A/N: The twenty-eightth chapter of my HP/ST:TNG crossover-fic. A lot quikcer than the last update, huh?
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling. Star Trek belongs to Paramount Pictures and, of course, Gene Roddenberry (R.I.P.), The Great Bird of the Galaxy. And all other trademarks aren't mine, but just used in the story. Lynn is all mine.
28. Time to go
Ron entered Ten Forward. The room was full of people. Over at the windows Lynn and Wesley were talking to Troi and Geordi. At a table Harry, Riker, Data, Worf and Walsh sat. They seemed to be discussing the battle on the holodeck. Ron went over to the bar to wait for Hermione. Guinan saw him approaching, and by the time he reached the bar she'd poured up a glass of butterbeer.
"Just what I needed," said Ron as he sat down at the bar. Guinan gave him the butterbeer.
"I guessed as much," she said. Ron took a sip of his butterbeer. "Feels good to go back tomorrow right?"
"You have no idea! It will feel so good to be back," said Ron.
"Oh, that good?" said Guinan.
"Well, it's not like I haven't enjoyed my stay here," said Ron. "I've got engaged and all, so I can't really complain. It's just that...well, this is..."
"...Not home," said Guinan. Ron nodded. "I understand. That's healthy really, to know where you belong."
"Yeah," said Ron. He took another sip of his butterbeer, and was quiet for a few seconds. "There's just one thing I gotta know though. The first time I asked about butterbeer, you already knew about it, right?" Guinan smiled. "I'll take that as a yes. You have to be well connected to know about that stuff though."
"Well, I spent some time on earth a few centuries ago," said Guinan. Ron's eyes widened.
"Centuries?" he said. "Oh yeah, you're an El-Auri, I forgot. Well, that would explain how you've managed to take the time to make connections. Would I know anyone you might've met?"
"Probably," said Guinan, a mystical smile on her face.
"So, Harry, how's it feel to go home again tomorrow?" asked Riker.
"I don't know..." said Harry. "At the same time as it feels good to go home, I sort of... I've got a lot of problems waiting for me back home."
"Are you referring to the Dark Lord Voldemort?" said Data.
"Yeah," said Harry.
"That would of course be something to become anxious about," said Data.
"You have a warriors determination," said Worf. "As long as you use your skills, you will prevail."
"Worf's right, Harry," said Walsh. "Do what you can and I'm sure it will go well." Harry smiled.
"'Don't try to be a great man. Just be a man, and let history make its own judgement.' Something like that, huh?" he said.
"Zefram Cochrane," said Riker, smiling. "Yeah, something like that."
"Could I have everyone's attention?" said Picard, standing in front of the windows. In a few seconds everyone was quiet and looking at Picard. "Thank you. As you all know this party is being held in honor of our guests. Over the last month and a half a lot has happened. We have all become aware of a whole new side of humanity that, even if we won't remember it in a day or so, has made us see that not everything can be explained by science. That there is such a thing as magic. And just on this ship we have gone through some of our hardest challenges yet. But for all the bad times, there as many good times, hopefully more so." He looked at Lynn and Wesley.
"It has been a pleasure to know you all." He looked at the group of people that Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lynn and Wesley formed. "You have seen our world, seen the future of mankind. I know that at least I would've loved to see the world you live in. But I know that you will help see to it that the history of your time works out for the best." He looked at Harry at the last part. Harry showed a light smile, and nodded.
Picard raised his glass. "To our guests, may you have both a safe journey and a happy life before you."
Lynn looked out the window. She was back in hers and Wesley's quarters. The party had ended half an hour ago, and they were just about to go to bed. But Lynn didn't really feel like going to bed. So she just stood there in front of the window, dressed in her nightgown. Of course it was replicated, but she had grown quite fond of it. Now Wesley walked up behind her, embracing her.
"Can't sleep?" he said.
"Not really..." said Lynn. They were quiet for a few seconds. "I'm gonna miss this view. The stars just look...different here."
"Yeah, they do," said Wesley. "But that's really one of the things I miss with Earth. Somehow the stars always looked the most beautiful on a clear night. I really envy you, going back to that great castle I've heard so much about, with that nice surroundings you've described to me."
"Hearing you talk about it, I realise how much I've missed Hogwarts," said Lynn, smiling. "It really is a great place. I love the Enterprise, but I guess Hogwarts will always be special to me. It's only one thing that's missing."
"What's that?" said Wesley. She turned his head to face him.
"You," she said. The smile she'd worn earlier now looked a bit sad. Wesley closed his hand around Lynn's. "I really would've liked you to see Hogwarts."
"I would've loved to see it," said Wesley, showing the same kind of sad smile Lynn wore.
The following morning Picard sat in his ready room, reading the latest sensor reports. He finished them quickly and lay down the PADD on the table.
"Computer, time," he said.
"The time is 9 hours 47 minutes," said the computer voice.
'Soon it's only nine hours left...' thought Picard. The time-apparition was to take place at 1900 hours. And even though Picard wouldn't admit it, even to himself, he was very nervous as to how it all would go. Suddenly the door beeped.
"Come," said Picard. The door opened and Harry entered. "Harry."
"Captain, I hope I'm not disturbing you," said Harry.
"Not at all. Please, sit down," said Picard. The door closed as Harry sat down in the seat in front of Picard's desk. "Now, what brings you here?"
"Well, Captain, the thing is..." said Harry. "First off I want to say that I have the utmost respect for both you and Starfleet, and that I wouldn't dream of braking any of your rules."
"Yes, go on..." said Picard.
"I was wondering if we could take some things from this time back with us," said Harry. "Providing of course that they don't contain any technology or materials that isn't already available on Earth, and that of course includes the packaging we transport it in." He quickly added the last sentence, so that Picard wouldn't start to object right away.
"What sort of things?" said Picard.
"I for one would like to bring back my sword, to keep as a decoration, and my clothes," said Harry. "I suppose the others would also like to bring their clothes."
"Suppose?" said Picard.
"I, um...haven't said anything to them yet," said Harry. Picard was quiet for a few seconds.
"Can you assure that the things brought back contains no contemporary technology or materials?" he the said. "And that you keep them to your selves?"
"Yes, Sir, I'll make sure of that," said Harry. Picard was silent for a moment.
"Fine. You have my permission to do it," he said. "Just make sure to tell Commander Walsh exactly what you bring with you so that he can adjust for the things."
"Yes, absolutely, Sir," said Harry.
"Good," said Picard. "Then I suggest you go and tell your friends about the news." He smiled. Harry smiled also, nodded, got up, and left the room. Picard sat silent for a few seconds.
"Mr Data, could you please report to my ready room," he then said.
"So that's about the only restrictions," said Harry, who was with the others in his quarters. "I'm in the clear since I only replicated my things out of the right materials."
"Me too," said Hermione.
"I don't really know, you replicated them, Harry..." said Ron.
"It's okay for you too," said Harry.
"Do you think that my wedding ring is okay?" said Lynn.
"Why shouldn't it be?" said Hermione.
"Well, um...technically this diamond..." said Lynn, holding up her golden wedding-ring which had a diamond in it. "...isn't exactly a diamond."
"What is it then?" said Ron.
"It's a special diamond from Risa," said Lynn.
"Does it look or feel that much different from another diamond?" said Harry.
"Well, no, but it is extraordinarily pure," said Lynn.
"I don't think you have to worry about that, we do after all live in the wizard world," said Harry. "I bet there are things that look much more special than an diamond."
"He's right," said Hermione. "There's the Chinese fire-ruby, the Nordic blue-diamond, the-"
"Thank you, Hermione, I think she get the point..." said Harry. "We better start going through our things then. Let's meet back here"
About an hour later they met back in Harry's quarters. Everyone had a small bag of things with them. They wore their Hogwarts clothes once again, but only the shirts with pants, not the robes and the tie. Harry had just packed the display stand and the belt he had for his katana sword, and he held the sheathed katana in his hand. Now his attention turned to Ron's packaging.
"Ron?" said Harry.
"Yeah?" said Ron.
"What is that?" said Harry.
"My stuff," said Ron. His bag was the same size as the others bags, but it was quite noticeably very full. "What?"
"Nothing..." said Harry. "We better go to engineering to leave our stuff to Commander Walsh."
Once in engineering they saw that Walsh, Geordi, Data and Barclay were gathered around what looked to be a large wooden crate. They were looking down into it.
"Okay, now close it," said Walsh.
"Yes, Sir," said Geordi and closed something in the box. Harry looked at Hermione, who shrugged.
"That's the crate for us to take our things back in?" said Harry. The group around the box looked at them.
"Yes, it is," said Walsh.
"We, um...made sure to make it a wooden crate," said Barclay. "You know because of the, um...the..."
"The material was used for crates in your time," said Data. "And therefore it will not rise any suspicions."
"Yes, that's it, the material, that's what I meant!" said Barclay.
"I suppose we just put our things in the crate then?" said Lynn.
"Go right ahead," said Walsh, smiling. They walked up to the crate and started putting their stuff in.
"Whoa, that's quite a bag you got there," said Geordi when Ron put his bag in.
"Do I need to put my sword any special way in the crate or...?" said Harry quickly, to keep Ron from giving Geordi a snappy comeback.
"No, the inside should be stabile during the transport, it should be fine," said Walsh. When everyone was ready Data put on the lid and sealed the crate. Harry noticed that he seemed to avoid showing the inside of the lid to them. "Good, then I'll just re-calculate for this stuff then. See you all tonight."
It was surprising to them how quickly the evening seemed to approach. Harry went roaming the ship two hours before the were to go back. Soon he ended up in Ten Forward. It was rather calm in there. Just a handful of people were in the room. He went up to window to look out at the stars. After he had stood there for about five minutes, staring out into space, Guinan came up to him.
"Enjoying the view while you can?" she said.
"Yeah," said Harry. "Bet you're kinda used to it." He looked at her.
"At least it always changes," said Guinan. "Harry, I would like to ask you a thing."
"Sure," said Harry.
"When you get back to your time, could you do me a favour," said Guinan. "Could you say 'hi' to Albus from me?"
"What?" said Harry, surprised. "Albus? You mean Dumbledore? You knew Dumbledore." Guinan just nodded calmly.
"As I told your friend Ron earlier, I spent some time on Earth a few centuries ago," said Guinan, a light smile on her face. "Hope you have a safe trip back home." She went back to the bar. Harry just stood there for a few seconds. Then he chuckled. He returned to looking out the window, a smile on his face.
The time was 18.30. Lynn was in her quarters. She would soon leave, never to return. She put on her Hogwarts tie, then her robes. Her wand was put back in it's pocket in the robes. Over her stay she had barely used it at all. Now she stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself. Except for the room and her wedding ring she looked exactly like she had when she left Hogwarts. It seemed to be ages ago. Now Wesley walked up behind her.
"It's time to go," he said after a few seconds.
"I know," said Lynn. "I just wish I didn't have to." She turned around to face Wesley. "But I must. And I will. Come on." She started walking towards the door. Wesley grabbed her arm to stop her.
"Wait..." he said. "There's something I have to do first." He embraced her and gave her a long kiss. She put her arms around him and kissed him back.
"Thanks. I needed that," said Lynn when they finally stopped, the same sad smile she had worn earlier back on her face.
"So did I," said Wesley, also smiling sadly. They went out of the room, Lynn taking one final look at it.
"Computer, lights out," she said.
In engineering Walsh and Geordi were making the final adjustments. Picard, Reno, Riker, Data, Worf, Troi and Malfoy all stood on a row, smiling (except Worf of course), watching as Harry, Lynn, Wesley, Ron and Hermione all entered into the room. Walsh looked at them and smiled.
"Welcome," he said. "We've just finished, ready to send you home at your word."
"Guess this is 'goodbye' then," said Picard. "It's been a pleasure."
"It really has," said Lynn, smiling also. "Thank you all for your hospitality."
"It's been quite an experience," said Hermione, smiling. Ron scoffed.
"Don't you think that's understating it a bit?" he said and smiled.
"Guess you're right..." said Hermione.
"I just want to say that I feel I've grown a bit since I came here," said Harry. "I feel like I've got more hope now then when I came now. And it feels good to know that mankind has a future, both muggles and wizards. But now it's time for us to go home." Wesley went over and joined Picard and the others. "Goodbye everyone."
"Goodbye," said Lynn.
"Good bye," said Hermione.
"Goodbye, it's been great being here," said Ron, smiling.
"Farewell," said Picard, and so did the rest of the crew, including Walsh, Reno and Malfoy.
"Would you step over here then?" said Walsh indicating that they should stand next to the crate they were bringing back with them. Harry and the others went over to stand next to the crate. Picard and the others went over and stood on a row, facing Harry and the others. "Mr Data..." Data stepped over next to Geordi.
"Worf," said Harry, once in position. "Qa'pla!" Worf nodded. "Malfoy, take it easy." Malfoy smiled and nodded. "Counsellor Troi. Thank you." Troi smiled and nodded.
"Wesley," said Lynn, and blew a kiss to him. He caught it and smiled.
"Everyone ready?" said Walsh. Harry, Lynn, Ron and Hermione nodded. "Captain Picard?"
"Mr Walsh...engage," said Picard. Walsh nodded, and then stepped in front of Harry and the others, about nine feet away.
"Geordi...start stage 1," he said.
"Activating containment field," said Geordi. A force field rose around Harry and the others.
"Stage 2," said Walsh, taking out his wand.
"Loading chroniton charge," said Data. A loud humming was heard. Light seemed to come from the floor and ceiling inside the force field. The humming sound was getting louder. They could barely hear Walsh's next order.
"Stage 3!" he called over the noise.
"Activating chroniton charge!" called Data. Now the humming sound rose to almost a deafening level of sound, and no one inside the force field could hear anything which was outside of it. The light which had started glowing from the floor and ceiling earlier now erupted into two pillars of light, meeting in the middle of the force field.
They barely saw that Walsh now waved his wand, screaming something. A thick, blue ray erupted from his wand and, to their surprise, went right through the force field. The light inside the chamber took on the same blue colour.
Now they could barely see each other, but most of all they saw the blue bright light around them. All they heard was a loud whooshing sound. They felt like they floated. Suddenly the light erupted into a large unbelievably bright flash, and the sound ended with a incredibly loud bag. Then everything became black.
A/N: Dun-dun-dun! What will happen in the next and final chapter? Have they mad it safely home? Have they been sent to the wrong time period? Have I just been totally and utterly tired with the fic and just killed them off? Have they been turned into toads? Have I stopped writing sentences starting with "Have" yet? It remains to be seen...
I included the Zefram Cochran quote from "Star Trek: First Contact" since I really think it's the best of the Star Trek movies, plus it's a great quote.
Hermione's outburst of info is a to me a typical Hermione moment, perfect for her character.
The school uniforms are written with the uniforms from the movies in mind, since I really like the design.
And it is no accident that Picard's final line in this fic is "Engage" ^_^
Ye olde review comments (-"Actually they're quite new." "-Shut up, you're ruining the joke! "-Okay..."):
CiA – Hehe, missed this one last time (Gomen nasai!). Well, the magic training wasn't the focus in this story, neither was Harry's fight with Voldemort. I felt Harry needed some ordinary fighting training to be able to beat him. And also thanks, it's been a while ;^_^
U121 – My cousin again, basically commending me for writing a chapter that let's go of the main plot once in a while. Plus commending me on my fanboy-ism :D
Coolone007 – GAH! DON'T TELL ME! Soon enough for you? I'll see it f I can have the next up by Friday, but I'm not promising anything.
Until next time,
tata, E
PS. And the warning still stands: don't tell me anything about the 5th book! DS.
