Never Return

When Bernard landed back into America, he wanted to kiss he ground. He almost did, but he knew he really didn't had the time to be one the sweet land of his home. Without any hesitation, Bernard apparated straight to MACUSA. The first thing first he needed to report back to Rulock about his findings. Of course Bernard knew he had one horcrux left to find, but it’s at Gotham, so he knew he shouldn’t worry about it too much.

As Bernard stepped inside the building, he greeted the officials, higher ups, and his coworkers as usual. It was like as if he never left the country. Bernard took an elevator to his destination. It only took several seconds when he got to the floor of the curse-breaker department. When he got to his boss’s office, Bernard knocked on the door.

"Enter," Rulock’s voice spoke.

Bernard opened the door and stepped inside. Rulock smiled at him and with his boss was his mom. It looked like Rulock needed his mom on her insights. Which wasn't too common since his mom is a retired auror.

"Ah, Curse-Breaker Dowd Potter, welcome back," Rulock greeted. "Did you find what the caused the curse?"

Bernard nodded. "I did." Bernard took out the Gaunt ring. "This is what the Gaunt Shack was hiding. The Guant ring - it was a horcrux created by Voldemort."

Rulock and Charlotte’s eyes widened at the word. Bernard wasn't surprised that his boss knew what a horcrux was, but he was surprised that his mom knew, but then again she does run the magical objects department, so it made sense that a horcrux was consider an object- a dark object. Rulock took the ring and examined it, while Charlotte performed some spells to see if there was anything left from it. The two were whispering to each other. Bernard could only guessed what they were talking about, but they looked worried. Then Rulock removed the stone from the ring, handing it to Bernard.

"It’s empty alright," Rulock said. "You did a good job to remove the horcrux from it without hurting the object. There’s nothing of value of the ring, except the stone. However, the stone belongs to the current descendant of the Peverell brother.

Bernard frowned. "Is it okay for me to have it?"

"As I said, it belongs to the current descendant of the Peverell brother. However, if you don’t want it, then you can give it to someone who is also a descendant too."

The thought of Harry came into Bernard’s mind. He had thought of wanting to give the stone to Harry during the plane ride, but at the same time he wasn’t sure because Harry might ended up seeing Aunt Lily and Uncle James. He wasn’t sure if Harry knew of the Peverell brothers, but Bernard figured it was best to let Harry know about the stone.

"Also, Curse-Breaker Dowd Potter, how many horcruxes did You-Know-Who made?" Rulock asked.

"Seven or six, I believe." Bernard answered. "The last one is in Gotham."

"Gotham?!" Charlotte exclaimed. "Bloody hell, of all places!"

Bernard chuckled. Yes, he didn't know why of all places, why a horcrux was at Gotham, but it made sense. No wizard lives in Gotham. Only a small few live there. It made sense Voldemort would want his horcrux in Gotham.

Rulock smirked. "I am not surprised you hunted them down. That would’ve been your next assignment. Good job, but after you get the last one, I would like you to have a break - for a month or two. If you want a longer break, let me know. You need it."

"Yes sir."

"Bernard, sweetie why do you look hurt?" Charlotte asked.

Bernard sighed. He thought all of his wounds would healed by then, but apparently, he still looked beat up. He was still healing from that dark curse Snape shot at him. Every time he moved, he felt a bit of pain, but thanks to the potions he had, they were working, just slowly. Besides, he was planning to tell the president about the attack anyway, She needs to know, but it was best for his mom to know first. After all, Charlotte is his mom.

"I was attack by Death Eaters after I talked to my lawyer," Bernard answered. "I think it’s best President Pham knows more about what happened when I tell her."

"Does it have to do with Voldemort’s horcruxes…?" Charlotte questioned.

"No, not that. I don’t think Voldemort knew that his horcruxes were destroyed, but I have a feeling he will eventually. It’s best I show the president my memories. Mom, can you make the arrangements?"

Charlotte nodded. "Of course!"

At once Charlotte summoned her patronus, which was an elk, like his. She whispered to the silvery elf and it ran away. Bernard was glad that President Pham and his mom were friends. They were friends before his mom got married and before the president became the president. At the time, when Charlotte moved to the United States, she was roommates with Juno Malfoy and Emily Pham.

Charlotte turned to him. "Bernard, get that memory. We’re going, right now!"

Before they left Rulock’s office, a unicorn patronus came through the walls. Bernard almost jumped, while his boss and mom didn't seemed phased at all. The unicorn circled around them for a couple of times and stopped in front of them.

"Charlotte, Bernard, Rulock, we’re having a meeting right now!" President Pham’s voice spoke. "I already sent word from our officials. Everyone meet me at my conference room at once!"

Then the patronus disappeared. Bernard blinked a few times. He sometimes forgot how quick President Pham was whenever news came around. Knowing how urgent she sounded, Bernard knew this meeting will be interesting.

Right away, Bernard, his mom, and his boss did as they were told. All of them took the elevator as they headed to President Pham’s conference room. When they got there, they went inside. Bernard’s eyes widened. Every head of their department was there. Everyone was seated by their department. President Pham was seated at her chair. Rulock took his seat as well as Charlotte. Bernard could only sit next to his boss, since Bernard is from the curse-breaker department.

"I apologized for this sudden meeting," President Pham said. "I just got urgent news." She looked at him. "Mister Bernard Dowd, please stand up and show me the memory."

Hesitantly, Bernard stood up as he walked over to the President. Around him, he could hear people whispering about him. Like how he was the first born blood descendant of a Potter since 1776. Something that he was used to. When Bernard got to the President, she flicked her wand. Her desk broke into two, revealing a a small pillar with a large bowl. President Pham nodded to him and Bernard did as he was told. He stick his wand to his head as he pulled out the silvery memory. With a deep breath, he placed the memory inside the pensive. At once President Pham use her want to lift up the pensive water and flew it behind her. The pensive water cloaked the whole wall.

Then the memory played. The memory showed Bernard leaving the pub and got chased by Death Eaters. After that he got knocked out. The next scene showed Bernard waking up. His captor was revealed to be Snape and there was the small homunculus form of Voldemort, which everyone gasped. As well as being shocked that Barty Crouch Jr was still alive. Then the death Eaters tortured Bernard, while Snape looked into his mind. After that Bernard escaped, dueled with Snape, looked into Snape's mind, and apparated to 12 Grimmauld Place.

The next scene showed Bernard talking to Tim, Harry, Sirius, and almost everyone. A lot of people gasped that Harry Potter somehow saw what Voldemort was planning, a possible plan from Dumbledore, and knew Snape was coming to the United States. As well as Bernard's small plan to protect Harry by having a night watch and having a bodyguard. After that, the memory went blank.

President Pham removed the pensive water and put it back where it belongs. Then she fix her desk and nodded to Bernard, pointing her head to where Rulock was. Bernard nodded and hurried over to his boss. Everyone was silent by what happened. Bernard noticed his mom looked like she wanted to kill someone. He couldn't tell if Charlotte wanted to kill Snape the no-maj or the magical way...probably both!

Charlotte raised her hand. "President Pham, what do we do? Severus Snape - a Hogwarts professor, in both sides of Voldemort," people gasped. "and Dumbledore attacked an American curse-breaker just doing his job. This can cause us to go into a war with the British wizarding community."

"I know," President Pham nodded. "Which is why we're going to avoid a war. I am not please as everyone else is, but for so long all wizarding communities avoided a war and now we have to deal a madman in Britain that threatens all wizarding and no-maj kind."

"Should we get the Justice League or the Suicide Squad involved?" a wizard from the auror department asked.

President Phan folded her hands. "For now, we need to contact the magical users they know. Luckily, all of them went to a wizarding school. They're off Earth at the moment, but I'll sent a patronus to tell them what's going on. Remember, the Justice League and the Suicide Squad is our backup in case if our magical users need help. I'll let the Justice League and the Suicide Squad know what's going on too. The more they know, the more they'll be prepare if something does happen."

Bernard nodded to himself. It made sense that President Pham wanted to rely on magic first before everyone ask for no-majs for help. A good thing is that she's letting them know what's going on, in case if things do happens. 

"Now," President Pham stood up. "I will make a threat of war. I will make sure that the Ministry of Magic, even Albus Dumbledore himself would know why we are threatening a war against them. I will make sure it's on the papers too. The Ministry of Magic would obviously try to avoid all of this. However, Dumbledore is a tricky case. It's obvious he's ruining the lives of Mister Harry Potter and everyone else involved. If Dumbledore was wise enough, he will make sure there no war. Also, I will sent an international lawsuit against him too."

"What about Snape?" Someone asked.

"And Harry Potter?!" a second called out.

"For Severus Snape, oh we will detain him," President Pham spoke in an assured voice. "the moment he steps into Gotham is the moment we go and get him. His goal is to capture both Mister Harry Potter and Bernard Dowd. I will send word to Pamela Isley and Jonathan Crane about it. They'll be the ones to capture Severus Snape. Mrs. Potter, you will join Pamela Isley and Jonathan Crane to capture Severus Snape too. After Severus Snape is capture, he will be in our prison for the time being. Then, Mister Bernard Dowd will escort Mister Harry Potter to Hogwarts to get his name out of the Goblet of Fire. Our top aurors and myself will go to Hogwarts as well. I presume, Mister Bernard Dowd would want to deal legal matters in Britain first. Since it is clear that Mister Sirius Black was wrongfully imprisoned and Albus Dumbledore wasn't supposed to be Mister Potter's magical guardian. However, I will remind you all that, Severus Snape is Albus Dumbledore's spy too. Albus Dumbledore will be facing an international lawsuit. Mister Harry Potter would likely be involved in theses legal matters as well. After that, Mister Harry Potter will be escorted back to Gotham and he will be under our magical witness protection program for the time being until we find out where You-Know-Who is hiding."

Everyone nodded, including Bernard. He had to admit, it was a good plan. Bernard knew that the magical witness protection program was very successful and there were no problems. He's just glad that there was only one person that they had to deal with and the rest would be in Britain. Then Bernard realized something. The culprit who put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire. The only suspect he could think of was a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, but was that too obvious? Then again, Harry was always target by a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, so Moody could be a suspect. Snape could be too, since he knew that Voldemort needed Harry for some reason. Dumbledore could also be a suspect too.

"Everyone, you may now leave," President Pham said. "Mister Dowd and Mrs. Potter, you two stay."

At once, everyone did as they were told. Rulock patted Bernard's back and left. Bernard raised a brow at his boss. It was like he was in trouble or something. With a sigh, as the room became empty, aside from Bernard, his mom, and the president. Bernard and Charlotte walked over to President Pham. The president conjured up some privacy spells around the room. Once she was done, in an instant, she dropped her "president face" and gave Charlotte and Bernard a hug.

"Are you two okay?" President Pham asked. "I couldn't believe this happened and I'm shocked what the New York Ghost said. Bernard, are sure you don't have any other injuries?"

"I'm fine, President Pham," Bernard answered.

President Pham sighed and ruffled his hair. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me, Aunt Emily when we're alone?"

"More than I can count."

President Pham placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you said you were fine, but I'm going to send you to a hospital and have a healer check your injuries before you head to Gotham." she turned to his mom. "Charlie, I think it's time for you to teach Bernard and probably Mister Potter some auror training."

Usually if the scenario was different Bernard would refuse having some auror training unless it's the basics, but considering the fact that all of this happened, it was best for him to get some training. Bernard wouldn't be surprised if Tim would make him train too.

"Oh, I've been thinking about it ever since Bernard told me about the attack," Charlotte pulled Bernard's ear. "Young man, I did told you that you should have a proper auror training. I told you job differences doesn't matter!"

"Okay, okay Mom, I get it, I get it!" Bernard whined as Charlotte let go of his ear. "I was stupid. I didn't think this would happen, but it did. I think Voldemort attack me...well two possible reasons. Either they found out that I turned in Pettigrew or they read the papers and found out Harry had another relative."

Charlotte frowned. "Wait...you turned in Peter Pettigrew? He's alive?!"

Bernard gave a quick run down of what happened at the Gaunt Shack. He even told the president about the horcruxes, which she was shocked about that Voldemort actually made around six or seven of them. After that, he told them about him sneaking into Hogwarts with permission from McGonagall and how he learned what happened to Harry during those first three years of Hogwarts. Then he told them about some possible suspects of who put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire.

"Whoever did put Harry's name is probably a Death Eater spy," Charlotte guessed. "It's either Snape or Moody. Perhaps, Dumbledore, but I don't think a headmaster would have the time to put a student's name in the goblet. Did Hermione mentioned anything about Snape or Moody before the champions were announced?"

"She said Snape was normal," Bernard said. "Moody was...well Moody, but she did mentioned he kept drinking something from his flask. Every hour or so."

President Pham snapped her fingers. "Polyjuice Potion."

Charlotte pursed her lips. "Possibly. I'll need the flask to confirm it. Either that or detained Moody for suspicion of harming and murdering a minor and have a warrant to look into his offices and classroom. I'll look in Snape's office too."

President Pham chuckled. "I think it's time for you to get out of retirement, Charlie. You still got it."

Charlotte crossed her arms. "I'm only getting out of retirement for Harry. After that I'm back to my usual job."

"I'll send my best aurors to Britain after Snape is detained," President Pham said. "I'll be there too. I'm sure the Minister would like to talk to me after I declared threats of war. Bernard, you will handle those horcruxes. Once you dealt with the last horcrux, You-Know-Who will be vulnerable. Unless he has other methods we don't know about. I'll give Mister Potter some aurors in case if the legal matters you're dealing with takes longer. However, since he's with the Bats, I do think he's in good hands, but I will have aurors in the background for precaution. Can you give me the business card of your lawyer?"

Bernard took out the card and handed it to the president. As she looked at it, her lips stretched into a smirk. She was shaking her head and chuckling to herself. Charlotte looked over her shoulder and her eyes widened as well. She too had a matching smirk.

"Aristia Nightingale, huh," President Pham chuckled. "One of the best international lawyers. I'm surprised you never heard of her, Bernard."

Bernard rolled his eyes. "I may heard of everyone, but not all of them."

"She's a fantastic lawyer," President Pham said. "I'll sent her an owl about what you told me. A good thing you're associated with her. She'll be a great help for your family."

Bernard nodded. "That's good. She said that the Queen will be involved."

President Pham smirked. "Oh, even better. That means if she sees anything in the wizarding world laws she doesn't like, she does have the right to change it. I do want to hear her say about everything that happened. It's going to be so interesting."

"Also...about the Joker...?" Bernard mentioned.

President Pham scoffed. "Will still be still blown up. I already knew Mister Potter was the one who blown the Joker up. We caught an accidental underage magic, but after I found out that it was Mister Potter and what he did, I decided to keep the Joker the way he is. The spell Mister Potter did was only temporary, but as a favor for both us and Gotham, I made the spell permanent. Which reminds me." 

President Pham flicked her wand and papers appeared. There were papers for both Harry and Uncle Sirius. Bernard recognized these papers right away. Both documents had a magical green card, but for Harry, he has a temporary underage magic registration card as long there's an adult wizard or no-maj (as long as the no-maj knows the existence of their society), was present. 

"I'm sure Mister Black and Mister Potter would like these," the president said. "If the two do want to stay in the U.S. permanently, then I do suggest you help them study for their citizenship test, for both no-maj and wizarding."

Bernard nodded. "Thank you."

"I'll be seeing you two soon. Try not to get into any more trouble, Bernard."

"I make no promises."

President Pham sighed. "Of course."

She ruffled his hair one more time and gave Charlotte a hug. Then she release the privacy spells as Bernard and his mom walked out of the conference room. Bernard let out a heavy sigh. He didn't expected everything to happen so fast when he just got back, but it did and progress was made. As much as Bernard did wanted to leave Gotham with Harry and go to Hogwarts just to release him from the Goblet of Fire's magical bind, but he knew why they had to wait until Snape gets captured.

If they leave before Snape gets to Gotham, Snape would probably know and would follow them like a cat and mouse chase. If they stayed at Gotham for an extra day or two, then Charlotte, Professor Isley, and Professor Crane would detained Snape. That way, he and Harry won't have to deal with anyone trying to capture them when they go to Hogwarts. No one knows what methods Snape was using or how he's going to track them. So it's best to lure the man to a trap by using him and Harry as bait. Also, Snape might cause problems at Hogwarts if they they failed to detained him. However, knowing his mom and his former professors, Bernard knew that Snape would be in trouble.

As Bernard put the documents into his suitcase, he and his mom apparated to the hospital. Even though Bernard didn't want to, but he knew it was the president's orders. When Bernard was getting checked by the healers, they were alarmed by his wounds. It was probably worst than I thought, Bernard thought.

"Mister Dowd, you'll have to rest here for the night," the healer said.

"Can you just give me a potion instead?" Bernard asked.

The healer crossed her arms. "No. The bleeding did stop...at first, but since you did moved a lot when you landed here, your wounds did open. Also, I'll have to stitch you up and then give you a potion."

Bernard sighed. "Fine."

"Good, now change into this gown and I'll fix you up."

Grumbling, Bernard did as he was told. He changed his clothes into the hospital gown. He noticed that his clothes had fresh blood on it. It didn't took long for the healer to stitch him up, the no-maj way. Then she gave him a potion and he drank it. Right away, Bernard could see the stitches were starting to disappear, as well as his other wounds that were still visible, but the process was slow.

"I'll check you up in the morning," the healer said. "The potion I gave you heals both internal and outside wounds. It will take all night for you to heal. The potion also breaks the curse. The curse is giving you internal bleeding if you keep moving. That's why you still feel pain. The curse is hurting you in the inside. With proper healing and rest, you will be as good as new."

"Thank you doctor," Charlotte said.

The healer nodded. "Anytime. I will bring you some food, Mister Dowd."

As the healer left, Bernard groaned as he laid on his hospital bed. Charlotte shook her head and crossed her arms as she leaned against the wall. Bernard really wanted to go to Gotham. He thought that he'll get there early, but instead he had to stay for the night. At least he knew he will be back home by Wednesday.

"Bernard, sweetie, I know you really wanted to go back home," Charlotte said. "but you really need to relax and be patient."

Bernard sighed. "I am, Mom. I'm just worried about Harry."

Charlotte stroke his hair. "Sweetie, we all are, but things like this, we need to be patient. We have a week. We have time. We have allies, Bernard."

"I know, but it's just that every time, I figure out and fix something another problem happens."

"Just like curse-breaking?" Charlotte smirked.

Bernard opened his mouth, but closed it as he looked away. Okay, maybe his mom had a point. Every time Bernard did his curse-breaking job, there was always something in the way before he broke the curse. With everything that had happened so far, this was no different. Bernard knew he had a week, but a week could go by quickly if he didn't use his time correctly. For now, he'll just have to wait until Snape was detained. Hopefully, he'll be able to see it because he really wanted to see the man got what he deserved. Bernard just hoped Harry would be fine. He noticed that Harry wasn't too concerned about the tournament and was more concern about his safety and everyone else involve with the whole Voldemort hunting him down. Did Harry thought he'll become a no-maj and accepted his fate? Bernard thought. Now he thought about it, if he was in Harry's shoes and didn't know he had a relative who was helping out behind the scenes, Bernard would be like that too.

"I hope Uncle Sirius isn't giving Tim, Damian, and Mr. Wayne a hard time," Bernard said.

Charlotte chuckled. "Knowing, Sirius, he has no filter."

"Hopefully Uncle Sirius and Mr. Wayne are getting along."

"I don't know, hopefully. Sirius is the type who doesn't like snooty rich people - like the British Malfoys. I don't know if they will get along." Then Charlotte pecked his head. "I'll see you soon, sweetie. Your father is already packing and your grandparents will be here, probably on Thursday at best. They're really excited to see Harry and Sirius."

Bernard couldn't help and smile. It had been thirteen years since everyone came together as a family. The last time he saw Harry was a couple of months before that fated day. Bernard remembered everything, even before Harry's birth. Maybe he could show Harry his memory of Aunt Lily and Uncle James getting married and what they're like. He also couldn't wait to hug his Uncle Sirius in person again. Of course he'll have to tell him about Uncle Regulus, eventually, but for now, Bernard just wanted to focus on what everyone had missed for the last thirteen years and make up for lost time.

"Oh and after we detain Snape," Charlotte said. "You and Harry will have auror training, immediately."

Bernard groaned. "Aw, Mom. Come on!"

Shaking her head, Charlotte gently hugged him carefully and left. Sighing, Bernard stared up at the ceiling as he reflect on what was happening. Everything was happening so fast, but progress was made. After all, President Pham did say that she'll handle on detaining Snape and let him focus on the other important matters after that. Maybe this time, Bernard can finally have a breather.