Disclaimer: not mine

Only 10 chapter of the original version to go! Which equals about 5, depending on what's added.

Chapter 15

Harry saw Sasuke's shock and confusion and yeah, he could have done that better. He hesitated for a second before deciding. "Sorry about this," Harry murmured, giving Sasuke no chance to react, the younger teen slumping over in sleep as the spell hit him.

Harry couldn't help smiling at how innocent the usually cold teen looked while asleep, before gathering him into his arms and apparating into the warded room. He placed Sasuke down gently in the pre-prepared circle and then moved over to his workbench, grabbing a pendant, and activating it. He'd spent every spare minute since the return from Suna working on how to remove the seal and he was finally ready. He didn't know if Orochimaru had any awareness of the seals and what was happening, which was why Harry had knocked Sasuke out, to keep him from fighting.

He knew that Itachi would want to be present for it, even though Sasuke would remain unconscious the entire time. It had been a long time since the brothers had been able to be in the same room without fighting and he wanted Itachi to be able to watch, if he was able to leave Kisame. He really needed to change that portkey so it would work for two. He smiled as he felt the familiar tingle of a portkey being used.

"Harry?" and then his eyes went wide as he saw the figure lying in the circle marked on the floor. "Sasuke! What's wrong with him?" Itachi dropped to his knees besides his little brother, cradling his unresponsive form to his chest, automatically avoiding the lines of the circle, he'd seen enough runes in Harry's dream training to risk disturbing them.

"He's under a sleep spell, relax. You really think I'd let anything happen to him? I'm ready to remove the seal and I thought you'd like to be here while I do it," Harry explained as he continued gathering what he needed.

Itachi nodded, still holding Sasuke close, obviously awed at getting to hold him again, hands gently running through his hair, over his face. His Sharingan was activated, memorising everything.

"You need to get out of the circle Itachi. Why don't you wait on the couch? Once I start you have to stay silent and still," Harry told him, giving him a soft kiss.

"How risky is this?" Itachi asked as he moved away, eyes locked on his little brother and lover as Harry moved around, setting up his supplies.

"I've studied everything Konoha and you had on this seal and I've studied the actual mark on Sasuke. Still, there are risks. There is no chance of death, luckily," Harry took a deep breath, some would see the possible side effects as worse than death after all. "He could lose all memory of anything after being given the seal…or it could screw his chakra up so much that he'll never be a ninja again," Harry admitted, closing the circle around Sasuke and himself.

"But if left on he could end up enslaved to Orochimaru, being used…" Itachi couldn't say it, and Harry nodded. It didn't seem to be possession since nothing of the host appeared to remain once Orochimaru took over. "I trust you, do your best," Itachi answered, and Harry flashed him a brilliant smile before taking a deep breath and centring himself.

This was one time he wished he still had his wand, just for the comfort if nothing else.

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Itachi watched as Harry worked his magic, literally. He could feel the power gathering in the air and shivered as Harry began speaking, well hissing was more accurate. It was eerie and inhuman but watching Harry it suited him somehow. He had only really seen Harry's power once before, the day he had saved them from Akatsuki, but he was seeing it again now and watching him was incredible. Glowing green eyes suddenly snapped open as his chant finished and Itachi had to fight the urge to back away but his lover wasn't even looking at him, his focus was solely on Sasuke.

Harry put his hand over the seal and started chanting again, this time in what Itachi had been informed was Latin. Itachi began to find breathing difficult as the air became heavy with power. He flinched as, even unconscious, Sasuke began to scream, his spine bowing and his body going into spasms. His hands curled into fists as his brother continued to scream and the magic built in the air until suddenly it all stopped.

Itachi blinked and shook his head slightly. The air was still and without the feeling of overwhelming power that had been present not even a second earlier. He looked up, seeing Sasuke lying limply on the floor, Harry still kneeling over him with his hand pressed to the seal, head bowed. Slowly, the teen raised his head again and Itachi relaxed as his eyes were no longer glowing. Actually he looked exhausted. Harry smiled and removed his hand from Sasuke's neck before breaking the circle. Itachi jumped up and moved to catch his lover as the younger man crumpled.

"Harry?" He asked, worried, but Harry smiled again.

"Just tired, I'll be okay."

Itachi helped him up and Harry quickly downed a bottle of pepper up potion, straightening as it hit his system. Itachi looked over to Sasuke and then back to Harry.

"Go on," Harry shooed him toward his brother, and Itachi stepped into what remained of the circle before bending to lift Sasuke into his arms. Itachi checked Sasuke's neck only to find no sign of the seal. "I'm going to go tell Tsunade and then I'll be back. Why don't you put him to bed, it's big enough for all three of us."

Itachi nodded and Harry apparated out.

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He paused, frowning, something…something had changed, but what? The base hadn't been breached; his pawns were going about their duties…ah! One of the cursed seals he had placed had just vanished. So who had died? He had a lot more people out there with seals than anyone would ever suspect thanks to believing the death toll was still high among those marked. Unfortunately, while he knew one was gone, he didn't have a way to tell which one. He was still working on a way to identify individual seals.

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Tsunade started when Harry appeared before her desk looking a bit tired.

"Why doesn't anyone ever use the door?" She grumbled, and the teen smiled.

"Why do something so ordinary?" he sounded as tired as he looked.

She just glared at him. "I'm assuming you're here for a reason since you don't usually just appear like that."

"I've removed Sasuke's seal," Harry answered calmly as he took a seat.

"WHAT?!" With her yell the door flew open as the two Anbu guards rushed in only to stop since there was obviously no threat. She glared at the two and they quickly left, not wanting to be sent to the hospital. "Would you care to repeat that?"

"I removed the seal Orochimaru placed on Sasuke. You knew I would do it eventually; we've discussed it plenty of times. He is now free of the snakes influence but we'll have to wait until he wakes to see if there are any side effects."

"Side effects?" She demanded warily; he hadn't mentioned that before.

Harry sighed. "It's possible that he won't remember anything passed the Forest of Death or…" Harry trailed off, obviously knowing she was not going to be happy with the other option.

"Or?" She growled dangerously.

"His chakra will be so badly messed up that he will never again be shinobi."

Tsunade stared at him in shock. "And you didn't consult me, why?" if the last Uchiha lost the ability to be a shinobi, the uproar it would cause…the Council…she knew they would want him 'breeding' immediately. She was honestly amazed they hadn't pushed for him to have at least one kid already considering his near defection and missions outside the safety of the village.

"Because frankly it wasn't your decision to make." Green eyes were cool and hard as he stared at her.

"It wasn't yours either!" She snarled back at him. She honestly was relieved the seal was gone, that her old teammate wouldn't be able to use the Uchiha's body but she was the Hokage and Sasuke was one of her ninja. Not to mention the headaches Harry's actions could be giving her.

"You're right. But Sasuke did agree a while ago to me removing the seal when I was able to and I did have family permission."

"Itachi!? He's a missing-nin!" By law he had no say over his brother, even before he'd become genin and therefore a legal adult.

"He's also Sasuke's only remaining family and is the oldest Uchiha. Therefore he does have a say. Once Sasuke wakes up and I give him a check-up I'm telling him everything. I better go before he wakes up alone."

Before she could say anything he had vanished, leaving one mad Hokage behind.

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Harry smiled at the sight of Itachi curled protectively around Sasuke on the bed. He had lied to the Hokage, Sasuke wouldn't be waking up for several more hours but he had wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. He knew she would be calling him in later though. Itachi stirred and then went for a weapon.

"Relax love, it's just me," Harry soothed as he approached the bed, sitting on the edge and running his fingers through Itachi's hair.

"How'd it go?"

"She's more than a little mad at me at the moment so I think I'll be staying down here till we know how Sasuke is." Harry chuckled slightly. Itachi rolled over a bit and Harry crawled into bed beside him.

"Sleep Harry," Itachi murmured, kissing him gently.

Harry nodded and cuddled close, making Itachi smile. He wished he would never have to move, having Harry on one side and his little brother safe on the other.

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Itachi watched his two most precious people sleep, something he'd never imagined would be possible. Okay, so Sasuke didn't know he was there and was actually more unconscious then asleep, but it still counted. Sasuke had grown so much since he'd last been able to just peacefully observe him. He'd done what he had that day to protect him, Sasuke had to hate him to keep him safe from those behind the massacre. If they had ever thought Sasuke might know the truth… but he could see now that Harry was right, he'd gone too far, and he could never make that right. To try and save him, he'd mentally tortured and scared his beloved little brother.

Soon, Sasuke would know the truth and then what? Would he still seek to kill Itachi? Forgive him? Turn on the village? Itachi sighed, he hoped the links to his team would keep that from happening. Sasuke could not go against those behind the massacre, in the village or elsewhere. One day maybe, but not yet. With the backing of his team he'd stand a better chance and he figured Naruto and Harry would easily agree to take Danzō on, Harry hadn't yet because there'd been no chance without being caught. If Harry met the man, he could use a curse or something, kill him and make it look like natural causes.

Harry rolled, lips pressing to his throat. "Sleep," he whispered, and Itachi smiled but closed his eyes. He could sleep deeply here, without worrying about attack, even if Sasuke was there too.

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Sasuke groaned, his head was pounding and his body ached. He tensed as a hand rested on his face and then a cool cloth was placed on his forehead, soothing some of the pain.

"Easy Sasuke, you're alright," a familiar voice calmed him further.

Sasuke forced his eyes open and blinked as the face of an older teen came into focus.

"Do you know who I am Sasuke?" The other asked in concern, and Sasuke forced himself to think clearly. He knew the other boy was familiar.

"Harry?" He croaked, and then drank greedily as a glass of cool water was placed against his lips.

"Yeah, it's me. You remember what happened?"

Sasuke thought and then shook his head.

"I removed Orochimaru's seal. You're free Sasuke." Harry smiled at him, and Sasuke's hand instantly went to his neck.

"It's gone?" Sasuke asked quietly, and Harry nodded.

"The fact that you recognised me is good since it means you haven't lost all memory of events since getting the thing. But, could you mould some chakra for me?" Harry was tense, worrying Sasuke, but he relaxed when Sasuke did it.

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"Get some rest, we'll talk later," Harry told him, smiling as the mild sleeping draught he'd put in the water did its work. He made the sleeping teen more comfortable and smiled again as Itachi became visible.

"Thank you," he murmured, kissing Harry firmly. The younger man wrapped his arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. They finally parted for air and Itachi smiled at Harry. "I have to go."

"I know," the wizard whispered sadly.

"Look after yourself and Sasuke." Itachi kissed him once more and then activated the portkey.

Harry sighed sadly and then settled in to wait for Sasuke to wake up again.

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Kakashi looked at the note that had appeared, frowning in concern. He wasn't too happy that Harry hadn't told him but at least he now knew that the two were together and that Sasuke would be fine. It was a relief to know the seal had been removed and he hoped that meant Anko's could be as well. Or would it be harder since she'd had it for so long?

It looked like it was just Naruto and Sakura today so they'd be stuck with training. What tortures should he put his darling students through this time?

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Harry sat and stared calmly at Sasuke who had gone an interesting shade of white during his story but was now starting to turn red. He easily caught the younger teen as he flung himself at Harry to attack and kept his grip even as Sasuke began fighting wildly, still weak from the seal removal.

"You traitor!" Sasuke spat as he struggled.

Harry sighed but didn't loosen his grip. "Calm down!" Harry summoned a calming potion, and the next time Sasuke opened his mouth he shoved it down his throat causing him to cough and splutter a bit until it kicked in and he began to still. Harry stood and walked over to the couch, gently laying Sasuke down on it. Angry sharingan eyes glared up at him even as Sasuke pushed himself up into a sitting position.

"What was that?" Sasuke asked, voice calmer but still angry.

"A calming potion. Head feeling clearer?" He smiled slightly at Sasuke's grudging nod and then sat beside him. "The whole world does not revolve around you Sasuke-kun. I met your brother long before I met you. If not for him I'd be dead by now and probably in a very painful manner considering how much Tom hated me. When Itachi found out I had ended up in Konoha he was scared I'd be used against him but you know what the first thing he asked me to do was?"

Sasuke didn't answer but it didn't really bother him, at least the teen was listening.

"He asked me to look out for you, to protect you from Orochimaru, and I agreed. The first time I saw you, you reminded me so much of your brother when we first met, cold and distant. I love Itachi and he loves me Sasuke and I'm sorry if that hurts you but I can't change the way I feel."

"He's a murderer! He killed them," Sasuke stated firmly, and Harry wrapped his arms around him in a gentle hug, ignoring Sasuke's escape attempts.

"No he didn't Sasuke, I swear it. You can hear it from him if you want but he is innocent of your clans massacre."

"Then why did he leave?" Sasuke asked, voice soft and unsure, but still angry and hurt.

"To protect you silly. He loves you Sasuke, never doubt it."

Sasuke looked up and Harry was happy to see his eyes were no longer the red of the sharingan. He let Sasuke stare at him for as long as he wanted to. Finally Sasuke looked away and grunted, and Harry smiled, knowing it was the best he could hope for, for now

"Now, we better go see the Hokage before she starts looking for us. I told her I removed the seal and she's not too happy with me at the moment." Harry stood and offered Sasuke a hand up. The teen hesitated before accepting it and letting Harry pull him up and then into his arms. "Hang on." Harry warned and then apparated.

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Sasuke stared at the ceiling of his bedroom, unable to sleep. It wasn't true, it wasn't. If his…if Itachi hadn't done it then why the torture? No, he had to have been telling the truth then, he'd done it to test his strength. Harry had said it was a lie, that Itachi was innocent, but then why had he run? He rolled onto his side, staring out the window at the deserted Uchiha district. Harry had lied, Itachi had lied to Harry, whatever. Nothing had changed.

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He snarled and tossed the paper aside. Everything had fallen apart somehow and it was all Itachi's fault. That ghostly figure had appeared to save him and somehow…he'd reflected and enhanced their attack to the point where the two so-called immortal members had been incinerated to the point nothing remained to heal. Akatsuki was down to Pein, Konan, and himself along with Zetsu. They needed more to continue their plans but S-ranked ninja didn't exactly grow on trees.

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"Your brother sure knows how to hold a grudge."

Itachi looked down at Harry in amusement. "Oh?"

"He hasn't spoken to me since we reported to the Hokage, two weeks ago. He leaves whenever I'm around unless it's for something official. Sakura is getting suspicious because of it and I really don't want to have to deal with her if she finds out. I know you were just trying to protect him when you told him to get strong enough to kill you but did you have to make my life so difficult by doing so?" Harry complained.

Itachi kissed him softly in apology and laid back, content to just hold Harry close for a while. "Give him time, he'll come around." I hope, Itachi finished silently.

He hated the fact that their relationship was causing his lover so many problems but Harry simply smiled and kissed him if he tried to say anything. Maybe he should turn himself in? But his death would break Harry's heart and the younger man had been hurt too many times in the past for him to want to add to it.

He sighed and then moved to claim Harry's lips in a gentle kiss, which was eagerly returned. It still amazed him how willing Harry was to accept his touch when all others flinched from him. Even Kisame occasionally flinched away from him. But never Harry. Sure, part of it was probably teenage hormones and the fact that Harry had been starved for affectionate touch as a child, but all he had to do was look into those green eyes to see how much Harry wanted him, loved him and it was the most wonderful thing he had ever seen.

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Kakashi frowned as he watched Sasuke giving Harry the cold shoulder. He knew that Harry had removed the cursed seal and told Sasuke everything so he knew why the teen was acting that way; he had just hoped that his student would be mature enough to actually listen and think things through logically, especially now that he wasn't being influenced by the seal.

He sighed as he saw Harry frown tiredly, he knew that Sasuke's actions were hurting his flatmate but he didn't know what else could be done. He'd tried to talk to the teen, as had Iruka and the Hokage herself, but none of them could get through to him. His attitude was destroying their teamwork and Kakashi was dreading the possibility of them receiving a mission that called for them to leave the safety of the village.

Harry was a chūnin now, he could ask to leave the team and join up with some others of his rank. There were still several months before the next teaching exam after all. Kakashi knew Iruka had given Harry a load of study material for it and the teen usually dragged it out in the evening. Would it be better for Harry and Sasuke if the wizard left the team?

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Sasuke bent over to grab a clean shirt from the draw only to lunge for a weapon as he stood, noticing the second figure in his mirrors' reflection, but it was too late. A whispered word and he crumpled at Harry's feet.

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"Sorry Sasuke but this has gone on too long," he muttered and lifted the smaller teen into his arms before apparating out of the Uchiha district and into the warded room where Itachi was pacing nervously.

"You really need to stop knocking him out Harry," Itachi commented dryly, and Harry shot him a glare.

"And you two seriously need to talk. The room's warded against violence, you won't even be able to give each other a paper cut," Harry assured his lover as he set Sasuke down on the couch. "He'll wake in a few minutes. Call me on the pendant when you're done." Harry kissed Itachi and then went to leave.

"Are you sure you won't stay?" Itachi swallowed nervously, not that he'd admit it and Harry smiled.

"You two need to talk with no distractions or chance of bodily harm. Talk to him Itachi, he really does want to understand.

TBC…