Chapter 55: The Ancient One
Though not a complete cure, anything was better than nothing.
Being controlled by someone? Ava was used to it. Even if fully cured, she'd never consider betraying Hermione.
Just look at the carnage around her. Betray one second, dead the next.
What good was being cured if you couldn't survive to enjoy it?
Wait, hold on...
What did she just say...?
Ava's expression suddenly sharpened.
Magic?
After the initial joy, Ava finally processed it. Stared at Hermione in shock.
Hermione casually flicked her wand, shooting out sparks. Grinned. "I'm a witch!"
Ava's jaw dropped. "Huh?"
Took her a while to digest this fact.
A witch... no wonder she has such incredible abilities.
This is... perfect!
The stronger Hermione was, the greater her hope of full recovery.
S.H.I.E.L.D. can go to hell. From now on, she's Miss Witch's devoted follower!
Hermione cast another Homenum Revelio.
At her current magical level, pushing the spell to its limit could only stabilize the magical effect on Ava for about seven days.
Meaning she'd need to recast every week.
Ava took it well. First time in her life experiencing such relief.
So this is what normal people feel like... Ava nearly cried.
"Thank you so much!"
"I'm Hermione Granger. Just call me by name. No need for titles. Sounds awkward."
Hermione indicated she could be casual.
Only because the other party was now one of her own. Definitely not because of any pretty older sister.
"Ava." Hermione suddenly said.
"Mm?"
"Go back to S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Huh?"
Ava froze. Stammered, "W-what do you mean?"
Seeing Ava's panic, Hermione explained. "I'm not abandoning you. You just don't have much use following me around. Might as well go back to S.H.I.E.L.D. as an informant. Feed me intel."
She genuinely hadn't figured out how to deploy her yet.
Ava sighed in relief.
Then thought of something. Looked troubled. "But your magic's still active. I can't phase anymore..."
"No problem."
Hermione had anticipated this. Produced an item. Handed it to Ava.
"This is an Invisibility Cloak. Wear it and you can toggle between invisible and visible. Keep pretending your ability's intact."
She'd crafted this following Nicolas Flamel's alchemical notes.
His life's research was recorded in the Magic Book's Alchemy section. Tons of useful knowledge.
With this alone, she was already a master alchemist.
Of course, this was just practice work. Couldn't compare to the legendary Deathly Hallow. Could be detected by magical means. But good enough for Ava.
Ava examined the cloak curiously. Put it on. Discovered she could actually turn invisible. Delighted. "Perfect!"
"Director, you're gonna be busy now."
Looking at the rubble, Hermione thought.
Just as she prepared to leave, everything before her suddenly shattered like glass.
Flames, debris—everything froze. As if she'd entered a space outside reality.
"Mirror Dimension!"
Hermione cried out. Apparated instantly.
But next second, appeared directly beside a glass-like spatial barrier.
THUD!
Clear collision sound.
Escape failed.
"Ow ow ow..."
Hermione clutched her nose, tears welling.
Lv3 Apparition couldn't break through the Mirror Dimension's seal. She'd teleported... but could only move within the space. Hit the barrier—forced manifestation.
Hermione had her suspicions. Rubbing her reddened nose, cautiously turned around.
Sure enough. Somehow, not far behind stood a bald woman in yellow robes.
Hermione: "..."
Flashed a sweet smile. Quickly walked toward the Ancient One. Gently grabbed her hand, swaying. "Oh! The Sorcerer Supreme herself! Hermione's admired you forever! Finally meeting you!"
The Ancient One let Hermione hold her hand. Said flatly, "Then why'd you run?"
"Got startled. Instinctive reaction." Hermione sneaked a glance at the Ancient One. Focused on the Magic Book, ready to flee to Hogwarts anytime.
I don't believe you can follow across dimensions!
Seeing no reaction, Hermione's eyes darted. Continued, "I wonder what you want with me? I'm just a small witch. Can't compare to Kamar-Taj..."
Cut off mid-sentence.
"'Everyone at Kamar-Taj sucks. God knows how the Ancient One trained...'" The Ancient One's smile was knowing.
Hermione's smile froze.
Why do you love eavesdropping so much?
"Master Ancient One, you must understand! I'm just a kid. What bad intentions could I have? Just bragging. Please don't take it seriously!"
Hermione wiped non-existent tears.
The Ancient One smiled, glancing at the surrounding remains.
"Right, right... they attacked me! According to law—I have the right to self-defense!"
Seeing the Ancient One's expression of "Continue," Hermione's face fell. Gave up. "Just tell me what you want. I won't run."
"Don't worry. I mean no harm. Just wanted to meet you." The Ancient One said calmly. "Besides, if you truly wanted to leave, I couldn't stop you."
Hermione's expression sharpened.
How can she be sure? Unless...
Reading Hermione's thoughts, the Ancient One nodded. "Correct. Though the future's no longer clear, within that blur—your shadow lingers."
Hermione wanted to ask more. The Ancient One suddenly said, "Little witch, people will arrive soon. Care to visit Kamar-Taj?"
After a moment's hesitation, Hermione nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Master Ancient One."
Already caught anyway. Might as well be gracious. Perfect chance to learn about these mages.
Seeing Hermione agree, the Ancient One waved. A portal crackling with orange sparks appeared.
Crossing the portal, Hermione found herself in a courtyard.
Looking around, she recognized this as the place from the movies—the square before Kamar-Taj where mages trained.
Watching mages still practicing—raising shields, slashing, creating energy constructs—Hermione was bemused. Couldn't help glancing at the Ancient One.
You sure these are mages?
The Ancient One smiled. "Casting ranged spells requires considerable power. Not all mystic sorcerers can manage it."
Hermione shrugged. Noncommittal.
In her worldview, mages should stay as artillery. What's with the melee combat?
The Ancient One said nothing more. Led Hermione indoors.
Soon, a mage brought tea.
Hermione took a sip. Eyes lit up.
"Mm! Delicious!"
She felt a cool sensation spread through her mind. Mental power increased noticeably.
The Magic Book's vibrations made Hermione even happier.
Legilimency proficiency +1+1+1...
Occlumency proficiency +1+1+1...
Though it didn't increase magical power, it boosted mental magic proficiency considerably. More importantly—finer magical control.
Like Legilimency. Before, reading memories felt like aimlessly flipping through books. Now she could directly target specific information.
"Glad you like it."
The Ancient One's face retained its serene smile.
"Now then, Miss Witch. Can you tell me—where exactly do you come from?"
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