Chapter 23
On the morning of Hogwarts, the news broke out. Not just any news, but the news what was going on in Hogwarts and Harry Potter. Hermione smirked to herself as she read through the article. The article was written by Juno Malfoy, a Malfoy distantly related to the British Malfoy's, but is also a half-blood. No connections aside from last name. On the article, it said:
Dumbledore caused The-Boy-Who-Lived to Run
By Juno Malfoy
On the article, it said all the things that had happened to the Potters, the Dowds, and the Blacks after Lily and James Potter died. There were even letters of proof too. Letters from Lily, James, Dumbledore and the Dowds. On the letters told that if anything happens to the Potters, Harry goes to Sirius and if anything happens to Sirius, Harry goes to the Dowds. Nothing on the letter says anything about Harry going to the Dursleys. It only said the Dursleys weren't allowed to have custody over Harry. Also on the Potter letters said that they wanted the Dowds to have muggle custody on Harry so he could have an education before going to Hogwarts, while Sirius has the magical custody. So that meant both Sirius and the Dowds were supposed to have equal custody of Harry. Not Dumbledore. Nothing in the letters said anything about Dumbledore. The only thing Dumbledore's letters said that Harry is doing fine and they shouldn't be worry. Another article was attached and it was the recent news of the Dursleys going to jail for child abuse and neglect.
However, most importantly in the paper told about Harry's life with the Dursleys and his life at school and what he went through during those years. Including what was happening currently and how Harry is missing. There was so many details in that article that Hermione knew that the information was well documented.
"Bloody hell," Neville muttered. "She really has all the information."
"Blimey, I had no idea Harrykins is related to the famous Bernard Dowd," Fred said.
"I knew the situation was fucked up, but this was pushing it," George added.
Around the Great Hall, everyone was whispering to each other of the news. In the corner of Hermione's eyes, she could see Ron turning pale as if he finally remembered Harry hated fame and would never do anything stupid to gain more fame. Malfoy, on the other hand, had his jaw dropped. Hermione wasn't sure if Malfoy knew he is related to Bernard Dowd through his mothers' side of the family, but she wouldn't be surprised that no one talk about Dorea Black.
Hermione glanced over to the teachers. Professor McGonagall looked please by the information she was reading, but at the same time she looked horrified too. Hermione turned her eyes over to Snape, who seemed to be in disbelief. Hermione wasn't sure if Snape has his trust on Dumbledore, but considering the fact that Dumbledore let someone like Snape to teach children was very telling.
"Do you think Harry's in Gotham?" Dean whispered to her.
Hermione shrugged. "Probably? I don't know."
Hermione hated lying to her friends, but she promised to keep quiet and pretend not to know. Besides, Hermione was sure Dean was smart enough to figure out Harry was in Gotham, since he has a cousin who lives with Bruce Wayne. She wouldn't be surprised if he already figured it out.
Then Dumbledore came into the Great Hall. He was minding his own business like usual as everyone stared at him. As he sat down, he took out the newspaper and his cup of coffee. Eyes widened, the coffee spilled all over his beard. Everyone in the Great Hall gasped, some snickered, and others just laugh. Hermione cleared her throat, trying to cover her laugher. She wished Harry, Sirius, and Bernard could see all of this. Without a word, Dumbledore quickly walked out of the Great Hall.
Serves him right, Hermione thought.
As Hermione took a last bite of her breakfast, she took her book, but before she could leave the Gryffindor table, Victor Krum walked up to her. Hermione's eyes brightened. She had been seeing Victor at the library, even before Harry's name came out of the goblet. She had to admit, she did ended up liking Victor, despite the three year age difference. Hermione knew her parents would be concern, but if Victor does like her back, she wanted to make sure he has her parents' blessing first before they become official.
"Hermione, is it okay we can talk?" Victor asked.
"Of course!" Hermione replied.
Victor gave her a small smile as the two walked out of the great Hall. Hermione turned as she saw the girls giving her thumbs up. Giggling to herself, Hermione shook her head. Ever since the announcement of the Yule Ball, everyone was asking each other to the ball. Ron asked her, but she rejected him - straight up.
As they got into the halls, the two sat at a bench. Victor was fiddling with his thumbs which Hermione found it very cute. Then Victor held out a red rose to her. It had a sparkly blue periwinkle ribbon tied to it.
"Will you go to the Yule Ball with me, Hermione?" Victor asked.
Hermione smiled and nodded. "Yes!"
Victor held her hand and kissed it, which Hermione blushed. Hermione held the rose as Victor nodded to her and walked away. As Hermione looked back, she saw Victor's friends were being all giddy and urging him what happened. Hermione giggled. She couldn't wait to tell her friends what happened, but first, she needed to send a letter and a text.
~OoO~
Dumbledore barged into his office, fuming as he tried to ignored the blistering pain of his coffee. Fawkes was alarmed, but not surprised by his master's anger. It was like as if the rare bird expected this to happen. Dumbledore slammed his fists onto his desk, causing Fawkes's perch to shake. The phoenix squawked, but Dumbledore paid no attention to his pet.
"GAARRRHHHHH!" Dumbledore screamed. "How dare they! How did they know?! Those - Those filthy peasants!"
Dumbledore did read the paper and he wondered how did the Dowds found out about the boy's disappearance. Not only that, how did they know about everything that had happened? Dumbledore was certain his plain to make the Dowds unaware about everything worked, but it didn't. Did Sirius really took the boy to Gotham? There was an alert of underage magic in Gotham by Harry Potter, but at the time, Dumbledore brushed it off because there was no way Harry Potter would be at Gotham, because of it's horrible reputation.
Shaking his head, Dumbledore sighed. He knew the boy wouldn't go to a place where it was dangerous for him to live at. There was no way. However, Dumbledore wondered if anything did happened whenever he wasn't here. Did someone went into Hogwarts to get information? What about that American curse-breaker? Was it really Bernard Dowd? Dumbledore knew Charlotte Potter was too busy because of her MACUSA work, so it has to be Bernard Dowd.
However, now Dumbledore had to deal with the public. He knew his plan of keeping everything quiet didn't work and he knew he would need to destroy the evidence of trying to use a secret blood quill on the Ministry. If they found out he did that, he would be in more trouble than he already is.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Enter," Dumbledore ordered as he removed the coffee stains on his robes and beard.
The door opened revealing, Severus Snape. Dumbledore gave the man his usual grandfatherly smile as he tried to hide his anger towards the Dowds. Right now, the only person Dumbledore could rely on was Severus, his trusted spy. Dumbledore knew he has Alastor, but he just wanted his friend to teach than help him with this case.
"I presumed you read the papers, Severus?" Dumbledore asked.
Severus nodded. "I did...Was everything true...?"
Dumbledore scoffed. "Don't believe what the article says. Juno Malfoy is a Malfoy after all. Her work is abysmal." then he looked at his spy with twinkly eyes. "Did you noticed any suspicion before this paper came out?"
"There was an American curse-breaker came here," Severus said. "His name is Timothy Grayson. The arrogant yank said he is well known."
"What did he looked like?"
"Pale skin, black hair, and blue eyes."
Dumbledore narrowed his eyes. Not the appearance he was hoping for. He had been keeping track on the curse-breakers in America, especially Bernard Dowd. He knew for a fact that there is no one named Timothy Grayson. Timothy Grayson doesn't exist. For international wise, Bernard Dowd is very well known. He's recognizable with his bright blonde hair and lime-green eyes. Did that filthy half-blood use Polyjuice Potion? Or did he just transfigured his appearance?
Dumbledore pursed his lips. No, he would've known if Bernard Dowd would be at Hogwarts. The barriers would alert him that Bernard Dowd was there and kick him out. How would he got in without him knowing? The only way it would happen if...he got permission from the headmaster or the deputy headmistress...
"Those filthy goblins!" Dumbledore muttered under his breath.
They were probably the ones who sent a letter to Minerva and she gave "Timothy Grayson" permission to enter Hogwarts. The goblins protect their curse-breakers no matter what country they're from. This was why Dumbledore didn't want the boy to stay with the Dowds. That Bernard Dowd use his celebrity status to get what he wants. Just like the Malfoys! It was probably a fake curse-breaker assignment for him to get in.
What about Pettigrew? a thought rang in his head.
Dumbledore's eyes widened. No...No! Bernard Dowd couldn't be the one to turn in Pettigrew. How did he not thought of that in the first place? Was he really in Britain? Why was he at the Gaunt Shack for? What was so important in there that the goblins in America sent their beloved famous curse-breaker to Britain? Dumbledore froze. Was it the horcrux? No, Bernard Dowd is an intelligent wizard. Dumbledore will admit that, but he's not that intelligent. Dumbledore would know. He's better than Bernard Dowd. The young wizard probably doesn't know what a horcrux is.
You have nothing to worry about, Dumbledore thought to himself, He knew he was right. Just stick to the plan. He could just use this news and when the boy finds out how badly the media treats this poor headmaster, Harry Potter would come running back to him and participate like he should.
It's a foolproof plan.
Harry Potter is the kind of person to help someone in need. Dumbledore wouldn't be no different when the media attacks his favorite headmaster. After all, the boy is too kind for his own good. Luckily for Dumbledore, that kindness is easy to take advantage of.
"Had you heard anything from Voldemort's followers?" Dumbledore asked.
Severus shook his head. "No, just the same. They're still trying to figure out how he should return. Anything else?"
"Yes, go to Pettigrew and asked him who turned him in. Report back to me as soon as you can. You may leave, now."
"Yes, sir."
At once, Severus left his office. Dumbledore took out the list of names for "the attendance" of the Yule Ball by using his wand. The blood quill was with it. With a begrudging sigh, Dumbledore destroyed the quill, releasing those who were bounded with the blood quill. His plan to keep Harry Potter's disappearance was a disappointment, but he always had a backup plan.
Then in the corner of his eyes, he noticed a beetle in his beard. It must've gotten into his beard when he was running into his office. Gently, he held the beetle and opened the window, and set the beetle down. The bug will fly away eventually.
With a sigh, Dumbledore sat back at his desk and folded his hands. However, if Bernard Dowd was really the one who did all of this somehow...Dumbledore would make sure that the young arrogant filthy half-blood wizard know who he's messing with. Unlike Bernard Dowd, Dumbledore was always one step ahead than him. Bernard Dowd was like those nasty Slytherins like the rest of his family. If Bernard Dowd really did this...he will pay.
No one makes a fool out of Albus Dumbledore.
~OoO~
When Hermione sent him a text about the newspaper, Bernard was pleased about this. The plan was going well. Bernard did read the paper and was pleased by the results. He knew Dumbledore wasn't going to be in a good mood and he wished he saw his face. She did mentioned he spilled coffee all over his beard. Now that was something he wished he saw. However, Bernard knew the longer he stayed in Britain, Dumbledore might find out he's still here. It was best he leaves as soon as possible. Luckily for him, after his meeting with his lawyer, he will leave Britain right away.
"Kreacher!" Bernard called. "Pack everything in my suitcase."
"Yes, Master Bernard," Kreacher popped next to him.
Luckily for Bernard, he barely unpacked when he got to 12 Grimmauld Place. So he didn't need to worry about everything. However, he did wondered how Tim was doing and if he found Harry. He hadn't heard anything from his boyfriend and his mom, but he knew Harry is with Sirius. So that meant he's safe.
"I'll be out for a meeting, Kreacher!" Bernard said. "When I get back, we're leaving!"
Kreacher nodded. "Yes, Master Bernard! Does Master Bernard want any food?"
"I'm going to a pub, so I'll be fine," Bernard assured his house elf.
"Can Kreacher make Master Bernard a snack?"
Bernard smiled. "Yes you can. I'll probably need something to eat after we get off of the airplane. For now, just pack and when I get back, I just want you inside the suitcase. I charmed it where it has a kitchen and everything. Also, get some rest too, okay? You've done a great job, Kreacher."
The house elf smiled and did as he was told. Bernard patted Kreacher on the head as he put on his shoes, and headed out of 12 Grimmauld Place. Bernard knew he was going out a bit early, but for safety reasons, he wanted to go to that no-maj pub like his lawyer told him to. Bernard wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore already suspected him.
As Bernard transfigured his robe into a simple hooded jacket, he waited for a bus arrived - not the Knight Bus, but a no-maj bus. Bernard hopped onto a bus and sat down. Even though Bernard could've just apparated to the pub, but he didn't want to, in case if Dumbledore was sending his own spies after him. He wouldn't be surprised if he was Dumbledore's number one suspect. After all, Bernard knew Pettigrew was close friends to his Uncle James. Pettigrew would probably tell Dumbledore that he was the one who turned him in, if his life depends on it. It was pretty much what criminals would do when they wanted to out someone. Gotham does it all the time, however, Bernard knew the faster he talks to his lawyer, the faster he gets back home to America. Bernard knew he already made himself a target and he would rather get home as soon as possible.
Of course Bernard knew eventually he'll have to see Dumbledore, since he has to bring Harry to get his cousin out of the tournament. He doesn't like it, but he knew he needs to. Harry needs to get out of that tournament and live a life he wanted. Bernard will make sure Dumbledore gets it through his old thick head and paid for the price what he did.
No one messes with his family and gets away with it.