Warning Spoilers, If you haven't read all the books. The following story may contain spoilers.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I am only playing in the world created by J.K. Rowling. No money is being made from this story.
This story may also not be suitable for younger readers. You have been warned. Any complaints will be ignored.
Chapter Twelve
We both emerged from the stables to find Ron and Hermione waiting nearby. Since they had already seen me in my Unicorn form. Most of their attention was understandably focused on Harry.
"Wow you look amazing, Harry! You make a very handsome Unicorn stallion but your dark hair and green eyes give you away." Hermione said to the Black Unicorn stallion, that Harry had become.
'Well it's expected that our Animagus forms, would reflect at least some of our human traits.' Harry responded.
"That certainly seems to be the case with both you and Luna." Hermione observed.
"Now that I've seen you both in your Unicorn forms, it makes me wonder what kind of animal form I might have." Ron said, as he contemplated the many possibilities.
'I would have thought your animal form would be pretty obvious. stubborn to a fault, always hungry and a bit lazy at times. Your animal form could only be a four hooved variety of donkey.' I teased Ron, about some of his less than admirable characteristics.
"Hey that's just mean!" Ron sulked, as he looked at Hermione who was trying hard not to laugh or smile at Ron's expense.
'I'm only kidding Ron, while those are a few of your less than admirable qualities. They are not the characteristics that define who you really are.' I thought to Ron, as I tried to sooth his hurt feelings.
"If you truly believe that those are not my defining qualities, then what are they?" Ron asked, as he continued to sulk.
I thought about it for a moment.
'Well you're very brave, not everyone would rush into the girls bathroom and try to save someone from a full grown mountain troll. You're very loyal to your friends and family. You have a strong moral foundation and are every bit the chivalrous Gryffindor. You're always quick to step in to defend a certain Muggle born witch, who was often slandered by a stupid blond bigoted blood supremacist. You may not be the smartest student but you are a good tactical thinker. Otherwise you'd be rubbish at Wizards Chess. You're very honest, almost brutally so at times.' I offered the following observations.
Hermione up to this point had nodded in agreement with my assessment of Ron's character. But decided to add the following observations.
"I agree with every thing Luna has said. It's true that your plain-speaking forthright nature, can occasionally make things a little awkward at times. But usually they are not said to be purposely hurtful, even if that sometimes is the result. You also have a wonderful sense of humour and are very passionate about the things you enjoy doing. And while it's also true that you may be a little slow when it comes to girls, I think that may have worked out to my advantage. Basically when and where it really counts, you're a good man Ronald Weasley. Otherwise I would never have fell in love with you. You may not be perfect but then who among us is." Hermione finished.
Ron blushed at our joint assessment of him. Knowing that the two girls in front of him knew him better than anyone, warts and all.
"For the record I've known for years that I was in love with you, Hermione. I was just too afraid to risk our friendship, if you didn't feel the same way. So I waited and waited, until I was sure you felt the same way. For someone who is supposed to be so brave, I was really very cowardly about admitting it." Ron said shamefully.
'So much time waisted, you really are rather thick Ron. Since it was perfectly obvious to the rest of us that you both liked each other.' I thought to him.
"It may have been obvious to everyone else but when you are full of doubt. It's never easy to risk what you have, for something that might not be." Hermione defended Ron.
'Well personally, I think we have spent more than enough time talking about Ron and Hermione's love life. And we still have Potter Manor to explore.' Harry added, deciding it was time to change the subject.
'You know I don't think I could have said it better myself.' I agreed with Harry.
'But if you and Hermione truly want to find out what your animal forms are Ron, then you will need to make a batch of the Animagus reveal potion. It's really the only way you both are going to find out.' Harry told them.
'I'd be surprised if Potter Manor doesn't have a first class potions lab, somewhere on the premises. Since my mum was very good at potions, I'll ask the Elves after we've finished exploring the grounds. We're going to be here for 24 hours, so there should be plenty of time for you and Hermione to make some later.' I suggested.
"That's an excellent idea Luna, I have the list of ingredients and instructions to make it. But since it's been so long since anyone has lived here, do you think the Potions lab will have everything we need to make it?" Hermione asked us.
'If not, I'm sure Magnus or Corin can get anything you'll need.' I answered Hermione.
With that settled for now, we spent the next several hours exploring the grounds of Potter Manor.
Since we had already seen the stables for the most part and would probably be spending the night there. Exploring other parts of the Potter property, seemed far more interesting to all of us.
'What should we explore first?' I asked the others.
"The gardens look lovely." Hermione suggested.
"I'd like to get a closer look at the Quidditch Pitch, at some point." Ron offered his preference.
'Looking is about all that we would be doing Ron, since Unicorns don't exactly ride brooms.' Harry thought to Ron.
"But just think, you and Luna could be the first Unicorns to ride a broom. You could make history!" Ron joked.
'No thanks Ron, we've made plenty of history already. I don't really care to make even more as a different species.' I answered Ron.
'Rest assured Ron, we will definitely be visiting the Quidditch pitch at some point. But I think the gardens should be the first thing we explore.' Harry insisted.
"I agree with Harry. I want to see the gardens first." Hermione added her vote.
'That sounds good to me.' I thought to the others.
"Oh all right, if you all insist on seeing the gardens first." Ron said sounding a little disgruntled.
The gardens proved to be quite amazing and very extensive. There seemed to be just about every kind of flowering plant you could imagine. As the various stone paths weaved among them. There were also several decorative fountains with various magical and non magical animals. One was a Griffin, yet another was that of a Lion. But my favourite ones were of course the Phoenix and Unicorn fountains. In the middle of the gardens was a large gazebo that had decorative carvings of birds and animals incorporated into it's design. I could see myself spending quite a bit of time here reading or relaxing. And enjoying the things that the natural world had to offer.
The garden and stone paths completely surrounded the main house. We eventually found ourselves out front of Potter Manor, where there was another large fountain. As well as various hedges that were decoratively trimmed into various shapes or animals. If it wasn't for House Elf magic, it would probably take an army of gardeners to maintain them.
One path lead us down to the main gate and the nearby gate house. The gate house was even larger than the Dursley's house at Number 4 Privet Drive. Pretty nice accommodations for some of the previous caretakers of Potter Manor. But that was only an observation from the outside, we would have to explore the inside later, when we weren't in our Unicorn forms.
Eventually much to Ron's chagrin, we finally went down to check out the full-size Quidditch Pitch.
"This is amazing, can you imagine the games we could play here." Ron said excitedly.
'There is also seating for several hundred people to watch, as well as changing rooms for the teams.' I observed, as I thought this to Ron and the others.
The pitch also had enough open space for Harry and I to try various types of gaits from a simple trot to a full on gallop. It was very exhilarating to be able to move so quickly over the ground. After about 30 minutes of running around the pitch. I slowed down and started to notice that I was feeling a little hungry. Without giving it much thought, I leaned down and took in a mouthful of sweet smelling grass. And immediately started eating it.
'Hey Harry, this grass isn't half bad.' I thought to him.
'Careful Luna, I think you might be starting to think a little too much like a real Unicorn. I think it's time to remind yourself, about those things you want to still do as a human.' Harry suggested.
'I guess you're right Harry, after running around like that for a while. I started grazing without even thinking about it.' I thought back to him, as I noticed him bowing his head down and taking in a mouthful of grass as well.
'You're right, it does taste better than I thought it would. It would seem that while we are in these forms, that we will prefer to eat the things a real Unicorn would.' Harry explained.
"Harry and Luna why are you eating grass?" Ron asked us surprised at our behaviour.
"What do you expect them to eat Ron, they are Unicorns right now. Do you actually expect them to eat a steak dinner?" Hermione asked Ron incredulously.
"Well no, of course not. It's just strange seeing them eating grass. Now that I think of it, I'm feeling a bit hungry myself." Ron defended himself.
So after spending several hours exploring the grounds around Potter Manor. We finally made our way back up near the stables. Where we noticed that Magnus and Corin were setting up a table outside. There were two chairs for Ron and Hermione. I also noticed that there was two large troughs nearby one with fresh hay, the other was full of water. This was obviously meant to be mine and Harry's dinner. While I imagine Magnus and Corin, had something more suitable planned for Ron and Hermione to eat.
I wasn't mistaken as soon as Ron and Hermione sat down in the chairs. Magnus popped in with what appeared to be a large pot roast. And Corin appeared with a plate of boiled potatoes and carrots. With a snap of Magnus' fingers two plates, cups and silverware appeared on the table in front of Ron and Hermione.
"It looks lovely, thank you Magnus and Corin." Hermione complemented the little Elves.
Ron was already quickly filling his plate with food, when he turned and asked.
"Is there any gravy?" Ron asked hopefully.
Corin snapped her fingers and a gravy boat appeared in front of Ron. As Hermione gazed at Ron with a disapproving look that as usual went completely unnoticed by him.
Harry and I began eating the hay that was in one of the troughs. Much to my surprise, like the grass I found myself quite enjoying it. When I had finally ate my fill of hay, I turned to the other trough to drink. When I suddenly felt compelled to bow down and touched the water with my horn. It glowed briefly before returning to normal. I then drank from the trough that was full of the best tasting water I had ever drank.
"That was amazing Luna, I think you just purified the water with your horn. It would appear that you and Harry have all the purifying powers of a real Unicorn. I wonder if you can also cure most injuries or illnesses." Hermione gushed excitedly.
'Is that what I just did? I just wanted to get a drink of water. When I suddenly felt the need to touch the water with my horn.' I thought to the others.
'That's twice now, that you have done something as a Unicorn automatically. I think you need to remind yourself once again, just who and what you really are Luna.' Harry cautioned me, about unintentionally getting to comfortable as a Unicorn.
'Of course you're right Harry, I really like being a Unicorn. But I'd rather not become one permanently.' I agreed with him.
So I took a few moments to remind myself about who I really was now. I was Luna Lovegood a beautiful young witch, who wanted nothing more than to marry the love of my life. And eventually have a loving family with him. This led me to thoughts of our eventual wedding day and a few years later. I imagined I would be telling Harry, that I was pregnant with our first child. It was these thoughts and others, that helped fortify my human identity. I guess Harry was right, I really hadn't been doing this often enough. And because of this, I was slowly starting to think like a real Unicorn. In fact even now I felt very attracted to Harry. But I remembered another warning in my fathers journal, about how soul mates who also became Animagi. Shouldn't have sex in their animal forms, while under the influence of the 24 hour Animagus potion. To do so would most certainly cause the transformation to become permanent.
'Are you okay Luna?' Harry asked sounding a little worried.
'I'm fine but you were right to warn me. I was getting a little too comfortable in this form and was starting to think like a real Unicorn. I guess I wasn't taking the time to fortifying my human identity often enough. Can you imagine how much more difficult this would have been, if we couldn't communicate like this. We really were fortunate to have this ability.' I explained to Harry.
With that settled for the moment, Harry seemed satisfied that I was finally taking his concerns seriously.
It was at that point that Hermione decided to speak up about our earlier discussion.
"Perhaps this would be a good time to continue our conversation about me and Ron becoming Animagi?" Hermione asked us.
"Good thinking Hermione." As Ron's interest in the current subject greatly increased.
'Well again the first step is to make and take the Animagus reveal potion.' Harry thought to Ron and Hermione.
'Magnus.' I thought to one of our Elf's.
"You's called Mistress Luna?" Magnus asked.
'Yes I did, Magnus. Is there a potions lab here at Potter Manor?' I asked the little Elf.
"Oh yes, mistress Luna. It's in the basement of the Manor house." Magnus explained.
'How well stocked is the potions lab?' Harry asked Magnus.
"Very well stocked master Harry, it is one of my many duties to keep it stocked." Magnus answered.
"Well since we're finished with dinner, perhaps now might be a good time to whip up a batch." Ron suggested.
'Is the potions lab large enough for me and Harry in our Unicorn forms?' I asked Magnus.
"Oh yes, mistress Luna." The little elf answered.
'Could you and Corin pop us both down there?' Harry asked Magnus.
"Of course master Harry." Magnus answered, as he hopped up onto Harry's back and put his arms around his neck.
They both disappeared with a pop. As Corin arrived on my back and held me similarly, before popping us away to the potions lab as well.
'Could you bring Ron and Hermione here now?' Harry asked our Elves.
"Right away master Harry." Magnus quickly answered.
As he disappeared and reappeared with Ron. And Corin returned with Hermione, shortly after that.
The Potions Lab was a fairly large room, it kind of reminded me of Professor Slughorn's classroom but with a stone floor. One wall seemed to be covered with bins of every potion ingredient you could ever need. All arranged alphabetically making it easy to find what you need, when you need it. Another wall had many different sized cauldrons made out of several different materials. Some were gold, silver and basic black cast iron. Below was a work bench, with several drawers with other various potion making utensils. One drawer had several different stirring sticks, some wood, others were metal and a few were even ceramic. Another had every type and size of bottle, flask or test tube you could ever want. These were obviously used to store various potions in.
In another part of the potions lab was what appeared to be a large supply of pre-made potions, stored using some sort of stasis spell to preserve them. They were also sorted alphabetically. There were various Antidotes for common and uncommon poisons, Blood-Replenishing potion, Calming Draught, Dreamless Sleep potion, Essence of Dittany, Felix Felicis (Also known as Liquid Luck), Invigoration Draught, Restoration potion, Pepperup potion, Polyjuice potion, Skele-Gro, Sleeping Draught, Veritaserum and even the Wit-Shapening potion to name a few that I was familiar with.
'Well you should find everything you need to make the Animagus reveal potion Hermione.' I said to her.
"Yes I quite agree, I just need my notebook with the list of ingredients and instructions." Hermione said.
"Is this the book you need, miss Hermione?" Corin asked as she popped away and back with Hermione's notebook.
"Yes it is thank you, Corin." Hermione answered appreciatively.
Hermione quickly turned to her notes that referenced the Animagus reveal potion. And immediately started to gather up all the ingredients needed to make it.
'Hermione be sure to gather enough ingredients, to make enough for four doses.' Harry suggested.
"But why, Harry? You and Luna already know your Animagus forms." Hermione asked confused by Harry's request.
'Because there is a good chance that when you and Ron take the potion the first time. You might not see an animal form.' Harry answered.
"How can you be so sure that we won't see anything. Why even bother if we will only be wasting our time taking it!" Ron sounded disgruntled.
'No one can know anything for sure, until you actually take the potion Ron. It's just that the odds are not in your favour that you will see anything. And if that is the case it will just mean, that you currently lack the capacity to achieve your Animagus form. It doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have one. Making extra potions just gives you another chance to take it again later.' I tried to explain to Ron what Harry was thinking.
'Because we believe that what the Animagus potion really shows, is what you have the capacity to become. Not just your animal form, in fact it won't even show your animal form. Unless you have the magical capacity to become it. I think that if me and Luna had also taken the Animagus reveal potion before we switched, it probably wouldn't have showed us anything either. No Phoenix and no Unicorn, because before the switch we also probably lacked the magical capacity to achieve our animal forms.' Harry continued to explain.
"But how does switching forms increase your magical capacity?" Hermione questioned.
'I'm not exactly sure but I think it has to do with when your magical core literally changes from your original one, to the core of the person you are changing into. There is a point during the transformation when your magical core has the combined capacity of both. It's probably only for a moment but somehow it still manages to retain the magical capacity of both cores. Effectively doubling your potential magical abilities. Think of a magical core like a balloon that stretches when it's inflated. This increased capacity makes things like having a magical animal form possible. This also may be the reason that Animagi, are so rare and magical forms practically unheard of.' Harry answered her question.
'Harry believes that every witch and wizard has an animal form. The mistake that most people make when taking the Animagus reveal potion. Is they think that if they don't see an animal form, that means they don't have one. When in reality what they lack, is the magical capacity to become their animal.' I added to Harry's explanation.
"So if we take the potion and don't see anything, it just means that we currently don't have the magical capacity to achieve our animal forms?" Ron asked, as he started to understand.
'That's right Ron, I think that's precisely what it means.' Harry answered Ron.
"And the higher the possibility that the animal form we have might be magical?" Ron asked as he continued with that thought.
'Perhaps there is a better chance for a magical form. But it could still be a non magical form, that just requires more magical ability than you currently have to be able to achieve it. You and Hermione's experience could prove or disprove the possibility that this theory is correct.' I answered him.
"So if that ends up being the case, for us to be able to achieve our Animagus forms. We might also need to switch places to increase our magical strength?" Hermione clarified.
'Perhaps but it wouldn't have to be a permanent change like we have. A temporary switch should also give you the same boost in magical power.' Harry answered Hermione.
'I think we need to see what happens the first time you both take the potion. Before we worry about the other possibilities. Harry only wanted you to make extra doses, in case you needed them.' I continued to explain Harry's thinking.
With that in mind Hermione proceeded to gather up enough ingredients, needed to make a double batch of the Animagus reveal potion. Once she had everything, she also picked a bigger cauldron.
'I won't be able to help directly, so Ron you'll need to be directed by Hermione or me.' Harry said to Ron.
After Hermione read the instructions over several times. She divided up the ingredients between her and Ron. And started preparing them as the potion instructions directed. I had Ron light a fire under the cauldron as Hermione added water to the cauldron. The water forms the base ingredient, that all others would be added to. So while the fire warmed the water, both Ron and Hermione continued to prep the potion ingredients. As both Hermione and Harry instructed Ron, by having him cutting, chopping or squeezing the various ingredients needed for the Animagus reveal potion. Once the temperature was right, they started to add the various ingredients in the order the potion instructions said. A clockwise stir here, a counter clockwise turn there between adding the rest of the ingredients in sequence. It was clear that Hermione was obviously very skilled at making potions. She seemed to anticipate the next step in the process, long before Ron did. It was a good thing that we had plenty of time this evening for Ron and Hermione to brew their potions. Because it took a good couple of hours to make it. When they finally finished it looked right, with the proper colour and correct consistency. And once it had cooled down, they quickly bottled up the four doses of the potion.
"So now that we've finished, where can we take the Animagus reveal potion?" Hermione asked.
'Let's go back outside, I'm starting to feel a bit claustrophobic being cooped up in here for hours.' I suggested.
"Some fresh air does sound good about now." Ron agreed.
'Magnus and Corin.' Harry thought to our Elves.
"Yes master Harry?" Magnus and Corin answered.
'Could you pop us back outside?' Harry asked the little Elves.
"Of course we can Master Harry." Magnus answered, as he and Corin hopped up on our backs again.
Putting their arms around our necks and popping us back outside.
Shortly afterwards Hermione and Ron arrived with a crack. They had obviously Apparated back out side on their own.
'Magnus we need a couch or something for Ron and Hermione to lay on. Could you make or bring something?' I asked Magnus.
"Of course mistress Luna." He answered, as he again snapped his fingers.
A couch big enough to lay on appeared.
'So, who wants to go first?' Harry asked, as he looked to Ron and Hermione.
"Ladies first Hermione." Ron quickly suggested.
"Okay, I guess I'll go first." Hermione agreed, as she walked over to the couch and laid down on it. After handing Ron all but one of the bottles of Animagus reveal potion.
"Well here goes nothing." Hermione said, as she popped the cork and drank the potion.
Hermione's eyes gently closed, as she slipped into a potion induced trance. Within a few moments we could see that Hermione's eyes, under her eyelids were moving rapidly back and forth. A full 30 minutes passed before Hermione finally stirred.
"Well?" Ron asked curiously.
"I saw an empty field surrounded by a thick fog, there were shapes and shadows moving just beyond the thick fog. But I didn't see an animal form emerge from it, like Luna did." She answered, sounding disappointed.
'Don't feel too bad Hermione, it's not completely unexpected. But I'll bet with an increased magical capacity you will see a animal form.' Harry assured her.
'You're up next Ron.' I thought to him.
As Hermione got up off the couch, Ron walked over to the couch and laid down. After he gave Hermione the two extra doses of the Animagus reveal potions.
"Bottoms up." Ron joked, as he popped the cork and drank the potion.
Just like Hermione his eyes slowly closed, as he too fell into a deep trance.
"Do you think he'll see anything." Hermione asked Harry.
'The odds are not very good that any magical person would see an animal form, Hermione. So no, I think it's very unlikely that he'll see anything either.' Harry answered her honestly.
"Then the only way we'll probably be able to become Animagi. Is if Ron and I switch places with each other, to gain a larger magical capacity?" Hermione questioned us.
'It probably would be the quickest way.' I answered Hermione.
'That may be true but I've often thought that our magical cores might also work like a muscle. It might be possible to increase your magical strength by casting lots of spells over and over. Giving your magical core a real workout, so to speak. But I suspect it would probably still take years of doing that to increase your capacity enough. To eventually help you achieve your Animagus form. Or you and Ron could switch places for a few hours and quite easily double your magical strength. It seems like a fairly obvious solution, if you can get Ron to do it.' Harry explained.
"Do you think he would actually consider doing it?" Hermione asked.
'I think he might, if it means he will be able to become an Animagus. Besides after the brief conversation I had with him before we came here. I think at the very least he's starting to get a little curious about how the other half lives. This may be the best chance you'll have getting him to seriously consider switching places with you, Hermione.' I answered her remembering that she had previously thought, that switching might actually help them understand each other better..
Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment before something seemed to have occurred to her. She then turned and asked.
"How long were you and Harry switched, before you eventually took the Animagus reveal potion?" She asked us.
'I think it was about three days later, wasn't it.' I answered, as I looked to Harry who nodded in agreement.
"Do you think the switch needs to be for that long. Before our magical cores stabilise enough, for us to use the Animagus reveal potion again?" Hermione asked.
'I don't think it's a matter of your magical core needing time to stabilise. It's more likely a case of it taking a few days for your new larger magical capacity to recharge. How long that will take there's no way to be sure. Unless you try to take the Animagus reveal potion sooner than we did.' Harry answered.
"Do you think taking it too soon would cause any problems, other than wasting another dose of the potion?" She continued to ask.
'I don't believe it would but I can't say for certain. We really are in uncharted territory with this, Hermione. You and Ron are potentially blazing a different path. One that Luna and I never took.' Harry responded.
It was at this point that Ron finally regained consciousness.
"Well I didn't see anything either." Ron said sounding a little disappointed.
'I'm not terribly surprised, I have little doubt that the same thing would have happen to us. If we had tried it before we switched forms.' Harry again theorised.
"So you think the only way for us to increase our magical capacity, is for me and Hermione to switch places as well?" Ron asked.
'Not necessarily Ron but it certainly would be the fastest way to do it.' Harry explained.
"Well how about it Hermione, are you willing to give it a try?" Ron asked curiously.
"I'm willing to switch if you are Ron." Hermione answered.
"I can't believe that I'm seriously considering doing this. But if it means I can become an Animagus, I'd do just about anything. So Harry, what exactly do we have to do?" Ron asked.
'First we need some Polyjuice potion and a pair of scissors. The scissors are obviously for cutting some hairs from each of you.' Harry said.
'There was some Polyjuice potion, in the pre-made potions section of the Potions Lab.' I suggested.
'Magnus.' Harry thought to him.
"Yes, master Harry?" Magnus appeared with a pop.
'Could you fetch the container of Polyjuice potion from the Potions Lab?' Harry asked.
"Right away master Harry." Magnus popped away and quickly returned with a container of potion.
'I need you to give it to Hermione, Magnus.' Harry requested.
'Hermione I need you to conjure two cups, then pour enough in them for two doses in each cup.' Harry instructed.
Hermione looked confused for a moment but did as Harry instructed.
'Now conjure a pair of scissors and cut a few hairs from Ron. Then place them in one of the cups.' Harry continued to instruct them.
Again Hermione did as she was told. Once she added Ron's hairs to the cup it quickly started to bubble.
'Now Ron take the scissors from Hermione, make sure none of your hairs are still on it. Then cut some of Hermione's hair and place them in the other cup.' As Harry also instructed Ron.
Ron also did as Harry directed him. As the second cup also began to bubble.
'Now are you both sure you really want to do this?' Harry questioned them.
Ron and Hermione looked at each other and both said at the same time, "We're sure."
'How long do you plan to stay switched? It's probably best to agree on this beforehand.' Harry asked them, as he tried to explain the seriousness of their decisions.
"I think at least until tomorrow but maybe we should stay switched for the full three days. Like you and Luna did, before you took the Animagus reveal potion?" Hermione suggested to Ron and Harry.
"Do we really need to stay switched for three days?" Ron asked sounding a little worried.
'What's the matter Ron, aren't you man enough to be a girl for three days?' I teased Ron.
"I didn't say I wouldn't do it. I'd do it even longer if that's what it takes to become an Animagus." Ron defended himself.
'I personally don't think you will need to stay switched for that long. Hermione's just trying to play it safe Ron, three days is how long we were switched before we took the Animagus potion. I think tomorrow before going back to school, should be more than enough time.' Harry suggested.
Ron looked a little relieved about changing back before returning to school tomorrow.
'Besides I don't think that Ron could pass for Hermione in class, unless we use the Memory Transfer Pensieve. And we'd probably have to use it quite a lot, to make Ron a believable Hermione.' Harry explained as Ron interrupted.
"What exactly is a memory transfer Pensieve?" Ron asked.
"It's a special Pensieve that Harry made using the Room of Requirement, it allows you to copy memories. By using it we could give you copies of my memories, making it easier for you to pretend to be me." Hermione answered Ron.
"I didn't know that such a thing was even possible." Ron said in disbelief.
'Oh it's very possible, how do you think I was able to attend Arithmancy and Ancient Runes without any problems? It's because Harry gave me copies of his memories of attending them for the last four years as Luna." I answered Ron
'But I'm also worried that the more it's used, the greater the danger that you might become too comfortable as Hermione and not want to switch back.' Harry said as he tried to explain the risks to them.
Ron and Hermione looked at Harry like he grew another head. As they both seemed to scoff at the very thought of them not wanting to switch back.
'Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you.' Harry said to them.
'Ron pick up the cup with Hermione's hairs in it and drink half of the contents. Then wait till the transformation is complete. Hermione you need to do the same with the other cup that has Ron's hairs in it.' Harry continued to instruct them.
Both Ron and Hermione picked up the cups and drank. As Harry and I looked on.
With half of their cups drank, they quickly started transforming into each other. The first thing I noticed was that Ron started shrinking, while Hermione was becoming taller. Ron's hair was changing from his usual red to Hermione's bushy brown hair, as it also continued to grow longer. The same thing was happening to Hermione only in reverse, as her hair turned a very Weasley red. While it also became much shorter and less bushy than her normal brown hair. At this point Ron's hips started to grow wider, while at the same time his waist became more narrow. It appeared that Ron was taking on Hermione's more feminine shape, as she acquired Ron's larger more masculine form. The next noticeable change was Ron's jumper started to push out into a pair of breasts. Ron reached up and held them as they continued to grow in his now smaller feminine hands. With a look of shock on his now rapidly changing face. Hermione, however, for the first time since she was ten years old, once again had a completely flat chest. The next thing I noticed was that Ron's arms and legs appeared to be reshaping themselves into a more feminine form. While Hermione's shoulders became broader. Her arms and legs grew bigger and more muscular. Ron finally noticed that the bulge in his jeans was starting to shrink, as he realised that he was about to become a she. Ron tried hard not to show any signs of panic, as the gender-altered wizard officially became a witch. Hermione for the most part seemed to be handling, the gender change far better than Ron. I guess her previous experience in the male form of Harry Potter, had somewhat prepared her for what to expect. While Ron was completely unprepared and didn't have a clue about what it was like to be female. With that final thought, it appeared that Ron's and Hermione's changes had finally finished.
Ron fell back on to the couch and sat there in a daze. As he was temporarily overcome by the sensations of his new feminine form.
'Are you okay Ron?' I asked him, or maybe I should think of him as a her now.
"Huh?" Ron squeaked, as he realised SHE now had Hermione's higher more feminine voice.
"Ouch!" Hermione exclaimed suddenly with Ron's deeper voice, as he tried to adjust his now tighter jeans and knickers.
'Now that the transformation is complete, you both need to switch cups and drink the rest.' Harry again instructed.
Once they had both sufficiently recovered from their transformations. They promptly did as Harry instructed and switched cups emptying the remaining potion from each of them. Within moments their transformations began to reverse themselves, as they quickly returned to their original forms.
"That's much better." Hermione sighed in relief, feeling less constricted by her clothes. Now that she had returned to her original female form.
'Now we wait an hour.' Harry thought to them.
"Really? That's all there is to it?" Hermione asked Harry sceptically.
'Not quite Hermione, the Polyjuice potion works in certain very defined ways. You take it and transform into someone else, then an hour later you return to your original form. But by taking that second dose of your original form right away. It has effectively reshuffled the deck. You were in the form of Ron Weasley when you took the second dose. It then changed you into the form of Hermione Granger, so as far as the Polyjuice potion is concerned. An hour from now, it will change you back into the person you were when you took that second dose. But this time it won't just change you back into the form of Ronald Weasley. It will actually transform you physically and Magically into him. And no matter how much time passes, this change won't wear off. In fact the only way to switch back will be to repeat the process in reverse.' Harry explained.
"Then how do you know that it's reversible Harry, when you and Luna never actually switched back?" Hermione asked.
'Because before we switched I had been experimenting quite extensively with the Polyjuice potion. I used this method to change myself into Padma Patil for a full three hours. Before I used it again to change myself back into Luna, so I know it will work.' Harry answered.
As I listened to Harry explain how the change worked to Hermione, it occurred to me that while they were switched Ron's clothes were were obviously big enough to accommodate Hermione's smaller form. But Hermione's clothes were clearly not adequate for Ron's larger frame.
'Hermione I would suggest that before the hour is up and you transform back into Ron's form. That you might want to remove your clothes to avoid damaging them or yourself further. I'll have Magnus bring you and Ron a couple of bathrobes to wear at least till the final transformation is complete. Then you can both help each other get dressed in proper clothes for the night. Because by then I think we should all call it a night.' I suggested.
Ron turned a little red, no doubt embarrassed about sleeping in Hermione's clothes for the night.
'Magnus.' I thought to him.
"Yes mistress Luna?" He asked.
'Could you bring me couple of bathrobes for Ron and Hermione?' I requested.
"Oh yes, mistress Luna." He answered, as he quickly popped away only to return just as fast with two Gryffindor red bathrobes.
Hermione gratefully accepted one and casually walked off towards the nearby stables. After a few moments she returned wearing the robe with her clothes in a neatly folded stack. She set them aside on the couch for the moment and looked to Ron.
"Ron don't you want to change out of your clothes and into the robe, before you change back into my form?" She asked him.
"No I'd rather not just yet." Ron answered.
"Why not?" Hermione asked.
"Well to be perfectly honest when I transformed into you, it really wasn't that bad for me in these clothes. Sure it was a little tight in the chest and hips but otherwise they actually fit quite loose on me. I could see that you had it much worse than I did. So I'd rather wait till afterwards to change out of my clothes." Ron explained, obviously embarrassed and not wanting to wear Hermione's clothes any sooner than he had to.
"If that's the way you want to handle it. But I know I'd rather not be wearing my jeans and knickers when I change back into you again." Hermione said to Ron.
The rest of the hour passed slowly in relative silence, before I heard a slight yelp from Ron. Announcing that the changes had started once again.
I watched as Ron started shrinking down to Hermione's smaller size. While Hermione gradually grew to Ron's much taller height. The next thing I noticed was Ron's hair grew longer and quickly changed into Hermione's bushy brown hair. At the same time Hermione's hair was rapidly changing into Ron's usual red colour. As her hair gradually appeared to pull back into her head becoming shorter. The next thing I saw change was Ron's hips started to swell outward and his waist began to pull inward. Giving him the shape of the young woman that he was rapidly becoming. While Hermione just as quickly lost her feminine curves and gained Ron's more masculine build. After another muffled cry from Ron, I could see he was once again growing a lovely pair of breasts under his jumper. As Hermione's upper torso took on the shape of Ron's broader yet flatter chest. Ron seemed to once again become fixated on the bulge in his jeans, as it became smaller and smaller until it was completely gone. There was no way Ron could deny it any longer, he was now a she. Meanwhile Hermione's final change into the male gender, was for the most part, a far more comfortable transition wearing the robe.
'Hermione do you think you could cast that spell I taught you the other day. The one that shows if you are still under the effects of the Polyjuice potion. I think you'll find that you and Ron no longer have any Polyjuice potion in your systems.' Harry said to Hermione.
Hermione walked over to Ron and tried to cast the spell. But just like it did when we switched Hermione's original wand no longer seemed to work right for him any more.
'You should probably switch wands and try it again.' I suggested to them.
So they quickly exchanged wands and Hermione tried the spell once again, this time it worked perfectly.
"You're right Harry, the results do show that Ron and I are no longer under the effects of the Polyjuice potion. Even though we have clearly been changed by it." Hermione observed, as he gestured to his new male form.
'No real surprise there, so far yours and Ron's change appears to be working exactly like ours did. In fact if we were at Hogwarts, I'd be willing to bet that the Marauders map would show. That Ron is now depicted as Hermione Granger, while Hermione is now shown to be Ron Weasley.' Harry speculated.
Hermione and Ron both seemed to have little reason to doubt that Harry was probably right about this.
'Also Hermione I think I may have thought of a way, that we can test your increased Magical capacity.' Harry said to him.
"How exactly do you plan on doing that, Harry?" Hermione asked.
'Do you remember when Luna and I were trying to convince you. That our switching with each other, had also greatly increased our magical abilities?' Harry asked.
"Yes of course I remember. Oh that's right! Luna cast the strongest Lumos spell she could to prove it. I think it was the brightest Lumos spell I've ever seen. I couldn't even look at it for long, it was so bright." Hermione answered.
'I was thinking that if you or Ron were to cast the Lumos spell, it could perhaps give us an indication of how much your magical capacity has increased.' Harry explained.
"I think that's an excellent idea Harry." Hermione said excitedly.
So with that in mind Hermione pulled out Ron's wand and cast the strongest Lumos charm that he could. It's was indeed quite a bit brighter than a normal Lumos spell but nowhere near as bright as the one I cast.
'That's strange, maybe it's a case of you now have a greater magical capacity. But it still needs more time for your magical cores to fully recharge.' Harry again speculated.
"So maybe we should wait the full three days before we take the Animagus reveal potion again?" Hermione asked.
'That might not be a bad idea. But I think We'll know more tomorrow, after trying the Lumos spell again.' Harry answered.
"Are you ready to change into my clothes now Ron?" Hermione asked, as he gestured to the folded stack of clothes he was wearing before the change.
"No, I think I'll wait until I get up to my room that I'll be staying in tonight. What do you usually sleep in Hermione?" Ron asked Hermione in return.
"I usually just wear my knickers and my nightdress. But if that's too girlish for you I can give you a clean pair of knickers to wear under one of your T-shirts." Hermione offered.
"I think I'd prefer the second option. In fact I think I'll use the one I normally sleep in." Ron said a bit relieved not to be wearing Hermione's nightdress.
'You mean the orange Chudley Cannons jersey you usually sleep in at Hogwarts?' I thought to Ron.
"That's the one." Ron responded smugly.
'Well I guess you can change a boy into a girl but you can't change a loyal Quidditch fan and her favourite team.' Harry observed.
'That's so true. But I must say that Ron's choice of sleepwear even appeals to me a little. I may have to steal one of my old Quidditch jerseys back, to sleep in. Can you imagine the fits Mandy would have over seeing me wearing one of your old jersey that says 'POTTER' across the back?' I asked Harry.
'She'd very likely explode with rage about it. And at the very least, it would certainly show her and many others just how serious our relationship has progressed. I guess it's just as well I didn't bring one. Since there is no way you could wear it at the moment. But at least I can still imagine how sexy you'd look wearing it.' Harry answered.
After Harry's comments, I'm sure that if I was in my human form. I would be blushing quite furiously right about now. Fortunately for me Unicorns can't blush.
'There's really no need to imagine it Harry, once I'm back in my human form. I'll be happy to arrange for you to see the real thing.' I teased Harry back.
"I can't believe the two of you flirting so shamelessly. You'd think the two of you were planning to see what it would be like to have sex as Unicorns." Hermione said sounding a little jealous.
'We might have seriously considered trying it, if my Dad's journal hadn't warned us not to. Apparently the quickest way for the change to become permanent. Is to have sex in your animal form, while using the 24 hour Animagus potion.' I explained to Hermione.
"So you can't do anything about it, until you change back tomorrow?" Hermione asked.
'Oh we could do something about it. I'd just rather not risk scratching that particular itch. And have us end up becoming Unicorns permanently, just because we were feeling a bit randy tonight. I think we both have more than enough will power not to take that chance.' Harry added.
Besides I really wasn't in that big of a hurry to find out what it would be like. I had little doubt that there would be other opportunities after we finally master the transformation. So I thought it was best to change the subject.
'You know when I first found out about Potter Manor, I imagined what it would be like living here. And now that we are about to actually spend our first night here. I never would have guessed that we would end up sleeping in the stables.' I said to Harry.
'Or that it would be because we would both be Unicorns when it happened. But I guess these are the sort of things that keep life interesting Luna.' Harry replied.
"You think that's unexpected imagine how I feel. When I woke up this morning the last thing I expected was to find out my best male friend was now female. Or that the day would end with me also being a temporary member of the fairer sex." Ron stated in disbelief.
"Just think Ron this is the perfect opportunity for you to see how the other half lives. I know I've always been a little curious about what it might be like to be male. Especially after the short time I spent in Harry's form. To be perfectly honest, that brief experience only made me even more curious about it." Hermione admitted.
"You have?" Ron asked finding this revelation from Hermione hard to believe.
"I think most people do even if they'd never admit it. Can you honestly say you've never wondered even for a moment, what it might be like to be a girl?" Hermione questioned Ron.
"Of course not! I'd never!" Ron quickly denied.
"You're a terrible liar Ron." Hermione said sceptically.
'I agree. I think the lady doth protest too much.' Harry teased Ron.
'You certainly sounded very curious about it to me, based on our earlier conversation.' I piled on.
"Well can you blame me, my best friend has decided to switch teams permanently. Who wouldn't start to wonder what was so appealing about being female. After all you obviously liked the experience enough to want to stay a girl from now on." Ron replied, obviously embarrassed to finally admit it.
'Well Ron here's your big chance to find out for yourself exactly what it's like to be a woman. You'll probably never have this chance again, so you'd might want to make the most of it.' I suggested.
That final comment seemed to end the debate for the moment, so we officially decided to call it a night. I summoned Corin to guide Ron and Hermione up to their rooms. Then Harry and I made our way back down to the Stables. Where we decided to use the same stall that we used during our earlier transformations. With all our research about Unicorns there was nothing about how they sleep. So after trying several different sleeping positions. We finally found one we liked, it involved us lowering ourselves to the ground side by side facing away from each other. This allowed us to rest our heads on each others back. I felt very safe and comfortable next to Harry. Something deep inside of me recognised him as my mate and that no matter what happened in the future he would always love and protect me.
'Goodnight Luna, I love you.' Harry sent to me.
'Goodnight Harry, I love you too.' I answered feeling very tired.
It wasn't very long after that, when sleep had finally claimed me.
(To be continued)