Chapter 12
It was dawn and Sirius found himself on the edge of the Savage Land. It had gotten considerably colder. Luckily, he had planned ahead by wearing a thick coat and the duckbill he was riding was tolerating the cold well. Snapper, on the other hand, was buried deep in Sirius's coat. There wasn't any snow or ice, but the wind was enough to cut someone in two.
A couple of hundred meters stood a small log cabin complex. He was closing in on his destination at last. A few minutes later, Sirius was met by a man riding a T. rex toward him. The man was dressed in a manner similar to Indiana Jones with a brown leather jacket and a fedora hat. He also wore glasses and had a bit of a scruffy look about him.
"Hello! You must be Sirius!" the man shouted.
"Yes! Are you Dr. Hudson?" Sirius replied.
"Yes, welcome to the research center" the man responded, now within normal talking distance.
The tyrannosaur the man rode was larger than the duckbill and had a reddish-brown coloration all over. The tyrannosaur had a 'saddle' of soft downy feathers while the rest of it was scaly. To Sirius's surprise, the tyrannosaur was well behaved. He had encountered tyrannosaurs before and learned very quickly they were not to be messed with.
"Don't worry. Roxy won't hurt you or your Edmontosaurus," Dr. Hudson reassured Sirius with a friendly tone. He soon dismounted from Roxy, to shake Sirius's hand.
"That's good, but I have to ask. How did you tame a T. rex?" Sirius asked, returning the handshake.
"It's a long story, but I can tell you once we get back to the center. Being out here, I think we both need hot coffee," Dr. Hudson said as he remounted Roxy.
"Sounds like a plan," Sirius said cheerfully. He got a good vibe off of Hudson and quickly followed.
Once inside, Sirius took note of the interior. It was a cross between homely and scientific. Dr. Hudson and he were soon greeted by a redheaded woman with sports goggles and blue bangs.
"Hi, I'm Dakota's wife, Marie. Welcome to our home," Marie greeted Sirius.
"Nice to meet you, and thank you for your help and hospitality," Sirius replied.
"No problem. The traders from the village spoke very highly of you," Hudson said going into the kitchen area.
Soon, he can out with a tray with a coffee pot, mugs, and condiments.
"Here you go. There's creamer and sugar too if you like," Dakota said pouring Sirius a cup.
"Thank you," Sirius said, and after adding some creamer and sugar he took a big sip.
The coffee was awfully strong, but it hit the spot.
"Dakota makes the coffee strong, so if you need to water it down just say so," Marie said, as she added some water to hers.
"No, this will be fine. It has hit the spot wonderfully," Sirius replied and took another sip.
"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of calling ahead for you. Professor Xavier said that he would send a jet for you tomorrow," said Dakota as he took a seat next to Marie.
"I can't thank you enough…" Sirius was interrupted by Snapper, who was wanting out of his coat.
"Sorry about that. Would you mind if I let Snapper out?" Sirius asked.
"Sure. We have all sorts of prehistoric critters about," Marie replied.
Soon, the pterodactyl was out of Sirius's coat and stretched his wings. He soon crawled up on Sirius's shoulder to perch.
"So, you two study the animals here?" Sirius asked, wanting to socialize.
"Yes, we're both paleontologists from the University of Georgia. We personally came down on our own to study the dinosaurs in particular," Dakota answered.
"It must have taken a lot to have this set up," Sirius continued.
"Yes, but it has been very fruitful. We've been here for the past ten years," Dakota said, taking another sip of coffee.
"So how did you two manage to tame a T. rex?" Sirius asked.
"Well, we found her in a nest that was abandoned and bacon serves as a good treat," Marie replied humorously.
The conversation continued from there. Sirius found these two muggle scientists to be very interesting people. He was surprised that Dakota's mother was actually a witch and thus was quite familiar with the wizarding world. Not to mention, he and Marie had been rescued by the X-Men on a couple of occasions. They were staunchly pro-mutant, and while they weren't as well acquainted with Xavier and the X-Men as Ka-Zar, they nonetheless had nothing but good things to say about them. This further encouraged Sirius.
Back at the Xavier estate, there was a two-story 'boathouse' on the shore of the vast lake. This was the personal residence of Scott and Jean ever since they got married. It was given to them by Xavier as a wedding gift. For a boathouse, it was fairly sizable with five bedrooms and four baths. Half of the house was over the dock. Overall, it was a lovely home for the Summers family.
Inside, Scott and Jean were in the living enjoying some time to themselves. Tomorrow would be the first day of class for the students at Xavier's. So, it was understandable that the couple wanted to relax beforehand. Not to mention the missions going back and forth across the Atlantic.
"Maybe we should go out for dinner tonight?" Scott said, cuddled up on the couch with Jean as they watched a movie.
"Oh? Where would we be going Silm?" Jean said playfully.
"Well, how about that small hole in the wall place off of Main?" Scott answered, thinking of Jean's favorite hibachi place.
"Hey, mind-reading is my gig, Mr. Summers," Jean replied with a smirk.
As Scott got up, his attention fixated on the pictures on the fireplace. There were several of them. One featured a cookout the X-Men had a few years ago. It showed Scott, Jean, Remy, Rogue, and Logan making faces at the camera. There was another, showing Scott and Jean at the hospital when Nathan and Rachael were born. Of course, there were a lot of photos of Nathan and Rachael with Scott and Jean.
Scott picked up the most recent photo. It was taken a month before they had to leave with the Doctor. It showed Nathan and Rachael flanking Scott and Jean at the beach. Jean walked up and took her husband's arm.
"You know, it's been three months since we've heard from them," Scott said.
"I know, hon. I know the Doctor will bring them home soon," Jean reassured him.
"I know he will too. I just can't help thinking whether or not we did the right thing," Scott said rhetorically.
"Our family will be whole soon. Let's go ahead and get ready. No need to let the night go to waste," Jean replied, cheering Scott and herself up.
Near the mansion, Harry and Hermione were walking through the Japanese rock gardens. Ron had joined Seamus and Bobby for some basketball. They were both intrigued by the game, and Bobby promised to teach them how to play. Hannah and Susan were with Jubilee and Kitty at the mall, getting a taste of American fashions. Cedric and Neville were in the library reading the vast amount of books it had to offer. Ginny was learning how to play video games with Kurt.
So, this left Hermione and Harry to themselves. Without much to do, they decided to wander the grounds. While not on the same scale as the grounds at Hogwarts, it was still a large estate.
"According to what I was told by my uncle, Professor Xavier's family had lived here since the 1600s," Hermione recited what she had learned about the grounds.
"The mansion must have been renovated several times since then. Jean and Scott live in the boathouse down that way," Harry said, pointing to the shore of the lake.
"That's a nice little house," Hermione said as looked at the boathouse.
That's when they saw Scott's Aston-Martin go down the driveway toward the gate.
"Looks like they're off somewhere," Harry said as he observed the couple heading out.
"Probably on a date," Hermione said with a grin.
Harry and Hermione both went very quiet. Both of them suddenly looked at the ground in front of their feet.
"Hermione…" Harry said, subtlety stealing a glance of Hermione.
"Y-yes Harry?" Hermione said meekly.
"You know… lately… it seems like we've gotten closer," Harry said, trying to figure out what to say.
Hermione's face became hot.
"I've noticed too…" Hermione added, trying to look away.
"Would… would you say that … that we… are crushing on each other?" Harry finally asked.
Hermione, barely perceptible, said "Yes."
Not sure what to do from there, Harry took Hermione's hand into his own. Hermione reciprocated, and they both held hands while they continued walking the grounds.
Meanwhile, Xavier had summoned Rogue and Betsy to his office.
"Thank you for coming," Xavier said as the two ladies entered the room.
"Sure thing, Professor. What's on your mind?" Rogue greeted.
"Good evening Professor," Betsy also greeted.
"I have just received a call from Dr. Hudson in the Savage Land. He has requested if we could pick up Harry's godfather," Xavier explained.
"Harry's got a godfather?" Rogue asked.
"Yes, he was falsely accused of killing Harry's parents and escaped from prison about a year ago," Betsy explained.
"Well, he's found the best place to hide. There ain't a cop that would go chase someone into Jurassic Park," Rogue with her Southern humor.
"Indeed. I apologize for the short notice, but I think it would be worth it in order to surprise Harry," Xavier finished.
"No worries, Professor. I'm free for today," Rogue replied.
"Same here. Besides, I'd like to see how the Hudsons are doing," Betsy added.
Soon, the Blackbird was refueled and took off toward the south. Rogue and Psylocke were off to get Sirius. Hermione and Harry noticed as the jet flew over as they sat under a cherry blossom tree.
"Looks like the Blackbird is off somewhere. Do you think there's a mission?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not sure," Harry said.
Hermione laid her head on Harry's shoulder, which took Harry by surprise. However, he didn't mind one bit.
Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore had an uncharacteristic grim look as he observed Umbridge violating the students' property. It sickened him, but he could rest easy that he managed to get the mutant students to safety. He was still in the process of writing the students' families explaining that they had been selected for the "special program".
It was a hasty plan, but so far Umbridge had not uncovered it. While Dumbledore knew that Jean's telepathic suggestions on the staff were questionable, it provided the legitimacy the plan needed. However, the students and staff were becoming very uneasy. The atmosphere was perfect for a storm. This was due to the prank Dumbledore allowed Peeves to do.
Granted, it was necessary to distract Umbridge. The incident was widely accepted by the school that it was Peeves just being himself. However, an issue of the Daily Prophet featured a story where Umbridge claimed to be attacked by mutants. The outrage generated by this gave Umbridge more power at the school. A special security force of aurors and dementors had been posted at the school. There was even word that more security will be posted at the school soon.
Dumbledore was barely a figurehead in his school, but he knew this would have happened either way. Umbridge's greedy grasp on power was unrelenting, so it was best to get the mutant students to safety like they did. As he passed through the hallways, he was confronted by Maline Sarras.
"Professor, Madame Umbridge would like to speak with you," the small woman said.
Dumbledore was unfazed by Maline's sternness but could tell there was something unnatural emanating from the woman. However, the headmaster would have to investigate this later. Dumbledore made his way to Umbridge's semi-permanent office, diligently keeping his composure.
"Please come in, Professor," Umbridge's shrill voice called out.
Dumbledore entered the room silently and took a seat. It was a quiet, but effective show of defiance.
"Are you aware that eight students have not been questioned?" Umbridge asked bluntly.
"Yes. Though this is due to our new foreign exchange program," Dumbledore said, hoping to bluff his way through the discussion.
"Interesting. I wasn't informed of this program," Umbridge continued.
"This is probably due to the recent troubles besieging the Ministry. Such a small thing could be easily overlooked," Dumbledore countered.
"Indeed. Though it is odd, and just to be on the safe side I would like to investigate this matter further. Especially since your student, Harry Potter, may have been a victim of a mutant attack himself," Umbridge said, pressing the attack.
"I understand, but I think that you may be overstepping your jurisdiction. The school participating in this exchange program is in America…" Dumbledore got cut off.
"That will not be a problem. I can travel to the school there myself," Umbridge said with a false facade of friendliness.
"As you wish, Madame Umbridge. However, it may be wise to inform the school ahead of time. After all, we wouldn't want to add an international misunderstanding to the Ministry's troubles," Dumbledore countered again.
Fortunately, his bluff was paying off. However, it was risky and he knew that Umbridge wasn't entirely fooled.
"Of course, we really wouldn't want that. Well, see to it that the school's headmaster is informed of my arrival next week," Umbridge demanded.
Dumbledore nodded and left the office just as quietly as he entered. Umbridge noted that it was a bit convenient that these students were somewhere else. That didn't matter, as she still had the power to arrest those students if need be. A few memory charms here and there would be enough for her to do the job. Plus, this could give her the excuse to get rid of that insufferable Dumbledore. An evil smile spread across her toadish face.