Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot, everything else is Rowling's.

Mindstorm

Chapter 3: A change of plans

After a while Harry picked himself up from the floor and shakily stood on his legs. Then he started running through corridors towards the Gryffindor common room. From the exhaustion he collapsed right as he went through the portrait hole. He heard some cries and then somebody carrying him before he blacked out and he was pulled into darkness.

Ron, Hermione and Ginny were sitting at their favorite armchairs wondering why Harry was so late when they heard the portrait hole open and turned waiting to see Harry walk through it but instead they saw Harry with tattered robes fell head-first on the floor.

"Harry!" yelled Ginny and Hermione as they jumped of their chairs and ran to him.

"We've got to take him to the hospital wing" said Ron who was the first to reach him. Hermione then cast a quick carrying spell and they headed out of the common room ignoring the complaints the Fat Lady made.

"Decide if you want to go in or stay out finally!"

Harry slowly opened his eyes. Everything in front of him was blurry so he figured out he was not wearing his glasses.

"He is awake" Harry heard a familiar girly voice say. He was forced to drink something very hot that despite its horrid taste it made him feel better instantly.

"My glasses." croaked Harry. As soon as he wore them he realized he was lying on a bed in the all familiar hospital wing. Around him were standing Madam Pomfrey, Ron, Hermione and Albus Dumbledore.

"You couldn't even wait for the Quiditch match to land yourself in here." said Madam Pomfrey who laid down the bottle that contained the potion he had drank seconds before.

"What happened?" asked Harry.

"Overexhaustment both physical and magical and head concussion." said Madam Pomfrey in her usual dry tone.

"You had just stepped through the portrait hole when you fell down unconscious. What happened to you?" asked Ron.

"I was leaving from my detention when you" he said pointing at Ron "or better your imposter met me and told me you had something cool to show to me. I followed you and then you turned on me and we battled. I used the Lumos Puera spell and you turned into a shadow figure and ran away. Then I came to the common room and collapsed from exhaustion."

"Ah, the Ball of Pure Light. You were very lucky that you were taught the spell the same day that you needed it to save your live. As for your enemy I suppose that he is the same one who broke through my wards two days ago. And as for what he is I think that Miss Granger has already figured it out." said Dumbledore quietly.

"He is an Inferious Demon." yelled Hermione excitedly.

"Could you explain it to us who do not have supreme knowledge?" asked Ron with a girly voice.

"An Inferious Demon is a Dark being. It draws its powers from the darkness so it is more powerful in the night. They can manipulate darkness and they hate light. They also have their own kind of magic which allows them to do various things like transforming into other people."

"Quite correct." said Dumbledore "And this one seems to have a mission to kill Harry"

"A demon sent to kill Harry you must be causing much trouble for them to use suc methods mate!" said Ron.

"Ron, this is serious. We must take some measures to ensure Harry's safety."

"Miss Granger is right I will order more people to patrol and we will do it so that there will not be a dark corner in the castle."

Harry spent two more days at the infirmary until he recovered his strength. During that time he had regular visits from his friends and especially Hermione who kept bringing him information on demons.

"I think you are allowed to leave now Mr. Potter even though I think that you should stay a bit more." said Madam Pomfrey.

Harry got up and picked up his stuff. Outside of the door Ron was waiting for him.

"Are you alright mate? Here, let me carry your stuff." said Ron as they started heading to the Gryffindor tower.

Little Hangletton, Riddle Manor

Lord Voldemort was sitting at his throne. In front of him a sphere of red light was hovering and inside it another face could be seen.

"My lord" said the face "the boy possesses great power and our first plan failed."

"I was afraid this would happen" responded the snake like man "Proceed with plan B. It will take more time but it will surely succeed. And then the Potter brat will be mine."

"Sure my Lord." said the face and disappeared in a flash of red light.

They were eating dinner at the Great Hall when Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

"Dumb'or i' ma'in' an announment" said Ron his mouth full of fried potatoes.

"What?" asked Harry confused.

"Dumbledore is making an announcement" explained Hermione.

"I said exactly the same thing" said Ron who had finished chewing his potatoes.

"Silence please" said the Headmaster and everyone stopped talking.

"A dangerous being has taken residence in Hogwarts. Until we find it and get rid of it students are not allowed out after dark. Quiditch practices will be held from now on only before darkness.

Whispers went around the hall but the only ones who knew what was really going on were Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny who had decided to find a way to destroy the Inferious Demon

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers. Next chapter coming tomorrow.