A/N: Just a little filler because I have a bit of writer's block right now. Things are not all that dandy at home right now and I apologise for the wait between chapters.
But still: Enjoy!
I laughed, watching Lily ride around the rec room on Jim's shoulders. At four years old she had pretty much the entire crew wrapped around her little finger, but especially Jim. He adored his goddaughter and jumped at every opportunity to spend time with her. Scotty squeezed my hand and I turned my gaze on him to return his smile. I leaned forward and brushed my lips against his. Jim had set Lily down and now she stood in front of me. I smiled and lifted her onto my lap. Jim flopped down on the chair across from us.
"So… five year mission almost over." He said.
It was true. At this point we were only a week away from earth. The crew would have a month of leave before we'd be sent out again on smaller missions.
"Have you got any plans for your leave?" Jim asked.
"Mrs. Weasley invited us to the Burrow for a 'Welcome Home' dinner – that includes the whole Command Crew, by the way." I replied. "And I've got nine tickets for the finale of the Quidditch World Cup – enough for all of us."
Jim grinned.
"Count me in. I really want to see that game you like so much."
The Command Crew were the last ones to leave the ship. After storing our bags in the luggage compartments and strapping Lily into the seat Scotty and I had designed to fit both in a car and a shuttle we took our seats.
"Shuttle crew, stand by for lift-off." Hikaru said from the pilot's seat.
Shortly after we left the shuttle bay and got our first look at earth in five years.
Hikaru landed perfectly as usual – he wasn't the best (and craziest) pilot in the fleet for nothing. Scotty had our bags, I carried Lily to make sure she wouldn't get lost between people walking every which way in the hangar. I turned to the others.
"So, come to my apartment tomorrow evening at six thirty and we'll go over to the Burrow for dinner. Take overnight bags with you, we'll sleep in my house in London. See you then." I explained.
"See you then, Amy." Jim grinned, giving me a two-finger-salute.
We waved to them and exited the hangar in the direction of our apartment that already had three bedrooms so it had had been easy to have one of the two we hadn't used before turned into a room for Lily. I had messaged Kreacher to get it done before we arrived because he was pretty much in charge of my other house elves when I wasn't on-planet. Lily looked around in wonder as we walked through San Francisco. She had never seen earth before and despite how much of other planets' cultures and architectures mixed into ours it was still very different from anything Lily had encountered before. It was a beautiful and wonderful thing to see her eyes sparkle whenever she discovered something new. She walked between Scotty and I, each of us holding one of her hands and taking turns answering her numerous questions. I couldn't help but be happy that time on the Enterprise was the same as in San Francisco so we wouldn't have to deal with jet-lag.
That evening I tucked Lily into her new bed, smiling at her and kissing her forehead.
"Sleep tight, my little star." I whispered. "Sweet dreams."
"You too, Mummy." Lily replied, hugging the stuffed animals she'd gotten from her godparents for her first Christmas. (A classic teddy bear from Bones, a lion from Nyota, a sehlat from Spock, and a bunny from Jim)
I smiled again and left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. I joined Scotty on the couch in the living room, snuggling up to him. He gave me one of his bright grins and cupped my cheek, leaning down to brush his lips against mine. Warmth flowed through me over our bond, showing me all the love he couldn't put into words. I leaned my forehead against his, returning everything he gave me. He brushed my hair from my eyes and kissed me again.
"I love you." I whispered. "So, so much. I fall in love with you every day all over again."
"As I do with ye, lass. I'll never stop lovin' ye. And if yer kisses were poison I'd still drink it like the finest of wines."
"You don't drink wine." I giggled.
"I'm tryin ta be romantic here, lassie." He groaned but couldn't keep the laugh from his voice. "Ye've destroyed our moment."
"I'm sorry." I murmured, stroking his cheek. "How about I make it up to you in the bedroom?"
I trailed my free hand up the inside of his thigh, squeezing lightly when I saw his pupils dilate. I rose from my seat on the couch and walked to the bedroom, adding extra sway to my hips. (the effect was amplified by the tight jeans I was wearing) I could hear Scotty quickly following me. He entered the room only seconds after me.
"Don't forget the silencing charms." I purred.
Scotty touched the small silver plaque on the wall right above the light switch, activating the silencing charms that would make sure we wouldn't wake Lily with our activities. He didn't even bother switching the light on before his lips were devouring mine, his hands fumbling with the buttons of my blouse. I batted them away and smirked seductively.
"I'm in charge now." I purred, slowly opening the buttons on his shirt one by one while pushing him towards the bed.
His legs gave out and he sat down on the mattress when I slipped the shirt off his shoulders. I licked my lips at the sight of his toned chest. I gently caressed his skin and kissed along his jaw and collarbones while working on the buckle of his belt and sliding it free of its loops. My husband seemed content in allowing me to take the wheel. Every now and then he would steal a kiss. I smirked and decided not to wait any longer. I made quick work of the button and zipper, his shoes and socks having been discarded when he entered our bedroom.
"Lie down." I ordered as soon as Scotty was in nothing but his boxer shorts, his clear erection straining against the fabric.
He obeyed and I moved to kneel above him. I leaned down and pressed my lips to his, opening my mouth to allow him entrance. His hands roamed my body, re-exploring every square inch of my skin as I did with him.
"I love you." I whispered before kissing him again.
We continued like this for a few more minutes before it got too much. I pushed back into my kneeling position and snapped my fingers, causing what little clothing we had kept on to disappear. I couldn't hold the moan when Scotty's leaking erection brushed my entrance. I reached down to test if I was ready for him, not missing the way he licked his lips at the sight. Taking hold of his throbbing member I slowly impaled myself on it, letting out a long breath as he filled me. Scotty took my wrist and licked the finger I had used to feel myself clean before pulling my face down for a heated kiss. I started rocking and rolling my hips, my breathing growing more laboured. Scotty eventually couldn't take my slow pace any more and flipped us over, holding my wrists above my head.
"I have ye at me mercy." He growled, his accent thickening with his arousal. "I can do whatever I want with ye."
"Then do it." I smirked and cried out as he pulled almost all the way out only to slam back in.
My husband set a brutal pace, reducing me to a moaning, writhing mess under him. My release was approaching quickly, causing my walls to pulse around Scotty's length and I clung to him as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over me. We rode out our orgasm and Scotty pulled out after we caught our breath. We lay down on our sides, our foreheads touching, our legs entangled with each other's. I met my husband's eyes and smiled before wriggling out of his grasp.
"We should put on some clothes in case Lily comes to us." I explained at his questioning glance.
He nodded and stood up as well. I pulled on a nightgown and a fresh pair of panties while Scotty slipped into a new pair of boxers and pyjama pants. We lay down again, finding our positions from before. I smiled softly at Scotty before closing my eyes and relaxing completely.
"Alright." I looked into every face gathered in the living room. "Everyone get a hold on the portkey."
"I didnea try this one yet." Scotty remarked, grabbing the three foot of rope I was holding up for everyone to see. "But I guess it's just as unpleasant as every magical transportation."
I just sent him a smile as I took a hold on the rope myself, holding Lily's hand tightly with my free one.
"Don't panic, everyone." I cautioned. "It will be disorienting and unpleasant but you won't get hurt."
I had just gotten the words out when the rope glowed blue and we were ripped into the swirling vortex, landing in the backyard of the Burrow moments later. I was surprised to see that everyone had landed on their feet, Lily being kept from falling over by my grip on her hand. Probably because of our experience with keeping on our feet when the floor tilted every which way.
"Everyone okay?" I asked.
"I knew it." Scotty muttered.
"Your warning was most definitely warranted." Spock commented. "The sensation was certainly unpleasant and disorienting."
In that moment the door opened and the core of the Weasley clan filed out. I barely had time to let go of Lily's hand before Mrs. Weasley pulled me into one of her trademark hugs. I smiled, patted her back, and succeeded in wriggling out of her grasp. Next thing she did was give everyone (including a very uncomfortable looking Spock) a hug as well. Then Lily walked up to her and smiled brightly.
"Hi, I'm Lillian Amelia Potter-Scott but you can call me Lily!"
Mrs. Weasley's eyes watered a little as she knelt despite not being the youngest any more.
"And you can call me grandma." She said softly, gently squeezing Lily to her chest.
Lily slung her arms around Mrs. Weasley's neck and squeezed back before she let go.
"Thanks, Grandma." She whispered and I saw Mrs. Weasley forcibly hold back a sob.
I smiled at Mrs. Weasley.
"She's taking after the Potter side of the family." I explained. "Constantly running around with Jim and causing trouble. Once she'll get to Hogwarts she'll be a worthy successor of the Marauder Legacy."
"Will she?" Fred grinned.
"Splendid news!" George added. "We will have to teach her in the Ways so she will be ready in time."
I just rolled my eyes at the twins.
Dinner passed as usual, with Mrs. Weasley attempting to stuff everyone, Mr. Weasley asking my companions curious questions about technology, jokes, stories, and much laughing. Mrs. Weasley had cooked enough to feed the entire, fully staffed Enterprise, and did her best to stuff all of us with comments about how thin we all looked. That, in turn, caused some sputtering from Bones because he was the one overseeing our diets. After dessert the twins herded everyone outside to give a show of their fireworks, even creating a beautiful copy of the Enterprise that soared over our heads. Everyone applauded after that and then it was time to go. Our farewells induced another round of hugs.
"How are ve going to go to London?" Pavel asked, sounding nervous. "Not ze rope again?"
I smiled and shook my head.
"No. And we're not flooing either, Scotty. I'll take you in groups and apparate to my house."
"Great." Scotty shuddered. "Even worse."
I chuckled and grasped Jim's and Bones' hands.
"Hold on and don't panic. It could be a little nauseating."
With that I turned on the spot and appareated to the alley I usually used when I needed to go to Grimmauld Place.
"Wait here and try to breathe. I'll explain later." I instructed my wheezing and coughing friends after a splinter check and went to get the others.
We stood in a row on Grimmauld Place, our faces turned to the row of houses. Scotty and I shared a grin and I pressed a small piece of parchment into Jim's hand.
"Read silently, memorise, and give it to the next person. Last one drop it." I ordered.
The others did as told and Hikaru yelped in surprise and jumped back when the parchment went out in flames at his feet.
"What the-!"
"Magical Self-Destruct." I shrugged. "Now remember what was on that parchment."
The reactions to Number 12 Grimmauld Place appearing between numbers 11 and 13 were varied from rising eyebrows (Spock) to surprised gasps and jumping back (Jim and Hikaru).
Scotty and I led them inside.
"Welcome to the ancestral home of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black." I grinned, repeating the words I had said to Scotty when he had first seen the house.
"Kreacher!" I called.
The old house elf appeared with the familiar loud crack and bowed deeply to Scotty and I.
"Kreacher is very glad to see his Mistress and Master return unharmed." He said. "You have brought guests?"
"I told you about them. The Command Crew of the USS Enterprise." I nodded.
"Kreacher prepared the rooms as his Mistress instructed."
"Very good, Kreacher, thank you. I think we'll go to bed right away. "
I looked to my friends and saw nods of agreement.
"If you will follow Kreacher he will bring you to your rooms."
Scotty, Lily and I watched the others disappear upstairs. Then Kreacher came back and bowed to Lily.
"Miss Lillian." He greeted her. "I am Kreacher. It is my duty to obey all of your commands."
"He will obey if you ask him nicely." I corrected. "Never forget to say please and thank you."
Lily nodded and smiled at Kreacher.
"Hi Kreacher. You can call me Lily."
"As you wish, Miss Lily."
"Good night, Kreacher." I smiled.
"Good night, Mistress, Master, Miss Lily."
I lifted Lily up and brought her to the room Kreacher had prepared for her. I tucked her in.
"Mummy?"
"Yes, little star?"
"Why did Kreacher call you Mistress?"
"Kreacher is a house elf. House elves are bound to a family for life and have to obey that family." I explained, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Many families who have house elves are not nice to them. But we are. We're nice to our house elves because they have thoughts and emotions just like we do. Do you understand, Lily?"
"Yes, I do, Mummy."
"Good." I kissed her forehead. "Sleep well, Daddy and I are just across from your room."
"You too, Mummy."
I left Lily's room and went into the master bedroom where Scotty was already waiting in bed. I returned his grin and changed before slipping under the covers next to him. We just lay there for a moment, grinning at each other like fools.
"Have I ever told ye how beautiful ye are?" Scotty asked after a minute, brushing my hair away from my face.
"Only about a million times." I replied with a wide smile and kissed him. "I love you so much, Montgomery Scott."
"If I ever stop lovin' ye, feel free ta beat me back ta me senses."
I just giggled in response and he pulled me close, one arms around my waist, the other around my shoulders. We fell asleep like that, entangled with each other."
I woke up to Scotty smiling at me which was unusual, seeing as normally I woke up before him.
"Mornin', gorgeous." He murmured.
"Morning to you too, handsome." I replied.
He cupped my face, his thumb gently caressing my cheekbone before he carded his fingers through my hair. I took his hand and pressed a kiss to his palm, keeping my eyes on his as he tenderly touched my lips.
"I love you." I whispered.
"Is breá liom tú." My husband said.
I stretched contently and grinned as Scotty grabbed my waist and turned so I landed on top of him. I enjoyed the feeling of skin on skin. One of his rough hands rested on my lower back, the other slowly traced up my spine and came to rest on the back of my neck. He pulled my head down for a deep kiss and started caressing my bare hip. Then he got to my most ticklish spot and I couldn't help but giggle. A mischievous smirk formed on my husband's lips as he flipped us over, held both my wrists in one hand and started attacking every single ticklish spot on my body. And oh did he know them after having spent hours on end mapping all the spots that drew different kinds of noises from me. It didn't take long before I was screaming with laughter, Scotty grinning at me.
"Stop!" I gasped. "Stop! C-Can't... breathe!"
He finally stopped and pressed another kiss to my lips. I was gasping for breath and still giggling. Scotty was still grinning and pulled me back into his arms. There was a knock on the door. I sighed.
"Come in!" I called.
Kreacher entered.
"Your friends are having breakfast and asking for you." He said.
"Tell them we'll be down in a bit. Is Lily there too?"
"Miss Lily is eating as well." Kreacher replied and left the room.
I turned back to Scotty.
"We should get up and join the others."
Scotty nodded after a moment and sat up. After another kiss we slipped out from under the covers and got dressed.
We went downstairs to the kitchen that was just as full and lively as in the days when the Order had resided in the house. Bones was sitting there, inhaling the mugs of coffee Kreacher continued to place in front of him. Hikaru, Pavel, Jim, and Lily were devouring stacks of pancakes, Spock looked satisfied with the assortment of fruit and vegetables on his plate, and Nyota was having some eggs and bacon. Scotty and I sat down and Kreacher immediately came over to us.
"What can Kreacher serve his noble Mistress and Master for breakfast?" He asked.
"Some toast, eggs, and bacon would be lovely, thank you, Kreacher." I smiled.
A deep bow later Kreacher was once again standing at the stove, while slices of bread toasted and buttered themselves.
"Hey!"
I looked over at Jim who was just swallowing another huge bite of pancakes.
"Why do you two get the Mistress and Master titles while we others are just Misters and Misses?"
"Because Kreacher is bound to the Black family. My godfather was the former Lord of the House and left everything he owned to me – including his title and Kreacher."
"So he's a slave?" Nyota asked.
"In a way, yes." I sighed. "House elves are born to serve the family they are bound to. I could free him, but being freed is the height of dishonour for house elves. Kreacher isn't the youngest any more. It would probably kill him if he was freed."
I stopped talking when two plates set themselves down in front of Scotty and I, followed by two mugs of coffee. I gave the elf a grateful smile before tucking in.
As soon as everyone was finished the dishes piled themselves into the sink. I rose from my seat.
"Everyone has everything?"
After a round of nodding I took the rope from the day before.
"Scotty, Lily, and I need to go to Gringotts to update our will" I explained. "The portkey will take off in five minutes and bring you back to my apartment in San Francisco. If you don't want to take the portkey, Kreacher can take you with side-along apparition."
"Are all kinds of getting from point A to point B so uncomfortable?" Bones asked.
"Well, there are also the Floo Network and flying brooms. But the first carries the risk of getting ash in your lungs and coming out in the wrong place. And the latter takes time, practise, and magical powers."
"So no." Jim summarised.
I just grinned and winked, unrolling the rope so my friends could grip it.
"Everyone got a hold? Good. You go off in three, two, one."
There was a blue flash of light and the others were gone. I smiled at my husband, waved at Kreacher, and together we left the house. I hailed a cap and told the driver to bring us to Tottenham Court Road.
I smiled at Lily, watching her look around at everything as we walked down Diagon Ally to the grand marble building that was Gringotts. After enterin I immediately walked up to the main desk.
"We have an appointment with Ironclaw." I explained.
The goblin looked up from his ledger and slid the familiar parchment and dagger over to us.
"Verify your identities, please."
Scotty and I did as told. The goblin nodded for us to go through and I led my family to Ironclaw's office.
Ironclaw smiled when we entered, rising from his seat.
"It's good to see you back on planet in one piece, Lady Potter." He said.
After the customary goblin greetings we sat down, Lily in my lap.
"You told me you wanted to update your will." Ironclaw prompted.
I nodded.
"Yes. My godson already is the heir of the Black titles and properties. Now I want to put our firstborn child down as the heir of my other titles. The properties that don't belong to the black titles are to be split between her and any siblings she might get in the future." I explained.
Ironclaw was nodding along as he scribbled everything down.
"The changes will be processed and you can sign the updated will within half an hour. Now would you like to open a trust vault for Miss Lillian?"
"Yes, thank you. We would also like to check on my acounts."
"Very well." Ironclaw sealed the parchment and gave it to another goblin. "Follow me, please."
Lily squealed with joy as we rushed down the rails and I couldn't help but smile. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Of course everything was as it should have been in my vaults. I trusted Ironclaw completely. The goblin glanced at the clock after we returned to his office.
"The will should be ready any minute now." He said.
As if on cue the side entrance of the office opened and a goblin placed Scotty's and my will in front of Ironclaw. He looked over everything, making sure the changes were properly put down, before he slid it over to us, followed by a quill that was similar to the one Umbridge had forced me to use. The very important difference was that it wouldn't hurt and/or leave a mark when drawing the blood for the signature. Scotty and I read as well before swiftly signing it.
"You can take the fee for the changes from my vaults as usual." I commented as the will vanished in one of Ironclaw's drawers.
Ironclaw inclined his head and we said our farewells before leaving the bank.
"Let's stop at Honeyduke's." I suggested. "Then we could visit the twins in their shop."
"I'm all for it." Scotty replied with a shrug and looked down at Lily. "What about ye, Lillabelle? Visit the candyshop an' then yer Uncles Fred and George?"
"Yay!" Lily cheered and clapped her hands.
"Alright."
We stayed two hours at Honeyduke's, picking out sweets for ourselves and the rest of the Command Crew. We had one hell of a time trying the free samples of new sweets, giggling like lunatics while showing each other the crazy colours some of the treats dyed our tongues and lips. After paying I stored everything in my extended bag and we almost ran from the shop to keep from staying even longer.
I grinned as Weasley's Wizard Wheezes came into sight. It was just as screaming bright as last time I had seen it. We went inside and were immediately greeted by the twins in their horrible magenta jackets.
"Amy!" Fred grinned.
"Splendid to see you here!" George added.
They took me in the middle, each an arm over my shoulders, and led me deeper into the shop.
"Is our silent partner coming to see how everything's going?" George asked as we entered the backroom, Scotty following us with Lily.
"I just wanted to visit my brothers." I replied. "And see what you came up with in the last five years."
"Then you're just right here." Fred said, leading us over to a shelf.
"Our newest innovations in the department of jokes and pranking!" George announced.
Fred called for an assistant to take care of Lily while he and George would present the new products to Scotty and I. I had known that the two of them were genii that could come up with the most ingenious things but I had to admit that these were even better than anything they'd invented before. They would drive poor Filch up the walls. I giggled at the thought and moved over to the shelf where the twins were keeping what they had in the line of defense. I was impressed. They were closely working with the Ministry since the War, supplying the Auror department with protective clothing.
It took three hours until Fred and George had shown us everything they had wanted to show us and we left the shop with my bag a lot fuller than before. Taking the easy route I apparated the three of us back to San Fran.
I grinned, leading my family and friends through the bustling crowds of magical beings of all ages gathered to watch the finale of the Quidditch World Cup.
"Lively people." Bones commented.
"Quiddtch is the single most loved sport in the magical world." I replied. "To get cards for the finale of the World Cup... let's just say that to get any at all – let alone the places I got for us – you need either celibrity status, friends in one of the teams, or connections in the Ministry. I have all three. And I needed that to be able to take muggles with me."
"Mummy! Mummy, look, it's Amy Potter!"
I turned to see a small girl running towards me, holding a quill and a piece of parchment in her hands. A woman ran after her and sent me a very apolegetic look when she had caught up.
"I'm sorry." She said.
"Don't be." I replied, crouching to look into the girl's brown eyes.
I took quill and parchment out of her hands.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Em-Emily."
I flattened the parchment against my knee and looked at the quill.
"You wouldn't happen to have some ink, would you?" I asked, looking up at the mother who swiftly conjured a small bottle.
I dipped the quill inside and wrote:
To Emily
Never let anyone tell you who to be and never be ashamed of who you are.
Yours,
Amaryllis Potter
Emily beamed after reading my message and threw her arms around my neck in a quick hug before skipping away with her hand held in her mother's. I smiled and turned back to my friends.
"I believe the celibrity bit now." Jim commented. "If even little kids recognise you..."
I just shrugged and continued on, waving for my friends to follow me.
"I'm trying to get used to it but even after more than ten years it's still strange to have people ask for my autograph. Come on."
"Where is our place, by the way?" Hikaru asked.
"It's not far now."
Just as I'd said that the large red and black tents of the Bulgarian National Team came into view. Victor hadn't given me a choice in where we would have our tents. He was waiting for us at the entrance of the team area.
"You're late." He commented.
"A little girl wanted an autograph." I explained and turned to my friends. "Everyone, this is Victor Krum, Seeker of the Bulgarian National Team. Victor, this is the Commend Crew of the USS Enterprise."
Everyone shook his hand and introduced themselves. After that he led us to the three tents he had given me for my birthday.
"Amaryllis, I do not think three tents are enough for all of us." Spock said, raising one eyebrow.
"Spock, by now you should know that most of what seems impossible is merely a little obstruction in the way of a witch or wizard. Just come on in."
With that I lifted the flap of the tent I was going to share with Scotty and Lily and waved them inside. After a few shared glances Jim was the first to go inside and I grinned at the stunned gasp he let out. The others quickly followed and my little family took up the rear.
"I hawe heard about zis from mama." Pavel said slowly. "But I newer got to actually see eet."
"This defies all laws of physics." Hikaru muttered, looking around.
"Actually, no." I replied, dropping my bag on an armchair. "The inside is located on a different plane of existence than the outside. At least that was how it was explained in the book I read on extension charms."
Jim meanwhile had been inspecting the rooms of the tent and poked his head out of the bathroom.
"Guys, this is a full-functioning bathroom with runing water! There's a freaking jacousy in here!"
"It was a present from Victor." I shrugged at the incredulous looks thrown my way. "Now, you lot discuss who goes in which of the other two tents we have while I make us some lunch."
With that I left for the kitchen, Scotty following me with Lily.
"What do you think?" I asked. "Sandwiches?"
"Sandwiches sound just fine."
"Can I help you?" Lily asked.
"Sure." Scotty replied, lifting her up to sit on a stool in front of the counter, while I laid out the ingredient we'd need.
Half an hour later we reentered the living room with two large plates of sandwiches. We put them down on the coffee table and started eating.
"How high up are we?" Hikaru asked while we climbed the stairs up to our places.
"We've got some of the best places in the entire stadium!" I replied. "All the way up with perfect sight on all six goals."
We walked out onto the stands and looked down on cheering masses. I pulled earplugs out of my pockets and gave every man in my company a pair.
"When the mascots of the Bulgarian team come into the stadium you put these in." I ordered. "Veelas can make men do very stupid things."
"So, we know Bulgaria's playing but against who?" Jim asked. "And who're we rooting for?"
"Thay're playing against Romania. We're rooting for Bulgaria." I explained. "Victor's the best seeker in the world."
"But you get very close, mate." Ron said, coming onto the stand to sit behind us.
I grinned at the Weasleys and shook Ludo Bagman's hand when he came. Then the game began. There had been a few changes in the Bulgarian team since I had been fourteen, but they seemed to be as good as ever, if not better. But the Romanians were obviously a force to be reckoned with. Bones spent most of the time muttering about 'damn, suicidal wizards' while Hikaru was obviously trying to find a way to replicate the manoeuvres with a shuttle or even the Enterprise.
"Romania leading with 230 to 200, ladies and gentlemen!" Bagman announced an hour into the game. "Krum should hurry up with finding the snitch if he wants his team to win! Bulgaria's got the quaffle, quickly approaching Romania's goals! Levski throws and... goal! But what's this? Krum seems to have spotted the snitch!"
I turned my eyes to Victor who was quickly descending in what looked to be the beginning of a flawless Wronsky Feint. The Romanian seeker shot after him.
"It's a feint." I whispered to Scotty, recognising Victor's movements as preparation to pull out of the descend.
Just as I'd foretold Victor pulled up, leaving his rival to crash into the field. The Bulgarian fans went wild, cheering and shouting for their team to win. Then I saw the snitch fluttering around the middle goalpost of the Bulgarians. Not five seconds after me Victor spotted it as well and flew at breakneck speed. He closed his fist around it and the stadium went berserk.
"Krum catches the snitch!" Bagman shouted. "Bulgaria is World Champion!"
I was standing on my seat at this point, screaming out in victory for my friend while my friends of the Command Crew watched in slight confusion.
The team was led up to be given the large gleaming cup. Then Victor was carried down to the tents for the afterparty by his teammates. He had only enough time to invite us as well. I grinned and followed him, the others on my heels.
"And you let children play that insanity you call a game at school?" Bones asked as soon as we were back at our tents.
I just grinned. I knew Quidditch was pretty violent but I also knew that magical healing could easily handle most injuries. I pulled the snitch Dumbledore had left to me from my bag and started playing with it like my father had done on the shore of the Black Lake when he had been fifteen. Lily was already in bed, peacefully sleeping.
"We should go to sleep." Hikaru said, nudging Pavel who had once again dosed off.
There were murmurs of agreement and the others left the tent until only Scotty and I remained.
"Come on." I pulled him to our bedroom.
We changed and fell asleep almost immediately.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and got out of the car. Jim had insisted that the entire Command Crew visited him in Iowa. Bones would even bring little Joanna with him. Jim came out of the house, clad in jeans and a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up and grinning from ear to ear.
"Welcome on the Kirk Farm!" He said. "Come on in!"
Five hours later Lily and JoJo were already in bed and we were all sitting in Jim's living room, talking about everything and nothing. It was simply laid back and relaxed. A fire crackled in the fireplace, I was snuggled up against Scotty, and he was playing with my hair. Spock glanced out of the window at the full moon and then looked at Nyota.
"Nyota, would you please accompany me outside for a moment?" He asked.
Nyota nodded and followed him outside. Scotty and I shared a smile, remembering how Spock had asked us for proposing advice before we'd gotten back to earth. The two took twenty minutes before they returned, a ring glinting on Nytoa's left hand. Her index and middle finger were pressed to Spock's. She had a soft smile on her face and even Spock's lips were curved upwards.
"I am glad to announce that Nyota has agreed to become my wife." He said.
I jumped up and pulled my friend into a hug. She laughed with me while Spock was pulled into a round of congratulatory back-clapping. After I let go of Nyota I looked Spock dead in the eyes.
"If you ever hurt Nyota there will be nowhere you could hide from me." I told him.
"I am aware of that, Amaryllis. But you should be aware that I do not intend to hurt Nyota." He replied.
I nodded.
"Good."
Three weeks later we were back on the Enterprise, overseeing the last preparations for our next mission: bringing some supplies to a new colony.
"Ensign, a moment please!" I called to one of the new engineers.
The young woman turned and walked over to me. She was wearing the long-sleeved dress variant of the uniform.
"Yes, Lieutenant Commander?" She asked.
"Just what do you think you are wearing?"
"My uniform, ma'am."
I crossed my arms.
"And what made you think a dress with pantyhose was an acceptable choice when working in the engine room of a starship?"
"I… I don't understand, ma'am."
"Before you first set foot on this ship you were sent a list of rules for this engine room. I hope you have read our rules regarding dress code."
The Ensign pulled lifted her PADD and pulled up the list. She scanned over it and went red.
"I will go change, ma'am."
I nodded and smiled.
"Good. Just remember that this is for your own safety."
She nodded and turned to the turbolift. Scotty came to stand next to me, one of his arms snaking around my waist to pull me close.
"So, back into the black, huh?" He murmured.
I grinned and started humming the first notes of Back in Black by AC/DC. Scotty chuckled and pressed a kiss to my hair before going back to his duties.
A/N: Hope you liked it. Please review and 'til next chapter!