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 38:Rescueing Remus
Harry looked up at the two teachers that had come barging into the room, rather unannounced, their faces grave and pale as his was. This had gotten out of hand, The Ministry would soon be called in to investigate and Harry doubted that they would allow Professor Lupin to live once they caught up to Voldemort.
"I know you two have been working on a way to rescue Remus, any chance at having some idea where Voldemort might strike next?"
Professor Brooks sighed, "No, Albus, I wish that we did. Perhaps if we knew of some of Voldemort's strongholds then we might find Remus. Obviously Azkaban is out of the question, since they moved him."
Dumbledore nodded gravely, "We must find Remus, before The Ministry does. They will not be willing to listen after what has happened. You two will be going back to America for the holidays I presume. Perhaps when we find Remus you could take him with you."
"Of course, Albus," Professor Cotten said, "if we ever find him."
"You know, I recall you speaking of The Riddle House, Albus. Perhaps Voldemort is still using it." Professor Brooks said cautiously.
"Hmm. Perhaps, I'll leave you two to investigate." Dumbledore said to Professor Cotten and Professor Brooks.
However, before they could leave Snape came into the room.
"Professor Dumbledore! I have received news about Lupin's where abouts! He's at The Riddle House."
"Well, it appears that you were right Brian." Dumbledore said, astounded. "Severus, see if you can't get us a map of The Riddle House."
"No! Albus, we need to do this now...before someone can squeal. The last time someone found out and Remus was moved. We do it tonight, no time to let it get out! No time to let the traitor have his or her way! We do it tonight!" Brian said, angrily.
Dumbledore looked at the younger wizard in astonishment. "Professor Cotten, any words on the matter?"
Professor Cotten sighed, "I agree fully with Brian on this. There are too many ears in this school. If one of them gets wind of this and happens to unwittingly tell the traitor, then we'll be back at square one."
Dumbledore looked at the two professors gravely, "Then I can do nothing to discourage you. I understand that this has been exceptionally hard on you Brian, but running in there without a plan won't help him."
"I suppose you have a plan, Albus?" Brooks said with a half smile. Dumbledore nodded. "Goddess!" Brooks exclaimed, "You remind me of a friend of mine back in Manhattan."
"I'm glad you see me that way, instead of as a hindrance to your own plans. We need a map of The Riddle House. I believe I know where to get such a map. We will not enchant it. That would take far too long for your liking. I will send one of you to retrieve the map...or should I say, the blue prints. Which are in the town's hall."
"Sounds good to me. However, I hardly see a reason for getting this map if it won't be enchanted." Snape spoke up.
"We'll just do things the muggle way. We'll search until we find Remus." Cotten said.
Harry quickly walked to Gryffindor Tower, after being given a lecture about not telling anyone what had just conspired in the Headmaster's office. Hermione and Ron were both sitting in there reading a book on transfiguration. Harry sat down and motioned for the other two to pretend that they were still reading.
He told them everything. "We need to go with them, we could be of some help, I think. Perhaps, we could ask them..."
"Harry, they wouldn't have forbidden you to tell if they thought that us coming along was a good idea." Hermione said pensively.
"They'll die!" Harry whispered urgently.
"Professor Cotten can't die, she's already dead!" Hermione reasoned, "I don't think she'd let anything happen to Professor Brooks...by the looks of it...I–I think they're married."
"Married?" Ron asked, incredulously, "Who would want to be married to a banshee?"
Harry looked at Ron, "He has a point..." He said, but trailed off at Hermione's look.
"Harry, please, don't go after them. Don't play hero!" Hermione said insistently.
"I–I'll think about it." Harry said.
"Don't think Harry, just do." Hermione said as she left the common room through the portrait entrance.
"I hope Harry has some sense in that head of his." Brooks whispered as he and Professor Cotten walked down to their chambers. They rounded a corner, right in front of their door was Hermione looking very worried about something. Brooks sighed, "Of course not!" He snarled under his breath.
"It might not be about that." Cotten whispered to him. "Hermione, may we help you?"
"Oh!" Hermione said, slightly startled, "Yes, Professor, I could use some help with some of my homework!"
"Of course, Hermione, do come in." Cotten said with a look at Brooks.
All three of them came into the rooms and sat down.
"I know what you two are planning on doing tonight." Hermione whispered, urgently.
"Fool boy!" Brooks snarled savagely as he put a silencing charm on the door.
"I don't like it one bit." Hermione said angrily, "You both could be killed!"
"True, Hermione, very true." Brooks said, "Though it would take a powerful spell to kill Jess it wouldn't take Voldemort long to kill me. That's why Dumbledore is helping us work out the details."
"We can't let Remus live at Voldemort's beck and call. We need to get him out now." Cotten said.
"Harry wants to go with you." Hermione said, "I told him this was a bad idea, but I truly doubt he'll listen to me."
Brooks sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "I'm afraid that Harry, is to come with us."
"What!?" Hermione gasped out incredulously. "Why!?"
Cotten nodded her head, "Voldemort knows that Harry will come, so Dumbledore told us to take him. He and I will be bait, while Brian finds Remus."
"B–but, you're putting Harry into harms way!" Hermione protested, loudly.
Brooks nodded, his expression grave, "Yes, Hermione, we know. However, we are taking every possible precaution in this rescue. Jess will be with Harry. She can not die from the killing curse and she can protect Harry far better than I can. We three will Apparate in. There is a way to Apparate while carrying someone, very few wizards can do it of course, but me and Jess have just powerful enough for two trips and then some extra in case of an emergency. After that I'm sure the both of us will be a right mess. Probably as weak as new born kittens for awhile. No harm there, Dumbledore said he'll take over for a couple of weeks, until the both of us are back on our feet. Then, after we Apparate I'll go save Remus while Jess and Harry play bait. Since it will only register that two wizards or witches came onto the grounds they won't think that there is another on the grounds. They'll figure Dumbledore taught Harry how to Apparate early. If everything goes according to plan, then we'll have Remus safe and sound back here in no time at all."
"And if everything doesn't go according to plan?" Hermione asked, hands on her hips.
"Then, we'll do the best we can to keep both Remus and Harry out of harms way." Cotten said.
"Alright, I suppose. You don't really have a choice, do you?" Hermione asked, which both Professors shook their heads.
"I assure you Hermione," Brooks said darkly, "that if there were any other way we'd take that means. I surely don't want to put Harry in any unnecessary danger."
"Well, regardless, just make sure Harry will be safe, Ron and I'd go too," Hermione said both teachers looked at her, ready to tear into her, "but it is obvious that you can't and won't take us, so just do us a favor and bring Harry back in one piece."
"We'll do all we can Hermione." Cotten said honestly, "That's all we can do. Anything else?"
"No, nothing of great importance." Hermione said honestly and turned to leave.
After she was gone, Brian let out a long held breath. "I think things are becoming complicated."
"Indeed!" Jess said, almost to herself.
Harry was called down from Gryffindor Tower by Professor McGonagall at eight o'clock.
"Mister Potter, you are to go with Professor Brooks and Professor Cotten to The Riddle House." Professor McGonagall said, most angrily as she did not want Harry to go.
"I–I'm allowed to go?!" Harry stammered suddenly shocked.
"The two professors have worked everything out, Potter, you are to go with them. Like it or not." McGonagall said to Harry to point out that he really had no choice in the matter.
"Alright!" Harry whooped and followed McGonagall out of the portrait hole and to the Defense Office.
"Hey, Harry!" Professor Brooks said half heartedly.
"Professor!" Harry said excitedly.
"Alright, let's go." Professor Cotten said to them in a business like tone.
Both Harry and Brian nodded. Brian grabbed Harry's right arm, while Jess grabbed his left. They Apparated to the outskirts of a town that Harry had been to only once during his fourth year. In this town, Cedric had died and Voldemort had risen from the grave.
Harry shivered inwardly, but he followed the two professors to The Riddle House. They sat just outside the gate.
"Okay, you two create a diversion, they know we're here, they just don't know where we are and that is not good right now because they're all staying inside." Brian said. Jess nodded.
"Get away from us, we'll handle it." She said, her voice steady. Brian nodded and was soon out of sight. "Ready, Harry?"
Harry nodded. "Let's go!" He whispered urgently.
They pointed their wands at the house and whispered, "Alohomora." This didn't have much effect on a house that was so tightly warded that not so much as a lock turned, but it did get Voldemort's attention as well as his followers that were inside. They came swarming out of the doors like raised fire ants and charged angrily towards the two wizards.
"Come on!" Jess shouted, "We only need to get to the portkey inside town before they catch us!"
"We're leaving?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Of course," Jess yelled and then brought her tone down to a whisper, "not. We're creating a diversion. They aren't likely to let us get to town, but it doesn't mean that we have to get caught. We just have to get a few more meters in front and here we are." Jess came to a stop in front of an old shed. She yanked open the door and pulled out two brooms. Harry knew one of them, his Firebolt. The other looked just as nice and had on its handle the words The Flaming Comet were engraved in silver.
"Let's go!" Jess said, passing Harry his broom.
They both kicked off and sped along their feet just barely touching the ground.
Inside The Riddle House it was cold, dusty and quite dreary. Professor Brooks walked with care on the stairway that led up to a long row of doors. Each different from the last, he pulled out his wand. A twelve and three-quarter inch wand, with an ornate serpent carved into its silver handle and at the end of the handle a emerald the size of a golf ball.
"Lead me to Remus Lupin, Slytherin." Brian murmured and a green-gold ball of light shot out of the tip of the wand. It hovered in the air for a moment and then went racing down the hall leaving a green-gold trail behind it for Brooks to follow.
He followed it quickly, yet silently and it suddenly stopped in front of the last door in the hall. Brian came up to it. "Extinguish." He muttered to it. The light went out and Brian murmured again, "Alohomora." The door locks clicked and he carefully opened the door. Remus was looking up, through a curtain of silver hair, his eyes defiant until he saw who had come to get him. He jumped up, his elation plane for anyone with even a flobberworm's IQ to read.
"Brian! I told him, but he didn't believe me! I told him Dumbledore would save me!" Remus cried out in joy as he ran to the other wizard and gave him a huge hug. He wept happily for the first time in months.
"I'm glad to see you too, Remus. Let's get out of here." Brian said and hurried to leave, but was stopped at a wand pointed at his heart.
"I don't think so." The Death Eater known as Dragon said smugly. "The Dark Lord wishes to keep his pet."
Brian snarled angrily and he did not bother to hide the glowing of his eyes this time. Dragon took a step forward jabbing him in the chest. "Do not think to scare me, Professor Brooks. I know all about you!" Dragon snarled.
"Like Father, like son, huh Blaise. Too bad you've come to resemble the old bat, Snape."
Blaise snarled again, "Father is a fool! The Dark Lord knows he is a spy for Dumbledore, he only keeps him alive for his own amusement. Besides, it isn't as though my father cared for my mother very much after he found out she was pregnant he left her. Now, Professor, it is time to die. Avada..." Blaise, however, did not get to finish the horrible curse because Lucius Malfoy had come up behind him and had knocked him over the head with his walking stick.
"It pays to carry one of these." Lucius said conversationally. "The door to the kitchens is unguarded as is the way there. There is a door that leads out that is never locked and never guarded. Kitchen doors, why no one bothers to guard them is beyond me."
"Cousin, I..." Remus began, but could not finish.
"Go! I'll be right behind you. I just need to grab Blaise, no point in letting him feel The Dark Lord's wrath just because I hit him over the head."
Brian nodded and murmured, "Lead me to the kitchens, Slytherin."
The green-gold ball of light shot out of the wand, and hovered for a moment as it had done before and then went racing down the hallway and down the stairs.
"By Merlin." Malfoy gasped.
Brooks nodded, "Come on. Remus, you in front. Malfoy behind Remus. I'll bring up the rear.
Harry was fighting a losing battle with five Death Eaters, his wand and broom had been taken and now he was being brought to the front of The Riddle House, where Voldemort stood. Wormtail was beside him fidgeting nervously as Harry was brought to the fore. Not far behind was Jess, struggling against the iron chains the Death Eaters had put on her wrist and ankles.
"Well, what a pleasant surprise!" Voldemort said nastily. "I expected you to come and rescue your dear professor Potter, however, I had expected you to bring your worthless muggle loving friend, Weasley, and that Mudblood, Granger. I never expected you to bring a fully qualified witch with you."
"Perhaps I've learned better." Harry spat at Voldemort, glaring up venomously.
Voldemort glared at Harry, but turned his attention to Jess. She too was glaring as venomously as Harry was at Voldemort.
"I remember you." Voldemort whispered, "You were the witch that turned banshee when I hit you with The Killing Curse. However, one wonders, knowing of Soul Shifters as I do, were you ever one?"
"Try me." Jess snarled up at Voldemort as she saw Remus run quietly from the stairs followed closely by Malfoy who was supporting another Death Eater and then Brooks. She was hoping to keep Voldemort's attention fixed on her.
It was a vain attempt, of course, as Voldemort soon showed her.
"You three! Stop!" Voldemort snarled as he turned his full attention to the three men. "Why Malfoy, what an expected surprise! I had expected you to remain outwardly loyal to me, much like Severus. In Fact, I had expected Severus to show his true colors before you. No matter, Malfoy, good bye! Avada..."
Voldemort was not as quick as Brian. He snapped out his wand and shouted, "STUPIFY!" Before Voldemort could finish the curse. It hit The Dark Lord straight in the chest. His eyes widened in disbelief as he fell over backwards.
"Remus! Take this, get to Dumbledore! Now!" Brian shouted, running in to save Harry and Jess. "STUPIFY!" He yelled, hitting the Death Eater that was holding Harry. Harry nimbly ran into The Riddle House in order to follow Professor Lupin, Malfoy and the boy Malfoy was dragging to the fire place. "STUPIFY!" Brooks yelled again, dropping the Death Eater to Jess' left. "STUPIFY!" He cried out once more, causing the other Death Eater to Jess' right fall like a log. She too ran towards the fireplace where Remus already had a fire going and they had already sent Malfoy with the boy. Brooks stood between the Death Eaters and the fireplace, his wand held out like a sword, ready and willing to take down as many as he could.
Voldemort got up angrily and snarled out, his wand pointing at Harry, "Avada Kedavra!"
Harry saw the curses light head straight for him, he screamed out, but Brooks threw a spell into the air, "Revertere!" The Killing Curse changed direction and came bearing down on Brooks as Jess was shoving Harry into the fireplace with a hand full of Floo Powder. Harry watched, transfixed as the curse hit Brian in the chest. Brian gasped, his eyes wide, a look of shock plastered on his face and then something unexpected happened.
Brian began to change. He screamed out in pain as a long, whip like tail grew and leathery wings shot out of his back. His face contorted and grew outwards. His hand developed mighty talons and the two middle fingers joined together on each hand. When the transformation was complete, a gargoyle stood (swaying slightly) in front of them all.
Voldemort looked shocked that he had been thwarted once again, he had not thought that The Killing Curse, which had severed him so well, could be reverted from the being it was cast upon, until he saw the wand Brooks held firmly in his hand. Voldemort had paid attention to the lesson about the wand when he was in history class and he had gone to Castle Wyvern in hopes of finding the wand. He never did, though he saw the gargoyle statues and this gargoyle that stood before him now looked like on of the remaining six.
Voldemort snarled, realizing that Slytherin's chosen air was a gargoyle and not even remotely human like himself. "Revelare!"
The spell caught Brooks unguarded and unaware. He screamed again when the spell hit him, sending shockwaves up and down his spine and suddenly transforming him from his gargoyle self to the form that Harry had only seen a hand full of times, once in The Mirror of Erised and when Harry had fought Voldemort last year, when there wands had met and had reversed the order of the people Voldemort had killed and in the pictures that Hagrid had given him, it was the form of James Potter, who slowly fell to his knees. Too spent to do anything, but kneel there on the cold wood floor.
"Harry!" Jess screamed, "Get out of here!"
However, before Harry could even toss the powder down at his feet Voldemort said The killing Curse again, this time it was pointed directly at Brooks. Jess screeched in rage and screamed out the only spell that would come to her mind, the same spell Brian had used to save Harry, "Revertere!" Reverting the curse upon her this time. She too screamed in anguish as she transformed from her "mortal" form to that of the banshee.
Voldemort, however, was unperturbed, he shouted out the Revealing Spell again this time aimed at Jess and it too had an effect. She screamed again and as she too sunk to her knees she transformed to another form Harry knew all too well from the same places he knew the form of his father. For kneeling in the dirt and dust, glaring up at Voldemort coldly was his mother.
"Harry!" Remus shouted, coming back to his senses first, "Get out of here!"
"Not with out mum and dad!" Harry shouted back, making a beeline for Jess now in the form of Lily.
Once Harry was out of the fireplace the fire sprang to life as green flames licked the mantle. Out of those flames came three very welcome forms, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape.
"Sorry about the delay, Remus, but Malfoy had to explain to us what was going on. We truly expected you and Harry back already."
"Don't think anything of it. Just help us get Harry out of here...and...and, well see for yourself." Remus stammered not sure of how to explain this predicament to the Headmaster.
The Death Eaters and Voldemort had all been stunned by both transformations and many of the Death Eaters had deserted when Voldemort had transformed Jess into banshee again. None of the Death Eaters that were left had ever expected, the two to turn into two of their most hated foes. This shocked them, letting Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape to get in front of the two stunned Soul Shifters and let Harry and Remus carry them to safety.
"Well, Tom, I believe you've had enough excitement for one day. Good night to you all." Dumbledore said and then with a whirl of his cloak he was gone and the flames flickered down as soon as Snape was through the Floo System.
Voldemort snarled angrily, and yelled for every Death Eater to hear. "Crucio!"
* * *
To All My Reviewers, both new and old: As you can guess from this chapter, things will start wrapping up and it will soon be the end of year six and I hope to see you all back here for Year Seven, which will have just as many twist and turns and a little romance for old Snape. HeHe!
To wowsergirl: I am so glad that after 38 chapters I still enthrall you. I truly did expect and did lose some people especially after I left for a while. I don't know if chapter 39 will be the last for this fic, but after going through all that they have I think it is time for a well deserved break. Poor kids!
To alex: As this chapter shows, yes, you were correct in your assumptions. Obviously, they get revealed by Voldemort, but the reason that they were waiting will be revealed in the next chapter. Harry is going to have a very long talk with both of them. As for them not taking up a teaching job before, that too will be explained next chapter. Yes, Harry will be very angry with both of them from keeping this from him, but he'll understand after they explain it to him. Obviously, this chapter was where they saved Moony. I hope it was to your expectations or that you and your friends liked it.
To Mikee: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Think up how each of the characters were going to react was fun.
To h-ruff: Hey, I'm glad you liked it. I knew Harry was sure to mature, even if he really doesn't in J.K.'s world, but I'm the type that believe that people will learn from their mistakes. I had already thought up how Brian and Jess were going to be revealed to Harry before I wrote this, which was interesting trying to figure out how they got that far along. I agree with the same paths comment, it does get boring. Yes, the first family that Remus killed were the Dursley's. I figured since I didn't write that the Death Eaters left the Dark Mark floating above the house that no one would know until Ms. Figg checked through the window that they'd been murdered. Poor Ms. Figg. Even though I didn't write it in there, it was she who checked through the window at the Dursley's and called the police. As for the people who want it faster and longer. I just scratch my head and shrug and keep going. By the way, on my Word Perfect Program, this chapter is seven pages long, my longest ever!