An Ace in The Hole

Chapter Nine: Shh! You're About to Be Rewarded!

Frost was relaxing, listening to some music in one of the upstairs rooms alone. She needed a few minutes away from the clown and his crew. She would have already left, but the 'Animal', as she referred to him, gave her reason to stay. Even after twelve years in prison, Sirius Black was still quite handsome and apparently very wealthy in the Wizarding world. She found herself contemplating ideas she had once only dreamt of in another life. There were only a few men that could withstand her icy touch, and until now, none had interested her. A knock at the door interrupted her wandering thoughts.

"Go away!" she shouted, not bothering to move or even open her eyes.

"That's not very friendly," Sirius retorted smoothly.

Frost huffed, "Stay out! There … is that better?"

"Not even close," Sirius chuckled. "I won't ask if you're decent, but are you clothed?"

Frost smirked, sitting up in the bed and crossing her legs. "Your jokes are almost as bad as the clown's. You can come in, Animal. I know that you won't leave until I let you in."

"Only a few weeks and you already know me." Sirius slid open the door, then closed it behind him. "I was curious why you were secluded away this evening. Have you grown tired of our company?"

"I grow tired of the clown."

Sirius took a seat in the cushy armchair next to the bed. "Chuckles can be tiresome at times, but Ivy, Harley, and even my cousin can be pleasant company."

"You were in solitary too long."

"You seem to enjoy the solitude."

"I work alone. It's easier that way. No mess. No fuss."

"Easier … yes, but hardly enjoyable."

"Listen Black, you're very suave and we've had some fun, but I can't turn this off." She held out her hand, causing icy fog to flow from her fingertips. "Even with your magic, physical contact is limited—remember?"

"I remember, my ice queen," he cooed smoothly. "So much left for you to learn. Let's have an experiment."

Before Frost could react, Sirius grabbed her hand then leaned over and kissed her. Her brain locked for several seconds. It had been so long since she had been truly kissed that she forgot what it felt like. When she realized what he had done, she panicked and pushed him away, examining him carefully. She was shocked to see that he wasn't frozen solid where he sat. Matter of fact, he didn't even look cold.

She rubbed her face in confusion. "I told you never to kiss me! How are you not frozen to death?"

"I'm a wizard, remember?" Sirius retorted, smirking. "And apparently, still a rather brilliant one."

"Even with your magic—"

Sirius held up a hand and Frost watched as he pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper. He unrolled it and held it for her to see. It looked like a list of ingredients.

"What's that?"

"Part of being a wizard is creating potions, and one of my best friends was one of the best potion masters of our day," Sirius explained. "This here is the ingredients to a potion that can cause the drinker to become impervious to your icy powers. I've been carrying vials around with me to test on things that you've accidently frozen."

Frost considered the danger that this potion might be to her. "How long do the effects last?"

"Combined with another potion, the effects should be permanent. This here is the only copy of the potion."

"What do you plan on doing with it?"

"Only this."

She watched as he withdrew a wand and touched the tip to the paper. Immediately, the paper caught fire and burnt to ash before her eyes.

"Now, only I know the potion."

"You understand that I'm a criminal and a mass murderer."

"I'm the most wanted man in Great Britain—and I want to murder someone desperately." Sirius grabbed Frost by the wrist and dragged her into his lap.

Frost only weakly protested his advances. She found herself being swooned by the Brit and something inside her was enjoying it. His body seemed to be responding to her icy powers—increasing in temperature rather than cooling at her touch. The thought excited her as she fed off his warmth. Before she knew it, she was kissing him again.

"Even if you had tested the potion," Frost whispered, her lips only inches from his, "you still took a huge risk that I wouldn't put an ice shard through your chest for kissing me without my permission."

"I was in prison for over twelve years with no hope of release and surrounded by Dementors," Sirius breathed. "Danger is an afterthought for me."

"Hmmm ..." Frost purred, freezing the arms of the chair, "We've had some fun up to now. I wonder … how much of me your new potion can withstand?"

"There's only one way to find out." Sirius gripped her waist with his unnaturally warm hands. "I'm game if you are."

***ACE***

The door to the office swung open to reveal the Headmaster lying sound asleep at his desk. Ace strolled into the room, looking about casually.

"What are we after?"

"Patience, Red," Ace cooed. "This is first real opportunity I've had to peruse the old man's office without worry."

"What about the Bat?"

"He's the patient sort, as you say. He's currently swooping around the castle looking for signs of trouble. We'll entertain him soon enough. The Chaos Twins said that they've heard tale of a box in this office with my birth name on it. Thought it housed my heart or something."

Red's eyes glowed with mischief. "Then what are we waiting for?"

The two began to search the office for any signs of his birth name. The shear amount of stuff the Headmaster had hidden away was enough to fill a large moving truck. Ace would have loved nothing more than to clear out the old man's stash, but his sights were now set on a much larger prize.

"Naturally."

Ace looked up to see Red stretching to reach a box on the top shelf of a line of bookcases. Before he could rise from his crouched position, she withdrew her wand. One flick of her wrist and the box flew into her hands.

"Found something, Red my dear?"

"The Chaos Twins were right." Her eyes burned with excitement as she examined the box. "Sealed with a strong magic. I wonder …"

She tossed the box across the room, where Ace caught it with lightning fast reflexes. The moment his fingers touched it, the lid flew open.

"Just as I thought," Red mused, sauntering over to him. "Blood wards. You and the old man are probably the only two that could open it."

Ace reached inside and pulled out something that felt like water woven into material. "What is it?"

Red reached out and felt the cloth. "Never seen one before, but I believe it's an invisibility cloak."

Ace handed the box to her, then tossed the cloak over his shoulders. Looking down, he roared with laughter—his body having completely disappeared. Red closed the box lid, then waved her wand over it.

"If we place the box back where I found it, he'll never know we were here." Another wave of her wand and the box flew back to the shelf where she found it.

"Clever, as always. Now," Ace held open the cloak, "we have a guest to greet. Time to summon the others. Care to join me?"

Red slipped under the cloak, placing his outstretched arm around her shoulders. "Cozy."

"Time to play!"

Pulling the hood over their heads, they sprinted off—laughing all the way down the spiraling staircase.

***ACE***

Batman stood silently in the darkest corner of the Great Hall, waiting for the masked individuals that he saw moving in his direction. The doors to the hall burst open, light flooding in from the Entrance Hall. A small girl with multicolored hair and a face to match, led the masked group in. They lined up in front of the Staff table—the multicolored girl hopping up on the table.

"It's too dark in here."

At the young girl's words, one of the masked individuals raised their wand and every candle in the hall burst to life.

"Much better. Don't you agree, Batman?"

Recognizing his cue, Batman stepped out of the corner and into the light. He knew that there was no use hiding. Magic had always been his undoing.

"Oh, there you are!" the girl cooed in delight. "Hope I didn't spoil your fun!"

"What fun?"

"She wasn't talking to you, Batman."

He suppressed the urge to jump in surprise as he turned quickly to see a young girl with red streaks fanning out across her unnaturally white face, standing only a foot away. Her piercing scarlet eyes bored into his—a devilish smile curving her face.

"Where's Quinn?"

Ace's voice rang out through the hall. "Been a year since you left your cave and you still don't know how to loosen up!"

Batman's eyes raked the hall, but there was no sign of his prey. "I'll loosen up. Come on out and let's play."

The hall filled with sadistic laughter. It bombarded him from every angle—as though the castle itself was laughing. He glanced up to see a streak of lightning split the enchanted sky. He looked back down to see Ace sitting cross-legged on the edge of the nearest table, rubbing his chin.

"Tell me, Batman, how did I earn such an honor? None have seen your dark shadow for over a year. Now, you return to trace me all the way to bonny Scotland?"

"Your presence here has brought more chaos than you're aware of."

"I didn't bring the chaos, Bats. The Headmaster did. Now that I'm here though … I feel right at home!"

"It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring!" the masked group chorused.

"I'm talking about your aunt Harley, Ivy and the Joker. They're here in Britain. They've joined up with Killer Frost and are searching for you."

Ace's smile faded. "Anyone ever told you that you've got an unhealthy obsession with Mr. J? He thinks it's sweet—like having a pen pal who visits—but I think it's twisted. I mean, really, how many other interesting people are there in the world? You got problems, Bats." Ace spun around on the table before hopping off. He turned his back on Batman, walking slowly towards the group at the far end of the hall, the girl with the scarlet eyes joining him. "As far as Mr. J and my aunts—they know where I am. I told them."

"Apparently, that wasn't good enough."

Ace stopped and spun round dramatically in the middle of the hall. "Then why aren't you out there putting a stop to them like you always do?" He snapped his fingers. "The answer is written in the sky!"

Batman glanced up to see the enchanted clouds swirl into letters. He watched as they formed the words, 'YOU CAN'T STOP THEM WITHOUT ME'.

Ace pointed his finger at Batman. "That's why you've come to this school. That's why we're talking right now. You've lost your edge and you need me to send them back to Gotham."

"They've aligned themselves with at least one witch. I'm trying to avoid any magical entanglements with the Wizard Government. If the Joker enters this castle, that will become unavoidable."

Batman watched as the multicolored girl skipped down the aisle, making her way towards him.

"You left out the word, 'again'," the girl whispered. "It was written on what little we can see of your face."

Batman bit his lip as he stared at the psychotic look on the girl's face. The exact same look Harley wore the first time he met her.

"Play nicely with the Bat, Stain. He's getting fragile in his old age."

"Okay." The girl smiled before turning and skipping back to where Ace and the other girl stood.

"Let me get this straight." Ace strolled casually up to him, the two girls in tow. The masked individuals stood sentient in the background. "The mighty Batman, savior of Gotham, has come here to ask me to help him keep Mr. J from entering this castle and prevent an epic Magical versus Muggle showdown. Why not allow the Wizard Government to simply throw my family in their prison? What are you scared of?"

Ace tilted his head to one side, merely inches from his cowl.

"The Wizards are inadequately equipped to deal with the likes of the Joker. They've never had to deal with his level of insanity. Not even the monster that murdered your parents is any comparison."

"Careful," Ace whispered. "What about me? Will you take me back to Gotham as well when you're done?"

"No. You belong here. You're their hero or their problem. Either way, you never belonged in Gotham."

"Still got that grit," Ace whispered, leaning in closer. "I admire you, Bruce Wayne."

Batman's eyes narrowed to slits as the young psycho backed away, smiling. "Okay, Bat. I'll help you send my family home. Wouldn't want them somewhere I couldn't visit. Besides, who would you have to play with without Mr. J?"

"Glad we could come to an agreement."

"Healer!" One of the masked individuals left the others and made his way to Ace's side. "See the Bat out. Make sure he makes it back to the village."

"No thanks."

Before Ace or his gang could respond, Batman disappeared from the Great Hall in a cloud of smoke.

"Now there's the Bat I know!" Ace shouted, his laughter echoing through the hall. "Come back and play anytime!"

***ACE***

"What the bloody hell were you thinking?"

"I needed to speak with him and I knew that you wouldn't approve."

John swore loudly. "Of course, I wouldn't bloody approve! You entered the most magical stronghold in all of Britain and faced over a dozen young witches and wizards without me! What's going on here that I'm not aware of?"

Constantine stood nose-to-nose with Bruce Wayne, the tension in his chest elevated to the breaking point.

"He's trying to prevent the Joker from returning."

Bruce and John spun round to see the Question standing in the doorway.

"How the bloody hell did you find Hogsmeade, let alone enter?"

"Knowledge is the most valuable and useful tool. You both should know this."

John rounded on Bruce. "And what does he mean by preventing the Joker from returning?"

"It's a long story."

John flung himself dramatically into an empty seat and lit up. "Well, I've suddenly got loads of bloody time!"

***ACE***

"I'm done waiting, Puddin'!" Harley flung a vase across the room. "I didn't come here to get rich or to find Harry's long-lost family! I came here to get him back from these monsters and take him home! They had no right to take him away from us!"

"Harley … dear. Calm yourself!"

Harley froze, another vase in her clutches. She watched as the Joker rose slowly from his seat and began to circle her.

"I came to get Harry too. Remember?" he growled just above a whisper. "He's like a son to me. Yet, since I've come here I've felt something kindred. Some … unexplained draw. Though Harry has expressed his wishes for us to give him some space while he explores his new surroundings … like you, I have lost patience."

He seized her about the jaw before she could react but didn't squeeze.

"What do you want to do?" Harley whispered, not wanting to provoke her beloved Puddin'.

"Please tell me we haven't walked in on your idea of fourplay."

Harley's eyes shifted to the doorway of the sitting room to see Ivy and Narcissa standing there.

"Of course not, Ivy dear," the Joker hissed before breaking into a bought of laughter. "We never start fourplay with our clothes on!"

"Thanks for the image."

The Joker released Harley's face and bowed. "You're welcome! Now, what else can I do for you, Ivy dear?"

Ivy strolled into the room, easing herself down into one of the soft sofas. "For starters, stop calling me dear. Secondly, you can tell me when we're going to go get my adopted nephew and get the—" A patch of ice forming across the ceiling interrupted Ivy's train of thought. "Oh, dear lord."

"Sorry Ivy, but I think that's Frost's line."

"Ewe."

"For a guy that's been locked up for over a decade, he really knows how to break the ice," Harley added, trying to keep an innocent look about her face.

"Totally juvenile, Harley. I really thought that raising Harry would have helped you mature."

"She is more mature, Ivy dear," the Joker interjected, wagging a finger. "Being parents has really brought out a whole new side to both of us, I think."

Narcissa leaned up against the sofa, inviting Ivy to wrap an arm about her waist. "Speaking of parenting, when you retrieve Harry from Hogwarts I'm taking my son. I don't care what Lucius thinks."

"Thinking of skipping back across the pond with us?"

"There's no thought to it, Chuckles," Ivy snorted. "Narcissa and her boy are coming with us."

"Rover will be joining us as well, I'm sure. That is … if he survives the night!" The whole of the room looked up to see the ice patch spreading rapidly, reaching the walls. The Joker broke down into a fit of laughter, causing Harley to swoon.

***ACE***

Ace strolled into the Hospital wing, Red holding firmly to his elbow.

"Think it was a wise move to let the Bat walk, kid?"

Ace swung about dramatically to observe the shadow looming in the corner. "There you are, Joseph. Missed you in the Great Hall."

"Wasn't in the mood to watch the theatrics."

"What kind of mood was Alice in?"

"Don't ignore my question, kid." Joseph purposely brushed him as he passed. "You might be feeling like a king about now—"

"Never underestimate the swooping menace," Ace interjected, interrupting the oncoming rant. "He wouldn't come without a plan. Besides, right now he has more value alive than dead."

"How do you plan to keep the Joker from entering the castle?"

"Were you hanging from the rafters?"

Joseph laughed. "I have my ways. Haven't taught you everything yet, kid. Now, how do you plan to keep him out?"

"I don't. I wanna know why he really doesn't want Mr. J here before I send him and my aunts home."

"What happens when the Bat returns?"

A wicked grin split Red's face. "We know his secret now, thanks to the Chaos Twins and their little map. He'll be hesitant to do anything that might risk his identity and, according to Ace, he has one rule."

"Beautiful face."

Red blushed. "What?"

"Just correcting the Watchers, my dear. A wicked grin split Red's beautiful face."

"Bloody hell, kid! Enough of this Watchers bull—"

"Shhh!"

The three turned their attention to the far end of the wing.

"You're about to be rewarded, Draco."

Stain's voice was coming from the other side of the curtain that surrounded Draco's bed. How she'd slipped past them, Ace wasn't sure. Slightly apprehensive about what he might see, he eased down to the end of the wing. On the other side of the curtain stood Stain, with the most innocent of looks upon her face.

"Draco is sleeping. He's had a long night, so I gave him some of our special pumpkin juice."

Red sighed dramatically. "Little sister, now he won't be awake with the rest of the castle. If any of the professors examine him—"

"I'll move him to the Come and Go room until he wakes."

"Excellent idea, Joseph. Crabbe and Goyle can cover for his absence like they always do."

"How come you haven't given those thick heads new names like the rest of your gang?"

Ace laughed. "How could I come up with better chaos names than Crabbe and Goyle? They were born to be a part of this!"

"Was I born to be a part of this?" Stain asked.

"Stain, my dear, you embody everything we're going to accomplish here!"

Red ran a finger down his arm. "What about me?"

Ace growled, pulling her close to him. "You were born to be a part of me!"

A/N: It's been a long time, but here's another chapter! Hope you enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think. No beta, so all mistakes are on me! Anyone wanting to be a beta? PM me!

Believe it or not, I know exactly where I'm going with this story. Now that I've got some more time on my hands, I plan on finishing this before the end of the year. I know! Big ambitions!

BTW, I've been doing a lot of reading and have started a list of favorite reads in my profile. Check it out. I take no credit if you don't like them, but full credit if you do!