Vanishing Act

Ch.1- Prologue

A/N: This story sort of evolved out of my first story, which was didn't deviate far enough from canon to make me feel like I was writing something that was my own. This story is much more AU, and I've quite enjoyed myself brainstorming it, so I think it will turn out well. Please enjoy!

Harry Potter was sitting on the edge of his old bed in Gryffindor tower, his head in his hand, elbows on his knees, staring out over the grounds through the gaping hole in the wall. He was deep in his own thoughts, his own pain. He had done it, he had finally killed Voldemort, his destiny been fulfilled in a beam of white light that had turned the Dark Lord to ash. All he had ever envisioned about his future was accomplished, and contrary to all the odds, he was alive. Harry had believed that he had felt every painful emotion a person could feel, but this; this hollow, directionless feeling was new to him. He sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes. He didn't have any plans, no fate, no looming battle that he might not survive. He had wanted this since he had learned about the prophecy, but now that he had it, he had no clue what to do with it. So he sat, lost in thought, for the better part of the day. Finally, after much deliberation, he had come up with a plan. It was stupid, reckless, ill thought-out, selfish. It was perfect. He finally stood, his beaten body protesting the movement, and hauled himself down to the common room. He glanced about the room, only barely managing to brace himself as Hermione hit him, wrapping her arms around him. He squeezed her gently and she stepped back to Ron's side, his hand resting on the small of her back. Harry grinned at his two oldest friends, who had finally realized what they were to each other. "It's over Harry, it's finally over!" Hermione was grinning and Ron was looking down at her lovingly.

"I know, it's insane, all my life building up to one thing, and it's finally done," Harry sighed slightly, looking at his friends, seeing how happy they were.

"Oh, come on Harry, you have to want to do something now that your life is your own, don't you?" Ron gripped Harry's shoulder, chuckling at him.

"Well, I kinda have a plan, I guess," He figured it would be best to spill now, to get it out in the open.

"Oh, what is it Harry? Are you going to be an Auror? I bet you could even be Minister, or play Quidditch, or, well, whatever you want really," Hermione's eyes were bright with excitement at the thought of what he could accomplish.

"Actually, I did some thinking, and I realized something. There isn't anywhere here for me. It all reminds me of him. And if it doesn't, it reminds me of Sirius, or Dumbledore, or Colin, or Luna, or the rest of the people who died. I think I need to leave the country for a while, to allow the wounds to heal. I'm going to go out in the world, I'm going to learn all the magic I can from wherever I can, and when I'm ready, I'll come back to you all," He laid his plans out, and he saw Hermione's face fall, her excitement replaced by horror, and anger, and pain. She screamed at him, unleashing a fury he had never seen.

"How can you do this to us? We are your family! You can't just leave! Not after all we've been through together!" She howled and spun on her heel, storming out of the room, leaving a crestfallen Harry, and Ron, who looked apologetic.

"I understand Harry, I don't like it, but I respect it. Go, do what you need to do, but swear to me that you'll come home, someday,"

"I swear Ron, I won't leave forever, and someday I'll come home,"

"And you'd better write. And send souvenirs. Lots of souvenirs." He clapped Harry on the arm and followed Hermione out. Harry sighed and slumped down onto the familiar couch, his eyelids growing heavy

Harry was awoken by a stinging slap to the face from a very angry Ginny Weasley. He looked up, blinking sleep from his eyes, and saw the fury in her face. She was beautiful when she was angry. He opened his mouth, but she cut him off, launching into a scathing tirade. "Harry James Potter, what the hell do you think you are doing? I waited for you this whole year, hell, I waited my whole damn life! And as soon as you come back to me, what do you do?"

"Ginny-"

"No, you listen to me. If you leave me again, it's over; I'm not waiting for you anymore. I'm not some object that can be put on the shelf and only taken down when you want me," Her voice broke, the tears pushing through. When she spoke again, it was softer, "I can't lose you again, Harry. It would break me," She sobbed quietly, but Harry reached up and brushed away her tears with his thumb, cupping her cheek in his palm.

"Then don't"

"Don't what?"

"Lose me. Come with me. I love you Ginny, I won't leave behind again, you mean too much to me," He pulled her into his lap, her eyes met with his, emotions surging through her. This was what she always wanted, to be included, to be treated like an adult, to be with Harry Potter. It was a dream come true. But fear still clutched in her chest.

"What about my parents?"

"They'll come to terms with it by the time we get back, and if they don't, well, it won't matter, because we'll have each other," He pulled her tighter to him, and her sobbing lessened.

"You mean it?"

"With every fiber of my soul. When I said everything here had bad memories, I lied. You are full of only good memories for me Ginny," He pressed his lips to hers, softly at first, but quickly deepening, until he became lost in the feel of her skin and the smell of her hair. After a long while, she broke away, grinning, the tears gone from her eyes.

"But seriously, what about my parents?" She was smiling, but Harry could tell she was still worried.

"Must we tell them? Can't we just let them know right as we're leaving so they can't stop us?" Harry whined, grinning slightly.

"That's not a terrible plan. We can send a nice letter after were already gone," She had that wicked grin that everyone feared but Harry adored. He chuckled.

"Sounds good then,"

"I can't believe it, Harry. Everything I've wanted all these years, and you've given it to me, all in one fell swoop. I love you, Harry Potter,"

"I love you, Ginny Weasley," He swept her up bridal style and bounded up the stairs to his dorm, where he laid her gently on his bed, before sliding in beside her, drawing the curtains around them both.

"Harry, what are we doing?"

"Well, you see, I was hurt pretty bad during the battle, so I need you to make sure I'm okay while I sleep, and I need you close incase anything happens," He grinned, his brilliant green eyes sparkling with mischief, and he kissed her forehead, "Good night, Ginny, big day tomorrow," and he fell asleep. Ginny snuggled closer to his chest, letting out a long contented sigh.

Morning came to early and Harry stretched, the soreness was much reduced from the previous day. He rolled over into the warm, Ginny scented space next to him, snuggling deeper into the covers before sitting bolt upright. Where was Ginny? His eyes flicked about the room, finally spying a piece of paper with Ginny's beautiful script. He snatched it up and opened it.

Harry-

Hungry, gone to breakfast, love you,

-Ginny

Harry sighed; last night hadn't been a dream. He was actually going to run away with the girl he loved. He smiled as he dressed, throwing on his least dirty pair of clothes. He made his way to the Great Hall with a spring in his step. He was grinning when he was intercepted by Fred and George, who each grabbed an arm, guiding him towards the crowd of red-heads. "I'm impressed Harry, not only did you survive the wrath of Ginny,"

"She looks positively glowing today,"

"Makes us wonder,"

"What you're doing to our dear sister,"

"Before you run off again," The twins both eyed Harry, grinning evilly. Harry only chuckled. He slipped away from the twins and dropped into a seat next to Ginny, immediately tucking into breakfast. He was halfway through his first plate of eggs when Mrs. Weasley finally interrupted.

"Harry, dear, I respect that you are an adult and capable of making your own choices, but are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes Mrs. Weasley, I'm sure. I swear I'll come back, but I need some time,"

"But how much time?" By now all the Weasleys were listening. Harry could tell that they all knew of his plan, as their faces were a range of sadness and disappointment, mixed with some acceptance.

"I don't know, maybe a year or two. 'Till I feel ready really," He shrugged; he had not given the length of his absence much thought.

"When will you leave?"

"As soon as I finish breakfast, I need to get a few things, but I'll be gone before the week is out," He saw Mrs. Weasley suck in her breath, she seemed to steel herself and turned to Ginny. Harry knew she was playing her trump card.

"And what do you think about this Ginny?" Harry swore he almost saw a collective smirk cross the faces of the Weasley clan.

"I think it's a fantastic opportunity and just what Harry needs," She grinned wide, taking in the shock of her family as she responded. Harry slid his plate away and stood, giving her a subtle wink as he did.

"But, Ginny, what makes you say that?" Mr. Weasley interjected, looking slightly flustered at the lack of rage from his daughter. They had expected her to try to hold Harry back, to prevent him from leaving, not to promote his second absence.

Ginny smiled and stood as well, and shrugged, "It's simple really, I'm going with him, and she turned, taking Harry's arm. As her family's faces shifted from surprise to rage and anger, she and Harry vanished with a loud pop.

Arthur Weasley watched as his only daughter vanished with the man he considered a son. He was not happy with the developments, but he knew she would be safe and happy, so he would make do. His wife was steaming, and his three eldest were already plotting horrible revenge. The twins were cackling loudly, calling it the greatest prank they had ever seen, and Ron was consoling a bawling Hermione. He sighed and sunk down next to his wife. At least it was only for a couple of years.

A/N: There we go, the prologue is complete, the scene is set, let the fun begin. Thanks for reading, and please review. Any advice helps me become better.