Coming Home
Chapter Three – New Bonds Forged.
T.J slipped her arm around Draco's waist as they exited his room and headed back towards The Great Hall. She loved how right and natural it felt. Draco pulled her closer, as she looked up at him. He smiled and gently placed a kiss on her forehead.
They were hit by a wall of noise as they walked through the doors. T.J quickly surveyed the room, noting where each of her team-mates was in the room. Each of them was talking to students or teachers. Logan had been cornered by a group of very persistent Slytherin girls. He caught T.J's eye with a look that screamed HELP ME!
Draco let go of her and made his way towards Logan. He had barely got halfway when he was whisked away by his friends. T.J laughed as she scanned the room for Hermione. She spotted her in the corner sat with Harry, Ron, Bobby and Kurt. She threaded her way through the crowd stopping briefly to say hello to Dumbledore.
"Guys I think Logan needs rescuing.", she said placing her hands on Bobby's shoulders.
Bobby glanced across at Logan, then back up at her. There was a wicked glint in his eye.
"Nah I think he's doing just fine, he always did have a way with the ladies.", he said laughing.
Hermione stood up as T.J slapped Bobby on the shoulder. Bobby gave her a mock look of hurt, then a real one as Hermione punched his other arm as she passed him.
"D and C.", they said in unison.
"What's that?", Kurt asked intrigued.
"Watch and learn boys. You are about to see them Divide and Conquer.", Ron answered grinning widely.
The girls had used this tactic on numerous occasions to rescue Harry and Ron from all manners of unwanted attention. Hermione would cause some sort of diversion, while T.J would spirit the boys out of harm's way.
Hermione headed towards the group surrounding Logan as T.J skirted the room to position herself almost behind him. The girls were distracted by something behind them.
"Go now Logan.", T.J whispered stepping in front of him and cloaking him from sight with a gesture of her hand. When the girls turned back they were very disappointed to see T.J instead of Logan.
"You know you girls are very lucky. The last group of people to corner Logan didn't fair too well.", she said, noticing how their eyes widened.
Whilst T.J kept the girl's attention, Hermione had taken Logan to join Harry and the others. T.J could see Logan relax, but she still kept the cloaking spell in place because a couple of the girls were still looking for him. When she was sure she had their undivided attention, she made the same small gesture with her hand and the spell was lifted.
T.J continued to answer as many questions as she could. A lot was about Logan, some of which she answered until they started getting a bit too personal. It seemed her gruff friend had found himself a fan club. It didn't surprise her in the least. Bobby had been right, Logan had a way with the ladies.
"So what are your powers?", one of the girls wanted to know. T.J picked up on the hint of fear in her voice.
Would you like a demonstration of all our powers, that way you can see first hand.", T.J replied, her eyes scanning the room.
She excused herself and headed towards Dumbledore. She caught his eye and motioned towards the doors. Dumbledore waited for her to catch up then they moved to the doors.
"Is everything ok T.J?" he questioned a hint of worry coming through in his words.
"Yes, everything's fine Albus. I was just wondering if you had any objections to my team and I giving a small demonstration of our abilities. I think it would help the students and teachers better understand us.", she answered, placing a reassuring hand on his arm as she smiled at him.
"I think that is an excellent idea. It would be wonderful to see you in action T.J.", he said placing his hand over her hand on his arm. He led the way to the front of the Great Hall.
Dumbledore called for quiet. As everyone found a seat and sat down and calm was restored, he stepped back allowing T.J to take control.
"Hi everyone. I have been hearing the same question asked countless times and the one thing they have in common is the hint of fear in your voices. So to put any of your fears to rest and to answer that question about our abilities, I thought a demonstration would help.", T.J began, hoping it would be well received.
The Great Hall was silent for what seemed like an eternity. The cheers and clapping hit her like a tidal wave.
"Great I thought we could start with two of the founding members of the X-Men. Jean Grey and Cyclops aka Scott Summers.", she explained as they made their way to the front.
Jean closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Raising her hand out in front of her she began to levitate items around the room. After a few seconds, she directed them straight at Cyclops' head with her telekinetic ability. Cyclops touched the side of his visor and was able to blast them out of the air with a directed beam of ruby red energy.
T.J was sat watching the students trying to gauge their reactions to what they were watching. As she looked around she saw Draco and gave him a smile. He smiled back and winked at her. She didn't have to wait long when the room erupted in applause as Jean and Scott sat down.
"Next up is Nightcrawler aka Kurt Wagner, who has a very special ability. Well, I think so.", T.J clapped as Nightcrawler made his way to the front to join her. Along the way he stopped and asked a young girl to join him.
He turned the girl to face the room. Standing behind her, he laid a hand on her shoulder and with a loud crack, he vanished with her. A shocked gasp ran around the room. The students looking at each other in amazement.
Moments later there was another loud crack and they were back. The girl looked a bit shell-shocked, but she was smiling broadly. Nightcrawler placed a kiss on her cheek. The students clapped and whistled as Kurt went and sat with the others.
Rogue and Storm went next with Rogue absorbing some of Logan's healing ability. Storm raised her arms to the sky calling on the elemental power of lightning. She released them at Rogue who was blasted off her feet. As the smoke cleared it looked as though Rogue was down for good. The students were worried, but T.J smiled knowing what was about to happen. With a low groan, Rogue stood up as the healing ability had kicked in. She stepped forward to show she was fine.
Iceman created a sculpture of each of the four houses animals on their tables before skating to the front of the room.
"Well, I guess that just leaves Wolverine and myself to show you what we can do.", T.J said stepping forward as Wolverine joined her.
Without warning T.J kicked Wolverine squarely in the chest, sending him flying across the room. Picking himself up off the floor, he shook his head to clear his vision. T.J stood smiling at him, waiting for him to attack. She didn't have to wait long. With a flick of his wrists and a roar of anger he released his claws and attacked.
T.J and Logan had been sparring for the last three years, ever since he had become her mentor. He knew this was not going to be a normal practice. As the students watched in awe, a complicated dance began to unfold before them. T.J called on all of her training and skills to avoid the flurry of attacks aimed at her. Blocks, acrobatics and most of all speed.
Logan managed to make it past her defences and cut open her right cheek. With a quickly whispered spell and a small gesture of her hand the cut vanished. With a flick of her own wrists, she produced twin bone swords. Now the real fight could begin.
The fight continued until T.J had Logan on his knees with one sword in his thigh and the other poised ready to slit his throat. T.J retrieved her sword and ended the demonstration.
"I hope that this has given you all an idea of what we can do. I also hope that it has helped to ease some of the fear of the unknown.", she concluded, making her way to get a drink.
Draco sat with his friends to watch the X-Men. As he watched T.J he still couldn't believe this amazing, beautiful, strong and intelligent woman was in love with him. He watched her in awe, lost in his own thoughts, as first she angered Logan, then serenely waited for him to attack
She moved with such grace and fluidity it was almost effortless. She seemed to know Logan's moves a split second before he did. When Logan slashed open her cheek, his hand touched his face almost as if he had felt the blow himself. He couldn't take his eyes off her, so he didn't notice when Harry and Ron sat down behind him.
"Awesome, isn't she?", a voice whispered in his ear.
"She's stunning.", he responded, without thinking.
He turned around and found himself face to face with Harry, smirking at him. He almost fell off his chair as he realised what he had just said out loud. Harry kept smirking, but Ron looked at him with contempt on his face and suspicion in his eyes.
There was something else in the way Ron looked, but he wasn't sure he wanted to find out in a hurry.
"So that's why you stood up for her. You're in love with her.", Harry said with the slightest hint of amusement.
"Does she know?", Ron asked his tone low and dangerous.
Draco desperately wanted to shout it from the rooftops that yes he was in love with T.J, but he didn't know how Harry and Ron would react. By the look of Ron, he'd probably end up in the Hospital Wing for a few days. They were waiting for an answer and it didn't look like he would get away before he did.
"Yes, I'm in love with her and she knows.", he sighed dropping his head. He prepared himself for their reaction. When nothing came he lifted his head to face them.
"She feels the same about you doesn't she.", Ron stated, his voice softening. His eyes lost their suspicion as he smiled.
"How did you know?", Draco wanted to know how they knew already.
"We saw you when you both came in.", Harry laughed clapping him on the arm.
"So how much do you want to kill me?", Draco asked nervously shifting his gaze from Harry to Ron and back again.
Harry bowed his head running his hands through his hair. When he looked up there was a bright smile on his face.
"I think it's great Draco. Our history shouldn't matter, not now. You were always a good friend to T.J. Which means I should have figured it out earlier, but I didn't even recognise her when she came in earlier until Ron told me.", Harry said, laughing as Draco relaxed and smiled back.
"Same here, but be warned if you hurt her there will be nowhere in the known world that you will be able to hide. I will hunt you down and nail you to the wall mate.", Ron said the smile on his face not reaching his eyes.
"What are you three talking about?", came a voice from behind Draco.
Harry looked up to find T.J stood looking at them. He stood up and threw his arms around her kissing her cheek. Ron was laughing at the look of surprise on her face.
"What was that for Harry?", she giggled, pulling back to search his face.
"We were talking about you and Draco, nosey poke.", Ron laughed as Harry nodded.
T.J had no doubts that the guys would be happy for her. The only person that worried her was Hermione. Draco's history with Hermione had been the most heartbreaking to watch. Seeing her hurt so deeply by Draco's words and actions, but worse was hearing Hermione cry herself to sleep. Her thoughts must have shown on her face because Draco also looked worried.
"Hermione knows. In fact, she sent us over here to ask Draco if he wanted to join us for a drink and a little chat.", Harry said the tone of his voice gave him no way to refuse.
Draco nervousness began to show, but he agreed to join them. He stood up taking a deep breath. T.J entwined her fingers with his, lifting his hand and placing a gentle kiss on the back. This stopped his hands from trembling and she felt his nerves begin to settle. She gave him a reassuring smile as she led the way.
Hermione was still sat with Logan and Kurt. As they approached the corner Hermione stood and stepped forward right in front of Draco. The expression on her face was unreadable. Draco started as she took his hand and led him and T.J to a separate table.
"Draco, my past with you has been the hardest, but if you're willing to look past it then I will too. Clean slate starting right now.", she announced as they sat down. Draco was puzzled, clearly relaxed.
"I'm glad you finally came to your senses and admitted you have feelings for T.J.", she continued, smiling softly at Draco.
"How long have you known?", Draco questioned, searching her face.
"Ever since the day after T.J left. You blamed Snape. You were so angry, I thought you were going to hex him into the next century.", Hermione replied, placing a hand on his cheek.
"Hermione can you find it in your heart to forgive me. I'm so ashamed of my actions and the things I said to hurt you. You're an amazing witch and I would like to hope we could be friends one day.", Draco admitted, his voice trailing off as he looked at her.
"I would like that Draco. You have changed since T.J left. You have found the man you are supposed to be and not the man your father expected you to become. I like this new man.", Hermione said, pulling him to his feet and wrapping her arms around his waist. Draco hesitated for a moment then hugged Hermione resting his chin on the top of her head and closing his eyes.
T.J watched their exchange with a smile on her face. She glanced over at Ron and Harry, both were grinning broadly. Logan beckoned her over. She stood up, knowing this next conversation was not going to be an easy one. Steeling herself she headed over.
"So that's him. The guy that has held sway over you for three years.", he said as she sat down. He had a small smile on his face, but there was something in his eyes she had never seen there before. She suddenly realised that what she saw was fear.
"I guess he has been on my mind, but then again so have Harry and all my other friends here.", she said quietly.
Logan leaned in closer so the others wouldn't hear him," That may be true, but you didn't scream their names when you woke from your nightmare last night."
"What do you mean?", she bristled at the comment.
"I mean you were screaming his name. T.J I need to know your head is going to be in the game, cos I'm not sure it will be if he is around.", Logan explained.
T.J looked at him and finally understood why she had seen the fear in his eyes. He had never doubted her before and that fact bewildered her now. She glanced over at Draco as he laughed and chatted with the others.
"Look, Logan, when it comes down to it I'd like to see you come up with a plan to defeat Voldemort. Oh, that's right you can't. I'll also be the one to draw first blood in this fight.", she spat vehemently at him.
Standing up T.J stormed away. Leaving the Great Hall, she ran out into the castle grounds, tears blurring her vision. She got as far as the edge of the Dark Forest when she fell to her knees screaming her anger to the sky above. She slumped forward, allowing her tears to flow freely. Logan questioning her loyalty and abilities had bit hard and deep.
Yes, she loved Draco with every fibre of her being. She also cared very deeply for every single member of her team-mates. They were her family. Logan had never shown any doubts before and she was confused as to why, here and now, they had surfaced. She heard people calling her name, one of which was Logan. She knew if she faced him at this moment she would draw first blood on him.
Standing up she ran into the forest. She kept running until she could only hear the silence of the forest. She needed to be alone so she could figure out what to do next. She needed to come up with a way of ending Voldemort's death grip on the wizarding world.
Taking a deep breath she sat down, closed her eyes and began to clear her mind. Once
that was done she began to think about what advantages the X-Men had over Voldemort. Slowly a smile spread across her face as ideas began to bloom. Standing up she began the journey back to the castle. She kept her pace slow, walking rather than running, the rest of the way to the castle. As she walked, the ideas in her head began to formulate a plan. It was like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece fitting to the next perfectly. By the time she got back to the girl's dormitory in Gryffindor Tower she had a plan that Lord Voldemort wouldn't be able to counter, hopefully. With this in mind, she drifted off to sleep.
END OF CHAPTER THREE.