Disclaimer: I own what I own and nothing more.
A/N: This will be my last posting for a little while, as I am in the midst of moving and my internet will be turned off soon. I will use the additional time to correct mistakes in past chapters and lengthen the next couple of ones. I should have my internet back by the new year, hopefully sooner. Spidergambit.
Partial parseltounge
"How did you know, he's reading their thoughts Harry?" Draco asked, turning to his former commander.
"Now Drake,surely you remember what used to happen when Tom and Albus tried to do that to me. This Xavier is good, I'll give him that but not good enough." Harry said as he continued to watch the mutants eyes,waiting for the blue flicker to return.
Drake and Silvanus could indeed remember what had happened whenever those two had tried to access any of their minds. Luckily, they had become very accomplished at hiding their thoughts, even the surface ones behind false trails. Harry had the worst time of it though as Voldmort and Dumbledor would constantly try to access his mind at the same time causing his green eyes to either flicker between red and blue or both to go purple. How the other students never noticed that was beyond their contemplation.
Harry sighed as he checked his watch again. "Well, this is getting us nowhere." He took a glass from the table and set to making a portkey for his flat. Handing it to Silvanus he said, "Here you and Drake, take Kurt back to my place. Everything should be ready there. Don't answer the door or phone to anyone. I'll be over as soon as I'm done here. And don't let Drake destroy my stuff on 'accident'."
"One time, it was one time Harry. How was I supposed to know that you weren't supposed to put metal in the damn thing. You told me that it worked just like an oven only faster." Drake whined.
"Well, I thought it was obvious. Next time you can just read the manual. In fact stay out of the kitchen and away from my appliances until you do." Harry stated to the slightly fuming blond while holding back a smile as Silvanus failed to contain a snort at the memory of Draco trying to heat his dinner in a microwave, while they were on a mission in the muggle world.
"I'll make sure he stays out of there, Parsel. If you're not back by nightfall,.."Silvanus started to say.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll send you word should I be later than that. Now everyone grab the glass so you can all go." When everyone had done so including Kurt, he said the activation word and the three were gone in the next instant.
"Where did they go?" asked a stunned Storm.
"Somewhere safe. They need their rest after the last few days they've had." Harry stated as he sat back down in his seat.
"You look as if you could use some rest as well, kid." Logan stated.
Harry raised an eyebrow at being called a 'kid', but didn't comment on it yet, instead he replied, "There's no rest for the wicked, or me for that matter."
Harry took a slice of pie off the table and started to eat it slowly, as he thought over his options. 'Decisions, Decisions. Seek Charles out to speak with him, leave now, or continue to wait. Patience is a virtue, but its been a long time since I've been virtuous.' Deciding to give the Professor a bit more time, Harry asked, "So, whats this school like then?"
Storm gave him a curious look, and asked "Why are you interested in the school, if you're not a mutant yourself?"
"I didn't think 'out of sight, out of mind' worked that fast." Harry murmured to himself.
"And what is that supposed to mean, bub?" Logan questioned, having heard Harry's mutter perfectly.
Harry gave him a pointed look as if to say 'duh', before replying. "It meant, as soon as Kurt is gone he was forgotten as the reason for my being here. I still need to see if this school is suitable for Kurt, or if I need to continue looking for another option. So, I ask again, Whats this school like?"
Storm blushed at her lapse and answered, "We mostly function as a private boarding school, with regular classes in subjects such as, math, science, English. We also teach them how to control their mutant powers. Most of the students are runaways, so we provide them with room and board as well as some money to allow them to buy things in town."
"Ah, yes. About that, what do you expect in return?" Harry interrupted.
"What do you mean?"
Harry quirked an eyebrow and sat up straighter in his chair, "I mean, what do you expect in return for providing your students with the education and basics of life? In other words, Whats the catch?"
"Theres no catch, the students are free to go on with their lives whenever they want." Storm stated defensively.
"You really believe that, don't you." Harry sighed as he thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll leave that question for Charles to answer later. If Kurt was enrolled here, would I be allowed to visit?" He asked.
Logan looked at Storm who seemed to have been stunned into speechlessness at Harry's accusation of there being a catch to attending the school. He decided to take over the conversation. "Visitation is allowed, Chuck prefers to be informed beforehand." Logan noticed a flicker of distaste cross the young mans face before it was gone and his face became emotionless once more.
"I see." Harry stated in a monotone as memories he had inherited from Tom surfaced in his mind, the times when the orphanage can under inspection, coupled with how the Dursley's would make sure everything was perfect and undesirables, Harry, was out of sight. He blocked off those thoughts before they got too far. 'No, the goblins would have reported it if something like that was going on. Then again, they did hide the kids awfully fast.'
Harry shook himself from his increasingly dark thoughts, "Logan, you're the newest member to the x-men, having been here for just over 6 months. Is that correct?" he asked as he glanced through a file.
Logan started for a second, before he slowly nodded his head thinking, 'How did he know that.'
"You also brought a young girl with you about Kurt's age, is that also correct?" receiving another nod, Harry continued, "What is your impression, of the school and the people who run it?"
"The kids seem to enjoy the classes and most of them get along fine. The teachers are generally, Storm, Scott, and the Professor. Jean fills in from time to time but mostly she takes care of the infirmary."
"Is she certified? I mean, no offense of course. But you don't really need to be certified to teach as long as you know your subject, parents home school their kids all the time, but a medic thats different." Harry stated, with a hand raised to stall their protests. "And more so would she be able to treat someone as 'unique' as Kurt."
Logan looked from Harry to Storm and had to admit, it was a valid question. He'd just assumed that she was certified, as she had been treating him while he'd been here, and none of the students he'd seen so far had fur or a tail for that matter. Storm looked affronted at the beginning question but had to admit he had a point, she answered, "She received her certificate about three years ago. Before that a friend of ours, Dr. Henry McCoy, was the physician here and should any problems occur he would be the best to see to Kurt's needs as he has a similar body type."
"Hmm, I don't seem to have a file on him." Harry stated absentmindedly as he flipped through his folders looking for the name McCoy. "Would I be able to meet with him?"
"He is currently doing research in Scotland, but I'm sure we could arrange for you to meet in a matter of weeks." Harry nodded his head in understanding.
"That would be most appreciated, I thank you." Harry looked at his watch again, '5:15, he's not going to show.' Coming to a decision Harry finished his pie and waved his hand over the table making everything that he had taken out earlier pack itself up and return to his pockets as he stood up. "You two have been most helpful. When would be a good time for my companions and I to visit the school properly?"
"I will have to check with Charles on that to be sure, but sometime next week should be fine. Do you have a place we can reach you at?" Storm asked nervously.
Harry took two small snake pendants out of his coat's inside breast pocket and handed one each to Storm and Logan. "Here, these will let you contact me. They work similar to your communicators, just state 'Parsel' and it will reach me wherever I may be." Harry said as he started for the door. "I suggest attaching them to a chain and wearing them as a necklace. Contact me as soon as you know the date, or if you just want to talk some more away from here."
Storm admired the snake pendant it really did look lovely. It was about an inch long figure of a snake in motion, with red and gold coloring. It even had a very small forked tongue sticking out of its mouth and bright green eyes. "This is lovely, but isn't there another way we could contact you?" she asked.
Harry shook his head, "Not at the moment." Logan looked confused for a moment as he distinctly remembered him talking on a cell phone earlier, but let it pass for now. Harry bowed to Storm and once more kissed her hand, saying, "I bid you farewell, milady." He shook Logan's hand and continued, "I have a feeling we will be seeing more of each other Logan, take care." and then he was simply gone.
Logan faintly heard a motorcycle engine rev up before it sped away down the drive. "Well, that was.." Storm started to say as she looked from the empty spot where Harry had been standing to a contemplative feral.
"Yeah, it was." Logan finished as he tucked a piece of parchment into his pocket, that Harry had palmed to him when they shook hands. As they left the room they saw an irritable group heading their way. Jean and Scott were glaring at them, with the Professor gliding between them in his chair. Charles seemed to be deep in thought as the groups approached each other. Logan bit back a growl as he noticed Scott's smug look. 'Took them long enough.' he thought.
"I'll talk to you later 'Ro, gonna pick up that chain I need." Logan said as he turned away from the group and headed towards the front doors.
"Of course Logan, I shall see you tomorrow if not sooner." Storm called after him as the groups attention turned fully onto her. She didn't blame him for leaving like that, as it was she was tempted to join him, if only to delay the lecture she was undoubtedly going to hear.
Meanwhile
Harry's flat
Silvanus, Drake and Kurt had arrived in Harry's living room, Kurt stumbled to the bathroom and promptly threw up. "Well, Harry should be happy to know that hes not the only one who gets sick after a portkey anymore." Drake chuckled.
"Indeed." Smirked Silvanus as he looked around the rooms. He saw a door that didn't match the others as it was made of metal instead of wood, opening it slowly he looked inside and saw a brand new potions lab complete with ingredients. Looking at the bookshelves against the wall he saw all of his research that had been previously hidden inside of Hogwarts. 'How does he manage to do these things.' he thought to himself as he forcefully removed himself from the lab before he started brewing.
"Uncle Silv, where did you go?" Drake asked as saw him emerge from a well hidden door.
"Potions lab. Didn't you see the door?" asked Smith with a raised eyebrow.
"No, not until you opened it. All I see is a picture of a cauldron with writing underneath." Drake replied looking at the picture/door.
"Well what does it say?"
"Play time" Drake said with a smirk.
Silvanus gave Drake a glare before he stomped away from the lab and went into the last guest room and proceeded to make it habitable for two people instead of one.
When he had emerged again it was find Drake and Kurt seated on opposite sides of the couch watching a football game. "Hey, Uncle Silv, did you know that muggles had such a brutal sport? I mean its no quidditch but its alright."
"Yes, Drake I was well aware of that, but thats not their worst sport. Thats just the most publicized." He said as he found the remote and sat in a recliner and changed the channel.
"Hey, I was watching that!" Drake yelled at Smith.
"Yes, you were, and now you're not." Smith replied as he continued looking for the news he knew would be starting soon. When he got to the right channel he turned up the volume and motioned for Drake to stay quiet. "You can watch the muggles be idiots for pleasure later. Now shush."
Drake started to pout but remained silent as he let his godfather listen to the news.
And now for the international news. As of two days ago the terrorist attacks throughout Britain, performed by a group called deatheaters, have stopped. The most feared of those member have been caught and sentenced to death by the crown. In an unprecedented vote in parliament, they will be executed first by a public hanging and then will have their heads chopped off due to the amount of bloodshed they have caused. The guilty prisoners, Severus Snape age 39 and his young protegee Draco Malfoy age 20 will be brought from their holding cells to the infamous tower of London for their execution. The Tower will be open to the public so they may see these men brought low and send a message to all that such actions will not be tolerated...
Drake and Silvanus both swallowed harshly as they heard just what was to happen to them had Harry not gone to save them. Silvanus hoped that if any physical changes were going to occur that they happen soon as they really didn't want to be looking like themselves right now. As the report was wrapped up Drake quickly took the remote and turned off the TV.
"Parsel," Drake said into his snake pendent that Harry had given them with their change of clothing at the bank. He waited in silence for a few seconds before he got a slightly hissed response.
"Yeah Drake, What is it? Everything alright? You sound a bit breathless." Harry replied through his own pendent as he pulled his bike over to the side of the road, and took off his helmet so he could pay proper attention to his surroundings while they talked.
"We just heard a news report about England. The Order turned them over to the muggles and" here he swallowed again before Silvanus spoke into his own pendant to continue the conversation as Drake faltered.
"They are being brought to Tower of London for an open to the public execution of a hanging then a beheading. Most likely a burning by the rest after the muggles leave. Its sanctioned by the Crown and their ministry. They named them and by the looks on the reporters faces it will be aired as well. What should we do?" Silvanus asked in a slightly strained voice.
"Well shit, they did have it in for you. I figured the Dementor's kiss in a public forum but to involve the muggles. They wanted to send a message in case I survived to stay away or I would suffer the same fate should I attempt a rescue. Slap me with Treason as a sympathizer and since it would be a very public muggle crime I would have to accept the punishment with no hope of outside help." Harry thought some to himself before he continued. "Just stay indoors for awhile. If your appearance is going to change it will soon. If it doesn't and there is no other option then I will give you both a blood adoption and force your looks to change."
Drake and Silvanus exchanged looks, to think that Harry actually cared enough about them to offer a blood adoption, effectively making them into a family, it was slightly mind boggling. Drake recovered first and replied, "Your offer is greatly appreciated and we will heed your advice until a definite decision can be achieved."
"As this will be the last night you have in relative freedom I suggest you dine at the restaurant inside the building rather than cooking for yourselves. I won't be home until much later, theres a few more things I need to take care of now. I will be home before dawn though. Do not wait up for me either of you. And if Kurt wants to go with you be sure and cast a glamour over him. Hell cast one over all three of you just to be on the safe side. Anything else?" Harry asked.
"No, Commander. That is all for now. The reports concerning our last few days will be waiting when you get back. Drake out" Drake replied into his pendant as he cut off the communication.
"I thank you. Parsel. Silvanus out" Smith said, as he too cut off communications with Harry. They both had a lot to think about.
Harry shook his head as he too ended the conversation through his pendent with a simple hissed, "Parsel, out." It still amazed him that those two trusted him so much. Then again all they really had was each other now. 'At least they didn't call while I was still inside the school, that would have been hard to explain. I need a drink.' Harry thought to himself as he once again revved up his bike, before he could start down the road again he saw Logan exit the gates behind him riding a bike similar to his own.
Logan saw Harry pulled off the side of the rode and pulled up alongside him, "Thought you would have been long gone by now." he said, taking in Harry's deep frown, he asked, "You alright?"
"You wouldn't happen to know where a guy could get a drink in this town, and perhaps work off some steam would you?" Harry replied in a slightly harsh tone, effectively ignoring both questions.
"I might. Any chance you have a chain for that pendant you gave me earlier?" Logan replied.
Harry smirked, "I might." He then reached into an inner coat pocket, "You care about what type you get?"
"As long as it does the job, it don't matter." Logan replied. Harry quickly transfigured two chains, one for Logan and another for him to give to Storm. He pulled a delicate, pink chain out of his pocket first and handed it to him, just to see Logan's reaction.
Logan looked at the chain presented to him and internally groaned, 'Out of all the chains he could have had, did he have to have something so girly.' "Don't worry that ones not for you," Harry said as he pulled out a thick gold chain and handed it to Logan, "This one is. The pink one is for Storm, I figure you can take it to her, when you come back later."
Logan took the gold chain feeling slightly relieved, he pocketed the pink one to give to Storm later. He fitted the pendant on his chain and fastened it around his neck, "Thanks, you had me going there for a second." he said.
"Was tempting, but not something that should be seen in a place we're likely to be going." Harry replied, with a quirk of his lips, "Shall we?" as he put his helmet back on, revved his engine and motioned for Logan to lead the way. Not knowing just how to respond to that last statement, Logan let it slide for now and took off towards his own personal haven.
Bob's Bar
outskirts of New York city
Harry pulled into a darkened parking lot outside the bar and parked next to Logan. "This the place, then?" He questioned as he took off his helmet.
"This is it, you still want to go in?" Logan replied, wondering if Harry had ever been to a place like this before, he seemed to posh to have been around the seedier parts of town before. But to his surprise Harry just smirked as he eyed the place. The lot, held mostly bikes and a few trucks. Shouting could be heard coming from inside, as the doors opened and a person was thrown out, with a reprimand not to return.
"Perfect." Getting off his bike and setting his alarms, Harry started towards the doors, "Well, you coming or not?" he called back.
The two men entered together and approached the bar. Harry eyed the room, there were a few booths towards the back, most of which were empty. Stools facing the bar, with a few drunks perched precariously on them, were either watching the TV behind the bar or the fight that was going on inside a cage that took up most of the open space. Chairs, and a few benches were gathered around the cage held most of the other occupants, as they cheered for their participant. Logan took a seat on a stool and ordered a beer, while he watched his companion.
"What'll you be having, boy?" the bartender asked.
Harry's face became a cold mask, at being addressed as 'boy, and he gave off a sense of power as he answered the bartender, "A bottle of Jack, two glasses and Don't call me boy again."
The barkeep stepped back, and quickly got the items, "That'll be 35.50, sir."
Throwing a fifty on the table, Harry replied, "Better." as he made his way to an empty booth in the back, where he could view most of the bar from.
Logan almost choked on his beer, as he watched that little display. 'At least, I'm not the only one, he does that to.' he thought as he watched the crowd move away to let the young man pass through unhindered. Logan went back to drinking his beer, and idly watching the news behind the bar.
Harry sat in his both, watching the cage fight and keeping a weather eye out for trouble. More people filled in as the night wore on, Harry had drank about a fourth of his bottle when he felt new eyes watching him. They didn't belong to Logan he knew that as he had felt his gaze on him from time to time. No this gaze was too intent and held a hint of malice in it. Harry casually sought out the eyes of his watcher and felt a sneer curl his lip as he saw who it was. A pair of men, easily 300lbs each, with small beady eyes were glaring at him as if he was the cause of all their problems. If he didn't know better he would think they were the Dursleys, but he distinctly remembered them being tortured and killed a few years previously. His mental thank you to Tom, had stopped the man in mid curse.
Logan happened to look over at Harry again and noticed the sneer, he followed his gaze and saw two very obese males, possibly father and son, glaring straight back at Harry. He was about to get up and join Harry at his booth, to possibly deflect the others gaze but was beat to it, by someone in a long brown coat.
Harry's view of his watchers was blocked by a pair of jean clad legs encircled by a brown duster, Harry forced his face back to a neutral mask as his gaze traveled up the intervening body infront of him. It was slim, yet held hints of muscles beneath the thin black shirt the figure wore. His face was rugged looking, a bit thin that spoke of having missed a few meals recently, but not bad looking. Lush reddish brown wavy hair topped his head. Harry's curiosity was caught when he noticed that he was still wearing a pair of sunglasses. Harry raised an eyebrow at the figure, waiting for him to speak.
Remy had just finished a trade off with one of his contacts and was ready to leave the bar and find somewhere to sleep for the night now that he had the money to do so, when his gaze fell on two very fat men glaring at a booth at the far side of the room. Following the gaze he saw a pair of emerald eyes practically glowing in the dark room, glaring hatefully back at the men. Before he knew it he had started walking towards the enchanting eyes, as if they were pulling him in. Upon reaching the booth, he was able to see the rest of the figure the eyes with. The man was dressed similarly to himself only the quality of the clothes were much better. He had longish black hair held back by a green ribbon, his face lifted slowly the glare gone but the eyes were no less intense as he found himself at the center of their gaze. A raised eyebrow prompted him to speak.
Taking a glance towards the table, and seeing the open bottle of whiskey, and two glasses, he took a chance and said, "You looked like you could use some company, mind if I sit here, Mon Ami?" Remy tried not to fidget as that gaze stayed fixed on him as if judging his worth.
Harry eyed the man infront of him as he thought through the request, he knew that wasn't the real reason the man had come over here, but he seemed harmless enough as he had made it passed his ill intent wards. Harry nodded his head and replied, "Have a seat." He then poured himself a shot and held the bottle over the other glass and asked, "Care for a drink?"
Remy took a seat in the booth, and eyed the bottle as it filled the first glass, it had been awhile since he'd had a good drink. He tore his gaze away as he heard the other man speak again asking him if he wanted a drink. "If your offering, who am I to say no?" he replied with a slight grin.
Harry smirked slightly at the answer, 'definite Slytherin material, this one is.' he thought to himself as he filled the glass. "You got a name?"
"Oui, my associates call me Gambit." he replied, before he savored the slight burn of the whiskey as if trailed down his throat. "And what about you? Got a name to match your green eyes?"
Harry watched him for a moment before answering, "You may call me Parsel. Help yourself to another drink, its not like I'm going to run out anytime soon."
Logan glanced at the TV and nearly spat out his beer as he saw a report about the attacks that had been happening for the last couple of years in England. There were two snapshots on the left hand side of the screen and he could swear they looked identical to Harry's companions from earlier. According to the reporter they were the masterminds behind the attacks, and had been captured two days ago. They were sentenced to a public execution at noon tomorrow, London time. 'No that can't be them, right.' Logan glanced over at Harry's booth to see if he had seen the report, but it looked like he hadn't seen it.
Harry saw the report and pictures alright, but since he had already known about it, he kept his body from giving him away as Logan once again gazed at him. Harry glanced at his watch, 3:30 already, and he wasn't even tipsy yet. He'd had nearly half a bottle all by himself and hadn't had anything to eat since leaving the school. 'Wonderful, can't even get drunk properly, either.'
"Last call" The bartender called out, while flashing the lights off and on.
"He's going to annoy someone doing that." Harry snorted as he took in the last of the bars occupants. Most of the fighters and spectators had already left. A few still hung around counting their winnings, the hateful men had left with a final glare when Gambit had joined his table.
Logan got up from his stool and made his way over to Harry's table, he stopped next to it and after a slight glance at his company, he said, "You alright, to get back? Or am I going to have to call your pal Silvanus to pick you up?"
Harry raised an eyebrow at Logan, and smirked, "I'm fine, Logan. But am rather curious how you would contact him, when you don't have a number or address to reach him at. Not to mention I gave him orders not to answer the phone or door when he left earlier."
"Cheeky."
"So I've been told. I take it you'll be heading back to the school now, don't forget to give Ororo her chain." Harry gave an amused grin before continuing, "She might just forgive you for leaving her to face the others alone, if you give it to her early enough."
Logan gave an answering grin, at Harry's reply. "Come on, I'll walk you to your bike."
Harry sighed as he stood, "You just want to make sure I'm not plastered, very well." Harry turned to look at Gambit, "It seems I must be going. You are welcome to keep the rest of the bottle, perhaps we shall meet again."
Gambit tried not to glare when the short man had walked over to the table and started to Parsel. As he listened to them talk he became curious about just who this guy was. He gazed into green eyes as Parsel told him he could keep the bottle. "We just might, thanks for the drink, Mon Ami." he replied with a slight grin as he watched the two men head towards the door.
As Harry and Logan mounted their bikes, Harry said, "Well, I'll see ya around. Have a nice day, Logan and don't hurt the stuck up pricks too badly, when you get back. I still need to talk to them."
Logan let out a bark of laughter, and replied, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind, take care kid." as they parted ways, each heading in different directions.