Chapter nine

Unburying

Next day Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Sirius went back to the surface of the planet. This time not to relax, but to train.

Harry, Hermione, Ron and Sirius were dressed in their order clothes; the loose night blue trousers, the white tunics and the forest green robes. Ginny had her night blue outfit on.

Their wands were in wand holsters again, on their left hip and with the dagger on their right. And each of them carried their own weapon. Harry the Gryffindor sword; Hermione her boo-staff; Ginny the arrows and bow and Ron his axe. Sirius had his sword in his hand.

***

"Well done, Ginny. I think it's safe to say you have reached the level of others." Sirius declared after several rounds of dueling.

"Why do you think I have been studying so hard? Now I had the chance to catch up without all the school. Thanks for the late evening study sessions, Mione."

"You're welcome, Ginny. It was nothing. Now we finally can work all together."

"I have had enough of dueling. Hermione, fight?" Ron exclaimed

"Of course."

And before Ron knew what happened, Hermione had placed her wand in the holster on her belt and had enlarged her boo-staff.

"Yikes. Mione!" Ron rolled backwards and pulled out his ax.

The remaining three laughed.

Ginny turned towards Harry and Sirius. "I don't know what you are gonna do, but I am gonna do some targeting practice." She pulled out her bow, placed an arrow on the string and starting picking of targets.

Harry and Sirius watched for a minutes, then Harry pulled out his sword. "Sparring, Sirius?"

"Always." Sirius pulled out his own sword and the two started sparring in earnest.

***

After training the five sat down to catch their breaths. They sat in silence, simply enjoying each others company.

"You know, Sirius, I was wondering something. We have had some important parts of the training complete. Ginny has caught up with us, we have longtime completed learning the Patronus charm and we have completed the training you and McGonagall have been giving us. And we have learned the basics of the weapons we choose. Are we gonna do something new?" Ron asked.

"You will continue the dueling, weapons, personal and those kinds of training. But instead of what McGonagall and I taught you, you will get a training for Dumbledores new plans."

"Dumbledores new plans?" Ginny asked.

"He is gonna start preparing in case of an invasion of Hogwarts. The classes of the fifth, sixth and seventh years will be directed on defense. Things you already know. And your new training is meant to prepare you for your roles in that defense."

"What role?" Ron asked.

"We will be put in leadership positions." Harry said.

"When possible a teacher will lead the students, we can't count on that. So we need trained student leaders. Harry already has been receiving already some of this training. You will be in charge of the whole, Harry. Ron, you will be in charge of strategy and surrounding matters. Mione, you will be in charge of research and that kind of stuff. And since we can't relay on Madame Pomfrey to treat all the wounded, we need student medics. You will be in charge of them, Ginny."

"But I don't have enough medical training for that."

"You have. You are at the same level of the current seventh-year students who study Healing Magic. With a few extras. You all have enough knowledge to pull your tasks of."

"But what if I don't want…"

"Mione, if something like this happens and the teachers aren't available, the students would turn to us. You know that. We can better be prepared for such a case. We need to do what's necessary to stop Voldemort." Harry said.

"I know. But this is a whole new responsibility."

"You can do it. We all can do it." Harry said.

***

"Well, come on then. Get me."

After the discussion about the new measurements from Dumbledore, Ron got in his so-called 'funny' mood and started to chase Harry. Harry was annoyed for a few moments, but then started to get into the game. And finally they also managed to get the remaining three into the game.

"Get me." Harry called again. This time he didn't remain on the open fields, but headed into the woods, Sirius and the three other teens following.

Suddenly an idea came in Harry's head. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing the others behind him. He jumped over a fallen tree and in his place a big tawny lion ran.

***

Ron saw Harry transforming. "The little bastard." He also jumped over the tree and followed Harry's example. In his place an Iberian griffin ran.

Behind him ran a big black dog, a white Pegasus and a Kneazle the size of a tiger.

***

When they came out of the woods, the lion was quite ahead of them. Ron took another few leaps, then lifted into the air. And the Pegasus followed soon.

Both landed before the lion and the Kneazle and dog were closing in from behind. The lion was surrounded.

Harry turned back with a pop, slightly panting. "Okay, guys. I give up."

Everyone turned back into his or her own form.

"That was fun. Just to run some time." Ginny said, big smile on her face.

"Well, let's run some more." With a pop Hermione turned back and ran.

The others looked at each other and followed.

***

After two days of formalities there was finally time for Deanna and Beverly to take some time for themselves. And they had opted to go down to planet for some hiking. And some… girl-talk? After some talking they ended on the reception.

"I saw you dancing on the reception, De. You're not gonna tell me you don't like him."

"Okay, Okay. Yes, I find him nice, Bev. But not in that way. And besides, he wouldn't be remaining on the Enterprise. He either goes back to his own or they go to Earth. And let's not forget the teens. They insist that they must remain alert on Voldemort."

"And I hope Cadet Baker realizes that also." At Deanna's questioning look, Beverly explain-ned. "Cadet Damien Baker asked Hermione out for dinner."

"There is a difference between Hermione and Sirius… He, look there." Deanna pointed in a direction.

"That isn't a very usual group of animals. What species are those?" Beverly put her hand above her eyes against the sun. "A lion, a dog, a horse and two I don't recognize. What are they doing together?"

Suddenly the animals changed direction and approached them. Beverly pulled out her phaser, putting it had stun. Deanna did the same.

But a few yards before them the animals stopped. It were indeed a lion and the two other recognized animals, but now they also recognized a griffin. The other they still didn't recognize.

The griffin and the horse stepped forward. Beverly lifted her phaser, but a hand from Deanna stopped her.

"Wait… Those animals aren't violent… They feel familiar… somehow." Deanna said. She stepped forward and stroked the griffin over his head.

In return the griffin spread his wings and turned his head to his back. Besides him the horse did the same. Wings that had perfectly blended in with the white coat before.

"This is a Pegasus." Beverly said. "But what do they want?"

"They want us to climb on their back." Deanna realized. She put a leg over the griffin's back and sat down.

Beverly jumped on the back of the Pegasus. Both animals ran a few steps and took the skies, both women holding on tightly. The animals down on the ground ran with them.

***

About ten minutes later both animals landed again. While Deanna and Beverly climbed of the backs of the animals, the dog, lion and the animal they still didn't recognize.

Deanna looked around. "I still don't get why they are so familiar to me."

The Pegasus seemed to look at the lion. The lion nodded and suddenly two pops sounded.

Deanna and Beverly looked in the smiling faces of Harry and Ginny. Then three other pops sounded and Hermione, Sirius and Ron took their own shapes.

"I thought you were going to train?" Beverly asked.

"This is a form of training. But a fun form of training. Being an animagus is something you need to keep up." Ginny quipped.

"Animagus?"

"Let's sit down under that tree. I will explain." Hermione said.

***

After Hermiones explanation Ron challenged Harry for a duel. Hermione claimed Ginny, but for something completely different.

Sirius and the two women remained under the three, watching the teen's practice.

"Something I forgot to ask, what is an Iberian griffin?" Deanna asked.

"It's just a species of griffin from Spain. Normal griffins have the head, wings and front paws of an eagle. The Iberian version has only the head and the wings."

It remained silent for a few moments. Then Beverly asked something: "Mr. Black, how powerful are they exactly? Ginny has told me many things and I have been reading some books Hermione gave me. It seemed to me that they are capable of many things wizards their age can't do. Is it their training?"

"No, it isn't just their training, although it helps a lot. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny have very much magical talent. With the right training they learn to tap in it more and more. Especially after this summer."

"This summer?"

"They have spent most of their last summer at Hogwarts. They trained every day. Dueling, some physical training, learning to use their weapons, knowledge of dark magic and defense and their personal training were only a part of it." Sirius explained.

"Hermione told me something about that. What do they do with personal training?" Deanna said.

"Each has an area they specialize in. Ginny's personal training is healing magic. Ron learns all about strategy, tactics and logistics. Hermione is trained to find solutions for difficulties in all kinds' plans, but also information gathering. This means a broad knowledge of spells, potions and the books she can use, but also learning to develop new spells and potions. Harry is learning how to lead. Not only in battle, but also in many situations. Motivating people, solving problems, communication, team building, body language, all are parts of it. But some of this training the others they start also when we are back. Each of them knows some basics in these areas, but they all have their own specialization. They form a very strong team."

"I already sensed some of the bonds the first evening you were here."

"That's very well possible. They aren't just friends, but family to each other. And this makes them only more powerful."

"How powerful exactly?"

Sirius looked each woman in the eyes. "If they want they can become the most powerful wizards and witches of their generation…"

But suddenly a scream disrupted the talking and practicing.

***

"What do you want to tell me?"

"I have been working on a spell. It ties the life force of a person to the life force of another person, so that the first can draw from it. I started working on it after we had some cases that serious wounded Death Eaters died when Order members captured them and they die before we can interrogate them." Hermione started to explain.

"This spell let serious wounded people live longer. But is the life force of the person that's drained of not damaged?"

"Some life force is drained. But this is replenished immediately. You can feel tired for a few hours, but that are the only negative effects."

"But why are you only telling me this and not also Harry, Ron and Sirius?"

"Because the only catch at the spell is, is that only women can cast it. It's tied in the fact that we can carry children."

"I see. And how does the spell work?" Ginny asked.

"With your wand you draw a pentagram on the forehead you want to help. Then you point the wand at your own heart and say 'Vivante'. But you must focus on your purpose. To end the spell you can use 'Finite Incantum'." Hermione explained.

"Well, let's try. Do you mind?"

"I have already tried it out. Do what you want."

Ginny pulled out her wand, drew the pentagram on Hermiones forehead, and pointed the wand at her own heart. "Vivante." Directly she started to feel a tickly feeling flowing to her heart and then flowing out. "This feels weird."

Hermione only grinned.

"Finite incantum." Ginny ended the spell.

Hermione wanted to stay something, but a loud scream disturbed them.

***

The five wizard-warriors and the two Starfleet officers jumped to their feet and stood to-gether.

Harry was the first to speak. "What was that?"

Beverly looked at Deanna, who was standing with her eyes closed. "What are you sensing?"

"Pain. It 's coming from that direction."

All seven ran in that direction.

***

All seven ran as quickly as they could. Deanna was guiding them. Wands and phasers were out and all seven were alert for any kind of danger that might come in their direction.

That danger became clear when they approached an open spot in the small forest they were running trough.

A seven feet tall strange creature was standing over a figure lying on the ground. The creature had a head that looked like a fox, but the rest of his body was covert in deep azure and jade feathers. He stood on strong claws, but there weren't any signs of wings. A couple in Starfleet uniforms was standing nearby, looking terrified.

"We can't just blast that thing away. Big chance we hit the girl." Beverly exclaimed.

"Leave that to me. Ron, Mione be ready to help me if nessecary." With those words Harry put his wand away and transformed into his lion form. He broke into a run and plowed into the creature. Then he jumped away and waited for the creature to stand up. As soon as the creature was on his feet, the lion attacked animal instincts vibrating trough his whole body.

***

The others waited until Harry had busied the creature, then also ran towards the group. Hermione and Ron kept an eye on Harry and the creature, ready to transform and jump in. Beverly and Ginny kneeled down by the figure on the ground, while Deanna headed over to the couple, with Sirius.

Beverly pulled out the med kit she wore with her and took out the tricorder. Flipping it open she started to scan the wounded girl.

"You always have a med-kit with you or not?" Ginny asked

"Almost always. It comes in handy on many occasions." Beverly ended her scans and checked the results. "Her vital signs are stable. But the scratches on her chest are quite serious. We need to get her to sickbay now, but she will be okay."

"I am staying here, in case something happens to Harry or one of the others." Ginny said.

Beverly nodded and handed Ginny her med-kit. "For if you need it. Have Harry come by at Sickbay in any case. And also Ron of Hermione if they get into the fight."

Ginny nodded, while Beverly tapped her combadge. Both she and the girl disappeared a few moments later in blue light and Ginny headed over to Deanna, Sirius and the couple.

***

Deanna was talking to the couple, asking what had happened and calming them down a bit.

Their twelve year old daughter Miranda had been running around when they had heard the scream and the creature had been over her when they arrived. A few seconds later, Deanna and her group had arrived.

Ginny walked over to them, smiling at the couple. "Doctor Crusher has taken her to Sickbay. She will be alright."

Deanna nodded. "You best beam back to the ship. Go and see if your daughter is okay."

Both nodded and the woman tapped her com-badge to contact the ship. Suddenly they were startled by a loud roar of the lion before them.

Deanna and the couple were confused, but Hermione and Ron knew what they had to do. Both jumped forward, transforming in the middle of the leap and the Iberian griffin and the Kneazle joined the lion in the battle.

"How can you do that?" The man of the couple asked, amazing visible on their face.

Sirius smiled just a bit. "Lot's of practicing."

The couple dissolved a few seconds later in the blue light. Slightly more than ten minutes later Harry, Ron and Hermione had chased the creature away and joined them, back in their human forms and with several scratches. Deanna taped her com-badge and also the remaining members dissolved in the blue light.

***

Back on Enterprise Ginny looked over her friends. "You look a bit… scratched. I have orders of Doctor Crusher to get you to Sickbay if you joined in with the fight."

Ron grumbled.

"Ron…" Ginny looked at her brother with a glare that reminded Sirius again of Molly Weasley.

"I want to visit Miranda anyway." Hermione said.

Ginny and Hermione started into the direction of sickbay, Sirius and Deanna following and finally Harry and Ron. The last one grumbling.

***

Beverly looked up when the group entered Sickbay. She and Alyssa Ogawa had already treated Miranda and the girl was sleeping quietly with her parents watching over her. She walked over and looked over the group, her gaze remaining on the scratched trio.

Ginny had an expression on her face that rivaled that of Commander Riker at the ball. "Mr. Weasley here didn't find it necessary again to get him self checked out." Then she handed Beverly her med-kit back.

Beverly shook her head, laughing a bit. "Sounds very familiar. Well, Ron, I will take you. Alyssa, would you please check out Harry and Ginny, if you mind doing Hermione? I need to make reports later, so please don't use magic, Ginny."

Ron followed Beverly, still grumbling. Harry followed Alyssa and Hermione hopped on the biobed close by. Ginny grabbed a tricorder from the tray and headed over to Hermione. Deanna and Sirius walked over to Miranda and her parents.

***

Ginny calmly scanned Hermione, in the meantime still grumbling about her brother.

Hermione laughed. "Gin, you should know better by now then getting your brother to go willingly to sickbay."

Ginny also laughed. "I know."

"Well, am I gonna live?"

"You're only a bit scratched. You will live." Ginny put down the tricorder and continued her work with a dermal regenerator.

After everyone was fixed, they also went over to Miranda and her parents. The five wizards asked Beverly, Deanna, Miranda and her parents to keep their animagi abilities a secret as much as possible.

In report that Deanna and Beverly wrote only stood that Harry, Ron and Hermione defeated the creature with the help of magic.