Disclaimer; I do not own either the Harry Potter series or characters neither do I own the X-Men series or characters.
A/N; This actually feels more like a filler than anything, but I hope everyone enjoys it.
For the next two days of the full moon, Teddy stayed in the guest room, surrounded by the lingering scent of his family, with Logan sitting with him from dusk till dawn, making sure the child was kept safe from additional nightmares. The routine took place once more, though Harry came back to collect Teddy for the holidays, the month easily emptying the school of its students, except for the few who stayed at the school permanently, not able to go home with their families.
"Is Marie still here?" asked Harry after Teddy had hugged the man as soon as he'd stepped into the main entrance.
"She doesn't leave for the holidays. Did you need her?" asked back Jean, a smile on her lips as Teddy was trying to peek at what was bulging up his father's coat pocket.
"I have a present for her, from Liliann. She absolutely wanted Marie to have it so she could open it on Christmas day," chuckled Harry.
Jean gave a nod, sending Rogue a call by telepathy. The girl was present in a few minutes, wearing a long white dress, her hair pulled back in a messy bun with her white bangs falling free, gloves covering her arms all the way up to her mid-upper arms.
In all she looked very proper.
"Hello Marie," said Harry with a smile.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Potter. Jean said you wanted to see me?"
"Indeed I did. Lily wanted you to have this for Christmas."
The father pulled out the package from his pocket, Christmas paper covering a rectangle item of about three inches wide and high with a length of five inches. Rogue's given name was written in a childish and slanted way, Lily being the clear author of it.
"For me? From Lily?" asked the teenage girl, shocked.
Harry chuckled as Rogue gently took the present in her hands.
"You'd be surprised at what a first impression can leave on a young conscious mind. Vic's about ready to pull out hair with the many praises Lily keeps on giving you. Quite amusing, really. Had I not lived so far away, I may have even attempted to ask you to babysit my pack of imps, seeing as you have the ringleader's ear," he teased.
Rogue blushed, realizing that Lily actually thought of her as a role model. She'd never had a child be so impressed by her.
"Do ye know what it is?" she asked Harry.
"Indeed, I do. She couldn't finish it at school so I helped her at home. The teacher intended for the gifts to go to the parents, but Lily was adamant it goes to you. I also believe it should be yours. Just be careful, it's fragile."
Rogue's eyes were wide, unable to answer for a few seconds, Jean coming besides the teenager to place her hands on her covered shoulders.
"Should Rogue call on Christmas to thank Liliann for her gift?" asked the telekinetic and telepath.
"We won't be home. Teddy's grand-mother organized a Christmas party in Egypt for us all. We will only be back after the New Years. Which brings me to the topic of Teddy's return also. If you don't mind, I'll be keeping him a week longer, what with all the excitement of the holidays and Draco being unavailable to do his medication."
Jean nodded, understanding it would be best for both Teddy and the family also to keep the young werewolf close to home at the time.
"Could I get her a present? An' give it to her or ye when ye come to drop off Ted?" finally asked Rogue.
Harry smiled widely.
"Of course you can darling! She'll just believe Santa Claus was too lazy to do a second trip back to us in the desert!"
Teddy rolled his eyes at his father.
"Dad, we don't believe in Saint-Nicholas, even less in Santa Claus. Lily's just gonna be happy she gets an additional gift, no worries," Teddy told Rogue after semi-scolding his father.
"Aren't you the joyful one," Harry grumbled down at his son, before glancing once more at the ladies. "Thank you again for taking such great care of Teddy. We'll be seeing you in about a month. Enjoy your holidays."
Teddy jumped into action to hug Rogue and then Jean, Rogue going to give a hug to Harry once she was released from Teddy's arms. Harry hugged her back immediately, placing his gloved palm at the back of her neck gently to pull her slightly closer as if to comfort her for some reason; as if he sensed she was feeling lonely and apart.
"Take care," he whispered into her hair, brushing a kiss to her temple so lightly she barely felt it at all that skin contact was made before he'd already pulled back, leaving her with a sense of warmth and love.
And if she felt her hearing was slightly better or her movements a bit more smooth for the next few hours, she didn't comment on it because Harry showed no signs of unease or about to fall into a coma.
XD|DX
Logan had been gone since just after the full moon, having spent the holidays on the road and in search of new information Charles had managed to gather. As was now routine, he found nothing, the man he'd been searching for being dead for over a decade now and his remaining family having left the country.
He managed to make it back for the full moon, the sky already dark as he parked his truck in the garage and was slightly hurrying to get inside.
"He's not here, you can stop worrying," said Scott, leaning against the door frame that lead inside the mansion.
Wolverine paused as he was grabbing his rucksack, raising a brow over at Cyclops.
"What do you mean, not here?"
"Mr. Potter kept Tedrick an additional week. I'm guessing they couldn't get him any medication," answered Scott, waving a hand dismissively in the air.
Logan gave a grunt and made his way past the younger man, going to the laundry section of the mansion as most of his clothes had been worn more than two times each while on the road. Stopping at a Laundromat was a luxury the Feral often didn't even think about, even less now that he had a 'home' to come back to.
"Marie already in bed then?" he asked.
"She has classes tomorrow," replied Scott, following behind the smaller mutant.
"Huh," was Logan's only reply as he finished unpacking his rucksack and made his way to the recreational room to see if she was there, his rucksack still in his grip.
Not finding her there, he headed for the girl's room, ignoring Scott as the man was still following him with a scowl.
"Rogue? It's Logan. You awake?" he asked, knocking gently on the door.
The door was pulled open in a hurry, Rogue smiling widely at Logan before hugging him tightly.
"You're back!" she whispered excitedly.
"You knew I would be," he pointed out, hugging her back in a strong yet gently grip. "Got you something for Christmas," he added as he moved passed her, closing the door in Scott's face.
He took a seat on the chair in the corner of the room, Rogue coming to sit on the arm rest as he dug into his mostly empty bag. He pulled out a necklace sized box wrapped in news paper, making Rogue laugh.
"Here you go."
"Thanks," she replied, gently opening it under Logan's watchful eyes.
She let out a gasp once she opened it, finding two necklaces in the box.
"I didn't know which you'd prefer, so I got you both," explained the Feral.
Rogue pulled out the first, which consisted of an adjustable claps silk band to fit snuggly around her neck in a black color with 'Rogue' hanging on a slightly looser silver chain that would sit on the silk, the contrast of color being beautiful. The other necklace was of the same design, but with a deep violet silk with 'Marie' on a golden chain.
"They're both so beautiful," she managed to whisper out.
"Go try one out," he ordered, pushing her towards the adjoining water closet, the girl not needing to be told twice as she ran over.
It gave Logan the time to look around her room, eyes immediately going to a new addition on her nightstand he'd never seen before. A figurine in the shape of an angel sat there, made by hand by the way the shape was made with colorful glass wings at the back. Moving close, he studied the piece.
The angel was kneeling, arms out as if to hug, on a base that had Marie's name indented in a childish writing. Picking it up, he realized it was cooked play-dough, shaped by a child and then painted rather well, the angel's hair a shade paler than Rogue's with a large grey streak at the front of it.
"Teddy's sister gave it to me. It's nice, right?" asked the teenager as she came back, necklace in place.
"Very good for a kindergarten kid," admitted Logan as he placed it back down gently, giving a nod of approval to Rogue's fitting necklace.
"I got her a present back. One of these bracelets ya can add squares to an' change the charms when ye want to. Got all the letters of her name too," she explained, showing Logan the already made bracelet along with the additional pieces in a little box.
"Should have gotten the ones for 'imp' and 'devil's apprentice' too. Would have made her dad laugh."
Rogue giggled, also finding it funny.
"How was your trip?" she asked as she sat down on her bed, facing him as he went back to the chair.
"Relaxing, even if it didn't bring up any useful information. Had a good time during Christmas?"
"It was alright. We played outside some, opened presents all together. Professor Xavier even let us older kids drink some alcoholic eggnog! Not too much, but it was still good. For New years we got half a glass of champagne. I think Jean and Storm finished the bottle," she giggled.
Logan nodded, pleased she'd had so much fun with everyone.
"What did that boyfriend of yours get you?"
Rogue's face lit up before she went to her closet, pulling out a bunch of long gloves and scarves.
"Matching colored gloves and scarves! 'Bout ten pairs with extra scarves!"
Logan was impressed. It was clear Bobby was trying his best to allow Rogue as much physical contact with other people without having her accidently hurt them. It was giving the cautious girl some comfort into socially interacting with others.
"Looks like you found yourself a good fish," he ended up teasing, Rogue turning red. "What'd you get him?"
"A video game that came out recently. It's a sequel to one he's already played."
"Boys do like their games," grunted Logan.
Rogue nodded her head, putting back her gift from Bobby into her closet. She sat down on the bed once more, feet up under her as she leaned her back against a pillow propped up at the headboard. She hid a yawn behind her hand before once more looking at Logan.
"Do ye think ya'll ever find information about yer past?" she asked.
The man looked down at the ground, passed one hand through his hair and gave a large sigh.
"I really can't tell, Marie. I spent fifteen years not knowing who I was and for the past year Chuck's given me some hope…but at every turn it ends up being a cold lead or simply wrong. My jumbled mind simply ain't holding any answer that we can use, no matter how strong of a telepath Chuck might be; he can't find what ain't there."
Rogue gave a solemn nod, understanding how hard it could be for Logan with his memories.
"If only someone who knew ye from before whatever it was happened to ya could step up and help elucidate the whole thing," sighed Rogue.
"Can't live your life on 'if's and 'maybe's kid. Gotta take an active part with what you've got and push on."
Rogue yawned again and Logan decided he'd kept her up long enough.
"Sleep Marie, you've got classes tomorrow after all. I'll be sticking around anyways until another clue decides to stick its head out."
Nodding she laid down under her blankets, Logan placing a kiss on top of her head before leaving for his own room and a good shower.
XD|DX
It was a very quiet three days for the full moon, especially for Logan who ended up wandering the grounds with nothing to do and no one to watch over. He was actually quite glad when he heard a car approaching as he'd just finished checking the perimeter of the front gate.
A blue Sedan rolled up to the front of the school, Logan immediately spotting the little werewolf's hat in the back seat while a man with auburn hair drove, chatting back at the child. It caused Logan to frown as Harry hadn't called ahead to tell them someone else would be dropping off the seven-year-old.
Charles was already at the door by the time the car's passengers got out, a blanket covering his legs and Jean at his side, the elder telepath most likely having picked up the arrival from Logan's thoughts.
"This it, mon louveteau? Et bien, lots of playground for you, oui?" chuckled the man, orange tinted sunglasses hiding his eyes as his head made a full scan move of the surrounding area.
"Oui, monsieur LeBeau. And the yard's three times bigger at the back, if not more!" said excitedly Teddy, taking the smallest bag that the said M. LeBeau took out of the trunk, the man keeping a hand on the larger one he pulled out.
"What has Gambit told ye, eh? Mon nom est Remy, use it. Monsieur LeaBeau be Gambit's father," sighed the man, Teddy simply laughing at his exasperation.
"Welcome sir, Tedrick. Mr. Potter didn't call ahead to tell us someone else would be dropping Tedrick off," said Charles, hoping to get a reason why.
"The littlest ones souffre de chicken pox. Gambit volunteer to accompany Teddy to the school," replied Gambit, placing his hand atop Teddy's head, his French accent quite thick.
"'And' to pick up Marie's gift for Lily, if she managed to get one," added the child.
"Oui, Gambit was forgettin' the present! Merci, petit louveteau!"
The seven-year-old smiled brightly, glad he'd reminded his driver of the important task. The closer Logan got from the front gate, the more he realized he recognized the Cajun who'd been there to get him off the island he'd woken on after losing his memories.
After sixteen years, it was remarkable how well the man had filled out and seemed to look so young. He'd been at least twenty at the time so Gambit should be around thirty-six now, more or less. Yet he looked to be in his mid-twenties…maybe his mutant powers let him age slower.
Teddy's fine nose must have picked up on his scent for the child turned to him suddenly with a wide smile.
"Mr. Logan! Did you have a good trip?" asked the seven-year-old, going around the car to hug the Wolverine's waist, Logan barely holding back a smile at how familiar it was starting to be, getting hugs from Rogue and Teddy all the time.
"Was relaxing," he answered. "How was your holidays?"
"It was so much fun! I got to see Grand-ma Andy and Grand-ma 'Cissa and also uncle George in Egypt! There was sand all over the place! And then I got to spend time with uncle Ron and aunt 'Mione and Rose had dragon pox and she gave it to Hugo who gave it to Cal, Ty and Caid! Lily and me got spared 'cause we got it even before Caleb and Tyler were born. And I think Grand-ma 'Cissa said Scor got it from Rafael, but I don't know since he was already over it by New Years!"
Teddy was chatting a mile a minute, but the adults didn't mind at all seeing as he was so happy after having spent a full month with his family abroad.
"Respire cher; maybe Remy shouldn't have given you sugha after all," sighed Gambit as he removed his glasses to smirk more fully at his ward.
The red on black eyes clearly surprised Jean as she gasped, placing her hand over her mouth as she blushed when Logan and Gambit looked over at her with raised brows.
"I'll go get Rogue," she mumbled before making her exit, almost running into the mansion.
Gambit smirked widely, clearly knowing how his appearance affected people who weren't warned before hand of his peculiar irises. It caused Logan to chuckle and Charles to give the young man a smile in apology.
"Good to hear you had a lot of fun. You got pictures to go along with your vacation time?" Logan concentrated his attention on Teddy for the moment.
"Lots! And Grand-ma Andy even found me pictures of my real mom and dad when they were little! I brought them too so I could show to you and Marie!"
The Feral nodded, very amused at how spending time with his family got Teddy to call Rogue by her given name instead of her preferred mutant one. Lily really was the one to hold the reigns of her brothers.
"That's great. Though I think it'd be best to show them later on tonight; right now you need to unpack all of your stuff. Did your dad find anyone to make your medicine?"
Teddy's smile dropped, but he did nod.
"Monsieur LeBeau has a friend who was able to do it, but it's not as good as uncle Draco's."
"No one can do as good as Seigneur Malfoy, mon louveteau! Is a miracle he even be able to make it work pour toi. Maintenant, go put your bags inside. Gambit will wait here for a hug."
Teddy nodded, taking the bigger bag along with the small one inside, tongue stuck out on the side of his mouth in concentration as he maneuvered everything around, not seeming to be bothered by the weight.
"Been a while, homme," Gambit was the first to speak, turning to Logan.
"Decade and a half," grunted Logan. "How'd you meet Potter and the tykes?"
"Am acquainted with le Chat, Victoria. Was talk to watch Teddy et Lily for a few of them's sorties. Now work at Malfoy's apothecary when Gambit be needed," he replied with a shrug. "How them memories going?"
Had it been anyone else asking, he would have probably growled at them, but Gambit had helped him out. Having no memories of who he was or where he came from, the Cajun had helped by giving him food and shelter before sending him off to visit the world, to find some place he could 'feel' he belonged.
He'd lived with Gambit three months before leaving, having also earned some money from poker games and other activities, which the Wolverine found brawling to be his best asset. Thinking back on it, he owed this man his present existence, his counsel so long ago having earned him a home at Xavier's School for the Gifted.
"I've been able to follow a few leads recently, but most end up being dead ends."
"Do not despair, mon ami. It will come to you one day, Gambit is sure. Be it by yourself or with some help," he said, his smile secretive.
Rogue and Jean arrived then, cutting the conversation off as the men turned to them.
"This be Marie?" asked the Cajun, letting out a low whistle. "Harry forget to mention her beauté!"
Teddy, who'd been on his way back, obviously heard these words and hugged Rogue's jean clad leg.
"Back off; she's already got a boyfriend," said the boy, a glare in his eyes.
Gambit burst out laughing and lifted his hands in the air to show they were empty, he himself of no threat.
"Doux mon loup, Gambit means no harm. Won't steal Marie from ya," he said in a gentle voice, Teddy clearly calming.
Then the child actually blushed as he thought out the words spoken to him.
"I'm not her boyfriend! I'm way too young for her and you're way too old!" sputtered out the seven-year-old.
Gambit crossed his hands over his heart, pouting as he teased about being hurt at being called old. Rogue placed her hand on top of Teddy's shoulder as she took a step forth to face the Cajun.
"Ya can call me Rogue; Marie's for those closest to me. Now, Jean tells me ya'll be deliverin' my gift for Lily?" she drawled, not about to let his good looks affect her…much.
Gambit's smile was a slow one to creep on his lips, his red on black eye looking deeply into Rogue's deep mocha eyes.
"C'est exact, ma douce. Dame Liliann has tasked Remy to retrieve her gift from Lady Rogue," he said, voice suave enough that it could melt any romantic heart.
Or make little boys giggle as Teddy burst out laughing. Gambit's disposure clearly went from seductive to pleased as he smiled, eyes watching the werewolf cub with amusement.
"Gambit has to get going now. Harry will need the car demain matin," finally announced the man. "Could Gambit get Lily's present, s'il vous plait?"
Rogue gave the wrapped box to the man, clearly not afraid to approach him even with all the seducing he'd been trying on her. He nodded at her as he took it before he knelt down and tilted his head to the side at Teddy. This one didn't need any prompt as he rushed down the stairs to hug the man tight around the neck.
Gambit whispered a few words to him in such a low voice that even Logan couldn't hear it before the man stood and got back into the car. He drove off at a fast speed, causing Jean to frown in disapproval.
"What'd he tell you?" Rogue asked as she walked with Teddy back inside.
"Oh, just not to worry; he doesn't go after jail bait…whatever 'that' means."
Logan could only laugh, especially with Jean's disbelieving look.
"You can always ask when your dad calls, and be sure to say it was 'Monsieur' LeBeau who told you that," sniggered the Wolverine.
A/N: There it was! As for the next chapters, they might come out slightly slower than I was already going. Hope you all have patience with me!