Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter (although I wish i did) please do not sue, i have no money.

A/N: This is my first fanfic so wish me luck. Harry's pastwill remain a bit of a mystery, however there will be flashbacks from around ch.2 onwards. Enjoy!

Prologue - The-Boy-Who-Disappeared-Without-A-Trace.

27th December 1987

Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was currently eating a Sherbet Lemon while waiting for the arrival of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, as he had some very grave news to give. Fudge was twenty minutes late. Dumbledore did not particularly mind but he noted with consternation that he was fast running out of Sherbet Lemons.

Just as he was musing upon this and many other disturbing thoughts, and wondering if he could persuade Severus to join him for a quick game of ten pin bowling, the heavy door to his office was flung open by an irate Fudge who stormed through and threw himself down in the squashy floral armchair in front of his desk.

"Sherbet Lemon, Cornelius?" asked Albus politely, judging that Fudge was most definitely not a happy Hippogriff.

"I am not in a good mood, Dumbledore." Fudge spat vehemently.

"Nor am I Cornelius." Dumbledore said mildly

It was at that comment that Fudge noticed that Dumbledore's normally happy and active face was now pale, tired and sad. The twinkle was also gone from his eyes.

"What now?" Fudge asked fearfully, waiting for the other axe to fall.

"I am afraid it concerns young Mr Potter." Dumbledore said.

"He is missing."

"Missing? Missing what?" Fudge replied puzzled.

Dumbledore sighed. This was not one of Fudge's better days. Perhaps, he mused, flash cards would have been appropriate.

"I am afraid that he ran away from his home 2 days ago. The wards collapsed so naturally I went over to check on the Dursley's and Harry and was told that, and I quote Mr. Dursley, "The ungrateful brat stole £1000 and then took off."

"What?" Cornelius spluttered.

"Apparently we made a misjudgement leaving him with those people. After a bit of persuasion by Minerva, Mr and Mrs Dursley told her that Harry had asked where his parents were. Vernon Dursley then struck the boy."

"What do you mean struck" Fudge asked stupidly.

Dumbledore sighed and popped the last of his Sherbet Lemons into his mouth and waited for the Knut to drop.

"You mean the Boy-Who-Lived was being physically and mentally abused."

Disbelief and then realization and anger shone in the Ministers eyes.

"I am afraid so." Dumbledore said, relieved it had taken only a short time for the minister to process what was being said.

"How long has this been going on?"

"Since he was a baby. You see, the Dursley's had got it into their heads that they could beat the magic out of him."

"Merlin's Beard!" Fudge whispered. "We've got to find the child."

"Ah. You are correct. I already have people looking for Harry and people are watching the known Death eaters." Dumbledore said.

"What do you mean 'known Death eaters'? Fudge choked "There are no known Death eaters out there."

"I have given you my views on this matter." Dumbledore said finally.

At that Fudge stood up and clapped his hands together.

"Right, I had better be off then" Fudge said quickly. "We have someone we need to find too you know."

"Who?" Albus asked calmly.

Fudge walked to the door and swung it open.

"Haven't you read this morning's prophet? Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban prison."

And with that startling piece of news, a tip of his lime green bowler hat and a pronounced grimace, Fudge left the office.

A/N: Please review and then ill post more!