Hogwarts UnderExposed - A New Girl In Town

Hogwarts UnderExposed - A New Girl in Town

"Thus far three, but that's not the point," Hermione protested. "Not everyone that was upset will take the time to write. Besides, what you girls did today is dangerous. You attracted the attention of an uncouth element of the village. Harry and I love you, but you've gone too far this time and you both need to be punished."

"No! Punish me if you must but you can't punish Emily; not when she has so little time ..." Caitlin slapped her hand across her mouth. Emily had trusted her.

"What do you mean; Emily has so little time?" Harry asked fearfully. "What are you talking about?"

Chapter Three
The New Girl

"Nothing," Caitlin lied. "I shouldn't have said that."

"Caitlin, a person doesn't need to have mastered Legilimency to know that you are hiding something," Hermione said gravely. "You and I once promised to always be open and honest with each other. Are you going back on that pledge?"

"No, but..." Caitlin twisted her hands nervously. "Emily told me this in confidence and I promised to keep her secret."

"You're an incredibly intelligent young lady," Harry stated, placing his hand gently on Caitlin's thigh. "You know that in some situations it is imperative to keep shared information secret. At other times, keeping important facts undisclosed can be disastrous. Is this a secret that should be kept or shared?"

Caitlin started to sob. "It's something you should both know about, but I swore to Emily that I wouldn't say anything. She'll be really angry with me."

"Then it has to be your decision," Hermione emphasized. "Your dad and I won't coerce you; we both trust you to make the right decision."

Caitlin stared at her loving parents and then glanced nervously at the closed door separating her from Emily. "She'll kill me."

"Emily would never hurt you," Harry declared. "She loves you too much. Initially she might be angry with you, but in time she'll understand that you did the right thing."

Caitlin looked at the ceiling as if seeking divine guidance and then gulped. "Has she ever told you about her visions?"

"You mean her dreams, the ones that actually come true?" Hermione asked.

Caitlin nodded.

"She's discussed them with both Harry and I," Hermione confirmed. "They seem to be some sort of an extension of her seer abilities. Thus far they seem to have have been infrequent and of little consequence."

"That's changed," Caitlin said darkly and she proceeded to tell Harry and Hermione about Emily's most recent vision.

"Surely, that was just a standard nightmare," Harry insisted. "Emily said that she still has regular dreams and nightmares like the rest of us. Not all of her dreams are necessarily visions of the actual future."

"She seemed adamant that this was a vision," Caitlin insisted. "Emily is certain that she will die before this time next year and that nothing anyone does can prevent it."

Hermione was horror-struck. "That can't be true," she cried. "Our lives aren't predestined. Every decision we make sends our life into another of infinite directions. Isn't that correct Mirror?" Hermione turned abruptly and stared questioningly at her dresser mirror.

At first there was no response and then the mirror replied calmly. "That is why I can only reflect possible futures. Each day humans are faced with a multitude of decisions. Sometimes the simplest, most insignificant choice can have a tremendous effect on the future. Obviously the further we look into the future the more infinite those choices and the more imprecise our vision."

"Perhaps you would like to have Miss Emily stand before me and I can show you some of her possible futures," the mirror suggested.

"But if you do that, she'll know I told you about the vision," Caitlin declared fretfully.

"Yes, but when she sees the myriad of futures ahead of her, she'll realize that what she thought was a vision was nothing more than a horrible nightmare," Hermione explained. "She'll end up thanking you."

"Your Mum is right," Harry agreed. "Why don't you go get Emily and bring her in here?"

Grudgingly, Caitlin returned to the living room and the anxious Emily

"How did it go?" Emily asked, apprehensively. "How bad is our punishment?"

"They want to talk to you again," Caitlin said guiltily, her eyes unable to meet Emily's.

"You told them; didn't you?" Emily questioned.

"I had to," Caitlin cried. "Please don't hate me, but I couldn't let them punish you when you're going to ..." She was unable to articulate the last word.

"I could never hate you," Emily replied, embracing her sister. "I love you too much. It's just that I didn't want to burden them with another worry; especially when there is nothing they can do about it."

"Maybe there is," Caitlin replied hopefully. "The mirror says that our futures are constantly changed by our everyday activities. There must be something we can do to alter your vision?"

"Forever the optimist," Emily sighed, giving her sister a weak smile. She clutched Caitlin's hand and together the two girls entered their parents' bedroom.

Although Harry and Hermione both wanted to run and smother Emily with hugs and kisses, they somehow resisted the urge. They were certain that Emily had just had a dreadful dream and that the mirror was about to confirm this.

"Hey beautiful," Harry said dotingly. "Suppose you park your precious bod in front of the mirror so that it can show you some of the wonderful events your life holds in store for you."

Emily bit her lip. She loved Harry and Hermione with all her heart. She felt that she couldn't possibly love them more if they were her natural parents and she knew they loved her. She was positive that what they were about to see would break their hearts, but she had been backed into a corner.

"You're becoming a lovely young woman," the mirror said reassuringly. "I can't promise you that anything I show you will become a reality, but these will all be doable futures."

Emily nodded her head understandingly; her voice quaked. "Show me any possible event a year or more in the future," she requested.

"That's what I like," the mirror replied pleasantly, "a customer that isn't fussy."

Everyone watched as the reflection of a lovely nude teenage girl faded from view. They all waited breathlessly and then after what seemed like a substantial time, Emily's reflection reappeared.

"What's the matter Mirror?" Hermione asked concernedly. "Is there something wrong? Are you out of order?"

"The problem is not my mechanics," the mirror replied forlornly. "Young Miss Emily sadly has no future a year from now."

"What do you mean, she has no future?" Harry shouted angrily. "You just said that we all have an infinite number of futures."

The mirror paused. "We all have infinite futures until we leave the mortal plane. Sometimes events can occur that cause a life to veer in a direction from which there is no return. I cannot foresee what that particular event is, but that is the case with young Miss Emily.

"She will or already has encountered something that causes her to take a path that ends ultimately in death. Different scenarios vary the actual date from late spring till early summer, but in all cases she will have started on the next great adventure by this time next year."

This couldn't be true. Harry's first impulse was to shatter the 'lying' mirror into a thousand tiny pieces, but instead he reached out and swept Emily up into his arms; holding and hugging her like a baby. Tears streamed down Hermione's face as she stroked Emily's long silky hair.

* * * * * *

Unaware of the dark fate awaiting her sister, down the hall Jamie was welcoming her best friend Amanda into her new teacher's quarters at Hogwarts.

"Amanda, I've missed you so much," Jamie proclaimed, hugging her best friend. "What brings you back to Hogwarts?"

"You!" Amanda explained. "I wanted to make sure that you were all right."

"You came all this distance just to see me," Jamie asked, a quizzical smile on her face.

"Mainly you, but I did want to get an ice cream cone," Amanda laughed.

"They no longer sell ice cream where you live?" Jamie asked jokingly. "Or is it more the clerk than the ice cream that appeals to you in Hogsmeade?"

"Okay, I admit I missed Roger, but my main reason for coming was to check on you."

"I'm fine," Jamie said. "Harry and Hermione check on me at least three times a day. Let me give you the grand tour before we sit and catch up on the news."

"Did you hear that I ran into Emily and Caitlin shortly after Apparating to Hogsmeade?" Amanda questioned.

"I can't believe those two," Jamie said, shaking her head in frustration. "I'll have more than a few words for them when Harry and Hermione are finished with them. Thank goodness you happened upon them. I don't want to even imagine what could have happened to them if you hadn't. What could they have possibly been thinking?"

"Funny, but I couldn't help but think how much they were acting just like you," Amanda said.

"ME? When have I ever walked into Hogsmeade starkers?"

"You never thought about it?"

"I've thought about doing a lot of silly things in my life," Jamie replied. "But thankfully I have more common sense then those two evidently do."

"This from the girl who at the age of ten jogged miles to an isolated country area so she could sunbath and hike nude," Amada reminded.

"Times change, people change," Jamie said. "I like to think that I've gotten smarter."

"You're right about people changing," Amanda agreed. "Do you realize that this is the first time in the last six years that you and I have had a private conversation that you haven't been naked? What happened to being more comfortable nude?"

"Like I said, some things change when you get older and have more common sense."

Amanda just nodded.

Jamie tried to change the subject by starting the tour of her quarters. "This is the living area," Jamie comment pointing to the numerous chairs and a large chesterfield. "That is the breakfast nook, in case we want to make coffee or have a snack without bothering the house elves. This is the bedroom." Jamie led Amanda into a room with a large king size bed.

"What's that room?" Amanda asked, pointing to a closed door.

"That will eventually be a study and library, but right now we're just using it for storage."

"That sounds nice," Amanda said heading toward the door.

"There's really nothing to see in there," Jamie said, trying to divert an unwavering Amanda.

When she opened the door, Amanda found an unmade makeshift bed and men's clothing piled and lying hither and thither.

"Is this where Alex sleeps?"

"Just until things get back to normal," Jamie answered guiltily.

"And when do you think that will be?" Amanda asked stonily.

"You don't understand what I've been through," Jamie cried, tears quickly filling her eyes. "The things those horrible people did to me. I just... Nothing's the same. I can't get the horrible memories out of my mind."

"And so instead you're changing your life style, even your personality and shoving the guy that adores you away and into a closet."

"It's not like that," Jamie insisted. "Alex loves me; he understands. He'll wait until I'm ready."

"And how long do you think that will be. I assume you haven't had sex," Amanda said acidly. "Has he even seen you naked since the incident? Does he ever get to kiss you?"

"I can't," Jamie sobbed. "Even when he touches me, I think of them and what they did to me. You can't begin to picture what it was like."

"No you're right. I can't," Amanda replied, now beginning to cry herself. "I don't even what to imagine the horrors you went through. It had to have been awful, but somehow you have to put it in the past and go on living."

"That's easy for you to say. You're not the one that was tortured and physically used in every sick way feasible."

"No, I'm not," Amanda admitted. "I don't think I would have survived. I'm not nearly as strong as you. But is it worth surviving if you're going to allow them to win anyway? Allow them to devastate your life? Allow them to destroy your love?"

"I still love Alex," Jamie insisted.

"You have a hell of a way of showing it." Amanda shook her head in frustration and turned away from Jamie. "I don't know when you guys realized it, but I knew you'd become a lasting couple when you were twelve. Now you're sleeping in a huge bed while he tosses uncomfortably in a tiny cot in the closet. Yes, he loves you Jamie. But he loves the Jamie that he went to Hogwarts with, not the Jamie that you're letting them turn you into. Someday he'll wake up and realize that the Jamie he loved is no more and he'll move on. Is that what you want, to be alone so that you can feel sorry for yourself?

"I'm not telling you to forget what happen; you can't. Nightmares of that atrocity will undoubtedly haunt you for the remainder of your life. But somehow you must find the courage and determination to put it in your past. You have to search inside of you and find what's remaining of the Jamie we all loved and adored and raise her from the dead.

"You're my best friend. I'll always love you, but I don't want you to allow that scum to destroy your life. Witches often live to be nearly two hundred years old. Do you want to spend the next one hundred eighty years living the life those deviates have thrust upon you or the life you deserve to live; the life that made us all love, adore and even envy you? What time will Alex be returning?"

"Any time now," Jamie muttered glumly.

"In that case, I'm going to leave," Amanda said. "Tell Alex that I sent my love and that I'll stop back to see him in a few days."

"But you don't have to leave," Jamie insisted.

"I do if you want to revive the old Jamie. It wouldn't be easy. It might be a slow gradual process, but everything starts with a first step."

"What do you think I should do?" Jamie asked uncertainly.

"In your case, I think a good start would be to get comfortable before Alex gets home."

* * * * * *

"I knew they'd eventually do something crazy like that," Ron said exasperatedly. "I completely blame Harry and Hermione. They've been too lenient with those girls. They should have nipped this whole naturist phase in the bud instead of going along with it and basically encouraging the girls."

"Ron, naturism isn't a fad for the girls. It's their chosen lifestyle. In Emily's case she has been a naturist since birth," Sam reminded him. "To Emily wearing clothing is unnatural."

"Walking around in public without a stitch of clothing on is what is abnormal," Ron seethed. "If we were all meant to be nude, we'd be born that way. Well it's not going to happen in this family. My parents would never have allowed it and I've been a fool to tolerate it. From this moment on Timmy will wear clothing at all times, except when bathing."

"Are you forgetting that Timmy is my son," Sam reminded him. "Don't you think I should have a say in how he is brought up?"

"Of course," Ron agreed, "but in regards to nudism I think that you've been brainwashed by Jamie and Hermione. You should start wearing clothes all the time, too. It's not healthy for a young boy to grow up seeing his mother naked. I never once saw my mother or father even semi-nude."

"Suddenly your parents are the authority on child rearing," Sam scoffed.

"The seven of us children turned out all right," Ron challenged. "At least none of us have ever been arrested for indecent exposure."

"Neither were Emily or Caitlin," Sam reminded him. "I always thought you found me attractive naked. It's quite discouraging to know that you actually consider me lewd and offensive."

"I don't find you the least bit repulsive; you have a beautiful body," Ron insisted.

"I'm confused," Sam said. "If you honestly find me attractive, how can you consider Jamie or Hermione distasteful. We both know that they're gorgeous."

"I never said they were ugly," Ron insisted.

"No, but you feel that it is indecent for them or I or anyone for that matter to be nude in front of others. Indecent means offensive, filthy and lewd. How can you consider someone attractive and desirable and at the same time offensive?" Sam asked.

Ron vacillated momentarily. "Indecent also means impolite and rude," he countered. "Even though someone is attractive, it isn't proper for them to appear naked in public if others find their nudity unsuitable."

"So it all boils down to what others think," Sam summarized. "I'm afraid you and I have a large problem then because I totally disagree with your thinking on the subject."

"But I'm your husband," Ron reminded Sam.

"Meaning exactly?"

"I don't want Timmy running about nude and I don't want you exposing yourself in front of him or others," Ron insisted. "Only a person's spouse should ever see them naked. I think more than enough has been said on the subject. It's time for us to go down to the Great Hall for dinner. I'll go tell Timmy to get dressed while you slip something appropriate on."

Sam simply stared speechless at Ron. As much as she loved this man, at times he made her so angry. This was one of those times that the anger had grown to a point that it was overwhelming. Sometimes extreme anger causes people to do things that they would never consider doing under normal circumstances. This was one of those times.

"TIMMY, come here!" Sam yelled.

After a few seconds Timmy apprehensively entered the room. "Is it time for dinner?" he asked respectfully. "I've already washed my hands. I guess I have to go put some clothes on?"

"Not tonight!" Sam said. Before Ron completely comprehended what was happening, Sam had grabbed Timmy's hand and the two of them had scurried from the apartment, both totally naked.

By the time Ron opened the door to follow, they were already out of sight. Ron cursed and slammed the door shut. "She'll be back in a few minutes. Sam doesn't have the guts to go through with it," he mentally raged.

* * * * * *

"Jamie, I'm home," Alex called out upon entering their quarters and not straight away spotting her.

"I'm in the bedroom," she answered apprehensively. "I'll be out in a few minutes. Why don't you get us a couple of pumpkin juices and we can discuss our days?"

After pouring two glasses, Alex turned back towards the bedroom and nearly dropped the glasses. Jamie was standing in the doorframe, literally shaking like a leaf, totally nude.

Alex gulped. "You're naked," he said, stunned. "I almost forgot how beautiful you are unclothed."

"It's been awhile since I've been comfortable," Jamie said, sounding anything but comfortable. "I hope you don't mind."

"How could I mind?" Alex said, refusing to give in to the urge to run and throw his arms around her.

"Amanda was here today," Jamie said matter-of-factly, her voice shaky. "She thinks it's time I start acting like the old Jamie."

"Amanda was always wise beyond her years," Alex commented. He looked longingly at Jamie. "I know this is going to sound rather stupid, but what do I do now?" Alex certainly knew what he wanted to do, but he was deathly afraid of spooking Jamie.

"I'm not absolutely sure," Jamie answered. "Amanda only recommended I get comfortable before you arrived home. I imagine she thought we could figure it out from there."

"You look nervous," Alex said, cautiously.

"I'm scared stiff," Jamie admitted, her voice cracking. "I want things to be like they used to be, but I'm not sure I have the strength or courage."

"Maybe not alone," Alex agreed, "but you're not alone. I'll be with you every step of the way, ready to catch you if you falter. I love you, Jamie. I always have and I always will. I want things between us to be like they once were. There is nothing we can do to erase the horrible things that happened, but together we can put it in the past and build a happy future together. Please, trust me."

Alex took a seat on the chesterfield and motioned encouragingly for Jamie to come join him. At first, she was tentative. Then slowly, she moved in his direction. Twice she resisted the urge to bolt from the room; instead she gritted her teeth with determination and moved closer. Finally she mustered all her available strength and seated herself next to Alex.

She was as white as a sheet and Alex could see her noticeably shaking. "I'm just going to put my arm around you," he said tensely. "Is that all right?"

Jamie sobbed and nodded her head sheepishly. Little by little Alex moved closer to her and gently, gradually draped his arm around her shoulder. At first Jamie shuddered at his touch, but eventually seemed to relax somewhat in his hold.

Suddenly she seemed so tiny, so fragile, as he held her. "We're going to make it," he said, tears filling his eyes as he held her guardedly. "I love you so much Jamie."

"I love you, Alex," Jamie cried.

It was going to be a long bumpy road, but together they would they would coup.

* * * * * *

Neither Harry nor Hermione had much of a desire for food after receiving the news about Emily, but both girls were famished and insisted that their parents accompany them to the Great Hall for dinner.

All thoughts of punishment over and done, Emily and Caitlin made there way toward the Great Hall clad as normal in only their trainers. Harry was fully dressed, while Hermione had slipped on cool summer robes to cover her bareness. The sight that they beheld outside the large oak doors to the hall took all four aback.

Timmy was pacing frustrated in front of the closed doors while a totally starkers Sam seemed to be trying her best to blend in with the nearby wall.

"Mum, I'm hungry," Timmy was protesting. "Let's go in and eat."

"What's going on, Sam?" Harry asked concernedly. "I'm rather surprised to see you taking the Headmaster up on his clothing optional policy."

"Don't ask," Sam retorted, frustration evident in her voice.

"Let me guess," Hermione interjected. "Ron heard about Caitlin and Emily's trip to Hogsmeade and has forbidden you and Timmy to be nude, even in your quarters."

"Right in one," Sam replied. "You should consider teaching Divination."

"Not in this lifetime," Hermione laughed. "Sybil need not worry about me taking her job. I just know Ron and how great a git he can sometimes be. I assume that you walked out in an uproar, but that now rage isn't enough to get you through that door."

Sam nodded shyly. "I'm not like those two," Sam said, indicating Emily and Caitlin. "I'm at ease being nude when others are, but I'm embarrassed to be the only one nude in a room of fully dressed individuals."

"Caitlin and I are nude," Emily protested.

"No disrespect, but you two don't quite count," Sam said with a weak chuckle. "You're both always unclothed, plus you're not yet adults."

"So what are you going to do?" Caitlin asked. "Stand out here until the meal is over and then go back to your quarters and pretend to have eaten. It won't take Professor Weasley long to figure out that sham."

"I suppose not," Sam replied dejectedly. "Come on, Timmy. Let's hurry back and get dressed so that we can have dinner."

"I don't want to," Timmy wailed. "Caitlin and Emily eat nudie all the time. Why does Timmy have to get dressed?"

"Timmy can go in and eat with us," Harry suggested. "That would give you and Ron some private time to discuss stuff."

"All the talking in the world won't resolve this problem," Sam replied. "If I don't make a stand now, Timmy and I will lose our individuality."

"I don't like to get in the middle of a family argument," Hermione said, "but I hate it when Ron acts like his domineering mum. Molly could be so sweet, loving and wonderful at times; other times she was bossy and overbearing. Sometimes I swear he is channeling her."

Hermione handed Ben, who she was carrying, to Harry. "Would you feel more comfortable if another adult female was nude alongside you," Hermione said, quickly shedding her robes and then grasping Sam's hand.

"Thanks," said Sam. "I'm still terrified, but with you by my side I think I can do this."

"Keep an eye on your little brother," Harry said, letting Ben down to stand quietly next to Caitlin and Emily. "Naturism is a family matter." He noticeably gulped. "If we're going to take a stand, we'll do it as a family." He started to remove his shirt.

"Dad's going to strip!" Emily announced excitedly. "I can't wait to see the Headmaster face when we all walk in totally nude."

"Are you sure, Harry?" Hermione questioned. "Remember you're the recreational nudist."

"Not anymore," Harry said. Once he had removed all his clothing including his shoes, socks and boxers, he folded them neatly in a pile and shrank the pile to the size of a ring box. "Let's do this!"

Emily and Caitlin led the way through the door, each holding one of Ben's hands as the toddler walked unsteadily between them. Harry followed with Sam and Hermione on each arm.

Everyone had looked up at the sound of the huge doors creaking open and the room had gone completely silent. Then there was a loud crash as Severus dropped an entire pitcher of pumpkin juice.

* * * * * *

The remainder of the summer flew by in a flash. Ron eventually calmed down, Severus never did. Ron didn't necessarily like it, but he accepted the reality that his wife and son were becoming dedicated naturists. It was strange to watch them walk the halls of Hogwarts; Ron dressed stuffily in his robes, Sam and Timmy completely unclothed.

From that day forward, Harry also completely embraced naturism. Hermione never questioned her husband about his sudden change of heart, but she felt that it had a lot to do with Emily's impending fate and Harry's desire to be as great a part of his daughter's life as possible.

Harry's entrance into the Great Hall that August day had caused quite a stir, especially among the female staff. Emily and Caitlin were young girls and, believe it or not, mostly everyone had become accustom to seeing them unclothed and took it in stride. Harry was most certainly not a young girl; he was a physically fit, extremely well endowed young man. Even the straight-laced Madam Pomfrey found herself staring at him longingly.

Severus had started taking his meals privately in his quarters. It had been, to say the least, a strange summer at Hogwarts and it was with mixed emotions that everyone welcomed the beginning of a new school year.


September 1, 2006


"I thought they'd never leave," Emily complained, as Harry and Hermione disappeared with two quiet pops after side-Apparating the girls to King's Cross. "They're being way over protective lately, especially Mum. She's being overbearingly motherly."

"They love you Emily; so do I," Caitlin sighed. "It's not easy accepting the fact that someone you love is going to die."

"It's not exactly easy being the one that's going to do the dying either," Emily reminded her. "But there is nothing any of us can do about what is going to happen. You guys treating me like a delicate little flower won't change anything. I think Mum would bubble-wrap me if she could. I don't want to spend my last months worrying about dying; I want to spend them living life to the fullest and enjoying the precious little time I have remaining."

"Is that why you agreed to ride the train to school this year without any objections?" Caitlin inquired.

"Part of the reason," Emily responded. "Before, when Mum wanted us to ride the train for traditions sake, I always thought it was rather stupid. Now that it's my last opportunity, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Emily sighed. "I guess I'm going to be doing a lot of things for the last time this year."

Every time they talked about Emily dying, Caitlin wanted to cry. "Are you going to tell Tyler about your premonition?" Caitlin asked.

"Not yet," Emily said sadly. "Maybe when the time gets nearer." She gave Caitlin a stern look. "You have to promise that you won't tell him either or any of our other friends, for that matter. It's bad enough that all of the Hogwarts professors know. I don't want one and all staring at me uneasily all year as if I'm going to drop over dead at any moment."

Caitlin closed her eyes and nodded. "I promise that I'll keep my big mouth shut this time," she pledged.

Once inside the station they lingered nonchalantly beside the barrier between platform nine and ten until the coast was clear, then they each leaned against it and fell through onto platform nine and three quarters. The Hogwarts Express stood waiting, belching steam over the platform packed with students and their families.

"I hope Kim, Tyler and Evan get here before long so that we can get a compartment to ourselves," Caitlin said conversationally.

"Just so we don't have to share one with Denise and Janice," Emily declared. "I'd probably end up killing one or both of them and then I'd have to spend the remainder of my days in Azkaban."

"That would hardy seem fair," Caitlin stated. "You'd think that the Ministry would give anyone an award for ridding the world of those two."

"There's Kim!" Emily shouted excitedly, running to greet her best friend.

"Have you seen either Evan or Tyler?" she asked after giving Kim a giant hug.

"They're coming," Kim assured Emily and Caitlin. "The station is very crowded with Muggles. It's taking some time for everyone to discreetly get onto the platform. Here they come now!" Kim pointed in the direction of the two boys who had just appeared as if out of nowhere.

Caitlin gapped at the approaching Evan. "Is it my imagination or did Evan grow considerably during the summer?"

"He definitely grew," Emily said with a laugh. "Three or four more growth spurts like that and he'll be nearly as tall as you."

Caitlin gave Emily a gentle poke in the ribs before running to meet Evan; meanwhile Emily stood silently watching as Tyler steadily came nearer. Emily couldn't prevent tears from gradually filling her eyes. Tyler meant so much to her and in a few short months her death would bring that relationship to a permanent end.

"Hi! I've missed you," Tyler said genuinely.

Emily didn't answer, but instead threw her arms around the startled boy and kissed him fervently.

Tyler had been hoping for a hug, perhaps a tender peck on the cheek, but this was totally unanticipated.

"Get a room," a passing sixth year shouted, his voice sounding somewhat envious.

If only we could, Emily thought to herself. She didn't want to die a little girl, never having experienced corporeal love.

When their embrace finally ended, a flustered Tyler spoke. "I take that to mean that you missed me, too," he said awkwardly.

"More than you can imagine," Emily replied, squeezing his hand tightly.

"I hate to bother you two," Kim said urgently, "but the warning whistle has already sounded. If we don't get a move on we'll all end up walking to Hogwarts."

The five friends quickly hoisted their luggage onto the train just as it began to slowly move.

"Shall we go and locate a compartment, then?" Kim asked.

They struggled off down the corridor dragging their trunks, peering through the glass-paneled doors into the compartments they passed, which were already full or only had space for one or two more occupants. They were about to abandon the idea of all sitting together, when in the very last carriage they found a compartment occupied by only a solitary girl.

"It looks like we either split up or sit with that first year," Tyler stated with a groan.

"I was hoping to get comfortable," Emily said unhappily.

"Me, too," Caitlin agreed, "but that's clearly not happening today. Being a first year, she is probably already scared half to death. Can you imagine her reaction if we asked if she minded if we disrobed? She'd probably think we were a bunch of nutters and jump out of the train window."

"Hi," Kim said sweetly, after sliding the compartment door open. "The train is rather crowded. Is it okay if we take these seats so that we can ride together?"

The girl beside the window looked up timidly. She had waist-length, white blonde hair and very pale, almost ashen skin. Her build was extremely thin and frail. At first glance she appeared to be no more than nine or ten, but, of course, she had to be at least eleven years old to be a first year. Her appearance was made to seem even more diminutive by the fact that she was sitting on what appeared to be some sort of Muggle-like child booster seat. Tyler and Evan both stared; the girl gave off an aura of definite weirdness. She glanced at all five students and then nodded shyly.

"Thanks," said Kim smiling at her. After they stored their luggage away, Kim made introductions. "My name is Kim Thatcher and this is my best friend Emily Potter and her boyfriend Tyler Bancroft. We're all third years." Tyler took a seat across from the new student with Kim and Emily sitting on either side of him. Emily quickly slipped her shoes off and pulled her bare feet up in front of her onto the seat. She hugged her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "This is Emily's sister Caitlin and her boyfriend Evan Creevey. Evan is a second year and Caitlin is in her fourth year at Hogwarts."

Caitlin sat next to the young girl and Evan plopped into the seat on Caitlin's left. The girl didn't speak at first, possibly stunned by the news that a fourth year girl would be dating a second year boy; then she shyly introduced herself. "I'm Claudia, Claudia Priestly."

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Caitlin said pleasantly. "Do you have any idea which house you might be sorted into?

"No, I'm from the United States," Claudia clarified. "I'll be the first in my family to attend wizardry school in Europe. My mother attended the Salem Institute."

"That explains the accent," Tyler commented pleasantly. "What part of the colonies are you from?"

"We made our home in Boston," Claudia elucidated.

"You'll like Hogwarts," Caitlin assured her. "Everyone is really nice, apart from some of the Slytherins."

"Hey! Watch what you saying about our house!" Tyler warned good-naturedly. "Slytherin house has changed a lot since Voldemort's day or are you forgetting that the three of us are all in Slytherin?" Tyler indicated Kim, Emily and himself.

"Actually, it was you three that I was warning her about," Caitlin laughed. "Just kidding! Tyler is correct, the Slytherins are much nicer now, but there are still a few bad eggs."

"I consider Denise more rotten than bad," Emily snorted.

Claudia looked at Caitlin questioningly. "Your last name is Potter; are you and Emily in some way related to Professor Harry Potter?"

"He's our dad."

Seeing the befuddled expression on Claudia's face, Caitlin added, "We're both adopted. Mum and Dad may go at it like two oversexed rabbits in heat, but even they didn't start that young."

Claudia blushed deeply. She couldn't get over how openly Caitlin talked about sex, especially in front of mixed company.

For the next hour the students exchanged tales of their vacation adventures. Claudia mostly listened. She liked this quintet and hoped that this wouldn't be the last time she shared their company. It was as Tyler was telling about his day trip to a Muggle amusement park that Emily shifted her position and Claudia softly gasped.

"What's the matter?" Caitlin whispered, so that the others wouldn't hear.

"It's your sister," Claudia replied as quietly as possible. "Plainly she isn't wearing any panties and the way she is sitting right now, all her private bits are on display. What if Evan sees her?"

"It wouldn't be the first time," Caitlin replied, exasperation evident in her now normal volume voice.

"Emily can't you ever sit appropriately?" Caitlin asked.

"Sorry, Claudia. I didn't mean to embarrass you," Emily said, the inflection of her voice sounding sincere. "This is the first time I've had clothes on this summer."

"Then it's true?" Claudia questioned. "I've heard rumors that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were naturists. Then you both are, too?"

"Yes," Caitlin confirmed. "Actually, Emily and I are more extreme naturists than our parents. We never wear clothes accept when absolutely required. We'd likely be naked right now if you weren't here."

"I'm sorry," Claudia said, feeling slightly guilty. "Even with the boys here?"

"They see us nude all the time." Caitlin giggled. "Evan is more accustomed to seeing me bare than dressed."

"What about you?" Claudia asked, addressing Kim.

"I'm not the extremist that these two are, but I've come to enjoy naturist recreation," Kim admitted. "I prefer to be clothed when those around me are, but I'm not at all embarrassed for Tyler or Evan to see me naked. They're so accustomed to it that it's no big deal. Odds are that they would have gotten undressed with us today."

Claudia shook her head in disbelief. She'd never even seen another girl naked, must less a boy. "Would you guys like me to go to another compartment?" she suggested.

"Don't be ridiculous," Caitlin insisted. "You were here first. It won't kill Emily and I to wear clothes for a few hours. Have you ever been to a nude beach?"

"No! Nudity isn't nearly as acceptable in the States as it is in Europe," Claudia said. "Besides, I'd die if anyone ever saw me nude."

"It takes getting adjusted to," Kim admitted.

"I don't think it's anything I could ever get used to," Claudia said, visualizing people staring sympathetically at her nude frail little-girl body.

"Well if you ladies are all keeping your clothes on, can we open the window-shade and let some sun in.?" Tyler asked. "It's somewhat gloomy in here."

"I'd rather if you didn't," Claudia said, undecidedly. "My skin is extremely sensitive. I burn easily if exposed to direct strong sunlight."

Tyler shrugged his shoulders and sat back down without opening the shade.

The conversation slowly revisited the previous discussion of summer events. Now that Claudia was alert to the fact that Emily and Caitlin were active naturalists, the girls felt open to tell the group about the Headmaster's new summer policy towards them and their eventful excursion to Hogsmeade.

Claudia listened absorbedly, open-mouthed, to their tale. It was difficult for her to imagine these two teenagers spending the entire summer not wearing any clothing. It was impossible for her to envisage these two attractive girls calmly walking the streets of a town totally starkers. "They had to be mad," she thought to herself, never the less she liked them both, especially Caitlin.

Around half past twelve there was a great rattling outside in the corridor and a smiling, dimpled woman slid back their door and said, "Anything off the cart, dears?"

Everyone, except Claudia, quickly sprang to their feet and started giving the lady their orders. Claudia, who hadn't eaten since breakfast, wanted very much to make a purchase, but was hesitant.

"Aren't you going to get anything?" Caitlin asked, upon returning to her seat. "I'd stay clear of the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, but the Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin Pasties are delicious."

Claudia had been dreading this moment, but realized that eventually her secret would have to be revealed. Besides, she was starving. The girl took a deep breath and quietly said, "Leviosa." Support handles appeared on either side of the cushion on which Claudia was sitting and then the cushion levitated and floated effortlessly over to the vendor's cart.

"I'd like a Cauldron Cake, a Pumpkin Pasty and a Chocolate Frogs, please," Claudia said nervously.

"Certainly, dear," the dimpled woman said, once she regained her equanimity. Emily and the other students simply stared impolitely, dumbfounded.

Caitlin was the first to speak when Claudia had floated back to her seat. "Is there a problem with your legs?" Caitlin asked awkwardly. "Are they paralyzed?"

"No, but they may as well be for the slight use they are to me," Claudia answered dejectedly. "I was sick and the condition I had caused the muscles in my legs to degenerate. I can stand momentarily to slide from my float to a regular chair or bed, but I can't walk or stand longer than a few seconds. If I do, my legs give out and I'll find myself sprawled on the floor."

"With time, is there any chance of you recovering the strength in them?" Caitlin asked with genuine concern.

"No, I've been to the best healers, even a few Hyperempaths," Claudia sighed. "Magical medicine can do wonders when it comes to repairing physical injuries, but we're not much better at treating serious diseases and muscle damage than Muggles. I'm afraid that I'm never be normal again."

"You're plenty normal and nice, too," Tyler protested. "You just have a little mobility problem."

"Thanks," Claudia said, her eyes watering. "Then you don't consider me a freak?"

"Of course, you're not a freak," Emily insisted. "Life throws us all some wicked curves at times. You just got hit with a truly nasty one." Emily sighed inwardly. She now considered herself an authority on cruel fates. She pitied Claudia, but at least the girl would be alive this time next year. That was more than Emily could say for herself.

"That cushion you have is pretty cool," Evan said, impressed. "It will make getting to classes a breeze. You won't have to worry about trick steps or moving staircases."

"It might help with the trick steps," Claudia agreed, "but it won't be much assistance if the staircases actually move. Ali Bashir Limited, the same company that makes flying carpets, manufactures the floating cushion. The cushion actually responds to your thoughts, but it doesn't exceed five miles an hour or hover more than five feet off the ground. So I won't exactly be flying rapidly to class."

"You might not be flying, but I envy you not having to climb all the stairs between the potion dungeon and the towers," Kim stated, and then she realized just what she had said.

"I'm sorry," she sputtered. "I mean..."

"I know what you mean," Claudia interrupted, giving Kim a genuine smile. "You don't have to make an apology. It's hard being different from everybody else, but I've learned not to be thin skinned and I desperately want to make friends. I hope you'll all be my friends."

* * * * * *

A voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogsmeade station in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to Hogwarts School separately."

The train slowed down and finally stopped. People pushed their way toward the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. Claudia looked about nervously, not sure exactly what to do next.

"First years! First years over here, please!" called out a friendly sounding female voice.

"I'm supposed to go with them," Claudia said, excusing herself and floating off in the direction of Katie Bell's voice.

"I like her," Tyler said, grabbing Emily's hand and scurrying toward an empty carriage. "She's a little odd though. Of course, she's supposed to go with the first years. Where else would she go?"

"Follow me please - any more first years?" Katie called out again and then she caught sight of Claudia floating toward her. "Are you Claudia, Claudia Priestly?"

"Yes," Claudia answered meekly.

"Professor Granger asked me to keep an eye out for you," she said, a pleasant tone to her voice. "It's tradition for all new students to cross the lake by boat. Then you'll be sorted. Will taking a boat be a problem for you?"

"No, not at all, my float is extremely maneuverable," Claudia answered. "I'll be able to get into a boat with little difficulty. Thank you."

"I can't believe that they let someone like her in this school," a nearby boy whispered nastily.

"Yeah!" his friend agreed. "And already she's getting preferential treatment. First it was Mudbloods, now retards. My Dad says this school is really gone down hill. It's too bad that Durmstrang was destroyed during the war. It was a much superior school."

Claudia tried to ignore such comments and the ill-mannered stares of many, but it was difficult.

They followed a narrow path that suddenly opened onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparking in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.

"No more than four to a boat," Professor Belle called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore.

Claudia floated toward the nearest boat and landed softly on the front seat. At first it appeared that no one else was going to join her in the boat.

"I said, not more than four to a boat," Katie reminded.

"Shit! I guess we have no choice but to ride with the damn cripple," the boy from before complained to his friend.

"Maybe we can do the school a favor and toss her overboard," his friend said with an evil laugh. The two boys reluctantly climbed aboard and took the seat behind Claudia.

"Is everyone seated?" Katie questioned. "All right then - FORWARD!"


End of Chapter Three

My thanks go out to my betas for this chapter: Ken, Don and Mistri-Tonks' Admirer. If anyone would be interested in becoming a beta for this series, please contact me at [email protected]. Please be a good reader and take the time to review.

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