The New Princess

Hogwarts Year 1 - Part 1 - Chapter 13

The Mercury Snare

Previously:

At that very moment, Planet Pluto, The Gates of Time.

On the enigmatic planet Pluto, the precincts of the Gates of Time, usually reserved for whispers of fate, now echoed with laughter and playful banter."

"Hah, got ya... pay up!" said the voice of the youngest, Diana, as she smiled gleefully at the misfortune of her older sibling.

Her brother's avatar had just landed on her property and as such Regulus would now have to pay her rent.

Said brother groaned good-naturedly and proceeded to shove a small stack of coins towards his little sister.

Beside them, Selene, the eldest of the triplets shook her head and began to reach towards a nearby button which would roll the dice for her turn.

Suddenly the Gates, usually serene and calm began to pulsate erratically turning their playful banter into shock. Then a mighty gust suddenly began to blow through the room causing the board to blow away in the gust of wind.

Dismayed by the sudden turn of events, the game was instantly abandoned, and each of the Mau's hearts raced, as they grasped the gravity of the situation. Anomalies at the Gates meant ripples in time, dire events unfolding.

"Oh no, this is not good!" Selene said loudly, worriedly over the noise of the gust.

"We must alert Pluto!" Regulus exclaimed.

"What could it mean?" came the younger voice of Diana.

As they looked into the mirror to find out a hint of what was happening, the picture of the future rebuilt moon kingdom-to-be began to ripple and wave. Suddenly it changed from a beautiful city with a mesmerizing Silver palace into a dark forbidden fortress version of Hogwarts surrounded by a war-torn countryside... before it changed back again. This cycle repeated a few times before the mirror turned shadowy as if it could no longer make up its mind and refused to show anymore.

The future Moon Kingdom," they whispered, the weight of dread pressing heavily on their hearts, realizing the enormity of the situation.

As the Gates continued their ominous pulse, the trio felt a sinking realization:

The universe was on the brink of an unprecedented cataclysm."

And now the continuation

A few weeks later, on the eve of their departure to Hogwarts, in the Library study room at Potter Manor.

Aryanna and Susan found themselves immersed in the tranquil ambiance of the study room at Potter Manor, nestled within the manor's grand library.

As the evening sun sank below the horizon, it cast elongated shadows that danced across the room, adding to the studious atmosphere. The soft rustle of pages turning and the occasional scratch of a pen against parchment were the only sounds that punctuated the silence.

The girls were engrossed in the history and structure of the ancient Silver Millennium, their table cluttered with old tomes and scrolls. The gravity of their future responsibilities as Sailor Guardians weighed heavily on them, fuelling their determination to unravel the mysteries of the fallen kingdom long lost to time, one to which they were now inextricably linked.

Amelia, the formidable matriarch of the Bones family, had granted Susan permission to stay at Potter Manor in the days leading up to their departure for Hogwarts. Only two days ago, a new Youma attack had laid waste to a small magical hamlet in the Scottish highlands.

With the ministry consumed by the chaos of increasingly frequent Youma attacks, Amelia, as the head of the magical police department, now found herself away from home for extended periods. Rather than leaving her young niece, Susan, alone at home, under the care of only the house elves, she had arranged for her to stay with her best friend, Aryanna, instead. Despite the escalating Youma attacks, Amelia planned to join her niece amidst the hustle and bustle of Platform 9, hoping to personally see Susan off to Hogwarts.

Glancing at the timer on a nearby table, Aryanna quickly penned the final lines of her assay, their last test before Hogwarts. As the timer's bell rang out, the study door creaked open, and Setsuna entered the room. Dressed in her civilian attire, she still exuded an aura of foreknowledge and purpose that commanded respect.

Beside her, Susan groaned, then sighed in resignation. She had not managed to finish her assay in time but now dutifully laid down her quill. Unlike Aryanna, she had chosen to use the magical version of writing equipment as she - raised as she was as a pureblood - was unsure of the muggle tool. However, seeing the advanced speed it allowed her friend to write with, she was now seriously considering ditching the outdated magical for the more modern muggle equivalent. She realized that if she had, she might have been able to finish her essay on time and with no ink blots as well.

"Good evening, girls, time's up. Pen... and quill down, please. Don't worry about not finishing it, Susan. You're still new. This will take time," Setsuna greeted, her eyes gleaming with a knowing glint. Susan smiled up at her and instantly relaxed as Setsuna continued. "Please leave your assays on my desk as you depart. As this is our final night together before you start at Hogwarts, there will be no homework, however, I expect you to keep up your studies throughout the year while you are learning the fine arts of the arcane. I will be most displeased if I find out you have been... slacking off. Do I make myself clear?" she asked, eyeing both girls with a gimlet eye which quickly softened, and a smile reappeared on her face as both girls nodded and answered affirmatively.

"Good! Now... How about a quiz?"

Aryanna and Susan exchanged a glance, each knew that Setsuna's quizzes, while usually fun, were never simply mere tests of knowledge but also frequently held revelations of hidden truths as well. The room seemed to hold its breath as Setsuna approached her desk and turned to face them.

"Susan!" Setsuna suddenly called out, startling the young girl in front of her and causing the young girl to nearly jump in her seat even though she had been expecting it. Currently, she was dealing with Setsuna Potter, the stern taskmistress and quiz master, the bane of the classroom, not Setsuna Potter, Aryanna's kind and gentle aunt whom she was used to.

"Yes, Ma'am?" Susan responded, giving Setsuna her full attention.

Setsuna once again gave her a smile that instantly calmed Susan down. "Quickly, name Sailor Venus' initial transformation phrase and the primary main attacks of her first form."

Caught off guard, Susan took a moment to shift her thoughts, which were still firmly on ancient history, to her alter ego's attacks. "Venus Power, Makeup," she began, "and her main attack is Crescent Beam."

"Correct...what does it do and how do you cast it?"

"Um..." Susan paused for a second before answering. "I cast it by using my index finger as a weapon by saying the words and pointing my index finger at the target. It creates a beam of light that can strike or damage the enemy," she answers a bit hesitantly, unsure of her answer. She had a feeling that she had forgotten something.

Setsuna nods. "Essentially... that's correct. However, there is more to it. Just like with your transformation phrase, simply pointing your finger and saying the words is not enough and is not going to do much. For it to work you also have to mean it and mentally order and guide your internal magic, magic which comes from your connection to your planet, in your case the planet Venus, to follow your will. With time, dedication, and practice, you will get better at this," Setsuna added before turning her attention to her other student. "As I have done with Arya, I will teach you a special mental technique that will allow you to access and command your abilities faster. I'm sure Arya will be happy to teach you as well while you are at school," she said getting a nod of acknowledgment from Aryanna. "This will also help you cast your magical spells as well."

"Now...Aryanna...You must never transform unless...what?" she asked turning her attention towards her second charge.

Used to her aunt's abruptness, Aryanna quickly answered. "Unless you are certain you are alone and there is nobody else who does not know the 'secret' around you when you transform, as they will learn who you are if you do. The magic of the transformation and our sailor suits will hide our real identities under a modified version of the Fidelius charm. One that deals with people instead of objects, but only as long as nobody else knows the secret. In a way, we are our own secret keepers."

"And what should you do if anybody ever finds out about the secret of your true identity?" Setsuna asked Susan.

"We should stun them if possible or find another way to incapacitate them and then contact you immediately... or if possible, cast the Obliviate spell on them as soon as possible," Susan answered seriously. It was one of her and Aryanna's greatest fears ever since becoming Sailors Venus and Moon. Superheroes did not usually survive for long once the public found out about their true identities. Even if they did, their families and friends usually did not as they would quickly become targets of any of their enemies.

"Correct... Susan... I will be teaching you and Aryanna the Obliviate spell, also known as the mind-altering or mind wiping spell, as soon as your magic and bodies are ready, and I think you are mature enough to learn it. Usually, it's only taught to adults as it's very dangerous to use, seeing as a single mistake can completely wipe a person's mind of all of who they are and even mentally return them to the state of a baby. I will be extremely displeased if I find out you have learned and used it yourself before I think you're ready for it... or a qualified teacher does. Is that understood?!" she asked sternly looking at both girls.

Hearing the clear command in her current teacher's voice, Susan gulped slightly and nodded. "Yes, Ma'am!" A reply which was echoed almost instantly by Aryanna beside her.

"Good!

"Moving on... Aryanna... outline for me the structure of the hierarchy of the Silver Millennium," she commanded.

Hearing the command Aryanna froze for a second and tried to gather her thoughts. She should know this. She did know this. Taking a breath to steady herself, she stood up and began to speak, taking her time to make sure she didn't forget anything.

"The Silver Millennium's history and makeup have always been clear and simple and rooted in tradition," she began to speak, thinking back to the words she had written only a few minutes ago in her assay.

"The Silver Millennium was once a grand Imperial Solar Dominion that had ruled from its lunar throne. Wielding the Legendary Silver Crystal as its symbol of cosmic power, it had governed the whole solar system, from Mercury to Pluto and even beyond.

Ruling at the helm, the reigning Queen, sometimes also known as Sailor Cosmos; the Guardian of the Universe, held absolute power, she was succeeded by the lunar crown Princess known as Sailor Moon, the Guardian of Love and Justice — which I am now the next. Both roles were solely held by females since males are genetically unable to become a Sailor Guardian and only a Royal Sailor Guardian can safely control the Silver Crystal's powers. There have been cases where males have turned into females during transformation... but they are very rare. The fact remains that there has never been a male ruler of the Silver Millennium, just as there has also never been a female ruler of the Planet Earth. That title has always been held by an Earth's king - always a male - who has always controlled the golden crystal. But I digress... seeing as all Guardians can live for many millennia and only with the help of the silver crystal - the kingdom's ultimate source of power - they can become partially immortal, killable only by great injury, disease, or poison. As such, that could take a very long time.

Next, succeeding the royal figures were the Sailor Guardians, inner and outer, eight in total, each a princess, avatar, and leader of a specific planet. As Susan has accepted the role of Sailor Venus, she too is now a princess in her own right and the avatar and ruler of the planet Venus who gets her powers from said planet... just like I am the Avatar of the Earth's Moon. A unique moon that combined with the powers of the Silver Crystal gains most of its powers from its unique symbiotic relationship with the Earth. Powers that have enabled all past queens and princesses of the moon to rule over the rest of the guardians.

These Guardians are the four Inner Guardians—Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter—who guarded the royal family. Their jobs were to protect the inner core of the kingdom, usually from internal threats... and the Outer Guardians, Uranus and Neptune, who reported to Sailor Pluto, and by extension, the Queen. Their task was to repel external threats.

Last but definitely not least, unique among them was the mysterious, formidable, and feared Sailor Saturn, loyal yet fiercely independent. Dangerous to the extreme. Her role... indeed, her only purpose... was and remains... to defend the Silver Crystal, and in dire circumstances, to enact a galactic renewal. This is what happened to the old kingdom and which allowed me to become the next princess and holder of the Silver Crystal... which currently rests inside me. Sailor Saturn will only appear in the most dire of circumstances, in times of great need... or when I'm already dead." Aryanna paused for a second as she shivered at the mere thought of what that meant. "As without me..., there would be no one else who can control the crystal... and as such no future. Let us hope it never comes to that," she added a second later. Setsuna nodded mournfully with a sudden far-away look in her eyes as she remembered the downfall of the previous kingdom. Taking a deep breath Aryanna continued her speech.

"Each Sailor Guardian had distinct roles, powers or subordinates called Sailor Scouts which helped them fulfil their tasks."

Aryanna paused and took a brief sip of water from a glass that had appeared beside her thanks to a helpful house-elf. Meanwhile, beside her, Susan listened enraptured by her tale. This was fascinating. She was hearing ancient history. History of an ancient fallen kingdom that had not existed for over ten millennia. A history she was now intimately tied to and a part of as the newest Sailor Venus. Her mouth no longer dry Aryanna continued her speech.

"There was... Mercury! As the Guardian of Water and Wisdom she was the chief strategist of the Guardians and had no scouts of her own. With the help of the Mercurion Processor, her symbol of power, a highly advanced computer tied to Sailor Mercury which can only be summoned and used by Sailor Mercury herself, her responsibilities were deemed far too important and time-consuming to also command sailor scouts."

"Next...," at this moment she looked and smiled at Susan before continuing to speak, getting an answering smile from Susan, "Venus! the Guardian of Love and beauty. She also had no moons and as such no scouts of her own to command. However, just like Mercury her duties were deemed too important and time-consuming for that. However, unlike Mercury whose specialty lay with strategy and knowledge... Venus was the second-in-command of the Guardians and third-in-command of the empire overall, she also acted as a body double for the Moon princess due to her unique ability to transform into the princess as a decoy. I believe Susan now has the same ability?" she asked looking at Setsuna, who nodded.

"Next... Mars! After Venus and Mercury came Mars, the Guardian of Fire and Passion, who only had Sailor scouts Phobos and Deimos as enforcers. To make up for her lack of Scouts, she also had powers of Pyromancy. While not as powerful as the Time Gates used by Sailor Pluto, she could see possible glimpses of futures through fire, before going into battle, an incredibly useful ability.

Last of the Inner Guardians was Jupiter, the Guardian of Thunder and Courage, who had 79 moons and as such 79 Sailors under her command. She was the main enforcer of the inner scouts and as such had many scouts to prove it. She had no extra duties or special powers like the other inner Guardians, so it was primarily up to her to protect the others while they were busy finding out what happened or what they had to do. Jupiter had 4 Sailor Scouts under her command: Sailors Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. She also had 75 more smaller moons orbiting Jupiter and these 75 moons made up the bulk of her forces as Sailor Warriors... lesser sailors, not as powerful as scouts, which made up the bulk of the Silver Army.

Next up...and definitely not least... we have Saturn, the Guardian of Silence and Rebirth, who had 83 major moons and 74 smaller moons. Yes, that's right Susan...she had 83 Scouts and 74 Warriors under her command. An incredible amount. The most noticeable Sailor Scouts under her command were: Sailors Titan, Rhea, Iapetus, Dione, Tethys, Enceladus, Mimas, Hyperion, and Phoebe.

Along with all the other scouts and warriors, well...it is easy to see why she was so feared and why her powers were so much greater than the other Guardians combined." Setsuna nodded at that. Saturn was without a doubt by far the most powerful of the Guardians, with only the powers of the Crystal able to trump her might.

"Then we have the Outer Guardians... Guardian Uranus, the Guardian of Sky and Flight, who had 27 moons in total. Five of them were her scouts: Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon. The remaining 22 smaller moons were her Sailor Warriors. Neptune, the Guardian of Ocean and Embrace, had 14 moons in total with two Sailor Scouts; Triton and Nereid, plus 12 smaller moons who made up her warriors."

Aryanna paused and looked at Setsuna who was looking at her proudly. "Finally we have Pluto, the Guardian of Time and Space, the protector of the Time Gates, holder of the garnet rod, leader of the outers, fourth in command over all...who had 5 Sailor Scouts, no warriors. Pluto's primary purpose was and still remains... to protect the time gates and to safeguard the kingdom from temporal threats. During the final battle against Metallia each of her scouts gave up their lives to allow Pluto enough time to submerge the gates of time into a state of time flux, thereby protecting it from Saturn's devastating powers. They were Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra."

As Aryanna called out of name, Setsuna briefly closed her eyes in remembrance, remembering each of her loyal Scouts. Without them and their sacrifice, it was entirely possible that she would not be here tonight. Not knowing of Setsuna's internal grief Aryanna finished her speech.

"As I mentioned, Pluto had no Warriors under her command, as her duty of guarding the gates of time was, like Mercury and Venus, deemed far more important than being a mere field general. At the height of its glory, the Silver Millennium commanded an awe-inspiring force of 220 Sailors, each resonating with the energy of a celestial body within the solar system. It is this...which I hope to one day recreate as the new Queen and bring back to its former glory... with all of your help of course," Aryanna said looking towards the other two Guardians in the room. With those final words, she sat back down and Susan began to clap.

"Well done Arya...well done indeed," Setsuna said smiling at the young princess and queen-to-be who tried her best not to blush at the praise. Turning to face both of her students Setsuna began to speak once more.

"As Arya said it will be up to you and any other sailors she decides to create to revive the kingdom so that it can one day regain its former glory. As the current holder of the Legendary Crystal, Arya is the only person who can create more sailors thanks to the powers of the crystal which rests inside her," she said looking straight into Arya's eyes as she said this. "I will of course help you fulfil that goal. But that's for another day. Tomorrow you're going to Hogwarts. So! for now...how about we wrap things up and you two go and enjoy the final few hours of the day?"

Two delighted cheers and nods of agreement answered her question.

Moments later Setsuna watched with a fond smile as the new sailor duo rushed out onto the quidditch grounds intent on some final rounds of broom practice before they went to Hogwarts the next day. The smile on her face as she watched them play slowly turned into a troubled frown as she thought back to the Mau's worrying report a few weeks ago. She was no closer to finding out what the new threat the Mau had witnessed in the Gates of Time was about and it really troubled her. For some reason the Gates stubbornly refused to give any hints on what they were facing and for now she could only hope that the new princess and her Guardians would be up to the task. She would help them and train them of course. But the future was uncertain and she didn't like it. For the first time in her long life as the Guardian of Space and Time it felt like time had betrayed her and they were truly going into the future blind.

No!... She really didn't like it!

At all!

The next day, Platform Nine and 3/4.

The magical side of King's Cross Station buzzed with activity as witches and wizards prepared to board the Hogwarts Express. The platform bustling with the vibrant multi-colors of robes of families exchanging mostly joyous goodbyes. In the midst of this magical commotion, Aryanna, Susan, and Setsuna appeared from the floo in a burst of green sparks that coalesced into a fiery portal. They quickly stepped out, narrowly avoiding another family emerging from the fireplace.

Aryanna sighed in relief. "That was way too close. They should at least give us more time to get out of the fire. What if we were still in there?"

"Oh, don't worry, there's a failsafe," Susan reassured her, tugging her trolley along. "The Floo won't allow another connection until the previous arrival has safely cleared the fireplace."

"Ah, okay, that's good to know," Aryanna said, appeased.

Behind them Setsuna smiled at their banter, recalling a past incident involving the Weasleys and another family. "I remember a century ago when the Weasleys collided with some other family—Hawthornes, I think. The Ministry had to install the time delay feature after that. It was big news at the time which caused quite an uproar, back when the Weasleys were still an 'upstanding' family as deemed by society," she added with a frown." It really was a shame what had happened to the once politically powerful and proud family.

As the trio navigated through the crowd, they spotted Susan's aunt, Amelia, currently dressed in her full auror uniform, waiting for her niece.

"Auntie!" Susan called out, rushing towards Amelia, who opened her arms wide to intercept her niece's enthusiastic hug. Aryanna and Setsuna watched patiently as they exchanged greetings.

"Madam Bones, glad you could make it. It would have been a shame to miss Susan's first trip to Hogwarts," Setsuna said to the Bones Matriarch.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything. I only have one niece. I'll be damned if I can't see her off today," Amelia declared, giving Susan another hug.

As they chatted, Hermione Granger, arriving from the Muggle section, grumbled about a family of redheads breaking the Statute of Secrecy.

"Hermione, what was that?" Amelia sharply asked her niece's other friend, promptly slipping into Auror mode, as she heard the girl's grumblings.

"Oh, hello Director. Sorry, what did you say?" Hermione stammered, realizing Susan's aunt was present.

"Repeat what you said, Hermione," Amelia insisted.

"I saw a family of redheads on the other side. The mother was loudly complaining about Muggles and asking where the platform entrance was," Hermione explained.

Amelia's eyes flashed with anger. "Oh did she now, " Amelia said as she looked towards the entrance to the platform just as a young red-headed boy passed through. "Weasleys! Of all the...urg... why is it always the...they really should know better," she muttered to herself, turning back to Susan. "Sorry, Susan, duty calls. I need to take care of... this. Be a good girl, and I'll see you during the holidays."

A commotion near the entrance to the Muggle side drew their attention. Another redheaded boy crashed into a wizard.

"Excuse me," Amelia said, hurrying off.

A second redheaded boy appeared through the barrier, crashing into his brother. Aryanna facepalmed, and Setsuna sighed.

"I better help," Setsuna said, turning to the girls. "Susan, watch over Arya for me, please. Arya, take care. Hermione, watch over both of them. I'll see you during the break." With that, Setsuna rushed after Amelia, leaving the trio to board the Hogwarts Express on their own.

As Amelia and Setsuna dealt with the remnants of the Weasley Family, Aryanna, Hermione, and a visibly disheartened Susan made their way toward the Hogwarts Express.

"Oh, fantastic! I haven't seen her for days, and now I won't see her for several months. My only chance for a proper goodbye before school was just interrupted by a family of ignorant purebloods," Susan lamented angrily, her gaze fixed on the first redhead who scurried back to his brothers, his face a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. Despite her initial glare, Susan soon sighed, realizing that being angry with him was not only useless but also unjust.

Beside her, Hermione arched an eyebrow at the "ignorant pureblood" comment, finding it somewhat amusing given Susan's own pureblood status. However, she refrained from commenting, instead motioning for her two friends to follow her to the train. "Come on, we better hurry if we want to get a good spot," she said, just as the Hogwarts Express began to whistle, signaling its impending departure.

Casting a last sorrowful look toward the platform entrance, where her aunt had disappeared into the Muggle side, Susan nodded. Then, with a nod to her two companions, the trio dragged their luggage trunks toward the train.

Aryanna, with no intention of lifting her heavy trunk onto the train if she didn't have to, swiftly called for her house-elf's assistance.

"Nibby!"

With a near-silent 'pop,' the faithful elf, Nibby, appeared.

"Mistress calls for Nibby? How may Nibby assist Mistress?" came Nibby's voice.

"Nibby, thanks for coming. Could you please find an empty compartment and help us with our trunks? We need to get them on the train," Aryanna asked the elf kindly.

"Nibby will do as Mistress commands," came the swift response from the eager elf, and with a quick snap of the elf's fingers, the girls' trunks vanished.

"Nibby has put mistress' and friends' trunks into a free compartment. It be situated at the back. Would Mistress and friends follow Nibby? Nibby could show Mistress the way."

Grateful for her house elf, Aryanna thanked her, and with a nod, the girls boarded the train. Within minutes, they arrived at an otherwise empty compartment that now held only their trunks. After claiming their seats and settling down, Aryanna once again expressed her gratitude to the elf.

"Thanks, Nibby. You were a great help. I wouldn't know what I'd do without you," she said, praising the elf. "I'll call you again if I need you later. Dismissed!" she added, and with a happy bow, the house-elf vanished once more.

Observing the interaction, Susan shook her head. "It's so much better when we are kind to them," she said with a warm smile as she observed the interaction between mistress and elf. "It's a shame that most purebloods don't seem to realize or appreciate them," she added sadly.

Beside her, Hermione nodded in agreement, vividly recalling the first time she had encountered Nibby. Initially considering her a mere downtrodden and abused slave, Hermione had raised a severe commotion about it, demanding her release due to her stance against the outdated and cruel practice of slavery. Setsuna, however, had sat her down and proceeded to enlighten her about the true symbiotic nature of house elves—how they received magic from their 'master' or 'mistress' in a symbiotic relationship, magic which they needed to survive. Elves lived to work, literally, and did so gladly and without coercion unless they would suffer and quickly die if released for too long.

In fact, every house-elf's greatest nightmare was 'getting clothes' from their master or mistress. Getting clothes meant being released—fired—from their family. An almost definite death sentence for an elf.

Unfortunately, the ancient bond between elf, witch, and wizard had become perverted over time until it ended up as what it is today. In the end, Hermione was relieved to be part of a family that treated their elves as valued members of the family. Servants who were paid only with magic, yes, but still as family.

Several minutes later, the trio watched as four red-faced red-headed children rushed onto the train just as it began to move. A little further back, an equally red-faced woman, obviously their mother, and a younger sobbing red-headed girl, could be seen briefly before they were escorted away by Amelia with Setsuna and another auror they did not recognize beside her.

"Oh oh, looks like someone is in trouble," Susan commented with a grim grin as she noticed the flushed, chastised look of the redheaded woman.

"Good! She was acting completely irresponsible. All because they are purebloods shouldn't mean they can just get away with everything," Hermione added, equally as pleased, if for a different reason. The fact that she was considered a second-class citizen in the magical world and would never be able to get away with something like that, while they could, simply for having muggle parents, really irked her.

Aryanna, for her part, chose to remain quiet. It was an age-old issue. She was fairly certain that, being purebloods, the most that would happen to the woman would be a stern reprimand and maybe, at most, a fine—anybody else would probably have faced prison time. But Hermione was right. The woman had probably come very close to breaking the statute of secrecy, one of the wizarding world's most important laws. A law that protected the magical world against Muggles from finding out about them. As it was, some poor Muggle probably just got obliviated - mind wiped - to keep the secret intact. It really wasn't fair.

Shaking her head at the woman's irresponsible behavior and the unfairness of the situation, Aryanna quickly waved one last time to her aunt, who waved back just in time, just as the train began to move around a bend and then out of sight of the platform. She was finally on her way to Hogwarts.

Several minutes later the train was on its way and the trio could be seen enjoying the ride and softly chatting amongst themselves. The main topic of the day was for obvious reasons Hogwarts...and above all what house they thought they would be in.

"Honestly...I'm not sure what house I will be in," Aryanna said as she thought about it. "I mean...all of them have their merits, strengths and also weaknesses. I would be happy being in any house," she added thoughtfully, uncertain what she wanted.

Beside her, Susan nodded. "Yes you're right... each house sounds like a good choice...that said... I would prefer for us to stay together. I'd hate for us to be separated."

Hearing this both Aryanna and Hermione nodded empathically.

"Yes...I like to learn and read...so I'm probably going to go straight into Ravenclaw, the house of the witty and wise...but...I'd hate for us to be split up all because we are in different houses," Hermione said worriedly. She too was worried about this one major point. She really hated the house system. In her opinion it forced too much of a rift between the students. As much as Hogwarts liked to advertise otherwise, it was an unofficial secret that historically a lot of friendships had changed -and not always for the better - after friends had started to learn in its hallowed halls, all because they had been sorted into different houses. The less said about the relationship between the Gryffindor and Slytherin houses, the better.

"NO! It doesn't matter!" Aryanna suddenly spoke up loudly, angry and agitated, getting the other girls' immediate attention.

"It doesn't matter what houses we will be in," Aryanna spoke up again before the others could ask her what she meant.

"I refuse to let something as unimportant and stupid as a school's house split us apart and break apart our friendship. Not after what we have been through," she said fiercely looking straight into each of her friend's eyes. "I lived most of my life without a single friend. Before I helped you with those bullies I had nobody. I'll be damned before I let that happen again," she said looking straight at Hermione. "I refuse...I won't lose you...both of you" she said, a small tear appearing in her right eye which started to roll down her cheek. It was clear she was distraught at the mere idea of her being split up from her friends.

"Not again," Aryanna whispered to herself.

"Oh, Arya," Susan said sadly seeing her friend's sudden state of distress, a comment which was echoed nearly instantly by Hermione before both girls moved over to hug their friend.

"Nothing will ever split us up...nothing... you hear me, Aryanna Jasmine Potter...nothing!" Susan said, using her best friend's full name to emphasize her comment. "Nothing!"

"Promise me... please... promise me," Aryanna said quietly, so quietly her friends could barely hear her.

Beside her Hermione now also had a small tear rolling down her face and it was she who said the next word. "Always... you hear me, Arya, I'll always be your friend. Always! No matter the house or what people say."

For the next few minutes, the trio of friends only sat quietly, taking comfort from each other's presence. It was clear each was shaken up by Aryanna's earlier revelation, each in their own way.

Suddenly Susan got a glint in her eye. "You know what, girls!... Let's make a pact. One for eternity," she suddenly spoke up.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked her, a question which was mirrored, if nonverbally, by Aryanna.

"I propose we make a vow...right here, right now... that we will always be friends... no matter what houses we end up in, or whatever happens during our stay in Hogwarts. That we will always have our backs and be there for each other through thick and thin...no matter what," she said a fiery glint in her eyes.

Surprised and even a bit alarmed Aryanna and Hermione looked at her.

"Susan!... that sounds as if you want us to make a witch's oath or an unbreakable oath," Hermione said wearily, a worried look on her face. Always the most studious of the trio She had read about unbreakable oaths and what it would mean to make one. If they swore one of those, they would be bound to obey their oath, on pain of losing their magic...or worse.

"Exactly!" Susan said without a second of hesitation. "Arya is right... why should we let something as stupid as a house dictate our lives here at Hogwarts. We should not let a stupid house destroy our friendships just because it would be expected of us. Just imagine what would happen if one of us got sorted into Gryffindor and the other into Slytherin. With the oath, nobody would be able to complain why we are friendly with the other house. After all, the animosity between the two houses is legendary, ever since Salazar Slytherin stormed out of Hogwarts over the muggle-born issue. It would be the only way either of us could stay friends with you if one of us is sorted into Slytherin. At least if we want to avoid any political backlash"

Biting her lip nervously Hermione considered the implications and merits as well as any downsides of her friend's suggestion. As much as she hated to admit it...due to the bigoted politics of the magical world and her unfortunate status as a muggle-born - a second-class citizen, even if nobody would say it outright - it would be the only way for her friends to stay friends with her if one of them was sorted into the house of the snakes. At least if they still wished to stay in the good graces of the other pure-blooded houses. It would be political suicide otherwise seeing as a lot of the truly powerful families were all bigots.

Taking a deep breath to settle her nerves, knowing that she was about to take part in something that could kill her if she broke it, Hermione nodded. "Ok, let's do it."

"Are you two serious?" Aryanna asked surprised and deeply touched by her two friends' decision.

"Yes...yes I am... but let's do it quickly, before I lose my nerve," Hermione said forcing a weak smile onto her face in an attempt to hide just how nervous and scared she suddenly felt. Oaths were serious business and never to be taken lightly.

Aryanna needed no further invitation. Quickly taking out her wand she held it out. "I'll be the binder," she said excitedly. She could hardly believe what was happening. For her friends to willingly do this...it spoke volumes about their loyalty and their friendship. Children from magical families were usually sternly forbidden to even think about making an unbreakable vow. For her friends to go this far...well... she knew in the past children in magical families, even heirs, especially heirs, had been severely spanked...or even disowned for far less.

Quickly taking a piece of parchment and a quill out of her trunk Aryanna quickly jutted down the words of the vow they were going to use. Briefly showing it to her friends, each read it and then, after a few small alterations, each nodded showing that they were happy with the wording. Finally, seeing that they really were doing this, Susan and Hermione quickly took out their wands and held their wand tips together.

When they were ready Aryanna began to speak.

"I, Aryanna Jasmine Potter, do solemnly swear that I will always cherish and uphold the bonds of friendship with Susan Mary Bones and Hermione Jane Granger, no matter the houses we are sorted into at Hogwarts, and regardless of any challenges or obstacles that may come our way. I swear to stand by their sides through thick and thin, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to be a true and loyal friend until the end of my days. If I should break this vow, may... appropriate consequences fall upon me."

As soon as Aryanna had finished saying her vow a visible white glowing band of light suddenly shot out of the tip of her wand which then proceeded to spread and tie itself around the other two wands. A second later Susan quickly followed and said her own oath.

"I, Susan Mary Bones, do solemnly swear that I will always cherish and uphold the bonds of friendship with Aryanna Jasmine Potter and Hermione Jane Granger, no matter the houses we are sorted into at Hogwarts, and regardless of any challenges or obstacles that may come our way. I swear to stand by their sides through thick and thin, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to be a true and loyal friend until the end of my days. If I should break this vow, may appropriate consequences fall upon me"

As Susan finished her vow a second band of white light shot out of her wand to join Aryanna's as it too bound itself lightly around their wands. Now only Hermione was left to complete the Oath.

Not to be outdone Hermione then nervously said her part, "I, Hermione Jane Granger, do solemnly swear that I will always cherish and uphold the bonds of friendship with Aryanna Jasmine Potter and Susan Mary Bones, no matter the houses we are sorted into at Hogwarts, and regardless of any challenges or obstacles that may come our way. I accept their vows and swear to stand by their sides through thick and thin, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to be a true and loyal friend until the end of my days. Should I break this vow, may appropriate consequences fall upon me, up to and including severing my magical abilities and bringing about the gravest penalties."

Aryanna and Susan stared surprised at Hermione as she added the final few words and all three of them watched with bated breath as a golden band of light suddenly joined the two silvery bands. Deeply touched at the extra mile their friend went with the wording of her vow, the trio looked at each other then with a nod of trust and understanding each finished with three final words spoken in unison. Words that would complete the vow and seal their fates.

"So mote it be!"

The next either of them knew was a bright flash of blinding light so bright it lit up the whole cabin and could even be seen for miles outside, startling a muggle farmer in a near by field who looked into he sky as he waited for the sound of thunder. Then a sudden blast of magic blew the girls backward into their seats , emitting a surprised shriek from each of them, as the vow came into effect.

At that moment unknown to the girls, the Silver Crystal had been awake and witnessing the sacred vow.

Understanding the intricacies of the vow and what it meant, it had chosen to act and at the final moments had added its own power to the vow, strengthening the vow even further with an unexpected extra effect.

Taken completely by surprise Aryanna had no time to react as she suddenly felt the powers of her symbiont add itself to the already powerful vow and could only watch helplessly as the right to choose her future was forcefully taken from one of her best friends.

As the light of the vow finally died down, Aryanna and Susan stared at each other, suddenly noticing a sudden particular symbol briefly carve itself into their friend's forehead to glow and then disappear again second later. It was a circle with a crescent at the bottom, resembling a small circle atop a cross. Both girls instantly realized what had happened and could only stare in shocked disbelief at the sudden turn of events.