Sam couldn't sleep. The day's events kept replaying in her mind, making her more and more nervous. The day after tomorrow, she was going to be ''beamed''
up to a ship in space, called the Enterprise. There she was going to be temporarily adopted by a man named Data. Dumbledore had told her he was an
android, but he had an emotion chip. Sam sighed. This wasn't going to work. Quietly, she sat up, and noticed her roommates were sound asleep. So she got
up, tiptoed to the wardrobe, pulled out her broomstick, and crept out of the room. She was able to quietly and quickly open the bathroom window, and zoomed
out, on her broomstick. The cold wind in her face felt wonderful. She flew out toward the forest, staying as low as she could without disturbing the trees. This
was her favorite time of the day, after dark. Everyone was in bed, asleep, and most importantly, out of her face. She closed her eyes allowing the breeze to
ruffle her long dirty blond hair. That was a mistake. Her foot caught on a branch, and pulled her down. Luckily, her Quidditch reflexes kicked in in time to prevent
any injuries. But she still fell about fifteen feet, until the evil branch yanked her up. She was hanging upside down, held up bu the branch.
Sam stuffed her fist into her mouth, not wanting to draw too much attention to herself. Hearing running footsteps, she quickly pointed her wand at the
branch, and bracing herself for the impact, she muttered, "Diffindo!"
A second later, her face met the ground, followed by the rest of her. She opened her eyes a second later, and saw a pair of black dress shoes. A gentle male
voice spoke from above.
"Are you alright?"
Sam shook her head, to clear it, and rolled over. The pale face hovering upside down above her looked concerned. Sam sat up, reaching around for her
wand. After finding it, she felt the ground for her glasses. Data watched her, curious. He noticed her eyes seemed to be unfocused, and he looked down,
realizing why. Her glasses had fallen off, and were resting just near his right foot. In two pieces. He bent and picked them up, holding them out for her.
"I believe these are what you are searching for," he said kindly. Sam reached out and felt for the glasses, and grimaced as she picked them up.
"Man! Not Again!" she groaned. She pointed her wand at her glasses and said, "Occulus Reparo." The glasses were mended a second later. The second she put
them on, the blurry face of who she now knew was Data became clear. For a second she winced, thinking he was going to turn her in. He tilted his head
slightly, curious.
"Are you hurt? You hit the ground quite hard." Data said, looking her over for any injuries. Sam shook her head.
"No, I'm okay. Trust me, I've had worse."
"Is it not forbidden for students to be outside the castle at night?" Data asked.
she shrugged, looking down.
"Yeah, but I couldn't sleep, and flying helps me clear my mind."
"hmm. What is your name?"
"Samantha. I already know who you are, sir. Mr. Data." She gave him a small smile.
"You are the young lady I have been informed about. Samantha LaBrecque?" He asked, holding out his hand. Sam took it, and he helped her to her feet.
He brushed the dirt off her shoulders as she patted down her robe.
"I'm sorry if I startled you, sir. I didn't want to meet you upside down." she half joked.
"It is alright. I was curious as to why you were flying so late. Surely you have classes tomorrow?" Data asked. Sam Summoned her broomstick and held it under
her arm.
"No, Professor Dumbledore excused me for the day, so I can pack. What were you doing in these woods? Don't you know it's really dangerous here." she said,
glancing around the clearing.
"I had acquired permission from your headmaster to study the life forms her. However it seems I have scared them off. I hope you will forgive me."
Sam giggled. "No, it's ok, You didn't scare them off. These creatures are very...um...unique, shall I say? There's bowtruckles, little twig like creatures, in the
trees. Very territorial, they like stabbing people's eyes out if they disturb the trees." She said.
"There are no...deer, or squirrels, or hares?" Data asked. Sam looked around, slowly taking in the moonlit clearing.
"No. Thestrals, and unicorns, hypogriffs, nifflers, stuff like that. I have a book, you could borrow it if you'd like. It's very fascinating. "
"That would be very kind of you. Although it would have to wait until tomorrow. But What are 'thestrals'?" Data was very interested.
"They look like...well, they're big, kind of reptilian, but they're very sweet-natured. but they're considered bad luck because they can only be seen be those
who've seen death." Sam explained. Data gazed at her, his yellow eyes piercing.
"Are you able to see them?" He asked. Sam nodded.
"Unfortunately, yes." Data seemed to read from her face that she did not wish to discuss this further, so he quickly asked,
"And unicorns? I have researched these creatures, and have found that they are essentially a myth, a legend created for folk tales."
"They're real. But...they are very rare, and hard to approach. I got lucky once."
"How?" Data asked. Sam smiled, remembering the day it happened.
"Mr. Data...can you keep a secret?" She asked. She had a feeling that she could trust him, but she had to make sure.
"Unless it is a danger to your safety, or the safety of any other person, yes. Anything you ask me to keep to myself, I will not speak of to anyone else."
"This isn't like that. See...I can...communicate with animals. At least I can hear them call out for help. One day...when I was in my third year, I was helping
Hagrid clean up the front lawn. I...felt a kind of presence, in my mind. Crying, pleading for help. I followed the presence's path, which seemed to be getting
stronger the closer I got to it. It's ok, I thought, I can hear you. I'm coming. After a few minutes, I saw where it was coming from, ten feet away. He was a
young unicorn...he'd been stabbed and left to die by a heartless wizard who had vanished. There was blood everywhere.
"I wasn't even tempted to take the blood. Unicorn blood is extremely valuable. I was able to save the poor creature, by wrapping my robe
around his wound, and quickly going to Hagrid. He somehow healed the unicorn. As soon as he was healed, I couldn't communicate with him, but I was glad I
was able to help him."
"Is that not usual for this world?" Data asked. Sam shook her head.
"No. I don't like being in the spotlight, for any reason, which is why I kept it to myself all this time. Only when I hear a cry for help, I do answer
it if I can."
"that must be a very useful gift." Data mused.
Sam shrugged. "It can be, I guess. But sometimes I wish I didn't have it. Makes me nervous thinking someone will figure it out. I don't like having too much
attention. I've had enough to last me a while..."
They walked around the forest, making sure Data didn't get too close to the lawns. She told him all about Hogwarts, the classes, the teachers, and the castle
itself, which he was very curious about.
"I personally prefer it outside. It's always so cold, and depressing in the castle. And people are always bugging me."
"Where do you spend your free time, outside of your lessons?" Data asked. Sam smiled.
"Follow me." She lead him toward Hagrid's hut, and around it, toward the paddock. Muttering under her breath, she sent a Patronus to Hagrid, letting him
know she was there. He already knew she was leaving, and she was one of the few students he allowed near the animals. She tiptoed toward the gate,
motioning for Data to follow. Opening it, Sam eased the gate open, just enough to let Data and her in. Then she closed it quietly. Data glanced around, still not
sure of why she brought him there. He turned to face her. Sam help up a finger, letting him know to keep quiet, and walked over to the sleeping Buckbeak. He
opened one bleary eye, and slowly raised his head. Data's eyes shone with immense curiousity in the moonlight.
"Lumos Maxima." Sam whispered, pointing her wand up toward the sky. A ball of light burst from her wand, and floated about six feet over their
heads. Data glanced at it for a second, and then back at Buckbeak.
"Would you like to pat him? He's a sweet old boy, aren't you, Beaky?" Sam said, patting his head. Buckbeak started purring, and this made Data smile.
"He seems to like you." He noted.
"Yeah. I'm really attached to him. But there's something you have to know. Before you come any closer, you must bow to him. and if he bows back, which I
think he will, then you can slowly approach him." Sam tugged on Buckbeak's chain, letting him stand up. He eyed Data with the same friendly curious stare.
Data slowly bent, giving a polite bow. After a few seconds, Buckbeack bowed back. Sam motioned for Data to come closer. He took a few steps toward
Buckbeak, but about halfway there, she held out her hand.
"Ok, now let him come to you." Sam said softly, not wanting to frighten the hyppogriff. Buckbeak slowly pawed his way toward Data, still staring at him
curiously. Sam went over to Data, and told him to hold out his hand, palm up. He did, and Buckbeak nuzzled his hand. Data seemed to like it, because he
chuckled softly.
"What a magnificent creature!" He said.
"He likes it when you rub his beak. Yeah, like that. Aw, he likes you, Mr. Data!"
Buckbeak indeed liked him. He kept nuzzling his hand, and was purring louder than Sam had ever heard him do. Data seemed to be enjoying himself.
For about a half hour, they both hung out in the paddock with Buckbeak. Then Sam looked at her watch and realized it was nearly two thirty in the
morning.
"I have a quiddich practice in the morning, I have to try to get a little bit of sleep. you can come if you want, you might like it. Just don't be surprised if I fall off
my broomstick again. I'm known for that." Sam joked. Data didn't look amused.
"Perhaps that is a sign that you must practice more." he said.
"Yeah, I know. I think it's part of my hearing disability. But it's the only thing I can do without hurting my leg."
"Then we shall part ways for now. I wish you a good night." Data said, smiling kindly at her. Sam gave him a shy smile, and hopped back onto her broomstick.
Just a few hours later, Sam was woken up by Rubin, her owl.
"Alright, alright, don't get your tail feathers in a twist." She said, getting up.
The rest of the team was already on the field, groggy eyed and not bushy tailed.
Harry called all of them over to him, with an announcement.
"We have a few guests with us today, but don't worry, Dumbledore knows. Now, today, is Samantha's last day with us, so let's have fun,
alright? You are already a great team, but today let's all just enjoy the sport."
"You bloody git. You dragged us out of bed to-" Sam glared at Fred, pursing her lips. He shut up, cringing slightly. Sam heard a burst of laughter from behind
her, and turned to see Mr. Riker, his shoulders shaking slightly as he laughed silently. Data was sitting next to him, along with the Captain, and Mr. Worf, the
Klingon. A dark haired woman was sitting next to him.
Great, I'm in the spotlight. Oh well. At least I can ride my broom one last time. She thought.
"Alright, let's go. Fred, George, spread out, and watch the Wards. We don't need anyone getting fried." Harry said.
Sam glanced behind her one last time, giving Data a smiling nod. He looked a little nervous, watching Sam as she kicked off, hard. A second later she was
gone. she heard the officers all gasp, surprised.
"Look at her go!"
"Wow, that actually looks like fun."
She giggled, soaring off toward the posts. Sam was a Chaser, which meant it was her job, along with the other two Chasers, to make goals in the hoops of the
other team, her leg gave way, and she could see Data stand up, watching her. Nothing you can do, she thought. Just let it pass. There we go, that's better. Whoa!
A dodge to the left, another middle, two more rights. Ooh! That one was close! I'm gonna feel that one in the morning if I'm not careful. Whoosh! She tossed that
one back with her foot.
She began to sweat after about twenty minutes of moving back and forth, up and down, on her broom. But the breeze took care of that. After a few
minutes, Harry blew his whistle, calling out,
"Ok, stop! Let's take a break." Deciding to show off, Sam whizzed down toward the ground, straight at the stands. The Enterprise officers took a few seconds
to realize Sam was flying straight at them. They leaned back, just as she swerved to the side, jumping off her broomstick.
"Wow, that was incredible!" Mr. Riker said, smiling widely.
"Indeed. Where'd you learn that kind of skill?" The captain asked. Sam shrugged.
"I guess it just comes naturally."
"You are very talented at this game. I did notice that you seemed to slip a little, at one point. Are you alright?" Data asked.
"Yeah, sometimes my leg gives out on me, but it only lasts a few seconds." Sam sat down on the cool grass, grabbing a water jug from the basket next to
Ginny.
"Ugh, I hate practice. I wanted to finish reading my book last night, but Hermione chased me up to my dorm. Gah! I don't have to worry about O.W.L. s for
another five months!"
"O.W.L.s?" Data asked, confused.
"Ordinary Wizarding Levels. They are tests done on students in their fifth year to see how well they've learned in the past five years. It also determines what
we are able to do for classes in our final two years here."
"hmm." Data said, again curious.
"They suck! It's not even time for them and they're making life hard for us." Ginny plopped down on the grass, lying on her back.
"Why aren't you stressing about them?" She asked Sam.
"Are you kidding? I study for about an hour every night. As soon as I found out I was able to come here, my mom let me know that I was gonna get good
grades whether I liked it or not."
"You're smart for studying every night. Not many students would do that." Riker said. Sam nodded.
"Especially now. But I like it. Studying gives me something to rely on that I know won't let me down."
"Alright! Back up on the brooms! We got forty minutes before breakfast and I don't want any of you complaining that you didn't have enough time to eat. Go
on, now." They got up off the grass, and headed for their brooms. This time the sun was shining a little brighter and warming up the grounds.
Just as Sam was kicking off from the ground, again, her leg gave way, but she quickly regained control.
"Hey tipsy, try to stay on your broom this time! haha." Sam turned around in time to see Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherin team making their way onto the
field.
"Jerk..." Sam muttered. She noticed a large mud puddle right in front of Malfoy. This gave her an idea. Glancing over at Mr. Data, she gave him a small grin, and
a wink, and flew off in the direction of the post. I'll show you tipsy...She flew straight at Malfoy. Again, out of the corner of her eye she saw Data stand up,
watching her. But this time, he had a slight grin on his face; he knew what she was going to do. Fortunately, the Slytherins didnot. At the last second, she
kicked at the puddle, and Malfoy was covered in it. Then she did a sharp turn, and flew up toward the post, before he could retaliate. Harry nearly fell off his
broom laughing so hard. Sam smirked at him. The rest of the team snickered as well.
"Betcha can't do that, can ya, Malfoy? Head too heavy for ya?" Sam called. Mr. Riker was roaring with laughter, while the others looked stunned. Malfoy
coughed and spluttered, as he and the rest of the team left. Oh well. They weren't even
supposed to be here anyway, we'd book ed the pitch this morning.
This time Sam worked harder, determined to show up the Slytherins. She knew they were still watching from the castle. thirty five minutes later, they all sat
stretched out on the grass, enjoying the last few minutes before the practice ended.
After, Sam made her way up to the castle, headed for the Common Room, to pack with a heavy heart. She showered, pulled on a clean uniform, and packed her
trunk.
That night, she went to bed early. She didn't want to be cranky when she saw Mr. Data again. She knew it was for the best, but was still nervous. The last
thought before she drifted off to sleep was I hope he doesn't get angry at me for having nightmares...
After another fitful night, she woke up the next morning, pulled on her uniform, and grabbed her trunk, and backpack. She tried dragging the heavy trunk down
the stairs, but it was too loud and heavy. So she levitated it, and set it down outside the common room. Sam made her way toward the Great Hall, where she
was supposed to meet the teachers. When she got there, only Professor Snape was there. He turned when he saw her, raising an eyebrow at the sight of her
red, sweaty face.
"You're overexerting yourself, Miss LaBrecque. Allow me," He waved his wand, and her trunk shrank to the size of a ring box. Sam picked it up, and put it into
her pocket.
"The Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, and I shall be going with you for a few moments, and I will set your trunk back when we get on the ship."
"Ah, Miss LaBrecque. Good, you're on time. Of course, I knew you would be." Sam turned and saw Professor Dumbledore sweeping toward them, Professor
McGonagall behind him. Sam nodded, smiling slightly. She noticed Dumbledore had Fawkes on his shoulder. He gave the phoenix a small nod, and the bird
vanished.
"While we wait for him to return, I should give you this." Snape handed Sam a small box. She glanced up at him, frowning slightly.
"It is the supply of the potions you will need. I have given you a replenishing potion, and a Slow Healing potion for your leg. I did not put in any sleeping
draught. You must learn to sleep without the aid of a potion." Snape said.
Sam nodded, staring at the box. A few seconds later, there was a poof! and Fawke's tail feather appeared in front of Dumbledore's face.
"Alright, now everyone stand still." He said. Sam felt a tingling feeling around her midriff. Oh, no, not Apparating!
A second later, they were stainding on a white platform of some kind, and the crew of the Enterprise was standing in front of it, gazing up at them. Sam shook
her head, slightly dizzy.
"Ah. Welcome to the Enterprise." The captain said, holding out his arms in welcome.
Sam noticed Fawkes had made himself comfortable on Mr. Data's shoulder. Dumbledore chuckled,
"I see Fawkes has made a friend. Hello, Mr. Data. I hope he is not making you uncomfortable." Data reached up, and gently patted Fawkes, who closed his
eyes contentedly.
"No, sir. I find him to be quite fascinating. Your owl seems to have taken a liking to Leiutenent Worf." He said the last to Sam, glancing over at the Klingon. Sam
smiled widely as she noticed Rubin perched happily on Mr. Worf's shoulder. He looked slightly uneasy. Sam held out her arm, and called the owl's name. She
turned her tawny head, giving Mr. Worf one long, reproachful stare, which he returned with a nonblinking one. She flew onto Sam's arm. Mr. Worf seemed to
relax.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"It's alright, I am just not experienced with Earth creatures that are wild, yet...gentle."
Worf reminded Sama lot of Hagrid; gruff but gentle.
"Come, I'm sure you would like to see some of the ship. Mr Data, why don't you show Samantha to her quarters? I'm sure she'd like to settle in, and she's got
a lot of time to get a tour."
"Of course, sir. Samantha, if you'll come with me."
Sam followed him out into a long, brightly lit corridor. She looked around, curious.
"Wow. It's so big! How do you keep from getting lost?"
"We have a map, in the ship's computer that allows us to keep track of where we are at all times." Data said.
"By the way, you can call me Sam if you want. I kind of feel uncomfortable when people call me Samantha. "
"Why?" Data asked
"Well, when I was younger, if I was in trouble, that's what my mom, or teacher would call me. My mom would say my full name, which meant I was in deep
deep trouble."
"I see. I noticed when you were outside, yesterday, after quiddich, your friends addressed you as Sammy." Data said. Sam giggled.
"Yeah. It's what my really close friends call me. But it's spelled S-A-M-I. I try my hardest to be unique. I don't like being ordinary. You can call me that, too, if you
want. I hate formal titles."
"Ah."
They walked along the the corridor, got into what Data called the turbolift, which was like an elevator. When they got out, he lead her down a few more
corridors, and soon they came to one where the headmaster, Professor Snape, and McGonagall were waiting, with the captain.
"This is where you will be staying." Mr. Data said, gesturing to the door behind the others.
"There you are, Data. the teachers wish to step into Samantha's quarters for a moment, to place protective charms in there." The captain explained.
"Just a precaution, I do hope it won't be too much trouble." Dumbledore politely said.
"Of course," Data answered. He tapped a keypad next to the door, which slid open. He stepped to the side, and gestured to Sam saying, "After
you."
Sam stepped into the brightly lit room. There were long, thin windows along the opposite wall, looking out at the stars. The floor was simple, yet nice tan
carpeting. A sofa sat on the left, in front of the windows, and a coffe table. Further down, on the other side of the sofa, was a doorway, which Sam could tell
led to the bedroom. She looked to her right, to see a desk, chair, and what looked like a strange shelf built into the wall, that was the main source of light.
"That is a replicator. It can make a variety of foods, and drinks, should you get thirsty. " The captain said. Professor Snape called,
"Miss LaBrecque, I must fix your trunk. "
Sam reached into her pocket and pulled out the small trunk, and set it on the ground. Snape waved his wand, and it grew back to it's normal size with a loud
pop!
The captain looked surpised.
"Ha, I still can't get used to this magic thing." He said. Sam giggled.
"Yes, it does take some getting used to. I find that a lot of students, muggleborns, are stunned, so to speak, when the first learn to perform spells. They've
been taught that it's make believe, but then all of a sudden they find out that it is in fact real." Dumbledore said, chuckling at the captain's reaction.
"I have something for you, as well." Professor Snape said, reaching into his robe pocket, and pulling out a brown paper wrapped package, about the size of a
coffee can.
"It contains two years supply of the potions you will need, as well as a few gifts from the rest of the staff. " He handed it to her. She took it, and carefully
placed it on her trunk.
"Well, Severus, we must be going, classes will be starting shortly, and I'm sure neither of you wish to be late. Miss LaBrecque, this is goodbye for now."
Dumbledore said. He reached out his arms, and Sam hugged him, fighting back the tears. She didn't want either Data or Professor Snape to see her cry.
Dumbledore hugged me tightly. He bent to her level, patting her shoulder. He looked her in the eye, and said,
"You will be alright, child. Mr. Data will take good care of you. Don't cry."
That did not help; Sam felt a tear slide down her cheek. Dumbledore patted her shoulder and stepped away, letting Professor McGonagall stand in front of her.
"You have been an exceptional student. In all of my years of teaching, I have never met a student as strong as you."
Professor Mcgonagall hugged her as well, and stepped back, beside the headmaster. Snape reached out, to shake her hand. Sam shook it, and he
gave her a small smile.
"You have indeed been an excellent student. I am confident that while you are here, you will complete your education with great success. Goodbye for now, Miss LaBrecque ."
After the captain left, to escort the teachers back to the Transporter room, Sam was alone with Data.
"Do you require a moment alone?" he asked, noticing that Sam was tearing up a little. She wiped her eyes.
"No, sir. I'm ok. I'm just going to miss them, is all."
"The Captain wishes for you to join us for dinner tonight, if it is agreeable to you."
Sam hesitated slightly. She hated crowds, and being in the spotlight.
"I will understand if you do not wish to attend. I do remember you telling me that you are uneasy with crowds." Data said, with an
understanding voice. Sam looked up into his eyes, and saw kindness, and understanding. She knew she would be ok as long as he was with her.
"Will you be going as well? I think I'll be alright with you there."
"Of course I shall be joining you. And especially now that I am aware that my presence will ease your discomfort." Data gently patted her shoulder, smiling
kindly at her. Sam smiled back at him.
"Should I change into something a little more appropriate? Or stay in my uniform...?"
"Your uniform is sufficient. But I do believe it is time for you to take your daily potion."
She opened the package, and sure enough, there was a small crate with phials in it, labeled
Daily Replenishing Potion, and Weekly Healing Potion. She picked up on of the replenishing potions, unstoppered it, and downed it. Her nose wrinkled and
she shuddered.
"Blech, tastes like vomit." She cringed. Data looked like he was holding back a chuckle.
Sam spotted a mirror on the wall nearby. Taking off her robe, she walked toward the mirror, and straightened her tie.
Data escorted her to what he called the Observation Room, where the rest of the crew, and the captain were all waiting around a beautifully set table. Again,
the room had large windows on the opposite side, which looked out at the bright stars.
"Welcome to the Observation room. Normally this is a briefing room for when the crew and I must discuss missions. But for tonight, it will serve as a dining
room." The captain said, gesturing to the table.
Data pulled out a chair, which Sam thanked him for, and sat down. He sat next to her, and the rest of the crew sat down as well. There were plates and bowls
of all kinds of great looking foods, all of which were her favorites.
"Professor Dumbledore has told me of your favorite foods. I thought it would make you feel more comfortable."
Sam felt a wave of fondness for Data, realizing how much effort he was putting into this.
