Notes: Harry Potter was created by J. K. Rowling and is a Warner Bros. film series.
Hermione Granger was a smart, sophisticated young woman. She was often considered to be the smartest wizard of all time. People knew how smart she was, but there was a lot about Hermione that they didn't know. Hermione had quite a few secrets. In fact, there were some secrets about her that nobody at Hogwarts knew about.
Hermione Granger, along with her best friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, had graduated from the regular Hogwarts school. They had started attending the Hogwarts College. Things were far from perfect. Hermione and her friends missed Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape, both of whom had died in the war against Voldemort. However, since Harry had defeat Voldemort, things were starting to look up.
One Saturday morning, Hermione woke up and got out of bed. She looked at her clock and saw that it was a few minutes past seven. Hermione had plans to spend the morning with her friends, so she figured that she better get ready. She brushed her hair, put on a purple robe and started heading out of her room.
Hermione started walking around the hallway. Harry and Ron were still roommates, so Hermione was planning on meeting them at their room. She suspected that Ron would sleep in. Despite that, she didn't want to be late. She didn't fully understand why Harry and Ron wanted to meet up with her. She figured that they just wanted to talk and have fun.
As Hermione was walking around, she heard someone walking behind her. She turned around and saw Draco Malfoy. Draco, who was wearing kitty pajamas, waved at Hermione. Hermione waved back, while wondering what Draco was up to. Draco had stopped hanging around his corrupt father, so Hermione was hoping that Draco was growing up. However, Harry and Ron had told her that Draco had been pulling pranks on some of his classmates. Hermione said, "Hello, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco had an amused expression on his face, while replying, "Mr. Malfoy? You do know what my first name is."
Hermione sighed and said, "Hi, Draco. Can I help you with something?"
Draco said, "I wanted to know what you're up to."
Hermione replied, "I'm sorry, but I don't feel like sharing that information with you."
Draco said, "You don't feel like sharing? That doesn't sound very neighborly of you. I thought that you and your friends were supposed to be the good guys."
Hermione replied, "I need to get going, so you'll have to excuse me."
Draco said, "It must not be very important if you can't share it with me."
Hermione replied, "Goodbye, Draco."
Draco angrily tapped his foot on the ground and said, "Tell me what you're up to!"
Since it was still morning time, Hermione said, "You should keep your voice down."
Draco replied, "I'm not going to lower the sound of my voice! I want to know what you're doing! I have been very bored, so I want some gossip! Give me your gossip! Give me something!" Draco started whining, so Hermione rolled her eyes.
A moment later, one of the professors started walking by. It was Richard Rickman, a respectable gentleman that had silver hair. Draco's whining was so loud that he could hear it from his classroom. Professor Richard Rickman looked at Draco, while saying, "Mr. Malfoy, I understand that it's the weekend, but I was trying to grade some papers and your outburst was distracting me."
Draco looked embarrassed, while replying, "I'm sorry." He started walking away.
Hermione looked at Professor Rickman, while saying, "Draco was getting on my nerves, so I appreciate your help."
Professor Rickman replied, "It's my pleasure. Have a good day, Ms. Granger."
Hermione smiled, while responding, "Thank you, sir."
A few minutes later, Hermione walked to Harry and Ron's room and knocked on the door. Harry, who was wearing a black pajama shirt and a pair of black pajamas pants, opened the door. Hermione said, "Hi, Harry."
Harry replied, "Hi, Hermione. Feel free to come in."
Hermione walked inside and saw Ron. Ron, who was wearing Voldemort pajamas that were covered in crumbs, waved at Hermione. Hermione raised an eyebrow, while saying, "Interesting choice of wardrobe."
Ron explained, "These Voldemort pajamas were an April Fool's Day gift from my brothers."
Hermione looked at her two friends, while saying, "It's nice to see both of you. Well, it's not too nice to see Ron's dozens of crumbs, but aside from that, it's good to be here. I was wondering why you asked me to come here."
Harry said, "It was Ron's idea."
Hermione sighed and asked, "Does Ron want to ask me on another date?"
Ron said, "Yes, but that's not why I had you come here. Hermione, you, me and Harry are the best of friends. We're the ultimate trio. Because of that, we should be able to share anything with each other."
Hermione replied, "I suppose that's true, but I'm not sure what you're trying to say."
Ron grabbed a photo album and placed it on the bedroom table. He opened it, while saying, "This photo album contains photos from Harry's childhood. Since Harry is our best friend, we have permission to learn about all the embarrassing incidents from his childhood."
Harry sighed and replied, "Give me a break."
Hermione gave Ron a disapproving look, while saying, "This is why you had me come here? You wanted to make fun of Harry?"
Ron said, "I'm not here to just poke fun at Harry. If we all share our embarrassing secrets, our great friendship will become even greater."
Harry replied, "Well, I don't have anything new to share. You both already know about my difficult childhood. I've told you dozens of stories about my uncle."
Ron said, "Your uncle sounded like a really funny guy."
Harry replied, "Being raised by him wasn't a fun experience, so can we move on?"
Ron said, "I was expecting you to share some juicy secrets about your past, Harry."
Harry replied, "I might be famous for defeating Voldemort, but when I was younger, my life wasn't so exciting."
Ron put his hand on his chin, while saying, "Before you met me and Hermione, it sounds like you led a boring life. I guess that means that we're the ones that made your life better."
Harry replied, "Honestly, that's true. My life got a lot better after I met the two of you."
Hermione responded, "That's very sweet."
Ron said, "See? Our friendship is already growing."
Hermione looked at Ron, while saying, "Since you were the one that arranged this event, I'm guessing that you have a lot to share about your past."
Ron said, "I was planning on sharing everything, but I realized that I forgot a lot about my childhood. I remember that my brothers were silly pranksters. Also, my sister was kind of boring."
Harry defensively replied, "Hey."
Ron said, "I know that you were smitten with Ginny, but that doesn't mean that she was an interesting character."
Hermione said, "So, you have nothing to share?"
Ron answered, "More or less."
Hermione said, "Well, this event isn't as compelling as you were expecting it to be."
Ron replied, "Well, if you started sharing stuff about your childhood, things could get more interesting."
Hermione started looking shy, while saying, "I don't really feel like sharing anything."
As Hermione and her friends were talking, Draco started walking by Harry and Ron's room. Since Draco didn't have a life, he wanted to spy on Hermione and her friends. Draco whispered to himself, "Hermione's probably hanging out with Harry and Ron. If I listen to their private conversation, I might learn some juicy gossip."
Ron looked at Hermione, while saying, "You need to start sharing some secrets."
Harry stared at Ron, while saying, "No she doesn't. You should be cool and respect her privacy."
Ron said, "Privacy? I've been trying to tell you guys that we're the best of friends, so there's no need to keep anything a secret."
Hermione replied, "We are close friends, but that doesn't mean that you need to know everything about me."
Ron said, "You're not wrong about that. I don't need to know about all of the books that you've read, because that would be boring information. However, if you have something more intriguing to share, I want to hear what it is."
Hermione started getting nervous, while replying, "I don't feel like sharing."
Ron said, "Hermione, Harry and I love you with all of our hearts. I know that I joke around, but I'd never make you feel bad about anything embarrassing that you might have done. What could be so hard to share with your two besties?"
Hermione blurted out, "I was born a boy!" Harry and Ron both looked shocked, while Draco walked away.
Hermione had sweat coming down her face, while looking at her friends. She could hardly believe that she had just revealed her greatest secret. Hermione sighed and took her robe off. She was wearing a pink undershirt and a pair of purple shorts. She sat on a chair, while saying, "The truth is that I used to be a boy. For the first few years of my life, my gender was never something that I gave much thought to. However, as I started attending school, I started having these weird feelings. I felt like I was born the wrong gender. I felt like I was a girl, but I wasn't one. When I found out about transgender people, I started thinking about changing my gender."
Ron started feeling bad about making Hermione reveal her big secret, so he said, "I'm sorry about prying into your personal life."
Hermione replied, "It's okay, Ron."
Ron shook his head and said, "This morning was supposed to be about making our friendship greater, but I was being a nosy jerk."
Hermione said, "Honestly, this secret hasn't been easy to keep. I've been wanting to share this information. There were several times where I thought about telling you guys about this, but I was always too scared to do so. I was worried that you guys would start feeling differently about me."
Harry looked at Hermione, while replying, "That could never happen, Hermione. I know that your secret was a big thing to reveal, but you should know that there's nothing wrong about being transgender. I think what you did was really brave."
Hermione said, "Really?"
Harry replied, "Of course."
Hermione nervously said, "So you don't have a problem with me being transgender?"
Harry replied, "I'm really proud of you."
Hermione looked relieved, while responding, "Thank you."
Harry replied, "You're welcome."
Hermione looked at Ron, while asking, "Is this piece of information going to make things weird between us?"
Ron asked, "Why would it?"
Hermione said, "Well, you and I have had feelings for each other. Does the fact that I used to be a boy change how you feel about me?"
Ron said, "Of course it doesn't. If anything, I respect you more than ever. Changing your gender is not an easy thing to do, but you did it. You didn't let any feelings of shame or fear stop you from being your true self."
Harry looked at Hermione, while saying, "Some people might not respond to news like this very well, but that doesn't change anything. Being transgender is something to be proud of."
Hermione had a couple of happy tears come down her eyes, while saying, "Thank you." She stood up and hugged her friends, while saying, "Deep down, I always knew that you would accept me for who I am. For whatever reason, I was always too scared to tell you guys."
Harry replied, "You have no need to be scared. We both love you."
Hermione responded, "I love both of you, too."
Ron said, "Well, it seems like sharing secrets actually worked out."
Hermione replied, "Indeed it did. Thank you, Ron."
Ron responded, "There's no need to thank me."
Hermione said, "Bottling up the truth wasn't easy for me. I'm glad that I can share my deepest secrets with the two of you."
Harry said, "You can share anything with us, but don't feel pressured to share anything that you don't want to."
Hermione replied, "Thank you." Hermione gave her friends another hug.
On Monday morning, Hermione got up, got on her school uniform and got ready for her day of school. She was still thinking about Saturday morning. Coming out to Harry and Ron was one of the hardest things that she had ever done, but she was really glad that she had done it. It meant a lot to her that her closest friends accepted her for who she was.
A short time later, Hermione, Harry, Ron, Draco and the other students were in Professor Gilderoy Lockhart's classroom. Hermione had forgiven Professor Lockhart for the lies that he told in the past, but Harry and Ron still didn't trust him.
Professor Lockhart started pacing around the front of the classroom, while smiling and saying, "I know that I wasn't the most popular professor in Hogwarts, but you should believe me when I tell you that I'm a pretty great guy." Ron rolled his eyes.
After bragging about himself for a few minutes, Professor Lockhart said, "Most colleges are pretty boring, but Hogwarts is a major exception. In addition to all the wizards and magic, we still have physical education. This afternoon, we will have a dodgeball match where you can use your wands to throw dodgeballs at your opponents. I will be coaching the guys, while a different professor coaches the girls. Are there any questions?"
Hermione raised her hand and asked, "Wouldn't using wands to throw dodgeballs be a bad use of magic?"
Professor Lockhart replied, "I don't see why it would be. Sure, a few students might get hurt, but it won't be anything serious."
Hermione said, "It doesn't sound like you're respecting the safety of your students as much as you should."
Professor Lockhart sighed and replied, "That might be a true. You have a caring heart, Hermione. Maybe you should be the captain of the female team."
Draco raised his hand and said, "Hermione can't be the captain of the female team. In fact, she shouldn't be in the female team."
Professor Lockhart asked, "Why do you say that?"
Draco said, "She was born a boy." The class looked surprised, while Hermione looked incredibly embarrassed.
Professor Lockhart thought it would be good to change the subject, so he said, "Let's start focusing on today's assignment."
Hermione didn't want to think about how embarrassed and nervous she was, so she paid close attention to her schoolwork. Harry and Ron were both very concerned about Hermione. They were both very angry at Draco for revealing Hermione's most personal secret to the entire class.
After class was over, Professor Lockhart said, "Hermione, can I talk to you for a minute?"
Hermione shyly replied, "Um, sure."
Draco got up and started walking out of the classroom, so Ron nudged Harry and said, "I think we need to have a word with him." Harry nodded.
Hermione walked up to Professor Lockhart's desk, while asking, "What can I help you with?"
Professor Lockhart said, "First off, I'm sorry about that awkward moment that Draco caused."
Hermione replied, "Thank you."
Professor Lockhart started looking nervous, while tapping his fingers on his desk. He said, "Hermione, this isn't easy to say, but I don't think I can make you the captain of the female team."
Hermione replied, "I have no problem with that."
Professor Lockhart said, "Also, I think that it might be for the best if you go to the male team."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, while asking, "What are you talking about?"
Professor Lockhart said, "Well, I know that you're currently considered a girl. However, you were born a boy, so it might be best if you were with the guys. Also, you might want to start using the male changing rooms and restrooms."
Hermione felt offended and sad, while replying, "I can't believe that you'd say that to me."
Professor Lockhart said, "I don't want to say it, but -"
Before Professor Lockhart could finish talking, Hermione started walking out. She felt a strong mixture of sadness and anger, while leaving the classroom and trying to find an empty place that she could get some alone time at.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ron went into the hallway and approached Draco. Harry tapped Draco on the shoulder and said, "We need to talk to you."
Draco replied, "I have no desire to socialize with you, so you should leave me alone."
Harry asked, "How could you embarrass Hermione in front of all of her classmates? What's wrong with you?"
Draco said, "I was trying to do what was right."
Ron angrily replied, "No you weren't. How did you even know about Hermione's secret? You were probably spying on us. I knew that you were desperate, but I didn't expect you to be such a jerk."
Draco responded, "I have nothing to say to you."
Ron said, "Hermione's gender identity is the most personal secret that she's ever had. You should be ashamed of yourself."
Ron was about to punch Draco, but Harry held Ron back and said, "Ron, the best way to deal with bullies is to avoid acts of violence."
Ron sighed and replied, "You're probably right, but I'd sure love to hit him."
Harry said, "So would I. However, hitting Draco won't make things better. If we want to be helpful, we should find Hermione." Ron nodded.
A few minutes later, Hermione sat on a bench. She put her hands over her face, while crying. She could hardly believe that her biggest secret had been revealed to a crowd of students. She felt like hiding from the world.
Professor Richard Rickman walked by and saw Hermione crying. He had a concerned look on his face, while saying, "Ms. Granger, what's wrong?" Professor Rickman was one of the few professors that Hermione felt comfortable confiding in, so she explained the situation to him.
Hermione said, "Part of me hates myself."
Professor Rickman replied, "Well, you shouldn't. What you did took a great deal of bravery. You should be proud of yourself."
Hermione said, "Proud? My most embarrassing secret got revealed to a bunch of people. I wanted Harry and Ron to know the truth, but I don't like the idea of Draco knowing. Thanks to Draco spilling my secret, Professor Lockhart expects me to join the male dodgeball team. Can you believe that?"
Professor Rickman replied, "Well, that's unacceptable of Professor Lockhart. You might have been born a boy, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a girl. If other people don't understand that, that's their problem."
Hermione looked scared, while saying, "You have no idea how many people are going to start judging me."
Professor Rickman replied, "Jumping to conclusions is a common occurrence that's hard to avoid. People may make assumptions about you, but you know the truth about yourself. You are a woman. If anybody tells you that you're still a boy, they're wrong. Your gender is a fact, not an opinion."
Hermione said, "Thank you, sir."
Professor Rickman said, "Ms. Granger, I want you to be proud of who you are. You're a brilliant, talented woman. At your young age, you have accomplished things that are more magical than anything previous wizards have done. Don't let the haters stop you from living up to your potential."
Hermione replied, "I won't let anyone stop me."
Professor Rickman said, "I'm glad to hear that. You know, if Dumbledore we're here, he'd be very proud of you."
Hermione replied, "Really?"
Professor Rickman said, "Of course he would. After all, Dumbledore was a proud member of the LGBT community. He was one of the first wizards to come out as gay. It would mean a lot to him to know that one of his greatest students had come out as transgender."
Hermione smiled, while replying, "That means a lot to me."
A few minutes later, Hermione walked around the hallway and found Harry and Ron. Hermione gave both of them a big hug, while saying, "I know that you're both probably worried about me. Honestly, I still feel a little scared, but I also feel very proud of who I am. I don't care what Draco or Lockhart think about me. I'm happy to be a transgender woman."
Harry replied, "We couldn't be prouder of you, Hermione."
Ron said, "I wanted to knock Draco's daylights out for you, but Harry convinced me to not do that."
Hermione replied, "That's for the best. Things get resolved through acts of love, not acts of violence."
Harry said, "Ron and I will always be here for you, Hermione. However, there are some people that might try to bring you down. Even our -"
Before Harry could finish talking, Hermione said, "I know, but I could care less about what the haters think. I'm transgender and proud of it."
