Hogwarts UnderExposed - A New Girl In Town

Hogwarts UnderExposed - A New Girl in Town

Jason checked his watch and then opened the door to check the corridor. "The dance is over in ten minutes," he said. "The full Body-Bind will last for about fifteen minutes. Grab her left leg and help me drag her out into the corridor. We'll leave her just outside the Great Hall to be found when the dance ends. She'll be so humiliated that she'll leave the school on the next train."

"What if she squeals on us?" Peter asked concernedly.

"She has no idea who did this to her," Jason explained. "We'll sneak back into the dance and then do something to make ourselves conspicuous."

"Could I at least cop a quick feel," Peter practically begged.

Jason shook his head in disgust. "You can feel her ankle as we drag her out of here," he said impatiently.

Chapter Fourteen

Luna's Gut Feeling

Luna watched admiringly as Harry first asked Caitlin to dance and then proudly escorted his daughter onto the dance floor. She couldn't help but smile; if there was any such thing as a perfect man and father, Harry Potter had to be it.

"If only he had a twin brother," Luna thought to herself. Her mind was just about to slip into a dream world in which a Harry clone was making passionate love to her, when she saw something that promptly brought her out of her stupor. The two ill-behaved boys that Harry had pointed out to her earlier in the evening were now rushing toward the main doors of the Great Hall; the same doors that Claudia had just moments before exited.

Luna had been the focal point of too many pranks during her school days to not recognize the signs of two boys who were up to no good. By and large, the shenanigans pulled on Luna had generally been good-natured and caused no lasting harm. However, from Harry's depiction of these two hooligans, Luna doubted they were capable of an innocent hoax.

She didn't want to cut Harry's dance with Caitlin short, but at the same time didn't think she should take on too much responsibility on her own; after all, she was only a substitute chaperone and not a Hogwarts professor. She spent several anxious minutes searching for Ginny and Draco, but to no avail. Evidently the couple had decided to call it an early evening, leaving Harry and her with the responsibility of closing out the dance.

After muttering a few choice words under her breath, Luna hurried toward the entrance doors. She wasn't about to disturb Harry purely on the basis of a gut feeling. Besides, he had said that the two boys were only first years; surely she, an adult witch, could handle any evils the two might cause.

She was surprised to find the entrance hall totally empty; all the same, Luna hurried without delay in the direction of the girls' bathroom. She was sure that had been Claudia's destination. Luna didn't much care where the boys were or necessarily what tomfoolery they were up to as long as they weren't hassling Claudia.

Luna lifted her skirt to her waist and drew her wand from its thigh holster; she wanted to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. She burst into the bathroom like an army storming a fortress. Then she froze, mouth open, eyes wide with sickened shock. Nothing could have prepared her for the scene before her.

* * * * * *

"Dad, do you think Luna is attractive?" Caitlin questioned as Harry waltzed her about the dance floor.

"Not as attractive as your mother, but Luna is definitely a fine-looking woman," Harry replied frankly. "She's also a fun person"

"Would you like to shag her?" Caitlin asked bluntly.

"Caitlin, I love your mother!" Harry sputtered, shocked and caught blindsided by the query. "We're happily married. What makes you ask such a preposterous question?"

"It's not a ridiculous question," Caitlin maintained. "Men cheat on their wives all the time and often with women far less attractive and engaging than Luna."

"I'm not cheating on Hermione," Harry insisted. "It was totally her idea that Luna chaperone the dance with me tonight."

"Yeah, what's with that, anyway?" Caitlin asked. "And please don't give me that babysitting garbage. If I didn't know better, I'd think Mum was purposely trying to get you and Luna together."

Harry's expression following this remark spoke volumes.

"She is, isn't she?" Caitlin questioned, now both confused and horrified. "Is Mum sick? Please don't tell me that she's dying, too."

"Your Mum is fine," Harry said, giving Caitlin what he hoped was a reassuring hug. "Caitlin, I've never lied to you before and I'm not about to start now, but what I'm about to tell you has to remain strictly between you and I."

"Emily and I don't have any secrets," Caitlin replied straightforwardly.

"Fine," Harry agreed begrudgingly. "You can tell your sister, but no one else."

As they continued their dance, Harry explained in detail Luna's situation and how Hermione had come up with the scheme that Harry should impregnated their good friend.

"How does Luna feel about all this?" Caitlin asked, evenly.

"Your mother hasn't broached the subject with her yet," Harry explained. "She doesn't want to give Luna any false optimism since I haven't agreed yet."

Caitlin kissed her Dad on the cheek. "If my opinion counts," Caitlin said serenely, "I think you should do it. My only concern would be your mind-set when it comes to obligation. You're the absolute reverse of Tom Pitt."

"Explain," Harry said, studying Caitlin questioningly.

Caitlin did not know quite where to begin, but it didn't matter. At that moment, something small and silver came shooting through the door and scampered onto the dance floor. Gleaming, the hare circled Harry and Caitlin. Heads turned, as those nearest it froze absurdly in mid-dance. The Patronus darted off the dance floor and then returned, circled Harry and Caitlin again, and then headed once more toward the door.

"Isn't that Luna's Patronus?" Caitlin questioned. "I think it wants us to follow it."

"I think you're right," Harry said anxiously. "I wish Luna had mastered how to make her Patronus speak."

As they hurried toward the main doors, the students as one began to follow. Harry whipped out his wand, directed it at his own throat, and said "Sonorus!" and then spoke over the chatter that was now filling the Great Hall, his voice echoing over them.

"No one leaves the Hall until I return," his voice boomed. "Fifty house points will be deducted for anyone not doing as they are told."

There was a general grumbling, but slowing the students turned back toward the dance floor.

"Emily, Tyler, Randy," Harry shouted. "Guard these doors."

"Dad, what's going on?" Emily asked uneasily.

"I have no idea," Harry replied, candidly. "Just don't let anyone leave this room until I get back." He turned and hastened after the hare, Caitlin following in his wake.

The hare scurried down the foyer and then through the door to the bathroom, Harry and Caitlin close behind.

"It's the girls' bathroom, should I go in first?" Caitlin asked unsurely.

"At times like this, proper propriety is disregarded," Harry replied, not hesitating even slightly before blasting the door to the bathroom right off its hinges.

The first thing they discerned was Luna, her face pale, a look of shocked dismay still covering it. Then they spied the bodies on the floor.

"I didn't want to move them until you arrived," Luna explained apologetically. "They've alive, just been stunned, I believe."

Caitlin couldn't believe her eyes. Claudia was laying spread eagle on the floor, completely naked except for her shoes. But even worse, there was a boy's body splayed across hers. The boy was masked and fully clothed, but his lips were touching Claudia's right nipple and his left hand was cupping her smooth mound.

"I'll revive them so that we can determine what happened," Harry said, flustered, reaching for his wand.

"No!" shouted Caitlin. "I don't know what transpired, but you can't wake Claudia up with him on top of her like that."

Caitlin grabbed the masked boy's arm and unceremoniously yanked him off and away for Claudia. Luna gasped as Caitlin then without warning got to her knees and inserted a finger into Claudia's slit and held it there momentarily. Caitlin seemed somewhat calmed as she got to her feet.

"She hasn't been raped," Caitlin said, relief evident in her voice.

"May I wake her now?" Harry asked, edgily.

"Not yet," Caitlin said, starting to slip off her dress. "I'm not having her wake up nude in front of him. She's going to be upset enough without having to answer questions while naked."

"Luna, will you help me slip this on her," Caitlin asked.

"But what about you?" Luna asked concernedly. "Now you're naked."

"It doesn't bother me to be seen this way," Caitlin said, "but Claudia isn't like me. I don't know what has happened here, but she's my best friend and I'll not have her humiliated even further."

"Caitlin," Harry said, noticing a piece of cloth sticking out of the nearby trash bin. "I think I've located Claudia's missing garment. Assuming that it's intact, there will be no reason for either of you to be exposed."

Harry examined the article of clothing carefully before doing a cleansing charm on it and then handing it to Luna. Harry waited patiently until Caitlin redressed and then helped Luna dress the unconscious Claudia. Once both girls were fully clothed, Harry said, "Rennerrate."

It took a few moments for Claudia and the boy to adjust to their surroundings and then they both started talking frantically.

"SILENCE!" Harry bellowed. "I'm as anxious to hear your stories as you both evidently are to tell them, but this isn't the time nor the place. Anything you say now will only have to be repeated to the Headmaster."

Both Claudia and the boy held their tongues. It was rare for a student to be taken before the Headmaster and both seemed terrified by the idea.

"Since Draco and Ginny seem to have both snuck out early, I'll have to go back and close down the Ball," Harry explained. "Caitlin, will you please help Luna escort these two to the Headmaster's office. I'll send my Patronus ahead and tell him that you're on your way."

As they started to leave the bathroom, Harry noticed a wand lying on the floor. "Does this belong to either of you?" Harry asked the two students.

The boy patted his buttock indicating his wand sticking out of his back pocket.

"I didn't carry mine tonight," Claudia answered meekly, downhearted.

Harry handed the wand to Luna. "Take this with you. It could just be a mislaid wand or it might be vital evidence."

As Luna and the three students headed off in the opposite direction, Harry headed back to the Great Hall.

"Thank Merlin!" Emily cried as Harry reached the doors. "The music stopped ten minutes ago and everyone was starting to get rather antsy. What's going on?"

"I don't have time to go into it now," Harry said, hurriedly. "Are you sleeping in our quarters or the dorm tonight?"

"The family quarters," Emily answered, slightly annoyed.

"In that case, Caitlin can fill you in later. Meanwhile, I need another favor from you now."

"Sure Dad."

"I need you to watch Ben. Your mother's presence is required in the Headmaster's office without delay."

* * * * * *

"Sorry it took me so long to get here," Harry said, hurrying into the Headmaster's outer chamber. "I see I missed the unveiling."

"Harry, what is going on?" Hermione asked, perplexed.

"Didn't anyone fill you in?"

"No. Caitlin and Luna are in with Severus and these two can't talk," Hermione explained.

"Can't or won't?" Harry questioned.

"Can't! Severus seems to have placed them under some sort of security spell. They can't talk, or move out of their chairs. What happened to cause the Headmaster to use such harsh treatment with students?" Hermione inquired.

"I don't know exactly what took place," Harry said sadly. "Hopefully we'll learn the truth when we get to question these two. I can only tell you what I saw." Harry then proceeded to give Hermione particulars regarding his being summoned by Luna's Patronus while he was dancing with Caitlin and about what they had both seen upon entering the girls' bathroom.

"But if they were both stunned, who cast the spell?" Hermione inquired.

"Prime question," Harry replied. "Obvious answer would be a jealous boyfriend, but the parts don't fit the puzzle. If they did, I'd have Matt sitting here now with us."

"Then you don't think this was consensual?"

"Hermione, you've spent as much time as I have with Claudia the last few weeks. You know how shy and timid she is, especially when it comes to her body. Can you picture her willingly rolling around naked on a bathroom floor? Let alone a public bathroom that anyone could have entered at any time and seen her?"

"Never in a million years," Hermione replied. "Then you think Peter was trying to rape her?"

"I think that's what we're supposed to think. Too many things just don't add up."

At that moment the door to the Headmaster's office opened and Luna and Caitlin stepped out.

"He'd like for you two to be present while he questions Claudia and Peter," Luna said quietly. "Isn't Draco here yet?"

"No, is he supposed to be?" Harry questioned.

"The Headmaster summoned Professor Malfoy as soon as he unmasked Peter Weiss," Caitlin explained. "That was at least thirty minutes ago."

Hermione checked her watch. It was nearly 1:30 AM. "Luna, please spend the night. I don't want you traveling alone by coach to Hogsmeade this late."

"I don't want to impose," Luna said suppressing a yawn.

"It's no imposition," Hermione insisted. "Jamie's old bedroom is just sitting there unused."

"If you're sure," Luna said capitulating. "I am rather tired."

"I'm sure," Hermione said. "Caitlin, please see that Luna gets settled in."

"But I wanted to stay here with Claudia," Caitlin complained.

"We understand that," Harry interjected. "But you wouldn't be allowed to be present during the actual questioning. You'd just end up sitting out here by yourself, fretting. We'll bring Claudia back to our quarters when the Headmaster is done interviewing her so that she can catch you up."

Caitlin agreed, although somewhat reluctantly, and then headed off to the family's quarters with Luna in toe.

Severus, looking very stressed, shortly joined Harry and Hermione; he was just about to lift the spell binding Claudia and Peter when Draco came rushing into the chamber. Without even acknowledging Harry and Hermione being there, Draco hurried to the Headmaster's side and whispered something urgently into his ear.

Severus shook his head grimly, his expression now even more distraught than before. "Search the entire castle, arouse whatever assistance you may require," he said grimly. "We will join you as soon as we've finished questioning these two."

Draco rushed from the room as, without explanation, the Headmaster released Peter and Claudia from the enchantments that held them secure. He ushered the nervous students into his office; Harry and Hermione followed.

"Be seated," he said brusquely, indicating two chairs to Claudia and Peter. "I want to hear from you in turn what transpired this evening. So that there will be no interruptions, the tongue-tying curse will only be removed when it is your turn to speak." Headmaster Snape pointed his wand at Peter. "Mr. Weiss, suppose you go first."

Peter cleared his throat nervously, testing to see if he, in fact, had his voice back.

"I had gone to the Ball stag," Peter began truthfully. "I'm not much of a dancer and rather shy around girls, so I spent most of the evening sitting and talking with friends. The music was okay, but by midnight I was bored and decided to call it a night and headed back to the dorm.

"Regrettably, I had to take a piss and so I made a side trip to the men's room. It was when I came out that she accosted me." He indicated Claudia. "She was on that floating thing of hers and kept blocking my way. She wouldn't let me get by.

"If I had really tried, I imagine that I probably could have forced my way past her, but she has always seemed so fragile and so I didn't want to risk hurting her."

Claudia couldn't speak, but Hermione noticed her roll her eyes at this comment.

"She told me to go into the girls' room so that she could show me something. I, of course, protested, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Unfortunately, I agreed. Just being in there alone with her made me extremely uneasy. I kept looking around apprehensively, afraid that someone would walk in on us. While I wasn't paying attention, she slid off of her float.

"She asked me if I liked her dress and before I could respond, she turned around, giving me a rear view."

Peter looked innocently at the Headmaster and then Harry and Hermione in turn. "Her dress was completely backless and nearly half her butt was exposed. I was dumbfounded."

Tears were filling Claudia's eyes, as she fervently shook her head, no.

"Admittedly, I couldn't take my eyes off her," Peter said. "I know she's growth hindered, but she's still quite an attractive girl and I had never seen a girl's bare butt before. When she saw the wordless look on my face, she laughed and then without comment or hesitation completely removed her dress. The next thing I knew, she was standing before me entirely nude. I was stunned. I knew then, for sure, that she was a slag, but I couldn't stop staring. Then everything went blank. I don't remember anything else until Professor Potter brought me around."

Claudia couldn't have spoken even if able. She couldn't look at anyone. Her head was bowed, her eyes closed as tears streamed down her cheeks. Hermione wanted to put her arms around Claudia and console the distressed girl, but realized that would hardly be acting in an unbiased way.

"Very well, Mr. Weiss," Snape said. "Is there anything else you would like to add before we listen to Miss Priestly's story?"

"Just that.... Well, I know my story is difficult to believe, especially when you look at her sitting there. She has such a shy, sweet and innocent look about her, but believe me, it's all fake. Have her stand up and model that sleazy dress she has on and you'll see that she isn't all that innocent."

The Headmaster nodded and then placed Peter back under the curse; he then released Claudia. "Miss Priestly, I understand that you can now leave your floating pillow for a short time, stand and actually even dance. Is that correct?"

Claudia nodded her head and meekly said, "Yes, Sir."

"In that case, before you give evidence, I'd like you to model your Ball Gown for me."

Claudia blushed a brilliant red and fiercely shook her head.

"Is that really necessary?" Hermione protested.

"Yes, I think it is," Severus insisted. "Much of Mr. Weiss' testimony is contingent on Miss Priestly's dress being moderately revealing. The dress will either help support his story or refute it."

Hermione didn't argue.

Claudia lifted her eyes and stared at Hermione, a look of desperation and defeat etched on her face. Without pause, she slowly slid off her cushion and dolefully turned around until her back faced the Headmaster.

"Please sit back down!" Severus said quickly, obviously quite ill at ease. He looked disappointedly at both Harry and Hermione. "You were both chaperones for the Ball. How could you consent to this young girl attending with her arse half exposed?"

Hermione quickly jumped to Claudia's defense and explained how the dress had, on it's own, naughtily decided to accentuate the girl's. She made clear that Claudia, although deeply disappointed, had originally decided not to attend the Ball.

"It was I who convinced her that it would be acceptable to attend," Hermione maintained. "As you can see, she is not the least bit exposed when seated on her poof."

"But she danced," Severus noted. "Indubitably, that caused a scene."

"No it didn't," Harry insisted. "She only danced one dance and it was a slow song. Her partner was extremely careful to shield her from view. You can interview any of the students. Even Mr. Weiss just testified that he was surprised to see how low the back of her dress dipped."

Severus held up his hand. "We've gotten off of our principal topic. Miss Priestly, please give details as to what happened when you left the Great Hall."

Claudia stifled a sob as she told how Caitlin and she had been about to go to the bathroom together when Professor Potter asked Caitlin to dance. She explained how two masked boys had accosted her in the girls' room.

"They were about to drag me out into the main hall, naked, when everything went blank," Claudia finished. "The next thing I remember is being awakened by Professor Potter."

Snape shook his head dismally. "Two very different accounts. Obviously one of you is lying."

Peter started to protest vehemently therefore the Headmaster removed the jinx so that he could be heard.

"... and, of course, you believe her because she's a girl, handicapped and in Gryffindor House," Peter complained.

"Her sex, House or physical plight carry no weight in my decision making process," Snape stated firmly. "Story inconstancies, however, do, Mr. Weiss. You contend that you were alone when Miss Priestly approached you and subsequently lured you into the girls' bathroom. Yet Miss Lovegood, who initially discovered you both, informed me that you departed the Great Hall with Jason Hendee. How is it that you made no mention of him in your account? "

"I saw no reason to get him involved in all this," Peter explained, uneasily. "We did depart the Great Hall together, but he headed straight back to the Slytherin common room. Boys, unlike girls, don't make a habit of going to the bathroom together."

Snape rubbed his chin. "So you're stating that Mr. Hendee was no where around when Miss Priestly accosted you upon leaving the men's bathroom."

"That's correct, Sir."

Snape picked up a wand from his desk and held it out to Peter. "Have you ever seen this wand before?"

"I don't recognize it," Peter answered deceitfully.

"It has Jason Hendee's name etched on the handgrip," Snape said. "Odd. I'd think that you'd recognize your best friend's wand." The Headmaster paused, giving Weiss time to stew. "What I don't understand is how his wand could have ended up on the floor of the girls' bathroom if Mr. Hendee went directly back to Slytherin House. Do you have any idea?"

"Not a clue," Peter lied, shaking like a leaf.

"You're a better friend to Mr. Hendee than he is to you," Harry piped in. "Based on what Luna told me, I decided to question Jason before coming here and he admitted that you two accosted Miss Priestly. Although he claims that he was a reluctant party to the entire affair and that you carried what was originally suppose to be a mild prank way overboard."

Peter's face reddened with anger. "Why that double dealing, lying prick," Weiss shouted. "The whole damn thing was his scheme. He's the one that forced her to disrobe. He was even going to use Sectumsempra on her until I stopped him."

Snape shook his head dismally. "I take it then that you are admitting that Miss Priestly's description is the true version of the events of this evening?"

Peter hesitated briefly and then finally nodded his head yes.

"Mr. Weiss, you are restricted to Slytherin House until I contact the Board of Governors and they advise me of their verdict on this matter." Snape looked at Peter, his face filled with revulsion. "I will tell you, however, that I am recommending your immediate expulsion from this school. What you boys did to this girl tonight was not by any definition a prank; it was tantamount to rape. It will be up to Miss Priestly and her mother to decide whether they want to press charges. Now get out of my sight while I still have control of my temper."

Peter practically ran from the office.

"What is this world coming to when two eleven-year-old boys...?" He sighed, not bothering to finish his remark. "Have you ever considered becoming an Auror, Harry? You saved us a lot of time with that timely bluff."

Hermione looked from Harry to Severus and then back again. "You never talked to Hendee; it was all a con?" she asked and then turned back to Severus. "But how did you know?"

"After talking to Luna and examining the wand she gave me, I contacted Draco and asked him to bring Jason Hendee to my office for questioning. It turns out that young Mr. Hendee has gone missing."

"He can't be missing," Hermione disputed. "All the castle doors are secured by ten o'clock. No one can enter or leave the castle without approval."

"Supposedly," Snape said. He turned to Claudia. "Miss Priestly, do you have any idea what might have happened to Jason Hendee?"

"Me? No!" Claudia answered, stunned by the question.

"Severus, certainly you don't think Claudia had anything to do with Jason Hendee's disappearance?" Hermione asked. She was traumatized by the Headmaster's inference.

"Hermione, frankly I don't know what to think," Severus replied, "but this is the second time this year that a student has impossibly disappeared from the school and there are two parallels. Both students were members of Slytherin House and both had a confrontation with Miss Priestly just prior to their disappearance."

"And based on that, you're jumping to the conclusion that Claudia was somehow involved in both their disappearances," Hermione said, shaking her head in revulsion.

"You're forgetting a third similarity," Harry interjected. "Both students have fathers that are powerfully situated in the Ministry."

"Harry, are you insinuating that both disappearances were politically motivated kidnappings?" Snape inquired.

"I don't know what to think," Harry said, shaking his head glumly. "The only thing that I'm sure of is that Claudia had nothing to do with either disappearance."

"Are you're certain that you're not letting her diminutive size and physical limitations cloud your judgment?' Severus questioned. "She is number one in all her classes. Any physical abilities that she might lack are more than compensated for by her powerful magical abilities."

"I agree with Harry," Hermione stated emphatically. "Claudia is Caitlin's best friend. Our daughters pick their friends very carefully. She is most certainly not your kidnapper."

"But unfortunately she is my one and only suspect," Snape declared. "Jason Hendee's father will be livid when he receives my owl detailing the events of this evening. I have to demonstrate to him that I'm taking some sort of direct action. I can't allow the prime suspect in two kidnappings to continue to attend this school."

The Headmaster looked dolefully in Claudia's direction. "I'm sorry, Miss Priestly, but I have no choice other than to suspend you until further notice. Should the missing students be found and you exonerated, you'll be reinstated straight away with my most sincere apologies."

Claudia immediately burst into uncontrollable tears. Hermione, disregarding her official role as Deputy Headmistress, hurried to console the girl.

"Severus, you can't be serious," she shouted. "You have no proof. You can't use this girl as a scapegoat just to save face with a pompous irate parent."

"I don't have any other options," Snape insisted.

"Well you better think of some and damn fast!" Hermione swore loudly. "If you suspend Claudia, I resign effective immediately."

Claudia began to frantically protest, but Hermione ignored her.

"Hermione, you can't be serious," Severus protested.

"I'm quite sure she is," Harry added. "And while you're interviewing for the position of Transfiguration professor, you might want to look for a new DADA professor, as well."

"You can't both quit," Severus implored. "You can't toss your careers away for some ...."

"Some what?" Hermione questioned warningly, interrupting the Headmaster. "I'd choose my words carefully if I were you, Severus."

Severus colored. "Look, there must be some way we can work this all out."

"I'm sure there is," Hermione replied, almost congenially. "But none that involves a suspension for Claudia."

Severus grimaced, bowing his head slightly, a beaten expression covering his face. "Very well, no suspension," he said grudgingly. "I certainly hope you have a plan for how to calm Mr. Hendee. Miss Priestly, you may return to your dorm. Your professors and I have matters to discuss that don't concern you."

Hermione hugged Claudia tightly. "Why don't you spend the night in our quarters?" she suggested. "Emily and Caitlin are there and I'm sure you could use some company."

Claudia nodded submissively. She gave both Harry and Hermione feeble smiles as she floated toward the exit.

* * * * * *

Claudia's knock on the door to the Potter's quarters was answered without delay. She wasn't surprised by the concerned looks jacketing both Emily and Caitlin's faces. Claudia had finally accepted the fact that both girls were true caring friends. Nor was she surprised to see that both girls were in their birthday suits.

She had visited the Potters quarters on enough occasions now to be quite familiar with Emily and Caitlin's modus operandi. Both girls were usually out of their clothes seconds after crossing the threshold. Actually, she would have been shocked to find either of them clothed.

It had taken some time, but Claudia had even gotten to be at ease with their nudity. She was no longer embarrassed by their constant bareness; she now took it pretty much in stride. Admittedly, she occasionally still caught herself looking longingly at some of their developed features that she would never have, but she wasn't jealous; they were her best friends. It wasn't their fault that she would never properly mature.

What did stagger her tonight was the presence of Luna Lovegood who was sporting an equally concerned expression on her face and who, unexpectedly, was as well totally nude. Seeing her friends exposed was one thing, but seeing an adult that way was another matter entirely. Claudia had never seen a naked grown-up before. Although Harry and Hermione were committed naturists, they had always been discrete and worn clothes whenever Claudia was in attendance.

It wasn't that Luna's state of undress offended Claudia; it didn't. Claudia was, however, mortified by the fact that she couldn't take her eyes off the young woman's perfect body. In some cases clothes are said to make the woman. In Claudia's opinion, no clothes could do Luna's striking body justice.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," Luna said unperturbedly, noticing Claudia staring fixedly at her.

"What happened?" Caitlin asked anxiously. "How did it go?"

"Not well," Claudia replied bleakly, tearing her eyes away from Luna. "If it hadn't been for your parents threatening to resign, the Headmaster would have definitely suspended me."

"No! He couldn't!" Luna protested. "Whatever happened tonight, I know it wasn't your doing. I told Headmaster Snape that those two scoundrels followed you out of the Great Hall. You were a blameless victim."

"The Headmaster, it seems, regards me as quarry that perhaps sought and attained vengeance," Claudia replied dolefully.

"I'm confused," Emily butt in. "Maybe, if you told us everything that occurred tonight. It would help catch me up."

"Yeah! I'd like that too," Caitlin agreed. "Start from where I left you to dance with my dad."

Claudia agreed and they all grabbed a chair; Claudia remained sitting on her floating cushion. After Caitlin distributed Butterbeers, Claudia embarked on her detailed account. No one interrupted her until after she reached the point where the boys were about to drag her naked body out of the bathroom and everything went blank.

"And you don't remember anything after that?" Luna asked.

"Nothing until I came around and saw you, Caitlin and Professor Potter staring down at me," Claudia answered. "I understand that you initially found me?"

Luna nodded.

"Was I dressed or naked?" Claudia asked bashfully.

"You were nude," Luna answered waveringly. "Caitlin insisted that we garb you before doing anything else. We didn't have any idea what had transpired, but she didn't want you waking up unclothed."

Claudia gave Caitlin a smile of gratitude.

"Don't you have any idea what happened to Jason or how you and Peter became comatose?" Emily questioned.

"No!" Claudia replied emphatically. "Although the Headmaster seems to think I somehow should. Someone else must have either been in, or entered, that bathroom undetected. I was lying on the floor under the full body bind and both boys had put their wands in their pockets in preparation of dragging me out into the main hall. That's the last I remember."

Emily still seemed confused. "Then how can the Headmaster possibly think you had anything to do with Hendee's disappearance?" she asked.

"I don't think he fully believes my story," Claudia replied, forlornly.

"Then he's an idiot," Caitlin retorted.

"No he's not," Claudia said, serenely. "He's simply a frantic man seeking an explanation to two kidnappings and his logic is more or less right. I would have wanted to get even with those boys just like I wanted to get back at Denise Graves, but I didn't."

"I don't know anything about your run-in with Miss Graves," Luna interjected, "but in my opinion you don't give the impression of being a malicious person. Besides, there just wasn't enough time. Ten minutes, at the most, transpired from the time you left the Great Hall until I discovered you out cold in that bathroom. Even if you had possessed a wand, I very much doubt you could have prevailed over both those boys, carted Hendee off somewhere and then somehow stunned yourself in that brief amount of time."

Further discussion of the subject was broken off with the arrival of Harry and Hermione. Neither seemed surprised that everyone was still wide awake, but since it was now nearly three in the morning, they promptly sent the disappointed girls off to bed.

Claudia's eyes widen in surprise as she enter the Caitlin and Emily's bedroom. Formerly the room had contained two single beds, but now it contained only one large king-size bed.

"What happened to your individual beds?" Claudia questioned.

"Mum and Dad took notice that Caitlin and I always sleep together when we spend time here," Emily explained. "So they transfigured our smaller beds into one gigantic bed so we wouldn't be cramped."

"Where am I going to sleep?" Claudia asked, looking around the room.

"With us, of course, silly," Caitlin replied. "This bed is large enough to sleep six people comfortably." Subsequently she realized that Claudia was still dressed in her ball gown. "But you can't sleep in that and neither Emily or I have pajamas to loan you. I'll go ask Dad if he has an old tee shirt you can wear."

"Don't bother," Claudia said, making an impulsive decision. "When in Rome do as the Romans do. You guys are my best friends in the whole wide world and it's about time that I started to fully trust you."

Claudia slipped off her floating cushion and as soon as she acquired her balance quickly reached for the hem of her dress robes; then she hesitated. Blushing, she looked at Caitlin and Emily both sitting on the bed watching her in anticipation.

"This is hard," she muttered, timidly. "Could you please extinguish the lamps?"

Caitlin reached for her wand and after a quick flick of her wrist the room was submerged in total darkness.

Claudia took a deep breath and swiftly slipped her dress robes off over her head. For a moment she stood frozen on the spot staring into the darkness. She couldn't make out the forms of either girl, so she assumed they couldn't see her. For some reason she felt so decadent.

"Where should I lay?" she asked nervously.

"You take the middle," Emily answered genially. "Caitlin and I are already on either side."

Slowly Claudia crawled forward onto the bed until she felt the pillows and then she lay down. This felt so strange and embarrassing to her. She had never even considered sleeping nude before. Hell, the only thing she ever did nude was shower. Now, here she was not only naked in bed, but with two other girls. There was absolutely no way that she would be able to ever fall asleep under these conditions.

Then it happened! A hand reached out and seized her left hand. It was soft and gentle, but it held her hand firmly. Almost simultaneously another hand grasped her right hand and squeezed it tightly. Instantaneously, Claudia's fears and apprehensions melted away and she relaxed. She realized that her fears were unfounded. Caitlin and Emily would never poke fun at her undeveloped body. As long as she had friends like them by her side, she could brave any challenge.

If only she could share her dark secret with them without losing their friendship. It had been a long, full day and after a short time she drifted off to a contented sleep.

* * * * * *

As soon as the door to the girls' bedroom closed, Hermione made herself comfortable by slipping out of her robes. In general Hermione would have stripped immediately upon entering their quarters, but Harry and she always remained fully clothed when any student friends of Emily and Caitlin were visiting. The only exception to this rule was for Kim, who had accompanied the family on their nudist cruise and was quite accustomed to seeing her professors unclothed.

Hermione also didn't want Luna to feel ill at ease being naked while Harry and she were still fully clothed. She needn't have worried though because Luna, as normal, was in a world of her own and didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable.

"I like those girls," Luna said dreamily, staring at the closed door. "Caitlin and Emily treat me just like an older sister and Claudia is really sweet."

"They appear to like you a lot, too" Harry commented, candidly. Until Harry spoke, neither Luna nor Hermione seemed to have taken notice that he also had removed his garments. Hermione gave Harry a puzzled look, but Luna stared at him absorbedly.

"You have a handsome body," Luna said vaguely, staring at Harry. Hermione noticed that Luna seemed especially fascinated by Harry's plumbing.

"I particularly like your penis," Luna said naively. She looked questioningly at Hermione. "Are they all that big or is Harry larger than normal?"

Hermione blushed slightly. "Based on what I've seen on our naturist trips, I'd say Harry is somewhat above average."

By now, Harry was blushing copiously and having an extremely difficult time maintaining his composure. He was accustomed to being unclothed in front of others; he was not, however, used to two beautiful nude women discussing his manhood. To make matters worse, Luna couldn't seem to drag her eyes away from his crouch.

In order to change the subject from Harry's anatomy, Hermione ushered their good friend out to the kitchenette where, over a butterbeer, she and Harry gave Luna a blow-by-blow review of their dialogue with the Headmaster.

"I just don't understand how he can think that sweet little girl had anything to do with either disappearance," Luna said, frowning. "There is no evidence. Just because she had a confrontation with both students doesn't make her a kidnapper."

"You don't have to convince us," Harry answered, trying to stifle a yawn.

"Goodness, look at the time," Hermione said checking her watch and getting to her feet. "We better be off to bed. Luna, given that you're spending the night, we can spend the entire day tomorrow practicing for your debate. That is, unless you have other plans."

"Me! Plans!" Luna said, shaking her head sadly. "I'm not exactly the most sought after dinner date in town and after the debate on Saturday, I'll probably be even more ostracized."

"Not by those who know and love you," Harry disputed. "You worry too much about what others think."

Luna began to sob. "You've always been so kind to me, Harry," Luna said frankly, flinging her arms around her astonished friend and hugging him tightly. "Thank you for taking me to the Ball tonight. I had a wonderful..." Luna gasped, abruptly backed away from Harry and then ran blushing liberally to Jamie's vacant bedroom.

Hermione quickly hurried after her while Harry just rubbed his head in disbelief.

It was about fifteen minutes before Hermione rejoined Harry. He was in bed fretfully waiting for her. "Is everything all right?" Harry asked uncertainly.

"She's fine," Hermione said, smiling and giving Harry a kiss before crawling in bed next to him. "She was just a little flustered. When she hugged you, I don't think she expected to be prodded by a stiff penis and it caught her rather off guard."

"I didn't mean for it to happen," Harry said, defensively.

"Harry, I'm not angry," Hermione said sincerely, cuddling up to him. "You're only human and Luna is a beautiful young woman. I can't imagine any man not getting a stiffy with her gorgeous body pressed tight against him. At least we know that you won't have problems getting an erection if you decide to impregnate her."

"Hermione, we have to talk about that," Harry said, his voice sounding somber. "Caitlin gave me the first degree tonight about Luna and I told her the truth. By now she has probably shared it with Emily."

"You told her that I wanted you to impregnate Luna? How did she react? Was she upset?"

"She wasn't at all upset by the idea," Harry explained. "I doubt Emily will be either. Both the girls love Luna. Caitlin thinks I should do it, although she did make a strange comment. At first I didn't understand what she meant by it, but now I think I do."

"What did she say?" Hermione inquired, curiously.

"She said that her only concern would be my mind-set when it comes to obligation. She said that I was the complete opposite of Tom Pitt." Harry kissed Hermione on the forehead. "Caitlin is right. I couldn't have a one night stand with Luna and then just forget about her and the child.

"I grew up without parents because mine were both killed by Voldemort. But I'm not dead. If I father a child, I'm going to help raise that child. I'm not about to renege on my responsibilities."

"But I'm sure Luna wouldn't expect you to acknowledge and help raise the child," Hermione said. For a few moments neither spoke. Finally Hermione broke the silence. "But I would." She wrapped her arms around Harry and kissed him deeply. "I would because I know you and know that you are the most loving, caring man in the world."

They held each other for several minutes, Harry now thinking the idea was ancient history.

"Do you think there is anyway that Severus would let Luna move into the castle so that you could be near the child and take part in his or her rearing?" Hermione asked, staggering Harry.

"It's not just the child," Harry stated emphatically. "What about Luna?"

"What about her?" Hermione asked.

"Can I be entirely honest with you?" Harry asked, nervously.

"Of course," Hermione replied. "Our relationship is based on candidness."

Harry paused; this was going to be extremely difficult. "I like Luna. I like her a lot. I'm not in love with her," he added hurriedly, "but I couldn't possibly hurt her. Back in our fifth year, I was in fact drawn to Luna. I actually considered asking her out, but didn't. We both already had our individual reputations as being strange and I didn't want to make matters worse for her. Then the whole Ginny obsession thing happened and I more or less forgot about Luna."

"But it wasn't Ginny or Luna that I missed or thought of continually while I was in my self imposed exile; it was you," Harry explained. "I could never feel about anyone the way I feel about you. You are my soul mate, my one true love."

Hermione wrapped Harry in hers arms and kissed him passionately. After several minutes she noticed a worried look on Harry's face. "There's a but to your story, isn't there?" she questioned.

Harry grimaced. "I can't put my feelings into plain words, but I think of Luna as more than just a friend. This probably sounds vain, but I sense that Luna has special feelings for me, too. Hermione, I think that if Luna and I have sex together it will open a Pandora's Box."

"Do you think it will awaken suppressed desires?" Hermione questioned concernedly.

"I don't know about that," Harry said honestly. "But I think all three of us will be extremely hurt; Luna the most. You and I have each other, but Luna has no one. She is lonely and depressed by her situation now. If she does care for me, how is she going to feel after a one-night stand knowing it will never happen again?

"I appreciate your good intentions and I'd like to help Luna perpetuate the Lovegood family tree, but ultimately I feel we'd be hurting her more than helping her. Maybe, we should just leave well enough alone."

At first Hermione didn't respond, she seemed deep in thought. When she did reply, her words seemed carefully selected. "That would be the easy way, but since when have you and I chosen what was easy over what was right?" Hermione stared at the ceiling, bit her lip and braced herself. ""Harry, I think you should take Luna as a second wife."


End of Chapter Fourteen


My thanks go out to my betas for this chapter: Thomas, Julie, Don and Mae. 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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