- Rating:
- R
- House:
- Schnoogle
- Characters:
- Draco Malfoy Ginny Weasley Harry Potter Hermione Granger Ron Weasley
- Genres:
- Action Romance
- Era:
- Multiple Eras
- Spoilers:
- Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix Quidditch Through the Ages Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Stats:
-
Published: 07/29/2003Updated: 06/23/2004Words: 189,410Chapters: 24Hits: 46,133
Hogwarts Too Exposed - A Slytherin Among Us
Neil
- Story Summary:
- Nudity, love triangles, pregnancies and death, coupled with Quidditch, deceit, injustice, adventure and mystery. Sounds like another tranquil year at Hogwarts. Join me for Hogwarts Too Exposed – A Slytherin Among Us, the follow-up to Hogwarts Exposed.
Chapter 13
- Posted:
- 01/11/2004
- Hits:
- 1,707
Chapter Thirteen
Halloween Treats
Friday, October 22, 2004
He had waited outside in the hall for her to leave the common room; finally at
last she was alone. Why was she avoiding him? He felt that they had a wonderful
relationship and had always thought she sensed the same. Yet ever since they
had been intimate, things seemed different. She had agreed, actually seemed to
be just as eager as him, but the impression she gave now was of distance not
intimacy. She appeared to circumvent being alone with him, even avoided talking
to him whenever possible.
The boy remained out of sight, as he followed her down steep staircases and
through long corridors. Finally he saw her enter the library. He was about to
corner her; finally they would talk. At last he would learn why she was
steering clear of him.
As he reached the library entrance and gazed about the huge room, it appeared
empty. She was nowhere to be seen. Slowly he walked past row and row of books.
At long last, there she was in the medical section nervously reading a book.
When he spoke her name, the girl's face flushed and she clutched the open book
to her chest. He gazed at her questioningly as he took the book in his hand and
read the chapter heading, "Pregnancy: The First Stages."
He looked at her, a combination of shock and fear covering his face.
She broke into tears. "But they don't tell you how to stop it!" she
said in panic.
"Pregnant," Tony said aghast, "but we did everything to avoid
that happening?"
"Evidently, not everything," Amanda replied miserably.
Tony shook his head; this couldn't be happening. "You ought to see someone
to be sure," he said, nervously.
"I am sure," Amanda answered, distressed. "Besides, I can't go
to Pomfrey."
"What about Caitlin? She's a hyperempath; she'd be able to tell,"
Tony suggested.
"And the first person she'd tell is Jamie and then they'd both run to
Professor Granger. Neither of them can know," Amanda said emphatically.
"Besides, I'm positive. I don't need anyone to confirm it."
"What will your parents say?" Tony asked, apprehensively.
"Tell Mum and Daddy," Amanda repeated, horrified at the thought.
"Oh! No! I can't. I really can't."
"Well, you can't hide it forever," Tony said frankly.
"I can't tell them. It would kill them. I'm their little girl."
"It would kill my parents, too. They believe in me. Trust me!" Tony
said, disgusted with himself.
Unexpectedly, three second-year Slytherin girls turned the corner and saw
Amanda and Tony hugging. The girls giggled and quickly departed.
"They saw us together," Amanda said horrified.
"But they didn't hear what we said," Tony whispered trying to calm
Amanda. "Everyone knows we're going together." Pulling his arms
tighter together in the hug, Tony felt safety being shared between the shaking
bodies standing besides the bookcases.
"Oh! But now..." Amanda burst into tears. "I feel so
ashamed," she said, burying her head against Tony's chest, a puddle of
salted water slowly started to spread into his shirt.
"Amanda please don't weep," Tony begged, as he gently patted her
head. "It won't help."
"What will?" Amanda cried, her voice muffled by tears and material.
"I don't know," Tony said, an angry tone to his voice
"Don't get mad. Please don't get mad," Amanda jumped out of the hug
and begged.
"I'm not mad at you. It's just.... Why did I let it happen? Why did I let it
happen?" He said as a single tear threatening to escape the corner of his right
eye.
Amanda noticed the library was beginning to fill with students. Then she saw
Jamie enter the room. "You better go," she said anxiously.
Tony gave her a quick squeeze and wiped the tear from his eye. "Don't do
anything, you know, crazy. We'll talk tomorrow first thing."
Amanda slowly nodded her head as Tony scurried away.
* * * * * *
Saturday, October 23, 2004
It was evident by their bleary eyes that neither Amanda nor Tony had gotten
much sleep the previous night.
"What are we going to do?" Amanda asked desperately as they hid in
the empty Charms classroom, while most of their friends ate breakfast.
"In some countries, kids our ages are already married and raising
families," Tony commented, not really knowing why.
"Could we go to one of those countries maybe?" Amanda said
enthusiastically. "Maybe like Mexico?"
"Are you crazy?"
"Don't you see?" Amanda explained. "We got to get a plan. Daddy
says you should state your problem and then bring all your intellectual
resources to bear."
"Amanda, shut it a minute will you?"
Amanda continued to ramble on as if unaware of Tony's presence. "Maybe I
could go to my Aunt Claire's. She lives over two hundred miles away. No."
Amanda thought briefly, pausing within her step. "No. She'd tell my
father."
"Amanda, I'm trying to think," Tony pleaded.
"Maybe I could just disappear somewhere or... or kill myself," Amanda
blurted without thought.
"Listen, don't say things like that," Tony shouted in a chastising
way as he took Amanda in his arms. Then his voice became more soft and
compassionate. "I know you feel bad, but you shouldn't feel like you're
all alone. I mean... I'm with you Amanda. I'll take care of you."
"Okay, Tony," Amanda replied softly, turning around she looked
trustingly into his eyes.
* * * * * *
Sunday, October 30, 2004
The delicious smell of baking pumpkin wafted through the corridors of Hogwarts
as the students headed to the Great Hall for the Halloween feast. As they were
seated, thousands of bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling and swooped over
the tables in what resembled low black clouds, their movement causing the
candle lit pumpkins in the hall to flicker.
As the students waited impatiently for the feast to appear; Headmaster Snape
moved to his feet. Immediately, the Great Hall became silent.
"I know you are all anxious to partake of another magnificent feast, so I
will make this brief," Snape announced. "First I realize that it is
traditional for all houses to hold rather festive parties on Halloween. I would
remind you that classes are to be held as normal tomorrow. Therefore, your head
of house will be checking to see that all celebrations end at a reasonable
time."
A collective moan spread through the hall.
"Now, now. It's not that bad," Professor Snape went on. "Quite a
bit of merriment can be squeezed into the time between now and midnight."
The Headmaster paused for a moment. "On a happier note, I have two other
announcements. Our initial Hogsmeade visit of the school year will be next
Saturday. I remind you that this is only open to years three and above. Mr.
Flitch will be checking that no unauthorized students try to sneak out as has
happened occasionally in the past. He will be pleased to give detention to
anyone attempting to circumvent this rule. There will also be an additional
Hogsmeade weekend just prior to our Christmas break
"My second announcement is that we will once again be holding a Yule Ball
this year. As was the case last year, the ball will be open to students of ever
year, and in order to make this year's ball somewhat different, it will be held
on New Years Eve."
Then without further comment he said, "Let the feast begin."
The meal appeared abruptly on the golden plates, as it had at the start-of-term
banquet. The students found themselves in rather a quandary. Many wanted to
discuss the Halloween party curfew, the Hogsmeade visit and the Yule Ball, but
the spread looked extremely mouth-watering. Some of the girls resisted the food
and gossiped excitedly, while most of the boys allowed their stomach to do the
talking as they filled their plates to the brimming with the smorgasbord of
food available.
Emily sat staring at the Gryffindor table wondering if Randy would invite her
to the ball. She wasn't, in fact, sure she actually wanted him to. Theirs was a
strange relationship that Emily had difficulty understanding. In some ways
Randy treated her like a girlfriend, although they had no such understanding.
At other times, he completely ignored her. For the past month, he had been
mainly paying no attention to her. The odd thing about that was Emily didn't,
if truth were told, especially care.
The down side, of course, was that she in all probability wouldn't get to go to
the Ball if Randy didn't ask her. She wasn't acquainted with many boys in any
of the other houses, and unquestionably, no Slytherin would ask her. They all
treated her like she had leprosy. There was a time when she though Tyler and
her might become close friends, but he had scarcely talked to her since it
became common knowledge that she was a nudist.
Tyler wasn't the only one not conversing with her. With the exception of the
few Slytherins that had supported her on the day the picture appeared in the
Prophet, most of the house shunned her. Her supporters weren't being treated
nearly as badly as they originally had been, but she was definitely still
considered a blight on the good name of Slytherin House.
Hermione watched the students smiling and laughing as they talked about
Halloween and the upcoming Yule Ball. She reflected sadly that this would be
her last Halloween as a Hogwarts Professor.
"Harry," she said, out of the blue. "Tell Severus that you'll
chaperone the Yule Ball."
Harry looked at her baffled. "But you'll most likely...." He couldn't
bring himself to finish the sentence.
"I'll most likely have been fired," she finished the sentence for
him. "Just because I'll no longer be a Hogwarts professor doesn't mean I
no longer want to be a part of the school," she said insistently. "We
had a grand time last year until I was.... I promise not to leave your sight all
night. You can even accompany me to the loo if you like." She gave a faint
smile as Harry's face reddened.
Harry was dumbfounded. "But what about the pictures? Won't you be
embarrassed to face the students if they've all seen pictures of you
naked?"
"Harry, that magazine goes on sale November fifteenth," Hermione
said, accepting the inevitable. "By New Years Eve I doubt there will be
anyone in the wizarding world over eleven that hasn't seen me graphically
displayed in the raw. I have two choices. Either I become habituated to
everyone staring at me like I'm some sort of slag or I spend the rest of my
life brooding in our bedroom. As much as I love our bedroom and the various
pleasant activities that take place there, I don't intend to spend the next one
hundred plus years of my life there."
"If you're sure," Harry said reluctantly, "should I ask Ron if
he and Sam would like to co-chaperone with us again?"
"Definitely," Hermione said without reservation. "I hope they
will. I could use Sam's moral support."
As Harry made a move to stand, a large gray owl swooped into the Great Hall and
flew in his direction. The owl landed heavily on his shoulder, as he was about
to rise, and nearly caused him to topple over. "Who would be sending me an
owl at this time?" He asked no one in particular, but his question was
answered straight away when he looked at the envelope. Instead of a return
address, there was the picture of a totally naked young woman. The words
"Play", "Wizard", and "Magazine" were moving
about swiftly to cover the intimate areas of her gyrating body. She smiled
broadly, puckered her lips, and threw Harry a kiss.
"Well, it certainly took them long enough," Harry said to Hermione,
"but they finally answered my letter."
Hermione was about to ask whom, but observed the envelope first. The pictured
girl was no longer throwing kisses at Harry, but was now instead sticking her
tongue out spitefully at Hermione.
"What does it say?" Hermione asked excitedly, hoping for a miracle, a
last minute reprieve.
Harry finished reading the letter and then handed it disconsolately to
Hermione.
Dear Harry,
I regret that it required so long a time to respond to your correspondence, but
I was acting under the advice of legal council. You know how they are, didn't
want possible litigants chatting. Heaven forbid we solve a legal matter
ourselves without the assistance of barristers.
Now that all legal avenues have been exhausted, they've informed me that I may
contact you in order to present an offer.
It was good to hear from you. Six years is a long time. I regret that our
reunion must be a confrontational one. I have a special fondness in my heart
for you. At a time in my life when many were making jest of me behind my back,
you were a true friend and treated me with respect. Because of that, I want to
assure you that no naked pictures of you will be appearing in our publication
either now or in the future. I have destroyed negatives of any such pictures
personally.
Hermione is a different subject. Firstly, I have no great love for your wife.
Although we got along, it was more a case of her putting up with me rather than
friendship. I always felt she looked down her nose at me, as if I were both
inferior and in fact unbalanced. Secondly, I am in an executive position and
must do what is in the best interest of our publication. Advance sales indicate
that, because of her pictures, our December issue will top all previous records
easily.
I harbor no hatred for Hermione and sincerely regret that she will undoubtedly
lose her teaching position because of our publication. You asked to meet with
me; I'm sure with the hope of convincing me not to go to press. By now I'm
certain you realize the impossibility of that happening. I would, however,
still like to meet with you and Hermione. I have a business opportunity I would
like to discuss with the two of you that I feel will be mutually beneficial to
us all.
For you convenience, I am willing to meet with you in Hogsmeade at a location
of your choosing. I suggest next Saturday, November 6, 2004 around lunchtime.
Please, don't say no. What is about to transpire can't be stopped, but perhaps
it can be made worthwhile.
Sincerely yours,
Luna Lovegood
Managing Editor, Playwizard Magazine
Hermione looked at Harry
incredulously. "Did you know that Luna was editor of that sleazy magazine?
She asked hotly.
"No," Harry said sincerely. "I had addressed the letter to the
editor. I never expected the editor of such a magazine to be a woman, and most
certainly not Luna. The last I heard, she was working as a reporter for the
Quibbler."
"Well, I most certainly have no intentions of meeting with her,"
Hermione avowed emphatically. "Any opportunities being offered by a person
ruining my life are the opportunities I can live without."
Harry looked at Hermione disappointedly.
"Harry, please don't look at me that way. It's over. I've lost. Why should
I give her the opportunity to rub salt in my wounds?"
"Hermione," Harry said cautiously. "Luna was always a little
idiosyncratic, but she was never malicious. I doubt her publishing the pictures
is in any way spiteful. From her view point, it probably simply makes good
business sense."
"Good business sense that just happens to ruin my life," Hermione
said bitterly and then shook her head disconsolately. She looked at Harry as
she tried to hide the tears in her eyes from the students and other professors.
"Am I being punished for being such an egotistical, know-it-all,
bitch?"
"Hermione!" Harry said in shock. "You're not and you never were
any such thing."
"Yes, I was," Hermione replied, sadly. "Maybe not purposely, but
I'm sure I appeared that way to others. Luna is correct; I never tried to
befriend her. I always treated her as if she was weird and I was better than
her. Now she is the managing editor of a successful magazine, and I'm one of
the slags appearing in it."
"Hermione, you are not a slag." Harry said tersely and then hesitated.
"And neither, I'm sure, are many of the other girls that appear in the
magazine. We shouldn't be so quick to judge. It makes us no better than many of
the bigots in our world."
"Your right; it's just that I'm so .... Harry, I'm going to go have a lie
down," Hermione said inconsolably. "Please remember to ask about
chaperoning."
Harry said nothing, but only watched as Hermione left the table and headed for
their quarters. No simple words could console her. Hermione's teaching career,
way too soon, would be sadly coming to a close.
* * * * * *
Jamie and Caitlin had been involved in conversation, not noticing the
happenings at the staff table. They, after all, were young girls and, for the
moment, had forgotten the tribulations of their parents as they excitedly
talked of the evening's party and the much anticipated Yule Ball.
"I thought we agreed that we weren't even going to attend," Jamie
said rather flustered. "I haven't even thought about a costume."
"Me either, but I know what I wish we could wear," Caitlin suggested,
rather unhappily. "The same costume we had on at the end of last year's
party."
"But by the end of the party we were...." Jamie hesitated. "I
think that was the greatest evening of my life. I felt so free and comfortable
and so loved. Everybody in Gryffindor House had accepted us for what we were,
naturists."
"And for a full year not one of them disclosed our secret. They had even
encouraged us to stay nude all the time if we desired." Caitlin
reminisced.
"And most of them were suggesting it out of kindheartedness and
consideration, not like the perverts now that just want the opportunity to ogle
at us naked. Unfortunately we can't do that; we promised Hermione we wouldn't
let all the others see us naked again in the common room," Jamie said,
rather sad, wishing she could, in fact, relive the previous Halloween.
Caitlin's eyes suddenly lit up. "I have an idea," she said excitedly
as she whispered it in Jamie's ear.
Jamie, at first, just stared at her. "Isn't that rather just using
semantics to get around the true intent of what Hermione said?"
"Maybe," Caitlin said almost pleadingly. "But not everyone will
see us and we're in control of who does."
"I don't know about you, Caitlin. Sometimes I think you should have been
sorted into Slytherin House rather than Emily." For a time, Jamie just
looked intently at her younger 'sister' and then she smiled. "Let's do
it," she said, not at all convinced she was behaving at all in an adult
manner.
"Can we invite Emily to our party," she asked, now excited about the
approaching evening.
"I don't think anyone would mind," Jamie said, "but don't push
her. Let it be her decision. She might feel that under the circumstances it's
best if she spend the night with the Slytherins. She may not want to alienate
them even more."
"Look! Kim and Emily are leaving the Great Hall," Caitlin said
excitedly. "We best catch up to her."
As Jamie and Caitlin hurried to catch Emily, Randy and Matt slowly got to their
feet and followed. Once outside the Great Hall, Caitlin ran and shouted for
Emily to wait. "Jamie and I want to talk to you two," Caitlin said,
more energized than she had been in weeks.
When Jamie caught up she said, "Caitlin and I have decided to go to the
Gryffindor Halloween Party after all. We were wondering if you two would like
to come. I'm sure none of the other Gryffindors will mind."
Emily and Kim exchanged glances before Emily shook her head no. "I'm sure
we'd have more fun at your party, but it would just drive a deeper wedge
between us and the balance of the Slytherins. But thanks for thinking about
us."
Caitlin had an extremely disappointed look on her face, but understood Emily's
reasoning. "Guess what Jamie and I are going to wear to the party?"
Caitlin asked, a devilish expression covering her face.
Emily shrugged her shoulders, not having the slightest idea what to guess.
"We're going to wear the concealment charm," Caitlin said
breathlessly.
Kim's jaw hung open in shock as Emily looked to Jamie for conformation. Jamie
nodded her head sheepishly.
"You're going to the party nude?" Kim asked, horror-struck. "But
what if somebody touches you or asks you to dance?"
"Then they'll see us naked," Caitlin responded, seemingly thrilled at
the prospect.
Kim didn't move, her mouth still wide open in shock.
"That sounds like fun," Emily said earnestly. "It almost makes
me want to change my mind about coming, but I think Kim and I better stick with
our original plan to liven up the Slytherin party."
Jamie and Caitlin looked at Emily questioningly, but not nearly as concerned as
Kim.
"What plans?" Kim asked with trepidation.
"Oh! Did I forget to tell you," Emily said straight faced. "I
thought it would be fun if you and I streaked the Slytherin party tonight."
Kim's face turned white and she looked at Emily, aghast.
Before anyone could speak, Emily erupted in laughter and hugged her friend.
"Kim, you're so easy."
As the girls were all laughing, Randy and Matt caught up to them. Matt gently
slipped Caitlin's hand into his. "I don't want to assume anything or take
the chance of someone else asking you before me," he said extremely
nervous. "Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Caitlin squeezed Matt's hand tightly. "You bet I will," she said and
then kissed him on the cheek.
Emily smiled as she watched Caitlin kiss Matt and then glanced toward Randy.
This was his golden opportunity to ask her, but Randy wasn't looking at her.
Instead, he seemed to be attentively watching Kim, who seemed aware of this and
was blushing.
Realization struck Emily. Randy was smitten with Kim and evidently Kim liked
Randy in return. That's why she was so concerned about what he thought of her
pubic grooming habits.
Randy didn't want to ask Emily to the Yule Ball, but in all likelihood wouldn't
ask Kim either out of guilt.
Emily grabbed Kim's hand. "We best be getting down to our common
room," she said to the others. "I appreciate you guys thinking of
us." Emily and Kim hurried away, but after they'd gone just a short
distance, Emily stopped, told Kim to wait, and hurried back to the group. She
whispered something briefly in Randy's ear, and as his face turned crimson, she
hurried off to rejoin Kim.
"What was that all about?" Kim asked concernedly.
"I just told Randy that you liked him, too," Emily said
understatedly.
"You told him what?" Kim said, her face turning bright red.
"He's your boyfriend. You're my best friend, I'd never...."
"No you wouldn't," Emily said with certainty, "and neither would
he. That's why I did."
"But I thought you two were a couple," Kim asked, by now totally
confused.
"I think we were more a couple for convenience sake rather than any other
reason," Emily explained. "Caitlin had two best friends, both boys
who both wanted to be more than friends. Caitlin chose Matt, which left Randy
as odd man out just as I happened into the picture. I think I was sort of a
face-saver, plus it evened everything out."
"Then you don't have feelings for Randy?" Kim asked concernedly.
"Oh! I have feelings for him. He's a great friend and fun to be around,
but he's not...."
Kim understood. "He's not what you're looking for when the time comes that
you have a boyfriend."
"Exactly," Emily said, actually feeling relieved that Randy and her
were no longer in a semi-understood unofficial type of relationship. "Now
he's free to ask someone he really seems to like to the Ball."
"He'll never ask me," Kim said dejectedly. "You forget that he's
turned off by my body hair down there."
"Oh! Don't worry about that," Emily said nonchalantly as they neared
the Slytherin Dungeon. "I told him you got rid of that."
"You told him what?" Kim exclaimed in horror. "I can't believe
you discussed my private area with Randy!"
"I'd hardly call it a discussion," Emily said defensively.
"After I told him that you liked him, I just said that you had gotten rid
of that problem between your legs that he didn't like."
"Please tell me you didn't really say that," Kim said, goaded.
"I'll never be able to face him, yet alone go out with him, even if he
should ask. Besides, that's a lie. I haven't done anything."
"I know that, and you know that, but Randy doesn't," Emily said
giddily. "And he won't unless you let him see you nude or touch you
there."
"Well, neither of those is going to happen," Kim said with
conviction, "but I feel like I'm being dishonest."
"Why? You didn't tell him. I did. And besides, if ever necessary,
smoothness is just a charm away."
* * * * * *
"Matt, when they start playing music, are you going to dance with
me?" Caitlin asked with a very guilty appearance on her face.
"A little, if you want," he said shyly. "You know I'm not the
greatest dancer. Besides, you girls usually end up dancing together most of the
night."
"Not to the slow numbers," Caitlin, corrected him pleasantly. "I
was sort of hoping you'd dance most of those with me. I like when you hold me.
Besides, I have a little surprise for everyone that embraces me tonight."
"What's that?" Matt asked rather unconcernedly as he watched a number
of his mates playing exploding snap.
"Give me a hug and I'll show you," she said a devilish grin covering
her entire face.
"Here, in front of all the house members?" Matt asked rather taken
aback.
"Just a little hug," Caitlin whispered encouragingly, a devilish grin
gripping the sides of her mouth "I think you'll be pleasantly
surprised.".
Matt placed his arm gently around Caitlin waist, but even before he had drawn
her close, it happened. He was suddenly standing in the middle of the
Gryffindor common room holding a totally naked Caitlin.
"The charm!" He said with revelation. "You're wearing nothing
but the concealment charm." He backed slightly away so that he could take
all of her in, but continued to firmly hold her hand.
"You're stunning," he said. "I'm definitely going to cling to
you the balance of the evening."
"I was kind of hoping you'd say that." Caitlin whispered in his ear.
"Does Jamie know you're not wearing any clothes?" Matt asked quietly.
Caitlin smiled. "Haven't you noticed how tightly Alex is holding onto
her?"
"She naked too?" Matt asked in surprise. "You both have on
nothing but the concealment charm. In that case, maybe I'll ask her to
dance."
"No you won't," Caitlin said firmly. "I don't want to lose you."
"Lose me?" Matt said questioningly. "Do you think Jamie would be
attracted to me?"
"It's not that," Caitlin said, with a laugh, "but with your
height differences, I'm afraid you'd suffocate between her breasts if she held
you too close."
"Now that would certainly be a wonderful way to go," Matt said
purposely trying to rile Caitlin. "But to be completely honest, I'm over
the moon being with you."
Caitlin blushed at Matt's remark and then got goose bumps as she imagined his
hands tenderly discovering her intimate parts. Finally, she shook herself back
to reality. Her desires would have to wait until they were older, much older;
the consequences were just too severe.
* * * * * *
The Slytherin Halloween party was nearing an end when Tony finally worked up
the nerve to approach Bancroft. He detested him but also needed his help.
"Dick, do you have a moment?" Tony asked. It was extremely difficult
to ask help from this arrogant bastard, but he was desperate. "I have
something important I have to ask you."
"It must be important for you to get off your Gryffindor loving high-horse
and come to me," Bancroft responded superciliously.
"Dick, you're the last person I want to ask for help," Tony said
candidly, "but frantic people are sometimes forced into unseemly
affiliations. Can you for once in your miserable life not be an insufferable
git and help some one who is desperate?"
Dick studied Tony carefully realizing that Tony must indeed be desperate to
come to him for aid. He liked dealing with distressed people. They gave
compromising information so freely.
"All right then," Bancroft said smugly. "Let's ditch this boring
party and go to the dorm where we can talk more freely."
Tony followed Bancroft to their room, sickened that he had fallen so low as to
necessitate going to Dick Bancroft for aid.
"Now then," Dick said as they entered the dorm, silently shutting the
door behind them. "What is this all about?"
"Sit down," Tony said, actually practically ordered. "Remember
what you said a couple of months ago, about that practitioner."
"Practitioner? What practitioner?" Bancroft asked rather irritated at
not remembering the conversation.
"You know the one I mean, the one for girls. Don't pretend you don't know
what I'm talking about," Tony said, crossly. "You said you helped a
guy out that was in trouble."
"Oh! Oh yeah. Yeah I remember," Dick said uncertainly.
"Well I know somebody that has to get a hold of that guy," Tony said
nervously.
"You don't want to get mixed up in a thing like that," Bancroft said
warningly, actually sounding genuinely concerned. "I mean you could get
thrown into Azkaban."
"You helped that other guy?"
"Yeah, but that's a crime. Why it's murder," Bancroft said bluntly.
"Always yakking. Always bragging." Without warning Tony lunged at
Dick, easily pinning him to the floor.
"Get off me," Dick yelled.
"The doctor, who is he? Where does he live?" Tony shouted.
"You're choking me," Bancroft gasped.
"You're not stupid, are you Dick. You know everything. Know all the
answers. Who is he, tell me?"
"I can't," Bancroft wheezed. "I was lying."
"You were lying?" Tony released his grip on Bancroft as a look of
desperation crossed his face. "Why?"
"I don't know, maybe I have a big-shot complex," Bancroft said, for
once being honest. "I never helped the guy, I just heard about it."
Tony looked at Bancroft, his last hope dashed. "What am I going to
do?"
Bancroft rubbed his neck as Tony just sat looking frustrated. "I'm
sorry," Tony said. "Sometimes I don't know my own strength."
"Ah! Forget it, will you?" Bancroft said, almost compassionately.
"You have your own problems. You... You and Amanda Pierce?"
"Who said anything about Amanda? Don't you tell anyone." Tony said
threateningly.
"No! No, I won't say anything." Dick said sincerely, acting
completely out of character. "Why don't you take her to one of those
Muggle abortion clinics?"
"And just how do you propose we get to London," Tony said,
frustration filling his voice. "Ask the Headmaster for a day pass and
train tickets."
Dick just shook his head, realizing the impossibility of this. "Look, you
and I didn't have this conversation," Dick said. "Abortion is
strictly prohibited by wizard law and anyone even remotely involved can spend
time in Azkaban. I want no part of this and you shouldn't either. It's her
problem; let her worry about it."
Tony looked at Dick crossly, on the verge of once more attacking him. "I
can't do that, and you know it," he said decisively.
"No," Dick said staring at Tony. "I don't imagine someone like
you could. Look! You didn't hear this from me, but I understand there is a guy
in Hogsmeade that will help with such problems. You can contact him through the
bar man at the Hog's Head." Dick bit his lip. "But from what I've
heard, it's expensive and his place isn't the most hygienic. I'd think hard
before you make any rash decisions."
"We don't have the luxury of time," Tony said, frustration and fright
showing in his voice. "She's already two months gone. Even if I'm able to
make arrangements this Saturday, it's six weeks until the next Hogsmeade
weekend. She'll be over three months pregnant by then."
* * * * * *
When Kim and Emily had returned to Slytherin House after dinner, a few of the
students were putting the finishing touches on the decorations for the
evening's party. Both girls had offered to provide a hand, but their offer was
indecorously rejected. Instead, they spent the next hour in their dorm
discussing Randy, a subject Kim now seemed, suddenly, to find riveting.
At eight o'clock they decided to join everyone else in the common room hoping
to inconspicuously blend in with the others. Ever since the infamous picture
had appeared in the Daily Prophet, Emily's ability to do anything discreetly,
unfortunately, had seemed to vanish.
She had no more than entered the common room when Dennis Crow yelled out.
"Shucks Zacherley, I was counting on you wearing your birthday suit as a
costume tonight," he said sarcastically while actually sounding rather let
down. "Isn't that what your sister did last Halloween. Hardly seems fair
that she gave those Gryffindor blokes a show and you won't give us one."
Emily tried her best to ignore him as Kim and her joined Becky and Marta. If
truth were told, Emily would - in point of fact - prefer to be nude, despite
gits like Crow and Dick Bancroft. She had actually seriously considered making
a nude appearance hoping it would put an end to the taunting, but reconsidered
after realizing it would more than likely simply make things worse and, in all
probability, lose her support rather than gain her any. This after all was
Slytherin House, definitely not known for understanding and loyalty.
As she listened to the banter of her friends, her eyes fleetingly looked about
the room, catching sight of Tyler Bancroft who was looking in her direction,
but who quickly turned away from her gaze.
Emily excused herself momentarily and ran back to the dorm, returning in a few
moments. Upon her return, Kim looked at her questioningly. "I had to go to
the loo," Emily said, almost defensively. "I wanted to make room for
more butterbeer."
Kim nodded her head, but didn't necessarily acknowledge as true Emily's
explanation.
The party was somewhat slow starting. The boys kept to their own groups, either
just talking and messing about or playing exploding snap. The girls talked and
occasionally a few of them would dance to a lively musical number.
Very little dancing took place when slow numbers were being played, except for
some couples in higher years that were actually dating each other. First year
boys were at that age where there were starting to be attracted to girls, but
didn't exactly understand why. The idea of touching, yet alone holding a girl,
was extreme foreign to most of them.
Therefore, Emily wasn't the only girl sitting out the slow dances; most of the
girls found themselves doing the same. Emily soon found the party extremely
dull. Slytherins, in her opinion, didn't know how to have fun. They seemed to
be afraid to let loose and get off their thrones.
Emily spent most of the night trying to catch Tyler in the act of staring at
her. She had the feeling he wanted to ask her to dance, at the very least talk
to her, but he was evidently afraid. Every time she noticed him looking in her
direction, he would quickly turn away and then look to see if his brother had
caught him.
After three hours, Emily had become extremely bored. She told Kim that she was
going to go to bed, but Kim begged her to stick around for a little longer. She
had no idea why Kim wanted to linger (she didn't seem to be having a fabulous
time either), but Emily agreed to hang around a little longer. Five minutes
later she was glad she had.
Emily had just caught Tyler looking in her direction again, but this time when
they both looked to see if Dick Bancroft had noticed, they saw Tyler's brother
headed toward his dorm with Tony Marburger.
As if planned, the music turned soft and slow. Tyler got an 'it's now or never'
expression on his face and started walking toward where Emily was seated. She
sat nervously waiting, hoping he wouldn't lose his nerve. He didn't.
"May I have this dance," Tyler asked politely.
"I was hoping you'd ask," Emily answered sweetly as she stood and
held her hand out to Tyler's. "Try not to look too shocked when you take
my hand."
Tyler was confused by Emily's remark, but once he grasped her hand he
understood completely. Emily's clothing completely melted away and Tyler found
himself holding the hand of a quite attractive, quite naked young girl.
"Wow!" was the only word he could muster, but it aptly described his
present feelings.
Emily smiled. "Are we going to dance or are you just going to stand there
staring at me? I haven't changed that much since the last time you saw me this
way," she said with a laugh.
"Yes you have," Tyler said as he nervously put his arm around Emily
and pulled her closer. "You're even prettier than I remember." As
they began dancing, Tyler looked nervously about the common room. "Am I
the only one that can see you're starkers?"
"Yes," Emily said. "My sister and Caitlin said that it was all
they were going to wear to their party tonight, and I decided at the last
minute to do it, too."
"What if someone other than me had asked you to dance?" Tyler asked
concerned.
"I wouldn't have turned them down," Emily answered honestly.
"That would have been impolite. Besides, I don't mind people seeing me
naked; you know that. But my reason for using the charm tonight wasn't to try
and excite anyone. I simply wanted to be comfortable and hopefully enjoy the
party.
"I know you have difficulty understanding it, but I'm totally at ease
nude. I'd be happy if I could go through the balance of my life never having
clothing touch my skin again."
"I think you'd get rather cold in the winter," Tyler said. The
thought of Emily standing naked in a snowstorm made him shiver for more than
one reason.
"You'd be surprised," Emily answered. "I remember Jamie and me
playing naked once in the snow. It was only at our parents insistence that we
came inside."
"You are incredible," Tyler said, beaming.
"If I'm so incredible, why have you ignored me the past few weeks?"
Emily questioned.
"It's my brother," Tyler said disgustedly. "He's forbidden me to
have any contact with you."
"I expected as much," Emily said, understandingly.
"Have you been enjoying the party?" Tyler asked.
"Not really. At least not until now." Emily answered, openly.
"Me either," Tyler said, as he pulled Emily closer and allowed his
hand to slip from her waist to her buttocks. "I've never met a girl like
you."
"No, I'm sure you haven't," Emily said calmly, "but I'm afraid
you might be jumping to an improper conclusion. Just because I'm nude, does not
make it permissible for you to touch me anywhere you see fit. You have five
seconds to get your hand back on my waist or find my knee someplace that will
give you tremendous pain for the balance of the night."
Tyler clearly understood Emily intent and only used one second of his available
time. "I'm sorry," he said, appearing to be sincere. "You're
right! That was wrong and I never would have done it if you were dressed. It
just seemed so inviting."
"I'm not angry," Emily said, candidly. "Actually, it's sort of
complementary that you want to touch me there. If you were naked, I'd probably
be tempted to pinch your bum too, but just because it's tempting and feels good
doesn't make it correct."
"Do nudists dance?" Tyler asked.
"Not so as to have body contact," Emily answered. "Some clubs don't
even allow slow dancing, but when permitted there can be no body contact. That
wouldn't be proper with strangers or casual friends."
"I have to learn all these things if I'm going to get to know you, really
know you," Tyler said excitedly.
"That doesn't seem very likely with your brother around," Emily
muttered rather disappointedly.
"I just have to play it cool until after the Christmas holiday,"
Tyler explained. "After that I don't care what he does or says."
Tyler didn't, however, go into further detail. "This is going to sound
stupid, really stupid, but if I ask you something, will you promise not to tell
a soul."
"No!" Emily answered, promptly.
Tyler looked shocked. He most certainly had expected her to say yes.
"I can't make a blanket statement like that not knowing what you are about
to say," Emily added. "You have to make a decision to either trust me
or not."
Tyler looked into Emily's eyes. He wanted this so bad. He had to trust her.
"Will you please allow me to take you to the Yule Ball?" he asked and
then held his breath waiting for her reply.
"Assuming Mum and Dad will allow me to go, yes," Emily replied. She
pulled Tyler tightly against her and gave him a hug. "I won't tell the
world," she said guessing that Tyler wanted this kept from his brother.
"But there are some people I must share it with, people I know I can
trust."
Emily broke the hug, understanding completely why nudists didn't dance closely
together. Even with Tyler completely dressed; it felt awkward to be pressed
against him. She couldn't imagine what it would feel like if they were both
nude, although a part of her was thrilled at the thought.
As the music stopped, Tyler looked longingly at Emily. "I wish we could
just sit and talk for awhile, but if my brother...."
Emily gave him a light kiss on the cheek. "I understand," she said.
"You will at least cheer for me when we play Hufflepuff in two weeks,
won't you."
"I'm your number one fan," Tyler said.
Emily just smiled without commenting. Harry already had taken that position.
She squeezed Tyler's hand one more time and then headed back to her seat and
the eagerly awaiting, very curious Kim.
Tyler watched appreciatively, as Emily's still naked form leisurely walked
away. He preferred the front view, but the rear view was most certainly far
from shabby. He had never considered a backside attractive until he saw Emily's
bare. Then abruptly, her clothes reappeared. What was it that attracted him so
much to her?
Every since the initiation, he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. At
first he thought it was merely because he had seen her naked, a little thing
like that has a tendency to make a lasting impression. Later he realized it was
much more than that. It was her total attitude, how she was so self-confident,
but not the least bit cocky or conceded. She seemed perfect, almost too good to
be true.
Then Tyler's dream was shattered. Dennis Crow was looking at him with an evil
grin. His brother would know about him dancing with Emily before the evening
was over. There would be hell to pay.
End of Chapter 13
As always, I would like to thank those of you who took the time to review.
Thank you also to my wonderful betas: Amber. Paul, Paul and Peter. I mention
Paul twice because he actually did this chapter twice.
Some of the dialogue between Tony and Amanda comes from the movie "Blue
Denim."
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