Title: To Be A Woman

Title: To Be A Woman
Author: Batsutousai(duh!)
Beta: magickmaker17
Pairings: Hermione/Ginevra and Tom/Draco/Harry
Warnings: AU, Transsexualism, Slash, Fem-slash, Child Abuse(mild), Cross-dressing
Summary: Harry's known his whole life that he is different from his male cousin, but his relatives, who take cake of him, did everything to hide it. When given a chance do live as he wishes, what will Harry do?
Disclaim Her: Transsexual Harry. Need I say this? Fine, I don’t own Harry Potter.
Feedback: Lovely, as long as you’ve read the author’s notes and don’t ask stupid questions. -glares at readers pointedly-

A/N: -headdesk-
If it makes any of you feel better, I have to keep catching myself with Tom. I want to make her a guy again, which just will not do.

Chapter Three: Misconceptions Misconceived

“That was a long train ride.”

Draco glanced up at Pansy with a scowl. “You’re complaining about the train ride, now? Don’t you ever stop?”

“Of course not.” Pansy replied brightly.

“Ask a stupid question.” Blaise teased, smiling evilly.

Draco groaned.

“Pansy!” A red-haired girl ran up to the group, smiling brightly. “I couldn’t find you on the train.”

“I’m sorry, Gin.” Pansy smiled fondly at the girl and gave her a hug.

Draco gaped at the two in utter shock.

“Oh, Gin, this is my cousin, Draco Parkinson.” Pansy offered, nodding to Draco. “Dray, this is Ginevra Weasley, my best friend.”

Gin sniggered at the look on the Malfoy heir’s face. “Oh, you thought we hated each other, didn’t you, Malfoy?” She asked softly. When he narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to retort, Gin waved her hand idly. “I don’t hate you, Malfoy, that’s my brother. As long as you don’t piss at my friends, I won’t out you, so clam it.”

“Don’t call me Malfoy, Weasel.” Draco bit out angrily.

“Don’t call me Weasel, Parkinson.” Gin replied lightly before turning back to Pansy. “You remember what I told you about my friend, Harry?”

“Of course.” Pansy’s smile fell. She’d felt horrible for the boy when Gin had spoken of him and his problems at home.

Gin’s eyes glittered. “She’s here at Hogwarts! I asked Headmaster Dumbledore and he had her enrolled!”

“Oh, Gin, that’s wonderful! Where is she?”

“Inside, with Hermione. They came early.”

“Granger’s here?” Draco asked in disgust.

“Dray, dear cousin, I love you and all, but, please, shut up already.” Pansy said calmly.

Draco scowled, but kept quiet.

“Thank you. Now, Gin, let’s go meet Ms. Potter, shall we?”

‘Great, Potter. My dad said James Potter was a real jack-ass in school. I bet his daughter’s the same.’ Draco thought in annoyance as Gin and Pansy took the lead.

Blaise poked Draco in the side. “You’re slumping, Dray.”

“I don’t care.”

“Perhaps you should.”

“I have to spend my next four years in school with a Weasley, Blaise. Father will kill me if I befriend her, and Pan will kill me if I don’t.” Draco whined.

Blaise rolled her eyes at her friend. “Dray, you don’t have to tell your father every last little detail of your life, for the Goddess’ sake. Pan and Gin have been friends for years and her parents still don’t know.”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

Draco stayed silent, not really having a good response.

“Give her a chance, Dray. Gin’s a cool girl, once you get to know her.”

“She’s poor.”

“So am I.”

Draco flinched. “You’re not as poor, though.”

“Money doesn’t make a person.”

“Keep that in mind.” Gin added, turning around to look at Draco and Blaise. “I’m not the poorest kid in this school, Parkinson, and the others might have a worse temper than I do, so you’d do best to mind your tongue and your manners, assuming you know how, that is.” She added scathingly before turning back to her conversation with Pansy.

Draco fumed. “That girl…”

“Is right, so shut it.” Blaise finished.

“This is why I don’t date women.”

“Same here. We’re all just too bitchy.”

“Blaise?”

“Yeah?”

“Do me a favour and shut up?”

“Nah.”

“Bitch.”

“Thank you.”

“For the love of the Goddess, shut up already!” Gin spun and glared at the boy. “I’ve about had it with you, Draco Parkinson.”

Draco sneered. “Then maybe you should ignore me.”

“That’s hard when your voice is so damned grating.” The red-head hissed coldly. “Now stuff it, or I will.”

“She’s got six brothers, Dray. I’d shut up, really.” Pansy added softly.

“Terrified.” Draco replied, mock quivering, before pushing past the two girls and into the Great Hall.

Noise and the soft colours of their school washed over him and he paused a moment to take it in. ‘Wow. Look at the ceiling. And all these people! Ravenclaws studying, Hufflepuffs talking with one another, Gryffindors joking with their friends, Slytherins talking money. It’s as it should be… Wait…’ Draco narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. There, sure enough, sat two Gryffindors and a Slytherin, chatting away like best friends. ‘Shit, but those two are fucking gorgeous!’

The two girls who had caught his eye were the two with raven hair. The girl in Slytherin colours had the shorter hair and a closed expression. She was tugging at her skirt slightly, as if nervous. The Gryffindor had black hair to the middle of her back, glasses, and a beautiful, yet pained, smile. ‘I have to have them…’

“What are you staring at?” Pansy hissed in Draco’s ear as she, Gin, and Blaise entered.

Draco pointed to the two girls. “The two black-haired girls. Aren’t they beautiful?”

Gin covered a snigger and Draco glared at her, his moment ruined. “Parkinson, the girl with the longer black hair is my friend, Harry Potter.”

Draco blanched. “You’re joking.”

“Am not. Anyway, I thought you only did guys.” The red-head said pointedly before taking the lead across the room again. Draco fell in line next to Blaise, if only to meet the two girls.

“Trust you to find a Gryffindor worthy of a shag as soon as you step into a room.” Blaise teased lightly. She glanced at his pained look and sighed, settling an arm around his shoulders. “Oh, give it a rest, Dray. It’s not the end of the world.”

“It is.” The boy responded softly as they reached the table.

-~*~-

“Gin!” Harry jumped up and hugged the red-head tightly, smiling gladly. “It’s been forever since I’ve seen you!”

“Hey, Har. How’re you doing?” Gin inquired, nodding politely to Hermione, who’d stood with the Slytherin girl when they’d arrived. Hermione nodded back, but the Slytherin was staring at the ceiling.

“Oh, I’m lovely.” Harry replied softly, pulling away. “Who are all your friends? Are they from your old school?” He inquired, as he hadn’t gone to the public school his friends and cousin had gone to, but had been forced to stay home, or down the street at Mrs. Figg’s house, and do chores.

“Yes. This is Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini.” Gin agreed, introducing the two girls before jerking her thumb back at Draco. “The blonde bitch over there is Draco Parkinson, Pansy’s cousin.”

“It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Harry.” Pansy offered, shaking the boy’s hand gently. “Gin and ‘Mione are always talking about you at school.”

Harry made a face at the red-head, who smiled innocently. “I’m sure it’s all been truthful, too.”

“I’m sure we’re bound to find out sooner or later.” Blaise offered, also shaking Harry’s hand. “Now, I know ‘Mione, but who’s this other young lady?”

“Oh!” Harry poked Tom’s arm to get her attention. “Tom Riddle.”

Tom scowled. “Don’t poke me, Harry.”

Harry grinned. “Then don’t stare off into space.”

“Tom is a boy’s name. So is Harry, now that I think about it.” Draco cut in, staring at the two. ‘Are they boys as well?! I mean, it’s difficult to get in here if they don’t have your name from birth, but, I mean, it’s obviously possible.’

“Draco also strikes me as a boy’s name.” Tom replied coolly, scarlet eyes narrowed at Draco. “What a group we make, eh?”

Draco’s eyes widened. ‘Red eyes?! And Harry’s are such a bright green. Bloody hell…’

“Tom, stop.” Harry asked softly.

The Slytherin cowed under the pained gaze. “Oh, alright. Sorry I was rude.”

“No harm. Dray started it anyway.” Blaise agreed, elbowing Draco sharply. The boy scowled and elbowed her back, but more gently.

Harry smiled softly. “Shall we all sit, then? I’m sure we’ll have more time to get to know one another.”

“We don’t have specified places to sit?” Draco inquired, noting how the different Houses had all sort of gathered at their own, separate tables.

“No.” Hermione replied kindly. “Headmaster Dumbledore wants people to sit where they’re comfortable, like with their friends, not by House.”

Tom made a face. “Dumbledore this, Dumbledore that. Call him Dumbles, ‘Mione. It’s shorter.”

Everyone but Draco and Hermione laughed at this, the latter glaring at her friend, the former staring at Tom and Harry again.

“Sit. I’m getting tired.” Harry said.

Everyone quickly found seats at that, and Draco found himself sitting between Harry, who had Tom on his other side, and Gin, who looked ready to punch him if he made one wrong move. Draco swallowed nervously.

“Gin, stop trying to be intimidating.” Harry hissed around Draco, frowning at his friend.

Gin frowned. She hadn’t expected him to pick up on it. “Sorry.”

Draco shook his head slightly as everyone turned to the Head Table to pay attention to the Headmaster. ‘Harry seems to get her way a lot. She doesn’t come across as retarded, but they treat her so gently, and she didn’t go to our school. It would be so sad if she were retarded.’ Leaving his thoughts of the two girls for later, Draco tuned in on the Headmaster.

-~*~-

“So, Harry, why didn’t you go to our school?” Draco asked as they ate, and once everyone had loosened up some.

“I was home schooled.” Harry replied tightly. “My uncle’s idea, really.”

Draco nodded absent-mindedly, noting that both Gin and Hermione’s faces had turned grim and they’d started sawing their food - mashed potatoes, in Hermione’s case. “My father wanted to home school me, but Mother made him send me anyway.”

“What about you, Tom?” Blaise inquired, glancing over at the quiet girl. She had spoken only to Harry after mocking Dumbledore again while the man spoke and getting kicked under the table by Hermione.

Tom shrugged.

Harry rolled his eyes and poked the girl, earning him a glare. “Come on, already. I’m tired of talking for you.”

“So don’t.” Tom shot back.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Tom’s afraid you all will ostracize her for being poor.”

“Funny.” Pansy cut in, glaring at Draco. “We were talking about that on the way in from the train, since both Harry and Gin are poor and Blaise and ‘Mione are middle-class, at best.”

“Told you.” Harry added to the scarlet-eyed girl next to him.

Tom shrugged. “I’m not poor…”

“Yeah, yeah, we know. You’re shoe slime.” Hermione cut in, frowning at the girl. “Come on, Tom. Stop being anti-social.”

Tom bit back a cruel comment and scowled. “Shut up. Please.”

“Tom can be anti-social if she wants, ‘Mione.” Harry offered softly, ever the peace-maker. “And, Tom, we’ve discussed this, you’re not shoe slime, you’re sewer slime.”

Tom grinned as everyone laughed, even Hermione and Draco. “Thanks for the boost in self-confidence, Harry. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Harry cocked an eyebrow. “Why, wallow in self-pity, of course.”

“You’re such a prat, Harry.” Tom hung an arm around Harry’s shoulders, drawing him into an odd, one-armed hug. “Good thing you’re so much fun to be around, or I might not want you.”

Harry stuck his tongue out. “Yeah, yeah. That’s what they all say.” He rested his head on Tom’s shoulder and closed his eyes.

“Tired?” Hermione asked, worried.

“Maybe a little.” Harry agreed, peeking an eye open and glancing up at Hermione. “Stop looking at me like that, ‘Mione. I’m fine. Really.”

“You can sleep on me if you want, Harry.” Tom offered.

Harry smiled sadly and pulled back. “Fine, I’ll head for bed, then. Really.” He stood from the table and paused for a second to catch his balance.

“Do you want someone to go with you?” Gin asked, standing slightly.

“I’ll go.” Draco offered immediately, setting down his fork. “I was thinking of heading for bed myself, actually.”

“Thank you, but no.” Harry shook his head. “Draco, you couldn’t find your way back down to your dorm. Gin, sit back down and finish your dinner. No, ‘Mione.” He added, seeing Hermione setting her fork down. “I’m fine.”

Tom sighed and stood. “Oh, come on, Harry, you can barely stand straight. I thought I told you not to stay up so late anymore.”

Harry scowled, but leaned against the support Tom offered gently. “It was a good book.”

Tom rolled her eyes and glanced over at Hermione. “You’re bad for her, you know.”

Hermione laughed. “Go on, then.” She glanced at Draco. “Draco, I’m sure if you go with them, Tom will show you where the Slytherin dorms are, if you still want to head for bed, that is.”

Draco stood. “Of course.” He glanced at Tom. “Alright with you?”

Tom shrugged slightly. “Sure.”

Draco smiled slightly. “Good night, then, everyone.” Harry and Tom nodded.

“Good night, ladies!” Pansy said happily while Blaise and Hermione nodded politely.

Gin glared at Draco, but smiled at Harry and Tom. “Good night. Har, don’t make me take any books from you tonight, okay?”

Harry smiled tiredly. “Yes, Mother.”

The three left to laughter, Tom chuckling and shaking her head. “You’re hopeless, Harry.”

“I just like making people smile.” Harry shrugged. “Let me go, I can walk on my own, swear.”

Tom frowned, but let Harry go. “Just don’t trip on the stairs like last time.”

Harry scowled. “Not my fault my glasses slipped.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Tom waved the excuse away.

Harry pouted. “You’re so mean, Tom.”

“Are you whining again?” Tom glanced at Harry and twitched. “Please don’t do that.”

“Why not?” Harry asked, still making pouting faces. “It works, doesn’t it?”

“Harry…”

Harry laughed. “I’m sorry, Tom. That’s just so much fun to do to you.”

Tom sighed and led the way through the doors of the Great Hall. “Whatever.”

-~*~-

“How has he been since getting here?” Gin asked, leaning forward to keep the conversation more private.

Hermione, Pansy, and Blaise followed suit, Hermione sighing sadly. “You know Har, he’s being really quiet. Tom says she found him on the ground this morning after Professor Snape ran into him.”

“You make it sound like Snape doesn’t like Har.” Blaise muttered.

“For some reason, he doesn’t.”

“I’ll look into it. Severus is Dray’s godfather.” Pansy offered.

“If he’s Draco’s godfather, why is he teaching at an all-girl’s school?” Gin inquired, confused.

Pansy smirked. “So he’d never have to teach Dray?” The four girls laughed.

“This is so messed up, you know that, right?” Blaise sighed. “It would be easier if Dray hadn’t come.”

“No joke!” Pansy agreed.

“Ah, but, perhaps, Draco will be of use…” Gin murmured.

“Of use? Gin, have you gone insane?” Pansy inquired.

“No, listen. Draco’s got a crush on Har, right?”

“Yeah. So?”

“And the first thing we really need, is for Har to open up some, right?”

“And you want Dray to do this?!” Pansy covered her eyes with a hand, shaking her head. “We’re screwed.”

“Perhaps not.” Hermione intervened. “Because Draco’s not the only one who’s attracted to Har.”

“Well, who else is there?!” Gin hissed. “Dumbledore?”

“Tom.” Blaise realized. “I didn’t even notice. Harry’s the only one she talks to, if she can help it.”

Hermione nodded as realization dawned on Gin and Pansy’s faces. “I’m not even quite sure Tom’s realized she’s doing this yet.”

“So, we’ve got Tom who’s got something going with Har, and Draco who’s got a crush on both Har and Tom… This is so fucked up.” Gin let her head fall to the table with a thunk.

“Language.” Hermione murmured, earning her a glare from the red-head.

“This will definitely be interesting to watch.” Blaise decided, blue eyes dancing with amusement.

Pansy hummed in agreement. “Hey, ‘Mione, do they have a pool here?”

“Yeah, the lake. Why?”

“Because it’s still nice out and I want to go for a swim this weekend.”

“And I say we invite the boys and Tom, too.” Blaise agreed.

“Mmm.” Gin leaned back in her seat. “Who’s going to talk Har into coming, though?”

“We’re going to leave that to Dray.” Pansy smirked. “And, perhaps, Tom. Working together, those two might just do it, too.”

-~*~-

“This place is confusing.” Draco decided softly as he opened the door for Tom, who was carrying a sleeping Harry. The smaller boy had started stumbling earlier and Tom had just decided to carry him, ignoring Harry’s protests.

“It took the three of us a week to figure out how to get around.” Tom agreed. “Of course, I suppose you have us, now, to help you out.”

“Lemme down.” Harry murmured against Tom’s shoulder.

The girl chuckled and set Harry lightly on his feet, holding on to his waist to make sure he wouldn’t fall. “You need help changing?”

Harry froze. “No, no thank you. I’ll manage.”

Tom and Draco traded frowns. “Harry, you sure you’re okay?” Draco asked softly, leaning down slightly so he could meet the bright green eyes.

Harry shrugged and pulled away from Tom’s support. “Of course. Just a little tired, that’s all.”

“Alright. Don’t stay up reading, Harry.” Tom warned as the raven-haired boy moved across the common room to the dorm.

“Too tired. G’night, Tom, Draco.”

“Good night, Harry.” Draco replied, frowning.

The two Slytherins waited until they couldn’t see Harry retreating down the hallway any longer before they turned to leave.

“I’m worried about her.” Tom sighed, breaking the silence.

Draco nodded. “Does she always move that slowly?”

“Yes, and no. It depends on how tired she is.” Tom replied, running a hand through her short hair. “I wish I knew what was wrong. ‘Mione says Harry isn’t taking Physical Education, she’s got a study period.”

“Well, if she gets tired so quickly, I’d have to agree with that.” Draco sighed.

“True…” Tom tugged on her nose. “What do you know about physical disabilities?”

“Trying to find out what she has?”

“Yes.”

“Probably check the library, then.”

“Between Harry and ‘Mione, I’m sick of the library.” Tom grumbled.

Draco laughed. “I can see that. Hermione was always in the library at our old school.”

“Did you know, Harry has the Dewey Decimal System of Classification memorized?” Tom inquired jokingly.

“Are you serious?” Draco turned to look into scarlet eyes disbelievingly.

“Yes. She recited it for me before the train came in.”

“Oh, Great Gods.” Draco groaned.

“Scared of the smart gals, are you?” Tom teased.

“Uhg. Sure.”

Tom shrugged. “So, how did you get into the school, just because I’m curious?”

Draco frowned at the girl. “Just like everyone else.”

Tom smiled coldly, scarlet eyes boring holes into Draco’s grey ones. “You’re Draconis Malfoy, a boy. I’d remember you anywhere.”

Draco scowled. “Is that so?”

“And you walk like a boy.”

Draco shook his head. “I wasn’t aware there was a difference.”

“There is, trust me.”

Draco shrugged helplessly. “Very well, Riddle, I’m at your mercy. What do you want?”

Tom forced them to stop and stared at Draco for a long moment before speaking. “I’ve seen how you treat inferiors, Malfoy, and I never want to see you treat Harry like that.”

“You want me to be a perfect angel to Harry?” Draco asked, as if making sure.

Tom sighed. “Yes. Goddess help me, but there’s something about that girl that makes me want to protect her. Just be kind to her.”

Draco nodded. “I had no intention of hurting her, if it makes you feel any better. In fact, I have the that same need to protect her. Must be her personality.”

“Perhaps.” Tom shook her head. “Help me find some way to help her?”

“Find out what’s wrong with her?” Draco inquired.

“Well, that too.”

“Define ‘help her’.”

“She’s quiet and jittery and Snape hates her.”

“Severus hates her?”

“If that would be Professor Snape, then yes.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“What can you do about it?”

Draco smirked. “He’s my godfather.”

Tom groaned and covered her face with one hand. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Because you know who I am?”

“Probably.” Tom rubbed at her eyes. “I can believe I’ll be working peacefully with a male.”

“Scared of smart guys, then?” Draco teased.

Tom offered a predatory smile. “Hardly. I usually spend my free time beating the shit out of your lot.” She turned and started back down the hall.

Draco groaned, following the girl. “Women!”

Tom laughed.

A/N: Uhg. Why do I waste my time on author notes? Does anyone even read them? I’d hope so. I mean, I can insult all of you and you’d never know. -snorts- Dear Merlin.

I’m not doing review replies for this fic unless you guys start reading my author’s notes. I write them for a REASON!! Go back a chapter and read them before I shoot you. -mutters under her breath about idiots-

Batsutousai – Generally Bitchy