The next day, a breeze fluttered in through open windows in the Xavier Institute. There was the smell of growing things outside, and ivy crawled up the sturdy brick walls. Jade was gently teasing Alan, as Aaron was busy 'focusing' on Erin, nibbling on her ear. The room seemed strangely quiet, largely owing to the field trip most of the school was engaged in. Only 20 or so students remained, watched by the careful eyes of Professor X, and the occupied eyes of Wolverine.
Suddenly, there was a strong knock on he oak doors. Rogue's eyes flicked to the entrance. The doors opened on their own, to reveal a striking man in elegant black clothing. His wrinkled face masked a combination of smirking and grimacing, all the while darting his eyes from mutant to mutant. His calm visage betrayed no emotion, not even when it halted on his old friend Charles.
A glass shattered against the wood floors, and Erin stood up, face pale. The room contained only seven other students, but their eyes all ran toward her. Logan growled, obviously displeased, as did Rogue.
"Magneto," Logan muttered. "What's he doing here?"
"Logan," cautioned Charles. "Erik is here as a guest of my goodwill. He has arrived to engage in a discussion over human-mutant relations."
"I bet he's here in case we're attacked again," Daydreamer whispered.

"Professor, he can't stay here. No one wants him here," Rogue hissed.

"On the contrary, I believe that this meeting can be very important to all of our survival, including every student here," Erik responded with a smile. "But I can easily understand your apprehension."
"Professor?" Erin's shaky voice called out. "May I speak with Magneto briefly?"
Charles nodded, no doubt aware of her reasons.
Erin drew the older man away into a quiet room near the entrance. When the door had closed, she withdrew all self-control. She bit her lip and very nearly growled.
"Bloody Hell!" He exclaimed. "What kind of welcome was that?"
"What are you doing here, Erik?" Erin replied, trying to look composed by idly glancing at her nails.
"My dear, I mentioned that I was speaking with my good friend Charles Xavier. Surely you believe me?" Erik's lips twisted, but it couldn't be called a smile. "I can't believe it. My very own Erin Harrolds, an X-Man." "Xavier sprung you, didn't he?" Erin was suspicious. Erik declined to answer, but smiled faintly. "You've grown, I notice. Perhaps this 'school' was good for you. How many years now Erin?"
"Two," she whispered sadly, and moved as if to touch his cheek.
"It feels longer."
Erin's strength seemed to give way, and her shoulders slumped. "You shouldn't have returned, Erik. I had tried to put you behind me. You came back."
"You left," he hissed, first betraying emotion. "I woke up, and you left. But please forgive me, my dear. I didn't mean to be rude."
"Damnit, Erik. Stop the restraint. You're still hurt. If you have something to say, say it now."
Erik smiled, and swept the girl in a surprisingly tight hug. "I missed you," he whispered. "I still can't trust any of the others. Not like I trusted you." He gave a gentle kiss on her lips, and Erin stood motionless. Erik cringed slightly.
"Well, I suppose I don't deserve a better greeting," he grinned. "But don't you feel guilty tormenting such a feeble old man?"
"I don't forgive you, Erik," Erin said sadly. She looked at her feet, but summoned her cold demeanor again. "Maybe someday, but I don't forgive you now." And like that one memorable time before, Erin walked out of the room, leaving a stunned Magneto stretching his fingers. _This will be quite an interesting visit_.he thought.