Chapter 5:
With Great Advances
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: "With great advances and achievements, comes great failure and pain." Chronos the Fallen Angel
Hey, what do you think of the addition of the Matrix, and for anyone who reads DC Comics, that Supergirl. I'll explain later. So please hold on, and no, Roland isn't her father. I just don't feel like changing the chapter now that I got it on the net. So, please review. I know the chapters are a bit long, but bare with me. Even my brother thinks that this story is better then my last one. The little foreshadowing in this story are fully developed.
Anyway, please enjoy this chapter and review it. Again, anything created by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and J.K. Rowlings are theirs and theirs alone. The plot, Roland, and any other characters are mine.
* * * * * *
Harry woke up just to see the sun rise outside his room. Hermione still had her arm across his body, peacefully sleeping. A smile was on her face, as his chest rose up and down. He slowly got up, careful not to wake the girl who still laid in the bed. Harry grabbed his cloths and went to the bathroom.
After a long shower, he came out to find her still asleep. Harry walked over to the bed and took a seat next to her. He was wearing the new cloths that they had bought the day before. Hermione no longer wore the smile on her face, but when Harry began to pet her long brown hair, the smile returned. She stirred a bit, but Harry continued to pet her hair. Her eyes blinked for a moment before she sat up and yawned. When she saw Harry, tears came to her eyes. "Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"They're gone, Harry," Hermione said, embracing him in a hug. "They've left me all alone." Her arms wrapped around his neck as she cried on his shoulder.
"Who are gone?" he replied, pulling her closer to him, his hands around her waist.
"My parents, Harry." For a while, they didn't speak again, Hermione just cried in Harry's arms.
"Hermione, I can't begin to know how you feel," Harry said.
"That's right you can't," she snapped at him.
"But you need to know that, like me," he pulled away just enough to see her face, and pointed to her heart, "that they are always in her heart and in your memories."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said, quickly embracing him again.
"I'm not done," Harry laughed out, and pushed her away. She pouted a bit. "Okay," Harry finally said after a while, and Hermione returned to hugging him. He began to rock her back and forth. "I'll tell you from here. I may not be able to fully remember my parents, but I do remember that they loved me, Hermione. And without fully knowing your parents, I can say that they loved you, too."
"Harry," Hermione sniffled, wiping eyes with her arm. She didn't let go of Harry. "You always know what to say."
"Maybe," Harry replied, "c'mon," and pulled away. "We've both need breakfast, since dinner wasn't much and we didn't eat before that."
"Fine," Hermione said, wiping her face. "Just let me get showered and ready."
"Okay." Hermione gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek. She jumped out of bed and grabbed her bags. Both her and Harry were madly blushing.
Harry sighed. /why can't I tell you?/ he asked himself. He sat there, thinking of what to do, what they were going to do, while Hermione showered.
* * * * * *
"We have a deal, Magneto?" Roland asked. He sat in a chair across from the Master of Magnetism. Again, all that separated them was the thin wall of plasma. The young mutant wore his long black trench coat and cowboy hat. His black sleeveless shirt was seen from the open coat.
"Yes, I believe that we do," he said.
"How 'bout you, Gambit?" Roland looked over to the Cajun mutant in the cell next to Magneto.
"What ever ya t'ink, boss," he said, cutting the deck of card that he held with one hand. The Cajun accent ran deep in his words. His shaggy brown hair hung over a red bandana. Gambit's trench coat lay over the bed as he sat at the entrance to his cell.
"Then it's settle," Magneto replied. He stood up, and held out his hand. The plasma wall shut down between him and Roland.
"I think so," Roland said, taking the hand. He pulled the old man closer, just enough so that only he could hear what the shadow master was saying. "You or Gambit double cross me, and I'll make what the Germans did look like heaven." And he quickly released him.
"A deal is a deal, my friend." Magneto walked over to Gambit chamber. "And I'm not one to be dishonorable." A small smile crossed the old man's face. He looked over at Roland. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Roland said, and waved his left hand the plasma wall dropped, opening up Gambit's cell. The Cajun grabbed his coat and walked out the door.
"I should probably t'ank ya, Mr. ." Gambit said, holding out his hand.
Roland took it with caution, despite the bracers that they wore; he still didn't trust this man. He after all was once a thief. "Childe, Roland Childe. And I will ask that you just call me Roland."
"Fine den," he replied, and placed his coat on. Unlike Roland's, Gambit's had no sleeves on his coat. "I hope dat ya will be truthful on your part of de bargain." His Cajun accent was starting to get on Roland's nerves, but he held them together.
"Of course," Roland said, turning and showing them the door out of the holding chamber. "Once we are outside."
"But of course," Magneto said, grabbing his helmet out of out his cell before he walked off, "after all we are dangerous mutants." Gambit followed at the man's heels.
Roland sighed. /this conversation didn't get me anywhere./ His computer mind raced as he followed them. /I need to find out what Voldemort wants with the Six Elements./
* * * * * *
When Hermione finally came out of the bathroom, she looked beautiful. Her long brown hair had calmed down a bit after she finally took a shower and was pulled back into a ponytail. She put on a bit of make-up, not too much, but just enough to cover the reminder of the bruises on her face. The cloths that she had bought look perfect on her body. The little bookworm that Harry met on the Hogwarts Express had finally grown up, and well, she was stunning. "Well," she said, "how do I look?"
Harry couldn't form words for a moment. "C'mon, I don't look that bad," Hermione added.
Harry got up off the bed. "No," he said, "you look beautiful."
"Thanks, Harry," Hermione blushed madly. "You're just saying that to make me feel good."
"No, you really do," Harry replied. He walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her. "I wouldn't lie to you."
"Thanks Harry." She rested her head on his shoulders. "Can we go get some breakfast?"
"Sure, anything for you." Harry pulled away. "Before we go, here's your choices: either you let me help you walk and promise to take it easy today, or I carry you where ever we go."
Hermione quickly grabbed his hand. "I'll take the first choice." Harry Potter laughed. "Don't you laugh at me, Harry Potter."
"Alright, alright," he said, "Let's go." He wrapped his arm around hers and helped her as they walked out the door.
After wondering the mansion for a bit, they finally found the kitchen on the first floor. "Hermione, take a seat, I'll make breakfast," Harry said, pointing to the table by the window.
"Harry, you don't have to do that," she replied. "After all, you made breakfast for the Dursleys for the last seven years." Harry was looking through the fridge. "Where are the eggs?"
"Right behind the juice, Harry," Roland said walking in the kitchen. Harry looked up with a surprise to see him right there. "Speaking of which, hand me the orange juice, please." Harry handed him the juice. "Thanks. Now sit down, I'm making breakfast."
"But," Harry said.
"You're guests here, so please sit down," Roland replied. "You too, Heather." Harry walked over to the table and took a seat next to Hermione. A girl walked in overalls, and a white t-shirt. Her blonde hair was back in ponytails.
"Hello," Heather said, she was about as tall as Harry. She took a seat across from Harry and Hermione.
"How do you like your eggs?" Roland asked, pulling out a frying pan, and placing it on the table.
"Scrambled," Hermione said.
"That's fine for me too," Harry added.
"Scrambled for me too, please." Heather looked over at Roland.
"Three scrambled and one raw, coming up," Roland said, and cracked a few eggs in a bowl.
"Raw, really Roland, you should know better," Heather said with a smile on her face.
"I've had worse," he replied.
"I doubt that." Roland laughed over at the counter. Heather looked over at Harry and Hermione. "My name is Heather Mae Kent, I don't believe we've met before."
"No, we haven't," Harry said, and stuck out his hand. "I'm Harry Potter." She took the hand and shook it.
"And I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione added. She held out her hand too.
"Nice to meet you, both of you," Heather said. She gently shook it.
"You don't happen to be related to Clark Kent?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, sad to say I am," she replied.
"I'd think that it would be an honor to be related to Clark Kent," Hermione said, "after all he is a great reporter and he knows Superman."
"Well, if you consider having an over protective brother who won't allow you to be happy an honor, then it is."
"I never thought that he would be the type of person who's over protective."
"Well, he is," Heather, said. "He didn't want me to become a wizard and-"
"You're a wizard, too?" Hermione replied, shocked.
"What do you mean too?"
"Heather," Roland said walking over with three plates and a cup, "everyone in this room is wizard, or witch in your and Hermione's case. I'm surprised that you of all people didn't make the connection of that being Harry Potter." He set the plates down in front of them. "Anything to put on them: salsa, salt, cheese, ketchup, syrup?"
"Syrup?" Harry replied.
"I've seen stranger things," Roland said.
"Salt will be fine," Heather said. "And some pepper."
"I'll take some ketchup," Hermione said, Harry just nodded.
"Okay," Roland walked off to the cupboard.
"So you're the Great Harry Potter?" Heather said.
"Yeah," Harry said. He didn't realize that his black curly hair had grown long enough to cover the scar on his forehead.
"Can I see it?" She was so excited.
"Sure," Harry replied, and pushed up his bangs. There it was the scar that had made him famous.
"Wow," Heather said. Then she noticed how Harry looked when she was talking about it. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's quite alright, you get used to it after awhile."
"I don't think that you did," Roland said, walking back with another tray, holding the salt, pepper and the ketchup.
"Roland," She snapped at him.
"What is he talking about?" Harry asked.
"Anything to drink?" Roland asked. He looked at Heather, "I know what you want, how about you two?"
"Milk will be fine," Hermione said, already putting ketchup on her eggs.
"Same here," Harry replied, taking the ketchup from Hermione. "You still didn't answer my question, Heather."
"I don't know," Heather said; Roland came back with the cups, already filled with milk. She blushed slightly.
"Roland," Scott came storming into the kitchen. "What the hell did you do?"
"What day?" Roland replied, standing up.
"Where are they?" Scott asked again. Right behind were Hank, Ororo, and Kurt.
"Who," Roland replied again, but he clearly knew what Scott was talking about.
"Don't play dumb, Roland. We have a tape of you talking to them last night and this morning."
"Oh, them, yeah I released them." Roland turned around and swallowed the raw egg in the cup.
"How can you be so dense, Roland? After all that they've done, you just let them go." Roland's face grew darker; he was clearing getting mad. Hermione moved closer to Harry.
"Consider it a judgment call, Scott," he replied. "Something that you haven't been that good at making." Roland turned around and stood face to face with the field leader of the X-men.
"Who gave you the permission to do that?" Scott demanded. The tension was rising quickly in the room.
"No one, Scott," Roland said, "But sometimes, you have to do things on your own. Instead of acting like a little puppy following its master."
"Looks whose talking, the way you followed Trish around," Scott said. "You're so unstable, doing what you want, and even she could barely control. Trish was worthless to us; we only kept her on because of you. And I have-" And Scott didn't finish his sentence. Roland's left hand was around the man's neck, cutting off the air supply.
"Scott," Roland said, calmly, through his actions spoke otherwise, "I've been patient with you, I've even helped you out so many of times."
"Roland, let go of him," Ororo said, Roland ignored her.
"But if you ever and I mean ever, even if I'm not in the same room as me, talk ill of her again. I swear-"
"Roland," Xavier wheeled into the room, right next to Roland and Scott. "Let him go."
"I'll make you wish that you were-"
"Roland," Heather said, she stood up, "put him down now." Roland looked over at her for a moment, before dropping Scott. He then stormed out of the room, phasing right through the people blocking the door. "Roland, wait up." And she ran after him, the crowd parted for her to pass.
A woman with long red hair came walking into the room. She rushed over to the fallen X-man on the ground. "Scott what happened?" she asked.
"Our resident psycho path lost his mind again, Jean," Scott said, rubbing his neck. He looked up at the professor. "I still don't know why you let him stay."
"Scott, he has nowhere to go, and now, after what happened," Xavier said.
"He shouldn't be here at all." Scott stood up with Jean's help. "Thanks hon." And he kissed her.
"You're welcome," she replied. "And who are our guests?" Jean's green eyes looked over to Harry and Hermione, who were quietly talking amongst themselves.
"They came here two nights ago, Jean," the professor said, "The kid with long saggy black hair and the scar on his fore head is Harry Potter, the girl with the curly brown hair is Hermione Granger."
"Well, it is nice to meet you two," Jean, said with a smile. She looked vaguely familiar to Harry. "C'mon," Jean led Scott away, "Hank, can you-"
"Of course, Jean," he said, "happy to help a friend." They walked out of the kitchen. Kurt followed them, leaving Ororo to make her tea.
"What was that about professor?" Hermione asked and started to eat her eggs again.
"Some of the mutants that attack your house, Ms. Granger," Professor Xavier said, "have been released." She nearly jumped out of her chair when she heard the news. "Roland was talking to them last night and this morning."
"What's going to happen?" she asked. Harry felt her hand grab his; he gave it a light squeeze.
"Well," Xavier continued, "Jean, Scott, Storm, Logan, and Kurt are heading out to see if they can return them here after I find them using Cerebro. So you have nothing to worry about."
"Thanks professor," Harry said, as Hermione was scared out of her mind.
"Which ones," she barely got out, "escaped?"
"Magneto and Gambit," the professor said, "but never of them attacked you, or so Roland told me."
"And you trust him?" Harry asked.
"But of course," the professor said. Ororo walked over to the table and sat down.
"Why, after the way he has acted-" Harry started. Hermione was closer to him, as his voice was beginning to rise in volume. He stopped after seeing what was happening.
"Because Harry," Storm said, and took a sip from her tea. "After all he's been through, he need some one to trust him."
"That's no excuse," Harry said.
"True Harry, but look at it from his point of view," Ororo went on, "he has lost everything, his parents, his sight, his arm, and the ability to walk correctly without help. And on top of that, he lost his girlfriend three weeks ago. Before then, he was manageable, but now."
"I told them already about Trish," the Professor said. "He has an anger problem as I said before, and until today, we thought only Trish could control him, but looks like we were wrong." He smiled over at Storm.
"Heather," Hermione said, "So she is the one that-"
"Yes," Xavier said, "As a telepath, I can sense these things, but I promised myself, and made Roland promise too, not to interfere with other people development of their relationships."
"Oh," Hermione replied. "Can we go?" She turned and asked Harry.
"Nothing's holding you here," he said and stood up with her. Harry wrapped his arm around hers and helped Hermione walk out of the room. Neither of them noticed the smile on both the Professor and Ororo's face.
"I want to go talk to Roland," She said the moment they were out of the kitchen.
"Why?" Harry asked, but knew better then to argue with Hermione. When Hermione ever got an idea in her head, she never gave up on doing it. "Okay, let's go."
They slowly made their way up to Roland's room, where they heard arguing. "Look, Heather," Roland's voice said.
"Don't you take the tone, Roland," she said. "You should control you anger."
"You of all people know how hard that is," Roalnd, replied, "It's like." he was stumbling over his words. Then Harry knocked on the door. "Come in." He said.
"Hi," Hermione said, she stood behind Harry again, as if she was afraid of Roland or something. "You mentioned your library yesterday and I was wondering."
"If you could see it," Roland finished her sentence. "Sure," he looked over to the bare corner of his room, and waved his arm, spiral stairs appeared leading down somewhere. "It's just down those stairs; I'll be down in a few minutes to show you around." Hermione quickly walked over to the stairs and down them. "Wow," her voice said from library. Roland looked over to Heather, "we'll finish this conversation later."
"Fine," she said, as he stormed down the stairs. "God, he's so stubborn." With that, she sat down on the bed.
"So what are your mutant powers?" Harry asked.
"Huh?"
"Well you're here aren't you," Harry continued, "and the professor said that everyone here is a mutant."
"Fine then," Heather said, "I have invulnerable, increased strengthen and speed, flight," Heather said, "I can shape-shift somewhat, and I have heat vision."
"That sounds a lot like Superman," Harry said. Heather laughed nervously, but he didn't notice.
"I often try to help people," She replied, "so I am like Superman in that sense."
"Cool, but why help people when they fear you?"
"Well, my Pa said that if we have the power to help, we should. And that's what I live by." /This girl is clearly from either a farm or the south, probably both./ Harry thought. "So what's it like being a hero?
"I'm not a hero; I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Harry said.
"Hey," Heather said, walking over to one of the many shelves in the room. "Let's play a video game." She removed one of the binders and began to look through it.
"I don't know how to play," Harry said, as she pulled a game out.
"That's why we're playing a game I haven't played before." Heather put the binder back. In her hand was a single disc. "Can you turn on the T.V.?" she asked.
"Sure," Harry picked up the remote at he edge of the bed, and turned it on.
All that showed up was a black screen with green lines running down it. a computer voice said.
"Heather Mae Kent," Heather said, and walked over to it.
it said,
"Please turn on the Xbox, and send out two controllers." A small drawer opened up from underneath the rather large T.V. Two controllers were in it.
Another drawer opened up, and Heather placed the disc in it.
"Mortal Kombat for the system Xbox," she said and grabbed the two controllers. Heather handed one to Harry and took a seat on the bed. "Good look." The screen flashed for a moment, then the game had started. But all that Harry could think about was Hermione. /Are you going to be alright, my little princess?/ he asked himself.
* * * * * *
Hermione was amazed at the size of the library; from what it looked like the entire walls were covered in books. "Wow," she said, and felt the excitement grow in her body. Never had she seen such a large collection of books. The florescent lights showered the room in light, and giving it an actually library feel.
"So, what do you think?" Roland asked as he came down the spiral stairs. He stopped midway up and looked down at her.
"It's wonderful," Hermione, said, "How did you collect so many books?"
"I was traveling the world a year after my attack, gaining whatever knowledge I could. I bought a book from just about every store I went into. And since then," he finished walking down the stares. "I've traveled the world every summer up 'til now collecting knowledge. My memory banks are almost full."
"Memory banks?" she replied, a confused look on her face.
"Yeah," Roland said, "I have two different types of memory, my RAM and my actual memory. The RAM stores everything that I see, feel, taste, hear, and so on. I can quickly recall anything that I want in a matter of nanoseconds, as my computer processor searches it data banks. My other memory is like yours I remember things, but not in so much detail, and usually on the important things." He pulled up a book. "So was there something particular that you wanted or just to look around?" He placed the book back in its spot and smiled down at Hermione. But his sunglasses and the cowboy hat gave him an eerie appearance.
"Just wanted to look around," Hermione replied. She walked away and began to look up and down the aisles. The types of books he had were very ranged and there appeared no order to them. A wizard book about powerful potions and their counter curses was next to a Muggle book called 1984. /Doesn't he have order to this?/ she asked herself. When she reached the end of the aisle, Hermione saw that Roland was sitting at a desk with many different books around him, he was scribbling down info in a little notebook. /What is he doing?/ she asked. But tossed out the notion as fast as it came and continued to look.
Hermione had walked through three different aisles and already found an armful of books. And all the time, she never ran into Roland again. She did, however see he leave with a folder and a notebook, and when he came back he had nothing in his hands.
When Hermione reached the end of one aisle, the mural at the back of the library caught her eye. She slowly walked over to it, and was shocked to see what it was, a giant family tree. It started with Roland at the bottom and worked its way all the up to biblical times.
But there was something about it that made Hermione look at it with more detail. Then she saw it, her maternal grandmother was on it, right above Roland's mother. /This can't be, my cousin on my mom's side was killed in a car accident when I was five./ her thoughts raced through her minds. /But that is Grandma. How can this be? Unless/ "No, I doubt that," she said to herself, "If he was alive, he could come and live with us. Still, Roland's mother has the same name as my aunt." Then the thought finally hit her. "I have a family." A smile crossed her face; Hermione still had a family. "I have a family."
"You say something Hermione?" Roland came to the back; Hermione dropped all her books and hugged him at the waist. "What is-" He looked over at the family tree. "Oh, okay," he said, and patted her back.
"How, you're-" She barely got out the words through the tears of joy. /I have a family./
"I don't know, I just did," Roland replied.
"But you could have come and lived with us, I'm sure that my parents. would. . have" Her words became far and apart, tears again came to her eyes.
"Hermione," Roland pushed her away, and knelt down, so that he could see into her eyes. "Listen to me." She shook her head, and covered her eyes, trying to hide the tears. "Please, listen to me. That feeling never leaves you, I know. You are constantly asking yourself 'why couldn't I go with them?' 'Why'd they leave me alone?' unlike me, Hermione, you aren't alone; you have Harry. And he'll always be there for you."
"You still didn't answer my question," Hermione wiped the tears with sleeve.
"After the accident, I was told that my parents had died," Roland said, giving her a comforting hug. "They asked if I had any family members that they could call. I told them yes, but say that I had died in the accident too. Reluctantly they agreed; and for all the time during the accident and after it, I felt like there was this voice telling me, guiding me, where to go. As ten year old, you sorta listen to imaginary friends." He laughed. "C'mon, Harry's probably wondering where you are." He lead her away, but Hermione went back to get the books.
"Can I borrow these?" she asked. Her arms were filled with books. Roland laughed.
"Sure," Roland replied. "It seems someone has priorities straight." Hermione ran as quickly as she could up the spiral stairs, up to Harry. /I miss you so much./ she thought to herself, to be without Harry was to take her heaven away.
"Hermione," Harry said, and she embraced him in a hug, dropping the books again.
"I have a family again," she whispered, so happy about the newfound news. /but you're always part of my family, Harry./ she thought as she hug him tightly.
"What do you mean?" Harry pulled away from her. He wrapped his arm around hers and helped her stand up. Her leg hadn't hurt her as much but she like it when Harry helped her walk. His touch was so soothing.
"Roland, he's my cousin." A smile was on her face.
"You're kidding me, right?" Harry said, surprised by the fact.
"No, she's not," Roland, said coming up the stairs. "I must have fried some circuits yesterday, or else I would've remembered something as important as that."
"You're her cousin," Harry replied, still recovering from shock. "Well, that explains your bookworm habitats."
"What are you talking about?" Roland asked.
"Heather told me how you spent hours in library, reading over all the books."
Roland looked at the blonde hair girl, "what?"
"Nothing," Harry replied, though he couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Harry," Hermione asked. "Can we go back to our room?"
"I told you before you, Hermione," Harry said, "You don't have to ask me where to go, alright." He looked into her eyes. /Harry, you have the most beautiful eyes that I've ever seen./
"Alright, Harry," she replied, staring dreamily into his eyes.
"Hermione," Harry repeated.
"Huh?"
"You wanted to go, right?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, snapping out of her trance. "Let's go." She smiled up at him as they walked away into the hallway.
* * * * * *
Roland took a seat on the bed, and lay down. "Long day, huh?" Heather asked, taking a seat next to him.
Roland sat up, "How much did you tell him?" He asked her, giving her
a weird look.
"Not much," She replied.
"Not much, you told him basically that I spend all my time in the library."
"Well you do," Heather said, "hell, Trish and I had to pry you away from the books."
"Knowledge is power," Roland replied, "I always said that."
"No you didn't," she pushed him and Roland fell off the bed, "you just made that up."
"Actually, it is a real quote; I just can't remember where I read it." Roland climbed back on the bed.
"You must've fried a few circuits for you wouldn't forget quotes."
"Yeah," Roland said, "that's it." He got up and pulled Heather to her feet. "C'mon, let's go." He walked toward the window and opened it. The sun was starting to set in the west.
"Where we going?" she asked with a laugh as Roland walked out onto balcony. Heather followed him outside.
"To talk with your parents and your brother," Roland said, his black mist began to form around him.
"No, Roland," Heather crossed her arms, "I'm not going back."
"Listen, you're coming anyways, so just make it easier on yourself," Roland began to float up in the air. He offered a hand and she took it. Heather began left off the ground, as she had down so many times before. "See that wasn't so hard."
"Why do you have to be so rational?" she demanded, pouted in midair.
"Someone had to, Heather," Roland rose higher into the air. "We all knew that neither you nor Trish was going to act sane." Heather was right behind him, slowly rising up into the air.
"Look whose talking," Heather said with a laugh.
"You know what I mean," Roland replied. He stretched for a moment. "I haven't been flying in so long."
"It's peaceful, isn't it?" Heather asked. "Let's race." She stared at him, a devilish smile on her face.
"Fine," Roland replied.
"But none of your shadow jumping, alright?"
"Okay," Roland said, hanging his head as if it was a big deal.
"On your marks," Heather said.
"Get set," Roland said. /god this reminds me of old times,/ he thought, /how I wish that you are still here./
"Go," both of them said and were off, a black tail followed Roland as he raced.
* * * * * *
Harry and Hermione made it to their room without running in to anyone, both were very thankful for that. She quickly walked over to her bags filled with the books and began to pull the out. "How'd you find out?" Harry asked, taking a seat on her bed.
"There was a large family tree on the back wall of the library," Hermione replied, pulling out books. She immediately began to organize them. "And my grandmother was on it; his mother has the same name as my aunt. So."
"A logical person would think that you are his cousin," Harry said.
"But he is, Harry," She looked up at him. "Why would he pretend that he was if he wasn't?"
"I don't know, Hermione," Harry replied. "There is just something that I don't trust about him."
"You feel it too." She walked over on her knees to Harry,
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"I mean that when you're talking to him, you're never quite sure it's the same person," Hermione looked up into Harry's eyes. /my little princess has the most beautiful eyes in the world./ Harry thought. /always catching the details that I can not./
"Now that you mention it," Harry said, "I just couldn't place my finger on it."
"But the man that I talked to was my cousin, Harry," Hermione replied, "He just felt different then the man in the kitchen. His presence was just."
"More gentle," the professor said, Harry had forgot to close the door. "Kinder, more generous."
"Yes, Professor," Hermione said.
"Then you also felt the presence of Eonos," Xavier said, he wheeled himself over to the couple.
"Eonos?" Harry repeated.
"I've heard that name before, probably read it from a book." she trailed off, lost in her own thoughts.
"Yes, for that is the name that Professor Dumbledore called him." The professor looked kindly to both of them. "When Roland first became a wizard, Professor Dumbledore wanted to meet him. I agreed, as I saw no reason for there to be any problems. And strangely enough, there wasn't. Roland was kind, gentle, much like the man you described, Hermione."
"But where does this Eonos fit into the picture, professor?" Harry asked.
"Well, when Roland left, Professor Dumbledore mentioned that Roland's presence was much like that of Eonos."
"I remember now," Hermione said, "he was the man who fought against the Fallen Angel. So is Roland then."
"No of course not, just because he was kind and courteous, doesn't mean that Roland is like Eonos," Professor X said. "His manner was just like that."
"Professor, I'm confused, why is this Eonos character so bad," Harry asked.
"I'll tell you later, Harry," Hermione said. She glared at him, and Harry knew to drop the subject. "Please continue, sir." She had shifted the way she was sitting probably because her knees were hurting her.
"Yes, later that day, Roland, Trish, the professor and myself were going to Portobello Road, our Diagon Alley. And a man tried to rob us, taking Trish as a hostage. Before Professor Dumbledore drew his wand, Roland had the man on the ground, writhing from pain. No one had any time to react, even the thief. When we returned to the mansion that day, Albus told me about the other presence that he sensed in Roland that day, the presence of the Fallen Angel."
"But Professor, that is supposed to be impossible, the Fallen Angel doesn't exist."
"Maybe, maybe not, Hermione," Professor X said, "It's just what he felt; and a powerful wizard like Albus, you trust his feelings."
"Yeah," Harry said, "Professor Dumbledore does have that quality about him."
"As does Roland," Hermione said.
"Very perceptive of you," Xavier replied. "That is partially because of his truth aura and his nature in general."
"How powerful is he professor?" Harry asked, "He was able to withstand that bullet in his stomach, and walk around after a day."
"Harry, he isn't as powerful as you think. He does it to look strong, and give others hope. Roland is always in pain, I doubt he has recovered from the punctured lung and broken ribs yet, even with his immune system working over time."
"Is he a fast healer or something?" Hermione asked. Her face showed concern for her knew found cousin.
"Yes and no, Hermione," he replied, "Faster then us, but nothing compared to a mutant who has the ability to heal quickly. Now, for the reason why I came here."
"Which is what, professor?" Harry asked.
"Both of your powers are very unstable as of right now, triggered by emotions. I would like you two to train here-"
"But professor what about Hogwarts," Hermione started to complain, but stopped when the professor held up his hand.
"Until about two weeks before you need to return to Hogwarts," Xavier said, "that will give you enough time to properly train your powers."
"When do we start?" Harry asked.
"After Dr. McCoy takes a look at both of you."
"But-" Hermione started to complain, but Harry put a hand on her shoulder and she stopped.
"That's alright, professor," Harry replied, "but can we do it tomorrow?"
"Sure, Harry," Xavier replied, "In fact, that will be for the better anyways. I believe that Hank is working on an experiment right now, so tomorrow you two will have a full exam by our resident Doctor." The professor wheeled himself toward the door. "You two can relax for the rest of the day, wonder the school if you want, but just be careful, as the students finish their classes around three." And with that he left Harry and Hermione alone.
"Well," Harry said, "we learned something new." He fell backwards and laid down.
"Oh, shut up Harry," Hermione replied, playfully hitting his arm. She returned to her books and began to sort them.
Harry got up and walked over to her, watching her place them in a certain order. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing, Harry?" she asked, not looking up. "I'm placing my books in order."
"But what order," Harry asked, picking up one of the books, and reading the cover. "I can see that their not in alphabetical order."
"Give that back to me," she reached for the book with a smile on her face, Harry pulled it away. "Harry Potter, give it back." Harry began to walk away, and Hermione got up off the ground. He ran over to one side of the bed, and she was right behind. Harry was just laughing. "Harry." He jumped over the other bed, as Hermione chased him. "Harry please." She was beginning to laugh, but then her foot got caught in the comforter as she jumped over the bed after Harry. Hermione would have fallen had it no been for Harry to be right there and catch. "Thanks, Harry," she said, blushing a bit.
"Whenever you fall, I'll be there to catch you, Hermione," Harry replied, staring in to her baby-blue eyes, getting lost in the beauty.
Hermione didn't say anything just stared into his eyes, returning his gaze. "Thank you again," she finally said. "Can you let me up?" They hadn't moved since Harry caught her.
Harry slowly returned her to her feet, his face a bright red. "Sure thing, Hermione," he said, not taking his eyes off of hers. He felt his face burn brighter. Their eyes didn't part for what seemed forever. Finally a knock came from the door, then a voice saying that lunch was served. "Do you want to get something to eat, Hermione?" Harry asked.
"No, I'm fine," she replied, still staring in to his eyes. Again, they didn't say anything, just stared into each other's eyes. Finally, she broke the silence of the room, and looked back at her books. "Harry, do you mind helping me sort them?"
"I'd be glad to," Harry said, and took her hand and walked over to the piled.
"Thanks," Hermione pushed some of her hair out of her face. Both of them were blushing madly, despite no one was in the room with them.
With Great Advances
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: "With great advances and achievements, comes great failure and pain." Chronos the Fallen Angel
Hey, what do you think of the addition of the Matrix, and for anyone who reads DC Comics, that Supergirl. I'll explain later. So please hold on, and no, Roland isn't her father. I just don't feel like changing the chapter now that I got it on the net. So, please review. I know the chapters are a bit long, but bare with me. Even my brother thinks that this story is better then my last one. The little foreshadowing in this story are fully developed.
Anyway, please enjoy this chapter and review it. Again, anything created by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and J.K. Rowlings are theirs and theirs alone. The plot, Roland, and any other characters are mine.
* * * * * *
Harry woke up just to see the sun rise outside his room. Hermione still had her arm across his body, peacefully sleeping. A smile was on her face, as his chest rose up and down. He slowly got up, careful not to wake the girl who still laid in the bed. Harry grabbed his cloths and went to the bathroom.
After a long shower, he came out to find her still asleep. Harry walked over to the bed and took a seat next to her. He was wearing the new cloths that they had bought the day before. Hermione no longer wore the smile on her face, but when Harry began to pet her long brown hair, the smile returned. She stirred a bit, but Harry continued to pet her hair. Her eyes blinked for a moment before she sat up and yawned. When she saw Harry, tears came to her eyes. "Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"They're gone, Harry," Hermione said, embracing him in a hug. "They've left me all alone." Her arms wrapped around his neck as she cried on his shoulder.
"Who are gone?" he replied, pulling her closer to him, his hands around her waist.
"My parents, Harry." For a while, they didn't speak again, Hermione just cried in Harry's arms.
"Hermione, I can't begin to know how you feel," Harry said.
"That's right you can't," she snapped at him.
"But you need to know that, like me," he pulled away just enough to see her face, and pointed to her heart, "that they are always in her heart and in your memories."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said, quickly embracing him again.
"I'm not done," Harry laughed out, and pushed her away. She pouted a bit. "Okay," Harry finally said after a while, and Hermione returned to hugging him. He began to rock her back and forth. "I'll tell you from here. I may not be able to fully remember my parents, but I do remember that they loved me, Hermione. And without fully knowing your parents, I can say that they loved you, too."
"Harry," Hermione sniffled, wiping eyes with her arm. She didn't let go of Harry. "You always know what to say."
"Maybe," Harry replied, "c'mon," and pulled away. "We've both need breakfast, since dinner wasn't much and we didn't eat before that."
"Fine," Hermione said, wiping her face. "Just let me get showered and ready."
"Okay." Hermione gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek. She jumped out of bed and grabbed her bags. Both her and Harry were madly blushing.
Harry sighed. /why can't I tell you?/ he asked himself. He sat there, thinking of what to do, what they were going to do, while Hermione showered.
* * * * * *
"We have a deal, Magneto?" Roland asked. He sat in a chair across from the Master of Magnetism. Again, all that separated them was the thin wall of plasma. The young mutant wore his long black trench coat and cowboy hat. His black sleeveless shirt was seen from the open coat.
"Yes, I believe that we do," he said.
"How 'bout you, Gambit?" Roland looked over to the Cajun mutant in the cell next to Magneto.
"What ever ya t'ink, boss," he said, cutting the deck of card that he held with one hand. The Cajun accent ran deep in his words. His shaggy brown hair hung over a red bandana. Gambit's trench coat lay over the bed as he sat at the entrance to his cell.
"Then it's settle," Magneto replied. He stood up, and held out his hand. The plasma wall shut down between him and Roland.
"I think so," Roland said, taking the hand. He pulled the old man closer, just enough so that only he could hear what the shadow master was saying. "You or Gambit double cross me, and I'll make what the Germans did look like heaven." And he quickly released him.
"A deal is a deal, my friend." Magneto walked over to Gambit chamber. "And I'm not one to be dishonorable." A small smile crossed the old man's face. He looked over at Roland. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Roland said, and waved his left hand the plasma wall dropped, opening up Gambit's cell. The Cajun grabbed his coat and walked out the door.
"I should probably t'ank ya, Mr. ." Gambit said, holding out his hand.
Roland took it with caution, despite the bracers that they wore; he still didn't trust this man. He after all was once a thief. "Childe, Roland Childe. And I will ask that you just call me Roland."
"Fine den," he replied, and placed his coat on. Unlike Roland's, Gambit's had no sleeves on his coat. "I hope dat ya will be truthful on your part of de bargain." His Cajun accent was starting to get on Roland's nerves, but he held them together.
"Of course," Roland said, turning and showing them the door out of the holding chamber. "Once we are outside."
"But of course," Magneto said, grabbing his helmet out of out his cell before he walked off, "after all we are dangerous mutants." Gambit followed at the man's heels.
Roland sighed. /this conversation didn't get me anywhere./ His computer mind raced as he followed them. /I need to find out what Voldemort wants with the Six Elements./
* * * * * *
When Hermione finally came out of the bathroom, she looked beautiful. Her long brown hair had calmed down a bit after she finally took a shower and was pulled back into a ponytail. She put on a bit of make-up, not too much, but just enough to cover the reminder of the bruises on her face. The cloths that she had bought look perfect on her body. The little bookworm that Harry met on the Hogwarts Express had finally grown up, and well, she was stunning. "Well," she said, "how do I look?"
Harry couldn't form words for a moment. "C'mon, I don't look that bad," Hermione added.
Harry got up off the bed. "No," he said, "you look beautiful."
"Thanks, Harry," Hermione blushed madly. "You're just saying that to make me feel good."
"No, you really do," Harry replied. He walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her. "I wouldn't lie to you."
"Thanks Harry." She rested her head on his shoulders. "Can we go get some breakfast?"
"Sure, anything for you." Harry pulled away. "Before we go, here's your choices: either you let me help you walk and promise to take it easy today, or I carry you where ever we go."
Hermione quickly grabbed his hand. "I'll take the first choice." Harry Potter laughed. "Don't you laugh at me, Harry Potter."
"Alright, alright," he said, "Let's go." He wrapped his arm around hers and helped her as they walked out the door.
After wondering the mansion for a bit, they finally found the kitchen on the first floor. "Hermione, take a seat, I'll make breakfast," Harry said, pointing to the table by the window.
"Harry, you don't have to do that," she replied. "After all, you made breakfast for the Dursleys for the last seven years." Harry was looking through the fridge. "Where are the eggs?"
"Right behind the juice, Harry," Roland said walking in the kitchen. Harry looked up with a surprise to see him right there. "Speaking of which, hand me the orange juice, please." Harry handed him the juice. "Thanks. Now sit down, I'm making breakfast."
"But," Harry said.
"You're guests here, so please sit down," Roland replied. "You too, Heather." Harry walked over to the table and took a seat next to Hermione. A girl walked in overalls, and a white t-shirt. Her blonde hair was back in ponytails.
"Hello," Heather said, she was about as tall as Harry. She took a seat across from Harry and Hermione.
"How do you like your eggs?" Roland asked, pulling out a frying pan, and placing it on the table.
"Scrambled," Hermione said.
"That's fine for me too," Harry added.
"Scrambled for me too, please." Heather looked over at Roland.
"Three scrambled and one raw, coming up," Roland said, and cracked a few eggs in a bowl.
"Raw, really Roland, you should know better," Heather said with a smile on her face.
"I've had worse," he replied.
"I doubt that." Roland laughed over at the counter. Heather looked over at Harry and Hermione. "My name is Heather Mae Kent, I don't believe we've met before."
"No, we haven't," Harry said, and stuck out his hand. "I'm Harry Potter." She took the hand and shook it.
"And I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione added. She held out her hand too.
"Nice to meet you, both of you," Heather said. She gently shook it.
"You don't happen to be related to Clark Kent?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, sad to say I am," she replied.
"I'd think that it would be an honor to be related to Clark Kent," Hermione said, "after all he is a great reporter and he knows Superman."
"Well, if you consider having an over protective brother who won't allow you to be happy an honor, then it is."
"I never thought that he would be the type of person who's over protective."
"Well, he is," Heather, said. "He didn't want me to become a wizard and-"
"You're a wizard, too?" Hermione replied, shocked.
"What do you mean too?"
"Heather," Roland said walking over with three plates and a cup, "everyone in this room is wizard, or witch in your and Hermione's case. I'm surprised that you of all people didn't make the connection of that being Harry Potter." He set the plates down in front of them. "Anything to put on them: salsa, salt, cheese, ketchup, syrup?"
"Syrup?" Harry replied.
"I've seen stranger things," Roland said.
"Salt will be fine," Heather said. "And some pepper."
"I'll take some ketchup," Hermione said, Harry just nodded.
"Okay," Roland walked off to the cupboard.
"So you're the Great Harry Potter?" Heather said.
"Yeah," Harry said. He didn't realize that his black curly hair had grown long enough to cover the scar on his forehead.
"Can I see it?" She was so excited.
"Sure," Harry replied, and pushed up his bangs. There it was the scar that had made him famous.
"Wow," Heather said. Then she noticed how Harry looked when she was talking about it. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's quite alright, you get used to it after awhile."
"I don't think that you did," Roland said, walking back with another tray, holding the salt, pepper and the ketchup.
"Roland," She snapped at him.
"What is he talking about?" Harry asked.
"Anything to drink?" Roland asked. He looked at Heather, "I know what you want, how about you two?"
"Milk will be fine," Hermione said, already putting ketchup on her eggs.
"Same here," Harry replied, taking the ketchup from Hermione. "You still didn't answer my question, Heather."
"I don't know," Heather said; Roland came back with the cups, already filled with milk. She blushed slightly.
"Roland," Scott came storming into the kitchen. "What the hell did you do?"
"What day?" Roland replied, standing up.
"Where are they?" Scott asked again. Right behind were Hank, Ororo, and Kurt.
"Who," Roland replied again, but he clearly knew what Scott was talking about.
"Don't play dumb, Roland. We have a tape of you talking to them last night and this morning."
"Oh, them, yeah I released them." Roland turned around and swallowed the raw egg in the cup.
"How can you be so dense, Roland? After all that they've done, you just let them go." Roland's face grew darker; he was clearing getting mad. Hermione moved closer to Harry.
"Consider it a judgment call, Scott," he replied. "Something that you haven't been that good at making." Roland turned around and stood face to face with the field leader of the X-men.
"Who gave you the permission to do that?" Scott demanded. The tension was rising quickly in the room.
"No one, Scott," Roland said, "But sometimes, you have to do things on your own. Instead of acting like a little puppy following its master."
"Looks whose talking, the way you followed Trish around," Scott said. "You're so unstable, doing what you want, and even she could barely control. Trish was worthless to us; we only kept her on because of you. And I have-" And Scott didn't finish his sentence. Roland's left hand was around the man's neck, cutting off the air supply.
"Scott," Roland said, calmly, through his actions spoke otherwise, "I've been patient with you, I've even helped you out so many of times."
"Roland, let go of him," Ororo said, Roland ignored her.
"But if you ever and I mean ever, even if I'm not in the same room as me, talk ill of her again. I swear-"
"Roland," Xavier wheeled into the room, right next to Roland and Scott. "Let him go."
"I'll make you wish that you were-"
"Roland," Heather said, she stood up, "put him down now." Roland looked over at her for a moment, before dropping Scott. He then stormed out of the room, phasing right through the people blocking the door. "Roland, wait up." And she ran after him, the crowd parted for her to pass.
A woman with long red hair came walking into the room. She rushed over to the fallen X-man on the ground. "Scott what happened?" she asked.
"Our resident psycho path lost his mind again, Jean," Scott said, rubbing his neck. He looked up at the professor. "I still don't know why you let him stay."
"Scott, he has nowhere to go, and now, after what happened," Xavier said.
"He shouldn't be here at all." Scott stood up with Jean's help. "Thanks hon." And he kissed her.
"You're welcome," she replied. "And who are our guests?" Jean's green eyes looked over to Harry and Hermione, who were quietly talking amongst themselves.
"They came here two nights ago, Jean," the professor said, "The kid with long saggy black hair and the scar on his fore head is Harry Potter, the girl with the curly brown hair is Hermione Granger."
"Well, it is nice to meet you two," Jean, said with a smile. She looked vaguely familiar to Harry. "C'mon," Jean led Scott away, "Hank, can you-"
"Of course, Jean," he said, "happy to help a friend." They walked out of the kitchen. Kurt followed them, leaving Ororo to make her tea.
"What was that about professor?" Hermione asked and started to eat her eggs again.
"Some of the mutants that attack your house, Ms. Granger," Professor Xavier said, "have been released." She nearly jumped out of her chair when she heard the news. "Roland was talking to them last night and this morning."
"What's going to happen?" she asked. Harry felt her hand grab his; he gave it a light squeeze.
"Well," Xavier continued, "Jean, Scott, Storm, Logan, and Kurt are heading out to see if they can return them here after I find them using Cerebro. So you have nothing to worry about."
"Thanks professor," Harry said, as Hermione was scared out of her mind.
"Which ones," she barely got out, "escaped?"
"Magneto and Gambit," the professor said, "but never of them attacked you, or so Roland told me."
"And you trust him?" Harry asked.
"But of course," the professor said. Ororo walked over to the table and sat down.
"Why, after the way he has acted-" Harry started. Hermione was closer to him, as his voice was beginning to rise in volume. He stopped after seeing what was happening.
"Because Harry," Storm said, and took a sip from her tea. "After all he's been through, he need some one to trust him."
"That's no excuse," Harry said.
"True Harry, but look at it from his point of view," Ororo went on, "he has lost everything, his parents, his sight, his arm, and the ability to walk correctly without help. And on top of that, he lost his girlfriend three weeks ago. Before then, he was manageable, but now."
"I told them already about Trish," the Professor said. "He has an anger problem as I said before, and until today, we thought only Trish could control him, but looks like we were wrong." He smiled over at Storm.
"Heather," Hermione said, "So she is the one that-"
"Yes," Xavier said, "As a telepath, I can sense these things, but I promised myself, and made Roland promise too, not to interfere with other people development of their relationships."
"Oh," Hermione replied. "Can we go?" She turned and asked Harry.
"Nothing's holding you here," he said and stood up with her. Harry wrapped his arm around hers and helped Hermione walk out of the room. Neither of them noticed the smile on both the Professor and Ororo's face.
"I want to go talk to Roland," She said the moment they were out of the kitchen.
"Why?" Harry asked, but knew better then to argue with Hermione. When Hermione ever got an idea in her head, she never gave up on doing it. "Okay, let's go."
They slowly made their way up to Roland's room, where they heard arguing. "Look, Heather," Roland's voice said.
"Don't you take the tone, Roland," she said. "You should control you anger."
"You of all people know how hard that is," Roalnd, replied, "It's like." he was stumbling over his words. Then Harry knocked on the door. "Come in." He said.
"Hi," Hermione said, she stood behind Harry again, as if she was afraid of Roland or something. "You mentioned your library yesterday and I was wondering."
"If you could see it," Roland finished her sentence. "Sure," he looked over to the bare corner of his room, and waved his arm, spiral stairs appeared leading down somewhere. "It's just down those stairs; I'll be down in a few minutes to show you around." Hermione quickly walked over to the stairs and down them. "Wow," her voice said from library. Roland looked over to Heather, "we'll finish this conversation later."
"Fine," she said, as he stormed down the stairs. "God, he's so stubborn." With that, she sat down on the bed.
"So what are your mutant powers?" Harry asked.
"Huh?"
"Well you're here aren't you," Harry continued, "and the professor said that everyone here is a mutant."
"Fine then," Heather said, "I have invulnerable, increased strengthen and speed, flight," Heather said, "I can shape-shift somewhat, and I have heat vision."
"That sounds a lot like Superman," Harry said. Heather laughed nervously, but he didn't notice.
"I often try to help people," She replied, "so I am like Superman in that sense."
"Cool, but why help people when they fear you?"
"Well, my Pa said that if we have the power to help, we should. And that's what I live by." /This girl is clearly from either a farm or the south, probably both./ Harry thought. "So what's it like being a hero?
"I'm not a hero; I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Harry said.
"Hey," Heather said, walking over to one of the many shelves in the room. "Let's play a video game." She removed one of the binders and began to look through it.
"I don't know how to play," Harry said, as she pulled a game out.
"That's why we're playing a game I haven't played before." Heather put the binder back. In her hand was a single disc. "Can you turn on the T.V.?" she asked.
"Sure," Harry picked up the remote at he edge of the bed, and turned it on.
All that showed up was a black screen with green lines running down it. a computer voice said.
"Heather Mae Kent," Heather said, and walked over to it.
it said,
"Please turn on the Xbox, and send out two controllers." A small drawer opened up from underneath the rather large T.V. Two controllers were in it.
Another drawer opened up, and Heather placed the disc in it.
"Mortal Kombat for the system Xbox," she said and grabbed the two controllers. Heather handed one to Harry and took a seat on the bed. "Good look." The screen flashed for a moment, then the game had started. But all that Harry could think about was Hermione. /Are you going to be alright, my little princess?/ he asked himself.
* * * * * *
Hermione was amazed at the size of the library; from what it looked like the entire walls were covered in books. "Wow," she said, and felt the excitement grow in her body. Never had she seen such a large collection of books. The florescent lights showered the room in light, and giving it an actually library feel.
"So, what do you think?" Roland asked as he came down the spiral stairs. He stopped midway up and looked down at her.
"It's wonderful," Hermione, said, "How did you collect so many books?"
"I was traveling the world a year after my attack, gaining whatever knowledge I could. I bought a book from just about every store I went into. And since then," he finished walking down the stares. "I've traveled the world every summer up 'til now collecting knowledge. My memory banks are almost full."
"Memory banks?" she replied, a confused look on her face.
"Yeah," Roland said, "I have two different types of memory, my RAM and my actual memory. The RAM stores everything that I see, feel, taste, hear, and so on. I can quickly recall anything that I want in a matter of nanoseconds, as my computer processor searches it data banks. My other memory is like yours I remember things, but not in so much detail, and usually on the important things." He pulled up a book. "So was there something particular that you wanted or just to look around?" He placed the book back in its spot and smiled down at Hermione. But his sunglasses and the cowboy hat gave him an eerie appearance.
"Just wanted to look around," Hermione replied. She walked away and began to look up and down the aisles. The types of books he had were very ranged and there appeared no order to them. A wizard book about powerful potions and their counter curses was next to a Muggle book called 1984. /Doesn't he have order to this?/ she asked herself. When she reached the end of the aisle, Hermione saw that Roland was sitting at a desk with many different books around him, he was scribbling down info in a little notebook. /What is he doing?/ she asked. But tossed out the notion as fast as it came and continued to look.
Hermione had walked through three different aisles and already found an armful of books. And all the time, she never ran into Roland again. She did, however see he leave with a folder and a notebook, and when he came back he had nothing in his hands.
When Hermione reached the end of one aisle, the mural at the back of the library caught her eye. She slowly walked over to it, and was shocked to see what it was, a giant family tree. It started with Roland at the bottom and worked its way all the up to biblical times.
But there was something about it that made Hermione look at it with more detail. Then she saw it, her maternal grandmother was on it, right above Roland's mother. /This can't be, my cousin on my mom's side was killed in a car accident when I was five./ her thoughts raced through her minds. /But that is Grandma. How can this be? Unless/ "No, I doubt that," she said to herself, "If he was alive, he could come and live with us. Still, Roland's mother has the same name as my aunt." Then the thought finally hit her. "I have a family." A smile crossed her face; Hermione still had a family. "I have a family."
"You say something Hermione?" Roland came to the back; Hermione dropped all her books and hugged him at the waist. "What is-" He looked over at the family tree. "Oh, okay," he said, and patted her back.
"How, you're-" She barely got out the words through the tears of joy. /I have a family./
"I don't know, I just did," Roland replied.
"But you could have come and lived with us, I'm sure that my parents. would. . have" Her words became far and apart, tears again came to her eyes.
"Hermione," Roland pushed her away, and knelt down, so that he could see into her eyes. "Listen to me." She shook her head, and covered her eyes, trying to hide the tears. "Please, listen to me. That feeling never leaves you, I know. You are constantly asking yourself 'why couldn't I go with them?' 'Why'd they leave me alone?' unlike me, Hermione, you aren't alone; you have Harry. And he'll always be there for you."
"You still didn't answer my question," Hermione wiped the tears with sleeve.
"After the accident, I was told that my parents had died," Roland said, giving her a comforting hug. "They asked if I had any family members that they could call. I told them yes, but say that I had died in the accident too. Reluctantly they agreed; and for all the time during the accident and after it, I felt like there was this voice telling me, guiding me, where to go. As ten year old, you sorta listen to imaginary friends." He laughed. "C'mon, Harry's probably wondering where you are." He lead her away, but Hermione went back to get the books.
"Can I borrow these?" she asked. Her arms were filled with books. Roland laughed.
"Sure," Roland replied. "It seems someone has priorities straight." Hermione ran as quickly as she could up the spiral stairs, up to Harry. /I miss you so much./ she thought to herself, to be without Harry was to take her heaven away.
"Hermione," Harry said, and she embraced him in a hug, dropping the books again.
"I have a family again," she whispered, so happy about the newfound news. /but you're always part of my family, Harry./ she thought as she hug him tightly.
"What do you mean?" Harry pulled away from her. He wrapped his arm around hers and helped her stand up. Her leg hadn't hurt her as much but she like it when Harry helped her walk. His touch was so soothing.
"Roland, he's my cousin." A smile was on her face.
"You're kidding me, right?" Harry said, surprised by the fact.
"No, she's not," Roland, said coming up the stairs. "I must have fried some circuits yesterday, or else I would've remembered something as important as that."
"You're her cousin," Harry replied, still recovering from shock. "Well, that explains your bookworm habitats."
"What are you talking about?" Roland asked.
"Heather told me how you spent hours in library, reading over all the books."
Roland looked at the blonde hair girl, "what?"
"Nothing," Harry replied, though he couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Harry," Hermione asked. "Can we go back to our room?"
"I told you before you, Hermione," Harry said, "You don't have to ask me where to go, alright." He looked into her eyes. /Harry, you have the most beautiful eyes that I've ever seen./
"Alright, Harry," she replied, staring dreamily into his eyes.
"Hermione," Harry repeated.
"Huh?"
"You wanted to go, right?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, snapping out of her trance. "Let's go." She smiled up at him as they walked away into the hallway.
* * * * * *
Roland took a seat on the bed, and lay down. "Long day, huh?" Heather asked, taking a seat next to him.
Roland sat up, "How much did you tell him?" He asked her, giving her
a weird look.
"Not much," She replied.
"Not much, you told him basically that I spend all my time in the library."
"Well you do," Heather said, "hell, Trish and I had to pry you away from the books."
"Knowledge is power," Roland replied, "I always said that."
"No you didn't," she pushed him and Roland fell off the bed, "you just made that up."
"Actually, it is a real quote; I just can't remember where I read it." Roland climbed back on the bed.
"You must've fried a few circuits for you wouldn't forget quotes."
"Yeah," Roland said, "that's it." He got up and pulled Heather to her feet. "C'mon, let's go." He walked toward the window and opened it. The sun was starting to set in the west.
"Where we going?" she asked with a laugh as Roland walked out onto balcony. Heather followed him outside.
"To talk with your parents and your brother," Roland said, his black mist began to form around him.
"No, Roland," Heather crossed her arms, "I'm not going back."
"Listen, you're coming anyways, so just make it easier on yourself," Roland began to float up in the air. He offered a hand and she took it. Heather began left off the ground, as she had down so many times before. "See that wasn't so hard."
"Why do you have to be so rational?" she demanded, pouted in midair.
"Someone had to, Heather," Roland rose higher into the air. "We all knew that neither you nor Trish was going to act sane." Heather was right behind him, slowly rising up into the air.
"Look whose talking," Heather said with a laugh.
"You know what I mean," Roland replied. He stretched for a moment. "I haven't been flying in so long."
"It's peaceful, isn't it?" Heather asked. "Let's race." She stared at him, a devilish smile on her face.
"Fine," Roland replied.
"But none of your shadow jumping, alright?"
"Okay," Roland said, hanging his head as if it was a big deal.
"On your marks," Heather said.
"Get set," Roland said. /god this reminds me of old times,/ he thought, /how I wish that you are still here./
"Go," both of them said and were off, a black tail followed Roland as he raced.
* * * * * *
Harry and Hermione made it to their room without running in to anyone, both were very thankful for that. She quickly walked over to her bags filled with the books and began to pull the out. "How'd you find out?" Harry asked, taking a seat on her bed.
"There was a large family tree on the back wall of the library," Hermione replied, pulling out books. She immediately began to organize them. "And my grandmother was on it; his mother has the same name as my aunt. So."
"A logical person would think that you are his cousin," Harry said.
"But he is, Harry," She looked up at him. "Why would he pretend that he was if he wasn't?"
"I don't know, Hermione," Harry replied. "There is just something that I don't trust about him."
"You feel it too." She walked over on her knees to Harry,
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"I mean that when you're talking to him, you're never quite sure it's the same person," Hermione looked up into Harry's eyes. /my little princess has the most beautiful eyes in the world./ Harry thought. /always catching the details that I can not./
"Now that you mention it," Harry said, "I just couldn't place my finger on it."
"But the man that I talked to was my cousin, Harry," Hermione replied, "He just felt different then the man in the kitchen. His presence was just."
"More gentle," the professor said, Harry had forgot to close the door. "Kinder, more generous."
"Yes, Professor," Hermione said.
"Then you also felt the presence of Eonos," Xavier said, he wheeled himself over to the couple.
"Eonos?" Harry repeated.
"I've heard that name before, probably read it from a book." she trailed off, lost in her own thoughts.
"Yes, for that is the name that Professor Dumbledore called him." The professor looked kindly to both of them. "When Roland first became a wizard, Professor Dumbledore wanted to meet him. I agreed, as I saw no reason for there to be any problems. And strangely enough, there wasn't. Roland was kind, gentle, much like the man you described, Hermione."
"But where does this Eonos fit into the picture, professor?" Harry asked.
"Well, when Roland left, Professor Dumbledore mentioned that Roland's presence was much like that of Eonos."
"I remember now," Hermione said, "he was the man who fought against the Fallen Angel. So is Roland then."
"No of course not, just because he was kind and courteous, doesn't mean that Roland is like Eonos," Professor X said. "His manner was just like that."
"Professor, I'm confused, why is this Eonos character so bad," Harry asked.
"I'll tell you later, Harry," Hermione said. She glared at him, and Harry knew to drop the subject. "Please continue, sir." She had shifted the way she was sitting probably because her knees were hurting her.
"Yes, later that day, Roland, Trish, the professor and myself were going to Portobello Road, our Diagon Alley. And a man tried to rob us, taking Trish as a hostage. Before Professor Dumbledore drew his wand, Roland had the man on the ground, writhing from pain. No one had any time to react, even the thief. When we returned to the mansion that day, Albus told me about the other presence that he sensed in Roland that day, the presence of the Fallen Angel."
"But Professor, that is supposed to be impossible, the Fallen Angel doesn't exist."
"Maybe, maybe not, Hermione," Professor X said, "It's just what he felt; and a powerful wizard like Albus, you trust his feelings."
"Yeah," Harry said, "Professor Dumbledore does have that quality about him."
"As does Roland," Hermione said.
"Very perceptive of you," Xavier replied. "That is partially because of his truth aura and his nature in general."
"How powerful is he professor?" Harry asked, "He was able to withstand that bullet in his stomach, and walk around after a day."
"Harry, he isn't as powerful as you think. He does it to look strong, and give others hope. Roland is always in pain, I doubt he has recovered from the punctured lung and broken ribs yet, even with his immune system working over time."
"Is he a fast healer or something?" Hermione asked. Her face showed concern for her knew found cousin.
"Yes and no, Hermione," he replied, "Faster then us, but nothing compared to a mutant who has the ability to heal quickly. Now, for the reason why I came here."
"Which is what, professor?" Harry asked.
"Both of your powers are very unstable as of right now, triggered by emotions. I would like you two to train here-"
"But professor what about Hogwarts," Hermione started to complain, but stopped when the professor held up his hand.
"Until about two weeks before you need to return to Hogwarts," Xavier said, "that will give you enough time to properly train your powers."
"When do we start?" Harry asked.
"After Dr. McCoy takes a look at both of you."
"But-" Hermione started to complain, but Harry put a hand on her shoulder and she stopped.
"That's alright, professor," Harry replied, "but can we do it tomorrow?"
"Sure, Harry," Xavier replied, "In fact, that will be for the better anyways. I believe that Hank is working on an experiment right now, so tomorrow you two will have a full exam by our resident Doctor." The professor wheeled himself toward the door. "You two can relax for the rest of the day, wonder the school if you want, but just be careful, as the students finish their classes around three." And with that he left Harry and Hermione alone.
"Well," Harry said, "we learned something new." He fell backwards and laid down.
"Oh, shut up Harry," Hermione replied, playfully hitting his arm. She returned to her books and began to sort them.
Harry got up and walked over to her, watching her place them in a certain order. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing, Harry?" she asked, not looking up. "I'm placing my books in order."
"But what order," Harry asked, picking up one of the books, and reading the cover. "I can see that their not in alphabetical order."
"Give that back to me," she reached for the book with a smile on her face, Harry pulled it away. "Harry Potter, give it back." Harry began to walk away, and Hermione got up off the ground. He ran over to one side of the bed, and she was right behind. Harry was just laughing. "Harry." He jumped over the other bed, as Hermione chased him. "Harry please." She was beginning to laugh, but then her foot got caught in the comforter as she jumped over the bed after Harry. Hermione would have fallen had it no been for Harry to be right there and catch. "Thanks, Harry," she said, blushing a bit.
"Whenever you fall, I'll be there to catch you, Hermione," Harry replied, staring in to her baby-blue eyes, getting lost in the beauty.
Hermione didn't say anything just stared into his eyes, returning his gaze. "Thank you again," she finally said. "Can you let me up?" They hadn't moved since Harry caught her.
Harry slowly returned her to her feet, his face a bright red. "Sure thing, Hermione," he said, not taking his eyes off of hers. He felt his face burn brighter. Their eyes didn't part for what seemed forever. Finally a knock came from the door, then a voice saying that lunch was served. "Do you want to get something to eat, Hermione?" Harry asked.
"No, I'm fine," she replied, still staring in to his eyes. Again, they didn't say anything, just stared into each other's eyes. Finally, she broke the silence of the room, and looked back at her books. "Harry, do you mind helping me sort them?"
"I'd be glad to," Harry said, and took her hand and walked over to the piled.
"Thanks," Hermione pushed some of her hair out of her face. Both of them were blushing madly, despite no one was in the room with them.