(A/N: Wow, twelfth chapter already. Man, this story went by fast. Well, fast for me anyway. This chapter is devoted to mithrilandtj, Ox King, Chipseet, and Anonymous, for faithfully reviewing my last chapter. I have to say, I was a little disappointed with everyone else. This is my most popular story! I have over fifty alerts on this thing! Over twenty favs! Over 10,000 hits! And only four of you took the time to drop a comment on my longest chapter yet? That made me feel very un-motivated. Think some more of you can drop a review on this chap? Just a small one? I'll update sooner… (Waves a finished chapter thirteen.))
Harry woke up to the bright light of the sun filtering through his window, raising him and beckoning him into a new day. Groggily, he swung his feet off the bed and stood, rubbing sleep out of his eyes as he shoved his glasses roughly on.
It took a good few minutes for his brain to fully awaken and start to have longer thought processes than "Get up."
But when it did, Harry could not help but smile.
He felt more light-hearted than he had felt in a long while. He was on good terms with Batman again. Better than good terms, even. Batman had finally given in, finally accepted the bound that had gradually formed between the two of them, and would no longer shut him out. Harry no longer had to worry about his dark friends mood swings any longer. They were friends.
And even better, Harry had promised to help Batman get the one thing he'd wanted since the moment he woken up in the Hospital Wing a little over a week ago.
His freedom.
A small wash of sadness came over him at the thought, temporarily sobering up his good mood. As much as he wanted to help Batman in any way possible, he did not want the American to leave. He had come to like the Dark Knight more than he had ever thought possible, and learned a lot about him and himself in the process. He was connected to the detective, and he had a feeling that their meeting had not been by chance. Harry wasn't a big believer in fate, but this instance might be the exception.
Pulling out his robes from his messy trunk, Harry hurriedly got dressed, suddenly conscious that he was the only one left in the dorm. He didn't think it was too late in the morning, but he didn't want to be late for his classes. Especially since first period was potions. Snape was not very forgiving with tardiness.
Hopping up and down on one foot, Harry pulled on his socks and shoved on his shoes, rushing out of the dormitory and down the stairs and into the Common Room.
He let out a breath of relief to see it was fairly crowded. He hadn't overslept too much then. It looked like the majority of the Gryffindor's hadn't even gone down to breakfast yet.
Scanning the room, Harry's mood brightened as he spotted Batman, half-in and half-out of the shadows, talking—or probably more like listening—to Ron. Grinning, he made his way towards them, his light-heartiness returning despite his dread of seeing Batman leave. He might as well make the time he had left with him last.
"Mornin'," he said when he reached them, stiffening a sudden yawn that had come over him.
"Good morning to you too, sleepy head," Ron said, grinning at him. "When I got up you were so out I thought you were dead. How long did you stay up last night?"
Harry shrugged, his gaze flickering guiltily to Batman for a second. "I stayed up late studying," he lied, not wanting to share the time he had spent with Batman last night with Ron. He felt bad for keeping it from his best friend, but it was something sort of private.
Ron didn't seem to suspect anything for a minute. "Not that Potions essay by any chance? I can't figure out the ingredients…Hermione won't tell me, and she's had hers done for a week!"
Harry laughed. "No, not that one. I'm going to do it tonight."
"Good, we can do it together," Ron said, looking relieved. He glanced over his shoulder and frowned. "What are they up to now?" he muttered, and Harry turned to see Fred and George slinking out of the Common Room, hunched over something concealed in their arms.
"I better go see what they're up to," Ron sighed. "See you at breakfast?"
"Sure," Harry said, and watched Ron take off after his twin brothers, who saw him coming and made a break for the portrait hole. Smirking slightly, he turned to Batman.
"So," he said.
"So," Batman said, mocking Harry's voice in a perfect imitation. He smiled at Harry's stunned expression.
"How'd you do that?" Harry asked, aghast.
"I pride myself in being able to impersonate anyone I wish to," Batman explained, smirking slightly. Disguise and impersonation was one of his specialties.
Harry raised an eyebrow, taking this new fact in. He was starting to have a small list of new things he was learning about the Dark Knight every day.
Shaking his head to clear his brain, Harry focused on what he had wanted to ask. "When do you want to talk to Dumbledore?"
"Right after breakfast," Batman answered automatically. He had obviously thought of this before hand.
"Sounds good," Harry agreed, nodding. "What should I say?"
"Anything you wish to say to him to convince yours—and his—trust in me," Batman said, eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm not going to feed you lines. He'll see right through that. He needs to hear your own views, straight from you. The truth. Nothing sugar-coated."
Harry nodded, glad that Batman had the same idea he had been thinking, and doubly glad that Batman was putting his trust in him to say the right thing. He had already started to rehearse the things he wanted to tell Dumbledore, not wanting to ruin Batman's chances one bit.
"Are you coming down to breakfast then?" Harry asked, a hopeful note in his voice.
"Yes," Batman said, and Harry felt his spirits sore. He didn't know what it was about Batman, but he wanted to spend as much as time with the older man. He wanted to learn from him, wanted to be able to move with his grace and style, and most of all he wanted to impress him. Harry guessed it was nature, to want to impress someone bigger and stronger than you. And how amazing Batman was only increased the need.
"See you there, then," he said, and turned to leave the Common Room, unable to wipe the grin off his face. For once, everything was perfect.
Hermione met him half way, eyes sparkling with curiosity as she headed down to the Great Hall with him.
"Why are you so happy?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing," Harry said.
Hermione frowned. "Harry," she said sternly. "Obviously something's happened. What are you so thrilled about? What happened?"
"I'm in Batman's good book, Hermione," Harry said, unable to keep himself from spilling the beans any longer. "He told me he wasn't going to shun be anymore. He said he's accepted me for who I am."
Hermione's jaw dropped slightly, and she stared at Harry in shock. "Seriously?"
"Yep!" Harry said, almost skipping from joy. "And that's not even the best part."
"What?" Hermione asked, eyes wide.
"He asked me to vouch my trust in him to Dumbledore."
Hermione's agape mouth widened into an O. "Really? He asked you to do that? To Dumbledore?"
"Yeah," Harry said, grinning from ear to ear.
"What did you say?"
"Well, yes of course. I'm not going to let him down."
Hermione suddenly stopped short, and Harry had to backtrack himself to come back alongside her.
"What is it?" he asked, suddenly concerned. His eyes flickered around the hall, looking for signs of trouble, but nothing presented itself.
"Harry," she whispered, frowning. "Are you sure you want to vouch for him? If you convince Dumbledore to trust him…Batman's going to leave. Probably forever."
Harry's smile slipped and he too frowned. He had been thinking the same thing. "I know," he said finally, after a moment of silence. "And…I'm going to miss him. But I can't let him down on this. He needs me to help him got out of here, so he can stop this cat-lady from doing too much damage with the Die Katze. You saw how worried Dumbledore was. This statue is dangerous, and Batman might be the only one who can stop it."
Hermione bit her lip, nodding. "Still," she said. "You…seemed so happy by the fact that he's accepted you. But once he's nullified the threat, he's not going to come back, Harry. He doesn't like it here-hate being maybe too strong of a word-but he certainly doesn't feel comfortable here. He might like you, but he's not going to announce that he's going to live at Hogwarts for the remainder of the year."
Harry looked down at his shoes, focusing glumly on his shoelace. "I know," he said softly. "But we've made so much headway that…I hope he'll at least stay in contact. So that I can write to him during the summer or something. Stay in touch."
Hermione's faced softened into one of sympathy. "But will he even allow something like that?" she asked gingerly. "Harry…do you even know his name?"
Harry opened his mouth to respond, but closed it as he realized she was right. He had no idea what Batman's real identity was. He had no idea what his actual name was, or what he looked like under the mask. How could he have been such a fool? How could he have even considered having a relationship with Batman after he had left for good? It wasn't possible. His duties as a hero came first.
He sighed sadly, the happiness he had been feeling deflating. "I guess you're right," he said softly. "But…I still have to vouch for him. As an acquaintance, if nothing more."
Hermione nodded, and the two of them started to walk again in silence. "I…didn't mean to bring you down," she said after a moment. "But I just wanted you to be prepared for the hit before it came."
"It's fine," Harry said, looking off to the side, away from her. "I should of seen it coming anyway. I knew it was too good to be true."
The walked the rest of the way to the Great Hall in silence, taking their seats next to Ron at the Gryffindor table, the redhead happily oblivious to Harry's sudden glumness, filling the meal with much chatter.
Halfway through, Batman arrived, taking a seat next to Harry. Harry managed to give him a weak smile. Even though he knew their relationship couldn't last, he still wanted to make every second left with his role model count.
The meal went by considerably fast, Ron's constant talking keeping the ball rolling. None to soon, breakfast had ended, and Ron and Hermione started to make their way back to the Common Room.
Ron stopped halfway out, noticing Harry wasn't with them. Looking back, he saw that he was still with Batman, looking like he wasn't leaving anytime soon. "You coming?" he called back to him.
Harry shook his head, motioning for them to go on without him.
Shrugging, Ron turned and left, Hermione following him after a brief moment of hesitation.
Harry bit his lip as he and Batman walked up to Dumbledore, sitting patiently, eyes sparkling with interest as the two of them approached. Despite himself, he was nervous. He was terrified that he would let a wrong word slip and Dumbledore wouldn't let Batman leave. Harry didn't really want him to leave, but he wanted to let down his friend even less.
"What can I do for the two of you?" Dumbledore asked politely as Batman and Harry reached him, peering at them from over his half-moon spectacles.
"Harry came to tell you something," Batman said, nodding reassuringly at Harry.
Harry gulped as the searching blue eyes fell on him. "What is it you would like to tell me, Harry?" the Headmaster asked, voice neutral and calm.
Harry swallowed, trying to moisten his suddenly very dry mouth. "I…I'd like to vouch for Batman," he said faintly.
Dumbledore raised a thin eyebrow. "Vouch for him?" he repeated. "You would like to vouch for this mans trust?"
"Yes," Harry said firmly, trying to gain control over his fluttering heart.
Dumbledore stared into his eyes for a long time, and Harry shivered as he once again had the sensation that the Headmaster was reading his thoughts. Then finally, he looked away, turning his attention to Batman.
"So you have gained someone's trust," he said softly, blue eyes scanning Batman thoughtfully.
"So I have," Batman said, his rough voice giving nothing away. "I assume our arrangement still stands."
"It does," Dumbledore confirmed, slowly rising from his chair. "Let us continue this conversation in my office," he suggested. "We will have more privacy there."
Harry and Batman nodded in agreement and followed the old man out of the Great Hall.
Harry felt increasingly nervous with each step as the silent three-some neared Dumbledore's office. The last time he had been this freaked out was when he had been waiting for Professor McGonagall to come back to lead him and the rest of the first years into the Great Hall on his first day. He hadn't known what the Sorting was, and was freaked it might be some sort of test. Luckily, it wasn't.
This, unfortunately, was worse than a test.
They reached the stone gargoyle in only a couple minutes flat, but it felt like an eternity to poor Harry. Dumbledore might not be the scariest of interrogators—far from probably how scary Batman would be, Harry could scarcely imagine—but that made him no less nervous.
Albus lead them up the twisting staircase into the comfy office, gesturing for the two of them to take a seat. Harry listlessly obeyed, sitting in the chair in front of Dumbledore's desk, but Batman, as expected, ignored the gesture, taking up an imposing solid position behind Harry. If Harry didn't know Batman he would have been terrified, but instead the Dark Knights presence seem to comfort him and calm his nerves. Slightly, at least. He was not alone.
Dumbledore took his time taking his own seat, easing himself into his decorated chair. Folding his hands neatly, he once again peered at Harry over his half-moon spectacles, his gaze soft and curious. Harry did not feel threatened—only exposed by those haunting blue orbs.
"So," Dumbledore said. "Let us make sure I have this completely straight before we begin. You wish to vouch for the Batman's trust, Harry?"
"Yes," Harry said, keeping his voice as steady and sure as he could.
Dumbledore nodded, staring into Harry's green eyes for a long moment before continuing. "And you are aware if you vouch for him and convince me of his trust, that he will be able to leave Hogwarts forever if he so chooses?"
Harry swallowed. "Yes," he said.
Dumbledore sat back in his chair thoughtfully. His eyes flickered briefly to Batman. "You trust him?" he asked.
"Completely," Harry said truthfully, remembering what Batman had said earlier. Be honest. Dumbledore would see right through him if he lied.
"And why is that?" Dumbledore asked, cocking his head slightly as if he really truly wanted to know the answer.
Harry bit his lip, suddenly unsure of how to respond. He knew the answer. He trusted Batman completely because of what he had confessed the night before. How his own parents were killed, and how alike he and Harry were. And then how he had admitted he saw Harry like a son…just as Harry was starting to look up to him like the father he never had.
Harry could no longer deny his trust in the dark detective after that. But he couldn't tell Dumbledore about it. It was personal. Very personal, on both sides.
Unsure, he glanced behind him at the silent form of Batman, his question shinning in his eyes.
And to his surprise, Batman nodded to him. "Tell him," he said, his usually rough voice softening slightly, hinting at the nicer one that would sometimes escape him. "If that's why you trust me, tell him. He needs to know the truth."
Harry was a little taken aback. He didn't think Batman would even consider letting him tell Dumbledore about the things he had confessed the night before—even for his freedom. It seemed so personal, and Harry had a feeling Batman hated talking about personal things.
But he had just told Harry to spill the beans anyway. Taking a big breath, Harry turned back to Dumbledore, who was waiting patiently for his answer.
"Last night," Harry began. "I…snuck out, and… and Batman followed me, but I didn't know it. And then I stumbled across this room, with a mirror in it. And when I looked it in…when I looked in it I saw…"
He trailed off for a second, trying to get a grip on himself.
"I saw my parents," he whispered, a sudden wash of emotion threatening to take over. "It was the first time I'd ever seen them. And they looked so happy to see me, smiling and waving…it was torture to not be able to actually, you know, touch them. Hug them, be with them. I guess I sort of…broke down a little bit until Batman showed himself. He didn't get why I was seeing my parents in the mirror, because all he could see was me. So I let him look into it and then…"
He broke off, glancing at Batman uncertainly for a moment. But the hero simply nodded. "Go on," he said.
"He…saw his parents too," Harry said softly, noticing how Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly at his words. "And…well he…" he glanced at Batman; at loss of how to describe what happened next. How Batman had broken down and cried, staring at the picture in the mirror. And then his heart-felt confession that went straight to Harry's already vulnerable heart.
"Then he told me," Harry said softly. "Told me how his parents were murdered when he was ten. And how he too was orphaned, and swore to never let what happened to him happen to anyone else. So he became Batman to wipe out crime in his city and avenge his parents' death. And then…then he…"
He trailed off again, this time unable to continue.
"And then I told you how I could not stop seeing you like a son," Batman finished for him softly. "And that I could no longer push you out and I was ready to accept you for who you are."
Harry turned his head around, shocked, gaping at Batman. He didn't think the silent detective would ever tell Dumbledore something like that.
Batman simply stared down at him and shrugged, a rare smile forming on his lips. "Honesty, Harry," he said. "Remember it."
Harry broke into a smile. "I will," he said truthfully.
"Well, that was unexpected," Dumbledore said suddenly, causing Harry to jump. He had almost forgotten the Headmaster was there. He turned back around, eyes wide to find the old man smiling at him, blue eyes shinning.
"I have to say, I'm impressed," he said told Batman, taking in the solemn Dark Knight before him with new eyes. "I did not think it possible for you to gain such trust from someone. But you certainly have." He looked back at Harry again, a slight wonder in his eyes that made Harry feel a rush of unexpected pride.
"So you trust me?" Batman asked, a slight edge of hopefulness creeping into his voice.
"Yes," Dumbledore said, nodding, and Harry noticed Batman's muscles slacken slightly in relief. "I did not think I would when you first approached me, but I am entirely convinced now. You two have a bond that I did not believe possible…" he trailed off, looking like he had something else to add to the sentence, but had decided not to finish it.
"You are free to go," he said instead, spreading his arms for emphasis. "You may come and go to Hogwarts as you please. Consider yourself our ally."
Batman smiled despite himself. He could go. He was free! "Thank you," he said truthfully, nodding respectfully at Dumbledore, before turning to go.
He stopped before he had even made it halfway to the door.
Turning, he looked back into the sad green eyes he knew would be waiting for him. Harry. Harry, the boy who had just won him his freedom, and without he would still be stuck here for who knew how long.
The boy he had come to love and care about.
He couldn't just leave him, could he?
He'll be fine. He told himself. He's safe here, amongst friends. You don't belong here. You've never belonged here. It's better to get out, and get back to work.
He fiddled with this for a moment, knowing the words were right, but not true to his heart. He couldn't just leave Harry in the dust like that. Not after what had happened between them. They were friends now, more then friends. They were connected, and Batman could not bring himself to cut the ties he had just formed.
But yet, he could no longer stay here. That, he knew for sure. He was Batman. He had Gotham City to protect, and currently, Catwoman to stop. He had other priorities he needed to attend to.
At loss, Batman stared into Harry's emerald eyes, at a crossroad once again, with no easy answer as of which one to take in sight.
"Harry…" he said uncertainly, trailing off as he found himself unable to complete the sentence.
Harry flashed him a weak smile. "Go," he said. "Go. You don't belong here. You need to go, and do what you do best. I'll be here. I'll always be here, if…if you need me." The words seemed to pain him, and Batman could hear the emotion in his voice. And in that moment he realized just how strong of a bond he had with the small wizard boy. He couldn't cut the ties with him. Not yet.
"No," he said firmly.
Harry shook his head, standing up and walking up to Batman, face set. "No," he said. "Go. I don't want you to stop yourself from doing your job because of me."
"No," Batman said, shaking his head.
"Batman, I mean it, go and—"
"I want you to come with me."
Harry stared at him, flabbergasted, completely thrown off guard by his words. "What…what did you say?"
"Come with me," Batman said again, adrenaline starting to build up in his system. "Help me find Catwoman. We can fight her, together. Both of our powers and strengths, combined."
Harry was stunned, mouth flapping uselessly. Wordlessly, he turned to looked at Dumbledore, who was watching the exchange with a small smile.
"Professor?" Harry asked, not daring to hope.
"Go," Dumbledore said. "Go with him. Find Catwoman, and find out what she's planning. Then come back, and we can attack her together."
He looked straight at Batman as he said this, who had opened his mouth to object. "The Die Katze is quite possibly one of the most powerful magical objects in the world," he said firmly, staring at Batman hard from above his spectacles. "You are going to need all the magical help you can get."
Batman closed his mouth, nodding. He didn't like accepting wizarding help, but in this situation…well, it looked like he had no choice. "Agreed," he said. "I'll stay the night. We'll leave tomorrow morning."
"Good," Dumbledore agreed. "But I must warn you: if anything happens to Harry, I must hold you responsible. Are you prepared to take that responsibility?"
"Yes," Batman said, without hesitation.
"Then you are free to go," Dumbledore said.
Batman nodded respectfully to him and turned to leave again, Harry following still slightly stunned at his heels.
"Oh, and Batman?"
Bruce looked back. "Yes?"
"Before you leave tomorrow…you still owe me all your knowledge on Catwoman."
Batman smiled slightly. "Of course," he said, turning again, cape swishing.
"I am a man of my word."
~O~
Harry sat in his favorite chair in the Common Room, hardly able to contain his excitement.
Ron sat in the chair across from him, mouth forming a perfect O. Hermione, on the couch, too looked utterly shocked.
Harry had just finished telling them about Batman's proposal.
"No way!" Ron exploded, bouncing in his seat. "No flippin' way!"
"I'm completely serious," Harry said, unable to wipe the grin off his face. He was going to go with Batman! He was going to be his partner! Well…at least, for a little while. Batman hadn't said anything about after they had defeated Catwoman, but Harry wasn't worried about that. He didn't want to be Batman's full time partner. He was just glad that he was going to spend more time with the Dark Knight before his eventual departure back to Gotham City. It was not yet their final goodbye. Instead, it was the beginning of what might be their finest adventure.
"I can't believe Dumbledore is letting you go Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "First years' aren't supposed to leave the school grounds!"
"He's making an exception because I'm with Batman," Harry explained. "If anything happens to me, Batman's responsible. Not that the Dursley's would care anyway."
"I'm sooo jealous!" Ron said, face green with envy. "You're soo lucky! Why don't I ever get to do all the fun stuff? Do you think Dumbledore would let me go to?"
"No, silly," Hermione snorted. "Dumbledore let Harry because Batman asked Harry to come specifically. Cause he likes him. He's not going to want you slowing him down."
"I thought he liked me…" Ron muttered, though he didn't look too disappointed or hurt.
"When are you leaving?" Hermione asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Harry said. "Dumbledore has already told all my teachers that I'll be gone and that I'm exempt from homework until I get back."
"And when is that?" Ron asked.
Harry shrugged. "Dunno. As long as it takes to find Catwoman and figure out what she's up to, I guess. Batman doesn't think it'll take too long though. I think he knows more than he's letting on."
"I'm just worried you're going to get hurt Harry," Hermione said worriedly.
"I'll be fine Hermione," Harry assured her. "I'm with Batman. I don't think I'd feel safer with anyone else in the world."
~O~
The rest of the day seemed to drag for Harry. Classes seemed to go by in slow motion, agonizingly slow for Harry's excited and anxious brain. He wanted tomorrow morning to come so bad it was giving him a headache. Why couldn't it just be tomorrow already?
Finally, after what seemed like forever, dinner came along and classes ended. Harry happily joined Ron and Hermione in trekking down to the Great Hall, Batman trailing as usual behind him. He was so glad that Batman was still there. The thought of having to walk down the hall without the usual shadowing figure was saddening and suddenly foreign after a week of it being constantly there. He was just happy he didn't have to deal with that quite yet.
They took their seats, the whole hall abuzz with gossip as the school chatted about Harry and Batman's mission. As always, the whole school had heard about before long, and Harry was getting curious and awe-filled gazes just as much as jealous ones.
He didn't mind though. It was all worth it to see Malfoy's face as he stalked up to him from the Slytherin table. He didn't even seem remotely scared of Batman anymore, he was so furious.
"I don't know what you're playing at, Potter," he spat. "But my Father will hear about this. First years' shouldn't be allowed outside of the school, and especially with the likes of him," he glared at Batman like he was a bug under his shoe, his anger overriding any fear that Batman had managed to install in him. Batman simply narrowed his eyes at him; unwillingly to jeopardize his new freedom rights with getting in a fight with a Slytherin that he would undoubtly win.
"Jealous are you, Malfoy?" Harry asked, amused. He couldn't help himself. Draco's face was too priceless.
"I hope the cat woman pounds your face in," he hissed, before stalking away with his nose in the air.
Ron broke out into laughter, unable to hold it in any longer. "Little prat," he chuckled. "Can't stand being out of the spotlight, can he?"
"Nope," Harry agreed. "He certainly can not."
Dinner was pleasant that evening. Harry had not had such a light-hearted meal in a long while. He was so happy he could hardly stop himself from smiling. He practically skipped from the hall, not even realizing that he had forgot his book bag at the Gryffindor table before he was halfway back to the Common Room.
"I'll be right back, guys," he told Ron and Hermione. "I forgot my book bag."
"Do you want us to come back with you?" Hermione asked.
"Nah, I'm fine," Harry said, waving away her offer. "See you back in the Common Room."
He left them, back tracking his way back to the Hall, humming a catchy tune that had wormed its way into his head.
He hadn't noticed the person behind him until it was to late.
There was a flash of blinding light and a crack, and Harry felt himself flying forward, slamming into the stonewall. He grunted in pain, falling into a limp heap.
Footsteps came over to him, and Harry could make out black shoes in front of his face before he received a nasty kick to the stomach, making him double over again.
"That's what you get, Potter," a voice hissed. With a sickening cringe, Harry recognized it as Malfoy's. Anger starting to flood his mind, Harry groped for his wand but felt it get roughly snatched away from him. Regaining some feeling, he looked up to see Draco above him, sneering and hold both his and Harry's wands in his hand.
"So how's it feel, Potter?" he asked, kicking Harry with full force, sending him slamming into the wall again, knocking the wind out of him. "Being on the floor, where you belong? Where's your sniveling Mudblood mother now Potter? Is she dead?"
The Slytherin smirked, hovering his foot over Harry's head, broken glasses askew. "I should squish you like an ant," he said, and Harry saw the foot start to come down, bracing himself for the pain—
But it never came. Mustering the strength to look up, Harry saw Malfoy flung away by a powerful kick of a black boot. His vision was hazy, his glasses having shattered when he had fallen, but Harry could just make out the dark shape flying past him with inhuman speed.
Batman.
A small sense of relief washed over him. Batman was here. Everything was going to be all right. Harry could hear Malfoy's terrified whimpers as Batman came to his rescue, but he could no longer muster up the strength to watch. His whole body hurt. He was sure he had cracked at least a few ribs from where Draco had kicked him, and his arm was on fire from where he had landed on it after he had hit the wall. He was in pain, and it was taking all his will power not to cry, let alone lift his head.
Suddenly a face came into Harry's blurry vision as Batman appeared at his side, masked face weird-looking with Harry's messed up double-vision. Concerned filled the little bit of his features that were visible. "Are you all right?" he asked, his rough voice completely replaced with the soft, almost musical one that Harry had only rarely heard escape him.
Harry tried to open his mouth to respond, but all that came out was a whimper as a fresh wave of pain hit him. Tears ran down his cheeks and he felt like an idiot for crying, but he couldn't help it. The pain and hurt was too much for the little bit of will power he had left.
Whimpering, he felt soft, gloved hands gingerly picking him up into the air as Batman cradled him against his armored chest, his cape tickling the end of Harry's nose. "I'm going to take you to the Hospital Wing," he whispered reassuringly to Harry. "Malfoy's gone. He can't hurt you anymore. It's going to be okay. Everything's going to be fine."
Harry could only whimper in response, but he felt a sense of calm come over him at Batman's reassuring words. He sounded so confident, so sure of himself. Nothing could go wrong when Batman was with him. Everything was going to be all right.
Batman carried him carefully through the halls to the Hospital Wing, gingerly placing Harry down on one of the beds when they reached it, knocking briskly on Madam Promfrey's door to alert her.
She came out in a fluster, eyes widening at the sight of Batman and widening still at the sight of Harry lying hurt and limp on the bed. She got straight to work on Harry, mending his broken ribs and arm with a few choice spells. She gave him a small potion to take that Harry obediently drank with some help, before he fell asleep, exhausted.
"He'll stay here for the night," Madam Promfrey informed Batman.
"Will he recover?" Bruce asked worriedly.
"He should be fine by morning," she said confidently. "You can report to Dumbledore what happened then. It's late now; you should go back to the Common Room and get some rest. I'll take care of him from here."
"I'm not leaving him," Batman said firmly, eyes narrowing.
"Really, he'll be fine," Madam Promfrey said, slightly confused by Batman's insistence. "No one can hurt him here."
"I still want to be by him," Batman said, his tone making it clear they would be no changing his mind.
Madam Promfrey shrugged. "Suit yourself," she murmured, before retreating back to her quarters.
Batman moved soundlessly over to Harry's sleeping form, taking up position at his side. He did not move, did not utter a sound. Nor did he sleep. He stayed that way, keeping silent vigil as he watched over Harry; long after midnight had come and gone.
He stayed that way the entire night, never leaving his side.
Staring at Harry's peacefully sleeping form, Batman made a solemn vow.
He would not allow Harry to ever be hurt like that again.
Not when he could stop it.
