Chapter 28- Endings and Beginnings
Those wizarding folk who wanted to see their home world for one last time gazed out the portside windows with a mixture of relief and regret at the death of their former world - the massive vessels seemed to hesitate for a bare fraction of a second before speeding out of range of the concussive force created by the total destruction.
Severus and Merlin had stayed 'on' the planet below practically to the very last moment with the Minister of Magic David Audentia and his Wizengamot. They were brought on board the very last vessel which once everyone materialized on board the starship, warped away at top speed a bare nanosecond from the destruction.
"That was just a wee bit too close for comfort." said Merlin as they both found themselves slightly disoriented but safe upon board the flagship. He stepped over to the porthole and looked at the silent yet violent display of destruction being enacted.
"A wee bit he says." muttered Severus who looked even paler than normal. He hoped that that Q character was pleased with the results so far.
They both looked over at the Minister of Magic and the Wizengamot who were already thinking and talking among themselves of all the adjustments their people would have to make, rebuilding and protective warding that would be entailed in the colonization of a new planetary system
As if his thoughts had called for him, the Q suddenly flashed in between the two Wizard and cheerily said "One phase done and now onto the next."
HogwartsHogwarts
It was heading towards dark when the group gathered outside Hagrids hut and Harry reached up and knocked upon the massive door. Moments later the half-giant opened the door.
"Harry! Yeh came!" Hagrid exclaimed even as a great sob escaped. He then noticed the rest of the group. " Ron, Hermione, Good to see ya. George, Fred- Thanks for takin' the time ta come!..." His eyes widened somewhat as he exclaimed "You too Malfoy? Perfessor Slughorn. I..."
"We all came to pay our respects Hagrid. " Harry explained hurriedly. "For both you and Aragog after all."
"That's really thoughtful and kind of ye to bring them Perfessor." Hagrid focused his teary eyes upon the heavy set professor. "Ye coulda given em a detention for being out here."
"Wouldn't dream of it old boy. It isn't often one gets such a privilege to see such a fine creature after all." Slughorn commented..
"We're so sorry for your loss Hagrid." twin voices said gravely as they glanced towards the dark expanse of the forbidden forest.
"Where do you plan to have him buried?The forest?"
Hagrid shook his head.
'No I can't go anywhere in the forest like I used to... not now. The other spiders won't let me near their webs since Aragog died. Seems it was only on his orders that they didn't eat me. Can ye believe that?" Hagrid looked sad and bewildered.
Nobody commented about that as the obvious answer was yes the spiders would consider him a giant sized appetizer.
"... and I had quite the time to get Aragogs body out of there, -They normally eat their dead you know. But I thought I'd give 'im a proper send-off bury 'im in the garden."
From one of his immense pockets Hagrid pulled his handkerchief which was the size of a tablecloth and wiped his puffy red swollen eyes that were streaming with tears then blew his nose with a loud snort. To think that he and his pet Aragog had been worth the presence of so many mourners.
"Where is the poor creature?" asked Slughorn with a hint of gentle curiosity. "I along with..." He motioned towards the twins and then continued, "would like to see and pay my respects to him."
"Yes sir, I am sure he would really appreciate that." Hagrid answered in a shaky voice and bade them to follow him to where he had dug out a massive pit beside a ten-foot mound of dirt which towered over everyone except Hagrid. Who was in the range of 8- 9 feet tall himself.
The moon glistened palely through the trees and mingled with the light that shone through the windows of Hagrids hut illuminating Aragog's massive bulk lying on its back with legs curled and tangled.
"Magnificent." Slughorn exclaimed as he and the twins approached the carcass of the dead Arachnid. "What a wonderful specimen of his kind."
The three of them knelt down as if studying the great 8 eyed head and two curved pincers and surreptitiously drained some venom into bottles which they replaced beneath their cloaks.
"It isn't ev'ryone who appreciates how beau'iful they are." Hagrid said as tears still flowed from his crinkled eyes. "I never thought anybody else really had any interest in them like I do,"
"Of course we do Hagrid. It isn't every day"
" that one gets to see these creatures up close." Fred and George said as they stood up and turned around to look at the soft-hearted giant. "We really appreciate the chance to view him up close."
"Fortunately for them he is dead." Ron whispered to Draco "Back in second year Harry and I found out that the only problem when you try to visit them, was that they have this habit of trying to eat any visitors."
"We learned about them in class."Draconus whispered back and shrugged as he looked up at the huge creature with awe. "The colony vanished long before my time. This is the first time I have seen one myself."
"Vanished? When?" Hermione spontaneously asked Draconus then stopped as she remembered. "Oh wait a minute that is in the future."
"Personally, that event couldn't come too soon for my liking." Ron shuddered slightly.
"All I can say that when it happens ,it will be something that no one who witnesses it will ever forget." Draconus grinned and said softly. "For me this adventure has been a chance to see and participate in a historical moment in time."
"Aragogs burial? wouldn't call that historical." Said Hermione. Her face scrunched in thought. "It couldn't be a pivotal event in the scheme of things."
"If he managed to return to life It would be called Hysterical." Ron quipped.
"A stampede of great proportions as everyone runs for safety ... except , possibly for Hagrid." Harry smirked. "Adventure? Are you sure you are a real Malfoy?"
"Need you ask?" Draconus quirked an eyebrow at Harry who quickly responded "Yes, Your acting more like a Griffindor."
"Ouch, that hurt."
The teens attention reverted back to the scene at hand as Hagrid lifted the giant carcass in his arms with an enormous grunt and rolled it into the dark pit with a horrible crunchy thud as it landed at the bottom.
Hagrid started bawling again over his long time pet.
The teens felt a little uncomfortable even as they sympathized with viewing the lovable giants emotional state. Fortunately Sughorn stepped forward and said, "It is with much sorrow and regret that you, Hagrid who have known him the best, have been parted from your beloved pet. I say Farewell Aragog,King of arachnids whose faithfulness and friendship to those who knew you won't forget."May your spirit roam freely even as your earthly body decomposes quietly in its last resting place beside the home of your ever loving and devoted friend Hagrid."
Hagrid burst out in tears once again as he exclaimed in anguish. "Tha' was ... Tha' was... so Beau'ful. You all have been so kind." He collapsed upon the compost heap nearby with grief- even as Slugnorn took his wand and levitating the huge pile of earth and sent it into the large pit containing Aragog's remains; forming a smooth mound while the twins created a memorial slab that simply read, 'Rest in peace dear friend. Your memory lives on.'
"I believe it is time we go back inside Harry." said Hermione nervously looking over her shoulder at the lights of the castle.
"Yes I believe you are right miss Granger. You youngsters go back inside the school. If anybody sees and asks where you have been tell them you were with me visiting Hagrid but that I sent you back now." Slughorn said as he motioned to the twins to help him. "Come my fine friend and lets go inside and have a drink or two to Aragog's memory." Slughorn suggested as he and the twins managed to lift the giant to his feet and guided him into the hut where Fang had waited skulking in his basket for the burial to be finished.
HogwartsVoyagerHogwartsVoyager
Neelix proudly announced that he had made a fresh pot of feragot goulash as he set a bowlfull plus a cold glass of Tranya to wash it down front of Sirius who automatically thanked him before looking down at it with a puzzled expression.
"It is a specialty of mine. Known to well over 12 star systems in the Delta Quadrant." Neelix smiled at Morgar who had taken a liking to that particular food. "How was it Morgar?"
"Hmmmm, Really good, I like it a lot. I never tasted anything made with veag a tables before." Morgar said..
"Known and avoided." whispered a crewman who was nearby. He then shrugged slightly, "I'm sure you'll find it an acquired taste."
"Oh... thanks that is reassuring." replied Sirius who looked down at the strange meal and then picked up the spoon and proceeded to taste it. He quickly grabbed the glass of Tranya and guzzled over half the glassful. "Oh wow... " he gasped and coughed.
"Wasn't that a tasty dish?" Neelix asked as he returned and calmly refilled Sirius' Glass of Tranya. He was pleased as Sirius answered with a slightly strangled tone in his voice. "Oh, yes It was unusual."
Neelex beamed happily as he took Sirius comment to mean it was tasty. He cheerfully walked over to where some other members of the crew had just arrived and sat down at a table.
Hearing a couple of chuckles Sirius eyebrow rose slightly as he looked with confusion at the crew and youngsters who all seemed to be hiding smirks as they picked up napkins at the same time and wiped their mouths.
After Neelix went back to his counter to get an order filled, Abraxus leaned over and whispered , ''Sorry we should have warned you. Do yourself a favour, don't ask him where he got those vegetables or how it is made."
"Okay... but what kinds were they? I've never seen anything quite like it in my life... or tasted—even in Azkaban."
"Don't ask me. I was afraid to ask after one bit me before it got cooked." Abraxus told him in a voice that sounded like it was a perfectly natural occurrence. 'It's the truth, Wizards honour."
"Bit. You?" Sirius said slowly ."Vegetables that bite? Just whe... never mind I don't want to know."
After finishing his own generous portion of goulash and a particularly tasty piece of Hasperat that tickled his fancy, Mogar turned around and asked Tuvok 'Where have we stopped exactly..."
"We are presently at the planet Vulcan which sits just behind the third star, Mintaka in Orion's Belt as viewed from earth." Tuvok answered the little Goblins question patiently. "We are close to 915 light years away from Earth.
Sirius blinked as he listened to the conversation '' was... how far from home?''
"Why? I mean..I know I shouldn't ask as it isn't really something I should be concerned about but why are we here instead of continuing on to our destination?" Mogar just couldn't help himself. He just was unusually curious about what was going on.
"They won't do anything to hurt us... will they?" Maraga piped up. Her blue-green eyes focused upon those of the Vulcan.
"My people don't mean us any harm child. Tuvok sighed, "I suspect we have been detained temporarily because of the Q." her raised his hand, palm out to stall further questioning and continued. "It is not for us to question as to why but trust that we will arrive at our destination when we need to be."
Meanwhile as Tuvok nibbled on a Hasperat he watched with concealed amusement , the tiny three-year-old, Dulcis' questioning looks at the black haired man sitting with him and Tuvok. He took pity and anticipated her questions by introducing her to the stranger sitting with them. "This is Sirius Black. He is new on board and plans to leave the ship when we reach Earth."
Dulcis studied the thin tall man whose long black scraggly hair and mustache fascinated her. She took an instant liking to him and asked candidly, "Do you have a familbly sir? Or are you all by yourself?"
Sirus was nonplussed by the child's candid question. His lips twitched into a slight half smile as he answered her "Er I guess you could say that I am somewhat alone since I am the last of my line."
"Like me, 'an Pollax and Leonia. We're Orfans" She smiled widely as she indicated her companions by tilting her head slightly. "Oh... Would you like to join us? Then you would be part of a famably too." She offered beguilingly.
"Dulcis!" Leonia childed the little girl."Please behave yourself."
"It is all right." Sirius said hastily, "I don't mind. really! I should have also mentioned that I have a Godson... back on Earth."
"Is he nice?" Dulcis asked hesitantly as she kept an eye upon Leonia whose face had a slight red tinge developing.
"Oh yes he is and when we get back to Earth you may even get to meet him." offered Sirius to the small girls delight.
"I hope we make it back in time." Sirius thought to himself as he still had a slight problem wrapping his mind around the fact he was incredibly so far away from home. "
"Anybody wish for another refill?" Neelix appeared nearby with a tray of assorted drink pitchers and snacks. "he set the tray down on a table nearby and then filled up those glasses or cups that were offered.
Afterwards the children excused themselves and once they left the mess hall went to different areas of the ship which interested them.
Feeling a little tired Dulcis took Leonias hand without fussing as it was time for her to have a small nap back in their quarters, which also gave Starfoot time to go see Seven of Nine and indulge his interest in studying some Stellar Cartography.
Feeling just a little overwhelmed by the muggle technology Maraga pressed her finger to the 'map' in the wall of the corridor, took a deep breath and asked the ships computer where her Grandfather was at the moment as he had agreed to oversee the application of the potion upon the Dark mark that disfigured Draco's left forearm as she admitted she really wasn't sure how long the potion would stay viable enough to work so he accompanied her there before he had to go over to Stellar Cartography for a lesson with Seven.
Vincere had been shown by a very kind and helpful young crewman how to access the programs on the Holodeck and he found one which sounded very intriguing. The crewman cheerfully loaded it in for him and after being assured the elderly Wizard that he would be able to look after himself from there.
The doors slid open and a wonderful paradise appeared. Before him. Stepping inside he marveled at the astonishing variety of greens and colours of plants that he had never seen or heard of. He noticed a few placards detailing the names, planet and other details related the the different plants. He couldn't read the strange lettering but still he drew his thin papery finger across one and to his astonishment it spoke.
This was fantastic he thought as he listened to the detailed explanation concerning the group of plants nearby. Deciding that this would be a wonderful pastime he walked around for a while and kept touching the placards he saw just so he could hear the interesting stories regarding the marvelous plants.
It was a very bright cheerful place full of colourful plants that were new and strange to Vincere . He was feeling much better as he sat to rest and relax his feet on one of the benches provided and breathed in the scents that enveloped him while he pondered on the merits of his approving the association of his precious grand daughter Maraga and the Earth Wizard Draco. He hoped the right decision had been made since she would probably meet even more suitors once they arrived at their final destination. Only time would tell he supposed. The soft sound of the doors sliding opened drew his attention to the sight of his granddaughter and the young Earth wizard came in together as if it was the most natural thing in the universe to do. The sight pleased his elderly heart.
"Grandfather! Draco and I hope to find you in good health." Maraga greeted her dear Grandfather.
"And enjoying the delights of traveling through space." added Draco.
"Yes I feel wonderful children, It is such a treat to be able to see and smell plants that do not require hiding themselves away under the ground. " He reached out and gently stroked the petals of a nearby rose and drew in the scents of all the various fragrant blossoms surrounding them. "Now what is it you wish to ask of me?" He asked them even though it was a moot point considering she was looking so hopeful while holding the vial which he knew was for removing what he preferred to call the dark stain from the young Earth Wizards arm.
Pollax and Vedeion went down to the Holodeck where they engaged a scenic program that they had been shown by one of the crew members; which featured grassy fields with flowers, trees and streams filled with fish. The grass felt wonderful to the little Centaurs hooves and Pollax enjoyed trying to catch a fish or two while sitting on the river bank. Vedeion decided to take and stretch his legs and with a wild freedom he had never felt back on his home planet raced , his hooves striking the strangely soft grass and dirt in rhythm. As his muscles started to feel the effects of his workout, he slowed to a canter and then a walk and hoped that the others Centaurs of his old home world who were on their way to the new system would find the same enjoyment he was.
Meanwhile Sirius Black was contemplating the view through a small window; of blackness sprinkled with pinpricks of stars that flickered invitingly. He had a lot to think about as he slowly assimilated the idea that he had been thrown about a year forward from where he had been in time, on board a muggle spaceship that would not even be in existence for at east another 300 to 400 years in the future plus the other things he had seen and heard of so far. Descendants of Malfoys working with Muggles... And then to imagine that Slytherin greasy Git, Snivellus being some sort of Ambassador along with Merlin... just how that situation happened to come to pass was throughly beyond him. Everything was just too confusing.
As to why he found himself in this strange environment didn't know but hoped that he would get back to the business of helping his Godson Harry rid the wizarding world of Voldemort... That is if he was fortunate enough to have his name and reputation cleared and not end up back in Azkaban.
sssssssssssssssss
In spite of knowing he would not actually be able to put to use any of his knew found knowledge to good use for many years to come, Draco showed intense interest in the Stellar Cartography system. Many of his family were fascinated by Astronomy .. proof being in how many of his relatives had chosen the distinct pattern of naming their descendent's after stars or constellations over many generations especially down his mothers side.
He felt wonderful. After the Potion dissolved and totally removed all evidence of the worst mistake of his youthful life from this forearm, Draco had listened to the elderly wizards enthused remarks about the muggles wonderful creation and then after awhile Draco politely mentioned that he had to go on to his class with Seven in Stellar Cartography. Knowing how he wished to know more of this strange mode of travel and muggle technology Maraga and her Grandfather wished him well as they stayed to enjoy their time together wandering around the holoprogram.
As Draco made his way down the corridors- he mentally counted up the names in his head. Sirius, Regulus, Bellatrix, Alphard, Arcturus, Andromeda, Cygnus, Orion, Pollux and Cassiopeia. Ten, and adding himself in would be eleven that he knew of. Now he was learning new names from other star systems and wondered if...once the Professor..no, he no longer had that title but was now an Intergalactic Ambassador which made Draco smile. Who would have imagined that... He was sure that Potter and his friends would have quite a time wrapping their little minds around the image. As for him he hoped that someday in the future—no matter how old he would be at the time- that he could become part of this whole scene. He felt extremely pleased that he would eventually be able to explore space himself someday in the far distant future as promised by the Q. But first he had to grow up and live life to the fullest and best of his ability, possibly with Maraga at his side.
Yet.. he almost could envy his Great great Grandson Draconus who was looking forward to becoming a student at ...what was it? Oh yeah Starfleet Academy. As for himself , he just loved the sense of freedom he was experiencing on board the muggle starship, which was saying a lot. He entered the room where he felt content and noticed the small House Elf who was also soaking up whatever knowledge Seven was imparting to it.
This Seven of Nine person who was working on some calculations did not seem to be like any muggle he imagined.. She was a logical, matter of fact type person and blunt to the point of rudeness but still Draco felt that he could trust her with whatever he was thinking and know that she would not treat him any differently than she would another. After all she was helping Starfoot learn the basics of star travel and not putting him down for wanting to follow his dreams... despite the fact he was only a House Elf.
In any case, Draco was slowly finding out that none of his preconceived notions that had been taught to him by his parents were really based upon solid facts. Preconceived notions about how other peoples lived—whether human or not was not a good way to acquire knowledge.
Draco unconsciously rubbed his left forearm as he recalled his father saying that he was recruited into the Death Eaters by his father-in-law, Cygnus Black and that Draco would be the third Generation to serve the Dark Lord.. Now that was something that was fast becoming an impossibility as Draco was seeing through his own eyes the utter stupidity of following Voldemort's ideals. Draco paused in his thoughts as he realized he just thought of the Dark Lord by his proper name-not the name his father insisted he use nor the stupid alternate name of He-who-should-not-be-named.
He also thought of the experiences he was having now and grinned as he could imagine his Fathers reactions to the idea that his son... heir was more interested in the pursuit of knowledge muggle style... To actually see different planet systems and Galaxies instead of viewing them from a distance and then charting them on parchment like they did back at Hogwarts. To know there was a lot more to learn even if one thought they knew it all. He grinned as he realized also that he was learning to love the different varieties of the different Humanioid species with their own distinct life styles, now that was what he was beginning to see as much more valuable and interesting than his fathers narrow point of view. Shaking loose from his thoughts he concentrated up[on what Seven was saying.
"The Lab sensors measures the radiative flux of anywhere up to three billion stars simultaneously and then the computer calculates the ships position relative to the center of the galaxy." Seven-of-Nine- explained to the wide eyed youngster, " This makes the stellar mapping technology ten times more accurate then what we had been using previously."
"It sure beats the star charting we do back at Hogwarts.: Draco managed to say as he watched the images with awe. He looked over at the little house Elf who was watching intently as Seven of Nine operated the controls. "Hey Starfoot, You look quite at home here."
"Yes master Draco." the small elf squealed excitedly. "Being here is even more better than anything I dreamed about!"
Knowing that this little elf was still technically, a servant of Maraga's Grandfather and in turn Maraga; Draco wondered what would happen with the little elf when their part of the adventure was over. Would he be able to go back to being a simple house elf? Even with being surrounded by the wonders on Earth?
His musings were interrupted by Seven as she said in a conversational tone " I understand that your friends-Maraga, Vedeion and Morgar are happy helping the orphaned kids adjust to space travel."
"Well, they do like the experience so far but they are also thinking of coming with us to earth instead of the new system where everyone else is being transported to." Draco told her. "I guess it remains to be seen as to which option they plan to take."
"Well whichever they choose, I'm sure that they will adapt." said Seven as she too wondered as to what the future held for these magical beings from the past or present. Only that their lives hung upon the caprices of the Q.
