Never Return

The very next morning, Harry Potter was nowhere around Hogwarts. At first, everyone thought that he just went out and try to find out what the first task was about, but as hours went by, they realized no had saw him since yesterday. He was really gone. Of course the first people who they went to was Hermione and Ron, but they...mainly Hermione didn't know where he was. Ron just brushed it off as if it was no big deal. The teachers panic and went to Dumbledore. The Ministry officials were there too and like the teachers, they weren't too happy about this.

"There's no way he could've disappeared, could he, Albus?" Crouch demanded.

"He couldn't got too far," Moody crossed his arms. "Besides, he probably planned it at the last moment. He shouldn't had gone too far."

Barty Crouch Jr, couldn't believed this happened. Out of all the things he planned and predicted, he would never expected Potter leaving. He was planning to tell that half giant about the dragons for the first task, but when the news came that Potter wasn't at Hogwarts, he had to put his plan on hold. He knew that if his lord found out, there would be consequences. Besides, the Dark Lord believed the plan would be a fit to get his body back. Help the boy reach to victory and make a portkey out of the Triwizard cup. All of the work of tampering the goblet and use a counter spell on the age line was for nothing! Barty Crouch Jr, needed that boy back. If he doesn't, the Dark Lord wouldn't be too pleased.

The only thing Barty Crouch Jr could think was to use some of the Death Eaters to find Potter. He didn't know where Potter would go to. Potter could be anywhere. Besides, as much as he would like to inform the Death Eaters about the situation, he knew they'll tell the Dark Lord. However, the problem was that, the Dark Lord was busy. He was going to a sacred city where he located a squib from a powerful wizarding family who guarded a potion that could help revived him.

"I believed Potter might've done this for attention," Snape sneered. "He is very arrogant after all."

McGonagall shot a look at Snape. "How, Severus?! Think about it! Every single year something happens and the only student who is always endangered is Mr. Potter!"

"I don't blame him for leaving," Flitwick said. "I would too if I was always in constant danger."

As Dumbledore watched the scene unfold, he knew he needed a new plan. He suspected something would happen in the boy's fourth year and he was glad something did. The Triwizard Tournament would help the boy. He knew Tom was getting close to regain his power and Dumbledore knew the tournament would help the boy. If his theory was correct, the boy was a horcrux and this tournament would help the boy to experienced more life threatening situations and prepare to die.

Dumbledore held up his hands. "I will see the matters to this. Mr. Crouch, please sent your best Aurors to locate Mister Harry Potter."

"What if he left the country?" Professor McGonagall questioned.

Dumbledore held back his chuckle. Harry Potter leaving the country? Why would he do that? There was no way that boy would think of leaving the country. The boy loves the wizarding community. It is his heritage after all. Besides, Albus had made sure that Harry didn't know he had other living relatives outside of Britain, mainly Charlotte Potter and her son, Bernard Dowd. He even made sure that Harry was sheltered enough not to think about that. Dumbledore knew the rules of the Triwizard Tournament. One of them was a living blood relative that could take out Harry from the tournament. Albus knew Charlotte Potter was running MACUSA and Bernard Dowd is a famous well known curse-breaker. After what happened to the Potters, Albus made sure Charlotte Potter and Bernard Dowd didn't take custody over Harry Potter after Sirius went to Azkaban. He told them that Harry was in good care. He was glad they believed him. They were foolish after all. Besides  even if Harry Potter did went to Gotham to get their help, those two would be too busy to help him. Albus needed the boy in that tournament. The boy relied too much on his friends to help him. He needed to learn how to deal with dangerous situation on his own. It was Harry's own good since he did suspected the boy could be a horcrux.

"Nonsense," Dumbledore said. "the boy would never think of something like that."

"Should we alert the ICW?" Professor Sprouts asked.

"No need. I will be contacting others to see if they had seen him."

Crouch nodded, which Dumbledore was glad that the minister agreed. Crouch as he quickly sent a patronus to tell his aurors to look for Harry Potter. The headmaster release the teachers and ministry officials from his office. When they left, Dumbledore took a sip of his pumpkin juice. There was no way Harry Potter would leave the country. He is their savior after all. A Gryffindor isn't a coward.

"Dobby!" Dumbledore called.

There was silence.

"Dobby!" he called again.

Like always there was silence.

Dumbledore turned pale. There was no way the boy could take Dobby with him. The boy hadn't spoken to Dobby since the chamber incident. Dumbledore conjured some letters and attached them to a some of owls. One for Hermione Granger, one for Ronald Weasley, one for Remus, one for Sirius, and one for the Dursleys. They had to know where Harry Potter was. They had to.

~OoO~

Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley were sitting at his office. Dumbledore was smiling warmly at them, but he could tell that the two were angry at each other. Miss Granger was glaring and Mister Weasley and he was doing the same. Dumbledore knew that the two always fought, so it wasn't a surprised to him that they are having their little spats. However, despite that, Dumbledore knew that Harry Potter would tell his close friends where he was going. He knew the boy had average intelligence. If these two were lying to him, he could just look into their mind. Dumbledore knew it was against the law to do that to wizarding children without the consent of the parent, but he needed to find the boy.

"Miss Granger, Mister Weasley," Dumbledore began. "Did Harry ever told you anything about leaving?"

Mister Weasley scoffed. "He's probably only doing that to get more fame."

Miss Granger glared at the redhead. "No, he never mentioned anything about leaving, but we - Harry and I were looking at the rules of the Triwizard Tournament."

Dumbledore folded his hands together. "I see, what did you discovered?"

Miss Granger crossed her arms. "Well, we as in Harry and I discovered that a blood relative even a distant blood relative can take Harry out of the tournament. The other was if Harry chooses not to participate in the tournament, he and the person who put his name in the goblet will loose their magic."

"Potter would have to be an idiot to do something like that," Mister Weasley huffed.

Miss Granger sighed. "Honestly, Ronald. Just shut up."

Dumbledore nodded. "I see."

From looking into the minds of the two teenagers, Harry Potter never told them where he was going. Much to Dumbledore's surprised. The headmaster knew how close the boy was to his friends...or well at least to one of them now. However, usually Harry Potter would tell his friends everything. Not telling where he was going would be difficult than Dumbledore thought. On the other hand, Dumbledore knew there was no way that Harry Potter would choose to become a muggle. The boy love magic too much, just like Tom. If the boy looses his magic, it would hurt him. However, finding a blood relative other than the Dursleys...it was possible. Unless the boy is going with both plans, a thought came into his mind. Nonsense, Dumbledore thought, the boy would never go both ways. There was no way if the boy didn't find either Charlotte Potter and Dowd on time, he will accept the loss of his magic. There wasn't in his mind that Harry Potter would accept something like this. The boy is their savior. If the boy looses his magic, then who will stop Tom? In fact...what would happen when Tom finds out his greatest enemy became a muggle?

Then an a couple of owls flew into his office. One was an unopen letter from Sirius, while the other was a reply to Remus and the Dursleys. Dumbledore released Miss Granger and Mister Weasley from his office as they headed off back to their classes. Dumbledore didn't know why Sirius didn't answer his letter, but he'll figure that out soon. As Dumbledore opened the letter from The Dursley's, he blinked. The letter was short and simple as the muggles told him that the boy wasn't in their home and never saw him, which Dumbledore knew they were telling the truth. The boy never liked Lily's side of the family. He turned to Remus's letter and opened it. As he read the contents, his eyes widened.

Albus,

I don't know where Harry would have gone to. I just know that he can be anywhere. He doesn't like living with the Dursleys. Sirius did asked me if to go out of the country with him and Harry, but I refuse because I trust you that you had Harry's best interest at heart. Sirius never told me where out of Britain, though. I'll keep a lookout for them. If I do see them, I'll contact you immediately.

- Remus Lupin

Eyes widened, Dumbledore growled. Sirius helped the boy?! Dumbledore should've expected this. He thought he had Sirius's trust and on his side, but instead that dog wasn't too loyal to him as he had thought. The thought of the boy and Sirius being out of the country angered him. Where, was the question. Dumbledore knew that both Harry and Sirius don't know about Charlotte Potter and Bernard Dowd. He made sure of that. The only people who would know about the Potters in America would be James and Lily, but he did told them specifically not to tell anyone else about Charlotte Potter and Bernard Dowd after he witnessed the American Potters visiting their British relatives. It was a surprised to Dumbledore because he knew Abraham Potter didn't had any descendants, but of course it turned out that Charlotte Potter is the daughter of Charlus Potter. However, Sirius wasn't there at the time, so he assumed Sirius didn't know. Besides, Gotham was a horrible city full of danger. Knowing Harry Potter, he would rather be in a city there is no constant danger.

He could be in Australia, Dumbledore thought. Australia was the closest thing to Britain and the wizarding community there is pretty much similar. Knowing Harry Potter he does like to be familiar with the things he knew, so it wouldn't be a surprised if he goes there. Dumbledore knew if Harry Potter went to America, it would be hard to locate him. The boy obviously doesn't know about the Potters in America and it would most likely he'll journey around the states. Also Dumbledore didn't want to deal with an MACUSA since he'll have to rely on their aurors to locate the boy. Besides, Dumbledore thinks the aurors in Britain would most likely get the job done than them.

Then the door knocked. Dumbledore sighed. He really has no time for this. The headmaster drank his pumpkin juice and flick his wand as the door opened. Professor McGonagall was there and she looked furious. Dumbledore tried to keep his composure. He had known Professor McGonagall since she was a student and he knew she was known to have a terrible anger, but it was rare, though. This was one of the first time he had seen her very angry.

"Yes, Minerva?" Dumbledore asked as he closed the door.

"Albus, I've been meaning to ask you," she said. "Are you sure it wasn't a DADA that put his name in that goblet? Of all the dangers Mister Potter faced, it was always a DADA professor that had an out for him. I do think we should inspect Professor Moody."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Nonsense, Minerva. I know my friend and Alastor would never do such thing."

"Albus, don't you find it strange?!" Professor McGonagall pressed. "You couldn't get rid of the curse for the DADA position and ever since Mister Potter had attended Hogwarts, every single DADA teacher tried to hurt him. I do think we should do something about Professor Moody."

Dumbledore pursed his lips. He knew why he didn't lifted the curse for the DADA position. He knew that Tom loved the DADA and was the one who put the curse on the position. It wouldn't be surprised that he'll use the DADA to try to get the boy, or at least let the boy know how to duel him so they could be equal. For Dumbledore, it was easy for him to lift the curse. He just told the other staff and people wanting the position that it was a tough curse to break. He didn't let other curse-breakers who volunteered to break the curse. The curse-breakers would know right away that the curse was easy to lift. As long as Dumbledore was the only one to know about it, then everything should be fine.

"Now, now Minerva," Dumble said. "I am sure it was a coincidence."

"Albus-"

"Now run along Minerva," Dumbledore waved his hand. "I have urgent matters to alert the minister and I'm sure you have a class to teach."

Professor McGonagall glared at him. She huffed and walked out of his office. Dumbledore sighed at the quietness. He didn't know why she thought of that. Yes, he knew it was true that it was always a DADA professor that endangered the boy, but he knew Alastor and his friend would never hurt the son of James and Lily Potter. As Dumbledore conjured his phoenix patronus, he spoke to it.

"Tell Minister Fudge that we need to alert the ICW," Dumbledore instructed. "Harry Potter might be out of the country."

~OoO~

Harry paid the cashier as he left the gas station. It was early in the morning and Harry was already up and about. Harry was wearing a simple green hoodie, jeans, and a hat. He parted his bangs to cover his scar. Usually Harry wouldn't care where his bangs go, but since he was in hiding and didn't had any muggle makeup on him, he did what he could to stay hidden. Harry was used to being up in early mornings since Aunt Petunia always made him wake up early. Sirius was with him at his side, as a dog. Dobby was at home with Hedwig. Harry took out his list he made for himself. It was a habit he did ever since Aunt Petunia made him go out and buy groceries at the nearest market. She always made him buy tons of food because of Dudley, but he somehow managed.

1. Buy a map.

2. Look at the sighs, while looking for Dowd.

3. Lunch and buy some groceries.

4. Buy a perch for Hedwig.

5. Look for a job.

Sometimes Harry did his list out of order, but it just helped him to focus on his tasks. Harry and Sirius went to some of the tourist attractions in Gotham. The first thing the two went was at Gotham City Clock Tower. Harry took out a disposable camera and took some pictures. He wanted to make a photo album of all the places he and Sirius went to, even though Sirius was in his dog form, but it was still memorable. It was like he was on a vacation for the very first time. Even though he was in hiding, but it felt like one. Although Harry wished he had those cool cell phones the muggles had. It'll be good to take photos with it. Even Dudley had one. Harry knew how to use it when Dudley accidently left it at home one time and Harry used that opportunity to learn how to use it. It was easy to learn.

Sirius, on the other hand was on high alert. Harry looked at his godfather and Sirius stared up at him as he shook his head. That meant Bernard Dowd wasn't around here. Then again, Harry suspected that Dowd, the curse-breaker was resting and probably hanging out with his friends. Harry wouldn't be surprised if his distant cousin was in a relationship too. He did saw pictures of his cousin before he knew they were related, Dowd was very good looking, and better looking too. Harry, on the other hand was average looking. It'll be a miracle for someone to like him. That person would had to be insane enough to like him.

"Let's go," Harry said.

Sirius nodded and the two walked away from the tower. Harry wondered where else they should go. Harry got lucky with the clock tower was because it was outside. There were other sights Harry wanted to go to, but he knew he needed to consider of Sirius too. He didn't want to cause trouble for his godfather. There were other places in Gotham to go to, but all the places he wanted to go to only allowed service dogs and Sirius wasn't one. As much as he could use magic to make a service vest, but Harry would rather not since he wanted to stay under the radar and not do anything illegal.

"We can take a look at Wayne Enterprises," Harry said. "I know you have to schedule tours and that seemed like a hassle. We can look at it from the front."

Sirius barked and the two headed the direction to W.E. Harry didn't mind walking in a long distance. He was used to it...actually, now he thought about it, there were a lot of things he was used to. It only took an hour to get to W.E. Harry gaped at the building. It was huge! Like taller than Hogwarts. Harry knew this place was a popular place to get a tour with a hopeful chance to see Bruce Wayne, but it never occurred to Harry that this place looked filthy rich! He never thought it was possible, but it was.

"Smell anything, Padfoot?" Harry asked.

Sirius shook his head and Harry sighed. No sign of Dowd then. Harry knew his cousin could be anywhere. Sadly, he and Sirius don't know which part of Gotham Dowd was from. It was like looking a needle in a haystack. Harry was certain his parents knew...maybe Dumbledore too. Harry shook that last thought. The last thing he needed was to go back to Hogwarts, see Dumbledore, and demanded where which part of Gotham, Bernard Dowd lived in. Besides, it was too dangerous to ask people where his cousin was. They could trick and use him for their own gain. Of course he could ask the police, but what explanation should he give him? Hi, I'm a wizard looking for my cousin, can you help me? Ridiculous!

"We should go," Harry said. "It's almost noon. Let's go to the market. I saw one on our way here."

Sirius barked and the two walked away from W.E. As they turned to a corner, Sirius stopped and looked back Harry turned as well. He looked the direction where Sirius was looking, but no one was there. Harry glanced at his godfather and then Sirius ran. Gasping, Harry ran after his godfather. As they got into W.E., they only saw the doors closing. Harry squinted as he tried to see through the doors, but the door windows were very tinted from the distance they were standing.

Harry crouched down. "Sirius, did you smell his scent here?"

Sirius frowned and made a low whine. Harry made a small smile and patted his godfather's head. It was probably a false alarm. As much as Harry wanted to go into W.E. and see if Dowd was really inside, but they only allowed service dogs and Sirius was obviously not, but if Dowd did saw them, that means he might recognized Sirius's dog form and would probably recognized Harry. Everyone in the wizarding world knew he looked like his father with his mother's eyes. Dowd knew his parents, so seeing someone that looked like a splitting image of his uncle would put two and two together. However, at the same time Harry didn't want to have false hope and get in trouble with the law. He even didn't want to get in trouble with Bruce Wayne himself. That would be the last thing Harry would had wanted.

"Let's get some food, Sirius," Harry whispered.

With that, they went to the nearest market. Harry bought tons of food to cook as well as some snacks. He even bought a couple of cookbooks too. When they finished buying food, Harry carried six bags of food, while Sirius carried two. They went to a nearby alleyway, where Harry called for Dobby. The tiny house elf took them back to the Potter house and unpack everything. Harry cooked a small lunch, just sandwiches. He didn't felt like doing too much dishes today. Although, he did wondered if everyone at Hogwarts knew he was missing. They probably knew by now. Harry wanted to sent Dobby to get the Daily Prophet and give a letter to Hermione, but he didn't want to risk it. He wanted to wait for a bit. It was too soon to write a letter and find things out anyway.

"So, back at W.E, did you smelled Bernard Dowd?" Harry sat at the couch as they watched the television.

Sirius frowned and took a bite of his sandwich. "I thought I did. I remembered his scent. It should still be the same. The thing is that animagus like me, James, and Peter, whenever we smell someone, we memorized their scent like any other animal."

"Is it possible that someone could have a similar scent to him?" Harry asked.

"The only people that should have a similar scent or half of it will be his parents," Sirius explained. "That's why I thought I smelled his scent, but I wasn't sure."

Harry nodded. "We'll find him eventually. I'm not sure how, but even when it's too late, at least Dowd would know why we're here."

Sirius chuckled. "Oh he'll be furious. Bernard's still a Potter. He's going to punch first and ask questions later. I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to punch Peter and Dumbledore."

Harry laughed. He wouldn't be surprised either. When lunch was done, Harry noticed it was snowing. Harry pursed his lips. Harry didn't had much winter clothes. The last time he did bought clothes for himself was last year after he accidently blew up Aunt Marge and when he was staying at the Leaky Cauldron. He saved up some British muggle money at the time and went to buy a couple of winter clothes. It was a bit pricy because it wasn't in season, but he managed. however, despite the weather, he knew someone else loves winter.

"Hey Sirius, I'm going to take Hedwig out to the park and get some job applications," Harry said.

Sirius poked his head out of the living room. "Do you want me to go with you?"

Harry smiled. "I'll be fine. It's still daylight."

Sirius opened his mouth to say something, but Harry gave him the best puppy dog eyes he could muster. Sirius blinked a few times and sighed, rubbing his eyes, and nodded. He shook his head a bit, muttering something about his mother under his breath.

"Okay, okay," Sirius crossed his arms. "but I want you home before six. If you're not home by then, I'm telling Dobby to apparated you here. Got it?"

Harry nodded happily. "You got it, sir!"

Sirius rolled his eyes as Harry put on a robe, a green scarf with matching gloves. Harry didn't had any winter jackets since they all don't fit him anymore. Technically they were Dudley's, but those were for small kids and of course Harry wasn't a small kid anymore. He made a mental to buy himself and Sirius a winter jacket. The only robe he was what he always wore whenever he was at Hogwarts. Luckily, Harry was the one who bought these robes since they're just plain black ones. Harry went to the front door and stroke Hedwig.

"Let's meet at Gotham Park," Harry said. "Hide in the trees. I'll call you when I got there."

Hedwig hooted and flew off into the snowy sky. When she disappeared into the snow flurry, Harry waved to Sirius and shut the door behind him. It didn't took Harry long to be out of the neighborhood. The first thing Harry did was to go to a simple retail store, cafes, restaurants, and just anything to get an application and see if they hire fourteen year olds. After going to twenty stores, Harry only got seven applications. The applications he got was three food markets, one fast food place, two restaurant, and two cafes. Harry hoped at least one place hires him. He hated the thought of having no money to support him, Sirius, Hedwig, and Dobby. If he ended up being a janitor, so be it. A job is a job after all. As long it was a normal job and not a shady one, then he's fine.

As Harry got to Gotham Park, Harry rolled up the applications and stuff it inside his robe pockets. He went over to the bench and wiped away some of the snow as he sat down. It wasn't snowing too much, but it was starting to pile up. Harry noticed families were here as well as people who were walking their dogs. This seemed like a nice place to take Sirius to, whenever he's a dog. Harry looked over to some trees and noticed a familiar snowy. Hedwig puffed as if to say What took you so long?

Harry stood up and whistled a familiar tone to his owl. Then Hedwig spread out her wings as she flew over to him. Harry raised his arm as Hedwig landed on his hand. Hedwig cooed and nuzzled against his cheek.

"Sorry, Hedwig," Harry smiled. "I'll try not to take too long next time."

Hedwig huffed and Harry laughed. Then before Harry could do anything else, Hedwig's eyes widened and shrieked as she flapped her wings. She flew over his head. Harry frowned. He didn't know what was wrong. It was rare to see Hedwig act like this. As Harry was about to consoled her, but he felt a sudden weight on his back and he fell face first into the snow.

"Woof! Woof!"

"TITUS!"