Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Kuroshitsuji.
Acknowledgement: Three cheers for my beta, Glacilius Caelum
I have collected the final result for the votes on Harry's demon animal form, and the winner is...read the chapter to find out...
Chapters might update slower, due to exams, but don't fret! Two down, three to go!
Enjoy!
Dressed in a plain shirt, trousers, with a thin vest over the top and a cap on his head, the Phantomhive Earl shivered in the chilly night.
"If we stand here on guard, the killer will definitely show up, is that right?" Ciel whispered as he tried to warm himself up.
"Of course, my Lord," the butler was dressed more warmly than his master. "There's only one entrance, and all evidence points to this area."
"Are you absolutely certain the next victim is this woman?"
"All sources confirmed this, even Harry's," Sebastian repeated. From his dry tone, it was obviously not the first time he had said it.
All the victims have something in common, which is their missing internal organs. I thought the killer was Viscount Duritt, but he runs an underground auction for living human beings. Ciel furrowed his brow, running through every possibility available. Harry said that the capture of the Viscount is not the end, and he was right. That means he knows something regarding this case, but he's not inclined to share. Maybe…
"…Harry is somehow involved in this case?" the last train of his thoughts were voiced aloud.
"Young master?" Sebastian questioned, obviously lost.
"You told me before, Sebastian. This work could not be done by a human, no matter how good the surgeon is, let alone in the dark. So, if humans are out, then it leaves supernatural beings."
"And Harry is a suspect because…"
The earl shot his companion a frustrated look, "Is the cold getting to your head? Harry is a suspect because he is a demon, and not bound to me via a contract. Meaning he is under no jurisdiction and has free rein to do things without my knowledge."
"He is not a suspect," the matter-of-fact tone from his demon butler startled the boy.
"And how would you know?"
"Over the centuries I've known him, Harry does not kill humans randomly. The only times he caused death by his hands is when he's helping me with my various contracts. If that does not convince you, no scent of human blood lingers around him," the raven stared at his contract holder. "As a fellow demon, I would know if he has killed anyone, all traces destroyed or not."
"Then why does he withhold information when it's so clearly needed?"
"You forget, young master, that he is merely serving you to keep boredom at bay. Harrison Potter does not answer to you like I do," the butler's stern voice caused the noble to blink.
"I'll give you a piece of advice, one that you would do well to remember: Harry is not a normal demon. He values his freedom, and any mention of answering to anyone does not sit well with him. As my contract holder, I will protect you to my last breath until you achieve your goal. But anger your current tutor, Earl Ciel Phantomhive, and I cannot guarantee our survival."
Earl Phantomhive scowled, but wisely kept his mouth shut. He hated chess pieces he had no control over.
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The blood-curling scream of the house's occupant jolted the two for a split second before the duo burst into action, sprinting for the door.
Impossible. Ciel thought as he ran. No one went inside!
The boy flung the wooden door open the moment he reached the house.
SPLAT.
A spurt of hot fluid hit his right cheek and trickled down his chin, but the earl registered none of it. His gaze was fixed in the darkness of the room's interior, eyes impossibly wide with shocked horror. He took in the dark crimson liquid splattered all over the floor and walls, a pale figure lying motionless in the middle of it all.
"Don't look!" Sebastian's hands covered his eye and tugged him out the door.
"That was rather over the top, don't you think, Jack the Ripper?" Ciel took deep calming breaths as his butler talked. "Or should I say, butler to Angelina Durless, Grell Sutcliff?"
The clumsy butler had bloodstains across his face, hair and clothes, looking as if he had just stepped out of a bloodbath.
"N-no, it wasn't m-me!" Grell stuttered. "I-I heard screaming, and-and when I came here, it st-stopped and – "
"Really now?" the butler's voice was amused. "I'll have you know that the young master and I have been standing outside the only entrance to this house for the better part of this night. There's no way some human could slip in without our knowledge."
"B-but that's – "
"I must admit, Mr Sutcliff, I've never seen a being like you stoop to become a servant of a human. Why don't you drop the act, Grell? Though I must admit, it was quite convincing."
At this, the 'timid' butler straightened and grinned, showing a mouthful of razor sharp teeth.
"Heh ~ is that so?" A hand untied the ribbon that bound his long brown hair, changing it to a vivid red. "Of course my act is convincing. I'm an actress, after all. And a brilliant one at that."
The soiled butler's outfit dropped to the ground, replaced by a crimson long coat. Stylish, red-framed glasses adorned his face, dark red gloves appearing on his hands.
"But again, Harry saw right through me in an instant," this part was murmured before the transformed butler turned to the demon.
"Now, you're one to talk, Sebas-chan ~ you're not a normal human butler, are you?"
Sebastian cringed at his new nickname, "Don't call me that."
He was ignored as the killer blew him a kiss, "Ah ~ now I can finally appear before you without a disguise! Because isn't it so very embarrassing to appear before a handsome man without makeup on? I must say, I was so surprised to see a demon act as a butler, and how you managed to get dear Harry to assist you is beyond me."
The demon's eyes narrowed, "I can honestly say the same to you. I've lived for a very long time, but never have I seen one of your kind play the role of a human servant. You, who should have stayed neutral between God and humans, who should have obeyed orders and never interfere, a Shinigami."
"Heh ~ to sound so much like Harry when he first found out. Who are you, demon?" Yellowish-green eyes studied the raven for a moment, then the death god smiled. "Ah, I know, you are the friend Harry's mentioned a few times! The raven, am I right?"
"How did you know Harry? What's he to you?"
"Eh? He hasn't told you anything? Then it's not my place to say. Hmmm…it's a pity he's not here right now, it has been a while since I last had a decent conversation with him," a hand waved in the air. "Ma, never mind that, I'm sure you're burning to know why I chose to do this, right? I'll tell you what I told Harry. I've been captivated by a woman."
"That woman is…" Ciel finally calmed down, removing the butler's hand from his face as the lone eye glared at Grell.
"You really don't have to ask, do you?" a voice spoke from behind the Shinigami.
On the other side of London…
"I apologise for not getting on this case sooner, mentor, but all the paperwork was piling up," a finger clad in black leather glove stroked the black scales of the small winged-snake draped around the male's shoulders.
The reptile hissed quietly, flicking its tongue against a cheek in a comforting manner.
There was a sigh as the sharp end of a gardening clipper pushed the square black-framed glasses up the bridge of his nose, "Shall we split up, mentor? That way we can track him down faster."
A brief flapping of wings sounded, and the snake flew down, landing beside the man, steadily growing until it reached the height of the other's hips.
Head towards the east and inform me if you find him. He had better not have done anything stupid before one of us gets there, or he had better watch out. You can leave dealing him the consequence of his actions to me, Will.
"Of course, mentor. You have the authority to do anything to him, after all."
Glowing emerald met yellowish-green for a second, than the mythical creature vanished into the shadows, leaving the man alone.
"Honestly, that fool, leaving me to deal with his mess and then forcing our mentor to take part in retrieving him. We are short on staff as it is, and I hate pulling all-nighters."
Still grumbling under his breath, the other Shinigami made his way towards his destination.
"Madam Red…" Ciel announced in a flat tone as his aunt stepped out beside her Shinigami butler.
"Looks like my calculations were wrong. Who would have thought the person to uncover Grell's identity would be the servant, and not the Queen's Guard Dog?"
"Your name was on the list of suspects from the very beginning, Madam, but your alibi was perfect."
"How terrible, Ciel, to suspect even your kin?"
"Actually, I did not put your name on the list. You were right, it was a servant who uncovered your butler's identity, but I was the only one who wasn't sharp enough to realise the clue hidden behind that list."
"So Sebastian was the one – "
"No, it was Harry."
"Ah, there was always something about him that puts me on an edge," the red clad lady titled her head. "He's very observant, your tutor is, I'll give you that. I didn't think I slipped up, though."
"You didn't, but it's beyond me to speculate on what thoughts run through Harry's mind. However, I came to the conclusion that no human on the suspect list can perform the crime. The same goes for you. But, if the co-criminal isn't human, then it's a different matter altogether. To gain access to the house of this victim and to disappear from a party undetected for a few minutes…it requires the skills of the supernatural. Therefore, Jack the Ripper could only be the two of you, Madam Red and Grell Sutcliff," the young noble reached into a pocket and pull out a sheet written in Harry's sloping hand. "The victims of Jack the Ripper, apart from being prostitutes and missing an organ, all have another thing in common. Every one of them was your patient at the Central Hospital undergoing a certain procedure at one point or another. The order in which they died corresponds to their operation dates."
"How unfortunate, my cute little nephew. If you had not discovered this, we would still be able to play chess together," Madam Red's fist clenched, and she screamed. "I'M NOT GOING TO GO EASY ON YOU, KIN OR NOT!"
Everything erupted in an instant. Sebastian shoved his master back, stepping directly in the path of the incoming chainsaw held by Grell. The blade was caught in between the demon's palms and his opponent was repelled with a swift kick to the abdomen.
"W-What is that?" Ciel gasped.
"That, young master, is a Death Scythe. Shinigami use it as a tool to collect human souls. Truthfully, it's only the third time I've seen this. Ah, to deal with a death scythe and protect my contractor at the same time, it's troublesome."
"Awww…don't go calling my scythe with such a bland name. I had this specially made to fit me, just like the Lord of Shinigami has his own special one. I'll have you know this is a first rate tool and is capable of slicing through anything," the red death god shot the demon butler a suggestive look. "I'm really looking forward to going through some vigorous exercise with you."
A shudder went down the demon's spine – not a pleasant one, mind you – as he curled his lips in disgust, "Please refrain from saying such revolting things in front of children. Not to mention I'm working, too…"
"Oh ~ Sebas-chan, you take the fun out of everything! I love red, you know, hair, lips, clothes…a cool-looking man like you all decked in red will be the hottest thing ever!"
"Shinigami should quietly collect souls and stay out of human matters. Butlers should obey their masters without question and stick to them like a second shadow, to be proficient in all expected areas. To violate both rules…you still dare to call yourself a butler?"
The Shinigami gave a shark-like grin, "Even like this, I'm still the butler of DEATH!"
"Enough," the soft voice commanded, hand removing the eye patch. "In the name of Her Majesty and my own, I order you…CAPTURE THEM!"
The demon's eyes gleamed a bloody red with menace, a deadly aura settling around his person.
"Yes, my Lord."
The Quetzalcoatl's head jerked up at the spike of killing intent.
Damn, it's starting, but where is it coming from? I can't pinpoint it.
Mentor…
His student's hesitant voice whispered through their link, and the snake banked towards his location.
Go, Will. Get there as fast as possible. I'll catch up.
The hum of acknowledgement thrummed in his mind and the reptile picked up its pace, streaking over the rooftops. His sharp senses could pick up the clash of weapons, and the scent of freshly spilled blood. The air vibrated ever so slightly, unfelt by normal humans, but not the sensitive feathers adorning his head. Mentally, he cursed the other Death God and promised retribution of the worst kind if anything regrettable happens.
Sebastian took off his outer coat and wrapped it around Ciel, "Just to make sure you do not catch a cold. That would be most troublesome, would it not?"
"Oya ~ do you think you can defeat me? My scythe and I have been encountering weak preys lately and we're not satisfied!"
The chainsaw swung down with destructive force, cutting a thick gash on the cobblestones where the butler and earl had been standing.
"If it's a game of who tops, Sebas-chan, than I'd rather be the hunter!"
"I've said this before. Please refrain from saying such nauseating things," the butler grounded out as he dodged the blade.
The demon executed a backflip as the scythe slashed the air above his head and pulled a lamppost out of the ground. Bringing it up just in time to block the downwards cut, the two were locked in a stalemate for a moment.
"You are quite the fighter, Sebas-chan, but in battle with a death scythe, that lamppost is no better then a branch!"
True to his words, the blade of the chainsaw went through the metal pole and scored a hit on the demon's left arm.
Immediately, small film tapes snaked out of the cut, playing parts of Sebastian's life under Ciel's contract.
"Cinematic Records," Grell Sutcliff said by way of explanation to the puzzled demon. "It is used to judge a human at the time of their deaths. It shows the playback of the person's life. Fascinating, is it not?"
"Spying on people? Is that what Death Gods do?"
The red-clad man lunged, weapon swinging upwards, "Spying? I wouldn't say it like that. After all, it's merely part of our job."
The demon was forced to retreat with every slash and stab, the missed shots scoring deep gashes on the ground and walls of the house's front yard. Finally, Sebastian's back hit a wall, the chainsaw stopped between two hands again as he struggled to keep the blade from digging any further into his shoulder.
"Why?" Earl Phantomhive tore his gaze away from the struggling pair and faced his aunt.
"Why? You are asking me this now? Which answer will I give? For there are many reason, little nephew," a dagger was slowly taken from the folds of her dress. "It does not matter. You and I have become 'Guard Dog' and 'criminal'. One must eliminate the other. And as for you, there's only one path you can go down!"
Madam Red charged at her nephew, swinging the weapon wildly and succeeding in injuring him.
"Why do you kill people, aunt, if you are a doctor?" the boy gasped as he tried to ignore the pain.
"Why?" the woman laughed hysterically. "Even if I told you, a brat like you will never understand!"
The dagger was clutched in both hands and brought high above her head, blade poised downwards.
"IF YOU HAD NOT BEEN BORN, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FOR THE BEST!"
Ciel stared up at her fearfully, and Angelina found her resolve faltering. In her mind's eye, the image of her deceased sister overlapped with that of her only nephew. Her hands shook, not registering the enraged roar of her nephew's butler. The dagger fell from her grasp and she clutched her head, assaulted by memories of her beloved sister.
"SEBASTIAN! DON'T KILL HER!"
The demon was ragged, his right shoulder bleeding profusely as he stopped following through with the killing blow in the nick of time.
"Heh ~ Sebas-chan really has amazing endurance, rendering his arm useless in order to get to the brat. Compared to that, what do you have to say for yourself, Madam Red?" Grell sauntered over, chainsaw resting on his right shoulder. "Kill the brat already!"
"I-I can't! I can't k-kill this child!"
"Eh? What are you saying? Andafter killing so many women! If you don't kill that brat, it'll be your turn to die! Tch, and you've got a Shinigami on your side, too."
"B-But this child is – "
"How disappointing, Madam Red!"
The chainsaw shot forwards, and everyone could only look on as it descended on the female…
CLANG!
The death scythe collided with a gardening clipper, stopping the blade just short of the human's chest. The four blinked at it, staring at the odd weapon as it retracted.
"Stop." The monotone voice made heads snap up, revealing a handsome male dressed in a clean-cut black suit, black-framed glasses on his stoic face and neatly combed black hair on his head. A thick book was clutched under an arm, his right hand holding the clipper.
"I am William T. Spears, head of the Dispatch Management Division of the Shinigami. I am here to pick up this Death God," the man continued, jumping down from the roof.
"Wi-William! W-What are you doing here?"
"You have no right to speak, Senior Shinigami Grell Sutcliff. I suggest you listen to your division head."
The owner of the voice slipped out of the shadows behind William, and the two humans plus one demon blinked at the sight of a large, black bird-winged Quetzalcoatl. It's eyes were the same yellowish –green shade of Death Gods, and Grell visibly trembled as he detected the hint of anger in the hiss.
"M-m-m-my L-lord – "
"Shinigami Dispatch Member, Grell Sutcliff, you are hereby found guilty of breaking the following rules," the head of the Shinigami division flipped his book open. "First, the killing of humans not on the Death List. Second, the use of your unregistered Death Scythe and the modification of said tool without going through the proper process. Third, disrespect for the Shinigami Lord during your earlier confrontation. Fourth, interfering in human – "
"That will suffice for now, Will. If we were to list every single rule he broke, we would be here for the entire night," the feathered snake turned and pinned the now-cowering Sutcliff with a glare. "I did not expect such behaviour from the Death Gods, least of all you, Grell. You have knowingly violated the few rules we kept and will therefore face the consequences. Do you understand?"
Madam Red's ex-butler shakily got to his feet and executed a trembling bow, "Y-yes, my Lord."
"Head back to the office this instant and wait for me. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING A DETOUR."
Grell gave another hurried acknowledgement and high-tailed it out of there, not before his Death Scythe was taken by his head of division. The others watched him go, before looking at the talking reptile.
"W-wait a minute!" Ciel shouted in the silence. "That being is a criminal! How will I report to the Queen if he is gone!"
"A criminal he may be, boy, but only in human terms. Sutcliff will be dealt accordingly in Shinigami terms. Do not interfere with our business, young one. As for your report to the Queen, surely you will be able to put together something believable. You are quite experienced in that field, after all."
William walked up to the demon butler and offered a stiff bow, "I apologize for the amount of trouble that thing has given you. Here is my name card."
"Really, having to bow my head to a creature like you. Even if you were looking to tarnish the reputation of Death Gods, using this situation is going overboard. If my mentor does not give him adequate punishment, I will," was muttered under his breath as he straightened.
"Will, it's time to head back. Work won't wait for any being. Besides, I would hate to leave Ronald alone longer than necessary."
"Of course, mentor."
There was an awkward silence as the mythical snake and Shinigami vanished from their sights, one deep in thought, the other still shaken, and the last was confused.
"Well, that's not something you see everyday," Sebastian commented lightly. "Never thought I would see the Shinigami Lord face-to-face. But the Quetzalcoatl, he felt different…ancient and powerful."
"So Death Gods really exist," Ciel whispered.
"Of course, young master, demons are not the only supernatural beings in this world."
A figure dropped behind the group, and a distinctive voice sounded, "My, my, what a mess this place has become. And a fight with a Shinigami and meeting the head boss, huh? Pity I couldn't make it."
"Where were you all this while?"
"Oh, around; I had some things to sort out. Now, what's this about the close shave you had with death, Madam Red?" the tutor's emerald eyes glinted knowingly, a hint of amusement in them. "Did that butler of yours decided to… cut ties?"
The noblewoman stared wordlessly back, then realisation slowly dawned in her maroon eyes, "Y-you, both the butler and you…are not human."
"Ah, looks like another one found out," a false sigh escaped the emerald-eyed demon. "Ma, let's not linger anymore here and head back to the manor. Wouldn't want anyone to stumble across us now, would we?"
"Care to share your reasons, Madam Red?" Harry murmured from behind the chair Ciel's aunt resided in.
The interrogated merely shot him a glare.
"Humour us, Madam," the butler smiled from the earl's right hand. "The young master requires a full testimony if your fate is to be decided."
The demons saw her resolve faltering and press their advantage, leaving the young master to study her expression while they interrogated.
"Come now, Angelina Durless. We both know that a deep darkness drives you; it's only a matter of time you break."
"You could have killed the little lord, you know?" There was a thoughtful pause. "The amount of hate you carried around would have enabled you to murder your own child."
Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say as the red clad lady visibly snapped.
"I WOULD NEVER HAVE KILLED MY BABY! EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN FROM ME ONE BY ONE! I WOULD HAVE GIVEN MY LIFE TO SAVE MY CHILD!" Madam Red screamed, anger and guilt lacing her words.
"M-my child was taken from me. E-everything I had was wrenched from my g-grasp at the last moment," Silent tears ran down her cheeks. "A-all I ever wanted w-was to have a family. B-but it was just a dream. I lost everything in that carriage accident, my husband, my child, and my future."
Angelina's eyes hardened with hatred, "And those whores, they had the ability to have children, something I can only look on in envy, but did they appreciate it? NO! They'd rather have the unborn infant aborted than look after it. The bitches even dared to say raising a child would affect their careers! I performed the operation, as they requested, but after the next two, I snapped. If they didn't think having children was worth the effort, they deserve to die."
"I killed them," a satisfied edge entered her voice. "I followed them back to their homes, killed them, and cut out their uterus. They don't deserve to be a mother, much less a woman."
"Wrath and envy born of experiences," the tutor hummed. "Hmm…does that make her guilty in your eyes, little lord?"
Earl Phantomhive did not give a direct response, instead stood, his skull head cane tapping once on the floor, "Sebastian, please escort Madam Red back to her home. Harry, come with me, we have a report to write."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Of course, of course, you need me to proof read it for you, little lord?"
Sapphire met maroon for a brief moment, a slight lifting of the younger's lips caused the older to close her eyes, and thank the heavens for her second chance.
The Shinigami Division office was bustling in activity as the black snake slithered in. Senior Death Gods wereshouting instructions to their juniors, secretaries hurried to and fro with stacks of documents in their arms and others returning from their trip down to the human world. However, all activities grounded to a halt the minute the Lord made his presence known. Casual greetings were offered by the seniors while hastily sketched bows and stuttered greetings came from the younger. Yellowish-green eyes twinkled in mirth as the creature nodded regally back.
"Everyone getback to work. Nothing is going to stop just because the Lord is here," the sharp order jolted the others to work again, the crowd dispersing to reveal the stoic division head.
"Mentor, Dispatch member Grell Sutcliff is awaiting judgement in the detention cell."
"Very well. Lead the way, young one."
The moment the door of the detention cell closed behind the two, eyes of the similar shade to all Shinigami darkened to an unusual emerald, the shadows gathering around the feathered reptile before dispersing, a petite young-looking male with raven hair standing in its place.
"Grell, Grell, Grell," the Master of Death chided. "You can never stay away from trouble, can you? First there wasthe massacre in the North, than the Bermuda Triangle incident, and now this. What's the excuse this time round?"
The red head Shinigami whined, "But Harry! Going around just collecting souls and filling in paperwork is not fun! I need some entertainment!"
"That's what you said the other times as well," the Shinigami Lord waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway…that's quite a number of rules you broke. So, here's your punishment. Shinigami Dispatch Member Grell Sutcliff, you are hereby demoted until further notice. In addition, your custom Death Scythe will be confiscated and all actions will be closely monitored. All missions given to you will require a partner to keep you in line. Any issues from you during your demotion will lead to harsher consequences. Do I make myself clear?"
The demoted Death God groaned in despair, but gave acknowledgement.
"Well, now that's taken care of, I need to be going," Harry turned to leave and call over his shoulder. "Oh, and Grell? You are also required to help William with his paperwork during your free time."
Willam's dark chuckles and Grell's horrified shrieks were the last he heard before leaving the premises.
In the bedroom of a certain boy noble, said child and his butler were having a serious conversation, this time without the presence of the second demon.
"Sebastian."
"Yes, young master?"
"That snake, the one Grell called the Lord of Shinigami. Did he feel sort of familiar to you?"
"Hmm…I would say he did, but I am fairly certain that tonight was the first time I have ever met him."
"What relationship do you think that Shinigami have with Harry?"
"Young master?"
"He seemed to know my tutor quite well, but according to you, Harry has not told you anything about his experiences with Death Gods…and Grell didn't want to tell you anything either…."
"They could very well be simple acquaintances. Demons have secrets, even among the closest of friends."
"Still…do you not think the Shinigami and Harry's actions are suspicious?"
"Ah, young master, have the events of today strained your mind? Every supernatural being's actions are suspicious."
"…it might have something to do with his other secret."
"Leave the thoughts for the next day, young master. Now is time to get to bed."
"I expect you to keep track of his activities as closely as possible."
"Of course, my Lord."
Ohhh...the little lord is suspicious...
Another new servant will make his appearance next!
Later!
Kagetsuki-taicho