The sight of the little lord's face when Sebastian ushers me into his office is beyond priceless!

"W-What...?"

"Cat got your tongue, kiddo?" I ask innocently, waggling my eyebrows slightly. Ciel flushes and a growl rumbles in the back of his throat. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sebastian hide a smirk of his own.

"Shut up! What are you doing here?" The kids grumbles as I plop down in the chair opposite him.

"Came to apply for a position in your service," I reply with a nonchalant wave of my hand, gazing around the room curiously. There isn't much of note. A few expensive pieces of furniture, a couple of paintings. The books on the bookshelf catch my eye for a moment, but the interest soon dies when I realize they are books about laws and stuffy old politicians and historical figures and all that rot.

Blegh! Boring!

"Why in the world would I give you a job?!" Ciel snarls, slamming his little hands on the desk as he stands. I bite back a coo. " I don't even know your bloody name!"

"Ah... but that would be telling, now wouldn't it?" I cradle my elbow in one palm and use the fingertips of the other to tap my chin. "Besides, you owe me, Ciel Phantomhive. For the Jack the Ripper case, remember?" I lean forward slightly, allowing a tendril of my magic to nuzzle against the room's occupants. Both stiffen and I hum under my breath.

Ciel holds my gaze stubbornly, posture as rigid as a board.

Only the ticking of the ancient grandfather clock in the corner breaches the weighty silence. It is ok though. I can wait for however long it takes. Patience is almost second nature to me by now... lest it comes to treacle tarts. After several long moments go by the human lowers his gaze and slumps back into his chair. I can literally taste his frustration and curiosity.

"Why do you want to work for me? What can you do that I do not already have?" He queries, tone bored but I can see the spark of anticipation in his gaze at my answers.

My smile is razor-sharp as I reply. "I can act as a cook, stablemaster, tutor, spy, groundskeeper, healer, soldier, assassin, and bodyguard." I list off each position with a tick of my fingers while ignoring his first question. "Take your pick, little lord."

Ciel's steel-blue gaze is incredulous. Sebastian in the meantime is studying me inconspicuously from the corner of the room, or he would be if I were not attuned to what he truly is and what I am. "I don't just hire regular servants. If you can really do all you say you can then I'll expect you to do even more at an extraordinary level." the boy drawls almost smugly.

Ha! As if I'd balk at that tactic!

"Perfect. I can get bored if cooped up for too long."

The Earl scowls at my flippancy.

"Perhaps a demonstration would not be out of the question?" Sebastian suggests. I flash him a quick grin and watch a flicker of puzzlement mar his face before he schools it back into a pleasantly blank mask.

"Yes. A demonstration of your skills would be the best way to tell if you are a liar or merely a braggart." Ciel snarks as he rises from his seat and begins to start for the door.

I snort as I too rise. "Very well."

This'll be hilarious!


Several hours pass as I show off my various talents. During one of my tasks, the other Phantomhive servants popped up as spectators. They amuse me with how easily they seem to annoy Sebastian as he constantly has to stop them from accidentally interfering with my 'interview'.

I prepared a multicourse meal that was to die for. Ciel did not say anything other than mumble, "adequate.", after tasting my food. The other servants gushed about how I apparently rivaled Sebastian's cooking skills which earned me a glare from the Demon.

Afterward, I easily calm and ride one of the manor's feistier horses. She's a beauty, love at first sight. She reminds me of an animal I once owned because of her white coat. I think it was an owl... I shake the faded recollection away and prepare for my next job.

I easily plant flowers, trim hedges, and stop Finny from uprooting a nearly century-old oak tree before my gardening skills are approved of.

My final task is approaching as the sun begins to start dipping toward the western horizon. Throughout all the labor and mind games I've barely rested or perspired. That is the beauty of being Master of Death along with all my other stupid titles. I don't weaken or tire nearly as fast as a mortal. Most of the stuff I've done today was easy because of both my nature and former skill-set that was beaten into me in my past life. It is hard to forget the abuse I suffered no matter how long it has been.

Funny how the negative aspects stick with me more than the positives...

Goodness have I become cynical!

Our little group is currently stationed outside on the lawn. The sun is just beginning to bleed red as I flex my joints.

Ciel walks up to me and hands me a simple wooden staff. Sebastian is also given one which he twirls expertly with a gleam in his russet eyes. "Your final task will be to defeat my butler," Ciel explains at my questioning glance.

"Oh? Very well, little lordling." I sink into a ready position, the oak wood smooth in my palms. Sebastian mirrors my stance. I inhale and exhale slowly, keeping my gaze trained on my opponent, muscles coiling in preparation.

This is fun! I can't help but allow a tiny smile to twitch across my lips.

"Begin," Ciel says softly.

The Demon flies at me, his weapon a blur. I move forward to counter. Our staves meet with a solid twack! The force behind the strike sends shockwaves running up my arms and I grunt as I push the butler back a step so I can disengage.

He's a lot stronger than me.

Let's see if he's faster!

I duck under Sebastian's next swing and jab the butt of my staff deep into his gut, satisfaction humming through me as I hear the Demon growl in displeasure. I twist away and out of his guard barely in time to avoid the full force of his attack. The blow clips my shoulder and clavicle instead if my jugular.

I wince as pain flares from shoulder to fingertip on my left arm. I know I'll have a dark bruise and possibly damaged muscle from the intensity behind Sebastian's attack. I quickly back away but the Demon follows, eyes bleeding red and a confident, cool smile fixed firmly upon his face.

My opponent blinks in surprise when he finds me smirking back.

With a burst of magic-enhanced speed, I slip behind the Demon and twist my body just enough to avoid his grasping fingers and twirl my staff so that it rams into the back of his kneecaps. Sebastian barely stumbles but it is enough for me to land a solid strike to the middle of his spine.

The butler hisses and turns furiously toward me to counterattack. We parry each other by seconds, the wood of our weapons groaning in protest. I know the staves can't take much more strain with the way we're going at it.

I can feel my pulse jumping against my throat as I sidestep and dodge the Demon. It has been a long time since I've fought like this. Perspiration is gathering at my temples and I can see Sebastian is starting to get a little winded himself. We've been at this for a while, just short of going all out. Sebastian's features are faintly twisted into a puzzled frown as he seems to become aware of the sweat beading on his brow.

Seems I'm not the only one surprised by this.

I don't think I can outpace Sebastian without calling upon my powers. I wanted this to be a fair brawl, but I'm outclassed in this area.

Before I can decide upon my next course of action I am literally knocked out of my contemplation. Pain explodes across the side of my face as Sebastian's staff smashes into my head, causing my neck to twist abruptly to the side and throwing me back by half a meter. I sprawl on my hands and knees as blood trickles from my hairline and spots of color flash randomly across my vision. OW! I suck in a shaky breath and force myself to my feet, fingers clenching around the smooth wood of the staff in my hand as a way to ground myself.

If I'd still been human that attack would have literally sent my head flying.

Gingerly I touch my temple and call upon my magic to seal the cut and slight fracture along my jawbone, groaning softly as the agony is lessened slightly. I can deal with further damage after this fight is over! Sebastian has not moved from his position, gaze curious and slightly shocked to not find me unconscious. I can feel Ciel's calculating stare burning the back of my spine as I advance slowly toward the Demon. I inhale and exhale slowly as my vision finally comes fully back into focus. I lock gazes with the butler and before he can react, I unleash my magic and allow it to flood my bloodstream.

I all but glide forward and in a complex blur of motion and speed slip past my opponent's guard and whip my staff upward. Sebastian's head snaps up as the end of my weapon connects with his chin. A split-second later I am switching the staff to my other hand and bring around where it lands with a solid thud as it nearly breaks the butler's ribs. Sebastian wheezes slightly as he slumps to his knees, one hand cradling his side and his red eyes blown wide in amazement.

I give him a tight smile. "Well fought." I murmur just a moment before my staff once more come to bear on him, crashing into the back of his neck. I stare down at Sebastian's prone form and then lift my eyes up to meet Ciel's stunned features.

"H-How...?" the child chokes out.

I shrug and bring my hand once more to my head, wincing slightly as the healing magic knits my wounds and vanishes the bruises. I give a little experimental shake to see if anything is broken and nod in satisfaction when the only issue I find is onsetting exhaustion and slight stiffness from overworked muscles. Ignoring Ciel as he begins to demand answers over my victory, I crouch down and lay my hands upon the butler's shoulder and direct healing magic into his form. The bruises and blood vanish without a trace and Sebastian shivers as he slowly levers himself upright, face openly expressing his surprise at my kindness.

I sigh tiredly and rise, holding out a hand in a silent offer to help the butler up.

He takes it after a moment's hesitation and I easily pull him to his feet. "I think a healer and fighter such as yourself would make a fine addition to the manor's household." Sebastian drawls, respect glimmering in his eyes and tone. "May I now learn your name?"

I grin tiredly and give a mocking little half-bow as I introduce myself. "Hadrian Odon. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sebastian!" I smirk mischievously at the Demon's puzzled frown over my last name. Not many know that 'Odon' has, among several definitions, means 'one not subject to death'. It's my own little joke.

No wonder Tom Riddle had such a fascination with names... I muse silently as the Earl stomps his way over, fed up with being ignored. I turn to face him with a huge Cheshire grin stretching across my lips, which only causes Ciel to become more incensed.

"Seems like you got yourself a badass healer and backup fighter to add to your collection, lordling!" I announce cheerfully and then turn an expectant look unto Sebastian. "So, where's my room? How much do I get paid? What are my benefits, vacation days, insurance?" I rattle off.

Ciel lets out a disparaging groan as he buries his face in his hands.

It only serves to heighten my amusement.


Author's Note:

Hello all! Sorry for being gone so long! College and sickness got in the way for a while.

I'm sure you've noticed by now that I have a deep fascination with names and their meanings. That is why I gave Harry the unique last name instead of the usual Potter. Each name connects to what Harry now is. His old life is fading and his immortality is shaping him into someone new, so that is why if he seems a bit OOC at times!

The Houndsworth Arc is coming up next!