe he just likes me for me?" Emily shook her head in dismay. "Did you ask Evan to the Ball so you could shag him?"

"Of course not," Caitlin proclaimed. "He's just a friend."

"And I'm not allowed to have friends?" Emily asked, a hurt look on her face.

Caitlin looked at the floor and gritted her teeth. "I won't say anything to Mum and Dad, but be careful. You know it's not the same."

"So what happened today between you and the Munchkin?" Emily asked, trying to get off the subject of Roger.

Caitlin blushed. "We took a shower together."

"You did what?" Emily said aghast.

"It's not like it sounds," Caitlin answered defensively. "Evan and I had made plans to meet after the tournament practice. I wanted to talk to him in private. We ran to the Quidditch changing rooms for some shelter from the rain. We were both soaked and freezing, so I suggested we take a shower."

"Together!" Emily cried in amazement. "You took a shower with mini man?" Matt is going to kill both of you when he finds out."

"It's none of Matt's business what I do. More to the point, it wasn't anything sexual," Caitlin tried to explain. "We weren't in a tiny stall where we constantly rubbed against each other. Each of us had our own shower head and the only time we touched was when I asked him to scrub my back."

"He scrubbed your back?" Emily asked, still dumbfounded. "I bet he would have much rather scrubbed your front."

"Probably," Caitlin admitted blushing, "but what's important is that he didn't try. He didn't venture anywhere even close. Afterwards, we just sat and talked for over an hour, both of us still unclothed. I was really comfortable around him and I think he felt likewise."

"What did you talk about?" Emily inquired.

"Well as you already know, I asked him to accompany me to the Yule Ball. But I explained that it would only be as friends," Caitlin clarified. "I didn't want him getting the wrong idea."

"I'm sure he won't," Emily said, a deadpan expression on her face. "Showering with someone usually lets them know beyond a doubt that you're not the least bit attracted to them. Tell me something, and don't lie. Did you check out his equipment?"

Caitlin reddened. "Emily, please don't make fun, but he's still a boy. He doesn't show any signs of having reached puberty yet."

"But you're still attracted to him, aren't you? Emily persisted.

Caitlin shyly nodded her head.

* * * * * *

"I hate that little bitch," Denise said as she and Janice readied for bed. "Did you see how she was cuddling up to Tyler today? The tramp didn't want anything to do with him until I asked him to the Yule Ball, now she is clearly trying to worm her way back into his life."

"She doesn't have a chance," Janice said. "Tyler would never opt for her over you."

"I wish I shared your confidence," Denise confided, "but he's been goggle-eyed over her ever since he saw her naked in our first year."

Janice stared at Denise, a confused expression on her face. "What makes you think he ever saw her nude?"

Denise gave Janice a frustrated look. "Do I have to do all of your thinking for you? For god's sake, put two and two together. Have you ever seen the tart wear a bra or knickers, even with the skimpiest of outfits?"

Janice shook her head no, but remained silent.

"Don't you remember the initiation at the beginning of last year when the two of them had to enter the broom closet, strip down to their underwear, and then come out wearing the other's clothes?"

Janice this time nodded her head, but still remained silent.

Denise just stared at Janice in disbelief. "You're my best friend, but at times you are so thick. If you recall, they did switch clothes, which means she was in that closet naked with Tyler."

Janice's eyes widened as she finally comprehended. "Do you think that is why Tyler has been captivated by her all this time; because he's seen her nude?"

"I think that's part of the reason," Denise said.

"Then fight fire with fire," Janice said as if it was the obvious thing to do. "Let him see you naked."

"You've got to be kidding. I'm not going to stoop to her level," Denise said with a gasp. "Besides ..."

Janice interrupted. "Yeah, that might not be so good an idea. She has an appealing body for her age. Plus, she is totally smooth down south. I understand most guys prefer that."

Denise stared daggers at her friend. "I have just as fine a body as her, but I refuse to use those tactics. What's more, even if I wanted to, the idea is impractical. I can't just walk up to Tyler and flash him."

"Then what are you going to do? Janice inquired. "Are you going to let him feel you up?"

"No," Denise shouted, thankful that she and Janice were alone in the dorm. "I'm not going to lower myself to her standards. Somehow I have to destroy that ivory tower on which Tyler has placed her. He sees her as something special. I have to wipe out the goddess-like impression he has of her."

"How are you going to manage to do that?" Janice asked.

"Unfortunately I haven't figured that out yet," Denise sighed. "But it will be good, I promise you that. I'm going to humiliate that girl so bad that she'll transfer to another school."

* * * * * *

"Damn Hogwarts and its anti-apparition charms," Hermione thought as she ran from the apartment.

The staff quarters and the Astronomy Tower were located at opposite ends of the castle. If she had on her trainers, Hermione doubted she could run the distance in less then ten minutes; in her bare feet, covering the expanse over the cold rough stone floors would take even longer. Could she possibly make it in time? The Marauders map had made it appear as if Draco were about to jump.

The staircase seemed endless as Hermione haphazardly sprinted down the steps, her breasts undulating with each footstep. Finally she reached the bottom, but just as she turned to head down the corridor, she collided with something unseen. She fell to the ground, her hands barely catching her in time to avoid her face smashing into the hard stone floor. Her legs were flailing in the air, whatever she had collided with implanted between them.

Only once she returned to a standing position did she realize what she had run into.

"Professor Flitwick, I'm so sorry," she said, flushing as she became cognizant of just where the professor's face had been entrapped. "Please forgive me, it's an emergency," she shouted as she turned to run off. "It's Draco! Get Severus and hurry to the Astronomy Tower."

Before he could question why, she was gone. The tiny professor slowly got to his feet trying to work out what exactly had just occurred. Then he shook his head to clear it of thoughts and darted up the stairway.

When Hermione finally reached the top of the Astronomy Tower, it seemed like she had been running for hours. The rain had turned to a cold drizzle. At first glance she saw no one on roof of the tower. Slowly she walked toward the parapet, knowing she would have to look down, but fearing what she would see when she finally did.

Just as she was about to look over the edge, a voice called out from her left.

"Nice outfit Granger," Malfoy said. "I always did like the wet look."

"I wore it especially for you," she said. Hermione turned toward the sound of Draco voice and began to slowly walk toward him, not even attempting to hide her splendor from his gawking eyes.

"What are you doing up here?" Hermione asked. "It's rather difficult to star gaze on an overcast night."

"I could ask you the same question," Draco replied. "Do you normally roam so far from your lodgings starkers?"

"Only when I'm troubled that someone might be considering attempting something brainless," Hermione answered.

"What I do or don't do is my own business, Mudblood," Draco shouted. "Furthermore, even though you have extremely attractive features, it will take more than a Muggle tit and arse show to change a pureblood's mind once it is made up."

"I didn't come up here to give you a lap dance, Inbreed," Hermione snapped angrily. "I came to talk you out of making a huge mistake. Has all that interbreeding turned your mind to mush?"

"You don't know what the fuck you're talking about," Draco shouted. "You have no idea of the choices I'll be faced with. I don't want to die when I finally have something worth living for, but it is the only way out."

As they talked, Hermione had inched her way closer and closer to Draco. Now only a few feet separated them. Draco's back, however, was mere inches from the low tower wall. If startled in any way, he might back up and lose his footing.

"He'll be coming for me soon," Draco cried. "Don't you understand? If I don't serve him, he'll kill everyone I love. I can't let that happen."

Without warning Malfoy reached out and grabbed Hermione's bare breasts. "I always wanted to do that," he said, a devilish smirk on his face. "Look at the bright side Granger. I'll die with a smile on my face." He pushed away from Hermione and flipped backwards out of sight over the wall.

* * * * * *

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

"I hate funerals," Emily said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm never going to another one as long as I live. They're too depressing."

Jamie placed her arm around her sister's shoulder. "They are depressing," Jamie agreed. "Even if the person being buried wasn't close to you, it's still disheartening. Funerals bring back memories of those you've lost and remind you just how fragile life is. Regrettably the healthier you are and the longer you live, the more loved ones you'll see put to rest."

"That's a pleasant thought," Emily said, sarcastically.

"I think the private ceremony after dusk tonight will be even more heartrending," Jamie said. "It's one thing for an adult to die, but it seems so unjust for a child to have her life ended before it has even truly begun, especially in such a gruesome way."

"How could anyone cut off somebody's head; it's inhumane?" Emily sobbed.

"Unfortunately in our world there are those that have no respect for life," Jamie said. Some people can as easily kill another human being as you or I could trample on an insect. I doubt that the brute that killed little Hillary even lost a moments sleep over it."

Emily closed her eyes and shook her head. "I thought the atrocities of war were supposed to have ended with Voldemort's defeat. I guess I was wrong."

"I'm afraid evil will always exist in our world," Jamie replied sadly.

- - - - - -

"The lid of the casket is open," Caitlin cried, a horrified expression on her face. "Since they only recovered her head, I assumed it would be a closed casket viewing."

"That was the original plan," Harry said, "but Doris was adamant on seeing her sister one more time. With Sir Nicholas de Mimsy's aid, Professor Flitwick and your Mum were able to transfigure her a temporary body for the memorial service."

"They attached her head to another body?" Caitlin asked, horrified.

"Not exactly," Harry answered in a calming voice as he put his arm around Caitlin. "They didn't try to emulate Baron Von Frankenstein's work. The body is only a prosthetic facsimile to which the head was connected. That is why she is covered up to the neck. They simply wanted to give her as proper a burial as possible."

Caitlin nodded her understanding.

Since the Ministry was denying the death of little Hillary, her interment was being conducted in secrecy under the cover of darkness. In addition to Doris and the Potter family the only people attending were a few trusted Hogwarts faculty members and some members of The Order of the Phoenix.

"Death eventually comes to us all," Severus Snape stated as the mourners listened forlornly, "but its only cause should be old age. We live at a time when wizard kind has conquered disease; a time when all but the most serious injury can be cured by a mediwitch. Yet we find ourselves today mourning the death of a young child, a child whose life had barely begun.

"Hillary Burke was robbed of her existence because her parents loved her and wanted her to live a life of freedom in a world liberated of fear. Hillary was loved, but those who killed her find the mere concept of love alien. They live only to destroy and hate.

"I pray there is a God. I pray there is a heaven. And I pray that God has prepared a place for this little angel."

Hermione and Jamie accompanied Doris to the casket, where she kissed her sister's cheek one final time before the lid was closed.

* * * * * *

"Are you sure you're up to this?" Jamie asked as she and Doris approached the Room of Requirement.

"No! Honestly I'm drained, but I have to attend," Doris admitted. "I need to be a part of the effort to defeat them. I have to do it for myself, for my parents, but mostly for Hillary. I have to help fight back."

The room they entered was much different than the one they had slept in the previous few nights. There were no beds, no bright cheerful colors. Instead there was a huge conference room with a magnificent round table. Harry ushered Jamie and Doris to chairs and then cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"It is getting late. Now that everyone is here, I suggest we get started immediately," Harry said, forcefully. He gave Doris a sympathetic smile and then continued. "I apologize for the timing of this meeting, but there are some matters we must address immediately. Since many Order members were attending the funeral, I felt it would save a trip. I realize that it might seem in bad taste to meet at this time, but Slytherin hasn't called a moratorium in his recruiting efforts."

"Harry, before you continue, may I ask a question?" Shacklebolt inquired.

Harry nodded his head.

"I understand that we all just left a funeral, but do you really feel that it is prudent to allow children, even your own, to attend a meeting of the Order? And what about him? His father was a Death Eater."

"They are the primary reason for this meeting," Harry answered. "We will forgo discussion on any other subjects until a decision is reached concerning them."

"What decision is that?" Shacklebolt asked.

"Whether are not they should be inducted as members."

"Harry, you can't be serious," Ron implored. "The Order has always required that members be of age and out of school."

"I recall three exceptions to that rule," Harry said. "If I'm not mistaken you were one of those."

"You know very well that was under special circumstances," Ron emphasized. "Dumbledore only permitted you in because of the prophecy and Hermione and I because of our close liaison with you. But even so, that wasn't until the end of our sixth year. I can appreciate the value in considering exceptional seventh year students that we know can be trusted, but Emily and Caitlin are only twelve and thirteen. The order, after all, isn't a babysitting service."

"Too young to vote, but not too young to die," Harry said sorrowfully. "Hillary was only six. I'm not proposing that underage wizards and witches be accepted into the Order Carte Blanche, but like Dumbledore finally made an exception in our case, I feel we also have to make exceptions. It's obvious that Health and Sight in the prophecy refers to Caitlin and Emily. Slytherin can't be defeated without the aid of these girls. How can we ask them to risk their lives to save wizard kind and at the same time deny them access to information that might well save their lives?"

"THE STARS PROCLAIM THE RETURN OF THE GREATEST DARK LORD

FROM THE BLOOD OF INNOCENTS FOUR,
THE GREAT LORD SLYTHERIN'S SPIRIT SHALL POUR.
TWO OF HIS OWN, SEER AND HEIR,
TWO OF HIS ENEMIES, HEALER AND HEIR,
TWO DROPS OF EACH, NOT ANY MORE,

WITH THEIR DEATH BY HIS HAND,
TO HIS BODY HE WILL BE RETURNED,
TO WALK THE EARTH A MORTAL MAN,
BUT WHEN SLYTHERIN AND EVIL ARE JOINED,
NOT EVEN THE COVENANT WILL BRING THE RESULT DOWN.

THE DARKEST OF TIMES THEIR JOINING WILL BRING,
SORROW AND PAIN WILL OFT BE THE FAME.
MANY WILL DIE DREADING THE NAME,
SALAZAR SLYTHERIN.

THE WORLD WILL HAVE BUT ONE HOPE
AND THAT IS TWO CUBED TO EIGHT
WITH HEALTH AND SIGHT AND SPIRIT BRIGHT,
THE HEART AND SOUL AND MIND WILL ADD THEIR WEIGHT

BUT ONLY WHEN THE FLAMING DAUGHTER
AND MOONCHILD JOIN THE FRAY
CAN THE WORLD DEFEAT EVIL
AND RETURN SLYTHERIN TO HIS GRAVE"

"I'm with Harry," Tonks affirmed. "They may be young, but Caitlin and Emily have already faced greater peril then most full grown wizards have experienced. At their age, we most certainly can't expect them to stand beside us in battle, but because they are part of the prophecy, they should be privy to all Order knowledge and activity.

"Hermione, you've been uncharacteristically quiet thus far tonight," Severus said. "What say you on the subject?"

"Obviously, I have mixed emotions," Hermione answered, staring lovingly at her two girls. "They are my daughters, my little girls. My motherly instinct is to try and shield them from any possible danger, but we already know that is impossible.

"Just like Harry, when he was a baby, they have been named in a prophecy. Also, like Harry, they have been placed in a kill or be killed situation. Slytherin is going to want all eight persons named in the Prophecy either under his control or dead. On one hand, they are too young to be a part of The Order of the Phoenix: on the other hand they need the training and guidance the Order can provide if they are to have any chance of defeating the Darkest Lord."

"She's right," Sam declared. "We need them and they need us. Slytherin has already demonstrated that this war will have casualties of all ages; it's going to need soldiers of all ages, also."

Harry nodded his head in agreement. "Unless someone feels there is a need for further discussion, I'd like to call for a vote. All those willing to accept Caitlin Potter and Emily Zacherley-Potter as members of The Order of the Phoenix please indicate by raising your hand."

Harry counted the raised hands. "Those opposed!"

"Congratulations ladies!" Harry said. "You are now official members of The Order of the Phoenix." Both Emily and Caitlin responded in somewhat juvenile ways.

"Harry, can I assume that our other guests are also here to have their membership voted upon?" Snape inquired.

"That's correct," Harry replied.

Severus rubbed his chin, apparently deep in thought. "Since we have for all intents and purposes abolished the age restrictions for membership, I would like to sponsor Miss Zacherley and Miss Burke."

Harry gave Severus a grateful smile.

"These ladies have both been a credit to Hogwarts," Severus went on. "Both were house prefects and both made the short list for head girl. You all know Jamie; I don't think it's necessary to go into her history or to justify her qualifications.

"However, Doris is an unknown to many of you and she does come from the house that supplied a majority of Voldemort's supporters. But I guarantee you she is one of us. Harry and I visited her memories; I saw her reaction to the letter from her mum concerning the initial visit from Nott and I read her response. If my recommendation isn't enough, look at those two."

Severus indicated Jamie and Doris who were sitting with their hands unashamedly clutched tightly together on the table. "Females in the Zacherley family have an uncanny ability to judge people. Perhaps they have a touch of Kneazle blood in them," Severus said, giving Jamie a grin.

"Jamie, do you trust Doris?" Severus asked

"With my life," Jamie said, squeezing Doris's hand even tighter and giving her a heartening smile.

"That's certainly good enough for me," Severus said, giving the girls one of his no longer rare smiles.

Harry beamed when the voting was complete and both girls had received unanimous approval.

"That leaves us with one final candidate to vote for," Harry said.

"Of course, you saved the best for last," Draco said smugly.

"Harry, you can't be serious," Ron raged. "Not the 'ferret.' You can't possibly trust that git."

Ron received angry stares from both Ginny and Sam for his outburst.

"Surprisingly I do," Harry said. "Up until Saturday night I had some reservations, but not any longer."

"Skunks don't change their stripes," Ron fumed. "What could possibly happen in one night to erase over a decade of hate and deceit?

"He tried to kill himself in order to protect Ginny and their baby," Harry said calmly.

Draco seemed to be closely studying the texture of the table's wood grain, avoiding the stares of everyone present. Ginny held his hand tightly between her two small pale palms.

"Good grief Harry! The bastard has been play-acting for years," Ron protested. "Think back to third year; how he tried to get Hagrid fired and Buckbeak executed. He'd never do the world the favor of doing away with himself."

"He certainly tried Saturday," Harry said resolutely and then with Hermione's help began to tell the story.

"... When I saw him disappear over the wall, I was certain he would die," Hermione said. "I had no idea that Harry had flown to the Astronomy Tower and positioned himself just below Draco and out of my sight."

"He fell directly into my arms," Harry said. "It all transpired so fast that I don't think Draco at first comprehended what was happening. I had him back on the tower and secured with a binding charm just before Professor Flitwick arrived with Ginny and Severus."

"Once again, the Great Harry Potter saves the day," Draco drawled sarcastically. "All you've done is delay the inevitable and place Ginny's life in jeopardy."

"Draco, suicide isn't the answer, it never is," Ginny pleaded, tears filling her eyes. "The order will help us."

"Like they helped her parents and sister?" Draco said furiously, looking toward Doris. "He's not going to be stopped, can't you understand that. You only have two choices; join Slytherin's ranks or die. If I have to die, I'd rather it be at a time and a place of my own choosing; not after I've been forced to witness the torture and death of the only person that has ever truly loved me."

"There is a third choice," Harry said serenely. "You could join us and help defeat him."

Draco shook his head as a smile covered his face. "I've never met anyone as arrogant as you Potter. Keep sending the evil villains," Draco shouted. "The Great Harry Potter is invincible, he'll defeat all comers. You won't win this time Potter; he's too strong. Even with her undying love as a weapon," he looked toward Hermione, "you have no chance."

"Maybe, not alone, but the prophecy says the new covenant of eight can defeat him."

"That is assuming that he can be located while all eight members are still alive. Don't you understand the clock is ticking? Nott visited me last week," Draco informed the group. "It wasn't my official visit. He came to see me because we were friends in school. He advised me that I might obtain some ranking if I volunteered to join before I was drafted. I was told to not think about it too long because my name was rapidly nearing the top of the list.

"Nott made one thing extremely clear. No one turns down Slytherin and lives. Burke's family isn't the first to die. It's only the first you're aware of."

"Then I think it's clear what you must do," Harry said, after a few moments of thought. "You must contact Nott tomorrow and inform him that you want to join Slytherin's cause, but first, tonight you must swear your allegiance to The Order of the Phoenix."

For a short time the room remained silent as everyone digested Harry's words.

"You want me to be a spy for the Order?" Draco muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "If he finds out, he'll kill me and Ginny, too."

"Draco, don't you understand. Even if you had been successful at committing suicide, he would still have tried to kill Ginny," Harry explained. "Even though you'd be in your grave, he'd still want to exact his revenge on you."

* * * * * *

"Thanks for playing the Devil's Advocate tonight," Harry said as he and Ron walked the grounds. "I know Kingsley and some of the others would have concerns about Caitlin and Emily being admitted to the Order, but they never would have voiced them. Hopefully now they understand and accept the reasoning behind my wanting them to be members."

"You will explain to Sam and Hermione that it was your idea for me to act as if I were against their being allowed to join?" Ron asked. "Sam was sort of giving me that 'you're sleeping on the couch tonight' look."

Harry laughed. "I'll talk to her," he said.

For a moment they walked in silence. "Do you actually trust him?" Ron asked.

"I believe he loves Ginny and will do whatever necessary to protect her and the child she is carrying," Harry answered.

"That doesn't answer my question," Ron persisted. "What if he decides that his stronger hand is to throw his support to Slytherin? He could destroy the Order single-handed."

"Then our deaths will come sooner than expected," Harry said sorrowfully. "You know as well as I that the Flaming Daughter and the Moonchild are Ginny and Draco. Without them standing by our sides we have no hope of defeating Slytherin."

* * * * * *

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Jamie was shocked as she entered the Great Hall. The four long houses tables that had occupied the Hall for all of her years at Hogwarts were gone. In there place were five huge round tables arranged in the same way as the dots on dice. The tables sort of looked like large letter Qs. The centers of the tables were cut out and the bottom notched so that students could sit on either side of the circle.

The center table, which was larger than the other four, remained empty. Each house had claimed one of the outside tables. Unusual too, was the absence of food or drink on the tables. Breakfast and lunch, especially on Saturday and Sunday, were much less formal than dinner, when the food magically appeared all at once. Normally the students came and went on their own schedule. Today it seemed that breakfast was not going to be served until the majority of the students were in attendance. Just as Jamie was about to ask Alex if he knew what was going on, Headmaster Snape got to his feet and the Hall became quiet.

"When you all first arrived at Hogwarts, as nervous first years, you were given a little talk about the various houses. You were informed that your house would be something like your family within Hogwarts. You would have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

"Up until today you also enjoyed your meals with members of your house. Yes, on rare occasions some of you have been brave enough to sit at another house table with a friend, but those instances have been all too rare. Sadly, many of you have not gotten to properly know three quarters of your fellow students.

"I see that each house has laid claim to one of the corner tables. This is fine! We are often most comfortable around those we are most familiar with. However, I encourage you to use the community table in the middle of the Hall. Spend some time with friends from other houses; make new friends. I look to the prefects and the head boy and girl to help me in this effort to bolster unity."

"What a marvelous idea," Jamie declared. "Amanda, please come with me, I'm going to get Doris. Alex, why don't you ask some of your Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw friends to sit with us?"

"Must you be a prefect or can I go get Kim and Emily," Caitlin asked excitedly.

"The headmaster just wants us to get things started," Jamie advised. "Go get Kim and your sister."

"What the hell is happening to this place," Dick declared to anyone willing to listen. "Just when I think it can't get any worse, it does. Well, I'm staying right where I am. I'll be damned if I'm going to get chummy with any of the riff raff."

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"Are you nervous about today's training session?" Kim asked as she and Caitlin walked toward the Quidditch Pitch.

"Not really," Caitlin answered, "the way Mr. Simone talked it's just going to be more of those stupid 'get to know you' games. I'm anxious to see what the real challenges will be like."

"Me too. Eager, but nervous at the same time," Kim said.

"I just hope the sun comes out. I'm freezing," Caitlin said. "My goose bumps have goose bumps."

"Me too," Kim whispered. "I guess that's a disadvantage of the concealment charm; at least we could have cast a warming charm on the costume."

"Not that it would have done much good. There is hardly any material to cast a warming charm on," Caitlin said with a laugh. "I'll check with Mum. There has to be some sort of warming charm that can be applied to the human body without burning it to a crisp."

"Caitlin, don't look now, but that group of fifth year boys is really checking us out," Kim whispered.

Caitlin laughed. "If they like the view in these costumes, imagine if they could see us as we really are, just socks and trainers."

Kim blushed. "Caitlin, if I tell you something, will you promise not to tell a soul."

"Yes, as long as it doesn't involve you performing any unforgivable curses on anybody," Caitlin said with a laugh.

"I can't believe this!" Kim said. "I'm embarrassed to tell you."

"Out with it!"

"Those guys! I'd rather that they had seen me nude then in this decadent outfit," Kim admitted. "I'm ashamed to be seen in this."

Caitlin smiled. "It's official," she said. "You're one of us, you're a naturist. You've learned that being nude is not dirty or sexual." Caitlin laughed. "But I'm afraid those guys would have had dirty and sexual thoughts no matter how we were dressed."

"Caitlin, do you have a minute?" Matt asked running up to the two girls. "We need to talk."

"We better hurry," Kim cried. "It looks like they're ready to start."

"Matt, I can't now, we're late, but if you meet me after the session we can talk," Caitlin said sincerely.

Matt nodded his head as Kim and Caitlin both began to sprint toward their teammates.

"Did you see that Eric?" Rishard said in disgust as Kim and Caitlin reached the other Hogwarts champions. "How are they doing it? It should be impossible to run like that without their little tits popping out."

"I agree," Eric said, frustration evident in his voice, "but they didn't and I suggest you find out why and find it out fast. We are paying you big bucks to delivery us nudity. We can get young girls in scanty costumes at any local beauty pageant. For your sake, there better be some tits and pussy on display today."

"There will be, I'm sure there will be," Rishard guaranteed nervously as Eric returned to his seat in the stands.

"Both teams are assembled and ready whenever you are Mr. Simone," Harry said as he approached Rishard.

"Thank you, Harry!" Rishard said. His eyes caressed Harry as they always did, but this time his mind seemed preoccupied. Suddenly he seemed to come out of his stupor. "Yes! Yes! Well on with the show."

Rishard drew out his wand, directed it at his throat, and said "Sonorus." Everyone in the stands could now hear his every word. He looked up at the sky.

"Hopefully we'll be able to complete our exercises today without any unwelcome rain," he said with a nervous laugh. "These exercises might seem easy and in some cases silly, but they serve an important purpose. They allow you to get acquainted with your teammates and to learn to fully trust them.

"It will be critical that you have full faith in your teammates when we start the actual competition. Our first exercise today is known as the Trust Fall. As you can see, we have erected two platforms, one for each team. These platforms are five and a half feet off the ground and large enough for two people to stand on. You will take turns climbing to the top of the platform and then jumping into the arms of your waiting teammates. Your coach will stand with you to give you encouragement and to ensure that your teammates are prepared. Do not jump headfirst or feet first. The members of your team will be in two lines ready to receive you. You want to arrive in their arms as prone as possible."

"Why do I have the feeling that Dick Bancroft is going to be concentrating more on getting a quick feel than on preventing us from hitting the ground?" Jamie asked.

Caitlin laughed. "Because you know the true deviate that's hidden behind that school boy facade. How do you think everyone will react to holding us in their arms naked?"

"I think it will take a little getting used to, but Lee, Don and Jeff seem pretty cool. I think they'll be okay. Dick, on the other hand is a big question mark," Jamie remarked. "I can't picture him being anything other than a jerk."

"Now if you'll all pay attention, I'll walk both teams through this the first time," Rishard advised. "Let's have the lightest member of each team on the platform first."

"That's you, Caitlin," most of the Hogwarts team said concurrently.

Rishard watched in disquiet as Caitlin, without a concern, climbed up the ladder to the platform. Although the costume provided a brilliant view of young arse, her adolescent breasts seemed quite content to remain covered. This was not going at all as planned and Simone knew his backers would not be happy.

Debby likewise reached the top of the American platform without a mishap. Rishard began to panic; what if they went through the entire exercise without any exposure. He didn't even want to consider how Eric and the other sponsors would react.

Once the coaches took their position next to the girls on the stand, Rishard showed the other seven players on each team how to line up to take delivery of their jumping teammate.

The three players on each side of the two lines joined hands with their counterpart in the parallel line. The idea was for the player on the tower to lunge forward so that they landed chest down on the outstretched arms of their teammates. A faultless catch would have the jumping player landing on arms positioned at their chest, waist and knees. The seventh player stood at the front of the two lines as a safety measure. Their job was to insure that the jumping player's head was protected in case there was an error. As silly and simple as this drill was, hitting the ground headfirst could have tragic results.

"When you are lined up properly and ready to take delivery of your jumper, start encouraging them to relax and leap," Rishard instructed the contestants. "Coaches, you should also encourage your player on the platform to relax and trust their teammates."

Harry had to do more restraining then encouraging; Caitlin was ready to leap before her catchers were even in position. Although Caitlin didn't appear the least bit nervous, most of her catchers did, with the notable exception of Dick Bancroft. Dick was positioned across from Kim in the chest support position. Jamie was at the front ready to prevent any head injury.

A feeling of revulsion swept through Kim as she clutched hands with Dick. He had this nasty look on his face. Kim got the impression that Dick was more interested in fondling Caitlin than he was in safely catching her.

Harry looked down on his team. "Everybody ready?" he asked. "How about you?" Caitlin gave the only father she had ever known an enthusiastic thumbs up. "Then jump!"

Caitlin was standing at the edge of the platform. She leaned back and then without hesitation thrust herself forward. Her body was perfectly prone when she reached the awaiting arms, but she had misjudged the strength of her lunge. She completely overshot Nora and Lee who were positioned to catch her legs; they instead fell on the arms of Don and Jeff, leaving Kim and Dick to catch her entire torso. Because of her light weight, they were able to hold her, although for a few frightening seconds it looked like Jamie might be the only thing preventing Caitlin from hitting the ground head first.

Caitlin quickly wriggled free. Once her feet hit the ground, she turned and gave Dick a penetrating, disgusted look. He returned a wily, evil smile that was quickly whipped off his face by a vicious slap.

Few noticed the slap as their attention was now on Debby, who was about to jump. Jamie, however, hadn't missed her sister's outrage and quickly approached her.

"What happened?" she asked urgently.

"That prick fondled me," she answered. "Worse than that, he tried to finger me, too."

"Are you positive?" Jamie asked in shock. She had always disliked Dick, but didn't think that even he would be so gross in such a public venue. "You over shot your landing. Perhaps he was only trying to keep you from falling."

"I know the difference," Caitlin said adamantly. "Remember in my first year when I was getting off Matt's shoulders and slipped. He grabbed me at the crotch to keep me from falling. His fingers didn't move and he apologized a million times." At the time she had been mortified that Matt had touched her there, now it was a fond memory of the close relationship she had once shared with the boy.

"This was different. Bancroft kept moving his fingers around, trying to make entry."

"I'm going to kill him," Jamie said. And from the expression on her face, it looked like she had every intention of doing just that.

"You can't," Caitlin said, holding on to her. "He isn't worth you getting into trouble. Just, you be careful and warn Kim and Nora."

Jamie shook her head in agreement, but nevertheless slowly walked over to Bancroft. Then she started talking, but only loud enough for Dick to hear.

"Dick, have you ever hear of Viagra?" Jamie inquired.

Bancroft stared at her incredulously, wondering where this line of questioning was headed.

"Yeah, I heard of it," he replied. "Isn't that the Muggle medicine that gives a guy a temporary stiffy?"

"Did you know that there is a magical equivalent?" Jamie asked. "There is a spell that can add six inches to the length of a guy's penis, and it's not temporary. You have to perform another spell to return it back to normal."

"What makes you think I'd have any interest in this?" Dick asked angrily. "I don't need any artificial enhancements."

"I didn't say you did," Jamie answered coyly. "I was just wondering what would happen if the reversal spell was performed without the elongation spell being done first. Would you like to find out?"

"Are you threatening me, Zacherley?" Dick had a menacing look on his face, but his quaking voice gave away his fear.

"Not threatening," Jamie said. "It's more like a promise. If you touch any of the girls on this team again in an improper way, I'll be using you as a guinea pig."

"You wouldn't dare," Bancroft said.

"I believe I'm on the platform next," Jamie said. "Feel free to grope me if you think I'm bluffing. I think the title Nearly Dickless Dick sounds cute." She turned and walked toward the platform.

Jamie jumped with no consequences, as did Kim. For the moment at least, Bancroft appeared to be behaving. Much to Rishard's chagrin, so were the costumes.

The Hogwarts team had elected to have the girls all jump first before proceeding to the heavier boys. That meant it was now Nora's turn. She stood petrified staring at the ladder.

Up until now, she had been able to shield her breasts even as she helped catch her teammates. How could she properly leap from the platform and at the same time screen her breasts? For that matter, how could she even climb the ladder?

Nora put her left foot on the ladder and reached up for the rung with her right arm. That was all it took for her right nipple to burst out of hiding. Nora turned crimson as she tucked the offending breast back into the minuscule costume and cowered in a ball at the foot of the ladder.

Rishard for the first time today, displayed his toothy smile. Nora didn't possess the largest or most perfect breasts on either team, but at this point Mr. Simone was happy for any display of nudity.

"We'll help you up the ladder," Jamie said, placing her arm around Nora.

"How can you do that?" Nora asked, a defeated tone to her voice.

"The ladder isn't that tall," Jamie answered. "Kim and I can hang on either side of the ladder holding the uniform cloth against your body so that your breasts don't pop out. Caitlin can wait at the top of the ladder to help you until you are standing upright."

"Then what?" Nora asked.

"Then you have to build up the nerve to jump," Jamie replied. "We'll do our best to conceal you once you're in our arms."

Nora looked at Jamie, desperation evident in her eyes. She couldn't do this, yet she knew she had to do this. She sadly nodded her head in agreement.

Mr. Simone watched crossly as the girls helped Nora successfully negotiate the ladder. He considered protesting, but remembered that this was just training and what they were doing violated no rules. Once Nora was standing upright on the platform, the girls all hurried back to their catching positions.

"You can do this Nora, I know you can," Harry said positively.

"I wish I had your confidence, Professor Potter," Nora answered, visibly shaking.

"Just slowly walk to the edge of the platform," Harry encouraged. "Don't look down. I'll tell you when everybody is setup. Then just close your eyes and jump; they'll do the rest. Have faith."

Nora nodded. She had to stop being a coward and become part of the team. Somehow she was able to block from her mind how scantily dressed she was, as she approached the edge of the platform. She stood there, her eyes pressed closed waiting for Harry's signal.

Harry lingered until everybody was ready and looked up at Nora before yelling, "Jump!"

In one quick movement Nora raised her arms and jumped forward and off the platform. As she raised her arms, both breasts burst out of her costume. Nora screamed and brought her arms down to clutch her chest. This had the affect of turning her prone lunge into a roll. She was headed toward the ground headfirst. Dick who was in the front position for this jump panicked to get out of the way and in so doing knocked Kim and Jeff both off balance.

Nora's head, neck and shoulders hit the ground simultaneously with a loud crack. She just lay there seemingly lifeless.

End of Chapter 15

The betas for this chapter were: Don, Lucy, Ken, Amber, Bluezy and Peter. As always, I would like to thank those of you who took the time to review. Those reviews are what keep me.

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