Disclaimer: I have money now, but not enough to buy the rights to this… (pouts)

A/N: Yes! Another chapter at last! Can you believe it? EVERYONE THANK MY WONDERFUL BETA, SpiderLily! SHE ROCKS!

"Oh, Albus, you didn't! What in Merlin's name were you thinking?" McGonagall was flabbergasted by all she had heard. The witch didn't know whether to congratulate her old friend on taking the child's safety so seriously… or to practice her seventh year Transfigurations syllabus on him. She was quite partial to the latter. To think, he had fooled the entire Wizarding world… They would lynch him when they found out… And that was where McGonagall came to the last item of discussion.

Dumbledore wanted to continue his ruse by placing one of the new first year students under a powerful glamour charm. Whether it was truly to protect the girl, or to save his own neck from the masses, McGonagall could not approve. James and Lily Potter had been two of her most promising Gryffindors in their day, and she wasn't about to let their daughter be subjected to such madness! It was bad enough she'd been raised by Muggles, they didn't need to destroy Hallie's sense of self any more by making her a boy!

Hallie herself was silently rooting the older woman on. At least this confirmed that not all magical people were barmy. After all, her only experience so far amounted to a megalomaniac Dark Lord, the toothless old bartender that she'd mistaken for a kidnapper, the frightening creature in Knockturn alley, the gentile Mr. Lupin, Albus Dumbledore (no explanation needed), and now… Minerva McGonagall. She was a bit overwhelming, though, and Hallie was just glad those chilling glares were not directed at her. Thankfully, McGonagall was there to push her case and make the old man see sense. How could he seriously consider making her a boy? As if Hallie would ever agree to something so ridiculous…!

Because she wouldn't. Nuh-uh, no way, not in this lifetime…! Why did the decision feel like it was already far from in her hands?

"I believed it was the right thing, Minerva. I really had no other choice," Dumbledore tried to defend himself to the fuming teacher, simultaneously avoiding eye contact with her.

"No choice!" McGonagall repeated sardonically. "We are speaking of you, aren't we, Albus? It's always your choice, and the rest of us can only hope that the consequences aren't permanent!"

The tiny cat in Hallie's lap flicked its head back and forth as the two adults argued, color-switching eyes not settling on either one. Hallie echoed his movements. It was kind of like watching a tennis match, and it seemed that McGonagall was winning. Hallie crossed her fingers.

"Now, Minerva, I'm certain my plans don't turn out that badly-"

"Do remember that we are still dealing with Peeves, won't you. 'It's only temporary, I'm sure,' you said. 'And Hogwarts could use its own poltergeist to liven things up…' Just be thankful that Argus didn't know about your choice before he accepted the staff position!"

"Ah, but it does seem to have turned out for the best… and the Weasley twins do give the old prankster a run for his money, don't you think-"

"Albus, enough! I've known you long enough to tell when you're stalling. Miss Potter's welfare is not up for debate, and I will not allow this farce to take root!"

Hallie would be clapping if she didn't think it inappropriate at that moment.

"I'm afraid I must insist, Minerva."

'No!' Hallie blanched. 'He can't do this!'

McGonagall made one last attempt, "But James and Lily-"

"-Would want their child safe." Dumbledore interrupted. "This is, in fact, our only solution. As of yet, the Wizarding World does not know that Hallie is what she is, and you know just how expectant even the students are to see Harry Potter on September first. If we were to reveal the truth now, it would only put unnecessary pressure upon Miss Potter, when she'll have enough to deal with, adjusting to Hogwarts. The added attention will also place her at greater risk. The press will have a field day with the news, and a few of society's less savory characters will find a renewed interest in the vanquisher of Lord Voldemort. Keep in mind, that while she is as safe as can be at her relatives' home, Hogwarts is not impenetrable."

Dumbledore put up one hand to stop whatever the other professor might have said at that moment, when she puffed up indignantly at the slight to her territory. "Remember that we will have more than just Miss Potter's safety to contend with, this year, especially. I do not want to give anyone more reason to try their wand at the castle's wards."

Hallie wondered at the emphasis Dumbledore gave his last sentence, but she was far more concerned by McGonagall's seemingly dying protests. The older woman appeared to subdue at those last comments, and her face took on a resigned cast.

Hallie really didn't have a choice in this, did she?

"Bloody hell," Hallie muttered under her breath.

Dumbledore abruptly turned his attention back to her, and Hallie got the feeling he'd heard that. His expression was certainly bright enough to seem amused now that he was ready to turn the topic back onto his cross-dressing scheme.

"But back to the subject at hand," he said, "I think this could be a great opportunity for you, Hallie."

Hallie raised an eyebrow incredulously, "How do you reckon that?"

"In this way, you will be able to make a name for yourself behind the mask of Harry Potter."

"Albus," McGonagall said in a dry voice, "that makes absolutely no sense."

"On the contrary, imagine the reaction of the Wizarding World when they discover that the child they've regarded as the second coming of Merlin for a decade is only a girl."

"Excuse me?" Hallie interrupted, feeling rather annoyed.

Dumbledore noticed her reaction and hurried to explain, "No offense meant, my dear, but the Wizarding World can be rather old-fashioned at times and quite prejudiced. At least, if they have some time to get to know you, it will ease their feelings toward you."

Hallie took a moment to let those words sink in. What he said brought about a few thoughts which she would much rather not have.

'He's right…' Hallie silently grumbled, 'It's bad enough that I'm going to be famous, but to have to deal with a bunch of reporters, all clamoring to hear about my private life when they learn the truth… And what about my classmates!' she realized with a sinking feeling.

Hallie knew very well what it was like to be looked down upon by her peers, and she had no wish to repeat the experience. In the so-called 'Muggle' world, Hallie was just "that weird kid," with an over-bearing bully of cousin and not a friend to speak of. No one would associate with her for fear of upsetting Dudley, and the idea of someone actually standing up to him was laughable. After all, Dudley was bigger, stronger, had no qualms about hitting girls or kids with glasses, and he kept his own gang, who followed his word as though it was the unspoken law of the playground. Hallie just wasn't worth the trouble making an acquaintance with, and after years of getting by on her own, Hallie had deemed the other kids just as worthless.

For once, she actually considered Dumbledore's mad proposal. Maybe, just maybe, if others got to know Harry Potter, they would be a little more accepting. Hiding behind the phony identity, she could actually be herself, so to speak. She wouldn't have to worry about anyone judging her for being a girl, specifically one who had defeated the most fearsome dark wizard in a decade. Sure, Hallie would have to put up with all that Boy-Who-Lived nonsense, but that was a given. No matter what she did, she would still have to endure the fame. So why not use it to her advantage?

'Besides,' Hallie broke into a devilish grin, I can just imagine the look on everyone's faces when the truth comes out…'

Dumbledore was reiterating his plan to McGonagall as Hallie thought. The two were arguing over the technical aspects of her disguise, not that any of that magical jargon made a wit of sense to the newly-discovered witch. Without giving herself the time to back out, Hallie finally spoke up. "I'll do it."

Hallie's quiet announcement caused various reactions. The cat in her lap meowed into the awkward silence, tail thumping against her leg. McGonagall's jaw went slack as she stared at the girl incredulously. Hallie supposed that even if the woman had given in to the Headmaster, she was expecting a little fight from Hallie. Dumbledore looked straight at her, his half-moon spectacles flashing. He smiled benignly and pulled out one of his lemon drops.

"Splendid!"

"Sweet Merlin..." McGonagall whispered as she gazed down at Hallie. "She looks just like James..."

Dumbledore stood next to the professor, looking just a bit smug as he twirled his wand in satisfaction. Both stood behind the girl as she gaped at the reflection before her eyes, courtesy of the full-length mirror the Headmaster had conjured. Hallie was feeling a bit uncomfortable under their scrutiny, but even she had to admit her disguise was good. If not for the constant reassurances that she was indeed still a girl (Hallie had taken a worried peek downward before the Headmaster reminded her that it was only a glamour spell) then even she would have trouble recognizing herself.

In some ways, she still looked like the old Hallie; same messy black hair and bright green eyes. But in others, she was the perfect semblance of the brother she never had, nor wanted, after dealing with Dudley for ten years. If McGonagall was to be believed, then the spell was modeled after Hallie's father. She could only assume that was true as the Dursleys would never go to the trouble of burning a photo of her parents, much less putting one out on display. For Aunt Petunia, it was just so much easier to pretend they didn't exist, although, Hallie did throw a wrench in those kind of delusions…

Awed green eyes ran over the image once more, trying to map out every detail of her new appearance.

'Better get used to it,' a small voice in the back of her head whispered.

Hallie was taller for one, at least by a few inches, which wasn't that much of an achievement for her. Her limbs also looked a bit longer, but less delicate. She held up a boyish hand and noted the slightly thicker fingers. Looking upward, she examined her facial features, which were sharper compared to her usual button nose and rounded chin. Some things seemed no different, to her relief, such as the stubborn set of her mouth, and the wide emerald eyes framed by dark lashes. One of the major changes, of course, was lying on top of Hallie's head.

Her long black hair was much shorter, and stuck up in a thousand random directions. It looked like someone had hacked it off with a pair of hedge clippers. Actually, it was reminiscent of the haircut her Aunt Petunia had tried to give her when she was nine…

Back then, Hallie's hair had reached her waist in long, matted tangles. It wasn't her fault it was so messy. She was just never concerned about appearances when hiding under random bushes from Dudley's gang. Her aunt and uncle were always on her to comb her hair. Hallie once had the gall to reply that they at least give her a brush. For that, she spent the rest of the day in the hot sun, weeding the flowerbeds while her aunt guarded the water hose like a hawk.

Then Petunia had the bright idea to cut Hallie's hair herself. Much to the young girl's horror, when the scissors finally paused, her hair was butchered. The sides were chopped off to an inch, although her bangs were left, 'just to hide that hideous scar.' Hallie had spent the night sobbing in her cupboard, but when she woke up the next morning, it had all grown back, albeit a few inches shorter. Hallie was oddly tired as she hurried to start breakfast, but her aunt's shrill scream when she entered the kitchen was like a bucket of cold water to her drowsy senses.

Needless to say, Hallie was not greeted with a smile and wave that morning (not that she ever was). She was given an entire week confined to her cupboard for fixing her hair, even if she couldn't explain how it had happened. Fortunately, her aunt never attempted to cut her hair that short again. She didn't want to elicit any other freaky reactions.

Coming back to the present, Hallie sighed. At least she could admit that she didn't look that different. It was probably a good thing that she hadn't had the chance to develop any of those feminine curves she would get with puberty. As of right now, her thin figure was just as flat as it had always been. Her cousin's overly-large jeans and t-shirt only enhanced the effect.

Continuing her observations, Hallie's eyes froze as they caught sight of the familiar lightning bolt scar. She fought the urge to glare at the cause of all her current problems. It stood out more clearly than ever, peeking through her short bangs. It was faded with age, but still easily noticeable to anyone looking for it. Hallie supposed the headmaster had left it out in the open on purpose. After all, what was the point of trying to be the Boy-Who-Lived if no one saw his famous scar?

"Now, just one last thing, and then we're finished," Dumbledore's voice interrupted her bitter musings as he stepped around her, something cupped in his hands. He lifted it for both Hallie and McGonagall to see. Dangling from his fingers was a smooth, oval-shaped red stone hanging on a long silver chain. He draped it around the girl's, or rather, boy's neck, and Hallie lifted it up curiously.

Upon closer inspection, she saw that the gem wasn't red at all, but more of a clear glass that glowed inside like a burning ember. Tiny runes were carved into the stone in a pattern that made little sense to Hallie.

"What does it-" Hallie began to ask, but gave a small sound of surprise when she heard a foreign voice leave her mouth. It was a bit deeper than was she was used to, obviously belonging to a young boy.

"I guess that answers my question," Hallie mumbled, still unused to the way she sounded.

"Yes, but that isn't all," Dumbledore corrected happily. He seemed to be enjoying this far too much... "This charm is the focus of the glamour. While a normal glamour spell would last no more than a few hours perhaps, depending on the strength of the caster, this necklace will ensure it has no limits. The stone will anchor the different charms cast on you. There are several, in fact. As long as you wear it, the spells will hold."

"Are you sure there's no way anyone would find out?" Hallie asked. She was curious about how foolproof this stuff was. "I mean, what if someone bumps into me or something? Won't they be able to tell I'm a bit shorted than I look?"

"Not all," Dumbledore answered. "That is one of the spells I've placed on you. It's a derivation of the Confundus, and it will keep anyone from noticing such details. However, I must once again stress the importance of the necklace. Do not remove it for anything, or the spell-work will collapse, and I will have to replace it. It is best if no sees it either."

Dumbledore held up his wand as he spoke. He pointed at the stone and said some words in another language. Hallie didn't quite hear it, but when she looked down at her chest, the necklace had vanished. It was odd, because she could still feel its light weight, and when she reached up a hand, still felt the smooth chain as well.

McGonagall watched the proceedings with a slight frown on her face. She still wasn't sure she agreed with the entire plan. So many things could go wrong... But it was the girl's decision...

"I suppose it'll have to do, Albus," she sighed in resignation.

The headmaster smiled gratefully. He was glad to have the support of one of his most trusted colleagues. It had been a strain all those years ago to lie to his friends about the young Potter, especially when those meaning well asked to visit the boy on occasion. However, just knowing that Minerva was privy to the information lifted a great deal of the weight from his already over-burdened shoulders.

Hallie turned away from the mirror at last, fiddling with the unseen necklace. She knew there was no turning back now. She'd already agreed to do this, and she would see things through. She only hoped she didn't come to regret it...

Taking a deep breath, she addressed the adults, "What now?"

Dumbledore smiled down at her, the twinkle in his eye brighter than ever, "Now we put your disguise to the test."

Without offering further explanation, he moved over to the lit fireplace. Reaching above the mantle, he extracted some of the glittering powder he kept nearby. Tossing it into the Floo, he called out, "Rubeus Hagrid!"

REVIEW!

Okay, so what do you think? I'm going to say it again, for those of you that haven't heard it: HALLIE WILL NOT BE A BOY FOREVER!

This is only temporary. I'm also going to let you know now that this story will be short. The chapter after next is going to pretty much sum up the year. Then there will be a surprise at the end of Hallie's first year. After that, I'm going to get started on the sequel, which I think you guys will like.

3/5/08: This chapter has been edited a bit. I finally came up with a plausible reason for Hallie's deception!