A/N: I'm sorry if I'm late! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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Hannibal Lecter sat in his private study, thinking about the new student. The principal, a small, fidgety man that reminded the teen of a rat, had showed him the proposal to let one outstanding student attend their academy on a scholarship. It was quite surprising to see the man finally act.
At first, Hannibal rejected the idea, because the new student would just become another pet and wouldn't pay the debts. Until he received the list of candidates and one of them caught his attention. William Graham, passed freshman year with A+ in every class and one of them was advanced mathematics. It was impressive, but they got hundreds of applications just like those.
Hannibal turned the page and he held his breath. Will Graham was beautiful. Dark, wild curls framed his face, contrasting with his fair skin and pale lips. Green eyes stared back at him, hidden behind a pair of dark glasses. The boy was sculptured perfectly, his beauty incomparable to anyone else Hannibal has ever seen.
Something bubbled inside his chest. He raised his hand and touched his chest lightly. He had to meet Will Graham.
-/-
The academy was very unconventional. Everything that was needed for the students' future was taught, but they weren't evaluated in these areas. For them, future leaders, learning to read minds and be able to create tactics was far more important. What was a great was to practice these? Gambling. The whole school hierarchy was based on bets, wins and losses. There was a list with the social status of the students. The last 100th people had a debt over 10,000 dollars to the student council and were treated like slaves by the others. They wore dog tags with the word 'pet' in them. The others were considered neutral and could gamble without thinking.
On top of the food chain stood the student council, especially Hannibal Lecter, the president. Following them came the neutrals and then the pets.
Hannibal Lecter was a true monster. He gambled the previous student council president for the seat and won. From that point on, it turned into hell. He started collecting debts and created the pet status. It turned their lives upside down. The worst of it all were the Life Plans.
That was why Jack stared, wide eyed, at the scene. Hannibal seemed kind and welcoming, but he knew better. A vicious snake had just found its new prey. Lecter had to go through him first if he wanted to hurt Will. There was no way he would let someone innocent be damaged.
"I know change can be frightening, especially if you do it all by yourself. I just wanted to come by and tell you that I'm here to help you," Hannibal said, never breaking eye contact with Will. He could feel the rage coming from Crawford, but he ignored it. He was terribly curious about Will's skills in gambling. The thought of such beautiful boy becoming a pet was thrilling.
Will furrowed his eyebrows. It all sounded fake, as if he rehearsed it countless times. There was something in the academy that didn't add up and he didn't like it.
He narrowed his eyes and his voice turned cold as he leaned closer to Hannibal, "I don't know what the hell is going on here, but if you think you can trick me with your smooth talking, you're wrong. So if you would be so kind to let me go to my room, I would appreciate it."
Everyone was shoked at his words. Hannibal was surprised as well, but he masked it better. After getting his composure again, the president stepped aside, with the same smile on his face. Will Graham was very interesting.
The teen walked past him, accompanied by Jack Crawford and some other girl. The former having a condescending smirk on his face. Hannibal decided he would teach him a lesson later. Now all he was focused on was William.
"My offer still stands, Will graham," He said, making said boy to stop in his tracks. He turned around slowly, staring at the older teen. Hannibal climbed up the stairs to meet him, "Come by the student council room if you have any problems. It's on the last floor."
Will looked at him for another second before continuing his trip, putting an end to their conversation.
-/-
Jack opened the door to Will's new room. The rest of their trip had been silent after the dark-haired boy had his outburst. It was a very courageous act, but it put him in Lecter's blacklist. And that was a very dangerous thing.
They entered the room. It was white, with three twin sized beds, separated by bookshelves, one for each student. The bedsheets were in different shades of brown, matching the beige panels behind the headrests.
Beverly stretched her arm, "This is your room. Jimmy should be here soon."
When she finished her sentence, a boy with short dark hair and light brown eyes came in the room, he had a big smile on his face. He seemed calm, relaxed and ready to welcome him. Yet the boy- Will assumed he was Jimmy- was tense. His checks were puffy and his eyes were red-ish. Like he had been crying recently.
He scrutinized Jimmy and his instincts were right. There were handprints on his wrists and over the white shirt of the black and red uniform there it was. The dog tag. Will's conversation with Hannibal wasn't enlightening and Jack and Beverly were silent the rest of the trip.
"Hey, I'm Jimmy Price," He greeted. Will forced a smile. The meaning of the dog tags and why the president of the student council was so popular. It was so frustrating to be in the dark about what seemed to be so important.
"Does anyone want to explain what is going on?" He asked, turning to Jack and Beverly. The girl turned pale, "Jack?"
The class president scratched his head. Jimmy's gaze shifted between the three teenagers, "Guys?"
Will walked to Jimmy, "He's being beaten up, Jack! I bet it's because of the dog tags!"
Beverly finally spoke up, her voice as quiet as a whisper, "Who did this, Jimmy?"
"Dolarhyde. He thought I was too happy," He blushed even more. Will raised his hands, exasperated. Jack sighed and he sat down on one of the beds.
Beverly joined Jimmy, patting his back. Will sat on the bed with Jack, waiting for his next move. The girl looked at the wounds, "Let's go to the nurse's office."
Jimmy shook his head, "They won't treat me."
"They will if I tell them to," She said. Will stared at Jack, confused. The pair left the room, walking slowly.
The class president stared at the wall in front of them, "I'll explain everything."
