The Crystal Council

Chapter 7

The Wheels Begin to Turn

Hermione's daily route had become a rigorous training camp every morning she would train with the Madam and her afternoons were split between time in the orphanage's library and time practicing her magic. Hermione had managed to improve in every aspect, she could now protect her mind on her own resisting or repelling most mental attacks. She had also dug through the bag her future self-had sent her and found the letter had been true. She found everything she would need for her first year at Hogwarts including robes, books, potion supplies, and most importantly a wand, her own wand the one she had lost during the war. Hermione had cried tears of joy at being reunited with her wand. Hermione had also read all her first-year books and spent a portion of her time remastering the spells she would need to know for her classes. Hermione had mastered her old wand with ease and could use it to cast advanced spells without struggling. However, her elder wand was a different beast all together which seemed to struggle casting simple spells, though when it did cast spells the result was much more potent. Hermione had also grown closer to both Amy and the Madam. The latter had spent every morning looking through her memories and asking questions about her past along with the promise the two had made was slowly brining the two women closer. Amy on the other hand joined Hermione in the afternoons when she was practicing her spell work though Amy avoided the library with every and any excuse she could come up with. Hermione was also improving physically as well as magically. Every time Hermione cast a spell the crystal shard place inside her by Viskara siphoned a small portion of magic using it to grow. In return the crystal began to share the power of Viskara with Hermione. First were the small changes better hearing, smell, and sight enhancing Hermione's combat potential. She also noticed that whenever her emotions flared up the shard would create small shimmers would appear in the corner of her eye but disappear before she could get a good look at what was being formed. She also found that smaller injuries healed far faster than they would normally but decided against testing larger injuries.

It was the night before the trip to Hogwarts and Hermione was in her bed sleeping soundly with Amy across from her snoring lightly. Hermione once again found herself floating in the same mist from Viskara's realm though unlike before she could easily traverse through the mist. Hermione felt lucid and yet she knew she was asleep in her bed and before long she felt herself getting pulled towards something. Hermione began to float through the mist towards the sensation and soon found herself standing at the head of an enormous dragon. The dragon's scales shimmered as if reflecting dozens of lights and colors though it seemed as if the dragon's scales held no color at all. The dragon was so large that Hermione could only see a portion of its head showing large teeth which Hermione judged to be about twenty feet long and made from solid semitransparent crystal. It seemed as if the entire dragon was made from the crystal and yet was clearly alive as it was breathing as if it was sleeping. Hermione put the dots together quickly and realized that this had to be Viskara, however even if this was Viskara just how large was he and how old did a dragon have to be to grow to this size. Hermione took a deep breath before attempting to awaken the sleeping Viskara.

This is absolutely mad, but I need to talk to him so here goes... Hermione screamed as loudly as she could "WAKE UP!"

She waited and waited and waited, it seemed it would take more to wake the sleeping dragon than just a loud yell. Hermione was without her wand but knew that magic could be used here and know the dragon would be immune to most if not all her spells decided to go big.

"Bombarda Maxima" Hermione yelled

The spell exploded against the crystal of the dragon, shaking the entire area as the explosion expanded massively. Hermione was surprised as the spell was so much was stronger than she had intended. When the smoke cleared Hermione's jaw fell, a large crater was visible in the tooth she had targeted. Hermione was pulled from her shock by Viskara moving and the tooth disappeared into the fog above her.

A voice cut through the fog "Well that's no way to wake someone who was sleeping."

Hermione was about to answer when the massive body began to shrink until the human form of Viskara stood in front of her.

"Hello Hermione, what are you doing here?" asked Viskara

"I have no idea I just fell asleep in my bed and I woke up here." replied Hermione

"I see... well I suppose that means your power is growing and quite rapidly at that, impressive." said Viskara

"I know that, but it still doesn't explain why or how I got here." Replied Hermione

"True. Have a seat and we'll talk." Said Viskara as he as he waved his hand creating a couple of couches.

Hermione sat on her couch while Viskara fell onto his. "Right, you're here right now because of a gift I gave you. I'm sure you've noticed by now that your senses have grown stronger and that some of your sense have gained additional properties."

"Yes, I have. Particularly my eyes." replied Hermione

"Wonderful! You see before I sent into the new dimension, I placed a shard of myself into your soul. Its purpose is to grow inside you by feeding off your magic and in turn providing you with physical and magical enhancements." explained Viskara

"Okay so this shard siphons my magic in order to grow and in turn gives me your powers?" asked Hermione

"Yes, however just because you have the power doesn't mean you can use it without training which is why the shard brought you here. My eyes or more commonly known as the Eyes of the Dragon are quite powerful when used properly. I'll demonstrate then I want you to practice.' said Viskara

Viskara waved his hand and three human sized targets made from crystal appeared at separate distances and then a large crystal wall that hid the targets. Viskara stood up and moved in front of the wall and closed his eyes. When he reopened them, they were glowing with a mix of purple and pink light as he stared at the wall, a few seconds later he turned to Hermione and said, "Your turn."

"Hold on. That explained nothing! How am I supposed to do that? Do I need to do something specific?" Hermione began asking questions at a rapid-fire pace.

"Calm down and focus. It's just like casting a spell but instead of pushing the magic through your wand it goes through your eyes instead, Now try it for yourself." Responded Viskara

Hermione closed her eyes and focused on pushing her magic through her body. Before long she was able to see through her eyelids and through the wall in front of her. When she opened her eyes Viskara could see they were glowing brightly.

"How targets are there?" asked Viskara

"Three." Replied Hermione

"Good, stop the flow of magic and I'll change the targets." Said Viskara

Hermione stopped her magic and the glowing stopped while Viskara changed around the targets. The two continued to practice for several hours with Viskara changing targets and wall into different scenarios. Time seemed to pass but it was hard for Hermione to tell as the only point of reference she had was the slowing growing strain in her eyes. Viskara called an end to the exercise and summoned two couches and a table with cold water which Hermione was grateful for. Hermione quickly drank a glass of water before turning to Viskara who was still standing and asked, "What happens now?"

"You keep practicing and growing your magical power. You're still too weak but the potential is there." Replied Viskara

Hermione was about to respond but Viskara interrupted her.

"I have seen the future of the world you now inhabit and that is why you are here, why I offered you a choice in the first place. Most people that end up here are returned to the time and place they left from so as not to mess up any timelines. You however, you are different, you came here from a place and time that should not have existed. Your path from here will only get more difficult and I can only do so much. You need to get stronger and you need to gather allies, you've had a good start but now the real work begins. Will you be ready in time for the final battle?" asked Viskara rhetorically

A silence fell between the two as Hermione processed what Viskara had said before asking "Why?"

Viskara shook his head and sighed "Why indeed. I don't know and even if I did you are not ready to learn of the potential future of your new world. Regardless it is time for you to return, until next time."

Hermione was about to ask another question but found herself unable to and as she looked down, she found her body fading away before disappearing entirely and taking her consciousness with it.

"I'm sorry Hermione but the future I have seen confuses me and until I know more of what is to come it is better to keep you in the dark." Said Viskara staring into the emptiness of his domain.

Hermione awoke suddenly and back in her bed at the orphanage and quickly bolted upright. She could recall everything all the training she had just gone through was clear in her mind though the tiredness in her eyes was gone entirely. Hermione cast a Tempus spell and found it was 3:03 in the morning and the orphanage was quiet. Hermione felt wide awake and completely rested so she decided to test if her new power worked in this world. She closed her eyes and focused bringing her magic to the surface, son she could make out the magical energy of the others sleeping in the orphanage. Most had calm energy like water with a slow current, other had more turbulent energy akin to rapids. One in particular caught Hermione's attention, while most magical auras were light blue and purple swirling and mix on a white canvas, this one was a mixture of dark purple and blood red on a black background. The real surprise was that this aura could only be in the Madam's study based on its position and the lack of other auras around it. However, before she could question the oddity of that aura a light off to help left caught her attention and she turned to see what she could only assume Amy but with a blazing silver-gold aura. Hermione reflexively tried to cover her eyes only to realize that she could see through her own body. Hermione then tried to avert her gaze, but the light died down to a more bearable level and allowed her to get a better look. Amy's aura was clearly unique both in color and shape the silver-gold color had calmed from a raging inferno and had taken the form of a young woman around the age of twenty-five.

"Amy are you okay?" asked Hermione

"Amy is fine, she is still sleeping and will remain so until I am done." A voice replied coming from the silvery figure.

The voice could only be described as angelic and Hermione could have sworn, she had heard bells chiming softly when it spoke.

"Who or what are you?" asked Hermione

"I am the being that lives within your friend Amy, a protector and caretaker." Replied the voice

"Okay do you have a name or title I can call you by?" inquired Hermione.

"Amy calls me Gem. You may do so as well." Replied Gem

"Alright then Gem care to explain how we can communicate and what exactly are you doing in Amy?" asked Hermione

"Amy is special, much like yourself she has another entity inside her from which she can draw power from. However, unlike you she was born with this power, it is in her blood and is her birthright. And before you ask, no, she does not know yet. It is too early, and she lacks the control needed to use my power." Explained Gem

"Wait, you can see him inside me?" asked Hermione

"Yes, much like myself the being that lives in you takes on a form or shape though the one you harbor is clearly much stronger than me it too is limiting itself for the sake of its host." Replied Gem

"I see, but how did you figure out I wasn't born with this power?" asked Hermione

"Because you have two different auras your own and the aura of the being inside you." Replied Gem

"That's new information to me but I'm still confused about one thing. Why talk with me now if you're anything like my companion then you can see and hear everything Amy does. Why wait until now?" questioned Hermione

"It is because I do not trust you, young Hermione. After your incident you changed and while you manage to fool the entire orphanage, but I could see the change in your aura and the addition of another." Replied Gem

Hermione was about to respond when a sudden pain remined her that she was using Viskara's power and it was fading fast. Hermione's vision was returning to normal and she could do nothing to stop the transition. However, before she fell asleep, she heard one last thing.

"Rest now. We will talk again, and maybe next time Amy can join us." Said Gem

Hermione awoke to the blaring sound of the magical alarm clock that the Madam had placed in every room and set to go off at seven. This was shortly followed a very loud scream that could only be described as a mix between the shriek of a banshee and a pig that had found the ultimate mud puddle and squealed with happiness. This was followed a thud as Amy fell out of her bed in her excitement to get ready for the day ahead.

"Oww…" moaned Amy as she stood rubbing her nose.

"You really should be more careful Amy." Yawned Hermione

"And maybe you should be more excited. Today's the day we go to Hogwarts just think of all the magic were going to learn. Oh, and don't forget the Quidditch games and the Sorting Hat." Amy rambled excitedly. "What house do you think we'll be sorted into?"

"I don't know but I hope we get sorted into the same house." Replied Hermione

The two continued to chat as they got ready for the day. They left the room with their bags and chests in tow and soon found themselves standing in the entrance hall of the orphanage where they left their bags and moved to the dining room to get breakfast. They enjoyed breakfast among the other children some of whom were in their last year at Hogwarts and some who were just like Hermione and Amy and were first years. The entire affair was full of energy as everyone anticipated the upcoming school year. Eventually the meal ended, and everyone moved to get their bags from the entrance hall and gather in the front courtyard where the Madam and Ms. Leighton were waiting for them. Soon after they were all on a Knight Bus heading towards Platform 9 and 3\4 were each student entered archway one by one. Hermione was the last one to push through the wall and found herself standing in a crowd of witches and wizards all chattering away. The rustic red of the Hogwarts Express caught Hermione's eyes and the nostalgia of seeing the train. She quickly blinked away tears the were forming at the edges of her eyes. Hermione took a deep breath and pushed her way towards the train looking for Amy, Hermione soon found herself standing in a clearing between two large groups and next to the train. Looking around and hoping to find Amy when her eyes landed on a blond-haired boy with his parents who could only be Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy and their son Draco. Hermione's mind recalled fight both Lucius and Draco on multiple occasion back in her own time. Draco was the weaker of the two and more reluctant to carry out the more gruesome orders. Once when Draco and Hermione had been stuck in a duel Hermione had injured Draco badly leave a scar across this left and leaving him blind in that eye. After that duel Hermione saw less and less of Draco on the hunts and eventually, he stopped appearing all together and Lucius became incredibly vicious as a result. Snapping back to her current reality Hermione saw the young Malfoy get kissed goodbye by his mother and then board the train. Hermione once again began scanning the crowd looking for Amy when her eyes fell upon another group and this time, she could not stop the tears. Harry Potter the boy who lived and younger than Hermione remembered yet his messy jet-black hair and brilliant green eyes and a smile that melted Hermione's heart. Harry from Hermione's world had died a particularly painful death at the Battle of Hogwarts when he was hit with three Crucuatus curses simultaneously and died before his parents fell to Voldemort. Hermione was so entranced at the sight of her best friend she failed to notice the tears streaming down her face and the small red-headed girl standing next to her.

"Are you okay?" asked a quiet voice

"No." whispered Hermione

Hermione felt someone's arms encircle her and hug her from the side. Through her tears the only thing she could see was a strand of red hair. Hermione continued to cry until her she could do so no longer, as she wiped her eyes on her sleeves the arms let go and steps indicated the person who had held her was leaving. Hermine looked up and around hoping to find and thank the individual who had helped her, but they had disappeared into the crowd. Hermione felt as if she recognized the voice but before she could think on it further another voice cut through her thoughts.

"Hermione! There you are I've been looking for you!" called Amy

Hermione turned and saw Amy running towards her. "Looking for me, why?" Hermione asked

"Ms. Leighton wanted to say goodbye before we board the train." Replied Amy

"Alright, lets go." Stated Hermione

Amy lead Hermione through the crowds until the two reached Ms. Leighton and the Madam.

"Ms. Leighton! I found her!" called Amy as the approached the adults.

"Well done Amy, now come here and give me a goodbye hug." Replied Ms. Leighton

Amy gave a happy yell before crashing into Ms. Leighton and sending both onto the ground. Their laughter was infectious and soon Hermione joined them as well until the Madam cleared her throat and motioned for Hermione to follow her. The Madam led Hermione to a more secluded part of the train platform.

"How are you feeling about going to Hogwarts Hermione?" asked the Madam

"I'm nervous. I'm worried the Dumbledore will be able to see into my mind too easily and unravel everything I've been working towards." Replied Hermione

The Madam sighed and kneeled down so she could look Hermione in the eyes and said "Hermione, you'll be fine just remember to keep your eyes open and your walls up. I know it seems hard right now, but you have Amy at your side and the two of you will overcome anything Dumbledore and Hogwarts can throw at you."

Hermione looked into the Madam's eyes and saw to her surprise, only sincerity. Hermione gave a nod and put on a strong face and said "Thanks, I needed that."

The Madam stood and smiled and motioned towards Amy and Ms. Leighton who had just finished their goodbye hug. The four regrouped and Hermione got her hug from Ms. Leighton before Amy and herself boarded the train. The two waved at their caretakers as the train began moving and the door shut, soon the train was speeding across the countryside and Hermine and Amy made their way from car to car looking for a place to sit. They eventually came across a compartment with only a single individual inside. Hermione knocked and the two entered.

"Hello! My name's Amy and this is my best friend Hermione. What's your name?" asked Amy as she slipped pass Hermione and into the compartment. Hermione stood frozen in the doorway as yet another ghost from her past sat in front of her.

"H-hi my name is uhm Neville. Neville Longbottom." Replied a very surprised Neville

Hermione realized she was still standing staring dumbfounded at Neville and quickly shook her head in order to help refocus herself. Hermione began putting away her trunk, biting her lower lip in order to prevent the tears from falling, she could cry later. Hermione took a deep breath and sat down next to Amy.

"So, Neville, do you live in London?" asked Amy

"Y-yes but with my Aunt since my parents are overseas at the moment." Muttered Neville

"Are you always this quiet or are you sick or something?" asked Amy rudely

"Amy don't be rude!" exclaimed Hermione

"Its okay. I'm just not used to people talking to me, much less acknowledging my presence." Replied Neville

"Wait hold up does that mean you don't have friends?" asked Amy

"Yes." Neville replied curtly

"Well that won't do at all! You need friends and you need them now… wait… I've got it we'll be your friends! Right Hermione." Amy said

"Yes! That would be prefect but it's really up to you Neville." Replied Hermione

"I mean if you guys really want to be friends with me then I don't see why not." Replied Neville with a smile on his face.

"Yes! New friend obtained! Best start to a school year ever!" shouted Amy causing both Hermione and Neville to laugh. The three continued to chat as the train barreled towards its destination. The trip was over sooner than the three had expected and with only one interruption caused by the Trolley witch who offered snacks to the group. Neville refused despite the clear look of hunger in his eyes and Amy looked at Hermione with puppy eyes which caused her to cave and by a few sweets for the group. When the train drew near to Hogwarts the three took turns changing into their robes and as the train came to a stop, they grabbed their things and hopped off the train. Hermione began to look around and soon found who she was looking for a large burly man hold a large lantern and yelling at the top of his lungs.

"FIRST YEARS THIS-A-WAY PLEASE!" yelled Hagrid into the throng of students exiting the train.

Hermione motioned for Amy and Neville to follow her and she led them to the half giant. Hagrid noticed Hermione approaching and his mind seemed to run at million miles an hour trying to figure out why she was so intriguing and what that glow around her was. Instead he shook his head and smiled at the trio and motioned that they should head down to where the boats were and then continued to yell for more first years. Hermione watched as several other students funneled down to the lake to join the trio, she also noticed the carriages and the black skeletal Thestrals carrying them. Hermione sighed it seemed the deeds of the past would continue to haunt her in this world. Eventually the older students made their way up to the castle and Hagrid joined the first years and started ushering them into boats. Hermione joined by Amy and Neville climbed into one of the boats and soon after each boat began its trip across the Black Lake. When the group reach the halfway point of their journey the Lake began to stir and from the depths came the merfolk and the giant squid. The merfolk began singing and although no one could understand, save Hermione, what they were singing everyone was entranced until the giant squid began splashing nearby rocking the boats. Hermione could not properly hear the words the merfolk were singing as the transition from water to air muddied the words. The song continued until they reached the shoreline and once it ended the merfolk once again disappeared beneath the waves followed by the squid who waved goodbye as he sank into the deeper water.

The students disembarked quickly, many were scared, others were exited, and yet others were confused. Hagrid managed to get everyone calmed down and began pushing everyone towards the castle. The splendor of the entrance hall never ceased to amaze Hermione even after having lived through the experience several times it always took her breath away. Her attention however was soon diverted towards the teacher standing in front of the banquet hall Professor McGonagall.

"Welcome, students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Professor McGonagall Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor House, and the Professor of Transfiguration. In just a moment you will enter through these doors to be judged by the sorting hat which will place you into one of the four houses here at Hogwarts. Gryffindor for those with courage in their hearts, those with kindness in their hearts will become Hufflepuffs, for the quick of wit and a mind of steel Ravenclaw calls, and finally for those determined to become the best Slytherin awaits." Said McGonagall to the now quiet first years

"Wonderful. If you'll all follow me its time to be sorted." Said McGonagall as she turned the opened the doors to the Great Hall.

Thank you all for waiting so long for this chapter. I hope it was worth the wait. Now onto the wonderful reviews.

WolfDragonGod: Glad you like it.

Cjknight: I'm trying my best. Thanks for the encouragement.

Michi the Mischievous: First off wow I thought I was the only one who read the same story more than once good to know i'm not alone. Secondly Thank you this review was both confidence building and humbling at the same time. Thank you.

Now I have an idea and i want you guys to help me. This will require that you guys are able to DM me directly on FanFiction. I want to include your OC in my story. You will still have full creative control of your characters outside my story and i'll try to keep them as true to what detail you provide me. If you want to participate in the idea know that there are rules.

1. The character must be your own creation but can be inspired by other characters from anywhere.

must fall within any of the following groups Hogwarts students (years 1-7), Death Eaters, Order of the Phoenix members. they must be within the proper age range for these groups(No 15 year old Death Eaters...yet).

DM me details in the following format.

Name:

Age(with birthday):

Sex:

Association: Hogwarts(pick a house and year), Death Eaters, Order of the Phoenix.

Appearance:

Personality:

Quirks/other details:

I will place credits at the end of every chapter giving credit were it is due. Have fun.