LoDK
The Legacy of the Dark Knight Saga
Jamie Prosser and the Fourth Champion
Chapter 11: The Boy-Who-Lived Returns
Disclaimer: This is solely a not-for-profit fan activity and does not intend to infringe on copyrights held by Time Warner, DC Comics, Bloomsbury et al, and JK Rowling. Any character original to this work remains the property of the author.
A/N: This story diverges significantly from accepted canon for the Harry Potter series from the outset, as in addition to the crossover elements, there are several deviations from the books that will be covered where they fit into the narrative. The timeline of the DC Comics elements borrows heavily from Young Justice (2011), but adds elements and characters from the comics, and relocates the series to the late Sixties and early Seventies rather than the New Tens as screened and is heavy on 'legacy' and original characters as a result.
A/N: Unless stated otherwise, the action of this story takes place in the run up to and during the 1997-1998 school year (305 "Anno Secreto" or "Year of Secrecy") parallel to the events of Deathly Hallows in canon. The year code "AL" is also my own invention and stands for After Liberation, counting the years after the Justice League's ending of the "Apokolips War", my as-yet unwritten take on the events of Young Justice Season 3 (Set late 1973 to April 1976).
A/N: As with previous chapters, this is unbeta'd. A final version will be posted when available.
Hogwarts Great Hall,
Scottish Highlands.
3rd November, 0820 BST, 17AL
"What kept you?" Melanie asked Jamie dropped into the seat beside her looking tired and frazzled. "Breakfast's nearly over."
"I had a run in with Romilda Vane," admitted Jamie, as she grabbed a couple of slices of bread and began assembling a breakfast sandwich. "I've been trying to avoid her all weekend, but she and her gang of harpies cornered me in the shower."
"Are you all right?"
Jamie nodded, and took a hearty bite out of her sandwich. "Vane lost her temper when I wouldn't 'set her up' with Harry, but Demelza turned up before she was able to go too far."
"That wasn't quite the story that Miss Vane gave me," said a voice from behind the pair.
Startled, Jamie almost dropped her sandwich, but then turned around to face her accuser. "Really, Professor McGonagall?"
"Yes," replied their Head of House. "According to Miss Vane, she approached you alone and asked if you would be willing to introduce her when Mister Potter comes up for the tournament."
"That's almost true," admitted Jamie. "Except it was phrased as more of a demand, she had two of her cronies – Mabel Cauldwell and Emily Hicks – with her, and she pulled her wand on me when I said that that would be pointless."
"And why is that?"
"Well, even if I thought that Romilda Vane would be a good girlfriend for my brother – which I don't – or he was inclined to take my advice on romance – which he doesn't – there wouldn't be any point as he's already got a girlfriend."
"Really?"
Jamie nodded, "I'll admit, I'd almost given up hope."
"Why?"
"I'll admit that I'm biased," Jamie said. "But my brother has always being oddly reluctant to go on dates. He's had plenty of offers, but he always turned them down before and took me or his friend Maddie. But he reconnected with Ginny Weasley about six months ago and they started spending time together, then started dating officially shortly after I came back to school."
"And then she pulled her wand?"
Jamie nodded. "She tried to hex me, but I dodged out of the way… Professor Malocchio can tell you I'm good at that."
"He's mentioned it," Professor McGonagall admitted. She had enough of a poker-face that it was hard to tell, but Jamie thought she might be coming around. "And then you hexed her back?"
Jamie frowned, "Of course not. I was coming out of the shower, I didn't even have my wand on me. I was thinking about punching her, but then I slipped trying to avoid curses from Cauldwell and Hicks."
"What happened next?"
"I think she would have tried again," Ginny suggested. "But then Demelza Robbins turned up and warned them off."
"I see…" said Professor McGonagall. "Well, that changes things. I will be talking with Miss Caldwell, Miss Hicks, and Miss Robbins to get their sides of the story. Report to me in my office at three o'clock and I will give you my decision."
"Of course, Professor," replied Jamie, then held up her sandwich. "May I?"
"You may," agreed Professor McGonagall, then turned and swept away.
Jamie reached for the jug of orange juice and filled her goblet. She returned the jug back to its spot, and then took a healthy slug. As she was putting it back down, she noticed that both Evan and Melanie were both stared at her. "It'll be fine."
"You're not worried?" asked Evan.
"At the moment, the only thing I'm worried about is getting some breakfast before the bell rings," Jamie assured them confidently.
****
Charms Classroom.
1440 BST.
"That's all for today," said Professor Flitwick. "Remember I want two feet on the uses of the General Counter Spell by Friday."
The students quickly scrambled to put away their books and get out of the classroom as soon as possible. Jamie followed the crowd as far as the first floor and then broke off. "I'll see you later, guys. I've got to go and talk to professor McGonagall."
"Good luck," said Evan, which was echoed to Melanie and several of the other second years.
"Thanks," said Jamie, then trotted off down the Transfiguration corridor. She stopped outside Professor McGonagall's door, and then waited for the school clock to chime the hour. As soon as she heard the chime, she knocked on the door.
"Come in, Miss Prosser."
Jamie opened the door and went in. The door closed automatically behind her.
The professor was sitting at her desk, watching Jamie as she made her way towards her. "Would you like a biscuit, Miss Prosser?" she asked, indicating a tartan tin lying on top of one of the piles of papers on her desk.
"Thank you, Professor," said Jamie and helped herself to a Ginger Newt.
"Please take a seat."
Professor McGonagall picked up one of the papers and glanced at it briefly as if to reacquaint herself with its content. "I have spoken to the other four students involved, and I am satisfied that Miss Vane and her friends were the aggressors in this case. However, there is still the matter of the spell – which appears resemble the Bat-Bogey Hex in its effects – that they were hit with during the altercation. Do you have any explanation for that?"
Jamie swallowed her mouthful of Ginger Newt and paused to consider her answer. The professor appeared to be on her side for the moment, but that could easily change if she played this wrong. "I didn't intend to do so, Professor. But I admit that Ginny has mentioned a wandless spell for the Bat-Bogey Hex, so it's possible I might have… inadvertently, maybe even unconsciously reacted…"
"I see," said Professor McGonagall, her face its usual inscrutable stern mask. "I appreciate your honesty. There will no punishment in this instance, however if there are any further 'inadvertent incidents' I may revisit this."
"Thank you, Professor," said Jamie. "May I ask if the others are being punished?"
"Professor Lupin has indicated that he would appreciate some assistance with his new charges. Miss Vane and her friends will be assisting for a period of one week. Miss Robbins will not be punished for her failure to report the incident, but she has been made aware of my disappointment."
Jamie pondering this for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Professor McGonagall eyed her closely for a moment, then walked around her desk and held open the door for Jamie. "If I can be of any assistance in preventing any further 'inadvertent incidents' my door is always open." she said as she opened her door.
Taking the hint, Jamie picked up her bag, rose and then left the office. "Good afternoon, Professor."
"Good afternoon, Miss Prosser," echoed the professor, and then closed her door with an emphatic 'thump'.
****
Hogwarts Library,
Scottish Highlands.
1520 BST
"How did it go?" asked Evan as Jamie slipped into the empty chair beside him. The other members of their group were also present.
"It was fine," Jamie assured them. "She's not going to punish me, although she did suggest that I should avoid any further 'inadvertent incidents' or she might change her mind."
"'Inadvertent incidents'?" Joanne asked with a frown.
"I was about to cast Ginny's 'Nyktermukes' variation of the Bat-Bogey Hex on them while I was dodging," Jamie replied. "I persuaded Professor McGonagall that it was an accident."
"You lied?!"
Jamie shrugged. "I didn't lie… per say… I just implied that was an 'in the moment accident'. Honestly, I wasn't entirely sure it would work at the time anyway..."
"Still…"
"Remember, they started it."
"Fair point," admitted Joanne.
Any further conversation was briefly cut short by the arrival of a very familiar white owl. "Hedwig!" exclaimed Jamie, and quickly unhooked the roll of parchment from her ankle.
"What does Harry say?" asked Joanne, now successfully diverted from her interrogation.
"Let's find out," Jamie said, and quickly unrolled the message. "It's pretty to the point, if a little vague…"
Dear Jamie,
Make sure you're there at dinner, I've got a bit of a show planned.
See you then.
Love,
Harry
"It's on then?" asked Panya. "They're going ahead with four champions?"
Jamie considered the question for a moment and then nodded, "I assume so. I'm not sure they had much choice though."
"I agree," said Joanne. "The rules state clearly that anyone whose name comes out of the Goblet of Fire is bound by a magical to compete in the tournament… no exceptions."
Panya frowned at that. "Not even if one of them was entered against their will?"
Joanne shook her head. "I checked everything I could find. Similar situations are rare… but I found case back in the 1500s, one of the champions – the Hogwarts one – was entered by a rival student and tried to back out."
"What happened?"
"First, he lost his magic. Then he started to get sick… double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle stiffing followed by progressive weakness, trouble with sensation and coordination…" said Joanne. "But that wasn't worst of it. By the time his symptoms had progressed to swallowing and breathing problems, it had spread to others… his rival, then the rest of his class, his year…"
"How did it end?"
"I couldn't finish the article myself," admitted Joanne. "But I asked Hermione Granger and a couple of the friendlier Ravenclaws and Luna Lovegood told me that over twelve hundred people had died by the end."
"Harut and Marut!" exclaimed Panya.
"Well, that explains why no-one tries to back out," said Melanie.
"Oh, that wasn't the last attempt…"
"What, someone tried to risk that happening again?" exclaimed Evan. "Were they crazy?"
"Probably," agreed Joanne. "However, apparently 'persuading' them to retract their withdrawal - or killing them – before the First Task at least limits the damage to them. One champion in the first tournament after the separation ended up having to compete in the First Task without her magic."
"What happened to her?"
"She was maimed by a Wampus Cat she was supposed to be capturing, but she got her magic back afterwards. She lived to the age of seventy-six."
"Not exactly ancient by Wizarding standards," said Melanie. "But not that bad."
"There's no way Harry would even consider risking that," said Jamie firmly. "Even if he doesn't need or want the fame or gold he'd never but anyone else's life on the line like that."
The rest of the quintet nodded in agreement, and then the conversation drifted away from the tournament and back to their studies, which kept them occupied until the bell rang for the end of the school day.
"Shall we head down to the Great Hall?" suggested Melanie. "After all, he didn't say exactly when he's arriving, and we don't want to 'miss the show'."
"Agreed," said Jamie. "Let's go."
The quintet rose to their feet, and as a group they headed for the door.
****
Hogwarts Great Hall,
1730 BST
Naturally, word got around quickly that something was happening, so the Great Hall full almost to capacity half-an-hour before the feast was due to start. There was more muttering when the quintet entered, but thanks to Romilda Vane's 'accident' nobody was inclined to approach them for answers, which didn't exactly upset Jamie frankly.
The group was just about to split up and head to their separate tables when Panya noticed two new faces at the staff table. "Who are they, one of them looks a little familiar?"
Jamie glanced at the Staff Table and went a little pale.
Melanie frowned, and scanned the line-up. "The Arab is something to do with Quidditch, so I take you know the blond? He looks a little a like one of last year's seventh years."
Jamie nodded, "Yup. He's her uncle."
"You don't look happy?"
"Not really… which is true of practically anyone who's ever met, or even heard of him," She paused, then added. "That survived."
"He's a killer?"
"Nothing that simple," Jamie replied. "But most people, or 'other things', that hang around him end up either… or sometimes wishing they were."
Melanie looked like she was about to say something, when the group was pushed apart by a knot of Slytherin seventh years. "Get out of my way," snarled Malfoy. "My father says something important is happening tonight and I want to get a good seat."
I'll bet… thought Jamie, rubbing her hip where she had banged it on the edge of a table when one of the blond's goons – either Crabbe or Goyle, she was never quite which was which – had pushed her out of his way. He won't even know what hit him. A dark smile split her face. I'm looking forward to it even more now… She followed Evan and Melanie to a trio of open spots at the Gryffindor table and sat down.
A few moments later, Slughorn – flanked by the other school heads on one side and the two new arrivals on the other – rose to his feet and signalled for silence. "Good evening, I have a couple of announcements to make before dinner… As you know, two days ago, the Choosing of the Champions for the Triwizard Tournament produced four champions: Miss Szilagyi of Durmstrang, Mister Blanchard of Beauxbatons and Mister Smith of Hogwarts as expected, but also former Hogwarts student, Harry Potter as an unprecedented additional champion…"
Jamie heard several mutinous rumbles at that, mostly from the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students, but also from the Hogwarts students, particularly the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins.
"The judges have met with Mister Potter and his… representative… and it has been agreed that the Champions' Contract still covers Mister Potter, despite him not entering of his own freewill, and therefore he must compete. To improve fairness, Misters Bagman and Crouch have stepped down to a supporting role and have been replaced by my guests – Mister John Constantine, who will be representing Mister Potter's interests and Chairwizard Hassan Mustafa – who will be joining myself, Highmaster Karkaroff and Madam Maxime at the judges' table for the tasks."
At that moment, Constantine stood up out of his seat, and then removed a Muggle lighter out of his trenchcoat and lit it.
This must have been a signal, as seconds later, there was a blinding flash of yellow light in front of the Headmaster's podium and a male figure materialised inside the Great Hall.
"Is that?" whispered Melanie.
"Yep," confirmed Jamie as the light levels returned to normal, and then shook her head as she heard a squeal of protest from the middle of the knot of seventh years.
"Nigeb wohs eht tel!" declared Harry and spread his arms wide. A flock of canaries, doves and butterflies burst into being and flew around the room. Then he lowered his arms and then thrust his right arm into the air again. This time a series of sparks shot from his outstretched hand and burst into a multi-coloured pattern of stars accompanied by a series of bangs, crackles, and whistles. As this display faded, he curled his left arm around in a circle and there was a burst of blue-white vapour that coalesced into a familiar-looking giant owl in front of him before fading from view.
"Wow."
"No kidding," agreed Jamie.
Professor Slughorn paused for a moment to collect himself, then stepped forward to greet Harry. "Welcome back to Hogwarts, Mister Potter."
"Thank you, Headmaster. It's a pleasure to be here, even under the circumstances."
"You're welcome, of course. Have you eaten?"
"No sir."
"Why don't you join us?" Professor Slughorn asked and turned back to the Head Table.
"Thank you, sir," said Harry. "With your permission I'd like to sit with the students?"
"Of course, Mister Potter," said Professor Slughorn, and returned to his seat.
After making eye contact with Constantine briefly, Harry turned and walked down the hall.
Jamie had been expecting it, so she wasn't surprised when Harry bypassed the seventh years and continued down towards her, stopping between Evan and Misty, who quickly moved to make room and allow him to sit down.
"What did you think?"
"It was quite a show," agreed Jamie as the last of the conjured butterflies faded from view.
"Glad you liked it," said Harry with a grin, as he helped himself to some of the food. "I wanted to walk in, nothing fancy but both Aunt Zee and Constantine thought I should make an entrance, to make it clear that I'm serious about the tournament."
"So, you're going to win?" asked Jamie, impishly.
"That's the idea," Harry agreed. "Firstly, because people have died before in this tournament, and the best way for me to not be one of them is to take things seriously. Also, the Team and I agree that the whole point of entering me into the tournament was too draw me out for a trap. The best way to ensure only I get caught in it, is to win."
Jamie paused to consider something. "Why Constantine? I'd've thought that Aunt Zee would've come instead."
Harry nodded. "That was the original plan. But something came up in Gotham, and she decided to stick close to home."
Jamie frowned. "Is everyone okay?"
"The family are fine," Harry assured her. "But there's a new gang in town, think a cross between the Joker and the False Faces rolled into one."
"Ouch."
"Is that bad?" asked Melanie.
"They'll be able to handle it," Harry said confidently. "Unlike during the 'War Games Affair' the Family has the full backing and co-operation of the GCPD Commissioner and DA's office."
"What are they?" asked Melanie.
"They're the two highest ranking 'law enforcement' positions in Aunt Zee's city," Harry replied. "Think of them like the Head Auror and the Chief Interrogator at the DMLE."
"That makes sense," Harry agreed.
"Where are you staying?" asked Evan. "Hogsmeade?"
Harry shook his head. "No, like Beauxbatons and Durmstrang we brought our own accommodations."
"The House?" asked Jamie.
"The House," confirmed Harry with a grin. "Want a tour?"
"When can we go?" asked Jamie.
"After dinner," said Harry. "Between meetings at the Ministry and with the Team, plus last-minute preparations. I haven't eaten properly in three days."
"I'll hold you to that."
"Of course," agreed Harry, and returned to his dinner.
****
Unknown Location,
4th November, 0700 BST, 17AL
"Yes, Wormtail?" asked Voldemort as the other man entered his room unbidden. "I trust you have a reason for disturbing me?"
"I do, my lord," Wormtail assured him.
"Well? What is it?"
"You have received an owl from your agent at Hogwarts."
"What are you waiting for?" demanded Voldemort. "Open it and find out what he says!"
Wormtail quickly slit the message open and began to read:
My Lord,
You will be pleased to know that your plan to lure out Harry Potter was a success as expected. He has agreed to participate in the Tournament and arrived at Hogwarts during dinner last night, along with the two wizards who will now be serving as judges alongside the three school heads, the first, Hassan Mustafa of the International Association of Quidditch is well-known, however I confess that I know nothing of the second – who was introduced by Headmaster Slughorn as John Constantine – but believe him to be a particularly loathsome and disreputable Mudblood given his appearance.
"Did he say… Constantine?" asked Voldemort.
"Yes, my lord," confirmed Wormtail. "He believes him to be a Mudblood, certainly nothing to be concerned about."
"He is wrong," said Voldemort, clearly intrigued by this information. "The name Constantine is familiar to me. He is no mere Mudblood, although he is probably a half-blood. His active power is limited, but he has a reputation as a schemer…" Voldemort chuckled. "I had thought that with the old meddler dead, that the path to my victory would be simple… I may need to re-evaluate that conclusion."
"I eagerly await any instructions you may have for me, my lord."
"Of course you do, Wormtail. Does Barty say anything else?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Then get on with it!"
"Of course, my lord," replied Wormtail and returned his attention to the letter.
Also of note was their methods of arrival at the school. Chairman Mustafa Apparated to the school gates and was admitted to the school by Remus Lupin, our current Kepper of Keys and Care of Magical Creatures Professor as any respectable wizard should. However, Mr Constantine, showing a deplorable lack of restraint more typical of foreign wizards Portkeyed an entire house onto the grounds.
Wormtail paused as Voldemort's face took on an odd expression. "My lord?"
"Nothing, Wormtail," Voldemort assured him. "I have heard rumours of that building… but I did not know that Constantine possessed it…"
"There is more, my lord."
"Indeed…" said Voldemort. "Barty has been busy. Continue."
However, the greatest surprise was when Potter himself arrived in a flash of light in the middle of the Great Hall, then using a spell I couldn't recognise 'Nigeb Wositel' produced first a flock of birds and butterflies, then fireworks, and then finally cast what appeared to a Patronus, all without the use of a wand.
Yours Faithfully,
Bartemis Crouch Jr.
"Interesting…" said Voldemort. "Harry Potter will not be the easy target I believed…"
"No mere child to possibly stand against your power, my lord!"
"Of course not, Wormtail. His not being entirely helpless against me will make my eventual victory all the sweeter."
"Indeed, my lord."
****
The House of Mystery,
Hogwarts Grounds,
Scottish Highlands.
0705 BST
Harry Potter woke with a start. "Not again!" he groaned as his scar throbbed under his hand. "I hate these!"
He sat up, one hand still on his scar, the other hand reaching out in the darkness for his contact lenses box, which was on the bedside table. He put them in and then ordered the lamps to light. "Well, that wasn't exactly unexpected," he mused. "I wonder who it is…?"
He was still caught up in his thoughts when a voice distracted him. "Is everything all right, Harry?"
Harry turned towards the voice, "I'm fine, Boston. Just another vision from Voldemort."
"Those aren't nothing, Harry!" said the ethereal red-clad former acrobat. "Visions can a serious thing."
"They're certainly a painful thing," Harry conceded. "But they can also be very useful."
"Really?"
"Yes," Harry confirmed. "He and Wormtail confirmed two of my theories."
"Which were?"
"Firstly, that my entry into the Tournament was a set-up to draw me out."
"That's useful. What was the other theory?"
"That Voldemort has a spy at Hogwarts."
"Whoa, really?"
"Yes, Wormtail was ready a letter from him during the vision."
"That's not exactly good news, is it?"
"Not as such," Harry admitted. "But I'd rather know than be in the dark."
"That makes sense," agreed the apparition. "Do you want me to pass the word on?"
Harry nodded. "Tell Black Orchid and Constantine of course, Aunt Zee…"
"Should we tell the wizards?"
Harry shook his head. "Not until we have more information. A fishing expedition won't help anybody, and it might tip our hand."
"Okay, if that's what you want…" said Boston. "I'll get on that."
Harry waited until the apparition had left the room, then he got out of bed and started to dress for a workout.
A/N: The main part of the story starts in earnest from here. I can't promise fast updates, but I will be trying my best.