I decided to clean up a few of my stagnant quests, so I'm doing the Silver Shroud.

I made it to Hancock, but all he wants to do is travel (I completed Big Dig already, hence his locked conversation). I went online, and Wikia said in order to fix this, I have to take Hancock on as a companion, then speak to him.

This worked, but now I'm confused as to the Lone Wanderer perk. Even though I've dismissed him, is this perk still valid?

I just want to be sure the game doesn't flag me as having a companion, dismissed or not.

If it does, I'll lose about an hour of game time. No biggie, but I can't remember if my last save was before or after the Mirelurk Queen fight.

Not that it would matter. The Terrible Shotgun made short work of her. Damn, this weapon is awesome! (hugs it)

Edit: forgot to ask my other question.

Part of the quest has me going to Bunker Hill, and I have an Institute quest open requesting I go there. If I go near BH, will this start that quest?

If so, then I'll definitely reload. I don't want to do the BH quest for the Institute.

Yes the perk is still valid. Once u receive a perk from any companion it is yours for good. If u open up your pip-boy and look under your perk list u will see it listed there.

As for Bunker Hill. You are ok to go there. You actually have to meet with someone to start the next portion of the quest