Never Return

Harry was sitting by the window as he waited for Damian in the Monday evening. Sirius was with him in his dog form. Harry didn't know why Sirius wanted to come with him to work, but he guessed it was because Sirius just got tired of being cooped up and wanted to get some fresh air, which Harry couldn't blame him. Harry knew that Damian was in a art club meeting, so he'll be coming here a bit late, but Harry didn't mind. He was looking at a newspaper that Sirius found. It was just the Gotham news. Harry had already bought Damian a vegan muffin and a simple tea, his regular order. He even made sure Damian's tea was extra hot, so by the time Damian got here, his tea would be warm.

"Excuse me," a voice spoke. "May I sit here? All the seats are full."

Harry looked up. He saw a a young adult, probably around his early twenties to mid twenties. He had black hair parted in the middle and bright blue eyes, but he had bags under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. He was wearing a fancy suit, that looked very expansive. In his hand was a large cup of coffee and a couple of blueberry bagels. Harry could tell this guy was very rich. Harry looked around and saw all the seats were indeed taken.

"Woof," Sirius said.

The young man looked at Sirius and his eyes widened - in fact they were both staring at each other with wide eyes. He and Sirius stared at each other for a long while. Harry stared at the two. He wasn't sure why Sirius was staring at this man. Harry wondered if Sirius was judging him or something.

"Not at all," Harry said as he quickly put the newspaper away.

"Thanks," the man sat down and held out his hand. "I'm Tim Drake. Nice to meet you. What's your name?"

Harry shook his hand. "Harry. Harry Evans. This is my dog, Snuffles."

Tim nodded. "Nice to meet you both."

Then Tim crouch down to Sirius's level. Sirius held out his paw and Tim shook it. After that he got back into his seat. Then Harry realized something about Tim's name. He heard his name before from his coworkers.

"You said your last name is Drake?" Harry questioned. "You're Damian's brother?"

Tim smiled. "Oh you met Damian?!" Then he snapped his fingers. "I remembered now! I saw that painting he did! You're the guy on the canvas! I guess Damian drew you justice after all."

"I-I, uh Damian is a great painter. He just wanted to draw my owl. He didn't really need to draw me with her."

Harry couldn't help and blush. Did he really look that nice in a drawing? He wasn't sure since Damian was the one who painted him, but if Tim thought so, then maybe Harry is sort of appealing to people. Harry glanced at Tim. He never thought in his life he would meet one of Damian's siblings. Tim seemed like a nice guy.

"So, judging by your accent, you're British," Tim said. "Are you visiting family or...?"

Harry blinked. "Oh, I just moved here with my godfather."

Tim frowned. "Godfather? Oh I'm so sorry."

Harry smiled. "It's no big deal. My parents died when I was a year old. I live in an abusive household with my mum's side of the family and my school...well...let's just say trouble finds me. If you know what I mean."

Tim sighed with a smile. "I get you. My boyfriend's the same way when he was in school and at work. Trouble finds him and I swear it's in his blood."

Harry chuckled. "My godfather would say the same thing. He took me here while...we...uh sort out legal stuff back in Britain. We stay at my parents' house they had here. I didn't even know they had one."

Tim nodded. "I see."

Harry couldn't help, but noticed Tim had his hands folded together as if he was analyzing him. The way he was staring at him reminded him of Hermione when she was focus on a subject she was trying uncovered. It was comforting, but at the same time a bit weird. It was like as if Tim knew who he was.

"Timothy?" a familiar voice spoke.

Harry looked up and saw Damian. Harry expected the youngest Wayne wearing his usual school uniform, but it looked like Damian changed his clothes before getting here. Damian was wearing a grey trench coat with a black turtleneck and brown trousers. He even had an emerald green brooch. Harry had to admit, Damian looked really nice compared to him. Harry only had a simple hoodie and jeans. He wondered if all rich people wore something like this or it was just Damian's style. However, Damian did looked a bit annoyed at Tim, though.

Damian turned to Harry. "Good evening, Harry."

Tim almost chocked into his coffee. He stared at Damian and Harry with wide eyes. Even Sirius looked a bit alarmed as well. Harry didn't know what was the big deal, since he was used to people calling him by his last name at school. Unless, it's only a British thing.

"Woof! Woof!" Sirius barked.

Damian patted Sirius's head. "Good evening to you too, Snuffles."

Before Harry could react, Sirius licked his cheek and ran off as he ran across the street. Harry raised a brow. Maybe Sirius wanted to go home now. Harry knew he should be worried if Sirius would get home safely, but he knew his godfather could take care of himself. Besides, Sirius can use magic and Harry can't since he's underage. Also Sirius still didn't know about what he did to the Joker. Which the Gotham Police Department is still trying to figure out how to deflate the Joker - albeit very slowly. However, Harry was still surprised MACUSA didn't do anything yet. He wondered if they would actually do something to the inflated Joker.

"What are you doing here, Timothy?" Damian asked.

"I'm just chatting with a new friend!" Tim ruffled Harry's hair. "Anyway, I gotta go! I have a meeting to go to. Bye!"

With that Timothy ran out of the cafe and across the street where Sirius ran to. Harry frowned. He knew W.E. was in another direction, but he guessed Tim had a short cut in mind to get to his workplace. Damian sighed and shook his head as he sat down. Harry handed Damian his usual.

"So, how was reading my textbooks?" Harry asked.

Damian chuckled. "Fascinating, Harry. Although, I do have some questions, but for now, there is a school subject I want you to tell me more about."

"That is...?"

"Can you tell me about the magical creatures?" Damian took out all of his Care for Magical Creatures textbooks - even the ones written by Newt Scamander.

Harry smirked. "You just want one as a pet, don't you?"

"...Maybe."

Harry giggled. The thought of Damian owning a magical creature was something. Although, since he knew Damian loves his pets and takes extra care of them, he wouldn't be surprised about his friend owning a magical pet. The only question he had to figured out which magical creature a muggle could own, aside from hybrid cats.

"Well, which one are you interested in?" Harry asked.

Then Damian opened the textbook and pointed out which one he thought was interested in and he even explained why he thought it'll be a fit for the Wayne household. As Damian explained, Harry couldn't help and thought about going on a magical adventure with Damian just to find a magical creature for him to keep as a pet. Of all the craziness Harry experienced at Hogwarts, he would mind going on a magical adventure just to find a magical pet for Damian.

It sounded fun.

~OoO~

As Tim ran across the street, he was immediately pulled into the alleyway. Tim gasped as he almost loose his balance, but he quickly regained it. He looked up and saw a man with black hair and black eyes. He was different from the pictures Tim saw, but he does resembled Sirius Black - down to his identical smile too. Even though Tim knew Bernard's true hair color is black (in his opinion Tim thought Bernard looked better as a blonde), but from looking at Sirius, he could tell Bernard did inherit from Black traits - mainly the shade of black hair that Bernard and Charlotte inherited.

However, Tim couldn't help and be happy to see Sirius. He never expected Sirius to be at the cafe. Not only that it made searching for Harry and Sirius less stressful. Besides, Harry seemed like a nice kid. Socially awkward, but kind. Although, he did wondered since when did Damian started calling Harry by his name. Tim thought he was going to get an early heart attack.

"Sirius Black," Tim said.

Sirius nodded. "Timothy Drake, Bernard's boyfriend."

"Just Tim, is fine," Tim let out sigh as he tried to catch his breath. "You know, this is not the meeting I expected."

"Oh Merlin, believe me, I know," Sirius laughed. "I expected more searching and semi-stalking."

Then Sirius took out his hand and transfigured the trashcans into chairs. Even though Tim always saw Bernard and his family do this all the time, but he couldn't help and be surprised about it. Tim sat down and drank his coffee. He handed a bagel to Sirius, which the wizard thanked him with a nod.

"So..." Tim said. "Do you want to start first? Bernard didn't tell me much, but I know he will tell me when he gets back."

Sirius sighed. "It's a long story, Tim - a bloody crazy story."

Tim snorted. "I got time. Also, just to let you know Sirius. I've dealt with crazy - both no-maj and wizarding craziness. I think I can handle this."

"Well, let's start from the beginning," Sirius said. "the Order of the Phoenix..."

With that Sirius began his story. Tim made sure he engrave every detail in his head. However he couldn't helped and be shock about what happened. Sirius had no trail and went to Azkaban for twelve years, while Pettigrew was free, living with a family and owned by children, which sounds so creepy. Then Sirius told him about his time in Azkaban, which Tim thought it was interesting, even about the Dementor's kiss on Barty Crouch Jr. Sirius told him about how he escaped and eventually met Harry, which Tim thought that was insane, until Sirius added about Harry's school like before meeting him. Tim always thought Bernard's school life was crazy, but this was pushing it. What kind of headmaster let a kid fight a giant snake that can petrified people? Then Sirius told him about Triwizard Tournament, Harry being the fourth Champion, and their escape. Tim thought that was insane because why let a fourteen year old who can barely defend himself be in a tournament only for seventeen year olds.

"I'm glad I found you," Sirius said. "I had no idea Bernard was at his curse-breaking job. I heard he was in his break, but it seemed that Harry and I missed him before he left for Britain. I'm glad Charlie read that letter. If it hadn't been for her, I would still be trying to look for Bernard."

Tim nodded. "Same here. Bernard knows something - I know he discovered something during his job and I know Harry is involved. I'm sure you saved him enough time to explain Harry's story and the Triwizard Tournament, but I feel like there's more to it than that. I'm certain an adult wanted Harry to be in that death tournament and judging from Harry's yearly dangers, I do think Moody might be involved. It's always a Defense the Dark Arts teacher that has an out for him."

"But Moody is part of the Order," Sirius frowned. "He would never hurt Harry."

"Unless he's not the real Moody," Tim guessed. "I was at the Quidditch World Cup and saw those Death Eaters. Voldemort's followers just became active after thirteen years of silence. If they're able to attack a grand event, I wouldn't be surprised if a follower killed the real Alastor Moody and use his hair to take his identity by using that identity theft potion."

"Polyjuice Potion," Sirius corrected him.

"Same thing, but my point still stands." Tim crossed his arms. "Do you know about the Al Ghuls?"

Sirius nodded. "Of course I do. They're the ones who made the potions we have today. Why?"

Tim knew what he was doing was a huge risk, but considering the fact that Bernard's family knew he's Red Robin, it's only fair for Sirius to know since he is Bernard's uncle and Tim figured that Harry already knew about the whole Bat family anyway.

"I should start from the beginning," Tim folded his hands together. "I'm Red Robin..."

Soon, Tim started his story of how he was the third Robin and now Red Robin. Of course there was the whole the Drake thing, but he never wanted to talk about it - ever again. Even though his story was short and probably not too insane like Sirius's and Harry's, but he could tell Sirius was interested in his vigilante adventures. Then after he told his brief backstory as well as telling Damian's backstory, he told Sirius about Ras al Ghul and how the whole entire League of Assassins was murdered by a "dark lord".

"Well, I never thought that Harry and I would be involved with the Bats," Sirius sighed.

Tim chuckled. "Well, it's something you can't avoid."

"So the al Ghuls, are they getting better?" Sirius asked.

"They're getting better," Tim answered. "I don't know much about the al Ghul's magical life, but I was hoping you might know. From all of Harry's encounter with Voldemort, he's weak and probably wouldn't lift a wand. So either one of his followers might murdered the league."

Sirius nodded. "Peter would do anything for Voldemort, so I wouldn't be surprised, but this Lazarus Pit...even I never heard something like that. I do know the al Ghuls wanted to create something like that, but I never thought they'll succeed on doing it, even using it on dead muggles. I do think you need to get your brother, Jason check with an actual healer, just in case. Ras al Ghul was only safe because he's a squib. Also, the pit would be something that Voldemort would be interested in."

"I'm wondering what Voldemort gains if Harry did entered the tournament and wins," Tim crossed his arms.

Tim could only think of the reason for Harry to be in that tournament was to isolate him, but what else? There seemed to be more to it. Tim knew everything about Harry because of Bernard's family and now because of Sirius. So far Voldemort did for the first three years of Harry's school life was using a teacher's body, possessing a little girl, and now having his most loyalist follower back. Then Tim frowned. So far this guy only use people's bodies for his gain...no...why would he wanted Harry alive if he wanted him dead the first place? The only thing Harry has that Voldemort doesn't have would be...

"So your baby cousin was saved by the power of love?" Tim almost snickered.

Bernard sighed. "I know it sounded stupid, but there's actually more to that. I didn't know about it until I did my curse-breaking job, but what Aunt Lily did...it's ancient magic, like legit ancient magic. I know she was interested in ancient magic because she's a no-maj born. Usually all no-maj borns get very interested in magic and wanted to know everything. Aunt Lily isn't that much different. She told me she wanted to be a magical scholar and learn everything."

"Did you know how she came across that ancient magic?"

Bernard shrugged. "I have no idea, Timmy. I could only guessed, but when I was reading it...it was very strange - like very strange. I've read and performed many strange ancient magic during my time as a curse-breaker, but this one...is very odd."

"How?"

"Well after the spell is successful...the protection will pass to others."

"Like to the offspring or..."

"I have no idea. When I was reading it, it was very vague. It just said, it depends on who has the protection."

Lily's protection.

Tim pursed his lips. Was it possible? To force it out of Harry to make it passed onto Voldemort? If Harry did entered that tournament and won, how would Voldemort grab him? The portkey? Yes, that would work, but how would someone make a portkey and give it to Harry without any witnesses? The only witnesses would be the other champions. Tim knew he'll need to speak to Bernard soon and hopefully, his theory would be just a theory.

"You figured something out?" Sirius asked.

"Just a theory," Tim answered. "but I do think it's best when everyone is here to listen."

Sirius nodded. Then he flicked his wand and papers appeared. Sirius duplicated the papers and handing it to Tim. Right away, Tim read the papers. He knew right away it was a plan - a plan to protect both British and American families of both Blacks and Potters. Tim knew Bernard might not this, but since it benefits for both the Blacks and Potters, Tim knew Bernard would find this beneficial. However as Tim kept on reading, there was more to this plan. More than what Tim didn't thought of. He knew the wizarding society can be a bit old school, but considering the fact that the whole world does know magic exist in many different forms and world leaders are still hiding the existence of the wizarding world, this plan might improve not only Gotham, but both no-maj and wizarding societies for the whole world.

"You think this might work to protect Harry from Dumbledore?" Tim questioned.

Sirius scoffed. "Of course. I thought about it over the two weeks since I've been here. It's very old school and not many wizarding families do this anymore, but some still do for example the Longbottoms and Malfoys. The Blacks still does, even after my father's death, the title went to me automatically."

"You don't want to be the head anymore?"

"I never wanted it in the first place. I know Andromeda doesn't want anything to do with the family and I don't trust Bellatrix and Narcisa. Aunt Dorea is the only living Black I can rely on. Yes, she's an illegitimate child, but the thing is that she was never acknowledge as part of the Black family. She was only given her inheritance because it was out of reluctance and keep her quiet."

"So that means if Dorea becomes head of House Black..."

"Dorea will be officially recognized as an official member of House Black regardless of her birth. Both reputations of Bernard and Charlie would go high, but their reputations will be equally on par with Dumbledore. From what I know, Dumbledore's family is old too and they still do the Head House thing. Right now, Bernard and Charlie's reputation is very high. Not as high as Dumbledore's, but high enough. My reputation isn't good. I'm still a wanted man. Harry's reputation is high, but not that high. Harry's fame is akin to an actor. Having someone with a high standing reputation of the wizarding government and being acknowledge by wizarding houses. It gives Harry more protection. For Charlie and Bernard, it gives them more power to make sure Dumbledore doesn't mess with them. Besides Dumbledore would have to be an idiot to try to do something."

"Do the Potters have a head house?"

"No, they where high noble wizards in the old days, but not head house level."

Tim nodded. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Sirius has a title, but his position wasn't powerful enough to get him out of Azkaban to get a proper trial. Dorea, Charlotte, and Bernard, though....This was well thought out. It made sense for everyone to be involved. Tim knew he'll need to be prepare for Bernard's arrival back to Gotham and let him know about everything. Tim made a mental note to have at least a couple months off when Bernard gets back. Tim knew Bernard would need the help he gets.

"Also your other plans," Tim held up the paper. "I do think this can work, but of course the statue of secrecy is still in play."

Sirius sighed. "I know, but the only way it'll happen if the muggle world leaders agrees."

Tim pursed his lips. He knew what Sirius wanted to do and frankly, Tim couldn't blame the man. Magic is already well known and the wizarding world is the only society that keeps everything secret. Tim knew it was because those old folks think they're better than none magical people and how they think none magical people would fear them. From both sides, Tim could see why, but considering the fact that everyone already knows magic and how there are magical children being born in none magical families, maybe it was for the best for the wizarding world to change. Tim knew the American wizarding world wanted the change and other societies too. Britain, on the other hand doesn't want to because they think they're better than no-majs.

Tim could see from both sides. A society that wanted change and others don't, but from the past, he could see why because of the stigma against magical folks like the Witch Trials. However that was in the past and it was in a different time. Besides, as long as no no-maj doesn't actively try to find a magical person and harms them, then they'll be fine. As long as no-majs leave wizards and witches alone and let them do what they've always been doing, then it should be fine. If the world leaders do agree this, then they - along with the wizarding leaders could make laws to protect magical folks from no-majs.

However, the only people who had talk to the government would be the Justice League. Since the Justice League had tons of magical users, they might be able to help. Also since the return of Voldemort might happen and Tim knew they needed to be prepare for that. After all, no-maj borns are the target and America has tons of them. However, Britain seems to be the target before the other wizarding communities.

"I can try my best," Tim said. "but everyone - the magic users are off planet right now. I can try to talk to Bruce, but that means I'll have to explain why I know so much about the wizarding world than I shouldn't had. I do think Damian can help me too."

Sirius frowned. "He knows?"

Tim nodded slowly. "Yeah, last night I saw him painting Harry and he even had some wizarding textbooks too. That's how I found out."

Sirius gasped. "I can't believe Harry kept this from me!"

"He is a teenager, so..."

"I'm so proud!!!!"

Tim blinked. "Um...what?"

"I knew Harry takes after Lily, which that's a good thing, but I had no idea he takes after some of James in him! Although, I don't know where he got his obliviousness from."

Tim chuckled. He wondered if that's what his domestic life would be like if he and Bernard got married. Of course Tim wouldn't mind having magical children, since the laws in the wizarding community is pretty strict on no magic outside of school. So he has nothing to worry about...unless they wanted to become vigilantes, then that might be a problem. 

"Oh!" Tim took out a rolled up newspaper, handing it to him. "You might like this news."

Right away, Sirius took the newspaper and opened it. His eyes widened with glee as on the front cover of the paper were the pictures of Vernon and Petunia Dursley being hauled into a police car. Tim couldn't helped it and smirked as he mentally patted himself in the back. He just got the news this morning and now Bernard has no-maj custody of Harry. Now all Bernard needed to do is to make Dumbledore passed his magical guardianship of Harry to Sirius.

"This is good," Sirius smirked.

"Now Bernard just had to deal with Dumbledore," Tim said. "Although, that might take longer."

"As long as I get magical guardianship of Harry, then I don't care how long it takes. By the way, did you help with this?"

Tim smirked. "Of course, I did. Bernard asked and I did it for him. It was too easy."

Sirius stared at him and patted his shoulder. "Welcome to the family, Tim. You'll fit right in."

"Thanks!"

"So when's the wedding?"

"Sirius!"

Tim blushed and Sirius laughed. Did this man have no filter? Besides it wasn't like he never thought of marriage. Tim did, but he knew that him and Bernard are still young and they have their whole lives ahead of them. Also they haven't live together yet...well kind of, if Tim counted staying at Bernard's places for three months a year. Of course Tim had handled the whole Bernard is a wizard reveal and everything that came with it. It was even helpful that Bernard understood how complicated a vigilante's life is, since Bernard has to hide his identity as a wizard. Hell, Tim even went with Bernard on his curse-breaker assignments and he thought it was cool and dangerous. Overall, they both have a good understanding on one another. He wasn't sure what's their next step will be, but maybe after this whole thing is done, Tim will ask Bernard about his opinions about it. Tim loves Bernard and he just wanted his boyfriend to be comfortable about it.

"I do have some safehouses," Tim pointed out. "Bernard didn't put any wards because I thought I didn't need them, but now hearing what's going on, we might need to. I think Harry accidently blew up the Joker. I don't know when Ministry officials would arrive in Gotham...if they actually do, but we might as well put wards on just in case. I'm not sure about the MACUSA officials, but considering the fact that we still have the Joker inflated...they might not want nothing to do with the Joker."

Sirius blinked. "Harry was the one who did that? Now I think about it, that made sense. I just thought that crazy muggle did something stupid for once, but I don't blame MACUSA for not wanting to deal with that clown. They're doing Gotham a huge favor."

Tim nodded. Sirius didn't need to tell him twice. Ever since the Joker got inflated, everyone was celebrating and hoping he'll stay like that forever. Bruce did questioned how that happened, but let it slide since the Joker wasn't causing any harm. Now the Joker was in prison and still inflated, many of their rouges still took precaution. Tim knew that Poison Ivey and the Scarecrow are no-maj-borns and he was sure they were celebrating too. He wouldn't be surprised if they suspected magic was involved and what kind of person the Joker managed to pissed off to get himself inflated.

"Do you think Death Eaters might come here?" Tim asked.

"If they have the balls to come here," Sirius answered. "but for safety reasons, might as well put on some wards."

"And some portkeys too. I know it's illegal to make them without being authorized, but..."

"I've done it many times, Tim. I can do it again. By the way, how many safehouses do you have?"

"I got seven, but for my whole family all together...twenty."

Sirius stared at him. "Bloody hell, why do you guys have that much?"

"You never know when you need to escape somewhere."

"Are they at least close from here?"

"Nope!"

Sirius stared at him blankly and Tim just gave him a nervous smile. Tim knew it was a lot, but there were times where they were assigned on one place for a month or two and the next month it's a different location...unless you're Jason who has a safehouse on every section in Gotham.

"This is going to take me all night!" Sirius sighed.

"I'll treat you some food," Tim assured him. "Is Harry going to be okay without you?"

"He wouldn't bat an eye," Sirius said. "He'll just think I'm looking for Bernard. I know Harry doesn't like to be kept in the dark and I'm sure your little brother as well, but I do think it's for the best since we all don't have every information."

"Bernard should be back to Gotham this Wednesday."

"Good. Now let's go." Sirius held out his arm. "Are you okay with apparating?"

Tim crossed his arms and raised a brow. It wasn't the first and last time Tim had experienced apparating. He had seen Bernard apparated many times as well as he experienced it too. It felt weird. Almost like going on a twisted rollercoaster, but it was interesting way to travel. Bernard told him it was like getting a driver's license, but deadly, since there's a risk someone could leave a body part or clothing behind. Tim had saw first hand on Bernard being splinched when Tim was with him during his curse-breaking assignments. Bernard almost lost a leg. Of course Tim scolded his boyfriend being reckless and not focusing, but Bernard did told him he wanted to make sure Tim himself was safe during the apparation than himself. Which of course it was understandable since Tim is a no-maj, but still. 

"Just making sure," Sirius chuckled and ruffled Tim's hair.

Rolling his eyes, Tim held Sirius's hand and soon the two apparated to the first nearest safehouse...the nearest safehouse that Tim assumed was the closest. When they got there and Sirius did his work, Tim wondered if Bernard was doing okay and nothing happened over there since they talked. Tim knew that trouble finds Bernard and he hoped that he was wrong, but if something does happens to Bernard, Tim wouldn't hesitate to hurt - no he will murder any wizard or witch who hurt him. He even wouldn't hesitate to give Bernard a earful of a lifetime too!