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Chapter 2
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Harry awoke to the sound of bustling around the room. He coughed a little, his throat dry and sore from his screams through the night. More nightmares… he thought, only wishing them to go away. He wasn't afraid of the nightmares themselves. He couldn't be. But, he did feel… panicked in them. The pain all over his body was just one of the after effects of these nightmares. I need to get with Vexen and see what is happening… This is the first time I have felt anything, and I need to know what is causing it.
Just as Harry was going to lean up, his eyes were assaulted by a bright light. His ears met the sound of the curtain to his bed being roughly yanked back. He barely had time to get rid of the barrier before one of his 'friends' were either shocked by it, or torn apart by it. Harry couldn't really remember which spell he used last night.
"Come on, Harry! Get up!" Neville's voice met his ears. Harry reached over for his glasses and put them on, though he really didn't need them. His eyes had been fixed a long time ago. Now he just used them to keep up appearances. Xemnas likes them too… He thought absently before shaking the thought out of his head.
"Oi! You're not just going to laze about all day, are you? Hurry and get dressed!" Ron yelled from across the small room.
"I hear you, I hear you… No need to shout," Harry replied as he got out of bed.
Once he was dressed and ready, he and Ron went down to the common room to meet with Hermione. He got nagged at about his ruffled and tired appearance and then was dragged, albeit reluctantly, to the Great Hall. He still felt groggy even as he sat down. He didn't really want to do anything but crawl back into bed. But, if you did that, Demyx or Saïx would come in and drag you out. Harry's mind provided. No worries. I would just kick their asses if they did! Harry thought happily, smiling to himself.
But, Demyx being who he is would probably just whine and cry to Xigbar or someone who'd listen. Eventually, someone would drag Xemnas out of bed and have him get me up. Harry giggle at the thought.
"Hey, what's so funny, mate?" Ron asked. Harry tensed up a little and scratched his head.
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking to myself," he answered. Hermione frowned.
"Well, try not to giggle out loud… You look insane when you do that," she commented. Harry faked a blush and hung his head in shame.
"Sorry, guess I didn't think about it," he said. Suddenly someone called from behind him.
"Oi, Potter!" came the voice of Draco. Harry turned around and two pieces of paper where shoved into his face. One was a letter, the other was his schedule. "Professor Snape wanted me to give you that. Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, accidentally dropped this on the ground."
"Oh, thanks, Malfoy," Harry mumbled taking the papers from him. Harry sighed and stared blankly at the letter from Severus, not really reading it.
"What's wrong with you, Potter?" Draco asked, taking a seat on the safer side of Harry. He didn't like the idea of being strangled by a rotten red head today. Harry just looked up and smiled sadly.
"It's nothing. I'm just a little home sick…" Harry mumbled and looked back down at the paper. Ron took this chance to butt in this time, his anger visibly boiling over.
"I thought you hated that place, mate? But more importantly, what the hell is he doing here?!" Ron nearly yelled.
"Hush, Ron," Harry said simply, effectively shutting the other up. Hermione, stunned by Ron's sudden silence, looked back and forth between Harry and Ron. Draco also froze at the sound. There was something off about the way the dark haired teen in front of him said that. It was calm and said without care, like how a person would chat with another. It was casual. However, the Malfoy heir caught hold of something… melodic about it. It was strange. Very strange.
Harry though, continued on without missing a beat. "It's not that I miss that place… It's just some of the people I met…" Harry's look quickly turned pensive, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. What was the matter with him? He came here every year and he never actually missed them. It was strange even to him. Harry turned to Draco and smiled brightly. "I'll have to tell you about them one day. You may not be interested since they're Muggles, but they're still awesome people."
Draco's eyes narrowed. It wasn't at the thought of hearing about Muggles. No. His attention was partially focused on Harry's friend. At the mention of other friends, they turned their head to him, almost studying him. Then, when he mentioned that they were Muggles, the look stopped. Hermione looked back at her food, almost disinterested, but Draco still felt her eyes on them. She was watching their every move. Draco did want to talk with Harry more, but he couldn't risk it. Not with Ms. Know-it-all around.
"Not a chance, Potter. I do you one favor and it goes to your head. I should teach you a lesson, you know," Draco said and took out his wand. He cast a quick spell that turned Harry's hair bright red. Harry stood and up and yelled. Draco smirked and stood as well. "There, now you and Weasel match!"
"What the bloody hell did you do that for, you git?! I should turn your hair pink for that!" Harry yelled running his hands through his new hairdo.
"Sorry, pink doesn't look good on me," Draco replied walking away.
"All the more reason to do it!" Harry drew out his wand and sent a spell flying at him. Draco ducked and then began to sprint away.
"Catch me if you can, Potty!" Draco yelled. With that, the Malfoy heir disappeared. Harry was about to go after him when Hermione piped up.
"Don't bother, Harry. He's not worth it," she said, casting a small spell on his hair, changing it back to his normal raven locks.
"Yeah, I know," Harry grumbled and began to eat.
"Anyway, we better get going. We don't want to be late for Defense," she informed, standing up. Harry looked up at her in confusion.
"But, I've only started eating," Harry protested.
"Should have thought about that before you started chatting with Malfoy," Ron spat.
"Oh, for the love of Merlin, do you ever shut up?" Harry asked, irritated as he snatched his bags up and began walking away with a piece of toast in his mouth. "When are you going to let bygones be bygones, Ron?" Ron and Hermione jogged to catch up with their friend.
"When he stops being such a git," Ron replied.
"Merlin! Sometime I wonder why I'm friends with you," Harry said, defeated.
» § «
When they arrived in the classroom, Draco had already taken a seat and everyone was bustling about. Someone had set loose a flying paper airplane and the Slytherins had made a game of trying to hit it and knock it down. Harry, Ron and Hermione all took the only empty seats in the front. Harry took this time to open pick up Snape's letter. But, on the back, there was a nice, cursive writing. Draco… You truly are a Slytherin. Draco had cast a wordless spell on the back of Snape's letter after he had spelled Harry's hair red.
He quickly scanned over the letter, then gave an imperceptible smirk. "Meet me tonight in the dungeons. I need to talk to you about a few things" Harry read to himself. Then he flipped over the note and frowned. It was messy and quickly written down, as though Snape had been in such a hurry he had to get it down before he forgot.
Watch yourself. The woman is out to get you.
-XIV
Suddenly everyone gasped and Harry's eyes looked up just in time to see the paper airplane fall onto his desk in smoldering ashes. He raised his gaze to look at the woman in front of him and mentally sighed. That wasn't good.
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Xemnas sat down to relax in the Grey Area, the castle's one place to prepare before they went out on their missions. He sighed heavily and looked up and the blinding white ceiling. As people filed in, they paused at the sight of him. He didn't pay any mind, he just closed his eyes and laid his head back. He ignored their curious and confused gazes and just waited for his second-in-command to give him a mission. He needed something to take his mind off of Ahrxri.
His peace was once again disturbed by on overly cheery blond. How did he know it was a blond? One because there were about four out of all thirteen of them. Two, this one was the only one out of those that was neither quiet, sarcastic, nor psychotic… No. This was the one he couldn't handle well…
"Hey, Superior! What's up? We don't see you come down here often," came the voice of the once person Xemnas could only identify as Demyx. He was a kid all around. A kid in an adult's body and a pain in the ass. Xemnas sighed.
"What does it look like, Number IX? I'm about to go on a mission," Xemnas answered, trying to keep his calm. But, it was truly trying when there was another persistent red-haired asshole that soon joined in.
"Really?" came the sarcastic voice of said asshole. "Then why do you look like you're anxious to go? Are you worried that you might be just a little rusty? I don't blame you, we all know that you don't go on missions often." Xemnas opened his eyes and saw Axel standing above him. Axel was the second most striking nobody in the organization. His eyes were also an emerald green, but they didn't hold the luster that Ahrxri's did. Axel also had blood red spiky hair that no one could miss.
Saïx saw the exchange and soon stepped between them. "I think that's quite enough. You two have missions to get to. You don't need to waste your time with idle chatter," he interrupted.
"No, Number VII. It is quite all right," Xemnas said as he brought himself to stand. "I think Axel just earned a small prize for his guess. Demyx, switch missions with Axel for today. I think you'll both find that the switch will benefit both of you." Saïx looked apprehensive at first, but allowed the two to switch missions. Xemnas took his own and sighed. Halloween Town. It was dark, depressing, and frankly exactly what he needed right now.
"Sir, you do realize that Axel will now be sent to Atlantica and Demyx to Agrabah right? That's the complete opposite of their abilities. Are you sure?" he asked. Xemnas just smiled and summoned a dark corridor.
"Positive. I've sure they will love the change, VII. Would you ever doubt me?" he asked in a mock sweet tone. "See you later." With that he stepped into the dark corridor and vanished. Saïx stood there, not sure what to think. Finally one thought came to him. The Superior is very angry today...
"What the fucking hell?! Atlantica? But I'm a pyro!" yelled Axel from behind him.
"Agrabah?! Awww maaaan!" Demyx whined. "I won't be able to use my water clones! It all ev-evacu-ev-"
"Evaporates," Saïx provided as he handed out the other mission folders.
"Yep! That's it!" Demyx chirped.
"Man... Why the hell is the Superior is such as pissy ass mood?" Axel asked as he made his dark corridor. Just before he walked in, Xigbar appeared beside him and clapped a hand on his shoulder happily.
"If you wanna know, I'll tell you. You've got three guesses first, though," he informed.
» § «
Harry made his way from McGonagall's office with a cookie in his mouth and a couple in his hands. It wasn't really a secret that Harry loved sweets, but Harry tried to hide it a little at times. He adored sweet and spicy foods. The only thing he hates was food without much taste in it. Harry munched happily on his newt cookie as he went to the Great Hall.
Why did Harry even get cookies? Well, it all started when he pissed off that Umbridge woman during class. He didn't really want to cause trouble, but it was expected of him to pick a fight with a person who called him a liar. It was easy to pretend, too. He didn't like to be called a liar, even playfully. He hated it. Harry giggled to himself again. Hate… If only I could. He thought as he bounced into the Great Hall.
After he had made the big pink woman angry, he was given a week's worth of detention and then sent to Professor McGonagall. She had advised him to not openly disagree with the woman and then gave him a cookie for his efforts. Harry smiled brightly at the though. Good to know I'm not the only one who thinks the toad is bitch. Harry soon found Neville, Luna, Ron and Hermione. He kept his bright smile up and went over to sit with them.
"Been gone for that long, have I? It's already lunch," Harry said and offered Neville and Luna a cookie. Neville declined and Luna took one with her own happy smile.
"Yeah, mate! Where on earth did you go?" Ron asked, taking the other cookie that Harry didn't offer him.
"He went to Professor McGonagall's office," Hermione answered, her irritation in her voice. The she mumbled something about how that had been the third time she had told him that. Harry just smiled. "Where did you get the cookies?" Hermione asked in the end.
"Professor McGonagall offered them to me while we talked. I think she said that they were newt cookies," Harry informed. Luna brightened up instantly and munched happily on hers. Apparently, they seemed to be one of her favorites. Ron, on the other hand, spit it out and went to gulp down his pumpkin juice. They all laughed.
"Well, we better prepare for the next class. I think we have potions next," Neville said. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm not so sure I wanna go."
"Come on, Nev! You need to get over that silly fear of Snape. He's not that scary once you get to know him," Harry assured.
"And how would you know?" Ron sputtered.
"Don't you recall how many detentions I've had with him so far?" Harry lied easily.
"Even so, I'm not so sure, Harry," Neville mumbled. Harry patted Neville on the back, laughing.
"Don't worry too much about it. The trick is to not pay attention to him. Just concentrate on your work," Harry advised. "Now, come on! We've got to get going. If we're late, I just know he's gonna blame me for it. I'm not sure they could fit in another detention this week!"
"Harry, that's not exactly something to be proud about," Hermione said as she began to stand.
"Never said I was proud of it, 'Mione," Harry replied, standing up with the rest of them. "If I can't laugh about it, it's just going to make me feel worse in the end." Luna smiled up at Harry.
"That's a great way to think about it! Stay optimistic, Harry. Believe me. You're going to need it," Luna said and bounced off. The others watched her leave with confused looks. Harry contemplated what she meant by it, but didn't have time. It seemed like everyone pushed it off to the fact that Voldemort had returned. Now he was being dragged down to the dungeons.
When they arrived, Harry was the one forced to the door. It had become a habit for everyone to shove him in front and be the first to open the door. Harry's expression quickly turned defeated and he softly knocked on the door.
"Enter," came the soft reply. Harry opened the door and allowed the others to file in. Draco gave Harry a glance before entering. It was one that said 'let's talk after class'. Harry only nodded and filed in as well. Before he could even set his things down, Snape called out to him. "Potter, in my office. Now."
"But, Professor, what has Harry done? He's only just arrived," Hermione asked. Snape raised his gaze from his grading. He studied Hermione before scowling.
"I don't believe that is any of your business, Miss Granger. 10 points from Gryffindor for poking your nose where it doesn't belong," Snape bit out. "Everyone else, turn to page thirteen in your books. We will not brew anything today. I want a four foot essay on why it is important to brew the Draught of the Forgotten, a potion to counteract the effects of Obliviation, in the light of the full moon." After hearing all of them grumble and get their supplies out, Snape stood and led Harry to his office. Once inside the room, Harry glared at Snape. He crossed his arms and stepped in front of him.
"Number XIV, I do look forward to one hell of an explanation for this," Harry spat. "Explain to me why you seemed it necessary to do that? Couldn't it wait until I actually did something?! Maybe blow up my cauldron, cussed Malfoy or even you out for calling me a liar, or, hell, even make a small mistake like using the wrong colored quill, just to name a few possibilities…"
"I assure you, I didn't call you in here because I just wished for your company," Severus drawled. "I was ordered to." Harry's eye twitched and he snarled.
"By who?" he growled. Suddenly arms wrapped around him from behind and he was drawn up to a large, broad chest. His mind whirled at who it could be and he desired to get away from them no matter what. Harry struggled and eventually got out of the man's grip. He spun around and landed a good punch to the person's jaw. He jumped back and got into fighting position before he froze.
"You know, I thought you would at least be 'happy' to see me. I never thought you would punch me…" came the dark, deep voice of one mocha skinned friend of him. He stood from his spot on the ground and brushed himself off.
"Xemnas!" Harry yelled. Severus was slightly happy that he put up the silencing charms before everyone arrived. "What the fuck? I told you not to sneak up on me!" Harry huffed and turned away from the other. Xemnas only smiled and opened him arms.
"Does it really matter now? You already hit me," Xemnas said. "Besides, I went through a lot of trouble just to come see you. To think I just came here to be punched…" Xemnas gave a mock pout and rubbed his cheek.
"You shouldn't have come!" Harry chastised, turning around to face the other. "If Saïx catches you here, you'll have a lot of explaining to do." Xemnas came closer to Harry, still smiling.
"I'm the Superior. I won't have to explain anything to him," Xemnas countered.
"That doesn't matter!" Harry argued. "He will still be suspicious, if he isn't already. Number I, you know how hard it was to control the first rebellion. If a second one comes with Saïx at the forefront, I don't think I'll be able to contain it!" Xemnas sighs. "Don't come here again unless it is of the utmost importance!" Xemnas cringed a little. There it was again… That sweet melodic sound if Harry's voice. Xemnas, if he could, despised the sound. He wanted to please Harry when he heard it, but something in him fought against it every time. It made it to where he could say:
"No," Xemnas replied. Harry gazed at Xemnas and gave a frustrated growl.
"How do you always do that?!" Harry yelled. "Is it just some impulse in you that tell you to not do as you are told? Do you always have to be the one giving commands and not taking them?" Harry growled again went to the door. Xemnas rushed over to him and plucked him up quicker that he could protest and brought him over to the fireplace. He sat down in the armchair with a squirming Harry in his arms. "Let me go, you insufferable git!" That sweet melodic voice came out and Xemnas could only smile. His arms tightened around the other in an overpowering embrace.
"No," Xemnas replied, knowing how much it irritated the other. Harry always looked so cute when he was angry. Xemnas just couldn't control the urge to make the raven flustered or just ruffling his feathers. When the other began to struggle more and more, Xemnas reached up and pinched his cheeks and said, "Calm down, little bird. I just needed to speak with you. Now stop squirming and I'll stop pinching!" Harry glared up at the tan man and folded his arms with a huff. "There we go." Xemnas released his hold over Harry's cheeks only to wrap his arms around the teen's waist.
"You fucking asshole. I hate you. Go die, you fucking bastard," Harry spat as he leaned his head back against Xemnas's chest.
"Such a foul mouth. Perhaps I should wash it out with soap," Xemnas teased. Harry's glare sharpened.
"Shut up," Harry answered. "What the hell do you want?" Xemnas just smiled and leaned down, resting his head on Harry's shoulder.
"I wanted to talk to you. I just told you. Were you not listening?" Xemnas asked cheekily. Harry elbowed him.
"You know what I meant!" Xemnas just sighed, not deterred by the fact that he was just elbowed in the ribs. In fact, he really didn't feel it.
"That brat is trying to find us," Xemnas informed. Harry's expression turned serious and he turned to Severus.
"Leave us. Take Replarry III with you," Harry ordered. Xemnas sighed as he heard the sweet voice again. He saw Snape smiled, a rarity even in the most humorous of times, and beckoned a teenager to come out of the shadows. The boy bounced over to Snape and smiled brightly. Harry turned to the replica of himself and continued. "Look unhappy for the rest of the class period and until we can switch again. Make it look like you are angry with Severus." Replarry III nodded and put on his most upset look. "Good job. Now go." Soon they were left alone.
"You know, I'm still amazed that you name those things. How many have you had?" Xemnas asked.
"Nineteen," Harry replied bluntly. "I pray that there will not be a twentieth replica made." Xemnas smiled at Harry's use of words and chuckled deeply.
"You are something else," Xemnas chuckled. Harry squirmed when he felt the vibrations at his back. Xemnas's breath hit his ear and he felt his face heat up. Harry felt the change and wondered why it happened. He didn't blush intentionally, so why was his cheeks covered in a light dust of pink.
"So what were you going to say about the brat?" Harry asked, hanging his head to hide his blush. Xemnas didn't question his actions but did look at him curiously.
"Why do you call him a brat, little bird? You two are the same age after all," Xemnas asked. Harry felt his cheeks begin to burn at the mention of his nickname, but it did not last long. Harry didn't like to be compared to that brat.
"I call him a brat because he is a child at heart! He doesn't know anything about the true working of the world and he is always handed the things he needs! He is a spoiled bloody brat!" Harry hissed. Xemnas's eyes widened in shock. He could feel the tension rise in the room as Harry's apparent 'anger' was rising. He rubbed little circles on Harry's hips to calm him down, to try and sooth the beast in his little raven.
"Har-" Xemnas tried but the room grew dark many candles blew out and the temperature dropped drastically.
"Don't...DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Harry screeched and several jars busted as well as lamps. Xemnas held onto Harry tighter, shielding him from the debris.
"I'm sorry. Okay? I'm sorry, Ahrxri," Xemnas said as he burrowed his head into Harry's neck. "I know the name infuriates you. I should have known better. But, these people here do not. They say your name and idolize this facade that they have created for you. It must be torture to hear that name everyday..." Xemnas tightened his grip almost painfully around Harry. "You must have been holding in that rage, my little bird," Xemnas whispered against Harry's neck. The change was almost instantaneous. All the tension left the other's body and the temperature raise, almost like breathing life back into the room.
"I have..." Harry whispered, suddenly feeling drained. He sank into his friend's embrace and gave a soft smile, a genuine smile. "Thank you..."
"For what?" the silver-haired man asked, breathing in Harry's scent. He didn't dare do more than that. He did not push the boundaries of their friendship.
"For being here." Harry replied then shifted around so that he straddled Xemnas's lap and curled up to his chest. Xemnas raised his head so that it could rest on the teen's head. They stayed like this for a few minutes before Harry piped up again. "So... What was it you wanted to tell me about that Sora brat again?" Xemnas growled at the mention of him.
"Sora has been trying to stop us for a while now, as we both know. However, he has grown increasingly persistent. He has thwarted us at Hollow Bastion, as well as Beast's castle. What's worse is that he has seen Roxas on one of his mission in the Twilight Town. Your recon team has found that Sora is desperately trying to find Roxas and speak to him. I don't know how he found out, but he knows that Roxas is his Nobody," Xemnas reported. Harry scoffed and wrapped his arms around Xemnas's neck.
"You and I both know that such a thing is not true. They look nothing alike," Harry commented. "But, I will not deny the fact that Roxas did come from Sora's heart. Though, it is an undeniable fact, I have come to believe that Roxas has a heart of his own. Do you not think the same?" Xemnas made a noise of agreement.
"Not only I, but there have been other members who have noticed," the dark skinned man replied, letting his hands rest on Harry's back. Harry could feel the warmth of the touch. It sent a strange sensation though him as the warms seemed to travel up his spine. He tried to ignore it as best he could. Now was not the time to think about such things.
"We must tread lightly. If Roxas becomes too uncomfortable around us, he may feel the need to leave and seek out Sora. We must find some way to assure Roxas that he is his own person and not Sora's Nobody. With this he wouldn't feel the need to leave. If you find a way to do that it will help us tremendously. Also, I need you to send two people on missions now. If the boy is becoming stronger, I don't want to risk losing our dear members," Harry ordered, only this time there was no melodic tone signifying his use of his power. It was just him. Xemnas smiled. He knew that it was his way of asking, instead of commanding.
"You know..." Xemnas began, changing the subject. "We are eventually going to have to tell them all."
"Tell them what?" Harry wondered.
"We will have to tell them who the real Superior is," Xemnas said. He could feel Harry's scowl at the thought.
"I hope you do not mean anytime soon," Harry snapped.
"No. Only when you are ready," Xemnas murmured into Harry's hair. Harry let out a soft, content moan at the feel, his scowl melting away.
"Alright. I will tell them when I believe the time is right," Harry informed. "For now, I think that we should go. I'm sure Severus is waiting for us to return."
"No," Xemnas said and clung tighter.
"What do you mean 'no'? That wasn't even a command! Are you just that dead set on defying me?!" Harry asked and began to beat his fists against Xemnas's chest, halfheartedly. Xemnas chuckled deeply at the small little tantrum, the teen's fists only tickling him.
"No. I just wished to spend more time together. I have not seen you in a while," Xemnas informed.
"It hasn't even been a week, so don't give me that bullshit. We can't even feel the emotions needed to miss another," Harry shot back, giving Xemnas an angry glare. Xemnas laughed again, ruffling the raven's hair.
"Then that means you cannot be truly angry at me either. After all, we cannot feel those emotion either," Xemnas commented, smiling brightly. Harry went silent. He pried Xemnas's arms from around his waist. Confused by the sudden change, Xemnas released his hold and eyed the smaller carefully. "What is the matter?" Harry moved away from him and stood in front of the fire, just staring at it.
"I don't think that we feel absolutely nothing…" Harry whispered. Xemnas stared on at him, wondering what could have caused this sudden change. "I believe it is possible for Nobodies to feel something."
Xemnas stared at Harry, dumbfounded. The words that left the boy's mouth circled in his mind. It repeated almost endlessly in his head while he tried to process what his raven had just said. Finally, snapping out of his dazed and speechless state, he stood with a scowl on his face. "Ahrxri, what are you saying? You and I were the first to know that we could feel nothing, absolutely nothing! We cannot feel emotions. We can feel neither hate, anger, happiness, sorrow, or…" Xemnas trailed.
"It's alright. You can say it, Xemnas. It is love. It is also true that not a single nobody can feel it. But, I have my doubts," Harry replied. "No. it is more than doubt. This tightening in my chest, this pain in my non-existent heart… I remember the feeling as sorrow. It only happens when I think about what happened when…" Harry went silent and clutched his chest. Xemnas wrapped his arms around the other, hoping to console him. He knew what Harry was referring to. Only he knew what happened to his little raven. Only him…
"It is all right, little raven," Xemnas said, hoping it was soothing the other. Harry pulled away and looked at Xemnas.
"Don't… I don't want to hurt you," Harry said softly. "You see sorrow is not the only thing I feel. When I see my attacker's face in my mind, I feel my chest tighten even more. My reason goes out the window. My eyes see red and I feel fury rise inside of me." Harry looked down at his feet, wrapping his arms around himself as he suddenly felt cold. "I do not wish to let it out on you unintentionally." Xemnas nodded.
"You said that you had a theory in mind?" Xemnas asked, changing the subject for Harry's sake. Harry nodded and leaned against the fireplace.
"Yes," Harry answered. "I believe that we Nobodies are able to feel the emotions we felt at the time of our death. You also felt anger during that time, did you not?" Xemnas merely nodded, allowing his raven to continue. "I felt anger, sorrow, hatred and I can still feel those emotions. It is all I can feel…" Xemnas waited to see if Harry would continue. When he didn't, Xemnas spoke.
"Then it is a start," Xemnas said, earning a curious look from the boy. "It will be less for Kingdom Hearts to do for us. I will allow Vexen to deliberate on this further." Xemnas stepped forward and embraced Harry tightly. "For now, I must leave. But before I go, can I get a smile?" Xemnas asked. Harry looked up and gave him his best fake smile. "You'll have to do better than that, little raven." Harry gave a confused look and was about to ask why when Xemnas moved his hands to his sides and did the unthinkable. "Hahahaha! Stop! You asshole!" Harry laughed as Xemnas began to tickle his sides. "You mother fucker! I hate you! Hahaha!"
"Such bad language. I think I will have to wash out your mouth with soap," Xemnas said as he located all of Harry's weak spots.
"Fuck you!" Harry laughed as he continued to be assaulted. When Xemnas had his fun, he let the other go, chuckling to himself as he watched the raven catch his breath. As soon as he did, Xemnas found yet another fist connect with his cheek. "Asshole!" Xemnas just sighed from his new spot on the ground.
"How am I the asshole here? You're the one who punched me. Do you even know how good of a right hook you have? I'm going to have a bruise there tomorrow!" Xemnas whined.
"Oh shut up!" Harry spat back. "You know how much I hate being tickled! You know that I tend to throw punches! You know not to do that! So, ergo, you're the idiotic arse here!" Xemnas chuckled deeply at Harry's patronizing glare.
"Touché," Xemnas conceded. "But I still don't think you're as opposed to it as you say you are." Harry's harsh glare and Xemnas's mussing was interrupted by a bell sounding. Harry's look turned neutral and a small look of sadness crossed Xemnas's face. "I suppose this is goodbye." Harry's face immediately took on a look of shock and sadness.
"Don't say that! You make it sound like you…" Harry trailed off, not trusting his voice to finish. Xemnas caught on to what the other was going to say and smiled. He stood and leaned close to Harry, giving the small boy a peck on the forehead.
"Don't worry, little raven. I will come back one day. Remember. If you ever need me, just say so," Xemnas assured and pulled away before Harry could retaliate to the stole kiss. He created a void within the room and waved goodbye before stepping into the dark abyss. Harry weakly waved back, loneliness in his eyes. When the dark wisps of the void dissipated, Harry was overcome by sadness yet again. He had come to know about these emotion a long time ago. The reason he had never admitted this before was because of his upbringing. He believed that he was the only one. He just needed more people in his organization to know for sure that he wasn't. He was proven right.
The thoughts of these emotions left a terrible taste in Harry's mouth. Every time he thought on them, he could remember it… What happened when he died was… Harry covered his mouth, feeling a wave of nausea hit him, but not hard enough to actually make him vomit. I will never tell anyone. I will sooner turn to nothingness than allow a single soul to know. If another does find out… They will die before the secret can be spread.
Harry turned to the door, hearing it open behind him. In it stood his replica, the one he specifically fashioned to hide those memories. The replica looked at him with a bright smile.
"Time to switch!" he declared happily. "I told your friends to go on ahead and that you had an errand to run. Hope that won't cause any trouble!" Harry stared at the happy bumbling person in front of him. It irritated him that the creature was so happy. Harry glared at his replica, scowling heavily. The replica saw this and was taken aback. But that was even short-lived for Replarry. Seconds later he was smiling brighter than before. "Aww! Don't look so angry! I'm sure you can think of something to tell them! After all you…." Replarry went silent. He stared at Harry in shock as he felt a menacing aura engulf him. "Harry?" he asked before he was backhanded, hard. The replica flew back, knocking over the armchair in the process. He felt his cheek throbbing painfully and he slowly brought his hand up to touch it. When he did, he noted that it had begun to bleed. But it was only a small cut. He looked back up at his original with shock and fear in his eyes. "W…Wh…" He tried but his entire jaw ached too much.
"Don't ever call me that name. You will never refer to me as that again. You will only call me Ahrxri. Have I made myself clear?" Harry began, his voice low, venom just gushing out of his voice. "Why is it… that a creature like you is allowed to have a heart? Given the fact that it was given to you by Vexen, it is still a heart. How is it you can be so happy? So full of joy?!" Harry badgered, stepping closer to his replica. "WHY?!"
Severus, who caught had heard the words being said, deduced what would come next. He silently came to the door, and he closed it quietly before his students began to arrive. It would not do for his class to see what was going on in there. He replaced the silencing charm with the same thought in mind.
Harry, who had not known that Severus had done this, slowly crept closer to his replica. He could see the fear in his eyes, see the terror and confusion. Harry felt a tightening in his chest and a sudden chill run through him. But it wasn't too noticeable. He was too busy with the replica to care. The replica could not answer his questions and he knew that. He had hit the replica hard enough to shatter his skull, but Vexen had made the thing too strong for that to happen. It only fueled Harry's fury.
"A creature like you shouldn't exist…" Harry went on, standing in front on Replarry now. He kneeled down, with a calm look on his face. He put on a bright smile that only made the replica's fear grow, and said almost without realizing it, "Look at you! You look so scared and hurt. You suffer so much…" Harry leaned closer to Replarry and reached out to touch him. As soon as Harry touched his cheek, the replica flinched, afraid of being broken in two. But Harry was persistent, he reached for the other's cheek and touched it lightly. "Shall I… end your suffering, boy?" The replicas eyes widened in terror and Harry couldn't remember what happened next.
» § «
"Where is Harry?" Hermione asked when dinner came around. Ron shrugged, but also looked a little irritated. Neville was watching the two very closely. Something was off about them. They didn't seem like their normal selves. They looked more agitated and… angry at the lack of Harry's presence. "He was just supposed to be running an errand!"
"Well, I'm sure he just got caught up, Hermione. I don't think he's done it on purpose," Neville assured. "Who knows? He may be on his way here right now!" This didn't calm Hermione down one bit.
"He still could have sent an owl or even a memo! He didn't have to just up and disappear without a word! And I doubt that he had been just 'caught up'. He's missed two classes!" Hermione growled. "Next time I see him, he is going to get the lecture of his life!" Neville snorted.
"I doubt that…" he mumbled.
"What was that?" Hermione snapped. Neville flinched a little.
"Nothing!" he said quickly before he saw Luna coming his way. "Hello, Luna! What brings you to the Gryffindor table?"
"Nothing much. I just like hanging out with you lot better than my own," she said rather bluntly. "What are you up to, Neville?" Before Neville could reply, Hermione butted in.
"Wonder where Harry is, that's what," Hermione bit. Luna and Neville both looked at her in shock. Luna looked down at her hands in her lap and went silent. Neville, furious that Hermione did such a thing, spoke up on Luna's behalf.
"Hermione," Neville began, a bit of irritation filtering into his own voice. "There is no need for the attitude. Luna was just asking a question. Just because you're angry and irritated, does not mean that you can take it out on others." At this Ron looked up with a scowl on his face, about ready to say something back when Hermione merely put a hand on Ron's arm, indicating for him to keep his mouth shut.
"I'm sorry, Neville," Hermione replied. "I didn't mean to do that. And I'm not angry, I'm just worried over Harry."
"Don't apologize to me," Neville said stiffly. "I'm not the one you hurt. And when you do apologize, come back to her when you actually mean it!" With that, Neville stood up, closely followed by Luna. They made their way to the door and unfortunately ran into Malfoy.
"Oh, look at you Neville," Draco began, having heard the altercation. "Finally grown a backbone, have you?"
"Bugger off, Draco," Neville spat. Draco was taken aback by both the use of his name and the venom in the other's words. When the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw pushed past him, he decided to go after him. Neville was angry and Luna was oddly silent and- where those tears in her eyes? Something definitely wasn't right.
Down the hall, he caught up with them. He stopped Neville and said, "Sorry, mate. Have to keep up appearances and all. Word will get back to my father if I don't." Neville eyes softened in understanding. But he went silent as well. "What happened in there?" he asked, slightly unsure if he wanted to know.
"Hermione and Ron are being prats," Neville stated. Draco stared at the taller boy in surprise. Neville then began to laugh sadly and he rubbed his eye with his palm. "Hermione snapped at Luna and tried to apologize to me. I could tell she didn't mean it and told her to come back when she did. Luna didn't do anything to her…" Draco looked at Luna and could see her fighting back tears. Draco gave her a sympathetic look. He knew that Luna had to deal with a lot of bullying because of her personality, but he couldn't recall anyone lashing at her for no reason. Adding the fact that it was one of her friends, it probably hurt her even more.
"Oh, Luna," Draco whispered and reached for her. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her into a friendly, comforting embrace. "Next time I see Granger in potions, I'm going to sabotage her potion so bad, it will be toxic," Draco promised. Luna hugged him back and lightly sobbed into his shoulder. Draco felt a tap on his other shoulder looked up at Neville. Getting the message, he let her go and she melted into Neville's embrace. After a few minutes, her sobs quieted down to a small hiccup. Luna looked up at her friends and spoke.
"If she had just waited-hic-I would have-hic-told her where-hic-Harry was…" Luna said. Neville ran his fingers through the tips of her hair to calm her down a bit more.
"Where is he Luna? I haven't seen him since the beginning of Potions," Draco wondered. When Luna had calmed down enough to speak clearly, she went on.
"I was passing by the Hospital Wing to get see if I could get something for a headache. I went inside, but I didn't see Madam Pomfrey anywhere. So when I turned to leave, I heard two people whispering. I went inside to check it out," Luna explained. "In the back, with the curtains drawn slightly, I saw Harry laying in a bed. He looked pale and was covered in blood. Professor Snape was there and looked like he was treating him, but there was another man. He had long blond hair, but that was all I could see of him."
"Covered in blood? That's not good at all," Neville commented.
"Long blond hair… The only person I know with that trait is my dad," Draco replied. "We should probably check it out." The other two nodded in agreement.
» § «
"I don't like this…" Hermione said as she paced around the empty common room. The only other occupants in the room were Ron and Ginny, and they was scowling so fierce, it would put a Malfoy to shame. "Harry becomes friends with Draco, then he goes missing, then Neville loses his mind… What is going on?!"
"That little bit with Neville might had had some help from you," Ginny spat.
"What did you say?!" Hermione roared, not concerned about being heard, since there were silencing wards in place.
"You heard me, wench!" Ginny yelled back, standing up to face her 'friend'.
"Why you little-!" Hermione tried.
"ENOUGH!" Both girls wen silent and instantly backed off when Ron stood up and put himself between them. "If we fight each other now, we'll end up tearing each other apart before the end of it all! I know you two hate each other, but put up with it for a little longer. At least until we each get our prize…" There was an uncomfortable silence between them all. Hermione broke it by changing the subject.
"I'm sorry… It is difficult, to say the least, to even function around that boy…" Hermione began. "Harry is so hard to figure out. I never know what he's thinking! Is it that way with you Ginny?" Ginny nodded.
"I don't know how to please him. He's always avoiding my advances, no matter what. Every time I try to make a pass, he finds some way to change the subject or some excuse to leave," Ginny informed. "I don't know what it is with him. It's like he's not even a hormonal teenager..."
"He acts more like a child," Ron agreed. "In fact, he acts all cute and like a little six or seven year old."
"But then he can change his attitude completely when he gets angry. It's a little scary," Hermione went on. "I never know what to say to him. I'm afraid that if I say the wrong thing, he might get angry at me or worse." Ginny and Ron both nodded. "Dumbledore has tasked us with a most demanding job, hasn't he?" They all were quiet again.
"Ginny," said Ron, firmly breaking the silence. "Find out what he likes. I don't care how you do it. Charms, potions, pull out all the stops. We need to get him to trust you, so be a secretive as possible. Hermione, try and figure out his mental state a bit more and we'll have another meeting when there's been a breakthrough. Now, I think I'll go to the kitchen and get me something. We left the Great Hall so fast that I didn't get to eat much."
When Ron left, Hermione and Ginny looked at each other. Ron didn't show it to the general public, but he was extremely smart. He was the chess champion after all.
» § «
Harry lay in the hospital wing, shut off from the world and trapped within the darkest depths of his own mind. He couldn't see any light anymore. He couldn't hear anything. He couldn't bring himself to care either… He felt safe. He felt the darkness and calm comforting. He felt that he could withstand the maddening silence, so long as he didn't have to move. Suddenly, like a switch being flipped, everything changed. Harry was surrounded by blinding light that burned his very skin. The silence turned to screams of damnation and agony, screaming around him words he dare not repeat or even admit that he had been called. His chest felt a stabbing pain with each word those and he couldn't stop it. He doubled over in pain, curling in on himself, covering his ears as the assault continued.
"Please…" Harry rasped quietly. "Make it… make it stop…" Like a little boy, Harry curled up in what felt like a corner, he didn't open his eyes for fear of the burning the light would do to him. And he dared not move again. Moving only brought more pain and more screaming. Like a little boy, he thought: If I be quiet… and I don't move… maybe they'll forget I'm here. Maybe… maybe they'll stop. Harry let one red tear slip from his eye at it all. Just one…
"It… hurts…" Harry murmured in his unconscious state. The other two occupants in the room locked their eyes on him. They noticed a small red tear slip from the corner of his eye in slight shock. Severus, who sat next to Harry's bed, reached over and scooped up the tear, examining it.
"It's blood…" he confirmed. He looked over to his colleague for some sort of explanation. He was a tall and lean with long blond hair and a few sharp features. He was rather dull to the eye if not for his bright acid green eyes.
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. When under emotional stress, one cannot help but to cry. However, it should be physically impossible for him to cry. His files say that he has no tear ducts at all," said the blond man with a strangely unconcerned tone. "Although, even when under such stress, the body will offer up the closest alternative. Yet… it is still unusual that he is crying in the first place…"
"Unusual?" Severus asked, his voice taking up a tone of annoyance. "Are you saying that he is an exception, Vexen?"
"Not exactly," said the blond. "This is very strange indeed... You see, The Superior came to me earlier and proposed a rather interesting theory. I would relay it to you, but I am sure an intelligent man like you can take a guess." Severus scowled, but nodded none the less.
"It is the theory that we can indeed feel emotions," Severus confirmed. "You are saying that Potter is able to feel sorrow because it was one of the last emotions he felt when he died. Why on earth would he feel sad? We both know that he was murdered."
"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying and if you want to know the answer to that question, you will have to ask him," Vexen shot back. "But if I were you, I wouldn't. Not unless you want to face that fury..." Vexen gestured to the other bed across with the curtain drawn so none other than them could see its occupant. Even then, you couldn't really tell what it was. All one could see was a bloody mop of black hair and blood. The life had long since been drained out of it. "You witnessed firsthand what happened when the boy unleashed that power unto it. Would you really risk that?"
"Are you asking me why I would risk my own life for the sake of sating my curiosity?" Severus snarled, standing to stare the other in the face. "Or are you so blind that you cannot see the pain that this boy suffers from?!" Vexen said nothing for the longest of time, waiting for Severus to calm.
"We are all in pain, Number XIV," he replied, finally breaking the silence. "Did you think you could just fix us all up? Some of us are too far gone to be fixed. Even if you could help the others, I cannot guarantee that they would be as forthcoming as you would expect." Understanding flooded Severus's features and he backed away slightly. "We all have our skeletons, Severus. Best not to drag them out of the closet or else some…" Vexen's gaze shifted back and forth from Harry and the remains of his replica. "…Some might rip yours from your body."
Severus's eyes also shifted from the seemingly unharmed boy to the bloody pulp on the other bed. Severus really didn't wish to look closer at the corpse and he didn't have to in order to understand Vexen's meaning. He did remove the remains himself of course. But he had no choice but to move them here. The hospital wing was about the only place that wasn't being monitored by a portrait, as well as his office. But, he really didn't want to have an even bigger mess to clean up. Well… to be quite honest, he just didn't want the mad scientist in front of him around any of his belongings, lest he do something to them is some form of experiment.
"I trust you have all his measurements," Severus stated. "Now please get to work about making a new one. I will inform Umbridge that Mr. Potter cannot attend his detention tonight. Also…" Severus looked back at the bloody remains. "You can take that thing with you to experiment on. I don't care what happens to it." Vexen gave a very big evil grin.
"Very well. I should have his replacement done by the end of the day," Vexen assured.
"Make sure that you do," Severus ordered. "We don't want his dear friends to worry about him." Severus allowed himself to chuckle just a bit while Vexen burst into an insane laughter. "Now, go. Poppy will be back at any moment. If she were to see you, then we would be in a lot of trouble."
"Yes, she would trigger some sort of alarm before you could wipe her memory," Vexen agreed, striding over to the remains of the replica. Severus turned around, not wishing to see how the other was going to take the remains. "See you at the castle." Severus could hear and feel Vexen's evil smile.
Severus heard Vexen create a dark corridor and disappear. Once Vexen was gone, Severus cast some cleaning charms and called for his house elf, Ditsy, to bring him some clothes. He used magic to change Harry's clothes. When he was done he wiped away Harry's red tears again. He didn't dare rouse Harry for fear of what would happen. Severus stopped… Fear? I suppose that is what I felt when I died. I can't quite recall what happened, but I remember some of how I felt… Severus thought. He looked down at Harry and brushed back the hair that was in his eyes. What happened, Harry? This is the first time you've hurt one to this extent… Why? Suddenly, he saw a small glint in the corner of his eye and he sharply turned around. He saw nothing. He searched around the room and there was nothing there. I could have sworn that I saw something.
» § «
Luna, Neville, and Draco were all on the seventh floor gasping for breath. They could not believe what they had just heard. Well, more like they could not understand it. Harry was laying on the bed, from what they had seen. They had briefly seen the other man as well, but they also heard every word. To say they were confused would be an understatement.
"Let's go to the Room of Requirement. That's probably the best place to talk about this," Neville suggested.
"The Room of what?" Draco asked, never hearing about such a thing before. Neville just grabbed his wrist, rolling his eyes. Luna smiled for a second at him and filled him in.
"The Room of Requirement was designed to provide students with whatever they needed when they asked for it," Luna explained.
"So, if I were to ask it for a bottle of Firewhiskey, I would just give it to me?" Draco wondered, allowing the two to drag him down the corridor.
"Well, no. Not to a minor," Neville corrected. "If an adult were to ask, then yes. That's the general idea."
"And someone knew where we were, they could just ask it where, right?" Draco queried.
"Not if we ask it to make sure we stay hidden," Luna informed. When they had arrived, they just stared at the wall.
Draco was about to ask why they were staring at a wall, when Neville stepped forward and walked in front of it three times. After the third time, Draco could see a door begin to etch itself out of the wall. It was large with intricate designs in it. Draco stared in awe. There was such a room up here and it took him five years to find out about it. When the door was etched out completely, Neville yanked it open and dragged the other two inside. Inside the room were chairs, and glasses of tea as well as a fireplace. Draco curled up in the only green chair, while Neville took the Red one and Luna took the purple one. The Malfoy heir took up his cup and gladly took a sip of it.
"So, did you hear the same things I did? Draco asked. The other two nodded, taking their cups in their hands. "What the hell was that all about?"
"I don't know. But there clearly isn't something right about it all. They spot like there was another person there," Neville commented.
"There probably was," Luna said. "There were two beds that were curtained off." Draco thought about this for a while. He was still stunned from the information, trying to process what was going on. They could figure the other person out later. But… that tear…
"You both say him, right? He was crying," Draco started. They both nodded before he could continue. "No tear ducts… When… how… Why?" Neither Neville nor Luna spoke. They didn't know either, and they were unsure that they wanted to know.
"Did you… recognize that man, Dray?" Neville asked. Draco shook his head.
"I've never seen him before. Not even in the Death Eater records my father once showed me," Draco answered. Lucius Malfoy had shown his son the records so that he would know what he was up against and be prepared. Draco had made a point to study them thoroughly and prepare himself for the worst, if it ever came. "How was it he was able to enter and leave the castle unnoticed? That's my biggest question. Even before Luna arrived into the Great Hall, none of the teachers slipped off or spoke to Dumbledore in a suspicious or concerning way. How did that guy get in?"
"That's what we're all wondering," Luna began. "But, that laugh of his was terrifying. He didn't sound human at all. And when they spoke about feeling, it sounded like they really couldn't tell what it felt like to feel. It was like they had no emotions at all. It's weird because Professor Snape always acts so angry around everyone."
"I believe that is the key word here, Luna," Neville began. "He acts like he is angry. I don't think that's the case. But, I'm certainly worried about what they were saying when they talked about feeling. All I got out of that was that Harry died at some point and now all he can feel is the feelings he had felt when he died."
"That's what I got out of it, too," Draco agreed. Then it dawned on Draco. His eyes widened, his skin paled considerably and he set down his cup before he could drop it. "Oh. Merlin."
"What is it, Dray?" Luna asked curiously, not really seeming to be bothered by it all. From the boys' point of view, she seemed to be taking this in a more logical way than they were. She seemed to be viewing it as a mystery.
"That man… warned Uncle Sev not to go snooping or skeletons," Draco whispered, feeling cold.
Neville looked at him encouragingly, saying, "Yes, he did. But I didn't quite understand what he meant."
"He said that if Uncle Sev went snooping in the wrong places or else someone might rip out his," Draco said, nearing hysterics. What had his godfather gotten himself into?
"I do recall him pausing a moment before he continued," Luna offered. "I was almost like he was either looking for the right words to say or his attention was diverted."
"Yes…" Draco went on. "I think his attention was diverted. Uncle Sev had looked away as well." Draco gulped and wrapped his arms around himself, trying to reject the idea forming inside his head. "It looked like he was looking at… the other bed." Neville and Luna's eyes widened at the thought.
"You think that there was a… corpse in that other bed?" Neville asked carefully breaking into a cold sweat. Then the men's words began to echo into his mind. "Are you saying that Harry-?
"Harry killed someone," Luna finalized. "That is the only explanation I can come up with. Harry killed a person and Professor Snape and that man called Vexen are going to cover it up. However, the only other thing I want to know is: Why? Why is Professor Snape helping Harry and how this Vexen man is tied into all of it?" Neville and Draco both stared at the girl, who was normally so out in her own world, as she summed up the last bit with a sharp and intelligent look within her eyes. "If it will help, I will look up creatures who fit the description. I know that there are some creatures who cannot feel emotions, but I think we need to find specifics in this case. We can't go around assuming anything. So let's keep an open mind."
"You're right, Luna," Draco agreed, finding some control over his own emotions. "Let's not assume just yet that Harry killed someone until we get all the facts. Also, before we leave here today, we need to all agree that we shouldn't speak about what we have seen." They all nodded in agreement and set their cups down. Once their nerves had calmed, they left the Room of Requirement.
» § «
…TO BE CONTINUED...
» § «
