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Chapter II: A place where to belong

A man crawled at the dirty streets of the crime alleyway. His eyes were wide with panic as he peered around the dark corners for any signs of his pursuer. Like a prey frantically trying to survive and desperately making an escape his predator.

A few minutes ago, he was just on his way at the rendezvous point to deliver his cargo. It should have been easy cash; he just needed to bring the guns to Joker's men. Then it came out of nowhere; a dark creature slammed on his windshield and threw him several meters to the road. His car had crash, creating an explosion on the empty streets of Gotham.

His heart sank and his breathing hitched when the sound of footsteps echoed just behind him. The primal fear that engulfs his very being was enough to send him scrambling to his feet. It wasn't easy, he cursed as he put his weight on his broken leg. He managed to take a few steps before he stumble forward and collided with something hard like a wall, halting his fall to the ground which should be impossible since he was heading away to his escape.

Before he could realize what was happening, a powerful hand grabbed around his neck, easily lifting him up and effectively silencing any sound on his throat. He found himself staring back to with those infamous white slits that seem to glow in dark. It was the Batman, giving him a glare that he will not forget even in his sleep, it is a look that shattered his will and probably any unfortunate man who came face to face with it.

"The Joker" the Dark Knight said in a gruff voice. The intensity of those looks send shivers to the man's back. The crook whimpered as he clawed his hands to the iron grip and yelped in pain as he was shoved roughly to the ground, few seconds later.

"Don't waste my time," Batman said menacingly before planting a foot to the crooks chest, applying enough pressure to crack a few ribs. "Where is he?"

"Shi-! Stop, fuck I'll tell you everything."

"Smart choice,"

The rest of the ride was very quiet and equally uneventful. The Greengrass-girl returned to her book and never looked at Harry's direction again. He didn't really mind the girl (whom he failed to learn the name) or her behavior at all, there will be a lot of time to socialize later. He on the other hand, spend his time trying to reflect on what he know so far about the new world that he was about to enter. He was very excited to learn magic at Hogwarts, the idea of a castle which is full of mysteries and waiting to be explored. How do wizards interact to each other or deal with daily life. How to magic feels like on its native land. All in all, he can't wait to experience it all so he is anxious and prepared as much as he could.

Years being around with his family had taught to be prepared, both mentally and literally. Family, he smiled. "Always bring an extra batarang. You never know when you'll need one" He could hear Tim's playful remark.

So far learning magic with Zatanna had always made him confident in his skills. Especially that he is adept with occlumency, elemental manipulations, Telekinesis, healing, energy projection a technique that creates shockwaves from his magic and he is also very proficient with logomancy, another form of wandless magic that allows the caster to cast a spell by speaking backwards. With his arsenals of skills he was warned by his teacher that showing control over magic will definitely bring attention to him as it is a norm that wizards and witches need some focus to use magic; talismans, charms, staffs and the more commonly use. Wands.

Harry got his on his eleventh birthday, 7 inches eldritch wood and phoenix tail feather. The first time he use his wand he could definitely tell that elemental manipulations and energy projections become much easier. He also learned some spells and hexes with the use of wand especially when he got his academic books he will use at Hogwarts.

On top of that he received training from information gathering, hand to hand combat, stealth, acrobatics and marksmanship courtesy of his brothers if magic ever fails him. But their father had made sure that all praises he got from his teacher, family and friends at the Justice league won't go over to his head. Bruce also made him aware that 'accidents' and conflict will go to his way due to him being the Boy-who-lived.

Always stay on shadows. Observe. Never underestimate an adversary.

Before he became Harry Thomas Wayne. He is Harry James Potter, son of James and Lily. He never knew his biological parents but from the stories of his Godfather Sirius they were a wonderful people who value justice and despise evil. They are brave and skilled during the years of war, bringing many followers of dark to prison until the dark lord himself can no longer ignore them. Harry is aware on how Voldemort went after them, and how he got his jagged scar and his 'legend' because of it. Ridiculous as it seems, he was curious to know how did he managed to survive the killing curse. Zatanna had few theories but the death of his mother seems something much more wonderful than murder. It was because of love.

"Love? That's it?" Harry remembers his nine years old self asked in confusion.

"Yes my dear." Zatanna giggled ruffling his hair with gentle hand. Bruce smiled fondly on the background "Love Harry, love"

His teacher explained to him that feelings, such as love has an incredible effects on a magic. Born from this deep emotion is the ancient, powerful and long-lasting protection charm called bond of blood, which was formed when one made the ultimate sacrifice to protect someone out of deep, pure love.

Harry is forever grateful to his biological parents despite not having any memory of them. And he would not be ashamed to tell the world that he shared their blood. Although he is very certain that the attention of the entire magical Britain will be on him, if he revealed that he is the boy who lived.

One of his brothers, Damian Wayne had suggested to him that he could also use it to his advantage to divert attention from him. Like how Bruce Wayne do to Batman. "Hohoho~ you got some origin story right there, squirt. Kinda remind me of someone eh, Bruce?"

"We should not encourage him to do something reckless Dick"

Harry smiled at the memory. Richard had told him that some of the things that happened to him were paralleled to his adopted father.

"Hey."

"Yes?" he was cut from his musing as the Greengrass-girl had called his attention. An intense look adds character on her icy blue eyes. Her school robe on her hand.

"We're getting closer to Hogwarts, we need to change" sure enough the silhouette of the massive school loomed on the distance. Gathering his own school robe, he nodded politely to the girl and stepped out of the compartment. His cat jumped to the floor, stretching his legs.

"I'll change out here on the hall, the room is all yours." The girl returned a curt nod.

Exiting the train in their new Hogwarts school robes, Harry and the Greengrass-girl had found themselves at Hogsmeade station. His familiar had disappeared in his shadow, a trick that he learned from one of the old tomes of his teacher. They were being shepherded with the other first years by the Hogwarts' gamekeeper. Easily one of the largest men he had ever seen. Even larger thanhis father or even than his uncle Clark.

"Hey Daphne! There you are my girl." A squeaky voice cried. Harry turned just in time to see a dark haired girl about his age barreled and engulf the Greengrass-girl in a hug. "Where have you been on the train? Do you know how I was force to sit with Pansy and her own band of lunatics? I can't stand listening to them have whine and complain! It's so silly"

"Tracey, breathe." The Greengrass-girl, Daphne said. Harry noticed that the blond girl's expression soften and the corner of her lips turned upward. "Sorry, I was at the last car of the train with this boy. I should have looked for you."

She should smile more, it looks good to her.

"With a boy? Oh" the newly identified girl, Tracey cocked an eyebrow before turning her attention to Harry. The girl's light skin flushed with pink, before adopting a mischievous smile. She sends a playful look toward Daphne, which the blond returned with sterner one. "Hi! My name is Tracey Davis. What's yours?"

"Harry Wayne." The boy took her extended hand with a smile.

"Nice to meet you Harry. Is that American accent I hear?"

"Yea I'm from Gotham."

"Gotham, wait. Harry Wayne?"

"Yes"

"As in Bruce Wayne?!" Tracey's high pitched voice draws attention of the other kids around.

The dark haired girl gasped before covering her mouth with her hands. The other girl beside her rolled her eyes at her friend. Harry however could see the amusement danced on her eyes.

Daphne elbowed her friend. "Trace"

It shook Tracey out of her embarrassment. "I'm sorry about my reaction. But by any chance are you related to Bruce Wayne?"

"Yep, He's my Dad actually." Harry answered, slightly surprise. He was told that the majority of the wizarding world had cut off themselves to more mundane world and only few had kept up with muggle events and influential personalities. He didn't expected that someone will recognize his family name this early.

"Oh wow, have I mentioned how handsome you are?"

"Tracey!"

Harry laugh heartily at the forwardness of Tracey. It was completely contrasting the rather icy and distant personality of Daphne.

"First years! First years gather around" the large gamekeeper boomed while indicating the boats with a hand. "Be careful everyone, we don't want any of you falling to the lake. No more than four to a boat."

Tracey and Daphne settled on the boat assigned to them while Harry and a girl with bushy brown hair sat across them. "Hi I'm Hermione Granger, I'm sorry but couldn't help but to overhear your conversation. You said your father is Bruce Wayne." Hermione said rather shyly before turning to Harry.

"Yea, he's my dad. I'm Harry Wayne."

"Oh really! That's amazing."

"Hello, Hermione I'm Daphne Greengrass and this buffoon here is a dear friend of mine is Tracey Davis." Daphne deadpanned while Tracey let an indignant hey. "I don't want to sound like an idiot, but who's Bruce Wayne? " directing the question mostly to Harry. An honest curiosity was written to her face. Harry found it nice to see this kind of reaction compare to the stoic and intimidating mask that the blond wore during the few times of their interaction.

"Well for one, Bruce Wayne is the fourth richest man on the entire planet." Tracey answered for him.

"Second actually, his new breakthroughs about using artificial spine have hit the market." Hermione added enthusiastically. "He's also one of the biggest supporters of the Justice League"

"Justice League? Wait I have heard them before."

"Daphne, they were the group of superheroes in America. I showed you their pictures last Christmas remember."

"Oh right, that's quite an impression Wayne"

"Thanks." Harry said, feeling more conscious to what they have all said. He still hadn't used on how other kids around his age react whenever his father's name was brought up. He just can't help but smile whenever people praise his dad specially Bruce known for using his wealth to help people and secure peace.

"Oh oh. Hey Harry my favorite League members are the founding trio; Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman. Have you met them before?"

"Tracey!" the blond girl yelp as her knuckles turned white since she's gripping the side of the boat for support. Tracey had rocked the boat rather violently as she jump to her feet eagerly. The raven haired teen had earned another annoyed scowl from Daphne, a nervous giggle from Hermione and amused smile from Harry.

"Sorry" the dark haired teen smiled apologetically earning an annoyed glare from Daphne.

"Seriously, Trace you should be more careful."

"It won't happen again. I promise."

"Its fine, no harm done I guess." Harry said coolly. "To answer your question I do met them before."

Hermione perked up at this. "How are they like?"

"Superman and Wonder Woman are pretty cool actually; Batman is nice guy, kinda grumpy and stiff but nice."

A few more minutes later, the group of the newly acquainted students found their boats docking the school's harbor. They held their breath at they scanned the castle before them. It nestled at the top of the mountain and is surrounded by vegetation and a dense forest a perfect contrast to the grey stones which was illuminated by thousands of ball of lights. The loch that they just cross had reflected the image perfectly since they are now closer to the school.

They had followed the other students who are being led to the stairs by the school gamekeeper. Every step he takes, Harry feel more excited and anxious at the same time. The anticipation is palpable on the atmosphere. He remembers the other time he had felt this way was when he first discovered the entrance to the batcave by accident.

They were led to the entrance hall and the friendly gamekeeper introduces them to a tall stern looking witch. "First years, Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you Hagrid, I'll take it from here" Professor McGonagall said. "Welcome Hogwarts, the start of term banquet will begin shortly, now in the few moments you will pass through this door and join your classmates but before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They were Gryffindor, Hupplepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. While you're here your house will be your family, your triumphs will earn you points any rule breaking and you will lose points, at the end of the year the house with most points will be awarded with the house cup, -"

"Trevor!" she was cut off by a boy with nervous shout. The same boy rushes forward and scooped a toad with his tiny hands before disappearing bark to the crowd.

"The sorting will begin momentarily" the elder witch finished and then disappears behind the entrance door.

Murmurs started to begin, Harry recognizes the Malfoy-boy as the blond said something about his father making sure he will be sorted properly. "How does one get sorted?" a tall boy at the back asked no one in particular.

"Some sort of test." A girl with dark complexion answered. Now that seems unlikely as Harry was inform by Zatanna that most children on magical Britain were never allowed to use magic until they reach a certain age, specially that they had some sort of magical trace for underage magic. And according from Sirius, most muggle-born doesn't know magic till the last couple of months before the started school. He looked around and noticed that Hermione, whispering softly to herself, mouthing words and phrases quickly.

"Hermione, relax were not doing any test for sorting." Tracey said quietly to the bushy haired witch.

"We won't? Then how are we going to be sorted?"

"It's actually much more trivial-"

"I heard we need to wrestle a troll!"

Daphne turned to a red head boy who was talking loudly to three other boys that includes the boy who interrupted Professor McGonagall before shaking her head and muttering. "Idiot,"

"Do you know how we are sorted?" Harry inquired the blond girl and earning the attention of the other two girls.

Daphne considered him for few moments before nodding. A mischievous gleam flickered to her eyes and her lips curved a little. "You just need to put on a Hat."

She's becoming more interesting, Harry smiled.

"Exactly," Tracey chimed in.

Hermione released the breath she's holding. "A what?"

"A hat," Tracey said. "You will have to put it on and it will tell where you should belong"

"Could it be that simple?"

"You worry too much Hermione"

"I'm sure we'll be fine Hermione," Harry assured the girl. "Which house do you think you're going to be sorted with?"

"I don't know to be honest; I'll be okay everywhere beside Slytherin. I heard that dark wizards came from there, including you-know-who." Hermione said before earning an unfriendly glare from Daphne.

"Uh.. My dad and Daph's dad were in Slytherin." Tracey said stiffly. "That's why we know each other."

Hermione eyes widened. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sure that she didn't mean it. I heard a lot about the reputation of Slytherin and most of them will make people wary of them." Harry said before turning to the bushy haired girl. "But Hermione I'm sure that not everyone from Slytherin is bad. We shouldn't label people base from where they are or the actions of few."

"R-right"

"Ambitious, cunning and resourceful" Tracey said with a hint of pride in her voice. "These are the trait that Slytherin value most."

"They are great qualities to have," Harry agreed, these traits fits his father and brothers. Having these traits will definitely be an asset to a robin and he had hoped that he was worthy enough to be a robin before he decided to attend Hogwarts.

"She is not wrong," Daphne sighed, before softening her gaze to Hermione. "I suppose it will be for the best if you got sorted to other house."

"S-sorry I-I didn't mean it."

"Don't worry I'm not angry with you. There will be people who will give you a hard time in Slytherin for being a Muggle-born." Daphne pondered for few moments "Well you seem smart so I guess you would do well in Ravenclaw. It's a good alternative for Slytherin"

"Okay."

"So Daphne, Tracey which house do you think you're going to be sorted with?"

"They said that houses tends to run in families so I guess we will end up with Slytherin"

"I don't know Trace, you act like a daft sometimes. You could have ended up with the lions or the badgers"

"Whaa… How could you!"

"See," Daphne to meet Harry's eyes, she was almost devoid of emotion. "It would be a shame if you end up in Griffindor, Wayne. You're not half bad"

"It shouldn't matter we can be friends whenever we are right?"

"I would agree with you but the rivalry between houses tends to get in the way of friendship"

"First Years form a line," Professor McGonagall had returned and on her hand is a roll of parchment. "We're ready for you now, follow me."

The Great hall was lit with thousands of thousands of candles that were suspended midair just like the outsides of candles. There are four long tables with hundreds and hundreds of foods in the golden plates and goblets. At the other side of the hall is an elevated section for another long table this time where teachers were sitting instead of students.

Professor McGonagall had led them between the teachers and the other students from other year. The Professor silently places a four-legged stool at the front of the first years and a pointed wizard's hat on the top of it.

There was a complete silence and the hat began to twitch. A rip began to open like a mouth and the hat began to sing. Of all things he expected this is the one that he didn't expect a hat would do. The entire hall burst into applause and bowed to each table before it went silent again.

"So we're not fighting a troll?"

"Can you wait here please." The witch said. "Now, before we begin our Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words."

Behind the teacher's long table an old wizard stand up, easily towering above the first years. He had a silver hair and a long silver beard that was tucked into his belt. He had a long, crooked nose and the most noticeable feature of the man is his eyes which was shade of blue and has a twinkle of kindness and mischief. He had heard this man from his father and godfather. He can trust this man but wary of him.

"I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce; first years please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students, also our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the third corridor on the right hand side is completely out of bounds to everyone who wish not to die the most painful death"

Harry frowns at this and judging the buzz around the hall, the students are agitated to the warning they got from the Headmaster. The description was vague and just completely strange. Zatanna had said that most magical place have their own secret too important and dangerous for everyone to find out. That is normal for an ancient magical place.

But Harry being a son of batman and friend to some of Justice League, he won't be able to avoid investigating and do something about it. First, he needs Intel; he will need to observe these people and this place. He need to do this unnoticed so the risk will be lower.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat to gather the attention of everyone in the hall. "Thank you, Professor. Now when I call your name you will come forth and I shall place the sorting hat on your head."

"Hermione Granger"

Harry looked the bushy haired girl as she step forward and mutters silently. "Mental that one, I'm telling you" he heard the red headed boy said, oblivious to the annoyed looks that he received from him and two other girls.

As soon as the hat touches her head it twitches again and looks like it was contemplating. A full minute have passed before the hat announce: "RAVENCLAW!"

The entire hall burst into applause, as the new Ravenclaw student has joined her house.

"Neville Longbottom"

"GRIFFINDOR!"

This process continues as the first years were called. Each table would cheer the loudest for each new member sorted to their house.

When the first Slytherin was sorted, Harry's eyes followed Draco Malfoy, who walked across the hall to the Slytherin table. His interaction with the boy so far had been unpleasant. Observing the other students on this table give him impression that they all wear a mask, they had the same stoic look that Daphne has. Their expression was unnaturally relaxed compared to Students at Ravenclaw who looks the most reserve on all tables. Tracey Davis soon sorted to Slytherin, she was bubbly as she skip a few times to join the snakes. It was a stark contrast to the other Slytherin.

The red head boy who called Hermione a mental and who thought that first years need to fight a troll for sorting gulped loudly as Professor McGonagall called his name. He was Ronald Weasley. The hat barely touches his head before it exclaimed. " AH! Another Weasley," the boy jumped a little. "I just know what to do with you: Griffindor."

"Daphne Greengrass" Daphne stepped forward and confidently sat down and accepted the hat. She looked confident and ready.

"Slytherin!"

"Hannah Abbott" Harry watch Daphne beamed as she joined her friend to her table. She had a serious and determined look as she sat down and looked at his direction. "Hupplepuff!"

"Harry Thomas Wayne" He confidently walks confidently to the Sorting hat. He notices the Headmaster had leaned forward, paying more attention. Tracey Davis flashed him a smile before pointing to an empty space across her and Daphne. The hat had dropped over his eyes and forcing him to close his eyes,

"Ahhh this one is difficult, very difficult to place," A small ancient voice whispers in his mind. "There is a plenty of courage, I see, not a bad mind either. You have a nice thirst to prove yourself and you're very loyal too… Oh my goodness! There's Talent! You will do great things someday my boy, now that's interesting… So where shall I put you?"

"You're asking me?"

"I'm merely a guide, a judge. The choice is ultimately yours."

"I really don't know what I want"

"Ahh. You would do well in any house Mr. Wayne. Did you perhaps consider the Gryffindor? It is after all the house of your real parents."

"You know who I am?"

"Yes but worry not Mr. Wayne. Your secret is safe from me. "

"How do you know me? I trained with experts to shield my mind to mind readers"

"I don't look at your memories Mr. Wayne. There are more ways to probe for this kind information."

"How?,"

"Perhaps I'll tell you another time. We have more pressing matters to attend to."

"Right," Harry said a little concern about this revelation. "Will I do well in Griffindor?"

"Oh yes! They will hear you ROAR! You have a strong heart and charisma to lead the others."

"I don't really draw attention to myself"

"Ah yes. You prefer to stay on shadows and use your talents unnoticed I could see that you have a strong influence for this kind of behavior"

"How?,"

"Another time Mr. Wayne. Now where should I put you?"

"Okay,"

"Slytherin? You are cunning and resourceful and you have an ambition too. Although your ambition is for someone else, I could see you will bring glory to the house of snakes."

"Do you think I should go there?"

"Only you can answer that my boy"

"Hm. I think I'm ready to decide now"

"Ah yes, that is a great choice but are you sure?

"Yes,"

"Well if you're so sure then better be SLYTHERIN."

"Harry."

The boy looked up. His body is screaming at him, his body wants to rest; he wanted to sleep and never wake up. Yet behind his young broken eyes, a small fire of hope is still burning. He forced himself to look for the source of the voice.

"I'm here. "

Harry a pathetic sound as he stared at the looming dark figure in the shadows. Hand outstretch, reaching for him. He felt a tug within and he felt more tired. A bubble of a blue energy of some sort had surrounded him, before it flickered out of existence.

"I won't hurt you; come here your safe now."

The young boy didn't know how but the next thing he remembers was darkness and the strange warmth and comfort that embraced his body.

Author's note: Wow didn't really know that I will make this kind of comeback. A friend of mine found my story at this website and told me I should continue. I'll probably post another chapter to see if anyone still care. I had fun writing this chapter and editing the first two, hopefully you will enjoy it readers. I'm not too happy at the last bit with batman though so expect that it will be edited in a few days. Feel free to point out any mistake, grammatical error or mistype.

Edit 03/01/20

If anyone still cares i added a few tidbits, the new chapter is currently in progress and is expected to be posted around the middle of march or early april.