Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns a lot of stuff, what with all the money she's made. Like Rowling, Warner Brother's owns a lot of stuff. However they both own many of the characters, items, and locations I plan to use in this story. In fact, it is quite possible that they own London.
-----Also, any reviews would be greatly appreciated, because that will determine whether or not I continue. Oh and Spoilers may or may not come around, so don't take the chance.-----
Chapter 2: The World Is Quite Large
Ready to meet his fate, Harry prepared to move out. The only question now was where to go? Upon thinking of whom he could turn to, it suddenly dawned on him that he only knew of a small part of the wizarding world. From his knowledge of muggle geography, he knew the world was quite large. It only made sense that there were many, many other wizards out there. Some of whom may be willing to help.
There was of course the matter of traveling. Since his sudden departure, Voldemort had gained considerable power. Except for the Order members, Voldemort rarely met with any resistance. The ministry was still around, though left in pieces and entirely powerless. Remaining Ministry employees resided under Hogwarts, with the Order members. Traveling methods were sure to be watched. Port Keys and Floo Powder would be worthless, they were surely being watched.
Also the fact that Harry was presumed dead, was need for extra caution. Ever since he'd left, the Daily Prophet (run by the Death Eaters) has been declaring him dead and Voldemort was on the assumption that he had run away. Of course it did not mean that Voldemort had stopped looking, quite the opposite, he searched harder. If Harry revealed himself, he was a dead man. It seemed the only way would be broom travel. Though Harry suspected they would be watching the skies too. It then occurred to him to just go. Just walk out the door and keep walking. Certainly he could use a potion, but that may be detected. No, instead he would put on a cloak and set out on his quest. With this notion he packed what was necessary and left, without ever looking back.
He then realized that he had forgotten one thing, his original question, where was he going? While he was walking, he managed to swap out his glasses for a set of contacts. Forgetting his thoughts for a moment, it occurred to him that he hadn't looked at himself in five years. He knew he was unshaven and his hair was long, but beyond that he had no idea. Regaining his thoughts again, he realized was no further along to finding an answer than he was hours ago. Should he go immediately to new and foreign lands? That would seem the safer path, as Voldemort may not have conquered them yet. Though the irresistible urge to see his friends again won over in the end. He decided he would march straight to Hogwarts, and straight into the heart of the lion.
He went with the hope that someone from the Order could give him direction as to where to go. Where he could find a new batch of wizards, unclouded by the hate of the Dark Lord. There was also the possibility that he could find recruits right there in the base of the Order. Preferably both Ron and Hermione. Despite the fact that both of them lived within the headquarters of the Order, he never spoke with any of the members. He never wanted to listen to their pleas for him to come home, or to come to his senses. In Harry's mind the only solution was to simply not speak with them. Hermione attempted to reason with him at first, but Harry would have none of it. After their first phone conversation, she never appealed to him again.
With the long walk ahead of him, Harry begin to think, about everything:
Sure, I've talked with them on the phone…but I haven't seen them in five years. Certainly we've grown apart…both seemed reluctant to talk on the phone anyway…Strange I never realized that…Guess I was so caught up in the battle with Voldemort that we never really talked about ourselves…I never even asked how they were doing…Things can't really ever be the same…thanks to Voldemort…I will have my revenge…he will pay…
With his thoughts and his belongings, he trudged through the land of the Giants and into The Forbidden Forest.