Disclaimer
I don't own Harry Potter.
In fact, if you get down to it I probably own very little of the ideas being used in this story. But I am not getting paid for them and have hopefully put them together in a new and interesting way.
Enjoy.
Authors Note
Yes it's been a long time since my last post. I had hoped to use the Christmas Break to get a chapter or two ready as present for everyone who has been following my story.
Unfortunately my holiday turned out to be not much of a holiday, in fact I feel like I need a holiday from my holiday.
Anyway, here is the latest instalment. I hope it meets your expectations.
Thanks to everyone who has kept up with this story.
Chapter 25
Kate's plan to relax Harry was a success, surprisingly enough. The dragon and the Death Eaters didn't manage to ruin his fun. If anything it helped. His successes in defeating both the dragon and being instrumental in defeating the Death Eaters with several innocents at risk and nobody getting hurt really put him in a much better mood.
His improved mood really helped the girls too. They all felt happier and more motivated and it showed in their work. Hermione, Ginny and Daphne were all getting close to completing their animagus forms and were having a friendly race. They even roped Padma into it as the fourth feline animagus. Padma resisted a little at first but soon got into the spirit of the game and quickly caught up with the other three.
They were closing in on the finish line. Hannah and Tracy, the two having the most trouble with their forms all but abandoned their animagus training to watch over the four. Harry promised to work with them to as a reward. Having managed to attain so many forms he was the most experienced at the transformation and had very good advice to offer all of them.
This day, towards the end of July, they felt sure that they would achieve to total transformation and had asked Harry to give them some privacy. With the size of their forms Ginny, Daphne and Padma had to be naked. Hermione didn't but given Padma's discomfort at public nudity, even on front of other girls, she bared all. Padma tried to make use of a blanket but soon found it too much of a distraction and left it on her chair.
Padma, for all her discomfort, actually welcomed it. She was the most modest of the girls and felt a little left out as the others reduced the sizes of their bikini's. It was not fault of the others. They never made her feel anything less than welcome however she dressed but it didn't stop her thoughts from eating at her a little. Now she completely kicked them aside as she focused on making a complete transformation.
It worked too. She won. Hermione came second a minute later and Ginny followed by only seconds. Daphne, upset at her loss, grumbled for five minutes in protest before Tracy shoved her off her chair and ordered her to change. Daphne succeeded and Tracy found herself at the mercy of the black panther's weight and tongue as Daphne pinned her friend to the ground and licked her face all over.
Tracy, checking them over, congratulated them and let them make the transformation a couple more times so that they knew they had it down before banning them from magic until after dinner. Harry was called back from where he was practising his martial arts and sword form to rejoin them where he was questioned on duration and how to include their clothing during the change.
Susan and Luna had paired up and worked together steadily, making good progress. They thought they would have their forms completed not much after Harry's birthday. Hannah and Tracy shouldn't be much behind them if Harry's help was anything to go by. They made it a point of listening in for pointers to help them.
The four feline animagus where a little hyper all day at their success. Even Luna's news didn't distract them much. She had been exchanging letters with Neville for a while and enjoying the responses. Hedwig was more than happy to carry them; Harry having few letters to send with seeing his friends every day. He and the others had had Luna include the odd message from them to Neville and Neville had happily replied.
Neville had impressed his Grandmother so much when he was at the Ministry that she had bought him a wand the day after he got home and bullied his Uncle Croaker, an Unspeakable, into teaching him to fight. Neville found himself being pushed hard but enjoying himself. The confidence he had gain from the DA and his new wand allowed him to progress quickly.
The news was that he was getting the day off for his birthday and wanted to know if Harry, Luna and the others would like to visit. They were more than happy to and made a quick trip to Diagon Alley to buy presents for him. The girls traded Harry between them and used the time to finish up buying presents for Harry too.
The next day was embarrassing on many levels for Hermione. She and the other three feline animagus were working on their form duration and Harry's advice was helping immensely. They soon felt comfortable taking a stroll around the yard to get used to moving in their forms. So Emily was treated to the sudden sight of a lioness, an equally large Bengal tiger and a black panther bounding around her backyard.
It didn't take her long to figure out that it was the girls doing some form of magic and went out to look. A small cat ran up to her and meowed for attention and bounced inside to sit of the sofa arm and tap a book lying there. A book Hermione had left.
"Hermione?" Emily asked staring at the cat.
"Meow." The cat, Hermione, nodded and carefully returned to the floor and bounded up to be petted, to which Emily happily provided.
"Is that Hermione?" Harry made an appearance after having looked over and complemented the three great cats and been point in the direction of the fourth cat.
"I think so." Emily smiled. "She makes a cute kitty."
Harry joined in the petting. "Such lovely soft fur but a little bushy. Looks like Hermione didn't quite manage to escape that."
"Meow." Hermione sounded disgruntled.
Crookshanks had been wandering around from time to time. He would show up and find a girl who was willing to pet him and vanish to sleep in the sun. He had been kept out of the World Room due to the possibility of losing him and he stayed out of the Entrance Hall to avoid the massive skeletal snake. He had ducked into the house once he had seen and smelt the three predators and vanished under the couch.
The sight of the female cat drew his attention however. Hermione had rolled over onto her back to allow Harry to rub her stomach. Hermione was really enjoying the feeling of Harry's hand making it's long strokes from the base of her neck right the way down the full length of her stomach before her disappointment as his hand left her body to return to its starting point.
Hermione would never admit it but as Harry's hand slid between her hind legs he was stimulating her, leaving her tingling in her most intimate places. Her purring increased until she sounded like an engine.
Crookshanks could smell the female cat's arousal and approached to sniff at her.
Hermione rolled away and back to her feet annoyed at the loss of contact with Harry. Crookshanks moved behind Hermione and began lifting himself onto her. He didn't get very far. As soon as Hermione, who had never let her pet out of her sight, realised what he was trying to do her claws shot out by shear reflex and she racked them across her the nose of her orange furred pet.
Crookshanks howled in pain and shot away, vanishing back under the couch. Hermione unconsciously reverted back to her human form and began to berate her pet. Harry twitched as he felt a pull on his magic and was shocked by the result.
Hermione began radiating magic at an impressive rate. The couch the terrified feline was hiding under was thrown clear across the room. Crookshanks tried to run again but was hoisted up and held in mid and force to face his mistress.
"You blasted feline!" Hermione yelled. "How dare you try that! If you EVER try that again I'll neuter with the bluntest instrument I can find!"
Harry and Emily watched Hermione, naked as the day she was born, unleash her rage on the scared cat. Harry was mesmerised by her beauty. He knew he should look away and respect her privacy but the life that her anger had brought to her face and the energy she was radiating had his attention locked on her.
Hermione finished yelling at her cat and released him letting him fall to the floor to vanish, hunting for somewhere else to hide.
Hermione spun on her heel and marched out of the room. "Harry! Come!"
Harry shifted into Padfoot and followed the still nude witch. Harry noted that the three great cats had been drawn by the noise and magic and had heard most of Hermione's tirade. They dashed ahead of the odd pair.
By the time Hermione and Harry had arrived in the clearing Ginny, Daphne and Padma had transformed back and dressed to await what would happen next.
Susan, Hannah, Luna and Tracy were all curious about what had happened. They were too far away to feel much of the surge of power Hermione emitted and her voice had been muffled so they were shocked to see a naked Hermione storm into the courtyard, completely ignoring the gravel against her bare feet, with Harry in his black dog Animagus form following obediently.
With a gesture Hermione directed Harry to sit back in his chair, which he did, returning to his female form as he went. Hermione then, after some shaking, stamping and turning back and forth, unleashed a massive tirade.
Poor Harry bore the brunt of Hermione's volcanic anger. The only thing keeping him from cowering in a ball was the fact that she was venting to him not on him. The girls watched as Harry tried to be supportive and comforting in the few moment Hermione allowed him to get a word in and fight against himself to try and not stare at the completely naked body of his closest friend.
A fight he was failing miserably at; not that the other girls could blame him. They too could barely tear their eyes away from the angry witch enough to see his predicament. Hermione was so expressive, full of life they would swear she was glowing. He stamping feet, turning body and gesturing arms all sent waves of motion through her body causing he breasts to bounce wildly.
"Merlin." Ginny said quietly. "She's amazing. Mum's yelling's got nothing on her."
Harry was getting concerned about the duration of Hermione rage and tried to focus on a cause. He was more than a little distracted by the incredible sight in front of him but the back of his mind kept prodding him with the memory of the pull on his magic when Hermione's anger was initially unleashed.
Harry managed to focus enough to notice the pull was still there and managed to block it. The effect was instantaneous. Hermione stopped mid sentence, her waving hair falling limp and her skin growing dull, and collapsed like a puppet with its string cut. Harry only just managed to catch her before she hit the ground.
"What happened?" Ginny demanded as they all leapt forward to help.
Tracy was scanning Hermione carefully. "Her core is drained but she's okay, just very tired."
"Hang on." Harry handed the naked witch over to Ginny and Tracy, who covered her and sat her down, and concentrated recreating the pull again.
Hermione's colour improved suddenly and she began to rouse.
Tracy ran another scan. "Her magic level's have increased. Did you do that Harry?"
Harry nodded but Hermione's groan stopped his answer.
"What happened?" Hermione clutched her head.
"Are you feeling alright?" Tracy asked.
"I think so. My head's a bit sore but it seems to be fading."
"What do you remember?"
"Crookshanks tried too..." Hermione blushed.
"Tried too?"
"Mount me." Hermione admitted quietly.
"Oh. You didn't let him did you?"
"Hell no." Hermione snapped. "I spun and clawed his nose as soon as I saw what he was trying to do. Then I yelled at him to make sure he didn't do it again..." Hermione's voice trailed off.
"Hermione?" Ginny asked quietly.
"I used wandless magic." Hermione said, her voice containing both shock and surprise. "I sent the couch Crookshanks was hiding under flying and levitated him when he tried to run again. How did I do that?"
"I think Harry knows." Daphne turned everyone's attention to the gender altered wizard.
"Umm, I felt a pull on my magic right when Hermione changed back to yell at Crookshanks. I think she was using my magic to strengthen hers." Harry explained. "The pull didn't end until I blocked it once we got back here and Hermione didn't seem to be calming down. I was worried it might be fuelling her anger. When I blocked it she just passed out and Tracy said her magic was at a low level so I tried to push a little of my magic to her and she woke up."
"So the transfer of magic does go both ways." Daphne pondered the situation. "That's actually really good to know. It means that Harry can support us if we get in trouble."
Hermione pulled at the blanket tighter. "I'm really sorry, Harry. I may have been angry at Crookshanks but I yelled at you too."
"It's okay." Harry tried to reassure her. "I didn't feel like you were actually yelling 'at' me, just to me. Um. I'm really sorry too."
"For what?" Hermione was confused. "You didn't do anything wrong."
"I looked. I'm really sorry but I couldn't help it." Harry looked away, ashamed at himself.
Hermione was still confused until Ginny motioned under her blanket and Hermione, checking, realised she had been completely naked the entire time. Her face flushed completely red and she visibly retreated. "Oh, right, umm, I think I need a shower."
Hermione pulled her sandals on haphazardly and raced out of the courtyard.
"It's not your fault, Harry." Daphne tried to reassure him. "We couldn't help but stare too. I don't think there would've been anyway you could have resisted that sight. She looked amazing."
"It was still wrong though." Harry replied. "I know better. I should have been stronger. I've ruined our entire friendship."
"It's not going to be that bad Harry." Ginny told him. "Believe me. Your friendship is much stronger than that. It might be a little strange for a day or two while she adjusts but your friendship isn't over."
"I really hope so." Harry said miserably. "Don't get me wrong, you're all great friends and I'm glad to know you all and we are getting really close but..."
"Hermione is already close." Daphne cut him off. "You've already built the bonds with her that you're still developing with us. It's okay, we know."
"We're just glad you're letting us build those bonds with you too." Hannah finished.
"I'll go talk to Hermione." Ginny stood. "And I'll send Dobby and Winky to check on the lounge, if Mrs Granger hasn't already called them."
Harry nodded distractedly. Though the girl's words were reassuring, they couldn't stop the despair and worry of losing Hermione from growing within him. He pulled his knees to his chest, turning away from the others and sat their struggling to fight back his tears.
"It'll be okay, I promise." Ginny whispered in his ear as she left.
!HPEaSE!
Hermione came out of her bathroom after her very long shower and found Ginny sitting on her bed waiting for her.
"How are you feeling?" Ginny asked, concern very obvious in both her voice and her expression.
"I'm okay." Hermione sat next to Ginny, adjusting her towel slightly for comfort. "Crookshanks was just being a cat and I doubt he'll try that again."
"I think you scared eight of his nine lives out of him." Ginny grinned.
Hermione managed a small smile too. "I hope so, bloody animal. But it did raise something I'll have to be aware of when using that form. Other cats may try the same thing so I'll have to be aware or I might end up getting raped by a horny cat."
"That's not a pleasant thought." Ginny looked a little sick.
"Yeah." Hermione mirrored her younger friends expression.
"You did a real number on the lounge though. You got the couch halfway through the wall." Ginny grinned. "Dobby and Winky fixed everything right up though so you don't need to worry."
"Good. So everything is sorted then?" Hermione asked.
"No. There is one thing you still have to take care of." Ginny turned serious.
"What?" Hermione was getting worried.
"You have to talk to Harry."
"Oh Merlin. He must hate me." Hermione buried her face in her hands. "I unloaded on him so badly."
"Oh don't worry about that, he's used to it after all your fights with Ron." Ginny waved that concern away. "No, it's because he saw you naked."
"Oh no." Hermione fell back on the bed. "How am I going to face him. He must be mortified."
Ginny tried to stifle her laughter but couldn't totally manage it.
"What's that for?" Hermione glared at the redhead.
"You've got it totally wrong. He thinks he hates you for seeing you naked. He's positive you'll never speak to him again for violating your privacy." Ginny explained.
"Huh?" Hermione was confused. "I'm not too happy with myself for parading around in the buff but it's not Harry's fault."
"He thinks he should've looked away." Ginny paused. "For the record, when you were standing their ranting, radiating magic, none of us you look away. You put one of my Mum's rants to shame; and hers are legendary."
"Was it really that impressive?"
"Mum's never tossed the furniture around wandlessly so you've gotten her beat there. You looked so alive, Mum just looks angry."
Hermione blushed a little. "Thanks. I'll talk to Harry in our lounge. When we go down could you send him there please?"
"Sure." Ginny nodded. "'Course he's so terrified of you at this point that I might have to tie him up and float him there."
Hermione had to stifle a giggle. "If you have to I'm sure that Daphne will help you."
Ginny grinned back.
Hermione pulled a fresh bikini out a draw and a light sundress from her wardrobe. Dropping her towel she tied the bikini strings round herself and pulled her sundress on and buttoned it up.
"Come on." Hermione took a deep breath and released it. "Time to face Harry. Why do I feel like I'm about to face a dragon?"
"Give him time and you could be." Ginny followed her friend out of their bedroom.
"Not helping Ginny." Hermione glared.
!HPEaSE!
Hermione sat in a chair waiting for Harry. She had locked the lounge door to the rest of the house and had her wand ready to lock the other door once Harry came in. She doubted it would actually hold him if he seriously wanted to leave but hopefully the symbolism wouldn't be lost.
With a mild Notice Me Not charm to give her time to surprise Harry she relaxed, or at least tried to. Waiting for what might be the most uncomfortable conversation ever was not a relaxing situation.
Harry slipped into the room looking morose and shut the door behind him. He froze as Hermione spell sped past him and locked it behind him. He spun, looking for the threat and saw Hermione sitting in her chair calmly.
She flicked her want toward the chair opposite her. "Sit."
Harry gulped and obeyed quietly. "Hermione..."'
"Don't talk." Hermione cut him off. "Just sit."
Harry sat.
Hermione studied him carefully. He looked almost broken.
"I'm not angry at you." Hermione said eventually. "I'm embarrassed and a little humiliated but I'm not angry at you."
"Really?" Harry sounded hopeful. "I couldn't bear to lose you."
"You haven't."
"I'm really sorry I was staring at you." Harry blurted suddenly. "I knew I shouldn't, I knew it was wrong, but... I couldn't look away. The way you looked, it was mesmerising."
Hermione blushed a little. "Thank you. I'm glad you liked what you saw."
Harry flushed. "Yeah, I did."
"All of me?"
Harry flushed more and ducked his head but nodded.
"I'm not angry that you found me attractive." Hermione reassured him. "I like it. I've always felt like the ugly duckling compared to the others."
"I've never compared you to the others, Hermione. I promise." Harry looked up to try and convince her. "Yes they are all beautiful, but so are you. I wish I'd had seen it sooner and I'm sorry for that but you are beautiful. Don't ever doubt that."
"Thanks, Harry. I really appreciate it." Hermione smiled. "I was worried you might be... disappointed."
"No, never." Harry replied without thinking then ducked his head in embarrassment as his mind caught up with his own words.
"I'm not as slender as Ginny, Padma or Tracy, I'm not as busty and Daphne or Susan. Ginny is likely to be bigger breasted than everyone but those two; she might even catch them up if her mother is anything to go by."
"So you all look different, it doesn't mean I think less of you. I thought it would be wrong to compare any of you with the others or rely solely on physical looks. I made that mistake with Cho and you deserve better. Not that she looks better than you." Harry finished in a hurry.
Hermione had to hide a grin at Harry's backpedalling.
Hermione felt better. She had such doubts about her body. She knew she didn't surrender anything to the other girls in intelligence but she'd never felt as pretty. Harry's clumsy words had touched her. He might never reach the level of eloquence that she found in the more fanciful books she sneakily read but his honesty was worth far more.
"Tell me what you saw." Hermione felt much better about herself, now she had to help Harry with his own feelings.
"Huh?"
"You saw me, what parts of me?"
"Well, everything." Harry's head ducked again.
"I doubt that. Details Harry."
"Well, your b..breasts." Harry stuttered slightly.
"What did you think of them?"
"They were nice. Shapely. I liked how they bounced when you moved." Harry was really blushing now.
"What about my nipples?"
"Really pink. I never though much of pink as a colour but they were a nice pink."
"Thank you. What else?"
"Umm, you've a really nice stomach and you back is really nice too. I never thought someone could have such a nice back."
"But you've seen it already. Bikini's don't cover much from behind."
"I know but it was different without the strings and knots. I don't know how."
"Okay. What else?"
"Your butt's really cute too."
"Anything else?"
"You've wonderful legs."
"I think you're missing something..." Hermione probed lightly, teasingly.
Harry screwed his eyes shut. "I like the way you curve between your legs."
"There's a little more there for you to see." Hermione told him. "Something very personal."
"I'm sorry."
"For what? Thinking that you liked what you saw. I don't want you to apologise for that. Do you want to see me naked?"
Harry froze at the question. "What do you mean?"
"Do you want to see me naked? At some point. We are technically married and that sort of is normal between spouses."
Harry ducked his head further and nodded.
"Do you want to kiss my body, my breasts, my nipples?"
Harry nodded again.
Hermione studied the cowering gender altered wizard, her boyfriend, her sort-of husband and made a decision.
Harry sat staring at his legs waiting for the words from Hermione that would end everything they had together.
"You are allowed to want such things with me. It doesn't offend me. I like the idea of you wanting me." Hermione finally spoke. "I want you to know that I was going to show you my body soon anyway."
Harry's head shot up to look at Hermione and froze. Sometime during the silence, Hermione had unbuttoned her sundress and undone the bikini ties and was now sitting there, bare for him to see. He immediately looked away, not wanting to repeat his mistake.
"Look at me Harry." Hermione commanded gently. "I want you to look at me."
She waited until Harry's head had lifted and he was facing her again his face totally red.
Strangely Hermione felt more comfortable thanks to Harry's extreme nervousness, like he was feeling hers for her.
"Do you like what you see?"
Harry gaped, his mouth dropping open.
"Is that a yes?" Hermione felt relaxed, powerful even at how Harry was reacting to her naked body.
She couldn't help but up the ante a spread her legs to allow him see her womanhood between them. She could hear him swallow violently and his breathing harshened.
"I told you I would let you see me when I was ready. Didn't you believe me?" Hermione shifted to expose herself a little more, enjoying her power over him. "You are allowed to want to see me naked. You're even supposed to. And now, you can even ask."
Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing and hearing. "I must be dreaming."
Hermione laughed, a pure honest sound that made Harry jump and broke the spell she had placed him under. "You're not dreaming Harry. In fact, I think you will be seeing a lot more of this. I just hope you don't get bored with me."
"I don't think that's possible." Harry countered quickly.
"Are you seeing things you missed before?"
Harry nodded. "Umm, yeah. Your skin is nicely tanned. You've got noticeable tan lines on your breasts and..." Harry's eyes dropped between her legs.
Hermione smiled. "Good. Can I see you naked too?"
Harry nodded and quickly shed his clothes. "It's not anything you haven't seen before."
"It's still nice." Hermione looked his female form over. "But I was hoping to see your male body."
"Oh. Okay." Harry was glad he couldn't flush any further as he closed his eye to focus on the change.
"Why isn't my Occlumency working." He protested out loud.
"Probably because that's to protect your mind from external attacks, not your own emotions and desires." Hermione answered him. "You're still not really used to these feelings so it's going to be harder for you."
Hermione watched the shift with interest. Like the Animagus transformation it was smooth and fluid but this change had its own unique characteristics. As the most of the changes were subtle it was easy to miss them unless you were watching for them. Other, like his breasts and genitals, were more obvious and more interesting for it. Especially his genitals as the smooth skin formed his penis and scrotum.
His penis started soft but was slowly hardening as Hermione watched. "You look great, Harry. Thank you for letting me see you."
"Yeah." Harry seemed annoyed by his hardening member, almost as if he thought it was betraying him.
"Harry?" Hermione called for his attention. Once she got it she wiggled, causing her breasts to bounce slightly and sway gently for a moment.
That had Harry's member standing fully at attention and Harry's hands covering it rapidly.
"It's okay, you don't have to hide it. I like that I do that to you. You're just so big. I'm wondering how I'm going to fit you in me." Hermione told him.
Harry forced his hands to retreat and saw Hermione staring at his crotch appreciatively.
"Yes. I like what I see." Hermione lifted her eyes to meet his briefly before they dropped to his chest.
"Umm. You have a small problem." Hermione pointed at his chest.
"What?" Harry looked down but couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
"We have matching tan lines." Hermione explained.
Harry was confused until he noticed the triangular white patches on his chest that could only come from a bra or bikini top. "Oh crap. Umm. That's not right."
"No." Hermione agreed. "But I can only think of one solution and you're not going to like it."
"What?"
"Going topless."
Harry paled."But there no way I can hold this form that long. And wouldn't it make the others a bit nervous?"
"Probably, but I meant as a girl too."
"Is that allowed?"
"Of course, girls just need more privacy, or a place where practically every girl is topless. There are beaches like that in Europe." Hermione told him.
"What will the other think?"
"They'll understand."
"I'm not sure I can." Harry shifted back involuntarily as he lost all focus.
"I'll do it with you if you want." Hermione finally got out of her chair and closed the gap and laid her hand on his arm reassuringly. "I want to get rid of my tan lines too. I guess I'll just be starting a little earlier than I expect to."
"I can't believe this is happening." Harry seemed to be acting a little wild.
"What Harry?" Hermione was getting concerned.
"You, Ginny, the others. What's going on? How can you be okay with everything?" Harry stared at her with wide eyes. "Will you be okay when one of the others strip for me? Me and all of you, that can't be right."
Hermione half considered slapping him to get him focusing properly but that would probably wouldn't work for Harry. Instead she hauled him to his feet and into her embrace.
"It's okay Harry. The relationship we all have with you may not be normal but it's not 'wrong'." Hermione tried to reassure him. "I will probably be worried that you might like staring at Daphne or Susan's breasts more than mine so you'll just have to stare at us all equally."
Harry was shocked into silence by the feeling of her bare skin against him but managed to catch Hermione's words. "Did you just hear what you said?"
"Yeah I know." Hermione pulled back and gave him a rueful look. "Two months ago I would hex my boyfriend every which way from Sunday if I knew he was snogging other girls or seeing them naked."
"So how can you, and the others, put up with me doing just that?" Harry demanded.
"I can't answer for them but for me, two months ago I would never have dated you." Hermione told him simply. "I've been through too much to let you go now that I have you. Besides, my hypothetical boyfriend would've been cheating on me. None of us can claim you're cheating on us when we have each other's permission."
"But still..."
"Let it go Harry." Hermione smiled at him. "This may not be the easiest situation and I would've preferred to have you to myself, or even just me and Ginny if I had to share, but I really l.. like you. I grown so much this summer and so have you. I like who we've become. All of us have grown so much thanks to each other and I wouldn't change that. I think that growth has only occurred thanks to the Bond we created..."
Hermione trailed off, looking away, deep in thought.
"Hermione?" Harry asked softly.
"Don't you think it's odd that Luna always keeps coming up with odd this to say that, when you finally understand them are incredibly insightful?"
"Luna is just a little different, she sees things differently." Harry shrugged. "I like it, it makes sure we see things from all angles."
Hermione nodded and thought some more and suddenly grabbed Harry's hand. "Come on, I think we need to have a little chat with her."
"Hey wait." Harry resisted her pulling him. "Can we get dressed first?"
Hermione actually seemed to stop and think about it. "I suppose. Are you going topless or naked?"
"Do I have to start that now?"
"I was going to but I'm just as nervous about it as you are. I could use your support." Hermione looked at him hopefully.
Harry looked incredibly indecisive.
"Do you trust them or not?" Hermione prompted.
Harry stopped and nodded , taking a deep breath. "I do. Is topless okay?"
"Sure, I'll match you." Hermione returned to her clothing and tied on her bikini bottoms and pulled on her sundress but only did a single button at her waist to hold it closed.
Harry pulled his bikini bottom on and his singlet and shorts over the top. He followed that with a flick of his hand at his chest. "Face me a sec Hermione."
Hermione obeyed and Harry flicked his hand at her. She felt her breasts lift slightly as the support spell took effect. "You learnt to do that one wandlessly?"
"I figured it might be useful, but if we are going to spend a lot of time like this then I might enchant something to do the job."
"That would be nice. I think the others would appreciate their own too."
"I'll remember that." Harry took a deep breath. "Let's go."
Hermione unlocked both doors and took Harry's hand again. This time she wasn't dragging him though, she was happily walking with him. She noticed that he kept glancing over at her and a quick look down at her state of dress told her why. With her dress only fastened by a single button at her waist her chest, or rather her breasts, were exposed nearly to her nipples and Harry couldn't help but look.
She lifted her hand to pull one side of her dress aside to give Harry a clear view of one of her breasts and heard Harry's breathing hitch.
"You know, I like that I have such an effect on you." Hermione pulled Harry close and hugged his arm.
"I wish I had such an effect on you." Harry pouted.
"Well, I can live with you being a girl but it doesn't really turn me on. You do look amazing though. Your male form however... I was nearly drooling looking at you. I loved looking at you I want to do it again, soon if you don't mind."
"Umm..." Harry flushed further and growled in frustration. "You keep doing this to me on purpose don't you?"
"You caught me." Hermione confessed, releasing her dress and letting it fall back over her breast. "I'm sorry but you being so nervous makes it so much easier to do that. I do want you to get over that, but take your time."
Harry's glare at her intensified, though with little effect. "You, you, you... Minx."
"Minx, no. I'm just a cute little kitty cat." Hermione put on a cute, innocent expression and raised a hind like a paw. "Meow."
Harry laughed and relaxed. "Behave, or I won't give you rubs."
Hermione pouted. "Now that's just cruel. I want my rubs."
They were both laughing as they scrunched down the gravel path into the courtyard.
"Good." Ginny smiled. "I'm glad you two sorted things out."
"We did." Hermione smiled happily. "Thanks for your help."
It was the moment Hermione turned to reply to Ginny that they saw how open her dress was and they all froze in shock.
Hermione didn't notice as she her focus was back on Harry and the big step he was about to take. She may have been about to take the same step but it was a bigger deal for her friend with all his emotional baggage.
She undid the one button hold her dress closed and slipped it off, facing Harry the entire time in silent support.
Harry gulped but Hermione's actions worked as she had intended, giving him the support and confidence he needed to follow suit. He pulled off his shorts, then his singlet and sat down, picking up a book to continue working.
The other seven girls stared, open mouthed at the topless pair.
"Did you two forget something?" Susan prompted.
Hermione looked around in confusion. "Oh yes. Sunscreen, you don't want sunburn, Harry."
Harry looked away as he took the bottle, not wanting to see Hermione rub the cream into her breasts as he mimicked her actions.
"I was actually referring to something else." Susan commented dryly.
"Really?" Hermione thought for a moment. "Yes there was something else. Luna, why didn't you tell about the effect all of our relationships would have on Harry and each other?"
Luna froze, looking like a scared animal caught by the glare of headlights. They had never seen the petite blond react like that before. Ever.
Hermione relaxed back in her chair. "Harry's normally the one for intuitive leaps but I do have my moments. Would you care to explain why you have kept this form us?"
Luna was still mostly frozen, only her jaw moved as she tried to formula an answer.
Hermione just watched the blonde girl with a hint of amusement.
"Hermione, what exactly are you saying?" Daphne queried suspiciously.
"Luna?" Hermione passed the question over.
Luna burst into tears and buried her face into her hands. "I'm sorry. I just thought that if I told you all it would only get in the way of everything. Everything was going so nicely too."
"I'm not angry." Hermione tried to calm the crying girl. "I doubt any of us would be but it would've been nice of you to share your thoughts with us."
Luna nodded. "Okay. I really didn't think it would help. It's kind of mean to Harry too. It's not his fault, it's his upbringing."
"I know I'm pretty screwed up." Harry grumbled. "Let me have it."
Luna sighed and dashed away her tears, schooling her features into something calmer. "Harry is still very impressionable, still forming his identity. We all are to some extent but nowhere near as much as Harry. It's just as well we are with him to protect him from someone who might take advantage of him.
"Harry could pick any one of us and they would live a long, happy, fulfilling life together. Harry would complete his development in a fashion that would complement his partner. Because of his power and charisma, his partner would also be pushed to be her best too. Very beneficial all round."
"I never realised how badly off Harry was." Hannah looked close to tears. "I mean, he's so unsure of who he really is that he would alter himself to please his partner. Normally... What am I saying, forget normal."
Harry looked a little depressed too. "Luna's right about me. What sort of partner would I be for you girls, I don't even know who I am, not that it seems to matter."
"But it does matter." Luna protested loudly. "It matters a lot. This situation, however... different, is perfect for you and everyone. Their combined influence is exactly what you need. It stops you from being pulled in one direction and acts as an example to guide you rather that direct you. They will each help you grow in their own fashion and you will be someone far greater than any one of them could have achieved on their own."
"That's nice and all but it seems a little selfish." Harry looked concerned. "What about all of you?"
Luna smiled. "And that's why this is good for all of us too. Even me, your little sister. You heart is so large and open it can accept us all equally and give us all the love we desire from you. You help us grow too and will want and help us achieve our dreams and potential. But all of us combined, working together will teach and encourage and guide and push each other. Together we will help each other become MORE than we could ever have dreamed of being."
"Wow." Ginny smiled happily at the thought.
"That's not so bad. Why didn't you tell us?" Daphne asked.
"Because I didn't what to put any pressure on any of you. You might have stayed if you knew that by leaving we would all be lesser people." Luna looked down. "You all had to make your own choices without that pressure. Once those choices had been made then knowing this would've been a little pointless."
"Perhaps but I know I won't hold anything against anyone who doesn't want to stay bonded to Harry, and the rest of us by extension." Hermione looked around each of the girls. "With one condition; that you remain really good, close friends for life. I'm still to make my final decision on the matter but I've made some wonderful new friends, I refuse to lose any of them."
Harry nodded. "Wives, sisters or just friends; I feel like I have a family here. I don't want to lose any of you either."
"You've got me for life, one way or another." Ginny told him with a happy smile.
"I will stay bonded with you." Padma stated shyly. "I had decided that a while ago but everyday just keeps telling me I made the right choice and that I will be happy."
Daphne looked around. "I think we're going to stay together. So let's just have some fun to celebrate."
"Can I just ask one thing first?" Tracy interrupted.
"Sure." Daphne nodded for her friend to go ahead.
"Harry, Hermione, why are you topless?" Tracy asked curious.
Harry flushed in embarrassment and ducked his head.
Hermione rubbed his shoulders in sympathy. "We're getting rid of our tan lines. We discovered that Harry's remain when he shifts to his male form and they look a little out of place. I'm not too keen on the white patches either so I'm supporting him in this huge step for him."
Tracy peeked under her own top and noticed the other girls do the same. "Well, Harry, you have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I just wish I was as brave to join you both."
"I think it's a good idea." Luna chirped, back to her normal self after being forgiven by her friends. "But don't the bottoms leave tan lines too? We should take everything off."
"One step at a time Luna." Hermione told her.
"Okay." Luna, without any hesitation, pulled her own top off and let her perky little breasts bounce free. "First step. Let me know when I can take the second please. This feels quite liberating."
Hermione palmed her face. "I should've seen that one coming. We are so lucky that Mum is the only other person in the house."
Harry was doing a good job of mimicking Luna's 'caught in the headlights' expression as he tried not to look at the younger girls suddenly bared breasts.
Luna smiled and got up to stand before him. "It's okay to look Harry, sisters don't need to hide things from each other."
"What about Neville?" Harry protested. "I don't think I would like another guy looking at my girlfriends bits."
"If Neville has a problem with my sister seeing my bits then he is not the Neville I know him to be." Luna stated firmly. "Now let's go have some fun. You've been far too serious lately."
Luna dragged Harry to his feet and out of the courtyard.
"You you really going out there like that?" Susan nodded towards Hermione's chest.
"Why not? The only males in the house are Harry and Dobby. Winky will keep Dobby away and Harry I want to look at me." Hermione replied. "The Wards will keep anyone outside the yard from seeing and no one else will be home until mid afternoon at the earliest. If Winky warns us when they get home we can move somewhere else to continue our fun. We still haven't tried the indoor pool yet."
Hermione stopped further conversation by grabbing hers and Harry's clothing and towels and followed the departed pair.
She caught up with them easily and over took them, tossing what she was carrying aside she jumped into the pool with a playful shout. Luna, not one to be left out, pulled Harry with her as they cheerfully copied Hermione's actions.
!HPEaSE!
Emily has been watching from the lounge the entire time, from when her daughter had stormed off naked with Harry in tow to her dash across the yard into the Extension a short time later. Ginny followed moments later and made sure the damage Hermione did was getting sorted before following her. It was a long while before Ginny returned but she seemed happy rather than concerned which kept Emily from worrying.
Harry's morose trek across the yard a minute later had her really worried though. She was relieved to see him walking hand in hand with Hermione when they finally emerged. She was, however, very surprised to see her daughters state of dress, or rather undress, and didn't miss Hermione hugging him close and happily baring a breast for him to look at. Neither of them seemed to be wearing bikini tops. That observation was confirmed a several minutes later when a topless Harry appeared with a topless Luna and an equally topless Hermione ran past them to jump in the pool.
The three were splashing in the pool as the remaining girls joined them an Emily noted that none of them had bared their own breasts. Perhaps she needed to have a little catch up with her daughter Emily thought. At least there was no one else home to see the two girls and the gender altered wizards new lack of modesty.
Emily looked at the time and, seeing it was approaching lunch time, headed for her kitchen calling for the two elves on the way.
"I wish to make lunch for my daughter and her friends, Winky could you help me please?" Emily had learnt how to deal with the elves without upsetting them. "Dobby, I'm sure you are aware of the current state of dress of some of the girls so perhaps, for their comfort, you could keep yourself busy in the World Room."
Dobby nodded and vanished while Winky waited to hear what they would be making.
!HPEaSE!
Emily laid the last of the food on a tray and saw Winky finish placing the glasses on another tray.
"Okay, you take that small tray to Dobby and enjoy your lunch with him." Emily smiled warmly at the house elf.
"But you can't carry them all by yourself." Winky protested.
"I will ask Hermione to help. I want to talk to her alone which is why your wonderful assistance will not be necessary." Emily explained.
Winky nodded reassured. "Thank you for your kindness, Mistress Emily." Picking up the tray, she vanished.
Emily picked up the first tray and carried it out. "Lunchtime you lot, so out of the pool."
Harry flushed as he hesitantly pulled himself out of the pool but Hermione and Luna had no such reservations as they got out.
"Hermione, there're more tray's in the kitchen, could you help me with them please?" Emily asked as she set the tray she was carrying down.
"Sure." Hermione headed inside with her mother following.
Once in the kitchen Emily looked her daughter in the eye. "So, this is a new development."
"A little earlier than I expected and not as romantic, but I'm happy with my choice."
"And Harry?"
"Did you know his tan lines remain between his male and female forms?" Hermione ginned. "He didn't have much choice really. A bikini tan line looks out of place on a man."
Emily shook her head. "Yes, I can believe that. Does this mean you've seen 'him' naked then?"
Hermione nodded, blushing slightly. "He looks really good."
"I hope you're not rushing. For both of your sakes. I know firsthand that rushing some things will only ruin them."
"Mum," Hermione turned totally serious, "I've known Harry for five years now and been through a lot with him. If I didn't have the others or the Bond to worry about neither of us would be returning to Hogwarts as virgins and that would not be rushing it."
"I thought the same thing." Emily replied just as serious. "I thought I was ready, I thought we were ready. I wasn't and I regretted it. It ruined our relationship as I couldn't bear to be touched afterwards. If it wasn't for your Father's incredible patience and gentleness, you wouldn't be here now."
"Oh." Hermione stared in shock.
"Your Father was patience and slow. He let me get comfortable and didn't get frustrated when I needed to back-step. He eventually awoke a real passion and desire within me and we still have plenty of fun to this day." Emily gave her daughter a gently smile. "That is what I want for you. So please don't rush. Take each step forward in intimacy slowly. You have plenty of time."
"I promise, but that is what I was planning on doing anyway."
"I knew I raised a daughter smarter than I am." Emily ruffled her daughters hair eliciting a swat and protest.
Emily handed a tray over. "Come on, let's not keep your friends and boyfriend waiting."
Hermione glared at the teasing as she took the tray.
Emily expression turned serious. "You know you can talk to me about anything right? Anything from problems to ideas to play around with Harry. I feel like I've been excluded from so much of your life because of magic. This summer has been so much better and I seen how much I've missed. You may be growing up and I know you have to go your own way but you are still my daughter and I love you. I don't want to lose you in anyway."
"Love you too, Mum." Hermione's eye's teared slightly. "I don't want to lose you either. But talking to you about what I do with Harry in private is a little odd."
"You didn't hear me when I was giving him the talk." Emily grinned as she picked up the last tray. "Harry's been embarrassed to look at me since."
"Just don't start going topless around him." Hermione glared. "He would run away thinking Dad's going to kill him for seeing his wife."
Emily pouted playfully. "Your Dad has no right to complain after our honeymoon in France."
Hermione turned bright red. "I really didn't need to know that. I don't think I'm that much of an exhibitionist and I know the other aren't."
"But you're happy to wander around home topless."
"Only because everyone else is out." Hermione protested. "Can you stop teasing me."
"Alright." Emily smiled. "Let's go."
They left the kitchen only to find a blushing Padma and Tracy.
"Oh. Ah. Hi, we came to see if we could help?" Tracy managed to say.
"Thank you for being so thoughtful but we are managing." Emily smiled and continued heading out.
"How much did you overhear?" Hermione asked, a little worried.
"Most of it." Padma answered quietly.
"Including your little declaration about Harry." Tracy added.
"I'm sorry." Hermione slumped.
"You have to come clean about that to everyone." Tracy stated as she turned to leave.
Hermione nodded and slumped as she finished her journey outside.
She set the tray down only slightly cheered by noticing Harry struggling with staring at her bare breasts and not staring at the same time. "Mum, we need some more salad dressing, could you please...?"
Emily looked at her daughter in confusion for a moment before recognising the true request and nodded as she left. "Sure, be right back."
Once her mother was inside Hermione took a deep breath and forced herself to speak. "I owe all of you an apology. I mentioned to my mother that if it were just me and Harry, I would have had sex with by the time we returned to Hogwarts. That was insensitive of me to all of you for many reasons."
Her words were met with silence and Hermione couldn't bring herself to look at any of them.
"In what way is that anything new?" Daphne spoke up suddenly. "I'm sorry if our presence is slowing you down but don't let us stop you from proceeding in your relationship with Harry as you see fit."
Hermione stared at the Slytherin in shock.
Ginny spoke next. "You have at least four years on me and five on the others. It's not unexpected."
"Umm." Harry voice come out very hesitantly and his face was bright red. "I appreciate how you think of me but I'm not sure I'd be ready. Being with all of you feels complicated enough without adding... that."
"I didn't mean it like that, I know you're far from ready for that step and neither am thanks to the Bond but... I figured without it, just the two of us... I would want to take that step and I think you might've been ready to too." Hermione was blushing as she fought her way though her words.
"Oh... Okay."
"Thank you for being honest with us." Tracy smiled. "You've been holding yourself back for our sake and we appreciate it but we have to build our own relationships. Don't hold yourself back on our account."
"Okay." Hermione finally relaxed and smiled. "Thank you."
Hermione boldly stood, marched over to Harry began kissing him firmly on the lips. Harry was frozen in shock. He may have been used to kissing Hermione now, but in front of everyone was new. Add to that, he felt the occasional brush of her breasts against his that was sending warm shivers throughout his entire body.
Emily returned with the requested bottle to see her half naked daughter half on top of her half naked, currently female, boyfriend. "So, you'll make out with him in front of them but not me. Fine, should I just leave then?"
Hermione pulled back in shock at her mother's words and twisted round to face her. Seeing the teasing grin on her face Hermione pulled a face of her own and turned back to Harry, sinking into his lap properly and placing one last firm kiss on him. Now Harry was nearly paralysed as his breasts were squished against Hermione's.
"Says the woman who let half of Europe see her boobs." Hermione replied as she finished the kiss, got up and returned to her seat sedately.
"Hey. It wasn't half of Europe, it was just that beach. And you might see things a little differently when all the other girls on the beach are just as exposed." Emily protested.
"Perhaps, but I think I might keep some things just for Harry." Hermione replied primly.
"So I don't count?"
"You're my mother, of course not. Your just here to chaperone in case my raging teenage hormones get the better of me and I ravish Harry in front of the others." Hermione teased. "Besides, it's not like you haven't seen me before."
"I'll grant you that, but if you keep teasing me then I'll match your attire and we'll see how quickly Harry has a meltdown." Emily teased.
"Hey, how did I get dragged into this?" Harry protested.
"Did you or did you not let my daughter sit in your lap and snog you while you both have your breasts bared." Emily stated firmly, but with amusement in her expression.
Harry was worried until he saw Emily trying not to grin and Hermione wink at him; that helped him relax and Tracy's comments from earlier in the summer came back to him. "Yes that is true to a certain extent but your daughter is not someone who takes 'no' lightly. Also, I am technically a guy so going topless while swimming is supposed to be normal."
"Very true." Emily nodded. "However, you are technically a girl right now."
Harry blushed and his arms covered his breasts instinctively. A bit of wandless magic later and Harry had towel covering his lap as he shifted back into his male form. "Is this better?"
"You didn't have to change on my account." Emily smiled. "Hermione certainly didn't seem to mind."
"Mum, leave him alone." Hermione growled. "I thought you and Dad would refrain from the traditional humiliation of your only child in front of her friends."
"We did. Have we brought out even one baby photo?" Emily grinned. "We still could you know."
The repartee had the other girls giggling but Harry was watching with a wistful expression.
"Mum." Hermione voice had nearly become a whine.
"Relax, Hermione." Susan interrupted. "We're the last people who are going to laugh at you for having such a good relationship with your parents. There are two of us here who don't even have parents."
"Indeed." Tracy continued. "While Daphne and I have good relationships with our mothers, it's nowhere near as fun as you two."
"Parv and I barely see our Mother." Padma admitted.
"My Mum is nice, but not like this." Hannah smiled.
"I'm here because I'm escaping my loving but smothering Mother and Luna's passed away when she was nine." Ginny finished. "It might've been nice if they had a camera to record some of the nicer moments."
"Ginny, that's a brilliant idea." Emily gushed. "A camera. You can take lots of photo's to record your summer. I'm sure this scene right now would bring back some happy memories."
"While I may not mind Harry staring at me, or even photo's of me, I'm not letting whoever develops the film gawk at my bits."
"Polaroid."
"Oh, yes. That would work." Hermione pondered. "I'd forgotten about those."
"Polaroid?" Daphne sounded out the unfamiliar word carefully.
"Most camera require special processes to develop the film, people usually take it somewhere to have it done for them, those we have the room to do it ourselves if we learn how." Hermione explained. "The Polaroid camera is different in that it will do all that for you. It's perfect for little snapshots to capture those moments you want to remember and you don't have to worry about someone seeing something you don't want them too."
"That sounds impressive." Daphne voice held nothing but sincerity.
"It's certainly the best option for times when some of have bare breasts. At least until we learn to process film's ourselves." Hermione grimaced and wrapped her arms across her breasts, hiding them. "I don't really want anyone else seeing me like this."
Hermione stopped suddenly and shook her head. "I can't believe that I'm actually agreeing to photographed topless."
"When it's with or for the person you love, you'll find things a little different." Emily assured her daughter.
"L...Love?" Hermione stuttered, flushing heavily. "I...I think it's a little soon to be throwing that word around."
"If you say so dear." Emily smiled mysteriously.
Hermione shot her mother a glare for that statement and dug into her lunch.
!HPEaSE!
Emily left soon after lunch and the others read and chatted for a while they let their food digest before returning to the pool. They got another couple of hours fun before Winky appeared to tell them that Hermione's Grandparents were home.
Hermione dried herself quickly pulled on her sundress, did it up and went to greet them. Harry and the others, unwilling to stop their fun, relocated to the indoor pool.
They hadn't been in here since they had initially toured the new Extension. Dobby had done wonders with his work on making waterslides. He had taken the bare concepts and run with them to create an interesting result.
There were four slides in all, ranging from a simple short, straight slide to a long slide that looped the room twice with nearly one hundred twists and turns.
Of course, Dobby had only taken the bare concept of a waterslide; Water rushing along a path to carry a person. This meant there was no actual physical slide, just a stream of water for them to ride. Entering each of the slides was a simple matter of stepping into a small pool of water and letting one's self be carried away.
Harry found himself grinning at Dobby's attempt at making waterslides and decided to try them before saying anything. Putting thought into action he stepped into the first of the slides and found himself swept gently up and then down the slide to splash into the pool.
Harry surfaced grinning. "That was fun. Next slide."
Everyone watched as Harry hauled himself out of the pool and went to the next slide. "Well, come on. What are you all waiting for?"
That got everyone moving and they followed him, each taking turns on each of the slides.
They middle two were pretty good but the last one was wild. Faster, it twisted, turned and even spun and spiralled giving Harry the feeling of flying on his broomstick. He was shouting for joy as he was launched out of the end of the slide and into the pool.
"Waahooo." Harry gushed when he surfaced again. "That was fun."
He waited patiently for the others to all finish their fun rides, including Hermione who returned during his wait, before going again. From then on he, and most of the others stuck to the last and longest slide. Padma found it too much and stuck to the second and third slides. Hermione agreed with her but would occasionally go on the fourth slide, just as long as she was doubling with Harry.
Harry was almost certain that some of her 'accidental' brushes against his breasts were not so accidental. Not that he could really complain. Hermione had removed her top again as soon as she had joined them and would alternate positions with Harry. He was sure she 'allowed' his hand and arm to brush her breasts as she pulled his arms firmly round her and settled them across her waist.
Not that he was going to complain. Those brushes, both the ones he was given and received, played on his skin like a soft fire. Harry was actually grateful for being female. The arousal he was feeling was much easier to hide than the massive hardness that would have bulged out the light swimwear he would've been wearing as a male.
!HPEaSE!
Harry was glad he had overcome the majority of his discomfort at being naked in front of Hermione, and at seeing her bare body too.
It was the morning oh Neville's birthday and they were getting ready. Harry had only just gotten out of his shower when Hermione, fresh from her own shower, had entered his bathroom in only a towel. A towel which had been tossed on to the long vanity moments after she had entered the room.
Hurrying him to get dry, she proceeded to help him with his hair and even applied a little light makeup to make him more presentable for the semiformal event they were about to attend. She had already laid out clothing for them both and provided him a helping hand when required. Harry was a little unsure about the lacy lingerie she had pulled out but held his tongue as he watch her pull on a similar set. The clothing she had chosen for them both were light white shirts and knee length skirts in pale colours; green for Harry and blue for herself. Over these they pulled, but didn't close, light summer robes in much darker colours to match their clothes.
The others dressed in similar fashions and Daphne gave everyone a quick reminder on how to address the formal matriarch of the Longbottom family.
So, on time and with presents in hand, the group stepped through the floo to Longbottom Manor.
Harry's increased balance meant he now only stumbled as he exited the floo and he didn't have to roll across the floor. He had removed his shoes prior to entry though. Hermione had picked 'girly' ones with small heals which would be suitable for the semi-formal affair but not for floo travel.
"Welcome to Longbottom Manor." Neville greeted them shyly as they had finished emerging.
"Neville. Happy Birthday." Luna cried out happily as she rushed to hug him.
"Ahem." A serious voice interrupted.
Luna didn't let that stop her from hugging Neville but she cut it short and turned to greet the older lady properly. "Good morning, Lady Longbottom. I trust you are well."
"I am. Please introduce your friends." Augusta Longbottom replied.
"These are Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley." Luna introduced the two Gryffindor witches.
"Lady Longbottom." They chorused.
"Neville speaks highly of you Miss Granger, and didn't you accompany him to the Yule Ball, Miss Weasley?" Augusta looked the pair over.
"I did. It was a fun evening." Ginny answered politely.
Augusta gave the girl a short nod and turned back to Luna, motioning for her to continue the introductions.
"This is Padma Patil." Luna continued.
"Lady Augusta." Padma greeted the older woman.
Augusta raised a curious eyebrow at the different greeting but said nothing.
"Next are Hannah Abbott and Tracy Davis." Luna smoothly moved past the awkward pause.
"Lady Longbottom." They greeted carefully.
"Welcome to you both. I am familiar with your father's, I trust they are well."
"Yes thank you." Tracy answered for them both.
"Here we have Daphne Greengrass and Susan Bones."
"Lady Augusta." They both spoke.
"Miss Greengrass, I hope your parents are well. It has been a while since I last spoke to your mother, I should remedy that. Perhaps you could join us?"
"I would like that. Thank you." Daphne gave a slight bow of thanks.
"You should come as well, Miss Bones. I'm sure you are proud of your Aunt's promotion. How has she been?"
"Very busy. I see too little of her these days." Susan replied. "Fortunately, my friends are excellent company. Thank you for you offer, I will await your invitation."
Augusta favoured the busty Hufflepuff with a small smile and looked at the last person to be introduced.
Luna's voice held a note of pride as she performed the final introduction. "Lastly, this is my older sister, Lord Harry Potter."
Augusta cleared her throat to cover her surprise. "Lord Harry Potter? You seem rather feminine at the moment."
"I do apologise for my appearance, Augusta." Harry carefully followed Daphne's instructions. "This seems to be a lingering souvenir of my last encounter with Voldemort. Not a conventional battle by any means, but still a dangerous one.
"I'm afraid I owe you another apology for my actions earlier this summer."
"For taking my Grandson to the Ministry to fight Death Eaters?" Augusta queried.
"No. That was his choice and he went against my advice. I'm glad he came though, he was very helpful. No, my apology is regarding Bellatrix Lestrange."
Augusta sighed. "It's not your fault she got away. As much as I would like to put her in her grave, you would be no match for her."
And that is why I must apologise." Harry countered. "I put her in her grave earlier this summer."
Augusta completely lot all her composure. "You're joking."
"No, Lady Augusta." Susan spoke up. "Auntie confirmed her death personally."
Augusta's gaze strayed to the girl as she tried to comprehend her words. Once they had sunk in she unceremoniously pulled Harry into a hug. "Thank you so much for ridding the world of that bitch who robbed me my of my children."
"Uh, you're welcome." Harry struggle to speak.
Augusta released him suddenly and forced her composure to return. "I apologise for my lack of decorum. Why would you think you need to apologise for that?"
"Well, you can't see her properly punished for her crimes against you." Harry explained.
"I saw that years ago and it didn't stop her from escaping." Lady Augusta replied "Now she can't hurt anyone else ever. I'll leave you to socialise amongst yourselves. Neville, have fun with your guests."
Augusta turned and left as quickly as she could without appearing to be hurrying.
"Did you really kill Her?" Neville asked quietly.
Harry nodded.
Neville looked at him carefully and gave a single nod. "Well, I've never seen Gran lose it like that before. I think she like you more than me. She even managed to wait until we got home before surprising me with a hug and telling me how proud she was of me."
"Sorry about that." Harry replied, turning red from embarrassment.
"Don't worry. That's a memory I'll treasure." Neville grinned. "You'd better watch out or you might find yourself invited along with Susan and Daphne."
"What was with that invitation?" Harry asked.
"It's a gathering of upper class ladies." Daphne explained. "To be invited basically means being accepted as a adult within that society. It's a good way of making contacts."
"And finding potential husbands." Susan growled. "She'd better watch out if she thinks she can do some matchmaking."
"I'm sure Harry can get her to back off." Neville was still grinning. "Come on, is my room okay to sit down in?"
"Would there be room for us all?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Neville replied simply and led the way.
The Manor was well maintained and spacious with memorabilia of all the historical Longbottoms displayed proudly.
"This is a nice place." Harry complemented his friend.
"It's home." Neville shrugged. "It's really only felt like that since I got back from Hogwarts though. I never felt like I fitted in here before. I have you to thank for that."
"No. You'd always had everything you needed. You just needed a little help getting it out." Harry assured him.
Neville nodded and seemed a little more relaxed. "In here."
He led them into a spacious room with a table and comfy chairs.
"This is your bedroom?" Harry looked around, unable to see anything that resembled a bed.
Neville pointed out the other doors. "Bedroom, wardrobe, study and bathroom."
"So you've your own suite." Hermione realised.
Neville nodded.
"Nice. Very nice." Harry complemented.
"Thanks."
Neville looked uncomfortable and struggle to find a new topic. "Umm, Harry, umm, so... How are you handling your... umm... changes?"
Harry chuckled ruefully. "It's had its moments but for most things it's not much different. For others it's completely different."
"I can't even begin to imagine." Neville commented, struggling not to stare at his friends busty body.
"Right. Presents." Luna stated as she handed hers over. "Happy birthday. I hope you like it."
"Happy birthday." Everyone else handed their gifts over as well so Neville had a pile on his lap and on the couch between him and Luna who was helping him.
Neville opened each gift and thanked the giver gratefully as he admired each item. His happiness was easily visible to everyone as an elf brought them a light morning snack and they began chatting with each other.
"So, how's your summer been?" Harry asked.
"Good." Neville nodded. "I've been learning a lot. Gran got an Uncle who's an Unspeakable to train me so I'll be of much more use in a fight next time."
"I hope that doesn't happen but that's wishful thinking at this point." Harry sighed.
"I'm ready to fight." Neville stated seriously. "Don't leave me out of this."
"I don't know how much I can let you in." Harry replied. "We've all been training too, but we've been training to work together as a team. I'm not sure how we'll include you. Or other's for that matter."
"A support team, or teams?" Daphne suggested. "We may have to take point but if he and others insist on fighting then they would be a great help in keeping the Death Eater's off our backs."
"It will also be a big help if Hogwarts or Hogsmeade is attacked." Hermione added.
"I think we'll focus in that direction." Harry nodded. "I'll keep the DA going this year too so we can work on practical application, teamwork and tactics to help everyone survive and fight back. If Hogsmeade is hit I think it's going to fall to the DA to get everyone one out safely."
"I'll be happy to help." Neville relaxed.
"Now that the awkward part is over." Daphne quipped. "What's a more fun topic?"
"How pretty Harry looks in a dress?" Neville suggested shyly.
The girls laughed and Harry groaned, slumping. "Get it out of you system now mate, if you try pulling that on a day that isn't your birthday I'll use you as my training partner."
Neville paled slightly at the threat. "But you do look pretty."
"I know, but I don't need reminding of it." Harry managed a small smile back. "I have enough reminder hauling these around."
Harry bounced his breasts slightly to indicate what he was talking about causing Neville to stare and flush heavily.
"I'm still Harry." Harry reassured Neville. "Just treat me as normal, and try not to stare too much; you might upset Luna."
Neville was instantly apologetic to both Harry for looking and Luna for not looking. Luna smiled and moved closer to him so they were touching.
!HPEaSE!
Lunch was a more formal affair with quiet conversation and Augusta mare sure to talk to everyone, starting with Padma where they cleared up Padma's status as Heir to her family, just not officially just yet.
Augusta was a gracious host, if rather formal, and ensured all her guests were comfortable and that the food provided was to everyone's liking.
After lunch, Neville showed that all around the grounds, including his own greenhouse where he eagerly showed each of the rare plants he was growing and explained all their properties. Hannah and Tracy were particularly interested and encouraged him continue focusing on the rarer plants where he could actually make a good small business for himself.
The afternoon passed quietly, sedately. In some ways it reflected who Neville was, but it was just what they wanted. No worries, just quiet relaxation as they strolled though the well maintained manor gardens.
Of course, this was Harry's life, these peaceful moments never last. This time it was ended by the arrival of Neville's trainer, the Unspeakable Croaker.
"What's this, lazing the afternoon away?" He appeared suddenly. "At least you picked some pretty company."
"I thought I had the day off for my birthday." Neville protested.
"You did, but I got bored." Croaker grinned.
"Oh let him off." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Like you'd know anything missy." Croaker looked the gender-altered wizard. "Go back to your doll house. I'm sure your tits would get in the way if you tried to fight."
Harry closed his eyes and gritted his teeth and struggled to keep himself under control.
Neville didn't bother trying. "Harry is the best dueller around. I could only hope to be as good as him."
"Him? Oh, you must be Harry Potter." Croaker looked him over. "You look a little different to what I expected. I also think your skills are overrated."
"Whatever." Harry fired back. "By the way, your security sucked. We just walked straight in."
"Okay, that's it you little brat." Croaker pulled his wand.
Harry exploded into action. He dove away from the others to get room to move and let them try and flank the Unspeakable.
Harry's movement was far greater than Croaker expected and, though he tracked him, wasn't quick enough to land a hit. Harry was rolled smoothly to his feet and had his wand out, casting prior to even fully righted. Croaker was immediately on the defensive as Harry's high speed spells moved far faster than he had ever thought possible.
That's not to say he was defenceless. As an Unspeakable he had access to spells that most wizards would never encounter and they were put to the test. Harry's speed and power were far more than the Unspeakable could've expected and his advanced shields were being put to the test.
"Interesting shield." Harry commented lightly, not stopping his spells.
"If you beat me, maybe I'll teach it to you." Croaker taunted.
Harry grinned. Keeping up the barrage to keep Croaker back and avoiding the few spells he manage to return, not that that was easy; some of those spells were pretty dangerous, Harry began to touch the Manor Wards, specifically the ones that would block Apparation. He carefully created a small passage past his opponent.
Harry completed his passage and suddenly Apparated behind Croaker, but not before leaving a series of spells of varying speed to keep him focused in that direction. Croaker was good and used a new shield that surrounded his entire body so the entire attack failed. But it was funny to see Croaker think the Apparation Wards were down and try to Apparate himself, only to fail.
That gave Harry the upper hand for a moment but not for long. Croaker's experience and spell range allowed him to regain ground. They traded spells for a moment before Harry tried something different. He fired a simple disarming curse at Croaker's head followed by several other hexes and quietly flicked a full body bind at his legs with his off hand, using wandless magic for the first time.
Croaker's wand lifted to flick the disarming curse aside but missed the body bind as he shifted to counter the next spell. The body bind landed freezing him. The experienced Unspeakable immediately began trying to counter it but there were several other spells that were now impacting with his body and sending him flying.
Harry followed up with two extra body binds and then tied him up in ropes and hoisted him up into the air upside down and relieved him of his wand. "You had enough or do you want more?"
Croaker glared at him and struggled to break his binds. Harry noticed he was beginning to succeed and release the spell holding him in mid air, letting him hit the ground heavily.
"You've lost so play nice." Harry scolded. "Or do I need to use something nastier to keep you down."
Croaker groaned from having hit the ground hard. "So you can play rough. Good to know."
The Unspeakable managed to free himself and got to his feet pulling a spare wand. "You have a lot to learn little boy, girl, whatever."
Harry's eye's narrowed as he focused and the Unspeakable found himself flung backwards forcibly as a huge impact struck his stomach with no warning and left him on the ground gasping as his spare wand flew into Harry's hand.
"You might want to reconsider surrendering." Harry stated. "If not, then the next spell I cast will be really nasty. I could accidentally remove a few ribs, I understand it gets pretty unpleasant if you lose even a couple."
Croaker grinned. "Now that's good. You do have a few tricks up your sleeves."
"When can I expect the spell lessons?" Harry grinned back.
Croaker pulled a book out. "I was bringing this for Neville, he's worked hard and could be an Unspeakable in the future. He's family too, distantly, but the closest I have left. This was to be his birthday present but I think you've earned a copy."
Croaker retrieved his wands and created a duplicate of the book using a complicated spell. "I'm giving this to you, don't spread it around."
"Just my family." Harry nodded.
"Your immediate family." Croaker clarified.
Harry nodded. "I can live with that."
Neville was grinning. "That was amazing Harry. I've never seen anyone move like that. I've definitely got a lot to learn. You'll help me once school starts again right?"
"Sure Neville. I'll be happy too." Harry clapped his hand on Neville's shoulder.
!HPEaSE!
Ann picked up the ringing phone. "Hello."
"Officer Anderson?"
"Speaking."
"We met at the hotel. I gave you something to deliver. Have you made the delivery?"
"Oh, you again. Yes, I made the delivery."
"Why have we not been contacted?"
"Dunno. He wasn't sure. I'm not going to pressure him." Ann stated firmly.
"Very well. Good day, Officer Anderson." The line disconnected.