An Ace in the Hole

Chapter Ten: A Little Lost Girl

Harry stared at himself in the mirror that hung in the dorms next to his four-poster bed. "Ah, another wonderful morning! So many things to do today!" A dark smile curved his face. "No sleep? No worries. Like Mr. J always says, 'There'll be time for sleep when the games are over or when you're dead!' Ready or not, the morning games are about to begin!"

Harry skipped over to the nearest bed, wrenching the curtains open.

"Morning, Ande."

Dean Thomas attempted to focus on the figure standing beside his bed, the light from between the curtains stinging his eyes. When his vision finally cleared, he wished it was still blurry.

"Bloody hell, Harry."

"What's the matter, Ande? You sound like you need a latte!"

"They don't have lattes at Hogwarts, Harry … and why are you calling me that?"

Harry ignored Dean's question, whistling as he walked over and yanked the curtains open that surrounded Ron's four poster.

"Morning, Oldron."

"Bloody hell!"

"Okay then. Today's official greeting shall be, bloody hell!"

"He's finally tossed his nut," Dean muttered, slipping out of his bed.

"Nope! Still have a pair!"

Harry skipped over to Neville's bed, thrusting open the curtains.

"Bloody hell, Illenev."

"Bloody hell, Harry," Neville greeted, swinging his legs over the side. "Morning already?"

"Another wonderful morning in bonny Scotland!"

Harry skipped out of the dorm room, whistling as he went.

Ron muttered, "We could shove him out a window."

"He'd survive the fall and kill us all while we slept," Dean retorted.

Neville laughed. "You think he'd wait until you were asleep. That's funny."

***ACE***

She watched as he exited the Gryffindor Boy's dorm, whistling as he headed for the portrait of the Fat Lady. He glanced her way as he passed, an odd smile upon his face. She could hear him singing as he left the common room.

'I was born this way,
I got lightning running through my veins,
Ain't nobody gonna stop this train,
Hop on board or get out the way!'

For some reason she felt like it had been merely hours since she had last seen him, but the last memory she could recall was of him in the common room with the rest of the Gryffindors before everyone went to bed.

"You ready to go down for supper? Hello? Ginny?"

"Sorry, Romilda. I'm ready."

"You feel alright?"

Ginny grabbed her satchel and tossed it over her shoulder. "Not really. Been having a tough time resting."

"Apparently. It's Sunday! What you planning on doing with your satchel? Extra studying?"

Ginny rubbed her forehead with her hand. "No bloody clue. I think I'm going mad."

"Too busy thinking about our new Quidditch hero?" Romilda asked as they exited the common room. "I admit he's a little odd but being famous sure does fit him. Have you seen his arms?"

"Romilda!"

"Come off it, Gin! You can't tell me you haven't noticed."

"Even if I have … he's not the hero we've all read about."

"Exactly."

Ginny shook her head. "Don't know what—"

The two girls turned the top of the staircase to behold a sea of students and staff gathering in the Entrance Hall. The crowd had formed a circle about something.

"Back away!"

The Headmaster's voice rang out as he moved past the girls and through the crowd.

"You heard the Headmaster," Professor McGonagall shouted, "make room!"

"What's going on?" Romilda asked.

"Something has happened to Terry Boot," a Ravenclaw girl replied.

Ginny grabbed her head as an image of Terry Boot looking terrified flashed in front of her. A sudden urge to vomit overwhelmed her. Without hesitation, she bolted for the nearest lavatory.

***ACE***

Harry turned away from the spectacle before him to see Ginny Weasley sprinting past the crowd, darting into the nearest bathroom. The rest of the crowd, including the professors, were too busy speculating about what had happened to Boot to notice.

"What do you think happened?" Hermione asked, craning her neck to get a better look at Boot.

"Like you don't know!" a Ravenclaw girl snapped, glaring at Harry. "He's been in danger since the moment he supposedly attempted to harm you, Granger."

The crowd turned to look at them.

"Supposedly?" Hermione retorted, her face turning crimson.

A tall Slytherin boy pointed at Harry. "Looks like the Heir has taken his revenge."

"Enough!" The crowd turned to see a stern Professor McGonagall. "Everyone return to your common rooms while we see to this matter. Breakfast will be served there."

"You heard the Deputy Headmistress!" Professor Flitwick interjected, standing nearest his fallen student. "Off with you!"

The crowd slowly made their way back up the grand staircase, except for the Slytherins who descended into the dungeon. Harry gently gripped Luna's arm pulling her between him, Hermione and Neville.

"When did you last see him?" Harry whispered.

"He was in my common room."

Hermione sighed, "Then we know what happened. He crept out to see what was going on but ran into the Heir of Slytherin instead of us."

"The Heir of Slytherin?"

"Correct, Nev. The Heir was out and about last night as well."

"Better let her go to her common room. Wouldn't be good for her to be caught with you lot."

Harry glanced over his shoulder as they reached the third floor. "There you are, Joseph. Keep an eye on her for me."

Luna smiled up at Harry.

"Planned on it. I don't need any dead house mates."

When the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors parted ways, Hermione pulled close to Harry. Upon entering the common room, she dragged him to the sofa nearest the fireplace.

"Who's the Heir of Slytherin?"

"The Watchers didn't see anything that we didn't last night but," Harry scanned the room until he spotted Ginny in the far corner looking quite uneasy, "twin one and twin two's sister was up with us."

"Ginny?"

"Not exactly. It looked like her, but Ginny wasn't home at the time."

"You sure Joseph wasn't playing with her?" Neville asked, leaning over the back of the sofa.

"It wasn't Joseph. It was something else."

"What," Fred said, flopping down in front of the grate.

"Was something else?" George finished, leaning against the mantle.

"Planning your next move, Quinn?"

Harry pulled his wand out and spun it on the tip of his finger, glancing at Ron. "There are things that you plan, Weasley, and then there are things that just happen."

He snatched the wand and sparks flew from the tip, causing Ron to jump.

"Have any idea who might be the Heir of Slytherin, Harry?"

"Of course, he does, Dean," Ron snapped. "He's the Heir."

"Now's not the time to be daft," Dean retorted. "If Harry had wanted to do Boot in, he would have done it before now."

"Ah, it's so nice to earn the respect of your peers!"

"Yeah … well, I'm just looking at the facts." Dean straightened his collar. "So … any ideas?"

Several other Gryffindors had slowly began to circle the sofa, looking on intently.

"A couple, actually, but not ready to share."

"Only thing you should be asking is who's the next victim," Ron spat.

"Doesn't matter. If Boot's dead, they'll shutdown the school."

"He didn't look dead to me, Dean my boy," Harry interjected. "Trust me. I've seen a lot of dead people in my time."

"Attention!"

Harry and his growing audience turned to see Professor McGonagall standing in the middle of the common room.

"After further examination, Mr. Boot has been petrified. Not to worry. Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout are working on a remedy."

"Does this mean that Slytherin's monster is real?" Parvati asked.

"We're not sure, Miss Patil. However, until we know for certain what is happening we request that all students travel in pairs around the school."

Hermione raised her hand. "What good does that do, Professor?"

"We request this for your protection, Miss Granger. We also request that everyone restrict their movements today. Myself and the other teachers will be patrolling the hallways and corridors to ensure safety. That is all for now."

Without waiting for another question, Professor McGonagall exited the common room. The group that had surrounded the sofa dissipated, only Dean and Ron remaining.

"Rats in a burlap sack," Harry muttered.

"You think we're in danger?"

"No Nev. I think the 'normal' people are. I'm not waiting for the Heir to strike again. Mr. J taught me it's best to be the predator than the prey."

"Come on, Dean. He's a nutter."

Dean shook his head. "Do what you will, Ron. I'll take my chances with Harry."

Ron stormed off, grabbing a tart from the trays of food that had just appeared.

"Good choice, Dean my boy. Now … are you looking for me to protect you or are you looking to learn how to stand? If it's the first, I'm not in the hero biz."

"I wanna know what I've got to do to protect myself."

Harry glanced around the room. Ginny was no longer anywhere to be seen.

"Not the answer I was hoping for … but it's a start!"

***ACE***

"Morning, cousin."

Narcissa looked up from her cup of coffee.

"Morning, Sirius. You look quite awake. Pepper Up potion?"

"Me? No … but my little snow queen might need one."

"Oh good! Rover survived the night!"

"Morning, Chuckles."

The manic clown hopped into a seat across from him at the table. "Forgive me, Lord Black." He gave Sirius a mock bow. "I forget that Brits don't hit the rock and tell."

Ivy entered the kitchen, running a finger across Narcissa's shoulders. "The rock? I would ask, but I really don't want to know."

"He's talking about—"

"We know what he's talking about, Harley, and none of us want to know."

Sirius stretched dramatically. "Now, when are going to go get my godson?"

Harley immediately grabbed Sirius about the neck, squeezing hard. "I knew I liked him! Now … do you know how to get in?"

"Better be more descriptive, Harley," Frost interjected, yawning as she entered the room. "He might give you an answer you don't want to hear."

"Aren't we all warm and fuzzy this morning," Ivy cooed. "I underestimated you, Black."

Suddenly, an ice shard shattered the cup Ivy was holding. "Careful, Ivy. Plants don't like the cold."

"You're not in the Artic, Frost," Ivy hissed menacingly. "Vines have a way of creeping up on you while you're asleep."

"Why don't we all sit down and have some coffee or tea like civilized adults."

Sirius turned to see Harley spinning a bat in her hands.

Another ice shard formed in Frost's hand. "Don't even try me, you crazy—"

Sparks flew into the air from Sirius' wand followed by a loud bang. "How do you four ever work together?"

"Harry," they replied in unison.

"He's the glue that binds our little family," the Joker sighed, not even bothering to pry his eyes from the morning paper.

"Well, no more clowning around," Sirius barked.

"What did I do?" the Joker asked, looking up from his coffee and laying his paper down. "Now, Lord Black," he swung his legs up, his high polished shoes coming to rest on the table before him, "since you have the room's attention. How do we enter this Hogwarts castle without being caught?"

Sirius pocketed his wand then rubbed his hands together, a dark smirk covering his face. "It's time you lot visited an all magical village."

"Even if we get into Hogsmeade, Sirius," Narcissa interjected "how does that help us get into Hogwarts? We can't just walk through the front gates and it's not like we can scale the walls or fly in."

"The secret isn't over or through, my dear cousin." He gave her a wink. "The way in … is under."

***ACE***

"Shouldn't we be headed to Gryffindor Tower, Headmaster, instead of your office?"

Dumbledore halted halfway down the corridor. "Gryffindor Tower? Why would we head there, Severus?"

"To collect Potter, of course … or do you believe that he isn't behind the attack on Boot?"

"Severus, I have no reason to believe that Potter is behind this attack. This is clearly the work of the Heir of Slytherin. No … the question is, how Slytherin's Heir is doing it?"

"Gentlemen," Professor McGonagall hissed. "Let's not discuss this in the middle of an open corridor!"

The two men nodded, and the three professors continued to their intended destination. Upon arrival, Professor Snape looked primed to protest Dumbledore's beliefs, but the Headmaster was having none of it.

"Severus, while I admire your persistence, you're letting your personal feelings for the boy's family cloud your judgement."

"Cloud my judgement?" Snape repeated silkily, watching as the Headmaster strolled past his desk and took a seat. "Forgive me, Dumbledore, but could it be that you're wanting so badly to see James and Lily in him that you're missing what's really there?"

"Severus," Professor McGonagall interjected "while I agree that the boy is different, I have to side with Dumbledore on this. Mr. Potter isn't responsible for Filch's cat or young Mr. Boot. Also, he prefers to go by Quinn, and I believe that we should respect his wishes."

"Well said, Minerva. Now Severus, please do not confuse my optimism for ignorance. I understand that our young Mr. Quinn has a way to go to conform to our ways, but I believe that with time he shall." Dumbledore's gaze let them know that the discussion was closed. "Now, we must be vigilant. The true Heir of Slytherin, or someone working on his behalf, has found a way to open the Chamber of Secrets. We must find a way to close it again before the Ministry acts."

"Albus, do you know who the Heir of Slytherin is?"

"We all do, Minerva," Dumbledore sighed. "The answer to the riddle is in the how."

A knock at the office door cut through the rising tension like lightning.

"Enter."

"Forgive the intrusion, Headmaster," breathed a winded Professor Sprout "but the Boot family has just arrived."

"Then we must meet with them. Minerva, please go and greet them. Escort them up here straight away. Severus, please fetch Professor Flitwick. He will need to be in attendance. Pomona, any news on the cure?"

"Can't rush these things, Headmaster. I've sent owls out in search of mature Mandrakes, but they're just not in season. I could reach out to the Ministry."

"No Pomona, we will have to make do and be patient. We do not need the Ministry involved any sooner than necessary."

The three professors nodded before exiting the office.

"You can come out now, John."

John Constantine disillusioned himself and stepped out from the far corner. "What gave me away, Dumbledore?"

"When I entered my office, a distinct aroma reached my nostrils. The others were too occupied to notice. As clever as it was to conceal the smoke, you forgot about the smell."

John leaned against the front of the Headmaster's desk in his brown trench coat, drew the last puff off his silk, tossed the butt in the bin next to the desk, and then lit another by snapping his fingers. Normally, he would have used a match, but in this setting, he felt the need to remind the Headmaster of his origins.

"Now, can I presume that it is young Mr. Quinn that has brought you here? If I recall correctly, the last time you were here, you declared yourself no longer bound to magical laws and provided the remains of your broken wand as evidence of your departure."

"Excellent memory, as always. Then you know what I'm going to say … but I'll say it anyways. You made a very foolish move bringing Harry Quinn to Hogwarts."

Dumbledore sighed. "John, Harry belongs here."

"He did at one time, Dumbledore." John stood and walked away from the desk to examine some of the shining spinning objects on a nearby table. "That was before his aunt claimed him. Since that moment, he has belonged to the Muggle world. His presence created bonds between people. Bonds that would have never existed without him. Those bonds formed a family, of sorts. Now, that family is looking for him."

"John, this castle has many protections in place and has remained hidden from Muggles for centuries."

"Understood, but young Mr. Quinn is being sought desperately by notorious Muggles that go by the names of Killer Frost, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and the Joker. As for your secrecy, since they entered the country they've been joined by a witch and her very large black dog."

Dumbledore suddenly went as pale as the long beard he found so much pride in. "Large black dog?"

"What?"

"Nothing important," Dumbledore retorted dismissively.

"Keeping secrets, Dumbledore? Now, that doesn't sound like the white knight of the Wizarding world."

"John, you should know better than anyone—"

"Please don't pretend to understand me," John snapped. "The closest we come to having a connection is all the bloody problems your secret world creates that I have to clean up. From what I overheard, you're creating another mess and I can guess who you expect to be here to mop it up—Harry Quinn. I think you're making a pretty large wager this time."

"Our secret world protects the Muggles from the dangers our world possesses and us from theirs. I admit that a few issues have spilled over in the past, but I believe that the worst situations have been handled rather well. As for what you overheard … this isn't nearly as bad as you perceive it to be."

"The fact that I haven't been here in over a decade and that I have a knack for finding trouble should supersede whatever point you're trying to make, Dumbledore. Keep living in denial. I merely stopped by this morning to warn you. I would have stopped in last night, but you were resting so soundly it was almost magical."

Before Dumbledore could ask, John wrenched the door open.

"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" Snape stood in the doorway, his face flushed at the sight.

"Leaving," John retorted. "Good to see you too, Sev."

John swept past the stunned Potions Master and the tiny Charms Master.

"Good heavens, Albus!" Flitwick squeaked. "Who was that?"

***ACE***

Hours later …

Harry stood at his dorm window, watching the sun setting in the west. "Hello darkness my old friend. You've come to see me once again …"

"Hey Harry."

Harry continued to stare out the window. "What's on your mind, Nev?"

"Have you ever been worried about not living up to someone else's expectations?"

A smile curved Harry's lips as he turned to behold his round-faced friend. "Nev, I use to worry every night that I might disappoint my aunt Harley or Mr. J. It rattled around in my stomach while I was off, slowing me down and causing me to make mistakes. Then, one day I realized that if I played the game, I had nothing to fear. That's when I became Ace."

"You call me Warrior, but I don't feel it." Neville's shoulders slumped as he looked away.

Harry gripped Neville's shoulders. "Nev, the Watchers believe that you have the makings of a great warrior, and I believe them." Neville looked up, his eyes locking with Harry's. "I know that you're tired of being treated like a freak, but it's time to embrace the freakiness. Being 'normal' isn't for us. It's time to play the game for the masses, then unleash the warrior within. Once you've truly embraced who you are, you'll be ready to wear the war paint of a warrior. That time is closer than you think. Now, it's time to go."

Neville nodded. The two headed down to the common room and out through the portrait hole. They walked in silence until they reached the corridor with the amusing tapestry. Harry ran past the blank wall, skipped past it, and then crawled on all fours past it for the third pass. Immediately, the door appeared, bidding them access.

"Curious, Harry."

"What's that, Nev?" Harry asked, opening the door and holding it for his companion.

"What would you've said if someone rounded the bend?"

"That I was looking for my gold cap."

"Harry, you don't have a gold tooth."

"That's why it would be incredibly hard to find."

Neville laughed out loud as the door closed behind him. Harry quickly scanned the room to see the twins standing next to the fireplace and Hermione sitting on a sofa near the inviting fire.

"What are you three up to? Inquiring minds are dying to know!" Harry hurdled the back of the sofa, landing gracefully next to Hermione. Neville merely positioned himself on the arm rest.

"Watching." Fred's eyes roamed from the Marauder's Map in his hand to Harry, and then back again.

"And waiting." George tossed a dart at a board positioned above the mantle.

"Dare we ask what you two were up to before you came in?" Hermione closed the book she was reading and shot Harry a mischievous look.

"Oh, nothing yet … but I'm not one to wait idly while my prey makes an appearance." Harry looked at his wrist as though examining an invisible watch. "As soon as Luna and Joseph arrive, I say we find out what this room can really do!"

Neville frowned at Harry. "When did you summon Luna and Joseph?"

"I didn't."

"Bloody hell," the twins sighed in unison, staring at the Marauder's Map.

Before Hermione could ask, the door to the room opened.

"Hello everyone!" Luna greeted, waving cheerily. She was accompanied by Joseph and Alice.

Harry's face split into a twisted grin. "Ah, and I see you brought Alice along too."

"We couldn't leave her all alone," Luna countered casually. "Figured she might want to stretch her legs as well."

"How'd you know he'd be expecting us?" Joseph cut in, his eyes narrowed at Luna.

"He's Harry."

"How'd you all know we were here tonight?" George asked.

"She's Luna," Harry countered with a wink. "Now," he withdrew a medallion from his pocket, rising from the sofa "it's time we find out what this room can really do. Peeves!"

A loud pop announced the arrival of the poltergeist. "You summoned me, oh wicked one."

"Greetings my floating embodiment of mischief. You told me that this room can provide the inhabitants with whatever they need."

"This is true," the poltergeist confirmed, spinning his bowler hat in his hands. "Whatever you desire, within reason, shall be provided. Many ickles have used it for all manner of things over the years."

"Perfect!" Harry rounded on Neville, growling, "It's time to find the missing ingredient to the warrior within. Room! Neville here needs to find the warrior within!"

"Harry, I don't think that's the way—whoa!" Hermione jumped up as a wooden box appeared on the mantle.

"Nev, I believe that's for you!"

Neville approached the box slowly. "Do you think it's safe?"

"Long as it doesn't say 'Property of Pandora' on top, I think you're okay."

"Really Harry?" Hermione raised an eyebrow in his direction. "Pandora?"

"Trust me, Hermione, I'm serious when I say that you don't want to open Pandora's Box. Best to leave her stuff alone."

Neville took the wooden box from the mantle and opened the lid. His eyes grew wide as he reached inside and withdrew a wand. Immediately, sparks flew from the end in a shower of color.

"Where did you get the wand you came to school with, Neville?" Alice asked, stepping forward to get a better look.

"It was my father's wand."

"Where the bloody hell did the room get a wand?" Joseph muttered, more to himself. "There's no possible way to create a wand with magic. It has to be crafted."

"Don't expect the room to give you an answer, Joseph," Luna sighed dreamily, strolling over to get a better look at Neville's new wand. "It has secrets to keep."

"Come on, Nev! The girls can examine your new wand later! The Watchers and I are dying to see what it can do!" Harry turned around to see a target appear at the end of the room. "And so is the room!"

Neville cleared his throat loudly as the group parted to give him space. "Confringo!"

A jet of purple light exploded from the end of his wand like a cannon, striking the target and blowing it to pieces.

"It worked!" Neville stared down at the wand in awe. "Blimey! That's the first time I've been able to make more than a dent since Joseph taught us it!"

"Behold! The Warrior!" Harry roared, waving his hand over his own face to reveal his war paint. "It's time to play!"

Hermione and Luna mimicked Harry, becoming Red and Stain.

"Now Nev, it's time to complete your transformation and embrace the freak within!" Ace growled, raising his wand. "Bellum Pingere!"

White light shimmered out of the end of his wand, gliding across the room and covering Neville's face in a cloud. When the cloud evaporated, Neville was wearing red and black face paint that streaked around his face, leaving only his mouth untouched. The intimidating design was accentuated by a dark, wild look in his eyes.

"Ooooo! The ickle Gryffindor looks quite wicked!" Peeves did a backwards summersault in the air. "He just be missing one thing!"

The poltergeist swept overtop Neville and quicker than Ace could blink, his hair had been slicked back in a manner that would make Malfoy jealous. Peeves screwed a lid back onto a jar and placed it in his vest pocket.

"Perfect touch, Peeves!" Ace roared.

"When you wish to conceal your 'war paint', simply wave your hand over your face as you recite 'Normalem'," Red instructed, examining their friend with uncontained excitement. "'Lusus Naturae' will restore your hidden side."

"How do you feel, Warrior?"

A feral growl escaped his lips. "I feel … free!"

"Hey kid, I'm surprised you haven't given the twins their 'war paint' and invited them into your inner circle."

Ace shook his head. "Joseph, Joseph, Joseph. They're already a part of my inner circle. Besides, we cast it on them and their faces remained the same!"

The twins shrugged mischievously. "We're already one with the madness."

"Forgive me, oh wicked one, but is there anything else you need of old Peevsie?"

Ace looked up to see the poltergeist grinning but looking anxious. No doubt he had been called away from doing something nasty.

"Thank you, ole Master of Mayhem. You have been a true help." Ace gave him a playful bow. "Back off to whatever wicked plans you were unleashing!"

The poltergeist gave him a salute before soaring off cackling madly.

Joseph chuckled darkly, "Dumbledore was mad to bring you here."

"Disillusioned? Maybe. Mad?" Ace's eyes drifted to the fire in the grate. "No. Not mad. I've seen mad … stared it directly in the eyes."

"I bet you have."

Ace spun round, the flames dancing in his eyes. "Joseph? Are we having a moment?"

"What? You looking for a hug or—"

"If you're offering? Why not!" Ace lunged at Joseph, grabbing him around the arms.

"Get off me!" Joseph shouted as the room roared with a chorus of laughter.

Ace lost his balance and fell to the floor, laughing madly. Rolling back to his feet, like a tiger crouched and ready to strike, he looked about the room. "While we wait to see if the Heir of Slytherin will make an encore appearance, let's have some fun. Room! Targets, if you please!"

The magic that filled the air brought a hush across the room as targets appeared all around them, lining the walls.

"I love magic," Stain sighed dreamily.

Ace winked at her, brandishing a silver knife. "Let's play!"

***ACE***

"Can I help you Miss?" The wizard greeted, looking up from his paper. "Oh! Mrs. Malfoy! Forgive me. What can I do for you this evening?"

"Hello, Mr. Ledford," Narcissa greeted with an air of indifference. "I will be requiring a room."

"Up to see young Draco then?"

"What I'm here for, Mr. Ledford, is of my own personal concern."

"Ah … of course." The wizard glanced away several times as though afraid to look directly at her. "Will it just be you then?"

"Where's Aberforth?" Narcissa asked, ignoring his question.

"Aberforth? He's up in his room. Shall I fetch him for you?"

"No, and I would prefer that he not know of my presence."

The wizard looked away again. "Of course. Your privacy is of the upmost—"

She cut him off. "Five more people will be joining me later this evening. We will need the room for several nights and wish not to be disturbed."

"Again, as you wish. Room thirteen should suite your needs." The wizard handed her an old key. "Enjoy your stay and give my regards to Mr. Malfoy."

Narcissa took the key from his outstretched hand before sweeping up the staircase, a large black dog right beside her. In the corner of the bar, Bruce Wayne folded down his copy of the Daily Prophet.

***ACE***

The life-sized straw mannequin moved around the room in random directions, gliding through the air. Suddenly, a silver blade came soaring through the room, striking the mannequin in the arm. Immediately, the straw burst into flames as it fell to the floor.

"You're pretty good with a knife, Ace."

"Why thank you, Alice. I pride myself in being fast with the blade, but the enchantment Joseph placed on these beauties … you can almost hear the air cutting."

"Yes, Joseph knows quite a bit about enchanted blades."

"You have no idea," Ace muttered, picking up his blade and placing it back into his holster.

"I think you might be surprised at what I know."

"Really." Ace looked around to see that Red was still helping Warrior channel his magic. "Enlighten me then. What secrets does the jewel of Jericho's eye possess?"

"If I only had my—" Alice's voice faded away as a bow and a quiver full of arrows appeared on a shelf. "Wish I'd known about this room years ago." She walked over and picked up the bow, tossing the quiver strap over her torso. "As I was saying …"

Moving with speed comparable to one particular green archer he had ran across in Star City, she turned and released three consecutive arrows at the furthest target. All three found dead center.

"Impressive," Ace cooed. "Enchanted tips?"

"No. I save those for special occasions." She waved her wand, summoning the three arrows back to her. "Unlike those beauties on your arm, as you call them, mine are one offs." Summoning a chair from across the room, she took a seat. "Speaking of beauties on your arm, what does the mature-for-his-age Ace plan to do with his two young captivating followers?"

Ace tilted his head to one side. "Reason for asking?"

"Stain is special and Red brings a side to Ms. Granger none knew existed."

"I agree, Alice." Ace tapped his chin with his finger. "Alice, Alice, Alice. We must come up with a better name. Maybe I'll ask Jericho what he calls you."

Alice huffed, "I'll come up with my own name, thank you. Nice try in changing the subject."

"Ace!" the Chaos twins shouted. "We got something!"

"Ooooooh! It could be time to play! We'll shelve this little chat for later then." Ace bowed before skipping across the room. "We do ya have for me?"

"Our sis just left the Gryffindor common room and is heading down."

"Hmmm …" Ace waved his hand over his face. "This sounds like a job for Harry Quinn."

"You want us to go with you?" Red asked, swiping her hand over her face and returning to her 'normal' self.

"Not this run," Harry cooed. "Stay here and watch the map. If I need you, you'll know. I got my cloak and my winning smile." He gave her a wink. "That should be all I need, lest the Heir shows."

With that, he swept from the Room of Requirement, tossing the invisibility cloak over him. He knew that, thanks to the map, they could see him, and Peeves was only a shout away. Harry found that navigating the castle was like navigating the rooftops of Gotham. The cloak flowed like silk about him as he raced silently down the corridors.

He spotted the youngest Weasley descending the moving staircases. He began following her down a flight when the staircase started moving in another direction. Channeling his magic, he leaped, wondering if the cloak would fly away. To his delight, the cloak remained snuggly wrapped around him as he flew like an acrobat, arms stretched wide and tumbling gracefully. He landed as light as a feather on the third-floor landing, just in time to see his prey turning down a far corridor.

Racing to catch up, he turned the corner in time to see her enter the girl's bathroom, ignoring the sign that read, 'Out of Order'.

"How is it that a bathroom in a castle full of witches and wizards is out of order?" Harry whispered aloud. "No plumbing spells? I'm going to assume that she didn't come down here for a potty break."

He slipped inside the door, scanning the large room. He could see her standing outside one of the stalls, clutching something tight to her chest. He edged closer, noting the mirrors would give him away without the cloak. He was standing right behind her when she lifted a book above her head. She hesitated, and Harry seized the opening. I one fluid movement he removed the cloak, stuffed it under his robes, then grabbed the book with one hand while covering her mouth with the other.

Ginny let out a suppressed scream as he whispered into her ear, "Wouldn't want to wake the whole castle, now would we?"

She spun round, releasing the book as she did into his clutches. "Harry? What are you doing here?"

"I was out for a stroll when I saw you descending the stairs. Being that we're not supposed to be alone with the Heir of Slytherin roaming about, I thought I'd come keep you company."

"Why were you out by yourself?" Ginny retorted.

"Harry shrugged, "I never follow the rules." He looked at the book, examining it and reading the name on the cover. "What are you doing with a diary that belongs to a Tom Riddle?" He skimmed through the book, but it was blank. "Has a boring life, this Riddle."

"Harry, please give me the book." Ginny reached for it, but he pulled back.

"What's so special about this book that you'd try to flush it? I mean, there's nothing in it. Did this boy do something to you?"

"No," she stammered.

"What's the matter then? Why are you shaking?" Harry wiggled an eyebrow. "Do I make you nervous?"

"Ooooh, a bad boy."

Harry looked about but didn't see the source of the female voice. Ginny was clearly startled as well. "Come on out. No need to hide in the shadows."

"I'm not hiding. Look above you."

Harry looked up to see the ghost of a young girl floating above his head. "Well, hello there. Who are you?"

"You mean, who was I."

"Fair enough," Harry shrugged. "Who were you?"

"I'm Myrtle," she replied.

"Urkel?"

"Who?"

"Never mind. You've probably never heard of her."

Myrtle growled, "Are you making fun of me?"

"Nope." Harry popped the 'P'. "Actually, I'm quite fascinated by you."

"Really?" The apparition floated down beside him.

"Really. I mean, there are a bunch of old ghosts floating about, but you're the first young ghost that I've seen."

"Harry—"

Myrtle shot Ginny such a threatening look, the youngest Weasley choked on her next word. She then turned her gaze back to Harry. "Would you like to hear how I died?"

Harry purred, "I would love to, but right now all the Professors are roaming the halls. If we get caught in here we could get into a lot of trouble and we've been here too long already. Can I come back again another time?"

"What's your name?"

Harry bowed to the ghost, "I'm Harry Quinn."

"Come back any time, Harry," Myrtle giggled, before streaking directly at Ginny. "You were going to try to throw that book at me. Don't you dare deny it! Don't ever come back or I'll haunt you as long as you live!" She then spun in circle and waved, "Bye Harry," before shooting straight up and diving into a stall.

Harry grabbed Ginny by the wrist and yanked her out of the bathroom, hissing, "She probably woke the whole floor shrieking at you."

"You're the one that was flirting with a ghost."

"I'm just naturally charismatic."

"And naturally in trouble."

Harry stuffed the diary inside his robes before turning to face Professor Snape. He was surprised to see an anxious looking Ron standing beside him.

"Ah, Mr. Quinn. Out for a late-night stroll with Ms. Weasley and visiting the girl's lavatory? Maybe looking for young Mr. Weasley here?"

"On the contrary, sir. Ron and I were looking for his sister, Ginny. She had gone off by herself and we came to find her. We split up to cover more ground."

Snape looked down at Ron. "So … you called upon the Gryffindor hero to help you find your sister?"

"I'm no hero, sir," Harry cut in.

"Then what are you, Mr. Quinn?"

Harry stared hard into the eyes of the Potions Master. "Not sure, but I know I'm not the H word."

"Well, maybe you can figure out what you are in detention, starting tomorrow night. All three of you."

Harry took a deep cleansing breath. "Will our detention be with you?"

"Didn't enjoy our last session?"

"Oh, on the contrary," Harry's face darkened "I'm looking forward to it!"

Harry held eye contact with the Professor, refusing to look away until he saw the flitter of fear.

"Up to your common room you three!" Snape snapped, breathing heavily. "Now!"

The three Gryffindors exchanged glances before heading off towards the common room. Harry could tell that Ginny wanted to ask for the diary but didn't want to do it in front of her brother. Ron waited until they reached the seventh floor before breaking the silence.

"Ginny, what were you doing in Moaning Myrtle's lavatory?"

"What was I doing? What were you doing following me?"

Ron's ears turned a light shade of pink. "I, er, Mum asked me to keep an eye on you."

More silence followed, and Harry decided to take his opening. "Not going to accuse me of stalking your sister with dire intentions?"

"Er, thanks." Ron started scratching the back of his head. "I mean, for back there with Snape."

"I've told you before, Ron … I'm not your enemy."

Ron stared at Harry but didn't say another word as they entered the common room through the portrait hole. Upon entering they found Hermione, Neville, Fred and George waiting on them just as Harry expected. Harry nodded for the two younger Weasleys to follow him over to the fireplace.

"Er, thanks again but I think I'll head up. Night Harry." Ron glanced at the group before heading up the stairs.

"Please?"

"Nope." Harry shook his head, popping the 'P'. "Not until I've had my chance to look at it. It's only fair. You were going to throw it away. Confide in me, my little lost girl, and I can help you find the darkness that binds you."

Ginny bit her lower lip, then darted up the stairs to the girl's dorms. Harry sighed as he made his way to the fireplace.

"Mind filling us in?" Hermione asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Absolutely! But first," Harry withdrew the diary from inside his robes "we need to figure out who this diary belongs to and why Ginny would want to destroy it."

The group huddled around the small book.

Neville frowned. "Hey, I've seen that name before."

A/N: Greetings! Hope that you enjoyed the update! Please review.

Special thanks to Critters at Play for being beta. All mistakes belong to him! ;) JB and I are redoing the outline for this story. To say the least, I'm quite impressed with some of his ideas. We're excited to get the next few chapters posted as soon as they're ready.