**Earth Orbit, Justice League Watchtower - Present Day**
The Watchtower hung in geosynchronous orbit like a crystalline fortress, all sharp angles and gleaming surfaces that caught the light of the sun. It was massive—easily the size of a small city—and bristled with technology that made even Oa's structures look primitive by comparison.
Harry stared at it, his helmet's sensors feeding him data about the station's defenses, power signatures, and the sheer amount of energy required to maintain it in orbit.
*Impressive,* the Starheart observed. *Humanity has come far for such a young species.*
"That's where the Justice League operates from?" Harry asked, his modulated voice carrying across their communication channel.
"One of their bases," Hal confirmed. "They've got facilities all over Earth—the Hall of Justice in Washington, the Batcave in Gotham, the Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic. But the Watchtower is their primary headquarters. Command center, meeting space, and the place where they coordinate global threats."
"And we're just flying up to knock on the door?" Luna asked, sounding more curious than concerned.
"More or less," Hal said. "I sent word ahead. They're expecting us. Batman especially wanted to meet Earth's new Lanterns." He paused. "Fair warning: Batman's going to interrogate you. It's not personal—he does it to everyone. He needs to know that you're trustworthy, that you understand the responsibility you're carrying."
"I've been interrogated before," Harry said dryly. "Ministry of Magic, Wizengamot, Umbridge's office. How bad can one man be?"
Carol laughed—sharp and short. "Oh, honey. Batman makes your Ministry look like amateurs. He's going to know everything about you before you finish your first sentence. He's probably already compiled dossiers on all three of you."
"That seems invasive," Gabrielle said, and there was an edge to her voice. "We 'ave done nozing wrong. Why should we submit to interrogation?"
"Because you're wielding cosmic power on a planet that already has enough problems," Hal said bluntly. "Batman's job is to protect Earth from threats—including threats that don't realize they're threats. He needs to assess you, make sure you're stable, make sure you understand the stakes. It's not about trust—it's about due diligence."
"I suppose that's fair," Luna said thoughtfully. "We are rather powerful. And power without accountability is dangerous." She paused. "Is Batman himself powerful? Or is he just very organized?"
"Both," Carol said. "He's human—no powers, no cosmic artifacts, just training and intellect and the most terrifying force of will I've ever encountered outside the Lantern Corps. He's also the most prepared person alive. If there's a scenario he hasn't planned for, it's because it's physically impossible."
"He sounds exhausting," Harry muttered.
"He is," Hal agreed cheerfully. "But he's also the best tactical mind on the planet. If you ever need help with strategy, Batman's your guy. Just... don't expect him to be warm and fuzzy about it."
They approached the Watchtower's main hangar, where a docking port irised open to admit them. Inside, the bay was massive—easily large enough to hold a dozen Javelins (the League's spacecraft, Hal explained) with room to spare.
And waiting in the center of the bay were the Justice League.
Superman stood at the front—tall, confident, the red and blue of his costume somehow both patriotic and universal. His cape hung motionless despite the recycled air, and his expression was warm and welcoming.
Wonder Woman stood beside him, her armor gleaming, her posture that of a warrior princess who had seen a thousand battles and won most of them. She was studying the approaching Lanterns with keen interest.
Batman was there too, and Harry felt an immediate tension settle over the group. The Dark Knight was exactly what his name suggested—dark armor, dark cape, bat symbol on his chest, cowl concealing most of his face except for the sharp jawline and the eyes. Those eyes were the worst part—white lenses that revealed nothing, that seemed to see *everything*.
The Flash stood slightly behind them, vibrating with barely contained energy, grinning like this was the best day ever. Beside him, Martian Manhunter hovered a few inches off the ground, his red eyes thoughtful and ancient.
Green Arrow leaned against a support pillar, arms crossed, looking amused. Zatanna stood near Wonder Woman, her stage magician's outfit as impeccable as ever, though Harry noticed she looked tense.
And in the back, trying to look casual and failing, was a younger hero—maybe seventeen or eighteen, wearing a red and yellow costume with a lightning bolt on the chest. Kid Flash, Harry's ring identified. The Flash's protégé.
"Showtime," Hal muttered. "Everyone follow my lead. Be respectful, answer their questions honestly, and for the love of Oa, don't let Batman get under your skin."
They landed in formation—Hal first, then Carol, then the three newest Lanterns. Harry dismissed his helmet as his feet touched the deck, wanting them to see his face. Luna did the same with her blue mask (when had she learned to make one of those?). Gabrielle's violet domino mask dissolved into sparkles of light.
Superman stepped forward, extending his hand. "Welcome to the Watchtower. Hal, Carol—good to see you. And these must be Earth's newest Lanterns."
"Harry Potter," Harry said, shaking Superman's hand carefully. The Man of Steel's grip was firm but controlled—a deliberate show of restraint from someone who could crush steel. "We've met briefly, at Hogwarts. After the battle."
"I remember," Superman said warmly. "You look different. Three months of training has been good for you."
"Kilowog's been very thorough," Harry said dryly.
"Kilowog usually is." Superman turned to Luna. "Luna Lovegood, I presume? Blue Lantern of Hope?"
"That's me," Luna said serenely, offering her hand. "It's lovely to meet you properly, Superman. Your emotional signature is very calming. Has anyone ever told you that you radiate hope almost as much as a Blue Lantern?"
Superman blinked, caught off guard. "I... no. No one's ever said that before."
"Well, you do," Luna said simply. "It's quite nice. Very inspiring."
Wonder Woman stepped forward, studying each of them in turn. Her gaze lingered on Harry's armor, on the intricate engravings and the way it seemed to shift slightly in the light. "Impressive craftsmanship," she said. "That armor is a construct? Maintained by your will?"
"By my will and the Starheart," Harry confirmed. "It's become permanent—a manifestation of my resolved will to protect others. As long as I maintain that conviction, it exists."
"Then it will exist forever," Diana said with certainty. "I know determination when I see it, Harry Potter. You have the bearing of a warrior who has already chosen his path." She offered her hand. "Diana of Themyscira. It's good to meet you properly."
Her grip was warrior-firm, testing. Harry matched it, and something like approval flickered in Diana's eyes.
"And you must be Gabrielle Delacour," Diana continued, turning to the Star Sapphire. "Carol has sent word about your training. The Zamarons are not easy taskmasters."
"*Non*," Gabrielle agreed, her accent thickening slightly with nervousness. "Zey are... intense. But I learned much. I am grateful for zeir teaching, even if it was sometimes painful."
"The best lessons usually are," Diana said. She studied Gabrielle with the keen eye of someone who had trained warriors for millennia. "You're very young to bear that ring. How are you managing the emotional intensity?"
"With difficulty," Gabrielle admitted honestly. "But I 'ave learned control. I will not let ze ring use me. I use it."
"Good," Diana said. "Remember that. The moment you forget, the moment you let emotion override judgment—that's when Star Sapphires become dangerous."
"I know," Gabrielle said quietly, and Harry noticed her eyes flick toward him for just a second before focusing back on Wonder Woman. "I 'ave been reminded many times."
The Flash zipped forward in a blur of red and yellow, suddenly standing in front of Harry. "Dude! That armor is *sick*! Can you fly in that? Wait, of course you can fly, you flew here. Can you go faster than light? How fast can you go? Do you eat in space or does the ring handle that? What's Oa like? Are there alien Green Lanterns? Of course there are, Hal's told us about them. What's—"
"Barry," Batman's voice cut through the rapid-fire questions like a blade. "Give them space to breathe."
The Flash stepped back, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry. I get excited. New heroes! It's cool!"
"It's fine," Harry said, smiling despite his nerves. The Flash's enthusiasm was infectious. "Oa's amazing. Very geometric. Very organized. And yes, I can fly faster than light—with the ring's help and the right trajectory."
"That's so *cool*," Kid Flash said from the back, and The Flash shot him a look that clearly said *let the adults talk*.
Martian Manhunter floated forward, his red eyes studying each new Lantern with disturbing intensity. Harry felt something brush against his mind—not invasive, just *present*, like someone standing very close without touching.
"Greetings," J'onn said, his voice resonant and somehow sad. "I am J'onn J'onzz. I apologize if my telepathic presence is uncomfortable. I am... naturally sensitive to emotional and mental states. Your rings broadcast quite loudly to those who can hear such things."
"What do you hear?" Luna asked, genuinely curious.
J'onn tilted his head. "From you? Hope. Pure, crystalline hope, like a song that never ends. It's quite beautiful." He turned to Harry. "From you? Determination. Grief. Love for those you've lost. But underneath it all, *will*—absolute, unshakable will. You have decided who you are, Harry Potter. That decision resonates."
He looked at Gabrielle, and something complicated passed across his alien features. "And from you... love. Intense, focused, *aching* love. Directed at—" He paused, glancing between Gabrielle and Harry. "—I see. That is... complicated."
Gabrielle's face flushed violet. "My emotions are my own, Martian. Please do not analyze zem in public."
"My apologies," J'onn said gently. "I meant no disrespect. I only note that such intensity of feeling, combined with a power ring, creates a volatile mixture. I hope you have learned control."
"I 'ave," Gabrielle said stiffly.
Harry looked between them, confused. What had J'onn sensed? And why did it involve him?
Before he could ask, Batman stepped forward, and the entire dynamic in the room shifted. Everyone—even Superman—seemed to unconsciously straighten, giving the Dark Knight their full attention.
"Harry Potter," Batman said, his voice gravelly and somehow more intimidating without the theatrics. "Luna Lovegood. Gabrielle Delacour. Welcome to the Watchtower. I'm Batman."
"We know who you are," Harry said, meeting those white lenses steadily. He'd faced down Voldemort. He could handle one man in a bat costume, no matter how intimidating.
Something that might have been approval flickered across Batman's jawline—the only part of his face Harry could read. "Good. Then you know I'm going to ask you questions. Some of them will be uncomfortable. Some may seem invasive. But I need to assess whether you're assets or liabilities."
"We just saved our world from a dark lord," Harry said, his voice hardening. "We've earned the right to—"
"You've earned the right to wield power," Batman interrupted. "Not the right to be trusted implicitly. Trust is earned through actions, not past victories. And power without accountability is the single greatest threat to any civilization."
"So you want to interrogate us to make sure we're not going to abuse our power," Luna said calmly. "That makes sense. Hope requires trust, but trust requires verification."
Batman's attention swiveled to her. "You understand."
"Of course," Luna said. "You're afraid. Not of us specifically—of what we represent. Three teenagers with power that could reshape reality, operating without oversight. You've probably already compiled profiles on us, analyzed our psychological states, calculated a dozen different scenarios where we become threats. You want to know if you'll need to stop us someday."
The silence in the hangar was profound.
"That's remarkably perceptive," Batman said finally.
"Blue Lanterns can sense emotions," Luna explained. "Including fear. And Batman, you're *terrified* of what might happen if we go wrong. It's not paranoia—it's reasonable caution. We appreciate it."
Batman studied her for a long moment. Then he nodded, once. "You'll do. Potter?"
Harry took a breath. "I understand why you need to do this. I don't like it—I've spent my whole life being judged and questioned and told I might be dangerous. But I get it. You're protecting Earth. We're unknowns with planet-cracking power. So ask your questions. We'll answer honestly."
"And you?" Batman turned to Gabrielle.
Gabrielle met his gaze—or tried to, since the white lenses revealed nothing. "I will answer your questions, Monsieur Batman. But I will not tolerate disrespect. I 'ave been trained by ancient beings who 'ave existed for billions of years. I 'ave faced my own darkness and learned to master it. I am not a child to be—'ow do you say—*grilled* like a criminal."
"You're sixteen years old," Batman said flatly. "You're wielding a power source that has corrupted dozens of adults. The Star Sapphire Corps has the highest rate of instability of any Lantern faction. And you're doing all this while experiencing what I'm told is an extremely intense Veela mate-bond." He paused. "That makes you a liability until proven otherwise."
Gabrielle's eyes flashed violet. "And 'ow do you know about ze mate-bond?"
"Because I'm Batman," he said. "I know everything relevant to Earth's security. Including the fact that your Veela biology has identified Harry Potter as your mate, that you've spent three months training specifically to control your obsessive response to that bond, and that you're currently struggling with being in the same room as him without acting on instincts that tell you to claim him."
The hangar went dead silent.
Harry's head whipped toward Gabrielle. "*What*?"
Gabrielle's face had gone from violet-flushed to pale. "Batman, you 'ad no right—"
"I have every right," Batman said coldly. "You're a Star Sapphire operating on Earth with a massive emotional conflict that could compromise your judgment. Potter deserves to know what he's walking into. As does the League."
"You bastard," Carol hissed, stepping forward. "That was her information to share. Her *choice*. You just—"
"I just informed everyone of a relevant security risk," Batman interrupted. "Star Sapphires with obsessive attachments have historically caused significant collateral damage. The League needs to know. Potter needs to know. And frankly, Delacour, if you were planning to work alongside Potter while hiding this information, that's exactly the kind of judgment failure that proves you're not ready for this responsibility."
Gabrielle looked like she'd been slapped. "I was not *'iding* it. I was waiting for ze right time. I—"
She stopped, seemed to struggle with herself, then turned to Harry. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, and Harry felt something twist in his chest at the sight.
"'Arry," Gabrielle said, her voice shaking. "I am sorry. I should 'ave told you before. But I did not know 'ow. I did not want you to—" She took a shaky breath. "When Veela mature, zey identify a mate. It is biological, instinctual, beyond conscious control. And when I completed my maturity, three months ago, my Veela senses identified *you*. You are—'ow do I say—you are my mate. Ze person my biology says is perfect for me. Ze person I am meant to bond wiz."
Harry stared at her, his mind racing. "I'm your—what? Gabrielle, I barely know you. You were just a kid at your sister's wedding. How can I be your *mate*?"
"I do not know," Gabrielle said, and tears were falling now. "I did not choose zis, 'Arry. It simply *is*. My Veela senses are certain. And ze mate-bond—it is agony when we are apart. I 'ave spent three months training wiz ze Zamarons specifically to learn 'ow to control zis. To not let it consume me. To not—" Her voice broke. "—to not force you into somezing you did not choose."
"The Star Sapphire ring found her because her love was intense enough to power it," Carol said quietly. "The Zamarons don't usually choose humans this young. But Gabrielle's bond with you—her love for you, even though you don't reciprocate—was strong enough to qualify. And she's spent three months learning to *not* act on that bond. To respect your autonomy. To give you the choice she doesn't have."
Harry felt like the floor had disappeared beneath him. "I don't—I can't—Gabrielle, I don't know what to say."
"You do not 'ave to say anyzing," Gabrielle said, wiping at her eyes furiously. "I do not expect you to feel ze same. I know zat ze mate-bond is *my* burden, not yours. I will not—I will never try to make you love me. I will never use my ring to manipulate your emotions or force a connection zat does not exist. I swear zis, 'Arry. On my magic, on my 'onor, on everyzing I am."
"But you're still in love with me," Harry said, feeling like he was drowning. "You're in love with someone you barely know because your biology says you're supposed to be."
"*Oui*," Gabrielle whispered. "And it is 'orrible. I see you, and every instinct I 'ave screams to touch you, to be near you, to—" She shook her head violently. "But I will not. Because zat is not real love. Real love is choice. Real love is wanting someone's 'appiness even if it means zey choose someone else. Ze Zamarons taught me zis. Carol taught me zis. And I will not dishonor zeir teaching by becoming somezing terrible."
Harry looked at Carol. "Is she—will she be okay? Working with me? Being around me?"
"I don't know," Carol said honestly. "It's going to be hard for her. Really hard. But she's got more control than any Star Sapphire I've seen at her age. And Batman—" She shot the Dark Knight a glare. "—is right that you deserved to know. Even if he was a complete asshole about how he told you."
"Information without tact is still information," Batman said without apology. He looked at Gabrielle. "Can you work alongside Potter without your bond compromising your judgment?"
"Yes," Gabrielle said, her voice steadying even as tears still fell. "I 'ave been trained for zis. I can 'andle it."
"Prove it," Batman said. "Right now. Create a construct. Show me you can use your ring for something other than obsessing over Potter."
Gabrielle's hand clenched, violet light flaring. For a moment, Harry thought she might actually attack Batman. Then she raised her hand and created—
A rose.
Perfect, intricate, made entirely of violet light. It spun slowly in the air, beautiful and delicate and so achingly lonely that Harry felt his throat tighten just looking at it.
"I can create beauty," Gabrielle said softly. "I can channel love into protection, into healing, into connection between beings who 'ave forgotten 'ow to connect. I am more zan my pain, Monsieur Batman. And I will prove it to you. To everyone."
The rose dissolved into sparkles of light, and Gabrielle stood there in her Star Sapphire uniform, shoulders back, eyes bright with tears but her jaw set with determination.
Batman studied her for a long moment. Then he nodded, once. "Acceptable. For now." He turned to Harry. "Potter. How do you feel about working with someone who's biologically compelled to want a relationship with you?"
Harry looked at Gabrielle—really looked at her. At the girl who'd spent three months learning to control an obsessive bond she'd never asked for. Who was standing here, vulnerable and exposed, because Batman had forced her secret into the open. Who was promising not to force him into anything despite what her biology was screaming at her to do.
"I think," Harry said slowly, "that Gabrielle's spent three months training specifically to make sure she *doesn't* act on her feelings. That takes incredible strength. And I think—" He met Batman's lenses steadily. "—that if she says she can work with me professionally, then I believe her. She's earned that trust."
"Thank you," Gabrielle whispered.
"But," Harry continued, looking back at her, "we need to talk. Later. Privately. Because this is a lot to process, and I need to understand what this mate-bond thing actually means. For both of us."
"*Oui*," Gabrielle agreed. "We will talk. I will explain everyzing."
Batman nodded. "Acceptable." He turned to Superman. "They'll need monitoring. Regular psychological evaluations. And contingency plans in case any of them lose control."
"Contingency plans?" Harry repeated, his voice hardening. "You mean plans to stop us if we go rogue."
"Yes," Batman said bluntly. "I have contingency plans for every member of the Justice League, including Superman. Having them for Earth's Lanterns is just due diligence."
"That's paranoid," Harry said.
"That's *necessary*," Batman countered. "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. And all three of you have enough power to level cities if you lose control. I'd be negligent if I didn't prepare for that possibility."
"He's right," Superman said quietly. When everyone turned to look at him, he continued: "Batman has a plan to stop me if I ever go rogue. Kryptonite weapons, red sun radiation, several other methods I won't detail because Batman would kill me for revealing operational security." He smiled slightly. "It's uncomfortable knowing someone's prepared to kill you if necessary. But it's also reassuring—knowing that if something happens, if I'm mind-controlled or corrupted or just make terrible choices, someone's ready to stop me before I hurt innocent people."
"The plans are a safeguard," Diana added. "Not an insult. Batman has contingencies for all of us because he respects how dangerous we are. It's actually a sign of trust—he trusts us to understand why the plans are necessary."
Harry looked at Luna and Gabrielle. Luna was nodding thoughtfully, her blue light pulsing. "That makes sense. Hope is beautiful, but it's not naive. Having backup plans is wise."
Gabrielle's expression was more complicated. "And if we refuse? If we say we will not submit to being—'ow do you say—*profiled* like criminals?"
"Then you're not authorized to operate as heroes on Earth," Batman said flatly. "You keep your rings—we can't take them from you. But you don't get Justice League support, you don't get access to our resources, and if you cause problems, we respond as we would to any threat."
"That seems harsh," Gabrielle said.
"That's reality," Batman said. "You want to be heroes? To protect Earth? Then you accept accountability. Or you leave."
The hangar was silent for a long moment.
Then Harry sighed. "Fine. We'll do it your way. Psychological evaluations, contingency plans, all of it. But Batman?" He stepped closer, and the Starheart flared on his finger. "If you ever use those contingency plans unnecessarily, if you attack us based on paranoia rather than genuine threat—I'll know. And I'll respond accordingly."
"Noted," Batman said, completely unfazed by the threat. "Superman will oversee your evaluations. He's good at seeing the best in people while still remaining objective. You'll check in weekly for the first month, then monthly after that if everything's stable."
"I can do that," Superman said. "And for what it's worth—" He looked at all three of them. "—I don't think you're going to be problems. I've met genuinely dangerous people. You're not them. You're kids who were given power and are trying to do the right thing. That's exactly what the world needs."
"Thank you," Harry said quietly.
"Now," Diana said, clearly trying to move past the tension, "let's discuss logistics. You're based on Earth. You'll need to coordinate with local authorities—both magical and mundane. You'll need communication protocols, emergency procedures, and territorial agreements. Who covers what region?"
"I'm focused on Britain," Harry said immediately. "That's home. That's where my friends are, where the magical community needs the most help right now."
"I will take France," Gabrielle said. "It is where I was raised. Where I know ze culture, ze language, ze people."
"And I'm flexible," Luna said. "Blue Lanterns are meant to go where hope is needed most. So I'll coordinate with both of you, provide support, and fill in wherever there are gaps."
"That works," Hal said. "Green for combat and leadership, Violet for emotional support and crowd control, Blue for morale and synergy. You're a balanced team."
"We'll need to inform the Statute of Secrecy authorities," Zatanna said, speaking for the first time. "The International Confederation of Wizards is going to have *opinions* about cosmic superheroes operating in the magical world."
"They can have all the opinions they want," Harry said flatly. "The Statute is already barely holding together after the war. And honestly? Maybe it's time for wizards to join the wider world. We've been hiding for centuries. Maybe that's done more harm than good."
"That's a conversation for another day," Superman said diplomatically. "For now, let's focus on integration. You'll work with the League on major threats, coordinate through our communication network, and maintain your autonomy in your assigned regions. Sound good?"
"Sounds good," Harry agreed.
"Then welcome to the team," Superman said, extending his hand again. "Officially."
Harry shook it, then Luna, then Gabrielle. The other League members came forward, offering congratulations, asking questions, slowly relaxing the tension that Batman's interrogation had created.
But as the conversation flowed, Harry kept glancing at Gabrielle. She was smiling, answering questions, being professional. But he could see the strain around her eyes, the way her hands kept clenching and unclenching, the way she was carefully maintaining distance from him.
She was in love with him. Biologically compelled to bond with him. And she was fighting it every second because she'd been taught that real love meant choice.
*This is going to be complicated,* the Starheart observed.
*You think?* Harry thought back. *I've got a Veela mate who I barely know, who's fighting her own biology to respect my autonomy. How am I supposed to handle that?*
*Honestly,* the Starheart said. *Talk to her. Understand what she's going through. And then decide—not whether you owe her anything, because you don't. But whether you want to give her the chance to be your friend, regardless of the mate-bond.*
*I barely know her,* Harry protested.
*Then get to know her,* the Starheart said simply. *She's a fellow Lantern. A fellow warrior. A person who's suffering because of circumstances beyond her control. You've always helped people who were suffering, Harry Potter. Why would this be different?*
*Because it's complicated,* Harry thought. *Because there's feelings involved. Because what if—*
*What if you give her a chance and she turns out to be someone worth knowing?* the Starheart finished. *What if the universe put you together not just because of a mate-bond, but because you're both people who needed to find each other?*
Harry didn't have an answer for that.
Across the hangar, Gabrielle caught him looking at her. Their eyes met, and for just a second, her careful control slipped. He saw the longing there, the ache, the desperate hope that he might—what? Love her back? Accept the bond? At least not hate her for something she couldn't control?
Then her expression smoothed, professional mask sliding back into place, and she turned to answer something Wonder Woman was asking.
*This is going to be really complicated,* Harry thought.
*Yes,* the Starheart agreed. *But when has your life ever been simple?*
Fair point.
Batman appeared at Harry's elbow—silent, sudden, terrifying in his ability to move without being noticed. "Potter. A word."
Harry followed him to a quieter corner of the hangar, away from the others. Up close, Batman was even more intimidating—the armor was clearly high-tech, the cape lined with something that probably had tactical applications, and those white lenses gave absolutely nothing away.
"You handled that well," Batman said. "The mate-bond revelation. Delacour was bracing for you to react badly."
"How did you expect me to react?" Harry asked.
"Anger. Rejection. Possibly threatening her to stay away from you." Batman's tone was clinical, analytical. "Instead, you chose to believe her when she said she could control it. That's either admirable restraint or dangerous naivety."
"It's giving someone the benefit of the doubt," Harry said. "Gabrielle didn't ask for this. She didn't choose to have her biology hijack her emotions. And she's spent three months training specifically to not act on it. That deserves respect, not punishment."
"Agreed," Batman said, surprising him. "But you need to understand something, Potter. Veela mate-bonds are powerful. They don't go away. They can be managed, controlled, but the pull will always be there. Delacour is going to struggle with this for the rest of her life, or until you either accept the bond or she finds a way to break it."
"Can it be broken?" Harry asked.
"Unknown. Veela biology is poorly studied in the magical community—they're secretive about their nature. But based on what records exist, mate-bonds are typically permanent." Batman paused. "Which means you need to decide how you're going to handle this. Avoidance isn't sustainable if you're working together. Cruelty would damage her and compromise the team. So figure out what you want, then communicate it clearly."
"I don't know what I want," Harry admitted. "I just found out my childhood friend's little sister is biologically in love with me and can't turn it off. That's a lot to process."
"Then process it quickly," Batman said. "Because if Delacour loses control, if the mate-bond overrides her training, she could hurt people. Star Sapphires can mind-control through emotional manipulation. She could make you love her without meaning to, acting on instinct. That's a risk I need you to be aware of."
"She won't," Harry said firmly. "I saw her face, Batman. I saw how hard she was fighting to maintain control. She's not going to slip."
"People slip," Batman said flatly. "No matter how strong their resolve. It's not a question of if—it's a question of when, and whether you're prepared to stop her if necessary."
"If she loses control and tries to mind-control me, I'll stop her," Harry said. "The Starheart has defenses against emotional manipulation. But I don't think it's going to come to that."
"For your sake, and hers, I hope you're right." Batman studied him for a moment. "You're more mature than I expected. Most eighteen-year-olds would be panicking right now."
"I spent seven years fighting a genocidal dark lord," Harry said dryly. "I've had a lot of practice with 'more than I can handle.' This is just one more thing."
"Don't underestimate the complexity of emotions," Batman said. "They're often more dangerous than physical threats. You can fight a villain. You can't punch your way out of a complicated relationship."
"Thanks for the advice," Harry said, not entirely sarcastically. "Anything else I should know?"
"Yes." Batman pulled out what looked like a small communicator—sleek, black, clearly advanced technology. "This is a direct line to the Watchtower. If you need League support, if something goes wrong, if any of you start losing control—use it. We'll respond immediately."
Harry took the device, tucking it into one of his armor's compartments. "You're really worried we're going to turn evil, aren't you?"
"I'm worried about every powerful being on Earth," Batman said. "It's my job. But Potter?" He paused. "I've read your file. Everything you've done, every choice you've made—you've consistently chosen to sacrifice yourself rather than let others get hurt. That's admirable. But it's also a weakness. Don't let your martyr complex make you stupid."
"I'll try not to," Harry said.
"See that you don't." Batman turned to leave, then paused. "One more thing. The girl—Delacour. She's not just fighting the mate-bond. She's also fighting her age, her inexperience, and the fact that she's wielding power that has corrupted dozens of adults. Keep an eye on her. Not because you owe her anything, but because she's your teammate. And teammates watch each other's backs."
"I will," Harry promised.
Batman nodded once, then disappeared back into the shadows like he'd never been there.
*Well,* the Starheart said, *that was terrifying.*
*Yeah,* Harry agreed. *But also... helpful? I think?*
*Batman cares. He just has a very strange way of showing it.*
---
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I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!
If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord (HHHwRsB6wd) server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!
Can't wait to see you there!