A.N. Hey readers, welcome to my new story, Chasing The Inevitable. It was quite flattering when some of you begged not to abandon my story, even though it was never my intention! If it makes you feel better, Rachel and I have outlined a long story line for this CTI, and I definitely have thoughts for another sequel....assuming this story doesn't take almost three years to complete like The Hard Life. Please enjoy Chapter 1, Facing Hogwarts.

The morning of September first had started as it usually did, amidst last minute packing and emergency searches for lost Quidditch gloves. The annual chaos of this day had not been forgotten because of recent events, and Harry was glad for the distraction it provided, preventing him from thinking too much about the day ahead. However, when he finally stepped out of the ministry car that had brought him to Kings Cross station, Harry knew that he could no longer avoid the inevitable.

It had been three weeks since he had been rescued from Voldemort's captivity, but time had done little to lessen the trauma and fear it instilled in him. His body and mind still remained scarred and wounded from both Voldemort and Fenrir Greyback, but for the moment this seemed insignificant compared to what he must face today. Harry knew he had no other choice but to return to Hogwarts, certain that a Horcrux was hidden safely within the castle walls, but he still felt completely unprepared to face Draco Malfoy again. His involvement in his imprisonment had been minimal at best, but Harry could still clearly recall the great strength he had fought when Malfoy had attacked him, the utter helplessness he felt when he had been held under water. But Harry knew that things had changed, and while he no longer feared Malfoy's physical attack, he knew that he could still hurt him in other ways. Harry shuddered as he thought of the tortures Malfoy had watched him endure, and knew that Malfoy would not hesitate to relay the information to whoever he pleased. The thought of this made Harry feel sick, especially when he slowly began recalling more and more of his captivity, each new memory reminding him of what Malfoy had seen.

Kingsley stepped out of the car from behind him, putting his hand on his shoulder and steering him towards the station where they were to meet the others. Despite being flanked by two stony faced Aurors in dark robes Kingsley's eyes constantly scanned the crowds, his free hand on the inside of his robes holding his wand ready, the other still on Harry's shoulder. "How are you doing?" Kingsley asked in his deep voice, concerned about what Harry was about to face.

"Good," Harry lied, hoisting his school bag further onto his shoulder and slipping his hands into his pockets in apprehension.

Ever since the Daily Prophet had gained word of his intention to return to Hogwarts, the speculation and attention had become even worse, and he dreaded the reactions that he was sure to get from his class mates. He was not naive, from the moment he had decided to return he had known the attention would not be good, but he had forced the issue to the back of his mind where he didn't have to think about it.

The thick muggle crowds bustled around them as they entered the station, and Harry blindly followed Kingsley's lead, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw the Weasleys and Sirius standing against a wall not far ahead.

"Hey," Harry said in greeting as they neared the group, moving to stand beside Sirius, whose face looked pale and worried. "Where's Hermione?"

"She's already on the platform," Ron answered. "I think she's saying good bye to her parents."

Harry nodded, remembering that she had been removed from her parents after his abduction. They stood patiently for a few minutes as Kingsley and Mr Weasley conversed, as though they were waiting for something to happen. Nervously looking at his watch Harry saw that it was only a quarter past ten, and knew that the order planned to get him safely on the train before many people could crowd the station.

"Have you seen the ferret yet?" Kingsley asked.

"Yes," Mr Weasley replied lowly, the conversation catching Harry's attention. "He passed by not long before you and Harry got here. Must have had the same idea as us."

"I thought he would," Kingsley replied, more to himself than to anyone else. "Did he go through to the platform?"

Mr Weasley nodded. "I've already alerted Hestia. She's got an eye on Hermione."

Hearing that Malfoy was already at the station made everything seem even more real to Harry, and he scanned through the crowded station himself, not recognising many other students dressed in muggle clothing. Suddenly Harry felt himself growing hot, and knew that if he took his hands out from his pockets that they would be shaking. The reality of going back to school suddenly hit him as he stood in the station, and despite knowing that everyone would understand if he chose to stay home, he knew he had to go. He knew that there was a Horcrux hidden in Hogwarts, he was sure of it, and it didn't matter what he must endure from fellow students. He was determined to find it.

"Harry," Sirius said, touching his arm gently. "You look a million miles away."

Harry knew that Sirius needed to see him happy, so he laughed to himself quietly. "I guess I was, sorry."

Sirius sighed deeply, still wishing that Harry would change his mind. He didn't know what he was going to do once he was gone. "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes," Harry replied firmly, his conviction giving Sirius a small sense of ease.

"It's time," Kingsley said suddenly. "Harry? Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," Harry replied, slightly surprised by the abrupt timing.

"Good," Kingsley replied. "You too, Ron."

Ron nodded as he and Harry turned to his parents, hastily hugging them good bye.

"Good bye, dear. Do make sure you write to us," Mrs Weasley implored as she hugged Harry tightly before turning to Ron. "And you too, Ron."

Harry smiled as he held his hand out to shake Mr Weasleys, who changed his mind at the last minute and engulfed him in a tight hug, much the same way his wife had. "Stay out of trouble."

"I'll see you in a little while," Ginny said, coming to Harry's side. "I think we're following soon."

"Okay," Harry nodded. He said good bye to the Weasleys and then glanced towards Sirius as he and Ron began to follow Kingsley, relieved when he too followed them. They quickly passed through the crowds, heading towards the brick wall between platforms nine and ten.

"Have you still got the cloak?" Sirius asked. Harry nodded in reply as they came to a stop not far from the brick wall. "This is as far as I'm coming."

"You're not coming to the platform?" Harry asked in surprise, not understanding.

Sirius shook his head. "It's safer this way. You're just getting straight onto the train, no hanging about."

"Right," Harry muttered quietly, feeling awkward as the four of them stood on the spot. "So, this is it, then?"

"No," Sirius said firmly. "You're coming home for Christmas, remember?"

Harry laughed to himself, amused that Sirius felt the need to remind him of this again.

"You remember everything we talked about, last night?"

"Yes," Harry replied in further amusement, recalling the strict instructions that Sirius had given him.

"Keep your cloak with you."

"I will."

"Don't go anywhere alone."

"I won't."

"Go to all your classes."

"Okay."

"And stay away from Malfoy."

Harry rolled his eyes at Sirius. "You don't need to tell me that, I won't go near him."

Raising his eyebrows, Sirius continued. "Right, and one last thing. Make sure you visit Hagrid, he was worried sick where you were…." Sirius trailed off, unsure of the words he was looking for.

"Away?" Harry supplied.

"Yeah," Sirius replied, watching from the corner of his eye as Hestia Jones emerged from the other side of the brick wall, motioning to Kingsley that everything was safe.

Harry didn't reply, turning back to Sirius who immediately engulfed him in a tight hug. Ignoring the sting on his back and shoulders, Harry hugged him back just as tightly, knowing that Sirius needed this comfort more than he did.

"You just stay out of bloody trouble," Sirius whispered. "Don't put me through all that again."

"I won't," Harry promised as they broke apart, both of them knowing it was an empty promise. Sirius' hands lingered on Harry's shoulders, and he looked as though he were about to take a hold of him and force him to come home with him. Kingsley intervened, knowing that he must act quickly to get Harry onto the train before the platform became too crowded again, gently steering Harry out of Sirius' hands and towards the brick wall where Ron was waiting to go through with him.

"See you at Christmas," Harry said to Sirius.

"Just remember," he replied in a rush. "If that twerp gives you any trouble, give it straight back to him."

"You know I will," Harry said as he stood next to Ron, not needing to ask whom Sirius was referring to.

Sirius nodded, and Harry smiled at him one last time before he and Ron passed through the brick wall. They emerged on the other side and looked around platform nine and three-quarters, where the scarlet Hogwarts Express waited readily for its students to board. Kingsley quickly emerged from the brick wall behind them only seconds after, and Harry glanced back as he was quickly ushered along the platform towards the back of the train, now recognising all of the students waiting with their parents.

"Bloody hell," Ron cursed under his breath as they passed various Aurors stationed along the platform, their eyes following them as they walked by. "Talk about tough security here."

Harry laughed quietly, ignoring the glances and shameless stares that the three of them received as they walked along the platform. He saw people and students looking at them wide eyed, as though they hadn't believed the articles in the prophet declaring his return to school until this very moment. Suddenly very self conscious, Harry pulled the sleeves of his jumper down over his wrists, covering the sores and scabs that still remained from the burns the rope had left him with, wishing that he had been able to cover up the long line of angry red stitches along his jaw line. Briefly, he wondered if Malfoy had felt the same way, if he had been subjected to the same stares and whispers of disbelief.

"Get on here," Kingsley said quietly, gesturing to the last carriage on the train. "You don't need to worry, we've got people on the train keeping an eye on Malfoy. He won't bother any of you."

"Thanks, Kingsley," Ron said as they slowed to a stop.

"Yeah, thanks," Harry agreed, both of them knowing he was thanking him for more than escorting them onto the train.

"It's no problem," Kingsley replied, a twinkle in his eye reminiscent of Dumbledore's. "Just do as Sirius says and stay out of trouble."

Ron laughed as they boarded the train, saying good bye one last time.

"I'll be seeing both of you very soon," he said in farewell. "And Hermione's in the last carriage on the right."

Harry nodded before turning to follow Ron. Glancing into the various compartments either side of him as they passed, Harry was relieved to see that they were almost all empty, the few occupants blissfully not noticing him as he passed. Passing a silent Auror standing in the hallway, they reached the end of the carriage, Ron peering into the last compartment before sliding the door open, uncharacteristically motioning for Harry to go in first. Entering the compartment he saw Hermione looking out the window quietly, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"What's wrong?" Ron immediately said, sitting beside her in concern.

Hermione flushed red in embarrassment, smiling apologetically. "It's nothing, I didn't get to see Mum and Dad."

"Why not?" Harry asked, sitting on the seat across from her.

"Malfoy," she said simply, continuing quickly before Ron could become enraged. "He came through the barrier a little after me, so Hestia made me get on the train. I think she sent Mum and Dad home," Hermione added, peering out the window into the growing crowd of people outside.

"It's alright," Ron consoled her, pulling a clean tissue from his jean pocket and giving it to her.

Angry, Harry looked out the window also, furious that Hermione hadn't been able to see her parents before the train left. He wondered what part of the train that Malfoy was in, and thought he was probably already surrounded by his cronies, boasting of his involvement with Voldemort over the summer.

"Have you seen anyone else?" Ron asked, distracting Hermione from her parents.

"Yes," she nodded, collecting herself now that her friends were there. "I saw Neville on my way to the carriage, I'd say he'll come by later."

"Neville?" Ron asked in confusion. "He's early?"

Harry laughed in surprise, his spirits lifting at the mention of Neville, before they suddenly dropped again as he remembered his bloodied face during the attack on Hogwarts. Not allowing himself to dwell on these thoughts Harry looked out the window to the platform, listening intently to Ron and Hermione talk about who else they had seen. He felt a great sense of relief when he saw Ginny and Mad-Eye slowly making their way along the platform, weaving in and out of the growing crowd of students and their families before she too boarded the train.

Eleven o'clock came all too quickly, the final whistle blowing loudly as the train slowly began to depart, the doors along the train slamming shut with loud bangs. Harry watched the familiar scene of parents and families waving goodbye to their children as the train departed, resentful that Sirius and the Weasleys hadn't been able to be there also. The train quickly came around the bend and platform nine and three-quarters was lost from sight, the green country side replacing it as the four of them settled into their compartment. If seemed awfully quiet without Pigwidgeon or Hedwig hooting from their cages over head, who had flown to Hogwarts that very morning. Only Crookshanks remained, still safely enclosed in his travel basket until Hermione was ready to let him out.

"I'd better go," Hermione said as she stood up, pinning her Head Girl badge to the front of her robes. "Ernie and I have to start the prefect meeting."

"Hey," Ron said as she opened the door. "If you see the lunch trolley, grab me some chocolate frogs."

Hermione rolled her eyes as she stepped out, her eyes widening as she saw all of the students lingering in the corridor, two Aurors slowly making them go back to their own carriage. Seeing a head of long dirty blonde hair that she recognised, Hermione waved to the Aurors. "Let them through," she said, satisfied when the Aurors did so. She poked her head back into the carriage before she left. "Neville and Luna are coming."

As they reached the compartment Neville looked through the glass a little nervously, before beaming widely and sliding the door open, allowing Luna to enter first. "Hey everyone," he greeted cheerfully.

"Hey," they replied as Luna rushed into the compartment, hastily squeezing herself onto the seat between Ginny and Harry.

She looked him in the eye, her expression showing nothing but seriousness. "Harry," she began. "I'm so glad that Malfoy didn't kill you."

"Oh," Harry began awkwardly, seeing Ginny stifling laughter from the corner of his eye. As though not completely sure of what she was doing, Luna leant forward and hugged Harry tightly. He glanced over her shoulder at Neville, who could only shrug his shoulders in wonder. "I'm glad he didn't too," Harry replied.

Luna released him with a smile, straight away turning her attention to Ron and Ginny. "And you two, I'm glad they didn't hurt you two either."

"Well," Ron murmured, raising his eyebrows at Ginny as they both recalled their own abductions.

"Neville and I saw him on our way here."

"Malfoy?" Ginny asked, slightly annoyed that Luna had sat between herself and Harry.

"Yeah. We passed him in the hallway," Neville replied with a mischievous grin, sitting down next to Ron. "Luna, tell them what you said."

"I don't know why he got so upset," Luna mused to herself as she pulled the newest edition of the quibbler from the inside of her robes. "I only asked how his summer went."

Harry, Ron and Ginny laughed loudly, mentally picturing the look on Malfoys face. "What did he say?" Ron asked through his laughter.

"Just the usual," Neville replied, imitating the rude hand gesture that Malfoy had given as they all laughed again. "He couldn't do much though, there's an Auror standing in every train carriage.

Feeling slightly relieved at Neville's mention of the Aurors, the five of them settled into an easy conversation, avoiding any further mention of what had happened over the summer. As Neville recounted his tedious summer spent with his Gran, Harry watched him without really listening, deep in thought. It felt strange being the only one who knew exactly how close Neville had come to facing death as an infant, especially when Neville seemed to have no idea himself. If Voldemort had chosen to attack Neville, he wondered how different things would have turned out, wondering what would have happened had Neville been the one who had been abducted by Voldemort, rather than himself.

Paranoid, Harry glanced out the compartment window, half expecting Malfoy to be standing outside by now as he normally would have. The lack of his presence unnerved him, knowing that he was on this train, but not knowing exactly where. He wished he knew what Malfoy was doing, feeling as though he were going to arrive unexpectedly at any given moment, despite knowing that he wouldn't go anywhere near this end of the train without being stopped by the Aurors.

"Hey," Ginny said quietly, touching his leg to gain his attention. "You look a million miles away, again."

Harry smiled at her and apologised, glad that she had managed to swap seats with Luna, before turning his attention firmly back onto the conversation. Having hardly slept the night before Harry felt himself growing very tired, even though it was only just the early hours of the afternoon. His nightmares had not ceased in the three weeks that he had been out of hospital, and he continued waking up each morning exhausted. Yet he refused to allow himself to fall asleep on the train, and was glad for another distraction when Hermione returned from her Head Girl duties.

"There's so many people who haven't come back," she reflected as she sat down between Neville and Ron. "Not even Susan Bones is coming back."

"Don't blame them," Ron muttered darkly. "It's hardly comforting for parents when some of the teachers aren't coming back."

"What teachers?" Harry asked curiously.

"Slughorn, for a start," Ron began. "Dad said he only told McGonagall a few days ago."

"That's not surprising," Ginny muttered in reply. "He always was bit of a coward."

"Do you know who's replacing him?"

Ron shrugged, thinking to himself for a moment. "Blimey," he started. "There must be a few new teachers this year."

"Yeah," Neville agreed. "Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration."

The rest of the train ride followed in a similar manner, and despite his efforts to stay awake Harry slowly fell asleep late in the afternoon, uncomfortably resting his head against the window. He awoke abruptly an hour or so later, surprised to find that night had fallen.

"Rise and shine," Hermione said quietly from across the dimmed compartment, Crookshanks sleeping on her lap. She smiled at him as she momentarily put down the Arithmency textbook she had been pursuing. On the seat beside her, Ron snored softly, leaning against the window in a similar fashion to Harry.

Glancing at Ginny beside him who was also asleep, Harry sat up awkwardly and looked out the window into the dark night, rain pelting heavily against the train. "I wasn't snoring was I?" Harry asked Hermione as he rubbed his eyes.

"No, I promise," she replied, closing her book and relaxing back into the seat, looking as though she wanted to fall asleep also. "We're almost there," she added.

"Great," Harry muttered sarcastically as he put his head back, his mind feeling fuzzy with sleep. "Where did Neville and Luna go?"

"I think they went to find Dean and Seamus," Hermione replied. "When will you host Quidditch try outs?" she added.

Harry raised his eyebrows, surprised that she would ask him about Quidditch. "Probably this weekend," he replied after a moments' thought. "Depends if Malfoy books the pitch first."

His heart soared at the thought of his firebolt that was safely stored in his trunk, and he couldn't wait to finally get onto the pitch and fly again, desperate for the relaxation and solace that flying always brought to him. Yet at the back of his mind, something Sirius had said to him made his dread the possibility of what flying might do to him. Harry knew that flying alone was not likely to further damage the wounds that marred his chest and back, but the thought of what a rough Quidditch game might do to them sent his heart sinking.

The rest of the train ride passed in near silence, Ron and Ginny waking up soon after Harry did. Much to their relief the rain finally stopped as they neared Hogsmeade station, the lights of the small village visible not too far ahead. Preparing to depart the train the four of them stood up and put their school bags over their shoulders, Hermione tucking Crookshanks safely back into his travel basket as the compartment door slowly opened.

"Potter?" the Auror asked.

"Yeah?" Harry replied in surprise.

"Stay in this carriage until I get you. That's for all of you."

"Right," Harry said quietly, despising the tough security measures. Despite the fact that they were there to protect him, he still wished they weren't necessary. For a moment he gladly looked forward to arriving back at Hogwarts castle, where the tough security he had been given would surely be lessened.

The Auror nodded and left the compartment, purposefully leaving the door open as the train quickly slowed to a stop, it's whistle blowing and steam billowing heavily. Knowing it would probably be a while before the Auror returned, the four of them sat down awkwardly, waiting patiently as they listened to the hustle and bustle of the other students getting off the Hogwarts Express. Harry glanced out the window to the crowded station, scanning overtop of people's heads in search of Hagrid. He was slightly disappointed when he didn't see him. The Auror soon returned, motioning for them to leave. The carriage was almost empty when they stepped out into the hall, the few people remaining in their compartments glancing at them as they passed under the watchful eye of the Auror they were with.

It felt unnaturally cold as they took the first steps off the train, the cool air stinging Harry's face. He looked around expectantly for Hagrid, his heart sinking again as he saw that he was not present. Despite the crowd of students the station seemed almost empty in Hagrid's absence. Harry briefly wondered where he was before the auror who was on the train quickly ushered them away from the crowd, going in the opposite direction than they normally did. Slightly wary of blindly following this Auror, Harry put his hand into his pocket and clenched his wand tightly, shaking his head to himself as he saw Kingsley waiting around the corner for them, who simply nodded as they drew nearer. They followed Kingsley towards a lone carriage that was waiting for them on the dark rain washed road, the remainder of the Hogwarts students waiting for their own carriages not so far away.

"Go straight into the Great Hall," the Auror told them firmly as they reached their carriage.

"Thanks," Harry replied as he followed Ginny into the carriage, half expecting another Auror to be waiting inside, ready to accompany them to the castle. In contrast to the station, Harry was relieved to find the carriage was empty, breathing a small sigh of relief as the Kingsley slammed the carriage door shut after Ron entered, the Thestrals immediately embarking on the long walk to the castle.

"Did you guys see Hagrid?" Ron asked as he sat down, voicing Harry's concern.

"No," Ginny and Hermione replied in unison, much to Harry's displeasure. Looking out the darkened windows Harry watched as their carriage joined the long procession of the others towards Hogwarts castle, the moonless sky providing little light for him to see much of anything. He scanned the distance in search of the castle lights, but still felt little comfort as he saw the bright lights blazing from various windows here and there.

The ride continued in a comfortable silence, none of them needing to make conversation. They were all now feeling the stress of returning to school after what felt like an incredibly long time, marred by the awful occurrences of the previous summer. Harry wondered what the opening feast would be like without Dumbledore, knowing that Hogwarts itself would never be the same without him. For the hundredth time since his death, Harry wished again that he were still alive, that he could answer all of the questions that Harry had, that he would guide them in their search for the Horcruxes as he had so desperately tried to do.

Sitting beside him Harry felt Ginny slip her hand into his, squeezing tightly as she shuffled across the seat to be closer to him. "Are you ready for this?"

Turning to look at her, Harry had suddenly never felt as grateful for her as he did right at that moment. He wished he could put into words what it was he felt for her, but even after being together and going through so much as a couple, he still didn't completely know what it was. Ignoring Ron and Hermione who sat across from them, Harry squeezed her hand back and gently kissed her on the cheek, his face lingering next to hers longer than necessary.

"No," he replied truthfully as the carriage passed between the two tall stone pillars that flanked the gate to the school grounds. He looked away from her before she could reply, and was immensely relieved when their carriage came to a sudden stop behind the others. The door automatically opened and Harry reluctantly followed his friends as they got off, turning his gaze upon Hogwarts castle that seemed to tower above them. Ginny slipped her hand into his again as they joined the crowd of students ascending the stone steps as passing through the large oak doors into the Entrance Hall. Torches blazed on the walls, illuminating the glass from the four giant hourglasses set into the wall into which their house points would be deposited, all of which were currently empty.

"Wotcher, Harry," came a voice from his side.

Surprised by her sudden appearance, Harry faltered a moment before replying. "Hey," he said slowly. "What are you doing here?"

She smiled at him, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Come with me," she said quietly. "We need to talk."

A.N.

Now is the best time to leave me a review and let me know what type of thing you want to read about in my story. While you're there, please leave a big thanks to my Plot Bunny Advisor, Rachel. Rachel has put hours of her own spare time into editing and plotting for 'a complete stranger,' and I'm extremely gratefuly for her help. (Without Rachel, Harry would still be with Voldemort!)

Thanks for sticking with me guys, I hope this story can live up to your expectations.

killthatrat