Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, settings, or worlds within this work, outside of a few OC's. Any recognizable characters are not mine; I'm just playing with them. Harry Potter and its associated works belongs to J.K. Rowling. X-men and Marvel belongs to... er... Disney, I suppose? I am not making any money off of this fan work, nor do I wish to.

Chapter 19

Visitors- Part IV

A letter, sent one day prior:

Dear Mr. Diggory,

The last few weeks have brought many revelations to the wizarding community,and to
the staff of Hogwarts in particular. Although we have done our best to accommodate the
situation, it has been a struggle attempting to work with those students who have been
found to be mutants, while keeping up with our regular duties as well.

With this in mind, Hogwarts has reached out to the non-magical community in the hopes of
receiving help, or at least more information. Our attempts were not returned empty-handed.

We have been in contact with a man named Charles Xavier, the head of a school overseas
which is dedicated to training mutants to use their new abilities, and he has agreed to take
on any magical mutants who find themselves in need of training.

As your son, Cedric, has come forward to us about his own mutation, this offer has been
extended to him as well. However, as a minor, a decision like this is not solely his to make.

In light of this, we have arranged for you and your son to meet with Professor Xavier in the
Headmaster's office of Hogwarts at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Please write us back to let us know whether you'll be coming.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Amos Diggory was a relatively practical-minded man, who prided himself on the ability to sift out lies from truth, especially when it came to reading the news. Sure, a large portion or the Prophet's articles were complete hogwash, but it wasn't that hard to parse out which ones were...mostly genuine, and which were filled with tweaks and hedges of the truth, or outright lies.

Amos has read the article about mutants, and promptly pronounced it to be poppycock.

...It seemed that, in this particular case, he was mistaken. Cedric, a mutant? Why hadn't he said anything?

What did that truly mean, anyway? Although the article about "mutantism" in the Daily Prophet was, apparently, at least partially based in truth, Amos certainly wasn't foolish enough to take it at face-value, particularly since it was a Skeeter article...

No, there was only one thing for it.

Amos pulled out a sheet of parchment of his own, and began his response.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

Thank your for your timely letter. I would be pleased to attend this meeting.

I read that newspaper article, of course, but at the time I'm afraid I dismissed it as unfounded gossip.
Imagine my surprise when a letter drops in my lap telling me that my own son's a mutant! I'm grateful
for the opportunity to learn more about this, and will gladly meet with your Muggle professor tomorrow.

Please inform Cedric that I will be speaking with him beforehand- it's not like him to keep secrets.

Sincerely,

Amos Diggory

At 2:00, just as the first afternoon classes were getting out, Amos Diggory met Cedric at the doorway of the Charms classroom. Cedric nearly bumped into him in his hurry to get out of the room- he had been hoping for the chance to put his books away before his father arrived. It appeared he had no such luck. Startled, he accidentally shoved at Amos's cloak with his mind, causing it to flutter around until he managed to 'cut the string' connecting him to it.

"Dad! I, uh- sorry about that."

"It's alright, son. Considering the number of- accidents we had over the summer, I think I can take a little robe flapping."

Cedric snickered, then coughed. "I, um... Speaking of accidents..."

Amos placed his hands on his hips and raised his eyebrows at his son. "Yes, speaking of accidents. Do you mind telling me when, exactly, you planned to tell me that you'd become a mutant? I didn't even make the connection between all the strange things that happened this summer and the 'mutantism' thing until I got that letter from McGonagall."

Cedric grimaced. "Right. Sorry about that. I- well..." He ran a hand through his hair. "I wasn't really sure how you'd take it. Hadn't quite decided what to make of it myself, you know? It's such a strange thing, realizing you're different even from other wizards. And besides, it's embarrassing. Half my House knew there was a mutant in Hufflepuff the moment Professor Sprout started talking. I wasn't sure I wanted to explain that I was the reason your favorite pajamas wound up in the middle of the chicken yard."

Amos blinked. "That was you? I thought one of the elves was mad at me or something."

Cedric snorted. "Yeah, that was me. I was just as confused as everyone else was, but about different things. I-" He sobered. "I didn't know what was happening to me, Dad. I was afraid something was wrong with me, or that I had some sort of- magical inheritance nobody'd thought to warn me about. I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I guess I just...got so used to hiding it that I forgot to mention it once I did know what was going on."

Amos frowned. "I hope you know you can come to me if anything like that comes up again. It might be- embarrassing for you, like you said, but I'd rather you be embarrassed and alright, than unembarrassed and- well- sick or something." He turned, catching Cedric's shoulders, and looked him straight in the eyes. "That's my job, as your father. To make sure you have what you need to grow up healthy and strong. Don't hide things like this from me. Alright?"

Cedric swallowed heavily. "Alright."

Amos nodded firmly. "Good. Now that we've got that settled-" he cleared his throat, looking a bit embarrassed himself- "Let's go meet with these mysterious professors, shall we?"

As Professor Xavier finished going through his recitation of what his school was offering, Amos furrowed his brows.

"Professor, I appreciate the information, but...Well, I'm afraid I'm not exactly sure what this whole training business is actually for. I'm not quite up-to-date on things just yet, you see. Would you mind explaining what, exactly, a mutant is? Cedric's tells me that it's not a magical problem, but that doesn't exactly explain what it all means, you know?"

Xavier looked surprised that he hadn't already been informed of the particulars of his son's situation, but recovered quickly. "Mutants are people who have been born with some genetic differences from normal humans. Sometimes this results in differences which are merely cosmetic, such as a strange hair and skin color, or extra appendages. However, often there are other abilities- powers, you might say- which come with this genetic change. This gene lies dormant until it activates, which normally occurs during adolescence, but it may activate earlier or later in some cases, usually in response to particularly stressful situations. Once it's activated, the gene causes changes throughout the person's body, and their powers begin to develop. Only a very small portion of the population ever manifests a mutation, although the dormant form of the X-gene is a bit more prevalent."

"I see," said Mr. Diggory, hoping he at least didn't outwardly look like he'd only understood about two-thirds of that, especially with how there were apparently dormant 'genies' involved... One never did want to get mixed up with genies. Terribly tricky creatures. No wonder the Hogwarts staff was having problems. "Well, at least I know it's not some sort of bizarre magical disease. I knew better than to believe whatever that flouncy excuse for a reporter was spouting."

Cedric wrinkled his nose. "Yeah. She went a bit overboard on that one." He grinned. "You should've seen the look on Draco Malfoy's face- the Great Hall had to be scoured from top to bottom after he got in a fight with Harry and their powers blew up-"

"Harry?" Amos blurted. "Are you telling me Harry Potter is a mutant, too? Just how many of these students are there?!"

"There are six confirmed students who have been proven to possess a mutant ability, and potentially one or two more as the younger students grow older." interjected Dumbledore. "Several of their powers are rather...volatile, which leaves them prone to incidents. On the day Cedric is referencing, Mr. Potter displayed very strong control over wind, while Mr. Malfoy was in the process of producing large amounts of the liquid-diamond his body is able to create. The result was indeed rather... messy."

Amos blinked. "Merlin. I can see why you wanted some help." He frowned. "So, what- erm. What are Cedric's powers, then?"

Cedric turned to look at him. "I thought you saw it earlier, when I ran into you in the hall?"

"Well, I wasn't exactly paying attention to the specifics at the time..."

"From what I've heard," Xavier put in, "Your power is mild enough that you could probably give your father a demonstration without needing to worry about accidental property damage, if you'd like."

Cedric looked at Amos hopefully. "Could I?"

"So long as the headmaster doesn't mind." he replied.

The both of them turned to Dumbledore, who beamed and said, "Why not?"

Cedric grinned, and stood up. "So, my power is a little strange-" he pulled a scarf and an origami butterfly out of a pocket in his robe- "but thankfully, like Professor Xavier said, it's not that intense. Even if I lost control, we'd all be fine." He placed the scarf on the table, and held up the butterfly. Then, he attached a mental 'string' to the butterfly, and began to manipulate the wings to make it flap as it hovered in the air.

At first, Amos wasn't sure what was so strange about this. It's not like this sort of thing was that difficult to achieve with magic, after all. Then, he realized something- Cedric's wand was still in its holster, and the holster was on the Headmaster's desk. As he watched, Amos noticed as Cedric focused in on something it seemed only he could see, and the scarf rose into the air as well, circling around the little butterfly. Cedric's wand remained in its holster still, and there was a difference in the way the butterfly and the scarf moved that indicated they were being controlled by something rather than simply floating in the air.

"Blimey," Amos whispered. "I see stuff like this every day at the Ministry, with the magical notes and all, but- this really is something different. Isn't it."

"Yeah," Cedric replied. "It really is."

Despite the positive nature of his visit, Amos was, understandably, a bit reluctant at the idea of sending his son off with a bunch of people he'd never met before. However, what with his memories of all the little accidents which had occurred during that past summer- and even the winter break before that, now that he thought about it- he could see the value in what Xavier was proposing, and it was plain to see that Cedric wanted to accept their offer. He left the office with a polite, "I'll think about it," and his son went with him to see him off.

Xavier studied the door as it closed behind them. "Your people haven't really kept up with the sciences, have they?" he commented. "Genetics is something of a niche field of study, but most people in my world have at least some level of understanding, even if it's little more than basic knowledge of the word and what it means. For wizards, on the other hand, it seems the word "genetic" isn't even a part of their vocabulary, let alone the principles behind it."

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "Yes, the non-magical sciences are something of a mystery to many wizardfolk. There are those who have a good deal of knowledge, of course, but... The overarching opinion of Muggles even amongst Muggle-positive households is 'interesting but irrelevant to my family.' And since, up until recent years, Muggle achievements were far overshadowed by what could be accomplished with magic, the majority of magical families tend to view Muggles and their technology as a curiosity to be marveled at, rather than a people to be learned from."

"I see. That does explain the disconnect. And what of yourself, Headmaster?"

"Oh, I certainly appreciate how far non-magical society has come- I am interested in learning more about the various scientific developments of your side of the world, you know. But I'm old, and I have a good many responsibilities on my shoulders. I hardly have the time to give college a second go!" He laughed, then sobered once more, turning a serious gaze on Xavier and Ororo.

"That is something you must remind yourself as you teach these children, my good Professors. They will be strangers in a strange land, uninformed of your ways and uneducated in things that are considered basic knowledge among Muggles. And of those students who are candidates for the Institute, only two have a lot of significant experience with non-magical culture, and as Mr. Kettleburn has chosen to wait until the summer to take up your invitation, only one of those two will likely be going with this first group.

It is probable that you will have a good many misunderstandings to clear up over the course of their stay, particularly in the case of young Mr. Malfoy, as he has been raised with even less exposure to Muggles than most. But!" he brightened again, "I believe it will be a good experience for them. I have always thought it would be good for young wizards to spend at least a few months in the Muggle world. We really are much too isolated in our own community, you know."

Xavier smiled. "Well, perhaps we can't change things for the entirety of wizardkind... But having wizarding mutants come to the Institute could be a start."

Harry's meeting wasn't due to begin until 4:15, to allow for the end of classes so that he could put his school things away and still have be able to get to the Headmaster's office in time.

So of course Hermione showed up at 4:13, her schoolbag over her shoulder, carrying a stack of parchment in her hands.

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose. "Why, Miss Granger! I wasn't expecting you, though perhaps I should have been."

Hermione straightened, planting her feet firmly on the floor. "If you try to tell me I can't be at this meeting-"

"Heavens, no! I don't mind if you attend, so long as our guests and Mr. Potter are alright with it."

"Oh. That's good, then." She looked to where their guests were sitting, and brightened. "You must be the professors from the Xavier Institute! I've heard so much about you from Neville!" She stepped forward and stuck out her hand, shifting everything she was carrying to one arm with practiced ease. "Hermione Granger, pleased to meet you."

Ororo and Xavier shook her hand, bewildered. Ororo spoke, "It is nice to meet you too, Miss Granger."

Hermione grinned. "You're Miss Munroe, right? If I remember correctly, Neville mentioned you had weather powers?"

"That's correct. It's very useful for watering my plants."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Of course! If you can control weather, that means you can make it rain whenever and wherever you want! How many different types of weather can you control? Do your powers affect the natural flow of local weather patterns, like warm and cold fronts? How long can you keep it up? Is it difficult for you to focus your mutation towards specific targets, or do you have a minimum area of effect to watch out for? Are you-"

"Miss Granger, I appreciate your genuine curiosity about my mutation, and I would be glad to discuss it with you at a later time, but I'm afraid I- don't entirely understand why you are here. I thought we were going to be meeting with Harry Potter next."

Hermione beamed. "You are!" she chirped, "and Ron and Neville and I are going to be here with him!"

Ororo opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Neville popping through the door. "Oh, Hermione! You're here! I was worried you might've forgotten the password."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at this, but made no comment.

"Of course I remembered the password you told me, Neville. My memory is excellent."

"Right. Of course. Frankly, I'm surprised I remembered it this time! The whole way here I was afraid I'd told you the wrong kind of candy-oh, hullo Professors!" he cleared his throat. "Nice to see you again."

Ororo glanced to Dumbledore and Xavier. "Are you sure this is alright? This is a private meeting about Harry's future. It's one thing for his parents to attend, but-"

"Harry doesn't have any parents." Hermione said, her expression turning serious. "And his current guardians are...very anti-mutant. So we haven't told them about Harry, and they're not coming. That's why we want to be here, you see. He should have someone here who's got his best interests in mind, and while I trust Professor Dumbledore, well... he's the Headmaster, you know? As Harry's friends, being here with him places us in a position to offer him moral support, which is something he doesn't have a lot of at times. Furthermore-"

"We understand, Miss Granger." Xavier interjected. "I'm sure Harry will appreciate a few friendly faces. You are welcome to stay."

Something in her demeanor relaxed at that. "Thank you, Professor. Call me Hermione."

Xavier smiled. "We may need to get another chair in here. I have a feeling we're going to be a bit crowded."

Dumbledore summoned a couple extra chairs, then checked the time. 4:16. Hm. It seemed Harry was running late.

Just as he had that thought, two sets of running footsteps sounded from the hallway. As the footsteps reached the gargoyle, an out-of-breath voice gasped out, "Da-Dapple Dots!"

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley stumbled into the room. "Sorry we're late Professor Dumbledore," said Harry. "Some of the others wanted to know where we were going, and it slowed us down with putting our stuff away."

"Not to worry, Harry! We were just introducing Miss Granger to our guests. Harry, these are Professors Charles Xavier and Ororo Munroe from the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. Professor Xavier, Miss Munroe, this is Harry Potter."

Harry blinked at them, then remembered his manners. "Er. Nice to meet you, Professors."

"Nice to meet you as well, Harry." replied Professor Xavier. "I hear you and Neville have discussed your prospects already, and that you have already decided you wish to attend the Institute along with him, is that right?"

"That's right. I... could really use the help, and I figure he could use a friend." answered Harry. Neville smiled shyly at this comment.

"That is very kind of you," said Xavier. "I understand you are one of the few mutant students here who actually has experience with living in a non-magical environment?"

"Yes, sir. I, er. Have...relatives who are Muggles. But they don't like mutants very much. Or magic."

"Yes, your friends mentioned as much."

Harry hesitated a moment, then blurted out, "They don't know I'm a mutant, sir. What are you going to tell them about my attending the Institute? I don't think they'll let me go back if they know I- you know..." he trailed off.

"We are not entirely unfamiliar with students who have unpleasant family situations, Harry." Ororo put in. "You don't need to worry, we understand the importance of keeping your mutation a secret from such people, even if doing so does technically step on a few legal toes in the process."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. That had honestly been his biggest worry about this whole thing. "Thank you, Professors."

"You're welcome, Harry. Now, getting back on track- I have observed in my interactions with wizards over the past few days that information about non-magical things seems to be rather...lacking."

Hermione and Harry glanced at each other, and both burst into giggles. "You- you could say that!" laughed Hermione.

"Oh, geez-" gasped Harry. "The number of misunderstandings about the simplest things-"

"The look I got when I told someone about how braces worked-"

"The strange conversations when a pureblood wizard tries to use Muggle slang-"

"And they use it totally wrong..."

Ron was a bit put-out at that last one. "Are you trying to poke fun at me?"

Harry grinned. "Yes."

Ron looked like he might be about to answer with something peevish, but thought better of it. "Aren't we s'posed to be having a meeting?" He said instead.

Harry straightened up. "Right." He turned back to the Professors. "Sorry about that."

"It's quite alright, Harry." replied Xavier, "And it illustrates my point quite well. Harry...as the only person among those of your fellow mutant students attending the Institute who is somewhat familiar with being in a Muggle environment, your fellow students are going to need your help while you are at my Institute- the Malfoy boy, in particular."

"Now, I am aware-" he added, putting up a hand before Harry could voice a protest- "I am aware that you and Draco are not exactly on the best of terms with one another. However, I must ask you to try and put aside any personal history between you during the time that you spend under my tutelage. We are all mutants at the Institute, before we are anything else, and we must look out for one another as fellow mutants."

Xavier leaned forward and laid his hands upon the table to emphasize what he was about to say. "Harry, you and Draco will not be the first students I have had who did not like each other, and I'm certain you won't be the last. I won't require you to be friends, if friendship is too difficult for you. All I ask is that you do what you can to help your fellow wizards adjust to an environment they will be even less familiar with than you- including those you may find personally distasteful to be around."

"Professor, do you mean to say that Draco Malfoy actually met with you?" asked Hermione in surprise.

"Nevermind that, Malfoy's actually going?" asked Ron. "I'm surprised his parents would agree, let alone Malfoy himself-"

"Draco was the one to push the issue, as a matter of fact." said Dumbledore. All four of the teenagers gaped at him in shock. "Yes, I admit I was rather surprised as well. His situation is technically still...undecided. However, considering the response I received from Lady Malfoy at lunch, I believe the outlook is somewhat promising. It is very likely that you will, indeed, have Mr. Malfoy joining your party."

Harry wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd known Malfoy might be included in the count of those who were going- in fact, a small part of him had hoped for it, since Merlin knew Malfoy needed the most help out of all of them, and it would get him out of his comfortable wizarding environment- but he honestly hadn't been sure what to expect from the Malfoy family, considering their...everything.

Still... Maybe this would be a good chance for Malfoy to learn some basic decency for once, away from his parents and everything he was used to, and all. Harry's lips twitched into a wry smile.

"I'll do my best, Professor. If there's to be any fights between us, I won't start them."

Xavier smiled. "Excellent. I look forward to having you with us, Harry. I believe this will prove to be an interesting time for all of us."

Author's Note:

Aaaaand there I go having an accidental hiatus again. Sorry. At least it wasn't a full four months this time? hehe...

I wrote about 9/10 of this chapter...and then I hit a bout of writer's block with one specific moment that I wasn't sure how to push past.

So, I took a break from writing this fic, went and worked on other fandom projects instead... (I have several LOZ fics I wrote in the meantime because I'm on a LOZ fandom discord, so the topic stays fresh in my mind a lot)