An Ace in The Hole
Chapter Nine: The Devil's Dance Floor
A/N: Warning - Mature audiences only
Draco fell against the wall, just outside the entrance to the Slytherin common room, panting hard and clutching his side. Sweat was pouring from his face and he had to wipe his forehead to keep it out of his eyes. He knew that once he was inside his common room, that freak and his band of misfits wouldn't be able to touch him. He figured that he would simply wait until morning then tell Professor Snape all that had happened. A smirk curved his face as he imagined Potter, Granger and that Ravenclaw girl being expelled from the school.
Pushing himself up, he made his way over to the Slytherin entrance, recited the passphrase and waited for the door to slide open. His smirk faded, replaced by a look of horror, as the door slid open and two hooded figures stepped into the corridor; their wands drawn.
"W-What's going on?" Draco stumbled backwards, trying to keep his footing. "Who are –"
The two figures struck Draco with stinging hexes, dropping him to the floor in pain. He couldn't see the two figure's faces, but he knew that they were part of Potter's misfits. Somehow, they had gotten into the Slytherin common room and had been waiting for him. Draco forced himself to his feet and fled back up the stairs towards the main floor. He wasn't sure where he was going, but at this point he'd be happy to find a broom closet and curl up until morning.
As he crested the staircase, he heard a sound that chilled him to the bone.
"Draaacoo," cooed a high pitch voice from the floor above him. "Where did you run off to? Don't you want to play with me?"
Draco stifled a whimper by biting his hand as he dashed into the Great Hall, looking for a place to hide. He quickly made his way up to the staff table and hid behind the Headmaster's chair. It was the largest at the table and he could hide behind it without being seen. While he was still catching his breath, he heard one of the doors to the Great Hall swing open.
"Draaaccoo," called out the psychotic Ravenclaw as she entered the Great Hall. "Come out, come out wherever you are! What other games do you like to play?"
He could hear the light footsteps of the small demon coming closer and closer. He waited until she was almost behind him before jumping to his feet and leaping across the table. He sprinted through the Great Hall, bursting through the doors. Glancing back, his hearted leaped into his throat at the sight of the smile on the small girl's multicolored face as she skipped after him.
***ACE***
Ace stood silently outside the hospital wing, eyes closed. He was listening for the voice. It wasn't like the voices of the Watchers that he normally heard. This voice didn't criticize his actions. It didn't laugh merrily when he did something wonderful. It didn't wonder what he was going to do next. This was an audible voice.
"Time to feast!"
His eyes flew open as he sprinted off, following the voice as it echoed through the empty corridors. When he reached the staircase, he wasted no time. Closing his eyes, he leapt over the bannister. Focusing his magic, he landed safely on the floor below. With his eyes still closed, he listened for the voice or any sounds of movement. A small thud in the distance caught his attention. Again, he sprinted off down the corridor before him, towards the sound which intrigued him so. He reached the end and turned into the adjoining corridor to behold an intriguing sight. With a swipe of his hand, Ace became Harry.
"Well hello there, Ginny."
"Quinn?"
"Please. Let's not be so formal. Call me Harry."
Ginny was taken aback to see him. Clearly, she wasn't expecting to be found. There was something familiar, yet distant about the way she looked at him. Almost as though she was seeing him for who he was for the first time.
"W-What are you doing down here?"
"I heard something interesting and thought I'd go for a jog. How about you? What brings you down to the second floor?"
"I-I couldn't sleep. Thought a walk would help. Then I heard something running through the castle. Next thing I know, you come sprinting round the corner."
"Weren't you at supper tonight?"
"I-I wasn't hungry."
Harry smiled. "No wonder you couldn't sleep. You didn't have your pumpkin juice. Ya know what … this is the longest conversation we've had since I've been here."
That's when Harry saw it. Something behind the eyes. Something dark.
"Well, guess I'd better get back to the dorms. Night Harry."
She turned to leave, but Harry grasped her arm and felt an unnatural chill. When she looked back, the shadow of a smirk lingered on her face.
"You're not like the others in our house, Ginny. You're like me. You wear a mask too."
Mr. J had taught him about the power of a person's name. Saying it always brought about a response of familiarity. When he looked into her eyes, he saw none.
Her tone was instantly cold and hard. "What are you talking about?"
"When you're ready to 'play', you know where to find me."
Harry released her arm and watched as Ginny sprinted off without another word. He closed his eyes and waited, but the voice was gone.
"Interesting," Harry muttered to himself, swiping his face and becoming Ace once more.
Ace knew the Weasleys weren't a very complicated family. While the twins could be wicked at times, they weren't evil. Murder would never be an option for them. Yet he sensed a darkness about the youngest Weasley which just didn't fit. He would definitely keep a closer eye on her from now on.
***ACE***
Draco dived through an open door, into an abandoned classroom. Sliding under the table which lined the front of the room, he attempted to catch his breath. He tried to force himself to remain still, but his nerves were too badly shaken. The little devil would find him. He was sure of it.
"Draaaco!"
He wrapped his arms around his chest, trying not to panic.
"Draaaco!"
Her voice was drawing closer. Any moment the little freak would find him. He wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Draaaco!" The door to the classroom slid open. "Are you in here, Draco?"
He held his breath and waited.
"Come on Draco. I just want to play another game."
He wrapped his arms around his legs, making himself as small as possible. He could hear desks flipping over as she searched for him. Moments later he heard the door open then slam shut. He waited for several minutes before easing out from under the table.
"There you are!"
Draco spun around, time slowing as his fear piqued. He never saw her face before something heavy collided with his. He felt the back of his head hit the floor as all went black.
***ACE***
"Peeves!"
Ace waited outside the Great Hall for the wicked little poltergeist to appear. With a pop, the little man in the bowler hat appeared before him.
"Master summons Peevsie?"
"Been following me?"
"Forgive Peevsie, but there always be something wicked about when you wear your white face."
"No worries, Peeves." Ace flashed a wicked smile. "Tell me … are there any places within this castle where someone might hide something big?"
"Oh yes. Peevsie knows of just the place!"
"Can you take me there?"
A toothy grin split the little imp's face. "Peevsie shall take you there, oh wicked one!"
***ACE***
John Constantine and Bruce Wayne entered the magical village of Hogsmeade. John had convinced Bruce to keep the cowl hidden until it was necessary. The rune covered amulet John had given Bruce allowed his to pass easily through the Muggle repellent charms and other wards which surrounded the village. He hoped the same could be said for those guarding the castle.
"What can I do for you?" asked a bearded man as they entered a local inn called the Hog's Head.
"Hello Aberforth."
"Constantine? Is that you?"
"In the flesh. This is my apprentice, Bruce Mage."
Bruce nodded to the bearded inn keeper.
"What brings you here?"
"I've come to see Albus Dumbledore," John replied with a smirk.
The inn keeper mirrored his look. "I take it that Albus isn't expecting you?"
"The less you know, the better."
"Should be the motto for the Hog's Head!" The man roared with laughter at his own wit.
Bruce smiled, but he didn't care for all the niceties. As Bruce Wayne, he was often forced to play the 'playboy' to keep himself above suspicion. Playing nice while 'undercover' wasn't normally his style.
The man showed them up to a clean yet dingy room, where they could spend the night. At dawn, they would head up to the castle.
"What's on your mind?"
"Why do you think something's on my mind?"
"Oh, come off it, Bruce. I can almost hear your thoughts. I'm just looking for some clarification."
"I despise the waiting."
"I understand that the night is more your thing, but it's best to wait until the morning. Less chances of being hexed." John lit up a silk and drew off a long haul. "One of the advantages of wizard living. They never worry about second-hand smoke."
"Do what you want." Bruce withdrew his 'work clothes' and pulled on the cowl. "I'm headed out."
"Remember, Bruce. Hogwarts and Hogsmeade are teaming with witches, wizards and all manner of magical beings. A hooded cloak would be less conspicuous than a cowl."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Before John could say another word, Batman was off out the upper window. He knew John was right, so he pulled on a cloak over top his gear as he made his way up the winding path to the castle grounds. He would have to search along the outer wall for a weakness once he got close, knowing the caretaker wouldn't simply let him in. He wondered how often the wizards of Hogwarts tested their securities.
Upon approaching the outer wall, Batman was unnerved to see the gates standing open. Was the security so laxed that the caretaker often forgot to close the gates at night, or had the Joker beat him there?
He slipped into the grounds and edged along the shadows of the forest until he reached the caretaker's hut. Immediately, the booming barking of a massive dog inside the hut alerted the world to his presence. Batman slipped into the forest for cover and waited, but the half-giant didn't burst from the hut with his trusty crossbow. Now, he was certain there was trouble.
Throwing caution to the wind, he quickly made his way towards the castle. He kept to the shadows, but he was now watching for signs that his old nemesis was about. He reached the wall of the castle without a single obstacle in his path. Not being one to use the front door, he grappled to the lowest balcony and decided it was the best place to begin.
***ACE***
A tickling sensation was the first thing Draco felt. The next thing was the ropes which bound his arms, followed by the ropes that bound his legs. His eyes flew open to see the ceiling in the hospital wing. Panic flooded his aching body as he struggled to break free.
"Oh look, Stain dear. He's awake."
He lifted his head to see Granger and the Ravenclaw girl standing at the end of his bed.
"You were naughty to run, Malfoy," purred Granger.
She walked slowly around his bed, brandishing a silver knife as she drew closer to his torso.
"You don't scare me, G-Granger! You won't do me in. You're a Gryffindor."
Granger laughed. "Granger's not here right now. Now, why do you think I do you in, Malfoy? What could I possibly gain from your death?"
"How would we ever have any fun?"
He tore his eyes away from Red's (Granger's) face to see the Ravenclaw demon walking slowly up the other side of his bed, tickling his side with her finger as she did.
"Know what the difference is?" asked Red.
"Between pain and pleasure?" asked Stain.
"Please let me go."
"Don't lose your edge, Malfoy."
"Yes, Draco. Don't give up. Just give in."
"What do you want?"
"I want you to be mine, Malfoy."
He could feel the edge of the blade sliding slowly across his shirt. She was merely scraping the fabric as she toyed with him.
"Thought you'd be saving yourself for Potter!" hissed Draco, attempting to reclaim his nerve. "Or has he already had his way with you?"
Red tilted her head to one side. "Who?"
"P-Quinn!"
Red smiled. "Oh, you mean Ace."
"Do you know the difference?" whispered Stain in his left ear.
"Between pain and pleasure?" whispered Red in his right.
It took everything he had to keep from screaming as a tear betrayed him.
"Nothing," whispered both girls at the same time.
Draco closed his eyes and braced himself for the worst. His eyes flew open as he felt soft fingers grasp his bare foot.
"It's your turn, little sister."
He jerked his head up to see Red handing a silver knife to Stain. He tried to pull his foot free from her grasp, but the rope held it still. He struggled and pulled as hard as he could, the ropes digging into his wrists and ankles.
"First, we play, Malfoy, then you'll tell us everything we want to know."
"I'll tell you anything you want to know! I swear!"
Draco pulled harder, his blood beginning to soak his bindings.
"Not until after we play, Draco. We have to follow the rules."
He shook the bed, pulling with every muscle he had. "What rules!"
"Take the little one, sister dear."
Before Draco could say another word, his screams pierced the silence, echoing throughout the sleeping castle.
***ACE***
Ace waited until Malfoy's screams ceased before entering the hospital wing. He crept in slowly to find his ladies admiring their work as Malfoy quivered in the bed, sobbing silently.
"How's the patient?"
"Malfoy has been a simply lovely patient."
"Draco's ready to tell us whatever we want to know or do whatever we ask. Aren't you?"
Draco nodded, refusing to look at anyone while Stain ran her hand up and down his torn shirt.
"Lucky man, Malfoy," sighed Ace. "Having two caring nurses tending to you. Unfortunately, I require the services of the lovely Red."
"What do you wish for me to do?" Red breathed, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Patience," whispered Ace, before darting to the head of Draco's bed, leaning close to his head. "Be strong, Malfoy. One day, you'll have a 'Monster' to slay."
Ace seized Red's hand and drew her close to his side as a gasp escaped her lips. "Stain, dear, play all you want with Malfoy. Just don't break him."
Stain grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the side of the bed, hopping into it and smiling. "It'll be just like making a friend!"
Ace smiled warmly at his wonderful Stain before turning to Red. "Ready?"
"Always."
***ACE***
It was as he had feared. The students and faculty of the castle were under some sort of sleeping potion. Well, most of the students. Batman had run across several students which we more than awake. He knew then this wasn't his nemesis's work. It was his apprentice. The Headmaster had bitten off more than he could chew this time.
He slipped out one of the windows on the seventh floor, then grappled over to the Headmaster's office. The use of owls made them quite susceptible to entrance from the outside. While the school had wards in place to combat various forms of magical attacks, it was too dependent upon the Muggle repellent charms to keep it safe from people like him or the Joker.
Entering the office, he found the Headmaster sound asleep at his desk and the portraits, which filled the office walls, empty. An ominous sign indeed. Batman tried several times to wake the age-d Professor, yet nothing would break the spell. Figuring the spell would wear off at daybreak, he decided to investigate. Unless Ace was nothing like his teacher, he would want an audience to behold his craft.
Batman wanted to know exactly what Ace was up to. If he was truly like the Joker, he would probably have to ask the boy himself.
***ACE***
"Where are we?"
"The seventh floor."
"I know that. I mean, why?"
Ace smirked as he let go of Red's hand and slowly began to pace in front of the bare wall. After his third pass, he opened his eyes to see the door. Red's smile would have made a 'normal' person run in fear, but he found it as intoxicating as any liquor he had ever tasted.
He pushed open the door, bowing low to his queen. "After you."
He could hear Red gasp as the torches sprung to life. The room was magnificent, just as he had envisioned in his head.
"Where are we?"
"Peeves calls it the come and go room. It can become whatever room you want."
"This is what you envisioned?" breathed Red, looking about the room.
"It's all I've been wanting to do since the moment you told me your secret."
Red spun round, her eyes locking with his. "Really? I thought you said you've never –"
"I haven't," interrupted Ace. "I want you to be my first."
"You think you're ready?"
"Mr. J always told me to never fear the unknown. Sometimes you just have to leap."
He remembered the first time he leapt from the top of a building while being pursued. He had to trust in what made him the 'freak'. Eyes closed, he jumped. It was the most terrifying and exhilarating moment of his life. He let his magic surge and found himself safely four blocks away. From that moment on, he sought out the unknown, desperate to learn more.
Red walked slowly up to him. "Take my hand."
Red waved her wand and music suddenly filled the room. "We'll go slow, okay?"
Ace sighed, "I'm yours to command."
Red smiled as she pulled him into the center of the room. "Follow my lead."
With that, they were dancing. Back and forth they went. He watched her footwork and mimicked it.
"You're doing wonderful. You sure you never –"
"Time to pick up the pace," growled Ace.
"You sure?"
Ace pulled her close, whispering into her ear, "Try me."
Red waved her wand and the music changed to a livelier rag-time tune. He watched with delight as her eyebrows disappeared into her hairline as he showed off some of his more impressive moves. Round and round they went, the enchanted room adapting to the mood. The torches flared as the pace increased.
Ace laughed as he swung his Red round, dipping her as she wrapped a leg about his waist. He could feel her perspiration and slapped her thigh playfully as he drew her back to him. Her enchanted eyes burned red as they bore into his, a wicked smile curving her face. The madness was consuming her. He had seen such looks before, but never directed at him.
"You said you've never danced before," breathed Red.
Ace laughed. "I said I've never danced with a girl before. Aunt Harley's a woman! Now, I know two lovely ladies who can dance and knock a man cold!"
Red threw her head back and laughed. "Will I ever understand you?"
"One day, Red," breathed Ace. "One day you'll know all my secrets."
The appearance of a little man, floating in the air and wearing a bowler hat, temporarily halted the festivities.
"Something amiss, Peeves?" asked Ace casually.
"The large bat you asked Peevsie to watch for is here at Hogwarts. He's in the Headmaster's office."
"I knew he would come!" Ace wore a greedy smile.
"How did the Muggle get in?" questioned Red, her brow furrowed.
Ace laughed. "He's no mere Muggle! He's the Batman! He always gets into places he shouldn't and his timing is always the same!"
"What should we do? Show him the ways of magic?"
"Not yet, my dear," simpered Ace, kissing her hand. "First, we play with the bat. Then, we tear off his wings! Keep an eye on him, Peeves. Let me know when he comes near. It may truly be a wicked night!"
Peeves flew off, cackling as he went.
"Now, my dear, … let's dance!"
Ace's manic elation filled the room as he and Red danced on without a care in the world. The Batman had come too late and was in too deep. Once he was done having his fun, he would welcome the Batman in style.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Please review. Hope you enjoyed the update. No beta, so all mistakes are on me.
