Hello everyone, I'm sorry I made you wait again my intention was to start this chapter after the holiday, Thanksgiving I mean, but I got distracted. Hopefully this makes up for all your patience, which I fully appreciate.

This chapter has Harry about to set off on his journey, but not without seeing his friends. Sirius and Remus will show too, and it's going to get a bit emotional and I think you can all guess why.

Shout out to Queen Mab the Second for this brilliant plot, she is a genius in this!

I don't own Harry Potter.

Enjoy!

Two days later:

"Harry, do you have everything?" Harry looked up from his trunk at the sound of Lila's voice. He had been up all night, unable to sleep with his mind racing so much; now he was busy packing up his most important possessions, mainly his album, his dad's cloak, the marauder's map, his firebolt, and several clothes and smaller items.

"Almost done, I'll be down there soon."

"Alright, but hurry now Fudge will be here shortly." Harry sighed, he really didn't want to see the minister right now, but he had to before leaving. The man had some news to share, and apparently he was bringing some guests.

'It will be alright Harry; you just have to have a little faith.' Anubis had been trying to tell him that multiple times, but it didn't make him feel any better.

'I don't want to go, but I can't risk hurting someone else.'

'You must do this for you, and those you love.'

'I'm leaving my friends behind.'

'They will understand, if they are truly your friends, they will understand.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Anubis didn't answer back, and Harry just finished his packing. He locked his trunk up, and made sure Hedwig's cage was secure before going out into the den. Lila, Tonks, and of course Fudge and Auror Shacklebolt were all there waiting on him.

"Good morning Minister." Harry nodded at him.

"Good morning Mr. or should I say, Lord Potter?"

"I'm all packed, I'm sorry if I made you wait long." Fudge waved his hand.

"It's no trouble at all young man, none at all. I'm glad to see you looking better."

"Thank you Minister." the old man cleared his throat.

"Now, before we get you ready to leave I'm assuming you would like to speak to your friends am I right?"

"Yes, I would."

"Then you shall; now before I take you to them I need to explain that they aren't fully aware of the situation. To them, you are going into witness protection, and Ms. Granger of course being muggleborn understands what that means. They believe that even if the Dark Lord is back, your life is now in more danger than before as is Mr. Diggory so the Ministry is taking action."

"What about Cedric though?"

"He has graduated of course, but he is being relocated as well along with his parents. It'll give him a chance to start anew." Harry was relieved; it wouldn't be fair if he went into protective custody and leave Cedric at the mercy of Dumbledore even if he graduated. "He's going to be given a new identity for protection, but you on the other hand Lord Potter will have no need because the name 'Harry Potter' is extremely common in the states."

"Good, and I'm glad for that. My friends though, what will I tell them?"

"For now nothing, it's too much a risk for them and yourself to tell them all. That's also the requirement of 'witness protection' no one will know where you are or how you're doing, but if you wish to write to them…well I suppose we can arrange something."

"Minister, that's not possible." Tonks interjected.

"Ms. Tonks, we will discuss it later. Lord Potter, you will follow me to the room where they are waiting." Harry didn't wait to follow, he kept his pace slow but steady as Fudge led him down a hall and towards a room guarded by two aurors. When he entered the room, he felt the air leave his lungs as someone, Hermione, wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"Harry!" she squeezed him so hard it almost hurt. "Are you ok? Fudge wouldn't tell us much but he said we could talk to you before…"

"Hermione, cool down let him breathe before you start badgering him." Harry saw Ron looking at them, along with Neville, and of course Cedric. "You look paler than usual mate."

"Thanks Ron, good to see you too. I'm surprised the twins aren't here."

"They couldn't come, mum's on a rampage with all this so they're staying at the school to see what happens." Ron's eyes looked sad, but calm…something often not seen in those eyes.

"Ron…" Harry sighed as Hermione let go of him. "Guys, Fudge told you I'm leaving didn't he?"

"Yeah, and it's totally unfair…but Hermione explained some things to us." Neville stepped up. "You're going across the world, and we won't be able to see you or write all because of the Dark Lord's returning?" Harry closed his eyes.

"There's more to it isn't there?" Hermione looked upset. "But you can't tell us."

"I can't, I wish I could but I'm sworn under secrecy. This…this pretty much is the Ministry's way of protecting me."

"Since when does Fudge involve himself like this? Dumbledore…" Harry glared and Hermione went quiet.

"Dumbledore has no say in this, and let me tell you now Hermione he is not who I believed he was."

"What do you mean mate?" Harry really wanted to tell them the truth, but he wasn't sure if that information was privy or not.

"I…all I can tell you guys is that you don't let yourself be alone with him or anyone who's loyal to him. He's not the man we thought, and Hermione before you go on about how he's helped before…well think about all that it's cost me up until this point." Hermione nodded. "If you wish, do a little research into everything but don't let anyone know other than Ron and Neville."

"Mate, are you alright? You look…you almost look sick and exhausted."

"I'm still recovering from that night, and to be honest I haven't had much sleep."

"Are you sure nothing else can be done?" Neville stepped forward. "I mean there's gotta be something other than all this…you are emancipated too right? Fudge mentioned it…" that was a slight shocker.

"What did he say?"

"Just that Gringotts got in touch with you and now by all means you're declared an adult in our world, but the witness protection still applies."

"This also means that you could be an even bigger target than before, but that's all he told us." Hermione hugged him again. "I wish we could go with you."

"I wish you could too, but I'm sure I'll see you guys again one day."

"How can you be sure?" Ron's voice was rough. "Mione said witness protection could last for years, and you can't keep in touch or you'll put yourself at risk." he looked down. "It'll be as if…you'll forget us."

"Ron…" Harry stepped towards his brother in all but blood, and put a hand on his shoulder. "It doesn't matter how far away I'll be, or how long it might take for this to go away, but no matter what…" Ron looked up. "You'll always be my first friend, my best friend."

"Even after I was a foul git to you, after I abandoned you just before the tournament, I accused you of being a cheat, and I was so jealous…"

"Ron we get it, breathe wouldja?" Neville rubbed his eyes. "We can all agree you messed up, big time, but you don't have to play the guilt card on yourself."

"I should though, I deserve it."

"You're not perfect Ron, no one is." Hermione smiled. "You are a big-headed fool at times, but you're human and it's normal." Ron grumbled.

"Thanks Mione, that makes me feel so much better." Harry lightly punched his shoulder.

"Ron I forgave you for all that, and frankly you did make it up to me…"

"Not enough though." Ron looked down at his feet. "I shouldn't be jealous of you, you didn't ask for any of this and I tried to convince myself you were some glory hound deep inside. All this fame has done is put a target on your back, and it's like no matter where you are someone is out for your blood."

"Finally put it all together have you?" Hermione's words weren't mean, but a bit stern.

"I owe you so much mate, and I don't think I can repay you for it."

"I don't want you to Ron; I just want you to look out for Hermione while I'm away. Neville too, no offense Nev but you should really start growing a backbone, more so than usual." Neville laughed.

"You're right, and I'll look out for Hermione too."

"Hey! I can take care of myself thanks!" the bookworm huffed out. "But I appreciate the concern Harry."

"I know you do, and believe me the last thing I want is to forget you all. Unfortunately it seems fate is messing with my life again, so this has to be done."

"You don't sound very convincing my friend." Neville sighed. "But…if anything I can only hope wherever you go you'll at least be somewhat happy."

"Thanks Neville."

"There's something else Harry, what about Snuffles? What're we gonna do if we see him and you're not around?" Harry actually smiled.

"Fudge told me he's giving Sirius a fair trial, they're going to release a statement that if he turns himself in they'll get him to the courts immediately." that got a bunch of widening eyes.

"Sirius? Sirius Black? Didn't he betray your parents Harry?"

"No Neville, Sirius didn't betray my parents because he wasn't the secret keeper as everyone thought. It was Peter Pettigrew."

"B-But…but he's dead Black killed him."

"No he isn't Neville, we saw him in our third year, he was posing as Ron's pet rat Scabbers, he's an Animagus." Neville's eyes were wider now.

"We'll explain more to you later mate, relax. But…Fudge really said he'd get a trial?" Harry nodded.

"It turns out that since several 'pardoned' wizards were discovered as death eaters along with Pettigrew in the graveyard, Fudge is having Director Bones oversee the files of all who were freed by Crouch Sr. He trusted Crouch at the time, especially since he imprisoned his own son, so he didn't give it much thought until recently." Hermione's shoulders relaxed.

"That's good; maybe some true justice will be served."

"I wouldn't count on it yet Mione, Fudge could still let several of them go…"

"He's not gonna be involved in the trials Ron, he's letting Madam Bones handle everything."

"Still, it seems too easy."

"I agree, but at least some action is being taken. I don't know why, but I think for now we can trust Fudge."

'You can, the man is not a fool as most would believe.'

'Oh now you choose to speak?' he received no answer, so annoying.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"You seemed lost in thought a moment there, are you alright?"

"Fine, just thinking; look I know this is all a huge shock, and unfortunately I have no choice but to go. I can't risk your safety anymore, and I would rather you all be here living your lives than being dragged along with me into possible danger…again."

"Don't go blaming yourself for all that Harry, we chose to follow you. We put ourselves in danger, not you."

"I appreciate that Hermione, but I still think it's because of me. Who knows, maybe with me gone it'll put you all at less risk."

"Mate, stop with the depressing words already this is already difficult enough." Ron sighed.

"I think he knows that Ron, honestly." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Harry, Fudge told us we can work out a way to communicate to you…unfortunately there's nothing now. I mean in this particular protection you'll pretty much be gone from the world, but he's willing to risk it somehow?"

"I know, it's complicated; truth be told I won't be going on this journey alone, an Auror will go with me and help me train in whatever subjects I learn."

"Ok I think we've all come to the conclusion that Harry will be gone for a while, and frankly we won't likely see him for years to come possibly…"

"Guys, let's just tell Harry…" Neville swallowed. "Goodbye, but not forever." the other two nodded, and so Harry moved to give each a quick but loving hug. Ron's took the longest, which was odd, but Harry appreciated it no less.

"I'm going to miss you guys, just please don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." Ron rolled his eyes.

"You realize that's asking too much right mate?" Harry laughed.

"Yeah, ok at least promise me you'll keep your eyes and minds open? Remember I said Dumbledore can't be trusted."

"I still don't fully agree with that Harry, but I promise." Hermione kissed his cheek.

"Good." everyone was quiet for a minute, and then a knock came at the door.

"Lord Potter." It was Tonks. "I hope you've said your goodbyes, because we have to leave now."

"Ok Tonks, thanks." she nodded and left the room, but kept the door open. "I guess…" he turned to his friends. "I'll see you when I see you."

"You too Harry." Harry didn't wait another moment as he left the privacy of the room, and had all but ignored the aching feeling in his heart. He made it back to the room, didn't pay any attention to what Lila and the others were talking about, and left to the bathroom to let his eyes shed tears for just a few minutes.

Meanwhile, at Grimmauld Place (decided to bring this one in a little early):

"Sirius, please tell me that's not another empty bottle of firewhiskey?" Remus Lupin walked into the sitting room of his best friend's old family home, and much like the rest of the house it was a rotten mess. The once elegant, proud home had fallen over the last decade, completely filthy and disgusting to look and live in. No one had bothered to check on the house, not since Sirius had been in Azkaban and since his parents' deaths.

"It was, and it's just the one bottle Moony I'm not drunk yet." Sirius didn't even turn to look at him.

"Sirius you can't keep this up, I know you have a high tolerance but this is getting ridiculous." Remus banished the empty bottle; he was going to have a long talk with Mundungus later. "I know you're upset about Harry we all are, but I doubt he'd want to see you like this." that time he did look at him, and it was a nasty glare.

"Well how else do you expect me to act Remus? My godson is Merlin knows where, I can't contact him, Dumbledore can't, and the Ministry isn't doing a damn thing!" Remus sighed.

"That's not true Pads, look I got word from Tonks."

"Tonks? Nymphie?"

"Yeah, and don't say her name like that you know she hates it." Remus took a seat on the settee. "She couldn't tell me much without compromising her situation, but she did say that Harry is being relocated under witness protection." Sirius stood up.

"Relocated? Why?" Remus motioned for him to sit down, which he did hesitantly.

"I'm not sure; I only understand that it has something to do with what happened at the end of the tournament. Either way the Ministry has declared Harry's life is in more danger than before, and so they're moving him someplace else. Cedric Diggory and his parents are leaving as well, but where they're going is top secret, very few know of it."

"So what? I can't bloody check on my godson like I should've been? I won't be able to see him? He'll be gone for years and I won't know where he is!"

"Sirius believe me I'm not happy either, but what can we do? We're both powerless against the Ministry, you're still an escaped convict and I'm a dark creature. Tonks couldn't tell me much, only that wherever they're going Harry will be safe." Sirius snorted.

"Funny, that's exactly what Dumbledore said when he took him to the Dursleys; look how that turned out." Remus grimaced; he knew from Harry's own lips how the Dursleys had treated him poorly. He had thought with Lily and James gone Petunia might have some sense of remorse for disowning her sister, but it was not to be. She was still as hateful as ever, worse in fact and her husband and son were no better.

"I know, but where he's going Tonks assured me he'll be well cared for. I'm not certain, but perhaps she knows whoever his new guardian is."

"I'm supposed to be his guardian!" Sirius stood again this time knocking his chair back into the wall. "James entrusted me to care for his only son if anything happened to him or Lily, but no! I had to be a fool and place my trust in Albus Sodding Dumbledore, and it got me put in jail for over a decade and Harry abused by those bastards!"

"SIRIUS BLACK!" Remus stood and shouted so loud the walls shook a bit. "Sit. Your. Furry. Arse. DOWN!" Sirius stepped back, slightly fearful of his friend's tone. Remus hadn't spoken to him like that in years, not since that incident with Snape in school. He pulled his chair back and sat down, and Remus took a minute to get him temper under control. "Now, this ranting and drinking isn't going to help anyone. We're both upset, but we can't spend all our time fighting over this." Sirius leaned back in his chair.

"Then what can we do Moony? Dumbledore can't even stop this…"

"I know which is why when Tonks returns we'll try talking to her. I doubt she'll tell us anything, but we can at least hope things will be better for Harry."

"Yeah." both men sat in silence for several minutes, even when Kreacher the house elf brought them tea and insulted Remus neither said a word. "Remus, how much do you trust Dumbledore?"

"What?" he almost didn't hear Sirius.

"I asked, how much do you trust Dumbledore? Even now?"

"Honestly I don't know anymore, because I've blindly followed him in the past and I have up until this damned tournament. Harry gets roped into it, but he's done nothing."

"He said he couldn't do much that Harry had to compete." Sirius bit the words.

"Even if he was at a complete disadvantage, he was lucky to have lived through all that." Sirius looked away, and then his eyes widened slightly.

"You know something, I remember James telling me sometime before they went into hiding…that he was getting wary of Dumbledore. He didn't say why, only that he was concerned about something the old wizard told him."

"How so?" Sirius thought for a few minutes, and then gasped before slapping his forehead.

"James told me he wrote me a letter, just in case something did happen to him and Lily. He told me that it would answer a lot of questions, but he didn't completely trust Dumbledore or Peter." Remus stared at him.

"If he said that…then why did you let Peter become the secret keeper?" Sirius growled.

"I was a fool to do so, I never thought Peter would betray them or me. Same with Dumbledore, but the letter…I still have it!"

"Where?" Sirius blanked out for a second, and then smacked his forehead again.

"In my vault at Gringotts, I hid it there after they left."

"Then you have to find a way in, but with all the aurors out there looking for you we…" before Remus could finish appear a loud pop echoed in the room, and there stood Kreacher between the two wizards with an envelope in his gnarled hands.

"Blood traitor Master…Kreacher has brought letter from Ministry to you." Kreacher held it out to Sirius, and he saw it had the Ministry seal and symbol. "Arrived from black owl, nasty bird make Kreacher fuss to get it." Sirius took it from him, and waved his wand, recovered by Mundungus and Remus, over it to check for spells.

"It's clean, go on Kreacher if I need you I'll call."

"Yes master." the elf growled and vanished. Sirius slowly and carefully opened the letter, reading its contents, and then letting his jaw drop to the floor.

"What is it Pads?" Remus felt his heartbeat slowing as Sirius looked back up at him with shock.

"It's from Madam Bones…they've set a date for my trial."

Ok I finally got this finished! I'm sorry I kept you all waiting but between the holidays, family troubles, work, and getting sick it's not easy to get a lot of writing done these days. Hopefully this year will be better than the last one.

I know some of you expected Ron to blow his jealous stack here, but I wanted to make him a little more mature and level-headed. Don't get me wrong I do like reading fics with some Ron bashing here and there, but I also like fics where Ron actually sticks by Harry before accusing him. He's still the same old Ron; he's just growing up a little here.

Normally I would give you a hint of the next chapter, but I'll need to talk to Queen Mab before the next chapter gets done. I'll try not to take so long, but no promises though I don't want to make you wait longer than necessary.

R&R

Later!