Never Return

Tonight was the night when Bernard went back to Gaunt Shack. Kreacher woke him up and made him dinner, roast beef to be exact and it was very filling. Bernard apparated to Little Hangleton and put on the no-maj repellent charm. He didn't want any no-majes to disturbed him, although that encounter with that no-maj was considered luck since it did got him into finding who Tom Riddle Jr was. However, considering the fact what he was going to do, he'll need more luck.

Bernard walked up to the Gaunt Shack. He took out the remaining basilisk venom and coated his knife. Now there was only a little bit of venom left for the diadem. Since Voldemort was somewhere barely alive and he was near the Riddle Mansion, Bernard wanted to be careful in case if there were any of Voldemort's followers still around or at least guarding the place. Bernard even had some gadgets Tim gave him in case if he didn't had his wand on him. He remembered when Dumbledore's letter told his family what happened and what they speculated. It was theorized that both Aunt Lily and Uncle James didn't had their wands on them and were caught off guard when Voldemort attack. As much as Bernard wanted to doubt that, but this was the only time he would believe Dumbledore's word. Everything else he just found out and the years of his only cousin and remaining uncle not answering his letters, Dumbledore was nothing to him, but a bother.

With a deep breath, Bernard took out his wand and projected a bright blue light. The barrier revealed it's dome-like shield. The blue light shined around him as Bernard pressed more. He gnashed his teeth as his hands begun to sweat. Then Bernard noticed the barrier was beginning to crack. Bernard took a step forward. The barrier was starting to crack even more. Bernard put both hands on his hand, almost like he was holding a gun. Grunting, Bernard kept his wand pointing at the barrier. He could feel the barrier trying to counter his attack, but Bernard kept going. He needed to get through that barrier. Then the barrier cracked even more as it exploded. Gasping, Bernard yelled as he was being flown back. Groaning, Bernard looked at the barrier and saw it was disappearing, almost like it was burning. With a sigh, Bernard wiped the sweat off of his face. Bernard knew he was using a high level magic of destroying a barrier. It's not dark magic per say. It was a neutral kind since it would work for both light and dark magic.

Bernard ran over to the shack and pointed his wand at the door. "Alohomora!"

The door opened and Bernard smiled. He carefully pushed the door, making sure he didn't touch the snake decoration. As he stepped inside, he could feel the presence of the horcrux. Bernard took out his gem and held it out. The gem was glowing very brightly, but not brightly enough to blind him. That meant the ring was near, but where? Bernard knew the ring was somewhere around here. Besides, this place looked like it hadn't been touch for many decades.

Bernard glanced around. There wasn't much left of the shack. There were a couple of doors, which was open, and it revealed to have rooms. Everywhere was covered with cobwebs and dusk. He was in the living area, which didn't had much either. Just a table and chairs. Bernard knew the ring was somewhere he was standing, but where? Bernard walked bit. If he was Voldemort, where would he hide a horcrux in a place like this?

The only thing Bernard could think was the floorboards, but that was too obvious. Was it? Bernard shook his head. No, there was no way Voldemort would be that stupid enough to do that...would he? Bernard thought about it. The other rooms would be useless since it's just filthy with bugs and rodents. It would be use to hide a precious ring. Voldemort would likely hide the ring in a place where it won't be covered with filth.

"Bombarda!" Bernard pointed his wand on the floorboards.

The floorboards exploded and Bernard shined the gem inside. Eyes widened, he gasped. Inside was a small golden chest. Bernard levitated the chest up to him and set it down. He checked to see if there were any protective charms. There were, but Bernard was able to break them. Bernard opened the chest and saw a ring. The ring didn't look really nice and it was very worn out, except for the gem. Bernard checked to see if there were any curses on the horcrux.

There were. If anyone wore the ring, they would die slowly, but touching it was fine. Bernard pursed his lips. Of all horcruxes, why was this one the only one very protected than the others? Bernard didn't know what Voldemort was thinking. Alfred did told him that Tom Riddle Jr was supposed to be smart, but then again, creating some horcruxes might've done something to his intelligence.

Bernard carefully put the ring back into it's box and repaired the floorboards. He cut his thumb as he made s circle, creating a lunar eclipse inside the circle. He put some runic spells around the circle. Once he was done, Bernard cleaned his bleeding thumb and put a band aid on it. Bernard double checked on his blood magic ritual and nodded to himself. Then Bernard took out a blood gem and crushed it. the gem's blood mix with his blood oozed through the creases of his fingers as it dripped onto the blood circle. The circle glowed bright red as Bernard saw a faint red barrier and specks of static. Bernard muttered the incantation as the box and the ring shook. A foggy man came out of the ring. Unlike the other horcruxes, this one looked human. A handsome man with dark hair and dark eyes. He looked no younger than sixteen. Bernard gnashed his teeth and stood his ground. This horcrux...was powerful than the others. That meant this horcrux was probably the first or second one. If Bernard remembered correctly, usually the third horcrux or fourth was when the user started to loose their humanity.

Taking a step forward, Bernard pushed through the ritual. The foggy former appearance of Voldemort tried to get out of the ritual, smashing itself against the barrier, but nothing happened. The soul screamed as it started to be burnt away. Once the soul was gone, Bernard took a breath and fell onto his knees. The blood magic took a lot of energy from him. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Bernard walked over to the ring. He checked to see if the horcrux was gone as well as the curse. Both horcrux and the curse was gone. Bernard smirked to himself. Another thing why he likes to use blood magic. It helps get rid of curses.

Bernard picked up the ring and put it in his robe pocket. However, in the corner of his eyes, Bernard noticed on the wall, there was a shadow. One was a large snake and the other was a rat that was morphing into a man. Slowly, Bernard put his other hand in his pocket, feeling the hilt of his knife. Licking his lips, Bernard turned and blasted a few spells at his attackers. The man screamed as he was being thrown back and the snake lunged at him. Gasping, Bernard jumped away as the snake crashed through the wall. Bernard took a quick look at the man and his eyes widened. He looked like the same man in the pictures that Uncle James showed him, except he was missing a finger. Bernard never met his other two friends, aside from Uncle Sirius because of his relations to him, but Bernard was aware of them.

"Peter Pettigrew," Bernard snarled.

Uncle James told Bernard that aside from Uncle Sirius, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew were his closest friends. Bernard never met the man, but his mother did. Also Bernard and his mother knew that Pettigrew was secret keeper...that meant this guy sold Harry's parents to Voldemort!

Without thinking, Bernard jumped onto Pettigrew and punched him across the face, but Pettigrew tried shoved him away, but Bernard kept on punching him. All he was seeing was red. All of this time when he read the papers ever since he got to Britain was about his uncle being the one who sold his aunt and uncle to Voldemort when in reality it was that rat! Of course Bernard didn't believe it since it was out of character for Uncle Sirius, but he still couldn't believe it.

"How could you?!" Bernard snapped. "How dare you sold Uncle James and Aunt Lily to Voldemort?! How dare you framed Uncle Sirius?!"

Pettigrew blinked. "Y-You're Charlotte's son?!"

"Oh fuck yeah, I am!" Bernard punched Pettigrew a few times. "That's for the Potter's!" the he threw another punch. "That's for Uncle Sirius." he punched him again. "And that's from me!"

Bernard felt blood coated his knuckles. He wasn't sure if it was Pettigrew's blood or his own, but he didn't care. All he care was trying to get this man - this traitor get turned into the ministry so that way Uncle Sirius could get a proper trail.

Then Pettigrew and pointed his wand at him. Bernard dodged as green light almost hit him. Grabbing Pettigrew's shirt, Bernard headbutt him. Pettigrew blinked a few times and fell back. Then Bernard heard a hissing sound. Shit! Bernard thought as the snake lunged at him with it's fangs open. Bernard yelped and fell as the snake tried to bite him, but Bernard blocked the attack by using a piece of wood. The snake bit the wood. Bernard could see that the wood was starting to crack. Bernard wanted to reach for his knife, but he was using one hand to hold the wood and the other for his wand. Pettigrew got up and pointed his wand at him, but with a grunt, Bernard silently used a spell as he pointed the animagus.

Depulso! he silently called.

At once Pettigrew was flown back through the walls, landing outside and onto the bushes. With all of his might, Bernard grabbed the snake's tail, and threw the snake at Pettigrew. The rat man screamed and Bernard quickly got up from his feet and pointed his wand at Pettigrew. The animagus was trying to get the snake off of him and vice versa.

"Petrificus totalus!" he muttered.

At that moment, Pettigrew froze and fell onto the ground. The snake wasted no time to launch itself at him. Bernard fell against the wall as he pointed his wand at the snake, but the snake swiped it's tail, causing his wand to fly out of his hand. The snake tried to bite him, but Bernard had both hands on the snake's jaw, trying to pushed it away so it wouldn't bit him, but nothing happened. Then Bernard noticed his gem locator and it was glowing brightly through his clothes. His eyes widened. The snake...was a horcrux?!

Oh luck was really on his side.

Bernard stomped on the snake's tail. The snake shrieked and Bernard threw the snake into another room and shut the door. Bernard grabbed his wand as the snake broke through the door and Bernard took out his knife. He swiped at the snake, but the snake dodged it and bit onto the blade. Eyes widened, Bernard felt himself being thrown back on the table, breaking it. Groaning, the snake strike at him, but Bernard rolled away.

"Expelliarmus!" Bernard shouted.

The spell shot back at him, causing him to be thrown back through the walls. Bernard winced. Now that was something he wasn't expecting. As much as Bernard wanted to throw some spells and curses at the snake, but a part of him didn't want to. The snake looked like it was well protected. If spells wouldn't work, then maybe his knife can.

Bernard put his wand away and got back onto his feet. He waited for the snake to lunged at him, but nothing happened. Frowning, Bernard slowly stepped inside the shack. The snake wasn't there, except for a paralyzed Pettigrew. Then Bernard heard a low hissing sound above him. Gasping, Bernard felt himself being shoved onto the ground, causing him to drop his knife. He turned and saw the snake was curling itself around his neck. Bernard chocked as he tried to reach for his knife, but the snake curled his neck even tighter. He could feel the tip of his fingers touching the hilt.

With a deep breath, Bernard grabbed the knife and stabbed the snake. Shrieking, the snake uncoiled itself from him and Bernard slashed the snake's body in half. A smokey figured of a snake-like man came out of the snake, screaming as it disappeared. The glowing gem under Bernard's clothes dimmed as there was no horcrux anymore. Bernard let out a heavy sigh and pushed the dead snake away from him. He wiped the sweat off of his forehead and went over to Pettigrew, who was still frozen.

Bernard put a spell on the animagus to make sure he doesn't turn back into his rat form. He couldn't believed what had just happened. He destroyed two horcruxes in one day. Now he just needed to focus the one in Hogwarts and Gotham. Luckily for him, tomorrow was the day Dumbledore was going to the Wizengamont meeting and he'll be able to see Harry. So that was a plus.

"Expecto Patronum!" Bernard said. Then an silvery elk came out of his wand. "Go to the Ministry of Magic and tell them I found Peter Pettigrew."

The elk nodded and vanished. Bernard dragged Pettigrew outside and created a barrier around them. He wanted to be sure that in case if any Death Eaters were around, he wanted to be prepared to fight them. Bernard was sure that the snake that was a horcrux was either Voldemort's pet snake or just a random snake he put as a horcrux...Bernard hoped it was the second option.

Then after five minutes or so, Bernard heard a loud crack. He turned and saw some aurors and ministry officials. Bernard was dreading to see Dumbledore, but the headmaster wasn't there. Instead, a female ministry official walked over to him. She smiled and held out her hand to him.

"Thank you for contacting us," she said. "I am Madame Amelia Bones. You are?"

"I'm Curse-Breaker Bernard Dowd," Bernard shook her hand. "Thanks for being here."

"Likewise." She held out her arm. "I suggest we go to my office, so we can discuss this matter."

Bernard nodded and did as he was told. Then there was a loud crack. It didn't them long to get in front of the building. The Ministry of Magic was just like how Bernard saw when he was here the last time for a curse-breaking assignment. Amelia nudged him and Bernard followed her. In the corner of his eyes, he could see people staring and pointing at him. Some tried to hide their whispers, but failed, probably on purposely.

"That's famous Curse-Breaker Bernard Dowd!" one said.

"Bloody hell, what is he doing here?!" another spoke.

"I heard his mother is the famous auror, Charlotte Potter!"

Bernard had to refrained himself from snorting at that part. Heard?! He is the son of Charlotte Potter for Merlin's sake. It's not a rumor! Even the American wizarding community knew that he is Charlotte's son.

Then when they got to Amelia's office, Bernard sat down. Amelia sat at her desk and conjured up some tea, biscuits, and a couple of scones. She poured him some tea, the no-maj way and handed it to him. Bernard just silently gave her a single nod and drank the tea. Then she conjured up a patronus of a fox. She whispered something into the fox's ear and the fox ran. Bernard wasn't sure what she told the fox, but it was probably be something important.

"Now, Mister Dowd," Amelia began.

"Bernard, please," Bernard said.

Amelia nodded. "Then you may call me, Amelia. Bernard, can you tell me what happened when you were at that shack?"

Bernard knew the protocols. Every wizarding community almost have the same protocols whenever someone needed to be taken into questioning. For Bernard's case, he was a witness and an almost murder victim. It made sense they wanted his side of the story. Besides, Bernard had a feeling that since Pettigrew would also be taken into custody, they wouldn't hesitate to go on hard on him. After all, the man had been riding as a rat for over a decade.

"I was just doing my curse-breaking assignments," Bernard explained. "My boss at the Gringotts of America wanted me to break a curse that hurt one of our own curse-breakers. I got here four days ago so I could prepare what to do. Then when I got here, I found the curse object and broke it. After that I just got attack by Peter Pettigrew and a snake. I saw Pettigrew transformed into a rat. I believe he might be an illegal animagus. The snake is dead, but Pettigrew isn't."

"I see," Amelia wrote what he said down. "I'm surprised that Pettigrew was alive. Many thought he was killed by Sirius Black."

"He was technically taken to Azkaban without a trial, correct?" Bernard asked. "I remembered reading the papers. I find it odd really. I thought no one was supposed to go to Azkaban without a trail."

Amelia sighed. "Sadly, you're not the only one. Dumbledore insisted and the minister agreed. Anyway, I know the Wizengamont meeting is tomorrow morning, but I'm going to try to push it today. If Minister Fudge agrees, would you like to be a part of the Wizengamont meeting?"

Bernard smiled uneasily. "Uh, I'm actually busy. I'm visiting a relative at Hogwarts, but if you do need me for the trial, I would like to be notified."

It wasn't really a lie. Bernard wanted to see Harry, but had to deal with the horcrux first. Bernard would rather make sure that the horcrux he was dealing with would be gone so that way Harry wouldn't come across it and do something stupid like any teenager.

Amelia's nodded. "I understand."

"Will Pettigrew be given a trial?" Bernard asked.

"Of course!" Amelia exclaimed. "Because of your discovery, I will need to make sure that Pettigrew would be given a trial and as well as investigate those who were a of involved Black's imprisonment."

Bernard pursed his lips, trying to hide his smirk. Bernard knew Dumbledore would likely be involved since Amelia did mentioned he was the one who insisted, along with the minister. He knew it wouldn't be a good look for the headmaster and the minister. Something like this would probably cause the minister be out of office. Dumbledore, on the other hand...it would be difficult, unless the ministry agreed to kick him too. Bernard knew that wouldn't happen, but only one could wish.

"Bernard," Amelia said. "I would also need you to be a witness. Is it okay with you to testify against Pettigrew?"

"Of course!" Bernard exclaimed. "Anything to make sure the right person is in Azkaban! Just send me an owl or muggle means to contact me, but I am busy this month. I celebrate Thanksgiving, a American muggle holiday with my family. Is it okay to contact me after that?"

Amelia smiled. "I will. Besides, as much as I would like the trial of Pettigrew in a week, but sadly there is the Triwizard Tournament to deal with."

"I've heard that it's back," Bernard said. "When is the first task?"

"November twenty-fourth."

"Who are the three Triwizard Champions this year?" Bernard took a sip of his tea. "I've read the papers and it wasn't announced. I know Rita Skeeter was at Hogwarts for the story. I'm surprised she hasn't wrote anything about it yet."

Everyone knew who Rita Skeeter, since it was basic common knowledge. The woman love a good story and would twisted it into her own satisfaction. It didn't matter if she got her story from Britain, America, Brazil, or Japan, she would use the story to her advantage to make herself famous than she usually is. Some people were gullible to believe her tales, while others like Bernard would figure out which were true or not.

"I...don't know," Amelia finally said.

Bernard frowned. He noticed how hesitant Amelia was. Bernard stared at the ministry official as his mind went full auror mode. He took a sip of his tea as his eyes wandered around the office. Everything seemed to be normal. As Bernard's eyes landed on Amelia, he noticed she had a bandage on the back of her hand. Bernard knew that a simple wound would be healed in no time, but something like this...he had a couple of theories.

"What happened to your hand?" Bernard asked. "Did something happened."

Amelia chuckled. "I...The minister wanted everyone to sign a blood quill."

Bernard turned pale. A blood quill! Those quills were for legal blood contracts only. It was one of the dark magical items that the wizard community uses. Then Bernard remembered how Bill told him how he didn't hear anything from the Triwizard Tournament. Was this the reason why there were no news of the Triwizard Tournament? What about Rita Skeeter? Bernard knew she had a big mouth and there was no way she would let a story slide unless someone was paying her to keep quiet. Whatever the situation was, Bernard knew Dumbledore was involved. Bernard was even certain that there was no way Dumbledore would go that far with a blood quill. Minors aren't allowed to use blood quills unless it's consent by both parent and child. Also depending on the contract, with the blood quill, it could bind a person and their families. It could be close blood relatives, distant, or both. However, since Bernard was related to other wizarding families, it was safe to say that if Dumbledore did go with this route, only close blood relatives had their lips shut. If that was the case then Bill was probably under the contract since Arthur Weasley works for the ministry and trusted Dumbledore.

It's only a theory, but a theory none of the less.

"Anyway," Amelia waved her hand. "Is there anything else we would repay you for your discovery?"

There was a lot of things Bernard would like. However, he wanted to focus on two things he had in mind. One was for his family and the other was just for fun. Bernard knew he shouldn't be selfish, but there were times he wanted to be. Besides, it might be a good idea to investigate anyway. The longer he was in the ministry, the longer he could tell something was off...Merlin, Tim is really rubbing off on him, isn't he?

"Two things actually," Bernard answered. "I would like to have a tour of the Ministry of Magic. My mother used to work there and told me all about it, so having a tour of the place would be like seeing everything through her eyes. I've been there a couple of times, but it was only for work, so I never got a full grasp of it."

Amelia nodded. "I'll make sure a tour would be arranged. What's your other request?"

"Do you know any good lawyers?" Bernard asked.

Amelia blinked. "Are you...planning to sue someone or...?"

"Just in case if it's necessary. You never know when you need one, right?"

The thought of suing Dumbledore would be a dream come true for Bernard. However, he knew he needed his answers before he could actually decide to sue the headmaster. Although, he was glad that Pettigrew would likely be in prison after the trail. Bernard wasn't sure when, but he hoped it wasn't before Thanksgiving. Sure he had a couple or a few weeks before the holiday, but he really wanted to spend time with his family and Tim.

"I do know someone," Amelia took out a card. "This is her contact information. Her name is Aristia Nightingale. You can contact her through wizard or muggle means. She's open to new clients and cases."

Bernard smiles. "Thank you, Amelia!"

Suddenly the door burst opened, revealing Minister Cornelius Fudge. The minister marched over, glaring at Amelia. In the corner of his eyes, Bernard could see Amelia just rolling her eyes. Whatever message she delivered to the minister must've made him angry.

"I will not be moving the Wizengamont meeting today, Amelia!" Fudge snapped. "everyone has a full schedule today and Albus has other matters to do."

Amelia crossed her arms. "Sir, Pettigrew is alive and I do think it's appropriate to move the meeting today, since we have other topics to figure out. It's best we discuss this with Albus right away."

"So you're saying we should have an emergency Wizengamont meeting?" Fudge demanded.

Amelia nodded. "Yes, I do. It is an emergency after all. I'm not asking for a trial, but I'm asking why we didn't look into this further thirteen years ago? You and Albus made Black be sent to Azkaban without a trail. Did you two not know how this effected our community and other countries at that day? I did and no one isn't please about it. I do think we should include that in our discussion when we talk to Albus, today."

Fudge scoffed. "I refused an emergency meeting, Amelia. Everyone's schedule is busy."

Amelia raised a brow. "That didn't stop you and Albus for having an emergency meeting after capturing Black and sending him to Azkaban. So what's the difference with this?"

Then there was silence. Bernard glanced at the two as if they were dueling. Amelia was very calm about it, while Fudge was going red. Bernard knew how serious this was. The Ministry of Magic could get a lot of heat from Uncle Sirius's imprisonment and lack of trial. Not only that, but people would be questioning Fudge's and Dumbledore's way of handling things. The thought of Dumbledore loosing his reputation just made Bernard did a little happy dance in his head. It'll be another dream come true.

Fudge turned to him. "Is this the wizard yank that found Pettigrew? He doesn't look much like our own curse-breakers."

Bernard's face hardened. "Curse-Breaker Bernard Dowd, son of Charlotte Potter at your service, sir."

Fudge's face turned pale and Amelia just smirked. As much as Bernard didn't want to use his mother's name, but in a situation like this, he had to. At a young age, Charlotte would always told Bernard to use her name whenever he's in wizarding Britain in case if he was being mistreated by the ministry or disregard him. He knew she was one of the best aurors in her time in Britain before she became a famous auror in America. She knew a lot of things about the Ministry and had the potential to become minister, but she didn't after Aunt Lily and Uncle James died.

Bernard folded his hands together. "Now, I don't want to butt into this conversation, but I do agree with Amelia. You need to have a meeting now. Pettigrew is alive all this time and it's obvious that Sirius Black was framed. Not only that, you and Dumbledore didn't handle the situation correctly. Also Minister Fudge, my mother and I, along with my grandmother, Dorea Black wouldn't hesitate to sue the ministry for incompetence and wrongful imprisonment for my Uncle Sirius Black."

Fudge sputtered and looked at him as if he grew another head. It looked like as if Fudge remembered that Charlotte Potter was also a Black. Bernard knew he was threatening the minister, but considering what happened, he wouldn't hesitate. Uncle Sirius deserved the justice he needed and if Bernard played his cards right, he would make sure that his uncle gets a relaxing life.

"Amelia, sent a message to Albus at once," Fudge gritted his teeth.

Amelia nodded. "Certainly, sir."

With that, Fudge left. Amelia did a patronus charm and sent the message to Dumbledore. Bernard was being a bit giddy now. Maybe luck was on his side after all. Not only Dumbledore would be going to an early meeting, but he'll be able to see Harry.

"Is he really going to the emergency Wizengamont meeting?" Bernard asked. "Dumbledore?"

"Oh he will," Amelia answered. "I was very vague on the message. Besides, from my years of experience in the ministry, Dumbledore would drop everything if there is a emergency meeting. As long as you don't put too much detail on the message, he wouldn't be the wiser." then she took a biscuit. "Anyway, how's Charlotte doing?"

Bernard stared at her. The way she asked about his mother as if she was familiar with her. Then again, just by looking at Amelia, she is around his mother's age. From what Bernard was told, Charlotte only  From what Bernard knew, Charlotte Potter was at least three or four years older than Uncle James and Sirius.

"She's doing well," Bernard said. "Working for MACUSA and sometimes I work with her. You know my mom?"

Amelia smiled. "Well, we were classmates and share the same friend group. We weren't exactly friends. We just talk from time to time. We had a shared interest on wanting to work for the ministry. People there freaked out when they saw Charlotte being "different" from the other Slytherins. Which was ridiculous because not all Slytherins were bad. Just those blood purist, which is funny because in some of the houses also have blood purist too. They're just quiet and never spoke of their intentions. Besides, I knew you were Charlotte's son when I saw you. You look like her, except your hair."

Bernard chuckled. "I actually do have black hair. I just like to transfigured my hair to blonde."

Amelia nodded. "I do wondered what house you'll be if did attended Hogwarts."

"Probably a Slytherin," Bernard shrugged. "but at Ilvermorny, I had to choose my own house between the Thunderbird and the Wampus. Those two statues wanted me."

"I heard it's rare for someone to have all statues go to them."

"It is, but it's like a once in a year thing."

Suddenly a patronus of a phoenix flew into the room. Bernard blinked a few times. He had never saw a phoenix patronus before. It was rare, but it does happen. Then he realized how the patronus was from.

"I will be there after the students go to their morning classes," the voice of Dumbledore said.

The patronus disappeared and Amelia glanced at the clock. Bernard did the same. It was seven in the morning. If memory serves him right, his mother did told him that when she was attending Hogwarts, classes always start at eight in the morning. That meant students need to wake up for breakfast somewhere around six or seven. That meant Dumbledore would be at the ministry in an hour.

"I gotta go," Bernard said. "I have things to do."

Amelia nodded. "Of course. I will sent you an owl or a patronus if we need you, Bernard."

Bernard grinned. "Thanks and you're free to send a letter to my mom. I'm sure she wouldn't mind getting in touch with old classmates."

Amelia chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Oh," Bernard gasped. "don't mention me to Dumbledore. My family doesn't have a good relationship with him."

Amelia snorted. "I'm not surprised."

Bernard wasn't sure what she meant, but he let it slide. Amelia escorted him out of the Ministry of Magic. Then Bernard apparated to Grimmauld Place. When he got there, he quickly greeted Kreacher. The house elf even gave him some chocolate chip cookies as a snack, which Bernard appreciated. Kreacher's cookies could rival Alfred's. Bernard quickly took a shower and put on one of his best robes. A simple dark green robe and inside of the robe has stars and a galaxy. It was a bit fancy, but not too fancy.

Then Bernard took some paper and quill as he wrote a letter to Aristia Nightingale, asking her to be his lawyer because there are people he wanted to sue. He didn't tell who he wanted to sue, but he did tell her that he will tell her when they meet up at the Leaky Cauldron tomorrow or this weekend. Bernard knew he was going to sue the ministry for Uncle Sirius's wrongful imprisonment and lack of trail, but suing Dumbledore? Bernard knew as much as he wanted to sue the headmaster, but he needed to wait before he does anything. Suing Dumbledore was like suing the no-maj president.

"Kreacher!" Bernard called.

"Yes, Master Bernard?" Kreacher poked his head out of the kitchen.

"Can you sent this letter to the Diagon Owlery?" Bernard asked. "I do have some Galleons, Sickles, and Knut, but if they're not enough, then you can go to Gringotts and change the currency. I have enough Dragot and Sprink for the cost and the fee."

Kreacher nodded. "Kreacher will."

With that Kreacher apparated. Bernard quickly pack his curse-breaking materials and double check that he got everything. Nodding to himself, Bernard packed some Polyjuice Potion, in case if Dumbledore was still in the school. Unlike the regular Polyjuice Potion, the one he had lasted for a few hours and sometimes more if he wanted to brew it some more. Bernard has Tim's hair, which Tim did gave him permission to use. The memory of Tim freaking out about Polyjuice Potion made Bernard smiled. Tim described it as easy identity theft.

As Bernard walked out of Grimmauld Place, he apparated. Bernard stopped by at Hogsmeade. He knew Hogwarts has enough food to feed the whole school, but he wanted to make a warm family welcome for Harry. So he bought some sweets and food from the Three Broomsticks to go with butterbeer of course. Bernard knew it'll be odd to have an almost indoor picnic indoors, but since it's winter seasons, it was for the best. Then Bernard looked at his phone. It was only seven thirty in the morning. Bernard wasn't sure if Dumbledore had left already, but he didn't want to take the risk.

Pursing his lips, Bernard went into Three Broomsticks and went into the restrooms. He headed into the stalls and clocked it. As he opened his bag, he pulled out his Polyjuice Potion. He had one for each hour. Bernard knew he needed to find the horcrux first before he'll see Harry. Of course he had a lot of things to do after that, but at least he was getting things done.

Bernard took out the three hour Polyjuice Potion and put in Tim's hair. Bernard knew he could've just change his hair back to it's original black haired color and put on his reading glasses, but he didn't want to risk Dumbledore recognizing him just because of a hair color change and glasses. With a deep breath, Bernard drank the potion. Bernard made a sour face. The Polyjuice Potion tasted like the most bitterest coffee he had ever had.

Once he finished, Bernard felt his body changing. His hair grew longer and darker. His height didn't change at all, but he noticed he got more muscles. When it was done, Bernard stepped out of the stalls and nodded with satisfaction. He successfully changed into his boyfriend. Bernard took out his reading glasses and put them on. He knew glasses wouldn't help, but he could try. As Bernard stepped out of the Three Broomsticks, he apparated in front of the Hogwarts gate. Bernard pulled out his phone and it was fifteen minutes before eight. Either Dumbledore already left or he was getting ready to leave. From what Bernard knew, no one can't apparate in and out of Hogwarts unless you're at the gates. House elves were different since they're apparition was different.

Bernard took a deep breath and muttered. "Let's do this."

As he took a step, Bernard walked to the castle. Bernard couldn't help and feel happy. He hadn't been this happy sine Tim accepted him as a wizard. He knew he'll have to deal with the horcrux first, but he hadn't seen Harry for thirteen years. Thirteen years was too long. Bernard knew he'll have to explain some things to Harry and about their family, but he didn't care. All he wanted was to see his baby cousin and if Harry lets him, he'll let Harry live with him.

What could go wrong, Bernard thought.