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 7-
1
"It's lovely to meet you, Harry."
Is it really? Harry thinks but he does not voice the words. His mind goes back to how he got here, in his current situation.
A day has passed since he had awoken from his trip to King's Cross. During that time, Batman had returned to Mount Justice and called for Harry to undergo more tests at one of their state-of-the-art laboratories. The reason being a panic attack does not cause someone to stay unconscious for nine days without there being some underlying condition. Something that Batman may have missed in earlier tests at the cave. Harry knew as Batman led him through the building to one of the medical wards that this would mean more questions coming his way. So he had to be on guard as to make sure that nothing catches him off. Death is not here to help him this time. He had himself to rely on to get him through this ordeal.
Thankfully, the tests were quite simple. It consisted of placing him under machines and scanning his body for anything out of the ordinary. Harry can plainly see that this laboratory had better equipment than the cave. Maybe that's why Batman thought he could find out what was wrong with Harry despite everything being truly fine. It was not like Harry could tell him that he had been in a purgatory-type realm with Death. That would be quite the story to tell. But this turned Harry's thoughts to the question of when would he reveal his magic? Harry had no reason to hide any more. There was no Statute of Secrecy or a wizarding world. There was nothing keeping Harry back from telling his secret. Most of all, from what Harry had seen so far, the Justice League seem to be one of the good guys and would not use a child to further their own goals. That cannot be said for Lex Luthor. Harry had heard stories of that man from Robin. He was one of Superman's greatest enemies, but he had no superpowers of his own. The man used his intelligence to win his battles.
Harry found that much more terrifying to go up against than a fight with Superman. This is because with physical fights one could easily predict where the next punch would hit or what common tricks a person uses and turn that against them. A person with a strategy, a plan is much more unpredictable as they could win a fight without ever lifting a finger. This bothered Harry because why would Luthor let Conner and Harry go without causing a fight? He should be trying his best to get them back, but he was not. He was strangely silent. That's how Harry knew Luthor was planning something. What it was, Harry did not know nor did he have the means to find out. The Justice League probably thought the same things as well. After all, they knew Luthor the best. Superman knew Luthor better.
So who should Harry tell his secret to first? Maybe the team? Could they keep it a secret? Harry did not want the Justice League finding out about his abilities just yet. Not when they are still suspicious of him and Conner. Finding out he has magic would raise more questions. Harry absolutely trusted Conner to keep this a secret. The boy had too much faith in Harry to ever betray him. He did not know about the rest, especially Robin. Harry was sure Robin reports back to Batman on how well he and Conner have adjusted to their new life. To make sure that they are still not under control because that was a possibility. Harry did not know what type of experiments were done to this body, but Death had assured him that he was not under their control. That he was his own person.
So he should tell the team. And only the team.
Harry was lying down as he stared up at the plain ceiling, machines whizzing around him. He was getting bored as his mind wandered away from thoughts about Luthor and magic. He could hear Batman tapping away on a keyboard, making notes of results. Could these machines find out why Harry's new body had failed the Cadmus experiments? This was something Harry had always wondered. What made his body different from Conner's? Harry wanted to know in case it caused problems in the future. He did not want his body to suddenly break down in the middle of a fight. That would not be fun.
The clicking of the keyboard stopped. "You can get up."
And Harry did. He pulled himself up off the bed and hopped onto his feet. The machines which whizzed around Harry had frozen and were hanging in the air like ghostly limbs. They were a strange thing to look at and Harry could not help but be fascinated by them. Technology had come such a long way. Even though they were nothing like magic which could heal without a scar, they were incredible in their own right. In Harry's previous world, there were no such things as actual holograms or a secret superhero base which floated above the earth. Those were things of fiction. Just like magic had been.
"Your test results are in the clear," Batman said but Harry could hear the slight waver in his tone. It sounded like… dissatisfaction? Like as if he had not got the results he wanted. Harry didn't think Batman wanted something to be wrong with Harry, so he was most likely annoyed that he could not figure out what caused his long sleep.
"So I'm free to go back to the cave?" Harry asked heading over to grab his shoes and puts them on.
Batman nodded and Harry almost sighed with relief. No questions.
When Harry is done with his shoes, Batman shows him through the door and into the main room which held the Zeta-Tube. Although, it was already activated when they arrived.
"Recognise: Superman; 0-1, Wonder Woman; 0-3," a disembodied female voice announced.
Harry froze up at the names. Superman. This would be the second time Harry had come face-to-face with him. Harry would rather be anywhere else but here.
"Batman," Wonder Woman called as she steps out of the Zeta-Tube with Superman. "I've been trying to find you. There is something we need–"
She caught sight of Harry before she can finish her sentence and she paused. Her gaze flickered to Superman who was staring at Harry with a blank expression. There was an awkward silence that filled the room, but Harry broke it before the others could find their words.
"I'm heading off," Harry said to Batman, refusing to acknowledge the presence of Superman.
"Wait," Wonder Woman said in a sudden flurry and gained a look from Superman. She ignored him. "I don't think I introduced myself to you properly."
Harry raised an eyebrow. What's she doing?
She smiled at Harry despite his look. "I'm Wonder Woman, and you are?"
Harry had no issues with Wonder Woman so there was no reason to be rude or anything other than polite. So he decided to say, "I'm Harry."
Superman's gaze snapped back to Harry. He was probably surprised to hear his name.
"It's lovely to meet you, Harry," Wonder Woman beamed.
This brings him to now. To present times. Harry wants nothing more than to leave.
"Yeah," he says in reply. "It's nice to meet you, too."
The awkward silence returns.
"I should really go," Harry explains. "The others are waiting for me."
Harry can see Superman almost relax at his words and annoyance flashes through Harry. He knows his existence makes Superman uneasy but seeing it makes Harry's blood boil. Harry forces himself to calm down. He does not need to make a scene. Not for him at least. He does not deserve the time and attention.
"So you've joined the young team? How are you finding it?"
What's with the questions? Harry wants to snap at Wonder Woman but he doesn't.
"It's good," Harry responds curtly, hoping the short answers will make her lose interest in him.
It doesn't. It makes things worse.
"That's great. I'm glad to hear that," she says through a soft smile. "I remember when I first left Themyscira. I didn't know what journeys would be before me. I wish you the best in yours."
Is this meant to mean something? But Harry chooses to say, "Thank you."
Wonder Woman directs her attention to Superman. "Is there anything you want to say?"
Superman glares at her but Wonder Woman continues to smile.
"No," is the first word out of his mouth.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," he grits out between his teeth. His hands clenched and shoulders are tense.
Harry has had enough. He realises her aim.
"Could you stop that?" Harry asks, the irritation plain within his voice.
Wonder Woman blinks as she peers down at him and Superman's attention returns back to Harry.
"I know what you're trying to do and trust me when I say I want no part of it."
Curiosity fills Wonder Woman's face. "What am I trying to do?"
"Look, none of us wants to speak to each other. So stop trying to force it."
"I'm not trying to force it. You both have to speak sometime. He is your father."
"I'm not his father," Superman retorts before he could stop himself.
"And who would want to be your son?" Harry slams back with enough venom in his voice to snap Superman's mouth closed with an audible click.
"That's enough," Batman announces, taking a step forward and placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
But it was too late. Hot fire crawls through the pits of Harry's chest and nestles itself in his throat. To think Conner idolised this man.
"You know what?" Harry begins. "You want us to speak? Let me start."
"Harry," Batman warns, his grip on his shoulder tightening.
"I don't want you as my father. No, let me correct that. I don't need you at all. We don't need you. I've had enough of you acting as if me and Conner are somehow this whole plot to use against you. To hurt you in some way. We are not some pawns in a game that Luthor created. We are children, for fuck's sake."
"Harry," Batman almost growls out.
Harry pays no attention to him and resumes. "Not some evil geniuses out to get you. We couldn't care less about you. We are trying to live and navigate a world we don't even know. That has nothing to do with you. We never even chose to be brought here. We never chose to be created."
Harry takes a deep breath. His last words must have struck a nerve because everyone falls silent.
Wonder Woman stares at Harry with an unrecognisable expression, her mouth a little open. Harry doesn't even bother to look at Superman. Instead, he shakes Batman's hand off his shoulder and storms over to the Zeta-Tube. He activates it and, before anyone could react, he is gone.
2
"What's up with you?" Wally says in between bites of chocolate.
Harry had returned to the cave with anger burning through his veins. He takes another deep breath, not wanting to unnecessarily snap at anyone by accident. You're better than this, Harry thinks. But for once, Harry let his rage overtake him. The reason being he could not stop thinking about Conner and the judgement that was being placed onto him by a man who doesn't even know him or try to get to know him. Superman does not deserve the kid. Not after how he treated Harry.
"Yeah," Robin continues, "you look as if someone kicked your puppy."
"Someone might as well have," Harry grumbles.
M'gann, Kaldur and Conner were all there as well, staring at him with curious faces. They were sat around a table in the living room.
"Did something happen with Batman?" Kaldur asks while holding a pack of cards in his hands. They must have been playing a game, Harry realises. "I thought you went to do some tests."
"I did."
"Then what happened? It couldn't have been bad," Wally remarks.
"I shouted at Superman."
Wally chokes on his chocolate as everyone else falls into a stunned silence.
"You what?" Conner finally says, shock colouring his face.
Harry explains what happened and what he said.
"Dude," was the only reply Wally gave when he was able to breathe again.
"And how did Batman react?" Robin questions with an amused tone.
"He was unhappy," Harry says as he moves to sit down next to M'gann.
Robin bursts out laughing. "Oh man, I wish I was there."
"It's not funny," M'gann snaps before turning to Harry. "I'm sorry you had to say that."
Harry sighs. "There's no need for you to apologise. You never did anything wrong. The feelings I had… It was going to be said anyway. It just happened sooner than later."
Harry glances at Conner. The boy is looking down at his hands. Harry wants to go over to him and comfort him. Ask him if he did the wrong thing. If he made things worse than before. But he hears the whispered words of 'thank you' and Harry knew he did okay. That they are fine.
"I don't think Batman will be that angry," Robin says, turning Harry's attention towards him. "He's been trying to get Superman to talk to you and Conner. This is just his due."
"Dude," Wally says again, apparently speechless.
"There is something else I need to talk to you guys about. Something bigger."
"What can be bigger than you shouting at Superman?" Wally says, finding his voice.
Harry ignores him. "Just promise me you will keep this to yourself."
There was no reason to hide anymore. The anger has left Harry and made way for exhaustion to hit him. In his previous lifetime, Harry always had to hide something. Maybe that's why Death brought him here? To a world where he doesn't have to hide any more. Where he would just be accepted as Harry. Just Harry. Not the boy who lived under the cupboard under the stairs. Not the boy who became a wizard, an idol for the wizarding world. Not the man who defeated Voldemort. He is simply Harry. A brother to Conner and a friend to the others.
For once in his life, Harry did not want to hide anymore.
Author's note:
Hello!
So I got some mixed reactions from the names. I've taken in the feedback and there seems to be a general consensus that people like Solstyx more because of its link to Harry's new Kryptonian heritage. A few people did not like the names which were overtly linked to Death (a valid opinion to have) and gave reasonings as to why. For example, Nicommander gives an in-depth reasoning for why it does not make sense in terms of story and what everyone else knows about Harry.
People also gave their own names which I am happy about. So thank you guys for all the input. I love hearing your opinions.
So with all your opinions, I have a few other names to add for you guys to think about. These are:
1) Sol – meaning sun.
2) Solstice – the two times in the year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky.
3) Sigil – an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power.
4) Auror – derived from 'aurora' meaning the dawn, from the word 'aurum' meaning gold, or from the Hebrew word 'Arur' meaning someone who is cursed.
Once again, thank you guys so much for the feedback and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I found it really hard to write.