Tears are meant to be Cried

by Chronos the Fallen Angel

Harry Potter/X-men x-over. After harry's fifth year, pain is every where in his life. Mutants have made themselves known. And all harry can hope for is his light at the end of the tunnel. H/HR fic. PLease R&R!

2. The End comes and Leaves

Chapter 1: The End comes and Leaves

By: Chronos the Fallen Angel

Author's Note: "In order to begin something new, we must end something old." Chronos the Fallen Angel

Anything that I didn't create isn't mine. Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and any Marvel character belongs to Marvel. And maybe later, I will add DC comic book characters, I don't know yet.

I will travel back and forth between Harry and Roland, as they are both important to the development of the story. But trust me; this story is about Harry not Roland.

* * * * * *

Harry awoke from his deep sleep again, this time to his alarm clock. He still he saw the visions of the girl being attacked. This time more vivid, as if he was there, tied up in a corner and unable to help. He saw another boy with blonde hair abuse the girl, rape her. She had brown hair, but that was all that he could see. Harry wanted to do everything in his power to help her, but he couldn't. He was forced to see the dream and just that. In the end, though Harry felt the chains that were holding him break. He was about to run to the girl, but he froze what he was stand, his body turning to stone. The blonde haired boy, walked over to Harry, he couldn't see all of his face, just the evil grin on it. The boy swung a bat at Harry, and he shattered into a thousand pieces. Before Harry woke up he heard the boy say, "You will never be able to stop me."

When he did awake, Harry was in a cold sweat. He looked over to his open window; the sun hadn't risen yet, so Harry quickly got dressed. The Dursley were having guest over and he would need to get the house ready for them. He ran down stairs, and got to work. It was better for him to work without being told, he wouldn't be abused so much. He didn't even eat breakfast, just got to work. He knew who his aunt wanted it, so he didn't need to be told. Only that when the clock tolled eight, he would need to prepare breakfast for his 'family.'

Harry sighed; he was vacuuming the living room floor. He looked out the window at the houses across from Number 4 Privet Dr. Harry wished was to see the forest again, the earth itself, the calmness that it brings for some odd reason. He wished that he could see it with Hermione, to be with her again. He felt the pain in his heart; it was enormous, as if he was stabbed there. But Harry just got back to work, hoping that getting her off his mind was cause the pain away. But it didn't leave him; neither did the thought of her.

* * * * * *

All the way across the Atlantic Ocean, was Roland asleep in his bed. He was the last to awake in his house, as usual. Roland rarely got a decent night sleep since the death of her. The hauntings in his dreams were horrible, but the situation got worse. Two weeks after she died, he saw them, a boy with unruly black hair, and a girl whose straight smooth brown hair was the rival of his recently deceased girlfriend. He saw the girl beaten, raped, and killed. The boy was killed trying to save her. Roland just couldn't take feeling the death of another person. His body couldn't take it. Even in the dream it was killing him.

Roland awoke in his pitch-black room. No light came in, which suited him fine. His eyes had developed so that what everyone else saw as normal light, he would be blinded by it, almost like night vision. He reached over and grabbed his specially designed sunglasses, designed so that no light could come in unless through the lens. They formed tightly around him.

Roland placed them on and looked around the room, despite the darkness, he could see clearly. Even earlier that morning, he saw that damage that he had done. Three of the vases in his room exploded because of his power, because of his anger. He was often warned that his anger would be the best of him, and Roland was beginning to believe Dr. McCoy. His anger was the end of her, and he had never forgiven himself for it. But he couldn't help it, with the way the incident affected his mind, he had no control over it. With her though, Roland had a fighting chance against his anger. But now that she was gone.

Roland threw the thought out the window, and got up. His chest burned from pain. Roland looked down, and saw that scabs had begun to form over the glass shards that had embedded his body. He looked down at it for a moment, and then six hands came from his back. Six pitch-black hands. They pulled out the shards and dropped them to his feet. Roland winced with each shard that was removed, and when the last one was removed, the hands returned to his back and disappeared into it. He sighed, and grabbed his chest with one hand, placing pressure on it to slow the bleeding. He walked slowly over to the blind, his knee hurting.

Roland opened them cautiously, as he wasn't sure whether or not the sun was still in the sky hovering over his room. Roland always felt that the sun was watching him, just as the moon and the stars did. He knew it was crazy, but it was the way he felt. Besides, even with the sunglasses, staring at the sun was blinding to him.

Luckily, the sun was overhead. "High noon," he said, and looked outside his window. Students were outside running around, trying to act normal despite their obvious differences from the outside world. Roland missed his morning classes already; having slept late, and had no intention of attending the rest of his classes for the day. The situation with the girl and boy bother him. He needed to talk to the professor about it.

Roland removed a black sleeveless shirt and a pair of black jeans. He placed them on as quickly as his aching body would allow. The shirt was tight on his fit body; he had a fit body, built to it fullest. After the incident, Roland worked hard to rebuild his muscles, making them stronger to adapt to his new life style. He continued to work out to keep the look; he thought it was more fitting of him.

Roland looked around the room, and found his cane; it was at the door, where he left it last night. He pointed his left hand at the cane, and a black line shot out of it grabbed the cane and returned with it. He looked down at his left hand, then at the cane. So much can happen in one night, he said. He laughed, despite what had happened; he wouldn't trade it for the world. Here, he was happy for the first time in his life. Until she left him.

Roland sighed, and changed his train of thought. He quickly remembered why he had gotten dressed. Too often he was getting side tracked. Roland slowly walked over to the door, using his cane to release the pressure on his leg. He opened the door to his room and closed it as he left. A young boy ran into him as Roland closed it. The boy fell down, but Roland just stood. Multiplies of the brown-haired boy appeared in the hallway. "I'm sorry, Roland," the boy said quickly, not wanting to get yelled at.

"Jamie, you need to watch where you're going," he said, offering one of the boys a hand. The rest disappeared back into that one boy. "And there's no need to be sorry, you've done nothing wrong."

"Hey, you're not mad today," Jamie replied.

"Not yet," Roland said, "Just don't push your luck." He smiled down at the young boy, standing only 5'5'' the boy was short compared to Roland who stood at 6'3''. "I haven't seen a reason to be mad yet." Jamie turned and continued to run down the hallway. "Hey, where's the professor?"

"I think he's down in the kitchen," Jamie yelled down the hallway as he ran away.

Roland smiled at the student's eagerness, his happiness, something that Roland himself hadn't experienced in a long time. Slowly the smile disappeared from his face as he walked down the hallway and to the stairs. In the Main Hallway, there were students talking about miscellaneous topics. Roland felt their excitement, their happiness, everything that they were feeling. The strength of some of the feelings were almost too strong for him to handle. Almost. He felt something that, he himself hadn't felt in so long. Love. "Hello Bobby, Rogue," he said, not turning around.

"How-how," Bobby stuttered. Roland turned around and pointed to his head. "Oh."

"Hi, Roland," Rogue said with a sweet smile. Roland just tipped an imaginary hat. "It's good to see you again."

Roland laughed softly; Rogue was acting like she was attracted to Roland. But he and Bobby knew better. It was a physical attraction, one that many of the girls showed toward Roland. "Rogue," Roland said, "Just remember who your boyfriend is."

"Oh yeah," she said, blushing. Rogue quickly grabbed Bobby's hand with hers. Roland looked at them. Ever since he met them, he tried his best to help Rogue, to allow them to do what normal couples of their age do. His knowledge of technology has advanced the institute far beyond Professor Xavier's expectations. Roland now just wanted to help others in their troubles, it seemed only right. But he hadn't found a solution to their problem yet.

"Listen, take care you two," Roland said with a smile, "I need to talk with the professor."

"Oh, he's in the kitchen with Logan and Cyclops," Bobby replied. "He said he was waiting for you."

"Thanks, Bobby, Rogue," Roland said.

He walked down the stairs slowly, taking his time with each step. The pain in his knee was unbearable. But he continued on, he was halfway through when it happened. The pain of the girl returned. She was beating beaten again, raped, tortured. He was in mid-step when the pain rushed to his head. He grabbed his head in pain as he fell down the rest of the stairs. Roland landed with a crash, a rather loud one too. The entire room noticed it.

Despite the pain, Roland didn't scream. He never screamed. He just buried the pain, and turned it into anger and the anger into power. A vase on a table broke when one of Roland's extensions hit it. None of the pieces hit anyone, though. They froze in mid-air and dropped to the ground.

Bobby came gliding down the stairs on a sheet of ice that he created. Rogue was right behind him, holding his hand in her gloved one. The students rushed Roland as he twitched in pain. A tall boy with brown hair bent down to pick up him up. "Piotr, don't touch him," Bobby replied. He knelt down next to the fallen boy.

"But, he needs help," Piotr spoke with a deep Russian accent.

"But you can not give Roland the help he needs, Piotr," Professor Xavier's voice traveled through the crowd. It grew quiet save Roland's twitching. "He is having another vision, much like this morning's one."

Roland was still in pain when he tried to sit up. It was more of a severe migraine then anything else, but time it was different. Roland grabbed his side in pain; when he removed his hands, he saw blood on the fingers. "God," he said, and laid back down, still holding his side.

"Bobby," the Professor said with urgency, "Try to lower the temperature around Roland's body, and create a barrier." Bobby began to focus on Roland, pointing his hand at the fallen boy. "Piotr when Bobby is done, pick up Roland and bring him into the kitchen." The tall boy just nodded. The sound of metal hitting metal could be heard as Piotr used his mutant power to don his metal shell around his body, increasing his strength.

"There, Professor," Bobby said, lowering his hand. Sweat was pouring from his face. Roland was covered in a thin layer of ice. Piotr picked up him slowly, and carried the student into the kitchen, following right behind the professor.

Once in side, the professor told Piotr to place him down on counter. A man with red glasses, one smoking a cigar, and a man brown hair and regular glasses quickly got up from the table. "Professor, what happened?" the man with red glasses asked. Like Roland's, they formed around his eyes, rather to kept his mutant power in then to kept something out.

"He had another vision, Scott," The professor said, he looked up at Piotr, "You may leave, Piotr."

"Okay, professor, just-" Piotr said.

"I'll tell you when he gets better. Now if you excuse us, we need to see if we can help him." Piotr walked out of the room. The Professor looked over at the man with the regular glasses. "This is the boy, Dr. McCoy." Roland had already begun to melt on the counter.

"Fascinating," he said, fixing the glasses. "So he is the one who created my holographic projector. What were his mutant powers again?" he looked up at the professor.

"Shadow manipulation, empathic telepathy, increased healing rate, though it hasn't helped out his knee; there are others we think but he refuses to tell us," Scott said. He scratched the back of his head. "Many of his other powers have to do with the shadow manipulation though, Dr. McCoy."

"Fascinating," he said again. "And what else can he do with his shadow manipulation?" he touched Roland's forehead, trying to feel the boy's temperature and jumped back. "What happened?"

"Roland can withdraw memories of pain, fear, anger, and the like from the minds of people," Professor X said. "Though, the only time I've seen him do it is when he's like this."

"Have you tried interfering with telepathy?"

"Yes, but he simply blocks it out." Dr. McCoy looked at the wound that Roland had sustained, the bleeding had stopped. "This is the first time, though; he received a wound from the visions."

Roland had stopped twitching, though he was still panting. He sat up slowly, holding his head. His glasses had fallen off out in the hallway. Roland felt his eyes, and noticed that they were gone. "Wow," he said, not opening his eyes, "What a rush."

"Roland," the professor asked, "Are you alright?"

"I think so, professor," Roland said, rubbing the back of his head. "You don't happen to know where my glasses are; do you?"

"They could be out in the hallway," Scott said.

"So where am I then?" Roland asked; it was clear that he didn't know.

"In the kitchen," the professor said. A knock came from the door. "You can come in now," The professor said. The door opened and it was Rogue and Bobby. Piotr was behind them with a short girl with long brown hair. "Hello, Bobby, Rogue, Piotr, Kitty. How can I help you?"

"We brought these for Roland," Bobby said, holding out the black sunglasses. "And we were wondering how is he doing?" The professor took them

"Don't worry about me," Roland said, with his eyes close. He looked over at the door at his friends. "I've had worse," He lied, and offered them assuring smile. They simply took it, and didn't argument. "I'll talk to you about it later."

"Okay," Piotr said. They left the room and headed back into the Main Hallway.

Roland sighed and lay back down. He touched his bleeding side, and looked at his right hand. He replaced it and focused on the wound. Slowly, the wound began to glow a light blue, and soon there was no more blood on him, the counter, or his shirt. "How, how," Dr. McCoy stuttered.

"I believe the words you are looking for are 'how did you that?'" He said with a smile.

"Roland," Professor X said, sternly.

"What?" he held a hand out, "Can I have my glasses back, I would like to see our guest."

The professor handed him back his glasses. "This is Doctor Hank McCoy," the professor said. "He's the one-"

"Who made the holographic device for. I remember, professor," Roland replied, repositioning his glasses. "So what brings you here?"

"The Professor thought that I might be able to help you solve the problem of Rogue and Bobby Drake," Dr. McCoy said.

"Okay, we'll work on that later; I need to talk to the professor about something first."

"Which is what Roland?" the professor asked.

Roland sighed and ran his fingers through his pitched black hair. He felt the sweat in his hands. "I can't take another day of this professor, and neither can they. They are going to die tonight unless we can stop them. And with the way I've been feeling lately, I don't think I will survive another one."

"Okay, Roland, okay," The professor said. Roland was holding his heart, and panting. "Just relax. Can you focus on them?"

"Not exactly, but I know their in England, around London," Roland sighed. Scott gave Roland a weird look.

"Are they mutants?" Dr. McCoy asked.

"What does it matter?" Roland replied, "They are in need, and it's our duty to help them."

"It matters for if they are mutants, than the professor can use Cerebro to find them, Roland," he said.

"Well they are mutants, just not in the way that you're thinking. Cerebro wouldn't find them unless there were some modifications to it, and we can't make those in time."

"What do you mean?" Scott asked.

"So, what are they?" Logan added. He lit a cigar.

"Wizards and witches, Logan." Everyone in the room stared at him. It was clear that they didn't know anything about them. Though, only the Professor knew of Roland's other abilities, his other powers. "I'll explain." Roland sighed; he knew it would take a while for them to understand. But by then, it could be too late.

* * * * * *

Harry worked late into the afternoon skipping breakfast and lunch; he didn't even shower that morning. Uncle Vernon pushed Harry into a wall, nearly breaking the china that he was holding, but Harry got a hold of it. Dudley pushed Harry down the stairs, hoping to hurt him, but nothing happen. Harry recovered from the surprise of the push and landed with a solid thud on the bottom stairs.

Despite what those two incidents, nothing else happened. Harry just hoped for Sirius to come soon, so he could leave the hell that he was in. And to leave would be to enter a heaven which Harry had never seen before.

It was around one o'clock when Harry had finished all his work. He slowly walked up stairs, tired from all the work that he had done. When he reached his door, he locked it tight, as Uncle Vernon had asked him to. Harry wasn't supposed to leave at all this night. He was just to stay in his room, not make a sound, as if he didn't exist. But the first time Uncle Vernon didn't have the threat of abuse on his side. So Harry would listen to him.

The doorbell rang, and Harry heard the fat feet of his 'family' rush to greet the arrival. He heard the scream of Aunt Petunia from his room; she must have fainted for there was a loud thud. Harry wanted to see what had scared them so much that she fainted, but he knew better. Harry wasn't going to open the door for no one.

"Get out of my house," he heard Uncle Vernon yell. Harry rushed to the door to hear the conversation downstairs.

"I'm sorry, but the law states that the boy is mine now, Mr. Dursley," the voice said. Harry recognized it from somewhere but couldn't place his finger on it. "Now if you excuse me, I will get my godson." Harry's heart skipped a beat when he heard this; it was Sirius. Harry heard footsteps up the stairs, and quickly unlocked the door. Harry smiled when the door opened.

It was Sirius though he was wearing a cowboy hat and trench coat. "Hello, Harry," he said, "May I come in?" He nodded. "Please close the door." Harry did as he was asked.

"Sirius it's so good to see-" Harry started but stopped when Sirius removed his hat. Beneath the hat were two small red horns coming from his forehead. He looked at Harry, and Harry saw the red eyes that he had gained. "What happened?" he asked.

"I don't know," he replied, lifting up one of his hands and looking at it; instead of five fingers there were only three, a thumb and two fingers. "I woke up one morning and I was like this." He looked at his godson. "Please don't be afraid, Harry; I would do nothing to hurt you."

"I know," Harry said, still cautious about approaching his Godfather. "But it's just that it's-"

"Different?" Sirius interrupted, "I know, there's more, but I think that it would be too much for you to bear right now."

"No it's alright," Harry replied. He took a seat next to Sirius. "I'll be fine." But Harry wasn't so sure of that. This was just so new to him. But he would be brave for his godfather's sake.

Sirius stood up and carefully took off the trench coat; Harry saw the farther transformation that occurred. Sirius had two red bat-like wings on his back, coming from his shoulder blades. He relaxed them and they formed cloak that looked like it was buckled under Sirius' chin. He looked like an evil demon.

"So are you a mutant?" Harry asked.

"I think so, but-" Sirius stopped. He changed his train of thought. "How could this have happened? The changes are only supposed to occur in teenagers, not adults." He looked out the window at the normal streets, clearly wishing that it hadn't happened to him.

"I don't know, unless-" Harry thought. It could be possible; after all with magic, anything is possible.

"Unless what, Harry?"

"Unless a spell triggered the mutation."

"Yes, that could be possible, but no one casted a spell on me the day before I mutated." He walked over to Harry and knelt down, "I'm so sorry, Harry."

"Why? You've done nothing wrong." Sirius placed his head on Harry's knee and began to cry.

"Because," he didn't look up, "I was supposed to take you away from all of this. No more Dursley's, no more abuse, no more pain." He cried for a few moments, Harry said nothing and just tried to comfort his Godfather silently. Finally, Sirius spoke up again, wiping a tear away. "You were going to stay with Hermione the rest of the summer so that I could get a place for us and everything settled."

"Sirius," Harry was upset, but he couldn't blame Sirius. He had no control over it.

"You hate me, don't you?"

"No, no," Harry said.

"Yes you do," Sirius said, looking up. "You don't have to lie to me, Harry."

"Sirius, I'm not lying to you. I couldn't have you, after all that you've done for me, its impossible." He smiled at his Godfather, who gave a smile in return. "I will always love you, Sirius."

"Thank you Harry," Sirius said. He stood up, and grabbed his coat. He wiped a tear away. "I want you to stay at Hermione's for the rest of the summer. You should be safe there."

"But what about you? Where are you going?" Harry asked.

"Somewhere I can be safe. I try to drop in whenever I can, make sure that you're alright." Sirius placed the coat on, covering his wings, and then hid the horns on his head. "Harry, I will always protect you 'til the day that I die." He smiled at Harry a reassuring smile, one that Harry returned. "C'mon, let's get your stuff down the car downstairs." He helped Harry pack up his cloths, all his school supplies, and everything that he would need for when he was at Hermione's. Sirius helped Harry carry the trunk down stairs and out the door. The Dursleys said nothing to them as they did this. They didn't want to have nothing to do with the wizarding world, and now that Harry was leaving their lives forever, why should they speak up, why should they stop him from leaving.

They walked over to a car on the side of the rode. In silence, they loaded the car and got into it, not saying a word to each other. For about an hour they drove in silence, Harry just staring out the window. Finally he spoke up. "When are you leaving?" he asked.

"Late tonight," he replied, turning the wheel and going down a back rode. "I'm going to be picked up outside Hermione's house around ten, so I'll arrive early to tell you what I can."

"Do you know where you're going?" Sirius didn't answer the question. So Harry asked it again. He mumbled something this time. "What did you say?"

"America," Sirius said, not looking at Harry. Harry was shocked, his Godfather, is only relative that he liked, was going halfway across the world.

"Why?" Harry asked. He was mad at Sirius for the first time in a while. Not once was he mad at Hermione for going out with that boy, not once was he mad with Uncle Vernon for beating him. But here he was mad at Sirius for leaving him again.

"Harry, it's a long story."

"Well, we've got time," he said, his voice filled with anger.

Sirius sighed. This was a troubling subject for him, but Harry desired to know. After all, he was the one going half way across the world. "You know that mutants are hated around the world."

"Yeah, but-"

"That includes the wizarding world, Harry," Sirius added. Harry was shocked, these people who lived in fear of what the outside world would do if it ever found out they were different was shunning those who were different from them. "At the place I'm going, I was promised protection from the outside world, and maybe, they can found out what happened to me."

"Are they wizards?" Harry asked.

"No." Sirius turned the wheel again.

"Then how can they help you?" Harry asked. Sirius didn't answer, he hadn't thought about it. "Did you think about that?"

"No, I just wanted to be-" He started.

"To be what," Harry said.

"To not be feared." Harry was thrown back by this. "Even you fear me Harry, I can tell in you eyes."

"I don't fear you Sirius," He said, trying to defend himself, but his godfather was right. Harry was afraid of him. He had grown so accustom to the racism thoughts and ideals of Uncle Vernon that some of them sunk it. For that, Harry was ashamed of himself.

"I know what you're feeling, Harry," Sirius said with a smile, Harry noticed the pointy teeth that he bore. "A few days ago, I felt that way too. But your feelings change when something like that happens to you."

"Oh," Harry said.

"I haven't changed the way I acted, Harry. I'm still Sirius the wizard, I'm still your godfather, and I still love you."

"Oh," Harry said again. And he didn't saw anything else. His Godfather was right. Harry was just judging him on the way he looked, and yet he was the same.

For a long time, Harry said nothing. He just sat and stared out the window, looking at the scenery. For three hours they said nothing, because there was nothing to be said. Sirius drove while Harry just stared out the window.

At a stoplight, a light tapping came from the back window. They looked back, it was Hedwig. She wanted to be let in. Harry unrolled his window and his owl landed on his lap. "Hey, Hedwig," he said and rubbed his snow-white owl. He noticed the letter on her leg. "Huh," he said, "who could this be?"

"Well, remove it and we'll see," Sirius replied.

Harry did as he was asked and began to read the letter out loud as for Sirius to hear.

Sirius,

I apologize now for misspelling your name, if I have done so. The letter that I received was not written very clearly.

Now to the matters at hand. I recently learned of your condition from a letter signed by a Professor Dumbledore and I have to say that we would be happy to help you with the problem has been thrusted upon you. I say problem, for you are right, the mutant gene only awakens in teenagers who undergo a traumatic event.

Though I do not know the full extent of your problem, there is a boy here who could help you. He is also one of your kind, and knows more about it then he has told me. When we pick you up at ten o'clock your time, he will be with us to discuss your problem and try to solve it as quickly as possible.

Signed,

Professor Charles Xavier

"Well," Sirius said, "I'm glad that that's settled. But they didn't give me a place. Do you think that we should write back about it?"

"Probably, Sirius," Harry said; he rubbed Hedwig's head. "But you'd think that they would have a handle on something like that. After all, he was the one who wrote to us."

"Actually Harry, I wrote to Professor Dumbledore who wrote to this man," Sirius replied. "I thought that he was the only one who I could trust with this besides you."

"But still-"

"Don't worry about it, Harry, I owl them again to find out where, alright?" Sirius looked back at the road. "I'm glad that you're worried about me."

"Thank you Sirius, but why-" Harry started to ask why, but stopped he knew why. It was because of the way he was acting before. "Oh."

Sirius pulled into a drive way, and said, "We're here."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"I mean we're at the Grangers," Sirius replied, getting out of the car. When Sirius got open he was careful with his hat, the wind was blowing strong. "C'mon, Harry, get out of the car. Take a look at this." Harry did as he was asked and climbed out of the car, careful with Hedwig on his shoulder. Sirius was looking up at the sky, up at the sun.

"It's just the sun, Sirius," Harry said.

"I haven't seen the sun in so long," he replied, "it's beautiful."

"C'mon, Sirius," Harry laughed, "Let's go." Hedwig fly up the sky, up to the sun. Harry was surely looking forward to the rest of the day, Hermione was returning. This day couldn't get any better, and it couldn't get worse at all. He looked at the watch that he had bought his sixth year at Hogwarts, it read four o'clock. He had the rest of the day with Hermione.

* * * * * *

Roland was seated at the front of the table, Logan, Scott, Dr. McCoy, Bobby, and Rogue all focusing in on him. The professor rolled in, and felt the tension in the room. "I see that you are done with the conversation," he said, and wheeled himself over to Roland.

"Actually," Roland said, "We've been done for the past," he pulled out a watch from his pant's pocket, "the past twenty minutes. They've just been this silent for that time."

"Surprise, no doubt," Professor X replied. He turned to the table, "Now that you know of the society of wizards and witches, we need to discuss how to save these two kids."

"We're still taking in what he just said, professor," Bobby said.

"I understand, Bobby, but it is important that we help them out, for as Roland told you, they are mutants," The Professor turned to Dr. McCoy. "Do you have any theories on the situation, Hank?"

"Yes, actually," He said, fixing his glasses, "You said earlier that you couldn't enter Roland's mind to find the source because he blocks it, right?"

"Hey, I don't do it on purpose, it just happens," Roland added, defending himself. The other students couldn't help but to snicker.

"It's alright, Roland," the professor said, "And yes that is right, Hank."

"Well, Rogue has the ability to absorb the powers of others, and so-" Hank started.

"We can find out what tin-can here has in his mind," Logan said, taking another puff of his cigar.

"Look who's talking," Roland replied under his breath, just loud enough for the feral mutant to hear.

"I think that would work," The professor said.

"The theory is sound," Hank added. He looked over to Roland, who tented his fingers and was staring over them with his sunglasses.

"No." was his reply, simply and short.

"Why not?" Scott asked. "You said so yourself that you couldn't take another day of it, and this is the only the choice."

"You have no idea what I've been through, Scott," Roland replied. "The only reason why I've survived is because I am the way I am. If Rogue was to absorb my powers and memories." he trailed off.

The professor nodded, silent when hearing what Roland had to say. In a sense, he was right. But the young man was also wrong.

"Roland," Rogue said, "I'm willing to help if we can save a life." She felt her boyfriend's hand tightened on hers.

"No," Roland said again.

Professor Xavier stared at his students. Normally, he made it a policy that he wouldn't pry into the thoughts of others, but when they were projected, he had no choice in hearing them. Roland was torn apart, so it seemed. Half his mind wanted him to help, the other to stay out of it and prevent the harm of anyone else. "Roland," the professor said, "you said often that you help out those in need in disregard of yourself. In this case, it isn't you who has made this choice, it is someone else. Do you not still wish to help them?"

"Professor, you don't understand," Roland said, removing his sunglasses and rubbing his eyes. "This isn't that simple of a choice."

"I don't see how it could be any simpler, Roland," Professor X said.

"I can't, won't, force my memories on those who won't understand them, professor. You wouldn't, couldn't understand."

"Try me, Roland," he replied.

The empath sighed. "I would prefer to tell you alone; professor," Roland said, "then you will know why I am this way."

"The past need not be something to be afraid of," Hank said.

"You sing a different tune if you were in my shoes," Roland laughed. He turned back to the professor. "Please, I don't want their sympathy."

Professor X thought about it for a few moments, before answering, "Fine, Roland." He wheeled himself away. "We'll talk about this in my study, but I expect you to go through with the plan then."

Roland looked at his watch, Two o'clock, he thought, I need to hurry. "Fine, professor," Roland got up, and followed the professor.

Logan snorted when Roland left. "What's wrong?" Rogue asked.

"The professor ain't going to like what he finds out," the feral mutant replied.

"What do you mean?" Scott asked him. "How do you know about Roland's past, he kept it more safeguarded then yours was."

"Don't ask me why he told me, he just did," Logan blew out a smoke ring.

"So tell us," Rogue pressed.

"No," Logan said, and stood up.

"Why not," she replied.

"Because the kid made me promise and he ain't going to break the one that I made him make, so why should I break his?" Logan walked away from the table and into the kitchen. He received weird looks from everyone at the table.

* * * * * *

It about eight o'clock where Harry was. He lay down on the bed that the Grangers were allowing him to use. He was exhausted, and Harry still hadn't seen Hermione yet. Mr. Granger had taken him shopping as all Harry had been worn-out cloths. Sirius paid for the majority of it, despite the fact that he left shortly after they arrived.

Harry just wanted to be alone for the moment, all his energy was gone. Hedwig was out delivering the letter that Sirius had wrote to Professor Charles Xavier. Harry just hoped that Sirius would be happy where he was going. Harry looked out the window, and saw the sun setting in the distance. It was a beautiful sight, one that he hoped he would be able to share with Hermione when she got back. Snap out of it, Harry, he said to himself, she's your friend and will be nothing more.

Downstairs, the grandfather clock rang eight. A knock came from the door. "Harry," the voice said.

"Yes, Mrs. Granger," Harry said, sitting up.

"We're going to pick up Hermione and her friend at the airport now," She said, "so we'll be back around nine." Harry heard her walk down the stairs. He sighed. Only another hour, he thought. Harry lay back down on the bed and slowly drifted into sleep.

He began to dream of the girl, only this time she was on a plane. Harry could never see her face, only her smooth brown hair. The boy was next to her again, and he could see the damage done to the poor girl. She had bruises on her arms and legs, and her face. Harry could feel her pain. God, how he wished it to end, how he wished to save the girl.

* * * * * *

Roland was seated across from Rogue, the grandfather clock ran five. He looked over to the professor, who gave him a reassuring look. They were in the professor's study, alone with Rogue, and Bobby. Roland then turned his attention to Bobby who was holding Rogue's hand. He was seated to the left of her, and was gently stroking it, trying to calm her down. "Are you sure?" he asked Rogue, his dark glasses' gaze falling upon her.

"Yes," she replied.

"Alright," Roland sighed, "but promise me that you will tell no one, or at least until I'm ready to tell people." She nodded. "Okay," he said. Roland held out his right hand.

Rogue removed the glove that covered her hand and took Roland. Immediately, the light in the room left, leaving only darkness to claim the room. Suddenly a scream came from Rogue, and then the light returned. A black force was spreading alone her hand, and up her arm. Bobby stood up quickly, "What's happening?" he asked. He reached to the bond that was forming between Roland and Rogue. A stream of ice came from his hand and froze of their hands. With in minutes, Rogue released his hand. Roland took his back, and began to shake it, hoping to get the blood moving. "Sorry."

"I'm the one who should be apologizing," Roland replied, pointing with his left hand at Rogue. She was white as ever. Just staring at Roland, a blank expression on her face.

"What happened?" Bobby asked, grabbing her hand. "What did you do?"

"I showed her my pasted, Robert," Roland said.

Professor X wheeled himself over and touched his hands to her temples. He wore gloves as to protect himself. "Is she alright, Professor?" Bobby asked. He didn't reply, his eyes closed and focusing in one the location of the girl. "Well."

"Be quiet, Bobby," Professor X said. He released the girl, and she slowly returned to normal. "I know where."

"I had no doubt you would professor," Roland said, standing up with the help of his cane. "But I also have no doubt you now fully understand why I was adamant against letting you know my past."

"Yes, I do." The Professor wheeled himself over to the door. "We're leaving in a few minutes, and I want you to come with us, Roland."

"Alright, professor," Roland replied, "But I doubt that the reason is for the two's safety."

"You are correct, Roland," Professor X said. He turned to Rogue and Bobby. "I want you to come as well."

"Why Professor?" Bobby asked, still holding Rogue's hand.

"Just trust me on this," the professor said before he left the room.

Roland started to walk out, but stopped next to the chair that Rogue was in. "Remember the promise you made me," he said before he left. He left Bobby to help Rogue get to the Blackbird.

* * * * * *

Harry woke up slowly, still dazed from the dream. He felt her pain, her agony. Harry only wished to help her. He heard the grandfather clock ring nine times. "Nine o'clock," he said, and stood up and stretched. Harry was wearing some of the new cloths that he had bought earlier that day. But he didn't remember changing into them. No matter, he thought, I did want to change before Hermione got here.

He ran down the stairs just as the door opened. Harry stood at the edge of the stairs and waited for the person to come through the door.

When Hermione fully opened the door, she dropped her bags and ran over and hugged Harry, nearly knocking him over. "Hi, 'Mione," he said. Her hands were around his neck, his around her waist. She felt lighter since the last time he hugged her.

"Hello, Harry," she replied back, softly. "I've missed you so much."

"And I you," Harry said. Someone coughed behind Hermione; she released Harry, and looked at the source. Harry saw that it was her boyfriend, Steven Drade. The same boy who was considered to the worst of the worst at Hogwarts. He used girls and abused them, always getting what he wants.

"Hello," Steven said. "I didn't know that you were going to be here." He voice filled with hatred and anger. For the last two years, he tried his best to make Harry's life horrible at Hogwarts. Last year, he succeeded in making Hermione his girlfriend.

"Well," Mr. Granger said, ignore Steven's tone, "Harry needed a safe place to stay, his last home was a bit too violent."

"Too bad," Steven replied looking at Harry.

"Yes it was," Harry said, showing the same animosity.

"Hermione, Steven why don't you get settled into your separate rooms," Mr. Granger said. Harry smirked when he heard this. "We'll go pick up our dinner." He and his wife left the teenagers alone.

Silence followed, and Steven was the one to break it, "Hermione, let's go and talk upstairs." She simply nodded. Along with her bags, Hermione grabbed his too, and took them up the stairs.

As they left Harry could fell the tension between the couple. He felt how Hermione winced beneath his hug. He knew something was wrong, but couldn't place his finger on it.

With the thought of Hermione still in his mind, Harry took a seat on the couch. He started to grab the remote of the TV before he felt the pain. Not only was it in his heart, but in his mind. He heard voices this time, "Help her, save her," over and over again in his mind. Not only did he see the girl getting abused, he saw people, no forms of people who he knew. They were black; with little shading to show features, and were all those who he knew were dead.

Harry knew something was wrong, and his theory was confirmed when he heard a scream from upstairs. It was the scream of a young girl. At the same moment, he heard the scream of the girl within his mind. "Do something," the voices said, "help her, save her." Harry nearly collapsed from the pain. But he stood up the scream again.

With great effort, Harry made his way up the stairs. All along the voices still with him, urging him to save her. The girl screamed again, both in his mind and in reality. This time, a man's scream was with them, just beneath the high pitched screams. Harry tripped, but recovered quickly, and moved down the hallway.

As he drew closer to the guest room of the Grangers, Harry heard another voice, a boy's. Right then and there, he knew what was happening. Harry felt the anger grew inside of him; he felt his hands grow heavier, he felt stronger. He backed up just a bit to get a running start at the door. Harry took off at it, and rammed the door with his shoulder. The door cracked open, and Harry came running in just to see Steven standing over a huddled up mass that Harry assumed was Hermione. "What have you done?" He yelled at him, but he knew.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Harry Potter," Steven said, his voice all high and mighty. He walked over to Harry slowly, steeping over Hermione. "Coming to the rescue of the dear Mud-blood. It's a shame that you won't be alive to long enough to treasure the moment." He pointed his hand at Harry and it glowed a deep hew of purple. The light came flying at Harry, and hitting him square in the chest. Harry was blown back against the wall.

Shaken and confused, Harry rubbed his head. "Preposterous," Steven said. With his hands at his side, slowly glowing purple, he stared angrily at Harry. A purple mist formed around his hands, as did his eyes shade over a deep purple color. "My powers are unbeatable."

Harry felt his chest, he was fine. There was no damage; only, he was covered in brown dirt. Harry stood up and the dirt fell to the ground. His anger was unlimited; the ground began to shake beneath their feet. "No one," Harry said slowly, pronouncing each word, "hurts Hermione." The ground stopped shaking.

"Too late," Steven replied; he raised his hands at him and fired the second shot at Harry. The blast simply passed over Harry. Harry collapsed on his knees; he again was covered in dirt, as was the area around him. He clenched his fist, and stared down at the ground. "Am I too much for the great Harry Potter?"

"No one hurts Hermione," Harry said again, he stood up slowly; the ground began to shake again. He walked slowly over to Stevens, and repeated himself. "No one hurts Hermione." As he walked, Harry felt the power grow in him.

Steven had a rather scared look on his face. A loud explosion came from down stairs, and that expression left him. "I see that my back up has arrived," Steven said, he began to glow a deep hew of purple. Slowly, he sank down through the boards of the room. "We'll finish this down stairs."

Staring at the ground for a few moments, Harry remembered why he had come up stairs in the first place. He ran over to Hermione. "Hermione," he said. She was lying face down. Harry turned her over onto her back and saw that damage that was done. Hermione had a black eye, and her lips were cut open. Her beautiful face was bruised and battered, and yet Harry still couldn't get enough of seeing her. The anger that had tormented his body had disappeared now that he had Hermione. "Hermione," he said again, "are you okay?" He rubbed he soft brown hair. She stirred and murmured something. Harry picked her up and held her in his arms. With his eyes closed and tears rolling down his checks, Harry said, "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

Hermione opened her eyes slowly, and when she saw Harry, she quickly hugged him back. Harry felt his friends hug, and opened his eyes. "Hermione?" he said with surprise. He pulled away just enough to see her face. When she saw Harry, Hermione produced a small smile across her battered face. "You're alright." Harry hugged her again, tightly this time. Hermione yelped quietly, almost mouse-like. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Harry pulled away again, but kept his hands on her shoulder.

"It's alright," she said softly, straining to speak, "I'm fine, really." Hermione tried to stand up, shifting her body to do so. Harry stood up and helped her up. His hands moved down from her shoulders to her hands. When she was on her own two feet, Harry let go of her hands. Hermione nearly fell back down had it not been for Harry to catch her. "Thanks," she said. He placed her back onto her feet. Some of her hair had fallen onto her face; Harry brushed it softly out of her eyes.

"Hermione," Harry started to say. But a loud roar came from down stairs.

"Harry Potter!" it yelled. "Come down now!" A woman's scream followed it, one of terror and pain. Harry heard it once too many times. "Or the woman dies."

"Harry," Hermione looked into his green eyes, "What are we going-" but Hermione was cut off. The woman screamed out of pain again.

"Harry, Hermione," the woman's voice said, "What's happened-" She screamed again.

"Mother!" Hermione said, and she tried to move toward the door. She nearly fell again, Harry caught her, and with out missing a step pulled her back up to her feet.

"Hermione," Harry said, pulling her to look into his eyes. "You're hurt, you can barely move."

"But-" She started to protest, but Harry simply placed his index finger over her rosy lips.

"I will go down, alright?" He added.

"But-" She tried to protest again, only to have the same result.

"I'll be fine," Harry replied. "As long as I know that you're safe. Now please, seat down." He led her over to the bed to sit down.

"Harry, it's not that," Hermione said, she looked down at the ground embarrassed.

"What is it, 'Mione," he asked. She smiled slightly at the nickname.

"I don't want to be alone." Harry knelt down in front of her and pushed her head up gently. "Please don't leave me." She started to cry.

"'Mione," Harry said, wiping a tear away, "I will never leave you." She smiled at him, and hugged Harry. She wrapped her arms around his neck and started to cry. "Shh, shh, it'll be alright."

"What about my mother?" she asked, looking into his eyes again.

"I'll take care of it," Harry replied again.

She didn't let go of his neck. "I'm not letting go Harry, I don't want you to leave."

Harry smiled at his friend, and in a quick motion, picked her legs up. He was holding her in his arms. Hermione felt lighter then ever, even a few minutes again. The clock stuck ten downstairs. Could it be that she was light, or he was stronger? Harry didn't know, but with Hermione by his side, he was invincible. Slowly, and carefully, he walked out of the room, moving around the debris. He made his way down the stairs slowly, toward the roaring beast.

* * * * * *

With an ETA of three minutes, the Blackbird was flying at mach two. Scott was piloting the jet while the Professor was talking to him. Dr. McCoy was treating Roland for the seizures that had stopped but a few moments ago. Bobby and Rogue simply were holding hands, talking about what was to come. She had lost all of Roland's powers already and his memories, though the empath had something to do with the memory loss. Logan was in the other pilot seat, smoking a cigar. He looked back at Roland. "I'm surprised that he has lasted this long," he said, and took another puff of his cigar.

"You be amazed, Wolverine," the professor said, he smiled only slightly. Roland told him of his past, but when he read Rogue's mind after absorbing the empath's memories, Wolverine was right. Roland had seen more pain, more suffering then even the entire collection of mutants in the room combined. "He's suffered too much, and yet."

"I've survived it all," Roland said, limping up to the chairs in the front. While everyone else, save Professor X, were wearing a simple black uniform with the insignia X on it, Roland had a sleeveless robe on, a hood hanging behind his head. The robe was open and underneath he wore an all black jump suit.

"How's are they?" Scott asked.

"Fine, Cyclops," Roland replied taking a seat behind the pilot. "But I suggest you speed this bird up, we'll have trouble when we get there."

"Why?" Cyclops responded.

"Who cares," The Wolverine replied. "It just means some action." He cracked his adamantium knuckles.

The professor was quiet; he closed his eyes, and moved his hands to his temples. "Eric," he said, after a few moment of silence.

"The man who survived the Holocaust," Roland added, "I'll remember to stay away from him."

"Why," Bobby asked. "It shouldn't matter."

"My empathic abilities have lately been drawn to pain and suffering." He looked out the window, "though on the other hand..." and Roland trailed off.

"We are above the city right now, professor," Cyclops said. 'I just wished that we had cover, without Storm here we can't hide the Blackbird."

Roland pulled the computer that was to his left over his lap. "Ye of little faith," he said, wires came from his left and entered a small hole on the keyboard. With both hands, Roland was typing something quickly, despite there being not visual. "Done." He said, he retracted the cord back into his arm, and pushed the keyboard back. The ship shock for only a moment, before settling down again. The only one not surprised was Roland, who crossed his arms.

"What happened?" Dr. McCoy asked.

Everyone turned an eye to Roland. "The ship is now cloaked," he replied. "No radar, save any one invented by me, would be able to sense the ship."

"Your boss must be pretty rich from your inventions," Dr. McCoy laughed.

"He doesn't even have half of them." Roland smiled at that fact. "I doubt that he needs them though."

"Who is your boss any way," Bobby asked. No one in the mansion knew that, save Professor Xavier and Roland.

"It doesn't matter," Roland said, "Just know that he has been protecting us since I got here." He pulled out the keyboard and began to type again. "We should be entering the neighborhood right about now, Cyclops. There is also another man there, though-"

"That would be Sirius, whom we received the letter on," Professor X said, placing his fingers to his temples again. "We need to pick him up too. So why don't Iceman and I get Sirius; Cyclops, Wolverine, and Beast, you get the two children. Rogue, I want you to pilot the ship, and Roland keep track of the situation down in the area, alright," Everyone just nodded. "You will be the back up, but I doubt that we will need you."

"Okay, professor," Roland said. A bright purple light came from outside the ship.

"What the hell was that?" Wolverine asked, dropping his cigar in his lap.

"Energy blast," Cyclops said, "Though, I can't tell if-"

"Its mutant, Cyclops," Roland said, was staring straight forward and was typing at inconceivable speed. "Though, I doubt that you could tell the difference between magically and mutant." The blast was brighter this time. "Got them."

"How many?" Wolverine asked.

"I count five mutants, four of whom are in our data banks. Magneto, Sabertooth-"

"So he survived," the feral mutant added.

"Pyro-" Roland started again.

"John?!" Bobby said.

"And the mutant known as Gambit, though we have very little info on him." Roland looked up at Professor Xavier. "The last one is not only a mutant but a wizard, so be careful. I know what they are capable of."

The ship shock as it landed. "Let's go, X-men," Cyclops said, standing up and walking to the back.

"Yes, oh fearless leader," Wolverine said, following him out the back. The Professor wheeled himself to the back, and Bobby followed. Dr. McCoy was the last to go.

"Hey, Beast," Roland said. The doctor looked at Roland, "Be careful, it'll be nothing like you've ever seen before." He turned back to the keyboard and began to type again.

* * * * * *

Harry was thrown against the wall, snapping it in half. He landed with a loud thud, but quickly stood up. Dust fell off him again. He was beginning to think that he was invulnerable. But he felt his side, and saw the blood coming from it. Well almost invulnerable, he thought. He quickly ran back toward beast-like creature that he was fighting.

The creature had already killed both of Hermione's parents, right in front of them too. She was crushed, mentally. Harry stopped fighting the beast when a man wearing a red and yellow uniform fired two flame streams at them. Harry picked up Hermione and tried to run away but it seemed the flames followed them. Worried for both of their safety, Harry wished to protect her more then himself. A wall appeared in between them and flames, more specifically, a wall of stone. It extinguished the flames the moment they hit it. But they were still knocked over from the force of the flames hitting the wall. Harry covered Hermione with his body. "Are you alright, Hermione," he asked, helping her back to her feet.

"I'm fine, Harry," She said, turning her attention to the second stream of flames, "let's get out of here." She grabbed his hand and started to run away. But Hermione tripped on one of the fallen boards from the ceiling.

"Hermione!" he yelled and tried his best to pick her up, but it was too late, the flames hit Harry. A cloud of dust and smoke covered both of them.

"Harry," Hermione yelled to him, stretching out her hand.

"The Harry Potter is dead," said Steven. "Now, its time for you to die."

"No," said the man in red and black armor, he wore a strange helmet over his head, "Lord Voldemort said only to kill the boy." He was floating over Steven, with his arms crossed.

"Shut up old man," Steven added, "I'm in charge here, and I say kill her." The old man sighed. "Do it." He didn't move. Steven turned to the rest of the people in the house. The smoke and dust still hadn't settled. "Who wants the job then?"

"No one," Harry's voice came from within the cloud, "hurts Hermione." The ground began to shake as more people entered the broken down house. Hermione covered her head.

"Cool it kid," said the man with the red shades. A beam of red light came from his eyes and hit the beast like creature in the middle of the chest, knocking him through the wall. Harry tried his best and stopped the earthquake. Slowly, the shaking stopped. Now, his first action was to help Hermione.

Someone with wings came flying into the house, through the broken ceiling. Harry looked up and saw that it was Sirius. "Sirius," he yelled up to him. His Godfather looked down at Harry.

"Hello, Harry," he said as he landed, "What's going on here?" Those were the last word he hurried from Sirius before someone yelled; "Avada Kedavra!" The spell hit Sirius right in the back, knocking him down. Sirius was smiling, for the last thing he saw before he hit the ground was Harry.

Harry was caught between two tough decisions; leave Hermione to help Sirius or to stay with her. He stopped moving, only to look between Hermione and Sirius. Suddenly, a man jumped over to them from the door way. He, like the others who had just entered, was wearing a black jumpsuit with an X stitched on it, through his unusually large hands and feet were exposed. "I'll help him," The man said, "you worry about your other friend." He offered a reassuring smile to Harry.

Harry returned the smile and ran over to Hermione. His legs felt like they were made of stone they were so heavy. But somehow, Harry made it over to Hermione's side. "Hey," he said, rubbing her hair. Despite the battle around him, he was the sweet gentleman he always was.

"Harry," Hermione said, hugging his neck. "I'm so happy to see that you're alright."

"C'mon, let's get out of here." Harry picked her up, holding her carefully. She held tightly to his neck, and rested her head on his chest. He heard a beast roar and turned to see what had happened.

"Let's dance, bub," a man with pointing hair said. Sknit, sknit, sknit, sknit, sknit, sknit. Six claws had come from his knuckles, in the end, the man had three on each hands. He tackled the beast, who had recovered and was charging him. Both were wrestling around on the ground, breaking more furniture and walls.

Steven turned to the man with the flamethrowers. "Burn the place down," he yelled. The man simply nodded. He sprayed the entire house with the flames, and they spread rapidly. "Magneto, let's get out of here," he said to the floating man.

The man called Magneto didn't move. "C'mon, damn it," Steven said. 'I don't want to be here when the Aurors show up."

"Only the Nazis had this much cruelty," Magneto said. A purple blast hit the floating man square in the chest.

"No one disobeys me," Steven replied. He held his hands at his side. He looked over at the lone man standing in the shadows. "Gambit, finish them off, or your next."

"No prob', mon ami," Gambit said; he drew a card from his coat. Harry watched him cause the card to glow. With a simply throw, it landed right at the fight of the man who was firing at Pyro. The card exploded and threw the man all the way across the room. The man who was trying to save Sirius had come back only to find a card at his feet to explode and be thrown back twenty feet.

The feral man had knocked the beast out, though he didn't get away unscratched. His jumpsuit was cut in various places. His face though was bloody now, quickly healed itself. He walked over to Gambit. Harry thought that he was going to say something but a card flew start at his chest and exploded, knocking the man out, and throwing him through a wall.

"Well, that was easy," Steven said, "pick up the traitor, Sabertooth." The beast grunted and did as he was asked. He walked over to Magneto and shouldered him. "Pyro finish off Harry and Hermione." The pyro simply nodded and smiled at them.

Hermione screamed and tried to bury her head further into Harry chest. He held her tightly, and started to run away, try for the door. "Oh, make a little sport out of this," Pyro said, he fired two jets of flames at Harry and Hermione. They formed two large forms of dogs. They snapped and growled. "Get them," he said, pointing at them. The dogs chased the two weakened wizards.

Harry tried to run but his legs felt so heavy. I can't give up, he thought, for Hermione's sake. So Harry ran, he ran around a wall, but the dogs simply burst right through it. He ran though on of the hallways, thinking that it was too big for the flame-creations. But one of the simply headed one of the walls, smashing it. The force sent both Harry and Hermione flying. Harry held tightly to his friend, and when he landed, he did his best to take all of the force. This is the end, he thought. Harry closed his eyes and pulled Hermione closer. He waited for the end to come, but it never did.

* * * * * *

Roland was passing back on forth the Blackbird the moment everyone else got off. He knew of the danger, he sensed it. He just wished to be able to help. "Roland," Rogue said, "Relax. Nothing will happen; this is a simple rescue mission. You're going to hurt your knee."

"Rogue," Roland stopped and fixed his glasses, "There is nothing in life that is simple." He continued to pass, his robe floating just above the ground. "And besides, it's strong enough right now. I'll be-" Then he felt it, the pain. Roland grabbed his sides and collapsed onto the ground

"Roland, what's wrong," she asked, rushing over to his side. But she knew better then to touch him.

"Someone died," he stuttered out, the pain was immense, "or is dying, I can't tell."

"Who was it?"

"I don't know," Roland said, he relaxed, the pain had stopped. "There." He pointed at the door. The hatch opened up, and up came Dr. McCoy. "Help him Rogue," Roland said, he tried his best to get up. But he collapsed back onto the ground. Rogue stopped where she was. "Don't worry about me; just see if you can him."

"He has multiply third-degree burns on his back, Dr. McCoy said, "be careful of his wings, those are nearly destroyed. And I think that-" Roland growled, his hands clutched. "What happened?"

"He's died," Roland said; he was kneeling down, staring at the ground. Roland stood up, slowly. A black mist was forming around him. "Beast, go help them, they need your help." Dr. McCoy stared at Roland for a moment. "Go!" Roland yelled. A gust of wind blew at Beast, and forced him down the hatch. With aerobatic ease, Dr. McCoy landed on his feet. "Go now," Roland yelled again. Beast ran off back toward the house.

Roland turned and walked over to the control council. Because of the way his robe was cut, it appeared that Roland was floating "Rogue, I need you to get this plane ready of take off," he said.

"Why?" she asked, walking over to the cockpit.

"Just do it!" he yelled again. Rogue jumped when she heard him. It was as if the depths of the underworld were yelling all at once from Roland's mouth. He walked back over to the hatch. "When I leave, close it. Cover the windows, there's a button for that, alright?" she nodded.

Roland sighed, and pulled up his hood. Immediately, his face was swallowed up by eternal darkness, hiding in the shadows. The black mist seemed to form around him, creating a ghost look to Roland. His entire body became pitch-black, hiding almost every feature, save the small details of his muscles. He walked down the hatch, and it closed behind him. He stared at as it rose back into the Blackbird.

Roland's attention turned to the burning houses around him. He raised him hands in the air and picked himself up off the ground. He floated over to the Grangers, the name of the house he had learned. Roland knew almost everything that had happened. The Professor and Bobby were lying unconscious somewhere, as Sirius did so to help Harry. A powerful mutant used his powers to knock out the rest of the X-men. The only think that these mutants didn't count on was the fact that Roland was there.

Roland walked pasted Beast; he was lying on the ground, unconscious. He touched his fallen teammate's forehead, and absorbed all the pain, all the suffering, all his wounds and transferred them to himself. He felt a new power inside of him, his strength grew. As Roland had thought, pain was his power, whether his own or someone else's. As was fear, sorrow, and anger. Being around the X-men increases my power ten fold, Roland thought and smiled behind his black mask.

As he entered the burning house, Roland saw two flame-creatures attacking a boy and the girl he was carrying. One of them caused a wall to collapse and block them in a burning hallway. The anger in his body took over him. Roland flung his arms toward the mutants, more specifically, the one controlling the flame-creatures. A shadow grew out of the ground and swallowed the man whole. With in moments, it released him, and the mutant was on the ground squirming in pain. All eyes were on him. One boy grew a purple hew around his body. "Who are you?" he asked. Roland noticed the wand on his waist. A smirk grew behind the shadow that hid his face.

"I am Fear, I am Pain," Roland said, though it wasn't his normal voice. A demonic voice spoke, and filled what was left of the room, "I am Sorrow, I am Anger."

"Sabertooth, Gambit," the wizard said, "Kill him." Sabertooth bore a large grin, ranging from ear to ear. Gambit's expression didn't change. The Cajun mutant drew a card from his coat and began to charge it.

Both charged at Roland. As they did, he spoke. "I am the Fallen; dare cross my path and face the punishment." He crossed his arms across his chest.

"Please shut him up," the wizard said.

Sabertooth replied, "Gladly." He was a few steps away from Roland, and he still hadn't moved. With a single swipe of his massive claw, Sabertooth could have knocked a wall down. Only when he did it this time, nothing happened. The claw simply pasted though Roland, Gambit stopped where he was standing. Sabertooth just continued to attack Roland, but his attacks pasted though Roland's shadow exterior.

"My turn," Roland said, he stared start at the beast. Two eyes appeared from behind the shadow mask, two harvest moon eyes. He grabbed Sabertooth and pulled him forward, into an abyss. The beast screamed as he vanished from reality. Within moments, his was thrown out again, writhing in pain, holding his head. "I am Fear," Roland repeated himself, "I am Pain. I am Sorrow, I am Anger. Cross my path and endure my anger. Stare me down and accept the pain." He started to float over to Steven. "Hurt my friends and feel my sorrow. Fear my wrath, you unworthy creature." He stared directly into Gambit's eyes. The Cajun man shook where he was standing. Roland swung an arm and threw the man across the arm, smashing a wall. Now his attention was on the wizard.

"My, you are a powerful mutant," the wizard said. He had his hands crossed, and was leaning against a burning wall though showed no pain.

"And prey tell who you are," Roland said, keeping up his demonic act. His harvest moon eyes receded back into the hood.

"You can call me Exodus, Fallen," the wizard said.

"What is your true name?" Roland floated over to him slowly. He was cautious of this mutant, as he had the fear of the others to back his suspicions. Fear for fear, Roland laughed silently beneath his hood. An interesting concept.

The wizard stuttered for a moment, before he spat out, "Steven." He was breathing hard, as if he had just run a mile run.

"Well, Steven," Roland stopped right in front of wizard. "Let's see your true power, you pathetic weakling." A purple charge came from Stevens hands and would have hit Fallen straight in the chest had he not taken action. His appearance became wraith like and the blast went straight through him.

"Fight like a man," Steven said. He tried to blast Fallen again, but the blast pasted through his wraith-like body.

"If I choose that path, then it would end in the same way as this one," Roland said, "But if you insist." He began solid again and grabbed the boy's neck. Out of instinct, Steven began to glow a healthy shade of purple. Roland felt his hand burn, though he didn't release it right away. Steven smiled as the shadow master released his hand.

"I am no mere wizard," He said, and took a step forward toward Roland. "I am a mutant as well, and a powerful one at that." He pointed a hand at the shadow master. He was crouched down on the ground holding his hand from the pain, but not saying a word. A purple blast came from his hand and hit Roland straight in the chest. He exploded into a fine cloud of black dust.

"And I am no mere mutant," Roland said as he pulled himself back together. "I know of your world, Steven." He was standing up, his hands at his sides with fingers twitching. "I am part of it as well. Do you know of the Fallen Angel theory?" He floated over to Steven, and despite the lack of energy, Roland summoned a sword from the shadows in his hand. This entire night was draining all his energy, but still Roland fought on.

Steven answered Roland finally, as he drew closer. A purple mist formed around him as he answered, "Its basic idea is that a single man is the reason for wizards' existence. Though, it isn't supported that much any more. Only the old bloucs who have survived the last century or two think that it is true."

"Well, here I am, boy," Roland sped forward at Steven and swung down with the sword, slicing the air where the boy stood. Steven was able to get out of the way, just to see the sword there. "Boom baby." A large hand came from Roland's back and shoved Steven further back, as Roland removed his sword from the ground.

Steven now wore an angry expression on his face. Not only did he glow a healthy purple around his body, but a mist began to spread out from him. "You felt the touch of my skin, now face this," he said mockingly at Roland.

It was Roland's turn to be anger, for not only was the mist threatening his life, but the life of those around him, his friends. Roland stood up straight, retracting his shadow hand. "You've crossed the line, Steven," Roland replied, pointing his sword straight at the wizard. In his other hand, a small black stick appeared in it. "I am a god compared to such a weakling as you." He pointed the wand at Steven. "Sahdwos MteArtsous." The room grew dark, and extinguished the burning fire. In the end, nothing could be seen but the two wizards.

"I see that you are also a wizard," Steven laughed. Despite Roland's efforts, the purple mist was still forming.

"We are no longer in the world you are call home, Steven." Roland had his hands crossed and was barely visible behind the black background. "We are in my realm, the Phantom Zone as I call it." Steven looked behind him. "Scared are we?" Roland smiled beneath his hood. "I am truly a god here, Steven." The wizard turned around again, as if something was behind him.

"What is the point of bringing me here, my mist will still kill you," Steven's rage was evident in his voice.

"What," Roland waved one of his hands, "you mean, this mist." Steven's purple mist was no longer coming from him, but from Roland, and was heading straight toward Steven. "I told you I was a god here."

Steven's expressions showed pure horror, for only he knew the true effects of his mist. "Get me out of here." Steven tried run away, but it seemed that he was running in place. He stopped suddenly, and turned around. "There's a flaw in your plan." A small pop was heard in the Phantom Zone, and Steven was gone from there.

"Damn it," Roland said, and he waved his hands. The real world slowly faded back in, and his Phantom Zone disappeared. As did his sword, though the wand remained. He floated over to Cyclops, but dropped to the ground suddenly. For the first time in his life, the two worst things could happen at once. Roland was out of energy and the people who he came here to help in the first place needed him. Slowly, he stood back up, and feeling the pressure on his knee. If Roland could he'd scream out in pain, but no, it was bottled down deep inside of him and turned into the power he needed.

Roland sighed, and raised his hands up. Slowly, he was in the air again, surrounded by his black mist. Unlike Steven's, as Roland figured from his expressions and feelings, Roland's mist helped people, often bringing happiness, and joy to those who it touches, so Roland chooses. The first it reached was Cyclops, and Roland felt everything that was going through his fallen friend's mind. "Cyclops," he said, and his friend stirred. "Get up." Nothing happened. Roland sighed. "She's alive, Cyclops." The man with the red glasses stood up immediately.

"Where is she," he asked, looking around the broken house. He saw Roland floating in the air, "Roland?" He simply nodded. "Where is she?"

"Alive, and well, Cyclops," he replied. "For now, help Beast up to his feet, as my mist has reached him now." Cyclops ran over to help Dr. McCoy back up to his feet.

With Cyclops' help, the man slowly got to feet, "Why do I have such a splitting headache?" he asked, and stopped where he was standing. He saw Roland floating in the middle of the room, or what was left of it. "What are you doing out here; you should be resting."

"So little to do, so much time," Roland said, smiling again behind his hood. "Strike that, reverse it." Beast laughed. "Pick up Pyro and Gambit and put them on the jet, Cyclops take care of Sabertooth when I get Wolverine up." Beast nodded and jumped over to Pyro who stopped writhing in pain, and picked up him. Roland turned his attention to Wolverine, who despite having a mutant healing power, was still knocked out. He sighed. "Here goes nothing." Roland sent his mist over to Wolverine, covered him.

"Five more minutes," the feral mutant said. Roland had to smile. But he had to awake him, at whatever cost. The mist began to spin around Wolverine, and soon, an upside down spiral was over him. Roland changed the mist's reaction, making Wolverine remember all the pain in his life hoping he could jerk the mutant awake. The feral mutant popped up, and the mist disappeared. "What the hell were you thinking, Roland?"

"I did what was necessary, Wolverine," he replied. "Now help get Sabertooth onto the jet, we'll talk later." Roland floated over to Magneto. The mist disappeared from the room. He set himself down on the ground over the fallen man. "I feel your pain, Eric. And for not having someone to help you, I apologize." Roland pointed the wand at Magneto, and swished, "Wingardium Leviosa," and flicked it. Slowly the body of the master of magnetism rose in the air. "Rogue," he said, a small microphone appeared on the side of his head, though it was hidden beneath his hood and the shadow that covered his face.

"Yeah?" she replied.

"Open the hatch alright?"

"It's all ready open," Rogue said.

"Who'd you allow in?" Roland asked, though not surprised. "The professor and Bobby right?" No answer came. "it's alright, we'll talk later." He sighed, he was talking to everyone it seemed now. Roland pointed the wand in the direction of the blackbird. "Revero Accio Blackbird," he said, and the body sailed off, avoiding all the damaged walls and debris, straight to the ship and up the hatch.

"Now on to the hard part," he said. "Everyone else, stay on the ship." No one replied, so he took it as a yes. Roland had sensed something far off, and didn't want them to get hurt. But he knew he was the one to be hurt.

He floated over to the fallen hallway. His wand disintegrated into a fine pile of black sand. He sighed, as his powers were weakening again. But he continued on, for the sake of them. Roland looked up at the broken wall, and raised both hands at it. Two large hands formed out of the shadows and began to pick up the pieces of the wall. But suddenly, a powerful force drove him back, and destroyed his creations. The wall was gone and out of the dust walked a man holding a girl in his arms.

Roland got up slowly; he hadn't taken his wraith form as he had no reason for thinking that he was going to be attacked. But a piece of stone had pierced his side, and as he was too weak, Roland wasn't able to do anything about it. He still held together his shadow appearance, despite the pain. In a matter of moment, he thought, that pain will be the power I need, even if it is just a little.

The boy looked at Roland. "Stay away from us," he yelled.

"I doubt that that will happened," Roland replied, he raised his hands and began to float again.

"I said stay away," the boy repeated.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Roland said, spreading his arms to his side as he continued to approach the boy. "Or the girl."

"I said stay back!" the ground began to shake violently. Stone pillars grew out of the ground. One appeared right in front of Roland, but this time he was prepared. He immediately took his wraith form and phased through the pillar.

Roland began to use his demon act. "I am Pain, I am Sorrow. I am Anger, I am Fear. I am Fallen, cross my path and thou shall be hurt." He thought he could scare the boy into allow him to help.

"You don't scare me, demon," the boy said. The ground had stopped shaking. Roland heard the sound of engines revving in the background. He stopped where he was standing. "I am more powerful then you can ever image."

"I highly doubt that," Roland replied. He focused on his empathic ability and touched the surface of the boy's mind, feeling his feelings. He smiled beneath his mask. Despite being an empath, Roland found out what he needed to know. "Harry, like I said before, I'm here to help you." He started to float toward Harry.

"How did-" Harry started to ask.

"I sense that you are worried about her."

"Don't change the subject and I said," the ground began to shake again, "stay back." Roland noticed that he pulled her closer to his body.

"Harry," Roland said straight forward. "If we don't help her soon, she will die." Harry's feelings, as Roland read them, were both shocked and worried. The ground had stopped shaking. "That is why I suggest you allow me to help, Harry."

"What can you do?" Harry asked. Roland stopped where he was floating.

"I can remove the worst of the damage from her body."

"Then please do," Harry walked over to him. Roland floated over to them.

"Hold her still, now," Roland placed his hands over her head. "Here goes everything." They began to glow a white, and suddenly, so did Hermione. Roland's harvest moon eyes came out of his hood, staring straight at Hermione. Then the light stopped.

Hermione stirred slightly, murmured something. Roland didn't catch it though; he was too busy collapsing onto the floor. "Hey, Hermione," Harry said, staring down at her, "I'm so happy that your alright." Harry looked up at Roland, who could barely stand. "And thank you, sir."

"I did what I came here to do Harry, help," Roland said, he held his head, as he felt like the room was spinning. "Now, let's get out of here and talk later." Roland stood up slowly, and nearly fell over again. But he caught himself, and held his side, still bleeding from Harry's attack.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" Roland knew that his words were sincere, as he felt them too.

"Don't worry about it," Roland replied, he raised his hands, and rose up into the air. "Follow me." One of his hands went to his side, covering the blood spilling from his wound. "I'll be fine, only if we get back to the jet."

"You three aren't going any where," a voice said, Roland spun around and stared at the source.

"Excuse me," Roland replied. Harry turned around to see a group of Aurors standing behind them.

"Stay were you are," a man said, he had a wand pointed at them.

"Shut up," Roland said, he turned back around, but prepared for an attack. He took his wraith form, and looked down, as the light passed through is body. "Follow me please." Harry took it as a command toward him and turned around. He followed the floating man.

"What about me and-" Harry started to ask.

"No names," Roland said, "I don't want to get any of us in any more trouble then we need to be." He turned around and faced the Aurors. "And don't worry about being attacked. I've taken care of that." Roland focused and summoned hands out of the shadows to grab hold of the Aurors, putting them in an extreme amount of pain and prevented them from moving. "Now follow me." He waved his hand in front of him, and summoned a shadow. It was shaped like a large oval. Roland walked forward and straight into it. "C'mon," his voice said. "There's no need to be worried."

Harry looked back at the Aurors then at the portal. Then he looked down at Hermione. Harry closed his eyes and took that step into the portal. Harry found himself and Hermione aboard some sort of ship.

"Welcome," a man in a wheel chair said, "We are the X-men."