Chapter 01

Hermione had seen many things during her time in Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Trolls, three headed dogs, wraths, massive Snakes, dragons and that was just the creatures. She had helped stopped the attempted theft of a Sorcerer's Stone, saved a supposed mass murder from a terrible fate, and even been turned into some sort of humanoid cat hybrid. So, for something to surprise her, was becoming increasingly rare.

But when it did, it was rarely a good thing. Usually it meant something bad, either for herself or her friends Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. Mainly Harry, who seemed to attract trouble like blooded fish in a tank full of sharks. It was not even as if he normally went looking for trouble to begin with. He actually tried to avoid it, but always ended up neck deep in it; then he normally was the one that put it to an end. So, in order to help him, Hermione had learned to keep herself in check and be the voice of reason.

But as Hermione went into the upper floors of the castle and came across something she had never ever expected to see before; this normal idea of keeping calm went out the window. Four students, who all looked to be in their final year, were standing about teenage female, whose clothes were looking badly torn. It did not take much for Hermione to guess what had happened or what was about to it. Rape. It did not just shock her, the simple fact of it disgusted her so greatly she did not bother with control.

Hermione drew her wand and shot spell after spell at the boys; sending some of the most powerful curses she knew on them. Many of the spells mixed once they hit, one affect compounded and building off the ones before it. Soon each of them boys were to stun from confused spell effects to even move. Not to say they could have moved even if they had wanted to, for Hermione had included several different spells for body binding in the attack.

Hurrying over Hermione helped the girl up, not recognizing her at all. But that was not to surprising, Hogwarts had over eight hundred different students at the moment in its four different houses. But she looked to be Hermione's age, and her hair was long and black, flowing down her back ending in small curls. She was crying and hugging herself, and flinched when Hermione placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It is okay, I am a friend," Hermione said.

The girl not looking up placed a small glance then muttered her thanks. Hermione paused for a moment, as for some reason the voice sounded way too familiar for her not to know this student. But she pushed passed this, and noticing nearby wand reached over and picked it up.

"This yours?" Hermione asked, holding it out so the girl could look at it.

The girl only nodded, and said in a very pleading tone, "The hospital wing. Please!"

"Okay," Hermione said, and helped her stand up.

Hermione noticed the girl seemed to be rather weak as she kept stumbling every few feet. Hermione though was patient and helped her along the passage. Hermione noticed that they were closed to the same height as they moved along, and the girl seemed to be also trying to hide her features. Hermione supposed she was a little ashamed of what had happened and did not want to be recognized. Hermione could not blame her.

"It will be okay," Hermione said, as they rounded a corner and saw the door to the Hospital Wing ahead of them, "Almost there."

The girl just nodded her long hair shifting some. Hermione gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Once inside Hermione helped the girl to one of the beds. But before Hermione could turn to get Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, she had already appeared at the door to her office looking around expectantly. But as Madam Pomfrey's eyes fell on the girl, a look of confusion filled her features.

Hermione spoke before Madam Pomfrey could, "I found her on the sixth floor surrounded by four seventh year Slytherins. I heavily jinxed them, and then brought her up here."

"I see," Madam Pomfrey said, though that confused look had not left her face, and the girl seemed more scared than ever, "Hermione, I need you to fetch Professor McGonagall at once. I don't care what she is doing. Bring her here as fast as you can."

The girl let out a squeaky, "No."

It was however the tone that Madam Pomfrey used that caused Hermione to pause. It was filled with not just anger or shock, but confusion and a bit of fear as well. Hermione could not help but wonder at this, and did not move from her spot.

"Hermione at once, this might be more urgent than even you realize," Madam Pomfrey said, her tone shifting to such a stern one that Hermione jumped and fled.

Hermione was glad she did not have to look for long for Professor McGonagall. With five years of Hogwarts' schooling under her belt, Hermione had learned each and every classes schedule by heart. So, Hermione knew at this precise point where Professor McGonagall would be working with second years on turning rabbits into slippers.

Dashing down the hall, and passing several students Hermione soon found herself outside the Transfiguration classroom. She did not bother knocking but opened the door and entered into the room. She was sure that considering what had just happened Professor McGonagall, strictest teacher in the school, would forgive her lack of manners.

"Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey requires you at once," Hermione said, when she saw McGonagall turn to look at her in shock.

"I see," Professor McGonagall paused before turning to her class, "Put the rabbits away, and study the method till I get back, or until class is out."

With that Professor McGonagall left the room, Hermione hurrying alongside her. She seemed rather annoyed about something, but then again with all that was going on, Hermione could not blame her.

"So, what has happened," Professor McGonagall finally asked, as they reached the fifth floor.

"A class one offence," Hermione said, referring to the list of offences that could be done and possible punishment; class one was always connected with possibility of expulsion.

"Really?" McGonagall said surprised, as the last known offence had been done by Harry and Ron in their second year when they had flown a car to Hogwarts.

"Yes, a girl was nearly raped by four seventh year Slytherin students. I spotted the act, and might have over done it on the hexes. Then I brought her up to Madam Pomfrey who then sent me to see you," Hermione explained.

"Are you sure?" McGonagall asked.

"Indeed, her clothes were all torn, and she is very distressed," Hermione answered.

"Good, because this will be reported to the Ministry, and Magical Law Enforcement," McGonagall said.

Hermione nodded, but did not say anything else. She knew where it would head, something like this was not something that a simple detention would fix. Pureblood, in an act of either great greed or stupidity, had it so that a child through a magical family line could have a right to the family's inheritance. Thus, if they played their cards right, could steal another family's wealth or power. It was also why rape was in many ways as bad as killing another wizard. A near life long prison term was not an uncommon punishment for those caught.

But as they reached the door to the Hospital Wing they were met with an odd sight. Madam Pomfrey was waiting for them outside the door, and a grim expression was on her face. Hermione and McGonagall glanced at each other and felt their sense of apprehension grew. Madam Pomfrey never ever waited outside the Hospital Wing for anyone.

"I need to warn you, this is not good," Madam Pomfrey said, even before McGonagall could open her mouth.

"What is wrong," McGonagall asked.

"I would have not believed it myself if I had not just seen it, but Harry Potter is in great danger right now," Madam Pomfrey said, her voice shaking a little bit.

Hermione and McGonagall both froze, not out of shock but out of complete confusion. What was Madam Pomfrey talking about. They were here to check on the girl. Not Harry Potter. Even if Harry being in trouble was still a very big deal.

"Aside from Harry, is the girl okay?" Hermione asked, as though she was worried about Harry now as well, she knew he could take care of himself.

"I am afraid no," Madam Pomfrey said.

"She was actually raped?" Hermione said letting out a gasp as she covered her mouth in horror.

"No, let me explain," Madam Pomfrey cutting in before before McGonagall could say anything either, "Harry Potter and that girl are one in the same, those boys did something to him. And I don't know how to counter it yet."

This information took nearly a full minute to register itself in Hermione's mind. Even longer for Professor McGonagall, who was staring at Madam Pomfrey her mouth slightly open in shock. Had they just heard what they thought they had heard? That Harry was indeed the female.

Hermione darted around Madam Pomfrey, before anything else could happen and entered the Hospital Wing. She hurried over to the girl's bed, noticing the curtains were out, and blocking the female from view. Quietly she slid in through the curtains, and soon saw the girl again, laying on a bed, hugging her knees and looking down into her lap.

Hermione took a deep breath before saying just loud enough to be heard, "Harry."

The female or rather Harry started and looked up. Spotting Hermione, Harry turned away, adverting her eyes. But Hermione now knew for sure it was Harry, the teens eyes were like beautiful emeralds. And only Harry, so far as Hermione knew, had eyes like that in Hogwarts.

So, closing the last few steps between them, Hermione got up onto the bed, and place a hand on Harry's shoulder. She could feel Harry stiffen under the touch, and Hermione knew Harry was terrified beyond belief. Either of betrayal, rejection, or something else Hermione was not sure.

"It will be okay, I am here," Hermione said, not moving her hand, not daring till Harry made the first move.

"No, it won't," Harry said, her voice so very soft and almost flowing.

"Harry…" Hermione began but Harry cut her off saying, "No, I know Madam Pomfrey, she can cure anything, but she does not know what was done to me. As such it will not be okay."

Hermione could hear the barely restrained fear and anger. As well as the sobs, as Harry began to shake under Hermione's own hand. It honestly scared Hermione more than anything else. She had never seen Harry this low before, he had always been strong and a little hot headed, but he had never given up before. It did not matter if he was facing down a dragon, he would always give it his best, even when given a chance to leave.

Hermione in spite of her better judgment, pulled Harry up. Then let Harry lean into her arms before drawing Harry into a tight hug. Harry how had been holding back the sobs, finally broke down. She crying into Hermione's shoulder, seemingly unable to restrain herself. Hermione just held her, repeating it would be okay over and over again. She did not even notice as the bell rang signally the end of classes, nor when Madam Pomfrey and McGonagall looked in for a few moments to check on the pair. All that matter right then was Harry.

It was half way through the next class period before Harry finally began to calm down. The tears had stopped flowing, and her breathing was slowing to a more regular pace. Hermione could still feel small tremors pass through Harry now and again, though her body was no longer shaking badly. Still though Hermione did not move, even though her back was beginning to hurt a little.

"Thanks," Harry finally said, her voice a little raspy, "For being here."

"I can think of no better place to be right now," Hermione said, her hand rubbing along Harry's back, slowly soothing the tremors away.

Harry just nodded, falling silent again. Hermione watched her quietly, feeling Harry's breathing slowly matching her own. And it was only now, now that all the craziness was over, at least for the moment did Hermione actually get a good look at the girl Harry became.

Her skin was a much healthier tan color than it had been before, and the skin itself was soft to the touch. Her body over all had a figure a little better than Hermione's own. Fairly large hips though not so much a thin waist. While up top Harry seemed to have been giving a chest bigger than Hermione's own. Harry face had also softened, losing some of the hard edges replaced with more curved lines. And her hair was like flowing black silk hanging down her back, almost waist length.

If Hermione had not been so worried about Harry she might have been envious of her now. Harry had a figure most girls would love to have. Large where it mattered, at least to some, not to skinny, and with features most guys normally drooled over. In some ways, Hermione was glad Harry had been born male now, with a body like this; being the Girl Who Lived would have been a nightmare for Harry.

Madam Pomfrey peaked in a few minutes later, and saw Harry, eyes closed but not asleep, just resting against Hermione. Pomfrey did not say anything as Hermione gave a small smile. They both knew this was not something Harry would get over anytime soon even if he was restored to full manhood.

As Madam Pomfrey left, Professor McGonagall in tow. Hermione heard the door to the Hospital Wing open. And someone speaking, but the voice sent shivers down Hermione spine, while Harry froze with her breathing halting. She already knew what Harry was feeling, and she honest would have chased with fist and magic the person out of the Hospital Wing. But Harry own fear required her attention more, for in this state Harry was not ready to face down Delores Umbridge.

"Just breath," Hermione whispered to Harry, feeling renewed tremors run through Harry's body.

"Madam Pomfrey, I found these four students. I need you to treat them at once," Umbridge said, her sickly-sweet voice, filled with annoyance.

"Might I ask what happened to them?" Madam Pomfrey asked rather politely.

"They were attacked by Harry Potter," Umbridge said, and Hermione felt her indignation rise at this.

"Attacked by Harry? And what makes you say that?" McGonagall asked, rather bluntly.

"Who else would have the skill or desire to beat up some of my best Inquisitorial Squad. You know how frightfully deranged and dangerous he is," Umbridge answered sweetly, "This will see him out of the school for sure."

"I doubt that! I was about to head out to collect them myself. They were taken out by one Hermione Granger after they attempted to rape another student," Professor McGonagall said, her voice warning.

"Really," Umbridge said, sounding annoyed, before she counted her voice a sickly-sweet tone, "I take it the girl is behind those curtains then. I should speak with her at once. To clarify the details."

Harry had begun to noticeably shake now as Hermione held onto her, trying to sooth away fear. Though knowing it was little use as Harry's breathing picked up speed till it was like short gasps. Hermione knew this would not end well, if Umbridge realized that Harry was the girl. Well Hermione was not sure if Umbridge would, but Hermione did not want to find out.

"No, I cannot allow it!" Madam Pomfrey said her voice filled with a sternness that Hermione had never heard there before, "She is scared, badly shaken and needs some time alone to recover first. Those are the rules."

"Oh, but you see, I am the Headmistress of Hogwarts. If I feel I should see her there is nothing you can do to stop me. Rules or no," Umbridge said, her girlish voice becoming smug.

Hermione felt her own heart beat picking up. But as then she heard Harry muttering something. It was so fast she could not make out more than a word or two. But she got a few ideas as to what she wanted. Harry wanted to escape, to be alone, to be anywhere but here.

"Harry take deep breaths," Hermione said into Harry's ear.

But Harry did not seem to hear her. In an effort to get Harry's attention, Hermione reached farther around to grab Harry's hand. And to her amazement, Hermione said her hand pass right through Harry. In fact, now that she was focusing solely on Harry, Hermione realized Harry seemed to weight nothing. It was as if she was not even there anymore, yet she had to be, Hermione could smell Harry's scent, and hear the sound of her voice.

But Hermione could not focus on this as a small yell was heard before Professor McGonagall yelled out with a command of, "Stop!"

Hermione looked up in time to see a pudgy hand grab at the curtains edge. Harry let out a loud gasp of fear and pain, as her body began to shake almost violent. Yet Hermione did not feel a single thing as Harry seemed to be passing through her with some ghost like quality. As the curtains began to be drawn back and several yells filled the place, the whole mess reached a boiling point.

First Harry let out a loud "No!" then vanish. A bang, like a cannon having gone off, was heard deafening everyone in the room. Then the shockwave hit, it blew out from where Harry had been and hit the curtains right as Umbridge's face appeared. It threw both her and the curtains clean across the room into the other beds, while the beds on either side of Hermione were pushed roughly into the ones next to them. Hermione was left completely unharmed, while McGonagall and Pomfrey were sent stumbling backwards.

Hermione was stunned as she looked down at the spot Harry had been mere moments before then out at the carnage he had caused. The room was not in complete disarray, but several beds looked to be damaged, and the curtains badly burnt and torn. Umbridge had destroyed another bed when she landed on it, but otherwise seemed surprisingly unharmed. Though she was tied up in what remained of the curtains and seemed to have been knocked out.

"What happened?" Professor McGonagall asked, when she was finally able to speak again.

"I don't know, Harry was so scared. Her body seemed to become intangible, like a ghost, then she just disappeared before that blast went off," Hermione explained, rubbing her arms feeling a little numb with shock.

McGonagall looked at a loss for words at this. The events alone would have been strange, but together it sounded as if the magical rules had been rewritten for a few moments. Harry had already done the impossible by teleporting in a place with powerful wards that prevented such a thing. But to become intangible was just as hard to do. Madam Pomfrey on the other hand looked rather worried, as if these statements confirmed something for her.

"Hermione, do you know where Harry might have gone if he wanted to escape or hide?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"No," Hermione answered, feeling like that would have been something she should have set up in all her plans, a safe place to retreat to.

"I see, we need to find him and fast then," Madam Pomfrey said, then at their confused looks began explaining, "Harry when he was changed, had his magical cores destabilized. Whether it was spells, potions, and or mental trauma I don't know right now. The result is, right now, he is in a lot more direct contact with his magic. It is what let him overcome the wards and escape, that explosion was the result of the wards partly failing and rebuilding themselves."

"Are you sure?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Yes, at least it is the only explanation that I can come up with right now. Harry is and always has been very powerful, magically speaking. And he has shown several times in the past that he can still use wandless magic. Just look at his recounting of the events when he took on the Dementors this summer," Madam Pomfrey explained.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, Harry had never told her that.

"Harry visits here every few weeks and we have been talking. I suggested it early on this year when I noticed he was becoming increasingly stressed out. And he told me a lot about what he has done magically when away from school," Pomfrey explained quickly.

"I see," Professor McGonagall said, then with a drawing her wand raised it and tapped at a spot in the air three times. With a small pop, a large purple megaphone appeared in front of her a moment later. Lifting it up, McGonagall spoke into it, but her voice did not come out of the other end, but instead echoed all around them and throughout the school.

"All students are to return to their house commons at once! All Teachers are to report to the hospital wing immediately! No exceptions!"

Hermione's mind, trying to calm down focused on the megaphone, and realize at this moment just what it was for. Harry had told Hermione about it once when recounting what had happened during the time Hermione was petrified in the second year. By speaking through it, Professor McGonagall could be heard throughout the entire school. It was the magical version of a school wide speaker system.

After Professor McGonagall had repeated this twice more, she tapped the megaphone with her wand again and it vanished from sight. She then turned to Hermione and considered her for a few moments. But before McGonagall could say anything Pomfrey spoke.

"She needs to help in the search. With how Harry is right now, only those he trusts the most should be allowed to approach him. Even then I think only Hermione should be allowed of his friends. Harry might not be too willing to get near any male, no matter his relationship with them," Madam Pomfrey said, studying the wreckage.

Hermione moved to clean up as McGonagall put her wand away, but Madam Pomfrey shook her head, "Let me take care of the mess. The magical backlash of the spell could have caused any number of odd effects."

"Okay," Hermione said, and moved over so she could stand by Professor McGonagall.

It was not long though before the teachers began showing up. They all were very surprised and worried to see the damage done to the Hospital Wing. Though most, when they saw the five-injured people on the bed, could not help the looks of absolute confusion from showing. After all, four were Slytherins and the fifth was Umbridge.

The last to show up were Snape and Hagrid. Snape gave the place a once over, and his face took on a very impassive look, though hints of worry seemed to in his eyes. Hagrid on the other hand look just plain stunned, only able to mutter that Firenze had chosen to remain in his room. No one commented on this as a centaur climbing all the stairs to reach the seventh floor was not a good idea no matter the matter.

"Okay, you are all here," Professor McGonagall said, "As you can see our Headmistress is currently out of commission so I am in charge. Madam Pomfrey begin and fill them in on the rough series of events."

"We had an incident where these four attacked another student, using both magic and physical force, and nearly raped said student. Hermione arrived on the scene in time to stop the attack, though over doing it a bit. Then brought the student up here. I examined the student, but realized something was wrong, you see that girl brought to me, was not a girl. But one of male students turned into a girl, that being Harry Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, getting a collective gasp from all the teachers.

Pomfrey held up her hand to forestall any questions and continued on, "By the time Hermione returned with Professor McGonagall I had been able to run a few limited tests. I began to talk to Professor McGonagall on dealing with it, and what might be done to remedy this situation as Transformation is her main subject. But part way through our discussion, Umbridge here showed up. As we all know Harry is less than fond of our new headmistress and in her distressed state, she unleashed her magic, thus teleporting from here to another part of the school."

"But, that is, impossible," Professor Snape said, as if by saying it he could somehow make more logical sense of this.

"No, you see, magically speaking Harry has always been very powerful. And has been able to use wandless magic even up to this most recent summer. With the drama, and transformation, his magical cores have become unstable. He can now likely use his magic directly without the aid of a wand, and is thus able to do things normally considered to be impossible," Madam Pomfrey explained.

"Indeed, that is why I called the lock down. In this kind of emotionally and magically unstable state, Harry could very easily harm anyone if he felt threaten even without meaning to," Professor McGonagall said.

"And you want us to go looking for him?" Professor Snape asked with a bit of an ironic look as he continued, "Knowing we could be turned inside out with a thought? Let alone myself looking for him, and you know what he thinks of me."

"Looking for him yes, but do not approach him unless he speaks to you. Send a Patronus, or if Hermione is nearby, alert her. Harry trusts her right now. He will not lash out with her about if he feels safe, and once he is calm down the chances of accidental magic will be greatly reduced," Madam Pomfrey explained.

"What should we tell our houses?" Snape asked before adding, "I know mine for one will ask questions."

"Tell them it is a private matter currently. And if they continue to ask, deal out detentions and deduct points as needed. I want no one to know about what is going on. Anyone who slips will be looking for a new job. Is that understood?" Professor McGonagall said, her eyes narrowing as she looked at each teacher and got a nodded of clear understanding from each.

"What will Harry look like?" Hagrid asked.

It was Hermione who answered when neither Madam Pomfrey nor McGonagall spoke up right away, "Harry is right now about my height and build. Her hair is long, straight and black with curls at the end. She still has green eyes, and looks to be slightly more tanned than before. She was wearing a hospital gown."

"There is one other thing," Madam Pomfrey said when Hermione had finished, "Harry's body is possibly unstable as of the moment, not just his magic. His body could have changed a little bit since we last saw him, so keep that in mind."

Hermione looked over at Pomfrey in shock, words of outrage filling her mind, while horror filled her. Harry had been called a freak since he was a young kid by his so-called relatives who hated magic. And she was already unstable, mentally, add a change she did not expect and it was quite possible that Harry's condition would only get worse, each change pushing her farther down a slippery path.

"Now go, I have work to do," McGonagall said, looking at everyone once.

No one needed telling twice and quickly left the Hospital wing. Hermione was the last to leave. But not because she wanted to yell at Pomfrey for not telling her that last bit of information sooner. But rather as she began going over the school and were to look.

"Where would you have gone," Hermione asked herself as she heading into the heart of the castle.

Harry had many places he loved to visit or be in normally when at the school. But most were because of studying, or a place to relax. None were really out of the way and a place he would feel safe. She doubted in anyway Harry was out on the ground, and she could likely also discard the dungeons as well.

That still though left eight floors that made up the main castle to deal with. Well not entirely true. Hermione could remove most of lower floors, as outside the Great Hall and the Library there was nothing down there. And Harry would not likely hide in the Library at least not currently. Moving on she removed room after room she knew Harry would not likely bother with.

As she went down more stairs Hermione realized a big problem. Harry could have very well fled outside the school, and hiding in some place Hermione had never been to before. And if he was outside the school, he would have no way to easily reach anyone. He could not send messages with a Patronus charm, nor was his owl with him.

But as that last thought crossed her mind, Hermione froze in mid step nearly tripping down several stairs. Owl, that was the answer. Harry, she was sure, had gone to the only place that he had a friend whose dedication to him was almost absolute. Hedwig, who had become Harry's first friend, and first ever real birthday present. She had been one of the very few to just spend time with him, and he her.

Taking off down the stairs, Hermione traversed across the castle going down several floors, before she was finally able to start heading back up again. Climbing she soon reached the seventh floor on the south side of the castle. Here, in the South tower, the Owlery was located. Quickly making her way up the stairs she felt gusts of cool air travel down them.

At the top, in a large round room with a huge number of owls overhead, she saw to her great joy, Harry, sitting with Hedwig on her knees. But Harry had changed a little since Hermione had last seen him, well her. Her arms, though Harry did not seem too concerned by this, were covered in fluffy while down feathers.

Hedwig gave a soft hoot as Hermione entered the tower room. Harry stared, but her fear seemed to drain away when she saw it was Hermione. Hermione for her part, was freezing, the tower room had no glass in any of the windows. This was done so the owls could come and go as they pleased while they waited to take letters. How Harry, with less clothes on than Hermione, was not even the slightest bit chilled was beyond Hermione at the moment.

"Harry," Hermione said kneeling down by her friend, "Are you okay?"

"No," Harry muttered, turning away her hair hiding her eyes.

Hermione sighed, "I meant mentally."

"Maybe," Harry answered, as her eyes traveled over her own arms, "Why is this happening to me."

"You mean the attack or your arms?" Hermione asked, as she moved a little bit and sat down.

"I don't know. Both I guess," Harry said sounding rather dejected.

"Well I am not sure why they attacked you," Hermione admitted, "But I do know why you are changing. Your form, or so Madam Pomfrey believes, is unstable right now. Like your magic. So, it could change in any number of ways."

"Great, now not only am I to be stuck as a girl, but I am to become a freak as well," Harry spat, anger and hurt in her voice.

"Don't you dare say that," Hermione snap, catching Harry so much by surprised she actually jumped. Hedwig gave Hermione a reproving glare as she nearly fell over as well, but Hermione continued on, "Don't you ever call yourself a freak! I don't care what you look like. You are not and will never be a freak."

Harry, nodded meekly at this. Hermione gave Harry a very hard look till finally Harry was forced to look away, and focused instead on Hedwig. Hedwig, tilted her head and gazed back at Hermione in a pointed way, somewhat like a glare. Hermione regard the owl for a few moments before she reached out and took Harry's hand.

Harry flinched, but then looked at Hermione in surprise as Hermione spoke again, in a much softer tone, "Harry, I know it is hard for you. And it will likely get worse before it gets better, but please don't beat yourself up over this. You are going to need all your strength and courage for this."

Harry nodded, her face hidden it from view by her long hair. Hermione sighed and moved over and drew Harry into a tight hug. Harry leaned into her, and returned it lightly, not breaking down like before. Hermione was thankful for this, she was worried the change had actually broken any resemblance in this Harry to the Harry she had known.

After about a minute though, Hermione shivered as a cold wind blew in through the open windows. Harry noticed this and pulled her closer, but it did not help to much as Hermione kept feeling the cold air rush in through the window. Hermione though noticed that Harry seemed to be completely unaffected still.

"How are you not cold?" Hermione finally asked, as Harry was still not shaking.

Harry shrugged and answered, "Not sure."

"I see, can we head back to the Hospital Wing now?" Hermione asked, "I know you are not affected by the cold, but I am."

"I…" Harry began, but a Hermione's shivering seemed to change Harry's mind, "Okay, but I am not going back dressed like this."

"I think I can handle that," Hermione said, and drew out her wand, with a flick from it, a few moments later a large black robe came flying up the stairs into the tower.

Harry caught it and looked at Hermione who smiled, "I summoned one of my own spare robes. It should fit you decently, your breasts are a little bigger than my own, so the might be a little tight there."

Hermione saw Harry's face turn from a small smile of thanks to a scowl and blush. Hermione sighed but helped Harry get the robes on, and pulled over her body. The Hospital gown underneath the robes acting as well as a normal undergarment. Harry sighed and shifted the front of the robes a little bit, trying and failing to adjust for her new chest size.

"We are going to have to get you a few bras I think," Hermione said, noting the rather obvious fact Harry's back would be hurting.

"Do I really need them?" Harry asked, looking down at her breasts in annoyance.

"Yes. You will have to deal with being female for a while, and possibly all that that will bring into the picture. I will not be mean about it, but I am going to make sure that as a female you do keep good care of yourself. Even if that means teaching you about the entire female body and how it works," Hermione said, though fully understanding Harry's pains.

"Great more lessons," Harry said, but smiled a little bit.

Hermione smiled back, and placed her hand on Harry's shoulder before standing up. Harry followed a few moments later, and Hermione noticed the changes were a lot less visible. Harry looked more or less like any other normal girl. Harry walking about the room a few times as Hedwig moved over to Hermione's shoulder. Harry shook her sleeves a few times, and lightly rubbed her arms. Hermione guessed that Harry's new feathers were rubbing weirdly against the robe and pulling at Harry's skin.

With that, they left the Owlery, Hedwig moving over to Harry's shoulder. It took them a little while, but they finally reached the Hospital Wing again. They had met several teachers along the way, and were able to inform them that they could call off the search for Harry. Harry, Hermione noticed, though he was acting much more confident around her, would rapidly start withdrawing whenever someone else showed up. Never meeting their eyes, and hugging herself a little bit till they moved off.

Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall were both inside waiting for them when they reached the Hospital Wing. Pomfrey was still working to remove the spells on the students, before placing each in an enchanted sleep so they could be question later. Harry seeing the four boys who attacked her, shied away from them a look of terror on her face. And did not want to move one step deeper into the Hospital Wing if it meant passing her attackers.

Hermione had to take Harry by the hand, and lead her around the edge of the room to get to the bed Harry would be sleeping on. Hermione also noted that Harry's legs were shaking slightly and she was moving slower than ever. By the time Hermione got Harry into the bed, Harry looked completely drained. By this time Pomfrey was finished with the boys, and after writing down a few notes came over to check on Harry and Hermione. Professor McGonagall joined her.

"Harry, it is good to see you are okay," Madam Pomfrey said, stopping at the foot of Harry's bed.

"Not as okay as we had hoped," Hermione said, and carefully pulling up the sleeve of the robe so show Madam Pomfrey the feathers.

"My word," Professor McGonagall said.

Harry moved faster than Hermione expected and pulled the sleeve back down, covering her arm fully again. Hermione let it go, as Harry looked but embarrassed and annoyed. It seems even though she had agreed not to call herself a freak, Harry still not want to be seen as odd.

"It is okay Harry, she is trying to help you," Madam Pomfrey said, in a soothing tone.

"I know," Harry grumbled.

"If there is nothing else you need me for Poppy, I think I should be going. I need to remove the lockdown, and contact the Ministry," Professor McGonagall said, looking away from Harry to Madam Pomfrey.

"Yes, I need you for one last thing. We both need to hear from Harry and Hermione what actually took place from their point of view," Pomfrey said, drawing up another chair to sit down by Harry's bed.

"Do we have to do this?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, we must find out everything while it is still fresh in your minds. This will be very important later on, because like it or not. We have to contact the Ministry of Magic over this, and bring in someone from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to sort this out," Pomfrey replied.

"But…" Harry began.

"Harry, I wish to spare you as much grief as possible. But this is not something I or even Professor McGonagall can handle. Besides after your blasting Umbridge around, the Ministry of Magic is going to be brought in whether we want it or not. If we can file the report first, and to Amelia Bones, then we should be able to avoid any nasty situations," Madam Pomfrey explained.

"Okay fine," Harry said, though she sounded rather resentful.

"Harry, I can personally assure you that if the Ministry of Magic tries anything stupid, I will deal with them. Even if it means going into hiding afterwards," Professor McGonagall said, her tone soft and gentle.

"For me?" Harry said shock in each word.

"Yes, you may not realize it, but out of all the Students here, you have proven yourself to be among the best of the bunch. You have you flaws granted, but you have often overcome them. Year after year, you have proven yourself beyond anyone would have thought. Just in your first year alone you proved you were a much better protection than a pack of enchantments," McGonagall said, a smile on her face.

"But I had help," Harry protested meekly, stunned that Professor McGonagall of all people thought so highly of him.

"Everyone needs help to overcome difficulties. And to be honest, when you have stood alone you proved yourself again. It is one reason why I selected you for the Prefect position, though Dumbledore felt you would have too much to deal with this year," Professor McGonagall said, surprising Harry all the more.

"I was chosen to be a Prefect instead of Ron?" Harry said, still stunned.

"Indeed, but that is beside the point now. We all know you can be strong, and would do anything you had to do if to protect your friends from harm. Well, as I have been rather slack in that regard as of late. It is time I do my job and protect Hogwarts and its students, including you," McGonagall said, "Now Mr. Potter would you be so kind as to tell me what happened."

Harry could only nod. Her mind was almost to stunned to comprehend what had just been said. She was one of the best and strongest students, and would have been the Gryffindor Prefect if things had been different. She supposed that it did not indeed matter now, though she felt a small surge of warmth rush through her at the thought that she was actually worthy of something her mom had and her dad was never able to have.

It was this surge of confidence that let Harry begin telling her tale with help from Hermione. Once it was done and Harry was able to lay back and rest for a little bit, a stray thought crossed her mind. Would she make it through the end of the year sane?