Summary: Harry never asked to be trapped in a new world filled with heroes. And he certainly never asked to be reborn as a clone of a hero. Slash.

Unbeta'd

A New Dawn

-Chapter 4-

1

A week has passed since the Mr. Twister incident. With the help of M'gann's plan, everyone was able to work together in order to take the robot down, even though it took longer than it should have. Harry knows for a fact that they would not have been defeated in the first place if they worked as a team and not with their own agendas. All he can hope is that this will serve as a learning experience to the others, but Harry doesn't think it will be that easy. Everyone is still too young, too inexperienced to know what it's like to work with others. They prefer to step into their individual spotlight and play to their own strengths instead of helping each other balance out their weaknesses. This will cause more unavoidable problems in the future if they don't sort themselves out now. Harry pauses. Just why is he so invested in this team when he should be planning his way back home? Maybe it's because he has no choice but to stick around until he can gain control of his magic.

Harry is within his room as night falls, but he does not sleep. Harry decides to practice his magic as he has been doing every night since his arrival. No one will disturb him. Harry is also sure that the Justice League have not bugged his room with any listening or camera devices. They don't seem like the type. So he safe to practice within the confines of his room. Harry does not think he can cast a silencing charm around his room just yet so he'll have to be quiet enough to not make any noise. To make sure Superboy or even M'gann do not hear him. Harry sits cross-legged on his bed and his eyes focus on the wardrobe resting on the opposite wall.

Raising his hand, Harry concentrates and whispers, "Accio."

Nothing happens for a while but Harry waits. Then, with a sudden jolt within the wardrobe, its doors open and a T-shirt comes floating out before landing on the palm of Harry's hand. He smiles as his fingers curl around the shirt, gripping it tightly. Harry has been practising simple charms and spells. With each charm and spell cast, Harry can feel his magical core growing strong enough to withstand wandless magic. This pleases him as he will soon be able to try out more advanced spells. He can imagine Hermione being proud of his quick progress and Ron cheering him on. Ron and Hermione – he misses them dearly. Harry can still remember the day they got married and Ron's tearful face as he watched Hermione walk down the aisle. She looked beautiful that day and Harry made sure to tell her that. Hermione glowed with happiness in response and hugged him. Even Harry couldn't help but have a few tears escape him. Their small group was growing up and they deserved it after all they had been through. They deserve happiness where they could find it. Ron and Hermione had found happiness within each other and Harry was glad to see it. They mean the world to him. That's why he needs to go home. To be with the people who care the most.

Harry thinks back to Superman. The man still has not come to see them and it's been sending Superboy into a foul mood. It's obvious to Harry that Superboy has issues with his anger. He always seems to quickly snap at anyone that vaguely annoys him. It's because he realises the truth, Harry thinks, and is trying his best to deny it. The truth being that Superman does not care about him. If Superboy has come to that realisation then his whole world has collapsed around him. Still, Superboy dares to hope as whenever a Justice League member enters the sanctuary, Superboy's heart beats faster than usual before slowing down when he realises it's not Superman. All Harry wants to do now is tell Superboy that he does not need the man who literally abandoned him but Harry does not think he will listen. It will be hard for Superboy to get rid of any thoughts to do with Superman when he is constantly compared to him. Unlike Superboy, Harry has no lost love for Superman. Hell, if Superman finally accepts them Harry doubts he would even care. To Harry, Superman is nothing and will continue to be nothing.

A sound from outside his room breaks Harry from his thoughts. Someone is awake and by the heavy beating of footsteps, Harry can tell it's Superboy. Interested in why the kid is awake, Harry gets up off his bed and strolls out to the hallway but Superboy is nowhere to be seen. By the sounds of it, he must have gone to the main room. So Harry follows while making sure his own footsteps stay silent. In the main hall, Harry sees Superboy sitting on a sofa. He is gazing out of one of the only windows within this strange building. He looks melancholy under the light of the moon as a blank look fills his face. From this distance, Harry can also see the sky. It appears to him like a never-ending abyss with the power to swallow them whole.

Harry steps forward and creates a little noise with his feet to make his presence known. Superboy quickly turns to Harry as if he has been caught red-handed doing something he shouldn't. Harry's heart breaks a little. Harry remembers the day Superboy saw the moon for the first time. The same day they met each other and Superman – the man who is meant to be their father. He was filled with so much optimism that the man would see his usefulness and would accept him. That didn't happen.

"Hey," Harry says as he slowly makes his way over to the sofa. "Heard you were up. Can't sleep?"

Superboy continues to stare at Harry before replying. "Yeah, something like that."

Harry sits down. "Is everything all right? You seem kind of distant."

It takes a while for Superboy to respond as he turns back towards the moon. When he does, his voice is meek and tired as if he has been depleted of anger and this is all that's left. "Why… Why do you think he hasn't come to visit us?"

And there it is. The question Superboy wishes to ask any one of the Justice League members. It isn't Superboy's pride that stops him from asking. It's the possibility that whatever the answer may be will confirm the true feelings of Superman – that he simply doesn't care enough about them.

"Do you want the truth?" Harry asks with care. He doesn't know how Superboy will react, but he deserves to hear the truth. No matter how much it may hurt.

Superboy nods, still watching the moon.

"He doesn't trust us," Harry tells him as he shifts in his seat to get more comfortable. "That's why he's been avoiding us. He is most likely thinking there is a chance that we are still under Lex Luthor's control. So he doesn't want to get close to us. Most of all, we were made to replace him and I think that somewhat terrifies him. That someone can steal his DNA and try to make something strong enough to take him down."

Silence fills the room, and Harry thinks he may have said too much for Superboy to handle but he soon speaks up.

"But we're not like that," he says, closing his eyes as if Harry's words struck a nerve. "And no one is controlling us. We're not under Luthor's control anymore. I thought… I thought maybe he would accept us, accept me."

"You're putting him too high upon a pedestal. You forget that no one can be incredibly perfect and all-loving. He is a flawed being and perfectly capable of making countless mistakes. You look towards him as a perfect idol that can do no wrong and that's what's going to get you hurt."

It's plain to see that Superboy wants to argue against what Harry just said but he chooses not to. Instead, he decides to say, "So what do I do now?"

Harry smiles at the question. "Find who you are. You aren't Superman and can never be him."

Those words make Superboy flinch back in shock. Superboy looks at Harry, a wounded expression flashing across his face.

"But," Harry continues, "that doesn't stop you from defining who you are as a person, as a hero of your own. Don't become Superman. Become something greater than he will ever be."

Superboy looks down at his hands. "Thank you," he says, voice cracking.

And Harry remains next to him, viewing the moon as Superboy cries.

2

The next morning is a typical one, to say the least. M'gann begins her announcement of the human food she will try to make for breakfast. This time she wishes to try and make pancakes which are relatively easy and simple. So Harry thinks of joining her in her baking attempt as he is starving. Years with the Dursley's taught Harry how to make his own food so he is proud enough to call himself an experienced cook. This just makes having to pretend to not know how to cook all the more annoying. However, it's the only option he has if he does not want to appear suspicious. The reason being Harry has been catching glimpses of Robin looking his way. This has been happening ever since he chose his name in M'gann's ship. Harry wonders if Batman told Robin to keep an eye on him. It wouldn't be far-fetched to believe that. So being more careful it is.

"Oh no," M'gann cries out. She is looking through one of the kitchen cupboards while standing on tiptoes. "There are no eggs. We can't make pancakes without eggs."

"We can make a trip to the grocery store," Harry says. "They should be open about now and I don't think Superboy will be waking up any time soon."

"That's a great idea!" M'gann tells Harry as she turns her internal happiness dial up to a hundred. "We should hurry though. Robin and Wally are joining us."

Harry blinks. "Why?"

"I invited them to hang out with us. Sadly, Kaldur can't make it because of some issues down at Atlantis. He promises to join next time."

"Oh, okay." It seems like Harry has to put his carefulness into action now that Robin is on his way. Harry was hoping for a relaxing day, but it seems like fate has other plans for him.

Harry's sighs but doesn't say anything more as he and M'gann make their way down to the grocery store. It takes them thirty minutes from Mount Justice to arrive there and Harry grabs one of the trolleys.

"We should stock up on other groceries as well," M'gann says, pulling out a piece of paper from her jean pocket. "Let's see here… We need to definitely get eggs first. Then milk and butter, of course. And–"

Harry zones out as they walk down the toiletry aisle. There Harry sees someone that catches his attention. There is a young woman standing near the display of toothpastes. Harry doesn't find this weird, but what he does find different is how the woman appears. She has long and thick black hair that reaches down to her shoulders. Her skin is a sickly pale shade that it almost looks like dirty snow. She is wearing a leather jacket which says some obscure foreign words on the back and her leather trousers are being held up by a studded black belt. Harry cannot see her face as her back is towards him, but a feeling gnaws at Harry and he doesn't know why. It calls for him to come close but Harry ignores it.

" –rry? Harry? You there?" M'gann's voice brings him back to reality.

"Sorry," Harry quickly apologises. "I didn't hear what you said."

M'gann looks over him with a worried expression. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, just blanked out for a second. Didn't get enough sleep last night."

So much for not acting suspiciously. Harry hopes that's convincing enough for her to stop asking questions and it is. She doesn't say anything more other than, "Do you want to get the flour and I'll get the eggs?"

"Sure."

Harry pushes the trolley around to find the aisle which holds the flour. It takes him about five minutes of following floor signs before he finds it is as this grocery store is the largest in town. Harry cranes his neck to look up as the flour they need is high above him. Harry doesn't think he can reach it with his short arms, but that does not stop him from trying. If he jumped, he could grab it with ease but there are too many people around him doing their own daily shopping. He cannot bring attention to himself. Unexpectedly, a hand appears from behind him and grabs the flour Harry needs.

"Here," a soft and almost sleepy voice says.

Harry quickly turns around, too stunned to say anything. It's the woman from before. The one in all black. She is standing right beside him with the flour in her hand. This time Harry can clearly see her face. The woman has an unnerving beauty about her. It is as if someone stretched the face of a pretty doll over a human head and her face is as pale as the rest of her body. She also wears black make up which causes the colour of her skin to become more pronounced, but that isn't the most uncomfortable thing about the woman. Harry did not hear anyone walking right behind him. He did not hear her steps.

"Aren't you going to take it?" The woman asks, a small smile dancing upon her face.

"Who are you?" Harry blurts out, not caring about politeness or the flour.

Her smile widens but it does not reach her black eyes. "And here I thought you would remember me?"

What is this woman talking about? Remember her? Why would Harry remember her? The strange feeling from earlier returns at full force. Harry instantly recognises this feeling. It's the same sensation Harry felt when standing in front of Voldemort in the forbidden forest. When Voldemort pointed his wand at Harry and said the spell which destroyed the horcrux found within Harry's scar. It is a feeling of…

"Death," Harry murmurs, unable to take his eyes off her. His body is too numb to move.

She laughs with all teeth. "Bingo. Took you long enough. I thought I would come and check up on you. See how you are adjusting in this world."

"Wait, this world? You mean…"

"Yep," she says popping the 'p'. "You're in a whole new place. One with no wizarding world. How's that for a fun new life? Plus, I was waiting for you to contact me, but you never did. So I thought I'll make things quicker and find you."

That is a lie. It has to be. There's no way that the wizarding world does not exist. That would mean… Horror fills Harry. Ron and Hermione. That would mean they're not here. Harry tries to steady his breath.

"What are you talking about?" The words rip out of Harry although his tongue feels dead in his mouth.

Death peers down at Harry with a baffled look. "Don't you remember?"

"What?" Harry bites out. "What am I meant to remember?"

"Oh Harry," Death says. "There must've been something wrong with the spell."

"What spell? What are you talking about?" Harry can feel his voice rising and other people's gaze starting to follow them.

"Harry," Death replies in a strangely calm manner. "You died."

Author's note:

Back again! I really should be doing my coursework but writing this has been such a stress reliever. Once again, thank you to all those who reviewed the last chapter. It means so much to me to know that everyone is enjoying this.

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