Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Mere Memory ❯ The Meeting ( Chapter 2 )

Title: A Mere Memory

Author: Schizoid

Pairing: 2+1 5+1 3x4 (others will be mentioned later)

Rating: R

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own either Harry Potter or Gundam Wing. Each belongs to their respectful owners, so please, do not sue.

Author's Note: Yes, there's a large chunk missing from the story. But fear not, all will be revealed eventually. Keep those reviews coming, I greatly appreciate the feedback.

CHAPTER 2: The Meeting

"What the-you're awake!" one shouted. It was the same man who had been complaining about their predicament earlier. He was fairly tall and bulky, skin pale without hair on the top of his head, but had a thick, bushy red beard instead as though to compensate for the bareness. He was in his late 30's to early 40's, his face aged with wrinkles as his expression was held in a constant scowl.

"Brilliant deduction. Figured that all on your own, eh? And who are you callin' a kid, ya ass-wipe," was the braided boy's scathing remark.

The joker's mask was now slipped over facial features, that wide grin mocking the angered man, while his chin jutted out in pure defiance. A quick glance around made him realize that, aside from these "Aurors," he was not alone. In fact, it seemed that whatever happened had involved not only himself, but the rest of the former pilots as well. Knowing that they were just fine, seeing as how they too began to drop the act (as he had thrown their cover), he turned back towards the riled man.

"Why, you little punk! How dare you address me so, you should show some respect!"

"I'll address you however I please. Besides," a flippant gesture was made towards their wands, "what are you gonna do? `Bibbity-boppity-boo' me with them sticks of yours?"

"Y-y-you-!!"

Suddenly, a snort of laughter cut off the angrily, stuttering man. It came from a woman who stood beside the furious Auror, no doubt the very same who had been attempting to speak calmly with him previously. She was in her early 20's with oddly colored hair, a bright pink speckled with blue.

"Oh, I like this one," she snickered.

"Tonks, shut your mouth," bit out the enraged wizard. "Enough of this, let's just drag them back to the Ministry and let them deal with these brats."

A flurry of motion occurred just then; first, the young Chinese had stood up abruptly. He had just about enough of being insulted by this condescending bastard! Anger was flashing dangerously in obsidian eyes, his actions were followed by the others who stood to back up their comrade. The Aurors, in turn, backed up a step while steadying their wands on the teenagers.

"Exactly who are you referring to as brats, you disgraceful waste of flesh," retorted Wufei, his sloe eyes narrowed dangerously as he glared at the man, fists clenched painfully tight. Heero then laid a placating hand upon the taller Asian's shoulder, whispering something to him before Wufei finally relented, calming slightly. At this, Duo bit his bottom lip hard, his mask faltering before disappearing, and looked away from the scene with hurt.

"Please, I'm sure there's no need for hostility here," implored Quatre, his manner cool and collected. Ever the voice of reason.

"I agree completely. So come off it, Red," offered Tonks, giving a wink to the blonde Arab. A smile of thanks was returned by the boy.

The man, now known as Red, looked as though he was about to object, but after taking a deep, calming breath, he finally submitted. "Okay, then. You five, come with us, we need to get this sorted out." This brought Duo's attention back with full force.

"Wait a minute, no way are we just going to-"

"Duo, it's all right. They won't do any harm to us."

"Well, if you say so Q-man."

"That's right, everybody just follow us, and we'll get to the bottom of this," said Tonks, cheerfully. So off they went.

(A month later)

Severus Snape was absolutely livid, to say the least. Not only was the school term about to start in the nearing September month, where once more would he be forced to endure his students' presence, but Albus had "requested" him and the rest of the school's faculty to attend earlier than normally scheduled. Seething with anger, he sat stiffly in his chair in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry staffroom, accompanied by his colleagues, all of whom (including himself) were asked to join in this particular meeting. The doors swung open, effectively hushing the chatter that buzzed over the teachers, and in came the school's Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

A wizened old man the Headmaster was, weary face donned in wrinkles and half-moon glasses, while a tremendously long beard of snowy white fell over his front, his aged body clothed in a flourish of purple robes. Making his way to the table where the others were seated around, he carefully seated himself before the rest, sky-blue eyes twinkling softly as he greeted them. Losing patience fast, it was unsurprisingly Snape who broke the silence.

"What's the meaning of this Albus? I don't find it amusing that I was coerced to waste the rest of my well-earned vacation back at this school, especially when I know I don't have to."

"Severus, please. If I may?" A curt nod. "Now, I am sure many of you are wondering as to why I have called you here. To put it simply, not too long ago some new students had arrived, and require a fair share of tutoring before the new term begins. So, it is a favor that I ask of all of you to teach these fine young men, who will be starting their seventh year, as they require guidance with lessons concerning from the beginning of first year to sixth year material."

Totally and utterly unbelievable! "What?! Albus, what are you playing at? You can't possibly be serious; to teach six years worth of vital curriculum within only a few weeks before term begins is impossible. Who are these insolent children, anyway? To want to begin their seventh year without having learned anything at all prior to that, it's preposterous!"

"I am aware of all this, Severus. However, I find that you'll be pleasantly surprised with these students. They are very special, indeed, and would have no problems in learning all the material required. I have faith in their abilities, as should you."

A derisive snort was rudely given by the Potions Master. "I find it highly unlikely that they'd succeed. But, I'll agree to this ludicrous favor, it'd be satisfying to see you proven wrong for once."

Gracing those haggard features was a mysteriously saddened smile as the old Headmaster lightly shook his head. "Without a doubt these boys will succeed." Turning his attention to a stern looking witch, he kindly said, "Minerva, if you would," he gestured towards the door, "they're waiting outside."

The woman, known as Professor McGonagall (head of Gryffindor house and teacher of Transfiguration), complied obediently as she set to usher in their new pupils, but not before throwing a disapproving look towards the Potions Master for his outburst, even if she did grudgingly agree with him. Twisting the designed handle, she pulled back the door to allow entry, and in came five teenage boys, all dressed in plain black school robes.

"My friends," began the Headmaster, "I'd like you to meet Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, Quatre Winner, and Wufei Chang. Boys, these will be your tutors, feel free to become more acquainted with one another."

Severus noted how the braided youth and the blonde greeted them with a friendly smile. The young Chinese merely had his arms crossed, face shadowed by a frown, while the tallest of the five just quietly stood there, green eyes glancing every now and then over the faculty from under a long fringe of brown bangs. Lastly, his eyes caught the chilling gaze of dark Prussian-blue. An involuntary shiver ran down Severus' spine when those lifeless hues bored into his own, holding a deadly gleam in their depths, appearing ancient upon a face that was no older than 16 or 17…who was this boy?