Chapter 3:
Friendships form
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: "One must make friends if one is to find help." Chronos the Fallen Angel
So what did you think, I know it's different, but still. Hey listen I want to thank Sunny and Logan Taylor for review my story. I hope I answered your questions. Again please review if you don't like something or have a question. No flames all right, and if you do do one, I come right back with one for you.
Okay, I'm going to try something different here. In my brother's opinion, the way I did my last chapter was pointless, so I'll do the popular way, omni-potent point of view. This means you see everything at once. The last chapter had a variation of that, where you saw the saw scene though through different perspectives. So here goes nothing.
Again, please R&R this story and my other one. It is being postponed for now until this one is finished, part of the reason is that this story will contain some of the ideas from that one. And now to continue with Harry's experience.
/-/ means thought since italics doesn't work on this network. Also it can be used for telepathy.
* * * * * *
The sun shown in the room where Harry and Hermione slept. The light hit his eyes, and Harry slowly woke up. He was about to stretch but remembered who was with him. He looked down at the precious girl who lay in his arms. He finally saw the damage the Steven afflicted her. Hermione had a black eye and a split lip and that was just on her face. He knew that there were other bruises. "Why?" he asked, and stroked her long brown hair, "why did he do this to you?"
/You are so beautiful; you know that Hermione,/ Harry thought as he looked down at her. /But I know that we can never be. You said so yourself/. Harry stared up at the ceiling and continued to stroke her hair. He pulled her up, and felt her soft breathing on his chest. Hermione stirred on him. Harry watched her eyes blinks for a moment, before she fully opened them and yawned. "Hey," He said, not stopping what he as doing.
"Hey," Hermione replied. She loved the way Harry felt, and simply laid back down on his chest. /You are so handsome Harry/, she thought,/but why did I have to open my big mouth and say something like that./ Harry stopped stroking her hair for a second, and she looked at him with puppy-dog eyes. "Please don't stop."
"Okay, 'Mione," Harry replied, and started again. He noticed her blushing as she rested her head on his chest. "Better?" He smiled down at her.
"Yeah," Hermione replied. She was outlined the muscles on it, when she spoke up again. "Harry?"
"Yeah?" It tickled on slightly, but enough to bring a smile to his face. She felt so warm and comforting.
"What are we going to do about cloths?" Harry paused for a moment, he hadn't thought of that. All of their cloths and school supplies were destroyed in the fire and attack. Hermione looked back up at him, tears starting to form in her eyes. "It's all gone, Harry. My house, my family, my books, all my school supplies. Everything."
"Shh," Harry said, and continued to rub her hair. "Everything will be alright."
"Of course you can say that, at least you still have Sirius," Hermione said, and Harry stopped.
"He was killed last night too," he replied. Harry shifted himself so his back was against the headboard.
"I'm sorry, Harry," She said, hugging him, her arms around his neck.
Harry returned the hug, placing his around her waist. "It's alright, you didn't know." He felt the tears run down his shoulder. "Hermione, please don't cry."
"It's all gone, what will we do?" she looked at him with tears in eyes. Harry dried them with his hand.
"I don't know, but we'll think of something." She slowly stopped crying but didn't let go. They sat there holding each other for what seemed like forever. And Harry didn't want it to end.
"Harry," Hermione finally said, she let go of him, looked in his eyes.
"Yes, 'Mione," He replied. She blushed at his little nickname.
"Promise me one thing."
"Anything for you," Harry said, he smiled at her.
"Promise me that you will never leave me alone," she said. She hugged him again, waiting for his answer.
"Hermione, you should know that I would never leave you alone," Harry replied. He pushed her away for a moment. "No matter where I am, whether in the next room, or on the other side of the world," he pointed at her heart, "I'm always here." Harry ran his finger up and touched her nose. Hermione giggled. He hugged her again.
"Thank you, Harry," she said, crying again. Harry quickly heard it again and pulled away.
"Hermione, please stop crying, I don't like seeing you upset." He stared at her with his emerald eyes, the eyes that she loved s much.
"I'm not upset, Harry," she wiped a tear away with her dirty blouse sleeve. "You're just so good to me."
"No, I'm doing what any friend would do, Hermione," Harry said. It was true, but he loved her more then he could say, and he couldn't say that he did love her.
"No, you aren't. You've been so comforting to me, despite the way I've been acting."
"There is nothing wrong with the way you've been acting, 'Mione," Harry placed an arm around her shoulders. "Only thing that was wrong was what happened." She relaxed a bit. "And I will never allow that to happen again, never. I promise."
"Do you intend to keep that promise," Roland said, the door was wide open. In his one arm, he had a bag with him. Harry saw that he was still missing that other arm.
"Yes I do," Harry replied, pulling Hermione closer. She relaxed and rested on his shoulder, smiling as she laid her head down.
"Good," Roland said, he walked over but stopped just a few feet in front of the other bed. The sunlight covered the ground. He stared at it for a moment. "Here." He tossed the bag across the room; it landed at the foot of the bed.
"What's in it?" Hermione asked. She looked over at the bag, some of the contents spilled out. It was a simple white blouse. "Cloths!" Harry saw the excitement on her face.
"Yeah, at least for today," Roland said, "you'll have to return them once you get the rest of you cloths. You can change in the bathroom over there," he pointed at the door on the other side of the room, "There's also a shower in there."
"How did-" Harry asked, he didn't let go of her, despite that he knew she wanted to see what Roland had given them.
"I know what the fire did last night." He turned and walked away.
"But what about the rest of our cloths?" Harry asked.
"That's why we're going shopping today," he said as he left the room. "Oh," he popped back in. "breakfast is ready down stairs, so change and come on down." And he left.
Hermione got out of Harry's arms and jumped to the end of the bed. She picked up the cloths and placed them on the bed. She pulled out the blouse and held it up. "This is my size too," her voice was filled with excitement. Hermione pulled out a pair of jeans, socks, and shoes for her, and handed the bag to Harry. "The rest of it is for you."
Harry smiled at her. "You know, this is the first time, I've seen you excited about something since yesterday."
"Shut up," she replied, playfully hitting him on the arm.
"I'm just happy to see you returning to normal. Or at least normal for you," Harry said. He grinned at her, and got hit again.
"Be nice, Harry." Hermione got up and ran over to the bathroom with her cloths in her arms. "You change out here, unless you want to take a shower. Then you'll have to wait."
"I'll wait then," Harry replied, as the door shut. "I love you," he said softly. Harry picked up the bag and pulled out its contents and looked at them. All he could do right now was wait.
* * * * * *
Roland walked down stairs slowly, as he knee was giving him trouble. Not to mention the splitting headache he had from losing his sunglasses. The light was so bright; he'd been avoiding it all morning. Roland finally made it down stairs to the kitchen. "Morning," Storm said, she was in a robe making tea. A small smile was on her face.
"Shut up," Roland replied. She had to laugh. "Just remember what you and Kurt promised."
"I know, but still," She said, "how did you stop my storm? That was one the ones that you said couldn't be stopped until it ran its course."
"I don't know," Roland opened up the fridge and pulled out the orange juice. "I just did."
"It seems you still have more secrets," Storm said, she poured herself a cup of tea and took a seat at the table.
"Maybe," Roland grabbed a cup from one of the cupboards, and poured himself some orange juice. "Two weeks." He toasted then drank the entire glass in one gulp. He took a seat on the counter. And watched as Storm laughed at him.
"Two weeks what?" Kurt said, he popped out of nowhere. He was fully dressed.
"Til my twenty-first birthday," Roland smiled. "Logan and I have a bet at who can drink more."
"You're going to lose," Logan walked through the door. He opened the fridge and pulled out a piece of cake. "There it is."
"You really shouldn't eat that in the morning," Storm said, drinking her tea.
"Like I care," Logan replied and pulled out a fork from the drawers. The room laughed.
"Always the health eater, Logan," Scott said, he too was fully dressed. Only Logan and Storm were the ones who looked like they just came from their beds. "C'mon, Kurt. The professor wants us to go pick her up."
"Who?" Storm asked.
"Roland mentioned that Jean was alive. The professor looked for her with Cerebro and sure enough, he found her."
"You do know that's pointless, right," Roland said, he was spinning his glass on his finger, staring just at it.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that she's headed here and should be at the Mansion by nightfall." Roland muttered something under his breath and the glass was refilled with orange juice.
"Roland, remember what I said about magic being used in the mansion?" the professor came wheeling in the kitchen.
"Yeah, but they know about it now, so why not?" He drank from the glass. "I need my arm back Professor. I'm taking our guests shopping.
"Do you think that it's wise for you to drive?" Storm asked.
"No," Roland replied. "Still..."
"Wait," Scott said "what about Jean? You said she's coming here."
"Yeah, with the amount of power she has right now, it shouldn't be too hard." Roland finished off the orange juice and hopped off the counter, "if you excuse me, I have some reading to do." He walked past Scott and out the door.
"God, he never finishes a conversation," Scott said, his hands were clenched in a fist.
"I doubt that he would want to stay in crowded areas because of his powers," Kurt said.
"No, it's something else," Professor X added. "Now about Roland driving, Storm, can you take them instead?"
"That should be no problem."
"Good, with Jean headed this way, I doubt that we will cancel any more classes, so-"
"Alright, alright," Logan said, "I still don't know how you talk me into teaching." He rubbed his head as if he had a headache. The room laughed again.
* * * * * *
Harry and Hermione finally were showered and changed. But they didn't leave the room for the next hour or so, talking about what they were going to do. After all they lost everything in the fire the night before. Harry finally persuaded Hermione to use the money from his vault to pay for her school supplies. Another knock came from the door. "Come in," Harry said. Roland walked in the room. "Hello and thank you for the cloths."
"No problem," He replied. "You two don't happen to know what owls eat; do you?" He limped inside the room.
"Yeah," Hermione replied, Harry nodded, "why?"
"Oh, because I got this snow-white owl-"
"Snow white," Harry stood up next to the bed. That could be her, it had to be. He'd been so worried about her.
"Yeah anyway, she's stuck up in my room, and she won't eat anything. So I've got to find some for her to eat."
"Can I see the owl?" Harry asked. He was almost positive, it had to be.
"Sure," Roland walked out the door. Harry ran after him.
"Harry, wait up," Hermione said, despite her leg had healed a bit, it still hurt every once in a while. She ran after him
"Sorry, but that owl-"
"I know, it might be Hedwig," Hermione said, finishing his sentence. "But can you slow down?"
"Sure," Harry replied. "Your leg still hurting?"
"Just a bit, but-hey?!" She said as Harry picked her up. "What do you think you are doing, Harry James Potter?"
"I'm carrying you," he said, "What does it look like."
"Put me down this instant," she demanded but did nothing to force it. Harry ran after Roland with Hermione in his arms. "Fine then." She placed her arms around his neck and just stared at his eyes.
Roland looked back at them, to see Hermione in Harry's arms. "Well, isn't that something?" He stopped and waited for them to come.
"What?" Harry asked, he saw Roland's eye up close. Though he saw them before, it was still a freaky thing to see. Where a man's eyes are supposed to be was nothing, complete darkness.
"Nothing," Roland replied. "This way," he walked ahead, just quick enough so that Hermione didn't see his eyes. He stopped at a door and pulled a key ring from his pocket. Then Hermione spoke up.
"What's with your eyes?"
"Eye," Roland replied, he was fumbling with the key ring from his pocket, looking for the right knee.
"What?" she responded.
"Eye, single. Right now, I only have one." Roland held up a key. "Here we go." He opened the door and ushered them inside.
"Where's the owl?" Harry asked. He looked around the pitch-black room. "I can't see a thing."
"Sorry about that," Roland said, thought Harry couldn't find him.
"Where's the light switch," Hermione said, "I'll flip it."
"There is no light switch," Roland said, again, his voice was just out of thin air. "I removed it before. I saw no reason in wasting energy."
"How can you see without light?"
"How can you see with it?" Roland replied. He seemed to know that Hermione was about to answer and said, "Don't answer that. I'll open the blinds then."
The blinds opened suddenly, and an owl flew over to Harry. "Hedwig!" he said as the owl landed on his shoulder. She playfully nipped at his ear. "Thank you," he said to Roland. He saw him sitting on the bed, his back toward the sun. It was obvious there was pain in his face. "What's wrong?"
"I've got a headache, and the bright light isn't help it," Roland said, rubbing his temples.
"Harry can you put me down," Hermione asked, He slowly lowered her to the ground. "The light isn't that bright."
"To my eyes it is," Roland looked up, and opened his eyes. Hermione saw the darkness that was within them. "I should say eye." He stood up and walked over to the desk. He began to look the drawers, trying to find something. "Where is it, I know I placed a spare somewhere, ah, here it is." Roland held up a little ball. Harry and Hermione watched as he pulled open his left eyelid and slid the ball into it. He turned and faced them; blinking for a moment, then wipe the tear of pain away. "That always hurts."
"Was that a false eye?" she asked. Hermione moved closer to Harry, trying to hide behind him. She was afraid of this man for some odd reason.
"Something like that," Roland said, the eye was red and had a black dot in the middle. The eye spun in its socket for a moment before settling. Hermione giggled a bit and Harry smiled. "It's a mechanical eye; I can see out of it just fine, but in reality, with this eye and my powers, I'm legally blind." Roland waved a hand over his face, and the darkness disappeared, they saw his true eye. The pupil was white in color, as was the iris. "Without my powers augmenting my sight, I can't see, even with this eye, as it was designed to mimic my other one."
"You must be powerful then," Hermione said, over Harry's shoulder. He had to smile for she was still afraid of this man, when she had no reason to be.
"You could say that." He walked over to one of the dressers and pulled out long sleeve black shirt. He placed it over it sleeveless shirt. One of the sleeves just lay there, flapping when he walked. "By the way I must apologize for not coming sooner." Roland walked to his closet and took out a black trench coat and a black cowboy hat. Quickly he placed both on.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that with my empathic abilities, I felt the pain that you both felt. And this far away is such a feat."
"Wait, a second, you knew that Hermione was being hurt? And you didn't help her?" Harry's anger grew inside of him; /He knew and did nothing. And here he is trying to act like our friend./
"No," Roland said, "All I knew was that someone was being hurt in London. And that in the end, it would be a boy who saved her." He walked over to them. "Now come on, I have one more thing to get before we head out." He led them out of his room, locking the door again. Harry picked up Hermione again, this time without a single complaint.
"You've got quite a collection of books," Hermione said. Harry looked down at her, /Always the scholar you are, Hermione,/ Harry thought.
"They're not books, more like CDs, cards, and video games," Roland turned the corner and continued to explain, " all of the books that I've bought are in my library."
"You have your own library?" Harry smiled at her statement
"Do I note a hint of jealousy?" Harry asked, and was playfully hit on the arm by Hermione.
"You do, Harry," Roland said, "and yes, I do have my own library, but would like Muggles to know all the secrets of our world?"
"I never picked you for a wizard," Harry said, "You're so-"
"Technological?" Roland stopped for a second and looked back, his eyes returned to their hollow state.
"Yeah." Harry stared at Roland; while he was only a few inches taller then him, Harry thought that Roland was trying to hide his appearance.
"Well, if we were out in the Muggle world, and I didn't know all of that, I'd look pretty stupid." Roland continued to lead them down the hallway. He stopped at the end of it and knocked on a door. "Professor?"
"Come in, Roland," Professor X's voice came from behind it. He opened the door and walked in. Harry didn't know if he should go in too, or stay outside. "You too, Harry. And you can put down Hermione." Harry stood there in shock. /How did he know?/ he asked himself. Then he kicked himself in the head, of course, the professor was telepath. He slowly placed Hermione back on her feet. Hedwig calmly waited on his shoulder.
"C'mon, Harry," Hermione took his hand and walked into the room.
"Now professor," Roland said, "you shouldn't scare them like that. The idea of being a mutant is still new to them." He had taken a seat in front of the Professor's desk. The room was covered with shelves and those shelves covered in books.
"Wow," Hermione said, and stopped in the middle of the room. Harry stood right behind her.
"They are going to have to learn sometime," Professor X replied. "Please take a seat." There was only one left and Harry told Hermione that she could take it.
"No Harry," she replied. "I'll be fine, so please sit down."
"Hermione, you're injured, so sit." They continued to argue like this for a few more minutes before Roland finally spoke up.
"Listen," all eyes went to him, he was rubbing his temples, "Harry sit down, Hermione, you sit on his lap. It can't be the much different then him carrying you." Both of them blushed severely as they did as they were told. "Thank you. I couldn't take another minute of that."
"Of us arguing?" Hermione said, as she got comfortable on Harry's lap.
"No, the amount of-" he started to say, looking at them.
"Roland," the professor said.
"Sorry," he replied. But a slight smile was on both of their faces. "Now professor," Roland changed the subject, "about my arm."
"Ah, yes," Professor X said, "it's over their on the shelf."
"Thank you," Roland replied, and stood up. He limped over to it and picked it up. It was mechanical, just like the eye. The color of it was silver, and you could see the some of the wires through the plating. "No damage?" he held it as if it was a golf club, determining if it was straight.
"No damage, Roland."
"Good." Roland took off his coat and his long sleeve shirt; he inserted the arm into his stump, and twisted the arm. A rather loud click was heard and then Roland moved his arm around. "Thanks." He started to walk out of the room, but stopped at the door, "I'll wait for you two outside."
"Okay," Harry replied, Hermione rested her head on his shoulder, he slowly stroke her hair.
"Now about your mutant abilities," Professor X said, he rolled around him the back of the desk.
"I'm a mutant?" Hermione said surprised. She sat up in his lap with a worried expression on her face.
"Yes, Hermione," the professor replied. "Both you and Harry."
"So you're not alone, 'Mione," Harry said, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"Fine," Hermione laid back down on his shoulder. He slowly began to rub her hair again, and looked at her beautiful face. Harry loved the way she felt in his arms, how she looked to him was stunning. Never had he seen such beauty before. The professor's voice interrupted his thoughts again.
"You mutant abilities have begun to manifest themselves, Harry," Professor X continued. "Roland called you an Earth Elemental earlier this morning. He also called Hermione an Air Elemental, though I don't know if her abilities have manifested themselves yet."
"Are we still going to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked not moving. Despite what had happened, she still cared about school. He continued to stoke her hair, she felt so comfortable in his lap. It was like heaven to her.
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore wouldn't have it another way," Professor X replied. They sat there, staring at the professor with dropped jaws. Again Hermione sat straight up. "Surprised that the headmaster of Hogwarts is a friend of mine, well don't be. I've met him a while back when I first met Roland. That was about nine years ago. Dumbledore thought it was important in case any of his students were mutants that they had a place where they could be safe. And he found it in here."
"But where is here?" Harry asked. He had many questions for this man, but knew that there wasn't enough time for them all.
"Westchester, New York, Harry. This is the Xavier School for the Gifted, and indeed, we are all gifted here."
"Well, professor, I would like to thank you for helping us last night," Harry said. "I doubt that we would've survived it if you didn't come."
"Well, Harry," Professor X replied, "I have no doubt that you would have. After all, you are the Boy-Who-Lived." Harry stared at the professor for a moment. "It is important that I know what I can about my students, so Albus sent over your and Hermione's records from Hogwarts. So I know about how you and Hermione and Ron, is it?"
"Yes, Ron is my other friend," Harry tried to relax, but found it impossible. He looked down at Hermione and found her with her eyes closed, asleep.
"Well, I learned how you three defeated Voldemort for the past five years, and prevented him from taking full power. Also how you helped your Godfather clear his name last year, correct?"
"Yes," Harry said again. "But why is that important?"
"Because, it is our belief that Voldemort is a mutant, as to the reason why he is difficult to defeat. It is important to have a mutant and a wizard as a defense against him."
"Is that what this is about?" Harry nearly stood up but remembered that Hermione was on his lap. "You want to use me to defeat Voldemort?"
"No, I am here to help you control your mutant abilities. Roland is the one who intends to defeat him."
"How can he, he's-he's..." Harry couldn't find the words to describe what he was thinking. There was just something about Roland that was different
"Challenged, both mentally and physically?" Professor X said.
"He's mentally challenged?" Harry asked, "But he-"
"He has a problem with authority; as well he is the closest to being legally insane without being it." Professor X wheeled himself over to the window. "Three weeks ago, Roland and his girlfriend were up in Gotham, visiting his boss and vacationing. Well, a mob found out that he was a mutant and chased them out of their hotel. Even the local hero couldn't stop the angry mob." He paused for a moment. "They sought out sanctuary in a church and were given it, but the mob broke into the church and tried to kill both of them. Roland is alive because she made a choice, and that was him over her. Roland always said she had talent for the spiritual magic, and in the end it was true. Just before she was killed, Roland said that she told him it was meant to be, and he was to save us all. Well, the local hero arrived and did his best to save her, but in the end, even he could not."
"So what happened?"
"After they buried her, he stood out at the grave until night fall; I don't even know what time he came home. He was crushed, and never fully recovered. Before her death, he had a hard enough time with his anger and his powers, but now, Roland is having trouble keeping a grip on reality. He talks to himself sometimes, but not often. His anger if left unchecked is a very dangerous thing. The only reason why he isn't in a clinic is because they can't help him. What he needs is love and Roland happens to believe that he will never love again."
"Do you think he's right?"
"No of course not, in fact, there is someone else who deeply cares for him, but he's too blind to see it, or in his case, feel it." He wheeled back over to them. "Enough about Roland, we're here to talk about you two. You have control over the earth right?"
"To tell you the truth, I wouldn't know," Harry said, rubbing the back of his head. He looked down at Hermione. She'd fallen asleep in his lap. Her arms were wrapped around his waist and her head resting on his shoulder. "Last night, I when I got angry, the ground shook and for some odd reason, stone pillars came out of the ground. Also, whenever I was hit by something, all this dust would come off me."
"I see, and did any of Hermione's powers manifest last night?"
"No, sir," Harry replied, shaking his head. "Or at least as far as I know. Are you certain that she's a mutant?"
"Most definitely," Professor X said, "see you; she appears on Cerebro since last night too. And that is the truest form of test."
"Cerebro?" Harry repeated.
"Yes, it's a machine that can search the world for any mutant," Professor X replied. "I use it to find out those mutants who are hurting others and in danger."
Harry looked over at the wall, and saw the clock; they'd been talking for the last two hours. It now read one o'clock. And Hermione was asleep through most of it. Hedwig nipped his ear again, "Excuse me sir, but Roland offered to take us to get new cloths. So can we-"
"Of course, but just tell Roland that Storm is driving you guys to the mall." Professor Xavier offered a warm relaxing smile to Harry. "Please enjoy yourselves too, after what happened, I think that it's important to try to do something normal."
"Professor, for us, nothing is normal," Harry said with a smiled. He looked up at the owl on his shoulder, "you're probably getting hungry, aren't you?" She bit his ear gently. "Okay, Professor."
"Yes, Harry," he replied.
"Can you open the window?'
"Sure thing, as I see your hands are full," Professor X said, he opened the window and Hedwig flew out of it.
/One down, one to go,/ Harry thought. He gently shook Hermione's shoulder. He knew that she'd be upset at him for waking her up, but he also knew that she wouldn't want to miss shopping. "Hey," he said softly. She yawned for a moment.
"Five more minutes, mom," Hermione said and curled up in his lap.
Harry felt so sad for her, after all she'd lost her parents last night, and she knew that, that had to hard for you. But he still had to wake her up, despite his feelings against it. "Hey," he repeated, rubbing her hair.
Hermione yawned again, and opened her eyes. "Hey," she replied. Without them noticing, the professor looked over at them. A small smiled crossed his face.
"Ready to go?" he asked, standing up carefully, as Hermione was at his feet.
"Go where?" she asked him.
"I can't believe that you forgot," Harry replied. Hermione stared at him blankly. "Roland is taking us shopping for our cloths." Her eyes sparked up again.
"Oh, I can't believe that I forgot," she said, "thank you Harry." She hugged him, and surprised him. He stood there for a moment before doing anything, but finally he placed his arms around her.
"Well, you're welcome, Hermione," Harry replied, holding her gently.
"Well come on, Harry. Let's go." She grabbed his hand and tried to run out the door, but nearly fell had it not been for Harry to catch her.
"Hermione, be careful," he said, pulling her back up to her feet. "I don't want to see you hurt again." Harry spun her into his arms.
"Fine, but I don't want you to carry me," she replied, smiling up at him. She was but a few inches shorter then Harry, and enjoyed looking up at him.
"All right, but I'm still helping you walk," Harry said, wrapping his arm around hers. She pouted a bit more, but stopped when Harry smiled at her. He walked a few steps with her toward the door. "See, this isn't it too bad."
"You're right, Harry," Hermione looked up at Harry and smiled. "Let's go." They walked out the door hand in hand, arm in arm, smiling together. Both had forgotten that the professor was still in the room. He had a smile on his face, for he knew what both of them didn't; that they loved each other.
Outside the Professor's office, Roland was sitting on the ground, staring off into space, eating an apple. When Harry stepped out of the door, Roland looked up at them. "Aylo," he said.
"Aloe?" Harry replied.
"No, not aloe, aylo," Roland stood up. "It my word, it simple means hello." He held the apple core in his hand. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, but the professor said that Storm was going to drive us," Harry said.
"Well, we'd better go find her then," Roland smiled at both of them. "And Aylo to you too Hermione." She was right behind Harry, stilling saying goodbye to the professor.
"Aloe?" She said, confused.
"No, aylo," Roland rubbed his head, "never mind. C'mon, let's go find Ororo." He received blank stares from them as he walked away. "That's Storm's real name." He threw away the apple core in one of the garbage cans in the hallway.
"Oh, okay," Hermione replied, she was excited. It'd been so long since she felt safe and happy. All because Harry was here with her. /He will protect me./ Hermione thought. /I just wish that there can be more./ Hermione wrapped her hand back around Harry's arm and walked down the hallway with him. She felt so safe and free.
Harry disliked the silence that was shared as they walked the hallways, for as long as he knew, silence came just before something bad happened. "Hermione," Roland said, breaking the sound of Silence, "you must a brave girl, strong-willed at that."
"Why do you say that?" She replied.
"Because, after something as horrible as what happened last night, must people wouldn't be able to get out of bed and face the real world." She stopped where she was walking, causing Harry to stop too. "But then again, you had help from Harry. A true friend in times of need is the greatest gift we can receive." Harry blushed from the compliment and looked away from Hermione. She too was blushing. "But in retrospect, a true hero like the great Harry Potter would always help out his friends." Roland turned around and faced them.
Harry was about to ask how he knew, but then remembered his scar. "Oh," he replied. "But why'd you wait so long to mention anything. I don't believe that a wizard wouldn't know about what happened?"
"Harry," Hermione said, she was shocked at his pride.
"True, Harry," Roland said, "But I don't measure people on fame alone. You did that once, so what. But you were able to survive many times in the face of danger. That is an accomplishment." He turned the hallway, and Harry and Hermione followed him.
"I've read the data file the professor received, so I know what else you did with the help of your friends. That is what a hero does; he gives of himself without asking of anything. And you too, Hermione you are as much as a hero as Harry, believe it or not." He limped down the stairs, and in to the main hall. "You fought to survive and did. That is an accomplishment, Hermione." Harry noticed her blushing. "It takes a lot of heart to stand up to people like that, I know it did for me."
"What happened to you?" Hermione asked.
"When I was twelve, I was crucified, had acid poured on my left arm, my left eye burnt out, and my left knee shattered with a sledge hammer. But still, I didn't give in."
"Dear god," Hermione stopped walking. "Are you alright?"
"That's why I have a mechanical arm and eye. Why do you think you see me limping," Roland said, taking a seat on one of the benches in the main hall. "Ororo should be coming soon. Her class is letting out. So, what's Hogwarts like?"
"Why do you asked?" Harry returned with a question.
"I might be transferring over, so I want to know what the school is like before I make my choice." He placed his feet up on the table. "Please sit down, we've got a few minutes." They took seats across from them.
"Well, in Hogwarts: A History, it talks about how it was formed by the four Great Wizards, you know who they are right?" Hermione started, Roland nodded in agreement, "Anyway, and how they formed the school. Professor Dumbledore is the headmaster and Professor McGonagall is the Deputy Headmaster. I have the book." Hermione's voice trailed off, and she remembered that it was gone now. All her books were gone. Harry noticed that tears were forming in her eyes and placed a shoulder around her.
"It's alright," Harry said, comforting her to the best of his ability.
"I'm sorry," Roland, said, he sat up straight, "I didn't think that."
"No, that's just it, you didn't think," Harry snapped at him. He turned back at Hermione, who was still crying.
"You're right," Roland sat back in the chair, "I didn't think, but you have to understand that she has to learn to live with what happened, all of it."
"How can you be so insensitive?" Harry asked.
"Because, what she experienced was hell, I understand that, but if she dwells on it for long, then she can't lead a normal life. Hermione has to take a stand against the past and say 'do your worst, for I shall do mine.' Then she can move on, then and only then. Believe me, that is the only possible for such terrible incidents." He looked down at his hands, just staring at them. An odd moment of silence pasted, no one spoke. Harry sat there, holding Hermione in his arms, rocking her.
Storm finally showed up in a long shirt and a white blouse. "Good Afternoon, Roland," she said, "And you too."
Roland stood up when heard Storm's voice. "Aylo, Ororo," He replied. "Ready to go?"
"Yes," Ororo said, "I don't think that we've been formally introduced. My name is Ororo Munroe, and you are?"
"Harry Potter," Harry said, he stood up and shook her hand, "And this is Hermione Granger." She shook Ororo's hand too.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, are we ready to go?"
"Yeah," Roland said, "I think so."
"Wait," Hermione spoke up, "How are we going to pay for this? Harry and I don't really have any money with us."
Roland pulled out his wallet from his back pocket, and removed a card. "This will work," he said, handing it to Harry. "It's a credit card, with a five thousand dollar limit. When they ask for i.d., just show them these." He pulled out two driver's licenses with Harry and Hermione's picture on them. "Any signature you sign will work with that card. Don't worry about how much you spend, I'm covering it; just don't spend over the limit."
Harry took the license and looked at it, it was him all right. "Thank you, Roland," he said. "If there-"
"Don't worry about, Harry," Roland replied. "I'm happy to help out when I can, where I can."
"Well, with that settled," Ororo said, "let's head out." She walked out the main entrance, shifting the purse on her shoulder.
Roland pulled a cylinder out of his jacket and pointed it at the ground. The cylinder extended into a walking cane. He pulled out a pair of sunglasses and put them on. "Ororo, wait up," he said, running over to her. Harry watched as the moment Roland caught up, he began to move the cane back and forth.
"He's using that cane like he's a blind man," Hermione said, still wrapped in Harry's arms.
"Roland is blind, remember, 'Mione," Harry replied. "C'mon." He stood up and helped her up too. With her arm wrapped around his, they quickly caught up with Ororo and Roland.
Friendships form
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: "One must make friends if one is to find help." Chronos the Fallen Angel
So what did you think, I know it's different, but still. Hey listen I want to thank Sunny and Logan Taylor for review my story. I hope I answered your questions. Again please review if you don't like something or have a question. No flames all right, and if you do do one, I come right back with one for you.
Okay, I'm going to try something different here. In my brother's opinion, the way I did my last chapter was pointless, so I'll do the popular way, omni-potent point of view. This means you see everything at once. The last chapter had a variation of that, where you saw the saw scene though through different perspectives. So here goes nothing.
Again, please R&R this story and my other one. It is being postponed for now until this one is finished, part of the reason is that this story will contain some of the ideas from that one. And now to continue with Harry's experience.
/-/ means thought since italics doesn't work on this network. Also it can be used for telepathy.
* * * * * *
The sun shown in the room where Harry and Hermione slept. The light hit his eyes, and Harry slowly woke up. He was about to stretch but remembered who was with him. He looked down at the precious girl who lay in his arms. He finally saw the damage the Steven afflicted her. Hermione had a black eye and a split lip and that was just on her face. He knew that there were other bruises. "Why?" he asked, and stroked her long brown hair, "why did he do this to you?"
/You are so beautiful; you know that Hermione,/ Harry thought as he looked down at her. /But I know that we can never be. You said so yourself/. Harry stared up at the ceiling and continued to stroke her hair. He pulled her up, and felt her soft breathing on his chest. Hermione stirred on him. Harry watched her eyes blinks for a moment, before she fully opened them and yawned. "Hey," He said, not stopping what he as doing.
"Hey," Hermione replied. She loved the way Harry felt, and simply laid back down on his chest. /You are so handsome Harry/, she thought,/but why did I have to open my big mouth and say something like that./ Harry stopped stroking her hair for a second, and she looked at him with puppy-dog eyes. "Please don't stop."
"Okay, 'Mione," Harry replied, and started again. He noticed her blushing as she rested her head on his chest. "Better?" He smiled down at her.
"Yeah," Hermione replied. She was outlined the muscles on it, when she spoke up again. "Harry?"
"Yeah?" It tickled on slightly, but enough to bring a smile to his face. She felt so warm and comforting.
"What are we going to do about cloths?" Harry paused for a moment, he hadn't thought of that. All of their cloths and school supplies were destroyed in the fire and attack. Hermione looked back up at him, tears starting to form in her eyes. "It's all gone, Harry. My house, my family, my books, all my school supplies. Everything."
"Shh," Harry said, and continued to rub her hair. "Everything will be alright."
"Of course you can say that, at least you still have Sirius," Hermione said, and Harry stopped.
"He was killed last night too," he replied. Harry shifted himself so his back was against the headboard.
"I'm sorry, Harry," She said, hugging him, her arms around his neck.
Harry returned the hug, placing his around her waist. "It's alright, you didn't know." He felt the tears run down his shoulder. "Hermione, please don't cry."
"It's all gone, what will we do?" she looked at him with tears in eyes. Harry dried them with his hand.
"I don't know, but we'll think of something." She slowly stopped crying but didn't let go. They sat there holding each other for what seemed like forever. And Harry didn't want it to end.
"Harry," Hermione finally said, she let go of him, looked in his eyes.
"Yes, 'Mione," He replied. She blushed at his little nickname.
"Promise me one thing."
"Anything for you," Harry said, he smiled at her.
"Promise me that you will never leave me alone," she said. She hugged him again, waiting for his answer.
"Hermione, you should know that I would never leave you alone," Harry replied. He pushed her away for a moment. "No matter where I am, whether in the next room, or on the other side of the world," he pointed at her heart, "I'm always here." Harry ran his finger up and touched her nose. Hermione giggled. He hugged her again.
"Thank you, Harry," she said, crying again. Harry quickly heard it again and pulled away.
"Hermione, please stop crying, I don't like seeing you upset." He stared at her with his emerald eyes, the eyes that she loved s much.
"I'm not upset, Harry," she wiped a tear away with her dirty blouse sleeve. "You're just so good to me."
"No, I'm doing what any friend would do, Hermione," Harry said. It was true, but he loved her more then he could say, and he couldn't say that he did love her.
"No, you aren't. You've been so comforting to me, despite the way I've been acting."
"There is nothing wrong with the way you've been acting, 'Mione," Harry placed an arm around her shoulders. "Only thing that was wrong was what happened." She relaxed a bit. "And I will never allow that to happen again, never. I promise."
"Do you intend to keep that promise," Roland said, the door was wide open. In his one arm, he had a bag with him. Harry saw that he was still missing that other arm.
"Yes I do," Harry replied, pulling Hermione closer. She relaxed and rested on his shoulder, smiling as she laid her head down.
"Good," Roland said, he walked over but stopped just a few feet in front of the other bed. The sunlight covered the ground. He stared at it for a moment. "Here." He tossed the bag across the room; it landed at the foot of the bed.
"What's in it?" Hermione asked. She looked over at the bag, some of the contents spilled out. It was a simple white blouse. "Cloths!" Harry saw the excitement on her face.
"Yeah, at least for today," Roland said, "you'll have to return them once you get the rest of you cloths. You can change in the bathroom over there," he pointed at the door on the other side of the room, "There's also a shower in there."
"How did-" Harry asked, he didn't let go of her, despite that he knew she wanted to see what Roland had given them.
"I know what the fire did last night." He turned and walked away.
"But what about the rest of our cloths?" Harry asked.
"That's why we're going shopping today," he said as he left the room. "Oh," he popped back in. "breakfast is ready down stairs, so change and come on down." And he left.
Hermione got out of Harry's arms and jumped to the end of the bed. She picked up the cloths and placed them on the bed. She pulled out the blouse and held it up. "This is my size too," her voice was filled with excitement. Hermione pulled out a pair of jeans, socks, and shoes for her, and handed the bag to Harry. "The rest of it is for you."
Harry smiled at her. "You know, this is the first time, I've seen you excited about something since yesterday."
"Shut up," she replied, playfully hitting him on the arm.
"I'm just happy to see you returning to normal. Or at least normal for you," Harry said. He grinned at her, and got hit again.
"Be nice, Harry." Hermione got up and ran over to the bathroom with her cloths in her arms. "You change out here, unless you want to take a shower. Then you'll have to wait."
"I'll wait then," Harry replied, as the door shut. "I love you," he said softly. Harry picked up the bag and pulled out its contents and looked at them. All he could do right now was wait.
* * * * * *
Roland walked down stairs slowly, as he knee was giving him trouble. Not to mention the splitting headache he had from losing his sunglasses. The light was so bright; he'd been avoiding it all morning. Roland finally made it down stairs to the kitchen. "Morning," Storm said, she was in a robe making tea. A small smile was on her face.
"Shut up," Roland replied. She had to laugh. "Just remember what you and Kurt promised."
"I know, but still," She said, "how did you stop my storm? That was one the ones that you said couldn't be stopped until it ran its course."
"I don't know," Roland opened up the fridge and pulled out the orange juice. "I just did."
"It seems you still have more secrets," Storm said, she poured herself a cup of tea and took a seat at the table.
"Maybe," Roland grabbed a cup from one of the cupboards, and poured himself some orange juice. "Two weeks." He toasted then drank the entire glass in one gulp. He took a seat on the counter. And watched as Storm laughed at him.
"Two weeks what?" Kurt said, he popped out of nowhere. He was fully dressed.
"Til my twenty-first birthday," Roland smiled. "Logan and I have a bet at who can drink more."
"You're going to lose," Logan walked through the door. He opened the fridge and pulled out a piece of cake. "There it is."
"You really shouldn't eat that in the morning," Storm said, drinking her tea.
"Like I care," Logan replied and pulled out a fork from the drawers. The room laughed.
"Always the health eater, Logan," Scott said, he too was fully dressed. Only Logan and Storm were the ones who looked like they just came from their beds. "C'mon, Kurt. The professor wants us to go pick her up."
"Who?" Storm asked.
"Roland mentioned that Jean was alive. The professor looked for her with Cerebro and sure enough, he found her."
"You do know that's pointless, right," Roland said, he was spinning his glass on his finger, staring just at it.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that she's headed here and should be at the Mansion by nightfall." Roland muttered something under his breath and the glass was refilled with orange juice.
"Roland, remember what I said about magic being used in the mansion?" the professor came wheeling in the kitchen.
"Yeah, but they know about it now, so why not?" He drank from the glass. "I need my arm back Professor. I'm taking our guests shopping.
"Do you think that it's wise for you to drive?" Storm asked.
"No," Roland replied. "Still..."
"Wait," Scott said "what about Jean? You said she's coming here."
"Yeah, with the amount of power she has right now, it shouldn't be too hard." Roland finished off the orange juice and hopped off the counter, "if you excuse me, I have some reading to do." He walked past Scott and out the door.
"God, he never finishes a conversation," Scott said, his hands were clenched in a fist.
"I doubt that he would want to stay in crowded areas because of his powers," Kurt said.
"No, it's something else," Professor X added. "Now about Roland driving, Storm, can you take them instead?"
"That should be no problem."
"Good, with Jean headed this way, I doubt that we will cancel any more classes, so-"
"Alright, alright," Logan said, "I still don't know how you talk me into teaching." He rubbed his head as if he had a headache. The room laughed again.
* * * * * *
Harry and Hermione finally were showered and changed. But they didn't leave the room for the next hour or so, talking about what they were going to do. After all they lost everything in the fire the night before. Harry finally persuaded Hermione to use the money from his vault to pay for her school supplies. Another knock came from the door. "Come in," Harry said. Roland walked in the room. "Hello and thank you for the cloths."
"No problem," He replied. "You two don't happen to know what owls eat; do you?" He limped inside the room.
"Yeah," Hermione replied, Harry nodded, "why?"
"Oh, because I got this snow-white owl-"
"Snow white," Harry stood up next to the bed. That could be her, it had to be. He'd been so worried about her.
"Yeah anyway, she's stuck up in my room, and she won't eat anything. So I've got to find some for her to eat."
"Can I see the owl?" Harry asked. He was almost positive, it had to be.
"Sure," Roland walked out the door. Harry ran after him.
"Harry, wait up," Hermione said, despite her leg had healed a bit, it still hurt every once in a while. She ran after him
"Sorry, but that owl-"
"I know, it might be Hedwig," Hermione said, finishing his sentence. "But can you slow down?"
"Sure," Harry replied. "Your leg still hurting?"
"Just a bit, but-hey?!" She said as Harry picked her up. "What do you think you are doing, Harry James Potter?"
"I'm carrying you," he said, "What does it look like."
"Put me down this instant," she demanded but did nothing to force it. Harry ran after Roland with Hermione in his arms. "Fine then." She placed her arms around his neck and just stared at his eyes.
Roland looked back at them, to see Hermione in Harry's arms. "Well, isn't that something?" He stopped and waited for them to come.
"What?" Harry asked, he saw Roland's eye up close. Though he saw them before, it was still a freaky thing to see. Where a man's eyes are supposed to be was nothing, complete darkness.
"Nothing," Roland replied. "This way," he walked ahead, just quick enough so that Hermione didn't see his eyes. He stopped at a door and pulled a key ring from his pocket. Then Hermione spoke up.
"What's with your eyes?"
"Eye," Roland replied, he was fumbling with the key ring from his pocket, looking for the right knee.
"What?" she responded.
"Eye, single. Right now, I only have one." Roland held up a key. "Here we go." He opened the door and ushered them inside.
"Where's the owl?" Harry asked. He looked around the pitch-black room. "I can't see a thing."
"Sorry about that," Roland said, thought Harry couldn't find him.
"Where's the light switch," Hermione said, "I'll flip it."
"There is no light switch," Roland said, again, his voice was just out of thin air. "I removed it before. I saw no reason in wasting energy."
"How can you see without light?"
"How can you see with it?" Roland replied. He seemed to know that Hermione was about to answer and said, "Don't answer that. I'll open the blinds then."
The blinds opened suddenly, and an owl flew over to Harry. "Hedwig!" he said as the owl landed on his shoulder. She playfully nipped at his ear. "Thank you," he said to Roland. He saw him sitting on the bed, his back toward the sun. It was obvious there was pain in his face. "What's wrong?"
"I've got a headache, and the bright light isn't help it," Roland said, rubbing his temples.
"Harry can you put me down," Hermione asked, He slowly lowered her to the ground. "The light isn't that bright."
"To my eyes it is," Roland looked up, and opened his eyes. Hermione saw the darkness that was within them. "I should say eye." He stood up and walked over to the desk. He began to look the drawers, trying to find something. "Where is it, I know I placed a spare somewhere, ah, here it is." Roland held up a little ball. Harry and Hermione watched as he pulled open his left eyelid and slid the ball into it. He turned and faced them; blinking for a moment, then wipe the tear of pain away. "That always hurts."
"Was that a false eye?" she asked. Hermione moved closer to Harry, trying to hide behind him. She was afraid of this man for some odd reason.
"Something like that," Roland said, the eye was red and had a black dot in the middle. The eye spun in its socket for a moment before settling. Hermione giggled a bit and Harry smiled. "It's a mechanical eye; I can see out of it just fine, but in reality, with this eye and my powers, I'm legally blind." Roland waved a hand over his face, and the darkness disappeared, they saw his true eye. The pupil was white in color, as was the iris. "Without my powers augmenting my sight, I can't see, even with this eye, as it was designed to mimic my other one."
"You must be powerful then," Hermione said, over Harry's shoulder. He had to smile for she was still afraid of this man, when she had no reason to be.
"You could say that." He walked over to one of the dressers and pulled out long sleeve black shirt. He placed it over it sleeveless shirt. One of the sleeves just lay there, flapping when he walked. "By the way I must apologize for not coming sooner." Roland walked to his closet and took out a black trench coat and a black cowboy hat. Quickly he placed both on.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that with my empathic abilities, I felt the pain that you both felt. And this far away is such a feat."
"Wait, a second, you knew that Hermione was being hurt? And you didn't help her?" Harry's anger grew inside of him; /He knew and did nothing. And here he is trying to act like our friend./
"No," Roland said, "All I knew was that someone was being hurt in London. And that in the end, it would be a boy who saved her." He walked over to them. "Now come on, I have one more thing to get before we head out." He led them out of his room, locking the door again. Harry picked up Hermione again, this time without a single complaint.
"You've got quite a collection of books," Hermione said. Harry looked down at her, /Always the scholar you are, Hermione,/ Harry thought.
"They're not books, more like CDs, cards, and video games," Roland turned the corner and continued to explain, " all of the books that I've bought are in my library."
"You have your own library?" Harry smiled at her statement
"Do I note a hint of jealousy?" Harry asked, and was playfully hit on the arm by Hermione.
"You do, Harry," Roland said, "and yes, I do have my own library, but would like Muggles to know all the secrets of our world?"
"I never picked you for a wizard," Harry said, "You're so-"
"Technological?" Roland stopped for a second and looked back, his eyes returned to their hollow state.
"Yeah." Harry stared at Roland; while he was only a few inches taller then him, Harry thought that Roland was trying to hide his appearance.
"Well, if we were out in the Muggle world, and I didn't know all of that, I'd look pretty stupid." Roland continued to lead them down the hallway. He stopped at the end of it and knocked on a door. "Professor?"
"Come in, Roland," Professor X's voice came from behind it. He opened the door and walked in. Harry didn't know if he should go in too, or stay outside. "You too, Harry. And you can put down Hermione." Harry stood there in shock. /How did he know?/ he asked himself. Then he kicked himself in the head, of course, the professor was telepath. He slowly placed Hermione back on her feet. Hedwig calmly waited on his shoulder.
"C'mon, Harry," Hermione took his hand and walked into the room.
"Now professor," Roland said, "you shouldn't scare them like that. The idea of being a mutant is still new to them." He had taken a seat in front of the Professor's desk. The room was covered with shelves and those shelves covered in books.
"Wow," Hermione said, and stopped in the middle of the room. Harry stood right behind her.
"They are going to have to learn sometime," Professor X replied. "Please take a seat." There was only one left and Harry told Hermione that she could take it.
"No Harry," she replied. "I'll be fine, so please sit down."
"Hermione, you're injured, so sit." They continued to argue like this for a few more minutes before Roland finally spoke up.
"Listen," all eyes went to him, he was rubbing his temples, "Harry sit down, Hermione, you sit on his lap. It can't be the much different then him carrying you." Both of them blushed severely as they did as they were told. "Thank you. I couldn't take another minute of that."
"Of us arguing?" Hermione said, as she got comfortable on Harry's lap.
"No, the amount of-" he started to say, looking at them.
"Roland," the professor said.
"Sorry," he replied. But a slight smile was on both of their faces. "Now professor," Roland changed the subject, "about my arm."
"Ah, yes," Professor X said, "it's over their on the shelf."
"Thank you," Roland replied, and stood up. He limped over to it and picked it up. It was mechanical, just like the eye. The color of it was silver, and you could see the some of the wires through the plating. "No damage?" he held it as if it was a golf club, determining if it was straight.
"No damage, Roland."
"Good." Roland took off his coat and his long sleeve shirt; he inserted the arm into his stump, and twisted the arm. A rather loud click was heard and then Roland moved his arm around. "Thanks." He started to walk out of the room, but stopped at the door, "I'll wait for you two outside."
"Okay," Harry replied, Hermione rested her head on his shoulder, he slowly stroke her hair.
"Now about your mutant abilities," Professor X said, he rolled around him the back of the desk.
"I'm a mutant?" Hermione said surprised. She sat up in his lap with a worried expression on her face.
"Yes, Hermione," the professor replied. "Both you and Harry."
"So you're not alone, 'Mione," Harry said, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"Fine," Hermione laid back down on his shoulder. He slowly began to rub her hair again, and looked at her beautiful face. Harry loved the way she felt in his arms, how she looked to him was stunning. Never had he seen such beauty before. The professor's voice interrupted his thoughts again.
"You mutant abilities have begun to manifest themselves, Harry," Professor X continued. "Roland called you an Earth Elemental earlier this morning. He also called Hermione an Air Elemental, though I don't know if her abilities have manifested themselves yet."
"Are we still going to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked not moving. Despite what had happened, she still cared about school. He continued to stoke her hair, she felt so comfortable in his lap. It was like heaven to her.
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore wouldn't have it another way," Professor X replied. They sat there, staring at the professor with dropped jaws. Again Hermione sat straight up. "Surprised that the headmaster of Hogwarts is a friend of mine, well don't be. I've met him a while back when I first met Roland. That was about nine years ago. Dumbledore thought it was important in case any of his students were mutants that they had a place where they could be safe. And he found it in here."
"But where is here?" Harry asked. He had many questions for this man, but knew that there wasn't enough time for them all.
"Westchester, New York, Harry. This is the Xavier School for the Gifted, and indeed, we are all gifted here."
"Well, professor, I would like to thank you for helping us last night," Harry said. "I doubt that we would've survived it if you didn't come."
"Well, Harry," Professor X replied, "I have no doubt that you would have. After all, you are the Boy-Who-Lived." Harry stared at the professor for a moment. "It is important that I know what I can about my students, so Albus sent over your and Hermione's records from Hogwarts. So I know about how you and Hermione and Ron, is it?"
"Yes, Ron is my other friend," Harry tried to relax, but found it impossible. He looked down at Hermione and found her with her eyes closed, asleep.
"Well, I learned how you three defeated Voldemort for the past five years, and prevented him from taking full power. Also how you helped your Godfather clear his name last year, correct?"
"Yes," Harry said again. "But why is that important?"
"Because, it is our belief that Voldemort is a mutant, as to the reason why he is difficult to defeat. It is important to have a mutant and a wizard as a defense against him."
"Is that what this is about?" Harry nearly stood up but remembered that Hermione was on his lap. "You want to use me to defeat Voldemort?"
"No, I am here to help you control your mutant abilities. Roland is the one who intends to defeat him."
"How can he, he's-he's..." Harry couldn't find the words to describe what he was thinking. There was just something about Roland that was different
"Challenged, both mentally and physically?" Professor X said.
"He's mentally challenged?" Harry asked, "But he-"
"He has a problem with authority; as well he is the closest to being legally insane without being it." Professor X wheeled himself over to the window. "Three weeks ago, Roland and his girlfriend were up in Gotham, visiting his boss and vacationing. Well, a mob found out that he was a mutant and chased them out of their hotel. Even the local hero couldn't stop the angry mob." He paused for a moment. "They sought out sanctuary in a church and were given it, but the mob broke into the church and tried to kill both of them. Roland is alive because she made a choice, and that was him over her. Roland always said she had talent for the spiritual magic, and in the end it was true. Just before she was killed, Roland said that she told him it was meant to be, and he was to save us all. Well, the local hero arrived and did his best to save her, but in the end, even he could not."
"So what happened?"
"After they buried her, he stood out at the grave until night fall; I don't even know what time he came home. He was crushed, and never fully recovered. Before her death, he had a hard enough time with his anger and his powers, but now, Roland is having trouble keeping a grip on reality. He talks to himself sometimes, but not often. His anger if left unchecked is a very dangerous thing. The only reason why he isn't in a clinic is because they can't help him. What he needs is love and Roland happens to believe that he will never love again."
"Do you think he's right?"
"No of course not, in fact, there is someone else who deeply cares for him, but he's too blind to see it, or in his case, feel it." He wheeled back over to them. "Enough about Roland, we're here to talk about you two. You have control over the earth right?"
"To tell you the truth, I wouldn't know," Harry said, rubbing the back of his head. He looked down at Hermione. She'd fallen asleep in his lap. Her arms were wrapped around his waist and her head resting on his shoulder. "Last night, I when I got angry, the ground shook and for some odd reason, stone pillars came out of the ground. Also, whenever I was hit by something, all this dust would come off me."
"I see, and did any of Hermione's powers manifest last night?"
"No, sir," Harry replied, shaking his head. "Or at least as far as I know. Are you certain that she's a mutant?"
"Most definitely," Professor X said, "see you; she appears on Cerebro since last night too. And that is the truest form of test."
"Cerebro?" Harry repeated.
"Yes, it's a machine that can search the world for any mutant," Professor X replied. "I use it to find out those mutants who are hurting others and in danger."
Harry looked over at the wall, and saw the clock; they'd been talking for the last two hours. It now read one o'clock. And Hermione was asleep through most of it. Hedwig nipped his ear again, "Excuse me sir, but Roland offered to take us to get new cloths. So can we-"
"Of course, but just tell Roland that Storm is driving you guys to the mall." Professor Xavier offered a warm relaxing smile to Harry. "Please enjoy yourselves too, after what happened, I think that it's important to try to do something normal."
"Professor, for us, nothing is normal," Harry said with a smiled. He looked up at the owl on his shoulder, "you're probably getting hungry, aren't you?" She bit his ear gently. "Okay, Professor."
"Yes, Harry," he replied.
"Can you open the window?'
"Sure thing, as I see your hands are full," Professor X said, he opened the window and Hedwig flew out of it.
/One down, one to go,/ Harry thought. He gently shook Hermione's shoulder. He knew that she'd be upset at him for waking her up, but he also knew that she wouldn't want to miss shopping. "Hey," he said softly. She yawned for a moment.
"Five more minutes, mom," Hermione said and curled up in his lap.
Harry felt so sad for her, after all she'd lost her parents last night, and she knew that, that had to hard for you. But he still had to wake her up, despite his feelings against it. "Hey," he repeated, rubbing her hair.
Hermione yawned again, and opened her eyes. "Hey," she replied. Without them noticing, the professor looked over at them. A small smiled crossed his face.
"Ready to go?" he asked, standing up carefully, as Hermione was at his feet.
"Go where?" she asked him.
"I can't believe that you forgot," Harry replied. Hermione stared at him blankly. "Roland is taking us shopping for our cloths." Her eyes sparked up again.
"Oh, I can't believe that I forgot," she said, "thank you Harry." She hugged him, and surprised him. He stood there for a moment before doing anything, but finally he placed his arms around her.
"Well, you're welcome, Hermione," Harry replied, holding her gently.
"Well come on, Harry. Let's go." She grabbed his hand and tried to run out the door, but nearly fell had it not been for Harry to catch her.
"Hermione, be careful," he said, pulling her back up to her feet. "I don't want to see you hurt again." Harry spun her into his arms.
"Fine, but I don't want you to carry me," she replied, smiling up at him. She was but a few inches shorter then Harry, and enjoyed looking up at him.
"All right, but I'm still helping you walk," Harry said, wrapping his arm around hers. She pouted a bit more, but stopped when Harry smiled at her. He walked a few steps with her toward the door. "See, this isn't it too bad."
"You're right, Harry," Hermione looked up at Harry and smiled. "Let's go." They walked out the door hand in hand, arm in arm, smiling together. Both had forgotten that the professor was still in the room. He had a smile on his face, for he knew what both of them didn't; that they loved each other.
Outside the Professor's office, Roland was sitting on the ground, staring off into space, eating an apple. When Harry stepped out of the door, Roland looked up at them. "Aylo," he said.
"Aloe?" Harry replied.
"No, not aloe, aylo," Roland stood up. "It my word, it simple means hello." He held the apple core in his hand. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, but the professor said that Storm was going to drive us," Harry said.
"Well, we'd better go find her then," Roland smiled at both of them. "And Aylo to you too Hermione." She was right behind Harry, stilling saying goodbye to the professor.
"Aloe?" She said, confused.
"No, aylo," Roland rubbed his head, "never mind. C'mon, let's go find Ororo." He received blank stares from them as he walked away. "That's Storm's real name." He threw away the apple core in one of the garbage cans in the hallway.
"Oh, okay," Hermione replied, she was excited. It'd been so long since she felt safe and happy. All because Harry was here with her. /He will protect me./ Hermione thought. /I just wish that there can be more./ Hermione wrapped her hand back around Harry's arm and walked down the hallway with him. She felt so safe and free.
Harry disliked the silence that was shared as they walked the hallways, for as long as he knew, silence came just before something bad happened. "Hermione," Roland said, breaking the sound of Silence, "you must a brave girl, strong-willed at that."
"Why do you say that?" She replied.
"Because, after something as horrible as what happened last night, must people wouldn't be able to get out of bed and face the real world." She stopped where she was walking, causing Harry to stop too. "But then again, you had help from Harry. A true friend in times of need is the greatest gift we can receive." Harry blushed from the compliment and looked away from Hermione. She too was blushing. "But in retrospect, a true hero like the great Harry Potter would always help out his friends." Roland turned around and faced them.
Harry was about to ask how he knew, but then remembered his scar. "Oh," he replied. "But why'd you wait so long to mention anything. I don't believe that a wizard wouldn't know about what happened?"
"Harry," Hermione said, she was shocked at his pride.
"True, Harry," Roland said, "But I don't measure people on fame alone. You did that once, so what. But you were able to survive many times in the face of danger. That is an accomplishment." He turned the hallway, and Harry and Hermione followed him.
"I've read the data file the professor received, so I know what else you did with the help of your friends. That is what a hero does; he gives of himself without asking of anything. And you too, Hermione you are as much as a hero as Harry, believe it or not." He limped down the stairs, and in to the main hall. "You fought to survive and did. That is an accomplishment, Hermione." Harry noticed her blushing. "It takes a lot of heart to stand up to people like that, I know it did for me."
"What happened to you?" Hermione asked.
"When I was twelve, I was crucified, had acid poured on my left arm, my left eye burnt out, and my left knee shattered with a sledge hammer. But still, I didn't give in."
"Dear god," Hermione stopped walking. "Are you alright?"
"That's why I have a mechanical arm and eye. Why do you think you see me limping," Roland said, taking a seat on one of the benches in the main hall. "Ororo should be coming soon. Her class is letting out. So, what's Hogwarts like?"
"Why do you asked?" Harry returned with a question.
"I might be transferring over, so I want to know what the school is like before I make my choice." He placed his feet up on the table. "Please sit down, we've got a few minutes." They took seats across from them.
"Well, in Hogwarts: A History, it talks about how it was formed by the four Great Wizards, you know who they are right?" Hermione started, Roland nodded in agreement, "Anyway, and how they formed the school. Professor Dumbledore is the headmaster and Professor McGonagall is the Deputy Headmaster. I have the book." Hermione's voice trailed off, and she remembered that it was gone now. All her books were gone. Harry noticed that tears were forming in her eyes and placed a shoulder around her.
"It's alright," Harry said, comforting her to the best of his ability.
"I'm sorry," Roland, said, he sat up straight, "I didn't think that."
"No, that's just it, you didn't think," Harry snapped at him. He turned back at Hermione, who was still crying.
"You're right," Roland sat back in the chair, "I didn't think, but you have to understand that she has to learn to live with what happened, all of it."
"How can you be so insensitive?" Harry asked.
"Because, what she experienced was hell, I understand that, but if she dwells on it for long, then she can't lead a normal life. Hermione has to take a stand against the past and say 'do your worst, for I shall do mine.' Then she can move on, then and only then. Believe me, that is the only possible for such terrible incidents." He looked down at his hands, just staring at them. An odd moment of silence pasted, no one spoke. Harry sat there, holding Hermione in his arms, rocking her.
Storm finally showed up in a long shirt and a white blouse. "Good Afternoon, Roland," she said, "And you too."
Roland stood up when heard Storm's voice. "Aylo, Ororo," He replied. "Ready to go?"
"Yes," Ororo said, "I don't think that we've been formally introduced. My name is Ororo Munroe, and you are?"
"Harry Potter," Harry said, he stood up and shook her hand, "And this is Hermione Granger." She shook Ororo's hand too.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, are we ready to go?"
"Yeah," Roland said, "I think so."
"Wait," Hermione spoke up, "How are we going to pay for this? Harry and I don't really have any money with us."
Roland pulled out his wallet from his back pocket, and removed a card. "This will work," he said, handing it to Harry. "It's a credit card, with a five thousand dollar limit. When they ask for i.d., just show them these." He pulled out two driver's licenses with Harry and Hermione's picture on them. "Any signature you sign will work with that card. Don't worry about how much you spend, I'm covering it; just don't spend over the limit."
Harry took the license and looked at it, it was him all right. "Thank you, Roland," he said. "If there-"
"Don't worry about, Harry," Roland replied. "I'm happy to help out when I can, where I can."
"Well, with that settled," Ororo said, "let's head out." She walked out the main entrance, shifting the purse on her shoulder.
Roland pulled a cylinder out of his jacket and pointed it at the ground. The cylinder extended into a walking cane. He pulled out a pair of sunglasses and put them on. "Ororo, wait up," he said, running over to her. Harry watched as the moment Roland caught up, he began to move the cane back and forth.
"He's using that cane like he's a blind man," Hermione said, still wrapped in Harry's arms.
"Roland is blind, remember, 'Mione," Harry replied. "C'mon." He stood up and helped her up too. With her arm wrapped around his, they quickly caught up with Ororo and Roland.