the orb of umbra

A/N: I hate writer's block! Here I am, sitting at my computer, with the three things that always get me writing: my Queen CDs, Carl the Leopard, and chocolate covered coffee beans (a God sent, I'm telling you!), and I still am getting nowhere with this story! I really liked the way the first two chapters turned out, even if they are quite short, but God help me, I am stuck in a rut! Well, I hope you'll forgive me if this chapter doesn't turn out as well as the others – I'm doing my best! Thanks again for all your kind reviews, they've encouraged me to keep writing this story!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, yada yada yada.

The Orb of Umbra

Chapter Three: Visiting Dumbledore

Harry stood rooted to the floor as the world around him dissolved into a hypnotic swirl of shapes and colours, all blending and mixing together. It was as if time moved and he didn't. When it all cleared and the world came back into focus, Harry found himself in a place just as familiar to him as the Great Hall or Gryffindor common room; Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore himself was staring thoughtfully out the large picture window overlooking the lake. The door creaked open and Harry watched, less surprised this time, as his younger self stepped cautiously into the room.

"You wanted to see me, Professor?" Young Harry asked, sounding nervous. Dumbledore took a seat at his desk. "You did a very good thing tonight, Harry. That young lady could have been killed." Harry inched closer to Dumbledore's desk, enthralled. What had he done? Young Harry lowered his head. "It was nothing, Professor." He mumbled, not sounding thrilled in the least. "Is…is she OK, then?" Dumbledore smiled. "Miss Granger will be fine. Some bed rest and one of Madam Pomfrey's potions should do the trick." Young Harry's mouth flickered into a weak smile momentarily. Dumbledore stood and walked around his desk. "Now, let's see. Yes, I think about one hundred points for Slytherin house. It's not every day a first year manages to tackle a troll."

Young Harry seemed to brighten a little at this news, but he still looked troubled. If Dumbledore noticed, he didn't say anything. "How are you getting along in Slytherin, Harry?" Young Harry seemed surprised at this question. He hesitated before answering. "Fine, Professor. Just fine. I'm doing well in my classes and everything…" Dumbledore simply nodded. "Well then, Harry. I expect you will want to be getting back to your dormitory. I'm sure your housemates will want to hear about this evening's events." Young Harry smiled his thanks and rose to leave. Harry stood as well, making to follow himself back to Slytherin common room, when the room began to spin around him and he felt the familiar tugging at his brain, and faster than you can say 'Quiddich', Harry was racing forwards in time once again.

***

Harry squeezed his eyes shut and felt the wind rushing through his ears, waiting impatiently for the colours to stop swirling around him. When the wind finally ceased, Harry opened his eyes and let them scan the room. He was still in Dumbledore's office. Harry would have thought that the Orb had made a mistake and hadn't sent him forward in time at all if it hadn't been for the subtle differences. Through the window Harry could tell it was now summer; the sun was shining brightly through the large window, and he could vaguely make out the giant squid lazily doing the backstroke across the lake. And sitting in the office were himself, and Professors McGonagall and Snape – no Dumbledore. McGonagall sat behind Dumbledore's large desk, looking rather sombre. Snape glared out the window, wearing his usual look of distaste he always bore when Harry was in the same room, although he too looked subdued. Young Harry sat perched on the edge of his seat, waiting for something to happen.

Professor McGonagall slowly raised her head and looked at Harry with pity. She opened her mouth to speak, but Young Harry, obviously nervous, blurted out, "Where's Professor Dumbledore?" Professor McGonagall closed her mouth and sat back. She paused before speaking. "Harry, I expect you know about the Philosopher's Stone by now. Nothing much can be kept secret in this school nowadays…" Young Harry simply nodded. "There was an attack at Hogwarts last night, Harry. They were looking for the Philosopher's Stone. It was...it was…" "Voldemort," Snape blurted. Professor McGonagall winced, but continued anyway. "Yes, him. Harry, Dumbledore managed to destroy the Stone, but not before…He Who Must Not Be Named took a shard of the Stone. Harry, he has returned." Harry found himself shaking with fear. Young Harry became suddenly quite pale. "And Dumbledore?" "He is in the hospital wing. He'll live." Snape said coldly.

And just as suddenly as it had begun the last time, the world began to shift and blur around Harry. "No!" he called out, desperate to hear more. As the world spun faster and faster around him, three words echoed endlessly in Harry's mind. He has returned…

***

Ooh, that was just downright mean of me, wasn't it?! Well then, you're just going to have to wait for the next chapter to find out what happens! I know, I hate cliffhangers, but they keep you reading, don't they? Alright, mad thank-yous to everyone who reviewed! You guys ROCK! Keep the comments coming and I'll keep the chapters coming! Expect the next one by tomorrow night, or Thursday at the very latest. Depends on my homework load. Thanks again, and please review!!!