An Ace in the Hole

Chapter Fourteen: Passage of Rite (Part II)

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

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

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

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

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

"Never leave somewhere empty-handed."

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

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

"A name," Mister J breathed. "Harry, you know how I feel about names."

Harry nodded. "I remember. All names have power. Mister J, we believe that this name will give you more power than you can possibly imagine."

"We?"

"Hermione and I talked it over." Harry nodded in her direction. "She's the smartest student here, a devilish dancer, and we both agreed that this name would be the most important name you'll ever hear."

"Okay, my boy!" Mister J clapped his hands together. "You've got me peaked! Whose name do you have for me?"

"Yours."

Mister J's voice dropped to a whispered growl. "Impossible. Nobody knows my name. Not even me."

"Precisely the reason why the Bat never wanted you to enter this castle," Harry explained, clutching the map tighter. "He was afraid that Hogwarts could contain something that might reveal your true identity."

"And does it?" Mister J's voice fell to a soft deadly tone.

Harry smiled. "Yes."

"Mistah J's name," Harley breathed. "But nobody knows that."

Sirius's eyes were glued to the map in Harry's hands. "He knows."

"You're right!" Harry shouted, lifting his gaze to the ceiling. "It's for his ears only. If he wants to share, that's his choice."

"Who's he talking to?" Sirius asked, frowning.

"Why the Watchers, of course," Luna mused, not taking her eyes off Harry.

The gathered group tensed as Harry leaned forward, motioning for Mister J to bend down. Luna tilted her head to one side, as though watching the sun rise. When their heads met, Harry whispered something in his mentor's ear that sounded like—

Mister J fell to one knee, his chin dipping towards the ground. Harry instinctively leaped backwards, crouching into a defensive stance as a blade slipped from his holster into his hand. He watched as his mentor kneeled silently in front of them, one gloved hand massaging the side of his face while the other supported him on the floor.

None dared speak as they watched in eerie silence. Then, laughter filled the Great Hall, bouncing off the walls as Mister J threw his head back. His eyes were bulging, his nostrils flaring and the layer of skin that formed his red lips stretched, ready to split in two as he laughed harder and harder.

Harry watched, like a child on Christmas morning waiting for his presents to arrive. When the laughter finally died down, a dark chuckle filled the air.

"Finally, … I know my name," Mister J whispered, lowering his head; his gaze finding Harry. "More importantly … I remember why I lost it." He rose to his full height, kicking out his cloak and the tails of his coat before taking a seat at the Ravenclaw table. "I remember everything."

"What do you remember, Puddin'?"

"I remember this place." Mister J motioned around the Great Hall. "I remember being here before, and being sent away. You see, the reason that I'm unknown to the world is because I was erased from it."

"How can hearing his name recall his 'lost memories'?" Ivy asked, her arms folded across her chest.

"Memoria Praefundo," Narcissa replied.

Mister J nodded.

"Memoria what?" Ivy retorted.

"Memoria Praefundo," Sirius repeated, staring hard at Mister J. "It's an old curse, used by pureblood families to suppress memories, leaving only a trigger word to bring them back. That way, they could reverse their effects should they choose to. It was a great way to blackmail others into doing what you wanted. The Black family had quite the reputation for concealing the memories of others against their will."

"But why would anyone do that to you, Puddin'?" Harley slowly approached the table where Mister J sat, biting her lower lip as she did. "And what do you mean by being here before?"

"Why?" Mister J retorted, springing up from the table, Harry realizing he still had the blade in his hand as he gripped it harder. "Harley my dear, the answer is simply complex … but I'll do my best to explain just the same."

A smirk broke across Harry's face as his mentor took his best Shakespearean pose.

"I was born the outcast of a wizarding family … and a powerful one at that. A squib they called me! The first of their line, they claimed! Thus, they deemed it best to remove me from society. Locked me away! In my solitude I became obsessed with Muggle magic tricks. I felt that if I could find a way to perform magic, they'd finally accept me.

"Alas, it was not to be. When I showed my card tricks to my mother, she ripped them from my hands and tossed them into the fireplace. I watched as my cards shriveled in the flames." Harry watched Mister J's eyes dance as though they were watching the flames all over again. "That was a mistake …"

"What happened next?" Luna asked, breaking the silence. "After you murdered your mother for being insensitive."

"Ooooh! I like this one!" Mister J roared, his laughter filling the hall. "Well, my dear … when dear old father came home, he was simply beside himself. He vowed to murder me, but others persuaded him to erase me from existence and stuff me in a Muggle asylum. He chose one as far from here as he could. One that understood my condition … And the rest, as they say, is history …"

"Where does this leave us?" Harley asked, placing a cautious hand on Mister J's chest.

"Leave us?" Mister J repeated, grabbing Harley by the wrists and twirling her around in circles. "My memories change nothing between us! Nothing at all! Matter of fact, I'd say we're better. Me, you, Harry, Rover, the spawn of an icicle … we'll all be just one big happy family of freaks!"

Frost's hand shot up, but Sirius closed his hand around hers before she could act.

"Play nice, Chuckles," Sirius warned.

Mister J swept Sirius a low bow. "Forgive me, Lord Black."

"So …" Harry stepped forward, clearing his throat while placing his knife back in his holster "it seems to me that my little gift held more than just a punch line."

"Indeed it did, Harry my boy!" Mister J cackled. "Had you known the value, I'm sure you would have bargained for more!"

"Maybe," Harry conceded "but how does this revelation change the dynamic? Will you return to Gotham or stay in bonny Scotland?"

Mister J threw an arm around him. "Harry, my boy, Gotham shall always be my home! If ever so corrupt, there's no place like Gotham. As for my new memories … I have a sudden new itinerary for this trip. Rover and I now have some house calls to make before we jaunt off to the States."

Sirius narrowed his eyes at Mister J, the smallest trace of a smile curving his face.

"Tell me, Aunt Frost, where did you and the presumed Lord Black meet?" Harry asked as his mentor withdrew his arm.

Frost gave Sirius a nod. "Well, Harry, Frost and I met when Chuckles and your aunts decided to shorten my sentence in Azkaban."

"He's your godfather!" Harley burst out, hopping up and down. "He was your mom and dad's best friend."

Harry's eyebrows traveled up his forehead and out of sight beneath his fringe of hair.

"One of their best friends," Sirius corrected. "I was wrongfully accused when another betrayed us then faked his own death, framing me. Now that I'm out, I plan on committing the crime I was incarcerated for."

A mischievous grin crossed Hermione's face, her eyes dancing as she looked over at Harry. "Definitely your godfather."

"What about my son?" Narcissa blurted out and stepping forward, her wand sparking. "If Harry's staying here now, will I be forced to leave Draco here as well?"

"Draco?" chorused Harry, Hermione, and Luna, their eyes fixated upon the witch.

"Ah yes, I see the family resemblance now," Luna added.

Ivy walked forward, placing a hand on Narcissa's shoulder. "Cissy dear, if you wish to take Draco with us, we will."

Harry had to suppress a shiver. Oh the irony! "Oh but, Mrs. Malfoy—"

"Please Harry," Narcissa interrupted "call me Narcissa."

Harry bowed. "Narcissa, if you were to remove Draco from the school, we would miss him dearly."

"Is he one of your followers?"

"Alas, no," Harry replied, shaking his head and sighing heavily. "He is quite strong-willed and has yet to see things my way. Given time, I know that he'll come around."

"Is he happy here?" Narcissa asked, studying Harry's face.

Harry nodded. "He would miss Hogwarts if he had to leave."

Narcissa sighed, "Very well. He's stubborn like his father anyways. I doubt that he'd leave with us willingly."

Mister J fixed Harry with a knowing stare as he walked slowly over to where Harry stood, placing a hand on each shoulder. The two looked at each other, words passing in silence.

"My little smirk, how you've grown," Mister J sighed. "Finding your freaks. Embracing your smile."

"I have a great mentor."

"Yes … that you do! Now," Mister J's eyes narrowed "learn all that you can, then do what comes naturally. If you're ready to come home before school ends, we'll be back. If not, we'll snatch ya from the train!"

"What are we gonna do while he's in school, Puddin'?"

Mister J looked over at Harley. "You and I have some chores to tend to. Rover, Icy, Ivy, and Cissy can assist if they wish."

"If that means making wizards pay, consider Lord Black at your service," Sirius retorted, bowing his head and flashing a toothy smile.

"I'm gonna miss you, Harry!" Harley burst out, running forward and wrapping her arms around him.

"I'll be back before ya know it, Aunt Harley. Besides," a manic smile covered his face, his eyes electric "you'll be busy!"

Harley turned her attention to Luna and Hermione, Harry's expression mirrored in hers. "I expect you girls to keep him in line. If I know my Harry, it'll take both of ya to do it!" Luna smiled brightly while Hermione reddened. She turned around and grabbed Mister J by the arm. "He has friends!"

"Control yourself, Harley dear," Mister J cooed. "We have things to do … like skin a bat. Back to the tree of whoa!"

Joseph and Ivy sighed deeply as the group left the Great Hall, led by Mister J. Harry noted their reluctance but focused his attention on seeing his mentor off in style.

"Wait a minute!" Mister J shouted, spinning and looking around until he spotted Luna. "Dear girl! Where oh where did you place Mister Filch?"

"In the broom closet, of course," Luna replied dreamily.

"Naturally! Could you fetch him, please?"

Luna skipped off while everyone waited, returning momentarily with a bound from head-to-toe and levitated Argus Filch. The Joker bounced over to the wide-eyed caretaker, tossing an arm around him.

"Argus, old bean! It's been too long!"

Filch's eyes grew wide as saucers. He squirmed harder than ever against his bindings.

"Harry, my boy, we'll be taking Argus here with us if you don't mind. Old friend and all." Mister J's voice dropped to a feral growl. "We've got some catching up to do."

Harry glanced from the old caretaker to his mentor, a smirk splitting his face. "No problem at all. I'm sure that the Headmaster won't miss him too badly while he's gone."

Filch shook his head frantically, desperately trying to say something.

"See," Sirius added, slapping Filch on the back "he doesn't mind at all. Be like a holiday. You'll probably want to keep him bound, my dear. He might be uncontrollable with excitement if you loosed him."

Harry and his family, old and new, headed out of the castle together, a squeaking Filch bobbing along beside them.

~~~ACE~~~

John eased around the edge of Hagrid's hut, evaluating the situation. Bruce and Vic laid on the ground some fifty feet away, bound from head-to-toe. Bruce's eyes were closed and Vic's head laid turned facing the Black Lake. Two masked wizards stood nearby, chatting.

Rising to his feet, John approached the two young men from behind, his footsteps falling silently against the grassy ground. Muttering an incantation under his breath, he reached up and grabbed them by the back of the neck. Immediately, the two wizards stiffened, their arms and legs becoming rigid, their feet rooted to the spot.

Using the two to shield himself from view, he knelt between Bruce and Vic, waving his hands over their faces while muttering another incantation. Bruce's eyes fluttered open.

"Lie still," John whispered. "I'm going to disillusion us, then loose your bindings."

John muttered another incantation, disillusioning the three men.

"Where have you been?" Bruce grunted.

"Waiting until the opportunity was ripe to rescue you," John countered, gripping their bindings and slicing through the ropes. "What good would it have done for all of us to get captured?"

Light began spilling onto the grounds from the castle, and figures could be seen exiting through the open doors. The other wizards standing guard over their fallen professors, including the two on brooms, turned their gaze to the castle.

"If you fellas can move, now's the time," John hissed, tugging the two men to their feet. "Head for the Forbidden Forest."

John could hear Bruce grimacing in pain as they shuffled around the side of Hagrid's hut and past his garden. He reached out, gripping Bruce by the arm to help him as shouts rang out behind them.

~~~ACE~~~

Hermione looked up to see the twins soaring towards them as they exited the castle.

"What news do you bring me, my twins of chaos?" Harry greeted.

"The Muggle heroes …"

"… Have escaped."

"Accio broom!" Hermione watched as Harry's broom soared through the air into her outstretched hand. She immediately tossed it to him.

"You know me so well!" Harry laughed, tossing a leg over his Nimbus 2001. He then shouted, "Crabbe! Goyle! To your brooms!"

Hermione could see the two large Slytherins mounting brooms in the distance.

Harry turned to face them. "Time for Red and Stain to play. Cover the grounds with Archer, Warrior, Healer, and Jericho. Fam … feel free to assist in any way you choose!" He kicked off hard, rising high into the night. "Take to the skies, my lovelies!"

Swiping her face, Red watched as Ace soared out towards the Black Lake, followed by the twins, Crabbe, and Goyle. She then turned to see Ace's Mister J wearing a wide toothy grin.

"What are we waiting for?" Red proclaimed, her smirk reaching her eyes. "Let's go have some fun! The hunt for the Bat is on!"

Mister J laughed. "Good thing we brought along a blood hound! Lord Black, if you'd be so kind?"

Red looked over to see Ace's godfather transform into the bear-like black dog. The large dog snorted, then growled as he bounded off into the grounds.

"Oh good!" Harley giggled, withdrawing her bat. "We get to have an English fox hunt!"

"Follow Rover!" Mister J shouted, running out into the grounds laughing all the way.

Frost sighed, and Ivy clearly muttered, "Men."

"Oh, let's hurry," Stain mused dreamily. "I've never seen a fox hunt."

"Actually … why don't we let the boys play."

Red turned to see Harley walking along side her. "What shall we do then?"

"Let's have some girl time," Harley cooed. "I'd love to hear what my Ace has been up to since he left."

"Can't we have girl time while we chase the Bat?" Stain asked, her eyebrows lifted. "It sounds like fun!"

Frost laughed, forming a long ice shard in her left hand. "Wow … I can see why Ace is drawn to these two. Kindred spirits."

Stain opened her mouth, poised to say something, but fell silent as Ace's magically magnified voice cut through the rustling of the wind.

~~~ACE~~~

Batman pushed through the pain, hopping over large tree roots. The three weaved through the wild forest floor as the sounds of shouting behind them continued to fade. Though they were disillusioned by John's magic, Batman knew that they were far from safe. Ace had proven that his new gang were more than an idol threat. They were dangerous. Suddenly, singing filled the forest. The voice echoed off the trees and the forest floor, ringing in his ears.

'All around the mulberry bush,'

Bang!

Batman felt John shove him to the ground as their portion of the woods lit up as bright as the morning sun, fading quickly back into darkness. He looked up to see several figures on brooms zooming over the treetops.

"He's trying to flush us out," John whispered from his right.

'The monkey chased the weasel.'

Bang!

A burst of red light flooded the area, shaking the trees from their tops to their roots.

"Or bring the whole forest down on top our heads," Batman hissed. "I know how this rhyme ends."

'The monkey thought it was all in fun,'

Bang!

This time, a wave of energy washed over them through the darkness.

John growled. "Shit! We've got to move! Now!"

Batman felt John grab him by his cape, dragging him up. Just as he got his footing, the dirt around them began to swirl, lifting higher into the air like a dust devil. The dust began to cover them, sticking to them like glue. A swooshing sound was their only warning. Fists and boots connected with his head and chest in a furry of speed. The next moment, he found himself back on the ground, staring up at a grinning Ace.

"Pop goes the weasel, Brucy," Ace whispered, his voice no longer magnified.

Batman thought about reaching for his whip, but through the darkness he could make out several wands trained on he and his fallen colleagues. Ace stepped closer before placing a knee on Batman's chest, directly over his insignia.

"Valiant effort, Brucy. I must admit though … you surprised me. Leaving Constantine to hide in the shadows until you needed him just doesn't seem to be your style."

"You let the Joker enter the castle?"

"Ah, yes," Ace cooed. "Your great fear. What did you expect would happen?"

Batman felt a sudden wave of relief. "Where is—"

"Cause nothing exciting happened until I told him his name."

"You did what?" Batman's voice cracked, his brain struggling to comprehend the ramifications of what he had just heard. "Do you know how many lives you just sentenced to death?"

"Ask me if I care," Ace whispered. "Better yet, tell me why I should. Why I should worry whether a bunch of dark witches and wizards meet the bitter end they deserve. You've known his secret for a long time. I don't have to see your eyes to know the truth."

"You know what your Mister J will do," the Question chimed in. "Can't you understand why Batman would want to prevent this?"

Ace leaned towards the Question. "No … actually, I can't. How can you be so determined to rid the world of your brand of injustice, yet not be willing to go all the way? When I set out to do a job, I finish it. That's what I learned from Mister J."

Shouting and a distinct laughter could be heard in the distance, growing closer.

"Before your Mister J arrives, I need to know something, Ace," John interjected.

"By all means, master demon hunter …" Ace cooed, hopping over to stand before the fallen form. "ask away."

"Do you plan on turning your world over to the Joker?"

"It's his world too, Constantine. He didn't choose to leave. They threw him out. Just another freak in the stack." Ace balanced a blade by its tip on his index finger. "They'll try to do the same to me once I've reached the end of my usefulness. Trouble is," He flipped the blade into the air before thrusting it into the ground, less than an inch from John's groin. "by the time they're ready to cut me off, it'll be too late."

John ignored the blade. "Does your usefulness include avenging your parent's death?"

"Mister J grows ever closer," Ace cooed. "Think this is the appropriate time to play fifty questions? Shouldn't your time be better spent running for your life? I mean ... you three aren't in any real position to put up a fight."

Batman looked in the darkness to see the figures lowering their wands. "You're letting us go?"

"Exactly, Brucey. You're a man of honor ... and now ..." Ace laughed "you owe me!"

Ace's wand dropped into his hand from inside his sleeve. He waved it over the fallen heroes and the dirt disappeared, leaving them invisible once again.

"We will greet the hunting party," Ace continued. "You three head for the edge of the forest. We'll be in touch."

John grabbed Bruce by the arm, yanking him to his feet. "Now's not the time to argue. Live to brood another day."

"I agree," the Question interjected. "Time to leave."

Bruce grunted his consent as he watched the young boys, that had so easily downed them, walk calmly towards where his nemesis and companions were growing closer with every passing second. Silently, the three made their way deeper into the dark forest, John navigating them through the thick floor. He wanted to stay close and listen, but knew that the bear-like dog would no doubt pick up on their scent if they did.

~~~ACE~~~

"Well, this is a depressing sight," the Joker quipped, spying the approaching boys through the trees, clutching their brooms.

"The Bat and his supporting act escaped with the help of John Constantine."

Stain tilted her head to one side. "Is that why we never heard you shout, 'Pop goes the weasel'?"

"Alas, dear Stain, tis true."

"No worries, Ace my boy!" the Joker chuckled, as the large black dog transformed back into Harry's godfather. "The Bat is back! Which means, he won't be able to resist meddling in my business."

"Why do you sound so excited?"

"Simple, Lord Black. As long as the Bat remains, so does the promise of seeing him strung up by his cape by the world he fights to protect." The Joker shrugged as a frown covered the heir of the Black house's face. "The small thoughts that invade my dreams."

The group trudged back through the forest and into the grounds. As they made their way past Hagrid's hut and into the moonlight, Ace ignored the glances from Red and Jericho. He'd answer their questions later.

"Well, my boy," the Joker placed a hand on Ace's shoulder "this is where we part ways, for now. Remember to do what comes naturally." His voice dropped to a growl. "Be the freak."

"Always."

Harley rushed forward, discarding her bat, and hugging Ace with all her might. She pulled back and stared at him. "I'm gonna miss you."

Harry waved his hand over his face. "You'll see me soon enough."

"No." the Joker interjected. "Not soon enough." He grabbed the still bound and gagged Filch, throwing an arm around him. "But until then, I'll have old Argus to keep me company while I visit a few old witches and wizards. That should keep me busy. Idle hands and all ..."

Harry's godfather stepped forward, shaking his hand. "I'll keep an eye on him, Harry. I look forward to getting to know you when school ends."

Harry nodded.

"And I'll keep an eye on Rover." Frost wrapped an arm around Sirius's waist.

Harry gave Frost and Ivy a hug before shaking Narcissa's hand. Ivy never had been much for words, but he knew how she felt.

"Come one freak, come all!" the Joker roared, his hand thrust into the air. "We must save this world from the 'normal people'! We have work to do!"

The Joker bowed to the Nine and the Others, giving Hermione and Luna a wink before retreating towards the Whomping Willow. Harry watched as Ivy touched one of its exposed roots, making the tree stand eerily still, and permitting them entrance to the secret passage.

"That we do, Mister J. That we do," Harry breathed. He turned to see Hermione, Luna, the Nine, and the Others staring at him. "Family time is over, my fellow freaks. Let's get our professors and grumpy stumpy up to the castle. We have much to do before morning!"

"Why did you let him go?"

Harry turned to gaze into her dark chocolate orbs, causing Hermione to blush. "Cause you can only eat a dead bat once. Tie a string to a live bat's foot, and it becomes a useful toy."

"Why lie to your mentor? Afraid he might not see it your way?"

Harry turned to face Joseph, but was beaten to the punch by Luna. "Mister J knew that Harry was lying. Harry knew that Mister J knew it too."

Joseph rubbed his face in frustration. "Then why not just tell him?"

"Why play any game?" Harry retorted, spinning on the spot then sliding forward, eyes closed, and pressing a blade to Joseph's throat. "For the fun of it!"

Before Joseph could react, Harry danced away towards the castle, tossing the blade high into the air before being caught in descent by Joseph's outstretched hand. If Harry had spared the Ravenclaw a glance, he would have been unable to ignore the daggers being sent his way.

"Think it's a good idea to taunt Joseph like that?"

Harry glanced over his shoulder at his fellow Gryffindor as he ascended to the steps to the castle doors. "Nev, I believe that it's always good to keep a level footing, no matter how narrow the ledge is. Our resident assassin has his own goals, and he knows what he needs to do to achieve them. Sometimes though, even the consummate professional needs to check his focus."

Hermione bit her lip as she passed through the doorway ahead of him. "To what end?"

"Fear not, my dear Hermione. When the tide changes, we'll hear it coming ... even if we cannot see it. Until then, we ride the wave!"


A/N: Welcome to another update, written by JB and moderated by AA! Hope that you enjoyed. Please be sure to leave a review! I, JB, have been tasked with continuing on while my dad, AA, focuses on his writing and editorial stuff! I'll be updating this, and every other story. Never fear! My dad will be moderating my progress. Thus, any errors belong to him! Seriously though, I'm really excited about moving forward with this story.

Hope that you continue to enjoy as I embark on answering the questions and expanding the stories set forth, along with adding my own new ideas in the future! Thanks again for reading!


Once everyone had settled in for the night, Harry slipped down to the Gryffindor common room. Crouching in front of the fireplace, he peered into the grate. "Fear not, faithful Watchers! For I, Harry Quinn, have returned!" He grabbed one of the pokers, then twirled it between his fingers as a grin split his face. "Let's. Get. Dangerous!"