The Dark Knight Rises

Chapter 2: The Return of The-Boy-Who-Lived

Chapter 2: The Return of The-Boy-Who-Lived

"I believe Master Harry you should see this," said his butler, Richard, amusement clearly slipping into his voice as he handed Harry the newspaper he had been reading.

"Today Marks The Day of The Return of Harry Potter

The Potter Heir is now returning to England after close to a decade being away from the United Kingdom. It is said that the bachelor is now looking to settle..." With an audible sigh Harry dropped the Daily Prophet newspaper on the table, and gazed out the window, as his private jet arrived in the Gatwick airport.

Disembarking from his jet, Harry was escorted to his car and was immediately off to Potter Manor, with the magically enhanced Maybach, in Caithness, Scotland.

The sound of two bullet shots was permanently etched and hard wired into his brain. The sound of shuffling feet as the assailant ran away and he stood there unable to do anything. Unable to save his Uncle Sirius. His nightmares had not changed. They stayed the same. There never was a reason for them to change. The sound of the ambulance and police cars only magnified the guilt. That he was unable to...

"Master Harry, wake up Master Harry," the elderly voice of his butler said gently. Harry felt someone shaking his shoulders. He shot up like a rocket, the sheets around him falling down to his waist, and his head on a direct collision with Richard's. "Sorry Richard! You startled me." Apologetically said Harry as he stood up on the bed checking the man's head. "It's quite alright, Master Harry. I just never seem to learn," declared Richard with a chuckle. Nodding absent-mindedly, Harry walked towards the mural - in the bedroom wall – of his parents and his godfather on the wedding day of his father and mother.

"You must get up," the butler said from his right shoulder. "You have quite the busy day ahead of you today Master Harry. These nocturnal habits of yours must change. You have an appointment with Miss Hermione scheduled for this morning."

"Yes, yes I remember," said Harry as his emerald eyes moved off the mural. "When she gets here, direct her to the duelling room," ordered Harry as he walked to his closet. "Very well, Master Harry, I shall prepare the simulator for you sir, if that is all then I am off to prepare brunch."

"Thank you, Richard," said Harry as he closed the door to the closet and Alfred left. He pulled out some lightweight duelling robes.

Various coloured flashes illuminated the room as the two duellers exchanged spells. No words needed. Only intent having mastered that portion of their education early on.

"Integrum tenebris!" Complete darkness enveloped the room in an instant. Hermione immediately turned to her right and fired a stunner having heard movement.

Crouched and completely part of the darkness, there Harry was waiting for the right moment. Raising his hand, he summoned a pebble but quickly let it fall. Hermione immediately fired and gave up her position. Red light enveloped the room, followed by a thud.

'Rennervate' he thought. "Why do I always lose? I know just as much spells as you," Hermione ranted.

Laughing but quickly shutting up at the glare now being directed at him. "It'll come. Just be patient."

"Why did you decide to come back?"

"I guess it was time. To stop the fear and come back and face my demons. Besides fate has pitted me against Riddle."

Nodding at his reply. She left the room and went to freshen up. 'Probably going to the ministry next.'

"Master Harry?" he snapped his head back only to breathe a sigh of relief at finding Richard there.

"Don't you think it would be wise to tell her the real reason you are here? That you thirst for vengeance?" spitting the last part with a bit of disgust in his voice and continued much more calmly, "Besides, she would be very useful to you. She's quite smart."

"No. She can't know. I forbid you from whispering any part of it to her. Do you understand me?" The anger clear in his voice despite talking in a calm voice.

"Yes, Master Harry."

"Good."

"I will be heading to Marauder Foundation."

"Isn't it too early? Perhaps you could take a few days to yourself. Sightsee?"

Glancing at Richard's hopeful expression, he gestured for him to follow, and walked towards his room.

"I must begin the work if what I have set to achieve is to succeed. This is one of the most important. Besides, they want my Family's legacy to go public. They have another thing coming."

"I understand Master Harry, but can't it wait?"

"No."

Separating at the door the young man entered his room fuming. 'Does he think me a child? This is my parents' work. Not some outside business.'