Chapter 12:
The Unknown
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: "I fear nothing except what is unknown." Chronos the Fallen Angel
So, what did you thing of my last chapter. I know; it wasn't the greatest. But it needed to be done. That chapter foreshadowed so much.
Okay, again please read and review my story.
Again, anything created by J.K. Rowling is hers, DC theirs, and Marvel theirs.
* * * * * *
The flight out of JFK international Airport went without a problem. Roland was calm and collect, no once did he raise his voice or even his temper. But Harry thought that was because Heather was there. She made sure that no matter what, Roland didn't hurt someone.
Harry was happy again, Hermione found a book shop and wanted to buy everything inside of it. But he persuaded her to only a few books, ones that they would read together. She was so happy when he said yes; Harry loved that smile on her face. She was beautiful to him, perfect if you will. And Harry wouldn't change a thing about her.
When they went through the security gates, Harry thought there was going to be trouble. After all, Roland did have a metal arm and eye. But he calmly explained it and even showed the security guard a note from his doctor. What no one else noticed besides Harry and Hermione was that Roland had used his shadow powers to trick the man's mind. Harry couldn't help but smile, but Hermione scolded him later for it. Strange thing was Heather took his side with it. Roland had no intention of hurting anyone, and if they removed the arm and eye, he could possible die. So the arm and eye remained, despite Hermione's protests. Hedwig and Crookshanks were both sleeping peacefully. The tranquilizers they were given were working perfectly.
After all that, they plane left in an hour. So they sat outside the gate, talking. About Hogwarts, about the O.W.L.S., about their mutant powers. Thank god for the busy terminal, Roland said, no one cared about their conversation, for they were too worried about their own problems. Hermione pulled out a book and read while Harry just sat next to her, basking in her beauty he told her. She couldn't help but blush.
When they boarded the plane, they took their seats in first-class section. Hermione had taken the window sit, so that Harry could protect her, she told him. Roland had also taken an aisle seat, and they moment he could, he pulled out two magic decks for him and Heather to play. Hermione had pulled out another book, Hogwarts: A History, and placed it in between her and Harry.
The book was still open, as Hermione was sleeping and Harry just casually flipping through the pages. They had five hours left of their flight and the sun was already down. Majority of the lights were dimmed down including Roland's and Heather's, but Harry knew he was still awake, reading or writing through the dim light. Harry on the other had, couldn't sleep. Hermione was peacefully sleeping next to him, a smile on her face and his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Their legs were covered in the blankets that the stewardesses had supplied. She was using him as a pillow, and despite how comfortable Harry was; he couldn't fall asleep.
His thought kept on drifting on to the fact that he and Hermione were mutants. Even in the wizarding world, it was considered to be bad. And if any one found out that Hermione was one and did anything to take her away from him. "You'd kill for her wouldn't you?" Roland asked. Harry turned around to see Roland just staring up at the ceiling. A book was in his lap, but wasn't open.
"Yeah, I think I would," Harry said.
"That is what love is, Harry," Roland replied. "I can feel that you and Hermione love each other and would give anything to stay together. And I would be happy to help in anyway. But I have another matter that I'm not happy about."
"Which is?" Harry couldn't move much because of Hermione, so Roland stood up and crouched next to Harry's seat.
"I've been asked by six different people to protect you and Hermione," he said. "It's not the job that I'm worried about, I can handle that. It's the fact that I've been asked by six different people. Including Dumbledore, Harry."
"He asked you?" Harry repeated, stunned. Dumbledore was a powerful wizard and Harry always thought that as long as he was at Hogwarts, he was safe. But the fact that Roland had been asked did concern Harry. This meant that people were worried about what was going to happen, and with Voldemort, it probably was. "But I thought-"
"He is a powerful wizard, probably more powerful then me on my off days," Roland said, "But because I am strong, I can protect when he can not. I'm in the same year as you, after all."
"So how powerful are you?" Harry asked, in this topic had been on his mind for a while.
"Well, I'm a shadow element," he said, "which means along with my element, I can cast what ever spells I want from any of the other elements. I can cast just about any spell I've read about, but I am probably the best at illusion spells. But unlike other wizards, my energy levels are in constant flux, so I don't really know when I'll be at full power."
Harry nodded, but another thought came across his mind. "You said you did well on your O.W.L.S. How well?"
"A perfect score on each subject would be considered well, right?" Roland smiled. Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Just don't tell Hermione, she'll have me studying for the entire year just so she could be as good."
"Alright," Harry said, "how'd you do so well; even Hermione didn't get a perfect."
"I have a better access to my mind, that's all." Roland stood back up and took his seat.
His mind returned to their first discussion. "Are you worried about this year?" Harry's voice was weak and small, but Roland heard it nonetheless.
"Yes, but not for reasons you'd think. I'm worried because I may not be strong enough to kept the promises I've made." Roland sighed. "Harry try to get some sleep, it'll be hectic when we get to London." It was clear he didn't want to talk about it anymore. So Harry turned off his light, and tried to get some sleep. But one unsettling thought kept coming back to his mind. /why were so many people worried about him and Hermione, they weren't that special, were they./
* * * * * *
The plane landed and soon they got off it. Hermione was still tired, resting on Harry's shoulder as they walked. After they had gotten all their luggage, they went down to the loading area for their ride. Thank god, Harry thought, Hedwig and Crookshanks were still asleep. Roland pulled out his cell phone trying to call for their limo. Apparently it was late, and he was getting madder and madder. Heather calmed him down, but it didn't help the problem. "Well, that's great," he said, closing his cell phone.
"What's wrong?" Heather asked.
"The limo isn't coming, nor are they sending anything. Apparently, they are over booked. That's that last time I use their business."
"So, what are we going to do?" Hermione asked.
Roland sighed and took a seat on his trunk. "I don't know." He shook his head out of frustration.
"Professor Dumbledore said you'd be here," a man's voice said, it said tired and old. /Moony?/ Harry thought and turned around to see his third- year professor, Remus Lupin. Along with him were Mad-eye Moody and a girl named Tonks. Harry smiled and hugged his old professor. "Good to see you too, Harry." He looked over at Hermione, a smile on her face too. "And how are we, Hermione?" When Harry released him, Hermione hugged Lupin. "Well, aren't we the happy bunch.' Hermione let go of him and went back to Harry, a smile on both their faces.
"Roland, Heather, I'd like you to meet-"
"Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alabaster Moody," Roland stood up and shook hands with each of them, who were surprised that a man they had never meet before knew all their names. "Harry told me all about you and how you saved him at the beginning of his fifth year." Harry looked at Roland, he knew that was a lie, he found out through Hermione's memories. But he gave him credit; Roland was being resourceful in a situation like that. He never did like to get his guard caught down.
"Well, it wasn't much," Tonks said, her face turning a vibrant color of red.
"Metamorphimagus, right," Heather said, when she saw Tonks' face change. She just nodded
"That's so cool," Heather replied, "I'm partly one." She ran her fingers through her hair and it changed to a bright red color. "That's about it though; my hair color is the only thing that I can change."
"That's still pretty good," Tonks said, impressed that someone even had partial abilities.
Moody just stood there, still surprised at the fact that this man knew his name. "How do we know that you're the real Roland and Heather?"
Roland smiled and removed his sunglasses. He was facing the ground. "I believe Professor Dumbledore told you about my 'unique' condition." He looked up at Moody, showing the hollow eyes he bore. When he didn't reply, Roland slid the glasses back on. "So I thought. We are who we say we are, Moody." Hermione slid and arm around Harry's waist, and pulled herself closer to him.
"May I presume that you two are a couple?" Moony asked. Heather and Tonks were having a conversation, while Moody just stared at Roland. He started up a conversation about protective spells and such.
"Yes," Hermione said quickly and looked up at Harry. A smile was on her face, and he returned. Harry sensed that she was worried about something.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," was the reply. Harry kissed the top of her head, and smiled down at Hermione. A smile was returned and she rested on his shoulder, yawning.
Moony eyeballed them for a second before turning to Roland. "Is this all you got?" he asked.
"No, I used a shrinking spell to shrink the remaining trunks. I think Harry and Hermione had a total of seven of them. I have my one and my duffle bag and heather everything that she needs until school starts in her duffle bag. We shrink her trunk and placed it in mine." Roland looked back at the trunks and bags.
"C'mon," Moony walked over to them and picked one up. "I'll show you where we parked." Moony and Tonks each grabbed one end of a trunk and followed.
Roland picked up one and slid it on his shoulder; in his free hand, he picked up another. "Heather, can you grab our bags?" he asked as he followed Moony. She ran past Hermione and Harry and picked up all their carry-ons.
"You sure you're alright?" Harry repeated, he had a reason to be concerned.
"Really, I'm fine," Hermione replied, and yawned. "Maybe tired. I just want to sleep that's all." Harry gave her a concerned look. "Alright, but can we talk about this later, please."
"Anything for you, 'Mione," he said and kissed her forehead. He walked over and picked up his guitar and the remaining trunk. Hermione grabbed the two cages and quickly caught back up with Harry. A smile was on her face and their eyes didn't part as they walked over to the van.
After they got all the trunks in the van that Tonks had driven over to the Airport, everyone piled into it. It wasn't small, but with six people, and all the trunks it was a bit crowded. Hermione gladly sat on Harry's lap; Heather was practically on Roland's. She was blushing madly, but Roland just had a simple smile on his face.
"Here," Moony reached back and handed Roland and heather a piece of paper. "This is where we are going, don't read it out loud. Memorize it, and once you're done, destroy the paper." Roland took one look at the paper before handing it to Heather. She had to read over it a few times before memorizing it. She handed it back to him, who ended up eating the paper.
"Show off," Heather playfully hit his arm. Roland returned with a smile.
They arrived to Number 12, Grimmauld Place in a matter of minutes. Hermione had fallen asleep in Harry's arms and he wanted to take her up to a room. "Is Kretcher still here?" he asked.
"No, he died last month. But we got two new house elves; but for the life of us, we can't remove that blasted portrait of that old bat Mrs. Black." Moony's voice died suddenly, he knew that it must be hard to talk about Sirius, especially since they were best friends since Harry's father died. "They can show you to your rooms." Harry nodded and carried Hermione inside.
"So what happened?" Moony finally asked once Harry and Hermione were out of ear short. He picked up one of the trunks. Roland just shrugged his shoulders as he grabbed two trunks. "C'mon you must know."
"I do, but I don't know if they want you to," Roland said and Moony stopped where he was standing.
* * * * * *
Inside Number 12 Grimmauld Place, Harry couldn't help but to stare at the changes that were made. No longer the old dirty place that he remembered, it was clean and, well clean. Harry didn't think that this small building had so much room. Boxes crowded the house before and now, there was so much room. A small house elf popped up right next to Harry, Hermione shifted in his arms. "Harry Potter, it is-"
Though surprised to see Dobby, Harry knew exactly what the small house elf was going to say. "An honor, I know," Harry said, "I didn't know that you are working here."
"Oh yes, Master Moony is such a nice man, almost as nice as Mistress Tonks. They both treat me and Winky so nice. And what can Dobby help Harry Potter and friend of Harry Potter Hermione Granger with?"
"Can you show us to our room, Dobby?" Harry asked, he didn't say anything when the house elf gave him a weird look.
"Of course, this way." Dobby gave another look at Harry and the girl sleeping in his arms before walking down the hallway. Harry looked up and saw the cloth that covered the portrait of Mrs. Black. He was happy that she couldn't see them; she was bound to wake up Hermione with her rude comments. "As you can see, Dobby couldn't remove that awful picture of Mrs. Black. He and Winky are having an awful time with it."
They walked up the stairs and down another corridor, where dobby stopped in front of two doors. "Hermione Granger's is on the right, and-" Dobby had opened the door for Hermione's room and Harry entered it, he didn't care about 'his room.' Wherever Hermione was, that was his room. Harry just didn't know what they were going to do while at Hogwarts. Hermione said that it was hard for her to sleep without him there. Harry kicked the door shut and the lights in the room were turned on. /must have been magically enchanted to be turned on when at night or something./
He walked over to the bed, which was a bit larger, then the one that they had used at The X-mansion, and placed Hermione down on it. But the moment he did, she woke up. Yawning as she stretched, Hermione looked around, trying to find Harry. "Hey," she said, finding his eyes.
"Hey, beautiful," Harry replied, and she blushed. He knelt down next to the bed, so he could look straight into her eye. "How you feeling?"
"Better," Hermione smiled at him. "I wanted to-" a large yawn interrupted her, "talk to you about something." She lied back down and shifted so she could look into Harry's eyes.
"I remember, go ahead 'Mione," Harry said, he reached up and began to pet her cinnamon hair. "We can talk about anything."
"Good," she took a deep breath, "I want you to tell Moony, and Tonks, and Moody About what happened to me, to us."
He didn't say anything for a while, thinking about what she wanted. "I don't want to leave you," Harry replied; there was no question as to if it was going to happen; just who was going to tell Moony and the others. "Do you want Roland to tell them?"
Hermione nodded, the bed shook a little. "Just someone needs to tell them what happen, why you and I are sharing the same bed." Another thought crossed her mind. "What'll we do when we return to Hogwarts?"
"I don't know, teddy bear," Harry replied, she blushed at his nickname for her. "But we'll think of something." He stood up and walked over to the door.
"Where you going?" Hermione asked; she sat up suddenly. Her face looked alone and frightened.
"I just wanted to talk to Roland about it," Harry answered, "I'll be back." He offered a smile to her, and Hermione returned it.
"Just hurry," she said as Harry opened the door.
"I will," Harry turned back from the door. He walked over to her and kissed her softly on the lips, holding the back of her neck. Hermione slipped her hands around his and pulled Harry closer. "I'll be back."
"Please hurry," Hermione replied, "And bring your guitar." Harry smiled at her before he walked to the door and opened it enough so he could get out. Her face had lit up so much when she asked him to bring his guitar. Harry knew that she loved to listen to it.
Once outside the door, Harry closed it right behind him. "Master Potter," a small mouse like voice said. Harry turned around quickly to see that it was Winky. "What are you doing in Mistress Granger's room?"
"I just put her down so she could sleep," he lied, and walked down the stairs. "Do you know if my guitar was brought in yet, Winky?"
"No sir," Winky replied, hopping down the stairs. "Winky does not know." Harry stopped at the bottom, looking around. He heard a familiar voice.
"So this is the old bat's painting?" Roland was standing just below it. Given his height he barely had to look up at it. Harry looked that he was carrying Harry's guitar case in his hand.
"Yeah," Harry said, and walked over to where Roland was standing.
"I can remove it," he replied, nodding his head. "It won't be pretty, but I can remove." He turned and looked at Harry. "Here." Harry gratefully received his guitar.
"Thanks, Hermione wanted me to play something for her tonight."
"So I figured." Roland turned and started to walk back outside.
"Hey, wait," Harry ran to catch up with him. "Hermione wanted me to talk to you about something."
"Shoot."
"She wants you to talk about what happened to us to Moony and the others."
Roland stopped dead in his tracks, and looked down at Harry. "How much do you want me to tell them?"
"As much as you think wouldn't scare them," Harry said, he was strangely calm about it while Roland was getting worked up. He knew that being a mutant was considered a crime in some cases, but these were his friends and he could trust them. /right?/ he thought.
"Everything then, huh?" Roland repeated. He was rubbing his chin, the beginning of a beard growing. Harry nodded. "Fine, I'll get the rest of your stuff up to your room." He stormed off, upset about something, but Harry just brushed it aside.
"Thanks, Roland," Harry yelled and walked back up the stairs, he was grateful that Winky or Dobby didn't follow him. When he reached their room, Harry opened the door enough so he could get in and closed it. He looked over at Hermione, who was already asleep. Harry sighed and lay down next to her. If out of instinct, she moved right next to him, an arm over his chest and her head on his shoulder.
* * * * * *
It was late, very late. /four a.m./ Roland thought. /damn time zones./ despite the change in time, he didn't show how tired he was. In fact, it looked like he was wide-awake. He was sitting at the table with Moony, Tonks and Mad-Eye. "So you wanted to talk to us about something, Roland?" Tonks said, she had poured herself and Moony a cup of coffee; both of them were trying to fight fatigue.
"Yes I did," Roland said, and paused again thinking of how he was going to start. /I've never been this damn nervous in my life. God I hate it./
"Actually," Moony started. "I have a question first. Why aren't Harry and Hermione in separate rooms?"
"Because," Roland tented his hands, "I said so." All eyes were on him. He was all business, and his computer mind had been racing for the past minute.
"How can you-" Moony stood up and raised his voice.
"If you want a yelling contest you will lose, Mr. Lupin," Roland said. "Mind you, I have been asked by six people to look after them, and their best interests. After what happened over the summer, I must think that sharing a room is in their best interests, at least for Hermione."
"What did happen, Mr. Childe," Tonks asked. She had an expression of worry on her face, but Roland felt more confusion from her then anything else.
"Well, you know that Hermione was dating Steven Drade for a while before the summer, he threaten her to beat her, rape her, and kill her." A long period of silence followed and Roland continued. "Two of these he succeeded in. Now as you also know, Harry went over to Hermione's house because of the way the Dursley's were treating him. Sirius-"
"Is dead," Moony, replied, sadness in his voice.
"I know, it was a wizard who impersonated him. Harry must have been so happy to get out of there, that he didn't realize the truth. Anyways. When Steven and Hermione arrived, Steven had the intention of killing Hermione that night. Thank god Harry saved her, I don't know how, but he did. Anyways. There were some problems that occurred, like Steven being in line with the Brotherhood of Mutants. "
"Mutants attacked the Grangers house?" Tonks replied, and he nodded in response. "That's terrible."
"I'll say, two people died, the poor Grangers, that way of death shouldn't ever be forced on someone." Roland mind looked back to the bodies of the Grangers, or the remains. The limbs and heads were scattered around the ruins of their house. /poor Hermione for seeing that./
"What happened to that wizard?" moony asked.
"Anyways, the X-men and I were luck enough that we got there ahead of schedule." He completely ignored the question. "Only to find the house was in ruins, along with Harry and Hermione trapped in some rubble." Roland paused again, glad that all eyes were on him. "It turns out that this Steven character is a powerful mutant as well, and in combination with the other Brotherhood, they were able to defeat the X-men, all save me." Again another paused and he scanned their feelings about what they had just heard. Lupin was rather angry, and surprised; angry with himself for not being able to help and surprised at Roland knowing all it. Tonks was on the verge of tears; she was so upset. But Moody, Roland couldn't get a read on that man. /odd, but no matter./
"A long story short, I defeated all of them, but Steven escaped. Now about Hermione and Harry," Roland said, he stood and walked over to the window. "Some times after such a tragic event as what happened to Hermione, their minds snap and they have a hard time keeping a grip on reality. Thank god Harry was there, he was able to give her the one thing that she needed the most."
"Which was what?" Tonks asked, she wiped her tears with a napkin.
"Hermione didn't feel love, or even liked. Steven humiliated her, degraded her, doing what the worst thing that a man can do to a girl." Roland's anger flared, his fury unmatched. /a promise to you Hermione, I will catch that demon./ a small lightning bolt flashed in his eyes. But because of the sunglasses, no one noticed. He looked back at the table and started to walk back to his seat. "Harry gave that to her, and she still needs it, despite the fact that they've been going out the past month. I've encourage time just between them, because it is the best medicine for her."
"Who are these X-men?" Moody asked, Roland gazed at him for a moment, "I doubt they're normal people."
"What do you define as normal?" Roland replied. "They're Muggles if that is what you mean."
"They're Muties, aren't they?" Moody replied, a smile on his broken face. He looked up at the man in black who was standing right next to him. Roland picked up the old man by his neck and held him against the wall.
"I resent that name you people slandered us with," he said through his teeth.
"Roland, put him down," Moony stood up, he was unsure with his words. Tonks followed suit.
Roland didn't have a tight enough grip so he was choking Mad-Eye, but enough so that he was just holding him up by the head. "Us, what do you mean by that?" Moody said, "Are you one of them?"
"I resent all forms of bigotry."
"I don't give a damn whether or not you're a mutant or not, are you going to protect them, even if the world knew you were one?" Moody asked. Roland paused for a moment, not thinking about the question, just what he was going to do to the old man.
"Sir, I don't give a damn what the world says about me," Roland replied, "But yes, I'd do my job because I was asked to and I promised, Mad-Eye." He paused for a moment, "and I keep my promises."
"How far would you go?" Moody asked. And Roland didn't answer; he just dropped the old man on the ground. "If you truly want to protect them, how far will you go?" Again no reply from Roland, he looked away. "Answer me, damn it!"
"As far as I need to!" he yelled back. He pointed his hand at the old man, shaking a finger. "But know this, my death will not be mourn but it will be felt around the world." Roland stormed off, his black trench coat floating.
"Mad-Eye; are you alright?" Moony helped the old man to his feet.
"We can trust that one," was the only thing he said and he headed off to his room. "We can trust him to die for those two."
The Unknown
By: Chronos the Fallen Angel
Author's Note: "I fear nothing except what is unknown." Chronos the Fallen Angel
So, what did you thing of my last chapter. I know; it wasn't the greatest. But it needed to be done. That chapter foreshadowed so much.
Okay, again please read and review my story.
Again, anything created by J.K. Rowling is hers, DC theirs, and Marvel theirs.
* * * * * *
The flight out of JFK international Airport went without a problem. Roland was calm and collect, no once did he raise his voice or even his temper. But Harry thought that was because Heather was there. She made sure that no matter what, Roland didn't hurt someone.
Harry was happy again, Hermione found a book shop and wanted to buy everything inside of it. But he persuaded her to only a few books, ones that they would read together. She was so happy when he said yes; Harry loved that smile on her face. She was beautiful to him, perfect if you will. And Harry wouldn't change a thing about her.
When they went through the security gates, Harry thought there was going to be trouble. After all, Roland did have a metal arm and eye. But he calmly explained it and even showed the security guard a note from his doctor. What no one else noticed besides Harry and Hermione was that Roland had used his shadow powers to trick the man's mind. Harry couldn't help but smile, but Hermione scolded him later for it. Strange thing was Heather took his side with it. Roland had no intention of hurting anyone, and if they removed the arm and eye, he could possible die. So the arm and eye remained, despite Hermione's protests. Hedwig and Crookshanks were both sleeping peacefully. The tranquilizers they were given were working perfectly.
After all that, they plane left in an hour. So they sat outside the gate, talking. About Hogwarts, about the O.W.L.S., about their mutant powers. Thank god for the busy terminal, Roland said, no one cared about their conversation, for they were too worried about their own problems. Hermione pulled out a book and read while Harry just sat next to her, basking in her beauty he told her. She couldn't help but blush.
When they boarded the plane, they took their seats in first-class section. Hermione had taken the window sit, so that Harry could protect her, she told him. Roland had also taken an aisle seat, and they moment he could, he pulled out two magic decks for him and Heather to play. Hermione had pulled out another book, Hogwarts: A History, and placed it in between her and Harry.
The book was still open, as Hermione was sleeping and Harry just casually flipping through the pages. They had five hours left of their flight and the sun was already down. Majority of the lights were dimmed down including Roland's and Heather's, but Harry knew he was still awake, reading or writing through the dim light. Harry on the other had, couldn't sleep. Hermione was peacefully sleeping next to him, a smile on her face and his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Their legs were covered in the blankets that the stewardesses had supplied. She was using him as a pillow, and despite how comfortable Harry was; he couldn't fall asleep.
His thought kept on drifting on to the fact that he and Hermione were mutants. Even in the wizarding world, it was considered to be bad. And if any one found out that Hermione was one and did anything to take her away from him. "You'd kill for her wouldn't you?" Roland asked. Harry turned around to see Roland just staring up at the ceiling. A book was in his lap, but wasn't open.
"Yeah, I think I would," Harry said.
"That is what love is, Harry," Roland replied. "I can feel that you and Hermione love each other and would give anything to stay together. And I would be happy to help in anyway. But I have another matter that I'm not happy about."
"Which is?" Harry couldn't move much because of Hermione, so Roland stood up and crouched next to Harry's seat.
"I've been asked by six different people to protect you and Hermione," he said. "It's not the job that I'm worried about, I can handle that. It's the fact that I've been asked by six different people. Including Dumbledore, Harry."
"He asked you?" Harry repeated, stunned. Dumbledore was a powerful wizard and Harry always thought that as long as he was at Hogwarts, he was safe. But the fact that Roland had been asked did concern Harry. This meant that people were worried about what was going to happen, and with Voldemort, it probably was. "But I thought-"
"He is a powerful wizard, probably more powerful then me on my off days," Roland said, "But because I am strong, I can protect when he can not. I'm in the same year as you, after all."
"So how powerful are you?" Harry asked, in this topic had been on his mind for a while.
"Well, I'm a shadow element," he said, "which means along with my element, I can cast what ever spells I want from any of the other elements. I can cast just about any spell I've read about, but I am probably the best at illusion spells. But unlike other wizards, my energy levels are in constant flux, so I don't really know when I'll be at full power."
Harry nodded, but another thought came across his mind. "You said you did well on your O.W.L.S. How well?"
"A perfect score on each subject would be considered well, right?" Roland smiled. Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Just don't tell Hermione, she'll have me studying for the entire year just so she could be as good."
"Alright," Harry said, "how'd you do so well; even Hermione didn't get a perfect."
"I have a better access to my mind, that's all." Roland stood back up and took his seat.
His mind returned to their first discussion. "Are you worried about this year?" Harry's voice was weak and small, but Roland heard it nonetheless.
"Yes, but not for reasons you'd think. I'm worried because I may not be strong enough to kept the promises I've made." Roland sighed. "Harry try to get some sleep, it'll be hectic when we get to London." It was clear he didn't want to talk about it anymore. So Harry turned off his light, and tried to get some sleep. But one unsettling thought kept coming back to his mind. /why were so many people worried about him and Hermione, they weren't that special, were they./
* * * * * *
The plane landed and soon they got off it. Hermione was still tired, resting on Harry's shoulder as they walked. After they had gotten all their luggage, they went down to the loading area for their ride. Thank god, Harry thought, Hedwig and Crookshanks were still asleep. Roland pulled out his cell phone trying to call for their limo. Apparently it was late, and he was getting madder and madder. Heather calmed him down, but it didn't help the problem. "Well, that's great," he said, closing his cell phone.
"What's wrong?" Heather asked.
"The limo isn't coming, nor are they sending anything. Apparently, they are over booked. That's that last time I use their business."
"So, what are we going to do?" Hermione asked.
Roland sighed and took a seat on his trunk. "I don't know." He shook his head out of frustration.
"Professor Dumbledore said you'd be here," a man's voice said, it said tired and old. /Moony?/ Harry thought and turned around to see his third- year professor, Remus Lupin. Along with him were Mad-eye Moody and a girl named Tonks. Harry smiled and hugged his old professor. "Good to see you too, Harry." He looked over at Hermione, a smile on her face too. "And how are we, Hermione?" When Harry released him, Hermione hugged Lupin. "Well, aren't we the happy bunch.' Hermione let go of him and went back to Harry, a smile on both their faces.
"Roland, Heather, I'd like you to meet-"
"Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alabaster Moody," Roland stood up and shook hands with each of them, who were surprised that a man they had never meet before knew all their names. "Harry told me all about you and how you saved him at the beginning of his fifth year." Harry looked at Roland, he knew that was a lie, he found out through Hermione's memories. But he gave him credit; Roland was being resourceful in a situation like that. He never did like to get his guard caught down.
"Well, it wasn't much," Tonks said, her face turning a vibrant color of red.
"Metamorphimagus, right," Heather said, when she saw Tonks' face change. She just nodded
"That's so cool," Heather replied, "I'm partly one." She ran her fingers through her hair and it changed to a bright red color. "That's about it though; my hair color is the only thing that I can change."
"That's still pretty good," Tonks said, impressed that someone even had partial abilities.
Moody just stood there, still surprised at the fact that this man knew his name. "How do we know that you're the real Roland and Heather?"
Roland smiled and removed his sunglasses. He was facing the ground. "I believe Professor Dumbledore told you about my 'unique' condition." He looked up at Moody, showing the hollow eyes he bore. When he didn't reply, Roland slid the glasses back on. "So I thought. We are who we say we are, Moody." Hermione slid and arm around Harry's waist, and pulled herself closer to him.
"May I presume that you two are a couple?" Moony asked. Heather and Tonks were having a conversation, while Moody just stared at Roland. He started up a conversation about protective spells and such.
"Yes," Hermione said quickly and looked up at Harry. A smile was on her face, and he returned. Harry sensed that she was worried about something.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," was the reply. Harry kissed the top of her head, and smiled down at Hermione. A smile was returned and she rested on his shoulder, yawning.
Moony eyeballed them for a second before turning to Roland. "Is this all you got?" he asked.
"No, I used a shrinking spell to shrink the remaining trunks. I think Harry and Hermione had a total of seven of them. I have my one and my duffle bag and heather everything that she needs until school starts in her duffle bag. We shrink her trunk and placed it in mine." Roland looked back at the trunks and bags.
"C'mon," Moony walked over to them and picked one up. "I'll show you where we parked." Moony and Tonks each grabbed one end of a trunk and followed.
Roland picked up one and slid it on his shoulder; in his free hand, he picked up another. "Heather, can you grab our bags?" he asked as he followed Moony. She ran past Hermione and Harry and picked up all their carry-ons.
"You sure you're alright?" Harry repeated, he had a reason to be concerned.
"Really, I'm fine," Hermione replied, and yawned. "Maybe tired. I just want to sleep that's all." Harry gave her a concerned look. "Alright, but can we talk about this later, please."
"Anything for you, 'Mione," he said and kissed her forehead. He walked over and picked up his guitar and the remaining trunk. Hermione grabbed the two cages and quickly caught back up with Harry. A smile was on her face and their eyes didn't part as they walked over to the van.
After they got all the trunks in the van that Tonks had driven over to the Airport, everyone piled into it. It wasn't small, but with six people, and all the trunks it was a bit crowded. Hermione gladly sat on Harry's lap; Heather was practically on Roland's. She was blushing madly, but Roland just had a simple smile on his face.
"Here," Moony reached back and handed Roland and heather a piece of paper. "This is where we are going, don't read it out loud. Memorize it, and once you're done, destroy the paper." Roland took one look at the paper before handing it to Heather. She had to read over it a few times before memorizing it. She handed it back to him, who ended up eating the paper.
"Show off," Heather playfully hit his arm. Roland returned with a smile.
They arrived to Number 12, Grimmauld Place in a matter of minutes. Hermione had fallen asleep in Harry's arms and he wanted to take her up to a room. "Is Kretcher still here?" he asked.
"No, he died last month. But we got two new house elves; but for the life of us, we can't remove that blasted portrait of that old bat Mrs. Black." Moony's voice died suddenly, he knew that it must be hard to talk about Sirius, especially since they were best friends since Harry's father died. "They can show you to your rooms." Harry nodded and carried Hermione inside.
"So what happened?" Moony finally asked once Harry and Hermione were out of ear short. He picked up one of the trunks. Roland just shrugged his shoulders as he grabbed two trunks. "C'mon you must know."
"I do, but I don't know if they want you to," Roland said and Moony stopped where he was standing.
* * * * * *
Inside Number 12 Grimmauld Place, Harry couldn't help but to stare at the changes that were made. No longer the old dirty place that he remembered, it was clean and, well clean. Harry didn't think that this small building had so much room. Boxes crowded the house before and now, there was so much room. A small house elf popped up right next to Harry, Hermione shifted in his arms. "Harry Potter, it is-"
Though surprised to see Dobby, Harry knew exactly what the small house elf was going to say. "An honor, I know," Harry said, "I didn't know that you are working here."
"Oh yes, Master Moony is such a nice man, almost as nice as Mistress Tonks. They both treat me and Winky so nice. And what can Dobby help Harry Potter and friend of Harry Potter Hermione Granger with?"
"Can you show us to our room, Dobby?" Harry asked, he didn't say anything when the house elf gave him a weird look.
"Of course, this way." Dobby gave another look at Harry and the girl sleeping in his arms before walking down the hallway. Harry looked up and saw the cloth that covered the portrait of Mrs. Black. He was happy that she couldn't see them; she was bound to wake up Hermione with her rude comments. "As you can see, Dobby couldn't remove that awful picture of Mrs. Black. He and Winky are having an awful time with it."
They walked up the stairs and down another corridor, where dobby stopped in front of two doors. "Hermione Granger's is on the right, and-" Dobby had opened the door for Hermione's room and Harry entered it, he didn't care about 'his room.' Wherever Hermione was, that was his room. Harry just didn't know what they were going to do while at Hogwarts. Hermione said that it was hard for her to sleep without him there. Harry kicked the door shut and the lights in the room were turned on. /must have been magically enchanted to be turned on when at night or something./
He walked over to the bed, which was a bit larger, then the one that they had used at The X-mansion, and placed Hermione down on it. But the moment he did, she woke up. Yawning as she stretched, Hermione looked around, trying to find Harry. "Hey," she said, finding his eyes.
"Hey, beautiful," Harry replied, and she blushed. He knelt down next to the bed, so he could look straight into her eye. "How you feeling?"
"Better," Hermione smiled at him. "I wanted to-" a large yawn interrupted her, "talk to you about something." She lied back down and shifted so she could look into Harry's eyes.
"I remember, go ahead 'Mione," Harry said, he reached up and began to pet her cinnamon hair. "We can talk about anything."
"Good," she took a deep breath, "I want you to tell Moony, and Tonks, and Moody About what happened to me, to us."
He didn't say anything for a while, thinking about what she wanted. "I don't want to leave you," Harry replied; there was no question as to if it was going to happen; just who was going to tell Moony and the others. "Do you want Roland to tell them?"
Hermione nodded, the bed shook a little. "Just someone needs to tell them what happen, why you and I are sharing the same bed." Another thought crossed her mind. "What'll we do when we return to Hogwarts?"
"I don't know, teddy bear," Harry replied, she blushed at his nickname for her. "But we'll think of something." He stood up and walked over to the door.
"Where you going?" Hermione asked; she sat up suddenly. Her face looked alone and frightened.
"I just wanted to talk to Roland about it," Harry answered, "I'll be back." He offered a smile to her, and Hermione returned it.
"Just hurry," she said as Harry opened the door.
"I will," Harry turned back from the door. He walked over to her and kissed her softly on the lips, holding the back of her neck. Hermione slipped her hands around his and pulled Harry closer. "I'll be back."
"Please hurry," Hermione replied, "And bring your guitar." Harry smiled at her before he walked to the door and opened it enough so he could get out. Her face had lit up so much when she asked him to bring his guitar. Harry knew that she loved to listen to it.
Once outside the door, Harry closed it right behind him. "Master Potter," a small mouse like voice said. Harry turned around quickly to see that it was Winky. "What are you doing in Mistress Granger's room?"
"I just put her down so she could sleep," he lied, and walked down the stairs. "Do you know if my guitar was brought in yet, Winky?"
"No sir," Winky replied, hopping down the stairs. "Winky does not know." Harry stopped at the bottom, looking around. He heard a familiar voice.
"So this is the old bat's painting?" Roland was standing just below it. Given his height he barely had to look up at it. Harry looked that he was carrying Harry's guitar case in his hand.
"Yeah," Harry said, and walked over to where Roland was standing.
"I can remove it," he replied, nodding his head. "It won't be pretty, but I can remove." He turned and looked at Harry. "Here." Harry gratefully received his guitar.
"Thanks, Hermione wanted me to play something for her tonight."
"So I figured." Roland turned and started to walk back outside.
"Hey, wait," Harry ran to catch up with him. "Hermione wanted me to talk to you about something."
"Shoot."
"She wants you to talk about what happened to us to Moony and the others."
Roland stopped dead in his tracks, and looked down at Harry. "How much do you want me to tell them?"
"As much as you think wouldn't scare them," Harry said, he was strangely calm about it while Roland was getting worked up. He knew that being a mutant was considered a crime in some cases, but these were his friends and he could trust them. /right?/ he thought.
"Everything then, huh?" Roland repeated. He was rubbing his chin, the beginning of a beard growing. Harry nodded. "Fine, I'll get the rest of your stuff up to your room." He stormed off, upset about something, but Harry just brushed it aside.
"Thanks, Roland," Harry yelled and walked back up the stairs, he was grateful that Winky or Dobby didn't follow him. When he reached their room, Harry opened the door enough so he could get in and closed it. He looked over at Hermione, who was already asleep. Harry sighed and lay down next to her. If out of instinct, she moved right next to him, an arm over his chest and her head on his shoulder.
* * * * * *
It was late, very late. /four a.m./ Roland thought. /damn time zones./ despite the change in time, he didn't show how tired he was. In fact, it looked like he was wide-awake. He was sitting at the table with Moony, Tonks and Mad-Eye. "So you wanted to talk to us about something, Roland?" Tonks said, she had poured herself and Moony a cup of coffee; both of them were trying to fight fatigue.
"Yes I did," Roland said, and paused again thinking of how he was going to start. /I've never been this damn nervous in my life. God I hate it./
"Actually," Moony started. "I have a question first. Why aren't Harry and Hermione in separate rooms?"
"Because," Roland tented his hands, "I said so." All eyes were on him. He was all business, and his computer mind had been racing for the past minute.
"How can you-" Moony stood up and raised his voice.
"If you want a yelling contest you will lose, Mr. Lupin," Roland said. "Mind you, I have been asked by six people to look after them, and their best interests. After what happened over the summer, I must think that sharing a room is in their best interests, at least for Hermione."
"What did happen, Mr. Childe," Tonks asked. She had an expression of worry on her face, but Roland felt more confusion from her then anything else.
"Well, you know that Hermione was dating Steven Drade for a while before the summer, he threaten her to beat her, rape her, and kill her." A long period of silence followed and Roland continued. "Two of these he succeeded in. Now as you also know, Harry went over to Hermione's house because of the way the Dursley's were treating him. Sirius-"
"Is dead," Moony, replied, sadness in his voice.
"I know, it was a wizard who impersonated him. Harry must have been so happy to get out of there, that he didn't realize the truth. Anyways. When Steven and Hermione arrived, Steven had the intention of killing Hermione that night. Thank god Harry saved her, I don't know how, but he did. Anyways. There were some problems that occurred, like Steven being in line with the Brotherhood of Mutants. "
"Mutants attacked the Grangers house?" Tonks replied, and he nodded in response. "That's terrible."
"I'll say, two people died, the poor Grangers, that way of death shouldn't ever be forced on someone." Roland mind looked back to the bodies of the Grangers, or the remains. The limbs and heads were scattered around the ruins of their house. /poor Hermione for seeing that./
"What happened to that wizard?" moony asked.
"Anyways, the X-men and I were luck enough that we got there ahead of schedule." He completely ignored the question. "Only to find the house was in ruins, along with Harry and Hermione trapped in some rubble." Roland paused again, glad that all eyes were on him. "It turns out that this Steven character is a powerful mutant as well, and in combination with the other Brotherhood, they were able to defeat the X-men, all save me." Again another paused and he scanned their feelings about what they had just heard. Lupin was rather angry, and surprised; angry with himself for not being able to help and surprised at Roland knowing all it. Tonks was on the verge of tears; she was so upset. But Moody, Roland couldn't get a read on that man. /odd, but no matter./
"A long story short, I defeated all of them, but Steven escaped. Now about Hermione and Harry," Roland said, he stood and walked over to the window. "Some times after such a tragic event as what happened to Hermione, their minds snap and they have a hard time keeping a grip on reality. Thank god Harry was there, he was able to give her the one thing that she needed the most."
"Which was what?" Tonks asked, she wiped her tears with a napkin.
"Hermione didn't feel love, or even liked. Steven humiliated her, degraded her, doing what the worst thing that a man can do to a girl." Roland's anger flared, his fury unmatched. /a promise to you Hermione, I will catch that demon./ a small lightning bolt flashed in his eyes. But because of the sunglasses, no one noticed. He looked back at the table and started to walk back to his seat. "Harry gave that to her, and she still needs it, despite the fact that they've been going out the past month. I've encourage time just between them, because it is the best medicine for her."
"Who are these X-men?" Moody asked, Roland gazed at him for a moment, "I doubt they're normal people."
"What do you define as normal?" Roland replied. "They're Muggles if that is what you mean."
"They're Muties, aren't they?" Moody replied, a smile on his broken face. He looked up at the man in black who was standing right next to him. Roland picked up the old man by his neck and held him against the wall.
"I resent that name you people slandered us with," he said through his teeth.
"Roland, put him down," Moony stood up, he was unsure with his words. Tonks followed suit.
Roland didn't have a tight enough grip so he was choking Mad-Eye, but enough so that he was just holding him up by the head. "Us, what do you mean by that?" Moody said, "Are you one of them?"
"I resent all forms of bigotry."
"I don't give a damn whether or not you're a mutant or not, are you going to protect them, even if the world knew you were one?" Moody asked. Roland paused for a moment, not thinking about the question, just what he was going to do to the old man.
"Sir, I don't give a damn what the world says about me," Roland replied, "But yes, I'd do my job because I was asked to and I promised, Mad-Eye." He paused for a moment, "and I keep my promises."
"How far would you go?" Moody asked. And Roland didn't answer; he just dropped the old man on the ground. "If you truly want to protect them, how far will you go?" Again no reply from Roland, he looked away. "Answer me, damn it!"
"As far as I need to!" he yelled back. He pointed his hand at the old man, shaking a finger. "But know this, my death will not be mourn but it will be felt around the world." Roland stormed off, his black trench coat floating.
"Mad-Eye; are you alright?" Moony helped the old man to his feet.
"We can trust that one," was the only thing he said and he headed off to his room. "We can trust him to die for those two."