Harry Potter and the Soul Shifter
By: Alex Lyons3
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and everything in the wonderful world of Hogwarts. Disney owns Brooklyn, the gargoyle. I own Jessica "Jess" Cotten.
Author's Note: Originally, I started on a story about Harry's sixth year before J.K.R. released OotP. Sadly, when Sirius died, so to did my ability to write that fan fiction. So, I've salvaged some characters and added some cross over points and re did the whole thing. I really didn't expect Sirius to die. Truthfully, I should have. Just for the record, the time line is going to be a bit iffy since most people put it up as Sirius died in 1996. I'm going to say that Harry didn't even start Hogwarts until 1997, so Sirius didn't die until 2002. Did I lose anyone? *A few hands are raised* Okay! Simply, first book published in 1997. So, that's when Harry starts as far as I'm concerned. Harry's fifth year would be 2001-2002, so Sirius (at least in my mind) does not die until 2002. Okay? Anyway, on with the story.
Chapter 28: The Distress
Several weeks after the Death Eater attack the parents started owling Dumbledore asking him what had happened. The obvious answer was that the Death Eaters were becoming more and more sure of themselves. That Voldemort believed that he was now powerful enough to take over Hogwarts. Some of the history buffs of the parents asked the all looming question on every ones' mind, "Was it possible that Hogwarts had a traitor in their midst?" Dumbledore had repeatedly told them that even that possibility was being looked into. The only thing Dumbledore could offer at the moment was that the tide had turned and everyone was alive and safe. No one had been killed. When Harry had gone to visit Dumbledore, he had looked very wearied. Harry was exceptionally sorry to see him in such a state, being one of the causes of this was one of the reasons Harry wanted to make it all better.
Dumbledore had made some tea for the occasion, he put a cup in front of Harry.
"So, Harry, what's on your mind?" He asked kindly, his blue eyes sparkling, but mildly.
"Sir, you seem tired. Perhaps I should come back when you aren't so..." Harry asked, but was cut off by Dumbledore.
"Harry, I'm fine. What ever you may need, just ask?" Dumbledore said still kindly.
"Okay, I know you're not suppose to tell students much, but I'm just a bit worried about you professor. The only other person I've seen with dark circles under his eyes was Professor Lupin and your beginning to look sick, sir." Harry blurted out.
Dumbledore chuckled slightly and cleared his throat. "Not to worry, Harry, I'm quite fine. Nothing a bit of sleep can't cure." Dumbledore said smiling.
"Okay, sir." Harry said, getting up, "I guess I'd better get to class then."
"Of course Harry," Dumbledore said showing him out.
The door shut behind Harry, however, He had not gone two steps when he heard a dull thud behind him. He whirled around, as though feeling something horrible had just happened. He rushed the door and came upon a sight he never thought to see. Professor Dumbledore was lying very still on his floor. He was sprawled out as though he had fallen. Harry bent down and check for a pulse. He found one, but it was very week.
Harry was about to go and get Madame Pomfrey when the fireplace flared green and Professor Snape's head was sitting above the flames.
"Potter!" Snape snarled, "What are you doing there? Where is the Headmaster?"
"Professor, something's wrong. Professor Dumbledore won't get up!" Harry said trying to sound calm.
Snape looked shocked. "Stay there!" He said and with a pop his head retreated from the fireplace. Almost five seconds later Snape came out of the fireplace completely. He hurried over to the Headmaster and felt for a pulse.
Snape sighed in relief, "Well, at least he is still a live." Harry just nodded, agreeing with Snape's sigh more than his words.
"Professor?" Harry said timidly. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Hmm...Yes, Potter, there is. Go get Poppy. Then, go tell McGonagall that I have something urgent to tell her." Snape said as he conjured a stretcher for the Headmaster.
"Yes, sir." Harry said leaving quickly to go and get Madame Pomfrey.
He reached the hospital wing with a stitch in his side and hit the door in a run. Madame Pomfrey was taking care of a sixth year Slytherin boy, the same boy who had been one of the few people in Harry's Care of Magical Creature Class that could see the thestrals, and a Hufflepuff third year.
"Mister Potter, I'll be with you in a minute."
"Madame Pomfrey,...the Headmaster...somethin's...wrong wit'...him." Harry said panting for breath.
Madame Pomfrey's eyes widened. "Here boys," she said handing the two boys two viles full of potion, "drink up! Potter, where is the Headmaster?"
"In his office." Harry said, still slightly out of breath.
Madame Pomfrey took off towards Dumbledore's office. Harry looked back at the two boys. Both looked at Harry with bewildered expressions. He shrugged and then took off to find McGonagall.
He found McGonagall in her office, reading Witch Weekly. She looked up when he opened the door. She raised a brow at him.
"Professor Snape sent me. He said he had something urgent to discuss with you. Professor Dumbledore collapsed."
McGonagall's eyes widened, "I'll see to it, Mister Potter. Here," she grabbed a bit of parchment and a quill and wrote a quick excuse for Harry, "take this to Professor Flitwick. Tell him..."
"...the truth. That I went to see Professor Dumbledore on break, but when I went to leave his office he collapsed. I went to Madame Pomfrey and then came straight to you."
"That'll do." McGonagall said regarding Harry closely. "Go on then."
Harry ran quickly to Charms class and entered. He handed his excuse to Professor Flitwick and got a seat back in the very back with Ron and Hermione.
"Where were you?" Hermione whispered tensely.
"Something happened." Harry whispered, "I'll tell you later."
The class went by rather eventfully. They had learned a charm that could make the wand produce water out of the end of it. A very good charm to have if you were ever lost somewhere and couldn't find water or if you were an avid gardener, during a drought.
The class was let out and Hermione and Ron were told what had happened up in Professor Dumbledore's office.
"Oh no!" Hermione moaned, "This is very bad."
Ron and Harry nodded.
"It gets worse. Snape needed to talk to Dumbledore about something, but since Dumbledore couldn't come he came through the fireplace and told me to get McGonagall. Something really bad is up. I think it involves The Order."
"Indeed it does, Mister Potter." A grave voice behind the threesome said quietly.
They turned and saw McGonagall standing there, her face set in stony silence.
"Professor Lupin has been captured." She said quietly.
* * *
To all my reviewers, I'd like to thank you for being so patient with me. I just started school up again, yeck, it'll be taking me a while to come up with new chapters. Especially, since I'm trying to come up with longer ones.
Okay, quick question, does anyone have a problem with this becoming SLASH? If so, please state in next review whether or not you'd have a problem with it.
To Melodye Leko: I'm glad you're liking it. You're right, someone isn't trust worthy. I haven't even figured out who isn't trust worthy. Get ready for a few more twists in the plot it's going to be a rather interesting ride.
To Porphyrophobic Grape: Thanks. I'm a little unhappy with the choppiness of the chapters as well, but I am working on it. I liked the twist as well, some times what my brain comes out with amazes even me sometimes.
To dreamer43: I'm glad you like the suspense. Get ready for some more.
To radarPLO: Thank you!
To Alannah: Um...Okay, you've got it! Dumbledore's in distress and Lupin's been captured by Voldemort. We'll see if Harry, Ron or Hermione end up in the hospital wing or not from all they're going to have to do.
To carpathia: Thank you! I'm glad you like the interaction between Snape and Brooks, there will definitely be more between them. I'm quite pleased with the ending too. Draco is a little weasel.
