Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. I only own Crystal Willows, Jasey, Alex, Maria, and Tori. I own any other character that doesn't seem familiar.
Notice: This is an original story based off of some real events in the Harry Potter series. Quite a bit of the storyline is in fact original. Please don't steal any of my work. The parts that seem familiar are most likely not owned by me.
Crystal POV
I woke up curled under my covers. Looking around my room, I sighed. I couldn't believe they went behind my back like that. I know that they care, but this is something that is just ridiculous. I can take care of myself. Standing up, I grabbed my enchanted backpack. It was pretty much bottomless. Kind of like Mary Poppins in a way. Pulling on my boots, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and looked at myself in the mirror. I studied my body and sighed again. Plain, long, auburn hair, dull green eyes with golden flecks, small stature, and my arms. Thank god I looked in the mirror. I grabbed a pair of fingerless, elbow length gloves. My parents were abusive. I had scars up and down my forearms. Some were self inflicted, but most were from my parent's torture. Turning around, I walked out of my room, my boots thumping on the floor. Slipping out of the house, I decided to check on the unicorn I found. I walked to the barn and snuck in. I wasn't sure if my "housemates" were awake or not. The unicorn was asleep on the ground. I put my backpack down and quietly walked over. The unicorn woke up with a start. Soothing it, I checked its injuries. They were healing. Standing up, I silently left. Picking up my backpack again, I trudged my way back to the house.
Jasey, Alex, Maria, and Tori were in the kitchen with someone I've never met.
"You must be Crystal." the man assumed.
I nodded stiffly.
"John Weston. I'm the head keeper of the Romanian Dragon Facility. Are you ready to go?"
I nodded again, avoiding contact with the four traitors.
"You can spend some time saying goodbye if you'd like."
"No. Let's just go." I insisted.
The four looked saddened but I kept myself emotionless. You were the ones who started this. I'm not going to give you sympathy for something I doubt I'm going to like.
Weston nodded and I followed him to the apparating spot.
"We're apparating to Romania. I believe you know where. Just think about the Romanian Dragon Facility and you should be good. Ready to go?" he asked.
"Yeah."
He left first. I sighed and looked around before taking out my wand and apparating after him. The first thing I noticed was the abundance of trees. They were everywhere!
"We keep the facility well concealed from mostly muggles. The only people who know the exact location of the facility are myself and my predecessors. If the muggles manage to make it this far, the warding charms and traps should stop them. For future reference, never stray from this path. If you ever have a reason to leave, you must come back here and then disapparate. So on and so forth. I will introduce you to each of our head staff members. You'll quickly become accustomed to our jobs and rolls here. We all work together to keep this running. Welcome to our family."
After his little speech, we came up to a gate.
"This gate marks the entrance and barrier to the facility. You'll feel a pull, but just keep walking."
I followed him through the gate and I mentally gasped and awed. This place was absolutely gorgeous. Dragons were flying and I noted the people walking around.
"We currently have thirty three, now four, active staff members including myself. We're like a huge, nonbiological family. In total, we have thirteen Dragon Keepers, two healers, eight researchers, four cooks, and six interns. You'll go through each course. Except internship. If you choose to stay after your month is up, then I will determine with the heads what place you seem to fit in the best. You'll alternate between here and the Shelter every month."
"This place is beautiful." I awed.
"I know. I love the view. Just wait until you see the rest of the facility. Ah! Here's the first head you can start with this month. You'll trade every week. You'll start with the Researchers. This is Aaron Terin. Head of research. He'll introduce you to everyone and get you started. He'll show you around and help you learn the ropes."
"Nice to meet you. Crystal, right?" Aaron questioned.
"Yeah. Nice to meet you as well."
"Well I hope you guys have fun, I'm going to go and do my job of yelling at people." Weston announced.
"You couldn't yell at someone if your life depended on it!" Aaron teased.
Weston just waved his hand over his shoulder as he walked away.
"Don't ever worry about him. He's really cool. You ready to start?"
I nodded and followed after him.
"We have seven girls here, not including you. You'll be in the girls houses with them. Each house has four bedrooms. I'll show you which one you're in now. I don't know if your mates will be in there yet or not."
We walked along and I wasn't paying attention. I walked into someone and stumbled back.
"Oh I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going." I rambled.
"No harm done."
I looked up to see someone really familiar. I just couldn't place where I had seen his face before.
"Hey Charlie! This is Crystal! She's our new helper this month. Crystal, meet Charlie."
I shook his calloused hand and looked at Aaron.
"Call me Crys. I feel like an old lady when people call me Crystal." I complained.
Charlie and Aaron chuckled.
Maybe being here wouldn't be as bad as I thought it was going to.
