Harry Potter and The Legends of the Dark Knight

They told me there was nothing out there, nothing to fear. But the night Professor Dumbledore was murdered I caught a glimpse of something. I've looked for it ever since. After I defeated Voldemort, I went around the world. Learning everything the Muggle and Magical worlds could teach me while searching everywhere in the shadows. There is something out there in the darkness, something terrifying, something that will not stop until it gets revenge... Me. – Harry Potter

HARRY POTTER AND THE LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT

(-V-)

I'm lookin over the skyline of the city

How loud, quiet nights in the mist of crime

How next door to happiness lives sorrow

And a signal of solution in the sky

A city of justice, a city of love

A city of peace, for every one of us

We all need it, can't live without it

Gotham City, oh, yeah

How sleeping awake because of fear

How children are drowning in their tears

How we need a place where we can go

A land where everyone will have a hero

A city of justice, a city of love

A city of peace, for every one of us

We all need it, can't live without it

Gotham City, oh, yeah

A city of justice, a city of love

A city of peace, for every one of us

We all need it, can't live without it

Gotham City

Yet in the middle of stormy weather

We won't stumble and we won't fall

I know a place that offers shelter

A city of justice, a city of love

A city of peace, for every one of us

We all need it, can't live without it

Gotham City

We need a city of justice, a city of love

A city of peace, for every one of us

Simply because we all need it, can't live without it

Gotham City

Gotham City

- “Gotham City” by R. Kelly

(-V-)

Eleven years after Year 6 …

Twenty seven year old Chief Auror Ronald Weasley apparated before the ancient castle in a reclusive area of Ireland and quickly made his way toward the other Aurors gathered around it. “Neville, what’s the situation, mate?” Ron asked staring up at the moated castle.

“Wormtail and his part of Old Voldemort’s group are hold up in there,” Neville Longbottom said looking up at the raised drawbridge. “It’s completely cut off, Ron. We think this was where Voldemort made his potions for his Deatheaters. It’s warded and there’s guards ready to hex anyone who tries to get in … or worse.”

“So any suggestions?” Ron asked around the Aurors. “Great … wait …” He said glancing back toward the large wagon trail through the forest surrounding the castle, where a quiet growl echoed through the dark trees. “What’s that?” he asked as lights appeared through the trees. “OUT OF THE WAY!!” He screamed as a vehicle tore from the forest. It was jet black, heavily armored, like a Muggle tank, with two small wheels on the front and four larger tractor-like tires on the rear, as well as twin jet engines on the very back.

“Oh great … him again …” Ron sighed, as the assault vehicle jumped the moat and “OK, looks like we’re the clean up crew again, get ready to mop up!”

The Deatheaters all jumped out of the way as the tank-car landed in the large central area of the castle amongst a series of large vats.

“Oh no …” Peter “Wormtail” Pettigrew whimpered as he looked down from the top level of the castle at the now completely still Batmobile. “It’s him … The Batman …”

“I … I heard he’s part Dementor,” one of Wormtail’s dark wizards said in a trembling voice.

“I heard he’s Voldemort’s son …” another spoke up, “Only twice as bad …”

“Get him, surround that car, Killing Curse him if he gets out!” Wormtail yelled, then whimpered slightly when the cockpit of the armored car hissed and slowly lifted and rose backwards.

The Dark Wizards glanced among themselves until one of them finally decided to brave a peak inside the still Batmobile. He looked confused for a moment before glancing back and upward toward their boss. “It’s empty, Wormtail,” he spoke, before he was jerked into the car screaming.

Say your prayers little one
Don’t forget, my son
To include everyone

The Dark Wizards began to fire off killing curses and Crucio’s blindly into the armored car only to have it reflected back by some kind of protective charm.

After a large number of them fell, they finally ceased fire, and glanced around, gasping when several bat-shaped throwing stars flew from the shadows on the opposite side of the inner walls of the castle, taking out the candles and torches.

The Dark Wizards bunched together in the darkness, shoulder to shoulder making a protective circle; none noticing the white demonic eyes opening in the center of the circle.

Tuck you in, warm within
Keep you free from sin
Till the Sandman he comes

Silently he picked them off, like the angel of death, swooping in silencing them, and disarming them, then disabling them. One at a time, and none of the Dark Wizards were any the wiser till their time came.

Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight

“Did you find him?” Wormtail called down holding his lit wand in his trembling good hand. The only response he got was silence. “Answer me! Where are you? Someone answer me!”

“I’m here.” A growling voice spoke from behind him and the frightened Death Eater turned the light around to see a cape and cowl covered figure balancing himself on his hands and knees on the railing of the platform, his long bat-wing-like cape blew effortlessly in the breeze. His face was half covered by a large cowl, eyes hidden behind whited out demonic eye-pieces, and on top of his head pointed upward were a pair of bat-like ‘ears’. Under the cape-like cloak was a set of black and gray tights, and in the center of his chest was a gold oval and a red bat shaped symbol.

The man known only as the Batman glared at Wormtail, his muscles rippling under the tights. “Put down the wand and give yourself up, this is your last chance NOT to do something stupid.”

Something’s wrong, shut the light
Heavy thoughts tonight
And they aren’t of snow white

Wormtail shot a Crucio toward the Dark Knight, who easily jumped the beam, throwing open his cape as if it were actual wings. He sank his clawed gauntlets into the other side of the platform’s railing, and flipped back to face the cowardice Death Eater again. “Put. Down. The Wand.” Batman growled, narrowing his white eyes.

Dreams of war, dreams of liars
Dreams of dragon’s fire
And of things that will bite

Wormtail whimpered slightly before turning and dashing away from the Bat, tears of fear welling up in his eyes.

Now I lay me down to sleep
Pray the lord my soul to keep
If I die before I wake
Pray the lord my soul to take

The Aurors finally made it across the moat, and Wormtail finally came to a stop over top a large vat of chemicals. He pointed his wand at his ‘former master’ from his time as ‘Scabbers the Rat’ Ron Weasley. “This is for letting your brothers use me as a guinea pig, Weasley!” Wormtail said with a grin, Ron oblivious to being targeted. “Avada …”

Hush little baby, don’t say a word
And never mind that noise you heard
It’s just the beast under your bed,
In your closet, in your head

“Your last warning, Pettigrew,” Batman said slowly walking toward him. “Put down your wand and I won’t have to make you.”

Exit light
Enter night

“A-Avada …” Wormtail tried to continue, forcing himself to ignore the Batman’s intimidating presence. “Avada Kad-” Wormtail was cut off when a boa cable wrapped around his legs throwing him down over the edge of the platform.

Take my hand

Wormtail gasped when The Batman gripped his silver hand, letting him dangle over the vat of unknown chemicals. “I won’t let you take the easy way out, Wormtail,” Batman growled, “You’re going to Azkaban.”

“I won’t go there, I won’t! I won’t!” Wormtail said taking his wand and touching the tip to his silver hand. A split second later the solid artificial hand turned to sand in the Batman’s grasp, and Wormtail tumbled into the vat of chemicals, screaming in pain as it burned into his skin.

We’re off to Never-Never Land

The Aurors turned their wands to shine lights toward the platform where Wormtail fell, and found it empty.

(-V-)

It didn’t take the Aurors long at all to secure the area, and Ron stood in the corner of castle, lighting a cigarette. “Those are bad for you.” A growling voice spoke from the shadows.

“So’s talking to you if any of my superiors caught me, I reckon.” Ron replied, a slight smirk. “Wasn’t your fault about Wormtail, I saw you try to save him. Should be a little while longer till we determine what the chemicals are. Then we’ll fish the body out.”

“Heard you and your ex-wife have been showing signs of getting back together,” Batman spoke again in the shadows.

“Never would have thought you to be a tabloid reader,” Ron chuckled. “We’re just best friends again. Nothing more, nothing less. We wasted five years of our life pretending to be happily married when we were just living in a powder keg. We’re happy as best mates again, so that’s good enough for me.”

“Always thought you two made a decent couple in school,” Batman spoke with a hint of humor in his voice.

“So you went to Hogwarts with us then?” Ron asked, glancing toward the shadows, where he saw the outline of the Dark Knight in the darkness. “Were you in my year? How about our house?” Ron questioned.

“Stop trying to figure out who I am,” Batman stated coldly. “Better for you not to know.”

“Oh c’mon, Bats! Throw me a bone, we’ve been doing this song and dance for two years now,” Ron complained shaking his head. “Batman? Batman? Bloody hell, I hate it when he does that …” he complained turning as the Batmobile roared to life and spun around in a donut before rocketing out the way it came. “Didn’t even get to say thanks for the help, Mate …”

(-V-)

Early the next morning, Ron Weasley approached the Ministry of Magic office building with determination on his face, a clothing bag thrown over his shoulder.

Ron stopped at the front desk at the hall and smiled at the receptionist. “Hey Lara,” Ron winked at the young woman.

“Jolly good morning, Mr. Weasley,” the cute blond headed woman smiled back at the redhead, sitting up in her chair and thrusting her chest out a bit.

“Did the Vice-Minister of Education spend the night again?” Ron asked with a bit of humor.

“Any doubt about it? You can probably guess where she is, go right ahead, Mr. Weasley,” She nodded, waving him to go ahead into the office.

Ron made his way into the Ministry toward the chosen office of the Ministry’s Vice Minister of Education’s office, or more to the point the large room right next door. Ron walked into the door to the large library and made his way to the table in the very back.

Ron smirked to himself as he saw the only person present. A bushy brown haired woman with her face planted in an open tome fast asleep. He quietly made his way around the table and sat down beside the softly snoring young woman. “Hermione?” Ron whispered right next to her ear, earning only quiet grumbles. “Hot news in the Prophet this morning …” Ron whispered in a sing-song voice.

“Go …way … sleepy …” She grumbled picking her head up just enough to turn away from the redhead.

“Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy make the public declaration that they are homosexual by having a sexual voyeur romp in the center of Hogsmeade Village …” Ron said in an official voice.

Hermione’s head shot up and she looked around frantically. “WHAT THE?!?” She squeaked before she fell right out of her chair, dragging the large tome down with her, hitting her in the chest sending her breathless.

Ron doubled over laughing, “Oh, the look on your face!” He laughed hard.

“Ronald Weasley!” Hermione coughed, “That was just … EVIL! Sick and disgusting, pathetic … and … and …” The Vice Minister scowled up at the laughing Auror. “One of the main reasons I left you!”

“Who left who, Vice Minister Weasley?” Ron chuckled, “I don’t recall you having to do any house hunting.”

“Anyway, I trust you know the refresher charm, and I swung by the flat and picked you up a change of cloths.” Ron said dropping the clothing bag on Hermione’s face.

“What are you going on about, Ron?” Hermione complained, sitting up on the floor.

“You know, I’m surprised I remembered if you forgot,” Ron said giving his ex-wife/best friend a pointed look. “Hogwarts Ten Year Reunion.”

“Bloody hell!” Hermione panicked, grabbed the cloths and dashed out of the library and cut toward the women’s loo.

Ron chuckled to himself as he walked out of the library and turned and entered Hermione’s office. He glanced over her desk, not surprising she had all their wedding pictures removed. What was in their place were newer pictures, and one older.

Ron sighed sadly as he picked up a picture that felt so long ago… in the enchanted picture was three first year kids at Hogwarts. A bushy haired girl, and two scrawny boys, one with bright red hair and another with dark hair and glasses and a distinct lightening bolt shaped scar on his forehead. They were smiling and laughing and hugging and gripping each other in a playful manner.

“I miss him too, Ron,” Hermione smiled as she walked in, brushing her bushy hair. “At least we got our friendship on track.”

“Getting a divorce was the best thing we ever did for our friendship, wasn’t it, Mione?” Ron asked still looking at the three friends in the photograph. “Who ever heard of a couple walking out of divorce court holding hands, huh?”

“Elvis and Pricilla,” Hermione stated, with a small smile.

“Who?” Ron asked, looking up blankly.

“Never mind, Muggle thing.” Hermione shrugged off.

“We almost got it back like it should be, but still got one piece missing,” Ron sighed sitting the picture back down on the desk.

“We always were a three legged chair,” Hermione stated picking up a mirror to check her make up.

“We’ll talk to him today, Hermione,” Ron said, “Maybe we can talk some sense into his stupid self. I still say Malfoy has him under some kind of spell, maybe not the Unforgivable, but he’s still not our Harry.”

“Our Harry wouldn’t just up and disappear for seven years then come back a complete jerk, Ron,” Hermione said putting down the mirror, and tied her hair in a ponytail. “Doesn’t take a genius to figure out we had a fair share in doing our Harry in.”

“He could have waited till we got back from our honeymoon to go off the deep end,” Ron said, rubbing his eyes slightly. “I’m surprised we even lasted five years of marriage, Mione. In fact; I’m surprised you didn’t end up a widow after me mysteriously vanishing and you faking a bunch of tears without him around. Harry always was the one to break up our fights and keep you from doing an Unforgivable curse on me.”

“Like you said, we’ll talk to him and try to talk some sense into him today,” Hermione said hugging her ex-husband. “Or I’ll hex him a few times till the real Harry comes back. Remember the Canary Charm?”

“How could I forget?” Ron shivered, “I still have nightmares.”

“Best head to King’s Crossing,” Hermione checked the time, “Can’t miss the Hogwarts Express, despite that’s what you’re best at.”

“Heaven forbid, and after today we may be the trio again: the brains the hero and the prat.” Ron smiled slapping an arm around Hermione’s shoulder.

“Of course,” Hermione smiled, “Let’s go, Prat.”

(-V-)

“The Guests should be arriving shortly, Headmistress,” Professor Tonks, the longest running Defense against the Dark Arts professor in ages, said as she walked with Madam Poppy Pomfrey and Headmistress Minerva McGonagall across the courtyard of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. “Then we can get this party started.”

“Do we have enough Sobering Potions to go around, Poppy?” McGonagall asked a faint smile growing on her aged face.

“Do you really think they’ll be bringing alcohol to a school function, even if it is a reunion?” Poppy asked, shaking her head.

“Heavens no,” McGonagall chuckled, before turning an accusing glare on the DADA Professor. “I have reason to believe that a certain professor and her Marauder Husband may have already brought some onto school grounds.”

“Hey, leave Remus out of it; he didn’t have anything to do with it this time … oops.” Tonks blushed crimson, and covered her face with her hands.

“No harm really, as long as we keep it under control. Just keep an eye on the Slytherin and … Mr. Potter.” McGonagall stated, “You know, I would have thought it would have been Mr. Weasley we’d have to watch …” She said, a wave of sadness washing over her eyes.

“There’s more to Mr. Potter then meets the eye,” Poppy stated, slowing down when she saw a figure standing before the Astronomy Tower. “Dumbledore had a lot of faith in the boy.”

“Yes indeed,” McGonagall said a hint of bitterness in her voice, “As he did in Severus Snape.”

“Perhaps,” Poppy said, breaking away from the two professors. “Excuse me.”

The aged nurse quickly made her way to the Tower and stopped at a large gold plaque before a stone statue of Albus Dumbledore, the previous Headmaster of Hogwarts. She stood there for a moment and bowed her head in honor of the great wizard when she noticed another standing beside her.

She glanced over at the young man of twenty seven years, he stood tall, around six foot two with his broad and built muscles hidden by a tuxedo and trench coat, his black hair was slicked back revealing a lightening bolt scar on his forehead, and his emerald eyes shinned with a hint of sadness behind owl-framed glasses.

“I’ve been reading about you, Harry,” Poppy said in a soft tone, as Harry Potter knelt and placed a white rose on the plaque. “It worries me. The world thinks you’re unkillable, I don’t want you to start thinking yourself to be.”

“I’m beginning to think I am, but not that I want to be,” Harry said standing back to his feet. “I miss him so much …”

“I wish you wouldn’t put so much into faking the carefree attitude though,” Poppy said, “McGonagall doesn’t approve, and I’m sure it would deeply hurt Albus if he knew you didn’t care about yourself.”

“I don’t matter, Poppy,” Harry stated in a cold iron voice. “Only the Mission matters.”

Pomfrey nodded, and the two stood in silence for a moment. “Vice Minister Granger-Weasley and I talked the other day.”

Harry nodded. “About you.” She stated, finally getting a reaction out of the young man, though it was only a concerned look. “Don’t worry, Potter, I didn’t tell her about your tights-wearing nightlife, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Harry nodded slightly before turning back to Dumbledore’s statue. “Ron and Hermione have gotten over their divorce, and have rebuilt their friendship, Harry. They’re not dooming themselves because of past mistakes…”

“Is that a shot?” Harry asked a hint of amusement in his voice.

“What you do at night, Harry, it is a good thing. The world needs a champion, and I’m proud you’ve stepped up. Albus would have been proud as well.” Poppy paused to look at the statue’s face. “But if you cut yourself off from humanity, how will you know what you’re fighting for?”

“I understand,” Harry whispered, bowing in respect to his former headmaster.

“Promise me something, Harry,” Poppy spoke up as he turned to leave. “Promise when this is over, when the last of You Know Who’s followers is put away in Azkaban, let the Bat disappear. We’ve all missed Harry Potter.”

“We’ll see,” Harry smirked before walking away from the nurse.

(-V-)

An hour later, Hermione and Ron walked into the Great Hall of Hogwarts and smiled when they saw countless friends and classmates gathered around their respective House Tables. Ron and Hermione spotted Neville, Hermione’s old Dorm-Mates Lavender and Parvati.

“You’re running late, Boss,” Neville smirked at Ron as he and Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table.

“So are you two getting back together like the papers say?” Lavender squealed.

“Nope, still an available gentleman, ladies,” Ron said sticking out his chest.

“He still a lemon, Hermione?” Lavender asked Ron’s ex-wife.

“Only reason I stuck it out for five years is so he can earn a little bit so I can take it through the divorce.” Hermione winked, pinching Ron’s arm.

“I just don’t get any respect …” Ron deflated, resting his elbows on the table.

“Hello, if I could have your attention,” Professor McGonagall said standing up at the podium at the front of the hall, “Thank you all for coming out for this tenth anniversary class reunion,” McGonagall stated, but was rudely interrupted when the main doors were swung open and in walked Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter, Draco’s on again off again girlfriend Pansy on his arm, and a beautiful blond on Harry’s arm.

“Boy Who Lived has arrived!” Draco announced as Harry smirked pridefully.

“Oh, don’t get up,” Harry waved with his free hand, “Hey, don’t mind us, Minnie, go on with your speech, talk, lecture, whatever.”

Harry led Draco and the girls toward Gryffindor Table, and handed the four class mates sitting on the other side of Ron and Hermione a bag full of gold. “There’s you more money then you’ll make in five years, mates, go sit somewhere else.”

Hermione glared as the four former class mates grabbed at the money like rabid animals and leapt from the seats.

“Who says money can’t buy happiness, huh mates?” Harry winked at Draco and his date as they all sat down beside Harry’s teen years’ best friends.

“So, got tired of washing Ronniekens’ dirty boxers, did you, Mione-dear?” Harry asked toward Hermione, causing her face to turn red in embarrassment and anger.

“Ten years and not a word, and the first thing you can say to me is THAT?” Hermione asked in outrage.

“Well, sure the divorce was two years ago, Mione, and I still have yet to congratulate you on making Vice Minister, also your parents for finding that great property in Jersey.” Harry smirked, smiled at Hermione and Ron’s stunned expressions. “Think I didn’t keep up with you two? How’s Mum, Ronniekens?”

“She’s fine …” Ron blinked, as Harry glanced up at McGonagall, who was still giving a speech.

“Think you can pick it up? I’m hungry.” Harry shouted, earning glares from three fourths of the room, but chuckles from Slytherin table.

“Harry! How could you be so rude!” Hermione hissed, then taking a glare at his dingy looking date, who was glancing around the room with wide lazy eyes.

“Oh it’s easy Hermione, you should remember exactly how it’s done from sixth year,” Harry gave the bushy haired girl a lopsided smile.

Hermione stood to her feet and threw her pumpkin juice in Harry’s face. “Come along, Ronald, we’re setting somewhere else.”

“Hey don’t be like that, Hermione!” Harry called out, but Hermione and Ron were already making their way to the other end of the table. With their back turned they missed the flash of regret in Harry’s eyes.

(-V-)

The Reunion continued on without incidence, Ron and Hermione for the time being kept their distance from Harry, till Hermione cooled down anyway.

“Can you believe that?” Hermione asked still fuming.

“Yeah, where does he get all those beautiful toys?” Ron asked, staring at the obvious super model Harry brought as a date.

“That’s a girl Ron, not a toy,” Hermione narrowed her eyes on her ex.

“po-tay-to, po-tah-to, she’s beautiful,” Ron continued to ogle the blonde.

“Why don’t you go talk to her,” Hermione nodded as Harry was called over to Professor McGonagall in the corner of the room. “He’ll dump her in a week. He hasn’t kept a girlfriend for more then a week since he came back.”

“And how do we know this, Hermione?” Ron grinned at the Vice Minister, who suddenly took the facial color of his hair.

“Whatever, go talk to the bimbo, I’m going to go see Harry get jerked back to reality by the Headmistress.” Hermione glared, before walking away.

“I’m sure you love to see Harry get jerked, don’t you Mione?” Ron grinned, earning a half growl half hiss from his ex-wife.

Ron giggled to himself as he walked toward the blond, and finally took her in. She was leaning against the wall in a long purple gown that hugged her curves, and her long curled hair hung over one shoulder, while her big blue eyes shinned in the low lit room. “Hey … the name’s Weasley, Ron Weasley, you know, third of the great trio, Auror, one of the three saviors of the world, magical or otherwise …” Ron said smoothly.

“One time best keeper in Gryffindor history, as well as youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley?” the girl said, turning her dazed eyes on the redhead.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Ron said.

“Ronald, I’m cut that you do not remember me,” the girl said in an overly dramatic pout.

“Great Merlin …” Ron breathed as realization finally hit him from hearing the girl’s voice. “Luna?!?”

(-V-)

Hermione hung to the wall as she got to where she could see Harry and McGonagall but they couldn’t see her, and she stifled a gasp when McGonagall slapped Harry across the face. “Harold James Potter, I could understand you taking in the joys of life but did Professor Dumbledore not teach you a thing. Did you not comprehend what he was trying to teach you between what is right and easy?”

“I understood his lessons completely, Professor …” Harry said in a softer tone, only to be silenced by a second slap.

“I normally do not become physical with my students but I often viewed you as a grandchild, Harry, and someone has to knock you from your foolishness!” McGonagall growled.

“Professor, please …” Harry said for the first time to either of them that night sounding like the old Harry. “What you see … this isn’t the real me, there’s more … deep down, that I can’t show, not yet.”

“Mr. Potter, you should realize by now it is not what is inside that makes you who you are, but what you do that defines you.” McGonagall stated, crossing her arms across her chest.

“I see …” Harry bowed his head.

“Go back out there, Harry, I won’t throw you out,” McGonagall said, “UNLESS you cause anymore trouble.”

“No, I think I’ll just take a walk around the school right now,” Harry said, narrowing his eyes on the shadows around the corner, “You head on back in there, you too Hermione,” Harry said glancing toward her hiding place.

Hermione sheepishly walked out from the corner and stood beside McGonagall as Harry quickly walked out of the hall.

“He’s become quiet peculiar …” McGonagall said.

“Yes he has,” Hermione nodded.

“Though he has developed quite the butt on him as well,” McGonagall stated again before turning back toward the party.

“Yes he… WHAT?” Hermione shook off the shock and followed along behind.

McGonagall and Hermione walked back into the party only to stop suddenly when they felt two jabs in the back.

“Don’t move, or you’ll get it,” Hermione heard the Death Eater Bellatrix’s voice behind her, “Perfect place to get revenge on the three brats who killed our master,” Her companion stated from behind McGonagall.

“OK!” Bellatrix called into the party, causing it to come to a full halt. “I want everyone to throw your wands to the ground and stay completely still.”

Most did as told while the Professors, Ron, and Neville were the slowest to reply. “Do it or they both die, Granger dies anyway, but I’d hate to have another Headmaster die.” Bellatrix’s unknown lackey stated hatefully.

Neville and the Professors finally did it but Ron waited till he saw a pointy-eared shadow cross across the corner of the room.

Ron glanced at Bellatrix, “Have you heard about those new stories about the Batman? How he’s hunting down all the Death Eaters who followed Riddle?” Ron asked with a smirk. “Do you really think bringing yourself out into the open like this was a smart thing to do?”

Bellatrix laughed heartedly. “I know your game, the Batman is just a fairy tale you Aurors made up to scare us into giving up, but I will not be fooled by your little game.” She stated boastfully, only her lackey noticing the large bat-shaped shadow growing around them.

Bellatrix gasped when one foot planted on her dark wizard lackey’s face, knocking him to the ground, then her own wand being jerked from her hand and thrown across the room. Hermione and Minerva stared in awe as they turned and saw Bellatrix being lifted off the ground by the collar of her robes by the Dark Knight. “W-What are you?!?” Bellatrix half screamed staring into the demon’s blank eyes.

“I’m Batman.” He stated coldly before throwing Bellatrix over his shoulder, into the refreshment table. McGonagall and Hermione gasped when the Batman grabbed them both, and leapt into the air, landing near Ron and Neville. “Start evacuating the room. There’s other Dark Wizards around.” Batman growled toward Ron and Neville.

“Where, only ones we saw were Bellatrix and her mate,” Ron stated.

Batman answered by backhanding something behind him and a dark wizard tumbled to the ground with his invisible cloak bunching around him.

Hermione stared in awe of the Dark Knight, as Ron ushered her out of the room with everyone else. Before Neville closed the door she could see the strangely dressed vigilante approaching the dazed Bellatrix, and then right after the door closed Hermione could hear her terrified screams.

TO BE CONTINUED …

C. Cowboy: I know it may seem a little fast paced, but I wanted to set the stage for what’s going on. Let me know what you think, this is my first dribble in post HBP, and I hope I’ll give the characters more justice then I feel JKR did.

Song credits:

Enter: Sandman by Metallica

Gotham City by R. Kelly

When the war ended, I think even Harry was finally feeling at peace. Too bad that never lasted. Not even a day. The first counter attack by Voldemort's followers the day after Harry returned from the battle. A whole wizardry village was completely decimated by Death Eaters, as an act of revenge. We were all hurt and unsettled by it but young Harry took it the hardest. No matter what any of us said, Harry refused to listen and blamed himself for it. He told me before he left that he said he would make them pay. He would make sure no one else suffered. He would stop them, no matter what the cost. A monster of the same caliber of Voldemort came back in his place. The Batman is exactly what the world needs to counter the Dark Wizards. I just hope the Batman doesn't destroy Harry in the process … -Remus Lupin

CHAPTER 2: The Faces of Harry Potter

I analyze everything, I know what you mean
I answer by questioning all that I need
And I want to, to surrender
I want you to see all the sides
All the faces inside of me

I see I'm not perfect, but that's all I see
Lost in a portrait, in a picture of me
This can't be everything I see
That my canvas is incomplete
Your color's everything to me
And my canvas will set me free

My outline is solid and made up of crime
And the things that you say just burn in my eyes
I want to, to surrender
I want you to find some comfort
In the spaces between the lines

I see I'm not perfect, but that's all I see
Lost in a portrait, in a picture of me
This can't be everything I see
That my canvas is incomplete
Your color's everything to me
And my canvas will set me free
This can't be everything I see
That my canvas is incomplete
Your color's everything to me

You’re everything to me …

- “Lost in a Portrait” by Trapt

Bellatrix watched in a mix of awe and intimidation as her personally trained dark wizards were quickly picked apart by this … force of nature. The Batman took out the last of the dark wizards as Ron and Neville finally returned after guiding the professors and former students to a safe room. “Oh that figures, he takes away our fun.” Neville complained as the Batman let his cape wrap around his body.

“It’s not over yet …” Bellatrix spat, sounding confident. “I brought one more friend my Lord Voldemort left me.”

Ron and Neville both shivered slightly as a cold breeze filled the Great Hall.

The dark shrouded demon hovered in through the side door, making a beeline for the two Aurors. “Expecto Patronum!” Ron called out, causing a bright light to erupt from his wand. A moment later there was a blinding light then … a high pitched yelping.

The Batman, Neville and Bellatrix all cocked an eyebrow in unison as a small transparent dog appeared and ran circles around the unaffected Dementor barking its tinny head off.

The Dementor put up with the annoyance for a moment longer before it slammed its fist down on the dog shattering it into light. “Ok, that was my best shot …” Ron gulped as he and Neville looked at each other. The Dementor continued on toward Ron and Neville when suddenly the Bat leapt between them and the demon, his cape still not leaving his shoulders and his face chiseled stone.

The Dementor approached Batman, its face in the Batman’s face, neither showing any effect on the other.

The soul sucker finally turned and floated out the way it came leaving Neville, Ron, and Bellatrix in stunned silence. Bellatrix tried to back away from the Dark Knight, crawling along the floor as the caped crusader approached her, his face showing no emotions whatsoever.

“I surrender! I surrender! Don’t hurt me!” Bellatrix cried, tears of fear streaming down her face, as the Batman lifted her from the ground. “P-Please …” she cried as the Batman’s nose was just barely avoiding touching hers.

“Please, arrest me, send to Azkaban, but just make him go away!” She begged the Aurors, trying desperately to avoid the Bat’s piercing white eyes. Bellatrix’s blubbering was cut off by a hard head butt that echoed through the hall. The Batman let the woman drop to the ground in an unconscious pile.

“Wicked, Bats, how did you drive off that Dementor with out a Patronus?” Ron asked as he approached the Dark Knight and the unconscious Death Eater.

“They feed off happy memories,” Batman stated, as Ron and Neville checked out Bellatrix. “My memories are marred with pain and sadness.”

“No happy memories at all?” Neville asked with pity in his voice.

“I have some, but they were easily overpowered by other … events.” Batman said, sliding into the shadows.

“Care to share?” Ron asked, glancing around to see that only he and Neville were still in the room. “I hate it when he does that …”

(-V-)

“Ok, we have everyone safe and secure, Professor McGonagall,” Hermione said, her wand clinched in her hand as she stood before the Headmistress.

“You can relax, the threat has been neutralized,” a growling voice spoke from behind the Vice Minister, causing her and the Headmistress to yelp.

They both turned and pointed their wand at the unaffected Dark Knight standing behind them. “Bloody shit in the ninth level of bloody hell, don’t DO that!” Hermione cursed, jabbing her wand into the Batman’s chest, right over his symbol. Then paled as she realized what she was doing and backed away fearfully.

“Bellatrix and her dark wizards have been dealt with, though you might want to send some Anti-Dementor Aurors into the Forbidden Forest before classes begin,” Batman growled out, his face never leaving Hermione’s direction.

“We’ll …” McGonagall squeaked, before clearing her throat and trying again. “We’ll do that …” She said unsurely.

“Are you two alright?” The Batman asked, his voice losing a slight bit of edge to it.

“Yes, thanks to you.” Hermione stated truthfully. “You are as skilled as I’ve read.”

The Bat’s lip quirked slightly, “Read all of the urban legends and stories about me, as I expected you to do, Mrs. Weasley.” Batman stated, with a nod. “Always a learner, some things never change.”

“Do … I know you?” Hermione furrowed her brow as she studied the Batman, who gave her a look that put her in mind instantly of Albus Dumbledore.

“No, you don’t know me. But you knew who I was.” Batman said quizzically.

“I don’t understand …” Hermione mused.

“Never knew Hermione Granger to pass up a mystery,” The Batman said turning his back and walking toward a side hall.

Hermione watched him for a moment, before dashing after him, but found the Hallway deserted.

(-V-)

The attack brought an earlier end to the party then anyone expected. Prof. Nymphadora Tonks waved as the carriage carrying Ron and Hermione back to Hogsmeade where they could apparate home. “I missed them, good. Those disappointed stares from Hermione and death glares from Ron were starting to get to me.” Harry said walking toward the pink haired former-Auror.

“Wotcher, Harry! You also missed your date, whom went with Ron,” Tonks smirked at the taller man, “But there’s no escape tomorrow.”

“Was going to break the relationship end of next week anyway,” Harry shrugged, “And what do you mean by no escape tomorrow?”

“You’ve ran long enough, Harry me Wookie,” She said patting his shoulder. “Bat suit or no Bat suit, you’re gonna go to the burrow, face you past, AND wish the first of Arthur and Molly Weasley’s grandchildren a safe journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”

“Dick, Bill and Fleur’s boy?” Harry asked, blinking in surprised, “He’s already old enough to go to Hogwarts?”

“Yup, and you ARE going to the party at the Burrow,” Tonks said planting her fists on her hips. “Remus and I agree. We’ve watched you bury yourself down in that bloody cave of yours and hide behind that damned mask long enough, and I’m talking about the pointy-eared one. Would it be too much to ask for the old Harry Potter to come out of exile, for one day?”

“I’m not sure he still exists or not, Tonks …” Harry said glancing away, then looked back to see the pointed death glare. “Ok, fine, I’ll go to the Burrow tomorrow and behave. Happy?”

“Thrilled,” Tonks grinned and patted the younger man’s cheek, then glanced at the departing horseless carriages “Patrolling tonight?” she asked glancing back and finding herself alone. “Stupid ninja training …”

(-V-)

Several hours later the armored Batmobile pulled through a tunnel into a large cavern deep below 12 Grimmauld Place. The black vehicle came to a stop on a turntable platform and the engines hummed to silence. The cockpit slowly opened and the Batman rose out of it and walked into his lair, his Bat-Cave.

The Cave itself was a multilayer complex. The bottom level was the vehicle bay where a set of Bat themed Motor-Bikes and the Batmobile rested. The second level was made up of a training center with exercise and acrobatics equipment, as well as a mini-dojo with several practice dummies. The third level was a ‘trophy area’ where souvenirs and no longer needed evidence was stored for future study, as well as a large library with countless dark arts, criminal psychology, and criminal justice books lined the multiple bookshelves. And the top level was where a suit case and large computer complex rested.

The Batman rode an elevator to the top floor and pulled his cowl back before unsnapping his cape and placing it in the suit case. “Three AM, wasn’t expecting you back for another hour, Harry,” A voice spoke from the stair well heading upward from the cave.

Harry gave a smirk as he pulled the enchanted uniform top over his shoulders and placed it inside the case. “Blame your wife, Remus,” Harry said glancing at his long time friend and one of the few surviving mentors he had left. “She’s making me go to the Burrow later in the morning.”

“Find the Death Eater?” Remus asked leaning against the wall by the stairs.

“Nope, all we know right now is one of Riddle’s men is in London, but that’s it. Don’t know where he or she is, or even who it is.” Harry said as he pulled on a pair of trousers and a button up shirt. “Did come across four muggings and two robberies, been a quiet night.”

“Are we talking about work still, instead of sleeping?” Tonks voice drifted down as she walked down the stairs into Harry’s fortress. “I have you know I slaved for an hour to make that fine Italian dinner, and you let it go cold.”

“You didn’t miss much, son,” Remus grinned, before getting slapped hard in the back of the head by his loving wife.

“Best hit the sheets, Potter,” Tonks said, nodding toward the raven haired young man. “You’ll need all the energy you can get to face up the whole Weasley family. They haven’t heard from you in ten bloody years Harry, heaven forbid if an owl was sent heralding your arrival tomorrow a day before …” Tonks said, taking an innocent smile at the last part.

“Tell me you didn’t …” Harry narrowed his eyes.

“Right, like I’d do something that evil to you!” Tonks held up her hands, “After all you’ve done for Remus and me, given us a roof over our heads and all.”

Harry studied Tonks for a moment longer, before trudging up the stairs. Tonks and Remus followed him, as he led them through a secret passage in the manor that was 12 Grimmauld Place, hidden securely behind an ancient looking grandfather clock. “Don’t go about it like you have to, Harry,” Remus said as they walked out of the study. “You can’t tell me you haven’t missed them.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Harry said icily as he stepped up the stairs toward the bedrooms.

“All that matters is the mission,” Tonks and Remus chimed in unison, earning a death glare from Harry.

“Harry, the world isn’t going to come to a screeching stop and every human being will die if you decided to have a little fun with a family that always thought of you as one of their own, you know?” Tonks asked planting her fists on her hips.

Harry just humphed and turned his back. “Well … You never know!” He snapped before slamming the master bedroom door.

“Was he serious or joking just then, Love?” Tonks asked, blinking toward her husband.

“How can you tell?” Remus shrugged.

(-V-)

The Burrow was an active place this afternoon, as a large group of redheads, a blond headed looker, and a bushy brown haired business-like woman gushed over an embarrassed dark red haired Richard Jason Weasley, first and only son of William “Bill” and Fleur Weasley.

“We still have one more guest on the way before you can open your gifts, Dick,” Richard’s grandmum Molly Weasley said, as she noticed the eleven year old eyeballing the table that was covered in gifts with his name literally written on them.

“Tell me the as- dear brother of ours isn’t coming,” Fred Weasley rolled his eyes.

“No, Percy had … more important matters to attend to,” Molly seethed before forcing her anger at her estranged son back down replaced with the joy of another returning home. “Your other brother has finally decided to come home.”

As if on cue a horn blew, and the Weasley family looked out the window and were stunned at an enchanted emerald green Jaguar came landed and pulled into the Weasley’s driveway.

The whole kitchen was dead silence before Hermione finally squeaked out the name that was rushing through everyone present’s mind. “Harry?”

The Weasley boys rushed out the door leaving Fleur, Molly, and Dick sitting there in awe and Hermione and Ron wondering exactly what to feel.

The Weasleys all surrounded the car as Harry got out, pushing his familiar glasses on his nose, and was dressed in a ‘Cannons Ginny Weasley’ Tee Shirt and jeans. “Hey, guys, long time no see.” A moment later Harry was in a near dog pile level bear hug.

Harry couldn’t make out who was saying what but he could get out a barrage of ‘Where have you been’ ‘Are you doing ok’ and ‘What kept you away so long’.

“Easy, plenty of time to talk later, Mates, this is a party for my little nephew,” Harry said with a smile as he lifted a wrapped package from the passenger side of his car. “That is if I’m still considered part of the family?” he asked a hint of hopefulness in his voice.

“Are you kidding?” Bill grinned, “Of course you’re still an honorary Weasley! Sure you’ve been gone for ten years, but if we can forgive Hermione for kicking our baby brother to the curb, we can let you back in too!”

“And bloody nice ride there, Harry,” Charlie added looking over Harry’s convertible.

“You should see my black one,” Harry winked, as the group walked into the house.

Harry thought the group bear hug was bad, but once Molly Weasley got a hold of him, he swore he heard his rips cracking as she squeezed the life out of him.

Next came Ginny who gave him a friendly hug before smiling, “It’s been … too long, Harry.” She said with a sad smile. “Haven’t seen you in forever.”

“I’ve seen you though,” Harry gave a lopsided grin. “You really carried the Cannon’s last season.”

Ginny blushed, before nodding. “Thanks, but we’ve missed having you around, Harry.”

“Yeah, look Gin, I know I …” He started to say but Ginny silenced him with a finger, “That’s a talk for another day, Harry. Besides, that’s the past, I’ve accepted some things are just not meant to be. So don’t worry about it, k?”

Harry nodded, before once again meeting the face of Molly Weasley, only this time not so happy, and more so agitated. “And why pray tell did it take TEN years for you to show back up!”

“I … was traveling for around seven years, and finally came back …” Harry said uncomfortably as Ron, Ginny, and Hermione joined Molly’s glaring accusation.

“It’s been ten years, Harry, even though you only were out of England for seven years, it take you three years to make your way back?” Hermione snorted, glancing away.

“I had a lot of things to get sorted out and … well … you guys seemed to have gotten on without me ‘round to … And um …. I’m sorry …” Harry ducked his head in defeat.

“We’ll talk more about this later,” Molly said, turning to glare at the eleven year old who was standing over the gifts. “Someone wants to open his presents.” She stated, earning an innocent grin from the youth.

A few moments later Molly was handing him gifts that Dick’s aunt and uncles gave him. Fred and George gave the boy a prank set from their joke set, saying that Hogwarts has gone too long without a Weasley Pranker. Charlie gave him a Dragon leather jacket enchanted to grow with him so that it would always fit. Dick’s mum and dad gave him a album and instant magical photo camera so that he can keep ‘Hogwarts memories’. Ginny and Hermione seemed to have gone in together, with Ginny getting him a Harry Potter edition Firebolt, which was the favorite type of youth – teen sized riding broom, and Hermione giving him a broom kit. Molly and Arthur gave the boy a Hogsmeade gift certificate to be used at the shops in the village near Hogwarts.

And finally came the final gift from Harry. Molly smirked at Harry when she handed the gift to the boy, recognizing the weight. And a moment later Dick shredded the wrappings, and read out loud: “Hogwarts: A History?”

“The latest volume. Very good reading there, mate, better then you expect.” Harry nodded, taking a glance at the surprised Hermione. “My best friend got me into that book when I was around your age. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I had.”

“Thanks, Uncle Harry,” Dick beamed, before opening the book and diving into reading it.

“I trust you two want a better explanation for my absence and … last night?” Harry gave a half smile, dropping it at the scowls from his two childhood best friends.

“Lets set down, then you talk, and finally we decide whither or not to hex you into next year,” Hermione said leading the boys to back patio and they sat down at the rounded table.

“OK, first off, one of the main reasons I haven’t made my presence known is like I said, you guys have gotten on with your lives, you didn’t need me popping back up and expecting to get things going again like they used to be.” They nodded, not accepting the excuse, but knowing Harry could see that from his point of view, “Also I really was busy with several of the fund raising organizations I’ve started, I trust you’ve heard of the James and Lily Potter Foundation?” Ron and Hermione nodded, “I’ve got my hand in a lot of things to help the survivors of the war and also things to keep that from happening again …” He said vaguely.

“What about Malfoy?” Hermione shot him an accusatory glare. “You were all chummy with him last night, how come you hooked up with HIM and didn’t even let your ‘best friends’ know you were back in town?”

“Odd I remember being suspicious of him in sixth year but no one believed me then, did they?” Harry stated sharply, but glanced away at the hurt looks on Ron and Hermione’s faces. “Remember my little thing about keeping something like before from happening again? I’m keeping an eye on him for that.” He then smirked at Ron and Hermione, “If Professor Dumbledore could put up with Draco’s bastard father, I can put up with Lucius’ bastard son. And if he’s acting like he’s going to pull something like his father, I’ll contact the Aurors and have them come down on his head.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes, but nodded as it made sense. “As long as you don’t take the law into your own hands, Harry,” she stated sitting back. “All we need is another vigilante like that Batman on the streets.”

“Hey, that’s not fair, Hermie,” Ron shot, glancing a shocked look at his ex. “The Batman’s done a lot of good! What do you think Harry?”

“Personally?” Harry glanced among his old friend. “I agree he has done a lot of good, but anyone who runs around town dressed like a bat has got to be deeply delusional.”

Hermione and Ron blinked at him for several moments. “How the bloody hell can we use that? You agreed with both of us!” Ron said exasperatedly.

“Another Heron argument foiled by Harry J. Potter,” Hermione gave a small smile. “You’re right Ron, we might have lasted more then five years if we had Harry to cool us off.”

“Doubt it,” Harry gave a small smile, “You two fight like cats and dogs, I only slowed you down for a few hours before it started again. I’d only delay the inevitable. I did try to warn you two, but I am happy to see you both acting like friends again and not alternating between being love sick and trying to kill each other.”

The former trio sat there and talked about old times for several hours, and eventually was joined by the whole Weasley family. Harry smile slowly faded as he saw the sun beginning to set. “I really have to go.” Harry said in a cold voice as he stood to his feet.

“Must you, Harry dear?” Molly said sadly, as they all looked like they were willing him to sit back down.

“Sorry, I’ve got things I have to take care of.” Harry said forcing a smile, “I’ll be back sooner though. I promise.” He said flashing his best ‘Boy Who Lived’ grin.

Molly pulled Harry into the hug which he reluctantly returned before he shook the hands of the Weasley family and allowed Fleur and Ginny to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“We’ll look you up at 12 Grimmauld, Harry,” Hermione stated matter-of-factly.

“Yup, we won’t let you get away again, Potter,” Ron winked, “Best be sure of that one.”

“Of course,” Harry really had to force his smile that time. “Until next time,” Harry said as he walked toward his car, letting his face set into an emotionless expression once his back was turned.

(-V-)

Lupin and Tonks jumped form their position over Harry’s computer in the Cave as Harry stepped down into the fortress. “That was a mistake,” Harry stated walking over to the suit case and opened it to remove his suit.

“What visiting old friends?” Remus stated in a mix of disgust and awe.

“Letting them back into my life,” Harry stated removing the bat suit. “I can’t afford them getting too close again, Remus. They’ll endanger the Mission.”

“Oh yeah, heaven forbid the big bad Batman having an unmasked social life that isn’t a camouflage!” Tonks said her cheeks turning pink with anger.

“Tonks is right, Harry,” Remus said consoling as Harry suited up for his nightly work. “If you forget your humanity … what are you going to be fighting for?”

“Did you find out any information on the Death Eater in London?” The Batman asked as he pulled the cowl over his face, his white eyes narrowing when Remus and Tonks went quiet and grew pale in the face. “Who is it?”

“Uh … well … maybe you should just do a basic patrol tonight,” Remus said with a forced smile, as he handed a printed out sheet of paper to Tonks behind their backs. “You’ve had a busy day after all …”

“Who is it?” Batman asked again, growing impatient.

“Maybe you should just report this information to the Aurors, Harry,” Remus said before gasping as Batman jerked the sheet from Tonks’ grasp. His white eyes widened in shock after reading the information, then narrowed in rage as the paper wadded and tore in his grasp.

One word was growled through his tight angry lips.

“Snape …”

TO BE CONTINUED …

NEXT CHAPTER: The Promise

I remember when Harry came back after defeating Voldemort. Before he left, I was convinced I was in love with him. But upon his return … When I looked in those once dazzling emerald eyes I realized … Voldemort died but he took the young man I loved with him. The Harry I loved never came back, just something in his place, something sad … something driven. I worry about him sometimes. I accepted we weren’t meant to be, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying. Especially with that mental ‘Batman’ running around these days … - Ginerva Weasley

Chapter 3: The Promise

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Till then I walk alone...

- “Blvd of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

(-V-)

The Batmobile roared as it exited the tunnel hidden behind a moving platform under a fake dumpster before ripping into the London Streets. “Any word from Oracle?” Batman asked again as it took a hard turn heading toward the part of London Severus Snape was sighted last.

“Not yet,” Remus’ voice came through the com system of the mixed magical/technological assault vehicle. “Not sure where she is … maybe you should come back to the cave and wait for her to …”

“No, Snape is going down tonight,” Batman snapped, gripping the steering wheel of the Batmobile. “After what he’s done, he won’t get away again.”

“You can’t go in there with a hot head,” Tonks’ voice spoke up. “You know how dangerous Snape is better then any of us, you can’t let your emotions get the better of you. Like you always say, keep your head on the mission.”

Batman simple nodded as he pushed the accelerator and rocketed the Batmobile through the quiet streets.

(-V-)

Hermione fumbled with the key to Ron’s flat while trying to balance a pizza on her hip. “Ron, why aren’t you answering the door, idiot?” She cursed under her breath as she finally got the door open and stepped inside the flat. “Ron? Brought Pizza! Your favorite! You home?” she called into the empty house.

“We need to talk about the Trio situation if you’re not drunk, Weasley,” Hermione said sitting the pizza box on Ron’s living room coffee table. Hermione sighed when she didn’t get a response, and made her way toward Ron’s bedroom, where a faint bit of light escaped under the door.

“Ronald, we really need to … oh my …” Hermione clamped her hand over her mouth as she threw open the door to Ron’s bedroom. On his bed was Ron himself lying on his back with Luna Lovegood, equally naked straddling his waist.

Ron gapped at Hermione while Luna just glanced back at the bushy haired woman. “Good evening, Hermione,” Luna said with a friendly smile, despite the situation she was in. Luna dismounted Ron and got off the bed stretching her arms over the shoulder, seemingly oblivious to the fact she was completely nude. “Did you mention pizza, dear?” Luna asked turning to smile at the stunned Hermione. “We just finished and I’m always quite hungry after a good shagging.”

Luna then glanced down to the glowing red Ron who was hiding his privates with a pillow, “Why are you hiding, love? We’ve all seen it.” Luna smiled lovingly at Ron, before turning to Hermione, “I believe I’ll have a slice, I’ll be in the living room.” She said walking past Hermione, bare as the day she was born.

“You and Luna?” Hermione asked cocking an eyebrow with an amused smirk. Ron nodded timidly, Hermione just rolled her eyes and turned to leave the room. “Get your cloths on Ronald.” She said before leaving him alone.

(-V-)

The Batman smirked as he finally discovered Severus Snape’s hide out. “You’re losing your touch, Greasy,” Batman growled to himself as he spied in the run down London apartment that seemed to have been remodeled into a potions laboratory. The Batman silently slipped in through the open window, few drops of rain water from his damp cape dripped to the floor as he spied around the room.

The Dark Knight narrowed his eyes on the caldron and goblets on the large table in the center of the room, and shelves full of potion ingredients. “I wondered when we’d finally meet, Batman,” a voice spoke from the shadows causing Batman to take a defensive stance. Severus Snape stepped out of the shadows with a smirk on his face as he looked down his hooked nose at the Dark Knight. Time had been rough on Snape, his dirty looking black hair was showing signs of graying and he had lost a great deal of weight.

‘Sloppy, you’re being too sloppy,’ Batman mentally cursed himself as he narrowed his eyes on the strangely dressed potions master. Snape was wearing ragged old robes, barely being held together by patches and rope and looked like he hadn’t bathed and shaved in weeks.

“I’ve been expecting our meeting for sometime, Dark Knight,” Snape said, a strange glaze was in the potion master’s eyes, it seemed like the man was balancing on the line between sanity and insanity.

“Snape? What’s happened to you?” Batman asked a hint of surprise in his growling voice.

“What happened to me? Oh nothing at all,” Snape chuckled, “Just finally learned what it was that gave Lord Voldemort his greatest power and also his Achilles’ Heel.” He said his voice sounding more and more insane by the second. “Oh don’t mind the rambles of a crazy old man …” he said as he fumbled over to the caldron.

“I’m bringing you in, Snape,” Batman growled, restraining his rage at the man who murdered his mentor.

“Of course, of course, it seems you’ve discovered the same thing Lord Voldemort did huh?” Snape said turning to smile at the masked vigilante.

“What?” Batman narrowed his eyes.

“Fear, Batman, the greatest power in the world is Fear!” Snape exclaimed, motioning to Batman’s suit. “You’ve surely discovered how fear and superstition have aided in your fights against my associates.” Snape then rubbed his chin. “I wonder though, Batman, have you gotten past the problem with fear, the problem Voldemort never could?” Snape didn’t give Batman time to reply, “You see, Voldemort was afraid himself. He feared death, and in that, no matter how frightening he was, he was still defeatable, and not using fear’s true power.”

“You see, Batman, I no longer fear much of anything,” Snape said turning back to a goblet. “You must have something to lose to actually fear. I’m just an old man, who has nothing and no one. Fear is nothing to me.” The Potion Master gave a chuckle before turning to Batman again. “You’re not the only one with a mask you know, Batman?” Snape smiled as he lifted what looked like a large rag. “What do you think of my mask, Batman?” Snape asked as he pulled the rag over his head, completely covering his features.

“Snape?” Batman growled, a wand sliding out from his gantlet.

“Oh no, Severus Snape died years ago, Batman, Voldemort killed him.” Snape stated, shaking his head, before tossing a chemical potion at the Batman, which hit his cape hissing as its vapor rose into the air. “I’m Scarecrow.”

“It doesn’t matter who you are,” Batman growled throwing his cape to the side, and took a step toward his former professor.

“Who gives this young witch to this wizard?”

“I’m … bringing you in,” he growled, shaking his head slightly.

“Sirius!!” Harry called out as the spell hit Sirius in the chest, sending him tumbling through the veil.

Batman’s breath began to quicken as he reached out to grip Scarecrow’s collar. “What did you do to me?”

“Who gives this young witch to this wizard?”

“Oh, so you have yet to master your own fears, have you Batman?” Scarecrow chuckled. “I wonder… what is it that you fear?”

The killing curse struck Dumbledore in the chest, and he fell over the railing of the tower.

“What’s the matter, Batman, are you afraid?” Scarecrow asked as Batman back peddled away from Scarecrow, a look of pain and horror edged on his masked face.

“Who gives this young witch to this wizard?”

Batman didn’t even act like he noticed as Snape threw another bottle of liquid on him.

“What’s the matter Potter? Isn’t this what you wanted since you reached puberty?”

Scarecrow laughed at Batman, who was leaning against the glass window of the apartment. “You know what, Batman; you take life way to seriously.”

“You ruined our lives, Harry,” Hermione and Ron hissed in unison. “I HATE YOU!!”

“You really have to lighten up, Batman,” Scarecrow smirked, pressing his wand to the symbol on Batman’s chest. “Incendio.”

Batman screamed out in pain as his suit was engulfed in flames, the heat burning through the protective suit to his sensitive skin. “Now fly like a burning bat out of hell, my friend.” Scarecrow laughed as he kicked the burning hero out the window, tumbling the two stories to the alley below.

Batman tried to pull himself but the pain was so intense; the monstrous burning. He struggled to touch a button on his belt. “Remus … Tonks …” He moaned before rolling over on his back. “Dumbledore …” He whimpered, the pain long sense started getting to him. “Sirius … Ron … Hermione …” He cried, “Hermione help me … please …” He breathed as the intense pain finally drove him to a dream-filled unconsciousness.

Ten years earlier …

Harry screamed out in pain as yet another Cruciatus Curse sending him tumbling to the floor of the Riddle House. “I must say you three have impressed me, Crucio, getting past my Death Eaters and finding your way here. Crucio. Even more so the fact you destroyed my Hercruxes, Crucio. Too bad that won’t save you from me.” The dark robed Lord Voldemort said sending Cruciatus Curses to Harry Ron and Hermione who were all on the ground now screaming in agony. Harry was on the far side of the room, barely staying upright on his knees with the aid of the bookshelf, but across the room Ron and Hermione were on the ground screaming with Ron futilely trying to shield her with his own body.

“This is fun, isn’t it Potter?” Voldemort gave the teenaged wizard a fangy smile, as he cast yet another Cruciatus Curse at his friends. “It’s a different context, but you always wanted to hear Mione scream haven’t you Harry?” Voldemort grinned at the shocked expression that came across Harry’s face.

“Don’t call her that …” Harry growled dangerously before Voldemort slammed him with another Cruciatus Curse, giving Hermione and Ron a slight break in the constant torture.

Harry glanced to Ron and Hermione who were both simply laying there gasping for breath. “Let’s play another game, shall we, Potter?” Voldemort hissed with a sinister smile.

“Imperio.” Voldemort whispered striking Hermione and Ron both the curse. Ron sat back away from Hermione as she slowly pulled herself to her feet.

“Hermione?” Harry asked nervously as she approached him with a dazed expression in her usually bright chocolate eyes.

“Do you want me, Harry?” Hermione asked starting to unbutton her dragon-hide top.

“Her-Hermione, fight it, don’t let Riddle control you like this!” Harry tried to get through her, the tears forming in the corners of her eyes showed that he at least was reaching her mind.

“What’s the matter, Potter?” Voldemort, Ron, and Hermione spoke in unison. “Isn’t this what you’ve wanted since you hit puberty?”

“Let them go, Riddle,” Harry growled as best he good as he stared at Voldemort over Ron and Hermione’s shoulders. “This is between you and me. They have nothing to do with this…”

“Yes we do, Mate,” Ron said in a serious tone.

“You got us involved,” Hermione agreed. “If you would have just let the teachers handle the troll.”

“If you had just left me alone on the Hogwarts Express,” Ron nodded at the bushy haired teen.

“Our lives would have been so much better,” Ron and Hermione said in unison. “We’d have normal lives. You ruined everything, Harry.”

“Truth hurts, doesn’t it, Potter?” Voldemort grinned watching Harry’s lowered head and tears beginning to form in his emerald orbs. “Deep down, deeper then I expected, this is exactly how they feel, Harry. It’s the darkness. They don’t even acknowledge it but its there. The raw hatred and it’s centered on … you.”

“You ruined our lives, Harry, we could have been happy if you had never been born,” Ron and Hermione spat angrily. “I HATE YOU!!” they screamed in unison.

Harry’s head snapped upward, glaring at Voldemort. “That’s not true.” Harry shook his head, his eyes growing cold, and his face setting into a mask of cold emotions. “They’re my best friends. They’re my family. I’m not stupid, Tom. That’s just you using them, trying to get to me.”

“Yes, but they love each other more then they love you,” Voldemort stated, with a smirk. “They’re only doing what they do with you to protect each other now, more then to keep your worthless body above ground.”

“You’re wrong …” Harry shook his head, gripping his wand tight.

“It doesn’t matter now, does it?” Voldemort smirked, “Weasley, Mudblood, I want you to beat Potter from an inch of his life. I know the prophecy said I have to be the one to kill him so leave him alive … barely.” Voldemort ordered the mind controlled young wizard and witch then turned.

Hermione and Ron seemed to be struggling to move staring at Harry oddly, obviously fighting the curses. “Do not make me hurt you both, DO IT!” Voldemort growled, casting a second Imperius Curse at the pair who instantly jumped at Harry pinning him to the ground Hermione sinking her finger nails into his neck and Ron holding him down squeezing his arms painfully. Voldemort smiled at the indisposed Harry, then swept out of the room leaving Harry’s friends to do their work.

Harry managed to kick Ron off and threw Hermione against the book shelf in desperation. He pulled himself to his feet and started to back away from his best friends, who both now had eyes that more resembled wild animals then his childhood friends. “You’re my best friends,” Harry said moving his wand from Ron to Hermione and back again. “I love you both … forgive me.” He said pointing the wand at Ron, “Stupefy!” He cast sending Ron tumbling backwards across the floor.

Harry turned his wand to Hermione who was slowly approaching menacingly. “Petrificus Totalus!” Harry yelled as he froze Hermione in mid step. “I shouldn’t have brought you with me …” Harry breathed as he collapsed to his knees, before the unconscious Ron and frozen Hermione. “I’m so … sorry …” Harry climbed back to his feet before moving to Ron’s body, and placed his wand on Ron’s forehead. Concentrating on the last ten minutes he whispered, “Obliviate.” Ron’s eyes opened and flashed for a moment, then Harry turned to Hermione.

“I couldn’t stop what Voldemort did to you,” Harry said as he placed the wand on Hermione’s head, “But I can save you from having to remember it,” Harry said whispering another Obliviate, and removed the petrifying charm off her. He laid her unconscious form down to the floor gently before rising and turning toward the door Voldemort left through. “It ends here, Riddle.” Harry said walking through the door.

She sits in her corner
Singing herself to sleep
Wrapped in all of the promises
That no one seems to keep

“Impressive Potter, you were able to fight off your own nearest and dearest?” Voldemort clapped his hands from his seat before the fire place. “How very … dark of you.”

“Only one of us is leaving this room, Tom,” Harry growled, his eyes burning with bright hatred and rage.

She no longer cries to herself
No tears left to wash away
Just diaries of empty pages
Feelings gone a stray

“You are nothing to me Potter,” Voldemort chuckled, waving the young wizard off, “Your friends probably need medical attention, shouldn’t you be scurrying away getting them to help while I plan how to strike at you next?” Voldemort question smirking at Harry, “it is how it’s been done the last seven years hasn’t it, my young friend?”

“No one else is going to be touched by your poison, Riddle, I’m ending this here and now.” Harry narrowed his eyes on the Dark Lord. “You’ve corrupted or destroyed everything I love, and it’s time I took from you what you hold most dear.”

Walking through life unnoticed
Knowing that no one cares

“You think you can stop me, Potter, our wands are useless when struck against each other, you know this by now,” Voldemort said standing up and walking over to a large sharp pointed Muggle hat rack. “This hat rack is all I have left of my traitorous mother and my father. I hated them, Potter, I hated my whole family. I was trash to everyone, yet here you are, evidence of ‘a mother’s love for her son’ pathetic…” Voldemort turned back to the boy. “That’s why I hate you so much, Potter. Your parents were willing to die for you while mine threw me out like trash.”

“That’s all this is about?” Harry blinked multiple times at the dark wizard. “That’s all this is about? My parents loved me and yours didn’t love you is why you’ve destroyed my life?” Harry asked his chest rose and fell rapidly as his anger grew.

Too consumed in their masquerade
No one sees her there

“You speak as if you didn’t already know this,” Voldemort turned toward the enraged teen. He didn’t have time to lift his wand as Harry pounced on him, putting both hands around the Dark Lords neck, pushing him down as he cut off Voldemort’s airflow.

And still she sings
Till everything burns
While everyone screams
Burning their lies
Burning my dreams

“C-Crucio!” Voldemort coughed out sending the Cruciatus Curse right into Harry’s chest, but Harry’s eyes showed no pain, only more anger, more rage as his grip tightened harder on Tom Riddle’s throat.

All of this hate
And all of this pain
I'll burn it all down
As my anger reigns

“Please … Harry …” Voldemort dropped his wand after the third try with the Cruciatus Curse, that again instead of causing pain fed Harry’s anger and tightened his grip. “Mercy …”

Harry only tightened his grip and his lips in an angry frown. “You who are without mercy, Tom, you want mercy ‘old friend’, beg for it.” Harry said squeezing his throat even more.

Till everything burns
Everything burns
(Everything burns)
Everything burns
Watching it all fade away
(All fade away)
Everyone screams
Everyone screams
(Watching it all fade away)
Oooh, ooh

“Please … Mercy …” Voldemort wheezed, gripping Harry’s arms as Harry continued to strangle the elder wizard.

“Not good enough,” Harry spat, his face red with rage. “You don’t know what real pain is, Riddle, you don’t know what it’s like. Let me show you,” Harry narrowed his eyes to slits. “Legilimens.” Harry hissed, but instead of searching Voldemort’s mind, Harry sent his own memories. The memory of Lily dieing to protect him, Sirius falling through the veil, Dumbledore’s death, Voldemort’s toying with Hermione and Ron. And the emotions that came with them. Voldemort’s only reply was screams.

(While everyone screams)
Burning down lies
Burning my dreams
(All of this hate)
And all of this pain
I'll burn it all down
As my anger reigns

Slowly Voldemort’s clawing of Harry’s arm slowed and his screaming declined to gurgling and whimpering. “I promise, on Dumbledore’s grave … No one else Riddle, after you, no one else will follow in your footsteps.”

Voldemort’s red eyes slowly glazed over as bloody foam began to appear at the edges of his mouth. “No. One. Else.” Harry hissed as he felt Voldemort’s windpipe finally give way under his thumbs. “No one else…” Harry whispered, as Voldemort’s eyes widened for a moment before going limp in his hands.

Till everything burns
(Everything burns)
Watching it all fade away
(Oooh, ooh)
(Everything burns)
Watching it all fade away

(-V-)

The Students of Hogwarts sat patiently in the Great Hall; they had been informed that the final battle of the war was being fought by Headmistress McGonagall. The only remaining Weasley at the school sat with her best friend Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom as she silently prayed for Harry, Hermione, and her brother, Ron’s safety.

The whole hall dropped in silence as the main door swung open and Harry Potter stood there, battered, bruised, but alive. Everyone stared in shock for several moments till Ginny finally broke the stupere. “HARRY!” She called out happily as she jumped from her seat and ran as hard as her legs could carry her toward the battered yet victorious hero. She jumped toward him at the final steps and threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

It took Ginny a moment to realize Harry was just standing there and not hugging back. Before she could ask Harry pushed her away. “Not now, Ginerva,” He growled, before walking away from the stunned and hurt redhead. Harry walked past her, toward Professor McGonagall with an icy expression on his face. “It’s finished Professor,” Harry said in sorrowful yet angry tone. “Voldemort won’t come back anymore. It’s done. Now you can throw whatever party or celebration you want,” He said turning his back and limping out the way he came. “I’ll be in my dorm room, and if everyone knows what’s best for them they’ll leave me alone for a while.” He said walking directly past the stunned Ginny, who was now with Luna and Neville.

Present day …

“Madam Pomfrey, he’s coming to!” Harry heard Tonks’ voice as he slowly opened his eyes and found himself on the medical cot on the second level of his cave. He slowly opened his eyes to see Tonks, Remus, and Madam Pomfrey staring down at him. “Wotcher Harry, welcome back to the land of the living.”

“What happened?” Harry grunted, trying to sit up, only to be forced back down by a mix of pain and Tonks and Remus.

“Oh no you don’t, young man. Your burns haven’t totally healed yet; you need at least one night of bed rest.” Madam Pomfrey said, checking his eyes. “It seems what ever drug Severus used on you has made dreamless sleep potion useless, so you’ll have to just let it run its course.”

“He’s still out there,” Harry grunted, still trying to fight off the bed.

“And you’re not going out there after him,” Pomfery stated, literally pouring a vile of fowl tasting fluid down his throat. “This won’t help your dreams, but it will help us keep you out of trouble, young man. And I will not let you go and get yourself killed like Albus, you hear me?”

Harry tried to argue but the sleeping potion was already going to work.

“Goodnight, Harry,” Tonks whispered soothingly as his eyes slowly closed, “We’re here with you …”

Ten years earlier …

Despite the Deatheater counter attacks, with the fall of Voldemort everyone seemed a bit more relaxed in the world, even the now almost anti-social Harry Potter. Harry had almost completely withdrawn into himself, with no one was brave enough to approach him, with the exception of two: Ron and Hermione.

A few weeks before Christmas break of their final year, Harry walked down to the Commons Room and was surprised to only find Ron and Hermione there, with Harry’s bushy haired best friend giving Ron a bone crushing hug.

As soon as Hermione caught sight of Harry she dashed over and hugged him excitedly, “Oh Harry, you’ll never believe what happened!”

Harry couldn’t help but smile, this being the first time Hermione’s truly been happy since her parent’s death a few months earlier. “Hogwarts: A History got a new edition?”

“No, silly!” Hermione giggled a moment, “Ron just proposed to me! I said yes! We’re getting married Harry! We’re getting married!”

To Be Continued …

Next chapter: Harry remembers one of the hardest experiences of his life that shaped his future more then any other event on “The Promise part 2”

Song used in chapter: Everything Burns from the Fantastic 4 soundtrack

When I first meet him I didn't take him seriously. I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual. He thought I was just the heir to the art because my fathers the grandmaster. We came to respect each other after a while. I'm still the better fighter though. It's kinda strange how we both ended up in the same business. Then again maybe not. He's one of the few who knows my secret and I'm one of the few that know his. I also know is that there is no one I'd rather have covering my back in a fight then him. - Shinji Saotome/Superman (See: upcoming untitled super crossover co-written with Fusionblaster)

Chapter 4: Incomplete

(-V-)

Empty spaces fill me up with holes
Distant faces with no place left to go
Without you within me I can’t find no rest
Where I’m going is anybody’s guess

I’ve tried to go on like I never knew you
I’m awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I’m going to be is incomplete

Voices tell me I should carry on
But I am swimming in an ocean all alone
Baby, my baby
It’s written on your face
You still wonder if we made a big mistake

I’ve tried to go on like I never knew you
I’m awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I’m going to be is incomplete

I don’t mean to drag it on, but I can’t seem to let you go
I don’t wanna make you face this world alone
I wanna let you go (alone)

I’ve tried to go on like I never knew you
I’m awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I’m going to be is incomplete

- Incomplete by Backstreet Boys

(-V-)

Present Day

Hermione Granger-Weasley managed to get her flat’s front door open and walked in with a yawn. It hadn’t been an uneventful evening; how many women can say they shared pizza and a small round of firewhiskey with their ex and his undressed new flame? Once they got passed Luna’s randomness they had a fun evening, and despite Ron’s teasing Hermione didn’t break down and strip down like Luna to compare and contrast.

She made it to her bedroom and silently changed into her nightgown, before sitting down on the bed with a book. The book was never opened as her eyes were locked with a photo on her night table. Hindsight is twenty-twenty they say, and Hermione could definitely profess to that. On her night table was a picture of her wedding day with two most important men in her life, and now she could see plainly a deep rooted sadness that she ignored for so long in his deep green eyes.

Hermione had assumed that since Voldemort was dead Harry would just slip into back into the Harry she knew before the Dark Lord started picking her best friend’s humanity apart. It was only logical… like it was only logical that because everyone thought they were a cute couple that she and Ron were soul mates. “Oh Merlin …” Hermione whimpered as she took the picture and held it tight to her chest. She didn’t let the emotions go very often, never in front of anyone. But now alone in her room, she wept for what she and Ron had accomplished that Tom Riddle never could.

(-V-)

“Hold him down!” Pompy said as Remus and Tonks fought to hold the thrashing Harry down to the table. “Get that top off him so we can restrain him … bloody spell proof grabs!” the medi-witch cursed as she aimed her wand as Lupin jerked at Harry’s ruined Bat-suit top. Once it was up enough, Pompy hit the screaming young man with a petrifying spell right on the abdomen freezing him instantly.

Harry laid still at last while Pompy went to work at his burns and injuries. Meanwhile Lupin held Tonks as she turned to him, unable to stand the look of raw pain and terror edged on Harry’s frozen face. “As soon as you’re recovered, Harry, you’re talking to Ron and Hermione about what happened and how you feel,” Lupin said watching the tears run down Harry’s frozen cheeks, having a good guess on what it was he was seeing.

Ten Years Ago

“Y-you’re getting what?!” Harry gawked as he glanced from the gitty Hermione to the awkwardly blushing Ron.

“Ron asked me to marry him at the stroke midnight last night, and I said yes of course, who would have thought Ron could have a romantic bone in his bloody body?” Hermione raddled in one breath.

“Are … you two sure about this?” Harry asked glancing back and forth between them. “I mean … you’ve only been dating for a few months, right?”

“Yes, but we’ve known each other since we were eleven,” Hermione rolled her eyes slightly, “And it’s like you’ve been saying since the Charlie’s wedding this past summer, not to wait and live life to the fullest because you never know when it’ll be your last day alive!”

“If … you’re sure … then … congratulations!” Harry said, though Hermione didn’t notice the total lack of enthusiasm.

“Oh … Harry there’s something else …” Hermione said, her excitement fading into an almost timidness.

“Yes …” Harry gulped, wondering why this felt worse then any Cruciatus Curse.

“Um … with my parents and Professor Dumbledore gone …” Hermione bit her lower lip looking up into Harry’s eyes. “Would you … maybe be willing to be best friend and also … maybe if you would … give me away?”

“You … you want me to … to give you away … to Ron …” Harry stammered as if trying to get his mind around the thought.

Hermione gave a shy nod in reply.

“Hey, Hermione, you mind stepping outside the common room for a second, so Harry and I can talk about it?” Ron asked after a moment of Harry’s goldfish impression. “You know, guy talk.”

Hermione looked vaguely disappointed, but nodded. “I’ll go tell Ginny and Luna the good news while you do that and I’ll meet you both at the great hall.” She said before bounding out of the common room.

The boys waited in silent for a moment, making sure Hermione wouldn’t return before Ron finally spoke up. “I’m not as daft as a lot of people take me for you know, Harry?” Ron said crossing his arms and turning away from his best friend.

“W-What do you mean?” Harry said finally finding his voice.

“I saw what happened in fifth year,” Ron stated simply, not meeting Harry’s gaze. “I’ve seen my older brothers falling for girls all my life; I know what it looks like. I wasn’t expecting Hermione to ask that of you, and make no mistake, I’m just as shocked as you what she asked. I just have one question for you, Harry. Brother to brother, all I ask is pure honesty.”

“You know I wouldn’t lie to you about anything important,” Harry croaked out.

“Do you love her?” Ron asked finally looking at him.

“Of course, after everything we’ve been through together, how can I not love the both of you …” Harry answered, cocking his head to the side. This seemed to infuriate the redhead.

“That’s not what I’m asking, dimwit,” Ron hissed through clinched teeth. “I’m asking do you LOVE her as in “In-love” Potter?”

“Oh.” Harry said in understanding but made no other noise.

“Answer the bloody question before I hex you,” Ron warned, fingering the wand in his pocket.

“I have no complaints to you marrying her, Ron,” Harry said in a monotone voice, turning away and starting toward the stares to the dormitories. “Tell her I’ll give her away.” He said in the same tone before disappearing up the stairs.

Ron stared after him for several moments before cursing under his breath. “Face the Dark Lord but can’t … Bloody coward…”

(-V-)

Days rolled almost as hours and minutes. Graduation came and gone, and now at Number 12 Grimmauld Place a new life was about to begin for two of Hogwarts’ most famous students.

“So, you’re just going to leave after the wedding Harry?” Remus asked as Harry stood just inside the back door of the mansion. “Any idea where you’re headed?”

“Yeah, there’s a sorcerer that’s known for combating evil in Europe,” Harry said, looking out the opened door to see Ron fidgeting before the Minister of Magic and his brothers trying to calm him. “Dr. Fate has already accepted me as a pupil. After that … we’ll see.”

“It’s time.”

Harry and Remus looked, and the breath caught in Harry’s throat at the pure beauty at the top of the stairs. “Hermione … wow …” Harry breathed at the beautiful blushing bride in a rather fitting but conservative white gown with her face partially hidden by a white veil. She was flanked by her bridesmaids. As each of the women, Prof. McGonagall, Ginny, Lavender, and the Patil twins, stepped forward to be take a usher’s arm.

Never seen a blue sky

Once the last of the bridesmaids was escorted to the front of the gathering, Hermione wrapped her arm around Harry’s. “Am I making the right move Harry?” She asked, but Harry had no answer for her.

Yeah I can feel it reaching out

And moving closer

“Nothing’s changed, Harry,” Hermione whispered as Harry led her up the isle in the candle lit backyard of 12 Grimmauld Place. “When the honeymoon’s over and we come home, we’re still going to be the Trio. You know that right?”

There's something about blue

Asked myself what it's all for

“A night wedding was a really nice idea, Hermione,” Harry replied as they approached the Minister and the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.

“Who gives this young witch to this wizard?” The Minister asked in a booming voice and Harry felt his blood freeze.

You know the funny thing about it

“Her …” Harry closed his eyes and steadied his breath as best he could. “Her parents and I.”

I couldn't answer

No I couldn't answer

Harry handed Hermione to Ron then took his place at Ron’s side as Best Man … best friend.

He watched silently as Hermione and Ron held hands and stared into each others eyes paying attention to the Minister about as much as Harry was.

Things have turned a deeper shade of blue

Harry listened as Ron and Hermione exchanged vows, wondering if this is what his parents wedding was like … and if this is what Snape felt having to sit through it.

And images that might be real

“Is there anyone here who has any reason these two should not become man and wife, please speak now, or forever hold your peace.” The Minister said and Harry was tempted to speak up.

May be illusion

“Then by the power vested in me by the Her Majesty the Queen and the Ministry of Magic,” the Minister said as a faint squeaking and fluttering sound could be heard in the distance. “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weasley. You may now kiss your bride.”

Keep flashing off and on

As soon as Ron’s lips touched Hermione’s a massive flock of bats swooped down the isle seemingly attracted to the lights. Everyone panicked and ducked down dodging the winged mammals with the exception of one.

Free

Wanna be free

Gonna be free

And move among the stars

You know they really aren't so far

Harry glanced around at everyone, the Weasleys, Hermione, Ron, the Minister, their classmates and friends, and Ron and Hermione’s families. They were all terrified. It was … fascinating.

Feels so free

Gotta know free

Please

Harry without looking back walked up the isle, through the swarm of bats as if they weren’t even there.

Don't wake me from the dream

It's really everything it seemed

He walked into the mansion and picked up his packed bags and looked at the portkey Dr. Fate gave him.

I'm so free

No black and white in the blue

What did Harry have here left? Sirius and Dumbledore were dead. Ron and Hermione had each other. What did Harry have? He had a responsibility, one that he wasn’t ready to take yet. He had to prepare. He had to train.

Everything is clearer now

Life is just a dream you know

“Goodbye Ron … Hermione …” Harry said as he stared at the portkey. “You’ll be safe. Everyone will be safe.” Harry said softly as he reached out for the portkey.

That's never ending

I'm ascending

(-V-)

Two Years Later

“You’ve done well, Harry,” Dr. Fate said as they both sat two feet in the air cross legged.

“Thank you,” Harry said simply, staring into the golden full faceplate of the Sorcerer.

“You have much to learn still though,” Fate said, standing up and motioning for the young wizard to do the same. “And not only in combat disciplines. You must accept your parents deaths were not your fault. Your friends’ deaths were not your fault. You must confront the darkness inside you, and if you cannot drive it away, you must harness it so that it will be under your control and not you under its control.”

“Yes sir,” Harry nodded, then looked confused when the wise sage handed him a sheet of parchment.

“On this are addresses. These are all powerful warriors. They will train you in what you need to know. Some are magical some are Muggles. Learn what they have to teach you and you will accomplish what you are driving yourself to do.” Fate said and in a flash Harry found himself outside his tower with a traveling backpack at his feet.

Deceived by my eyes and all I was told I should see
Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be

“If my clumsy son can do it you can to!” the Muggle pigtailed martial artist snapped as Harry got back into a base stance beside another his own aged. “Shinji, Harry, do it again.”

Harry watched the dark haired youth mirror his own moves; both going through advanced katas. Harry struggling to keep up with the almost inhumanly fast Shinji Saotome, heir to the Anything Goes Style of martial arts.

“Don’t get mad, Hair,” Shinji said, as Harry’s green eyes snapped to the young martial artist. “Just don’t give up.” Shinji added with a smirk.

“Maybe I like getting mad,” Harry said before throwing a few more punches into the kata.

One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew
And in the darkness I saw, a voice say, "I'm you"

Harry threw his shirt to the side of the practice mat, the hot Florida sun burning at his muscled skin as he glanced at his aged teacher, before turning to his sparing partner. “Sensei Possible, are you saying I will have your stamp of approval if I take your granddaughter down?”

“That’ll do it, sonny,” the old woman smirked, pushing her glasses up on her nose.

Hearts uninspired, trapped inside somebody's dream
Too close to the fire, yet cold and numb with the pain

“As my best friend would say,” Harry’s redheaded opponent smirked, taking a fighting stance. “Bring it.”

Harry studied the redhead in the green tank top and cargo pants for a moment before leaping at her using only the martial arts techniques he learned at the Saotome School in Japan.

But the fever has broken, and the river has run to the sea
Washed to the ocean, and saved by a voice inside me

Harry gawked in surprise when she easily side stepped him, and slapped his butt as he soared past her. He landed on one hand and spun to face her in a crouching stance.

“Wondering how I did that?” his opponent asked, pushing her long red hair over her shoulder. “It was no big.”

Inside me a light was turned on
Then I was alive

“Hey slow down!” Shinji yelled as he struggled to keep up the mirroring of the katas.

Harry didn’t listen just kept pushing himself harder and harder to learn the style.

If you close your eyes
Your life, a naked truth revealed

“Whoa!” the redhead gasped as she barely dodged the slightly older Brit.

“Oh, you are so not going to … eep!” She gasped when Harry swept her legs and caught her in a cradle.

“Well, I caught you, K.P.” Harry smirked down at the girl cradled in his arms.

“So not the drama,” the redhead smirked back, giving Harry a worried feeling. “One, only one person is allowed to call me that and … two, you have to hold on to me.”

Dreams you never lived,
and scars never healed

Harry wasn’t prepared for her to knee him in the jaw and leap away grinning playfully. “It is ‘so on’,” Harry mimicked before continuing their game of cat and mouse.

In the darkness, light will take you to the other side
And find me waiting there

“Guess this is it, huh?” Shinji said as he and his parents stood at the entrance of their dojo. “If you ever need me, you know where to find me.” Shinji said gripping Harry’s wrist.

“Back at you … if you can find me.” Harry responded. “All things considering, you’re the second person I ever considered a brother.”

“That means a lot …” Shinji said glancing away, and to his and his parents surprise when they looked back to Harry they found themselves alone.

“Going to have to get him to teach me how to do that sometime …” Shinji smirked, before following his family back inside.

You'll see, if you just close your eyes

Harry breathed in the Gulf coast air and listened to the waves from his hotel room window when he heard a voice speak up from the bed. “So who’s Hermione?”

“No one important …” Harry replied not looking at the younger girl in his bed.

“Must have been for you to use her name during … ya know.” She said blushing slightly.

“Ok, then, who’s Ron? When you lose two guys to a girl by the same name, you can talk,” Harry smirked, glancing back to the ocean. “I’m really starting dislike the name … Ron …”

“Nana said your training’s done, what next?” she said sitting up in the bed.

“Got one more stop in the Himalayas. After that … I’ll go home.” Harry said, glancing to his packed bag.

“Think I’ll ever see you again?” the girl asked, “I know this was just a fling but … I’d like to think we’re at least friends.”

“We’ll see, Kim, you have your best friend to go home to, I have mine.” Harry said scanning the room with his eyes for a moment.

“Yeah, your best friend and her Ron, and my best friend Ron and HIS game queen Zita.” Kim pouted slightly glancing away. “Like I can actually talk anymore now can I? Harry?” she asked glancing up and finding Harry and his backpack missing. “Could have said goodbye…”

(-V-)

Harry stumbled up the snowy mountain, half frozen and all numb from the cold temperature as he approached the final destination on his list. He looked up and saw a monastery and as he approached the large wooden doors, they slid open for him. He walked into the large hallway and could see a single man seated at the back of the hall.

“Ra’s Al Ghul?” Harry’s hoarse voice growled as he stumbled into the warmer room.

“Harry? Harry, it’s time to wake up.”

Present Day …

Harry’s eyes slowly fluttered open. “Remus? Tonks?” He breathed seeing to the two relieved faces at his bedside.

“You had us worried stiff, young man,” Lupin said patting the young man’s shoulder.

“What happened?” Harry asked trying to sit up but failing miserably.

“You were hit by a massive dose of fear tonic, Mr. Potter,” Madam Pomfrey said walking up and shining her lit wand in his eyes. “That, plus you were caught on fire. Might I suggest fireproofing that costume of yours?”

“I’ll look into it, Pompy …” Harry sighed closing his eyes.

“I’ll leave Remus the formula for the antidote for Severus’ fear tonic,” Pompy rolled her eyes as she moved toward the doorway. “Merlin knows you’ll probably need it…” She sighed as she left the room and the smirking Harry.

(-V-)

A hand reaches out of the depth of the stream before the burned skinny bleached white body pulled itself from the icy waters. The once chubby man ran his now bony pearl white, purple nailed hand through his neon green hair as thoughts of his disastrous life came back to mind leading to this point.

His parents thought of him as a freak and a waste of skin.

“Hehe …”

His classmates, including the Marauders whom he considered his best friends looked at him as a loser.

“Hehe … hehe …”

Lily, who was his life line and defender, looking back now, only looked at him in pity.

“Haha … hehe … hehe …”

Severus and his fellow Death Eaters used him as canon fodder.

Hahaha … hahaha …”

His lord Voldemort. He gave him his hand and what did Voldemort give him in return? A hard time and a wasted life.

“Hahaha … haha …”

Sitting on his knees in the icy water, Peter Pettigrew finally understood what everyone already knew. His life finally made sense… He knew his purpose in life … he was just one … big … joke.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHA AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!”

To Be Continued …

“Kim Possible” and “Ranma ½” are properties of their respective owners; Shinji Saotome is the brainchild of my good friend Fusion Blaster. And we all know who Pettigrew has become…

I may go into more of Harry’s training a bit later, but I just wanted to sum up a few of the places where Harry learned to fight. Up to you readers if you’d like more info on that or not. Join us next time, same bat website and same bat author!

Song credits:

Incomplete – Backstreet Boys

Blue – From “Cowboy Bebop”

Just Close Your Eyes – Waterproof Blond

When Harry told us in sixth year that Professor Snape and Malfoy was a threat … I didn’t believe him, you’d think I would have learned my lesson from that but when Ron and I decided to get married right out of Hogwarts and Harry tried to tell us we were moving too fast… that we needed to let our relationship grow before taking such an extreme jump. You’d think I would have listened to him then. I guess I no longer have a right to tell Harry and Ron they’re stubborn. But I’m going to be thick headed one more time though. Harry’s hiding something, you can see it in his eyes. I’ve not been a very good best friend, so it’s make up time. – Hermione Granger-Weasley, Vice Minister of Education M.O.M.

Chapter 5: Revelations

I never really wanted you to see

The screwed up side of me that I keep

Locked inside of me so deep

It always seems to get to me

I never really wanted you to go

So many things you should have known

I guess for me there’s just no hope

I never meant to be so cold

What I really meant to say

Is I'm sorry for the way I am

I never meant to be so cold

Never meant to be so cold

What I really meant to say

Is I'm sorry for the way I am

I never meant to be so cold

Never meant to be so cold …

- “Cold” by Crossfade

Nymphadora Tonks walked down the stairs into the cave below Number 12 Grimmauld Place, and found the bandaged shirtless Harry seated at a work desk and a sowing machine. She started to sneak up on the young man but just before she could bellow her trademark greeting Harry spoke up. “Afternoon, Nympho.” Harry said with a smirk and cocked eyebrow to the flustered pink haired woman.

“Don’t … call … me … that …” she hissed through clinched teeth as she glared back of Harry’s head as he continued working on his suit.

“Finally … finished!” Harry said pulling up the finished bodysuit from the work desk.

“Not half bad,” Tonks said, looking over the suit. It was grey and black in color, darker then the previous suit, and the symbol on the chest had changed to a large triangular bat-symbol. “Little darker then before though.”

“Stealthier and that’s the side effect of the fireproofing, of course.” Harry said placing it with the repaired cape and cowl in the case.

“Of course,” Tonks nodded with a ghost of a smile. “You ok?”

“Sore and still tired, but I’m ok.” Harry said slowly pulling a tee shirt over his bandaged torso.

“A little lunch will do you some good,” Tonks said starting back toward the stairs, stopping when she realized Harry wasn’t following. “Dobby made it, not me.” With that Harry finally followed.

The two walked up into the mansion when they heard a shriek and a loud dog barking. Tonks and Harry glanced at each other and to the front door. Tonks couldn’t help but laugh at what they found. “Ace! Down!” Harry yelled as he ran to the tree out front of the mansion.

At the base of the tree was Harry’s jet black great dame jumping onto the trunk of the tree barking his head off, and at the lowest limb hung by her arms and legs was the Vice Minister of Education.

“Harold James Potter, call off that beast this instant!” Hermione snapped, before squeaking when Ace finally jumped up high enough to get a grip on something beneath her short skirt. “OH BLOODY HELL NO!” She cried when the lace gave way and Ace came down with ripped piece of pink stringy cloth in his mouth.

Satisfied, Ace walked away from the tree and laid down in a shady spot to gnaw on his new toy.

Harry glanced from the dog to the woman in the tree trying desperately not to put on a show to the world, “Don’t mind him, he … doesn’t like most anybody … and … never would have pegged you for a G-string, Hermione,” Harry said with a broad smirk at the blushing brunette.

“It is not a G-string, I’ll have you know,” She said as she let her legs go before dropping to the ground and flat on her butt with a loud thump. “It is a standard thong like many women these days wear. That is typical every day women. Not the easy money grubbers who follow you around like bitches in heat.”

Harry responded with a cocked eyebrow. “Don’t give me that look, so what if I enjoy wearing a bit less covering undergarments, what business it of yours? If I decided to go completely bare under my clothing it is no one’s business of my own. I’ve even read it is most comfortable to go as the Americans call … ‘Commando’.”

“To much information, Hermione,” Harry rubbed his temples. “And I take it you didn’t come here to talk about undergarments …” Harry said drifting off with a grin as Hermione blushed even deeper.

“I … came to visit my friend,” Hermione said as she picked herself up off the ground and dusted off her clothing. “Must I have a reason to visit my best friend?”

“I’ve been home for three years, Hermione,” Harry said his features darkening, “This is the first time you’ve been here since I’ve been back.”

“Door swings both ways, Harry,” Hermione said with a bite to her voice. “The first time I had seen your face outside the tabloids and Daily Prophet in ten years was the reunion.”

“I’ve been busy,” Harry said turning his back and starting back toward the door.

“I’m trying to patch the bridge here, Harry,” Hermione said stubbornly. “Ten years is a long time without a girl’s best friend.”

“You married Ron, wasn’t that a part of your vows to him?” Harry said as he walked past the intensely listening Tonks.

“I told you Harry, and Ron told you. Nothing’s changed between the three of us,” Hermione said following him. “You’re back, Ron and I aren’t in that type of relationship anymore, and we can be the trio again.”

“You’ve been reading too many fantasy and fairy tale books, Hermione,” Harry said stopping but keeping his back to her.

“Harry, talk to me,” Hermione pulled on his arm. “Why? Why did you leave all of the sudden … why did you leave without saying goodbye? Ron and the Weasleys stopped me from asking it at the party and reunion, but Harry; I have to know if I did something to push you away.”

“It’s more complicated then you realize,” Harry said with iciness to his voice. “I can’t talk right now, Hermione. I’m busy.”

“Busy doing what?” Hermione asked as her brow crinkling with a strange attack of jealousy. “Kissing rich politicians arses, shagging pretty redheaded Quidditch players? Am I close?”

“I’m not the one who went out of their way to shag a redheaded Quidditch player.” Harry stated without thinking.

Hermione Granger was always Harry’s blind spot, and despite all the training he had done. All the martial arts and counter attacks he had mastered. One thing remained the same. And Harry realized as he laid flat on his back with a throbbing possibly broken nose, Hermione Granger was still his blind spot.

“Brilliant jab, Hermione!” Tonks called as she stood over the fallen Harry waving as Hermione apparated away. “You had that coming, love.” She said as she smiled downward.

(- V -)

“Brings back memories, doesn’t it, Nev?” Ron said leaning against the wall in the front cab of the Hogwarts Express as it sped across the tracks toward Hogsmeade Station.

“Life was so much simpler back then,” Neville smiled at his partner. “Just had to worry about graduating and Voldemort killing us,” he laughed, “Now we don’t have to worry about Graduation anymore and a whole lot of psychos out to kill us. At least one of the psychos is on our side.”

“Sure the Bat isn’t the model of sanity but with what we’re up against…” Ron said glancing out the window, before snapping his head up to look at the ceiling. “What was that?”

As if on cue the windows of the Aurors’ car exploded as dark wizards swung in and pointed their wands at the two Aurors. “Hello Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom, I see you are as much slackers as adults as you ever were as my students.” Scarecrow said as he climbed in through the side window. “You let us get right on top of you.”

“Snape? And you and your little spies in the Slytherin house used to talk about MY fashion sense. You’re in rags mate.” Ron smirked easing toward one of the windows with his wand in hand.

“I don’t know what you’re doing but you won’t get away with it!” Scarecrow growled sending a stun spell to Ron, who turned quickly to Neville who was at the window.

“Nev, THE SIGNAL!” Ron yelled before he was hit in the side with the spell.

Neville wasted no time, sticking his wand out the car’s window. “Eques Vocationus!” He called out sending a beam of light into the cloudy sky. The beam made a tall line in the clouds that spread out as a bat spreading its wings showing for miles the symbol of the Batman high in the sky.

(- V -)

“Stay still …” Remus said as Harry sat back in his computer chair in the cave. “I don’t think it’s broken… but she did give you a hell of a knock.”

“You don’t say …” Harry groaned as the last surviving Marauder fondled his sore nose.

“He had it coming, I say,” Tonks said looking at her finger nails. “I have never in my entire … short life seen such a display of idiocy and rudeness … outside Remus.”

“Hermione would get in the way,” Harry said as Remus finally stepped back. “The plan is working. As nosy as Hermione is she’d find the passage way with ease. I can’t compromise the plan.”

“The plan?” Tonks blinked, “You’re worried about the bloody plan? Harry she was willing to DIE for you a few short years ago, stood by you when you were facing certain doom… and YOU’RE WORRIED SHE’LL ENDANGER YOUR PLAN?!?”

“Hermione wouldn’t understand. Nor would Ron,” Harry said moving to the suit racks. “The less they know. The less they’re connected to me, the safer they’ll be. You two are also putting yourselves in danger.”

“What’s a little danger? It’s actually a turn on to me,” Tonks stated winking at Remus before turning to Harry as he slid into the black and gray tights. “And what’s not to understand. You spend your days pretending to be a spoiled rich kid living off your dead family’s riches, and at night you go out dressed up like a flying rat and drive a tank around while beating up criminals and dark wizards. I think it’s all pretty self explanatory.”

“Tad insane, but who’s not a slight bit touched this day and age,” Remus agreed.

“Whatever,” Batman growled as he slid the mask over his scared forehead. “It seems I have work to do. Ron’s in trouble.” He said nodding to the monitor that showed the Bat Signal in the air.

The Batmobile roared to life as it turned and roared through the tunnel to the outside world, and as it jumped from the cave entrance to the deep forested area it sped through the trees.

Once outside the forest Batman reached for a shifter with three marks: M, W, and B. He moved the shifter from the letter M to the letter W and the tank like vehicle began to shift and change. The six wheels rolled inward as the sides extended out into wings giving it an overall shape of a bat. He pressed the throttle all the way forward sending the newly transformed aircraft high in the air making a straight line toward the symbol.

(- V -)

Ron and Neville stayed under cover as they attempted to cast any spell they could at the attacking wizards. “Looks like help just arrived, Ron,” Neville nodded toward the Batman’s armored vehicle shot past the windows toward the engine of the Hogwarts Express. The Batmobile shifting back to a ground vehicle mode as it came down on the tracks before the train. Multiple claws opened from the rear of the vehicle as it matched the speed of the train and connected to the front of the engine.

The cockpit opened as the Dark Knight leapt from the Batmobile to the engine of the train.

“Watch the windows …” Scarecrow ordered watching the side windows of the car with his wand held tightly in his gloved hand.

A moment later two black fists tore through the roof of the car and gripped a Deatheater’s head, pulling him through the ceiling screaming.

A moment later he fell back down through the hole he made unconscious. “He’s on the roof …” Scarecrow said to the two minions before him, before turning toward the two that were behind him. “You two go … oh my …” He breathed when he turned to find the two dark wizards tied up in the corner of the car. “OK, then, you …” his eyes widened when the two remaining dark wizards had disappeared from sight completely.

“Give it up Snape,” the Bat growled stepping out of the shadows behind the Death Eater.

“Come for another scare, Batman?” Scarecrow growled pointing his wand at the vigilante.

“I won’t warn you again,” the Batman growled, before Snape threw a vial on the floor giving himself a smoke screen.

“He’s getting away!” Ron called pointing out to the broom rider rapidly fading into the distance.

“No he’s not,” Batman narrowed his eyes before kicking open the door, “He won’t get away this time.”

“Wait up, I’m coming with you!” Ron called out moving quickly behind the Dark Knight.

Batman and Ron climbed back to the Batmobile and the redheaded Auror plopped down in the passenger seat. “Nice car,” He smiled to the brooding Dark Knight.

“Thanks, hang on,” Batman growled, before the Batmobile disconnected from the train and shot back into the air after the escaping Snape.

Ron held on tight as the Batmobile roared through the air. “Really nice car …”

(-V-)

“He’s leading us into a trap, isn’t he?” Ron asked from the passenger seat as they trailed behind the speeding broom over a river port town.

“Most likely.”

“Why don’t you just take him down?”

“Have to make sure he doesn’t have any men or back up plan in the event of his capture.”

“So what are we going to do?”

“Spring the trap.”

Ron glanced at the Dark Knight’s profile. That sounded so much like something Harry would have said back during their Hogwarts days. But it couldn’t be … could it?

“He’s landing on that warehouse, hang on.” Batman growled as the Batmobile shifted back to ground-vehicle mode as it touched down on the street.

“I want you to stay in the car,” Batman growled as the tank-like vehicle came to a stop before the warehouse.

“Ok then,” Ron said before yelping when the Batmobile sped forward toward the wall of the wear house.

“Hang on,” Batman growled as Ron began to scream as the tank-like car slammed through the brick wall into the warehouse.

The Batmobile spun around inside the concrete floored storage building as the cockpit opened. “Stay in the car.” Batman growled to the Auror before firing a grapple to the ceiling pulling him all the way up to the top catwalk.

“Right … staying in the car …” Ron whispered unsnapping the safety belt.

“You really are an annoyance, Batman,” Scarecrow sneered pointing his wand at the hero.

“Give up,” the Bat growled, taking a step toward him.

“Man of few words, are you?” Scarecrow said as two of his dark wizard thugs appeared beside him.

“It’ll take more then two of your thugs to stop me,” Batman growled eyeing the three.

“So be it,” Scarecrow smirked behind his mask as two more dark wizards appeared.

Batman ducked the four curses that flew his way and quickly moved toward the Dark Wizards. The Batman made no sounds as he punched two of the dark wizards square in the face before doing a two punch and kick combo to the third. “Too easy.” He said remaining facing forward and backhanding the dark wizard approaching him from behind.

“What can I say, you scared off most of the good help,” Snape said pilling off his mask. “But I must ask you where your priorities lie.”

Batman narrowed his eyes, before turning back to see Ron on the second level catwalk surrounded with Deatheaters. “Damn it …” Batman growled before leaping into the air and glided toward the group.

The group with their back to him never saw what hit them as the Bat collided with them feet first. “I thought I told you to stay in the car,” Batman growled as he got back to back with Ron.

“You did? I don’t recall you saying anything of the like…” Ron said firing off a series of counter-curses.

“You never did listen,” Batman growled before casting his own set of curses and a few hand to hand attacks.

“Huh?” Ron hesitated.

“Get down!” Batman growled shoving Ron to the side and taking a curse the side sending him falling over the edge of the catwalk.

“Bats!” Ron called, watching him fall hard on the concrete floor.

Ron fired off several curses as he backed toward the stairs and quickly made his way to the Batman who was still laying face down.

“Are you ok?” Ron asked turning him over.

Batman’s glazing over eyes glanced up at him. “This hasn’t been my bloody week …” He whispered before his eyes closed in unconsciousness.

“Great, Weasley, you just got an urban legend killed…” Ron scolded himself as he glanced up to see Snape and the Dark Wizards approaching quickly. “Hang on, Bats, I know who can fix you right up,” Ron said dropping to his knees and pull the caped crusader into his lap. A pop later, Ron went from the hard concrete floor to a carpeted living room.

“Hermione! Little help here!” Ron called out wrestling to pull Batman off the floor.

“Ron, what’s … oh my goodness!” Hermione ran to the two men. “What happened?”

“Fight with Snape and his Dark Wizards,” Ron explained as he pulled one of Batman’s arms over his shoulder. “He took what looked like an impact spell and went flying off a second story catwalk, and hit a concrete floor quite hard. Didn’t happen more then five minutes ago.” Ron smiled at her. “I figured those years of healer training shouldn’t be wasted, huh, Mione?”

“I see, help me get him to my bedroom so I can look him over.” She said rolling her eyes and lifting Batman’s other arm over her shoulder and helped drag him to her bedroom.

The two wrestled the Bat onto the flower-themed comforter and Hermione went to adjust the pillows to keep his head even. Ron couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of the Dark Knight laying on a blanket of yellow and pink flowers. “It looks like he hit his head, possibly landed on it …” Hermione said hands traveling over the cowl. “I need to get this mask off to properly assess the damage.”

Hermione reached down to slide the mask off his face. “Bloody shit!” Hermione hissed reaching back and working her fingers. “Enchanted mask, impressive for a vigilante. He must really not want people to know what’s under this thing. I recognize the spell used too. Curious on how he learned it.”

“How’s that?” Ron asked as Hermione reached for her wand.

“I came up with it,” Hermione nodded, “One of my most complicated spells, I made it for Harry so he wouldn’t lose his glasses in the middle of a fight in seventh year. Merlin knows what kind of bad things would happen should he have to deal with blindness while dealing with Voldemort. Nothing short of a Muggle tractor trailer could pull them off … I was unaware anyone but Harry and I knew it …” she said with narrowed eyes as she moved her wand in a complicated movement over the mask while whispering a phrase.

“That should do the trick,” Hermione said with a nod as she sat her wand on the bedside table, and placed her hands under the corner of the mask.

Hermione and Ron froze as she slid the cowl off the Batman’s face, both turning a cold pale color. “Ronald … what are you playing at … if this is a joke, this is a very SICK one …”

“Bloody hell …” was the Auror’s only reply.

They never really considered me much of an observant person, in fact, most of my classmates at Hogwarts considered me a complete goofball waste of robes and skin, but I was always listening and paying attention to everything. It’s really what finally got me a job as an Auror. It was odd really that the three people who I know embodied bravery to a T were also the three people who embodied stupid blindness as well. Harry Ron and Hermione, Courageous and brick stupid. Sometimes I think Hermione and Ron pushed their engagement and marriage because they WANTED Harry to stop them, as if it was just another of their stupid fights. Instead, Harry just let the perfect girl for him marry his best friend and he went to sulk Merlin knows where. It makes me wonder if the scar-head isn’t the man behind Batman’s mask. – Neville Longbottom Second Lt. Her Majesty’s Auror Corps.

Chapter 6: Truth and Consequences

Harry slowly felt his consciousness returning and sighed when he realized he was lying on a soft bed. He assumed Remus or Tonks had picked him up from the scene. He sensed someone seated beside the bed and rested his wrist over his eyes. “How long have I been out, Remus?”

“Ten hours, Harry,” Hermione replied in an even tone. “Or do you prefer to be referred to as Batman?”

Harry carefully sat up and kicked his legs out over the side. And glanced around to find himself in Hermione’s bedroom. “Ron brought me here, and you figured out how to remove my mask. Clever as expected.”

“Why are you doing this?” Hermione asked holding his mask in her hand. “Haven’t you had enough fighting in your life? Wasn’t what we went through at Hogwarts enough for you?”

“You wouldn’t understand,” Harry said looking over himself. “Where’s my belt? Oh, so you know now too?” Harry said finding it on Ron’s shoulder as he leaned against the doorway, giving him a cold glare.

“What wouldn’t we understand? Of course we can’t if you don’t explain why you’re playing masked avenger!” Hermione snapped angrily, her arms trembling in her rage.

“Don’t see why you’re asking,” Ron sighed, shaking his head. “You know he’s just going to Obliviate us.”

“I think I’ll let it go this time, I’m tired of casting it on you every few months.” Harry said deadpan causing both Ron and Hermione to stare at him wondering if he was joking or not. “I’ve Oliviated you ten times in the past two years, Hermione, and Ron twelve times. I don’t want to risk permanent injury.” He stated, and then snapped his head to the side rolling with Hermione’s slap.

“Wicked, I’ve figured out he’s Batman more times then you Hermione,” Ron said proudly, and then shrinking back at the brown eyes of fury turned to him for a moment before returning to Harry.

“How could you?” Hermione hissed lowly with a good mix of hurt and anger.

“Simple. It’s my fight. My responsibility,” Harry stated as if it was obvious.

“How did you come up with that?” Hermione asked, her eyes burning even hotter then before.

“Voldemort ruined my life, took it away from me,” Harry said his jaw muscles flexing. “He didn’t do it alone. I won’t stop till they’re all where they can’t harm anyone else ever again.”

“Oh boohoo!” Hermione threw up her arms dramatically. “The Boy Who Lives believes the sob story himself! Oh this’ll make Rita Skeeter so HAPPY! What is it Harry? Your parents died, Sirius died, and Albus died, so now you get to sulk in your little tights? CRY ME A FUCKING RIVER!”

“You don’t …”

“You think you’re the only one who loved them? You think you’re the only one who lost loved ones in the war?” Hermione asked, shooting to her feet and on her tip toes to get into his face. “My Mum and Dad died in it too. My parents died when I was seventeen years old, Harry, I was old enough to remember them. I was old enough to know they loved me. All you’ve done is cling to a photo of two people you weren’t even old enough to remember. Voldemort didn’t ruin your life, Harry, YOU ruined it yourself!”

Harry said nothing, just returned a stony emotionless gaze.

“Damn you … DAMN YOU!” Hermione slapped him again. “Albus, Sirius, and your parents died fighting for their cause and you dishonor their memory with this shit?” She screamed, throwing the mask into his chest.

“Snape’s all that’s left, Harry, what then? WHAT THEN?” Hermione asked, reaching up to grip his shirt. “Death Eaters will all be gone and then what? Go hunting common criminals? Spend the rest of your life roaming rooftops waiting for someone to kill you? Is that what Lily Potter had in mind when she took that curse for you, Harry? Is that what your mother and father died for? What Albus and Sirius died for?”

“They’re not here to ask, now are they?” Harry asked coldly, only to receive a third slap.

“Shut up. Shut up and listen and listen good Harry James Potter,” Hermione hissed. “You like to blame everything that goes wrong in the world on yourself. Let me add something to your conscious. Do you know what really pushed Ron and I to get a divorce? Do you know how many times a day Ron and I heard someone mutter about how we left you behind, how we pushed you away with our marriage?”

“Hermione!” Ron stepped forward but Hermione held up a hand to stop him.

“He needs to hear this,” Hermione snapped, before turning back to Harry to glare right into his emotionless green eyes. “We didn’t break up our marriage because of any kind of misunderstanding or lack of caring. And it definitely wasn’t because of the sex, which was the best part. I still love Ron, Harry. Just not in that way. I always loved someone else and I’m pretty sure we both knew about it even back then. He had the opportunity to step up, to save me from marrying my brother in every way but blood. He had the CHANCE to SAVE me, Harry, and what did he do? He let me go and do it and he walked away and left me to think I’d never see him again. Did that make me sound selfish to you? That I’m blaming him for my mistake?”

The silence was deafening till finally Harry commented.

“Are you finished?”

Hermione took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders and held her head high. With her eyes locked with his she made a confession that made Ron do a double take. “I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now. When I was at Hogwarts, in the war with Voldemort, I fell in love with the bravest man I had ever met: my best friend Harry Potter. But I haven’t seen him since my wedding with Ron. He ran away and a pathetic coward came back in his place. When MY Harry decides to come home, I’ll be waiting,” She said grabbing the belt from Ron and shoving it in Harry’s arms. “Now leave. The sight of you makes me sick.”

For a fraction of a second life seemed to fill Harry’s eyes, as for only a moment his eyes flashed with hurt. The moment lasted for a second only to be hidden by the lenses of his mask. “Thank you for tending to my injuries, Dr. Granger,” Batman growled walking past her and Ron on out of the room.

Hermione simply turned her back and hugged herself. Ron stood for a moment at a loss of what to say do or where to go. “Hermione?”

“Go home, or go to Luna … I don’t care, Ron,” Hermione’s shaky voice spoke though she refused to face her ex husband and best friend. “I just want to be alone right now, ok?”

Ron stood for a moment before running out of the room and found Batman opening a window. “Hold on a tick, Harry, we haven’t had our peace just yet!” He called out and the Dark Knight froze half way through the window and glanced back at him. “If there’s any of my best mate … any of my brother left in there, answer me this. Is this really about revenge? Is this really about what you just said? Hermione maybe upset enough to buy that, but I’ve been trained better then to believe that.”

“No.” He said simply. “You know as well as I do nothing’s that simple.”

“Then what is this about?” Ron asked shaking his head in confusion. “Why are you doing this to yourself then?”

“You already know the answer.” Batman said in Harry’s voice as he climbed out the window and disappeared into the shadows.

Back inside the bedroom Hermione sat down on her bed, and opened the dresser. She reached inside and pulled out a picture of herself, Harry, and Ron from first year. She stared at the moving pictures for several moments and the moment her younger self hugged Harry she let loose a scream and threw the picture with all her might into the wall. The frame and glass broke on impact ripping the picture and fell to the ground. She threw herself down on the bed and let her painful sobs escape her throat as she cried into her pillow.

(-V-)

The Batmobile slowly came to a stop in the Batcave, and the Dark Knight climbed out and made his way to the vault. “Ron’s been calling,” Remus spoke evenly from the stairs. “He told us what happened.”

“Oh?” Harry asked as he removed the cape and cowl and hung it in the vault.

“I didn’t know you Obliviated them once let alone as many as you told them,” Remus said crossing his arms.

“Ahuh,” Harry replied removing his gloves and top. “It was for their own good.”

“So they know … what does this mean for your personas?” Remus asked, already knowing the answer.

“It means nothing. They just understand now why I can’t have anything to do with them,” Harry stated pulling on a pair of jogging pants and a tee shirt.

“I’ve stood by and let you hid away behind that mask hoping that sooner or later you’d realize you’re running down a dead end road,” Remus said, walking toward his best friend’s son. “Harry Tom Riddle’s dead. It’s over. You can let it go!”

Harry said nothing as he went to his computer. “Harry, talk to me! Ron and Hermione love you. Tonks and I love you. You don’t have to hide in the shadows …”

“There could be another right around the corner,” Harry said, “What will happen if another Voldemort comes? I can’t go about my life as if he never existed. I know what can happen and I can’t live with the knowledge it could happen again.”

“I’ve wanted to say this to you since you put on that damned costume, Harry, but Tonks stopped me every time,” Remus fumed, “This mission of yours, it’s not noble. It’s not admirable. It’s SUICIDE!”

“I know,” Harry replied, searching for any signs of Snape in England in Muggle and magical reports over his computer.

“We’re leaving tonight,” Remus finally said after a moment of silence. “I can’t sit by and wait to watch the last of my past die. I hope someday somehow you find peace Harry, for your parents’ sakes…” he said walking up the stairs, leaving Harry alone in the dark cave.

(-V-)

Severus Snape smiled longingly as he carefully placed human skeletal remains in a mud and moss filled casket.

“It’s been so long,” Snape whispered as he carefully placed the bones of the skeleton’s hand in their correct place. “Too long, my love …”

Once the Skeleton was completed he stood back and reached for a smoking goblet and slowly poured the contents over the skeleton. The steaming pale pink fluid slowly covered the bones, before he sat the goblet to the side and pulled his wand. “Soon my beloved … we will be together and no one will separate us…” He said before waving the wand over the remains and whispering an incantation.

Instantly the mud and moss covered the bones making what appeared to be a human female skeleton.

“Soon, my flower …” Snape said touching the mud-corpse’s cheek. “Soon …”

To Be Continued

A/N: I know this was a short chapter but it got what I needed in it and it’s been long enough since my last update of this story. Next Chapter: A Light in the Darkness

We watched him fall every night, deeper and deeper into the darkness… deeper and deeper into the Bat. The Batman is the ultimate counter to the Dark Wizards… but the price is too high, or I thought anyway. Truth be told, I gave up hope… Remus and I both did. But Ron and Hermione never did. Back during the War, he was their light, their leader… I find it ironic they were the light that saved him from his own darkness… -Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin

Chapter 7: A Light in the Darkness

The large house never seemed so big and empty as it did now as Harry sat in the kitchen alone.

Everyone was safe now, he told himself. He glanced over to the small bed in the corner where Ace was curled. As the two solitary creatures locked eyes, the large black dog whimpered slightly. “This is for the best, Boy…” Harry said as he stood to his feet and started for the passage to the Cave. The echo of his footsteps in the empty house just didn’t sound right.

Pictures on the wall caught his attention for what seemed like the first time. A slight smile crossed his face at the pictures of his parents. It faded when he came upon other pictures.

He came to a stop and stared at a few situated together, all made up of himself, Ron, and Hermione back in school, at least one per year. A chuckle escaped his lips as he looked upon one of the trio, Ron and himself with mock-distressed expressions as Hermione had them both in tight headlocks as she grinned at the camera. That was taken not long after her teeth were fixed, after that spell hit her, he remembered her crying saying she’d look like a beaver. She was proud when she could finally smile with perfect teeth…

Then there was a picture taken, he remembered it as well… Ron and Harry both had forced smiles on their face, and Hermione glaring at both of them. It was when they had one of their rows, and Hermione ‘encouraged’ them to pose for their picture.

“I don’t need them, and they don’t need me,” Harry said to himself, as he stepped away from the pictures. “I have to do what’s right… not what’s easy…”

‘Are you doing what’s right?’ he could almost hear Dumbledore’s voice in his head. ‘Or are you doing what’s easy now?’

He frowned as he moved toward the Cave’s secret entrance.

Even in his sanctuary it seemed so much darker and lonely. He quickly suited up, preparing for his evening patrol. Snape was still out there. He had to find him. Maybe after that… when they were all stopped… maybe then he can try to make things right with everyone.

“But I have work to do first…” He said out loud as he pulled on his cowl.

(-V-)

“Why do they always do this when I say freeze…” Ron complained as he bolted through the Scottish castle after his perp. “When I say freeze I mean FREEZE!” He called out, before casting a Full Body Bind toward the criminal.

He turned a corner and started to cast it again, only to see the dark wizard on the ground, unconscious, with the Batman hunched over him. “Oh… it’s you.”

“You almost lost this one,” Batman growled, “The edge of the apparition barrier is barely a meter away.”

“Not everyone is obsessed with training and exercise, Ha-Batman,” Ron corrected himself, still trying to catch his breath.

“You all should be,” Batman growled, standing up, “If you did, the Death Eaters would all be in Azkaban, and I wouldn’t have to do this.”

“Anything for an excuse, huh?” Ron shot as he stomped toward the Dark Knight. It’s amazing what knowing who was under a mask could do for one’s confidence.

“I’m not making an excuse for anything,” Batman narrowed his whitened eyes as he draped his cape around his shoulders.

“Bollocks!” Ron counted, shaking his head. “This isn’t healthy mate…”

Batman started to counter, before glancing down at the groaning wizard. “One second…” Batman glanced toward Ron before he stomped hard on the ‘would-be-Voldemort’s skull. “Let’s take this some place more private.”

“You could have just bound him, you know?” Ron said as he followed Batman farther into the castle, giving the knocked out thug one last look.

“Too easy on him,” was the Dark Knight’s sharp reply.

The pair walked to the top of one of the castle towers before Batman finally turned to Ron. “What?”

“What do you mean what?” Ron put his hands on his hips in a matter that instantly reminded Harry of Molly Weasley. “You drop this kind of bombshell on us and you expect us to just go, ‘oh ok, explains things, moving right along’?”

“One I didn’t drop anything, YOU and Hermione unmasked ME,” Batman held up a finger, “And two, it shouldn’t change anything, it’s not like we’ve had a sustainable friendship in the last few years anyway.”

“And whose fault is that, Harry?” Ron shot back.

Batman frowned, and Ron was tempted to roll his eyes and look away but he knew better. As soon as he did he’d be gone again. “It’s not worth it.”

“Stopping another war from coming isn’t worth it?” Batman growled, “Its worth whatever it takes!”

“IT’S NOT WORTH LOSING YOU!” Ron shouted, “It’s not worth losing you…” he repeated softer. “Harry, look at you… just take a good look… yes you’re doing a great good but… it’s destroying who you are… and it’s destroying Us. The three of us, Harry, the three of us went against all odds and came out on top! We won, and we won together! You didn’t go it alone. We faced Voldemort and won… together.”

“Did we?” Batman whispered, turning away.

“Did we what?” Ron asked after a moment. “What do you mean?”

“Think back, Ron… what do you remember of that last encounter at the Riddle House? Think hard.” Batman whispered, his voice sounding incredibly close to the broken, timid boy he met on the train when he was eleven.

“We faced Voldemort, he casted some spells and we won…” Ron said.

“What spells? How did he fall? What happened to his body?” Harry asked, sliding back his cowl.

“I… I…” Ron’s eyes widened, “You Obliviated me… does Hermione remember?” Ron asked, and when Harry looked away, “You Obliviated her too? Merlin… Harry, why?”

“You weren’t ready to remember what that monster did to us…”Harry replied, “You and Hermione would have likely been driven mad…”

“You remember and…” Harry gave him a look, “You’re not that insane… just very dramatic and obsessively dedicated.”

Harry sighed and reached for a pouch on his belt. “Take this to Hermione…” Harry said handing a vial to his old friend. “After you two view the memory in a pensieve, destroy it.”

“Why are you showing this to us now?” Ron asked, “After all this time?”

“Because I don’t see anything else I can do…” He said before tossing himself over the side of the tower.

“Harry!” Ron ran to the edge, only to see no sign of his friend.

(-V-)

“Did he tell you what was in this memory?” Hermione asked as she prepared her pensieve.

“Just that it’s what really happened at the Riddle House,” Ron replied, trying to act nonchalant.

“I’m… I’m not sure I really want to know what happened…” Hermione said, after a moment.

“And you think I do?” Ron asked, “I’m next to pissing my trousers here, Hermione… and I’m too scared to try to hide the fact and lie about me about to do that…”

“This is the only way we can help him,” Ron said, placing a hand on her shoulder, “He’s been fighting this on his own ever since… We can’t help him fight something we don’t know anything about.”

Hermione bit her lip and stared at the pensieve. “Hermione, do you want to take some of that weight from his shoulders or not? This is the ONLY way…”

“Let’s do it,” Hermione said, taking her wand. “Ready?”

“Hell no…” Ron gulped loudly. “Do it.”

Harry glanced to Ron and Hermione who were both simply laying there gasping for breath. “Let’s play another game, shall we, Potter?” Voldemort hissed with a sinister smile.

“Imperio.” Voldemort whispered striking Hermione and Ron both the curse. Ron sat back away from Hermione as she slowly pulled herself to her feet.

“Hermione?” Harry asked nervously as she approached him with a dazed expression in her usually bright chocolate eyes.

“Do you want me, Harry?” Hermione asked starting to unbutton her dragon-hide top.

“Her-Hermione, fight it, don’t let Riddle control you like this!” Harry tried to get through her, the tears forming in the corners of her eyes showed that he at least was reaching her mind.

“What’s the matter, Potter?” Voldemort, Ron, and Hermione spoke in unison. “Isn’t this what you’ve wanted since you hit puberty?”

“Let them go, Riddle,” Harry growled as best he good as he stared at Voldemort over Ron and Hermione’s shoulders. “This is between you and me. They have nothing to do with this…”

“Yes we do, Mate,” Ron said in a serious tone.

“You got us involved,” Hermione agreed. “If you would have just let the teachers handle the troll.”

“If you had just left me alone on the Hogwarts Express,” Ron nodded at the bushy haired teen.

“Our lives would have been so much better,” Ron and Hermione said in unison. “We’d have normal lives. You ruined everything, Harry.”

“Truth hurts, doesn’t it, Potter?” Voldemort grinned watching Harry’s lowered head and tears beginning to form in his emerald orbs. “Deep down, deeper then I expected, this is exactly how they feel, Harry. It’s the darkness. They don’t even acknowledge it but its there. The raw hatred and it’s centered on … you.”

“You ruined our lives, Harry, we could have been happy if you had never been born,” Ron and Hermione spat angrily. “I HATE YOU!!” they screamed in unison.

Harry’s head snapped upward, glaring at Voldemort. “That’s not true.” Harry shook his head, his eyes growing cold, and his face setting into a mask of cold emotions. “They’re my best friends. They’re my family. I’m not stupid, Tom. That’s just you using them, trying to get to me.”

“Yes, but they love each other more then they love you,” Voldemort stated, with a smirk. “They’re only doing what they do with you to protect each other now, more then to keep your worthless body above ground.”

“You’re wrong …” Harry shook his head, gripping his wand tight.

“It doesn’t matter now, does it?” Voldemort smirked, “Weasley, Mudblood, I want you to beat Potter from an inch of his life. I know the prophecy said I have to be the one to kill him so leave him alive … barely.” Voldemort ordered the mind controlled young wizard and witch then turned.

Hermione and Ron seemed to be struggling to move staring at Harry oddly, obviously fighting the curses. “Do not make me hurt you both, DO IT!” Voldemort growled, casting a second Imperius Curse at the pair who instantly jumped at Harry pinning him to the ground Hermione sinking her finger nails into his neck and Ron holding him down squeezing his arms painfully. Voldemort smiled at the indisposed Harry, then swept out of the room leaving Harry’s friends to do their work.

Harry managed to kick Ron off and threw Hermione against the book shelf in desperation. He pulled himself to his feet and started to back away from his best friends, who both now had eyes that more resembled wild animals then his childhood friends. “You’re my best friends,” Harry said moving his wand from Ron to Hermione and back again. “I love you both … forgive me.” He said pointing the wand at Ron, “Stupefy!” He cast sending Ron tumbling backwards across the floor.

Harry turned his wand to Hermione who was slowly approaching menacingly. “Petrificus Totalus!” Harry yelled as he froze Hermione in mid step. “I shouldn’t have brought you with me …” Harry breathed as he collapsed to his knees, before the unconscious Ron and frozen Hermione. “I’m so … sorry …” Harry climbed back to his feet before moving to Ron’s body, and placed his wand on Ron’s forehead. Concentrating on the last ten minutes he whispered, “Obliviate.” Ron’s eyes opened and flashed for a moment, then Harry turned to Hermione.

“I couldn’t stop what Voldemort did to you,” Harry said as he placed the wand on Hermione’s head, “But I can save you from having to remember it,” Harry said whispering another Obliviate, and removed the petrifying charm off her. He laid her unconscious form down to the floor gently before rising and turning toward the door Voldemort left through. “It ends here, Riddle.” Harry said walking through the door…

“Impressive Potter, you were able to fight off your own nearest and dearest?” Voldemort clapped his hands from his seat before the fire place. “How very … dark of you.”

“Only one of us is leaving this room, Tom,” Harry growled, his eyes burning with bright hatred and rage.

“You are nothing to me Potter,” Voldemort chuckled, waving the young wizard off, “Your friends probably need medical attention, shouldn’t you be scurrying away getting them to help while I plan how to strike at you next?” Voldemort question smirking at Harry, “it is how it’s been done the last seven years hasn’t it, my young friend?”

“No one else is going to be touched by your poison, Riddle, I’m ending this here and now.” Harry narrowed his eyes on the Dark Lord. “You’ve corrupted or destroyed everything I love, and it’s time I took from you what you hold most dear.”

“You think you can stop me, Potter, our wands are useless when struck against each other, you know this by now,” Voldemort said standing up and walking over to a large sharp pointed Muggle hat rack. “This hat rack is all I have left of my traitorous mother and my father. I hated them, Potter, I hated my whole family. I was trash to everyone, yet here you are, evidence of ‘a mother’s love for her son’ pathetic…” Voldemort turned back to the boy. “That’s why I hate you so much, Potter. Your parents were willing to die for you while mine threw me out like trash.”

“That’s all this is about?” Harry blinked multiple times at the dark wizard. “That’s all this is about? My parents loved me and yours didn’t love you is why you’ve destroyed my life?” Harry asked his chest rose and fell rapidly as his anger grew.

“Impressive Potter, you were able to fight off your own nearest and dearest?” Voldemort clapped his hands from his seat before the fire place. “How very … dark of you.”

“Only one of us is leaving this room, Tom,” Harry growled, his eyes burning with bright hatred and rage.

“You are nothing to me Potter,” Voldemort chuckled, waving the young wizard off, “Your friends probably need medical attention, shouldn’t you be scurrying away getting them to help while I plan how to strike at you next?” Voldemort question smirking at Harry, “it is how it’s been done the last seven years hasn’t it, my young friend?”

“No one else is going to be touched by your poison, Riddle, I’m ending this here and now.” Harry narrowed his eyes on the Dark Lord. “You’ve corrupted or destroyed everything I love, and it’s time I took from you what you hold most dear.”

“You think you can stop me, Potter, our wands are useless when struck against each other, you know this by now,” Voldemort said standing up and walking over to a large sharp pointed Muggle hat rack. “This hat rack is all I have left of my traitorous mother and my father. I hated them, Potter, I hated my whole family. I was trash to everyone, yet here you are, evidence of ‘a mother’s love for her son’ pathetic…” Voldemort turned back to the boy. “That’s why I hate you so much, Potter. Your parents were willing to die for you while mine threw me out like trash.”

“That’s all this is about?” Harry blinked multiple times at the dark wizard. “That’s all this is about? My parents loved me and yours didn’t love you is why you’ve destroyed my life?” Harry asked his chest rose and fell rapidly as his anger grew.

“You speak as if you didn’t already know this,” Voldemort turned toward the enraged teen. He didn’t have time to lift his wand as Harry pounced on him, putting both hands around the Dark Lords neck, pushing him down as he cut off Voldemort’s airflow.

“C-Crucio!” Voldemort coughed out sending the Cruciatus Curse right into Harry’s chest, but Harry’s eyes showed no pain, only more anger, more rage as his grip tightened harder on Tom Riddle’s throat.

“Please … Harry …” Voldemort dropped his wand after the third try with the Cruciatus Curse, that again instead of causing pain fed Harry’s anger and tightened his grip. “Mercy …”

Harry only tightened his grip and his lips in an angry frown. “You who are without mercy, Tom, you want mercy ‘old friend’, beg for it.” Harry said squeezing his throat even more.

“Please … Mercy …” Voldemort wheezed, gripping Harry’s arms as Harry continued to strangle the elder wizard.

“Not good enough,” Harry spat, his face red with rage. “You don’t know what real pain is, Riddle, you don’t know what it’s like. Let me show you,” Harry narrowed his eyes to slits. “Legilimens.” Harry hissed, but instead of searching Voldemort’s mind, Harry sent his own memories. The memory of Lily dying to protect him, Sirius falling through the veil, Dumbledore’s death, Voldemort’s toying with Hermione and Ron. And the emotions that came with them. Voldemort’s only reply was screams.

Slowly Voldemort’s clawing of Harry’s arm slowed and his screaming declined to gurgling and whimpering. “I promise, on Dumbledore’s grave … No one else Riddle, after you, no one else will follow in your footsteps.”

Voldemort’s red eyes slowly glazed over as bloody foam began to appear at the edges of his mouth. “No. One. Else.” Harry hissed as he felt Voldemort’s windpipe finally give way under his thumbs. “No one else…” Harry whispered, as Voldemort’s eyes widened for a moment before going limp in his hands.

“Oh God!” Ron jumped from the pensieve and grabbed Hermione’s waste bin just in time to vomit everything he had in his stomach out.

“Oh my… oh God, Harry…” Hermione sit back roughly. “How could he… how could he keep this from us?” she asked, but Ron was too busy vomiting to respond.

“He could have warned us about that, at least…” Ron coughed, wiping his mouth. “Holy shit…”

“I thought he did…” Hermione frowned, getting up and grabbing her coat.

“Where are you going?” Ron asked, looking up.

“To get answers…” Hermione replied before closing the door behind her.

(-V-)

“Why did you do that?” Harry asked his reflection in the monitor of his super computer in the Cave, rubbing his face warily.

“Because I’m tired of being alone…” a young voice spoke up, and he looked up to see instead of his reflection, he saw a young, skinny boy with messy black hair, a scarred forehead, and lost, lonely green eyes. “I want my friends back…”

Harry sat up in his computer chair, gasping in shock. He looked around at the massive, shadowy cave. “I gotta get out of here for a while…” He grunted as he pushed himself to his feet.

He left the Cave through the Batmobile’s tunnel, and once he was far enough away he apparated not even really caring where. He was only mildly surprised to find himself on Hogwarts grounds. It was during the summer months so he didn’t even bother to pull the cowl over his face as he wondered through the grounds, ignoring the hard, cool rain that fell around him.

He didn’t know why or how but he found himself before Dumbledore’s memorial. “Albus…” Harry said as he stepped close. “I don’t know if I can keep this up… You told me that it was my responsibility now… but it’s too much… you asked too much…”

“I know… I know I promised you… I promised you and my parents… and Sirius… I promised I would protect them… protect everyone… but it’s too much… I didn’t count on it to be so… lonely… I didn’t count on this…” Harry placed his hand on the plaque. “I didn’t know it would hurt this much…”

“Tell me what I need to do, Albus?” Harry said, tears forming in his eyes. “Please… I need you to tell me what I need to do… give me a sign… anything… please…”

“Maybe he already has,” Harry turned quickly to see Hermione standing there, holding an umbrella. “Maybe he sent me.”

“Hermione?”Harry asked softly as she dropped her umbrella and moved quickly toward him, wrapping him tightly in her arms and resting her head on his armored chest.

“Did you see…” Harry started to ask but she shook her head.

“Forget the past, worry about now. We can’t change the past,” Hermione said, pulling back to look him in the eyes. “But we can fix right now.”

“I…” Harry started but couldn’t find the words.

“You don’t have to be alone anymore,” Hermione said, her brown eyes shining with determination. “You don’t have to carry this burden on your own anymore. I’m here for you. Ron’s here for you. You don’t have to face the darkness by yourself anymore. Understand?”

“Say something. Tell me you understand, Harry James Potter or so help me I’ll-” she was silenced by his lips capturing her own.

(-V-)

The next morning, Remus and Tonks carefully snuck into the front door of Grimmauld and settled into the kitchen. “Think he’s awake?” Tonks asked softly as they sat down at the table.

“He was probably on patrol last night; chances are he’s still out cold.” Remus replied. “Probably be best to let him get a good night’s rest before we apologize.”

“I’m not that sorry about it, but we shouldn’t have just up and left…” Tonks frowned, “After what he’s been through, we were kind of drama queens there…”

“We still have to make it right…” Remus nodded. “Knowing Harry he might still kick us out after… wait, he’s coming!”

Without looking up the couple began to speak “Harry, we’re sorry, we’re not sorry for being upset with you, but we are sorry for how we acted. We know what you’re doing and why, we don’t agree with everything but that doesn’t mean we had the right to act like we did…” Remus said.

“We’d like to come back home, if you’d let us, we’re family, Harry, you’re our family…” Tonks continued for him.

“Sounds good, but you might want to put a lot of focus on the family aspect when he comes down,” Remus and Tonks looked up in shock to see Hermione walking in, a large smile on her face and one of Harry’s button up dress shirts over her upper body.

“Hermione?” Tonks blinked, “What are you doing… oh my…”

Hermione flushed, “We… made some bounds toward fixing things… last night…”

Remus sat down roughly in his chair. “Wow…” he breathed, making Hermione blush more than she ever recalled.

“I have to ask… how was it?”Tonks asked.

Hermione blushed harder.

Meanwhile upstairs, Harry laid on his back in bed. “Snape’s all that’s left, Professor…” Harry whispered, “Once he’s taken down… I’m done… I’m going to fix things with Ron, Hermione, Remus and Tonks… and, maybe even get a happy ending…”

(-V-)

“These Dark Wizards are nothing like the old school Death Eaters…” a man danced around the bodies of a group of dead Aurors and Dark Wizards. “Even the Aurors have gotten weak…” his purple and green robes swung as he pranced.

“WHAT has the Wizarding World come to with these weaklings,” He smiled, running a gloved hand through his green hair. “And the true Brothers pissing themselves over a man dressed like a giant bat! THIS COUNTRY NEEDS AN ENEMA!”

“They think Severus Snape’s bad? Do they really? Hehe…” He smiled sadistically, “Wait till they get a load of me… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

To Be Continued…

After several years, I’m finally pressing forward with this story. I promise it won’t take 4+ years for another update!