Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar's Return

HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN

"You people can sit and plan a line of attack if you like, but I'm fully capable of going through a hole without first having a family meeting." Before anyone had time to respond, Dick ran toward the web and lunged.

It will never be known for certain whether or not he touched the web, but something caused the hole to close instantly around him, trapping and holding him midway through.

"I don't believe him," Jamie cried out in frustration. "Not only has he caused us to lose two of the best holes, but now we have to waste even more time pulling him free."

"I don't think so," Kim said, pointing nervously toward the web where the gigantic spider was moving swiftly toward Dick, its pincers clicking excitedly.

Chapter Seventeen

Who Said Life Was Fair?

Jamie had her wand out first and yelled, "Stupefy!" The spell hit the spider's gigantic, hairy black body, but had no effect. The spider ignored Jamie as it deftly removed Dick from the web with its two front legs and then began quickly spinning the boy around and around, a cocoon swiftly covering his body.

"Stupefy! Impedimenta! Stupefy!" Jamie yelled.

The others also cast spells at the spider, but they too had no effect. The spells did nothing more than aggravate the ugly beast. It was either too large or was being shielded by some sort of magical protection. The monster began to place the bound boy's body in its mouth, but then hesitated. Harry, Severus and a number of others were running toward the corral, wands drawn.

The spider looked as if it were having second thoughts about consuming the student. It seemed to gaze derisively at the approaching wizards, before unceremoniously spitting Dick out, the boy landing on the ground directly in front of his teammates.

"I wonder why the spider didn't eat Dick?" Caitlin asked. Her voice sounded greatly relieved despite her dislike of the Slytherin boy.

"That's easy," Kim said. "The spider knew that if it ate Dick, your dad and the others would kill it. Not even that monster would want something as disgusting as Dick Bancroft for its last meal."

Despite the severity of the situation they had just experienced, Caitlin found herself unable to resist laughing at Kim's comment as they both hurried to help Dick from his bindings.

"See, I told you there was nothing to worry about," Rishard cried, sweat beading from his forehead. "It was all just part of the show. That spider was just giving us our full money's worth. He would never have actually hurt the boy."

Personally, Harry doubted this very much. From his first hand experiences with Aragog's offspring, he knew them to be bloodthirsty monsters. It was with grave trepidation that he returned to his seat, leaving the students in the corrals guarded by the hairy beasts. He wouldn't breathe easily until this task was complete and everyone was safely back in the castle.

As the others struggled to release Dick from his sticky encasement, Jamie bombarded him with her pent up sentiments. "Dick, I know you hate me and think that I'm an arrogant bitch, but I'd rather be a bitch than a stupid arse any day. This is a team, or have you forgotten that?" she screamed. "We need to work together. So far all your chauvinistic bravado has accomplished is losing us two holes and almost getting yourself killed. If you so much as move again without the team's agreement, I'll personally make you wish that spider had eaten you."

Dick didn't retort; he didn't even give Jamie the satisfaction of looking in her direction.

Jamie looked nervously toward the American's enclosure. "The Americans already have two members through and are working on their third. Does anyone have any suggestions how we proceed?" Jamie asked.

"I've been watching them," Lee Wilson offered. "They got their biggest, strongest player through first, and then a medium sized one. Now they seem to be passing one player through at a time."

"That makes sense," Jeffery said. "Leave the smallest for last."

"Problem is that the first and last players should go through the lowest and largest holes. We've lost both of those holes." Although he was tempted to add 'thanks to the stupidity of Dick', Lee resisted. "Actually we only have six large outer ring holes left. I doubt we can get anyone safely through any of the inner holes."

"Didn't they say we could double up going through a hole?" Kim inquired.

"That's what we'll have to do then," Jamie said impatiently. "Sounds like we have a plan. We'll put Dick through the lowest hole on the right first, so he can help the others get through. We better save the lowest hole on the left for Caitlin; she's the smallest and should probably come last. That means six of us must come through the other four holes. Four of us will need to pair up."

"Well, whatever we're going to do, we better get moving," Donald said. "The Americans just passed their third player through the web and they haven't lost a hole yet."

"Dick, we're putting you through first. Make yourself as stiff as possible so that we can handle you like a log," Jamie instructed. "Caitlin, hold his head so that it doesn't bob and hit the web."

Dick obligingly did as instructed. As arrogant as he might be, he didn't want to be single handedly responsible for Hogwarts losing the first event. Dick held his legs stiff, like a log, as he was pushed through the opening feet first. Once half way through, he was tilted and then as gently as possible dropped to the ground. The web opening then closed, but Hogwarts finally had their first player on the other side.

"Who goes next?" Caitlin asked.

"I'd prefer to do the doubles first," Jamie said, "but Dick's going to need some help on the other side to handle two people coming through at once. We better do a single first through a top opening. It should probably be another guy."

"I'll go," Jeffery offered. "I'm pretty big so I'll be able to help Dick, plus it's best I get through while there are still a number of you on this side to lift me."

Everyone concurred with this. Although Jeff wasn't fat, he was most certainly solid and by no classification a lightweight. In theory lifting and moving a person, like you would a log, sounded great. Unfortunately, people aren't solid and rigid they bend. This ability to bend has advantages and disadvantage. The cons seemed to be out weighing the pros as the team struggled to get proper grips on Jeff and pass him through. Once, they let him slip, but fortunately Donald prevented him from touching the web. Finally, Jeff was through and they could take a breath.

Jamie shook her head in consternation. "We have four good holes remaining and six people. Kim do you think you and Donald can double up?" she asked. "You're going to have to use the remaining top hole."

Kim nodded her head. "How exactly should we hold each other?" she questioned. "Should we embrace in a hug?"

"No!" Jamie answered. "I don't think we could hold you like that, besides you have to go through one at a time, but linked. Kim, try lying on your back. Donald, suppose you lay on your front between Kim's legs with your arms wrapped around them?"

Don looked at Kim questioningly, as if asking permission to touch her. Kim nodded and gave Don a weak smile. She knew Donald would soon be viewing her extremely close and personal.

"Are you sure you guys will be able to lift us?" Donald asked.

"If we can't, the contest is over," Jamie said, heaving a sigh. "Nora, you and Caitlin get on either side of Kim. Lee and I will lift Donald. The toughest part will be initially getting them off the ground. Once they're off the ground, we may have to reposition ourselves slightly to get them through the web."

"Wait," Donald called. "Wouldn't it work better if we started in a standing position? You could lift Kim into my arms and then I could hold her as all four of you try to lift me."

"I don't know," Jamie answered. "I've never tried to do anything like this before. Let's give your way a try."

Once they repositioned themselves, Jamie said, "Okay, Kim, lean back slightly toward the web. Don, try to guide her toward the opening. As soon as Dick and Jeff have her arms, we'll try to lift you."

Don looked up in order to position Kim and himself. He visibly gulped, then shook his head to regain his wits and concentrate on the task at hand. He moved as close to the web as he could. He could see Jeff and Dick ready to receive Kim. "Lean back as far as you can, Kim," he instructed. "I promise that I won't drop you."

Kim arms stretch above her head as she arched her back until it ached. Her hands were through the opening and her chest pointed skyward.

"Remember, you and Don must stay connected just as you are until you are both completely through," Jamie reminded them. "Don, we're going to start lifting you now."

But before they could attempt to lift Don off his feet, something distracting took place. Due to a combination of being aroused by holding a nude girl, wearing a brief costume and assuming an extremely awkward position, Don's penis had burst free. His attention was on the task at hand and he didn't seem to even realize his member was exposed. Lee quickly turned away; boys just don't look at other boy's cocks. Nora's hand was covering her mouth in shock, but she couldn't seem to look away. Caitlin and Jamie didn't stare at the organ, but rather exchanged questioning looks as to who would come to Don's aid.

"Don, you've had a little accident," Caitlin said nonchalantly. "Don't get flustered. I'll set things right."

At first Don didn't understand what Caitlin was talking about. But then he felt a small soft hand touch him followed by the feel of material rubbing against his penis. He literally shivered, but somehow managed to once again concentrate on the task at hand.

"On three, lift!" Jamie called out. "Bend your body forward, Don. Watch out that his feet don't touch the web."

Somehow they did it. Don and Kim were on the other side of the web. Four down, four to go.

"Jamie, how are we going to do this?" Lee asked concernedly. "You and Nora can't go together because that would leave only Caitlin to get me through." He looked at the two girls concernedly. "I don't think she can get either of you through by herself either."

Caitlin felt affronted, but she also was concerned that Lee was correct.

"Caitlin, who do you think you could better support on your shoulders, Nora or I?"

Caitlin glanced quickly at the two girls. Although they were both about the same height, Nora was frail compared to Jamie.

"I don't know if I'm capable of lifting either of you," Caitlin confessed, "but I'd undoubtedly have more of a chance with Nora."

Jamie agreed. "Okay, I guess you and I go next," she said grabbing Lee's hand.

Nora stood back looking relieved. She had been extremely edgy at the thought of Lee holding her in a fashion such as Don had just held Kim.

"Are we going to attempt it in the same style as Don and Kim?" Lee asked.

Jamie looked at Caitlin and Nora, and then shook her head. "They'll never be able to lift you, especially if you're holding me. Our strength is on the other side of the web now. This is going to have to be more pull than push." Jamie took a deep breath. "I'll hold you on my shoulder and clutch your ankles. Get your arms through the web. They'll have to lift from the other side as Nora and Caitlin push."

"That sounds impossible," Dick said.

"Can you think of another option?" Jamie questioned. "I'm not sure I can do this either, but we have to try."

No one answered.

All the running and exercising that Jamie had done during her life had resulted in her having a very firm, fit body, but she felt that she was about to push it to its limits. She crouched down. "Caitlin, Nora, get on either side and steady me as best as you can. Lee, get on my back and give a hand to each of the girls. As I stand up, walk up my back and stand on my shoulders."

Lee looked at Jamie disbelievingly. She had a way of making the impossible sound so easy. She also had a way of doing the impossible. Somehow Jamie had managed to get to her feet and was grasping the ankles of Lee who was now teetering on her shoulders.

"Lee, bend forward through the web," Jamie said. "Nora, you and Caitlin do your best to try and lift me as the other try to pull us up and through."

"It wasn't easy, but somehow they created another miracle. Dick, of course, had found it necessary to grab Jamie's boobs in order to get her through the web. This had hurt like hell, but Jamie didn't slap him or even scream at him. He hadn't had any other options and it had worked. Six were through, just two to go.

"Okay, Nora. Up on my shoulders," Caitlin ordered.

"You'll never be able to hold me," Nora exclaimed.

As Caitlin and Nora argued, Lee tapped Jamie on the shoulder and pointed. At first Jamie didn't realize what he wanted, but when she finally looked, her face turned white with fear. The spider, which since the fiasco with Dick had remained motionless in a dark corner, was creeping slowly toward the two girls. He was remaining close to the walls and in the shadows. Jamie doubted that any of the spectators had even noticed his movement.

"Stop arguing and get out of there," Jamie yelled in panic. "Nora, get on her shoulders. Caitlin, you have to hold her. You have to come through together and now!"

"Together?" Caitlin questioned. "Why?"

But then she heard the clicking of approaching pinchers and knew exactly why. As if they were professional acrobats, Nora found the capability to climb on Caitlin's shoulders. They staggered toward the web and Nora lean toward the opening and into the waiting arms of Jamie. As Jamie pulled her forward, Nora felt Caitlin's hands slide off her ankles and the young girl scream out in terror.

* * * * * *

"Nott, you are doing excellent work," Slytherin remarked. "Continue to serve me faithfully and I shall see that you are amply rewarded when I assume my rightful position."

"Thank you, Great Lord! My greatest recompense will be your placement as monarch of the world," Nott proclaimed, prostrating himself in front of Slytherin.

Slytherin smiled. "On your feet, my loyal disciple. All will come in good time. We must learn patience. If the rest of the world reacts as the Ministry of Magic has, our task will be easy." Slytherin laughed. "If politicians had just one tenth the amount of brains as they have arrogance, we might have problems. As it is, our only fear of them is that they might try to talk us to death."

"Percy Weasley must be the biggest arse of them all," Slytherin continued. "If he were an Animagus he'd most definitely be an ostrich, the way he sticks his head in the sand and ignores the obvious. I'd have you kill the pompous git if he wasn't serving my purposes so well."

"What of the Order of the Phoenix?" Nott asked hesitantly. "Are you not concerned about them?"

"I take no adversary for granted," Slytherin said coldly. "But the greatest strength of an organization is found in its leadership. Godric Gryffindor was a great wizard, but his greatest strength was also his greatest weakness. The same can be said of Harry Potter."

"But sir," Nott said trembling. "Harry Potter defeated the Dark Lord."

"He defeated Tom Riddle because Potter possessed a weapon that Riddle knew not of. That weapon was love. Potter's mother used it to save him as a baby and Granger used it to save him as a young man. Voldemort did not understand the strength of love because he never loved, nor was he himself ever loved. I have experienced love. I know how it can help a person to achieve greatness beyond their ability. I also know how the loss of love can weaken one's desire to even live."

Nott's eyes shined with understanding. "If we destroy Potter, we'll destroy the Order of the Phoenix. We don't even have to fight Potter to destroy him. All we have to do is kill the one he loves so intensely."

"At least convince him she is dead. I am quite intrigued by this Hermione Granger," Slytherin admitted. "This body and mind that I possess were quite drawn to the young professor. I desire to know why."

"She is a filthy Mudblood," Nott replied in disgust.

"You are underestimating your enemy," Slytherin replied calmly. "You are judging her totally on her pedigree. Be honest with yourself. Remove hatred and prejudice from your mind. Close your eyes and tell me what you truly see when you think of Hermione Granger."

Nott obeyed his master and closed his eyes. He struggled to push all personal feelings and prejudices aside.

"Now tell me, what do you see?" Slytherin asked.

"An extremely beautiful, brilliant and powerful witch," Nott replied. "Easily the most intelligent witch of the century."

"I must meet this woman," Slytherin said.

"But she teaches and resides within Hogwarts. How can we possibly get to her?" Nott asked.

"Again patience," Slytherin said, his voice always calm. "Perhaps your new conscript, Draco Malfoy, will be of some assistance in reaching her."

"Then you trust him." Nott said excitedly. "You see a position for him in the organization."

"I'll reserve final judgment on that until I personally interview him," Slytherin answered. "At this point he appears to be a man that is willing to do whatever he feels necessary to serve his own best interests. His willingness and eagerness to spy is admirable. The question is where do his loyalties lie? Is he willing to spy for us or on us? I'm sure he will be very useful, but for now limit his knowledge to a need to know basis."

* * * * * *

Nora had to look back. She had to know what had happened to Caitlin, but she was terrified to learn the truth.

If Nora was terrified, then words don't exist to describe how Caitlin felt. As she had struggled to maintain her balance with Nora on her shoulders, the clicking sound had gotten increasingly louder. Suddenly she felt something long and hairy seize her around the legs and lift her off the ground. She was no longer supporting Nora, but rather holding on to her for dear life. Caitlin was parallel to the ground: the spider pulling her legs as she held firmly to Nora's ankles.

Caitlin realized that she had to let go. The spider was too strong. Holding on to Nora would only jeopardize her teammate's safety. Caitlin felt like she was signing her own death warrant as she released her grip.

Head hanging facedown, Caitlin saw that the spider was clutching her with its two immensely long, hairy front legs. It appeared to be examining her as one would their lunch before taking the first juicy succulent bite. She could see its open mouth below her and a pair of deadly shining black pincers. The spider actually seemed to be salivating as it anticipated chomping on the fresh tender meat.

Caitlin could hear her teammates shouting as they hurled spell after spell at the huge spider, but to no avail. She was about to die a most horrible death with most of the wizard world looking on.

She had only one hope. Caitlin had never killed before. She abhorred hunting and those that referred to it as sport. She even avoided stepping on insects if she could. But now a spider was about to eat her alive. It was a 'kill or be killed' situation.

Caitlin closed her eyes and concentrated as the spider lowered her toward its open mouth. She fought her own fear, struggling to enter a trance state. She was seconds away from being bitten apart. Then her body relaxed as if she were asleep; a sleep she possibly would never wake from.

Suddenly one of the monster spider's eight eyes exploded as if a bomb had gone off inside it and then another and another as if part of a fireworks demonstration. In a grand ending, the beast's head blew apart covering the ground and everything within fifty meters in blood.

Jamie struggled to her feet and rushed through the ragged remnants of the web. Chunks of bloody flesh and bone lay everywhere; the ground was red with blood. Desperately she searched for Caitlin. Then she heard a faint moan. A wisp of blond hair was sticking out from under one of the monster spider's hairy legs.

"Caitlin! Are you all right?" Jamie screamed, just as Harry arrived on the scene, Hermione on his heels.

"I've been better," Caitlin gasped, as if having trouble breathing. "I didn't account for being dropped from that height or that hairy beast nearly falling on me. I hope Madam Pomfrey has a large supply of Skele-Gro on hand."

Harry levitated the spider's leg as Hermione placed Caitlin in stasis as a precaution prior to moving her. The team watched in silence, appreciating just how close Caitlin had come to dying.

Jamie tried to comfort a small first year boy who had pushed through the crowd of people and was now crying uncontrollably, struggling to get to Caitlin.

"You did well," Eric said placing his arm around Rishard as they watched Caitlin being carried off on a stretcher. "I couldn't have scripted it better myself. Everyone will be talking about the tournament tomorrow and Caitlin Potter is now a mega star. Do you realize how rare a Hyperempath is that can heal with their mind only, never having to even touch the victim? But she can kill, too. She can actually wish someone to death. That power hasn't existed in the wizarding world for centuries."

"You do realize how close she came to being lunch for that spider?" Rishard asked.

"It would have been a terrible loss," Eric agreed, "but can you imagine the ratings? You have a job ahead of you, Rishard. How are you going to make the second event even more exciting? You might actually need to kill or maim someone. I can't wait till February. Great job."

Eric walked away sprightly as Rishard stood staring solemnly at the ground, shaking his head in anguish. Eric was indeed a monster and now he had become one, too.

* * * * * *

Friday, December 2, 2005

Emily couldn't believe how fast the week had flown by, but then that was more often than not the case when one was busy, and Emily had been extremely busy. It seemed like all the professors were snowing them under with homework in order to cover as much material as possible before the holiday break.

Professor Flitwick had been the worst. It had become common knowledge that the little professor was planning on retiring at the end of the school year and he seemed intent on imparting all his knowledge to his students before his departure. This wasn't too awfully dreadful for sixth and seventh years, but the pressure on the others, especially on the first and second years, was tremendous.

"Jamie!" Emily called out as she sprinted across the grounds to catch up to her older sister.

"What's up?" Jamie asked, once Emily had caught up to Alex, Amanda and her.

"I was just wondering," Emily said, stopping momentarily to catch her breath. "Do you think you would have time to tutor me a bit on Summoning Charms this weekend?"

"Summoning Charms?" Alex asked questioningly. "Old Flitwick didn't teach us those until our fourth year."

"I know," Emily answered. "I think he's afraid that his replacement might not be up to the job and so he's determined to teach us six years of work in one year. I guess I shouldn't complain though; I could be a poor first year. They really have it bad."

"Does he know who his replacement will be?" Amanda asked. "Has he said?"

"No!" Emily answered. "All I've been able to gather is that he doesn't think his recommendation will take the job. Evidentially she has some other commitment."

"She?" Alex replied. "Probably some old hag."

"Yeah! Well, that's all out of our control," Emily said. "What I desperately need now is help on Summoning Charms. I'm probably the worst in the class. Denise is the best." From the anguished look on her face, it was evident that it pained Emily to admit this. "She's a natural at it; doesn't even appear to use any effort."

"It's not that hard," Jamie said. "It just takes concentration. You need to clear your mind of other thoughts. Suppose we get together tomorrow morning?"

"That would be terrific," Emily said excitedly. But before they could set a time for meeting, an owl, landing heavily on her shoulder and holding out its leg, startled Emily.

"Hedwig! What do you want?" Emily asked, rather taken aback. She seldom received owls, especially other than at breakfast.

"You might try reading that note she's clutching," Alex said with a laugh.

Emily removed the small piece of parchment from Hedwig and the snowy owl immediately took flight. Emily read the note and then looked anxiously toward the castle. "I'll see you in the morning," Emily said, crinkling the note up and tossing it to the ground before running toward the castle entrance.

"I wonder what that was all about," Jamie said, her eyes following Emily until she disappeared through the castle entrance.

Amanda leaned over and picked up the parchment from the ground, and then she smoothed it out before reading the brief message. "I've no idea what she did," Amanda said, "but I think she's in trouble, again."

Amanda handed the note to Jamie who read it, Alex reading over her shoulder.

EMILY! WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING, BRING IT TO AN END AND REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO OUR QUARTERS. DAD

- - - - - -

Emily stood briefly looking at the door. She knew she was in trouble, but she was damned if she knew why. Had Professor Flitwick told her parents how abysmal she was at doing Summoning Charms?

Quietly she opened the door and stepped inside. Normally the first thing she would have done once inside would have been to strip out of her clothes. She, however, decided today against that penchant. Her Mom and Dad were sitting on the couch talking to someone. The person was likewise sitting, their back to the door. Emily could only tell that it was a man.

"You made good time, young lady," Harry said, harshness to his voice. "We have company. Come in here and take a seat between your mother and me."

Emily walked timidly into the room, only turning toward the visitor when she was about to be seated. Emily's face turned white, her breathing became rapid as she collapsed silently on the sofa between her parents.

"I believe you know Roger Fortescue," Harry said matter-of-factly.

Emily simply nodded her head. She knew she was dead or at least before long would be.

"Roger tells us that we jumped to an erroneous conclusion," Hermione said. "He informs us that it is he rather than his younger brother who is accompanying you to the Yule Ball."

Emily nodded her head shyly. "I steered you to that wrong conclusion," Emily admitted.

"Why would you do that?" Harry asked, already reasonably aware of the rationale.

"Because I was afraid you wouldn't let me go with Roger because of his age," Emily owned up.

"Roger, what made you decide to visit us today?" Harry asked.

"It was a conversation I had with my dad," Roger said. He bit his lip. "I've been attracted to Emily since the first day I saw her." He stopped, seeing the troubled expressions on Harry and Hermione's faces. "I know! I realize I shouldn't even be looking at a twelve-year-old girl, but Emily was always so nice and sociable. She never looked down her nose at me or treated me like a lowly soda clerk."

"She became a ray of sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day. I looked forward to her daily stops at the Shoppe and found myself depressed when she skipped a day. I lost sight of the difference between our ages and just saw her as a person that made my day. When she asked me to the Ball, I didn't hesitate a moment before saying yes. I even offered to buy her dress." He indicated the box lying on his lap.

"The dress was to be delivered directly to Emily, but the House of Gayee goofed and delivered it to me instead. I live with my parents and obviously they questioned the box."

Hermione stared at Roger, an astounded expression on her face. "You bought my daughter a dress from one of the most exclusive fashion houses in Paris for a school dance? It must have cost you a fortune."

"She's worth every cent," Roger said, without hesitation. "She's a special person; I envy the man she eventually marries."

"Anyway, when I told my Dad the whole story, he became very concerned. He doubted that Emily had been totally candid with the two of you. Although he trusts me and knows I would never take improper advantage of your daughter, he wanted me to make sure that our going to the dance together met with your approval."

"I remember you from school," Hermione said, giving Roger the briefest glimmer of a smile. "You were just finishing your second year when Harry and I were completing."

"I'm surprised you remember me," Roger replied. "I was rather quiet and kept to myself, usually with my head buried in a book."

"That's probably what first drew my attention to you as a teacher," Hermione concluded. "You never did get over your shyness. I remember you being an excellent student, but I had to constantly prod you in order to get any participation out of you in class."

Roger just nodded, a look of regret in his eyes.

While Hermione seemed satisfied to reminisce about the past, Harry was more interested in the present and this twenty year old's intentions toward his young daughter.

"Have you ever thought about sleeping with my daughter?" Harry asked.

Hermione and Emily each reacted rather differently to these words. Hermione's eyes practically popped out of her head in shock while Emily's face turned scarlet. She'd never thought about her and Roger doing anything like that and trembled at the thought.

Roger was about to answer when he remembered reading that Harry was skilled at Occlumency. The professor would easily be able to see through any lies. Roger had no choice, but to be honest and then deal with the repercussions. "Thinking about doing something and actually doing it are extremely different," Roger answered. "If men could be arrested for their thoughts, we'd undoubtedly all be residing in Azkaban guilty of rape."

"I'm sure when you look at Emily, you only see a little girl, your daughter. Stand back some time and truly look at her. Try to put it out of your mind that she is your daughter or that she is twelve. If you do, you'll see an extremely attractive young woman. A man would be a fool not to want to share a bed with her under the correct circumstances. Her being twelve does not represent the proper conditions. I couldn't live with myself if I were responsible for her being taken from your home."

"There is also Azkaban to consider," Harry added. "You'd be charged with rape."

"I'd never go to prison," Roger said assuredly, looking from Harry to Hermione and then back again. "One of you would end up there for killing me and then the other would die from heartbreak. I could never be the cause of that, no matter how great the temptation."

Emily wished she had a mirror. Definitely she had missed something the last time she combed her hair. She most certainly had never seen a beautiful temptress looking back at her.

"I believe you," Harry said. "At first I was concerned that you might be a pedophile, but you're not. I don't think you'd ever harm our little girl." He bit his lip and then looked to Hermione for guidance. Hermione shrugged her shoulders and gave him an 'I don't know what to say' look.

"You were truthful with me, so I'll be completely honest with you," Harry said. "If Emily were twenty-five and you were thirty-three, I wouldn't even question the age difference. Despite the fact that I believe and trust you, I still have extreme difficulty granting my twelve year old daughter permission to go out with someone eight years her senior." Harry sighed. "But then I know my daughter and how she thinks. Saying no would be the same as throwing a gauntlet in challenge. She would consider it a dare to somehow see you behind our backs. If this is to take place, I want it to be under our watchful eyes. Hermione and I will, as usual, be chaperones at the dance; don't even think about trying to sneak off alone."

Emily sat a few moments waiting for her father to continue. Finally, the realization of what he had said sank in. She ran and hugged her dad tightly, then threw her arms around her mum. "Thank you! Thank You!" she shouted gleefully. "I promise you that you won't regret your decision."

"I hope not," Hermione said. Although she agreed with Harry, like him, she had qualms about their decision.

Emily wanted to jump up and down in celebration and throw her arms around Roger, but decided restraint on her part might be a better choice. Instead she gave Roger a huge smile that proclaimed her happiness.

Roger returned the smile, then handed Emily the box that he had been holding. "Here, this is for you. I hope you like it."

"Is that your dress?" Hermione asked, sounding almost as excited as Emily. She looked at Roger. "I still can't believe you bought her a Gayee original."

Emily laid the box on her Mum's lap and then nervously removed the lid. When she lifted the top, it revealed a beautiful, fine, silky, delicate pale yellow material. But as Emily reached to remove the garment, the color changed to green. Emily stepped back and just stared. After a brief time the dress again changed colors, this time blue.

"The material contains a rainbow charm," Roger informed them. "It changes to all seven colors of the rainbow, but the same shade is never repeated. The red, for example, could be pale, almost pink or maybe scarlet."

They all stood watching for a few minutes, mesmerized by the changing colors of the soft, almost fragile looking material. Finally Emily broke the silence. "Can I try it on?" she pleaded.

"I imagine after spending all that money, Roger would like to see what it looks like on you," Hermione said. She started to get up in order to accompany Emily to her bedroom to change, but Emily had already slipped her skirt down over her hips and was now unbuttoning her shirt. Within seconds Emily was standing in front of them nude with the exception of her socks and trainers. Roger couldn't help but stare.

"I imagine you've noticed that our daughter is extremely bashful when it comes to exposing her body," Harry said facetiously.

Roger tried to compose himself. It was not easy to talk with his tongue hanging out. "You may want to remove your socks and trainers," he suggested. "They won't go quite right with the dress. Besides, it comes with shoes and anklets."

As Roger reached in the box for the shoes, Emily quickly removed her socks and trainers.

Harry found himself staring at Emily as Roger's words played in his mind. Stand back some time and truly look at her. Try to put it out of your mind that she is only twelve and your daughter.

"Stop looking at her like that, you pervert," another voice yelled. "She is your daughter."

Harry blinked his eyes, trying to return to reality. As he once again looked at Emily, the two voices in his head agreed on one thing; Emily was becoming more and more attractive with every passing day.

"Oh! They're cute," Emily exclaimed, reaching for the socks. She first slipped her right foot in until she felt her toes touch the silky fabric. Then she slowly pulled the bunched cloth along her foot, over her heel and up to cover her ankle. She repeated the sequence with her left foot and then reached for the shoes.

"The House of Gayee recommended a four inch heel, but I thought a one inch would be more appropriate," Roger commented.

Hermione nodded her full agreement.

Once Emily had her shoes and socks on, she held out her right leg so everyone could view them. Emily adored the shoes, but was entranced by the tops of the extremely thin-laced white ankle socks. A fringe of ruffled lace about two inches wide crinkled from the very top of the short socks, with a second similar ruffle beginning an inch below. This second ruffle forced the top one to remain flared out, and it also hid the top strap of the shoe, the glint of the golden buckle through the pattern being the only sign of it.

"I love them," Emily cooed, jumping to her feet. "I can't wait to see them with the dress."

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, looking compassionately toward Emily. "It looks like there has been some sort of mistake. There is no actual dress in the box, just three pieces of material and a bunch of thin gold chains."

"That is the dress," Roger said apprehensively. "There are instructions in the box showing how it can be worn in several different ways, but I can explain to you the manner in which you'll probably want Emily to wear it."

"The first things to put on are the chains and there are a lot of them," Roger noted.

"I hope you were precise with the measurements you took or the dress won't fit correctly. The Gayee people almost refused to sell it to me without them being able to do a final fitting on the model," Roger confessed.

Emily blushed at being referred to as a model. Three years ago she was a total Tom Boy. Some of the boys in the area of her home actually thought she was a boy. She had a boys' haircut, wore boys' clothes and if they played a game of skins versus shirts, she never complained about being on the skins team. At that time, she certainly had nothing to hide. Hell, back then she was totally flat, chubby Eddie Heck had bigger boobs then her. Now she was being referred to as a model and Roger and her parents were looking at her as if she actually were one.

"The longest chain goes around your waist and fastens at the back," Roger instructed. Hermione's job was to apply the chains as Roger told her precisely where to put them. Harry just watched with misgivings. " If you keep the catch lined up with her spine, all the other connections should fall into place perfectly." Although the chain went around Emily's waist, it actually rested on her hips. "Next we use the three chains that look like necklaces. The largest actually goes around her neck, again keeping the closure to the back. The other two slide up her arms until they are actually at her armpits. They each have two eyelet type things. The one eyelet should point up and the other toward the floor."

"These two chains go on either side and connect from the under arm eyelet directly down to the waist chain." Roger pointed to the two longer of the four remaining chains. They add support for the waist chain and help keep the shoulder bands in place. Those last two chains attach from the necklace to the shoulder eyelet on either side. That completes the chains, now we attach the dress."

Roger paused to take a look at Emily. She looked gorgeous in just the gold chains. It almost seemed a sin to cover that beautiful body.

"The smallest rectangular piece is the optional breast cover," Roger said.

Emily, Hermione and Harry all looked up at the use of the word optional, but none of them questioned Roger.

"There are chains attached to all four corners of the breast cover," Roger continued. "The two shorter chains attach to the shoulder rings, the longer chains attach to the upward facing eyelets on the waist chain.

As she finished attaching the dress top, Hermione found herself again admiring the skill involved in making this dress. All three pieces were continually changing color, but it was with perfect synchronization.

"The remaining two pieces are the same size, so it doesn't matter which goes on the front or back," Roger pointed out. "The piece put on the back will magically adjust slightly in width and length to accommodate for the arse. Hang them like a shower curtain starting and finishing with the eyelets an inch forward and an inch behind the side support chains."

"That means there is two inches of totally exposed skin on each side," Hermione exclaimed. "There will be no doubt that she is totally nude under the dress."

"Mum, please wait until I have it entirely on before getting upset. And as far as people knowing I'm nude underneath, I think everyone in the school already knows I never wear a bra or knickers."

Hermione didn't respond to this, but instead finished making all the connections, then asked Emily to step back a bit and slowly turn around.

"Well, how do I look, Mum" Emily asked.

"From what viewpoint?" Hermione inquired.

"I guess from where you're standing," Emily answered, bewildered by the question.

"I meant do you want my opinion as a teacher, a mother or an independent observer." Hermione shook her head. "The dress is gorgeous and you look fabulous in it. It's just that I'm not sure it's suitable for a school dance," Hermione answered.

"What do you think Daddy?"

"Honey, I love you and I trust you. I think you should be allowed to attend the dance nude if that's what you want, but I don't make the rules," Harry replied. "You look beautiful and your Mum and I will thrash it out. We haven't said no. Don't push it. Please, just give us some time to talk."

"Okay," Emily said dejectedly. "But it's such a beautiful dress."

"You'll look beautiful no matter what you wear and I'm sure Roger will be proud to escort you whatever our decision is," Harry said.

"That's very true," Roger responded, as he looked nervously at his watch. "I'm sorry, but I really must leave. I'm due at work in an hour. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to take your daughter to the Yule Ball."

Harry smiled. "It's a combination of trusting you, trusting her, but mostly knowing we will be there to keep an eye on you both. But yes, we could have said no. So, you're welcome."

After thanking Hermione again and shaking Harry's hand, Roger departed.

At first no one spoke, then Hermione, who had been reading the dress directions exclaimed, "Oh! My!"

"What is it Mione?" Harry asked, sliding over next to her.

"There are a number of ways suggested to wear that dress," Hermione stated. "Emily is currently wearing it in what the designer feels is its most conservative and unbecoming way. They recommend wearing it this way only if you have deformities you wish to conceal."

"How do they suggest it be worn?" Emily asked. "Can I try it that way?

"You can try it the way they suggest," Hermione answered, "but don't even think about asking if you can go to the Ball that way. Hogwarts isn't ready."

Harry's eye widened. "How exactly do they recommend the dress be worn?" he asked.

"Well, they included copies of legislation that was passed several years ago that made it legal for women to go topless, plus pictures of haute couture presenting it," Hermione said.

"Wait a minute," Emily yelled. "If going topless is legal, why do we have to wear tops? We're nudists after all."

"Being legal and being acceptable are two different matters," Hermione declared. "Something being legal simply means you wouldn't go to jail for doing it. Society has many other ways of punishing people who do things deemed unacceptable."

"Like what?" Emily asked.

"What do you think would happen if I started to teach classes topless?" Hermione asked.

"You'd make half the Hogwarts students extremely happy and the other half extremely envious," Emily said. "Oh! And the sales of skiving snack bars would drop tremendously because no one would ever want to skip your class."

"I'd also be fired," Hermione stated. "It might be one hundred percent legal, but the parents and Board of Directors would never approve."

"That's not fair," Emily protested.

"Emily, haven't you learned by now that life isn't always fair?" Harry asked.

"Okay, I understand," Emily said, "but can I still try it the way they suggest? Just to see how it looks."

Hermione nodded her head. "First remove the breast panel and the chains that were originally attached to it, but leave all the other chains on."

"I bet I'd turn heads if I walked into the Great Hall like this," Emily said, with a giggle after removing the panel of material that covered her breasts.

"No doubt about that," Harry agreed.

"Now move the first hook of the skirt to the fourth hook in on either side, both front and back," Hermione directed. "That will result in the exposed leg opening increasing from two inches to eleven inches on either side."

"But my hips only measure twenty-eight inches," Emily exclaimed. "Eleven inches exposed on either side." Emily quickly did the math. "That means the skirt will be gathered together in a space of only three inches, both front and back. Wow!"

Emily quickly made the adjustments and then ran to her parents' bedroom to see the results. "What do you think, mirror?"

"Your question confuses me young miss," the mirror responded. "I think about many things. May I assume that you are wishing me to comment on your own physical attributes or on the attire that you are almost wearing?"

"I guess both," Emily answered. "You can't lie, correct? You have to tell me exactly what you think?"

"I can not lie," the mirror confirmed. "My confusion stems from the fact that what you are wearing does not seem to serve any of the purposes for which humans cover themselves with clothing."

"What do you mean by that?" Hermione asked. She and Harry had followed Emily to their bedroom and were now absorbedly listening to her conversation with the mirror.

"I'll try to expound," the mirror said. "Humans initially took to wearing clothing for two central reasons, warmth and modesty. Miss Emily most certainly is not receiving any warmth from the garment she wears, nor is it providing more than a false hint of modesty. Many people now seek to cover their body flaws with clothing; Miss Emily has no such problem. Still others wear clothing to enhance their pleasant appearance. As lovely as that material may be, it only serves to hide her true beauty."

"Mirror, are you suggesting that my daughter attend the Yule Ball nude?" Hermione asked, surprise evident in her voice.

"Not at all," the mirror responded, almost defensively. "The young miss asked me to evaluate her and the garment. I have simply done as she asked."

"Did the mirror actually say what I think it just said," Emily asked.

"Yes," Hermione answered putting her arm around Emily. "The mirror thinks you're beautiful and so do I."

* * * * * *

Friday, December 16, 2005

Harry watched, devotedly as Hermione tucked Ben in bed for the night. "It's amazing how fast he's growing," Harry said.
"Yes," Hermione agreed with a sigh. "He's not a little baby anymore," There was a tinge of sadness noticeable in her voice. "Before we know it, he'll be running about the castle pulling at your trouser leg and begging you to buy him a broomstick."

"I wonder if Ben realizes how lucky he is?" Harry asked. "Not many little boys get to grow up surrounded by beautiful naked women."

"Personally I think the world would be a better place if everyone grew up in a naturist environment," Hermione said with conviction. "But that's coming from the crazy woman who founded S.P.E.W., so don't pay me any mind."

"S.P.E.W. wasn't a crazy idea," Harry insisted. "One of the countless things I love about you is your hatred of bias and bigotry. Besides, I totally agree with you. The world would be a healthier place if nudity weren't looked upon as being sexy or dirty, but rather just as natural. Maybe you should become a naturist advocate."

Hermione didn't speak, but rather just stared intently at Harry. You could almost see her mind processing his remark.

"Harry, when you look at the girls or me nude, do you see something sullied or decadent?" Hermione asked.

"Just the opposite," he said. "I see beauty, purity and innocence,"

As Harry slipped into bed, Hermione began pacing the room. "I love the view, but aren't you coming to bed?" Harry questioned, longingly.

Abruptly, Hermione stopped pacing. She had a resolute expression on her face. "Harry I think we should let Emily wear the dress, Roger bought for her, to the dance. How can a dress reveal too much or be considered risqué when a person considers total nudity innocent and pure?"

"Now you're talking about an individual's personal viewpoint," Harry said concernedly. "As much as you and I might consider nudity innocent, most people don't. If Emily wears that dress, even in its most conservative mode, she will raise eyebrows and we will be scorned."

"Then let people disparage us," Hermione bellowed. "I'm tired of our lifestyle being ridiculed and the girls being forced to live a lie."

Harry studied Hermione, an alarmed expression casing his face. "This isn't just about Emily any more, is it?"

"No! I'm tired of people looking at us as if we're bizarre simply because we're naturists. I'm weary of wearing clothes just to appease others. It may be too late for me, but I'm going to work to change the world for my children."

"You took me seriously," Harry said, a flabbergasted looks on his face. "You're going to actually become an activist for naturism."

"It's about time someone did," Hermione avowed. "Besides, unlike S.P.E.W., it won't go unappreciated."

"You do realize that depending on what actions you take, you could place your job as a professor in jeopardy?" Harry questioned.

Hermione nodded her head. "I love teaching, but you know that I won't let fear of reprisal impede me once I've set an agenda. If need be, I can always get another position."

Harry looked at his wife with both apprehension and renewed respect. "What's your first course of action?" Harry asked supportively.

"We're going to let Emily wear her House of Gayee original to the dance," Hermione answered, her voice emphatic. "In any manner she desires."

"You're actually going to let her decide how to wear it?" Harry questioned, concernedly. "Emily has always been rather an extremist. What if she decides to forgo the material completely and only wear the delicate golden chains?"

"Then I'll support her decision," Hermione answered, "knowing that she'll look quite stunning."

* * * * * *

Saturday, December 31, 2005, The Yule Ball

Roger stood nervously outside the Potter's quarters. He was beginning to think he had made a mistake when he accepted Emily's invitation. Everything about the girl appealed to him; she was the perfect woman for him except for one slight problem. He was twenty years old and she was only twelve.

He had finally worked up the nerve to knock, when the door flew open. "Did you intend to knock or spend the entire night on our doorstep?" Caitlin asked.

Roger was at a loss for words. "How did you know I was here?" he finally asked.

"Did you forget who our parents are?" Caitlin asked. "They've installed all the latest magical devices to insure our privacy. We were alerted to your arrival."

"Oh!" Roger said, understandingly. It was just then that he truly looked at Caitlin. "Wow! You look beautiful."

"Thanks," she said blushing slightly. "Then you don't think it's too short? Dad's concerned I might give a show."

Roger took a second look at the dress. It definitely showed a lot of leg. He couldn't recall ever seeing a dress quite so short. "Your dad is right," he said. "You're going to have to be extremely careful how you move or your knickers will show."

Caitlin looked at Roger as if insulted by his remark. "I never wear knickers. I think they're revolting."

Roger was saved commenting by a voice to his left. "Well, what do you think?" Kim asked. "Doesn't she look stunning?"

He turned in the direction of the voice and nearly fainted. It was as if Kim was invisible; he only saw Emily. "You're nude," Roger said, his voice shaking. "You can't be considering going to the Ball like that. Your parents will kill both of us."

"Don't be silly. I'm not nude," Emily said teasingly. "I have on the shoes and frilly socks you bought me, plus all the thin gold chains. Don't you like the way I look?"

Roger just stared at her, his mouth open and his head wobbling back and forth. "You look glorious, but they'll never let you in the Great Hall like that. And I repeat; your parents will kill us both."

"No they won't," Emily insisted. "Mum talked to Caitlin and me for a long time about our love of naturism. She agrees that it is unfair for us to be forced to wear clothes simply because others have perverted thoughts about the naked body. School rules require a prescribed uniform be worn for classes, but she told us that we can wear as little as we want at other times and that she will defend our right to do so."

"You're truly going to go down to the Ball like that?" Roger asked. He was actually shaking at the thought of escorting a totally nude twelve-year-old girl into the Great Hall.

"No!" Emily answered as all three girls broke into laughter. "This is my preferred outfit and I wanted you to see me in it, but I've decided to be a little more conservative for the Ball."

"Mum, however, really did say I could go like this if I wanted and that she would defend my right to do so," Emily insisted. "They're the best parents in the world, but neither Caitlin nor I want to see their jobs put at risk, just so we can be more comfortable."

"Then you're going to wear the dress from Gayee?" Roger asked, seeming extremely relieved.

"Yeah! I just can't decide how to wear it. Did you know it was now legal for girls to go bare breasted?" she asked playfully.

Roger didn't speak; he just stared at her. It had gotten to the point that he didn't know when she was being serious and when she was kidding. Finally Emily came over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm sorry," she said and she sounded sincere. "I'm wearing the full outfit. The only thing, I can't decide is how wide to make the opening on the sides. Two inches seems so old and conservative, but eleven inches.... What do you think?"

"I've only seen you wear it like this and in the conservative mode," Roger responded. "Why don't you try it on the other ways and let all of us vote?"

The girls all liked this idea and got a big kick out of adjusting the material to vary the amount of leg Emily exposed. They started with the most conservative setting that only exposed two inches of skin on either side at the hips, progressed to five inches, then eight inches and finally eleven inches.

At each setting, they had Emily walk around, pretend to dance, even sit and bend. Finally they all made their recommendations.

"I honestly like the eleven inch setting," Caitlin offered, "but that's probably because I think you look best totally nude. Three inches of material in front and back is kind of silly though because it barely hides your mound and butt crack and then only if you stand perfectly still. The five-inch setting doesn't show enough of your legs. I guess I vote for eight inches."

"Five or eight," Roger suggested. "Two inches doesn't seem worth the bother, but eleven might be pushing the limits."

"I agree with Roger," Kim said. "Either the five or eight inch setting." Kim giggled. "Probably the eight. It keeps you from being exposed in the front unless you bend forward, but it lets some of your pretty bum show from the sides when you walk."

"I guess that settles it then," Emily said, glancing at the clock. "We better get going; Evan and Randy will be getting anxious."

"I wonder what's keeping them?" Evan asked as he paced back and forth nervously in the entrance hall. Every few seconds, he looked toward the marble staircase waiting for the girls to make their appearance at the top; finally they came into view.

"Who's that old guy with them?" Randy asked.

"That's Emily's date," Evan answered. "He's not that awfully old; only twenty. His name is Roger."

"Too old for her," Randy huffed. He grabbed Evan by the shoulder and started pulling him in the direction of the staircase. "Come over here and stand directly at the bottom of the stairs so you can get the full effect."

Evan didn't understand what Randy was talking about until he looked toward the upstairs hallway as Kim and Caitlin started descending the stairs. Quickly he turned his head away.

"What's the matter with you Squirt; why are you blushing?" Randy asked. "You've seen pussy before. You see Caitlin nude every night. Hell, as chummy as you two are, I bet you've even gotten to lick it."

"What? I'd never...." Evan stared at Randy with revulsion. "It's different when she's nude. It's wrong to look up a girl's skirt when she's dressed."

"Whatever!" Randy said, returning his gaze to the girls. "Holy shit! Look at the outfit Emily is wearing. That sure doesn't leave much to the imagination. She might as well be starkers."

"I'm sure all three of them would prefer to be nude," Evan barked. "You don't understand them at all, do you? They're naturists. They don't wear short dresses or go without knickers to be sexy or excite people. They do it because they hate clothes and are more comfortable that way."

Randy was about to retort in a malicious way, but the group had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. "You girls look fabulous tonight," he said. "Especially you!" He gave Kim a peck on the cheek.

After making introductions, the six proceeded into the Great Hall. Caitlin grabbed Evan's hand and held him back. Then she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"What was that for?" he asked naively.

"That was for being a gentleman and not looking up Kim's or my dress," Caitlin said. "I know it sounds silly, especially since you see me naked all the time, but it was sweet." She gave him another light kiss, and then they hurried to catch up to the others.

The Hall was quickly filling and so they found one of the few remaining empty tables and were seated. Shortly, Alex, who was accompanying both Jamie and Amanda, joined them.

Emily's outfit had gone relatively unnoticed as she entered the Great Hall; everyone seemingly caught up in their own conversations. That ended when at the conclusion of dinner, all the champions were announced and asked to assemble with their partners on the dance floor.

A collective gasp could be heard as Emily approached the center of the room. Ginny and Draco, who were subbing for Ron and Sam, looked at each other and then at Harry and Hermione.

"Did you know Emily was going to wear that?" Ginny asked anxiously.

"No," Hermione answered honestly. "I wasn't quite sure what either Caitlin or Emily would wear tonight. I had given them permission to attend in the nude if they were more comfortable that way."

Ginny just stared at Hermione in disbelief. Draco, on the other hand, couldn't look away from young Emily. His eyes seemed engrossed in the delicate thin chain that encircled her body and drooped precariously low both in the front and back. A mere six-inch wide swath of material hung from the chain in both areas covering only the essentials.

"Hermione, I don't think Emily should be allowed to remain at the Ball dressed like that," Ginny protested.

"Why?"

"Why! Because it's not decent!"

"There is nothing indecent about the human body. Emily is gorgeous nude," Hermione said, somewhat louder than necessary. "What is indecent are the thoughts that people, such as your husband, have when they see a nude or semi-nude body."

Draco jumped as if suddenly brought out of a daydream and stared at Hermione.

"Don't look at me like that, Draco. You know exactly what you were just dreaming about. I enjoy being nude, my girls would never wear clothes, if possible. That doesn't mean that any of us are asking for or willing to have sex with every pervert that comes along. Get it through your head; nudity does not equate sex."

Hermione turned and stomped away in a huff.

"By the way," Harry said slyly, "did I tell you that Hermione has decided to become an activist for naturism?"

Denise stared at Emily with abhorrence as the young girl danced blissfully to the opening number with Roger. The huge fires had made the Great Hall exceedingly warm and for this reason some of the balcony doors had been opened to make the room more comfortable. Occasionally a breeze teased at the back section of Emily's outfit causing it to blow almost like a curtain in the wind.

"Look at the little tart," Denise shrieked in Tyler's ear, nearly bursting his eardrum. "Her whole arse is practically on display and it doesn't seem to even trouble her."

"Yeah!" Was all Tyler said, but the inflection in his voice seemed to indicate more admiration than disdain.

"I can't believe her parents allowed her to wear that getup or bring someone that old to the Ball," Janice commented.

"She and her sister seem to like different extremes," Denise said. "Caitlin appears to be a cradle robber. What can she possibly see in that little boy? Maybe she should hold him in her arms as they dance, it would make them closer in height."

Janice laughed. "My dad used to dance with me like that when I was a little girl."

Denise and Janice continue to mock Emily and Caitlin, but Tyler tried his best to ignore them. He wished he were dancing with Emily instead of listening to these two wicked witches make rude comments about her.

As the tempo of the music changed, many of the couples returned to their tables.

"Do you mind if I have the next dance with your date?" Brian asked, as Randy and Kim were about to be seated.

"That's up to her," Randy answered unemotionally.

Kim nodded and she and Brian returned to the dance floor.

"Would you like to dance?" Tyler politely asked Denise. She nodded and they left Janice to talk with her date as they strolled to the dance floor.

Tyler was trying to treat Denise appropriately, but he longed to have Emily in his arms. He wanted to kick himself. Emily had been his girlfriend. How could he be so stupid as to lose her?

There was very little sitting out of dances as the evening progressed. Alex was busy dividing his time between Jamie and Amanda, while Roger seemed afraid to sit down for fear that someone would steal Emily from him.

Caitlin, too, was kept busy. When she wasn't dancing with Evan, she danced with Randy who seemed to be getting more and more annoyed by Brian asking Kim to dance. Caitlin even danced a couple of numbers with Matt who had asked politely and had been careful not to make any comments about Evan. Caitlin did manage, however, to keep a proper distance so that Matt did not get any wrong impressions. She wanted it to be clear that she was dancing with him as a friend and nothing more.

* * * * * *

Emily looked at her watch sadly. The Ball would be over in less than an hour and although Roger had treated her like a princess, something inside of her hurt. She had hoped that she'd get to dance at least once with Tyler. She had noticed him looking in her direction a number of times during the night; he even smiled when she caught him, but he hadn't cut in, not once and this disappointed her.

When the evening started, Caitlin had been slightly tense about people staring at her and Evan. This was partly because he was in first year and she was in third, but it was mainly because of their height differences. When a couple dances, the girl normally rests her head on the guy's chest, not the other way around. What now had Caitlin most concerned was the effect Evan was having on her.

His breath was entering the loose fitting cleavage of her dress and driving her crazy. Caitlin always thought that cold made a girl's nipples get hard. She never imagined that warm breath could do the same thing. Her Mum had explained to her that a Hyperempath feels pain and pleasure much stronger than normal witches, but this was ridiculous. She was only thirteen, Evan eleven, yet he was undeniably exciting her without even trying.

When Kim returned to the table after dancing with Brian for the fifth time that evening, Randy gave her a cold stare.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" he asked, trying to control his temper. "In first year, Caitlin chose Matt over me; then Emily dropped me for Tyler. At least they had the courtesy to be upfront about it. Don't you think I can see that something is going on between you and Brian? I'm not a troll, you know."

"No, you're not and I haven't been fair to you," Kim said, trying to hold back tears. "Will you take a walk with me? We have to talk, but not in here."

Randy begrudgingly nodded his head and they got up to leave the table just as Roger and Emily sat down for only the third time that night.

"They don't look happy," Emily said when Kim and Randy were finally out of hearing range.

"They're not! Well, especially not Randy," Amanda said. "I can't say that I blame him. He's Kim's date, but she's spent an inordinate amount of time tonight with that American boy, Brian."

Emily nodded her head. She had expected Kim's balancing act to fail.

"Tyler, darling! Will you watch Janice's and my drinks while we go to the lady's room?" Denise asked demurely.

Tyler nodded his head, knowing he should never have agreed to attend the Ball with Denise. Now she was calling him darling as if they were some sort of couple. He shook his head in frustration as he looked around the Hall, his eyes finally coming to rest on Emily.

He wanted to kick himself every time he looked at her. Damnit! He was going to ask her to dance. If she turned him down, she turned him down, but he had to ask her. Besides, the last time Denise and Janice went to the bathroom, he had nearly fallen asleep before they returned. He asked Janice's date to watch the girls' drinks and started the trek across the hall to Emily. He was a twelve-year-old kid and she was here with a twenty year old man. He knew she'd turn him down, but he had to ask any way.

"Hi Emily," Tyler said, his voice rattling with nervousness. "I had to come over and tell you how beautiful you look tonight."

"Thanks, Tyler. It's nice of you to say so," Emily said, giving Tyler a genuine smile. "This is Roger Fortescue, my escort for the evening."

"It's very nice to meet you," Tyler said politely. Then he turned his attention back to Emily. "If you would, and if Mr. Fortescue has no objections I would like very much to have this dance with you."

Tyler almost fainted when Emily said, "You don't mind, do you Roger? Tyler and I are good friends."

Suddenly Tyler felt like he was going to heave. His stomach was in his throat as he reached out his sweaty hand to the most extraordinary girl in the world.

Roger watched as Tyler and Emily walked onto the dance floor. Then he turned to Amanda. "Am I missing something? They look like more than friends."

"They dated when they were first years, but he really did a dirty thing to her," Amanda answered candidly. "I'm surprised she ever talked to him again. I felt for sure that she'd turn down his invitation to dance."

"Speaking of dancing, would you like to dance?" Roger asked.

Amanda stared at Roger. "Yes! I'd like that. Maybe it will help remove the curse."

"Curse?" Roger asked questioningly.

"Haven't you noticed that no one has danced with me all evening, but my best friend's boyfriend?" Amanda asked.

"I noticed, but didn't feel it was in my place to question why," Roger said. "What, if truth be told, truly amazed me was that someone as attractive as yourself came to the Ball unescorted."

Amanda gave Roger her hand as they headed toward the floor. "Hogwarts' boys tend to shy away from girls that have a loose reputation and a baby at home."

"Thank you for saying yes," Tyler said as they walked toward a less crowded area of the dance floor. "I was afraid you'd turn me down."

"Tyler, will you please get it through your head that I don't hate you," Emily said.

As Tyler went to put his arm around her, he hesitated. There was no place to put his hand except on bare skin.

Emily grinned. "You know, you're amazing. I've been completely nude in a closet with you, but you're afraid to touch me. If I recall correctly, you even got down on your knees so that you could check out my equipment closer. Look, just put your right hand on my waist and pull me toward you. I promise I won't hex you."

"Tyler, I know we've had some bad times, but I've gotten over it. I not only forgive you, but I consider you a friend, a good friend. Now, let's enjoy our dance together." Emily leaned forward and lightly kissed his cheek.

There was much less feeling behind the kiss than others read into it.

Tyler felt renewed hope that some day he might win Emily's love. He pulled her even tighter against him and returned the gentle kiss.

Roger saw the kiss and felt like his heart had broken; his mind did a quick reality check. You're twenty. He's twelve, she's twelve, and they're in love.

Denise, however, had the strongest reaction. She and Janice had entered the hall in time to see Emily kiss Tyler and then see him return the kiss.

"That f...ing bitch!" she screamed. "The little tart didn't want anything to do with Tyler until he became my boyfriend. Now the cunt thinks she can just move in and take him away from me. Well, the bimbo's got another think coming. I'll show her what happens to anyone that messes with me. Janice, follow me!"

Due to the loud music only Janice had heard Denise's vicious outburst. It was with trepidation that she followed her best friend out of the hall. She had seen Denise angry often before, but this was way beyond anger. She couldn't imagine what revenge Denise might at this moment be planning.

Janice followed Denise to a door just off the balcony. They entered the space and quickly moved toward a closed door at the other end of the room. Janice could tell, by the sound of music, that this room adjoined the Great Hall.

"What are you going to do?" Janice asked, not sure she really wanted to know the answer to her question.

"What are we going to do?" Denise said, revising the question. "I need your help because I need to cast two charms and I don't want to take the chance of negating the first when I cast the second."

"What type of charms?" Janice inquired.

"Just simple Summoning Charms," she said. "At this close proximity they should work like a charm." Denise laughed evilly at her play on words. "The first charm is to humiliate the bitch; the second to hurt her like she's never been hurt before. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to do the one that hurts. That will be my pleasure."

"What are we going to summon?" Janice asked, her interest growing.

"You my friend are going to summon the little tart's dress," Denise said with a chuckle. "She likes to run around nude in the dorm. Let's see how she likes being naked in front of the whole student body. But be sure you say Emily Zacherley-Potter's dress. We don't want to mistakenly strip Caitlin or Jamie. We'll save that fun for another day. As soon as the dress slides under the door, I'll cast my charm."

"But if she's already nude, what more can you do to humiliate her?"

"Not humiliate," Denise clarified. "Hurt! Hurt like hell!"

Janice listened as Denise explained her plan. She shivered thinking of the agony Emily would endure and clutched at her own chest.

"But you can't do a summoning charm on a person's body part, can you?" Janice asked. "It can't work. All parts of the body are connected. Where one part goes, the rest has to follow."

Denise didn't answer, she just laughed, but it sounded more like a cackle.

Janice thought awhile. "No, Denise you can't do that. My God if it works it would be like having two invisible cords dragging her across the Great Hall by her breasts. That would be excruciatingly painful."

"Exactly!"

"But what about when she gets to the door?" Janice asked. "The dress will slip under, she can't. Her chest will be ripped apart."

"Now, wouldn't that be a shame? I guess she won't be so proud of her body anymore and want to strut about naked."

"Denise, you can't be serious. You can't do this!" Janice begged. "Stripping her in front of the school is enough."

"No, it's not," Denise declared. "I want her body to be so badly mutilated that she'll never allow anyone to see it ever again. And you're going to help me if you don't want the same."

As the music ended, Emily smiled. "Thank you for asking me to dance. I enjoyed it. I hope Denise doesn't get too upset with you."

"Denise doesn't own me," Tyler said, "although she seems to think she does. Honestly I'm sorry I agreed to come to the Ball with her. The only part of tonight that I've actually enjoyed was this dance."

Tyler looked toward the table where he had been seated and was relieved to see that Denise and Janice hadn't returned yet from the bathroom. "Let me walk you back to your table," he said taking Emily's hand.

Once they reached the table, Tyler noticed that Amanda and Roger had remained on the dance floor. He decided to take the opportunity to stand and talk with Caitlin, Emily and Evan.

Suddenly without warning, Emily's dress, both material and chains looked as if they just disappeared. It all came to pass so rapidly that Tyler didn't even see it skim across the floor and disappear under a door at the other end of the room.

Then before even Emily had a chance to react to the disappearance of her dress and her sudden nakedness, she found herself on her back sliding madly across the floor of the Great Hall, screaming in unbearable pain. It was as if someone standing behind her had tied invisible strings to the ends of her breasts and suddenly wrenched violently on those strings causing her to fall on hard on her back. But she didn't even seem to touch the floor before her body began speeding across the room. The pain was excruciating; it felt like her breasts were being stretched like rubber bands and that her chest was about to be ripped apart.

Evan, Caitlin and Tyler were running frantically after her. Tyler and Caitlin had their wands out and were screaming Finite Incantatem; pointing first at Emily and then at the door she was speeding toward. Just as Emily's head was about to slam violently into the solid wood door, Tyler pointed his wand and yelled Reducto. The door was blasted to dust, filling the doorway with a cloud of thick black smoke.

Emily's body for reasons unknown had come to a sudden halt, but the girl remained motionless. Caitlin reached the body first. Emily's chest was covered with deep gashes, oozing blood and a pool of the dark red liquid was starting to form beneath her.

"No! No! You can't be dead! You can't!" Caitlin screamed. She literally ripped her dress off and flung her bare body on top of Emily's, wrapping her arms around her sister's bloody body and holding her tightly. "I love you! This isn't fair. You can't leave us."

End of Chapter 17

As always, I would like to thank those of you who took the time to review. When the reviews stop, I'll know it's time to bring the series to an end.

Thank you also to my betas for this chapter: Amber, Don, Dove, Ken, Lucy and Peter.

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