Saturday morning, Brian stops by early. He and Celeste wake up Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Gia.

"Late risers." Brian says to Ron.

"Yes, we normally are." says Ron.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia quickly get ready. Harry and Ron pack some things Brian gives them into the backpacks.

"I'll lug these out while you get a bite to eat." says Brian.

"Thanks." says Harry.

Brian picks up Harry's and Ron's packs. Brian says, "These things sure are light. Did you pack everything?"

"Sure we did. The packs are light because we packed smartly." says Ron. Brian looks very puzzled by this.

They cram into the SUV Brian had borrowed once again from his Dad. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia squeeze into the back seat. Brian starts driving.

Near the edge of town, Harry motions to Ron, Hermione, and Gia to duck. They do.

Brian says, "Oh those people? Special Agents of the government. Supposedly, there is some security scare and they are here for our protection."

"From the Ministry and they would recognize us." says Harry.

Brian says, "That bad?"

"If our presence is reported, it does endanger your town." says Harry.

"Are you guys dangerous?" asks Brian.

"They are if they wanted to be." says Gia.

"People are after us and they would flatten Noigate if they thought that it would get them us." says Harry.

"So, you just attract danger?" asks Brian.

"Pretty much if our whereabouts get published." says Harry.

"Hence your worries about that reporter weeks ago?" asks Celeste.

"Yes." says Harry.

"It must make for a rotten life having to worry about that." says Brian.

"What are you complaining about Brian? It got you into the girls' bathroom didn't it?" asks Gia.

Hermione chuckles and says, "Harry, you're contagious."

Ron boasts, "Harry and I were first in one of those two months into our first year."

Harry says, "That's right. Hermione was crying all afternoon in there as I recall."

"You two are that mean to her? Yet Hermione takes you on as friends?" asks Celeste.

Hermione says, "Funny how things work out. I never lied to a teacher before I met these two."

Ron pinches his nose and says in as high of a pitch as he can, "I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed -- or worse, expelled. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to bed." [SS/PS]

Harry is laughing. Brian and Celeste are chuckling. Hermione is looking furiously at Ron.

Gia says, "Now, that is the Hermione I remember from primary school."

"And these two have succeeded!" Hermione shouts at Harry and Ron.

"Are you serious about that?" asks Brian.

"Currently, the three of us are suspended pending expulsion." says Hermione.

"There are a bunch of people at school who would love to hear about that." says Celeste.

"I don't doubt that." says Hermione, grumpy.

"So why the expulsion?" asks Brian.

"For leaving school without permission." says Harry.

"They expel you for that? That sounds a bit Draconian." says Celeste.

Harry says, "We have broken the entire rulebook during our stay there. I guess this was the final straw." says Harry.

Ron says, "Harry, you aren't telling all of it! We overheard the teachers. Apparently, we're in a game of keep-away. They are trying to pry information out of us and we aren't giving. This expulsion is a ruse of theirs as the latest tactic."

"Why don't you just tell them?' asks Celeste.

Ron replies, "First, we're getting a nice weekend out of it. More importantly, there is some information that teachers do not have a right to ask for. For instance, how many times Brian has fucked you."

"True, but expulsion?" asks Celeste.

Ron says, "Forcing it is not proper."

* * * Hiking * * *

They arrive at the trail-head. Harry is wearing a T-shirt and shorts. They hike up.

When they arrive at the top, Harry, Ron, and Brian are naked. They stroll over to their favorite location on the grass beneath the knoll. Brian lays out the big towel.

Hermione asks, "So Harry, this is what you call a hike?"

Harry replies, "Yes. Your tan will have a line if you keep your clothes on."

A bit reluctant, Hermione strips and lays on the towel. She allows Ron to apply the sunscreen.

Harry says, "Don't forget to rotate occasionally."

Hermione snaps, "So, you want time to gawk at everything?"

Harry snaps back, "Then don't rotate and get a one-sided tan if you want."

Ron says, "Hermione, don't worry about others seeing you. It will just make them jealous. This place is fairly secluded."

Hermione says, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Ron kisses Hermione and says, "I meant it as one."

After a full day of sunbathing, the group starts hiking back to the parking lot.

"I can't believe you gawked while I peed." says Hermione.

"You've watched me pee many times. I've never seen you pee before. I liked it." says Ron.

"So, you would be just as comfortable if I say, watched you shit?" asks Hermione.

"That would be a bit kinky, but I would let you watch." says Ron.

"I don't doubt that!" says Hermione.

"Are you comfortable now?"

"Yes."

"We're still naked in case you forgotten. I love you. I'm attracted and fascinated by you. That includes your head, your heart, your body, and your Bodily functions. Did I truly offend you by watching?"

"No."

"Awkward?"

"Yes"

"Did you feel more or less so the second time?"

"Less so, I guess."

"Hermione, you are free to watch me whenever."

Harry walks in between Hermione and Ron as the continue hiking down the trail. Harry puts his arms about Hermione and Ron. Harry looks alternately between Ron and Hermione.

Harry says, "Gia and I had a similar talk on the last hike. It's alright for you two to watch each other do stuff."

Ron snaps, "That's easy for you to say with your arm wrapped around Hermione and the both of you naked."

Gia wraps her arm about Ron. Harry says, "And you too Ron. I trust you naked around Gia."

Ron says, "Point taken."

Brian says, "Now, if you path hogs don't mind, there are people coming up the trail."

The stop along the trail. Hermione and Celeste duck behind the boys and Gia.

Eric Miller approaches with a teenage youth group of some boys and girls. All of them have packs for overnight camping. Some of the boys emit cat calls at the sight of the naked Brian, Harry, Ron, and Gia.

Eric says, "Nice standards. I hope you used protection."

Brian replies, "Not that Mr. Miller. We were just sunbathing above."

"Harry, I suppose this is why you were expelled?" asks Eric.

One of the boys says, "Harry? He definitely seems hairy." The youths giggle.

Ron says, "Nah, they didn't like us leaving school to give You-Know-Who a UHP membership."

"Hey Cindy, want to follow their example?" asks another boy to a girl.

Eric says, "Ahem, my group will not be doing that. Do you realize this is a public place?"

"Sure, but it's not often frequented. You are likely to be the only ones we will meet this year. Normally we do wear more, but that would ruin the tans." says Brian.

"It's nice seeing you again Eric." says Harry.

"Hi Richard." says Gia as the group passes.

Harry and Brian lead the way and resume hiking.

"I can't believe you let me get caught." says a grumpy Hermione.

Harry says, "You heard them, they were jealous. Ron thinks it made things more interesting."

"Think about it, we were caught naked with nude boyfriends." says Celeste.

"With Hermione, that's fine by me." says Ron. Hermione is now sitting on his shoulders.

They reach the parking lot and towel off.

"I haven't seen some of them in years." says Hermione.

"And they saw you standing behind some cool guys. You are no longer the social outcast." says Gia.

Hermione starts to get in.

"Not in my Dad's car. Sit on a towel or get dressed." says Brian.

"Dress Hermione. Your Dad would murder me if you walked in naked." says Ron, putting on a T-shirt and shorts.

* * * Discussions * * *

Brian drops off Hermione, Gia, Harry, and Ron at the Grangers.

"Thanks Brian, I had fun." says Ron.

"Have fun with your tan." says Celeste.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia enter the Granger residence.

"It's nearly midnight!" says Linda Granger.

"We had fun Mum, and we stopped for dinner on the way back." says Hermione.

"That's good." says Charles Granger.

"We are heading for bed." says Ron.

"Good, you certainly were out late." says Linda.

"Mum, you worry too much." says Hermione.

"That's my job." says Linda.

The four enter Hermione's bedroom.

Harry starts rummaging through his backpack. Harry starts to worm into his backpack. Only Harry's feet and knees are still visible when the door opens.

Linda walks in and sees Harry's legs. She exclaims, "Oh my! I didn't realize that pack was so dangerous."

"It's been magically expanded. It can hold just about anything." says Ron.

"What about weight?" asks Linda.

"Much lighter." shouts Harry.

"So that's what Brian was noticing." mutters Gia.

"Yeah, toss a ton in and the thing will only weigh a stone or so. Mine's like that too." says Ron.

"As fascinating as packs may be, that is not why I entered." says Linda.

"What's up Mum?' asks Hermione.

"Your Dad and I discussed things. If you're certain about joining in these two's expulsions, we support you." says Linda.

"Thanks Mum." says Hermione.

Linda exits the room.

"Found it!" says Harry. He pulls out a fluffy white towel with the Hogwarts crest on it.

"You stole that?" asks Hermione.

"No, an oversight. It must have accidentally slipped into my trunk while I was packing, I think. I'll return it should Dumbledore let us back. In the meanwhile, I'll use it." says Harry. He strips and heads for the shower.

Ron sits for a bit, thinking.

"I still remember you scowling at me to leave while you put on your school robes on that first train." says a naked Hermione.

"Well, we only knew you for a few hours." says Ron.

Harry strolls in drying his hair and says, "It's funny how things change." Harry looks at the naked Gia and gets aroused. He says, "You look lovely Gia."

Gia grabs Harry's towel. She and Hermione exit for their showers.

"Harry, though you seem excited, I don't think you're ready. Besides, I think the girls are still a bit ticked about us leaving Tuesday." says Ron.

Harry sits on Hermione's bed. He says, "Ron, what is it that the teachers are trying to pry?"

Ron replies, "Your personality. They want a satisfactory explanation for your recent behavior among other things. They have no right or business seeking it."

"They think that you could give them this?"

"Yes, I could, but doing so would destroy our friendship. That is something I cannot do."

"Thanks. Keep it up. Am I really that transparent?"

"No, you definitely are not, because it's taken me years to really figure you out. Your love for Gia is crystal clear. Your need for her is not. The teachers don't know you well enough to put it together, but I can. I've been pressuring the teachers to back off."

"Thanks." says Harry and he gives Ron a hug.

"Sexual revolution." says Hermione, entering the bedroom.

"We were just talking." says Ron.

"Sure." Gia says sarcastically. "Harry, try the guest bedroom?"

Harry exits for the guest bedroom, with Gia.

Ron jumps through the shower and returns to Hermione's bedroom.

"What were you two discussing?" asks Hermione.

"The reason for me standing up to the teachers." says Ron.

"What if Dumbledore follows through on expulsion?"

Ron crouches before Hermione. She's naked and sitting on her bed.

"Hermione, I committed to standing with Harry before I knew about their plan. I have no reservations about this. My friends come before Hogwarts. Can you say the same?"

"Probably yes. In this case it was unjust to you."

Ron climbs onto the bed and cradles Hermione. The lights go out.

"Shh, there there." says Ron, drawing the blankets over them.

"What on earth?"

"You seem to need it. The stress over the expulsion is eating you a bit. I'm worried too."

"You are?"

"Dumbledore could still expel us and that frightens you."

"Sometimes, you're such a jerk."

"Hermione, occasionally your ego needs a little bit of deflating, other times inflating, and other times it's Harry."

"Nice attempt"

"It's about what you need first, like me." says Ron.

Hermione snorts.

Ron asks, "Well, what would you have done against that troll without me?"

"It was because of you that I was in there to begin with."

"So, I did matter to you then."

"Hmph!"

Ron massages Hermione's shoulders. He says, "What worries me is what the teachers might try next. Polyjuice? Veritaserum? We know that Harry can buck the Imperius Curse, but I'm not that good."

Hermione waves her hands and jokes, "Imperio! Kiss me!"

Ron kisses her on the neck above her shoulder. "Nice suggestion." he whispers.

"Would you tell them what they ...?"

"No." says Ron.

Hermione dozes off. Ron keeps massaging Hermione until he falls asleep.