Harry Wayne and the Batman of Hogwarts

Chapter 41- Harry Gets Expelled From Hogwarts

The Order of the Owls convened in their dimly lit chamber, their faces illuminated only by the flickering light of enchanted torches. Whispers filled the room as they debated the recent breach of magical law. The focus of their discussion was Harry Wayne's unauthorized use of magic outside Hogwarts—an act strictly forbidden under the Ministry's statutes.

Dumbledore, standing at the head of the table, defended Harry with a calm but firm voice. "Harry claims he was forced to use the Patronus Charm because he was attacked by Dementors."

Jostanos, the newly instated Head of the Ministry, scoffed loudly. "Preposterous! Dementors are under strict Ministry control. They would never act without authorization. This is nothing but a fabrication by the boy who lived—and continues to defy the rules at every turn."

The members of the Order exchanged uneasy glances. Dumbledore's influence was undeniable, but Jostanos had the authority of the Ministry backing him.

"We cannot allow this blatant disregard for the rules to go unpunished," Jostanos continued, his voice cold and commanding. "I move that Harry Wayne be forbidden from returning to Hogwarts. A student who cannot respect the boundaries of our laws has no place in such an institution."

The room fell silent. Dumbledore's usual air of unshakable confidence seemed to falter for a moment as the weight of the decision pressed upon him. Despite his best efforts, the vote was cast, and the ruling was made: Harry Wayne was banned from ever returning to Hogwarts.

Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor common room, Harvey Weasley, Hermione Kyle, and Neville Longbottom huddled together after overhearing the news. Hermione's face was pale with disbelief, while Harvey's was flushed with anger.

"They can't do this!" Harvey exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "They're blaming Harry for saving his own life! What was he supposed to do, let those Dementors take his soul?"

"They're using this as an excuse," Hermione said, her voice trembling. "Jostanos and the Order of the Owls want to keep everything about Ra's al Ghul under wraps. They're trying to silence Harry because he knows too much."

Neville nodded grimly. "We can't let this stand. Harry needs us more than ever now. We have to go to him."

The three friends exchanged determined glances. Without another word, they gathered their cloaks and wands, slipping out of the common room under the cover of night. Using a secret network of Floo stations and enchanted passageways, they made their way to Privet Drive.

At Privet Drive, Harry sat in his room, staring out the window at the moonlit street below. His mind swirled with the events of the past few days—Sionis's warning, the attack by the Dementors, and the revelation of the prophecy.

A sudden knock at the window startled him. Turning quickly, he saw Hermione, Harvey, and Neville standing on the other side, their faces a mixture of urgency and concern. Harry quickly opened the window, helping them climb inside.

"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked, surprised but clearly relieved to see them.

"We heard," Hermione said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "About the Order's decision. They've banned you from Hogwarts."

Harry's expression darkened. "I figured they would. Jostanos was looking for any excuse to get rid of me."

"They can't do this to you," Harvey said, pacing the room. "You're the only one who can stand up to Ra's al Ghul. Without you, Hogwarts doesn't stand a chance."

"I appreciate you coming," Harry said, his voice heavy with frustration, "but there's nothing we can do. If I try to go back, they'll throw me in Arkham."

Neville stepped forward, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll figure something out. You're not alone in this, Harry. Whatever it takes, we'll fight for you."

The group sat together late into the night, hatching a plan to fight back against the Order's ruling and prepare for the battles they knew were looming on the horizon. For now, they were safe—but with Ra's al Ghul's forces rising, they knew the peace wouldn't last for long.

Harry leaned forward, lowering his voice as he spoke to Hermione, Harvey, and Neville. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room, emphasizing the tension in the air.

"Sionis Black visited me," Harry began, his tone grave. "He told me about a scroll—an ancient one—that Ra's al Ghul is after. It's hidden in the Department of Mysteries, deep within the Ministry of Magic. Sionis said it contains the truth about a prophecy that Ra's is obsessed with. But there's more. Jostanos knows about it. He's watching for anyone who might come looking for the scroll."

Hermione's eyes widened. "The Department of Mysteries? That's one of the most heavily guarded places in the Ministry. If Jostanos is keeping an eye on it, getting in will be nearly impossible."

Harry nodded. "That's not all. I think Jostanos might be working for Ra's. Think about it—Cornelius Fridge suddenly 'disappears' and comes back as that frost monster, Mr. Fridge? That doesn't sound like a coincidence. Ra's could have orchestrated the whole thing, placing Jostanos in power to cover his tracks."

Harvey furrowed his brow. "But if Jostanos is working for Ra's, why would he play the long game? Why wouldn't he just take what he needs and let Ra's have the scroll?"

"Because it's strategic," Neville interjected, his voice unusually firm. "If he's working with Ra's, he's in the perfect position to control the Ministry from the shadows. No one would suspect him because he's the face of authority now."

Harry let out a weary sigh. "I can't prove it yet, but it makes too much sense. We can't let Ra's get his hands on that scroll. If the prophecy holds the key to whatever he's planning, then it's our job to find it first."

Hermione bit her lip, deep in thought. "The Department of Mysteries isn't just guarded by Aurors. It's filled with traps and protections, not to mention whatever enchantments are specifically safeguarding the scroll. If we're going to do this, we'll need a solid plan."

Harry nodded. "That's where you three come in. I can't leave here without drawing attention—Jostanos would be onto me immediately. But you're still at Hogwarts. No one will suspect you're working on this."

Harvey crossed his arms, frowning. "We'll have to move carefully. If Jostanos really is involved, he'll have eyes everywhere. Even trying to access the Ministry could get us caught."

Hermione raised her hand slightly, her mind already racing with ideas. "We'll need to create a distraction—something to keep Jostanos and his people occupied while we slip into the Department of Mysteries. And we'll need to figure out exactly where the scroll is hidden. It's not like it'll be labeled with a sign."

Neville looked at Harry, determination shining in his eyes. "We'll do it. We'll find the scroll and keep it out of Ra's hands. But Harry, if you're right about Jostanos, this won't just be dangerous—it'll be a fight for our lives."

Harry placed a hand on Neville's shoulder. "I know. That's why I need you three to be careful. Trust no one. Not even Dumbledore can openly help us now. If this scroll is what Ra's thinks it is, then everything—Hogwarts, the Ministry, even the entire wizarding world—could be at stake."

The room fell silent as the weight of Harry's words settled over them. One by one, his friends nodded, their resolve strengthening.

"We'll find a way," Hermione said firmly. "We always do."

"Just make sure you're ready for anything," Harry replied. "This is bigger than all of us now."

As the three friends began to discuss their strategy in hushed tones, Harry leaned back against his pillows, the pain in his back momentarily forgotten. Despite the growing danger, he felt a flicker of hope. His friends were his greatest strength—and together, they might just have a chance to stop Ra's before it was too late.

Harry waited until the others had left the room, the door clicking softly behind them, before turning to Neville. He winced slightly as he shifted in bed, but the determination in his eyes was unwavering.

"Neville, there's something I need you to have," Harry began, reaching beneath the bed. He pulled out a small, intricately carved chest that seemed to hum faintly with magic. Opening it carefully, he revealed two items: the Belt of Chiroptera and the Shadow Cloak.

Neville's eyes widened as he stared at the artifacts. The Belt of Chiroptera gleamed with a metallic sheen, etched with ancient runes that seemed to pulse faintly. Beside it lay the Shadow Cloak, a dark, almost fluid fabric that seemed to ripple and shift as though alive, absorbing the light around it.

"I don't know if the Belt of Chiroptera will work for you," Harry admitted, his tone serious. "I was only able to obtain it after passing a test from Barbatos in the Forbidden Forest. It's tied to something deep—something ancient. But the Shadow Cloak? That, I know, will work for you."

Neville hesitated, his hand hovering over the cloak. "Harry… this is incredible, but why me? Why not use these yourself?"

Harry gave him a small, knowing smile. "Because I trust you, Neville. I can't go after the scroll—not while I'm stuck here, not with Jostanos watching my every move. But you? You're the one who can make this happen. And I think… I think there's something more to you than even you realize."

Neville looked at Harry, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Harry took a deep breath. "Do you remember what Jostanos said? About the two of us being 'the boys who lived'? At first, I thought it was just a strange comment. But the more I think about it, the more I feel like there's something we're missing. Something bigger. Maybe the scroll will explain it. Maybe it won't. But whatever it is, I think you're tied to this, Neville—just as much as I am."

Neville's fingers brushed the Shadow Cloak, and the fabric seemed to react to his touch, flowing smoothly over his hand as if welcoming him. He looked up at Harry, his expression resolute. "If this is what it takes to stop Ra's and protect everyone we care about, I'll do it. I don't know if I'm the person you think I am, but I'll do everything I can."

Harry smiled, relief washing over him. "That's all I could ever ask of you, Neville. Just be careful. The Belt and the Cloak are powerful, but they'll only get you so far. The rest? That'll be up to you."

Neville nodded, slipping the Shadow Cloak into his bag and carefully picking up the Belt of Chiroptera. "I'll figure it out, Harry. We'll figure it out. And we'll stop Ra's before he can get his hands on that scroll."

As Neville turned to leave, Harry called after him. "And Neville?"

He paused at the door, glancing back.

"Trust yourself. You're stronger than you know."

Neville gave Harry a firm nod before stepping out into the hallway, the weight of his new responsibility settling on his shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face it—armed with the Shadow Cloak, the Belt of Chiroptera, and a growing belief that he was destined for more than he ever imagined.

As Hermione, Neville, and Harvey made their way toward the exit, a shadow loomed in front of them, blocking their path. From the dim light of the corridor, Dudley Cobblepot stepped forward, dressed in a sleek black three-piece suit, his signature umbrella hanging from his arm. His expression was smug, his confidence oozing with every step he took.

"Well, well, if it isn't the dynamic trio," Dudley sneered, his sharp eyes locking onto Harvey.

The room tensed instantly. Harvey froze, his scarred side twitching uncontrollably. Memories of Denton—before the incident that left him scarred and fractured—came flooding back. Harvey's fist clenched at his side as the rage began to bubble within him. He knew Dudley had been partly to blame for what happened to Denton, and the sight of him was enough to ignite that fury.

"Whoa! Easy there, sweetheart," Dudley quipped, his smirk widening as he noticed Harvey's scowl deepen.

Without a word, Harvey lunged at Dudley, tackling him to the ground with a force that rattled the room. Pinning Dudley down, Harvey leaned in close, his scarred side glistening under the faint light, saliva dripping from the corner of his twisted mouth.

Dudley didn't flinch. Instead, he chuckled, his voice low and taunting. "That's a face only a mother could love," he mocked, his tone dripping with venom.

Harvey's fist shot back, ready to deliver a devastating blow, but Hermione and Neville rushed to his side, grabbing his arm and pulling him back just in time.

"Harvey, stop!" Hermione yelled, her voice firm but pleading. "This isn't the way."

Neville added, "Remember, Dudley saved Harry from the Dementors. You can't forget that."

For a moment, Harvey's arm remained frozen in the air, his eyes locked on Dudley. Slowly, his muscles relaxed, and he pulled out his signature coin—a Galleon, with one side pristine and shiny, the other scarred and burned, just like him.

"The coin will decide," Harvey muttered, his voice low and menacing. "Heads, I let you walk out of here. Scarred side… you won't be walking anywhere."

He flipped the coin into the air, the room silent as it spun. It landed in his hand, shiny side up.

Harvey exhaled sharply, standing up and releasing Dudley from his grip. "Looks like luck's on your side," he muttered, sliding the coin back into his pocket.

Dudley rose to his feet, brushing off his suit with an air of nonchalance. "Luck's got nothing to do with it, kid. I'm a self-made man. Hard work and hustle—that's what got me where I am today."

His gaze shifted to Hermione, a knowing glint in his eye. "And Hermione knows all about that hustle. Don't you, Hermione?"

Hermione's face hardened, but she said nothing. She refused to let Dudley drag her back into a past she had fought so hard to leave behind.

Dudley smirked, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before stepping aside. "Don't be strangers now," he called out as the three walked past him, their tension palpable.

Once outside, Neville whispered, "What was that all about?"

Hermione didn't answer. Her jaw was set, her eyes fixed ahead, determined to leave Dudley Cobblepot—and everything he represented—in her past where it belonged.

It was now time for the three of them to find that scroll.

To be continued…