Emerald Phantom

Fates Illusion

Summary: Voldemort's defeat leaves the world with a lot of questions, most of them revolving around the Boy-Who-Lived. As they wonder, little Harry is left in the hands of Dursley's but he won't stay there for long. The world needs him and who is he to deny that call?

Disclaimer: I own nothing! I am merely playing with other people's toys, using them in my own twisted games. Anything you recognize most probably belongs to somebody else, except the plots, those are mine.

Dialogue Key:

"Blah…" – Talking in English

Blah… - Thoughts, emphasis, writing/e-mails, flashbacks/dreams, spells

Additional Notes: The story will follow parts of the anime, manga, and books for all of the series' involved and then it will take a steep nosedive away from canon.

Last Major Update: 03.02.2013 – Added about a page's worth of text to give the chapter a little more detail.

Chapter 2:

Twist My Arm

He knew, without having to look around that some of their jaws had dropped in shock.

The revelation of a whole world, hidden from society, that contained magic tended to do that to people. He was a little surprised that they didn't need more convincing though. Most muggles brought into the fold needed some extreme magic done to convince them, like transfiguration.

If Severus had looked behind him as he was explaining, instead of looking at the Commander and trying to gauge her willingness to help, he would have seen something that might have changed the course of the meeting. Other than Lady Une, surprise was not the main emotion to linger on their faces. There was a fair amount of annoyance or understanding, and anger was prominent as well but astonishment, no that didn't make an appearance at all… but Severus didn't look, after all why would the opinions of a couple of teenagers matter?

"So, let me get this straight," Une leaned forward in her chair, studying him carefully, "you need the preventers to help assist the… Light, was it, in ending this war?"

The Potions Master scowled, "Not end it," he corrected stiffly, his back straight as he tried to fight off the urge to pace back and forth across the luxurious office, "there's only one way for it to end, thanks to a prophecy…" Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he considered how to explain their situation. "One person has the power to take down the Dark Lord, what we need from you is to…" He pondered how to phrase it, without offending the war-seasoned Lady, "clear a path, so that our only hope," the tone he used clearly suggested just how much he believed that tripe, "can fight the Dark Lord."

Une's eyes flitted over his right shoulder for a brief second before she focused on the man in front of her once more, "Let me ask you this then," At his nod she continued, "why us?"

Dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully, "is that not your job?" He demanded, tilting his head to the side as if considering a puzzle, "The whole purpose behind this organization is to end wars or prevent any more from starting, is it not?"

She waved her hand slightly stopping that train of thought in its tracks before it got out of hand, "that's not what I meant."

"What she means to say is, isn't there an organization within your Wizarding world with the purpose of stopping these terrorists, a police or military force?"

And now Severus was forced to acknowledge the most confusing aspect of this meeting – six teenagers he was specifically instructed to read in to the secrets of the Wizarding World alongside Une. Dumbledore hadn't given a reason and while Severus had thought to ask it remained unanswered, blasted twinkling meddler.

He didn't understand why teenage Muggles were allowed to learn their greatest secrets but he'd make sure they were worth the trouble that was sure to come with their involvement.

He hadn't meant to speak out loud, it had just slipped out.

Lot of good that does me now! Harry stifled a growl behind clenched fists, stiffening unconsciously when he fell under the scrutiny of the wizard.

"And you are?"

The sneer hidden in Snape's undertone was not missed by anyone and it set the other pilots on the defensive. Harry merely narrowed his eyes in response, "Agent Phantom…" He introduced coolly, the less Snape knew, the better, as far as he was concerned.

He watched with veiled amusement as the wizard let a faint trickle of surprise show in his eyes. That humor was short lived when he rounded on Une, "You let children fight your battles?" He questioned, more than a little incredulous.

"Mr. Snape," Quatre interjected smoothly before Harry could say something he would likely later regret, "we haven't been children in years." The way he said it invited so many questions in the potions masters head but the particular gleam in the blond Arabian's eyes relayed a harsh warning to tread lightly.

Before he could question them further Heero pushed away from his seat by the window and stepped into the conversation with an expectant look, reminding them why they were all there with a simple, "Can we get back to the matter at hand?" and therefore managing to spare them from having to answer any kind of awkward inquiry.

With the pressure on from all sides and the need to keep everyone satisfied to better improve their chances of winning the war Severus grudgingly complied, "We have the Auror Corps as well as the Unspeakables."

"Wouldn't they be more adept at handling this situation then… what did you call us non-magical people? Muggles, wasn't it?" Wufei was more than a little disgruntled, but he was as civil as ever, determined to remain professional despite the sudden turn this meeting had taken with Snape's introduction. Perched as he was against the wall, his chin resting on his open right hand while his elbow rested on a small set of shelves, he delivered a flat stare at the older man; Snape was hard-pressed not to snap out his reply in the same manner he would to bumbling Hufflepuffs prone to crying.

"Normally they would be," He drawled out slowly, borrowing a leaf out of Lucius' book, "but they don't have war experience and they also work for the Ministry." The glare his condescending tone drew out from the Asian was a victory short lived when Wufei decided to look away with a small huff, deeming the small injustice not worth his time.

Cobalt orbs, trained solely on the magic-wielder and his responses to their queries, watched as a flicker of annoyance crossed his face before he hid it away.

"Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?" Duo probed lightly, forcing himself up from his lounging position to observe his reaction so that he could get a full measure of the situation from someone who seemed well informed and a little close-mouthed in the presence of kids.

In an instant the sneer was back in full force as he thought about his government charged with the duty to rule and guide their society and keep them safe, "The Minister doesn't believe that the Dark Lord has returned, as such he won't let his forces participate in what he has decided is a madman's play for power."

Sharing a confused look between themselves the next question was easy to come up with, "If he doesn't believe your Dark Lord is back then who does he consider as a madman?"

Silence fell as Severus looked them all over, his dark eyes narrowed at the six teenagers and their commanding officer. They hadn't been too outstanding in their reactions to anything else he'd said in the meeting…

"Albus Dumbledore, the leader of the Dark Lord's opposition: The Order of the Phoenix."

He watched suspiciously as they shared looks of exasperated understanding. There was something there, something he couldn't quite understand just yet… Filing it away to think on later he focused back on the conversation just as another query was shot his way from the auburn haired youth on his left.

"Is he a spy?" The silence Trowa had maintained thus far was finally broken by mentioning a trade he knew well. By the sounds of it, it was entirely possible.

Crossing his arms, Severus raised a brow, impressed at the quick conclusion drawn, "That's one of our suspicions," He admitted, not the least bit worried of keeping that under wraps, "but we have no substantial proof."

"One of your suspicions," Heero and Quatre had both latched onto the comment, "you have more?"

They were quick he wouldn't deny them that…

"A spy, a Dark sympathizer, in the pocket of those with ties to the Dark, corrupt, the list goes on…" Apparently there was no love lost between the Minister and Potions Professor.

Lady Une watched from her position as her top agents took control of the meeting and ferreted out all of the details from their liaison using what they learned to patch together a plan. She could guess on some of it, considering their skill sets, but she was sure they could pull out so much more if they set their minds to it.

Quatre settled back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest as he considered what he knew so far, "Two more questions," he began, quietly asking for just a little more patience, "Who is this prophesied hero and how did you plan for us to clear the path so that they could end your war?"

When he began to stiffen everyone realized they had finally found the extent of the knowledge Severus was willing to divulge.

"For security purposes," He bit out between clenched teeth, "I'm not allowed to say who we believe our savior is, not until you've accepted the job and we are in a warded location." It was perfectly understandable, and because of that the six didn't push the subject. "In regards to how you were expected to help…" He scowled, "Albus decided that it would be better if you decided your own plan of action. He's willing to accommodate you and provide for all of your needs while you continue to help us…"

Brows furrowed, Harry stared at the green and yellow rug at his feet thoughtfully. With Dumbledore's support they could perform quite a few maneuvers with little opposition. He couldn't help feeling a little uneasy with the situation though…

Looking up he met the eyes of his teammates and signaled with a flash of his hands that he needed some time to think. The only acknowledgment he needed was the glimmer of understanding that lit in all of their eyes.

The Commander glanced between each of them, determining their own views on the matter before turning to the wizard. "We need to discuss this," She declared, "give us two days and we'll have an answer ready, as well as a plan."

Snape wanted to protest, it was clear as day on his face, but he forced himself to back down. They needed the Preventers and pushing them on the subject would most certainly not help their case any at all. Swallowing his pride he sketched a short bow, "Of course, I'll be back at the same time in two days…"

Without looking up or moving towards the door he vanished with a loud pop leaving several displeased agents behind.

They waited a moment, ensuring he was gone before Harry collapsed back in his chair with a heavy sigh, "I don't like this," He mumbled, scrubbing at his face tiredly as if that would get rid of the headache that was beginning to pound at his temples.

"I don't think any of us does, Raven…" Wufei informed, taking the now empty seat. "I mean, who would have thought Wizards would contact us!" He scoffed.

Duo seemed to find the entire thing hilarious, if his laughter was any indication, "you have to admit though, that it's got a sense of irony to it!" Lounging back like a lazing cat he pointed to each of them, "I mean if they knew the truth I'm sure they'd be telling ("more like begging" Wufei inserted) us to forget about assisting them in a flash." The wide grin he sported showed that he didn't seem to mind that option too much.

"You realize that by taking the job we'll be staying in the Wizarding world over an extended period," Heero reminded them, he didn't bother mentioning the alternative; he knew they would accept the job.

Quatre spared him a grim smile, "I don't think that will actually be too much of a problem, as long as we come prepared…"

"We still have to devise a plan," Trowa pointed out, ignoring Harry's pointed murmurs questioning when they had ever made a plan and stuck to it.

Duo seemed to be of the same mind, "Should we really start planning when we don't know the full situation?" He cringed a little at the suspicious stare directed at him from his partner.

"You're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?"

"Uh… That you take us to Diagon Alley?" The sheepish smile he wore did not do anything to lessen the full brunt of the glare that was directed at him. It could have been a runner-up to Heero's own death glare, if there was actually a competition.

"Are you insane?" Harry hissed out, bristling like a cat, "'Cause that's not bound to draw their attention!"

"Actually, that's not a bad idea…"

"Wufei!"

The Chinese pilot found himself coming face to face with the enraged Phantom but he didn't let it worry him, "We need a full scope of the situation," Wufei repeated casually, leaning back in his chair as if he had no care in the world, "What better way than to get the information from their own mouths?"

Speechless but still visibly trying to protest, Lady Une stepped in, "It's not like you can't disguise them," She noted coolly, watching as Harry froze with the reminder.

Backing down, Harry considered it thoughtfully, calculating what would be needed to keep them out from under anyone's scrutiny.

Nobody liked the smirk that began to form on his face…

And there we go!

Now, I'm pretty sure this chapter kept everyone in character but most of my knowledge from the GW characters is through fanfiction and the first ten episodes or so… Hopefully now you all know why I chose Severus as the one to enlist the Preventers: as a trusted spy for Dumbledore, Snape has a birds-eye view of both sides and would be able to better explain the situation to everyone. It also has the added bonus that if Snape sees who's being assigned to the case he can get a (somewhat) reliable measure of their characters for Dumbledore.

Special thanks to KlutzyKat and Meer-Heika for their much appreciated assistance with this chapter!

Anyways, if you have a comment, question, or you notice any typos go ahead and either shoot me a PM or leave a review!

I hope you all enjoyed!

Fates Illusion

Next Chapter:

Chapter 3: Cascade