Establishing Magic
Beverly Crusher looked at the dimensional visitor with both curiosity and irritation. Her son sat watching with eagerness and trepidition.
At 17 years old, he had spent a number of years growing up aboard ships. For the last two, he had held an Ensign's status which had allowed him to occasionally take duty stations on the Bridge: An indulgence by the Captain and Command Staff. This had lent him a peculiar makeup.
In Harry's opinion, Wesley was almost a perfect mix of Pureblood entitlement and Muggleborn enthusiasm. If Harry was to help him, he would have to teach him some humility.
"So, my son is a wizard?"
Harry nodded. "I let him hold my original wand. Although it was a poor match, he did get some sparks."
Picard, who was also in on the meeting, was curious. "Do you have another he could try?"
Harry took on a very serious expression. "The second wand I carry is not for him. It has a long history of changing hands via bloodshed and lends itself to … foolish complacency. It takes a person with an unbelievable sense of self and a complete lack of desire to command to wield it without temptation."
Wesley said, "I asked the same thing, Captain. I was too tempted by the idea and I can see where that would be a problem."
Harry said, "I have to admit. Your society lends itself to self-honesty which is a plus. At least your Starfleet recruiting methods do. I have never met a more openly curious and altruistic mentality in my many travels."
Picard chuckled ruefully, "For the most part. Even I will admit that there are many who fall short of the ideal and work for their own benefit."
Beverly gave an irritated noise to interrupt them. "This is all well and good, but that's not we're here for!"
Harry chuckled. "I'm reminded of the better versions of my fiance's mother. Anyway, Wesley is a wizard. Although I have never traveled inter-dimensionally deliberately, I have learned to Travel with deliberation. And, although it seems odd to you, the Universe seems to want me to help people. In this case, I think it's to do what needs to be done to bring magic back to this dimension."
Picard asked, "But how do you know?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't. But in all of the thousands of visits I have made, I have found issues that needed my help – in my estimation – every time. Although it isn't always the case that the reason I thought I was somewhere was the thing which is actually handled, I find that I am never actually finally leave a place until a lesson is taught or a problem is resolved."
Picard was dubious. "You seem to be saying that you are directed by some higher power?" Picard had run into too many "Gods" which were charlatans to completely believe such a thing.
Harry looked at the three. "I don't know. I know I began this due to my own error and hubris with the idea I could fix my own past. I do know that I have Traveled to many times, and to many planets. I do know that I have always contributed. I do know that I will not move on until such contribution is accomplished.
"Didn't the Enterprise C survive in possibly the only way which would have allowed her to survive and still maintain the time stream? Aren't lives better by her having survived? There are no absolutes. Tasha still died. But her sister now survived. She had a chance to live a life that was stolen from her. She found happiness – at least for a few years."
Harry contemplated his existence. "I began this hurt, alone, living a life of regret. I have found some purpose, but I don't know how long I will be doing this. Too many occurrences have been recorded in the various dimensions for which I have no memory as of yet. I don't know if there is another version of me doing the same thing or if I will be doing this for far longer than I already have."
He looked at Picard and then at the Crushers. "What I do know is that I will be here until I accomplish something. My path isn't always clear – but I haven't failed yet."
He turned toward Beverly. "Will you allow me to try? Will you let me try to bring Wesley to where I can get him matched to a wand?"
Beverly looked at her son's eager face. Finally she sighed in resignation. "Yes."
Harry looked to Picard. He also sighed. "I will allow this. I don't feel completely happy, but if he and his mother agree, I have no right to stop them."
Harry stood up. "Okay, Wesley, grab my hand."
Wesley stood up and was about to move toward Harry when a chime sounded. Picard looked up and called, "Enter!"
The door opened up to a determined looking Guinan.
"I believe I will accompany you two."
Harry looked searchingly at the woman. He had been struck by her wisdom and the same sense of calm he felt when in the presence of many of the better Albus Dumbledores he had encountered. He looked to the Captain, who looked resigned but accepting. This was a person in whom Picard trusted.
Harry nodded. "Well, come on then."
Guinan moved forward and took Harry's hand. Wesley reached out and took his other. Harry nodded at the two Starfleet Officers and then closed his eyes and concentrated.
The three flashed a bright blue and disappeared from the Captain's ready room. Captain Picard was uncomfortably reminded of Q in that instant.
The Leaky Cauldron was quiet. Tom was just cleaning up the last of it when a light flared within the Common Room. When he looked up he saw a sight which caused him to gasp. He recognized two of the figures.
Harry said, "Hello, Tom. I'm a Traveler all alone in the night."
Tom nodded. "Yes, sir!"
Harry turned to Guinan and Wesley and said, "This is Tom. His family has put me up a number of times in my many Travels." He turned to Tom. "This is Wesley Crusher and Guinan. We're here to get Wesley fitted out as a Wizard. What's the date?"
Tom replied, "8 August, 1993."
Harry thought back. "So, Harry Potter arrived last night?"
Tom smiled and nodded. "That's right. He was done in, poor lad. He's up in Room 8."
Harry smiled. "You can call me Gary Seven." Guinan looked at him quizzically, which he never noticed. "Can we get a room for the night?"
Tom nodded. "Of course, of course! Right this way!"
Tom led the three upstairs. Gary and Wesley would share one room. Guinan was shown to another. Harry was curious because Tom seemed exceptionally solicitous toward Guinan.
The next morning, the three made their way down. Tom fed them shepherd's pie and butterbeer. Harry grinned as he asked Tom for pumpkin juice for Guinan.
While the three were eating, a younger Harry Potter was coming down for his own early lunch. Harry looked around and saw something which caused him to gasp. Gary looked over and grinned. He waved Harry over.
Harry looked both curious and nervous as he said, "Who are you?"
Wesley was awed as he observed the conversation between the two Harry Potters. Guinan just watched calmly – she wasn't one to get overly excited when she didn't need to be.
Gary volunteered to help Harry in exchange for some Galleons from the basilisk carcass so that the visitors could get some necessary supplies.
Harry was eager when Gary gave him a few details. The four went down to Gringotts and Harry asked to see an Accounts Manager. With permission, Gary got rid of Harry's scar and then gave the goblins information on where to find the other devices which Voldemort had left around.
The goblins would go and get the carcass and the cost of gathering and repairing or destroying the other artifacts would come from the profits. Harry was quite enthusiastic about it as he didn't need the money and it meant he wouldn't have to deal with it on his own later in life.
Gary also spoke privately with the goblins on another matter. Using his status as a Black Heir – which they magically verified – he had commissioned them to retrieve the pet rat (stunned only) from Egypt where the Weasleys were currently located. Bill worked in Egypt for them and they could use the notoriety of having helped catch a mass murderer.
It truth – they didn't care. But it would put them in the good books of the House of Black and the House of Potter. Gary explained how much more amenable the two would be for aggressive investment with Gringotts should Gringotts help out with this small matter.
To the goblins it was win, win. They would be paid to capture the rat, replacing it with an owl or other familiar for the boy who had it, and they could earn much profit when the Houses of Potter and Black could be brought out from inactive status.
Harry had fronted them the money to pay for the stay at the Leaky Cauldron and getting Wesley some books to get him started.
Harry was really enjoying himself. For the last two days, he had been helping his apparent dimensional twin teach an older boy named Wesley some beginning spells. He wasn't used to being the authority anywhere, but he found tutoring someone else fun.
Wesley was surprisingly friendly and he listened quite well and didn't treat him like a little kid. He also didn't treat him with any reverence for being "the boy-who-lived."
Harry quite liked that.
This morning, the visitors and he would be going with a squad of goblins to retrieve the basilisk carcass. Professor McGonagall had written back after he owled her that they would be ready to receive a visiting party.
When the portkey had dropped them off in front of Hogwarts, he noticed that Wesley looked as uncomfortable as he felt with the method of travel. Gary, Guinan, Madam Bones, and the goblins looked much more relaxed.
Madam Bones had volunteered to accompany them after Gary had spoken to her privately about something. When he asked Gary only smiled and said, "You'll see."
The group arrived to the gates and Hagrid let them in. Wesley was experiencing overload at the new people and races he met.
They were met at the front doors by Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore.
Dumbledore gave Guinan a very bad feeling.
However, they were allowed to go to the Chamber. Harry learned how to get stairs from Gary and the group moved down to see the fabled chamber.
Everyone was suitable impressed by both the goblins' ability to shore up the tunnel quickly and the size of the skin outside the chamber. That feeling increased significantly when they saw the carcass.
Wesley turned to the young boy that had been tutoring him on first year spells. "You killed that?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I pulled Gryffindor's Sword from the Sorting Hat and stabbed it through the mouth." He pulled up a sleeve of his robe and large shirt. "I got bit right here, but Fawkes cried on it to heal it."
Even the goblins were impressed by the story.
All of the humans went up with the first group of goblins who would begin transporting things out. They would also bring back a much larger squad to help finish it.
The goblins had just left the bathroom when Harry heard the most hated voice in his life.
"What are you creatures doing?"
As they moved quickly, they heard the lead goblin say, "That is none of your business, Wizard. We are here to retrieve Mr. Potter's basilisk carcass."
They were exiting the bathroom as Snape yelled, "That belongs to Hogwarts! I will not let such valuable ingredients go to that man's spawn!"
The group saw Professor Snape about to curse the goblins. Amelia was faster. She took down the Potions Master and began to secure him for transport to the Ministry.
Dumbledore tried to reason with her when he exited the bathroom and saw what was happening. "Amelia! It was just a misunderstanding. Please release my Potions Master."
Amelia turned her head. "He had no right to interfere. He was mid casting at these goblins when I prevented it."
Dumbledore sighed but tried to continue on. "I'm certain that it was a mistake and he will proffer an apology when given the chance. Let's go to my office to resolve this."
Amelia shook her head, even as the goblins sneered. "I'm sorry, but I have no choice. You can come to Ministry to resolve this tomorrow." She returned to taking steps to transfer Snape.
Guinan noted the older man moving to pull a wand from his pocket. Everyone else was in front of them except the younger Harry. She motioned to Harry and pointed at what Dumbledore was doing. He pulled his wand and cried, "Expelliarmus!"
Dumbledore's wand sailed toward younger Harry's hand even as Dumbledore was blown back a bit. Everyone looked over at Harry, who was holding two wands.
"He tried to cast a spell behind everyone's back." Guinan nodded in agreement.
Amelia sighed. She said to Dumbledore, who was slowly getting up. "Well, Headmaster, you'll have to come with us as well."
Dumbledore looked around and saw Harry with the Elder Wand and paled. "It was a misunderstanding. Harry, my boy, give me my wand back."
Harry shook his head even as Amelia said, "No. I will take that after you're secured." She moved toward Dumbledore. Dumbledore saw that this wouldn't work and called out, "Fawkes!"
The phoenix flamed in, right above the older man. Guinan looked at it curiously, getting a bad feeling. She recognized the species from long ago and far from there, but didn't know why such a creature would help such a man.
Guinan had her own wand. When they had gone to get Wesley's wand, the wand that was on the pillow in the shop's window had sung to her. She had tried to ignore it, but had finally told the wand maker what she heard and felt. Ollivander had given her the wand at no charge, knowing that it belonged to her and not him. He wouldn't say much else on the subject.
She pointed the wand and only thought (conceptually and not in words), "Be free from him."
A light shot from Guinan's wand and hit the phoenix above Dumbledore's head. Suddenly it flamed and fell to the ground. Amelia was incensed and stunned the Headmaster. Guinan and Gary moved to check on the pile of ash now on the corridor's floor.
Gary was amazed. The baby chick sluffing off the ashes looked remarkably better than when Gary observed this phenomenon in his own second year. Fawkes seemed to cry out to Guinan until she picked up the small bird and cooed at it. Fawkes immediately calmed down.
Those who witnessed these goings on were amazed, Wesley especially. He was brand new to magic and had already seen so many astounding and unbelievable things.
Harry was about to hand Amelia Bones Dumbledore's wand until Gary called out, "No. It's yours now. It has changed allegiances."
Amelia would have protested, but she was already too busy handling the two wizards she had dispatched. She had also seen the man's companion nod in agreement to the statement.
The headlines over the last few days had shocked and appalled magical Britain.
Albus Dumbledore Arrested, Found to Have Perverted Justice!
Severus Snape Convicted of Treason for Trying to Destroy Auror and Healer Recruitment
Peter Pettigrew Caught! Hunt for Sirius Black Cancelled!
Barty Crouch Junior and Senior Apprehended! Junior to Receive Kiss!
You-Know-Who Finally Destroyed Completely!
The visitors were finally ready to leave. After a long two weeks, Wesley was confident enough in basic skills to move forward himself. His supervisor would be Guinan. Gary felt much more sanguine about her being put in charge of Magical Education than a 17-year old kid.
Sirius and Harry had paid for a complete magical library in a miniaturized trunk for the visitors to take back to where they came from. Sirius, who had surrendered himself to Madam Bones when had seen the headlines about Pettigrew's capture, was appreciative to Gary and Guinan for what they had done for him and Harry.
There had been a party in a private room at the Leaky Cauldron. Harry's friends were there including all of the Weasleys. Ron had the ferret he had been given in Egypt by the goblins and Hermione had bought Crookshanks.
Guinan had taken one look at the two youngest Weasleys when they had met and convinced the Weasley parents to allow her to talk to the two children privately.
She had then convinced them to have Ginny see a mind healer and Ron to see a counselor. Harry, Hermione, and the other Weasley children knew nothing about it.
Gary, Wesley, and Guinan were all in the Leaky Cauldron. Before them were those they had met in this world. Tom was also there. He had gifted Guinan a wide selection of drinks. She would have them programmed into the Enterprise's replicator when they got back. Tom had also gifted her with a case of Firewhiskey.
Fawkes flamed in suddenly. After the phoenix had recovered under Guinan's care, Fawkes had disappeared and all assumed he was gone for good.
In his talons he carried a cage which had two kneazle kittens. He dropped these two in front of Wesley and then perched on Guinan's shoulder.
Gary looked over. "You're coming with us?"
Fawkes trilled positively. He moved, singing, in front of Harry and rubbed his head against the boy's face before moving back to Guinan's shoulder. The phoenix then nodded at Gary.
"Okay, folks. Good luck with your future. Harry, have fun with your godfather – but listen to Moony. He's much more sensible."
The visitors then disappeared in a blue light, phoenix song wafting after them.
Hermione looked around and asked something which had been bothering her for the last two days since she had come back to Britain early. "Why was everyone so deferential to the woman with the Lone Traveler?"
Ron looked at Hermione gobsmacked. "I thought you knew!"
He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a pack of chocolate frog cards and rifled through them. He found the one he was looking for and pulled it off before moving the rest back to his pocket. He handed the card to Hermione.
On the card was a stylized drawing which seemed to match the woman who had just left almost perfectly, except Guinan had been a bit darker. The drawing looked slightly more exotic but that could be artistic license. She gasped when she read the name on the card.
Nimue, Teacher of Merlin
The three appeared back on the Enterprise. Picard, who was reviewing reports, looked up and saw the three figures coalesce in front of him out of the blue light. He tapped his link. "Dr. Crusher to the Captain's Ready Room."
They looked around and Picard said, "Welcome back. I'll wait for the report until your mother gets here. How was the trip?"
Wesley, who was still a little shocked at what he had seen, replied, "Unbelievable, sir!"
Harry, who now could go by his own name again, grinned. "They also saw me fix another dimension. Guinan helped a lot."
Picard was surprised. "I look forward to hearing about it, Mr. Potter. The Captain of the Enterprise C wanted to be informed when you returned. She said she had a few people who wanted to talk to you."
Harry shrugged. "That's okay. Might want to get them over sooner rather than later. I don't think I'll be here much longer."
The group had moved to the conference room. Picard had been amazed at the tale told to him by those who had gone on this away mission – or what he would be classifying as an away mission in his report anyway.
He also had a lot of fun looking over the books that were in the trunk. Beverly had scanned it and said, "It's like there is a pocket of subspace in it."
Picard asked and got permission for Wesley and Guinan to add the books to the database. Harry said, "With the single caveat that anyone who shows magical ability be given access to it with no limitations other than those set by Guinan."
Wesley had uncaged the two Kneazle kittens. Data, who had been present for the meeting, was – for some reason – a favorite of the two. The two young cats had familiarized themselves with all of those they could. Fawkes stayed with Guinan.
Harry commented, "You might want to look at the Care of Magical Creatures books first. These will need certain diets. Look up Kneazles and Phoenixes."
There was a chime. Picard called out, "Come!"
The doors opened up and five people entered. Admiral Garrett was recognized. Now-Captain Richard Castillo looked much older than he had a few days earlier. The three younger women were not recognized – although the Enterprise crew seemed shocked.
Admiral Garrett smiled at the reactions. "Hello, Captain. Mr. Potter. Everyone. You might remember Captain Castillo. I'd like to introduce Mr. Potter to Ishara Yar and Sasha Castillo." She paused.
The Enterprise crew could see the resemblance between Tasha and the two that came. Surprisingly, both seemed to be similar in age – possibly 20. Ishara was similar but Sasha looked almost like a clone except she had Captain Castillo's hair.
The two young women came and hugged Harry.
The third young woman stood somewhat calmly. The Admiral turned and said, "And Captain Picard, I'd like to introduce one of my two daughters. Aurora stayed in the other timeline with her father. But this is Audrey. Audrey Picard."
Everyone in the room was stunned.
Captain Picard stood, transfixed by the sight of the young woman. Now that he had been told, he could see the family connection.
Fawkes sung in the background, which allowed the room to calm down. Finally Audrey said, "Although I come from a different timeline, the other you insisted … and I agree … that I should call you father. Hello, Father."
Picard started moving slowly forward until the two met and embraced. The sixteen year-old girl had caused the Captain to lose his calmness. The Enterprise Crew all left – except Guinan and Wesley. Wesley stood transfixed, staring at the girl.
Finally, the Captain noticed. Feeling someone protective for some reason, he barked, "You're excused, Mr. Crusher." Wesley looked sheepish as he retreated.
Audrey giggled a bit and stage-whispered, "Aurora and I both dated Wesley. She and I decided she loved the other one more and that I would come and see if this one was available."
The Captain looked at his daughter, looked at the door Wesley had exited from, and then to Admiral Garrett. Rachael smiled even as she said, "Well, I guess that's something that never changes: Jean-Luc Picard doesn't want to see his daughters date until they're at least 30."
Picard looked quite agreeable with that sentiment.
Harry looked at the two who had just let go of him. "Guinan? I think you'll have more students. Both of these two are witches, I think you might want to see if any of the wands Mr. Ollivander sold you will work for them. You'll know it when you see it. I recommend a room which is sturdy when you try them out."
Guinan looked to the two. "Understood."
Harry felt the pull. "Well, that's me then." He moved and addressed all of those that were left. "Good luck. You've got a family, Captain. Guinan, you have a mission. Teach them to be good witches and wizards. May you all experience magic … and love."
He turned and walked toward the door. His form compressed to a small ball and moved off until it disappeared. The cheerful song that followed was accompanied by Fawkes – who recognized his own song.
The Vulcan moved to enter the temple. He brought a book of great size with him.
"Greetings. We welcome one who travels from afar."
The Vulcan Engineer nodded. "I come to deliver the teachings refined in the past twenty-two years from my own Vulcan. Having learned of mental techniques from one who was supreme, I delivered them to the temple. The priests expanded on these to create what I have brought. The High Priest bade me deliver them when I arrived to this new timeline."
The Vulcan Priests watched stoically as the visiting Engineer presented the large tome.
The three Starfleet officers who had beamed down looked around. One of them, a Lieutenant, recognized the people who were waiting. He murmered something to his superior, who nodded.
Lt. Crusher moved to stand in front of the welcome party and in a perfect dialect said, "Greetings. I hope to find that your gold is flowing and your enemies suffering."
The goblin was shocked as he replied, "May your enemies' defeat feed your clan and vaults."
How did the visitors know their language and the proper greetings?
K'mpec was content as he fell during the ritual challange.
The passing over of the position of High Chancellor was being witnessed by the High Council as well as witnesses from the Federation. The Federation delegation included the son of one of K'mpec's old allies.
The House of Mogh had recently been re-elevated. The House of Duras had been destroyed when a plot to overthrow K'mpec was discovered and evidence clearing Mogh had been found. Duras' father, Ja'rod, was found to be the actual traitor at Khitomer.
It would never have been found but for the fact that the Romulan that had aided Duras behind the scenes had just disappeared (a fact that was withheld from common knowledge for the sake of the Empire). Duras proved to be too clumsy without her backing, and had made a number of mistakes.
The petaQ had been hanged like a dog, his clan recieving discommendation. Worf and Kurn, sons of Mogh, had been called forth to recieve the honors that had been denied them.
Worf, with the High Council members, had roared in approval as Gowron performed the ritual strike.
K'mpec was then allowed to stand on his own and move to a place among the Council.
Worf moved forward to salute Gowron. "A gift! 210-year old Firewhiskey, to the new Chancellor of the Empire!" Gowron looked surprised but pleased. Tales had been told of this drink. Only two bottles had ever been presented but the stories were magnificent.
Worf moved and presented a second bottle to the new High Council Member, K'mpec.
A/N: This kind of just came together this way. A reviewer reacted more negatively to Wesley, which made me think about his character on the show. As a result, Guinan as the responsible one to bring magic back just flowed. The three girls were always planned. I also had another thought – but decided that should be an Omake as it was superfluous and slightly different from the last scene in the conference room.
OMAKE
The two girls, both in their early twenties, looked at Harry and then at each other.
Sasha and Ishara moved to enter the VIP quarters Harry was staying in. Harry asked, "What can I do for you two?"
The two women smiled and replied, almost in twin-speak, "We wanted to give a more tangible form of thanks," said Sasha
"Tasha approved when we mentioned this," said Ishara.
"And this will help repopulate Wizards and Witches in this dimension."
"Besides, how often do you get to relax and enjoy yourself?"
Harry gulped as he watched the two young women allow their dresses to fall off their shoulders. They weren't wearing anything underneath.