AN: Hey, everyone who is reading thank you all for all the reviews and all who sign up for the alerts or put me on there fav's, everytime I got one of those emails telling me I smiled. Well, I shall no longer delay this long awaited chapter. Enjoy!
The next morning everything seemed soaked in a somber attitude when people walked in to the dinning hall for breakfast. Though most didn't know the cause for these events, there were four who did. As Harry looked around he cursed. This wasn't suppose to be happening anymore. People where no longer supposed to be scared like this, from things they didn't even know about! He thought that all of this, everything that had happened during the war was over and done with and that he would never ever have to witness this again. Looking around he saw that same image he had in fourth year, right before it was told to the students that Voldemort was alive again. This time however it wasn't just magical students who were frightened but mutants as well.
When Xavier called for silence it must have been out of formality Harry thought, since no one was talking to begin with.
"Hello everyone and good morning." He was trying to keep the mood cheerful, lessen the blow. Looking around he saw it didn't work. Every student in the school was there, even Harker along with the singer from last night and not a one seemed to fall for it. If anything it only worsened it. "I have an announcement that is truly of great importance." He gave up any pretenses of cheerfulness here, either because he didn't think it appropriate or he just couldn't do it. "Last night, it was released to the news that William Stryker was released from prison."
At this every mutant in the hall was in an uproar. Some yelling obstinacies and others practically crying. Looking down the table Harry saw that Kitty seemed to have totally zoned out with a clear look of fear on her face. Poitr was slowly rocking her and whispering to her but none seemed to have any affect.
Again Harry found himself wondering who exactly was this guy. This was on par if not worse than fourth year. Then there had been fear but that was from things learned in history lessons and what their parents spoke about. This, this seemed in some way more real. Harry got the very distinct impression that everyone here know who he was not by mentions of him but by being the directly affect of this man's action. Glancing over at Kitty he found him assumptions right when he heard her mutter something that sounded like 'not again'.
"Everyone, calm down. He may be free but I assure you everything is being done to insure that you all are safe. As of right now, the school is on lockdown and no one can come in or out without first being approved by myself personally. Every security measure we have is being looked over to make sure there are no weak spots and upgraded to the highest possibility. Now, in regards to all the magical student here."
And here Dumbledore took over. "It had been suggested by Professor Xavier that it may have been wise for us to leave, seeing as the danger is focused on the mutant rather than us wizards. That will not be happening. While leaving in the middle of the year would be horrible on you all academic wise, I also believe that whatever they may face, they and us will be better off if we stand together in this. They have helped us in the past and so we shall help them now." Taking his seat he watched the reaction this had on his students. He was amazed that some reacted in the same way that Xavier's student had, with outrage, but the vast majority had taken it with stride. Little effected them in matters such as these when they have already fought and won a war themselves he mused.
"And for that we thank you." Xavier addressed. Something passed between the two, a look that Harry couldn't understand. But one thing he did was that neither of the two had their usual smiles in place. Usually that was a very bad sign. Turning back towards the students Xavier seemed to brace himself. Whatever he was about to say he thought was going to get an even bigger response than that of before.
"Now, while Stryker is out there and we do not have anything information on what exactly he is doing, it was thought best that others of our kind may come here for protection. I have made this offer to every mutant and anyone seeking protection may have it. Within the next few day, those of the Brotherhood and some of that of the Morlocks will be coming here." Now every one of the mutants were angry. Half the hall was yelling now, practically screaming at this. Whatever the importance here was, Harry felt he was going to have to find out soon.
"Everyone, calm down." Again with the calming down. It didn't seem to work this time around. Despite the elder mutant's calming tone this news was taken with extreme hostility by every single one of his student, some were even on chairs at the announcement. In the back of his mind Harry knew he had heard the name Brotherhood before but he couldn't place it. Hermione seemed to have seen him and understood his confusion.
"Some of the Brotherhood helped in the final battle. I can't tell you anything about whom the Morlocks are though."
"They're a group of mutants who unlike most of us, don't necessarily look normal." Amanda took to explaining. She glanced at Kurt who for the first time in the time they came to know the blue dude looked mad. True and unadulterated anger was pouring off her boyfriend and she seemed like she knew there was nothing she could have done to help. "Unlike us they can't blend into society so they have taken to hiding in the sewers."
"But why can't they just do what Kurt does? I would think Professor Xavier would be more than willing to help them." Hermione asked. It truly did seem like that would be the wisest thing to do if only their appearance was what caused them their problems.
"And he would be. But you see, some of the Morlocks don't want to try and fit in, they usually generally hate normal people and they especially don't get along with us. They think somewhat along the lines that Magneto does. That us being an evolution of humans we are better. While they aren't as aggressive as the Brotherhood in their ideals they have caused problems before. But I can't say I blame them, the muggles haven't made life for them easy-"
"Problems, that vould be a very kind vay of puttin' in Amanda." He practically spit at her.
"Kurt-" She tried.
"Everyone, please." Xavier's voice sounded through the hall silencing all the children and he no longer sounded like the patient man he usually did. He was deeply annoyed at his students behavior and that was very clear to everyone in the hall. "I know everything that has passed between ourselves and them. I know why you would object to their coming here but this is the only safe place for them. While Stryker is out there and a possible threat to every mutant the doors to this institution will be open to all who wish sanctuary." With those words he finished and turned away. He left no room for argument and with his last word an air of finality smashing came down. However, every mutant in the school was now talking about what was said; just without the yelling.
Looking around Harry tried to survey everyone yet his eyes came to the mutant across from him. Kurt was fuming. Nothing that Xavier had just said had calmed him in the least and for once he wasn't listening to Amanda.
"Kurt, please-"
"No Amanda. You know as vell as I that Calisto vill come as vell." He practically seethed the words at her. Everyone at the table, mutant and wizard alike recoiled from his words. Pure anger just pored off of him. He was nothing like the whimpering mess he was last night, hiding behind Amanda in fear. No one could see any of that. Amanda was the only one who seemed to not shun away from him but instead inched closer.
"Yes, but please clam down. This is not for forever, just until things are safe again."
"But vhen vill that be Amanda. You know as vell as I they vill do nothing but cause trouble. The first thing that vill happen is a fight and then there vill be more and more and more. It vill be nothing but chaos around here again."
"But please just-" But he didn't listen to what she had to say, he simply got up and ported away. Everyone at the table was shocked but Amanda merely shook her head an turned back to her breakfast.
"What was that about Amanda?" Harry asked concerned. It unnerved him to see his friend in such a state and though he would never admit it he also had been a bit scared. He knew Kurt very well and knew there was nothing to be scared about but see the blue man like that, well…
She just played with her food for a moment, seeming to have lost her appetite. "The leader or former leader, whatever she is now, really isn't the best… hell, she's a bitch and her and Kurt have a few problems. Actually almost everyone here as a problem with her."
"So he is just upset about one person? That seems a hard seeing as this is Kurt. He's like a big teddy bear." Ron asked. Everyone thought the same. Though he looked like a very demonic teddy bear he was still a teddy bear. He never lost his cool. In fact the only time Harry had ever seen the mutant not smiling or whimpering behind Amanda was when he was scaring of Keller away. Even then however he merely spoke in a cold manner but nothing to like what they had just seen. Not a single one of them really believed he had it in him to be so angered really. At least before two minutes ago.
"Believe me, in this he had a right to be mad. Please, let it alone. He'll tell you when he calms down." They all stopped asking questions about Kurt, but not about everything else. The morlocks and the one called Calisto were not talked about but Amanda couldn't stop them from asking about everything else. Seeing as they were going to be staying here she believed they had a right to know. However it was mostly Rouge and Poitr that explained everything. Amanda's attention was drawn elsewhere.
While the rest of the table were talking about everything that was going on Draco found himself drawn to a particular dark haired girl. Once he found her though his blood started to boil. Right next to Harker was the singer from last night and the two seemed to be very close to one another. The two partially had their heads attached to each other! They were huddled close and talking in low voices and it was the first time that Draco actually ever saw the girl have a really conversation that seemed to be more than three sentences with the other person.
Turning toward the nearest mutant he could find he calmed himself down and went about finding out what he had been wondering since last night. He found the only one not talking about serial killers and megalomaniac zealots was Amanda who was staring at a magazine that seemed to appear out of no where.
"Amanda, that man sitting with Harker, he was the singer from last night, correct?" The blond mutant looked up from her magazine and looked over to where he gestured. He noticed briefly that on the cover was Harry himself, looking nervous and like he was about to flee out of the picture. Not too far off, Harry never was one to want people to fawn over him Draco thought. He himself would have used it to his full advantage. Taking a closer look he saw that it the picture was from last night, from right before Harry had put the ice charm over himself to right after and in the corner was a smaller picture of Keller dressed ridiculously as Harry. In larger captions at the top were the words Everybody Wants To Be A Prince!! Turning his attention back to Amanda, slightly more wary than a second ago, he saw she had an almost malicious grin on her face.
"Yeah, that's Jack Mercer. He graduated a few years ago from here, Why, you interested?" He saw a certain gleam in her eyes that if he was anything other than a Malfoy may have made him uncomfortable.
"No, no. I prefer more civilized people to accompany me to my bed, thank you." He answered curtly, though now that there was actually decent light to see him in he could tell that he was quite handsome. By looks alone he would have been most wonderful to entertain himself Draco thought but as soon as the thought came it was shoved away as quickly. This was the person who seemed to be the only one actually close to the enigma in which he found himself attracted to. Damn if he wasn't finding himself becoming obsessed with the raven haired girl and finding himself vaguely annoyed by that fact. "Besides, while he is inadvertently seemingly attractive, he would seem to be in the company of one miss Harker. The two do look too close to be separated wouldn't you say?"
Amanda only grinned at this. She had seen how Draco had looked last night, all tucked away in the shadows as he had watched her friend. It was in a way refreshing seeing someone take an honest interest in Harker. Most either were repelled by her numb demeanor or were so lust filled they couldn't actually see anything other than the girls breasts(which really weren't all the great), and that phase would quickly turn into the former after a few words from the girl. But Draco, Draco seemed different. Now, she could still see lust there but it was mingled with something else. She couldn't place it but the fact he hadn't run in the opposite way was something. Most would have by now especially considering the whole being thrown fact. And the fact he was get jealous of Jack was simply in all rights hilarious.
"Not even close lover boy. The two are only friends. They are more like siblings than they would ever be lovers. The two in reality are all each other really have." She chuckled lightly. It was almost saddening how much that was true.
"How so?" Ah, no comment to the remark about being interested. She filed that away for later and thought about how Jack was reacting to that.
"When the two came here together the were all each other had. Jack had just seemed to have lost his family and Harker had no one at all. The two had a lot in common. And the fact the Harker was the only thing that kept Jack from going insane-"
"What do you mean insane. Is he using her in some way?" He was appalled that someone would do such a thing. It was ironic that he in the past had done just that a voice whispered in the back of his mind, to which he promptly shut up.
"No, it's just Jack couldn't control his ability at one point in time. He has the ability to hear and feel an entire city's thoughts and feelings. Harker is able to create shields not only around physical things but also around minds, keep other people out or for Jack, keeping the world out."
"Seems one sided to me." Thinking about it, it did. If he was only using her to keep his ability in check then Draco felt no reason why his hatred for the man should not multiply by the hundreds.
"Don't comment on what you don't understand Draco." Looking up he saw all the warmth and laughter that had been there merely a few seconds ago gone. Ah, yes, he forgot. Amanda seemed to be very protective of the girl. He might have remembered that, if only for the benefit of his health. "He long ago stopped needing her, but she though hasn't stopped needing him. If anyone is using someone it is her in regards to him." And with that she turned away. Leaving Draco to think over what was said. He turned back to the food in front of him but seemed to have lost all appetite. Seemed to be the theme for the morning really. Getting up he made to leave, all the while thinking about what it could be that Harker needed from the musician. She seemed like the type of person who would never allow themselves to depend on anyone.
As he walked through the doors to the hall outside Jack was staring at a very silent Harker. He had practically heard the entire conversation from Amanda's mind even though she knew how to keep him out. And he in turn had shown it to Harker. While the conversation had continued he noticed that she had become very quiet. Not in sound but in her mind. He didn't even have to be the awesome mind reader he was to see it, it was in her eyes. She looked how she did when she was closing herself off to the worlds. The announcement of Stryker had done nothing to her but one boy's attraction had reverted her back to how she was almost six years ago.
He decided to give her a few moments to start before he did. She knew by now exactly what he would say. He found though she seemed very uninterested in talking at the moment. So he did.
"Seems you have a certain wizard interested in you. At not only that but a very well off pureblood, top of the crop. Must be excited."
"You know I have never cared for such trivial things." She sounded so tired. Looking around he saw every student there alive and awake, most in very heated debates about the news. Even with his shields up he could feel the anger and fear. There were a few who were excited, liking the action that was bound to happen when the groups of rival mutants arrived. He cringed at that. There were going to be more problems now than he could even think of and Harker was going to be climbing the walls being locked up. Looking down at the girl he would almost think she was about to fall over. She looked so tired and he noticed she hadn't touch a bit of food.
"Ok, talk." He watch as she didn't even look up, did nothing but stared at the same spot she had been since the whole conversation started. Looking at her, he knew something was wrong. Harker never let anything grind her nerve like this and she never did not talk to him about something. "Harker-"
It's nothing alright! Suddenly her mind opened up, just to him, and she was almost yelling at him. Oh, ok. If she didn't want to be heard then this was fine, so long as she was talking to him.
Yeah, that's why you threw the guy a week ago and the same one you asked me to read last night, which I'm still laughing about you getting caught so you know… Damn it Harker, what the hell did he do that is making you shut down on me! He was becoming very frustrated. There wasn't a time where she wouldn't tell him everything. It had been like that since the night they met. They trusted each other completely and her deciding all of a sudden that she wasn't going to now both saddened him and pissed him off.
He's done nothing Jack, I swear.
The Hell he has! She had to be the worst women he knew. Seriously, no one was as evasive as the girl was.
She sighed. Harker never sighed. Oh shit. Either Mystique infiltrated the school and stupidly decided to play at being Harker or this was worse than he thought. Sudden thought, very violent in nature started to pop into his head about what he would do it he ever got his hands on the little pureblood brat.
You want to know?
YES!! The girl didn't back away or say anything at his loud tone. She merely sat there and started off at the table. To anyone watching it would have looked like nothing was going on with her, that everything was normal for the girl. But it wasn't. Jack had known her since he was sixteen years old and through fights with the Brotherhood and arguments with other mutants and just being able to claim their little piece of a life he had never seen her this worn out, this dead looking, except for when they first met. What was such a threat that even he couldn't seem to see it, yet it was hitting her strait in the face?
In answer to his unasked question she thought in her numb monotone voice. That boy, who yes I find vaguely interesting, is the one and only son of the one person who knows exactly who I am and who happens to be teaching here. If I got anywhere near him I could see his father doing everything in his power to stop any friendship from being formed. Anything at all.
You think he would tell-
In a heartbeat. That's the way of the rich and pureblood Jack, do anything to get what they want. And if there is one thing I will not allow to happen, it's having people know exactly who I am. Especially right now with our certain, guests.
Looking around Jack instantly understood. Wizards, everywhere. And if that was said. He had heard about that man that saved her before but she had never said his name. Just vague mentions about the night they met, how he helped and how she then met him. Talk about the worst luck for him not only to be teaching at the same school, but to have his son interested in her. Suddenly he really understood why she seemed gloomy at the moment.
His attention though was brought back to Harker when in a quick moment she was up and walking away. There was no need for her to tell him not to follow. Sitting there he couldn't but help to be angered at the one person who caused all of this. Fucking Harry Potter.
Lucius who had been sitting with Severus discussing varies things, stopped in his talking to watch Harker as she left, noting the extreme look of hate in the musicians eyes towards the table holding the savior himself, and Severus was watching his friend, again wondering not for the first time what it was about the mutant girl that could catch his friends eye. All around everyone was watching someone so it was no shock that when Snape looked up he saw Miss Granger watching someone as well, the same someone who he had been watching. Interesting. And then there was the one the no one saw, the only seventh year Slytherin still sitting in the hall who was watching everyone.
Hermione was again trying to figure out the mystery of Harker, and it seemed only to become more elusive when she found that not only was one of her professors interested in the girl but two.
"Harry," Looking at her watch and then over at him she saw him talking and laughing despite the tension that was there only minutes ago. She found herself happy that he was nothing like Harker, even though with everything that happened in his life, that he could still laugh and be happy. If there was anyone in the world who had any right to want to distance themselves from others it was him, yet he didn't. Instead he seemed to pull them closer. Smiling softly though she realized he was late. "Harry?" The boy looked up. "Don't you have somewhere your supposed to be? Like the quidditch pitch?"
"Shoot! I'm late!" Grabbing a piece of toast he and popping it into his mouth he was off, leaving a laugh few behind. Hermione was about to get up when she saw that the singer from last night was watching as Harry ran out the doors, practically sneering at him. Her mind thinking back on what it had been a few seconds ago before she had noticed the time she began to wonder if her friend had somehow was involved in it all. Remembering that the musician was a good friend of Harker's and how she seemed to be in some odd way almost friendly to Harry, it made her wonder. Just what had Harry got himself into now?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This is absurd.
Severus was not in a happy mood this Saturday. The night before had been the Halloween dance and not only was he forced to watch over all the mongrels all night, he was now being dragged into something that had absolutely nothing to do with him or his students. A simple muggle named Stryker had caused quite the stir last night and now he was on his way to a meeting for all the teachers to learn about the man. After a long few hours of trying to calm all the students they were finally having it. He honestly didn't care, in fact he would insist on them leaving if it weren't for the fact that they had nowhere else to go. Hogwarts was underway and progressing well but it simply wasn't ready to house the students again. And the fact that the mutants may need their help weighed over there heads. After the final battle it would prove to boy Keller's accusations and that of other mutants if they turned their backs on them now. Damn wizards for our pride.
Coming to the conference room that the meeting would be held in he opened the door and found most were already there. All the Hogwarts professors were and the only one missing from the mutant ranks was the neanderthal Logan. Taking his seat around the large table he waited silently of Xavier to begin.
Right as the man was about to begin doing just that the door opened and in walked the hulking mass Logan himself. He grunted something and Xavier nodded, seeming to understand the man's lack of talking abilities. He began again, this time not interrupted.
"As you all know William Stryker was released last night from prison. Now for everyone here that does not know who the man is I will give a brief explanation. William Stryker and mutants everywhere have a long history with each other. The man is a reverend and also has experience in military, at one point in which he experimented on mutants, and after an event with his family he began a crusade to eradicate all mutants, in a belief that we are an abomination which God has granted him the task of ridding the world of. He formed a militant group in which purpose was just that, known as the Purifiers. He also used the media to gain favor from the public. It was only when one of his own men shot and stopped him that he was finally stopped. At the time it had been during a live broadcast, in which he was about to kill one of the students here, a Miss Katherine Pryde. At court he was sentenced to life in prison. You know the rest. Somehow he has managed to be released. I'm still working on trying to find out exactly how he did that."
"So now we have to figure out what we are going to do about this." Summers voiced. The magical people present heard a tone that could only occur with much practice. Even though they had been living among the mutants for the last two months they knew little of their lives.
"I hold to my promise Charles. We shall not leave while you are in need of help." Dumbledore looked out over intercrossed fingers. He was very concerned before he knew this information, and it only hardened his belief that this man was a threat no only to Xavier's students but his own children as well.
Scott found little comfort in the elders statement though. "That's nice and all but what can you really do to help? If anything significant happens you wouldn't be able to do anything. If Stryker thinks we should be annihilated off the face of the earth than what do you think he's going to do if he finds out about witches and wizards? He's used religion before and I believe there is something in the bible about 'thall shall not suffer a witch to live'. If he goes about things like he did before, your help might just make this mess worse."
"Yes, for us to be announced to the world would not only be catastrophic for us but for you as well. The people's reaction to such a thing would be detrimental to all mutants. And in that respect we will do everything we can to keep that from happening." Dumbledore agreed.
Xavier then continued. "Alright, first things first, what I said earlier about the school being on lockdown stands true. No student, mutant or wizard alike will be aloud to leave until we know what to expect from Stryker. It is very likely he will proceed in his vendetta against our kind and will most likely target the school first."
"Then we must put up some type of defense around the school, something to keep him-" McGonagall's word were cut short by a chuckle from Xavier and the other mutants present.
"That wont be necessary Minerva. Miss Harker has already had a shield erected around the entire school since she was capable of such and last night she checked over it, adding anything needed. As far as protection around the school there are numerous things in place, all of which are being looked over as we speak or have been already. Now, something I would like to propose Albus is something that might be needed. As Scott pointed out earlier you have no defense other than magic against Stryker and that will unfortunately not be at your disposal. As a solution I am suggesting maybe your students, or at least some of the older classes take some self defense lessons with Logan and a few of the more experienced students to teach them to fight hand to hand."
"But why would they need that? If your school is as protected as you say then there would be no reason for them to be in a any situation in which they would need it." Professor Sprout questioned. She did not like the idea of teaching her students to fight. Helga herself knows they had done enough of it in the past.
"Because I know my student and I can not keep this school on lockdown forever, they would not stand for it. This is a school, not a prison. At most it will last for a month and at minimal until the end of next week. No, that is only a temporary solution. There will come a time though that they might need it."
Sprout would have argued further had not Dumbledore intervened. "I see nothing wrong with that. I must insist though that one of my teachers is also there to watch over all of this. "
"Of course, whoever you choose." Xavier had a fair idea as to who would be chosen. There was always something about the man that touched on familiar when he saw him. Things about him just reminded him too much of his oldest students for it to be nothing. Curious question though was why would a potions master have been trained to fight in a similar manner to that of his most veteran X-Men.
"Me." Severus stepped forward and wished yet again he had never come to this stupid meeting. Yet he was the only one who would have been qualified for such a need.
"And I." To say the whole room was shocked when Lucius volunteered willingly to participate in this would have been a understatement to the extreme. Lucius had made his views on physical combat very well known when they had arrived at the school and what he thought of those who used it. His opinions of the X-Men and those who helped in the battle though grateful was nothing less than malicious when voiced. That he wanted to watch his own students, his only son among them, learn this made most of those present's jaws drop. Professor Flitwick even fell out of his chair. Yes, his admonishments of physical combat were that strong.
"Alright then. But I must insist that you do not interfere in any of the proceedings. You are aloud only on the basis of watching or helping either Logan or the students. If you interrupt the classes I will have to ask that leave them."
"I agree with him Lucius, you will have to be on your best behavior." Dumbledore said looking at his teacher.
"I will concede to your wishes." Out of the corner of his eye he could see that Severus was watching him very intently. Unlike his friend who had been trained in such combat he detested it. The mere idea of fighting hand to hand was atrocious, no civilized person would ever want such a thing in his mind. No, he would only go to keep an eye on his son. The thought of him learning something so degrading that it shook him to do nothing to prevent it, but Xavier had a very valid point. This was a school, not a prison, and they could not keep the students here indefinitely. Learning this would only help to keep his son alive so he would allow it. Severus would just have to live with that. Any other reasons for attending such a class would merely be an added bonus.
Everyone turned their attention back to Xavier once again. "Now about the trip for the winners of the Halloween contest. I think it would be best if that was for the moment put on hold. Perhaps we should call them here to inform them?" Upon receiving a nod from Dumbledore Xavier sent for a student to bring them to the conference room.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Ok, so what happened last night? Finding you looking like you were about to pass out and what you said about your head aching.."
Draco had just caught up with the group outside the quidditch pitch. Hermione had been there waiting for the other two to be done and now the four were walking around the grounds. As cold as it was it was the best place for such a conversation.
No one answered him for a few minutes, silently walking until they were in a thicker part of the woods. The school was still slightly within sight but it was still very isolated. There was no one around and if anyone did come up on them they would either hear or see them before the got within even ten feet, plenty of time for them to stop talking about anything too sensitive for outsiders, all due to the almost bare trees and fallen leaves.
Looking at Draco Harry was a little hesitant, not because he didn't trust Draco but because he still didn't understand what was going on himself. "It was my scar Draco. All of a sudden last night in the middle of Harker's song it just started burning, exactly like how it would when Voldemort was around." Draco flinched. If anyone had a right to it was him Harry thought. While others fear him for things they either saw from a distance or because of the effect on their lives, Draco had to serve under him. Anytime Voldemort's name was mentioned Draco would be the first one to pale.
"But you killed him. He died, I saw it! There is no way, absolutely no way he can come back, right? He was taken out by raw magic. Nothing comes back from that!" Through out his words Draco had began to grow louder and louder and instead of sounding scared like how he had when he began he now sounded angry, so angry that they were saying something to him that he didn't want to hear. Looking at Hermione and Ron he came to a decision, if they were to tell Draco one part they were going to have to tell him everything.
"Not from that, but what if a part was never destroyed?"
"What are you talking about Potter?" His eyes were wide as he looked at him. He looked like a child in a way Harry thought.
"Harry-" Ron tried to interrupt but Harry would not allow him to.
"No, he needs to know. If we tell him one thing we have to tell him everything."
"But why-"
"No Ron! I trust him." Turing back to Draco hee took a deep breath. He saw out of the corner of his eyes that Ron and Hermione had leaned against a tree, getting comfortable for a very long explanation. So he started. "Voldemort had a plan, in which done right, would have made him practically immortal. He would in all certain terms tear his soul apart and place the pieces in certain objects. But last year Ron, Hermione and I went about destroying them."
Something seemed to dawn on the blonde. "That's why you were gone sometimes all mysteriously and there would never be an explanation. I thought you were out merely gallivanting about Hogsmead and no one would punish the golden boy and his friends." Looking at his friends he saw that they seemed concerned about him, or at least Hermione was. Ron was still put out about telling the other boy. The young pureblood heir seemed to be in shock. He seemed to be gazing at something in his mind with his eyes glazed over. If anyone would likely understand the meaning of something this dark happening it would have been Draco.
"Draco?" He snapped out of his gaze and looked towards Harry. Shock and disbelief and… fear written in his face.
"To do that, I couldn't even imagine. And you said pieces, as in more than one. How many times did he do it?"
"He created six. The diary from our second year, which was the whole reason behind the Chamber of Secrets. A locket of Salazar Slytherin's, a ring which was passed down through Slytherin's descendants, a cup owned by Helga Hufflpuff, the diadem that Rowena Ravenclaw owned, and his little pet snake Nagina. So long as these were still intact he would still be grounded to this world. On the night that the final battle happened Dumbledore and I were retrieving the locket. It was then later destroyed by Dumbledore, I think around the time I was in the hospital. And I think, I think there was a seventh one as well, made unintentionally." Hermione and Ron started at this. Taking a breath he continued on. "I think I was his seventh horcux."
"What!" "Harry!" Both his friends were suddenly looking very worried about him and having jumped up from their spot and rushed over to him. He smiled at their attics, he didn't think he could ever tire of them. It felt both strange and wonderful to know that they actually cared. Even after so many years though it still baffled him to see such a thing, directed at him.
Very gently he tried to explain to them something he had never said aloud to anyone before. "Think about it. What other reason would I have been able to have a connection with him unless I was. He only made six intentionally and what if when he came to kill me he had meant to make one from killing me? I was the one who was supposed to be the end of him so I can see him being demented enough to make one from that. He would have had to do the ritual before hand so it's very possible when you think about it."
"So are you still?" Ron asked hesitantly. He knew his best mate well enough to not be concerned about him turning dark but with how they had destroyed the others he wondered how they would this time while still having his friend alive in the end.
"No, I can sense magic remember and people's auras. There is nothing there that I would think would be Voldemort. My scar looks the exact same as everything else and the rest is completely normal." Well most of it anyway but the rest was unimportant. It had nothing to do with what was going on.
After a moment of silence Draco asked. "So you had something you wanted to explain to me? You have yet to tell me what last night was about. You said you destroyed all his horcux's, so there should be no way for him to be here correct?"
"He shouldn't but there is a chance he could have made more, but I don't think that's likely. Voldemort was so set in the things he did, and in his memory he talked about making seven. I can't see him changing that. The only one I didn't see destroyed was the last one, the locket. You two saw Dumbledore destroy it right? Did it seem different or anything from the others?"
He looked at Ron and Hermione and both of them shook their heads but Hermione seemed to be hesitant in her answer. "What is it Hermione?"
"It's nothing I'm sure. It's just that, I remember the diadem and the cup and even Nagina and it was the same for all of them, this horrible screaming sound. I have never heard anything like it before. The locket though, it just seemed, less intense I suppose. But that could mean nothing right. I may have been his first one, before he destroyed himself so horribly. I'm sure it's nothing."
"Whatever it was though, we have to worry about is the one here. If we can't destroy it soon then Voldemort could return again and I will never allow that to happen so long as I'm alive." Too many people had died because one mad man's crazed ravings. His parent's and Teddy's mother and so many others. No, never again.
Draco though didn't seem to find comfort in that."Wouldn't he still be able to return? His soul is out there still grounded by the horcrux. Even destroyed-"
"Right now he is a spirit, less than that even. If the anchor is gone he will have nothing else to keep him." Hermione explained. "He can't turn into a ghost or anything else. So long as we destroy it before he can find a body then there should be no problem. It truth though there might be even less than a sliver of a soul lingering around. After the raw magic hit him I don't think there would be to much."
"Ok then all we need to do is find it then." Draco started pacing thinking of where it could be. At the moment he didn't want to think about what he saw last night. So he pushed it to the back of his mind. He missed the look that passed between the other three entirely. "I suppose it would have to be with someone or else you would have felt something before last night. Most of the people who were here for the dance still are, Mercer being one of them. Most of the guest have-"
"We know who has it Draco." For the first time ever Ron actually spoke with out any bitterness in his voice. In fact it was also the first time he had ever used the Slytherin's first name. The redhead couldn't tell who was more shocked at this. Harry, Hermione or Draco.
"Well then Wea- Ronald, who is it?" Again everyone who had not been speaking's jaws dropped. Right in front of the two they saw a somewhat truce being made. Never in a million years would either have believed it. Seemed Merlin did grant miracles.
Shaking his head Harry got back to what they were discussing. "Harker. It happened last night as she was singing. She looked right at me and suddenly just pain shot right through me. It was exactly like what happened with all the others."
Draco sighed. Damn it. "I thought that might be what you would say. I saw it but I'd hoped that it happened sometime after that."
"Wait, you knew?" Hermione questioned.
"Yes, right when Harry practically doubled over Harker grabbed something on her chest, I'm guessing some necklace or something. She played it off merely as a gesture intertwined with her performance but-"
"But what?" This was important and they needed to know all the details. I wouldn't help to be looking in the complete wrong direction and Hermione also wanted to be very sure before suspecting a girl none of them knew very well.
"For a spit second she looked like she was in pain, at the same time you where. It was fleeting but it was there."
"Are you one hundred percent sure Draco?" Harry asked.
He nodded. "I wouldn't have said anything if I wasn't."
"Ok then, that proves it, I wasn't the only one to see Harker look right at me when it happened. But I can't figure out why I felt it only then? And why would I in the first place! If it really is one of Voldemort's horcux's then why would I have been able to feel it? I no longer have that connection with him."
"Maybe you are just very sensitive." Hermione shrugged. It made sense to her but seeing the guys disbelieving looks she rushed on. Men and their insensitivities. "No listen. You have almost your entire life lived where you could feel him. Whether that's because you had a bit of his soul in you or because of something about the curse he cast you have been able to for years now. And in the last six years since you entered the wizarding world you have had ample exposure to him and used the link excessively. I think you have a very high sensitivity when it comes to him. And with your new abilities, who knows what you are capable of. That's not what we should be worrying about though. The problem is why would Harker have one, and next, how do we get it to destroy it?"
"I'm not too worried about the second, we destroyed all the others before." Harry answered after his little fit and being called sensitive. He was a guy and you just didn't say that. "It's the first that has me more concerned. If she really has it then that means she has had some contact with the wizarding world. That means either Amanda or someone we don't know about, and whoever it is is into some dark stuff and Harker might also be as well."
Though he hated saying it he knew it was a possibility. Yet something was yelling he was wrong, that his words were farther from the truth than closer. This, this felt similar to all the times they had gone and started to blame Snape, when really he had been the one protecting them. All the evidence was pointing toward Harker being dark, someone they couldn't trust but something was there whispering to him to trust the girl. Almost the same feeling when he knew someone around him was about to use magic or their powers or that feeling when he drew raw magic, not the feeling of it against his skin but from where he drew it from.
"Do you really think she could be dark Harry?" Draco asked. Looking at the blonde he saw that he felt the same way as he did. It was obvious neither of the two believed it.
"Course it could be true. Someone who it that numb can't be all good Draco. Sh' just not-"
"Enough Ron." She looked at the two others and saw how they looked. The mere prospect of the girl being dark had made a shadow come over both their eyes. Draco obviously was interested in the girl, only she didn't think he realized just how much himself. Harry though was the one that confused her. Out of the two of them she would have thought that now after everything that Harry would be the one she would understand completely and Draco being the question mark. Whatever it was though with Harry she didn't think even he understood it. She shook her head. Boys were the most clueless people in the world, though she thought that when it came to Harker there simply wasn't anyone who wasn't.
"Could it be that bracelet she always wears? I mean it's the only thing she always has with her." Ron asked, getting away from the topic that seemed to keep getting people mad at him for.
"No, if it was that then I would have felt like I did last night all the time. There is a semi strong glamour charm on it, but that's it."
"Can you tell what it does?" Hermione asked.
"No, I can't see the magic anywhere on her, but from the charm I know it can't be anything major, it's just only a little bit stronger than your average glamour. It could be anything from her eye color to covering up mass acne. My guess is that she uses a shield to cloak her from everything, mind readers to scanners, myself included and that also blocks out seeing the magic as well."
"What we need to do is get more information on her. Ask Amanda, maybe-" Anything else that Hermione was going to say was cut off when the sound of crunching leaves interrupted them. All looking up they saw a small child come through the trees towards them. Red wings protruded from his back and with an amazing grace he made his way through the trees without them once being caught. Coming up to them they all stayed silent waiting for him to say whatever it was he needed to. It was an obvious assumption that he had come looking specifically for them but not a single one of them knew the boy personally. They only knew he was Sam's younger brother, and that last night he had played at the dance.
"Hey, you guys are really hard to find. Xavier ended up having to use his powers in Cerebro and that still took forever." He stated in a way only a child could being completely unabashed.
"Why was he looking for us?" Draco asked. The three who knew him could tell he was trying very hard not to sneer at the child. Jay, they thought his name was, was completely oblivious to his actions.
"I dunno. He just sent me out to bring you guys to him." And with that he turned and started walking away. The four all looked at each other and then proceeded to follow him, albeit some more reluctant to others. For the most part the journey was silent.
"Harry?" They had just entered the school again when the whispered voice sounded out. He had almost missed it. "Do you think we should tell the Headmaster." A little bit louder this time and he could tell it was Hermione.
"No." He didn't hesitate for even a second. He really had no defined reason to not want to tell the man, only that he didn't want to. Over the years he had placed Harry in so many situations that he was alone in to fix. This time would be no different, except in the fact that the Headmaster wouldn't know. "There is no reason for him to know Hermione. If we fix this quickly then we'll have worried him for nothing. Besides, what do you think he will do when he finds out a mutant has a dark artifact that could possibly bring back the darkest Dark Lord in the last thousand years? No, we can handle this ourselves."
Any argument she would have had was cut off at the sound of a knocking. They realized that they had come to a stop outside a door and that they were being called through it. Walking through they saw all the teachers in the entire school sitting and waiting. Suddenly the image of a firing squad invaded almost all their mind, the image from a movie Kurt had them watch popping up. Except instead of high powered riffles their executioners were using wands and laser beam eyes. Snape and Summers looked the most annoyed out of all of them by far. It took little to guess who would be the first to fire.
"About time you obnoxious brats! We had been looking for you four for over that past hour!" They all cringed, Draco included. "Any other student nothing else would have been thought of. But seeing as your four have caused the most trouble in your years at Hogwarts you can guess why we were more than a little annoyed!"
"Enough Severus." Dumbledore quietly hushed the enraged Professor. He himself merely looked at his students, seeming to be calculating something. "He does have the right to be a little angry though. It was only by Professor Xavier using Cerebro that we were able to find you. But that is in the past." Suddenly he was the merry old man most in the office knew. Some half expected him to pull out some tin of sweets soon and start offering them. "We called you here to discuss your prize for winning the costume contest." At this the four of them brightened, forgetting that Snape still looked like he wanted to throttle. "Unfortunately,-" Oh no. The same thought echoed through all of their heads. "until further notice the trip will need to be put on hold. With the school on lockdown we can not risk letting you out due to all the dangers involved."
"However," Xavier's voice sounded out carry a much more happy tune to it. "it is only until the lockdown is released. Now though we wanted to talk to you as to who you would like to take. Originally it was thought that the winner would take about three two or three friends with them. However though I think it would be better if only each one of you chose only one other person." He smiled at them. Yes, it had taken all in attendance by surprise to see their costumes. Him most of all. He almost felt like so many years had not passed. It had however made the choice of who won a very obvious one. They just hadn't expected four winners in the end.
"Kurt." Hermione was the first one to answer and the others looked at her wondering what is was about. Seeing as she had chosen who she had Ron's choice was very easy one.
"I guess Amanda for me." Shrugging he looked at Draco to tell his choice.
The blonde hesitated for only a moment. "Would Harker be aloud to come as well?"
Xavier smiled at him. Interesting. "You should probably ask her herself if she would like to go but I see no problem in allowing her to if she would like to." He secretly hoped she would. It would do her some good to get out and do something other than work, and it might help her to open up a little. Harker was one of the students who had been here the longest and he had a very warm spot for the girl. Though he doubted she would accept he had also seen how she had reacted to some of the new comers, two more so than others. Those two just so happen to be standing in front of him.
Turning to the last student he waited for him to name his choice. "I think I would like it if Rouge would come along. Kinda even out the ratio of guys to girl." All heard the blasé tone to his voice but all could see the faint blush tinting his neck and face. After last night there wasn't a single doubt in anyone's mind as to whether the boy was interested, merely if it would work out.
"Alright then, that is all for now about that then. Unless your Headmaster has anything else to say?…"
"No no, you all are free to go. I ask though that you not go wondering too far into the woods again. And on that note have a good weekend." He merely crossed his fingers and waited for them to leave. As they were about to walk away though they were stopped by Malfoy Sr. who had followed them out.
"Draco, if I may have a word?"
"Of course father." And with that the two walked away leaving the three to go their own way. Not too long though both Hermione and Ron went on their own way to spend some nice and quiet time together a.k.a. Harry didn't want the details.
Back in the conference room Dumbledore and Xavier went about discussing what they had been before the four had come. The other teachers had not left though Dumbledore had wished they had.
"So what exactly are you telling me Xavier?" He asked over his stippled fingers.
The smile that Xavier had worn earlier had long gone, seeming the second the students had left. While they were not his own he found himself more glad in their presence. He always had seemed to when it came to students. One of the reasons he made such a fine teacher he had been told before.
"That when I had tried to reach your students earlier I had not been able to. Something was blocking me from Mr.'s Potter and Malfoy and Miss Granger's mind. Mr. Weasley was less protected but enough that I could not enter his mind without forcing myself, and that I would never do to a student. The barriers were much like your own mind and that of Severus's as well."
"You can't seriously be suggesting that they learned Occlumency?" Snape doubted. "That I can tell you is not possible Charles. I have tried myself to teach Potter and he is un-teachable in that area. What your are saying is impossible."
Xavier sighed. Between Dumbledore and Snape he was not going to survive the day without some for of headache. "That is not what I am saying at all Severus. I truly know nothing of how your magic works and know nothing of Occlumency. I am merely telling you what I felt when I tried to reach them by their minds earlier. No, what caught my concern was not my not being able to access their minds but rather what I found when I used Cerebro. While the other three read like your normal magical beings Mr. Potter did not. His readings are like nothing I have ever seen."
"And how do you mean?" Dumbledore asked quietly. His entire staff had started to twitter and sputter around him but he had merely looked at Xavier, holding his gaze. Harry was something he had learned long ago to not trifle around when concerned with.
"He reads like nothing I have ever seen before. I really haven't any idea as to think about what I saw when I found him. I really have nothing to tell you Albus, only something about him is not like any other wizard mutant or muggle I have ever seen."
The room was very quiet upon this announcement. Half were waiting for Dumbledore to say something and half Xavier, to add something that would help sum up the mystery known as Harry Potter. All had found themselves asking many questions when it concerned the boy. There simply were too many odd things in which appeared the equation when it came to him. He had done things no living being should be able to do. Had seen things and done things that even hardened Auror's would not come away from unaffected. That was not to say he did, no, the ministry event and the final battle proved that. Every single one of them knew that the boy had seen and experienced more than one ever should at that age, even those who were not his teachers. And yet he could still laugh at the most adolescent of things and rush around being late for practice and all around was still a child. Most could never do that. Some became emotionally vulnerable and timid and some became closed off and bitter. Kitty and Snape being prime examples of both. And all of that spoke nothing of his magical abilities. No one in the history of magic had ever accomplished what he had, to produce and use such a large amount of raw magic and succeed, and then to live. The boy was a mystery alright. This new discovery about him really shocked no one, but it did make several very uncomfortable.
"I see." Was Dumbledore's response. All waited for more but nothing else came. "Well I think we have covered everything that we needed to Charles. Unless there was anything else you thought needed to discuss?" He had asked so simply anyone would have thought he had only asked something as simple as whether they wanted sugar for their tea or not. Xavier just looked at his friend and knew that he would not tell him anything more about his student. He was going to play the ignorant bit to perfection here, holding back all he knew, and Xavier knew he did. That was fine, he knew something as well, a guess but if right would mean something that had yet to enter the minds of any one in this room so far. Except perhaps Albus but he would have no way to be sure.
Simply smiling back at the age wizard he sat back in his chair. "Nothing else I can think of. If anything does come about I will make sure to inform you."
Standing up and pulling his robes about him Dumbledore smiled down at him. "Thank you for everything you have told us my friend. Until later."
"Until then Albus." The two seemed friendly to almost all around but Xavier knew that their last words meant in all reality nothing. Somehow this had turned into a game, a very intricate chess game in which everything had it's own piece and it's own way of moving to it. And unwillingly Xavier had found himself involved, the other player to which moved the pieces. Unfortunately though those were the people around them and the one who would really feel the consequences was Harry. Whatever it was that was going on with the boy was something larger than even he had predicted when he had informed Albus about him. And now the other man had began again to manipulate those around him. As good of a friend as he was, so was Magneto and both the two had very striking similarities. A fondness for chess seemed one of them yet he never seemed to know what it was that was being played for until too late when it came to those two.
"Charles, what are you not telling?" The two were the only ones still in the room, all the others having left already.
"When I picked up his signal earlier Logan, if I had not known better I would have thought him a mutant. A very powerful and unique mutant."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry had come outside for a breather. Things were just a little to hectic at the moment to be in there. He had walked away from the court yard and stepped just beyond it into the lightly wooded area. This time not going in too far, he did not wish to meet an angry Snape again if he could avoid it at least until the end of the weekend. It was much more calm here, more serene. If it hadn't been for the faint smell of smoke he wouldn't have noticed the other person there. He started when he noticed who it was.
Jack was standing there, a rolled cigarette in between his lips and was staring at him. He looked ready to maim Harry and again he wondered what he had done to pissed the elder man off. The two had never spoken once in their lives yet the elder hated him if the looks from last night and right at this moment where anything to go by. And he also thought he really needed to pay more attention to his sensing ability. He had the perfect gift to keep him out of these odd situations and yet, he kept falling in them.
Leaning against a tree the singer could not take his eyes off of Harry, sneering all the while. "Oh look, the little prince. What would the wizarding world's savior be doing out here with out his fans?"
"Just needed some fresh air." Playing with his feet he couldn't look the other in the eyes. There was something about him that when he did made him feel so little and insignificant. He still felt it even without looking at the other but it was much more worse when he did.
To this Jack merely looked at him seeming to be thinking something over. Then pushing away from the tree he walked over closer to Harry. Leaning close, too close to his face for Harry, he blew a large huff of smoke. "Fresh enough air for you?"
Over the choking and the burning eyes Harry soon found himself raving mad. He had done nothing to this guy, hell this was the first time the two had ever even said anything to each other! Harry had felt angry many times before and had felt Voldemort's angry but never had he ever wanted to act on it like right now. With a fierce motivation behind him he stepped forward and shoved the tall lean singer back with enough force he went back several feet, almost falling over only at the last moment correcting his feet. The shock of the action was present as he looked up at the other who seemed as shocked as he was.
That soon passed and then he was mirroring Harry's previous look of rage. Harry's had dimmed for a second in shock but was back again with a fury.
"You complete arse hole! What the hell is your problem?" Harry shoved him again. This time though the other didn't fall backwards but grabbed him by the caller bringing the smaller right up to his face.
Jack shouted. "If it hadn't been for, if you had never been born-"
"Jack!" The angered musician broke off at hearing his name and when he saw who it was his expression immediately softened. In this his grip on Harry's jumper slipped and taking the opportunity for what it was he pulled completely out of the singe'rs grip and stepped as far away as he could. Looking up he saw Harker stomp right up to him and shoved him in the same manner in which Harry just had. The man seemed was less than pleased.
"What the hell Harker!"
"You will stop this right now! It was bad enough I said nothing at the dance last night when you were sending waves of fear at him but this, this stops right now!" So that was what had happed Harry thought. It had been him. Could he have had anything to do with what happened with his scar? Watching the two she stared at Jack for another moment before she turned to Harry. What she did next shocked him.
She bowed down low, face completely parallel to the ground and said. "I apologize for any harm or offence caused to you and will take full responsibility for the actions caused here today and those of last night." This completely baffled him, no one had ever bowed to him, human anyways, and he wondered why she would take the responsibility for someone else's actions. She had has no part in what all was said and done, correct? Glancing behind he saw that Jack was about to blow a gasket.
"People have died because of him Harker!" Jack yelled. She stood back up and glared at him. He seemed more shocked at this action than anything else that had occurred so far.
"But he never killed anyone." Her voice was low and dangerous but the implications behind her words were loud and earth shattering. Harry didn't know what to think but this, this was…
Jack's face immediately softened. "Harker, what you did-"
"Was kill Jack. I have killed with my own hands, but he never has. Just let it go." Harry saw that more was being passed between them that just what was said but he couldn't not understand any of it. He didn't even understand as to why he hated him to begin with.
"NO! Everything that ever happened was his fault. It if hadn't been for him-"
"Millions would have died. If he hadn't stopped the world's maddest killer since Hitler then everyone in the world would have had to be ruled by a megalomaniac. He has saved every person here. Voldemort is the reason Jack not him. Voldemort and his demented Deatheaters. Blame them, hate them. But leave him alone Jack."
He looked like he wanted to fight her more on this but after a few moments he gave in. Turning towards Harry he glared and for a second Harry thought he was about to take a shot at him but he merely bowed and repeated everything Harker had said in her apology. He now was asking for forgiveness.
Harry was confused for a second as to whether or not he should even consider to accept, but ended up doing just so, for the both of them, and then leaving promptly. Pure anger welled up through him at that man. Usually when people hated him he had done something but Mercer wouldn't even have known about him before a few months ago, for Merlin's sake the two lived in completely separate worlds! He only accepted because Harker was the first to ask and while he grudgingly accepted but vowed not to forget. He also assumed that the same could be said about Mercer as well. He might have apologized but Harry very much doubted that he would actually give up his unreasoned hatred, one which Harry had every intention of finding out why it existed.
It was that reason to why he ducked behind a very large and old tree not ten yards away when he knew they would have lost sight of him. Silently he listened to see if the believed him gone and then planned on following them. He ended up not needing to when they started to talk right then.
"Damn it Jack! You can not do this anymore. I love you and care about you, but if push comes to shove I will choose him. I have to Jack because he is… him." She finished lamely. It was the first time Harry ever heard her actually sound like a regular teenager.
Harry could not see the two but he had opened his senses wide and surprisingly and very suddenly he was able to feel every emotion coming off Jack. It was only for a split second but what he felt from Jack was shocking. He had expected anger, hurt or something violent from the man who had just been told he would be passed over for someone Harker didn't even know. Instead for that flicker of a second he saw only resignation from him over her choice. But she didn't even know him and that was what shocked Harry. She wasn't one of the crazed fans yet she chose him over someone who she depended on. At breakfast Amanda hadn't been as quiet as she thought and he heard most of what was said. The two that were only fifteen feet away seemed to be closer than even he was with his friends, yet she would choose him. It didn't make any sense.
Neither did Jack's reaction either. Harry expect a tantrum but the singer merely sighed. "Yeah, I know Harker… I think that's why I hate him so much. Because he means that much to you, while I never will."
"I'm sorr-"
"Don't be Harker. Hell, If I had the same thing you did I think I would be doing just what you are. I just wish, I just wish that everything that happened could have been different. Less arrogant bastards in your life and more good guys you know?"
Harry heard what sounded like foot steps and then Jack's aura dimmed significantly, like someone stepped in front of him. Had it been anyone else he would have seen the other person's aura over lapping his but this was Harker. "But you are one of the good guy Jack."
"Yeah, and I've only been around for the last six year Harker. For the first ten there was no one there for you." Wait, Harker was sixteen? But the girl looked like she was fourteen at most, way too young for what she was. Now, even he looked young for his age but that was because of ten years of being under the Dursley's care, and they were extreme in their nurturing he thought a bit bitterly. She couldn't have gone through anything like he had, right? It was miracle of Merlin's he had survived what happened to him. Then again, if she had gone through something similar, was it even really possible to say she actually survived?
So lost in thought he almost forgot that they were still there and when he heard them he quickly ducked so they would not see him. Luckily, there were still some leaves on the trees and they had passed at least ten feet away instead of right by him. Unfortunately his mind really couldn't see how lucky he was for he was in a haze, thinking about all the had happened. Walking back into the school he sorted through everything that he had just heard, and all he could find was himself becoming more and more angered. Mercer, oh had he wanted to punch him, to hurt him. Everything about the git just pissed him off. Rage, a cold and hard rage ripped through him wanting nothing more that to-
"Harry!?" Looking up there was Rouge, who looked both worried and frightened. He saw why when something caught his eye.
Blue, liquid flames of ice, surrounded his crunched up fists. They didn't burn him, even as he moved his hand closer to him. He felt the warmth from it but it was almost soothing, not fierce and destructive. But this was something he had never seen before. There wasn't a spell out there that could do this he was sure and that scared him. The flames seemed to react to that and whipped about as though trying to fight something off, to protect him from the very thing that scared him. Irony there. Carefully he concentrated, imagining the flame existing only in his palm and slowly all it retreated to exactly there and then he closed his fist, killing them within his fingers.
He didn't even know how they appeared. How did he even know how to treat it? It seemed almost like an instinct to command it like he had but looking at the wall which had been too close to his hand he saw burns. What if he hadn't known what to do? If Rouge had gotten hurt?
Looking up at the girl she wasn't hurt at all that he could tell. If she had been … "Harry, are ya alrigh'?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Did it hurt you? Did I-"
"No, not at all. I just saw ya walkin' in and then, yeah…" She trailed off and he understood perfectly. Cringing he turned his head away. What do you say when someone you might be interested in found you with flames surrounding you?
"I asked Xavier if it would be alright to take you on the trip with us." That it seemed. Awkward more so but for a different reason as now he found himself blushing. He hadn't meant to blurt that out.
"Really? Well that's cool. I could really use gettin' away from here. But I guess with the lockdown…"
"Yeah but as soon as it's lifted…" The two started to walk away, staying away from talking about the charred wall they left behind and what caused it. Later Logan would find it, and not all too pleased either. Yet he really had no idea who it was, Pyro wasn't at the school any longer. At least, not until sometime next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A few days later the entire school was having breakfast in the dining hall, many going over things in there heads such as notes and homework. Some were quizzing each other on a things for tests. It was a regular morning at first glance. But when looked at closer it could be seen all around that all the students where very nervous. All eyes were shifting all over the place, watching those around them seeming to look for clues on how to react. For all were rather riled about the arrival of certain people, the brotherhood mainly. Yet when the doors to the hall were thrown open and a women in leather with an eye patch came marching through no one had been expecting it. They less expected her to march right up to Professor Munroe and punch her strait in the face and throwing her back five feet.
\………………………………......................................................................../\..................................................................................................../
Ok… FINALLY!!!!! I have never had so much of a hard to time writing a chapter. I swear this mother was a pain is the arse to write. It just didn't want to be written! My muse was also cruel in anytime I had inspiration for this story, it was a bit ten chapters away. Go freakin' figure. Anyway, this is done and I have never felt happier about a chapter's end than this one. Hallelujah it's finally over!
On to the next note, over the next bit of time I am going to be both be writing the next chapter and going over the chapters I have already written and making a few, hell let's just say it, like a thousand corrects. I have been reading over what I have written so far and I feel like ripping off my own skin!!! The grammar and mistakes in this are so horrible and what baffles me is only one person has said anything! I have over ten thousand hits to this and one person, ONE person!! actually points it out! Anyway, just informing you all so those who are on the alert list know what's up when every chapter I've written is popping back up again or if you just would want to read it again without all the badness to it. There might be a few changes to it but nothing big or major to the story line, just things to help it run a little smoother.
So, the next chapter as you can see will be starting of with a fight, moving onto a few lessons and then the Quidditch match to end them all. What happens when mutants mix in with a game played in the sky? Hehe, let's just say I have a feeling I am going to be very mean to my characters. And don't worry, the trip wont be put off for very long. This was the last sit around talk chapter and from now I will try to limit how much Harker shows up, this chapter was way too much in my opinion. From now on until at least a bit before Christmas in the story it's action, action and action!
I am breaking my rule of begging for reviews and am asking, PLEASE! tell me what you think, even if to say this is the worst story you have ever read. LATER!!!