A/N: Once more I owe a bundle of thanks to my wonderful betas, Christina Teresa and Seakays, who I'm certain will no longer believe me when I tell them
it's this odd little story, shouldn't be too long...
Thank you for your perseverance on my behalf, ladies, you are gems...
Also, to my FanFiction/net readers...okay, so I guess I'm too easy. Either that, or my vacation mood has found its way here and I've decided to keep the story going here for a while longer. Even if there aren't many reviews, the number of hits are such that I can see people are at least reading the story, if nothing else, and the teacher within me tells me that' can't be a bad thing. So--many, many thanks to those of you who have left reviews and/or those of you who've been loyal and faithful enough to join the story in progress at SugarQuill, too.
You are the best. NZ
Chapter 10
Fun with Harry and Tod
I heard the noise--what'd you kill on your way in? Tonks asked, stepping away from the fireplace and wiping her stern Bruta Fiddley face with a cloth from her pocket.
I don't know what it was--I stepped on something-- The air was clearing enough for Ron to use his sense of smell, if not yet his eyesight. He sniffed the air again.
Well, maybe there's one less now, Tonks said. You'd best check the bottom of your shoe.Ha ha, Ron said dryly, setting his box of parts on a chair by the fireplace so he wouldn't forget them later. He scanned the room anxiously. Where's Mrs. Figg?
Where's Harry?Arabella's visiting her cousin Rufus for the weekend. Harry and Remus might not be here yet. The sound of an outside door closing came from the next room. That could be them. You go on ahead--I'll just be a minute. Tonks was suddenly very concerned about her appearance, removing her dark, heavy Ministry robe to reveal Muggle jeans and a snug-fitting T-shirt. Her hair was growing quickly long and straight in a shade of dusty purple.
Awww, Harry's not going to get to see Bruta Fiddley?' Ron asked sarcastically.
No, honey, she's all yours--only yours, Tonks said in a sugary voice, laughing when the idea made Ron shudder visibly.
It felt rather odd to Ron to be wandering through the house of someone he knew only vaguely without them being present, but he set off in the direction of the noise they'd heard. He stepped through the door joining the two rooms to see Remus Lupin standing near the front door, next to the back of a very familiar black, wild-haired head.
Couldn't wait till your birthday to get things all stirred up, eh, Harry? Ron asked, standing just inside the doorway.
Harry's head snapped around at the sound of the voice. Ron! How'd you get here? He crossed the room and clapped Ron on the shoulder several times, as Ron did to him.
Hello, Professor Lupin, Ron said as Lupin lifted his hand in greeting.
Harry looked suspiciously at Lupin. Right, Professor. I thought it was a little strange when you went through all that security nonsense just for me to come help you fix Mrs. Figg's plumbing. Lupin said in mock surprise, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away. Surely you're not going to make me do it all myself just because Ron's here?Wait--let me think about it, Harry said, trying to sound pensive, but then answering quickly. Didn't know you were a plumber, Remus, Tonks said, stepping through the door from the other room.
Miss Tonks! Remus said formally, smiling as he turned to face a now-pretty lavender-haired Tonks. Oh, I'm a man of many deep, dark secrets, he teased.
she said playfully. Next time my plumbing's awry, you and your deep dark secrets can bring your plunger to my place and make it all better. The two of them stood looking at each other with an odd expression for a long moment.
Ron and Harry listened silently, then looked at one another with brows raised. There seemed to be much more being said between these two than just the words themselves would indicate.
Harry cleared his throat. When did you say Mrs. Figg would be back?
Lupin broke from the trance first. Not until tomorrow evening. But I'm afraid we only have clearance for Ron to stay until this afternoon--then you have to go back to the Dursleys-- we're getting too close to the birthday situation, you know.Yeah, yeah, Harry said rather disgustedly, though it was obvious to Ron that he knew exactly what Lupin was talking about.
But until then you have the run of the house. Lupin tried to sound encouraging. In fact, I was here earlier this morning and threw out all that nasty porridge and day-old sausage Arabella left for us. Not that I'm asking you to embroider the truth in any way, but I will expect you lot to tell Mrs. Figg how wonderful all of the food she left us was, should it ever come up.So there's--nothing else to eat? Ron asked, noting that his stomach had responded to the mention of food by growling loudly.
There's always plenty of milk and cat food, Harry joked.
Actually, Tonks herself suggested they stock us up with...what is it...frozen pizzas? Remus looked questioningly at all of them. Ron seemed confused, but Harry appeared delighted. Erm, yes--whatever that is-- and there are butterbeers and ice cream in the icebox among other things. So you lads carry on with whatever you like--there's a dusty old chess set in the parlor-- the chess pieces may be a bit tetchy after all these years, but I'm sure you two can set them straight. I saw a wired wireless here somewhere--and I believe Arabella even keeps a television set for appearances' sake, though I hope Harry knows the spell to use it better than I do.
Harry smiled. The spell? I don't know, Professor--it's nearly as difficult to create a Patronus as it is to push that button.
Lupin smiled, too, but looked doubtful. Better stick to what I know then, I suppose. Tonks and I have work to attend to in the reading room, so you'll know where to find us.
Ron and Harry wandered off then to a day of lazy summer fun and relaxation, the likes of which neither of them had enjoyed for a long, long time. They played chess for a bit, raided the kitchen to find lots of things to eat (so said Ron), discussed how weird Professor Lupin and Tonks were acting around each other, and wandered about the overgrown grounds (but were forbidden to leave them, of course).
Through a hole in the vine-covered trellis, they watched Dudley and his friends meander down the hot sidewalk in the direction of Piers' house. (Ron and Harry considered picking up sticks from the garden and pointing them at Dudley's gang so that only Dudley could see, but Harry was worried that, since last summer, his cousin might not take it too well. Ron was in favor of doing it anyway, but they finally decided to pass and tease several of the cats instead.)
Harry baked the frozen pizzas for lunch and they all had their fill. Ron determined pizza to be his new favorite food after eating a whole pie by himself and insisted that Harry had to tell Dobby how to prepare them to be served at Hogwarts. The two boys tried to outdo one another with tales of how desperately boring their summers had been so far, finally coming to the conclusion that Harry had had it worse up to the point where Ron had been grounded and lost the use of his broomstick indefinitely. Hence it came to a draw.
The tale of the broomstick held hostage then prompted a discussion about the situation with Hermione.
I'm just thinking she could get herself into a lot of trouble right quickly is all, Ron said, his voice rising. And then what? We don't know where she is, how long it would take help to get there...She might not have help at all if things get too out of hand--and if she only has those thick-headed Ministry blokes around--you already know some of them are right evil --
Ron watched Harry's face fall and cursed himself. Bloody hell, Weasley! Nice work! Feel free to charge right in there like a stampeding Graphorn!
What I mean to say is-- Ron tried desperately to think of another topic--fast. Nothing would come--nothing. It was all he could do to absorb into his heart the pain he saw etched on his best friend's face.
Ron had had no intention of bringing up bad memories and had worked hard several times during the day to tiptoe around the worst subjects. So far he'd considered that part of things a complete success. If Harry'd been upset or depressed at some point, he'd worked hard not to let it show. It had been just the two of them, best friends for five long years now, discussing the sorts of things that all sixteen-year-old boy wizards discuss. But now Ron had blundered into this like a Bludger into an unsuspecting spectator. Inevitably, as it had with everything over the past year or so, the Darkness had seeped in.
The silence held them for several minutes.
Sorry, mate, Ron said quietly. Oh, Hermione, why weren't you here to stop me from being such a stupid git?
Me too, Harry sighed, looking down at his hands clasped in his lap.
I didn't mean to--I know. It's not your fault, Harry said sincerely. His -- leaving -- is always standing there big as a ruddy Norwegian Ridgeback any time I talk to someone from the wizarding world. And it's not going to change now, is it?Is it--getting easier--at all? Ron said haltingly.
Harry paused a moment in thought. Hurts a bit less on the outside, I think--either that, or I'm numb to it now. But some of it, the deeper part--it never lets up...never. When Sirius...came...it sort of felt like I'd finally found my parents--just a little-- and then...they went away with him. I lost Sirius once-- and I lost them twice.
Harry's words chilled Ron. No matter how often he disagreed with his parents (and yes, in all honesty had once in a while wished they weren't around for him to have to put up with), he had never really, really wanted to think about what life would be like without them. And even without parents, he had the rest of his family. Harry had...no one...of his own. No matter how welcome he felt with the Weasleys or how blood-tied he was to his Aunt Petunia, no one was truly Harry's--and it could never be exactly the same.
Is there -- anything I can do? Ron asked helplessly.
Harry grunted somewhat bitterly. Reckon it's something I've got to learn to go on with--just like when my scar hurts. Life goes on, you know. Ask Dumbledore.I know. Ron subconsciously pulled his shirtsleeves down to cover his scars, then just as quickly hoped Harry hadn't noticed.
I suppose if I've got to learn to carry on with this, you and Hermione'll have to be the ones to put up with me most, Harry said. You can't know all there is, but you know much more than anyone else. And I reckon you might let me slide if I bollux things up once in a while, won't you?Hell, Harry, Ron started, we'll likely be right there bolluxing them up with you.
Harry had to smile a bit at Ron's enthusiasm about that. Thanks. I suppose I always knew that, but it's good to hear it, too. He gestured with his forefinger in the direction of Ron's arms. And I'm not the only one with scars from that night...
Damn! He did notice!
...They healing all right? Harry asked.
Ron shrugged. All right, I reckon. Madam Pomfrey says she can do more when we go back in the fall. They hurt sometimes and they're bloody ugly... Somehow telling Harry about how he was healing seemed utterly stupid and petty. Ron felt something welling up inside of him; talking about the scars had made them ache and his head was beginning to hurt as well. He hadn't planned to say it, but he heard his own voice burst out with, Harry--I shoulda helped you that night! I don't know what the Death Eaters hit me with, but Ginny told me about it all and--bloody hell, Harry! If you hadn't stayed to help me with the stupid brain and if I could have helped you fight off the Death Eaters instead of staggering around like a blithering idiot, maybe things would have been different--you would have had me and Neville to help, you would have had more time--What? Ron-- Harry interrupted, surprised by the verbal barrage,
Ron didn't--he hadn't even stopped to breathe. --If we hadn't made a wrong turn then maybe you wouldn't have had to wait for us--maybe we all would have been gone before we had to start dodging in the doors and such to stay away from them-- Harry said loudly, but not in anger.
Harry's volume startled Ron out of his ranting and he fell silent. The surge was over, but his arms and head were still pulsing with the pain. His voice was muted now. I shoulda been there, Harry--for you and Hermione and everyone...I shoulda been there.You were there, you git, Harry said. You climbed on a Thestral you couldn't even see and flew there to helpSirius and me, remember? You did everything you could--we all did. The Death Eaters could have hit me with that curse you took--or all of us--it could have been a lot worse, it could have turned out a lot better. But it turned out like it did and we just --go on. We have to, Ron.
Ron heaved a great sigh, but still looked doubtful as he gazed down into his lap.
After a moment, a twinkle returned to Harry's eye before he spoke. I was gonna ask if getting tangled up with that brain made you any smarter.
Ron looked up from his lap into his friend's face and noticed Harry wrestling with a little smile around his lips.
Reckon you just told me all I need to know, Harry said.
Ron frowned at first and tried to keep looking distressed, but he couldn't resist his friend's playfulness. Harry was actually snapping out of his sadness fairly quickly, or else he was a damned good actor. Shut it, Harry. Go--find me more pizza or something.You ate it all for lunch! Harry exclaimed. Hope you can squeeze into that hearth when it's time to leave.
Ron nodded slowly at Harry without smiling, then snapped around to grab a pillow from the sofa and fire it at Harry. Harry laughed as it grazed the top of his head when he ducked and the pillow flew through the doorway into the next room just as Tonks appeared there. Ricocheting from Tonks, the pillow dropped onto a cat who'd been purring and trying to wrap around her legs as she walked; the cat screeched and fled, startling and nearly upending Tonks in the process.
Tonks glared at the two boys. All right, who threw that?
Ron pointed innocently at Harry the instant Harry pointed at him.
Tonks nodded knowingly. Oh, you two are good. I should smack both of you, just for good measure. But you'd best leave some of Arabella's cats intact, or she'll have both your heads. Well, I actually came to tell you something-- before I was so rudely interrupted. Ron, we've got five minutes--so do whatever else you need to do and then we all need to be off.
The two boys nodded their understanding before Tonks turned away out of sight, but then the sadness set in.
That went way too fast, Harry said. Stupid Birthday Rule. Ron said, what is it with that, anyway?It's just this thing Dumbledore told me about, Harry explained. Something to do with some ancient blood magic--I don't know. It's rubbish--I have to be here a certain number of days on either side of my birthday, and then they're not sure that's going to do anything anyway. All I know is that now I finally have people I want to spend my birthday with, I'm stuck spending it here pretty much alone.
Ron wasn't sure he had anything very encouraging to say. Oh. Sorry for that. Wait a minute! Be right back! he told Harry.
Ron hurried into the kitchen where he'd left the box he'd delivered'. He popped open the Spell-o-Tape by yanking the flaps apart and began rummaging around in the box, looking for something there were two of... he said to himself after holding up and examining two identical motorbike parts and throwing one back into the box.
Striding back to Harry, Ron held the part in his hand behind his back. Maybe this will help. Here you are-- an early birthday present. Ron pulled out the part with a flourish and held it up for Harry.
Harry's eyes had filled with expectation at Ron's excitement, but on sight of the part, he looked totally baffled. Oh, and it's a...
Ron laughed. He remembered the time he'd given him the Sneakoscope in third year and got much the same reaction.
Harry took the part from Ron's hand and turned it round and over in his own, apparently trying to find anything about it he might recognize. It's a... After a minute or two, Harry looked up at Ron's grinning face in exasperation. Don't just stand there, Weasley, tell me what it is!
Ron had expected this. It's...a puzzle piece. And once I get all the other pieces to you, it'll help to make you fly.
Harry furrowed his brow. A puzzle piece? Fly? A sudden look of realization hit him before he gasped. It goes on a broomstick!
Ron's eyes twinkled as he shrugged. The other pieces of the puzzle are coming--I'm just not sure when--may be a bit after your real birthday. But I wanted you to have one of the important pieces.
Harry looked pleased, but a bit confused. See how my birthdays are? Then I have friends like this who want to make me mental wondering about the things they give me...
Ron shrugged again. Sorry, mate, don't want to spoil the surprise, you know. You'll figure it out.
Harry was still thinking out loud and rotating the part before him, muttering puzzle piece...how would it fit?...fly...And all on your own, too, Ron said teasingly. You don't even have Hermione around to go look it up for you.Thanks a ruddy lot, Harry said, but he was smiling. Speaking of Hermione, you let me know if you think of a way to get her a message--and I'll try to think of something myself. Harry looked as if something had just occurred to him. But you are rather more free' to check into things than I am. She said it's a Ministry internship, right? Ron answered, uncertain where Harry was going with this.
And the Ministry should have a record of where she went somewhere, in somebody's files, Harry said slyly.
Harry looked at Ron as if he should have caught on by now. We've already broken in once, Harry whispered. How often do you plan on going to work with your dad?
Now it was becoming clear. Ohhh--good idea. But the security's really tight there right now--not sure what I can get away with. You should have seen what we went through just to get me here for one day.You know I'd help you if I could-- Tonks asked, as she and Remus stepped through the doorway.
Harry and Ron looked at one another.
Have a great birthday, Harry, Ron said, trying to sound more cheerful then he felt and patting Harry heavily on the shoulder. We'll celebrate more when we see each other next. Harry said. This birthday's been good so far. Thanks for the present--even if it's going to drive me mad. Hmmm...Tonks, Professor Lupin, any idea what this is?
Harry held up the part for the two of them to see. Ron stepped behind Harry as soon as he could and caught their eyes, shaking his head furiously. He was fairly sure Remus might know what it came from and why it was there, but Tonks hadn't been clued in.
Remus simply shrugged and shook his head.
Tonks took the part and turned it over in her hands, her forehead creased in thought. Hmmm...it looks like... She glanced up at Harry, then at Ron. You know, I think it comes from a... She glanced once more at Ron, who looked as if his head was about to leave his shoulders, then she looked as if she pushed an amused expression from her face.. Nah, guess not. Sorry, Harry, I've no idea. Handing the part back to him, Tonks smirked at Ron the instant Harry wasn't looking.
Tonks looked at Remus and Harry. You two go first--then I'll put the Security Spells back on the house.Are you sure? Remus asked. I don't mind--I'm sure, Tonks said strongly, giving a nervous sideways glance through the doorway toward the fireplace in the next room.
Ron watched Tonks' nervous look with interest. She has to morph into Bruta Fiddley before we go back-- he thought-- in front of Remus. Payback's a bitch! Oh, I think my dad's expecting me back really soon, Ron started, a twinkle in his eye, we have a few things to take care of in London before it gets too late.
Harry looked a bit surprised. You're going into London with your dad? Ron said, quickly thinking of a reason. Need something called a hinghee for the screen door. You know, the thing that makes it move back and forth? It broke. said Harry, looking as if he thought that would be an interesting trip to observe.
Well then, by all means, tell Arthur hello--you two go on, Remus said, turning toward the next room.
Tonks said loudly and emphatically, so much so that Harry and Remus both jumped. Ron had been simply watching her, smirking; she caught that. I mean--no--we came in first, we should go out last--the spell works better that way. We'll go last!
Remus looked surprised at the outburst, but was not the type to disagree if it seemed so important to her. All right--we'll go. Good to see you, Ron--see you at the next Order meeting, Nymphadora--erm, Tonks.
Tonks appeared to cringe at the sound of her given name, but she didn't seem anxious to make a bigger scene than she already had.
Everyone else said their goodbyes to one another and Ron watched sadly as Harry walked out the front door and closed it behind him.
Me first? Ron asked teasingly, as he watched Tonks adjust her Ministry robe and become Bruta Fiddley.
Yeah, you first, Tonks said. And ha ha--very funny. So now we're even--now that he thinks I'm a blubbering fool. Ron said innocently. I'm sure he doesn't mind.No, not Harry--and I mind! Tonks said, grumbling something else under her breath. Take your box and get in--I'll throw the powder. Just say Ministry Steeplechase, that's the password to get in this week. Though I should have given you the wrong one just to leave you out there twisting in the wind somewhere.
Ron did as he was told and uttered the password. Just as he felt everything start to whirl around him, he heard Bruta Fiddley's voice say from in front of him, Why in blazes would you give Harry a motorbike part, anyway?
Then it all became a blur.
Hermione watched as Otto (Ulav? Hermione wondered) and another man walked Starr between them through the tall doors into the back hallway of the lab. She noticed that Starr seemed to walk with them willingly, but she held her long arms stiff and a bit close in front of her, as if she didn't want to touch the men. Seeming to know where they were leading her, she stalked ahead and almost dove into the training room where Hermione and Dr. Null were headed.
Hermione wondered if this was odd Yeti behavior or if it was just another example of Starr's shyness, as Dr. Null kept insisting. It was difficult from knowing only Starr to believe that this entire study was focused on dealing with aggressive behavior in the creatures, when they seemed like such intelligent, charming, and docile beings.
The past day and a half had been rather disappointing, actually, in terms of what Hermione had expected. Anxious to get started actually working with the Yeti, Hermione had been faced with a lot of waiting, cleaning, copying, and training.
The remainder of the day she had met Dr. Voyde was spent familiarizing herself with the lab and its procedures--mostly Ministry rules and regulations along with some safety procedures. Dr. Null had disappeared for much of the afternoon with some urgent issue in the outdoor habitat, so Hermione decided to settle down with a book from his desk. Late in the day Dr. Null returned for a few minutes, apologized to Hermione, and grabbed a wad of cloth from under his desk that un-crumpled into a jacket. He then told her he had to return to the habitat and that they wouldn't be able to start anything else, so she was free to choose any books she wished to take for the evening and go to dinner.
After her meal alone in the commons (where was everyone else?)and after talking to Tulip a bit, Hermione took her stack of books and left the commons to retire to her cabin. Staring into the lovely orange summer sunset as she walked, she nearly tripped over Tod, who ran directly in front of her chasing what looked like another one of Dr. Null's crumpled paper airplane notes. Smiling at his determination to catch the thing, she thought it odd that the note actually seemed to be trying to avoid Tod, rather than delivering itself. With nothing else urgent to distract her, she let her gaze follow the house-elf as he zigzagged across the quad to the far side of the camp.
But she wasn't expecting what she saw next. Standing near the large housing building, where she'd learned Voyde's men stayed, were Otto and Ulav. One of them had his wand pointed and quite obviously was controlling the paper airplane note such that Tod couldn't possibly catch it. Both men were laughing uproariously as Tod, who looked as if he was breathing hard either in fatigue or anger, jumped for the note repeatedly, missing by only an inch or two each and every time.
Hermione wasn't familiar enough with the atmosphere of the camp or the people who worked there to be able to judge for sure if the men were teasing Tod all in fun, or if they were taunting him rather cruelly. It was often difficult to tell from the reactions of house-elves, she thought, because they were always so focused on completing the task before them and felt no sense of indignity.
Otto and Ulav must have felt her eyes on them even from that distance because they glanced up at her and immediately ceased laughing, just as quickly looking away. The man with his wand out flicked the tip down quickly to send the note into Tod's hand, then the two men turned and left, disappearing around the corner of the building. Tod, apparently thankful to finally get his message, wandered off toward the lab reading the unfolded note.
Hermione realized her brow had been furrowed in confusion as she watched the scene. She considered speaking to Dr. Null about it, but then decided she didn't want to make trouble so soon in case it was for the most part innocent play. Perhaps it was normal--Tod seemed mildly distressed about it while it was happening, but hardly so once it was over. Yet she vowed to keep her eyes open in any case...
Entering her cabin, Hermione straightened up a bit and set out her clothes for the morning. She finally settled in early for bed and read herself to sleep, her last thought a hope that she'd have a better chance to work with the Yeti the following day.
But it was not to be. The next morning was spent unearthing' her work station from all of the books and objects upon it. Dr. Null indicated that he would have some report preparation for her to do that afternoon--and that, since he'd put off completing the reports until they were almost due (what a surprise that is, she thought), they would need to be finalized quickly.
As soon as the reports were finished, Hermione was introduced to another one of Voyde's men, a large (weren't they all?) older man with a deep scar cutting across one ear and down his jaw line. Hank, as he was introduced, was to train Hermione how to handle all of the Trapperton mail and supply shipments from the Ministry, which was to be one of her daily duties as an intern. His very few words and grunts as he alternately shoved clipboards and different blank parchment forms at her only showed her that she'd likely be, for all practical purposes, self-taught.
But now it was a new day. The dull basics were out of the way and her chance at doing some real research had come. Hermione watched, entranced, as Dr. Null worked effortlessly with Starr, using some type of sign language to talk' with her as he prepared their work for the day.
Dr. Null, Starr, and Hermione were seated in one of the training rooms that were in the back of the building behind the offices. It was well-known that the Yeti were of a high order of intelligence: they were able to concentrate, solve problems, and communicate, but no formal intelligence testing had ever been done. One of the goals of Null's study was to determine an approximate average intelligence level of a Yeti in comparison to a human or a wizard.
The Yeti had their own form of internal language they spoke' among themselves, which was being studied while they were in their outdoor habitat. But from here, they were learning to communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings using pictures and cues they had learned from Dr. Null and his staff so that their communications could be more effectively recorded.
Dr. Null first set out stacks of cards from three different sections of picture cards on the wall. From one stack he began to lay magical photos side-by-side in a row close to him and Hermione; the photos were of a number of different Yeti that Hermione had never seen before. Starr sat quietly, alternately looking at the cards and staring at Null and Hermione.
How many Yeti are living here now? Hermione asked, surprised that there were so many cards.
Right now there are fourteen, Dr. Null answered, aligning the cards, which is really too many. The habitat was designed to have space enough for ten, as they would be living in the wild-- eleven at the most. The problem is the Ministry keeps getting requests to take in more because of the aggression problems. Thadde--er, the Department-- doesn't really understand. If someone offers to make a donation to the project, but insists that we bring in another Yeti or two to save' them, the Department accepts and simply tells us to make room. What's worrisome is that crowding the Yeti can create even worse problems with their behavior than the creatures come in with. So far we've been lucky, but the other day--well--let's say I just hope our luck holds. Dr. Null had stopped himself and appeared to be lost in thought, but Hermione was so riveted by his revelation that she tried to bring him back.
That day you had to leave for so long? Hermione asked. What happened?
Suddenly, Starr immediately let out a very loud noise that was somewhere between a drawn-out honk and a very low bleat. Hermione jumped at the sound as the Yeti smacked her hand on the table, slapping at the card Null had just laid down.
The zoolowizard, nonplussed, smiled up at the Yeti. That's you, isn't it? There's Starr. Sure enough, stealing shy looks into the camera from the face of the card and then looking away was Starr, her deep purple eyes glinting in the sunlight.
Hermione was just catching her breath. I didn't know Yeti made any kind of noise.
Null nodded. Oh, yes. Almost any creature can make some kind of noise if they're afraid or excited enough. The Yeti don't do it often, but when they do, their volume makes up for all that time they're quiet.Here, Starr, show Hermione your name, Dr. Null said. He flipped through the stack of nature picture cards and removed some. Pushing the remaining cards closer to Starr so that there was space below the Yeti photos, he left them in no particular order and rather askew.
Once a Yeti is used to their new habitat, usually several days after their arrival here, each picks their own name from the pictures on the cards, Dr. Null explained. These should all be things they've seen before in their native homes. Starr was one of the first two Yeti to arrive here, so she's had a chance to learn all of their wizard names' and frankly, Starr's quite a good student. Some of the newer arrivals only know their own name, if that, but we'll see how well she can match them up to introduce you.
Starr seemed to know what her task was to be. She happily picked up the card with the picture of a star on it and placed it directly below her own Yeti picture. Once the two cards touched, the name appeared under her picture and she pointed excitedly at the word with one huge finger. Hermione didn't know if Yeti had the ability to smile, but she guessed that if Starr could have been smiling, she would have.
Is there a reason for the double Hermione asked.
Actually, there is, Null said. The Yeti choose their own names, but to make certain there's no confusion when we're writing out our reports, we changed the spelling of the names by a letter or two.
Starr now had the picture of a tall, strong tree in her hand and laid it just below the picture of a large, muscular Yeti with steel-gray fur, obviously a male and mature like Starr. Below his picture appeared the word . Eventually, Starr had the names of all the other Yeti at Trapperton lined up: Skye, Hille, Oshun, Dove, Spyder, Flaime, Leif, Rivver, Byrde, Wolfe, Foxer, and Foxly.
Foxer and Foxly? Hermione asked Dr. Null.
Male and female twins, Dr. Null answered. Both wanted the fox for their names--when neither would give in and they looked seriously ready to hurt one another, we came up with that compromise.The Yeti are sounding more human all the time, Hermione said.
You'll get used to these names and faces quickly enough, Null explained, but just to start--Hille, Dove, and Byrde are the females, Leif is an adolescent male, and the twins are young--just kids, you might say--Hille's youngsters.
Starr was gesturing wildly at Dr. Null, pointing to him and then the cards on the table. Ah, just a moment. I forgot. He reached into a wired section in back of him and withdrew another set of cards, handing them to Starr. The Yeti laid them out on the table to reveal cards with photos of Doctors Null and Voyde, each one of Voyde's men, then Tulip and Tod; when she was done she checked them all over again. Immediately, she looked up and pointed to Hermione, then looked at Dr. Null questioningly.
Dr. Null smiled. You're absolutely right, Starr. We don't have a photo of Hermione yet. Thank you for reminding me.
Hermione smiled and rolled her eyes. I might need to borrow the photos of Voyde's handlers myself. I haven't met them all yet, and I certainly don't know their names. I don't even know that I've seen them all.As I mentioned, most of them work more often in the outdoor habitat than in here, and primarily at night, when the Yeti are the most active, Dr. Null explained. Some of them sleep most of the day and help Dr. Voyde perform her research at night.Dr. Voyde's research is different from yours? Hermione asked, trying to get it all straight in her mind.
Oh, yes. Didn't I mention? Dr. Voyde is charged with the physical well-being of the Yeti. She's to determine if their overall physical characteristics have changed from records made earlier this century to see if perhaps there could be any reason for their behavior changes. Also, there are a few types of tests being done on their interactions under natural conditions.And your project is for intelligence and psychological testing? Hermione asked.
And some testing on their interactions under laboratory conditions, Null responded. Once we've determined intelligence levels and psychological stability, we'll be able to take our findings to the Ministry to work out just what their rights are as a magical species. And to me, that's very important--especially when some wizards seem to think we have the right to do what we wish with them simply because they've chosen not to become as socialized as we have. These creatures have feelings and emotions--and a social order--there are some moral issues to their captivity as well. We need to do what we can to help them resolve their own problems and get them back into the wild into their natural habitats where they belong.
Hermione smiled-- this seemed to be the right place for her after all.
We try to bring the Yeti in at least weekly to report their experiences--their diary', we call it, Null explained. Once we've recorded their reports, then we record their feelings about what's happened and any feelings they have about any of the other Yeti in the habitat. I'll be showing you how to help them use the cards to express themselves and how we like to record everything to compile later in the reports.
Hermione watched Starr for a few minutes as she pulled and pushed cards from different stacks to form her diary' entry for the day--Starr was obviously very experienced in what she was doing, forming easy-to-comprehend sentences with pictures from the cards.
Very good at this, isn't she? Dr. Null asked. She'll definitely be the first one turned over to you permanently while you're here--she could all but teach you how to do this, or anyone else for that matter. Easy to see there's a good amount of intelligence there,
isn't it?
Hermione still sat watching in awe, amazed at all she'd already learned so soon, too--and at how much more there apparently was to absorb.
Lots of intelligence, she agreed.
Dad, it was so great to see Harry! Ron whispered excitedly as he entered his father's office in the Ministry and set his parts box back on the desk where it had been earlier that morning.
That's wonderful-- Arthur said sincerely, looking up from his work, --for both of you--because I'm sure he feels the same. Precisely the point of getting you two together, that was. He looked around his desk for a moment. You'll have to tell me more later, but for right now, there are two or three more things to take care of--and then we can be off.
Ron leaned down to pick up something from the floor. I reckon-- this-- doesn't belong down there. He held up a large envelope in front of him that looked ready to be sent by owl.
Arthur said loudly, grimacing. That was supposed to go out today! And, of course, Perkins has left-- he growled. Ron-- you know where all of the lifts are, right? Do you remember seeing that one in the right-hand corner with the purple star on the door?
Ron frowned in thought. Yeah, I think so.That lift takes you directly to shipping, though it's a bit of a jaunt, Arthur explained. Do you think you could manage to get it to the shipping supervisor, have him record it and send it off? Ron said, shrugging. Still got your badge, have you? Arthur asked, looking at Ron's chest where he'd pinned it. Just making sure--can't be too careful after what we went through earlier. Ron agreed.
Take that down and come on back as soon as it's off--by then I should be ready to leave. Ron said, then turned to start down the hall.
Finding his way to the correct lift was easy, but he was surprised at how long he traveled downward before the doors opened. He stepped off the lift into a virtual roomful of boxes, trunks, and packaged items with only narrow walking aisles inbetween them. It was overall quite dark, but he spotted a brighter light coming from somewhere at the end of the room. Carefully negotiating the walkway so as not to knock anything down, Ron finally reached a counter with a desk behind it--that was where the brighter light had been coming from. But there was no one to be seen--anywhere.
Ron waited in front of the counter for some time, knowing that he dare not simply leave the envelope if it was something urgent. Obviously, from the looks of things, there seemed to be a great backlog of unshipped parcels.
he called. Anyone here?
There was no response--no noise of any kind.
Parcel to be owled! he yelled back in the direction of the lift.
Scanning the entire room for any clue that someone was on their way, or even a note someone might have left saying when they'd be back, he found nothing.
Can't wait around all day for this bloke, Ron thought. He glanced around once more, then circled the counter to the desk behind it, thinking he could perhaps leave a note with the envelope to indicate it was urgent that it be sent today. Surely there had to be a bit of parchment and a quill he could write with...
But long before his eyes fell upon any writing implements, they fell upon something he found much more enticing. Lying open in the middle of the desk, atop piles of notes, odd bits of parchment, and shipping bills was a magazine--and not just any magazine--it was a motorbike magazine!
Ron didn't seem to notice he'd moved behind the desk now, staring in slack-jawed awe at a glossy two-page spread for a beautiful new motorbike as if the machine was really sitting before his eyes. So lost in his own thoughts was Ron that he didn't hear the heavy footfalls coming toward him from between the stacks of parcels. He didn't see the wide-shouldered, long-haired man approaching with a scowl on his face for the person who seemed to be fooling with his desk.
All Ron heard was the booming voice before he dropped the envelope in surprise and knocked a fluttering stack of parchment from the desktop to the floor.
You there! Boy! What do you think you're doing?!