Chapter 6
The Cat's Out Of The Bag

Sunday, December 27th, 1992 – Late Morning

Hermione was currently propped up against the pillow in her Hospital Wing bed. Madam Pomfrey had given her some writing material so she could write a letter to her parents. The only issue was that Hermione wasn't completely sure what she wanted to tell her parents. How was she supposed to explain to her Muggle parents, that she wasn't a normal girl anymore, that she was now a Neko? She sighed, wondering if she should just simply ask Professor McGonagall to write it.

What she really wanted was Harry. Harry would probably help her write the letter. He told her he would defend her new lifestyle from even her parents if it came to it.

She wondered if Harry was still in his feminine form, also known as Rose. Hermione had been in the bathroom, taking a pee when Harry had returned to his feminine form that morning. By the time Hermione had returned, Harry had already left. When Hermione had asked about Harry, Madam Pomfrey merely said that Harry was now Rose, but said nothing more. That made Hermione worry even more.

Madam Pomfrey had specifically warned Harry that there was a chance – no matter how small – that Harry could lose himself to Rose, and she could become the dominating personality. There was also the fact that Harry said he was going to meet with Professor Dumbledore. Owing to the Flushing Draught restoring her memories, Hermione remembered the day she met Rose. They had loads of fun, playing with each other in the park near her home. Then Professor Dumbledore had come, called Rose "Harry", and told her that she needed to go home. Dumbledore had also Obliviated Hermione of Rose's identity.

But now, Harry wanted Dumbledore to meet Rose. He wanted Dumbledore to know that he remembered everything. Dumbledore was dangerous – to both Harry and Hermione. Hermione knew this. What would happen when Rose's personality met Dumbledore? Would she remember Dumbledore? Would she know to be cautious around him? Also... would she be willing to compromise with Harry, and let him be the dominating personality?

Hermione's reverie was broken when Madam Pomfrey emerged through the curtains around her bed. She was carrying three vials of Potions.

"Have you finished your letter, Miss Granger?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"No, ma'am," Hermione said. "I'm having some complications. I don't know what exactly I should tell my parents. Do I tell them about – you know – what will happen during my monthly cycles?"

"Oh, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, sighing, "Perhaps it would be best to break the news gently. Leave out all the complicated stuff until you can talk to them face-to-face."

Hermione nodded. "I suppose so. What are those Potions?"

"These are Potions that will assist you with removing some of the fur on your body and face," Madam Pomfrey said.

"Only some of it?" Hermione asked, "You will be able to remove it all, right?"

"Of course, Miss Granger, do not fret," Madam Pomfrey said. "The process will take stages. This is the first of two stages if I am correct. These potions are rather rare. Not difficult to make, but they're not used every day. Combined, these three Potions make up what is known as a Shedding Draught. You will drink these three Potions, whilst in the bathroom. Then you will take a shower and the first layer of fur should shed from your body and face. Tomorrow, you will do the same, and most of the fur will be removed. Then if there is any leftover fur, I will remove it gently and delicately through magic."

Hermione nodded. "Er – it won't remove the fur from my tail, will it?"

"I should hope not," Madam Pomfrey said.

Hermione frowned at the doubtful expression on the nurse's face.

"Madam Pomfrey?" Professor McGonagall's voice said. "Are you in here, Poppy?"

Madam Pomfrey ducked out of the enclosed area. Half-a-minute later, she returned, followed by Professor McGonagall, and Harry, looking normal again.

"Harry!" Hermione said, grinning, her tail waving excitedly as she saw her boyfriend, "You're back. And you're yourself again. What was it like? Completely being Rose?"

Harry sat down in the chair near Hermione's bed, whilst Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall sat down on the bed where Harry had slept the previous evening.

"Afraid I can't tell you much," Harry said, "I was merely an audience member. I was able to see and hear everything Rose experienced. But I was not in control at all. From the moment Rose's personality took over, I was merely a passenger until Rose let me come back."

"What can you tell me?" Hermione asked.

"Rose might be able to explain it better the next time she comes back," Harry said. "But she met Professor Dumbledore, and he tried to convince her that she was me. Rose wasn't very happy about that. Rose even threatened Dumbledore – told him that if he didn't treat us right, that we would all leave Hogwarts. You, Rose and I."

"Why wouldn't he treat you right, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall asked.

"Oh, Minerva," Madam Pomfrey said, "I'm afraid we have quite a story for you."

"What else happened?" Hermione asked. "What else happened with Professor Dumbledore?"

Harry shrugged. "He agreed to let Rose join you and I in the Private Quarters. I know that sounds silly when you think about it. But he wasn't agreeable at first. He said – and I quote – 'I believe I opened those Private Quarters to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. According to you, you are not Harry.' He also said he expected both you and I to be at the Start-Of-Term Feast in January."

"You and I," Hermione said, "Not Rose."

"Right," Harry said.

"It sounds like he doesn't like Rose," Hermione said, "Why doesn't he like her? Is there something wrong –?"

"There is nothing wrong with Rose Potter, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "I'm happy to say I was able to meet with her before she let Harry return. She is a very smart and strong-willed person in her own right. Reminds me very much of Lily Evans, then Potter."

"Harry's mother," Hermione said.

"Technically she's both Harry and Rose's mother," McGonagall said. "When Rose spoke of Lily Potter, she referred to her as 'our mother' – hers and Harry's."

"So... does she see you as her brother, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not sure," Harry said. "More like my parents' daughter, but not my sister, if that makes any sense. We can never exist in the same room together."

Hermione nodded. "I think I can understand that. I would very much like to meet her again soon."

"Soon," Harry said, "She wants to go to Diagon Alley before the end of Christmas Break to do some shopping."

"I promised Mr. Potter I would do my best to see if that can happen," McGonagall said. "I would escort him, of course. I might even be able to allow you to come with us, Miss Granger."

"Are you sure, ma'am?" Hermione asked.

"It would be a wonderful opportunity for you to test yourself as a Neko in public, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "Also, if you would allow it, we might also be able to set up a meeting with your parents."

"Madam Pomfrey did suggest that I speak to my parents face-to-face about this," Hermione said. "I admit I'm having trouble writing my letter."

"How about you let me take care of the letter, Miss Granger?" McGonagall asked. "I can set that up on the same day that Mr. Potter and I go to Diagon Alley. You can accompany us, and we can arrange to meet your parents in the Leaky Cauldron."

"Alright," Hermione said, nodding. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," McGonagall said. "Now, I am interested to discover what Mr. and Miss Potter were being so mysterious about this morning."

"I suppose I should begin," Madam Pomfrey said. "Perhaps you remember yesterday when I mentioned that I probably should have noticed the bindings around Mr. Potter's magical core long before I did."

"Of course, Poppy," McGonagall said. "I must admit that I thought the same thing."

"It turns out that such negligence was not my fault," Madam Pomfrey said. "The Headmaster visited us last night, and I will admit his behavior was rather odd. For example, he admitted that he knew Mr. Potter's Magical Core was bound."

"You're sure?" McGonagall asked, looking shocked.

"Yes, Minerva," Madam Pomfrey said.

He said he intended to release some of the bindings himself over the next year or two," Harry said. "However, it sounded as if he was only agreeable to release fifty-percent of the bindings. I'm not sure he wanted me to have complete control over my Metamorph abilities. I understand that one-hundred percent removal of the bindings is dangerous, but removing seventy-five percent should be okay, yes?"

"Removing up to ninety-percent might be possible before we have to be careful, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said. "But you are correct to assume that the Headmaster does seem to be against removing anything above fifty-percent. He seems to be adamantly against you gaining too much power over your magical abilities. However, he didn't give us a reason as to why."

"That's not the only thing he seems to be against," Hermione said, frowning. "I told the Headmaster about my new relationship with Harry, that he's my boyfriend."

"How did the Headmaster respond to that, Miss Granger?" McGonagall asked.

"First he asked me if I was sure I wanted to be in a relationship at my age," Hermione asked. "He asked me if my parents would approve of it. I told him that if they supported me, they'd be happy with my decision. I then told the Headmaster that the only reason I revealed my new relationship with him was because of what you and Madam Pomfrey told me. That I would experience moments of being in heat."

"Albus understood what that meant, of course," Madam Pomfrey said. "So I told him that I – and you, Minerva – thought it wise if Miss Granger and Mr. Potter were placed in Private Quarters so that they could deal with Miss Granger's new predicament in private. The Headmaster did not support that at first."

"Why ever not?" McGonagall asked, surprised.

"He said he believed I was not ready to deal with such things as Hermione's predicament," Harry said.

"Even went as far as to suggest – and I quote – 'other means'," Madam Pomfrey said. "He didn't confirm what those 'other means' were, but I expect he meant Prefects help her!"

"Oh, my," McGonagall said, her eyes wide.

"Harry and I had other theories," Hermione said. "We think he meant someone else in my year. Someone else besides Harry. Such as Ron Weasley. That was Harry's theory. I argued with him on that point, said that the Headmaster would know if that happened, then Harry would be jealous. That it might ruin our friendship. And Harry said -"

"I said – what if that is the Headmaster's intentions?" Harry said.

"You believe the Headmaster doesn't want the two of you together?" McGonagall asked. "Why?"

"That is my question too," Hermione said. "Is it because I'm a Muggleborn? Is it because he believes Harry should be with someone else?"

"Does he have someone in mind with who I should be with?" Harry suggested.

McGonagall didn't reply, but Hermione noticed she looked very troubled.

"I'm more focused on what the Headmaster's suggestion would do to Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said. "It is easy to see that Mr. Potter and Miss Granger have a wonderful and strong friendship which has evolved into more. If that friendship ever ended, Mr. Potter – I imagine you would be distraught."

"Pretty much, yeah," Harry said. "Hermione's my best friend. I've never known anyone quite like her."

Hermione smiled, her tail waving around happily.

"What if – what if the Headmaster wanted that to happen?" Madam Pomfrey asked. "What if he doesn't want Harry to be happy? It is only a theory, of course. But -"

"It is an interesting theory," McGonagall said. "One that should be given some thought."

"Oh, there is more evidence pointing to the theory," Madam Pomfrey said. "Shall we continue with the story? After the Headmaster suggested 'other means;', I was very adamant in arguing against that. I told him what you and I had discovered – that Mr. Potter may very well be Miss Granger's mate. A Neko's mate. The Headmaster finally saw sense, and agreed."

"But you could see that he was still discouraged," Hermione said, "After Professor Dumbledore left, Harry and I spoke with Madam Pomfrey. At one point, I asked her if she had been Obliviated or Compelled to forget that Harry's magical core was bound."

"At first I thought that was ridiculous," Madam Pomfrey said, "Then I thought about it. Then I took a Flushing Draught last night. I discovered Miss Granger was correct. I had been Compelled by Albus, Minerva. Possibly every single time that Mr. Potter was in here. I would have noticed the bindings around his magical core when I used Diagnostic Charms."

"Which you use with every patient every time," McGonagall said.

"Every time," Madam Pomfrey said. "There is no excuse for not having noticed it before now, unless someone made sure I didn't notice. And that someone was the Headmaster."

"And it simply gets much worse from there," Harry said.

"How so, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall asked.

"Madam Pomfrey gave Flushing Draughts to both Hermione and I this morning," Harry said.

McGonagall's eyes widened, and her lips pursed. "I'm beginning to see what Rose meant when she said she 'forgot' about certain things. You have been Obliviated, Mr. Potter?"

"Both Hermione and I have been Obliviated," Harry said. "And we've also been Compelled to believe different things. Everything Rose told you about earlier – from when I became a girl at six years old for the first time, and Aunt Petunia told me about my parents, about magic, about my mother's letter which said I was a Metamorph. Aunt Petunia took me shopping that day. I saw myself as Rose. I even thought my name was Rose, that I was a girl. I was happy when people called me pretty."

Hermione noticed that McGonagall looked deep in thought about something.

"After the shopping trip," Harry said, "I put away my clothes in a hiding spot. Luckily Dumbledore didn't find those."

"What do you mean?" McGonagall asked.

"Dumbledore came to my house that same day," Harry said, "Shortly after Aunt Petunia and I came back from going shopping. He told me I was Harry, and then he changed me back to a boy. He said I was a boy, not a girl. He said I was not a Metamorphmagus, nor was I a wizard."

McGonagall gasped. "Oh, my..."

"I think he also Obliviated Aunt Petunia that day too," Harry said.

"I believe Rose was officially born that day, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "You said you identified yourself as Rose, as a girl."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.

"I believe Rose's personality was born that day," McGonagall said. "It explains why she said she was able to completely emerge several times after that."

"I remember all of that," Harry said, "Though, much like today, I was an audience member during those times. For example, I remember when Rose met Hermione."

Hermione smiled when Harry looked at her with a smile.

"I can remember that day now," Hermione said. "Rose was one of the first kids to ever be nice to me. I thought she would be my best friend. We played in the park for three hours. Then Dumbledore Obliviated both of us of that memory."

McGonagall huffed, angrily. "Why would he prevent you from meeting a young friend? Especially one who would turn out to be a Muggleborn witch?"

"Madam Pomfrey said it, didn't she?" Hermione asked. "She said that Dumbledore doesn't want Harry to be happy."

"I didn't have a very happy childhood," Harry said. "Rose meeting Hermione was one of those few happy memories I had. Interestingly enough, I nearly met Hermione a few hours before we officially met."

"Really?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "I was at King's Cross on September 1st, wondering how I was going to find Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters."

"Nobody told you how?" McGonagall asked.

"Hagrid," Harry said. "He only gave me my train ticket, told me the name of the Platform and that was it."

McGonagall huffed. "Don't blame Hagrid, Harry. I don't think it is his fault."

"Oh, I know it is the Headmaster's fault," Harry said. "You see, I had overheard Hermione mentioning the Platform's name to her parents. I wanted to go to her in hopes we might be able to board the platform and train together. Then Dumbledore met with me. He – he compelled me to not meet Hermione. Instead... he Compelled me to meet Ron Weasley's family. Dumbledore wanted me to be friends with Ron."

McGonagall frowned. "Albus has a close Alliance with the Weasley family."

"He wanted Harry to be friends with somebody who could keep a close eye on him when he could not," Hermione suggested.

"Probably correct," Harry said. "After all, I stayed at the Weasley's house for much of August."

"That isn't the only time Dumbledore Compelled us," Hermione said. "I wouldn't have been in that bathroom on Halloween our first year if it wasn't for Dumbledore. I wanted to spend the day in my dormitory, in the privacy of my bed. Dumbledore Compelled me to go to that bathroom."

"What bathroom?" Professor McGonagall asked. "The bathroom that the troll was discovered in that day?"

"It is funny you ask that, ma'am," Harry said. "Before we were given the Flushing Draught, we believed that you, Professor Snape and Professor Quirrel met us in that bathroom. You see, Hermione was trapped by the troll in that bathroom. I rescued her. Ron refused to come with me. After I rescued Hermione, we headed back to Gryffindor Tower without meeting any Professors. Ron was waiting for us. Hermione and I had an argument with him, and told him I didn't want to be friends with him anymore. Dumbledore showed up at that moment. I told him exactly what happened in the bathroom. However, he Compelled both Hermione and I. Made us believe that Ron had helped me save Hermione. That he was very brave."

"Ron even made suggestions," Hermione said, "Asked Dumbledore to compel us so we'd be more agreeable in helping Ron with his homework and play chess with him."

"Mr. Weasley knew this was happening?" McGonagall asked, "He was involved in it?!"

"Yes," Harry said. "From that moment on, Hermione and I considered Ron our best friend. Last night, he didn't want to come with me to take Hermione here. Right before Madam Pomfrey invited me back in here to see Hermione, Ron came here and told me to go with him and play chess, and come back here later to see Hermione."

"But you didn't go," Hermione said.

"Because the latest session of Compulsion to be Ron's best friend had worn off," Harry said.

"If Albus continued to Compel you all this time," McGonagall said, "Why did he allow you and Miss Granger to remain friends?"

"Ron," Hermione said, "I believe 'other means' meant him. Dumbledore wanted me to be romantically involved with Ron."

"Because Ron and his family is close to Dumbledore," Harry said, "And they could keep an eye on Hermione."

McGonagall huffed, angrily. "I don't know what to think about this. It all seems so – I need to speak to Albus about this."

"Don't you think we should get the DMLE involved, Minerva?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"I believe I need to speak to Albus first," McGonagall said, "I -"

Suddenly, McGonagall's head drooped and she appeared to fall asleep.

"Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Do not fret, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, "I placed her in a temporary sleeping state. I believe she has also been Compelled by the Headmaster."

"Are you sure?" Harry asked.

"The Minerva I know would never decline DMLE involvement," Madam Pomfrey said, "especially after hearing the evidence we have presented. She would do that before speaking to Albus about it. If she isn't being Compelled, then she has at least been given a Loyalty Potion keyed to the Headmaster."

"She would be unwaveringly loyal to him," Hermione said, in realization, "Of course she would want to speak to him then! She'd probably tell him everything we told her!"

"Then he'd Obliviate it from her mind," Harry said.

Madam Pomfrey waved her wand and summoned a vial. Hermione recognized it as a Flushing Draught.

"I need to give Minerva a dose of this to make sure she's herself," Madam Pomfrey explained.

Then she stood and closed the curtains separating her and McGonagall from Hermione and Harry. Hermione turned to Harry. Harry was looking at the tray of vials sitting on the table near Hermione's bed.

"Shedding Draught," Hermione explained. "I have to take those in the bathroom, then take a shower. The first layer will be removed during that shower. Then I do another one tomorrow. I'll likely do this after we're finished meeting with Professor McGonagall. So by tomorrow evening, I'll be... relatively normal again. At least I'll look the same, with only a few additions. No more fur. I wouldn't hate you if you said you didn't like it when I looked like this – all furry I mean."

"I don't hate it," Harry said, "But I'll be happy to be able to tell whether or not you're blushing again. Kissing you when you're furry is kind of awkward, I'll say."

"So no more kissing until my face is normal?" Hermione asked.

"I didn't say that," Harry said, "I promised I'd kiss you again."

Hermione grinned. She lifted her tail and moved it to Harry. Unfortunately, it wasn't long enough to reach around his back and pull him closer. So she wrapped the end around his arm and tugged. Harry chuckled and leaned toward her then kissed her gently. Hermione sighed against his lips and returned the kiss. They kissed for half-a-minute before Harry backed away.

"You know," Harry said, "I think Rose fancies you."

"What?" Hermione asked.

"I distinctly remember her thinking she wanted to kiss you," Harry said, grinning.

Hermione was so glad Harry couldn't see her blush. "What do you think?"

"I told Rose that you were my girlfriend," Harry said.

"And what did she say?" Hermione asked.

Harry's hair went pink as he blushed. "If I had a girlfriend, why couldn't she have one? Or a boyfriend? She doesn't exactly play fair."

"A boyfriend?!" Hermione asked, giggling, "Well, Madam Pomfrey did say your feminine form – Rose – can get pregnant."

"Hermione," Harry said; his hair turned from pink to hot-pink.

"Well," Hermione said, "I don't think you really need to worry. If Rose fancies me, she obviously likes girls."

Hermione was suddenly reminded of McGonagall's discussion with her yesterday, when she mentioned the possibility of Harry having Betrothal Contracts, or possibly marrying more than one girl. What if one of Harry's future wives was Rose's girlfriend?

"What are you thinking about?" Harry asked.

Hermione sighed. McGonagall had forbid her telling Harry about those things just yet.

"I'll tell you later," Hermione said.

"Alright," Harry said, "I have my secrets, you have yours. I respect that."

"I promise to tell you eventually," Hermione said.

"It is alright, Hermione," Harry said.

Harry pecked her on the lips again. When Hermione returned the kiss, Harry rubbed her tail and behind one ear. Hermione squirmed in intense pleasure. She mewled against his lips. Then he suddenly backed away as the curtains opened again. Hermione growled under her breath. Harry was about to give her another orgasm, and they had been interrupted!

Her anger was soon washed away when she saw the Transfiguration Professor. McGonagall was sitting against the bed, with her arms crossed on her chest, and she looked quite angry.

"I can't believe him!" McGonagall fumed. "All those times – Loyalty Potions! Compulsions! Albus, you bastard!"

"Minerva!" Madam Pomfrey gasped, "The children!"

Hermione only giggled and looked at Harry, who was grinning.

"My apologies," McGonagall said.

"You don't need to apologize, ma'am," Harry said.

"No, I do," McGonagall said. "You shouldn't have been placed with your Muggle relations. I was there the night you were dropped off at their house. I knew your relatives weren't nice people. I told Albus that, and he Compelled me to be okay with letting you stay there! I also should have met with you to introduce you to the wizarding world, instead of Hagrid. Albus Compelled me yet again to allow Hagrid to do so."

"Why did he want Hagrid to help me?" Harry asked.

"I think it has something to do with Gringotts and your family history, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "Hagrid knows very little about your family history. I would have taken you to meet the proper Goblin. Who did you meet that day?"

"Um... I think his name was Griphook," Harry said.

"Something tells me Griphook is not your Account Manager," McGonagall said. "Albus also dosed me with Loyalty Potions. Madam Pomfrey told me what happened a few minutes ago. She was quite correct to assume I would speak to the DMLE about this. But I am afraid I need more evidence."

"More?!" Harry asked. "Surely we have enough!"

"We need something concrete, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "Albus is a highly powerful individual within the Ministry. Do not fret. I know how to get proof. May I be excused, Poppy? I have things I need to be doing."

"Of course," Madam Pomfrey said.

"You aren't going to confront Dumbledore, are you?" Hermione asked.

"Heavens no," McGonagall said, "I want to shock him when I bring forth the DMLE to his office. I want him to believe I am still unwaveringly loyal to him. If he discovers I know about any of this -"

She shuddered and didn't continue. Then she stood and made herself proper.

"Be careful, ma'am," Hermione said.

"Don't you fret, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "I know what I am doing. Mr. Potter, I expect to see you in my office tomorrow at nine-o-clock."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said. "I'll be there."

"Miss Granger, do you still want to write to your parents or should I?" McGonagall asked.

"You better do it, ma'am," Hermione said, sighing, "This is harder than I expected it to be."

"I'll be very delicate in my letter to your parents, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "You have my word."

Hermione nodded and smiled. McGonagall then left the enclosed area.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger needs to take her Shedding Draught," Madam Pomfrey said. "You may remain here if you wish, however."

"I think I will," Harry said, "The Private Quarters will be lonely without Hermione, and I don't particularly want Ron to find me."

"You could look different you know, Harry," Hermione said. "Ron wouldn't know who you are. Or you could let Rose come back."

"I suppose I could do some early practice with my Metamorph talents while you take a shower," Harry said.

"A fine idea, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, "I'd rather have you do that here than anywhere else, unless with Professor McGonagall. I'll bring the body-length mirror back for you."

"Thank you," Harry said.

"Prepare for your Draught and shower, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, then left the enclosed area.

Hermione cleared her throat and turned to Harry.

"Here goes nothing," she said.

"Good luck," Harry said, "Though I was under the impression cats bathed themselves. With their tongues."

Hermione glared playfully. It lasted only seconds because Harry pecked her on the lips again. Hermione mewled against Harry's lips and returned the kiss. She knew she could get quite comfortable with kissing him.


I had issues naming this chapter. I decided on this chapter title, because it refers to Professor McGonagall (a cat Animagus) finding out what Dumbledore has done – to her students and to her. She's no longer Compelled, or is under Loyalty Potions, which could be seen as 'the bag'.