Harry Potter was running for his life, wondering what on earth had happened. It still hadn't gotten into his head yet, his shock and fear overruling his rage and disgust.

Harry was smart. He knew he'd been raised as a superweapon, just a tool for taking Voldemort's life, a chess piece in Dumbledore's plan for the 'greater good'. What he hadn't realized was that nobody else had even so much as noticed. Now he was on the run from Aurors and the Ministry, all that he had left being his wand and the clothes on his back, the rest being taken by Ron and Hermione.

They were the wounds that stung the most. They had knowingly abandoned him, and had relished in his shock and pain, ripping his fragile heart to pieces. He didn't have anyone left to save him, not any more. No hero should have needed saving.

He ignored the knot in his chest and stumbled through the forbidden forest, getting further and further away from his once-upon-a-time home, wondering where he would go. No sane person would return to that place, not after every memory of it had been poisoned with the rage and upset from finding himself rejected by the very place he'd once found his sole sanctuary.

He felt his heart-rate leap and tripped over a root, collapsing to the ground, and in a bout of despair gave up, lying still. He could hear shouts in the distance, shouts of murderer and killer and kiss on sight...

Then there was a powerful flash, and Harry Potter, saviour of the wizarding world and now-hunted killer of the Dark Lord, disappeared from magical Britain forever.

Harry opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. He couldn't quite see anything clearly, but he got the overwhelming sense that there was something so utterly infinite in its power that he thought it must be death himself. He recalled the legend of the three brothers and smiled tentatively. At this point, death would be a relief.

He got the impression it was speaking to him, and let in the thoughts that intruded upon his mind readily.

Chosen one, it said softly, they have broken you.

Yes, Harry thought bitterly, fat lot of good use they were. Treat me like trash right up until my final moments. But I'll let go of my animosity. There's no point dwelling on it, I suppose.

But there is, the voice replied. I am what your species knew as Fate, Chosen one. I gifted the lives that dwell in Earth a prophecy for you, assuming they would act to protect you... little did I know how wrong I was.

Harry was surprised. You gave the prophecy? How did you not see this?

Fate sighed. I can see the factual results, not the feelings of those that experience them. I made a great error, and I hope you'll forgive me. I need to explain the prophecy in more detail.

Alright, Harry said quietly. It'll take time for it to be honest, but I forgive you. He waited for Fate to continue.

As per the prophecy, it said calmly, 'one must die at the hand of the other'. For you, Harry, it means that as long as the prophecy holds true, you will not be able to die now that Voldemort is forever sealed away.

Harry's alarm rang through their connection for a long time, until finally he calmed down. So I'm immortal? he asked fearfully.

You would have been, Fate confirmed, but I intervened. Your body will remain alive forever, but we can take your mind and soul without trouble. I wished to offer you a trade.

Harry raised a figurative eyebrow. Alright, I'll hear you out.

Fate smiled upon him. I wish to take your body and use it as a messenger in the wizarding world, making some alterations, of course. You will be rewarded both with the eventual result of death, and furthermore, I will give you an opportunity to heal elsewhere, in a world where the prophecy does not hold any power.

Yes, Harry agreed after only a moment. As long as I'll be happy there.

Fate was bright and cheerful. Thank you, Harry. What will your new name be?

He had to think for a bit, but he was soon decided.

Evan.

A/N: It begins.

Welcome to 'Avoiding a Prophecy'!

some quick outlines and warnings;

One, this story will not be updating frequently. I'll try to go for once every two weeks, but failing that, we'll end up with once a month, with long chapters to compensate.

Two, this story will rely heavily on your input. Any reviews are heavily appreciated, suggestions are more than welcome, and if you have any questions I'll be more than happy to answer them.

Three, the first three chapters are mostly introduction and setup. For that reason the chapters are very fast-paced and all chapters afterwards will be much longer and more detailed.

Finally, make note that I do not have a beta and therefore the writing will not be perfect. I do keep documents, so if you catch an error, I'd very much appreciate if you told me. Thank you.