Chapter Seven

Hedwig screeched in outrage as several owls suddenly bombarded her two flying companions the next morning. "What in the world!"

"Where could they have come from?"

"Down here, girl." A purring tone floated from below Storm and Warren. Hedwig screeched at the owls again before diving down to her Master. Harry held out an arm for her landing, stroking her plumage softly. The owls fluttered before him, tired from their flights. "Hedwig will lead you to a place of rest after I relieve you of your burdens. First, those who require an immediate answer."

Three tawny eagle owls swooped closer, allowing the nimble fingers to release their heavy burdens. Hedwig hooted for them to follow her. Harry checked the three envelopes to see his Guardian's name written just above his own, with a Gringotts seal. "Alright, those who can at least way a day or two." Two black owls were relieved of their burden, bearing Harry's name. He nodded as he watched the last two owls peer around for someone else, "Ah, he's here. If you like, I can take the letters to him while you rest. Are they delay or immediate?" Twin hoots, "Ah, he'll have them ready by tonight then."

Storm landed at his side, "Owls are normally nocturnal. Why would they be out in daylight or forced to carry things not in their nature?"

"It is how we deliver. Owls were revered as messengers. They have the unique innate magical ability to find whoever their quarry is." Harry looked over his two companions, eyeing them closely, "So, you would be her two friends. I should thank you."

Warren frowned, "For what?"

"For caring. Hedwig rarely had time to fly about without worrying about me. Now that she can go where she pleases and know I'm safe, you are her friends in lending that confidence. So, thank you."

Storm smiled warmly at the sight of the cooing snow-white owl upon the boy's shoulder, "She's quite lovely. Wonderful to be around." Warren nodded with her assumption.

"If treated right, any animal can be easily understood. She sees you both as a friend, hoping that one day you will hear her voice as I do. Magic is found all around, not just within one's body."

Storm raised an elegant brow, "I know of few mutants that can perform such similar effects. Scarlet Witch of the Avengers is one."

Harry smiled knowingly. Not everyone could believe what they're told, especially when they are taught their narrowed views. He flicked his wrists, wandlessly performing a spell. He watched as Storm gasped and Warren yelped in shock as his blue skin turned pink and metallic wings turned fluffy white feathers. "How?"

"A glamour spell. A permanently applied feature to the body with a simple thought. Almost like an illusion but can never be broken unless by the one who cast it. I can make you look like anything or make the humans not even realize you have wings with a simple charm, even if your wings brush against them."

Warren gaped, hope burning in his eyes. "Never need an image inducer? Or constrict my wings?"

Storm frowned. She had seen too many people promising her friends their heart's desire only to use them in the end. Warren had ended up in Apocalypse's grasp because he wanted to be normal, only to be used by a close friend and forced to become Death. "I do not like this joke. It is not nice to play such pranks upon one's desire. I urge you to stop playing with his emotions. Warren does not need this hope only to be failed in the end. Too many have destroyed that dream for him. I won't let it happen again."

Emerald eyes flashed silver as Harry kept his emotions in check, "And I don't like being treated like a child playing pranks just to cause trouble. I was trained to be a warrior, a true wielder of magic, a weapon of destruction. I am the most powerful wizard living among my kind. I can do things that no one can imagine. I am the impossible child. Don't ever patronize me or believe me of wrong. I do what I can for others. I know he suffers; his pain whispers in my ear. I rather see someone happy." Turning to a stunned Warren, he dropped the glamour, "If you still wish, ask me later. Ask Remus if you like. But excuse me as I have business to attend."

Warren leapt for the sky, turning from a concerned Storm with a cry of pain and longing. "Ya know, 'Ro, the Kid was tryin' ta help. You were at the meeting, Darlin'. Ya heard what he could do." Logan grumbled around his smoking cigar, ambling from the forest.

"I meant no harm, my friend. His abilities haven't been fully tested by Scott. We do not know what he is capable of, not truly. I will not have Warren's heart broken because of a simple illusion that can be easily destroyed by a powerful telepath. My friends do not need to suffer needlessly." With those words, Storm summoned a powerful gust of wind, rising high and far. Logan could only watch his friend disappear while the boy in question slipped further across the ground, tail swishing in agitation and muscles bunched in angry tension.

Uh oh! Betsy had been watching the scene from the kitchen window. When Warren took to the sky, she slipped into his mind hearing his thoughts, If it works, I'll have my wings again! No more blue skin! I can be free, possibly still perform my tricks through that glamour. No more inducers or having to hide under constriction. I can at least be human.

Betsy? Something wrong? Jean caught her friend's worried words. Her hand hesitated upon slicing the fruits for their salad. The two women had been preparing a large lunch for the team; something often done to cut down dishes duty.

Betsy looked down at the sink, finishing her mixing of drinks. Warren and Storm were talking with Harry. It seems Harry has a way of making Warren look like his original self, permanently unless it's undone by Harry's hand. I also learned that Harry could make it where Warren can walk among the humans with his wings free without hurting someone or them noticing.

Oh! I didn't think he could do that.

There's more. Storm berated Harry for raising Warren's hopes.

Jean switched to verbal as she concentrated on the knife, "I thought Storm understood that Harry would never harm anyone here."

Remus growled as he entered the kitchen, searching for something light to eat, "Harry wouldn't hurt someone. He was trained as a Wielder. He's what we call impossible. Normally, there is a limit on what our magic can provide. Harry broke every natural law, showing he can perform what was once believed as impossible."

"If he can make Warren look human, even make his metal wings feathers again?"

"Then Harry will be able to do that. He can make it where anyone will see what he wants them to see. If your strongest telepath or illusion maker tries to break the spell, they'll simply come down with a painful headache. Harry's too good at what he does, especially if he links it to his signature alone. He would be the only one to break the spell. No Unspeakable or Curse Breaker could touch his locked spells, not even our most powerful wizard." Remus snagged several slices of freshly cut apples, dancing out of Jean's smack.

Harry peeked inside, smiling at the sight, willingly ignoring the last words he heard, "Ah, here you are. I have mail for you, Moony." He handed over five letters, three already open. "We are to meet with some of our business associates to peruse our shares. I even have a letter summoning us to the Bankers to study our accounts, to be sure everything my vault contained was transferred."

"When do they wish this?" Amber eyes read through his letters, seeing the same summons for his own shares and accounts.

"They've left a number to make arrangements."

"I see that. I also see that we have a chosen lawyer, recommended by your first lawyer or was that an accountant?" Both wizards shrugged, not worried as long as the man Harry's original lawyer took good care picking her successor. "He and his partner wish to discuss are ties with them, for possible future cases."

"Who is it?" Harry hadn't realized his lawyer from the magical world had already made sure just about everything had been taken care of.

"Someone by the name of Drake."

Jean and Betsy spit out the mouthful of juice that they were taste testing, "Robert Drake!" Both wizards nodded as the women stared openly, shocked.

Bobby had just skidded inside, "Oh! Good, you've got the juice out already. I just need something to drink on my way. I'll catch lunch at the office." He was struggling with his tie, straightening his suit, and trying to close his overflowing briefcase, "I've got to hurry. Got a new client."

"Uh, Bobby, sweetie."

"Make it quick, Jean. Please, I'm rushing as it is."

Harry giggled, catching everyone's gaze, "Moony, look! We live with our lawyer!"

Bobby's mouth fell open, "You're the new clients?" They confirmed with bright smiles and smothered laughs, "Uh, great! Makes things easier for me."

"Take Remus along. He's my Guardian until I'm of age. He'll know what decisions to make and you can lead him in the direction of the appropriate people if needed."

Curious eyes glanced over the youthful man, "How old are you?"

Harry smirked, "I'll be hitting twenty this year." Seeing their stunned looks, "I came into inheritance at seventeen but can't really make decisions until twenty-one." Harry danced out the kitchen with his mail, laughter spilling back down the hall. Remus gently tugged Bobby into the direction of the front door, helping him juggle his things.

"Well, I think things have just gotten more interesting around here." Jean and Betsy exchanged smiles before finishing lunch.

-------------------------------Sinister's Lair---------------------------------

"Boss?"

"Keep a close eye on them, especially the boy." Sinister smirked as he closely watched the flickering monitors. Soon they will be mine. Such genetic material. The wonders I could perform.

"Do we take 'em at first chance?"

"Not yet. I wish to see what it is they are capable of. I don't want them permanently harmed, Creed. Just tested." Creed smirked, flashing his fangs. The Marauders snickered at their Boss, nodding to show their agreement. "I want you, Creed, and Harpoon to take the mansion. The rest of you will draw out the X-Men. I wish to see what the boy is capable since his friend has already left."

-------------------------------------------X-Mansion-------------------------------------------

"X-Men! Suit up! Professor says trouble downtown!" Scott moved from the intercom, struggling into his uniform. What about Harry, Sir?

Leave him behind. He has expressed a need to deal with a few letters he received. Leave Logan and Warren. Logan can watch the perimeter and Warren has yet to come down from the roof. He'll be a distraction in the field.

Scott gave a mental nod, turning into the comforting arm of his lover. He flashed Jean a small smile, "Logan, Charles wishes you to remain behind. Warren will be your second considering his distracted thoughts. You can survive an attack, especially with the Professor with Cerebro sweeping the perimeter." The Canadian snorted, sauntering away from the Blackbird. A snarl escaped Scott, frustrated with the lack of respect from the older man. Scott, sweetie, we need to hurry. You have a team to lead.

-----------------------------------------Somewhere on the Grounds------------------------------------

"They're leaving, Scalphunter. Heading your way soon." Harpoon watched as the Blackbird swooped off into the sky. He turned to face Sabertooth, "Ready, Creed?"

"Runt's just prowlin' the grounds. I'll take 'im. You find the boy."

"Fine." Harpoon charged one of his harpoons, slinking off towards the mansion, eyes searching.

Sabertooth sneered at his teammate's back before loping off for a friendly reunion, "Come on, Runt. Show me what you got."

------------------------------------Attack on Ground-------------------------------------------

Logan! I sense Creed and one Marauder already on the mansion grounds. Angel's in the air, searching for both. Blue eyes narrowed as six metal claws slid into place, "Come on, Creed. Let's dance."

Warren watched from above as someone slammed into Wolverine. Before he could call down or alert the Professor, something sharp and painful slammed into his stomach. He glanced down in surprise to see a harpoon, No. Pain flooded his mind, wrapping him in its cold cocoon as his body hurled to the ground below.

Warren! Harry jerked at the mental shout. Something was wrong. Magic swirled in pulsing layers, distracting him. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on what Mother wanted.

Pain. Such pain. Your pride's in pain, my child. Harry whimpered, curled into himself as pain torn through in hot flashes. His magic levels shifted, combining with the natural magic of Mother Nature. It hurt because he had yet to obtain his original tolerance. Wielder. Our Wielder. He could hear it's soft tones, hissing in the familiar tones of Parseltongue. Our child once again. Ours again.

With a relieved sigh, Harry could feel the comforting touch of his Mother. She knew she was causing him pain, doing everything to ease it. He slowly stretched aching muscles, a gentle wind blowing across his body. With will alone, his clothing shimmered into his battle outfit. Loose jeans shifted into loose black pants made of dragon hide. A shirt of black silk curled over his torso, soaked in protective enchantments. From no where came his hooded cloak, doe brown with etched symbols of the four Houses of Hogwarts. Leather boots crawled up his legs, snuggling shifting to fit as a belt slipped about his waits, buckle etched with an engraved shield and lightning bolt of Zeus. Come child. Protect your pride.

/Sheik, wake. Our pride is being attack. They hurt what is ours. Threaten the children./ Sheik roared in anger. No one threatened the children. Children were sacred, protected, and cherished in the pride. /We'll be free after keeping our children safe./ Harry reached out for Charles, Sir? He felt the mental surprise, Keep the children inside. Sheik isn't happy with someone attacking the pride.

Of course. Knowing Charles would keep his word, Sheik dove out the always open window, landing upon his feet. Silver eyes flared with power as his head jerked side to side, searching for the fallen member. His body slunk into the shadows, silent as a born predator. Then he saw Warren, lying a foot to the right with something sticking out of his stomach. He rushed to the flyer's side.

"Har...ry?" Warren winced at the flaring pain, metallic tasting blood resting in his mouth. He coughed it out as he tried calling for help. Darkness called for him, the cold wrapping tighter as brief warmth crossed his cool cheek.

Sheik gently stroked the blue cheek. His human willed their magic into the dying body. Neither were willing to lose a pride member. His human kept the link open to sustain the fallen. Sheik waited for his pride to fall deeply into a magically induced sleep. As Warren fell beneath the magic's demand Sheik kept a close ear upon the almost silent approach of flyer's attacker. Just as silently, his claws grew in length before twisting around, slashing across the Marauder's chest.

"Agh!" Harpoon had really thought the boy was distracted checking over the fallen X-Man. But the blood pouring from the five slash marks across his chest said otherwise. "Well, I guess you were aware. Come on, little Kit."

Sheik gnashed his teeth, canines barely missing his bottom lip. Silver eyes gleamed with fury. He swiped at his opponent, deliberately missing. Harpoon had jumped back to avoid the swipe but seeing the knowing smirk worried him. Then he felt it, a pulsing vibe that shoved him further back, causing him to stumble. The Marauder narrowed his eyes, glaring at the sniggering feline. It had felt like the boy was telekinetic.

-----------------------------Sinister's Lair----------------------

Deep within his base, watching the scene, Sinister wondered what power the boy possessed. "What powers do you hold, boy? The possibilities of your genetic material. I wonder." Red eyes glanced over the three folders gracing his desk. Each thick with results of successful and failed experiments, even theorized possibilities and dreams. Each marked with a label and name, 'Summers, Grey, LeBeau.'

"Yes, the possibilities. Four of the most powerful genes under my control. Each a lovely candidate, though LeBeau was a very special case. One day he will return to me." Hissing laughter spilled forth as a blue finger stroked the red label of Gambit's folder. "Yes, LeBeau, one day you will be mine again. And this new boy."

Gleeful eyes turned back to his monitors to study the young feral's techniques and possible powers. There was something integrated within the boy's natural grace and strength. Every strike the boy made, something backed it. "A powerful ability you possess. Stronger than Grey's telekinesis.

Oh, he could not wait. The plans, the research, the experiments. Each running through his head. Not only that, he remembered being harmed by the boy. Something in that boy's favor affected his armour as much as Summers' optic blasts. "You will suffer for my research. Oh, yes, my boy, you will." He watched the fierce fighting until Harpoon had finally fallen. His team should be returning soon, considering Creed was now carrying off a possibly lifeless Marauder. "Sacrifices make for the better."