Problem with variables

Im after finding this out through tracing , Heres the problem ive got a value called “Owner” thats set using XML and changes frequently . Now its no problem if i just want to do

Owner._x = 55;

but what about

_root.TaskArea.Owner._x = _root.TaskArea._width / 2 - 63.5;

the entire left side changes to the value of owner so say if its Music i get

Music._x = _root.TaskArea._width / 2 - 63.5;

and as you can see im stuffed if i want to launch functions using the absolute path , which is what i want to do . Any ideas on how to use this variable in an absolute path ?