Never Return

When Dumbledore arrived at the emergency Wizengamont, the meeting began, and he sat at his usual seat. Everyone was here and for some reason, each leader of the wizarding world around the world as well. Which was surprising to the headmaster since it was an emergency meeting. Usually Wizengamont meeting is for British wizards only, but Dumbledore didn't know why the leaders from around the world had to be involved.

However, Dumbledore knew that since the boy wasn't still found, maybe he could use aurors from around the world. As much as Dumbledore doubt that Harry Potter and Sirius Black was out of the country, but using these aurors in England might be helpful. Their skills will be helpful. As much as Dumbledore did tried to keep everything quiet, but since all the wizarding world leaders were here, maybe it was best to let the news that Harry Potter was missing. If the boy knew how much people missed him...he will certainly come back. Dumbledore couldn't help and nodded to himself. That is a good idea.

"Thank you for coming to our emergency Wizaengamont meeting," Amelia Bones spoke up. "I know all of you were wondering why we called you during your busy schedule, but we have urgent matters to discuss. As the head of the Magical Law Enforcement, we received report at three in the morning of an American curse-breaker who discovered someone we all thought was dead."

"Is it You-Know-Who?" one of the leaders asked.

Amelia chuckled. "No, but close." she turned to her head auror. "Bring him in!"

In the distance, Dumbledore could hear someone grunting and shrieking. The others looked where he was looking. Eyes widened, Dumbledore gasped. Peter Pettigrew was being shoved into the meeting with a couple of aurors. Dumbledore pursed his lips. All of the things he expected, this wasn't it. He suspected Pettigrew wouldn't be captured and died when Harry Potter would look for the horcruxes eventually.

"Who was this American wizard who turned in Pettigrew?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

Amelia smirked. "I'm not allowed to say his name if Pettigrew gets a trial. He agreed to be a witness and testify against Pettigrew. He will explain everything and who he is."

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes. He didn't know any American wizards aside from Newt Scamander's wife, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews. The other only American wizard he know of, but only met once would be Bernard Dowd. Also from the papers, Bernard Dowd was one of the famous American curse-breakers, but Dumbledore knew it couldn't be Bernard Dowd. Despite some talent the boy had, he wasn't as talented as other curse-breakers he knew. His fame was just luck, just like Harry Potter's. He only got his frame from his mother. This was why Dumbledore didn't want Harry to live with the Dowd Family. They're famous people and their fame would influence Harry and be another Malfoy.

However if it was Bernard Dowd who did turned in Pettigrew...Dumbledore knew he would be in trouble. The Dowd boy might find out that Harry Potter was missing and wouldn't hesitate to look for him. Dumbledore still didn't know where the boy might be, but he knew that Harry Potter would come back once he realized he had to fight in the tournament. Sirius Black was with the boy too. If Dumbledore could try to get a hold of that dog he might convinced him to get Harry back. However, no matter how much he tried to sent a letter to Sirius Black, it kept being send back. Where ever they are, Sirius Black probably put strict wards on the mail. Which means, Dumbledore couldn't find their location. The only good thing Dumbledore knew was that Harry Potter doesn't know he is related to Bernard Dowd. If the boy knew, that meant Bernard Dowd would release Harry from the tournament.

"What I wanted to know, Minister Fudge, Headmaster Dumbledore," Amelia said. "why wasn't this looked any further after you only found a finger of Pettigrew? Why didn't we give Sirius Black a trail? Black obviously knew Pettigrew was an illegal animagus and what did we do? We put the man in prison because we thought he sold James and Lily Potter to You-Know-Who. Do you all know how much trouble the ministry would be if any of the distant blood relatives of Sirius Black would react? They could sue the ministry for wrongful imprisonment!"

Fudge snorted. "Nonsense, who in right mind would sue the ministry? I may get threatened, but no one in their right mind would go through it."

Amelia sighed. "Maybe so, but who knows. My statement still stands. We need to look over Sirius Black's case and give Pettigrew a trial. Or at least announced Pettigrew's discovery. Not only that, but look into everything about the Potters before their death, including their wills. Also, considering the fact that Harry Potter is still missing, we need to make sure that news comes to light."

Dumbledore clenched his fists. He didn't like this. Dumbledore still wanted that dog to be loyal and only relied on him. If he somehow still have Sirius Black as a wanted man, that dog would come to him. As much as Dumbledore was considering Harry Potter being missing gets into light, the Dowds might find out, but they won't if the news only stayed in England....they wouldn't know at all. The best the Dowds didn't find out, the best Dumbledore wouldn't have a lawsuit against him.

Maybe it was best to release the information of Harry Potter being missing. However, what concerned Dumbledore was how the word would spread. He didn't want to face backlash of why the boy went missing. It wouldn't look good on him. It was best if Dumbledore controlled the situation. The better he controlled the situation, the chances of Harry Potter coming back.

Then Dumbledore stood up. "You are correct. I will look over Sirius Black's case as well as the Potter's will. I'm sure you understand that everything happened so fast on that night. After I find everything we needed to know, I will contact you and we will release the news in the Daily Prophet."

"Excellent point, Albus!" Fudge nodded.

Amelia raised a brow. "Headmaster, this is what the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is for. We do that. I do that I'm in charge of both aurors and the law enforcement. It's not necessary for you to do that."

Dumbledore glanced to the side. "I know, but I do feel guilty if it's true that Sirius Black was innocent after all."

Amelia crossed her arms. "That's not how I remembered. You didn't even bat an eye. In fact, you only vouch for Severus Snape!"

If Dumbledore would've jinx her, he would. Yes, he didn't bat an eye and vouch for Severus, but Severus was a good spy. After all, Severus's love for Lily was strong...well...more like obsession with Lily. Besides, Dumbledore knew Severus's love was easy to manipulate and he knew that Severus would never look at other women unless they were Lily. He had to admit, it's sad that Severus never moved on from a simple childhood crush, but then again, what could Dumbledore do?

"Again, everything happened too fast," Dumbledore explained. "Everyone could hardly think when Lily and James Potter died. I am ashamed of myself of my own actions and I will make sure that everyone involved will get the justice they deserved."

Amelia pursed her lips. "So what else are you going to do, Headmaster?"

"Well, first we will detained Pettigrew until Harry Potter comes back," Dumbledore said. "I do think it's best to find the boy first. I will bring the news of Harry Potter being missing come to light. It is best that the whole world knows. After all, I am his magical guardian. Lily and James Potter made me his magical guardian in their will. I wanted to make sure that Harry Potter is safe."

Amelia glared at him. "Since you did claimed to be Harry Potter's magical guardian...why aren't you trying to look for Harry Potter before? Also, why put him in so much danger!"

"D-Danger?!" Dumbledore gasped. "I don't know what you mean. Those are just rumors."

"We're not fools, Albus," Madame Longbottom stood up. "My grandson told me everything that happened in Hogwarts. The three headed dog, the basilisk, and the dementors. Neville is Mister Potter's flatmate. He had seen Mister Potter talking in his sleep about the horrors that happened to him. Are you saying Neville is a liar?"

Amelia nodded. "My niece, Susan told me that you didn't close the school when there was a giant snake running around the halls. You even rely on Lockhart of all people! If you really cared about Harry Potter, then as his magical guardian, you should've closed the school right after the first attack! You do know that children are sacred for the wizarding community. Their safety comes first and you couldn't even do that!"

Dumbledore sighed. "Madame Bones, those are just rumors and nothing more."

Amelia glared at him, but Dumbledore ignored her. He knew he was lying, but it was for the best. No one needs to know what he was truly planning for Harry Potter. The best students would think what happened in Hogwarts were rumors, the better.

"If I may asked, what about the tournament?" Ludo Bagman asked. "Will Potter participate or not?"

"He is bind to the goblet," Fudge said. "If Potter isn't here by November twenty-fourth, he will loose his magic."

"If I may speak," Madame Longbottom stood up. "I know in the rules, if Mister Potter did leave on purpose, then there are a couple of possibilities. One is he might wanted to become a muggle on purpose and the other is to find a relative that he's related too. From what I remembered, isn't Dorea Black still alive? She did married Fleamont's younger brother, Charlus after all and Charlus is still alive. Even her daughter and grandson. They're qualified to release Mister Potter from being a Triwizard Champion. If you say is true, Albus, that your goal is to make sure Mister Potter is safe, isn't it reasonable to contact the remaining Potter bloodline?"

Dumbledore turned pale. He never expected Madame Longbottom, of all people to remembered Dorea Black. He thought everyone forgot about those people. After all, Dorea is an illegitimate child. Yes, she is a pureblood, but she's still an illegitimate child. Dorea Black only gain half of the Black inheritance, while others gain more than her. Despite being born in the head of the Black family, it's obvious she was looked down upon. She was someone not important. Just like Charlotte Potter and Bernard Dowd. However, bringing those people up...he knew he needed to think of something. He didn't want anyone, even the President of MACUSA to contact Charlotte Potter. That would be the last thing he wanted.

Dumbledore nodded. "Of course! I was waiting for all of us to agree with this, but I'm glad that we all do. I will contact the remaining Potters. Also...I want the best auror in each wizarding community to join the Ministry of Magic for the time being to search for Mister Harry Potter. We will detained Pettigrew until Harry Potter is found. I will personally contact the remaining Potters to see if they could come to England."

Dumbledore masked his smirk as everyone whispered around, nodding their heads. He knew he wouldn't be contacting Charlotte Potter and Bernard Dowd. They would be too much trouble to deal with. It's better that they don't know what's happening in England. They wouldn't be none of the wiser. However, having many aurors all over the world secretly looking for Harry Potter would be a good thing. Dumbledore knew there was way reason for the boy to leave the country. After all, he was probably hiding in James Potter's old house. Either that or Lily Potter's muggle house. The boy does like to live where his parents used to be after all.

Besides, Lily and James Potter crossed the line when they wanted Charlotte Potter to be the second magical guardian in case if anything happens Sirius Black. Dumbledore personally saw the will and they even Charlotte's family to be Harry Potter's muggle guardian too. It was preposterous all together. They should've chose him instead. He was the best choice for the boy. This is what they get when they crossed him.

In the corner of his eyes, Dumbledore saw Amelia whispering something to one of her aurors. Dumbledore tried to keep his composure. He didn't like how she and Madame Longbottom were thinking. Dumbledore knew the rules of the Triwizard Tournament. He knew Charlotte Potter and Bernard Dowd would be able to get Harry Potter out of the tournament, but he needed the boy. Dumbledore needed the boy to experienced life threatening situations. If his theory was correct, the boy would sacrifice himself and destroy the horcrux within him. Dumbledore was sure Tom had more than one. The dairy was one, but the others...he didn't know, but he would only guessed. Yes, the boy being a potential horcrux was a theory, but it can happen.

Dumbledore knew what he was doing was wrong. Preparing Harry Potter to die and making the school unsafe for him, but in Dumbledore's defense, he didn't really need to try to make the school unsafe. Tom and Death Eaters was pretty much doing the work for him. The only thing Dumbledore did prepared the danger was the boy's first year. All Dumbledore needed to do wasn't be involved too much and make sure he wasn't around the school. It was simple and fool proof.

"I agree with everyone you say, Albus," Fudge said. "After the meeting, please contact Charlotte Potter at once."

Amelia glared at the minister. "Sir, I know Charlotte Potter. I can sent her an owl. It wouldn't be a problem."

Fudge chuckled. "Nonsense Madame Bones. Albus will take care of it. Now since we know what to do with Pettigrew on the time being, we will search for Harry Potter. We will use your aurors to find Potter."

"What about the blood quills?!" Amelia demanded. "You're going to make everyone in this room to keep quiet?!"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Madame Bones, I'll let you know that, it was a very impulsive move of me. I will release everyone from the blood quill. Also, I might add that since the Yule Ball would be next month, I will invite everyone in this room to the event. I just need signatures so I'll know who will be coming."

Dumbledore held his head up high. He knew what he said wouldn't be true. He will tweak the contract so people can talk about the missing Harry Potter, but not let the whole world know. He will also hid the presence of the contract to have every wizarding world leader to sign it, so the whole world wouldn't know. They too would be the blood quill, but of course Dumbledore knew he would need to use a spell to hid the pain the blood quill comes with. He knew a very good spell for that. Dumbledore didn't understood why the whole world needed to know Harry Potter was missing. He was obviously still in England. The boy wouldn't have the courage to go out of the country unless he told him to. Of course it wasn't the first time he had change people's letter to fit his narrative. He did it all the time.

"Then it settles," Fudge said.

"If that's the case, then my aurors and I will be at the first task, if Harry Potter does shows up," Amelia said. "I am interested to see what would happen on that day."

"So be it," Dumbledore huffed.

"The meeting is now adjourned," Fudge announced.

At once everyone got up form their seat and Dumbledore did the same. He went into his ministry office and quickly make the contract and hid it to make it look like he was doing a reservations for the people attending the Yule Ball. He knew it was tradition and these old wizarding leaders do love tradition. They even love a good ball too. While he was making a new contract, with a flick of his wand, he changed bits of the blood quill contract that the ministry was already under. He took a quick look at the time and it was already almost dinner time. Dumbledore knew the Daily Prophet worked quick, so he knew it shouldn't be a problem.

When everything was done, he had every single world leader signed their name. He even had their names so he would know which weren't planning to go. It was a fool-proof plan and Dumbledore couldn't be happy that his plan was going well.

It wasn't like anyone would thwart his plan anyway.

~OoO~

The news about Harry Potter being missing finally came to light. Hermione was reading the Daily Prophet when it arrived at the beginning of dinner. She wondered if Dumbledore stopped looking into their letters, but she doubt it. If the news of Harry being missing came to light, she figured that Dumbledore might look into everyone's letter to see where he was. Unless the headmaster thought he was still in England. Hermione wasn't sure if the news came out to the rest of the world, but considering the fact that Dumbledore went far enough not to let the news spread outside of Hogwarts, she wouldn't be surprised. However, just in case, she knew she needed to let Bernard know.

The Boy-Who-Lived Is Missing

The article basically boiled down to how Harry's name was in the Goblet of Fire and he ran away. Dumbledore has the best aurors from around the world to help search for Harry in England. However, little did Dumbledore knew that Hermione and Bernard figured out where Harry might be. Hermione knew Harry enough where he would want to go somewhere no one would find him and Gotham is a good place for him, but at the same time, dangerous too. She just hoped he wasn't getting himself into trouble and hopefully didn't get himself adopted by Bruce Wayne.

"Do you think Harry is still in Britain, Hermione?" Neville asked.

Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. Harry could be anywhere."

"My cousin told me that if people were fleeing from something they would most likely be out of the country," Dean said.

Hermione nodded. "Your cousin may have a point, Dean."

Dean smiled. "Duke knows a lot about muggle cases and all. You know, Gotham and all."

Hermione wondered if Bernard knew Duke knows about the wizarding world. After all Hermione was certain that Dean's cousin, Duke was Duke Thomas, the fifth adopted son of Bruce Wayne. Dean told them since their first year that his whole family knows about the wizarding world ever since he found out he was a wizard and by whole family, he meant the whole family. She wasn't sure, but Bernard probably knew.

"Did anyone asked you to the Yule Ball, Hermione?" Neville asked. "I'm not sure who to ask. I'm torn between Susan Bones and Luna Lovegood. They both asked me."

Chuckling, Hermione patted Neville's shoulder. "Choose who you'll like to go with Neville. Just don't say yes just because a girl asked you."

Neville smiled. "Thanks Hermione!"

"Anytime."

Hermione turned her eyes over to the Slytherin table where the Durmstrang students were. She couldn't help and stared longingly at a certain Quidditch player who she kept meeting at the library. Hopefully, when Harry gets out of the tournament, he'll stayed for the Yule Ball. After all, Harry did bought himself a dress robe and it was a nice green color too. It matches his eyes. It'll be a waste if he never used it. She knew that he didn't need to have a date, but if he did, she will support him. Hermione did wondered if Harry did found someone that he's interested in him or vice versa. Hermione knew that Harry was a bit slow on noticing someone liking him back, though. Whoever does ended up liking Harry, this person has her support. She just hoped he could handle Harry being a bit oblivious.

When dinner was done, Hermione headed to Hogsmeade. When she got to Hogsmeade, she went to a path where a muggle village was. Hermione went to the nearest pub and sat at one of the empty booths. While she was there, she ordered some food to go and took out her phone and the Daily Prophet. She took some pictures, sending it to him. Hermione even made sure the pictures were clear too.

Hermione: Thought you might want to know about the news. I'm not sure if Dumbledore let the rest of the wizarding world know, but I'm sure you have sources that will tell you.

At least ten minutes later, Bernard replied back.

Bernard:Thanks Hermione. I'm not subscribed to the Daily Prophet, but this is very helpful. I haven't heard anything from the New York's Ghost, but I already sent an owl to my mom about everything a few hours ago. Let me know what else you find.

Hemione:No problem! I'll check in the muggle news too. Just in case if Harry happens to get himself on there.

Bernard:I wouldn't be surprised to be honest. Trouble runs in the family.

Hemione:You got that right. Anyway, I have to go. Curfew is in a couple of hours. I'll keep you updated. Anything new on your end?

Bernard:Thanks and I will too. So far, I asked my boyfriend to sue the Dursleys for me. He said it'll be easy, so I'm not sure how long that'll be.

Hermione: Good. I never liked them anyway.

Bernard: No one does. Anyway, I'll talk to you soon, Hermione! Bye!

Hermione:Bye!

Hermione pursed her lips. She knew from muggle magazines that Bernard was dating Tim Drake, the third adopted son of Bruce Wayne. The news wasn't in the wizarding world since Bernard was the type of person to keep his private life out of the spotlight. However, considering the fact that Bernard was using his connections and how wealthy Bruce Wayne is, Hermione estimated that it might take probably a few days to sue the Dursleys. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised if it took a day. Hermione knew that Harry would be very pleased that the Dursleys got what they deserved. Even though Hermione only interacted with Bernard twice now, he seemed like a suitable muggle guardian for Harry. Also he kind of reminded her another version of Harry if he had a family and lived a normal wizarding life.

As Hermione tipped the pub, she quickly went back to Hogsmeade and headed straight to Hogwarts. When she got back to the Gryffindor Common Room, she sat by the fireplace and took out a piece of paper, writing a letter for Harry. Hermione knew she already handed one to Bernard, but Bernard did gave her some addresses to sent to and it wouldn't hurt to sent more letters to Harry the muggle way and keep him updated on the school drama. Sure, Harry was going to get loads of letters from her, but she was sure Harry didn't mind.