Roses Under Cypresses

Chapter 10

Harry didn't wait on whoever it was to knock on the door, instead he opened both doors, and allowed the dogs to spill out into the night. After closing the doors again, he stood out on the porch arms crossed as the two 'visitors' made an appearance. One he recognized as Hannibal the other he took a few seconds to realize was Alana.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded of them, glaring them down.

"We're here to visit Will, I heard he was unwell," Alana said, strong, poised and confident as she always was. Unknowingly standing within a mile radius of three predators, ones that she had gravely offended at one point or another. The biggest and baddest predator she had standing at her back, trusting him fully, she was an utter fool. More so because Will had told her about Hannibal and she'd refused to believe it. Whatever he did to her was on her own head.

"Tell me, do you want to be surrounded by extremely rude humans when you're unwell?" Harry asked, his tone becoming even more disgusted by the mere mention of 'human' he desperately would have preferred to say Muggle or Mundane but he couldn't. "I mean seriously coming to someone's home at this time of night? Without any warning whatsoever?"

Alana puffed up like a frog when she heard that, especially seeing Hannibal reacting to the word 'rude' a if he'd been scalded. Hannibal was always polite; she'd never seen him be even remotely impolite to anyone in all the years she'd known him. He couldn't abide by rudeness, and she was angry at this interloper for daring to say otherwise. Hannibal didn't deserve the condemnation that Will and this agent spewed out.

She didn't know what was going on with Will lately, but she did know he needed some serious help. He'd immersed himself too deeply in monsters that he couldn't see a good thing when he saw it. Hannibal was so far from a serial killer that it wasn't even funny. Hopefully she could get through to him, help him in some way, make him see reason.

"We are concerned about Will," Alana said firmly, before her tone softened, "How is he?" her concern for Will evident.

Or at least her own brand of concern, which in Harry's opinion, Will could live without. She honestly was one confusing woman. She cared for Will, part of her was attracted to him, not enough to have a relationship with someone so 'very unstable'. No, instead she'd made her attentions be more what she believed was maternal. The reality was, nobody deserved her personal brand of 'concern' especially not maternal. Overbearing, could never contemplate being wrong, did not like anyone interfering with her work, life or

The fact she thought Will should be in hospital did not endear Harry to her at all.

"Sleeping, like any sane person wants to be," Harry said his tone a grumbled complaint, not a real annoyance.

"I'd like to see him," Alana pushed.

Hannibal's lips pursed at her rudeness, it was indeed rude, especially if Will was asleep. Will found it difficult to sleep, so much of the time they'd interacted he'd been beyond exhausted. Constant bags under his eyes, tiredness seeping into every single pore. Admittedly he could have stopped all of it by revealing his sickness, or not hiding it when it had become obvious – and then killing the Doctor – Sutcliffe shouldn't have played with Will's life, only he was allowed to do that after all. He was a doctor he wasn't meant to be able to be coaxed into hiding true medical diagnoses out of curiosity as to what the Encephalitis would do.

Even when he visited BSHCI (Baltimore's State Hospital for the Criminally Insane) Will had not been as improved as he'd hoped. Although, if he was entirely honest – which he always was except for when dealing with the police about his activities – shoving Abigail's ear down his throat predicably had something to do with that.

"Then call him at a suitable hour and make a time and place to visit," Harry declared, staring at Alana, placidly. He had anger towards her, just minor annoyance at her late-night visit. "Although, you, you I am surprised to find here." He added, giving Hannibal a penetrating look, as if he could see through Hannibal to his bare bones and somehow found him lacking.

Hannibal cleared his throat, speaking for the first time, "Alana informed me that Will was feeling under the weather, she insisted I come to ensure he was well. I also bought some soup; I was unaware that he'd have someone to cook for him." none of his feelings on that particular matter showing on his face. "It's Silkie Chicken in a broth…"

"You brought Will chicken soup?" Harry questioned, deeply surprised, he wasn't sure if it was at the audacity or if he suspected the 'chicken' wasn't chicken. Either way he was truly surprised to see Hannibal here.

A surprising chuckle past Hannibal's lips, causing Alana to glance to her side in surprise, it sounded warm and genuine. Hannibal was always so composed; it was rare to get a real show of emotion from him. Even she found it difficult and she was dating him…although lately she didn't feel that way. Tonight, was the first time she'd seen him, he'd kept brushing her off when she offered to come to him and he didn't offer to come to hers.

An echo of Will's voice from Hannibal's memory palace 'You brought me chicken soup?'

Hannibal observed the man, noticing the striking similarities in some of their features. It was something he'd noticed the last time he had met the man. Both Harry and Will's features, then realization struck him, it couldn't be, could it? Half-brothers? From their mother he was assuming, since their mother had abandoned the family, as Will said, when he was very young. Could it be? or was he just seeing things that were not there? Despite their different colour in eyes, they were very similar, right down to the messy hair. How nobody could see that they were related…he did not understand, it was obvious if you knew to look.

Almost as if Harry could sense his epiphany a rueful smirk spread across his face, giving Hannibal a very subtle nod as if in agreement. It couldn't be, could it? He couldn't know what he had just been thinking? Then again…he had brought his sister back to him, how else could he know these things unless he reads minds? No, it wasn't that. If anyone could though, it would be him. Will had empathy pouring out his ears it wasn't difficult to imagine a mind reader being in the same family.

"It has Wolfberries, ginseng, ginger, red dates, and star anise, it's very good as a restorative, and still warm." Hannibal said, handing over the bag which kept the containers warm. Everything Will needed to enjoy the soup was there. Added bonus, he'd have an excuse for a return trip to retrieve the containers. They weren't something easily replaceable. He paid good money for items that did their job properly. Anything less would not do. "I already had plenty on hand, there is enough for both of you. Should Will desire more, I will be more than happy to help." Only the best for Misha after all, and it was healthy and filled with everything she needs to recover the horror of what happened to them.

"It sounds good," Alana couldn't help but comment, although no scent of the broth wafted through the air. No surprise really, since it was in two different layers keeping it warm the two-hour journey to Wolf Trap. She couldn't recall Hannibal serving her that particular dish before. If it was anything like the rest of Hannibal's cooking, it would be delicious. "How about a very late evening meal?"

Harry scoffed, yeah, looks like the extent of Alana's 'concern' had run its course. "Oh, good, your faux concern can turn around and leave, before you're pawing at each other on the porch." Lips curled up in repugnance, the lovey-dovey emotional shit had always turned his stomach. That's why his relationships never worked out, everyone under the mistaken impression that gay men were overly emotional messes that just had to cry and swan about. It was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous, it didn't help that Harry wasn't invested in the relationships either. Not that they had been unaware, he had told them, but they just thought he was kidding or something.

The twin looks of aghast shock had him almost laughing, almost.

"I care about Will but…"

"Let me stop you there, when you care about someone there should be no but otherwise you need to look closely at yourself," Harry said darkly, "Care and love shouldn't come with stipulations. Will can do without that sort of care…you can say goodbye to the Will you 'thought' you knew, I have a feeling he won't want much to do with you." Harry told Alana not even glancing at Hannibal.

Hannibal's eyes sparkled in the night, gleaming mercilessly red, curiosity outweighing caution. Sure, he had been instrumental in Will's transformation…but what emerged from the Chrysalis was beyond him. When he realized just how much Will was putting together, he had done what needed to be done to save himself. He had set Will up as the copycat killer. He had not been prepared for the hole left in his life that Will would leave. "Meaning?" he asked calmly. His concern for Will was genuine, or was genuine as he was capable.

"You'll see," Harry said a sharp grin showing more teeth than necessary were bared before the look faded entirely before Alana even noticed.

Two predators circling each other protectively over someone they cared for.

"We're very sorry to have disturbed your evening," Hannibal explained, touching Alana very lightly on the shoulder, as if urging her to follow him, "We apologise for any inconvenience we caused." As always polite to a fault, the only ones who saw otherwise, died a very painful death. Except for Harry, he had seen both versions of him, and lived to tell the tale.

He had left Misha asleep at home, four and a half hours was too much, he'd need to come up with a good idea on how to introduce his sister to everyone. He couldn't very well inform everyone that she was indeed his sister. Not to forget ensuring his sister, his Misha, understood her new reality. He wasn't going to tell her what happened to her, he was uncaring towards most people, but Misha, his parents, and Will were the rare exceptions of people he's grown to love and actually care for.

For it was knowledge accessible – if one knew where to look – what horror had befallen Hannibal's family. Although, he did not think anyone in Baltimore knew about such things.

Which made Harry a rare exception of one, in all ways, he saw the Chesapeake ripper and lived, knew about his family, and about Misha.

Will knew something, but what…Hannibal didn't know.

"As long as Will gets his sleep and recovers, it's fine," Harry said, still not moving from in front of the door. He did whistle sharply for the dogs, who all quickly began to run back towards him. He shifted, opened the doors, giving only enough room for the dogs to pass him by. Counting up as he did so until he made sure all of them were in the house. He was not going to accidentally leave one out here all night, Will would kill him.

There was one thing he was absolutely positive would happen; Will's love of dogs would become more prevalent.

"Have Will call me when he wakes up," Alana said, her eyes filled with worry and suspicious, "I'll be back in a few days." Will was vulnerable right now, and someone he'd never mentioned showed up and kept them all from him? If she didn't hear from him in the next few days, she was going to involve the police.

Harry just stared at her impassively.

"And if I have to involve the police, I will." she declared resolutely, staring determinedly back at him.

"Alana," Hannibal cautioned her, his gaze watching Harry's closely, thrilled by the darkness he saw mirrored in those green eyes. Being able to observe him properly, now that they weren't fighting, yes, he was intrigued by both of Will and Harry. it wasn't the first time he'd been curious, but each and every time he'd been quietly disappointed in all his patients, then Will came along, now Harry. Things were becoming rather exciting he must confess, but he had to be extra cautious, for Misha's sake. "Don't be rude." There was a bite to his tone, one that Alana had never heard Hannibal emote towards her before.

"Will is very vulnerable right now…he needs to be with people who…" Alana began.

"You're right, he is," Harry said agreeing fully, Will was very vulnerable right now. "I'll let Will know you stopped by." Completely bored out of his wits now, he felt a yank on his trouser leg, and with that he knew he had to get them out of here. So, without more ado, he stepped inside and closed both doors resolutely.

"Silencio!" Harry cast, looking around, before he could even finish taking in the room, Kreacher reappeared, visible once more.

"Master Will is having a nightmare," Kreacher said fretfully, "Kreacher tried to wait until the Muggles left." defending himself, believing he'd done wrong.

"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry said, he could see it now, Will was twisting around in sleep, his face screwed up as if he were in a great deal of pain. Moving over to the kitchen, he deposited the food Hannibal had given him on the work top and spelled it to remain warm and preserved until they got around to eating it. "You did the right thing," Reassuring the House-elf, sometimes he got a little worried, a lifetime or rules from Walburga Black were hard to defeat. Compared to how he used to be, Harry would take this version of him over any other.

Opening his mouth just about to demand a bowl of cool water, only for Kreacher to beat him to the punch. "Thank you, Kreacher." The bowl and cloth and towel appeared on the table that certainly wasn't there before. Dipping the cloth into the water, he wiped the sweat beginning to coat Will's face and head, to the extent that his hair was beginning to look thoroughly drenched.

"Abigail, no," Will muttered twisting around on the bed, as if trying to catch something or someone just beyond his grasp.

"What can Kreacher get for Master Will?" Kreacher asked, watching over his Masters and twisting his hands, he disliked not having something to do. The dogs were back onto their beds, and positions (their spots) and already going to sleep, the house had been cleaned, there was nothing he could do. He couldn't help Master Will since Master Harry was doing that.

To Kreacher, Master Will wasn't a Muggle, he had magic, just a different kind, and thus he cared. Mostly because his Master Harry cared about him. for having never met Master Will, he knew a lot about him, Harry had spoken about him in great length.

"Get some sleep, Kreacher, you'll need to take care of the dogs for us and anything we'll need for the next few days, minimum." Harry explained to the House-elf, "Do not remove the chain I've given you; we'll need to test whether it will effect Will or not later." Hopefully Alana and Hannibal hadn't been too close for Will to pick up their core selves... Even if he did the potion was still purging everything out so it was fine.

Kreacher ceded to Harry's wishes, and disappeared with a pop.

"Merlin, you're going to end up swimming in your own sweat if you're not careful," Harry said wryly, as he squeezed out the cloth before wiping Will's face in careful calming strokes. "Hmm, you're going to need a lot of water, luckily Kreacher got a load in for us." wrinkling his nose up at the smell emanating from Will, still the shaking continued.

"Normal," Will murmured, teeth chittering as he blearily looked at Harry.

"You mean sweating?" Harry asked slightly perplexed, or was Will still dreaming?

Will nodded, before trying to get out of bed, well used to the routine by now.

"Stop," Harry declared, grasping his arm and shoving him gently back into bed, not that it was difficult, he had the strength of Bambi. His eyes were filled with worry, the muttering Harry was able to pick out indicated it was a worry that his illness was back, the inflamed brain. Encephalitis. "You're not ill. I promise. It's the potion, Will, it's just the potion." Repeating himself, hoping that he was getting through to his mind muddled brother. Who really shouldn't be awake, but nothing said he'd be unconscious – asleep – the entire time.

Flicking his wand out of his holster, he cast a few spells, causing the bed to become clean and fresh, Will to be cleaned and clothes refreshed. When he was done, the smell of fresh cotton was left behind, although, Harry had a feeling he'd be doing that spell for a bit.

"Handy," Will murmured.

"Hungry?" Harry asked, eyeing his brother critically, he could give him a few potions to ensure he has all the nutrients he needs to get by, intermittently to ensure he had enough water (without a drip) to ensure he doesn't end up dehydrated and the broth would do the same since it had chicken as it's main ingredient. Well, if it was chicken. "Hannibal brought you some chicken soup."

Will grimaced, shaking his head, ever since he figured out what Hannibal had been feeding people, he'd barely been able to eat anything even in BSHCI.

Harry cocked his head to the side, and with another flick of his wand, aimed it at the food and cast a detection spell at it. The results were exactly what he expected. "It's really chicken, it'll be good for you, believe me you'll want to eat if you want to be able to move an inch after the potions finished with you."

Will shook his head, as his stomach grumbled loudly, he closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep.

Too bad his stomach refused to let him rest easily.

He almost jumped out of his skin when he felt soup being all but dumped into his mouth, he choked and sputtered on it, opening his eyes to glare at Harry. Garbling out a 'don't need your help' or rather that's what he wanted to say, and luckily Harry understood garbled speak.

"Oh? You're going to manage to sit up and eat the soup? This I have to see," Harry said, sat back down, watching Will expectantly. After watching Will painfully struggle, he rolled his eyes, fuck, stubbornness ran in the damn family, when he slumped back onto the pillows sweating again, entirely exhausted, Harry spoke again. "Will you stop and just let me help you? stubborn ass."

"I'm fine," Will complained, "Did you undress me?" realizing probably for the first time that he wasn't wearing what he remembered falling asleep in. His pale cheeks flushing ruddy red in embarrassment, he didn't need another father figure.

"Magic," Harry said dryly, taking some of the chicken broth himself, "Mm, say what you like about him, but this soup is amazing." Shuffling forward, he quickly started spooning the food into him, seeing how drowsy he was beginning to appear. Truthfully it was amazing he'd lasted this long and been this coherent.

Will barely managed half the bowl of soup before he was out for the count again.

Harry finished off the remaining soup, or rather the soup he'd put into the bowl, there was more in the container. Stretching out he groaned in satisfaction. Only a few more days of this then Will would be better, and then they could have a proper conversation. He'd find out whether his brother actually wanted anything to do with crime scenes or teaching.

For all he knew, the desire had been someone he met in passing, and it imbedded itself in Will. He wished he had known about the damn potion the last time he visited. Will might not have ended up in a hospital for the criminally insane if he had.

He couldn't wait to meet the real Will, despite how tired he was, just thinking about it…excited him beyond anything he'd felt since learning he was a wizard and was going to Hogwarts. "Well, mum, we're here, we're together, it's what you wanted isn't it?" Harry said to nothing in particular, speaking mostly to the ceiling and to his mother. Whose greatest wish had been to see her son again, for Will and him to grow up together…she hadn't gotten any of her wishes in this life.

If she hadn't written anything down, and he wasn't the Master Of Death…Harry would have been none the wiser.

Thank Merlin he'd had all three items on his person at the same time.

Sleep came on swift wings after that thought, Harry couldn't particularly remember anything after, that until his phone went off. Upon opening his eyes, he found daylight swarming his sight temporary blinding him, grumbling under his breathe, he fumbled in his pocket for his phone it took a few moments to realize it wasn't a text, it had been a phone call, a missed one.

Now why would Hannibal be getting in touch with him? Was there something wrong with the girl?

Before he could return the phone call, a text message came through.

It was a link from Hannibal.

Frowning in confusion, he clicked on it, and it took him to a tabloid journalist's page, on Tattle Crime.

A one Freddie Lounds had written a very unflattering – and not to forget infuriating – article about his brother.

One look at the woman's profile, he stared in disbelief, Skeeter and Lounds could be twins, pale, thin, except for the hair.

They were definitely related, one a witch one a Muggle…he realized in disbelief.

Oh, this was going to be. So. Much. Fun.

A/n – You know I knew how Lounds was killed…but I completely forgot who did it until I looked it up, I should have guessed it wasn't Hannibal! I mean setting on fire and boom…not really his style! And erm…oops sort of giving away plot ideas there :P sorry at least I didn't give it all away! I think the next chapter we'll have Will wakening up, how much of Will will have changed? Will he still love his dogs? Wolf Trap and the only thing changing is his fucks to give? Or will Will stay and work for the FBI at least for a Bit? Or entirely emotionless as he begins to create his own personality or rather 'grow up' as it were? R&R please