Chapter 16:

Harry woke aching all over. It was as if he had spent all of yesterday doing parkour, unsuccessfully, around Gotham. Every muscle in his body was sore including muscles he hadn't even realized he had.

His memories slammed into him all at once.

Thorfinn Rowle attacking him, his dad saving him, and finding out his dad was actually Batman.

Harry thought he would know how to feel about it all once his head was a bit clearer. But he didn't.

His dad was Batman, and he'd kept it from him for over a year. Harry's hands clenched.

There was a gentle knock on his door.

"Come in," Harry called tentatively.

He was fairly certain it wasn't his dad knocking. His dad didn't typically knock so softly. Harry was pleased to be proven right when Alfred stepped in carrying a breakfast tray. He was relieved to see it was the butler and not his dad.

"How are you feeling, Master Harry?" Alfred asked as he set the tray down in front of Harry.

"I'm doing all right," Harry replied. For the most part he was physically okay just sore. Mentally? That was a different story.

"Good, here is some more ibuprofen," the butler shoved the small pills into his hand, not giving Harry the chance to refuse them.

Alfred was far too observant for his own good.

Harry gratefully swallowed the pills with the help of some freshly squeezed orange juice. "What happened to the wizard?"

"Your father and Mr. Zatara took him to the wizarding police, Aurors I believed Mr. Zatara called them," Alfred went about straightening out the tray and adjusting the dishes even though they were already in perfect order.

"Did you know?"

"Know what, Master Harry? I know a great many things seeing as I am rather old."

"Did you know about dad?" Alfred had to know the truth. Alfred knew everything that went on in Wayne Manor.

"Yes, I did, Master Harry."

"Dick is Robin, right?" Harry was certain he knew the answer but he just wanted to hear someone else confirm it.

"He is," Alfred nodded.

"When can I talk to my dad?" Harry just wanted to get the impending conversation over with.

"Master Bruce has been waiting for you to wake up. I will go and fetch him. I am glad you are all right, Master Harry," the butler paused in the doorway, a gentle smile on his face.

"Thank you, Alfred," Harry forced himself to smile back.

The older gentleman nodded, and then he was gone. Harry was left to wait for his dad. The wait was agonizing. He picked at the nice breakfast Alfred made for him. He wasn't all that hungry. His stomach was too twisted in knots for food.

It felt like an eternity before there was another knock on his door. This one was a bit firmer.

"Come in," Harry shifted up straighter as the door swung open.

Bruce Wayne walked in. The man looked exactly the same as he had for the past year Harry had known him. But it still felt different. The tall, dark haired man wasn't just his dad anymore. He was Batman the vigilante feared around the world by criminals and villains.

Harry watched him warily as he crossed the room and pulled a chair up to Harry's beside. The man walked differently now. His footsteps were silent as he strode across the floor. His dad wasn't hiding who he was anymore.

Once Bruce (or was it Batman?) was settled the two of them sat staring at one another just like they had the night before. Harry still had no idea what to say.

"I was planning to tell you the truth this weekend," his dad finally broke the silence.

"Right," Harry nodded. He could sense the truth of his dad's words. "But it's a little too late for that, huh?"

"So it is."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You know why," his dad answered calmly.

"You don't trust me," Harry murmured.

"I didn'ttrust you," the dark haired man corrected.

"So when did you start to trust me?" Harry pressed.

"I knew I could trust you at New Years. You stepped in to protect Dick when he was Robin despite the rivalry the two of you shared as your alter egos. You were willing to save the life of someone you hated. I knew you would protect our identities," his dad stared directly into Harry's emerald eyes.

Harry couldn't look away.

"Then why did you wait so long to actually tell me?" Harry could understand why his dad wouldn't just reveal such a secret right away but why not afterwards when the billionaire knew Harry could be trusted? Why leave him in the dark for so long?

"I didn't want to ruin the relationship we had developed. I didn't want you to look at me the way you are right now."

"So you just kept lying to me even after you knew you could trust me? Why? It's not exactly a great foundation to build a relationship on a lie," Harry muttered.

"Should I have told you during your little rampage through Gotham earlier this summer?" his dad tilted his head.

"Little? I don't think it was little," Harry grumbled in offence.

His dad sent him a meaningful look.

Harry scowled. "Right, I see your point. So what happens now? I mean before I knew who you really were I figured you couldn't be too happy about my extracurricular activities. But now? You're Batman. What do you want from me?"

Knowing his dad was Batman made Harry question everything about their relationship. Had his dad only taken him in as some attempt at reforming him? Did Batman really care about him? Could he?

"I don't want anything from you, Harry. You're my son. I just want you to be happy and safe," his dad insisted.

"Right and Batman must be so proud to have a son who's a villain," Harry muttered.

"You don't have to be a villain, Harry. And even though I don't like your choice in 'extracurricular activities' you're still my son, and I am proud of you, Harry. You are intelligent and caring, strong and resourceful. But you could do so much more if you stopped being Deadly Nightshade," his father's pale blue eyes pinned him with all the intensity of Batman's glare.

There could be no doubt about just who his dad really was. Harry was rather angry with himself for not seeing it sooner. His dad really was a good actor. He fooled the entire world after all. No one would guess silly and stupid Bruce Wayne was the great detective, founding member of the Justice League Batman.

"And do what? Be a hero? Join Dick as your little sidekick?" the thought that Dick had also been keeping this a secret from him all this time was another betrayal. Dick was his first friend and Harry considered him his best friend. It hurt to know he'd lied to him too.

But right now he had to focus on his dad. He'd deal with his feelings about Dick later.

Harry was hurt and he was taking it out on his dad.

"He wanted to tell you," the dark haired man informed him.

"Right, sure," Harry muttered. It was hard to reconcile his best friend Dick with the masked hero Robin he disliked.

"He really did even before New Years, and on New Years he even tried to tell you," his dad insisted. "I was the one who stopped him."

Harry's mind drifted to New Years. Dick had tried to tell him something. But Bruce had cut him off. It did make Harry feel a little better knowing Dick had wanted to tell him, and had even tried to do so.

"So what happens if I don't want to stop being Deadly Nightshade?" Harry challenged.

"I hope to convince you otherwise," his dad's expression was hard as stone.

Harry was getting flashbacks to his confrontation with Batman on the rooftop so long ago.

"And if I won't be convinced?" Harry's own features hardened.

The thought of fighting Batman was suddenly a lot more painful now that Harry knew the face behind the cowl. Harry couldn't deny that he still loved his dad despite this new revelation. Emotions a year in the making couldn't just be cut at a moment's notice.

"I sincerely hope it won't come to that."

"I believe you. But I won't stop using my abilities."

"I'm not asking you to stop using your abilities. I know they're a part of you so I would never ask that of you. But there are other ways you can use your abilities. Harry, you don't have to go down the same path Ivy has chosen," his dad leaned closer, eyes bright, intense.

"What's wrong with Mom's path? She's only doing what's best for plant life," Harry insisted.

"And what about all the people she's hurt along the way?"

Harry flinched. "She doesn't hurt people intentionally."

"Anymore."

"Right, anymore…" Harry had tried to forget that particular fact about his mom. Logically he knew there had been casualties.

"If you continue on like this it will only be a matter of time before you seriously hurt someone or even kill them whether you mean to or not. Your mother is willing to accept those consequences. Are you?" his dad pointed out.

The thought didn't sit well with Harry. But what was the alternative? He couldn't give up being Deadly Nightshade. The rush he had experienced with Gladys earlier this summer was still very prevalent in his memory.

"Are you trying to turn me against her?" Harry whispered.

"No, I'm not. I'm very aware of just how much Ivy loves you, and how much you love her. Why do you think I haven't tried to keep you from her?"

Harry froze. He had never so much as considered the possibility that his dad might be capable of such a thing. But that was before he really knew who his dad was. Batman would have a lot more resources for keeping Harry from his mom than just regular, old Bruce Wayne. Legally Bruce Wayne could have gotten full custody of Harry over Poison Ivy but a court order wouldn't have kept Ivy from Harry. Batman on the other hand would be able to keep Harry from his mom.

"You wouldn't really do that would you?" Harry demanded, instantly on the defensive over the idea of being taken from his mom.

"I wouldn't want to but I would if I come to think it's the best thing for you. Before I do anything I want you to seriously consider your choices," his dad stated calmly in the face of Harry's rising emotions.

"And if I make the 'wrong' choice? What then?"

"Then I'll do what I think is best to keep you from hurting someone for your sake and for others," Batman's eyes were hard as ice.

The two of them glared at one another.

"But I really hope it doesn't come to that," his dad softened his harsh tone.

"You don't understand," Harry appealed. He felt like he was in an impossible situation, and a part of him wished he could go back to the ignorance of not knowing.

"Then tell me. Make me understand how this can possibly be good for you," his dad insisted. "There's still time to change, Harry. I can help you if you'd let me. We can work together to figure out a way to protect the plant life of Earth without hurting anyone."

"Sometimes it's the only way to get people to listen," he repeated the words his mom had once said to him when he had asked why she did what she did.

"I'm listening right now, and you're not threatening or hurting me," Batman (or was he Bruce?) flashed him a small smile.

"I can't just join you, you're mom's enemy. And Harley's and Eddie's and… everyone's. I can't…" Harry worked hard to hold back his tears.

He felt like he was being forced to choose between his parents. If he stopped being Deadly Nightshade it felt like it would be a betrayal to everything his mom stood for and had worked for. His mom had been there for him when no one else was. She was his hero, the person who had saved him from the Dursleys and loved him unconditionally.

"You don't have to make any decisions right now. Give it some time. It's a lot to take in, and last night was difficult. I'm sorry for not asking sooner but are you feeling all right?" concern flickered through Bruce's pale eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry shrugged.

"Good."

"Did you learn anything from Rowle?" Harry needed to change the subject, and he genuinely wanted to know.

"Voldemort is alive and wants you dead. However, he is hampered by that goal since he doesn't currently have a physical body," his dad explained.

"I kind of knew all of that already," Harry sighed.

"So you did," Bruce didn't look pleased but he surprisingly didn't say anything more.

Harry supposed one fight between them was enough for one day.

"To be fair I just thought you were a regular billionaire who wouldn't be able to do anything about Voldemort. But now? What are you going to do now? I know Dumbledore is searching for Voldemort but he wasn't able to get the Ministry on board without concrete evidence that Voldemort is still alive."

"My friend, Giovanni Zatara, who you met last night is going to conduct his own search. I will do the same. We will find Voldemort. He won't lay a hand on you," Batman growled.

Harry nodded. "Have you told mom what happened yet?"

"I was waiting for you to wake up."

"I think I want to go home now."

His dad flinched slightly at Harry's unspoken 'this is not my home'. "Harry, you don't have to—"

"I just need to get away for a little while. To think," Harry glanced down at his hands. They were twisting the bed sheets into knots.

"I'll call your mother, and tell her about Rowle's attack."

"Thank you," Harry replied curtly. "And don't worry I won't tell anyone about your identity."

"I know," his dad sent him a small sad smile and got up to leave.

Harry pushed his breakfast tray away, and got up from his bed. He carefully looked around his room as he got dressed, and packed a bag. Harry had been lying to his dad and to himself. Wayne Manor had somehow become as much his home as the small green house on the island he shared with his mom and their plants. But he didn't know if he was going to come back here.

He definitely wouldn't be back before Hogwarts started but he had no idea if would be returning at all.

Harry didn't know if he wanted or even if he could change. Not the way his dad wanted him to. If he didn't change Harry doubted he'd be welcomed back to Wayne Manor.

So Harry grabbed as many of his sentimental items as he could stuff in his backpack in the event that he never returned to the Manor. The thought of never returning hurt more than he liked to admit.

He made his way downstairs. His dad was waiting for him in the parlor.

"You're going to bring me home?" Harry was surprised. He had been expecting Alfred to drive him back to the island like the butler normally did.

"I am," his dad nodded.

The two of them settled into one of the army of expensive vehicles his dad owned. For the first several minutes the two of them rode in complete silence.

"Does Selina know who you are?" the memory of the Christmas party had suddenly hit him.

"She does, why?" the black haired man sent him a questioning look.

"That explains why she spit her champagne out when I told her you were my dad," despite the seriousness of the situation Harry felt a smirk play at his lips.

"And that explains why she's been so relentless in questioning me about my relationship with the other Gotham Rogues," his dad sighed.

"Wait, do you have a romantic relationship with Selina?" Harry's eyes widened.

His dad remained silent, which was all the answer Harry needed.

"No way! How many other villainesses have you had relationships with?" Harry twisted around to stare at his dad in amazement.

"Harry," his dad warned. "I'm not discussing my past relationships with you."

"What? I'm just curious and I'm twelve, Dad, I know things. Besides once is a coincidence, twice is the start of a pattern."

His dad ran a hand down his face. "I had a very brief relationship with Talia al Ghul several years ago."

Harry's eyes widened even further. "You did!? Ra's al Ghul's daughter? I can't believe it."

"Yes, and that's the end of that conversation," his dad stated firmly.

"Right," it was probably better that he didn't hear more about his dad's love life. But really his father had a problem. Batman had a relationship with three different villainesses.

They once more rode in silence.

His dad neatly stopped the car on the street in front of the island. The tall man got out of the car with Harry.

"Have a good time at Hogwarts, Harry, and be safe. Owl Ivy if anything happens."

Bruce was well aware that Harry wouldn't be back before leaving for Hogwarts.

"I will," Harry nodded.

"I'll be in touch with your headmaster. We'll try to sort things out about Voldemort. I'll make sure you're safe," his dad carefully rested his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Thank you," Harry flashed his dad a small smile, and then on impulse he threw his arms around his dad. "I love you, dad."

"I love you too, Harry," Bruce hugged him back.

It felt like it was the last time. Harry reluctantly let go, and with one last glance at his dad he stepped into the large plant pod that was about to ferry him to his mom's island.

/

A week later found him, his mom, and Harley shopping in Diagon Alley.

Harry was glad to have finally gotten the chance to come to Diagon Alley with his mom. The British wizarding alley was much more cheerful than Abysmal Alley, the one he'd gone to in Gotham. But that was typical as everything in Gotham had an underlining air of doom and gloom. Diagon Alley was whimsical and almost like taking a step backwards in time. The shopping center really was incredible.

But the trip was clouded by the discovery he'd made, and the subsequent conversation he'd had with his dad. Harry didn't know what to make of any of it.

Luckily his mom thought his more withdrawn behavior was due to his encounter with Thorfinn Rowle. His mother was absolutely livid over the entire situation. Harry was fairly certain she would have turned Rowle into plant food if the blonde wizard wasn't already in wizard custody. Maybe the attack would have bothered him more if it hadn't been for what he found out directly after Rowle's little visit. The discovery that his dad was Batman and he wanted Harry to give up being Deadly Nightshade certainly overshadowed everything.

Harry pushed the thought aside, and tried to focus on the moment. He'd been waiting to come here with his mom for so long. Harry didn't want to ruin the experience by thinking of unpleasant things.

Harley was gleefully bouncing around Gambol and Japes. The wizarding joke shop was like a dream come true to the harlequin villainess, and it was nice to see her spirits lifted a bit after her latest break up with the Joker.

The three of them were zigzagging through the alley stopping at whatever shop struck their interest. They had already gotten most of the supplies Harry needed for school, and they were just shopping a bit to waste time before they were supposed to meet Neville and Hermione along with their families for a late lunch.

"Oh, Red, that was the best store! Wizards are great. A rubber chicken that actuals moves and squawks like a real chicken," Harley gushed, giggling. "Mistah J would have loved it. Maybe I should—"

"Harley," Ivy chided.

"We did promise not to mention his name," Harry reminded Harley.

"Yeah, sorry," Harley drooped.

"Let's get some ice cream. I believe I saw an ice cream parlor earlier that wasn't too far from here. They had some interesting flavors," Ivy wrapped an arm around the shorter woman's shoulders.

"Ice cream sounds nice," a small smile curled Harley's lips.

The three of them began meandering their way down the cobblestone street in search of the ice cream shop. Wizards were covertly and not-so-covertly staring at their small group. He supposed his mom and Harley did sort of stand out. They definitely didn't look like the robe wearing witches and wizards around them. Harley was in skintight black jeans and a bright red, strapless top. His mom wore a long flowing, backless green dress.

"Everyone is staring," Harry glared at a couple of teenage wizards who were openly gaping at his mom and Harley.

"They can't help it, jelly bean. Your mama is just too gorgeous," Harley winked at Ivy.

Ivy flushed and glanced away.

Harry was so busy glaring at people staring at his mother and Harley that it was too late to duck into a store to avoid Draco Malfoy and his parents.

"Potter," Malfoy Junior drawled.

"Wayne," Ivy corrected.

Harry felt a little strange about that particular detail. His mom and dad had legally changed his last name to Wayne in the wizarding world. They had consulted him of course but this had all been before discovering his dad was actually Batman, and the future of his relationship with his dad was put on shaky ground.

"Oh?" the pale blonde witch who was undoubtedly Draco Malfoy's mother questioned.

"Yes, we officially changed Harry's surname to his father's at the beginning of the summer. He's Hawthorne Wayne now," his mom wrapped an arm around him, and smiled down at him.

"How lovely. I don't believe we've been introduced to one another. I'm Narcissa Malfoy. This is my husband Lucius, and our son, Draco," Narcissa flashed a well-constructed fake friendly smile.

"I am Ivy Evans, and this is my good friend Harley, and of course you already know my son Hawthorne," Harry's mother introduced using a very believable fake smile of her own. Her green eyes were deadly.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Narcissa continued.

"Yes, it is a pleasure. We should have the boys get together. We would be happy to host Hawthorne, yourself, and your friend this afternoon. We adults can enjoy some tea while the boys can play Quidditch. Draco would be happy to give Hawthorne a tour around Malfoy Manor," Lucius offered his tone the picture of graciousness, though his eyes had yet to leave Harry's mother. It was something Harry had come to expect. Grown men, and women had a hard time not staring at his mom.

"Yes, and I would be quite interested to learn more about America. I've heard the most incredible stories about the muggles there, and I would love to know if they were true," Narcissa continued.

Harry was shocked by the offer, and looked to the blonde haired boy. Had Draco told his parents they were friends or something? Why else would Lucius invite Harry, his mom, and Harley over? Harry was a muggleborn, and his mom and Harley were muggles. But Draco looked just as stunned at the invitation as Harry felt.

"Unfortunately, we already have plans for this afternoon. Perhaps, we can plan for another time. It would have to be next summer of course seeing as how the boys do go back to Hogwarts tomorrow," his mom smiled sharply.

"Understood, we will have to get together at your earliest convenience," Lucius Malfoy's smile became slightly strained, and a flicker of fear flashed through his pale eyes.

"Of course, well we really must be going now," Ivy wrapped an arm around Harley and Harry, and swept them down the street.

"That was weird, right?" Harry took one last look behind them at the retreating Pureblood family.

"Yeah, those Malfoys are odd ducks all right," Harley agreed as she skipped along.

"Why would Draco's parents invite me over for play date with Draco? We hate each other. Plus Lucius invited you both too, and they hate muggles. I can't believe they'd want to invite two over to their pureblood manor for tea," Harry frowned.

"Yes, something wasn't quite right about that conversation. Lucius wasn't exactly subtle about wanting us to come over," Ivy murmured.

"He was scared about something," Harley mused.

"Was Lucius Malfoy a Death Eater?" Harry asked. He didn't think he'd come across the older Malfoy's name in the readings he'd done, and Lucius wasn't in Azkaban.

"I'm not sure. I'll ask Albus and I will let you know. But I think it would be best to keep your distance from Draco just in case. You've already endured one assassination attempt," his mom suggested.

"You don't need to tell me twice," Harry muttered. He definitely didn't need an excuse to stay away from Draco.

"Lucius was very anxious about something, and I can't help but think it something to do with Voldemort," Ivy's eyes narrowed.

"Lucy seems like a slippery fish," Harley commented, skipping along Diagon Alley.

"Lucy?" Harry smirked.

"Lucius is too fancy," Harley pouted.

Ivy snorted. "Oh, Harley."

The three of them continued on their way to Florean Fortescue's for ice cream and after ice cream they met up with Hermione, Neville, and their families. Neville's Gran and Hermione's parents didn't quite know what to make of Harley but the harlequin villainess was on her best behavior, and was just her bubbly self rather.

It was nice to see his friends again. Neville and he discussed the plants they'd been working with over the summer. Harry wanted to purchase some magical plants for the island but he hadn't gotten around to it yet with everything else going on his life. Hermione wanted to compare notes about their summer homework but he managed to convince her to wait until they were on the train, and had their homework in front of them.

After lunch and a bit more time exploring Diagon Alley the three of them headed to the hotel they had booked to spend the night in. Tomorrow morning Harley and his mom would drop him off at the train station to start his second year at Hogwarts.

When they were settling in for bed an owl arrived.

It held its leg out for Harry's mom, and she collected the letter. Ivy read through it quickly, and then shared the contents with Harry. It was from Dumbledore.

Bruce had gotten in touch with Dumbledore about Thorfinn Rowle's attack. The headmaster had visited Wayne Manor to finally install some wards around the manor. The old wizard had to develop wards of his own by tweaking some other kind of wards to better fit their needs.

The headmaster also wrote about the status of the investigation with Rowle. Dumbledore had gone to the American Ministry to get information on Rowle. Unfortunately, Rowle had been found dead in his cell before the American Aurors had been able to get any information out of him. Rowle's death meant there was still no concrete evidence of Voldemort's existence.

"That's wonderful," Ivy muttered.

"Wonder how he croaked? Was he murdered or did he off himself?" Harley peered over the green skinned woman's shoulder.

"It doesn't say," Ivy passed the letter over to Harley who immediately scanned the parchment. "Either one is plausible. Voldemort's followers are fanatically loyal."

"So Britain still doesn't have any clue Voldemort is back," Harry dropped his head into his hands.

"You don't have to go back to Hogwarts, little sprout," Ivy reminded him.

"I'd miss my friends," Harry countered and right now Harry wanted to be as far away from Gotham as he could get.

Being in Hogwarts for the next couple of months meant he didn't have to think about the decision of what he was going to do about his dad.

"Very well, however, I can't help but think something else is wrong," Ivy eyed him speculatively.

"I'm fine, mom," Harry sent his mom his best smile.

But his mom knew him too well, and she didn't look convinced by his sweet smile. Ivy didn't push the subject either.

Harley lightened the atmosphere with some funny story that had happened with her two hyenas, Bud and Lou. The three of them ordered a movie, and afterwards they went to bed. Tomorrow Harry would be leaving to begin his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

/

"Lucius, you've failed me," the Dark Lord hissed from the back of Avery's body. The Dark Lord was currently possessing Avery's body.

The Dark Lord had been rotating through the bodies of his followers. Lucius was very pleased that he had yet to have to share his own body. The very thought made him cringe.

"I apologize, my Lord. I will try again, and I will be successful in acquiring the mudblood for you," Lucius groveled.

It pained Lucius to be kneeling to someone else in his own manor, his own study even. There was no other option even so reduced the Dark Lord was far more powerful than Lucius and the other Death Eaters. Only five of them were currently in attendance of this most recent meeting. It meant fewer would be witness to Lucius's humiliation.

"No, you've lost your chance, Lucius. Just as dear Thorfinn lost his," the Dark Lord stated cruelly.

Lucius shivered in remembrance of how easily the Dark Lord had ordered Rowle's death. It reminded him of how easily the Dark Lord could order Lucius's if the blonde wizard did not succeed in the task he'd been given.

"My Lord, I gave your diary to the Weasleys at the beginning of the summer just as you told me to, and I will bring Hawthorne Wayne to the manor for you," Lucius hoped to remind the Dark Lord of the things he had accomplished.

"No, your son is not as close to the mudblood as you led me to believe. Thoros, your son shares a room with Harry, yes?"

"Yes, my Lord," Nott was quick to answer.

"Tell your son to befriend Harry this year, and then invite Harry to your home during the holidays," the Dark Lord commanded.

"I will ensure that Theodore completes this task," Nott promised, looking exalted to have the chance to get ahead of Lucius.

"Good, I can feel the diary completing its work. I will have my body back sometime after the New Year. I will be even more powerful than I once was before. Nothing will stop us. Now, Rosier, tell me more about what you have learned of this muggle… Justice League."

Lucius listened as the other wizard spoke of these so muggle superheroes. They sounded like utter nonsense to Lucius, however, Rosier, insisted what he spoke was the truth. The Ministry was just beginning to put their own department together to learn more about the Justice League. There had to be some veracity to these claims. If what Rosier said was true, however, these heroes had been around for the better part of a decade. Lucius would believe beings from other worlds existed when he saw them with his own eyes. However, the pureblood wouldn't stoop to watching muggle tellie vision or reading their newspapers. He'd let Rosier keep that vile task.