Harry? No!

Luke stared at the bottle in his hand, uncertainty clouding his expression. The potion.

"Can a person's gender be transformed?" The questions swirled in his mind.

A resounding boom marked the entrance of Malfoy and his sidekick Crabbe into the dormitory. Blond hair perfectly coiffed, Malfoy greeted Luke with a raised eyebrow, "Good evening, Geralt!"

"Good evening, Malfoy," replied Luke, carefully stashing the mysterious bottle in a drawer.

Was Malfoy interested in experimenting with it? Luke pondered, observing Malfoy with a hint of mischief. The potential for mayhem lingered in the air.

"What do you want?" Malfoy's impatience surfaced as he felt Luke's intense gaze, foreboding something untoward.

"…nothing," Luke relented after a moment's contemplation. The risk of discovery loomed large; one drop could transform individuals for twelve hours, and the morning scrutiny would be unavoidable.

Yet, Harry's mischievous face flashed in Luke's mind. 

"What if Harry became a girl. Will she resemble Lily? What will be Professor Snape's reaction."

The thought brought a mischievous spark to Luke's eyes.

Deciding to find Harry, Luke separated a few drops of the transformative liquid into a secure vial for experimentation. The bulk of the Gender Bender found its refuge in his magical space, the safest repository.

Lost in the depths of the library with Hermione throughout the afternoon, Luke had accumulated a wealth of knowledge. The night beckoned him to a restful sleep, and he yawned, observing the two overly enthusiastic Malfoys engrossed in their nightly games. Their late arrivals at class had cost Slytherin valuable points – a consequence of their gaming obsession.

Thankful that he didn't succumb to the allure of internet addiction, Luke switched off the bedside light. Nestled on his bed, his pale blue eyes gazed at the enchanting green water world beyond the window. Gradually, his rhythmic breathing signaled the descent into peaceful slumber.

...

The sun rose on the horizon, casting a warm glow over Hogwarts.

Luke, clad in Little Snake's distinctive wizard robe, indulged in a quick shower, pocketed the small bottle brimming with Gender Bender from the night before, and made his way to the first-floor restaurant.

Perched on a steep cliff, Hogwarts faced the biting winds of impending winter, causing the grass on the expansive lawn to sway like ripples on a pond.

The sky wore a touch of gloom that day.

Arriving at Gryffindor's table with his unruly hair, Luke was immediately greeted by Hermione's eager gaze. He laid out the notes he had meticulously organized throughout the night.

"I've completed the remaining notes!"

Hermione, sporting dark circles under her eyes, raised her head proudly, anticipating a commendation.

"Is this what you accomplished last night?"

Luke examined the thick stack of paper, momentarily surprised. 

Luke looked up to find the tired gaze of Hermione's brown eyes.

"What time did you stay up last night?"

he inquired, furrowing his brow.

"What?"

Hermione appeared bewildered, but sensing Luke's frown, an inexplicable emptiness crept into her heart.

"Until two o'clock!"

she admitted hesitantly.

"Two o'clock?"

Luke, torn between wanting to scold and understanding that Hermione was helping him, was at a loss for words.

"Today, let's tackle it together."

Luke sighed as he glanced at Hermione, who now averted her guilty eyes.

"But don't make it a habit."

"Okay!"

Hermione perked up, nodding eagerly.

The floral fragrance of her brown curls wafted through the air.

"Good morning, Luke, Hermione."

Joining the table were Harry and Ronald, who seemed unusually downcast.

"Why the long faces, you two?"

Luke ordered a glass of chocolate milk from the attentive house-elf, taking a sip and addressing Harry and the others.

"Potions class today," Hermione explained on behalf of the troubled duo. "They get like this before every Potions class."

"Miss Jack of All Trades, you don't grasp how terrifying Snape is!"

Ronald retorted, with even Harry nodding in agreement.

"Snape catches me every time!"

Harry admitted with a sense of resignation.

"He's right. Snape's a nightmare," Ronald added.

Hermione, ever the problem solver, pushed her potion notes toward them.

"If you both study, he won't have a reason to deduct points, right?"

"We've tried, Hermione, but it's not that easy," Harry lamented.

"I have a solution to keep you off Snape's radar."

Luke, with a mischievous grin, leaned in and produced a small bottle from his pocket.

"This requires your cooperation and utmost secrecy, especially from Professor Snape."

"Count me in!" Harry exclaimed eagerly.

"Me too!" Ronald chimed in, eager to avoid Snape's scrutiny.

Sharp-eyed Hermione, however, couldn't help but notice the tiny bottle resembling a potion vial.

"If that's the case, let's do it!"

Luke couldn't suppress his laughter, ordering another round of chocolate milk and handing one to Harry.

Simultaneously, he discreetly added a drop of Gender Bender into the drink.

"Bottoms up!"

Before Luke could finish his sentence, Harry, with a mix of anticipation and suspicion, eagerly consumed the concoction.

Chuckling, Luke reassured him, "Trust me, Snape will never target you again, Miss Harry!"

.....

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