Chapter 4
The Headmaster's Office

Disclaimer: Parts of this chapter are taken from Chapter 7 of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone" by JK Rowling. I do not claim her work, only my own additions.

Warning: Brief discussion of natural female development


Rose did her best not to think anymore of the mysterious Professor Quirrel for the remainder of the Feast. She did her best to be part of the discussion around her, which she was happy to be a part of since most of the focus was not on her. Around her, at the Gryffindor Table, the conversation with her fellow first year Gryffindors had moved on to different topics. When it came to discussing families, her classmates wanted to know about the Potter family. Rose had no problem talking about her parents and siblings, as her fellow classmates and house-mates listened with complete attention.

Before Rose knew it, dinner was over, and dessert had come and gone. Albus Dumbledore stood from his chair.

"Ahem — just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered," he said, "I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker," he continued, "to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their House teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Rose stared at Dumbledore when he finished this warning. She wondered what the hell the man was up to. If the Headmaster wanted to keep certain corridors secret, why did he announce them in the first place. Curious students would likely go there just because they could.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" cried Dumbledore.

Dumbledore gave his wand a little flick, as if he was trying to get a fly off the end, and a long golden ribbon flew out of it, which rose high above the tables and twisted itself, snakelike, into words.

"Everyone pick their favorite tune," said Dumbledore, "and off we go!"

And the school bellowed:

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot."

Everybody finished the song at different times. At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped loudest.

"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

Rose noticed Dumbledore give her a look that told her to wait there. She wondered, as she said goodbye to Susan and Hermione, and promised she would see them soon, if the Headmaster would meet her there. Then she recalled that Dumbledore had asked Professor McGonagall to escort her. As she looked around the Hall at the departing students and Professors, she noticed Dumbledore and Snape leaving together out a back door of the Hall. Once the Hall was mostly empty, Professor McGonagall walked over to Rose. But she did not look at her immediately.

"Miss Tonks?" McGonagall said, "Shouldn't you be going to your Common Room with the rest of your Hufflepuffs?"

Rose turned and saw Dora walking toward her.

"I assume Professor Dumbledore left early," Dora said, "to get a hold of Rose's parents so they could be here during the meeting with Rose?"

"I do not think that was on his mind," McGonagall said.

"I didn't think so," Dora said. "Then I am here in James and Lily's stead. I am a mentor and teacher for Rose; I help her with her Metamorphmagus talents. I think her parents would approve if I was with Rose during her meeting with Dumbledore. Just so I can make sure that the Headmaster does not cross any boundaries when it comes to questions."

"That is usually my role, Miss Tonks," McGonagall said, "as Rose's Head of House."

"Forgive me, but Rose barely knows you," Dora said. "I'm sure she'll let you come along. Might even be necessary, as you are her Head of House. Especially if I am correct and this has to do with her future as a student at Hogwarts and in your House. But when it comes to her well-being and other such issues, if her parents cannot be here, I think they approve of being there in their stead. Or I suppose the Headmaster could put this off until tomorrow, and Rose can send them post asking them to be here tomorrow with her."

McGonagall pursed her lips and looked from Dora to Rose, then back to Dora.

"I think it would be alright if you come along in Miss Potter's mentor role," McGonagall said.

"Thank you, ma'am," Dora said.

"Follow me, ladies," McGonagall said.

Rose grinned at Dora, who winked and smiled. The two students followed the Professor as they started out of the Great Hall and through the corridors.


Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was sitting at his grand mahogany desk in his magnificent office. His Potions Master, Severus Snape was threatening to create a rut in the middle of Albus' smooth, stone-tiled floor.

Severus had wanted a word with Albus after the eventful Welcoming Feast, so Albus had walked with Severus on his way to his office, in hopes to have the conversation before he had arrived. But Severus had not said one word – at least out loud – since they had left the Great Hall.

"Severus, my boy," Albus said, "If you have something to say, please move on with it. I am awaiting Minerva, who is bringing Miss Potter up here to meet with me."

"Potter," Severus muttered, "It all comes back to Potter, doesn't it?"

"Could you please explain how Miss Potter has you pacing back and forth in my office?" Albus asked.

"Miss Potter?" Severus said, "Miss Potter – if she truly is a Miss – is merely a pawn. Did you see her appearance? She looked like Lily!"

"A remarkable similarity," Albus said, "I do agree. I simply must assume she unconsciously took on her mother's appearance that Halloween night, with she thought Lily was dead. She decided to remain a girl -"

"Are you truly going to believe this?" Severus asked, "Rose Potter is simply an invention made by James Potter and Sirius Black – a prank! James used his Metamorph child to replicate Lily when she first came into this castle and -"

"Severus!" Albus cut in, "Severus, I have never taken you as a man suffering from paranoia. First of all, do you honestly believe Rose's mother would let that happen? Then there is the most crucial evidence. The Sorting Hat."

He nodded to the hat resting on a shelf.

"The Hat called to Rose, telling her to put it on her head," Albus said, "It looked through Rose's mind -"

"Potter taught his spawn Occlumency," Severus said, coldy, "enough to block me out from a simple invasion! The boy – because we both know that is Potter's son – not daughter – tricked the Hat."

"I beg your pardon?" the Sorting Hat said, "In all my years, I have never been tricked by a student, even one as remarkable as young Miss Potter. I saw her mind. She is indeed Rose Lily Potter. Harry Potter is all but dead, aside from a few times she changed into an appearance she believed to be Harry. Harry Potter no longer exists. Rose Lily Potter exists. She is real. I saw it in her head."

"Since when do you talk in more than a limerick or a simple few words outside one's mind?" Severus asked.

"I have held excellent conversations with the Hat many times," Albus said.

"I simply only speak when I have something to say!" the Hat said, "And I have had very little to say to you."

Severus sneered at the Hat.

"Do not make those disgusting facial expressions with me," the hat said, "I have seen into Miss Potter's mind, and believe me, boy, you do not want to cross her. She does not take kindly to someone referring to her as Harry Potter or any masculine titles. I'm sure she wanted to hex Albus for nearly calling her 'Mister!' this evening!"

"I have better things to do than to be lectured by an enchanted head warmer!" Snape hissed. "I'm leaving."

"Please use my Floo to get to your office," Albus said, "And Severus? Keep an eye on Professor Quirrel."

Severus harrumphed and proceeded to leave the office through the Floo. Albus looked at the Sorting Hat.

"So you agree that Harry James Potter does not exist anymore?" Albus asked.

"Outside of fiction novels and one of several appearances Miss Potter can turn herself into," the Sorting Hat said, "Harry James Potter has not existed since that Halloween night. Rose Potter was correct. Harry died that evening and she came forth."

"Thank you," Albus said.

Albus sat back and contemplated the Hat's words. What did that mean? "Rose came forth"? Was it something due to Voldemort's attack? Was it a side-effect from her scar? Albus knew what was hidden beneath that lightning bolt shaped scar. A Darkness unlike no other. Albus began to wonder – and fear – that Rose Potter was a representation of that Darkness. Rose and the Hat had both confirmed it after all. Harry Potter was dead. Voldemort had killed the boy. Whether Rose Potter was simply the feminine side of Harry's Metamorph ability, a side of Harry which had miraculously survived that fateful Halloween evening, or something much Darker, had remained to be seen.

On his desk, the miniature gargoyle which represented its much larger guardian protecting his office, moved slightly. Rose Potter was on her way to his office.


Rose Potter had already fallen in love with Hogwarts castle. She had only trekked a small percentage of the castle and had seen some of its many wonders that teased more to come. She and Dora had followed Professor McGonagall through the castle and onto the second floor.

They had to use the Grand Staircase to get there. The Grand Staircase was – simply put - massive, majestic and simply magical. It looked like a crazy mixed up version of the Louvre in Paris. The entire seven-story room was adorned in moving paintings, all of which were beautiful, all of which must have had so many stories to tell, not only of their own experiences, but of Hogwarts itself. And then there was the many stairs, all of which moved randomly and out of sync. Unpredictable as they were spectacular. Rose had a feeling she'd get lost simply trekking the Grand Staircase.

Now Rose and Dora were following Professor McGonagall up a winding staircase. The stairs had been hidden behind a wall, guarded by a fierce-looking stone gargoyle. It actually nodded its head before moving when Professor McGonagall gave the correct phrase which must have been a password. Rose wondered if "Rocky Road" meant the type of ice cream, or a metaphor of some kind. When they reached the door, Professor McGonagall knocked on it, and it opened by itself. She motioned for Rose and
Dora to go in, and followed behind them as they did as was requested.

The Headmaster's Office – Rose could only assume that is what the room was – had a homely feeling to it. Rose wouldn't have blamed the Headmaster if he chose to stay in the room all the time. It simply looked welcoming. Though the several odd-looking objects around the room weren't in Rose's taste, they must have meant something to the Headmaster. Dumbledore was seated at his desk, his hands together as if in prayer. To his right, stood a golden roost, and on top of the roost – Rose had heard of Dumbledore's phoenix. Looking upon the bird was amazing. To Dumbledore's left, Rose spotted the Sorting Hat sitting on a bookshelf. Rose swore it was smiling at her. She wondered if the Voice of Hogwarts was still using it.

"Ah, Miss Tonks," Dumbledore said, "I did not expect you."

"I am here acting as Rose's mentor," Dora said. "Her parents hired me over the past four years to help her with her Metamorph talents. I am here in their stead unless you wish to invite them to this meeting tonight. Or it can be delayed until tomorrow. Rose could write a simple letter..."

"I may ask Miss Potter to do that very thing before we're finished," Dumbledore said. "But if you wish to be here as her pseudo-guardian to make sure nothing goes out of the ordinary, then I will allow it. Please, take a seat, all of you."

Three plush chairs appeared on the closest side of the desk as soon as he said this. Rose proceeded to sit in the center one, with Dora and McGonagall on either side.

"If you wish to talk to my parents," Rose said, "Why am I here tonight, instead of tomorrow. It is rather late. My bedtime is soon."

"And I will not keep it from you too long," Dumbledore said, then smiled, "It is close to my own bedtime too. Mostly, you are here to fill out some simple paperwork. Officially you are a student not on the projected student list. Though I assume you have all your school items, and clothes. I can tell by your outfit that your wardrobe must suit your gender."

"We went school shopping for me, not Harry, if that is what you're asking," Rose said. "Harry was only a name on a letter, and paperwork until I arrived. I did not want to reveal my secret until I got to Hogwarts. My parents and I knew I'd deal with enough backlash of my announcement here. Word about my real identity will get out, but my parents wanted me here during the public backlash."

"Unfortunately I believe the 'word' is making its way to various people at this moment," McGonagall said, "On our way here, I noticed Hufflepuff and Slytherin students making their way to the seventh floor. I can only assume they're going to the Owlery."

"A good assumption," Dumbledore said, "Unfortunately I cannot block the post – they have a freedom to send out post, even if it doesn't have to do with personal issues. Do not be surprised if tomorrow morning's edition of the Daily Prophet has an article or two – or more – about you."

Rose grimaced and nodded. "As long as I only deal with the backlash here, and not elsewhere, for now, I am okay with it. I can prepare myself. I will do my best to not let it interfere with my education."

"Headmaster," Dora said, "We can only assume Rose will get hoarded with post. Can you please avert anything aside from – say – Daily Prophet subscriptions and personal letters - so it goes to Rose's parents? If her parents come by tomorrow, I'm sure they can clear up with you who exactly is allowed to send post here to Rose."

"I think that is an excellent suggestion," Dumbledore said. "It can and will be done. Now, it appears you have well prepared yourself, Miss Potter, for your time here. A bit of paperwork, changing your name and signing it with your official signature, and by tomorrow, your Professors will know to accept 'Rose Potter' into their classes instead of 'Harry Potter', as was expected. Though I assume Rose and Harry are the same in some ways."

"Technically I am the same person I was," Rose said, "when the Healers handed me to my mother on the day I was born. I have the same soul, I suppose. I was born a Metamorphmagus, who looked like a boy. Then at fifteen months old, I suppose I decided I wanted to live my life as a girl."

"Was it your decision?" Dumbledore asked. "After all, you were fifteen months old. Incapable of decision making."

"Are you accusing Rose's parents of intentionally raising her to be a girl, Headmaster?" Dora asked.

"I am sorry, Miss Tonks, Miss Potter, if it came out that way," Dumbledore said.

"It was my sixth birthday when my parents sat me down and asked me if I liked being a girl," Rose said. "They decided I was old enough for that discussion. By then I had spent nearly five years being the girl I am now. According to them, out of all the days that made up the time between me being fifteen months old and six years old, I only ever reverted back to a complete male form a total of seventeen days, never back-to-back and usually far in between. Aside from those seventeen days, I was always a female, even if I did not look like the same girl always. But eighty percent of the time between those years before I made a conscious decision, I looked like one might think a young Rose Potter would."

"And the years between ages six and eleven?" Dumbledore asked.

"I was training my Metamorph talents – first by myself, then with Dora's help," Rose said. "However, most of the time I was completely female."

"You said 'completely female' twice now," McGonagall said, "What does that mean?"

"How much do you know about Metamorphmagi, Professor?" Dora asked.

"Not as much as I'd like," McGonagall said, "Simply because it cannot be taught to a whole student body. You two are the only Metamorphs in this entire school at the present time."

"Metamorphs are defined as a third gender," Dora said, "We are neither male nor female, and at the same time we can be both. As you're undoubtedly aware, we're capable of looking like boys and girls. However, sometimes, the genders mix up. It is more common with girls, especially during puberty. As you know, since I had to go through with it, Metamorphs who see themselves as females – Rose and I – experience monthly cycles and everything young witches experience."

"So Miss Potter will have to go through the common procedures?" McGonagall asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Dora said, "Focusing on Rose, she has had several cases where one day she finds herself with a boy's anatomy in the nether region. It was worse when she couldn't control it. During puberty, during unconscious times of arousal – so wet dreams as the definition goes – she may wake up to find she has male anatomy. However, if she is anything like me, she will be able to fix herself before one of her dorm-mates notices."

McGonagall cleared her throat. "Am I to understand Miss Potter may have a boy's anatomy occasionally whilst in the same area as her fellow students?"

"Yes," Dora said, calmly, "But the enchantments that repulse males from the girl's dormitories will not repulse her during these times. Simply because in her mind she is a girl. I am sure Rose can calm your fears. Rose, if it comes a time when you find you have male genitalia whilst in the vicinity of your dorm-mates or other girls in your dormitories, what will you do?"

"Remain behind closed curtains or doors away from the other girls until my body returns to normal," Rose said.

"Does that calm your worries, Professor McGonagall?" Dumbledore asked, looking rather amused.

"I... suppose," McGonagall said, "I can't imagine Rose would ever overstep boundaries."

"If you woke up unexpectedly with male genitalia, ma'am, would you want anyone to see you?" Rose asked.

"Most certainly not," McGonagall said, in partial shock.

"Neither would I," Rose said, "It has happened before, and it has been embarrassing enough."

"Will it affect her when she has to go through the procedures?" McGonagall asked Dora.

"Possibly," Dora said, "Rose can jump that hurdle when they come. She won't have to deal with it until at least next summer."

McGonagall nodded. "Well, if the Sorting Hat has personally invited you into the Girl's Dormitories, Miss Potter, I will not rescind that invitation. Unless there comes a time when I feel I must if boundaries are crossed. Then – well, to paraphrase Miss Tonks 'we'll jump that hurdle when it comes'."

"I will do my best to behave," Rose said.

"I am not finished, Miss Potter," McGonagall said, "Unfortunately, there is a chance that may come soon. Some people will not believe you are entirely Rose Potter. Parents of girls in the dormitories – maybe not the one you'll sleep in, but those below and above you – may be confused about who you are. They may feel that a boy is sleeping in the same areas as their daughters. It may be worse if and when your – well, shall we say – unfortunate Metamorph side-effects – come into public awareness."

"So I may be kicked out of the dormitories I should be in and not because of something I did?" Rose asked, frowning, "How unfair."

"True," McGonagall said, "Once again... hurdles."

"Miss Potter," Dumbledore said, "I will do my best to propel you over those hurdles in the best positive way if that happens."

Rose nodded. "Alright."

"I merely warn you to prepare yourself," Dumbledore said. "It is common amongst Muggle and Magical that we fear what we do not understand. For so long, people have known you as Harry Potter. Soon enough, there will be a lot of confused people. Some may actually accuse you of having murdered Harry Potter – simply because of what it means now that he is officially gone, and has been replaced with you. Harry was a beacon of hope to most of wizarding society. A symbol of freedom from the oppressors. To learn that he is not around anymore, and has been replaced will not go over well with everyone. Alas, I have been in your shoes, in a way. Most days I am happy to get fifty-percent approval."

Rose smiled. "Thanks for the warning."

Dumbledore bowed his head briefly and his eyes twinkled.

"It is getting to be close to your bedtime," he said, "and while I may be exaggerating a bit, you have miles to go before you sleep. I assume you will write your parents this evening?"

"Yes," Rose said, "My owl is clever. I wouldn't be surprised if she meets me in my dorm awaiting for me to give her a letter. When should I ask my parents to come?"

Dumbledore pointed his wand at his desk, and a piece of parchment appeared. He looked at it.

"This is your class schedule, Miss Potter," he said, "I suppose I could give it to you tonight so you can be ready tomorrow before breakfast with your bag packed with the required items, and ready for classes. Let's see. You have History of Magic first thing after breakfast, then Charms – one of your mother's favorite classes. Then your father's favorite, Transfiguration, with Professor McGonagall. Excellent. If your parents arrive between your third and final class of the evening and dinner, then they can meet with me, and in turn you can meet with them if you so desire. Your final class gets over at four-o-clock tomorrow. Ask your parents to meet me outside my office at half-past-four, and you can be here to meet them as well. I will personally ask Hagrid to escort them when they arrive at the front gate."

"I will tell them," Rose said, "Should I tell them what to expect?"

"Oh, merely a reunion between old friends," Dumbledore said, as he gave Rose her class schedule, "and we can discuss any questions they might have regarding your future education."

Rose nodded. "Alright. I'll let them know. Anything else?"

"Nothing for now," Dumbledore said, "Is there anything you wish to tell me?"

Rose wondered if she should mention Quirrel, and how he made her scar hurt in some way. Then she decided she would let her parents know first instead. Rose shook her head.

"Very well," Dumbledore said, "If we can move onto a few signatures, and I'll let you go."

Rose spent the next few minutes signing pieces of parchment after reading documents and letting Dora see them. Dora agreed to everything. It was simply making sure Rose was officially Rose at Hogwarts.

"Excellent," Dumbledore said, when they were finished, "I'll let Professor McGonagall give you the rest of the tour on your way to your Common Room and dormitory. Ah, Miss Tonks..."

He pointed his wand at the desk, and a slip of parchment appeared. He then gave it to Dora.

"This will get you past any staff that comes between you and your Common Room," he said, "Good evening to the both of you."

Taking this as being excused, McGonagall led Rose and Dora from the office. When they reached the Grand Staircase, Rose hugged Dora.

"Good night," Rose said, "Thank you for being there with me."

"No problem," Dora said, "I'll see you soon enough."

She patted Rose's head, and Rose giggled and backed away. Dora winked and waved and started off down the stairs. Rose followed McGonagall up the towering staircase. Hufflepuffs and Slytherins were coming back down the stairs from apparently the Owlery. Most were giving sheepish looks to McGonagall who simply gave them looks of disapproval. Rose was not liking the looks some of the Slytherins were giving her.

Rose was fairly exhausted when she reached the top over five minutes later.

"That was... easier than expected," she said, exhaling breaths.

"Only because you were escorted by a Professor," McGonagall said, "Those stairs can be tricky when traversed alone."

"I'll keep that in mind," Rose said.

"The Owlery is down the right Corridor, as is Ravenclaw Tower," McGonagall said, motioning to their right when they reached a fork in the corridor as they arrived on the seventh floor. Gryffindor Tower is to our left. I assume you still believe your owl is waiting for you, so the Owlery is not a necessary visit?"

"Yes, ma'am," Rose said.

"Very well," McGonagall said, "Follow me, please."

Rose followed McGonagall as they trekked down a long corridor which was empty except for portraits, tapestries, statues and not much else. Rose giggled when she passed by a tapestry that had trolls doing ballet. McGonagall simply shook her head and passed by it. Rose realized the Head of Gryffindor must have passed it by literally hundreds of times in her time here. Soon, they were standing in front of a painting of an enormous lady. The lady eyed McGonagall then Rose.

"You must be Miss Potter," the lady said, "How very nice to meet you. You look so like your mother. Password?"

"Caput Draconis," McGonagall said.

The lady in the portrait bowed, and the portrait moved as if on hinges to reveal a large hole. Rose, then McGonagall stepped into the Common Room. A few students were still hanging about, talking to friends.

"The password on the Portrait changes every so often," McGonagall said, "It will usually be on the noticeboard, or your House prefects will know it if you forget it. This is the Gryffindor Common Room where you'll spend much of your years here, when not in your dormitory, on the Grounds, or elsewhere in the castle."

"It is very inviting," Rose said, admiring the comfortable sitting area near a warm hearth.

"Certainly is," McGonagall said, "Your dormitory is up the stairs on the right. Go on, then."

Rose stared at McGonagall for a moment. "You're afraid it will reject me."

"I will be happy to be proven wrong," McGonagall said.

Rose harrumphed and walked toward the stairs that led toward the witches' dormitories. McGonagall followed her as Rose bravely – and without hesitation – traversed the steps. When she made it to her assigned dormitory, she turned to McGonagall, who looked mildly surprised.

"You see?" Rose asked, "I did not slide back down on my backside."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "Your father and godfather told you about that, eh? Never have I had anyone try to traverse these steps in my years more than they did. Have a good evening, Miss Potter. I will see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, ma'am," Rose said, "You have a good evening yourself."

A small smile reached McGonagall's lips, and Rose turned and walked into her dormitory. There were five four-poster beds, all with red and gold curtains, and each looked very comfortable. Rose was not surprised to find Susan and Hermione waiting for her. Parvati and Lavender were still up as well, trying to feign talking to each other, but obviously looking at her. All four girls were in their pyjamas.

"You made it!" Susan said.

"Did you have any doubts?" Rose asked, raising her eyebrows. "Just because I – ahem – well, anyway. McGonagall seemed to be of the same belief. Actually followed me until I reached the dormitory. Thought I wouldn't be allowed."

"Why would you not be allowed?" Lavender asked, "You're a girl, right?"

"If she tells you why, you two better keep it quiet!" Hermione said, "It is very private! You two already remind me as two girls who will parade information about her around without her permission."

"My family is in an Alliance with Rose's, Granger," Parvati said, "I would not betray her secrets or there would be serious repercussions between our houses. Mine would be off worse, because mine is Minor and hers is Ancient and Most Noble. And I can keep Lavender quiet."

"I can keep a secret on my own!" Lavender said.

"We know who to accuse if it gets out," Susan said, causing Lavender to huff.

"Okay," Rose said, sighing, "On rare occasion... I am known to have... partial male anatomy on accident."

Partial male –?" Lavender muttered, then her eyes widened, "You mean...? Down there?"

"Yes," Rose said.

"Gross!" Lavender squealed.

"That is why McGonagall thought you wouldn't be allowed up here?" Parvati asked.

"Yes," Rose said, "She simply didn't understand immediately that while I am a Metamorph, I see myself as a girl, and am a girl – almost entirely. If... it... appears, I promise to do my best to put myself back to normal before you notice."

Lavender laughed, then cleared her throat. "Sorry. Do you know we're technically talking about something belonging to your male... ah... persona? And I assume you refer to your male persona as...?"

"Harry," Rose said, "On the rare chance I become him."

"Which means," Lavender said, "we're discussing Harry's... ahem, sorry. Just so many girls would be so jealous. I promise not to betray this secret. Nobody would believe me anyway!"

"So," Parvati said, obviously looking for a change of subject, "You'll have to deal with everything we will starting next year?"

"Yeah," Rose said, "Don't want to talk about it anymore yet. Hermione doesn't know about that yet. She's going to check out the book explaining it tomorrow."

"If I'd have known one of my dorm-mates needed it," Parvati said, "I'd have brought my copy."

"I can get it from the library," Hermione said, "Oh, by the way! Rose, your owl is here."

Rose then realized that her beautiful snowy owl, Hedwig, was indeed there. She was on top of one of the posts in Rose's designated bed.

"Aren't you a clever girl?" Rose asked, "Stay there until I get my letter done."

"Letter?" Susan asked, "To Uncle James and Aunt Lily?"

"Yeah," Rose said, "They'll be here tomorrow in the late afternoon to meet with Dumbledore. I'll be joining them."

"Ooh!" Hermione said, "Will you introduce me?"

"Of course I will," Rose said, smiling. "Excuse me. I need to write my letter."

"Tell them I said 'hi' – and that I'm in Gryffindor!" Susan said. "And that I love them!"

"Yes, dear," Rose said.

She proceeded to take out writing material from her school trunk then started writing her letter. The first half of her letter was what she had planned to write as her first letter home. She talked about her new friend, Hermione, and her opinions of the school. She mentioned that she, and Susan were in Gryffindor.

Then she talked about the eventful Sorting, when she revealed herself. She made a point to mention the Voice of Hogwarts. She described in detail the events of revealing herself, including her false threat to go to Beauxbatons if Hogwarts didn't accept her. She also discussed her conversations with her fellow Gryffindors during dinner, and her wonders and fears of whether or not they accepted her yet.

That led to her mentioning the fact that students were sending out letters to their parents – probably about her. And it was likely the news might be in the Daily Prophet.

Then she detailed her meeting with Dumbledore, and ended that section with inviting her parents to Hogwarts the following afternoon.

Then she detailed the suspected Legilimency attack, saying Dumbledore or Snape were suspects. She asked her parents to bring her and her friends Occlumency Pendants. She decided to ask for seven. One for her, One for Dora – in case she didn't know Occlumency – four for her four room-mates - adding Lavender and Parvati since they would be in on secrets with her as well, and – after a thought – one for Neville Longbottom.

Then she discussed the pain in her scar, and her suspicions toward Quirrel.

Finally she gave her family – close and extended, including the Blacks and Remus – her love.

After a thought, she added a post-script concerning Hedwig.

When she finished, she rolled up the letter. Then she called down Hedwig, who flew down to her arm.

"This will be an overnight flight," Rose said, "I've asked Mum and Dad to keep you at home, until they come back and they can bring you with them."

Hedwig hooted and nodded.

"Have a safe flight," Rose said, as she finished tying the scroll to Hedwig's leg.

She carried her owl to the window, and Hedwig took flight. She then closed the window and proceeded to take out her pyjamas from her trunk. Rose was about to crawl into bed and close the curtains around her when she looked at her dorm-mates. They seemed to be giving her privacy to change clothes. Rose smiled. This was no different to rooming with Susan. As long as her nether area behaved, she felt okay with changing in front of her room-mates.

Her dorm-mates sparked up a conversation, so as to keep attention from her.

"What do you think is in that forbidden corridor?" Lavender asked, "Something dangerous?"

"Obviously," Hermione said, "Though I must ask why the Headmaster warned us."

"To keep us away?" Parvati asked.

"Would you go there if you didn't know about it?" Hermione asked.

Parvati stared at Hermione for a moment, then her eyebrows raised. "Good point. Huh... why did he announce it then?"

"No idea," Susan said, "There has to be something valuable. Hogwarts is a pretty safe place. Nearly as safe as Gringotts."

"Well, if Gringotts can be broken into," Lavender said, "Then so can Hogwarts."

Rose knew what Lavender was talking about. There had been reports of Gringotts being the site of a heist. Except the Vault in question had been emptied.

"I wonder," Rose said, after pulling her pyjama top over her head, "maybe whatever was in Gringotts – whatever the thief was trying to get – maybe it is here at Hogwarts."

"That could be possible," Susan said.

Rose then noticed Lavender staring at her.

"What's wrong, Lavender?" Rose asked.

"I'm sorry if this is too personal," Lavender said, "But if you can change your figure, why are you... mostly flat chested? You could have – well – something."

"My mother," Rose said, rolling her eyes, "She gave me a schedule regarding my breast size until I turn seventeen. I don't know if I would progress the same as you girls, since I could simply change them of my own free will. So... I have to follow a strict schedule. By Christmas, I will have at least noticeable curves through my pyjamas if not my normal clothing."

"I suppose I can understand that," Lavender said, "If I could do it, I expect I'd go a bit overboard."

As Lavender and Parvati started discussing their hopeful breast sizes by certain dates, Rose finished dressing into her pyjamas and laid back in her bed.

"I suppose I should warn everyone," Rose said, "Tomorrow morning we may wake up to Daily Prophet articles about my... reveal. McGonagall noted several students of all houses heading to the Owlery."

"Yeah," Susan said, "About that. I think I heard Ron Weasley saying something about writing a letter home. I have no idea what he is up to. But... hmm..."

"But what, Susan?" Rose asked.

Susan sighed as she relaxed against her pillow.

"He looked... scared of you," Susan said, "Especially when you talked about Harry going away, and Rose taking his place. I just... I don't know. I think he may overreact about that."

Rose sighed. "We'll worry about it tomorrow. If there are any offensive articles, I'll ask my parents what they could do about them."

Susan nodded. Rose yawned and relaxed her head into her pillow.

"Good night, girls," she muttered.

She grinned when all four of her dorm-mates returned her sentiments. At least all four of her dorm-mates accepted her for who she was. She knew Susan and Hermione would, but Parvati and Lavender was rather surprising given their earlier fan-girl like behavior toward Harry. Still, they seemed to like her. Rose decided, as she slipped into slumber, that it was a very good feeling.


Chapter finished!

What did you think of Dumbledore's theory regarding Rose and Harry? It will be important through out the story. Regarding this, you might ask why Dumbledore was being so nice and supportive of Rose? He needs her to look at him like the grandfatherly mentor. It works for his plans, which will be explored all throughout the story.

What do you think of Snape in this chapter? A bit paranoid? In character?

How about the relationship between the five Gryffindor first year girls? Believable?

Next chapter: The mysterious non-appearance of the expected articles in the Daily Prophet, which will be solved by the end of the chapter. Also, Rose's first day of classes, and James and Lily come to Hogwarts! What is their reaction to some of Rose's letter? Especially Quirrel? Exciting things happening regarding that in the near future!

Hope you liked this chapter!