DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY DO I OWN EITHER THE CHARACTERS OR THE ORIGONAL STORY OF HARRY POTTER! That I'm afraid is all J.K Rowling's privilege.

Harry walked away from Hogwarts, hidden underneath of his invisibility cloak. He had to leave. No one here could prepare him properly for his final confrontation with Voldemort. He had to find someone somewhere who could train him properly for the final encounter. He glanced back and sighed when he noticed a certain snowy white owl and a red pheonix following him. He stopped as they fluttered down to him when he noticed that the sorting hat was clutched in Hedwig's claws. Hedwig dropped the hat squarely on Harry's head before both Fawkes and Hedwig landed in front of him, looking expectant.

And where do you think you're going, Mr. Potter? The Sorting Hat asked.

I need someone to teach me how to defeat Voldemort. Harry replied.

I see. Using your head for once.

Shut up! Harry snapped. The hat chuckled in his head.

Take them with you. They'll help you. The hatinformed Harry.Harry shook his head.

No! They'll just get in my way. Harry snapped.

No, Mr.Potter, they'll help you along your way. Even if you don't take them with you, they will follow you. Remember Harry, your path will always lead you home. Hedwig then fluttered up and snatched the hat off of Harry's head and took off towards the castle. Fawkes fluttered up to Harry's shoulder, rubbing his head against Harry's cheek.

"So I'm stuck with you, huh?" Harry asked. Fawkes let out an affirmative trill causing Harry to smile. He then began to continue along his way.

The next morning in Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione walked into the Headmaster's office with McGonagall leading them. Snape was seated in front of Dumbledore's desk, both of them sipping tea. Dumbledore smiled at the three of them as they walked in.

"Ahh, Minerva, so good to see you this early in the morning. Ah, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger. Where is Harry?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling. Snape snorted and Dumbledore shot him a look that silenced him.

"That's what we're here about Professor." Hermione said softly, her eyes puffy and red from crying. Dumbledore noticed this, and frowned.

"Professor, Harry ran away." Ron blurted. Snape actually dropped his tea cup, Minerva gasped, and Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "His letter said that if he was going to beat he-who-must-not-be-named, he has to do it on his own, and he said he won't let anyone else be hurt because of him."

"Harry still feels guilty about Sirius's death." Hermione whispered. "I think that's why he left." She whispered, tears building up in her eyes again. Ron quickly hugged Hermione, who dissolved into tears on his shoulder.

Dumbledore turned to Snape. "Severus, go and contact any and all of your sources that you'll think will be helpful with helping us find Harry." Dumbledore said. Severus frowned.

"Surely you're not serious, headmaster? Surely the boy will return of his own accord when he realizes that what he's done is foolish." Snape said. Minerva's hand connected with the back of Snape's head, causing Ron's eyes to bug.

"Severus, you will do as Albus tells you to!" Minerva spat. Severus glared at her before storming out of Dumbledore's office, his glare up to 110 evil. Minerva then turned back to Dumbledore. "Shall I gather the staff and search the grounds sir?" She asked. Dumbledore nodded, but his face was grave.

"I sincerely doubt that he lingered here on the grounds, but we might as well check for good measure. Mr. Weasley, once Miss Granger is herself again, please go to your dorm and see what is missing of Harry's belongings." Dumbledore looked tired and old, which surprised Ron since he had never thought to see Dumbledore as such.

"O-o-of course Professor." Ron stuttered before leading Hermione out. Minerva left and Dumbledore gazed into the flames of his fire.

"Why would you leave Harry? We could have helped you in any way that you wished." He whispered sadly. He then rose, to join the search party.

TBC