A/N: This is story I've been thinking of writing this story every since the Half Blood Prince came out. There will be slight deviations to story line but I'm sure you'll find out when it comes to the moment. It's set after the Half Blood Prince.
I've just started writing again, so if you read my other stories, expect an update in the coming weeks.
The Journey Begins
A full moon shone high in the night sky, casting its eerie glow over Privet Drive and its sole conscious occupant staring out his window deep in thought. I'm leaving for the Burrow tomorrow…my journey begins.
Harry was decked out in his new gear, threatening the Dursleys was the best idea I've had for a long time.
Another quick look in the mirror and Harry smiled, at last I found a decent outlet to splurge my money.
Newer glasses perched on his nose, thinner and more durable they would last longer on the journey he was to take. A simple shirt was covered with a vest bristling with equipment ranging from climbing equipment to wizarding supplies and everything in between, Harry had found numerous stores he didn't know existed in Diagon Alley that catered for things he was SURE no one would want or need. Who would want Easy Growth Armpit Hair tonic...honestly.
He also purchased strong cargo pants with more pockets than he knew what to do with along with steel soled hiking shoes. Wand holster always attached to his fore arm, covered by his long sleeved under shirt. Harry wiped a strand of hair off of his face and grinned, I wonder what Molly will say once she sees my hair. Harry's hair reached down just straightened as it drew past his ears. Almost as much as she'll like my new earring I think he grinned again. Lupin sent a parting gift of an earring to Harry, simple gold ring with a diamond dangling off it. 'A special earring for a special boy, wear it always. It will enhance your hearing and let you understand and speak every dialect known to man' Remus had said on the note that accompanied the earring.
Harry fished out his last gift to himself, a miniature book that enlarged when his hand touched it. The Magical Book of Useful Charms and Spells, it had already proved useful to Harry, he had learnt much from it already.
A quick glance outside showed the beginnings of a sun rising. Harry pulled wizarding clothing over his gear to hide suspicion and began packing his gear before the Weasleys arrived to pick him up.
All packed and quick nap later, Harry was moving his trunk down the stairs.
"Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, Dudley. I'm going to be leaving in a very short time…I don't expect to return in this lifetime. I would thank you…but you've done nothing to thank" Harry said simply. "If men with black robes and white masks come knocking at your door, run and keep running, don't try to fight, don't try to talk…just get away as quickly as possible". The Dursleys were speechless; Dudley's mouth was hanging open, still full of food.
Harry smirked slightly and squatted near the fire ( a real fire, the Dursleys learnt their lesson the first time) stoking to create a roaring fire.
Green flames erupted out of the fireplace, Harry just managed to move out of the way as two red headed males burst out of the fire place. "I told you they wouldn't be stupid enough to put another eltick fire place in" Mr. Weasley told his son as he dusted of his robes and looked around. Ron just murmured something unintelligible and looked around for Harry. "Hey Mr. Weasley, hey Ron" Harry spoke up, smiling at the red-heads and picking up his trunk. "Harry, m'boy, call me Arthur. Are you all packed and ready?"
"Yes, Mr-Arthur, all packed and said all my goodbyes" Harry said cheerfully, picking up his trunk and dragging it over to the Weasleys.
"Well then, we mustn't tally, we're off home. Oh Harry I'm very sorry to tell you but you missed Bill and Fleur's wedding. Dumble-Dumbledore's last wish was you to have at least a two week stay to renew your protections…for the final time…" Arthur looked worried for a moment then looked back up at Harry. "And I'm afraid that Fleur's family could have it no other time" Arthur finished. "But we took loads of photos Harry" Ron said eagerly. Harry smiled sadly at the mention of Dumbledore and his orders, "Don't worry Arthur, Ron I don't mind that much".
"Well, we best be going, come along boys. Any words to say to your relatives Harry?" Arthur said, throwing Floo powder into the fire and stepping back so Harry could see his relatives. The Dursleys stared at Harry silently, he thought he saw an emotion pass across Aunt Petunia's face…what was it? Shame? Sadness? Pity?.
"Goodbye, Dursleys" Harry nodded at them and turned to the fire with his trunk under his arm. "You first Ron" Arthur said, motioning to the fire, Ron stepped forward and yelled "The Burrow" and was gone. Arthur threw another pinch of Floo powder into the fire and motioned Harry to go through; he looked back on last time at his relatives. I wonder if I shall ever see them again…
&$&$&$&&$
The Burrow was just how Harry remembered it, warm and inviting. Mrs Weasley never failed to make Harry feel loved and cared for, but always Harry's journey always lingered in the back of his mind. After days of food and merriment, Harry's journey came back to the fore front of his mind when a chest arrived with Moody one night.
"Most of Dumbledore's will has been carried out, 'cept some belongings which are to be given out" Moody said solemnly, opening the chest and taking out a roll of parchment.
'To Harry, my dearest, dearest Harry:
I'm very sorry for hiding so many things from you my boy, something I regret deeply. I ask that you don't grieve my death but rather honour my life with joy, happiness and bliss. I have had much to say to you but while I write this I find that no words could ever express the love and joy I had teaching you and watching you grow, you are in every sense of the words…a grandson to me. I believe you will succeed, you WILL defeat Tom Riddle…I have the absolute faith that you will.
Never give into the darkness Harry,
Do not mourn me,
Albus Dumbledore.'
Harry's tears ran silently down his face, he thought he had cried his last tears for Dumbledore, apparently he was wrong. "Dumbledore left a few possessions to give out. Potter, here are some for you" Moody grumbled, ambling over and dropping two items into Harry's lap. Harry picked one up; it was an ornate ring, a gold ring with a large topaz set into its middle. A note was tied to it, it read;
Harry,
This is a Ring of Experience, it will give you experience in all aspects of life and when you wear it you'll hardly ever have to learn a thing twice, new spells will come easily to you…among other things. Use it well Harry, it is very, very valuable.
Dumbledore
Harry slipped into onto his right index finger; it fit so perfectly that he was sure Dumbledore had it made for him. Harry looked down at the other item on his lap, a long blade. The handle was a black substance that was intricately carved with countless designs that made Harry's head spin when he tried to discern what it made out to be. Once again the dagger felt like it was made for Harry's hand, he grasped it and pulled it free, the slightly curved blade was at least 30 centimetres long. Drawings of a ghostly flame seemed to move across the blade, giving it an eerie look.
Harry,
This is a very old blade, very powerful blade called 'Shadowflame'. It was legendary in the first wall…as was its wielder. It has many secret uses which will reveal themselves to you as time goes by. Use it well.
Dumbledore
Harry sheathed the blade and belted to his waist, looking up with a determined look. Most were teary eyed and didn't notice, save Ron, Hermione and Remus Lupin.
Dumbledore's other possessions included a phoenix necklace for Hermione which she was told would help keep her and her loved ones safe, Ron was given a short sword that was said to have been a beacon of light for an age called "Gaccius".
The time to leave is drawing ever closer
$&$&$&$&
"We're leaving then" Hermione stated, as they sat down in Harry and Ron's room later that night.
"If you still intend to come with me…yes" Harry said finally, looking deep into their eyes.
"You know that we do Harry, you can't stop us from coming with you" Hermione said determinedly, Harry sighed "Very well then…Yes, we leave tonight".
The door behind him burst open and all three of them drew their wands but it was only Ginny. "I'm coming with you!" she burst out, slamming the door behind her.
"No, you're not. It's too dangerous" Harry said firmly, Ginny literally growled at him,
"You're letting Hermione and Ron go but not me!"
Harry nodded sternly, "It's too dangerous for you, I will not allow you to come with me".
Ginny began sobbing and mumbling incoherently before running from the room, Ron patted his back. "You did the right thing mate".
"Pack light and only essentials, we're going to visit Diagon Alley to get you geared up to standard" Harry said, ripping of his wizarding robes and taking out a non-descript muggle back pack with a jumble of handy charms on it that the shop keeper laid onto the bag.
"I'm going to write everyone a letter and you guys can just add the stuff you want to say at the end, ok?" Hermione said, taking out a parchment and quill, Ron grunted in approval and Harry just nodded absently.
"Keep packing and stuff, I've got to go do something" Harry said, creeping out into the dark hallway and making his way further up the stairs. He stopped at Ginny's door and put his ear up against the door. Faint sobs could be heard through the door; Harry steeled himself and opened the door.
Ginny looked and frowned through the tears at his appearance, "What do YOU want" she grumbled sitting up and looking at him.
He sighed at sat on the end of the bed, "I've come to say good-bye…it is better that you stay here it really is". Ginny's eyes widened, "you're leaving no-now? I knew you were leaving soon…but I didn't know you were leaving THIS soon" Harry nodded at her, "We must leave tonight, as soon as possible…for some reason I feel the need for urgency and I was never one to not listen to my gut feelings" Harry said, smiling slightly.
"I want to come with you! I don't want to be left behind" Ginny said sadly, inching closer to Harry and taking hold of his hand. "No Ginny…I don't want to take you into danger, I-I just can't do that" He massaged her hand in between his as he thought of the words he wanted to say, "You must stay here, go to Hogwarts and live a normal life for as long as you can. Live a life without me, find a boy you can love and hold forever and ever out of this darkness" Harry finished, kissing her hand tenderly. She started to cry again, silent tears streaming from her eyes, "Har-Harry, I don't want you to go".
Harry flashed a sad lopsided smile, "I must…"
He stood up and leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forward before kissing her softly on the mouth, her salty tears dampening his lips.
"Stay safe" he whispered into her eye and left silently, leaving her to cry alone.
All letters taken care of, and belongings packed, the trio stood on the doorstep of the Burrow in silence.
So begins our journey Harry thought as he took a step forward and looked back at his friends, "it may not seem like much, but every journey has to begin with a step".
His friends stepped forward slowly and came to his side, "Where to now?" Hermione asked softly.
"Well I could do with a bite to eat, how bout you guys?" Ron asked them, and Hermione scolded him. Harry just grinned, "I'm glad you guys are with me"
End Chapter 1
A/N:
Well? What do you all think? Tell me in a review.
Necessary-Evil
