Chapter 37-Summer Begins

The station in Hogsmeade was very busy as Trunks and other belongings where loaded onto the train while the last of the students clambered on board the Hogwarts Express, the sounds of its engine muted while its smokestack sent greyish clouds into the sky. Sensing the subdued mood, familiars nestled in the arms of their masters or Mistresses were not as noisy as they would normally have been.

The recent events had impacted upon the anticipated summer plans of many pure bloods whose families where known to be against Voldemort. Half bloods and Nervous muggleborns who knew that they and their families could be in serious danger with Dumbledore gone hoped for a miracle.

"The end of the beginning?" Crabbes brow furrowed and Goyle looked at Draconus blankly.

"More like the beginning of the end." Draconus said distractedly as he wondered which compartment they should enter.

"Being rather dramatic about returning home aren't we Malfoy? Afraid of reaping the repercussions of your actions?" asked a seventh year Slytherin Pure Blood who overheard the boys last comment. "You should have been cautious about who you were hanging around with this past term. Daddy might not be too pleased with you."

"Not really." Draco drawled in a board manner.-even as he kept all his senses alert for any dangerous movements. "It is a fact that we all have to return eventually to our homes. Now that Dumbledore has vanished and with everybody panicking about it, There will be dramatic changes." Draconus continued talking smoothly as he passed by the older Slytherin. "I would suggest that you not blurt out your thoughts and to tread carefully around everyone you come across this summer."

Paling considerably as he slowly backed away, the older boys eyes widened as he thought that Draco Malfoy most likely had something to do with the Headmasters mysterious disappearance. After all Malfoy had vanished from inside Hogwarts and returned in a very dramatic manner himself.

At that moment Ron Weasley poked his head out of one of the larger compartments further down the corridor. . "Hey Draconus, you coming or are you going to camp out in the corridor till we get to Kings Cross?"

"It's an idea considering how cramped some of these train compartments can get with everyone packed in like sardines." Answered Draconus. "Then again I suppose we can put up with each other for a few more hours."

Crabbe and Goyle followed obediently behind the tall Blond and entered the compartment where they found four Griffindors, comprising of Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville."Do you think there is enough room for all of us?" Draconus asked as Neville moved over. Ron nodded and asked if any of them would like to have a game of Chess or exploding snap to wile away the long hours till they arrived at their destination.

Crabbe and Goyle settled down on the bench with Ron and each of them pulled out a pack of cards from their robe pockets to play exploding snap. A small table top balanced upon their knees and with challenging looks in their eyes they proceeded to play.

Hermione leaned over slightly and asked Draconus, "Do you think you will be able to keep up the charade of being Draco when you get back to the Manor?"

"What if you don't recognise someone that Draco knows or do something to... say, make Bellatrix Lestrange suspicious of you." asked Harry as they used the noisy game between Ron and the two burly Slytherins to cover their conversation.

"It is refreshing to know that you Griffindors can be concerned over a Slytherins fate."

"Concerned over a friends fate, you bone head." Ron snapped back.

''Thank you, My hard head appreciates your concern. but I'm as prepared as much as I can be I suppose." Draconus replied, "The Q showed me images of everyone on the Holodeck before transporting me to Hogwarts plus drilling pertinent information into my head so hopefully I won't be forgetting the details I need to know to be safe. As for Bellatrix, I will do my best to avoid being in her company as much as I possibly can."

"I sure wouldn't want to be in your place." Neville shuddered slightly, " I am nervous as to what is gong to happen now that Dumbledore is... possibly dead and he was the only wizard I know of that He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named was afraid of."

"Dead? That has yet to be proven." Draconus looked out the trains window at the scenery as it flashed by and once again wondered how his family and friends where doing back on Voyager and how the various anticipated events would affect him. "I cannot allow myself to think of or mention any of our plans while I am at Malfoy Manor but I will endevour somehow to keep in contact with you."

Draconus paused and looked over at the three other occupants of the compartment playing their game. "Ron... I say, Ron."

Ron looked up with puzzlement, "Yeah, What?"

"Do you think your parents would be all right with your receiving an owl or two from me at the Burrow? I mean after all..."

"I'll explain it all to them." Ron said as the pack of cards exploded and sent confetti sized pieces throughout the compartment. "I may even convince them to allow you to visit if it becomes necessary. Your... par... um Great something or other Gandparents... how do you think they will react?"

"Thanks, I will keep it in mind. Narcissa already knows who I really am and will support our endeavours. Now for Lucius... He has some stupid ideas about sullying the purity of his bloodline which from what Granddad told me he abandoned after meeting grandma Maraga." Draconus' eyes seemed to glaze slightly as if looking into the distance for a moment but then he sighed and said, " But in the long run, I believe he will accept and do whatever it takes to keep the family safe."

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It had been a very unusual meeting in which not only Captain Janeway, her chief members of staff, Magistrate Vincere and Headmaster Dumbledore attended but so did Draco, Maraga and Dulcis as she refused to let Sirius out of her sight, Starfoot the family House-Elf, Mogar Stoneshredder the Goblin stoneshaper and Vedreion the Centaur. The rest of the youngsters had gone to see the merchildren before they headed off to their own quarters to sleep.

Albus was stunned to note that a House-Elf dressed in what amounted to be a muggle uniform, a small Goblin and a teenaged centaur was also involved with and calmly accepted by the Muggles. His whole view of muggle and Magical relations was slowly being eroded and turned upside down. Briefly he wondered if that muggle child's story Alice in Wonderland was in fact based on some sort of reality for he felt like he had somehow managed to be at the Mad Hatters Tea party.

"So lets see if I got this straight... " Albus' nose wrinkled slightly as he pondered. "You say I have not only been taken away form Hogwarts but from earth itself in the 20th century. I am now sitting inside a star ship approximately sixteen light years from Earth." He looked at his hand with wonder... and muggle medicine healed my cursed hand."

"In a nutshell... yes you have." answered Chakotay who was watching Maraga's dragon Ignis Diligo as he zoomed overhead. "We are adjusting somewhat ourselves to the situation we are currently in, even though we are used to recruiting many different species of magical beings into Star Fleet."

"My Granddaughter Maraga and Draco prepared the first potion which contained a special plant that existed only on or rather in our ancient planet. It is called Elfish fairy which has the ability to adapt itself to not only strengthen any healing potion ever made but once ingested it attacks any darkness it finds within the body." explained Magistrate Vincere.

Captain Janeway noted the confusion upon the elderly Headmasters face and understood that it was more to do with the former statement. "I believe Commander Chakotay means that we have a wide variety of magicial applicants from various planets to serve in Star Fleet but are not in the habit of taking anyone from their own timelines. The Q has done so for reasons of his own."

"Pardon? The...Q?"

"He is a very interesting yet exasperating omnipotent being that at the moment has been utilizing our services... and ship along with choosing and bringing aboard certain persons for..." The Captain paused a moment. "reasons of his own. Saving an ancient people from the destruction of their world and repairing something he was responsible for in the wizarding world back on Earth."

"Oh! I see. I suppose Professor Snape was one of those taken... along with Draco Malfoy." Albus turned his baby blue eyes upon the blond boy who sat with Maraga and Arturus. He whispered softly, "Why did he pick them out I wonder."

"Yes we were brought here by Q and Professor Snape is an Ambassador now." Draco blurted out proudly with his head raised high and chin jutting out. He had heard the Headmasters whispered comment and feeling a little slighted, explained further "He along with Merlin are helping with the exodus and resettlement of the ancient magicals, of whom Maraga and her Grandfather Magistrate Vincere along with Dulcis and the other orphaned children, Starfoot, Mogar,and Vedreio the Centaur are members of."

"And I suppose that impressive list also includes the Merchildren that I was asked to speak to." Albus looked amused despite himself.

"Draco." Arturus shook his head slightly and he spoke very gently to the boy. "Headmaster Dumbledore didn't mean to imply that Professor Snape or you where not worthy of the Q's attention."

"Certainly not Mr. Malfoy. Though you must admit the situation is definitely unusual. I am rather puzzled though as to why he has to make such a big production of changing our history back home." answered Albus. "For one, I was supposed to have died because of an ancient withering curse that Voldemort had imbued in an object that I had acquired." He looked at his formally blackened and withered hand. " Instead..."

"The Q brings you to Voyager and the Holographic Doctor on board this ship injects you with a serum that he happened to have on hand that attacks and destroys the darkness within the curse." The muggle with metal implants completed his thoughts.

Startled, Albus stared at her. "Yes and it is somewhat disconcerting, Miss..."

She then introduced herself to the Headmaster, 'My Borg designation is Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero-One. I am a cybernetic being." Seven explained calmly as if it was a very common occurrence to be confronted by someone who had strange metal implants on their person. Of course this comment caused Draco to cough back a laugh as he explained his reaction in a strangled voice. "Deja-Vu."

"Oh right, Seven introduced herself to you in much the same way." Commander Chakotay caught on.

"It is my name and the most efficient explanation I can give." Seven explained as her eyebrow rose slightly. "Though I am no longer a member of the Borg collective. Nor is the other Borg currently on board."

"Borg?" Albus' brow furrowed. "What exactly are they?"

"the Borg are a collection of different species that have been assimilated by force and turned into cybernetic drones belonging to the collective and connected to ''the Hive mind. Their ultimate goal is ''achieving perfection.''

Albus shuddered, "Sounds like a horrible fate, much like being controlled by the likes of Voldemort." He said as he looked meaningfully at Draco.

"A fate that can be reversed. And has been." answered Draco with a cool clipped tone."I have no mark as it was removed by the same potion used on your cursed hand." He extended both of his arms and revealed the unblemished skin on his forearms. "See, nothing remains and shall not be reapplied either."

"I see." Albus' brain was feeling a little overwhelmed by all the sensory input it was trying to process for him to comprehend the situation. He could feel a slight headache forming."And I take it you are getting along with Seven?" Albus was wondering if the prejudices he associated with the Malfoy family and some other pure blood families were still present or had Dracos outlook had changed .

.His answer came when Draco told him. "Seven is a wonderful person as is Icheb, He told me that he along with three girls called Mexoti, Azan and Rebi was rescued from the Borg collective along with some other Borg kids by Captain Janeway and the crew of Voyager. but he is the only one left as the girls were able to be returned to their families. I hope he will like adapting to life on Earth."

Tuvok nodded and said "Icheb will adapt quite well. I am sure of that. He has a genius-level aptitude for astrophysics and designed a gravimetaraic sensor array which in conjunction with Voyagers sensors can detect wormholes." Turning to Captain Janeway he said, "Also I must report that he hasn't as yet been informed yet about his acceptance to Starfleet Academy."

"That reminds me." Captain Janeway turned to speak to Lieutenant Arturus Malfoy," Congratulations is in order. I saw the report that your son Draconus has also passed the entrance exam to Starfleet Academy."

"Yes ma'am, I look forward to telling Draconus the news after we retrieve him from twentieth Century Earth."

At that point Sirius stood up as he held Dulcis, who had fallen asleep during the somewhat informal meeting, close to his chest and requested that he be excused so he could take the child back to their quarters.

"Sirius?" Albus looked pointedly at the sleeping child. His unspoken question was quite obvious.

"Shortly after I was brought here Dulcis took a great liking for me and somehow she knew I was alone and so she doggedly kept showing me that what I really needed was a family." He smiled fondly down at the slumbering child. "I don't have the heart to separate her from her very protective friends Pollux Singe and Leonia Validus who are also orphans." He smirked, "In short if Pollux and Leonia agree to being adopted by me along with Dulcis—I will have proudly acquired a new family . But without the baggage of old Pure blood prejudices sir."

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The large monument of a group of wizards, centaurs, goblins, unicorns and several other creatures gathered together had been released from its protective charmed crate and Many House Elves got busy cleaning and repairing the minor cracks and damage from age till it looked newly minted and shining impressively in the warming rays of the yellow sun above.

Once the ancient Monument was readied to the small House Elves determined and precise satisfaction - to be viewed as it should be, everyone in the area paused , laying down their own work to gather together and gaze up at the monument in awe.

On closer inspection the crowd gasped with amazement and then after verifying that the House Elves did not change the appearance of the figures, the large Ministry wizard by the name of Chandleron pointed out the uncanny resemblances to Merlin, Snape and several of the Cardilians and Basaliskans.

"Yes now that you mention it, It is astounding how much two of the figures resemble the Earth wizards." commented Freidana, the Centaur with fiery red hair. "Even to the dark mark on Ambassador Snapes forearm."

"Very oddly accurate. Considering this is one of the ancient pieces that was brought to Venificus Magus from the first exodus and lost several eons ago when our ancestors left the surface to live underground protected from the destructive outside elements.''

The Minister of Magic David Audentia agreed as he reverently touched one of the figures arms."Not to be seen again till the Earth ship Voyager arrived with the Earth Wizards."

"This monument must be preserved along with the stories of our second miraculous exodus for future generations to learn and appreciate, for posterity." one bombastic fellow said rhetorically.

Merlin and Severus looked questioningly at each other.

"Have you any memories of us having done this before?"

"Not that I am aware of."

"You don't think that Q... ?"

Both of them paused and then simultaneously shook their heads. Naa, it is just a coincidence."

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The Hogwarts Express rumbled smoothly into the station at Kings Cross where anxious families were pensively waiting for the youngsters safe arrival.

Not saying, but knowing that each of them were terrified that one of the loyal followers of the Dark Lord, especially Bellatrix-where watching their every movement and reporting back to him, Lucius and Narcissa watched for Draconus and looked extremely relieved to see him descending onto the platform surrounded by not only Crabbe and Goyle but the four Griffindors that he had befriended.

Molly and Arthur Weasley cautiously approached the group and their daughter Ginny who appeared from the compartment she had shared with her own friends.

Once the boy approached him, Lucius stared at his son with love and a fear that one of these days the Dark Lord would crucio both his son and himself if he faltered in his devotion to 'the cause' or showed any sign of weakness .

Deciding it would be safer for his family to keep up the pretense of being nothing more than a faithful follower, spoke quietly and haughtily, "What are you up to Draco? It is beneath your station to consort with mudbloods and traitors... You have taken the Dark Mark and vanquished Dumbledore as ordered by the Dark Lord."

Knowing that this might be the only chance for them to be alone as a family, Narcisssa wandlessly cast a privacy charm as Draconus looked up at the tall wizard who had no idea whatsoever that he was not his son but rather his great grandson. " No Valde Avis (Great Grandfather) I am not worthy of such a position." With a very odd expression upon his face he pulled the sleeves up away from both his arms and showed his unblemished skin. "You must be mistaken."

Startled by the absense of the mark and confused by how his son addressed him, Lucius was gobsmacked and at a loss for words when he looked over at Narcissa who for some strange reason didn't seem too surprised.

"I take it you didn't mention anything to him about what had transpired ." Draconus commented to Narcissa quietly.

"No I thought it would be safer not to till we were together." Narcissa replied with a worried glance at Lucius confused expression. "But we should get back to the Manor before continuing this conversation."

"Yes it would be wisest course of action. Time is of the essence and the Q said he will be returning." Draconus agreed to Lucius's confusion.

Arthur and Molly stood with their twins George and Fred a fair distance down the platform away from the Malfoys. The boys had volunteered to come with their parents to pick up the younger two Weasleys as the stories they had heard about the goings on at Hogwarts and the unusual alliances that had formed -had to some extent been a little unnerving for the elder Weasleys to comprehend.

"Boys, tell us again what you had witnessed the day you went to Hogwarts for us." Molly said. "Your father and I are wondering if..."

"You had noticed anything that day that would suggest a connection between Draco Malfoy and the Headmasters mysterious disappearance." Arthur finished Molly's sentence as they watched the engine slow down and stop. "There is talk of having to close the school because it is feared that there could be more students or staff suddenly vanishing from the school. As for Snape, Malfoy and Dumbledore only Malfoy has returned."

The Twins looked over in tandem at their parents with wide innocent eyes.

"Don't think we saw anything to suggest that he was involved but."

"We heard...Malfoy apologising to Longbottom after knocking him down!"

"We had thought it couldn't be...Who is that and what has he done with Malfoy!"

"Honestly what has happened to the normal routines?"

"Peeves acting mysteriously... even keeping his pranking to a minimal level."

"Our dear 'itlle Ronnikins.."

"HEY QUIT CALLING ME THAT!" Ron roared predictably as he and Ginny approached them with Harry and Hermione.

"along with Granger and Potter having Slytherin friends..."

"Very odd now that you mention it dear bro."

"Odd is a really weak description when it comes to Peeves." replied Ron. "As for having Slytherin friends..."Ron jerked slightly as he felt Hermione poke him in the side with her finger.

"There are circumstances that need to be explained that you may not believe when you hear them." Hermione said solemnly as Ron glared at her while rubbing his side.