Catalyst

Chapter 10: Mutation Complete

Abathur sat down at the table just as the headmaster stood up to speak, delaying the intake of biomass for the entire group, a poor logistical choice. Terrans were always more docile after nutritional intake, and it was unlikely that they would pay much attention while hungry. Abathur would not make that mistake again, not after the corridor with all its essence, even if all that resulted in the delay was a number of minor burns and an explanation Abathur didn't have the context for. Oh, and the hospitalization of Harry and Ron, but that wasn't really important. Even as Abathur reflected upon the past few days, the headmaster spoke.

"As we come to the end of another year, there remain only a couple things left to discuss, before you are rid of us. I am sure you all are looking forward to that almost as much as your teachers are looking forward to being done with you for the year," he paused, waiting for the laughter to subside. "Before we begin to eat and award the house cup however, some last minute points are in order. For excellent chess skills from Ron Weasley, I give 100 points to Gryffindor," The hall was silent. "For Hermione Granger, and her ability to make sacrifices, I award 100 points to Gryffindor. For their bravery in the face of adversity, I award 100 points each to Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom," The hall, except for Slytherin, burst out into cheers And for his expert demolition skills, I award 100 points to Thenabar," Abathur twitched. "Jaren. I believe that puts Gryffindor in the lead. Congratulations Gryffindor, on winning the House Cup!" The banners changed to red and gold, displaying a lion, and once again the hall erupted into cheers.

Abathur was still waiting for his biomass. It never ceased to amaze him how much useless ceremonies terrans could insert into any event right before food arrived. It had been less than a week and this one event was already making him rethink his listening to humans policy. At last the food arrived, in the sudden manner that Abathur had become accustomed to. He really did have to investigate that, that kind of resource transportation would be useful. A job for another day.

His head full of plots, plans, and essence, Abathur eat the meal set up before him. The year had been full of gathering, on the spot improvisations, learning, and avoiding detection. Now the year was coming to a close, and it was time for consolidation. The next phase of modifications was ready, and Abathur could hardly wait.

(Transition)

"You guys promise to write?" Hermione said. The quartet had arrived at the platform after the train ride. Ron had gotten pulled away into a pack of terrans with surprisingly prevalent red hair. Abathur wondered if that was normal. Harry remained with the other two, but kept glancing nervously at a group of particularly metabolically poor terrans. Looking at the absurd amounts of fat, both low and high, Abathur was more glad than over that he removed the possibility of that genetic mismatch.

"Cannot promise. Summer, contains many plans. Time, may not be available. Will attempt," Abathur replied. Deflections were much more useful than solid answers, very versatile. Especially if you had no intention of writing.

"I'll write if I can, Hermione. Can't promise anything either though," Harry said, with another nervous glance. Was this normal terran behavior? Abathur could hardly call himself an expert on terran social structure, but usually caretakers of any species didn't inspire this kind of behavior. It would be a huge detriment to the reproduction rate. Not his concern though.

"Well, I'm writing to both of you, and you better respond," Hermione said forcefully, before pulling them both in for a hug. "I'll see you both next year," she said, before running off to join her apparent progenitors.

"I guess I'd better get going," Harry said. "I'll see you next year then, Abathur."

"Most likely outcome," Abathur confirmed, before Harry ran off. Abathur waited a moment, before leaving the platform himself. He took a slightly different path, stepping out of the train station to a side alley, before raising his wand in the air. After a few moments, a tall purple bus appeared, plowing straight through the assorted traffic without touching a single vehicle. Abathur boarded the vehicle, which took off seconds later, moving as if every structure in the area was but mist. It took little time to disappear into the maze of steel.