Chapter 29- Concerns and Decisions

The Dark Lord was fuming as he stalked back and forth in the only halfway decent room left in this old 'family mansion' in which he had first destroyed his muggle father and the entire family. There had been very few reports for quite some time and here it was nearing the end of the school year and still no word from that Malfoy whelp as to any success in his plans to get rid of the most infuriating block to his own plan for dominating the Wizarding World—Dumbledore!

"The infuriatingly dense little wretch and his delays in doing that one 'little' request I 'asked him to do for me will not be tolerated. If he doesn't fulfil his duties he will find my displeasure will result in his death." hissed the creature whose red eyes glowered and glittered dangerously in his chalk-white skull like face. His slit-like nostrils flared with an increased agitation as his temper rose with characteristic impatience at the young boys feeble attempts to fulfil his 'promise' to obey the Dark Lord's command to find a way to execute Albus Dumbledore!

He needed Dumbledore gone—permanently so that he would be the most powerful wizard left alive, not that most infuriating opponent who was still Hogwarts Headmaster. Voldemort did not appreciate having delays in his plans for domination and destruction. Especially since that other thorn in his side known as Potter- The- Boy-Who-Lived was still very much in the picture. In fact the reports that he was seen hobnobbling with the Malfoy whelp and those two idiotic bookends Crabbe and Goyle

He wanted answers and looking around at his crumbling broken down abode which had been home to his abhorred 'muggle' fathers family he decided. He must move out and take his rightful place in a much more prominent and impressive home. The Malfoy Mansion would do. He grimaced in a horrible imitation of a smile. The Malfoy family where going to soon be 'willing' hosts to the most powerful wizard known in centuries.

With a last scornful look about the pitiful ruins he apparated out and without as much as a by your leave he stalked his way up the walkway toward the door of the fancy mansion and slammed it open wit an imperious wave of his wand.

"Maalllfoy!I wish a word with you about your SON!"

Voldemort's short fused temper was barely reined in as the snake faced wizard was doubly furious and impatient with the news he had been hearing. The Malfoy scion was consorting with muggleborns, blood traitors and halfbreeds... In other words Granger, Weasley and that insufferable boy, Potter! Now he wanted an explanation from Lucius as to what was happening. As if it really mattered to him what excuse the senior member of the family would come up with since he was in the mood to crucio somebody.

Not knowing the full details of what was taking place at Hogwarts but that which Narcissa had given him- Lucius paled even further than normal when the front door had opened with a crash and he heard his masters voice echoing down the hallways of Malfoy Manor. He turned his ice blue eyes upon his wife and with a slight movement of his head told her to run-go to a place of safety.

"Please ... Go now!" his fear was palatable as he whispered to her.

Narcissa opened her mouth to protest but as he shoved her towards the fireplace and grabbed the jar of floo powder from the mantle she bowed to his wish and with a quick kiss she took some powder and calling out her destination dived in thorough the green flames.

Fighting down the trembling of his body in response to the abject fear of impending doom, Lucius replaced the jar on the mantle slowly and then walked away from the floo with full knowledge that might be the last time he saw any member of his family.

The door to the study slammed open and he felt the force of the Dark Lords legimency crash into his head even as the red eyes came in contact with his.

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Captain Janeway looked resigned as she processed the information given to her by the Vulcan emissaries. It seemed like the Q had requested of the Vulcan empire to temporarily. keep them from heading to 20th century Earth as there had to be just a few more 'tweaks' done to the timeline before they arrived. "So we are to wait here till we are needed?" Her eyebrow rose slightly. "How will we know when we will be needed?"

"Unusual yes, We agree with you that It is most illogical." sighed Surok, the foremost speaker of the group. "But Q wishes for your ship to show up during the latter half of twentieth Century in the hidden magical part of your planet when the young warrior wizards and witch need your assistance and the timely delivery of somebody called... Sirius Black."

"The latest wizard who had been beamed on board." Commander Chakotay couldn't help but look intrigued at the Vulcan delegation as he pondered the sequence of events. Past, present. Future. It was all becoming somewhat confused and even now they weren't sure as to when they where exactly.

"The Q said to tell you to not worry about when you are to leave as he informed us that when ready a wormhole will be provided by him to send you and your ship to the exact co-ordinates of time and place."

"Lovely!" was all Captain Janeway could say to this information. She hoped that all this gallivanting about the universe for the Q wouldn't interfere with their own particular mission to get back to Earth...In their own timeline and without intervention from the 25th century timeship Relativity popping in. They had mentioned that Voyager appeared much too often upon their sensors.

"Meanwhile our people wish to extend our help also. We realize our air is normally too thin for an Earthing to breathe but with a few precautions taken we extend Vulcan hospitality for your people to visit our planet."

"The time-line..." Captain Janeway started to say. "The possible interactions might cause disruptions in the future."

"We are aware of your concerns Captain but rest assured none of our people will venture to ask questions that would contaminate the future as you know it. As it is, being that we have travelled the galaxies for longer than Earthlings have we are aware of many of the different varieties of nationalities aboard Voyager. I believe you have a few crew members on board who would most likely like to get a few supplies before you eventually go back to where you are supposed to be."

"Yes, we believe you are correct that they would like to get some comforts of home since we will have to return to our own time where we are still trying to get our way back to where we are now." the Captain commented as she mused- absorbed in thought. " At times its a conundrum"

"I am sure since we are here that Mr. Tuvok would appreciate it if he could acquire some delicacies that he is most fond of." said Chakotay, " Neelex tries to recreate them but doesn't always succeed getting some of the recipes quite right.

Captain Janeway looked over at Chakotay and with a sharp crisp nod said, "Neelex would appreciate getting some fresh supplies that he hasn't got growing in the hydroponics bay.'' smiling slightly as she explained to their guests. " He is among other accomplishments our Talaxian chef. I suspect he gets a little frantic at times dealing with over 140 food critics day after day."

"We can relate to that particular situation." Surak said solemnly "And have the youngsters from Venificus Magus adjusted all right to their new environment on Voyager? Are the Merchildren adapting to their new situation. "

"The youngsters seem to have adjusted well to living upon a starship. They have gone so far as to access quite a few Holo- programs that allow them to feel what it would be like on Earth." She looked at Commander Chakotay whose nod of agreement was almost imperceptible. "The Mer children have been closely monitored by the Doctor who is pleased with their responses and hopes that if they will be able to return to their new world, or if that is not possible to be accepted and able to integrate themselves into Mer-society in the hidden Magical world on Earth."

"It is possible for the other youngsters to transport down and see a little of our Planet..Yes? asked Surok. "Do not be concerned as the young Goblin and Centaur along with the Wizarding folk are especially welcome to explore. To the best of our abilities we will ensure that they will not be harmed."

"We must also consider the ramifications of exposing the youngsters to that which they may not find reverent to the time period in which they will be living. Yet since these are magical children and know little of what the non-magical life consists of, they may not think anything all that unusual of what they experience with us." Janeway shook her head , "It is all quite .. confusing."

"Consider transporting down to Vulcan as a foretaste of what it will be like to walk on a planet and not inside it. After all Holo programs are simulations of the conditions and sights that occur randomly in real life. The Q mentioned that they have not been exposed to what most of us would call normal living conditions for several generations."

"Normal is a relative term at best. But I understand where you are coming from." Captain Janeway answered, knowing that Vulcans were incapable of lying. "They have adjusted to living on Voyager well enough but it is an enclosed environment which is something they are accustomed to. They took a while to get used to the artificial lighting which is similar to the charms they used for light. I think the one being ..Lumos?" She paused a moment then continued on. "As for being on the surface of a planet where there is few physical barriers to free movement. They may feel somewhat overwhelmed."

Commander Chakotay nodded and spoke softly. "It would however, be wise to monitor the young ones responses to the feel of the sun and wind upon their faces. Your people are aware of the situation concerning their former lives on Venificus Magus , whereas their reactions might render them as odd by others of their kind on Earth."

"Most logically thought out reasoning." the other Vulcan male representative called Solkar said to Chakotay.

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As the Cardilians and Basaliskans manoeuvred their massive cargo ships over the new planet and emptied their vessels of passengers and cargo the reality set in that the legends passed down for eons and eons had once again been enacted. They had added another chapter to the never ending story.

The end of one way of life and the beginning of another was slightly overwhelming but with proper leadership, courage and willingness to co-operate with each other the diverse leaders thought that they could make this new world a place where each of them could see their hopes and dreams grow and expand over many generations yet unborn.

When the last of the Starships cargo, human and otherwise were unloaded and extra provisions provided to begin rebuilding their lives most of the vessels left to return to their own world. Only One remained orbiting above. Fortunately it was not quite daylight so the elders where able to cast charms to help them see while everyone joined in to create temporary cover for when the brightness of day came upon them. The wonder of feeling breezes and smelling scents of grass, flowers and whatever else they knew of for the first time in their lives was intoxicating. To soon be able to actually see that which was recorded within their scrolls of knowledge and painted pictures was viewed as a new beginning, an adventure of which each of them would embark.. together!

After taking the time for their sensitive eyes to adjust to the wonder of light and warmth of the wonderful yellow sun shining above them, the remaining wizarding survivors of the old planet gathered outside the temporary shelters to look around the area where they had been brought to. Some conversations were muted and others were much more excited and rose as each discovery was made.

"It is so bright!"

"look up!"

" I can hardly believe my eyes."

" There's food aplenty. "

"So much colour! "

"Look at all the fruits hanging from the trees."

"Are they all good to eat?"

"I wonder what they taste like."

"The plants must be studied."

"The scents..."

"I wonder what new kinds of creatures we will see."

"Hopefully we will be able to grow the grains we need to make fresh bread and rolls..."

"like it was spoken of in our stories from the past."

The house-elves quickly took stock of the situation as they happily went about their normal business of looking after their masters and with precise movements they gathered together what food stuffs they could to feed the large gathering.

The excited chatter and comments of wonder settled to a contented hum with occasional bouts of laughter as food, drink, plates and utensils appeared on the newly erected tables.

The familiars stayed close to their masters while the last remnants of all the magical creatures that had been caged for the journey were instinctively making their own way to areas of the new planet that suited them. Just how they were able to understand and navigate upon this new mysterious planet was a mystery to the folk who watched them in wonder as they sped on their way to a new life among the different terrains that was offered.

"It seems like our wild life already have made up their minds where and how they and their descendants are going to live." commented one of the members of the wizengamot. "Now we have to find ourselves suitable places to build our own civilizations and prosper."

A young man who had obviously been appointed spokesperson for his family and friends came over cautiously to where the wizengamot where standing. He also looked a little nervous about approaching the supreme Wizard. He bowed with respect and then said hesitantly but with determination. "Minister Audentia, I have been asked to represent those of us who have little or no magic who would request respectfully to be allowed to continue living in our own villages."

The Minister studied the young sandy haired man who waited for his answer for a couple of moments and with a slight twitch to his lips that resembled a smile he replied to the young mans question. "You should have your own space as it was back on our old planet but though it may not be wise to isolate yourselves entirely from the magical world because we should also remember that each of us, Magical or not, are on a new planet without enough knowledge about what to expect by way of dangerous situations. It would be grievous to our society to lose anyone, even a squib ."

The young man looked relieved and bowed as he returned to where the other non-magical folk waited in hopeful silence.

After a few other discussions and finalizing of the impromptu meeting, some of the younger- plus some of the most adventurous elder wizarding beings- including those who could transform into various creatures scattered to explore the bright skies, green forests, valleys, mountains, meadows plus the deep blue lakes and streams. There were magical creatures native to this world that peaked out from areas of safety at the new strangers.

Lush thick grass underfoot instead of hard unyielding stone felt as though they had all fallen into a dream world of wonder and in all this new beginning seemed to be beyond anything they could have wished for.

Dour as normal, Severus scowled as he and Merlin along with Slithers- the King of the Baskillians and listened to the conversations between the members of the wizengamot and the Minister of Magic, who were contemplating their next move in settling their peoples as they waited for the return of most of those who had ventured off exploring the terrain of their new planet.

It had been decided that the immediate area would be where the Ministry would be built along with some homes and businesses. Those who had been born with too little or no magic were to be aided by their magical brethern under the guidance of Merlin, the Earth wizard who admitted that his own mother, Adhan was not a magical being but still gave him a deep abiding appreciation of strong family values and a respect for all that walked upon his own home planet Earth.

Merlin stated his intention to Severus that he would finish out the remainder of his life with the fledgling colony and that he hoped that Severus would also find his own form of happiness—whether here on the new wizarding planet or back on Earth.

"I must go back as I still have much to do. There is war back home and I am responsible for the safety of... " Severus stopped and glowered at nothing in particular as he grouched."I have no time to dwell on such sentiments . Despite his apparent attitude and stone faced features- Merlin detected much that belied his companions words.

"Come now Severus. It has been obvious to me that you care much for your charges. But from what I have witnessed while aboard that starship... Voyager, I am sure that everything will turn out the way it should."

"I still have to return to Earth, Not only to complete my vow to help destroy the Dark Lord... Vol- Voldemort. I gave my word to help the Baskilians." Severus' mission for the Q was for most part complete... except for the fact he had to guide one of the massive ships back to Earth where they were to enter the Wizariding world to pick up the colony of Acromantulas while the massive Star ship was hovering above the Forbidden Forest. Then it was back to his normal routine... maybe.

"You are a wizard with honour. I am proud to have met you." Slithers spoke as he eyed with amusement of the antics displayed by the few 'young' children who had gathered to run around an area of the meadow and play while their parents worked on creating their new homes. It was rather pleasent to see the various beings working together for the time being in relative harmony- Goblin, Centaur, Squibs and Wizarding folk accepting each others differences to achieve a greater purpose.

A slight smirk crossed Severus' pale face as he imagined the looks they would be given back home. He also hoped that Dumbledore was still in the land of the living, and the youngster taking Draco's place was able to do that which he was asked to do without damaging the timeline. His thoughts were drawn back to the present when he realized he was being addressed by someone else other than Merlin. The voice kept speaking as if he had been listening the whole time.

"Well now isn't all this a real treat to see! The colourful landscape already filled with creatures of sky and land. Especially for our peoples having to live underground all these years. " gushed the little old lady who had, when she first seen him- called Severus 'a dear little boy' and had patted his cheek during the meeting back in the doomed planet. "What a wonderful new beginning for us."

To Severus shock, along with Slythers bewilderment and Merlin's amusement she turned and gently pinched Severus' cheek affectionately as elderly Aunts of the past were wont to do to little boys. "You two Earth Wizards really are the long awaited travellers described in our ancient legends. Thank you for coming to our aid when we were in need." She raised her aged hand and gently patted Merlins grizzled white head as if conferring a great favour upon a small child and continued to say, "and I must say, you both are the most charmingly sweet youngsters I have ever known. I do hope that once your immediate obligations are done that you both will come back here to live."

Before Severus responded with a scathing remark to the elderly witch's comment... including the fact she pinched him, Merlin quickly grabbed him by the wand arm and whispered "No Severus, " He looked over at Slythers who was doing his best not to chuckle. "You know she doesn't mean any harm." Severus glared back at Merlin who sighed and said, Diplomacy is the art of getting along with people. You must remember that unlike our friend Slithers... most would object to your rather intimidating approach. You need something to help you from stressing out about the little things." Merlin reached into his pocket and drew out a small package and drew a couple candies out that looked suspiciously like sherbet lemons, which he offered to the stunned Potions Master.

"Diplomacy is somewhat overrated at times. Our people appreciate his sarcastic wit very much. It isn't as boring as the common approach." Slithers long forked tongue flitted quickly tasting the scents in the air as he hissed with a tone of amusement in his voice.

"Merlin sometimes I wonder if Albus is one of your descendants. You both share some of the most annoying traits." spat Severus. " I do not require sweets. Especially anything resembling a sherbet Lemon."

"I must meet this fellow you keep comparing me to. He sounds very fascinating." Merlin responded calmly as he shrugged and popped a candy into his mouth. His eyes began to cross over and water and his facial expression changed drastically as his lips puckered and he purred. "MMMmmmmm, These are awfully good strongly flavoured sweets. I must ask the Q where he got them. I's like to have a steady supply if I could."

Considering the effect that particular piece of candy had on Merlin, Seveus wondered if it was in any way similar to the muggle kind Dumbledore ate. Severus shuddered internally when he thought of what it woujld be like if there was a chance of the two meeting. With his luck Dumbledore would also enjoy them to the point of offering them to anybody and everybody he came in contact with.

Meanwhile the elderly lady had tottered over and boldly poked David Audentia side with one of her fingers. She said, "You know my boy, along with this new and precious start, we need to get some fresh new blood on the Wizengamot."

"I think that was a rather large hint for the Minister to request that you and me to stay and live here." commented Merlin with a slight smirk to the man-in-black who worked along beside him. "If it were possible, would you take them up if they offered you a position?"

"I do not think being a member of this, or any Wizengamot would suit me. You on the other hand are famous back in our own world and with your background in leadership you would manage perfectly."

"You don't give yourself enough credit my boy. I doubt that the Q would have chosen you to be part of this adventurous exodus if he thought you were incapable."

Meanwhile A very large Centaur with fiery red hair named Freidana watched his small herd as they carefully explored their surroundings and took note of the different scents wafting about in the unaccustomed breezes, as he listened to the chatter of a large wizard by the name of Chandleron, who was a ministry official put in charge of keeping track of the various crates of relics retrieved from the ancient cavern of Knowledge.

The sight of Wizards and witches- side by side with the Goblin nation, moving and sorting crates of various oddments, books, and necessities- lumber, bricks and other items floating to areas where they where needed in the business of rebuilding homes, businesses etc was a powerful image for the Centaur to savour.

His needs and that of his herd were much simpler in retrospect. A nearby forest would most likely provide them with all their physical needs and wishes. A wonderful feeling of knowing that generations yet unborn would not know the privations and despair that his generation had been faced with in the not so long ago past.

For all of them, the future was bright and even if there was troubles to be faced they would face them with courage and be thankful for the new opportunities to live, grow up and prosper. He also wondered in passing, how that orphan- Vedian was faring on board that Voyager ship. He hoped the choice that Vedan made was right for him.

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Hermione was relaxing with her back against a tree while doing some extra reading for her Transfiguration essay. The two boys, Harry and Ron were having a contest between them skipping stones across the lake.

"What a strange year this has been. I hope when Bill and Fleur get married the first of August that everything will go all right. Then again I have a faint hope that the war would be finished by then ." Harry nodded absent-mindedly in agreement even as his stone skipped three times before sinking into the depths of the Black lake.

"Yes, this year has been a bit more strange than usual." Hermione had to agree with Rons assessment even as he picked up and threw a stone that skipped four times across the surface of the black lake before it sank. Her brow furrowed in thought."I wonder if Snape will make it back to Hogwarts from wherever he was sent to by that... Q Person Malfoy told us about."

"I am more concerned with how do we get the remainder of those Horcuxes and destroy them before having to deal with Vol..." Harry whispered even as the he felt a hand come down upon his shoulder and looked upward in shock. " Ypuknow Dumbledore has been preparing me for that task. But I think some of his plans have changed since Malfoy came back from wherever he and Snape had gone to."

Ron turned to speak and his mouth dropped open, he gulped and tugged on Hermiones shoulder. "Er, I think your question has been answered Hermione." Ron said even as he stared with wide eyed looks at the hook nosed, sallow face scowling down at them.

"That concern Mr Potter is one among others that we need to discuss. I will expect you and your friends if they wish to participate, within the hour to be in the room of Requirement waiting there along with Draconus. " The tall figure dressed in a traditional all black Potions Master outfit said firmly. Then to the three Grifindors confusion he smirked and then vanished from their sight.

"Snape?... Where did he go " Ron froze and stared at the spot where he could have sworn he had just seen the Potions Master standing.

"He couldn't have apparated! It says so in Hogwarts A History." exclaimed Hermione.

"Snape? How and where did he come from?" Harry questioned and for once in his life pondered whether or not it was wise to do as the man said and decided to go find Draconus and hear what he had to say before blindly heading to the Room of Requirement as he more than likely had a better idea as to what or who that person actually was.