Unwilling Students

Yugioh/HP Crossover

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Yu-gi-oh or any other references I may make.

AN: Some of this is new and the rest is bits and pieces of the original chapter 9 and the beginning of the original chapter 10. Sorry this revision took so long. The interrogation was so hard. Though, I did try to improve it.

So this is where I wish I knew more about the inner workings of Duel Monsters as a game. But unfortunately I do not.

/mindspeech one on one/

[Group Mindspeech]

Thank You for your patience. I hope everyone is still interested in the story. Please let me know what you all think.

To my guest reviewer: Thank you for reading my story but I can only go so fast. :P

Also a few pieces of my interrogation are direct ideas from Cornflower27 who gave me permission to use them. So thank you for that inspiration. I hope you are still reading this.

Things you need to know:

OK so I did some research on Veritaserum and found an interesting essay that pointed out a few fanon flaws. So I am adjusting how Atem needs to answer the questions. Answers should be far more drawn out than one word. The potion makes the victim want to talk and spill everything.

Chapter 20

Saturday, January 24th
Atem awoke the next morning to find Theo sleeping in the bed next to his bed. He knew the boy was feeling guilty after listening to the apologies he got last night as he and Terrence helped him to the infirmary.

"Theo?" Atem questioned gently trying to wake the teen up without scaring him.

"Atem! You're awake! Are you ok? This is entirely my fault." Theo said sitting up panicked knowing Atem could at any time say he betrayed him and invoke the oath to take his magic.

He didn't know how to help last night other than getting Snape. He knew that he and Atem had stood no chance last night against the other four Slytherins so he had hoped he had made the right choice. What he hadn't anticipated was the older years coming to Draco's aid and not letting him leave the common room. If it hadn't been for Daphne going into 'Ice Queen' mode and demanding she and Tracey be allowed to go to the 'library' and Terrence and Adrian's timely arrival he was pretty sure he would be lying in the infirmary alongside Atem for different reasons. Daphne had managed to send Snape without implicating herself or Tracey of their involvement.

"That is enough. This was not your fault. You made the best choice with the limited options there were last night. That oath we took was for you to be under my protection not the other way around. I am guessing your actions last night showed the side you have chosen and you are now considered a traitor amongst your peers." Atem said leaving no room for arguments. This proud teen should not be cowering in fear of retribution from him. He was not that type of king.

"Thank you, my Pharaoh." Theo said respectfully recognizing the difference between his friend Atem and Atem in Pharaoh mode.

"Now the only question is how to keep you safe from your dorm mates." Atem said thoughtfully trying to figure out the problem at hand while trying to get more comfortable in the infirmary bed. His ribs were still very sore but he could breathe properly again.

Madame Pomfrey chose that moment to come check on the boys. She was still a bit annoyed that Severus had insisted the Nott boy be allowed to stay. She checked her patient and handed him a pain potion. Breakfast soon arrived for both boys as Pomfrey left content that her patient was healing nicely.

Severus strode into the infirmary just as the boys were finishing their breakfast. He was exhausted from last night. After Nott and Higgs had taken the Ishtar boy to the infirmary he had to gather the Slytherins and defuse the situation before it became an all-out battle between the neutrals and the Dark Lords servants. He lectured everyone and threatened harsh punishments if anyone retaliated against anyone in their dorm for any actions that had taken place in the dorm. However not trusting his 5th years that were soon to be marked Death Eaters he would have to talk to Sinistra about moving the Nott boy out of the dorm room and to another where there were more neutrals than those belonging to the Dark Lord.

"Feeling better Mr. Ishtar?" Severus asked the boy once he had their attention.

"Yes, thank you for intervening last night." Atem said gratefully to the stern man who looked about ready to explode.

"You were both foolish. This never should have happened. Do either one of you understand the consequences of your actions last night? Does Draco know who took his father's soul?" Severus lectured the two teens vehemently.

Theo just bowed his head ashamed as his professor laid into them.

"Draco knows it was me. And yes we both understand that there will probably more repercussions because of last night's incident. We were not cautious enough. But give it a rest. There is nothing we can do to change it now." Atem growled out defensively.

Severus glared but refrained from lecturing more. "Your friends are not going to be happy when they wake up since they have not been allowed to see you so when you are released by Madam Pomfrey I expect you to head to your dorm. Mr. Nott you need to see Professor Sinistra at some point in time today to get your dorm room changed. I do not believe it is safe to stay with your current roommates."

The two teens nodded their heads in agreement. Severus then left the boys to their own devices. Severus was seething as he strode down the hallway towards his office. Not only was he annoyed at the two teens for their sheer stupidity but for Dumbledore to allow for it to happen as a form of punishment on the headstrong mage. He quickly wrote a note to Sinistra, sent it via house elf, and headed back out to deal with the other mages.

Mages Dorm
The mages awoke groggily. They were confused about the absence of their Pharaoh until last night's events came rushing back.

"Those bastards!" Seto raged as he remembered last night. Snape and Lupin had escorted them back to the dorms before they could do anything about Malfoy and his goons leaving dinner and forced them to take something that knocked them out almost immediately.

Yugi immediately used his link to try and find the Pharaoh. "He is in the infirmary and said he would explain when he returned to the dorm room. He says he is fine now." Yugi said biting his lip worriedly. What happened that was bad enough for Atem to end up in the infirmary?

Once the mages had confirmed where he was and that he was alright they quickly got ready for the day and proceeded to wait impatiently to be let out of their dorm so they could see the Pharaoh.

Seto paced the room thinking while the others sat on the couches. "We are going to need to keep a closer eye on Atem to keep him safe. We should never have allowed him to go alone with that Malfoy brat wanting revenge for his father. His wandering the castle and going to the library alone is going to have to end. One of us will have to stay with him at all times."

Yugi, Ryou, and Marik nodded their heads in agreement to what Seto was saying. However Mana and Akefia were not so sure that was such a good idea.

"You are all insane if you think the Pharaoh will agree to constantly being guarded by us. He hates having the Medjai around constantly as it is. Do you not remember anything about our past? It was not difficult for me to get at him when he would run-off on his own to fight me and my men. I almost had him a few times but your timely interventions saved his royal highness. Oh and then there was the time he and Mana snuck out of the palace to save Mahad from me. He has been a prisoner of the unwanted responsibilities forced upon him at such a young age, a prisoner of the puzzle for thousands of years, and now this. He craves freedom and will fight to keep what little he has." Bakura argued knowing the Pharaoh far too well.

"And what would you have us do, Tomb Robber? Just allow the Pharaoh to put himself in danger to placate his need for pseudo freedom in this Ra forsaken place!" Seto spat turning aggressively towards the psychotic priest feeling the need to ring his neck.

"No but…" Bakura began to argue back when Mana suddenly interrupted.

"Bakura is right. We cannot force Atem to be under constant surveillance. It would never work. He is too much of a free spirit and while he loves us all as family he likes his time alone also. However if we get him to submit willingly to having someone with him it should work the majority of the time. I am positive I can convince him to agree." Mana told the others with a gleam in her eyes that made the others shiver.

The mages agreed immediately that Mana would be the best one to deal with Atem and his stubbornness. Once that was decided Bakura and Marik decided revenge was needed so they plotted ways to use the potions they made in potions class yesterday. They figured it was innocent enough and yet annoying enough to make a point. The evil smirks on their faces seemed to mean they had some sort of plan.

Severus and Lupin finally appeared and cautiously opened the mages dorm. They found the teens sitting on the couches waiting for them impatiently.

"It's about time! When do we get to see Atem?" Marik questioned as soon as their captors entered the room.

"As soon as Madam Pomfrey releases him." Severus stated moodily. He was tired, grouchy, and didn't want to deal with volatile teens today.

The teens glared but left it be. They were still pissed that Lupin and Snape had drugged them.

Lupin dealt with calling Dobby and feeding the mages while Severus brooded over a cup of strong black coffee.

Lupin began tutoring as soon as the teens finished with their breakfast trying to keep their minds off their injured friend. Luckily Atem arrived shortly after tutoring with Theo in tow. Everyone was glad to see the Pharaoh safe and sound.

"Atem!" Mana rushed him and squeezed him a bit too tightly and Atem winced at the pain. The pain reliever that Pomfrey had given him didn't get rid of all the pain.

The mages immediately ignored their captors in favor of learning what had happened the night before. Severus and Remus left the teens alone and sat at the dining table while the teens conversed with each other. Atem and Theo took turns explaining what had happened and how Theo had been granted asylum with approval from their Gods. Severus listened to the teens' conversation the best he could without being too obvious. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could the Ishtar boy grant asylum that would mean he had some serious political power in Egypt. He really needed to do some research on Egypt's government.

Severus and Lupin watched as Mana disappeared with Atem for a bit and when they returned Atem was pouting and glaring at his priests. Mana gave everyone a thumbs up behind the Pharaoh's back and they smirked at their brooding Pharaoh. Neither Remus nor Severus had any idea what that was all about but they guessed it was one argument Atem did not win.

The rest of the day was spent in Unity Commons. Harry was spending an unusual amount of time with Ron playing chess since he still was refusing to hang out with the Slytherin students while the girls (Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Daphne, Tracey, and, Mana) were trying to find the spell to counter the Geminio spell. Their little blue smurfs for some odd reason had not disappeared over lunch like they should have.

"Maybe we put too much power into the spell." Daphne said thinking about what could have gone wrong.

"That is possible I mean all three of us poured power into them. I wonder if it tripled their animation time so instead of one day they are going to last for three days." Tracey added thinking of what they did wrong.

"Mana, I think I found the spell you need." Hermione said as the other girls looked over at their bookworm friend. "It's nolite multiplicare."

"Try it and see if that stops the replication." Ginny said happy Hermione found the spell. At least the girl was useful for something.

"It's too bad they will disappear soon. They are rather adorable little creatures." Luna said sighing dreamily.

Mana agreed but quickly chanted the spell and hoped that it had worked. Her poor little creatures were being hunted mercilessly by the boys of the school. They had started a contest on who could blow up the most smurfs before they disappeared. It didn't help that the Weasley twins had found a way to keep track and were offering prizes for the most kills, most creative killings, and who could kill the most with one spell. Basically the students had been running amuck all day while avoiding Umbridge who had been on a control freak rampage since the smurfs came to life. Blue clay globs could be found everywhere in the school causing Filch to have fits of hysteria due to all the work he now had in cleaning most of the castle. It was amazing how the girls' one teensy tiny prank was causing an epidemic of temporary insanity amongst the inhabitants of the castle.

The boys could be found in the duel arena chatting quietly. The room was empty of spectators since no one was actually dueling at the moment but Seto requested a privacy spell just to be safe. Some information was too delicate for everyone's ears. Terrence and Adrian cast the spell and nodded to the others to confirm that it was safe to speak.

Seto dumped unopened packs of cards out of his backpack along with the others. Their friends' eyes lit up in excitement at seeing the packets of cards.

"Before we begin helping you all put starter decks together there is something you all should know." Atem started off getting everyone's attention. Atem sighed nervous at even telling this small bit of history. "Thousands of years ago the people of Egypt used to summon magical creatures from stone tablets that were a sort of a gateway between our world and theirs. They played dangerous games with these creatures and used them to fight in battles against Egypt's enemies. People lost their lives and souls sometimes in these games of shadow. Eventually things got out of control and the shadow magick had to be locked away and over time it was forgotten." Atem said closing his eyes briefly remembering his sacrifice all those years ago.

Yugi took over seeing the Pharaoh close his eyes. "So a man named Maximillian Pegasus found these ancient tablets depicting the shadow games and its monsters. He recreated them by creating the game called Duel Monsters. However it's not just a game based off the past."

Marik took over with Yugi's hesitation. "Some people can tap into the ancient magick through the cards if they create a strong enough bond with their monsters. You see that magick is no longer sealed away. So the game isn't just a game for some it's…."

"Real!" The twins said in unison.

"Indeed. The monsters are real in a parallel dimension to our own. They can be summoned from their world to ours if the person is capable of tapping into shadow magick. Anyone who plays Duel Monsters has a chance of being chosen by the shadow realm to wield its power." Atem said looking at each teen carefully trying to convey the seriousness and reality of what they were getting into.

"So what would happen if one of us gained access to this shadow magick?" Adrian asked the teens.

"Multiple things and it would change your entire life." Seto chimed in staring at the teens intently wondering if any of them could handle the responsibility of being a shadow mage.

"This is your magick. The old magick you told us about when we brought you down to our common room." Terrence said surprised to learn more. He knew Atem hadn't told the whole truth to them that day and wondered how much more there was to learn about these odd foreigners.

"It is. If any of you gained shadow magick you would have to be trained in Egypt, accept a new government for you would no longer answer to your ministry but would have to answer to the shadow court who is in charge of all shadow mages and summoners. This magick is a battle magick and therefore considered dark magick and evil by most in your society." Atem said looking more at Fred and George to see their reactions to the idea of wielding magick that was considered dark.

"So if you choose to play can you accept the possible consequences of it?" Ryou asked them looking at their friends hoping they didn't think them evil because of their magicks.

"We are only telling you because you are our friends. Anyone else who gets involved with Duel Monsters, well it's up to the Gods and fate. You are getting a chance to decide." Yugi told the boys with fear of rejection lurking just beneath his look of hope.

The twins silently communicated. They had been raised by parents who hated anything that was considered dark but at the same time the twins were wise enough to know that magic was magic. Intent is what mattered the most and even though their family didn't see it that way they had done enough self-study on magical theory to understand what magic truly was. They also understood a concept that was completely foreign to most wizards who claimed to be light. They understood that just because something had the label of being dark it didn't mean that dark was the same as evil.

"Well it can't be all bad." Fred said slowly seriously thinking about what he already knew and what they had just learned.

"You destroyed Dementors with it." George said contemplating what he and his brother were truly getting themselves into.

"We certainly don't think you guys are evil and we trust you regardless of what our society says about your magicks." Fred continued.

"So count us in!" they said together.

"I think you know where I stand already." Theo stated confidently having no doubt in his protectors.

"Same goes for us as well." Terrence said with Adrian nodding in agreement.

The mages looked genuinely relived at their friends' decisions. The mages spent the next few hours helping Fred, George, Terrence, Adrian, and Theo put together starter decks and of course trying them out. The teens messed around with Duel Monsters until it was time for DA.

The mages absolutely loved the class Harry was teaching. They learned about the Shield Charm which kind of reminded the mages of mirror force in the way it worked. However, leaving the DA had been a challenge with Filch constantly watching out for everyone. They used some of their shadow magick to mask their movements but it took a lot out of them so Marik and Bakura decided to help the twins out in their mission of "Driving Filch loony and not getting caught".

Sunday, January 25th
They woke Sunday morning to an academia crazed werewolf. They all groaned wearily. The mages had hoped for a quiet day alone since Sunday was supposed to be their day off from tutoring but Lupin decided that since Mana was starting the next day they all should have extra tutoring.

At one point mages were tempted to try their luck with their items and send the werewolf to the shadow realm. Finally Severus intervened on their behalf and had Remus leave them be for at least the afternoon.

"Alone at last," Yugi sighed in relief.

"By Ra that werewolf can be annoying. Does he think we have to learn all four years in the time we are here?" Bakura said frustrated.

"I think they just want to keep us in a constant state of exhaustion. Most adults don't work the crazy schedule they have for us without completely burning out. Ryou said slumping on the couch tiredly sick of all the work that was forced upon them.

"I typically work a lot of hours for my company but even I took a break once in a while." Seto complained then frowning as he thought of his company. He hoped Mokuba was doing alright keeping up with it all.

"I am so sick of being cooped up in this Ra forsaken castle I think I am going mad." cried Marik as he dramatically flopped his body across one of the chairs.

"Let's go outside", prompted Yugi, "they never said we couldn't."

"You want to go outside in the snow?" Atem questioned not really sure how he felt about wandering outside in the freezing cold. It was fine for COMC because Hagrid had some sort of spell that kept everyone warm set up around the perimeter that they used for class. Bakura and Marik seemed to agree with his sentiments.

"Come on Atem it will be fun!" Mana exclaimed looking forward to going out and experiencing the fluffy looking white stuff.

"You three will be fine. Let's get some fresh air." Seto said while smirking at the three Egyptians in question.

The mages headed outside and had a huge snowball fight by the frozen lake.

Dumbledore watched his captives as they relaxed for a bit outside. He needed to know more about these mages and their powers. The sheer amount of power that radiated off of the Ishtar boy the other night was astonishing. Unfortunately any text on the nameless pharaoh and his reign was almost impossible to find. He knew next to nothing about that time period or these teens who were obvious descendants of those in power of that time.

"A private interrogation with some Veritaserum wouldn't hurt," Alastor said as he interrupted Albus' musings while drinking his tea. Albus agreed and sent for Severus.

"You wished to see me Headmaster." Severus said appearing a few minutes later disappointed that yet again his one day away from everyone was interrupted.

"Ah yes Severus my boy. I wish to speak with one of the mages to learn more about them and their magic." Albus said in a grandfatherly tone.

Severus looked over to see Moody staring out the window and did not believe for a second Albus meant a friendly conversation with one of the mages.

"I will need you to bring me some Veritaserum and Atem Ishtar." Albus continued interrupting Snape's thoughts.

"Headmaster, I do not think the other mages will allow me to get the boy alone without a fight after what you had done to him the last time he saw you alone. That and his recent recovery from his escapade in the Slytherin dorm has made them extremely protective of the boy."

"Surely you are exaggerating. Since you are the one who recovered Mr. Ishtar from that unfortunate incident the other day I would think that they should trust you enough by now? I am sure you will find a way to get the boy up here with minimal issues." Albus not so subtly insisted leaving no room for argument.

"As you wish, Headmaster." Severus said agitated.

Severus left the office and stalked down the hall sneering at anyone who dared cross his path. He grabbed the requested potion and headed outside to get the boy.

He stalked over to Atem and with an edge to his tone ground out, "Mr. Ishtar I need a word, now."

The others stopped their game and looked over to Snape wondering what he needed the Pharaoh for.

Atem looked to Seto and the others to see if they would protest him going alone with Snape but Seto nodded not seeing a solution outside of taking Snape down which could be done but was only a temporary solution.

[Be cautious. Seto said not liking the vibe he was getting off their captor. Something was wrong.]

[I will. Atem responded wondering what Snape could possibly want. He couldn't think of anything else they had done for him to yell about.]

As the two walked into the castle, Severus cast a notice-me-not charm on the two of them. He then grabbed Atem's arms from behind and cast concateno to bind his wrists.

"What are you doing Snape?" Atem asked with betrayal and anger flashing in his amethyst eyes.

"Forgive me child I have no choice." Severus said in a quiet strained voice.

"What does the old man want me for this time?" Atem asked wondering if the old man was going to follow through on his threat from the other night.

"He is going to administer a truth serum potion and interrogate you." Severus explained quietly. "Can your shadow magic protect you from that?"

"I do not think so." Atem said with a dark frown on his face as he was lead to the Headmaster's office.

Interrogation (rest of original chapter 10)
[What is wrong Atem? Yugi asked sensing the Pharaoh's distress.]

[He lied. He's taking me to the old fool. Atem said with worry in his mind]

[What?! Seto snapped coming into the conversation]

[We may be in trouble. He is going to give me a truth serum. I do not think our magicks will protect me from that.]

[Hmm…is your soul room still intact in the puzzle Pharaoh? Bakura asked contemplating the situation.]

[It is but what good will that do me. I don't think Yugi could merge with me without being in close proximity to me. Atem replied.]

[Ah, but I am not fully mortal yet and have been in your puzzle before. I think I may be able to enter your puzzle still. Bakura said hoping his plan worked.]

[Alright let's try it. Do not let the tomb robber strain himself. Pull him out when he can no longer hold the connection. Atem requested of the others slightly nervous about the entire situation.]

Atem really had no interest in entering spirit form and going back into the puzzle. He had not done it at all since he had been freed from the puzzle. But he supposed it was better than telling the old fool all their secrets.

The mages quickly headed in so Bakura could concentrate and enter the Millennium Puzzle. This was going to be difficult with limited shadow magic and the distance between them.

"When you are given the potion, make sure you resist a little and act dazed when you answer his questions, if you are able to fight the potion. I hope you are good at telling stories this potion makes people talk and spill all their secrets. One word answers will not fool them." Severus whispered as they reached the office.

Atem told Bakura what he needed to do when he was in control. Severus gave the password, gobstoppers, and brought Atem into the office where Albus and Moody waited.

"Ah thank you Severus. Give the potion to Alastor. He will administer the potion." Albus said kindly with a twinkle in his eyes. "I will call you when we are finished and you can return him to his friends." Albus said dismissing his potions master.

Severus turned and almost protested but thought better of it. Instead he responded, "As you wish," and strode quickly out of the office thinking to himself that if the mages didn't kill him, Shadi was sure too for failing to protect his charge.

[This cannot be good. He sent Snape away. Atem informed the others.]

[Ra damn it! I want my power back. We can't protect each other like this. Marik said in a fit of rage.]Everyone mentally nodded to that.

Moody took the potion and walked towards Atem menacingly. Atem unconsciously backed up until he hit the wall. He did not want that potion or to be alone with his captors. Apprehension rippled through his link to the others.

/Stay calm cousin. Keep your link open with me./ Seto said feeling Atem close off his link with the others needing to concentrate on what was going on in front of him.

"Now, Now Mr. Ishtar do not make this any harder on yourself." Albus chided in his grandfatherly tone.

Moody grabbed Atem's chin roughly and dumped three drops of the potion down his throat forcing him to swallow. Atem's eyes glazed over a bit as he felt the potion take effect. Moody led the bound boy to a stool in the middle of the room and they began their interrogation.

Moody and Albus began asking questions:
State your name:
Atem Son of Pharaoh Aknamkanon

State your age:
approximately 3,300 years old give or take a few years.

Atem blanched at his answers./Tomb Robber, hurry…/

/I am here; Pharaoh./ Bakura said as he finally arrived in the Puzzle and quickly took over the Pharaoh's body.

Moody rolled his eyes. "Don't try to fight the potion. You will not succeed. Let's try again."

Atem sighed inwardly thanking Ra Moody didn't believe him as he watched from the puzzle.

State your name:
Atem Ishtar

State your age:
18

How did Mokuba Kaiba know that the man we sent was not his real brother?

/Tomb Robber act surprised we shouldn't know about Mokuba escaping!/ Atem quickly reminded feeling the compulsion to speak truthfully even from the puzzle.

Bakura smirked inwardly he would have fun answering this one while outwardly putting a startled look on his face. "Mokuba escaped? Oh well I guess that shouldn't be too surprising since this sort of thing happens all the time. Whenever Mokuba gets really annoyed with his brother, which your fake must have annoyed him, he locks Kaiba out of the system and sends security after him claiming he's an imposter. The employees love going after their boss because he is such a task master and perfectionist so a little revenge with no repercussions makes them go along with Mokuba's game quite willingly. Then Mokuba generally disappears to a location where only his brother can find him and waits for him to show up. One can assume that since Seto never came for him he must have noticed that something was actually wrong, since the Kaiba brothers are always in danger, and went somewhere safe."

Where would young Mokuba go for safety?
Bakura swore mentally. How in Ra's name did he answer that? Luckily Seto was still linked and gave him an answer though sounded rather put out from the last answer the tomb robber gave.

/Why not just send the old fool to Upper Egypt?/ Atem asked his priests.

/I understand you want the old fool dead but we need him alive until we are free./ Seto reminded the Pharaoh.

"Kaiba has a private island somewhere in the Caribbean. My understanding is it's an impenetrable fortress and is difficult to access." Bakura finally answered.

Both Albus and Moody looked at one another at that answer. Neither had considered the possibility of the boy going somewhere remote. They had forgotten how incredibly rich Kaiba was. Who would have thought he owned a random island.

Albus decided to move on to his next question. He wanted to know more about the power he felt the night of the attack.

Why did I feel so much more power coming off of you when you were fighting off the Dementors?

Atem groaned. Seriously? /Make something outlandish up Tomb Robber. I had Ra out when he felt my power. I couldn't hide my magical aura when I was summoning him./

"It wasn't me. It was my monster. My fire phoenix is one of the strongest monsters in the game and cannot really be controlled. But he does share his power with his summoner. So it wasn't my power but my monster's power you felt."

Albus looked a bit skeptical but continued on anyways.

What is shadow magic?

/These questions are getting worse./ Atem complained.

"It is an ancient battle magic that was used by our ancestors." Bakura said trying to stay as vague as possible without giving anything away by going with what the wizards already assumed.

Moody watched the boy carefully after that answer. He must be fighting the potion again. "Albus wait I think I think he is fighting the potion again."

He approached the boy and administered three more drops. Atem/Bakura widened his eyes in horror. Not only was his body feeling absolutely sick but he could feel the compulsion clouding his mind now.

/Pharaoh we are in trouble./ Bakura said fighting off the drug. Since it wasn't his body he could still fight most of it but some truth was now probably going to come out.

/Just do what you can. All I can give is the truth at the moment/Atem whispered buckling from the nausea and dizziness the drug was causing.

What does shadow magic do?
"Lots of things. Seriously you want me to list everything?"

"Just give us a generalized idea of what your magic does Mr. Ishtar." Albus said losing some of his grandfatherly patience.

"Shadow magick allows its wielders to call upon monsters from another realm to aide us in battle, it also allows us to cast spells that can stun/disorient, protect its user or others, hide its user, injure, kill, steal souls, or cause insanity." Bakura said not liking that he had just told the truth. At least he was able prevent anything else from being said. Thankfully they didn't ask for more he was not sure he could resist if they did.

What did you do to the Death Eaters in the park in Japan?

/Bakura you're wearing down. It's ok. I will take back over./

/No…Pharaoh it's too risky with a double dose of that drug./Bakura growled knowing the argument was futile. He couldn't hold on much longer.

Atem shoved Bakura out of control and as gently as possible threw him out of the puzzle. He wouldn't risk his priest. Some of these questions he didn't mind telling the truth and even with the second dose as time passed the shadows were slowly trying to purge the drug from his system since it was making him so ill.

"We took their souls and sent them to the realm of shadows where they will be tormented for eternity as their punishment for hurting all those innocents." Atem said having no issues with them knowing the Death Eaters punishments.

Can these souls be returned?
Atem didn't like that question. Would the old man try to force him to let the Death Eaters go? "Yes. Their souls can be returned to their bodies if the body still survives. Only I have the power to do that." Atem said cringing at his answer he hadn't meant to give away that he, well his puzzle, could return souls. At least he hadn't mentioned that souls could be dueled for.

/Fight Atem. Don't let that old fool get answers you don't want him to have./ Seto encouraged letting Atem know he was still there.

/The potion is starting to wear off. Just a few more minutes. Atem told Seto./

What was that other magic you used to save Kaiba and chase the Dementors off? I know it wasn't shadow magick.
Atem paled fighting. "No…I…Its… div..Holy magick. I am capable of both shadow and holy magick.

Albus was intrigued. Where had he heard that term before? He would have to research it. The boy was fighting tooth and nail now. The potion was wearing off. He probably could get one more question if he was quick enough.

I already know you have royal blood running through your veins and that you are a child of the clans but what does that mean? Your friends defer to you as their leader why?
"I was…am…their pharaoh…I will not tell you anymore." Atem bit out finally feeling the last bit of potion leave his system as he glared daggers at his captors. If only looks could kill. He hoped the Headmaster didn't understand his last statement.

Albus looked puzzled over the last statement which gave Atem hope that he would not find out about his people. The clans while not living in totally secrecy were thought of as more like a myth or a small group of people who lived like the Native Americans did on reservations to outsiders. Outsiders had no clue how much power and influence the clans actually had over Egypt.

"Are you done now?" he growled out slowly.

"It seems we are since I doubt you will give us straight answers without the potion. Unfortunately I don't think you could handle a third dose. My goal isn't to poison you." Albus replied.

"No you wouldn't want that now would you. It would look bad to your followers if you actually killed me while under your supposed protection." Atem spat angrily.

"You should be more appreciative of the opportunity you have been presented with. Not only are you in the safest place possible from the Dark Lord, but you have a chance to learn a new branch of magic." Albus lectured.

Atem's eyes held a deadly gleam. "You fool! This is not the safest place for us. We would have been fine had you not interfered with our lives. People have been after our power for years. We have places to go and ways to defend ourselves. You are no better than your so-called Dark Lord you are fighting. You have not done us any favors." Atem ranted.

Albus and Moody were furious at the insolence of the boy. "I am nothing like Voldemort. We are fighting for the light and a better future for the wizarding world." Albus stated while letting his power flare a bit.

"That may be you fool but your idea of putting the greater good above all else in this war will be your downfall!" snarled Atem while shuddering a bit at the raw power. Dumbledore was not as weak as the others. He will not be easy to bring down. Atem thought.

(Meanwhile while all this was happening)
Snape left the office and headed for the mages dorm room. When he walked in the common area Seto stalked forward and immediately grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the wall. "You lied to us!" Seto said icily.

"I had no choice, the Headmaster wanted Mr. Ishtar and if I had told you the truth I highly doubt you would have let me near him without a fight." Severus gasped out.

"Damn right we wouldn't have." yelled Marik.

"You had better pray to your gods that nothing happens to him." Seto snapped out as he finally let Snape go.

Mana just sat on the couch quietly worrying about Atem until suddenly Ryou seemed to keel over which was odd since the teen had been sitting on the couch next to Mana quite calmly up until that moment. The others rushed over to him.

Severus kept his distance from the mages but made sure that the teen was alright. For some reason he was overly exhausted.

"Snape, go get Atem. Now! The drug has worn off and he needs help." Seto suddenly orders.

Severus glared at being ordered around by the icy brunette but didn't hesitate. He immediately left the dorm and headed for the office.

(Back in Dumbledore's Office)
"You ungrateful brat we are protecting you!" Moody yelled as he got into Atem's face and smacked him so hard Atem lost his balance and fell off the stool.

Atem got to his knees and glared hatefully. "Ungrateful! Are you kidding me you kidnapped us. You know nothing." Atem snarled out viciously.

"Don't push me boy." Moody threatened.

/Get me out of here. Atem requested./

/I already sent Snape. Seto responded./

"It is high time you accept your situation and…(knocking on office door interrupts the headmasters tangent and in enters Severus)

"I apologize Headmaster I thought the potion would have worn off by now." Snape said innocently.

"Ah yes it has we were just having a discussion. I was just about to call for you." Albus said getting his maddening twinkle back in his eyes.

Snape looked at the situation before him and said "I see."

Severus grabbed Atem's arm and got the boy on his feet. He led him away from Moody and out the door. They stopped in the hallway and Severus asked Atem if he was alright while releasing him.

"Fine," Atem responded coldly while rubbing his bruised cheek.

Severus sighed. "Let me see it, I can heal the bruise." He grabbed the young mage's cheek gently and cast a vigoratus frendo.

Atem thanked him.

"Come your friends are worried"

When they arrived at the dorm they found Seto glaring at the entrance, Mana rushing towards Atem the second she saw him enter, Ryou looking worriedly at another Ryou!? who looked exhausted and semi-transparent, and Marik who was cursing loudly in Ancient Egyptian. Snape checked Atem over one last time handed the boy an anti-nausea potion after his diagnostic spell showed that Moody gave him an overdose of the Veritaserum and then took a moment to look at the odd scene before him. He rubbed his eyes thinking he was seeing things. How could there be two Ryou Bakuras? Then all of a sudden the semi-transparent one disappeared. He thought he was beginning to lose it and shook it off.

(In Egyptian the teens conversed)
"Can we really trust Snape? He has been helpful but after that stunt today I am not so sure." Marik asked.

"Yes and No." replied Yugi.

"He seems to be bound to the old man somehow." Ryou observed.

"We just need to be careful. He may sympathize and try to help us but in the end he will obey his master." Atem said.

"I wonder if there is a way to free him of his masters." Yugi asked wonderingly while looking directly at Snape.

Severus could hear the mages speaking but he had no what they were saying, though he assumed it was about him. He could not blame them for questioning his trustworthiness after today's events. He told the mages to get Lupin if they needed anything the rest of the day and left the teens to their own devices since it had been a stressful afternoon for him and the teens so far.

Once Snape had left Seto retrieved his laptop in hopes of having an email from his brother. He sat down and booted his machine up. The others sat around waiting to see if there was any news.

Big Brother,
Isis is going to head back to Egypt to make sure the ancient scriptures and Millennium Spell book is still safely hidden away. Well that's all the news I have for now.
Love,
Mokuba

Seto groaned. More bad news. He read it out loud so Atem and Marik knew what was going on.

Finally Atem spoke. "Seto write to your brother. Do not let Isis go to Egypt alone without a heavy guard of Medjai if she absolutely insists on leaving. Her necklace may be pulling her there so I won't forbid it but…if it's not necessary I do not want her leaving America. We don't know if that blasted curse breaker is still out there and if he is looking for her. It would be best if everyone stayed put safely in America where they cannot be reached by these crazy British wizards."

Seto quickly wrote his brother back and hoped everyone else had the sense to stay put and not put themselves in danger.