Chapter 33- Combat skirt?

May 1994

"I will never look at a girl in a cute outfit the same way again," Neville Longbottom

"Like it's non-magical counterpart, magical Lichtenstein is a very small country with a magical population of 800 humans, 80 dwarves, 38 fairies, 3 giants, and 8 house elves. The small population means that everyone works and the people care more about whether or not you can get the job done. And not if you are a pure blood, half blood, squib or mixed blood. In many ways it is more like a large extended family. The country is ruled by a reclusive royal family, with many of the day to day activities being handled by the Mayor of Magical Vaduz. Additionally, due to the small size the magical and non-magical population is very intertwined, Lichtenstein does not break the statute of secrecy, but it is common for magicals to work in non-magical jobs, and non-magicals to work in the non-magical side of magical businesses. The major industries are the Dwarf Banking and Blacksmith guilds, the up and coming Voluspa fashion house which, fun fact is run by fairies, and the winter sports facilities. If you get a chance, I highly recommend you come and watch the Winter Festival," Hermione said.

"Excellent work Hermione," Professor Bins said.

"Thank you, professor, Hermione said as she sat down.

"Bragging much," Daphne said.

"I'll admit I like Voluspa and I take part in the festival but both are great and you should come and try them some time Tomato face," Hermione said.

"I am not a tomato face," Daphne hissed walking up to the front.

"... My um…" Daphne said, growing nervous as the entire class looked at her. "I picked," Daphne said nervously fretting with her skirt as Pansy looked on indifferently, while Tracy had this examining almost predatory look in her eyes. "Magical Britain… oops sorry I mean magical England…" Daphne said her face growing red as she spotted Hermione giving her a thumbs up from the back. "If she can do it I can do it."

"Now as I was saying I have chosen our great homeland of Magical England for my report. While some of you might say wait, I'm from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, those mere states are simply part of Magical England, however for the purposes of my report I will be sticking to Magical England. Now it has a population of 480,000 magical inhabitants. And while it is home to centaurs, house elves, giants, trolls, fairies and merpeople, they do not have equal status because while they may have magic, it is inferior to our magic. The Centaurs are mainly located in the Hogwarts Forest and have refused representation in the past, not signing onto the Magna Carta. The merpeople are nomadic and have no permanent settlements and do not count as residents, and contrary to what you might have read in the news lately, giants are violent and cannot be trusted. The fairies are reclusive tricksters who care not for humans, and trolls are not intelligent enough to be considered sentient beings. As for squibs, they are better left to the muggle world so they do not weaken the magic of proper witches and wizards. The government is a constitutional Monarchy in name only as the Royal Family has not concerned themselves with the magical half of their kingdom for some time now. There are two branches of Parliament. The house of Lords and the house of commons. The house of lords as its name implies consists of 28 members of Peerage, or the Sacred 28 as they are also called. The house of commons is made up of 65 elected officials. Finally, there is the magical prime minister, who is elected to a 5-year term and rules over the Ministry of Magic. However, it is the House of Lords that truly controls the government as they can block legislation from the house of commons and overrule the Minister if the need arises. Technically the Prime Minister and the House of Commons can overrule the house of lords however this is a very rare occurrence. The house of lords also serves as the Jury for any trial the majority considered to be important, or at the request of the minister. While this might seem unbalanced, it is actually a very stable form of governance as it prevents radical changes from sweeping unchecked through society, most often this is coming from muggle borns and half-bloods who don't….." Daphne said.

"You can skip the editorializing Ms. Greengrass, we are all quite aware of your families standing and their position in the House of Lords," Professor Bins said. "And unless you know how to perform an exorcism that glare is not going to change anything. Now please move onto the economy," Bins said as Daphne erupted in a full body blush.

"Right, sorry, the economy of Magical England is very diverse, and self-sufficiently save some more exotic potion ingredients that are not native to England. British magical cloth is a highly sought-after commodity known for its strength and longevity. Our brooms are some of the fastest in the world, and the wizarding wireless is also in high demand. The arts and entertainment sectors are smaller, compared to other areas of Europe, but England is the home of Shakespeare and the Magical Globe theater still draws impressive crowds. English magical painters are sought after for their portraits, and their historical paintings particularly those that play out important battles like Waterloo step by step. The grand manner is the prevailing style pioneered by Joshua Reynolds in his Discourse on Art. The grand manner is derived from the high Renaissance and visual metaphors that suggest noble qualities. I find Jane, Countess of Harrington by Joshua Reynolds to be a good example…" Daphne explained before being cut off again.

"This is history of magic not art history Miss Greengrass please sit down," Bins said as some broke out in giggles.

"Oh, um right, sorry," Daphne stammered quickly walking back to her seat, stumbling over a stray bag.

"Merlin when did you turn into such a dork," Pansy hissed.

"I am not a dork, and at least I finished my report you blond bimbo," Daphne shot back fuming as she sat down.

"Well at least Pansy's doesn't stammer like an idiot," Tracy said.

"I do not stammer I am simply taking the time to choose my words properly, then again you can barely get a word out with all the cookies you shove in your mouth," Daphne said

"You were blushing the whole time you were talking tomato face, but I thought your section on art was really interesting," Hermione said as Millie walked up to the front.

"Thank you," Daphne mouthed silently after Hermione turned away.

"Magical Monaco is a European microstate located on the southern coast of France, with a very diverse population. The bulk of the population is 380 humans, with 83 mermaids making Monaco their permanent residence but that number can fluctuate greatly as Mermaids are nomadic by nature moving between several hidden enclaves located throughout the Mediterranean. It has a rather large number of house elves at 83 most of who work in the magical casino. However, more are present during special events. Lastly there are three vampires that call magical Monaco home. Finally, there are 30 Veela who call Monaco home. Like Lichtenstein there is very little prejudice based on lineage or blood status, what truly matters is can you get the job done. The major industries are entertainment, and banking, along with robust trade with mermaid traders. There is a royal family, but they have been less active as of late, with the council taking care of most of the day to day operations. The council consists of 5 members, the head of the house elves, a mermaid representative, the head of the casino, the head of the bank, and a Veela representative. I am told that the Summer Arts fest is a sporting and artistic wonder to behold, which I will have a chance to see up close this summer." Millie said, ending her report.

"Great job Millie and I am really looking forward to this summer. Your food is going to be a hit," Hermione said as her friend sat down.

"Thank you," Millie said.

Break

"Millie," a male voice called down the hallway causing her to freeze up.

"Is something wrong," Hermione asked.

"Millie come with me," the voice repeated.

"It's Tom," Millie whispered.

"Tom," Hermione said.

"Millie you know you belong to me," the voice said.

"Millie doesn't belong to anyone you demented voice," Hermione snapped.

"Millie you know what happens to interlopers," the voice said as something could be heard moving through the walls.

"Millie, run, I'll be right behind you," Hermione said pushing Millie down a corridor.

"Are you sure," Millie stammered.

"Yes, I'll be fine now, GO!" Hermione yelled, waiting just long enough to see Millie run off before turning towards the voice. "Not enough time to freeze the hallway without knocking myself out. "Kondensation," Hermione said, wiping out her wand in a wide arc, water beginning to pool on the floor.

"That will not help you," Tom said as something large began to slither down the hallway.

"That's what you think," Hermione said looking at the reflection in the water, spotting the same scaly hide from weeks ago.

"Just get her out of the way, you can feast later, I promise," Tom said as sickly reptilian eyes appeared in the water.

"Oh no you don't," Hermione growled pushing her reinforcement to the limit as her body began to lock up.

"Too late," Tom said. "You should have kept your nose out of my business and away from Harry," the male voice said as Ginny Weasley walked by holding an old notebook. "Come my pet it is time to collect Millie and complete my rebirth," Ginny said as the enormous snake slithered past her. Not before leaving a message on the wall.

"No, it bloody well isn't," Hermione's eyes raged as she struggled against the binding locking her in place. Her mental image already sinking into the freezing water moved, instead of simply floating in the water she swam deeper, further into the cold chilling water as it began to freeze around her. Ice crystals forming on her imaginary skin, and yet deeper still she pushed as walls of ice began to form. Soon she found herself locked in a cocoon of ice, the small space growing smaller. A freezing cold the likes of which she had never felt before radiated from her very being as she swung her leg back pausing before swinging it forward smashing into the wall of ice creating a very satisfying crack. Again, she swung driving her foot into the breach a spider web of cracks forming. Growling she slammed her fist into the breach smiling as the ice shattered like glass around her. Gasping for breath she fell to the floor. "I am going to rip your mystic eyes out and shove them down your throat," Hermione growled.

"Miss Granger, what happened and how did you," Gilderoy asked.

"A student is possessed by a book and controlling a basilisk. They took Millie and it's not the first time I've seen mystic eyes. If Anna can't put me to sleep then some stupid snake, is not going to get the best of me. Present company excluded Steve," Hermione said feeling the snake slither up her back.

"Yes, we've known about the missing students for several hours now," Gilderoy said. "I only just discovered you while patrolling the hallways."

"Hermione," Neville yelled, racing up to her.

"Neville what's wrong," Hermione asked.

"The heir took Millie, and Ginny to the chamber," Neville said.

"I know," Hermione replied, marching towards the Syltherin dorms.

"You do, then we need to go after them," Neville said, grabbing Hermione's hand.

"Woah kiddo's you are not," Gilderoy said.

"Harry sent me to bring back up. He's already gone with Ron to help save his sister, and he said that you were someone that he could trust without hesitation," Neville said.

"Of all the stupid idiotic," Gilderoy groaned.

Hermione smiled. "Auch wenn du dich nicht erinnerst, erinnerst du dich immer noch, Harry, du verrückter Idio," Hermione whispered. "Wait here I will be right back."

"Mrs. Granger, what do you think you are doing," Gilderoy said.

"I am going to get my gems, and then I am going to kill the Basilisk and save my friends," Hermione growled.

"I can't," Gilderoy said.

"Can't or won't I am going Professor, my friend is down there and I am going to save her, whether you like it or not. Now you can help me find the chamber or I will blast my way down through the bedrock to find it," Hermione said before running off.

"She wouldn't actually do that," Neville asked.

"Her mother is Emma Granger, she's friends with Anna Matou, and was taught gem magic by Maria Tepes. I don't think it's a matter of if she can, but rather how long it will take her," Gilderoy said.

It didn't take Hermione long to return wearing a pink outfit with white gloves, a frilly white skirt, thigh high pink boots and a bag of gems in her hand. "What is that Hermione?" Neville asked as he tried and failed not to stare. "It doesn't look…."

"It's a combat skirt," Hermione snapped. "Come along Steve," she said, allowing the snake to hitch a ride.

"A word to the wise young Longbottom, never ever make fun of a woman's clothes," Lockhart said.

"Good to know," Neville gulped.

"Steve do you know where?" Hermione asked as he extended his tail pointing down the hallway.

"Good boy Steve," Hermione said, racing off.

Break

"What where am I," Millie said as she woke up in a field of wildflowers as far as the eye could see.

"We are in your mindscape," a young good-looking boy said.

"Tom," Millie shrieked, stepping backwards, tumbling over her own feet. "How, why, let me go right now," Millie said, scooting away from him.

"I've come to offer you a choice," Tom said.

"Why should I listen to you, your evil," Millie said.

"Half of the results of a good intention are evil; half the results of an evil intention are good. I do have good intentions, that will improve the state of the world. However one man's improvement is another's ruin," Tom said as Millie's eyes widened. "I will let you think about it, while I deal with a small situation that has developed.

Break

"Give me back my sister," Ron yelled, storming through the tunnels beneath the school.

"Ron, will you be quiet," Harry said.

"Why, we need to find my sister," Ron said.

"And Millie," Harry added glaring at Ron.

"Fine and Millie," Ron sighed. "Ginny, Millie where are you!"

"Would you shut up," Harry hissed. "Are you trying to lead that beast right to us."

"What luring it towards us is the fastest way to find it," Ron said.

"And what are we going to do when we find it," Harry said.

"You'll kill it," Ron said.

Harry's left eye began to twitch. "You want me to kill a basilisk."

"Well yeah your Harry Potter, you beat up Voldemort 2x already so a basilisk should be a cake walk," Ron said.

"I don't even know….," Harry said as something moved in the corner of his eye. "Move," Harry yelled, throwing Ron to the side as a giant snake tail slammed into the wall bringing the roof crumbling down.

"Shit, shit, shit," Harry screamed racing down the tunnel as a large snake chased after him. "Where is my broom when I need it," Harry wailed as the tunnel emptied into a large chamber.

"Hello Harry, my name is Tom, and this is my pet basilisk, I trust she wasn't too rough with you," Tom said.

"Let them go," Harry growled.

"I will, but let's have a chat first," Tom said, conjuring Harry a chair.

Break

"Yay! More visitors," Myrtle said floating up out of one of the toilets.

"Myrtle has anyone come through her recently," Lockhart asked.

"Yes, there were two girls, followed by Harry and Ron. I think Harry is going after the beast. I wished him luck, but if he dies I told him he could share a toilet with me," Myrtle explained.

"How does it open," Lockhart said as Neville and Hermione looked around the bathroom.

"I don't know, there is usually this hissing sound and then it opens," Myrtle said.

"Parseltoungue," Hermione said.

"More than likely," Lockhart said.

"So now what?" Neville asked.

"There was always water where the basilisk attacked, so it is probably using the pipes to move around," Hermione said.

"The castle cistern," Lockhart said. "Only the elves go down there these days."

"Then we just follow the biggest pipes," Hermione said, pulling out a handful of large rubies. "Clustergranate," she whispered dropping the several in the first toilet and flushing it before repeating the process in each one.

"Hermione what are you doing," Neville asked.

"Making a hole," Hermione said. "Zuden"

"Protego," Lockhart said, brandishing his wand as explosions rocked the bathroom.

"I used the toilets to place the bombs the correct distance apart, now let's get moving, that jerk needs to pay. I've been charging those up all year" Hermione said, walking through the massive whole in the wall.

Break

"Who are you and why are you doing this," Harry demanded which only made Tom laugh.

"This is the boy who lived, the so-called savior that defeated me," Tom laughed. "Then again you can't expect much from Gryffindor's."

"Can't be," Harry said, stepping back tripping over the chair.

"Yes," Tom said with a wave of Ginny's wand writing Thomas Marvolo Riddle. "I am Lord Voldemort," he said as the lettering changed.

"Voldemort," Harry gasped.

"So, you have heard of me," Tom chuckled.

"Depulso," Harry yelled, firing off a spell that breezed by Tom's head.

"You are a Gryffindor after all," Tom said.

"Do enjoy the meal my pet," Tom said as the basilisk lunged.

"Shit," Harry cursed, diving out of the way of the beast.

Break

"What is going on out there," Millie muttered as she heard the sounds of battle.

"Nothing that you need concern yourself with," Tom said, returning.

"Why are you doing this," Millie said.

"Because you are special," Tom said.

"I am not special," Millie said.

"Yes, you are," Tom said.

"I'm just some poor dumb fat girl who gets her friend in trouble," Millie said.

"I wouldn't have to hurt your friend if she hadn't gotten in the way," Tom said. "And you are special. You have a very rare and powerful gift," Tom added.

"I do…" Millie said.

"You haven't noticed your connection to plants," Tom said.

"I like plants, but I wouldn't say I have a connection to them," Millie said.

"Your mindscape begs to differ," Tom said waving his hand across the field of blooming flowers. "This is a representation of your innermost self, and this field represents your element."

"Plants are an element….." Millie said.

"Yes, I know Professor McGonagall taught you that there were 4 elements, earth, wind, fire, and water. The blowing wind is blocked by earth, but fans the flames of fire. The raging fire is quenched by water. While the raging water cut through the earth. What she left out was the duality of life and death. Without life there is no death, and without death life would run unchecked and have no meaning," Tom explained.

"You have a very strong connection to nature, the ability to manipulate life is at your fingertips. I could teach you how to bend life to your will, and help make your dreams a reality," Tom said.

"Why tell me this," Millie asked.

"Not every wizard or witch goes so far as to discover their element, and those that do tend to find connections to the 4 main elements. You are part of a very rare breed that has a connection to nature, which is an ability to be respected," Tom said.

"You just want to use me," Millie shouted.

"Use is such a simple word, I think of it more like a business deal, you will be paid for services rendered," Tom said.

Break

"Well this is it," Harry said as the Basilisk reared back.

"Macross Magic Missile Massacre," a voice roared as dozens of white projectiles slammed into the side of the beast.

"Lockhart," Tom growled.

"Ah so you have heard of me," Gilderoy said.

"Harry," Hermione and Neville called out rushing over.

"Wait what's happening, what is going on," Harry blurted out.

"We're helping," Hermione said.

"That was what you sent me for," Neville said. "What happened to Ron?"

"Let's just say he got lost," Harry said.

"Tough little bugger aren't cha," Gilderoy laughed. "Beam Rifle." A lance of magical energy shot out of Lockhart's wand scratching into the basilisks hide leaving a burn mark in the hide.

"Get him," Tom growled.

"I think a tactical retreat is in order," Lockhart said.

"I think not," Tom said, collapsing the pipe they jumped down from.

"Millie wake up, we need to get out of here," Hermione yelled.

"Blaze luminous," Lockhart yelled, moving his wand in a pentagonal pattern, a light shield forming in front of them.

"Sorry I am afraid Millie is in the middle of making a choice," Tom said.

Break

A breeze blew across the field flower petals obscuring her vision for a moment. As her vision cleared the field of flowers changed. "What the," Millie said looking at the far end of the field where only charred flowers remained. Standing in the middle of the barren field was a lone woman. Wild chin length platinum blond hair blew in the wind, while golden eyes looked out over the carnage with a satisfied grin on her face. Pale skin stood in stark contrast to the pitch-black dress she was wearing. The plunging neckline and tight fit put her overly curvaceous body on display as she played with a black fur boa before laughing maniacally.

"You have seen a glimpse of the power you contain," Tom said.

"That is me," Millie said, stepping back in shock.

"Yes, the power to control life itself, the power to save your friends from the basilisk," Tom said, showing her a vision of Hermione and Neville trying to escape the basilisk.

Break

"Why," Millie spoke her words carrying across the chamber.

"Why what," Hermione yelled back as Millie remained comatose.

"Help me, it's my fault," Millie said.

"No, it isn't," Neville said.

"But…." Millie said.

"Go I'm not worth it," Millie said.

Break

"No," Millie cried out as they had to dive to avoid the beast.

"That's not good," Tom said.

Break

"Crap," Lockhart said, flashing in front of them as the basilisk's head reared around the large pillar they were hiding behind.

"Professor," the kids screamed.

"Sorry, but it looks like you're on your own from here on out," Lockhart said as his feet began turning to stone.

"What do we do," Harry yelled.

"These are the mystic eyes of petrification, there is nothing you can do, and this is not your fault. It is a man's job to protect others and I would make the same choice every time," Lockhart said, patting each of their heads as the petrification moved up his body. "Now I want you to listen, consider this my final lesson to you."

"Yes, Professor," the children said.

"Would you just die already," Tom growled.

"When the teacher is talking, the students are quiet," Lockhart said, firing a blast of magic at Tom forcing him to dodge. "Now I know that this is a frightening situation and it might seem like all hope is lost. However never forget that you have each other, all of you are stronger than you know, even you Millie, and when you work together you can make the impossible possible. Wild Weasel Total Assault," Lockhart roared firing of one final barrage of magical forcing the basilisk back smoke trailing from its eyes. "Tell Anna that the butter cake and beer are on me next time." He said as his head turned to stone.

Break

"Not much time left, Millie," Tom said.

"I…." Millie said, stepping towards the vision of destruction.

Break

"Harry, slam these into my shoulder blades," Hermione said, handing him two very large diamonds.

"Why," Harry said.

"Just do it," Hermione said.

"Ok," Harry said, forcing the gems into Hermione's back.

"Limit Break," Hermione roared as the diamonds shattered.

"Millie," Hermione roared. "You don't get to decide that you're not worth it," she yelled magic roaring around her before forming into a pair of pink butterfly-like wings. "Don't you dare tell me to go away, and that it's all your fault. That is not something you say to a friend."

"And what are you going to do about it," Tom laughed. "I can tell that spell is too much for your body, and won't last long. Using gems as magical boosters is not something to be taken lightly girl."

"Was I talking to you," Hermione snapped. "Eispfeile," she said, firing a barrage of ice arrows at Tom. "Millie I am mad at you. Wake up now or I am going to drag you out of there and slap you."

Break

"Hermione…." Millie muttered tears leaking from her eyes as Hermione launched herself at the basilisk. "I know I can't do much but there must be something I can do." She said looking around the field. "Wait who are you…." Millie said looking in the opposite direction of Tom's vision. Sitting on a rock next to a spring was a young woman with hair that looked like the sun and vibrant green eyes. She smiled at Millie as she wove flowers into a long thick braid. Her white and light purple dress fluttered in the breeze as she waved for Millie to come closer.

"You will never save your friends with her power," Tom said, appearing next to her.

The woman said nothing as she made a gesture and a large sunflower erupted from the ground blasting Tom with a beam of light. The beam continued past Tom striking Tom's vision of the future leaving her a smoking heap on the ground. The darkly dressed woman slammed her fist in frustration a wave of fire racing across the field. The woman in white giggled before smothering the flames in flower petal before making her vanish in a whirlwind.

"Are you me…. A future me…." Millie said.

The woman simply smiled beaconing Millie to come closer.

If you are me, then you have to help me. I can't let Tom hurt my friends anymore. I need to get out of here," Millie said as the woman put a finger to her lips.

The woman giggled poking Millie's forehead, and then placing a hand over her heart.

"So are you saying that what I need is inside of me, but I don't know what that is," Millie said.

The woman simply giggled again patting the rock in front of her.

"Ok," Millie said as the woman began fussing with her hair fixing it up and placing a flower in her hair that soon grew into a crown of flowers. "Wow…." Millie gasped looking at her reflection as the flowers grew. "Thank you, I think I understand now, and I will be seeing you in the future."

Break

"What's the plan," Neville asked.

"Kill the monster and destroy the book, that is where Tom is manifesting from," Harry said.

"And how do we do that," Neville said as Hermione seemed to almost fly as she leapt around the room.

"We need to restrain it," Hermione said as she bounced around the room staying one step ahead of the beast.

"Easier said than done," Neville said.

"I would hurry up, I don't think the girls are going to last much longer chosen one," Tom laughed.

"What does that mean," Neville yelled.

"Oh, nothing just that their life force will be the catalyst for my resurrection," Tom said.

"No," Millie's voice rang out across the chamber.

"What," a surprised Tom yelled.

"I said no," Millie's voice said as flowers bloomed out of the floor forming a protective shell over Millie's body.

"So, you do have a spine, too bad I don't need you," Tom said pointing his wand at the dome of flowers.

"Hands of my human," Steve hissed lashing out at Tom from where he sat on top of Millie.

"You dare defy a speaker," Tom hissed.

"Please just because you can speak to snakes makes you special," Steve replied. "Millie took me in and protected me when I was ripped from my home. Not to mention she is special, truly special, and not in the boohoo I was bullied so I'm angry and that makes me special, you dolt. And I don't share except maybe with Neville, he's a good boy, and I think Millie likes him," Steve said.

"Steve…. You're not supposed to tell him that," Millie wined.

"Neville, do you have any plants that might slow it down," Harry said.

"I've got some fungus spores, I was going to try and grow in the dungeons with Millie, but we don't have the weeks it takes to grow them," Neville said.

"Good, place them by Millie," Harry said.

"Why…." Neville said.

"Something is making flowers bloom around her, with any luck it will make the spores grow into mushrooms," Harry said.

Neville looked at Millie and the flowers blooming around her. "On it." He said running off.

"Oh no you don't, Eiswürfel," Hermione said, dropping sapphires in front of the basilisk that grew into giant ice cubes.

"Get her," Tom roared.

"Onis," Harry yelled, shooting a blast of flame between the cubes. "Keep your slimy fangs off my friend," Harry roared, keeping up the heat until an explosion rocked the chamber.

"Super heating the ice to make it explode, are you that smart or just lucky," Tom said.

A whisper of a memory floated through his head that screamed keep him talking. "Smarter than you Voldemort. You're already 0-2 against me, a third time and you strike out," Harry said.

"You dare," Tom growled.

"It's not a dare if you know you'll win," Harry said watching large mushrooms sprout from the ground next to Millie.

"Bahahaha, it would be adorable if it wasn't so laughable," Tom said. "Get him," Tom yelled.

"Hey, I thought I told you people are not food," Hermione said, ramming her body into the side of the Basilisk deflecting it just enough for Harry to dodge.

"If you're hungry have some mushrooms," Neville said, throwing several large mushrooms down its throat.

"Well played, well played," Tom clapped. "The basilisk might be blind and poisoned but do you really think you can beat Slytherin's beast."

"Shit, we might have slowed it down, but he's got a point, Professor Lockhart barely scratched it," Neville panted as they hid behind a large pillar.

"And I'm just about out," Hermione said, her butterfly down to simple markings on the back of her outfit.

"What we need are weapons that can scratch it," Harry said before a floppy hat fell in his lap.

"Hogwarts will always help students in need, and she happens to like you," the hat said.

"The sorting hat," Harry said.

"What good is a hat going to do," Neville said.

"Oh, come on haven't you ever seen a magic show," the hat snapped. "Just reach in and pull the rabbit out of a hat."

Harry went first with his hand grabbing a hilt removing a sword from the hat. Neville found himself the recipient of a bow and arrows, while Hermione removed a scepter.

"That's not exactly a weapon," Harry said looking at the ornate jeweled scepter.

"Maybe not, but these diamonds are brimming with magic, I can make this work," Hermione said looking at the mithril scepter that seemed to almost glow in the low light of the chamber. 6 large diamonds were arrayed around the head, red for fire, blue for water, yellow for earth, clear for wind, white for creation, and black for void, with a final large diamond sitting on the top.

"Don't forget me!" Millie said as a lance landed next to her body held aloft by the flowers. "Thank you!"

"And how are you going to stop me," Tom laughed.

"Like this," Millie said as the flowers moved to cover Ginny's body. "I refuse to let you drain her life any further."

"Big talk, but can you do anything about my pet before she eats you," Tom said.

"Millie if I give you power can you do more," Hermione said, flashing to her side.

"I think so," Millie said as a plant reached out to touch the scepter.

"The scepter of Slytherin, it does exist," Tom gasped.

"Floral carcerem," Millie said as the yellow and blue diamonds flared to life green magical energy flowing to the top of the scepter and out across the plants which began to rapidly grow encasing the tail of the basilisk in flowers. "Spinae," Millie said, thorns punching into the scales drawing blood as the Basilisk thrashed struggling to break its tail free, but for every vine it broke more took its place. "Sorry Hermione but that's all I can do," Millie said, her voice fading.

"Incredible, such power and control from a mere 3rd year girl. Could it really be?" Tom said. "Argh…..." Tom roared in pain as an arrow dug into his astral body. "Impossible the bow of Ravenclaw," Tom hissed as blood leaked from the ghostly wound.

"Harry, Hermione, go kill the basilisk, I'll keep Tom busy," Neville said.

"No matter this will heal…" Tom said reaching out towards Ginny feeling their shared connection snap. "Impossible," Tom said, whipping his head towards the lance. "The standard of Hufflepuff."

"Which protects all under its banner as long as the wielder's spirit holds out," Neville said.

"No matter she will break soon enough," Tom said.

"You've been in Millie's head all year and you haven't figured it out, once Millie sets her mind on something she never stops," Neville said. "She will never break not now, not ever." He said as a vine reached up to hold his hand.

"Everyone breaks before me, it is just a matter of time," Tom said.

Break

The castle continued to shake as the professors sent the students outside. The thud of distance explosions echoing through the hallways.

"What do you think is happening," Anna asked as they exited the castle.

"Professor Snape is probably dealing with the monster," Liz said.

"But he is standing right over there," Elizabeth said pointing to the potion's professor.

"Well then someone is taking care of the monster," Liz snapped.

"Everyone line up by house and by year," McGonagall called out.

"So, the monster finally got the little runt," Pansy said.

"And it looks like she took Millie with her," Tracy said.

"Do you think Hermione and Millie are ok, Belle asked.

"Yes, in fact I think Hermione is down there right now, dealing with the monster," Astoria said.

"Really," Daphne said.

"Are you saying she won't. We both met her mother, and you know what she is like," Astoria said.

"True, but I doubt the klutzy little runt, can …" Daphne said as the water of the lake churned from the explosions. "Stupid crazy munchkin, you'd better not die before I beat you."

"Did you say something Daphne," Tracy asked.

"No," Daphne replied as golden light erupted from the chimneys of the castle with a deafening roar.

Break

"Do you even know how to use a sword oh chosen one," Tom laughed.

"No," Harry said holding the sword up.

"Then how do you hope to defeat me," Tom said as another arrow from Neville went wide.

"Harry dodge," Hermione yelled, slamming the scepter into the ground. "Erdbeben," she roared the ground moving like an ocean wave throwing the basilisk into the wall.

"The rumors about it boosting elemental transfigurations were true, and that placement of gems, could it really be that," Tom said watching the fight.

"I may not know how to use a sword, but I do know one spell that I can use," Harry yelled, raising the sword above his head. "The Great Phantasmal sword that felled the sky demon, Balmung!" Harry roared slamming the sword down launching a wave of magical energy at the basilisk further driving the beast into the wall hard enough to leave a crater.

"Impressive, but the basilisk is over 1,000 years old and it is going to take more than that to kill it," Tom said.

"Tired," Harry groaned struggling to hold the sword up.

"I'm out," Hermione said, feeling the strength leave her body as her wings vanished.

"If we can't pierce the skin we'll never…" Harry said.

"No, it's not over till we concede defeat," Hermione panted.

"The road to victory lies open before me, and there is nothing you can do to stop me," Tom said.

"Then the gates of Janus are open," Hermione said. "Unter Null," Hermione said, a blast of icy wind firing from the scepter freezing the beast in its tracks.

"And let it be said that this was their finest hour," Harry said, adding a blast of wind to Hermione's spell.

"Impossible you have no magic left," Tom yelled.

"I might not have magic, but the gems do," Hermione said.

"Hermione can you channel the magic of the gems into the sword," Harry said.

"Yes, why," Hermione said.

"Quick I have an idea before it breaks free," Harry said.

"Ok, but I'm only giving you the fire and wind magic, because I don't know what the black gem will do," Hermione said sticking the scepter in her belt and helping Harry raise the sword.

"What's the plan," Hermione asked as they raised the sword.

"Ginny gave me Saber Lily for Christmas," Harry said.

Hermione smiled as she drew out the power of the wind and fire gems, a torrent of magical energy swirling around them. "Is it too much," Hermione whispered in his ear as the maelstrom surrounded them.

"No," Harry grunted, pulling on his own magic, adding it to the fray forcing it to calm the raging storm. Slowly the hot winds subsided as the sword began to shine with the light of hope.

"Harry's strong," Hermione whispered. The pair strained to lift the sword heavy with magic as it slowly rose over their heads as the Basilisk began to break free.

"To slow," Tom yelled as the basilisk lunged for them.

Staring death in the face the pair shouted in unison. "Golden Sword of the Victorious, Caliburn!" Dropping slamming the sword down the world turned to white as a blast wave of magical energy shot from the sword enveloping the basilisk.

"No," Tom yelled as a lance of energy hit him between the legs causing him to drop the book, which Neville threw into the blast wave.

"My hand slipped," Harry said sheepishly.

"Well played, Potter well played," Tom said looking between them, the remains of the basilisk and a large glowing brown gem sitting behind the shattered wall of the chamber. "This was a most illuminating fight. I always thought Hogwarts was one of them, and searched for years, it was the reason I wanted to be the Defense Professor," He said as his body was pulled into the gem. "I learned many things today thanks to you. My hat is off to you today, but I will not be taking ones destined for greatness so lightly next time." Tom said as he vanished. The gem pulsed several times, before the wall began to repair itself slowly locking away the gem once more.

Her eyes closing, she slumped against Harry as the adrenaline wore off. "Ich werde jetzt ein Nickerchen machen, ok, Harry," Hermione muttered.

"There's a girl leaning on me, there is a girl learning on me, Neville what do I do, there is a girl leaning on me," a beat red Harry exclaimed looking at Neville.

"Why are you asking me," Neville said.

"Because you're friends with a girl," Harry said.

"So are you stupid," Neville said.

"Who," Harry said.

"Hermione," Neville said as he pulled the flowers off Millie's body.

"So what am I supposed to do in a situation like this," Harry said.

"I don't know, maybe not let her fall into the muck," Neville shot back.

"Right," Harry said, picking her up in a princess carry. "So light…. I dunno why people thought she was heavy…" he muttered trying not to look down as Neville did the same to Millie. "Hey Nev, can you give me one of those flowers," Harry said.

"Sure," Neville said, floating a large blue flower over to him so he could place it in Hermione's hair.

"Hey guys are you ok," Ron said crawling into the chamber.

"Now you show up," Harry and Neville yelled.

"Hey what are you yelling at me for," Ron snapped.

"Shut up and pick up your sister," Harry groaned walking out.

Break

"Ugh," Hermione groaned.

"Morning sleepy head," a woman's voice said.

"Miss Matou, what are you doing here," Hermione said softly struggling to sit up.

"Just relax, you crazy girl," Anna chuckled pushing her back down.

"I feel like I just got pounded by the "royal trio"," Hermione groaned.

"When I said to practice your skills I meant, in controlled conditions not fighting against a millennia old basilisk," Anna said.

"It took my friend and tried to eat me," Hermione said.

"I see, and your friends Harry and Ron did quite a number on it," Anna said.

"Who told you that?" Hermione said.

"I did Miss Granger and I would like to ask for your version of the events," Dumbledore said entering the room.

"I think she's had enough questions for the day," Anna said standing in front of Hermione.

"It will only take a few minutes," Dumbledore said.

"No," a woman said walking into the Hospital wing.

"Ah Perenelle," Albus said. "Why are you here?"

"Did you think I wouldn't call her after getting a message that my daughter was hurt in a minor accident that fractured every bone in her body," Emma yelled before a wrench slammed into the side of Dumbledore's head, turning back into a metal helmet when it hit the ground.

"That is Mrs. Flamel to you, little brat," Perenelle said glaring at him.

"Mom," Hermione said, trying to sit up.

"Relax, dear," Emma said, rushing into her daughter's side. "Thanks for getting here so fast Anna."

"I'm just not sorry for getting here sooner, it took a while for Hermione's message about a basilisk to reach me," Anna said.

"But you got here and that is what matters," Emma said.

"It's no problem, when it comes to this little flower, but how in the world did you put hairline fractures in every bone of your body," Anna asked, patting Hermione's head gently.

Hermione looked at Dumbledore eyes, fear growing in her as she saw his eyes being to twinkle. "It's alright Hermione, the little brat does need to know, but there won't be any mind games this time or I will tell everyone what you did you little whizzer," Perenelle said.

"A young Voldemort was the spirit in the book and it tried and failed to possess Millie during the year only we didn't know that at the time. We just thought she was having a rough year, but it was Tom messing with her. But the book was passing between her and Ginny Weasley, until Ginny kept it sometime in January. He was using them to do the attacks on students, Anna can you free them," Hermione asked.

"No problem," Anna said.

"I'm afraid it's not that easy," Dumbledore said.

"Yes, it is," Anna said.

"No, it isn't," Dumbledore said.

"Just buy some soft potions or I will break the bindings myself," Anna said flaring the magic in her eyes.

"Mystic eyes," Dumbledore gasped.

"Yes, yes, now back to the story," Anna said. "And my eyes are stronger than yours."

"Ginny must have given in, because Tom was in full control when he kidnapped Millie and went to the chamber. Ron took Harry on ahead and sent Neville for help," Hermione said.

"And Myrtle's bathroom," Dumbledore asked.

"We couldn't open it so I made a door by using my gems," Hermione said.

"Good job, the ladies said.

"We found Harry alone against the Basilisk, and that's when Professor Lockhart was petrified protecting us. I'm sorry he got petrified and he said to tell you that the butter cakes, and beer was on him next time," Hermione said reaching out for Anna's hand.

"It's alright, that moron is too stupid to die," Anna said.

"Then Voldemort was gloating, so I had Harry put two high capacity storage diamonds that I've been charging for a year into my back," Hermione said.

"Well that explains a lot," Perenelle said.

"What possessed you to do that," Emma asked.

"Millie said to run away, that she only ever caused me pain, so I told her that you don't say that to friends and if she didn't wake up, I was going to drag her out and slap her," Hermione said.

"Miss Granger that was incredibly reckless," Dumbledore said.

"Good girl," Emma said hugging her daughter.

"Well long story short Millie woke up and used plants to help restrain the Basilisk while Neville shot arrows at Voldermort," Hermione said.

"Where did you get the weapons," Dumbledore asked.

"The sorting hat showed up and gave them to us," Hermione said. "We then used them in combination to defeat the Basilisk," Hermione said.

"I think that's enough for today little whizzer," Perenelle said.

"Yes, yes," Dumbledore said leaving.

"Little Whizzer did he really," Emma giggled.

"It was a brand-new dress, and that little shit knew exactly what he was doing. I still haven't gotten the stain out of it or the carpet," Perenelle sighed.

"So, um how long am I in here for," Hermione asked.

"Until tomorrow," Madame Pomfrey said. "Honestly, I don't know who is more reckless, you, or Mr. Potter."

"Are my friends ok," Hermione asked.

"You will be free to leave with your friends tomorrow, but no strenuous exercise or magic for a week. Your bones need time to heal," the school nurse explained. "Additionally, you'll notice that your bone structure has shifted slightly. Nothing unhealthy or problematic, just different. You were rather thick boned, before and now you find they are a bit thinner."

"I can see that," Emma said looking at her daughter's face.

"Is it bad," Hermione said nervously fretting with her hands.

"No, not at all, very cute in fact," Emma said.

"Take a look for yourself kiddo," Anna said, handing Hermione a mirror.

"Wow," Hermione said as she ran her hand along her jawline, surprised at how much softer and delicate and dare she say feminine it looked. Her eyebrows were smaller, less bushy and more silver in color, which matched her paler skin. Along with brighter larger eyes and delicate cheekbones her face was looking less plain and round. The only real issue she could find was that her nose was a bit too big and slightly out of place. Even though her hands looked smaller and more elegant her nails were a bit rough but she did just fight in the dungeons.

"Certifiably cute as always," Emma said.

"Thanks mom," Hermione said, leaning against her mother enjoying the tranquility. "Mom?" Hermione asked.

"Yes dear," Emma replied.

"Professor Lockhart was petrified protecting me, and we kind of did a number on the chamber, could you…." Hermione asked.

"Certainly," Emma said.

"Not to worry, I will keep an eye on things here," Perenelle said.

"Care to show me the way Anna," Emma said.

"Alright but I am not quite sure where," Anna began.

"Follow the destruction, this is my daughter we are talking about," Emme chuckled.

"Mom….." Hermione huffed as they left.

Break

"Snape," Anna called out.

"What do you want Gorgon," Snape replied.

"Cut the attitude, death eater, and show me where Myrtle's bathroom is," Anna said.

"Why," Snape replied.

"I am looking for Gilderoy Lockhart," Anna said.

"Oh, I am afraid that he didn't survive, stone statues can be quite fragile," Snape said.

"Where is he," Anna growled.

"What is it to you," Snape said.

"You know damn well why I'm interested," Anna growled.

"Oh, so you want to free him with those monstrous eyes of yours," Snape said. "Well that might be a problem."

"Why," Anna pressed.

"Because all that you would get is a soupy mess," he said, dropping the large bag he was levitating stone crashing to the floor.

"What do you…." Anna said as Emma opened the bag gasping in shock. "Explain now, her scythe at his throat."

"I did no such thing, Potter was a bit too exuberant and smashed him by accident," Snape said.

"No, he didn't," Emma said.

"I beg your pardon muggle," Snape said, glaring at Emma who flinched, but remained rooted in place.

"I don't know magic, but I know clean cut stone when I see it. This wasn't smashed, this was cut like my custom granite countertops," Emma said.

"You bastard," Anna roared, her eyes flaring to life as she slammed him against the wall.

"Anna stop," Emma said.

"You saw what he did," Anna screamed.

"Prove it," Snape choked out.

"Anna, this is what he wants," Emma said, reaching up to put a hand on the much taller woman's shoulder.

"I win," Snape grinned.

"No," Emma said.

"Are you blind woman," Snape said.

"No, but all I saw was a hormonal woman overreacting to a stressful situation, something we are want to do sometimes," Emma said.

"He killed him, I know he did," Anna growled.

"No, he only thinks he killed him," Emma said. "This is nothing some magical super glue can fix. Magical super glue is a thing right."

"You think," Snape said.

"No, I know, I'll put him back together, and then Anna can do her mystic eye thing and wake him back up," Emma said.

"You can do that," Anna said.

"Impossible," Snape said.

"I am a dentist specializing in replacing and fixing damaged teeth, playing with small objects in 3 dimensional spaces is what I do. Not to mention my husband likes puzzles, this will be like a giant Lockhart puzzle," Emma said. "And pleasure excuse me," she said driving her foot into his crotch.

"Do you really think we can…." Anna said, dropping Severus.

"It's better than the alternative, but fair warning this is going to take a while," Emma said.

"That idiot is worth the wait," Anna said, picking up the bag.

Break

"Hermione I was quite sure what you wanted so I bought a couple of things," Astoria said, laying an arm full of clothes on the bed.

"Thanks Astoria," Hermione said.

"Anything for my little sister," Astoria giggled softly.

"Fine…" Hermione groaned not in the mood to argue with her "sister".

"I do have a question though," Astoria asked as Hermione took off her hospital gown.

"What is it," Hermione said.

"Why are you "Johanna" right now," Astoria asked as Hermione put on her underwear.

"But I'm not…..." Hermione said as she felt the odd fit of her underwear as she put on a pink shirt.

"Yes, you are," Astoria said as her "sister" put on a white frilled skirt that slipped slightly resting more on her hips than her waist.

"Astoria could you enlarge the mirror," Hermione asked.

"Sure, engorgio," she said with a flick of her wand turning the small hand-held mirror into a full body mirror.

"Astoria, this is real right," Hermione said, poking her cheek.

"Yes," Astoria said.

"Madame Pomfrey wasn't kidding, Hermione said as she lifted up her shirt. The slightly puffy stomach she had been battling was gone. She couldn't help but move a hand to poke her soft but completely flat stomach that pinched in slightly at her sides before flaring out slightly at her hips. If the tight feeling in her training bra was correct then she was out of the flat chested category too. "I have curves," Hermione giggled happily.

"You got taller too," Astoria said.

"I did," Hermione said.

"Yep," 4ft 5 and one half inches," Astoria said, putting her wand away.

"Yes, yes, yes, no more being a midget for me," Hermione cheered, pumping her arm.

"But we're the same height,' Astoria said.

"That's only because you have shoes on," Hermione said quickly, throwing on her shoes.

"Nope still not taller, little sister," Astoria giggled, looking Hermione directly in the eye. "Here let me do something with your hair," she said pulling out a pink ribbon."

"Sure, a ponytail would be great," Hermione said, continuing to look in the mirror. The extra height seemed to be all in her legs which looked longer. She looked and felt slimmer, more lithe like she lost weight, but she didn't look like she lost weight. "Feels smaller," she muttered, touching her collarbone.

"Done," Astoria said.

"Thanks it looks great," Hermione said smiling as the silver ponytail swished back and forth.

"Hermione my sister…." Astoria said as they left the hospital wing.

"Is already planning something the moment I return," Hermione said.

"Well I think so, but I think she might have been worried about you," Astoria said.

"Elizabeth thinks she heard her say, you better not die till she beats you," Astoria said.

"Then let's find out what she has in mind," Hermione said.

Break

"So, you survived after all," Pansy sighed as Hermione entered the common room.

"I had hoped the rumors of your demise were true," Tracy said.

"You could have at least earned us some points," Daphne said.

"Where is everyone," Hermione asked.

"Out," Pansy said.

"Why," Hermione asked.

"You see I was able to find out something rather interesting….." Daphne said. "Your bones are still healing, and you can't use magic."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying," Tracy said.

"Yes," Daphne said. "We can quite literally rearrange your body right now."

"Crap baskets," Hermione said, backing up as Pansy locked the door.

"No," Millie said, exiting the kitchen.

"I thought I told you to leave fat as," Pansy snapped.

"And I told you I was baking," Millie said.

"Do you really want to stick your neck out," Tracy said, pulling her wand.

"Hermione is my friend, I abandoned her to you once, but never again," Millie said.

"If you want to hurt her you have to go through me," Millie said.

"Rapio," Pansy said, the mid low-level bludgeoning charm slamming into Millie's gut doubling her over.

"Millie," Hermione cried out.

"I told you, I'm not moving," Millie said standing back up.

"Sermo," Tracy said, aiming at Millie's nose, smiling as it snapped with a satisfying crunch.

"Millie, stop," Hermione said as blood dripped from Millie's nose.

"No, this is nothing, compared to the pain of abandoning a friend, and they have nothing on him," Millie said, stepping in front of Hermione. "So do your worst," Millie growled glaring at the trio.

"You don't have to do this," Hermione said looking at Daphne.

"Yes, I do," Millie said as the blood continued to flow from her nose.

"You're my friend," Hermione said, her pleading eyes boring into Daphne as her wand began to waver.

"I know," Millie said smiling at Hermione.

"Then don't do this, it's wrong," Hermione said looking at Daphne, whose lip began to quiver.

"Come on Daphne get on with it already," Tracy said.

"You're a Greengrass aren't you," Pansy said.

"No," Hermione muttered as Daphne tightened her grip on her wand.

"Yes," Daphne growled. "Sagitta ignis," Daphne yelled, slashing at Millie, a flame arrow rocketing across the dorm exploding on impact.

"Millie," Hermione cried out as her friend was thrown across the room slamming into the wall.

"Is that the best you've got," Millie coughed putting a hand against the wall as she struggled to stand up.

"Domus undique," Pansy yelled, lashing out with a mid-level bludgeoning curse cracking Millie's jaw.

"Sermo," Tracy said, wrenching Millie's mercilessly until they started bleeding.

"Ignis iacula," Daphne said as multiple darts of flame sped to Millie who was still in front of Hermione.

"Obscurant wall of chalk," a voice said as the darts smashed harmlessly into a white wall.

"Who the hell are you," Tracy said.

"You dare interfere," Pansy hissed.

"The name is Matthew Kryleight," a blond-haired boy said.

"And I care because," Tracy said.

"True you wouldn't because I do not come from a respected family or have much magical power," the boy said.

"You're that useless 7th year mudblood," Daphne said.

"Yes, I am pretty useless, but I am quite good at wards and barriers,"

"Sagitta duplex magicae," Daphne hissed, launching twin magic arrows at the interloper.

"Cogitatio," Mathew said, slashing at the twin lances of energy sending them back at Tracy and Pansy who crashed against the wall.

"You will pay for that," Daphne growled.

"You can try, my shields are better than your magic, I'm an orphan, oh and I'm already being scouted by the Chaldea research association, you know the one that uses muggle science and magic," Matthew said.

"That's enough," Liz roared barging into the common room.

"Liz you are looking beautiful as always," Matthew said.

"Matthew what are you doing here," Liz said, freezing in surprise.

"Oh, you know studying, and hoping to catch a glimpse of my delicate little Rose," Matthew said.

Liz's face lit up before growling and marching over to Matthew, swinging her leg back and kicking him in the crotch. "I thought I told you not to call me that you moron," a beat red Liz growled kicking Matthew several more times. "As for you," she growled, turning on Daphne, Pansy, and Tracy. "You know the rules of the dorm, no blood no foul, and what do I see," she said pointing at the floor.

"Blood," Daphne said.

"Good you're not as blind as you are stupid, now clean this up," Liz snapped.

"But Liz," Pansy said.

"No buts," Liz snapped before taking a deep breath.

"Johanna, I did not realize that you were friends with Millicent," Liz said.

"Ja, Millie ist meine Freundin," Hermione replied.

"She might not be much magically, but she is a wiz in the kitchen," Liz said.

"Thanks," Millie groaned.

"And this boy is a morn," Liz said, stepping on Mathew as she left.

"She loves me," Mathew sighed happily.

"Boys are weird," Hermione and Millie said.

"Hahahaha…. You'll say that till you find one you like," Matthew said standing up. "Well ladies I need to finish studying," He said leaning over to whisper in their ears. "Millie keep up the good work, and Hermione whether you are Hermione or Johanna you are a cutie and are making a difference."

"Thank you…." a beat red Hermione stammered.