Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I do however own a computer and half a bar of chocolate. Perhaps if someone gives me a lot of money for the chocolate I will own Harry Potter. Until then, I don't. How sad.

AN: Here is another story. I should probably stop making new ones and finish the ones I already have. Oh well. Anywho, the title of this story is based after Natalie Imbruglia's song Torn, which inspired this story. The story will not follow the song's story line, but you should listen to it anyways, as it really is relevant to the story, but I'm not turning this into a songfic. This chapter is short, but that's just because it's the set up.

Remus Lupin had changed. It wasn't one of those gradual changes that people often undergo. No, one day he just woke up different. He was quieter, which was quite a feat considering he barely ever spoke anyways. He was even more antisocial than before, if that was possible, and he was often missing when his friends looked for him.

At first, only one person noticed this odd behavior. Peter and Remus were often in the background together, and through James and Sirius's negligence they had formed a bond. The black-haired boys didn't notice Remus's behavior at first; they were too busy playing pranks, and overall just being their loud, obnoxious, attention-grabbing selves. But Peter saw the change, though the mousy boy was unsure what to do about it.

After Peter came Sirius and James. They did share a dorm with him after all. They had begun to notice that whenever they needed Remus for a prank he was gone. They tried everywhere, but even the Marauder's Map couldn't locate the werewolf. That was definitely troubling.

But they weren't the only Gryffindors to notice the tawny-haired boy's behavior. Lily Evans knew something was wrong too. She had often studied with Remus, and while he continued to meet her after his change had occurred something was off with him. Once one was alone with Remus Lupin, and had gained his trust, he was much more open than many people would believe. But Remus was closed again. He never laughed, and he looked haunted, and perhaps he was, for he jumped at every little sound made.

He refused to be touched too. True, most people had never found occasion to touch him, but that didn't mean that that sense was absent from his life. Whether it was Lily giving him a sisterly hug, James tapping his shoulders to get his attention, or Professor McGonagall laying a hand on his shoulder to let him know she was proud, Remus couldn't stand touch. The moment someone laid a finger on him he tensed up and jerked away.

After about two weeks, the teachers noticed something too. The student was as smart as ever, but he never spoke in class anymore. Something in him seemed… broken. And they feared that it would never be fixed. Oh sure, some had tried to speak to him. But he always replied in a clipped tone that nothing was the matter.

Yes, something was wrong with Remus Lupin. And those who knew him best knew exactly what it was. Remus was broken. The only question that remained was: why?

AN: Review or I'll come to your house and steal all the toilet paper!