» § «

Chapter 4

» § «

Severus was irritated. Not only did he have to deal with incompetent students the entire day, but he was suddenly called into the headmaster's office as well. Apparently, his master's absence had been noticed. Now he was sent to go find the boy. He knew where he was. He also knew where the bloody replica was. Severus growled as he rounded the corner with his lamp.

It had turned dark now. He quietly sent a Dancer to go look for Potter and give him a message. In the letter it explained the situation as well as where he should meet him. He also told the boy that he should watch out for Umbridge again, now that she knew only part of the truth, as well as most of the other Death Eaters. Severus sighed, stopping just outside the Room of Requirement. He pulled out his wand and put out the lamp. He waited a few moments.

Severus's brow furrowed. Potter should have been here. He should have shown himself as soon as he put out the lamp. Why wasn't he here yet? Did someone else find him? Severus felt dread creep up his spine as he waited in the shadows. As he waited, he noticed someone coming up the hall. Calling forth darkness to cover him, Severus hid in the corner and observed. As she drew nearer, the door to the Room of Requirement began to appear. Severus was also able to get a better look at her. Luna Lovegood? One of Potter's companions? What I she doing up here this late? Severus wondered. As she passed his corner, he felt relieved that he wasn't noticed. Yet, he was able to notice something about her. Something was off, to say the least. She looked like she was panicked and even a little shocked.

Severus watched as she went up to the door, almost like a zombie. When she got there she knocked in a curious way. Then she opened it. Severus waited until she was inside before he moved any closer. Still using the darkness he tried to catch the door, but it shut in his face. Cursing softly, he used his element to rid the room of sound blockers. Then he amplified the sounds within just enough for him to understand what was being said.

"It's all right, Lulu. No matter what, it'll be okay," came a voice from the other side, one obviously male. Is that Draco? Severus asked himself. There was an eerie silence for a few moments before he heard Luna speak.

"No. I won't," she said.

"Lulu, what do you mean?" came another boy's voice. Neville? What are these three doing together so late? Severus briefly remembered how he had seen these three more and more often together inside the Great Hall as well as various other places. He supposed that they were companions with each other. Shaking his head, Severus cleared his mind to concentrate on the task at hand. He needed to listen, something in him told him that he had to listen to what was going on.

"Your grandmother sent you a letter, Nev. She has the information that you requested," Luna informed, sounding more mystified than ever. "I got a little nosy. I opened it because I thought that since we were going to find out what was in it anyway, it would be fine."

» § «

Neville stood from his seat, and slowly walked over to his friend. She raised the letter and offered it to him. He took it and realized that this letter was all there was. This was the research that his grandmother had sent. Just one page… Was that all there really was? As he looked at the letter, contemplating if this was all there was, Draco went to Luna and gently lead her over to a comfortable chair next to the fireplace.

Neville pulled his eyes away from the letter and went to join them. He sank himself into the chair across from Luna. Draco called a house elf and ordered some tea. Once they had the tea, he handed a cup Neville and sat on the coach, closer to Luna.

"Well? What does it say?" Draco asked, clutching tightly to the cup in his hands. He had no idea why he was so nervous, but he chalked it up to the anticipation of the news. Neville set his cup down on a conjured table and cleared his throat. Picking up the paper, he began to read.

"Dear Neville, I realize that this is not much, but it is all the information that is available to the research committee. This is all the information there is and I mean it," Neville began. He looked up and his eyes met with Draco's for a brief moment. "Nobody Report. Our recent studies on Veela containment have shown the following: severe depression, illness, fatigue, and desperation. It has been shown that Veelas who do not fly or experience freedom for a certain amount of time (dependent on the Veela), will feel a desperate need to leave. If denied this need, they grow depressed and ill. Soon the illness takes over their bodies, making them unable to move. The fatigue spreads throughout the body, starting from their limbs and ending at their…" Neville stopped, looking like he was going to be sick. With a little encouragement from Draco, he went on. "Ending at their hearts." Draco gasped.

"They… they k-killed Veelas to find th-this out?" Draco stuttered. Neville said nothing. He just looked back down at the letter. "And what do they mean by 'Nobody Report'? Does that mean that nobody was supposed to find out about it?"

"No," Neville answered. "The rest of it is at the bottom. It says: After the Veela dies, it disappears. It disappears into darkness. Then it reappears sometime later as something else. We captured this new specimen and are continuing to run tests. However, the first tests have confirmed that these creatures have no hearts whatsoever. They have no emotions or even competence. The last study showed that it is possible for these new 'Nobodies', as we have named them, to appear as their old selves, save a few minor differences. They go through a haze like process, where they are unable to disobey an order, yet are even barely able to comprehend that order. After a little while, the specimen comes out of this haze and seems to have compete understanding of what is going on. The memories of their previous life seemed to have returned to them as well, but only in the more evolved specimens. Unfortunately, it has also come to our attention that some of the Nobodies that we have collected outside of our select specimens have proven to not all be of Veela relation. Current studies are in progress on trying to find if these Nobodies are possible threats against the Ministry as well as a way to reverse their condition." Neville stopped again and took a deep breath. "I hope this was of use to you, Grandson. Love, your grandmother."

They took several moments to take this in. This was one of the most sickening things they had ever heard. Not only that, it seemed surreal. It seemed impossible. But, in the end, it was not that they could not believe this new information. It is just that they did not want to believe it. They all remembered that incident earlier in the year, the one in the hospital wing. They were beginning to put pieces together that they just found out that they did not want to.

They all looked at each other. Silently conversing, they all began to debate. This was Harry they were talking about. Harry was the nicest person they had ever known. He had a temper, he worried over them all the time. He laughed with them. And yet… they had never seen him cry. Harry never talked about his personal life. Sure he let things slip once and a while, like how he was only allowed to do certain things, how he had a tight curfew, and how he always got up at the crack of dawn. Now that they thought about it, Harry didn't really give any more than that.

"It said that these Nobodies don't have feelings, right?" Draco asked. He just got a soft nod in return. "But, Harry has always shown emotion. He's in bloody Gryffindor for crying out loud! All Gryffindors are emotional messes- no offense Neville."

"If the shoe fits," Neville said and picked up his tea again. He downed it all in one go, silently wishing it was a strong brandy. "Let's not go about making assumptions just yet. We still don't have the other records yet. We'll need them before we go piecing things together. This is one puzzle we shouldn't try to mash pieces together. We need to be sure that each piece is correct before we let them all fall into place."

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Nev," Luna said, giving an apprehensive smile. She was still worried. "I should be getting those records soon. But, it probably won't be until after the holidays. But…"

"You're worried," Draco finished. "You're worried that our assumptions are true. Now you're thinking that you don't want to know the answer." They both stared at him for a moment, then smiled in unison.

"Well, good to know that Luna is rubbing off on you," Neville teased. "I swear, it's weird enough to deal with one analytical person. But, two? You two will probably be speaking for me before the month is up." This had both the blonds laughing and with that he stood up and went to join Draco on the couch. Luna did the same, summoning a blanket to cover them all. They were all tired and would think about this in the morning. They had plenty of time to work through this new information. But, one question was still haunting them.

"How long have these creatures been around? I know that the Ministry is just starting to realize that they exist, but how long have they been living under the Ministry's nose?" Neville wondered.

"Who knows? I think the only one who really does, would be the first one ever created," Luna answered.

» § «

Severus backed away from the door in shock. They were investigating the Nobodies? The Ministry knows of their kind? This was definitely a problem that he needed to speak with his master about. He was not going to be happy about this. Severus briefly wondered if he should send someone else to tell him. Yeah. That was a smart idea. Perhaps Xigbar? He was the perfect candidate for the job! Potter would kill him and everything would be great! The news would be broken, they could them formulate a counter-plan, and they would also be out of an annoying piece of sh-

"Severus," said a voice right behind him. Severus, as much as he hated to admit it, jumped back in surprise and fear. Potter was here now and looking a little too calm for his tastes. Before he could stop himself, he banished his enchantments and spoke.

"Sir, how much did you hear?" he asked, although he could already take a guess.

"Enough," he said. Yep. That meant that he heard practically all of it. "I will converse with Xemnas about this new development the next time I am able to meet with him. I will need you to go to Vexen and have another replica made. This time, I will also need a device that will allow me to transfer the trace from me to the replica. As soon as that is done, I might as well come back to the castle permanently. But, as I said, I will converse with Xemnas at a later date about this. For now…" Harry held out his wrists and smirked. "My big bad professor must take me in for questioning." Severus quirked a brow at that, making Harry frown and put his hands on his hips. "Wow, no sense of humor… Come on. Let's go get this shit over with." Harry began to walk down the hallway, back the way he came.

» § «

"And I do believe that is checkmate, my friend," Tom said, smiling. The replica before him frowned, scanning the board. Finding that he had no moves left he let out a growl.

"No way! Even though I'm his replica, I still suck at chess!" he whined. "Can we play another game?" Tom blushed lightly at the sight of the boy in front of him. It was so amusing to watch the boy. One minute he would be spiting fire and the next he would be timid and bashful. It was endearing to Tom. Tom shook his head hard at that. He had to get information out of this replica, not think about how cute he was.

"Alright. But, you have to tell me the names of your superiors," Tom said. The other grew silent and hesitant quickly. He seemed afraid. Then he recalled what the raven haired boy had said only hours ago. No matter what you do to me… I will fear him more than I fear you... Tom frowned, then suddenly took the boy's hand into his. "No matter what happens, I will make sure that no one touches you. I will protect you from them. But, I can't do that unless you tell me everything you know about them." The boy was still hesitant. But, he had taken to watching the chess pieces crawl back onto the board and repair themselves instead of looking at his feet.

"They…" he began, albeit slowly. "They are numbered according to when they joined the organization. The Organization's name is Organization XIII. Original. I know." The replica allowed himself to smile a little at his own joke. Tom also gave a snort, motioning the boy to make his first move in the chess game. "He hides as one of the latest members. He goes by Number XV, but he created the Organization. I was never told when, but I have a feeling that it was a while back. Then there's the Superior. He is Number I, he and the creator, I think, are friends."

"What makes you say that?" Tom asked, moving a piece himself.

"Well, they like to spend a lot of time together. They fight like Hell, they make up, they're fine again, and then they fight again. It's almost like they're lovers," the replica commented without thought. "The Superior's name is Xemnas. Every single one of their names has an 'x' in it. It symbolizes their change. They no longer have hearts, therefore they are no longer the same people they used to be. They also seem to control a specific element when they are created."

"Whoa. Slow down there," Tom spoke. "You say that they do not have hearts. How do you mean? How are these people 'created'?"

"Well," the replica bit his lip, thinking. He moved a piece and then continued to speak. "You can't expect a person who has faced a terrible horror to come out unscathed, unchanged. People can become a heartless person, a Nobody if you will, but they need a little persuasion to do so. The only way to become a Nobody is if you experience something severely traumatic and die right after. My original… he was the original. Nobodies only began to appear from all over after he did. But, that memory was erased from me. I don't know what happened to him to make him a Nobody. Though, it's safe to say that most of the time, it takes another person to kill the person who becomes a Nobody." Tom froze. That sounded familiar, yet wrong somehow. He remembered hitting the boy with the killing curse, but he had the feeling that said incident was not the cause of it.

"You still haven't explained why they do not have hearts," Tom reminded.

"Oh, yeah! I forgot that…" the replica said. "Naturally, when a person dies, their heart leaves them. With it, goes all their emotions. So these people can kill all they want and feel nothing for it. And yet, they still feel certain emotions…" The replica looked up at the older man, smiling. He saw his confused look and went on to explain. "It has recently been proven that they can feel select emotions. These emotions are the only ones they felt when they died. And it's true," the replica went on, continuing to see Tom's confused look. "I mean… How do you think the last replica died? Ahrxri killed him out of pure rage…" Something clicked in Tom's eyes, something that the replica couldn't decipher.

"Arks rye?" Tom questioned slowly.

"Well, you got the pronunciation down. But, it's spelled A-H-R-X-R-I. It's what my original's name is," the replica said. "Then Xemnas joined the Organization, followed by Xigbar, Xaldin, Vexen, Lexaus, Zexion, Saïx, Axel, Demyx, Luxord, Marluxia, Larxene, Roxas, and Evesruxs. From what I learned while I was at their castle, Vexen has the power over the Ice element. Fits his nature perfectly. Marluxia, he kinda stands out. He had pink hair and controls flowers. I always call him a pansy because of it. Then there's Zexion. He's an illusionist, and a strong one at that. So, be careful. That's all I'm really able to think of right now."

"That's perfectly fine," Tom assured. "You don't have to try to tell me everything in one sitting. It's not like you won't have tomorrow to tell me about it." Tom gave him a nice smile that made the replica blush darkly. "By the way, I do believe that is checkmate again." The blush disappeared instantly and was replaced with a cute frown.

"You have got to be kidding me…" the replica said.

"Nope. Now, before you go off to bed. I have a question to ask you," Tom said, putting his elbow on the table and crossed his legs, looking at his companion expectantly. "If they go by numbers there, are you referred to as Number XXI or, since you are not officially a member, do you have a different name?" They boy flushed again and tried his hardest to look anywhere but the dark haired man before him.

"I… um… The O-original did g-give me a n-n-name," he stuttered.

"Then what is it?" Tom pressed, loving making the other uncomfortable. The replica murmured something unintelligible and Tom smirked. "Sorry? What was that? I didn't quite hear you. You might want to speak up if you ever want me to understand you." The boy gave him a cute glare before heaving a sigh of defeat.

"H-H- Harlica…" he replied softly. "It's a combination of his old name and 'replica'. It's a form of humiliation… And a reminder that we are beneath him…" Tom stared at the embarrassed boy in curiosity and pity… No. It was sympathy. He felt for the boy. He would not stoop so low as to give pity where it was unwanted.

"I kinda like it," Tom said suddenly before he could repress himself. The replica gazed at him with beautifully big green eyes and he gulped. "Well, it doesn't necessarily have to mean all of that. You could give it a new meaning. And if it's too painful, you could change it altogether. I don't care. I'm sure I'll like whatever you suggest." After a few moments of silence, the replica answered.

"You can call me that…" he stated, breaking the silence. "But, I don't want anyone else to. To everyone else… I want to be called J."

"J?" Tom asked and took a moment to think about it. "Alright. I think that will be just fine. J it is."

"Thank you," J smiled, standing.

"No. It is I who should thank you, J," Tom corrected.

» § «

Harry was shoved into the seat in front of Dumbledore's desk almost immediately upon entering the room. Scowling briefly at Snape for show, he then looked around the room, finding that now only was Dumbledore there, but so was the rest of the Order. Harry's confusion was almost genuine. But, he had a fleeting thought of what that was about.

"Harry, my boy," Dumbledore began, the damned eye twinkling brightly. "I am so glad we have found you. Where have you been?"

"Er… I hanging around the Room of Requirement in one of the alcoves. Why? Is something the matter? Does it have to do with Voldemort?" Harry questioned, making his voice sound hopeful, yet serious, a feat that he mastered long ago. Dumbledore's eyes darkened.

"No, Harry. You needn't concern yourself with those matter just yet. But, you did give us a scare. Hermione and Ronald came up earlier because they could not find you. Where you in that alcove all day?" Dumbledore replied. Harry cocked his head in that endearing way that people seemed to like.

"Um… I suppose so. I might've fallen asleep there at some point. One minute I was sitting in the alcove, working on my Transfiguration essay, the next I have Sna- I mean Professor Snape- shaking me awake. Sorry I worried you all," Harry lied, putting his head down in shame. Dumbledore seemed to accept this lie.

"It is quite all right, Harry. But, I must insist that you do not go anywhere alone now. Voldemort is still out there and we believe that he will stop at nothing to have you. He may be using his influence on some of the student's parents to manipulate some of the students to give you over to him," Dumbledore said seriously. "You would be much safer if you are with either Ginny, Ronald, or Hermione at all times." Harry stared at Dumbledore for a moment, his face completely blank.

"No."

The entire Order looked at him like he was crazy. Dumbledore was the most taken aback. "Wh-what?"

"I said 'no'. I won't do it," Harry said plainly, looking Dumbledore in the eye. Harry smiled inwardly. So far, everything was going according to plan. Harry put up a face of concern and bashfulness before he went on. "I'm sorry, Headmaster. I'm sure this is a terrible shock and everything, but it's not really a case of I don't want to, but more of a case of I can't. I just…" By this time, one of Harry's hands had made its way to twist of his unruly locks around his finger. Harry's eyes met with the floor, just off to the right of his feet in an insecure gesture. "I just don't think I can be friends with them anymore."

"Wh-what?!" this time, it came from Molly Weasley. Harry briefly scowled on the inside. Honestly, are these people all a broken record? Harry thought. "Why?"

"Harry, we've been your friends since first year!" Ron chimed in.

"Harry Potter! You're talking nonsense! What have we done to make you do this? Tell me that!" Hermione demanded.

Now Harry preferred their reactions to Ginny's. Anger he could handle, when it came from other people. But, that soft little "Harry" that came out of Ginny's mouth fueled the fire that constantly existed when he was around these people. He snapped his head to the trio to his left and scowled heavily.

"I'm the one talking nonsense? What have you done?" Harry began, his anger seeping easily into his words. "I'm standing here listening to your questions, shocked that you even have the gall to ask them! Let me rephrase your question for you, Miss Granger. What haven't you done?!" That got them to shut up. "You all hate me. I can see it in your eyes no matter how you try to hide it. I've see that hate grow over the years. And don't you dare try to tell me that I am mistaken because I have seen that look more times than I can count from my so called 'relatives'."

Harry rounded on Ron. "Mr. Weasley, you have always been more than irritated when I showed interest in any class other than Charms, Transfiguration, or Defense. You have major jealousy issues that have not improved over the years that I have known you. You make jokes that are completely insensitive about the Slytherins as well as any other person you do not feel is of the light. You care about nothing but yourself and bloody QUIDDITCH! There is more to life than a bloody sport that could kill you!

"Miss Weasley, don't think I haven't noticed your not-so-little advances on me. For one, we are both too young to do that kind of shite. Since you're younger than me, you shouldn't even be thinking about it. You can't seem to realize that I am NOT INTERESTED! And just to put it out there, I don't even think about that. Personally, I don't even think I'll ever consider doing such an act with anyone! And you, of all people, will not, and cannot, change that. I have more important things to worry about than a bloody girlfriend or sex. Not even with the influence of bloody love potion-yes, I saw what you put in my pumpkin juice the other day- or charms, or whatever the hell else you have tried on me. I have tried to be subtle about it, however, it seems that I've had to resort to being blunt. This 'us' you seem to have in your head is never going to happen!

"And you! Hermione Granger. You have severely pissed me off these past few weeks. Now, I am a patient person, sometimes a pushover some say, but you have singlehandedly put me to the point of wishing you PHYSICAL HARM! I am not an idiot, as you seem to believe. Your constant nagging, I admit, it useful at times. However, it is unnecessary for the most obvious things. But, that is not what pissed me off. I can handle your nagging. I have for the past four years. No. It was how you've been trying to get into my head. You looking at me like I'm a little test subject, like I'm some sort of science experiment. Did it ever occur to you that I may not like people trying to get into my head? People who only wish to figure me out and use that against me? Clearly you have not noticed, but I don't want to be predictable! Even I know that if you are predictable, it would mean certain death on the battlefield. You know where I learned that, Granger? I learned that from Defense! But… Even I must let you know that I was only a little peeved when you began to do that. What caused this was the fact that you DARED TO TRY AND GET AN IDEA ON MY MENTAL STATE! I am far more intelligent than you seem to believe Miss Granger, apparently far more intelligent than you in fact. YOU HAVE TO BE THE STUPIDEST WITCH I HAVE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE OF MEETING IF YOU THINK FOR ONE SECOND THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT A PSYCH EXAM IS!"

When he stopped, he let himself take in a few much needed breaths as well as the sight before him. Not only were most of the people there shocked, even Severus, but some of them looked ashamed-mainly Ginny, Molly, and Hermione. Ginny crying quietly, not daring to move, out of fear of what Harry might do next. Ron was looking furious at Harry. Hermione looked like she was about tear up a little herself, but she was much stronger than Ginny. That and she had too much pride to let them slip. Hubris… the downfall of many a king and lord. Harry thought absently.

Harry let his gaze slip over the other order members. Oddly most of them looked absolutely shocked and gob smacked. Harry fought the urge to furrow his brow. They looked like they sincerely had no idea what the others were doing. Then Harry looked at Dumbledore and understood. The man was just sitting at his desk, too calm for the situation. And it could have just been him- but he highly doubted it with his deductive abilities- but he thought he saw a hint of anger in the old goat's face.

"Now…" Harry said, his voice a little hoarse from his screaming. "If you do not mind. I will be spending my time with Neville and his friends instead of these three traitors." Harry shot a glare at the three, thinking that he might have just enjoyed the flinch that they gave if he had a heart. "And if he does not want me, you can always find me with the Trace still on me." Dumbledore looked at his desk.

"Harry, it is most shocking to hear of these events. I will be sure to look into them. However, the Trace is exactly why we have brought you here," Dumbledore began. "It has come to our attention that the Trace has not been on you for some time now. We are awaiting the solution as of now. Naturally, we will have to place another one on you." Harry's brow furrowed further at this.

"How long has it been off of me?" Harry asked despite knowing the answer. But, he oh so loved to see the Headmaster hesitant.

"I have been informed that the trace has not been on you since… since you were seven years old," Dumbledore answered. Harry took in this information. He replayed the times he had been with the Dursleys and preformed accidental magic. He also remembered the letter he had received when he was twelve for using a levitation spell, though it had been untrue. Dobby had used the spell. He also remembered how he got in trouble over the summer for using the Patronus Charm. Then he remembered how in third year the Minister of Magic had met him at the Leaky Cauldron after he blew up his aunt. How did the Ministry know about these incidents when he did not have the Trace on him? Just as he was about to voice this concern, Dumbledore spoke again.

"I know that you must be confused, but I assure you that I will have all the answers for you in due time, Harry. There is no need to worry. Now, if you will, I will place a new Trace on you." Harry hesitated.

"Sir, isn't the Head of the Department of Surveillance of Underage Wizards supposed to perform such a spell in this situation?" Harry queried.

"Well, in this particular circumstance, she has allowed me to perform the spell myself," Dumbledore answered standing from his desk and moving around toward Harry.

"Fine. So long as I don't have to be around them, anything is fine with me," Harry said. Dumbledore nodded softly and spoke a small incantation that Harry couldn't catch. Suddenly, Harry felt paranoid, like someone was watching him, watching his every little move. That's exactly what it is. I'm not being paranoid. They will be watching my every move, more so now. Now I'll have to watch everything I do, everything I say or expose myself to. This is one difficult challenge. Harry looked briefly at Severus trying to convey the difficulty of his situation now. It seemed to have gotten through. Severus gave an imperceptible nod.

When Dumbledore was done, Harry spoke, "I suppose now I'll have to be escorted back to Gryffindor tower?"

"Yes. Since it is after hours, I'll send Severus to drop you off. I still have to speak to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Now off you go." Harry made his way to the door but was stopped by Dumbledore speaking again. "Oh, and sweet dreams, Harry." The raven haired boy had no idea why, but he felt a small shiver of fear go through him.

"You too, Professor," Harry said and quickly left.

» § «

It was midnight and Severus was doing his rounds. As soon as he checked his clock, he checked to see if anyone was around. Once he realized that he was alone and there were no portraits or ghosts around. Severus stepped into an alcove and created a dark corridor. He stepped into it and immediately appeared in the same grey room that had been known for years as practically their living room. It had been months since he had been here. A week at most since Potter had been here. But, he didn't even want to be here. He was forced to act in Potter's place, relaying command to Xemnas so that he may relay them to the others.

Their leader was not happy about the situation. He was forced to stay put while Vexen developed the technology that they needed to remove Harry's trace. It was taking up most of the icy scientist's time. So much, that Zexion was ordered to create a new replica. Severus smirked a little at the memory of the indignant expression the small man made when Vexen gave him the step-by-step instructions.

Shaking off those thoughts, he had to continue on with his original mission. He had been 'ordered' to come here by their master. He couldn't explain how it happened, but he knew what the other wanted without him saying a word. It was unsettling.

Severus looked up to see that he was not alone in the room. Xigbar was there, messing around with Demyx. Axel was sleeping on the couch, snoring away rather loudly. Luxord, one of the few people he could possibly enjoy his precious time with, was sitting down with a bottle of rum and practicing cards. Then there was Saïx. He was sitting calmly in the most comfortable chair, quietly reading a book. Severus saw no indication of what it was about on the cover or the spine. Severus ignored them all in favor of trying to get to the door unnoticed. That was an impossibility…

"Good evening, Number XIV," Saïx called before he could get halfway across the room. All heads napped up to stare at the new occupant. Severus mentally sighed.

"Good evening, Number VII," Severus replied before continuing his journey. He didn't get three steps before his path was blocked off by a certain idiot with an eye patch.

"Wow. Long time no see, Eve! How've you been?" asked Xigbar, leaning in uncomfortably close to Severus. Severus's expression remained blank.

"Better until about five seconds ago," he answered and sidestepped the other, changing his course in the process. Now, he was headed toward Luxord. Xigbar, the annoying thorn in his side, followed.

"Aw! Come on, Eve. You've got to be at least a bit curious as to how we've been doing here. You've been gone for months, just like Ahrxri," Xigbar continued.

"Yeah! You've been gone for so long, we nearly forgot about you!" Demyx piped in. Axel groaned and turned over on the couch. Everyone except Severus ignored it.

"Oh, I doubt that. And just because I am not visible to you, Number II, does not mean that I am not in the castle. Luxord, pass me a tumbler will you?" Severus replied. Luxord handed him one and gestured for the other to sit. Severus nodded and took a seat and took a long drink. "Besides, I'm not staying long. I've got to get back in about an hour or so."

"Not staying. Isn't that the Superior's call or something?" Xigbar wondered. "I don't think that you should be deciding things on your own, even on one of Xemnas's good days. I really don't think you should be doing it today because Xemnas is already pissed because of Ahrxri's absence and all." Xigbar paused only for a few seconds to look Severus up and down. Severus was about to correct him about it when the idiot went on with his little lecture. "Also, I don't think Xemnas would like to find out that you have been fucking his little toy on the side either."

Severus, who had been in the process of trying to finish his drink, froze. He stared at the sharpshooter with an expression he rarely showed anyone but Demyx. It was his famous 'am I hallucinating or did that really just come out of your mouth' look. Without saying a word, Severus threw what little he had left of his rum on the moron in front of him.

Shocked, Xigbar backed away and tried to wipe the rum off of himself. "You son of a-…" Severus snapped his fingers and Xigbar's voice went out.

"I, for one, do not appreciate being accused of such accursed acts. In case you haven't noticed, that boy is young enough to be my son, just hitting puberty actually. Not exactly my type," Severus began, smirking at the sharpshooter's reaction.

"Really?" Luxord asked. "Damn. I bet that you were interested in men."

"I am." Luxord raised a brow. "Like I said. Ahrxri is a boy. I like men. Preferably blonds." Luxord blushed at this. He grabbed his bottle of rum and began gulping it down like he was a man who hadn't seen water in weeks. Severus chuckled lowly, causing Luxord to chock a bit. He stunned both Demyx and Xigbar into silence while Saïx just rolled his eyes.

Severus stood and was about to leave the room before he got an idea. He walked over to Xigbar and suddenly clamped his hand on the other's mouth. Then he roughly kneed him in the groin. Any sound that could have come out of Xigbar's mouth was absorbed by the hand. Severus let go of Xigbar quickly and glided toward the doorway. "Bye, Number II," Severus spoke, turning around. With another snap of his fingers, a loud scream echoes into the ear of one fiery red head. Axel, pissed at being awoken, shot a glare at Xigbar before lighting his arse on fire, aided by the alcohol. Severus didn't stay long enough to take pleasure in the sight. Instead, he imagined what it must be like. Xigbar running around here and there while engulfed in flames. Severus laughed to himself as he made his way to the Superior's office.

Once there, he took notice that it was eerily quiet. More so than usual. It was… depressing. He guessed that Xemnas was sulking since he could not see the little raven. Severus rolled his eyes. Shame such a handsome man would be such a pansy. I could do so many things to him… Severus quickly shook such thoughts away. He was serious when he said he was interested in blonds. Specifically, either the cute poker player with all the time in the world, or the adorable politician that could use a good blow to the pride. Hmm… That's a rather tough decision. I think I'll try Lucy first. I'm sure Draco wouldn't mind.

Severus knocked on the door and waited to hear the strong, yet faint reply of "Enter". He opened the door and closed it behind him. He put up sound wards when he did. No one liked eavesdroppers. Severus smirked. Merlin, he was a hypocrite.

"Superior. I have a message from our lord," Severus began. "From your latest report. He wishes for you to stop playing with this Sora boy. He wants the kid to stop causing trouble, permanently." Xemnas made a small noise of acknowledgment from his desk. He himself was holding a glass tumbler full of what looked like Firewhiskey. "He also wishes for me to express to you his ideas on this. He demands that the boy be captured and detained as soon as possible. He wishes to be notified of when this occurs."

Xemnas scowled and took a long drink from the Firewhiskey. "Understood," he growled and turned away. Severus stared at him, contemplating his reaction, before continuing.

"Milord has also stressed that Sora be captured alive, and kept away from Roxas. He does not want Roxas nearly running off and disappearing again while he is… indisposed," Severus continued. He remained calm and motionless even as Xemnas slammed the glass down and glared at him.

"Fine! Luxord has informed me that he is still in The Caribbean. If you must, go and fetch him!" Xemnas snapped. Severus stood in silence as the Superior said this. Instead, he searched Xemnas's face for answers to such an outburst. He wasn't stupid. He knew it was caused by Ahrxri. However, he had no way of knowing just what had transpired between the two. It was curious.

"Sir," Severus began carefully after a few quiet minutes. "If I may… I would like to express that the silent contract demands that I be here for most of your needs. Anything within the definition of work." Severus stepped forward and placed a hand on Xemnas's shoulder. "However, being a Nobody without emotions does not constitute that one cannot care. With that said, if there is anything you need, I will be there for you."

Xemnas stared at the man with wide eyes for a few moments, trying to determine if he actually meant his words. After he fought that battle, he began another inside his mind. This one was to determine whether or not to tell his subordinate about his issue or not. Severus stood there for several minutes without an answer. He sighed and turned away. "Well, when you do wish to talk, all you need to do is send a Dusk," Severus informed, striding forward toward the door. His hand had just grasped the door knob when Xemnas spoke.

"He won't talk to me," he said. Severus took his hand off the knob and turned back to his superior.

"At the present time, he cannot speak to anyone without revealing anything about his true life," Severus clarified. Xemnas held up a hand, indicating to let him finish.

"I meant before they put that trace back on him. He wouldn't tell me," Xemnas explained.

"Wouldn't tell you what?"

"How he died," Xemnas murmured, leaning back in his chair. Severus stiffened. He remembered the last time someone had asked Ahrxri how he died. It didn't end well for that poor puppet. Severus couldn't remember her name, but he did remember that she nearly caused quite a bit of trouble for the Organization. Not to mention, asking how a person died is very personal. From his standpoint, if someone asked him how he died, it would be more insulting than asking who they were having sex with. No wonder our Lord has been in a foul mood as of late… Severus thought.

"That is very personal," he commented. "Are you sure he wasn't just insulted that you asked?"

"Gods no," Xemnas snapped, shaking his head. Severus's brow shot up.

"How do you know? Did he say something to suggest otherwise?" the dark haired man questioned. Xemnas looked away, only confirming the statement. "What did he say that set you off?"

"I did not hold any negative reservations to what he said. I was more… surprised than anything," he answered. "He asked me one question. I guess I should have guessed he wouldn't know, considering he was a child when he became a Nobody – "

"He is still a child, sir," Severus interrupted. Xemnas glared.

"Be that as it may, ever child has heard the little fairy tales and their morals and such. Even I knew the story of Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast even though I came from Radiant Gardens," Xemnas continued.

"What exactly did he ask?" Severus wondered, definitely curious as to where this conversation was headed. Xemnas sighed and looked down at the table.

"He asked me what 'love' was. However, it didn't seem like an innocent question like a child asking her parents after she has listened to a fairy tale. He seemed to have never even heard the word before. It was like he was asking for a dictionary definition than a serious emotional response," the Superior clarified. Severus's eyes widened only minimally. He thought about it for a few minutes.

It made sense that he wouldn't know what it was. He was only ever told that Potter was a child when he died. The details were tightlipped, so no one knew what happened. No one even knew how old he was when he died. In fact, he didn't show himself as a member of the Organization until they already had thirteen others. Then Severus joined and was filled in on the situation, solely on the fact that he was deemed useful in not only as a spy, but also keeping the boy reigned in to an extent. His job was to help him control his powers, should they get out of hand for some reason. That had been happening quiet a lot recently, in truth. It was getting harder and harder to control his actions.

"Would you like me to investigate?" Severus asked. Xemnas shook his head and then downed the rest of his tumbler.

"No. Best not to anger him more." Severus nodded and headed for the door. "And one more thing before you go, Number XIV. This conversation never happened."

"What conversation, sir?" Severus said before he turned the knob and left.

» § «

Harry sat on the soft grass out in front of Hagrid's hut. He avoided everyone he could for the past few days. He didn't speak much at all, in fear of his powers slipping and Dumbledore catching on to him. It caught everyone's attention, but most who knew what went on in Dumbledore's office shoved it off to him being depressed or just plain pissed off at Ron and Hermione.

He didn't speak to Neville, Draco, or Luna, but he did sit with them at meals. He didn't have to tell them what had happened. Neville already knew because Ron and Ginny threw a bitch fit as soon as they entered the common room that night. Neville had dragged Harry out of there before Ginny could curse him. Draco and Luna probably already knew from either Neville or the Hogwarts grape-vine. More than likely it was the grape-vine than Neville. Nev didn't like to spread rumors.

Harry laid back against the cold ground to cool his head. He turned his head to the side and came face to face with Fang. Harry immediately remembered the first time he heard Hagrid play that sweet tune on his flute in his first year. He remembered, for the first time in a long time, a small feeling of relaxation and happiness. This was the only reason he could stand to be around anyone at the moment. Before he left the castle, he could only tolerate Hagrid. But, he was gone. No one knew where he went. Dumbledore just used the normal excuse that he was on vacation. He had heard from Xemnas earlier on in the year about how Hagrid was partying with the giants.

Harry felt relaxed when sat outside of the homely hut. Almost like a spell, he could feel almost all the tension leave him. He turned on his side, getting into a more comfortable position. Harry didn't know when, but he slipped off to sleep.

It was dark. Harry couldn't see anything. He could hear the soft tunes of music outside and laughter, but he felt cold. He felt alone. He tried to curl up on his spot on the cold, hard ground. Everything hurt. His head… his arms… his legs… his chest… There was a painful clench in his chest whenever he thought about the possibility of being alone. He wasn't supposed to be alone. There was supposed to be someone there for him, help ease the pain, but… they took her away… Harry coughed and hacked when he felt some fluid reach his lungs. The taste of copper filled his mouth and he spit out some red liquid on the floor.

Suddenly there was a loud, ear-shattering, blood-curdling scream that shot terror through him. The scream was instantly followed by boom laughter of a crowd. "The audience…" Harry said to himself absently in fear. He flinched as more screams followed. He wanted the torment to end. Not just her torment but his as well. He didn't want to hear her screams anymore. Harry felt rage run through him at the thought of what they were doing to her. Soon the screams faded and he heard footsteps approach.

The door creaked open, revealing blinding light and a silhouette in the doorway. It was a man, whose face he could not remember. But, judging by his clothing, he was rich. The sound of his expensive shoes tapping on the stone floor confirmed that. He seemed young as well. He was able to pick Harry up by his hair alone, but that didn't really attest to anything. He was small and scrawny. He couldn't remember what his last meal was, nor the taste of it. He pulled Harry up by his hair to be face to face with him.

"You're turn, pretty boy," he said, in a voice that seemed to be a tenor. He was young. He had to be. But, Harry wasn't one to assume anything. He learned a long time ago not to. He learned from observation what people were like. And to Harry, this man was a sick bastard that he hated with a passion. This passionate hatred caused him to gather enough energy to spit in the young man's face. Harry took a bit of pride in seeing the disgusted look on his face. It was funny to see the handsome face twist and turn in the ugly one under his façade. Harry was dropped to the floor instantly and kicked in the ribs about three or four times. The man only stopped when Harry yelped in pain. "Impertinent little brat! You should be grateful that I was the one who came to get you!"

Shortly after his beating, Harry was forced to stand, despite the pain, and was led to the door. As soon as he stepped through it. The most terrifying and heart-shattering scream he had ever heard erupted and echoed around the halls.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" she screamed.

Harry shot up off the grass and gave a small shout himself. He stood up and drew his wand, ready for a fight, still in his half-awake and half-asleep mind. Once he realized that he was not in that terrible place from his dream, he sat back down and put his head in his hands. He felt Fang brush his head up against Harry's shoulder and Harry turned around just in time for Fang to decide to lick his right cheek.

"Hey! Fang!" Harry shouted as Fang pounced and licked all over his face. "Stop it! I get it! You like me! Now stop it!" With this, Fang backed off and sniffed his face. Deeming it still unclean, he went back in once again. "Fang! Yuck!" Harry decided to close his mouth after that because of a really close lick to his open mouth. Once Fang backed off, Harry glared at him. "Happy? I'm clean now," Harry grumbled and wiped off his face.

Fang just sat there, looking decidedly happy with Harry's improved mood. Then he looked past Harry and barked. Sitting up some Harry's eyes widened at the sight and was met with a sight he did not expect to ever see in this world. His eyes went wide before closing off completely.

It was the one person he didn't want to see…

...Sora…

» § «

...TO BE CONTINUED...

» § «

-NOTES-

Well now ain't this evil. I know I need to sit down and work on all of my stories. I am currently sick right now but trying to work on everything. As stated before I know everyone has read the original version of this by SXH Studios; left it hanging so I am trying to work on this a best as I can. Now the real question is how things are going to turn out. Like I stated before I merged pretty much all of SXH Studios original chapters into 4 chapters then after it will change somewhat I really hope to do this justice in my own style.