An Ace In The Hole

by aadixon

Harry Potter was never raised by the Dursleys. Instead, he was raised under the watchful eye and tutelage of his mother's half-sister, Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel. When Harry finally returns to Wizarding world, he isn't quite what everyone is expecting.; AU; Dark Harry, Hermione, Luna, The Joker, Harley

15. The Devil's Daycare

An Ace in the Hole

Chapter Fifteen: The Devil's Daycare (Days of Heir)

"Sarah!"

A young girl hurried into a large study. "Yes, uncle?"

"Fetch me my tea."

"Forgive me, but can't Morry fetch your tea?"

Her uncle sat in a red velvet chair, reading a copy of the Daily Prophet. "He's busy fixing breakfast." He folded the paper over, then peered up at his great-niece. "Surely you can accomplish the task as well as any house-elf, or has your fondness for Muggle boys stifled your abilities to perform the simplest of magic?"

"No, uncle," the young girl stammered before hurrying out of the room.

Her uncle tossed the paper into the grate, watching the flames lick at the edges.

"Nothing worth reading?"

The man sprang to his feet, his wand drawn. The next moment, his wand spun through the air and out of sight as a white light struck him. He fell back into the chair, grasping his shoulder in pain. Someone grabbed the chair and spun it around.

A man roared with laughter. "Let's make some news!"

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my home?"

The man leaned closer, placing his hands upon the arms of the chair. A bright red grin covered his pale white painted face. "Morning, uncle. Wanna see a card trick?"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

The man's screams of terror echoed throughout the large manor home.

~~~ACE~~~

Ginny checked her surroundings as she eased through the Gryffindor common room. She could sense the presence of the diary. It called to her soul.

Then, she saw it. It sat discarded amongst a pile of books on the table. Ginny's eyes scanned the common room for any signs of life as she approached where it lay.

Her fingers grazed the spine as energy raced up her arm. She tried to resist its call. She tried to run, but the more she struggled, the heavier her chest became. With an almighty sigh, she picked up the book.

Truthfully, Ginny longed to speak to Tom. His words spoke to her heart. The sad fact remained that she needed Tom. Her one true friend.

She shoved the diary into her robes, then hurried up the stairs to the girl's dorms.

~~~ACE~~~

The moment Ginny slipped out of sight, Harry removed the invisibility cloak from him and Hermione.

"Now we know Ginny Weasley's dark secret," Harry chuckled.

"You really think she's the heir to Slytherin?"

"Nope," Harry sighed, popping the 'P'. "She has six brothers, a mother, and a father. If they were the heirs and she went rogue, they'd know that this was her. No, Tommy boy is pulling her strings like a puppeteer. The only question is, who makes him dance?"

"We should have Luna keep an eye on her when in classes together, and I'll keep tabs on her movements while in the girl's dorms."

"Agreed, my dear. Peeves can cloak her movements for the rest of the time." Harry snatched her hand to his lips as he brushed them over her knuckles. "She's gonna lead us to this heir, and when she does, I'm gonna introduce myself."

Hermione tried to conceal her shiver. "Should we rejoin the others back down in the Great Hall for breakfast?"

"And waste a prime opportunity to slip away for a stroll in the fresh January snow? Never, I say!"

With that, he offered her the hook of his arm, which she accepted. Together, they skipped out of the common room and down towards the snowy world beyond the entrance hall.

~~~ACE~~~

"Harry? What're you doing?"

Harry struck a 'Washington crossing the Delaware River' pose in the middle of the Gryffindor common room. "Today, we play Hufflepuff."

"Right," Dean muttered, "but why are you wearing a fedora?"

Harry lifted his school robes high, blocking his mouth from view. "Because today we play Hufflepuff!"

"Hey Harry," Neville greeted, hopping down the last few steps of the boy's dorms. "Ready to beat Hufflepuff today?"

Hermione folded up a copy of the Daily Prophet as she extracted herself from one of the comfy armchairs. "Of course he is, Nev. He's wearing a fedora."

"Excellent!"

Dean shook his head as he exited the common room, heading down for breakfast. Harry darted out the portrait hole behind him, making swishing sounds with his mouth. Hermione and Neville followed close behind.

When they reached the Great Hall, they found the twins and Oliver Wood waiting for them at the Gryffindor table.

"Harry, why are you wearing that hat?" Wood asked.

Harry descended upon an empty place at the table with his robes pushed back like a cape. "Because we're playing Hufflepuff!"

"Ah, right." Wood watched Harry from the corner of his eye. "Well, whatever gets you ready for the match."

"Who knows, Wood."

"Harry might catch the snitch …"

"... In the brim!"

"What are you two bloody talking about?" Wood retorted. "Harry can't wear that hat during the match."

Harry looked up from his plate of eggs and sausage. "Why not?"

"Madam Hooch will never let you wear it during the match. That's why not."

Harry yawned. "Hermione, enlighten Oliver."

"My pleasure." Hermione inclined her head to Harry before addressing the unfortunate Quidditch Captain. "Due to what some people refer to as 'Harry's unusual behavior', I've read every single book on the game of Quidditch that the Library here at Hogwarts has to offer, which is quite a lot, really. And while there are restrictions prohibiting players from wearing enchanted clothing, or any object that gives the player an unfair advantage, nothing is banning a player from wearing headwear. Now, I'm fully aware of the uniform dress code for Hogwarts Quidditch players. However, the dress code clause states that a player can opt to wear headgear for added protection. In other words, if Harry wanted to wear a stuffed chicken attached to his head for protection while zooming around the pitch, it's entirely within his rights. As for his fedora, I do believe that you'll find the wool material magically hardened for his protection. This, in no way, gives him an advantage of any sort. The added sticking charm will prevent the hat from falling off or being thrown at another player."

"Fine," Wood grumbled, "but I want you to explain this to Madam Hooch before the match. If she agrees, you'll hear no arguments from me."

"Ah, I do love witches that use large words," Harry sighed, earning a blush from his bookworm.

~~~ACE~~~

"I can't believe that you're still allowing the brat to remain at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore sighed as he sidled into his seat. "I told you, Alastor. Harry does not pose a threat to this school. He proved it that night."

"Proved it?" Moody grumbled, as a group of students pushed past him. "He put the entire school to sleep, defeated our greeting party with ease, modified their memories, and Filch has been missing for months. Correct me, Albus, if I missed anything."

Dumbledore surveyed the pitch as Madam Hooch entered from the left, making her way to the center. "You missed quite a bit. You forget that though he helped his aunts to enter our school, he didn't allow them to harm his fellow students or us. He also allowed us to keep our memories of the event."

"What about Filch?" Moody hissed as Professor Sprout, and Professor McGonagall entered.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as they met Moody's electric blue eye. "I've told you, Alastor. My sources have confirmed that Filch has been seen alive, in the company of Harry's Mister J, and looking quite well."

"It doesn't bother you that he hasn't tried to contact you? What if he's been bloody Imperiused? Not above Narcissa Malfoy to do such a thing. She is a Black, after all." Dumbledore twitched at Moody's comment. "And what about that black dog that was with her? Reminds me an awful lot of—"

"All will be revealed in the end, I'm sure of it," Dumbledore interrupted. "When Argus is ready to return, I'm sure that we will hear from him. Until then, my official position is that he is on sabbatical and that the school is safer with Harry here."

Moody shook his head. "A sabbatical is what I'm going to bloody need when this is all over. If we're not both dead."

Moody focused his magical eye upon the grassy area below, where Madam Hooch seemed to be having a spirited discussion with the Hufflepuff's Captain concerning Harry's fedora. With the issue resolved, Madam Hooch sounded her whistle for the players to mount their brooms. Another sharp blast, and they kicked off hard.

"I'm back!" Harry shouted, shooting straight up into the clear blue sky as his magically magnified voice echoed through the pitch.

Moody chuckled. "At least Quidditch is a bit more entertaining with the boy here. Is it true that he sings during the match?"

"With spirit."

~~~ACE~~~

Harry zoomed high above the top of the stadium. "I am the shadow that streaks across the sky! I am the water balloon that lands directly on your head! I am the weirdo who stares at you on the bus!"

Stopping in the middle of the pitch, nearly thirty meters above the stands, Harry tugged his Quidditch robes tight, then tossed them over his shoulders as he proclaimed, "I am Harry Quinn!"

The Gryffindors in the stands erupted into cheers as Harry zoomed away and began circling the pitch while scanning for any signs of the Snitch. Frigid March winds ripped through the grounds, chilling the players and spectators alike to the bone. As the match wore on, numb fingers and faces were affecting the speed of play. The chasers for both sides were struggling to hold on to the quaffle, and the score remained tied at twenty.

"Gryffindor! Gryffindor! Gryffindor!" Harry chanted, slowing his patrol for the snitch.

The other seeker had slowed as well. The wind continued to howl, but it could not drown out the chants of "Gryffindor" coming from the stands. This fueled his team on, resulting in a quick score.

Harry stood his broom up vertical and gave the chasers a salute before racing off towards the Hufflepuff end. As he passed the Weasley twins, he shouted, "Let's party! Sonoras!"

Harry scanned the skies and the base of the pitch while weaving in and out of play. As he did so, he began to rap.

'I'm back,

You can't handle this!

Lemme see what you got,

You can't handle this!

Here it comes,

Straight outa Gotham,

I'm back again!

Yeah, baby,

Let's rock!'

'I am the flashiest star,

Just chillin' with my house and my scar.

Some may think we don't have the heart,

But now we're gonna show you our spark.'

'Wood has trained us well,

We're gonna shake your world like a spell.

Better come at us and give us your best,

We're gonna win the cup, no matter who challenges us next!'

Gryffindor scored again, making it forty to twenty. Harry made a loop around the Gryffindor goal post and gave Wood a high five.

'We're back to rise!

Back to score!

Back to fly!

Back to soar!

Back to war, and if the truth be told!

Ain't nobody gonna stop us now!'

'Cause, we're back to rise!

Back to score!

Back to fly!

Back to soar!

Back to war, and if the truth be told!

Ain't nobody gonna stop us now!'

"Katie Bell has the quaffle. Over the back pass to Johnson. Johnson drops the quaffle to a waiting Spinnet who streaks past the Keeper and scores!" Lee Jordan exclaimed over the roar of the crowd. "Gryffindor lead Hufflepuff, fifty to twenty!"

'We fly like bees protecting the nest,

Not gonna stop till I have the snitch in my closed fist.

Take note, cause this may sound cold,

But we're the baddest team you're gonna face, come friendly or foes.

We know the notes, and you'll see the score,

When we shake it up, the cup's gonna be ours!'

Harry put on a burst of speed as he soared around the back of the pitch. The crowd roared again and again and again as Gryffindor continued to run the score up. They were now leading eighty to twenty. The Hufflepuffs had lost any momentum, but the snitch could steal the win if their seeker found it first. Then, Harry saw it.

"Let's get dangerous!"

Harry made an arching move, then dived. The crowd immediately recognized the move, going crazy in the stands. The Puffs seeker dove as well, but Harry had him by a hundred meters. Eyes wide and wearing a curved smile, he leaned closer to his broom, and the Nimbus 2001 bolted for the ground before pulling even. Harry could feel the grass flicking against his trainers. Moments later, his fist closed around the struggling gold ball as he pulled up just seconds before colliding with the wall.

Harry shot back up into the sky as Madam Hooch's whistle blew and made a loop around the top of the pitch. As he did, he reached up and tapped his hat with his wand, then flung the fedora high into the air where it exploded into red and gold fireworks.

"Gryffindor wins! Two hundred and thirty to twenty!" Lee proclaimed.

'We've trained with wisdom,

Gained vision through pain.

We fly with precision,

Cause Gryffindor's our name!'

'We're back to rise!

Back to score!

Back to fly!

Back to soar!

Back to war, and if the truth be told!

Ain't nobody gonna stop us now!'

'Cause, we're back to rise!

Back to score!

Back to fly!

Back to soar!

Back to war, and if the truth be told!

Ain't nobody gonna stop us now!'

Harry landed in the middle of the pitch where the Gryffindors met him in celebration. Wood shook his shoulders while Spinnet, Johnson, and Bell kissed him on the cheek.

"You did it!" Dean shouted as he, Hermione, Neville, Ron, the rest of the Gryffindors, and some Claws joined them in the grassy area.

Harry looked about to see Luna escorting a hesitant Ginny down with her.

Hermione smirked. "Was there any doubt?"

"I agree that he's the best, but —"

"But nothing, Seamus," Neville interjected. "He'll get the Snitch or die trying."

Seamus and Dean exchanged a look, then smirked as the twins and Wood hoisted Harry up onto their shoulders then carried him off towards the castle. When they reached the grand staircase, they let him down. There, waiting for them, were Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Harry smirked at the two large boys before addressing their would-be leader.

"Enjoy the match, Draco?" Harry quipped as Luna waved at Malfoy, causing him to flinch while rubbing his chest visibly.

"Outta the way, Malfoy," Wood growled.

"It's okay, Wood. Malfoy just wanted to congratulate us on a good win." Harry's grin broadened, showing his teeth. "Right, Malfoy?"

"You haven't won the cup yet, Quinn," Malfoy hissed.

"Not yet, but if they gave it out at the beginning, what fun would that be?"

The group brushed past Malfoy then headed up the stairs. When they got to the top of the first flight, Harry turned around and shouted, "Party in the Gryffindor common room for all that wish to join!"

The group cheered, then followed as Harry danced up the stairs. Both Claws and Dors celebrated in the common room until Professor McGonagall broke up the party around eleven.

~~~ACE~~~

Once everyone had retired for the night, Ace, Red, Warrior, and the Chaos Twins met up with Stain and the Others in the Room of Requirement.

"Excellent work today, Ace."

Ace took a deep bow. "Thank you, Goyle. Did you have a hard time slipping away from Draco?"

"Nah," Crabbe snorted. "That potion Red taught us worked great. One drop in his tea and night night Draco."

"Did you tuck him in or leave him to drool on the sofa?"

"Goyle tossed him into bed. He'll never know the difference."

"Excellent! We don't want our future slayer to get a bad rep."

"What plans do you have for the git?"

Ace scooted across the floor, then leaned on the mantle. "Alice, I wouldn't worry your pretty little head about Draco. You might make Joseph jealous. And that would be a bloody mess to clean up." He flung his arms wide as he addressed the room. "For now, we must turn our collective attention to the most pressing question of the day. The identity of Tommy boy. Stain, if you would be so kind."

"Of course." Stain curtseyed, then stepped forward. "As we're all aware, Ginny Weasley is being controlled somehow by Tommy." The Chaos Twins exchanged scowls. "Using Ace's cloak, I followed her down to Hagrid's where she smashed a bunch of chicken eggs in a coop. Then, she headed up to the castle to the second-floor lavatory to wash up."

"Myrtle's bathroom?"

"That's the one. I removed the cloak then went in. Ginny wasn't at all happy with me, but I convinced her to come down to the match."

"Conveyors of chaos, where's your sister now?"

Twin One (Fred) pulled out the Marauder's Map. "She's leaving Myrtle's lavatory …"

"... right this bloody second."

"Hmmm. I guess it's time then for me to scoot down there, take a peek at the plumbing and ask Myrtle a few questions."

"Moaning Myrtle isn't the most receptive…"

"Not to worry, Red," Stain chimed in. "Myrtle would love to see Harry. She's been wondering when he would stop in again."

"Then it's time to end her waiting!" Ace slid across the room to Red, then placed his hands on her shoulders. "I need you to stay here and continue their training. As the Watchers keep chanting, 'This is the way'."

"What does that mean?"

Ace shook his head. "No idea, but I like it. Peeves!"

The Hogwarts poltergeist appeared with a pop. "You called for Peevsie, oh wicked one?"

"That I did, you master of mayhem. Have you been following the young Weasley girl as I asked?"

"Yes, oh wicked one. She has been up to much mischief today. Has a secret talent, she has."

"Secret talent?" Ace glanced at the Chaos Twins. "Do tell."

"The youngest Weasley," Peeves did a backflip in the air, then spread his arms wide, "is a parselmouth!"

"A what?"

"That's impossible!" Twin Two (George) shouted, pointing his finger at the poltergeist.

Ace scanned the room for an answer to his riddle.

"It means that she can speak in serpent tongue," Red explained. "Parselmouths can speak to snakes."

Ace tilted his head to one side. "Is this a rare talent?"

"Extremely rare," Stain added. "Many people believe that it's the mark of bad witches and wizards. However, I've always thought that it would be lovely to be able to speak to animals. I'm sure they have lots to say."

Ace clapped his hands. "I continue to be amazed. I would have figured in a world full of magic that Dolittling would be a common thing. Oh well. It's time for me to find out what's so special about Myrtle's bathroom. Peeves," He turned to address the specter, "thank you for your delicious report. Now, please return to following Ginny Weasley, and report back to me before dawn."

"Yes sir, oh wicked one." Peeves gave a salute, then disappeared with a pop.

Ace made eye contact with Red. "Put them through their paces until I return, my dearest Red. And remember, this is the way."

Ace spun around and sprinted for the door. As his hand closed around the knob, a hand touched his arm. He looked back to see Stain standing behind him.

"You're a parselmouth too," she whispered, her eyes wide and alive.

Ace wiggled his eyebrows as he placed a finger to his lips. Stain smiled, then turned and skipped away to rejoin the group.

~~~ACE~~~

Ace reached the grand staircase then summoned his magic as he leaped over the top railing. He closed his eyes closed and spread his arms wide as he focused on where he wished to land. Twirling through the air, he landed as graceful as a ballerina on the second-floor railing. He hopped down, then waved his hand over his face as he approached the lavatory.

He entered the bathroom, looking up towards the vast ceiling. "Myrtle?"

"Hello there, Harry Quinn. What brings you down to my bathroom?"

Harry spun round to see Moaning Myrtle floating near the faucets. "Why you, Myrtle. I've come to ask you a question."

"Really?" Myrtle floated towards him. "What would you like to ask me?"

A smile curved his lips. "A question that I've always wanted to ask someone. How did you die?"

Myrtle soared high into the air, twirled, then floated back down. "Ooh, I'm so glad you asked! Nobody ever wants to know," she paused then whispered, "or they're too scared to ask. But you're not scared. Why?'

"You fascinate me," Harry breathed.

Myrtle paled, then giggled, "You are the flattering one, Harry Quinn. Alright, I'll tell you how I died. It was in this very bathroom. Olive Hornby, a truly nasty girl, had been teasing me about my glasses. I ran in here and into the stall next to you. I was in there crying when I heard someone talking. They were speaking a different language. What got me was that it was a boy's voice. I opened the door to tell him off, and then — I died."

"You say they spoke a different language. Did you see their face?"

She shook her head. "All I remember is a pair of giant yellow eyes."

Harry's eyes widened. He had to bite his tongue to keep from shouting. Myrtle giggled again as she stared at his face.

"When you were alive," Harry bit his lower lip, "did you know a Tom Riddle?"

Myrtle frowned, then her eyebrows lifted into her hairline. "Yes, I did. He was older than me, quite handsome, and in Slytherin. Actually," she paled again, "he looked a lot like you. Was he your father or grandfather?"

"Nope," Harry popped the 'P'. "At least, not that I'm aware. Now, what do you normally do to pass the time?"

"Oh, I just float around this lavatory. Sometimes I visit the rest of the castle, but I usually just stay in my stall and think about dying."

A smirk curved Harry's mouth. "Wanna do something wicked?"

"For you, Harry," Myrtle's eyes widened, "I'd do anything."

~~~ACE~~~

Harry stepped out of the girl's lavatory then turned headed back towards the staircase.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Mr. Quinn. Celebrating your win today by visiting a girl's lavatory, or are you looking once again for the young Weasley girl?"

"Professor Snape," Harry bowed. "I haven't seen Ginny Weasley this evening. Actually, you're the first living being that I've seen on this floor tonight. Are you filling in for Mr. Filch?"

The Potion Master's eyes flashed. "Mr. Quinn, I often patrol these corridors, even when Filch isn't on holiday. As for you, this is the second time that I've caught you coming out of this bathroom. What delights you so with this part of the castle?"

"Moaning Myrtle." Harry paused, then proceeded when Professor Snape said nothing. "She haunts this bathroom. Where I'm from, you can't just talk to ghosts. She fascinates me."

Professor Snape narrowed his eyes. "Hmmm. I let you off last time, Quinn. However, I believe that the Headmaster needs to be made aware of your suspicious antics. Let's go."

Professor Snape snapped his fingers and pointed up the Grand Staircase. Harry shrugged, then headed up the staircase ahead of the Potions Master. When they reached the third-floor, Snape led him to the stone gargoyle.

"Lemon drops."

The gargoyle leaped to one side, and Harry followed Snape onto the revolving stairs. When they reached the door to the Headmaster's office, a stifled yawn greeted them.

"Enter."

Professor Snape opened the door then motioned for Harry to go before him. Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk, leaning on his elbows.

"Mr. Quinn. Professor Snape. What brings you to my office at this late hour?"

"Headmaster, I found young Mr. Quinn sneaking out of the girl's lavatory on the second floor for the second time."

"The second time?" Dumbledore repeated.

"I let him off with a warning the first time, as the youngest Weasleys accompanied him. However, this time I have found him alone, and he claims to have been visiting Myrtle."

"Harry, it's not safe to be traveling about the castle this late at night. Not with potential unknown dangers still lurking about."

"Sir," Snape interjected, "I wasn't so much as worried about Mr. Quinn's safety as I was what he was up to."

"Five feet, two inches, the last time I checked, sir."

Dumbledore snorted, then regained his composure.

"This is what I'm always talking about!" Snape brandished a finger in Harry's direction. "His blatant lack of concern is going to get someone hurt, or far worse!"

Harry placed a hand over his heart. "You're always talking about me?"

"Severus, control yourself. Harry," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as his gaze fell upon him, "please have a seat."

Snape ground his teeth while Harry took a seat nearest the desk.

"Now, thank you, Professor Snape, for escorting young Mr. Quinn up to see me. I will have a word with him, then send him back to his common room."

"Headmaster, Mr. Quinn has proven, repeatedly, that he's —"

"That will be all, Professor."

Snape shook with rage as he stormed out of the Headmaster's office.

Dumbledore sighed. "Harry, please forgive Professor Snape. I'm afraid that he still holds a bit of a grudge against your father."

"He thinks that I'm the Devil in disguise."

Dumbledore's lip twitched. "Maybe, but you give people reason to doubt your intentions."

"We really gonna play this out?"

"Excuse me?"

Harry sighed. "Fine. This 'Heir' poses a threat to me and mine. I'm looking for answers, and I figured that 'Moaning Myrtle' might know something. If you want me to pretend to be the 'H' word, then I'm gonna need some room to operate."

Harry leaped from his chair, then headed for the office door. As he grasped the latch, he paused.

"You and the rest of the staff might see me as a devil, Dumbledore, but my aunt Harley taught me to watch out for my friends. It's why I'm still here. It's why when the time comes, I'm gonna slay your dragon. Harry Quinn always keeps his promises."

Harry jerked the door open, then flung himself down the stairs. The moment his trainers found the corridor beyond, a broad smile covered his face.

"Did that seem off? It did to me too, which can mean only one thing. A new game has begun." Harry reached over and patted the stone gargoyle on the leg. "Time to play!"

Pulling the invisibility cloak out from inside his robes, he tossed it around him as he ran off down the corridor laughing at the top of his lungs.

---

A/N: Hey hey hey! There's chapter fifteen! After a long sabbatical from FF, JB and I are back (and it's good to be back). Please leave a review. JB contributed much to this chapter. The Quidditch match is all him. Special thanks to Critters At Play for sticking by us and continuing to be our beta. All the mistakes are his!

We've now begun the 'Days of Heir' segment of Ace! We hope that you enjoy it!

Aaron (and JB)