"So, uh, where did Legolas, Hiei, and Sora go?" Draco asked, looking around. He and Seto were inside what seemed to be a dreary warehouse. Whatever it contained remained a mystery. It was too dark to see.

"Kaitourei lost interest in them," Seto said bluntly. "They've faded into the unused darkness of her mind."

Draco looked uncomfortable, "Could that happen to us?"

Seto smirked, "You'll know if you suddenly become translucent." Draco hurriedly checked his hands and arms. The blonde frowned glared back at Seto.

"Are you serious?"

The CEO nodded.

Draco crossed his arms and surveyed the interior of the building. It was all too petty for the pureblood. "A little drab isn't it?"

Seto didn't answered.

"So…" Draco attempted to strike a conversation - the silence was unnerving. "What do you think Kaitourei's been dabbling in this time?"

The lights in the warehouse flicked one, causing both teens to cover their eyes. Around them stood huge mechas, much like Gundams except these has less humanoid structured and more of a medieval theme. There was a rush of footsteps and the soldiers surrounded the two.

"I've noticed something," Draco said randomly. "Every time I ask question involving Kai's anime habits, we end up finding out first hand."

"Maybe it's a sign for you the shut up," Seto hissed, assessing the soldiers. They wore all blue and black uniforms. Very familiar…

"No," Draco reached for his wand. "I think Kai-sama's running out of original ideas – you know, a writer's block."

"That would explain the whole Escaflowne theme," Seto muttered. Kai always reverted back to Escaflowne when she was in a writer's block. For some undetermined reason a certain albino with vino eyes seemed the set her back on track. Weird, huh.

"Esca?" Draco muttered. "But doesn't that mean…?"

Seto nodded.

The sound of a single individual's footfalls was becoming apparent. Slowly, the crowd parted and a pale soldier in a red and black uniform marched up. Through a veil of silver hair, he glared daggers at the two intruders before turning to his soldiers, "Does anyone what to explain to me HOW THE HELL THESE PEOPLE GOT ABORD MY SHIP?" No one dared to tell him it wasn't actually his ship.

"If we're in Escaflowne," Draco reasoned in a whisper. "Then that's Dilandau Albatou."

"Hai."

"The psychopath?"

"Hai."

"The pyro."

"Hai."

"Leader of the elite Dragonslayers? Zaibach's most prominent fighters?"

The said leader continued to rant at his troops. Leaving the

"Hai." Seto answered for the fourth time. He raised an eyebrow, exactly how did Draco know this.

Draco thought aloud for a second, "He sounds like he hasn't broken puberty."

"Same could be said about you," Seto grumbled rhetorically. Draco had really set himself up for that one.

Draco returned with a glare, "Whatever. Anyway, how are we going to get out of this?"

"Don't worry," it wasn't said reassuringly. Seto turned to walk toward the hanger's exit. "I know Folken."

Draco raised an eyebrow, "Really? How?"

"I met him," Seto said in his ever-present monotone, "at a 'Misunderstood Anime Geniuses' support group."

"Oh."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Looks at the date*

Heh… It's only a day late?

All right, all right, I'm sorry, I didn't really make it in time. I'm going through this weird phase where I feel no drive, not passion and energy to do anything… not even Fanfiction… I think it's a sign of depression or just a major writers block. Whatever it is, I'm having trouble keeping everyone in character. I rewrote this chapter three or four times before deciding on this draft.

Anyway, enough about me, I should really be thanking you all. The reviews are wonderful, and yes, I will correct those errors you've point out. Thanks for the criticism and support; it really helps. You guys (and gals) are great!

The whole stories almost 45% done, after next chapter the action starts. Yay!

I'm still not sure when I'll update, hopefully some time in May. My schedule's pretty tight.

Anyway, thank you again and enjoy this chapter!

NOTE:

Since this chapter contains both Japanese (translated to English) and English dialoged at the same time. The spoken Japanese will the in italics to avoid confusion. Any emphasis will be bold

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turmoil

By Kaitourei

Chapter Fifteen: Awaited Revelations

"You have a friend who believes he's the incarnation of the pharaoh of Egypt and you're questioning me about what I believe?"

- Seto Kaiba

"Wash the dishes, dust, clear the counters, and restock the board games… Man, how does Yugi get this done?" Jounouchi said thumbing through the notes his smaller friend was supposed to have received. Honda peered over the blonde's shoulder, with an arched eyebrow.

"Five chores," Honda observed. "I guess it is a lot to a guy who's never worked a day in his life."  Grumbling and insulted, Jou prepared to strangle his friend.

"This is way too weird," Anzu said as she snatched the papers from Jou, ignoring him.

The note was addressed to Yugi, from his grandfather, but the tri colored teen hadn't seemed to pick it up. In fact the whole kitchen they stood in seemed too drab, too barren for Yugi. There were a few dirty dishes in the sink, even the thin layer of dust atop the fridge remained (though the note had asked Yugi to clean both).

"Hai," Honda whispered pocking at the dust. It seemed to a universal sign of bad luck and confusion these days. "Yugi's probably just slept in. Let's go to his room." He desperately needed to see his short friend.

"Like Yugi could sleep through Anzu's shrieking and banging…" Jou mumbled. There was a red handprint across his cheek from the time he'd asked about the keys. The blonde continued to mutter and whine, "It was an innocent question…" while stroking is rosy cheek. Anzu rolled her eyes and headed toward Yugi's room, following Honda.

What they had expected was not there. Neither Yugi, nor any sign of Yami, remained in the room. The bed was neatly tucked in, ready for the coming night. The oddities, games, and whatnot where painstakingly stacked, organized perfectly. The room looked faultless.

"This is way too weird," Anzu stuttered again, while Jou and Honda stared on perplexedly.

"Well this is just great," Jou said in frustration. "You think he went with his grandfather?"

 "No," Honda said answering Jou. He leaded back against the small computer desk Yugi often had emailed them while sitting at. "He definitely would have given us a warning. Anyway, the in the note the kitchen was addressed to Yugi – why would it be addressed to him if he were going along?" Honda reached to put his hand against the desk, for support; instead he bumped the computer mouse.

"N-nani?" Anzu whispered and pushed Honda away from the desk. She stared at the monitor in horror. It couldn't be what she thought it was. Swallowing her doubts she began to read the quickly typed word document.  Jou and Honda peered curiously over her shoulders.

Dear Anzu, Jou, and Honda,

If you find this, I'm so sorry.

I don't really know how to say this, its Yami's idea, but I'm going to be away for a while. Gomen. I wish I could tell you more, but Yami hasn't told me much. I trust him and I trust you. I wish I could trust with what ever I'm going to do. I hope you can forgive me. Please don't worry and don't tell anyone, Ojiisan left before I could explain. I…

BLING!

The three teens stared at the monitor in shocked. No sooner had they recovered for their pervious panic that a new window appeared on the monitor. "Mailbox" was scrolled across the top, informing them of its identity. Below the lettering there were numerous emails, all bearing the same subject. If the teens' eyes could have widened further, they would have.

___________________________________________________________________________

Mailbox

___________________________________________________________________________

New Mail --------------------------------------Old Mail----------------------------------Sent Mail

___________________________________________________________________________

Type------Date----------Address-------------Subject

___________________________________________________________________________

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

Unknown - Unknown - skaiba@kaibacorps.net - You are in danger

___________________________________________________________________________

Read ---- Save To… ---- Save as Unread –--- Status –--- Delete ---- Help

___________________________________________________________________________

"What the hell…?" Honda asked, taking the mouse for Anzu's paralyzed hand. He scrolled down the page. "Yugi's inbox is flooded…"

"Check out the screen name," Jou said with distain. "Three guesses who 'skaiba' is."

"But…?" Anzu asked, looking back at the screen. "Why would Kaiba send Yugi a warning?"

"Well, who says it's a warning," Jou said crossing his arms. "Kaiba's message could be the reason Yugi left. That bastard probably lured Yugi into something… a trap."

"*Doushite?" Anzu asked. "It doesn't make sense. If Kaiba wanted to trap Yugi why would he leave so many clues for us to find."

"Anzu's right," Honda acceded. "Plus, Yugi hasn't read any of them yet. They probably were sent right after he left."

The three looked down at the archives are emails, unsure what to do. Kaiba's words, you are in danger, echoing in the chasms of their minds.

"So," Jou shrugged. "How about opening one. Sure, it's an invasion of privacy but this is also an emergency. And Yugi owes us for not telling about his 'trip'."

Anzu looked unmoved, but Honda agreed with Jou, adding, "It might give us a clue to where Yugi had to go."

"Fine, " Anzu said reluctantly. "I just hope it isn't a virus…"

"Don't worry, Kaiba's not stupid enough to leave his name on a virus he sent," Honda said taking the mouse back and double clicked on the icon labeled "Read". A new window appeared, overlapping the first, and the three teens leaned forward to read the small typing. The page contained two words:

Click Here

Honda looked back at his friends. They shrugged in return, no one spoke. Honda obeyed the instruction and clicked. They held their breath and the screen went black. Both boys jerked back in surprise, while Anzu looked on with a frown.

"*Kso," Honda mutter entering a few commands, but the computer seemed to have a mind of its own.

"I told you..." Anzu hissed, but another voice overtook hers.

"Yugi…" Kaiba's voice projected itself from the computer. The CEO's face appeared on the monitor. From what the pixels allowed the teens to interpret, the brunette seemed to be backed up against long white curtains. Whatever was behind him was blocked, his location unknown.

"*Gaki," Jou glared at the screen. "Tell me what you've done with Yugi!"

Kaiba remained unmoved and Honda slapped his forehead in frustration, " It's a audio/video file, idiot."

"By now, you have realized I no longer attend school in Domino," the virtual Kaiba continued. "My current location must remain undisclosed for obvious reasons. Heh. I realize the irregularity in my contacting you, but certain circumstances have caught my attention. There is a matter involving these Sennen Items we must discuss now. Whether you like it or not." Kaiba smirked infamously. "Your computer will be rerouted to my server in the next thirty seconds."

The monitor went black again, leaving the three speechless.

"Looks like we're going to talk to Kaiba," Anzu muttered as Honda tried in vain to stop the computer.

He sighed, "Still no luck. What are we going to tell him?"

"Like I care," Jou looked irked, "I'd really like the virus better."

---

Kaiba threw the paper back to Harry and glared. The day had already started off on an odd note. Both Yugi and Isis Ishtar had not answered him. He now knew why the Egyptologist hadn't. Not to mention, the letter involving Mokuba was still reeling in his mind. His brother had been in danger; perhaps the same danger as Yugi was in. Voldemort was now a threat to his family.

"I have no time for this," Kaiba said calmly facing the three wizards. "I have an urgent matter I must speak to Dumbledore about."

"Oh really?" Harry asked unwilling to crumble under the CEO's piercing gaze. "Going to try to cover your ass? We already know you have something to do with the Ishtar's disappearance. There is such a think as truth serum, Kaiba, it's called *Veritaserum and when the Ministry pumps you full of that, there's now way you can lie you're way our of this."

"I know that," Kaiba said calmly. "I also know the Ministry can't 'pump me full of that' unless they have a reasonable case. If you did decide to tell them what you saw, all they have is your word. Which is, if I'm correct, the word of a few anti-Voldemort radicals. I've heard a lot about you three."

There was no missing the surprise on their faces. Not many people said "Voldemort" out loud, nor did they call Harry Potter an extremist. Kaiba watched Harry's frown deepen, the boy was pensive, but still thrown off by the CEO's words.

"You mean you're admitting to hacking into her personal records?" Hermione asked.

"Isis Ishtar was a competitor in my Battle City Duel Monsters tournament. I'm aware that she possesses knowledge of ancient Egypt, more knowledge than most," Kaiba said monotonously. "There are matters arising that require that knowledge. Contacting her was essential, but it now seems it will be impossible."

"So, you're not with You-Know-Who or anything?" Ron asked looking confused. Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry elbowed his redheaded friend.

"Say I was, would I tell you?" Kaiba said dryly. "If the interrogation's over, then I need to speak with the Headmaster."

"No," Harry said. "Kaiba, there's something you haven't told us isn't there. I'm guessing it has to do with this 'Shadow Realm'. We deserve some answers."

Kaiba broke into a string of cold laughs. "You deserve answers," the CEO said, cruel amusement dancing on his voice. It seemed to be the only emotion he possessed. "What on earth made you think that?"

Harry glared back, although he was unable to match the chilling gaze Kaiba returned, "We're not saying that you've with Voldemort. We just think, because of your ability to reflect spells, that maybe Voldemort is after you."

"He's not," Kaiba answered quickly. "And I do not 'reflect' spells. You saw me duel, I was hit by your stunning spell."

"Then you already know Voldemort's target?" Hermione asked suddenly.

The CEO paused before answering, "Yes."

"Who?" Ron asked, speaking for both of his friends.

"That's none of your concern," Kaiba said. "What matters now is that I get to Dumbledore."

Harry and his party had not moved and Kaiba felt his frustration raise a level. "It would be in your best interest to…"

The laptop in his desk sprung to life, cutting off the CEO's next word. Instead of going back to speaking with the other Gryffindors, he turned to the machine. A pang of relief rippled through him, Yugi was answering the emails he'd sent. At least now he would be able to clear a few things.

"What's happening?" the technologically illiterate red head asked.

"Even if you stay to watch, you won't understand a word," Kaiba addressed the three behind him. He could feel them watching him and the monitor's screen. "I'm going to be speaking to some associates from Japan, hence a language barrier."

"Hermione?" Harry asked, as Kaiba began to load a program. "Can you…?"

"Only fragments."

The screen was suddenly sprung to life. Kaiba frowned as the dark undersides of papers appeared.

"Kaiba you bastard, what the hell do you want?" A familiar voice asked in Japanese. Kaiba felt his eyebrow twitch; he didn't need a web cam to know it was the mutt.

"*Temae," Kaiba muttered. "I can't see you. Yugi's web cam is under a bunch of papers."

"Ne?" It was the girl's voice, Anzu. "Oh sorry."

A hand appeared on the screen and grasped the camera. The picture whirled around the room, giving the Hogwarts students a panoramic view of the small room and all its occupants. The picture steadied, the web cam having been place atop the computer, and focused on three expectant faces. Kaiba felt his relief deflate.

"Nani?" Kaiba hissed. "Where's Yugi?"

"That's what we need to talk to you about," Jounouchi said angrily, holding a fist to the screen. "He's gone, something about Yami. You better not have anything to do with this Kaiba or I'll track you down. You hear?"

Kaiba decided not to make any comments about disembodied voices or imaginary friends, instead he focused on the situation. "What do you mean he's gone?"

"He left us a note," Honda said, pushing Jou out of the way. "I think Bakura's gone, too."

"Kso," Kaiba slammed his fist into the desk. Behind him the three flinched, but said nothing.

"What's wrong," Anzu asked with concern. "Why did you say Yugi's in danger? Who's behind you?"

"They're of no concern," Kaiba said coldly. "Someone else has found out about those Sennen Items." He would let them know about Voldemort, it was mutually beneficial at this point. Sort of a quid pro quo situation. "I need to know what going on in Domino. Have you heard anything from Mokuba?"

"Somethings wrong with him," Honda said urgently. "Your mansion, it has… I mean it had these dead guys in it. I saw them. But when I went to the police Mokuba threatened to file for a restraining order."

"Unless you were the one," Jou muttered.

"I haven't been able to contact Mokuba in weeks and I can't leave this damn school," Kaiba said. "I just received some information from an anonymous source - Mokuba is said to be safe. I'll be checking that out soon." Kaiba's eyes flicked to the reflection of the three behind him. "The Mokuba in Domino is not the real one. You're dealing with a doppelganger, per se."

"Nani?"

Kaiba shook his head; it would take forever to explain. "The Mokuba in Domino is a fake. There is a man, or if you prefer to get precise, a man who possesses magic, after the Sennen Items. Anyone with a connection to them is being targeted. That includes you and me." Kaiba grimaced inwardly; Snape thought Voldemort was after him and thus, his family. If Mokuba's abduction were tied to Voldemort, both the Headmaster and Dark Lord would have to pay dearly.

"If anything comes up email me, I'll be using this address," Kaiba said coolly. "I'll send you all a longer explanation of what's going on. Right now I have business to attend to. Understand?"

"Hai," Anzu breathed.

"Wait!" Jou managed to push his face up toward the screen. "How do we know that you're telling the truth? You never believe in the whole 'magic' thing."

"You have a friend who believes he's the incarnation of the pharaoh of Egypt and you're questioning me about what I believe?"

"That's not the point," Jounouchi said. "I still think you lured Yugi into some trap. Admit it, you've been jealous of him since he wiped the floor with you face!"

Kaiba surpassed the growl rising from his throat. "*Teme- konorayou! I have no reason to do anything to Yugi at this point. Just follow my orders!" A simple click and the CEO watched the screen disappear.

Kaiba leaned back in his seat, eyeing the laptop. His first priority was to find the street address Mokuba was listed at, to do that he would have to ignore the letter and break out of Hogwarts. Luckily for him, three of the most successful escapees were behind him.

"I suggest a deal," Kaiba said before they could ask him what his pervious conversation was about. He could tell that the two boys knew nothing, but the girl had gotten the overall idea.

"What kind of deal?" Harry asked.

"I'll tell you what you want, if you can successfully get me to Hogsmeade, tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night?" Hermione looked skeptical. "But the Professor and, especially, the Aurors…"

Kaiba turned to face them. "Don't tell me you can't do it. I know you can. You've obviously done it before."

"Well," Ron huffed. "Can't deny that, but what stops you from lying to us."

"What stops you from leading me into a trap."

Ron didn't know how to respond, so Kaiba continued. "To insure we both hold up our end of the bargain, you will accompany me. As we proceed to the address I seek, I will answer your questions along the way."

"That sounds fair," Harry nodded. "But how do we get past the Aurors? And how would we make sure no one notices our disappearance?"

"Ginny can cover for us," Hermione said looking thoughtfully at Ron, who glowered. "But I'm no sure about the Aurors, we need to get to that statue. [1] How long will this visit take?"

"Four or five hours, depending on if everything goes well," Kaiba said planning the excusions. "An hour to thirty minutes to break out, half an hour to take the Hogwarts Express, an hour to find the address, and then we go back." It was the best he could think of at the moment. "It would be best if we left at ten."

Harry nodded, "Now all we have to do is find out how to slip out."

"We could use your invisibility cloak," Ron suggested and Kaiba raised an eyebrow.

 Hermione shook her head, "The three of us barely fit under it, a forth person will give us away."

"We need an excuse for going out into the halls…" Harry mused.

"What about the Chess Club?" Ron asked. "I was reading the flyer, it starts tomorrow night and practices end at nine-thirty."

 "Oh Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "That's it! It's our best chance. As we are escorted back we can slip away and get to the passage. After that we're free."

"Wow." Ron muttered, surprised that Hermione was so enthusiastic. "We really are rubbing off on you, aren't we Hermione?"

"What if we can't get to the passage?" Harry asked, focusing on the plan.

"Then we have thirty minutes to start plan B and use this 'invisibility cloak' to our advantage. If all goes as planned, we can use the cloak to sneak back in," Kaiba added. They couldn't tell if he was pleased with this plan or not. Sneaking back in would be doubly as dangerous as sneaking out.

"Oh, I can't believe we're going to do this!" Hermione said suddenly. "It's even more dangerous than before. I can't believe I've agreed to this…" She clutched her head. "You're right, you are rubbing off."

"You want answers and I want to confirm something," Kaiba said uninterestingly. "I can give you the answers and you know a way out of here. It's the logical choice."

"So where are we going?" Ron asked.

Kaiba pulled out the letter he'd received earlier and checked the address written below the note, "Number twelve Grimmauld Place."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Doushite? = Japanese, "Why?"

*Kso = Japanese, "Oh, shit/damn."

*Gaki= Japanese, "Brat."

*Veritaserum = Potter-verse term, a truth serum Snape threatens to give to Harry in the 4th book.

*Temae = Japanese, a very impolite way of saying "you".

*Teme- konorayou! = Japanese, "You dog!"

[1] The statue of the humpbacked witch near the great hall, it's the entrance to a secret passage. (But you knew that of course.)

Next Chapter: The Chess Club

The Yamis leave the airport and begin their search; while in Hogwarts, Kaiba and the golden trio touch up on their plans and the Chess Club starts with along awaited match - three words: Ron vs. Kaiba.

(This should certainly be interesting. J)

Review?