An Ace in the Hole

Chapter Thirteen: Passage of Rite (Part I)

"Step into the moonlight?" Ron repeated, glancing around the common room. "You all are going to end up in bloody Azkaban, and you want me to join you?"

Harry spoke slowly, in a low clear voice. "In order to be sent to prison, Ron, someone has to want to send you there. While I'm not ready to divulge my plans just yet, I can assure you that when I'm done with this world, none will want to send us to this Azkaban. Besides, they'll have to rebuild it first."

Ron stood there in silence, staring at Harry. He could see the conflict in the red-head's eyes.

"Listen, don't answer me now." Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. "Think about it. The invitation remains open … for when you're ready."

"Night, Harry." Ron shot a glare at Joseph, massaging his neck before heading up the stairs to the boy's dorms.

Harry sighed, watching the red-head disappear through the doorway. "He has the motivation. He just needs one bad day."

~~~ACE~~~

Bruce knelt next to the window in their room, peering out at the street below. He watched as witches, wizards, and other manner of beings flowed in and out of the Inn.

"Is this how you deal with the Joker and his minions in Gotham? Hover over them like a giant bat, waiting for them to make their move? Isn't their rap sheet long enough?"

Bruce didn't turn his gaze from the street below. "Dealing with the Joker isn't the same as dealing with your kind of demons. Moving on him in this establishment would be catastrophic. Too many people in a confined space. He would level this place in the process, just to cover his escape."

Constantine folded his arms, leaning forward in his chair. "What's your plan then? Wait until he's in the open so that we can cause a full-blown international incident?"

"Headmaster Dumbledore won't allow it to become an international incident. He went to too much trouble to bring Harry Potter here to jeopardize his plans now."

"Your plan is to wait until the Joker and his merry gang enter bloody Hogwarts before you make your move?"

"Not Hogwarts. Just the grounds."

Constantine forcefully shoved Bruce around to face him. "Do you ever bloody listen to yourself? You plan on endangering a school full of children in order to apprehend your nemesis? Maybe you should have stayed gone."

"I do listen to myself." Bruce shoved him away, standing up and walking around the room. "I plan on luring the Joker, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Killer Frost, Narcissa Malfoy and her black beast out into the open where they will be surrounded by you, me, the Question, and the most skilled Wizards and Witches in all of Britain. We'll successfully have the drop on some of the most notorious criminals in the world."

"You're planning on convincing Professor Dumbledore to assist you?"

"I tried to convince the boy to help me, but he's too far gone. The Headmaster and his staff are the only ones we can trust to side with us." Bruce stared at the Question, sitting silently in the corner. "Vic, back me up here."

The Question raised his chin, his sudoderm mask firmly in place. "While Professor Dumbledore might be our only ally in this world, due to his own twisted plans, our chances of success are slim."

"Slim? If we ambush them in the grounds—"

"What if Harry Quinn decides to … play?" The Question tilted his head to one side. "If he has amassed a following of young witches and wizards, then he could turn the tide in favor of the Joker and his aunt Harley. He'll never stand for you shipping them off to prison."

Bruce rubbed his face with his hands. "Then I'll just have to make a deal with both the Headmaster and Mr. Quinn. I don't have to capture them here. We just need their memories modified and sent back to Gotham. I can take things from there."

"Always you," Constantine scoffed. "You truly believe that every solution has your name on it."

"No. I'm just the only one that seems to be ready to do what is necessary. That's why I wear the cowl."

Before Constantine or Vic could retort, Bruce pulled up said cowl, tugged on a hooded cloak, then swept from the room.

The Question rose and turned towards the door. "I'd best follow him, lest he finds himself in over his head. I believe that you can persuade our query to stay put."

"You know how to enter Hogwarts?" Constantine asked, unable to hide his shock.

The Question looked around. "Knowledge is my game, John. You'll find that I have many hidden talents."

The Question closed the door behind him, leaving Constantine alone with a lot to ponder. He had just lit a silk, taking a long draw, when a voice behind him made him choke.

"Glad to catch you alone."

Constantine spun round to face a bemused looking Rip Hunter. "Bloody hell! Trying to kill me, Rip?"

"Didn't think that was possible," Rip retorted, smirking. "We need to talk about what you, Vic, and Bruce are up to."

Constantine folded his arms again. "We can't possibly be blowing up the timeline. This is natural occurrence."

"This isn't about time, John … it's about doing what's right."

~~~ACE~~~

Night had fallen in Hogsmeade. Frost peered out the window, looking down at the tiny village full of lights. Snow had started to fall, covering the street and rooftops with a light dusting. It reminded her of a Christmas postage stamp.

"Please! That's all I know!"

Frost groaned, producing a long ice shard in her hand. Her eyes darted to the adjoining room.

"Easy, love," Sirius cooed, rubbing her shoulders from behind. "Cissy isn't done with him yet. Once she is, we'll finish him off together. She just has a bit of pinned up frustration to work through."

"When I agreed to come here, it was to rescue Harry. I had no idea that I was going—"

Sirius spun her around. "Meet his handsome and charming godfather?"

"That too," she purred, kissing him softly. "My problem is being this close to Chuckles."

She pulled away from him, moving across the room. Hard emotions weren't her thing.

"You told me that Firestorm chose to go back into that building."

"He was a hero, okay?" Frost littered the empty wall with ice shards. "He chose what he thought was right over me! Joker may not have meant to kill him with that bomb, but he did."

"You worried I'll do the same?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, but she could feel the edge to his words. "Let me place your mind at ease. I'm no bloody hero. Never have been, though Dumbledore tried to make me one before he watched me being chucked away to Azkaban."

Frost turned around to face him. "Why did this 'Champion of Good' allow you to be sent to prison for life?"

"Dunno, but I plan to ask him one day."

Her face split into a wide smile at the look on his face. The calculating glare that burned within his eyes called to her. She knew then and there that he'd never become another Ronnie. She crossed the room in one stride, wrapping her arms around him.

"Before you two send this inn back into the ice ages …"

Frost hissed with disgust at 'Chuckles' timing.

Sirius wrapped a strong arm around her waist. "What is it, Chuckles?"

"The girls are done with this one, and we wanted to give you the option." The Joker bowed, backing through the doorway to allow them to see Rookwood lying motionless on the bed.

Sirius nudged Frost forward, following her into the room. She watched as he glared at the man, hatred etching his handsome features. He glanced at Narcissa, who nodded in approval, before kneeling beside the bed.

"You ready, Rookwood? Ready for me to end your pathetic life?"

"Go ahead, Black," Rookwood breathed, his lips barely moving. "I'm going to die anyways. Show me that Slytherin heritage you masked while trying to be good."

"You were a Death Eater, Rookwood. This was always in the cards for you."

Before Rookwood could say another word, Sirius transformed into the bear-like dog and attacked. The sounds of growling and ripping flesh filled the room. Narcissa, Ivy, and Harley gasped at his ferocious response while Frost merely watched.

Chuckles started to hum a sick little tune, his hands clasped together in delight. "Oh, the maid is going to have a mess to clean up!"

~~~ACE~~~

"Peeves!"

A short man, with shifty eyes and pointed teeth, wearing an acid green vest and bowler hat popped into the room. He hovered in the air, looking down at four young boys and a bushy-haired girl.

"Master has called for Peevsie?" the poltergeist croaked.

"That I have, oh mischievous specter!" Harry pronounced, clapping his hands together. "An unwelcome guest has returned." He glanced over at Fred, who had just stowed away the Marauder's Map. "I need you to alert Joseph, Alice, Luna, Vince, and Greg. Advise them to head for the 'War Room', then I need you to keep Filch and Snape busy. They're creeping around tonight. Keep them away from the third and seventh floors."

Peeves did a flip in mid-air, saluted Harry, and then whizzed out of the room.

"Why do you think he's back?" Hermione asked, sounding slightly concerned. "And why gather in the 'Nine'?"

"The same reason he visited before. Difference is, we weren't planning a night out tonight. The Nine can handle it." Harry threw the invisibility cloak over himself. "Gather with the Nine in the War Room, give me ten minutes, and then come to me." He turned his gaze to Neville and the twins. "Keep watch, twin one and twin two. Anything look off, come to me at once."

Before Hermione could retort, Harry swept from the common room, making swishing noises with his mouth as he did.

~~~ACE~~~

Batman exited the spiraling staircase, looking carefully about. His meeting with the Headmaster had gone as expected. Now, he needed to visit the young Gryffindor. Sweeping silently down the corridor, he kept a keen eye out for the castle caretaker and his cat. Reaching the grand staircase, he headed up to the seventh floor. He had just reached the top of the stairs when it began to move. Expecting this, he leaped from the top, landing in the corridor with only the slightest of noise.

"Guess whose back. Back again. Batty's back. Guess I should tell a friend."

Batman scanned the corridor for the source, but only saw rows of sleeping portraits. "Hello, Ace," he breathed.

"Hey there, Brucy."

Batman spun around to see Ace leaning against the wall behind him, arms folded, and wearing a toothy grin.

"We alone?"

Ace shrugged. "About alone as you can get in a corridor full of enchanted paintings."

"I'd like a word with you in private. The Headmaster err … granted me a few minutes to speak with you before I leave."

Ace shook his head. "Brucy, Brucy, Brucy. If you'd wanted to speak to me, all you had to do was send me a letter. The owls round here are excellent at their job. You didn't need to send a bat."

Batman moved towards the door to a nearby classroom and shoved it open. "Coming?"

Ace sighed, pushing himself off the wall and striding through the open doorway. "So dramatic. Batty, you never change."

Ace hopped up on the side of the teacher's desk, watching Batman like some interesting specimen.

"I'm sure that I've only got a few minutes before your followers descend on this classroom, so I'll make it brief." He cleared his throat. "The Joker and your aunt Harley are in the village just outside of the school. They've come to collect you."

"You've just devised a plan with the Headmaster to send them back to Gotham the moment they enter the school and you want to make sure that I don't interfere."

It was a statement, not an accusation. Batman stared at the young boy with a growing respect. He could see how Dumbledore believed that he could someday stop the one they called Voldemort. Definitely not the hero type, Joker had seen to that, but he had his aunt's perceptive wit.

"With some memory modifications, yes," Batman agreed. "They'll believe that they're okay with you attending this school and forget what they've learned of its location."

Silence fell between the two while Ace rubbed his chin, contemplating what he had said.

"Ya know Brucy, I'm starting to understand why Mr. J's never killed you. You make things so much fun!" Ace's eyes widened, a manic glint filling them. "Better than the little bird you keep around. He can be a bit boring."

"Do we have a deal, Ace? I'll make sure that Joker, Harley, Ivy, and Frost get back to Gotham unharmed. You get to stay here."

"I don't know. What do you think, Red?"

Batman's eyes narrowed, now understanding the long delay. He hadn't been thinking. He'd been stalling.

"I think it sounds fair," Red cooed, walking past Batman to join Ace, her eyes giving off a soft red glow. "I'd miss you if you left. What do you think, little sister?"

"He's being honest." The multicolored-faced girl that had approached him last time walked past, stopping to size him up before continuing over to stand next to the other girl. "He doesn't want to harm anyone and he wants you to stay here. I think he believes the world is safer if you're not in Gotham City."

"He had the same thoughts about me."

Batman became as still as a statue, closing his eyes at the sound of the voice. "I thought that you had graduated by now."

"It's my sixth year … Bruce." Joseph Wilson dropped the last word like the bombshell it had become as he passed to the left, standing between two tables. "Always making deals. You've become real good for it."

Batman opened his eyes, refusing to look Joseph in the face. Instead, he focused his gaze on Ace. "Do we have a deal?"

"Here's my deal, Brucy." Ace pushed himself forward, approaching the Dark Knight. He waited until they were merely inches apart before speaking. "Make sure that all my aunts make it safely back to Gotham, not prison, and I'll let you live."

"And the Joker?"

"Well … I'm not gonna hold you to any promises."

Batman narrowed his eyes at the young boy, concealing his feeling of shock.

"Don't look so surprised, Brucy. Rumor has it that Ra's al Ghul was once your mentor, and all of the Gotham underworld knows how that ended."

Batman took a step back from the preteen, glaring at the growing smile on his face. "I will make sure that your aunts and the Joker make it safely back to Gotham, as long as you keep your group at bay."

Ace sighed. "Have it your way then."

Taking that as a 'yes', Batman pushed open one of the windows, glanced at Joseph, then leaped, snaring one of the tower rooftops with a grappling hook. When he finally reached the ground, he made his way towards the outer wall of the grounds.

As he approached the gates, he caught the sound of footsteps behind him. He swirled around, bat-a-rang in hand, to find three students following him. Two wore bone-white masks, while the third wore red and black face paint.

"Ace sent us to make sure that you found your way out …"

"… and didn't get lost in the castle grounds."

The two masked figures spoke in sing-song voices, leaving no doubt in Batman's mind. Twins.

"He also wanted us to inform you, that once the task is done, you're no longer welcome here," the third boy added.

Batman didn't respond, but rather continued on his way while keeping a wary eye on the young wizards behind him.

"Find the answers you were looking for?"

Batman turned round as he passed through the gates to see the Question leaning against the outer wall.

"Yes," he replied. "The Headmaster has agreed to assist us in peacefully removing the Joker and his traveling companions from Britain. The boy has agreed not to interfere."

"And you trust him?"

"No."

The Question fell into step beside Batman as they headed back to Hogsmeade, their cloaks pulled tightly around them. "You didn't ask me who I was inferring."

"The answer stands for all of the above."

~~~ACE~~~

"What's with the letting him just bob off?" Joseph demanded. "Kid, you're acting like that bloody clown who raised you."

"Joseph, while Alice eagerly accepted the invitation to join our little house party …" Ace eased closer to the older boy. "You've made it clear on multiple occasions that you're merely here in a consulting form."

Joseph watched him carefully. "Meaning?"

"The only opinions that matter to me are from those that I trust completely. Your opinion, therefore, is optional."

"I thought you saw me as a m—"

"In magic, yes," Ace interrupted, now circling the Ravenclaw. "I already have a mentor in Mr. J. No offense, but you're a tad bit light in the real world experience area when compared to him."

Joseph furrowed his brow. "You just told the Bat that you were only concerned for your aunts."

"Ace said that he'd murder the Bat if anything happened to his aunts," Red chimed in. "He never suggested offing his mentor."

Ace hopped up onto the edge of a table in front of Red and Stain. "That's right. I merely refrained from holding the Bat accountable for the actions of Mr. J. After all, I've never known him to slip quietly into the night. Life is so fleeting, and he loves to live on the edge."

"And you don't?"

Ace shrugged. "I have magic. The edge might be as thin as a razor to Mr. J, but to me it's like walking down a two lane road."

"How are you going to get past the Bat to see your aunt Harley?"

Ace gazed fondly at the young Ravenclaw. "You know me so well, Stain, my dear. Yes, I'm going to see my aunt before she leaves for Gotham. Rest assured though. I'm not going anywhere." He flung himself off the table as Warrior and the rest of the Nine entered the room, spreading his arms open wide. "Life would be so empty round here without me!"

Feeling his master's delight, Peeves zoomed in and around the Great Hall, cackling madly as Filch chased after him to no avail.

~~~ACE~~~

One week later…

"They're coming!" Harry proclaimed, smoothing out the Marauder's Map with his hands.

He looked about the Come and Go room to see a mixture of shock and amusement on the faces before him. Since the last visit by the Bat, Harry had started spending more time in the room at night to train and be ready when the moment occurred. The twins, Neville, Hermione, Luna, and Alice had started joining him.

Joseph would pop in from time-to-time, and tonight he happened to be on hand. "How do you know?"

"Why the map, of course! This beautiful creation of Moony, Padfoot, Wormtail, and Prongs!" Harry patted the map lovingly. "Oh, how I wish I could thank them! It shows us that the Headmaster and several other professors are heading down to the Entrance Hall where an Alastor Moody awaits them. It also shows that Brucy, John Constantine, and … oh my … Vic Sage, aka the Question, are positioned just behind Hagrid's hut on the edge of the Forbidden Forest." He rubbed his hands together excitedly. "This here, my fellow freaks, can only mean one thing! Mr. J and my aunts are on their way."

"You sure about this, Kid?"

"Absolutely!" Harry did a little two-step, spinning on the spot. "We'll wait until they greet the fam, and then we'll greet the greeters!" Sobering abruptly, he cleared his throat and shouted, "Peeves!"

Peeves the Poltergeist zoomed into the room. "You called for old Peevsie?"

"That I did, Peeves," Harry growled. "Summon the Others and the rest of the Nine to this room. We have a welcoming committee to greet."

Peeves saluted before zooming away.

~~~ACE~~~

"Not the way I had imagined breaking into this school," the Joker mused, reaching the bottom of stone steps. "Tunneling our way in, beneath the ruins of a haunted building."

"How did you know that this was here?" Narcissa asked, lighting the end of her wand.

"I'll tell you later."

"Does this go straight into the castle?"

Sirius shook his head. "The one that goes directly into the castle is under that sweet shop in the village, Honey Dukes. This one comes up under a tree in the grounds."

Frost placed an icy hand on his shoulder. "Then why didn't we use that one?"

"The risk of giving us away too soon was too great. Besides, I don't have my map with me."

"I can feel the magic in the soil," Ivy breathed, running a fingertip along one of the tunnel walls.

Narcissa took Ivy's hand in hers. "There's magic all around us. The grounds above are teaming with magical creatures and enchantments."

"This isn't date night!" Harley huffed loudly, ducking a low hanging root. "Focus!"

"Try to relax, Harley dear. You're so much more dangerous when you're relaxed," the Joker cooed. "I'm sure that the Bat and the old tuft that stole away our Ace have a wonderful reception prepared for us by now."

"I'll tear through anyone that tries to stop us."

"Stick to the plan," Sirius warned. "Dumbledore is possibly the most powerful wizard in the world. Narcissa and I don't stand much of a chance of overpowering him. We've got to outwit him."

"Lead the way, Rover boy!"

At the Joker's words, Sirius transformed into the large black dog, just as the tunnel started to climb upwards.

~~~ACE~~~

John flared out his coat as he settled himself into a kneeling position behind a stack of wood near the caretaker's hut.

"If you're not onboard with his plan, then why are you here?"

John groaned, cracking his neck in frustration. "This is the time you choose to start asking … never mind."

"The opportunity to find the true answer is the only time to ask," the Question retorted, leaning against the side of the hut, his outline barely visible. "Bruce is out of earshot and you have yet to divulge why Rip Hunter visited you."

"What makes you think that Rip visited me?"

"The residual signs of time manipulation are always there, if you know what to look for."

"Okay," John huffed "even if Rip had visited me … why do you think that I'm not onboard … fine. Want to know why I'm here? To make sure that Bruce holds to his word."

The Question stood motionless staring, John supposed, at him for several long seconds. "Well, maybe you'll tell us all later."

John felt the urge to retort but held his tongue. Movement near the large Whomping Willow had caught his attention. Cloaked figures were starting to appear, illuminated by the moonlight near the base of the tree, rising out of the ground. He watched intently, waiting for the tree to attack. To his utter surprise, the tree didn't move a single branch.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence. "Who are you and why have you come here?"

The unmistakable voice of Albus Dumbledore, magically magnified, filled the grounds. The next moment, seven witches and wizards appeared in a row, facing the newcomers. John and the Question eased forward around the side of the hut, the snores from Hagrid and his large dog rumbling against the walls. He had despised doing it, but it was best to keep the half-giant out of commission for this one.

"Ah, you must be the grand pooh bah of this medieval estate," the Joker greeted, separating himself from the newcomers.

The wind kicked up within the grounds as Dumbledore allowed his magic to surge. "My name is Albus Dumbledore, and you have no place here, Muggle."

John figured that Dumbledore would put on a show, but he hadn't expected the levels of magic that he felt pulsing through the air. Clouds began to appear, swirling above the tree like a funnel cloud. A crackle of thunder echoed over the grounds.

"What's Dumbledore playing—"

"Bloody shite!"

~~~ACE~~~

Harley looked up at the swirling storm clouds that had appeared above them. She hadn't been prepared for this. The group took a more defensive stance. Cold wisps of air began to surround Frost, Narcissa allowed her wand to slip into her hand, and Ivy closed her eyes to channel her inner connection to nature. Even Rover lowered himself against the ground, growling. Mistah J looked up, mildly curious before returning his gaze to the Headmaster.

"Hell with it," Harley muttered, sliding her bat out of her backpack. "The old bastard wants a fight? Fine by me."

Before anyone could make a move, the ugly looking wizard shouted, "Bloody shite!"

She watched as he dived to the ground. The next moment, jets of red and purple light came streaking out of the storm clouds, striking at the witches and wizards before them. Only three had blocked the spells in time. The Headmaster, a tall stern-looking witch, and a greasy-haired wizard. The rest laid unconscious on the ground. The next moment, more jets of light flew at the remaining crew from behind.

The three defended their position as the furry of attacks from behind and from above continued. At the height of another furry, Frost froze the ground beneath their feet, dropping the witch and the greasy-haired wizard where they stood. Jets of light struck them, leaving them unconscious. Only the Headmaster remained, the ground sizzling beneath his feet as he continued to deflect everything being shot at him.

An object came flying, intended for Mistah J, but a jet of white light from Narcissa's wand cut it in half. Ivy dropped to one knee, touching an exposed root with her hand. The next moment, the mighty tree swung violently. Batman leaped over the first swing, tossing small impact grenades at their feet. Narcissa swiped the air with her wand and the grenades disappeared. Great splashes from the Black Lake told them where she had sent them.

The Question leaped onto one of the swinging branches, then launched himself at Ivy as the tree came around for another strike, tackling her from behind. Harley ran up, sinking her boot into his ribs and rolling him across the ground. Her bat connected with the ground as his head rolled out of the way. Roots sprung up out of the ground, wrapping themselves around the Question's arms and legs, binding him flat on his back.

Harley nudged the side of his head with her bat. "Not worth my time. Besides, you don't even have a face to mess up." Without hesitation, she swung the bat high before laying it across his stomach as hard as she could. "Nice hat though." She kicked her bat up onto her shoulder and walked back towards the others.

Batman lunged for Mistah J, only to be caught in the chest by a large branch that lifted him high into the air. Mistah J waved to Batman right before the tree smashed the hero into the ground, pinning him next to the Question with a bone-shattering thud.

The ugly wizard rolled to his feet in one last attempt, but a blast of ice hit him in the chest. The wizard tumbled backwards and laid there. He was breathing, but unable to move. A jet of red light flew from the storm cloud, striking the wizard and leaving him unconscious.

"You have us, Harry!" Dumbledore shouted. "I surrender." The Headmaster placed his wand back inside his robes. "You can come down now."

Harley looked up as the storm cloud began to swirl faster and faster, the middle opening up like an inverted flower. Down through the opening flew three figures on brooms. They landed without a sound, dismounted, and walked into the light created by Narcissa's wand.

She sprung forward, embracing Harry in a bone-crushing hug. "Oh Harry! How I've missed you so!"

"Let the boy breathe, Harley dear."

At Mistah J's words, she immediately let go. She continued to stare at him, a broad smile covering her face.

"Hey Aunt Harley!" Harry greeted brightly. "Have ya missed me?"

Mistah J clapped his hands together, stepping past her. "Harry … dear Harry. Of course, she's missed you. We all have! Now, we've come to take you home."

Harry glanced back over his shoulder at the Headmaster. Harley allowed her gaze to wonder from Harry for the first time, taking in the two masked figures that had flown with him on brooms. She could also make out the silhouettes of more figures in the dark, just beyond the reaches of Narcissa's wand light.

When Harley returned her gaze to Harry, he and the Headmaster were sharing a long look. The Headmaster's eyebrows rose a bit higher as he nodded. Quicker than she could blink, Harry had spun around, hitting the Headmaster with a jet of red light. The elderly man tumbled to the ground and remained motionless.

"Bind them up and keep an eye on them," Harry shouted to the darkness. "Me and the fam are headed up to the castle to have a little talk."

"No!"

Harley strolled over to where the tree had pinned the two heroes. "Well, well, well. Did the Batty come to stop me from retrieving my Ace?" Harley stomped on his outstretched hand with her boot, causing him to grunt. "You should have stayed in retirement."

"You can't let the Joker—"

She swung her bat high above her head before striking his knee with a bone-cracking blow. The Batman squirmed beneath the massive tree branch to no avail.

"Leave him, Harley dear. The Bat needs to remember this. What fun will it be if he's in a coma or dead?"

Reluctantly, she swung her bat back into her backpack. She rolled her eyes before skipping back to join Mistah J and her Harry. Nothing could bring her down now.

~~~ACE~~~

Ace looked upon his family with pride. They had come to his aide, though he felt he needed none, and had even successfully broke into the Hogwarts grounds. He felt his face break into a large grin at the gasps from Frost and Ivy as the Nine moved forward out of the shadows to bind up the fallen professors, Auror, and the 'heroes'.

"Been busy, have we?" Mr. J cooed as Red and Stain led the way, stopping next to Ace. "It's good to see you've been making friends!"

"Like you've always said, Mr. J … idle hands equal wasted opportunities."

"I do say that, don't I!" Mr. J wiped an imaginary tear from his cheek. "They grow up so fast."

Ace spun round, stretching his arms wide. "My Freaks! Keep the professors and the heroes out cold while we" He motioned to Red and Stain "escort my fam up to the castle for a little school tour. Warrior," He placed a hand on his shoulder "I leave you in charge. See to it that all goes to plan."

Warrior nodded while the Others withdrew their wands and began to bind the fallen professors, Batman, and Question.

"We had a deal, Ace!" Batman shouted, spitting blood onto the ground.

Ace turned back slowly to face the fallen bat. He watched as the hero struggled helplessly against the bindings that now wrapped about his body. "You assume too much, Batty. You mistook me listening for me agreeing." He skipped over, then crouched low to look the man in the eyes. "You were so desperate to see what wasn't there that you accepted my bargain, not understanding the truth. Maybe one day you'll figure it out … but probably not."

Ace gave the Batman a toothy grin before skipping back.

"Oooh! Don't take it so hard, Batboy!" the Joker cackled madly. "You gave it your best. Now, just rest. We'll have time to 'play' later."

Ace bowed to Mr. J, his aunts, and the amused witch. "Ladies, gent, and canine too," Ace nodded to the large dog "time for the tour to begin! First, let me introduce your tour guides for this evening. To my left is the lovely Red and the darling Stain." Both girls curtseyed. "Please remember to stay close and hold all questions for the end of the tour. If this isn't your first time here, I hope you enjoy the commentary."

Ace made eye contact with the smirking witch next to Ivy. Ivy started to say something, but he cut her off.

"Now, here we find ourselves in the grounds of the thousand-year-old school started by four witches and wizards. I would yawn on about them now, but their names will come up in the tour at some point." Ace raised his hands high. "Behind you, we find the Whomping Willow. Normally, a truly vicious tree, but Aunt Ivy seems to have wooed its bark with her charms."

Ace spun round to face the castle and began marching, Red and Stain at his side. "As we make our way up the grounds, if you look to your left, you'll see the hut of Rubeus Hagrid. He's the Keeper of Keys here and a mountain of a man. Right now, thanks to the Bat, he's taking a nappy nap. Beyond his hut is the Forbidden Forest. Home to werewolves and many other magical creatures."

Mr. J gave an appreciative, "Oooh!"

"Now, as we approach the castle, we'll need to enter with caution. Healer and Jericho should have the rest of the school asleep by now, but you never know."

"Easy, Ace," Ivy warned. "If Chuckles swells any more with pride, we'll never get him through the front doors."

"Oh you should be very proud of Ace," Stain admonished in a dreamy tone. "He's making Hogwarts a wonderfully fun place to be. I've never felt freer."

"Little sister is correct," Red interjected, throwing an arm around Stain's shoulders "life at school is becoming better than I could have ever dreamed."

Ivy smiled approvingly at the two girls.

"Chuckles?" Ace retorted, glancing at Mr. J.

Mr. J growled, "Only Rover can call me Chuckles."

Ace looked down at the large black dog, panting as it trotted forward. The dog made a strange noise with its throat that almost sounded like a laugh.

"We've been busy too, Ace my boy," Mr. J chuckled, grasping and waving his cloak with one hand. "Been thoroughly enjoying jolly old England and bonny Scotland. Explanation in good time."

They reached the front doors, easing them open as Stain and Red drew their wands. The moment felt electric and Ace had to suppress a laugh.

Ace hissed, "Peeves."

The poltergeist appeared with a pop, hovering several feet above them and twirling his green bowler in his hands. His sudden appearance drew several gasps from Ace's aunts. He bowed in Ace's direction.

"Peevsie at your service, oh wicked one."

"Has the deed been done?"

"The student beasties and professors snore loudly, sir."

"Good. Now, go patrol the halls for any missed stragglers."

The poltergeist gave him a quick salute then zoomed away, his cackles echoing through the entrance hall.

Ace spun round to face the group, spreading his arms wide. "Welcome to Hogwarts!" He danced as he led them into the Great Hall. "This is the magnificent and enchanted Great Hall! This is where we eat and where Drumbles moans on about things that are happening, blah, blah, and blah."

A noise coming from just beyond the Great Hall caught their attention. Someone was approaching their position. Red made to intercept, but Ace held up a hand and flashed her a mischievous smile.

Ace, Red, and Stain waved their hands over their faces, hiding their war paint. He listened as the familiar ragged breathing edged closer to the Great Hall. Harry leaped out into the middle of the doorway. "You!"

Filch nearly fell backwards at his sudden appearance. "Why you bloody little …" His words fell away as Hermione, Luna, Ivy, Frost, and Harley stepped out behind Harry. "Who are all these people? Hey Quinn? Wait until the Headmaster hears of this!"

"Oh, but he already knows, whoever you are," Mr. J cooed, stepping into the entrance hall with the witch and the large black dog.

Fear froze the old caretaker's face. His eyes were fixed on Mr. J and he couldn't seem to look away. When he finally found his voice, "You!" was all he could muster.

"This isn't going anywhere," Luna sighed dreamily. "Stupefy!"

Filch fell to the ground with a thud.

"Wonder what that was about?" Harry mused, scratching his chin and looking from Filch to Mr. J.

Hermione placed a hand on Harry's arm. "Focus. We have much to do this evening."

"Right, as always my dear," Harry laughed, sweeping her a bow. "Good work, Luna. Now, tie him up nice and tight then tuck him in a broom closet. Remind Healer to modify his memory later."

The young girl hummed to herself as she bound up the caretaker, levitating him, then moved him out of sight.

"I think it's time we all have a seat and catch up!" Harry said happily, pointing to the Ravenclaw table in front of them. "I don't believe that the birds will mind."

"Harley, I thought you said Harry needed rescuing." Harry turned to see his Aunt Frost standing with her hands on her hips, looking slightly amused. "Looks to me like he's made himself at home."

"In more ways than one." Ivy jumped as Jericho stepped out of the shadows behind them. "He's quite literally taken the school by storm."

"Ooooh! Another surprise!" Mr. J chuckled darkly, his eyes narrowed. "I think … yes, I believe that we know this one. What do you say, Harley?"

Before his aunt Harley could answer, Harry cut in. "May I introduce Joseph Wilson, my personal consultant."

Harley's eyes darted from Harry to Joseph, then back to Harry. "Aaah."

"Just to clarify," Joseph interjected "I was here first."

"Now, before we go any further," Harry hopped up onto the edge of the table "who is Aunt Ivy's plus one and where'd you get the dog?"

"Your aunt Ivy's plus one is my cousin, Narcissa, and I'm Sirius Black. Sometimes a dog. Sometimes a man. Always notorious."

Harry nearly fell off the table as the man appeared beside him. The man barked with laughter as Frost linked her arm in his.

"Wait …" Harry's face broke into a huge grin. "You're with the dog?"

"Long, long story," Harley broke in, jumping forward and messing his hair with her hand "but we can tell you later, once we're all back in Gotham!"

"It'll be a while then, Aunt Harley, cause I'm not going back with you. Not just yet."

Harry surveyed the room. While his aunt Harley looked disappointed, his Aunt Ivy and Aunt Frost looked amused while the man called Sirius looked impressed. Hermione looked concerned while Luna seemed only mildly interested. Mr. J, however, wore a look that made his heart want to stop.

"Harry, Harry, Harry," Mr. J growled. "Why do you wish to stay when we've come so far to fetch you?"

"There are things for me to learn here, sir," Harry began, hopping off the table and approaching his mentor. "There are things for me to do. I promise to return as soon as I can, but I gotta finish what I've started." A dark look covered his face. "When I do, we're gonna change the world."

"That's all good, Harry, but you know my rules …"

"Never leave somewhere emptyhanded."

"That's right, Harry my boy!" A broad smile filled the manic clown's face. "Now, I came here for you … so what do I get to leave with?"

Harry withdrew the Marauder's Map from inside his robes, missing the look of shock on Sirius' face. "You get to leave with a name."

To Be Continued …

A/N: At long last … Another update! My apologies for the long delays between updates, but paid gigs have been getting in the way. (Evil money!) I'd like to thank my son, JB, for his assistance with this and the next few chapters. Special thanks to Critters At Play for being beta.

Sorry for breaking this up into two chapters, but I really wanted to give this moment the justice that it had coming. JB agreed.

Hope you enjoyed. Please remember to leave a Review! They are so appreciated! Happy Holidays to all!