Chapter Text
A circus is one of the most magical things a child can experience growing up and Haley's circus was the most magical circus out of them all. The circus was amazing and was like its own little family. The circus included trapeze artists, strong men, animal trainers, lions, elephants, clowns and magicians. Every performance was mesmerising and legendary. They were also unique and new. You would never forget a performance if you were luckily enough to see one. The circus was known worldwide and everyone wanted to come see the performance from all over the place. One performance could last you a lifetime but that doesn't mean people don't come back for a second performance because they do.
Haley was the ring bearer of the circus and the boss. He was a chubby looking guy in a suit and a top hat, but he was one of the most caring people you would ever meet in your life. Haley was like everyone's cuddly granddad. The strong men are like everyone guard. Both of them and their strong wives are very protective, and they do everything in their power to guard and protect everyone in their family. The animal trainers were so sweet and kind. The animals were all like big puppies that wanted to play, expressly the lions and Elephants. The clowns always try to make you happy when you're sad or upset. They never let anyone be upset. They are also like the wired uncles that cause chaos whenever they are around. The Magician wasn't like any random party magician. No, they were a powerful sorcerer who always had your back. They also liked to show off and teach you their tricks.
In the middle of all this was the small, Romanian family of trapeze artists.
The trapeze artists were known as the flying Greyson. The flying Greyson were a family and not in a metaphorical sense, in a real sense. They were an actual family with blood connections and everything. The head of the family was John Greyson, then there's his wife, Mary Greyson. John and Mary met through the circus and fell in love through the circus. John’s family have been in the circus for generations. They were among the first members. Mary and her parents joined the circus when Mary was 12 after their circus disbanded. The story of their love life is a really lovely story. It really is. But we haven't got time for that story. On the 20th March 1980, the couple was blessed with a miracle. They had a son called Richard John Greyson, but he preferred to go by Dick. Which is strange. How does one get Dick from Richard? Dick was loved by everyone in the circus. Dick was loved by everyone in the audience. He was a ball of sunshine. He may only be young, but the child has been a part of the flying Greyson's act since she was 3 years old. He was just as talented as his parents. The flying Greyson were the most famous group in the whole of the circus. They were one of the main reasons for people coming to the circus. They were the ones to put Haley’s circus on the map. They were the ones who made the circus famous. You see the flying Greyson's did all their dangerous trapeze acts without a safety net below them to catch them if they fall as well as no harnesses. They did all their tricks without a safety measure in place. Also, the Flying Greyson's are the only people in the world who can do a quadruple flip. Though Dick isn’t allowed to do that one just yet.
Like I said, Haley's circus is amazing and magical. But what makes it even more magical was the secret the Greyson family held. The secret only Haley and the Greyson family knew about. The secret they had to protect. A secret Dick loving hearing about. Take right now for instant.
The small family of three were sat in the small trailer. They had just finished their performance for the night and were now trying to put Dick to bed, but Dick had too much energy to sleep. The nearly 8-year-old was jumping up and down on his bed, his raven-coloured hair bounced around as he did. His parents were exhausted. They just wanted to go to bed. But they couldn’t. Not until their child was asleep. “It is time to go sleep, please get into bed” John said, rubbing his face for the 6th time. “Nu, tată! Cerul încă este treaz, așa că și eu sunt treaz. E timpul să ne jucăm.” Dick complained. (The sky is still awake so I'm awake. It's time to play). John looked at his wife with pleading eyes. Mary chuckled before sitting on the edge of Dick’s bed. “Would you like a story, my little Robin?” She said with her sweet voice. Dick smiled widely before jumping onto his bump and cuddling into Mary’s side. John smiled and sat at the other side of him. “Ce poveste, mamă? Este despre cum s-a întâlnit tatăl tău? Este despre nunta voastră? Este despre bunica și bunicul?” Dick asked, saying a million questions at once. (What story, mum? Is about how you dad met? Is it about your wedding? Is it about Grandma and Granddad?) Mary chucked before saying to her husband “I think it’s time Dick learnt about Hogwarts” John nodded, smiling. “I think you are right. Would you like to learn about where me and your mother went to school?” John asked. Dick nodded quickly. “YES! YES! YES!” The two parents chuckled again. “Calm down, My Robin. Dragă, would you like to start?” Mary asked her husband. (Dear). “of course, Iubita mea. Somewhere in the middle of Scotland, there's a castle hidden from view. To the normal world, it will just look like ruins. But to us, to the people like us, the castle is magnificent. That very same castle is where me and your mama went to school.” John started to explain. (My darling). “Un castel dărăpănat este școala ta? Nu este frig?” Dick asked making his family laugh. (A rundown castle is your school? Isn't it cold?). “No, My Robin. The castle is fully intact. It just seems ruin down to people with no magic, muggles. But the castle is really a school called Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardry. This is where me and your Tata learning all about magic. We were taught Tansfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Herbology, Flying lessons, Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Divination, Study of Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Apparition lessons and Alchemy.” Mary explained. “We were both Gryffindors. And one day, you too will go to Hogwarts and be sorted into a house. We made sure your name was on their list the day you were born. The summer after your 11th birthday, an owl will deliver a letter to you. This will be your invitation to hogwarts” John continued for his wife. Dick smiled widely and climbed into his bed. “Mă duc să dorm, ca să vină mai repede la Hogwarts. Noapte bună, mamă, tată.” Dick says before curling up and closing his eyes. (I am going to sleep so hogwarts will come sooner. Goodnight, mum, dad). Mary smiled and kissed his forehead. “Mama și tata te vor iubi mereu, Robin al meu. Noapte bună. Dormi bine.” Mary says before the two parents went to bed themselves. (Mum and dad will always love you, my Robin. Goodnight. Sleep tight.)
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7am
22nd July 1991
Gotham city
Weather: Rainstorm
“Bună dimineața, Zitka” (Good morning, Zitka)
In the middle of the horrible city of Gotham stood an ancient mansion. The mansion belonged to the Wayne family. And in one of the furthest rooms of the family wing was Dick Greyson. Dick was just waking up from a wonderful memory filled dream. Normally his memory filled dreams were nightmares. Normally they were filled with the memories of his parents’ deaths, the memories of his time in Juvie when he should have been in a foster home, memories of his nighttime activities and memories of his kidnaps. Now this dream was a happy memory, a memory he hasn’t seen in a while. The memory of the first time his parents told him about Hogwarts. A school this 11 should be going to soon.
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7:05am
22nd July 1991
Gotham city
Weather: Rainstorm
The re-announcement of the alarm reminded Dick he was meant to be getting up and getting ready for his day. He was meant to be going to spend the morning with Wally after breakfast before heading to the watchtower where all the sidekicks were going some to do some training. Then he had some batman and robin training to do before case work and patrol. He quickly jumped out of bed, leaving Zitka tucked in the covers, and rushed into his wardrobe. He put on some light blue jeans and a grey shirt. He then threw on a blue jacket before rushing out of the room. He slid down the banister of the stairs to get down the stairs before walking into the kitchen where he met with Bruce and Alfred.
“Hey Chum, did you sleep good?” Bruce asked from behind his newspaper. “Hello, Master Richard. Your pancakes will be ready soon. Take a seat with Master Bruce at the table” Alfred greeted as he handed Bruce his plates of eggs. Dick smiled and sat down next to Bruce. “Hi! Thank You, Alfred” the 11-year-old said as the plate of pancakes was placed in front of him. Alfred then sat across from him with a plate of eggs. The three men sat in silence as the ate their breakfast, the rustling of paper being the only thing to break it. “What are your plans for the morning, Dick?” Bruce finally asked as he put his finished newspaper down. Dick smiled widely and started explaining his morning plans. However, he only got halfway through them when he was interrupted by a tapping at the window. The group all look over to find a barn own with an envelop tied to their claw tapping on the window with their beak. Bruce and Alfred share a look of confusion, but Dick’s smile grew upon seeing. “ESTE AICI!” He yelled as he got up, rushed to the window and let the bird in. (IT'S HERE!). “What is it chum?” Bruce asked, his voice filled with curiosity, as Dick took the envelop off the bird, fed the Owl some bacon and the Owl flew off. “My Hogwarts letter?” Dick said before he quickly read the letter. His response made Alfred and Bruce even more. They had never heard of this Hogwarts letter before and didn’t know why Dick would be getting a letter from them. “Your what, Chum?” Bruce asked. Dick just handed over his letter as an answer.
“HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. Of Wizards)
Dear Mr Grayson,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress”
“Dick, what is this?” Bruce said, now going all serious. “I told you. It’s my Hogwarts letter. I get to go to Hogwarts still. I thought since I live in America now, I’d have to go to Ilvermorny but no. I still get to go to Hogwarts. I can’t wait” Dick said, practically jumping up and down. “Master Richard, please sit down and explain. What is Hogwarts? What is Ilvermorny? And why have you got a letter to go there, Sir?” Alfred asked in a softer tone then Bruce. Dick took the hint and slowly sat down. “Please explain what all this is, Dick? I have never heard of any of this before. Is this a prank that you and West are pulling on us?” Bruce asked, matching Alfrad’s tone. “It’s not a prank! Mama and Tata went there, and I have to go to Hogwarts. Trebuie să o fac, Bruce.” Dick said, jumping back up. (I have to, Bruce.) Alfred quickly puts his hand on Dick’s shoulder to calm him down slightly before saying “Why don’t we all take a deep breath and then we can start this conversation again when we are all calm?” everyone agreed so the three sat in silence for a few seconds before Bruce finally spoke up. “We are just confused, Dick. We have never heard of this place before and if you are going to go to school there, we need to understand.” is what he said. “It’s a school, Bruce. It's in Scotland. Mama and Tata went. It teaches magic to young witches and wizards. You don’t know about it because you are both muggles, non-magical people. Please let me go, Bruce. I need to go” Dick explained and begged. Bruce sighed and shared a look with Alfred before looking back at Dick. “Will Constantine know about this school? Will he be ever to tell me about this place?” Bruce asked. “He should” Dick said, not really sounding hopeful. “I will go contract him now. If he is able to tell me about this school and if he can convince me, it is safe for you to go to this school. Then and only then will I let you go. Then You and Alfred can spend the last week on august in London so you can get on this Hogwarts express.” Bruce concludes. “Really? You’ll let me go?” Dick says as the sparkle of excitement returns to his eyes. “Only if Constantine can convince me that it is safe.” Bruce responds. Dick jumps up and runs around the table to pull Bruce into a deep hug. “Mulțumesc! Mulțumesc! Mulțumesc!” He chants happily before running off to tell his toy elephant everything. Alfred chuckles watching the boy run off.
“Am I doing the right thing, Alfred?”
“I think you are, sir. I think you are”
Bruce did end up ringing John Constantine, and the wizard was able to tell Bruce all about Hogwarts and the wizarding world. In the end, Bruce had no choice but to allow Dick to go to Hogwarts. That’s how a month later found Alfred and Dick staying in London, in an apartment complex that belonged to the Wayne family for whenever Alfred wanted to visit his family. Bruce had decided to stay in Gotham because Gotham needed Batman, especially since Robin was going away for 9 months of the year for the next 7 years. Constantine had explained to the family all about Diagon Alley, and Gringotts so Alfred and Dick decided to buy all of Dick’s supplies while they were in London. So that’s what the two spent most of the week doing. Though in their spare time, Alfred did take Dick to see the sights and his family. They both had a lot of fun.
“How are you feeling, Master Richard?”
“I am totally feeling the aster”
“UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil’s clothes should carry name tags”
“It feels like those itchy suits Bruce makes me wear at galas but without the itching and the racist pity questions”
“Well, you look handsome, Master Richard.”
“COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
● The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) By Miranda Goshawk
●A History of Magic By Bathilda Bagshot
●Magical Theory By Adalbert Waffling
●A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration By Emeric Switch
●One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi By Phyllida Spore
●Magical Drafts and Potions By Arsenius Jigger
●Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them By Newt Scamander
●The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection By Quentin Trimble”
“How many books? We are 1st years why do we have to read this much”
“You look to read, Master Richard, and you are at the top of your class at Gotham Academy. This shouldn’t be a problem for you”
“That’s because being in the library helps me avoid the all the press and questions. Anyway, Babs is always”
“Yes, and I know you have a crush on her”
“I do not have a crush on Barbra. Al”
“Sure, Master Richard”
“OTHER EQUIPMENT
□ 1 wand”
“I just blew up a shelf”
“Let’s keep the wand boxed up when we are back at the apartment, Master Richard. That is a lot of mess”
“□ 1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
□ 1 set glass or crystal phials
“□ 1 set brass scales”
“Why would you need these things, Master Richard?”
“We learn to make things like Potions. I can’t wait. Apparently, it’s a lot like sciences. I am good at science. Well not as good as wally but no one is as good as him”
“□ 1 telescope”
“Do you learn about the stars, Master Richard?”
“Yes, we learn Astronomy. Mama always said the lessons were at midnight which everyone had trouble with. I won’t. I can stay up really late because of Robin”
“□ Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.”
“The young master needs a Owl that will be able to fly and carry things from Scotland to Gotham, in America. This is where I and his foster dad live”
“I can get an Owl, Alfred?”
“Of course, Master Richard. I must make sure you can stay in touch with us in some way.”
“Mulțumesc!” (Thank You!”)
“PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK”
“Master Richard, why would anyone need broomsticks?”
“Oh, magic people ride them. There is a type of transport. Well, the magicked ones are. There're even sports games based on brooms. Tata looked a game called Quidditch. He used to listen to the world cup on the wizarding radio in our trailer. Though it was tune to Romanian, so the rest of the circus didn’t know what was being said”