The Never Ending Battle

Classic Cowboy

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 7
Published: 15/08/2007
Last Updated: 11/02/2008
Status: in_progress

HP/Superman fusion inspired by "Last Son of Krypton" by Dragonlord. Six years after war's end, and five years after Harry Potter disappeared to learn of his true origins, a new threat to both the Muggle and Wizardry worlds rises. Harry Potter returns to face this threat and try to fit back into a life that had moved on without him. H/Hr, G/N, R/LL, past H/G and R/Hr.

Chapters

1. The Return

2. Memories and Reunions

3. Can You Read My Mind

1. The Return

Live as one of them, Kal-El, to discover where your strength and your power are needed. Always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son...

HARRY POTTER

SUPERMAN

THE NEVER ENDING BATTLE

Chapter 1: The Return

Ron Weasley sighed as he glanced around the crowded bridge. “I still don’t see why we have to be here …” Ron grumbled as he stood with Ginny and Neville. “The war was over six years ago, why do we have to always show up for these things?”

“Because Harry would want us to,” Ginny responded with an out stuck tongue to her brother.

“Figures, he goes off and disappears and leaves us to roast in the spot light…” Ron rolled his eyes, getting an elbow from Neville.

“What … oh sorry Gin …” Ron said noticing his sister’s downcast eyes.

“It’s ok, Ron,” Ginny smiled and nodded. “If Harry was going to come back he’d have been back long ago…”

“DADDY!” Ron turned just in time to catch the small five year old Red Head who threw herself into his arms.

“Hey, Rosie,” Ron ruffled Rose’s hair, before glancing up at Hermione. “Thought you said you couldn’t make it.”

“And miss seeing the christening of Harry’s bridge? Not likely,” the ever bushy-haired Hermione replied joining the group. “So did I miss anything?” Hermione asked giving Ron a quick peck on the cheek.

“Other than the guest of honor still MIA,” Ron whispered so Ginny couldn’t hear them before speaking up normally, “nothing but bunch of self-proclaimed important people talking.”

“You know as well as I do Harry always hated his popularity,” Hermione said glancing over the crowd, stopping at every dark haired wizard her eyes came across looking for the familiar glasses and lightening bolt scar. “He probably even hates the idea of a bridge being named after him.”

“Can’t say I blame him about the spot light,” Ron shook his head, shifting the five-year-old to his hip. “And a bridge isn’t as creepy as a library, I mean honestly Hermione Granger Public Library? I pity Diagon Alley …”

“It’s a nice library with constantly updating selections,” Hermione defended, “I’m personally honored that it bears my name.” Hermione said planting her fists on her hips. “As for Harry, he’ll come home when he’s ready to come home. Concidering what he’s been through, I can’t hardly blame him for wanting to get away…” she said glancing up to the eastern sky.

“If I could have your attention please,” Minister Shacklebolt said loudly into his wand. He glanced around the gathering on the newly completed bridge leading to the expanded area of Diagon Alley then up to the Security Aurors hovering above them. “I would thank you all for coming out with us this fine day. Especially our special guests, lets all lend a round of applause to the heroes of the Battle of Hogwarts!” He said motioning where Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville stood.”

Hermione blinked rapidly when Ron quickly passed Rose back to her mother, and bowed dramatically to the applauding crowd. “Can’t blame him about the spot light, can you?” Hermione asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Don’t like it, but might as well run with it,” Ron winked and smiled childishly.

“When it was brought to my attention that it the expansion of Diagon Alley would require a bridge, and that it would be my duty to name it,” Kingsley continued on his speech. “I felt it should be named after the one who brought our world together in peace at long last. That is why I now officially dub this bridge, Harry Potter …What?” He gasped an invisible wave of ice coldness washed over him, and over everyone in the crowd.

“Mommy … I feel funny …” Rose whimpered from Hermione’s arms. Hermione and Ron glanced to one another, then watched in shock as the broom-riding wizards began to literally fall from the air.

“Hang on, Wingardium Leviosa!” Ron called out pointing his wand to the falling Aurors, but nothing happened at all. “What the Bloody …” His curse was interrupted as the bridge shook and loud explosions from beneath them shook the foundations of the bridge.

The bridge began to tilt and parts began to crumble. “Ron!” Hermione called out as she lost footing and she and her child began to fall toward the broken ledge.

“Hermione!” Ron called out getting a hand hold and reaching for them, managing to grab the bushy haired witch’s sleeve. “Hang on!”

“Hermione, help, you’re slipping …” Ron grunted as the sleeve began to rip. “NO!” He called out as the cloth tore and she fell from down the deeply slanted bridge.

Hermione screamed before she used her free hand to grip a broken piece of cobblestone. But the impact jarred her grip on her daughter. “Mommy!” Rose screamed as she fell away from her mother.

“ROSE!” Hermione screamed as she watched in terror as her child tumbled over the edge down into the deep crevice. She couldn’t bear to watch her only child die, so she turned away with her eyes tight. Had she continued to watch she would have seen a split second flash of blue and red shoot downward toward the falling child.

Rose let out a scream followed by a ‘humph’ when she was scooped up by a pair of strong arms. “Don’t worry, little one, I’ve got you.”

“You got me?” Rose blinked first looking to the odd symbol on the man’s chest, then up to his twinkling, emerald eyes. “Who’s got you?”

“My baby …” Hermione cried as she leaned against the slanted broken bridge, barely fighting to hold on. “My sweet baby …”

“Mommy!” She heard and her eyes widened in shock. She turned quickly to see her daughter cradled in the arms of a man who seemed to be literally standing on air. He was dressed in a form fitting blue and red suit, red boots, and a long flowing red cape that to Hermione looked like angel wings at the moment. On his muscular chest was a symbol, partly hidden by the girl held tightly, but it seemed to be a diamond shape with a curved line through it forming an S and she mentally noted it was bore Gryffindor colors. All rational though halted when she finally saw his face, and the eyes she would know anywhere.

“I’ve got you,” He said as he hovered toward her, placing his free arm around her waist, lifting her from the bridge.

Ron watched in awe as he too just barely recognized the man who was literally flying toward him. Hermione brought Rose to her chest as the flying man handed Hermione and the girl to Ron. “Can you hold them?” he asked his eyes staring deep into Ron’s.

“Y-Yeah, yeah I can, mate.” Ron nodded as he gripped Hermione and Rose to him tightly.

“Then hang on tight for a moment,” he said before flipping backwards into the air and flying back underneath the nearly falling bridge.

He hovered under the bridge for a few moments before placing both hands on the bottom, using uncanny strength to lift the bridge and the many people hanging onto it. He brought it level where the damaged supports were back touching. “That should do for now …” He said before looking at the broken supports intensely. A moment later his pupils turned red and the broken stone pillars began to bubble and melt. Once they had melted together he took a deep breath and blew with the force of a hurricane, cooling the near magma-level stone.

Ron helped Hermione to her feet before he was tightly hugged by his sister, before she turned to Hermione and Rose. “Is everyone alright?” the caped man said as he flew back up and landing besides the confused and worried Kingsley.

Everyone seemed to nod, before the hero turned to Ron and Hermione. “Are … you three alright?” he asked glancing to the two of them, his emerald eyes shinning in concern. Ron nodded numbly, which earned a small smile from the ‘stranger’. The smile faded when he saw Ginny and Neville embracing tightly.

“If that’s all …” He said preparing to take to the air again.

“Wait!” a voice called from the bridge, as blond headed woman ran toward him. “Luna Lovegood, Quibbler, who are you, do you know why everyone’s magic seemed to have stopped working, and how did you do all that?”

“It seems to have been related to some bombs, someone intentionally tried to sabotage this event,” he said planting his hands on his hips, “As for why magic seemed to not be working, I couldn’t tell you, but my magic was also effected by whatever caused it.”

“If your magic was affected how could you still fly and repair the bridge?” Luna asked not letting the green eyed man get away.

“That wasn’t magic, Ms. Lovegood,” he smiled good-naturedly, “I’m certain the expert witches and wizards at the Ministry will determine the source of the phenomenon in due time.”

“You still haven’t told us who you are?” Luna pressed.

“Me?” He asked starting to hover in the air. “I’m just a friend.” he said before lifting his arms and gracefully soaring into the air.

“He was a regular super man,” Rose spoke up from Hermione’s side.

“Super man?” Luna repeated, a smile growing on her face. “Perfect! Hey … my magic’s back!” She said noticing her quick quotes quill was working again.

Ron glanced from his daughter before looking up the way this ‘Superman’ flew away. “Hermione?”

“I don’t know … I don’t know what happened to our magic … I don’t know what happened to him … how he could do all that …” She whispered, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, before she glanced to the redheaded wizard at her side. “All I know is he’s home.”

---

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry hadn’t changed hardly any since he was last there. “Oh, excuse me,” the man whispered as he dodged a group of students moving through the hall. He awkwardly pushed his glasses up on his nose as he glanced around the hallway, before smiling and continuing on to the Headmistress’ chamber.

He stopped at the gargoyle and glanced around before whispering the password. “Albus Dumbledore.” A moment later the Gargoyle slid aside revealing the stairs to the office.

He smiled as he saw Headmistress Minerva McGonagall with her nose buried in books and papers. “Can I help you? If it can wait I’d appreciate it, as you can see I’m …”

“You’re always busy, Professor,” the familiar voice rung through the chamber causing the old woman to freeze in her actions.

“Oh my …” She gasped, looking up to see the man standing still in the doorway. “My word … Harry … you’re home?”

“Not really sure about that, but I am here and not planning on going anywhere else for a while,” he gave a tight smile.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” McGonagall asked walking away from her desk.

“I … I know where I came from … I know what I can do …” he said walking toward the newly reborn Phoenix in the ashy cage. “But I still don’t know what or where I truly belong …”

“Albus often talked about home, what it is exactly, the concept of it…” Minerva said staring intently at her former prized student who she now considered a son. “He said home is the easiest attained but hardest to see thing in the world. If you look for it you’re likely to never find it, as it’s often right under your nose the whole time. It’s always there, waiting for you to stop looking and finally accepting its existence.”

“Knew we’d find you here,” a voice spoke from the office entrance. Harry barely turned to see them when he felt a pair of arms and the familiar wad of strawberry scented bushy hair was pushed into his mouth. He looked over Hermione’s hair to see Ron standing there with a broad smile on his face.

“Um … hey …” he said awkwardly as Hermione continued to hold on to him, trembling slightly.

“It’s about time you got back,” Ron said walking toward him. “And how can you fly around and show your face in public while wearing spandex and a cape?”

---

“Why didn’t it work?” a man asked as he stared at the damaged but still standing bridge. “My field should have stopped all magic … how did he do it?” he asked out loud as he watched worker-wizards performing repairs.

He glanced down at the newsstand and the new issue of the quibbler that was just dropped out. “Superman saves bridge,” he read out loud. “Ok, Superman, if you want to play Hard Ball, we’ll play Hard Ball.”

He rolled up the newspaper and walked off without paying the newsstand anything.

To Be Continued

Disclaimer- Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, Superman is the property of DC Comics

A/N: I know there are a lot of questions, why did Harry disappear for five years, what happened between the last chapter of Book 7 (epilogue excluded) and the events of this chapter, who was the man behind the bombing of the bridge, and how did he cut off magic? All that will be explained and then some in due time. Also I am aware Superman has a vulnerability to magic. I am going to play on the theory that the reason Clark Kent is weak to it is that he does not understand it, thus cannot properly protect himself from it. Harry on the other hand will not have that disadvantage, to what extent will come in future chapters. More soon!

2. Memories and Reunions

Chapter 2: Memories and Reunions

Hermione and Ron looked over the man standing with Professor McGonagall carefully. Harry was dressed in a loose fitting suit, looking to be a size or two too big, and he had the same old familiar round-lensed glasses. “Your scar,” Hermione noted as she pulled away from her childhood best friend. She smiled as she looked at his forehead and saw the once dominant mark that stood out prominently was now just barely a thin line above his brow.

“Almost healed entirely,” Harry said as he stepped back.

“Two things, mate,” Ron said crossing his arms, “Where have you been and how did you do magic when even the Aurors brooms seemed to have faulted out?”

“I don’t know what in the world you’re going on about,” Harry blinked at his red headed best friend.

Before he could react Hermione reached for the collar of his button up shirt and pulled the shirt open, revealing the blue form fitting suit underneath. “Oh, and how did this get here?” Hermione asked with a knowing smile.

“Not very ladylike to rip open other men’s shirts, Hermione,” Harry said dejectedly. He thought about another retort but the pointed stares from his friends made him sigh and turn away. “I couldn’t do magic. What ever happened on the bridge cut my magic just like everyone else’s.” Harry said removing his glasses.

“Then how did you fly, and fix the bridge?” Hermione asked in confusion. “I’m fairly certain there’s no other way to do all that without very heavy Muggle technology.”

“It wasn’t magic or technology, it was just me, and …” Harry said glancing to from Hermione, to Ron, on to McGonagall. “…the final gift from my parents.”

“Let’s pretend Hermione doesn’t fully understand what’s going on,” Ron said, though it wouldn’t be hard to pretend what was actually happening. “And explain exactly what you mean?”

“Hermione I’m sure you’ve studied the scientific journals,” Harry said with a small smile. “Do you believe there’s life on other planets?”

“There’s the possibility of it, but there’s never been any solid proof,” Hermione looked down in thought. “It’s mostly wishful thinking and the stuff science fiction movies and books are made of.”

“Not anymore,” Harry gave a tight smile.

“What?” Hermione asked as Ron stepped up to stand at her side.

“I want you both to know, I’m still Harry… I’m still your best friend. It’s who I was raised to be … but …” Harry choked on his words for a moment. “There’s more. My name … I was born Kal-El, the only son of Jor-El and his wife Lara. I was born on the Planet Krypton many thousands of Earth Years ago.”

Hermione and Ron stared at him in disbelief which caused him to sigh and take a seat on the cushioned couch. “I think I should start at the beginning, don’t you?”

“It’s a good place,” Hermione mumbled, taking a seat beside him.

“After the war was over, and I was freed from the Horcrux I’m not sure you noticed but I started to do things a little off kilter…” Harry said looking at his hands in his lap. “Like me wanting to spend as much time as I could in the sun light and also me getting larger and stronger without actually doing anything differently… But it all changed for me on my eighteenth birthday when we all went out, the three of us and Ginny …”

---

Five Years Ago…

Harry smiled as he apparated to drive just outside the oddly built home known as the Burrow. He made his way up to the towering structure and on around to the kitchen entrance. “Mum, I’m home,” Harry said as he walked into the home, causing Molly to almost throw the platter she was holding into the air.

“My Word, Harry Potter do you have to sneak around like that!” Molly Weasley hissed before pulling the boy into a motherly hug. “Happy birthday, Harry dear, Kingsley didn’t work you all night did he?”

“He said he was going to make me work overtime, but it was actually a surprise party at the office,” Harry explained as he Molly finally let him go. Harry had spent the last few months working as an assistant for Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt before his Auror training was to begin in the following fall. “I managed to get to my flat in time to get a few hours sleep.”

“And judging by the fact you’re bright and aware this early you obviously didn’t party too hard then,” Molly said before sighing. “Perhaps you can talk some sense into that foolish best friend of yours and his girlfriend.”

“Concidering what we survived I can’t fault them in letting their hair down a little,” Harry smiled at the matriarch of the Weasley family.

“Breakfast is almost ready, Harry. Would you be a dear and go wake Ron and Ginny up for me?” Molly asked, going back to the stove.

“Sure, no problem,” Harry nodded and started up the stairs. He reached for the door to Ron’s room, but his eyes widened when it turned and opened itself.

“H-HARRY!” Hermione gasped and pulled the white button up shirt she had on closed. “W-What are you doing here?”

Harry gapped as he unconsciously glanced down to her bare legs sticking out of the bottom of Ron’s dress shirt to her shocked face. “What am I … What are you doing here?”

Hermione flushed and avoided Harry’s eyes. “That should be obvious …”

Harry blinked in confusion. “What should be obvious? You coming out of Ron’s room in one of his shirts alone … oh… Oh … OH! Ooh…”

“Yes, now be a dear and slide out of the way so I can get to the second floor bedroom so Molly won’t castrate my boyfriend for … you know…” Hermione said clinging the shirt as tightly closed as she could, though giving the still shocked Harry a nice view of cleavage.

“Sure, um … sorry to interrupt …” Harry said stepping aside, making a mental chant of ‘sister-sister-sister-sister-sister with nice curves-sister’.

He watched her go and gave himself a mental excuse that he would not be eighteen year old, straight, and male without having some kind of reaction to seeing a female, best friend or otherwise, ninty nine percent nude.

He shook his head and turned to go to Ginny’s room and found the door open. He walked inside and started to question where she was when he heard the shower running in her newly added private bath. He glanced to the wall and his eyes widened when he found the wall transparent as well as the shower curtains and could plainly see his red-haired girlfriend washing the soap from her hair. He gasped and shut his eyes tightly, rubbing them before opening and seeing the solid wall. “Stupid imagination … all Hermione’s fault…” Harry whispered before going to her window and pulling open the curtain, letting the bright sunlight in.

He closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth from the rays of light. “Happy birthday, Harry …” Harry smiled turning at the sound of his girlfriend’s voice, his jaw dropped when he saw her standing there in nothing but a towel wrapped around her still wet body.

“G-Good morning, Gin …” Harry stammered as she approached him with a sway of her hips.

“Why don’t you open your present, Harry …” Ginny smiled lovingly, “We could take off where we left off last year on your birthday …”

Harry gulped loudly as she smiled up at him. “I especially would like to thank you for expanding my room with the private bath … you have no idea what it’s like having to share a bath with a house full of boys …”

“It wasn’t a problem, Ginny …” Harry said taking a step back with each of her steps forward. She started to undo the towel from around her but gasped when Harry grasp her wrists.

Her excitement turned to disappointment when he sighed. “Ginny we can’t … Not yet…” Harry whispered, with a small smile. “I respect you and I respect your parents far too much to betray their trust in their own home.”

“But … But Ron and Hermione have done it all summer,” Ginny complained, pouting slightly.

“Do we look like Ron and Hermione, Gin?” Harry asked with a slight twitch of his eyebrow.

“Well, no I have bigger breasts and you have a nicer arse,” Ginny said after a moment of thought.

“Haha, other than the fact you looked to make that comparison between Ron and I, that’s cute but you’re worth the wait for me, Ginny,” He said leaning down to kiss her gently, “And on that note I have to use your loo … I’ll meet you down for breakfast.”

Ginny watched him make his way to her bathroom, gaining a smirk when he picked up a bottle of lotion from her make up table then closing the bathroom door behind him.

Harry had just opened his jeans and placed some lotion on his hand when the bathroom door swung open and Ginny walked in and smiled at the flustered young wizard. “Don’t look surprised, Harry, I grew up in a house full of boys, I know exactly what you’re about to do. I just wanted to give you a little something to help. I know, you want to wait till marriage, but I just thought I’d help you along with your little exercise …” She said before pulling open the towel, giving Harry a full view for several moments before closing the towel again.

“There you go, love, a sneak peak of what’s waiting for you to be ready.” She purred before turning and walking back out of the bathroom, gripping the handle. “See you at breakfast Harry …” she said as she closed the door.

“Bloody hell …” Harry murmured staring at the door.

---

Present day

“She bloody flashed you!” Hermione blanched, her brown eyes flashing angrily.

“Ginny is my girlfriend, and she wasn’t the only one who showed me skin that day Hermione,” Harry noted, not noticing the worried look that crossed Ron’s face when he called Ginny his girlfriend.

“Can he finish the story before you interrupt?” Ron cut off any counters.

“OK, but one question, exactly what were you going to do with the lotion?” Hermione quirked an eyebrow.

“My hands were dry …” Harry said with a flush, which deepened at the knowing looks from his two old and still best friends. “Really…”

“Anyway,” Harry cleared his throat, “IF you recall that evening, we all went out for dinner at a Muggle pub in London.” Ron and Hermione looked downcast at the memory. “Yeah, you two did get a little carried away, but … we did have a good time, didn’t we?” Harry shook his head.

“You two really cut loose on the drink while Ginny and I only drank soda, so we could be the designated ‘drivers’ so you two wouldn’t apparate home and leave a leg or arm or worse...”

---

Five years ago

“Ok, Ron, one foot after the other, Mate …” Harry said as he half led half carried Ron out of the pub into the late night London.

“At least my imbecile brother can walk,” Ginny complained as she struggled to carry a giggling Hermione piggy back.

“Oy, Gin-gin, we’re leaving my legs at the booth!” the blurry-eyed witch on Ginny’s back yelped looking back at the pub. “I’ll need those in the morning! With out them how ever will I walk again?” she slurred before breaking into a fit of giggles. “I know! I can wiggle along with my butt cheeks! Hic!”

“We need to go back for m’girlfriend’s legs, Mate …” Ron finally opened his eyes. “They’re very nice legs, see?”

“Lets get you home and I promise I’ll come back for them, ok?” Harry said, shaking his head.

“Oh Harry, you’re always so good to us,” Hermione giggled, “you are the bestest best friend in the whole wide world! Heh bestest is a funny sounding word…”

“You two really need to go easy on this…” Harry sighed.

“Why? We saved the world, we have every right in the world to enjoy ourselves!” Hermione cheered almost falling off Ginny’s back.

“I’ll remind you of that in the morning when you’re hugging the toilet…” Ginny said with a smirk.

“Hey, can you spare a dollar, mate,” a ragged looking man said walking up to the four.

“Do you know who you’re talking too?” Ron snapped, “This is the greatest wizard in all the world, he’ll make you into salted mongo feet and feed you to a shockkull!”

“Hehe, you sound like Luna,” Hermione giggled loudly.

“Look, I just wanted a dollar but you had to be a smartass …” the man said pulling a gun. “Now, give me everything you have, or the girls get it.”

Harry frowned deeply, none of them had brought their wands, and with Ron laying on him there was little chance he could get it away from him without one or more of them being shot. “Look, sir, we don’t want any trouble …” Harry said pulling is wallet from his pocket.

“That’s very generous of you …” the man smiled looking at the wallet, “But just in case one of you wants to try to follow me …” he said turning his gun on Ginny.

“NO!” Harry said dropping the obliviously drunk Ron to the ground and stepping between them as the gun went off.

“HARRY!” Ginny screamed, she knew what those Muggle weapons could do to a person’s body, and there was little chance he could have missed Harry at that range.

Ginny unconsciously dropped Hermione who dropped hard on her rump, cursing loudly too drunk to realize what was going on around her. “Oh my butt … if I only had my bloody legs!” Hermione slurred before falling to her back.

“Harry!” Ginny said turning Harry around and began searching his torso for any kind of wound.

“He must have missed or something …” Harry lied, just as freaked as his girlfriend.

Ginny looked up at him before looking all over for any bullet holes or signs of blood, and found none, not even a slight rip of his clothing. “Thank Merlin …” She whimpered pulling him to a tight hug.

“See?” Harry said hugging her back, “I’m ok…”

---

Present Day

“Ginny never said anything about that …” Hermione frowned, “at least past the part of me saying I forgot my legs … she won’t let me forget that …”

“I told her not to say anything,” Harry smiled sadly, “No harm no fowl, right? Anyway, the bullet did hit me, I felt it hit me right in the chest … but it didn’t even penetrate my shirt. I had no idea why, so the following morning I had planned to go visit Dumbledore’s painting at Hogwarts. I had figured the old bastard had forgotten to mention something else about me…” Harry said finishing with a small growl.

“But I never got the opportunity, as first thing in the morning I received a letter from Gringotts. It said some strange activity was happening in my vault.” Harry smiled, “That’s was when I disappeared that morning, and didn’t return until now. When I opened the vault, there was an odd green glow inside, I walked inside and found a small green crystal among my mother’s belongings, as well as a pensive and small vial of memory …It showed me … it showed me the day my parents found me…”

“Dad and Mum were out watching shooting stars when one came incredibly close, just a few hundred meters from them …” Harry explained, “They ran to see what it was out of curiosity, what they found was a type of crystal craft … and … a baby. Me.” Harry closed his eyes sadly. “Mum and Dad wanted a family together … but do to an injury while facing Deatheaters Mum couldn’t bear children. They saw this as a gift from above.”

“The crystal seemed to speak directly to my mind, like a Horcrux only without any sense of evil inside it … it was pure … I could feel nothing but love from it.” Harry shook his head, “It told me to go north.”

“It also seemed to promise to share with me who I truly was … who I was meant to become …show me where I truly belonged, which even with the Weasleys and at Hogwarts I never truly experienced.” Harry sighed, “I hadn’t intended to be gone as long as I was. I went to Professor Mc … Minerva and asked her to create me a portkey to the Arctic. After some convincing and promising I wouldn’t do anything stupid she did, she also reluctantly swore to never tell a soul where I had gone.”

“I honestly had no intention of being gone as long as I was …” Harry smiled regretfully.

“So what did you find up there?” Ron asked, as Hermione nodded for him to continue.

“My Fortress of Solitude, and my past.” Harry closed his eyes.

---

Five years ago

Despite the freezing temperature, Harry didn’t feel the slightest chill. All he felt was the faint vibration from the green crystal in his pocket, that was growing brighter and brighter as he ventured farther and farther into the Arctic Circle.

He pulled it out and stared at the brightly glowing crystal. “Ok, I’m here … now what?”

‘Throw.’ Entered his mind, and he took a deep breath and threw it what seemed like for miles. “Alright … now what?” he gasped when the ground began to shake. “What in the…” he gasped as gigantic crystals burst from the ice, coming together, making what Harry could only describe as a crystal palace.

Once the shaking had stopped he quickly made his way to the structure, into the large entrance way that seemed to bid him welcome. “Hello my son,”

Harry gapped when he looked up at two large crystals. In one crystal there was a dark haired man in a white gown with a black diamond symbol with a curved line through it forming an S. In the other was a bushy haired woman in the same dress. “Who … Who are you?”

“I am Lara Jor-El, your mother,” the woman replied with a trembling voice.

“And I am Jor-El, of the House of El, your father,” the man replied with a ghost of a smile on his lips.

“Who … am I?” Harry asked staring up at the man who claimed to be his birth father.

“You are who you are,” Jor-El replied, “You are Harry James Potter: Adopted Son of James and Lily Potter, Best friend to Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, courter to Ginerva Weasley, Boy Who Lived, and Slayer of Tom Riddle.” He then smiled, “You are also Kal-El, our son, and the sole survivor of the Planet Krypton. A planet doomed to its people’s own foolishness. You have great power, some of which you have yet to discover. You also have many questions … But here … in this … Fortress of Solitude, we will seek these answers… together. So my son … let us speak …”

Five Years Later

Harry opened his eyes; it felt like he was only at the Fortress for hours, but he felt … older. His body felt stronger, lighter, more powerful… He looked down his snow suit was gone. In its place was a blue form fitting suit, a yellow belt across the red tights, and red boots with the symbol of the House of El just under his knees, and draped across his shoulders was a long flowing cape.

He looked down at his chest and saw the same symbol that was on his parents’ chests, but instead of silver and black, it was crimson and gold. “Your chest now proudly shows the two symbols that make you who you are,” Jor-El explained, “the Symbol of the House of El, but in the colors of the House in which you call home, which you call your new family.” Jor-El took a sad expression. “Even though you were raised as one, you are not human. A part of you will always be an outsider of their world. Go my son, live among them; see where your powers are most needed. They’re a good people Kal-El … Harry, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show them the way. For that reason above all else, their capacity of good, I have sent them you … my only son.”

Harry slowly stood to his feet and was about to ask Jor-El what he meant when he heard familiar voices, far away. “HERMIONE!!” he heard Ron’s frantic cry, followed by Hermione, “ROSE!!”

He gave his parents one final look, before taking to the air, leaving the two spirits watching proudly.

---

Present

“I’d like to see this Fortress,” Hermione mused scratching her chin.

“I thought you would,” Harry said with a fond smile. “I have a feeling you’ll be fond of my birth mother, she reminds me a great deal of you.”

“So now what?” Ron asked leaning against McGonagall’s desk.

“Where’s Gin?” Harry asked trying and not succeeding at holding back a goofy grin.

“She’s … um … she at the Burrow …” Ron said awkwardly. “Harry, there’s something you really aught to know …”

“It can wait,” Harry said standing to his feet, unconsciously dodging Hermione reaching for him. “I really want to see her. I’ll be back in a bit and we can talk more.” He said and in a flash he was gone.

“Oh boy …” Ron sighed, glancing at Hermione sadly.

---

Harry smiled brightly as he touched down at the foot of the Burrow drive way. He quickly made his way to the kitchen entrance when he saw the lights still on.

“Mum, I’m home!” Harry said brightly as he entered the door.

“What is all the … oh my goodness …” Molly said as tears filled her eyes. “Harry …” She said staring at the tall young man before her. “Harry is it really you?”

“It’s me. I’ve come home.” He said before Molly pulled him into a tight hug.

“Where have you been! You just up and vanished, why …where … oh Harry I’m so happy you’re home!” Molly cried hugging him tightly.

“Mum what’s …” Ginny asked coming into the kitchen and gapped at the scene. “H-Harry?” she gapped awkwardly.

“Hi Gin…” Harry grinned at the redhead pulling away from Molly.

“What’s going on, Love?” He heard Neville voice as he entered behind Ginny. “Harry?” he gapped at his old friend and unconsciously put an arm around Ginny’s waist.

“Harry … um …” Ginny stammered glancing from Neville to Harry and back again.

“You two need to have a talk,” Neville said with an encouraging smile to the shorter redhead beside him. “Mum, let’s let them have some privacy …”

Molly glanced horrified at Harry for a moment in realization, then gripped Harry’s arm. “You’re still family, Harry,” she whispered desperately, causing Harry’s bad feeling to intensify. “You’ll always be family. Never forget that.”

“Let’s go to the Garden, Harry …” Ginny said weakly leading the confused Harry outside.

“Gin … What’s Neville doing here, what’s going on?” Harry asked in confusion.

“Should you be surprised that a husband lives with his wife?” Ginny asked avoiding eye contact with her childhood flame.

Harry felt his blood run cold. “H-Husband?” he asked his eyes widened.

“Nev and I … we’ll be married two years this December …” Ginny hugged herself and turned away.

“But … what about …” Harry stammered.

“Us? Harry you’ve been gone for five years,” Ginny’s voice shook. “You left without a word to anyone, not even Ron and Hermione knew where you went. You just disappeared. We didn’t even know if you were alive or dead till McGonagall finally said you had ‘matters you had to attend to’ but that didn’t make sense. Hermione and Ron were still here and as lost as I was.”

“I’m still in love with you …” Harry said in a defeated tone.

“No you’re not,” Ginny gave a half laugh half sob, “I’ve thought about this a lot since you’ve been gone. I don’t think you were ever in love with me. You probably didn’t even realize the difference; I didn’t till I really thought about it. You’re in love with the normalcy being with me would bring you, not with me.”

“Does … Does Neville make you happy?” Harry asked tears in the corner of his eyes.

“Sometimes yes,” Ginny said with a fond smile. “Other times he gives me reason to practice my Bat Boogie…but he does make me whole…” she then walked up to Harry from behind and hugged him tightly. “We never really completed each other as much as we tried, you and me, but there’s someone out there who’ll do that for you. It’s just not me.”

“I better be going,” Harry said sadly as Ginny pulled away.

Ginny nodded and started back toward the Burrow when Harry spoke up again. “Hey Gin?”

“Yes, Harry?” She asked turning back to him.

“We did have a good run though, didn’t we?” He asked with a smile.

“Yes, yes we did…” Ginny nodded, before turning and going back into the home, and into her waiting husband’s arms.

---

“Even though you were raised as one, you are not human. A part of you will always be an outsider of their world.”

Harry remembered his words as he hovered high above England his cape floating in the low gravity.

“We never really completed each other as much as we tried, you and me,” Ginny’s words floated through his mind. “But there’s someone out there who’ll do that for you.”

“Is there?” Harry asked out load before he heard a small splashing and a light but familiar humming coming from just outside Hogwarts Castle.

His enhanced vision looked down to see a figure sitting on the dock built out over the lake, her feet dangling in the water, playing with her bushy hair.

“I had a feeling you’d need someone to talk to,” Hermione said not looking back as the blue and red clad man touched down on the wooden pier.

Harry said nothing as he approached her sadly. “So you know about Neville and Ginny now, eh?” Hermione asked kicking her bare feet in the water and watching the Squid move in the distance. “If you hadn’t rushed off faster than a locomotive we could have made that revelation a tad easier on the both of you.” She tutted.

“Locomotives aren’t very fast,” Harry said standing behind his best friend. “I think I clocked in just above a speeding bullet.”

“Cute,” Hermione said as he stood beside her, his cape brushing her back as it waved in the breeze. “By the way have you seen the Quibbler, Superman?” She asked handing the rolled up news paper up to her friend.

“Superman?” Harry said reading the headline “SUPERMAN STOPS BRIDGE DISASTER”. “I like it …” He said with a small smile.

“Why did you leave us?” Hermione asked in a small voice.

“Why?” Harry asked looking up at the moon. “What right did I have to drag you on another foolish, potentially dangerous quest?” He sighed running a hand over his face. “If it wasn’t for me, Hermione you and Ron might have had a completely different experience at Hogwarts. You wouldn’t have had to be concerned with if you’d see the next summer, you and Ron could have been a happy couple as early as you’d have liked. You’d have made the perfect head girl, Hermione, and Ron was well on his way to being Quidditch Captain in sixth year, but it was my fault that didn’t happen. I wasn’t about to drag you into one of my own problems again with the sacrifice of your own lives and happiness.”

“Happiness?” Hermione asked, “Over a year of that time I have no memory of, thanks to my own foolishness.” She pulled her legs from the cool water and stood up to stand beside her friend. “I know you were disappointed in us, Harry. The way Ron and I were acting when you left was no better than Malfoy. But in our minds … my mind I thought why should we hold back? We WON! We survived everything Voldemort threw at us… everything B-B-Bellatrix threw at us … Why should we be concerned about anything but our own enjoyment now that the war was over. It was the time of celebration, of ‘parties’.” She spat the last of her sentence out, looking out at the water. “I know you were aware of Ron and I getting a taste for the drink, but alcohol was only the beginning. We started to go to nightclubs and parties. Wild parties… Looking back it was pure foolishness but at the time it was exciting, invigorating … it wasn’t long before we were lost in a world of drinks… sex … and … drugs…”

“While you were out finding yourself we were losing ourselves.” Hermione let out a bitter laugh that shook Harry to the core. “And then I even started to blame you for it. Where was the Great Harry Potter? Why hadn’t he come to hex us to our senses and save us like he always does? I even thought about hating you for a time… but I was usually partly drunk at the time.” She shook her head. “Then as if we weren’t disgraces to the Wizardry World enough, I became pregnant out of wedlock. Best thing to ever happen to me, it was.”

“What? I thought you and Ron…” Harry gapped, the expression looking remarkably silly in his outfit.

“Thought we were what?” Hermione blinked before starting to giggle, moving on into full on laugh. “Married?! No, Ron and I aren’t even seeing each other anymore. It just never worked out past that, especially with everything going on and with everything we did scrutinized. We’ve let it downgrade into a best friend role, which made people even more angry about us not getting married ‘for little Rose’.”

“You and Rose saved us, Harry …” Hermione sobered quickly. “Rose was the ultimate wake up call … Especially when I had to do a paternity test to determine the father…” Hermione hugged herself. “Ron asked a simple question after I found out I was with child … he asked … what would Harry say if he saw us like this? How would he look at us … COULD he look at us?”

“You should know I’d never…” Harry drifted off feeling ashamed.

“Leave us?” Hermione let out a small snort. “When you did for five years on a whelm and come back like some kind of superhero in tights? You’re better off without us, Harry, everyone took to the air over the last five years, Ginny and Neville, the other Weasleys, Luna, but Ron and I, without you we stumbled and fell. That’s when I realized we’re leaches, the two of us, without you to show us the way, we just stumbled around, falling into every trap … every temptation… and it wasn’t your fault, it was ours… I don’t want to be like that, Harry … And when I think I have a handle on it all … you come back … and save me again.”

“You’re not a Leach, Hermione…” Harry tried to cut off but she wouldn’t hear of it.

“Yes I am, Harry, I was from the moment you and Ron saved me from that damned Troll,” Hermione sobbed loudly. “That’s why we had little fear of drinking back then, after we got out of Hogwarts, we always knew you’d be there to watch over us and keep us safe, and then you left… and instead of being smart we continued to be more and more stupid…” Hermione let out a small laugh, “But when Rose came I had a purpose, I had someone who depended on me as much as Ron and I depended on you. It was quite the eye opener.”

“Hermione … I … I’m sorry …” Harry stammered, unsure how to respond.

“Don’t be sorry, Harry, you’ve never done anything outside be noble and selfless,” Hermione smiled sadly. “If either of us is sorry it’s me. That’s why I’d … I’d like you to give me the opportunity to be your friend again… this time on equal footing.”

“Do you even have to ask?” Harry gave a small smile.

“Only on one condition…” Hermione said stepping to stand directly in front of him. Harry nodded and looked quizzically at her. “Don’t save me all the time or try to protect me from every little personal demon. If I fall, let me pick myself up. All I ask is for you to be there for me, but I don’t want a hero, I want a friend. Ok?”

“Sounds fair to me,” He said holding out his arms, and this time Hermione accepted the hug.

“Good … just next time come as Harry,” Hermione whispered into his chest. “The tights do look good on you, but the Harry I know wears glasses and his knickers under his pants.”

“These aren’t knickers they’re …”

“I don’t wanna know, Harry.”

3. Can You Read My Mind

Chapter 3: Can You Read My Mind

SUPERMAN

By Luna Lovegood

Look up into the skies. That’s no bird, nor plane, nor Auror upon a broom. It’s the strange visitor from the planet Krypton. Faster than a speeding hex, more powerful than raging giant, able defy even the laws of gravity, Superman champions the good of the world in a never-ending battle for Truth and Justice. And this reporter was lucky enough to be granted a face to face interview …

---

Northern California

The small army of fire fighters continued to fall back as the wild fire spread over the hills. They were running out of water and their way out was blocked by flames, which stood too high and wild for rescue choppers to get to them.

“You boys have done a good job,” a voice spoke from above the fire fighters and they looked to see Superman lower himself before them. “Take a breather, I’ll finish this off for you.” He said turning to the fire, taking a deep breath before releasing a breath as strong as a hurricane.

Superman didn’t stop until every last flame in the area was completely out. Once satisfied he turned to the group. “You’ve done very well. Don’t let anyone discourage you. You’re the real heroes, more so than I’ll ever be.” He said before taking to the air, leaving the stunned but thankful emergency crew in his wake.

---

Moments later, Off the coast of Japan

Tourists screamed as their cruise ship began to sink deeper and deeper into the rough waters. “Look, Superman!” a young child yelled pointing upward while his mother held him tight.

People began to lose their fear and gain excitement as the caped hero dove into the water under the sinking ship. A moment later the boat rocked as he lifted it effortlessly out of the water. “Everyone, keep your arms and legs inside the boat at all times during the trip,” Superman called upward as he carried the ship toward the shallow beach.

---

Minutes later, New York City, New York

A group of bank Robbers laughed as they sped away losing their police pursuers. The laughter stopped when driver lost control of the car and the four wheels of their beaten up get away vehicle rose from the ground. “What the Hell’s going on?” The driver cursed as his one in the back glanced out the window to see a cape bellowing under their flying car.

The three men began to panic as their car was sat down just the closest police department. “GET HIM!” One cried out as they drew their hand guns and opened fire on the blue and red suited hero.

They emptied their guns on him while he stood there with his hands on his hips. “Are you finished?” Superman asked with a small smirk.

---

The bell on the door chimed as Harry Potter stepped cautiously into Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. “Quiet morning, Fred?” Harry asked the painting on the wall.

“Business doesn’t start picking up till noon, no self respecting prankster wakes up before eleven.” Fred’s painting winked.

“Of course, is Ron in?” Harry asked as he glanced around the sales floor.

“Ronniekens and my dearest twin are in the back, working on a new product.” Fred nodded toward the door behind the register. A moment later smoke billowed from the back door along with insane laughter in stereo. “Doing hard work indeed.” The painting smiled proudly. “Hm, might be a job for Superman.”

Harry blinked at the painting. “Don’t look so surprised, my fellow heroic second gen Marauder. Your secret is safe. I overheard the conversation as I snuck into a painting at McGonagall’s office. Besides I can think of no other who would have the stones to parade around with their knickers outside their pants.”

“They’re not knickers …” Harry grumbled. Fred chuckled, and Harry just shook his head. He proceeded to the back room and found George and Ron on the ground against the wall before four table legs lying on the floor.

“Everyone ok in here?” Harry asked as he entered in carefully.

George and Ron looked up at him, their red hair standing on end and their faces black. “Never better!” George beamed before climbing up to slap an arm around Harry. “Bloody good to see you again, mate!”

Ron smiled and climbed up to his feet. “Alright if I take a break, George?”

“Sure, it’ll take a while for me to fix the table again.” George nodded as he let go of Harry. “Drop in again soon, Harry, I definitely want to know where you disappeared to all these years!” He said cheerfully before going back to work.

“C’mon, mate,” Ron patted Harry’s back leading to the conjoining break room, casting a silencing charm on as he closed the door. “Thought you may want to talk about your own job in privacy,” Ron said as he sat down in a chair in the break room. “Read the paper, it was a good interview… Though it is odd Luna calling anyone strange.”

“Tell me about it …” Harry rolled his eyes as he sat down.

“So you’re helping both the Wizardry World and the Muggle World?” Ron asked as he flipped through the Quibbler. “You’re everywhere it seems. How are you even having time to be here to talk to me?”

“I let you and Hermione down years ago, Mate, I’m not going to do that again,” Harry said as he smiled sadly.

“Stop it right there,” Ron pointed a finger at him. “Only persons who let me and Hermione down are ourselves. We were the ones who traveled down that road. We likely would have gone that way anyway had you stayed. Hell, we might have brought you down with us.”

“I knew you two were getting a little carried away with all the encouragement and popularity… but I had no idea it got as bad as it was …” Harry sighed.

“The swinger parties were what did us in, guys and girls getting together with alcohol drugs and closing out with sex, lots of sex with everyone … not exactly role model behavior for two war heroes. If it was enough to make Hermione’s parents turn their backs had you not gone down with us, you’d probably not be speaking to us either.” Ron shook his head.

“Wait, what?” Harry blinked.

“Do I have to go over the mechanics of a swinger party with you, Harry? I know you were up with the penguins for a while but … It’s sort of like an organized org-”

“I know what a swinger party is, Weasley, what’s this about Hermione’s parents?” Harry snapped.

“Yeah, well their relationship was already strained thanks to the mind wipe thing … but when Hermione and I went nuts with the “in-crowd”, her parents tried to warn us. I still remember it word for word. This is a road we can’t follow you on. Don’t do this to yourselves…” Ron quoted, before shaking his head. “We told them to get with modern times and that if they didn’t like how we lived our lives they didn’t have to be a part of it. Well mostly Hermione said it… not our shinning moment at all… Anyway neither of Doctors Granger have spoken to either of us since.”

Ron sighed, “After we came to ourselves I had nightmares of us saying that to you and you never coming back… But here you are and almost all is right in the world, all thanks to the Man of Steel, quote Luna Lovegood.” Ron smiled up at his friend before frowning when he saw him looking away. “What is it?”

“I’ve gotta go, Ron, trouble in a Muggle village up north… then … I have a dentist appointment,” He added with a small smile before walking toward the door.

“Drop by again sometime, mate!” Ron waved.

“Don’t worry, I’m always around,” Harry nodded as he took off his glasses and left the room.

---

“Anyone else’s wands working?” An Auror called out as he waved his useless wand at an approaching Mountain Troll.

“Not a hex,” another called out before he was thrown into the air by one of the group of five Mountain Trolls stomping toward the helpless Muggle settlement.

“Let me guess, wave of nausea before your magic all failed right?” Superman asked as he easily caught the thrown Auror.

“Yea, that’s right…how’d you know?” the Auror blinked still dazed as the Man of Steel placed him down on the ground gently.

“I’m picking up a pattern,” Superman said as he eyed the angry rampaging trolls. “I’ll deal with these guys, you all figure out where you can reform a ward to seal them back in.”

Superman glanced up as a Troll roared and charged him with his club. It reared back and swung it. The massive troll stared in confusion when the smaller human caught it with one hand. “Ok, if you can’t play nice then it’s time out for you.”

Superman flew forward catching the Troll in the middle, lifting it off the ground. It roared in surprise as it rocketed back toward the forest where it escaped. A moment later the remaining four were given the same treatment. The Aurors watched in awe as the hero floated back toward them. “Ok, that should slow them down, but I would suggest reforming a ward inside where it broke as quickly as possible.”

“Will do, we still haven’t figured out why in places our magic stops working either.” The lead Auror stated.

“I haven’t an idea either, if I discover anything you or your superiors will be the first to know.” Superman said with a wave as he took to the air.

---

“Dr. Granger, you have a visitor,” Hermione glanced up at her assistant’s voice.

“Who is it, Kathy?” Hermione asked blinking behind her glasses.

“Told me not to say, he’s in your office, Doctor,” she added with a small smile. “Rosie’s keeping him company.”

“I best be getting up there and saving him from her then,” Hermione smiled as she pulled off her glasses and stood from the lab-table and started toward the office area of the Research Dept of the Ministry.

Hermione quickly made her way to the large office some called her second home. She smiled when she heard her daughter’s giggle and leaned against the doorway, finding what she saw completely adorable. She couldn’t fight down the grin as she saw her daughter and Harry Potter sprawled across the floor with a Lego block set between them. “Mummy!” Rose beamed as she caught sight of her mother. Harry smiled sheepishly as he looked up from the floor at her. “Uncle Harry and I are building Hogwarts!” She said pointing to the multi-colored castle between the man and child.

“Are you now?” Hermione asked in mock-amazement, appeasing her daughter. “Though I don’t remember it being so colorful.”

“I know, but my Hogwarts is better, Uncle Harry said so,” Rose beamed at the dark haired man who was across from her.

“The old place could have used some more color,” Harry nodded with a child-like grin.

“I have a feeling you didn’t come all this way to play blocks with my daughter,” Hermione noted as she walked into the office. “What brings you our way, Harry?”

“Maybe I wanted to come and build the bestest castle in the whole wide world,” He said as he pulled Rose off the ground and began tickling her.

Hermione arched an eyebrow. “And what were your plans afterwards then?”

“Oh, was thinking about taking you out for dinner tonight, to catch up you know?” Harry said as he settled Rose to sit on his shoulder.

“And if I had plans?” Hermione asked with a small smile.

“Then you’d change them,” Harry stated matter-of-factly, “Ron’s already agreed to watch Rose tonight, he can never say no to father daughter time; no more than you can ever say no to me.”

“Has anyone ever told you you’re overconfident?” Hermione tried to force down her smile.

“Few times, but I know they’re all wrong about that.” Harry continued to smile that same boyish smile that made her break every rule in the book at Hogwarts.

“Alright then, put Rose down and come with me,” Hermione turned and walked out of the office.

Harry blinked in confusion but did as told. “Where are we going?”

“I’m going to go change my plans.” Hermione stated matter-of-factly, “I was going on my third date with someone, but I was looking for an excuse to cancel without causing any awkwardness in the workplace.”

Harry wasn’t sure what to say to that but continued to follow her as she led him to a lab table. “Hello, Alexander,” Hermione greeted the man seated there. He was a tall slender man with a very confident appearance and a clean shaven face and head. “Alexander, this is Harry Potter, Harry this is Alexander Luthor,” Hermione introduced.

“Friends call me Lex,” Alexander said as he took Harry’s hand, neither he or Hermione noticed Harry color began to pale and sweat beads forming on his brow. “I’ve repeatedly told you to call me that, Hermione,” he said with a flirty smile.

“Alexander,” Hermione said pointedly. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to postpone our date indefinitely.” She said as Lex’s expression went from cocky to confusion.

“I don’t quite understand,” He said trying to regain his composure as Harry’s knees began to weaken, his eyes drawn to the faintly glowing, emerald ring on Alexander’s finger.

“Harry and I, as you know, were close friends back at Hogwarts, and tonight we’re going to get together and catch up.” Hermione stated. “I know we’ve had this planned for a …while but who can say no to THE Harry Potter?”

“I see … perhaps we can reschedule …” Lex said but Hermione had already grabbed Harry’s arm and was dragging him away. “Bye then…” he said seething as he glared at Harry’s back.

“Sorry about using your name card there, Harry, he started out as a nice guy but after two dates I discovered he is truly in love with himself and probably the only person on this planet that could possibly be.” Hermione said with a sheepish smile. “Are you ok?” She asked noticing his pale features.

“Yeah, think I’ve just been a little too active lately or something,” Harry shrugged, “I’m feeling a bit better now though.”

“You sure you’re able for tonight?” Hermione asked with concern.

“Sure I’m sure,” Harry smiled as they arrived back to her office, “I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Perfect, see you then,” Hermione nodded as he continued toward the exit leaving her with her daughter.

“I like him, Mummy,” Rose stated, surprising Hermione by her presence at her side. “He’s fun and really nice.”

“Yeah, sweetheart,” Hermione said picking her up, “I like him too.” She smiled kissing her nose.

---

“This is … nice …” Hermione said as she rode in the passenger seat of Harry’s she guessed you could call it a car.

“As nice as you can get for seventy seven pounds,” Harry smiled over at her. “And keep toward the center of the seat; we don’t want rust getting on your nice dress.”

“You remember you have enough money to buy your own limousine fleet, right?” Hermione asked with a high lifted eyebrow.

“Yeah, I know, but why waste the money when I have other means of transport?” Harry asked, “Besides. I like driving this old classic…” He said patting the steering wheel, which promptly fell off. “Crap…” Harry hissed as he pushed the wheel back into position.

“Oh dear …” Hermione blinked at quick repair job Harry performed. “I’m surprised they didn’t just give this death trap to you…”

“The dealer tried when I said I wanted it,” Harry shrugged. “But I don’t like to just take giveaways.”

They arrived at the French Restaurant Harry had made reservations for and Harry brought the car to a jumpy stop. “And here we are,” Harry said climbing out be careful not to get his suit caught on any of the jagged rusty metal, or to get any rust stains on his person. “Wait right there, Hermione, I’ve got it.” Harry said as he approached the passenger side.

“That’s very gentlemanly of you,” Hermione smiled at her friend as she carefully climbed out of the rusty deathtrap.

“Actually … the passenger side door won’t open from the inside …” Harry said sheepishly as he handed the key to the frightened looking valet and lead the bushy-haired brunette into the restaurant.

“The car’s ok where it’s parked sir,” the valet said with a shiver at the thought of driving the … thing.

Hermione smiled at Harry’s side as the waiter led them to the table. But the smile faded when she saw two familiar faces at the four seated table. She started to turn to leave when Harry grabbed her arm. “Harry …”

“All I ever see of my earth parents are a few pictures Sirius and Lupin left me, and artificial ghosts of my natural parents,” Harry whispered looking intensely into her eyes. “I’d give anything for the chance I’m giving you here.”

The Doctors Granger glanced up as Harry led the trembling Hermione to the table.

“Hermione,” her father said in a cold tone as he and her mother looked at her with mild interest.

Harry helped her sit down but remained standing for a moment. “OK, now that everyone’s here, I’d like to say something up front.” He said using a commanding tone. “Hermione is your daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Granger are your parents, Hermione. I did not set this up so you three can yell or fight. I set this up to rebuild bridges. My parents are dead. And I would give every pound I have inherited to have them back even for a treasured moment. Think about that before saying your first words.” He said having a seat. “Also I must say their lamb is outstanding here.”

They sat in silence looking at the menus for a moment before Mr. Granger spoke up. “Lois and Clark,” he said pushing his glasses up upon his nose as he glanced to Harry.

“Pardon?” Harry asked the older man.

“You referred to us as Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I think it’s only proper for you to refer to us by our first names after all you’ve done for our daughter.” He explained, “I’m Clark and my wife’s name is Lois,” Clark said with a smile.

“Fair enough,” Harry nodded before the waiter returned asked for their order. The group decided what they wanted to eat and the table yet again fell into silence.

“Mum … Dad …” Hermione finally spoke up gaining the attention of her parents and Harry. “About what I said years ago … About what I’ve done … I’m sorry …” she said tearing up, but smiled slightly when Harry reached over and took a hand. “I know I’ve disappointed you … and I’ll definitely understand if you never want to see me again after tonight. I just want you to know that I’m so very sorry and that I do truly love you both dearly …” she finished releasing a deep breath.

Lois and Clark glanced at each other as Harry and Hermione looked to them hopefully. “Do you remember when you were a little girl before you left for Hogwarts, when we’d take you to Sunday School?” Hermione nodded and looked down at her lap shamefully. “Do you remember the story of the young man who went to his father wanting his part of his inheritance?” Hermione nodded again, and squeezed Harry’s hand with enough force to crush anyone else’s. “He went out into the world with his father’s money, leaving his family behind. He probably did things that made your wild years look like you became a nun. But do you remember what his father did when he returned home, asking for forgiveness much like you are not?”

Hermione said nothing but looked up at her father’s blue eyes with hopeful tears running down her cheeks. “He threw a banquet in his son’s honor celebrating his return. So let’s just say that tonight’s dinner will be your banquet on me.” Clark said as he and Lois smiled warmly at their daughter.

“Try not to cry, dear,” Lois chuckled slightly, wiping her own eyes. “I doubt a celebrity like Harry would look well in public with a date with running mascara.”

“What? But we’re not dating,” Harry and Hermione said in perfect unison. “We’re just friends.”

“Right and my husband isn’t an old farm boy,” Lois winked at her husband who flushed slightly.

The tension had lifted instantly from the table and conversation broke out as well as pictures of Rose for the little girl’s grandparents.

“So, Harry,” Lois spoke up during a break in conversation. “I heard from Hermione years ago that you’re quite wealthy, are you going to work or do what we all would love to do and live off the vault your mum and dad left you?”

“After my world trip I actually considered just that,” Harry said after a moment. “But then I talked to a friend of mine, Luna Lovegood, and I found her job really interesting. She helped me get on at the Quibbler actually. I start on a trial basis as a reporter Monday.”

“A reporter?” Hermione asked her interests peaked.

“Yeah, you know I was always sticking my nose in other people’s problems back at Hogwarts, and you always commented on my saving people complex,” Harry shrugged, “This could put it to good use.”

“Just don’t become a male Rita Skeeter and I’ll accept it fine,” Hermione nodded with a pleasant smile.

The rest of the evening went on with Hermione and her parents getting to know one another again after their long absence as well as conversing with Harry. Finally came the time to depart, Hermione’s parents left first as they had to be up earlier to be at their office in the morning. Hermione hugged them goodbye and promised to call them the following day.

“So you ready to head for home, Hermione?” Harry asked as he left the tip on the table.

“Harry, could you … you don’t have to if you don’t want to mind you, but …” Hermione looked away and bit her lower lip. “Could you possibly fly me home?”

“I thought you hated to fly, Hermione,” Harry noted with a small smile as they exited the building.

“It’s not really flying that scares me, it’s falling and those small brooms don’t have much anti-fall protection,” Hermione noted as she walked beside him. “But with you … I know you won’t let me fall.”

Harry glanced to his car and as if reading his mind Hermione added. “You really think anyone’s going to steal that thing?”

Harry smiled sheepishly as he pulled her into the dark alleyway beside the restaurant. “Hold these for me …” He said as he handed her his glasses.

She watched him as he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the S-Shield on his chest and in a spin Superman was standing in her best friend’s place. No, he was still her best friend, still Harry, just another side that he shared more openly with the world. “Ready, m’lady,” Superman said holding out a hand with a gleam in his green eyes.

She took his hand and he pulled her to him. “Hold on tight,” he whispered as they lifted off the ground.

“Like I’m letting you go again?” Hermione whispered as they rose high into the clouds.

Hermione sighed happily as Harry held her tight to his chest and carried them both through the moon-lit sky. She glanced up at his face, exposed without his thick glasses. She could tell by his expression of all the new gifts he gained, flight had to be his favorite.

‘Can you read my mind?’She mused to herself as she studied his features. ‘Do you know what it is that you do to me? I know who you are. You’re still the only friend I know who can hang a star. Here I am, just like I’m back at school … watching out for a god. I'm a fool. Will you look at me? Quivering ... Like a little girl, shivering.’ She thought, as a shiver from the night breeze cut through her dress. Harry without glancing reached around with his cape to wrap her in its warmth. ‘You’ve always seen right through me. Can you read my mind? Can you picture the things I'm thinking of? Wondering why you are ... all the wonderful things you are. You can fly. You belong in the sky. And I ... we could belong to each other. If you need a friend ... I'm the one to fly to. If you need to be loved ... here I am. Read my mind.’

“Here we are …” Harry said bringing her from her thoughts.

“Huh?” Hermione asked as she looked up to see them descending toward her flat.

“Arrived safe and sound,” Harry smiled down at her as he sat her safely on her rear patio.

“I guess having a strange visitor from the Planet Krypton for a best friend is handy,” Hermione joked, still holding on to him with his cape wrapped securely around her shoulders. “Still can’t believe Luna called you a strange visitor …”

“She did … I don’t remember telling her which planet I’m from though …” Harry narrowed his eyes in thought.

“Harry … you gave me my parents back …” Hermione looked down at his chest, absently outlining his symbol with her finger tips.

“I just set the stage, you did all the work there,” Harry smiled, before cupping her cheek in his hand. “One more thing, Hermione... What you said about you and Ron leaching off me? That was completely off base. If anyone was leaching on anyone, it was me leaching off you two. If it wasn’t for you and Ron, I’d be dead many times over. I don’t care what anyone tells you. I don’t care what you might tell yourself. Every time I needed saving I just had to turn to you and Ron. Understand?”

Hermione tried to look away but Harry held her face firmly, yet gently. “I don’t deserve you …” Hermione said trying to look away.

“Well you’ve got me, Hermione,” Harry smiled at her. “I’m not planning on going anywhere else…” He drifted off when Hermione stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth.

“Did … you just kiss me?” Harry blinked as she eased back away from him.

“I believe that qualified as a kiss, yes,” Hermione flushed slightly.

“That makes this a whole lot easier then,” Harry replied with a faint color going to his cheeks, “Would you be willing to go out to eat with me again this weekend?”

“Harry Potter, are you asking me out on a date?” Hermione quirked an eyebrow at the man before her.

“Just to catch up some more, I was gone a while,” Harry smiled.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Hermione teased as he started to hover upward into the air.

“I’ll be giving you a call, Hermione,” He waved as he lifted a fist into the air and began to soar.

“Goodnight, Harry,” She waved, “Thanks for everything …”

A short distance away another pair of eyes watched closely from a rooftop. “Oh my dear Cousin …” she tisked as she tapped the heel of one of her knee high red boots with the toe of the other. “All those types of visions and still can’t see what’s directly in front of you …” she said brushing some dust from her form fitting blue top with the blue and bronze S-Shield symbol on her chest. “I’ll have to see what I can do to help … as always.” She said before taking to the air, her red and bronze trimmed cape flowing behind her.

To Be Continued …