Voices

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers, especially Footmonster, that really boosted my self-esteem. And dear Ravishingly Discreet: I believe I tell all in chapter 16, so you'll just have to wait. Also in this chapter a bit more mystery. Well enough of that, on with the story.

It was another frigid January night. Harper slept fitfully. It was almost like something was haunting her sleep. All night she tossed and turned. Finally morning came.

"Bloody Hell, Harper, what's the matter?" Ron asked after Harper's seventh yawn. They were on their way to transfiguration.

"Nothin', my sleep just didn't do me any good. I'm so tired."

"Well, why's that?" asked Harry.

"Jeez, I just said I don't know."

***

That night Harry and Ron were away talking to Sir Nick, Hermoine was off studying, and Harper was alone in the common room.

Suddenly Harry's scar began to burn furiously, Harper's whole body began to shake, and she slumped against the wall. When Harper stood up her body was still shaking, and she couldn't think straight. As if in a trance, she left, searching for Harry.

"Harry? Say, old chap, are you feeling okay?" asked Nick.

"No. Ah! It's my scar. Voldemort's here!" groaned Harry.

"No he's not!" growled Harper. "I am."

'Use it, use it!' hissed a voice in her ear.

Harper directed her gaze towards Ron, and a strange energy shot out her eyes. Ron flew backwards, and crashed into the wall behind him. Then she advanced towards Harry, the same dangerous energy in her eyes.

"Whoa now! Settle down, Harper!" Nick said before he zoomed off for Dumbledore. He had realized that by being a ghost, he couldn't do anything.

Harper had Harry pinned against the wall, and was saying taunting words to him.

"Harper! HARPER!" screamed McGonagall. Three teachers pried Harper off Harry. Harry stood there stunned.

"You okay, Potter?" asked someone.

"Yeah, I think so," breathed Harry.

Harper's body shook violently, and then she slumped to the floor. She lay there for some time.

"Ron, you okay?" asked Harry.

Ron groaned in answer. Harry grinned, and almost relaxed.

***

"Now, what was that about?" asked Professor McGonagall sharply.

"Now, Professor, calm down. But, Harper, what did happen?" asked Dumbledore calmly.

"I-I-I don't know, sir," sobbed Harper. "I heard a voice, then I went to go find Harry for some reason, and…and I tried to - you know - kill him."

"Voice?"

"Yes…a voice, in my head."

"Okay. Thank you. You may go," said Dumbledore.

"I can?"

Dumbledore nodded. Slowly Harper stumbled back to the common room.

"What do you think, Albus?" asked McGonagall.

"Honestly, Minerva? Possession. But not as a ghost will. Perhaps, like astroprojection. Yes, that's it, astroprojection. Some one astroprojected into her mind, and controlled her," said Dumbledore as he thoughtfully reached for a lemon drop.

"But who?"

"Do you really need to ask?"