A/N: This story was inspired from a small part of an episode from the t.v. series Sleepy Hollow

The lullaby: Once upon a dream from Disney's Sleeping Beauty

Little Girl Lost: Clara's Haunting

Devonshire House 1771...

"You disappoint me, Elisabeth," Thomas said. Looking at her and the child. "You promised me a son. I'am very let down,"

"I'm so sorry!" she said, salty tears spilling down her cheeks as she lie in bed exhausted from giving birth to their first child, a girl.

"You promised me you would bear me a son!" Thomas shouted. "You lied!"

Elisabeth shook her head as tears ran down her cheeks. "No! Give me one more chance, please," she cried. Reaching out to him with her free hand while holding the slumbering newborn.

He glared at his wife and turned and walked away.

"Thomas," she started. "Thomas, please! for the love of our child. Don't leave!" The woman cried. "Your Grace, I beseech you!" Her cries were to no avail as Thomas, The Duke of Devonshire ignored her and continued to storm away.

Her ladies in waiting and nurses returned when the Earl left, leaving the Duchess Elisabeth sobbing in grief. "Your Ladyship, what shall her name?"

"Charlotte...Charlotte Marie." Elisabeth said gazing down at her daughter as she began to sing her a lullaby.

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
Yet I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream"

The cabin, October present day...

Hawke and Clara were getting ready for their trip to England to visit their newly adopted family. Since their first visit back in July, Clara had missed the estate and it's private secluded grounds. She loved the thought that she had another home secluded like the cabin. Freedom from the fear of hurt and torment at the hands of people, who used her to gain their own needs. Philippa desperately missed Clara and upon finding out she had a two week school break, insisted they come for a visit. Halloween was soon upon them and she wanted Clara's first proper Halloween to be special. No expense spared.

"I can't wait to see Firefly and William," Clara said.

"William?" Hawke asked."Who's William?"

"He's my friend, we play together at night,"

"Why only at night?"

"Because that's the only time he can come out and play. Sometimes he can during the day, but not a lot,"

"Is he one of Aunt Cordelia's or Aunt Beatrix's kids?"

"No, his parents are dead and so is he,"

"He's a ghost?"

"Of course he is, what else would he be? He's dead," Clara said in a matter of fact tone.

"How did he die?"

"He had a really bad cold. He's really funny at night he goes around and moves and turns some paintings. He hides the butlers pins for his shirt and he goes crazy,"

"He sounds like a prankster. How old is he?"

"He was ten, his parents died much later. Daddy, when we get there I want to play again in the fountains. My favorite is the tree fountain and i want to play in the play cottage and the library, I only saw the one.."

"I know, and we will. There's a lot still to seen but we have to finish packing,"

"Daddy, we don't need to bring any clothes. Grandma has a lot of clothes for me over there and you too, she has more than I have right now at home!" Clara said getting excited.

"You're right, I guess we only need to bring ourselves and a toothbrush," Hawke grinned.

"Nope, not even that either. So we can go right now!" Clara said as she picked up her little backpack holding some of her books, puzzles and unknowingly some chocolate and candy from her father as a surprise.

"Slow down, we have to wait for Grandpa," Hawke said trying to reign in an already hyped up Clara.

"He's taking too long! what is he doing?"

"Probably making those sandwiches the two of you fight over through half the trip," Hawke said chuckling at the thought of once again playing referee.

"He's always trying to eat my half of the other sandwiches! I have to sneak into the bag and count how many he made," Clara said throwing her arms up in the air.

"Alright, I know how to make this fair..."

"Hey, you guys ready!? I can't wait, we are gonna have so much fun!" Dominic said bursting through the door.

"It's about time!" She exclaimed."Let's go!" Grabbing her lamb and backpack and through the door before Dominic could think of a come back.

"She get's faster by the day!" Dominic exclaimed. "All I see is dust,"

"Yeah, she's gonna give the Looney Tunes Road Runner a run for it's money," Hawke said as he headed for the door.

"Hey, where are your bags?" Dominic said.

"Don't have any, everything we need is at the house. Philippa keeps a wardrobe for us even a toothbrush, whole new meaning to the term traveling light," Hawke said.

"Huh, it must be nice to be rich," Dominic said as he followed behind.

Devonshire House Present day...

"Your Ladyship, I would like to say that having the girl visit at this time is ill advised," The Butler said.

"And why is that?" Philippa asked.

"Well, you know...at this time every year..."

"Oh, I'am so sick and tired of that nonsense,"

"But your Ladyship, you can't deny she..."

"It's just coincidence, now enough of this and I will have no talk of it when they are here,"

"Yes, your Ladyship I understand,"

The butler resumed to his duties with a feeling of unease of the following days to come. Heading down the gallery hall he encountered Lady Beatrix.

"Charles, are you alright you look upset?" Beatrix asked as she approached down the hall.

"I'll be alright, it's just that this time of year and with the girl being here,"

"Let me guess, mother wants to hear nothing of it,"

"Exactly, and I'm not the only one who shares the same thought. Lady Beatrix, you've seen yourself there is no denying..."

"Yes, I know and they mustn't find it. We'll have to keep them out of there, inform everyone else to do the same. We don't want to scare them,"

Airwolf...

"You were hiding one!" Clara exclaimed. "That's not fair!"

"No, I wasn't!" Dominic said. "I just take my time eating, I've had this one for awhile,"

Clara turned around in her seat sitting on her knees glared at Dominic. "Then why didn't you finish that one before the others?"

"Because...it's my favorite and I wanted to save it for last," Dominic said with a mouthful of bread.

"Daddy, he was hiding..." Hawke just shook his head and chuckled. "It's not funny!"

"I was not! and where would I hide it anyway?!" Dominic exclaimed.

"I'll get you for this!" Clara declared.

"Oh yeah, I like to see you try!" Dominic retorted back.

"Alright that's enough. Clara, sit down and read your book and Dom, no more sneaking extra's. I counted and yeah you are eating an extra one, so from now on I'm in charge of giving out the food,"

"Hey, that's not fair! This is your fault Clara now..."

"No, it's not you took the..."

"Guys, I mean it. Knock it off,"

Clara and Dominic sat in silence giving Hawke peace and quiet. He was beginning to think of which was worse being in combat or in the middle his daughter and Grandfather's food fight. He was leaning towards towards the latter. As Clara went into her backpack to retrieve her book, she discovered to her astonishment the chocolate and candy her father snuck in as a surprise. Her big doe eyes beamed with cheer looking over to her father.

"Really?! Can I have one now?!" Clara asked.

"Of course, in fact you can have the first two now. That's to make up for the lost sandwich,"

"Thank you, Daddy!" Clara exclaimed."Here, you can have this one," She said handing him a chocolate bar.

"Hey! what about me?" Dominic asked.

Clara got up on her knees turning to face Dominic and slowly taking a nice long savory bite of her peanut butter cup. Teasing him chewing with her famous mischief grin and laughing eyes. "Got you!"

Dominic scowled. "This isn't over, baby girl,"

Dominic looked over to Hawke turned around in his seat biting into the chocolate bar as he watched Dominic salivate over the chocolatey goodness. He was double teamed by Hawke and Clara both sitting there watching him as they enjoyed and savored their sweet treat. He was getting payback.

A little while later in the middle of her book Clara drifted off to slumberland. She was in a much better frame of mind than the previous trip, feeling confident and comfortable to trip away to the estate. Slowly removing her book from her limp grip, settling her for the rest of the trip. Watching her sleep he couldn't hep but think back to the time he was holding her nearly dying in his arms. Now she was a dynamic, whimsical girl and at times a little rambunctious particularly towards her Grandfather.

"What is she reading this time?" Dominic asked.

"Darwin and Einstein," Hawke said.

"She's advancing String, I hope this school can keep up with her,"

"Yeah, she's reading through these books like it's a magazine. She craves so much, sometimes I can't feed her appetite quick enough," Hawke said.

"Well, there's three libraries at the estate that should satisfy her for a bit,"

"Yeah, maybe I can get them to let me borrow some to bring home,"

"Alright String, spit out. What's bothering you? I can tell you've been chewing on something since we left the cabin,"

"She has another imaginary friend," Hawke said.

"Oh, who is it this time,"

"His name is William and she met him at the estate last time. He died when he was ten years old and a prankster," Hawke sighed.

"Really?" Dominic said. "A ghost? and she's not scared?"

"Nope and she misses him. We're gonna have to keep an eye on her at night, gotta feeling 'they' might wander off," Hawke said.

"String, you have to stop worrying yourself about her having imanginary friends. It's part of growing up," Dominic said. "It's also her way of coping after everything that's happened,"

"Yeah, I guess you're right,"

"In the meantime let's focus on enjoying the high class life," Dominic said. "Champaign and caviar dreams here I come,"

"Yeah, it'll be nice to just focus on having fun without the responsibilities of everyday life,"

Devonshire estate...

"My God, I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing this," Dominic said."It's just incredible and I don't think that even describes it properly,"

"Yeah, it's an amazing view. Even one I don't think I'll get used to either," Hawke said.

"Really?" Clara said."I guess I'll just have to imagine it myself. Since I can't see anything else other than buttons, and stuff. But oh look, there's grass and trees and even more sky," She said as she looked out her door with a plastered grin on her face.

Hawke and Dominic started to chuckle. "Stop it smart Alec, I was actually going to do an aerial tour of the whole estate before we land. So you can turn that fake smile into a real one,"

Her fake smile indeed turned real as Hawke brought Airwolf around for her to see the awe inspiring estate and it's grounds. Clara was marveled by it all seeing as there was still much more to be seen. "There's so much we didn't see last time," Clara said.

A small crowd had already gathered on the back balcony watching in amazement as Airwolf glided across the sky above. Her howls once again announcing their arrival.

"Yeah, well we're going to spend our time just here. No trips to the city, we're just going to relax," Hawke said.

"That's good for me, I'm too tired of traveling. I need a break," Dominic said.

"Same here, now let's give the Lady a much deserved break," Hawke said as he landed her in the court yard.

As he powered her down Hawke could feel exhaustion start to invaded his body. He was ready for a much needed nap.

"My, I do not think any of us will ever get used to your style of arrival," Beatrix said.

"Welcome back, Mr. Hawke. It is a great pleasure to see you again and of course Mr. Santini as well," Philippa said.

"Yes, we're glad to be back as well. Thank you," Hawke said.

"Now where is my Clara?" Philippa asked.

"Oh, she's right here," Hawke said as he lifted her out of Airwolf.

"Clara! I have so missed you very much!" Philippa said."We all have, dear. I have so many fun things planned for you and everyone,"

Clara smiled and gave her a big hug. "I missed you too! Grandma can I..."

"See Firefly? of course you can. We'll go right now," Philippa said."Mr. Hawke, I will bring her back to you after we are done. Enjoy your rest,"

"Thanks," Hawke said.

Philippa set off with Clara heading toward the stables as Hawke and Dominic were lead to their rooms. "Beatrix, can I ask you a question?" Hawke asked.

"Of course, anything,"

"Clara told me on the way here that she made a friend here the last time we visited," Hawke said.

"That's lovely, what's their name?"

"William," Dominic said."Do you know him?"

"Oh yes... he's the nephew of one our farm keepers. He visits from time to time... he's a very nice boy," Beatrix said hiding her surprise.

"Do you know if he'll be visiting again this time?" Hawke asked." She really misses him,"

"I don't know, most of the time he just shows up. I can find out for you," She said.

"I appreciate that, Thank you," Hawke said.

Once Beatrix left them Hawke turned to Dominic with concern. "I don't know what to believe," Hawke said. "Why would Clara say he's a ghost, when apparently he's real,"

"String, she sounded a little surprised and was trying to hard to hide it," Dominic said. "Maybe he is a ghost and they don't want to scare us or there's also a kid named William who's alive,"

"Don't tell me your starting to believe it also," Hawke said.

"This place is centuries old, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few," Dominic said. "As long as they don't visit me,"

"You're impossible. I'm going for a lie down before my little road runner comes back," Hawke said.

"Good idea, see you later," Dominic said.

Later that day...

Clara slowly crept into her father's room quietly and quickly scurried to his bed where he still lie asleep. Gently climbing on the bed snuggling into her father resting quietly waiting for him to awake. As she lies in wake she treasures this small moment of quietness and content. He her sanctuary in all things despite what has happened in the past few months, Hawke will always be her angel of protection. Hawke slightly stirred as he felt his fingers tangle in her hair.

"Did Firefly recognize you?"

"Yes, she really missed me. Grandma took her outside and we ran around with each other, she was fun," She said."Can we ride Aragorn again?"

"Absolutely, we'll make it one of our dates. How does that sound?"

"Yes, I like that," She said."Can we ride around the whole place?"

"We'll see how Aragorn feels about it as we go along,"

Clara nodded in agree. "Did you sleep ok?"

"Yes, I did," Hawke said."Are you still not tired?"

"Nope I'm fine," She said. "Where's Grandpa?"

"I'm not sure. He might be still sleeping,"

"I don't think so because it's too quiet," Clara said.

Hawke chuckled. "I think you're right, there's no sound of a baby moose echoing through the walls,"

"Daddy, that's mean!" Clara laughed.

"If it was, why are you laughing?"

"Because it's funny and now every time I see a moose I'll think of Grandpa!"

Hawke began to join in with his daughter who was beginning to hiccup from the hard laughter. Finally calming down and catching their breaths Clara sat up in the bed ready to get up.

"Where are you going?" Hawke said.

"To find Grandpa,"

"No, stay here. We'll find him later," Hawke said."I want to spend some alone time with you,"

"Can you read to me?" Clara asked smiling.

Hawke smiled giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Go get it,"

Clara hopped off the bed running to her backpack grabbing her book of poems. Quickly climbing back onto the bed again snuggling into her father, content and happy. As they got comfortable all of a sudden they heard a voice outside the door.

"He should be awake by now, I bet Clara made sure of it when she returned," Dominic said.

"It's Grandpa, I guess we'll read it later," Clara said with a hint of unhappiness.

"I got an idea, pretend we're both asleep," Hawke said.

Dominic opened the door. "Hey, String..." He quickly stops at the sight of both curled up together sleeping soundly.

He quickly steps out and figures he'll pass the time exploring the rest of the house.

When he's gone Clara opens one eye making sure he is gone. "He's gone,"

"Alright, let's start our happy time," Hawke said.

As he began to read Clara rested her little head on his chest drinking in her happy time.

Later that evening...

"She's a different girl since the last time she was here. She's happier and more carefree and I'am so happy she is," Philippa said as they walked the halls.

"Yeah, she finally let go of some things," Hawke said. "She finally let go of the past,"

"Well, it certainly does agree with her,"

"Philippa, there's something I need to tell you," Hawke said. "And I need you to keep it between us,"

"Of course,"

"Clara had a very traumatizing period after we left, "Hawke said."What we found out is worse than what I told you last time,"

"I'm not sure I want to hear this," Philippa said."But do go on,"

"Her final captor made a return and tried to kill her," Hawke said. "If it wasn't for one of Daniel's projects. She would be dead,"

"You mean he saved her?" Philippa asked."How?"

"I really shouldn't tell you, but all I can say is that it's a computer," Hawke said. "Not your normal everyday type,"

"I see and what did this captor do to her?"

"If I told you the details, you wouldn't sleep tonight," Hawke said. "The one detail I will share with you has to do with Sarah,"

"Sarah? What do you mean?"

"Philippa, while we are here do not mention anything about her mother," Hawke said."In Clara's mind she doesn't exist anymore,"

"I don't understand," Philippa said."What happened?"

"Sarah, did nothing to protect Clara from the abuse." Hawke said. "She regretted having her,"

"What? You mean she let them abuse and torture her?!" Philippa said."Why would she do something like that?!"

"Because she got a taste of power and thought Clara was holding her back," Hawke said. "Plus she didn't want a reminder of me,"

"I don't know what to say.."

"Daniel, was the one who tried to save her," Hawke said. "He was an extraordinary man,"

"Yes, he was," Philippa said her eyes beginning to wet with tears."Don't worry Mr. Hawke, I will not breathe a word of this conversation,"

"Thanks, I'm sorry to tell you,"

"Well, what I have planned for will make her forget all her troubles," Philippa said."It's going to be spectacular,"

"I'm sure it will," Hawke said. "Now I'm gonna fetch the book worm from the library,"

"How is she doing in school?"

"She's doing great," Hawke said." I want to ask you, if we can borrow some books for home,"

"Absolutely! take the whole the library if you want!" Philippa said.

"Thanks," Hawke said as he made his way to pick up Clara."Three libraries, I wish I could take just one home,"

"Three?" Philippa said."No, Mr. Hawke there are six libraries,"

"Oh, is that all?" Hawke joked.

"Yes, so little I know," Philippa quipped as she walked away.

Hawke found her sleeping on the floor in the main library. Surrounded by books that were beyond even his comprehension. He stood there for a few moments taking in the most adorable sight. But his eyes were averted to a figure in the window. Walking over to inspect he found nobody in sight. He figures it must have been a shadow of some kind that passed by. All of a sudden he hears Dominic's voice approaching closer.

"Hey String, I ran into Philippa and...Oh look at her," Dominic said."That has to be the most precious sight,"

"Yeah, it definitely is. "Hawke said. "But it's time for her bed,"

"String, these books are no light read," Dominic said as he picked them up. "The Game of Chess. Hey String, this book is from fourteen seventy four!"

"Yeah, all of these are first and final additions," Hawke said. "You're not gonna find a reprint anywhere else,"

"Mamma Mia, I still can't believe it," Dominic said looking down at Clara.

Hawke gathered her up into his arms. So tired to put up a fight she wrapped her little legs around his waist and settled into his arms.

Bedtime...

Settling her into bed for the night Hawke gave his ritual kisses goodnight. "What are we going to do tomorrow?" she asked.

"How about we take a small trip over to the little village. You know your Grandma owns that as well,"

"What doesn't she own?!" Clara laughed.

"That's true," Hawke chuckled.

"Ok, but then we get to ride Aragorn," Clara said.

"Yeah, we'll ride around with Aragorn," Hawke said. "Now it's off to sleep, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Daddy," Clara yawned.

He turned off the light and made his way through the connecting door to his room. Collapsing on the bed falling into a deep sleep.

The next morning...

Hawke woke up feeling refreshed and bright. Opening the curtains to a beautiful scene of tranquility and scenery. Looking out at the thirty five thousand acres of land of scattered deer and sheep, winding rivers and thousands of trees. Still in disbelief that one day this will all be his daughter's. After he freshens up Hawke opens the door to Clara's room.

"Good morning Clara, rise..."

Hawke stared in disbelief at the empty bed. "She never leaves without me!"

Hawke hurried to Dominic's room. Pounding on the door. "String, what is it?"

"Is Clara with you?"

"No, I figured she was with you," Dominic said. "Why?"

"She's not in her room,"

"String, calm down," Dominic said. "Maybe she went with Philippa,"

"Yeah, maybe your right,"

They proceeded downstairs to the dining room finding only Philippa and her two daughter's. "Have you seen Clara?"

"No, none of us have," Beatrix said."We figured she was with you,"

"Why?" Cordelia asked.

"She's not in her room," Hawke said getting nervous.

"String, maybe she went back to the library," Dominic said.

They all headed for the library only to find it empty. Searching all others finding the same results.

"If she's not in the library, where else would she go?" Cordelia asked.

"It could be anywhere," Philippa said."Her curious nature leaves everywhere,"

"Where is she?" Dominic said. "It's gonna be like finding a needle in a haystack,"

"Alert all the staff that everyone is to start looking everywhere," Beatrix said

"This isn't like her," Hawke said. "Something's happened,"

Hawke was starting to slightly tremble something Dominic never saw him do before. "String, calm down,"

"I can't," Hawke said. "Not until we find her,"

The butler and Beatrix both looked at each other with worry.