Chapter Five

"Moony, you awake?" Harry had awakened in a strange room, the window reflecting the night sky.

"There's a tray of food on the nightstand. Logan made sure you received a couple steaks, rare for your liking. I want you to eat. Feeling any better?"

Harry dug into his meal with hunger. "Remind me to thank him. And yes, I do feel a bit more stable. Still itchy though because I haven't been able to run. What were they meeting about?" He caught Remus's eyes, lightly pushing against the werewolf's mental shields. He had spent long hours on his own trying to strengthen his own shields, thanking the voice in his head with Snape's sarcastic humor. With care, Harry pulled forward the images he wanted. "Interesting team."

"We're on the third level I believe. Be careful, Cub. They are quite fearful of your temper, I had to explain unless you wished to level their home with a simple tantrum. They are concerned about our pasts but some won't push. Summers might be the hardest one to get along with."

"He cares for his team and those within this mansion. He tries to find out if any are dangerous or trouble. Problem is, this place is about second chances and quite a few of their teammates have terrible pasts. A couple of them refuse to share everything about themselves. That makes Summers feel inadequate with trying to protect everyone else. You coming with me?"

Remus tiredly chuckled, "No. I plan to sleep tonight. At least what little I can. You fell asleep a couple hours before dinner. I'm across the hall from you." Harry nodded, grateful to know where his Guardian would be. He allowed the tired wizard to stagger to his room, knowing the other man would most likely swallow a sleeping potion.

Harry curled onto the window's ledge, debating on running free tonight or not. A spicy scent mixed with smoke drifted from the roof. Curious, Harry twisted to catch hold of the upper ledge, pulling himself onto the roof. There he met a lounging form, steadily smoking as slender hands shuffled a deck of cards. "'Allo, mon ami."

Harry slithered against the warm body. It was strange, wanting to touch. He had grown up without the loving touch after the death of his parents. His friends and the Weasley family were always careful around him. He starved for touch despite the knowledge it could hurt. "Not sleeping?"

Remy grinned as the boy curled against him. It wasn't often people snuggled up to him. They tended to avoid his touch. But there was something they didn't know. Remy LeBeau was an Empath, ability to sense and feel emotions of others. He craved touch and he could feel that this boy craved the same. Something about his new companion had Remy seeing himself in the boy. "Non. Jus' relaxin'." He ran two fingers down the boy's arm, watching as he shuddered from the touch. Frowning, Remy noticed something strange. He stroked the soft skin again, realizing the boy had a delicate layer of fur, "Fur? Y' really a cat."

"I told you. I'm a Predator Hybrid. I have much in common with cats. Even my own tail." Said tail curled around his body as he snuggled closer. "I'm a predator in the truest sense. Where I'm from these are the most dangerous creatures. Vicious killers and territorial of their pride."

Remy tilted his head. Crimson on black turned to face clear blue, "Why y' tell me?"

"You can't lie. You sense it. Even the feral, uh, Logan, right?"

The gruff voice answered from the shadows as the bulky form twisted away, "Yea. I know Cyke won't be happy." Logan settled next to Harry, eyeing the boy being stroked by slender fingers. Something inside him was jealous, wanting to be the one making that lithe feline arching and purring with pleasure.

Harry shrugged, not caring about their leader. He twisted his body around, forcing his two companions to shift with him as he encouraged them to continue petting him. He was content, loving the attention. He could feel the soft rumbling purr erupting from his throat, body humming with pleasure. Both men chuckled, "Like ta be touched, Kid?"

Harry squirmed delightfully as a large hand curved around his hip, stroking just beneath his shirt. He shamelessly arched into the touch, begging for more. "At one time I hadn't. But when I grew to learn that not all touch was harmful, I began craving it. It didn't help when those I called friends were wary of touching me. They all thought I would break." He purred louder as the bold hand moved higher, caressing his ribs while a slender hand carded through his hair and rubbed his neck. "At one time Predator Hybrids were feared, hated by all. Society formed hunting parties to kill them. We weren't difficult,only protective of our pride and territory. When we merge with beast and human, that's when we are unpredictable, or when we are determined to end a threat to our pride's safety. That was all they saw."

Blue met red over the purring form, each in silent agreement. They had their secrets, unwilling to share. Or in Logan's case, unable to share. Both had a hard life, full of pain, betrayal, and mistrust. This was their chance to change themselves, hoping for a better future. Because of this they carefully tightened their shields. The telepaths they've encountered could never fully scan them. Logan's mind was chaotic at best, blurred between fact and fiction as animalistic fury burned at the edges. Remy's mind was static, almost like trying to hold water in one's hand. His shields were tight, overlaid with dangerous luring traps to protect him.

"All felines like to be touched." Both men tuned back to Harry, listening to his rambling. "We come when we want, not called. Remus knew this. He also knew when to force the subject. From stories, my mum was the same way. Never knew her or my father. They died when I was but a year old. I had a Godfather but society found him guilty of a crime he didn't do. I ended up with neglectful relatives. But I don't think I was meant to be happy. Just a few years ago I lost my Godfather to murder, by his own family. Remus is all I have left. I lost my parents, my second father, my best friends."

Silence reigned among them. Eyes closed, Harry pondered upon his revealing. He hoped he wouldn't be led wrong. His magic had yet to lead him astray. It told him these two could be helpful, loyal to him. His itchy feeling slowly began to fade as Sheik and Harry arched beneath the slow strokes. Considering he had already slept earlier, the soothing petting lulled him into deep relaxation. His breathing slowed as the two conversed quietly over his head. He was too comfortable to move. His body curled further between the heated forms.

Logan chuckled as he glanced down at the sleeping boy. "He's asleep." Harry had fitted his body against his with Remy pressed along his back. His tail lazily flipped in the Cajun's lap, wrapping around Remy's free hand while the other ran through soft strands of black hair. The boy's nails had also lengthened slightly to knead in his thigh. The purring echoing during the silence.

"T'ink we tuck de homme to bed, oui?"

"I got 'im, Gumbo." Remy nodded, stretching in his own feline way before sauntering away to Storm's loft. Logan knew the Cajun would be spending the rest of the early morning in her bed. "Come on, Kid." Gathering the sleeping form into his arms, Logan began the tedious task in climbing down the roof to his bedroom window. He thanked his healing power for the few close calls and Harry's feline tendencies to curl against someone as he used his metal claws to climb into his window.

"Mmm?" Harry sleepily turned in Logan's arms as the older man was trying to tuck him in bed.

"Gotta put ya to bed, Kid. Cyke'll be up with the dawn." Unable to resist, Logan ran a hand beneath the boy's neck, leaning close to inhale his scent. Harry arched into his gentle caress, purring sleepily before the man walked away. "Sleep well, Kid." He hoped to catch the last few hours himself.

-----------------------------------Danger Room Session--------------------------------------

Eight a.m. found the X-Men tossing off the last vestiges of sleep as they tried trouncing their opponents in Scott's latest scenario. Charles sat in the Control Room with one of their guests, Harry. Both men sipping from steamy cups, one with fresh brewed coffee and the other tea. "It can conjure anything?"

"Yes. We use the Danger Room as a way to out-think our opponents, to try coming up with possible rescue and escape routes. Some of the team even use it to hone their powers and abilities. Logan likes to use it to ease his temper so no one will get hurt. Remy practices various tumbling runs, refreshing his agility and thieving techniques. Scott allows new members a trial run to see what they can do, to push their limits, to push their control. We can confirm possible weaknesses, strengths, and triggers."

"Must you use the same technique and characters you've met? Can it create a realistic world from any memory?"

Charles studied the young man over his teacup. "I believe so. I do know the Danger Room has several levels. Logan's scenarios are always set at the highest he can stand. He's mentioned that the scene feels, smells, and reacts realistically. Did you have something in mind?"

"Remus and I need to practice. I haven't been able to do much with my magic, only praying it'll work the way I wish. Plus I'm still learning about my beast."

"And where is your Guardian?" Most of the X-Men had been surprised when Harry bounced into the kitchen for breakfast. He seemed hyper and wide-awake. Unlike the few who mumble threats to Scott for the early morning wake up call.

"Probably still sleeping." The door creaked open to reveal a yawning Remus and a sheepish student. "Or just arriving. Tea, Moony?" Remus growled; he never did like waking too early. Harry held out an empty cup while directing the teapot to pour itself. He added a splash of cream and sugar before relinquishing his hold.

Charles had been stunned moments ago when the boy had murmured a few words, causing a teapot to appear. Even now he still wasn't too sure about the appearance of the steaming liquid and condiments but said nothing. "Good morning."

"Morning." Amber eyes locked onto the scene below. "What's going on?"

"Summers called it a training session. Like our dueling sessions, butmuch more realistic. This Control Room allows them to come up with scenarios to battle against their enemy or plan out missions. Could be useful for us."

A brow rose in question, "And what are you planning?"

"The final battle. Our magic was based on dueling and strength. It'll give us a clue on our magic level. And see if you still have any control over Moony."

"Practical." Remus pondered the scene in his head. "But how?"

"Cerebro can catalogued the scenes to the database but it would need to take them from your mind. Scott, Logan, or Remy would be the best choice in forming a session as they are usually ones creating them."

"Only those scenes?"

Charles nodded, knowing both men were cautious. "Push the memories to the front. I'll need to link Cerebro to your minds to copy them." He waited with baited breath. They hesitantly nodded. With a relieved sigh, he reached out to Cerebro and brushed against his guests' shields. The shields were strong, layered with power. He also noticed that surrounding the link he was creating were shadows. Carefully he pulled the memories and had the computer save them into a new file. Breaking the link, he realized what the shadows meant when they reformed the walls. That's how we can't read them. They used actually shadows to hide their minds from others. And the shadows are the reason for the traps. It's pure darkness alerting telepathic wanderers away. I wonder what the consequences would be if one comes lost to the shadows.

Both wizards sighed in relief, forcing away the mistrustful tension. The telepath had kept his word, keeping only to the memories despite the shadows calling to him. Charles had activately kept his mind from wandering and the bead of sweat revealed how hard he had to try. Their shielding worked. Harry had actively used the darkness in his soul to protect himself, while Remus used the fury of the werewolf, both connecting to shadows for ultimate protection. "Thank you."

Charles smiled weakly, wiping away the sweat. He glanced down to the Danger Room to see a concerned team watching them. "Your welcome. Who would you like to be in charge of your session?" Do not worry, my students. I was given permission to connect to their minds. They wish to try the Danger Room and had their idea of a training session. Their shields are strong, surrounded by shadows that lure a traveller inside while warning them. I had to work hard to protect myself from entering.

If you're sure, Professor. I don't think the team would want to lose you. Should we all be there?

No, Scott. I think only a couple. Perhaps you, Jean, Logan, and Remy for now. Maybe Rogue. I'll have Cerebro record their session for the others to view.

"We would like someone to follow our rules. We already know our limits, though mine may have changed. We need someone to won't stop the session should things become rough."

"Logan might be best. Or Remy. They know what it means to push your limits. Scott does as well but he worries when he has no control over what scenario you wish to create."

"Chuck?" Logan heard the last part. He followed Scott's orders to meet Charles in the Control Room.

"Ah, Logan. Cerebro has a new file that these two gentlemen would like to run. If you or Remy could fine tune it to their needs." Seeing the questioning looks from Harry, "Your memories were successful in retaining but it seemed a few thoughts of those characters ran its course to other times you've been against them. Both of you."

"Sure, Chuck." He and Remy ran the memories, linking them together pertaining to the wizard's request. Once ready, "Remy will lead ya to the Room. I'll wait until ya enter to begin." A gloved hand posed over a large button. All eyes watched as the two wizards were carefully led into the huge metal room. A small nod had Logan pressing the button.

Inside the Danger Room, Harry inhaled the scents of his home. Remus was doing the same. Eyes pinned upon the cloudy night sky backdropped against the enormous stone castle. Hogwarts. "We're home."

Suddenly, several figures stormed from the castle doors, "Potter! Lupin!"

"Snape!"

Severus pointedly stared at the two men, "Casual? What's wrong, Potter? Your fighting robes not good enough to grace your body with?"

"Ha, ha, Snape. It's a battle. It doesn't matter how we dress but if it makes you happy." Harry picked up a tiny rock, waving a hand over it. It transformed into his battle robe. Remus copied to transfigure his own battle robe. "Now, if we can be ready."

The Order of the Phoenix stood side-by-side, wands raised and faces blank. Right behind them stood the loyal Aurors and Ministry workers. "The students have been sent to the dungeons. The D.A. you've trained are standing watch as Poppy and Minerva floo the children to safety."

Harry nodded, "And our allies?"

"Waiting in the Forest for the moon. Hagrid has gone to find Aragog." Harry snickered at the disgusted look on some of their faces. They hadn't known about the giant Acromantula and his children. Harry had asked Hagrid to ask the creatures of the Dark Forest to align themselves with Hogwarts, to protect their home.

"Incoming, people!" Several pops could be heard as the first wave of Death Eaters arrived.

A sneering voice called out from behind his white mask, "Ah, Potter, ready to give in?"

Harry laughed, "Now, now, Malfoy, play nicely. Or did your Master decide you were the best to send?"

"He will be your Master before the day's out, Potter!" A group of black floating creatures soared forward, a shivering chill destroying the joy around them.

"Dementors!" Wands were pointed at the strange creatures, hissing and gibbering in their native language as bony hands reached for their victims. Harry braced himself. To this day, he still feared them, hearing every bad memory, especially the screams of his dying parents as they lived their last day. "Everyone, Expecto Patronum!"

Silvery phantom shapes exploded from the raised wands, tearing a path straight to the chilly creatures. The Dementors shrieked in pain and fury as they were forced to disappear, trying to out-run the phantoms. "No!"

"Shields up, everyone!" The Death Eaters raised their wands for retaliation. "Now!" The Light side had split into their chosen groups, confusing their enemies. Colorful rays of lights flared to life from the raised wands with every word shouted. Each trying to curse their opponent while defending against deadly spells. The Order was hesitant to use the Dark Arts and Unforgivables but Harry had once warned them that no Death Eater would care. They would use their hesitation and need to be a Light warrior against them.

Remus cried out in pain, falling to the ground. His body twisted as bones rearranged themselves beneath his skin. Fingers and toes growing in length complete with claws. Skin turning into thick hide covered with fur. Teeth elongated to sharp points as his face shifted into a wolf's snout. Amber eyes raised to the sky, filled with pain and animalistic knowledge. A bright full moon had appeared from behind the scattered clouds, shining down upon him. More screams echoed from the Dark Forest.

Harry shuddered at the pained screams as he relieved his scenario. He had been split from his team around this point. But this time it wouldn't happen. Instead, emerald eyes faced his enemy in determination. "Now!" Several beasts roared in flight from the Forest, diving into the clearing, slashing their way through the throngs of Death Eaters and Dark Allies. Remus had turned into Moony, who recognized the smell and taste of blood. His home was being attacked. With a deafening roar, Moony flew into a rage.

Up in the Control Room, the few X-Men stood in frozen terror. Except possibly Logan and Remy, none had seen such carnage. Not even watching Logan during one of his feral rages had they seen this type of bloodletting. "Impossible!"

Jean could not believe the sight of such mythical creatures battling with teeth and claws. She had to agree with Scott. Charles didn't, "This is their memory, Scott. I believe this is the world they are from. It would explain why they weren't affected by the Marauders. As well as their constant comparison about magic against us."

That did make sense. Harry could have been a feral mutant, much like Sabertooth. That they would have accepted. But the strange robes, the sticks Remus wielded like a weapon, the sight of a small object growing larger with a single word, or the tings he carried in his trunk caused them to wonder. At dinner they had agreed that it was possible the two were time travelers. They've had experience with such people but just not what time they could have been from.

"Is it possible to be from an alternative time where the X-gene is not a mutation but magical?"

"Quite possible, Jean. Fascinating as well."

Logan remained quiet, staring at Harry. He fought with trained abandon of a warrior, even creating a sword in the middle of battle. He kept a tight hold on his beast, almost as if he was waiting for something. Emerald eyes kept scouting the area. What is he looking for? Or whom? Logan got his answer as a voice rang clear through the raging battle, no one stopping but Harry, "Harry Potter?"

Emerald eyes bled into silver as Harry gave over control, allowing Sheik to come forth. "Tom."

Before the young wizard stood a robed figure with glimmering red eyes. Remy gave a shudder at the sight of those eyes. He had an idea now who it was Remus had once compared him to, "Well, well, Golden Boy Potter a Dark Creature." Voldemort took in the animal features, knowing of one creature that the wizarding world would not stand by to serve. "What would your adoring public think?"

Harry laughed as Sheik gave a fanged smile, "I've never cared for the public. They've turned their backs on me at a drop of a dime. I am here for the innocence of children and those who deserve to rest in peace instead of wandering the Earth for eternity." They faced a sneering Dark Lord, egging on the infamous temper, "What do you think, Tommy boy?"

"I am Lord Voldemort! You will bow to me, boy!" Voldemort raised his wand, anger backing his desire to see the Potter boy dead. "Avada Kedavra!"

Sheik ducked beneath the green light, making it hit one of the Dark wizards behind him. "You can do better than that! Or is old age catching up?"

"Kill him!" Voldemort called for his loyal followers to deal with the insolent brat. Seven Death Eaters from his Inner Circle surrounded a crouching Potter. The golden tail swished in jerky movement, muscles clenching in preparation. Before Sheik could pounce another presence growled. Eyes turned to face a bloody werewolf, fangs and claws dripping with blood. Sheik recognized his human's Guardian, mewling in acceptance. The two creatures stood together, facing their opponents, "Kill them both!" Wands raised to do their Lord's bidding. But the two Dark Creatures roared before flying forward. Claws and teeth easily ripped through giving flesh, rendering the Death Eaters into the arms of Death with their last screams.