Never Return

Hogwarts was huge. Equally as huge as Ilvermorny. Although, there were some differences like the school mascot being a boar. Bernard was walking through the halls, being disguised as his boyfriend. Never thought he'll do that, but here he was. Bernard took out his gem locator. It was glowing, but not very bright. That meant the horcrux was here somewhere, but not around this area. Probably on the other floors. Bernard pursed his lips. He knew Hogwarts was huge and it might take him a couple hours or so to find the horcrux, but he knew he needed to try. Bernard knew there were many floors that Hogwarts has. He has all day as long as Dumbledore doesn't noticed his presence. Besides, the headmaster should be gone by now.

Then Bernard flick his wand and a map of Hogwarts appeared. It wasn't the famous Maruader's Map, but it was only a simple map in case if he got lost. It'll be helpful if he does have the Maurader's Map. The last time he heard about it was when Uncle James, Uncle Sirius, and his friends lost the map during their seventh year. Bernard wasn't sure how these four lost a map like that, but they somehow managed.

Bernard first went down to the dungeons. The gem was glowing, but it went a bit dim. That meant he wasn't close. Bernard sighed. This might take a while. He went back up to the main floor and headed up to the first floor. The gem glowed a bit brighter, but not as bright as Bernard would hoped. Bernard went up to the fourth floor, after stopping on the other floors. He looked at the gem and it was glowing a bit brighter, but not bright enough. That meant he needed to go up a few more floors. Bernard knew the castle has seven floors and he has three more floors to go.

"Excuse me, who are you and what are you going here?" a familiar voice spoke.

Bernard internally groan. He knew that voice. Bernard met the man when Uncle James was took him to meet Dumbledore because Uncle James told him that Dumbledore wanted to borrow that cloak. Uncle Sirius was busy and his parents were buying supplies for them, and Aunt Lily was taking care of Harry. So Uncle James was left in charge to watch over him, much to Charlotte's worry. When Bernard did met the man, that man hated him right away and insulted him. Silently cursing to himself, Bernard saw Severus Snape. The man aged of course. He would've been the same age as his aunt and uncle if they were still alive. Bernard tried not to make a sour face, since he needed to be professional. Besides, Bernard knew Snape was a professor, the last time he saw him.

"Oh I'm terribly sorry," Bernard said. "I'm just a curse-breaker. You must be Professor Severus Snape. I got permission to come here by Gringotts officials. They contacted the Head Deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall about me. I was supposed to come here tomorrow, but there was a quick change of plans."

Snape glared at him. "I see. What is your name?"

"Timothy Grayson," Bernard blurted out.

Bernard really wanted to kick himself in the foot. He didn't want to give Snape his real name because the man would realized he's Charlotte's son, but he knew he could've thought of a better name than that. Why did he had to panic and be stupid?! In fact, from what his mother told him, Snape didn't like her because she was cousins to Uncle James and Uncle Sirius. Which was stupid because Bernard knew his mother was always nice to her housemates, even the younger ones too. From his time to time visits to Britain, he will run into his mother's old housemates. They described his mother as a mother hen, which sounds about right.

"Hm, I haven't heard of you," Snape sneered.

Bernard shrugged. "I'm sure you heard of me."

Snape pursed his lips. "Tsk, arrogance wouldn't get you nowhere, Grayson."

Bernard nodded. "Of course."

"Of course, sir," Snape corrected.

"There's no reason to call me sir, Professor."

Snape looked at him as if he wanted to smack him. Right away, Bernard just gave Snape a mocking friendly smile and speed walk up the stairs. Bernard tapped his wand on his head as he use the disillusion spell to turn himself invisible. When Bernard got to the seventh floor, he removed the spell and let out a sigh. He wiped the sweat off of his face. Maybe he shouldn't try to provoke Snape. Besides, Snape didn't seem the type of be a teacher anyway.

Bernard took out his gem and saw it was glowing brightly. Not blinding bright, but still bright. Bernard smirked. The horcrux was near, but where? He need to find it - that diadem. It was somewhere on the seventh floor. Slowly, Bernard walked through the hall. The gem still has the same glow. He walked down the hall, back and forth. Every time he walked, the gem would glow very brightly for a second and stopped. Bernard wasn't sure how many times he walked down the same hall, but h was getting frustrated. Sure, there were moments where he couldn't figured things out, but just trying to find a single horcrux in a large castle on the seventh floor was something else.

With a sigh, Bernard sat at the nearest bench and looked down the hall and back. There was nothing in this hall, except for paintings. There was another staircase, but Bernard knew that he needed to be in this corridor. Then Bernard took out his phone. He noticed that he was back to his normal self.

"Shit," Bernard muttered.

He didn't realized it was already two hours and he needed to find the diadem quickly and see Harry. However, Bernard didn't know where to look or where to find. There were no other doors here. Bernard knew Hogwarts had some secret passageways, but he didn't know where they were.

Bernard got up and walked to the end of the hall and looked to his left. The gem was glowing brightly. Frowning, Bernard headed over to the left as the gem slowly shined. Somewhere, here? Bernard thought, how? Bernard wasn't sure, but the horcrux has to be here somewhere. As Bernard got to the wall, he held up his gem and it was glowing very brightly. Behind the wall? How was he supposed to get through there? Bernard pushed the wall, but nothing happened. If he caused damaged to the school, Bernard knew he could get into trouble and that was something he didn't want.

"Please," Bernard whispered. "I need to get through here, find the diadem, and destroy it. I need to make sure that if I go through here, I don't want anyone to get inside because there would be a magical backlash. I'm the only one who knows how to destroy a horcrux. Please!"

Suddenly, Bernard fell on the floor. Grunting, Bernard looked up and saw a different room. Blinding a few times, he got up and stepped inside. The doors automatically closed behind him. Bernard took his wand out. He had no idea what just happened, but he could only guessed that this was probably a secret sentient room. However, there were so many things in the room. From books to artifacts. He didn't know where to start? Could he just use accio instead? Would that even work on a horcrux? Bernard didn't want to risk endangering himself, but he'll rather use his locator.

With that, Bernard started looking. While he looked, he use his gem to see if it blinded his eyes. It didn't, but it was closed. Bernard looked into every chest and every box he could find. Every time he opened it, there was nothing there. Some had random magical objects, while others had books instead. Bernard kept looking and looking. He even ignored how hungry he was when he was trying to look for the horcrux, but he did drank a bit of coffee to keep him going.

Then Bernard sighed and sat on one of the large chests. He set his satchel on the tower of books. He took out his flask of coffee and drank it all. Wiping his mouth, Bernard pulled his satchel, causing the tower of books to fall. Wincing, Bernard quickly picked up the books, but stopped. Blinking a few times, there was a box. Frowning, Bernard took the box and opened it. His eyes widened. Inside the box was a headpiece that was silver and it looked woven too. The jewel piece in the middle was blue and inside of it had an eagle.

"The diadem of Ravenclaw," Bernard gasped.

Quickly, Bernard checked to see if there were any curses on the diadem. There was nothing, which was odd. Bernard was sure there has to be a curse. The ring had the curse that if anyone wore the ring, they'll die. Maybe it was the same thing for the diadem. Bernard didn't want to risk wearing the diadem. There was a possible chance that Voldemort might've use a spell to hide the curse so that way the person had a false sense of security.

Bernard use his wand to cut his thumb. Like what he did at the Gaunt Shack, he made the circle for the blood magic. When he was done, Bernard double checked to see if he made any mistakes before he activated the circle. Finally, he activated the circle.

At once, Bernard felt a powerful magical backlash pushing against him. Gnashing his teeth, Bernard stood his ground, pushing his magic against it. Like the ring, this horcrux was powerful as well. He didn't know if this horcrux was the second or third, but considering the fact that it was trying to fight against him, he was sure it was one of the first four. Eyes widened, blood spatted out of his mouth, dripping from his chin. Bernard winced. He could feel his whole body being in pain. He didn't experienced this when he got the ring, but whatever Voldemort did to the diadem, he did something to it.

"Come on," Bernard muttered to himself. "You can do it, Dowd. Come on!"

Bernard bit his lip, causing it to bleed. He shut his eyes, thinking about his family - mother, father, Uncle James, Aunt Lily, Uncle Sirius, his grandparents, and most of all, Harry. Bernard didn't want to imagine what would happen if he didn't take this assignment. Would Harry had to look or these horcruxes on his own? The thought of Harry, having to go on a quest to find these horcruxes was horrible. Bernard didn't care if Harry was a savior. He just didn't want his cousin to go through any hardships just because he survived the killing curse and defeated Voldemort when he was a baby.

With a deep breath, Bernard pushed more and more of his magic. Then a black smoke of a snake-like man screamed. It tried to pushed through the barrier, but nothing happened. It kept screaming and screaming until it vanished. The light of the magic circle died down and Bernard fell onto his knees, breathing heavily. He coughed up some blood and wiped his mouth. Quickly, he flicked his wand and a healing potion flew into his hand. He drank it without hesitation. Bernard laid against some books, trying to relax a bit. He could feel the healing potion taking effecting his wounded body. When he was fully healed, Bernard walked over to the diadem. He performed some spells and checked to see if there were extra curses.

Nothing.

Carefully, Bernard put the diadem back into it's box. He left it open so whoever finds it, will keep it. Bernard had no use for Ravenclaw's diadem anyway. It belonged to Hogwarts after all. It was best if a student or a teacher finds the diadem and keeps it.

As Bernard cleaned everything up, he packed all of his things and headed to the doors. When he got there, he pushed the doors opened. Then he stopped. In front of him was a stern-looking woman elderly woman. She was very proper and was wearing formal black robes. Bernard gulped. He had a feeling he might know who this is.

"Ah, Mister Dowd, it's a pleasure to meet you," the woman said.

"Y-You're Minerva McGonagall, aren't you?" Bernard asked.

McGonagall nodded. "Indeed, I am. Please follow me to my office. We have things to discuss."

Bernard internally screamed and did as he was told. Was he going to get in trouble? Bernard hadn't gotten in trouble in school for a long time. He was sure that Griphook sent a letter to McGonagall that he'll be coming here for his curse-breaking job. Unless she really wanted him to be in the castle tomorrow Friday than Thursday. Bernard knew little of Minerva McGonagall because of his mother. All he knew was that the professor was a Gryffindor, a stern teacher, and an animagus.

When Bernard got to McGonagall's office, he sat down at a chair. There was an empty chair next to him. McGonagall sat at her desk and poured some tea and pushed a plate of biscuits to him. Bernard looked at the tea and biscuits and back at the professor. She raised a brow and right away, Bernard held the tea and took a sip. It was a nice floral tea with a strong flavor of green tea to the mix.

"You're not in trouble, Mister Dowd," McGonagall said.

"Huh?" Bernard looked up. "What do you mean?"

"Your face says it." she pointed out. "Also you have the same look when Miss Charlotte Potter thought she was in trouble."

"You remembered my mom?!" Bernard exclaimed.

McGonagall gave him a look. "Mister Dowd, I remembered all of my students, even when they're not in my house. I remembered your mother clearly. A model student of her age. She was a Prefect and Head Girl. I was the one who recommend her to Albus to be Head Girl. Very different from her two cousins if I say so myself."

Bernard nodded. He already knew that of his mother, but it was nice to hear a professor from a different house to acknowledge his mother. Bernard knew he wasn't exactly a model student like his mother, but he did tried to be a good student, which was enough for his mother.

"So, what do you want to discuss about?" Bernard questioned. "You mentioned that earlier?"

McGonagall, nodded. "I did, but we are waiting for another student. You might also want to hear from her and the things going on around Hogwarts."

Bernard frowned. "Who and what's happening here? I thought you guys were hosting the Triwizard Tournament?"

Then there was a knock and McGonagall use her want to open the door. A teenage girl who looked about fourteen with bushy brown hair walked into the office. Bernard recognized her right away. He saw her in the picture that Bill showed him.

"Ah, Miss Granger, you made it," McGonagall said. "Please sit down and have a tea and biscuit. We have things to discuss."

Hermione Granger did as she was told. As she walked over to the empty seat, her eyes widened. Bernard knew she recognized him from the papers right away. Slowly, she sat down and held the cup of tea, drinking it. McGonagall folded her hands as she stared at the two of them.

"Now, Miss Granger, I'm sure you recognized Mister Bernard Dowd, the curse-breaker," McGonagall said. "Mister Dowd, this is Hermione Granger. Miss Granger, Mister Dowd is also the cousin of Mister Harry Potter. He is also related to Mister Sirius Black through his grandmother's side."

Hermione gasped and looked at him. "You're related to both Harry and Sirius?! Harry has another cousin? I thought Dudley Dursley was his only cousin!"

"To be fair, I'm sure he didn't know I exist," Bernard pointed out. "Uncle Sirius knows about me. Uncle James and Uncle Sirius is my mom's cousins. Although, I do forgive Uncle Sirius for not mentioning me since I'm sure he had went through a lot of things in Azkaban."

"Excuse me," McGonagall held up her hand. "Mister Potter didn't know about you and Miss Charlotte?"

Bernard nodded. "Yep. Ever since Uncle James and Aunt Lily died, Dumbledore told us that Harry is safe with Uncle Sirius. I even tried to sent a letter to Harry when he was the age he could write, but Dumbledore was the one who sent me a letter saying Harry has to be in hiding with Uncle Sirius. I tried sending a letter whenever I can, even when Harry entered Hogwarts, I still got a letter back only from Dumbledore. My family and I had no idea that Uncle Sirius was in Azkaban for the pass thirteen years and we didn't know Harry was staying with the Dursleys. Also, in my uncle and aunt's will, if for some reason Uncle Sirius couldn't take care of Harry, the Dowd family will take care of him. The Dursleys weren't allowed because of their hatred for magic."

Then there was silence. Hermione looked so shocked that Bernard swore her eyes would pop out. McGonagall looked like she was going to faint from what everything Bernard told her. Bernard wasn't sure if they believe him. He had no reason to lie. Bernard hate telling lies, but only has to if the time calls for it.

Bernard took out a stack of letters from his satchel. It was tied up and he set it on McGonagall's desk. Bernard had kept these letters for over the years in case if he needed it. He knew it was weird to carry it with him, but he has his reasons. Bernard even had the ones where his mother was the one who tried to contact Harry and Uncle Sirius.

"I have these as proof," Bernard said. "You can take a look, if you want."

With that, Bernard use his want to untie the letters. At once McGonagall and Hermione took one of the letters and opened it. They read the letters and McGonagall even took a few more. Bernard patiently waited for them to finish. When they were done, Hermione and McGonagall set the letters back on the pile.

Hermione let out a heavy sigh. "So Harry was supposed to stay with you and not the Dursleys. I can't believe Professor Dumbledore would do this."

Bernard groaned and muttered. "Great, now I'll have to deal with the Dursleys."

Wizarding legal issues was something Bernard could deal with, but with no-majes? It's tiring! Bernard knew when his parents got their first divorce and that was painful at the time. Of course he was young at the time and didn't understand, but now he knew...he still thought it was tiring. He'll rather have Tim to deal with no-maj legal issues.

"This is Albus's handwriting," McGonagall said. "I'm sorry Mister Dowd, I was just in shock that Albus went this far and needed to see it for myself. I thought the things happening here was only the beginning, but it turned out it was ever since Mister Potter lost his parents."

Bernard couldn't blame her. It would be a shock for anyone who had to deal with Dumbledore doing this for all of these years while there were people out there who trusted him. Hell, Bernard did the same thing when he trusted Dumbledore with Harry's care, but of course that changed when Bernard did suspected something was up. It made sense that the two wanted to hear from Dumbledore's own letters.

Bernard frowned. "What things are happening, Professor? Is Harry okay? Can I see him?"

Hermione gasped. "That meant word still hasn't got out yet. I thought everyone knew by now."

"Um...what?" Bernard questioned. "Hermione, what do you mean? All I know is that Harry goes to Hogwarts and the first task of the Triwizard Tournament is in a couple of weeks. Did something happened?"

McGonagall and Hermione looked at each other and back at him. Bernard didn't like this. In fact, he was dreading - dreading something that did happened to Harry. Whatever it was, Bernard would do what he can to help Harry.

"Mister Dowd - " Hermione began.

"Please, call me Bernard, Hermione." Bernard said. "A friend of Harry is a friend of mine."

Hermione nodded. "Bernard...someone put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire and now he's missing. He left with Sirius."

"WHAT?!" Bernard screamed.

Eyes widened, Bernard froze and turned pale. He waited for Hermione to tell him it was a joke and that Harry was fine a safe, but she wasn't. Bernard even looked at McGonagall and the professor herself was nodding. Harry is missing? He left with Sirius? The two met? When did they met? Many questions were roaming in Bernard's head and he was sure he was going to get a headache soon. Of all things he expected when he got to Hogwarts, this wasn't it. He expected to see Harry and hug his baby cousin, but instead he found out his cousin missing and went to his uncle?

"Hermione, tell me everything," Bernard said.

At once, Hermione told him what happened. She first started telling him about Harry's first year to the recent fourth year. Bernard never thought he'll turn even paler, but he did. Bernard thought the troll, Fluffy the three headed dog, the trails, and the Philosopher's Stone was worst, but it got worst. Lockhart, Dobby, the basilisk, and the dairy of Tom Riddle in second year to the dementors, Uncle Sirius escaping, Remus Lupin being a werewolf, and Pettigrew. When Hermione got to the part of the Goblet of Fire and how she and Harry tried to find ways to get him out of the tournament, Bernard rubbed his temples. He thought his adventures at Ilvermorny was chaotic, but this was pushing it. He was told Hogwarts was safe. His mother even thought it was safe, since she went there, but sadly it wasn't. For some reason it only became unsafe when Harry attends.

Bernard knew that the age line was useless. He had a feeling this might happen and it did! Dammit Dumbledore! However, the dairy of Tom Riddle being Voldemort...Bernard was sure that was a horcrux. The way Hermione described it when Harry told her...sounded like one. That meant there were seven horcruxes in total, not six. Maybe when Bernard finally sees Harry, he'll ask Harry about the dairy.

"So Harry left without a word?" Bernard questioned.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, he left no note, but I did noticed that Dobby was gone, so I think he brought Dobby with him."

"And Uncle Sirius is gone too?"

"When I came back to his hideout, he was gone. I think he's with Harry."

Bernard sighed. "I'm going to kill Dumbledore."

"Get in line, Mister Dowd," McGonagall said. "Albus does have people who do want to kill him."

Bernard crossed his arms and pursed his lips. It does make sense for Sirius to go with Harry. After all, Uncle Sirius was still a wanted man and Harry's godfather. However, where they go was the question. Bernard first thought it would be one of the Black mansions around England, but thinking about how Uncle Sirius didn't want to be associated with his family, it was highly unlikely Uncle Sirius would go there. Maybe they're at one of the Potter hideouts? However, there weren't that much Potter houses in England. There was the house at Godric's Hallow and Uncle James's house. The only problem is that everyone knew where Uncle James used to live, so that house was useless. Bernard knew Aunt Lily and Uncle James were planning to have a second hideout outside of the country, but he didn't know where. The only thing Bernard could think of was his aunt and uncle giving his mother a letter and told her that a spell on that letter, so it wouldn't be open...unless Harry was the one who went to that specific hideout, then the spell would be broken. Maybe he could sent Charlotte a letter to see if she could open the letter now.

Then Bernard realized that there has to be another reason why Harry left. Running away was an easy solution, but why did he run away was the question. Bernard knew that the Triwizard Tournament had some loopholes. Which ones, he didn't remembered. All he knew that the Triwizard Tournament was something that shouldn't be a thing and it was.

"Hermione, you said you and Harry looked for loopholes for the tournament, right?" Bernard asked.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, we did."

"What are the loopholes?"

"Pregnancy, turning into a muggle, and having a blood relative to remove them from the tournament."

Bernard's eyes widened. "When did Harry left?"

Hermione's eyes were wide as well. "Somewhere around November second or third."

Bernard couldn't help and smile. If he was correct, that meant Harry and Sirius might be at Gotham. Only a blood relative could take Harry out of the tournament. The Dursleys were useless, Uncle Sirius is only related to Harry through marriage, so that meant Bernard and his mother were the only people who can. That meant Sirius told Harry about him and headed to Gotham. Bernard knew he thought he saw someone who looked like Harry when he visited Tim at W.E, but at the time he thought he should go and check it out, but he didn't because Bernard thought he was hallucinating.

Bernard gasped. "Merlin, I think I know where he is!"

"I think so too," Hermione smiled.

Bernard turned to the professor. "Professor, I need to go to the goblet now."

McGonagall pursed her lips. "Both relative and the Champion has to be in the same room in order the binding spell to be broken. Which means you and Mister Potter needed to be here."

Bernard gaped. "THE FUCK?! Are you are serious?! Who makes these rules?! I'm right here! If the goblet can take anyone's magic long distance, then it should've done the same thing with the binding spell!"

McGonagall sighed. "Language, Mister Dowd. I know this is a shock to you, but the goblet can't do that. For Mister Potter's case if he does loose his magic, the goblet will drag them to here, even if they're in a different country. Then it'll take their magic if he still refuse to compete. Having Mister Potter physically here will let the goblet know that both Champion and relative want to be out of the tournament."

Bernard groaned and muttered. "Whoever created that goblet needs to loose their magic."

Why was this becoming so complicated? The more answers he got, the more complicated things become! Bernard hated his luck. Then again, he was sure Harry hated his Potter Luck too. It was like as if the closer he got, there were more complicated things he had to go through. Bernard was sure at this point his Potter Luck was genetic and it skipped his mother and uncle and went into him and Harry.

"However," McGonagall continued. "you will have to deal with Albus because when you do bring Mister Potter here. All you have to do is to have Mister Potter put his name in the goblet with the same paper that the goblet spouted. Then you put your name in the Goblet of Fire, say your full name, and tell the goblet to withdraw Mister Potter out of the tournament."

Bernard snorted and rolled his eyes when he heard Dumbledore's name. He knew dealing with Dumbledore would be another step to get Harry out of the tournament, but the rules still stand. If a blood relative - even a distant blood relative thinks of the Champion's name was put in the goblet against their will, the blood relative has the right to take them out.

Bernard took a bite of his biscuit. "What happens to the person who put someone's name in the goblet?"

"Just like going muggle option, the person will get their magic taken away because they are magically bind as well."

Bernard smirked. He liked that idea. Whoever put his cousin's name in the goblet deserved their magic to be taken away. Bernard hated what Harry had to go through for all of these years, even the abuse he had to deal with the Dursleys. Bernard knew he didn't need to worry about the Dursleys because he has Tim and Tim has connections to one of the best lawyers in the no-maj world. He'll just need to call Tim and make the arrangements. Maybe he could ask Tim if he try to use no-maj technology to find Harry, but Bernard wasn't sure if Harry was staying indoors all the time or going to school and having a job like a normal teenager, though.

"I will make sure Albus doesn't know," Minerva said. "From what I saw, he has crossed too many lines. I'm tried of seeing Mister Potter suffering because of Albus's own negligence. I will make sure that Mister Potter gets out of this mess."

Bernard pursed his lips. "What about the letters? I met Bill Weasley. He and I thought that Dumbledore might be changing students' letters? I even found out from Amelia Bones that Fudge is putting everyone on a blood quill."

Bernard might as well mention it. The more answers he got, the more he needed to figure things out. Despite how complicated everything had become, but Bernard knew he needed more information. Besides, he wanted to know how far Dumbledore was willingly to hide everything and to make Harry's life in more danger than it was already is. Bernard wouldn't be surprised if Harry found Gotham better than Hogwarts.

Minerva's face hardens. "That is true. Only people working at the Ministry of Magic are under the blood quill. I'm not sure if the contract is under just for ministry officials or all families, though. What I do know is that for students and staff at Hogwarts, letters were being changed. So if we talked about who are the four Triwizard Champions and Mister Potter being missing, that will change. Miss Granger noticed when she sent a letter to her family. Any letter left from the Owlery is being read and checked by Mister Filch. Albus use a spell on the Owlery to check letters too. I wouldn't be surprised if Albus and Minister Fudge started obliviating people's memories."

Bernard couldn't believed what he was hearing. Dumbledore was really trying so hard to keep the information about Harry being missing a secret. Was it because that if word got out that Harry being missing meaning he lost their savior? Or did Dumbledore didn't really want to face a lawsuit if Bernard and his family found out? It was probably both. Bernard knew word has to get out that Harry was missing. If not then things might get worst. It's best if everyone knew that Harry was missing.

"I'll be leaving Britain soon," Bernard said. "Probably this weekend. Hopefully, I don't hear anything from Amelia. I turned in Peter Pettigrew today."

Hermione gasped. "You did what?!"

Bernard just merely smiled. "Pettigrew tried to kill me, but I defeated him. He should be given a trial. I'm not sure when, but I hope it'll be after I bring Harry here."

McGonagall took a sip of here tea. "Well then, I do hope you'll find Mister Potter soon because the first task in around two to three of weeks."

"I know what to do," Bernard got up from his seat. "Leave it to me. I'll be back soon with Harry."

McGonagall smiled. "Thank you Mister Dowd. I do hope Mister Potter attends Hogwarts again. If not, then I understand. Everything that happened here...must had been so painful for him."

Bernard nodded. "We'll see. It's up for Harry to decide after all."

"I'll plan ahead some arrangements on Mister Potter's decisions. Also Mister Dowd, there is a Yule Ball coming up next month. I will send you an invite and you can bring as many guests as you want. Muggles are included. If you plan on staying after you get Mister Potter out of that tournament."

"Thank you, Professor. I'll keep that in mind."

Bernard shook hands with McGonagall and gave Hermione a smile as he walked out of the professor's office. Bernard let out a heavy sigh. He took out his phone and saw it was already noon. He had no idea he was at Hogwarts for four hours. It felt longer than four hours. However, the Yule Ball? Bernard knew it was tradition for the Triwizard Tournament. He actually would like Tim to experienced a wizard ball. He had took Tim to some wizard gatherings and galas for work but a ball...something that wasn't work related, he was sure Tim wouldn't mind going. Maybe he could drag Harry to it. Harry's fourteen now and he was sure Harry might like someone and take them to a ball.

"Bernard!" a voice called. "Bernard! Wait!"

Bernard turned and saw Hermione running over to him. As she approached him, she was gasping for air. Bernard waited for the teenager to catch her breath. It looked like she went on a full marathon. Then Bernard noticed in her hand was a letter.

"I-Is it okay you can give this to Harry?" Hermione held up the letter. "If that's fine with you. I haven't heard from Harry since he left. I know he's in hiding right now and couldn't write to me, but could you give him this for me? I'm really worried about him."

Bernard's eyes softened as he took the letter. "Yeah, I will. I'll make sure he gets your letter. I'm sure it'll make him happy, Hermione."

"Thank you!"

Smiling, Bernard ruffled Hermione's bushy hair. Then he took out a piece of paper, writing down his number and a few addresses, and handed it to her. If Dumbledore wants to play fire with fire, then he will get it. Besides, Bernard knew that there was no way Dumbledore was that knowledgeable about no-majes and the technology they use.

"This is my cell phone number and my addresses," Bernard said. "I have three houses. The fourth address is Wayne Manor. I'm friends with another wizard there, Alfred Pennyworth. Yes, the Alfred Pennyworth. You can send letters the muggle way if you need to. I know there's a muggle village nearby, so they should have a post office there. You can also text me too. You have a cell phone, right?"

Hermione smirked and pulled out her phone. It was the latest model. "Of course I do. I haven't use it because I didn't want to risk the high magical frequency mixing with muggle technology. So far it hadn't broke, but I could go to the muggle village. It's pretty close to Hogsmeade."

"Then text me whenever you can. I'll keep you updated too."

With that Hermione gave her number and address to him. She even gave him her parents' number just in case. Then Hermione gave him a hug. Bernard chuckled a bit. He knew Hermione was a good kid. Smart too. She sort of reminded him a mix of Tim and Barbara. At least she wasn't a coffee addict. When Hermione let go she gave Bernard and smile as she went to the Great Hall. Bernard smiled to himself as he headed to the Hogwarts doors. He was glad Hermione was a good friend to Harry. Bernard already knew that, but Hermione's actions proved him enough that Harry has a good friend looking out for him.

When Bernard got out of the Hogwarts grounds, he headed out of the gates. He looked back at the castle one more time and apparated. When he got to Grimmauld Place, he quickly wrote a letter to his mother, and grandparents about what he just found out. Bernard even sent a letter to Alfred to let him know that Hermione would be sending letters through the no-maj way and promised to explain to Alfred what's going on when he comes back to Gotham.

After that Bernard headed into his Uncle Regulus's room and crashed onto the bed. Bernard never felt so tired in his life. Then again, he was up since one in the morning and everything that had happened so fast in one day. Bernard took out the Gaunt ring. He never thought that this little ring would cause this much trouble for him, but he was glad though. Bernard was able to find his answers. Not all of them, but most of them.

Suddenly, Bernard noticed a pair of legs across from him. Gasping, Bernard yelped and fell off the bed backwards with his wand out, dropping the ring. Groaning, Bernard quickly got up and faced the intruder, but he froze. In front of him was a man who looked similar to Uncle Sirius. Some may say he is less handsome than Uncle Sirius, but Bernard thought that this man was equally as handsome as his uncle. Bernard had seen this man in pictures throughout his life.

"Master Bernard, what is wrong?!" Kreacher barged into the door with a knife in hand.

Bernard blinked a few times. He wasn't sure if he should be concern of his ghost uncle or his house elf having a knife despite him knowing magic. Bernard glanced at the house elf and at his dead uncle. Bernard frowned. Kreacher...doesn't see him? Why? Bernard opened his mouth and closed it. He did it a couple of times, not knowing what he should say or do.

"Kreacher...who is in this room, right now?" Bernard asked hesitantly.

Kreacher tilted his head. "Just Master Bernard and Kreacher. Is Master Bernard, okay? Does Master Bernard need some soup? Kreacher made leek soup."

Bernard chuckled, still eyeing at his uncle. "I-I'm fine, Kreacher. I just had a long day...I thought I saw a spider and freaked out. Sorry for scarring you. You can save the soup for later. I'm not that hungry."

Kreacher nodded. "Kreacher will make sure Grimmauld Place has no spiders! Get some rest, Master Bernard!"

"I will, thank you."

With that Kreacher left. Bernard let out a long, heavy sigh. He still has his wand pointed at his uncle. Even though Bernard knew he was dead, but he could see the wall right through him. Bernard knew how ghosts were "alive" in the wizarding world, but this...how was this possible? Did Regulus accepted his death or not?

"U-Uncle Regulus..." Bernard spoke slowly. "How are you...here?"

His ghost uncle didn't say anything. Instead he looked at the ring and at him. Bernard stared at the Gaunt ring. The ring...caused this? Bernard thought. Why? Bernard made sure the lifted all of the curses that was in that ring. He would've noticed if he missed one.

Then Uncle Regulus walked over to him. Bernard gulped and pointed at his wand. He could see he was shaking. Bernard tried to calm himself down. The last time he was scared was when he was in that cave, but now, seeing his dead uncle walking over towards him was something else. Bernard knew his magic wouldn't do anything to a ghost. It would just break the walls. Bernard shut his eyes, waiting for something to happen. He waited and waited, but he felt nothing. Slowly, he opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was his uncle's chest. Looking up, Bernard saw his uncle had a hand on his head and he was...smiling at him.

"Thank you," Regulus said. "and please take good care of Kreacher for me."

The only thing Bernard could do was nod. With that, Regulus vanished. Bernard let out a breath. He didn't realized he was holding it. Was he really hallucinating or not? Bernard turned to the ring. His uncle looked at that Gaunt ring for a reason. Hesitantly, Bernard crawled over to the ring and held it close. He peered at it, wondering if there was something wrong with this thing. As he turned the ring, Bernard stopped. There was as a marking on top of the ring. It was faint, but if looked carefully, enough, he could see it. On the ring was a triangle, a circle inside, and a line through it.

"What did he do?" an eight year old Bernard Dowd asked as he held his baby cousin, Harry affectionally in his arms, who was gnawing at his fingers. "What did Death do?"

"You really want to know, Bernie?" Uncle James smirked.

"Uh-huh!"

"He ate them!"

Bernard gasped. "WHAT?!"

"James!" Charlotte pulled his uncle's ear. "Stop scaring my son!"

"Ow, ouch!" James winced. "Come on, Charlie! Have a little fun!"

Behind them, Uncle Sirius laughing, while Aunt Lily was shaking her head, but smiling as if she was used to her husband's antics. It was at night in the Potter home and Easter weekend. Even though Uncle James and Uncle Sirius don't celebrate the no-maj holiday, but Bernard's family and Aunt Lily still do.

Bernard whimpered. "Did he really ate the brothers?"

James chuckled. "I'm just joking, Bernie. Death didn't ate them. He gave them three gifts. An unbeatable wand, a stone to resurrected the dead, and a cloak of invisibility. With these three together, they make..." he waved his wand, forming a line, a circle, and a triangle. "the Deathly Hallows. Anyone who has all three of them becomes the master of death!"

Bernard's eyes widened. "Woah." while baby Harry said. "Uhhh."

"But meeting Death part was fiction," Charlotte explained. "It was just something locals made up. The Hallows was made from threstels. The Elder Wand, even though it was a an from elder wood, it's string was from a threstel mane. The stone was from the eye, and the cloak of invisibility came from the hide. Each of these was passed down from father to son to mother to daughter, except for the Elder Wand, that wand was lost into centuries from being transferred from master to master. No one knows were the Hallows are now, but..."

"From the third Preveral brother's bloodline," James pulled out a silvery cloak. "The cloak is in our family. The Potter family."

Bernard's eyes widened. "Is it real?!"

James laughed. "Very real. It's the only cloak to turn someone completely invisible."

"Cool! That means Harry gets to have the cloak, right?"

"Yes, he does."

"When Harry is ready to have the cloak," Aunt Lily chimed in, giving her husband a stern look. "Is that right, Darling?"

"Of course, Dear!" James agreed. He looked at Bernard and shook his head, mouthing No. Bernard giggled as Uncle James lifted him and Harry into his arms. "Want to try it out?"

"YEAH!"

With that, Uncle James put the cloak over them.

Bernard turned pale as he stared at the ring. The memories of that precious time came running back to him. This ring...this ring that he knew about as a child, he never thought he would see it. Bernard always thought the descendant of the second brother would have the ring and how true it was. The Gaunt ring belonged to Voldemort himself. That meant Voldemort was a descendant of the second Peverall brother. Bernard rubbed his temples. He never knew that he had the resurrection stone. Bernard was sure that Voldemort didn't either.

From what Bernard remembered in the tale, the second brother wanted to bring his beloved back from the dead, but when he did, he ended his own life instead. From what Bernard saw, he was sure that the stone could only bring the ghost of their beloved dead ones, than fully bringing them from the dead. Uncle Regulus was the prime example. Bernard knew that Harry probably has the cloak. He remembered seeing Uncle James giving the cloak to Dumbledore and the next day later, Bernard and his family left to go back to America. After that, Uncle James and Aunt Lily died.

Bernard didn't understand why Dumbledore would wanted to borrow the cloak for. All he remembered at the time that Dumbledore just wanted to take a look at it, since it was a rare cloak to turn people fully invisible. Uncle James agreed and after they left, his uncle told him that Dumbledore wouldn't figure out it's a Hallow because everyone thinks the Hallows was a myth. However, now Bernard wasn't so sure. Bernard knew Dumbledore was a manipulative smart man. He probably knew something that everyone knew. Did Dumbledore knew about the cloak being a Hallow? Why did he let all the bad things happened to Harry when there are easier solutions to all of this?

Then his phone rang. Bernard turned and his eyes lit up. Tim was calling him. Bernard knew it was probably around noon in Gotham, but he hadn't heard Tim's voice for so long - yes, four days was a long time.

Bernard turned on the speaker and spoke. "Hey, Mister CEO. How are things going?"

"I'm tired," Tim yawned. "So many meetings! I'm sick of them."

"Tim, you have meetings almost every day."

Tim sighed. "I know. How's job treating you, Mister Curse-Breaker? Breaking any curses lately?"

Bernard chuckled. "I did some, but my assignment might have to be moved to Gotham."

"Why?" Tim asked. Bernard could hear him taking a sip of a drink, which was probably coffee.

"It's hard to explain. It's better if I explain it to you in person than on the phone. I could only say that I discovered lots of things during this assignment. Many I weren't aware of. I know you were looking forward for our date and Thanksgiving after my assignment, but..."

"Let me facetime you."

Blinking a few times, Bernard saw Tim was now calling him through facetime. He held his phone and pressed the green button. Right away, Bernard saw Tim. His eyes softened. Despite the bags under his boyfriend's eyes, he knew that Tim will get some sleep...eventually. He was still considering putting a sleeping draught in his coffee.

Tim smiled. "There you are. You looked like you hadn't slept."

Bernard scoffed. "Says you."

Tim smirked. "Touché, my love." he took a sip of his coffee and looked at him. "Bernard, take your time when you tell me. I don't want to push you just because you might miss our date and Thanksgiving, I'm here to listen and if you need my help, I will help you."

Bernard narrowed his eyes. "Tim, I might missed Thanksgiving with you because of work and personal wizard stuff!"

Tim sighed softly. "I know and you know it's not the first time that I missed our usual dates."

"That's different!" Bernard exclaimed. "You're Red Robin! I'm just a civilian!"

"A civilian who happens to be a wizard and a famous international curse-breaker," Tim added. "Bernard, I missed three hundred seventy-seven of our dates and one of them was our first date. Yes, I actually do keep count. How many you missed? Three! Bernard, only three! That's better than I did. Do you know how many times I thought you might be angry at me and you didn't?! It's fine if you missed Thanksgiving and our date because all I wanted was for you to come home safe and sound. That's all I ever ask for."

Bernard smiled. "Me too."

"There's that smile I love. Anyway, as much as I love to keep talking to you. Is there anything you wanted to talk about before I get off from my break?"

"Actually, there is," Bernard pointed out and smirked. "You have good lawyers, right?"

Tim blinked a few times and scoffed. "Of course I do, Bernard! I have the best no-maj lawyers. Why?"

"Remember I told you about my baby cousin?"

"Harry, yes. What happened to him? Is there something wrong?"

"Long story short, I found out he was abused by his aunt and uncle from my aunt's side of the family. The no-maj side. Is it possible you can make a lawsuit against them for child abuse and neglect. After that give me custody over Harry? I don't have custody on the magical side."

Bernard had explained to Tim about magical guardian and the no-maj guardian ever since Bernard told Tim he was a wizard. It was easy to explained, so Bernard didn't had to worry about over explaining everything he tells Tim.

Tim smirked. "It'll be a piece of cake. Anything else?"

"If you see anyone in Gotham who looks like my Uncle James, but with green eyes and glasses, that's probably Harry."

Bernard knew he had a lot of explaining to do when he gets back, but for now, this was how far he'll go. Besides, Bernard had shown Tim the photos of the Potters. The photos were thirteen years old, but they're still in good condition. Bernard remembered when he showed Tim the photos, Tim thought Harry took after James more than Lily, but of course Bernard disagreed since he thought Harry looked like Lily, but with Uncle James's hair.

Tim blinked. "Wait, what?! Bernard, what did you got yourself into?!"

Bernard chuckled uneasily. "If I tell you, you might kill me."

Tim crossed his arms. "Bernard Leonis Dowd, do you know how trouble always find you and how you always have the worst of luck? It's worst than me and my whole family! It's like it's in your blood! Of course I'm worried!"

Bernard gave Tim a smile, but it looked like Tim wasn't having it. He couldn't believed he used his full name on him. Bernard knew he always get into so much terrible luck and trouble, but it wasn't his fault. Trouble just finds him. Besides, Bernard wasn't sure what's worst. Him telling Tim the whole story or Bernard telling Tim about Harry's Hogwarts adventures.

"I'll explain everything when I see you. I promise!" Bernard said.

Tim shook his head and sighed, muttering how Bernard would be the death of him. Bernard wanted to say that Tim might be overreacting, but Bernard remembered how Tim freaked out the danger Bernard got himself into whenever he invited Tim to his curse-breaking assignments and told him about his Ilvermorny adventures. So maybe it was best not to say anything.

Tim nodded. "I know. Whatever you tell me, I always support you."

Bernard chuckled. "Thanks Tim."

"Do you want me to look up pictures of Harry?" Tim asked. "Maybe I can do a facial reconstruction. Although, he might use that easy identity theft potion."

Bernard sighed. "It's called Polyjuice Potion, Timmy."

"It's still identity theft."

"And yet, I still make it for you."

Whenever Tim needed help on his Red Robin stuff, Bernard would help. Sometimes he would use potions and other protection charms. Also Tim does know about Poison Ivy and Scarecrow being witches and wizards. Even though Bernard could just tell them not to attack him, but Tim refused because and in his words, "he wants to have the thrill of fighting them". However, but Bernard still didn't know how Tim didn't find out that Alfred was a wizard when Alfred has the antidote for all of the poisons and fear toxin. Bernard knew the whole Batfamily never question Alfred, but this was pushing it. Even Alfred was surprised too and he didn't need to obliviate them. Bernard knew people could be a bit thick sometimes, but this was pushing it.

"Cause you can't resist this handsome face," Tim smirked. "Anyway, I'll do what I can. We both know how big Gotham is. I'll see if I could try find Harry. Anyone else?"

Bernard nodded. "Yeah. My Uncle Sirius. He's also Harry's godfather. I'll send you a recent picture of him. He's also an animagus. He's a Scottish Deerhound."

"I'll see what I can do. It shouldn't be too hard to find a fourteen year old kid and his dog father...Unless Bruce finds him first."

Bernard groaned. "No! I don't want to go through a lawsuit with Mr. Wayne over Harry. No, thank you!"

Tim laughed and Bernard sighed. The thought of Bruce Wayne finding Harry and trying to adopt his baby cousin wouldn't be a surprised to Gotham since Harry has black hair and green eyes. It's always been Bruce Wayne's M.O. Bernard just got lucky since he always transfigured his hair blonde. 

"Couldn't you just use like a magical blood tracker or something?" Tim asked.

Bernard shook his head. "Too risky. Using blood tracking magic would go in deep into the family line and relatives that share very little of their blood. Like 0.1 percent of their blood. It's like a needle in a haystack. There is no simple version of blood tracking unless you're that confident enough to locate that said person you're looking for. If I use my blood, there is a chance that I'll locate all of my no-maj relatives than a wizarding one in Gotham and I can't take that risk. It's best to use no-maj technology."

"I understand," Tim said. "I'll do what I can. You owe me a date when after this is over."

The thought of the Yule Ball came into Bernard's mind. That would be a perfect date to show Tim the Triwizard Tournament traditions and get a date out of it. Also it's on Christmas, which means, it's very romantic.

"I may have a place in mind," Bernard smirked. "I hope you know how to dance."

Tim scoffed. "Bernard, I already know how to dance before Bruce adopted me."

Bernard chuckled. "Just making sure. Anyway, I have to go. I hadn't slept since one in the morning. I'll talk to you soon, Tim! Let me know if I get no-maj custody of Harry. Also you should get some sleep too."

"Sleep is for the weak!" Tim exclaimed. "All I need is the nectar of gods! Coffee!"

Bernard sighed dramatically. "And yet, you choose the love for coffee over me!"

"That's because coffee is magic!"

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that."

Tim laughed. "I'll see you soon, Bern. Don't push yourself too hard."

"You too, Tim. Love you."

"Love you too!"

With that Bernard closed the call. He let out a sigh. He couldn't help and be glad that some things were in motion. If Bernard couldn't be Harry's magical guardian, then being a no-maj guardian was close enough. Besides, Bernard knew Tim would find a way to make sure the Dursleys would pay for their crimes. He had nothing to worry about, except for finding Harry and getting the last horcrux...where ever that thing was.

Then an owl flew into his uncle's room. Bernard held out his arm as the owl perched on his wrist. There was a letter attached to it's leg. Bernard removed the letter and the owl hopped onto the bed, staring at him. As Bernard opened the letter, a smile grew across his face.

Dear Mister Dowd,

I am please to let you know that I will accept you as a new client. Please meet me at a muggle pub, the one right across from the Leaky Cauldron, on Monday evening. I know you have urgent matters because of your curse-breaking job, but since you wanted to sue both Albus Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic, we must discuss this carefully and privately. I am sure there are more things you wanted to talk about and I am willingly to listen.

-Aristia Nightingale

Bernard set the letter down and laid on the bed. Monday? This upcoming Monday? Bernard knew that by the time Monday arrives, he would have only around eleven days before the first task. Bernard mentally did the calculations in his head. If he was correct, he should be back in Gotham by around Tuesday or Wednesday. Since he'll have to take the Gaunt ring to his boss, first obviously. Then he'll have around ten or nine days left to find Harry...unless Tim beat him to it by that time. Then he'll take Harry to Hogwarts and get him out of the tournament for good.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Smiling to himself, Bernard closed his eyes. As he slowly started to drift off to sleep. He knew that his plan was a good plan. Bernard would find Harry in no time. There's no way his plan would go wrong!