Never Return

It took a few days for Harry to get hired. Harry wasn't sure how they happened, it was a cafe that hired him. It was more like a restaurant than a cafe. They were probably desperate. He was going to work Mondays through Thursdays. Which on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, he'll be able to stay at home, look for Dowd, and planned to meet up with Damian so he could draw Hedwig. Harry was pleased how Hedwig was getting the attention she deserved. He was happy to meet someone who appreciate their pets.

Harry was putting on his uniform and use some hairclips to put his bangs to the side as he covered his scar. As much as he wanted to use muggle makeup, but he felt like he didn't need to since the only thing the defines his identity would be his scar. Without the scar, no wizard and witch would think twice. The only people who would recognized him would be people who knew his parents and could identified him without the scar.

"Harry, can I have a word with you," Sirius called.

"I'll be right there!" Harry said.

After Harry was done getting dressed, he went downstairs, where Sirius was waiting for him in the living room. Dobby was preparing his lunch. Harry told Dobby yesterday that he didn't have to, but the house elf insisted. As Harry sat down, Sirius leaned against the couch and folded his hands together.

"There is something you do need to know," Sirius said. "I should've said something a few days ago, but we just here and I didn't think you would go out at night. You know how Batman has his rogues?"

Harry nodded. Ever since Robin had escorted Harry back home, Sirius gave him a lecture of how he shouldn't done something like that and how anything could happen to him. Of course Harry knew he deserved it. He wasn't really thinking at the time, but he learned his lesson.

"There are a couple of them who is a wizard and a witch," Sirius explained. "Apparently they and MACUSA made an agreement that they won't attack anyone who is a confirmed magical, even if they're no-mag born, muggleborn. If any wizard or witch gets hurt by their attacks, it doesn't matter if they're from America or outside of the country, they will go to MACUSA prison. They use the Imperious Curse get anyone who is magical out."

"Who are they?" Harry asked.

"Pamela Isley and Jonathan Crane," Sirius answered. "In the muggle world or no-mag world, they are known as Poison Ivy and Scarecrow. They're both no-mag borns."

Harry's eyes widened. He knew those names. They were the ones who wrote the textbooks he read. Pamela Isley was the one who wrote about how wizards and witches can use non magical plants for potions and Herbology. Jonathan Crane was a well known potions masters and a very good dueler. Harry and everyone at Hogwarts had Crane's potion book last year. Of course Snape would use his own directions than what the book showed. Crane even wrote a book about his study on boggarts and dementors. He wasn't sure about reading textbooks that were from villains.

"That's...terrifying," Harry finally said.

Sirius nodded. "It is. At least we don't get hurt by them, but if they do saw one of us, I wouldn't be surprised if they turned us in and get a reward from Dumbledore."

The thought about being turned in by other magical person just made Harry shiver. He hadn't heard anything from Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic. Harry was a bit anxious and wondered what they were planning. Did they contacted the ICW? Did they contacted everyone he knew? Harry wasn't sure, but like always, he didn't like to be kept in the dark. However, for the first time, he wished he did. Gotham wasn't the most ideal place to live, but Harry was free enough not to have anyone wanting him to be their savior. He was just Harry to people.

Then Harry realized from everything he did ever since he entered Hogwarts, he never questioned anything! Yes, he did questioned who was behind everything, but not questioning Dumbledore, Snape, and everyone. He trusted Dumbledore and he trusted him enough, hoping he wouldn't let him die in the tournament, but that didn't happened. Dumbledore wanted him to participate. Harry never questioned Dumbledore's authority. Harry even never questioned Snape's hatred of him until Harry asked after the confrontation with Quirrell. Even before he knew he was a wizard, Harry never questioned the Dursleys because they hated that he questioned things and so he never asked a question unless he needed to.

Harry looked at Sirius. Even he didn't question why they should go to Gotham instead of contacting Dowd through owls. Although, Harry was glad to meet Damian and hopefully his new acquaintance would be his friend, Harry still never questioned Sirius. He just went with it. Yes, Harry did wanted to leave too and was glad he did, but he was desperate.

"How come we couldn't contact Bernard Dowd through owls?" Harry demanded. "Why go without contacting him?"

Sirius frowned. "What's all of this about?"

Harry pursed his lips. "Sirius, ever since we decided to leave, I never questioned anything and never asked why we couldn't contact Bernard Dowd through owls. We are wizards after all. Couldn't we just sent him an owl?"

Sirius froze as his eyes widened. He let out a nervous chuckle. "Oh shit, bloody hell, I thought I did told you."

Harry crossed his arms. "Well you didn't."

"I did sent him a letter," Sirius explained. "through the tropical birds. It was the day you told me after your name came out of the goblet. The bird came back and the letter wasn't open. Harry, Bernard has wards up. Meaning, only letters that he authorized could only go through. I even tried to contact Charlotte, but she has wards up too."

Harry blinked. "So that's why you wanted to go to Gotham."

Sirius nodded. "You can try if you want, but I know what kind of wards they put up. The wards only recognized the signature of that said person. Muggles are allowed, since their letters aren't magical. Even if we write like muggles, it'll still have the same effect as our letters being delivered by owls. The wards the two put up, they're strong enough to tell if a wizard is pretending to be a muggle."

Harry lowered his head. If he was a muggle, the letter would go through the wards, but since he's still a wizard (even for a short while) the wards would refuse him. This wasn't what he thought it'll turned out. He thought that Sirius might've forgotten that detailed because he was just too excited to leave the British wizarding world for good, but it turned out he did tried. He tried what he could and running to Gotham was the only solution. Harry looked at his godfather. He opened his mouth, but stopped. He was going to suggest maybe they could use a tracking potion, but he remembered in potions class that he needed a sample of the person he was tracking. Using blood was pointless because you have to be a hundred percent certain that the person has no other living relatives because if they do, tracking by blood would track down every member of the family tree.

Although, looking back now, Harry knew Bernard Dowd is a famous curse-breaker. With his fame and everyone knowing his name, it wouldn't be a surprised that he got fan mail. He probably put wards up for a reason. Harry pursed his lips. He really wished he knew someone who knows Bernard Dowd.

"Are there any other wizards living in Gotham?" Harry asked.

Sirius shrugged. "Not that I know of. Unless you want to ask Poison Ivy and Scarecrow for help."

Harry made a face. "I would rather not."

Then Harry looked at the time. He realized he needed to be at work in an hour. Quickly, he grabbed his satchel, making sure he got everything. His ID, money, and his cloak. Does he need his Firebolt? Probably not, since he didn't want to cause any muggle to see someone on a flying broom. Besides, during the few days after he met Damian and Robin, he bought a used bike, with helmet included. Harry almost forgot his flip phone and put it in his satchel. Yes he did bought a flip phone. He didn't want to spend his whole money on a popular cellphones. As much as he wanted one, but he needed to go old school.

"I'm off!" Harry said. "Bye Sirius, Dobby, Hedwig! I'll be back soon!"

"See you later, Harry," Sirius gave him a hug. "If anything happens call Dobby and he'll apparated you."

"Can Dobby make dinner, sir?" Dobby asked.

Harry smiled. "If I don't come home on time, yes you can!"

Dobby gasped and smiled. "Thank you sir!"

With that, Harry left. He rode his bike to the cafe. It was near Gotham Academy. When he got there, he clocked in, and the manager told him what to do. Harry was pretty much a busboy, but at least it was better than nothing. There will be time she will have to do the dishes too, which he didn't mind. Doing the dishes was actually relaxing for him. There were even times where Harry would refill people's drinks too. Whenever Harry asked a customer if they wanted their drink to be refilled, they just get wide eyed and nodded, even though some of their drinks weren't that empty. He didn't questioned it.

During his break, Harry's coworkers told him what he needed to know whenever things happen in the cafe. They told him that if there was a robbery or strange men coming in, don't questioned it and do what they say. The results would be death if Harry or any of the employees did anything. Harry kept that in mind since he really didn't want to cause any trouble for anyone. He realized in Gotham that it was better to be safe than sorry...unless it's magical related, then it was a different story.

Later it became the late afternoon. Harry was pouring drinks for people and other drinks that they asked for a refill. Harry already had his lunch a couple hours ago and was going to clock out soon, since his shift was almost up. It was only another hour to go.

"Evans?" a familiar voice spoke.

Harry turned and saw Damian, who was sitting in the corner by the window and had a glass of tea. Harry blinked a few times. Of all people he never expected to run into again would be Damian. They hadn't spoken since their meeting in the park. Harry was meaning to call him when they'll meet up for Hedwig's portrait when he got home. He was just too busy trying to look for a job.

"Hey Damian," Harry greeted. "Fancy seeing you here."

"I frequent here," Damian explained. "I didn't know you work here."

"I just got the job," Harry shrugged.

Damian nodded. "When do you get off?"

"Just another hour."

"I see," Damian folded his hands. "If you don't mind, would you like to join me when you completed your shift? After all, we do need to discuss when to meet up."

"Yeah! Lets do that!"

"Then I shall see you later."

Harry smiled as he get back to work. He couldn't wait to talk to Damian again. Harry expected their talk would be over the phone, but having it in person was great too. While he was getting the finished dishes, he noticed some people were whispering and staring at Damian. Harry wasn't sure why. With a shrug, Harry went back to the kitchen and set it into the sink, while the dishwasher cleaned the dishes.

"You know Damian Wayne?" one of his coworkers...Lucy, probably her name asked.

Harry frowned and nodded. "We're just acquaintances."

"I never saw him talk to anyone here!" the cook, Chuck said. "Whenever Wayne's here, he orders our vegetarian dishes, tea, or some pastries. He even orders some hot chocolate whenever it's cold. He'll bring his dog here sometimes too."

"Wayne would be here by himself and sometimes with his friends or family." Brad, the waiter added.

"Is he like a big deal or something?" Harry asked.

Then there was silence. All of his coworkers looked at him as if he grew two heads. For once, Harry wished he kept his mouth shut. He didn't know what he said wrong this time. Lucy and Brad grabbed his shoulders, staring at him in the eyes.

"Harry, were you living under a rock?!" Brad exclaimed. "You know who Bruce Wayne is, right?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. He's the rich fellow."

"Damian Wayne is his son," Lucy finished. "only biological son. His eldest son is Richard Grayson, his second is Jason Todd, his third is Tim drake, Cassandra Cain is the fourth, Duke Thomas is the fifth, and Damian Wayne is the youngest. Although Duke Thomas was adopted by Bruce Wayne years after Damian Wayne was announced to be his son, but we're just going by oldest to youngest."

Harry froze. Maybe he was living under a rock. Now he thought about it, he didn't know anything when he was raised by muggles. Harry never had the freedom to do anything he wanted. He never went to the beach, watch movies, or find his own interests. Even when he found out he was a wizard, the only interest he was able to discovered was Quidditch! Harry made a mental note that he will need to explore his interest and other things he wanted to do.

When Harry's shift ended, he took off his apron and nametag, putting it into his locker. When he went to the front, he noticed Damian was still there. With a deep breath, Harry headed over to Damian, who was reading a Japanese comic book. Harry wasn't sure why he was so nervous. He usually didn't mind making friends, but then he remembered Ron and Hermione came to him and not the other way around. Harry always just minded his own business.

Harry sat down and smiled. "Hey Damian. Thanks for waiting."

"It wasn't much of a wait, Evans," Damian put his book away. "Would you like anything to eat or drink?"

Harry shook his head. "I'm fine."

Damian took a zip of his drink. "So, when do you want to meet up, Evans? I get out of school at around two-thirty and on Sundays I volunteer at the animal shelter in the mornings and get out at five. I don't do anything on Saturdays. What about you?"

"I work Monday through Thursdays and I'm free on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I don't really do anything on the weekend. I'm homeschool, so I don't mind what time we meet up."

Damian nodded. "I see. Well then, how about we meet up around three on Fridays, on Saturdays we can meet in the mornings, and Sundays we can meet up at either of our houses. How does that sound?"

"Brilliant!" Harry said. "I really don't mind these times."

Damian smirked. "Well, I see you are very negotiable, Evans." then he stood up. "Meet me outside. I'll be right back."

Harry frowned and nodded. Damian left his seat and went over to the front desk. Harry did as he was told and went out of the cafe and waited for Damian. While he was waiting, harry unchained his bike. Harry wasn't sure why Damian wanted him to wait for him, but Harry didn't mind. Damian was the only person who Harry sort of became friends with...then again, he was sure Damian wouldn't even call him a friend since the two just met a few days ago.

As Damian came out of the cafe he asked. "Which way are you heading home?"

"That way," Harry pointed over Damian's shoulder.

"Let's go," Damian said.

Harry blinked. "Wait what?! You're coming?"

Damian turned and rolled his eyes. "Obviously, Evans. Why else I asked? Now come on."

Harry gaped. He didn't know what just happened. He just nodded and walked next to Damian in silence. Harry didn't expected to be walked home by Damian. It was something that he didn't expected, but Harry had to admit, it was very nice of Damian, even though he can be a bit rude sometimes.

When they got to the neighborhood, Harry couldn't help and glanced at Damian. It was hard to tell what Damian was thinking, but Harry noticed how Damian's green eyes were a different shade than his. Unlike Harry's bright green, Damian's was darker, almost like a jade color. Even Damian's slicked back hair gave off the stern and cold rich kid vibe.

"So...you're Bruce Wayne's kid?" Harry asked.

Damian nodded at him and raised a brow. "You just realized that now, Evans?"

"M-My c-coworkers told m-me today," Harry stammered. "Sorry...if I offended you."

Damian rolled his eyes. "Tt, don't apologized Evans. It's not every day when you meet someone who doesn't know who you are. It's annoying when they do know who you are."

Harry sighed. "I know the feeling."

Frowning, Damian turned to him. "You do?"

Harry chuckled and nodded as he remembered all the people knowing his name ever since he found out about his wizard heritage. Harry could count a number of times how annoyed he got and how people wanted to use him, like Lockhart or just wanted to be friends with him because of his status like Malfoy. There were people like Ron who just only became his friend because of his fame and Harry was still upset over that.

"When my parents died," Harry explained. "I went to the school where they met and fell in love. The people there knew my name because my parents protected me. They recognized me because of my scar from the intruder. I was only famous because I didn't die. People would just use me or try to be my friend. Recently before I moved here, I found out that one of my best friend, Ron ended our friendship cause he thought I wanted more fame!"

"What happened?" Damian asked.

"Some guy put my name in a school competition against my will. Ron thought I wanted more fame when he knew I hated it. No one in the school believed me when I told everyone that I never put my name. There wasn't any evidence and there was the...cameras around. Also I was with Ron and Hermione at the time too. I even did a lot of community service for the school and this is what I got."

Damian huffed. "They're pathetic idiots. They only believe what they want to believe."

"It still sucks, though."

Harry smiled a bit. Even though he had to change some things about what happened at Hogwarts, but it was vague enough where it wouldn't draw suspicion. Besides, talking about his problems and the fame he hated to Damian felt nice. It was nice that someone else understood that he didn't like his fame too.

"No offence, Evans, but you don't strike me as someone famous," Damian smirked.

Harry laughed. "None taken. I actually like how I don't look famous. Ron may always saw me famous, but Hermione never did. She only saw me as just Harry. Of course there are other people at school who saw me normal than being famous. It's just rare. I don't know how you handled it Damian, but I'm amazed."

"My father and siblings taught me. Also the media helped when people only saw me as the "Ice Prince". People tend to stay away."

"Ice Prince?! Why can't I get a better nickname?!"

"What does your school called you?"

"The-Boy-Who-Lived."

Then Damian snickered as Harry rolled his eyes. Damian cleared his throat, but Harry could see he was trying not to laugh. Yes, Harry knew the wizarding world wasn't really good with the nicknames. Voldemort was understandable since people actually did feared him and was too afraid to say his name, but his nickname was a bit too long and could've been a bit better. At least they didn't call him "The Chosen One". Now that nickname would be a nightmare and too predictable.

"What kind of nickname is that?" Damian asked.

Harry shrugged. "I have no idea, blame my community."

Then the two stopped as they were in front of Harry's house. Harry pursed his lips. He wanted to talk to Damian some more, but he knew that Damian has school tomorrow and was probably busy with homework. However, at least they'll be able to meet up on Friday.

"Well, this is my stop," Harry said. "Thanks for walking me home, Damian."

Damian huffed. "Well, Evans you looked like you couldn't handle a fight so considered yourself lucky that I was your escort."

Harry gaped. First Robin and now Damian?! Does Harry not look like he could handle a fight by himself. For crying out loud, he fought a giant snake and cast the patronus charm at a herd of dementors. that had to count for something! Yeah, Harry barely got himself into a fist fight, but at least he could handle a fist fight. Harry looked at Damian and he finally noticed that Damian had a lot of muscle on him, despite wearing a school uniform. He looked like he could stab someone and not feel bad about it. Harry wouldn't be surprised if Damian worked out all the time.

"Hey, I can handle myself!" Harry exclaimed. "I smacked Robin with my satchel!"

Damian's eye twitched. "I see, I'm surprised he actually let you live. He is known as the violent Robin. He carries a sword on him."

"He what now?" Harry gasped.

Now that was something he didn't know. From the interaction he had with Robin a few days ago, the guy seemed nice and at the same time intimidating. Harry knew of the Batman and his family, but not that much since the Dursleys would always make him do chores and be in his room, while Dudley and his friends can talk about the heroes. Harry only knew of the little things about them and that was it.

Then Damian laughed. Harry blinked a few times. From the moment he met Damian, he never saw him laugh even once. Sure he snickered, but this was different. It was a nice sounding laugh. It reminded Harry of how he laughed when he was with his friends and free from any worry before something bad happens. Harry wasn't sure of how true the media portrayed Damian or how he acted around other people than him, but from Harry's perspective Damian is a stoic, somewhat cold, and rude at times, but underneath that he has a heart that rarely shows.

"If you hadn't noticed Evans, I was joking," Damian smirked. "If it makes you feel better, Robin is only violent towards to criminals and Batman's rouges." 

Harry scoffed. "I knew that."

"Sure you did."

"Harry?" a voice spoke.

Harry and Damian turned as they saw Sirius at the door. Hedwig was perching on Sirius's shoulder. Harry smiled as Sirius ran over towards him and gave him a hug. Damian looked taken aback for a second there. Harry couldn't blamed him. Sirius did looked like he came from the streets, but luckily, his godfather was slowly getting rid of that appearance.

"You had me worried!" Sirius exclaimed. "I thought something happened when you didn't come home."

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, Sirius. I was talking to Damian."

Sirius turned to Damian. "Ah yes, Bruce Wayne's kid."

Harry sighed. "Did everyone knew and not me?"

"To be fair, I thought you did knew when you mentioned you met him at the park."

Damian snorted. "Evans apparently found out today. By his coworkers no less." he turned to Sirius. "Damian Wayne. A pleasure to meet you, sir. You must be Evans's godfather he mentioned."

Sirius smiled. "Yes, I'm Sirius. It's nice to meet you Damian."

The two shook hands. Harry noticed his godfather was smiling and glaring at Damian at the same time. Damian was doing the same, but he's more glaring and not smiling. Harry stared at the two. He just hoped there won't be a fight because Harry knew he doesn't have the money to get Sirius out of bail for beating up Damian Wayne of all people.

After they stopped shaking hands, Damian turned to Harry. "I have to go. I don't want my family to worry."

Harry nodded. "I understand. Are you going to be alright walking home?"

Damian huffed. "Tt, Evans, I'll be fine. My ride isn't too far from here."

Harry smiled. He took out a piece of paper and wrote down his number, handing to Damian. "This is my number. Both house and phone. If you want...if we could talk tonight or tomorrow? Just anything really. I understand if you don't want to."

Damian stared at him. Harry glanced tot he side, shifting his feet a bit. Maybe it was too soon offer that. As much as Harry wanted to have a friend, but he knew how his track record was with friends. Yes, Hermione is his best friend and basically took Ron's place as his ultimate best friend and sister, but it wouldn't hurt to try to make friends on his own. It had been a while for Harry to make friends on his own, since it was usually people who go to him, but this time he wanted to put int he effort.

"I thought you didn't have a cellphone." Damian finally said as he took the paper.

Harry took out his flip phone. "I bought one."

Damian blinked a few times. He looked at Harry as if he grew three heads. Harry didn't know what he did wrong this time. He wasn't sure what was wrong with his phone, but it's still a phone. Sure, it's a bit old, but it still works and Sirius was able to use magic on it so it can work even when he has no signal.

"Well, you are tolerable," Damian said.

"Um...thanks?" Harry frowned.

"Anyway, I have to go. I'll see you soon, Evans."

With that, Damian looked at him one more time. Then he turned and walked away. Harry watched as he disappeared from the corner. Harry tried to processed what happened. Damian didn't rejected his offer of calling each other. He said he's tolerable...whatever that meant, but it was a progress...actually, Harry wasn't sure if it was a progress.

"You know Harry, he's not coming back if you keep on staring," Sirius said.

Harry flushed. "Wh-What?! I-Sirius-I was just-Neverminded! It's getting cold and I'm hungry."

Sirius snickered as he playfully rolled his eyes, and ruffled his hair as they went inside. Harry grumbled and patted his cheeks. He didn't understand why Sirius said that for.

~OoO~

When Damian got home, everyone was at the living room, watching a movie. Damian paid no attention to them. He couldn't stop remembering what happened today. Another meeting with Evans again? he thought. He didn't expected that to happen, but he didn't mind. Which was a surprised to him. Usually, he didn't like to run into the same person all the time, like with his siblings and Jon, but Evans' presence wasn't too bad. He hate to admit it, but he did enjoy their conversation.

Damian knew that Evans's real name is Harry Potter, but he did wondered how is Harry Potter famous. He never heard of Harry Potter. He didn't understand why Evans got famous for not dying and surviving a home invasion. Everyone knew at the time when Jason was the second Robin, he became famous for his death, but that was common knowledge. Damian knew that Evans used to live in Britain and maybe they have different ways of having celebrities, but Damian had already met famous people in Britain. He would've heard of Harry Potter if he was that famous. Unless there's something more, Damian thought. Damian wasn't sure, but Evans did said that he was famous in his community. A secret community perhaps? Damian knew a lot of secret communities, but they were in America and not in Britain. The only thing Damian could think of was a secret meta community or a...magical one.

The last part caused Damian wasn't sure, but it was possible. He knew that any vigilante and any member of the Justice League were not allowed to interfere with a magical community because they're their own society for thousands of years. Only magical people in the Justice League was able to communicate with them like Zatanna and Constantine, unless they got permission. They're the only people who were allowed to live in places where metas weren't allowed because there were people who were just born from no magical parents. Could Harry Potter be a meta or a magical person?

"Hey Demon Brat!" Jason greeted. "What took you so long to get home? Found another cat again?"

"Is...Is he smiling?" Tim whispered very loudly.

"I think he is," Duke gasped.

"I didn't know he can smile," Jason said while Cassandra rolled her eyes at them.

Smiling? Damian didn't realized he was smiling the whole way here. He quickly dropped his smile and went back to his usual expression, which for some reason caused his siblings to calm down. Rolling his eyes, Damian went into the kitchen and grabbed an apple.

"Master Damian, dinner will be finished shortly," Pennyworth turned to him.

"It's just a small snack, Pennyworth," Damian said.

Pennyworth chuckled as he continued to cook. Damian went upstairs and into his room. He set his apple aside as he laid on his bed. Taking out Evans's number, Damian looked at it. He thought back about their conversation and how Damian was able to talk to someone without any connections to Father and his siblings. Usually Damian would brushed them off in a heartbeat, but Evans...was something. Not only he had no clue who Damian Wayne was, but didn't try to use him to gain anything after he found out. He just treated Damian as normal. Just like how Evans wanted to be treated. In the deepest pit of his heart, Damian actually does want to get to know Evans more. He wanted to become friends with someone who isn't connected to Father and his siblings. He always to try to make friends on his own.

With a deep breath, Damian dialed Evans's number. The phone rang a couple of times and it was picked up.

"Hello?" a familiar voice spoke.

"Evans," Damian said.

"D-Damian?!" Evans exclaimed. "H-Hi! How are you?"

Damian silently chuckled to himself. He find it funny how surprised Evans was. It was endearing in a way. He kind of wish Evans had a better phone to facetime him properly.

"Fine," Damian answered. "I was bored and wanted to talk a bit before dinner. Are you busy?"

"No, but what do you want to talk about?" Evans asked.

"Anything, really."

It only took seconds for the two talked about anything they could think of. Their conversations went front Damian's other pets like Alfred the cat, Jerry the Turkey, and Batcow to Damian's blade collection, which Evans was very interested in and told him he held the school sword before, then to random facts about each other like their favorite color and their favorite ice-cream flavor. As their conversation went on, Damian wondered if he could convinced Evans to let him buy a proper cellphone for him. It's not like he cared about Evans or anything. He just thought the flip phone was a poor choice on Evans' part.

~OoO~

Somewhere in Gotham at a mansion, specifically, the Dowd-Potter mansion, Bernard Dowd was reading The New York Ghost, wondering if he had missed other news when he was in Asia. The only news he did knew was when he witnessed the attack of the Quidditch World Cup. Bernard never paid attention to the news, but this time Bernard knew he needed to. The last time he read the papers, it was about the Dark Mark. He even looked into some of the editions to see if he missed anything. Even though Bernard is a curse-breaker, but he is the son of a famous well known auror. He knew a lot of skills of an auror. His mother wanted to make sure he knew defense and everything else, despite being an auror wasn't his dream profession. Ever since Bernard saw the Dark Mark, all he could think of was Harry. Was his baby cousin okay? Is he enjoying Hogwarts? Is he endangered? Bernard hadn't seen Harry since he was a baby. Almost a year old at the time and a few months before Aunt Lily and Uncle James died.

Even though Bernard was there at the time of the attack of the Quidditch World Cup, but he wasn't the only one who was there. His mother, father, and Tim. Yes, Tim knew he was a wizard after they dated for three years (and still going). Bernard told Tim about the other Potters in Britain. He even showed him pictures too. Tim knew the existence of secret magical communities since he's the vigilante, Red Robin and they were required to know about secret societies and don't interfere with them unless you're magical or got permission. So Bernard taught Tim about his magical heritage and it's logic. However, during the attack of the world cup, Tim did wanted to help both no-majes and magical, but Bernard, his mother, and even his father told him he couldn't since he's also a no-mag and could be target as well. Also Bernard didn't want Bruce Wayne to sent his family and kill him, even though Bernard could handle them easily. Bernard and his mother fought and protected others around them until they were in a safe place. After that Tim wanted to learn and identify spells and curses, which Bernard was happy to teach him. 

However, Bernard did thought it was weird how his Uncle Sirius never sent him and his mother any letters. After all, his mother and Sirius are distant cousins. Even the papers didn't say anything about his baby cousin after the attack. Bernard always did thought it was weird. Yes, he's a wizard and weird things happening shouldn't be a big deal, but he knew he wasn't the only one. His mother thought it was weird too. She went to Hogwarts with Uncle Sirius. Aside from Uncle James, she knew Uncle Sirius better than anyone.

As Bernard flipped through the papers, he muttered to himself. "The Triwzaird Tournament, huh?"

Bernard knew of the Triwizard Tournament. He learned it in history. From the papers, it was said that the ICW wanted to try again with the Triwizard Tournament, which would be held at Hogwarts. It was said it was Dumbledore's idea. Restrictions was place around the Goblet of Fire and an age line was made. Why the ICW agreed to bring back the Triwizard Tournament was idiotic. Also why the age line? It was like asking an older student to put someone's name in it either the younger student wanted to, out of spite, or a plan to hurt them. Bernard knew Dumbledore was powerful, but even a powerful wizard like Dumbledore should've known how idiotic it was to put an age line while there were other methods to forbid underage students to enter the tournament.

Then an owl flew into his living room, dropping the letter on his lap. Sighing, Bernard took the letter and opened it. It was from work. Bernard knew right away the bank wanted him back to work like always. A two week vacation was probably enough for them to get him back to work.

"Dear Mister Dowd-Potter," Bernard read. "We want to informed you that you are needed back to work. Recently, a Curse-Breaker Armstrong gotten himself cursed in Little Hangleton, England and is at St.Mungos, but sadly, he didn't had enough experienced of handling such high level curses and barriers. Head of the Department of Unidentifiable Magical Objects, Charlotte Potter recommended you as you are proficient in high level curses and barriers considering your many achievements around the international wizarding world. We expect a letter back in the morning. Please meet me and Charlotte Potter at her office at twelve o'clock noon, sharp! Sincerely, Rulock, the Head Banker of Gringotts of America."

Bernard pursed his lips. It wasn't the first time Bernard helped the D.O.U.M.O. He knew he had a lot of qualifications than a normal curse-breaker would have. Even though he did had many job offers, but he still love being a curse-breaker. He got to travel and he got to bring Tim along at times. However, knowing his mother, he knew that it was serious since she needed his help. The Gingotts of America does work closely with D.O.U.M.O., since goblins do like magical artefacts.

Taking out his phone, Bernard texted his boyfriend. Bernard always let Tim know whenever he is leaving the country for work. It's always random when he comes back home, but whenever he does, he gets to have a date, which he was happy with.

Bernard: Had to get back to work tomorrow. Probably going to Britain. Want to join?

Tim: I would like to, but I have so many CEO meetings in the next few weeks. You know how they get during the holidays.

Bernard: I getcha! I'll bring you some wizard candies when I get home.

Tim: Can you get me those jellybeans? I really want to prank Dick with it.

Bernard: No prob. ;) Want the frogs too?

Tim: And some pumpkin pasties and cauldron cakes, plz. They're my favorite!

Bernard: Timmy, all of the wizarding desserts are your favorite.

Tim: And they're so good! Be careful out there! I'll miss you! When you get back, we're going on a Thanksgiving date and I'm paying!

Bernard: Yeah, yeah, Mister CEO. I'll miss you too. See you soon! Good luck with your meetings. Try not to drink too much coffee.

Tim: Yeah, not gonna happen, Mister Curse-Breaker.

Shaking his head, Bernard smiled as he put away his phone. He didn't waste time to reply back to his boss and informed his mother that he will be arriving tomorrow. Bernard waved his wand as a paper and quill appeared. He wrote down a list of things he needed to do, what to pack, and what spells to put on himself before he goes to England. The warding spell was on top of the list, since he always gets too much fan mail, marriage proposals, and other MACUSA departments wanting him to work for them. He made sure the only letters that went through was his mother, father, grandparents, and Tim. Anyone else would obviously be automatically turned away. Of course his mother was the same since she still does get fan mail and some marriage proposals too, so her wards were always up.

Bernard would've liked to add Uncle Sirius, but the thing was that Dumbledore told his mother to burn the letters in case if Voldemort wanted to go after them. Bernard was certain that Voldemort wouldn't go after the American Potters since he only target Harry and not them, but Bernard's mother did listen and burn the letters. She did regret it later on. Of course Bernard would like to add Harry too, but he did tried to sent him a letter one time, in his first year of Hogwarts, but Dumbledore sent him a letter saying that Sirius put wards to protect Harry. Bernard did tried again during summer and Dumbledore sent him a letter reminding him that he couldn't contact Harry. Eventually, Bernard did sent a letter to Uncle Sirius and who else would reply to him, but Dumbledore, telling him that Sirius was busy protecting Harry. Bernard was between seventeen and eighteen at the time when he sent those letters and he was getting fed up with Dumbledore's crap. As much as he wanted to sent another letter to Harry, but he knew the results. Dumbledore would just tell him he couldn't make contact with his only cousin.

As his to-do list was done, Bernard went upstairs and waved his wand again. Right away, his suitcases opened, filling his clothes and necessities. Once that was done, Bernard put his hands on his hips and nodded to himself. Now the packing was done, he just needed to go to town and buy some healing potions of all kinds and magical objects. Since it's in the middle of the night, the stores are closed, which means he'll have to buy them tomorrow.

Bernard knew he was going overboard with the potions and magical objects, but he didn't want to take the risk. After all, he is a Potter, which means trouble finds him and luck is never on his side.