Ghost Whisper: Ok, I understand. I'm terrible! I am a little bit of an erratic author, but that doesn't mean I don't work! It's just that this isn't my main project right now (points at 'Shadowed Tears) and as such, falls onto a major back-burner. Of course, I still work on it, but I never post until I have enough to constitute a decent chapter (meaning at least a thousand words, preferably 1500, and also a decent ending).
I'm not going to babble on giving a hundred excuses, just what I've already said. Please don't be mad. I am working, and don't plan on abandoning this – it's just slow. Anyways, rather than bore you any longer, I'll let you read the chapter, hmmm?
Chapter 8: A New Soul
Chance paced the floor, eyebrows furrowed in a deep frown. He hadn't had time for doubts when he'd proposed the idea of transferring one of Hope's incarnations into another reflection of the world to the council. There had only been time to register the danger of one world's balance slipping, and to come up with a possible solution before it was necessary to act. If he'd waited any longer, the world in danger would have been lost completely.
Really, the idea hadn't seemed so dangerous at the time. If anything, having two incarnations in the same world at a time would have only increased Hope's powers exponentially. Now, however, Chance had time to sit and stew in his doubts, and he couldn't help but be worried.
'That monster that attacked TK – whatever it was – shouldn't have even existed. It comes from a different plane of existence altogether. One that doesn't have access to the one we transferred TK to.'
Stopping for a moment in his pacing, Chance moved to the far side of the room, and looked into the mirror that stood upright next to one of his worktables. Stroking the curve of the simple silver frame, he watched intently as a scene wavered into view. TK was sitting on a bed, talking to a black haired boy in glasses. The deity gave a small sigh of relief that just barely fogged up the glass. He'd been lucky to be able to send enough power to influence the world in time to save TK. If it hadn't been for the small power transfer stone he'd given Hope before his incarnation, the interference would likely not have been possible.
Chance smirked. 'Although, it's rather funny where being attacked has landed TK – maybe even a little lucky. He would have had to work a lot harder to get into Hogwarts if he hadn't been attacked. And this way, Dumbledore and the others trust him more.' And seeing TK talk to –for lack of a better term- himself, without knowing it, was rather funny. He touched the side of the frame again, dissolving the image back into the normal reflection the mirror was supposed to show.
Yawning, he walked into the next room of his chambers, relishing the opulent navy blue rugs and draperies, and the silver bed-frame that decorated his bedroom. As a deity, he didn't need to actually sleep. At least not while in one of the higher realms. However, reaching out through the power transfer gem and protecting TK had drained him, and 'sleeping' was the fastest and most comfortable way to regain the power he had lost.
'I just hope that nothing important happens while I'm asleep,' he thought distantly, letting his mind sink into the first stages of deep relaxation that came before his completely unconscious state.
"Of course, we shall have to test if you have the capability to use magic first, but considering that you were able to see, and get near Hogwarts, I already have reason to believe you're not a Muggle," Dumbledore told him. The old wizard had come back into the infirmary, followed by Hagrid, who looked as though he had some reservations over what the Headmaster was going to say, and Madam Pomfrey, who had immediately centered in on TK's position and began fussing over him.
It had taken several minutes to explain the presence of Patamon to the three adults, but after that, they had seemed quite fascinate by him. Of course, they had politely resfrained from trying to touch him, or talking to TK as though the orange and white digimon was not there, for which he was grateful.
"Let me get this straight," Takeru began, still not certain whether or not his ears were playing tricks on him. "You want me to be a student at your school of magic?" His tone was incredulous, and he hurriedly went on, not wanting to give a bad impression. "I mean – don't get me wrong, I think it would probably be cool and all, but I have a life back home, and friends. My mom is probably worried sick over what's happened to me."
Dumbledore simply nodded, accepting TK's words. "Well, as I've said, we do need to find out whether or not you can use magic first, and the final decision is, of course, yours. However, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher felt a need to inform the Ministry of Magic of your arrival, and as such, we can no longer keep your presence here a secret. The British Ministry will have to contact your Japanese Ministry, and they will decide upon the best course of action to get you home."
He took a breath, sending a questioning glance in Harry's direction. "I believe Mr. Potter has informed you of the perilous situation in this world currently? At Harry's nod, the old wizard continued. "In that case, I don't believe I'll have to explain that your presence here, without an explanation has already caused a stir. The pretence of your being a student is a perfect reason to give for your being here, and one that will arouse less suspicion among the Death Eaters."
"You know, TK," Patamon began. "He does have a point. Our arrival here probably startled the wizards as much as it did us, so you should give them a chance to get a feel for the situation. Besides, it's best not to draw attention to ourselves. If this Voldemort guy is anything like Myotismon, than he'd probably jump at the chance to get a hold of any new power he can." The little digimon ignored the flinches that the dark wizard's name caused in Madam Pomfrey and Hagrid.
Biting his lower lip, TK nodded hesitantly. "I guess… when you put it that way, it does make sense. And I don't want to cause you any more trouble." He trailed off looking thoughtful for a moment, and the others in the room waiting expectantly. "Well, I suppose I can stay here – for a little while at least. Is there any way I can contact my Mom though? I really should let her know what's happened."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he nodded. "Excellent. I shall make arrangements for your introduction to the school tomorrow, as well procuring you some supplies. I fear you shall have to wait to get your wand however. You'll have to go directly to Ollivander's shop for that, and a trip to Diagon Alley, where it's located, will take a little bit more time to arrange."
"Sir?" Harry spoke up. "What about the sorting?" He hoped that TK would be in Gryffindor. Already he felt as though the blonde boy could be a great friend, even though they'd only had a short time to talk. They'd both went through similar things in their lives, and Harry had an easier time talking to him than most of his other friends save Ron and Hermione because of that.
"Ah, excellent point Harry." Dumbledore fixed a glance on TK. "There are to ways we can do this, my boy. Tomorrow, you can come up to my office, and I'll have the Sorting Hat sort you in private, or we can do things in Great Hall at supper time, as is traditional for new students."
Takeru looked nervously as he thought. "Well, I'd rather it was done in private, but… things will seem more natural if you do it in the Great Hall, right? So I guess I'll just have to face the public. I'll have to do it sooner or later anyways."
The old wizard patted TK on the back. "A wise choice, my boy. Now, tonight I fear you shall have to remain in the Infirmary. I don't believe Madam Pomfrey wishes to let either of her patients go at the moment," he turned an amused gaze on Harry, who only slumped lower down onto the bed he was seated on, looking resigned. "So, I suggest you get a good nights sleep, as tomorrow will be a busy day."
And with that, the Headmaster of Hogwarts swept out of the room, Hagrid following hurriedly behind him, and leaving the two boys to the tender mercies of the school's nurse.
Review Responses:
Mercedes Sandhya: Umm…I suppose I don't have the best track record for fast updates (as this chapter shows). Rest assured however, that I don't plan on giving up on this fic. It shall go on! :D
demon's gurl: I guess you just have to wait to find out, won't you? ;)
BlackBlaze: Confusing? Moi? I suppose some scenes might be… they'll all pull together eventually though. I don't want to make anything too obvious – that would be no fun! :)
Shi-Koi: Favorite author reviewing my fics! -hyperventilates- I'm so happy to hear from you! And yeah, I thought the idea of Harry being Hope kinda fit well too. I didn't want to just have it be someone who looked like TK. Much as I like to think Draco can be redeemed, the idea of him as Hope just cracks me up. :D
Zoleth: I like HP/Digimon crossovers too! Pity they're not more common. Actually, I like crossovers in general, which is a big reason why I started writing this. Anyways, sorry for the late update. Hope the chapter's ok though. :)
Firehedgehog: Thanks for the support. I'll keep trying to update. :)
Dark Wolf on a full blood moon: No, the story is not abandoned. As I said in the beginning author's notes, I'm trying to update all (or most) of my fics. I like to at least have a respectable length chapter before posting. Please don't be angry, as it's for my readers that this story is posted in the first place.
Draic: Wow. You are such a cool author! I'm still waiting on updates for some of your fics. :D Thanks for the kind review though. I totally get what you're talking about, and I'm trying really hard to not have 'TK goes to Hogwarts' as the point of the story. In fact, that's why I took care to have TK come to the place in a different way – you know, not getting his wand for a while, having Dumbledore actually consider whether or not TK's presence there is a safe thing, etc. Hopefully, no matter how slow updates are, this story won't disappoint. Thanks again for reviewing! :D
Mysterious Bearer of Life: Digimon living in your head can be a painful experience, can't it? Thanks for the review! :)
Rya Starling: I'm glad you think it's cool. I try – I really do. So sorry for the late update, but better late then never, right? :) –Sheepish look-