WARNINGS: I HAVEN'T READ THE COMICS! I ONLY WATCHED SOME EPISODES OF THE CARTOON/ANIMATED VERSION OF THE TEEN TITANS AND THE JUSTICE LEAGUE. FOR A FAIR AMOUNT OF THE SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS, I WILL USE THEIR ALIAS(S). I ALSO MADE SOME SLIGHT CHANGES IN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CERTAIN CHARACTERS.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN THE JUSTICE LEAGUE, HARRY POTTER, BATMAN, ETC. THIS STORY IS WRITTEN FOR PURE AMUSEMENT.
Once they regained their balance, Harriet ushered the children upstairs. Knowing what he did about Potter, Draco could tell that Lily would be taking a nap, while the boys' got ready for their lessons with mummy. This left him with Hol, since the masked man had left just as quickly as Potter. An elderly man came into the room and led them back up to a dining room. He quickly returned with a tray of tea, unfazed by the new additions. The transition was very smooth; Dray didn't notice the man in the bat costume leave.
"Here you are Miss," said Alfred as he handed Shayera a cup of tea. She thanked him politely as she took a sip. Draco nodded curtly as the elder also handed him a cup of tea. "I suppose you two will be staying for supper?"
"Yes." Draco had no intentions of leaving without answers.
"Very well; is there anything you are allergic to Mister…?"
"Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." Draco casually walked around the room…He preferred his home to be honest. "I'm fine with a variety of food items. I would like to know when Potter came to this residence."
"Why Miss Harriet arrived just this morning," Alfred commented. "I suppose you two have met before?"
"Yes," Draco smirked. "We're rather close."
"Interesting," said a tall and strong man in a suit as he walked into the room, "Then I'm sure you can answer a lot of my questions."
Quietly, Alfred left the room with Shayera, who had the impression that Batman was in interrogation mode.
Draco sneered. "Who are you?"
"Bruce Wayne." The man narrowed his eyes. "What's you real connection to Harriet?"
Draco scoffed, "None of your business, muggle."
"…magic-user," decided Bruce, "Probably not a fan, given Harriet's reaction to Zatanna. The kids like you, so you're close to them. You're cordial to Harriet, although there is a certain type of tension between you two. You know each other pretty well. I suppose you were involved with each other, platonic or sexual, possibly both."
Draco glared at the man. "Who are you?"
"Bruce Wayne; CEO of Wayne Enterprises and Harriet's recently discovered cousin." Bruce raised an eyebrow. "I suppose the Malfoys have heard of me?"
"Of course," Draco's frosty tone quickly changed to polite. He was quite aware of Harriet's thoughts about incest, "Pleasure to meet you Mr. Wayne. I am the head of the Malfoy family; Draco Malfoy. I assume that Harriet told you about magic?"
Bruce nodded at him. "What were you doing up at the station?"
Draco looked smugly at him. "It was quite ingenious of me really. I invented a new spell that allowed me to know when and where a loved one was in danger."
"You love Lily. You love her siblings. You love her mother." Bruce raised an eyebrow. "I would like to know about your intentions towards her."
"First of all, I would like to know why she would just up and left me like I was a bloody areshole to her." Draco's face darkened. "My son cried for weeks after she left. I even went after our unofficial adoptive family for information."
"Your son?" question Bruce.
Draco's eyes softened. "I was married before I met Harriet again. We last saw each other when we were in our late teens. My ex-wife agreed to split amicably, provided that she was allowed to make visits to our son. Her entire life was dictated by demands and rules until she had my child and I helped her make her own decisions."
"A witch, I assume. Most likely a pure-blood, given the whole 'dictated by demands and rules' part and Harriet's brief explanation; do you need to go retrieve your son for the duration of your stay in the States?"
Draco thought about it for a few moments. "No, I don't believe that will be necessary," said Draco slowly. "If everything goes right within the first few days, I'll be back in the UK with Harriet and the kids. Of course, you will be allowed to visit us."
Before Bruce could respond, a cupcake was thrown at Draco's face. Draco barely dodged the projectile, even with his seeker experience. Shayera blinked at the shorter woman who was glaring at the blonde man. They had just met in the hall, when Draco made that comment. Shayera and Harriet were just about to stop the interrogation with snacks that Alfred made. Unfortunately, Draco's words caused Harriet to do something unexpected. Faster than Shayera thought was possible for a human; Harriet seized a cupcake and threw it with the skill of a talented pitcher.
Harriet marched into the room and made a bee line straight towards Draco. She scowled at him. "What were you thinking of Malfoy? Go get Scorpius, right now!" she pulled on his robes and brought him lower to her lever so she could hiss into his ear, "Before we can even speak one word to each other, you cannot simply leave Scorpius at your mother's place. If he's in tears because of my departure, then think about his feelings once he realizes that he won't be seeing his father again until some time."
"Potter…"
Harriet yanked on his ear with one hand and mussed his hair with her other hand. Ignoring Draco's expression, she said harshly. "Go get Scorpius right now, otherwise…" she tailed off threateningly.
Draco shook her off, but he was pale as he disappeared.
Harriet snorted at the empty space. "Whenever he gets obsessed he tends to underestimate or overestimate others." She glanced at Bruce. "Do you want to be saddled with bath duty or tell Alfred that Draco's son is coming?"
As soon as Draco recognized his mother's wing of his parents' manor he called out, "Mother? Scorpius?"
A small but solid form collided with the back of his knees, but fortunately he managed to maintain his balance.
"Daddy," squealed Scorpius as he hugged his father's legs. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black strolled in at a much more leisure pace. Draco nodded at his mother. Due to the war and his father's imprisonment, his mother gained new lines on her face and lost quite a lot of beneficial acquaintances. If it were not for her act against the Dark Lord and Harriet's testimony in her favor, she would have been imprisoned as well and he would have never been given the chance to complete his education. Despite her hardships, she was still the elegant and intelligent woman that gave birth to him.
"Hello mother," greeted Draco before he kissed her cheek.
Narcissa smiled at her son. "I suppose you found her and she has been able to make you see sense."
"Mother," said Draco warningly.
"Draco," Narcissa patted his check with a dainty, smooth fair skin hand. "You're a good son and a good father. But sometimes, your obsessive tendencies can hurt the ones you love. Scorpius really missed his daddy. Not to mention his misery caused by the disappearance of his new mummy."
Draco stiffened, but he needed to get his son out of the room before he could talk to his mother. He kneeled down and felt his lips turn up at Scorpius's wide eyes and grin.
"Hey, Scorps, why don't you get your things? I found Harriet, Teddy, James, Lily, and Albus. We're going to stay with them for a while, but I promise you that we'll return to Britain." Draco nodded encouragingly at Scorpius, who promptly he ran out of the room calling for a certain house-elf named Blib. Blib was rather fond of Scorpius, almost as much as Scorpius was attached to the mini-Hungarian Horntail figurine that Harriet made for his last birthday. "Blib, can you help Scorpius pack and change into muggle clothing? The ones that Harriet bought for him will do." Scorpius seized Blib's hand and dragged him out of the room.
"Darling, Scorpius cried himself to sleep on his first night here after you left." Narcissa frowned at her son. "I told you that it was a mistake to tell him about the ring."
"Mother, I told him about my plan after he found the ring. I couldn't lie to my son about it." Retorted Draco as his mind flashed to the small rectangular box hidden within the inner pocket of his robes. It was enchanted, charmed, and spelled against everyone who wasn't kin to the giver of the ring and the receiver. Considering the present amount of living Potters and Malfoys, Draco considered it safe enough.
"He was terribly distressed, when you came home without his new mummy." His mother's lips thinned. "Then you leave him with me and go off in your search for Harriet and her children."
"Well what was I suppose to do?" replied Draco heatedly. "She could have been abducted by dark wizards!"
Narcissa stared coolly at him. "She is the vanquisher of the Dark Lord; a living hero; and the Lovegood heiress has not printed a thing in her newspaper that hints at bad events. It's all about the regrettable truth about Crumple-Horned Snorkacks and the Unspeakables' secret plans to open bakeries that would dominate the world. Now see here, young man." Narcissa narrowed her eyes at Draco. "Luna Lovegood is a kind woman. Granted she is odd, but she does not judge nor does she mock me."
"Mother," started Draco. His mouth closed as his mother's eyes flashed and she snapped her hand, summoning a house-elf. The house-elf bowed low, holding a newspaper above her head. Narcissa grabbed the paper and the house-elf popped away. Ignoring whatever sappy words her son was about to say, Narcissa uncharacteristically pushed a newspaper against his chest.
"Read it," Ordered Narcissa. She turned around and settled into a chair. The same house-elf reappeared with a glass of water.
Wondering what was taking Scorpius so long; Draco turned the paper over and looked at it. It was a Daily Prophet newspaper made a day after Harriet's disappearance. Unusually, it was thicker than normal. Draco allowed his eyes to be drawn to the largest article on the front page.
The Reason Why the Girl-Who-Lived Divorced the Weasel
Harriet Potter, the Girl-Who-Lived, head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, and the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, was the wife of Ronald Bilius "Ron" Weasley. Unlike traditional weddings, the youngest male Weasley of the Weasley Clan married into the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, but refused to change his surname into Potter. Sources say that, Lady Potter-Black had demanded a divorce for years after their second child, yet Weasley refused to sign the papers, until the couple took the case to the Wizengamot nearly three years ago. During that year, Lady Potter-Black's youngest child was born. After the trial, Lady Potter-Black took her children to an unknown location. She has rarely been seen in Diagon Alley and other magical places.
The exact reason for their divorce has been unknown for many years, but all rumors clearly put Weasley as the one in fault. Just recently, new evidence has come up that gives much more insight on their separation. A fortnight ago, at a muggle restaurant near the Leaky Cauldron, Ronald Weasley was spotted having dinner with a certain brunette, who is known for her crusade for the better treatment of house-elves and her intelligence. Hermione Granger was seen with the Weasel, having a romantic candlelight dinner! A wizard having supper with his family saw the duo, and used a Facsimile Quill to record the conversation. A Facsimile Quill is a quill charmed to help the user copy exactly whatever a speaker is saying. Its official use is for school notes, but our anonymous wizard has found another use for the quill.
Ronald Weasely: ...great to see you again Mione.
Hermione Granger: Honestly, Ronald. You know how I feel about that name.
Weasely: So how've things been for you? I remember an article about you and some house-elves. I guess your Spew really hit it off. Granger: It's S.P.E.W, for the last time. And yes, the Australian Ministry of Magic did eventually agree to my proposal. Out of all the house-elves I've met, only Dobby enjoyed being free, or without an owner. After talking to some, I have come to the conclusion that they can make their own choices. If they truly feel better with someone to protect them, then who am I to judge them for it? I shouldn't have tried to force them to accept the hats and scarves I made. I must talk to more house-elves, however to truly understand them. The house-elves in Britain are little better than slaves, in my opinion. You say that they like to serve, but why? Why do they like to serve? In Australia, the house-elves can find refuge from abusive guardians. All house-elves sign a contract. In each contract that I have come across, there is a clause stating that if the employer physically, magically, or mentally harms a the employee — the house-elf — then the house-elf can go to the sub-section of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures that is in charge of house-elves and seek help. The moment that the employer violates their contract, the house-elf can—
Weasely: Sorry Hermione, but how do I order another dish?
Granger: (snorts) I can see that your appetite hasn't changed. It's hardly polite to interrupt me, Ronald. Pass me the menu, and we can settle your stomach.
Weasely (To a waiter): Thanks. So, is there anyone special in your life?
Granger: I've hardly had the time to go date. I was so busy tracking down my parents and helping the house-elves that I barely had any time for myself. It's been years since I return to London, so I was simply planning on resting a day or two, before I continue my work. What about you? Aren't you married yet? I avoid gossip rags now; much better to hear it from someone that I trust.
Weasley: Things haven't exactly been working out with me and this girl. She thinks I'm not the right bloke for her, so we're giving each other some space.
Granger: Do I know her?
Weasley: We went to school with her. By the way, do you remember that kiss you gave me?
Granger: …You mean the kiss at the Battle of Hogwarts? You can forget about it, if it's bothering you so much. I was too caught up in the moment, Ron. Who exactly are you—
Weasley: That kiss was bloody amazing, Mione. I want to know if we have something between us that's more than pals.
Granger: Ron, if you're serious about getting back with your old girlfriend, then you can't check out other women. I suppose I should have cleared things with you before I left. I admit that I did think about us being in a romantic way—
Weasley: Then why don't we try it?
Granger: When I was thinking about romance, we were hormonal adolescents, Ronald.
Weasley: Well, all I see are a man and a woman, who've known each other for a long time. Come on Mione. Let's go on a date. If it doesn't work out, then no harm done.
Granger: …I suppose one date wouldn't hurt. At least, it'll be with someone I trust. You have to tell me about what's happened in London, while I've been gone. I haven't heard from Harry in years, due to problems with the weather and that epidemic with owls.
Ronald: Sure! I'll pick you up—
Our anonymous source was interrupted by the manager; however there is more than enough information to indicate that Ronald Weasley is a cheating spouse! Is Herminone Granger truly an innocent victim? In any case, she'll know what everyone else in Wizarding Britain have known soon enough!
To catch a brief recap...
Girl-Who-Lived: the New Lady Black? – pg 6
Potter House Rise to Ancient and Noble – pg 7
Lady Potter-Black's Wedding and Her New Hubby – pg 8
Harriet Potter: Savior of the Wizard World, Auror, Wife, and now Mother! – pg 9
Lady Potter-Black and her Weasel: Trouble with Love? – pg 10
Divorce of the Year: Weasel's Last Chance! – pg 11
"It was printed a few days after you left on your wild goose chase." Narcissa said. She handed the empty glass cup to her personal house-elf, and dismissed it with a wave. "Unusually, that Weasley boy hasn't put up much of a fuss. His silence is unnerving to say the least. He has something planned, Draco. Considering his…attention to Potter, it wouldn't surprise me if he was the one who drove her to disappear."
Draco sneered. "Do you honestly believe that Potter would leave because of him?"
"Despite her power, your Harry has her weak spots. Her children; her loyal and trusted friends; her conscience," his mother narrowed her eyes as she finished, "You. Do you honestly believe that the Weasel would be unwilling to do anything underhanded to force Potter into submission? It's wouldn't be impossible for him to make it difficult for her to use her Grigotts's account. "
Draco frowned, but Scorpius interrupted him before he could speak. His son was dressed in a red shirt — Griffindor-red, noticed Draco with a twitch — and blue trousers. Non-descript shoes adorned his feet. Blib was carrying two suitcases and a backpack.
Blib looked up at his Master with wide eyes and said in a high pitched voice. "Can Blib go with Young Master Scorpius?"
When it looked like Draco was about to refuse, Scorpius tugged on his hand. Draco looked down and saw his son's eyes. Draco sighed, but nodded in acquiesce. Scorpius grinned and hugged Blib, who stumbled but retained his balance. Draco muttered to himself, "How to explain the house-elf to Harry's muggle cousin?"
Draco waved good-bye at his mother as he prepared to Apparate with his son, a house-elf, and luggage.
Scorpius felt dizzy. His daddy rested a hand on his back and said softly, "Breathe in and out, Scorps."
"I thought I heard something," Scorpius heard a warm and kind voice, but his stomach still felt as though a pair of blunders were going crazy. Unconsciously, he released a groan.
Soft hands that were smaller than daddy's hands smoothed his hair away from his face. Blearily, he opened his eyes and saw a dark blur. He blinked again and tried to rub his eyes to get a clearer view. When he could finally see clearly, Scorpius beamed.
"Harry!" cried Scorpius as he reached for his friend. He wrapped his arms around Harry's neck as far as he could and squeezed.
"Wow," breathed Harriet. "Give me some air, Scorps."
Draco frowned as Scorpius simply pressed himself against Harriet even more. Before he could rebuke his son, three pairs of feet skidded to a stop outside the room doorway.
"Scorps!"
"Oi! Get off my mum, you brat!"
"I think it's time you stopped acting like a monkey, Scorps."
Teddy immediately went to his godmother and tickled Scorpius into relaxing his grip. Seizing the opportunity, James grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled the Malfoy spawn off of his mother. Albus tackled his childhood friend and wrestled him for a few short moments, before emerging as the victor with the right to sit on his opponent's back.
Draco looked enraged and was about to help his son, when Teddy stepped in his path and raised an eyebrow. James joined his brother in all but blood as they stared at Draco.
"Albus get off of Scorpius right now." said Harriet, "Teddy, James can you tell Bruce and Alfred that Draco and his son are here?
Teddy nodded and dragged James with him. Albus helped Scorpius up and beamed at him. Scorpius glared at Albus who grinned cheekily at him.
"I win again, Scorpius," teased Albus.
Scorpius made an unhappy face, but allowed Albus to drag him out of the room. Blib obediently followed his young master, leaving the Master and hopefully future Mistress alone. Harriet straightened herself and arched an eyebrow at Draco.
Harriet said, "Blib? Really?"
"He's my son's best friend," said Draco defensively
"No; Albus is Scorpius's best friend. Blib is his personal house-elf, and the one who dressed him until I entered into the picture and taught him how to do it by himself."
"I would have taught Scorpius."
"Oh really?" said Harriet amusedly. She returned to the original topic. "You didn't allow Blib to come because Scorps gave you his version of the puppy dog eyes, did you?"
Draco coughed and pointedly looked down on Harriet. She laughed, before she turned her back to Draco and began walking towards the door. Draco seized her wrist in a firm grip and tugged her closer to him.
"My son is here," said Draco lowly.
Harriet looked up at him, a deep feeling growing within her. "He is."
"Why did you leave?"
"What do you think made me leave?"
"Weasel threatened you? Turned your friends against you? You got mad at me because of a curse or a hex?"
"Maybe I wanted to keep my children safe?" Harriet pulled her wrist free and stared at her childhood nemesis.
Draco rested both hands on her shoulders and looked at her evenly. "I thought we were doing a fine job, Harriet. What changed?"
Harriet remained mute and stared over his shoulder.
"Harriet. If I found you, then whatever makes you think that whatever is threatening you won't find you as well?"
"Listen to me Draco," said Harriet, stepping closer to him. She spoke in a quiet, soft voice. "I left the Kingdom unexpectedly, because I'm involved in something far more dangerous than you ever expected."
"Then why are your kids with you?" questioned Draco with blazing eyes. "Am I not strong enough to protect them and help you?"
"Truthfully, yes." Harriet held up a hand to Draco's cheek, stopping him from replying. "Draco, I can't tell you everything yet. I'm looking for information, and once I get it, I promise you that I'll explain myself better."
Draco stared angrily at Harriet, who didn't flinch at his expression. Finally, he nodded.
"I'll give you two weeks to get all your information without my presence." Said Draco, "But once time is up, you are going to tell me everything."
Harriet looked warily at Draco. "Dray, I don't have a team anymore."
"Call Lovegood, Longbottom, and Gr—Ginny," said Draco, wincing internally over his slip.
"You don't have to flinch, Malfoy." Harriet sighed. "I won't suddenly bawl my eyes out over the mention of Hermione. Right after the Battle of Hogwarts, Hermione headed off to find her parents. Ron and I—
Draco corrected, "Weasel and you."
"Ronald and I were forced to stay and rebuild, while Hermione had to go by herself to a different country to find her bewitched parents." Harriet held up a finger to Draco's lips to stop him from interrupting her. "Then, she actually manages to find house-elves and employers who were willing to allow her to ask questions and make observations that would make her a social piranha in Wizarding Britain. Dray, I told her to do it."
"Sometimes, I swear you cursed yourself," muttered Draco.
"I heard that," Harriet said. "But I'm going to ignore it. In fact, I'll even give you two hints: Hermione's doing something for me. And, Hermione's dinner with Ron isn't the first time that she returned to London since the war."
"Moving on," said Draco dryly. "Lovegood looks outside the box. She even has power over the public, no matter how unbelievable it is. Longbottom can give you plant data and the power of Hogwarts' staff. There's also the remaining D.A. Andromeda can watch over the kids with my mother."
Harriet rolled her eyes and turned around. As she walked out, she called out. "You are full of bollocks if you think that I can ask them for help and get everything I need within two weeks, while I'm incognito and in a different country."
Draco felt an eye twitch as he followed Harriet.
Alfred was feeling great amusement over the situation. Mistress Harriet and her family were wonderful additions to the family. Even, Draco Malfoy was pleasant if Mistress Harriet was within his presence.
Alfred wiped his hands as he turned around to check on the roast. When he last checked, the guests were with Master Bruce and Master Tim in the dining room eating appetizers. Shayera and Harriet were quietly conversing with each other, while Draco made funny faces at Scorpius and Albus. Lily was distinctively attentive to Shayera's wings. Teddy was talking to Master Tim, who was one of the closest ones to his age. James was staring at his newly discovered uncle, and Alfred knew his Master well enough to know that his oldest nephew's awestruck gaze disturbed him. More accurately, he made Master Bruce feel awkward.
Alfred felt himself smile as he recalled James's question.
"Will you teach me how to drive when I'm old enough, Uncle Bruce?" James had asked excitedly.
Alfred released a chuckle over Master Bruce's reaction. He had been stuck with James's excited eyes and Harriet's frown. Alfred poured the drinks, and decided to check on the desserts. The doorbell drew him away from the chocolate pudding. Alfred wiped his hands and walked towards the grand entrance. He opened the door and smiled at the new guest.
"Hi Alfred," A tall muscular but slim man with dark-hair and black shades, greeted the elderly man with a hug and a grin.
Alfred said warmly. "Master Richard."
Richard John "Dick" Graysongave the elderly butler a warm hug. "How are Bruce and Tim?"
"They are in perfect health, although I have warned Master Bruce many times to rest before going off and fighting crime." Alfred helped Master Richard out of his black jacket as he talked. "We do have additional guests today, Master Richard."
"Let me guess," said Richard. "Is it Wonder Woman?"
"I'm afraid not," replied Alfred as he put away the jacket. "I don't quite know if Master Bruce can rebuild that bridge."
Richard ventured aloud, "Catwoman?"
"I have yet to see Miss Kyle in the news in her alter identity as of late." Alfred said dryly. "It is indeed possible that the Cat has ensnared the attention of the Bat."
Richard gave a brief chuckle at the thought of Catwoman flirting with Batman. Alfred seemed to agree with his imagination based on the brief twinkle in his eyes. Following Alfred, Richard looked around the manor. It hadn't change since his last visit. A beep and vibration from his pant's left pocket alerted them that something was afoot. Smiling apologetically at Alfred, Richard took out his communicator.
Richard said, "Nightwing."
"A Malchior fanboy is intent on sacrificing my kids and acquiring my powers to revive the damned dragon through an ancient and archaic ritual," a quiet voice that was unfamiliar to Alfred emitted from the device.
"Do you need me to go back to Jump?"
"If you do, then you will attract the fanboy's attention and endanger the civilians of Jump City. I'm not even at Jump right now."
Robin suggested. "I can contact the League?"
"…When I tried to request for aid from the League, I was answered by a superstitious and close-minded female magician." Richard had a bad feeling that he knew the exact magician that his friend was talking about. "I quote by verbatim: 'I can sense that you are a spawn of a demon. You are a child of evil. Any child of yours borne from your body deserves to not enter this world. I do not trust you nor do I believe that you are safe to the surrounding civilians. I will find you and send you to your rightful place.' She disconnected the call soon after."
"Sorry Rae." Richard winced, while Alfred raised an eyebrow. Despite his curiosity, Alfred maintained his position from Master Richard.
"Gotham City contains valuable ancient books that will—"
"You are not coming to Gotham with three kids, Rae." Richard couldn't contain the disbelief in his voice; however Raven's stare was serious. He knew enough about his teammate to know that she was going to Gotham unless he could provide a solid logical argument.
"It is my only chance to gather information on the ritual."
Richard felt a headache growing. "What if you tell me the name of the books you need? I can get them and send them to you — wherever you are."
"Only a living being filled with magic can touch those texts without backlash. You're tough, but I'm afraid that the mental connection we have is not enough to protect you." Raven sighed and held up a slender hand to signify a moment of silence from Richard. "Melvin, get that stuffed duck out of Teether's mouth. Timmy, stay in the room please. Timmy? Timmy!"
Raven turned her head back to Richard quickly. "I'm coming to Gotham with the kids, whether you like it or not. There's already a dead monk. They aren't safe, unless I'm with them. I need the manuscripts and they need me. I'll see you tomorrow."
Raven disconnected the communicator. Richard smiled awkwardly at Alfred, who raised his other eyebrow.
"I guess I'll be staying for a while," said Richard.
"I was not aware that Miss Raven had children. I suppose congratulations are in order," Alfred nodded. "How old are they?"
"They aren't her biological children, but Raven agreed to be their guardian." Richard smiled to himself, remembering Cyborg and Beast Boy's reactions at the news. "Melvin's the oldest and she's about three years younger than Tim, which makes her nine years old. Timmy's eight and Teether's five. They have powers, but I bet Bruce has data on them."
Alfred said. "Master Bruce would hardly rest until his information is up to speed. I shall prepare their rooms, then."
"Thanks Alfred," replied Richard.
They resumed walking. Contemplating the new threat and Raven's arrival, Richard forgot to ask Alfred about the guests. When Richard walked through the doorway to the dining room, he was caught off guard.
"Master Bruce, Master Richard is here," said Alfred.
Bruce nodded at Richard, who nodded back at him. Their relationship was still somewhat tense, however it was nowhere as stressed as Richard's early years as a titan. As Richard took his seat by Bruce's left, he was aware that many eyes were on him.
"Now that everyone has arrived, I shall start sending in the rest of the dishes." Alfred paused next to Richard. "I trust that you have left your belongings with your vehicle."
Richard said. "It's only a duffle bag, since I wasn't planning on staying for more than a few days. I can take it up later."
"I may be old Master Richard, but the years have yet to dull my skills," commented Alfred. "It will be in your room."
"Thanks Alfred," grinned Richard.
Alfred left the room, leaving silence in his wake. It seemed as though no one knew what to say. The children were busy staring at Richard, while Tim was consumed in his conversation with Teddy. Bruce was never very talkative in his home and Shayera was eating a buttered biscuit. Draco chose to observe the new addition. He wasn't here to make friends after all.
Harriet finally said, "Hi, I'm Harriet. I'm Bruce's long lost cousin."
Richard was startled, however he answered calmly. "I'm Richard, Bruce's oldest ward."
Harriet nodded, thoughtfully. "Do you have a superhero identity too?"
Richard didn't know how to answer that. If Harriet was a civilian, then he couldn't say that he was Nightwing. However, she was also Bruce's cousin. A glance at Bruce told him that he was on his own.
Another test, thought Richard with an inward sigh.