A/N Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter but I am a twit. Having three stories on the go at once is rapidly draining my muse juice. Well that and flames sheesh not a professional writer people! (I'd give half my non-existent kingdom for a decent reliable Beta)
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek, Harry Potter or any of the characters or objects owned by others. I simply apply my lacklustre skill to tell my own stories using their brilliance. I do not make or seek to make any profit with these works.
Previously
"And they are seeing this as important enough to commit acts of war. Even they wouldn't be able to cover something like that up" continued Hayes.
"You need to meet Sirius. I have just begun to understand that magic may indeed make it possible." Picard advised, his expression pensive.
"Sirius is this so called wizard?" asked Hayes.
"Wait and see Jordan wait and see."
Lost – Chapter 11
USS Enterprise – Cargo Bay 2
La Forge, Data, L'kor and a small selection of officers from the engineering and science sections sat amongst an impressive array of equipment. Each was listening intently as Sirius tried to explain how he manipulated energy or as Sirius called it 'cast spells'. He had agreed to give a demonstration of spell casting for scientific purposes after his conversation with the Captain. He had also managed to rope Harry in, although his godson hadn't actually shown up yet.
The door slid open and Harry and Emma walked in hand in hand talking animatedly. They stopped when they realised everyone was watching them.
"Err sorry I'm late," said Harry.
"That is fine Mister Potter, is there a reason why Miss Kelly is here as well?" asked La Forge with a smile to take the bite out of the question.
Harry smiled at Emma before answering "I owe her a demonstration."
"I'll stay out of the way sir," promised Emma.
"Very well Emma can I get you to stay over here with me" asked La Forge with another smile.
Harry walked out to stand with Sirius in the centre of the cargo bay.
"Ready Pup?" asked Sirius.
"You ready old man?" countered Harry.
Over the next hour Sirius and Harry demonstrated a number of basic charms. They then had a rather low powered duel. Sirius ended his demonstration by conjuring a bunch of flowers for Emma, although she did give several to the engineers and scientists to analyse.
Finally La Forge and Data scanned Sirius and Harry. After thanking them for their assistance the observers packed up, talking amongst themselves.
Meanwhile Harry, Sirius, L'kor and Emma headed to Ten-Forward for a drink and an early lunch. Sirius wanted to catch up with L'kor before they headed back to work on the Kaveth Nar.
oOoOoOo
USS Enterprise – Conference Room A
"So, conclusions Geordie," asked Riker.
La Forge stood and activated a display screen. "My initial conclusion that it's some form of psychic energy is looking a bit shaky. From these results I would hypothesise that they are manipulating a hitherto unknown form of ambient energy. After the work done by the Klingons we can detect it that means that in large enough bursts we can detect it but it's proving damn difficult to replicate. Mister Black and Mister Potter seem to have the genetic ability to access this energy. Of course this is early days."
"Can we counter it?" asked Riker.
"Yes and no Sir. Now that we know what it 'looks like' we can begin to look at ways to protect ourselves," La Forge gestured to Data.
"In the meantime I believe that we should seek the assistance of Mister Black. He has explained that he should be able to 'ward' the ship to protect us from the techniques being used to illicitly board a vessel," said Data.
"Okay I'll speak to the Captain after the briefing," said Riker.
The door slid open to reveal Captain Picard and Captain Hayes. Hayes was accompanied by his Vulcan 1st officer Commander T'Rell and his long time friend and 2nd officer Lieutenant Commander Amanda McKay. Once the newcomers had found seats Picard gestured for Data to begin the scheduled briefing aimed at bringing the Shepparton's officers up to speed.
As soon as Data stopped speaking T'Rell turned to look at his commanding officer with an eyebrow raised in enquiry.
"I find it difficult to believe that we are discussing 'magic using' Romulan infiltrators. Logic tells us that they have either learnt to manipulate this form of energy, or they have adapted the technology of others."
McKay smiled at her crewmate's rather predictable response and turned to Picard. "Captain, Commander Data mentioned that the Klingons Chief Engineer had been working on a detection system to negate this 'cloaking' that they've been doing. Are they willing to share that technology?"
"Yes to both, in fact we have been pooling information for a few days now," replied Picard.
Riker nodded and turned to McKay, "We were just testing some of those theories in one of the cargo bays. Thanks to the Klingons, we know what it looks like and we can now detect it in large enough bursts. We are still a long way from an effective defence. However we do have a few ideas on how to stop them getting aboard again."
oOoOoOoOo
IKS Kaveth Nar – Bridge
High Councilmen K'Mell looked pleased, "You have done well Commander. Continue to work with the humans. Uncover the Romulans treachery and if it affects the Empire or our allies destroy the threat. Now as to the other matter, I think you have made the right decision old friend. If we need to take it to the High Council I will support you. Qapla"
D'Mek heaved a sigh of relief the council approved his mission, and his old comrade approved of his carefully worded request regarding political asylum for Sirius and Harry. Now he just had to complete this mission.
oOoOoOoOo
Unnamed Romulan Moon – Alpha Base
The being known as the Master sat silently as he listened to the report from Revak Sull his current 2nd in command. So the information was true, Potter was alive. He had to give it to the boy, he was a true survivor. This added another complicated dimension to his plans. In hindsight ordering the death of the two magical's on Tal Sigma 5 without any details has been a mistake. Potter was powerful and Black wasn't far behind, they could have been valuable assets. With a sigh the Master gestured for silence.
"Revak you have done well so far. We have all underestimated these magi."
Revak nodded his thanks. "Master what do you wish me to tell out teams?"
"For now our units are to remain unseen and observe. We have erred in going after them so blindly. Now the Klingons and Starfleet are working together against us. That is one thing I did not expect. We cannot afford more Federation scientists studying our abilities. So Revak gather information, and we shall bide our time while I formulate a plan so that when the time comes we can crush them."
"You think they are going back to Tal Sigma 5?" asked Revak cautiously, it was always dangerous to question his master.
A strange expression of almost regret crossed the Masters face but disappeared as he spoke. "Yes they will return to 'solve' the mystery. When they do then we must be ready to bring our might to bear and destroy them. If we cannot control it then the lost veil must be destroyed."
oOoOoOoOo
USS Enterprise – Science Lab 4
Data cocked his head to the side as he watched his test subject pace around the room. "Mister Black you seem distracted is now not a good time?"
Sirius stopped pacing and smiled at Data. "Data please call me Sirius, I'm just a bit nervous about the tests and to be honest I'm still wound up pretty tight after the last couple of days."
"If you would prefer I can reschedule my tests" offered Data.
Sirius smiled at the android Starfleet officer. "No I'm fine Data, lets get started."
Three hours later Sirius was regretting his offer of assistance. Data was very, very thorough. He ran a full battery of medical and scientific scans and then had Sirius perform a variety of spells while he adjusted a number of shield generators.
"Sirius could you cast your stunning spell again, this time target the red square."
Sirius complied and for the first time the spell dissipated against the shield.
"Sirius can you please keep casting your stunning spell until I ask you to stop."
Again Sirius complied. This time the shield held but only for three stunners. Then the shield generator sparked and failed.
Data studied the figures on his monitor. "Fascinating, it appears that the concept of generating a high frequency harmonic shield did in fact work until it overloaded. I will need to work with Geordie to see if we can adjust the harmonic."
oOoOoOoOo
USS Enterprise - Arboretum
IT had all started when Harry and Emma had sought out a bit of privacy in the ships arboretum. As they had wandered the plants it had seemed natural to hold hands. One thing had led to another and now both were swollen lipped and somewhat dishevelled as they sat on one of the provided benches. Eventually their initial passion slowed and Harry began to think the situation through.
Harry cleared his throat and tried to put in to words what he must. "Emma I…"
His resolve was tested as Emma's hand slipped inside his shirt to caress his side.
"Umm Emma we should probably stop." He reached down and stilled Emma's hand. "Before we, well um you know."
Emma stopped trying to caress Harry and locked her gaze on his eyes. With a deliberate slowness she leaned forward and kissed him. "I don't want to stop, it's like something is pulling us together. I have never been so forward with anyone in my life."
Harry could feel his heart beating wildly as Emma kissed him. A part of him wanted to feel her soft skin but a larger, louder part was saying that a brisk walk and a cold shower would be a better and maybe safer course. Harry let go of Emma's hand and stood up.
"Emma I really like you but this is dangerous, as you have already seen it's bloody dangerous to be around me. I don't want to lose this but I also don't want you to get hurt."
Emma's expression turned serious as she stood and recaptured Harry's hand. "You are mad if you think I'm going to walk away after you saved my life." Her expression turned playful as she continued. "Besides you are a good kisser and I'm not giving that up."
oOoOoOoOo
SS Sorbel – Merchant Transport Vessel
Commodore Bryce Culloven was not a paranoid man; people probably were trying to kill him. Knowing this he had long ago set up a number of escape routes.
As a member of the intelligence community he was well aware of a number of shadowy semi-legal organisations that operated around the edge of Starfleet's vision. He had chosen to use one of these organisations. In this case some semi-legal traders and part-time agents to procure a small merchant vessel. He had left Earth almost immediately with only two crewmates, his nephew and his cousin both of whom were experience merchant spacers.
Rousing himself from his thoughts he turned back to the navigation console. Things were still as they should be and more importantly there were still no contacts on long range sensors.
His nephew John arrived on the bridge looking agitated. "Uncle Bryce?"
"What is it John?"
"She's running smooth and all systems are within acceptable operation condition."
"I'm sensing a 'big but' here" replied Culloven.
John winced, "But I can't get much more that warp 4 out of her."
Culloven shrugged, "John we only need this rust bucket to get us to Tal Sigma 5."
oOoOoOoOo
USS Shepparton – Main Engineering
Captains Picard and Hayes stood back and let Data, La Forge and the engineering crew from the Shepparton install the new equipment in the main sensor array. The concept was simple, by outfitting their scanning array with the newly supplied Klingon enhancements they would be able to detect the 'magical shields' and large concentrations of magic. The next phase of the work would be to install and test the harmonic shield generators.
La Forge nodded to the senior engineers and received nods in return before he walked over to join the two captains. "The systems are installed, we have run a level three diagnostic and we are ready for a live test."
Picard looked to Hayes who nodded. The captain of the Enterprise smiled at his chief engineer "Make it so Commander. I'll return to the Enterprise and monitor the situation. Commander Data you are with me."
oOoOoOoOo
USS Enterprise – Bridge
"Captain the Kaveth Nar and the Shepparton are both online and ready to activate the new sensor arrays" reported the ensign at the science station.
"Very well signal the Galileo and give Mister Black the go ahead. Data are we ready to proceed?"
"Aye Captain" replied Data as his fingers flew over his console.
oOoOoOoOo
Shuttle Galileo
"Galileo this is Enterprise. Please begin the test."
The lieutenant piloting the shuttle swivelled in her chair to look at Sirius. "Are you ready Sir?"
"Yes I'm ready" replied Sirius.
The pilot opened a channel. "Enterprise this is Galileo we are ready to begin, Galileo out. Mister Black I am shutting down everything except communications."
With a nod Sirius began casting harmless spells. Most were charms but he did cast a few transfiguration spells, just in case one type of magic was more noticeable to the upgraded scanners. Data's research said no but Sirius wasn't completely convinced.
oOoOoOo
USS Enterprise – Bridge
Data was studying the raw incoming data from the sensors. Satisfied that the results were correct he linked the sensors with those on the Kaveth Nar and the Shepparton. Almost immediately they detected 'magical' energy being produced on the Galileo. Satisfied with that result he immediately initiated the second part of the test and tied the new scanners in to the ships internal scanners.
Given their new ability to scan for this new type of energy it was logical that Harry Potter should also be detectable. The result of his scan of the Enterprise was immediate and rather surprising. Data immediately ran a diagnostic. Then he accessed the internal scans from the Shepparton and the Kaveth Nar.
When the results came up the same Data tilted his head in puzzlement. "Captain the initial scan results are in however there appears to be an anomaly in the internal scan results."
Picard stood and walked over to Data at the science station. "What sought of anomaly Data?"
"Once the initial scans on the Galileo showed active energy in the range we expected. It also showed one individual with the same energy signature. To confirm this I tied the scanners to the internal scanners and scanned for Harry Potter. The scan results seemed to be anomalous so I ran a diagnostic and then scanned again. Currently we have twelve individuals aboard who are showing varying degrees of the target energy signature. The Shepparton showed the same anomalies."
Picard frowned as he processed Data's answer "Romulans?"
Data's fingers flew over the console and soon he had highlighted the bridge where a single orange signal was indicated at the navigation station. Both officers turned to see a young ensign stationed there. Data turned back to Picard, "I believe that they are in fact Enterprise crew members."
oOoOoOoOo
USS Enterprise – Sick Bay
Dr Crusher finished with her medical scan and gave the young crewman a friendly pat on the shoulder before returning to her office. The chief medical officer took a few moments to look over the data she collected before opening a channel to the Captain.
"Crusher to Picard, Jean-Luc could you please come down to sick bay."
It only took Picard a few minutes to arrive and he immediately took note of his long time friends' expression. "What is it Beverly?"
Dr Crusher simply gestured at her monitor. "I've completed the tests on the crewmen Data identified. All of them are healthy and normal except that they have varying levels of the same energy present in Sirius and Harry."
Picard ran his eyes over the figures not really understanding her scientific and medical data. "So what does that mean? Is this something that Sirius and Harry have passed on to the crew?"
Dr Crusher shook her head. "I initially thought that may have been a factor as two of those affected have had contact with Harry and Sirius but the other four have no contact with each other. No Jean-Luc they were born like that, this is a genetic anomaly. I have been looking at their medical histories and these six cases, four from Enterprise and two from the Shepparton are significant. Most of those that showed up in the scan have low levels of this energy in their systems. These six have significant levels almost as high as Sirius and Harry."
Captain Picard looked over the list of names:
Lieutenant Commander Amanda McKay
Counsellor Deanna Troi
Ensign Scott Pappadontas
Engineering Crew Chief Connor Finnagan
Mrs Amelia Kelly
Ms Emma Kelly
"Are we one hundred percent positive that they are not imposters?" Picard asked as he looked out at the crewmen in sick bay.
Dr Crusher looked up from her data pad. "Yes their bio-scans are exact Jean-Luc. Even the best clones have variations and each of them has passed the psych profiling."
"So what now?" asked Picard.
Beverly smiled and gestured as Sirius walked in to sick bay. "Now I'm off to see the wizard."
Sirius was surprised to see the armed security officers and packed sick bay. Especially when Emma waved to him from a bed near the far wall, he waved back and looked around for someone to explain why he had been summoned.
"Sirius."
He turned away from Emma when he heard Dr Crusher calling for him.
Twenty minutes later Sirius, Dr Crusher and Captain Picard were sitting in the doctors' office as she finished explaining her findings.
"Squibs and muggle born!" exclaimed Sirius in delighted surprise before his expression changed. "But how can that be?"
Dr Crusher looked like she wanted to ask a question but Sirius started talking again.
"If you have mage born how come there are no wizards and witches, where are they?"
Picard cleared his throat to interrupt "Sirius you implied that your people were isolationists and as unlikely as it sounds perhaps they are still hidden away on Earth or on one of the colony worlds. It also raises the issue of those humans working with the Romulans."
Sirius frowned "Bloody hell you're right they could be Earth born wizards."
As both Sirius and Picard contemplated that Dr Crusher took the opportunity to ask her own questions. "What are squibs and muggle born?"
Sirius quickly explained the terms and included an apology over the 'derogatory tone' of the names.
"This just gets more complicated but it explains why one of the bastards we had in your brig called me a traitor." Sirius shook his head as if to clear it. "Right now we'll need to tell all these people, including my godsons friend that they have….actually what do we tell them? It's not like they can use their inherent magic without some form of training from an instructor. The only one I have any concerns over is Emma. She knows about magic and well that's a good example of when a little knowledge can be deadly. If she was to try something it could kill her."
"We" answered Picard "will tell them the truth."
He looked over at the crew from both the Enterprise and the Shepparton in the room and squared his shoulders. With a final tug of his uniform he walked to the centre of sick bay.
"If I could have everyone's attention for a moment, thank you. I would like to thank you for your patience while we determined exactly what we had detected in our scans. Firstly let me confirm that there is no health risk to any of you." He paused to allow the whispers to die down. "Now as some of you may be aware Doctor Crusher and her staff have been running scans. This was a result of our detection in your systems of a previously unknown form of biological energy. As I said there is no apparent health risk and you are now being released back to your duties. Doctor Crusher will keep you all informed of any further developments. Missus Kelly, Misss Kelly, Counsellor and Commander McKay can you please remain behind for a few moments."
The nervous looking Kelly's joined the Starfleet officers in the small meeting room next to sick bay. Sirius was using the comm. panel as everyone took a seat. Picard was just about to start talking when the door slid open and Harry walked in. The Captain frowned as he watched the young man join Sirius in a whispered conversation at the back of the room.
Dr Crusher stood up and explained what they knew about the situation. She then passed the meeting over to Sirius who explained and demonstrated his use of magic. He was quite clear about the risks of attempting to use their 'powers' until proper training could be provided. He then asked if there were any questions. Unsurprisingly there were.
Amanda McKay was the first. "Doctor you are sure that this will not compromise the performance of my duties?"
"At this stage Commander there is no risk that we can determine," answered Dr Crusher.
Sirius smiled at the Starfleet officer. "Think of it as an extra gift like athletic ability. If you do nothing with it then it won't develop further but with training and if you exercise it you will be able to use it."
Amelia Kelly was the next. "Will this effect our position on the Enterprise?"
Picard took that question. "No Missus Kelly it will not."
Mrs Kelly looked relieved. Counsellor Troi turned to Sirius. "Mister Black perhaps you could explain a bit more about the nature of your abilities. Is there anything we should avoid?"
Sirius spent the next hour giving those in the room a brief overview of magic. He left out any reference to the Romulans and their current situation.
Troi asked another question as Sirius finished speaking. "So if this is a genetic trait then we all must have a 'magical' ancestor?"
Sirius shrugged "To be honest Counsellor I have no idea. I was raised with the belief that people could be born with this ability even if their parents had no magic. Personally I believe that they probably had a magical ancestor some where in their family tree. Magic is a funny thing sometimes many magical beings claimed they felt a pull to others who were also magical so maybe the partly magical married the partly magical and passed on the trait."
Mrs Kelly looked a bit sceptical. "So my parents were magical? Wouldn't they have told me about this?"
Again Sirius shrugged "I have no idea and that worries me. Has the knowledge of our abilities died out on Earth? What ever the answer is, for now I promise you that Harry and I will help you train to use your ability if you want to learn about it."
oOoOoOoOo
USS Enterprise – Harry's Guest Accommodation Cabin
Harry lay on his bed thinking about what had been a remarkable day. From what he understood from Sirius' quick explanation it appeared that the new scanners worked and it appeared that the new shields were also successfully tested. But the best bit of his day had been dinner with the Kelly's. The discovery that Mrs Kelly and Emma were untrained witches had been mind blowing. As a result they had spent several hours picking his brain about magic but it had still been an enjoyable night.
After dinner they had watched a movie from the ships library before Emma had walked Harry back to his cabin under the pretext that he might get lost. A goodnight kiss had turned into a kissing and cuddling session on his lounge that had grown rather heated. It was only a call from Sirius that had brought them back to reality. By that time both Emma and he had lost shoes and loosened clothes to allow more touching and things had got to the point where Emma was trying to loosen his clothing enough to get her hands down the front of his pants just as he was trying to work out the intricacies of her bra.
After a tidy up and another passionate kiss goodnight she had left a stunned Harry sitting alone in his room in desperate need of a cold shower. After a quick cup of tea and a wash a smiling Harry made his way to bed and quickly fell asleep. His thoughts were once more occupied with how Emma had felt in his arms.
Harry opened his eyes and looked around confused. This was Hogwarts! Unsure of what was happening he walked around the deserted castle. Something was wrong here.
Suddenly it felt like his brain was on fire and he feel to the ground screaming and clawing at his scar. Slowly the pain faded to a dull ache.
"Harry Potter"
Harry knew that voice.
"Voldemort" hissed Harry as he struggled to his feet.
Voldemort's sibilant voice sounded stronger "Hello Harry, you can't imagine my surprise when I felt your presence after all this time."
"Get out of my mind" Harry was trying desperately to raise his rudimentary mental shields.
"Harry, Harry, Harry so ungracious to an old friend! Perhaps I should teach you some manners." Pain shot through Harry as he fell once more to the floor writhing and screaming.
Again the pain faded. "You are weak Potter, a half trained school boy and I have hundreds of years of experience. Perhaps I should just kill you now but then you wouldn't be able to tell me what I want to know, would you?"
Harry again tried to raise his shields but before he could pain once more coursed through his system. He was almost hoarse from screaming when suddenly the pain faded.
"Harry?"
oOoOoOoOo