Never Return

Bernard's eyes widened with shock. Harry watched as the color was drained from Bernard's face. Then Bernard simply smiled and walked over to Harry, and pushing Damian off of him, causing Damian to fall on his bottom. Harry blinked a few times as Bernard helped him sit up.

"Oh, Harry are you okay?" Bernard asked. "I didn't know you were clumsy."

"I-I am s-sometimes," Harry stammered.

Harry looked over Bernard's shoulder as he saw Damian stood up, grumbling under his breath. Harry wouldn't be surprised if Damian was swearing. Damian looked at him and gave him a smile of assurance. Harry let out a soft sigh. Then he blinked a few times as he saw something bright under Bernard's shirt. Frowning, Bernard took out a necklace. It was round and it looked like it was made from magic. Bernard's frown deepened until his eyes widened.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"I'll explain later," Bernard answered. "My parents and grandparents wanted to meet you first and then we'll have our meeting. I do have some updates, but more importantly, we do need to discuss the events that will happen."

Harry nodded. As much as he wanted to hear what Bernard wanted to tell him, but he knew there was a time and place for that. He was glad that someone was actually telling him things than keeping them. Of course Bernard did that, but he only did that because he was literally being hunted and that was a good reason to keep things from him. If Harry was in Bernard's shoes, he would've done the same thing. Hide first, explain later.

Then Bernard helped Harry up onto his feet as they walked out of the library. Harry heard Bernard closed the door and there was a thump!. Harry winced and the door opened as he heard Damian grumbling behind him. Harry mentally apologized to Damian. He didn't expected Bernard to act like this. Then again, Bernard did unintentionally interrupted what Harry was going to say and how the two were in a compromising position.

The more Harry thought about it, he realized it was probably a good thing Bernard barged in. Harry was aware of his feelings for Damian. He was no stranger into liking people. He had liked Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory before. Usually, he would tell Hermione and Ron about it and after that he just kept it to himself. Harry did wanted to tell Damian how he felt, but now he was thinking it over again, it was probably best he would tell Damian after all this wizarding bullshit ended. He didn't want to trouble Damian with his feelings. Besides, there was a good chance that Damian doesn't feel that way and Harry didn't want to ruin his friendship with Damian. Also he was good at keeping his feelings under control. Something he learned when he lived with the Dursley's, except for his temper.

When they got downstairs, Harry blinked. Damian's family was there as well as other people he didn't recognized, but they look familiar. The first person he saw was a woman who looked similar to his father. Her untamed hair reached to her shoulders and she had hazel eyes with oval glasses. With her was a man with blonde hair and green eyes - eyes similar to Bernard's. Behind them were an elderly couple. The elderly man also had untamed hair and wore square glasses. The elderly woman had silky white hair and black eyes. Harry could tell she had similar features to Sirius and Bernard.

"Harry!" the woman said.

"It's good to see you again!" the blonde man said.

"My dear boy, you've grown!" the elderly man said.

"The last time we saw you, you were in diapers," the elderly woman commented.

Bernard chuckled. "Harry, this is my mom, Charlotte Potter. That's my dad, Bennett, he's a muggle. Lastly, that's my grandparents, your granduncle and grandaunt, Charlus Potter and Dorea Black. Grandpa Charlus is Fleamont's older brother. Fleamont is your grandfather's name."

"I-It's nice to meet you all," Harry smiled shyly.

Then Charlotte cupped her chin, looking at him from head to toe. "Aside from your eyes, you do resembled Lily, down to the nose and smile. You're even pale like her too. Lily always like to stay indoors than outdoors. Aside from that, everything else is literally James."

Harry blinked a few times. He knew Bernard described him as looking like his mother, but with his father's hair and terrible eyesight, but he felt happy that he does have some of his mother's features than just looking like a carbon copy of his father. He didn't mind people kept telling him he looked like his father, even though it was a bit annoying, but Harry wanted people to tell him he had his mother's features aside from the eyes. Harry guessed that people would have to look carefully to see how some of his features don't resembled his father.

Bernard clasped his hands together. "Now, we all introduced each other, let's have a meeting! I have tons to talk about."

"Wait, now?" Sirius questioned. "Harry, just met your family!"

Bernard sighed. "I know, but I really have tons of important things to discuss and...recent discoveries that I really wished that shouldn't had happened."

Tim turned. "What did you found out?"

"Just found out," Bernard corrected and he turned to Alfred. "Alfred, I need to borrow your pensieve." then he turned to Harry. "Harry, I know Hermione told me what happened in your second year, but I do need your memory to see what happened at the Chamber of Secrets. Just to confirmed my suspicions. I'll also need to see the memory of the beginning of your fourth year to see if there were any clues to who put your name in the Goblet. I have some theories, but I want to see it for in person."

Harry frowned. "So does this involved me in a way?"

Bernard nodded. "Sadly, it does."

"I hate my luck!" Harry groaned.

Bernard patted his back. "I hate it too."

Right away, Alfred, Sirius, Charlotte, Dorea, and Charlus moved the furniture and transfigured them into chairs. While the coffee table ended up being a regular long table. Bernard took out his wand and placed the tip on Harry's head. Then a long white silvery strand came out of his head. Harry couldn't help it and be a bit weirded out of how that was the way to get a memory. In the corner of his eyes, Harry could see the Bat family being baffled of what Bernard just did, except for Tim. Jason looked like he wanted to throw up.

Once everything was set and Bernard got two of his memories, Alfred brought a pensive. Harry didn't know what a pensive was, but it was a gold bowl with water in it. Harry wasn't even sure what it's use for.

"A pensieve is a rare magical item to look into people's memories," Bernard explained. Then he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry...you looked confused."

Harry smiled. "Don't stop. Go on."

"There are also advance ways to see people's memory, but having the pensive helps because the water is different than normal water. As you can see, it's a silvery cloud. Usually pensieves are owned by higher ups and headmasters."

"How did you know Alfred had one?" Harry questioned.

"I just ask," Bernard laughed. "That's all I did. Alfred usually has every magical item and I wasn't surprised what he had one."

"You don't have one?"

"I'm only allowed to use the ones at work with permission only. The goblins are finicky with their pensieve. Usually most curse-breakers just ask someone they know if they could borrow it. We don't get in trouble for it because it's not the goblin's pensieve. A few curse-breakers do have one. I don't because they're so hard to find."

After everything was transfigured, everyone sat down. Harry sat next to Damian and across from them was Tim and Bernard. Bernard was glaring at Damian like no tomorrow, but as always, Damian didn't care, while Tim just sighed and shook his head. Alfred set the pensieve on the table. Right away, Bernard took out his wand and out in Harry's memories as well as other memories. He lifted the cloudy silvery water onto the wall.

"So we're going to see you fighting that giant snake, huh?" Jason said.

Harry nodded. "It's not that bad."

Then the memory of Harry's second year began. The first thing they saw was Harry going into the chamber and seeing Ginny's body. Tom Riddle was there. Harry noticed Alfred made a sour face when he saw Riddle. Of course everything played out as it had in the chamber. Harry fought the basilisk, got the fang in his elbow, dying, destroyed the diary, Fawkes healed him, and saved Ginny. As Harry turned to the others, everyone's mouths was dropped. However, his relatives, Jason, and Damian looked like they wanted to murder someone, while Bernard looked like he was going to have an aneurism. Harry had to admit, it did look bad.

"As I suspected," Bernard said, pausing the memory.

"What did you suspect?" Harry asked.

"I'll get to that, Harry," Bernard replied. "I just need to see the other memories."

Harry nodded. He knew he needed to be patient. As much as he really wanted his answers asap, but he knew Bernard needed to confirm some things before he tells him. However, Harry was glad someone is actually going to tell him what the hell is going on than what Dumbledore does all the time. Tell him at the end of the school year. At least he's getting his answers before that and it hasn't been six months yet!

Then Bernard continued the memory as they watched Harry's fourth year. Everything was normal until it got to the Defense the Dark Arts class. Bernard, Sirius, Dorea, Charlus, Charlotte, and Alfred looked very concern. Harry didn't know why they're concern about. It was just Moody teaching them the three Unforgivable. However Harry noticed that even Tim looked confused and watching Moody. After that the memory of the Goblet of Fire and the choosing of the three Triwizard Champions came in. Harry winced as he saw his name pop up. Then he felt someone's hand over his. Harry looked down and saw Damian's hand over his. Harry blushed and kept watching the scene. After that it ended when Dumbledore took Harry into a different room and asked him if he put his name in the goblet of Fire, which of course Harry said he didn't. After that the headmasters, including Dumbledore in their respective schools agreed that he has to compete.

"I swear this has to be illegal," Bruce muttered.

"It is," Sirius said.

"Huh, I thought Dumbledore would shoved you against the wall," Jason commented. "and would shouted "Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?!!!!" Dumbledore said calmly."."

Harry raised a brow. "Look, as much as I don't like Dumbledore, but I never saw him freak out like that."

"To be fair, we all kind of imagine that," Tim chuckled.

Harry sighed and turned to Damian. "Not you too, Damian."

Damian merely shrugged. "I might've."

"Really?" Harry exclaimed.

"As much as I would like to be amused how all of you imagine that scene," Charlotte said. "I'm concern why Moody is teaching fourth years the Unforgivables. You learn that in your six year."

Alfred nodded. "I learn them in my six year too."

"I know Moody and even he would never do that," Sirius pointed out. "...Is that even him?"

"We'll get to that," Bernard said. "Let's continued."

Then the scene changed to Bernard's memories. He was in the Ministry of Magic. Harry had never saw the Ministry of Magic in person, but he had to admit, it looked very nice. After that Amelia Bones showed Bernard the Department of Mysteries. Harry couldn't help and be at awed of what the inside was like. There were so many things he didn't know existed in there. Although, he was concern about those many time turners. Everyone watched the memory Bernard walked around in awed, falling a bit behind as he looked at the prophecies, but he stopped. Harry's eyes widened as he saw a prophecy with his name. He turned pale when the prophecy spoke.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."

Everyone became silent after the prophecy spoke. Bernard snapped his fingers as the memory disappeared. Harry lowered his head, trying to comprehend what just happened. A prophecy...a bloody prophecy was about him. Was this the reason why Voldemort murder his family? Was this why Voldemort was trying to regain his power every single year? Just to kill him because of a prophecy. Harry didn't want to believe it, but from what happened with the prophecy last year...

"I thought divination is bogus," Dick said.

"It is," Bernard nodded. "but it does have some uses."

"The prophecy..." Harry spoke up.

"From what I gather," Tim replied. "Harry, you are born on July, which is the seventh month. You are marked as Voldemort's equal, which is the scar. The rest...I'm just confused on it as you are, but that's all I got." Tim turned. "What about you, Bern? Do you have any ideas?"

Bernard nodded. "Maybe? I'm not sure, but I do have a theory."

Harry wasn't sure what theory Bernard had, but from the looks on his cousin's face, Bernard seemed a bit concern when that prophecy popped up. It was like as if he didn't want to hear another word of that prophecy.

"How did Voldemort know about it?" Harry questioned.

Bernard pursed his lips as he clenched his fist. "Snape. I saw it in his memory after I ran away from the graveyard. He told Voldemort about it and in exchange, Snape asked to spare Aunt Lily's life, but kill you and Uncle James."

Harry blinked. "What?!"

"Bloody hell, you fucking kidding me?!" Sirius stood up. "First Peter and now Snape?!"

"Does this sorry excuse of a teacher likes Harry's mom or something?" Duke asked.

Sirius groaned. "Sadly, yes. They were childhood friends. Snape told Lily about the wizarding world after she displayed some accidental magic. I think they were neighbors too or at least live in the same area. When they got into Hogwarts, they were still friends despite being in different houses. However, their friendship started to deteriorate when Snape hung out with the blood purists. Calling every muggleborn a "mudblood", except for Lily. Then on our fifth year, he called her a mudblood. Snape claimed it just slipped out, but it was the last straw for Lily. She thought that he'll change and realized that those blood purist were warping his mind, but of course that didn't happen."

"Wait!" Harry exclaimed. "So you're telling that he still became a Death Eater, despite being friends with my mom? It's like me doing the same thing to Hermione!"

Bernard sighed. "It's messed up. I know, but he did became a double agent for Dumbledore. That's why he's still teaching. I'm not sure when he's going to get here, but when I did came back to the states, President Pham told me she's going to alert my old professors who lives here in Gotham: Jonathan Crane my Defense the Dark Arts Teacher and Potion Master, and my Herbology teacher, Pamela Isley to get Snape. After that, we can go back to Britain and get your name out of the goblet."

Harry nodded. That does make sense. If they did go right away, Snape would just keep following them. He would rather see that man in prison. Harry didn't know much about MACUSA history, but he does know some American history thanks to some homeschooling he did and he was sure that Americans don't like it when their own citizens get attack. Since Bernard did got attack by Snape, it was highly likely that both him and Bernard had to hide for the time being.

"So when is Snape going to get here?" Harry asked. "We only have a week."

"They would most likely need another Potion Master to substitute him," Charlotte answered. "Being a Potion Master is not a common job in Britain because it's hard to become one. I think Dumbledore would need Slughorn to substitute."

"Who's Slughorn?" Harry frowned.

"Oh, I remember him!" Sirius said. "Professor Slughorn is a Potion Master and a former professor at Hogwarts. He was one of the cool teachers. I think he retired after I graduated. He always had a favorite student in each house and in each year. Lily was his favorite student."

"I was his favorite too," Charlotte smirked.

Alfred nodded. "Me too."

"So was I," Dorea said.

"I wasn't," Charlus mumbled.

Dorea kissed his cheek. "That's because you kept exploding your cauldron my dear."

"Anyway," Bernard said. "We have time. Yes, a week will go by quickly, but I'm not sure how fast Dumbledore can get Slughorn to substitute...if he knows where he is. Besides, if both Voldemort and Dumbledore really want both of us this badly, then I wouldn't be surprised that Dumbledore would have to use unforgivable ways to get what he wants. Remember, Dumbledore wants you to compete in the tournament. The closer the deadline, the closer he will be desperate."

Harry sighed. "So, I have to wait?"

"Yes," Bernard nodded. "but if the due date does get closer, then we will go. President Pham is understanding. She'll forgive me for disobeying her orders if that's the case."

Harry raised a brow. "How would you know?"

"I'm friends with her," Charlotte raised a hand. "She's been my friend before she became president. Despite being our leader, she'll let things slide if we have a good reason. We just need to tell her ahead of time."

Sirius's brows shot up. "How many people do you even know, Charlie?"

Charlotte chuckled. "A lot."

Harry blinked. He was aware that Bernard and Charlotte knew a lot of people considering the fact that they work at MACUSA, but the more he learned about them, the more he realized how much of a higher position they are than him. Of course Harry doesn't care about his position since he never asked for his fame in the first place, but he couldn't help it and be amazed about his wizarding side of the family.

"So about this Alastor Moody," Damian spoke up. "Do you think he put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire? Throughout all of his school year, it's always a Defense the Dark arts teacher who was behind all of it."

Sirius sighed. "After seeing that memory, I think so."

Charlotte nodded. "I think so too. I've worked with Moody many times as an auror and he would never teach fourth years the Three Unforgivables. If that's not Moody, then who is that person and where is the real Moody and is he dead?"

"He's probably using that identity thief potion," Tim pointed out.

"Polyjuice Potion," Harry, Bernard, Sirius, the wizarding family, Bennett, Damian, Dick, and surprisingly Bruce corrected him.

Tim just shrugged and Bernard shook his head as he gave Tim a soft smile. It was like as if Bernard had dealt with Tim not calling the potion by it's correct name. However, the more Harry thought about it, it does make sense. If the fake Moody did put his name in the goblet, then that means he wanted him to be in that tournament. Why? Why him of all people? What does this person want with him for? How did Dumbledore not know that this person wasn't his dear friend, Moody?

Bernard gasped. "I did encounter Barty Crouch Jr."

Sirius's jaw dropped. "What? I thought he died!"

Bernard nodded. "That's what I thought too, but he's alive."

Sirius frowned. "That's impossible. I remember seeing him getting the Dementor's kiss...unless that wasn't him..." His eyes widened. "Then that's probably Mrs. Crouch. I remember in the news she was in a terrible state after Jr was sent into Azkaban. They probably swap places by using Polyjuice Potion."

"I remember seeing a man who conjured up the Dark Mark on the day of the Qudditch World Cup," Harry said. "...Do you think that might be him?"

Sirius shrugged. "Maybe? Could be anyone, but I do know that Barty Crouch Jr, is a Death Eater and a loyal follower. Like Peter, he is one of the few followers who isn't a Slytherin. He's a Ravenclaw. I do know there are followers who are from different houses. It's just that people tend to forget that, just as people tend to forget that there are muggleborn Slytherins."

"Then we'll have to keep a close eye on Moody," Charlotte said.

Harry nodded. As much as he knew Moody was his favorite teacher, but in the back of his mind, he knew there was a chance that Moody does want him get killed, just like the other Defense the Dark arts teachers. He wasn't skilled like Damian and his family to detect people being suspicious, but he's not stupid. If Damian does come with him to Hogwarts, it'll be better to have someone with him since it's better to have more eyes on Moody.

"Now, we got that out of the way," Bernard said. "I do want to inform you all that my curse-breaker assignment is connected to Voldemort. He use very powerful dark magic. To do that said magic, you need to kill someone and split your soul by putting it in an object. Keep splitting your soul, you will loose your humanity. The wizard who keeps splitting their soul, they can't fully die unless you destroy those objects. The only way to destroy these objects is counter it with dark magic, use purification magic, basilisk venom, and using the Killing Curse. These objects are called Horcrux."

Harry shivered at that word. He never heard about that dark magic before. It scared him that every year Voldemort kept trying to kill him was because he truly was coming back every single time. However, Harry was glad Bernard figured everything out. If he hadn't, Harry suspected that he might be the one who would have to hunt these Horcruxes instead of him. The thought of Harry, himself hunting these things...he was sure he wouldn't know where to start.

Alfred gasped. "That's why there's no body!"

"Exactly," Bernard continued. "I've dealt with Horcruxes before. This is the third time I am dealing with a horcrux and it is rare for anyone to do that. So far, I destroyed Voldemort's Horcruxes: The Gaunt Ring, Slytherin's locket, the Diadem of Ravenclaw, the Cup of Hufflepuff, the diary, and his pet snake. Aside from every Horcrux, the locket was easy to obtain because Uncle Regulus was the one who figured out what Voldemort was doing."

Sirius looked up and his eyes widened. "Regulus? He-He knew?"

Bernard nodded and snapped his fingers. A memory appeared, showing Bernard in a house with an elderly house elf and a locket with an S on it. The elderly house elf, Kreacher explained what happened to Regulus. The scene changed and Bernard was at the location, used his own blood to enter, and road on a boat to a small island inside of the cave. Harry watched in horror as his cousin drank the potion. He even tried to use his own water bottles, but that didn't quench his thirst. Bernard kept drinking the potion until it was gone and there was the fake locket.

Harry noticed that Bernard was holding Tim's hand, soothing him about what was happening. Harry watched the memory of Bernard going towards the cursed water. Inside the water, with a closer look, Harry saw zombie-like beings inside, waiting for Bernard to drink out of that water. However, he didn't. Instead he stabbed himself with a knife and got on the boat, passing out. Bernard flicked his wand as the pensieve water went back to it's basin.

"So what's what Regulus had to do," Sirius said.

Nodding, Bernard folded his hands. "Yes, as you saw in the memory and what Kreacher said, Uncle Regulus located the locket and died by being dragged by the inferi. Uncle Regulus gave the locket to Kreacher to destroy it. Kreacher was unsuccessful. So I destroyed it instead."

Sirius bowed his head. "I thought...I thought..."

Bernard sighed. "We all thought that too, Uncle Sirius, but it seemed that he found out how Voldemort wanted to live longer and didn't like it. Uncle Regulus...if he was still alive, he would've hunt down the other Horcruxes too."

Sirius chuckled. "Like uncle like nephew."

"Pretty much."

"Who's Regulus?" Harry asked.

"My younger brother," Sirius answered. "I wish he would've told me. I would've helped."

"If I was in Uncle Regulus's shoes, I would've done the same," Bernard said. "He secretly deflect Voldemort and found out about the Horcruxes. There is a chance that he could put his family in more danger than they already were. It was best to have Kreacher to keep things a secret because Kreacher is his master. Knowing you, Uncle Sirius, you would die for him too. Uncle Regulus did die trying, but from what I found out...he's the bravest man I know."

Harry blinked a few times. He never thought Sirius had a brother. The more Harry thought about it, he realized Sirius never told him that he had a brother. He never told him about his family. The only people he did mentioned was Bernard's family and that was it. However, hearing Bernard and Sirius talking about Regulus, Harry would never thought the man was a Death eater that switched sides and was able to figure out the horcrux before any of them. Bernard was right, Regulus was brave.

Sirius nodded as he made a painful smile. It must've been painful for Sirius to find out how his brother really died. He couldn't blame Sirius for thinking that Regulus was too far gone and died, but instead, he switched sides and unlike Snape, Regulus did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.

"So," Sirius said. "You said Voldemort made six horcruxes?"

"Seven, actually," Bernard folded his hands.

"Where's the seventh?" Bruce questioned.

Bernard suddenly became quiet. He took out his round necklace, which was still glowing very brightly. Bernard ripped it off of his neck and placed it in the middle of the table, closer to Harry. Wincing, Harry noticed the necklace was glowing very brightly.

"I made a tracker to locate a Horcrux by using Voldemort's magic," Bernard said. "or what was left of it. It will only glow if a Horcrux is very near." Bernard looked at Harry. "and I'm looking at him right now."

Then there was silence. Harry's eyes widened as he tried to comprehend what Bernard just said. He's. A. Horcrux? How? Why? Harry tried to think how it was impossible, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that Bernard was right. That does explain why Harry can talk to snakes. Not only that, but the prophecy said he was marked as an equal. Not only the scar, but also his wand was similar to Voldemort's since they both came out from the same bird. Also the power that Voldemort didn't know of...was it because he didn't know he made Harry into a Horcrux? No, he probably didn't know was because it was the way he tried to kill him. The killing curse rebounded. So that meant Voldemort unintentionally split his soul and put himself in Harry - his enemy.

"That means, it's the power that Voldemort doesn't know," Harry muttered.

Bernard nodded. "Possibly."

"How can we make Harry not to be a vessel anymore?" Damian stood up with his hands slamming on the table.

"I don't know," Bernard confessed. "It's rare to use living beings as a Horcrux. I killed Voldemort's snake, which was the only way to make it not a Horcrux anymore."

"So Harry's going to die?!" Damian growled.

"He's not going to die!" Bernard snapped. "I'm not going to let that happen. In all of my times of hunting Horcruxes, any living being that is a Horcrux ends up dying, Damian. I will try to figure it out, somehow."

"Then we can ask Zatanna or Constantine," Damian said.

"This is dark magic, Damian," Bernard gnashed his teeth. "Some dark magic is harmless. Others like a Horcrux, isn't. There is a consequence when it's use. Even if Zatanna or Constantine got the Horcrux out, Harry will still die."

Damian opened his mouth, but Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. Damian turned and Harry gave him a soft smile. Blinking a few times, Damian nodded and sighed as he sat back down. Harry understood why Damian was freaking out and he understood why, but freaking out and yelling won't help. Harry wasn't sure if there was a way, but he new Bernard and everyone else can try.

"What about my mother's protection?" Harry questioned. "Will it still protect me?"

Bernard pursed his lips. "I'm not sure. What Aunt Lily use was ancient magic. It's odd and very vague. I still had no idea how she came across it. From what I know so far, she has to perform an ancient magic on you. After that, the protection will passed onto others."

Ancient magic? Harry would never thought his mother would go that route. He thought that his parents had to stay hidden all the time, but then again, they did let Sirius and the Dowd's visit, so Harry guessed there were some things that they were allow to do. However, he did wondered how did his mother came across that protection magic and how she knew it would be helpful.

Harry frowned. "Onto others? Like my friends or my kids?"

"I don't know," Bernard confessed. "Like I said, it's very vague, but I do think that after Aunt Lily performed the magic on you, she had to die."

"What do you mean?"

"From what I read, that magic only worked if the person becomes a victim instead of the main victim. It makes sense that this ancient protection magic only worked if she became a willing victim of Voldemort instead of you. As I said before, I don't know if it would work for the second time, but I don't want to take the risk."

Harry nodded. He would rather not test that risk either. Of all the things that had happened to him at Hogwarts was just sheer dumb luck. However, the only way to defeat Voldemort was to destory all of the Horcruxes and Harry is the last one. How could he defeat his enemy if Harry had part of his soul? The only way Harry could truly defeat him was that if he died and someone else kill Voldemort. The thought of dying scared Harry. It wasn't the first time he experienced dying.

As Harry looked at everyone around him...he would rather die for them, including Damian. He would rather see everyone be happy and not be harm by Voldemort. That madman had ruin everything. The thought of seeing everyone died by Voldemort's hand...no. Harry was scared of Voldemort, which he won't deny, but he was scared of seeing everyone died because of him. They're all going out of their way to help him and if anything happens to them, Harry would never forgive himself. He would rather sacrifice himself for everyone.

Would he let Bernard and everyone else know?

No.

He would want to see if Bernard and everyone else find a way to help him not be a Horcrux, but if all else fails and when the day comes for Harry to face Voldemort...Harry will do it. He will die for everyone.

"So when are we going to talk to Crane and Isley?" Dick asked.

"As soon as they reply to my letter," Bernard answered. "It wouldn't take long. Anything wizard business, they usually answer right away. I don't know if they know your identities or not, but if you all feel comfortable being in your suits, go ahead. Other than that, we'll just be planning on how to capture Snape. Which reminds me." Bernard flicked his wand as papers and a couple of cards appeared in front of Harry and Sirius. "President Pham gave you two a temporary license to use magic for the time being. For you Harry, you just need an adult present. A muggle adult is allowed as long as they know magic exist. Also, for the Joker incident, you don't have to worry because the Joker is staying like this forever. President Pham did Gotham a favor by making the charm permanent. Also My mom is going to train you and I about dueling. Also, if you two do want to become U.S. citizens of both muggle and wizarding, then let me know. You'll need to study for the citizenship exams."

"Wicked!" Sirius beamed.

"I'm so glad we don't have to deal with the Joker anymore!" Jason cheered.

Eyes widened, Harry excitedly took out his wand. "Expecto Patronum!"

Right away, a stag leaped out of Harry's wand. Everyone gasped and Bernard laughed as he smiled. The stag walked around the table and walked up to Harry, nudging him. Harry chuckled as the stag looked at Damian and nudged him too. Smiling softly, Damian patted the silvery stag. The stag nuzzled against his friend's cheek. Harry glanced tot he side as his cheeks went pink. He cleared his throat a bit and made the patronus disappeared.

"I can't believe you did a seventh year spell," Bernard said. "That's amazing!"

"Thanks," Harry smiled. "Remus taught me."

"Speaking of Remus, is he on Dumbledore's side?" Bernard asked Sirius.

Sirius made a face and nodded. "Yeah, he believed what Dumbledore said about Harry entering the tournament."

"That's messed up," Cass commented.

"It is," Sirius sighed. "I can't believe, I used to date him."

"Wh-What?!" Bruce stammered.

"We only dated briefly," Sirius explained. "Remus didn't want a serious relationship and so I ended it. After that we still remain good friends."

Harry noticed Bruce grumbled a bit and muttering to himself. Harry nudged Damian and pointed his head to Bruce and Sirius. Damian nodded, silently letting Harry know that he noticed too. Harry was told by Dick that he was planning to put tons of mistletoes around the manor to get his godfather and Damian's father under there. Harry wasn't sure how long those mistletoes would be up because those plants are good for potions.

"By the way, Aunt Dorea," Sirius said. "I'm thinking about giving you my title. You'll be Lady Black."

Dorea blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

"They still do that?" Bernard raised a brow.

"Do what?" Harry asked.

"Back then wizards and witches had lords and ladies," Bernard explained. "Around the mid 1920's, they stopped doing that, but there are very few witches and wizards who still kept that title. Some can reclaim their title if they want to. It gives them a bit of a higher status and more land, but not as much. In today's wizarding age, statuses and reputation is obtain by working in the government or how well you do your job, and how you got into the papers."

Harry nodded. He remembered some wizards and witches did called themselves lord and lady in the textbooks, but he never knew about them actually being lord and lady. He just thought it was a way people addressed each other back them. Then again, his professor is a ghost who keeps falling asleep and repeating all of those goblin wars.

"Those who do have their lordship titles now is the Blacks, Malfoys, the Dumbledores, and the Longbottoms," Sirius added. "Since I am the heir of the main Black branch, I automatically get my inheritance. Most of my family is gone, except for Aunt Dorea's side."

"I don't see why giving us your title would help Harry's case," Charlotte said.

"You all will be on par with Dumbledore's status or at least a bit of a higher status," Sirius explained. "if anyone can go up against Dumbledore, its you two. Also, I really don't want to be heir anyway. If you don't want the money or the mansions that's fine. You can do whatever you want with it. It's just that having a lordship or ladyship status does protect Harry a bit because he is your blood relative. Lords and an individual magical guardians are both different when it comes to having custody of a child, but having the title can help you since only lords or ladies can be a magical guardian and can choose who could have custody of that said child as long as the ministry agrees."

Dorea sighed. "You do know that if you gave me your title, I will be recognized as a member of the Black family, Sirius."

Sirius nodded. "I know and you do deserved to be recognized as a member of my family, Aunt Dorea."

Dorea chuckled. "I accept."

Bernard's eyes widened. "That means I get to keep Kreacher!"

Sirius gawked at him. "You want Kreacher?"

"Is Kreacher you family house elf, Sirius?" Harry questioned.

"Yes and I never like him," Sirius replied. "Bernard, you can have Kreacher. Of course we'll have to go through papers first and use magic to transfer ownership to you, but you can have him. If I had known you wanted Kreacher, I would've given him to you a long time ago. By the way, I thought you hate Kreacher."

Bernard merely chuckled. "You just need to be nice to him, Uncle Sirius."

"I did told you hat you should be nice to that house elf," Dorea said.

Harry wasn't sure what kind if relationship Sirius had with Kreacher, but it seemed that they don't see eye to eye. Harry wouldn't be surprised if Kreacher said all of those horrible wizarding slurs about muggles, since Sirius had mentioned to him before that he did came from a blood purist family and his brother was a former Death Eater after all. However, since Bernard was able to get Kreacher's good side, Bernard probably became a good influence on Kreacher.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the window. Everyone turned and saw a barn owl with a letter. Right away, Bernard got up from his seat and opened the window. He took the letter and thanked the owl. Then the owl flew away. As Bernard closed the window, he opened the letter. His eyes widened.

"It's from Isley," Bernard said.

"What does it say?" Harry asked.

"Dear Bernard," Bernard read. "It's been so long that I had heard from my student. President Pham already informed Crane and I about what's going on with Britain and how this Severus Snape is coming to Gotham. I would like to discuss matters with you and everyone, so we could have a plan to capture this wizard. Crane and I will be heading to Wayne Manor tomorrow, in the late afternoon. I'll see you then. Pamela Isley - Herbology Professor of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.'."

"Well, it looks like we'll be planning things for a couple of days," Tim said.

"And training," Damian added.

"Better be prepare than what Snape might do," Bernard flicked his wand wand as letters appeared. Then he handed them to Harry. "These are from Hermione."

Blinking a few times, Harry smiled. It had been so long since he had heard from her. He always wondered what she got herself up to when he left. He wondered if she and Ron were still friends or if the two were even talking. Harry did know that Ron and Hermione did liked each other, but now he wasn't so sure ever since Ron stopped being his friend. However, he knew that he would read these tonight and he couldn't wait!

"I gave Hermione my number in case if she saw anything at Hogwarts," Bernard explained. "I haven't heard anything about a substitute potion professor, but we should be hearing from her soon."

Harry chuckled. "Knowing, Hermione, she will give out information sooner than later."

"As much as I'm glad we're planning these things through," Tim said. "I have some news about the al Ghuls."

"What do you mean, Timothy?" Damian questioned.

"The League of Assassins was attack by a dark lord," Tim clarified. "Everyone died, except for Ras and Talia al Ghul...They're in psychological shock and they were spouting about a dark lord attacking them. The Lazarus Pits are gone."

Everyone became silent from that information. Harry noticed that everyone was surprised and the only people who weren't surprised was Sirius and Tim. The more Harry thought about it, he realized that this might've happened before Bernard got kidnapped by the Death Eaters. Or at least earlier than that. If that was the case...what was Voldemort planning to do with that potion for.

"By dark lord, you mean Voldemort?" Bernard guessed.

"If my theory still stands," Tim replied. "it has to be Voldemort...or at least his followers. Maybe Pettigrew or Barty Crouch Jr. Damian, you came from a wizarding family from only the al Ghul side. They're Potion Masters. It's just that Ras is a squib. That Lazarus Pit, is a potion. Any witch or wizard has a different effect than no-majs. Squibs aren't that much effected by it, since they have little magic in them. No-majs like Jason, would have a different effect, hence the madness. From what I gather from reading Bernard's potions textbook, some no-majs can drink wizarding potion as long as it doesn't have a spell on it, which in some potions it would need a single spell, but for others, don't need a spell. Those with a spell has a different effect for wizards and no-majs."

Harry stared at Damian. He had no idea that Damian came from a wizarding family and judging from Damian's expression, it looked like he didn't even know too. Even Bruce knew about the state of Ras and Talia al Ghul, but when the wizarding family came up, then his expression change as well. It looked like only Tim and Sirius knew about the whole thing and everyone either didn't know or knew little about it.

"How come no one didn't tell me?!" Damian demanded.

"Damian," Tim sighed. "I do wanted to tell you, but it was best to have everyone here with information. Now, the condition of Ras and Talia, they're getting better. They should be talking now. I do think Voldemort is involved since he is trying to get his power back and considering the fact that Harry did saw through Voldemort's eyes...it's safe to say he has the Lazarus Pits."

Damian looked convinced. Harry couldn't blame him, but from everything that had happened, it was best for Tim to wait until he said anything. The subject of Voldemort is a tough one and trying to defeat him permanently was a difficult task.

"Is he going to jump in it or...?" Jason frowned.

"Most likely, alter it for his liking," Bernard said.

"So when can we see my mother and grandfather?" Damian asked.

"Tomorrow morning," Tim answered. "They should be in a good condition to talk. I do want Bernard, Harry, and Sirius to talk to them, since it's likely Ras and Talia would know more about the wizarding world and all, but if you want to join you can."

Damian nodded. "I'll think about it."

After everyone agreed on what they should do for the time being, the meeting was over. Harry tried to processed what was discussed. He's a horcrux. A vessel of a soul that Voldemort placed in him ever since he tried to kill him. Not only that he didn't know if his mother's protection will protect him from literally dying. With a sigh, Harry went up to his guest room. When he got there, he closed the door behind him. Tears formed in his eyes. He knew what he was thinking was insane and how he will sacrifice himself to protect everyone and get rid of the soul, but what other choice did Harry had. Voldemort would stop at nothing to kill him and if Voldemort did kill him, he would get rid of the horcrux. Of course someone else would have to kill Voldemort and Harry was sure that Bernard, Sirius, his relatives, Jason, Alfred, maybe Tim, and probably Damian wouldn't hesitate to the deed. Harry can't live without Voldemort living and Voldemort can't be killed if Harry was alive. Harry knew this was the only way.

Then the door knocked. Harry gasped and opened it. His eyes widened as Bernard was there. His cousin looked a bit worried. Bernard rubbed his neck as Harry opened the door wide enough and Bernard stepped inside.

"Are you okay, Harry?" Bernard asked.

Harry sniffed and shook his head. "No, I'm not. I'm scared."

Nodding, Bernard pulled him into a hug. Harry blinked a few times as he buried his face in Bernard's shoulder. He silently let the tears out as he held onto his cousin. Bernard held him tightly, stroking his untamed hair. Harry couldn't help and noticed how familiar Bernard's hugs was. It was like as if he had longed to be hugged like this.

"Everything will be okay, Harry," Bernard said. "I'll figure something out. We'll make sure you won't be a horcrux anymore."

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Bernard," Harry muttered.

Bernard chuckled softly. "I can't help it, Harry. Even before our phone call, I kept making promises to you. It's not because I made a promise to Aunt Lily and Uncle James. Far from it. I made these promises specifically to you. To make sure that I will always be there for you than I was before."

Gasping, Harry pulled away. "It's not your fault. You didn't know. Dumbledore was responsible for all of this."

Smiling sadly, Bernard sighed. "I know, but I couldn't help it and blame myself. If I was a bit more stubborn and pushed harder back then...we would've met earlier."

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. His own cousin blamed himself for what Dumbledore did. Harry knew he lost all respect for Dumbledore, but now he hated the man even more. Bernard was the only person - an adult that Harry knew that gave him answers and helped him. Yes, Sirius helped him too, but their first meeting didn't go well because Sirius was after Pettigrew more than checking up on his godson, but now Sirius is making up for it and Harry was grateful for that. However, Bernard literally found out more things about everything going on than Harry could ever figure out. Harry was even sure that he wouldn't figure all of those things out until his seventh year!

Harry looked up at Bernard. "I don't know what would happen if you did pushed harder, but knowing Dumbledore, he probably would just keep you in the dark. Like me. Bernard, please. I don't want you to blame yourself about that. The only person who should be blame is Dumbledore and he should get punch."

Bernard chuckled. "I do want to be the first person in line to punch him."

"I'm sure everyone in this whole house wants to punch Dumbledore," Harry laughed and he smiled. "You've done a lot for me and I couldn't thank you enough. Sure, we have a bloody situation, but at least you told me what was happening than having me to wait until the end of the semester."

Bernard nodded. "You're right, Harry...It's just that I can't help it and protect my love ones."

"Don't worry. I get you."

Then Bernard took out something from his robe and placed it into Harry's hand. Frowning, Harry looked at it. The object Bernard gave him was a stone and if Harry looked closely enough, there was a symbol. It had a triangle and through it was a line and in the middle was a circle.

"What's this?" Harry asked.

"That's a Deathly Hallow," Bernard answered. "It's from out family tree, from the Peverell side. It passed down from generations. I found it during my curse-breaking assignment and I wanted to give it to you. I have no use for it, Harry. This stone needs a better owner."

Harry blinked. "How did you find it?"

Bernard made a sour face. "From the Gaunt ring."

"We're related to Voldemort?!" Harry exclaimed.

"Loosely and distantly related, thank Merlin," Bernard took out a small book, handing it to him. "This is a wizarding children's tales, the Tales of Beedle the Bard. It's the first edition. It's really good and it's written in Ancient Runes and I don't know if you can read Ancient Runes, but if you want...I know you're fourteen and not a kid anymore, but...is it okay, I can read it to you before bed? If you want that is."

Harry couldn't help and chuckled. The last time he had asked someone to read him a bedtime story was when he was a child, but at the time, the Dursleys didn't do that and shoved him in the cupboard. Harry was sure that his mother and father did read to him, but that was a long time ago, a memory he would never remember. However, with Bernard, Harry did wanted to make those memories a reality. He wanted to know what's it like to have family members other than the Dursleys. Most of all, Harry wanted to know what it was like to have a big brother.

"I like that," Harry finally said.

Bernard blinked. "Really?"

"Of course! Can you read it to me, tonight?"

"Sure!"

Bernard smiled widely as he ruffled Harry's hair. Giggling, Harry swatted Bernard's hand away. Harry stared at the stone and put it in his pocket and set the book on his nightstand. As much as Harry didn't like he was very distantly related to Voldemort, but he was glad that Bernard chose him as the new owner of the stone. Just like Bernard said, the stone needs a better owner. Harry was sure he'll have to get himself a locket to keep the stone safe.

"So," Bernard placed an arm over Harry's shoulder. "Hermione told me you got a Firebolt. Wanna go fly around?"

Harry nodded excitedly. "Yeah!"

With no time to waste, Harry summoned his Firebolt. Bernard opened the balcony doors as the two got onto the broom. Within seconds, Harry and Bernard were soaring into the skies, laughing.

~OoO~

Sirius chugged down a glass of beer. After the meeting and learning everything that Bernard discovered...Sirius wished he was a better brother. He knew his parents favored Regulus than him and he was okay with it, but finding out what really happened...why didn't he noticed sooner? Why didn't he realized how nervous Regulus was when he visit. Why didn't he realized that his own brother hugged him and the next day he died? Why?

Tears dripped down from his eyes as Sirius bowed his head. He knew what Bernard said that if he did knew earlier...the outcome for Regulus's fate would still be the same. Knowing what his brother did...even if Sirius did drank the potion, Regulus would still find a way to save him. If only Sirius found out sooner, maybe the two of them would be able to complete the job sooner. Harry and Bernard wouldn't had to go through what they did. Sirius knew Bernard is an adult and can do things by himself, but seeing that memory of Bernard almost wanting to drink the cursed water and stabbed himself just to stop himself...that meant if Bernard did drank from the lake, he would've met the same fate as Regulus.

"Sirius," a voice spoke behind him.

Gasping, Sirius turned. Bruce was behind him and for a guy who is stoned face, Sirius could see there was a hint of concern. Blinking a few times, Sirius wiped his tears and chuckled a bit as he tried to laugh it off.

"Oh, hey playboy," Sirius said. "Didn't see you there."

"Are you okay?" Bruce asked.

Sirius opened his mouth to say he was fine and nothing was bothering him, but he stopped. He narrowed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Sirius didn't know what came over him, but he just felt like he didn't want to hide what he's actually feeling.

"No," Sirius answered. "It's just that, if I knew what Regulus was doing...maybe he could've still be alive."

Then there was silence as Sirius stared at his empty glass. He was tempted to pour himself another. However, Bruce walked over and sat next to him. Bruce patted his back slowly, looking away. Sirius raised a brow at him. What was he doing? Was he...comforting him? If Bruce was comforting him, then he has an odd way of doing it.

"I don't know what would happen if you knew," Bruce looked at him. "but anything could happen at that cave. The two of you might live, one of you might live, or you both don't live. I don't know what would happen if you did knew and went to that cave, but if something did happened to you, you wouldn't be able to meet Harry, you wouldn't be able to help Harry to get to Gotham, and..."

"And..." Sirius frowned.

Bruce pursed his lips and looked away. Sirius could see his ears and the side of his cheeks were turning a bit pink. Sirius couldn't help it and smile softly. He didn't know someone like Bruce would be this fluster over something sentimental.

"And I wouldn't be able to...meet...you," Bruce spoke hesitantly.

Sirius's eyes softened as Bruce turned to him. Slowly, Bruce held out his arms, but Sirius could see his arms were literally shaking. Chuckling, Sirius shook his head as he leaned over and hugged Bruce. Pausing, Bruce carefully held Sirius.

"If you're going to hug me, just go for it, playboy," Sirius said.

Bruce chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

The two stayed like this for a while. Sirius didn't know how long, but he didn't mind. Was it bad that he actually liked it? He could feel his chest pounding and his face flushing a bit of pink. However, he was glad his face was buried in Bruce's chest. Being hugged by Bruce, Sirius had to admit, it felt nice.

"Hey Bruce - HOLY SHIT!" a voice shouted.

Right away, the two broke apart. Jason was there with eyes widened and his face was red for some reason. Sirius and Bruce looked at each other and looked at Jason. The three stared at each other for who knows how long. With a groan, Jason walked over to the table, took a bottle of beer, and walked passed them, muttering about something being in a K-drama.

"By the way, Bruce," Jason said. "Alfred wants you to show Bernard's relatives their rooms."

Then Jason walked out, drinking the bottle.

"What's wrong with him?" Sirius asked.

"I asked myself the same thing," Bruce answered.