"You, Verger, are a goddam, fucking pussy."
Two weeks into the new term and the boundaries that defined some students from others were already established. Should a six-year-old boy be subject to such stress so early in life at the hands of his peers, Michael thought to himself? Well, alleged peers more appropriately perhaps, he corrected.
"Hardly a surprise. Seeing as you're being raised by two of them." The harsh laughter of the other girls stung, harder than the tears threatening to breach the corner of his eyes.
He would not, however, give them the satisfaction. They were older, and bigger. But he wasn't afraid of a little pain. Emotional pain was much more jagged but he was smart enough to stave that off. And anyway, the bigger they are…
"I'm surprised you know what a pussy is, Felicity. When every day you are forced to look in the mirror and see a giant asshole staring back."
The girl's grip tightened on the lapels of his jacket and hauled him closer to her face. "Why you little…" Her hand was raised, the strike across his face imminent. He could see it coming and anticipating the feel of the accompanying sting, braced himself mentally and bodily for the impact. She felt the reaction and smiled wickedly.
"FELICITY SHORE!"
The smile faded as quickly as it had appeared and she immediately released her grip on the boy. Her expression transformed from demonic to angelic quicker than Michael blinked.
"Oh, good morning, Professor Lecter!"
The other three girls in Felicity's posse had mysteriously vanished in the intervening seconds.
"May I enquire as to what you are doing in the hallway, manhandling one of the juniors?" Hannibal stopped two feet in front of them and looked at his watch. "Your next class is due to start in moments."
She and Michael stood contritely before the teacher. "Michael slipped and his books and papers went EVERYWHERE! I helped him up and was about to help him gather up his materials when you appeared, Professor." Her head remained bowed but her eyes slanted upwards, a demure expression in her eyes.
One to watch, thought Hannibal to himself. He quite relished the idea of elevating some students to achieve their true potential while levelling those who thought a little too highly of themselves and their capabilities.
He turned his attention to the boy. "Is this true, Mr Verger?"
Michael didn't hesitate. He would handle the girl in his own time, in his own way. Likely when she least expected a retaliation. He allowed the thought to warm him. "Yes, Professor. I was clumsy and Felicity saw fit to risk being late for class to assist me."
He turned to her then. "Thank you, Felicity. I am in your debt."
"My pleasure, Michael," she said with a nod in his direction and a sweet smile through almost gritted teeth. "May I be excused now, Professor?"
Hannibal knew he was lying. He also recognised the subtle play between students that could lead to something dangerous. Equally, one to watch, he thought, considering the chubby boy and his white blond mop. Little little wolf in sheep's clothing, came the almost involuntary and surprising insight into Hannibal's mind.
"You may go, Miss Shore," he nodded, before she hauled her bag over her shoulder and jogged down the corridor.
Hannibal crouched down to bring his face level with the boy who was gazing at the ground, waiting to be dismissed.
"Why did you lie for her, Mr Verger?"
Michael looked up then, into eyes that broached no disagreement with the question.
He met the gaze. "Technically, she lied, Professor. I simply chose not to relay my version of the truth."
Hannibal found it a challenge to conceal the impressed look threatening to break across his features.
"Very well, Mr Verger. I hope you know what you are doing."
He gave a small, unsure smile then. "So do I, Sir."
Hannibal paused. He should send the boy to Will Graham. He should.
"Well, if ever you need someone with whom to discuss anything, you know where to find me. You'll find I can be quite the confidante."
Michael frowned slightly. "For such a misdemeanour, I would have thought you'd send me to the counsellor…"
Hannibal stood then and placed a hand gently on the boy's shoulder, steering him in the direction of the library, where, having taken a personal interest in the boy, Hannibal knew he was heading for his study period.
"In my experience, there are many ways in which one can successfully channel the demands of their natural tendencies without the need to speak of them to those who take a professional interest in dissecting the human mind, Mr Verger."
Michael gazed up at the man as though he was seeing him for the first time, or at least, through newly appreciative eyes. Hannibal knew the boy was lacking a male role model in his life. He could tell he was contemplating the offer, and if Hannibal was reading the situation correctly, would fully assess the ramifications before coming to a definitive conclusion.
Michael stopped and held out his hand. "Thank you, Professor. I don't have many friends. It's nice to know that one of my teachers would care enough in the way you demonstrated your care today. Not just for my educational wellbeing as is truly your only responsibility…"
Hannibal shook the hand offered. "You are most welcome, Mr Verger. I'll see you in my class tomorrow. You have completed the assignment, I assume?"
"Oh yes, Sir," a beam across his face. "I think you'll like my interpretation."
"I shall certainly look forward to your offering," Hannibal replied.
He smiled as he watched the boy stroll off, a subconscious purpose newly displayed in his small stride. He turned on his heel to retreat to his own office. He hadn't planned on using the boy to discredit the abilities of Dr Graham but Hannibal was never one to miss an opportunity as and when it presented itself.
What Hannibal would soon learn, however, was that Dr Graham was a man of a similar disposition to his own.
