Chapter 2
After the first time his kids were held against their will, Harry created a map similar to the Mauraders Map, however, he tweaked it, so it only showed who he wanted it to namely his kids, Alfred, his employees, and the café regulars of at least 6 months. He was in the process of creating one for Crime Alley Residents and surrounding areas but it was tricky with so many people who were muggle. Gotham's natural magic has been a help.
The best part of this map is it also connects to the rings Harry had commissioned the Goblins to make. It took some haggling, providing the metal, and detailed plans for the Goblins to agree in writing that these rings were not goblin made therefore not goblin own and should stay with the wearer even upon death. The even-upon-death part was integral as at least one of his kids had a part of his death magic attached to him. He had 5 made. He and his kids each wear one. Their health gets updated instantly on the map along with their location, obviously, and a small thought fragment.
He also enchanted all their weapons and gear, even upgrading them to stronger fabrics or creature leathers. He created a wizard space for each of them to store their gear that is warded with the Fidelis ward. He also created a combined space where the map was located as well as a communication center and computer area/office area in the basement of the café. Which once again was warded under Fidelis as well. He didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks when it came to his kids' dangerous lives.
Harry also taught them which potions and salves they could use and the dosage just in case he wasn’t available and told them not to use it on anyone else otherwise the secret could get out and Chaos would happen, and the magic government would step in and wipe everyone’s memory and Harry would have to move, which is why he also stocked up on muggle medic supplies.
**
He felt a pull come from his ring while he had been closing down the café and summoned his Wraith outfit. He had upgraded the cloak to be a deep, dark almost black blood red, enchanted the hood to stay up and obscure his face with a voice modification for an echo-like quality. He wore basilisk pants and a jacket underneath for added protection. His arm guard contained the Gryffindor Sword that he successfully argued for and promised to return to the goblins when he finally laid to rest.
Silently, Wraith appeared near his kids' location and hid behind a wall. So far, no real danger and they seem to be in good physical condition. Peering further around the corner he saw Batman was there.
“You don’t fucking own us,” Red Hood yelled his body in a defensive stance, hand clearly resting near his gun.
“None of our gear comes from you,” Nightwing added sneering his escrima sticks out but down and off.
Wraith knew tonight was going to be difficult for his kids after patrol.
“If you don’t work for me then you are not authorized,” Batman growled his stance defensive as well.
“By what authority,” Wraith’s voice echoed, and he stalked forward and stood in front of his kids as the front line of protection.
“Who are you?” Batman questioned.
“By what authority?” He repeated forcefully.
“This is my city and my rules,” Batman grunted flexing his hands.
“No, it's not,” Wraith countered his stance widening.
“Who are you?” Batman growled.
“Their dad,” echoed around soothing his kids and enraging the Bat.
“You would have killers and unloyal soldiers?” Batman spat out and Red Hood shifted hand resting on his weapon.
“I would have bright and lovable kids,” Wraith returned with a minute tilt of his head.
“They can’t follow orders,” Batman ground out.
“Good. They are leaders and strong-willed,” Wraith praised and felt his sons relax a tiny bit but kept their weapons out.
“Gotham doesn’t need them.”
“No, you didn’t want them, but I do. And Gotham needs them more than ever. Needs their compassion,” Wraith argued and felt other presences hiding in the night around them.
“Gotham needs a strong hand and brought to justice,” Batman stated leaning forward to loom.
Red Hood tensed and Nightwing flinched ever so slightly. Wraith’s blood began to boil waking his magic.
“Gotham needs care and empathy. Needs rules and boundaries. It doesn’t need someone adding to the pain already there,” Wraith snarled as green lightning collected in his hidden hands, his magic making his presence larger and more threatening.
“Red Hood kills people, I haven’t,” Batman refuted not backing down.
“Tell that to the people who died in the hospital rooms,” Nightwing muttered the distaste clear in his tone switching his sticks on.
“Maybe you haven’t at that precise moment, but many died from injuries from the results of your fist,” Wraith remarked willing his magic to calm.
“You don’t deny he is a killer,” Batman pointed out.
“There are some souls so blackened and twisted that even in death they cannot find redemption,” Wraith explained trying to steady his breath.
“It's not Red Hood’s call to make,” Batman shouted taking a step closer.
“Neither is it your call on who gets served justice with your fists,” Wraith countered raising his voice.
“They will stay out of Gotham,” Batman demanded.
“It's our home, too. You can’t take a person’s home,” Nightwing defended stepping forward as well, raising his escrima sticks.
“No. They are free to patrol and do what they want. You have no control over them,” Wraith reiterated tugging Nightwing back behind him.
“I said” Batman began.
“We heard ya and instead of arguing petty ass fights with us you could be out saving people.” Red Hood yelled irritated pointing out to the city.
“Like you did with Felipe?” Batman challenged and several gasps were heard from several directions.
“For the millionth time, I didn’t kill him!” Red Hood roared taking a step forward.
Wraith held out an arm to block him.
“Red Hood killed a man when he was 15. An unarmed man in his home,” Batman stated as if it was gospel truth.
“Where’s your beloved proof? You condemned but never investigated!” Red Hood screamed and Nightwing sheathed his weapons.
“You were there when he died and you had made remarks about him before his death,” Batman provided.
Suddenly Red Hood turned Wraith and pleaded, “I didn’t kill him.”
“I believe you,” Wraith answered pushing his distraught son more firmly behind him.
“Little Wing is innocent, and you should have believed in him!” Dick snarled hugging Red Hood to his chest.
“How can you believe a killer and a disappointment?” Batman sneered.
“I believe them because they are my sons. I trust them and I believe in them. I love them and will support them,” Wraith replied tightly, “The only disappointment is YOU.”
“You are making a mistake trusting those two,” Batman swept his arm out.
“No, the mistake was allowing children near you. You should leave and start treating your current Robin better,” Wraith ordered with a hint of compulsion laced in.
Snarling, Batman fought the compulsion only to finally turn away. However, Wraith was petty and had quietly summoned several small devices off his sons and yelled, “And take your cheap trackers and listening bugs as well.”
Wraith threw about a dozen of them at Batman’s back.
**
While Wraith has ushered his kids back home, havoc was reigning on social media as several people live-streamed the confrontation between the four masked men on a rooftop at the edge of Crime Alley. New debates were happening, sides were being taken, and you were either a Bat or a Red. One plotting Robin who had seen the whole debacle was reassessing his position as Robin. By morning there would be headlines about the clashing Father Titans, and Wraith, the Red Father, had the most support.
**
Back home with Harry and his sons, Harry currently had one Dick Grayson dressed in sweats curled up into his side and one Jason Todd still in costume sans his helmet and guns, pacing and beating up the conjured dummies while his eyes glowed acid green.
Combing his fingers through Dick’s hair, Harry just quietly hummed letting Jason safely burn through his anger.
Jason finally collapsed onto his butt with his back pressed against Harry’s legs and his knees brought up, “I just don’t get him. Why does he have to fucking interfere! We weren’t even doing anything wrong.”
“He likes control and to have it only his way,” Harry explained, “However, it doesn’t justify his actions. He likely never had someone take him to task.”
“Dickie and I have saved more people and brought down more crime rate than he ever did. Shouldn’t he be fucking happy?” Jason yelled, the back of his head hitting Harry’s knee.
“Not if he is using this as a misplaced grief and self-inflicted punishment,” Harry offered combing Jason’s hair.
“Then he shouldn’t be out there,” Jason raged gesturing to the window.
“I know Kiddo,” Harry soothed and leaned forward to place a kiss on his head.
Dick startled Jason when he slumped across Jason’s shoulders for an awkward hug.
“If it helps, by me magically adopting you he has absolutely no say in either of you. And if for some weird reason, he tries to bring you back to life in the public eye Jace, he has no connection because my adoption cancelled it out. Plus, if he tries to demand restitution for caring for you, I have been building a case up against him with my lawyers since he adopted you, Jason. I’ve just been waiting for the go-ahead.”
Both his sons stared at him in disbelief.
“What? I try to plan for all outcomes. Plus, I have a team that has built a back story for you should he try it.”
They continued to stare at him.
“What? I’m protective. You know this,” Harry pointed out, “And you boys have taught me to be more proactive.”
Dick started laughing, “What even is our life?”
Jason grinned, his eyes lighting up, “Can we give our statements and truths as well?”
“Of course, besides we would go to the magic courts since you are my kids, and I am a Lord a few times over on the magic side. They would then swear Batman/Wayne to secrecy, and should he speak of it, he would forfeit his memories or life,” Harry eyeing Dick with concern since he was cry-laughing now.
“Best fucking news all night,” Jason laughed diabolically.