Chapter 36- End of Term
Flashback
The group of children and adults from Voyager had been astounded when they had been taken through the magical portal into the world of Vulcan Magic. It was a revelation to many of them as they gazed down the ancient street full of busy shoppers and shopkeepers who had many magical articles and substances that where not to be found anywhere else on the planet. Tuvok was also surprised as even though he knew of the existence of the magical community, this was the very first time he had entered it. Arturus found some interesting plants that intrigued him and upon closer inspection he realized what they where and added them to the supplies that Tuvok was compiling for Neelix.
"Interesting and unusual Lieutenant." Commented Tuvok, "I suppose you have a reasonable explanation for this particular selection."
"Yes, I believe it would be wise to gather these seedlings for Draco and Maraga to take with them to their own timeline. The Nemus ut Repello malum trees were not known on Earth till near the end of the 20th century." Arturus Malfoy paused as a thought struck him. "It is a temporal paradox . Ever since the Q started us on this fantastic adventure I have been able to understand more of our family History. It is also a conundrum."
"A riddle whose answer has an unexpected twist and a logical postulation that evades resolution." Tuvok said, "The dragon eggs which young Malfoy and his friend receives from the elderly wizard who in reality is your Grandfather. Now you are bringing on board the seedlings from which Draconus acquires his wand."
"I don't suppose we will ever get used to the strange paradoxes we keep getting ourselves into since members of my family joined Star Fleet, but then again they are part of what makes the voyage interesting." Arturus said with a sigh as they continued on with the tour. "Sometimes I wonder what Captain Janeway thinks about our extra long mission."
"It has been an interesting ride, That I agree with." Tuvok answered, "Captain Janeway did say that ever since her first day on the job as a Starfleet Captain, she swore she would never let herself get caught in one of these Godforsaken paradoxes. The past is the future, the future is the past, it all gave her a headache."
Now that they were all back on Voyager Draco had a strange sensation in his heart as he saw that there had been some similarities to Diagon Alley back on Earth. He kept his musings to himself as he and Maraga went with Arturus toward the Doctors domain with the incubator of Miniature Dragon eggs.
"You know, I didn't know exactly how our family ended up with a flourishing business in raising Dragon Familiars until now." Arturus said as they walked up to Deck 5 where sickbay was.
"I am very confused, Our family will be raising these dragons which I understand are descendants of the ones rescued from Venificus Magus but the only one I've actually seen is Maraga's." said Draco as he and Maraga looked at the floating incubator and then at Arturus.
"There were others on my planet and I believe that they were shipped to the new world that Q had designated for our people. I think that these eggs were brought specifically to this planet for us." Maraga said thoughtfully. "I believe these dragons are bred from the same line as Ignis."
"Yes you are correct. " answered Arturus. "They came from Novus Venificus Magus which is the planetary system your people where transported to."
end of flashback
"My, my It's like a treasure trove." Neelix said to Tuvok as he happily sorted and put away the abundant supplies that had been beamed up to the ship. He stopped to look at the strange trees that seemed to pulse with a strange glow from within yet were benign looking otherwise. He wasn't fearful nor felt threatened but still he was a very cautious person when it came to magic and the unknown till he had enough infosrmation to proceed.
His reluctance to touch any of the 'seedlings' was noticed by Arturus who explained. "These trees are called called 'Nemus ut Repello malum ' meaning tree that repels evil. Wands made from the branches will not tolerate anyone with evil intents. We got them while visiting the hidden magical side of Vulcan."
It had been a very tiring time for the Lieutenant who had come back down to the cargo bay after he managed to convince the Doctor to allow placing the incubator of dragon eggs within his office.
Neelix shook his head, "I would never have thought that the planet filled with people who live by logic would have a magical world hidden within."
"Magic and those who are born to and practise it are not confined to either the Earth or the Venificus Magus. " Tuvok spoke matter of factly. "They are rare upon my planet but we do have a few magical people who have ancestors that were brought to Vulcan to live after their system went Nova."
"I suppose the Q could explain further but I for one wonder if that is the connecting factor in all this traveling between timelines and..." Neelix stopped and stared at Tuvok. "Young Draco must be the link. After getting to know young Dracous when I first boarded Voyager, I studied the historical database and learned that there is a Star Ship called Hogwarts one- where those magical beings who wish to enter Star Fleet go."
"Yes, for once you are using some logic to connect the dots."
"And you-Mr. Tuvok sir, are actually learning to use a little humour. Good for you!" Neelix shot back. Tuvok barely contained a verbal response and decided to ignore the Talaxians comment as he explained the historical connection.
"During the twenty-second century Lieutenant Malfoys family had influence in creating Magic endowed ships like Hogwarts one to ensure co-operation between the magical community and muggle worlds for Star Fleet, along with paying for the building and fitting out that particular traveling School for not only magical beings from various planets like mine, but for squibs who wished something more in their lives?" Tuvok said in his knowledgeable matter of fact voice.
Neelix nodded his understanding. "And this ship still in operation? Wow it is old."
"It is probably the oldest Star Ship in existence that is still in operation." His own eyes glittered with an undefinable look and then his normal Vulcan inscrutable mask slid back over his face.
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Dumbledore felt strangely discombobulated as he found himself propelled away from Hogwarts and passively he wondered if this was what Malfoy and Snape had felt like when they had disappeared. Shortly after that thought passed through his mind he found himself in a rounded room filled with three beds with some blinking contraptions nearby. He noted in passing that there were several other round rooms were close by.
Albus was very confused and a little dizzy from having made such a fast trip from Hogwarts to wherever this was. But his curiosity overcome his uneasiness and he asked "Er... where are we? This can't be the afterlife."
"Not likely, you have been brought to Voyager where the EMH will look after that unsightly black grunge on your hand." commented the being who then vanished as the Doctor materialized instantaneously and turned to ask what services were required and spat out as the being vanished. "Q what have you gotten us into this time?" as some people entered the room and stopped in their tracks as soon as they spotted the obviously elderly wizard who was even more puzzled at the Doctors odd comment.
"After all we have gone through lately, I should not be too surprised but still I must ask. Who are you and how did you get here?" A very firm authoritative and precise lady's voice asked as she eyed Dumbledore with resignation as she had an idea that the Q had once again transported a magical being to Voyager..
"I am Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts...I am not quite sure as to how I got wherever here is... but know only that a being who was identified as Death himself took me from my School" he said while his brow furrowed slightly, '' At least I think I still am. Unless of course I am dead."
"You are not dead. Not by a long shot." said another lady with what appeared to be metal implants in her head and hand. Albus shuddered to think of how painful it must be as he spotted behind the two females- a familiar looking white blond haired boy coming inside the room with a dark haired girl, and a pointy eared man who gave Albus the impression of being some sort of Auror.
"Draco Malfoy?" Albus queried, feeling a little relief in recognizing a familiar face. "Is that really you?"
The blond boys grey eyes glittered with unconcealed amusement as he looked closely at the tall thin wizard with the slivery mane of hair and long beard. "Yes Headmaster Dumbledore. I am me, myself and I."
"Now Draco, play nice." Draco shook his blond head slightly as the pointy eared dark man behind him gave him a gentle swat for impertinence. " I must assume from our response, that this wizard is Headmaster Dumbledore from Hogwarts of the 20th century Earth and once hidden wizarding world."
"Yes Tuvok, this is the real Headmaster Dumbledore." Draco confirmed.
A 'Hummfffff ' was heard and silence reined a few seconds as the Doctor came forward and loaded up a hypospray with a specialised vial filled with some of the potion created by Draco and Maraga. He set it down upon a nearby counter filled with medical equipment.
"Since Q has thought to deposit you here in my sickbay I assume you have need of my vast medical skills." The Doctor said crisply as he turned and looked meaningfully at the group who had entered. "Don't tell me I have to find space for another magical species. I am a Doctor not a Magical Creatures Professor if anybody cared to notice." He glanced toward the inoffensive looking incubator that sat in his office. I have enough on my hands with caring for those Malfoy Dragon eggs on top of my normal duties." The Doctor grinned for a moment then picked up a medical Bio tricorder from a shelf above the counter and started to scan the elderly wizard. Tisking as it gathered detailed information and showed some very interesting results as it hovered over the astounded elderly wizards blackened hand.
"Wha..." Dumbledores voice rose slightly as he felt a strange pressure from the Doctors Hypospray as it injected something into the sub-dermal layer below the skin of his blackened hand.
"Luckily for you wizarding folk I know what to do when confronted by any number of your silly curses. " The doctor told him. "My scans say you are in reasonably perfect shape for a man of 115 years. You may now go engage in whatever reckless activity you wish."
Albus was shocked at the seemingly flippant way the stranger had dealt with the withering curse that he knew was his death sentence and how he knew Albus' exact age.
"Welcome to the wonders of ...What you call it?... Oh Yes Muggle magic." deadpanned the Doctor as he smirked at the astonished look upon the elderly wizards face. "That along with the potion that young Maraga and Draco came up with to remove that disguising Tattoo he called a Dark Mark from his arm is quite effective." The Doctor then turned and strode into his office to complete some work.
Albus felt some tingling within the fingers of his blackened hand of which the darkness seemed to be lightening up when what the Doctor said registered with him.
"Then you did take Voldemorts mark!" Dumbledore looked over at Draco with stern blue eyes. "You still have the Under age trace upon your magic. What was the point of taking his mark if any magic you perform could be traced and lead the Aurors straight to you?"
"I had to, unfortunately thanks to the circumstances Iand my family got thrust into." Draco responded back bitterly. He took a deep breath and then continued. " I believe that after the events of last year my parents have finally realised just who and what he really is and have become disillusioned."
"Draco! Mr. Dumbledore! Please don't quarrel." Captain Janeway ordered as she stepped forward. "The events of which you are speaking of are being taken care of by the Q with the assistance of Ensign Draconus Malfoy."
Noting the Headmasters obvious confusion, Tuvok suggested. "Mr. Dumbledore please come with us to the Captains Ready room and we will discuss the matter then."
"Yes, excellent suggestion Tuvok." Captain Janeway acknowledged, turning her attention onto the elderly wizard she spoke crisply yet kindly. "now that you have been taken care of by the Doctor , I suggest we take Tuvoks advice and proceed to the ready room for a conference."
Albus nodded in response as he followed the group of people out of the sickbay and into the corridor, his mind was frantically processing the events since he had found himself leaving Hogwarts with the being he knew as Death and finding himself in this strange place with what appeared to be a mixture of magical beings and muggles calmly existing side by side and working together as if it was not at all unusual.
The walk to the Ready Room was swiftly undertaken and everyone concerned filed inside and took a seat at the conference table . The woman who identified herself as Captain Janeway tapped a badge upon her chest and quietly requested in a firm authoritative voice told Lieutenant Malfoy to join them in the Ready room along with the Grand Wizard Vincere and Mr. Black.
Meanwhile, Albus had many questions which he would like answered when the meeting began in earnest. Among them being - Where was Professor Snape, What was going on, Where exactly he had been taken to, Why he was brought here. But first he thought he better talk to Malfoy about the advisability of trying to raise dragons. He managed to get Draco's and Maraga's attention and spoke of his concern
"You do realise there are severe penalties attached to breeding dragons including the eggs which are considered class A non-tradeable goods "
"Yes sir I know the penalties and consequences of breeding and trading Dragon eggs. " Draco answered the question. "But these particular dragons are not related to any of the dangerous varieties we have back on Earth. From what I have observed, they are relatively harmless. So it should be possible to get permission to continue breeding them by the ministry "
"This particular breed have been raised upon my planet for generations as familiars." Maraga spoke firmly as her own small dragon came flying in and hovered over them. "They are specially bred to stay small."
Albus noticed and watched the tiny Dragon above Maraga before settling down upon her shoulder. " Is that the dragon species you are planning to bring back?"
" Yes sir it is. But that is not what we..." Draco looked hesitatingly over at Maraga 's encouraging face before turning back to look at Dumbledore and continuing, "need to ask you, do you speak old Mermish ?"
"I do speak Mermish among a few other languages." Albus looked puzzled. At the question. "Why do you ask?"
"We have some Mer children aboard Voyager that came from our home planet Venificus Magus " said Grand Wizard Vincere in his creaky yet firm voice. I wish to verify with them as to whether they would appreciate going along with myself, my granddaughter, and the other children to your 20th century earth or to the new planet whence our people have been transported to."
Albus' mouth gaped open slightly and he blinked while wondering if Death had played a terrible practical joke on him and he had fallen into a deep coma. "I have a few questions of my own... Am I really here or..?" His voice failed him as he spotted a somewhat familiar figure who had sat down beside Draco. "Lucius?"
"Oh yes, you are here. Along with us on the Star Ship known as Voyager." Draco said as he smirked, noticing the Headmaster eyeing Lieutenant Malfoy in his Star Fleet uniform with obvious confusion. Deciding it wold be proper to introduce him to the elder Malfoy, Draco said. "Headmaster Dumbledore, This is one of my future Grandchildren Arturus Malfoy."
"Wha..? Albus was really feeling very odd at best and then he noticed another very familiar face in among those who had now gathered in the room. The only thing was... the wizard was dead! Albus was very sure of that particular bit of fact as there where many reliable witnesses that he had fallen through the veil at the Ministry the year before.
"Hello Headmaster." Sirius said as the Headmasters eye wandered down to look at the small girl gripping tightly to a piece of Sirius' robe as she listened to the muted conversation around her. "Captain, I hope it is all right to bring Dulcis with me. She has been very clingy and is afraid I will disappear on her."
"Yes Mr. Black, She may stay." answered Captain Janeway as she smiled at the tiny girl who smiled back beore noticing the new elderly ward who reminded her a little of Maraga's Grandfather.
Dulcis gave the new wizard a shy blinding smile even as Sirius gently loosened her grip and then picked her up to set in his lap. "I may as be the one to welcome you to the insane world of the Muggle teche-nol-ogy. Even if I am still a bit flummoxed by it myself."
"You went through the Veil... How can you be..."
"I am very much alive and believe me I was somewhat as shocked as you appear to be when I found myself on this Starship."
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Voices carried the news swiftly throughout the castle and beyond as a flurry of owls were sent with the horrifying message that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore had vanished like Snape did and Draco Malfoy had.
"The Headmaster vanished without a trace!"
"H-how could he?"
"He couldn't have. The wards wouldn't allow it."
"He isn't dead...is he?"
"No... at least not from what I heard."
"He... just disappeared. Vanished!" The voice had a stunned tone as he snapped his fingers. "Just like that."
"Errant Elf magic?"
"No, It was ... a spectre! Unlike any I've ever seen!"
"Maybe he will come back like Malfoy did." said one hopeful staff member said to another as they entered the Great Hall for what was to be the last feast of the year. All examinations had been postponed and Lessons were suspended due to the mysterious disappearance of the esteemed Headmaster.
"That is something we can hope for but till then..."
"The School Governors are in an uproar as is the ministry."
"McGonagall saw it as did I with my friends. He looked a little like Snape but then he... looked like Death! " insisted one of the third year Griffindors who shuddered as her eyes widened with horror at the very memory.
The staff and students had assembled in the Great Hall for their supper and also to confirm that the shocking rumours that had flashed from one end of Hogwarts to the other was in fact the truth.
"Attention! Please settle down everyone!" the obviously shaken Professor McGonagall called out as she used the Sonorus Charm to amplify her voice over the chatter. "I must say that never in my years of teaching at Hogwarts have I ever known of such strange instances that have occurred this year. The Headmaster has disappeared in a way that is the similar to the same situation earlier on this year with the disappearance of Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy. All we can hope for is that he will return back here safely if it is at all possible." As her short speech wound down she focused on the positive hope given to her by the safe reappearance of Draco Malfoy and the faint hope that the Headsmaster would likewise reappear in time before the last meal of the day was instantaneously delivered by the conscientious House Elves.
Focusing his eyes on the plate before him as he placed food on it, Draconus felt the stares that were aimed at him and he sighed. Some where curious or calculating, and others sympathetic but still he wished they would stop. He suspected that Q had taken the Headmaster away – probably to Voyager for the Doctor to tend to that cursed hand. He knew the time was drawing near for him and his fellow conspirators to go after the remaining Horcruxes and rescue the prisoners being held captive by Voldemort at Malfoy Manor.
Draconus sighed and wondered if he could pull off his impersonation of Draco well enough to keep from drawing suspicions which would endanger his family and possibly his future self. He suspected that Dumbledore was taken by Q to Voyager. He momentarily wished he was back there himself. He picked up his fork and stabbed it into the innocent piece of chicken. This Summer was promising to be a very busy one.
Crabbe and Goyle , who were sitting on either side of Draconus looked over at each other over the head of their friend with puzzlement on their faces as they wondered what was bothering him. Whatever it was they knew that he would let them know and then hopefully allow them to assist him.
Over at the Griffindor table, Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville cast him sympathetic looks which Draconus briefly acknowledged with a shake of his head and then forced himself to eat a little of his meal as he wondered what grand adventures his family and friends that were scattered throughout the galaxies on various Star Fleet vessels and those who remained in the Magical world were experiencing — He missed them all terribly.
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Voldemort heard the report that Dumbledore had mysteriously disappeared from inside Hogwarts with the help of a dementor like figure who resembled Snape from several reliable sources. Just where the Elderly Wizard was now couldn't be fathomed any more than the whereabouts of Snape who had vanished and as of yet never returned. The Headmasters familiar, Fawkes was reportedly flying around the grounds as if lost but it did not leave.
"If responsible, Malfoy's son certainly managed to create a spectacular way to dispose of Dumbledore." Voldemort mused. " Or did Snape come back to finish the job. No... he couldn't have as I would have as I would have sensed his connection through the Mark."
Lucius and Narcissa both suppressed a shudder while watching the Dark Lord pacing across the floor of their large drawing room where the Death Eaters had been ordered to gather at the long ornate table when, suddenly a distorted chuckle issued out of the snake like mouth and a bright gleam flashed in the red eyes of the Dark Lord.
"Lucius..." Voldemort paused as he looked toward the discomforted pale pair who sat silently beside her triumphant looking sister- Bellatrix who had been the first to bring him the glorious news which had been verified by several other sources including the intense and explosive reports in The Daily Prophet that Voldemort had read as soon as it arrived by Owl Post.
"I have been gracious to you when I acquired you your liberty, from Azkaban Lucius, was that favour not enough for you? But I have noticed that you and your wife seem less than pleased with the news that your boy has accomplished the task I set before him, surpassing even your accomplishments.."
"No, my Lord!" Sputtered Lucius nervously as Narcissa laid her trembling hand on top of his. "I am proud of my son and his accomplisment."
" Interesting response, But I don't believe you are being fully truthful Lucius." Voldemort's mouth twisted into a caricture of a smile. "No matter, the meddling old fool is gone. The take-over of the Ministry and the rest of the magical world will now be able to proceed as planned."
Authors note
Thank you everyone who sent their love and concern to me and my family this past week after the loss of our 16 year old Granddaughter. It was much appreciated.
When those you love become a memory...those memories become treasure...Treasure every one.