Chapter 25 -Heading For Earth.
After coming aboard Voyager the youngsters quickly adjusted to their new environment and the time flew by smoothly as they acclimatized themselves to their unique situation. They found that the crew was interesting in that they represented many different races and planets of which none of them had ever imagined to be in existence. The elderly wizard—Magistrate Vincere was also fascinated by everything he viewed and enjoyed discussing with various members of the crew the differences and similarities between the Muggle-magical world of Earth and the Magical world that he knew.
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"DULCIS!..." The vibrating voice of Leonia Validus called as she strolled down the corridor heading towards Hollodeck 3. She knew it was actually a wasted effort on her part. Ever since they had boarded this strange flying vessel from an alien planet the tiny three-year-old was disappearing from Leonia's sight while poking her curious little nose into everything that caught her fancy. Sighing an aggravated sigh Leonia shook her tawny haired head as she suspected that the little girl was probably with the Magistrates House Elf Starfoot who felt a responsibility to help keep an eye on the small scamp as she explored the new world she had found herself in.
Starfoot was just as inquisitive as she was but he felt that he had his own 'duties' to perform in regards to his Master and family. It took a little while for him to adjust to the fact that he could indulge his own curious nature while on board the ship as much of what he had done for his master before while on their home planet. the children was also taken care of by members of the crew. Early on in their voyage, he offered to help Neelix with the food preparation and was flummoxed by the sight of 'muggle magic' as he noticed some of the food requested by a crew member instantly appeared in what Neelix had told him where called replicators. He wondered in passing what the 'squibs' that were living in a far off corner of the planet would think of this strange way that the 'Earth' Muggles compensated for lack of magical talents.
Dulcis captured the Talaxians heart from the first time he laid eye's on her and he invariably indulged the small girls desire to taste many varieties of foods that she and her fellow refugees from Venficus Manus had never even imagined.
"She might be in the galley, munching out on some new food items that Nelix created." Draco told her as he and Pollax Singe came up to the doorway of the Holodeck 3 which, when entered had what the youngsters thought of as wondrous muggle magic. "Don't worry, He knows better than to give her too many sweets."
"It isn't like she can really go too far you know – Anyway Magistrate Vincere has given her care into the keeping of Starfoot his House Elf. And you know how attentive a House Elf can be.." Pollax rumbled as he looked around at the group gathered together. "Even with those new duties required as a member of the muggle crew Starfoot seems to be coping well. He really enjoys the challenges."
"Yes but... Oh you know, We have been looking after her all this time and it seems strange somehow... " explained Leonia. "I can't explain it exactly.."
"I believe I know what you mean." answered Draco with a wry Slytherin smirk. "To be thrown into a situation of which you have no concept of can be unnerving at first. But believe me, It has been a most interesting adventure being on board this Muggle vessel. I almost wish for it to never end."
Ignas Diligo, the small dragon winged its way down the corridors with a note tied to his leg that Maraga asked him to to give Draco. The small dragon lit lightly upon the Blinds shoulder and burped, a small puff of smoke and fire flew from its snout.
"Has Neelix been feeding him those... what did he call them? Oh, I think they are... tamalles again?" Leonia asked as she waved her hand to dispel the smoke away. "Honestly, I think she has become addicted to them... Almost as much as Draco's fondness for his Jimbalian fudge cake."
"Neelix loves it when his work is appreciated, even by Ignas." Draco explained as he ducked his head to read the note and did his best to ignore the comment about his newfound favourite desert by the yellow eyed girl."Maraga may be here later on as she said she wanted to finish reading Quidditch through the Ages so that she would have a better understanding of the game."
"She does come off as somebody who likes to know what she is up against before trying it out." Pollax commented as he watched as Naomi Wildman, who had been introduced to them by Seven as the daughter of Ensign Samantha Wildman and Greskrendtiegk, a Ktarian., along with Icheb. the Brunali boy who was—like Seven, a Borg drone , strolling down the corridor towards them.
Draco shrugged, "What can I say? Maraga is a perfectionist."
"That book is interesting, It has had to be updated somewhat for usage in a Holographic program though." Naomi, overhearing the last part of Draco's statement - chuckled and grinned as she asked for the program known as Malfoy 111—the on board simulated version of Quidditch complete with players, playing field and equipment. Which both non-magical and magical could participate in. "Slytherin Vs... Ravenclaw this time."
"Naturally Draco will be on the Slytherin team." Icheb spoke up with a mischievous glint in his eye as Draco sniffed and gazed at him with cool grey eyes and a raised eyebrow when they proceeded inside the room which had become a Large playing field compete with tall hoops at either end. Once each of them decided as to which team they would be on and entered the respective change rooms where they met up with the holographic members of their teams. They opened the respective broom closets and each chose one of the holographic Brooms which was molded to each of their specific needs as the game required each team to have 3 chasers, 2 beaters, a keeper, and a seeker.
It was much like the game that Draco knew but with a variation that could only be found upon board the starship. After all where else could just about anybody who was magical or muggle be able to play a game of Quidditch together and not find it an unusual occurrence.
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The Doctor was finishing up some work he was doing concerning the mermaid population that where residing in Holodeck 1 when the door opened a moment later.. He looked over at the Elderly Wizard who was just as curious as the youngsters who were standing there with him.
The Doctor didn't even blink in surprise when he noted Vedreion the centaur, Mogar the small goblin and Starfoot the tiny house elf who was holding gently, the hand of the tiny three year old girl called Dulcis staring at him and the tank. The first two had on a Star Fleet shirt while the little elf was dressed in a full replica of an ensigns uniform. It hadn't even been a week when his desire to fly among the stars had become well known among the officers and crew.
Due to the small Elf's intense inquisitiveness and multiple questions during the first week on board, as he popped in and out of the mess hall, engineering, the bridge and the cargo bay among other areas of the ship, startling members of the crew at times and causing 'minor inconveniences without meaning to- 'Captain Janeway, with tacit agreement of her staff consisting of Commander Chakotay, Tuvok, Seven, and chief engineer Bi-lana requested Starfoots family to come to a meeting concerning Starfoot inquisitiveness and his constant popping in and out of different areas of the ship, sometimes startling the crew members who were also getting used to the fact that there was a miniature fire breathing dragon accompanying the wizarding children as they explored their new environment—temporary as it was.
Magistrate Vincere and his grand-daughter Maraga had arrived with concern that their small Elf was in trouble but were quickly assured that , that wasn't the case but more about letting the little house Elf become a temporary crew member while on board Voyager. It would enable them to—for want of a better word, keep the small elf's curiosity contained and better informed as to how things were done on board a Star Fleet vessel.
In turn, the elderly Wizard explained in full as to the relationships between House Elf and the wizarding families they served. He carefully took a little time to think about their request and knowing that these muggles—of varying races would not harm Starfoot and where quite willing to help the small elf follow his dream of flying among the stars -even if it was only for the duration of the trip. Relieved with the fact that the elderly Magistrate had given her permission, the Captain smiled and everyone watched as she stood up and showed him a miniature Star fleet outfit that Neelix had replicated in anticipation of the family's consent.
When summoned to the staff room Starfoot had looked around at them all with confusion and apprehension which had Maraga and her Grandfather reassuring the small House Elf that he was not being given 'clothes' to insult him or to free him from service to their family and emphasizing that it was an official crew uniform.. Needless to say that Starfoot was relieved and instantly delighted to everyones amusement as he took the uniform in his small paws and held them close to his towel covered body as he thanked them with evident excitement for the gift of becoming a temporary crew member of Voyager as they made his wondrous dream come true of flying among the stars.
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"Magistrate Vincere! Children. Please enter and I shall be with you momentarily." The Doctor said as he turned back to his scans of each of the mermaids who surprisingly came over to the glass wall which was separating them from the audience. A few of them where acting a little agitated while others where casting glances at their audience and made comments among themselves. To the youngsters shock they could hear and understand the underwater creatures. A bleeping sound from a strange looking screen was beeping and what appeared to them as lines where hovering at different levels.
Noticing their wondering stares the Doctor tapped the screen lightly and calmly said, That is a vital signs monitor and normally it displays each vital sign individually . It is awkward to use upon multiple beings at once such as these fine beauties but I can at least be warned about serious complications that affect all of them at the same time.
"Are any of them ill?"asked Vincere with concern as he watched some speedily moving mermaids who were staying as far back from the front of the aquarium as they could. He still felt a tremendous responsibility for them as he was the only official representative of the Wizengamot from his planet on board this flying ship.
"No." subconsciously the Doctor scratched his holographic temple with his index finger. "Not really, I believe all they are suffering from is a simple case of disorientation after being transported from below . I think they are quite healthy considering their situation."
Vincere was relieved to hear this. Starfoot observed what was transpiring with care and listened to the conversation between his master and this doctor person who was using some strange looking objects instead of magic. If his master wasn't worrying about what this earth being was doing then Starfoot wouldn't either.
One of the mermaids swam closer to the glass and stared out at the group of children and the elderly Wizard accompanying them.
"Oh wow! Does that flashing thingy help you understand their speech too?" asked Vedeion who trod forward cautiously, a little closer to the flat glass and peered in with obvious curiosity and friendliness at the mermaids who looked back at him with shy smiles and waved their webbed hands at him.
"No it doesn't, but there is a translator built into the water filtering unit." The doctor showed them the black unit with the speaker and buttons that was attached to the aquarium. Setting down the tri-corder he picked up a hypospray and injected something into the aquarium water that looked to have a calming effect. on the inhabitants.
"There we are my lovelies." The Doctor said and stepped back to speak with the elderly Wizard while they both watched the little group of orphans who had been acclimatizing themselves to the ship for the past few days talking to the mermaids through the translator.
While their friends were off exploring the Holodeck where the Mermaids were, Draco and Maraga while drinking one of Neelix's newest concoctions in the mess hall, where discussing the possibility of creating the potion to take away the dark mark from Draco's left forearm and possibly- when they got back to Earth and Hogwarts - remove the curse from the Headmasters hand when Tamar the Transporter Chief for the day approached them and inquired if either of them would like to join her in the transporter room to learn more about the 'muggle' transportation system on board Voyager. Draco's face lit up as he really did wish to learn more about the transporter along with the Stellar Cartography system under Seven of Nines tutelage.
I can make the potion while you go study with your .. um... trans potter teacher Draco." Maraga said to the apprehensive blond who she could see really wanted to learn some more about the muggles mode of travel. "I am not too sure about all this traveling about when all I ever wished for was a safe haven."
I..." Draco looked longingly at the closed doors and then turned to her, "Maraga..."
Marga raised her index finger and placed it against Dracos lips. "No, Draco don't say anything you might later regret, Go and learn about this ship if you must as that is something you may or may not get another chance at and I would not wish to have any regrets lingering between us once we leave this... ship."
Draco saw her smile warmly at him and nodded and then followed Tamar the Transporter chief back to the transporter room who proceeded to help familiarize Draco with the difference between transport inhibitors and scramblers.
The idea that a persons atoms could be distorted while in transit and result in their most gruesome death by perverting them into masses of random tissues was a terrifying thought. He felt somewhat assured when informed that technology had advanced considerably and that accidents where very remote if not near impossible. She also spoke to him of the four redundant scanners and explained each individual transporter pad and that if one failed the other three would take over.
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Maraga watched Tamar and Draco leave and then crossed the room to where Neelix had finished cleaning up a slight mess on the counter.
"Nee lax?" she asked hesitantly to get his attention. "I wonder if you could help me? I wish to make a specialized potion that may be needed by the time we get to the magical Earth planet... "
Neelix looked at Maraga questioningly as she attempted to explain her idea. "Since Ambassador... Snape?" Neelix nodded, "isn't here to create the potion to remove the creeping death of darkness. I thought I would attempt to make it. I have read it over several times and since you are in charge of the arboretum I was hoping you could allow me to gather a few ingredients."
"I don't know much about your magic potion but if your Grandfather approves of your doing this potion then I will allow you to have the plants you need- hopefully we have the one's you require."
"Thank you kindly." Maraga smiled at the friendly and helpful Talaxian and reeled off the names of the plants she needed. "Elfish fairy... which is the fern we brought on board, aloe to soothe the burning, chamomile, elder nettles snapdragons and dark red roses."
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The Captain and Commander Chakotay where commenting to each other that the passage through time and space towards 20th century Earth was going along quite peacefully till suddenly some distinctive star ships that they identified as Vulcan surrounded the ship.
"I think our peaceful voyage back to earth is going to be delayed Captain." Tuvok commented as the Vulcan Commander in the lead ship requested an audience with them. "It is going to be very tricky business considering the timelines."
"Yes, I agree Tuvok, We must be very careful as to making them understand the situation."
At the same time the Q flashed into the transporter room startling both Draco and the Transporter Chief. He smirked at them briefly and disappeared as the control panel started up.
Oh, Oh- that d—mn fool of a Q has activated the controls and now somebody's molecules are in the pattern Buffer!" the Transporter Chief exploded angrily.
Draco shrunk back a little at the woman's tone and asked "Can we send them back?"
"NO, we have gone past their timeline and must bring them here on board." She explained in a strained but professional voice as she quickly went to work
.
Draco watched the womans hands move swiftly while she spoke throughout the procedure. "transmitting to the Emitter array, adjusting for phase variance... compensating... There, transport is complete." She blinked as she looked at the pad and noted the disheveled man was holding a long thin object in one hand. Within moments a force field was then activated by the momentarily startled transporter chief which prevented the wand wielding man from leaving the pad. She wasn't going to take any chances.
Over the intercom a message from the captain came to tell Tamar to expect a Vulcan representative from one of the ships surrounding them to come aboard. To which the frustrated Transporter chief responded tersely "Sorry Captain but there is a slight complication- With complements of the Q, there seems to be- what I suspect to be another magical being on board ship."
Captain Janeway acknowledged Talmar's report as she then recontacted the Commander of the Vulcan vessel to explain that there would be a slight delay in honouring their request—and why.
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Sirius was battling his cousin Bellatrix apparently unaware of Dumbledores arrival at the department of mysteries when he ducked the first jet of red light that emanated from her wand.
"He was enjoying himself, laughing as he yelled, "Come on, you can do better then that!" His voice echoed around the cavernous room.
Furiously Bellatrix sent a second jet of red light that struck him and caused him to fly backwards, curving slowly in a graceful arc through the ragged veil which fluttered for a moment as if in a high wind and then fell back into place hanging from the arch.
The laughter on Sirius' face was replaced by a look of mingled fear and surprise as he fell through the ancient doorway and disappeared from the horrified view of his Godson and his companions. The last thing Sirius heard was his cousins triumphant scream.
As he fell through the opening Sirius felt a tingling sensation running across his body and momentarily he thought he could see ghosts of his ancestors waiting for him to join them in death before they too vanished from sight.
The Captain strode into the room accompanied by Tuvok and Lieutenant Arturus Malfoy just as the transport was completed and nodded her approval of Tamar's actions as the man upon the transporter pad whirled around to look at them.
"Where the blazes am I? Roared Sirius whose nerves were tingling in shock while adrenaline coursed throughout his body as he had just been battling his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange when he found himself being drawn through that weird doorway that was supposedly a doorway beyond the veil.
"SIRIUS BLACK?" said Draco, in horror who was also shocked to see the last remaining Black descendant standing there shaking from shock of being transferred from wherever he had been to the ship. A wanted Murderer as far as Draco knew.
"Well at least one of us knows who this gentleman is." The captain said dryly. "since we have already passed his time line we can't send him back. Now Draco if you will, introduce us please"
But before Draco could comply with the Captains Request. Sirius yelled as he pointed his wand towards the two white haired wizards he thought he recognized.-in spite of the odd looking outfits. "LUCIUS and DRACO MALFOY! I should have known..." then stopped as he realized he was in the mixed company of not only the Malfoys but some strangely dressed muggles who were staring at him with fascination. "Where the blazes am I?"
At that moment Arturus Malfoy reached out with a steadying hand and placed it upon Draco's trembling shoulder. Leaning over he whispered, "Don't worry Grandpa, I believe this was supposed to happen... The Q must have his reasons."
Draco turned to look questioningly at Arturus who gripped his shoulder as he straightened up and his cool grey eyes looked with amusement at the stunned look on the wasted , once handsome face of Sirius Black.
"Well you are half correct... Draco is the boys name but as for me... the names Arturus Malfoy and You are no longer where you thought you were..In time or on Earth." the grey eyed man in the strange , obviously muggle attire spoke dryly. "I understand only that you where brought here by the Q..." His eyebrow raised as he glanced over at the Transporter Chief who nodded, A smirk twitched across his patrician face and a glitter of amusement shone in his eyes as he continued on "while my grandfather was learning how to use the transporter."
"Huh? Q?" Sirus Black was at a loss for words as he felt the forcefield that had been activated around him as a safety precaution. "Grandfather?" He wondered with a look of suspicion directed at the strange attire adorning the elder Malfoy he had thought was Lucius and then at the wide eyed smirk on Draco's face. At least he was right about the boy's name... but for the older Malfoy to call him Grandfather! What did falling through that Archway back at the ministry do to him? What where why how were questions tumbling through his now thoroughly confused mind. He then focused upon Captain Janeway and his eyes widened in shock... "M-M-Molly? Molly Weasley? Is that you?"
Captain Janeway wondered momentarily as to who this Molly Weasley person was—in that she must resemble this person enough to have this stranger speak to her like he had. Maybe... possibly, by having this wizard come aboard, the Q was having one of his little jokes by giving her a hint as to her ancestry on her fathers side." She shook her head and cleared her thoughts as her own eyes widened slightly, but that was the only indication of her surprised confusion. "Sorry, but you are mistaken as to my identity. I am Captain Janeway of the Starship Enterprise."
That feeling like she was once again inside a slightly topsy turvy alternate universe returned as she advanced closer to the active shield between her and the obviously confused wizard and said- "Welcome aboard Voyager. If you will kindly put away your wand as we wish you no harm- My Transporter Chief will lower the force field and you may step down."