Hogwarts UnderExposed - A New Girl In Town

Hogwarts UnderExposed - A New Girl in Town

"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!"

Chapter Four
Half-Truths

The fleet of small boats moved off all at once, gliding across the calm lake. Everyone, including the obnoxious duo in Claudia's boat was silent. They were all staring up at the great castle that towered over them as they sailed nearer to the cliff on which it stood. Finally they reached a kind of underground harbor where they scrambled out.

They followed a passageway, at last coming out onto smooth grass in front of the castle. As they approached the huge, oak front door, it swung open. Professor Granger thanked Katie and beckoned the students to follow her as she led them into the large entrance hall.

"In a few minutes the Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the rest of the school," announced Professor Granger. "The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history,"

"I bet the cripple ends up in Hufflepuff," the nasty boy whispered to his friend. "All the rejects more often than not end up there."

Claudia sighed sadly.

* * * * * *

After leaving Kim, Emily and Tyler at the Slytherin table, Caitlin and Evan sat down with the rest of the Gryffindors at the far side of the Hall, next to Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost.

"Good evening," he said, beaming at them. "It seems strange to see you fully clothed Miss Caitlin."

"It's certainly not my choice," Caitlin said, shrugging her shoulders and giving Nick a pleasant smile.

"I hope they hurry up with the Sorting," Evan said. "I'm famished."

"You'll survive," Caitlin joked. She scanned the staff table and grinned widely when she saw Jamie sitting uneasily among the teachers.

"You have it made this year," Evan said, noticing Caitlin's grin. "You won't need to study at all what with having your sister and parents as professors."

"That's what you think," Caitlin retorted. "Mum and Dad are more demanding of Emily and I than they are of any of the other students. I have a strong sensation that Jamie won't be any different."

Evan was about to rejoin, when the doors of the Great Hall opened and silence fell. Professor Granger was leading a long line of first years up to the top of the Hall. The quiet was broken momentarily when Claudia floated in on her cushion. The Headmaster got briefly to his feet and the Hall once again hushed.

Professor Granger placed a three-legged stool on the floor before the first years and, on top of it, an extremely old and dirty, patched wizard's hat. The first years stared at it. So did everyone else and then the hat broke into song.

When the Sorting Hat finished singing its song, the Great Hall rang with applause.

"When I call out your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool," Professor Granger told the first years as she unrolled a large roll of parchment. "When the hat announces your House, please go and sit at the suitable table.

"Aumann, Karen!"

A girl walked forward, plainly trembling, picked up the Sorting Hat, put it on, and sat down on the stool.

"RAVENCLAW!" shouted the hat

Everyone applauded for her, especially the Ravenclaws. Karen took off the hat and hurried into a seat at the Ravenclaw table.

Claudia watched nervously as Austill, Michael was called forward. Obviously the names were being called in alphabetical order. That meant that she had rather a long wait until they got to Priestly.

As she watched and waited, the boy that had talked so rudely concerning her was promptly sorted into Slytherin House. A few minutes later his friend was also made a Slytherin. On the train, Claudia had been fond of both Emily and Caitlin and hoped to get sorted into either of their Houses. She didn't, however, like either of these two boys and would rather not be a member of the same house as them.

Finally after what seemed like hours ...

"Priestly, Claudia!"

As Claudia floated forward whispering suddenly broke out. Everybody was craning to get a good look at the strange new girl. Then everything went dark and all Claudia saw was the black inside of the hat.

"Interesting, very interesting," said a small voice in her ear. "It has been centuries since I have had one such as you to sort. Is the Headmaster aware of your uniqueness? I'm not quite sure where to place one such as you."

Gryffindor, please, let it be Gryffindor. Any place but Slytherin, Claudia thought.

"Are you sure?" said the small voice. "You are very cunning, but also brave and daring. Well, if you're sure - better be GRYFFINDOR!"

The hat shouted the last word to the whole hall. Claudia took off the hat and glided toward the Gryffindor table. Caitlin and Evan were applauding enthusiastically; the other Gryffindors were not sure what to make of this girl and simply applauded politely.

Once the sorting finally concluded, the Headmaster got to his feet. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. I'm sure that you're all famished, so shall we eat?" The dishes in front of them were now piled with food.

"I'm delighted you ended up in Gryffindor House," Caitlin said genuinely to Claudia.

"I asked the hat to put me here," Claudia confessed. "It had been seriously considering placing me in Slytherin, but I persuaded it that I belonged here. Your sister and her friends are nice, but some of the other people in Slytherin seem rather mean."

"That's an understatement," Caitlin said. "Don't get me wrong; there are some nice people in Slytherin. It isn't nearly as bad as when Voldemort was about, but they still have more than their fair share of blithers. Two of the most awful tried to kill Emily last year and nearly succeeded."

"Certainly, they were immediately expelled," Claudia said, appalled.

"Unfortunately not," Caitlin replied. "Everybody knows they did it, but there isn't any tangible proof."

"I read Hogwarts, a History in order to familiarize myself with the school," Claudia announced. "I know Slytherin house has a dark history, but I had not idea that it went as far as attempted murder."

"It doesn't normally," Caitlin answered back. "Denise and Janice are a matchless pair. Hopefully you'll have minimal contact with them."

Claudia silently agreed. She doubted very much that either of those girls would be very understanding of her abnormality.

Once everyone had finished eating, including a delicious assortment of desserts, the food faded from the plates, leaving them sparkling clean. The headmaster got to his feet and after making a few brief announcements dismissed them all to bed.

"First years follow me," a Gryffindor girl said importantly.

"You better go with her," Caitlin sighed, exasperation evident in her voice. "Some of the prefects can get somewhat testy when they're disregarded. You don't want to get off on the wrong foot."

Claudia was about to dispute that she wasn't a first year, but then decided not to make a scene, but rather instead to comply, at least until they reached the Gryffindor common room. Claudia and the first years followed the prefect out of the Great Hall, and up the marble staircase. They were led through doorways hidden behind sliding panels and hanging tapestries. Claudia noticed a few tired first years, who were yawning and dragging their feet, glance back at her enviously as they trudged up yet another long staircase.

Finally the prefect said, "Here we are."

At the end of the corridor hung a portrait of a very fat woman in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" she said.

"Drooble's Best Blowing Gum," replied the prefect, and the portrait swung forward to reveal a round hole in the wall that gave entrance to a inviting, round room full of comfy looking armchairs.

"Welcome to Gryffindor tower," said the bossy girl. "Boys through this door and to the top of the spiral staircase. Girls follow me."

As they were led toward a door at the other side of the common room, Claudia decided it was time she spoke up. "Excuse me," she said respectfully. "I'm not a first year. I'm a transfer."

The prefect stared at Claudia incredulously. "Professor Granger told me to be on the lookout for a transfer," she said shaking her head. "But you can't possibly be Claudia Priestly, she's a fourth year."

"That's me," Claudia said shyly. "I'm a little small for my age."

This had to be the biggest understatement of all times. Claudia appeared too young to be a first year, much less a fourth year. At first the girl just stared at Claudia bewildered. Then the sound of a crowd of students entering the common room broke her trance. She looked around, at a loss.

"Potter, come here!" she shouted.

Caitlin and Evan exchanged anxious looks; both wondering what Caitlin could have possibly done to be in trouble already.

"Potter! This is Claudia Priestly."

Caitlin nodded. "Claudia and I met on the train."

"She's a transfer; in your year. Please get her settled into your dorm. I must tend to the first year girls."

Caitlin was stunned speechless. She stared in disbelief as the prefect and her charges disappeared from sight. Finally, she turned to Claudia and said aghast, "You're a fourth year?"

"Yeah," Claudia answered timidly. "I'll explain it to you, but not here." Everybody in the common room was intently looking in their direction.

Caitlin kissed Evan good night and then silently guided Claudia toward the fourth year girls' dorm. When she opened the door, Caitlin was surprised to see that the room had been magically expanded and an additional set of furnishings added. Claudia's trunk was already at the foot of the newly added four-poster.

"It looks like you'll be sleeping next to me," Caitlin said, still slightly confused by the sudden turn of events. She had definitely thought Claudia to be a first year. How could she possibly be fourteen?

Claudia looked blissfully around the room. There were four other beds in the room besides hers and Caitlin's. Claudia settled on her bed and indicted that Caitlin should take a seat.

"If you'll allow me, I'd like to explain a little about myself before the other girls come up to bed," Claudia said, tentatively.

"I'd like that," Caitlin said determinedly. "Do you mind if I get comfortable first? I haven't worn a stitch all summer and these clothes are driving me crazy."

"What exactly do you mean by 'get comfortable'?" Claudia asked uncertainly. "Do you mean slip into you pajamas or strip down to your undergarments?"

Caitlin laughed. "I'm a naturist, Claudia. I don't even own pajamas and I never wear underwear. To me, being comfortable means being naked."

Claudia visibly gulped. Incredibly, she had never, in her entire life, seen another person, male or female, nude, not even a baby. "Are you always naked in the dorm?" Claudia asked. "You're not embarrassed to be seen that way and your dorm mates don't mind?"

Caitlin faltered briefly. "Actually, I'm usually bare in the common room as well. Everyone in the school knows I'm a naturist and my house mates are very accepting of this."

"You parade around in the common room totally starkers?" Claudia said, horror-struck. "In front of all the boys? But they can see all your private parts?"

Caitlin laughed to herself. "The way you are sitting, your robes have spread open and I can see your bare legs up to mid thigh. Does that embarrass you?"

"Of course not," Claudia retorted. "You'd see just as much leg if I were wearing shorts or a swimsuit. Seeing bare arms or legs is tremendously different from seeing a person's butt or chest or ... you know... down there."

"Why?"

"Because it isn't right for people to see those parts of you; especially not boys."

"Why?"

"Because we've been taught that they should never be exposed," Claudia exclaimed. "It's just wrong."

"Exactly," Caitlin exclaimed. "Someone, sometime in history decided that nudity was decadent and so people suddenly started covering up. Change is coming, but it's very slow. Not too many years ago it was sinful for women to bare their legs and for men to bare their chests.

"Body parts are just that, body parts; breasts are simply an extension of the chest, butt checks the termination of our legs. Everybody has either a penis or a vagina. I don't find it anymore embarrassing for someone to see my breasts than to see my shoulders."

"But don't people stare at you?" Claudia asked.

"Certainly, especially the first year boys," Caitlin conceded. "But that's to be expected. Most of them have never seen a girl naked. After a week or so of gawking, they barely take notice me anymore."

Claudia gulped. "Does that mean that you'll be undressed in the common room starting tomorrow night?"

"No! Each year I have to get the verbal permission of the new first years before getting comfortable; if just one of them objects, I will remain clothed. But enough about me, do you mind if I disrobe now? Then you can get on with your story."

"I don't mind," Claudia said halfheartedly. Truthfully she didn't honestly know whether she minded or not. Part of her found the idea of this girl disrobing very unsettling; another part of her, the honest part, was excited at the prospect of seeing a fully nude developed girl.

Caitlin quickly discarded her robes to reveal that she was wearing a little, floral print, summer dress under them. The dress was extremely short, causing Claudia to seriously question Caitlin's earlier claim that she never wore panties. Any doubt of the trueness of Caitlin's claim was removed along with the dress.

Claudia suddenly found herself reflexively staring at the bronzed body of a very attractive teenage girl.

"I'm sorry," Claudia said, quickly turning away. "It was rude of me to stare."

"Don't worry about it," Caitlin replied coolly. "It's a normal first time reaction. Once we've lived together a few weeks, you won't even give me a second glance."

Claudia sincerely doubted that. "You have a very nice figure," Claudia said openly.

"Thanks! Do you actually think so? I wish my boobs were a little bigger. You probably couldn't tell on the train, what with the robes and all, but my sister Emily already has what they refer to as C-cups and she's only thirteen."

"I'd be happy to have A-cups," Claudia said mournfully.

"Don't be depressed," Caitlin said encouragingly. "You're probably just a late bloomer like me. I thought I was going to be flat chested for my entire life and then one morning I woke up and realized I finally had tits. Give it time; your girls will grow, too."

Claudia shook her head desolately. She liked Caitlin; she wanted to trust her, but she had trusted before only to end up being betrayed. Could she rely on Caitlin? "How old do you think I am?"

Caitlin dithered. Honestly, this girl didn't look a day over ten, but could Caitlin be honest without hurting her feelings.

As if reading Caitlin's mind, Claudia said, "Be honest! Tell me how old I actually look. I'm not blind. I know the truth."

"Unless you're some kind of mastermind, you must be at least fourteen to be a fourth year," Caitlin faltered, "but to be totally straightforward, you don't look a day over ten."

Claudia nodded. "I'm actually sixteen, but you're correct I look like a preteen. Worse, I'll look exactly like this when I'm one hundred sixteen."

Caitlin was stunned and looked at Claudia skeptically, so Claudia continued her story.

"My parents were missionaries. I grew up moving about the world; living in some truly appalling places. But it made me realize how fortunate I was to be both loved and also magical. When I was ten, my parents transferred to East Africa. They were both healers and could have probably been wealthy if they had set up a practice in a well-to-do wizard town in America, but they were dedicated and more interested in helping the poor and down trodden than being rich.

"I didn't like Africa much, mainly because of all the dangerous beasts. Many a night, I cried myself to sleep. Despite my efforts to hide my true feelings, my parents eventually found out. They decided that they were being selfish and plans were made for us to return to the United States so that I could live a normal magical child's life. My mother went to the nearest city to make reservations for our departure while my father and I remained in the small village.

"While she was gone, the village was attacked by a Nundu, arguably the most dangerous beast in the world. It looks like a gigantic leopard, but its breath causes disease virulent enough to eliminate entire villages. My dad had only seconds' notice of the animal's assault. He performed a bubble-head charm on me, but died before shielding himself. The entire village was wiped out with the exception of me.

"I didn't know what to do. Everyone around me was dead; I was all alone. Then after hours of crying and clinging to the body of my departed dad, my air began to run out. I knew sufficient magic to end the charm. The outside air had cleared enough that I didn't die immediately, but it was still venomous. I became extremely ill. My mother was devastated upon her return. She managed to save my life and we returned to the United States, but irreversible damage had been done to my growth systems. I age, but my body shows no outward signs of the aging. I will, forever, have the appearance of a little ten-year-old girl."

Caitlin just stared, dumbstruck at Claudia. She had gotten her explanation.

"I also suffered muscle and nerve damage," Claudia continued. "At first I couldn't talk or move my arms or legs at all. On my eleventh birthday when my letter arrived to attend the Salem Institute, my mother pleaded with me not to go. She felt I was too fragile; I could barely hold a wand. Being stubborn, I insisted, but Mom was right. It was a disaster. I didn't return after the first year, but I'm lots better now. Home schooling, however, just wasn't cutting it and I want to learn to be a proper witch."

"You talk fine and you've recovered full use of your arms, is there any chance you'll regain full strength in your legs," Caitlin asked concernedly.

"Possibly. The healers are optimistic," Claudia advised. "I can stand for brief periods, like to take a shower and walk short distances with assistance, but I can't climb stairs. I'd never be able to get to classes in this castle if it wasn't for my float."

"You're actually sixteen," Caitlin said, amazement still evident in her voice.

"Yep! Sweet sixteen," Claudia answered. "Never been kissed and never will be."

"You have to be optimistic," Caitlin insisted.

"I'm not optimistic, nor am I pessimistic," Claudia insisted. "I'm just realistic. Any guy that would be attracted to me would have to have pedophile tendencies."

"That's not true," Caitlin insisted. "You're aging mentally and emotionally. A guy could fall in love with the person inside you."

Claudia simply nodded. Obviously, Caitlin was at times blind to reality. "Where do we shower and answer nature's call?" Claudia asked, opting to change the subject.

"Right through that door," Caitlin said, pointing to the far wall. "Do you need any help?"

"No, I can manage on my on, but it's good of you to ask."

Claudia rummaged around her trunk for her nightclothes and then after sneaking a slightly envious look at Caitlin's exposed body; she floated toward the bathroom door. What greeted her on the other side of the door was not at all pleasing. It wasn't the age or the shabbiness of the conveniences that turned her off, but rather the complete lack of privacy.

Straight ahead of her was a line of sinks, to her right toilets and on the left a row of showerheads attached to the wall. The toilets, at least, had stalls with doors, but the showers afforded absolutely no privacy, anyone standing at the sinks or for that matter just stepping into the room had an unobstructed view of a person showering. Claudia scowled in dismay; there was absolutely no way she could shower with others watching. She used one of the stalls as a dressing room to change into her pajamas and then after washing her face and brushing her teeth, returned to the dorm. She would have to shower when the other girls were sleeping.

When she reentered the dorm it was to the sound of laughter and giggling. Her roommates, in various states of dress, were joking around as they readied themselves for bed. Claudia's eyes were immediately drawn to Caitlin, who was bounding about seemingly carefree. Caitlin was obviously not the least bit self-conscious, but more surprising was the fact that the other girls seemed completely nonplused by her nudity.

As soon as Caitlin spied Claudia, she ran over to the girl and wrapped her arm around her. "I hope you don't mind, but I told the girls your history," she whispered.

Claudia wasn't sure how she felt about this turn of events until the other fourth year girls rushed forward and welcomed her with open arms. She struggled to hold back tears of happiness. They were accepting her.

* * * * * *

"Wake up sleepy head or you won't have time to take a shower before breakfast."

Claudia moaned as she struggled to open her weary eyes. She was definitely not a morning person. If it were her choice, she'd prefer to stay up until the wee hours of the morning and then sleep the daylight hours away.

She gradually forced her eyes open only to be greeted head-on by a pair of boobs, inches from her face.

"I thought you'd never wake up," Caitlin said, sliding off Claudia's bed, where she had been kneeling over the girl, and standing up. "I had to practically scream in your ear."

"I hate mornings, especially bright sunny ones," Claudia said, moving her draperies to block out the offending sun.

"Come on, let's go get a shower," Caitlin said encouragingly.

"You go ahead," Claudia said. "I already got mine last evening."

"When?" Caitlin questioned. "You and I climbed in our beds at the same time."

"It was about two in the morning," Claudia replied sleepily. "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take advantage of the empty facilities."

"In that case, I'll hurry and take mine whilst you dress. Wait for me and we can go down to breakfast together," Caitlin said before scampering off.

Claudia wasn't sure if the other girls were in the bathroom or if they had already gone down to breakfast, but she took advantage of the empty dormitory and quickly changed into her Hogwarts uniform. Then she grabbed her comb and tooth blush and headed into the bathroom. In addition to Caitlin, two of the other girls were also showering. Claudia tried desperately to avoid looking in their direction. She couldn't fathom how they could possibly bathe in such an out in the open setting.

She had finished brushing her teeth and was combing her hair when Caitlin approached her still toweling off. "If you need a mirror, I have one on my dresser," Caitlin said helpfully. "I can't believe they don't have any installed in here; this is a girls' bathroom after all."

"I try to avoid mirrors," Claudia said resolutely. "I don't like the constant reminder that I'm trapped in the body of a ten-year-old."

Caitlin nodded understandingly. After doing a speedy drying charm on her hair, she discarded her towel in the hamper before heading for the door. Claudia followed behind on her float, trying to concentrate on Caitlin's shoulders and not look at her bare bum.

"I'll be ready in a second," Caitlin said, slipping on her shirt and tie and then stepping nimbly into her little skirt. She grabbed her robes and slung them hurriedly over her shoulder. "We can come back for our books after breakfast. No sense carrying them all with us until we find out what classes we have today. Normally, we get our schedules at breakfast."

"You seriously never wear a bra or panties?" Claudia asked, obviously troubled by Caitlin's lack of undergarments.

"I've actually never owned a bra," Caitlin said conversationally. "They look terribly uncomfortable; I can't imagine ever having to wearing one. I did wear knickers up until the age of twelve. That was when I came to Hogwarts and first meet Jamie, Emily's sister. When I discovered that Jamie was a naturist, I was fascinated and decided to give it a try. I've been one ever since and tossed all my knickers in the bin. You should give it a try; it's amazing how much more comfortable you feel."

Claudia doubted very much that comfortable would be the term she'd use to describe her feelings if she went without panties. "Do your mum and dad know you don't wear undies? Doesn't it upset them?"

"Mum can't say much because she never wears them herself," Caitlin replied. "Dad is a typical dad. He doesn't care so much that I don't wear knickers, but he wishes my skirts and dresses were longer. It's kind of weird; he doesn't mind me being totally nude in public, but doesn't like it when my bits show when I'm dressed."

Bizarrely, Claudia could see the logic in Caitlin's dad's sentiment. Their conversation had brought them to the doors of the Great Hall. Claudia's faced glowed brightly as all eyes focused on her as she glided into the Hall.

"Just ignore them," Caitlin advised. "They're like little kids with a new toy. Give them a few days and when the newness wears off, they'll pay no heed to you."

Claudia could only hope Caitlin was correct, as they seated themselves at the Gryffindor table next to Evan.

"Anyone die that we know," Ron asked as he took the seat next to Hermione at the staff table that ran along the top wall of the Hall. Ron never bothered reading the paper. It was much easier to get a synopsis of the news by asking Hermione.

"Not that we know, but there was another bombing yesterday." She watched distastefully as Ron relentlessly shoveled food into his mouth. Many things had changed over the years; one item that hadn't improved a bit was Ron's eating habits. "Didn't you have breakfast with Sam and the boys?" she asked. Sam now watched Ben during the school year, so that Hermione could instruct her classes.

Unfortunately, Ron's mouth was packed to the exploding point and all he could mange was "fud shodna eva ga twase."

Hermione turned to Harry, who was reading the Morning Quibbler. "Minister Weasley claims in The Daily Prophet that the bombing was the work of Mid-eastern terrorists."

"The Quibbler has rather a disparate view point," Harry said, trying to restrain himself. "I'm sorry; I know it's not a laughing matter, but Luna is priceless."

"What does Luna have to say?" Ron asked, having managed to swallow his food.

"She says that Percy is full of dragon dung." Harry snickered.

"No argument there," Ron laughed. "Seriously, what does she have to say on the situation?"

"I'm being serious," Harry insisted. "She literally says that Minister of Magic, Percy Weasley and his cronies are full of dragon dung. That it is about time that the Ministry tells the people the truth instead of lying and destroying evidence in order to remain in power."

"Oh my!" Hermione exclaimed, exchanging papers with Harry. "It looks like Luna and the Quibbler have declared war on Percy and his administration. She maintains that followers of Salazar Slytherin have taken credit for the recent bombings, but that the Ministry has concealed this information from the public."

"I can't wait to hear what Percy has to say in response to that," Ron said, truly impressed. "Can I see that?" He reached for the paper. "It's about time someone cut that pompous git brother of mine down a notch or two. You know, you too might be right. I'm beginning to think Luna would make a great Minister of Magic."

"The food here is especially good," Claudia said. "The Salem Institute had good quality food, but not nearly the vast variety and quantity that Hogwarts offers."

"It's good, but very rich and high in calories," Caitlin said. "If I didn't exercise regularly I'd have a belly as big as Saint Nicholas. My Mum holds an early morning exercise and running group. We'll be starting up again next week. You should consider joining us, Claudia. I realize that you can't run, but the exercises might help strengthen your legs."

Claudia nodded her head appreciatively, but already knew that she wanted nothing to do with any group that met outside the castle at sunrise, without doubt it was her least favorite time of day.

Professor Granger was now moving along the table handing out schedules. She and Caitlin exchanged warm smiles. After receiving his schedule, Evan gave Caitlin a chaste kiss and hurried off with his fellow second years.

"No Charms today," Caitlin said disappointedly. "I was hoping to be in Jamie's first class, but we don't have her until tomorrow. Instead we have History of Magic, double Potions, Divination and double Defense Against the Dark Arts...you'll get to meet my dad."

"What's he like?" Claudia asked. "He's very handsome, but looks rather intimidating."

"Not at all," Caitlin claimed. "As long as you work hard in his class, you'll be fine. He doesn't take well to goof offs."

"If you guys don't get a move on, you'll be late for class," Matt scolded.

"Claudia, this is Matt and his ever faithful sidekick, Randy. Unfortunately they're both in our year," Caitlin joked good-naturedly. "If you want to do immensely well this year, just ask for their opinion and then do the direct opposite."

"Nice talk Potter," Randy retorted. "With friends like you, who needs enemies?"

"Ignore her, Claudia," Matt said. "The three of us, at one time, were inseparable. She's just upset that we don't hang around as much any more, especially since Randy and I have grown to be Greek gods."

The boys both assumed muscular poises and Claudia and Caitlin were both overcome with fits of giggles.

"Seriously, if you find yourself in need of any type of assistance; don't hesitate to give us a call," Matt said, giving Claudia a genuine smile before he and Randy hurried off.

"Those boys appear to be very nice," Claudia commented as she and Caitlin picked up their books in Gryffindor Tower and then scurried off to History of Magic.

"They are," Caitlin said sadly. "Unfortunately, Matt and I attempted to be more than friends and it sort of tarnished our relationship."

"You two dated? What went wrong?" Claudia asked.

"Matt became too suffocating. He couldn't accept me being a naturist and all the other boys often seeing me nude."

"I can appreciate how that might be a problem for a guy," Claudia replied, honestly. "Doesn't it bother Evan at all?"

"Not that he lets on," Caitlin answered, smiling at the very mention of Evan's name. "He knows that other guys might see me naked, but realizes that he is the only one that gets to touch me intimately."

Claudia's eyes widened at this remark. She speculated just how intimate Caitlin might mean by intimate, but recognized it was really none of her business. As they neared the History of Magic classroom, Caitlin warned Claudia about how boring Professor Binns was, but even being forewarned she wasn't properly prepared for what she was about to face.

History of Magic was by common consent the most boring subject ever devised by Wizard-kind. Professor Binns, their ghost teacher, had a wheezy, droning voice that was almost guaranteed to cause severe drowsiness within ten minutes, five in warm weather. He never varied the form of their lessons, but lectured them without pausing while they took notes, or rather, gazed sleepily into space. Perhaps in another teacher's hands this subject might be mildly interesting, but not when taught by Binns.

Caitlin caught Claudia staring attentively at Matt as he played at propping his eyelids open with toothpicks.

Double Potions followed History of Magic; Professor Malfoy began the class by reminding them that they would be sitting for their O.W.L.s in just two short years. "These tests will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions," he preached.

"Many of you will cease studying with me after fifth year, but I still expect you to scrape an 'acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my ... great displeasure. However, be that as it may, we still have two full years before that happy moment when we part company.

"Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation."

On the way to lunch, Claudia commented on how handsome Professor Malfoy would be if only he smiled once in a while.

"He's changed in the last year," Caitlin remarked. "He used to be much more pleasant in class; even joked around occasionally. Now he never cracks a smile, not even out of class. One would think he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I pity his little girl if he doesn't mellow out by the time she gets older."

"How old is his daughter?" Claudia inquired.

"Molly is still an infant; just two month old," Caitlin said. "Her mother, Professor Weasley, teaches Muggle Studies and Anatomy of the Sexes."

"Weasley? Is she related to Ron Weasley, the third member of the Covenant?"

"His younger sister," Caitlin answered. "Ron ... rather Professor Weasley teaches flying and Anatomy of the Sexes to third and fourth years. He's really nice; so is his wife Samantha. They went on a naturist cruise with our family two years ago."

"Then they're naturists, too," Claudia said, shocked to find out that so many of her professors were practicing naturists.

"Sam and their son Timmy enjoy naturism, but not Professor Weasley. He is extremely uncomfortable nude. He's not exactly happy that Sam and Timmy have embraced nudism, but there isn't much he can do about it."

"Wow! You know most of the staff personally," said Claudia, impressed.

Caitlin laughed. "Yeah! Very personally! Every single one of them, including the Headmaster, has seen me totally starkers."

After lunch they headed to the top of North Tower and Divination.

"I was going to drop Divination," Caitlin commented, "and then my sister winds up being a seer. I decided I should find out what I can about the subject matter even though I personally don't show any psychic ability."

"Your family is amazing," Claudia gushed. "I'm really eager to meet your father. I think he's a hunk."

"Please, Claudia! We're talking about my dad." Caitlin squealed.

Finally they climbed the last few steps and emerged on a tiny landing; they were the first to arrive. The circular trapdoor in the ceiling that led to Sibyll Trelawney's classroom was already open with a silvery ladder leading up to it.

"That ladder was the cause of Matt and I breaking up," Caitlin said, reminiscing.

"How so?" Claudia questioned.

"See all those hooks? Read the sign above them."

Classroom can be extremely warm in September, May and June. Robes are not required.

"Last September I took off my robes and hung them up just like I have it in mind to do now," Caitlin explained, taking off her robes. "Matt followed me up the ladder, but about half way up I called his attention to the brass plaque on the trapdoor. His eyes never quite made it to the plaque."

Claudia blushed. "I imagine he got quite a show. But that was no reason for him to breakup with you."

"Actually, he claimed that the view turned him on, but he didn't ever want anyone else to have the benefit of the same vision. He ordered me to immediately start wearing slacks."

Claudia shook her head. "I barely know you, but I can't see you taking well to being ordered to do anything."

"Right in one," Caitlin declared. "That night I made my point by spending the evening in the common room completely nude. Matt and I broke up that night. We didn't even have a civil conversation for months." Caitlin shrugged. "It all worked out for the best though. We're friends again and I met Evan."

"Then you don't have any regrets?" Claudia asked. "Matt's extremely good looking and personable."

"No regrets," Caitlin replied categorically. "Opposites may attract, but you have to be able to compromise in order to form a lasting relationship. Matt and I were poles apart with no chance of finding a middle ground." Caitlin smiled. "I saw you staring at him during History of Magic; he's available if you're interested."

"I wasn't staring at him," Claudia lied, flustered. "Besides, I doubt very much he'd be interested in an underdeveloped cripple."

"Don't sell yourself or Matt short," Caitlin warned. She looked questioningly at the ceiling trapdoor.

"Will you be able to float high enough to get through that?" Caitlin asked.

"I think so," Claudia said unsurely, but several attempts proved her wrong.

"Are you ladies having a problem?" Matt asked amicably, as he and Randy arrived for class.

"Sort of," Caitlin replied. "Claudia's cushion float won't rise far enough above the ground for her to enter the trapdoor."

"I see two solutions," Randy suggested. "Either a levitation charm or someone actually physically carry her up."

"Levitation charms on a person are too problematic," Caitlin insisted. "We'll end up banging her head on the ceiling."

"Forget the magic. I'll carry her up," Matt insisted.

"Exactly how do you intend to carry her and climb the ladder at the same time?" Caitlin questioned.

"The same way I lifted you above the crowd in our first year," Matt replied to Caitlin. "She can sit on my shoulders."

Randy nodded. "That should work. But you better both remove your robes; they'll just get in the way when you climb the ladder."

Claudia was beginning to have extreme doubts about trying this, but at the persistence of Matt and Caitlin, she slid off her float and allowed Matt to support her while Caitlin helped her out of her robes. By this time the other Gryffindors had begun to arrive for class, but none of them climbed the ladder; they were too engrossed in what was transpiring.

"I'll stoop down," Matt said. "Caitlin, you and Randy help Claudia onto my shoulders. Claudia, once you are on my shoulders, wrap you legs around my neck and hold onto my head until I position us at the ladder. Okay this isn't working, your skirt is covering my face, bunch it up somewhat."

Claudia blushed profusely. Her skirt was now pulled up so high that surely everyone in the hallway could see her panties. Why? Oh why? Of all days had she picked today to wear a thong?

Matt held his hands tightly on Claudia's bare legs until he maneuvered them to the ladder. "I won't be able to hold you as I climb," he said. "Just hold on to the sides of the ladder lightly for support as we move up. Leave all your weight supported on my shoulders."

The trip up the ladder went surprisingly easy until they reached the top and Claudia's head and torso were sticking above floor level. "Now what?" she asked nervously.

"How strong are your arms?" Matt asked. "Can you pull yourself up onto the floor until I get off the ladder?"

Claudia's arms were quite strong and she easily executed as Matt requested. She shuddered; however, to think of the view she was almost certainly affording him.

As soon as Matt was through the trapdoor, he hastily brushed Claudia's skirt down and then swept her up into his arms. "Would my lady prefer a chintz armchair or a fat little pouf?"

"An armchair please, good knight," she said self-consciously as Matt placed her gently in the chair. "Thank you."

"My pleasure, gentle lady. I look forward to the return trip," he said sincerely.

"I'm sure that if I contact the Headmaster, some alternate way can be arranged to get me up the ladder."

Matt had a look of disappointment on his face. "If you want," he said sadly. "It was sort of fun. I wouldn't mind doing it on a regular basis."

"Well, if you're sure," she said giving him a genuine smile. "I'll see you at the end of class."

"I await your call, fair maiden." He kissed Claudia's hand and went to sit next to Randy as Caitlin joined Claudia.

Caitlin gave Claudia an expressive smile. "I guess being a realist is okay, but there's nothing wrong with being a little optimistic either."

The best thing that could be said about their Divination lesson was that it was not a double period. When Caitlin and Claudia arrived at Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Potter was not there yet. They hurried to grab two chairs right in front of the teacher' desk, took out their copies of Creatures of the Night: Defense Against Dangerous Dark Beings by Quentin Trimble, and waited. Soon Professor Potter arrived, smiled at the class, and sat down on the corner of his desk.

Caitlin was positive she heard a few of the girls in the class heave a sigh.

"And so we start another year at Hogwarts." Harry glanced around the room, his eyes finally coming to rest on Claudia. "Since I'm acquainted with everyone else, I'll assume that you are Miss Priestly." Claudia nodded. "Last year this class covered boggarts, Red Caps, hinkypunks, grindylows, Kappas, and most Dark creatures that I could safely bring to class for observation. If you have missed studying any of these creatures, please see me after class and I'll make arrangements to tutor you privately."

Caitlin heard an unmistakable moan from her female classmates. She couldn't figure out the attraction, but evidently most of them would jump at the chance to have private classes with her dad.

"This year we will concentrate on creatures too dangerous to bring into class, such as dementors, Inferi, and others mentioned in your text book. Time permitting, at the end of the year, I will show you what illegal Dark curses look like.

"On each of your desks is a detailed course outline. Are there any questions?"

As usual there were none. Harry was about to carry on when a hand coyly crept into the air.

"Miss Priestly," Harry said, failing to hide his surprise. "Do you have a question about the course objectives?"

"Not so much the objectives, but rather about the required course text book," she said, nervously. "Who selects the textbooks for a given class? In particular, who selected Mr. Trimble's book for this course?"

Caitlin stared at Claudia, thunderstruck. She couldn't believe that her new friend was questioning her dad about his selection of course material.

Harry studied Claudia carefully before responding. "An interesting query Miss Priestly and one that I will answer, but perhaps first you could indulge me and answer a question of my own, why do you ask?"

Claudia shilly-shallied, thinking that maybe she should have just kept her big mouth shut.

She took a deep, calming breath. "I was just wondering whether whoever assigned the book actually read it beforehand. In my opinion Mr. Trimble is an unabashed bigot."

The students as one held their breath in anticipation of their professor's response.

"Can I assume you have read the book in question?"

"Yes, sir, from cover to cover," Claudia replied. "I have no quarrel with the author's representation of creatures such as dementors and Inferi. I think we all agree that they are pure evil with no redeeming values, but he throws vampires, werewolves and giants into the same broad grouping. The book isn't about them, but in passing he even degrades goblins, house elves and centaurs. The man is racially prejudiced."

"Can I presume then that you don't consider vampires, werewolves or giants dangerous dark beings?" Professor Potter asked.

"Not necessarily," Claudia said, wavering to some extent. "They can be extremely dangerous and evil, but you can't throw them all in the same pot. They're people, just like you and I, and people are all individuals. You can't judge whether a person is good or bad based on his race or religion. Likewise you can't declare that all werewolves are good or evil. We can point to the war against Voldemort for a key example. Fenrir Greyback fought on the Dark Lord's side. He was pure evil, an animal with absolutely no redeeming qualities. How can we catalog him along with Remus Lupin who once taught at Hogwarts and fought on the light side? They're both werewolves, but that's where the similarity ends."

When Claudia finished, the room was deathly quiet, everyone waiting for Professor Potter's reaction to her outburst. For a few minutes he said naught, but rather stared at her appraisingly.

"Miss Priestly, you've forced me to do something I swore I would never do on the very first day of classes: Twenty points to Gryffindor. I congratulate you for seeing through the smoke and mirrors and spotting Trimble for the true hypocrite he is. Much to my dismay, the Ministry obliged us to use his xenophobic book this year."

* * * * * *

A wound allowed to fester, never heals and can only become worse. Sam had allowed the hurt between her and Ron to go untreated far too long. Tonight it had to end, one way or another.


End of Chapter Four


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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