Hey guys,

So,this 'story' is where I'll be dumping some stories and projects i've thought up and worked on over the years that i've wanted to publish but could never justify doing so. They'll all be open for anyone to take and make their own out of. My only ask is to send me the link so i can read and see what comes out of things! Otherwise some of these might have part twos if i work on it-or have already worked on it- and may even get their own dedicated stories in the future, but until then none of these will be connected unless specified.

This first chapter is one i've had in saved photo since eighth grade, it's been re-worked and refined over the years and is worthy of being the first of this series to see light.

The premise is Harry deciding one night-with the help of an unlikely friend-that his time would be better spent elsewhere than the Dursley's after the tri-wizard tournament.

Hope you guy's enjoy!

Peace out,

It was all too much.

The tournament was over, Cedric Diggory was dead, and Harry was going crazy.

He wasn't ready for a wizarding war, he wasn't ready to shoulder that kind of weight; he didn't want it.

Hermione and Ron were both backing him, telling him that they were going to be at his side no matter what. He believed it, truly he did, but their assurance did nothing to calm the terror that settled in his heart.

Which is why he found himself sitting at the top of the Astronomy Tower, absentmindedly sipping on a bottle of Firewhiskey that the twins had filched for him in a small attempt to thank him for his generous contribution to their business.

"Big bottle," someone said behind him, jolting him back into reality as he turned around to stare at the resident Ice Queen of Slytherin.

"Are you sharing?" Daphne asked, quirking a delicate eyebrow as she stepped onto the shorter platform that Harry sat on, her skin glowing in the pale moonlight. Her icy blue eyes seemed to analyse his every move as he slowly stood.

"Depends," Harry said, watching her carefully. "Are you going to take it and turn me in?"

She rolled her eyes. "It's not good business to turn in your own supplier, Potter, I thought you knew that."

"I don't know...I mean a Slytherin and a Gryffindor sharing a drink…"

She scoffed. "I do believe, considering the circumstances of the castle, that a little camaraderie between our two houses would be welcomed."

Harry let out a chuckle. "I guess you're right," he conceded, sitting back down and handing the bottle back to her.

Daphne took it and took a small sip before sitting down next to him, tucking a lock of raven hair behind her ear. "I'm surprised you're up here," she said carefully, "not many tend to come up here when there isn't class so…"

"I needed to clear my head," he said, "a lot has happened in the past few days."

She nodded. "It...must not have been easy…" she said quietly, taking another sip. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"Not your fault," he said with a humorless laugh as he took the bottle back, 'Not anyone's fault...except…" he trailed off, unable to finish the sentence as he took another swig.

"Is what you say true? About...you know who?" she asked hesitantly, hoping she wasnt prying.

"Yes…" Harry whispered hoarsely. "He's back...and now we prepare for war. No matter what the ministry says.''

"Fudge isn't going to like that," she said, shaking her head. "Come to think of it, most of the wizarding world isn't going to like that."

"I know," he muttered, taking another big swig. "I don't like it, but...I have to do it. Apparently it's something I have to do. It's required."

Daphne said nothing, so they sat in silence for a spell, passing the bottle back between them, until finally she spoke. "I know what it's like," she said quietly, "having to do what's required, even if you don't like it."

"You do?" Harry asked.

She nodded, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. "I'm the Heiress of the Greengrass family," she said with a bitter laugh, "I'm to keep my grades high, my nose higher, marry into a pureblood family and produce as many children as I can before my time expires…" She shook her head. "That's how my life is to be shaped, and no matter what I do, I won't escape it."

"You could run," Harry suggested abruptly, his mind buzzing pleasantly from the whiskey. "Run as far and as hard as you can."

She laughed. "That would be fun," she admitted, "Going and doing anything I wanted. I could travel the world, with not a care or worry in the world."

"I'll join you," Harry said with a chuckle, "I'll finance it. We can go to the U.S., or to China, and just relax and ignore the world."

Daphne laughed alongside him, only to stop as her expression turned thoughtful. "Let's do it," she whispered.

"Hmm?" he questioned, turning a lazy eye to her.

"Let's do it," she said again, more forcefully this time. "Let's run away."

"You were serious?" he asked dumbfounded.

"I wasn't at first," she said honestly as she stood up, swaying a bit as she took the bottle from him and took a swig. "But I started thinking about it...and do you really want to fight a war? Do I really want to be married off to some prat I'm probably going to hate?"

"No?" Harry questioned.

"Exactly! No! So why don't we just run? Who's going to care? And worse comes to worst, we come back, I'm disowned, and the war's over, right?"

Harry slowly nodded. "Yeah...yeah! You're right! Let's just run!" He stood and unsteadily walked over to her, taking the bottle and taking a deep swig to finish off the bottle. "Me and you. Let's do it."

She grinned. "When we get to Kings Cross," she started, stepping up to him, "and they let us off...we just go to another terminal and take a train out of London! We-we could go to Scotland, or Ireland, find a way to get somewhere else."

"We need to stop by Gringotts first," he mumbled, plans running through his head as he stepped back slightly,"we won't get far without money."

"Where will we go?" she asked, holding back laughter as Harry tried to pace, only to totter about in dizziness.

"America?" he questioned.

"No...not at first, too predictable...what about the orientals?"

"Orientals?"

She rolled her eyes, "China, Japan, somewhere like that."

"oh...Oh!" he nodded his head quickly, narrowing his eyes when his vision seemed to roll.

Daphne giggled as Harry stumbled against the wall and carefully sat down, "Too much to drink?" She taunted.

"A bit." he muttered, going to take another drink, only to find the bottle empty, "there's another in my bag…"

"I'll go get it." she said, staggering slightly as she walked over to his bag, pulling out a full bottle before sitting down next to him, popping the cork out, "what else do we need?" she asked.

WVWVW

Daphne woke up with a throbbing headache, her mouth dry and nasty. "Ugh…" she groaned as she slowly opened her eyes, wincing at the bright light that filtered in from a nearby window, she closed her eyes tightly and burrowed herself a little further in the cushion she was lying on.

It took her a few moments to realize it wasn't a cushion.

Slowly she opened her eyes again and found herself looking at the sleeping form of Harry Potter.

Slowly she sat up, staring at him, then around, no longer were they at the top of the astronomy tower, and were instead in one of the unused classrooms, with a sigh she moved away from him, leaning against a nearby desk as she remembered their conversations from last night.

She was giddy, never before had she ever even dreamed of running away, and last night they had both seriously sat and spoke of it. Currently, now sober, she realized that they wouldn't get far before being tracked down and dragged away. But she also knew that she no longer wanted the life that was being decided for her.

The only question that remained, in her mind, was whether or not Harry was still of the same mind.

"Harry," she whispered, shaking his shoulder.

"Hmm...what?" he mumbled, cracking an eye open and squinting when he couldn't see. Slowly his free hand plodded about for his glasses. "M'head," he groaned as he finally got his glasses on, they widened a bit when he found himself staring up at a disheveled Daphne. "Last night wasn't a dream?" he asked, his voice sounding rough and sleepy.

"Not a dream," she confirmed, "do you remember everything?"

He nodded, wincing as the movement made paint shoot through his head. He slowly sat up and looked at her. "So..running away…" he mumbled.

She nodded. "I understand if you don't really want to run away…" she said slowly, "it's a lot to take in...but no matter what, I'm going to be leaving Magical Britain, at least for a little while…"

Harry ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "Well...I wouldn't feel right just letting you go on your own," he paused as he gave her a smile, "though I think we should go somewhere tropical. What do you think?"

She gave him a genuine smile. "I think that sounds lovely, Harry."

WVWVW

The last week of Hogwarts was filled with planning and coordinating. The two soon-to-be-runaways were attempting to get everything they'd need or want in order before enacting their plans. Harry even convinced the twins to make two sets of fake IDs, which had come with a lot of heckling and inappropriate jokes.

The last week had also been filled with after-hour meet-ups between Harry and Daphne as they continued to plan and prepare for their hopeful escape from their caretakers.

Now, however, Harry was nervously looking about as the Hogwarts Express thundered along the tracks. Across from him Hermione and Ron were talking about how different things would probably be the next year, and would occasionally look at Harry in concern.

"You alright, mate?" Ron finally asked worriedly, "you're looking kind of nervous."

"What? Oh no, I'm fine," Harry reassured quickly, making Hermione narrow her eyes.

"Harry, you're not a very good liar." she said.

He sighed. "Guys...what would you say if I said...that I was going to go?"

"Go where?" Ron asked stupidly while Hermione's eyes widened.

"Go as in...run away?"

"Run away?!" Ron exclaimed as Hermione quickly closed the compartment door.

"Harry," Hermione whispered fiercely, "do you know how dangerous that is? Especially with Voldemort on the loose?"

Harry looked down. "I can't do this guys," he said quietly, "Four years of almost getting killed...I'm a magnet for bad luck, and now there's a war coming, and I don't...I can't…"

Hermione moved to sit next to Harry, putting a comforting arm around him. "I know it's hard," she said softly, "but Hogwarts is the safest place for all of us."

"That might not be true, 'Mione," Ron said carefully, "I mean, we call it that, but shit just keeps happening, doesn't it? If anything, Harry's in more danger at Hogwarts where everyone knows where he is."

"But at least it's defended!" Hermione argued.

"And how long will it last?" Harry asked Hermione, "Fudge is already distrusting of Dumbledore. How long until he takes control at Hogwarts and has us under lock and key with some of Voldemort's best pals?"

Hermione looked between the two boys helplessly before taking a deep breath. "You're really doing this?" she asked quietly.

Harry nodded, "I have to...I...can't do what everyone expects of me...I don't want to...and who knows? Maybe by the time school rolls around again I'll just come back...but I have to at least try."

"Whatever you do, mate, we got your back," Ron said firmly, "and if you need anything, just ask and we'll do what we can to help. Right, 'Mione?"

She nodded. "Right. Just...be safe, Harry. The world's gotten much more dangerous in the span of a few weeks...and I don't know what we'd do without you."

"Probably live a small semblance of a normal life," Ron said goodnaturedly, making Harry laugh, and Hermione start crying.

Harry quickly put his arms around her as she sobbed. "I'll be fine, Hermione," he said softly, "I promise I'll write every chance I can."

"You better," she sniffed as the train pulled into the station.

Harry rubbed her back, then stood up, grabbing his satchel. "I'll see you guys," he said, giving them a small smile.

"Good luck, mate," Ron said, Hermione only giving him a small nod as he walked away, forcing himself not to look back as the train finally came to a stop. Before anyone else could get off, as quickly as he could, he found his luggage and started moving towards the exit of the platform. His face went from a cold and anxious expression to grinning slightly when Daphne suddenly appeared at his side, similarly dragging her possessions behind her.

"We won't get far with this much stuff," she said quietly as they entered Muggle London.

"Don't worry," he said with a smile as Hedwig flew down from the sky, landing on his shoulder, a silver key in her mouth. "I have a friend in the city."

WVWVW

Daphne didn't know what to think when Harry led her to a decrepit house, one that she didn't notice until they were a few feet from it. "Harry...this place looks kind of...dangerous," she said hesitantly as Harry opened the front door.

"I should hope so," an unknown voice said from inside as the two walked in, "no one's lived here for a few decades."

"Where are you?" Harry called.

"Drawing room," the reply came, "leave your things by the door, we'll take care of that momentarily."

Harry and Daphne obliged and the two walked into the drawing room, where Daphne let out a shrill scream.

"OI!" Sirius snapped, "stop, or else-"

"FILTHY BLOODTRAITORS! DISGUSTING, NO GOOD, BAD-"

"Oh, and there she goes," he said wearily, walking towards the hallway once more as Harry calmed Daphne down.

"Daphne, Daphne, you need to calm down," Harry said as calmly as he could, "it's alright."

"Alright? ALRIGHT!? That's bleedin' Sirius Black!" she practically shrieked.

"I know! He's my godfather!"

That got Daphne's attention. "Your-your godfather?! Notorious mass-murderer Serious black?"

"Yes, but he's not a mass murderer! He was framed for everything." Harry launched into the story of his godfather as Sirius walked in.

"Please don't scream like that again," he said tiredly, making the two look up at him, "she gets very annoying."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Black." she mumbled.

He gave her a smile. "No harm done," he said, sitting back down in his chair, "how are you, Harry?"

"I'm doing good, Sirius," he said, smiling slightly when Daphne carefully intertwined their hands.

Sirius grinned, "I can see that." he said, looking at Daphne, "and you must be Daphne, Harry's been writing a lot about you this past week."

"He has?" she asked nervously, eyes darting between Harry and his godfather.

"Of course, after all, if you two want to get out of the country you'll need actual adult help." he stood and beckoned them to follow him, the two followed the animagus, Daphne cautiously looked about as they went, as if waiting for someone to jump out to attack.

Harry, seeing her discomfort, gently squeezed her hand, "relax." he said softly, making her sigh.

"I'll try…"

Sirius looked back at the two and gave a small smile as he opened a door into a dusty study, "don't touch anything," he said, "there's one too many dark objects for my liking in here, and i'd rather not have to take you to St Mungo's because you touched the wrong thing."

Daphne pressed herself into Harry's side, looking about warily as Sirius looked through several books.

"Where is that blasted…AHA!" he exclaimed as he opened a book and revealed a hollowed out inside, he pulled out a pair of necklaces, old tarnished silver, "knew he didn't throw them away!" he said gleefully, walking up to the two, "here you go!" he said, putting the necklaces in Harry's hands; they were simple chains, attached to a small stone that looked to be covered in miniscule runes, "Took me and Reg ages to even find these the first time." he said as Harry handed one to Daphne to look over, "they're runestones, made with the trace in mind, it won't get rid of it completely mind you, so best not to attempt complicated magic, but the basics won't have aurors descending on your hidey hole, and even the more advanced spells may not set a ping off, but best not to test it. Not an exact science."

"Where did you even get these?" Daphne asked, "according to my mother, any and all runestones like these were found and destroyed."

"That's what they want you to think." he said with a smile, "my father had seven of these back when I was first starting Hogwarts, he hid them when he realized how much I would have loved to take them and hand them out to all of my friends." he gave a sigh, "it took me and Reg about three days to find them, and by the end of the year most of them were either broken or handed off to so many other people that we couldn't even hope to track them down, father was furious of course, and raided both of our rooms to find the last two, those." he gestured to the runestones in their hands, "and hid them away. I've been looking for them since Harry contacted me a week ago."

"So...we put them on and they'll keep us hidden from the trace?" Harry asked, hoping to clarify.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean go crazy with the spellwork." Sirius warned, "the more spells you do, the hotter that stone gets, and if it gets hot enough it explodes, I think your mother had the scar from it up to the day she died."

"They explode!?" Daphne exclaimed.

"Only if you overuse it!" Sirius defended, "but if you give it time to cool down, you'll be fine, now, if you end up getting into a duel with a death eater, just take it off."
Harry nodded and put the runestone on, the stone feeling like ice against his skin.

Daphne stared at it warily, but put it on nonetheless.

"Excellent!" Sirius exclaimed, walking out the room and towards the kitchen, the two teens following, "Now, I have everything arranged for you," Sirius said as they entered the kitchen, where several piles of paper sat on the table, "your plane leaves tomorrow at eight in the morning, it will take you to Hong Kong, and another flight will get you to Japan, and there you will meet up with one of my old friends from my auror days, and he will hook you up with a place to stay while you're there, after that, it's all up to you, you can travel the world and not have to worry about anyone finding you, also had Remus go and pull some money out for you two." He reached under the table and pulled a small satchel out, "enough to get the job done, don't worry about the galleons triggering anything at the airport, Galleons tend to fly under the radar."

"Thank you Sirius," Harry said, giving the man a big smile, "you have no Idea how much this means to me.

"Of course I do." Sirius chuckled, "hell if I didn't think i'd get arrested then i'd go with you two, have one more adult around...but I'm sure after everything that happened means you need some time...so take as long as you need Harry...now let's order some really greasy pizza and have a good night!"

Harry grinned and nodded in agreement, while Daphne looked at the two in confusion, "what's pizza?"

Sirius gaped at her, "oh my poor, innocent, sheltered child." he lamented, "we must correct this!"

WVWVW

Thirty to forty-five minutes later.

Daphne was very confused as Harry walked back into Grimmauld place carrying two flat boxes in one hand and a bag in the other.

"The delivery driver looked at me like I was crazy when he brought this to the phone booth." Harry said as Sirius laughed and took the boxes from him.

"Don't worry, no weirder than a dog handing him money." Sirius said casually as he put the boxes down, "James showed this to me when I stayed with him and Lily after our seventh year. It's some of the greatest food ever." Sirius opened the box and instantly the smell wafted through the kitchen, making Daphne's mouth water, she quickly searched through the cabinets and pulled out a plate, "where are the forks and knives?" she questioned Sirius after wiping her plate down a bit.

Sirius stared at her, then laughed and tore a slice off from one, Daphne watching in fascination as the cheese stretched, taking a few pieces of meat with it before sirius took a bite, "that's how you eat pizza." he mumbled through a mouthful as he put the rest on a plate.

Harry shrugged, "he's right Daph." Harry said as he tore two slices off for himself and opened the bag, pulling out several glass bottles filled with an unknown dark liquid.

Daphne looked at the bottles, then at the pizza, "when in rome." she sighed, pulling a slice off and then nibbling on it a bit before taking a much bigger bite.

"Good?" Harry asked.

"Great!" Daphne confirmed, giving him a big smile before continuing on, "this is amazing, i'm surprised we don't have something like this in our world."

Sirius shrugged, "asked the same question back in 1970," he mumbled as he took another bite, "never got an answer."

"Here," Harry said, handing over one of the bottles.

"Coca-cola?" she asked, reading the label.

Harry nodded and popped the top off for her, "Drink it, it's good."

Daphne took a drink, giving a small squeak of surprise as the fizzy drink tickled her throat as she swallowed it, "It tickles!" she giggled.

"That's the carbonation." Harry said, giving her a wide grin.

"Should've seen me when I drank my first coke." Sirius laughed, "Moony made fun of me for ages!"

Soon the night dissolved into happy chatter and plan making as they ate and drank to their heart's content, it ended in the half-cleaned parlor, with Daphne dozing on one of the dusty couches while Harry and Sirius continued to speak.

"You may want to limit your time in the magical worlds of any of the countries you visit." Sirius cautioned, "and also be careful in the muggle world, if they get desperate enough, they'll put it out in the muggle world that you're wanted for questioning."

"Thanks Sirius," Harry said quietly, "for everything."

"Don't mention it." Sirius said with a lopsided smile, "might join you halfway through the summer if things are calmed down, Dumbledore's turning this house into a headquarters."

"For what?" Harry asked.

"For a super top not so secret order to fight voldemort, i'm sure you'll learn all about it when you get back but for now, don't worry." he patted Harry's shoulder, then looked over to Daphne, who was lightly snoring. "Might want to take your princess up to one of the rooms, most were cleared out last night by Molly, so very little chance of you two getting killed by something dark."

Harry nodded and walked over to Daphne, gently shaking her shoulder, "Daphne." he said softly, "come on, let's get to bed."

"Hmm...no…" she mumbled as she borrowed a little further into the couch.

Harry smiled and simply picked her up, "hurt your back sleeping on a couch like that.' he said lightly, walking out of the parlor, leaving a grinning Sirius on his own.

"What were you two talking about?" she asked sleepily as he got to the second floor.

"Just getting some things finalized." He said quietly as he carefully nudged one of the doors open into a dimly lit room with a queen size bed in the center, Harry carefully pulled the covers back and laid her down. Slowly pulling away until she put her arms around him and practically pulled him into the bed.

Harry blushed furiously, "Daphne…" he started, stopping as she pulled one of his arms around her, snuggling back into his chest.

"I don't want to be alone in this house." she whispered quietly, "it...it feels too dark…"

Harry nodded slightly before pulling the blankets over both of them, "g'night Daphne."

WVWVWV

The next morning.

Harry carefully walked through the Airport, Daphne on his right side and Remus walking on his left, looking around as they went towards the terminals.

"McLeod will meet you at the airport."remus said, as they got to their gate, "he will get you situated in the hotel we chose, keep your heads down and don't pull your wands unless in a dire emergency, Japan has a very weird code when dealing with public displays of magic."

"Thanks Moony." Harry said as they stopped at the gate, "Any advice?"

"yes, if you get to America, stop off in San Francisco for Gazzoli's Pizza, best pizza place in the pacific"

Harry grinned and gave the man a hug, "hopefully we'll see you around."

"Good-bye Mr. Lupin," Daphne said pleasantly, shaking his hand, "It was an honor to meet you."

"You as well young lady, do try to keep him out of trouble." Remus smiled, waving them off as they started walking onto the plane.

"I've never been on a plane." Daphne said as they handed their tickets to the lady and began walking onto the plane.

"Neither have I." Harry admitted as they were led to their seats in first class, the seats were amazingly comfortable and gave them enough room to stretch out, in front of them was a table as well as another set of seats facing them, where a man was sitting reading a paper.

"Cozy." Daphne said as they buckled in, looking about nervously, " and you're sure it's safe?"

"Can't be worse than a broom ride." Harry said quietly.

"Indeed you are right Mr. Potter." Both teens froze as the man in front of them put the newspaper down to reveal Albus Dumbledore, dressed in a very smart three piece suit. A brilliant blue button up with blue stars on it underneath, "Though the turbulence is a bit disconcerting."

"Professor Dumbledore…" Harry said quietly as Daphne linked their hands, deathly pale. "I didn't recognize you sir…"

"Not many do when I dress like this." he said with a kind smile, then looked to Daphne, "Ms. Greengrass."he greeted her serenely.

"Professor." she greeted in a quiet voice.

"There's quite a few people looking for you." he said conversationally, eyes twinkling as he crossed his legs and clasped his hands together, "though, none thought to check muggle transportation."

"Um...not to be rude sir…but what are you doing here?" Harry asked, anxiety and worry coiling in his stomach.

"Simply checking on the welfare of two students who have strayed a little too far from home." he said conversationally "and to ease the fears of a few concerned parents."

"Are you here to take us back?" Daphne asked quietly, her entire frame shaking.

"Hmm...it is what a responsible adult would do." he said, looking thoughtful, then looked at the two once more,his eyes twinkling mischievously, "but I see no reason why I should ruin this vacation of yours. Both of you appear reasonably healthy and happy. And it doesn't look like either of you have been kidnapped or coerced into doing this."

Daphne visibly relaxed and Harry cracked a smile as he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Though, I believe that a letter or two written to concerned parties throughout your time would go a long way to ease fears." He said giving them a meaningful look.

"We were planning on sending postcards." Harry said, "send them off before we leave wherever we go."

Albus smiled, "very smart of you both...perhaps you'd take a short walk with me Harry, I have some things I would like to discuss with you."

Harry looked at Daphne, who nodded slightly, "of course sir." he said as he unbuckled himself and stood up, taking his hand back from Daphne and already missing the comfort it brought him as he followed Albus down the row.

"Harry," The older man started, "let me start by saying I am terribly sorry."

"For what professor?" Harry asked in confusion.

"For not checking in with you sooner." Albus said remorsefully, "you went through a very traumatic experience and I didn't make time to check on you to make sure you were alright."

"It's okay professor." Harry said.

"It's not Harry, perhaps if I did you wouldn't feel the need to leave britain...but I cannot deny that you would do good to have a holiday...however if anything were to happen…" he stopped by the restroom and reached his hand into his pocket, pulling out a small glass orb, barely palm sized, "should you need any help, simply break the orb and someone will come to your aid."

Harry weighed the orb, then slowly put it in his pocket. "Thank you sir." he said with a smile.

"I also ask, during your lay over in China to meet with a friend of mine, he will-of course-meet you at the terminal."

"I'll do what I can sir."

"Do take care of yourself Harry and uh…" he gave him a small chuckle, his eye twinkling, "do be responsible."

Harry blushed deeply, 'y-yes sir." he said as Dumbledore stepped into the bathroom. The door closed and Harry heard a loud crack! Indicating that the headmaster was no longer on the plane.

Harry took a deep breath and began to walk back to his seat, he gave Daphne a small smile as he reached it.

"What did he want?" Daphne asked quietly as he sat back down and buckled in.

"Just to give us a way to call for help." he said, taking her hand once more.

Daphne sighed and leaned into his side, "I felt my heart stop when I realized just who it was." she mumbled.

"Same...I thought he was about to drag us back." Harry sighed, laying his head on top of hers.

"it was a good thing we sent our letters this morning." Daphne whispered, "I don't even want to know how long it would take an owl to reach Britain from Japan."

"It would take a bit, wouldn't it?" Harry mumbled, "Mrs. Weasley and Hermione would be in a tizzy if I took too long, though I'm sure my aunt and uncle wouldn't care if I was alive or dead…"

Why won't your aunt and uncle care? She wanted to ask, but instead she said ,"Astoria will definitely be worried until Hedwig reaches her."

"I don't think I've ever met your sister."

She gave a small chuckle, "you'll never find a more funny or awkward girl." she said fondly, "ball of energy she is, and incredibly outgoing, but she doesn't seem to know what to say to anyone. Just blurts out the first thing that comes to mind."

"She sounds lovely." Harry said with a smile.

"She is…" she sighed, guilt welling up in her, she barely even thought of her sister when she and Harry made these plans, she hadn't even seen her sister on the train due to her being pulled out almost as soon as the tournament ended because she was so hysterical about what happened. "I should have written to her before we left Hogwarts…"

Harry gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, "do you want me to contact Sirius? I'm sure he'd be able to get a letter to her faster."

Daphne snorted, "yes i'm sure my sister would take the word of a supposed serial killer."

Harry chuckled at that, "true...I guess we'll have to rely on Hedwig."

Daphne nodded and closed her eyes, "I'm going to take a nap." she whispered, "wake me up if anything happens."

"Okay...sweet dreams."

WVWVW

Astoria Greengrass had never before been so furious and worried about her sister.

When her father returned from Kings Cross in a rage, ranting about 'ungrateful daughters getting themselves kidnapped.' She had assumed the worst, was Harry Potters exclamations about the return of the dark lord true? Did her sister get kidnapped by Death Eaters to pressure her father into supporting them?

It wasn't until a beautiful snowy owl came gliding into the dining hall the next night that she got any kind of answer from her sister.

Now she sat glaring at the letter in her hand while her father stormed to the Floo, intent on getting the Aurors on her sister's trail before she got too far.

With a sigh she began to reread the offensive letter.

Dear Father and Astoria.

By now I will have taken my leave of Great Britain, destined for places yet unknown to me; I do this of my own free will and without any outside coercion. I have taken a long look at my life and have come to the realization that I am not happy with it. I want to be free to make my own decisions in my life, to pursue a career of my choosing and find a husband that I truly love.

I'm sorry I have left the way I have, no doubt you're both extremely angry with me, and you have a right to be. But I must do it makes it easier for you, father, then I relinquish my title of Heiress and willingly step down in favor of Astoria. She was always the better choice.

Little Tori, I'm sorry I have hoisted the burden of responsibility onto you, and I do hope you will forgive me; though I understand if you do not. Take care of yourself sister, and be sure to find those who will help you along in Hogwarts.

I will send more letters when I am able, and maybe a souvenir or two.

With love,

Daphne Greengrass

Astoria carefully put the letter down on the table. She knew her sister was unhappy, but to runaway? It wasn't something she would have ever expected of her sister; it was too spontaneous, unplanned. She looked to the snowy owl who was regarding her with an imperious air, "I don't have anything for her right now." Astoria told the bird, who took flight as soon as the last word left her mouth.

She didn't do this alone, Astoria was sure of it. If she hadn't been coerced, then she had been given the idea by someone, and if she had recognized the bird right, then she knew exactly who she was currently with.

But Astoria didn't tell her father her suspicions when he returned with an Auror to show them the letter, nor did she tell them that there was no way to trace the letter since her sister knew all the tricks. She was taught by their father after all.

Her sister didn't want to be found, and Astoria could understand why, she wasn't happy with it, nor did her understanding curve her anger towards her sister at all. She would be angry until she was able to confront her once again, and angrily vent at how horrendously stupid she had been.

But until then, she would worry for her sister, and hope she would stay safe while travelling the world with Harry Potter.

And for your sake Potter, you better take care of my sister, or there will be hell to pay.