Chapter 11
Out in the Nevada desert, a large industrial complex was churring out its ware at a clockwork pace. The wares in question are Sentinels. The humanoid behemoths were eight meters tall and designed for one thing: hunting and capturing mutants. On some occasions, even kill them.
Despite the Master Mold incident and the subsequent ban on their use on American soil by the US Government, Trask Robotics were allowed to continue producing for other nations so long as they met the new mandates for safety protocols. Such protocols included limits on the AI and other programming safeguards. Yet, once the robots left the country, the nation who purchased them could do whatever they want with them.
Bolivar Trask looked upon the assembly lines with pride. His partner, Henry Gyrich wasn't so prideful. In fact, due to the ban, Gyrich was still kicking himself for losing the defense contract with the US Army. The billions of dollars would have greatly increased the production of the Sentinels. As for the lives of those endangered by the Sentinels, both genotypic human or mutant, Gyrich didn't have the capacity to care.
However, a couple of days ago one of Gyrich's contacts in the British Government had managed to secure a contract for him and Trask. It was odd that the British wanted Sentinels since they too had a ban on the robots. Nonetheless, the high level of secrecy surrounding the contract encouraged a mutual understanding of sorts. For Gyrich, his years of being a lobbyist for the arms industry allowed him to understand such understandings.
"Trask, when you're done ogling the tin soldiers we need to begin work on the requested upgrades. After all, our client's needs must come first," Gyrich said sarcastically.
Trask in a huff turned and faced his reluctant business partner. To be honest, he hated working with the slimy stiff. However, humanity can't defend itself against mutants without money. Hence, the unlikely alliance with Gyrich.
"Alright Gyrich, alright! I'm coming," Trask growled.
Inside the office was Maline Sarras. Though she was dressed in muggle clothing, she still retained the silver spectacles. Trask and Gyrich were initially under the impression that she was some meek and mild junior administrator who had no idea why she was here. That was until she spoke.
"Greetings gentlemen. Let us begin," Maline commanded.
The deception of meekness crashed to pieces, and both Gyrich and Trask humbled themselves for the business at hand. Whatever group this lady represented, they screamed for desecration and for high-quality work.
In a luxurious, hidden corner of the vast Malfoy estate, Voldemort was keen on hearing the newly arrived Wormtail's report. He had been staying with Lucius Malfoy despite the high risk of being discovered there. However, the craving he had for a new body had driven him into a frenzy. The dark lord was no fool. He knew that Apocalypse had made him a devil's bargain and that the ancient titan had his own designs on this deal. Yet, Voldemort was going to use this opportunity and dispose of the titan before harm can be done to his ambitions.
"Well, out with it!" Voldemort cried out in a shrill voice.
"I have found the complex, Master, and I was greeted by Apocalypse's cronies. They kindly gave me a taste of the enhancements that Apocalypse offers," Wormtail said in an unnatural calm.
Voldemort could tell that his minion had been changed. Wormtail was more fit and healthy. He lacked the stoop and was considerably thinner. While Wormtail's mission didn't entail becoming enhanced, Voldemort was impressed with the results. It was obvious that Wormtail gave into temptation, but not to the extent that Voldemort would consider the possibility of betrayal. Wormtail was too stupid to do something like that in Voldemort's opinion.
"What an incredible occurrence, you've taken initiative for once," Lucius Malfoy said to Wormtail as he entered the hidden room.
"Malfoy, come join us," commanded Voldemort in surprisingly high spirits.
This took Lucius by surprise. Usually, Wormtail disgusted them both, and it didn't take long for Lucius to note the enhancements more closely.
"I take it, my lord, that we will be making a trip to Egypt?" Lucius asked, intrigued.
"Yes, make the preparations," Voldemort ordered him.
Lucius had been well informed of Wormtail's trip and of Apocalypse's visit. Yet, he felt slighted by his master ever since Wormtail returned. On the other hand, Lucius knew how much his master desired a new body. Thus, it was obvious why Wormtail took center stage. Proof of the stranger's offer.
It was morning at the Xavier Mansion, and the newest students were all gathered in the grand hall to meet Xavier in person. They had a long day yesterday, and Xavier wanted to make sure they got settled in and became rested.
"Good morning everyone, I'm Professor Charles Xavier and I would like to welcome you all to my school. Here you will be safe, and like at Hogwarts, be taught how to use and control your gifts. Both magical and mutant gifts. I know that you all have a lot of uncertainty and nervousness over your newly discovered status, but let me reassure you that you are not alone. All of us here know exactly what it is like to be in your shoes. So please, feel free to reach out to me and the staff if you need someone to talk to," said Xavier in his kind and soothing voice.
The warmth of Xavier's personality did much to reassure most of the students, though Seamus was a little skeptical.
" 'Xcuse me sir, but will we ever go back to Hogwarts?" Seamus asked with respectful bluntness.
"Yes, you will be able to return once the danger has died down. However, I am unsure when that will be," Xavier answered honestly.
Seamus didn't like the idea that there wasn't a clear date on when they would return, but at least they were away from the toad woman. His question encouraged others to ask their questions.
"When do we get started?" Luna asked, a bit excited.
"You'll be starting your lessons on Friday, but for today and tomorrow you'll be given time to settle in and become acquainted with the other students here," Xavier said smiling.
Xavier was impressed by the teen's eagerness. This was always a good sign. Ginny was next.
"Will we also be taught Muggle things too?"
"Yes, to help you become acclimated to living here. Like with mutant abilities, you may use your magic here so long as it is not disruptive. However, you must use your gift sparingly outside of the campus, and this safety measure necessitates the need of doing things without magic," said Xavier.
It was going to be a very lively breakfast this morning, and Xavier was looking forward to it. The students opening up was the first step. He did notice Hannah and Neville's somewhat shy behavior. This didn't worry Xavier, as he had seen this many times before. Soon, they too will be opening up like the others.
Later, Harry introduced Ron and the others to Kurt, Kitty, and Bobby during breakfast. Hermione had already met them earlier during her prior 'visit'. She was looking forward to getting to know them better. She sat next to Harry in the large dining room and found it was quite a different setting than the great dining hall at Hogwarts. While it was a large dining room, it was much smaller in comparison to the Great Hall.
There was only a large single, rectangular table, with around twenty seats. At the head of the Table was Xavier flanked by Scott and Jean on one side, and Ororo and Hank on the other. Aside from that, it seemed that there was no real hierarchy in the seating arrangements. Students and teachers sat next to each other and gave the place an informal feeling, but inviting and warm.
Hermione figured this was to be expected since Xavier's wasn't just a school but a home as well. The Hogwarts students closer to the opposite end, clustered together. This was understandable of course, with their new classmates sitting next to them in the middle. There were a few spaces here and there, but one space was purposely left open. Neville almost made the mistake of sitting there, until warned by Jubilee.
"Hey, you might want to pick a different seat. Logan sits there, and he gets upset if someone takes his spot,"
"Oh… ok then. Sorry about that," Neville said a little nervous and took the seat between Jubilee and Susan Bones.
Jubilee's warning couldn't have come at a better time as Logan came in and took his seat with a scowl on his face. It was widely considered to be a bad move to upset Wolverine before he had his coffee. Or any time for that matter. The Hogwarts students took notice of the feral mutant. In terms of aura, Logan was far scarier than Professor Snape could ever wish of being. Neville was silently thankful for the warning.
"Pass the coffee," Logan said to Hannah, who flanked him on the left.
"Y-yes sir, here you go," Hannah said as she promptly passed the coffee pot to Logan.
"Thanks," Logan said as he poured a large cupful.
Logan observed the new arrivals quietly. While he wasn't known for being observant, he was good at picking up details about people. Usually, he got a kick out of intimidating people, though he toned it down for the kids. Though even toned down he was the scariest guy around.
"You kids likin' it here?" Logan asked, somewhat out of character. Granted, it was well after drinking half of his coffee.
"So far," Cedric answered.
"Good. Hope you still like it after trainin'," Logan replied.
Ororo took note of Logan doing his 'act' and decided to have a word with him afterward. She knew Logan would never do anything to harm the students nor allow them to come to harm. In fact, Logan was very dedicated to the students though he would never admit it. Still, there was no sense in messing with the kids after the ordeal they've been through in Ororo's opinion.
Susan was caught up in conversation with Kurt. The young German teen fascinated her, and it was not just his appearance either. Kurt's story about how he was an acrobat before coming to Xavier's caught her imagination.
"Sounds like you had an exciting life, do you stay in touch with the circus performers?" Susan asked, hoping his answer would give insight.
"Ja!, I stay in touch vith thzem. Thzey are mein family," Kurt said happily.
"I wonder if we'll get to stay in touch with ours," Susan said quietly.
"I'm sure you vill be able to," Kurt said reassuringly.
This reassurance made Susan a bit more confident about her situation. Next to them, Kitty was getting to know Neville. The poor guy seemed to be on edge, especially after narrowly avoiding Logan.
"Are you, like, okay dude?" Kitty asked Neville.
"A little nervous, but I'll be alright," Neville said, attempting to hide his nervousness.
"There's nothing to worry about," Kitty said with a grin.
This didn't seem to help Neville much since he remained silent, but he nodded at least. Kitty turned her attention to Ron, Harry, and Hermione. They were busy chatting with Jubilee.
"So Harry, how did you like being on your first mission?" Jubilee asked as she finished her plate.
"Aside from the training with Scott and getting out of there, it was mostly boring due to the waiting," Harry said to Jubilee as he topped off his juice.
"I'd imagine waiting in those catacombs would be boring," Ron said, followed by a piece of French toast.
"Yeah, add on top of that the dampness and the cold," Harry said.
"Believe it or not, we've all been in your place, Harry. At least training with Scott isn't too bad," Jubilee said with a small laugh.
"So, do you and the others accompany the X-Men on missions too?" Hermione asked Jubilee.
"Yeah, except for the far more dangerous missions. Of course, that is if you choose to undergo X-Men training," Jubilee continued.
"Would I and Hermione have to train? I mean, we're not mutants," Ron asked, not really sure about the combat training.
"I'm not sure, to be honest, but I think that since you guys can use magic…"
"We could participate? Sorry didn't mean to interrupt," Hermione asked excitedly.
"I don't see why not, but it is up to Professor Xavier though," Jubilee replied.
"I'm sure you've already read their training manuals, Hermione," Ron said with a smirk.
"Believe it or not, I haven't got the chance yet," Hermione retorted.
"Well, there's not much in the way of manuals. Mostly it's hands-on. Harry can tell you," Jubilee said as she peeled a banana.
"There's a lot of exercises and a big focus on using powers. Not to mention the Danger Room," Harry added.
"Danger Room?" Ron said, puzzled.
"It's where the X-Men do their combat training. Hopefully, we'll get to use it as well Ron," Hermione finished.
Ron nearly choked on his bacon.
Harry and Jubilee giggled upon seeing Ron's reaction.
Ever since assisting with the extraction mission, Hermione wanted to undergo the training. One reason was that she could get a chance to observe mutant powers in action and compare them with magical abilities. Two, so she could spend more time with Harry. The thought emanated from her mind and was picked up by Harry. This made him blush a little.
"Say, Harry, why are you turning pink?" Jubilee asked.
"Uh… I'm turning pink?" Harry asked, trying to hide his expression.
At the same moment, Hermione became gradually red as well when she realized that Harry had picked up on her thoughts. Jubilee snickered. Ron was a little confused but snickered as well. Breakfast was soon over, and a tour of the grounds for Hogwarts students was underway. The tour was led by Bobby and Jubilee, while Harry and Hermione parted company. They were off to talk with Xavier about training in the Danger Room.