Chapter 7:
I am
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's note: "I am the Fallen, cross my path endure my wrath." Chronos the Fallen Angel
This title has two purposes, one to develop the character presence called Eonos in Roland, and the second is to develop Harry and Hermione's powers. I plan on developing their relationship more in this chapter, as well as their relationship to the other characters, mainly Roland, Heather, Jean Grey, Scott and Logan. There will be some action in this chapter, but I'm planning on something big to come later. This is just a build up chapter.
J.K. Rowlings created Harry Potter and its characters, Marvel owns the X- men, and DC owns Supergirl, and any other characters that they had created. Anything I created is mine.
* * * * * *
Two weeks had passed since Harry and Hermione first arrived at the X- mansion. For the first week, Hermione found many different reasons to visit Harry's bed in the middle of the night. But after that week past, the visits stopped; something that Harry hated. But she still liked to stay by his side, barely leaving it during the daytime. Hermione was a lot calmer, despite the nightmares that plagued her sleep once in a while. The physical wounds had healed lovely, but some of the mental ones remained. Both her and Harry continued to fail to notice that one like the other.
With Harry growing closer to Hermione, he also grew closer to Scott and Jean. They reminded him of his parents, from his memories of long ago. He enjoyed their presence almost as much as he enjoyed Hermione's. He also liked Logan or Wolverine as he was sometimes called. After Harry's first training session with the man, he understood why Logan had that nickname. He was fearsome and demanding. Harry had a hard time keeping focus, and Logan would push Harry until he was ready to drop. Only then would he allow Harry to leave. After every training session, all Harry wanted to do was to be with Hermione.
After Hermione found out that Roland was her cousin, he disappeared, only leaving a note saying that Harry and Hermione could enter his room as long as nothing was destroyed. Even the professor couldn't find him on Cerebro, which was disturbing only to Harry and Hermione. Everyone else seemed to be calm about it; the professor simply replied that if Roland wanted to be found, he would allow himself to be found. This was a crushing blow, to her but Hermione recovered that same day.
Her bookworm habits grew on Harry, and soon she had them finishing off their homework for the rest of the summer. Hermione found their school books in Roland's library, and brought them back up to their room. She immediately made Harry work with her on it as she had memorized the homework assignments. Harry couldn't help but laugh as they got started.
They both gained had a small grip on their powers. Harry was able to cause minor earthquakes, create pillars out of the ground and transform his body into solid rock, increasing his strength and defense, and he was still able to move at the same speed as before. Hermione gained control over her electric shield, as she did with what Professor X called 'air pulse,' and she was beginning to learn to fly.
"C'mon, Hermione," Harry said, looking up at her. They were on their last part of the session for the day. Harry was just waiting for Hermione to learn to fly. She was up on a pole that the professor had placed just for this reason; teaching those who can how to fly. And it was Hermione's turn, she learned everything about flying, and all she had to do was fly down to him. Harry was just there to catch her. "You can do this."
"Harry," she said holding the pole. Hermione was clinging for her life; heights terrified her. "I'm not letting go. And you can't make me."
"You heard the boy," Logan said, he came walking up with a cigar. "So get down here, runt, or I'll bring you down here myself." 'Sknit, sknit, sknit.' His adamantium claws came out of one of his hands.
"Relax, Logan," Harry replied, still looking up at Hermione. "Please, Hermione. I told you before that I would never let you fall. I'll catch you."
"No, Harry," she yelled down and held tightly to the pole. "I'm not letting go, I'm no letting go." She eyes were closed, and her brown hair danced in the wind.
"Well," Logan said, putting out his cigar, "if the runt won't come down, then-"
"Logan, no," Harry yelled at the Canadian. He sighed and looked up. "Is there any way we can get her down from there?"
"If Jean were here, yeah. But she has to fly down her. This is a test more of trust then anything else."
"I see what you mean," Harry said. "Hermione please, come down here for me." He wasn't giving up on her. /come on, princess, you can do this./
"I'm not letting go, I'm not letting go," Hermione was just repeating herself over and over again. /god, professor, I can't fly. Height and me don't work well together. No matter what Harry says, I'm not coming down./
"Boo," Roland said, he appeared right in front of her.
Hermione screamed out of surprise and let go of the pole. She fell backwards, straight down to where Harry and Logan were standing. At first she was moving quickly, but then Hermione slowed down. When she finally reached Harry, she was just floating down. Hermione landed in Harry's arms gently. "See, that wasn't too bad," Harry said to her. Hermione pulled close to Harry, still had her eyes closed. He looked up at Roland; he was wearing his long trench coat and black cowboy. Two large feathery wings came from his shoulders as he floated down. "Thanks."
"Happy to help," Roland replied, his feet touched the ground and his shadow wings disappeared.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, one at a time. When she saw that she was in Harry's arms, Hermione relaxed. "Hey," Harry said to her, smiling.
"Hey," Hermione replied. Her arms were around his neck. She was staring at his emerald eyes.
"I told you I'd catch you," Harry reminded her. "And I did." He was looking right into her beautiful blue eyes.
"Yeah you did," Hermione said. "Can you, um." Her eyes went to the ground.
"Oh, sure," Harry lowered her to the ground. Hermione let go of Harry's neck and brushed herself off, then gave him a quick peck on the check, whispering, "Thank you." She was madly blushing, as was Harry when she pulled away.
"So have they," Roland asked. He had landed right next to the feral mutant.
"Not yet," Logan said, "we have a pool going to seen when it happens." His claws retracted themselves.
"Is it too late to get on the action?"
"Nope," Logan replied with a smile, "just will cost you more."
"Fine then. It's good to see you guys again," Roland shook Logan's hand. "It's been a long two weeks."
"So where were you?" He pulled another cigar from his coat and lit it. "I smell cattle all over you."
"Like I said," He looked up at the sky. "It's been a long two weeks." Heather quickly landed next to him.
"You beat me," She said, breathing hard, "again."
"I'm just that good," Roland smiled at Heather. Hermione came walking up with a mad look painted across her face. "Hey, how's-" and he didn't get out any more words, Hermione slapped him across the face. "I deserve that."
"What did you think you were doing?" She yelled at him. "I could've been killed."
"Were you?" Roland asked rubbing his face. A small smile was on it. The sunglasses were hiding his eyes.
"No, but-"
"Okay, no harm, no foul," Roland said. "So, how have you been these last few weeks?"
"Don't change the subject, Roland," Hermione scolded. "I could've been serious hurt or worse, and all you can say is no harm no foul. What kind of cousin are you?"
"The one who was able to get you to fly," Roland looked at her straight in the eyes, and then pointed down. Hermione looked and saw that she was just floating barely above the ground. "Or float in your case."
"Huh?" Hermione said, and landed hard on her butt.
"Anger is a powerful tool, Hermione," Roland replied. "One that you either control or it controls you." He offered a helping hand to her. "Emotion has been what triggers mutant abilities in the past." Hermione took it and slowly got back to her feet.
"But-"
"You had Harry below to catch you, Hermione," Roland continued. "If you were in any real danger, I wouldn't have done it, plain and simple." He looked over at Harry. "Harry, good to see you again."
"Good to see you, too, Roland," Harry replied. Hermione quickly went over to his side. "What've you been up to?"
"Not much, just solving some family issues," he looked back at Heather. Roland looked back at the crowd. "So, how's everyone been?" Logan, Roland and Heather began to walk back inside, leaving Hermione and Harry outside.
"I thought that you'd be excited to see your cousin, Hermione," Harry said, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"I am, it's just that," Hermione replied, laying her head down on his shoulder, "he's changed."
"Yeah, but for the better; do you feel the evil presence in him?" Harry asked.
"No, it's like it's gone," Hermione answered.
"Its not gone, just buried," Roland appeared behind them. "That was the main point of my two week absence, to bury that presence into the depths of the shadow realm, and hope that it doesn't return. But it has always come back." A smile crossed his face. "Enough of depressing matters, come on, what have I missed?" He led Harry and Hermione back to the mansion.
* * * * * *
When they reached the inside of the mansion, Roland was mobbed with questions, but oddly enough, he didn't answer any. Heather answered the questions, while Roland just sat back and watch the reactions of people. He was quiet up until Jean and Scott walked into the room. Roland immediately stood up and left the room. The crowd quickly followed him. "What was that about?" Hermione asked. She and Harry were walking to meet the professor along with Scott and Jean. Hedwig had been out relaying messages between Professor X and Professor Dumbledore. And apparently, a message had just come in with some important information.
"I don't know," Jean, said, "I haven't even met him, so." But Harry noticed a twinkle in her eyes.
"Roland just that way," Scott said. "No one can tell what he is going to do next." He had an arm around Jean. It was rather obvious that they were dating.
"Still," Jean replied. They began to talk between themselves. Despite two weeks had pasted; they were still catching up on what has happened in the past two years.
Harry turned to Hermione, her arm wrapped around his. "How you feeling," he asked and Hermione replied with yawn. "You haven't been sleeping well?"
"Not really," she replied with another yawn. "The nightmares keep on returning, and I" she was interrupted by another yawn. "have a hard time going back to sleep."
"You know I'm here to help," Harry said. He placed an arm around her shoulders, and Hermione rested her head on his. "When ever you need it, I'll be there."
"Thanks, Harry," Hermione yawned again.
"Professor," Jean said, "you wanted to see us?" Harry looked up and saw that they had arrived at the professor's office.
"Yes," the professor replied, "please come in." The door opened, and they walked in. "Hello, please sit down." Harry walked in with Hermione still holding his arm, and resting her head on his shoulder. Xavier coughed in her direction and she snapped out of her trance. Jean had a smile on her face as she sat down, Scott stood right behind her. Hermione sat down and Harry stood next to her holding her hand. "Okay, now the reason for this meeting." He pulled out maps of England and Europe along with pieces of paper covered in data.
"I've been receiving reports from Albus about Voldemort recruiting wizard mutants," Professor X laid the maps out on the table. "He's been training them here, and here," pointing to two locations, one on the eastern border of Europe, the other on the western.
"What does this mean?" Harry asked.
"This means that the amount of power he can amass in a short amount of time is ten times larger then the last time he arose."
"How is that possible?" Hermione asked.
"Mutants and wizards already have mutated when separated genes. When combined, the power is multiplied tenfold."
"Dear god," Jean said covering her mouth. Shock had hit everyone in the room hard. Hermione was gripping Harry's hand harder, as he simply rubbed it. Scott nearly fell down, but was lucky that there was a table right behind him.
"That would explain the amount of power that Roland has," Scott added.
"No," Xavier replied. "But does explain why Harry and Hermione both have a wide range of mutant abilities."
"So if these wizards are able to use and control their powers, then, oh no," Jean said. Her hands quickly covered her mouth again. "Professor," a worried look was painted across her face. "The media will find out, and then-"
"I know Jean," Professor X replied. "I know."
"So, what does this have to do with us?" Harry asked, and received a glare from Hermione.
"Professor Dumbledore has been receiving letters from a black owl, all address to you, Harry." He pulled them out of his drawer. "They've figured out that they are from a Deatheater, but all it that is written is random things."
"So what does this mean?" Harry took the papers and stared at them as he shifted them around. Hermione grabbed a few.
"These leaves only two choices," Hermione said, "either Harry's a Deatheater, or there is a spy within the ranks of Voldemort who clearly can not do his job correctly."
"Two actually," Roland appeared in the door, he looked around the room, at everyone except Jean. "And they can do their job. That was the reason why I released Magneto and Gambit." He walked over to Harry. "Can I see these?" Harry just nodded as he handed the papers to him. "Thanks." Roland looked through them carefully. "Good, hmm, very good." Roland carefully studied the papers and then handed them back to Harry. "Okay, these papers tell where, when, and how all the Deatheater attacks are going to happen for the next month. Voldemort doesn't have any mutant squadrons ready, but in three months he will, if he stays on schedule. Harry, can you send an owl to Professor Dumbledore when Hedwig comes back telling him about this?"
"Sure, but what do I write," Harry asked.
"Here," Roland pulled a pad of paper and began to write on it, "this is the dates, where and how. Just send this along with what I just said. Professor Dumbledore will know what to do from there." He handed it to Harry, and then looked. "I've got some more business to do, so take care." And Roland disappeared out the door as fast as he came.
"He always does that," Scott said, he was back on his feet. "Do you think it's wise to have him do this?"
"No, but he is helping stop this mad man, even if the method isn't right, the idea is sound," The professor wheeled himself around the table. "That is all, Harry, Hermione. You can go." Hermione stood up and wrapped her hand around Harry's. "And by the way, Hermione congratulations on flying." A small smile was on the professor's face as she blushed.
"Thanks, Professor," Hermione replied, and walked out with Harry.
"So, how much longer until they finally say something to each other?" the professor asked.
"Well, the pool ends next week," Scott said. "So we'll have to get everyone to choose new dates after then."
"Scott, I can't believe that you are running this," Jean said.
"I'm not, Storm is," Scott replied with a smile.
"Professor," She looked up at her mentor for some enlightenment, "how can you be apart of something is cruel?"
"It isn't cruel, Jean," Scott said, "after all, its been two weeks, and still they've said nothing to each other. Do you want in?"
"This is demoralizing and idiotic," Jean replied.
"Is that a yes or no?"
"I've said my part, you can count me in," Jean said. Professor X smiled at his two students.
"C'mon we'll go talk to Storm about it," Scott said, Jean stood up and followed him out the door, leaving the professor with just a small smile on his face and his own thoughts.
* * * * * *
Harry walked with Hermione to Roland's room, Hermione had made it a daily routine to visit Roland's library. She had already finished all of the books that Roland had bought, and had begun to take them out of the library. When they reached Roland's room, Harry pulled out the key that Roland had left them. "Hermione," Harry said, as he unlocked the door, "what is the point of research now, we've look through the entire library and found nothing about the Eonos and the Fallen Angel."
"I know that," She replied, as they walked inside. "But I just want to make sure."
"We've done this for the past two weeks, I don't think that there is anymore information that we can get."
"We have to look, Harry," Hermione said. "I found books missing one day than they appeared the next."
"That'd be me, Hermione," Roland came walking up from the library. "So, from what I hear, you two been researching the Fallen Angel theory."
"Yeah, but-" Hermione started.
"I took the books, Eric had mentioned Chronos, and the six elements, who are," Roland tossed a book across the room, and Harry caught it.
"Part of the Fallen Angel theory," Hermione replied.
"Very good. Anyways, I need to refresh my memory, as some dates and events were missing from my data banks for some odd reason." Roland walked over to his shelves and looked at the binders. "I came up here for some of my Magic decks, one the students wanted to see if I am as good as the world thinks." He pulled one out.
"Magic deck?" Harry repeated confused.
"Yeah, Harry," Hermione, replied. "It's a Muggle card game. He has about twenty binders downstairs filled with strategies on the game."
"Twenty seven and a third," Roland said, and pulled out a stack of cards, placing them in his coat. "I started another before I left." He placed the binder back. "That book I gave you should give a full description of the theory, if not; I returned all the other books I took, so feel free to look." Roland removed one more stack of cards. "You obviously have to key of my room, Harry, right?"
"Yeah," Harry still had to key in his hand.
"Good," Roland jumped over the bed without stepping on it. "Just lock up when you're done." He smiled at them before he left the room.
Hermione walked over to the bed and picked up the book. "The Dark Ages and Its Connection to the Fallen Angel?"
"That's the title of the book?" Harry said, walking over to her side.
"Of course," Hermione replied. She sat down and opened.
"That book's thicker then Hogwarts: A History, Hermione." Harry took a seat next to her. "And the print is smaller that it."
"Is that a problem, Harry Potter?" Hermione asked smiling at him.
"No, no of course not," Harry smiled back at her, "it's just if the print were any smaller, then you'd need a microscope." Hermione laughed, as did Harry. Neither of them noticed Roland still standing in the door, wearing a large smile on his face.
* * * * * *
Roland walked down the hallways alone, smiling at what he had just seen. /it'll be any day now,/ he thought. "Roland Childe, don't move," Jean's voice roared from behind him. He turned around, and saw the redhead walking toward him, her hair on fire. Jean wasn't panicking through, and neither was Roland.
"What can I do for you?" he asked, but slowly began to float backwards; there was something about Jean that scared him deep down in his soul. And for something to scare him, Roland knew that it was trouble.
"I said don't move," a large hand stretched out from Jean's arm, and tried to grab Roland. But it passed right through him, though it did get him to stop. "That's better."
"Is that really the way to treat people, Jean?" Roland asked.
"Hal has sent me to inform you about what is going to happen," Jean said, Roland got a look at her eyes now, and saw the fire the burned within them.
"Who are you?" He asked, ignoring her first statement.
"I am the Phoenix, Chronos," Jean said, "and I am here to help you."
"Look, I don't know what you're talking about," Roland turned around and started to walk away. His knee hadn't acted up in a long time, since he left, but Roland knew he was beginning to push his limits.
Jean reached out with the fiery arm at Roland again. The arm took up the entire hallway, the fire flowing from Jean. This time, she was able to grab him, Roland nearly screamed from the pain, but soon that pain was transferred to anger and that anger into power. "I said don't move."
The hallway grew dark as all the light was extinguished save the light Jean gave off. Roland's sunglasses fell off his eyes, to reveal the darkness that he held. Roland's anger was unleashed. He broke the grip that the Phoenix had on him, and was on the ground, landing hard on his legs. He nearly fell down to his knees, as his left knee gave out on him. Nearly.
"I am Pain," Roland said, the darkness consuming him and his anger, "I am Anger, I am Fear, I am Sorrow. I am the Fallen; cross my path and face my rage." He pointed a hand at the Phoenix, his anger soaring. His hooded cloak began to form around him, the hood slowly covering his head, and his face receding into darkness.
"Chronos, stop this now," Jean said, "We have more important matters. Hal sent me-"
"My name is Roland," he said, and Jean reached out again with the rather large fiery arm, grabbing Roland again. "And I have no idea who this Hal person is."
"Chronos, this is of utmost importance." Jean brought Roland closer to her, as he tried to get out of her grip. But nothing was working.
"First, who is this Hal?" Roland responded, ignoring her statement again. He began to struggle, but the more he struggled, the tighter of grip she had on him.
"He is the man who sent me to help you."
"And what do you want with me?" Roland asked, he'd never met a person who was able to hold him this long. /See, you were right to be afraid,/ a voice said in the back of his mind. /Damn straight, Roland./ he replied.
"You need to protect them, Chronos," Jean spoke, but her voice was different, not like before, but another entity.
"Who?" Roland asked; there was no use in trying to escape, so he stopped wasting energy.
"The ones that you brought here."
"Harry and Hermione," Roland replied. The Phoenix simply nodded. "Why?" He stared with his blank eyes at her fiery ones.
"There are beings in this world, more powerful then you can imagine, who wish to see them dead," the Phoenix said, "you need to stop them."
"How can I stop them if I can't," Roland tried to escape again by phasing, but it didn't work, "if I can't even escape from you?" The Phoenix laughed at him.
"Because, Chronos, you are too blind to see how powerful you are," she said. "Your anger is what blinds you."
"Story of my life," Roland replied.
"But it is not your fault. There is someone blocking your abilities, Chronos," the Phoenix said, "perhaps I can help." Roland reared back in pain; Jean was trying to enter his mind, to find the problem. Blood began to flow from his ears and nose. "Someone is also blocking a telepathic scans." He began to sweat from the pain, breathing hard and tired.
"No shit, Sherlock," Roland said, then spat out blood on the carpet. "But I can tell you got closer then the professor, I actually felt your mind."
"Good, then I'll try again," Jean replied, and Roland reared back in pain again. He felt her enter it this time, and when she did, Roland relaxed just a bit, but knew that there were problems. He just felt that there was something wrong. He should've been able to hear Jean's voice or the Phoenix as she called herself. But no, Roland heard nothing, just his own thoughts. "Dear lord." And he felt her leave his mind.
"So who is it?" he asked, as the Phoenix dropped him. "Jean." She started to back away from him. "Phoenix, what is it?" She just turned around and ran away. "Well, that was a waste of my time." Roland turned around was started to walk away, the light had returned to the hallway. But Roland couldn't help feel that there was wrong, terribly wrong as he pulled out his handkerchief to wipe up his face.
* * * * * *
The sky was growing darker as the sun was setting. Hermione yawned again, and laid her head down on Harry's shoulder again. For the entire day all they did was read that book that Roland had given them, her one page, him the next. Every once in a while, they'd look up at each other, and simply smile before moving on to the next page. It was around seven o'clock when Roland came back. "So, how are the love birds," He asked, causing both of them to blush.
"We're fine," Harry replied, Hermione sat straight up, much to Harry's dislike.
"So," Roland walked into the room, "did the book help?" He hung up his coat in the closet, not before removing the two stacks of cards from it.
"We didn't get through it all," Hermione said, "Can we borrow it?"
"Sure," Roland replied. "As long as you return when you're done with it."
"Thanks," Hermione stood up and began to walk away. Harry got up and quickly followed her, wrapping his arm around hers. She smiled at Harry, causing him to blush again.
They walked the corridors with silence, not making eye contact with each other. They would've made it back to their room had Hermione heard a conversation. "Professor," Jean said, "there is another conscious in his mind."
"What do you mean, Jean?" Professor X said. Hermione pulled Harry over to the side of the wall. Jean and the professor were around the corner, and she didn't want them to be seen. "Like multiple personalities?"
"No, a complete mind. It didn't want me to read Roland's mind."
"Were you able to tell him?"
"Yes, but I doubt he believed me," Jean replied.
"Hermione," Harry asked.
"Shh, Harry," she replied, "I want to listen."
"Professor, Eonos has been influencing him," Jean said.
"Jean, Eonos doesn't exist," Professor X replied. "And neither does the Fallen Angel."
"Eonos does, Professor. I sensed him." Hermione peaked around the corner to get a look; Jean was staring right at the professor. "And so does the Fallen Angel. That is the reason why he sent me back, professor. Roland has an important part in the future, Professor."
A long period of silence followed, Harry and Hermione didn't even talk; they took in what had just happened. "So what is the future, Jean?" Xavier asked.
"I don't know, I just know that Roland has a main part in it, even if he doesn't believe it." She didn't say any thing for a moment. But finally added. "And so do they. And unless we do something to protect them, history is bound to repeat itself."
"Harry," Hermione pulled him away from the hallway. "What do you think that means?"
"No, I don't, Hermione," Harry replied. "But I bet it leads to more research." He rubbed his forehead.
"Harry Potter," Hermione stated, blushing just a little. "You know me too well." She looked down at the ground, not wanting to stare at his handsome emerald eyes.
"I do for a fact, 'Mione," he said, lifting up her head. He wanted to see her beautiful eyes. /you happen to be the most beautiful woman I've set my eyes on./
"You do, Harry," she replied. /I've never seen a guy that is more handsome then you, Harry./ She moved forward to kiss him, slowly as she was unsure about it. Harry moved closer to her.
"Hey, Harry, Hermione," Jean said, both of them broke away from each other's gaze. "What are you doing here?" Their faces were a bright red in color.
"Nothing," Hermione replied, "we were, um, just-"
"Heading to our room, to work on some homework," Harry finished. "C'mon Hermione, you said you'd help with the potions homework right?"
"Right, Harry," she said, blushing.
Jean smiled down at them. "Well, take care, you two." She walked down the hallway. The professor must have gone back down that hallway for he said nothing.
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said, her face still a bright red.
"No prob', Hermione," Harry replied. "What are friends for?" /one day, maybe we can be more then friends./
They walked back to their room, in silence again, Harry wasn't holding Hermione's hand. He missed her touch; it was as if something was missing in him. She was beautiful to him, perfect for him. Harry just wished that he could tell her how he felt.
When they reached the door to their room, Hermione stopped Harry for a moment. "Harry, I um," she was stumbling on her words.
"Hermione, you're welcome," Harry interrupted her.
"Harry you are a great friend, who's always been good to me," she replied. Hermione looked down, "too good to me." She wiped her eyes as the tears began to form. "You really don't have to be." Harry pulled her closer him, and she cried into her shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her. "Shh, Hermione, it's alright," he said, trying to comfort. It had been two weeks since the last time she cried in his arms, the last time she cried. All that tension, all the hatred, all the pain had been building up in her. The self-loathing, the questions about why it happened, and why it happened to her. "Hermione, I can never be too good to you. You are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen; you're perfect."
"Stop that, Harry," She wiped a tear away. "You're embarrassing me." But Hermione started to cry into his shoulder. "Why'd it happen to me, why'd it happen in the first place?'
"I don't know, 'Mione," Harry replied. "I really don't know. There are just people like that in the world. And there is nothing that we can do about."
"You're wrong, Harry," Hermione, replied.
"It's not the first time," he said, and Hermione laughed on his shoulder.
"There is something that we can do."
"What is it, 'Mione?" She pulled away from him.
"There are people like you in the world who make it better," Hermione said, and Harry couldn't help to blush. "Harry, you've help me through this just by being there. I don't think that I could if.if." She started to cry again, returning to his shoulder.
"Hermione, you are the strongest person I know, you could've and would've survived if I weren't here."
"No, Harry, I couldn't have. You are the reason why I'm strong."
"You're making me blush again," Harry said, laughing a bit. "And you're the reason why I'm the way I am, 'Mione."
"What?" Hermione pulled away just enough to see Harry's
"I couldn't have survived the last five years if you hadn't been there for me, I wouldn't have survived this summer had I not had seeing you to look forward."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione replied, resting on his shoulder again.
"I don't know what I'll do if you leave me, Hermione," Harry said. "So," Harry pulled away. "I can't believe I'm saying this but."
"But what?" Hermione asked.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" Harry smiled at her.
"Yes, yes, a thousand times yes," she said, hugging his neck. Harry spun her around, his hands around her waist. Hermione reached behind her and opened the door. "It's getting dark I think we should return to our room."
"I agree," he gave her a kiss as they entered.
Little did they know, a small crowd had formed down the hallway, just far enough way so that they could still here what Harry and Hermione were saying. "That's so sweet," Jean said. She turned around and looked at everyone else. "Don't you think Scott?"
"Yeah, I do," Scott, replied. "So who had today?"
"Um," Storm pulled out a sheet of paper. "Let's see."
"I did," Roland came walking up a smile on his face. "So, pay up."
"How, you weren't even here when we started it," Scott replied. He along with everyone else there, was dumbfounded.
"I came back one time during the night and left Storm a note," Roland said, "I'd figure that you were going to do something like this, know the lot of ya, so I left money and two dates, today and tomorrow."
"You knew all along," Logan said. "Didn't you?"
"Yep," Roland smiled at them, "So, Storm, my money."
"Right here, Roland," She pulled out an envelope. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Roland just pocketed the money, didn't even count it.
"Remind me to never play poker with ya," Logan said and walked off with a smile on his face. Everyone just laughed at the Canadian.
* * * * * *
Harry and Hermione was lying in one bed together, (A/N: Shut up you sick perverts, they didn't do anything.) relaxing and thinking about the day's events. The sun had just set and the lights were still on in their room. Neither of them had changed yet for the night. "Hermione," Harry said, he had an arm around her shoulders, a smile on his face.
"Hmm," she replied, the lack of sleep from the previous night still affecting her.
"Are you happy?" Harry asked.
"I am," Hermione said, and looked up to her boyfriend. "Thank you, Harry," and gave him a kiss on the check.
"For what, 'Mione," Harry replied. She lay back down on his shoulder. Hermione loved the nickname he gave her, it made her feel safe as she knew that he would always protect.
"For always being there for me."
Well, you're welcome," Harry said. "Anything you want to do before go to bed?" He looked down at her, smiling his sweet smile.
"Yeah, can you read to me?"
"Anything for you," Harry kissed her forehead. "I'll change in the bathroom, you change out here and get the book; alright?" Harry started to get up, but Hermione pulled on the neck of his shirt.
"Okay," Hermione replied, and kissed him on the lips. "Thank you, my knight."
"You're welcome, my lady," Harry said and walked over to his dresser and removed a pair of boxers and a shirt. He went in to the bathroom and changed. When he came out, Hermione was in the bed that they had just left, in a rather large t-shirt that went to her elbows. "That was quick." He walked over to her.
"Yeah, it was," Hermione blushed. "here." She handed him a book.
"Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree?" Harry read.
"It's one of my favorites," Hermione said with a smile. "I've loved that story since I was a child." Harry had to laugh as he took a seat next to Hermione. "Harry James Potter, don't you laugh at me." Hermione turned her face away from Harry.
"Hermione," Harry said, and when she turned around to reply, all that she met was Harry's lips. "I wasn't laughing at you, 'Mione. Alright?"
"Alright," she replied dreamily, staring at Harry's eyes. /how much I love, I can't count the ways./
"Now to begin," Harry said, and began to read the story to Hermione. She relaxed and closed her eyes, laying her head down on Harry's shoulder. He shifted and put an arm around her, pulling her closer. Before Harry had finished the book, Hermione was asleep. Harry carefully got out of the bed, and pulled the covers over Hermione.
"Hmm," she said so peacefully.
"I love you, Hermione," Harry said kissing her forehead, "and I always will." He walked over and turned off the lights. Harry made his way back to his bed, and just laid in it for a while, thinking of his future, hoping and praying that Hermione was in it. Harry asked himself a single question: are you finally happy? /I am,/ was his reply to himself. When he fell asleep, all Harry could think about was Hermione and being with her.
I am
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's note: "I am the Fallen, cross my path endure my wrath." Chronos the Fallen Angel
This title has two purposes, one to develop the character presence called Eonos in Roland, and the second is to develop Harry and Hermione's powers. I plan on developing their relationship more in this chapter, as well as their relationship to the other characters, mainly Roland, Heather, Jean Grey, Scott and Logan. There will be some action in this chapter, but I'm planning on something big to come later. This is just a build up chapter.
J.K. Rowlings created Harry Potter and its characters, Marvel owns the X- men, and DC owns Supergirl, and any other characters that they had created. Anything I created is mine.
* * * * * *
Two weeks had passed since Harry and Hermione first arrived at the X- mansion. For the first week, Hermione found many different reasons to visit Harry's bed in the middle of the night. But after that week past, the visits stopped; something that Harry hated. But she still liked to stay by his side, barely leaving it during the daytime. Hermione was a lot calmer, despite the nightmares that plagued her sleep once in a while. The physical wounds had healed lovely, but some of the mental ones remained. Both her and Harry continued to fail to notice that one like the other.
With Harry growing closer to Hermione, he also grew closer to Scott and Jean. They reminded him of his parents, from his memories of long ago. He enjoyed their presence almost as much as he enjoyed Hermione's. He also liked Logan or Wolverine as he was sometimes called. After Harry's first training session with the man, he understood why Logan had that nickname. He was fearsome and demanding. Harry had a hard time keeping focus, and Logan would push Harry until he was ready to drop. Only then would he allow Harry to leave. After every training session, all Harry wanted to do was to be with Hermione.
After Hermione found out that Roland was her cousin, he disappeared, only leaving a note saying that Harry and Hermione could enter his room as long as nothing was destroyed. Even the professor couldn't find him on Cerebro, which was disturbing only to Harry and Hermione. Everyone else seemed to be calm about it; the professor simply replied that if Roland wanted to be found, he would allow himself to be found. This was a crushing blow, to her but Hermione recovered that same day.
Her bookworm habits grew on Harry, and soon she had them finishing off their homework for the rest of the summer. Hermione found their school books in Roland's library, and brought them back up to their room. She immediately made Harry work with her on it as she had memorized the homework assignments. Harry couldn't help but laugh as they got started.
They both gained had a small grip on their powers. Harry was able to cause minor earthquakes, create pillars out of the ground and transform his body into solid rock, increasing his strength and defense, and he was still able to move at the same speed as before. Hermione gained control over her electric shield, as she did with what Professor X called 'air pulse,' and she was beginning to learn to fly.
"C'mon, Hermione," Harry said, looking up at her. They were on their last part of the session for the day. Harry was just waiting for Hermione to learn to fly. She was up on a pole that the professor had placed just for this reason; teaching those who can how to fly. And it was Hermione's turn, she learned everything about flying, and all she had to do was fly down to him. Harry was just there to catch her. "You can do this."
"Harry," she said holding the pole. Hermione was clinging for her life; heights terrified her. "I'm not letting go. And you can't make me."
"You heard the boy," Logan said, he came walking up with a cigar. "So get down here, runt, or I'll bring you down here myself." 'Sknit, sknit, sknit.' His adamantium claws came out of one of his hands.
"Relax, Logan," Harry replied, still looking up at Hermione. "Please, Hermione. I told you before that I would never let you fall. I'll catch you."
"No, Harry," she yelled down and held tightly to the pole. "I'm not letting go, I'm no letting go." She eyes were closed, and her brown hair danced in the wind.
"Well," Logan said, putting out his cigar, "if the runt won't come down, then-"
"Logan, no," Harry yelled at the Canadian. He sighed and looked up. "Is there any way we can get her down from there?"
"If Jean were here, yeah. But she has to fly down her. This is a test more of trust then anything else."
"I see what you mean," Harry said. "Hermione please, come down here for me." He wasn't giving up on her. /come on, princess, you can do this./
"I'm not letting go, I'm not letting go," Hermione was just repeating herself over and over again. /god, professor, I can't fly. Height and me don't work well together. No matter what Harry says, I'm not coming down./
"Boo," Roland said, he appeared right in front of her.
Hermione screamed out of surprise and let go of the pole. She fell backwards, straight down to where Harry and Logan were standing. At first she was moving quickly, but then Hermione slowed down. When she finally reached Harry, she was just floating down. Hermione landed in Harry's arms gently. "See, that wasn't too bad," Harry said to her. Hermione pulled close to Harry, still had her eyes closed. He looked up at Roland; he was wearing his long trench coat and black cowboy. Two large feathery wings came from his shoulders as he floated down. "Thanks."
"Happy to help," Roland replied, his feet touched the ground and his shadow wings disappeared.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, one at a time. When she saw that she was in Harry's arms, Hermione relaxed. "Hey," Harry said to her, smiling.
"Hey," Hermione replied. Her arms were around his neck. She was staring at his emerald eyes.
"I told you I'd catch you," Harry reminded her. "And I did." He was looking right into her beautiful blue eyes.
"Yeah you did," Hermione said. "Can you, um." Her eyes went to the ground.
"Oh, sure," Harry lowered her to the ground. Hermione let go of Harry's neck and brushed herself off, then gave him a quick peck on the check, whispering, "Thank you." She was madly blushing, as was Harry when she pulled away.
"So have they," Roland asked. He had landed right next to the feral mutant.
"Not yet," Logan said, "we have a pool going to seen when it happens." His claws retracted themselves.
"Is it too late to get on the action?"
"Nope," Logan replied with a smile, "just will cost you more."
"Fine then. It's good to see you guys again," Roland shook Logan's hand. "It's been a long two weeks."
"So where were you?" He pulled another cigar from his coat and lit it. "I smell cattle all over you."
"Like I said," He looked up at the sky. "It's been a long two weeks." Heather quickly landed next to him.
"You beat me," She said, breathing hard, "again."
"I'm just that good," Roland smiled at Heather. Hermione came walking up with a mad look painted across her face. "Hey, how's-" and he didn't get out any more words, Hermione slapped him across the face. "I deserve that."
"What did you think you were doing?" She yelled at him. "I could've been killed."
"Were you?" Roland asked rubbing his face. A small smile was on it. The sunglasses were hiding his eyes.
"No, but-"
"Okay, no harm, no foul," Roland said. "So, how have you been these last few weeks?"
"Don't change the subject, Roland," Hermione scolded. "I could've been serious hurt or worse, and all you can say is no harm no foul. What kind of cousin are you?"
"The one who was able to get you to fly," Roland looked at her straight in the eyes, and then pointed down. Hermione looked and saw that she was just floating barely above the ground. "Or float in your case."
"Huh?" Hermione said, and landed hard on her butt.
"Anger is a powerful tool, Hermione," Roland replied. "One that you either control or it controls you." He offered a helping hand to her. "Emotion has been what triggers mutant abilities in the past." Hermione took it and slowly got back to her feet.
"But-"
"You had Harry below to catch you, Hermione," Roland continued. "If you were in any real danger, I wouldn't have done it, plain and simple." He looked over at Harry. "Harry, good to see you again."
"Good to see you, too, Roland," Harry replied. Hermione quickly went over to his side. "What've you been up to?"
"Not much, just solving some family issues," he looked back at Heather. Roland looked back at the crowd. "So, how's everyone been?" Logan, Roland and Heather began to walk back inside, leaving Hermione and Harry outside.
"I thought that you'd be excited to see your cousin, Hermione," Harry said, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"I am, it's just that," Hermione replied, laying her head down on his shoulder, "he's changed."
"Yeah, but for the better; do you feel the evil presence in him?" Harry asked.
"No, it's like it's gone," Hermione answered.
"Its not gone, just buried," Roland appeared behind them. "That was the main point of my two week absence, to bury that presence into the depths of the shadow realm, and hope that it doesn't return. But it has always come back." A smile crossed his face. "Enough of depressing matters, come on, what have I missed?" He led Harry and Hermione back to the mansion.
* * * * * *
When they reached the inside of the mansion, Roland was mobbed with questions, but oddly enough, he didn't answer any. Heather answered the questions, while Roland just sat back and watch the reactions of people. He was quiet up until Jean and Scott walked into the room. Roland immediately stood up and left the room. The crowd quickly followed him. "What was that about?" Hermione asked. She and Harry were walking to meet the professor along with Scott and Jean. Hedwig had been out relaying messages between Professor X and Professor Dumbledore. And apparently, a message had just come in with some important information.
"I don't know," Jean, said, "I haven't even met him, so." But Harry noticed a twinkle in her eyes.
"Roland just that way," Scott said. "No one can tell what he is going to do next." He had an arm around Jean. It was rather obvious that they were dating.
"Still," Jean replied. They began to talk between themselves. Despite two weeks had pasted; they were still catching up on what has happened in the past two years.
Harry turned to Hermione, her arm wrapped around his. "How you feeling," he asked and Hermione replied with yawn. "You haven't been sleeping well?"
"Not really," she replied with another yawn. "The nightmares keep on returning, and I" she was interrupted by another yawn. "have a hard time going back to sleep."
"You know I'm here to help," Harry said. He placed an arm around her shoulders, and Hermione rested her head on his. "When ever you need it, I'll be there."
"Thanks, Harry," Hermione yawned again.
"Professor," Jean said, "you wanted to see us?" Harry looked up and saw that they had arrived at the professor's office.
"Yes," the professor replied, "please come in." The door opened, and they walked in. "Hello, please sit down." Harry walked in with Hermione still holding his arm, and resting her head on his shoulder. Xavier coughed in her direction and she snapped out of her trance. Jean had a smile on her face as she sat down, Scott stood right behind her. Hermione sat down and Harry stood next to her holding her hand. "Okay, now the reason for this meeting." He pulled out maps of England and Europe along with pieces of paper covered in data.
"I've been receiving reports from Albus about Voldemort recruiting wizard mutants," Professor X laid the maps out on the table. "He's been training them here, and here," pointing to two locations, one on the eastern border of Europe, the other on the western.
"What does this mean?" Harry asked.
"This means that the amount of power he can amass in a short amount of time is ten times larger then the last time he arose."
"How is that possible?" Hermione asked.
"Mutants and wizards already have mutated when separated genes. When combined, the power is multiplied tenfold."
"Dear god," Jean said covering her mouth. Shock had hit everyone in the room hard. Hermione was gripping Harry's hand harder, as he simply rubbed it. Scott nearly fell down, but was lucky that there was a table right behind him.
"That would explain the amount of power that Roland has," Scott added.
"No," Xavier replied. "But does explain why Harry and Hermione both have a wide range of mutant abilities."
"So if these wizards are able to use and control their powers, then, oh no," Jean said. Her hands quickly covered her mouth again. "Professor," a worried look was painted across her face. "The media will find out, and then-"
"I know Jean," Professor X replied. "I know."
"So, what does this have to do with us?" Harry asked, and received a glare from Hermione.
"Professor Dumbledore has been receiving letters from a black owl, all address to you, Harry." He pulled them out of his drawer. "They've figured out that they are from a Deatheater, but all it that is written is random things."
"So what does this mean?" Harry took the papers and stared at them as he shifted them around. Hermione grabbed a few.
"These leaves only two choices," Hermione said, "either Harry's a Deatheater, or there is a spy within the ranks of Voldemort who clearly can not do his job correctly."
"Two actually," Roland appeared in the door, he looked around the room, at everyone except Jean. "And they can do their job. That was the reason why I released Magneto and Gambit." He walked over to Harry. "Can I see these?" Harry just nodded as he handed the papers to him. "Thanks." Roland looked through them carefully. "Good, hmm, very good." Roland carefully studied the papers and then handed them back to Harry. "Okay, these papers tell where, when, and how all the Deatheater attacks are going to happen for the next month. Voldemort doesn't have any mutant squadrons ready, but in three months he will, if he stays on schedule. Harry, can you send an owl to Professor Dumbledore when Hedwig comes back telling him about this?"
"Sure, but what do I write," Harry asked.
"Here," Roland pulled a pad of paper and began to write on it, "this is the dates, where and how. Just send this along with what I just said. Professor Dumbledore will know what to do from there." He handed it to Harry, and then looked. "I've got some more business to do, so take care." And Roland disappeared out the door as fast as he came.
"He always does that," Scott said, he was back on his feet. "Do you think it's wise to have him do this?"
"No, but he is helping stop this mad man, even if the method isn't right, the idea is sound," The professor wheeled himself around the table. "That is all, Harry, Hermione. You can go." Hermione stood up and wrapped her hand around Harry's. "And by the way, Hermione congratulations on flying." A small smile was on the professor's face as she blushed.
"Thanks, Professor," Hermione replied, and walked out with Harry.
"So, how much longer until they finally say something to each other?" the professor asked.
"Well, the pool ends next week," Scott said. "So we'll have to get everyone to choose new dates after then."
"Scott, I can't believe that you are running this," Jean said.
"I'm not, Storm is," Scott replied with a smile.
"Professor," She looked up at her mentor for some enlightenment, "how can you be apart of something is cruel?"
"It isn't cruel, Jean," Scott said, "after all, its been two weeks, and still they've said nothing to each other. Do you want in?"
"This is demoralizing and idiotic," Jean replied.
"Is that a yes or no?"
"I've said my part, you can count me in," Jean said. Professor X smiled at his two students.
"C'mon we'll go talk to Storm about it," Scott said, Jean stood up and followed him out the door, leaving the professor with just a small smile on his face and his own thoughts.
* * * * * *
Harry walked with Hermione to Roland's room, Hermione had made it a daily routine to visit Roland's library. She had already finished all of the books that Roland had bought, and had begun to take them out of the library. When they reached Roland's room, Harry pulled out the key that Roland had left them. "Hermione," Harry said, as he unlocked the door, "what is the point of research now, we've look through the entire library and found nothing about the Eonos and the Fallen Angel."
"I know that," She replied, as they walked inside. "But I just want to make sure."
"We've done this for the past two weeks, I don't think that there is anymore information that we can get."
"We have to look, Harry," Hermione said. "I found books missing one day than they appeared the next."
"That'd be me, Hermione," Roland came walking up from the library. "So, from what I hear, you two been researching the Fallen Angel theory."
"Yeah, but-" Hermione started.
"I took the books, Eric had mentioned Chronos, and the six elements, who are," Roland tossed a book across the room, and Harry caught it.
"Part of the Fallen Angel theory," Hermione replied.
"Very good. Anyways, I need to refresh my memory, as some dates and events were missing from my data banks for some odd reason." Roland walked over to his shelves and looked at the binders. "I came up here for some of my Magic decks, one the students wanted to see if I am as good as the world thinks." He pulled one out.
"Magic deck?" Harry repeated confused.
"Yeah, Harry," Hermione, replied. "It's a Muggle card game. He has about twenty binders downstairs filled with strategies on the game."
"Twenty seven and a third," Roland said, and pulled out a stack of cards, placing them in his coat. "I started another before I left." He placed the binder back. "That book I gave you should give a full description of the theory, if not; I returned all the other books I took, so feel free to look." Roland removed one more stack of cards. "You obviously have to key of my room, Harry, right?"
"Yeah," Harry still had to key in his hand.
"Good," Roland jumped over the bed without stepping on it. "Just lock up when you're done." He smiled at them before he left the room.
Hermione walked over to the bed and picked up the book. "The Dark Ages and Its Connection to the Fallen Angel?"
"That's the title of the book?" Harry said, walking over to her side.
"Of course," Hermione replied. She sat down and opened.
"That book's thicker then Hogwarts: A History, Hermione." Harry took a seat next to her. "And the print is smaller that it."
"Is that a problem, Harry Potter?" Hermione asked smiling at him.
"No, no of course not," Harry smiled back at her, "it's just if the print were any smaller, then you'd need a microscope." Hermione laughed, as did Harry. Neither of them noticed Roland still standing in the door, wearing a large smile on his face.
* * * * * *
Roland walked down the hallways alone, smiling at what he had just seen. /it'll be any day now,/ he thought. "Roland Childe, don't move," Jean's voice roared from behind him. He turned around, and saw the redhead walking toward him, her hair on fire. Jean wasn't panicking through, and neither was Roland.
"What can I do for you?" he asked, but slowly began to float backwards; there was something about Jean that scared him deep down in his soul. And for something to scare him, Roland knew that it was trouble.
"I said don't move," a large hand stretched out from Jean's arm, and tried to grab Roland. But it passed right through him, though it did get him to stop. "That's better."
"Is that really the way to treat people, Jean?" Roland asked.
"Hal has sent me to inform you about what is going to happen," Jean said, Roland got a look at her eyes now, and saw the fire the burned within them.
"Who are you?" He asked, ignoring her first statement.
"I am the Phoenix, Chronos," Jean said, "and I am here to help you."
"Look, I don't know what you're talking about," Roland turned around and started to walk away. His knee hadn't acted up in a long time, since he left, but Roland knew he was beginning to push his limits.
Jean reached out with the fiery arm at Roland again. The arm took up the entire hallway, the fire flowing from Jean. This time, she was able to grab him, Roland nearly screamed from the pain, but soon that pain was transferred to anger and that anger into power. "I said don't move."
The hallway grew dark as all the light was extinguished save the light Jean gave off. Roland's sunglasses fell off his eyes, to reveal the darkness that he held. Roland's anger was unleashed. He broke the grip that the Phoenix had on him, and was on the ground, landing hard on his legs. He nearly fell down to his knees, as his left knee gave out on him. Nearly.
"I am Pain," Roland said, the darkness consuming him and his anger, "I am Anger, I am Fear, I am Sorrow. I am the Fallen; cross my path and face my rage." He pointed a hand at the Phoenix, his anger soaring. His hooded cloak began to form around him, the hood slowly covering his head, and his face receding into darkness.
"Chronos, stop this now," Jean said, "We have more important matters. Hal sent me-"
"My name is Roland," he said, and Jean reached out again with the rather large fiery arm, grabbing Roland again. "And I have no idea who this Hal person is."
"Chronos, this is of utmost importance." Jean brought Roland closer to her, as he tried to get out of her grip. But nothing was working.
"First, who is this Hal?" Roland responded, ignoring her statement again. He began to struggle, but the more he struggled, the tighter of grip she had on him.
"He is the man who sent me to help you."
"And what do you want with me?" Roland asked, he'd never met a person who was able to hold him this long. /See, you were right to be afraid,/ a voice said in the back of his mind. /Damn straight, Roland./ he replied.
"You need to protect them, Chronos," Jean spoke, but her voice was different, not like before, but another entity.
"Who?" Roland asked; there was no use in trying to escape, so he stopped wasting energy.
"The ones that you brought here."
"Harry and Hermione," Roland replied. The Phoenix simply nodded. "Why?" He stared with his blank eyes at her fiery ones.
"There are beings in this world, more powerful then you can imagine, who wish to see them dead," the Phoenix said, "you need to stop them."
"How can I stop them if I can't," Roland tried to escape again by phasing, but it didn't work, "if I can't even escape from you?" The Phoenix laughed at him.
"Because, Chronos, you are too blind to see how powerful you are," she said. "Your anger is what blinds you."
"Story of my life," Roland replied.
"But it is not your fault. There is someone blocking your abilities, Chronos," the Phoenix said, "perhaps I can help." Roland reared back in pain; Jean was trying to enter his mind, to find the problem. Blood began to flow from his ears and nose. "Someone is also blocking a telepathic scans." He began to sweat from the pain, breathing hard and tired.
"No shit, Sherlock," Roland said, then spat out blood on the carpet. "But I can tell you got closer then the professor, I actually felt your mind."
"Good, then I'll try again," Jean replied, and Roland reared back in pain again. He felt her enter it this time, and when she did, Roland relaxed just a bit, but knew that there were problems. He just felt that there was something wrong. He should've been able to hear Jean's voice or the Phoenix as she called herself. But no, Roland heard nothing, just his own thoughts. "Dear lord." And he felt her leave his mind.
"So who is it?" he asked, as the Phoenix dropped him. "Jean." She started to back away from him. "Phoenix, what is it?" She just turned around and ran away. "Well, that was a waste of my time." Roland turned around was started to walk away, the light had returned to the hallway. But Roland couldn't help feel that there was wrong, terribly wrong as he pulled out his handkerchief to wipe up his face.
* * * * * *
The sky was growing darker as the sun was setting. Hermione yawned again, and laid her head down on Harry's shoulder again. For the entire day all they did was read that book that Roland had given them, her one page, him the next. Every once in a while, they'd look up at each other, and simply smile before moving on to the next page. It was around seven o'clock when Roland came back. "So, how are the love birds," He asked, causing both of them to blush.
"We're fine," Harry replied, Hermione sat straight up, much to Harry's dislike.
"So," Roland walked into the room, "did the book help?" He hung up his coat in the closet, not before removing the two stacks of cards from it.
"We didn't get through it all," Hermione said, "Can we borrow it?"
"Sure," Roland replied. "As long as you return when you're done with it."
"Thanks," Hermione stood up and began to walk away. Harry got up and quickly followed her, wrapping his arm around hers. She smiled at Harry, causing him to blush again.
They walked the corridors with silence, not making eye contact with each other. They would've made it back to their room had Hermione heard a conversation. "Professor," Jean said, "there is another conscious in his mind."
"What do you mean, Jean?" Professor X said. Hermione pulled Harry over to the side of the wall. Jean and the professor were around the corner, and she didn't want them to be seen. "Like multiple personalities?"
"No, a complete mind. It didn't want me to read Roland's mind."
"Were you able to tell him?"
"Yes, but I doubt he believed me," Jean replied.
"Hermione," Harry asked.
"Shh, Harry," she replied, "I want to listen."
"Professor, Eonos has been influencing him," Jean said.
"Jean, Eonos doesn't exist," Professor X replied. "And neither does the Fallen Angel."
"Eonos does, Professor. I sensed him." Hermione peaked around the corner to get a look; Jean was staring right at the professor. "And so does the Fallen Angel. That is the reason why he sent me back, professor. Roland has an important part in the future, Professor."
A long period of silence followed, Harry and Hermione didn't even talk; they took in what had just happened. "So what is the future, Jean?" Xavier asked.
"I don't know, I just know that Roland has a main part in it, even if he doesn't believe it." She didn't say any thing for a moment. But finally added. "And so do they. And unless we do something to protect them, history is bound to repeat itself."
"Harry," Hermione pulled him away from the hallway. "What do you think that means?"
"No, I don't, Hermione," Harry replied. "But I bet it leads to more research." He rubbed his forehead.
"Harry Potter," Hermione stated, blushing just a little. "You know me too well." She looked down at the ground, not wanting to stare at his handsome emerald eyes.
"I do for a fact, 'Mione," he said, lifting up her head. He wanted to see her beautiful eyes. /you happen to be the most beautiful woman I've set my eyes on./
"You do, Harry," she replied. /I've never seen a guy that is more handsome then you, Harry./ She moved forward to kiss him, slowly as she was unsure about it. Harry moved closer to her.
"Hey, Harry, Hermione," Jean said, both of them broke away from each other's gaze. "What are you doing here?" Their faces were a bright red in color.
"Nothing," Hermione replied, "we were, um, just-"
"Heading to our room, to work on some homework," Harry finished. "C'mon Hermione, you said you'd help with the potions homework right?"
"Right, Harry," she said, blushing.
Jean smiled down at them. "Well, take care, you two." She walked down the hallway. The professor must have gone back down that hallway for he said nothing.
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said, her face still a bright red.
"No prob', Hermione," Harry replied. "What are friends for?" /one day, maybe we can be more then friends./
They walked back to their room, in silence again, Harry wasn't holding Hermione's hand. He missed her touch; it was as if something was missing in him. She was beautiful to him, perfect for him. Harry just wished that he could tell her how he felt.
When they reached the door to their room, Hermione stopped Harry for a moment. "Harry, I um," she was stumbling on her words.
"Hermione, you're welcome," Harry interrupted her.
"Harry you are a great friend, who's always been good to me," she replied. Hermione looked down, "too good to me." She wiped her eyes as the tears began to form. "You really don't have to be." Harry pulled her closer him, and she cried into her shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her. "Shh, Hermione, it's alright," he said, trying to comfort. It had been two weeks since the last time she cried in his arms, the last time she cried. All that tension, all the hatred, all the pain had been building up in her. The self-loathing, the questions about why it happened, and why it happened to her. "Hermione, I can never be too good to you. You are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen; you're perfect."
"Stop that, Harry," She wiped a tear away. "You're embarrassing me." But Hermione started to cry into his shoulder. "Why'd it happen to me, why'd it happen in the first place?'
"I don't know, 'Mione," Harry replied. "I really don't know. There are just people like that in the world. And there is nothing that we can do about."
"You're wrong, Harry," Hermione, replied.
"It's not the first time," he said, and Hermione laughed on his shoulder.
"There is something that we can do."
"What is it, 'Mione?" She pulled away from him.
"There are people like you in the world who make it better," Hermione said, and Harry couldn't help to blush. "Harry, you've help me through this just by being there. I don't think that I could if.if." She started to cry again, returning to his shoulder.
"Hermione, you are the strongest person I know, you could've and would've survived if I weren't here."
"No, Harry, I couldn't have. You are the reason why I'm strong."
"You're making me blush again," Harry said, laughing a bit. "And you're the reason why I'm the way I am, 'Mione."
"What?" Hermione pulled away just enough to see Harry's
"I couldn't have survived the last five years if you hadn't been there for me, I wouldn't have survived this summer had I not had seeing you to look forward."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione replied, resting on his shoulder again.
"I don't know what I'll do if you leave me, Hermione," Harry said. "So," Harry pulled away. "I can't believe I'm saying this but."
"But what?" Hermione asked.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" Harry smiled at her.
"Yes, yes, a thousand times yes," she said, hugging his neck. Harry spun her around, his hands around her waist. Hermione reached behind her and opened the door. "It's getting dark I think we should return to our room."
"I agree," he gave her a kiss as they entered.
Little did they know, a small crowd had formed down the hallway, just far enough way so that they could still here what Harry and Hermione were saying. "That's so sweet," Jean said. She turned around and looked at everyone else. "Don't you think Scott?"
"Yeah, I do," Scott, replied. "So who had today?"
"Um," Storm pulled out a sheet of paper. "Let's see."
"I did," Roland came walking up a smile on his face. "So, pay up."
"How, you weren't even here when we started it," Scott replied. He along with everyone else there, was dumbfounded.
"I came back one time during the night and left Storm a note," Roland said, "I'd figure that you were going to do something like this, know the lot of ya, so I left money and two dates, today and tomorrow."
"You knew all along," Logan said. "Didn't you?"
"Yep," Roland smiled at them, "So, Storm, my money."
"Right here, Roland," She pulled out an envelope. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Roland just pocketed the money, didn't even count it.
"Remind me to never play poker with ya," Logan said and walked off with a smile on his face. Everyone just laughed at the Canadian.
* * * * * *
Harry and Hermione was lying in one bed together, (A/N: Shut up you sick perverts, they didn't do anything.) relaxing and thinking about the day's events. The sun had just set and the lights were still on in their room. Neither of them had changed yet for the night. "Hermione," Harry said, he had an arm around her shoulders, a smile on his face.
"Hmm," she replied, the lack of sleep from the previous night still affecting her.
"Are you happy?" Harry asked.
"I am," Hermione said, and looked up to her boyfriend. "Thank you, Harry," and gave him a kiss on the check.
"For what, 'Mione," Harry replied. She lay back down on his shoulder. Hermione loved the nickname he gave her, it made her feel safe as she knew that he would always protect.
"For always being there for me."
Well, you're welcome," Harry said. "Anything you want to do before go to bed?" He looked down at her, smiling his sweet smile.
"Yeah, can you read to me?"
"Anything for you," Harry kissed her forehead. "I'll change in the bathroom, you change out here and get the book; alright?" Harry started to get up, but Hermione pulled on the neck of his shirt.
"Okay," Hermione replied, and kissed him on the lips. "Thank you, my knight."
"You're welcome, my lady," Harry said and walked over to his dresser and removed a pair of boxers and a shirt. He went in to the bathroom and changed. When he came out, Hermione was in the bed that they had just left, in a rather large t-shirt that went to her elbows. "That was quick." He walked over to her.
"Yeah, it was," Hermione blushed. "here." She handed him a book.
"Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree?" Harry read.
"It's one of my favorites," Hermione said with a smile. "I've loved that story since I was a child." Harry had to laugh as he took a seat next to Hermione. "Harry James Potter, don't you laugh at me." Hermione turned her face away from Harry.
"Hermione," Harry said, and when she turned around to reply, all that she met was Harry's lips. "I wasn't laughing at you, 'Mione. Alright?"
"Alright," she replied dreamily, staring at Harry's eyes. /how much I love, I can't count the ways./
"Now to begin," Harry said, and began to read the story to Hermione. She relaxed and closed her eyes, laying her head down on Harry's shoulder. He shifted and put an arm around her, pulling her closer. Before Harry had finished the book, Hermione was asleep. Harry carefully got out of the bed, and pulled the covers over Hermione.
"Hmm," she said so peacefully.
"I love you, Hermione," Harry said kissing her forehead, "and I always will." He walked over and turned off the lights. Harry made his way back to his bed, and just laid in it for a while, thinking of his future, hoping and praying that Hermione was in it. Harry asked himself a single question: are you finally happy? /I am,/ was his reply to himself. When he fell asleep, all Harry could think about was Hermione and being with her.