Chapter Thirty-Seven

Monday morning arrived and Harry sent Thor and Loki back to Asgard, right after breakfast. Loki had protested, but Harry refused to listen and sent him through the portal with a push of his magic. Loki was not happy, but was refused his payback because the portal had closed while he was picking himself up. Harry was looking forward to hearing about the reaction to Loki being trapped as a woman.

Tony and Pepper had left earlier in the morning. Apparently there was a lot of work to do. Bruce left with them, saying that he needed to focus on his work as well. He was hoping to finish his own mastery in the next month or two and apparently he was going to start working on a Felix Felicis potion. If he was successful, he'd literally be the first person on this planet to brew liquid luck.

Next he went looking for Logan. It was simple enough for him to find him. He let his magic out and apparated directly to where he sensed the man. He tended to fly around the island instead of apparating, but felt like getting his day started quickly. He'd been on vacation too long. He was itching to get started. Natasha just smiled at him, having been brought along by her ring. Apparently she no longer needed to be in contact with him for some things.

Spotting Logan, Harry greeted him, "Good morning, Logan! How are things going this morning?"

Logan looked up from where he was shovelling some dragon manure into a floating crate. Harry had set it up for him. Logan scooped the last shovel-full into the crate and put the shovel into a holder for it on the side. Once the shovel was in place the crate took off and started floating to a greenhouse where Logan had gone to fetch it. There it would go into the greenhouse, to a storage shed which kept everything in stasis. That kept the smell down and the manure ready.

Finally Logan replied, "Fine. You ready to go get the kids?"

Harry smiled excitedly, "Oh, I'm ready. We've even got a couple of surprises ready for them. Were you able to set up everything at the camp site?"

Logan smirked. "Everything is ready on my side." he said.

Harry smirked and said, "Let's go then. You want to clean up first?"

Logan looked down at himself and realised he could do with a wash. He looked up at Harry and before he could ask, he felt the magic running over him and found himself to be completely clean. Even his clothes seemed freshly washed. "Thanks." was all he said before he walked up to Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. Natasha did likewise. She didn't need to, of course, but that didn't matter, did it?

They soon found themselves on the porch of the institute and Logan walked in uninvited, as was his way. Harry and Natasha followed him in and found the entrance hall overflowing with people. Some were sitting and chatting while others waited in silence. Harry had never seen so many people at the institute at one time. Apparently word had gotten around the X-men about where the kids were going. Most of them had met Harry when he was at the institute. Some of them even had a couple of items he had made.

Harry looked at the group for a second, before he laughed, "Okay, okay. I guess I should have expected this. Professor, is everybody ready?"

Professor Xavier moved to Harry and shook his hand. "Good morning, Harry. I believe we are waiting for a couple more people."

"Who?" Harry asked.

"A few late risers and one guest, which I would like for you to speak with before we leave." Xavier said. He was not making eye contact.

"What did you do?" Harry asked dangerously, while he looked at Xavier through narrowed eyes.

Before Xavier could reply, Harry heard the sound of Logan's claws coming out. He turned around to see Logan holding an old man against the wall with his claws millimetres from his throat. "What have you done, Chuck?" Logan asked over his shoulder, not taking his eyes off the man.

"The fact that he is here at all should tell you something." Xavier said.

"Yes, that you let him in on the secret. How are you going to keep the children safe if you cannot keep him away?" Logan growled.

"He does not know the secret. He contacted me via other means. We picked him up and he signed a Contract stating that he will keep our secrets or lose the memories." Xavier said. He turned to Harry, "Thanks for leaving one of those with us. It is good to know we can reach out like this."

Harry did not know this person, but he recognised the face. "Erik Lehnsherr, real name Max Eisenhardt, otherwise known as Magneto." He saw the shock on the man's face as he looked between Harry and Logan. "Yes, that's right. I know a lot about you, and your power no longer affects Logan. Can't have my friends vulnerable to a sociopath."

The old man looked him in the eye then, "Call me Erik. Could you call off the ruffian?"

"Logan, if you would? I've got him." Harry said. Logan let him go, but Erik was still pinned to the wall. As Harry stepped up to him, Erik was lifted ever so slightly into the air. His arms and legs straightened and stuck to the side of his body. "Logan is not a ruffian. That would indicate that he is a violent criminal. He might be a bit wild and overprotective, but he's never been a criminal. Not really."

"You on the other hand," Natasha put in, as she stepped out from behind Harry, "are wanted in many different countries for, among other crimes, attempted extermination of the human race." As she said this she pulled out a gun and pointed it right at his head. "You are wanted dead or alive. Preferably dead."

Harry smirked and let the old man go. He landed on his feet and lifted a hand, trying to remove the gun from Natasha's hand. "I'm afraid I've had to temporarily bind your power." Harry said. He had actually just layered a charm on him to stop magnetic waves from leaving his body. Knowing how his power worked was very useful to prepare. Harry had many plans for other would-be evil master-minds. "I'd warn you against attempting to hurt my fiancée, as it would be detrimental to your health." At this, Natasha cocked the gun, as if daring the man to try.

Erik lifted both his hands in the universal sign of giving up and being unarmed. "I would not hurt anyone here, not now when I need your help. I'm assuming you are the reason I could not remember the location of the mansion?" he asked Harry.

Harry nodded and asked, "What do you want?" It wasn't unfriendly per se, but it wasn't an open invitation of friendship either.

"Could we perhaps discuss this where there isn't a whole generation of mutants listening to our conversation?" Erik asked.

Harry considered it and looked at Xavier. "You are in control?" he asked.

"I am not in his mind." he said. "We used to be comrades. I try to respect his privacy, especially since he came here willingly and signed the Contract."

Harry lifted an eyebrow, "So you indiscriminately enter everybody else's minds without invitation, but one of the worst criminals on the planet, you respect? Your priorities are skewed."

Erik actually chuckled. "You are not wrong." he said to Harry. "He should keep his mind out of his follower's minds and actively attack his enemies, but he has a moral standpoint that I could never understand."

"I do not enter people's minds indiscriminately," Xavier finally said, "I will speak to people in their minds, sometimes listen to surface thoughts, but only in dire situations will I enter someone's mind and go through their private memories." He did not look happy, but he could not refute that he had once attempted to enter Harry's mind without permission.

Harry lifted an eyebrow. He had not known that. It sounded very similar to his own standpoint. "I can at least say that I understand that point of view. I feel the same about entering people's minds without permission at least. Perhaps your power is different enough that you can separate the private parts of the mind from the surface, but for me, everything is private." he said. "Okay, let's continue as planned," he said and then turned to Erik, "but if you step one foot out of line, I'll make sure you never have access to your powers again. One way or another." He said as he nodded to Natasha, who hesitated only for a moment, before stowing her gun. She activated her battle glove in full view, just in case. The message was clearly received.

The kids had been enjoying the show, especially the older ones who had seen Magneto in action in the past. Seeing him helpless against one of their strongest protectors put a couple of the younger ones at ease as well. Harry stepped back and turned a portal into being, right next to the front door. It lead to the beach, right by the houses. "Okay kiddos, go on through with Wolverine. He knows where you need to go and is in charge of the camping trip. Your teachers will follow when we have finished our business with the 'Guest'."

Logan walked to the portal and started letting the kids go through. "We've got everything you need on location. Unless you have special needs, you take only a change of clothing, swimming gear and your necessities." Logan wasn't stopping them from taking anything else, but didn't tell them about the hike he had planned before they got to the campsite. Those who packed too heavily would regret it.

Once the kids were through, Harry turned to Xavier and held out his hand. "Contract." he said. No matter what Xavier said, Harry would not let this man onto his island without checking that the information was secure. Xavier must have expected it, because he produced the Contract and handed it over. Harry took it and looked at it. Then he scanned it to ensure the magic was correct and nothing was tampered with. Everything seemed in order. "Okay. Go on through." He said as he pointed at the portal and made the Contract disappear to his own secure storage. The X-Men went through followed by Erik and then Harry.

When Harry stepped through it was to see all the kids standing in front of Logan. He was giving a speech on the rules of the island. Harry didn't know what those rules were, but he trusted Logan to handle it. He led the professor and guests to the Bar area, where he spelled the professor's wheelchair to lift to the appropriate height. Harry poured a couple of sodas for the guests and even offered Erik a Butterbeer, who looked at it strangely.

"Why are you being so accepting, suddenly? Simply because I signed a Contract?" Erik scoffed.

Harry smirked and carried on pouring drinks for the many adult guests. He was currently pouring a large coke for Hank McCoy, or Beast. Harry had always liked him quite a bit. The man was a well-spoken gentleman with a sharp mind and the fact that he looked like a monster, before Harry outfitted him with an illusion inducing wristband, made it all the more impressive. He was privately hoping to introduce him to Bruce. 'Oh, the things those two would be capable of together…' The thought excited him, tremendously.

Instead, Natasha answered Erik. She was standing in the bar area with Harry. "That was no mere Contract. That was magically binding." She looked at Xavier, "You didn't tell him?"

Xavier smiled, contentedly drinking his cup of tea. Harry always made the best. "I gave my word to keep Harry's secrets. I would not allow this information into the wrong hands, not after everything Harry has done for Mutant kind."

Harry spoke up at this, "I've not done that much. I simply look out for the kids."

Xavier shook his head and looked at Natasha, "Is he always like that?"

"Playing down his own achievements?" Natasha asked. When Xavier nodded she said, "Yes. He doesn't want credit for doing what he believes to be right. What he believes any good person would do, given the opportunity."

Xavier rolled his eyes, "He does know that he's wrong, right?"

"No, but I prefer him optimistic." Natasha shrugged as she stepped to him and hugged him from the side as he continued pouring drinks.

"We all do." Ororo said from the other side of the bar, sipping on a virgin margarita. "And may I offer you congratulations? I see that you have acquired new jewellery." She smiled warmly as she said this, indicating the engagement ring.

"You may." Harry said as he returned the hug. "It only happened this past weekend." He kissed his girl before he continued pouring drinks. Scott took a tall glass of beer from the Tap.

There were suddenly many voices congratulating them. They thanked everyone graciously and then Harry turned to Marie. "What can I get you?"

Marie had not expected to be asked. While she was no longer a student, she had been worried she would be excluded from the trip. She was still staying at the institute after all. She was hoping to become an instructor, but she was too young for alcohol, just yet. "Anything is fine." she said.

Harry looked at her and thought he understood her conundrum. Surrounded by elders she respected and not wanting the attention on herself, she wouldn't be comfortable just yet, especially coming from America where the drinking age is twenty-one. He smirked and set about making her an appletini. When he placed the finished product in front of her she seemed shocked.

Harry waved a hand and made it so nobody but Marie, Natasha and himself could hear. "I hear you are turning nineteen this year. In England the drinking age is eighteen. On my island, I make the rules. That first one is alcoholic. Any other ones I make for you will be non-alcoholic, but nobody needs to know that, right?" he said with a wink before cancelling the privacy spell and continuing.

Marie smiled and took the drink in hand, before taking a sip and sighing. It was one of the most delicious things she had ever tasted. Harry was good at bartending. Maybe he could teach her a thing or two. It was too bad he had Natasha already… Her thoughts started wondering.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Xavier asked. "She is underage."

"In America, maybe." Harry scoffed.

"Where are we?" Erik asked. He had not missed the exchange and the fact that Harry clearly spoke, but he couldn't make out his words. "And what does a magical Contract do?"

"Exactly what it said." Xavier said. "You did read it, after all."

"That part about losing the memories? I thought that was you taking a more vested interest in protecting your students." Erik said. "You mean to say that the Contract itself has made it so that if I try to tell anyone about your school being hidden or any of Mr. Potter's secrets, the memories will simply vanish by magic?" he asked astonished. Oh, what he could do with someone with these gifts.

"Exactly." Xavier said. "And stop planning to use this somehow." he warned.

"Are you playing up here again?" Erik asked putting a finger to his temple.

"No, I simply know you well, old friend." Xavier smiled serenely. He was almost certain that Erik had other plans and thought that blocking his mind with his helmet would protect his memories once he left the institute.

"Okay, now that everyone has something to drink and we've all confirmed that nothing is getting out after we turn Erik over to SHIELD, how about we start discussing why you decided to bring him to me?" Harry said standing back and taking a sip of his own drink.

Erik looked shocked while Xavier looked sheepish. "I'm afraid you can't do that, Harry. I gave him my word that he would be safe as long as he signed the Contract and didn't harm anyone. He doesn't even know where the institute is." he said pleadingly.

"And he will be safe in solitary confinement." Natasha put in. She remembered the time when it felt like her head was going to explode, because of this man's actions. She had later heard it was another man's plot, but Magneto had decided to turn it around on all non-enhanced. Fortunately the public never found out the source. If that information somehow got leaked…

"I agree with Natasha." Harry put in. A couple of the X-Men were nodding along. It's not like Erik could do anything right now. Harry had him completely under control.

"I gave him my word, Harry. I would not do that if it wasn't important." Xavier said.

Harry looked conflicted. He really wanted to help the mutants, but he also really wanted to stop this monster. Maybe he could have it both ways… "You have my attention. Tell me how and why I should help you."

Erik looked at the, seemingly, young man. He didn't look a day over 25, but his eyes were old. He'd seen eyes like those before. This was not a man he should play with. Best just to get straight to the point. "I've recently become aware of your ability to hide locations from both being found and common knowledge. I'd like to set up an island where mutants will be safe from persecution. I'm aware of an island off the eastern coast of Africa, where mutants have started to gather. Would you be willing to hide it so only mutants can find it?"

Harry thought about it. It could be possible, depending on the size of the island. There were too many problems with the idea however. "I'm sorry, but no."

Erik was expecting it, so continued, "Don't you see? As long as mutants exist, they will be persecuted. Because they are different. We must do something to protect them. To protect us."

Harry looked him straight in the eye and asked, "And what happens when you have this land? Do you start your own educational systems and indoctrinate your message of fear? Where do you get resources that you can't grow on the island? What about when someone wants to leave your kingdom? Do you lock them up or kill them? Or do you rule by iron fist? Do you attack your neighbours from your hidden location and cause war? After all, who is more entitled to rule this world, than those with power?!" Harry was starting to see his own past in front of his eyes as his power started to manifest.

"Harry, calm down. He's not Tom." Natasha said from his side, where she had taken his hand. She had started to feel his power roiling, via the ring.

"No he's not, but he's exactly like him. He'd destroy everyone he feels doesn't conform to his idea of purity. Just like Voldemort. Just like Grindelwald."

"Who is he referring to?" Erik asked.

"The magical world's Hitler." Natasha said. She wasn't even looking at the guests, so she didn't see Erik's reaction to Harry's words. She didn't need to, she knew his past. She was more concerned with the fact that Harry's eyes were locked into the distance. He wasn't seeing her anymore. She pressed herself against him and kissed him. A minute later, he seemed to come back to himself.

"Sorry about that love." Harry apologised. "I do get lost in the past. Odin says the memories will fade with time. I'm starting to hope he's right." He hugged her tight and held her for a moment before letting her go. He turned to the guests, "Sorry about that. I have a difficult past and sometimes I need to take a moment to deal with it…" Harry trailed off. He'd just had an idea. He turned to Xavier, "Do you still hold out hope that there is some good in this man?"

Xavier knew this was a loaded question, but answered honestly, "I once believed that he would help save the world. He's had a difficult past as well, and I do still hope for him, yes."

"Fine." Harry said. He looked at Natasha, "I am going to need a couple of hours alone with these two idiots. I'm giving them a full forced upload. Can you handle the other guests?"

Natasha looked at him concerned, "I can, but are you sure? Xavier doesn't have a Contract."

Harry nodded, "You're right. I'll do that first. It's either that, or I leave him here and I have to repeat the process again later."

Natasha nodded. "I'll take care of them." she promised.

Harry hugged her one last time before he stepped out of the bar and around the counter. He walked up to the men in question, who were both nervous about the last couple of statements. "What's happening?" and "Where are you taking us?" did nothing for them as Harry grabbed them and apparated them to the basement of Avengers HQ.

He summoned a Contract and held it in front of Charles, letting it float there with a pen. "Sign." Harry said.

"I assure you Harry, your secrets are safe with me." Xavier said.

"That's not the issue. I'm going to share something with Erik here. If you try to read his mind and he thinks about it, you'll erase his memory accidentally and I'll have to repeat the process. Since you need to be under Contract to protect his memories, you need to sign." Harry said.

Xavier didn't like it, but he could at least see the logic. He took the pen and paper and signed the Contract. Harry made them disappear and started pacing in front of a blank wall. While he paced he summoned his Pensieve. As he passed the same spot a third time, a red door appeared in the wall. Harry opened the door and levitated Xavier in. He looked at Erik, but he walked in on his own, not wanting the strange man to levitate him in as well.

Once inside, Erik saw that the room was completely white, if he could call it a room. There were no doors and no windows. There didn't even seem to be a source of light or borders, or corners. "Where is this?" he turned around and found the red door was missing, "And how do we leave?"

"You are in the Room of Requirement. It can become whatever I want. I wanted a safe space with no soul around but us and no possible way to be overheard. This is what it came up with." Harry explained.

Xavier had heard of the Room, but was thus far unimpressed. "Why not a familiar place or space or something?"

"Too many distractions." Harry explained. "There are no distractions here. Except for this." As he said it he placed the bowl on a stand, which appeared in front of them. He sat down on a chair, which hadn't been there before and indicated to another for Erik. "I'm not going through this again. I've seen the end of the world at the hands of a madman once already. I will show you some memories and you will understand. Simple."

Without waiting for an agreement, Harry put a finger to his head. He didn't want to waste time. The horrors that he had just been seeing were exactly what they needed to see. He started putting more and more memories into the bowl sequencing them one after the other. When he was done a good ten minutes had passed. This would take a whole couple of hours, he thought.

"Okay, so you saw me enter a whole bunch of memories into the Pensieve. You will now watch them by placing a finger in the Pensieve." Harry instructed.

"No." Erik said. He had seen the emotions crossing the man's face. He was certain that he didn't want to see those memories, if that's what the device did. He also still wasn't happy being compared to the man who tried to cleanse the world of his people. The man who killed his family.

"You are acting quite irrationally, Harry. I think I can imagine what this bowl is supposed to do, but are you sure it is safe in your current frame of mind?" Xavier asked.

Harry answered Xavier first, "I'm just tired, Charles. This device will merely show you memories. You won't be part of them. They can't hurt you." He looked at him pleadingly, "Please, Charles. I need you both to understand. If you do this, I'll consider giving Erik what he wants. He'll still need supervision, but I'll consider it."

Charles and Erik looked at each other before they reached out to the bowl. "Wait." Harry said. "Make sure you are in a comfortable position." He moved Erik's chair so that he wasn't leaning forward to put his finger in the bowl. "We will be in these memories for a couple of hours. We don't want to come back to cramping bodies."

Finally they put their fingers in the bowl, followed by Harry. It was a bit more than four hours later that they were ejected back into their own bodies. Nobody said anything. Harry had gone with them to give commentary. He did not like reliving most of that. Seeing his friends again and then watching them die. He didn't have a choice. He needed to see Erik's response to some of that. He was relieved to see the man lose all colour at certain points. Points Harry knew he would compare with himself and his own past deeds.

Erik was the first to speak, "I see why you would rather not create an invisible nation. There are so many opportunities to cause mayhem from the shadows. Any one government sees that as another nation attacking and we have another missile crisis on our hands." He looked at Harry then, "And I am so sorry for all your losses. I see now why you see me as such a monster. I do compare quite well with your own."

Charles was shocked to hear the admission. Had Harry finally gotten through to the man? "I am sorry as well. I didn't know. I couldn't have." he said sadly.

Harry looked up at them, "Here's the thing; I have been told by someone in the know, that there is a high likelihood that something similar might happen here. I was sent here to help. You saw what happened with the prophecy. I defeated my enemy, but the world still burned. I'll need help."

Erik looked at him and sighed, "And you want me to promise my support when the time comes?"

"I want you to not be my enemy first." Harry said.

Erik scoffed, "Like there's a way I can stand against you anyway." He then looked him straight in the eye, "I really do want to protect my people."

"I can see that." Harry said. "That's the only reason I'm giving you one chance. I don't have the right to give you the opportunity as you are a criminal. But I will give you the chance, so long as Charles here has oversight." When Charles tried to protest, Harry interrupted him, "You have no choice in the matter. You stood up for him, you get to keep an eye on him."

Erik looked between them and sighed. "As long as we can finally live freely without fear, I have no problem with that."

Harry shook his head, "You do realise you're not doing that, right? You're basically doing exactly what the mundane people want. You're separating the enhanced from them and living your lives apart from them. When they realise that someone has started taking all of the powered individuals from their lands, they will also feel threatened."

Erik's back straightened, "Just as they feel threatened with them where they are. At least this way people will have the chance to live semi-normal lives."

Harry nodded in understanding, "Fair enough. We'll have to discuss a lot more, but at least we can agree that people need to be kept safe." He then stood up and picked up the bowl. "Okay, I'm tired and hungry. Let's go." He led them from the room when the door appeared and then transported them back to the island.

"Could you perhaps return me to a safe location?" Erik asked once they were through.

"I could. Where would you like to go?" Harry asked. Erik told him and Harry opened a portal to a place he knew of, placing a minor glamour on Erik so that he would not be recognized for a couple of minutes.

Once he was through, Harry remembered that they needed a way to get in contact. He stepped through after him and handed him a card. "Remember, if you even try to tell anyone about my abilities, you will lose all memory of them and what was revealed to you today. I suggest you don't let that happen. If I ever meet you and you seem to have forgotten me, I will not be giving you a second chance. You'll go straight to your deserved punishment and I'll do everything in my power to ensure you stay there for the rest of your life." he threatened.

"I assure you, as long as my people are safe, I will do everything in my power to prevent what happened to your world from happening to this one." Erik promised and held out a hand to Harry.

Harry didn't hesitate, he took the hand and shook it once. "Good. Call me in a week. I was looking forward to spending time with the kids this week."

Erik actually smiled, "I might have a few kids on my side that wouldn't mind a bit of a holiday." he offered.

"We'll have to consider it for next time. This week is as much for Logan as it is for me. We both enjoy spending time with the kids." Harry said. "If you want, I might consider setting up a form of transport so the kids on your side can get a proper education at the institute, from next semester." He offered. "I'd obviously have to run it by Charles first, but I'm certain he'll allow it for the children."

"We'll have to consider it," Erik returned. "Hopefully, next semester, I can start indoctrinating the next generation in my kingdom." he said with a smirk.

It took Harry a moment to realise the man was joking. "Okay, I've got to go. Keep your schemes to simple things, like how to survive me, should you step out of line. I will likely have a couple of Contracts for you to sign before we start on the Genosha Project." Erik looked up quickly at his mention of the island. He was about to ask Harry how he knew, since he'd never mentioned it by name, but Harry stepped back through the portal and closed it, with a smile.

Of course Harry knew the island. He'd been there once installing PMGs. He returned to the Bar and brought Charles with him. Once he was behind the counter, he hugged his girl and poured himself a drink. This one had actual alcohol, but he decided he needed it after what he had just been through. As a courtesy he handed Charles one too.

"Thanks." Charles said, taking a small sip. His eyes widened at the taste and he coughed up a fireball, before a sense of peace overcame him. "This drink is wonderful!" he exclaimed.

"Firewhiskey. It's specifically brewed and enchanted to calm you down and cheer you up." Natasha said for him as she looked between the two. "How did things go?"

Harry was leaning on the counter and looked at the adults relaxing around and in the pool. Marie had gotten her hands on Tony's pool chair before Darcy could and was floating around the circular pool with a soda in the cup holder, while she relaxed and chatted with Darcy, for who Harry now conjured another pool chair. Natasha had decided to put on some standard tropical island music, which seemed to be enjoyed by everyone.

"We have the start of an agreement. As long as he keeps his nose clean we can keep him under control with his warden over here keeping an eye on him." Harry said indicating Charles.

"Warden?" Charles asked.

"What do you think will happen? He's going to live on an island where he will most likely insinuate himself into the top ranks of the government. When he's there he'll need to stay there to stay in charge. He'll probably never leave the island again, since he's considered a criminal everywhere else in the world." Harry explained. "Once I've set him up with a couple of Contracts, he'll never want to."

"Turning the island into his prison." Charles finished. "Quite devious, Harry."

"Thank you," Harry said, "but we have to remember that he'll still have lieutenants and people out looking for more people to add to his ranks. I'll have to plan for that as well."

"This is another major undertaking. We'll have to set something up with Stark. You can't be expected to enchant that many Contracts. Anybody wishing to enter or exit the island will have to go through the proper channels. Maybe keeping those in on the secret low would be a good idea?" Natasha offered.

Harry nodded and smiled at her, "I'm so glad to have you with me."

She frowned at him, "I don't like that man, but I trust you to keep things under control. We had our hands on him and you let him go."

"I can find him again whenever I like. Tracking charm." Harry smirked. Natasha looked slightly relieved. "You can probably tell what direction he is in if you concentrate on it. My magic should be able to find any trackers I left on people."

Natasha frowned and closed her eyes. After a minute of concentration, her eyes opened suddenly and she pointed off in a direction, "He's just over ten thousand, five hundred miles that way." She then closed her eyes again and started practicing the new skill. Harry hadn't expected it, but smiled. She must have a stronger mind or connection to his magic than he had anticipated.

Charles was the only person with them at the Bar at this point. Everyone else had been seen to the guest house and given a room and were now lounging around the pool area. It had been one of Harry's better ideas to enchant the guest house to expand itself to accommodate however many guests they should have. All of them had a clear view of the island with a large private balcony and windows in every direction, enchanted to look at the scenery around the houses, but not intrude on anyone's privacy. Tony had wanted him to include Jacuzzi's on the balconies, but Harry had refused, stating that that was what the hot spring was for.

Harry had set up enchantments so that he could keep the two sides separate when guests were around. This would be especially useful when Logan allowed the kids to come for a bath, which would be in a couple of hours still. "They should be at the camp site by now," Harry mused. "Let's go see, shall we?" Charles nodded and frowned when a large carpet flew up to them. "Anyone want to go see the camp-site?" Harry announced.

Most of the adults indicated that they wanted to go and Harry was glad he'd taken the time to make a larger carpet. He waited for some of them to dry off, having come from the pool. Some of them put on extra clothes. Hank, had decided to take his natural form and was currently putting on a shirt. Harry took pity on his bedraggled state and cast a drying charm on him.

Hank looked up and thanked him before he finished putting on his shirt and moved to the carpet. Harry and Natasha stepped to the front of the carpet and sat down, not that it really had a front. Harry lifted them up and started them in the direction he knew the camp to be. They spotted a few animals along the way and there was the usual cooing from the female contingent as they spotted the unicorns. The youngest one tried to race them, but they were going too fast. This made the oestrogen levels rise just a little more as the females all felt sad to lose sight of the magical horse.

They soon reached the camp site in a clearing on a hill. Logan had requested logs, but had built every cabin by hand. It had been a project he put a lot of time and effort into. There were ten cabins, all arranged around a central fire-pit. There was also a large building where the kitchen and facilities were. Harry had put that one in. Logan had grumbled, but accepted it. Hygiene was still important for health and he understood that.

They noticed Logan standing against a cabin as the eldest of the children caught their breath, having apparently just arrived. The younger kids were already in their cabins from the sounds of it.

As they approached, Harry asked one of the kids with a half-smile, "Why so tired?"

The teen looked shocked and then frowned at all the smiling faces on the Carpet. She puffed for a bit and then answered, "Mr Logan took the younger kids up on a carpet when we got to the halfway point." A couple of more puffs later she finished, "They've had time to catch their breath. He wouldn't even take our bags with him and we've been hiking for hours!" she complained. She had been one of the sensible ones who had a back-pack. There were a couple of kids with luggage.

One muscular boy had a backpack and was carrying two suitcases for his friends. Apparently he had not struggled at all. Logan had not commented, but had made note of the ones who had not listened. "I told you not to bring too much. You didn't listen." He said as he walked up to them.

"Are they going to be ready for food in a bit? I was thinking of starting lunch." Harry said.

Logan seemed to consider this. "Give us half an hour. I'll bring them by carpet. That way I can show them the sights and some of them can get themselves cleaned up."

"Your carpet is not big enough." Harry said.

"I'll bring them down by year group. It'll give everyone a fair amount of time to ask questions and I can make sure to give them all the warnings and know when there's someone not listening." Logan said.

Harry shrugged. "Sounds good. Do you need any assistance here? Darcy has offered to be a chaperone, so she'll stay here with the kids when you go." He said looking over his shoulder at Darcy. She smiled and landed her broom. Any chance she got to fly, she took.

Hank followed her from the carpet. "I'll accompany the lady and then take a bit of a jog back to the resort."

Harry smirked. "I think I can arrange for some company for you." He landed the carpet and apparated away. Natasha thought she knew what he had in mind. Her suspicions were confirmed when Harry returned with Steve. "You're in luck. The Captain here has decided to keep you company for your jog. He always complains that nobody ever keeps up with him. Do me a favour and teach him a little humility?" he joked.

The kids had gone quiet. They had known Harry was Ghost. They just didn't think they'd see any of the other Avengers. There were a couple of giggles and shouts as children reacted the way children reacted. Steve had learned to tolerate it. He actually enjoyed the smiles he could generate just by showing up. Especially in the younger children.

Hank smiled the smile of a predator, "A worthy opponent would be a nice change of pace for me." He stepped up to Steve and introduced himself extending his hand, "Doctor Henry McCoy, but you may call me Hank or Beast, whichever suits you best."

Steve took the offered hand and shook it without pause, "Nice to meet you, Hank. I'm Steven Rogers, but everybody calls me Steve."

"Or Captain," Harry put in with a smirk. He knew Steve just wanted to be considered normal when he was off duty.

Steve smiled and shook his head. "You've been spending too much time with your brother."

Harry just smiled as he stepped back onto the carpet. "Everybody ready? We're taking off again." He said as he sat down and the carpet slowly started to rise. As they started veering off, there was a scream and most of the X-Men jumped to their feet, getting ready for an attack. What they saw, scared them.

A dragon was walking into the camp. Harry smirked and locked everybody on the carpet into place. He wanted to see how the children handled this. Logan was standing there watching the kids as well. A couple of the older ones actually stepped in front of the smaller kids. Harry was certain he was looking at the next generation of heroes at that moment. He was certain Logan had planned this.

The dragon walked in casually and started sniffing around. One kid fainted as the dragon approached her and sniffed her. An Asian girl stepped out from the other kids and screamed at the dragon, "Hey! Over here!" as she screamed it and ran towards the dragon, a pink nimbus of energy started to enfold her, turning into some kind of protective armour.

Another Asian girl stepped forward and visible electrical energy started running over her hands.

Before anything else could happen, Logan stepped forward and placed a hand on Puppy's neck, "Hey there girl. Don't scare the children like that." He said it with a smile though, so there was no doubt that he had no problem with what the dragon had done.

The girl with the pink Armour slowed down and stopped when she saw Logan putting his hand on the dragon. "It was a test?" she asked as her armour dissipated.

"If it was you'd receive top points, Hisako." Logan said, before turning to the other girl. "And you'd be right behind her. Why did you hesitate, Noriko?" he asked of the girl with the electrical powers.

Noriko shrugged. "You were here. When you did nothing, I assumed you wanted us to do something." she said.

Harry took this opportunity to stand up and start clapping. He looked around him and remembered that he had everyone else frozen in place. He quickly released them and they joined him. "Well done Hisako! You are definitely one of the ones I'm keeping my eye on." he said. "Your instinct to immediately protect your fellow student is much like I would have done at your age." He turned to the other girl, "You too, Noriko. I saw you considering everything first before reacting. That is the kind of thinking needed in team leaders." He congratulated before starting to veer off and heading back, ignoring the blushing girls as they started flying away.

Both Noriko and Hisako looked at each other and smiled. They had started becoming friends a while back after they joined the institute at similar times. They had found that working together, they fared better in the danger room and had since teamed up. Hisako's near invulnerability but slower movement and Noriko's electrical attacks and enhanced speed made them an almost unbeatable team. They both had developed a crush on the handsome Englishman who sometimes visited the school to help out the children that had issues with control, but they knew it was just a crush. That didn't stop his praise from making them both happy for their actions.

As Harry flew them back, Charles decided to ask the question everyone was still wondering about, "When did Logan get a pet Dragon?"

Harry smirked and looked at Natasha who answered for him, "Puppy isn't a pet. She's his familiar."

"What is a familiar and how do I get one?" Kurt asked. He had thought the dragon was very cool.

"You can't. As with much in Harry's life, circumstances conspired to make that one-in-a-million chance, happen." Natasha said. At Kurt's hurt expression, she explained, "Normally you'd need to be a magical to have a familiar. Both you and the familiar would have magic that creates the bond. In Logan's case, the Queen of Asgard was visiting one day and found that the dragon was trying to bond with Logan, the one being that she thought protected her since she could remember. Queen Frigga decided that Logan was worthy of the effort and created the bond for them, as it falls within her divine jurisdiction."

"Queen Frigga? Divine?" Kurt asked sceptically.

"The Aesir are not truly gods, but they do have blessings that lean toward the divine." Harry explained. "If you ever meet one, they would not be offended if you didn't treat them like gods. Don't worry Kurt. Nobody here would attack your faith. Not even them." he said. He knew Kurt was devoutly religious and didn't want to cause offence.

Kurt relaxed a bit and nodded. Then he turned back to the conversation they had been having, "Too bad. I would love to fly into battle on a dragon's back, just once."

Harry turned to him and said, "Most magical people in my world had an owl or Kneazle familiar. Having anything else was very unusual."

"Kneazle?" he asked.

"They looked exactly like cats, with longer ears, but were much more intelligent. One of my friends asked hers to deliver secret messages for her and because the cat like her, he did. He wasn't even her familiar at the time." Harry explained.

"The only two familiar bonds we've seen so far is a Phoenix and a Dragon. Can you blame us for not knowing that?" Scott asked with a crooked smile. Harry didn't answer that.

The trip home was going much more quickly and they soon arrived back at the bar. Harry had pointed out a couple of things of interest as they flew, taking a different route this time, but nothing that stood out. He did warn them against going into the greenhouses, warning them seriously that there were things in there that could kill them in hundreds of interesting and/or painful ways.

The greenhouses were the only buildings not situated on expanded land, since Harry had preferred to expand the already big, warehouse-sized, buildings on the inside rather. They all contained crops that could feed thousands of mouths, daily, for years, if they were growing food instead of ingredients and rare plants.

Harry set them down and moved over to the bar. He started summoning ingredients from one of the expanded stasis cabinets in one of the cupboards by his feet and started setting out the ingredients for lunch and some snacks. It took only a couple of minutes and then he poured himself a butterbeer and the guests some drinks of their preference, before he went to sit with his feet in the water.

The adults talked for a bit and asked questions about the island and how big it was. Harry informed them that it used to be much smaller, even if it still takes the same amount of space on the face of the planet. There was some discussion and Harry tried to explain the principle, but it ended up not making sense to those well versed in science. In the end he ended up saying, "It's simply magic." and that seemed to satisfy them.

A short while later, Logan appeared with the youngest of the children at around thirteen. Harry recognised the young demonic looking girl, Colleen from when she had joined the institute. He was glad to see her moving in a group of friends now. She seemed to have come to grips with her looks as she was not wearing the amulet Harry had given her to hide her horns and claws.

As they landed, Harry got up and walked to the Bar counter, beckoning to them to come to the counter. They trooped over the little bridge and walked to in front of him. Harry started, "Okay, so what we're doing for lunch is sandwiches. You'll see I have many ingredients, but if you want something I can't make, I'll give you a million dollars, on the spot. As long as you can and actually want to eat it."

The kids laughed and Harry looked at Colleen. "How about you Colleen? Want anything specific? I can make any kind of sandwich you want."

She first looked stunned that Harry remembered her name and then looked around behind Harry and decided to go for something safe. "Can I have a toasted BLT on rye bread?"

Harry laughed, "Of course. Just to clarify; Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato on rye bread. Do you want the bread toasted or the whole sandwich as a Panini?"

"Panini, I think." Colleen said. Harry wasn't certain she knew what the term meant, but he started making the sandwich for her using magic. When everything was on the bread he applied heat and pressure to the sandwich, right where it was on the conjured plate. A couple of seconds later the sandwich was ready and cut into triangles.

Harry offered her the plate and said, "Is that what you wanted?" he asked. At her nod he smiled and said, "That will be one smile and a high-five, please?" he said holding a hand out for the high-five. The kids laughed and Colleen paid him with the requested currency. Then she stood back, both wanting to see what the other kids got and waiting for her friends. The sandwich needed to cool off a bit first as well. Natasha called her over and offered her something to drink too. When she explained that everything was actually water, she asked for a Coke.

They continued this for the whole group. When that was done, the children thanked them again and went to go sit on the grass where Natasha had set up a large picnic blanket for them. By the time they had finished with the first group, the next group was dropped. They performed the same process again for the next group and the next, until only the last group was left.

One of the boys decided to make it difficult for him and asked Harry to make him a party sub. Filled with chicken, mayo, cheese, chilli-peppers and lettuce. Harry just smiled and transfigured the required ingredients from what he had and presented the six-foot sandwich to the boy on a six-foot plank, which he conjured. He cut the sandwich into manageable sizes and looked the boy in the eye. "Now eat it." he said with a smile.

The boy gulped and looked at his friends for help. Most of which shook their heads. They wanted their own sandwich. If they could have anything, they'd be ordering their own. One of the boy's friends, who already had a sandwich offered to help him carry it, for which he was grateful. They were soon sitting by the rest of the children. Harry watched as the boy started eating a portion of the sandwich, while he continued making more for the other children.

When everything was done, Harry moved over to the boy and sat down next to him. "Mind if I have a bit? It actually looked kind of good. I've been wanting to try it myself."

The boy smiled at him and said, "Sure. Help yourself." Harry took a portion and bit into it. It was actually not bad. "It's good right? I know the chef. He's kind of cool." The boy joked.

Harry smirked at him and smiled at Natasha when she came to sit by him and took a piece for herself. Pretty soon the other X-Men turned up and Harry actually needed to make more food. Apparently he had forgotten to offer lunch to the adults. He didn't think they really minded too much. It was a special occasion after all. The adults would have a bit of a holiday and Logan got to teach some survival, while showing the kids what he had been up to in the last couple of months.

As everyone finished their meal, Harry looked up. He had sensed the approach, but knew he'd only now be able to see them. As Harry watched, Hank rounded one of the houses on all fours and made his way to the Bar at top speed, which was an impressive clip. Right behind him Steve also rounded the corner, running faster than Harry had ever seen him move. He was catching up, but Harry could see he wasn't going to win this one. Hank jumped over the pool and laid a hand on the bar counter. Just as Steve jumped over as well.

Steve stopped just before colliding with Hank. He looked up and smiled. "You win." he said. "Congratulations."

Hank was still breathing a bit heavily, but managed to stand up straight and offer the man his hand. "We'll have to do that again sometime." he said.

Steve looked happy about the offer. "I could go for another round…" he offered.

"Not today, my boy. I've got a beast of an appetite and I can tell we just missed lunch." Hank stated.

Harry got up and walked over to the pair. "What can I get you? I decided to make sandwiches for lunch today. I can make you any kind of sandwich on any kind of bread." he offered.

"I wouldn't want to inconvenience you." Hank stated. Steve nodded along. Damn, Harry would have to separate them, before Hank's manners rubbed off on Steve.

"Do you normally offer when it inconveniences you?" Harry asked. Not waiting for an answer to his rhetorical question, he said, "If you don't place an order now, it will inconvenience me, as I'll start making every kind of sandwich I can think of, until you see one you like." he said as he walked into the Bar. Steve and Hank looked at each other, apparently waiting for the other to order first. "You guys are so damn polite, it makes me want to hurt you. Steve, what do you want?"

Steve looked up and said with a smile, "Does a cheeseburger still count as a sandwich?"

"Why, yes it does, Steve. Thanks for being the first person to think of that. Seriously, forty kids. Not one asked for a burger. I was amazed." As Harry said it he started directing food around and soon had Steve's order ready. Three large cheeseburgers with all the toppings. "Here you go, Steve. Enjoy." Steve smiled, took the plate and went to sit down at the counter. Harry knew he ate more than the average person and he would enjoy the burgers.

Hank looked at what Steve got and smiled at Harry. "Can I have the same please, but add a couple of pickles on the side?"

Harry smiled and his magic started doing the same task again. A minute later, Hank had his own burgers and he went to sit next to Steve. Steve looked at his dining partner and smiled at what he saw on his plate. "What's with the extra pickles?" he asked.

Hank didn't say anything, but held the plate so one of his pickles fell on Steve's plate. When he swallowed his first bite of perfectly prepared burger, he took a bite of one of the pickles and smiled. Steve shrugged and tried it himself. His eyes widened as he looked at the pickle and nodded. "Not bad." he said.

Harry smirked and levitated a couple more pickles onto their plates before dropping a tall beer next to each of their plates. Before he could leave, Logan showed up and Harry had to make another two burgers. He just knew he'd be making many burgers over the next couple of days.

When everyone had finished their meal, Logan let them have the rest of the day for relaxing on the beach. There were a couple of sad faces as the kids realised they didn't have or bring swimming costumes from the cabins. Harry chuckled and opened a portal to the cabins. "Those of you with swimwear at the cabins, go through the portal and get ready. I'll open the portal again in 10 minutes, so don't be late. Darcy, if you'll please keep a headcount and go with them?" he asked.

Darcy nodded and went with them. "As for the rest of you without, I can try to make some standard swimwear, but I'm afraid it will be nothing special. Swimming trunks for boys, one-piece suits for the girls."

"You take care of the boys Harry. I've got the girls covered." Natasha said. She led the girls into their house and Harry conjured a place for the boys to change and made them some trunks. Ten minutes later Harry opened the portal again and a stream of kids came back through with Darcy following behind them. Soon the kids were playing on the beach, with Darcy keeping an eye on them from her broom.

As Harry stood and watched them, Charles rolled up to him and said, "It was a great idea to bring them here. There aren't many mutant friendly beaches, at least not when the seasons are right." he said.

"Thank Logan. It was his idea." Harry shrugged. Natasha was off conversing with some of the ladies of the group. She never left his sight, these days. He worried that she was giving up her freedom to keep him safe.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Charles asked him. "You seem preoccupied."

Harry looked at the man and said, "No offense Charles, but I don't count you as one of the people I share my personal issues with. Regardless of the fact that you know a lot more of my history now."

"I understand that. I've given you a couple of reasons not to trust me." Charles conceded. "That being said, I do know the human mind better than most other people on the planet and you have my secrecy bound by Contract, so I literally couldn't reveal your secrets without your say so. Who better to discuss your problems with?" he offered.

Harry thought about it for a second before he relented, "I love my future wife. I want to spend every day with her and experience many things with her, but I feel like I'm holding her too close. I worry that she'll one day realise that she doesn't have a life of her own anymore. I don't want to lose her, but I can't let her go either."

"Stop." Xavier said, holding up a hand. "That's all you need. You have the ability to show her any memory. Before bed tonight, show her this one. People sometimes need someone to talk to, to find the words to express themselves. You think of everyone as an individual, so you use different words with different people. Your mental processes change. I believe you've said enough. Ask her how she feels after she sees this memory. Oh, and if you do show her the memory, include this: Your future husband is a wonderful person, but everybody needs someone to talk to outside of their established relationships. Don't blame him for discussing things with me."

Harry nodded and let that go for now. Then he had a thought. "Why haven't you ever asked that I fix your spine, since I mentioned that I could?" he asked the wheelchair bound man.

Charles looked at him, "Honestly?" At Harry's nod he continued, "I'm not a young man anymore. I don't think I have the energy to go through physical conditioning to fix my legs even if I did have the capability to move them."

Harry looked at him and smirked. "One moment, please." he said as he apparated away and returned a minute later, handing a bright orange potion to Charles. "Drink that."

Charles looked at him and then the potion. "What does it do?" he asked. Harry refused to answer and just waited for him to drink the potion. He decided to take the chance. Harry had yet to give him a reason not to trust him. He uncorked the top and smelled the potion. "That is not a good smell."

"It probably tastes better than some of the potions I've had to drink over the years." Harry said, thinking of Polyjuice and Skelegrow.

Charles looked at the potion, pinched his nose and downed it. Even with his nose pinched, he still made a face. "Tastes as bad as it smells. Can you tell me what it does now?" he asked.

"No, but you'll know by tomorrow." Harry said mysteriously.

Charles sighed. He had not expected that. Considering what they were talking about, he had a suspicion, but he'd rather not hope, so he allowed the conversation to drop.