Were We Meant To Be?

A/N: Yes, I know... I took forever to update. My apologies. Please enjoy this complimentary chapter as my token of penitence.

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Chapter 5
The Disease

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It was now Saturday morning, and even though there had not been any announcement or such, the school was abuzz about Draco being expelled.

'I heard Malfoy tried to kill Potter, that's why he's being expelled,' whispered a third year.

'I heard he killed Potter in a fit of jealous rage!' squeaked a fidgety first year.

'You dolt, Harry's not dead! Didn't you see him run out of the Hall last night?'

'Oh'

'Well I heard that Malfoy was so jealous of Harry that he tried to poison him!' remarked a pompous fourth year.

'Oh, did you now? Care to tell just whom you got this information from, Johnson?' scowled Professor Snape, who had conveniently, snuck up behind the gossiping group.

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A/N: What is UP with all that alliteration?
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'I suggest you four return to your dorms. It is not wise to spread uninformed, childish gossip. Thirty points from both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.'

And with that, the small group scattered, and Snape continued on his path towards Dumbledore's office.

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'Ah Severus, welcome. Would you care for something, some tea, perhaps?' said Dumbledore kindly.

'No thank you Albus, I've only come to speak with you about Harry's precarious situation. Last night I ran every test I know on the drops that were left in Draco's vial.'

'And what did you find Severus?'

'Well, it turns out that Draco is better at potions that I would have ever imagined. He's tampered with this new, experimental potion called Androgunos, which as we speak, is being tested as a possible "cure" for hermaphrodites. Now, considering that Harry isn't a hermaphrodite, the potion should have no effect, so says the research thus far. But I'm afraid that Mister Malfoy has added ingredients to his own accord, and made it to where Harry will…'

Right then, there was a knock at the Headmaster's door.

'Come in Miss Granger, and Mister Weasley.'

'Professor… Headmaster… it's Harry, he's been in his four-poster ever since dinner last night. I cant go anywhere near him, he's charmed it so no one can.' Said Ron worriedly.

'We're all so concerned. From what Ron and Seamus say, he's done nothing but sulk and cry. He hasn't even gotten up to use the privy!'

'Calm down Miss Granger, please sit, the two of you. I believe Professor Snape was about to say what it is that will happen to our Harry. It's only right for you two to know as well. Please Severus, continue.'

'Well basically, in due time, Harry will turn into a woman. Estimated time of full transformation is three days from when he first ingested the potion, which would make it around Monday morning.' Snape said, dejectedly. He hung is head in his hands, and placed his elbows on his knees. For the first time since he was a child, he wept.

Hermione, going against her better senses, stood up, and comfortingly held Snape's shoulders as he cried. Greasy git or not, he was human, and humans always benefited from comfort.

Ron sat there awkwardly, next to his potions professor. He was so confused. Ron couldn't handle the idea of Harry being a girl, or the idea that Snape cared so much and was crying over him. Well, now that was just freaky. He was also angry. No. Furious. \\That fucking ferret Malfoy! How could he?!!//

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'I hope you're happy Draco! What the hell were you thinking anyway? Trying to poison Potter like that! I know you hate him, so do I! But getting yourself expelled?! What a disgrace to the Malfoy name!' Shouted Lucius. 'I doubt we could even get you into Durmstrang now!' Lucius stopped, looked at Draco, and smiled. 'No matter if they refuse, we Malfoys have our ways. You're lucky you're a Malfoy, boy.'

'Yes father' said Malfoy in a monotone voice. He smirked to himself.

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'Come on Harry, you need to eat, or something. It's not all that bad Harry, please, come out.' Seamus pleaded. 'This isn't healthy Harry.'

'Go away!' Squeaked the pitiful feminine voice. He only cried harder at the sound of it.

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After Snape had composed himself, he turned to Ron and Hermione. 'Ron, I need you to do me a favor, please, will you?'

'Sure Professor, what?'

'Go to Harry's trunk and get his invisibility cloak and bring it back to me. The only way I'll get to speak to him anytime soon is if I go to him.' Ron nodded. 'I'll also need you to clear out the dorm, so I can speak to him privately.'

'No problem Professor, of all the people, he needs you the most right now.'

As Ron left, Snape turned to Hermione and Dumbledore. 'Miss Granger, I'm going to need your help with research and with brewing an antidote.' Hermione nodded. 'Headmaster, I need to go to Diagon Alley to find some ingredients. I believe it would be a good idea for Miss Granger, Mister Weasley, and Harry to go to Hogsmeade today. It would serve Harry well to get out, and they can shop for a concealment charm for his voice.'

'Yes Severus, I believe that that is a good idea. Miss Granger, as soon and Professor Snape talks to Harry, please inform Professor McGonagall that the three of you will be attending today's Hogsmeade trip.'

'Yes Headmaster.' Said Hermione

Ron came back in, holding Harry's invisibility cloak.

'Thank you Mister Weasley, come on, let's go.' Snape said as he put on the cloak. The three of them bid the Headmaster farewell and headed towards Gryffindor tower.'

'Diffindo,' said Ron, and they walked into the common room.

'I'm going to go let Professor McGonagall know about the Hogsmeade trip, I'll be back.' Said Hermione.

As she left, Ronned ned to the invisible Snape and whispered, 'I'll go clear the dorm.' And he walked up the stairs leading to the boy's dormitory.

Snape followed him, thinking he shouldn't have to wait downstairs, since he couldn't be seen anyway. But he had almost wished he'd stay put till Ron came back, one of the boys almost ran him over. \\Damn kids.//

As Snape entered the room, he pulled off the cloak and went to Harry's bed. Ron left the two of them alone.

'Harry, it's Sev. Please lift the charms, so I can see you.'

Harry muttered something inaudible, but Snape was able to push aside the curtains and sit next to Harry. He had his back turned towards Snape and was silently sobbing, occasionally letting a sniff slip out.

'Harry, I've got some good and bad news for you. Love? Harry? May I speak to you?'

Harry rolled over and wiped his eyes. He nodded.

'Draco tampered with the experimental potion Androgunos, which I'm sure Hermione told you all about. In three days time, by Monday, you will have transformed fully into a woman. I'm working on a cure right now Harry, don't worry. At least we now know what is it we're dealing with.' He embraced Harry. 'Now for the good news, you, Hermione, and Ron are going to Hogsmeade.' Harry opened his mouth to protest. 'No, you're going. You need to get out. Sulking here wont do you any good. Besides, they are going to help you pick out a concealment charm for you. Everything will be okay Harry don't worry.'

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A/N: Androgunos: Greek. From andro- "man" + gune- "woman."