[A/N: For the millionth time I apologize for taking so freaking long to update each new chapter. This story means a lot to me but also drives me insane with how terrible and messy it was at the beginning so I have to get myself into the right mood to write for it. I promise I'll finish it, everyone. And look forward to it's three year birthday late November. The day that gives me the greatest shame. Thanks for all of your support in the meantime! And especially everyone who reviews, they are literally what pushed me to get moving on this chapter and many previous. Sorry for the long intro! On with the story! ]

"Jack..!"

Shelby's surprised cry gained the attention of those in the room, and his icy blue eyes met hers. They instantly widened and a grin broke over his boyish face. Without hesitation, he broke the gap between them and wrapped his arms around her, and she followed suit moments after.

It wasn't until they began to separate that they noticed the growing crowd. Missing the paling face of Notch, Shelby's eyes focused on that of her friend, Gordon, who stood a few inches above everyone else. She reached a hand out to him, the emotions rising in her chest rendering her unable to speak for fear of crying, and pulled him into their arms. It was only when she felt Gordon's quaking that her tears began to fall. Finally, they were together again.

A suddenly uncomfortable silence met them and one by one they turned their gaze to the people standing a distance away. Although the size of the crowd itself was not, the air of unease was intimidating. Rumors surrounding Jack and his two closest friends had spread quickly amidst such a small group, resulting in a general distrust for the three. Notch took the opportunity to step forward, his intentions targeted towards Jack.

"It's about time I start explaining, I think. You too, Jack."

Little was said as the group convened in the common room above the library. Most members sat stiffly in chairs or on the floor, unwilling to be the first to speak or make eye contact with any involved with the mess they found themselves in. Notch stood in front of everybody and had Jack and Shelby sat on either side of him. The blonde sat in his chair, his expression and posture oddly at ease. Shelby on the other hand stared hard at the floor, embarrassed by the sudden attention to herself and the brief relationship she'd had with Jack being spotlighted as such.

"For the few of you who weren't around for it," Notch started, nodding chastely at Trent, Caryn, and her sister Emma, "There was a bit of a situation a while back that revolved almost entirely on these two."

Shelby shifted in her seat, waiting tensely for a sign she was allowed to speak up.

"Before the explosion, I had collected much evidence that implied that Jack was... is a necromancer. After consulting with sources that will remain unnamed, I decided to find the swiftest and most inconspicuous way to get rid of him. Shortly after, I found he and Shelby kissing in the crafting room. My initial assumption was that somehow he'd roped her into whatever it was that he was doing."

"In a moment of panic, I admit the decision was rash, I decided to create a supposed accident to get rid of the problem. Blaming Shelby, I created an explosion intended to incapacitate both of them. I apologize immensely for this, as that decision goes against what I strive for as a leader and a human. "

Notch paused his monologue and looked to the people around him. Individual expressions varied, but few looked pleased. Jack had begun to appear uncomfortable, and the unsure glances he got from those once considered his friends only added to this insecurity.

"For the time being, I would like to postpone the conversation surrounding my own offences and instead turn it to Jack's. I would like to start with the question of how you are here, considering your previous status as 'dead'."

Suddenly, despite their previous hesitance, everybody's eyes were on Jack. His countenance quickly changed from one of discomfort to one of fear and distress.

"They made me do it!"

"I-I don't know who they are, or what they want, you see. But they have my dad! I was told that if I do things for them and scope out information on some of the people then they'll give him back! I'm sorry!"

He looked to his two closest friends and then back to everyone else, his eyes pleading.

"I'm so sorry."

"What did they want?" asked the girl next to Gordon, named Jennifer.

"U-Uhm. They wanted me to search for someone. The things Notch found hidden were an enchantment specialized to track them down. A-After I found out who they were, I was to get information on who they spent time around. Fortunately, I guess, he didn't talk much to others "

"Who was it then?"

Jack looked up at Notch then, eyes unwavering when they met the taller man's.

"Your brother. They were looking for your brother. But now he's dead and the only reason I'm not is because they want his body."

A tense silence filled the room and glances were thrown from one to another in a silent question.

Should they tell him?

Someone must have had some trust in the man, as Madison's voice rose from the silence.

"About that..."