A/N- I Do Not Own Harry Potter or X-Men

This chapter is dedicated to Bandit, my best friend and brother for many years, and the best damn dog I have ever known. May he rest in peace.

Chapter 1

Three people stood just outside the barrier separating Platform 9 ¾ from the muggle world.

The first man was wearing a gray business suit, with a white dress shirt and red tie. A matching gray trench-coat was worn over-top of the suit. And a gray fedora covered his white hair. His gaunt face was worn from years of stress, but his gray eyes held a hard glint to them. He kept his hand on the shoulder of the youngest member of the group.

The second member of the group was a woman. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, with shoulder length blond hair and green eyes, wearing a blue business suit and black high heels. The truth was that this was not her natural appearance, and that her entire appearance, even her clothes, was fake. Her true appearance was naked scaly, blue skin. Her eyes were were naturally yellow, and her hair naturally red.

The third, and youngest member of the trio, was an eleven year-old boy with green eyes and messy black hair that refused all attempts to tame it, though it was covered by a black fedora. He pushed a cart before him, loaded with a specially made, stainless steel school trunk and a cage containing a snowy white owl. The boy wore an ensemble similar to the older man, except in black, instead of gray. His dress shirt was red, while his tie was black. Around both of his wrist were thick metal bracelets made of rare adamantium metal. But unlike the older man, who wore black dress shoes, the boy wore polished black cowboy boots.

"You're sure this is the right place?" the older man asked.

"Yes," the boy answered. "Professor Flitwick said all I had to do was walk through the barrier. It's apparently set up so that non-magicals only feel a solid wall however." He turned to hug the older man and the the woman. "I'm going to miss you two."

The woman held onto him the longest. "Don't forget to write Harry." She said.

"I won't Mystique," the boy assured her. "I'll try and send Hedwig once a week."

"Don't forget," the older man began, "be careful when you use your powers. We have no idea how the wizarding world feels about mutants." He smiled. "Of course they may simply assume your using magic of some sort."

"I'll be careful Grandpa," Harry assured the older man with a smile. "I'll make you and my parents proud."

The old man smiled down at his grandson and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I already am Harry. And I know your parents would be as well."

"How?"

The old man knelt down in front of Harry. "Because that's how parents are Harry. Never doubt that your parents would be proud of you, it shames their memory."

Harry smiled and hugged his grandfather again. "I'll see you guys at Christmas."

"I'm already counting the days."

With one last look at his grandfather and foster mother, Harry James Potter walked through the barrier to Platform 9 ¾.

"He'll be okay Eric," Mystique assured the older man. "You've trained him well. Besides, if anything does happen, Victor and Todd will likely be beside you and me as we tear his school apart. Xavier might even help us."

Eric Lehnsherr, also known as Magneto, chuckled lightly. "Maybe Charles would, maybe he wouldn't."

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Meanwhile

On the other side of the barrier, Harry Potter pulled himself and his trunk and Hedwig, his owl, onto the train, subtly using his powers to make the trunk much lighter than it actually was. After finding an empty compartment, and making sure the coast was clear, he levitated his trunk up onto the rack, and set Hedwig in one of the seats.

He set his jacket on the seat. And after sitting down he pulled out a copy of The Once and Future King by T.H White and began to read.

After several minutes, the door opened to reveal a bushy haired girl with chocolate brown eyes. "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked.

Harry shook his head and gestured for her to take a seat. "No. Do you need any help with your trunk?" he asked.

The girl hesitated for a moment. "Sure."

Harry set his book aside and stood up to help the girl. As he helped her lift her trunk (he mentally cursed wood. The trunk didn't contain enough metal to support it if he tried to lift it that way), he noticed that she seemed to be holding back her strength and that she was wearing gloves, despite the fact that it was fairly warm out.

"I'm Hermione Granger," the girl introduced herself as she sat down across from him. Harry thought he her canines were longer than normal, but couldn't be sure.

Harry held out his hand. "Harry Potter," he said as he shook her hand.

He saw her eyes widen. "I've read about you know," she said. "Your mentioned in The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts."

Harry smiled. "Really. I suppose I'll have to get my hands on on a copy then."

"You mean you didn't know?" She asked perplexed.

He shrugged. "I was raised by my maternal grandfather, he's not magical."

"Oh."

"I don't mean to pry, but why are you wearing gloves?" He asked. "It's fairly warm out."

She frowned and looked down. "Um. I'd rather not say."

"It's okay. I apologize if I was to forward."

Hermione smiled lightly. "You're very polite."

Harry laughed. "I'd better be. Grandpa would skin me alive if he found out I wasn't. Are your parent's magical?"

The brown haired girl shook her head. "No, well maybe."

Harry raised an eyebrow in question. "What do you mean maybe?"

Hermione shrugged. "My mom had a one night stand with a guy, which resulted in me. She met the man I call Dad when I was one. So my biological father could have been a wizard, but I don't know. Mom and Dad are both dentist though, and not-magical." She smiled. "They were excited when I got my letter though."

Harry smiled. "That's good." He sat back in his seat. "So why'd you hold back with the trunk?"

Hermione's eye's widened. "I don't know what you mean," she said defensively.

Harry sighed. "If you're going to lie, at least try Hermione. I'm not mad, just curious, I could tell you weren't putting your all into picking your trunk up."

Hermione slouched. And was silent for several moments. "You'll think I'm a freak," she said softly. "Everyone else does."

Harry stood from his seat and knelt down in front of Hermione. "I promise I won't think you a freak Hermione, I promise." He smiled. "Grandpa would have my head if I did."

Hermione returned Harry's smile, albeit weakly. She licked her lips before answering. "I've always been stronger then other people. And my hands..." Hermione pulled one of her gloves of her hands, revealing that her nails were actually claws. "My nails have always been like this. Even when I file them, they grow right back."

To Hermione's surprise, Harry smiled. "That's great Hermione. Do you have any other abilities?"

"My senses of sight, hearing, and smell are better then some animals. And I can heal incredibly fast. The kids at school, always picked on me, called me names, an animal."

Harry put his hand on her cheek. "Your not an animal Hermione. But you are different." Hermione looked up at Harry with a hurt look. "You're a mutant, just like me."

"A mutant? Like a three legged frog?" Hermione asked.

Harry smiled. "Not quite so useless." He sat up on the bench next to her. "Grandpa could explain it better, but do you know anything about genetics?"

Hermione nodded. "I read a lot, stuff more advanced than others my age."

"Well, the best explanation I can give is that you, me, and others out there carry a gene, sometimes called the x-gene. This gene, it grants a person a power, or sometimes powers. Things ranging from increased strength, telepathy, and pretty much anything else under the sun you can think of."

"You said you're a mutant?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "So is my grandfather. Me and him actually share the same power. Both of us can sense, and manipulate, any metal or metallic alloy. Unlike my grandfather, I also have a healing factor, like you. I actually know someone with powers identical to you."

"Really?"

Harry smiled. "Really. Friends?"

Hermione smiled. "Yeah." She looked at Harry and smiled so he could see her elongated canines. "Can you show me your power?"

Harry chuckled and took of his jacket. Then he rolled up the sleeve of his dress shirt so that Hermione could see one of his bracelets.

Hermione watched as the metal bracelet seemed to flow off of Harry's wrist and reform into three spheres above Harry's open palm. Two then began to orbit around the third, reminding Hermione of the pictures of atoms in her science textbooks. After a few moments, the three spheres merged into one and flowed through the air back to Harry's wrist and reformed as a bracelet one more.

"Wow," Hermione whispered.

Harry chuckled. "You might also be able to move faster than others. Victor, the guy I know with identical powers to you, can move about as fast as a big cat on all fours. Though I doubt you'd want to run around on all fours."

The two spent the remaining time until the train left talking about mutants. About ten minutes before the train was supposed to leave, the door to the compartment opened to reveal a red-haired, freckled boy. "Everywhere else is full, can I sit here?"

Harry smiled, "Sure." He looked over at Hermione, "If it's okay with my companion anyways."

"I don't mind," Hermione said. Harry noticed that she had slipped her glove back on her hand, hiding her claws.

"Thanks," the red-head said as he entered the compartment. "I'm Ron Weasley," he said as he sat down across from Harry and Hermione.

"Hermione Granger," Hermione introduced herself.

"Granger? That's not a wizard name. Are you muggle-born?" Ron asked.

Hermione nodded.

"Harry Potter," Harry said as he held out his hand.

"Really?" Ron's eyes lit up. "Do you really have the...the scar?" he added the last part quietly.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "No. It's long since faded." He mentally wondered if this new boy possessed any tact.

"Oh," Ron said, sounding slightly disappointed.

"So Ron, I take it you come from a wizarding family?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Ron said.

Hermione began asking a barrage of questions at Ron while Harry watched on in amusement. It was clear to him that Ron truly had no idea how to answer many of the girls questions. It soon became apparent to Hermione as well, and she stopped asking questions.

Soon the train began moving and the trio were on there way to Hogwarts.

Harry and Hermione weren't too impressed with Ron, but their manners, taught to them by their respective families, prevented them from asking him to leave the compartment.

"So what house do you think you'll be in?" Ron asked. "My whole families been in Gryffindor, I can't possibly go anywhere else," he added proudly.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I really don't care what house I'm in," he said. "All of them sound perfectly fine to me."

"You can't be serious Harry," Ron said loudly. "All Slytherins are evil gits! That's the house you-know-who was in."

"So?" Hermione asked. "I'm sure evil people have come from every house. Haven't you heard of Sirius Black? He was in Gryffindor."

"But he was a Black!" Ron said. "Besides,what would a muggle-born know about it?" he sneered at Hermione.

"I think you should leave Mr. Weasley," Harry said calmly, but with a touch of menace in his voice.

Ron looked at Harry as though he was crazy. "Why?" he asked, clearly confused.

Harry looked at Hermione as if to say, 'Is this guy serious?' before turning back to look at Ron. "You just insulted my new friend," Harry said.

"But I'm not insulted?" Ron said, clearly not understanding.

Both boys were stunned when a growl echoed through the compartment "You are an idiot!" Hermione growled as she grabbed Ron around the throat. Her lips were curled, allowing Ron to see her longer than normal canines. "He wasn't talking about you. And I believe you were asked to leave." She threw Ron through the open door of the compartment into the hallway. "Now you're being told." She grabbed Ron's trunk and tossed it out after him before slamming the door closed.

Harry watched as Hermione clenched and unclenched her fist as she took deep breaths. The occasional growl resonated from her. "What an idiot," she finally said as she sat down.

Harry noticed she was crying and put his arm around her. "What's wrong Hermione?"

"You...you're not afraid of me?" she asked timidly.

Harry smiled. "Why would I be afraid of you? All you did was give that loser what he deserves."

Hermione smiled weakly. "Thanks. It's just that, every now and then, my temper gets the better of me. When it does, I tend not to act rationally. It's another reason people would call me an animal."

"Your not an animal Hermione. But I would like you to consider me a friend."

"Thank you Harry, for being my friend."

Harry chuckled. "No problem, we mutants have to stick together."

The rest of the journey to Hogwarts was filled with pleasant conversation between the two students. They talked about their families, Hogwarts, and whatever else crossed their minds. And when the trolly came, both only bought a few things to try, not wanting to spoil their appetites or get sick. Harry was especially fond of pumpkin pasties, while Hermione seemed to favor the chocolate frogs (she had given Harry the explanation that every woman likes chocolate. She lightly smacked the back of his head when he jokingly pointed out she was still a girl).

They changed into their robes shortly after they finished eating, each leaving the compartment to give the other privacy.

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Arriving at Hogsmeade station, a voice on the trains loudspeaker informed them to leave their luggage on the train as it would be taken up to the school separately. The only thing Harry did was free Hedwig from her cage, allowing her to fly up to the school.

Harry and Hermione stepped onto the platform together. Almost immediately they heard a loud voice echoing over the platform. "Firs' years! Firs' years follow me!" The two mutants followed the voice to find the biggest man they had ever seen, with a long tangled head of black hair and a matching beard, standing at the end of the platform. He was at least eight feet tall, with a girth to match.

A group of first-years had already started to gather around the large man. After performing a head count, most likely to make sure all the first-years were gathered, the man instructed them to follow him.

He lead them down to a lake, were a small fleet of boats sat in wait. "No more 'an four to a boat," the large man instructed. After making sure all the first-years had gotten into a boat, the man claimed one all to himself. "Forward," he commanded and the small fleet began to make it's way across the lake, following his boat.

Turning a corner of the shoreline, the students 'awed' at their first glimpse of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The castle truly was impressive as it sat on a small cliff, overlooking the lake. It's lights shone with life, and a welcoming presence seemed to fall over the group of nervous first-years, as though the school itself was welcoming them.

"Watch yer heads!" the large man called as he ducked down as low as he could before his boat entered a hidden cavern in the cliff-face. Inside the cave was place for the boats to dock and the students climb out.

After everyone had climbed out the man looked to a nervous pudgy boy. "Hey, this yer toad?" he asked as he handed it to the boy.

"Trevor!" the boy said happily as he took the animal from the large man.

The man smiled before gesturing for the students to follow him, leading them up a flight of stairs, where a stern looking witch with glasses stood waiting for them.

"The firs' years Professor McGonagall," the man said stopping the students in front of the woman.

"Thank you Hagrid," McGonagall said with a slight smile. "I'll take them from here."

The man, Hagrid, smiled and made his way past the professor, leaving the students alone with Professor McGonagall. The witch instantly ceased smiling as she looked over the students with an assessing eye. "Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For those who do not know, I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor house, and your transfiguration professor. In a few minutes," she gesture to the doors behind her, "you will go through these doors and join your classmates. But first you will be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house had produced great witches and wizards. Throughout the year, your house will compete against the other house for the House Cup by earning points. Any outstanding achievements will earn you points, while any rule-breaking," she leveled a stern glare on all the students, "will lose house points, as well as giving yourself a possible detention. Wait here, I will return momentarily to collect you."

McGonagall turned and walked away, leaving the students alone.

"So it's true then," a blond haired boy said from the side, looking at Harry. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."

Harry mentally sighed as the boy made his way over to him. Why the hell did he have to be famous in the wizarding world? It sucked.

"I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy," the blond introduced himself. He held out his hand. "You'll soon find that some families are better than others, I can help you there," he held out his hand.

Harry quirked an eyebrow. "And what families would those be, yours?"

Draco smiled. "Yes."

"In that case, I'm afraid I must decline." Draco frowned as Harry continued. "You can't judge one man by his entire family."

Malfoy sneered at Harry and walked away, over to two larger boys.

It was moments later when McGonagall re appeared. "Follow me," she instructed. She led the students from where they were standing, through a corridor to another set of large, open doors, to the great hall, where every other student sat at four large tables. The ceiling echoed the night sky outside.

"It's enchanted," Hermione explained to him. "I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."

Harry smiled at his friends apparent nervous habit of rattling of facts.

The students stopped in front of the staff table, and a stool with an old, beat-up, and patched hat. The classic witches hat suddenly began to sing.

Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!

McGonagall pulled out a rolled up sheet of parchment and began calling names.

After several students, McGonagall called out, "Granger, Hermione."

Hermione gulped as she left her friends side. "Relax," she told herself softly. "Just relax."

"Ah," the had said in her ear as it settled on her head. "Not a bad mind. You would do well in Ravenclaw my dear, as well as Gryffindor, what with you courage. A hard-worker as well, and loyalty to your friends. You would do well in any of those houses my dear. But you would flourish in Slytherin. You are ambitious in nature, and cunning. Though it is hidden beneath your logic and facts. The only reason I do not immediately place you in the serpent house is your blood-status, which is frowned upon greatly by a majority of the house. Tell me Ms. Granger, do you believe you are ambitious and cunning enough to survive in the Slytherin pit?"

"Don't you?" Hermione said softly.

The hat chuckled in her ear. "I think you are dear. As the first muggle-born I've placed in Slytherin in three-hundred years, you will need to use all of your abilities to survive the snake den that is...SLYTHERIN!" the hat yelled the last word to the crowd. Hermione took of the hat to no applause, aside from a clapping Harry, and, with head held high, made her way to the Slytherin table. Everyone moved away from her when she sat down, as if she had a highly contagious disease.

After a few seconds of silence, McGonagall called the next name. Harry didn't really pay any attention to the sorting, as he could care less about where the others were sorted, though he did notice that the blond idiot Malfoy went to Slytherin.

Finally, McGonagall called out, "Potter, Harry."

Harry smiled as he stepped to the stool and sat down.

"Hello Mr. Potter," the hat said into his ear. "Oh, you are well suited to all the houses. Hmm, but where to put you?"

"Put me with Hermione," Harry said to the hat.

"I think I will Mr. Potter. Don't be afraid to use your abilities. She's going to need your help in...SLYTHERIN!"

Like Hermione, Harry received no applause, aside from hers, as he made his way down to the Slytherin table to sit next to her, and the sorting continued.

Harry looked at the his and Hermione's house-mates. He knew that neither he nor Hermione were welcome here yet. And he knew they'd have to put people in their place. It was a lesson his Grandfather had taught him. "If they do not respect you, you must make them respect you, whether through fear or deed," Grandfather had said.

"Hermione," Harry said to his friend, "be ready for a fight. And don't be afraid to use your strength or claws." He looked at his housemates again. "I don't think we're going to get a very warm welcome."

Hermione looked, and saw that a majority of the Slytherin's were throwing glares in her and Harry's direction. "I think you're right," she confirmed. She narrowed her eyes in thought as the sorting finished and a boy, Blaise Zabini, joined the Slytherin table.

Hermione was pulled from her thoughts as the Headmaster stood up to speak.

"Welcome," Dumbledore began, "to another year at Hogwarts. I know that you are all anxious to begin eating our marvelous feast, but I have a few start of term announcements to make. First-years should note, as well as a few of our older students," he sent an amused look to a pair of red-headed twins sitting at the Gryffindor table, "that the forbidden forest is strictly out-of-bounds. A reminder that there is to no magic used between classes in the corridors. And a list of banned items can be found in our caretaker's, Mr Filch's, office. And, this year, the third floor corridor, on the right hand side, is forbidden for all of those who do not wish to die a most painful death. Now, let the feast, begin."

Food appeared on the tables and students eagerly began to eat.

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A/N- The events of the first X-Men movie have yet to take place, but the events of Wolverine: Origins have. I have not seen X-Men:First Class as of the beginning of this story, so none of that matters in this story.

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